bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The kinematics of the white dwarf population from the SDSS DR12
Authors: Anguiano B. , Rebassa-Mansergas A. , García-Berro E. , Torres S. , Freeman K. , Zwitter T.
Published: March 2018

We use the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Data Release 12, which is the largest available white dwarf catalog to date, to study the evolution of the kinematical properties of the population of white dwarfs in the Galactic disc. We derive masses, ages, photometric distances and radial velocities for all white dwarfs with hydrogen-rich atmospheres. For those stars for which proper motions from the USNO-B1 catalog are available the true three-dimensional components of the stellar space velocity are obtained. This subset of the original sample comprises 20,247 objects, making it the largest sample of white dwarfs with measured three-dimensional velocities. Furthermore, the volume probed by our sample is large, allowing us to obtain relevant kinematical information. In particular, our sample extends from a Galactocentric radial distance RG = 7.8 kpc to 9.3 kpc, and vertical distances from the Galactic plane ranging from Z = −0.5 kpc to 0.5 kpc. We examine the mean components of the stellar three-dimensional velocities, as well as their dispersions with respect to the Galactocentric and vertical distances. We confirm the existence of a mean Galactocentric radial velocity gradient, ∂〈VR〉/∂RG = −3 ± 5 km s−1 kpc−1. We also confirm North-South differences in 〈Vz〉. Specifically, we find that white dwarfs with Z > 0 (in the North Galactic hemisphere) have 〈Vz〉 < 0, while the reverse is true for white dwarfs with Z < 0. The age-velocity dispersion relation derived from the present sample indicates that the Galactic population of white dwarfs may have experienced an additional source of heating, which adds to the secular evolution of the Galactic disc.
Gaia DR1 compared to VLBI positions
Authors: Mignard François , Klioner Sergei
Published: March 2018

Comparison of the Gaia DR1 auxiliary quasar solution to recent ground based VLBI solutions for ICRF2 sources.
The Global “Bookkeeping” of Souls: Quantification and Nineteenth-Century Evangelical Missions
Authors: Petzke Martin
Published: March 2018

This article combines perspectives of the sociology of quantification and field theory in analyzing the emergence of a field of global evangelical missions. Drawing analogies to Werner Sombart's thesis on the relationship of double-entry bookkeeping and the genesis of capitalism, it shows how the introduction of statistical methods and accounting techniques into the realm of missions in the nineteenth century constructed a visibility of a global distribution of religious adherents that spurred, oriented, and perpetuated an interorganizational sphere geared toward the conversion of the world to Christianity. The article identifies the soteriological and eschatological prerequisites that led to the coalescence of demographic notions and missionary perspectives and draws attention to the extensive reporting system of missionary societies that further consolidated logics of “bookkeeping” in missions. It argues that this ongoing evangelical missionary enterprise is an instance of a more general mechanism of quantification spawning a social field dedicated to the maintenance or alteration of particular “quantities.”
Kognitive Verzerrungen bei pathologischen Sportwettern im Vergleich mit Automatenspielern – eine Analyse unter Anwendung des Gamblers Beliefs Questionnaire
Authors: Kalke Jens , Milin Sascha , Buth Sven
Published: March 2018

Zusammenfassung. Zielsetzung: Aus der internationalen Glücksspielforschung ist bekannt, dass kognitive Verzerrungen mit einer problematischen Glücksspielteilnahme in Beziehung stehen. Spezielle Spielergruppen, die sich nach ihrer favorisierten Glücksspielart unterscheiden, standen dabei bisher jedoch selten im Fokus wissenschaftlicher Untersuchungen. In dieser Studie werden erstmals die kognitiven Verzerrungen bei pathologischen Automatenspielern und Sportwettern dargestellt und in Form eines Gruppenvergleichs analysiert und diskutiert. Methodik: Es werden die Ergebnisse einer (schriftlichen) Befragung von 72 Automatenspielern und 37 Sportwettern dargestellt. Die befragten Personen erfüllen mindestens 5 Kriterien nach DSM-IV. Die Erfassung der kognitiven Erfahrungen erfolgt unter Anwendung des Gamblers Beliefs Questionaire (GBQ). Dieses Instrument beinhaltet zwei Subskalen, die zwischen den Bereichen „Luck/Perseverance“ (Glaube an das persönliche Glück beim Spielen/irrationale Überzeugungen) und „Illusion of control“ (Glaube, den Ausgang des Spiels beeinflussen zu können) differenzieren. Zudem kann der Gesamtscore (Summe aus den Werten der beiden Subskalen) berichtet werden. Für die Prüfung der statistischen Bedeutsamkeit von Unterschieden zwischen beiden Spielergruppen kamen Chi-Quadrat-Tests (bei ordinal skalierten Variablen) oder Varianzanalysen (bei metrischen Variablen) zur Anwendung. Ergebnisse: Die Sportwetter kommen auf einen signifikant höheren Gesamtscore als die Automatenspieler (96,0 zu 81,4), d. h. die kognitiven Verzerrungen sind bei ihnen deutlich ausgeprägter als bei der zweitgenannten Gruppe. Bezogen auf die beiden Sub-Skalen des GBQ ergeben sich sowohl beim persönlichen Glauben an das Glück (56,9 zu 50,7) als auch bei den Kontroll-Illusionen (39,2 zu 30,7) höhere Werte bei den Sportwettern. Schlussfolgerungen: In der Behandlung der Glücksspielsucht sollte die therapeutische Aufarbeitung von kognitiven Verzerrungen eine bedeutsame Rolle spielen. Das gilt insbesondere für pathologische Sportwetter. Gleichfalls sollten präventive Interventionen durchgeführt werden, mit denen der Entstehung von Trugschlüssen über das Glücksspiel und Kontroll-Illusionen vorgebeugt wird.
Genesungs- und Krankheits­erfahrungswissen dem Fachwissen ebenbürtig vermitteln
Authors: Tola Eva
Published: March 2018

Zusammenfassung. Personenzentrierte Pflege bedingt von den Fachpersonen eine Haltungsänderung, welche ein sich Lösen von einem paternalistischen Betreuungsverständnis fordert. Die partizipative Integration von Menschen mit persönlicher Krankheits- / Genesungserfahrung in Schulungen fördert und / oder vertieft diese Haltungsänderung. Wichtig ist es, diese Partizipation umsichtig, zielgerichtet und reflektiert zu gestalten. Hierfür wird folgend ein Stufenmodell der Grade der Partizipation beschrieben, pädagogisch verankert und mit bestehenden Erfahrungen aus einem Weiterbildungsgang untermalt.
Wie ich Genesungsbegleiterin wurde
Authors: Brändli Helene
Published: March 2018

Zusammenfassung. In Form eines persönlichen Berichtes beschreibt die Autorin ihren Werdegang zur formellen Peer-Arbeiterin und ihr Engagement als Genesungsbegleiterin auf einer psychiatrischen Akutstation. Die Lesenden erfahren hierbei was ­Peer-Support ist und lernen zudem die Weiterbildung Experienced-Involvement (EX-IN) kennen. Die EX-IN Weiterbildung befähigt Menschen, welche psychische Erschütterungen erlebt haben, zur formellen Peer-Arbeit.
Freiheitseinschränkende Maßnahmen im Kontext der Altenpflegeausbildung
Authors: Nordhausen Thomas , Kirchherr Eva , Abraham Jens
Published: March 2018

Zusammenfassung. Freiheitseinschränkende Maßnahmen in der stationären Altenpflege sind nicht nur ein rechtliches und pflegefachliches, sondern auch ein ethisches Problem. Um den Stellenwert des Themas in der Altenpflegeausbildung zu ermitteln, wurden (bundes-) länderspezifische Rahmenlehrpläne und Lehrbücher analysiert sowie Leitungen und Lehrende an Altenpflegeschulen in Sachsen-Anhalt und Thüringen schriftlich befragt.
Rauchfrei – weil Gesundheit unsere Aufgabe ist!
Authors: Rustler Christa , Sautter Dorothea
Published: March 2018

Zusammenfassung. Weltweit starben im 20. Jahrhundert 100 Millionen Menschen durch die Folgen des Tabak­konsums – mehr als alle Toten in den beiden ­Welt­kriegen zusammen. Die Behandlung der Tabakabhängigkeit durch Raucherberatung und Tabakentwöhnung gehören zu den wirksamsten und kosteneffektivsten Einzelmaßnahmen, die zur Verhinderung von Folgeerkrankungen, Komplikationen und dem Verlust an Lebensjahren führen. Pflegende übernehmen wichtige Aufgaben in Gesundheitsbildung und Förderung gesunder Lebensweisen. Aufgrund der hohen Raucherprävalenz bei Pflegenden stellen sie jedoch auch eine Zielgruppe für Tabakprävention und Tabakentwöhnung dar.
Momelotinib therapy for myelofibrosis: a 7-year follow-up
Authors: Tefferi Ayalew , Barraco Daniela , Lasho Terra L. , Shah Sahrish , Begna Kebede H. , Al-Kali Aref , Hogan William J. , Litzow Mark R. , Hanson Curtis A. , Ketterling Rhett P. , Gangat Naseema , Pardanani Animesh
Published: March 2018

One-hundred Mayo Clinic patients with high/intermediate-risk myelofibrosis (MF) received momelotinib (MMB; JAK1/2 inhibitor) between 2009 and 2010, as part of a phase 1/2 trial (NCT00935987); 73% harbored JAK2 mutations, 16% CALR, 7% MPL, 44% ASXL1, and 18% SRSF2. As of July 2017, MMB was discontinued in 91% of the patients, after a median treatment duration of 1.4 years. Grade 3/4 toxicity included thrombocytopenia (34%) and liver/pancreatic test abnormalities (<10%); grade 1/2 peripheral neuropathy occurred in 47%. Clinical improvement (CI) occurred in 57% of patients, including 44% anemia and 43% spleen response. CI was more likely to occur in ASXL1-unmutated patients (66% vs 44%) and in those with <2% circulating blasts (66% vs 42%). Response was more durable in the presence of CALR type 1/like and absence of very high-risk karyotype. In multivariable analysis, absence of CALR type 1/like (HR 3.0; 95% CI 1.2–7.6) and presence of ASXL1 (HR 1.9; 95% CI 1.1–3.2) or SRSF2 (HR 2.4, 95% CI 1.3–4.5) mutations adversely affected survival. SRSF2 mutations (HR 4.7, 95% CI 1.3–16.9), very high-risk karyotype (HR 7.9, 95% CI 1.9–32.1), and circulating blasts ≥2% (HR 3.9, 95% CI 1.4–11.0) predicted leukemic transformation. Post-MMB survival (median 3.2 years) was not significantly different than that of a risk-matched MF cohort not receiving MMB.
A dual-function epidermal growth factor receptor pathway substrate 8 (Eps8)-derived peptide exhibits a potent cytotoxic T lymphocyte-activating effect and a specific inhibitory activity
Authors: Xie Xiaoling , Zhou Weijun , Hu Yuxing , Chen Yiran , Zhang Honghao , Li Yuhua
Published: March 2018

The identification and characterization of tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) that generate specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) are vital to the development of cancer immunotherapy. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway substrate 8 gene (Eps8) is involved in regulating cancer progression and might be an ideal antigen. In this study, we searched for novel human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A*2402-restricted epitopes derived from the Eps8 protein via the HLA-binding prediction algorithm. Among four candidates, peptides 327 (EFLDCFQKF), 534 (KYAKSKYDF) and 755 (LFSLNKDEL) induced peptide-specific CTLs to secrete higher levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and showed enhanced cytotoxic activity against malignant cancer cells. Our results demonstrated that peptide-specific CTLs showed effective antitumor responses, including upregulation of interleukin-2 (IL-2), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), granzyme B and perforin. Treatment with peptide-sensitized peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) significantly reduced the tumor growth in vivo compared with the non-peptide-sensitized PBMC treatment. Importantly, our results indicated that peptide 327 may interfere with EGFR signaling by mechanistically disrupting Eps8/EGFR complex formation. We extended this observation that peptide 327 also suppressed the viability of cancer cells, blocked EGFR signal pathway and reduced the expression of downstream targets. Notably, conjugation of peptide 327 to the TAT sequence (TAT-327) resulted in potent antitumor activity and selective insertion into cancer cell membranes, where it adopted a punctate distribution. Furthermore, peptide 327 and TAT-327 displayed anticancer properties in xenograft models. Our results indicated that 327, 534 and 755 were novel HLA-A*2402-restricted epitopes from Eps8. By inhibiting the Eps8/EGFR interaction, peptide 327 and TAT-327 may serve as novel peptide inhibitors, which could provide an innovative approach for treating various cancers.
A LATS biosensor screen identifies VEGFR as a regulator of the Hippo pathway in angiogenesis
Authors: Azad T. , Janse van Rensburg H. J. , Lightbody E. D. , Neveu B. , Champagne A. , Ghaffari A. , Kay V. R. , Hao Y. , Shen H. , Yeung B. , Croy B. A. , Guan K. L. , Pouliot F. , Zhang J. , Nicol C. J. B. , Yang X.
Published: March 2018

The Hippo pathway is a central regulator of tissue development and homeostasis, and has been reported to have a role during vascular development. Here we develop a bioluminescence-based biosensor that monitors the activity of the Hippo core component LATS kinase. Using this biosensor and a library of small molecule kinase inhibitors, we perform a screen for kinases modulating LATS activity and identify VEGFR as an upstream regulator of the Hippo pathway. We find that VEGFR activation by VEGF triggers PI3K/MAPK signaling, which subsequently inhibits LATS and activates the Hippo effectors YAP and TAZ. We further show that the Hippo pathway is a critical mediator of VEGF-induced angiogenesis and tumor vasculogenic mimicry. Thus, our work offers a biosensor tool for the study of the Hippo pathway and suggests a role for Hippo signaling in regulating blood vessel formation in physiological and pathological settings.
Eya3 partners with PP2A to induce c-Myc stabilization and tumor progression
Authors: Zhang Lingdi , Zhou Hengbo , Li Xueni , Vartuli Rebecca L , Rowse Michael , Xing Yongna , Rudra Pratyaydipta , Ghosh Debashis , Zhao Rui , Ford Heide L
Published: March 2018

Eya genes encode a unique family of multifunctional proteins that serve as transcriptional co-activators and as haloacid dehalogenase-family Tyr phosphatases. Intriguingly, the N-terminal domain of Eyas, which does not share sequence similarity to any known phosphatases, contains a separable Ser/Thr phosphatase activity. Here, we demonstrate that the Ser/Thr phosphatase activity of Eya is not intrinsic, but arises from its direct interaction with the protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A)-B55α holoenzyme. Importantly, Eya3 alters the regulation of c-Myc by PP2A, increasing c-Myc stability by enabling PP2A-B55α to dephosphorylate pT58, in direct contrast to the previously described PP2A-B56α-mediated dephosphorylation of pS62 and c-Myc destabilization. Furthermore, Eya3 and PP2A-B55α promote metastasis in a xenograft model of breast cancer, opposing the canonical tumor suppressive function of PP2A-B56α. Our study identifies Eya3 as a regulator of PP2A, a major cellular Ser/Thr phosphatase, and uncovers a mechanism of controlling the stability of a critical oncogene, c-Myc.
miR200-regulated CXCL12β promotes fibroblast heterogeneity and immunosuppression in ovarian cancers
Authors: Givel Anne-Marie , Kieffer Yann , Scholer-Dahirel Alix , Sirven Philemon , Cardon Melissa , Pelon Floriane , Magagna Ilaria , Gentric Géraldine , Costa Ana , Bonneau Claire , Mieulet Virginie , Vincent-Salomon Anne , Mechta-Grigoriou Fatima
Published: March 2018

High-grade serous ovarian cancers (HGSOC) have been subdivided into molecular subtypes. The mesenchymal HGSOC subgroup, defined by stromal-related gene signatures, is invariably associated with poor patient survival. We demonstrate that stroma exerts a key function in mesenchymal HGSOC. We highlight stromal heterogeneity in HGSOC by identifying four subsets of carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAF-S1-4). Mesenchymal HGSOC show high content in CAF-S1 fibroblasts, which exhibit immunosuppressive functions by increasing attraction, survival, and differentiation of CD25+FOXP3+ T lymphocytes. The beta isoform of the CXCL12 chemokine (CXCL12β) specifically accumulates in the immunosuppressive CAF-S1 subset through a miR-141/200a dependent-mechanism. Moreover, CXCL12β expression in CAF-S1 cells plays a crucial role in CAF-S1 immunosuppressive activity and is a reliable prognosis factor in HGSOC, in contrast to CXCL12α. Thus, our data highlight the differential regulation of the CXCL12α and CXCL12β isoforms in HGSOC, and reveal a CXCL12β-associated stromal heterogeneity and immunosuppressive environment in mesenchymal HGSOC.
A meta-analysis of birth-origin effects on reproduction in diverse captive environments
Authors: Farquharson Katherine A. , Hogg Carolyn J. , Grueber Catherine E.
Published: March 2018

Successfully establishing captive breeding programs is a priority across diverse industries to address food security, demand for ethical laboratory research animals, and prevent extinction. Differences in reproductive success due to birth origin may threaten the long-term sustainability of captive breeding. Our meta-analysis examining 115 effect sizes from 44 species of invertebrates, fish, birds, and mammals shows that, overall, captive-born animals have a 42% decreased odds of reproductive success in captivity compared to their wild-born counterparts. The largest effects are seen in commercial aquaculture, relative to conservation or laboratory settings, and offspring survival and offspring quality were the most sensitive traits. Although a somewhat weaker trend, reproductive success in conservation and laboratory research breeding programs is also in a negative direction for captive-born animals. Our study provides the foundation for future investigation of non-genetic and genetic drivers of change in captivity, and reveals areas for the urgent improvement of captive breeding.
The choroid plexus is an important circadian clock component
Authors: Myung Jihwan , Schmal Christoph , Hong Sungho , Tsukizawa Yoshiaki , Rose Pia , Zhang Yong , Holtzman Michael J. , De Schutter Erik , Herzel Hanspeter , Bordyugov Grigory , Takumi Toru
Published: March 2018

Mammalian circadian clocks have a hierarchical organization, governed by the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in the hypothalamus. The brain itself contains multiple loci that maintain autonomous circadian rhythmicity, but the contribution of the non-SCN clocks to this hierarchy remains unclear. We examine circadian oscillations of clock gene expression in various brain loci and discovered that in mouse, robust, higher amplitude, relatively faster oscillations occur in the choroid plexus (CP) compared to the SCN. Our computational analysis and modeling show that the CP achieves these properties by synchronization of “twist” circadian oscillators via gap-junctional connections. Using an in vitro tissue coculture model and in vivo targeted deletion of the Bmal1 gene to silence the CP circadian clock, we demonstrate that the CP clock adjusts the SCN clock likely via circulation of cerebrospinal fluid, thus finely tuning behavioral circadian rhythms.
How do environment-dependent switching rates between susceptible and persister cells affect the dynamics of biofilms faced with antibiotics?
Authors: Carvalho Gabriel , Balestrino Damien , Forestier Christiane , Mathias Jean-Denis
Published: March 2018

Persisters form sub-populations of stress-tolerant cells that play a major role in the capacity of biofilms to survive and recover from disturbances such as antibiotic treatments. The mechanisms of persistence are diverse and influenced by environmental conditions, and persister populations are more heterogeneous than formerly suspected. We used computational modeling to assess the impact of three switching strategies between susceptible and persister cells on the capacity of bacterial biofilms to grow, survive and recover from antibiotic treatments. The strategies tested were: (1) constant switches, (2) substrate-dependent switches and (3) antibiotic-dependent switches. We implemented these strategies in an individual-based biofilm model and simulated antibiotic shocks on virtual biofilms. Because of limited available data on switching rates in the literature, nine parameter sets were assessed for each strategy. Substrate and antibiotic-dependent switches allowed high switching rates without affecting the growth of the biofilms. Compared to substrate-dependent switches, constant and antibiotic-dependent switches were associated with higher proportions of persisters in the top of the biofilms, close to the substrate source, which probably confers a competitive advantage within multi-species biofilms. The constant and substrate-dependent strategies need a compromise between limiting the wake-up and death of persisters during treatments and leaving the persister state fast enough to recover quickly after antibiotic-removal. Overall, the simulations gave new insights into the relationships between the dynamics of persister populations in biofilms and their dynamics of growth, survival and recovery when faced with disturbances.
Ultrasound-enhanced electrospinning
Authors: Nieminen Heikki J. , Laidmäe Ivo , Salmi Ari , Rauhala Timo , Paulin Tor , Heinämäki Jyrki , Hæggström Edward
Published: March 2018

Electrospinning is commonly used to produce polymeric nanofibers. Potential applications for such fibers include novel drug delivery systems, tissue engineering scaffolds, and filters. Electrospinning, however, has shortcomings such as needle clogging and limited ability to control the fiber-properties in a non-chemical manner. This study reports on an orifice-less technique that employs high-intensity focused ultrasound,i.e. ultrasound-enhanced electrospinning. Ultrasound bursts were used to generate a liquid protrusion with a Taylor cone from the surface of a polymer solution of polyethylene oxide. When the polymer was charged with a high negative voltage, nanofibers jetted off from the tip of the protrusion landed on an electrically grounded target held at a constant distance from the tip. Controlling the ultrasound characteristics permitted physical modification of the nanofiber topography at will without using supplemental chemical intervention. Possible applications of tailor-made fibers generated by ultrasound-enhanced electrospinning include pharmaceutical controlled-release applications and biomedical scaffolds with spatial gradients in fiber thickness and mechanical properties.
Rare human Caspase-6-R65W and Caspase-6-G66R variants identify a novel regulatory region of Caspase-6 activity
Authors: Tubeleviciute-Aydin Agne , Zhou Libin , Sharma Gyanesh , Soni Ishankumar V. , Savinov Sergey N. , Hardy Jeanne A. , LeBlanc Andrea C.
Published: March 2018

The cysteine protease Caspase-6 (Casp6) is a potential therapeutic target of Alzheimer Disease (AD) and age-dependent cognitive impairment. To assess if Casp6 is essential to human health, we investigated the effect of CASP6 variants sequenced from healthy humans on Casp6 activity. Here, we report the effects of two rare Casp6 amino acid polymorphisms, R65W and G66R, on the catalytic function and structure of Casp6. The G66R substitution eliminated and R65W substitution significantly reduced Casp6 catalytic activity through impaired substrate binding. In contrast to wild-type Casp6, both Casp6 variants were unstable and inactive in transfected mammalian cells. In addition, Casp6-G66R acted as a dominant negative inhibitor of wild-type Casp6. The R65W and G66R substitutions caused perturbations in substrate recognition and active site organization as revealed by molecular dynamics simulations. Our results suggest that full Casp6 activity may not be essential for healthy humans and support the use of Casp6 inhibitors against Casp6-dependent neurodegeneration in age-dependent cognitive impairment and AD. Furthermore, this work illustrates that studying natural single amino acid polymorphisms of enzyme drug targets is a promising approach to uncover previously uncharacterized regulatory sites important for enzyme activity.
Unsupervised Segmentation of Greenhouse Plant Images Based on Statistical Method
Authors: Zhang Ping , Xu Lihong
Published: March 2018

Complicated image scene of the agricultural greenhouse plant images makes it very difficult to obtain precise manual labeling, leading to the hardship of getting the accurate training set of the conditional random field (CRF). Considering this problem, this paper proposed an unsupervised conditional random field image segmentation algorithm ULCRF (Unsupervised Learning Conditional Random Field), which can perform fast unsupervised segmentation of greenhouse plant images, and further the plant organs in the image, i.e. fruits, leaves and stems, are segmented. The main idea of this algorithm is to calculate the unary potential, namely the initial label of the Dense CRF, by the unsupervised learning model LDA (Latent Dirichlet Allocation). In view of the ever-changing image features at different stages of fruit growth, a multi-resolution ULCRF is proposed to improve the accuracy of image segmentation in the middle stage and late stage of the fruit growth. An image is down-sampled twice to obtain three layers of different resolution images, and the features of each layer are interrelated with each other. Experiment results show that the proposed method can segment greenhouse plant images in an unsupervised method automatically and obtain a high segmentation accuracy together with a high extraction precision of the fruit part.
Physiological activation of mGlu5 receptors supports the ion channel function of NMDA receptors in hippocampal LTD induction in vivo
Authors: O’Riordan Kenneth J. , Hu Neng-Wei , Rowan Michael J.
Published: March 2018

Synaptic long-term depression (LTD) is believed to underlie critical mnemonic processes in the adult hippocampus. The roles of the metabotropic and ionotropic actions of glutamate in the induction of synaptic LTD by electrical low-frequency stimulation (LFS) in the living adult animal is poorly understood. Here we examined the requirement for metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) and NMDA receptors in LTD induction in anaesthetized adult rats. LTD induction was primarily dependent on NMDA receptors and required the involvement of both the ion channel function and GluN2B subunit of the receptor. Endogenous mGlu5 receptor activation necessitated the local application of relatively high doses of either competitive or non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonists to block LTD induction. Moreover, boosting endogenous glutamate activation of mGlu5 receptors with a positive allosteric modulator lowered the threshold for NMDA receptor-dependent LTD induction by weak LFS. The present data provide support in the living animal that NMDA receptor-dependent LTD is boosted by endogenously released glutamate activation of mGlu5 receptors. Given the predominant perisynaptic location of mGlu5 receptors, the present findings emphasize the need to further evaluate the contribution and mechanisms of these receptors in NMDA receptor-dependent synaptic plasticity in the adult hippocampusin vivo.
Minor hysteresis patterns with a rounded/sharpened reversing behavior in ferromagnetic multilayer
Authors: Quach Duy-Truong , Pham Duc-Thang , Ngo Duc-The , Phan The-Long , Park Seung-Young , Lee Sang-Hyuk , Kim Dong-Hyun
Published: March 2018

Hysteresis of ferromagnetic system exhibits a fundamental stimulus-response behavior, thereby casting all the important macromagnetic system parameters such as coercivity, nucleation field, saturation magnetization, and hysteresis loss. Recently, increasing attention has been paid to exploration of relatively less understood minor loop behavior, since faster operation of magnetic devices is inevitably accompanied by minor hysteresis behavior from cycling among unsaturated ferromagnetic states. Here, we report our microscopic investigation of unusual minor hysteresis loop behavior, represented by rounded or sharpened response of minor hysteresis loop of (CoFeB/Pd)4 multilayer film. It is observed that rounded and sharpened response in the minor hysteresis response could be manifested under proper conditions. The minor loop behavior has been systematically investigated by direct microscopic magnetic domain observation using magneto-optical Kerr microscopy. The rounded response of magnetization at the reversing external field along the minor hysteresis curve, so far neglected or considered as one of ‘unusual’ behaviors, has been found to be elaborately controllable by tuning the reversing field strength and the field sweep rate for multilayers with low repeat numbers. Variable roundedness of the minor hysteresis loop is understandable based on the analysis of magnetic domain dynamics such as domain nucleation and the domain wall velocity.
Free energy calculations and molecular properties of substrate translocation through OccAB porins
Authors: Benkerrou Dehbia , Ceccarelli Matteo
Published: March 2018

We investigated with molecular modeling the translocation of simple substrates through four similar specific bacterial porins from the Acinetobacter baumannii pathogen providing structure–function analysis at the molecular level.
Crumpled graphene ball-based broadband solar absorbers
Authors: Hao Wei , Chiou Kevin , Qiao Yiming , Liu Yanming , Song Chengyi , Deng Tao , Huang Jiaxing
Published: March 2018

Crumpled microstructures enable reduction of reflection at the graphene surface and make crumpled graphene balls as excellent broadband light absorbers.
A high-response transparent heater based on a CuS nanosheet film with superior mechanical flexibility and chemical stability
Authors: Xie Shuyao , Li Teng , Xu Zijie , Wang Yanan , Liu Xiangyang , Guo Wenxi
Published: March 2018

Transparent heaters are widely used in technologies such as window defrosting/defogging, displays, gas sensing, and medical equipment.
Translating molecular detections into a simple temperature test using a target-responsive smart thermometer
Authors: Zhang Jingjing , Xing Hang , Lu Yi
Published: March 2018

A novel target-responsive smart thermometer for translating molecular detection into a temperature test has been developed.
Cryogenic IR spectroscopy combined with ion mobility spectrometry for the analysis of human milk oligosaccharides
Authors: Khanal Neelam , Masellis Chiara , Kamrath Michael Z. , Clemmer David E. , Rizzo Thomas R.
Published: March 2018

Cryogenic, messenger-tagging, infrared spectroscopy is combined with ion mobility spectrometry and mass spectrometry to identify isomeric human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) ranging from trisaccharides to hexasaccharides.
Aqueous immiscible layered double hydroxides: synthesis, characterisation and molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Ruengkajorn Kanittika , Erastova Valentina , Buffet Jean-Charles , Greenwell H. Chris , O'Hare Dermot
Published: March 2018

We describe a novel post treatment for layered double hydroxide using aqueous immiscible solvents (AIM solvents). This was studied experimentally and using molecular dynamics simulation.
Spin–orbit effects in optical spectra of gold–silver trimers
Authors: Shayeghi A. , Pašteka L. F. , Götz D. A. , Schwerdtfeger P. , Schäfer R.
Published: March 2018

Photodissociation spectra of cationic gold–silver trimers are analysed using relativistic electronic structure theories paying special attention to the importance of spin–orbit and charge transfer effects.
Nanoparticles induce dermal and intestinal innate immune system responses in zebrafish embryos
Authors: Brun Nadja R. , Koch Bjørn E. V. , Varela Mónica , Peijnenburg Willie J. G. M. , Spaink Herman P. , Vijver Martina G.
Published: March 2018

Metal and plastic nanoparticles elicit innate immune responses in the skin and intestine of zebrafish embryos potentially serving as key event for AOPs.
Facilitated extrinsic majority carrier depletion and photogenerated exciton dissociation in an annealing-free ZnO:C photodetector
Authors: Zhang Dezhong , Liu Chunyu , Li Kanzhe , Chen Yu , Ruan Shengping , Zhang Xindong , Li Chuannan
Published: March 2018

Annealing-free ZnO:C-based UV photodetector achieved high performance by facilitating extrinsic majority carrier depletion and photogenerated exciton dissociation.
Surface stoichiometry manipulation enhances solar hydrogen evolution of CdSe quantum dots
Authors: Huang Mao-Yong , Li Xu-Bing , Gao Yu-Ji , Li Jian , Wu Hao-Lin , Zhang Li-Ping , Tung Chen-Ho , Wu Li-Zhu
Published: March 2018

Surface stoichiometry of QDs is a sensitive parameter affecting the photocatalytic activity of H2 evolution.
Switching regulation based stabilisation of discrete‐time 2D switched systems with stable and unstable modes
Authors: Hua Changchun , Liu Guopin , Guan Xinping
Published: March 2018

This study investigates the stabilisation problem for a class of discrete‐time two‐dimensional (2D) switched systems. Here the 2D systems mean that the state evolves following two independent directions, which are usually represented as horizontal states and vertical states. The considered systems are represented by Roesser model and incorporate both stable and unstable modes. Based on a switching signal regulation approach, which restricted the switching number as well as the running time ratio between the unstable and stable modes, the exponential stability condition is established for the 2D switched systems with synchronous switching. Besides, solving the proposed stabilisation results in linear matrix inequality form, the stabilising controller gains can be obtained. Moreover, considering the time delay in the controllers when the switching occurs, the proposed results are extended to the stabilisation problem for the 2D switched systems under asynchronous switching. A numerical example further demonstrates the validity of the developed results.
SIW‐tapered slot antenna for broadband MIMO applications
Authors: Wu Yanjie , Ding Kang , Zhang Bing , Wu Duolong , Li Jianfeng
Published: March 2018

A substrate‐integrated waveguide (SIW) tapered slot antenna for broadband multiple‐input–multiple‐output (MIMO) applications is presented in this study. The proposed MIMO antenna consists of two broadband tapered slot antenna elements, two SIW structures for feeding and two microstrip‐to‐SIW transitions. Four circular openings are designed on both sides of the SIW to improve the antenna's performance. The slots are etched on the connection of SIW and tapered slot antenna to adjust the input impedance of the antenna. The SIW structure and the shorting pin are used to isolate the feed lines and elements. Simulated and measured results verify the performance of the antenna. It shows that the proposed antenna has a broad bandwidth of |S11| < −10 dB and |S12| < −17 dB from 8.0 to 15.0 GHz covering the X‐band and the lower Ku‐band.
Design of a CPW fed compact bow‐tie microstrip antenna with versatile frequency tunability
Authors: Behera Debakanta , Dwivedy Biswajit , Mishra Debasis , Behera Santanu Kumar
Published: March 2018

A compact coplanar waveguide (CPW) fed frequency reconfigurable bow‐tie microstrip antenna is proposed and experimentally verified which can be tuned at different bands between 1.94 and 3.27 GHz in single‐band and dual‐band modes. Two slots are carefully introduced on the ground plane of the antenna where two active varactor diodes are placed to vary its fundamental mode of radiation by variation of capacitance. To validate the antenna design, a fully functional prototype is fabricated and measured which ensures that the device can be operated at different frequencies of 2.02, 2.19 and 2.37 GHz with 35.9, 30.8 and 24.6% of impedance bandwidth, respectively, in the single‐band mode. In dual‐band reconfigurability mode, the resonant frequency of the antenna can be varied at 2.08, 2.17 and 2.3 GHz with a higher mode band within 2.7 and 3.3 GHz. The antenna shows maximum gain of 1.33 dB with 96.9% efficiency and 1.5 dB with 95.4% efficiency for single‐band and dual‐band reconfigurability mode, respectively. More importantly, the antenna has a compact dimension ( at 1.94 GHz) and it produces symmetrical monopole type radiation pattern at all tunable bands.
Dual‐stub Ka‐band Vivaldi antenna with integrated bandpass filter
Authors: Yang Kansheng , Hoang Manh‐Ha , Bao Xiulong , McEvoy Patrick , Ammann Max J.
Published: March 2018

A dual‐stub co‐planar Vivaldi antenna with a parasitic element is presented. The dual stub is coupled between the parasitic element and two tapered slots. The parasitic element shape and size is optimised. The use of slits on the outer edge of the ground plane is shown to provide control of beamwidth and maximum gain. A bandpass filter is used for performance control and sub‐harmonic suppression.
Design of high‐performance bidirectional DC/DC converter applied for more electric aircraft
Authors: Liu Bo , Qiu Maohang , Jing Lei , Wang Xiaoqing , Chen Min
Published: March 2018

Bidirectional DC/DC converter is an important part of the more electric aircraft (MEA). A high‐performance bidirectional DC/DC converter with high efficiency and power density reduces the both volume and power loss of the converter. There are mainly two kinds of basic topologies applied to bidirectional DC/DC converter. One is a dual active bridge (DAB) and the other is symmetrical CLLC resonant topology. Both topologies can realise zero‐voltage switch (ZVS). The DAB has been widely researched and applied to many fields including the MEA as DAB is easy to design and control. However the ZVS region of the DAB is limited. What is worse, the DAB always switches when the current is at the peak. Symmetrical CLLC resonant topology has also been widely researched in recent years. Compared with the DAB, the symmetrical CLLC resonant converter can reach ZVS in a wider region. In this study both the topologies are discussed and the design of the better one is demonstrated. A 3 kW symmetrical CLLC resonant converter is designed to verify the conclusion.
OH absorption in the first quadrant of the Milky Way as seen by THOR
Authors: Rugel M. R. , Beuther H. , Bihr S. , Wang Y. , Ott J. , Brunthaler A. , Walsh A. , Glover S. C. O. , Goldsmith P. F. , Anderson L. D. , Schneider N. , Menten K. M. , Ragan S. E. , Urquhart J. S. , Klessen R. S. , Soler J. D. , Roy N. , Kainulainen J. , Henning T. , Bigiel F. , Smith R. J. , Wyrowski F. , Longmore S. N.
Published: March 2018

Context. The hydroxyl radical (OH) is present in the diffuse molecular and partially atomic phases of the interstellar medium (ISM), but its abundance relative to hydrogen is not clear.

Aims. We aim to evaluate the abundance of OH with respect to molecular hydrogen using OH absorption against cm-continuum sources over the first Galactic quadrant.

Methods. This OH study is part of the H I/OH/Recombination line survey of the inner Milky Way (THOR). THOR is a Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) large program of atomic, molecular and ionized gas in the range 15° ≤ l ≤ 67° and |b|≤ 1°. It is the highest-resolution unbiased OH absorption survey to date towards this region. We combine the optical depths derived from these observations with literature 13CO(1–0) and H I observations to determine the OH abundance.

Results. We detect absorption in the 1665 and 1667 MHz transitions, that is, the “main” hyperfine structure lines, for continuum sources stronger than Fcont ≥ 0.1 Jy beam−1. OH absorption is found against approximately 15% of these continuum sources with increasing fractions for stronger sources. Most of the absorption occurs in molecular clouds that are associated with Galactic H II regions. We find OH and 13CO gas to have similar kinematic properties. The data indicate that the OH abundance decreases with increasing hydrogen column density. The derived OH abundance with respect to the total hydrogen nuclei column density (atomic and molecular phase) is in agreement with a constant abundance for AV < 10−20. Towards the lowest column densities, we find sources that exhibit OH absorption but no 13CO emission, indicating that OH is a well suited tracer of the low column density molecular gas. We also present spatially resolved OH absorption towards the prominent extended H II-region W43.

Conclusions. The unbiased nature of the THOR survey opens a new window onto the gas properties of the interstellar medium. The characterization of the OH abundance over a large range of hydrogen gas column densities contributes to the understanding of OH as a molecular gas tracer and provides a starting point for future investigations.
LQAC-4: Fourth release of the Large Quasar Astrometric Catalogue
Authors: Gattano C. , Andrei A. H. , Coelho B. , Souchay J. , Barache C. , Taris F.
Published: March 2018

Context.From an astrometric point of view, quasars constitute the best and almost ideal reference objects in the celestial sphere, with a priori no significant proper motion. Since the third release of the Large Quasar Astrometric Catalogue (LQAC-3), a large number of quasars have been discovered, in particular those coming from the DR12Q release of the SDSS. Moreover, for cross-matched objects, we have taken advantage of the very accurate determinations of the quasars identified within the recentGaiaDR1 catalogue.

Aims.Following the same procedure as in the three previous releases of the LQAC, our aim is to compile the large majority of all the quasars recorded so far. Our goal is to record their best coordinates and substantial information concerning their physical properties such as the redshift as well as multi-bands apparent and absolute magnitudes. Emphasis is given to the results of the cross-matches with theGaiaDR1 catalogue.

Methods.New quasars coming from the DR12Q release were cross-matched with the precedent LQAC-3 compilation with a 1′′ search radius, in order to add the objects without counterpart to the LQAC-4 compilation. A similar cross-match was done withGaiaDR1 to identify the known quasars detected byGaia. This enables one to improve significantly the positioning of these objects, and in parallel to study the astrometric performance of the individual catalogues of the LQAC-4 compilation. Finally, a new method was used to determine absolute magnitudes.

Results.Our final catalogue, called LQAC-4, contains 443 725 objects. This is roughly 37.82% more than the number of objects recorded in the LQAC-3. Among them, 249 071 were found in common with theGaiaDR1, with a 1′′ search radius. That corresponds to 56.13% of the whole population in the compilation.

Conclusions.The LQAC-4 delivers to the astronomical community a nearly complete catalogue of spectroscopically confirmed quasars (including a small proportion of compact AGNs), with the aim of giving their best equatorial coordinates with respect to the ICRF2 and with exhaustive additional information. For more than 50% of the sample, these coordinates come from the very recentGaiaDR1.
The physical and chemical structure of Sagittarius B2
Authors: Pols S. , Schwörer A. , Schilke P. , Schmiedeke A. , Sánchez-Monge Á. , Möller Th.
Published: March 2018

Context. We model the emission of methyl cyanide (CH3CN) lines towards the massive hot molecular core Sgr B2(M).

Aims. We aim to reconstruct the CH3CN abundance field, and investigate the gas temperature distribution as well as the velocity field.

Methods. Sgr B2(M) was observed with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in a spectral line survey from 211 to 275 GHz. This frequency range includes several transitions of CH3CN (including isotopologues and vibrationally excited states). We employed the three-dimensional radiative transfer toolbox Pandora in order to retrieve the velocity and abundance field by modeling different CH3CN lines. For this purpose, we based our model on the results of a previous study that determined the physical structure of Sgr B2(M), i.e., the distribution of dust dense cores, ionized regions, and heating sources.

Results. The morphology of the CH3CN emission can be reproduced by a molecular density field that consists of a superposition of cores with modified Plummer-like density profiles. The averaged relative abundance of CH3CN with respect to H2 ranges from 4 × 10−11 to 2 × 10−8 in the northern part of Sgr B2(M) and from 2 × 10−10 to 5 × 10−7 in the southern part. In general, we find that the relative abundance of CH3CN is lower at the center of the very dense, hot cores, causing the general morphology of the CH3CN emission to be shifted with respect to the dust continuum emission. The dust temperature calculated by the radiative transfer simulation based on the available luminosity reaches values up to 900 K. However, in some regions vibrationally excited transitions of CH3CN are underestimated by the model, indicating that the predicted gas temperature, which is assumed to be equal to the dust temperature, is partly underestimated. The determination of the velocity component along the line of sight reveals that a velocity gradient from the north to the south exists in Sgr B2(M).
Synthesis of Benzopyran-Fused Flavone Derivatives via Microwave-Assisted Intramolecular C–H Activation
Authors: Kónya Krisztina , Sipos Zoltán
Published: March 2018

A microwave-assisted intramolecular direct arylation method for the synthesis of benzopyran-fused flavone derivatives containing natural flavone backbones is described. Different polyalkoxy flavones were synthesized and functionalized with 2-bromobenzyl bromide. The resulting compounds were subjected to palladium-catalyzed intramolecular direct arylation reactions supported by microwave irradiation to produce fused tetracyclic flavones. In the case of the 7-substituted chrysin derivative, the regioselectivity of the coupling was also examined.
Bromotrifluoromethane: A Useful Reagent for Hydrotrifluoromethylation of Alkenes and Alkynes
Authors: Zheng Xing , Zhang Xingang , Ren Yu-Yan
Published: March 2018

Bromotrifluoromethane (CF3Br) is a simple, inexpensive and abundant industrial material employed as a trifluoromethylating reagent. However, only limited strategies using CF3Br as a fluorine source are reported. Herein, we describe a visible-light-induced hydrotrifluoromethylation of alkenes and alkynes with CF3Br. The reaction proceeds under mild conditions with good functional group tolerance, providing a new route for the application of BrCF3 in organic synthesis.
ECMO Challenges and Its Future: Indian Scenario
Authors: Pooboni Suneel , Goyal Venkat , Oza Pranay , Kapoor Poonam Malhotra
Published: March 2018

History of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in India dates back to 2001. Initially, ECMO was started for postoperative cardiac cases, but from 2008, it was introduced to intensive critical care unit as a regular practice for refractory cardiogenic shock and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Gradually, the utility of ECMO keeps on increasing such as in poisoning, transplant unit, and even in tracheobronchial surgery. Some centers even started using ECMO for extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation, even though the data is insufficient. In academic field also, ECMO has had great progress in India with three books and numerous paper presentations by Indian authors, regular conferences, and continued medical education. There were lot of challenges in establishing ECMO in Indian scenario which were addressed successfully; a few challenges are still there which need to be addressed pre-emptively. The most common challenges of ECMO were awareness, cost, initiation at right time, outcome, nosocomial infections, and transport. Transport of critically ill patient, especially on ECMO, is risky and also involves lots of cost. To overcome this problem, flying squad was established in 2010 where the team goes to the hospital where the patient is and initiates and manages ECMO there itself. The future of ECMO in India is quite promising, not only with increasing number of cases and centers, but also in terms of cost-effectiveness and technology.
Understanding Heart Transplantation—Gift of Life
Authors: Irpachi Kalpana , Kapoor Poonam Malhotra
Published: March 2018

Heart transplantation (HTx) provides a longer and better quality of life to patients with end-stage heart failure when all other options of treatment have been exhausted. There are nearly 500 heart donors yearly in India. Approximately 60 cases of HTx are performed every year; 70% survival rate is for nearly 1 year whereas 30% survival rate is for 10 years. Scarcity of donors is further complicated by the use of single organ, heart injury with common brain-death injuries, difficulty with ex vivo preservation, heart disease among donors, and complexity of the operation.