bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single and combined effects of microcystin- and saxitoxin-producing cyanobacteria on the fitness and antioxidant defenses of cladocerans
Authors: da S. Ferrão-Filho Aloysio , de Abreu S. Silva Daniel , de Oliveira Taissa A. , de Magalhães Valéria Freitas , Pflugmacher Stephan , da Silva Eduardo Mendes
Published: April 2017

Cyanobacteria produce different toxic compounds that affect animal life, among them hepatotoxins and neurotoxins. Because cyanobacteria are able to produce a variety of toxic compounds at the same time, organisms may be, generally, subjected to their combined action. In the present study, we demonstrate the single and combined effects on cladocerans of cyanobacteria that produce microcystins (hepatotoxins) and saxitoxins (neurotoxins). Animals were exposed (either singly or combined) to 2 strains of cyanobacteria isolated from the same environment (Funil Reservoir, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). The effects on clearance rate, mobility, survivorship, fecundity, population increase rate (r), and the antioxidant enzymes glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and catalase (CAT) were measured. Cladoceran species showed a variety of responses to cyanobacterial exposures, going from no effect to impairment of swimming movement, lower survivorship, fecundity, and general fitness (r). Animals ingested cyanobacteria in all treatments, although at lower rates than good food (green algae). Antioxidant defense responses were in accordance with fitness responses, suggesting that oxidative stress may be related to such effects. The present study emphasizes the need for testing combined actions of different classes of toxins, because this is often, and most likely, the scenario in a more eutrophic world with global climatic changes. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2689–2697. © 2017 SETAC
Comparative efficacy and safety of antiplatelet agents in cerebral ischemic disease: A network meta‐analysis
Authors: Wa Da , Zhu Pa , Long Ziwen
Published: April 2017

We performed a network meta‐analysis (NMA) to enhance the corresponding evidence of the relative efficacy and safety of different antiplatelet agents in cerebral ischemic disease. PubMed and EMBASE were searched systematically for relevant studies. Outcomes were compared using odds ratios and 95% credible intervals. Each agent was ranked according to the value of surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA). Publication bias was evaluated by funnel plots, while consistency between direct and indirect comparison was analyzed by node‐splitting and heat plots. Besides, the clustering technique was used to categorize similar agents. A number of 44 eligible studies with 148 578 patients were included in this NMA. In terms of efficacy (including mortality, recurrent stroke, and vascular event), all six interventions were better than placebo. clopidogrel (Clop) and aspirin (ASA)+Clop were the best two interventions from SUCRA. However, the performance of ASA+Clop declined significantly when considering safety (including myocardial infarction, all‐cause withdrawal, and intracranial hemorrhage), especially worse in intracranial hemorrhage. In conclusion, Clop was potentially the most preferable treatment for preventing cerebral ischemic in terms of efficacy and safety. However, the addition of ASA was associated with a potential increase in intracranial hemorrhage, therefore, combination therapy of ASA and Clop should be introduced with caution although it may be more effective than the monotherapy of ASA.
Tandem mass spectrometric analysis of novel peptide‐modified gemini surfactants used as gene delivery vectors
Authors: Al‐Dulaymi M. , El‐Aneed A.
Published: April 2017

Diquaternary ammonium gemini surfactants have emerged as effective gene delivery vectors. A novel series of 11 peptide‐modified compounds was synthesized, showing promising results in delivering genetic materials. The purpose of this work is to elucidate the tandem mass spectrometric (MS/MS) dissociation behavior of these novel molecules establishing a generalized MS/MS fingerprint.

Exact mass measurements were achieved using a hybrid quadrupole orthogonal time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer, and a multi‐stage MS/MS analysis was conducted using a triple quadrupole‐linear ion trap mass spectrometer. Both instruments were operated in the positive ionization mode and are equipped with electrospray ionization. Abundant triply charged [M+H]3+ species were observed in the single‐stage analysis of all the evaluated compounds with mass accuracies of less than 8 ppm in mass error. MS/MS analysis showed that the evaluated gemini surfactants exhibited peptide‐related dissociation characteristics because of the presence of amino acids within the compounds' spacer region. In particular, diagnostic product ions were originated from the neutral loss of ammonia from the amino acids' side chain resulting in the formation of pipecolic acid at the N‐terminus part of the gemini surfactants. In addition, a charge‐directed amide bond cleavage was initiated by the amino acids' side chain producing a protonated α‐amino‐ε‐caprolactam ion and its complimentary C‐terminus ion that contains quaternary amines. MS/MS and MS3 analysis revealed common fragmentation behavior among all tested compounds, resulting in the production of a universal MS/MS fragmentation pathway. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How to face the low intrinsic sensitivity of 2D heteronuclear NMR with fast repetition techniques: go faster to go higher!
Authors: Farjon Jonathan
Published: April 2017

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is one of the most widely used analytical techniques in numerous domains where molecules are objects of investigation. However, major limitations of multidimensional NMR experiments come from their low sensitivity and from the long times needed for their acquisition. In order to overcome such limitations, fast repetition NMR techniques allowed for the reduction of 2D experimental time and for the conversion of the gained time into a higher number of scans leading to a better sensitivity. Thus, fast repetition 2D heteronuclear NMR techniques have allowed new advances in NMR, especially to access infomation on low abundant nuclei, to enhance the detection of low concentrated compounds and to probe weak interactions like hydrogen bonds at natural abundance. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A phase 1 study of the CXCR4 antagonist plerixafor in combination with high‐dose cytarabine and etoposide in children with relapsed or refractory acute leukemias or myelodysplastic syndrome: A Pediatric Oncology Experimental Therapeutics Investigators’ Consortium study (POE 10‐03)
Authors: Cooper Todd M. , Sison Edward Allan Racela , Baker Sharyn D. , Li Lie , Ahmed Amina , Trippett Tanya , Gore Lia , Macy Margaret E. , Narendran Aru , August Keith , Absalon Michael J. , Boklan Jessica , Pollard Jessica , Magoon Daniel , Brown Patrick A.
Published: April 2017

Background

Plerixafor, a reversible CXCR4 antagonist, inhibits interactions between leukemic blasts and the bone marrow stromal microenvironment and may enhance chemosensitivity. A phase 1 trial of plerixafor in combination with intensive chemotherapy in children and young adults with relapsed or refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) was performed to determine a tolerable and biologically active dose.

Procedure

Plerixafor was administered daily for 5 days at four dose levels (6, 9, 12, and 15 mg/m2/dose) followed 4 hr later by high‐dose cytarabine (every 12 hr) and etoposide (daily).

Results

Nineteen patients (13 with AML, 5 with ALL, 1 with MDS) were treated. The most common grade 3 or greater nonhematologic toxicities attributable to plerixafor were febrile neutropenia and hypokalemia. There were no dose‐limiting toxicities (DLTs). Plerixafor exposure increased with increasing dose levels and clearance was similar on days 1 and 5. Eighteen patients were evaluable for response. Two patients achieved complete remission (CR) and one patient achieved CR with incomplete hematologic recovery (CRi): all three had AML. No responses were seen in patients with ALL or MDS. Plerixafor mobilized leukemic blasts into the peripheral blood in 14 of 16 evaluable patients (median 3.4‐fold increase), and the degree of mobilization correlated with surface CXCR4 expression.

Conclusions

Plerixafor, in combination with high‐dose cytarabine and etoposide, was well tolerated in children and young adults with relapsed/refractory acute leukemias and MDS. While biologic responses were observed, clinical responses in this heavily pretreated cohort were modest.
Long‐term results of the transmanubrial osteomuscular‐sparing approach for pediatric tumors
Authors: El Madi Aziz , Irtan Sabine , Sauvat Frédérique , Zérah Michel , Schleiermacher Gudrun , Galmiche‐Roland Louise , Minard‐Colin Véronique , Brisse Hervé , Sarnacki Sabine
Published: April 2017

Background

The complete and safe resection of pediatric cervicothoracic tumors, mostly represented by neurogenic tumors, remains a surgical challenge because of the complex anatomy of this region. The transmanubrial osteomuscular‐sparing approach (TOSA) is an alternative to isolated or combined cervical and thoracic approaches enabling the control of supra‐aortic vessels and nerves through the thoracic inlet.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the tumor characteristics, completeness of resection, morbidity, and long‐term outcome of patients with cervicothoracic tumors removed by TOSA between 2000 and 2012 in our institution.

Results

Thirteen patients (7 males, 6 females) underwent surgery at a median age of 72 months (4–188) for neuroblastoma (n = 6), ganglioneuroblastoma (n = 3), rhabdoid tumor (n = 1), melanotic schwannoma (n = 1), chordoma (n = 1), and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor in one patient with type 1 neurofibromatosis. The median duration of the procedure was 215 minutes (110–315). Two children presented with postoperative chylothorax that resolved spontaneously. The median duration of hospitalization was 7 days (4–22). At a median follow‐up of 39 months (2–159), four patients had died of metastatic relapse (n = 2), locoregional progression (n = 1), and chemotoxicity (n = 1). The patient with melanotic schwannoma was lost to follow‐up after a local relapse at 5 months. Long‐term morbidity revealed homolateral Claude‐Bernard Horner sign and upper limb vasomotor dysfunction in disease‐free patients due to mandatory resection of the stellate ganglia.

Conclusions

TOSA is a valuable surgical approach for all cervicothoracic tumors with acceptable long‐term morbidity when compared with its complexity. We can therefore recommend TOSA for tumors involving the thoracic inlet.
Mobilization patterns of children on a hematology/oncology inpatient ward
Authors: Johnston Krista , Deliva Robin , Evans Cathy
Published: April 2017

Background

Children being treated for cancer are admitted to the hospital for treatment of their disease or complications of therapy. Periods of bed rest during hospitalization can cause impairments detrimental to children with cancer who endure many side effects of therapy. Little is known about how these children mobilize while admitted to the hospital. The purpose of this study was to examine how children admitted to a hematology/oncology ward are mobilizing and analyze factors associated with delayed or infrequent mobility.

Procedure

A retrospective chart review was conducted on 228 charts with data recorded on documented mobilization and referrals to physiotherapy. Primary outcome was related to mobility including timing, frequency, type, and nature of mobilization.

Results

Almost half of children (43%) mobilized between 3 and 5 days per week, with median time to first mobilization being 2 days (interquartile range 1–3). Caregivers assisted with mobilization 91% of the time. Children isolated to their room and those reporting fever had a statistically significant decrease in the percent of admission days involving mobilization (mean difference 15 and 8%, respectively) than those not isolated and without fever. Children who were isolated also mobilized 1 day later (P = 0.016) than children who were not isolated. Percentage of time in isolation was positively correlated with timing (P = 0.04) and negatively correlated with frequency of mobilization (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Most children admitted to the hospital for treatment of oncologic or hematologic conditions were noted to mobilize early, but frequency of mobilization could be improved. Periods of time in isolation appear to negatively affect mobilization.
Reduced Graphene Oxide ‐ Zinc Phthalocyanine Composites as Fascinating Material for Optoelectronic and Photocatalytic Applications
Authors: Das Poulomi , Chakraborty Koushik , Chakrabarty Sankalpita , Ghosh Surajit , Pal Tanusri
Published: April 2017

Reduced graphene oxide‐ zinc tetra tert‐butyl phthalocyanine (RGO‐ZnTTBPc) hybrid material has been synthesized through the reduction of graphene oxide (GO) in presence of ZnTTBPc. As‐prepared RGO‐ZnTTBPc thin film photodetector exhibited stable and reproducible photocurrent responses with a responsivity of 2 A/W under simulated solar light.A detailed study on electrical transport mechanism reveals the occurrence of phonon assisted quantum tunneling of charge carriers among the defect states present in RGO ‐ ZnTTBPc system. The relaxation dynamics of charge carriers in the composite is modulated by a temperature independent universal function. Furthermore, the resulting hybrid material showed an enhanced photocatalytic activity with 3.5 times higher reduction rate constant over controlled ZnTTBPc towards the reduction of 4‐nitrophenol under solar light irradiation. Superior photoresponse property and photocatalytic reduction was attributed to the synergistic effect between favorable matching of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) level of ZnTTBPc to the work function of conductive RGO. The present work is especially important in the field of RGO‐based next‐generation photocatalysts and light energy harvesting applications.
Response to a mindful self‐compassion intervention in teens: A within‐person association of mindfulness, self‐compassion, and emotional well‐being outcomes
Authors: Bluth Karen , Eisenlohr‐Moul Tory A.
Published: April 2017

As adolescence can be a stressful developmental stage, the purpose of this study was to determine if a novel mindful self‐compassion program would decrease stress, depressive symptoms, and anxiety and increase resilience, gratitude, and curiosity/exploration (positive risk‐taking), and to ascertain if mindfulness and self‐compassion co‐varied with these outcomes over time. Forty‐seven adolescents in the southeast U.S. enrolled in an 8‐week mindful self‐compassion course in five cohorts. Measures were assessed at pre‐intervention, post‐intervention, and 6‐week follow‐up. Multilevel growth analyses revealed main effects of time on perceived stress, resilience, curiosity/exploration and gratitude. Additionally, both mindfulness and self‐compassion co‐varied with perceived stress and depressive symptoms; mindfulness also co‐varied with anxiety and self‐compassion co‐varied with resilience and curiosity/exploration. Implications of these findings are that this program has potential in decreasing stress and increasing resilience and positive risk‐taking. Future studies with a control group need to be conducted to confirm these findings.
A Meta-analysis of Online Trust Relationships in E-commerce
Authors: Kim Yeolib , Peterson Robert A.
Published: April 2017

A meta-analysis examined the role of online trust in business-to-consumer e-commerce. The analysis of 16 pairwise relationships derived from 150 empirical studies involving online trust revealed that online trust exhibits significant relationships with selected antecedents (e.g., perceived privacy, perceived service quality) and consequences (e.g., loyalty, repeat purchase intention). Even so, additional analyses demonstrated that methodological characteristics such as study design, website type, and type of items used to measure the trust construct moderated certain online trust relationships. These additional analyses indicated that the relationships between online trust and its respective antecedents and consequences are simultaneously more idiosyncratic, complex, and subtle than previously envisioned. Implications of the analyses for theory, practice, and future research are discussed.
One novice teacher and her decisions to address or avoid controversial issues
Authors: Engebretson Kathryn E.
Published: April 2017

Building upon Thornton's (1991) work on teachers as “curricular-instructional gatekeepers,” the author explores what guided the curricular decision-making for one novice teacher concerning controversial issues that center on race, social class, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) issues. Qualitative case study revealed context, student demographics, and teacher positionality as influencing this teacher's choices regarding these themes in her curriculum. Findings indicated that this teacher was willing and able to challenge racist views in her classroom when she was a student teacher and her students more closely mirrored her own race and social class. When she was a full-time teacher of students who were of a different racial and class background, she was unable to similarly challenge their homophobic beliefs. Implications for teacher education are discussed.
The Divided Chinese Welfare System: Do Health and Education Change the Picture?
Authors: Gao Qin , Yang Sui , Zhang Yalu , Li Shi
Published: April 2017

Using the China Household Income Project 2007 data and imputing health and education benefits through microsimulation, this article provides evidence on how the inclusion of health and education benefits might change the estimated size, structure and redistributive effects of the Chinese social welfare system. We find that the inequalities in social welfare systems across the urban–rural–migrant populations persisted, reinforcing the multidimensional inequalities in health and education well documented in the literature. Imputed health benefits were larger and played a greater redistributive role in urban areas than for their rural and migrant peers. Imputed education benefits, on the other hand, played a more equalising role in rural and migrant populations as compared to the urban population. These results highlight the importance for China to use health and education benefits effectively to mitigate such multidimensional inequalities and enhance the life opportunities of disadvantaged citizens, especially children.
A New Battle for History in the Twenty-First Century?
Authors: Trivellato Francesca
Published: April 2017

This article engages with some of the questions raised by David Armitage and Jo Guldi’s “The Return of the longue durée: An Anglo-American Perspective” and their resonance among readers of the Annales. In particular, it challenges the authors’ classification of a variety of different historical studies of short periods of time under the rubric of “microhistory.” It also questions their argument that such studies are evidence of a “moral crisis” that supposedly dominated anglophone historiography from the cultural revolution of 1968 to the global financial crisis of 2008. Furthermore, the article contrasts the less conventional meanings that Fernand Braudel originally attributed to the longue durée with the ways that Armitage and Guldi interpret this expression. Finally, it asks how, in practice, historians are supposed to follow the authors’ invitation to move beyond specialized training and knowledge to produce sweeping new and original interpretations of millennia of human history.
Associations between sleep bruxism and (peri-) implant complications: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Thymi Magdalini , Visscher Corine M , Yoshida-Kohno Eiko , Crielaard Wim , Wismeijer Daniel , Lobbezoo Frank
Published: April 2017

Objectives/Aims:

To describe the protocol of a prospective cohort study designed to answer the question: ‘Is sleep bruxism a risk factor for (peri-)implant complications?’.

Materials and Methods:

Our study is a single-centre, double-blind, prospective cohort study with a follow-up time of 2 years. Ninety-eight participants fulfilling inclusion criteria (planned treatment with implant-supported fixed suprastructure(s) and age 18 years or older) will be included. Sleep bruxism will be monitored at several time points as masticatory muscle activity during sleep by means of a portable single-channel electromyographic device. Our main outcomes are biological complications (i.e., related to peri-implant bleeding, probing depth, marginal bone height, quality of submucosal biofilm and loss of osseointegration) and technical complications (i.e., suprastructure, abutment, implant body or other).

Results:

The study is currently ongoing, and data are being gathered.

Discussion:

The results of this prospective cohort study will provide important information for clinicians treating bruxing patients with dental implants. Furthermore, it will contribute to the body of evidence related to the behaviour of dental implants and their complications under conditions of high mechanical loadings that result from sleep bruxism activity.

Conclusion:

The protocol of a prospective cohort study designed to investigate possible associations between sleep bruxism and (peri-) implant complications was presented.
Hybrid bimetallic-N4 electrocatalyst derived from a pyrolyzed ferrocene–Co-corrole complex for oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Samireddi Satyanarayana , Shown Indrajit , Shen Tzu-Hsien , Huang Hsin-Chih , Wong Ken-Tsung , Chen Li-Chyong , Chen Kuei-Hsien
Published: April 2017

We report a single corrole complex of low symmetric character, comprising binary non-precious metals (Co and Fe), and its pyrolyzed form for enhanced ORR.
Ab initio investigation of Jahn–Teller-distortion-tuned Li-ion migration in λ-MnO2
Authors: Ning Fanghua , Xu Bo , Shi Jing , Su Haibin , Wu Musheng , Liu Gang , Ouyang Chuying
Published: April 2017

The relationship between the Jahn–Teller distortions and the migration barriers is established in λ-MnO2.
Wide band-gap tuning in Sn-based hybrid perovskites through cation replacement: the FA1−xMAxSnBr3 mixed system
Authors: Ferrara Chiara , Patrini Maddalena , Pisanu Ambra , Quadrelli Paolo , Milanese Chiara , Tealdi Cristina , Malavasi Lorenzo
Published: April 2017

Wide modulation of the band gap induced by organic cation replacement in the FA1−xMAxSnBr3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) solid solution.
Cellulose nanofibril nanopapers and bioinspired nanocomposites: a review to understand the mechanical property space
Authors: Benítez A. J. , Walther A.
Published: April 2017

This review discusses the correlation between structure formation, nanostructural details and mechanical properties in biobased high performance materials formed from renewable cellulose nanofibrils.
Eliminated hysteresis and stabilized power output over 20% in planar heterojunction perovskite solar cells by compositional and surface modifications to the low-temperature-processed TiO2 layer
Authors: Cai Feilong , Yang Liyan , Yan Yu , Zhang Jinghui , Qin Fei , Liu Dan , Cheng Yi-Bing , Zhou Yinhua , Wang Tao
Published: April 2017

High performance n–i–p type planar heterojunction PSCs with eliminated hysteresis and stabilized power output over 20% via compositional and surface modifications to a low-temperature-processed TiO2 electron-transport layer (ETL) is reported.
Hierarchically structured polymeric ionic liquids and polyvinylpyrrolidone mat-fibers fabricated by electrospinning
Authors: Montolio Silvia , Abarca Gabriel , Porcar Raúl , Dupont Jairton , Burguete María Isabel , García-Verdugo Eduardo , Luis Santiago V.
Published: April 2017

Different polymeric ionic liquids/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PILs/PVP) fiber membranes were prepared by electrospinning from the corresponding polymeric blends.
Electron acceptors with varied linkages between perylene diimide and benzotrithiophene for efficient fullerene-free solar cells
Authors: Wang Bo , Liu Wenqing , Li Huanbin , Mai Jiangquan , Liu Shiyong , Lu Xinhui , Li Hanying , Shi Minmin , Li Chang-Zhi , Chen Hongzheng
Published: April 2017

A non-fullerene acceptor, Fused-TriPDI with a rigid and planar structure shows a best power conversion efficiency of 6.19% with PTB7-Th, which is around three times higher than that with twisted TriPDI.
The lysosome: a crucial hub for AMPK and mTORC1 signalling
Authors: Carroll Bernadette , Dunlop Elaine A.
Published: April 2017

Much attention has recently been focussed on the lysosome as a signalling hub. Following the initial discovery that localisation of the nutrient-sensitive kinase, mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), to the lysosome was essential for mTORC1 activation, the field has rapidly expanded to reveal the role of the lysosome as a platform permitting the co-ordination of several homeostatic signalling pathways. Much is now understood about how the lysosome contributes to amino acid sensing by mTORC1, the involvement of the energy-sensing kinase, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), at the lysosome and how both AMPK and mTORC1 signalling pathways feedback to lysosomal biogenesis and regeneration following autophagy. This review will cover the classical role of the lysosome in autophagy, the dynamic signalling interactions which take place on the lysosomal surface and the multiple levels of cross-talk which exist between lysosomes, AMPK and mTORC1.
Modelling the power consumption and trade‐offs of virtualised cloud radio access networks
Authors: Alhumaima Raad S. , Al‐Raweshidy H.S.
Published: April 2017

In large‐scale computing centres, the advancement of knowledge in regard to the predicted power consumption (PC) and concerns of host servers that run virtual machines (VMs) could improve the capacity planning and networks’ energy efficiency. A parameterised power model is proposed to explore the individual components within the virtualisation‐based cloud radio access network. The model evaluates the PC and trade‐offs of a server undergoing virtualisation. After cooling and total PC for cloud radio access network architecture, with and without virtualisation have been compared using differentiated parameters, such as varying number of bare‐metal base band units, VMs and system's resource blocks (RBs) share/bandwidth. The results show dramatic decrease in the total PC via virtualising the core network. In addition, the degraded performance of each virtualised server is demonstrated via modelling the execution time and overhead costs. These costs have been resulted from increasing the number of hosted VMs and utilised RBs by each VM.
Application of an improved discretisation method for the rotor‐bearing assembly in the radiated noise analysis using Riccati transfer matrix method
Authors: Feng Chao , Ma Xiaochuan , Hu Zeyan , Luo Yong
Published: April 2017

An improved discretisation method relative to the geometric dimensions of the rotor‐bearing system in the calculation of its critical speeds using the transfer matrix method (TMM) is introduced to enhance the computation precision. This work is motivated by the noise analysis of the power system, wherein the noise source identification in a multiple source environment is challenging and hence the need for a higher degree of accuracy. This new discretisation method is derived according to the principles of the equivalence of mass properties with lumped mass and moment of inertia included. The efficiency of the proposed discretisation method is tested via both simulation studies and real noise data. The Riccati TMM is applied on the equivalent discrete models obtained from the proposed geometric dimension discretisation method (abbreviated to GDDM in this study) as well as the empirical discretisation formula, the comparison of which indicates that the analysis of the rotor‐bearing assembly discretised appropriately enough under the GDDM is capable of providing solutions of critical speed and predictions of vibration modes and noise with better precision.
Localisation of topological features using 3D object representations
Authors: Derdar Salah , Ziou Djemel , Farah Nadir , Khadir Med Tarek
Published: April 2017

Holes, tunnels and cavities of two‐dimensional (2D) and 3D objects are concise topological features used for object representation and recognition. In this study, the authors are representing any cubical tessellation (regular or not) of 2D and 3D objects and dealing with the extraction and the localisation of these features by using homology‐based approach. The cubical tessellation (regular or not) of objects is translated into algebraic language suitable for building a reduced cell complex structure. The extraction of the homology information is equivalent to the estimation of the rank of the homology groups of the reduced complex. The localisation means the reconstruction of the object cycles from the generators of the homology groups. The reduction operation of the cell complex leads to an efficient algorithm. Note that, several objects can be analysed simultaneously by the algorithm conceived in our approach. This algorithm is validated by using 2D and 3D binary images.
From tremella‐like MoS2 to α‐MoO3 nanoplates: sintering synthesis and adsorption properties
Authors: Cui Zhe , Sun Yangang
Published: April 2017

A simple calcination method was explored to synthesise the tremella‐like molybdenum disulphide (MoS2), Mo trioxide (MoO3)/MoS2 and MoO3 nanoplates by using the pristine MoS2 nanosheets as the precursor. The possible formation and growth mechanism from the pristine MoS2 to the tremella‐like MoS2, MoO3/MoS2 nanoplates and MoO3 nanoplates was proposed. It was found that the calcination temperature was a key factor for the formation, ingredient and phase structure of the three samples. The adsorption properties of the three samples for an aqueous solution of methylene blue (MB) at room temperature were investigated. The results revealed that the products exhibit the better adsorption capacities with increasing the ingredient of MoO3 in the transformation process from MoS2 to MoO3. Therefore, the pure MoO3 nanoplates have the highest adsorption and removal rates, which reached 96.9% at MB concentration of 10 mg/l and 90.9% at MB concentration of 20 mg/l.
Vitronectin and Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator Gene Expression Levels Are Increased in Patients with Coronary Artery In-Stent Restenosis
Authors: Shafiee S. , Noorabad-Ghahroodi F. , Amirfarhangi A. , Hosseini-Fard S. , Sharifi Z. , Najafi M.
Published: April 2017

Neointimal hyperplasia is known as a main factor contributing to in-stent restenosis (ISR). Monocytes may play a central role in vessel restenosis process after stent implantation. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between the urokinase-type plasminogen activator (PLAU) and vitronectin (Vtn) gene expression levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cell samples isolated from whole blood of 66 patients undergoing coronary artery angiography (22 controls, stenosis < 0.05%; 22 with stent no-restenosis and stenosis < 70%; and 22 with ISR and stenosis > 70%). The Vtn and PLAU gene expression levels were measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction technique. The age- and gender-independent increases in the expression levels of Vtn (17-fold; p < 0.001) and PLAU (27-fold; p < 0.0001) genes were found in the patients with ISR as compared with the control group. The results suggested that the Vtn and PLAU genes may be involved in the coronary artery ISR.
Motion of metallic microparticles in superfluid helium in the presence of space charge
Authors: Moroshkin P. , Leiderer P. , Kono K.
Published: April 2017

We report an experimental and theoretical study of the motion of metallic micro- and nanoparticles in cryogenic superfluid helium in the presence of a static electric field. Depending on the polarity of the applied field, the system is charged with a large number of positive ions or free electrons. For the electrons, we observe the formation of a negative charge layer above the free surface of liquid He and a shuttle-like motion of metallic particles between this layer and the positively charged bottom electrode. For the positive ions, the positive space charge is created in the liquid and the particle motion resembles bouncing off the (negatively charged) bottom electrode. The observations are explained by a theoretical model based on classical electrostatics and hydrodynamics.
An improved spin-orbit coupling model for use within the effective relativistic coupling by asymptotic representation (ERCAR) method
Authors: Wittenbrink Nils , Eisfeld Wolfgang
Published: April 2017

An improved atomic spin-orbit model is presented, which is designed to be used within the framework of the effective relativistic coupling by asymptotic representation method. This method is used for the generation of highly accurate coupled potential energy surfaces (PESs) to represent the fine structure energies of appropriate systems. The approach is demonstrated using CH3I and its photodissociation as a typical example. The method is based on a specific diabatization of electronic spin-space (“spin-free”) states with respect to the asymptote at which a single relativistic atom is separated from a molecular non-relativistic fragment. Thus, the relativistic coupling effects can be treated entirely within the atomic framework. So far, an effective spin-orbit coupling operator which only accounts for intra-state coupling within each atomic spin-space state was used. In the present work, this approach is extended to account for inter-state couplings among different atomic spin-space states as well. It is shown that this extended approach improves the accuracy of the PESs significantly for higher excited states and also enhances the accuracy of low energy states. In particular, it improves the representation of the spin-orbit induced conical intersection among the 3Q0 and 1Q1 states of CH3I, which is of high relevance for the nonadiabatic quantum dynamics of the photodissociation.
Twisted nematic liquid crystal cells with rubbed poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/poly(styrenesulfonate) films for active polarization control of terahertz waves
Authors: Sasaki Tomoyuki , Okuyama Hiroki , Sakamoto Moritsugu , Noda Kohei , Okamoto Hiroyuki , Kawatsuki Nobuhiro , Ono Hiroshi
Published: April 2017

We fabricated a terahertz (THz) polarization converter using a twisted nematic (TN) liquid crystal (LC) cell. Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT/PSS) films coated on quartz glass substrates were used as electrode layers in the TN LC cell. The PEDOT/PSS films were rubbed unidirectionally using a rayon cloth to align the nematic LC, thereby also serving as an alignment layer. The azimuthal surface anchoring strength of the PEDOT/PSS films was measured to be 5 × 10−4 J/m2 using the Néel wall method, which is similar to that of typical polymeric alignment layers. The optical constants of the PEDOT/PSS film in the THz range were also characterized using the Drude-Smith model, and the results indicated that the PEDOT/PSS films could be used both as transparent electrodes in the THz range and as alignment layers for the LC. The electro-optical properties of the fabricated TN LC cell were also investigated using a polarized visible laser and THz time-domain spectroscopic system. In particular, the transmission spectra and polarization conversion property of the TN LC cell in the THz range were theoretically analyzed based on a stratified model that considers optical anisotropy, absorption, and multiple interference. This work substantiates the advantages of TN LC cells with rubbed PEDOT/PSS films useful for THz polarization converters with electrical tunability.
A close-up look at the spliceosome, at last
Authors: Abelson John
Published: April 2017

Major developments in cryo-electron microscopy in the past three or four years have led to the solution of a number of spliceosome structures at high resolution, e.g., the fully assembled but not yet active spliceosome (Bact), the spliceosome just after the first step of splicing (C), and the spliceosome activated for the second step (C*). Therefore 30 years of genetics and biochemistry of the spliceosome can now be interpreted at the structural level. I have closely examined the RNase H domain of Prp8 in each of the structures. Interestingly, the RNase H domain has different and unexpected roles in each of the catalytic steps of splicing.
The evolutionary origins of antagonistic neurotrophin signaling
Authors: Keeler Austin B. , Deppmann Christopher D.
Published: April 2017

A competitive balance between constructive and destructive developmental cues governs both the form and function of the vertebrate nervous system. In this issue, Foldi et al. (2017. J. Cell Biol. https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201607098) explore the evolutionary origins of these cues and report that in Drosophila melanogaster pro- and mature neurotrophins are capable of inducing death and survival pathways, respectively, by binding Toll receptor family members, which then recruit distinct sets of effector proteins.
ClusPro PeptiDock: efficient global docking of peptide recognition motifs using FFT
Authors: Porter Kathryn A , Xia Bing , Beglov Dmitri , Bohnuud Tanggis , Alam Nawsad , Schueler-Furman Ora , Kozakov Dima
Published: April 2017

We present an approach for the efficient docking of peptide motifs to their free receptor structures. Using a motif based search, we can retrieve structural fragments from the Protein Data Bank (PDB) that are very similar to the peptide’s final, bound conformation. We use a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) based docking method to quickly perform global rigid body docking of these fragments to the receptor. According to CAPRI peptide docking criteria, an acceptable conformation can often be found among the top-ranking predictions.

Availability and Implementation

The method is available as part of the protein-protein docking server ClusPro at https://peptidock.cluspro.org/nousername.php.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Endogenous fishing mortalities: a state-space bioeconomic model
Authors: Da-Rocha José-María , García-Cutrín Javier , Gutiérrez María-José , Jardim Ernesto
Published: April 2017

A methodology that endogenously determines catchability functions that link fishing mortality with contemporaneous stock abundance is presented. We consider a stochastic age-structured model for a fishery composed by a number of fishing units (fleets, vessels or métiers) that optimally select the level of fishing effort to be applied considering total mortalities as given. The introduction of a balance constrain which guarantees that total mortality is equal to the sum of individual fishing mortalities optimally selected, enables total fishing mortality to be determined as a combination of contemporaneous abundance and stochastic processes affecting the fishery. In this way, future abundance can be projected as a dynamic system that depends on contemporaneous abundance. The model is generic and can be applied to several issues of fisheries management. In particular, we illustrate how to apply the methodology to assess the floating band target management regime for controlling fishing mortalities which is inspired in the new multi-annual plans. Our results support this management regime for the Mediterranean demersal fishery in Northern Spain.
Long-Term Impacts of Orthokeratology Treatment on Sub-Basal Nerve Plexus and Corneal Sensitivity Responses and Their Reversibility
Authors: Nombela-Palomo María , Felipe-Marquez Gema , Teus Miguel Angel , Hernandez-Verdejo Jose Luis , Nieto-Bona Amelia
Published: April 2017

Purpose:

To examine the effects of one year of overnight orthokeratology (OK) treatment on the sub-basal nerve plexus (SBNP) and corneal sensitivity and to assess the reversibility of these effects one month after treatment interruption.

Methods:

Thirty-two subjects with low-moderate myopia underwent OK treatment for one year. Fifteen non-contact lens wearers served as controls. At the time points baseline, one year of treatment, and one month after removing the OK lenses, two tests were conducted: corneal sensitivity (Cochet–Bonnet esthesiometer) and SBNP imaging by in vivo confocal microscopy.

Results:

In participants wearing OK lenses, significant reductions over the year were produced in SBNP nerve density (P=0.001 and P=0.006) and number of nerves (P<0.001 and P=0.001) in the central and mid-peripheral cornea, respectively. Differences over the year were also detected in central objective tortuosity (P=0.002). After lens removal, baseline values of nerve density (P=0.024 and P=0.001) and number of nerves (P=0.021 and P<0.001) for the central and mid-peripheral cornea, respectively, were not recovered. At one month post-treatment, a difference was observed from one-year values in central corneal sensitivity (P=0.045) and mid-peripheral Langerhans cell density (P=0.033), and from baseline in mid-peripheral objective tortuosity (P=0.049). Direct correlation was detected at one year between nerve density and tortuosity both in the central (P<0.01; r=0.69) and mid-peripheral cornea (P<0.01; r=0.76).

Conclusions:

Long-term OK treatment led to reduced SBNP nerve density and this was directly correlated with corneal tortuosity. After one month of treatment interruption, nerve density was still reduced.
Evaluated Conjunctival Blood Flow Velocity in Daily Contact Lens Wearers
Authors: Shi Yingying , Hu Liang , Chen Wan , Qu Dongyi , Jiang Hong , Wang Jianhua
Published: April 2017

Objective:

This study examined conjunctival microvasculature development in long-term habitual contact lens (HCL) wearers after a night of sleep.

Methods:

Twenty HCL wearers (15 women and 5 men, aged 28.6±6.9 years, mean age±standard deviation) who had worn contact lenses on a daily basis for at least 3 years and 40 noncontact lens (NCL) wearers (23 women and 17 men, aged 36.5±6.6 years, mean age±standard deviation) participated in the study. A functional slitlamp biomicroscopy imaging system was used to image the temporal bulbar conjunctiva. Imaging was performed in the morning while the contact lens wearers were not wearing their lenses after a night of sleep. The conjunctival vessel diameters, blood flow velocities, and flow rates were measured. In addition, fractal analyses were performed to obtain the vessel network density (Dbox) and complexity (D0).

Results:

The average blood flow velocity in HCL wearers after a night of sleep was 0.59±0.19 mm/s, which was significantly higher than that in NCL wearers (0.48±0.17 mm/s, P<0.05). The microvessel network density and complexity levels (Dbox=1.64±0.05 and D0=1.71±0.05, respectively) in the HCL wearers were significantly higher than those in NCL wearers (Dbox=1.61±0.05 and D0=1.69±0.04, both P<0.05). The blood flow velocity was positively correlated with the duration of contact lens wear (r=0.46, P<0.05) and with the daily number of lens-wearing hours (r=0.49, P<0.05) in HCL wearers.

Conclusions:

This study identified microvascular alterations in the conjunctiva in response to daily contact lens wear after a night of sleep in long-term daily contact lens wearers. The unrecovered changes may indicate that para-inflammation occurs on ocular surfaces because of contact lens wear and that overnight sleeping with no lenses may not sufficiently restore the ocular surface to an intact state.
Water Exposure is a Common Risk Behavior Among Soft and Gas-Permeable Contact Lens Wearers
Authors: Zimmerman Aaron B. , Richdale Kathryn , Mitchell Gladys Lynn , Kinoshita Beth T. , Lam Dawn Y. , Wagner Heidi , Sorbara Luigina , Chalmers Robin L. , Collier Sarah A. , Cope Jennifer R. , Rao Maya M. , Beach Michael J. , Yoder Jonathan S.
Published: April 2017

Purpose:

To understand soft contact lens (SCL) and gas-permeable (GP) lens wearers' behaviors and knowledge regarding exposure of lenses to water.

Methods:

The Contact Lens Risk Survey (CLRS) and health behavior questions were completed online by a convenience sample of 1056 SCL and 85 GP lens wearers aged 20 to 76 years. Participants were asked about exposing their lenses to water and their understanding of risks associated with these behaviors. Chi-square analyses examined relationships between patient behaviors and perceptions.

Results:

GP lens wearers were more likely than SCL wearers to ever rinse or store lenses in water (rinsing: 91% GP, 31% SCL, P < 0.001; storing: 33% GP, 15% SCL P < 0.001). Among SCL wearers, men were more likely to store (24% vs. 13%, P = 0.003) or rinse (41% vs. 29%, P = 0.012) their lenses in water. Showering while wearing lenses was more common in SCL wearers (86%) than GP lens wearers (67%) (P < 0.0001). Swimming while wearing lenses was reported by 62% of SCL wearers and 48% of GP lens wearers (P = 0.027). Wearers who rinsed (SCL; P < 0.0001, GP; P = 0.11) or stored lenses in water (SCL; P < 0.0001, GP P = 0.007) reported that this behavior had little or no effect on their infection risk, compared with those who did not. Both SCL (P < 0.0001) and GP lens wearers (P < 0.0001) perceived that distilled water was safer than tap water for storing or rinsing lenses.

Conclusions:

Despite previously published evidence of Acanthamoeba keratitis' association with water exposure, most SCL, and nearly all GP lens wearers, regularly expose their lenses to water, with many unaware of the risk.
Ocular Motor Manifestations of Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Nerrant Elodie , Tilikete Caroline
Published: April 2017

Background:

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system leading to disability, especially in young patients. Acute or chronic lesions of MS within the brainstem and the cerebellum frequently result in ocular motor disorders.

Evidence Acquisition:

This review encompasses the spectrum of ocular motor disorders in patients with MS emphasizing prevalence, examination findings, diagnostic features, functional consequences, classification of MS course, and management of these disturbances of ocular motility.

Results:

Ocular motor manifestations of MS can occur acutely in relapse or chronically, the latter as a consequence of previous relapses or as a chronic course of the disease. The most frequent and specific acute ocular motor manifestation is uni- or bilateral internuclear ophthalmoplegia (INO). The most frequent chronic manifestations include INO and cerebellar ocular motor disorders such as gaze-evoked nystagmus, saccadic hypermetria, and lack of vestibulo-ocular reflex inhibition. The most disabling syndrome is pendular nystagmus.

Conclusions:

The high prevalence of ocular motor manifestations emphasizes the importance of neuro-ophthalmological examination among patients with MS. Because chronic manifestations may cause minimal or no symptoms, a systematic investigation of the most common manifestations should be performed in daily practice. Appropriate treatment may improve visual outcome in some of these ocular motor disorders.