bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From entanglement witness to generalized Catalan numbers
Authors: Cohen E. , Hansen T. , Itzhaki N.
Published: July 2016

Being extremely important resources in quantum information and computation, it is vital to efficiently detect and properly characterize entangled states. We analyze in this work the problem of entanglement detection for arbitrary spin systems. It is demonstrated how a single measurement of the squared total spin can probabilistically discern separable from entangled many-particle states. For achieving this goal, we construct a tripartite analogy between the degeneracy of entanglement witness eigenstates, tensor products of SO(3) representations and classical lattice walks with special constraints. Within this framework, degeneracies are naturally given by generalized Catalan numbers and determine the fraction of states that are decidedly entangled and also known to be somewhat protected against decoherence. In addition, we introduce the concept of a “sterile entanglement witness”, which for large enough systems detects entanglement without affecting much the system’s state. We discuss when our proposed entanglement witness can be regarded as a sterile one.
Cost-effectiveness of hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis: A national cohort study with 14 years follow-up and matched for comorbidities and propensity score
Authors: Chang Yu-Tzu , Hwang Jing-Shiang , Hung Shih-Yuan , Tsai Min-Sung , Wu Jia-Ling , Sung Junne-Ming , Wang Jung-Der
Published: July 2016

Although treatment for the dialysis population is resource intensive, a cost-effectiveness analysis comparing hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) by matched pairs is still lacking. After matching for clinical characteristics and propensity scores, we identified 4,285 pairs of incident HD and PD patients from a Taiwanese national cohort during 1998–2010. Survival and healthcare expenditure were calculated by data of 14-year follow-up and subsequently extrapolated to lifetime estimates under the assumption of constant excess hazard. We performed a cross-sectional EQ–5D survey on 179 matched pairs of prevalent HD and PD patients of varying dialysis vintages from 12 dialysis units. The product of survival probability and the mean utility value at each time point (dialysis vintage) were summed up throughout lifetime to obtain the quality-adjusted life expectancy (QALE). The results revealed the estimated life expectancy between HD and PD were nearly equal (19.11 versus 19.08 years). The QALE’s were also similar, whereas average lifetime healthcare costs were higher in HD than PD (237,795 versus 204,442 USD) and the cost-effectiveness ratios for PD and HD were 13,681 and 16,643 USD per quality-adjusted life year, respectively. In conclusion, PD is more cost-effective than HD, of which the major determinants were the costs for the dialysis modality and its associated complications.
Surgical management of postpartum haemorrhage: survey of French obstetricians
Authors: Bouet Pierre-Emmanuel , Brun Stéphanie , Madar Hugo , Schinkel Elsa , Merlot Benjamin , Sentilhes Loïc
Published: July 2016

The aim of our study was to assess the theoretical and practical knowledge of French obstetricians about the surgical management of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH). Our study is a national anonymous self-administered survey. A total of 363 obstetricians responded to this questionnaire between December 2013 and April 2014. Questionnaire sent through email to all French obstetricians who are members of either of two federations of hospital-based obstetricians. Answers were collected until the end of June 2014. The main outcome measure was obstetricians’ level of mastery of each surgical technique. The results were analysed descriptively (proportions). Only the 286 questionnaires fully completed were analysed; the complete response rate was 23% (286/1246). In all, 33% (95/286) of the responding obstetricians reported that they had not mastered sufficiently or even at all the technique for bilateral ligation of the uterine arteries, 37% (105/286) for uterine compression suture, 62% (178/286) for ligation of the internal iliac arteries, and 47% (134/286) for emergency peripartum hysterectomy. In all, 18% (52/286) of respondents stated that they had not mastered any of these techniques. Our study shows that a worrisome number of French obstetricians reported insufficient mastery of the surgical techniques for PPH management.
Dynamic spatiotemporal trends of imported dengue fever in Australia
Authors: Huang Xiaodong , Yakob Laith , Devine Gregor , Frentiu Francesca D. , Fu Shiu-Yun , Hu Wenbiao
Published: July 2016

Dengue fever (DF) epidemics in Australia are caused by infected international travellers and confined to Northern Queensland where competent vectors exist. Recent analyses suggest that global trade and climate change could lead to the re-establishment of Ae. aegypti across the country and promote the spread of dengue nationally. This study aimed to describe the dynamic spatiotemporal trends of imported DF cases and their origins, identify the current and potential future high-risk regions and locate areas that might be at particular risk of dengue transmission should competent mosquito vectors expand their range. Our results showed that the geographical distribution of imported DF cases has significantly expanded in mainland Australia over the past decade. In recent years, the geographical distribution of source countries of DF has expanded from the Pacific region and Asia to include Africa and the Americas. Australia is now exposed to dengue importations from all of the regions involved in the current global pandemic. The public health implications of a range expansion of dengue mosquito vectors are severe. Enhanced mosquito surveillance in those areas that have high imported cases is called for to reduce emerging threats from this globally expanding pathogen.
Genomic epidemiology and global diversity of the emerging bacterial pathogen Elizabethkingia anophelis
Authors: Breurec Sebastien , Criscuolo Alexis , Diancourt Laure , Rendueles Olaya , Vandenbogaert Mathias , Passet Virginie , Caro Valérie , Rocha Eduardo P. C. , Touchon Marie , Brisse Sylvain
Published: July 2016

Elizabethkingia anophelis is an emerging pathogen involved in human infections and outbreaks in distinct world regions. We investigated the phylogenetic relationships and pathogenesis-associated genomic features of two neonatal meningitis isolates isolated 5 years apart from one hospital in Central African Republic and compared them with Elizabethkingia from other regions and sources. Average nucleotide identity firmly confirmed that E. anophelis, E. meningoseptica and E. miricola represent demarcated genomic species. A core genome multilocus sequence typing scheme, broadly applicable to Elizabethkingia species, was developed and made publicly available (http://bigsdb.pasteur.fr/elizabethkingia). Phylogenetic analysis revealed distinct E. anophelis sublineages and demonstrated high genetic relatedness between the African isolates, compatible with persistence of the strain in the hospital environment. CRISPR spacer variation between the African isolates was mirrored by the presence of a large mobile genetic element. The pan-genome of E. anophelis comprised 6,880 gene families, underlining genomic heterogeneity of this species. African isolates carried unique resistance genes acquired by horizontal transfer. We demonstrated the presence of extensive variation of the capsular polysaccharide synthesis gene cluster in E. anophelis. Our results demonstrate the dynamic evolution of this emerging pathogen and the power of genomic approaches for Elizabethkingia identification, population biology and epidemiology.
Stable preparations of tyrosine hydroxylase provide the solution structure of the full-length enzyme
Authors: Bezem Maria T. , Baumann Anne , Skjærven Lars , Meyer Romain , Kursula Petri , Martinez Aurora , Flydal Marte I.
Published: July 2016

Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) catalyzes the rate-limiting step in the biosynthesis of catecholamine neurotransmitters. TH is a highly complex enzyme at mechanistic, structural and regulatory levels and the preparation of kinetically and conformationally stable enzyme for structural characterization has been challenging. Here, we report on improved protocols for purification of recombinant human TH isoform 1 (TH1), which provide large amounts of pure, stable, active TH1 with an intact N-terminus. TH1 purified through fusion with a His-tagged maltose-binding protein on amylose resin was representative of the iron-bound functional enzyme, showing high activity and stabilization by the natural feedback inhibitor dopamine. TH1 purified through fusion with a His-tagged ZZ domain on TALON is remarkably stable, as it was partially inhibited by resin-derived cobalt. This more stable enzyme preparation provided high-quality small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) data and reliable structural models of full-length tetrameric TH1. The SAXS-derived model reveals an elongated conformation (Dmax = 20 nm) for TH1, different arrangement of the catalytic domains compared with the crystal structure of truncated forms and an N-terminal region with an unstructured tail that hosts the phosphorylation sites and a separated Ala-rich helical motif that may have a role in regulation of TH by interacting with binding partners.
Rapid identification of intact bacterial resistance plasmids via optical mapping of single DNA molecules
Authors: Nyberg Lena K. , Quaderi Saair , Emilsson Gustav , Karami Nahid , Lagerstedt Erik , Müller Vilhelm , Noble Charleston , Hammarberg Susanna , Nilsson Adam N. , Sjöberg Fei , Fritzsche Joachim , Kristiansson Erik , Sandegren Linus , Ambjörnsson Tobias , Westerlund Fredrik
Published: July 2016

The rapid spread of antibiotic resistance – currently one of the greatest threats to human health according to WHO – is to a large extent enabled by plasmid-mediated horizontal transfer of resistance genes. Rapid identification and characterization of plasmids is thus important both for individual clinical outcomes and for epidemiological monitoring of antibiotic resistance. Toward this aim, we have developed an optical DNA mapping procedure where individual intact plasmids are elongated within nanofluidic channels and visualized through fluorescence microscopy, yielding barcodes that reflect the underlying sequence. The assay rapidly identifies plasmids through statistical comparisons with barcodes based on publicly available sequence repositories and also enables detection of structural variations. Since the assay yields holistic sequence information for individual intact plasmids, it is an ideal complement to next generation sequencing efforts which involve reassembly of sequence reads from fragmented DNA molecules. The assay should be applicable in microbiology labs around the world in applications ranging from fundamental plasmid biology to clinical epidemiology and diagnostics.
Temporal asynchrony and spatial perception
Authors: Lev Maria , Polat Uri
Published: July 2016

Collinear facilitation is an enhancement in the visibility of a target by laterally placed iso-oriented flankers in a collinear (COL) configuration. Iso-oriented flankers placed in a non-collinear configuration (side-by-side, SBS) produce less facilitation. Surprisingly, presentation of both configurations simultaneously (ISO-CROSS) abolishes the facilitation rather than increases it - a phenomenon that can’t be fully explained by the spatial properties of the target and flankers. Based on our preliminary data and recent studies, we hypothesized that there might be a novel explanation based on the temporal properties of the excitation and inhibition, resulting in asynchrony between the lateral inputs received from COL and SBS, leading to cancelation of the facilitatory component in ISO-CROSS. We explored this effect using a detection task in humans. The results replicated the previous results showing that the preferred facilitation for COL and SBS was abolished for the ISO-CROSS configuration. However, presenting the SBS flankers, but not the COL flankers 20 msec before ISO-CROSS restored the facilitatory effect. We propose a novel explanation that the perceptual advantage of collinear facilitation may be cancelled by the delayed input from the sides; thus, the final perception is determined by the overall spatial-temporal integration of the lateral interactions.
Screening for Gram-negative bacteria: Impact of preanalytical parameters
Authors: Warnke Philipp , Johanna Pohl Friederike Pola , Kundt Guenther , Podbielski Andreas
Published: July 2016

Screening recommendations for multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria comprise microbiological analyses from rectal swabs. However, essential specifications of the preanalytic steps of such screenings, i.e. the sampling technique, sampling devices and sampling site, are lacking. For standardized and optimum screening conditions these parameters are indispensable. Here, the optimum parameters were examined irrespective of the antibiotic resistance patterns of the target bacteria in order to establish a general basis for this type of screening. Swabs with rayon, polyurethane-cellular-foam and nylon-flocked tips were tested. Different sampling locations were evaluated, i.e. perianal, intraanal and deep intraanal. Subjects were swabbed and quantities of E. coli, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii were assessed. Overall prevalences of E. coli, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii were 94%, 16%, 12% and 2%, respectively. Bacterial recovery rates were independent from the sampling-timepoint during hospital stay. Polyurethane-cellular-foam or nylon-flocked swabs recovered significantly more bacteria as compared to rayon swabs. Intraanal swabbing resulted in significantly higher bacterial quantities as compared to perianal swabbing. In contrast, for the detection of A. baumannii, perianal swabbing seems more suitable than intraanal swabbing. Gender-related differences in bacterial recovery could be detected from perianal but not from intraanal swabs.
Electrochemical deposition of conductive and adhesive polypyrrole-dopamine films
Authors: Kim Semin , Jang Lindy K. , Park Hyun S. , Lee Jae Young
Published: July 2016

Electrode surfaces have been widely modified with electrically conductive polymers, including polypyrrole (PPY), to improve the performance of electrodes. To utilize conductive polymers for electrode modification, strong adhesion between the polymer films and electrode substrates should be ensured with high electrical/electrochemical activities. In this study, PPY films were electrochemically polymerized on electrodes (e.g., indium tin oxide (ITO)) with dopamine as a bio-inspired adhesive molecule. Efficient and fast PPY electrodeposition with dopamine (PDA/PPY) was found; the resultant PDA/PPY films exhibited greatly increased adhesion strengths of up to 3.7 ± 0.8 MPa and the modified electrodes had electrochemical impedances two to three orders of magnitude lower than that of an unmodified electrode. This electrochemical deposition of adhesive and conductive PDA/PPY offers a facile and versatile electrode modification for various applications, such as biosensors and batteries.
Three Distinct Glutamate Decarboxylase Genes in Vertebrates
Authors: Grone Brian P. , Maruska Karen P.
Published: July 2016

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a widely conserved signaling molecule that in animals has been adapted as a neurotransmitter. GABA is synthesized from the amino acid glutamate by the action of glutamate decarboxylases (GADs). Two vertebrate genes, GAD1 and GAD2, encode distinct GAD proteins: GAD67 and GAD65, respectively. We have identified a third vertebrate GAD gene, GAD3. This gene is conserved in fishes as well as tetrapods. We analyzed protein sequence, gene structure, synteny and phylogenetics to identify GAD3 as a homolog of GAD1 and GAD2. Interestingly, we found that GAD3 was lost in the hominid lineage. Because of the importance of GABA as a neurotransmitter, GAD3 may play important roles in vertebrate nervous systems.
Correction: Corrigendum: Transcriptional repression of SIRT1 by protein inhibitor of activated STAT 4 (PIAS4) in hepatic stellate cells contributes to liver fibrosis
Authors: Sun Lina , Fan Zhiwen , Chen Junliang , Tian Wenfang , Li Min , Xu Huihui , Wu Xiaoyan , Shao Jing , Bian Yaoyao , Fang Mingming , Xu Yong
Published: July 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 28432; published online: 21 June 2016; updated: 27 July 2016. In the original version of this Article, Jing Shao and Yaoyao Bian were incorrectly affiliated with the ‘School of Nursing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China’ and ‘School of BasicMedical Sciences, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China’ respectively.
Combined Detoxification and In-situ Product Removal by a Single Resin During Lignocellulosic Butanol Production
Authors: Gao Kai , Rehmann Lars
Published: July 2016

Phragmites australis (an invasive plant in North America) was used as feedstock for ABE (acetone-butanol-ethanol) fermentation by Clostridium saccharobutylicum. Sulphuric acid pretreated phragmites hydrolysate (SAEH) without detoxification inhibited butanol production (0.73 g/L butanol from 30 g/L sugars). The treatment of SAEH with resin L-493 prior the fermentation resulted in no inhibitory effects and an ABE titer of 14.44 g/L, including 5.49 g/L butanol was obtained, corresponding to an ABE yield and productivity of 0.49 g/g and 0.60 g/L/h, respectively. Dual functionality of the resin was realized by also using it as an in-situ product removal agent. Integrating in-situ product removal allowed for the use of high substrate concentrations without the typical product inhibition. Resin-detoxified SAEH was supplemented with neat glucose and an effective ABE titer of 33 g/L (including 13.7 g/L acetone, 16.4 g/L butanol and 1.9 g/L ethanol) was achieved with resin-based in-situ product removal, corresponding to an ABE yield and productivity of 0.41 g/g and 0.69 g/L/h, respectively. Both detoxification of the substrate and the products was achieved by the same resin, which was added prior the fermentation. Integrating hydrolysate detoxification and in-situ butanol removal in a batch process through single resin can potentially simplify cellulosic butanol production.
Ediacaran discs from South America: probable soft-bodied macrofossils unlock the paleogeography of the Clymene Ocean
Authors: Arrouy María Julia , Warren Lucas V. , Quaglio Fernanda , Poiré Daniel G. , Simões Marcello Guimarães , Rosa Milena Boselli , Peral Lucía E. Gómez
Published: July 2016

The origin, affinity and paleoecology of macrofossils of soft-bodied organisms of the terminal Ediacaran Period have been highly debated. Previous discoveries in South America are restricted to small shelly metazoans of the Nama Assemblage. Here we report for the first time the occurrence of discoidal structures from the Upper Ediacaran Cerro Negro Formation, La Providencia Group, Argentina. Specimens are preserved in tabular sandstones with microbially-induced sedimentary structures. Flute marks and linear scours at the base of the sandstone layers indicate deposition under high energy, episodic flows. Stratigraphic, sedimentologic, petrographic and taphonomic analyses indicate that the origin of these structures is not related to abiotic process. Preservational and morphological features, as invagination and the presence of radial grooves, indicate that they resemble typical morphs of the Aspidella plexus. The large number of small-sized individuals and the wide range of size classes with skewed distribution suggest that they lived in high-density communities. The presence of Aspidella in the Cerro Negro Formation would represent the first reliable record of Ediacaran soft-bodied organisms in South America. It also supports the paleogeographic scenario of the Clymene Ocean, in which a shallow sea covered part of the southwest Gondwana at the end of the Ediacaran.
Comparison and Interpretation of Taxonomical Structure of Bacterial Communities in Two Types of Lakes on Yun-Gui plateau of China
Authors: Han Maozhen , Gong Yanhai , Zhou Chunyu , Zhang Junqian , Wang Zhi , Ning Kang
Published: July 2016

Bacterial communities from freshwater lakes are shaped by various factors such as nutrients, pH value, temperature, etc. Their compositions and relative abundances would undergo changes to adapt the changing environments and in turn could affect the environments of freshwater lakes. Analyses of the freshwater lake’s bacterial communities under different environments would be of pivotal importance to monitor the condition of waterbody. In this study, we have collected freshwater samples from two lakes on Yun-Gui plateau of China, Lake Dianchi and Lake Haixihai and analyzed the bacterial community structures from these samples based on 16S rRNA sequencing. Results have shown that: Firstly, the bacterial community of these samples have very different taxonomical structures, not only between two lakes but also among the intra-groups for samples collected from Dianchi. Secondly, the differences between samples from two lakes are highly associated with the chemical-geographical properties of the two lakes. Thirdly, for samples of Dianchi and Haixihai, analytical results of physicochemical, taxonomical structure and relative abundance of community revealed that extreme physicochemical factors caused by human activities have strongly affected the bacterial ecosystem in Dianchi. These results have clearly indicated the importance of combining biological profiling and chemical-geographical properties for monitoring Chinese plateau freshwater bacterial ecosystem, which could provide clues for Chinese freshwater ecosystem remediation on plateau.
Designing high-energy lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Seh Zhi Wei , Sun Yongming , Zhang Qianfan , Cui Yi
Published: July 2016

This review summarizes major developments in the field of lithium–sulfur batteries with a focus on successful material design strategies.
Carboxylated cyclofructan 6 as a hydrolytically stable high efficiency stationary phase for hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography and mixed mode separations
Authors: Wang Yadi , Wahab M. Farooq , Breitbach Zachary S. , Armstrong Daniel W.
Published: July 2016

Stationary phases composed of native cyclofructan 6 (CF6) and benzoic acid modified CF6 were synthesized and evaluated for hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC).
Using the dendritic polymer PAMAM to form gold nanoparticles in the protein cage thermosome
Authors: Nussbaumer Martin G. , Bisig Christoph , Bruns Nico
Published: July 2016

Many protein cages, including the chaperonin thermosome (THS), lack the ability to form inorganic nanoparticles. By conjugation of PAMAM into THS, metal ions could bind to the dendrimer and allowed the formation of gold nanoparticles in the protein cage.
Hydrogen cleavage by solid-phase frustrated Lewis pairs
Authors: Xing Jun-Yi , Buffet Jean-Charles , Rees Nicholas H. , Nørby Peter , O'Hare Dermot
Published: July 2016

We report the direct synthesis of a solid-phase frustrated Lewis pair (s-FLP), reaction with H2 under mild conditions led to heterolytic H–H bond cleavage and the formation of [SiOB(H)(C6F5)2][tBu3PH].
The limiting conductivity of the borate ion and its ion-pair formation constants with sodium and potassium under hydrothermal conditions
Authors: Arcis H. , Ferguson J. P. , Zimmerman G. H. , Tremaine P. R.
Published: July 2016

The limiting conductivity of borate and its association constants with sodium and potassium ions have been determined from T = 298 K to T = 623 K at p = 20 MPa, using a high-precision flow AC conductivity instrument.
Probing the Sudlow binding site with warfarin: how does gold nanocluster growth alter human serum albumin?
Authors: Russell B. A. , Mulheran P. A. , Birch D. J. S. , Chen Y.
Published: July 2016

Gold Nanoclusters (AuNCs) synthesised using Human Serum Albumin (HSA) as a stable scaffold are shown to modify the major drug binding site, Sudlow site I. Upon AuNC nucleation within HSA, warfarin was observed to no longer bind to Sudlow I, remaining free in solution.
The role of surfaces, chemical interfaces, and disorder on plutonium incorporation in pyrochlores
Authors: Perriot Romain , Dholabhai Pratik P. , Uberuaga Blas P.
Published: July 2016

The chemistry of pyrochlores can be used to design core–shell structures mitigating surface segregation, while allowing to independently getter solutes of different valence charge.
Tunable electronic structures of germanium monochalcogenide nanosheets via light non-metallic atom functionalization: a first-principles study
Authors: Ding Yi , Wang Yanli
Published: July 2016

The binary analogues of phosphorene, GeS and GeSe nanosheets, exhibit versatile electronic and magnetic properties through light atom functionalization.
A two excited state model to explain the peculiar photobehaviour of a flexible quadrupolar D–π–D anthracene derivative
Authors: Carlotti B. , Cesaretti A. , Gentili P. L. , Marrocchi A. , Elisei F. , Spalletti A.
Published: July 2016

The excited state deactivation of the investigated compound involves two distinct fluorescent states. 1A* → 1B* transition is accompanied by structural motions, with the 1B* state exhibiting a certain ICT character.
Direct observation of slow intersystem crossing in an aromatic ketone, fluorenone
Authors: Soep Benoît , Mestdagh Jean-Michel , Briant Marc , Gaveau Marc-André , Poisson Lionel
Published: July 2016

Direct measurements of Single vibronic Level InterSystem Crossing (SLISC) performed on the fluorenone molecule in the gas phase, by time resolved photoelectron spectroscopy, revealed the dramatic importance of its structure on intersystem crossing.
Variation of excited-state dynamics in trifluoromethyl functionalized C60 fullerenes
Authors: Park Jaehong , Ramirez Jessica J. , Clikeman Tyler T. , Larson Bryon W. , Boltalina Olga V. , Strauss Steven H. , Rumbles Garry
Published: July 2016

Excited-state studies of trifluoromethyl functionalized C60 fullerenes show the substantial modulation of intrinsic optical properties and excited-state dynamics by the substitution on fullerenes.
Surface area-dependent second harmonic generation from silver nanorods
Authors: Ngo Hoang Minh , Luong Thanh Tuyen , Ledoux-Rak Isabelle
Published: July 2016

We have evidenced strong first hyperpolarizabilities in silver nanorods (AgNRs) for the first time. The first hyperpolarizability β values linearly depend on the surface area of AgNRs.
Three-dimensional macro-structures of two-dimensional nanomaterials
Authors: Shehzad Khurram , Xu Yang , Gao Chao , Duan Xiangfeng
Published: July 2016

This review summarizes the recent progress and efforts in the synthesis, structure, properties, and applications of three-dimensional macro-structures of two-dimensional nanomaterials.
Fe3O4@mSiO2-FA-CuS-PEG nanocomposites for magnetic resonance imaging and targeted chemo-photothermal synergistic therapy of cancer cells
Authors: Gao Zhifang , Liu Xijian , Deng Guoying , Zhou Feng , Zhang Lijuan , Wang Qian , Lu Jie
Published: July 2016

A new multifunctional Fe3O4@mSiO2-FA-CuS-PEG nanocomposite has been fabricated for MRI guided targeted chemo-photothermal synergetic therapy.
The relay network of Geobacter biofilms
Authors: Ordóñez M. V. , Schrott G. D. , Massazza D. A. , Busalmen J. P.
Published: July 2016

The finding of cytochrome complexes in the external matrix of electricity producing biofilms supports the proposal of a new functional model, in which electrons expelled by cells are conducted to the collecting electrode along a redox network interconnected by semiconducting pilus fibres.
Release from nanomaterials during their use phase: combined mechanical and chemical stresses applied to simple and multi-filler nanocomposites mimicking wear of nano-reinforced tires
Authors: Wohlleben Wendel , Meyer Jessica , Muller Julie , Müller Philipp , Vilsmeier Klaus , Stahlmecke Burkard , Kuhlbusch Thomas A. J.
Published: July 2016

We explore synergistic degradation, such as the mechanical/chemical/mechanical secondary fragmentation of rubber with multiple simultaneously embedded nanomaterials.
Clean synthesis of primary to tertiary carboxamides by CsOH-catalyzed aminolysis of nitriles in water
Authors: Li Yang , Chen Haonan , Liu Jianping , Wan Xujun , Xu Qing
Published: July 2016

Using CsOH as the only catalyst and utilizing its “cesium effect”, a clean synthesis of a wide range of primary, secondary, and tertiary carboxamides was achieved by aminolysis reactions of nitriles with ammonia, primary, or secondary amines in water.
The splice variant Ehm2/1 in breast cancer MCF-7 cells interacted with β-catenin and increased its localization to plasma membrane
Authors: Yu Hefen , Ge Zhicheng , Si Yang , Chen Gang , Zhang Yuxiang , Jiang Wen G.
Published: July 2016

Ehm2, which belongs to the FERM superfamily, is a metastasis-associated protein.
Oral delivery of quercetin to diabetic animals using novel pH responsive carboxypropionylated chitosan/alginate microparticles
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Piyasi , Maity Subhajit , Chakraborty Sandipan , Rudra Ruchira , Ghodadara Hiral , Solanki Manisha , Chakraborti Abhay Sankar , Prajapati A. K. , Kundu P. P.
Published: July 2016

Schematic diagram showing the formation of bioflavonoid quercetin loaded succinyl chitosan/alginate microparticles and its hypoglycaemic effect after oral feeding in diabetic rat model.
Surface modification of ferrite nanoparticles with dicarboxylic acids for the synthesis of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural: a novel and green protocol
Authors: Shaikh Melad , Sahu Mahendra , Atyam Kiran Kumar , Ranganath Kalluri V. S.
Published: July 2016

5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) has been synthesized under solvent free conditions using surface modified ferrite nanoparticles. The flexible ligand modified ferrites showed higher activity than rigid modified ferrites.
Facile preparation, through Schiff base formation, of luminescent amphiphilic carbohydrate polymers with aggregation-induced emission characteristics for biological imaging
Authors: Xue Yun , Liu Meiying , Huang Hongye , Deng Fengjie , Zeng Guangjian , Wan Qing , Liang Shangdong , Zhang Xiaoyong , Wei Yen
Published: July 2016

Luminescent polymeric nanoparticles with aggregation-induced emission characteristics were fabricated via formation of a dynamic Schiff base between amino group-containing AIE dye and oxidation starch in the presence of water.
Treatment with dibenzoxanthenes inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of HepG2 cells via the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway
Authors: Chen Yong , Yang Hui-Hui , Wang Xiu-Zhen , Song Hua-Can
Published: July 2016

Dibenzoxanthenes were reported to possess antitumor biological activity.
Ag-catalyzed diastereoselective [6 + 3] cycloaddition of tropone with homoserine lactone-derived azomethine ylides: synthesis of tricyclic spiropiperidines
Authors: Wu Yang , Liu Honglei , Zhang Lei , Sun Zhanhu , Xiao Yumei , Huang Jiaxing , Wang Min , Guo Hongchao
Published: July 2016

Ag-catalyzed [6 + 3] cycloaddition of tropone with homoserine lactone derived azomethine ylides has been developed.
Highly active and durable flowerlike Pd/Ni(OH)2 catalyst for the electrooxidation of ethanol in alkaline medium
Authors: Zhong Jiatai , Bin Duan , Yan Bo , Feng Yue , Zhang Ke , Wang Jin , Wang Caiqin , Shiraishi Yukihide , Yang Ping , Du Yukou
Published: July 2016

Ni(OH)2 plays the key role in promoting the dissociative adsorption of water molecules and subsequent oxidative removal of poisonous intermediates on neighbor palladium sites.
Friend or foe? The role of solvents in non-triplet, intraligand charge transfer sensitization of lanthanide(iii) luminescence
Authors: Lo Wai-Sum , Wong Wing-Tak , Law Ga-Lai
Published: July 2016

A comprehensive photophysical and solvatochromic study is conducted to evaluate the luminescence properties of our Eu(iii), Sm(iii) and Yb(iii) complexes.
Immobilization of dye pollutants on iron hydroxide coated substrates: kinetics, efficiency and the adsorption mechanism
Authors: Liu Junyi , Wong Lai Mun , Gurudayal Gurudayal , Wong Lydia Helena , Chiam Sing Yang , Yau Li Sam Fong , Ren Yi
Published: July 2016

Study of the adsorption properties of highly effective metal hydroxide coatings for direct pollutant immobilization and removal.
Novel multifunctionalized peryleneteracarboxylic/amine supramolecules for electrochemical assay
Authors: Chang Yuanyuan , Zhuo Ying , Chai Yaqin , Xie Shunbi , Yuan Ruo
Published: July 2016

Novel multifunctionalized peryleneteracarboxylic supramolecules were synthesized for electrochemical assay, and the probable mechanism that these supramolecules could conciliate disorderly redox peaks of PTCA to obtain a pair of well-defined redox peaks for acting as a redox carrier for charge-generation and electron-transportation was discussed for the first time.
Constructing small molecular AIE luminophores through a 2,2-(2,2-diphenylethene-1,1-diyl)dithiophene core and peripheral triphenylamine with applications in piezofluorochromism, optical waveguides, and explosive detection
Authors: Chang Zheng-Feng , Jing Ling-Min , Liu Ying-Ying , Liu Jun-Jie , Ye Yan-Chun , Zhao Yong Sheng , Yuan Si-Chun , Wang Jin-Liang
Published: July 2016

Constructing small molecular AIE luminophores through heterocycle-based core with applications in piezofluorochromism, optical waveguide, and explosive detection.
Photoisomerization and optical behavior study of a subphthalocyanine–bisazobenzene–subphthalocyanine triad with visible-light response
Authors: Shi Maohu , Mack John , Yin Luan , Wang Xiaoyong , Shen Zhen
Published: July 2016

A novel subPc–BAB–subPc triad exhibits significant fluorescence on–off switching upon E,E ↔ E,Z photoisomerization of the bisazobenzene moiety.
Fluoride-induced headkidney macrophage cell apoptosis involves activation of the CaMKIIg-ERK 1/2-caspase-8 axis: the role of superoxide in initiating the apoptotic cascade
Authors: Singh Rashmi , Banerjee Chaitali , Ray Atish , Rajamani Paulraj , Mazumder Shibnath
Published: July 2016

Fluoride is known to induce apoptosis though the mechanisms remain obscure.
CD133-positive dermal papilla-derived Wnt ligands regulate postnatal hair growth
Authors: Zhou Linli , Yang Kun , Carpenter April , Lang Richard A. , Andl Thomas , Zhang Yuhang
Published: July 2016

Active Wnt/β-catenin signaling in the dermal papilla (DP) is required for postnatal hair cycling. In addition, maintenance of the hair-inducing ability of DP cells in vitro requires external addition of Wnt molecules. However, whether DP cells are a critical source of Wnt ligands and induce both autocrine and paracrine signaling cascades to promote adult hair follicle growth and regeneration remains elusive. To address this question, we generated an animal model that allows inducible ablation of Wntless (Wls), a transmembrane Wnt exporter protein, in CD133-positive (CD133+) DP cells. CD133+ cells have been shown to be a specific subpopulation of cells in the DP, which possesses the hair-inducing capability. Here, we show that ablation of Wls expression in CD133+ DP cells results in a shortened period of postnatal hair growth. Mutant hair follicles were unable to enter full anagen (hair growth stage) and progressed toward a rapid regression. Notably, reduced size of the DP and decreased expression of anagen DP marker, versican, were observed in hair follicles when CD133+ DP cells lost Wls expression. Further analysis showed that Wls-deficient CD133+ DP cells led to reduced proliferation and differentiation in matrix keratinocytes and melanocytes that are needed for the generation of the hair follicle structure and a pigmented hair shaft. These findings clearly demonstrate that Wnt ligands produced by CD133+ DP cells play an important role in postnatal hair growth by maintaining the inductivity of DP cells and mediating the signaling cross-talk between the mesenchyme and the epithelial compartment.
Structure and substrate fingerprint of aminopeptidase P from Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Drinkwater Nyssa , Sivaraman Komagal Kannan , Bamert Rebecca S. , Rut Wioletta , Mohamed Khadija , Vinh Natalie B. , Scammells Peter J. , Drag Marcin , McGowan Sheena
Published: July 2016

Malaria is one of the world's most prevalent parasitic diseases, with over 200 million cases annually. Alarmingly, the spread of drug-resistant parasites threatens the effectiveness of current antimalarials and has made the development of novel therapeutic strategies a global health priority. Malaria parasites have a complicated lifecycle, involving an asymptomatic ‘liver stage’ and a symptomatic ‘blood stage’. During the blood stage, the parasites utilise a proteolytic cascade to digest host hemoglobin, which produces free amino acids absolutely necessary for parasite growth and reproduction. The enzymes required for hemoglobin digestion are therefore attractive therapeutic targets. The final step of the cascade is catalyzed by several metalloaminopeptidases, including aminopeptidase P (APP). We developed a novel platform to examine the substrate fingerprint of APP from Plasmodium falciparum (PfAPP) and to show that it can catalyze the removal of any residue immediately prior to a proline. Further, we have determined the crystal structure of PfAPP and present the first examination of the 3D structure of this essential malarial enzyme. Together, these analyses provide insights into potential mechanisms of inhibition that could be used to develop novel antimalarial therapeutics.
Real Ear Versus Artificial Mastoid Methods of Calibration of Bone-Conduction Vibrators
Authors: Wilber Laura Ann , Goodhill Victor
Published: July 2016

Two studies were carried out to determine the usefulness of the artificial mastoid for calibration of bone-conduction vibrators as opposed to that of the real-ear calibration technique. It was found that the artificial mastoid allows more precise comparison between vibrators than does the real-ear method. Differences in frequency response characteristics, harmonic distortion, and intensity output can readily be detected with the use of the artificial mastoid, while such comparisons appear to be less precise and more variable with the real-ear calibration method.
Clinical Application of Evoked Response Audiometry
Authors: McCandless Geary A.
Published: July 2016

Summed evoked cortical responses to auditory stimuli were recorded on 128 clinical patients who were unable or unwilling to respond accurately to conventional audiometric techniques. Definable responses were recorded on 90 of 102 children, age 10 and younger. Subjective audiometric thresholds on children old enough to respond tended to be slightly lower than evoked response thresholds. Technically less satisfactory results were obtained in the very young child, but responses were more reliable on children age 2 and older. Evoked response audiometry in older children and adults with nonorganic hearing loss were easily measured and appeared to give an accurate measure of auditory sensitivity.

There is considerable difficulty in the interpretation of ERA measures in younger children due to influences on the response waveform of rapid changes in the alerting level. Interpretations of response should be made only after considerable experience in the use of the ERA technique.
Relations Among Hearing, Reaction Time, and Age
Authors: Feldman R. Michael , Reger Scott N.
Published: July 2016

Thirty-six males between the ages of 50 and 86 were given pure-tone and speech tests and three tests of simple reaction time to evaluate the relation of auditory sensitivity and reaction time performance to discrimination ability. Impairment in puretone sensitivity, primarily for high frequencies, speech reception threshold, and discrimination score, as well as an increase in reaction time was found with increasing age. Multiple regression analyses indicated that 72% of the variability in discrimination score could be accounted for on the basis of the pure-tone thresholds at 250 and 1000 Hz and tactile and auditory reaction times. The findings are interpreted as suggesting that auditory sensitivity problems evidenced by the aged may be accounted for on the basis of peripheral mechanical, sensory, and neural factors, while the discrimination problem is a composite of both peripheral and central factors.
Phrase-Learning in Deaf and Hearing Subjects
Authors: Odom Penelope B. , Blanton Richard L.
Published: July 2016

Two groups each containing 24 deaf subjects were compared with 24 fifth graders and 24 twelfth graders with normal hearing on the learning of segments of written English. Eight subjects from each group learned phrasally defined segments such as “paid the tall lady,” eight more learned the same words in nonphrases having acceptable English word order such as “lady paid the tall,” and the remaining eight in each group learned the same words scrambled, “lady tall the paid.” The task consisted of 12 study-test trials. Analyses of the mean number of words recalled correctly and the probability of recalling the whole phrase correctly, given that one word of it was recalled, indicated that both ages of hearing subjects showed facilitation on the phrasally defined segments, interference on the scrambled segments. The deaf groups showed no differential recall as a function of phrasal structure. It was concluded that the deaf do not possess the same perceptual or memory processes with regard to English as do the hearing subjects.
Lingual Pressures Associated with Alveolar Consonants
Authors: McGlone Robert E. , Proffit William R. , Christiansen Richard L.
Published: July 2016

Measures of lingual pressures which occurred during syllable utterances by 10 young adults were recorded superior and lingual to the left and right maxillary first molars and central incisors by strain gauge pressure transducers. These recordings were obtained during fast and slow utterance rates of selected consonant-vowel and vowel-consonant syllables. Measurement of these recordings showed: (1) mean peak lingual pressure varied depending upon the consonant and its position in the syllable; (2) peak pressures obtained from the molar region were less variable and generally greater than found in the central incisor region; (3) integrated time pressure values for entire syllables showed no appreciable difference at different transducer positions; and (4) greater integrated time pressure measures as well as greater variability was found for syllables repeated rapidly compared to slower utterances.
Testing the Significance of the Agreement Among Observers
Authors: Young Martin A. , Downs Tom D.
Published: July 2016

Ratings by observers are often used in speech pathology to measure complex speech dimensions; this seems reasonable since a speech “disorder” represents the product of an observer’s evaluation and a speaker’s performance. An index of the validity of these evaluations may be estimated by the amount of agreement among the observers. In this paper, the semi-interquartile range and the intraclass correlation are discussed as possible indices of agreement, and another index is suggested, based on the range of observer ratings. Under the assumption that the distribution of ratings is uniform when ratings are randomly assigned, that is, the observers show no agreement, tables were constructed to indicate the probability of any range for selected numbers of observers and rating scale categories. Some applications for this index concern the training of observers, estimating the number of observers needed, and the construction of master scales.
Instrumentation for Measurement of Lingual Strength
Authors: Sanders Lois Joan
Published: July 2016

A tongue pressure unit for measurement of lingual strength and patterns of tongue pressure is described. It consists of a force displacement transducer, a single channel, direct writing recording system, and a specially designed tongue pressure disk, head stabilizer, and pressure unit holder. Calibration with known weights indicated an essentially linear and consistent response. An evaluation of subject reliability in which 17 young adults were tested on two occasions revealed no significant difference in maximum pressure exerted during the two test trials. Suggestions for clinical and research use of the instrumentation are noted.
Real‐time transmission tower detection from video based on a feature descriptor
Authors: Cerón Alexander , Mondragón Iván , Prieto Flavio
Published: July 2016

In this study, the authors propose a new method for transmission tower detection that involves the use of visual features and the linear content of the scene. For this process, they developed a descriptor based on a grid of two‐dimensional feature descriptors that is useful not only for object detection, but also for tracking the area of interest. For the detection and classification, they used a support vector machine. The experiments were conducted with a dataset of real world images from transmission tower videos that were used to validate the strategy by comparing it with the ground truth. The results showed that the obtained method is fast and appropriate for tower detection in video sequences of environments that include rural and urban areas. The detection took less than 50 ms and was faster than other methods.
Upgraded divertor Thomson scattering system on DIII-D
Authors: Glass F. , Carlstrom T. N. , Du D. , McLean A. G. , Taussig D. A. , Boivin R. L.
Published: July 2016

A design to extend the unique divertor Thomson scattering system on DIII-D to allow measurements of electron temperature and density in high triangularity plasmas is presented. Access to this region is selectable on a shot-by-shot basis by redirecting the laser beam of the existing divertor Thomson system inboard — beneath the lower floor using a moveable, high-damage threshold, in-vacuum mirror — and then redirecting again vertically. The currently measured divertor region remains available with this mirror retracted. Scattered light is collected from viewchords near the divertor floor using in-vacuum, high temperature optical elements and relayed through the port window, before being coupled into optical fiber bundles. At higher elevations from the floor, measurements are made by dynamically re-focusing the existing divertor system collection optics. Nd:YAG laser timing, analysis of the scattered light spectrum via polychromators, data acquisition, and calibration are all handled by existing systems or methods of the current multi-pulse Thomson scattering system. Existing filtered polychromators with 7 spectral channels are employed to provide maximum measurement breadth (Te in the range of 0.5 eV–2 keV, ne in the range of 5 × 1018–1 × 1021 m3) for both low Te in detachment and high Te measurement up beyond the separatrix.
Absolute wavelength calibration of a Doppler spectrometer with a custom Fabry-Perot optical system
Authors: Baltzer M. M. , Craig D. , Den Hartog D. J. , Nishizawa T. , Nornberg M. D.
Published: July 2016

An Ion Doppler Spectrometer (IDS) is used for fast measurements of C VI line emission (343.4 nm) in the Madison Symmetric Torus. Absolutely calibrated flow measurements are difficult because the IDS records data within 0.25 nm of the line. Commercial calibration lamps do not produce lines in this narrow range. A light source using an ultraviolet LED and etalon was designed to provide a fiducial marker 0.08 nm wide. The light is coupled into the IDS at f/4, and a holographic diffuser increases homogeneity of the final image. Random and systematic errors in data analysis were assessed. The calibration is accurate to 0.003 nm, allowing for flow measurements accurate to 3 km/s. This calibration is superior to the previous method which used a time-averaged measurement along a chord believed to have zero net Doppler shift.
Selective detection of singlet gerade metastable states of N2
Authors: Kedzierski W. , McConkey J. W.
Published: July 2016

Metastable N2 molecules produced by electron impact on N2 are detected using a unique solid nitrogen matrix detector. The time-of-flight system is shown to be selectively sensitive to a1Πg and 1Σg+ or 1Γg metastable species. The latter species had been identified theoretically previously but was detected experimentally for the first time in the present investigation. Their identification and excitation as a function of electron energy from threshold to 300 eV are presented. Comparison is made with the data obtained by other techniques.