bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Individualistic weight perception from motion on a slope
Authors: Zintus-art K. , Shin D. , Kambara H. , Yoshimura N. , Koike Y.
Published: May 2016

Perception of an object’s weight is linked to its form and motion. Studies have shown the relationship between weight perception and motion in horizontal and vertical environments to be universally identical across subjects during passive observation. Here we show a contradicting finding in that not all humans share the same motion-weight pairing. A virtual environment where participants control the steepness of a slope was used to investigate the relationship between sliding motion and weight perception. Our findings showed that distinct, albeit subjective, motion-weight relationships in perception could be identified for slope environments. These individualistic perceptions were found when changes in environmental parameters governing motion were introduced, specifically inclination and surface texture. Differences in environmental parameters, combined with individual factors such as experience, affected participants’ weight perception. This phenomenon may offer evidence of the central nervous system’s ability to choose and combine internal models based on information from the sensory system. The results also point toward the possibility of controlling human perception by presenting strong sensory cues to manipulate the mechanisms managing internal models.
Gene expression patterns of two dominant tallgrass prairie species differ in response to warming and altered precipitation
Authors: Smith Melinda D. , Hoffman Ava M. , Avolio Meghan L.
Published: May 2016

To better understand the mechanisms underlying plant species responses to climate change, we compared transcriptional profiles of the co-dominant C4 grasses, Andropogon gerardii Vitman and Sorghastrum nutans (L.) Nash, in response to increased temperatures and more variable precipitation regimes in a long-term field experiment in native tallgrass prairie. We used microarray probing of a closely related model species (Zea mays) to assess correlations in leaf temperature (Tleaf) and leaf water potential (LWP) and abundance changes of ~10,000 transcripts in leaf tissue collected from individuals of both species. A greater number of transcripts were found to significantly change in abundance levels with Tleaf and LWP in S. nutans than in A. gerardii. S. nutans also was more responsive to short-term drought recovery than A. gerardii. Water flow regulating transcripts associated with stress avoidance (e.g., aquaporins), as well as those involved in the prevention and repair of damage (e.g., antioxidant enzymes, HSPs), were uniquely more abundant in response to increasing Tleaf in S. nutans. The differential transcriptomic responses of the co-dominant C4 grasses suggest that these species may cope with and respond to temperature and water stress at the molecular level in distinct ways, with implications for tallgrass prairie ecosystem function.
CSF1R blockade slows the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis by reducing microgliosis and invasion of macrophages into peripheral nerves
Authors: Martínez-Muriana Anna , Mancuso Renzo , Francos-Quijorna Isaac , Olmos-Alonso Adrian , Osta Rosario , Perry V. Hugh , Navarro Xavier , Gomez-Nicola Diego , López-Vales Ruben
Published: May 2016

Inflammation is a common neuropathological feature in several neurological disorders, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We have studied the contribution of CSF1R signalling to inflammation in ALS, as a pathway previously reported to control the expansion and activation of microglial cells. We found that microglial cell proliferation in the spinal cord of SOD1G93A transgenic mice correlates with the expression of CSF1R and its ligand CSF1. Administration of GW2580, a selective CSF1R inhibitor, reduced microglial cell proliferation in SOD1G93A mice, indicating the importance of CSF1-CSF1R signalling in microgliosis in ALS. Moreover, GW2580 treatment slowed disease progression, attenuated motoneuron cell death and extended survival of SOD1G93A mice. Electrophysiological assessment revealed that GW2580 treatment protected skeletal muscle from denervation prior to its effects on microglial cells. We found that macrophages invaded the peripheral nerve of ALS mice before CSF1R-induced microgliosis occurred. Interestingly, treatment with GW2580 attenuated the influx of macrophages into the nerve, which was partly caused by the monocytopenia induced by CSF1R inhibition. Overall, our findings provide evidence that CSF1R signalling regulates inflammation in the central and peripheral nervous system in ALS, supporting therapeutic targeting of CSF1R in this disease.
Screen-Printing Fabrication and Characterization of Stretchable Electronics
Authors: Suikkola Jari , Björninen Toni , Mosallaei Mahmoud , Kankkunen Timo , Iso-Ketola Pekka , Ukkonen Leena , Vanhala Jukka , Mäntysalo Matti
Published: May 2016

This article focuses on the fabrication and characterization of stretchable interconnects for wearable electronics applications. Interconnects were screen-printed with a stretchable silver-polymer composite ink on 50-μm thick thermoplastic polyurethane. The initial sheet resistances of the manufactured interconnects were an average of 36.2 mΩ/◽, and half the manufactured samples withstood single strains of up to 74%. The strain proportionality of resistance is discussed, and a regression model is introduced. Cycling strain increased resistance. However, the resistances here were almost fully reversible, and this recovery was time-dependent. Normalized resistances to 10%, 15%, and 20% cyclic strains stabilized at 1.3, 1.4, and 1.7. We also tested the validity of our model for radio-frequency applications through characterization of a stretchable radio-frequency identification tag.
Slug-upregulated miR-221 promotes breast cancer progression through suppressing E-cadherin expression
Authors: Pan Yi , Li Jing , Zhang Yaqin , Wang Nan , Liang Hongwei , Liu Yuan , Zhang Chen-Yu , Zen Ke , Gu Hongwei
Published: May 2016

It is generally regarded that E-cadherin is downregulated during tumorigenesis via Snail/Slug-mediated E-cadherin transcriptional reduction. However, this transcriptional suppressive mechanism cannot explain the failure of producing E-cadherin protein in metastatic breast cancer cells after overexpressing E-cadherin mRNA. Here we reveal a novel mechanism that E-cadherin is post-transcriptionally regulated by Slug-promoted miR-221, which serves as an additional blocker for E-cadherin expression in metastatic tumor cells. Profiling the predicted E-cadherin-targeting miRNAs in breast cancer tissues and cells showed that miR-221 was abundantly expressed in breast tumor and metastatic MDA-MB-231 cells and its level was significantly higher in breast tumor or MDA-MB-231 cells than in distal non-tumor tissue and low-metastatic MCF-7 cells, respectively. MiR-221, which level inversely correlated with E-cadherin level in breast cancer cells, targeted E-cadherin mRNA open reading frame (ORF) and suppressed E-cadherin protein expression. Depleting or increasing miR-221 level in breast cancer cells induced or decreased E-cadherin protein level, leading to suppressing or promoting tumor cell progression, respectively. Moreover, miR-221 was specifically upregulated by Slug but not Snail. TGF-β treatment enhanced Slug activity and thus increased miR-221 level in MCF-7 cells. In summary, our results provide the first evidence that Slug-upregulated miR-221 promotes breast cancer progression via reducing E-cadherin expression.
Ultrathin SmCo5 nanoflakes with high-coercivity prepared by solid particle (NaCl) and surfactant co-assisted ball milling
Authors: Zuo Wen-Liang , Zhao Xin , Zhao Tong-Yun , Hu Feng-Xia , Sun Ji-Rong , Shen Bao-Gen
Published: May 2016

The ultrathin SmCo5 nanoflakes with average thickness smaller than 50 nm are prepared by a novel method of solid particle (NaCl) and surfactant co-assisted ball milling. The as-prepared nanoflakes exhibit a narrower thickness distribution of 10–50 nm and high coercivity of 23 kOe. The possible formation mechanism of nanoflakes are proposed. Temperature dependence of demagnetization curves indicate that the magnetization reversal may be controlled by both nucleation and pinning. The results of X-ray powder diffraction and magnetic measurement for aligned SmCo5 nanoflakes resin composite indicate that the nanoflakes have a high texture degree. The ultrathin thickness and high coercivity are beneficial for preparing the high performance soft/hard coupling magnets and nanocomposite magnets.
Cadmium exposure and risk of prostate cancer: a meta-analysis of cohort and case-control studies among the general and occupational populations
Authors: Chen Cheng , Xun Pengcheng , Nishijo Muneko , Carter Sue , He Ka
Published: May 2016

We aimed to evaluate the association of cadmium exposure with the risk of prostate cancer in both the general and occupational populations. Online database searches were performed for studies of prostate cancer risk and cadmium exposure. Twelve cohort studies (5 in the general, 7 in occupational populations) and 9 case-control studies (3 in the general, 6 in occupational populations) were identified. Five/seven cohort studies in the general and occupational populations consist of 78,263/13, 434 participants with a mean follow-up of 12.1/43.0 years, respectively. Case-control studies include 334 cases/670 controls in the general population and 1,315 cases/4,477 controls in occupational populations. Comparing the highest to the lowest category of cadmium exposure in the general population, the weighted relative risk of prostate cancer incidence and mortality among cohort studies and the weighted odds ratio in case-control studies were 1.05 (95%CI [0.91, 1.22]), 0.83 (95%CI [0.35, 1.98]) and 1.27 (95%CI [0.58,2.78]), respectively. For occupational populations, the weighted OR in case-control studies was 1.17 (95%CI [0.85, 1.62]) and the weighted standardized mortality ratio in cohort studies was 98 (95%CI [75, 126]). Accumulated epidemiological evidence does not support the hypothesis that cadmium exposure may increase the risk of prostate cancer in either the general or occupational populations.
Impact of Phonon Surface Scattering on Thermal Energy Distribution of Si and SiGe Nanowires
Authors: Malhotra Abhinav , Maldovan Martin
Published: May 2016

Thermal transport in nanostructures has attracted considerable attention in the last decade but the precise effects of surfaces on heat conduction have remained unclear due to a limited accuracy in the treatment of phonon surface scattering phenomena. Here, we investigate the impact of phonon-surface scattering on the distribution of thermal energy across phonon wavelengths and mean free paths in Si and SiGe nanowires. We present a rigorous and accurate description of phonon scattering at surfaces and predict and analyse nanowire heat spectra for different diameters and surface conditions. We show that the decrease in the diameter and increased roughness and correlation lengths makes the heat phonon spectra significantly shift towards short wavelengths and mean free paths. We also investigate the emergence of phonon confinement effects for small diameter nanowires and different surface scattering properties. Computed results for bulk materials show excellent agreement with recent experimentally-based approaches that reconstruct the mean-free-path heat spectra. Our phonon surface scattering model allows for an accurate theoretical extraction of heat spectra in nanowires and contributes to elucidate the development of critical phonon transport modes such as phonon confinement and coherent interference effects.
The small GTPases Ras and Rap1 bind to and control TORC2 activity
Authors: Khanna Ankita , Lotfi Pouya , Chavan Anita J. , Montaño Nieves M. , Bolourani Parvin , Weeks Gerald , Shen Zhouxin , Briggs Steven P. , Pots Henderikus , Van Haastert Peter J. M. , Kortholt Arjan , Charest Pascale G.
Published: May 2016

Target of Rapamycin Complex 2 (TORC2) has conserved roles in regulating cytoskeleton dynamics and cell migration and has been linked to cancer metastasis. However, little is known about the mechanisms regulating TORC2 activity and function in any system. In Dictyostelium, TORC2 functions at the front of migrating cells downstream of the Ras protein RasC, controlling F-actin dynamics and cAMP production. Here, we report the identification of the small GTPase Rap1 as a conserved binding partner of the TORC2 component RIP3/SIN1 and that Rap1 positively regulates the RasC-mediated activation of TORC2 in Dictyostelium. Moreover, we show that active RasC binds to the catalytic domain of TOR, suggesting a mechanism of TORC2 activation that is similar to Rheb activation of TOR complex 1. Dual Ras/Rap1 regulation of TORC2 may allow for integration of Ras and Rap1 signaling pathways in directed cell migration.
The transcriptome of mouse central nervous system myelin
Authors: Thakurela Sudhir , Garding Angela , Jung Ramona B. , Müller Christina , Goebbels Sandra , White Robin , Werner Hauke B. , Tiwari Vijay K.
Published: May 2016

Rapid nerve conduction in the CNS is facilitated by insulation of axons with myelin, a specialized oligodendroglial compartment distant from the cell body. Myelin is turned over and adapted throughout life; however, the molecular and cellular basis of myelin dynamics remains elusive. Here we performed a comprehensive transcriptome analysis (RNA-seq) of myelin biochemically purified from mouse brains at various ages and find a surprisingly large pool of transcripts enriched in myelin. Further computational analysis showed that the myelin transcriptome is closely related to the myelin proteome but clearly distinct from the transcriptomes of oligodendrocytes and brain tissues, suggesting a highly selective incorporation of mRNAs into the myelin compartment. The mRNA-pool in myelin displays maturation-dependent dynamic changes of composition, abundance, and functional associations; however ageing-dependent changes after 6 months were minor. We suggest that this transcript pool enables myelin turnover and the local adaptation of individual pre-existing myelin sheaths.
Simulated coal spill causes mortality and growth inhibition in tropical marine organisms
Authors: Berry Kathryn L. E. , Hoogenboom Mia O. , Flores Florita , Negri Andrew P.
Published: May 2016

Coal is a principal fossil fuel driving economic and social development and increases in global coal shipments have paralleled expansion of the industry. To identify the potential harm associated with chronic marine coal contamination, three taxa abundant in tropical marine ecosystems (the coral Acropora tenuis, the reef fish Acanthochromis polyacanthus and the seagrass Halodule uninervis) were exposed to five concentrations (0–275 mg coal l−1) of suspended coal dust (<63 μm) over 28 d. Results demonstrate that chronic coal exposure can cause considerable lethal effects on corals and reductions in seagrass and fish growth rates. Coral survivorship and seagrass growth rates were inversely related to increasing coal concentrations (≥38 mg coal l−1) and effects increased between 14 and 28 d, whereas fish growth rates were similarly depressed at all coal concentrations tested. This investigation provides novel insights into direct coal impacts on key tropical taxa for application in the assessment of risks posed by increasing coal shipments in globally threatened marine ecosystems.
Branched Peptide, B2088, Disrupts the Supramolecular Organization of Lipopolysaccharides and Sensitizes the Gram-negative Bacteria
Authors: Lakshminarayanan Rajamani , Tan Wei Xiang , Aung Thet Tun , Goh Eunice Tze Leng , Muruganantham Nandhakumar , Li Jianguo , Chang Jamie Ya Ting , Dikshit Neha , Saraswathi Padmanabhan , Lim Rayne Rui , Kang Tse Siang , Balamuralidhar Vanniarajan , Sukumaran Bindu , Verma Chandra S. , Sivaraman Jayaraman , Chaurasia Shyam Sunder , Liu Shouping , Beuerman Roger W.
Published: May 2016

Dissecting the complexities of branched peptide-lipopolysaccharides (LPS) interactions provide rationale for the development of non-cytotoxic antibiotic adjuvants. Using various biophysical methods, we show that the branched peptide, B2088, binds to lipid A and disrupts the supramolecular organization of LPS. The disruption of outer membrane in an intact bacterium was demonstrated by fluorescence spectroscopy and checkerboard assays, the latter confirming strong to moderate synergism between B2088 and various classes of antibiotics. The potency of synergistic combinations of B2088 and antibiotics was further established by time-kill kinetics, mammalian cell culture infections model and in vivo model of bacterial keratitis. Importantly, B2088 did not show any cytotoxicity to corneal epithelial cells for at least 96 h continuous exposure or hemolytic activity even at 20 mg/ml. Peptide congeners containing norvaline, phenylalanine and tyrosine (instead of valine in B2088) displayed better synergism compared to other substitutions. We propose that high affinity and subsequent disruption of the supramolecular assembly of LPS by the branched peptides are vital for the development of non-cytotoxic antibiotic adjuvants that can enhance the accessibility of conventional antibiotics to the intracellular targets, decrease the antibiotic consumption and holds promise in averting antibiotic resistance.
Pyrolytic carbon coated black silicon
Authors: Shah Ali , Stenberg Petri , Karvonen Lasse , Ali Rizwan , Honkanen Seppo , Lipsanen Harri , Peyghambarian N. , Kuittinen Markku , Svirko Yuri , Kaplas Tommi
Published: May 2016

Carbon is the most well-known black material in the history of man. Throughout the centuries, carbon has been used as a black material for paintings, camouflage and optics. Although, the techniques to make other black surfaces have evolved and become more sophisticated with time, carbon still remains one of the best black materials. Another well-known black surface is black silicon, reflecting less than 0.5% of incident light in visible spectral range but becomes a highly reflecting surface in wavelengths above 1000 nm. On the other hand, carbon absorbs at those and longer wavelengths. Thus, it is possible to combine black silicon with carbon to create an artificial material with very low reflectivity over a wide spectral range. Here we report our results on coating conformally black silicon substrate with amorphous pyrolytic carbon. We present a superior black surface with reflectance of light less than 0.5% in the spectral range of 350 nm to 2000 nm.
X-Ray Structure and Inhibition of 3C-like Protease from Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus
Authors: St. John Sarah E. , Anson Brandon J. , Mesecar Andrew D.
Published: May 2016

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is a coronavirus that infects pigs and can have mortality rates approaching 100% in piglets, causing serious economic impact. The 3C-like protease (3CLpro) is essential for the coronaviral life cycle and is an appealing target for the development of therapeutics. We report the expression, purification, crystallization and 2.10 Å X-ray structure of 3CLpro from PEDV. Analysis of the PEDV 3CLpro structure and comparison to other coronaviral 3CLpro’s from the same alpha-coronavirus phylogeny shows that the overall structures and active site architectures across 3CLpro’s are conserved, with the exception of a loop that comprises the protease S2 pocket. We found a known inhibitor of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) 3CLpro, (R)-16, to have inhibitor activity against PEDV 3CLpro, despite that SARS-3CLpro and PEDV 3CLpro share only 45.4% sequence identity. Structural comparison reveals that the majority of residues involved in (R)-16 binding to SARS-3CLpro are conserved in PEDV-3CLpro; however, the sequence variation and positional difference in the loop forming the S2 pocket may account for large observed difference in IC50 values. This work advances our understanding of the subtle, but important, differences in coronaviral 3CLpro architecture and contributes to the broader structural knowledge of coronaviral 3CLpro’s.
IR-780 Dye as a Sonosensitizer for Sonodynamic Therapy of Breast Tumor
Authors: Li Yekuo , Zhou Qunfang , Deng Zhiting , Pan Min , Liu Xin , Wu Junru , Yan Fei , Zheng Hairong
Published: May 2016

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) has become a new modality for cancer therapy through activating certain chemical sensitizers by ultrasound (US). Discovery and development of novel sonosensitizers are attracting extensive attentions. Here, we introduce IR-780 iodide, a lipophilic heptamethine dye with a peak optical absorption of 780 nm wavelength, which can function as SDT agents for breast cancer treatment. Thein vitrocellular uptake, cell viability and the generation levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were examined by using 4T1 breast cancer cells incubated with various concentrations of IR-780 followed by US irradiation. Our results showed a dose- and time-dependent cellular uptake of IR-780 iodide in 4T1 cancer cells. Significant lower viabilities and more necrotic/apoptotic cells were found when these cancer cells were treated with IR-780 iodide with US irradiation. Further analyzing the generation of ROS demonstrated significant increase of1O2level and H2O2, but not ⋅OH in the SDT-treated cells. Thein vivoanti-tumor efficacy of SDT with IR-780 revealed significant tumor growth inhibition of xenografts of 4T1 cancer cells; it was further confirmed by histological analysis and TUNEL staining. Our results strongly suggest that SDT combined with IR-780 may provide a promising strategy for tumor treatment with minimal side effects.
Magnetic Properties of Strontium Hexaferrite Nanostructures Measured with Magnetic Force Microscopy
Authors: Li Qiang , Song Jie , Saura-Múzquiz Matilde , Besenbacher Flemming , Christensen Mogens , Dong Mingdong
Published: May 2016

Magnetic property is one of the important properties of nanomaterials. Direct investigation of the magnetic property on the nanoscale is however challenging. Herein we present a quantitative measurement of the magnetic properties including the magnitude and the orientation of the magnetic moment of strontium hexaferrite (SrFe12O19) nanostructures using magnetic force microscopy (MFM) with nanoscale spatial resolution. The measured magnetic moments of the as-synthesized individual SrFe12O19 nanoplatelets are on the order of ~10−16 emu. The MFM measurements further confirm that the magnetic moment of SrFe12O19 nanoplatelets increases with increasing thickness of the nanoplatelet. In addition, the magnetization directions of nanoplatelets can be identified by the contrast of MFM frequency shift. Moreover, MFM frequency imaging clearly reveals the tiny magnetic structures of a compacted SrFe12O19 pellet. This work demonstrates the mesoscopic investigation of the intrinsic magnetic properties of materials has a potential in development of new magnetic nanomaterials in electrical and medical applications.
The vitamin D receptor gene ApaI polymorphism is associated with increased risk of renal cell carcinoma in Chinese population
Authors: Yang Chunming , LI Jia , Li Yan , Wu Di , Sui Chengguang , Jiang Youhong , Meng Fandong
Published: May 2016

Molecular epidemiologic studies previously reported that 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2 D3) appears to influence cancer risk. It exerts its activity through the intracellular vitamin D receptor (VDR), which regulates the transcription of genes. This study aimed to investigate the genetic association of VDR polymorphisms with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) risk in the Chinese population. The genotypes of five VDR polymorphisms (TaqI, BsmI, Cdx-2, ApaI and FokI) were studied using polymerase chain reaction in 302 RCC patients and 302 healthy controls. ApaI variant AA and AC genotypes were found to be associated with a significantly increased risk of RCC compared with the CC genotype (OR = 2.60, 95% CI = 1.39–4.85 for AA vs. CC and OR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.08–2.13 for AC vs. CC). The AA genotype was also associated with a higher Fuhrman grade (OR = 2.87, 95% CI = 1.15–7.16 for AA vs. CC). No significant difference was found between the other four VDR polymorphisms and RCC risk. Our study suggests that VDR ApaI genotypes may be involved in the increased risk and progression of RCC in the Chinese Han population.
Germination biology of Hibiscus tridactylites in Australia and the implications for weed management
Authors: Chauhan Bhagirath Singh
Published: May 2016

Hibiscus tridactylites is a problematic broadleaf weed in many crops in Australia; however, very limited information is available on seed germination biology of Australian populations. Experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of environmental factors on germination and emergence of H. tridactylites. Germination was stimulated by seed scarification, suggesting the inhibition of germination in this species is mainly due to the hard seed coat. Germination was not affected by light conditions, suggesting that seeds of this species are not photoblastic. Germination was higher at alternating day/night temperatures of 30/20 °C (74%) and 35/25 °C (69%) than at 25/15 °C (63%). Moderate salinity and water stress did not inhibit germination of H. tridactylites. Seedling emergence of H. tridactylites was highest (57%) for the seeds buried at a 2 cm depth in the soil; 18% of seedlings emerged from seeds buried at 8 cm but no seedlings emerged below this depth. Soil inversion by tillage to bury weed seeds below their maximum depth of emergence could serve an important tool for managing H. tridactylites.
The proactive bilingual brain: Using interlocutor identity to generate predictions for language processing
Authors: Martin Clara D. , Molnar Monika , Carreiras Manuel
Published: May 2016

The present study investigated the proactive nature of the human brain in language perception. Specifically, we examined whether early proficient bilinguals can use interlocutor identity as a cue for language prediction, using an event-related potentials (ERP) paradigm. Participants were first familiarized, through video segments, with six novel interlocutors who were either monolingual or bilingual. Then, the participants completed an audio-visual lexical decision task in which all the interlocutors uttered words and pseudo-words. Critically, the speech onset started about 350 ms after the beginning of the video. ERP waves between the onset of the visual presentation of the interlocutors and the onset of their speech significantly differed for trials where the language was not predictable (bilingual interlocutors) and trials where the language was predictable (monolingual interlocutors), revealing that visual interlocutor identity can in fact function as a cue for language prediction, even before the onset of the auditory-linguistic signal.
Thio-pyridinium capped silver nanoparticle based supramolecular recognition of Cu(i) in real samples and T-lymphocytes
Authors: Anwar Ayaz , Shah Muhammad Raza , Muhammad Shahnaz Pir , Afridi Saifullah , Ali Khurshid
Published: May 2016

1-(3-(Acetylthio)propyl)-4-formylpyridinium coated silver nanoparticles were synthesized and used for the selective detection of Cu(i) to overcome Cu(i) poisoning in T-lymphocytes.
A non-topological mechanism for negative linear compressibility
Authors: Binns Jack , Kamenev Konstantin V. , Marriott Katie E. R. , McIntyre Garry J. , Moggach Stephen A. , Murrie Mark , Parsons Simon
Published: May 2016

When exposed to high pressure, the framework material UTSA-16 expands in one direction as the result of distortions localised in soft Co(ii)-based tetrahedra, rather than topological flexing of the network.
A quantitative assessment of chemical perturbations in thermotropic cyanobiphenyls
Authors: Guerra Sebastiano , Dutronc Thibault , Terazzi Emmanuel , Guénée Laure , Piguet Claude
Published: May 2016

The cohesion Gibbs free energy densities (CFEDs) measured in cyanobiphenyl-containing liquid crystals transform chemical perturbations into pressure increments, which can be analyzed within the frame of standardP–Tdiagrams using the Clapeyron equation.
First principles investigation of helium physisorption on an α-Al2O3(0001) surface
Authors: Zhang Guikai , Xiang Xin , Yang Feilong , Liu Lang , Tang Tao , Shi Yan , Wang Xiaolin
Published: May 2016

He physisorbs on an Al4hollow site, involving the overlap between Al 3sp, O 2sp and He 1s states.
Characterization of Pd⋯H–C interactions in bis-dimethyldithiocarbamate palladium(ii) and its deuterated analog by luminescence spectroscopy at variable pressure
Authors: Poirier Stéphanie , Tailleur Elodie , Lynn Hudson , Reber Christian
Published: May 2016

Luminescence band maxima of bis-dimethyldithiocarbamate palladium(ii) and its deuterated analog show distinct shifts in three pressure ranges, indicative of three different interactions.
2016 Winter Conference on Plasma Spectrochemistry, Tucson, Arizona, January 11–16, 2016
Authors: Barnes Ramon M.
Published: May 2016

Ramon Barnes provides an overview of the 2016 Winter Conference.
Label-free whole blood cell differentiation based on multiple frequency AC impedance and light scattering analysis in a micro flow cytometer
Authors: Simon Peter , Frankowski Marcin , Bock Nicole , Neukammer Jörg
Published: May 2016

We developed a microfluidic sensor for label-free flow cytometric cell differentiation by combined multiple AC electrical impedance and light scattering analysis.
A pneumatic pressure-driven multi-throughput microfluidic circulation culture system
Authors: Satoh T. , Narazaki G. , Sugita R. , Kobayashi H. , Sugiura S. , Kanamori T.
Published: May 2016

We present a pneumatic pressure-driven multi-throughput medium circulation culture system with pipette-friendly liquid handling and a detachable interface for microscope observation.
Mass spectrometry of B. subtilis CopZ: Cu(i)-binding and interactions with bacillithiol
Authors: Kay Kristine L. , Hamilton Chris J. , Le Brun Nick E.
Published: May 2016

Mass spectrometry reveals a high resolution overview of species formed by CopZ and Cu(i), and the effects of the physiological low molecular weight thiol bacillithiol.
Hot off the Press
Authors: Hill Robert A. , Sutherland Andrew
Published: May 2016

A personal selection of 33 recent papers is presented covering various aspects of current developments in bioorganic chemistry and novel natural products, such as epicochalasine A from Aspergillus flavipes.
CuBr2-promoted cyclization and bromination of arene–alkynes: C–Br bond formation via reductive elimination of Cu(iii) species
Authors: Liu Wangsheng , Chen Jinjin , Jin Ruiwen , Xu Dawen , Li Yawei , Ba Feifei , Gu Guangxin , Kuang Yunyan , Guo Hao
Published: May 2016

A CuBr2-promoted cyclization and bromination of arene–alkynes was developed, affording 9-bromophenanthrenes via reductive elimination of the Cu(iii) species.
Poly(pyridinium iodide ionic liquid)-based electron injection layers for solution-processed organic light-emitting devices
Authors: Ohisa Satoru , Pu Yong-Jin , Kido Junji
Published: May 2016

Solution-processable poly(pyridinium iodide ionic liquid)-based electron-injection materials achieved more effective electron injection than the conventional Li-complex in OLEDs.
Inkjet printing of uniform dielectric oxide structures from sol–gel inks by adjusting the solvent composition
Authors: Matavž A. , Frunză R. C. , Drnovšek A. , Bobnar V. , Malič B.
Published: May 2016

Adjusting ink's solvent composition with respect to the solvents volatility enabled printing of flat, nano-thick dielectric structures of high-performance.
Hydrothermal synthesis, morphology and photoluminescent properties of an Mn4+-doped novel red fluoride phosphor elpasolite K2LiAlF6
Authors: Zhu Yiwen , Huang Lin , Zou Rui , Zhang Jinhui , Yu Jinbo , Wu Mingmei , Wang Jing , Su Qiang
Published: May 2016

A novel red emitting fluoride phosphor, K2LiAlF6:Mn4+, with an excellent thermal quenching behavior and color stability for white LEDs is developed by a green synthetic route based on low-toxic H3PO4/KHF2liquid instead of the highly toxic HF liquid.
Tuning the thickness of black phosphorus via ion bombardment-free plasma etching for device performance improvement
Authors: Lee Geonyeop , Lee Jong-Young , Lee Gwan-Hyoung , Kim Jihyun
Published: May 2016

Field-effect transistors based on thickness-controlled black phosphorus showed improved device performances after ion bombardment-free plasma etching.
On Older Listeners' Ability to Perceive Dynamic Pitch
Authors: Shen Jing , Wright Richard , Souza Pamela E.
Published: May 2016

Purpose

Natural speech comes with variation in pitch, which serves as an important cue for speech recognition. The present study investigated older listeners' dynamic pitch perception with a focus on interindividual variability. In particular, we asked whether some of the older listeners' inability to perceive dynamic pitch stems from the higher susceptibility to the interference from formant changes.

Method

A total of 22 older listeners and 21 younger controls with at least near-typical hearing were tested on dynamic pitch identification and discrimination tasks using synthetic monophthong and diphthong vowels.

Results

The older listeners' ability to detect changes in pitch varied substantially, even when musical and linguistic experiences were controlled. The influence of formant patterns on dynamic pitch perception was evident in both groups of listeners. Overall, strong pitch contours (i.e., more dynamic) were perceived better than weak pitch contours (i.e., more monotonic), particularly with rising pitch patterns.

Conclusions

The findings are in accordance with the literature demonstrating some older individuals' difficulty perceiving dynamic pitch cues in speech. Moreover, they suggest that this problem may be prominent when the dynamic pitch is carried by natural speech and when the pitch contour is not strong.
Waveform design for radar‐embedded communications exploiting spread spectrum technology
Authors: Li Baoguo , Lei Jing , Cao Wei , Wen Lei , Mou Yuheng
Published: May 2016

Radar‐embedded communication (REC) provides a reliable and low probability of intercept (LPI) communication link to the intended receivers while masking its presence from intercept receivers. This study summarises all the waveform design schemes as well as receiver processing strategies for intra‐pulse REC, which forms the communication symbol waveform during one pulse interval and utilises de‐correlation processing on the receiver side. Based on the set of eigenvectors after eigen‐decomposition of sampled radar waveform, three design approaches are considered: eigenvectors‐as‐waveforms, weighted‐combining and dominant‐projection (DP). Specifically, DP performs better than the other two approaches even in multipath environment by using one projection matrix masked random vector to represent a communication symbol. Aimed by the drawbacks of DP, the authors propose a novel waveform generation approach called modified DP (MDP) in this study. MDP uses a common digitally‐modulated communication symbol spread by a pseudorandom sequence, so that it can enlarge the Euclidean distances between different data symbols and generate soft information for soft decision decoding, thus improving symbol error ratio and bit error ratio. Simulation results show that MDP significantly improves the reliability performance especially when channel coding is used, while also maintaining a relatively equal anti‐intercept performance.
Geoprocessing model for identifying potential wind farm locations
Authors: Iyappan L. , Kasinatha Pandian P.
Published: May 2016

The selection of suitable geographic locations for wind farms can be challenging due to thevarious agents involved in the process, such as, environmentalists, investors,government agencies, and utilities. In addition, selection criteria differdepending on the agents preferences. The site selection process considers thefactors and constraints posed by these agents, such as technical (wind powerdensity), physical (safe distance to air force station, roads, and transmissionlines), economic (terrain slope), social (settlements and hospitals), andenvironmental (forests, lakes, ponds, and streams). Geographical informationsystem (GIS) is a powerful tool for enhancing spatial decisions. A combinationof Boolean logic, fuzzy logic, and the weighted product method is used in GIS toidentify feasible locations. Further simplification of the entire geo‐processingoperation is modification into a single operation using a geo‐processingmodeller in an open source QGIS software environment. This study determined thatthe most suitable locations for wind farms are in close proximity to urban areaswithin the study area of Palladam Taluk, India.
Fault diagnosis of wind turbine bearing based on variational mode decomposition and Teager energy operator
Authors: Zhao Hongshan , Li Lang
Published: May 2016

Vibration signal of wind turbine has the non‐linear and non‐stationary characteristic, thus it is difficult to extract the fault feature. In this study, a novel method based on variational mode decomposition (VMD) and Teager energy operator (TEO) is proposed to diagnose the bearing faults of wind turbine. First, vibration signal is decomposed into several intrinsic mode function (IMF) components by means of VMD, which is a recently proposed signal decomposition method. Then, the most sensitive IMF component is selected according to kurtosis criterion. Moreover, TEO is applied to the most sensitive IMF in order to highlight impact signal. Finally, spectrum is obtained by applying Fourier transform to Teager energy of the selected IMF, thus extracting the fault feature to diagnose bearing fault. The effectiveness of the proposed method for fault diagnosis is validated by simulation and experimental signal analysis results, and comparison studies show its advantage over empirical mode decomposition and conventional spectrum analysis for wind turbine bearing fault diagnosis.
Titanium Plate Fixation versus Conventional Closure for Sternal Dehiscence after Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Jongbloed Lisa , Sonker Uday , Kloppenburg Geoffrey , Vos Roemer
Published: May 2016

Background Postoperative sternal dehiscence with or without mediastinitis is a complication of cardiac surgery leading to considerable disability. Titanium plate fixation can provide sternal stability in patients with a dehiscent sternum. The aim of this study is to compare clinical outcomes of titanium plate fixation with conventional treatment methods such as steel wire cerclage and pectoralis muscle reconstruction.

Patients and Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 42 patients who underwent sternal refixation after dehiscence or secondary wound closure after poststernotomy mediastinitis. Clinical outcomes during hospital stay and follow-up were determined.

Results Twenty patients were closed using sternal plates. Twenty-two patients were closed conventionally: 8 using pectoral muscle reconstruction and 14 using cerclage steel wires. There were no differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups. Indications of sternal closure were similar. Sternal stability at hospital discharge was achieved more often using sternal plating (90 vs. 50%, p = 0.005), mainly in patients closed after treatment of poststernotomy mediastinitis (100 vs. 22%, p = 0.002). Hospital stay was similar in both groups (10 [5–23] vs. 12 (5–21) days, p = 0.527). There was no inhospital mortality.

Conclusion Titanium plate fixation is superior in stabilizing the sternal bone when compared with conventional refixation methods, especially in secondary closure after poststernotomy mediastinitis.
Pneumonectomy for Treatment of Destroyed Lung: A Retrospective Study of 137 Patients
Authors: Li Yuping , Jiang Gening , Chen Chang , Hu Xuefei
Published: May 2016

Objectives Whether pneumonectomy is needed for the treatment of destroyed lungs is still controversial and unresolved in the clinic. Pneumonectomy is destructive and is associated with a significant incidence of postoperative complications. The purpose of this study is to analyze the operative techniques, postoperative morbidity, mortality, and long-term outcomes of patients with destroyed lungs who underwent pneumonectomy.

Patients and Methods We retrospectively analyzed 137 patients with destroyed lungs who underwent pneumonectomy. The data were queried for the details of operative technique, development of perioperative complications, mortality, and long-term survival. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to investigate the risk factors of pneumonectomy among the patients.

Results A total of 77 male and 60 female patients were reviewed. The youngest patient was 18 years, and the oldest was 75 years, with a mean age of 40.1 years. Postoperative complications were observed in 25 patients (18.2%). The rate of bronchopleural fistula (BPF) was 5.1% (7/137). Two perioperative deaths (1.5%) were noted. Univariate and multivariate analyses indicated the blood loss (hazard ratio [HR], 5.32; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.27–18.50; p = 0.021) was the independent risk factor of postoperative complications, and the type of the disease (HR, 4.50; 95% CI, 1.19–9.69; p = 0.034) was the independent risk factor of the BPF, for the patients with destroyed lung after pneumonectomy.

Conclusion Pneumonectomy for destroyed lung is a high risk for postoperative complications. Our findings suggested that pneumonectomy in destroyed lung was satisfactory with strict surgical indications, adequate preoperative preparation, and careful operative technique, and the long-term outcomes can be especially satisfactory. Pneumonectomy for destroyed lung is still a treatment option.
Comparison of Conductive and Convective Warming in Patients Undergoing Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Franke Robert , Brandes Ivo , Hinterthaner Marc , Danner Bernhard , Bauer Martin , Bräuer Anselm , Emmert Alexander
Published: May 2016

Background Perioperative hypothermia is frequent during thoracic surgery. After approval by the local ethics committee and written informed consent from patients, we examined the efficiency of prewarming and intraoperative warming with a convective warming system and conductive warming system to prevent perioperative hypothermia during video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS).

Methods We randomized 60 patients with indication for VATS in two groups (convective warming with an underbody blanket vs. conductive warming with an underbody mattress and additional warming of the legs). All patients were prewarmed before induction of anesthesia with the corresponding system. Core temperature was measured sublingual and in the nasopharynx.

Results Both groups were not significantly different in regard to clinical parameter, prewarming, and initial core temperature. The patients in conduction group had lower intraoperative core temperatures and a higher incidence of intraoperative (73.9 vs. 24%) and postoperative hypothermia (56.5 vs. 8%) compared with convective warming.

Conclusions Pre- and intraoperative convective warming with an underbody blanket prevents perioperative hypothermia during VATS better than conductive warming. The inferior prevention in conductive warming group may be caused by reduced body contact to the warming mattresses in lateral position.
Urgent Coronary Revascularization with Bilateral Internal Thoracic Artery Grafting: Is the Risk Justified?
Authors: Maschietto Luca , Benussi Bernardo , Dreas Lorella , Forti Gabriella , Sinagra Gianfranco , Pappalardo Aniello , Gatti Giuseppe
Published: May 2016

Background The frequent need of immediate institution of cardiopulmonary bypass because of ischemia and increased risk of bleeding and longer duration of surgery limit the use of bilateral internal thoracic artery (BITA) grafting in urgency.

Patients and Methods Of 4,525 consecutive patients with multivessel coronary artery disease who underwent isolated coronary bypass surgery at the authors' institution (1999–September 2015), 121 (2.7%) patients had an operation before the beginning of the next working day after decision to operate, which is the definition for emergency according to the European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II. BITA and single internal thoracic artery (SITA) grafting were used in 52 and 46 of these patients, respectively; venous grafts alone were used in the remaining cases. BITA and SITA patients were compared as risk profiles, operative data, and outcomes. A propensity score (PS)-matched analysis was also performed.

Results Between BITA and SITA patients, there was no significant difference as hospital mortality, both in the overall (3.8 vs. 6.5%; p = 0.66) and the PS-matched series (0 vs. 4.3%; p = 1). Among the postoperative complications, only bleeding (but not blood transfusion nor mediastinal re-exploration) was increased both in the overall (p = 0.037) and the PS-matched series of BITA patients (p = 0.092); duration of surgery was increased but not quite significantly (p = 0.12). Freedom from cardiac and cerebrovascular deaths, and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events were higher in PS-matched BITA patients, even though not quite significantly (p = 0.11 for both).

Conclusion BITA grafting may be performed even in urgency. With respect to SITA grafting, hospital mortality and postoperative complications other than bleeding are not increased; late outcomes seem to be better.
Millimeter-wave spectroscopy of CrC (X3Σ−) and CrCCH (X̃ 6Σ+): Examining the chromium-carbon bond
Authors: Min J. , Ziurys L. M.
Published: May 2016

Pure rotational spectroscopy of the CrC (X3Σ−) and CrCCH (X̃ 6Σ+) radicals has been conducted using millimeter/sub-millimeter direct absorption methods in the frequency range 225-585 GHz. These species were created in an AC discharge of Cr(CO)6 and either methane or acetylene, diluted in argon. Spectra of the CrCCD were also recorded for the first time using deuterated acetylene as the carbon precursor. Seven rotational transitions of CrC were measured, each consisting of three widely spaced, fine structure components, arising from spin-spin and spin-rotation interactions. Eleven rotational transitions were recorded for CrCCH and five for CrCCD; each transition in these cases was composed of a distinct fine structure sextet. These measurements confirm the respective 3Σ− and 6Σ+ ground electronic states of these radicals, as indicated from optical studies. The data were analyzed using a Hund’s case (b) Hamiltonian, and rotational, spin-spin, and spin-rotation constants have been accurately determined for all three species. The spectroscopic parameters for CrC were significantly revised from previous optical work, while those for CrCCH are in excellent agreement; completely new constants were established for CrCCD. The chromium-carbon bond length for CrC was calculated to be 1.631 Å, while that in CrCCH was found to be rCr—C = 1.993 Å — significantly longer. This result suggests that a single Cr—C bond is present in CrCCH, preserving the acetylenic structure of the ligand, while a triple bond exists in CrC. Analysis of the spin constants suggests that CrC has a nearby excited 1Σ+ state lying ∼16 900 cm−1 higher in energy, and CrCCH has a 6Π excited state with E ∼ 4800 cm−1.