bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Uses of a VLT for Complementing Observations with Radio and Space Telescopes
Authors: Hall Donald N.B.
Published: July 2016

It is now evident that major advances in observational sensitivity in other regions of the electromagnetic spectrum invariably lead to heavy demand for complementary observations with existing large (3- to 5-meter) optical/infrared (O/IR) telescopes, and that such observations are often essential to the interpretation and understanding of phenomena revealed by the former. The Einstein X-ray mission, the International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE), the Very Large Array (VLA) and the recent Infrared Astronomical Satellite (IRAS) are all clear demonstrations of this effect.
The University of California Ten Meter Telescope Project: Recent Developments
Authors: Nelson Jerry E.
Published: July 2016

The University of California has been actively designing a ten meter telescope (TMT) for optical and infrared groundbased astronomical observations since 1977. The project, now developed in considerable detail, is described in a series of Ten Meter Telescope Reports, technical notes, and publications (see, for example, Nelson 1980,1981,1982). In order to achieve an acceptable cost for the project, the design departs substantially from conventional telescope designs. Recognizing that the cost is roughly proportional to the weight of the structure and to the enclosed volume, we have made the reduction of weight and size a high priority goal of the design. To achieve these objectives a light-weight segmented primary mirror was designed. The parabolic primary is a mosaic of 36 hexagonal segments. In addition, the primary focal ratio is f/1.75, thus resulting in a short telescope tube; this allows a very compact dome.
Update on the 18m Aperture Multi-Mirror Telescope Concept
Authors: Mack B. , Harman D.J.
Published: July 2016

At the present time one of the major activities within the international astronomical community is the preliminary design of large optical/infrared telescopes. During the last few years workshops, conferences, and many discussion groups have been assembled to evaluate alternative telescope concepts. Segmented mirrors, multi-mirrors with dilute or filled apertures and arrays of smaller telescopes have been discussed and all give the increase in the collecting area required for the next generation of astronomical instrumentation.
Options for a New Arizona Observatory: Configurations, Costs and Site
Authors: Woolf N.J. , Angel J.R.P. , Williams J.T.
Published: July 2016

This paper is concerned with the process of creating a major observatory at minimum cost. Its premises are that cost optimization starts with an appropriately modestly priced building block, a 7.5m telescope. There are many possible configurations in which this building block can be used, ranging from a single telescope or a set of separate telescopes with at most electronic data addition, to an MMT in which the light of all telescopes can be phased when desired. In addition there are options for using elements in a non-redundant linear array or Michelson inteferometer. We provide the reader with a means of estimating costs of different facilities all on the same basis, and tied to the actual cost of producing the MMT.

It is also important to place the observatory on a site which maximizes the output per unit cost of the facility. We discuss the selection process which has led to Mt. Graham in Arizona as being likely to satisfy this criterion. We give brief details of our preliminary knowledge about the site.
Japanese National Large Telescopes (JNLT)
Authors: Isobe Syuso
Published: July 2016

A brief background and a description are given of the plan to build a large telescope of 5m to 7.5m class as the Japanese National Large Telescope.
Baade-Wesselink Radii of Long Period Cepheids New Observational Results
Authors: Coulson Iain M. , Caldwell John A. R. , Gleren Wolfgang
Published: July 2016

The radii of Galactic Cepheids as determined from a version of the Baade-Wesselink technique are shown to depend upon the colour index used to define the temperature scale. The (V-l) radii are systematically larger than the commonly used (B-V) radii and are probably better estimators of the true radii. There still remains a problem, however, in reconciling the period-radius relation with the period-luminosity-colour relation.
On the Brightness and Pulsational Properties of Yellow Supergiants
Authors: Arellano Ferro A.
Published: July 2016

Most of the existing data in the literature is used to search for the periodicity of five yellow supergiant variables. The pulsational mode and Q-values are discussed, being the luminosity the key parameter for their accurate determination. An attempt to find the spherical harmonic l from the light and colour variation phase shift is carried out.
Some Remarks on the Unique Cepheid HR 7308
Authors: Simon N. R.
Published: July 2016

HR 7308 is an apparently normal Pop. I Cepheid (Percy & Evans 1980; van Genderen 1981) with a constant period P = 1.49 days. However, its amplitude is variable with a range from about 5 to 20 km/sec in radial velocity and 0.05 to 0.30 in visual magnitude. The timescale for this variation is about 1200 days. According to Breger (1981) and Burki, et al. (1982; hereafter BMB), the star seems to be pulsating in a single modulated radial mode. Using published 0-values BMB identify this mode as a second or higher overtone. These authors also estimate a radius R = 34 ± 5 Rʘ and, based in part upon the observations of van Genderen (1981), a temperature log Te = 3.786 ± 0.01 and a gravity log g = 2.25 ± 0.25.
A Study of the Short-Period Cepheid EU Tauri
Authors: Gieren W. P.
Published: July 2016

EU Tauri is a classical Cepheid with one of the shortest period known. A Fourier decomposition study of its V light curve by Simon S Lee (1981) revealed a peculiar position in phase-period diagrams, very similar to the star SU Cas which is probably an overtone pulsator (Gieren, 1982). This suggested the possibility that EU Tau might be another galactic overtone pulsator. In order to investigate this question, some 100 new photometric observations of this star on the UBVRI (Johnson) system were obtained with the #2 0.9m telescope of KPNO. Simultaneously, 43 CCD spectra of the star were secured on the Coudé feed telescope of KPNO which were measured for radial velocities using a correlation technique. These velocities have an internal accuracy of better than 0.5 km/s and define a complete velocity curve of EU Tau.
Theory of Cepheid Pulsation: Excitation Mechanisms
Authors: Cox John P.
Published: July 2016

The various excitation mechanisms (eight in all) that have been proposed to account for the vibrational instability of variable stars, are surveyed. The most widely applied one is perhaps the “envelope ionization mechanism.” This can account for most of the essential characteristics of the “instability strip.” A simple explanation of the period-luminosity relation of classical Cepheids is given. A few outstanding problems in pulsation theory are also listed.
Magellanic Cloud and Other Extragalactic Cepheids: Some Current Topics
Authors: Feast M. W.
Published: July 2016

Table 1 lists galaxies in which Cepheids are known. The early work on the detection and period determination for these stars forms the basis of subsequent studies. These later studies include the infrared photometry of Cepheids pioneered by the Toronto group and the efforts by various workers to improve the optical photometry. An example of the importance of this latter work is the recent study of M33 by Sandage (1983) in which a revised magnitude scale leads to a distance modulus 0.67 greater than that previously adopted.
New Distances to the Magellanic Clouds
Authors: Visvanathan N.
Published: July 2016

The mean phase magnitudes at the IV waveband (1.05 micron) of thirteen Cepheids in the SMC and the LMC and nine Cepheids in groups and clusters in the Galaxy, are used in conjunction with periods, to construct P–L(IV) relations in these galaxies. The slopes and the dispersions of the relations are nearly the same. We derive a distance modulus of 19.11±0.07 for the SMC and 18.82±0.07 for the LMC.
The Distances to Nearby Galaxies from Near-Infrared Photometry of Cepheids
Authors: McAlary Christopher W. , Welch Douglas L.
Published: July 2016

Near-infrared photometry of Cepheid variables in the Local Group galaxies, NGC 6822, IC 1613, and M33, and in the M81 Group galaxy, NGC 2403 has been used to determine new, independent distances to these objects, which are almost unaffected by dust extinction and by differences in metallicities among the galaxies.
Comparison of the Pulsation Properties of the Rr Lyrae Stars in ω Centauri with those of Classical Cepheids
Authors: Petersen J. O.
Published: July 2016

In the last few years several studies have shown that Fourier decomposition technique is a powerful method for quantitative description of light curves of pulsation variables. This technique was introduced by Simon & Lee (1981), who showed that amplitude ratios and phase differences provide a very useful description of the Hertzsprung progression for classical Cepheids. Recently, Simon & Teays (1982) discussed 70 RR Lyrae field stars.

In the present study I analyse 130 photographic mean light curves of RR Lyrae variables in ω Centauri taken from Martin (1938). I wish (i) to compare the Fourier decomposition parameters of the ω Cen RR Lyrae stars with those of the field variables as studied by Simon & Teays, (ii) to discuss the evidence for progression sequences among the ω Cen variables and (iii) to compare the basic pulsation properties of the RRab variables in ω Cen with those of classical Cepheids.
Infrared Spectroscopy of Cometary Parent Molecules
Authors: Weaver H. A. , Mumma M. J. , Larson H. P.
Published: July 2016

Most cometary parent molecules do not strongly fluoresce at ultraviolet and visible wavelengths, and some do not possess permanent electric dipole moments, preventing their study in the radio region as well. However, many of these molecules have strong ro-vibrational transitions in the near infrared (λ ∼ 2 – 5 μm). Since the solar flux at these wavelengths is quite strong, parent molecules in cometary comae can be probed directly via fluorescence in these infrared transitions. The feasibility of this approach was convincingly demonstrated by the detection of H2O in comet Halley (1986 III) from the Kuiper Airborne Observatory and by the detection of H2O, CO2, and H2CO using an infrared spectrometer (IKS) on VEGA. Tentative detections of near infrared lines of CH4 were also reported during ground-based and airborne observations of comets Halley and Wilson (1987 VII). High resolution spectroscopy of the infrared water transitions has yielded a wealth of new information on cometary physics: the absolute line intensities and spatial brightness profiles are used to determine water production rates and lifetimes, the relative line intensities probe the kinetic temperature profile in the coma, the line widths and line positions shed light on coma outflow dynamics, and the temporal variability in the lines provides information on the structure of the nucleus. These observations also allow the determination of the water ortho-to-para ratio, which may provide fundamental insight into the origin and/or evolutionary history of cometary nuclei. Similar observations of other molecules (those mentioned above plus others) will provide important complementary data and will also allow us to compile a volatile inventory for cometary nuclei, but such observations are extremely difficult due to the low abundances of these molecules (≤10% relative to water) and the limitations of present infrared facilities. Recent advances in infrared instrumentation promise to extend sensitivities for parent molecule searches to relative abundances well below 1%, especially if cooled, Earth-orbiting facilities are available.
The Study of Comets at Radio Wavelengths
Authors: Crovisier J. , Schloerb F. P.
Published: July 2016

Radio observations of comets complement studies at other wavelengths as well as providing certain kinds of unique information. Studies of continuum emission may probe the thermal emission of the nucleus and large-size dust particles. Spectroscopic observations of gas in the coma allow searches for parent molecular species that have no signatures in the optical spectral range. The 18-cm wavelength spectral lines of the OH radical now are relatively easy to detect, and observations of them permit long-term and short-term monitoring of the cometary gaseous output. Moreover, with the unique spectral resolution of radio techniques, aspects of the kinematics of the coma may be also studied, such as the gas expansion velocity and the anisotropy of gas production from the nucleus. In this review, we present recent results of cometary radio observations, and discuss what may be learned from such studies in the future.
A Review of Radio Interferometric Imaging of Comets
Authors: Pater Imke de , Palmer Patrick , Snyder Lewis E.
Published: July 2016

We present an overview of cometary observations carried out with the VLA. These include OH imaging observations, studies of other molecules and searches for continuum emission. Primarily, we discuss the OH observations obtained of Comet Halley, a periodic comet, and Comet Wilson, a “new” comet. The emission from Comet Halley is confined to a region a few times 105km. The emission from Comet Wilson shows sporadic blobs at large distances (∼ 106km from the center), which vary abruptly in both position and velocity. The generally accepted picture of excitation by UV pumping in a spherical outflow of cometary gas explains the coarse phenomenology, but other effects seem to cause significant modulations of the OH emission. We suggest that for Comet Halley, collisional effects near the edge of the quenching region, which is coincidently the approximate distance to the cometopause, may be important, and that for Comet Wilson, outgassing from cometesimals ejected from the nucleus may be significant. We further show that asymmetric line profiles are more common than previously thought. Lengthening integration times and lowering the velocity resolution results in a smooth, round shape for the comet’s brightness distribution. In addition, spectral profiles become broader and more symmetric after long integration times and after integration over larger spatial regions. In addition to the OH observations we summarize the H2CO detection experiments for comets Halley and Machholz.
The Modern Role of Visual Observations of Comets
Authors: Larson S.M. , Edberg S.J. , Levy D.H.
Published: July 2016

This paper reviews the role of past and future visual observations in cometary research. The strengths and limitations of visual observations are explored for the benefit of both investigators who might have to use them and observers who wish to make real contributions to the field. We consider the characteristics of the eye-brain combination as a detector and compare them with those of modern detectors. We specifically evaluate visual discoveries, magnitude estimates, and drawings.
Laboratory Simulation of Cometary Processes: Results from First Kosi Experiments
Authors: Grün E. , Bar-Nun A. , Benkhoff J. , Bischoff A. , Düren H. , Hellmann H. , Hesselbarth P. , Hsiung P. , Keller H.U. , Klinger J. , Knölke J. , Kochan H. , Kohl H. , Kölzer G. , Krankowsky D. , Lämmerzahl P. , Mauersberger K. , Neukum G. , Oehler A. , Ratke L. , Roessler K. , Schwehm G. , Spohn T. , Stöffler D. , Thiel K.
Published: July 2016

In situ observations of comet Halley provided the first photographs of a cometary nucleus and yielded information about its environment, including the emitted gas and dust. The relation between these measurements and properties of and processes on the nucleus is established by theoretical modelling, while laboratory experiments may provide some of the physical parameters needed. In addition, laboratory tests can stimulate new ideas for processes that may be relevant to cometary physics. Processes to be studied in detail by large-scale laboratory experiments may include: (1) heat transport phenomena during sublimation of porous ice-dust mixtures, (2) material modification and chemical fractionation caused by the sublimation processes, (3) buildup and destruction of dust mantles, (4) detailed studies of gas release from mixtures of volatile ices, and (S) the investigation of ice and dust particle release mechanisms. The KOSI-team (Kometensimulation) carried out sublimation experiments with ice-mineral mixtures in a large Space Simulator. During initial experiments, cylindrical samples of 30-cm diameter and 15-cm thickness were irradiated with up to 2700–W/m2 light energy. The samples consisted of water-ice or water- and CO2-ice mineral mixtures. The experiments showed the importance of advection for heat transport into the interior. It was found that the sublimation of CO2 advances into the sample at a higher speed than that of water vapor release. Therefore, emission of volatile gases responded to insolation changes with a time lag of several hours. The ratio of the emitted gas species, as well as the dust-to-gas mass ratio, differs significantly from the values within the sample. A partly permeable refractory mantle of minerals and carbonaceous material developed with time. Dust and ice particle emission has been observed to occur from irradiated dirty ices as well as from dust mantles.
End Products of Cometary Evolution: Cometary Origin of Earth-Crossing Bodies of Asteroidal Appearance
Authors: Wetherill G.W.
Published: July 2016

Because there is no necessary connection between the time required to remove the volatile component of a cometary nucleus by solar heating (physical lifetime) and the dynamical lifetime of a comet, it is possible that a comet may evolve into an observable object of asteroidal appearance. Almost all comets have dynamical lifetimes much shorter than their physical lifetimes and in these cases complete loss of volatiles will not occur. Mechanisms do exist, however, whereby a small but significant fraction of comets will have longer dynamical lifetimes, permitting them to evolve first into Jupiter-family short period comets and then into comets with relatively safe decoupled orbits interior to Jupiter’s orbit. Observed Jupiter-family objects of asteroidal appearance (e.g., 1983SA) are much more likely to be of cometary rather than asteroidal origin. “Decoupling” is facilitated by several mechanisms: perturbations by the terrestrial planets, perturbations by Jupiter and the other giant planets (including resonant perturbations) and non-gravitational orbital changes caused by the loss of gas and dust from the comet. The dynamical time scale for decoupling is probably 105–106 years and almost all decoupled comets are likely to be of asteroidal appearance. Once decoupled, the orbits of the resulting Apollo-Amor objects will evolve on a longer (107–108 year) time scale, and the orbital evidence for these objects having originally been comets rather than asteroids will nearly disappear. Statistically, however, a large fraction of the bodies in deep Earth-crossing orbits with semi-major axes ≳ 2.2 AU are likely to be cometary objects in orbits that have not yet diffused into the steady state distribution. For plausible values of the relevant parameters, estimates can be made of the number of cometary Apollo-Amor “asteroids,” the observed number of Earthcrossing active and inactive short period comets, and the production rate of short period comets. These estimates are compatible with other theoretical and observational inferences that suggest the presence of a significant population of Apollo objects that formerly were active comets.
Evolution of Cometary Debris: Physical Aspects
Authors: Hajduk Anton
Published: July 2016

Cometary dust particles, larger grains, and fragments as products of the disintegration processes are subjected to gravitational and nongravitational forces, causing their dynamical and physical evolution. Critical analysis of some fairly large differences in the observational data obtained for the mass productions, dust/gas ratios, cut-off masses, particle size/mass distributions, erosion factors, bulk densities, and other physical properties of particles leads to a more complex view of the cometary matter than is assumed in some of the current models. This view allows reasonable limits for the dynamical and physical interrelations between the debris and its parent bodies to be obtained.
Effect of fungicides used for powdery mildew disease management on African weaver ant Oecophylla longinoda (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), a biocontrol agent of sap-sucking pests in cashew crop in Tanzania
Authors: Olotu Moses I. , Maniania Nguya K. , Ekesi Sunday , Seguni Zuberi S. , du Plessis Hannalene
Published: July 2016

In the article above the accepted date was incorrect. The correct date is 11 September 2013.
Groundwater Contamination in Karst Regions Affects Human Health
Authors: Herman Janet , Vesper Dorothy , Herman Ellen
Published: July 2016

Karst, Groundwater Contamination, and Public Health: Moving Beyond Case Studies; San Juan, Puerto Rico, 27 January to 1 February 2016
WASH has a critical role in NK cell cytotoxicity through Lck-mediated phosphorylation
Authors: Huang L , Zhu P , Xia P , Fan Z
Published: July 2016

Natural killer (NK) cells are important effector cells of the innate immune system to kill certain virus-infected and transformed cells. Wiskott–Aldrich Syndrome protein (WASP) and SCAR homolog (WASH) has been identified as a member of WASP family proteins implicated in regulating the cytoskeletal reorganization, yet little is known about its function in lymphocytes. Here we demonstrate that WASH is crucial for NK cell cytotoxicity. WASH was found to colocalize with lytic granules upon NK cell activation. Knockdown of WASH expression substantially inhibited polarization and release of lytic granules to the immune synapse, resulting in the impairment of NK cell cytotoxicity. More importantly, our data also define a previously unappreciated mechanism for WASH function, in which Src family kinase Lck can interact with WASH and induce WASH phosphorylation. Mutation of tyrosine residue Y141, identified here as the major site of WASH phosphorylation, partially blocked WASH tyrosine phosphorylation and NK cell cytotoxicity. Taken together, these observations suggest that WASH has a pivotal role for regulation of NK cell cytotoxicity through Lck-mediated Y141 tyrosine phosphorylation.
The Molecular Mechanism of Opening the Helix Bundle Crossing (HBC) Gate of a Kir Channel
Authors: Meng Xuan-Yu , Liu Shengtang , Cui Meng , Zhou Ruhong , Logothetis Diomedes E.
Published: July 2016

Inwardly rectifying K+ (Kir) channels, serving as natural molecular nanomachines, transport potassium ions across the plasma membrane of the cell. Along the ion permeation pathway, three relatively narrow regions (the selectivity filter (SF), the inner helix bundle crossing (HBC), and the cytosolic G loop) may serve as gates to control ion permeation. Our previous molecular dynamics simulations based on the crystal structure of a Kir3.1 chimera revealed the possible gating mechanism of the G loop gate. Here, we introduced a proline mutation in the inner helix and obtained a channel model of the open HBC gate. The open HBC gate reaches 0.6 nm in diameter, which allows partial hydrated K+ ions to pass through. During the gating process, both the transmembrane helices TM1 and TM2 cooperatively rotate in a counterclockwise direction (viewed from the extracellular side) with the aid of the phospholipid PIP2. Only when all the transmembrane helices adopt a counterclockwise rotation, the HBC gate can be stabilized in the open state. We estimate that introduction of the proline mutation decreases the energy required to open the HBC gate by about 1.4 kcal/mol (ΔΔG).
An Integrative Genetic Study of Rice Metabolism, Growth and Stochastic Variation Reveals Potential C/N Partitioning Loci
Authors: Li Baohua , Zhang Yuanyuan , Mohammadi Seyed Abolghasem , Huai Dongxin , Zhou Yongming , Kliebenstein Daniel J.
Published: July 2016

Studying the genetic basis of variation in plant metabolism has been greatly facilitated by genomic and metabolic profiling advances. In this study, we use metabolomics and growth measurements to map QTL in rice, a major staple crop. Previous rice metabolism studies have largely focused on identifying genes controlling major effect loci. To complement these studies, we conducted a replicated metabolomics analysis on a japonica (Lemont) by indica (Teqing) rice recombinant inbred line population and focused on the genetic variation for primary metabolism. Using independent replicated studies, we show that in contrast to other rice studies, the heritability of primary metabolism is similar to Arabidopsis. The vast majority of metabolic QTLs had small to moderate effects with significant polygenic epistasis. Two metabolomics QTL hotspots had opposing effects on carbon and nitrogen rich metabolites suggesting that they may influence carbon and nitrogen partitioning, with one locus co-localizing with SUSIBA2 (WRKY78). Comparing QTLs for metabolomic and a variety of growth related traits identified few overlaps. Interestingly, the rice population displayed fewer loci controlling stochastic variation for metabolism than was found in Arabidopsis. Thus, it is possible that domestication has differentially impacted stochastic metabolite variation more than average metabolite variation.
A novel method for artificial antigen synthesis and preparation of a polyclonal antibody for the sensitive determination of leucomalachite green in fish samples by enzyme-linked immunoassay
Authors: Zhu Dan , Mu Yang , Li Qiangqiang , Pang Xiumei , Wang Xue , Liu Yue , Chen Gang , Chen He
Published: July 2016

A novel hapten for leucomalachite green was successfully synthesized, and the prepared polyclonal antibody was used to develop a sensitive ELISA detection method for leucomalachite green in fish.
Determination of serum protein content using cell phone image analysis
Authors: Morais Camilo L. M. , Neves Ana C. O. , Menezes Fabrício G. , Lima Kássio M. G.
Published: July 2016

This paper presents a simple, fast and inexpensive way to measure serum protein content (albumin and total proteins) by integration of color images acquired with a cell phone camera and multiple linear regression (MLR).
Development of a biomimetic sensor for selective identification of cyanide
Authors: Figueira E. C. , Neres L. C. S. , Ruy M. R. S. , Troiano G. F. , Sotomayor M. D. P. T.
Published: July 2016

A biomimetic sensor is proposed as a promising new analytical method for the determination of cyanide in different samples.
Cytotoxic heteroleptic heptacoordinate salan zirconium(iv)-bis-chelates – synthesis, aqueous stability and X-ray structure analysis
Authors: Schneider Fabian , Zhao Tiankun , Huhn Thomas
Published: July 2016

A series of novel Zr(iv)salan complexes is reported. The initial metalation product[(L1)2Zr]is highly water sensitive whereas ligand exchanged[L1Zr(dipic)]hydrolyses rather slowly with a bis-hydroxo Zr(iv) species identified by MS as an intermediate.[L1Zr(dipic)]is cytotoxic in the range of cisplatin against two human carcinoma cell lines.
Histone deacetylase inhibitors for the treatment of cancer stem cells
Authors: Dvorakova M. , Vanek T.
Published: July 2016

HDAC inhibitors are a promising group of epigenetic drugs that show the ability to induce apoptosis in cancer stem cells.
Ibuprofen transport in renal cell cultures: characterization of an ibuprofen transporter upregulated by hyperosmolarity
Authors: Rasmussen Rune Nørgaard , Holm René , Christensen Kenneth Vielsted , Nielsen Carsten Uhd
Published: July 2016

An ibuprofen transporter localizes to the apical and basolateral membrane of MDCK I cells is upregulated by hyperosmotic exposure. Ibuprofen uptake is inhibited by other NSAIDs and ibuprofen metabolites.
Theoretical investigation and design of two-photon fluorescent probes for visualizing β-galactosidase activity in living cells
Authors: Zhang Chun , Wang Dan , Zhang Li , Guo Jing-Fu , Ren Ai-Min
Published: July 2016

The two-photon fluorescent probes show dual signal for β-gal bio-imaging.
Enhanced cycle stability of hybrid Li–air batteries with carbon nanofiber grown on carbon black
Authors: Ahn Chang-ho , Kim Je-Deok , Ishida Masayoshi , Yoo Eunjoo , Zhou Haoshen
Published: July 2016

Composites of carbon nanofiber with carbon black (CNF–CB) showed long term cycling performance in aqueous electrolyte Li–air batteries.
Rhodium-Catalyzed anti and syn Enantio- and Diastereoselective Transfer Hydrogenation of α-Amino β-Keto Ester Hydrochlorides through Dynamic Kinetic Resolution
Authors: Llopis Quentin , Férard Charlène , Guillamot Gérard , Phansavath Phannarath , Ratovelomanana-Vidal Virginie
Published: July 2016

A mild catalytic asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of a series of α-amino β-keto ester hydrochlorides catalyzed by a rhodium(III) complex is reported. The use of the formic acid/triethylamine system as the hydrogen donor source provided the corresponding anti and syn amino alcohols with complete conversions, fair diastereoselectivities (up to 97:3 dr), and high enantioselectivities (ee up to >99%).
Formatting and ligating biopolymers using adjustable nanoconfinement
Authors: Berard Daniel J. , Shayegan Marjan , Michaud Francois , Henkin Gil , Scott Shane , Leslie Sabrina
Published: July 2016

Sensitive visualization and conformational control of long, delicate biopolymers present critical challenges to emerging biotechnologies and biophysical studies. Next-generation nanofluidic manipulation platforms strive to maintain the structural integrity of genomic DNA prior to analysis but can face challenges in device clogging, molecular breakage, and single-label detection. We address these challenges by integrating the Convex Lens-induced Confinement (CLiC) technique with a suite of nanotopographies embedded within thin-glass nanofluidic chambers. We gently load DNA polymers into open-face nanogrooves in linear, concentric circular, and ring array formats and perform imaging with single-fluorophore sensitivity. We use ring-shaped nanogrooves to access and visualize confinement-enhanced self-ligation of long DNA polymers. We use concentric circular nanogrooves to enable hour-long observations of polymers at constant confinement in a geometry which eliminates the confinement gradient which causes drift and can alter molecular conformations and interactions. Taken together, this work opens doors to myriad biophysical studies and biotechnologies which operate on the nanoscale.
Kinetic modelling of runaway electrons in dynamic scenarios
Authors: Stahl A. , Embréus O. , Papp G. , Landreman M. , Fülöp T.
Published: July 2016

Improved understanding of runaway-electron formation and decay processes are of prime interest for the safe operation of large tokamaks, and the dynamics of the runaway electrons during dynamical scenarios such as disruptions are of particular concern. In this paper, we present kinetic modelling of scenarios with time-dependent plasma parameters; in particular, we investigate hot-tail runaway generation during a rapid drop in plasma temperature. With the goal of studying runaway-electron generation with a self-consistent electric-field evolution, we also discuss the implementation of a collision operator that conserves momentum and energy and demonstrate its properties. An operator for avalanche runaway-electron generation, which takes the energy dependence of the scattering cross section and the runaway distribution into account, is investigated. We show that the simplified avalanche model of Rosenbluth and Putvinskii (1997 Nucl. Fusion
37 1355) can give inaccurate results for the avalanche growth rate (either lower or higher) for many parameters, especially when the average runaway energy is modest, such as during the initial phase of the avalanche multiplication. The developments presented pave the way for improved modelling of runaway-electron dynamics during disruptions or other dynamic events.
Collective Thomson scattering measurements of fast-ion transport due to sawtooth crashes in ASDEX Upgrade
Authors: Rasmussen J. , Nielsen S.K. , Stejner M. , Galdon-Quiroga J. , Garcia-Munoz M. , Geiger B. , Jacobsen A.S. , Jaulmes F. , Korsholm S.B. , Lazanyi N. , Leipold F. , Ryter F. , Salewski M. , Schubert M. , Stober J. , Wagner D.
Published: July 2016

Sawtooth instabilities can modify heating and current-drive profiles and potentially increase fast-ion losses. Understanding how sawteeth redistribute fast ions as a function of sawtooth parameters and of fast-ion energy and pitch is hence a subject of particular interest for future fusion devices. Here we present the first collective Thomson scattering (CTS) measurements of sawtooth-induced redistribution of fast ions at ASDEX Upgrade. These also represent the first localized fast-ion measurements on the high-field side of this device. The results indicate fast-ion losses in the phase-space measurement volume of about 50% across sawtooth crashes, in good agreement with values predicted with the Kadomtsev sawtooth model implemented in TRANSP and with the sawtooth model in the EBdyna_go code. In contrast to the case of sawteeth, we observe no fast-ion redistribution in the presence of fishbone modes. We highlight how CTS measurements can discriminate between different sawtooth models, in particular when aided by multi-diagnostic velocity-space tomography, and briefly discuss our results in light of existing measurements from other fast-ion diagnostics.
Protocol-Based Resuscitation Bundle to Improve Outcomes in Septic Shock Patients: Evaluation of the Michigan Health and Hospital Association Keystone Sepsis Collaborative*
Authors: Thompson Michael P. , Reeves Mathew J. , Bogan Brittany L. , DiGiovine Bruno , Posa Patricia J. , Watson Sam R.
Published: July 2016

Objectives:

To evaluate the impact of a multi-ICU quality improvement collaborative implementing a protocol-based resuscitation bundle to treat septic shock patients.

Design:

A difference-in-differences analysis compared patient outcomes in hospitals participating in the Michigan Health & Hospital Association Keystone Sepsis collaborative (n = 37) with noncollaborative hospitals (n = 50) pre- (2010–2011) and postimplementation (2012–2013). Collaborative hospitals were also stratified as high (n = 19) and low (n = 18) adherence based on their overall bundle adherence.

Setting:

Eighty-seven Michigan hospitals with ICUs.

Patients:

We compared 22,319 septic shock patients in collaborative hospitals compared to 26,055 patients in noncollaborative hospitals using the Michigan Inpatient Database.

Interventions:

Multidisciplinary ICU teams received informational toolkits, standardized screening tools, and continuous quality improvement, aided by cultural improvement.

Measurements and Main Results:

In-hospital mortality and hospital length of stay significantly improved between pre- and postimplementation periods for both collaborative and noncollaborative hospitals. Comparing collaborative and noncollaborative hospitals, we found no additional reductions in mortality (odds ratio, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.87–1.01; p = 0.106) or length of stay (–0.3 d; 95% CI, –0.7 to 0.1 d; p = 0.174). Compared to noncollaborative hospitals, high adherence hospitals had significant reductions in mortality (odds ratio, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.79–0.93; p < 0.001) and length of stay (–0.7 d; 95% CI, –1.1 to –0.2; p < 0.001), whereas low adherence hospitals did not (odds ratio, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.97–1.19; p = 0.197; 0.2 d; 95% CI, –0.3 to 0.8; p = 0.367).

Conclusions:

Participation in the Keystone Sepsis collaborative was unable to improve patient outcomes beyond concurrent trends. High bundle adherence hospitals had significantly greater improvements in outcomes, but further work is needed to understand these findings.
Histological Features, p53, c-Kit, and Poliomavirus Status and Impact on Survival in Merkel Cell Carcinoma Patients
Authors: Husein-ElAhmed Husein , Ramos-Pleguezuelos Francisco , Ruiz-Molina Inmaculada , Civico-Amat Vicente , Solis-García Eduardo , Galán-Gutierrez Manuel , Ruiz-Villaverde Ricardo
Published: July 2016

Background:

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive malignancy from neuroendocrine cells in the skin. Despite being one of the most life-threatening of skin cancers, little is known about the potential signaling mechanism that drives carcinogenesis in MCC. The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), p53, and c-kit on the histological features and clinical prognosis of MCC treated in our regional hospitals.

Method:

The design was a retrospective study. The specimens were taken between 1993 and 2013 in 2 referral hospitals of Southern Spain. Data were collected retrospectively and analyzed using SPSS software.

Results:

Thirteen lesions from 13 subjects were included in the study. Positivity for c-kit was associated with the absence of MCPyV viral DNA (P= 0.048) and positivity for p53 (P= 0.002). More rate of mitoses per high-power field was presented significantly in those specimens with: positivity for c-kit (P= 0.046), positivity for p53 (P= 0.05), lesions with infiltrative growth pattern (P= 0.008), and lymphovascular invasion (P= 0.034). We observed an inverse relationship between p53 expression and MCPyV infection (Pearson's coefficient: −0.524;P= 0.046) and between c-kit expression and MCPyV infection (Pearson's coefficient: −0.548;P= 0.05), whereas the relationship was positive between p53 expression and c-kit expression (Pearson's coefficient: 0.884;P< 0.001).

Conclusion:

We conclude that presence of MCPyV DNA has no effect on overall survival. MCCs with p53 and c-kit expressions are associated with the absence of or low MCPyV DNA showing an inverse relationship. A multifactorial molecular pathogenesis where positivity for p53 and c-kit are associated with other mechanisms different than MCPyV (such as pro-mitotic factors) may lead to aggressive clinical behavior.
Treatment of Complications after Distraction Osteogenesis for Brachymetatarsia of the Fourth Metatarsal
Authors: Hamada Mariko , Sakamoto Yoshiaki , Nagasao Tomohisa , Kishi Kazuo
Published: July 2016

Congenital brachymetatarsia most commonly involves the fourth ray and may be combined with metacarpal shortening. Numerous reports have demonstrated the usefulness of gradual lengthening of the metatarsals. However, very few studies have investigated methods of recovering the lost regenerative bone. The patient was a 16-year-old girl with bilateral brachymetatarsia of the fourth metatarsal. After a long consolidation period after gradual lengthening of the fourth metatarsal by 20 mm, the patient had an hourglass-shaped regenerated bone. Therefore, we grafted a bioabsorbable hydroxyapatite and collagen composite. Six months after the surgery, well-regenerated bone could be recognized on radiographic evaluation and was resistant to refracture. Callus distraction is a method that aims to avoid donor site morbidity. The strength of artificial bone is often a problem. Bioabsorbable hydroxyapatite and collagen composite compensates for the lack of regenerated bone and distraction gap and prevents refracture, thus preventing complications after metatarsal distraction.
Associations Between Personality Traits and Adherence to Antidepressants Assessed Through Self-Report, Electronic Monitoring, and Pharmacy Dispensing Data
Authors: Wouters Hans , Amin Darya F.H. , Taxis Katja , Heerdink Eibert R. , Egberts Antoine C.G. , Gardarsdottir Helga
Published: July 2016

Treatment with antidepressants is often compromised by substantial nonadherence. To understand nonadherence, specific medication-related behaviors and beliefs have been studied, but less is known about broader and temporally stable personality “traits.” Furthermore, adherence has often been assessed by a single method. Hence, we investigated associations between the Big Five personality traits and adherence assessed by self-report, electronic drug use monitoring, and dispensing data. Using the Big Five Inventory, we assessed the personality traits “openness,” “conscientiousness,” “extraversion,” “agreeableness,” and “neuroticism” of patients treated with antidepressants who were invited through community pharmacies. Self-reported adherence was assessed with the Medication Adherence Rating Scale (score >24), electronic monitoring with medication event monitoring system (MEMS) devices (therapy days missed ≤ 10% and < 4 consecutive days missed), and dispensing data (medication possession ratio ≥ 80%). One hundred four women and 33 men participated (mean age, 51; standard deviation, 14). Paroxetine was most frequently prescribed (N = 53, 38%). Logistic regression analysis revealed that of the personality traits, the third and fourth quartiles of “conscientiousness” were associated with better self-reported adherence (odds ratio, 3.63; 95% confidence interval, 1.34–9.86 and odds ratio, 2.97; 95% confidence interval, 1.09–8.08; P ≤ 0.05). No relationships were found between personality traits and adherence assessed through electronic drug use monitoring or dispensing data. We therefore conclude that adherence to antidepressant therapy seems to be largely unrelated to personality traits.
Depressive Symptoms and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Prostate Cancer Survivors
Authors: Huang Chiung-Yu , Wang Ming-Jai , Lin Yu-Hua , Chen Chun-I
Published: July 2016

Background:

Prostate cancer is a global health problem; its incidence is on the rise in Chinese and usually fraught with both physical and psychological symptomatology.

Objective:

The aim of this study is to explore the relationships among demographic and disease characteristics, resourcefulness, depressive symptoms, and health related quality of life (HRQOL).

Methods:

A descriptive, correlational design was used. A total of 200 individuals with prostate cancer were recruited. The participants completed a self-report regarding their depressive symptoms and HRQOL. Using a structural equation modeling approach, all relationships among the factors, mediators, depressive symptoms, and HRQOL were analyzed.

Results:

The more resourcefulness that participants perceived, the more likely they were to report better HRQOL. The best-fitted structural equation model included individual demographics and disease characteristics and resourcefulness as significant predictors of HRQOL. Moreover, this structural model explained 72%, 76%, and 57% of the variance in physical quality of life, mental quality of life, and depressive symptoms, respectively. In addition, resourcefulness had a positive mediating effect on increasing the physical and mental quality of life and decreasing the depressive symptoms for patients with prostate cancer.

Conclusions:

Resourcefulness helps patients with prostate cancer build a positive attitude and that it is crucial for enhancing the HRQOL of patients. By using the proper resourcefulness strategy, that is, either personal (self-help) or social (help-seeking), nursing professionals can substantially contribute to enhancing the HRQOL for patients with PC.

Implications for Practice:

Knowledge of risk factors for HRQOL would be useful for nursing professional in detecting health problems and treatment options.
Fears, Coping Styles, and Health Behaviors
Authors: Schütte Kathrin , Vocks Silja , Waldorf Manuel
Published: July 2016

Research into correlates of illness anxiety disorder (formerly hypochondriasis) rarely applies comprehensive assessments of health behavior. Moreover, studies on phenomenological varieties of clinical health anxiety are scarce. We examined health behavior, fear, and acceptance of death and dying, and coping with a hypothetical bodily disease in patients with hypochondriasis, panic disorder, depression, and healthy controls (all groups n = 30) using self-rated questionnaires. ANOVA with Dunnett-T3 post hoc tests revealed no group differences in health behavior. The hypochondriasis and panic disorder groups showed more fear and less acceptance of death and dying than patients with depression and controls. Groups did not differ concerning coping strategies. Patients with hypochondriasis ruminated more when confronted with their most feared rather than another disease. Patients apparently overestimate the danger of a specific disease, but without underestimating their coping abilities. A therapeutic focus on fear of death and dying via cognitive interventions and exposure is recommended.
Altered hippocampal interneuron activity precedes ictal onset
Authors: Miri Mitra L. , Vinck Martin , Pant Rima , Cardin Jessica A.
Published: July 2016

Although failure of GABAergic inhibition is a commonly hypothesized mechanism underlying seizure disorders, the series of events that precipitate a rapid shift from healthy to ictal activity remain unclear. Furthermore, the diversity of inhibitory interneuron populations poses a challenge for understanding local circuit interactions during seizure initiation. Using a combined optogenetic and electrophysiological approach, we examined the activity of two identified hippocampal interneuron classes during seizure induction in vivo. We identified cell type-specific differences in preictal firing patterns and input sensitivity of parvalbumin- and somatostatin-expressing interneurons. Surprisingly, the impact of both sources of inhibition remained intact throughout the preictal period and into the early ictal phase. Our findings suggest that the onset of ictal activity is not due to a failure of inhibition, but is instead associated with a decoupling of inhibitory cells from their normal relationship with the local hippocampal network.
Thermal comfort properties of bamboo tencel knitted fabrics
Authors: Karthikeyan Govindan , Nalankilli Govind , Shanmugasundaram O L , Prakash Chidambaram
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present the thermal comfort properties of single jersey knitted fabric structures made from bamboo, tencel and bamboo-tencel blended yarns.

Design/methodology/approach

– Bamboo, tencel fibre and blends of the two fibres were spun into yarns of identical linear density (30s Ne). Each of the blended yarns so produced was converted to single jersey knitted fabrics with loose, medium and tight structures.

Findings

– An increase in tencel fibre in the fabric had led to a reduction in fabric thickness and GSM. Air permeability and water-vapour permeability also increased with increase in tencel fibre content. The anticipated increase in air permeability and relative water vapour permeability with increase in stitch length was observed. The thermal conductivity of the fabrics was generally found to increase with increase in the proportion of bamboo.

Research limitations/implications

– It is clear from the foregoing that, although a considerable amount of work has been done on bamboo blends and their properties, still there are many gaps existing in the literature, in particular, on thermal comfort, moisture management and spreading characteristics. Thus the manuscript addresses these issues and provides valuable information on the comfort characteristics of the blended fabrics for the first time. In the evolution of this manuscript, it became apparent that a considerable amount of work was needed to fill up the gaps existing in the literature and hence this work which deals with an investigation of the blend yarn properties and comfort properties of knitted fabrics was taken up.

Originality/value

– This research work is focused on the thermal comfort parameters of knitted fabrics made from 100 per cent tencel yarn, 100 per cent bamboo yarn and tencel/bamboo blended yarns of different blend ratios.