bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Development of an Evacuation Protocol for Patients with Ventricular Assist Devices During a Disaster
Authors: Davis Katherine J , Suyama Joseph , Lingler Jennifer , Beach Michael
Published: March 2017

Introduction

Health care providers are on the forefront of delivering care and allocating resources during a disaster; however, very few are adequately trained to respond in these situations. Furthermore, there is a void in the literature regarding the specific care needs of patients with ventricular assist devices (VADs) in a disaster setting. This project aimed to develop an evidenced-based protocol to aid health care providers during the evacuation of patients with VADs during a disaster.

Methods

This is a qualitative study that used expert review, tabletop discussion, and a survey of health care professionals to develop and evaluate an evacuation protocol. The protocol was revised after each stage of review in order to reach a consensus document.

Results

The project concluded with the finalization of a protocol which addresses evacuation and patient triage, and also includes an algorithm to determine which staff members should be evacuated with patients, transportation resources, evacuation documentation, and items patients need during evacuation. The protocol also addressed steps to be taken in the event that evacuation efforts fail and how to manage outpatient VAD patients seeking assistance.

Conclusions

This protocol provides guidance for the care of VAD patients in the event of a disaster and evacuation. Protocols such as this address difficult scenarios and should be created prior to a disaster to assist staff in making difficult decisions. These documents should be created using multi-disciplinary feedback via the consensus model as well as the Institute of Medicine (IOM; National Academy of Medicine; Washington, DC USA) “Crisis Standards of Care.”

DavisKJ,SuyamaJ,LinglerJ,BeachM.The development of an evacuation protocol for patients with ventricular assist devices during a disaster.Prehosp Disaster Med.2017;32(3):333–338.
Tolerance of Corn with Glyphosate Resistance and the Aryloxyalkanoate Dioxygenase Trait (AAD-1) to 2,4-D Choline and Glyphosate
Authors: Ruen David C. , Scherder Eric F. , Ditmarsen Scott C. , Prasifka Patricia L. , Ellis Jeffrey M. , Simpson David M. , Gallup Courtney A. , Hopkins Bradley W.
Published: March 2017

In 2011, 14 Midwest trial locations evaluated tolerance of an AAD-1 and glyphosate-resistant corn hybrid to a 2,4-D choline+glyphosate premix formulation applied single and sequential POST at V4 and/or V7 corn with and without a PRE application of 2,4-D dimethylamine (DMA). Herbicides were applied at 1X and 2X maximum use rates with 1X rates of 1120 g ae ha−1 for glyphosate and 2,4-D DMA and 1065+1120 g ae ha−1 for the 2,4-D choline+glyphosate premix, respectively. Crop response was greatest 2 d after 2X rate applications, resulting in 4 to 10% visible injury to corn across application timings. No brace root injury or effect on corn grain yield were observed.
Doch keine einfache Radiuskopffraktur …
Authors: Vavken Patrick
Published: March 2017

Zusammenfassung. Radiuskopffrakturen sind zwar sehr häufige Verletzungen, heilen meist aber relativ schnell und unkompliziert aus. Mit dieser Häufigkeit und «Einfachheit» geht jedoch eine gewisse Bagatellisierung einher. Aber selbst bei den einfachsten Radiuskopffrakturen liegt in bis zu 18 % der Fälle eine Begleitverletzung der Weichteile vor. Werden diese übersehen und/oder nicht behandelt, können sie schwere Folgeschäden verursachen. In Anbetracht dieser Problematik sollte der klinische Verlauf bei diesen Patienten genau verfolgt werden. Ein Ausbleiben der Schmerzlinderung nach zwei Wochen konservativer Therapie sollte eine weitere Abklärung nach sich ziehen.
CME
Authors: Valkova Kristyna , Vallelian Florence
Published: March 2017

Zusammenfassung. Common Variable Immunodeficiencies (CVID, variable humorale Immundefektsyndrome) gehören zur Gruppe der primären Immunerkrankungen, welche durch einen Antikörpermangel charakterisiert sind. Klinisch zeigt sich ein heterogenes Symptombild mit Infektanfälligkeit, Granulombildung, Autoimmunität und erhöhtem Risiko für Neoplasien. Die Diagnosestellung ist deshalb nicht einfach, aber essentiell, weil die Therapie mit Antikörpersubstitution zu einer deutlichen Symptomreduktion und dadurch zur Lebensqualitätsverbesserung bei den Patienten führt. Die Langzeitbehandlung und vor allem Prophylaxe der Komplikationen kann die Prognose wesentlich verbessern.
PI3K/AKT-mediated upregulation of WDR5 promotes colorectal cancer metastasis by directly targeting ZNF407
Authors: Tan Xin , Chen Shuai , Wu Jiangxue , Lin Jiaxin , Pan Changchuan , Ying Xiaofang , Pan Zhizhong , Qiu Lin , Liu Ranyi , Geng Rong , Huang Wenlin
Published: March 2017

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cause of cancer deaths, and has a high rate of liver and lung metastasis. Unfortunately, distant metastasis is the main barrier for advanced CRC therapy and leads to a very low survival rate. In this study, we identified WDR5, a vital factor that regulates vertebrate development and cell self-renewal and reprogramming, as a novel prognostic marker and therapeutic target for CRC patients. We demonstrate that WDR5 is upregulated in CRC tissues and promotes CRC metastasis both in vitro and in vivo. In an effort to investigate the impact of WDR5 on CRC cell fate, we treated CRC cells with growth factor and inhibitor. We report that WDR5 is a novel factor in the metastasis of CRC by triggering epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in response to the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Moreover, WDR5 shows a direct binding to the ZNF407 promoter on regulating cellular EMT process, leading to CRC metastasis. Hence, our findings strongly position WDR5 as a valuable marker for CRC, and inhibiting WDR5 or the associated signaling pathways may be an effective strategy for the future development of anti-CRC therapy.
Regulation of RhoA activity by the cellular prion protein
Authors: Kim Hee-Jun , Choi Hong-Seok , Park Jeong-Ho , Kim Mo-Jong , Lee Hyoung-gon , Petersen Robert Bob , Kim Yong-Sun , Park Jae-Bong , Choi Eun-Kyoung
Published: March 2017

The cellular prion protein (PrPC) is a highly conserved glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored membrane protein that is involved in the signal transduction during the initial phase of neurite outgrowth. The Ras homolog gene family member A (RhoA) is a small GTPase that is known to have an essential role in regulating the development, differentiation, survival, and death of neurons in the central nervous system. Although recent studies have shown the dysregulation of RhoA in a variety of neurodegenerative diseases, the role of RhoA in prion pathogenesis remains unclear. Here, we investigated the regulation of RhoA-mediated signaling by PrPC using both in vitro and in vivo models and found that overexpression of PrPC significantly induced RhoA inactivation and RhoA phosphorylation in hippocampal neuronal cells and in the brains of transgenic mice. Using siRNA-mediated depletion of endogenous PrPC and overexpression of disease-associated mutants of PrPC, we confirmed that PrPC induced RhoA inactivation, which accompanied RhoA phosphorylation but reduced the phosphorylation levels of LIM kinase (LIMK), leading to cofilin activation. In addition, PrPC colocalized with RhoA, and the overexpression of PrPC significantly increased neurite outgrowth in nerve growth factor-treated PC12 cells through RhoA inactivation. However, the disease-associated mutants of PrPC decreased neurite outgrowth compared with wild-type PrPC. Moreover, inhibition of Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) substantially facilitated neurite outgrowth in NGF-treated PC12 cells, similar to the effect induced by PrPC. Interestingly, we found that the induction of RhoA inactivation occurred through the interaction of PrPC with RhoA and that PrPC enhanced the interaction between RhoA and p190RhoGAP (a GTPase-activating protein). These findings suggest that the interactions of PrPC with RhoA and p190RhoGAP contribute to neurite outgrowth by controlling RhoA inactivation and RhoA-mediated signaling and that disease-associated mutations of PrPC impair RhoA inactivation, which in turn leads to prion-related neurodegeneration.
Combined toll-like receptor 3/7/9 deficiency on host cells results in T-cell-dependent control of tumour growth
Authors: Klein Johanna C. , Moses Katrin , Zelinskyy Gennadiy , Sody Simon , Buer Jan , Lang Stephan , Helfrich Iris , Dittmer Ulf , Kirschning Carsten J. , Brandau Sven
Published: March 2017

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are located either on the cell surface or intracellularly in endosomes and their activation normally contributes to the induction of protective immune responses. However, in cancer their activation by endogenous ligands can modulate tumour progression. It is currently unknown how endosomal TLRs regulate endogenous anti-tumour immunity. Here we show that TLR3, 7 and 9 deficiencies on host cells, after initial tumour growth, result in complete tumour regression and induction of anti-tumour immunity. Tumour regression requires the combined absence of all three receptors, is dependent on both CD4 and CD8 T cells and protects the mice from subsequent tumour challenge. While tumours in control mice are infiltrated by higher numbers of regulatory T cells, tumour regression in TLR-deficient mice is paralleled by altered vascular structure and strongly induced influx of cytotoxic and cytokine-producing effector T cells. Thus, endosomal TLRs may represent a molecular link between the inflamed tumour cell phenotype, anti-tumour immunity and the regulation of T-cell activation.
Observation of gold sub-nanocluster nucleation within a crystalline protein cage
Authors: Maity Basudev , Abe Satoshi , Ueno Takafumi
Published: March 2017

Protein scaffolds provide unique metal coordination environments that promote biomineralization processes. It is expected that protein scaffolds can be developed to prepare inorganic nanomaterials with important biomedical and material applications. Despite many promising applications, it remains challenging to elucidate the detailed mechanisms of formation of metal nanoparticles in protein environments. In the present work, we describe a crystalline protein cage constructed by crosslinking treatment of a single crystal of apo-ferritin for structural characterization of the formation of sub-nanocluster with reduction reaction. The crystal structure analysis shows the gradual movement of the Au ions towards the centre of the three-fold symmetric channels of the protein cage to form a sub-nanocluster with accompanying significant conformational changes of the amino-acid residues bound to Au ions during the process. These results contribute to our understanding of metal core formation as well as interactions of the metal core with the protein environment.
Electrolytic plasma processing-an innovative treatment for surface modification of 304 stainless steel
Authors: Gui Wanyuan , Lin Junpin , Hao Guojian , Qu Yuhai , Liang Yongfeng , Zhang Hui
Published: March 2017

There is widespread attention to surface profile and modification of 304 stainless steel for research development and application. Here, a successful electrolytic plasma processing (EPP) technique has been developed for both surface pretreatment and coating deposition of 304 stainless steel. Representative images confirm that the number of the pits increases and the ravines gradually disappear on the steel pretreated by EPP with the increase of processing time and applied voltage. Moreover, there is an obvious enhancement in surface roughness of 304 stainless steel after EPP pretreatment. In the case of coating deposition, the further EPP modification conducted on the pretreated sample offers a simple and effective technique for the production of zinc coatings having the features of full coverage and homogeneous distribution. The results show that a zinc coating with a thickness of approximately 0.5 μm can be obtained on the 304 stainless steel by means of EPP for only 60 s.
Altered glutamatergic tone reveals two distinct resting state networks at the cellular level in hippocampal sclerosis
Authors: Banerjee Jyotirmoy , BanerjeeDixit Aparna , Srivastava Arpna , Ramanujam Bhargavi , Kakkar Aanchal , Sarkar Chitra , Tripathi Manjari , Chandra P. Sarat
Published: March 2017

Hippocampal sclerosis (HS), the most common subset of drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE), is associated with large-scale network abnormalities, even under resting state. We studied the excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) recorded from pyramidal neurons in resected samples under resting conditions from the hippocampal and anterior temporal lobe (ATL) obtained from patients with HS (n = 14) undergoing resective surgery. We observed higher frequency and amplitude of spontaneous EPSCs in both the samples compared to non-seizure control samples. Application of tetrodotoxin (TTX) reduced the frequency of spontaneous EPSCs by 49.6 ± 4.3% and 61.8 ± 6.2% in the hippocampal and ATL samples, respectively. The magnitude of reduction caused by TTX with respect to non-seizure controls was significantly higher in the ATL samples than in the hippocampal samples. The magnitude of the change in the expression of the NR2A subunit of the NMDA receptors also varied in these two regions. Thus, the mechanism of hyperexcitabilty mediated by glutamatergic network reorganization in the hippocampal region is different from that in the ATL region of patients with HS, suggesting two independent resting-state networks at the cellular level. Taken together, these findings will improve the understanding of the broadly distributed resting-state networks in HS.
Hierarchical Porous Interlocked Polymeric Microcapsules: Sulfonic Acid Functionalization as Acid Catalysts
Authors: Wang Xiaomei , Gu Jinyan , Tian Lei , Zhang Xu
Published: March 2017

Owing to their unique structural and surface properties, mesoporous microspheres are widely applied in the catalytic field. Generally, increasing the surface area of the specific active phase of the catalyst is a good method, which can achieve a higher catalytic activity through the fabrication of the corresponding catalytic microspheres with the smaller size and hollow structure. However, one of the major challenges in the use of hollow microspheres (microcapsules) as catalysts is their chemical and structural stability. Herein, the grape-like hypercrosslinked polystyrene hierarchical porous interlocked microcapsule (HPIM-HCL-PS) is fabricated by SiO2 colloidal crystals templates, whose structure is the combination of open mouthed structure, mesoporous nanostructure and interlocked architecture. Numerous microcapsules assembling together and forming the roughly grape-like microcapsule aggregates can enhance the structural stability and recyclability of these microcapsules. After undergoing the sulfonation, the sulfonated HPIM-HCL-PS is served as recyclable acid catalyst for condensation reaction between benzaldehyde and ethylene glycol (TOF = 793 h−1), moreover, exhibits superior activity, selectivity and recyclability.
Practical whole-tooth restoration utilizing autologous bioengineered tooth germ transplantation in a postnatal canine model
Authors: Ono Mitsuaki , Oshima Masamitsu , Ogawa Miho , Sonoyama Wataru , Hara Emilio Satoshi , Oida Yasutaka , Shinkawa Shigehiko , Nakajima Ryu , Mine Atsushi , Hayano Satoru , Fukumoto Satoshi , Kasugai Shohei , Yamaguchi Akira , Tsuji Takashi , Kuboki Takuo
Published: March 2017

Whole-organ regeneration has great potential for the replacement of dysfunctional organs through the reconstruction of a fully functional bioengineered organ using three-dimensional cell manipulation in vitro. Recently, many basic studies of whole-tooth replacement using three-dimensional cell manipulation have been conducted in a mouse model. Further evidence of the practical application to human medicine is required to demonstrate tooth restoration by reconstructing bioengineered tooth germ using a postnatal large-animal model. Herein, we demonstrate functional tooth restoration through the autologous transplantation of bioengineered tooth germ in a postnatal canine model. The bioengineered tooth, which was reconstructed using permanent tooth germ cells, erupted into the jawbone after autologous transplantation and achieved physiological function equivalent to that of a natural tooth. This study represents a substantial advancement in whole-organ replacement therapy through the transplantation of bioengineered organ germ as a practical model for future clinical regenerative medicine.
S-nitrosylation of UCHL1 induces its structural instability and promotes α-synuclein aggregation
Authors: Kumar Roshan , Jangir Deepak K. , Verma Garima , Shekhar Shashi , Hanpude Pranita , Kumar Sanjay , Kumari Raniki , Singh Nirpendra , Sarovar Bhavesh Neel , Ranjan Jana Nihar , Kanti Maiti Tushar
Published: March 2017

Ubiquitin C-terminal Hydrolase-1 (UCHL1) is a deubiquitinating enzyme, which plays a key role in Parkinson’s disease (PD). It is one of the most important proteins, which constitute Lewy body in PD patient. However, how this well folded highly soluble protein presents in this proteinaceous aggregate is still unclear. We report here that UCHL1 undergoes S-nitrosylation in vitro and rotenone induced PD mouse model. The preferential nitrosylation in the Cys 90, Cys 152 and Cys 220 has been observed which alters the catalytic activity and structural stability. We show here that nitrosylation induces structural instability and produces amorphous aggregate, which provides a nucleation to the native α-synuclein for faster aggregation. Our findings provide a new link between UCHL1-nitrosylation and PD pathology.
Role of purinergic signaling in experimental pneumococcal meningitis
Authors: Zierhut Marco , Dyckhoff Susanne , Masouris Ilias , Klein Matthias , Hammerschmidt Sven , Pfister Hans-Walter , Ayata Korcan , Idzko Marco , Koedel Uwe
Published: March 2017

Excessive neutrophilic inflammation contributes to brain pathology and adverse outcome in pneumococcal meningitis (PM). Recently, we identified the NLRP3 inflammasome/interleukin (IL)-1β pathway as a key driver of inflammation in PM. A critical membrane receptor for NLRP3 inflammasome activation is the ATP-activated P2 purinoceptor (P2R) P2X7. Thus, we hypothesized involvement of ATP and P2Rs in PM. The functional role of ATP was investigated in a mouse meningitis model using P2R antagonists. Brain expression of P2Rs was assessed by RT-PCR. ATP levels were determined in murine CSF and cell culture experiments. Treatment with the P2R antagonists suramin or brilliant blue G did not have any impact on disease course. This lack of effect might be attributed to meningitis-associated down-regulation of brain P2R expression and/or a drop of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) ATP, as demonstrated by RT-PCR and ATP analyses. Supplemental cell culture experiments suggest that the reduction in CSF ATP is, at least partly, due to ATP hydrolysis by ectonucleotidases of neutrophils and macrophages. In conclusion, this study suggests that ATP-P2R signaling is only of minor or even no significance in PM. This may be explained by down-regulation of P2R expression and decreased CSF ATP levels.
Application of conventional molecular dynamics simulation in evaluating the stability of apomyoglobin in urea solution
Authors: Zhang Dawei , Lazim Raudah
Published: March 2017

In this study, we had exploited the advancement in computer technology to determine the stability of four apomyoglobin variants namely wild type, E109A, E109G and G65A/G73A by conducting conventional molecular dynamics simulations in explicit urea solution. Variations in RMSD, native contacts and solvent accessible surface area of the apomyoglobin variants during the simulation were calculated to probe the effect of mutation on the overall conformation of the protein. Subsequently, the mechanism leading to the destabilization of the apoMb variants was studied through the calculation of correlation matrix, principal component analyses, hydrogen bond analyses and RMSF. The results obtained here correlate well with the study conducted by Baldwin and Luo which showed improved stability of apomyoglobin with E109A mutation and contrariwise for E109G and G65A/G73A mutation. These positive observations showcase the feasibility of exploiting MD simulation in determining protein stability prior to protein expression.
Simulated herbivory in chickpea causes rapid changes in defense pathways and hormonal transcription networks of JA/ethylene/GA/auxin within minutes of wounding
Authors: Pandey Saurabh Prakash , Srivastava Shruti , Goel Ridhi , Lakhwani Deepika , Singh Priya , Asif Mehar Hasan , Sane Aniruddha P.
Published: March 2017

Chickpea (C. arietinum L.) is an important pulse crop in Asian and African countries that suffers significant yield losses due to attacks by insects like H. armigera. To obtain insights into early responses of chickpea to insect attack, a transcriptomic analysis of chickpea leaves just 20 minutes after simulated herbivory was performed, using oral secretions of H. armigera coupled with mechanical wounding. Expression profiles revealed differential regulation of 8.4% of the total leaf transcriptome with 1334 genes up-regulated and 501 down-regulated upon wounding at log2-fold change (|FC| ≤ −1 and ≥1) and FDR value ≤ 0.05. In silico analysis showed the activation of defenses through up-regulation of genes of the phenylpropanoid pathway, pathogenesis, oxidases and CYTP450 besides differential regulation of kinases, phosphatases and transcription factors of the WRKY, MYB, ERFs, bZIP families. A substantial change in the regulation of hormonal networks was observed with up-regulation of JA and ethylene pathways and suppression of growth associated hormone pathways like GA and auxin within 20 minutes of wounding. Secondary qPCR comparison of selected genes showed that oral secretions often increased differential expression relative to mechanical damage alone. The studies provide new insights into early wound responses in chickpea.
Turn-on fluorescent probes that can light up endogenous RNA in nucleoli and cytoplasm of living cells under a two-photon microscope
Authors: Feng Ruiqing , Li Longlong , Li Bing , Li Jinhui , Peng Dan , Yu Yitao , Mu Qiuhong , Zhao Ning , Yu Xiaoqiang , Wang Zhenhua
Published: March 2017

We report two turn-on RNA probes that can light up endogenous RNA in the nucleoli and cytoplasm of living cells under a two-photon microscope.
Highly selective synthesis of substituted (E)-alkenylsilatranes via catalytic trans-silylation and mechanistic implications
Authors: Sztorch Bogna , Frąckowiak Dawid , Pyziak Jadwiga , Czapik Agnieszka , Hoffmann Marcin , Marciniec Bogdan
Published: March 2017

A new catalytic protocol for the synthesis of functionalized alkenylsilatranes has been developed based on ruthenium catalyzed trans-silylation with olefins. A ruthenium silatranyl complex has been prepared and characterized.
Metal salts and complexes of 1,1′-dinitramino-5,5′-bitetrazole
Authors: Szimhardt Norbert , Bölter Marc F. , Born Maximilian , Klapötke Thomas M. , Stierstorfer Jörg
Published: March 2017

The moment of detonation during a hot plate test of highly energetic sodium 1,1′-dinitramino-5,5′-bitetrazolate, the representative of the synthesized alkaline and transition metal salts which are very sensitive toward friction, impact heat and partly also susceptible to laser irradiation.
Multi-channel silicone rubber traps as denuders for gas–particle partitioning of aerosols from semi-volatile organic compounds
Authors: Kohlmeier Vesta , Dragan George C. , Karg Erwin W. , Schnelle-Kreis Jürgen , Breuer Dietmar , Forbes Patricia B. C. , Rohwer Egmont R. , Zimmermann Ralf
Published: March 2017

Multi-channel silicone rubber traps represent a new approach towards gas–particle partitioning of aerosols from semi-volatile organic compounds.
Synthesis of phenanthridine spiropyrans and studies of their effects on G-quadruplex DNA
Authors: Livendahl M. , Jamroskovic J. , Hedenström M. , Görlich T. , Sabouri N. , Chorell E.
Published: March 2017

Low molecular weight spirocycles efficiently stabilize G-quadruplex DNA without changing its structure by binding the top of the G-quadruplex structure.
Square sugars: challenges and synthetic strategies
Authors: Hazelard Damien , Compain Philippe
Published: March 2017

The synthesis of square sugars requires innovative strategies based on efficient stereoselective methodologies, from organocatalysis to metal carbene insertion.
Electronic and steric effects on the three-fold Scholl-type cycloheptatriene ring formation around a tribenzotriquinacene core
Authors: Ip Ho-Wang , Chow Hak-Fun , Kuck Dietmar
Published: March 2017

Single and triple bay-bridging Scholl-type cyclizations of several 1,4,8-triaryl-substituted tribenzotriquinacenes are subject to pronounced electronic and steric substituent effects.
Synthesis, characterization and optical properties of novel dendronized azo-dyes containing a fullerene C60 unit and well-defined oligo(ethylene glycol) segments
Authors: Ortíz-Palacios Jesús , Zaragoza-Galán Gerardo , Aguilar-Ortíz Edgar , Rodríguez-Alba Efraín , Rivera Ernesto
Published: March 2017

Herein, we report the preparation and characterization of a novel series of dendronized azo-dyes containing a fullerene C60 unit and well-defined oligo(ethylene glycol) spacers.
A microfluidic chip integrated with droplet generation, pairing, trapping, merging, mixing and releasing
Authors: Chen Xiaoming , Ren Carolyn L.
Published: March 2017

Developing a microfluidic chip with multiple functions is highly demanded for practical applications, such as chemical analysis, diagnostics, particles synthesis and drug screening.
Synthesis of C15 and C10 fuel precursors with cyclopentanone and furfural derived from hemicellulose
Authors: Wang Wei , Ji Xiaohui , Ge Hongguang , Li Zhizhou , Tian Guanghui , Shao Xianzhao , Zhang Qiang
Published: March 2017

C15 and C10 fuel precursors were developed using cyclopentanone and furfural derived from hemicellulose.
A meta-analysis between dietary carbohydrate intake and colorectal cancer risk: evidence from 17 observational studies
Authors: Huang Jian , Pan Guoqing , Jiang Hongchao , Li Wenliang , Dong Jian , Zhang Hongbin , Ji Xiang , Zhu Zhu
Published: March 2017

The association between dietary carbohydrate intake and colorectal cancer (CRC) risk remains controversial. We therefore conducted this meta-analysis to assess the relationship between them. A literature search from the databases of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Medline was performed for available articles published in English (up to September 2016). Pooled relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated to evaluate the association between dietary carbohydrate intake and CRC risk. The random-effect model (REM) was selected as the pooling method. Publication bias was estimated using Egger’s regression asymmetry test and funnel plot. A total of 17 articles involving 14402 CRC patients and 846004 participants were eligible with the inclusion criteria in this meta-analysis. The pooled RR with 95% CI of dietary carbohydrate intake for CRC, colon cancer and rectum cancer risk were 1.08 (95% CI =0.93–1.23, I2 =68.3%, Pheterogeneity<0.001), 1.09 (95% CI =0.95–1.25, I2 =48.3%) and 1.17 (95% CI =0.98–1.39, I2 =17.8%) respectively. When we conducted the subgroup analysis by gender, the significant association was found in men’s populations (summary RR =1.23, 95% CI =1.01–1.57), but not in the women’s populations. In the further subgroup analyses for study design and geographic locations, we did not find any association between dietary carbohydrate intake and CRC risk in the subgroup results respectively. No significant publication bias was found either by the Egger’s regression asymmetry test or by the funnel plot. This meta-analysis suggested that higher dietary carbohydrate intake may be an increased factor for CRC risk in men populations. Further studies are wanted to confirm this relationship.
Speech-Language Pathology Care for Military Traumatic Brain Injury in the Department of Veterans Affairs
Authors: Picon Linda , MacLennan Don
Published: March 2017

Military activity often has been the impetus for advances in medical care and rehabilitation, including assessment and treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) working in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) have made substantive contributions to the theory and implementation of rehabilitation programs for Veterans and others who present with cognitive-communication disorders and dysphagia following TBI. This paper describes some of those contributions, including innovative rehabilitation programs and best practices that were developed in collaboration with SLPs from military, clinical, and academic settings. Results from interdisciplinary research collaborations such as the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center’s randomized clinical trial investigating treatment of cognitive-communication disorders following TBI, provided valuable data about the rehabilitation and recovery trajectory of those with TBI and polytrauma. These data formed the foundation for the VA TBI/Polytrauma System of Care, and for innovative clinical programs and services such as: Assistive Technology (AT) Labs that offer a full complement of AT services; mobile apps such as Concussion Coach which helps to assess symptoms of mild to moderate TBI and facilitates coping strategies; Heroes Pathway which is a program for Servicemembers and Veterans emerging form prolonged disorder of consciousness; and college simulation programs that provide strategy training for Veterans who want to enter or return to college after TBI.
Fast, precise, and widely tunable frequency control of an optical parametric oscillator referenced to a frequency comb
Authors: Prehn Alexander , Glöckner Rosa , Rempe Gerhard , Zeppenfeld Martin
Published: March 2017

Optical frequency combs (OFCs) provide a convenient reference for the frequency stabilization of continuous-wave lasers. We demonstrate a frequency control method relying on tracking over a wide range and stabilizing the beat note between the laser and the OFC. The approach combines fast frequency ramps on a millisecond timescale in the entire mode-hop free tuning range of the laser and precise stabilization to single frequencies. We apply it to a commercially available optical parametric oscillator (OPO) and demonstrate tuning over more than 60 GHz with a ramping speed up to 3 GHz/ms. Frequency ramps spanning 15 GHz are performed in less than 10 ms, with the OPO instantly relocked to the OFC after the ramp at any desired frequency. The developed control hardware and software are able to stabilize the OPO to sub-MHz precision and to perform sequences of fast frequency ramps automatically.
Inductance optimization of miniature Broadband transformers with racetrack shaped ferrite cores for Ethernet applications
Authors: Bowen David , Krafft Charles , Mayergoyz Isaak D.
Published: March 2017

There is strong commercial interest in the ability to fabricate the windings of traditional miniature wire-wound inductive circuit components, such as Ethernet transformers, lithographically. For greater inductance devices, thick cores are required, making the process of embedding the ferrite material within circuit board one of few options for lithographic winding fabrication. In this paper, a non-traditional core shape, suitable for embedding in circuit board, is examined analytically and experimentally; the racetrack shape is two halves of a toroid connected by straight legs. With regard to the high inductance requirements for Ethernet applications (350μH), the racetrack transformer inductance is analytically optimized, determining the optimal physical dimensions. Two sizes of racetrack-core transformers were fabricated and measured. The measured inductance was in reasonable agreement with the analytical prediction, though large variations in material permeability are expected from the mechanical processing of the ferrite. Some of the experimental transformers were observed to satisfy the Ethernet inductance requirement.
An optimal collaborative congestion management in national grid based on implementing demand response
Authors: Moradi Mohammad H. , Reisi Ali R. , Hosseinian S. Mahdi
Published: March 2017

This paper aims to provide a novel framework for optimal congestion management via encouraging a collaboration between the independent system operator (ISO) and Retail electricity companies (Recos) in implementing demand response (DR) programs based on the market mechanism. The merit of this paper is to increase the market efficiency. Three economic signals, namely, demand reduction, congestion elasticity, and electricity spot price values, specified by the ISO, are used for assisting Recos in evaluating any benefits from implementing DR in various network buses. A Stackelberg game is adopted for designing a DR trade between Recos and demand response aggregators to help Recos identifying their optimal demands in the market, which are then used by the ISO to analyze grid congestion and consequently to re-specify the new economic signals. The game is repeated until the Nash equilibrium point, the optimal congestion reduction, and the optimal Recos' demands are obtained. The performance of the proposed framework is assessed using a test power system, and the results are compared with the current practices in the Australian electricity market. This paper demonstrates an effective performance of the proposed framework.
Fast divide-and-conquer algorithm for evaluating polarization in classical force fields
Authors: Nocito Dominique , Beran Gregory J. O.
Published: March 2017

Evaluation of the self-consistent polarization energy forms a major computational bottleneck in polarizable force fields. In large systems, the linear polarization equations are typically solved iteratively with techniques based on Jacobi iterations (JI) or preconditioned conjugate gradients (PCG). Two new variants of JI are proposed here that exploit domain decomposition to accelerate the convergence of the induced dipoles. The first, divide-and-conquer JI (DC-JI), is a block Jacobi algorithm which solves the polarization equations within non-overlapping sub-clusters of atoms directly via Cholesky decomposition, and iterates to capture interactions between sub-clusters. The second, fuzzy DC-JI, achieves further acceleration by employing overlapping blocks. Fuzzy DC-JI is analogous to an additive Schwarz method, but with distance-based weighting when averaging the fuzzy dipoles from different blocks. Key to the success of these algorithms is the use of K-means clustering to identify natural atomic sub-clusters automatically for both algorithms and to determine the appropriate weights in fuzzy DC-JI. The algorithm employs knowledge of the 3-D spatial interactions to group important elements in the 2-D polarization matrix. When coupled with direct inversion in the iterative subspace (DIIS) extrapolation, fuzzy DC-JI/DIIS in particular converges in a comparable number of iterations as PCG, but with lower computational cost per iteration. In the end, the new algorithms demonstrated here accelerate the evaluation of the polarization energy by 2–3 fold compared to existing implementations of PCG or JI/DIIS.
Giambelli identity in super Chern-Simons matrix model
Authors: Matsuno Satsuki , Moriyama Sanefumi
Published: March 2017

A classical identity due to Giambelli in representation theory states that the character in any representation is expressed as a determinant whose components are characters in the hook representation constructed from all the combinations of the arm and leg lengths of the original representation. We prove that, in a general fractional-brane background, the identity persists in taking, for each character, the matrix integration of the super Chern-Simons matrix model in the grand canonical ensemble.
High stable remote photoelectric receiver for interferometry
Authors: Yang Hongxing , Zhu Pengfei , Tan Jiubin , Hu Pengcheng , Fan Zhigang
Published: March 2017

A high sensitive and high stable remote photoelectric receiver has been developed to reduce noise and phase delay drift caused by thermal pollution and environmental interference. The phase delay drift model is analyzed and built based on a traditional photoelectric receiver. According to the model, a new mechanical isolation structure and a temperature control system are designed to keep the photoelectric receiver in a low constant temperature. Comparison experiments with traditional bias voltage compensation method and temperature control method are carried out between photoelectric receivers. The results verify that the output voltage fluctuation of photoelectric receiver used is reduced by 65% while the phase drift between measurement and reference photoelectric receivers decreases from 1.05° to 0.02°.
g-C3N4/SnS2 Heterostructure: a Promising Water Splitting Photocatalyst
Authors: Chen Shao-hua , Wang Jia-jun , Huang Jing , Li Qun-xiang
Published: March 2017

Graphite-like carbon nitride (g-C3N4) based heterostrutures has attracted intensive attention due to their prominent photocatalytic performance. Here, we explore the g-C3N4/SnS2 coupling effect on the electronic structures and optical absorption of the proposed g-C3N4/SnS2 heterostructure through performing extensive hybrid functional calculations. The obtained geometric structure, band structures, band edge positions and optical absorptions clearly reveal that the g-C3N4 monolayer weakly couples to SnS2 sheet, and forms a typical van der Waals heterojunction. The g-C3N4/SnS2 heterostructure can effectively harvest visible light, and its valence band maximum and conduction band minimum locate in energetically favorable positions for both water oxidation and reduction reactions. Remarkably, the charge transfer from the g-C3N4 monolayer to SnS2 sheet leads to the built-in interface polarized electric field, which is desirable for the photogenerated carrier separation. The built-in interface polarized electric field as well as the nice band edge alignment implys that the g-C3N4/SnS2 heterostructure is a promising g-C3N4 based water splitting photocatalyst with good performance.
Real-Time Observation of Pyoverdine Dissolving Ferric Hydroxide
Authors: Li Jia-hong
Published: March 2017

Pyoverdine is one of the siderphores excreted by Pseudomonas aeruginosa that can help microbe to uptake iron in vitro. To determine the effect of pyoverdine chelating with iron, we purified the free pyoverdine and applied the dynamic laser light scattering (DLS) to detect the interaction between the pyoverdine and ferric hydroxide. The real-time DLS data analysis indicated that pyoverdine can directly combine with Fe(OH)3 to form complexes and these substances are gradually degraded by themselves then completely disappeared. In our experiment, we have demonstrated that pyoverdine may not only chelate ferric ion but also availably dissolve ferric hydroxide which assists bacteria to survive in iron-deficient environments.
Calculation of Surface Excitation Parameters by a Monte Carlo Method
Authors: Zheng Zhe , Da Bo , Mao Shi-feng , Ding Ze-jun
Published: March 2017

Electron inelastic mean free path (IMFP) is an important parameter for surface chemical quantification by surface electron spectroscopy techniques. It can be obtained from analysis of elastic peak electron spectroscopy (EPES) spectra measured on samples and a Monte Carlo simulation method. To obtain IMFP parameters with high accuracy, the surface excitation effect on the measured EPES spectra has to be quantified as a surface excitation parameter (SEP), which can be calculated via a dielectric response theory. However, such calculated SEP does not include influence of elastic scattering of electrons inside samples during their incidence and emission processes, which should not be neglected simply in determining IMFP by an EPES method. In this work a Monte Carlo simulation method is employed to determine surface excitation parameter by taking account of the elastic scattering effect. The simulated SEPs for different primary energies are found to be in good agreement with the experiments particularly for larger incident or emission angles above 60° where the elastic scattering effect plays a more important role than those in smaller incident or emission angles. Based on these new SEPs, the IMFP measurement by EPES technique can provide more accurate data.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study of ClF in Water: Halogen Bonding Interaction in Liquid
Authors: Ye Yu-feng , Fu Cen-feng , Tian Shan-xi
Published: March 2017

Does the halogen bonding interaction co-exist in liquid when it competes with the hydrogen bonding interaction? The classical molecular dynamics simulations for the solvation properties of ClF molecule in water are performed with the Lennard-Jones plus Coulomb electrostatic potential parameters that are optimized with ab initio interaction energy calculations for the pre-reactive H2O⋯ClF complex. We find that the halogen bonding interactions occur between O and Cl atoms and have the comparable strength and population with respect to the hydrogen bonding interactions of Cl⋯H.
Differential Cross Sections for the H+D2O→HD+OD Reaction: a Full Dimensional State-to-State Quantum Dynamics Study
Authors: Zhao Zhi-qiang , Liu Shu , Zhang Dong H.
Published: March 2017

The time-dependent wave-packet method was employed to calculate the first full-dimensional state-to-state differential cross sections (DCS) for the title reaction with D2O in the ground and the first symmetric (100) and asymmetric stretching (001) excited states. The calculated DCSs for these three initial states are strongly backward peaked at low collision energies. With the increase of collision energy, these DCSs become increasingly broader with the peak position shifting gradually to a smaller angle, consistent with the fact that the title reaction is a direct reaction via an abstraction mechanism. It is found that the (100) and (001) states not only have roughly the same integral cross sections, but also have essentially identical DCS, which are very close to that for the ground state at the same total energy of reaction. The reaction produces a small fraction of OD in the v=1 state, with the population close to the relative reactivity between the ground and vibrationally excited states, therefore confirming the experimental result of Zare et al. and the local mode picture [J. Phys. Chem. 97, 2204 (1993)]. Unexpectedly, the stretching excitation reduces the rotation excitation of product HD at the same total energy.
Phytotoxic effects of extract and essential oil of Eucalyptus saligna (Myrtaceae) leaf litter on grassland species
Authors: Silva Eliane R. , Lazarotto Diana C. , Schwambach Joséli , Overbeck Gerhard E. , Soares Geraldo L. G.
Published: March 2017

Under Eucalyptus plantations in the South Brazilian grassland region, few plants establish, and allelopathy may be involved in shaping this pattern. We aimed to assess the phytotoxicity of essential oil and aqueous extract of Eucalyptus saligna Sm. leaf litter on grassland species. We tested the effects of E. saligna pure oil and extract on germination, seedling growth, H2O2 levels and electrolyte leakage of seedling membranes of Paspalum notatum Flüggé, Eragrostis plana Ness (Poaceae), Trifolium repens L. and Lotus corniculatus L. (Fabaceae). Essential oil and aqueous extract of E. saligna affected all recipient species, even at the lowest amounts/concentrations, inhibiting germination and initial growth, and also increasing H2O2 levels and electrolyte leakage of seedling membranes. Essential oil consisted mainly of monoterpenes and presented α-pinene and 1,8-cineole as the major compounds. The extract contained phenolics, and lower levels of these compounds in the extract were associated with decreased phytotoxicity. We conclude that E. saligna contains phytotoxic compounds in leaf litter that generate oxidative stress and lead to membrane damage, affecting seeds and seedling growth. In addition, we relate E. saligna phytotoxicity to monoterpenes that may be released from leaf litter by volatilisation, and phenolics that may be leached by rainfall. Our study indicates that E. saligna has allelopathic potential on the tested grassland species.
Broad-scale coastal movements of white sharks off Western Australia described by passive acoustic telemetry data
Authors: McAuley R. B. , Bruce B. D. , Keay I. S. , Mountford S. , Pinnell T. , Whoriskey F. G.
Published: March 2017

Movements of 89 acoustically tagged subadult and adult white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) were monitored off the south and west coasts of Western Australia (WA) between December 2008 and May 2016 by a network of up to 343 passive acoustic receivers. In all, 290 inter-regional movements, totalling 185092km were recorded for 73 of these sharks. Estimated rates of movement in excess of 3kmh–1 (mean 1.7kmh–1; maximum 5.6kmh–1) were common, even over distances of thousands of kilometres. Detections indicated that white sharks may be present off most of the south and lower west coasts of WA throughout the year, although they are more likely to be encountered during spring and early summer and are least likely to be present during late summer and autumn. There was limited evidence of predictable return behaviour, seasonal movement patterns or coordination of the direction and timing of individual shark’s movements. Nevertheless, the data suggest that further analyses of movements in relation to ecological factors may be useful predictors of shark activity at local scales. It is hoped that these data may be useful for informing public safety initiatives aimed at mitigating the risks associated with human encounters with white sharks off the WA coast.
Spatial variability of phytoplankton in the Pacific western boundary currents during summer 2014
Authors: Chen Yunyan , Sun Xiaoxia , Zhu Mingliang , Zheng Shan , Yuan Yongquan , Denis Michel
Published: March 2017

The spatial distribution of phytoplankton was investigated during the summer of 2014 in two different regions of the Pacific western boundary current, namely the Warm Pool near the equator and the subtropical Kuroshio south area. Traditional approaches (size-fractionated chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) and microscopic analyses) combined with single-cell analysis (using a flow cytometer) were used to analyse the whole range of phytoplankton. Flow cytometry analysis resolved five clusters, two belonging to the pico-size fraction and three belonging to the nano-size fraction. Microscopy analysis revealed that the genera Coscinodiscus, Rhizosolenia, Chaetoceros and Ceratium were numerically dominant in the region studied. The lowest values of Chl-a, phytoplankton abundance and carbon biomass were found in the Kuroshio south area. Both Chl-a concentration data and flow cytometry analysis revealed that picophytoplankton were the predominant contributors to phytoplankton in the Pacific western boundary currents. Along the three transects during the summer cruise, Synechococcus and nanocyanobacteria-like organisms numerically dominated in surface waters with higher temperature. In contrast, eukaryotes were primarily distributed in subsurface waters with higher nutrients, especially in the eddy upwelling region mainly associated with the North Equatorial Counter Current. The vertical distribution of phytoplankton over the epipelagic layer reinforces the important role of currents in the north-western Pacific during summer.