bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Online prevention of disordered eating in at-risk young-adult women: a two-country pragmatic randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wilksch Simon M. , O'Shea Anne , Taylor C. Barr , Wilfley Denise , Jacobi Corinna , Wade Tracey D.
Published: December 2017

Background

Disordered eating (DE) is a widespread, serious problem. Efficacious prevention programs that can be delivered at-scale are needed.

Methods

A pragmatic randomized controlled trial of two online programs was conducted. Participants were young-adult women from Australia and New Zealand seeking to improve their body image.Media Smart-Targeted(MS-T) andStudent Bodies(SB) were both 9-module interventions released weekly, whilst control participants received positive body image information. Primary [Eating Disorder Examination–Questionnaire (EDE-Q) Global], secondary (DE risk factors) and tertiary (DE) outcome measures were completed at baseline, post-program, 6- and 12-month follow-up.

Results

Baseline was completed by 608 women (Mage = 20.71 years); 33 were excluded leaving 575 randomized to:MS-T(N= 191); SB(N= 190) or control (N= 194). Only 66% of those randomized toMS-TorSBaccessed the intervention and were included in analyses with controls; 78% of this sample completed measures subsequent to baseline. Primary intent-to-treat (ITT) analyses revealed no differences between groups, while measure completer analyses foundMS-Thad significantly lower EDE-Q Global than controls at 12-month follow-up. Secondary ITT analyses foundMS-Tparticipants reported significantly higher quality of life–mental relative to bothSBand controls (6-month follow-up), whileMS-Tand controls had lower clinical impairment relative toSB(post-program). Amongst measure completers,MS-Tscored significantly lower than controls andSBon 5 variables. Of those with baseline DE,MS-Tparticipants were significantly less likely than controls to have DE at 12-month follow-up.

Conclusions

Given both programs were not therapist-moderated,MS-Thas potential to achieve reductions in DE risk at low implementation costs.
The functional and developmental role of imitation in the (a)typical brain
Authors: Casartelli Luca , Parma Valentina
Published: December 2017

Keven & Akins (K&A) propose a biologically plausible view of neonatal imitation based on the analysis of sensorimotor development. Here, we consider imitation in the general context of motor cognition, taking examples from both typical and atypical development. Specifically, we will discuss the functional role of imitation, its multi-level nature, and its anomalous features in autism.
Does early motor development contribute to speech perception?
Authors: Choi Dawoon , Kandhadai Padmapriya , Danielson D. Kyle , Bruderer Alison G. , Werker Janet F.
Published: December 2017

At the end of the target article, Keven & Akins (K&A) put forward a challenge to the developmental psychology community to consider the development of complex psychological processes – in particular, intermodal infant perception – across different levels of analysis. We take up that challenge and consider the possibility that early emerging stereotypies might help explain the foundations of the link between speech perception and speech production.
When dyadic interaction is the context: Mimicry behaviors on the origin of imitation
Authors: Campos Ruth , Nieto Carmen
Published: December 2017

Keven & Akins (K&A) redefine some of the neonatal imitation (NI) behaviors as developmental stereotypes. From a neuroconstructivist framework, those early gestures are also far from being considered as imitative behaviors. The cognitive substrate of imitation requires an interactive context to develop. Prior to intentional imitation, the dyad shows mimicry behaviors, which are automatic, but do not fade through development.
A major blow to primate neonatal imitation and mirror neuron theory
Authors: Fitch W. Tecumseh
Published: December 2017

Keven & Akins' (K&A's) compelling new hypothesis explaining the developmental and neural basis of neonatal tongue protrusion has important implications for current understanding of primate imitation and the explanatory value of mirror neurons. If correct, this hypothesis eliminates a major source of evidence for neonatal imitation. I explore the implications this has for mirror neuron research and the arguments building upon them.
Updated breeding distribution and population status of Jankowski’s Bunting Emberiza jankowskii in China
Authors: HAN ZHENG , ZHANG LI-SHI , QIN BO , WANG LIN , LIU YU , FU VIVIAN WING KAN , JIANG YUN-LEI , FU JIANPING , WANG HAI-TAO
Published: December 2017

Since 2010, Jankowski’s Bunting Emberiza jankowskii has been listed as ‘Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. However, because no comprehensive surveys had been conducted, it was not known whether undiscovered populations existed elsewhere, so the population status of the species could not be assessed accurately. The aim of this study was to assess the breeding distribution and population size of Jankowski’s Bunting in China. Fifty sites in Inner Mongolia, and Jilin, Heilongjiang, Liaoning and Hebei Provinces were surveyed to locate suitable habitat and breeding populations of Jankowski’s Bunting. The surveyed sites included historical breeding distribution areas, wintering sites, and regions adjacent to historical breeding distribution areas. We confirmed that Jankowski’s Bunting has disappeared from most of its former breeding distributions, with the exceptions of Dagang, Xiergen and Tumiji. Additionally, 13 new breeding sites were discovered in Inner Mongolia. All currently known populations breed in Mongolian steppe-vegetation zones, with shrubs dominated by the natural Siberian apricot Prunus sibirica, indicating that this type of habitat is crucial for the survival of the species. Based on remote sensing, the suitable breeding habitat for Jankowski’s Bunting is estimated to be approximately 280 km2. The population size of Jankowski’s Bunting could range between 9,800 and 12,500 individuals, which is much higher than the numbers estimated in previous reports that were based on partial surveys. The suitable habitat remaining in Inner Mongolia would highly benefit from the implementation of the National Key Public Forest Protection Project. The population size of Jankowski’s Bunting is larger than previously estimated, but it is still threatened by habitat degradation and fragmentation, and our survey results reinforce the need for more research. The status of Jankowski’s Bunting in China still meets the IUCN criteria B2ab for an ‘Endangered’ species.
Toxicity of marine pollutants on the ascidian oocyte physiology: an electrophysiological approach
Authors: Gallo Alessandra
Published: December 2017

In marine animals with external fertilization, gametes are released into seawater where fertilization and embryo development occur. Consequently, pollutants introduced into the marine environment by human activities may affect gametes and embryos. These xenobiotics can alter cell physiology with consequent reduction of fertilization success. Here the adverse effects on the reproductive processes of the marine invertebrate Ciona intestinalis (ascidian) of different xenobiotics: lead, zinc, an organic tin compound and a phenylurea herbicide were evaluated. By using the electrophysiological technique of whole-cell voltage clamping, the effects of these compounds on the mature oocyte plasma membrane electrical properties and the electrical events of fertilization were tested by calculating the concentration that induced 50% normal larval formation (EC50). The results demonstrated that sodium currents in mature oocytes were reduced in a concentration-dependent manner by all tested xenobiotics, with the lowest EC50 value for lead. In contrast, fertilization current frequencies were differently affected by zinc and organic tin compound. Toxicity tests on gametes demonstrated that sperm fertilizing capability and fertilization oocyte competence were not altered by xenobiotics, whereas fertilization was inhibited in zinc solution and underwent a reduction in organic tin compound solution (EC50 value of 1.7 µM). Furthermore, fertilized oocytes resulted in a low percentage of normal larvae with an EC50 value of 0.90 µM. This study shows that reproductive processes of ascidians are highly sensitive to xenobiotics suggesting that they may be considered a reliable biomarker and that ascidians are suitable model organisms to assess marine environmental quality.
The New School Lecture “an army of women”: Communist-Linked Solidarity Movements, Maternalism, and Political Consciousness in 1930s and 1940s Argentina
Authors: McGee Deutsch Sandra
Published: December 2017

“I carried a package for Osvaldo Pugliese,” Teresa de Gílenberg proudly recalled during our interview in 1997. One day in the late 1940s, this Communist militant of Polish origins asked Juan, a vendor in her barrio, if he would contribute potatoes and gather foods from other tradesmen in solidarity with Pugliese, a renowned tango composer, orchestra director, and Communist who was incarcerated in the infamous Villa Devoto jail. Juan brought her a large parcel containing his donations and those offered by his fellow vendors, and she personally handed it to the musician.
Dorsal root ganglion neurons regulate the transcriptional and translational programs of osteoblast differentiation in a microfluidic platform
Authors: Silva Diana Isabel , Santos Bruno Paiva dos , Leng Jacques , Oliveira Hugo , Amédée Joëlle
Published: December 2017

Innervation by the sensory nervous system plays a key role in skeletal development and in orchestration of bone remodeling and regeneration. However, it is unclear how and in which bone cells can sensory nerves act to control these processes. Here, we show a microfluidic coculture system comprising dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that more faithfully represents the in vivo scenario of bone sensory innervation. We report that DRG neurons promote the osteogenic differentiation capacity of MSCs, by mediating the increase of alkaline phosphatase activity and the upregulation of osteoblast-specific genes. Furthermore, we show that DRG neurons have a positive impact on Cx43 levels in MSCs during osteoblastogenesis, especially at an early stage of this process. Conversely, we described a negative impact of DRG neurons on MSCs N-cadherin expression at a later stage. Finally, we demonstrate a cytoplasmic accumulation of β-catenin translocation into the nucleus, and subsequently Lymphoid Enhancer Binding Factor 1—responsive transcriptional activation of downstream genes in cocultured MSCs. Together, our study provides a robust body of evidence that the direct interaction of DRG neurons with MSCs in a bone-like microenvironment leads to an enhancement of osteoblast differentiation potential of MSCs. The osteogenic effect of DRG neurons on MSCs is mediated through the regulation of Cx43 and N-cadherin expression and activation of the canonical/β-catenin Wnt signaling pathway.
BCL-XL overexpression promotes tumor progression-associated properties
Authors: Trisciuoglio Daniela , Tupone Maria Grazia , Desideri Marianna , Di Martile Marta , Gabellini Chiara , Buglioni Simonetta , Pallocca Matteo , Alessandrini Gabriele , D’Aguanno Simona , Del Bufalo Donatella
Published: December 2017

By using human melanoma and glioblastoma cell lines and their derivative BCL-XL overexpressing clones, we investigated the role of BCL-XL in aggressive features of these two tumor histotypes. We found that in both models, BCL-XL overexpression increased in vitro cell migration and invasion and facilitated tumor cells to form de novo vasculogenic structures. Furthermore, BCL-XL overexpressing cells exhibited higher tumors sphere formation capacity and expressed higher levels of some stem cell markers, supporting the concept that BCL-XL plays essential roles in the maintenance of cancer stem cell phenotype. BCL-XL expression reduction by siRNA, the exposure to a BCL-XL-specific inhibitor and the use of a panel of human melanoma cell lines corroborated the evidence that BCL-XL regulates tumor progression-associated properties. Finally, the vascular markers and the vasculogenic mimicry were up-regulated in the BCL-XL overexpressing xenografts derived from both tumor histotypes. In conclusion, our work brings further support to the understanding of the malignant actions of BCL-XL and, in particular, to the concept that BCL-XL promotes stemness and contributes to the aggressiveness of both melanoma and glioblastoma.
Model-free inference of direct network interactions from nonlinear collective dynamics
Authors: Casadiego Jose , Nitzan Mor , Hallerberg Sarah , Timme Marc
Published: December 2017

The topology of interactions in network dynamical systems fundamentally underlies their function. Accelerating technological progress creates massively available data about collective nonlinear dynamics in physical, biological, and technological systems. Detecting direct interaction patterns from those dynamics still constitutes a major open problem. In particular, current nonlinear dynamics approaches mostly require to know a priori a model of the (often high dimensional) system dynamics. Here we develop a model-independent framework for inferring direct interactions solely from recording the nonlinear collective dynamics generated. Introducing an explicit dependency matrix in combination with a block-orthogonal regression algorithm, the approach works reliably across many dynamical regimes, including transient dynamics toward steady states, periodic and non-periodic dynamics, and chaos. Together with its capabilities to reveal network (two point) as well as hypernetwork (e.g., three point) interactions, this framework may thus open up nonlinear dynamics options of inferring direct interaction patterns across systems where no model is known.
Inhaled nitrous oxide can reduce the pain perception in post Caldwell-Luc operation patients–a randomised trial
Authors: Dong Ting , Liu Mingwen , Lv Kun
Published: December 2017

To assess the efficiency of inhaled nitrous oxide (N2O) for the reduce the perception pain in extraction of iodoform gauze packing strips in post Caldwell-Luc operation patients. This randomized single blind trial included a total of 47 patients, aged between 14–82 years, in which undergoing radical maxillary sinusotomy. Based on the randomization procedure, patients were treated with (experimental) or without (control) inhaled N2O. The visual analogue scale scores (VAS scores) of the pain perception and the headache duration time were comparatively studied. The average VAS score for pain perception was 3.92 in the N2O group and 7.87 in the control group. The average headache duration time was 0.12 hour in the N2O group and 13.09 hours in the control group. Both VAS scores for pain perception during the treatment and the average headache duration time were significantly reduced in the inhaled N2O group (P < 0.01). Reduced pain perception and headache duration time indicated that, the inhaled N2O method might be viable in extraction of iodoform gauze packing strips in post Caldwell-Luc operation patients.
Associations of genetic polymorphisms in pTEN/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway genes with cancer risk: A meta-analysis in Asian population
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Chen Qiuchen , Zhang Jing , Wang Yilin , Hu Xiaoyun , Yin Sainan , He Miao , Guan Shu , Qin Wenyan , Xiao Qinghuan , Zhao Haishan , Yao Weifan , Wu Huizhe , Wei Minjie
Published: December 2017

The pTEN/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways play a critical role in balancing cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. Recent studies researched the associations of core genes in the pTEN/AKT/mTOR pathway polymorphisms with the cancer susceptibility; however, the results are inconclusive. Therefore, a systematically meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the association between the five SNPs (mTOR rs2295080 and rs2536, AKT1 rs2494750 and rs2494752, pTEN rs701848) and cancer risk by systematic review of the literature in 31 eligible studies. The results showed a significant decreased risk between rs2295080 TG, GG genotype, and GG/TG genotypes and overall cancer [TG vs.TT: OR(95% CI) = 0.82(0.76, 0.89), GG/TG vs. TT: OR(95% CI) = 0.82(0.76, 0.88), and GG vs. TG/TT: OR(95% CI) = 0.67(0.51, 0.88)] and the subgroup of urinary system cancer and digestive system cancer. Moreover, the SNP rs701848 CC, TC genotype showed significantly increased the overall cancer risk both in dominant model [CC/TC vs. TT: OR(95% CI) = 1.25(1.15, 1.36)] and recessive model [CC vs. TC/TT: OR(95% CI) = 1.20(1.09, 1.32)], and digestive system cancer and urinary system cancer. In addition, AG genotype and GG/AG genotype of rs2494752 was associated with increased risk of cancer. Therefore, this meta-analysis provided genetic risk factors for carcinogenesis and the most valid cancer prevalence estimate for Asian population.
NLRP3 inflammasome is a key player in human vulvovaginal disease caused by Candida albicans
Authors: Roselletti Elena , Perito Stefano , Gabrielli Elena , Mencacci Antonella , Pericolini Eva , Sabbatini Samuele , Cassone Antonio , Vecchiarelli Anna
Published: December 2017

The expression of host inflammatory and Candida albicans putative virulence factors was studied in women with vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC; twenty) or colonized by the fungus but asymptomatic (carriers; fifteen) or non-colonized asymptomatic (ten subjects). Overexpression of genes encoding NLRP3 and caspase-1 inflammasome components sharply differentiated VVC patients from asymptomatic colonized or non-colonized women. Inflammasome expression was coupled with neutrophils recruitment in the vagina of VVC women and IL-1β and IL-8 production. Both cytokines were present, though to a lower concentration, also in the vaginal fluid of colonized and non-colonized women. Secretory aspartyl proteinases (SAPs) and hyphae associated genes HWP1 and ECE1 were upregulated in VVC but with some differences among infected women. The most overexpressed SAP gene was SAP2, that correlated with neutrophils accumulation. Our data provide clinical evidence that the intracytoplasmic activation of NLRP3 inflammasome complex plays a critical, pathogenesis-relevant role in human VVC.
Films of Bacteria at Interfaces (FBI): Remodeling of Fluid Interfaces by Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Niepa Tagbo H. R. , Vaccari Liana , Leheny Robert L. , Goulian Mark , Lee Daeyeon , Stebe Kathleen J.
Published: December 2017

Bacteria at fluid interfaces endure physical and chemical stresses unique to these highly asymmetric environments. The responses of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 and PA14 to a hexadecane-water interface are compared. PAO1 cells form elastic films of bacteria, excreted polysaccharides and proteins, whereas PA14 cells move actively without forming an elastic film. Studies of PAO1 mutants show that, unlike solid-supported biofilms, elastic interfacial film formation occurs in the absence of flagella, pili, or certain polysaccharides. Highly induced genes identified in transcriptional profiling include those for putative enzymes and a carbohydrate metabolism enzyme, alkB2; this latter gene is not upregulated in PA14 cells. Notably, PAO1 mutants lacking the alkB2 gene fail to form an elastic layer. Rather, they form an active film like that formed by PA14. These findings demonstrate that genetic expression is altered by interfacial confinement, and suggest that the ability to metabolize alkanes may play a role in elastic film formation at oil-water interfaces.
Skyrmion electrical detection with the use of three-dimensional Topological Insulators/Ferromagnetic bilayers
Authors: Andrikopoulos Dimitrios , Sorée Bart
Published: December 2017

The effect of the magnetic skyrmion texture on the electronic transport properties of the TI surface state coupled to a thin-film FM is numerically investigated. It is shown that both Bloch (vortex) and Néel (hedgehog) skyrmion textures induce additional scattering on top of a homogeneous background FM texture which can modify the conductance of the system. The change in conductance depends on several factors including the skyrmion size, the dimensions of the FM and the exchange interaction strength. For the Néel skyrmion, the result of the interaction strongly depends on the skyrmion number N
sk
and the skyrmion helicity h. For both skyrmion types, significant change of the resistance can be achieved, which is in the order of kΩ.
Hemographic indices are associated with mortality in acute heart failure
Authors: Huang Wei-Ming , Cheng Hao-Min , Huang Chi-Jung , Guo Chao-Yu , Lu Dai-Yin , Lee Ching-Wei , Hsu Pai-Feng , Yu Wen-Chung , Chen Chen-Huan , Sung Shih-Hsien
Published: December 2017

Hemographic indices have been associated with clinical outcomes in patients with chronic heart failure. We therefore investigated the prognostic values of hemographic indices in patients hospitalized for acute heart failure (AHF). Patients hospitalized primarily for AHF were drawn from an intramural registry. Hemographic indices, including white blood cell counts, neutrophil counts, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, reciprocal of lymphocyte (RL) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio were recorded. Among a total of 1923 participants (mean age 76 ± 12 years, 68% men), 875 patients died during a mean follow-up of 28.6 ± 20.7 months. Except for white blood cell counts, all the other hemographic indices were related to mortality, independently. In a forward stepwise Cox regression analysis among hemographic indices, RL was the strongest predictor (HR and 95% CI per-1SD:1.166,1.097–1.240) for mortality, after accounting for confounders. However, conditioned on the survivals, the hemographic indices were independently related to mortality within 3 years of follow-up, rather than beyond. Hemographic indices were independent risk factors of mortality in patients hospitalized for AHF, especially in patients with impaired left ventricular systolic function. As an acute presentation of inflammation, hemographic indices might be useful to identify subjects at risk of mortality soon after the index hospitalization.
Factors influencing neurocognitive function in patients with neuroepithelial tumors
Authors: Gempt Jens , Lange Nicole , Bette Stefanie , Foreman Sarah Charlotte , Cammardella Jasmin Hernandez , Albertshauser Jennifer , Gradtke Corinna , Buchmann Niels , Ryang Yu-Mi , Schmidt-Graf Friederike , Meyer Bernhard , Ringel Florian
Published: December 2017

Though cognitive function is proven to be an independent predictor of survival in patients with intrinsic brain tumors, cognitive functions are still rarely considered. Aim of this study was to assess neurocognitive function and to identify risk factors for neurocognitive deficits. 103 patients with primary neuroepithelial tumors who received tumor resections or biopsies were included in this prospective study. The following data was acquired: mini-mental state examination, preoperative tumor volume, WHO grade, tumor entity and location, and the Karnofsky performance status scale. Furthermore, patients participated in extensive neuropsychological testing of attentional, memory and executive functions. General factors like age, clinical status, WHO grade, tumor volume and tumor location correlated with patients’ neurocognitive functions. Affection of the parietal lobe resulted in significant impairment of attention and memory functions. Frontal lobe involvement significantly affected patients’ abilities in planning complex actions and novel problem solving. Patients with temporal lesions were more likely to have impaired memory and executive functions. Comparing results among neuroepithelial tumor patients enables the identification of risk factors for cognitive impairment. General parameters such as age, KPS score, tumor size, and WHO grade are apart from the respective tumor location of high importance for neurocognitive function.
GSTO1-1 plays a pro-inflammatory role in models of inflammation, colitis and obesity
Authors: Menon Deepthi , Innes Ashlee , Oakley Aaron J. , Dahlstrom Jane E. , Jensen Lora M. , Brüstle Anne , Tummala Padmaja , Rooke Melissa , Casarotto Marco G. , Baell Jonathan B. , Nguyen Nghi , Xie Yiyue , Cuellar Matthew , Strasser Jessica , Dahlin Jayme L. , Walters Michael A. , Burgio Gaetan , O’Neill Luke A. J. , Board Philip G.
Published: December 2017

Glutathione transferase Omega 1 (GSTO1-1) is an atypical GST reported to play a pro-inflammatory role in response to LPS. Here we show that genetic knockout ofGsto1alters the response of mice to three distinct inflammatory disease models. GSTO1-1 deficiency ameliorates the inflammatory response stimulated by LPS and attenuates the inflammatory impact of a high fat diet on glucose tolerance and insulin resistance. In contrast, GSTO1-1 deficient mice show a more severe inflammatory response and increased escape of bacteria from the colon into the lymphatic system in a dextran sodium sulfate mediated model of inflammatory bowel disease. These responses are similar to those of TLR4 and MyD88 deficient mice in these models and confirm that GSTO1-1 is critical for a TLR4-like pro-inflammatory responsein vivo. In wild-type mice, we show that a small molecule inhibitor that covalently binds in the active site of GSTO1-1 can be used to ameliorate the inflammatory response to LPS. Our findings demonstrate the potential therapeutic utility of GSTO1-1 inhibitors in the modulation of inflammation and suggest their possible application in the treatment of a range of inflammatory conditions.
High Energy Density in Azobenzene-based Materials for Photo-Thermal Batteries via Controlled Polymer Architecture and Polymer-Solvent Interactions
Authors: Jeong Seung Pyo , Renna Lawrence A. , Boyle Connor J. , Kwak Hyunwook S. , Harder Edward , Damm Wolfgang , Venkataraman Dhandapani
Published: December 2017

Energy densities of ~510 J/g (max: 698 J/g) have been achieved in azobenzene-based syndiotactic-rich poly(methacrylate) polymers. The processing solvent and polymer-solvent interactions are important to achieve morphologically optimal structures for high-energy density materials. This work shows that morphological changes of solid-state syndiotactic polymers, driven by different solvent processings play an important role in controlling the activation energy of Z-E isomerization as well as the shape of the DSC exotherm. Thus, this study shows the crucial role of processing solvents and thin film structure in achieving higher energy densities.
Efficient Direct Formic Acid Fuel Cells (DFAFCs) Anode Derived from Seafood waste: Migration Mechanism
Authors: El-Nagar Gumaa A. , Hassan Mohamed A. , Lauermann Iver , Roth Christina
Published: December 2017

Commercial Pt/C anodes of direct formic acid fuel cells (DFAFCs) get rapidly poisoned by in-situ generated CO intermediates from formic acid non-faradaic dissociation. We succeeded in increasing the Pt nanoparticles (PtNPs) stability and activity for formic acid oxidation (DFAFCs anodic reaction) by embedding them inside a chitosan matrix obtained from seafood wastes. Atop the commercial Pt/C, formic acid (FA) is predominantly oxidized via the undesired poisoning dehydration pathway (14 times higher than the desired dehydrogenation route), wherein FA is non-faradaically dissociated to CO resulting in deactivation of the majority of the Pt active-surface sites. Surprisingly, PtNPs chemical insertion inside a chitosan matrix enhanced their efficiency for FA oxidation significantly, as demonstrated by their 27 times higher stability along with ~400 mV negative shift of the FA oxidation onset potential together with 270 times higher CO poisoning-tolerance compared to that of the commercial Pt/C. These substantial performance enhancements are believed to originate from the interaction of chitosan functionalities (e.g., NH2 and OH) with both PtNPs and FA molecules improving FA adsorption and preventing the PtNPs aggregation, besides providing the required oxygen helping with the oxidative removal of the adsorbed poisoning CO-like species at low potentials. Additionally, chitosan induced the retrieval of the Pt surface-active sites by capturing the in-situ formed poisoning CO intermediates via a so-called “migration mechanism”.
Peptide Sequencing Directly on Solid Surfaces Using MALDI Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Zhao Zhan-Gong , Cordovez Lalaine Anne , Johnston Stephen Albert , Woodbury Neal
Published: December 2017

There are an increasing variety of applications in which peptides are both synthesized and used attached to solid surfaces. This has created a need for high throughput sequence analysis directly on surfaces. However, common sequencing approaches that can be adapted to surface bound peptides lack the throughput often needed in library-based applications. Here we describe a simple approach for sequence analysis directly on solid surfaces that is both high speed and high throughput, utilizing equipment available in most protein analysis facilities. In this approach, surface bound peptides, selectively labeled at their N-termini with a positive charge-bearing group, are subjected to controlled degradation in ammonia gas, resulting in a set of fragments differing by a single amino acid that remain spatially confined on the surface they were bound to. These fragments can then be analyzed by MALDI mass spectrometry, and the peptide sequences read directly from the resulting spectra.
Quantum Correlations and Coherence of Polar Symmetric Top Molecules in Pendular States
Authors: Zhang Zuo-Yuan , Liu Jin-Ming
Published: December 2017

We consider two ultracold polar symmetric top molecules coupled by dipole-dipole interaction in an external electric field with appreciable intensity gradient, serving as the physical carrier of quantum information. Each molecule is induced to undergo pendular oscillations under the strong static electric field. Based on the pendular states of polar symmetric top molecules as candidate qubits, we investigate the bipartite quantum correlations of the two polar molecular system for the thermal equilibrium states, characterized by negativity and quantum discord, and then analyze the corresponding coherence, measured by relative entropy and l1 norm. Furthermore, we also examine the dynamics of the entanglement and coherence of the system in the presence of intrinsic decoherence, and explore the relations of their temporal evolution with various physical system parameters for two different initial Bell states. It is found that quantum correlations and coherence of the two polar molecules in pendular states can be manipulated by adjusting appropriate reduced variables including external electric field, dipole-dipole interaction, ambient temperature and decoherence factor. Our findings could be used for molecular quantum computing based on rotational states.
Musical pitch classes have rainbow hues in pitch class-color synesthesia
Authors: Itoh Kosuke , Sakata Honami , Kwee Ingrid L. , Nakada Tsutomu
Published: December 2017

Synesthesia, an anomalous blending of senses in which stimulation of one sensory modality produces sensation in a different modality, provides a unique opportunity to study how multimodal information is represented in the human brain. We investigated how pitch classes (do, re, mi, etc.) are associated with the three dimensions of color (hue, saturation, and value/brightness) in 15 subjects who possessed “pitch class-color synesthesia”. Across-subject averaging of reported colors revealed that pitch classes have rainbow hues, beginning with do-red, re-yellow, and so forth, ending with si-violet, accompanied by a decrease in saturation. Enharmonic pitch classes that referred to the same pitch class with a different name produced color sensations according to the name of the base pitch class, e.g., a reddish color for do-sharp and a yellowish color for re-flat. Thus the main factor producing color sensations was the name, not the sound, of the note; behavioral experiments corroborated this interpretation. Pitch class-color synesthesia represents a newly described type of synesthesia that is distinct from the well-known crossmodal association between pitch height and value/brightness. Findings suggest that the two dimensions of musical pitch, pitch class and pitch height, are mapped to the hue-saturation plane and the value/brightness dimension of color, respectively.
Deep-learning-based ghost imaging
Authors: Lyu Meng , Wang Wei , Wang Hao , Wang Haichao , Li Guowei , Chen Ni , Situ Guohai
Published: December 2017

In this manuscript, we propose a novel framework of computational ghost imaging, i.e., ghost imaging using deep learning (GIDL). With a set of images reconstructed using traditional GI and the corresponding ground-truth counterparts, a deep neural network was trained so that it can learn the sensing model and increase the quality image reconstruction. Moreover, detailed comparisons between the image reconstructed using deep learning and compressive sensing shows that the proposed GIDL has a much better performance in extremely low sampling rate. Numerical simulations and optical experiments were carried out for the demonstration of the proposed GIDL.
Simple 3,4-Dihydroxy-L-Phenylalanine Surface Modification Enhances Titanium Implant Osseointegration in Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Ma Ting , Ge Xi-Yuan , Hao Ke-Yi , Zhang Bi-Ru , Jiang Xi , Lin Ye , Zhang Yu
Published: December 2017

Osteoporosis presents a challenge to the long-term success of osseointegration of endosseous implants. The bio-inspired 3,4-dihydroxy-L-phenylalanine (Dopa) coating is widely used as a basic layer to bind osteogenetic molecules that may improve osseointegration. To date, little attention has focused on application of Dopa alone or binding inhibitors of bone resorption in osteoporosis. Local use of a bisphosphonate such as zoledronic acid (ZA), an inhibitor of osteoclast-mediated bone resorption, has been proven to improve implant osseointegration. In this study, ovariectomized rats were divided into four groups and implanted with implants with different surface modifications: sandblasted and acid-etched (SLA), SLA modified with Dopa (SLA-Dopa), SLA modified with ZA (SLA-ZA), and SLA modified with Dopa and ZA (SLA-Dopa + ZA). Measurement of removal torque, micro-computed tomography and histology revealed a greater extent of bone formation around the three surface-modified implants than SLA-controls. No synergistic effect was observed for combined Dopa + ZA coating. Microarray analysis showed the Dopa coating inhibited expression of genes associated with osteoclast differentiation, similarly to the mechanism of action of ZA. Simple Dopa modification resulted in a similar improvement in osseointegration compared to ZA. Thus, our data suggest simple Dopa coating is promising strategy to promote osseointegration of implants in patients with osteoporosis.
Single-Particle Discrimination of Retroviruses from Extracellular Vesicles by Nanoscale Flow Cytometry
Authors: Tang Vera A. , Renner Tyler M. , Fritzsche Anna K. , Burger Dylan , Langlois Marc-André
Published: December 2017

Retroviruses and small EVs overlap in size, buoyant densities, refractive indices and share many cell-derived surface markers making them virtually indistinguishable by standard biochemical methods. This poses a significant challenge when purifying retroviruses for downstream analyses or for phenotypic characterization studies of markers on individual virions given that EVs are a major contaminant of retroviral preparations. Nanoscale flow cytometry (NFC), also called flow virometry, is an adaptation of flow cytometry technology for the analysis of individual nanoparticles such as extracellular vesicles (EVs) and retroviruses. In this study we systematically optimized NFC parameters for the detection of retroviral particles in the range of 115–130 nm, including viral production, sample labeling, laser power and voltage settings. By using the retroviral envelope glycoprotein as a selection marker, and evaluating a number of fluorescent dyes and labeling methods, we demonstrate that it is possible to confidently distinguish retroviruses from small EVs by NFC. Our findings make it now possible to individually phenotype genetically modified retroviral particles that express a fluorescent envelope glycoprotein without removing EV contaminants from the sample.
The impact of elevated C-reactive protein level on the prognosis for oro-hypopharynx cancer patients treated with radiotherapy
Authors: Katano Atsuto , Takahashi Wataru , Yamashita Hideomi , Yamamoto Kentaro , Ando Mizuo , Yoshida Masafumi , Saito Yuki , Abe Osamu , Nakagawa Keiichi
Published: December 2017

The purpose of this study was to investigate an association between the prognosis for oro-hypopharynx squamous cell carcinoma treated with radiation therapy and the pre-therapeutic level of C-reactive protein (CRP). Patient with oro-hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma who underwent definitive radiotherapy in our institution from January 2002 to August 2016 were enrolled. The patient were divided into elevated CRP (over 0.3 mg/dl) group and normal CRP groups, according to pre-treatment serum levels. There were 276 evaluable patients, and the median follow up was 41 months, ranging from 2 to 171 months. The 3-year OS and CSS for all enrolled patients were 67.0% and 72.8%, respectively. The OS and CSS rates were significantly worse in the elevated CRP group than in the normal CRP group, according to Kaplan-Meier survival curves analysed by a Log-rank test (p = 0.005 and p < 0.001, respectively). Multivariate analyses indicated that serum CRP levels remained independent predictors for both OS (HR: 1.588, p = 0.022) and CSS (HR: 1.989, p = 0.005). The pre-treatment CRP level is an independent predictor of treatment prognosis in patients with oro-hypopharyngeal cancer who underwent definitive radiotherapy. Especially, it is curious that an elevated CRP serum level is a significant predictor of loco-regional recurrence.
Nanoconfined water can orient and cause long-range dipolar interactions with biomolecules
Authors: Hegemann Dirk , Hocquard Nicolas , Heuberger Manfred
Published: December 2017

Surface properties are generally determined by the top most surface layer also defining how molecules adsorb onto it. By exploring effects due to interactions with deeper subsurface layers, however, long-range interaction forces were found to also significantly contribute to molecular adsorption, in which hydration of the subsurface region is the key factor. Water molecules confined to a subsurface amphiphilic gradient are confirmed to cause these long-range dipolar interactions by preferential orientation, thus significantly changing the way how a protein interacts with the surface. These findings imply future exploitation of an additional factor to modulate adsorption processes.
Photocatalytic function of the B12 complex with the cyclometalated iridium(iii) complex as a photosensitizer under visible light irradiation
Authors: Tian Hui , Shimakoshi Hisashi , Park Gyurim , Kim Sinheui , You Youngmin , Hisaeda Yoshio
Published: December 2017

A visible light induced three-component catalytic system with the cobalamin derivative (B12) as a catalyst, the cyclometalated iridium(iii) complex as a photosensitizer and triethanolamine as an electron source under N2 was developed.
Comparative stability, toxicity and anti-leishmanial activity of triphenyl antimony(v) and bismuth(v) α-hydroxy carboxylato complexes
Authors: Duffin Rebekah N. , Blair Victoria L. , Kedzierski Lukasz , Andrews Philip C.
Published: December 2017

Organometallic bismuth(v) and antimony(v) α-hydroxy carboxylato complexes, [MPh3(O2CR(OH))2] and [MPh3(O2CR(O))], have been synthesised, characterised and their activity towards Leishmania promastigotes and amastigotes, and human fibroblast cells, assessed and compared.
Extremely lightweight and ultra-flexible infrared light-converting quantum dot solar cells with high power-per-weight output using a solution-processed bending durable silver nanowire-based electrode
Authors: Zhang Xiaoliang , Öberg Viktor A. , Du Juan , Liu Jianhua , Johansson Erik M. J.
Published: December 2017

Lightweight and flexible solar cells are highly interesting materials for use in new applications, such as spacecraft, aircraft and personal pack load.
Fluorescent biogenic Schiff base compounds of dimethyltin
Authors: Singh Navjot , Srivastav Neha , Singh Raghubir , Kaur Varinder , Brendler Erica , Wagler Jörg , Kroke Edwin
Published: December 2017

Fluorescent biogenic Schiff base compounds of dimethyltin featuring distinct coordination sphere in solid and solution phase.
Enantioselective Friedel–Crafts C2-alkylation of 3-substituted indoles with trifluoropyruvates and cyclic N-sulfonyl α-ketiminoesters
Authors: Huang Bing-Bing , Wu Liang , Liu Ren-Rong , Xing Ling-Ling , Liang Ren-Xiao , Jia Yi-Xia
Published: December 2017

Enantioselective Friedel–Crafts C2-alkylations of 3-substituted indoles with trifluoropyruvates and cyclic α-ketiminoesters were developed, delivering indole-containing α-hydroxyesters and α-aminoesters in excellent enantioselectivities.
The role of semaphorin 7A and its receptor plexin C1 in the migration of NSCLC cells
Authors: Zhang Minlong , Wang Hu , Jin Faguang
Published: December 2017

We aim to explore the role of semaphorin 7A (SEMA7A) and its receptor plexin C1 in the migration of NSCLC cells.
Electrospun porous poly(tetrafluoroethylene-co-hexafluoropropylene-co-vinylidene fluoride) membranes for membrane distillation
Authors: Zhang Yong , Yang Bin , Li Kuiling , Hou Deyin , Zhao Changwei , Wang Jun
Published: December 2017

Novel THV electrospun membrane exhibits enhanced membrane distillation performance.
Understanding the regioselectivity of Michael addition reactions to asymmetric divinylic compounds
Authors: Navarro Rodrigo , Monterde Cristina , Molina Serena , Pérez-Perrino Mónica , Reviriego Felipe , del Prado Anselmo , Gallardo Alberto , Reinecke Helmut
Published: December 2017

In the present paper, we describe the synthesis of novel monomers prepared by regioselective Michael addition to asymmetric divinylic compounds.
Long non-coding RNA expression profiles predict clinical phenotypes of seminoma and yolk sac tumor
Authors: Li Li , Qiang Luo , Yufeng Liu , Lin Zhang , Wu Yao
Published: December 2017

Malignant germ cell tumors (GCTs) such as seminoma and yolk sac tumor cause serious health problems but with favorable prognosis if they were diagnosed timely.
In situ synthesis of hierarchical rose-like porous Fe@C with enhanced electromagnetic wave absorption
Authors: Li Xueai , Du Daxue , Wang Chunsheng , Wang Haiyan , Xu Zhaopeng
Published: December 2017

The excellent microwave absorption performance of the rose-like porous Fe@C is due to the enhancement of matched impedance and collective multiple loss mechanism.
The Effectiveness of Short-Term International Clinical Practicum Experiences on Communication Sciences and Disorders Graduate Students' Cultural Development and Critical Clinical Thinking Skills
Authors: Stanford Shameka N. , Gay Alana
Published: December 2017

This paper examined what effect short-term international clinical practicum experiences had on Howard University (HU) Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) graduate students' clinical skills. The CSD graduate student participants reflected on their attitudes and perception of the short-term international clinical practicum experience conducted during the winter and summer sessions of 2013, 2014, and 2017. Transcribed video diary reflections, focus group reflections, and survey responses captured the views, pedagogical knowledge, and skills and perceptions of 13 CSD first-year graduate students. The findings revealed five themes related to perceptions, cultural awareness, clinical development, and pedagogical knowledge. Findings of the study also revealed that providing CSD graduate students with the opportunity to participate in short-term international clinical practicums increased their clinical skills, cultural and self-awareness, and changed some perceptions they may have had about other cultures. This paper also reflects on the recommended incorporation of clinical supervision for short-term international clinical practicum programs, and key factors critical to the development and successful implementation of such a program.
0.00035 mm2 on‐chip leakage sensing unit for various devices in 10 nm FinFET process
Authors: Oh G.‐G. , Lee Y.‐W. , Lee B.
Published: December 2017

An efficient on‐chip leakage sensing unit is proposed, which is composed of four stages. Device under test (DUT) arrays include 16 types of transistors for leakage measurement. Threshold detector monitors the crossing point of inverter threshold causing the transition. Transition time is inversely proportional to the leakage current of the selected DUT. This time information of threshold detector is converted to voltage manner through the time‐to‐voltage converter with the diode stacked voltage generator. The generated voltage is transferred to voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) for frequency conversion which is the final output of leakage sensor. The proposed sensor provides leakage information of the various types of devices by using the same sub‐circuit within on‐chip. The prototype sensor occupies 0.00035 mm2 area and consumes 1200 μW with eight DUT arrays within a chip. Experimental results show the well‐correlated frequency output with device leakage current.
Retinal vessel segmentation using neural network
Authors: Thangaraj Sumathi , Periyasamy Vivekanandan , Balaji Ravikanth
Published: December 2017

Automatic extraction of retinal blood vessels plays an important role in the diagnosis of many retinal diseases and also for diagnosing several complicated diseases such as stroke, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Due to the complex nature of retinal vessel network, the manual segmentation of vessels is a tedious task which also requires high training and skills. This study presents a new method for blood vessel segmentation in colour retinal images using supervised approach. Initially, a set of core features including Gabor filter responses, Frangi's vesselness measure (1D), local binary pattern feature (1D), Hu moment invariants (7D) and grey‐level co‐occurrence matrix features (3D) are considered. The neural network is trained with the different subsets of core features and it is found that the model with 13D features excluding the Hu moment invariants results in better performance. This model is used for evaluation. The proposed supervised segmentation approach is tested on publicly available structured analysis of the retina, digital retinal images for vessel extraction and CHASE_DB1 databases which contain manually labelled images. The performance of the proposed algorithm is evaluated on the basis of accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and area under the curve. The proposed technique achieves high mean accuracy and sensitivity while it is compared with the several previously proposed algorithms.