bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
To whom do the dead belong? The Jewish cemetery at the Hôtel-Dieu in Lyon, France
Authors: Gerstenkorn Jacques
Published: May 2017

This article describes the powerplay around the recent discovery (summer 2015) of
eighteenth-century Jewish graves in the French city of Lyon. Prior to the French
Revolution, Jews had no right to have their own cemeteries, and the corpses of the
deceased were buried in the basement of the local catholic hospital, the Hôtel- Dieu. In
recent years this centrally located building was completely renovated and converted into a
retail complex selling luxury brands. The discovery and subsequent identification of the
graves – and of some human remains – led to a complex confrontation between various
actors: archaeologists, employed either by the municipality or by the state; religious
authorities (mostly Lyons chief rabbi); the municipality itself; the private construction
companies involved; direct descendants of some of the Jews buried in the hospital‘s
basement; as well as the local media. The question of what to do with the graves took
centre stage, and while exhumations were favoured by both archaeologists and the
representatives of the families, the chief rabbi – supported by the construction companies
– proved reluctant to exhume, for religious reasons. In the first part of his article the
author details the origins of this Jewish funerary place and current knowledge about it.
He then goes on to analyse what was at stake in the long negotiations, arguing that the
memory of the Holocaust played a role in the attitude of many of the parties involved. By
way of conclusion he considers the decision not to exhume the graves and elaborates on the
reasons why this led to some dissatisfaction.
Structural basis for anion conduction in the calcium-activated chloride channel TMEM16A
Authors: Paulino Cristina , Neldner Yvonne , Lam Andy KM , Kalienkova Valeria , Brunner Janine Denise , Schenck Stephan , Dutzler Raimund
Published: May 2017

The calcium-activated chloride channel TMEM16A is a member of a conserved protein family that comprises ion channels and lipid scramblases. Although the structure of the scramblase nhTMEM16 has defined the architecture of the family, it was unknown how a channel has adapted to cope with its distinct functional properties. Here we have addressed this question by the structure determination of mouse TMEM16A by cryo-electron microscopy and a complementary functional characterization. The protein shows a similar organization to nhTMEM16, except for changes at the site of catalysis. There, the conformation of transmembrane helices constituting a membrane-spanning furrow that provides a path for lipids in scramblases has changed to form an enclosed aqueous pore that is largely shielded from the membrane. Our study thus reveals the structural basis of anion conduction in a TMEM16 channel and it defines the foundation for the diverse functional behavior in the TMEM16 family.
Biogeochemical hotspots: Role of small water bodies in landscape nutrient processing
Authors: Cheng Frederick Y. , Basu Nandita B.
Published: May 2017

Increased loading of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) from agricultural and urban intensification has led to severe degradation of inland and coastal waters. Lakes, reservoirs, and wetlands (lentic systems) retain these nutrients, thus regulating their delivery to downstream waters. While the processes controlling N and P retention are relatively well‐known, there is a lack of quantitative understanding of how these processes manifest across spatial scales. We synthesized data from 600 lentic systems around the world to gain insight into the relationship between hydrologic and biogeochemical controls on nutrient retention. Our results indicate that the first‐order reaction rate constant, k [T−1], is inversely proportional to the hydraulic residence time, τ [T], across 6 orders of magnitude in residence time for total N, total P, nitrate, and phosphate. We hypothesized that the consistency of the relationship points to a strong hydrologic control on biogeochemical processing, and validated our hypothesis using a sediment‐water model that links major nutrient removal processes with system size. Finally, the k‐τ relationships were upscaled to the landscape scale using a wetland size‐frequency distribution. Results suggest that small wetlands play a disproportionately large role in landscape‐scale nutrient processing—50% of nitrogen removal occurs in wetlands smaller than 102.5 m2 in our example. Thus, given the same loss in wetland area, the nutrient retention potential lost is greater when smaller wetlands are preferentially lost from the landscape. Our study highlights the need for a stronger focus on small lentic systems as major nutrient sinks in the landscape.
Juno/JEDI observations of 0.01 to >10 MeV energetic ions in the Jovian auroral regions: Anticipating a source for polar X‐ray emission
Authors: Haggerty D. K. , Mauk B. H. , Paranicas C. P. , Clark G. , Kollmann P. , Rymer A. M. , Bolton S. J. , Connerney J. E. P. , Levin S. M.
Published: May 2017

After a successful orbit insertion, the Juno spacecraft completed its first 53.5 day orbit and entered a very low altitude perijove with the full scientific payload operational for the first time on 27 August 2016. The Jupiter Energetic particle Detector Instrument measured ions and electrons over the auroral regions and through closest approach, with ions measured from ~0.01 to >10 MeV, depending on species. This report focuses on the composition of the energetic ions observed during the first perijove of the Juno mission. Of particular interest are the ions that precipitate from the magnetosphere onto the polar atmosphere and ions that are accelerated locally by Jupiter's powerful auroral processes. We report preliminary findings on the spatial variations, species, including energy and pitch angle distributions throughout the prime science region during the first orbit of the Juno mission. The prime motivation for this work was to examine the heavy ions that are thought to be responsible for the observed polar X‐rays. Jupiter Energetic particle Detector Instrument (JEDI) did observe precipitating heavy ions with energies >10 MeV, but for this perijove the intensities were far below those needed to account for previously observed polar X‐ray emissions. During this survey we also found an unusual signal of ions between oxygen and sulfur. We include here a report on what appears to be a transitory observation of magnesium, or possibly sodium, at MeV energies through closest approach.
Space weather research: Earth's radiation belts
Authors: Lanzerotti Louis J. , Baker Daniel N.
Published: May 2017

Fundamental research on Earth's space radiation environment is essential for the design and the operations of modern technologies—for communications, weather, navigation, and national security—that fly in the hostile space weather conditions above Earth's atmosphere. As the technologies become ever more advanced, more sophisticated understanding—and even predictability—of the environment is required for mission success.
Enhancing Ion Migration in Grain Boundaries of Hybrid Organic–Inorganic Perovskites by Chlorine
Authors: Yang Bin , Brown Chance C. , Huang Jingsong , Collins Liam , Sang Xiahan , Unocic Raymond R. , Jesse Stephen , Kalinin Sergei V. , Belianinov Alex , Jakowski Jacek , Geohegan David B. , Sumpter Bobby G. , Xiao Kai , Ovchinnikova Olga S.
Published: May 2017

Ionicity plays an important role in determining material properties, as well as optoelectronic performance of organometallic trihalide perovskites (OTPs). Ion migration in OTP films has recently been under intensive investigation by various scanning probe microscopy (SPM) techniques. However, controversial findings regarding the role of grain boundaries (GBs) associated with ion migration are often encountered, likely as a result of feedback errors and topographic effects common in to SPM. In this work, electron microscopy and spectroscopy (scanning transmission electron microscopy/electron energy loss spectroscopy) are combined with a novel, open‐loop, band‐excitation, (contact) Kelvin probe force microscopy (BE‐KPFM and BE‐cKPFM), in conjunction with ab initio molecular dynamics simulations to examine the ion behavior in the GBs of CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite films. This combination of diverse techniques provides a deeper understanding of the differences between ion migration within GBs and interior grains in OTP films. This work demonstrates that ion migration can be significantly enhanced by introducing additional mobile Cl− ions into GBs. The enhancement of ion migration may serve as the first step toward the development of high‐performance electrically and optically tunable memristors and synaptic devices.
Review of Flexible Temperature Sensing Networks for Wearable Physiological Monitoring
Authors: Li Qiao , Zhang Li‐Na , Tao Xiao‐Ming , Ding Xin
Published: May 2017

Physiological temperature varies temporally and spatially. Accurate and real‐time detection of localized temperature changes in biological tissues regardless of large deformation is crucial to understand thermal principle of homeostasis, to assess sophisticated health conditions, and further to offer possibilities of building a smart healthcare and medical system. Additionally, continuous temperature mapping in flexible and stretchable formats opens up many other potential areas, such as artificially electronic skins and reflection of emotional changes. This review exploits a comprehensive investigation onto recent advances in flexible temperature sensors, stretchable sensor networks, and platforms constructed in soft and compliant formats for wearable physiological monitoring. The most recent examples of flexible temperature sensors are first discussed regarding to their materials, structures, electrical and mechanical properties; temperature sensing network technologies in new materials and structural designs are then presented based on platforms comprised of multiple physical sensors and stretchable electronics. Finally, wearable applications of the sensing network are described, such as detection of human activities, monitoring of health conditions, and emotion‐related bodily sensations. Conclusions are made with emphasis on critical issues and new trends in the field of wearable temperature sensor network technologies.
Atomic Layer Deposition for Graphene Device Integration
Authors: Vervuurt René H. J. , Kessels Wilhelmus M. M. (Erwin) , Bol Ageeth A.
Published: May 2017

Graphene is a two dimensional material with extraordinary properties, which make it an interesting material for many optical and electronic devices. The integration of graphene in these devices often requires the deposition of thin dielectric layers on top of graphene. Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is the method of choice to deposit these layers due to its ability to deposit ultra‐thin, high quality films with sub‐monolayer thickness control. ALD on graphene however, is a challenge due to the lack of reactive surface sites on graphene. This leads to the selective growth on grain boundaries, wrinkles and defect sites present in the graphene. In this review an overview of the different methods to achieve uniform deposition of ALD on graphene is presented. The advantages and disadvantages of each method are discussed from the perspective of ALD together with the opportunities for further research. Special emphasis is given to the recent advancements in the understanding of the ALD process conditions and their influence on the deposition uniformity on graphene. Particularly, improving the quality of the dielectric layers deposited by ALD while maintaining the pristine properties of graphene, will prove vital for the device integration of graphene.
Flue‐Gas‐Derived Sulfur‐Doped Carbon with Enhanced Capacitance
Authors: Chen Zhigang , Deng Bowen , Du Kaifa , Mao Xuhui , Zhu Hua , Xiao Wei , Wang Dihua
Published: May 2017

Sulfur dioxide, generally coincident in CO2 sources, is a major air pollutant and causes inconvenient poisoning effects of catalysts in state‐of‐the‐art carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technologies. This study demonstrates an efficient strategy of directly capturing and in situ transforming flue gas into nanostructured sulfur‐doped carbon by molten salt electrolysis. The hazardous SO2 is fully captured and sulfur is utilized simultaneously. The obtained S‐doped carbon has ultrahigh surface‐area‐normalized capacitance of 71.5 µF cm−2, high gravimetric capacitance of 257.3 F g−1, excellent cycling stability, and good high‐rate capability. The process is realized in molten Li2CO3–Na2CO3–K2CO3–Li2SO4 at 475 °C armed with a nickel cathode and a SnO2 inert anode. This continuous‐operation process integrates carbon reduction, deep desulfurization, promising potential massive preparation of advanced carbon materials from practical waste gas without purification.
Design of the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Evaluation of Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonism in Diabetic Atherosclerosis (MAGMA) Trial
Authors: Rajagopalan Sanjay , Alaiti M. Amer , Broadwater Kylene , Goud Aditya , Gaztanaga Juan , Connelly Kim , Fares Anas , Shirazian Shayan , Kreatsoulas Catherine , Farkouh Michael , Dobre Mirela , Fink Jeffrey C. , Weir Matthew R.
Published: May 2017

Mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) activation plays an essential role in promoting inflammation, fibrosis, and target organ damage. Currently, no studies are investigating MR antagonism in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with chronic kidney disease, at high risk for cardiovascular complications, who are otherwise not candidates for MR antagonism by virtue of heart failure. Further, there is limited information on candidate therapies that may demonstrate differential benefit from this therapy. We hypothesized that MR antagonism may provide additional protection from atherosclerosis progression in higher‐risk patients who otherwise may not be candidates for such a therapeutic approach. In this double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial, subjects with T2DM with chronic kidney disease (≥ stage 3) will be randomized in a 1:1 manner to placebo or spironolactone (12.5 mg with eventual escalation to 25 mg daily over a 4‐week period). The co‐primary efficacy endpoint will be percentage change in total atheroma volume in thoracic aorta and left ventricular mass at 52 weeks in patients treated with spironolactone vs placebo. Secondary outcomes include 24‐hour mean systolic blood pressure, central aortic blood pressure, and insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) at 6 weeks. A novel measure in the study will be changes in candidate miRNAs that regulate expression of NR3C2 (MR gene) as well as measuring monocyte/macrophage polarization in response to therapy with spironolactone. We envision that our strategy of simultaneously probing the effects of a drug combined with analysis of mechanisms of action and predictive response will likely provide key information with which to design event‐based trials.
Scintillation properties of crystals based on ternary bromides of calcium and alkali metals activated with europium
Authors: Rebrova N. V. , Grippa A. Yu. , Pushak A. S. , Gorbacheva T. E. , Pedash V. Yu. , Tarasov V. A. , Cherginets V. L.
Published: May 2017

Single crystals of new scintillation materials ACaBr3:Eu2+ (A = K, Rb) were grown using the Bridgman–Stockbarger method. The luminescence spectra of RbCa1‐xEuxBr3 crystals include a single band with a maximum which position shifts from 433 to 443 nm with the increase of mole fraction of Eu2+ from 0.005 to 0.08. The decay of the scintillation pulse can be described using single component and the decay time rises towards concentration of Eu2+ in crystals from 2.70 μs (x = 0.03) to 3.14 μs (x = 0.05). The relative light yield achieves 77 per cent vs. NaI:Tl for RbCa0.92Eu0.08Cl3 sample and the energy resolution is 8.2%. Comparing with the K‐based analogs RbCa1‐xEuxBr3 materials are more stable and they are considerably brighter scintillators than CsCa1‐xEuxBr3.
Metal–Organic‐Compound‐Modified MoS2 with Enhanced Solubility for High‐Performance Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Dai Ruina , Wang Yangyang , Wang Jie , Deng Xianyu
Published: May 2017

MoS2 as a graphene‐like 2 D material shows a large potential to replace and even overcome graphene in various important applications owing to its ideal properties of electrical, optical, frictional, and tunable band gap. However, its low solubility in the most of common solvents makes it difficult to prepare by a simple solution process. Here, we introduce a metal–organic compound to modify MoS2. Phenyl acetylene silver (PAS)‐functionalized MoS2 is easily dispersed in solvents like DMF and water. A conductive polymer PEDOT:PSS (poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate) blend with the MoS2 leads to a significant enhancement of the performance of planar heterojunction perovskite solar cells. The solar cells have a high power conversion efficiency of 16.47 % as well as largely increased stability. This provides a feasible method for large‐scale production of MoS2 for wide applications in various electric devices.
High and variable mortality of leatherback turtles reveal possible anthropogenic impacts
Authors: Santidrián Tomillo P. , Robinson N. J. , Sanz‐Aguilar A. , Spotila J. R. , Paladino F. V. , Tavecchia G.
Published: May 2017

The number of nesting leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) in the eastern Pacific Ocean has declined dramatically since the late 1980s. This decline has been attributed to egg poaching and interactions with fisheries. However, it is not clear how much of the decline should also be ascribed to variability in the physical characteristics of the ocean. We used data on individually marked turtles that nest at Playa Grande, Costa Rica, to address whether climatic variability affects survival and inter‐breeding interval. Because some turtles might nest undetected, we used capture–recapture models to model survival probability accounting for a detection failure. In addition, as the probability of reproduction is constrained by past nesting events, we formulated a new parameterization to estimate inter‐breeding intervals and contrast hypotheses on the role of climatic covariates on reproductive frequency. Average annual survival for the period 1993–2011 was low (0.78) and varied over time ranging from 0.49 to 0.99 with a negative temporal trend mainly due to the high mortality values registered after 2004. Survival probability was not associated with the Multivariate ENSO Index of the South Pacific Ocean (MEI) but this index explained 24% of the temporal variability in the reproductive frequency. The probability of a turtle to permanently leave after the first encounter was 26%. This high proportion of transients might be associated with a high mortality cost of the first reproduction or with a long‐distance nesting dispersal after the first nesting season. Although current data do not allow separating these two hypotheses, low encounter rate at other locations and high investment in reproduction, supports the first hypothesis. The low and variable annual survival probability has largely contributed to the decline of this leatherback population. The lack of correlation between survival probability and the most important climatic driver of oceanic processes in the Pacific discards a climate‐related decline and point to anthropogenic sources of mortality as the main causes responsible for the observed population decline.
Application of omentum as an in vivo bioreactor for regeneration of decellularized human internal mammary artery
Authors: Khorramirouz Reza , Kameli Seyedeh Maryam , Eftekharzadeh Sahar , Kajbafzadeh Abdol‐Mohammad
Published: May 2017

This study investigates the extent of cell seeding as well as lumen patency in acellular Internal mammary artery (IMA) scaffolds that have been re‐cellularized by omentum as a natural bioreactor. Sixteen Virgin female Wistar rats were selected for implantation of acellular scaffold in omentum. Following laparotomy omentum was retracted to the outside of the abdomen and the more vascularized portion of it was selected for the experiment. The scaffold was wrapped by omentum and placed between two layers of rectus muscles that have been previously dissected. Samples were taken from scaffolds at 2 and 3 months for histopathological evaluation. All the grafts were explanted at 2 and 3 months and the lumens were completely patent compared to the native scaffold. The histology of implanted IMA after 2 and 3 months showed progressive recellularization especially by smooth muscle cells over the media layer. CD 34 staining was positive adjacent to the grafts which showed well angiogenesis. Trichrome and Movat's Pentachrome staining showed normal collagen formation in the inner media layer. Promising results obtained from the introduced protocol for in vivo recellularization, including patent lumen and proper cell seeding, encourages application of the mentioned technique for experimental vascular graft application. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 2685–2693, 2017.
Co‐culture systems‐based strategies for articular cartilage tissue engineering
Authors: Zhang Yu , Guo Weimin , Wang Mingjie , Hao Chunxiang , Lu Liang , Gao Shuang , Zhang Xueliang , Li Xu , Chen Mingxue , Li Penghao , Jiang Peng , Lu Shibi , Liu Shuyun , Guo Quanyi
Published: May 2017

Cartilage engineering facilitates repair and regeneration of damaged cartilage using engineered tissue that restores the functional properties of the impaired joint. The seed cells used most frequently in tissue engineering, are chondrocytes and mesenchymal stem cells. Seed cells activity plays a key role in the regeneration of functional cartilage tissue. However, seed cells undergo undesirable changes after in vitro processing procedures, such as degeneration of cartilage cells and induced hypertrophy of mesenchymal stem cells, which hinder cartilage tissue engineering. Compared to monoculture, which does not mimic the in vivo cellular environment, co‐culture technology provides a more realistic microenvironment in terms of various physical, chemical, and biological factors. Co‐culture technology is used in cartilage tissue engineering to overcome obstacles related to the degeneration of seed cells, and shows promise for cartilage regeneration and repair. In this review, we focus first on existing co‐culture systems for cartilage tissue engineering and related fields, and discuss the conditions and mechanisms thereof. This is followed by methods for optimizing seed cell co‐culture conditions to generate functional neo‐cartilage tissue, which will lead to a new era in cartilage tissue engineering.
Novel porcine experimental model of severe progressive thoracic scoliosis with compensatory curves induced by interpedicular bent rigid temporary tethering
Authors: Barrios Carlos , Lloris José Miguel , Alonso Juan , Maruenda Borja , Burgos Jesús , Llombart‐Blanco Rafael , Gil Luis , Bisbal Viviana
Published: May 2017

Using flexible tethering techniques, porcine models of experimental scoliosis have shown scoliotic curves with vertebral wedging but very limited axial rotation. The aim of this experimental work was to induce a severe progressive scoliosis in a growing porcine model for research purposes. A unilateral spinal bent rigid tether was anchored to two ipsilateral pedicle screws in eight pigs. The spinal tether was removed after 8 weeks. Ten weeks later, the animals were sacrificed. Conventional radiographs and 3D CT‐scans were taken to evaluate changes in the alignment of the thoracic spine. After the first 8 weeks of rigid tethering, all animals developed scoliotic curves (mean Cobb angle: 24.3°). Once the interpedicular tether was removed, the scoliotic curves progressed in all animals during 10 weeks reaching a mean Cobb angle of 49.9°. The sagittal alignment of the thoracic spine showed loss of physiologic kyphosis (Mean: −18.3°). Axial rotation ranged from 10° to 49° (Mean 25.7°). Release of the spinal tether results in progression of the deformity with the development of proximal and distal compensatory curves. In conclusion, temporary interpedicular tethering at the thoracic spine induces severe scoliotic curves in pigs, with significant wedging and rotation of the vertebral bodies, and true compensatory curves. Clinical Relevance: The tether release model will be used to evaluate corrective non‐fusion technologies in future investigations. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:174–182, 2018.
Tau/α‐synuclein ratio and inflammatory proteins in Parkinson's disease: An exploratory study
Authors: Delgado‐Alvarado Manuel , Gago Belén , Gorostidi Ana , Jiménez‐Urbieta Haritz , Dacosta‐Aguayo Rosalía , Navalpotro‐Gómez Irene , Ruiz‐Martínez Javier , Bergareche Alberto , Martí‐Massó José F. , Martínez‐Lage Pablo , Izagirre Andrea , Rodríguez‐Oroz María C.
Published: May 2017

Background: No CSF or plasma biomarker has been validated for diagnosis or progression of PD.

Objectives: To assess whether the CSF and plasma levels of proteins associated with PD neuropathological inclusions and with neuroinflammation might have value in the diagnosis of PD or in relation to disease severity.

Methods: CSF levels of α‐synuclein, amyloid‐ß1‐42, total tau, and threonine‐181 phosphorylated tau, as well as CSF and plasma levels of cytokines (interleukin‐1ß, interleukin‐2, interleukin, interferon‐γ, and tumor necrosis factor α) were studied in 40 PD patients and 40 healthy controls. Plasma levels of cytokines were measured in 51 patients and 26 aditional controls. We also explored the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative data set as a replication cohort.

Results: CSF levels of α‐synuclein, amyloid‐ß1‐42, and tumor necrosis factor α were lower in patients than in controls, and the total tau/α‐synuclein, phosphorylated tau/α‐synuclein, total tau/amyloid‐ß1‐42+α‐synuclein, and phosphorylated tau/amyloid‐ß1‐42+α‐synuclein ratios were higher in patients. The best area under the curve value was obtained for the phosphorylated tau/α‐synuclein ratio alone (0.86) and also when this was combined with tumor necrosis factor α in CSF (0.91; sensitivity 92.9%, specificity 75% for a cut‐off value of ≤ 0.71). Phosphorylated tau/α‐synuclein and phosphorylated tau/amyloid‐ß1‐42+α‐synuclein were higher in patients than in controls of the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative database. Plasma cytokines did not differ between groups, although interleukin‐6 levels were positively correlated with UPDRS‐I, ‐II, and ‐III scores.

Conclusions: The CSF phosphorylated tau/α‐synuclein ratio alone, and in combination with tumor necrosis factor α and plasma interleukin‐6 levels, might serve as biomarkers to diagnose PD and monitor its severity. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Dysregulation of the causative genes for hereditary parkinsonism in the midbrain in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Kim Yun Joong , Jeon Junbeom , Shin Jaemoon , Kim Nan Young , Hong Jeong Hoon , Oh Jae‐Min , Hong SangKyoon , Kim Yeo Jin , Kim Young‐Eun , Kang Suk Yun , Ma Hyeo‐Il , Lee Unjoo , Yoon Jeehee
Published: May 2017

Background and Objectives

Many hereditary movement disorders with complex phenotypes without a locus symbol prefix for familial PD present as parkinsonism; however, the dysregulation of genes associated with these phenotypes in the SNpc of PD patients has not been systematically studied.

Methods

Gene set enrichment analyses were performed using 10 previously published genome‐wide expression datasets obtained by laser‐captured microdissection of pigmented neurons in the SNpc. A custom‐curated gene set for hereditary parkinsonism consisting of causative genes (n = 78) related to disorders with a parkinsonism phenotype, but not necessarily idiopathic or monogenic PD, was constructed from the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man database.

Results

In 9 of the 10 gene expression data sets, gene set enrichment analysis showed that the disease‐causing genes for hereditary parkinsonism were downregulated in the SNpc in PD patients compared to controls (nominal P values <0.05 in five studies). Among the 63 leading edge subset genes representing downregulated genes in PD, 79.4% were genes without a locus symbol prefix for familial PD. A meta–gene set enrichment analysis performed with a random‐effect model showed an association between the gene set for hereditary parkinsonism and PD with a negative normalized enrichment score value (–1.40; 95% CI: –1.52∼–1.28; P < 6.2E‐05).

Conclusion

Disease‐causing genes with a parkinsonism phenotype are downregulated in the SNpc in PD. Our study highlights the importance of genes associated with hereditary movement disorders with parkinsonism in understanding the pathogenesis of PD. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Improving three‐dimensional mechanical imaging of breast lesions with principal component analysis
Authors: Tyagi Mohit , Wang Yuqi , Hall Timothy J. , Barbone Paul E. , Oberai Assad A.
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Elastography has emerged as a new tool for detecting and diagnosing many types of diseases including breast cancer. To date, most clinical applications of elastography have utilized two‐dimensional strain images. The goal of this paper is to present a new quasi‐static elastography technique that yields shear modulus images in three dimensions.

Methods

An automated breast volume scanner was used to acquire ultrasound images of the breast as it was gently compressed. Cross‐correlation between successive images was used to determine the displacement within the tissue. The resulting displacement field was filtered of all but compressive motion through principal component analysis. This displacement field was used to infer spatial distribution of shear modulus by solving a 3D elastic inverse problem.

Results

Three dimensional shear modulus images of benign breast lesions for two subjects were generated using the techniques described above. It was found that the lesions were visualized more clearly in images generated using the displacement data de‐noised through the use of principal components.

Conclusions

We have presented experimental and algorithmic techniques that lead to three‐dimensional imaging of shear modulus using quasi‐static elastography. This work demonstrates feasibility of this approach, and lays the foundation for images of other, more informative, mechanical parameters.
Multiline balanced SSFP for rapid functional imaging at ultrahigh field
Authors: Ehses Philipp , Scheffler Klaus
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The goal of this study is to develop and evaluate a multiline balanced steady‐state free‐precession (bSSFP) sequence for passband functional MRI at ultrahigh field.

Methods

Passband bSSFP functional MRI experiments using a visual task were performed on a 9.4 T system with echo trains ranging from one up to seven echoes. We analyze the acquisition efficiency, temporal and thermal signal‐to‐noise ratio, as well as the observed blood oxygen–level‐dependent (BOLD) signal changes.

Results

With increasing repetition time and echo train length, the BOLD‐related signal change as well as the thermal and temporal noise were improved. Activation patterns and signal changes were stable and reproducible across subjects.

Conclusions

We propose a multiline bSSFP for functional BOLD imaging that approaches the speed of echo‐planar imaging and that shows an increased BOLD sensitivity compared with single‐line bSSFP. Magn Reson Med 79:994–1000, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Effect of a thin customized insole on pain and walking ability in rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized study
Authors: Linberg Berit Hagemoen , Mengshoel Anne Marit
Published: May 2017

Objective

The aim of the study was to investigate the immediate effects of a thin, easily customizable insole on pain and walking ability in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who have forefoot pain, and to determine whether the insoles were in use 1 year afterwards.

Design

An experimental, assessor‐blinded design was applied to compare the immediate effects when walking with or without insoles in random order. After 1 year, a structured telephone interview was conducted.

Participants

Twenty‐one subjects with RA and foot pain in at least one forefoot when walking and in response to the Gänslen test were recruited consecutively from the outpatient clinic and the inpatient ward at a hospital for people with rheumatic disease.

Intervention

Each subject was given a 4‐mm thin individually customized insole of a malleable plastic material (CI‐Core®) with synthetic textile material on the upper side.

Main outcome measures

The 6‐min walk test (6MWT) was used to assess the ability to walk, and a 10‐cm visual analogue scale to measure the intensity of foot pain induced by walking with and without the insole. A standardized questionnaire with five items was used to determine the use of, and degree of satisfaction with, insoles after 1 year.

Results

The median (interquartile range) foot pain intensity was 19 (15) with and 36 (27) without insoles (p < 0.001; effect size = 0.6). No statistically significant differences in 6MWT were found between the presence or absence of insoles (p = 0.07). After 1 year, 90% of the participants were still using the insoles.

Conclusions

The use of thin, easily customizable insoles resulted in immediate clinically relevant relief in walking‐induced forefoot pain. Most of the patients were still using the insoles after 1 year.
About the influence of deposited nitride layers on oxide precipitation after RTA pre‐treatment
Authors: Kissinger Gudrun , Kot Dawid , Dabrowski Jaroslaw , Grabolla Thomas , Müller Timo , Sattler Andreas
Published: May 2017

In order to elucidate the influence of stress and in‐diffused nitrogen on oxide precipitation after rapid thermal annealing (RTA), we carried out experiments with one‐side and double‐sided nitride layers accompanied by simulation models which help to understand the behavior of intrinsic point defects, nitrogen, and strain. We found that the presence of a nitride layer of any thickness, within the rage which we investigated, in direct contact with the silicon surface is sufficient to markedly change the precipitation behavior of interstitial oxygen after RTA at 1175 and 1250 °C. The presence of the nitride layer during the stabilization and growth of the oxide precipitates is not of any influence on the precipitation behavior. Therefore, the RTA of wafers covered with silicon nitride is the crucial step controlling the bulk microdefect (BMD) depth profiles. A 10 nm oxide between silicon substrate and nitride layer prevents any change of the BMD depth profile. Only in a direct contact with the nitride layers the vacancy supersaturation, which enhanced the oxide precipitation compared to wafers without nitride layers, was generated. Nitrogen peaks below the silicon surface generated by in‐diffusion of nitrogen during RTA lead to an enhanced oxygen precipitation only for RTA at 1250 °C and not for RTA at 1175 °C. We propose a model based on very tiny coherent α‐Si3N4 precipitates generated at nitrogen‐vacancy (NV) complexes which can act as nucleation sites for oxygen precipitation. Because the stability of NV seems limited to temperatures above 1200 °C, it would not be effective for RTA at 1175 °C. RTA treatment of silicon wafers with one‐sided nitride layers at 1250 °C leads to very sharp and small defect denuded zones in subsequent annealing and would be suitable for proximity gettering. The depth of the denuded zone is nearly independent of the thickness of the nitride layer.
Deep carrier traps in as grown isotopically pure 28Si FZ crystal
Authors: Mchedlidze Teimuraz , Weber Jörg , Abrosimov Nikolay V. , Riemann Helge
Published: May 2017

We studied a distribution of dopants and carrier traps in the FZ grown 28Si crystal. Samples cut‐out from various parts of an as‐grown crystal were analysed by deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) and photoluminescence (PL). Several traps were detected at the concentration level of ∼1010 cm−3 by DLTS. Careful analyses of the obtained signals allow attributing the related traps to agglomerates of intrinsic defects. A correlation of the trap concentration to the phosphorus doping, detected by PL and confirmed by electric measurements was also observed. A possible attribution of the traps to the previously reported defects will be discussed.
Constant-Time Fourier Moments for Face Detection — Can Accuracy of Haar-Like Features Be Beaten?
Authors: Klȩsk Przemysław
Published: May 2017

We demonstrate a technique allowing for constant-time calculation of low order Fourier moments, applicable in detection tasks. Real and imaginary parts of the moments can be used as features for machine learning and classification of image windows. The technique is based on a set of special integral images, prepared prior to the scanning procedure. The integral images are constructed as cumulative inner products between the input image and suitable trigonometric terms. Additional time invested in the preparation of such integral images is amortized later at the stage of scanning. Then, the extraction of each moment requires only 21 operations, regardless of the number of pixels in the detection window, and thereby is an O(1) calculation.

As an application example, face detection experiments are carried out with detectors based on Haar-like features serving as opponents to the proposed Fourier-based detectors.
Ancient Impact May Have Triggered Long-Term Volcanic Eruptions
Authors: Stanley Sarah
Published: May 2017

Scientists revisit Canada’s Sudbury crater in light of new evidence from other planets that suggests an alternative postimpact history.
Hierarchically structured lithium titanate for ultrafast charging in long-life high capacity batteries
Authors: Odziomek Mateusz , Chaput Frédéric , Rutkowska Anna , Świerczek Konrad , Olszewska Danuta , Sitarz Maciej , Lerouge Frédéric , Parola Stephane
Published: May 2017

High-performance Li-ion batteries require materials with well-designed and controlled structures on nanometre and micrometre scales. Electrochemical properties can be enhanced by reducing crystallite size and by manipulating structure and morphology. Here we show a method for preparing hierarchically structured Li4Ti5O12 yielding nano- and microstructure well-suited for use in lithium-ion batteries. Scalable glycothermal synthesis yields well-crystallized primary 4–8 nm nanoparticles, assembled into porous secondary particles. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveals presence of Ti+4 only; combined with chemical analysis showing lithium deficiency, this suggests oxygen non-stoichiometry. Electron microscopy confirms hierarchical morphology of the obtained material. Extended cycling tests in half cells demonstrates capacity of 170 mAh g−1 and no sign of capacity fading after 1,000 cycles at 50C rate (charging completed in 72 s). The particular combination of nanostructure, microstructure and non-stoichiometry for the prepared lithium titanate is believed to underlie the observed electrochemical performance of material.
Aminophylline restores glucocorticoid sensitivity in a guinea pig model of sudden sensorineural hearing loss induced by lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Zhou Qiong-Qiong , Dai Yan-Hong , Du Xiao-Ping , Hou Jie , Qi Hui , She Wan-Dong
Published: May 2017

Glucocorticoids have been used to treat hearing loss and vestibular dysfunction for many years. However, some reports have indicated that a subset of patients with these disorders exhibit glucocorticoid insensitivity or resistance. A reduction in histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) activity and expression has been reported to play a critical role in glucocorticoid resistance. Here, we investigated the protective effects of aminophylline on HDAC2 expression and glucocorticoid sensitivity in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced sudden sensorineural hearing loss in guinea pigs. We assessed hearing recovery in LPS-applied guinea pigs, which were either left untreated or were systemically treated with either dexamethasone, aminophylline, or a combination of the two. We utilized fluorescence microscopy and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to analyze the distribution patterns of HDAC2 and detect its levels in the cochlea. We used hematoxylin-eosin staining to examine cochlear histopathological changes. In the absence of treatment, significant hearing loss was detected in LPS-exposed animals. A synergistic effect was observed between aminophylline and dexamethasone in maintaining HDAC2 expression levels, preventing hearing loss in LPS-exposed animals and reducing cochlear damage. This study indicates that aminophylline can restore glucocorticoid sensitivity, which provides a new approach to treating patients with hearing disorders who are refractory to glucocorticoids.
Antibodies against a β-glucan-protein complex of Candida albicans and its potential as indicator of protective immunity in candidemic patients
Authors: Torosantucci Antonella , Tumbarello Mario , Bromuro Carla , Chiani Paola , Posteraro Brunella , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Cauda Roberto , Cassone Antonio
Published: May 2017

Sera from candidemic and non-candidemic subjects were examined for antibodies against the cell wall β1,3- and β1,6-glucans, as well as the β-glucan-associated protein MP65 of Candida species. Although antibodies against each of the above components were detected in all subjects, candidemic patients had lower antibody titers against β1,3-glucan, but higher antibody titers against β1,6-glucan and MP65, than non-candidemic subjects. The elevated levels of anti-β1,6-glucan and -MP65 antibodies found in candidemic patients were independent on the patient risk category, APACHE II score, presence of co-morbidities, β1,3-glucanemia level, Candida isolate, and antifungal treatment. Interestingly, however, the anti-MP65, but not the anti-β1,6-glucan antibodies, of candidemic patients had higher titers in survivors than in non-survivors, particularly in those subject categories with the highest mortality (>65-years old, diabetic, or septic shock patients). Thus, candidemic patients are capable of boosting anti-Candida immune responses upon infection, and some of these responses might be associated to the generation of protective immunity in patients with candidemia.
Lethal effect of blue light on strawberry leaf beetle, Galerucella grisescens (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)
Authors: Hori Masatoshi , Suzuki Ayako
Published: May 2017

In a previous study, we found that blue-light irradiation kills insects such as fruit flies, mosquitos, and flour beetles. However, the lethal effects of blue light on coleopteran field crop pests have not been investigated. Chrysomelidae, a major family in phytophagous beetles, includes many species of crop pests. We investigated the lethal effect of blue light on chrysomelid beetles by examining the mortality of the strawberry leaf beetle Galerucella grisescens irradiated with different wavelengths of blue light during the non-mobile egg or pupal stage by using light-emitting diodes. Fifty to seventy percent of beetles irradiated with 407, 417, 438, or 465-nm lights at 15 × 1018 photons·m−2·s−1 during the egg stage died before hatching; ca. 90% of hatchlings irradiated with 438-nm light during the egg stage died before eclosion; and 35–55% of beetles irradiated with 407, 417, 454, and 465-nm lights at the same intensity during the pupal stage died before eclosion. Field crop pests are considered to have high tolerance to blue light because they are usually exposed to sunlight in their natural habitats. However, this study suggests that blue light can kill some field crop as well as household insect pests.
Erratum: Differential Control of Asexual Development and Sterigmatocystin Biosynthesis by a Novel Regulator in Aspergillus nidulans
Authors: Kim Yong Jin , Yu Yeong Man , Maeng Pil Jae
Published: May 2017

Scientific Reports 7: Article number: 46340; published online: 19 April 2017; updated: 26 May 2017 The original version of this Article contained a typographical error in the spelling of the author Yeong Man Yu, which was incorrectly given as Yu Yeong Man. This has now been corrected in both the PDFand HTML versions of the Article.
Model membrane size-dependent amyloidogenesis of Alzheimer's amyloid-β peptides
Authors: Kinoshita Misaki , Kakimoto Erina , Terakawa Mayu S. , Lin Yuxi , Ikenoue Tatsuya , So Masatomo , Sugiki Toshihiko , Ramamoorthy Ayyalusamy , Goto Yuji , Lee Young-Ho
Published: May 2017

We herein report the mechanism of amyloid formation of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides on small (SUV) and large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs), which consist of 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC) lipids.
Targeted cancer imaging and photothermal therapy via monosaccharide-imprinted gold nanorods
Authors: Yin Danyang , Li Xinglin , Ma Yanyan , Liu Zhen
Published: May 2017

Plasmonic nanomaterials have been widely used for photothermal therapy (PTT) of cancer, but their recognition specificity remains challenging. We prepared sialic acid (SA) gold nanorods (AuNRs) for targeted cancer PTT. The SA-imprinted AuNRs exhibited good specificity, enabling the killing of cancer cells without damaging healthy cells.
Cations induce shape remodeling of negatively charged phospholipid membranes
Authors: Graber Z. T. , Shi Z. , Baumgart T.
Published: May 2017

An asymmetric concentration of physiological cations (Ca2+, Mg2+, or Na+) across the membrane can induce changes in membrane shape. In the case of Ca2+, tubular invaginations are formed. Ca2+ has the strongest effect on membrane shape, followed by Mg2+ and finally Na+.
How seaweeds release the excess energy from sunlight to surrounding sea water
Authors: Koizumi Kenichi , Hatakeyama Makoto , Boero Mauro , Nobusada Katsuyuki , Hori Hirokazu , Misonou Taku , Nakamura Shinichiro
Published: May 2017

We report an atomistic insight into the mechanism regulating the energy released by a porphyra-334 molecule, the ubiquitous photosensitive component of marine algae, in a liquid water environment upon an electron excitation.
Determination of lacquer contained in samples of cultural relics by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
Authors: Wu Meng , Zhang Bingjian , Sun Guoping , Jiang Leping
Published: May 2017

As an environmentally friendly natural polymer material, lacquer is durable, anti-bacterial, corrosion-resistant and decorative.
Correction: Mesoporous thin film WO3 photoanode for photoelectrochemical water splitting: a sol–gel dip coating approach
Authors: Hilliard Samantha , Baldinozzi Guido , Friedrich Dennis , Kressman Stéphane , Strub Henri , Artero Vincent , Laberty-Robert Christel
Published: May 2017

Correction for ‘Mesoporous thin film WO3 photoanode for photoelectrochemical water splitting: a sol–gel dip coating approach’ by Samantha Hilliard et al., Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2017, 1, 145–153.