bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanocapsules Containing Neem (Azadirachta Indica) Oil: Development, Characterization, And Toxicity Evaluation
Authors: Pasquoto-Stigliani Tatiane , Campos Estefânia V. R. , Oliveira Jhones L. , Silva Camila M. G. , Bilesky-José Natalia , Guilger Mariana , Troost Johann , Oliveira Halley C. , Stolf-Moreira Renata , Fraceto Leonardo F. , de Lima Renata
Published: July 2017

In this study, we prepared, characterized, and performed toxicity analyses of poly(ε-caprolactone) nanocapsules loaded with neem oil. Three formulations were prepared by the emulsion/solvent evaporation method. The nanocapsules showed a mean size distribution around 400 nm, with polydispersity below 0.2 and were stable for 120 days. Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity results showed an increase in toxicity of the oleic acid + neem formulations according to the amount of oleic acid used. The minimum inhibitory concentrations demonstrated that all the formulations containing neem oil were active. The nanocapsules containing neem oil did not affect the soil microbiota during 300 days of exposure compared to the control. Phytotoxicity studies indicated that NC_20 (200 mg of neem oil) did not affect the net photosynthesis and stomatal conductance of maize plants, whereas use of NC_10 (100:100 of neem:oleic acid) and NC_15 (150:50 of neem:oleic acid) led to negative effects on these physiological parameters. Hence, the use of oleic acid as a complement in the nanocapsules was not a good strategy, since the nanocapsules that only contained neem oil showed lower toxicity. These results demonstrate that evaluation of the toxicity of nanopesticides is essential for the development of environmentally friendly formulations intended for applications in agriculture.
Endocannabinoids Have Opposing Effects On Behavioral Responses To Nociceptive And Non-nociceptive Stimuli
Authors: Summers Torrie , Hanten Brandon , Peterson Warren , Burrell Brian
Published: July 2017

The endocannabinoid system is thought to modulate nociceptive signaling making it a potential therapeutic target for treating pain. However, there is evidence that endocannabinoids have both pro- and anti-nociceptive effects. In previous studies using Hirudo verbana (the medicinal leech), endocannabinoids were found to depress nociceptive synapses, but enhance non-nociceptive synapses. Here we examined whether endocannabinoids have similar bidirectional effects on behavioral responses to nociceptive vs. non-nociceptive stimuli in vivo. Hirudo were injected with either the 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) or anandamide and tested for changes in response to nociceptive and non-nociceptive stimuli. Both endocannabinoids enhanced responses to non-nociceptive stimuli and reduced responses to nociceptive stimuli. These pro- and anti-nociceptive effects were blocked by co-injection of a TRPV channel inhibitor, which are thought to function as an endocannabinoid receptor. In experiments to determine the effects of endocannabinoids on animals that had undergone injury-induced sensitization, 2-AG and anandamide diminished sensitization to nociceptive stimuli although the effects of 2-AG were longer lasting. Sensitized responses to non-nociceptive stimuli were unaffected 2-AG or anandamide. These results provide evidence that endocannabinoids can have opposing effects on nociceptive vs. non-nociceptive pathways and suggest that cannabinoid-based therapies may be more appropriate for treating pain disorders in which hyperalgesia and not allodynia is the primary symptom.
Non-Mono-Exponential Analysis of Diffusion-Weighted Imaging for Treatment Monitoring in Prostate Cancer Bone Metastases
Authors: Reischauer Carolin , Patzwahl René , Koh Dow-Mu , Froehlich Johannes M. , Gutzeit Andreas
Published: July 2017

Diffusion-weighted imaging quantified using the mono-exponential model has shown great promise for monitoring treatment response in prostate cancer bone metastases. The aim of this prospective study is to evaluate whether non-mono-exponential diffusion models better describe the water diffusion properties and may improve treatment response assessment. Diffusion-weighted imaging data of 12 treatment-naïve patients with 34 metastases acquired before and at one, two, and three months after initiation of antiandrogen treatment are analysed using the mono-exponential, the intravoxel incoherent motion, the stretched exponential, and the statistical model. Repeatability of the fitted parameters and changes under therapy are quantified. Model preference is assessed and correlation coefficients across times are calculated to delineate the relationship between the prostate-specific antigen levels and the diffusion parameters as well as between the diffusion parameters within each model. There is a clear preference for non-mono-exponential diffusion models at all time points. Particularly the stretched exponential is favoured in approximately 60% of the lesions. Its parameters increase significantly in response to treatment and are highly repeatable. Thus, the stretched exponential may be utilized as a potential optimal model for monitoring treatment response. Compared with the mono-exponential model, it may provide complementary information on tissue properties and improve response assessment.
Mushroom lectin overcomes hepatitis B virus tolerance via TLR6 signaling
Authors: He Meina , Su Dan , Liu Qinghong , Gao Wenjuan , Kang Youmin
Published: July 2017

Currently, chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a serious public health problem in the world. Recombinant HBV vaccine, as a preventive strategy against HBV infection, generates high antibody level, but it is not effective to activate innate and cellular immunity for chronic HBV infection therapy. Lectins from mushroom are natural and active proteins which have been shown important biological functions. However, little is known about the immunological mechanism engaged by mushroom lectins. Here we report that, lectin fromPleurotus ostreatus(POL) stimulated innate response by activating Toll-like receptor 6 signal pathway of dendritic cells. Subsequently POL enhanced HBV specific antibody level and follicular helper T cells response which overcame HBV tolerance in transgenic mice. This study suggests a novel mechanism for POL acting on immune response and a therapeutic approach to break HBV tolerance.
Serum albumin and osmolality inhibit Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus predation in human serum
Authors: Im Hansol , Son Sangmo , Mitchell Robert J. , Ghim Cheol-Min
Published: July 2017

We evaluated the bactericidal activity ofBdellovibrio bacteriovorus, strain HD100, within blood sera against bacterial strains commonly associated with bacteremic infections, includingE. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniaeandSalmonella enterica. Tests show thatB. bacteriovorusHD100 is not susceptible to serum complement or its bactericidal activity. After a two hour exposure to human sera, the prey populations decreased 15- to 7,300-fold due to the serum complement activity while, in contrast, theB. bacteriovorusHD100 population showed a loss of only 33%. Dot blot analyses showed that this is not due to the absence of antibodies against this predator. Predation in human serum was inhibited, though, by both the osmolality and serum albumin. The activity ofB. bacteriovorusHD100 showed a sharp transition between 200 and 250 mOsm/kg, and was progressively reduced as the osmolality increased. Serum albumin also acted to inhibit predation by binding to and coating the predatory cells. This was confirmed via dot blot analyses and confocal microscopy. The results from both the osmolality and serum albumin tests were incorporated into a numerical model describing bacterial predation of pathogens. In conclusion, both of these factors inhibit predation and, as such, they limit its effectiveness against pathogenic prey located within sera.
Artificial dielectric polarizing-beamsplitter and isolator for the terahertz region
Authors: Mendis Rajind , Nagai Masaya , Zhang Wei , Mittleman Daniel M.
Published: July 2017

We demonstrate a simple and effective strategy for implementing a polarizing beamsplitter for the terahertz spectral region, based on an artificial dielectric medium that is scalable to a range of desired frequencies. The artificial dielectric medium consists of a uniformly spaced stack of metal plates, which is electromagnetically equivalent to a stacked array of parallel-plate waveguides. The operation of the device relies on both the lowest-order, transverse-electric and transverse-magnetic modes of the parallel-plate waveguide. This is in contrast to previous work that relied solely on the transverse-electric mode. The fabricated polarizing beamsplitter exhibits extinction ratios as high as 42 dB along with insertion losses as low as 0.18 dB. Building on the same idea, we also demonstrate an isolator with non-reciprocal transmission, providing high isolation and low insertion loss at a select design frequency. The performance of our isolator far exceeds that of other experimentally demonstrated terahertz isolators, and indeed, even rivals that of commercially available isolators for optical wavelengths. Because these waveguide-based artificial dielectrics are low loss, inexpensive, and easy to fabricate, this approach offers a promising new route for polarization control of free-space terahertz beams.
Effect of septal flash on right ventricular systolic function in left bundle-branch block patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction
Authors: Li Guang-yuan , Wang Yong-huai , Guan Zheng-yu , Jin Xuan-yi , Li Yang , Liu Shuang , Ma Chun-yan , Yang Jun
Published: July 2017

A leftward motion of the ventricular septum prior to ejection, known as the septal flash (SF), is frequently observed in patients with left bundle-branch block (LBBB). We investigated whether the abnormal motion of the ventricular septum affects right ventricle (RV) contractile performance in LBBB patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Forty-four patients with complete LBBB were selected using standard 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs), with 30 healthy individuals serving as controls. According to the presence of SF, patients with LBBB were allocated to two subgroups: those with SF (LBBB-SF, n = 24) and those without SF (LBBB-NSF, n = 20). RV longitudinal strain (LS) decreased in LBBB patients with preserved LVEF compared to control subjects (p = 0.002). And RV LS decreased significantly in LBBB-SF patients compared to NSF-LBBB patients (p = 0.04). RV LS correlated negatively with involved septal myocardial segments of SF (r = −0.36, p = 0.02), but did not correlate with the magnitude of SF. RV contractile performance deceased in LBBB patients with preserved LVEF. SF, particularly the extent of this phenomenon, may further affect RV contractile performance.
Polymorphic Transitions in Cerium-Substituted Zirconolite (CaZrTi2O7)
Authors: Clark Braeden M. , Sundaram S. K. , Misture Scott T.
Published: July 2017

Compounds with the formulae CaZr1−xCexTi2O7 with x = 0.1–0.5 were synthesized by solid state reaction. Cerium was used as a surrogate for actinide elements. A transition from the 2M polymorph to the 4M polymorph (expanded unit cell due to cation ordering) in zirconolite was observed with increasing cerium content. The presence of both tri- and tetravalent Ce, contrary to formulation, was confirmed using X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy, suggesting substitution on both Ca and Zr sites. Sintering was carried out via spark plasma sintering, during which the perovskite phase (Ca0.4Ce0.4TiO3) was stabilized due to the reducing conditions of this technique. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectrometry revealed that the 2M polymorph was dilute in Ce content in comparison to the 4M-zirconolite. High temperature X-ray diffraction was used to detail the kinetics of perovskite to zirconolite transition. It was found that CaCeTi2O7 (cubic pyrochlore) formed as an intermediate phase during the transition. Our results show that a transition from 2M- to 4M-zirconolite occurs with increasing Ce content and can be controlled by adjusting the PO2 and the heat treatment temperature.
Phase matching as a gate for photon entanglement
Authors: Zheltikov A. M.
Published: July 2017

Phase matching is shown to provide a tunable gate that helps discriminate entangled states of light generated by four-wave mixing (FWM) in optical fibers against uncorrelated photons originating from Raman scattering. Two types of such gates are discussed. Phase-matching gates of the first type are possible in the normal dispersion regime, where FWM sidebands can be widely tuned by high-order dispersion management, enhancing the ratio of the entangled-photon output to the Raman noise. The photon-entanglement gates of the second type are created by dual-pump cross-phase-modulation-induced FWM sideband generation and can be tuned by group-velocity mismatch of the pump fields.
Four-component zinc-porphyrin/zinc-salphen nanorotor
Authors: Özer Merve S. , Rana Anup , Biswas Pronay K. , Schmittel Michael
Published: July 2017

An off-axis supramolecular rotor was composed of four components: a zinc-porphyrin based stator with four phenanthroline stations and a zinc-salphen based rotator were self-assembled with DABCO and four copper(i) ions to furnish the rotor ROT-2 in quantitative yield.
Effects of counter anions, P-substituents, and solvents on optical and photophysical properties of 2-phenylbenzo[b]phospholium salts
Authors: Koyanagi Yoshinari , Kawaguchi Shogo , Fujii Kaori , Kimura Yoshifumi , Sasamori Takahiro , Tokitoh Norihiro , Matano Yoshihiro
Published: July 2017

The effects of counter anions,P-substituents, and solvents on the optical and photophysical properties of 2-phenylbenzo[b]phospholium salts were studied.
New insights into the interstratification phenomenon in layered double hydroxides (LDHs): a comparison of experimental and computational results for ZnAl-LDH containing bis-tetrazole
Authors: Ghiyasi Ramin , Rezvani Zolfaghar
Published: July 2017

Investigating the long-standing challenge of the single-anion interstratified arrangement in layered double hydroxides (LDHs) and defining its causes and mechanisms.
pLoc-mPlant: predict subcellular localization of multi-location plant proteins by incorporating the optimal GO information into general PseAAC
Authors: Cheng Xiang , Xiao Xuan , Chou Kuo-Chen
Published: July 2017

One of the fundamental goals in cellular biochemistry is to identify the functions of proteins in the context of compartments that organize them in the cellular environment.
A metal–semiconductor nanocomposite as an efficient oxygen-independent photosensitizer for photodynamic tumor therapy
Authors: Fan Jin-Xuan , Liu Miao-Deng , Li Chu-Xin , Hong Sheng , Zheng Di-Wei , Liu Xin-Hua , Chen Si , Cheng Hong , Zhang Xian-Zheng
Published: July 2017

Metal (Au) deposition on CdSe-seeded/CdS nanorods significantly improves the efficiency of water splitting for ROS generation without oxygen participation, and the composites were further applied as an oxygen-independent photosensitizer for tumor PDT treatment.
Tumor targeted nanostructured lipid carrier co-delivering paclitaxel and indocyanine green for laser triggered synergetic therapy of cancer
Authors: Ding Xuefang , Xu Xian , Zhao Ye , Zhang Lihui , Yu Yadong , Huang Fei , Yin Dezhou , Huang He
Published: July 2017

NLC co-delivering PTX and ICG for synergetic cancer therapy.
Mechanism of ion transport in perfluoropolyether electrolytes with a lithium salt
Authors: Timachova Ksenia , Chintapalli Mahati , Olson Kevin R. , Mecham Sue J. , DeSimone Joseph M. , Balsara Nitash P.
Published: July 2017

Perfluoropolyethers (PFPEs) are polymer electrolytes with fluorinated carbon backbones that have high flash points and have been shown to exhibit moderate conductivities and high cation transference numbers when mixed with lithium salts.
CALYPSO view of SVS 13A with PdBI: Multiple jet sources
Authors: Lefèvre C. , Cabrit S. , Maury A. J. , Gueth F. , Tabone B. , Podio L. , Belloche A. , Codella C. , Maret S. , Anderl S. , André Ph. , Hennebelle P.
Published: July 2017

Aims. We aim to clarify the origin of the multiple jet features emanating from the binary protostar SVS 13A (=VLA4A/VLA4B).

Methods. We used the Plateau de Bure Interferometer to map at 0.3–0.8′′ (~70–190 au) dust emission at 1.4 mm, CO(2–1), SiO(5–4), SO(65–54). Revised proper motions for VLA4A/4B and jet wiggling models are computed to clarify their respective contribution.

Results. VLA4A shows compact dust emission suggestive of a disk <50 au, and is the hot corino source, while CO/SiO/SO counterparts to the small-scale H2 jet originate from VLA4B and reveal the jet variable velocity structure. This jet exhibits ≃ 3″ wiggling consistent with orbital motion around a yet undetected ≃20–30 au companion to VLA4B, or jet precession. Jet wiggling combined with velocity variability can explain the large apparent angular momentum in CO bullets. We also uncover a synchronicity between CO jet bullets and knots in the HH7–11 chain demonstrating that they trace two distinct jets. Their ≃300 yr twin outburst period may be triggered by close perihelion approach of VLA4A in an eccentric orbit around VLA4B. A third jet is tentatively seen at PA ≃ 0°.

Conclusions. SVS13 A harbors at least 2 and possibly 3 distinct jet sources. The CO and HH7-11 jets are launched from quasi-coplanar disks, separated by 20–70 au. Their synchronous major events every 300 yr favor external triggering by close binary interactions, a scenario also invoked for FU Or outbursts.
One-Pot Synthesis of Unsymmetrical Bis(4-Hydroxycoumarin-3-yl)methanes
Authors: Bhuyan Pulak , Kolita Sinki , Dutta Leema , Das Pankaj
Published: July 2017

Unsymmetrical bis(4-hydroxycoumarin-3-yl)methane derivatives have been synthesized from 4-hydroxycoumarins, aldehydes, and secondary amines via 3-(aminoalkyl)-4-hydroxycoumarin intermediates, followed by substitution.
High-Normal Glucose Levels in a Routine Oral 1-Hour 50 g Glucose Challenge Test Are Associated with a Poorer Glycemic Status Later in Life
Authors: Baevsky Tuvia , Rosenberg Reena , Shevy Menashe , Yoles Israel
Published: July 2017

Objective A 1-hour 50 g glucose challenge test (GCT) is generally used as a screening test for a 3-hour 100 g test. The future glycemic status of a pregnant woman with abnormal (high) GCT is widely discussed in the literature. On the other hand, future glycemic status of women with various glucose levels within the normal range on GCT has not yet been studied. To examine the hypothesis that lower glucose levels in GCT may result in a better glycemic status later in life, we compared the glucose levels in GCT with the glycemic status 9 years later in a large cohort in Israel.

Study Design The study was performed at the Central District of Clalit Health Services, the largest health maintenance organization in Israel. From the computerized database, we gathered data on women who underwent GCT between August 2005 and August 2006.We evaluated the association between GCT results at entry and fasting glucose levels 9 years later. The study was approved by the institutional review board (IRB). We used analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by pairwise comparisons using Tukey's method (p = 0.05) and ordinal logistic regression tests for statistical analysis.

Results A total of 6,929 women performed GCT at entry. Fasting glucose levels were available 9 years later for 4,247 women. GCT results at entry level were grouped and divided into the following groups: very low GCT (<100 mg%), low-normal (100–125 mg%), high-normal (126–140 mg%), and abnormal GCT (>140 mg%). Fasting glucose results, as well as impaired fasting glucose 9 years following normal GCT had a direct correlation with GCT results. Ten percent of women who performed GCT had a high-normal result of 126 to 140 mg%. This high-normal group had a significantly higher fasting glucose and impaired fasting glucose (>100 mg%) 9 years after performing the GCT as compared with the very low or normal GCT groups. Moreover, diabetes risk of this group was significantly higher than the lower groups.

Conclusion Although GCT is only a screening test, it may serve as a practical predictor for further fasting glucose levels, impaired fasting glucose, and diabetes in a relatively short time (9 years). In this study, women with GCT levels up to 125 mg%, when tested 9 years later, had significantly lower fasting glucose and lower percentage of impaired fasting glucose and diabetes than those with GCT above 126 mg%. Women with “normal” GCT levels between 126 and 140 mg% should be closely monitored for their further glycemic status.
Melatonin and Neonatal Sepsis: A Promising Antioxidant Adjuvant Agent
Authors: Marseglia Lucia , Reiter Russel , Buonocore Giuseppe , Gitto Eloisa , D'Angelo Gabriella
Published: July 2017

Sepsis represents a major clinical problem in neonatal setting with elevated mortality rate related to multiple organ failure. Despite decades of research, the exact mechanism of organ failure in sepsis is still not completely understood. Oxidative stress (OS), derived from an imbalance between pro-oxidant and antioxidant factors, is involved in the pathogenesis of several neonatal diseases, including sepsis, and plays a particular role in systemic organ failure. Recently, it has been recognized that administration of antioxidants could be useful in septic patients. Among all antioxidants, melatonin has a characteristic role as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic agent. In combination with other interventions, melatonin may contribute to an improvement in septic organ injury. Furthermore, melatonin has already been widely used in treating various diseases of neonatal population, including asphyxia, respiratory distress, and sepsis, and no significant toxicity or treatment-related side effects with long-term melatonin therapy have been reported. This review aims to summarize current knowledge concerning the potential beneficial role of melatonin in septic neonates, supporting its short-term adjuvant co-therapy to reduce complications during neonatal sepsis.
Risk Factors for Postpartum Septic Pelvic Thrombophlebitis: A Multicenter Cohort
Authors: Smid Marcela , Grace Matthew , Thompson Jennifer , Heine R. , Manuck Tracy , Dotters-Katz Sarah
Published: July 2017

Objective The objective of this study was to identify risk factors associated with the development of septic pelvic thrombophlebitis (SPT).

Study Design This is a secondary case–control study of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Maternal-Fetal Medicine Unit Network Cesarean Registry. SPT was defined as suspected infectious thrombosis of the pelvic veins, often persistent febrile illness in the setting of antibiotic therapy for endometritis. Women with SPT were compared with those without SPT using descriptive statistics. Logistic regression models estimated the association between selected risk factors and SPT.

Results Of 73,087 women in the cohort, 89 (0.1%) developed SPT. Women with SPT were more likely to be < 20 years old (33.7 vs. 10.6%, p < 0.001), black race (58.4 vs. 29.1%, p < 0.001), and nulliparous (51.1 vs. 23.3%, p < 0.001). Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (32.6 vs. 11.8%, p < 0.001) and multiple gestation (12.5 vs. 7.4%, p = 0.03) were also more common in women with SPT. In the multivariable regression model, maternal age < 20, black race, multiple gestation, and preeclampsia were all significantly associated with increased odds of SPT (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.96, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.22, 3.14; aOR: 2.6, 95% CI: 1.68, 4.02; aOR: 2.10, 95% CI: 1.13, 3.88; aOR: 2.91, 95% CI: 1.86, 4.57).

Conclusion SPT is a rare pregnancy complication. Our analysis confirmed known risk factors (e.g., infections, cesarean delivery), and identified novel ones, including black race, young age, preeclampsia, and multiple gestation.
Prone Hip Extension Muscle Recruitment is Associated with Hamstring Injury Risk in Amateur Soccer
Authors: Schuermans Joke , Van Tiggelen Damien , Witvrouw Erik
Published: July 2017

‘Core stability’ is considered essential in rehabilitation and prevention. Particularly with respect to hamstring injury prevention, assessment and training of lumbo-pelvic control is thought to be key. However, supporting scientific evidence is lacking. To explore the importance of proximal neuromuscular function with regard to hamstring injury susceptibility, this study investigated the association between the Prone Hip Extension (PHE) muscle activation pattern and hamstring injury incidence in amateur soccer players. 60 healthy male soccer players underwent a comprehensive clinical examination, comprising a range of motion assessments and the investigation of the posterior chain muscle activation pattern during PHE. Subsequently, hamstring injury incidence was recorded prospectively throughout a 1.5-season monitoring period. Players who were injured presented a PHE activation pattern that differed significantly from those who did not. Contrary to the controls, hamstring activity onset was significantly delayed (p=0.018), resulting in a shifted activation sequence. Players were 8 times more likely to get injured if the hamstring muscles were activated after the lumbar erector spinae instead of vice versa (p=0.009). Assessment of muscle recruitment during PHE demonstrated to be useful in injury prediction, suggesting that neuromuscular coordination in the posterior chain influences hamstring injury vulnerability.
Mesenteric Masses on 2D Mode and Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound: A Retrospective Study in 69 Patients
Authors: Trenker Corinna , Zadeh Ehsan , Petzold Golo , Görg Christian , Neesse Albrecht
Published: July 2017

Purpose Detection of mesenteric masses (MM) by 2 D ultrasound often causes a diagnostic dilemma, and histological confirmation is required for definite diagnosis. The value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) for the diagnosis of MMs has not been investigated before. Here, we retrospectively evaluate 2D-mode and CEUS patterns of 69 patients with histologically confirmed MMs.

Materials and Methods Between January 2006 and January 2016, n = 69 patients were included in the study. Histopathological data, clinical data, 2D-mode ultrasound and CEUS enhancement were retrospectively analyzed.

Results More than half of the MMs (n = 47/69, 68 %) revealed a malignant histology. The size of the MM, inflammation markers and clinical symptoms did not correlate with the histological outcome. 2 D mode revealed n = 46 (67 %) lesions as hypoechoic, n = 14 (20 %) as hyperechoic, and n = 9 (13 %) with a complex echo pattern. Hypoechogenicity and complex echo patterns as well as regular borders of MMs were significantly associated with malignancy (p < 0.05). On CEUS, malignant MMs showed arterial hyperenhancement (n = 11/47, 23 %), isoenhancement (n = 25/47, 52 %) and hypoenhancement (n = 7/47, 15 %). The majority of malignant MMs (n = 42/47, 89 %) revealed parenchymal hypoenhancement. Benign masses revealed arterial hyperenhancement in n = 1/22 (5 %), isoenhancement in n = 8/22 (36 %), and hypoenhancement in n = 10/22 (45 %). The majority of lesions showed parenchymal hypoenhancement (n = 19/22, 86 %).

Conclusion Hypoechogenicity and complex echogenicity in 2 D mode, irregular borders, and parenchymal wash-out were more often associated with malignancy. However, CEUS did not help to subclassify malignant MMs according to their histological entity.
Tensiomyographic Assessment of Muscle Contractile Properties in 9- to 14-Year Old Children
Authors: Simunic Bostjan , Degens Hans , Zavrsnik Jernej , Koren Katja , Volmut Tadeja , Pisot Rado
Published: July 2017

While there are numerous data on the skeletal muscle fiber type composition in adults, little is known about the changes in fiber type composition and contractile properties during maturational growth in children. Using noninvasive tensiomyography, we measured contraction time (Tc), an indirect estimate of the myosin heavy chain I (MHC-I) proportion, to assess the longitudinal changes of the biceps brachii (BB), biceps femois (BF), vastus lateralis (VL), and erector spinae (ES) muscles in 53 boys and 54 girls. The children were 9 years at the start of the study and returned for 5 follow-up measurements until the age of 14 years. The ES has the shortest and the BF has the longest Tc. The VL and ES of boys have shorter Tc than those of girls. When applying the relationship between proportion of MHC-I and Tc established in adults to children’s TMG data, we found a slow-to-fast transition in the VL between, at least, the ages of 6 to 10 years, when it stabilized to adult proportions. Regular participation in sports was associated with a faster BF, but not in the VL. Our data represents a first non-invasive indication of the developmental changes in muscle fiber type composition in children.
Particle-like structure of Lie algebras
Authors: Vinogradov A. M.
Published: July 2017

If a Lie algebra structure 𝔤 on a vector space is the sum of a family of mutually compatible Lie algebra structures 𝔤i’s, we say that 𝔤 is simply assembled from the 𝔤i’s. Repeating this procedure with a number of Lie algebras, themselves simply assembled from the 𝔤i’s, one obtains a Lie algebra assembled in two steps from 𝔤i’s, and so on. We describe the process of modular disassembling of a Lie algebra into a unimodular and a non-unimodular part. We then study two inverse questions: which Lie algebras can be assembled from a given family of Lie algebras, and from which Lie algebras can a given Lie algebra be assembled. We develop some basic assembling and disassembling techniques that constitute the elements of a new approach to the general theory of Lie algebras. The main result of our theory is that any finite-dimensional Lie algebra over an algebraically closed field of characteristic zero or over R can be assembled in a finite number of steps from two elementary constituents, which we call dyons and triadons. Up to an abelian summand, a dyon is a Lie algebra structure isomorphic to the non-abelian 2-dimensional Lie algebra, while a triadon is isomorphic to the 3-dimensional Heisenberg Lie algebra. As an example, we describe constructions of classical Lie algebras from triadons.
Substrate effects on photoluminescence and low temperature phase transition of methylammonium lead iodide hybrid perovskite thin films
Authors: Shojaee S. A. , Harriman T. A. , Han G. S. , Lee J.-K. , Lucca D. A.
Published: July 2017

We examine the effects of substrates on the low temperature photoluminescence (PL) spectra and phase transition in methylammonium lead iodide hybrid perovskite (CH3NH3PbI3) thin films. Structural characterization at room temperature with X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Raman spectroscopy indicated that while the chemical structure of films deposited on glass and quartz was similar, the glass substrate induced strain in the perovskite films and suppressed the grain growth. The luminescence response and phase transition of the perovskite thin films were studied by PL spectroscopy. The induced strain was found to affect both the room temperature and low temperature PL spectra of the hybrid perovskite films. In addition, it was found that the effects of the glass substrate inhibited a tetragonal to orthorhombic phase transition such that it occurred at lower temperatures.
Optical response of mixed methylammonium lead iodide and formamidinium tin iodide perovskite thin films
Authors: Ghimire Kiran , Zhao Dewei , Yan Yanfa , Podraza Nikolas J.
Published: July 2017

Mixed tin (Sn) and lead (Pb) based perovskite thin films have been prepared by solution processing combining methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) and formamidinium tin iodide (FASnI3) precursors. Optical response in the form of complex dielectric function (ε = ε1 + iε2) spectra and absorption coefficient (α) spectra of (FASnI3)1-x(MAPbI3)x based perovskite films have been extracted over a spectral range 0.74 to 5.89 eV using spectroscopic ellipsometry. Absorption band edge energy changes as a function of composition for films including FASnI3, MAPbI3, and mixed x = 0.20, 0.35, 0.40, and 0.6 (FASnI3)1-x(MAPbI3)x perovskites. (FASnI3)0.60(MAPbI3)0.4 is found to have the minimum absorption band edge energy near ∼1.2 eV.
Radio-frequency oxygen-plasma-enhanced pulsed laser deposition of IGZO films
Authors: Chou Chia-Man , Lai Chih-Chang , Chang Chih-Wei , Wen Kai-Hsin , Hsiao Vincent K. S.
Published: July 2017

We demonstrate the crystalline structures, optical transmittance, surface and cross-sectional morphologies, chemical compositions, and electrical properties of indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO)-based thin films deposited on glass and silicon substrates through pulsed laser deposition (PLD) incorporated with radio-frequency (r.f.)-generated oxygen plasma. The plasma-enhanced pulsed laser deposition (PEPLD)-based IGZO thin films exhibited a c-axis-aligned crystalline (CAAC) structure, which was attributed to the increase in Zn-O under high oxygen vapor pressure (150 mTorr). High oxygen vapor pressure (150 mTorr) and low r.f. power (10 W) are the optimal deposition conditions for fabricating IGZO thin films with improved electrical properties.
Fine-scale changes in spatial habitat use by a low-density koala population in an isolated periurban forest remnant
Authors: Lollback Gregory W. , Castley J. Guy , Mossaz Alexa C. , Hero Jean-Marc
Published: July 2017

Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) populations in south-east Queensland are in decline. Although various studies have looked at broad-scale tree preference and habitat quality, there has been little attempt to quantify fine-scale activity shifts from one year to the next or examination of activity at the mesoscale. This study quantified koala activity levels in a 909-ha forest patch at Karawatha Forest Park, in south Brisbane. The Spot Assessment Technique was used to quantify activity and tree selection on 33 long-term monitoring plots in 2009 and 2010. In total, 843 trees were searched and koala pellets were found underneath 34 and 47 trees in 2009 and 2010, respectively. A higher proportion of pellets was found underneath Eucalyptus tindaliae and E. fibrosa and there was weak selection for larger trees. A low occurrence of revisits and a minor shift in activity distribution from 2009 to 2010 indicate that the koala population exists at a low density. Rapid declines in koala populations are occurring in primary habitats. Hence, stable low-density koala populations are important for maintaining genetic diversity and connectivity in fragmented urban landscapes.
Transcoelomic expulsion of an ingested foreign object by a carcharhinid shark
Authors: Kessel S. T. , Fraser J. , Van Bonn W. G. , Brooks J. L. , Guttridge T. L. , Hussey N. E. , Gruber S. H.
Published: July 2017

A wild lemon shark (Negaprion brevirostris) was observed to expel an ingested foreign object through its body wall, over a minimum period of 435 days. We observed this lemon shark at a recreational diving feeding site off the coast of Juno Beach (FL, USA) on 12 occasions between 6 December 2014 and 14 December 2016. At the final observation, following expulsion, we observed this lemon shark with scar tissue and in apparent healthy condition. At minimum, this lemon shark was able to survive for over 1 year under perforation of its stomach lining, coelom and body wall. This account provides further evidence for the resilience and recovery capabilities of elasmobranch fish.
Cultural competence in the community health context: ‘we don’t have to reinvent the wheel’
Authors: Truong Mandy , Gibbs Lisa , Paradies Yin , Priest Naomi , Tadic Maryanne
Published: July 2017

Health and social service agencies need to be responsive to the healthcare requirements of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) groups in the community. This is a challenging proposition, particularly due to shifting demographics in developed Western countries such as Australia. Organisations that strive for cultural competence can potentially reduce the barriers associated with inequitable access to services by CALD groups. Community health services play a vital role in the provision of culturally competent health services to people from CALD groups. Additional research related to cultural competence in the community health context is needed. Thus, the aim of this paper is to explore the positioning of cultural competence within community health from multiple perspectives using a qualitative case study of a community health service located in Victoria, Australia. The findings suggest that if the essential needs of clients are met, regardless of cultural background (e.g. able to communicate with staff, trust and a respectful and caring environment), then issues related to cultural background may be of less significance for some clients.
Physician testing for HIV in patients treated with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and lamivudine monotherapy for hepatitis B virus
Authors: Lau Jillian S. Y. , Ratnam Dilip , Woolley Ian
Published: July 2017

Previously we found that local patients were often not tested for HIV prior to commencing nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcription inhibitor (NRTI) therapy for hepatitis B virus. We performed a national cross-sectional cohort study of physician practices via an online survey. A small majority (23/44; 52%) of participants reported always testing their hepatitis B virus patients for HIV prior to NRTI therapy, and 8/44 (18%) reported testing for HIV the majority of the time. Thirteen (30%) respondents reported testing only if risk factors were present. One physician reported a patient seroconverting to HIV while on TDF monotherapy.
MiR-185 inhibits 3T3-L1 cell differentiation by targetingSREBP-1
Authors: Ning Chunyou , Li Guilin , You Lu , Ma Yao , Jin Long , Ma Jideng , Li Xuewei , Li Mingzhou , Liu Haifeng
Published: July 2017

Adipogenesis involves a highly orchestrated series of complex events in which microRNAs (miRNAs) may play an essential role. In this study, we found that the miR-185 expression increased gradually during 3T3-L1 cells differentiation. To explore the role of miR-185 in adipogenesis, miRNA agomirs and antagomirs were used to perform miR-185 overexpression and knockdown, respectively. Overexpression of miR-185 dramatically reduced the mRNA expression of the adipogenic markers, PPARγ, FABP4, FAS, and LPL, and the protein level of PPARγ and FAS. MiR-185 overexpression also led to a notable reduction in lipid accumulation. In contrast, miR-185 inhibition promoted differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells. By target gene prediction and luciferase reporter assay, we demonstrated that sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 (SREBP-1) may be the target of miR-185. These results indicate that miR-185 negatively regulates the differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells by targeting SREBP-1, further highlighting the importance of miRNAs in adipogenesis.
Measurement of Statistical Evidence: Picking Up Where Hacking and Others Left Off
Authors: Vieland Veronica J.
Published: July 2017

Hacking’s Law of Likelihood says—paraphrasing—that data support hypothesis H1 over hypothesis H2 whenever the likelihood ratio (LR) for H1 over H2 exceeds 1. But Hacking later noted a seemingly fatal flaw in the LR itself: it cannot be interpreted as the degree of “evidential significance” across applications. I agree with Hacking about the problem, but I do not believe the condition is incurable. I argue here that the LR can be properly calibrated with respect to the underlying evidence, and I sketch the rudiments of a methodology for so doing.
Diagnosis of Extrapulmonary Legionellosis in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Recipients by Direct 16S Ribosomal Ribonucleic Acid Sequencing and Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Franco-Garcia Alexandra , Varughese Tilly A , Lee Yeon Joo , Papanicolaou Genovefa , Rosenblum Marc K , Hollmann Travis J , Koehne Guenther , Boulad Farid , Babady N Esther , Tang Yi-Wei , Seo Susan K
Published: July 2017

Identifying extrapulmonary legionellosis is difficult due to the lack of clinical suspicion and limitations of conventional microbiologic methods. We present a case series of hematopoietic cell transplant recipients with extrapulmonary legionellosis diagnosed via molecular diagnostics: 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid gene Sanger sequencing and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry.
A NEW APPROACH TO THE ANALYSIS OF THERMOLUMINESCENCE GLOW-CURVE OF TLD-600 DOSIMETERS FOLLOWING AM-241 ALPHA PARTICLES IRRADIATION
Authors: Sadek A M , Hassan M M , Esmat E , Eissa H M
Published: July 2017

A new approach to the analysis of thermoluminescence (TL) glow-curves of LiF:Mg, Ti (TLD-600) following alpha particles irradiation has been presented using general expressions derived from the one-trap-one recombination (OTOR)-level model. It has been found that the results of the deconvolution in the case of using these expressions are different from the case of using the other TL expressions, especially for the high-temperature region. The advantage of using the OTOR expressions is that, unlike the usual analysis, a good fit and reasonable kinetic parameter values could be obtained with a lower number of deconvoluted peaks. The kinetic parameters and the dosimetric properties of each peak have been investigated over different absorbed doses and new findings have been found. Improvement of the accuracy and the precision of the dose measurements at low-dose levels has been achieved using the glow-curve deconvolution algorithm. In addition, theoretical interpretations of some observed behaviors have been presented using the interactive multiple trap system model.
Genome-Wide Association Mapping of Fusarium Head Blight Resistance in Spring Wheat Lines Developed in the Pacific Northwest and CIMMYT
Authors: Wang Rui , Chen Jianli , Anderson James A. , Zhang Junli , Zhao Weidong , Wheeler Justin , Klassen Natalie , See Deven R. , Dong Yanhong
Published: July 2017

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a destructive disease of wheat in humid and semihumid areas of the world. It has emerged in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) in recent years because of changing climate and crop rotation practices. Our objectives in the present study were to identify and characterize quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with FHB resistance in spring wheat lines developed in the PNW and the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center. In total, 170 spring wheat lines were evaluated in field and greenhouse trials in 2015 and 2016. Fourteen lines showing consistent resistance in multiple environments were identified. These lines are valuable resources in wheat variety improvement of FHB resistance because they have no Sumai 3 or Sumai 3-related background. The 170 lines were genotyped using a high-density Illumina 90K single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) assay and 10 other non-SNP markers. A genome-wide association analysis was conducted with a mixed model (Q+K). Consistent, significant SNP associations with multiple traits were found on chromosomes 1B, 2B, 4B, 5A, 5B, and 6A. The locus on chromosome 5B for reduced deoxynivalenol content may be novel. The identified QTL are being validated in additional mapping studies and the identified resistant lines are being used in variety development for FHB resistance and facilitated by marker-assisted selection.
A Review of Control Options and Externalities for Verticillium Wilts
Authors: Carroll Christine L. , Carter Colin A. , Goodhue Rachael E. , Lawell C.-Y. Cynthia Lin , Subbarao Krishna V.
Published: July 2017

Plant pathogens migrate to new regions through human activities such as trade, where they may establish themselves and cause disease on agriculturally important crops. Verticillium wilt of lettuce, caused by Verticillium dahliae, is a soilborne fungus that was introduced to coastal California via infested spinach seeds. It has caused significant losses for lettuce growers. Once introduced, Verticillium wilt could be managed by fumigating with methyl bromide and chloropicrin, but this option is no longer available. Growers can also manage the disease by planting broccoli or not planting spinach. These control options require long-term investments for future gain. Verticillium wilt can also be prevented or controlled by testing and providing spinach seeds with little or no V. dahliae infestation. However, seed companies have been reluctant to test or clean spinach seeds, as spinach crops are not affected by Verticillium wilt. Thus, available control options are affected by externalities. Renters and other producers with short time horizons will not undertake long-term investments and seed companies do not take into account the effect of their decision not to test on lettuce producers. We review the literature on the economics of managing crop disease; discuss the economics of managing Verticillium wilt; and review the recent research on the externalities that arise with short-term growers, and between seed companies and growers due to Verticillium wilt. An externality arises whenever the actions of one individual or firm affects the payoffs to another individual or firm not involved in a specific transaction. These externalities have important implications for the management of Verticillium wilt and, more broadly, for the management of migratory pathogens and the diseases they cause in agriculture in general. This review is of interest to policy-makers, the producers, marketers, seed companies, and researchers.
Reactive oxygen species affect spinal cell type-specific synaptic plasticity in a model of neuropathic pain
Authors: Bittar Alice , Jun Jaebeom , La Jun-Ho , Wang Jigong , Leem Joong Woo , Chung Jin Mo
Published: July 2017

Spinal synaptic plasticity is believed to drive central sensitization that underlies the persistent nature of neuropathic pain. Our recent data showed that synaptic plasticity in the dorsal horn is cell type specific: intense afferent stimulation produced long-term potentiation (LTP) in excitatory spinothalamic tract neurons (STTn), whereas it produced long-term depression (LTD) in inhibitory GABAergic interneurons (GABAn). In addition, reactive oxygen species (ROS) were shown to be involved in LTP in STTn (STTn-LTP) and in LTD in GABAn (GABAn-LTD). This study examined the roles of 2 biologically important ROS––superoxide [·O2] and hydroxyl radicals [·OH]––in neuropathic mechanical hyperalgesia and cell type-specific spinal synaptic plasticity. The [·O2] donor induced stronger mechanical hyperalgesia than the [·OH] donor in naive mice. The [·O2] scavenger showed greater antihyperalgesic effect than [·OH] scavengers in the spinal nerve ligation (SNL) mouse model of neuropathic pain. In addition, the [·O2] donor induced both STTn-LTP and GABAn-LTD, but the [·OH] donor induced only GABAn-LTD. On the other hand, the [·O2] scavenger inhibited STTn-LTP and GABAn-LTD induction in naive mice and alleviated SNL-induced potentiation in STTn and depression in GABAn. The [·OH] scavenger, however, inhibited depression in GABAn but did not interfere with potentiation in STTn. These results indicate that mechanical hyperalgesia in SNL mice is the result of the combination of STTn-LTP and GABAn-LTD. Behavioral outcomes compliment electrophysiological results which suggest that [·O2] mediates both STTn-LTP and GABAn-LTD, whereas [·OH] is involved primarily in GABAn-LTD.