bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nickel biopathways in tropical nickel hyperaccumulating trees from Sabah (Malaysia)
Authors: van der Ent Antony , Callahan Damien L. , Noller Barry N. , Mesjasz-Przybylowicz Jolanta , Przybylowicz Wojciech J. , Barnabas Alban , Harris Hugh H.
Published: February 2017

The extraordinary level of accumulation of nickel (Ni) in hyperaccumulator plants is a consequence of specific metal sequestering and transport mechanisms, and knowledge of these processes is critical for advancing an understanding of transition element metabolic regulation in these plants. The Ni biopathways were elucidated in three plant species, Phyllanthus balgooyi, Phyllanthus securinegioides (Phyllanthaceae) and Rinorea bengalensis (Violaceae), that occur in Sabah (Malaysia) on the Island of Borneo. This study showed that Ni is mainly concentrated in the phloem in roots and stems (up to 16.9% Ni in phloem sap in Phyllanthus balgooyi) in all three species. However, the species differ in their leaves – in P. balgooyi the highest Ni concentration is in the phloem, but in P. securinegioides and R. bengalensis in the epidermis and in the spongy mesophyll (R. bengalensis). The chemical speciation of Ni2+ does not substantially differ between the species nor between the plant tissues and transport fluids, and is unambiguously associated with citrate. This study combines ion microbeam (PIXE and RBS) and metabolomics techniques (GC-MS, LC-MS) with synchrotron methods (XAS) to overcome the drawbacks of the individual techniques to quantitatively determine Ni distribution and Ni2+ chemical speciation in hyperaccumulator plants.
TRIM14 regulates cell proliferation and invasion in osteosarcoma via promotion of the AKT signaling pathway
Authors: Xu Guoxing , Guo Yongfei , Xu Dabo , Wang Yi , Shen Yafeng , Wang Feifei , Lv Yuanyuan , Song Fanglong , Jiang Dawei , Zhang Yinquan , Lou Yi , Meng Yake , Yang Yongji , Kang Yifan
Published: February 2017

Recent studies have shown that some members of the tripartite motif-containing protein (TRIM) family serve as important regulators of tumorigenesis. However, the biological role of TRIM14 in osteosarcoma remains to be established. In this study, we showed that TRIM14 is upregulated in human osteosarcoma specimens and cell lines, and correlated with osteosarcoma progression and shorter patient survival times. Functional studies demonstrated that overexpression of TRIM14 enhances osteosarcoma cell proliferation, clone formation, cell cycle procession, migration and invasion in vitro and promotes tumor growth in vivo, and conversely, its silencing has the opposite effects. Furthermore, TRIM14 overexpression induced activation of the AKT pathway. Inhibition of AKT expression reversed the TRIM14-mediated promotory effects on cell growth and mobility, in addition to TRIM14-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cyclin D1 upregulation. Our findings collectively suggest that TRIM14 functions as an oncogene by upregulating the AKT signaling pathway in osteosarcoma cells, supporting its potential utility as a therapeutic target for this disease.
Genetic polymorphism and evolutionary differentiation of Eastern Chinese Han: a comprehensive and comparative analysis on KIRs
Authors: Yin Caiyong , Hu Li , Huang Huijie , Yu Yanfang , Li Zheng , Ji Qiang , Kong Xiaochao , Wang Zhongqun , Yan Jinchuan , Yan Jiangwei , Zhu Bofeng , Chen Feng
Published: February 2017

Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor genes, namely KIRs, cluster together within the 160 kb genomic DNA region. In this study, we used PCR-SSP approach and successfully identified the genotype of 17 KIR genes in 123 independent healthy donors residing in the Jiangsu province, China. All individuals were positive at the 7 genes. The observed carrier gene frequencies (OFs) of remaining 10 KIRs ranged from 14.63% (KIR2DS3) to 95.93% (KIR3DL1). We found 27 distinct genotypes excluding KIR1D. The most frequent occurred in 63 individuals (51.22%). The linkage disequilibrium analysis signified 29 positive and 6 negative relations in 45 pairwise comparisons. To study population differentiation, we drew a Heatmap based on the data of KIRs from 59 populations and conducted Hierarchical Clustering by Euclidean distances. We next validated our results by estimating pairwise DA distances and illustrating a Neighbor-Joining tree, as well as a MDS plot covering 3 additional Chinese Han groups. The phylogenetic reconstruction and cluster analysis strongly indicated a genetically close relationship between Eastern and Jilin Hans. In conclusion, the present study provided a meritorious resource of KIR genotyping for population genetics, and could be helpful to uncover the genetic mechanism of KIRs in immune disease in the future.
An empirical analysis of the Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Authors: Khaleque Abdul , Sen Parongama
Published: February 2017

The data for the Ebola outbreak that occurred in 2014–2016 in three countries of West Africa are analysed within a common framework. The analysis is made using the results of an agent based Susceptible-Infected-Removed (SIR) model on a Euclidean network, where nodes at a distance l are connected with probability P(l) ∝ l−δ, δ determining the range of the interaction, in addition to nearest neighbors. The cumulative (total) density of infected population here has the form "Equation missing", where the parameters depend on δ and the infection probability q. This form is seen to fit well with the data. Using the best fitting parameters, the time at which the peak is reached is estimated and is shown to be consistent with the data. We also show that in the Euclidean model, one can choose δ and q values which reproduce the data for the three countries qualitatively. These choices are correlated with population density, control schemes and other factors. Comparing the real data and the results from the model one can also estimate the size of the actual population susceptible to the disease. Rescaling the real data a reasonably good quantitative agreement with the simulation results is obtained.
CR-LAAO, an L-amino acid oxidase from Calloselasma rhodostoma venom, as a potential tool for developing novel immunotherapeutic strategies against cancer
Authors: Costa Tássia R. , Menaldo Danilo L. , Zoccal Karina F. , Burin Sandra M. , Aissa Alexandre F. , Castro Fabíola A. de , Faccioli Lúcia H. , Greggi Antunes Lusânia M. , Sampaio Suely V.
Published: February 2017

L-amino acid oxidases from snake venoms have been described to possess various biological functions. In this study, we investigated the inflammatory responses induced in vivo and in vitro by CR-LAAO, an L-amino acid oxidase isolated from Calloselasma rhodostoma venom, and its antitumor potential. CR-LAAO induced acute inflammatory responses in vivo, with recruitment of neutrophils and release of IL-6, IL-1β, LTB4 and PGE2. In vitro, IL-6 and IL-1β production by peritoneal macrophages stimulated with CR-LAAO was dependent of the activation of the Toll-like receptors TLR2 and TLR4. In addition, CR-LAAO promoted apoptosis of HL-60 and HepG2 tumor cells mediated by the release of hydrogen peroxide and activation of immune cells, resulting in oxidative stress and production of IL-6 and IL-1β that triggered a series of events, such as activation of caspase 8, 9 and 3, and the expression of the pro-apoptotic gene BAX. We also observed that CR-LAAO modulated the cell cycle of these tumor cells, promoting delay in the G0/G1 and S phases. Taken together, our results suggest that CR-LAAO could serve as a potential tool for the development of novel immunotherapeutic strategies against cancer, since this toxin promoted apoptosis of tumor cells and also activated immune cells against them.
CXCR2 deficient mice display macrophage-dependent exaggerated acute inflammatory responses
Authors: Dyer Douglas P. , Pallas Kenneth , Medina-Ruiz Laura , Schuette Fabian , Wilson Gillian J. , Graham Gerard J.
Published: February 2017

CXCR2 is an essential regulator of neutrophil recruitment to inflamed and damaged sites and plays prominent roles in inflammatory pathologies and cancer. It has therefore been highlighted as an important therapeutic target. However the success of the therapeutic targeting of CXCR2 is threatened by our relative lack of knowledge of its precisein vivomode of action. Here we demonstrate that CXCR2-deficient mice display a counterintuitive transient exaggerated inflammatory response to cutaneous and peritoneal inflammatory stimuli. In both situations, this is associated with reduced expression of cytokines associated with the resolution of the inflammatory response and an increase in macrophage accumulation at inflamed sites. Analysis using neutrophil depletion strategies indicates that this is a consequence of impaired recruitment of a non-neutrophilic CXCR2 positive leukocyte population. We suggest that these cells may be myeloid derived suppressor cells. Our data therefore reveal novel and previously unanticipated roles for CXCR2 in the orchestration of the inflammatory response.
Anatomical Characteristics and Biomechanical Properties of the Oblique Popliteal Ligament
Authors: Wu Xiang-Dong , Yu Jin-Hui , Zou Tao , Wang Wei , LaPrade Robert F. , Huang Wei , Sun Shan-Quan
Published: February 2017

This anatomical study sought to investigate the morphological characteristics and biomechanical properties of the oblique popliteal ligament (OPL). Embalmed cadaveric knees were used for the study. The OPL and its surrounding structures were dissected; its morphology was carefully observed, analyzed and measured; its biomechanical properties were investigated. The origins and insertions of the OPL were relatively similar, but its overall shape was variable. The OPL had two origins: one originated from the posterior surface of the posteromedial tibia condyle, merged with fibers from the semimembranosus tendon, the other originated from the posteromedial part of the capsule. The two origins converged and coursed superolaterally, then attached to the fabella or to the tendon of the lateral head of the gastrocnemius and blended with the posterolateral joint capsule. The OPL was classified into Band-shaped, Y-shaped, Z-shaped, Trident-shaped, and Complex-shaped configurations. The mean length, width, and thickness of the OPL were 39.54, 22.59, and 1.44 mm, respectively. When an external rotation torque (18 N·m) was applied both before and after the OPL was sectioned, external rotation increased by 8.4° (P = 0.0043) on average. The OPL was found to have a significant role in preventing excessive external rotation and hyperextension of the knee.
Identification of a novel NAMPT inhibitor by CRISPR/Cas9 chemogenomic profiling in mammalian cells
Authors: Estoppey David , Hewett Jeffrey W. , Guy Chantale T. , Harrington Edmund , Thomas Jason R. , Schirle Markus , Cuttat Rachel , Waldt Annick , Gerrits Bertran , Yang Zinger , Schuierer Sven , Pan Xuewen , Xie Kevin , Carbone Walter , Knehr Judith , Lindeman Alicia , Russ Carsten , Frias Elizabeth , Hoffman Gregory R. , Varadarajan Malini , Ramadan Nadire , Reece-Hoyes John S. , Wang Qiong , Chen Xin , McAllister Gregory , Roma Guglielmo , Bouwmeester Tewis , Hoepfner Dominic
Published: February 2017

Chemogenomic profiling is a powerful and unbiased approach to elucidate pharmacological targets and the mechanism of bioactive compounds. Until recently, genome-wide, high-resolution experiments of this nature have been limited to fungal systems due to lack of mammalian genome-wide deletion collections. With the example of a novel nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) inhibitor, we demonstrate that the CRISPR/Cas9 system enables the generation of transient homo- and heterozygous deletion libraries and allows for the identification of efficacy targets and pathways mediating hypersensitivity and resistance relevant to the compound mechanism of action.
Bribery games on inter-dependent regular networks
Authors: Verma Prateek , Nandi Anjan K. , Sengupta Supratim
Published: February 2017

We examine a scenario of social conflict that is manifest during an interaction between government servants providing a service and citizens who are legally entitled to the service, using evolutionary game-theory in structured populations characterized by an inter-dependent network. Bribe-demands by government servants during such transactions, called harassment bribes, constitute a widespread form of corruption in many countries. We investigate the effect of varying bribe demand made by corrupt officials and the cost of complaining incurred by harassed citizens, on the proliferation of corrupt strategies in the population. We also examine how the connectivity of the various constituent networks affects the spread of corrupt officials in the population. We find that incidents of bribery can be considerably reduced in a network-structured populations compared to mixed populations. Interestingly, we also find that an optimal range for the connectivity of nodes in the citizen’s network (signifying the degree of influence a citizen has in affecting the strategy of other citizens in the network) as well as the interaction network aids in the fixation of honest officers. Our results reveal the important role of network structure and connectivity in asymmetric games.
Risk factors for brain metastases after prophylactic cranial irradiation in small cell lung cancer
Authors: Zeng Haiyan , Xie Peng , Meng Xue , Yuan Shuanghu , Sun Xindong , Li Wanlong , Fan Bingjie , Li Xiaolin , Yu Jinming
Published: February 2017

Despite administration of prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI), some small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients still suffer from brain metastases (BM) with unknown risk factors. We conducted this study to identify patients with higher BM risk after PCI and improve their outcome. The characteristics and survival of all the SCLC patients underwent PCI in our institute from 2003 to 2014 were analyzed. Kaplan-Meier method was applied to estimate BM free survival (BMFS) and overall survival (OS). Cox regression analyses were performed to explore risk factors for BM. A total of 175 patients with the median age of 55 years (range, 29–76) were eligible, among whom 36 (20.6%) developed BM with median follow-up of 42 months. Both univariate and multivariate analyses showed HART and TNM classification (p < 0.05) were associated with BM. Two-stage system was not related with BMFS or OS (p > 0.05). Stage IIIB-IV and HART were independent risk factors for BM after PCI in SCLC. TNM classification was more valuable on prognosis than two-stage system. Further large-scale studies are needed to confirm our findings.
Duration of SHIV production by infected cells is not exponentially distributed: Implications for estimates of infection parameters and antiviral efficacy
Authors: Beauchemin Catherine A. A. , Miura Tomoyuki , Iwami Shingo
Published: February 2017

The duration of the eclipse phase, from cell infection to the production and release of the first virion progeny, immediately followed by the virus-production phase, from the first to the last virion progeny, are important steps in a viral infection, by setting the pace of infection progression and modulating the response to antiviral therapy. Using a mathematical model (MM) and data for the infection of HSC-F cells with SHIV in vitro, we reconfirm our earlier finding that the eclipse phase duration follows a fat-tailed distribution, lasting 19 h (18–20 h). Most importantly, for the first time, we show that the virus-producing phase duration, which lasts 11 h (9.8–12 h), follows a normal-like distribution, and not an exponential distribution as is typically assumed. We explore the significance of this finding and its impact on analysis of plasma viral load decays in HIV patients under antiviral therapy. We find that incorrect assumptions about the eclipse and virus-producing phase distributions can lead to an overestimation of antiviral efficacy. Additionally, our predictions for the rate of plasma HIV decay under integrase inhibitor therapy offer an opportunity to confirm whether HIV production duration in vivo also follows a normal distribution, as demonstrated here for SHIV infections in vitro.
Preventive Effects of Carnosine on Lipopolysaccharide-induced Lung Injury
Authors: Tanaka Ken-Ichiro , Sugizaki Toshifumi , Kanda Yuki , Tamura Fumiya , Niino Tomomi , Kawahara Masahiro
Published: February 2017

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a potentially devastating form of acute lung injury, which involves neutrophilic inflammation and pulmonary cell death. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play important roles in ARDS development. New compounds for inhibiting the onset and progression of ARDS are required. Carnosine (β-alanyl-L-histidine) is a small di-peptide with numerous activities, including antioxidant effects, metal chelation, proton buffering capacity and the inhibition of protein carbonylation and glycoxidation. We have examined the preventive effects of carnosine on tissue injury, oedema and inflammation in a murine model for ARDS. Oral administration of carnosine suppressed lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced vascular permeability, tissue injury and inflammation in the lung. In vivo imaging analysis revealed that LPS administration increased the level of ROS and that this increase was inhibited by carnosine administration. Carnosine also suppressed LPS-induced neutrophilic inflammation (evaluated by activation of myeloperoxidase in the lung and increased extracellular DNA in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid). Furthermore, carnosine administration suppressed the LPS-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress response in vivo. These results suggest that the oral administration of carnosine suppresses LPS-induced lung injury via carnosine’s ROS-reducing activity. Therefore, carnosine may be beneficial for suppressing the onset and progression of ARDS.
Erratum: Lucky Rhythms in Orbitofrontal Cortex Bias Gambling Decisions in Humans
Authors: Sacré Pierre , Kerr Matthew S. D. , Kahn Kevin , Gonzalez-Martinez Jorge , Bulacio Juan , Park Hyun-Joo , Johnson Matthew A. , Thompson Susan , Jones Jaes , Chib Vikram S. , Gale John T. , Sarma Sridevi V.
Published: February 2017

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 36206; published online: 10 November 2016; updated: 16 February 2017 Affiliation 1 was incorrectly listed as ‘Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21211, USA’ in the original version of the Article. The correct affiliation is listed below:
Hydrostatic pressure effect on magnetic phase transition and magnetocaloric effect of metamagnetic TmZn compound
Authors: Li Lingwei , Hu Guanghui , Qi Yang , Umehara Izuru
Published: February 2017

The magnetocaloric effect (MCE) is an intrinsic thermal response of all magnetic solids which has a direct and strong correlation with the corresponding magnetic phase transition. It has been well recognized that the magnetic phase transition can be tuned by adjusting applied pressure. Therefore, we perform the high hydrostatic pressure magnetization measurements (up to 1.4 GPa) on a recently reported giant MCE material of TmZn. The results indicate that the Curie temperature of TC increases from 8.4 K at the ambient pressure to 11.5 K under the pressure of 1.4 GPa. The field-induced first order metamagnetic transition is getting weak with increasing pressure, which results in a reduction of MCE. The hydrostatic pressure effect on the magnetic phase transition and MCE in the metamagnetic TmZn is discussed.
Pt nanoparticles immobilized in mesostructured silica: a non-leaching catalyst for 1-octene hydrosilylation
Authors: Galeandro-Diamant Thomas , Sayah Reine , Zanota Marie-Line , Marrot Sébastien , Veyre Laurent , Thieuleux Chloé , Meille Valérie
Published: February 2017

A catalyst containing platinum nanoparticles embedded into the walls of a mesostructured silica framework is highly active in alkene hydrosilylation and does not lead to Pt leaching.
The effect of varying solvents for MoS2 treatment on its catalytic efficiencies for HER and ORR
Authors: Chua Xing Juan , Pumera Martin
Published: February 2017

The use of various solvents (ACN, DMF, EtOH, MeOH and water) as dispersion medium for powdered MoS2 were investigated for their varying catalytic efficiencies for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR).
Students’ interpretations of mechanistic language in organic chemistry before learning reactions
Authors: Galloway Kelli R. , Stoyanovich Carlee , Flynn Alison B.
Published: February 2017

Research on mechanistic thinking in organic chemistry has shown that students attribute little meaning to the electron-pushing (i.e., curved arrow) formalism. At the University of Ottawa, a new curriculum has been developed in which students are taught the electron-pushing formalism prior to instruction on specific reactions—this formalism is part of organic chemistry's language. Students then learn reactions according to the pattern of their governing mechanism and in order of increasing complexity. If students are fluent in organic chemistry's language, they should have lower cognitive load demands when learning new reactions, and be better positioned to connect the three levels of chemistry's triplet (i.e., Johnstone's triangle). We developed a qualitative research protocol to explore how students use and interpret the mechanistic language. Twenty-nine first-semester organic chemistry students were interviewed, in which they were asked to (1) explain a mechanism, given all the starting materials, intermediates, products, and electron-pushing arrows, (2) draw in arrows for a reaction mechanism, given the starting materials and products of each step, and (3) predict the product of a reaction step, given the starting materials and electron-pushing arrows for that step. To investigate the students’ ideas about mechanistic language rather than their knowledge of specific reactions, we selected reactions for the interview guide that had not yet been taught. Following transcription, we analyzed the interviews using constant comparative analysis to explore how students used and interpreted the mechanistic language. Four categories of student thinking emerged with electron movement underlying students’ thinking throughout the interviews. Herein, we discuss these categories, students’ interpretation of the symbolism, connections to learning theory, and implications for teaching, learning, and research.
Coupling polymorphic nanostructured carbon nitrides into an isotype heterojunction with boosted photocatalytic H2evolution
Authors: Wang Jianhai , Chen Yile , Shen Yanfei , Liu Songqin , Zhang Yuanjian
Published: February 2017

A heterojunction photocatalyst made up of a single substrate is reported; the heterointerfaces of carbon nitride are natively compatible and highly efficient.
Rigidly linking cyclometallated Ir(iii) and Pt(ii) centres: an efficient approach to strongly absorbing and highly phosphorescent red emitters
Authors: Turnbull Graeme , Williams J. A. Gareth , Kozhevnikov Valery N.
Published: February 2017

Appending a cyclometallated platinum unit onto each of the three ligands of the archetypal fac-Ir(ppy)3 complex leads to a highly efficient red emitter with a short luminescence decay time.
A mitochondria-targeting supramolecular photosensitizer based on pillar[5]arene for photodynamic therapy
Authors: Rui Leilei , Xue Yudong , Wang Yong , Gao Yun , Zhang Weian
Published: February 2017

A mitochondria-targeting supramolecular photosensitizer system TPP-QAS/WP5/DTAB was constructed based on a host–guest inclusion complex.
Metal-free intramolecular amino-acyloxylation of 2-aminostyrene with carboxylic acid for the synthesis of 3-acyloxyl indolines in water
Authors: Liu Liyan , Wang Zhiyong
Published: February 2017

A metal-free amino-acyloxylation of 2-aminostyrene was developed for the synthesis of 3-acyloxyl indolines.
Grafoil–Scotch tape-derived highly conducting flexible substrate and its application as a supercapacitor electrode
Authors: Soni Roby , Raveendran Alka , Kurungot Sreekumar
Published: February 2017

Development of flexible supercapacitors is limited by the availability of flexible and durable conducting substrates; a conducting and cheap substrate for the active material deposition is essential for breakthrough progress in this direction.
Zwitterionic indenylammonium with carbon-centred reactivity towards reversible CO2 binding and catalytic reduction
Authors: Yang Yanxin , Yan Linfan , Xie Qinyu , Liang Qiuming , Song Datong
Published: February 2017

Zwitterionic indenylammonium can reversibly insert CO2 into its C–H bond at ambient temperature and catalyze CO2 hydroboration.
A novel K-ion battery: hexacyanoferrate(ii)/graphite cell
Authors: Bie Xiaofei , Kubota Kei , Hosaka Tomooki , Chihara Kuniko , Komaba Shinichi
Published: February 2017

The four volt K-ion battery is demonstrated as a possible alternative to 4 volt Li-ion battery.
Endothelial cell–oligodendrocyte interactions in small vessel disease and aging
Authors: Rajani Rikesh M. , Williams Anna
Published: February 2017

Cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) is a prevalent, neurological disease that significantly increases the risk of stroke and dementia. The main pathological changes are vascular, in the form of lipohyalinosis and arteriosclerosis, and in the white matter (WM), in the form of WM lesions. Despite this, it is unclear to what extent the key cell types involved–the endothelial cells (ECs) of the vasculature and the oligodendrocytes of the WM–interact. Here, we describe the work that has so far been carried out suggesting an interaction between ECs and oligodendrocytes in SVD. As these interactions have been studied in more detail in other disease states and in development, we explore these systems and discuss the role these mechanisms may play in SVD.
Achondroplasia in the Premature Infant: An Elusive Diagnosis in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Fagen Kimberly , Blask Anna , Rubio Eva , Bulas Dorothy
Published: February 2017

Achondroplasia is a difficult prenatal diagnosis to make before the late second and third trimester. We describe two cases where an infant was born prematurely with no overt signs of achondroplasia. Despite multiple chest and abdominal radiographs during the neonatal course, the diagnosis was not made until term equivalent age was reached. We retrospectively reviewed these two cases to highlight the elusive findings of achondroplasia in the premature infant.
Giant Left Atrial Myxoma: Cause for Position-Dependent Nocturnal Dyspnea and Cardiac Murmur
Authors: Hillebrand Julia , Martens Sven , Hoffmeier Andreas
Published: February 2017

Primary tumors of the heart are rare. The majority of them are benign, the left atrial myxoma being the most frequent one. Clinical appearance varies from unapparent to life-threatening complications such as stroke, acute heart failure, or even sudden death. Diagnosis and consecutive surgical treatment strongly depend on the clinical symptoms, but their extent does not correlate with the risk for serious complications. Therefore, patients with variable clinical presentation can be especially endangered. Consequent diagnostic and immediate operative therapy is essential.
Synovial Plica Syndrome of the Knee: A Commonly Overlooked Cause of Anterior Knee Pain
Authors: Lee Paul , Nixion Amy , Chandratreya Amit , Murray Judith
Published: February 2017

Synovial plica syndrome (SPS) occurs in the knee, when an otherwise normal structure becomes a source of pain due to injury or overuse. Patients may present to general practitioners, physiotherapists, or surgeons with anterior knee pain with or without mechanical symptoms, and the diagnosis can sometimes be difficult. Several studies have examined the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of SPS. We review these resources to provide an evidence-based guide to the diagnosis and treatment of SPS of the knee.
Discrepancies in Prevalence of Peripheral Arterial Disease between Lower Extremities at Rest and Postexercise
Authors: Cohoon Kevin , Mahe Guillaume , Liedl David , Rooke Thom , Wennberg Paul
Published: February 2017

Background Lower extremity peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a common medical condition causing substantial morbidity. Limited data exist on whether discrepancies in PAD prevalence exist between the lower extremities using resting ankle-brachial indices (ABIs) and postexercise pressures.

Objective We predicted the prevalence of PAD between the lower extremities.

Methods and Results Consecutive patients who had undergone a noninvasive arterial lower extremity study at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, between January 1996 and December 2012 with suspected PAD were retrospectively reviewed. We identified 12,312 consecutive patients who underwent an arterial lower extremity and an exercise treadmill study. Prevalence of PAD was assessed at rest and after exercise using two criteria: a resting ABI ≤ 0.90 and a postexercise pressure decrease of > 30 mm Hg. Mean age was 67 ± 12 years and there were 4,780 (39%) women studied. At rest, we found a higher prevalence of PAD on the left extremity (27.4%) compared with the right (24.6%) (p < 0.0001). After exercise, we found a higher prevalence of PAD on the right extremity (25.1%) compared with the left (19.0%) (p < 0.0001). These discrepancies between the prevalence of PAD at rest and after exercise were present in women and men.

Conclusion Using validated criteria of a resting ABI of ≤ 0.90 and postexercise ankle pressure decrease > 30 mm Hg, our results suggest that there is a significantly higher prevalence of PAD in the left lower extremity at rest, in contrast to a greater prevalence of abnormal postexercise testing in the right lower extremity. The reason(s) of these discrepancies remain to be studied.
Soziale Determinanten der subjektiven Gesundheit, Lebenszufriedenheit und krankheitsbedingten Schulfehltage von Heranwachsenden in Deutschland: Erste Ergebnisse des Nationalen Bildungspanels (NEPS)
Authors: Heilmann Kristina , Bräsen Janina , Herke Max , Richter Matthias , Rathmann Katharina
Published: February 2017

Ziel des Beitrags ist es, erstmalig mit den Daten des Nationalen Bildungspanels die Bedeutung sozialer Determinanten für die subjektive Gesundheit, Lebenszufriedenheit und krankheitsbedingten Schulfehltage von Schülern in deutschen Regelschulen zu untersuchen.

Datenbasis bildet das Nationale Bildungspanel (NEPS). Die Stichprobe umfasst (n=5 790) Schüler der sechsten Klassen in Regelschulen aus dem Jahr 2011 (Startkohorte 3, Welle 2). Der sozioökonomische Hintergrund wird über den Schultyp der Heranwachsenden sowie über das Haushaltseinkommen und den höchsten elterlichen Bildungsabschluss erfasst. Daneben berücksichtigen die Analysen den Migrationshintergrund und die Familienstruktur, sowie das Geschlecht als soziale Einflussgrößen. Es werden sowohl bi- als auch multivariate Analysen durchgeführt.

Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass insbesondere die besuchte Schulform und ein geringes Einkommen der Eltern signifikant mit einer schlechten subjektiven Gesundheitseinschätzung der Heranwachsenden assoziiert sind. Für eine niedrige Lebenszufriedenheit sind die Familienstruktur und der Schultyp relevante Einflussgrößen. Bei den krankheitsbedingten Fehltagen zeigt sich ein schwacher Zusammenhang mit dem Besuch einer Hauptschule.

Die Ergebnisse unterstreichen, dass insbesondere die besuchte Schulform eine zentrale Einflussgröße der subjektiven Gesundheit, der Lebenszufriedenheit sowie der krankheitsbedingten Fehltage von Schülern ist. Maßnahmen zur Gesundheitsförderung und Prävention sollten daher vor allem auf Hauptschüler und vor dem Hintergrund sozial ungleich verteilter Bildungschancen auch auf Heranwachsende aus Haushalten mit niedrigem sozialem Status ausgerichtet werden.
Distance-from-the-wall scaling of turbulent motions in wall-bounded flows
Authors: Baidya R. , Philip J. , Hutchins N. , Monty J. P. , Marusic I.
Published: February 2017

An assessment of self-similarity in the inertial sublayer is presented by considering the wall-normal velocity, in addition to the streamwise velocity component. The novelty of the current work lies in the inclusion of the second velocity component, made possible by carefully conducted subminiature ×-probe experiments to minimise the errors in measuring the wall-normal velocity. We show that not all turbulent stress quantities approach the self-similar asymptotic state at an equal rate as the Reynolds number is increased, with the Reynolds shear stress approaching faster than the streamwise normal stress. These trends are explained by the contributions from attached eddies. Furthermore, the Reynolds shear stress cospectra, through its scaling with the distance from the wall, are used to assess the wall-normal limits where self-similarity applies within the wall-bounded flow. The results are found to be consistent with the recent prediction from the work of Wei et al. [“Properties of the mean momentum balance in turbulent boundary layer, pipe and channel flows,” J. Fluid Mech. 522, 303–327 (2005)], Klewicki [“Reynolds number dependence, scaling, and dynamics of turbulent boundary layers,” J. Fluids Eng. 132, 094001 (2010)], and others that the self-similar region starts and ends at z+∼O(δ+) and O(δ+), respectively. Below the self-similar region, empirical evidence suggests that eddies responsible for turbulent stresses begin to exhibit distance-from-the-wall scaling at a fixed z+ location; however, they are distorted by viscous forces, which remain a leading order contribution in the mean momentum balance in the region z+≲O(δ+), and thus result in a departure from self-similarity.
Valley-dependent beam manipulators based on photonic graphene
Authors: Deng Fu-Sheng , Sun Yong , Dong Li-Juan , Liu Yan-Hong , Shi Yun-Long
Published: February 2017

Trigonal warping distortion in energy band lifts the degeneracy of two valleys (K and K′ points) of graphene. In this situation, electron transport becomes valley dependent, which can be used to design the valley beam splitter, collimator, or guiding device. Here, valley-dependent beam manipulators are designed based on artificial photonic graphene. In this scheme, the finite-size artificial photonic graphene is intentionally designed to realize the novel device functionalities. This kind of valley-dependent beam manipulators can work at an arbitrary range of electromagnetic waves from microwave to visible light. It potentially paves the way for the application of photonic graphene in future integrated photonic devices.
Ultra-low thermal conductivity of nanogranular indium tin oxide films deposited by spray pyrolysis
Authors: Brinzari Vladimir I. , Cocemasov Alexandr I. , Nika Denis L. , Korotcenkov Ghenadii S.
Published: February 2017

The authors have shown that nanogranular indium tin oxide (ITO) films, deposited by spray pyrolysis on a silicon substrate, demonstrate ultralow thermal conductivity κ ∼ 0.84 ± 0.12 Wm−1 K−1 at room temperature. This value is approximately by one order of magnitude lower than that in bulk ITO. The strong drop of thermal conductivity is explained by the nanogranular structure and porosity of ITO films, resulting in enhanced phonon scattering on grain boundaries. The experimental results were interpreted theoretically, employing the Boltzmann transport equation approach for phonon transport and filtering model for electronic transport. The calculated values of thermal conductivity are in reasonable agreement with the experimental findings. The presented results show that ITO films with an optimal nanogranular structure may be prospective for thermoelectric applications.
Chiral-triggered magnetization switching in patterned media
Authors: Alejos Óscar , Martínez Eduardo , Raposo Víctor , Sánchez-Tejerina Luis , Hernández-López María Auxiliadora
Published: February 2017

The current triggered switching of patterned ferromagnetic elements over a heavy metal layer is analyzed in this work. A couple of symmetrically placed, but isolated, U-shaped elements, each one consisting of two oppositely tilted tapered spikes at the ends of a straight section, is theoretically studied by means of micromagnetic simulations. Our results indicate that the magnetization reversal processes deterministically start at a corner of the spikes selected by the direction of the current, as other experimental evidences claimed. Our study also reveals that the thermal agitation plays a supporting rather than a main role in promoting complete switching. Temperature assists the local magnetization reversal at the corners, resulting in the nucleation of domain walls. This inversion is mainly due to the Slonczewskii-like torque exerted by the spin current associated with the spin Hall effect. When domain walls are nucleated, the angular dependence of the current-driven dynamics of those walls, already reported in the literature, determines whether the process results in either a complete or a frustrated switching attempt. Besides, our statistical study reflects that complete switching is only achieved within a narrow range of current pulse amplitudes.
Maximizing switching current of superconductor nanowires via improved impedance matching
Authors: Zhang Labao , Yan Xiachao , Jia Xiaoqing , Chen Jian , Kang Lin , Wu Peiheng
Published: February 2017

The temporary resistance triggered by phase slips will result in the switching of a superconductor nanowire to a permanent normal state, decreasing the switching current. In this letter, we propose an improved impedance matching circuit that releases the transition triggered by phase slips to the load resistor through the radio frequency (RF) port of a bias tee. The transportation properties with different load resistors indicate that the switching current decreases due to the reflection caused by impedance mismatching, and it is maximized by optimized impedance matching. Compared to the same setup without the impedance matching circuit, the switching current was increased from 8.0 μA to 12.2 μA in a niobium nitride nanowire after releasing the temporary transition triggered by phase slips. The leakage process with impedance matching outputs a voltage pulse, which enables the user to directly register the transition triggered by phase slips. The technique for maximizing the switching current has a potential practical application in superconductor devices, and the technique for counting phase slips may be applied to explore the behavior of phase slips.
The elastic constants of rubrene determined by Brillouin scattering and density functional theory
Authors: Zhang Yaqi , Manke David R. , Sharifzadeh Sahar , Briseno Alejandro L. , Ramasubramaniam Ashwin , Koski Kristie J.
Published: February 2017

The linear elastic stiffness tensor of the crystalline organic semiconductor, rubrene, is measured using Brillouin light scattering spectroscopy and computed from first-principles van der Waals density functional theory calculations. Results are compared with recent measurements of in-plane reduced elastic constants c¯22, c¯33, and c¯23 determined through anisotropic buckling experiments.
High permeability and low loss of Ni-Zn-Fe ferrite/metal composite cores in high frequency region
Authors: Mori Satoshi , Mitsuoka Takeshi , Sonehara Makoto , Sato Toshiro , Matsushita Nobuhiro
Published: February 2017

A Ni-Zn-Fe ferrite was deposited on the surface of Fe-Si and three kinds of Fe-Si-Cr powders as an insulating material using an ultrasonic-enhanced ferrite plating method. All ferrite-coated powders exhibited a high magnetization of about 180 emu/g derived from their soft magnetic metal and ferrite composition. The three different ferrite-coated Fe-Si-Cr cores annealed at 973 K exhibited a constant permeability μ′ of 55–60 in the frequency range up to 50 MHz owing to the insulating effect of the ferrite layer. In contrast, the permeability μ′ of the ferrite-coated Fe-3.5Si mass % core decreased in the MHz range. The Cr component acted as a passive layer that made it possible to maintain the Ni-Zn-Fe ferrite layer after annealing. The core loss of the ferrite-coated Fe-3.5Si-4.5Cr mass % core was 448 kW/m3 at 100 kHz and 50 mT, which was half of that observed for the Fe-3.5Si-4.5Cr core without ferrite layer. Additionally, the eddy-current loss of the ferrite-coated Fe-3.5Si-4.5Cr core was strongly decreased compared with the non-coated Fe-3.5Si-4.5Cr core owing to the insulating properties of the ferrite layer.
Foxes in trees: a threat for Australian arboreal fauna?
Authors: Mella Valentina S. A. , McArthur Clare , Frend Robert , Crowther Mathew S.
Published: February 2017

We document the first evidence of tree climbing by red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in Australia. Camera traps recorded foxes in trees on the Liverpool Plains, New South Wales. This finding prompts a reassessment of the impact that this invasive predator has on Australian fauna: from purely terrestrial to also potentially arboreal.
Luminescent Functionalised Supramolecular Coordination Polymers Based on an Aromatic Carboxylic Acid Ligand for Sensing Hg2+ Ions
Authors: Sun Xiaojun , Yang Ping , Hou Guangfeng , Wei Jinzhi , Wang Xueliang , Yang Doudou , Zhang Xin , Dong Hong , Zhang Fengming
Published: February 2017

Two luminescent functionalised supramolecular coordination polymers, namely, [Zn(TPDC-2CH3)(H2O)2]·H2O (1) and [Cd(TPDC-2CH3)(H2O)4]·H2O (2), were successfully synthesised by the reaction of 2′,5′-dimethyl-[1,1′:4′,1″-terphenyl]-4,4″-dicarboxylic acid (H2TPDC-2CH3) with Zn2+ and Cd2+ ions, respectively. X-Ray crystallographic analysis reveals that both compounds 1 and 2 exhibit fascinating 3D supramolecular networks, in which metal ions are linked by ligands to form a 1D chain which further extends to a 3D structure through the interaction of hydrogen bonding. The use of 1 and 2 as luminescent sensors for the optical detection of metal ions: Na+, K+, Hg2+, Ag+, Ca2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Mn2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Cd2+, Pb2+, Mg2+, Al3+, Fe3+, Fe2+, In3+, Bi3+, and Cr3+ was carried out in aqueous solution, and the results indicated that compound 1 could effectively detect Hg2+ ions among various cations at room temperature, with a detection limit of 3.6 × 10−15 M.
Co-Crystallisation of 1,4-Diiodotetrafluorobenzene with Three Different Symmetric Dipyridylacetylacetone Isomers Produces Four Halogen-Bonded Architectures
Authors: Brown Joshua J. , Brock Aidan J. , Pfrunder Michael C. , Sarju Julia P. , Perry Abigail Z. , Whitwood Adrian C. , Bruce Duncan W. , McMurtrie John C. , Clegg Jack K.
Published: February 2017

The co-crystallisation behaviour of three symmetrical dipyridylacetylacetone ligands (1,3-di(2-pyridyl)-1,3-propanedione (o-bppdH), 1,3-di(3-pyridyl)-1,3-propanedione (m-bppdH), and 1,3-di(4-pyridyl)-1,3-propanedione (p-bppdH)), with the linear halogen-bond donor 1,4-diiodotetrafluorobenzene (1,4-DITFB) has been investigated. The reaction of these components under ambient conditions in a 1 : 1 stoichiometry produced four halogen-bonded assemblies ([o-bppdH·1,4-DITFB, [m-bppdH·1,4-DITFB], [2(m-bppdH)·1,4-DITFB], and [p-bppdH·1,4-DITFB]). The combination of multiple supramolecular interactions including halogen bonding, hydrogen bonding, and π-stacking produces a range of supramolecular architectures, including one-, two-, and three-dimensional motifs. The crystal structure of m-bppdH is also reported.
Synthesis of Two 2,2′-Bipyridine Containing Macrocycles for the Preparation of Interlocked Architectures
Authors: Whittaker Jacob , Moorthy Suresh , Cremers Jonathan , Price Jason R. , McMurtrie John C. , Clegg Jack K.
Published: February 2017

The synthesis and characterisation of two 28-membered, 2,2′-bipyridine-containing macrocycles in high yield is reported. The first imine-containing macrocycle was formed via a Williamson ether synthesis and showed no evidence of higher oligomer formation. Reduction of the imines with sodium borohydride produced the second macrocycle quantitatively.
Linking patterns of freshwater discharge and sources of organic matter within the Río de la Plata estuary and adjacent marshes
Authors: Bergamino Leandro , Schuerch Mark , Tudurí Adriana , Carretero Silvina , García-Rodríguez Felipe
Published: February 2017

We investigated carbon isotopic ratios (δ13C) v. carbon to nitrogen (C : N) ratios for surface sediments throughout a large estuarine system (Río de la Plata, RdlP), combined with sediment cores from adjacent marshes to infer main carbon sources. We also evaluated the influence of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and associated high freshwater-discharge events on the organic-matter transport within the estuary. The isotopic pattern in surface sediments of the RdlP showed the upper reaches to be influenced by riverine particulate matter (δ13C range: –24 to –26‰). Similarly, in the sediment cores from marshes of the upper reaches, δ13C values decreased from –24‰ in ancient sediments to –28‰ in recent sediments, reflecting an increased contribution of organic matter from land, including C3 plants and freshwater phytoplankton, during the past 50 years. However, the lower reaches represent a depositional environment of marine algae (δ13C range: –21 to –23‰), with no influence of detritus from adjacent marshes, indicating minor erosion of the marshes in the lower reaches operating as carbon-sink habitats. Our isotopic analysis showed that the transport and deposition of terrigenous organic matter within the RdlP and adjacent marsh habitat appear to be both temporally and spatially linked to hydrology patterns.
Sperm gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor delta subunit (GABRD) and its interaction with purinergic P2X2 receptors in progesterone-induced acrosome reaction and male fertility
Authors: Xu Wenming , Wang Ke , Chen Yan , Liang Xiao Tong , Yu Mei Kuen , Yue Huanxun , Tierney M. Louise
Published: February 2017

The mechanism underlying the non-genomic action of progesterone in sperm functions and related Ca2+ mobilisation remains elusive. Herein we report the expression of gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor delta subunit (GABRD) in human and rodent sperm and its involvement in mediating the progesterone-induced acrosome reaction. GABRD was localised in the sperm head/neck region. A δ(392–422)-specific inhibitory peptide against GABRD blocked the progesterone-induced acrosome reaction and the associated increase in intracellular Ca2+. Similarly, an inhibitory effect against both progesterone-induced Ca2+ influx and the acrosome reaction was observed with a P2X2 receptor antagonist. The lack of synergism between the GABRD and P2X2 inhibitors suggests that these two receptors are playing a role in the same pathway. Furthermore, a co-immunoprecipitation experiment demonstrated that GABRD could undergo protein–protein interactions with the Ca2+-conducting P2X2 receptor. This interaction between the receptors could be reduced following progesterone (10 μM) inducement. Significantly reduced GABRD expression was observed in spermatozoa from infertile patients with reduced acrosome reaction capacity, suggesting that normal expression of GABRD is critical for the sperm acrosome reaction and thus male fertility. The results of the present study indicate that GABRD represents a novel progesterone receptor or modulator in spermatozoa that is responsible for the progesterone-induced Ca2+ influx required for the acrosome reaction through its interaction with the P2X2 receptor.