bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of a male-produced sex-aggregation pheromone for a highly invasive cerambycid beetle, Aromia bungii
Authors: Xu Tian , Yasui Hiroe , Teale Stephen A. , Fujiwara-Tsujii Nao , Wickham Jacob D. , Fukaya Midori , Hansen Laura , Kiriyama Satoshi , Hao Dejun , Nakano Akio , Zhang Longwa , Watanabe Takahito , Tokoro Masahiko , Millar Jocelyn G.
Published: July 2017

The longhorned beetle Aromia bungii (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) is a major pest of stone fruit trees in the genus Prunus, including cherries, apricots, and peaches. Its native range includes China, Korea, Mongolia, and eastern Russia, but it has recently invaded and become established in several countries in Europe, and Japan, and it has been intercepted in shipments coming into North America and Australia. Here, we report the identification of its male-produced aggregation pheromone as the novel compound (E)-2-cis-6,7-epoxynonenal. In field trials in its native range in China, and in recently invaded areas of Japan, the pheromone attracted both sexes of the beetle. Thus, the pheromone should find immediate use in worldwide quarantine surveillance efforts to detect the beetle in incoming shipments. The pheromone will also be a crucial tool in ongoing efforts to eradicate the beetle from regions of the world that it has already invaded.
Reactivity of human AGO2 monoclonal antibody 11A9 with the SWI/SNF complex: A case study for rigorously defining antibody selectivity
Authors: van Eijl Roderick A. P. M. , van den Brand Teun , Nguyen Luan N. , Mulder Klaas W.
Published: July 2017

In this study, we originally aimed to characterize the potential role of Argonaute 2 (AGO2) in the nucleus, a key protein of the miRNA machinery. We combined Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP) with high throughput sequencing (ChIP-seq) and quantitative mass spectrometry (ChIP-MS) using the broadly used AGO2 11A9 antibody to determine interactions with chromatin and nuclear proteins. We found a previously described interaction between AGO2 and SWI/SNF on chromatin with ChIP-MS and observed enrichment at enhancers and transcription start sites using ChIP-seq. However, antibody specificity issues can produce misleading results for ChIP, RNA-seq and Mass spectrometry. Therefore, we developed a CRISPR/Cas9 engineered AGO2−/− HEK293T cell line to validate our findings. ChIP-qPCR and immunoprecipitation combined with MS (IP-MS) showed that the 11A9 antibody associates with chromatin and SWI/SNF in the absence of AGO2. Furthermore, stoichiometry, IP-MS and co-IP analysis suggests a direct interaction of this antibody with SMARCC1, a component of the SWI/SNF complex. For this reason, particular care should be taken in performing and interpreting experiments in which the 11A9 antibody is used to study a nuclear role of AGO2.
Vitamin D attenuates myofibroblast differentiation and extracellular matrix accumulation in nasal polyp-derived fibroblasts through smad2/3 signaling pathway
Authors: Lee Seoung-Ae , Yang Hyun-Woo , Um Ji-Young , Shin Jae-Min , Park Il-Ho , Lee Heung-Man
Published: July 2017

To investigate the potential role of vitamin D (1,25(OH)2D3) in preventing the development of nasal polyps, we examined the effect of vitamin D on myofibroblast differentiation and extracellular matrix (ECM) production in TGF-β1-induced nasal polyp-derived fibroblasts (NPDFs) and elucidated the mechanisms underlying its inhibitory effect. 1,25(OH)2D3 significantly reduced expression levels of α-SMA, a myofibroblast marker, and fibronectin, a representative ECM component, in a dose-dependent manner in TGF-β1-induced NPDFs. 1,25(OH)2D3 suppressed activated Smad2/3 in time-course. Up-regulation of α-SMA, fibronectin and phosphorylation of Smad2/3 by TGF-β1 was unaffected by 1,25(OH)2D3 in NPDFs after vitamin D receptor-specific siRNA transfection. We confirmed that the Smad2/3-specific inhibitor SIS3 inactivated Smad2/3 and reduced α-SMA and fibronectin expression. Furthermore, acetylation of histone H3 was compromised by 1,25(OH)2D3, leading to inhibition of collagen 1A1, collagen 1A2 and α-SMA gene expression. Treatment with 1,25(OH)2D3 also significantly suppressed TGF-β1-enhanced contractility and motility in a contraction assay and Transwell migration assay. Finally, 1,25(OH)2D3 had a similar effect in ex vivo organ cultures of nasal polyps. Taken together, our results suggest that 1,25(OH)2D3 might be an effective therapy for nasal polyps by reducing myofibroblast differentiation and ECM production mediated by Smad2/3-dependent TGF-β1 signaling pathways in NPDFs.
Cascaded Kerr photon-blockade sources and applications in quantum key distribution
Authors: Li Ao , Zhou Yiheng , Wang Xiang-Bin
Published: July 2017

To raise the repetition rate, a single-photon source based on Kerr quantum blockade in a cascaded quantum system is studied. Using the quantum trajectory method, we calculate and simulate the photon number distributions out of a two-cavity system. A high quality single-photon source can be achieved through optimizing parameters. The designed photon source is further applied to the decoy state quantum key distribution (QKD). With and without statistical fluctuation, the key rate can be both raised drastically.
Epilation induces hair and skin pigmentation through an EDN3/EDNRB-dependent regenerative response of melanocyte stem cells
Authors: Li Huirong , Fan Lilv , Zhu Shanpu , Shin Myung K. , Lu Fan , Qu Jia , Hou Ling
Published: July 2017

In response to various types of injury, melanocyte stem cells (McSCs) located in the bulge of hair follicles can regenerate mature melanocytes for hair and skin pigmentation. How McSCs respond to injury, however, remains largely unknown. Here we show that after epilation of mice, McSCs regenerate follicular and epidermal melanocytes, resulting in skin and hair hyperpigmentation. We further show that epilation leads to endogenous EDN3 upregulation in the dermal papilla, the secondary hair germ cells, and the epidermis. Genetic and pharmacological disruption of the EDN3 receptor EDNRB in vivo significantly blocks the effect of epilation on follicular and epidermal melanocyte regeneration as well as skin and hair hyperpigmentation. Taken together, these results indicate that epilation induces McSCs activation through EDN3/EDNRB signaling and in turn leads to skin and hair hyperpigmentation. The findings suggest that EDN/EDNRB signaling may serve as a potential therapeutic target to promote repigmentation in hypopigmentation disorders.
A time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay to assay the rabies virus glycoprotein: application for estimation of human rabies vaccine potency
Authors: Lin Guanfeng , Chen Shaolang , Zhao Hui , Liang Junyu , Deng Qiaoting , Liang Rongliang , Guo Xinxin , Chen Zhenhua , Chen Baihong , Liu Tiancai , Wu Yingsong
Published: July 2017

Replacement of the in vivo rabies vaccine potency test (NIH test) by in vitro methods had been discussed by several researcher including WHO expert working groups. In this paper, a time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay (TRFIA) for the assay of rabies virus glycoprotein in rabies vaccine was first established to estimate the rabies vaccine potency by using specific monoclonal antibody that only recognized the native, trimeric and immunogenic form of rabies virus glycoprotein. Potency of the rabies virus glycoprotein was assayed with satisfactory performance under optimal conditions, and the method demonstrated satisfactory results when applied in practical samples. The correlation coefficient of potency values obtained from the present TRFIA and ELISA was 0.912, and 0.903 for those from the present TRFIA and NIH test. These preliminary results confirmed that this TRFIA can replace ELISA with higher performance, and could be a promising replacement of the NIH test. Based upon these results, the present TRFIA seemed to be a convenient tool for evaluating rabies vaccine potency and its products at different stages accordingly.
Converting Spent Cu/Fe Layered Double Hydroxide into Cr(VI) Reductant and Porous Carbon Material
Authors: Laipan Minwang , Fu Haoyang , Zhu Runliang , Sun Luyi , Zhu Jianxi , He Hongping
Published: July 2017

Recycling solid waste as functional materials is important for both environmental remediation and resource recycling. This study attempts to recycle spent Cu/Fe layered double hydroxide (Cu/Fe-LDH) which is generated from the adsorption of dyes by converting to Cr(VI) reductant and porous carbon material. Results showed that the obtained reductant was mainly composed of Fe0 and Cu0, and exhibited good reductive activity toward Cr(VI). The species of Fe0, Fe2+, Cu0, and Cu+ all favored the reduction of Cr(VI) according to X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. During Cr(VI) removal, solution pH could increase to neutral which caused the metal ions to precipitate near completion. On the other hand, the spent Cu/Fe-LDH could be employed to produce porous carbon materials, and the generated waste metals solution herein could be reused for LDH synthesis. Specific surface areas of the obtained carbon materials varied from 141.3–744.2 m2/g with changes in adsorbed amount of dyes on the LDH. This study illustrates that all the components of wastes can be useful resources, offering a simple recycling approach for similar organic-inorganic solid wastes. This work also enlightens us that designing a proper initial product is crucial to make waste recycling simpler.
The mechanical properties of individual cell spheroids
Authors: Blumlein Alice , Williams Noel , McManus Jennifer J.
Published: July 2017

The overall physical properties of tissues emerge in a complex manner from the properties of the component cells and other constituent materials from which the tissue is formed, across multiple length scales ranging from nanometres to millimetres. Recent studies have suggested that interfacial tension between cells contributes significantly to the mechanical properties of tissues and that the overall surface tension is determined by the ratio of adhesion tension to cortical tension. Using cavitation rheology (CR), we have measured the interfacial properties and the elastic modulus of spheroids formed from HEK cells. By comparing the work of bubble formation with deformation of the cell spheroid at different length scales, we have estimated the cortical tension for HEK cells. This innovative approach to understanding the fundamental physical properties associated with tissue mechanics may guide new approaches for the generation of materials to replace or regenerate damaged or diseased tissues.
Functional characterization of KS-type dehydrin ZmDHN13 and its related conserved domains under oxidative stress
Authors: Liu Yang , Wang Li , Zhang Tianpeng , Yang Xinghong , Li Dequan
Published: July 2017

Dehydrins belong to the group 2 family LEA (Late Embryogenesis Abundant) proteins, which are up-regulated in most plants during cold and drought stress. According to the number and order of the Y-, S- and K-segments, dehydrins are classified into five subclasses: YnSKn, YnKn, SKn, Kn and KnS. Here, the maize (Zea mays L.) KS-type dehydrin gene, ZmDHN13, was identified and later characterized. Expression profiling demonstrated that ZmDHN13 was constitutively expressed, but its expression was also altered by high osmosis, low temperature, oxidative stress and abscisic acid (ABA). Furthermore, the roles of the three conserved segments in phosphorylation, localization, binding metal ions and physiological functions were explored. ZmDHN13 was mainly localized in the nucleus, depending on phosphorylation status. Additional studies indicated that ZmDHN13 could be phosphorylated by CKII (casein kinase II), when the NLS (nuclear localization signal) segment and the S-segment were core sequences. The overexpression of ZmDHN13 enhanced transgenic tobacco tolerance to oxidative stress, and the three conserved segments exhibited a cooperative effect in response to environmental stresses in vivo.
Kinetics and thermodynamics of the protein-ligand interactions in the riboflavin kinase activity of the FAD synthetase from Corynebacterium ammoniagenes
Authors: Sebastián María , Serrano Ana , Velázquez-Campoy Adrián , Medina Milagros
Published: July 2017

Enzymes known as bifunctional and bimodular prokaryotic type-I FAD synthetase (FADS) exhibit ATP:riboflavin kinase (RFK) and FMN:ATP adenylyltransferase (FMNAT) activities in their C-terminal and N-terminal modules, respectively, and produce flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD). These act as cofactors of a plethora of flavoproteins in all organisms. Therefore, regulation of their production maintains the cellular flavoproteome homeostasis. Here, we focus on regulation of the FMN synthesis in Corynebacterium ammoniagenes (Ca) by the inhibition of its RFK activity by substrates and products of the reaction. We use a truncated CaFADS variant consisting in the isolated C-terminal RFK module, whose RFK activity is similar to that of the full-length enzyme. Inhibition of the RFK activity by the RF substrate is independent of the FMNAT module, and FMN production, in addition to being inhibited by an excess of RF, is also inhibited by both of the reaction products. Pre-steady-state kinetic and thermodynamic studies reveal key aspects to the substrates induced fit to produce the catalytically competent complex. Among them, the role of Mg2+ in the concerted allocation of substrates for catalysis and the ensemble of non-competent complexes that contribute to the regulated inhibition of the RFK activity are particularly relevant.
Perceived Shared Condemnation Intensifies Punitive Moral Emotions
Authors: Konishi Naoki , Oe Tomoko , Shimizu Hiroshi , Tanaka Kanako , Ohtsubo Yohsuke
Published: July 2017

Punishment facilitates large-scale cooperation among humans, but how punishers, who incur an extra cost of punishment, can successfully compete with non-punishers, who free-ride on the punisher’s policing, poses an evolutionary puzzle. One answer is by coordinating punishment to minimise its cost. Notice, however, that in order to effectively coordinate their punishment, potential punishers must know in advance whether others would also be willing to punish a particular norm violator. Such knowledge might hinder coordination by tempting potential punishers to free-ride on other punishers. Previous research suggests that moral emotions, such as moral outrage and moral disgust, serve as a commitment device and drive people to carry out the costly act of punishment. Accordingly, we tested whether the perception of socially shared condemnation (i.e., knowledge that others also condemn a particular violator) would amplify moral outrage and moral disgust, and diminish empathy for the violator. Study 1 (scenario-based study) revealed that perceived shared condemnation was correlated positively with moral outrage and moral disgust, and negatively with empathy. Study 2 experimentally demonstrated that information indicating that others also condemn a particular norm violation amplified moral outrage. Lastly, Study 3 (autobiographical recall study) confirmed the external validity of the finding.
Double-walled heterostructured Cu2−xSe/Cu7S4 nanoboxes with enhanced electrocatalytic activity for quantum dot sensitized solar cells
Authors: Ran Lei , Yin Longwei
Published: July 2017

The double-walled heterostructured Cu2−xSe/Cu7S4 nanoboxes prepared by an inward etching/sacrificial template method show promoted electrocatalytic activity in QDSSCs.
New insights into water photooxidation on reductively pretreated hematite photoanodes
Authors: Cibrev Dejan , Tallarida Massimo , Das Chittaranjan , Lana-Villarreal Teresa , Schmeisser Dieter , Gómez Roberto
Published: July 2017

Photoactivity enhancement of hematite nanorod electrodes upon a reductive pretreatment can be explained on the basis of morphological and electronic changes.
Increasing the lifetimes of charge separated states in porphyrin–fullerene polyads
Authors: Gao Di , Aly Shawkat M. , Karsenti Paul-Ludovic , Brisard Gessie , Harvey Pierre D.
Published: July 2017

The rate for electron transfer is (3 to 4) × 1010 s−1 for the polyads [ZnP]–□–[ZnP]–C60 and [ZnP]–□–[ZnP(C60)]–□–[ZnP] ([ZnP] = zinc(ii)porphyrin, C60 = N-methyl-2-phenyl-3,4-fulleropyrrolidine, □ = C6H4––C6H4) but the back transfer occurs in the ps and ns time scale whether the e− returns to the central or terminal [ZnP+˙] unit.
Ab initio study of Li, Mg and Al insertion into rutile VO2: fast diffusion and enhanced voltages for multivalent batteries
Authors: Kulish Vadym V. , Koch Daniel , Manzhos Sergei
Published: July 2017

We present a promising rutile VO2 cathode with fast diffusion, high voltage and a novel storage mechanism.
The role of Lewis acid–base pair sites in ZnO–ZnCr2O4 catalysts for cyclization via dehydrogenative condensation of crude glycerol and 1,2-propanediamine for the synthesis of 2,6-dimethylpyrazine
Authors: Vankudoth Krishna , Padmasri A. Hari , Sarkari Reema , Velisoju Vijay Kumar , Gutta Naresh , Sathu Naveen Kumar , Rohita C. N. , Akula Venugopal
Published: July 2017

DRIFT spectroscopic data revealed the role of surface Lewis acid sites on the synthesis of 2,6-dimethylpyrazine.
Synthesis and characterization of boron carbon oxynitride films with tunable composition using methane, boric acid and ammonia
Authors: Matsoso Boitumelo J. , Ranganathan Kamalakannan , Mutuma Bridget K. , Lerotholi Tsenolo , Jones Glenn , Coville Neil J.
Published: July 2017

This study highlights the synthesis and characterization of 2D BCNO films using the atmospheric pressure CVD technique.
Behavior, mechanism, and equilibrium studies of rhodium(i) extraction from hydrochloric acid with HMImT
Authors: Yin Xiaolu , Wang Qi , Wang Shubin , Zhang Hong , Guo Jinxin , Yang Yanzhao
Published: July 2017

An efficient and low-viscosity extractant (1-hexyl-3-methylimidazole-2-thione) was firstly synthesized and used to extract Rh(i) from multimetal ion solution.
Switchable changes in the conductance of single-walled carbon nanotube networks on exposure to water vapour
Authors: Evans Gwyn. P. , Buckley David. J. , Skipper Neal. T. , Parkin Ivan. P.
Published: July 2017

Noncovalent functionalisation of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with ionic surfactants induces a switch in the conductance-humidity behaviour of SWCNT networks.
Ultra-small iron-gallic acid coordination polymer nanoparticles for chelator-free labeling of 64Cu and multimodal imaging-guided photothermal therapy
Authors: Jin Qiutong , Zhu Wenjun , Jiang Dawei , Zhang Rui , Kutyreff Christopher J. , Engle Jonathan W. , Huang Peng , Cai Weibo , Liu Zhuang , Cheng Liang
Published: July 2017

Ultra-small Fe-GA coordination nanoparticles synthesized by a one-step assembly method were used for chelator-free labeling and multimodal imaging-guided photothermal therapy.
The impact of size and shape distributions on the electron charge transfer properties of silver nanoparticles
Authors: Sun Baichuan , Barnard Amanda S.
Published: July 2017

Post-processing of silver nanoparticle samples to restrict the size and shape distributions can improve performance, but does not need to eliminate all structural diversity.
Slide cover glass immobilized liquid crystal microdroplets for sensitive detection of an IgG antigen
Authors: Huan Yue , Park So Jung , Chandra Gupta Kailash , Park Soo-Young , Kang Inn-Kyu
Published: July 2017

Slide cover glass immobilized AIgG conjugated LC microdroplets for optical detection of rabbit IgG antigen through interfacial antibody–antigen interactions.
Phthalide derivatives from Ligusticum chuanxiong
Authors: Zhang Xu , Han Bing , Feng Zi-Ming , Yang Ya-Nan , Jiang Jian-Shuang , Zhang Pei-Cheng
Published: July 2017

Eleven new phthalide derivatives (1–11) have been isolated from the rhizome of Ligusticum chuanxiong.
Characterization of waste printed circuit boards recycled using a dissolution approach and ultrasonic treatment at low temperatures
Authors: Tatariants Maksym , Yousef Samy , Sidaraviciute Ruta , Denafas Gintaras , Bendikiene Regita
Published: July 2017

All the WPCB samples had similar structure, which comprises six layers of fiberglass (representing WPCB substrate), two copper foil layers (upper and lower layers), copper tracks, through-hole pads and two soldermask layers (upper and lower layers).
Ozonolysis of quinoline and quinoline derivatives in a Corning low flow reactor
Authors: Lee Kyoungmi , Lin Hongkun , Jensen Klavs F.
Published: July 2017

Efficient ozonolysis of quinoline, electron deficient 8-nitroquinoline, and electron rich 6-methoxyquinoline is conducted in a Corning low flow reactor (Corning LFR) with recycling.
Chiral nanoprobes for targeting and long-term imaging of the Golgi apparatus
Authors: Li Rong Sheng , Gao Peng Fei , Zhang Hong Zhi , Zheng Lin Ling , Li Chun Mei , Wang Jian , Li Yuan Fang , Liu Feng , Li Na , Huang Cheng Zhi
Published: July 2017

The targeting and long-term imaging of the Golgi apparatus have been realized vial-cysteine functionalized nanoprobes.
Cytotoxic (salen)ruthenium(iii) anticancer complexes exhibit different modes of cell death directed by axial ligands
Authors: Li Cai , Ip Kwok-Wa , Man Wai-Lun , Song Dan , He Ming-Liang , Yiu Shek-Man , Lau Tai-Chu , Zhu Guangyu
Published: July 2017

A cancer-cell selective bis(guanidine)-ruthenium(iii) complex induces apoptosis, whereas its amidine analogue effectively kills cancer cells through paraptosis pathways.
Injectable hydrogel-incorporated cancer cell-specific cisplatin releasing nanogels for targeted drug delivery
Authors: Gil Moon Soo , Thambi Thavasyappan , Phan V. H. Giang , Kim Seong Han , Lee Doo Sung
Published: July 2017

pH- and temperature-responsive bioresorbable poly(ethylene glycol)–poly(aminoester urethane) copolymer incorporated cisplatin-bearing chondroitin sulfate nanogels have been developed for cancer cell-specific delivery of cisplatin.
Cation–anion interaction directed dual-mode switchable mechanochromic luminescence
Authors: Li Gaocan , Xu Yangyang , Kong Qunshou , Zhuang Weihua , Wang Yunbing
Published: July 2017

Dual-mode switchable mechanochromic luminescence triggered by tunable cation–anion interactions has been reported based on a single tributyl(perylen-3-ylmethyl)phosphonium (TPMP) fluorophore.
Breathing and Swallowing With High Flow Oxygen Therapy
Authors: Coghlan Kevin , Skoretz Stacey A.
Published: July 2017

Compared to other methods of respiratory failure treatment, heated high-flow oxygen (HHO
2
) therapy is relatively new. The HHO
2
system enables the delivery of high oxygen flow improving patient respiration and ventilation, therefore avoiding the need for more invasive ventilation methods. The patient population requiring HHO
2
therapy is heterogeneous. We will review this therapeutic approach including its: goals, physiological benefits, limitations, and potential effect on the swallow. Very little is known about swallowing physiology across many pulmonary conditions including the effect of HHO
2
on swallowing biomechanics. Due to the medical fragility of this diagnostic subgroup and the relative lack of evidence guiding the assessment and management of their swallow, clinicians must proceed cautiously.
Pd/Indanone-Based Ligands: An Efficient Catalyst System for Ullmann­-Type, Suzuki–Miyaura, and Mizoroki–Heck Cross-Coupling Reactions with Aryl Tosylates and Aryl Halides
Authors: Waheed Mohammed , Ahmed Naseem
Published: July 2017

2-Hydroxyindan-1-ones have been efficiently synthesized and successfully applied as ligands in Pd-catalyzed Ullmann type, Suzuki–Miyaura, and Mizoroki–Heck cross-coupling reactions with aryl tosylates and aryl halides. The ligands are air- and moisture-stable and have shown high catalytic activity with Pd(OAc)2 in these cross-coupling reactions. The system tolerates a variety of functional groups in the product and can be re-used at least three times with maximum efficiency.
Organized Outpatient Care of Patients with Transient Ischemic Attack and Minor Stroke
Authors: Joundi R. , Saposnik G.
Published: July 2017

The risk of recurrent stroke after transient ischemic attack (TIA) is high. In the past 10 years, TIA has increasingly been recognized as a medical emergency. Health systems have adapted toward rapid evaluation, investigation, and secondary prevention in patients with presumed TIA and minor stroke, and the significant benefits in reducing recurrent stroke and mortality have been borne out in several landmark studies. Various scores have been developed and debated to better risk stratify patients with TIA for hospitalization or urgent referral. However, scoring systems face challenges in identifying all patients with high-risk etiologies such as atrial fibrillation and carotid stenosis, and therefore require further refinement before widespread use. Further challenges include the role of advanced imaging in TIA, and ensuring rapid access to specialist care for all patients. In the absence of definitive risk stratification methods, the authors conclude that all patients with suspected TIA and minor stroke should be assessed and treated on an urgent basis, ideally through rapid outpatient referral programs.
The Role of Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolic Syndrome in Stroke
Authors: Tang Xian , Liebeskind David , Towfighi Amytis
Published: July 2017

The prevalence of obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome has increased globally. These epidemiologic changes are likely responsible for a rise in stroke incidence among young adults, despite declining stroke incidence rates in the elderly. In this review, the authors summarize the current understanding of the epidemiology and pathophysiology of stroke associated with obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.
Cerebral Arteriopathies, Venous Thrombosis, and Migraine
Authors: Camargo Erica , Singhal Aneesh
Published: July 2017

In this article, the authors review stroke preventive strategies in a diverse group of conditions, namely the nonatherosclerotic cerebral arteriopathies, migraine-associated or migraine-induced stroke, and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. Although these conditions are less common causes of stroke in the aggregate, they are frequent causes of stroke in teenagers and young adults. Aside from posing unique diagnostic challenges, their management is limited by the absence of randomized clinical trials or high-level evidence that is specific to these conditions. Therapeutic decision-making is largely based on expert opinion, clinical experience, and retrospective studies; it is often empiric. It remains uncertain whether otherwise routine secondary stroke-preventive strategies, such as long-term antiplatelet treatment, lipid-lowering medications, and antihypertensive agents, are applicable to patients with stroke from a cerebral arteriopathy or migraine-associated stroke.
Hypotension and Brain Injury in Asphyxiated Newborns Treated with Hypothermia
Authors: Al Balushi Asim , Barbosa Vargas Stephanie , Maluorni Julie , Sanon Priscille-Nice , Rampakakis Emmanouil , Saint-Martin Christine , Wintermark Pia
Published: July 2017

Objective This study aimed to assess the incidence of hypotension in asphyxiated newborns treated with hypothermia, the variability in treatments for hypotension, and the impact of hypotension on the pattern of brain injury.

Study Design We conducted a retrospective cohort study of asphyxiated newborns treated with hypothermia. Mean blood pressures, lactate levels, and inotropic support medications were recorded during the hospitalization. Presence and severity of brain injury were scored using the brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) obtained after the hypothermia treatment was completed.

Results One hundred and ninety term asphyxiated newborns were treated with hypothermia. Eighty-one percent developed hypotension. Fifty-five percent of the newborns in the hypotensive group developed brain injury compared with 35% of the newborns in the normotensive group (p = 0.04). Twenty-nine percent of the newborns in the hypotensive group developed severe brain injury, compared with only 15% in the normotensive group. Nineteen percent of the newborns presenting with volume- and/or catecholamine-resistant hypotension had near-total injury, compared with 6% in the normotensive group and 8% in the group responding to volume and/or catecholamines.

Conclusion Hypotension was common in asphyxiated newborns treated with hypothermia and was associated with an increased risk of (severe) brain injury in these newborns.
Postoperative Imaging Findings Associated with Transpalpebral Craniotomy Approach to Anterior Cranial Fossa
Authors: Weyer Allison , Thurlow Peter , Aziz Khaled , Happ Erik , Goldberg Michael , Monks Dennis
Published: July 2017

Background and Purpose The transpalpebral “eyelid” approach is a novel alternative to the traditional ciliary or supraciliary incision for supraorbital frontal craniotomy and access to the anterior cranial fossa. Though a prior publication from our institution has described the surgical approach in detail along with cosmetic and clinical outcomes, postoperative imaging findings have not yet been described. As this surgical technique becomes more widely practiced, it is essential for neuroradiologists, oculoplastic surgeons, and skull base neurosurgeons to be familiar with the expected postoperative imaging findings, especially those that prompt subsequent intervention.

Materials and Methods A retrospective, institutional review board approved review was performed of 102 patients who underwent transpalpebral surgical approach at Allegheny General Hospital from June 2007 through May 2015. Operative reports, pathology reports, preoperative imaging, postoperative imaging, and postoperative clinical documentation were reviewed.

Results Forty-nine percent of patients had solely benign expected postoperative imaging findings, 37% had various atypical findings not requiring further intervention (most commonly asymmetric globe protrusion and bone cement in a paranasal sinus), 6% had findings prompting minimally invasive bedside procedures (most commonly pseudomeningocele), and 8% had findings requiring surgical intervention.

Conclusion The majority of imaging following the transpalpebral approach showed typical, benign findings, such as minimal pneumocephalus and asymmetric globe protrusion. Nonetheless, members of the clinical team should be aware of the small number of findings requiring intervention, especially pseudomeningocele.
Fabrication and property of Nd-doped BiFeO3 nanofibers by electrospinning
Authors: Yuan Xiuhua , Li Xia , Liu Yujie , Li Chenzhong
Published: July 2017

In this work, the Bi1-xNdxFeO3 (x = 0, 0.05, 0.10, and 0.15) nanofibers have been successfully synthesized by electrospinning. These nanofibers were about 200–300 nm in diameter and up to several hundred microns in length. The X-ray diffraction data showed that the structure of the Bi1-xNdxFeO3 nanofibers was transformed from the rhombohedral to pseudotetragonal phase by the increasing Nd doping content. Optical absorption study showed that the Nd-doping resulted in a significant red shift, and the bandgap energy of the Bi1-xNdxFeO3 nanofibers was 2.25, 2.15, 2.07, and 2.03eV, respectively. The magnetic hysteresis loops of the nanofibers possessed wasp-waisted shape, and the saturation magnetization was enhanced significantly with the increasing Nd content, which may be a potential candidate for nanoscale components in transformers and inductors.
Effect of uniform electric field on the drop deformation in simple shear flow and emulsion shear rheology
Authors: Mandal Shubhadeep , Chakraborty Suman
Published: July 2017

Electrohydrodynamic deformation and orientation of a neutrally buoyant, leaky dielectric, Newtonian drop suspended in another immiscible, leaky dielectric, Newtonian medium is analyzed under the combined influence of uniform electric field and simple shear flow. Application of uniform electric field, perpendicular to the direction of shear flow, not only deforms the drop but also modifies the rheological behavior of a dilute emulsion. In the creeping flow limit, an analytical solution for the deformed drop shape is obtained when the drop shape remains nearly spherical and the surface charge convection is weak. The effective shear rheology is obtained for a dilute emulsion of non-interacting drops by calculating the one-particle contribution to the emulsion stress. The results show that the combined influence of uniform electric field and shear flow is not a simple linear superposition of the independent contributions from electric field and shear flow. Application of uniform electric field always leads to larger drop deformation with drop inclination more towards the direction of velocity gradient for the particular case of perfectly dielectric drops. Presence of surface charge convection for a leaky dielectric drop can increase or decrease the drop deformation with the drop inclination more towards either the direction of shear flow or velocity gradient. The effective shear viscosity and normal stress differences are found to be independent of shear rate. These quantities are significantly affected by the surface charge convection and shape deformation. Shape deformation always increases the effective viscosity of a dilute emulsion composed of perfectly dielectric drops. Interestingly, for a dilute emulsion composed of leaky dielectric drops, results show that the combined influence of charge convection and shape deformation can augment or decrease the effective shear viscosity.
Entropic elasticity and dynamics of the bacterial chromosome: A simulation study
Authors: Pereira M. C. F. , Brackley C. A. , Lintuvuori J. S. , Marenduzzo D. , Orlandini E.
Published: July 2017

We study the compression and extension dynamics of a DNA-like polymer interacting with non-DNA binding and DNA-binding proteins, by means of computer simulations. The geometry we consider is inspired by recent experiments probing the compressional elasticity of the bacterial nucleoid (DNA plus associated proteins), where DNA is confined into a cylindrical container and subjected to the action of a “piston”—a spherical bead to which an external force is applied. We quantify the effect of steric interactions (excluded volume) on the force-extension curves as the polymer is compressed. We find that non-DNA-binding proteins, even at low densities, exert an osmotic force which can be a lot larger than the entropic force exerted by the compressed DNA. The trends we observe are qualitatively robust with respect to changes in protein sizes and are similar for neutral and charged proteins (and DNA). We also quantify the dynamics of DNA expansion following removal of the “piston”: while the expansion is well fitted by power laws, the apparent exponent depends on protein concentration and protein-DNA interaction in a significant way. We further highlight an interesting kinetic process which we observe during the expansion of DNA interacting with DNA-binding proteins when the interaction strength is intermediate: the proteins bind while the DNA is packaged by the compression force, but they “pop-off” one-by-one as the force is removed, leading to a slow unzipping kinetics. Finally, we quantify the importance of supercoiling, which is an important feature of bacterial DNA in vivo.
Characteristics of turbulent mixing at late stage of the Richtmyer-Meshkov instability
Authors: Gao Fujie , Zhang Yousheng , He Zhiwei , Li Li , Tian Baolin
Published: July 2017

We present a model for the mixing width, h, at self-similar stage of the Richtmyer-Meshkov instability (RMI). The derivation of the model is based on the formula of the growth rate of mixing width [Gao et al., Phys. Fluids 28, 114101, (2016)], which is essentially equals to the first principle (Navior-Stokes equation). The model predicts that, in the self-similar mixing stage of the RMI h2 is linearly proportional to time. This is substantially different from the classical h∼τ𝜃 description. The linearity is validated by various experimental and numerical data. The exponent, 𝜃, in the classical relation is also discussed according to the present model.
Nonlinear electrostrictive lattice response of EuTiO3
Authors: Pappas P. , Calamiotou M. , Köhler J. , Bussmann-Holder A. , Liarokapis E.
Published: July 2017

An epitaxial EuTiO3 (ETO) film grown on the SrTiO3 substrate was studied at room temperature with synchrotron XRD and in situ application of an electric field (nominally up to 7.8 kV/cm) in near grazing incidence geometry, in order to monitor the response of the lattice to the field. 2D diffraction images show that apparently misoriented coherently diffracting domains are present close to the surface whereas the film diffracts more as a single crystal towards the interface. Diffraction intensity profiles recorded from the near surface region of the EuTiO3 film showed systematic modifications upon the application of the electric field, indicating that at a critical electric field (nominally above 3.1 kV/cm), there is a clear change in the lattice response to the field, which was much stronger when the field was almost parallel to the diffraction vector. The data suggest that the ETO film, nominally paraelectric at room temperature, transforms under the application of a critical electric field to piezoelectric in agreement with a theoretical analysis based on a double-well potential. In order to exclude effects arising from the substrate, this has been investigated separately and shown not to be affected by the field.
Structural, electronic, mechanical, and thermoelectric properties of a novel half Heusler compound HfPtPb
Authors: Kaur Kulwinder , Rai D. P. , Thapa R. K. , Srivastava Sunita
Published: July 2017

We explore the structural, electronic, mechanical, and thermoelectric properties of a new half Heusler compound HfPtPb, an all metallic heavy element, recently proposed to be stable [Gautier et al., Nat. Chem. 7, 308 (2015)]. In this work, we employ density functional theory and semi-classical Boltzmann transport equations with constant relaxation time approximation. The mechanical properties, such as shear modulus, Young's modulus, elastic constants, Poisson's ratio, and shear anisotropy factor, have been investigated. The elastic and phonon properties reveal that this compound is mechanically and dynamically stable. Pugh's ratio and Frantsevich's ratio demonstrate its ductile behavior, and the shear anisotropic factor reveals the anisotropic nature of HfPtPb. The band structure predicts this compound to be a semiconductor with a band gap of 0.86 eV. The thermoelectric transport parameters, such as Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity, electronic thermal conductivity, and lattice thermal conductivity, have been calculated as a function of temperature. The highest value of Seebeck coefficient is obtained for n-type doping at an optimal carrier concentration of 1.0 × 1020 e/cm3. We predict the maximum value of figure of merit (0.25) at 1000 K. Our investigation suggests that this material is an n-type semiconductor.
Improved interfacial and electrical properties of Ge MOS capacitor with ZrON/TaON multilayer composite gate dielectric by using fluorinated Si passivation layer
Authors: Huang Yong , Xu Jing-Ping , Liu Lu , Cheng Zhi-Xiang , Lai Pui-To , Tang Wing-Man
Published: July 2017

A Ge metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitor with a composite gate dielectric composed of a ZrON/TaON multilayer and a Si passivation layer treated with fluorine plasma is fabricated. Its interfacial and electrical properties are compared with those of its counterparts without the Si passivation layer or the fluorine-plasma treatment. Experimental results show that the device with the fluorinated Si passivation layer exhibits excellent interfacial and electrical performances: low interface-state density (2.0 × 1011 cm2 eV−1 at midgap), small flatband voltage (0.17 V), low gate leakage current (2.04 × 10−6 A/cm2 at Vg = Vfb + 1 V), and high equivalent dielectric constant (22.6). The involved mechanism lies in the fact that the TaSiON interlayer formed by mixing of TaON and Si passivation layers can effectively suppress the growth of unstable Ge oxides to reduce the defective states at/near the TaSiON/Ge interface. Moreover, the fluorine-plasma treatment can passivate the oxygen vacancies and conduce to the blocking of elemental inter-diffusions, thus largely improving the interfacial quality to achieve excellent electrical properties for the device.
Effect of in ovo injected prebiotics and synbiotics on the caecal fermentation and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens
Authors: Miśta D. , Króliczewska B. , Pecka-Kiełb E. , Kapuśniak V. , Zawadzki W. , Graczyk S. , Kowalczyk A. , Łukaszewicz E. , Bednarczyk M.
Published: July 2017

Manipulations of the intestinal microbiota composition may improve the health and performance of chickens. In ovo technology allows the administration of a bioactive substance to enter directly into the incubating egg. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of in ovo administered prebiotics or synbiotics on microbial activity products in the caeca and the development of the small intestine of broiler chickens. Ross 308 male chickens hatched from eggs injected in ovo with prebiotics or synbiotics were used in this study. Five experimental groups were formed: C (Control) – injected with 0.9% NaCl, the Pre-1 and Pre-2 groups – injected with prebiotics: inulin or Bi2tos, respectively, and the Syn-1 and Syn-2 groups – injected with synbiotics: inulin with Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis IBB SL1 or Bi2tos with Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris IBB SC1, respectively. At the age of 7, 21 and 35 days, 10 chicks of each group were randomly selected, weighed and slaughtered, and the jejunal samples were collected for histological examinations, whereas caecal samples were collected to analyse the end products of microbial fermentation. Synbiotic treatment increased bodyweight, as observed in the Syn-1 group (P < 0.05). The propionate molar proportion was highest in the groups treated with synbiotics, especially in the Syn-1 group (P < 0.01). Furthermore, the molar proportion of acetate was also lowest in the Syn-1 group (P < 0.05). In ovo synbiotics treatment increased the villus length : crypt depth ratio in the jejunal mucosa, which might improve nutrient absorption and contribute to the increased weight of chickens. These effects suggest that the in ovo administration of synbiotics may be an effective method to increase bodyweight, improve the short-chain fatty acid caecal profile and increase the villus length : crypt depth ratio in the jejunal mucosa. These effects were more pronounced in the Syn-1 group than the Syn-2 group.
Language control in the context of L3 acquisition
Authors: Green David W.
Published: July 2017

Current models of L3 syntactic transfer concern what is transferred during the initial stages. Each delineates a different, and singular, trajectory. From the outset though processes involved in co-opting available syntactic forms and pairing these with novel lexical items admit individual variability. Individual variability challenges the presumption of a single trajectory and so this chapter argues that understanding such variability is core to developing necessary and sufficient models of L3 acquisition. The chapter focuses on language control during L3 speech production as an important source of individual variability. Variability in language control affects speech production in L3 throughout the cycle from communicative intention to overt speech. What changes are needed to the processes of language control, and to the representations subject to their control, so that bilingual speakers may converse in an L3? Speakers must adapt their habits of language control so that they can construct and execute sentence plans in L3. Variability in the nature of such control will affect speech output. Current contexts of L3 use will also affect production in the two prior languages. Adaptive changes in language control induced via the acquisition and use of an L3 also impact on the production processes of the two prior languages. Models of L3 acquisition are ultimately models of multilingual processing.
Transfer or no transfer; that is the question
Authors: Wirbatz Karoline , Buttkewitz Pascal
Published: July 2017

Over the past two decades, various theories have been put forward regarding the role of cross-linguistic influence (CLI) in third language (L3) acquisition. This study aims to test the validity of these hypotheses by investigating the syntactic development from a processing perspective. It examines two different learner groups, the first group consists of English L3 learners with Turkish as their L1 and German as their L2 and the second group consists of English L2 learners with German as their L1. In line with the DMTH, it is predicted that the learners will transfer features from their L1 or their L2 to English, only when they are developmentally ready to acquire the features to be transferred, but not before that.
A bi-directional task-based corpus of learners’ conversational speech
Authors: Garcia Lecumberri M. Luisa , Cooke Martin , Wester Mirjam , Cooke Martin , Wester Mirjam
Published: July 2017

This paper describes a corpus of task-based conversational speech produced by English and Spanish native talkers speaking English and Spanish as both a first and a second language. For cross-language comparability, speech material was elicited using a picture-based task common to each native language group. The bi-directionality of the corpus, stemming from the use of the same speakers and the same language pairing, makes it possible to separate native language factors from the influence of speaking in a first or second language. The potential for studying first language influences and non-native speech using the corpus is illustrated by means of a series of explorations of acoustic, segmental, suprasegmental, and conversational phenomena. These analyses demonstrate the breadth of factors that are amenable to investigation in a conversational corpus and reveal different types of interactions between the first language, the second language, and non-nativeness.
Towards a perceptually assessed corpus of non-native French
Authors: Detey Sylvain , Racine Isabelle
Published: July 2017

In this article, we describe the main methodological steps taken in theInterPhonologie du Français Contemporain(IPFC) research project to build an international corpus of spoken French as a Foreign Language for research and educational purposes. We offer a brief illustration of our approach with a four-session longitudinal study of 12 beginner Japanese learners of French over two years, especially /b/ and /v/ consonants produced in two tasks (repetition and reading of an identical wordlist). Our results illustrate how our perception-based first-screening coding approach provides us with rich information about the developmental profile of the learners, taking into account the task (repetition vs reading), the position in the word (initial, medial, final), the perceptual phonetic characteristics, and ultimately the left and right phonological context of the structure under scrutiny. This work is the first step in an iterative approach to further test experimentally subsets of the non-target-like productions from an acoustic-perceptual point of view.
Culture-generality and culture-specificity of face
Authors: Izadi Ahmad
Published: July 2017

In theorizing face as relational and interactional, Arundale (2010) argues that face
encompasses a dialectic of relational connection and separation, which is culture-general, but can be voiced differently in
different cultures. This paper examines how Arundale’s Face Constituting Theory (FCT) relates to the culture-specific emic
understanding of face in Persian culture in talk in dissertation defense sessions. The data are two argumentative excerpts of
natural interaction from a corpus of 12 PhD defense sessions in Iran. It is first argued that relational connection and separation
is voiced as bonding and differentiation. Second, it is shown how the Persian emic concept of aberu can be
accommodated in FCT. The analyses, grounded in CA and FCT, show how the dialectic of bonding and differentiation is
interactionally achieved in the practices of aberu.