bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of slip on the three-dimensional instability of flow past an elongated superhydrophobic bluff body
Authors: Xiong Y. L. , Yang D.
Published: February 2017

The effects of superhydrophobic surfaces (SHSs), which consist of microgrates oriented transverse to the flow direction, on the onset of three-dimensional instability of flow past a bluff body were studied using Floquet analysis. The SHS was modelled on an air–water interface with a shear-free condition. The results showed that SHSs increased the vortex shedding frequency. Floquet analysis revealed that modes B$^{\prime }$ and S$^{\prime }$ were suppressed dramatically by the partial-slip condition compared with a regular no-slip body; however, mode A was less affected. Correspondingly, the critical spanwise wavelengths were not significantly affected by SHSs. A similar phenomenon was observed in flow past a circular cylinder coated by SHSs. The results also revealed that modes B$^{\prime }$ and S$^{\prime }$ were collapsed into mode A due to the increased width of the air–water region for flow past an elongated body. Furthermore, the critical Reynold numbers of different modes were diversely affected by gas fraction (GF) variations. The unstable modes with short wavelengths, such as modes B$^{\prime }$ and S$^{\prime }$, stabilized with increasing GF. Conversely, the opposite was seen for the unstable mode A with a longer wavelength. The exact critical Reynolds number depended on the geometric configuration, which should be between the critical values of the two extreme cases. The application of SHSs could modify the transition route from two- to three-dimensionality by alternating different unstable modes. As the wavelength of the unstable mode decreases, the inhibition of three-dimensional instability becomes more efficient by SHSs.
Cumulative semantic interference in young children's picture naming
Authors: CHAREST MONIQUE
Published: February 2017

In children and adults, naming an item sometimes interferes with later attempts to name other items. Adult speakers experience cumulative semantic interference, interpreted as the result of incremental learning. Studies to date have not examined whether incremental learning can also account for interference in children. This study examined context effects on picture naming in 3-year-old children, and investigated whether children, like adults, show interference that is semantically based and cumulative. Children named pictures from semantically homogeneous and mixed sets. Response latency, accuracy, and repetition errors were recorded. The results demonstrated a progressive slowing of responses in the semantically homogeneous condition that was greater than that observed for the mixed condition. There were no significant effects for accuracy. Repetition errors, although infrequent, patterned similarly to previous reports for adults. The results indicate that preschool-aged children experience cumulative semantic interference in naming, and suggest that incremental learning may account for interference effects across development.
EFFECTS OF TASK TYPE AND L2 PROFICIENCY ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN L1 AND L2 IN READING AND WRITING
Authors: Pae Tae-Il
Published: February 2017

This study systematically examines the moderating effects of task type and L2 proficiency on the relationship between L1 and L2 simultaneously across reading and writing tasks with different levels of cognitive complexity. Main and moderating effects were evaluated through structural equation modeling analyses. First, both L1 skills and L2 proficiency were significant independent predictors of L2 reading and writing performance across tasks with different levels of cognitive complexity. Second, L2 proficiency had a much greater effect on L2 reading and writing performance across tasks with different cognitive loads than L1 skills. Third, the strength of the relationship between less cognitively demanding L1 and L2 reading tasks showed no significant difference between the low- and high-L2-proficiency groups. Fourth, the strength of the relationship between more cognitively demanding L1 and L2 reading tasks showed a significant difference between the low- and high-L2-proficiency groups. Fifth, the strength of the relationship between L1 and L2 writing tasks with different levels of cognitive complexity varied significantly depending on the level of L2 proficiency. These results are discussed theoretically and pedagogically.
Design and initial results of a programme for routine standardised longitudinal follow-up after congenital heart surgery
Authors: Pasquali Sara K. , Ravishankar Chitra , Romano Jennifer C. , Kane Kristin , Viers Suzanne , Kennedy Andrea , Burnham Nancy , Lowery Ray , Uzark Karen , Retzloff Lauren , Rome Jonathon J. , Rossano Joseph W. , Charpie John R. , Spray Thomas L. , Gaies Michael G. , Ohye Richard G. , Gaynor J. William
Published: February 2017

Background

With improvements in early survival following congenital heart surgery, it has become increasingly important to understand longer-term outcomes; however, routine collection of these data is challenging and remains very limited. We describe the development and initial results of a collaborative programme incorporating standardised longitudinal follow-up into usual care at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and University of Michigan (UM).

Methods

We included children undergoing benchmark operations of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Considerations regarding personnel, patient/parent engagement, funding, regulatory issues, and annual data collection are described, and initial follow-up rates are reported.

Results

The present analysis included 1737 eligible patients undergoing surgery at CHOP from January 2007 to December 2014 and 887 UM patients from January 2010 to December 2014. Overall, follow-up data, of any type, were obtained from 90.8% of patients at CHOP (median follow-up 4.3 years, 92.2% survival) and 98.3% at UM (median follow-up 2.8 years, 92.7% survival), with similar rates across operations and institutions. Most patients lost to follow-up at CHOP had undergone surgery before 2010. Standardised questionnaires assessing burden of disease/quality of life were completed by 80.2% (CHOP) and 78.4% (UM) via phone follow-up. In subsequent pilot testing of an automated e-mail system, 53.4% of eligible patients completed the follow-up questionnaire through this system.

Conclusions

Standardised follow-up data can be obtained on the majority of children undergoing benchmark operations. Ongoing efforts to support automated electronic systems and integration with registry data may reduce resource needs, facilitate expansion across centres, and support multi-centre efforts to understand and improve long-term outcomes in this population.
Training residents and fellows in paediatric cardiac anaesthesia
Authors: Andropoulos Dean B.
Published: February 2017

The significant increase in complex anaesthetic care for infants, children, adolescents, and adults with CHD has given rise to specialized fellowship training programs. Specialized paediatric cardiac anaesthesia training for residents and fellows has advanced significantly since the 1970’s, when there a handful of programs. With the advent of formal paediatric anaesthesia fellowship programs in the U.S., more specialized training became available in the 1990’s and early 2000’s. In the past decade, increasing numbers of second year advanced fellowships in paediatric cardiac anaesthesia have been organized; today in North America there are 18 programs with 25 positions. Standardized recommendations for case numbers and curriculum have been devised and are widely available via journal publications.
Training in paediatric cardiac surgery and the American Board of Thoracic Surgery
Authors: Bove Edward L.
Published: February 2017

Congenital heart surgery has evolved into its own specialty requiring unique techniques and skills. Recognizing the need to establish a special certification in congenital heart surgery, the American Board of Thoracic Surgery began the process in 2005, eventually granting the first certifications to qualified applicants in 2009. The American Council for Graduate Medical Education and the Thoracic Surgery Residency Review Committee have now approved specific training programs throughout the United States that will help to ensure the proper training of congenital heart surgeons for the future.
The past, present, and future of paediatric cardiology training at the Johns Hopkins Hospital, in the tradition of Dr Helen Taussig
Authors: Beasley Gary S. , Murphy Anne M. , Brenner Joel I. , Ravekes William J.
Published: February 2017

Johns Hopkins has been a leader in paediatric cardiology for over 85 years. In the 1940s, Dr Helen Taussig began training fellows in paediatric cardiology at Johns Hopkins at a time when the diagnosis and treatment of CHD were in the earliest stage. Under her leadership, the fellowship developed a strong foundation that has continued to evolve to meet the current needs of learners and educators. In the current era, the Johns Hopkins programme implements the current theories of adult education and actively engages our fellows in learning as well as teaching. The programme uses techniques such as flipped classroom, structured case-based small-group learning, observed and structured clinical examination, simulations, and innovative educational technology. These strategies combined with our faculty and rich history give our fellows a unique educational experience.
Training residents/fellows in paediatric cardiology: the Emory experience
Authors: Campbell Robert M.
Published: February 2017

Pediatric cardiology fellowship is a very busy time, with new responsibilities, new knowledge, new technology and fast pace. Above and beyond the science and art of pediatric cardiology, we emphasize that our cardiology fellows are in the middle of the “people business”, with additional roles and responsibilities as they serve their patients and communities. This manuscript provides insight into these opportunities for our pediatric cardiac professionals.
Paediatric cardiac surgical education: which are the important elements?
Authors: Karl Tom R. , Jacobs Jeffrey P.
Published: February 2017

Pediatric cardiac surgical education and the associated requirements for certification vary considerably from one country to another. Evolution and standardization for pediatric cardiac surgical education may not have kept pace with the evolution of other aspects of the specialty. Restriction of work hours and disqualification of foreign training experience constitute potential threats to our specialty. A global strategy for qualification and certification may help to address some of these difficult issues.
Reflections on the Projection of Ions in Atom Probe Tomography
Authors: De Geuser Frédéric , Gault Baptiste
Published: February 2017

There are two main projections used to transform, and reconstruct, field ion micrographs or atom probe tomography data into atomic coordinates at the specimen surface and, subsequently, in three dimensions. In this article, we present a perspective on the strength of the azimuthal equidistant projection in comparison with the more widely used and well-established point projection (or pseudo-stereographic projection), which underpins data reconstruction in most software packages currently in use across the community. After an overview of the reconstruction methodology, we demonstrate that the azimuthal equidistant is more robust with regards to errors on the parameters used to perform the reconstruction and is therefore more likely to yield more accurate tomographic reconstructions.
Star-PAP, a poly(A) polymerase, functions as a tumor suppressor in an orthotopic human breast cancer model
Authors: Yu C , Gong Y , Zhou H , Wang M , Kong L , Liu J , An T , Zhu H , Li Y
Published: February 2017

Star-PAP is a noncanonical poly(A) polymerase and required for the expression of a select set of mRNAs. However, the pathological role of Star-PAP in cancer largely remains unknown. In this study, we observed decreased expression of Star-PAP in breast cancer cell lines and tissues. Ectopic Star-PAP expression inhibited proliferation as well as colony-forming ability of breast cancer cells. In breast cancer patients, high levels of Star-PAP correlated with an improved prognosis. Moreover, by regulating the expression of BIK (BCL2-interacting killer), Star-PAP induced apoptosis of breast cancer cells through the mitochondrial pathway. The growth of breast cancer xenografts in NOD/SCID mice was also inhibited by the doxycycline-induced Star-PAP overexpression. Furthermore, Star-PAP sensitized breast cancer cells to chemotherapy drugs both in vitro and in vivo. In mammary epithelial cells, Star-PAP knockdown partially transformed these cells and induced them to undergo epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). These findings suggested that Star-PAP possesses tumor-suppressing activity and can be a valuable target for developing new cancer therapeutic strategies.
Regulation of glutamate transporter trafficking by Nedd4-2 in a Parkinson’s disease model
Authors: Zhang Yunlong , He Xiaoliang , Meng Xingjun , Wu Xiaojuan , Tong Huichun , Zhang Xiuping , Qu Shaogang
Published: February 2017

Glutamate transporters play a key role in glutamate clearance and protect the central nervous system from glutamate excitotoxicity. Dysfunctional glutamate transporters contribute to the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD); however, the mechanisms that underlie the regulation of glutamate transporters in PD are still not well characterized. Here we report that Nedd4-2 mediates the ubiquitination of glutamate transporters in 1-methyl-4- phenylpyridinium (MPP+)-treated astrocytes and in the midbrain of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6- tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-constructed PD model mice. Nedd4-2-mediated ubiquitination induces abnormal glutamate transporter trafficking between the membrane and cytoplasm and consequently decreases the expression and function of glutamate transporters in the membrane. Conversely, Nedd4-2 knockdown decreases glutamate transporter ubiquitination, promotes glutamate uptake and increases glutamate transporter expression in vitro and in vivo. We report for the first time that Nedd4-2 knockdown ameliorates movement disorders in PD mice and increases tyrosine hydroxylase expression in the midbrain and striatum of PD mice; Nedd4-2 knockdown also attenuates astrogliosis and reactive microgliosis in the MPTP model that may be associated with glutamate excitotoxicity. Furthermore, the SGK/PKC pathway is regulated downstream of Nedd4-2 in MPTP-treated mice. These findings indicate that Nedd4-2 may serve as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of PD.
NLRP3 inflammasome activation mediates radiation-induced pyroptosis in bone marrow-derived macrophages
Authors: Liu Yan-gang , Chen Ji-kuai , Zhang Zi-teng , Ma Xiu-juan , Chen Yong-chun , Du Xiu-ming , Liu Hong , Zong Ying , Lu Guo-cai
Published: February 2017

A limit to the clinical benefit of radiotherapy is not an incapacity to eliminate tumor cells but rather a limit on its capacity to do so without destroying normal tissue and inducing inflammation. Recent evidence reveals that the inflammasome is essential for mediating radiation-induced cell and tissue damage. In this study, using primary cultured bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) and a mouse radiation model, we explored the role of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and the secondary pyroptosis underlying radiation-induced immune cell death. We observed an increasing proportion of pyroptosis and elevating Caspase-1 activation in 10 and 20 Gy radiation groups. Nlrp3 knock out significantly diminished the quantity of cleaved-Caspase-1 (p10) and IL-1β as well as the proportion of pyroptosis. Additionally, in vivo research shows that 9.5 Gy of radiation promotes Caspase-1 activation in marginal zone cells and induces death in mice, both of which can be significantly inhibited by knocking out Nlrp3. Thus, based on these findings, we conclude that the NLRP3 inflammasome activation mediates radiation-induced pyroptosis in BMDMs. Targeting NLRP3 inflammasome and pyroptosis may serve as effective strategies to diminish injury caused by radiation.
Colon cancer cell treatment with rose bengal generates a protective immune response via immunogenic cell death
Authors: Qin Jianzhong , Kunda Nicholas , Qiao Guilin , Calata Jed F , Pardiwala Krunal , Prabhakar Bellur S , Maker Ajay V
Published: February 2017

Immunotherapeutic approaches to manage patients with advanced gastrointestinal malignancies are desired; however, mechanisms to incite tumor-specific immune responses remain to be elucidated. Rose bengal (RB) is toxic at low concentrations to malignant cells and may induce damage-associated molecular patterns; therefore, we investigated its potential as an immunomodulator in colon cancer. Murine and human colon cancer lines were treated with RB (10% in saline/PV-10) for cell cycle, cell death, and apoptosis assays. Damage-associated molecular patterns were assessed with western blot, ELISA, and flow cytometry. In an immunocompetent murine model of colon cancer, we demonstrate that tumors regress upon RB treatment, and that RB induces cell death in colon cancer cells through G2/M growth arrest and predominantly necrosis. RB-treated colon cancer cells expressed distinct hallmarks of immunogenic cell death (ICD), including enhanced expression of calreticulin and heat-shock protein 90 on the cell surface, a decrease in intracellular ATP, and the release of HMGB1. To confirm the ICD phenotype, we vaccinated immunocompetent animals with syngeneic colon cancer cells treated with RB. RB-treated tumors served as a vaccine against subsequent challenge with the same CT26 colon cancer tumor cells, and vaccination with in vitro RB-treated cells resulted in slower tumor growth following inoculation with colon cancer cells, but not with syngeneic non-CT26 cancer cells, suggesting a specific antitumor immune response. In conclusion, RB serves as an inducer of ICD that contributes to enhanced specific antitumor immunity in colorectal cancer.
Critical role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) for synergistic enhancement of apoptosis by vemurafenib and the potassium channel inhibitor TRAM-34 in melanoma cells
Authors: Bauer Daniel , Werth Felix , Nguyen Ha An , Kiecker Felix , Eberle Jürgen
Published: February 2017

Inhibition of MAP kinase pathways by selective BRAF inhibitors, such as vemurafenib and dabrafenib, have evolved as key therapies of BRAF-mutated melanoma. However, tumor relapse and therapy resistance have remained as major problems, which may be addressed by combination with other pathway inhibitors. Here we identified the potassium channel inhibitor TRAM-34 as highly effective in combination with vemurafenib. Thus apoptosis was significantly enhanced and cell viability was decreased. The combination vemurafenib/TRAM-34 was also effective in vemurafenib-resistant cells, suggesting that acquired resistance may be overcome. Vemurafenib decreased ERK phosphorylation, suppressed antiapoptotic Mcl-1 and enhanced proapoptotic Puma and Bim. The combination resulted in enhancement of proapoptotic pathways as caspase-3 and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. Indicating a special mechanism of vemurafenib-induced apoptosis, we found strong enhancement of intracellular ROS levels already at 1 h of treatment. The critical role of ROS was demonstrated by the antioxidant vitamin E (α-tocopherol), which decreased intracellular ROS as well as apoptosis. Also caspase activation and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential were suppressed, proving ROS as an upstream effect. Thus ROS represents an initial and independent apoptosis pathway in melanoma cells that is of particular importance for vemurafenib and its combination with TRAM-34.
Targeting the latent cytomegalovirus reservoir with an antiviral fusion toxin protein
Authors: Krishna B. A. , Spiess K. , Poole E. L. , Lau B. , Voigt S. , Kledal T. N. , Rosenkilde M. M. , Sinclair J. H.
Published: February 2017

Reactivation of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) in transplant recipients can cause life-threatening disease. Consequently, for transplant recipients, killing latently infected cells could have far-reaching clinical benefits. In vivo, myeloid cells and their progenitors are an important site of HCMV latency, and one viral gene expressed by latently infected myeloid cells is US28. This viral gene encodes a cell surface G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that binds chemokines, triggering its endocytosis. We show that the expression of US28 on the surface of latently infected cells allows monocytes and their progenitor CD34+ cells to be targeted and killed by F49A-FTP, a highly specific fusion toxin protein that binds this viral GPCR. As expected, this specific targeting of latently infected cells by F49A-FTP also robustly reduces virus reactivation in vitro. Consequently, such specific fusion toxin proteins could form the basis of a therapeutic strategy for eliminating latently infected cells before haematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
Waveguide-coupled nanopillar metal-cavity light-emitting diodes on silicon
Authors: Dolores-Calzadilla V. , Romeira B. , Pagliano F. , Birindelli S. , Higuera-Rodriguez A. , van Veldhoven P. J. , Smit M. K. , Fiore A. , Heiss D.
Published: February 2017

Nanoscale light sources using metal cavities have been proposed to enable high integration density, efficient operation at low energy per bit and ultra-fast modulation, which would make them attractive for future low-power optical interconnects. For this application, such devices are required to be efficient, waveguide-coupled and integrated on a silicon substrate. We demonstrate a metal-cavity light-emitting diode coupled to a waveguide on silicon. The cavity consists of a metal-coated III–V semiconductor nanopillar which funnels a large fraction of spontaneous emission into the fundamental mode of an InP waveguide bonded to a silicon wafer showing full compatibility with membrane-on-Si photonic integration platforms. The device was characterized through a grating coupler and shows on-chip external quantum efficiency in the 10−4–10−2 range at tens of microamp current injection levels, which greatly exceeds the performance of any waveguide-coupled nanoscale light source integrated on silicon in this current range. Furthermore, direct modulation experiments reveal sub-nanosecond electro-optical response with the potential for multi gigabit per second modulation speeds.
Reduced GABAergic transmission in the ventrobasal thalamus contributes to thermal hyperalgesia in chronic inflammatory pain
Authors: Zhang Chan , Chen Rong-Xiang , Zhang Yu , Wang Jie , Liu Feng-Yu , Cai Jie , Liao Fei-Fei , Xu Fu-Qiang , Yi Ming , Wan You
Published: February 2017

The ventrobasal (VB) thalamus is innervated by GABAergic afferents from the thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN) and participates in nociception. But how the TRN-VB pathway regulates pain is not fully understood. In the present study, we reported decreased extracellular GABA levels in the VB of rats with CFA-induced chronic inflammatory pain, measured by microdialysis with HPLC analysis. In vitro whole-cell patch-clamp recording showed decreased amplitudes of tonic currents, increased frequencies of mIPSCs, and increased paired-pulse ratios in thalamic slices from chronic inflammatory rats (7 days). Microinjection of the GABAAR agonist muscimol and optogenetic activation of the TRN-VB pathway relieved thermal hyperalgesia in chronic inflammatory pain. By contrast, microinjecting the extrasynaptic GABAAR agonist THIP or selective knockout of synaptic GABAAR γ2 subunits aggravated thermal hyperalgesia in the chronic stage of inflammatory pain. Our findings indicate that reduced GABAergic transmission in the VB contributes to thermal hyperalgesia in chronic inflammatory pain, which could be a synaptic target for pharmacotherapy.
Intein-mediated backbone cyclization of VP1 protein enhanced protection of CVB3-induced viral myocarditis
Authors: Qi Xingmei , Xiong Sidong
Published: February 2017

CVB3 is a common human pathogen to be highly lethal to newborns and causes viral myocarditis and pancreatitis in adults. However, there is no vaccine available for clinical use. CVB3 capsid protein VP1 is an immunodominant structural protein, containing several B- and T-cell epitopes. However, immunization of mice with VP1 protein is ineffective. Cyclization of peptide is commonly used to improve their in vivo stability and biological activity. Here, we designed and synthesizd cyclic VP1 protein by using engineered split Rma DnaB intein and the cyclization efficiency was 100% in E. coli. As a result, the cyclic VP1 was significantly more stable against irreversible aggregation upon heating and against carboxypeptidase in vitro and the degradation rate was more slowly in vivo. Compared with linear VP1, immunization mice with circular VP1 significantly increased CVB3-specific serum IgG level and augmented CVB3-specific cellular immune responses, consequently afforded better protection against CVB3-induced viral myocarditis. The cyclic VP1 may be a novel candidate protein vaccine for preventing CVB3 infection and similar approaches could be employed to a variety of protein vaccines to enhance their protection effect.
Photodynamic therapy monitoring with optical coherence angiography
Authors: Sirotkina M. A. , Matveev L. A. , Shirmanova M. V. , Zaitsev V. Y. , Buyanova N. L. , Elagin V. V. , Gelikonov G. V. , Kuznetsov S. S. , Kiseleva E. B. , Moiseev A. A. , Gamayunov S. V. , Zagaynova E. V. , Feldchtein F. I. , Vitkin A. , Gladkova N. D.
Published: February 2017

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising modern approach for cancer therapy with low normal tissue toxicity. This study was focused on a vascular-targeting Chlorine E6 mediated PDT. A new angiographic imaging approach known as M-mode-like optical coherence angiography (MML-OCA) was able to sensitively detect PDT-induced microvascular alterations in the mouse ear tumour model CT26. Histological analysis showed that the main mechanisms of vascular PDT was thrombosis of blood vessels and hemorrhage, which agrees with angiographic imaging by MML-OCA. Relationship between MML-OCA-detected early microvascular damage post PDT (within 24 hours) and tumour regression/regrowth was confirmed by histology. The advantages of MML-OCA such as direct image acquisition, fast processing, robust and affordable system opto-electronics, and label-free high contrast 3D visualization of the microvasculature suggest attractive possibilities of this method in practical clinical monitoring of cancer therapies with microvascular involvement.
Legacy of contaminant N sources to the NO3− signature in rivers: a combined isotopic (δ15N-NO3−, δ18O-NO3−, δ11B) and microbiological investigation
Authors: Briand Cyrielle , Sebilo Mathieu , Louvat Pascale , Chesnot Thierry , Vaury Véronique , Schneider Maude , Plagnes Valérie
Published: February 2017

Nitrate content of surface waters results from complex mixing of multiple sources, whose signatures can be modified through N reactions occurring within the different compartments of the whole catchment. Despite this complexity, the determination of nitrate origin is the first and crucial step for water resource preservation. Here, for the first time, we combined at the catchment scale stable isotopic tracers (δ15N and δ18O of nitrate and δ11B) and fecal indicators to trace nitrate sources and pathways to the stream. We tested this approach on two rivers in an agricultural region of SW France. Boron isotopic ratios evidenced inflow from anthropogenic waters, microbiological markers revealed organic contaminations from both human and animal wastes. Nitrate δ15Nand δ18O traced inputs from the surface leaching during high flow events and from the subsurface drainage in base flow regime. They also showed that denitrification occurred within the soils before reaching the rivers. Furthermore, this study highlighted the determinant role of the soil compartment in nitrate formation and recycling with important spatial heterogeneity and temporal variability.
Selective binocular vision loss in two subterranean caviomorph rodents: Spalacopus cyanus and Ctenomys talarum
Authors: Vega-Zuniga T. , Medina F. S. , Marín G. , Letelier J. C. , Palacios A. G. , Němec P. , Schleich C. E. , Mpodozis J.
Published: February 2017

To what extent can the mammalian visual system be shaped by visual behavior? Here we analyze the shape of the visual fields, the densities and distribution of cells in the retinal ganglion-cell layer and the organization of the visual projections in two species of facultative non-strictly subterranean rodents, Spalacopus cyanus and Ctenomys talarum, aiming to compare these traits with those of phylogenetically closely related species possessing contrasting diurnal/nocturnal visual habits. S. cyanus shows a definite zone of frontal binocular overlap and a corresponding area centralis, but a highly reduced amount of ipsilateral retinal projections. The situation in C. talarum is more extreme as it lacks of a fronto-ventral area of binocular superposition, has no recognizable area centralis and shows no ipsilateral retinal projections except to the suprachiasmatic nucleus. In both species, the extension of the monocular visual field and of the dorsal region of binocular overlap as well as the whole set of contralateral visual projections, appear well-developed. We conclude that these subterranean rodents exhibit, paradoxically, diurnal instead of nocturnal visual specializations, but at the same time suffer a specific regression of the anatomical substrate for stereopsis. We discuss these findings in light of the visual ecology of subterranean lifestyles.
First real-time observation of transverse division in azooxanthellate scleractinian corals
Authors: Tokuda Yuki , Haraguchi Hiroko , Ezaki Yoichi
Published: February 2017

Asexual reproduction is one of the most important traits in the evolutionary history of corals. No real-time observations of asexual reproduction in azooxanthellate solitary scleractinian corals have been conducted to date. Here, we describe previously unknown aspects of asexual reproduction by using Truncatoflabellum spheniscus (Family Flabellidae) based on observations of transverse division conducted over 1200 days. The findings revealed that (1) transverse division was caused by decalcification; (2) compared to the anthocyathus (upper part of the divided corallum), the soft parts of the anthocaulus (lower part of the divided corallum) were severely damaged and injured during division; (3) these injuries were repaired rapidly; and (4) the anthocaulus regrew and repeatedly produced anthocyathi by means of transverse division. Differences in the patterns of soft-part regeneration and repair, as well as differences in skeletal growth rates between the anthocaulus and the anthocyathus imply that the ecological requirements and reproductive success are different from each other immediately after division. The findings provide important clues for unravelling why asexual reproduction appeared frequently in free-living corals, and the extent to which those modes of reproduction has affected the adaptive and evolutionary success of scleractinian corals throughout the Phanerozoic.
Enhanced corrosion resistance and cytocompatibility of biodegradable Mg alloys by introduction of Mg(OH)2 particles into poly (L-lactic acid) coating
Authors: Shi Yong-juan , Pei Jia , Zhang Jian , Niu Jia-lin , Zhang Hua , Guo Sheng-rong , Li Zhong-hua , Yuan Guang-yin
Published: February 2017

A strategy of suppressing the fast degradation behaviour of Mg-based biomaterials by the introduction of one of Mg degradation products Mg(OH)2 was proposed according to the following degradation mechanism, Mg + 2H2O ⇋ Mg(OH)2 + H2↑. Specifically, Mg(OH)2 submicron particles were mixed into poly (L-lactic acid) (PLLA) to synthesize a composite coating onto hydrofluoric acid-pretreated Mg-Nd-Zn-Zr alloy. The in vitro degradation investigations showed that the addition of Mg(OH)2 particles not only slowed down the corrosion of Mg matrix, but also retarded the formation of gas pockets underneath the polymer coating. Correspondingly, cytocompatibility results exhibited significant improvement of proliferation of endothelial cells, and further insights was gained into the mechanisms how the introduction of Mg(OH)2 particles into PLLA coating affected the magnesium alloy degradation and cytocompatibility. The present study provided a promising surface modification strategy to tailor the degradation behaviour of Mg-based biomaterials.
Foliar fungi of Betula pendula: impact of tree species mixtures and assessment methods
Authors: Nguyen Diem , Boberg Johanna , Cleary Michelle , Bruelheide Helge , Hönig Lydia , Koricheva Julia , Stenlid Jan
Published: February 2017

Foliar fungi of silver birch (Betula pendula) in an experimental Finnish forest were investigated across a gradient of tree species richness using molecular high-throughput sequencing and visual macroscopic assessment. We hypothesized that the molecular approach detects more fungal taxa than visual assessment, and that there is a relationship among the most common fungal taxa detected by both techniques. Furthermore, we hypothesized that the fungal community composition, diversity, and distribution patterns are affected by changes in tree diversity. Sequencing revealed greater diversity of fungi on birch leaves than the visual assessment method. One species showed a linear relationship between the methods. Species-specific variation in fungal community composition could be partially explained by tree diversity, though overall fungal diversity was not affected by tree diversity. Analysis of specific fungal taxa indicated tree diversity effects at the local neighbourhood scale, where the proportion of birch among neighbouring trees varied, but not at the plot scale. In conclusion, both methods may be used to determine tree diversity effects on the foliar fungal community. However, high-throughput sequencing provided higher resolution of the fungal community, while the visual macroscopic assessment detected functionally active fungal species.
Temporal course of implicit emotion regulation during a Priming-Identify task: an ERP study
Authors: Wang Yi , Li Xuebing
Published: February 2017

Implicit emotion regulation defined as goal-driven processes modulates emotion experiences and responses automatically without awareness. However, the temporal course of implicit emotion regulation is not clear. To address these issues, we adopted a new Priming-identify task (PI task) to manipulate implicit emotion regulation directly and observed the changes of early (N170), middle (early posterior negativity, EPN), and late event-related potentials (ERPs) components (late positivity potentials, LPP) under the different implicit emotion regulation conditions. The behavioral results indicated that the PI task manipulated subjective emotion experience effectively by priming emotion regulation goals. The ERP results found that implicit emotion regulation induced more negative N170 without altering the EPN and the LPP amplitudes, indicating that implicit emotion regulation occured automatically in the early perceptual stage not in the late selective attention stage of emotion processing. The correlation analysis also found the enlarged N170 was associated with decreased negative emotion subjective rating, suggesting that the N170 was probably an effective index of implicit emotion regulation. These observations imply that implicit emotion regulation probabbly occurs in the early stage of emotion processing automatically without consciousness.
In vivo characterisation of a catalase-based biosensor for real-time electrochemical monitoring of brain hydrogen peroxide in freely-moving animals
Authors: O'Riordan Saidhbhe L. , Lowry John P.
Published: February 2017

A catalase-based microelectrochemical biosensor developed for real-time neurochemical monitoring of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was characterised in freely-moving rats.
Slip divergence of water flow in graphene nanochannels: the role of chirality
Authors: Wagemann Enrique , Oyarzua Elton , Walther Jens H. , Zambrano Harvey A.
Published: February 2017

Graphene has attracted considerable attention due to its characteristics as a 2D material and its fascinating properties, providing a potential building block for fabrication of nanofluidic conduits.
Competition between excluded-volume and electrostatic interactions for nanogel swelling: effects of the counterion valence and nanogel charge
Authors: Adroher-Benítez Irene , Martín-Molina Alberto , Ahualli Silvia , Quesada-Pérez Manuel , Odriozola Gerardo , Moncho-Jordá Arturo
Published: February 2017

The equilibrium distribution of monovalent and trivalent ions within a thermo-responsive charged nanogel is investigated using Monte Carlo simulations and Ornstein–Zernike equations.
Ordering kinetics of lamella-forming block copolymers under the guidance of various external fields studied by dynamic self-consistent field theory
Authors: Wan Xiaomin , Gao Tong , Zhang Liangshun , Lin Jiaping
Published: February 2017

We theoretically engineer a new scheme, which integrates a permanent field for pattern registration and a dynamic external field for defect annihilation, to direct the self-assembly of block copolymers.
A copillar[5]arene-based fluorescence “on–off–on” sensor is applied in sequential recognition of an iron cation and a fluoride anion
Authors: Chen Jin-Fa , Cheng Xiao-Bin , Li Hui , Lin Qi , Yao Hong , Zhang You-Ming , Wei Tai-Bao
Published: February 2017

A copillar[5]arene-based [c2]daisy-chain dimer is applied in sequential detection of Fe3+ and F− through a competitive complexation reaction.
Diastereoselective tandem oxidation/Michael/aldol reaction: unprecedented formation of dispirocyclopentanebisoxindoles and dispiro[acenaphthylene-1,1′-cyclopentane-3′,1′′-acenaphthylene]-2,2′′diones
Authors: Suman Koorathota , Ramanjaneyulu Mala , Thennarasu Sathiah
Published: February 2017

Single-step construction of a dispirocyclopentane ring with four chiral centersviathe formation of two new C–C bonds.
Correction: Bio-inspired single-chain polymeric nanoparticles containing a chiral salen TiIV complex for highly enantioselective sulfoxidation in water
Authors: Zhang Yaoyao , Tan Rong , Gao Mengqiao , Hao Pengbo , Yin Donghong
Published: February 2017

Correction for ‘Bio-inspired single-chain polymeric nanoparticles containing a chiral salen TiIV complex for highly enantioselective sulfoxidation in water’ by Yaoyao Zhang et al., Green Chem., 2017, DOI: 10.1039/c6gc02743a.
Correction: Self-assembled 4-(1,2-diphenylbut-1-en-1-yl)aniline based nanoparticles: podophyllotoxin and aloin as building blocks
Authors: Fumagalli Gaia , Christodoulou Michael S. , Riva Benedetta , Revuelta Inigo , Marucci Cristina , Collico Veronica , Prosperi Davide , Riva Sergio , Perdicchia Dario , Bassanini Ivan , García-Argáez Aida , Via Lisa Dalla , Passarella Daniele
Published: February 2017

Correction for ‘Self-assembled 4-(1,2-diphenylbut-1-en-1-yl)aniline based nanoparticles: podophyllotoxin and aloin as building blocks’ by Gaia Fumagalli, et al., Org. Biomol. Chem., 2017, DOI: 10.1039/c6ob02591a.
Energy efficiency optimisation for SWIPT AF two‐way relay networks
Authors: Zhou Xiang , Li Quanzhong
Published: February 2017

A joint power splitting ratio optimisation and power allocation scheme is proposed to maximise the energy efficiency in amplify‐and‐forward two‐way relay networks with the simultaneous wireless information and power transfer scheme. Both the locally optimal solution and simplified equal power allocation scheme with closed‐form expressions are derived. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed schemes.
Femtosecond dynamics of the 2-methylallyl radical: A computational and experimental study
Authors: Röder Anja , Issler Kevin , Poisson Lionel , Humeniuk Alexander , Wohlgemuth Matthias , Comte Michel , Lepetit Fabien , Fischer Ingo , Mitric Roland , Petersen Jens
Published: February 2017

We investigate the photodynamics of the 2-methylallyl radical by femtosecond time-resolved photoelectron imaging. The experiments are accompanied by field-induced surface hopping dynamics calculations and the simulation of time-resolved photoelectron intensities and anisotropies, giving insight into the photochemistry and nonradiative relaxation of the radical. 2-methylallyl is excited at 236 nm, 238 nm, and 240.6 nm into a 3p Rydberg state, and the subsequent dynamics is probed by multiphoton ionization using photons of 800 nm. The photoelectron image exhibits a prominent band with considerable anisotropy, which is compatible with the result of theory. The simulations show that the initially excited 3p state is rapidly depopulated to a 3s Rydberg state, from which photoelectrons of high anisotropy are produced. The 3s state then decays within several 100 fs to the D1 (nπ) state, followed by the deactivation of the D1 to the electronic ground state on the ps time scale.
Polymer dynamics under cylindrical confinement featuring a locally repulsive surface: A quasielastic neutron scattering study
Authors: Krutyeva M. , Pasini S. , Monkenbusch M. , Allgaier J. , Maiz J. , Mijangos C. , Hartmann-Azanza B. , Steinhart M. , Jalarvo N. , Richter D.
Published: February 2017

We investigated the effect of intermediate cylindrical confinement with locally repulsive walls on the segmental and entanglement dynamics of a polymer melt by quasielastic neutron scattering. As a reference, the corresponding polymer melt was measured under identical conditions. The locally repulsive confinement was realized by hydrophilic anodic alumina nanopores with a diameter of 20 nm. The end-to-end distance of the hydrophobic infiltrated polyethylene-alt-propylene was close to this diameter. In the case of hard wall repulsion with negligible local attraction, several simulations predicted an acceleration of segmental dynamics close to the wall. Other than in attractive or neutral systems, where the segmental dynamics is slowed down, we found that the segmental dynamics in the nanopores is identical to the local mobility in the bulk. Even under very careful scrutiny, we could not find any acceleration of the surface-near segmental motion. On the larger time scale, the neutron spin-echo experiment showed that the Rouse relaxation was not altered by confinement effects. Also the entanglement dynamics was not affected. Thus at moderate confinement conditions, facilitated by locally repulsive walls, the dynamics remains as in the bulk melt, a result that is not so clear from simulations.
Photodetachment spectroscopy of the beryllium oxide anion, BeO−
Authors: Mascaritolo Kyle J. , Dermer Amanda R. , Green Mallory L. , Gardner Adrian M. , Heaven Michael C.
Published: February 2017

The X2Σ+→X1Σ+ anion to neutral ground state photodetachment of BeO− has been studied by means of photoelectron velocity-map imaging spectroscopy in a newly constructed apparatus. Vibrational intervals, rotational constants, and the electron detachment threshold of BeO− were determined for the first time. The small moment of inertia of beryllium oxide allowed for the observation of partially resolved rotational contours. Analyses of these contours provided evidence of several detachment channels resulting from changes in molecular rotational angular momenta of ΔN = 0, ±1, ±2, and ±3. The relative intensities of these detachment channels were found to be a function of the electron kinetic energy. Experimental results are compared to the predictions of high level ab initio calculations.
Lattice reorientation in tetragonal PMN-PT thin film induced by focused ion beam preparation for transmission electron microscopy
Authors: Denneulin Thibaud , Maeng Wanjoo , Eom Chang-Beom , Hÿtch Martin
Published: February 2017

Focused ion beam sample preparation for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) can induce relaxation mechanisms in epitaxial thin films. Here, we describe a relaxation mechanism that can occur in materials having a tetragonal structure. We investigated the lattice structure of a 600 nm thick 0.4[Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3]−0.6[PbTiO3] layer grown by epitaxy on (110) GdScO3 substrate using geometrical phase analysis applied to high resolution TEM images. The lattice mismatch at the interface is expected to favor the formation of c-domains. However, it was measured that the out-of-plane lattice parameter can decrease abruptly along the growth direction and the transition depends on the thickness of the TEM lamella. Different observations indicate that the crystal flipped by 90° following the preparation of the sample, so that the c-axis is oriented in the thinning direction. Such a mechanism can easily lead to misinterpretations and might happen in other materials with a similar structure.
Power law spectra and intermittent fluctuations due to uncorrelated Lorentzian pulses
Authors: Garcia O. E. , Theodorsen A.
Published: February 2017

A stochastic model for intermittent fluctuations due to a super-position of uncorrelated Lorentzian pulses is presented. For a constant pulse duration, this is shown to result in an exponential power spectral density for the stationary process. A random distribution of pulse durations modifies the frequency spectrum, and several examples are shown to result in power law spectra. The distribution of pulse durations does not influence the characteristic function and thus neither the moments nor the probability density function of the random variable. It is demonstrated that the fluctuations are intrinsically intermittent through a large excess kurtosis moment in the limit of weak pulse overlap. These results allow for estimation of the basic properties of fluctuations from measurement data and describe the diversity of frequency spectra reported from measurements in magnetized plasmas.
Fates of two big radio dishes hang in the balance
Authors: Feder Toni
Published: February 2017

Although still productive, the facilities must find alternative funding to avoid being sacrificed for new cutting-edge telescopes.
The inhibition of photosynthesis under water deficit conditions is more severe in flecked than uniform irradiance in rice (Oryza sativa) plants
Authors: Sun Jiali , Zhang Qiangqiang , Tabassum Muhammad Adnan , Ye Miao , Peng Shaobing , Li Yong
Published: February 2017

Water deficit is considered the major environmental factor limiting leaf photosynthesis, and the physiological basis for decreased photosynthesis under water deficit has been intensively studied with steady irradiance. Leaves within a canopy experience a highly variable light environment in magnitude and time, but the effect of water deficit on photosynthesis in fluctuating irradiance is not well understood. Two rice cultivars with different drought tolerance, Champa and Yangliangyou 6 (YLY6), were hydroponically grown under well-watered, 15% (m/v) and 20% PEG (polyethylene glycol, 6000 Da) induced water deficit conditions. The inhibition of steady-state photosynthesis in Champa is more severe than YLY6. The maximum Rubisco carboxylation capacity (Vcmax) and maximum electron transport capacity (Jmax) were decreased under 20% PEG treatment in Champa, whereas less or no effect was observed in YLY6. The induction state (IS%, which indicates photosynthesis capacity after exposure of low-light period) of both leaf photosynthetic rate (A) and stomatal conductance (gs) was highly correlated, and was significantly decreased under water deficit conditions in both cultivars. Water deficit had no significant effect on the time required to reach 50 or 90% of the maximum photosynthetic rate (T50%,A and T90%,A) after exposure to high-light level, but significantly led to a greater decrease in photosynthetic rate in the low-light period under flecked irradiance (Amin-fleck) relative to photosynthetic rate in the same light intensity of continuously low-light period (Ainitial). The lower IS% of A and more severe decrease in Amin-fleck relative to Ainitial will lead to a more severe decrease in integrated CO2 fixation under water deficit in flecked compared with uniform irradiance.