bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inter-annual and decadal changes in teleconnections drive continental-scale synchronization of tree reproduction
Authors: Ascoli Davide , Vacchiano Giorgio , Turco Marco , Conedera Marco , Drobyshev Igor , Maringer Janet , Motta Renzo , Hacket-Pain Andrew
Published: December 2017

Climate teleconnections drive highly variable and synchronous seed production (masting) over large scales. Disentangling the effect of high-frequency (inter-annual variation) from low-frequency (decadal trends) components of climate oscillations will improve our understanding of masting as an ecosystem process. Using century-long observations on masting (the MASTREE database) and data on the Northern Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), we show that in the last 60 years both high-frequency summer and spring NAO, and low-frequency winter NAO components are highly correlated to continent-wide masting in European beech and Norway spruce. Relationships are weaker (non-stationary) in the early twentieth century. This finding improves our understanding on how climate variation affects large-scale synchronization of tree masting. Moreover, it supports the connection between proximate and ultimate causes of masting: indeed, large-scale features of atmospheric circulation coherently drive cues and resources for masting, as well as its evolutionary drivers, such as pollination efficiency, abundance of seed dispersers, and natural disturbance regimes.
Midbrain circuit regulation of individual alcohol drinking behaviors in mice
Authors: Juarez Barbara , Morel Carole , Ku Stacy M. , Liu Yutong , Zhang Hongxing , Montgomery Sarah , Gregoire Hilledna , Ribeiro Efrain , Crumiller Marshall , Roman-Ortiz Ciorana , Walsh Jessica J. , Jackson Kelcy , Croote Denise E. , Zhu Yingbo , Zhang Song , Vendruscolo Leandro F. , Edwards Scott , Roberts Amanda , Hodes Georgia E. , Lu Yongke , Calipari Erin S. , Chaudhury Dipesh , Friedman Allyson K. , Han Ming-Hu
Published: December 2017

Alcohol-use disorder (AUD) is the most prevalent substance-use disorder worldwide. There is substantial individual variability in alcohol drinking behaviors in the population, the neural circuit mechanisms of which remain elusive. Utilizing in vivo electrophysiological techniques, we find that low alcohol drinking (LAD) mice have dramatically higher ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine neuron firing and burst activity. Unexpectedly, VTA dopamine neuron activity in high alcohol drinking (HAD) mice does not differ from alcohol naive mice. Optogenetically enhancing VTA dopamine neuron burst activity in HAD mice decreases alcohol drinking behaviors. Circuit-specific recordings reveal that spontaneous activity of nucleus accumbens-projecting VTA (VTA-NAc) neurons is selectively higher in LAD mice. Specifically activating this projection is sufficient to reduce alcohol consumption in HAD mice. Furthermore, we uncover ionic and cellular mechanisms that suggest unique neuroadaptations between the alcohol drinking groups. Together, these data identify a neural circuit responsible for individual alcohol drinking behaviors.
Bio-inspired reversible underwater adhesive
Authors: Zhao Yanhua , Wu Yang , Wang Liang , Zhang Manman , Chen Xuan , Liu Minjie , Fan Jun , Liu Junqiu , Zhou Feng , Wang Zuankai
Published: December 2017

The design of smart surfaces with switchable adhesive properties in a wet environment has remained a challenge in adhesion science and materials engineering. Despite intense demands in various industrial applications and exciting progress in mimicking the remarkable wet adhesion through the delicate control of catechol chemistry, polyelectrolyte complex, and supramolecular architectures, the full recapitulation of nature’s dynamic function is limited. Here, we show a facile approach to synthesize bioinspired adhesive, which entails the reversible, tunable, and fast regulation of the wet adhesion on diverse surfaces. The smart wet adhesive takes advantage of the host–guest molecular interaction and the adhesive nature of catechol chemistry, as well as the responsive polymer, allowing for screening and activation of the interfacial interaction simply by a local temperature trigger in an on-demand manner. Our work opens up an avenue for the rational design of bioinspired adhesives with performances even beyond nature.
On the homogeneity and heterogeneity of cortical thickness profiles in Homo sapiens sapiens
Authors: Koten Jan Willem , Schüppen André , Morozova Maria , Lehofer Agnes , Koschutnig Karl , Wood Guilherme
Published: December 2017

Cortical thickness has been investigated since the beginning of the 20th century, but we do not know how similar the cortical thickness profiles among humans are. In this study, the local similarity of cortical thickness profiles was investigated using sliding window methods. Here, we show that approximately 5% of the cortical thickness profiles are similarly expressed among humans while 45% of the cortical thickness profiles show a high level of heterogeneity. Therefore, heterogeneity is the rule, not the exception. Cortical thickness profiles of somatosensory homunculi and the anterior insula are consistent among humans, while the cortical thickness profiles of the motor homunculus are more variable. Cortical thickness profiles of homunculi that code for muscle position and skin stimulation are highly similar among humans despite large differences in sex, education, and age. This finding suggests that the structure of these cortices remains well preserved over a lifetime. Our observations possibly relativize opinions on cortical plasticity.
Hydrocortisone administration was associated with improved survival in Japanese patients with cardiac arrest
Authors: Niimura Takahiro , Zamami Yoshito , Koyama Toshihiro , Izawa-Ishizawa Yuki , Miyake Masashi , Koga Tadashi , Harada Keisaku , Ohshima Ayako , Imai Toru , Kondo Yutaka , Imanishi Masaki , Takechi Kenshi , Fukushima Keijo , Horinouchi Yuya , Ikeda Yasumasa , Fujino Hiromichi , Tsuchiya Koichiro , Tamaki Toshiaki , Hinotsu Shiro , Kano Mitsunobu R. , Ishizawa Keisuke
Published: December 2017

There are few reports on hydrocortisone administration after cardiac arrest, and those that have been published included few subjects. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of hydrocortisone administration on the outcomes of patients who experienced cardiac arrest. We investigated the survival discharge rates and the length of hospital stay from cardiac arrest to discharge, stratified by use of hydrocortisone, using a Japanese health-insurance claims dataset that covers approximately 2% of the Japanese population. The study included the data of 2233 subjects who experienced either in-hospital or out-of-hospital cardiac arrest between January 2005 and May 2014. These patients were divided into two groups, based on the administration of hydrocortisone. We adjusted the baseline characteristics, medical treatment, and drug administration data of the two groups using propensity scores obtained via the inverse probability of treatment weighted method. The hydrocortisone group had a significantly higher survival discharge rate (13/61 [21.1%] vs. 240/2172 [11.0%], adjusted odds ratio: 4.2, 95% CI: 1.60–10.98, p = 0.004). In addition, the administration of hydrocortisone was independent predictor of survival to discharge (hazard ratio: 4.6, p < 0.001). The results demonstrate a correlation between hydrocortisone administration and the high rates of survival to discharge.
Insulator–metal transition in substrate-independent VO2 thin film for phase-change devices
Authors: Taha Mohammad , Walia Sumeet , Ahmed Taimur , Headland Daniel , Withayachumnankul Withawat , Sriram Sharath , Bhaskaran Madhu
Published: December 2017

Vanadium has 11 oxide phases, with the binary VO2 presenting stimuli-dependent phase transitions that manifest as switchable electronic and optical features. An elevated temperature induces an insulator–to–metal transition (IMT) as the crystal reorients from a monoclinic state (insulator) to a tetragonal arrangement (metallic). This transition is accompanied by a simultaneous change in optical properties making VO2 a versatile optoelectronic material. However, its deployment in scalable devices suffers because of the requirement of specialised substrates to retain the functionality of the material. Sensitivity to oxygen concentration and larger-scale VO2 synthesis have also been standing issues in VO2 fabrication. Here, we address these major challenges in harnessing the functionality in VO2 by demonstrating an approach that enables crystalline, switchable VO2 on any substrate. Glass, silicon, and quartz are used as model platforms to show the effectiveness of the process. Temperature-dependent electrical and optical characterisation is used demonstrating three to four orders of magnitude in resistive switching, >60% chromic discrimination at infrared wavelengths, and terahertz property extraction. This capability will significantly broaden the horizon of applications that have been envisioned but remained unrealised due to the lack of ability to realise VO2 on any substrate, thereby exploiting its untapped potential.
Evaluation of serum MMP-9 as predictive biomarker for antisense therapy in Duchenne
Authors: Lourbakos A. , Yau N. , de Bruijn P. , Hiller M. , Kozaczynska K. , Jean-Baptiste R. , Reza M. , Wolterbeek R. , Koeks Z. , Ayoglu B. , de Klerk D. , Campion G. , Zaharieva I. , Nadarajah V. D. , Nilsson P. , Al-Khalili Szigyarto C. , Muntoni F. , Lochmüller H. , Verschuuren J. J. , Goemans N. , Tulinius M. , Niks E. H. , de Kimpe S. , Aartsma-Rus A. , ’t Hoen Peter A. C. , Spitali P.
Published: December 2017

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a severe muscle disorder caused by lack of dystrophin. Predictive biomarkers able to anticipate response to the therapeutic treatments aiming at dystrophin re-expression are lacking. The objective of this study is to investigate Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) as predictive biomarker for Duchenne. Two natural history cohorts were studied including 168 longitudinal samples belonging to 66 patients. We further studied 1536 samples obtained from 3 independent clinical trials with drisapersen, an antisense oligonucleotide targeting exon 51: an open label study including 12 patients; a phase 3 randomized, double blind, placebo controlled study involving 186 patients; an open label extension study performed after the phase 3. Analysis of natural history cohorts showed elevated MMP-9 levels in patients and a significant increase over time in longitudinal samples. MMP-9 decreased in parallel to clinical stabilization in the 12 patients involved in the open label study. The phase 3 study and subsequent extension study clarified that the decrease in MMP-9 levels was not predictive of treatment response. These data do not support the inclusion of serum MMP-9 as predictive biomarker for DMD patients.
Automated Detection of Iris Furrows and their Influence on Dynamic Iris Volume Change
Authors: Chua Jacqueline , Thakku Sri Gowtham , Pham Tan Hung , Lee Ryan , Tun Tin A. , Nongpiur Monisha E. , Tan Marcus Chiang Lee , Wong Tien Yin , Quah Joanne Hui Min , Aung Tin , Girard Michael J. A. , Cheng Ching-Yu
Published: December 2017

We introduced a new method for detecting iris surface furrows and identify its associations with dynamic changes in iris volume in healthy eyes. Swept-source optical coherence tomography was performed on 65 subjects with open angle under light and dark conditions. Iris boundaries were identified and a reconstruction of the anterior iris surface was obtained. Furrows were detected by identifying locally deep (minima) points on the iris surface and reported as furrow length in millimetres. Iris volume was quantified. Associations between furrow length and dynamic changes in iris volume were assessed using linear regression model. With pupil dilation, furrow length increased (15.84 mm) whereas iris volume decreased (−1.19 ± 0.66 mm3). Longer furrow length was associated with larger static iris volume, as well as smaller loss of iris volume with pupil dilation (β = −0.10, representing 0.1 mm3 less loss in iris volume per 10 mm increase in iris furrow length; P = 0.002, adjusted for age, gender and changes in pupil size). Our iris furrow length measurements are robust and intuitive. Eyes with longer furrows have larger iris volume and lose less volume during physiological pupil dilation. These findings highlight the potential for iris surface features as indicators of iris morphological behavior.
Cross-species transferability of EST-SSR markers developed from the transcriptome of Melilotus and their application to population genetics research
Authors: Yan Zhuanzhuan , Wu Fan , Luo Kai , Zhao Yufeng , Yan Qi , Zhang Yufei , Wang Yanrong , Zhang Jiyu
Published: December 2017

Melilotus is one of the most important legume forages, but the lack of molecular markers has limited the development and utilization of Melilotus germplasm resources. In the present study, 151 M clean reads were generated from various genotypes of Melilotus albus using Illumina sequencing. A total of 19,263 potential EST-SSRs were identified from 104,358 unigene sequences. Moreover, 18,182 primer pairs were successfully designed, and 550 primer pairs were selected using criteria of base repeat type, fragment length and annealing temperature. In addition, 550 primer pairs were screened by using PCR amplification products and used to assess polymorphisms in 15 M. albus accessions. A total of 114 primer pairs were detected as being highly polymorphic, and the average polymorphism information content (PIC) value was 0.79. Furthermore, those 114 polymorphic primer pairs were used to evaluate the transferability to 18 species of the genus Melilotus, and 70 EST-SSR markers were found to be transferable among the 18 Melilotus species. According to the UPGMA dendrogram and STRUCTURE analysis, the 18 Melilotus species were classified into three clusters. This study offers a valuable resource for the genetic diversity and molecular assisted breeding of germplasm resources in the genus Melilotus.
BIGL: Biochemically Intuitive Generalized Loewe null model for prediction of the expected combined effect compatible with partial agonism and antagonism
Authors: Van der Borght Koen , Tourny Annelies , Bagdziunas Rytis , Thas Olivier , Nazarov Maxim , Turner Heather , Verbist Bie , Ceulemans Hugo
Published: December 2017

Clinical efficacy regularly requires the combination of drugs. For an early estimation of the clinical value of (potentially many) combinations of pharmacologic compounds during discovery, the observed combination effect is typically compared to that expected under a null model. Mechanistic accuracy of that null model is not aspired to; to the contrary, combinations that deviate favorably from the model (and thereby disprove its accuracy) are prioritized. Arguably the most popular null model is the Loewe Additivity model, which conceptually maps any assay under study to a (virtual) single-step enzymatic reaction. It is easy-to-interpret and requires no other information than the concentration-response curves of the individual compounds. However, the original Loewe model cannot accommodate concentration-response curves with different maximal responses and, by consequence, combinations of an agonist with a partial or inverse agonist. We propose an extension, named Biochemically Intuitive Generalized Loewe (BIGL), that can address different maximal responses, while preserving the biochemical underpinning and interpretability of the original Loewe model. In addition, we formulate statistical tests for detecting synergy and antagonism, which allow for detecting statistically significant greater/lesser observed combined effects than expected from the null model. Finally, we demonstrate the novel method through application to several publicly available datasets.
Magnesium intake and mortality due to liver diseases: Results from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Cohort
Authors: Wu Lijun , Zhu Xiangzhu , Fan Lei , Kabagambe Edmond K. , Song Yiqing , Tao Menghua , Zhong Xiaosong , Hou Lifang , Shrubsole Martha J. , Liu Jie , Dai Qi
Published: December 2017

People with fatty liver disease are at high risk of magnesium deficiency. Meanwhile, low magnesium status is linked to both chronic inflammation and insulin resistance. However, no study has investigated the association between intake of magnesium and risk of mortality due to liver diseases. We evaluated the association between total magnesium intake and mortality due to liver diseases in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Study (NHANES III) cohort, which included 13,504 participants who completed liver ultrasound examination for hepatic steatosis. Overall magnesium intake was associated with a reduced risk of mortality due to liver disease at borderline significance (P = 0.05). In fully-adjusted analyses, every 100 mg increase in intake of magnesium was associated with a 49% reduction in the risk for mortality due to liver diseases. Although interactions between magnesium intake and alcohol use and hepatic steatosis at baseline were not significant (P > 0.05), inverse associations between magnesium intake and liver disease mortality were stronger among alcohol drinkers and those with hepatic steatosis. Our findings suggest higher intakes of magnesium may be associated with a reduced risk of mortality due to liver disease particularly among alcohol drinkers and those with hepatic steatosis. Further studies are warranted to confirm the findings.
Enrichment of megabase-sized DNA molecules for single-molecule optical mapping and next-generation sequencing
Authors: Łopacińska-Jørgensen Joanna M. , Pedersen Jonas N. , Bak Mads , Mehrjouy Mana M. , Sørensen Kristian T. , Østergaard Peter F. , Bilenberg Brian , Kristensen Anders , Taboryski Rafael J. , Flyvbjerg Henrik , Marie Rodolphe , Tommerup Niels , Silahtaroglu Asli
Published: December 2017

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has caused a revolution, yet left a gap: long-range genetic information from native, non-amplified DNA fragments is unavailable. It might be obtained by optical mapping of megabase-sized DNA molecules. Frequently only a specific genomic region is of interest, so here we introduce a method for selection and enrichment of megabase-sized DNA molecules intended for single-molecule optical mapping: DNA from a human cell line is digested by the NotI rare-cutting enzyme and size-selected by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. For demonstration, more than 600 sub-megabase- to megabase-sized DNA molecules were recovered from the gel and analysed by denaturation-renaturation optical mapping. Size-selected molecules from the same gel were sequenced by NGS. The optically mapped molecules and the NGS reads showed enrichment from regions defined by NotI restriction sites. We demonstrate that the unannotated genome can be characterized in a locus-specific manner via molecules partially overlapping with the annotated genome. The method is a promising tool for investigation of structural variants in enriched human genomic regions for both research and diagnostic purposes. Our enrichment method could potentially work with other genomes or target specified regions by applying other genomic editing tools, such as the CRISPR/Cas9 system.
Post-Transcriptional Regulation of Hepatic DDAH1 with TNF Blockade Leads to Improved eNOS Function and Reduced Portal Pressure In Cirrhotic Rats
Authors: Balasubramanian V. , Mehta G. , Jones H. , Sharma V. , Davies N. A. , Jalan R. , Mookerjee R. P.
Published: December 2017

Portal hypertension (PH) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in chronic liver disease. Infection and inflammation play a role in potentiating PH and pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF, are associated with severity of PH. In this study, cirrhotic bile duct ligated (BDL) rats with PH were treated with Infliximab (IFX, a monoclonal antibody against TNF) and its impact on modulation of vascular tone was assessed. BDL rats had increased TNF and NFkB compared to sham operated rats, and their reduction by IFX was associated with a reduction in portal pressure. IFX treatment also reduced hepatic oxidative stress, and biochemical markers of hepatic inflammation and injury. IFX treatment was associated with an improvement in eNOS activity and increased l-arginine/ADMA ratio and DDAH1 expression. In vitro analysis of HepG2 hepatocytes showed that DDAH1 protein expression is reduced by oxidative stress, and this is in part mediated by post-transcriptional regulation by the 3′UTR. This study supports a role for the DDAH1/ADMA axis on the effect of inflammation and oxidative stress in PH and provides insight for new therapies.
Modulating Thin Film Transistor Characteristics by Texturing the Gate Metal
Authors: Nair Aswathi , Bhattacharya Prasenjit , Sambandan Sanjiv
Published: December 2017

The development of reliable, high performance integrated circuits based on thin film transistors (TFTs) is of interest for the development of flexible electronic circuits. In this work we illustrate the modulation of TFT transconductance via the texturing of the gate metal created by the addition of a conductive pattern on top of a planar gate. Texturing results in the semiconductor-insulator interface acquiring a non-planar geometry with local variations in the radius of curvature. This influences various TFT parameters such as the subthreshold slope, gate voltage at the onset of conduction, contact resistance and gate capacitance. Specific studies are performed on textures based on periodic striations oriented along different directions. Textured TFTs showed upto ±40% variation in transconductance depending on the texture orientation as compared to conventional planar gate TFTs. Analytical models are developed and compared with experiments. Gain boosting in common source amplifiers based on textured TFTs as compared to conventional TFTs is demonstrated.
Tissue Tropism in Host Transcriptional Response to Members of the Bovine Respiratory Disease Complex
Authors: Behura Susanta K. , Tizioto Polyana C. , Kim JaeWoo , Grupioni Natalia V. , Seabury Christopher M. , Schnabel Robert D. , Gershwin Laurel J. , Van Eenennaam Alison L. , Toaff-Rosenstein Rachel , Neibergs Holly L. , Regitano Luciana C. A. , Taylor Jeremy F.
Published: December 2017

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is the most common infectious disease of beef and dairy cattle and is characterized by a complex infectious etiology that includes a variety of viral and bacterial pathogens. We examined the global changes in mRNA abundance in healthy lung and lung lesions and in the lymphoid tissues bronchial lymph node, retropharyngeal lymph node, nasopharyngeal lymph node and pharyngeal tonsil collected at the peak of clinical disease from beef cattle experimentally challenged with either bovine respiratory syncytial virus, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, bovine viral diarrhea virus, Mannheimia haemolytica or Mycoplasma bovis. We identified signatures of tissue-specific transcriptional responses indicative of tropism in the coordination of host’s immune tissue responses to infection by viral or bacterial infections. Furthermore, our study shows that this tissue tropism in host transcriptional response to BRD pathogens results in the activation of different networks of response genes. The differential crosstalk among genes expressed in lymphoid tissues was predicted to be orchestrated by specific immune genes that act as ‘key players’ within expression networks. The results of this study serve as a basis for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies and for the selection of cattle with enhanced resistance to BRD.
Multi-step conformational transitions in heat-treated protein therapeutics can be monitored in real time with temperature-controlled electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Wang Guanbo , Bondarenko Pavel V. , Kaltashov Igor A.
Published: December 2017

Sequential and small-scale conformational changes of monoclonal antibodies and antithrombin are characterized in real time in a temperature-controlled fashion.
Effect of mobile phase composition on the analysis of aggregates of antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) using size exclusion chromatography
Authors: Neupane Rabin , Källsten Malin , Lehmann Fredrik , Bergquist Jonas
Published: December 2017

In this study, the effect of mobile phase composition for size exclusion chromatography (SEC) on antibody drug conjugate (ADC) aggregate analysis was investigated.
Approaching monocoordination at a silver(i) cation
Authors: Roy Matthew M. D. , Ferguson Michael J. , McDonald Robert , Rivard Eric
Published: December 2017

A series of highly electrophilic [(NHC)Ag]+ complexes (NHC = N-heterocyclic carbene) have been prepared which approach the limit of monocoordination for silver(i).
Chemoselective triazole-phosphonamidate conjugates suitable for photorelease
Authors: Siebertz Kristina D. , Hackenberger Christian P. R.
Published: December 2017

Azides can be readily converted into photo-cleavable phosphonamidate conjugates with photo-protected alkyne-phosphonites via subsequent CuAAC and Staudinger-phosphonite reactions.
Radical-mediated intramolecular β-C(sp3)–H amidation of alkylimidates: facile synthesis of 1,2-amino alcohols
Authors: Mou Xue-Qing , Chen Xiang-Yu , Chen Gong , He Gang
Published: December 2017

A new radical-mediated intramolecular β-C(sp3)–H amidation reaction of O-alkyl trichloro- or arylimidates is reported.
Nitronyl nitroxide bridged 3d–4f hetero-tri-spin chains: synthesis strategy, crystal structure and magnetic properties
Authors: Zhu Mei , Jia Lingjie , Li Yang , Li Yungai , Zhang Li , Zhang Wei , Lü Yaohong
Published: December 2017

Three series of 2p–3d–4f one-dimensional chains based on different substituted nitronyl nitroxide ligands have been synthesized with two kinds of crystal structures.
Tunable Schottky contacts in MSe2/NbSe2 (M = Mo and W) heterostructures and promising application potential in field-effect transistors
Authors: Lv Xingshuai , Wei Wei , Zhao Pei , Li Jinjin , Huang Baibiao , Dai Ying
Published: December 2017

MSe2/NbSe2 (M = Mo and W) heterostructures exhibit low and tunable Schottky barriers, indicating promising application potential in field-effect transistors.
Steric charge
Authors: Liu Shubin , Liu Lianghong , Yu Donghai , Rong Chunying , Lu Tian
Published: December 2017

Steric charge is an informative descriptor providing novel insights to appreciate the steric effect and stereoselectivity for chemical processes and transformations.
Direct visualization of sulfur cathodes: new insights into Li–S batteries via operando X-ray based methods
Authors: Yu Seung-Ho , Huang Xin , Schwarz Kathleen , Huang Rong , Arias Tomás A. , Brock Joel D. , Abruña Héctor D.
Published: December 2017

For Li–S batteries, operando X-ray diffraction and X-ray microscopy are combined to visualize the evolution of both the morphology and crystal structure of the materials during the cycling.
Dissolution, migration, and deposition of transition metal ions in Li-ion batteries exemplified by Mn-based cathodes – a critical review
Authors: Zhan Chun , Wu Tianpin , Lu Jun , Amine Khalil
Published: December 2017

This paper reviews the research activities on the mechanistic understanding and solutions to overcome the TM DMD process, from the earliest discoveries to the latest progress.
Tracking iron-associated proteomes in pathogens by a fluorescence approach
Authors: Jiang Nan , Cheng Tianfan , Wang Minji , Chan Godfrey Chi-Fung , Jin Lijian , Li Hongyan , Sun Hongzhe
Published: December 2017

The high iron-dependence of Porphyromonas gingivalis, a major threat to oral health, inspired us to develop a fluorescence approach to mine its iron-associated proteome.
One-step selective synthesis of 2-chlorobenzonitrile from 2-chlorotoluene via ammoxidation
Authors: B. Hari Babu , T. Venkateswara Rao K. , Y. W. Suh , P. S. Sai Prasad , N. Lingaiah
Published: December 2017

Isolated and polymeric vanadia formulate V2O5/Al2O3 catalysts selective for the synthesis of 2-chlorobenzonitrile from 2-chlorotoluene in a single step through ammoxidation.
Giant gap-plasmon tip-enhanced Raman scattering of MoS2monolayers on Au nanocluster arrays
Authors: Milekhin Alexander G. , Rahaman Mahfujur , Rodyakina Ekaterina E. , Latyshev Alexander V. , Dzhagan Volodymyr M. , Zahn Dietrich R. T.
Published: December 2017

In this article, we present the results of a gap-plasmon tip-enhanced Raman scattering study of MoS2monolayers deposited on a periodic array of Au nanostructures on a silicon substrate forming a two dimensional (2D) crystal/plasmonic heterostructure.
Real-time subcellular imaging based on graphene biosensors
Authors: Sun Lixun , Zhang Yuquan , Wang Yijia , Yang Yong , Zhang Chonglei , Weng Xiaoyu , Zhu Siwei , Yuan Xiaocong
Published: December 2017

Graphene optical sensors enable the real-time observation of subcellular dynamics in living cells.
Rapid reaction of MoS2 nanosheets with Pb2+ and Pb4+ ions in solution
Authors: Mondal Biswajit , Mahendranath Ananthu , Som Anirban , Bose Sandeep , Ahuja Tripti , Kumar Avula Anil , Ghosh Jyotirmoy , Pradeep Thalappil
Published: December 2017

The reactivity of MoS2 NSs with lead ions (Pb2+ and Pb4+) in solution, leading to the same product with different morphologies, is reported.
Genetically-encoded fragment-based discovery (GE-FBD) of glycopeptide ligands with differential selectivity for antibodies related to mycobacterial infections
Authors: Chou Ying , Kitova Elena N. , Joe Maju , Brunton Richard , Lowary Todd L. , Klassen John S. , Derda Ratmir
Published: December 2017

GE-FBD discovered discriminatory antigens for antibodies (Abs) associated with Mycobacterial infections; the accurate detection of such Abs is critical for global management of tuberculosis.
Precise syntheses of structurally possible all tetrablock quaterpolymers by a methodology combining living anionic polymerization with linking chemistry using 1 : 1 addition reaction
Authors: Goseki Raita , Matsuo Yuri , Hirao Akira
Published: December 2017

A methodology combining living anionic polymerization with linking chemistry using 1 : 1 addition reaction has been developed for the syntheses of tetrablock quaterpolymers composed of A, B, C, and D blocks.
Construction of core-shell hybrid nanoparticles templated by virus-like particles
Authors: Liu A. , Yang L. , Verwegen M. , Reardon D. , Cornelissen J. J. L. M.
Published: December 2017

Catalytically active gold in silica core–shell nanoparticles are prepared by pH controlled templating on virus-like particles.
Thiourea bridged periodic mesoporous organosilica with ultra-small Pd nanoparticles for coupling reactions
Authors: Doustkhah Esmail , Rostamnia Sadegh , Imura Masataka , Ide Yusuke , Mohammadi Shiva , Hyland Christopher J. T. , You Jungmok , Tsunoji Nao , Zeynizadeh Behzad , Yamauchi Yusuke
Published: December 2017

A synthesis of thiourea-bridged mesoporous organosilica is reported.
Phase structure and dynamics of polystyrene/poly(vinyl methyl ether) blend studied using solid-state NMR
Authors: Peng Yong-jin , Liu Yu-ling , Hao Jun-hua , Zhang Rong-chun , Sun Ping-chuan
Published: December 2017

In this work, solid-state 1H NMR experiments were conducted to fully characterize the dynamic characteristics of a polystyrene/poly(vinyl methyl ether) blend with a mass ratio of 3 : 1 (PS/PVME 75/25).
Controlled synthesis of porous nitrogen-doped carbon nanoshells for highly efficient oxygen reduction
Authors: Shi Lei , Peng Peng , Xiang Zhonghua
Published: December 2017

A nitrogen-doped carbon nanoshell for highly efficient oxygen reduction.
Synthesis and kinetic resolution of substituted tetrahydroquinolines by lithiation then electrophilic quench
Authors: Carter Nicholas , Li Xiabing , Reavey Lewis , Meijer Anthony J. H. M. , Coldham Iain
Published: December 2017

Treatment of N-Boc-2-aryl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinolines with n-butyllithium in THF at −78 °C resulted in efficient lithiation at the 2-position and the organolithiums were trapped with a variety of electrophiles to give substituted products.
High-performance red phosphorus/carbon nanofibers/graphene free-standing paper anode for sodium ion batteries
Authors: Ma Xiaoxin , Chen Long , Ren Xiaohua , Hou Guangmei , Chen Lina , Zhang Le , Liu Beibei , Ai Qing , Zhang Lin , Si Pengchao , Lou Jun , Feng Jinkui , Ci Lijie
Published: December 2017

A novel flexible P/carbon nanofibers@graphene electrode, which exhibits an excellent electrochemical performance, is fabricated via a vapor-redistribution and electrospinning method.
Towards centimeter thick transparent wood through interface manipulation
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Yang Xuan , Fu Qiliang , Rojas Ramiro , Yan Min , Berglund Lars
Published: December 2017

A centimeter-thick transparent wood structure was realized through interface manipulation.
In vivotumor active cancer targeting and CT-fluorescence dual-modal imaging with nanoprobe based on gold nanorods and InP/ZnS quantum dots
Authors: Zhang Lin , Yang Xiao-Quan , An Jie , Zhao Sun-Duo , Zhao Tian-Yu , Tan Fang , Cao Yuan-Cheng , Zhao Yuan-Di
Published: December 2017

Gold nanorod, InP/ZnS QD and c(RGDfC) based multifunctional nanoprobe for dual-modal imaging of active targeting of tumorsin vivo.
Audism and Its Implications for Audiology
Authors: Wilson Jaime A. B. , Atcherson Samuel R.
Published: December 2017

Purpose

Two healthcare providers with hearing loss, one neuropsychologist, and one audiologist, explore the concept of audism and its implications within the field of audiology.

Method

Literature review and frank contemplation.

Results

The present investigation found no peer-reviewed literature on the topic of audism within the audiology discipline. Awareness of audism and its manifestations have implications for helping audiologists and other hearing healthcare professionals to improve patient satisfaction and treatment compliance.

Conclusions

Audism is the notion that one is superior based on one's ability to hear or to behave in the manner of one who hears. Strong consideration should be given to including language and cultural studies of the Deaf community within audiology graduate training curriculums. Suggestions for overcoming audism—whether intentional or unintentional—are provided along with research recommendations.
Design of a compact microwave absorber using parameter retrieval method for wireless communication applications
Authors: Jha Kumud Ranjan , Mishra Ghanshyam , Sharma Satish K.
Published: December 2017

A novel compact microwave absorber with 10 dB absorption level in 1.8–2.1 GHz frequency band for the wireless communication applications is investigated. A robust equivalent circuit (EC) model of the structure is developed and rigorously analysed using a non‐resonance constituent parameter extraction technique. The EC model and the proposed topology developed on a low‐cost FR‐4 substrate of thickness 0.048λL (λL = wavelength at lower operating frequency) have been analysed for different polarisations and are in close agreement with each other. The structure has also been experimentally verified and good agreement among analytical model, full wave simulation, and the experimental results is observed. The absorber shows the high cost‐effective bandwidth (BWCE = 81.14) in comparison to many recently reported works which proves its compactness and novelty.
Oral Cavity Infection: An Underestimated Source of Pyogenic Spondylodiscitis?
Authors: Troeltzsch Matthias , Birkenmaier Christof , Schwartz Christoph , Suchorska Bogdana , Zausinger Stefan , Romagna Alexander
Published: December 2017

Background The incidence of pyogenic spondylodiscitis is increasing; however, the source of infection often remains obscure. We analyzed predisposing factors, pathogens, and outcome of patients undergoing surgical and/or conservative treatment of spondylodiscitis with a focus on the diagnostic work-up including a comprehensive maxillofacial assessment.

Patients The analysis of prognostic factors comprised comorbidities, nicotine dependence, symptom duration, and oral cavity peculiarities. After a standardized diagnostic work-up, a detailed examination of the oral cavity was also performed. The outcome analysis included assessment of the patients' clinical status.

Results Forty-one patients with pyogenic spondylodiscitis were investigated of whom 24% had undergone spinal surgery within 4 weeks before the infection. A total of 29% of patients were found to have a concomitant bacterial oral cavity disease, and in 22% the definitive source of infection remained unidentified. Among the 12 patients with oral cavity infections, 10 patients had periodontitis; 8, root canal pathologies; 6, periapical lesions, and another 8 patients, caries. In 25% of these patients, typical oral cavity pathogens were found in the intervertebral disk. The prevalence of oral cavity infections was associated with a history of nicotine dependence (p = 0.003). All other analyzed comorbidities did not differ compared with patients without an oral cavity focus.

Conclusion Oral cavity infections appear to be a frequent source of pyogenic spondylodiscitis, with smoking its most relevant associated risk factor. In case of an unidentified infection focus, a detailed diagnostic work-up including a mandatory maxillofacial assessment is strongly recommended.
Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia and Thrombosis: Preventing your Thrombolysis Practice from Taking a HITT
Authors: Kondo Kimi , Johnson D. , Wannamaker Eric
Published: December 2017

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (HITT) is an under-recognized cause of deep venous thrombosis treatment failure and of complications during catheter-directed thrombolysis. After a review of HITT pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management, three different cases are presented in this article. Each case highlights subtleties and challenges of HITT diagnosis and management. An example of a practical approach to the diagnosis of HITT is presented.
„Das Leben ist kurz“ – Verjüngung und Unsterblichkeit aus historischer Perspektive
Authors: Schäfer Daniel
Published: December 2017

To be young and immortal: That is the dream of humanity. Medical and civilizing progress have led to a life expectancy unthinkable a few centuries ago. Physicians wonder where it will all end. And after all, does it make sense to live forever? A look back in history and literature can help to relativize (post) modern utopias.
Neue Möglichkeiten der Ischämiediagnostik: CT-FFR und CT-Perfusion
Authors: Lehmkuhl Lukas , Krieghoff Christian , Gutberlet Matthias
Published: December 2017

Zusammenfassung

Die koronare CT-Angiografie hat in den Leitlinien und in der Klinik einen immer höheren Stellenwert in der Primärdiagnostik der koronaren Herzkrankheit – mit einer hohen Sensitivität und einem hohen negativen prädiktiven Wert. Die Spezifität der Methode kann jedoch noch besser werden – z. B. mit neuen Methoden der Ischämiediagnostik wie der CT-FFR und der CT-Perfusion.
Auch zu Weihnachten keine Geschenke!
Authors: Lieb Klaus , Koch Cora
Published: December 2017

Gifts and payments from pharmaceutical manufacturers to medical doctors constitute a conflict of interest, which may lead to an undue influence on prescribing behavior. In Germany, 35 research-based pharmaceutical companies, organized in the “Verband der forschenden Arzneimittelhersteller (VfA)” paid € 562 million to medical doctors and hospitals in 2016. Of these, € 356 million were paid for clinical trials and non-interventional studies, € 105 million for sponsored presentations and CME and € 101 million went to hospitals and other organizations for sponsoring, consulting and events. This article gives a short review on the different kinds of interactions, discusses psychological mechanisms and legal aspects of accepting gifts and recommends not to accept any gifts and donations from pharmaceutical companies to avoid undue influences on prescribing behavior. There are many ways to keep up to date using independent sources of information, and independent CME-events are growing in number – examples are given.
Humor in der Medizin – Von der Kunst, über Schatten zu springen
Authors: Wild Barbara
Published: December 2017

Humor and laughter are integral parts of human life and communication – and so of course they occur in medical contacts.

Humor is defined as a personality based cognitive emotional style of processing situations, characterized by the ability to find positive aspects even in negative situations, and the ability to communicate this point of view to others and to cheer them up. Humor can support healing processes and coping with illness. Humor and jokes reduce anxiety and stress (for patients and doctors). Humorous people have a more realistic, flexible and less fearful behaviour. Humor helps to overcome negative experience. Humor can help the patient to gain new views towards the disease and a healthy distance towards occurring symptoms. Humor improves the relationship between patient and doctor. But beware: jokes can also be used to express fears, aggression or shame. Therefore it is worthwhile to listen carefully to what patients want to express. Humor reduces the risk of burnout. In contact with patients, it is important to give their humor room, to use it and respond to it, more than making jokes. Humor can be trained. Humor training and creation of a humorous atmosphere in health care facilities should also be supported by health insurance funds, institutions' sponsors and public authorities.
Movement Therapy of the Upper Extremities with a Robotic Ball in Stroke Patients: Results of a Randomized Controlled Crossover Study
Authors: Neuendorf Tilo , Zschäbitz Daniel , Nitzsche Nico , Schulz Henry
Published: December 2017

Background Stroke is associated with motor impairments of the upper extremities. The defining goal of rehabilitation is independent execution of activities of daily living. New therapy procedures use different hardware components to implement digital therapy contents. These can be useful complements to established therapy protocols.

Objectives The aim of this study was to examine the effect of movement therapy with a robotic ball on motor function parameters in stroke patients.

Materials and Methods 25 patients (60.0±10.0 years, 172.5±13.8 cm, 79.5±13.8 kg, 89.8±72.6 months post-stroke) took part in this crossover study. The intervention and control periods comprised 12 weeks each. Training with the robotic ball was done in addition to standard therapy two times a week for 45 min each. Different game activities were carried out with the help of a tablet and a smartphone.

Results Isometric grip strength improved by 4.5±3.6 kg (p=0.000), and unilateral dexterity increased by 7.5±6.3 successful tries (p=0.000) in the round block test. The self-reported disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand were assessed using the QuickDASH questionnaire and showed improvements by 12.4±13.0 points (p=0.001).

Conclusions Additional therapy using the robotic ball improved upper extremity motor function and self-perceived health status in chronic stroke patients. However, performance stagnated when standard therapy was implemented alone. Moderately affected patients seem to benefit the most. The presence of very severe motor or cognitive symptoms led, in part, to some dropouts. The results need to be verified using larger patient populations.
Telemedizin – Zeit und Fahrtkosten sparen – und die Umwelt schonen
Authors: Blaich Cornelia
Published: December 2017

Dullet NW et al. Impact of a University-Based Outpatient Telemedicine Program on Time Savings, Travel Costs, and Environmental Pollutants.
Value Health 2017; 20: 542–546

Nicht nur in ländlichen, unterversorgten Regionen, in denen Patienten der Zugang zu fachärztlicher Versorgung fehlt, stellt die
Telemedizin ein patientenorientiertes Behandlungsmodell dar, das eine qualitative ambulante Gesundheitsversorgung ermöglicht. Die
Autoren untersuchen in ihrer Studie den Einfluss der Telemedizin auf das Einsparpotenzial von Fahrtzeit, Fahrtkosten sowie
fahrtbedingten Umweltschadstoffen.
Pricing, carbon emission reduction, collection decision, and coordination in a low-carbon closed-loop supply chain
Authors: Li Hui , Wang Chuanxu , Xu Lang , Ou Wei
Published: December 2017

In this paper, we examine the influences of different game structures on the optimal decisions and performance of a low-carbon closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) with price and carbon emission level dependent market demands. We consider centralized and decentralized game theoretic models and develop two coordination mechanisms of a low-carbon CLSC with one manufacturer and one retailer. We also identify the optimal decisions of the collection level, carbon emission reduction level, and pricing under different situations, namely centralized decision, manufacturer-led, retailer-led, and Vertical Nash. It can be observed from a systematic comparison and numerical analysis that the Vertical Nash structure is the best in the levels of the carbon emission reduction, the used-product collection, the retail price, and the entire supply chain's profit under the decentralized decision. The cooperatively reducing carbon emission is positive for the carbon emission reduction and collection under a manufacturer-led structure.
Nonlinear fragile-to-strong transition in a magnetic glass system driven by magnetic field
Authors: Huo Juntao , Luo Qiang , Wang Jun-Qiang , Xu Wei , Wang Xinmin , Li Run-Wei , Yu Hai-Bin
Published: December 2017

Relaxation dynamics in nonlinear response regime have become an emerging novel tool to study the dynamics and structure of glassy materials. It provides additional insights relative to the standard linear response experiments. However, limited by inherent endurance of the materials to external fields, up to now, almost all the probed nonlinear effects are very weak. Here, strong nonlinear effects are observed in magnetic systems with disordered spins (i.e. magnetic glass). In particular, we report a pronounced fragility transition as driven by the external magnetic field as a result of nonlinear dynamic response. Such model systems provide a new platform to study the glassy dynamics with large and tunable nonlinearity.
Thermally stimulated depolarization currents and dielectric properties of Mg0.95Ca0.05TiO3 filled HDPE composites
Authors: Shi Yunzhou , Zhang Li , Zhang Jie , Yue Zhenxing
Published: December 2017

Mg0.95Ca0.05TiO3 (MCT) filled high density polyethylene (HDPE) composites were prepared by twin-screw extrusion followed by hot pressing technique. The thermally stimulated depolarization current (TSDC) measurement was performed to analyze the contribution of charge distribution and interfacial characteristics to the dielectric loss. TSDC spectra under different polarization conditions show that the introduction of ceramic fillers engenders shallow traps in the vicinity of ceramic-polymer interface, which hinders the injection of space charge from the electrode into the polymer matrix. In the composite materials applied to an external field, charges tend to be captured by these traps. The temperature dependence of relative permittivity and dielectric loss of the composites was measured, and a strong reliance of dielectric loss on temperature was observed. In the heating process, the release of charges accumulating at interfacial region is considered to contribute to the rise in dielectric loss with the increase of temperature.