bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of different dosages of propylene glycol in dry cows and cows in early lactation
Authors: Maurer Michaela , Peinhopf Walter , Gottschalk Jutta , Einspanier Almut , Koeller Gabor , Wittek Thomas
Published: September 2017

In this Research Paper we hypothesised that the temporary insulin resistance seen during the transition period in dairy cows may cause significant differences in the efficacy of PG at different sampling periods and that in some cases this effect will be dose dependent. Eighty four sampling sets were generated by studying 7 multiparous Holstein cows repeatedly at 4 sampling periods of 3 d length (dry cows: days 40, 39 and 38 antepartum; close up cows: days 10, 9 and 8 antepartum; fresh cows: days 3, 4 and 5 post-partum; lactating cows: days 38, 39 and 40 post-partum). On each of these days 3 h after morning feeding propylene glycol was drenched in different dosages of 100, 300 or 500 ml once per day (cross over study). The different doses were applied in an alternating order (Latin square). Blood samples were taken before, every 30 min up to 4 h, after 6 and 12 h after PG application. Following parameters have been measured: insulin, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), betahydroxybutyrate (BHB), bilirubin, cholesterol, potassium, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH). Revised Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index (RQUICKI) was calculated. It was found that glucose, insulin, NEFA, BHB, bilirubin and potassium concentrations were influenced differently by the three defined dosages of propylene glycol at four different sampling periods. Whereas RQUICKI, cholesterol, AST and GLDH did not differ between the sampling periods and treatments. The major results of the study are that the effect of PG is dose-dependent and that the effect of PG is depending on the time of application according to calving. It can be concluded that in fresh cows higher dosages are necessary to provoke similar effects in comparison to dry, close up and lactating cows. Although the study did not compare to topdressing of PG from the results it is reasonable to believe that bolus application of a specific PG volume is necessary to provoke the effect.
Reduced claw vacuum and b-phase during low milk flow does not impact oxytocin release and milking performance
Authors: Neuheuser Anna-Lena , Schwinn Ann-Catherine , Wellnitz Olga , Hernández-Castellano Lorenzo E. , Bruckmaier Rupert M.
Published: September 2017

Oxytocin release, milking characteristics, and teat condition were investigated with reduced claw vacuum and pulsation settings compared to milking at regular settings with or without pre-stimulation. The reduced vacuum and pulsation settings during low milk flow are expected to protect the teat tissue before the occurrence of milk ejection at the start of milking, and at the end of milking during a potential overmilking period, i.e. at a milk flow <200 g/min. Seven cows were machine-milked either after a 60 s manual pre-stimulation, or without pre-stimulation and reduced vacuum and pulsation settings, or at full vacuum and normal pulsation during the start of milking. Plasma oxytocin (OT) concentration increased similarly in response to manual pre-stimulation and to both milking with reduced, or with full vacuum and pulsation settings, however delayed by 1 min if the cluster was attached without pre-stimulation. In all treatments OT concentrations remained elevated throughout milking. Milk flow curves were mostly non-bimodal at milkings after manual pre-stimulation and bimodal at milkings without pre-stimulation. The main milking time was shorter and average milk flow was higher during milking after pre-stimulation, but did not differ between treatments without pre-stimulation. Milk yields and peak flow rates were not affected by treatments. Either reduced or full vacuum settings were again applied during an intended overmilking from 200 to 100 g/min of milk flow towards the end of milk harvest. Pre-milking teat ultrasound cross sections were recorded one day before the experiment started. Post-milking ultrasound cross sections were performed at 15 min after each experimental milking. Teat wall thickness was increased after milking as compared to pre-milking but did not differ among treatments. In conclusion, OT release and milking performance are similar if milking is performed with pre-stimulation, or without pre-stimulation but reduced claw vacuum and b-phase during low milk flow.
SOME ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS ON FORTHCOMING AMENDMENTS TO HTA IN POLAND
Authors: Zawada Anna
Published: September 2017

In reference to the article A Decade of Health Technology Assessment in Poland by I. Lipska et al. (1), I would like to provide you with some comments and additional information on the changes in reimbursement policies in the Polish healthcare system currently taking place, which is likely to lead to increased number of health technology assessments (HTAs) of medical devices (MDs).
No Minor Matter: Underage Soldiers, Parents, and the Nationalization of Habeas Corpus in Civil War America
Authors: Clarke Frances M. , Plant Rebecca Jo
Published: September 2017

In the aftermath of the Civil War, state judges lost their long-held right to inquire into the legality of federal detentions, and habeas corpus—once almost solely the business of state courts—was largely transformed into a federal remedy. We argue that the wartime furor surrounding underage enlistees was a key factor in driving this legal change. Scholarship on the use of habeas corpus during the war generally concentrates on cases involving freedom of speech or political association, but thousands of parents and guardians also petitioned Union authorities and state courts to retrieve minor children who had enlisted without their consent. Angrily demanding that the military discharge such youths, they portrayed control over the personhood and labor of minor children as fundamental to American liberty. At the same time, state court judges fought to retrain jurisdiction over such cases as a critical check on federal and military power. We illuminate these conflicts by drawing on a rich array of sources that capture the competing perspectives of federal and state court judges, Lincoln Administration officials, elected representatives, military officers, parents and guardians, and minors themselves. In the process, we show the halting and contested transformation of habeas corpus, the outcome of which ultimately redefined the relationship between American citizens and their government, preventing aggrieved parents from using state courts to safeguard their rights against federal and military authorities, and blocking state courts from querying the legality of federal detentions of any kind.
Compiling a 50-year journey
Authors: HUTTON GRAHAM , BAHR PATRICK
Published: September 2017

Fifty years ago, John McCarthy and James Painter (1967) published the first paper on compiler verification, in which they showed how to formally prove the correctness of a compiler that translates arithmetic expressions into code for a register-based machine. In this article, we revisit this example in a modern context, and show how such a compiler can now be calculated directly from a specification of its correctness using simple equational reasoning techniques.
Exposure to follicular fluid during oocyte maturation and oviductal fluid during post-maturation does not improvein vitroembryo production in the horse
Authors: Douet Cécile , Parodi Olivia , Martino Nicola Antonio , Lacalandra Giovanni Michele , Nicassio Michele , Reigner Fabrice , Deleuze Stefan , Dell'Aquila Maria Elena , Goudet Ghylène
Published: September 2017

Most wild equids and many domestic horse breeds are at risk of extinction, so there is an urgent need for genome resource banking. Embryos cryopreservation allows the preservation of genetics from male and female and is the fastest method to restore a breed. In the equine, embryo productionin vitrowould allow the production of several embryos per cycle. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is used to generate horse embryos, but it requires expensive equipment and expertise in micromanipulation, and blastocyst development rates remain low. No conventionalin vitrofertilization (IVF) technique for equine embryo production is available. The development of culture conditions able to mimic the maturation of the oocyte in preovulatory follicular fluid (pFF) and the post-maturation in oviductal fluid (OF) may improve embryo productionin vitro. Our aim was to analyse the effect ofin vitromaturation in pFF and incubation in OF onin vitromaturation of equine oocytes, fertilization using conventional IVF or ICSI, and embryo development after culture in synthetic oviductal fluid (SOF) or DMEM-F12. Oocytes collected from slaughtered mares or by ovum pick up were maturedin vitroin pFF or semi-synthetic maturation medium (MM). Thein vitromaturation, fertilization and development rates were not statistically different between pFF and MM. Afterin vitromaturation, oocytes were incubated with or without OF. Post-maturation in OF did not significantly improve the fertilization and development rates. Thus, in our study, exposure to physiological fluids for oocyte maturation and post-maturation does not improvein vitroembryo production in the horse.
Characterizing trends in fruit and vegetable intake in the USA by self-report and by supply-and-disappearance data: 2001–2014
Authors: Conrad Zach , Chui Kenneth , Jahns Lisa , Peters Christian J , Griffin Timothy S
Published: September 2017

Objective

To examine the comparability of fruit and vegetable (F&V) intake data in the USA from 2001 to 2014 between data acquired from two national data collection programmes.

Design

Cross-sectional analysis. Linear regression models estimated trends in daily per capita intake of total F&V. Pooled differences in intake of individual F&V (n109) were examined by processing form (fresh, frozen, canned, dried and juice).

Setting

What We Eat in America (WWEIA, 2001–2014) and Loss-Adjusted Food Availability data series (LAFA, 2001–2014).

Results

No temporal trends were observed in daily per capita intake of total F&V from 2001 to 2014 using WWEIA and LAFA. Modest differences between WWEIA and LAFA were observed in mean pooled intake of most individual F&V.

Conclusions

WWEIA and LAFA produced similar estimates of F&V intake. However, WWEIA may be best suited for monitoring intake at the national level because it allows for the identification of individual F&V in foods with multiple ingredients, and it is structured for sub-population analysis and covariate control. LAFA does retain advantages for other research protocols, specifically by providing the only nationally representative estimates of food losses at various points in the food system, which makes it useful for examining the adequacy of the food supply at the agricultural, retail and consumer levels.
Calcaneal Tendon Collagen Fiber Morphometry and Aging
Authors: Hadraba Daniel , Janacek Jiri , Filova Eva , Lopot Frantisek , Paesen Rik , Fanta Ondrej , Jarman Anneliese , Necas Alois , Ameloot Marcel , Jelen Karel
Published: September 2017

Fibrillar collagen in tendons and its natural development in rabbits are discussed in this paper. Achilles tendons from newborn (~7 days) to elderly (~38 months) rabbits were monitored in intact (ntendons=24) and microtome sectioned (ntendons=11) states with label-free second harmonic generation microscopy. After sectioning, the collagen fiber pattern was irregular for the younger animals and remained oriented parallel to the load axis of the tendon for the older animals. In contrast, the collagen fiber pattern in the intact samples followed the load axis for all the age groups. However, there was a significant difference in the tendon crimp pattern appearance between the age groups. The crimp amplitude (A) and wavelength (Λ) started at very low values (A=2.0±0.6 µm, Λ=19±4 µm) for the newborn animals. Both parameters increased for the sexually mature animals (>5 months old). When the animals were fully mature the amplitude decreased but the wavelength kept increasing. The results revealed that the microtome sectioning artifacts depend on the age of animals and that the collagen crimp pattern reflects the physical growth and development.
Yield and qualitative traits of sugarcane cultivated in agroforestry systems: Toward sustainable production systems
Authors: Schwerz Felipe , Elli Elvis F. , Behling Alexandre , Schmidt Denise , Caron Braulio O. , Sgarbossa Jaqueline
Published: September 2017

One of the greatest challenges in crop science worldwide is to generate a balance between crop production and environmental preservation. Agroforestry systems present promising strategies for balancing environmental health and crop production. The aim of this study was to evaluate yield components and the juice quality of five sugarcane crop years cultivated in the understory of Aleurites fordii, in two intercropping systems and a monocropping system. A field experiment was conducted from November 2011 to June 2016 in the city of Frederico Westphalen—Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Information generated in this study confirms the viability of the cultivation of sugarcane in agroforestry systems, and provides information for farmers which can be used to assist in the planning of more ideal agroforestry arrangements. Agroforestry systems should consider the benefits of both forest and cultivated plant species. In this study, A. fordii trees had greater growth in the intercrop II system; however, this system promoted reductions in sugarcane yield components due to the lowest relative amount of solar radiation intercepted by sugarcane plants. For sugarcane production, the use of an intercropping system with 12 × 12 m2 arrangements should be prioritized, because it promotes greater sugarcane yields when compared with 6 × 6 m2 intercropping systems; however, significant differences were not observed when the system (12 × 12 m2) was compared with the monocropping system for most of the analyzed variables. This study sought to provide new sustainable alternatives for farmers in order to increase the diversification of rural properties and maintain the preservation of existing agroecosystems.
Target Site–Based and Non–Target Site Based Resistance to ALS Inhibitors in Palmer Amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri)
Authors: Nakka Sridevi , Thompson Curtis R. , Peterson Dallas E. , Jugulam Mithila
Published: September 2017

Resistance to acetolactate synthase (ALS)-inhibitor herbicides due to continuous and repeated selection is widespread in many troublesome weed species, including Palmer amaranth, throughout the United States. The objective of this research was to investigate the physiological and molecular basis of resistance to ALS inhibitors in a chlorsulfuron-resistant Palmer amaranth population (KSR). Our results indicate that the KSR population exhibits a high level of resistance to chlorsulfuron compared with two known susceptible populations, MSS and KSS from Mississippi and Kansas, respectively. MSS is highly susceptible to chlorsulfuron, whereas KSS is moderately sensitive. Dose–response analysis revealed that KSR was more than 275-fold more resistant compared with KSS. Nucleotide sequence analysis of theALSgene from the plants that survived chlorsulfuron treatment revealed the possibility of evolution of both target site–based and non–target site based resistance to ALS inhibitors in the KSR population. The most common mutation (Pro-197-Ser) in theALSgene associated with resistance to the sulfonylureas in many weed species was found only in 30% of the KSR population. A preliminary malathion study showed that the remaining 70% of resistant plants might have cytochrome P450–mediated non–target site resistance. This is the first report elucidating the mechanism of resistance to ALS inhibitors in Palmer amaranth from Kansas. Presence of both target site– and non–target site based mechanisms of resistance limits the herbicide options to manage Palmer amaranth in cropping systems.
Media Priming Effect: A Preregistered Replication Experiment
Authors: Kobayashi Tetsuro , Miura Asako , Inamasu Kazunori
Published: September 2017

Iyengar et al. (1984, The Evening News and Presidential Evaluations. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 46(4): 778–87) discovered the media priming effect, positing that by drawing attention to certain issues while ignoring others, television news programs help define the standards by which presidents are evaluated. We conducted a direct replication of Experiment 1 by Iyengar et al. (1984, The Evening News and Presidential Evaluations. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 46(4): 778–87) with some changes. Specifically, we (a) collected data from Japanese undergraduates; (b) reduced the number of conditions to two; (c) used news coverage of the issue of relocating US bases in Okinawa as the treatment; (d) measured issue-specific evaluations of the Japanese Prime Minister in the pre-treatment questionnaire; and (e) performed statistical analyses that are more appropriate for testing heterogeneity in the treatment effect. We did not find statistically significant evidence of media priming. Overall, the results suggest that the effects of media priming may be quite sensitive either to the media environment or to differences in populations in which the effect has been examined.
Diese unglaubliche Müdigkeit und immer wieder abends Fieber und Kopfschmerzen
Authors: Brodsky Katharina , Oberlin Dominique , Nüesch Reto
Published: September 2017

Zusammenfassung. Wir berichten über einen 58-jährigen Patienten mit seit Monaten bestehender B-Symptomatik, rezidivierenden Fieberschüben begleitet von Kopfschmerzen und erhöhten Entzündungsparametern. In der Erstlinienabklärung ergaben sich keine eindeutigen Hinweise auf eine infektiologische oder rheumatologische Ursache, auffällig war lediglich eine mediastinale und hiläre Lymphadenopathie. Zum Ausschluss eines Malignoms wurde eine PET-CT durchgeführt, in der sich eine FDG-Aufnahme im Bereich der grossen Gefässe zeigte, passend zu einer Riesenzellarteritis. Bei eindeutigem Befund konnte auf einen Temporalarterienbiopsie verzichtet und eine Therapie mit Glukokortikoiden begonnen werden.
CME: Rationale Abklärungsstrategie bei einem Nebenniereninzidentalom
Authors: Anand Gurpreet , Beuschlein Felix , Schmid Christoph
Published: September 2017

Zusammenfassung. Nebenniereninzidentalome sind Raumforderungen der Nebenniere, welche in einer Bildgebung der Bauchregion unerwartet gefunden werden, ohne dass vorher eine zielführende Klinik und die Labordiagnostik einer Nebennierenerkrankung vorliegen und zur Bildgebung Anlass gegeben hätten. Das Inzidentalom ist keine eigenständige Diagnose. Es sollte grundsätzlich (bereits bei der Erstdiagnose) die Dignität der Raumforderung (benigne versus maligne) festgelegt und eine allfällig relevante Hormonproduktion ausgeschlossen oder nachgewiesen werden. Bei hormoninaktiven Tumoren sowie bei morphologisch eindeutig benignen Tumoren (Dichte <10 Hounsfield-Einheiten, Grösse <4 cm) kann auf eine weitere Nachsorge verzichtet werden, falls auch im Verlauf keine klinischen Verdachtsmomente hinzukommen. Bei unklaren und komplexen Fällen sollte die geeignete Nachsorge in einem interdisziplinären Tumorboard besprochen werden. Wenn die Indikation für eine Operation gestellt wird (z.B. hormonaktive Tumoren, maligne Raumforderung <6 cm ohne Hinweise auf Lokalinvasion), kann diese in einem spezialisierten Zentrum meist laparoskopisch (inkl. retroperitoneoskopisch) erfolgen.
Modeling somatic and dendritic spike mediated plasticity at the single neuron and network level
Authors: Bono Jacopo , Clopath Claudia
Published: September 2017

Synaptic plasticity is thought to be the principal neuronal mechanism underlying learning. Models of plastic networks typically combine point neurons with spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP) as the learning rule. However, a point neuron does not capture the local non-linear processing of synaptic inputs allowed for by dendrites. Furthermore, experimental evidence suggests that STDP is not the only learning rule available to neurons. By implementing biophysically realistic neuron models, we study how dendrites enable multiple synaptic plasticity mechanisms to coexist in a single cell. In these models, we compare the conditions for STDP and for synaptic strengthening by local dendritic spikes. We also explore how the connectivity between two cells is affected by these plasticity rules and by different synaptic distributions. Finally, we show that how memory retention during associative learning can be prolonged in networks of neurons by including dendrites.
Dynamics of hybrid switching DS-I-A epidemic model
Authors: Liu Songnan , Jiang Daqing , Xu Xiaojie , Hayat Tasawar , Ahmad Bashir
Published: September 2017

In this paper, we investigate a stochastic hybrid switching DS-I-A epidemic model. The extinction and the prevalence of the disease are discussed, and so, the threshold is given. Furthermore, the sufficient conditions for the existence of positive recurrence of the solutions are established by stochastic Lyapunov functions. At last, some examples and simulations are provided to illustrate our results.
Minimal Holocene retreat of large tidewater glaciers in Køge Bugt, southeast Greenland
Authors: Dyke Laurence M. , Andresen Camilla S. , Seidenkrantz Marit-Solveig , Hughes Anna L. C. , Hiemstra John F. , Murray Tavi , Bjørk Anders A. , Sutherland David A. , Vermassen Flor
Published: September 2017

Køge Bugt, in southeast Greenland, hosts three of the largest glaciers of the Greenland Ice Sheet; these have been major contributors to ice loss in the last two decades. Despite its importance, the Holocene history of this area has not been investigated. We present a 9100 year sediment core record of glaciological and oceanographic changes from analysis of foraminiferal assemblages, the abundance of ice-rafted debris, and sortable silt grain size data. Results show that ice-rafted debris accumulated constantly throughout the core; this demonstrates that glaciers in Køge Bugt remained in tidewater settings throughout the last 9100 years. This observation constrains maximum Holocene glacier retreat here to less than 6 km from present-day positions. Retreat was minimal despite oceanic and climatic conditions during the early-Holocene that were at least as warm as the present-day. The limited Holocene retreat of glaciers in Køge Bugt was controlled by the subglacial topography of the area; the steeply sloping bed allowed glaciers here to stabilise during retreat. These findings underscore the need to account for individual glacier geometry when predicting future behaviour. We anticipate that glaciers in Køge Bugt will remain in stable configurations in the near-future, despite the predicted continuation of atmospheric and oceanic warming.
Crystal structure of an ASCH protein from Zymomonas mobilis and its ribonuclease activity specific for single-stranded RNA
Authors: Kim Bo-Na , Shin Minsang , Ha Sung Chul , Park Suk-Youl , Seo Pil-Won , Hofmann Andreas , Kim Jeong-Sun
Published: September 2017

Activating signal cointegrator-1 homology (ASCH) domains were initially reported in human as a part of the ASC-1 transcriptional regulator, a component of a putative RNA-interacting protein complex; their presence has now been confirmed in a wide range of organisms. Here, we have determined the trigonal and monoclinic crystal structures of an ASCH domain-containing protein from Zymomonas mobilis (ZmASCH), and analyzed the structural determinants of its nucleic acid processing activity. The protein has a central β-barrel structure with several nearby α-helices. Positively charged surface patches form a cleft that runs through the pocket formed between the β-barrel and the surrounding α-helices. We further demonstrate by means of in vitro assays that ZmASCH binds nucleic acids, and degrades single-stranded RNAs in a magnesium ion-dependent manner with a cleavage preference for the phosphodiester bond between the pyrimidine and adenine nucleotides. ZmASCH also removes a nucleotide at the 5′-end. Mutagenesis studies, guided by molecular dynamics simulations, confirmed that three residues (Tyr47, Lys53, and Ser128) situated in the cleft contribute to nucleic acid-binding and RNA cleavage activities. These structural and biochemical studies imply that prokaryotic ASCH may function to control the cellular RNA amount.
Human iPSC disease modelling reveals functional and structural defects in retinal pigment epithelial cells harbouring the m.3243A > G mitochondrial DNA mutation
Authors: Chichagova Valeria , Hallam Dean , Collin Joseph , Buskin Adriana , Saretzki Gabriele , Armstrong Lyle , Yu-Wai-Man Patrick , Lako Majlinda , Steel David H.
Published: September 2017

The m.3243A > G mitochondrial DNA mutation was originally described in patients with mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes. The phenotypic spectrum of the m.3243A > G mutation has since expanded to include a spectrum of neuromuscular and ocular manifestations, including reduced vision with retinal degeneration, the underlying mechanism of which remains unclear. We used dermal fibroblasts, from patients with retinal pathology secondary to the m.3243A > G mutation to generate heteroplasmic induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) clones. RPE cells differentiated from these hiPSCs contained morphologically abnormal mitochondria and melanosomes, and exhibited marked functional defects in phagocytosis of photoreceptor outer segments. These findings have striking similarities to the pathological abnormalities reported in RPE cells studied from post-mortem tissues of affected m.3243A > G mutation carriers. Overall, our results indicate that RPE cells carrying the m.3243A > G mutation have a reduced ability to perform the critical physiological function of phagocytosis. Aberrant melanosomal morphology may potentially have consequences on the ability of the cells to perform another important protective function, namely absorption of stray light. Our in vitro cell model could prove a powerful tool to further dissect the complex pathophysiological mechanisms that underlie the tissue specificity of the m.3243A > G mutation, and importantly, allow the future testing of novel therapeutic agents.
Detecting a Surprisingly Low Transmission Distance in the Early Phase of the 2009 Influenza Pandemic
Authors: Marziano Valentina , Pugliese Andrea , Merler Stefano , Ajelli Marco
Published: September 2017

The spread of the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic in England was characterized by two major waves of infections: the first one was highly spatially localized (mainly in the London area), while the second one spread homogeneously through the entire country. The reasons behind this complex spatiotemporal dynamics have yet to be clarified. In this study, we perform a Bayesian analysis of five models entailing different hypotheses on the possible determinants of the observed pattern. We find a consensus among all models in showing a surprisingly low transmission distance (defined as the geographic distance between the place of residence of the infectors and her/his infectees) during the first wave: about 1.5 km (2.2 km if infections linked to household and school transmission are excluded). The best-fitting model entails a change in human activity regarding contacts not related to household and school. By using this model we estimate that the transmission distance sharply increased to 5.3 km (10 km when excluding infections linked to household and school transmission) during the second wave. Our study reveals a possible explanation for the observed pattern and highlights the need of better understanding human mobility and activity patterns under the pressure posed by a pandemic threat.
Structural and transport properties of ammonia along the principal Hugoniot
Authors: Li Dafang , Wang Cong , Yan Jun , Fu Zhen-Guo , Zhang Ping
Published: September 2017

We investigate, via quantum molecular dynamics simulations, the structural and transport properties of ammonia along the principal Hugoniot for temperatures up to 10 eV and densities up to 2.6 g/cm3. With the analysis of the molecular dynamics trajectories by use of the bond auto-correlation function, we identify three distinct pressure-temperature regions for local chemical structures of ammonia. We derive the diffusivity and viscosity of strong correlated ammonia with high accuracy through fitting the velocity and stress-tensor autocorrelation functions with complex functional form which includes structures and multiple time scales. The statistical error of the transport properties is estimated. It is shown that the diffusivity and viscosity behave in a distinctly different manner at these three regimes and thus present complex features. In the molecular fluid regime, the hydrogen atoms have almost the similar diffusivity as nitrogen and the viscosity is dominated by the kinetic contribution. When entering into the mixture regime, the transport behavior of the system remarkably changes due to the stronger ionic coupling, and the viscosity is determined to decrease gradually and achieve minimum at about 2.0 g/cm3 on the Hugoniot. In the plasma regime, the hydrogen atoms diffuse at least twice as fast as the nitrogen atoms.
North Atlantic controls on wintertime warm extremes and aridification trends in the Middle East
Authors: Kumar Kondapalli Niranjan , Molini Annalisa , Ouarda Taha B. M. J. , Rajeevan Madhavan Nair
Published: September 2017

The Middle East is one of the most water stressed regions in the world, receiving the majority of its hydrological input during the winter, in the form of highly variable and scattered precipitation. The persistence of wintertime anticyclonic conditions over the region can deflect storm tracks and result in extended spells of exceptionally hot weather, favoring prolonged droughts and posing a major threat to the already fragile hydrological equilibrium of the Middle East. Despite their potential impacts on water-security, winter warm spells (WWS’s) have received far less attention than their summer counterparts, and the climatic drivers leading to WWS’s onset are still largely unexplored. Here, we investigate their relationship with the internal modes of variability in the Atlantic Ocean, already known to influence winter circulation and extremes in Eurasia and Northern America. We show that the occurrence of WWS’s is strongly correlated with Atlantic variability over decadal time scales. To explain this correlation, we propose a teleconnection mechanism linking Atlantic variability to WWS’s via the propagation of Rossby waves from the North Atlantic pool, and the mediation of the Mediterranean circulation – thereby providing a basis to better predict future warming and aridification trends in the Middle East.
Astragaloside II promotes intestinal epithelial repair by enhancing L-arginine uptake and activating the mTOR pathway
Authors: Lee Shih-Yu , Tsai Wei-Cheng , Lin Jung-Chun , Ahmetaj-Shala Blerina , Huang Su-Feng , Chang Wen-Liang , Chang Tsu-Chung
Published: September 2017

Astragaloside II (AS II) extracted from Astragalus membranaceus has been reported to promote tissue wound repair. However, the effect of AS II on inflammatory bowel disease is unknown. We investigated the effects and mechanism of AS II on intestinal wound healing in both in vitro and in vivo models. Human intestinal Caco-2 cells were treated with multiple concentrations of AS II to assess cell proliferation, scratch wound closure, L-arginine uptake, cationic amino acid transporter activity, and activation of the mTOR signaling pathway. These effects were also measured in a mouse model of colitis. AS II promoted wound closure and increased cell proliferation, L-arginine uptake, CAT1 and CAT2 protein levels, total protein synthesis, and phosphorylation of mTOR, S6K, and 4E-BP1 in Caco-2 cells. These effects were suppressed by lysine or rapamycin treatment, suggesting that the enhanced arginine uptake mediates AS II-induced wound healing. Similar results were also observed in vivo. Our findings indicate that AS II can contribute to epithelial barrier repair following intestinal injury, and may offer a therapeutic avenue in treating irritable bowel disease.
Heritability of siesta and night-time sleep as continuously assessed by a circadian-related integrated measure
Authors: Lopez-Minguez J. , Morosoli J. J. , Madrid J. A. , Garaulet M. , Ordoñana J. R.
Published: September 2017

Siesta is a relevant aspect of sleep due to its posited relationship with health or cognitive function. However, unlike night-time sleep, studies about daytime-sleep determinants and characteristics are scarce, and the genetic/environmental structure of siesta is still unknown. Our aim was to explore the relative contribution of genetic and environmental factors to variation in sleep-wake rhythm, measured by a continuous assessment of temperature-activity-position (TAP), which allows for diurnal sleep analysis. The sample comprised 53 pairs of female twins (28 MZ and 25 DZ), selected from the Murcia Twin Register. Mean age of participants was 52 (SD: 6.03). Zygosity was determined by DNA. We conducted separate univariate analyses to study the sources of variance of daytime and night-time sleep parameters. About 60% of the sample reported to take siesta at least once a week. Heritability of taking siesta and daytime sleep duration was 65 and 61% respectively. Other sleep parameters obtained by TAP showed heritability estimates between 36 and 69%, suggesting a relevant impact of genetic factors on sleep rhythm. This is the first study to investigate the relative contribution of genetic factors to siesta. By using TAP, we introduce a novel approach to the study of diurnal sleep characteristics.
Optical tweezing and binding at high irradiation powers on black-Si
Authors: Shoji Tatsuya , Mototsuji Ayaka , Balčytis Armandas , Linklater Denver , Juodkazis Saulius , Tsuboi Yasuyuki
Published: September 2017

Nowadays, optical tweezers have undergone explosive developments in accordance with a great progress of lasers. In the last decade, a breakthrough brought optical tweezers into the nano-world, overcoming the diffraction limit. This is called plasmonic optical tweezers (POT). POT are powerful tools used to manipulate nanomaterials. However, POT has several practical issues that need to be overcome. First, it is rather difficult to fabricate plasmonic nanogap structures regularly and rapidly at low cost. Second, in many cases, POT suffers from thermal effects (Marangoni convection and thermophoresis). Here, we propose an alternative approach using a nano-structured material that can enhance the optical force and be applied to optical tweezers. This material is metal-free black silicon (MFBS), the plasma etched nano-textured Si. We demonstrate that MFBS-based optical tweezers can efficiently manipulate small particles by trapping and binding. The advantages of MFBS-based optical tweezers are: (1) simple fabrication with high uniformity over wafer-sized areas, (2) free from thermal effects detrimental for trapping, (3) switchable trapping between one and two - dimensions, (4) tight trapping because of no detrimental thermal forces. This is the NON-PLASMONIC optical tweezers.
A Printed Multicomponent Paper Sensor for Bacterial Detection
Authors: Ali M. Monsur , Brown Christine L. , Jahanshahi-Anbuhi Sana , Kannan Balamurali , Li Yingfu , Filipe Carlos D. M. , Brennan John D.
Published: September 2017

We present a simple all-in-one paper-based sensor forE. colidetection using a composite ink made of a fluorogenic DNAzyme probe for bacterial recognition and signal generation, lysozyme that lyses whole bacterial cells, and pullulan/trehalose sugars that stabilize printed bioactive molecules. The paper sensor is capable of producing a fluorescence signal as a readout within 5 minutes upon contactingE. coli, can achieve a limit of detection of 100 cells/mL, in a variety of sample matrixes, without sample enrichment, and remains stable for at least 6 months when stored at ambient temperature. Therefore, this simple paper sensor provides rapid bacterial testing on site, and can be shipped and stored under ambient conditions to benefit users living in resource-limited regions.
Correction: Corrigendum: Bcl6 Sets a Threshold for Antiviral Signaling by Restraining IRF7 Transcriptional Program
Authors: Xu Feng , Kang Yanhua , Zhuang Ningtong , Lu Zhe , Zhang Hang , Xu Dakang , Ding Yina , Yin Hongping , Shi Liyun
Published: September 2017

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 18778; published online: 05 January 2016; updated: 20 September 2017. During the preparation of the figures for this Article, some of the panels were misassembled in the main figures and in the Supplementary Information. The corrected figures are published below, and the corrected Supplementary Information file is appended.
Development of an indicator for the direct visualization of radical intermediates in organic reactions
Authors: Yao Qiuli , Li Chao-Jun
Published: September 2017

A color-indicator based on a derivative of rhodamine amide was developed for the detection of radical intermediates in organic reactions.
Enhanced detection of explosives by turn-on resonance Raman upon host–guest complexation in solution and the solid state
Authors: Witlicki Edward H. , Bähring Steffen , Johnsen Carsten , Solano Marta V. , Nielsen Kent A. , Silverstein Daniel W. , Marlatt Craig W. , Jensen Lasse , Jeppesen Jan O. , Flood Amar H.
Published: September 2017

Being colour coordinated allows turn on detection of nitroaromatics by combining molecular recognition with resonant enhancement of the Raman spectra.
Fluorescent and cooperative ion pair receptor based on tolan for Na+ (or Li+) and HSO4−: logic AND gate
Authors: Shin June-Ho , Hong Jung-Ho , Ko Min-Sung , Cho Dong-Gyu
Published: September 2017

A tolan derivative was synthesized as a fluorescent and cooperative ion pair receptor.
Counting crystal clusters – a neutron reflectometry study of calcium phosphate nano-cluster adsorption at the air–liquid Interface
Authors: Shahlori R. , Waterhouse G. I. N. , Darwish T. A. , Nelson A. R. J. , McGillivray D. J.
Published: September 2017

An 11 Å mineral film above a dense prenucleation cluster subphase is shown to be the structure of the early stage of calcium phosphate nucleation from a simulated body fluid.
Synthesis of a partially fluorinated ZIF-8 analog for ethane/ethene separation
Authors: Mondal Suvendu Sekhar , Hovestadt Maximilian , Dey Subarna , Paula Carolin , Glomb Sebastian , Kelling Alexandra , Schilde Uwe , Janiak Christoph , Hartmann Martin , Holdt Hans-Jürgen
Published: September 2017

ZIF-318, isostructural to ZIF-8 but built from the mixed linkers of 2-methylimidazole and 2-trifluoromethylimidazole can be activated for gases sorption and the separation of ethane/ethene mixtures.
Diverse coordination polymers from a new bent dipyridyl-type ligand 3,6-di(pyridin-4-yl)-9H-carbazole
Authors: Tian Xiao-Yun , Zhou Hao-Long , Fang Xin , Mo Zong-Wen , Xu Yan-Tong , Zhou Dong-Dong , Zhang Jie-Peng
Published: September 2017

In the presence of different anions, Zn(ii) and a new bent dipyridyl-type ligand self-assemble to form unique structures.
The promotion effects of thionation and isomerization on charge carrier mobility in naphthalene diimide crystals
Authors: Zheng Daoyuan , Zhang Mingxing , Zhao Guangjiu
Published: September 2017

Herein, the promotion effects of thionation and isomerization on the carrier mobility properties of naphthalene diimide and thionated naphthalene diimide crystals were investigated in detail based on the Marcus–Hush theory and quantum-chemical calculations.
A DFT study on the mechanism of photoselective catalytic reduction of 4-bromobenzaldehyde in different solvents employing an OH-defected TiO2 cluster model
Authors: Gan Hanlin , Peng Liang , Gu Feng Long
Published: September 2017

A photoselective catalytic reduction mechanism of 4-bromobenzaldehyde in acetonitrile and ethanol was proposed by employing a Ti3O9H6 cluster to represent TiO2 surfaces.
Study of the interaction between cisplatin and the Au18(SR)14 cluster: in search of an appropriate cisplatin carrier
Authors: Palacios-Álvarez O. , Tlahuice-Flores A.
Published: September 2017

Cisplatin is a well known anti-cancer drug and considered as essential by the World Health Organization. This work has determined that the Au18(SR)14 cluster is a candidate to carry cisplatin molecules.
Effects of H+ and OH− on H2O as probed by the 1-propanol probing methodology: differential thermodynamic approach
Authors: Koga Yoshikata , Miki Kumiko , Nishikawa Keiko
Published: September 2017

Two-dimensional characterization map of H+ and OH−, together with other ions.
Chemistry and engineering of cyclodextrins for molecular imaging
Authors: Lai Wing-Fu , Rogach Andrey L. , Wong Wing-Tak
Published: September 2017

Cyclodextrins (CDs) are naturally occurring cyclic oligosaccharides that show favourable properties for probe design and development.
A serving of blueberry (V. corymbosum) acutely improves peripheral arterial dysfunction in young smokers and non-smokers: two randomized, controlled, crossover pilot studies
Authors: Del Bo’ Cristian , Deon Valeria , Campolo Jonica , Lanti Claudia , Parolini Marina , Porrini Marisa , Klimis-Zacas Dorothy , Riso Patrizia
Published: September 2017

The consumption of a blueberry portion (300 g) temporarily reversed the impairment in arterial function in smokers and non-smokers.
Anthocyanin profile, antioxidant activity and enzyme inhibiting properties of blueberry and cranberry juices: a comparative study
Authors: Cásedas Guillermo , Les Francisco , Gómez-Serranillos María Pilar , Smith Carine , López Víctor
Published: September 2017

Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) and blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) juices are commonly consumed as a source of antioxidants.
Electrochemical behaviour of several penicillins at high potential
Authors: Feier B. , Ionel I. , Cristea C. , Săndulescu R.
Published: September 2017

Successful penicillin detection on a boron-doped diamond electrode from real environmental, biomedical and pharmaceutical samples by DPV and flow analysis.
A novel iodination-triggered competitive coordination mechanism: indirect detection of Hg2+and I−using a simple copillar[5]arene-based fluorometric sensor
Authors: Chen Jin-Fa , Cheng Xiao-Bin , Li Hui , Han Bing-Bing , Lin Qi , Zhang You-Ming , Yao Hong , Wei Tai-Bao
Published: September 2017

Proposed mechanism for the detection of Hg2+and I−byDBP5.
Formation domain of SDA-free Y faujasite small crystals
Authors: Borel M. , Dodin M. , Daou T. J. , Bats N. , Patarin J.
Published: September 2017

The ternary phase diagram shows that the domain for obtaining Y faujasite small crystals is very narrow.
Hierarchical flower like double-layer superhydrophobic films fabricated on AZ31 for corrosion protection and self-cleaning
Authors: Wu Cuiqing , Liu Qi , Liu Jingyuan , Chen Rongrong , Takahashi Kazunobu , Liu Lianhe , Li Rumin , Liu Peili , Wang Jun
Published: September 2017

The designed sample is prepared by self-assembly of octadecyltrichlorosilane and deposition of ferric stearate, and the contact angle is 160°.
Impact of linker between triazolyluracil and phenanthridine on recognition of DNA and RNA. Recognition of uracil-containing RNA
Authors: Saftić Dijana , Radić Stojković Marijana , Žinić Biserka , Glavaš-Obrovac Ljubica , Jukić Marijana , Piantanida Ivo , Tumir Lidija-Marija
Published: September 2017

A phenanthridine-triazolyluracilyl multifunctional ligand, linked by a lysine–glycine peptide, binds to poly rA–poly rU with micromolar affinity and selective fluorescence response.
Synergistic antiviral effect of curcumin functionalized graphene oxide against respiratory syncytial virus infection
Authors: Yang Xiao Xi , Li Chun Mei , Li Yuan Fang , Wang Jian , Huang Cheng Zhi
Published: September 2017

A β-cyclodextrin functionalized graphene oxide and curcumin composite was developed with excellent antiviral activity against the respiratory syncytial virus.
Tuning reaction products by constrained optimisation
Authors: Walker Barnaby E. , Bannock James H. , Nightingale Adrian M. , deMello John C.
Published: September 2017

An effective means of defining optimisation criteria for self-optimising criteria is described, applicable to situations where a compromise is sought between several competing objectives.
Supramolecular chirality of amphiphilic block copolymer films made through two steps: self-assembling first, and then solution coating
Authors: Wang Yingjue , Zhang Zhenzhen , Gao Yanggang , Zou Gang , Zhang Qijin
Published: September 2017

Supramolecular chiral films made though two steps (self-assembling first and then solution coating) have enantioselective adsorption ability.
Interfacial and structural characteristics of polyelectrolyte multilayers used as cushions for supported lipid bilayers
Authors: Wlodek M. , Kolasinska-Sojka M. , Wasilewska M. , Bikondoa O. , Briscoe W. H. , Warszynski P.
Published: September 2017

The surface properties of polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs) obtained via sequential adsorption of oppositely charged polyions from their solutions and used as cushions for supported lipid bilayers were investigated.
Photo-induced fabrication of Ag nanowire circuitry for invisible, ultrathin, conformable pressure sensors
Authors: Han Chul Jong , Park Bum-Geun , Suk Oh Min , Jung Seung-Boo , Kim Jong-Woong
Published: September 2017

An ultrathin, transparent and stretch-compatible (up to 100% strain) pressure sensitive capacitor was achieved by developing a novel photo-induced patterning of silver nanowire networks deposited on a 1.4 μm thick polyethylene terephthalate sheet.
(2-Methylpiperidine)PbI3: an ABX3-type organic–inorganic hybrid chain compound and its semiconducting nanowires with photoconductive properties
Authors: Wu Zhenyue , Ji Chengmin , Wang Sasa , Zhang Weichuan , Wang Yuyin , Li Lina , Zhao Sangen , Sun Zhihua , Luo Junhua
Published: September 2017

Organic–inorganic hybrid semiconducting NWs based on an ABX3-type 1D chain compound show photoconductive properties.
Robust attitude tracking with exponential convergence
Authors: Liu Yicheng , Zhang Tao , Li Chengxin , Liang Bin
Published: September 2017

This study addresses robust attitude tracking of a spacecraft without unwinding by considering external disturbances and uncertain inertia parameters. Quaternion is used to represent the relative attitude for attitude tracking, thus the closed‐loop system has two equilibria. A desired equilibrium is determined from them according to the sign of the initial relative attitude quaternion such that less rotation is required for attitude tracking. A backstepping scheme based on similar skew‐symmetric structure is adopted to design the attitude controller. Two compensation terms are introduced to deal with the uncertainties. A parametric condition is provided to guarantee that the attitude tracking has an exponentially convergent speed without unwinding. The related parametric regulation is addressed for response speed, robustness and disturbance attenuation. It is shown that arbitrarily fast response and any specified tracking precision can both be achieved by regulating the related parameters of the proposed controller. Compared with the related research, a variable gain term is included in the proposed controller. Accordingly, the controller has relatively slower gain in the system response, thus large control amplitude is avoided. Furthermore, the controller has much higher gain in the steady state such that much higher control precision can be obtained for a given control amplitude when compared with other attitude tracking controllers. Simulations are carried out to validate the effectiveness of the proposed attitude controller.