bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Absence of Claudin 11 in CNS Myelin Perturbs Behavior and Neurotransmitter Levels in Mice
Authors: Maheras Kathleen J. , Peppi Marcello , Ghoddoussi Farhad , Galloway Matthew P. , Perrine Shane A. , Gow Alexander
Published: February 2018

Neuronal origins of behavioral disorders have been examined for decades to construct frameworks for understanding psychiatric diseases and developing useful therapeutic strategies with clinical application. Despite abundant anecdotal evidence for white matter etiologies, including altered tractography in neuroimaging and diminished oligodendrocyte-specific gene expression in autopsy studies, mechanistic data demonstrating that dysfunctional myelin sheaths can cause behavioral deficits and perturb neurotransmitter biochemistry have not been forthcoming. At least in part, this impasse stems from difficulties in identifying model systems free of degenerative pathology to enable unambiguous assessment of neuron biology and behavior in a background of myelin dysfunction. Herein we examine myelin mutant mice lacking expression of the Claudin11 gene in oligodendrocytes and characterize two behavioral endophenotypes: perturbed auditory processing and reduced anxiety/avoidance. Importantly, these behaviors are associated with increased transmission time along myelinated fibers as well as glutamate and GABA neurotransmitter imbalances in auditory brainstem and amygdala, in the absence of neurodegeneration. Thus, our findings broaden the etiology of neuropsychiatric disease to include dysfunctional myelin, and identify a preclinical model for the development of novel disease-modifying therapies.
New thin-film surface electrode array enables brain mapping with high spatial acuity in rodents
Authors: Konerding W. S. , Froriep U. P. , Kral A. , Baumhoff P.
Published: February 2018

In neuroscience, single-shank penetrating multi-electrode arrays are standard for sequentially sampling several cortical sites with high spatial and temporal resolution, with the disadvantage of neuronal damage. Non-penetrating surface grids used in electrocorticography (ECoG) permit simultaneous recording of multiple cortical sites, with limited spatial resolution, due to distance to neuronal tissue, large contact size and high impedances. Here we compared new thin-film parylene C ECoG grids, covering the guinea pig primary auditory cortex, with simultaneous recordings from penetrating electrode array (PEAs), inserted through openings in the grid material. ECoG grid local field potentials (LFP) showed higher response thresholds and amplitudes compared to PEAs. They enabled, however, fast and reliable tonotopic mapping of the auditory cortex (place-frequency slope: 0.7 mm/octave), with tuning widths similar to PEAs. The ECoG signal correlated best with supragranular layers, exponentially decreasing with cortical depth. The grids also enabled recording of multi-unit activity (MUA), yielding several advantages over LFP recordings, including sharper frequency tunings. ECoG first spike latency showed highest similarity to superficial PEA contacts and MUA traces maximally correlated with PEA recordings from the granular layer. These results confirm high quality of the ECoG grid recordings and the possibility to collect LFP and MUA simultaneously.
Associative properties of structural plasticity based on firing rate homeostasis in recurrent neuronal networks
Authors: Gallinaro Júlia V. , Rotter Stefan
Published: February 2018

Correlation-based Hebbian plasticity is thought to shape neuronal connectivity during development and learning, whereas homeostatic plasticity would stabilize network activity. Here we investigate another, new aspect of this dichotomy: Can Hebbian associative properties also emerge as a network effect from a plasticity rule based on homeostatic principles on the neuronal level? To address this question, we simulated a recurrent network of leaky integrate-and-fire neurons, in which excitatory connections are subject to a structural plasticity rule based on firing rate homeostasis. We show that a subgroup of neurons develop stronger within-group connectivity as a consequence of receiving stronger external stimulation. In an experimentally well-documented scenario we show that feature specific connectivity, similar to what has been observed in rodent visual cortex, can emerge from such a plasticity rule. The experience-dependent structural changes triggered by stimulation are long-lasting and decay only slowly when the neurons are exposed again to unspecific external inputs.
Super anticorrosion of aluminized steel by a controlled Mg supply
Authors: Jeong Jae In , Yang Ji Hoon , Jung Jae Hun , Lee Kyung Hwang , Kim Hye Jeong , Jung Yong Hwa , Kim Tae Yeob , Lee Myeong Hoon , Hwang Sung Hwa , Wu Ping , Kim Jae-Hun , Kim Sang Sub
Published: February 2018

The current anticorrosion strategy makes use of coatings to passively protect the steel, which faces increasing challenge due to the tightened environmental regulations and high cost. This paper reports a new method for achieving a super anticorrosion function in Al-Si alloys through Mg nano-metallurgy, which was characterized by real-time synchrotron measurements. The unique function is based on the formation of an amorphous and self-charge-compensated MgAl2O4-SiO2 phase between the grain boundaries to help prevent the penetration of oxygen species through the grain boundaries. Through this, the corrosion resistance of pristine aluminized steel could be improved almost 20 fold. An analysis of the phases, microstructures of the Mg-coated aluminized layer and corrosion products consistently supported the proposed mechanism. This charge-compensated corrosion resistance mechanism provides novel insight into corrosion resistance.
Rapid Detection of Zika Virus in Urine Samples and Infected Mosquitos by Reverse Transcription-Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification
Authors: Lamb Laura E. , Bartolone Sarah N. , Tree Maya O. , Conway Michael J. , Rossignol Julien , Smith Christopher P. , Chancellor Michael B.
Published: February 2018

Infection with Zika virus (ZIKV) is of growing concern since infection is associated with the development of congenital neurological disease. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) has been the standard for ZIKV detection; however, Reverse Transcription Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (RT-LAMP) may allow for faster and cheaper testing. Studies have suggested that ZIKV detection in urine is more sensitive and has a longer window of detection compared to serum and saliva. The objective of this study was to develop a urine diagnostic test that could be completed in under 30 minutes. Urine samples spiked with ZIKV or dengue virus were tested using RT-LAMP as well as by conventional quantitative qRT-PCR. These techniques were then validated using crude lysates made from ZIKV infected mosquitoes in addition to urine and serum samples from ZIKV infected patients. RT-LAMP specifically detected ZIKV in urine and serum for ZIKV infected patients and crude mosquito lysates. This test was performed in under 30 minutes and did not require RNA extraction from urine nor mosquitos. This approach could be used for monitoring of exposed individuals, especially pregnant women, couples wanting to conceive, or individuals with suspicious symptoms as well as surveillance of mosquito populations.
The right inferior frontal gyrus processes nested non-local dependencies in music
Authors: Cheung Vincent K. M. , Meyer Lars , Friederici Angela D. , Koelsch Stefan
Published: February 2018

Complex auditory sequences known as music have often been described as hierarchically structured. This permits the existence of non-local dependencies, which relate elements of a sequence beyond their temporal sequential order. Previous studies in music have reported differential activity in the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) when comparing regular and irregular chord-transitions based on theories in Western tonal harmony. However, it is unclear if the observed activity reflects the interpretation of hierarchical structure as the effects are confounded by local irregularity. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we found that violations to non-local dependencies in nested sequences of three-tone musical motifs in musicians elicited increased activity in the right IFG. This is in contrast to similar studies in language which typically report the left IFG in processing grammatical syntax. Effects of increasing auditory working demands are moreover reflected by distributed activity in frontal and parietal regions. Our study therefore demonstrates the role of the right IFG in processing non-local dependencies in music, and suggests that hierarchical processing in different cognitive domains relies on similar mechanisms that are subserved by domain-selective neuronal subpopulations.
Characterization of Exosomal SLC22A5 (OCTN2) carnitine transporter
Authors: Console Lara , Scalise Mariafrancesca , Tonazzi Annamaria , Giangregorio Nicola , Indiveri Cesare
Published: February 2018

Exosomes are extracellular vesicles involved in cell-to-cell communication. Previous large scale proteomics revealed that they contain SLC proteins. However, no data on the function of exosomal SLCs is available, so far. An SLC localized in exosomes was here characterized for the first time: the carnitine transporter OCTN2 (SLC22A5). The protein was detected by Western Blot analysis in HEK293 exosomes. To investigate the functional properties of the exosomal OCTN2, the proteins extracted from vesicles were reconstituted into proteolipsomes and the transport function was measured as uptake of 3H-carnitine. Transport was stimulated by sodium and was dependent on pH. 3H-carnitine uptake was inhibited by Acetyl-carnitine, but not by Asn, Gln and Arg thus excluding interference by ATB0,+, an amino acid transporter which also recognizes carnitine. Cardiolipin failed to stimulate transport, excluding the activity of the mitochondrial Carnitine/acylcarnitine transporter. Increased level of exosomal OCTN2 was induced by treatment of HEK293 with the pro-inflammatory cytokine INFγ. All data concurred to demonstrate that OCTN2 present in exosomes is fully functional and is in its native conformation. Functional OCTN2 was detected also in human urinary exosomes, thus suggesting the OCTN2 exosomal protein as a candidate biomarker for inflammation related pathologies.
Evaluation of a Pretargeting Strategy for Molecular Imaging of the Prostate Stem Cell Antigen with a Single Chain Antibody
Authors: Tienken Lena , Drude Natascha , Schau Isabell , Winz Oliver H. , Temme Achim , Weinhold Elmar , Mottaghy Felix M. , Morgenroth Agnieszka
Published: February 2018

In pretargeted radio-immunotherapy, the gradual administration of a non-radioactive tumor antigen-addressing antibody-construct and the subsequent application of a radioactive labeled, low molecular weight substance enable a highly effective and selective targeting of tumor tissue. We evaluated this concept in prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA)-positive cancers using the antigen-specific, biotinylated single chain antibody scFv(AM1)-P-BAP conjugated with tetrameric neutravidin. To visualize the systemic biodistribution, a radiolabeled biotin was injected to interact with scFv(AM1)-P-BAP/neutravidin conjugate. Biotin derivatives conjugated with different chelators for complexation of radioactive metal ions and a polyethylene glycol linker (n = 45) were successfully synthesized and evaluatedin vitroand in a mouse xenograft model.In vivo, the scFv(AM1)-P-BAP showed highly PSCA-specific tumor retention with a PSCA+tumor/PSCA-tumor accumulation ratio of ten. PEGylation of radiolabeled biotin resulted in lower liver uptake improving the tumor to background ratio.
Role of iRhom2 in intestinal ischemia-reperfusion-mediated acute lung injury
Authors: Kim Jee Hyun , Kim Jihye , Chun Jaeyoung , Lee Changhyun , Im Jong Pil , Kim Joo Sung
Published: February 2018

Intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) may cause acute systemic and lung inflammation. However, the detailed mechanism of this inflammatory cascade has not been fully elucidated. Inactive rhomboid protein 2 (iRhom2) is essential for the maturation of TNF-α converting enzyme (TACE), which is required for TNF-α secretion. We evaluated the role of iRhom2 in a mouse model of intestinal I/R using iRhom2 knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice. Lung injury following intestinal I/R was significantly attenuated in iRhom2 KO mice compared with WT mice. After intestinal I/R, lungs from iRhom2 KO mice showed significantly lower myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and markedly reduced cell apoptosis associated with a decreased level of active caspase 3 and decreased TUNEL staining compared with lungs from WT mice. TNF-α levels were elevated in the serum and lungs of WT mice with intestinal I/R and significantly reduced in iRhom2 KO mice with intestinal I/R. iRhom2 may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of acute lung injury (ALI) after intestinal I/R and thus may be a novel therapeutic target for ALI after intestinal I/R injury.
Simulation of solute transport through heterogeneous networks: analysis using the method of moments and the statistics of local transport characteristics
Authors: Li Min , Qi Tao , Bernabé Yves , Zhao Jinzhou , Wang Ying , Wang Dong , Wang Zheming
Published: February 2018

We used a time domain random walk approach to simulate passive solute transport in networks. In individual pores, solute transport was modeled as a combination of Poiseuille flow and Taylor dispersion. The solute plume data were interpreted via the method of moments. Analysis of the first and second moments showed that the longitudinal dispersivity increased with increasing coefficient of variation of the pore radii CV and decreasing pore coordination number Z. The third moment was negative and its magnitude grew linearly with time, meaning that the simulated dispersion was intrinsically non-Fickian. The statistics of the Eulerian mean fluid velocities $${\hat{{\boldsymbol{u}}}}_{{\boldsymbol{i}}}$$

u
ˆ

i

, the Taylor dispersion coefficients $${\hat{{\boldsymbol{D}}}}_{{\boldsymbol{i}}}$$

D
ˆ

i

and the transit times $${\hat{{\boldsymbol{\tau }}}}_{{\boldsymbol{i}}}$$

τ
ˆ

i

were very complex and strongly affected by CV and Z. In particular, the probability of occurrence of negative velocities grew with increasing CV and decreasing Z. Hence, backward and forward transit times had to be distinguished. The high-τ branch of the transit-times probability curves had a power law form associated to non-Fickian behavior. However, the exponent was insensitive to pore connectivity, although variations of Z affected the third moment growth. Thus, we conclude that both the low- and high-τ branches played a role in generating the observed non-Fickian behavior.
Identification, expression, and endocrine-disruption of three ecdysone-responsive genes in the sentinel species Gammarus fossarum
Authors: Gouveia D. , Bonneton F. , Almunia C. , Armengaud J. , Quéau H. , Degli-Esposti D. , Geffard O. , Chaumot A.
Published: February 2018

Taking advantage of a large transcriptomic dataset recently obtained in the sentinel crustacean amphipod Gammarus fossarum, we developed an approach based on sequence similarity and phylogenetic reconstruction to identify key players involved in the endocrine regulation of G. fossarum. Our work identified three genes of interest: the nuclear receptors RXR and E75, and the regulator broad-complex (BR). Their involvement in the regulation of molting and reproduction, along with their sensitivity to chemical contamination were experimentally assessed by studying gene expression during the female reproductive cycle, and after laboratory exposure to model endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs): pyriproxyfen, tebufenozide and piperonyl butoxide. RXR expression suggested a role of this gene in ecdysis and post-molting processes. E75 presented two expression peaks that suggested a role in vitellogenesis, and molting. BR expression showed no variation during molting/reproductive cycle. After exposure to the three EDCs, a strong inhibition of the inter-molt E75 peak was observed with tebufenozide, and an induction of RXR after exposure to pyriproxyfen and piperonyl butoxide. These results confirm the implication of RXR and E75 in hormonal regulation of female reproductive cycles in G. fossarum and their sensitivity towards EDCs opens the possibility of using them as specific endocrine disruption biomarkers.
Generic approach to access barriers in dehydrogenation reactions
Authors: Yu Liang , Vilella Laia , Abild-Pedersen Frank
Published: February 2018

The introduction of linear energy correlations, which explicitly relate adsorption energies of reaction intermediates and activation energies in heterogeneous catalysis, has proven to be a key component in the computational search for new and promising catalysts. A simple linear approach to estimate activation energies still requires a significant computational effort. To simplify this process and at the same time incorporate the need for enhanced complexity of reaction intermediates, we generalize a recently proposed approach that evaluates transition state energies based entirely on bond-order conservation arguments. We show that similar variation of the local electronic structure along the reaction coordinate introduces a set of general functions that accurately defines the transition state energy and are transferable to other reactions with similar bonding nature. With such an approach, more complex reaction intermediates can be targeted with an insignificant increase in computational effort and without loss of accuracy.
Gold nanoparticles supported on mesoporous iron oxide for enhanced CO oxidation reaction
Authors: Tanaka Shunsuke , Lin Jianjian , Kaneti Yusuf Valentino , Yusa Shin-ichi , Jikihara Yohei , Nakayama Tsuruo , Zakaria Mohamed Barakat , Alshehri Abdulmohsen Ali , You Jungmok , Hossain Md. Shahriar A. , Yamauchi Yusuke
Published: February 2018

Herein, we report the synthesis of gold (Au)-loaded mesoporous iron oxide (Fe2O3) as a catalyst for both CO and NH3 oxidation.
Metal assisted self-assembled rod like nanostructures for effective cellular internalization
Authors: Bhattacharya Sourav , Mukherjee Saikat , Das Sarma Jayasri , Shunmugam Raja
Published: February 2018

This work describes a metal assisted self-assembled rod like nanostructure which can be used for the delivery of therapeutic agents.
Dual role of Ag nanowires in ZnO quantum dot/Ag nanowire hybrid channel photo thin film transistors
Authors: Wang Weihao , Pan Xinhua , Peng Xiaoli , Lu Qiaoqi , Wang Fengzhi , Dai Wen , Lu Bin , Ye Zhizhen
Published: February 2018

High mobility and p-type thin film transistors (TFTs) are in urgent need for high-speed electronic devices.
Understanding the inhibitory mechanism of tea polyphenols against tyrosinase using fluorescence spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, oximetry, and molecular simulations
Authors: Tang Haifeng , Cui Fengchao , Li Haijuan , Huang Qingrong , Li Yunqi
Published: February 2018

Revealing the inactivation mechanism of TPs on inhibiting the activity of tyrosinase.
Plasmonic colloidal pastes for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) of historical felt-tip pens
Authors: Saviello Daniela , Alyami Abeer , Trabace Maddalena , Giorgi Rodorico , Baglioni Piero , Mirabile Antonio , Iacopino Daniela
Published: February 2018

SERS analysis performed with silver nanopastes allowed in situ identification of dye compositions of the historical felt-tip pens used by Federico Fellini.
A thermo-reversible silicone elastomer with remotely controlled self-healing
Authors: Ogliani E. , Yu L. , Javakhishvili I. , Skov A. L.
Published: February 2018

A silicone elastomer with high healing efficiency due to supramolecular self-associating hydrogen bonding motifs has been synthesised.
Facile synthesis of monodisperse SrAl2O4:Eu2+ cage-like microspheres with an excellent luminescence quantum yield
Authors: Wan Jun , Zhang Yuting , Wang Yuan , Ma Ronghua , Wu Yimin , Qiao Xvsheng , Fan Xianping
Published: February 2018

SrAl2O4:Eu2+ cage-like microspheres are prepared by a sol–gel route and subsequent heat treatment. The optimum quantum yield of the cage-like microspheres is 94.94%.
Environmental fate of nanopesticides: durability, sorption and photodegradation of nanoformulated clothianidin
Authors: Kah Melanie , Walch Helene , Hofmann Thilo
Published: February 2018

A lot of research efforts are currently dedicated to the development of nano-enabled agrochemicals. It is thus urgent to develop suitable strategies for their ecological assessment.
Anti-cancer effect of a novel 2,3-didithiocarbamate-substituted naphthoquinone as a tumor metabolic suppressorin vitroandin vivo
Authors: Ning Xianling , Li Yunqiao , Qi Hailong , Li Ridong , Jin Yan , Liu Junyi , Yin Yuxin
Published: February 2018

Suppressing tumor cell metabolism is an attractive strategy for treating cancer. We identified a 2,3-didithiocarbamate-substituted naphthoquinone3ithat inhibited the proliferation of tumor cells by disturbing their metabolism.
Linearly descending viscosity for alkaline–surfactant–polymer flooding mobility modification in multilayer heterogeneous reservoirs
Authors: Ma Yunfei , Hou Jirui , Zhao Fenglan , Song Zhaojie
Published: February 2018

Descending viscosity gradient presented a remarkable performance for improving sweep efficiency of the layers with middle and low permeability.
Synthesis and characterization of poly(3-hexylthiophene): improvement of regioregularity and energy band gap
Authors: Ansari Muhammad Azhar , Mohiuddin Shaikh , Kandemirli Fatma , Malik Muhammad Imran
Published: February 2018

The regioregularity and band gap of P3HT, an organic solar cell donor polymer, were improved. Oxidative coupling enhanced regioregularity, voltammetric p-doping broadened the optical absorption band and a molar mass increase reduced the band gap.
High-detectivity perovskite-based photodetector using a Zr-doped TiOxcathode interlayer
Authors: Ji C. H. , Kim K. T. , Oh S. Y.
Published: February 2018

The use of Zr–TiOxin the perovskite photodetector reduces the leakage current and improves carrier extraction.
Promoting sulfur adsorption using surface Cu sites in metal–organic frameworks for lithium sulfur batteries
Authors: Baumann Avery E. , Aversa Gabrielle E. , Roy Anindya , Falk Michael L. , Bedford Nicholas M. , Thoi V. Sara
Published: February 2018

Cu-rich surface defects on MOF crystallites lead to enhanced polysulfide uptake and improved capacity retention in lithium sulfur batteries.
Effect of technique and transfer board use on the performance of wheelchair transfers
Authors: Barbareschi Giulia , Cheng Tsu‐Jui , Holloway Catherine
Published: February 2018

Transferring to and from the wheelchair seat is a necessary skill for many wheelchair users who wish to be independent of their everyday life. The performance of wheelchair transfers has been associated with the risk of falling and developing upper limb injuries. Both present a risk to the independence of the individual. Previous studies on wheelchair transfers have focused mainly on the analysis of sitting transfers performed by individuals with spinal cord injury, which only represent a small portion of the wider wheelchair users’ population. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of different transferring techniques (sitting, standing) and transfer board use on the ground reaction forces under the hands during transfer performance and transfer quality measured using the transfer assessment instrument (TAI). Sitting transfers displayed generally higher peak and mean reaction forces underneath both leading and trailing hands compared with the other techniques, but the difference was only significant between sitting and standing transfers. Standing transfers had significantly lower TAI scores compared with sitting transfer, potentially indicating a decreased level of safety associated with their performance. Transfer boards were only partially effective in reducing the weight born by the upper limbs and they caused only a minor reduction in the overall TAI score in comparison to sitting transfers.
Error reduction of phasor measurement unit data considering practical constraints
Authors: Chatterjee Paroma , Pal Anamitra , Thorp James S. , De La Ree Lopez Jaime , Centeno Virgilio A.
Published: February 2018

Wide area measurement system relies on phasor measurement unit (PMU) data to monitor, protect, and control high‐voltage transmission networks. However, errors in instrument transformers (ITs) located at the inputs of a PMU can significantly degrade its output quality. This study proposes two methodologies for voltage and current transformers calibration using PMU data. The first method calibrates ITs using one good quality voltage measurement located at a tie‐line. This method tolerates errors in both the ITs (which are to be estimated) as well as the PMUs. The second method attains the same objective as the first one, with the additional constraint that some portion of the data is unusable. Thus, the second method can be used even when the incoming data is intermittent.
Heat transfer modelling in the Si–Ge nanoparticle composites by numerical solution of the equation of phonon radiative transfer
Authors: Mohamadi Meysam , Mehrabian Mozaffar A. , Raisi Afrasiab
Published: February 2018

Phonon Boltzmann transport equation and consequently the Equation of Phonon Radiative Transfer govern the conductive heat transfer in semiconductors at the nanoscale. Here a semiconducting nanoparticle composite, consisting of cubic Si nanoparticles in a Ge substrate is considered. A detailed three‐dimensional heat transfer analysis is done, the temperature distributions are generated, the Effective Thermal Conductivity (ETC) of the nanocomposite is obtained, and the effect of the Si nanoparticle size and the constituents’ atomic percentage on the ETC is explored. As the most comprehensive study, the effect of the interface density on the ETC is investigated and the results are compared with those obtained using the Monte Carlo simulation. The results show that at a fixed atomic percentage, as the dimensions are decreased, the ETC reduces and the temperature jumps become larger. At a fixed Si nanoparticle size, as the Ge atomic percentage increases, the ETC also increases, and the ETC reduces as the interface density increases. Reducing the ETC is a way to improve the thermoelectric energy conversion.
Investigation of a sample of carbon-enhanced metal-poor stars observed with FORS and GMOS
Authors: Caffau E. , Gallagher A. J. , Bonifacio P. , Spite M. , Duffau S. , Spite F. , Monaco L. , Sbordone L.
Published: February 2018

Aims. Carbon-enhanced metal-poor (CEMP) stars represent a sizeable fraction of all known metal-poor stars in the Galaxy. Their formation and composition remains a significant topic of investigation within the stellar astrophysics community.

Methods. We analysed a sample of low-resolution spectra of 30 dwarf stars, obtained using the visual and near UV FOcal Reducer and low dispersion Spectrograph for the Very Large Telescope (FORS/VLT) of the European Southern Observatory (ESO) and the Gemini Multi-Object Spectrographs (GMOS) at the GEMINI telescope, to derive their metallicity and carbon abundance.

Results. We derived C and Ca from all spectra, and Fe and Ba from the majority of the stars.

Conclusions. We have extended the population statistics of CEMP stars and have confirmed that in general, stars with a high C abundance belonging to the high C band show a high Ba-content (CEMP-s or -r/s), while stars with a normal C abundance or that are C-rich, but belong to the low C band, are normal in Ba (CEMP-no).
Kron–Branin modelling of ultra-short pulsed signal microelectrode
Authors: Xu Zhifei , Ravelo Blaise , Liu Yang , Zhao Lu , Delaroche Fabien , Vurpillot Francois
Published: February 2018

An uncommon circuit modelling of microelectrode for ultra-short signal propagation is developed. The proposed model is based on the Tensorial Analysis of Network (TAN) using the Kron–Branin (KB) formalism. The systemic graph topology equivalent to the considered structure problem is established by assuming as unknown variables the branch currents. The TAN mathematical solution is determined after the KB characteristic matrix identification. The TAN can integrate various structure physical parameters. As proof of concept, via hole ended microelectrodes implemented on Kapton substrate were designed, fabricated and tested. The 0.1-MHz-to-6-GHz S-parameter KB model, simulation and measurement are in good agreement. In addition, time-domain analyses with nanosecond duration pulse signals were carried out to predict the microelectrode signal integrity. The modelled microstrip electrode is usually integrated in the atom probe tomography. The proposed unfamiliar KB method is particularly beneficial with respect to the computation speed and adaptability to various structures.
Can Elastography Differentiate Isolated Fatty Liver from Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis?
Authors: Ajmera Veeral , Loomba Rohit
Published: February 2018

Ultrasound and magnetic resonance (MR)-based elastography have demonstrated excellent performance for noninvasive staging of fibrosis in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); however, their ability to differentiate isolated fatty liver from nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is unclear. In this review, the authors provide background on elastography and review the ability of elastography to discriminate between isolated steatosis and NASH. Studies with available data on the diagnosis of NASH histology are limited to vibration-controlled transient elastography and MR elastography. A wide range of optimal cutoffs for the diagnosis of NASH are reported and likely depend on the prevalence of advanced fibrosis in the study population. MR elastography has good performance characteristics for identifying patients with any fibrosis who are at greatest risk of disease-related morbidity. Currently, neither modality can reliably discriminate NASH from simple steatosis. Novel multiparametric MR imaging and elastography are emerging and may help detect presence of NASH in the future.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Children
Authors: Mann Jake , Valenti Luca , Scorletti Eleonora , Byrne Christopher , Nobili Valerio
Published: February 2018

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, a progressive form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is one of the most common hepatic diseases in children who present with particular risk factors including obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and/or a predisposing genetic background. The worldwide prevalence of NAFLD in children is a worrying phenomenon because this disease is closely associated with the development of both cirrhosis and cardiometabolic syndrome in adulthood. To date, the etiopathogenesis of primary NAFLD in children is unknown. Understanding the pathogenetic mechanisms provides the basis to characterize early predictors of the disease and noninvasive diagnostic tools and to design novel specific treatments and possible management strategies. Despite a few clinical trials on the use of antioxidants combined with lifestyle intervention for NAFLD, no treatment exists for children with NAFLD. In this review, the authors provide an overview of current concepts in epidemiology, histological features, etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of NAFLD in pediatric population.
Typ-2-Diabetes im Alter: Beispiel für eine Patienten-zentrierte medikamentöse Therapie
Authors: Müller-Wieland Dirk
Published: February 2018

Diabetes in older adults has a high prevalence and is frequently associated with comorbidities of the cardiovascular system, dysfunction of cognition as well as depression and impaired mobility or increased frailty. Furthermore, impaired renal function, heart failure, risk for hypoglycemia and polypharmacy has to be considered in the decision about the diabetes treatment strategy. The goal of blood glucose management is driven by patient relevant issues and patient self-esteem, quality of life defined by the patient, preservation of physical and social mobility rather than potential long-term effects on reduction of cardio- and microvascular events in the future, which is limited by patient-inherent reduced life expectancy of the aged individual. Therefore, long-term diabetes medication should avoid hypoglycemia and prevent acute hyperglycemia or short-term complications on morbidity and clinical course of geriatric syndromes associated with regular blood glucose levels above 200 mg/dl (11.1 mmol/l). The therapy should be safe, easy to handle for the patient and possibly affect co-morbidities positively. However, there are limited data available about efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetics of drugs in patients over 75 years of age or older. Since more than 5 % of the population in Germany is older than 80 years means that more than 1 million of these individuals suffer from diabetes. It is time to ask for data in these elderly subpopulations by policy makers in health care.
Knochensarkome
Authors: Hardes Jendrik , Gosheger Georg , Budny Timo
Published: February 2018

Knochensarkome sind im Gegensatz zu den häufig auftretenden benignen Knochentumoren und tumorähnlichen Knochenläsionen sehr selten und verursachen daher häufig diagnostische und therapeutische Schwierigkeiten. Dieser Beitrag hat zum Ziel, dem Leser die Diagnostik und zumeist multimodale Therapie der häufigsten Knochensarkome wie Osteosarkom, Ewing-Sarkom und Chondrosarkom näherzubringen.
Heilkunst in der ganzheitlichen Tiermedizin
Authors: Hohmann Mima
Published: February 2018

In diesem Artikel werden die Begriffe Kunst und Heilkunst aus verschiedenen Sichtweisen beleuchtet. Hahnemann und Paracelsus werden zur Heilkunst zitiert. Einige GGTM-Mitglieder kommen ebenfalls zum Thema Heilkunst zu Wort.
Half theory fractional angular momentum and the application of fractional derivatives to quantum mechanics
Authors: Bildstein Steve
Published: February 2018

In this paper, we review the fractional derivative and apply it to various problems in quantum mechanics. Among other things, we find fractional angular momentum, with “fractional spherical harmonics” as solutions to the squared quantum mechanical angular momentum operator, but with non-integer eigenvalues. These fractional functions might be interpreted as intermediary states visited by an orbiting electron as it jumps between the more stable, integer angular momentum values in an atom. Alternatively, these fractional states may be of interest in the mechanisms of chemical bonding. The justification for these new states, which are normalizable solutions to Hermitian operators, depends of course on experiment. We remember Feynmann’s statement about quantum mechanics, “Everything that is not expressly forbidden, is mandatory.”
Method for making 2-electron response reduced density matrices approximately N-representable
Authors: Lanssens Caitlin , Ayers Paul W. , Van Neck Dimitri , De Baerdemacker Stijn , Gunst Klaas , Bultinck Patrick
Published: February 2018

In methods like geminal-based approaches or coupled cluster that are solved using the projected Schrödinger equation, direct computation of the 2-electron reduced density matrix (2-RDM) is impractical and one falls back to a 2-RDM based on response theory. However, the 2-RDMs from response theory are not N-representable. That is, the response 2-RDM does not correspond to an actual physical N-electron wave function. We present a new algorithm for making these non-N-representable 2-RDMs approximately N-representable, i.e., it has the right symmetry and normalization and it fulfills the P-, Q-, and G-conditions. Next to an algorithm which can be applied to any 2-RDM, we have also developed a 2-RDM optimization procedure specifically for seniority-zero 2-RDMs. We aim to find the 2-RDM with the right properties which is the closest (in the sense of the Frobenius norm) to the non-N-representable 2-RDM by minimizing the square norm of the difference between this initial response 2-RDM and the targeted 2-RDM under the constraint that the trace is normalized and the 2-RDM, Q-matrix, and G-matrix are positive semidefinite, i.e., their eigenvalues are non-negative. Our method is suitable for fixing non-N-representable 2-RDMs which are close to being N-representable. Through the N-representability optimization algorithm we add a small correction to the initial 2-RDM such that it fulfills the most important N-representability conditions.
Excitonic nature of optical transitions in electroabsorption spectra of perovskite solar cells
Authors: Ruf Fabian , Magin Alice , Schultes Moritz , Ahlswede Erik , Kalt Heinz , Hetterich Michael
Published: February 2018

We investigate the electronic structure of solution-processed perovskite solar cells using temperature-dependent electroabsorption (EA) spectroscopy. Simultaneous measurements of absorption and electromodulated spectra of semitransparent methylammonium lead iodide solar cells facilitate a direct comparison of the specific features. The EA spectra can be transformed to peak-like line shapes utilizing an approach based on the Kramers–Kronig relations. The resulting peak positions correspond well to the discrete excitonic—rather than the continuum—contribution of the absorption spectra derived from generalized Elliott fits. This indicates the excitonic nature of the observed EA resonance and is found to be consistent over the whole temperature range investigated (from T = 10 K up to room temperature). To further confirm these findings, a line shape analysis of the measured EA spectra was performed. The best agreement was achieved using a first-derivative-like functional form which is expected for excitonic systems and supports the conclusion of an excitonic optical transition. Exciton binding energies EB are estimated for the orthorhombic and tetragonal phases as 26 meV and 19 meV, respectively. Nevertheless, power-conversion efficiencies η up to 13% (11.5% stabilized) demonstrate good charge-carrier separation in the devices due to sufficient thermal dissociation and Sommerfeld-enhanced absorption.
An arbitrary-function light power controller
Authors: Grujić Z. D. , Piller J. , Weis A.
Published: February 2018

We describe the design, applications, and performance of a simple light power controller. The device is built on a fiber-coupled electro-optic modulator with an active electronic feedback. It can be used to actively stabilize laser power or to impress an arbitrary waveform onto the power. The bandwidth of the device is ∼70 kHz.
Modeling nonlinear dynamic properties of dielectric elastomers with various crosslinks, entanglements, and finite deformations
Authors: Zhang Junshi , Chen Hualing , Li Dichen
Published: February 2018

Subject to an AC voltage, dielectric elastomers (DEs) behave as a nonlinear vibration, implying potential applications as soft dynamical actuators and robots. In this article, by utilizing the Lagrange's equation, a theoretical model is deduced to investigate the dynamic performances of DEs by considering three internal properties, including crosslinks, entanglements, and finite deformations of polymer chains. Numerical calculations are employed to describe the dynamic response, stability, periodicity, and resonance properties of DEs. It is observed that the frequency and nonlinearity of dynamic response are tuned by the internal properties of DEs. Phase paths and Poincaré maps are utilized to detect the stability and periodicity of the nonlinear vibrations of DEs, which demonstrate that transitions between aperiodic and quasi-periodic vibrations may occur when the three internal properties vary. The resonance of DEs involving the three internal properties of polymer chains is also investigated.
Conductive thermal diode based on the thermal hysteresis of VO2 and nitinol
Authors: Ordonez-Miranda Jose , Hill James M. , Joulain Karl , Ezzahri Younès , Drevillon Jérémie
Published: February 2018

We theoretically demonstrate that the junction between a phase-change material with a phase-invariant one can efficiently function as a conductive thermal diode. Analytical expressions for the heat flux and optimal rectification factor are derived and analyzed for junctions whose operations are driven by the thermal conductivity hysteresis of both VO2 and nitinol. It is shown that phase-change materials with higher thermal conductivity contrast, smaller thermal hysteresis, and faster phase transitions yield a conductive thermal diode with higher rectification of heat currents. Rectification factors of up to 19.7% and 18.8% are found for thermal diodes based on VO2 and nitinol, operating with a temperature difference between their terminals of 369.5 − 300 = 69.5 K and 388.2 − 273 = 115.2 K, respectively. These similar rectification factors could be enhanced by increasing the thermal conductivity variations of the diode terminals, and hence, the results obtained will be useful for guiding the development of phase-change materials capable of optimizing the rectification of conductive heat fluxes.
Mechanical stress relaxation in adhesively clamped carbon nanotube resonators
Authors: Kumar Lalit , Jenni Laura V. , Haluska Miroslav , Roman Cosmin , Hierold Christofer
Published: February 2018

We report a detailed experimental investigation of the adhesive clamping instability in CNT nanoresonators fabricated on silicon wafers with palladium electrodes and suspended CNT channels. The nanotube is clamped down onto the palladium electrodes adhesively by van der Waals forces and operates in the string regime. We observe a decrease in the nanotube tension when the device is operated in large amplitude regime. This mechanical stress relaxation, or decrease in internal stress of the nanotube, was observed as a frequency downshift resulting from weak clamping behavior between the nanotube and the underlying palladium surface. Frequency downshifts from 97.5 MHz to 39 MHz with 60 % stress relaxation and from 72.7 MHz to 60.5 MHz (17 % relaxation) were observed for two devices. Q-factors show no change due to decrease in internal stress. Our temperature measurements in the range of 298-420 K suggest that Q-factors might arise from the interplay between adhesive clamping associated dissipation mechanisms and spectral broadening due to thermal fluctuations.
Nrf2 activation attenuates genetic endoplasmic reticulum stress induced by a mutation in the phosphomannomutase 2 gene in zebrafish
Authors: Mukaigasa Katsuki , Tsujita Tadayuki , Nguyen Vu Thanh , Li Li , Yagi Hirokazu , Fuse Yuji , Nakajima-Takagi Yaeko , Kato Koichi , Yamamoto Masayuki , Kobayashi Makoto
Published: February 2018

Significance

Nrf2 is a master regulator of the antioxidant response and xenobiotic metabolism. In this paper, we demonstrate that Nrf2 also plays a critical role in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response using a zebrafish mutant in which Nrf2 is spontaneously activated. The gene responsible for this mutant was phosphomannomutase 2 (
pmm2
), the enzyme required for the N-glycosylation. Human PMM2 is known to be the gene responsible for PMM2-CDG (congenital disorders of glycosylation), which currently has no therapeutic options.
pmm2
mutant larvae showed up-regulated ER stress and ER stress-dependent Nrf2 activation. Of note, the ER stress in mutant larvae was attenuated following treatment with the Nrf2 activator sulforaphane, suggesting that the pathological conditions of ER stress-associated diseases may be improved by taking Nrf2-activating foods.
The action dynamics of native and non-native speakers of English in processing active and passive sentences
Authors: Crossley Scott , Duran Nicholas D. , Kim YouJin , Lester Tiffany , Clark Samuel
Published: February 2018

This study investigates processing of passive and active constructions between native speakers (NS) and non-native speakers (NNS) of English using traditional on-line mechanisms such as response time in conjunction with techniques that capitalize on the parallel activation of distributed mental representations during online syntactic processing. In the current study, hand motions captured by a mouse-tracking system were used to index listeners’ cognitive processes while making commitments to different choice alternatives during the processing of English passive and active structures. During data collection, 57 NNS and 43 NS carried out an aural forced-choice picture identification task. Data analysis indicated differences and similarities between NS and NNS participants such that NS participants are faster at responding to passive and active stimuli, travel less distance, and make fewer directional changes when compared to NNS participants. However, all participants showed similar trends for passive processing, suggesting comparable difficulties in processing passive constructions.
Neo-pragmatism, morality, and the specification problem
Authors: Gert Joshua
Published: February 2018

A defender of any view of moral language must explain how people with different moral views can be be talking to each other, rather than past each other. For expressivists this problem drastically constrains the search for the specific attitude expressed by, say, ‘immoral’. But cognitivists face a similar difficulty; they need to find a specific meaning for ‘immoral’ that underwrites genuine disagreement while accommodating the fact that different speakers have very different criteria for the use of that term. This paper explains how neo-pragmatism deals with this issue while avoiding problems that arise with existing expressivist and cognitivist solutions.
6. Priene
Authors: Thonemann Peter
Published: February 2018

In the mid-4th century bc, the small Greek city of Priene was founded in the Maeander river valley in western Asia Minor. It flourished for around 250 years, before the city’s harbours were sealed by silt from the Maeander. Most of the known Greek inscriptions and public documents (civic decrees, honorific statue-bases, letters from Hellenistic kings) from Priene date from the 1st century bc or earlier and provide an exceptionally clear and vivid picture of life in the Hellenistic city. ‘Priene’ focuses on this perfectly preserved example of an ordinary small Hellenistic town. It outlines the planning of the city, the relationship that the citizens had with the Hellenistic kings, and the changing patterns of social change.
What’s the frequency, Kenneth? Waves, quakes, and solitons
Authors: Goriely Alain
Published: February 2018

Since we live in a world where interesting things happen both in time and space, the description of many natural phenomena requires the study of functions that depend on multiple variables. These laws can be expressed as partial differential equations. Just like ordinary differential equations, these equations are the natural mathematical tool for modelling because they express, locally, basic conservation laws such as the conservation of mass and energy. ‘What’s the frequency, Kenneth? Waves, quakes, and solitons’ introduces the wonder of partial differential equations by considering two generic spatiotemporal behaviours: wave propagation through linear waves on a string and earthquakes, and non-linear waves and the discovery of solitons, which behave like discrete particles.
3. Arguments for the existence of God
Authors: Bayne Tim
Published: February 2018

Is it possible to prove that God exists? There is certainly no shortage of arguments that purport to establish God’s existence, but ‘Arguments for the existence of God’ focuses on three of the most influential arguments: the cosmological argument, the design argument, and the argument from religious experience. Before examining these arguments, it first considers the very enterprise of attempting to establish God’s existence. What should we expect from an argument for God’s existence? What would it take for such an argument to be successful? The attempt to justify claims about the nature and existence of God on the basis of commonly accepted truths is known as natural theology.