bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interleukin‐12 modulates the immunomodulatory properties of human periodontal ligament cells
Authors: Issaranggun Na Ayuthaya B. , Satravaha P. , Pavasant P.
Published: September 2016

Background and Objective

The cytokine interleukin 12 (IL‐12) has been implicated as a potent stimulator of tissue degradation in the pathogenesis of several inflammatory diseases, including periodontitis. In patients with periodontitis, an increased level of IL‐12 is found in serum and gingival crevicular fluid. As inflammatory cytokines have been demonstrated to induce activation of the immunomodulatory properties of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), this study aimed to investigate the influence of IL‐12 on these properties in human periodontal ligament (hPDL) cells.

Material and Methods

Human PDL cells were isolated from periodontal tissue and incubated with 0–10 ng/mL of IL‐12 for 24 h. The levels of expression of interferon gamma (IFN‐γ), indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase (IDO) and human leukocyte antigen G (HLA‐G), as well as of the stem cell markers, CD73, CD90 and CD105, were assessed by quantitative PCR. The level of IFN‐γ protein was measured by ELISA, and IDO activity was measured by activity assay. The participation of IFN‐γ in the expression of IDO and HLA‐G was analyzed using neutralizing antibody against IFN‐γ.

Results

IL‐12 upregulated the expression of IFN‐γ in a dose‐dependent manner. Moreover, IL‐12 induced the expression of the immunomodulatory proteins IDO and HLA‐G via an IFN‐γ‐dependent pathway, as indicated by experiments using an IFN‐γ neutralizing antibody. Addition of exogenous IFN‐γ upregulated the expression of HLA‐G and IDO. Expression of the stem cell markers CD73, CD90 and CD105, as well as the pluripotent markers Nanog homeobox, octamer‐binding transcription factor 4 and SRY‐box 2, were also upregulated in IL‐12‐treated hPDL cells. Finally, IL‐12 inhibited osteogenic differentiation of the hPDL cells and preserved the self‐clonal expansion property of these cells, as assessed by Alizarin Red S staining and the colony‐forming unit assay.

Conclusion

Expression of IL‐12 during periodontitis may play an important role in the control of the inflammatory response via the induction of immunosuppressive molecules by hPDL cells. We hypothesize that this immunomodulatory property of IL‐12 will serve as a protective mechanism to preserve a population of stem cells under inflammatory conditions.
Matrix metalloproteinase‐8 activity in gingival crevicular fluid: development of a novel assay
Authors: Mc Crudden M. T. C. , Irwin C. R. , El karim I. , Linden G. J. , Lundy F. T.
Published: September 2016

Background and Objective

The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a role in regulating turnover and metabolism of connective tissues in health but they have also been implicated in a wide variety of pathological conditions, including periodontal disease. MMP‐8 has been extensively studied in periodontal health and disease using ELISA, although this technique is limited by its inability to determine enzyme activity. The aim was to develop an assay specifically to measure MMP‐8 activity and to demonstrate its use in the analysis of gingival crevicular fluid samples.

Material and Methods

A specific antibody was used to coat black 96‐well microtitre plates to capture MMP‐8 selectively. The activity of bound MMP‐8 was measured using a fluorogenic substrate. Gingival crevicular fluid samples, from healthy and periodontally diseased sites, were collected using PerioPaper strips and tested for MMP‐8 activity.

Results

Significantly higher MMP‐8 activity was demonstrated in gingival crevicular fluid from periodontally diseased sites compared with healthy sites that exhibited basal or no MMP‐8 activity. No cross‐reactivity with other MMPs was noted.

Conclusion

We show, for the first time, that MMP‐8 activity can be specifically detected and quantified in gingival crevicular fluid samples. Measurement of MMP‐8 activity could prove to be useful in monitoring periodontal disease progression.
Retracted: Glucose deprivation induced upregulation of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase modulates virulence in Leishmania donovani
Authors: Saini Savita , Kumar Ghosh Ayan , Singh Ruby , Das Sushmita , Abhishek Kumar , Kumar Ajay , Verma Sudha , Mandal Abhishek , Hasan Sardar Abul , Purkait Bidyut , Kumar Ashish , Kumar Sinha Kislay , Das Pradeep
Published: September 2016

Various physiological stimuli trigger the conversion of noninfective Leishmania donovani promastigotes to the infective form. Here, we present the first evidence of the effect of glucose starvation, on virulence and survival of these parasites. Glucose starvation resulted in a decrease in metabolically active parasites and their proliferation. However, this was reversed by supplementation of gluconeogenic amino acids. Glucose starvation induced metacyclogenesis and enhanced virulence through protein kinase A regulatory subunit (LdPKAR1) mediated autophagy. Glucose starvation driven oxidative stress upregulated the antioxidant machinery, culminating in increased infectivity and greater parasitic load in primary macrophages. Interestingly, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (LdPEPCK), a gluconeogenic enzyme, exhibited the highest activity under glucose starvation to regulate growth of L. donovani by alternatively utilising amino acids. Deletion of LdPEPCK (Δpepck) decreased virulent traits and parasitic load in primary macrophages but increased autophagosome formation in the mutant parasites. Furthermore, Δpepck parasites failed to activate the Pentose Phosphate Pathway shunt, abrogating NADPH/NADP+ homoeostasis, conferring increased susceptibility towards oxidants following glucose starvation. In conclusion, this study showed that L. donovani undertakes metabolic rearrangements via gluconeogenesis under glucose starvation for acquiring virulence and its survival in the hostile environment.
The bacteriophage‐derived transcriptional regulator, LscR, activates the expression of levansucrase genes in Pseudomonas syringae
Authors: Abdallah Khaled , Hartman Katharina , Pletzer Daniel , Zhurina Daria , Ullrich Matthias S.
Published: September 2016

Synthesis of the exopolysaccharide levan occurs in the bacterial blight pathogen of soybean, Pseudomonas syringae pv. glycinea PG4180, when this bacterium encounters moderate to high concentrations of sucrose inside its host plant. The process is mediated by the temperature‐dependent expression and secretion of two levansucrases, LscB and LscC. Previous studies showed the importance of a prophage‐associated promoter element in driving the expression of levansucrase genes. Herein, heterologous screening for transcriptional activators revealed that the prophage‐borne transcriptional regulator, LscR, from P. syringae mediates expression of levansucrase. A lscR‐deficient mutant was generated and exhibited a levan‐negative phenotype when grown on a sucrose‐rich medium. This phenotype was confirmed by zymographic analysis and Western blots which demonstrated absence of levansucrase in the supernatant and total cell lysates. Transcriptional analysis showed a down‐regulation of expression levels of levansucrase and glycosyl hydrolase genes in the lscR‐deficient mutant. Ultimately, a direct binding of LscR to the promoter region of levansucrase was demonstrated using electrophoretic mobility shift assays allowing to conclude that a bacteriophage‐derived regulator dictates expression of bacterial genes involved in in planta fitness.
Mainstream capnography system for nonintubated children in the postanesthesia care unit: Performance with changing flow rates, and a comparison to side stream capnography
Authors: Nagoshi Makoto , Morzov Rica , Hotz Justin , Belson Paula , Matar Marla , Ross Patrick , Wetzel Randall
Published: September 2016

Introduction

Monitoring of exhaled carbon dioxide (CO2) in nonintubated patients is challenging. We compared the precision of a mainstream mask capnography to side stream sampling nasal cannula capnography. In addition, we compared the effect of gas flow rates on the measured exhaled CO2 between mainstream mask and side stream nasal cannula capnography.

Methods

A mainstream mask capnography system (cap‐ONE) was tested. Children (weight of 7–40 kg, ASA 1–2) following anesthesia for minor procedures were assigned randomly to side stream or mainstream sampling groups. The side stream group wore a nasal cannula with CO2 side port (NC). In the postanesthesia care unit, O2 flow was started at 5 l·min−1, reduced to 2 and then 0.25 l·min−1 every 3 min. Capnogram analysis measuring heights of all the waveforms was performed for continuous 120 s from the end of recording at each O2 flow rate for each group.

Results

Fifty‐eight children were enrolled and 39 were analyzed (18 side stream NC and 21 mainstream mask). There were two mouth breathing children excluded from study in side stream NC group due to failure to capture measurable CO2 waveforms. Peak CO2 values measured by mainstream mask system were normally (Gaussian) distributed with smaller standard deviation (sd) at each O2 flow than were those measured by side stream NC system which demonstrated irregular distributions with larger sd. Peak CO2 values measurement was less affected by a change in flow rate in mainstream mask group than in side stream NC group (P = 0.04 in 5–0.25 l·min−1 O2 flow change).

Conclusion

A new mainstream mask system (cap‐ONE) performed with greater precision than side stream NC monitoring regardless of mouth breathing. Measurement of peak CO2 values by mainstream mask system showed normal distribution with smaller standard deviation (sd) and was less affected by O2 flow change in predictable fashion.
Risk factors of infant anemia in the perinatal period
Authors: Hirata Michio , Kusakawa Isao , Ohde Sachiko , Yamanaka Michiko , Yoda Hitoshi
Published: September 2016

Background

Infants are at particular risk of iron‐deficiency anemia. We investigated changes in the blood count of the mother and infant as well as the relationship between them and the relationship between infant nutrition method and infant anemia.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included healthy neonates born between August 2011 and July 2014 at St Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo, Japan. Data from maternal blood samples obtained during late pregnancy and those of infants obtained at birth and at the age of 3, 6, and 9 months were analyzed. Using multivariate logistic regression, we investigated nutrition methods, maternal anemia, and other clinically relevant parameters that were potential risk factors for infant anemia.

Results

In total, data for 3472 infants and their mothers were analyzed. Nutrition method was the most significant risk factor for infant anemia, with risk of future anemia decreasing in the following order: exclusive breast‐feeding, partial breast‐feeding, and formula feeding. Furthermore, low umbilical cord blood hemoglobin led to a tendency toward anemia in the child.

Conclusion

Infant nutrition method was the most significant factor related to anemia in late infancy. Infants with low umbilical cord blood hemoglobin are more likely to develop anemia in late infancy.
Coagulation at the crossroads of the communicable/non‐communicable disease dyad: The case of pneumonia
Authors: Santilli Francesca , Boccatonda Andrea , Davì Giovanni
Published: September 2016

See article, page 1465
Willingness of human immunodeficiency virus‐positive patients to donate their organs for transplantation in Taiwan: a cross‐sectional questionnaire survey
Authors: Lee Yi‐Chieh , Hung Chien‐Ching , Cheng Aristine , Liu Wen‐Chun , Wu Pei‐Ying , Yang Shang‐Ping , Zhang Jun‐Yu , Luo Yu‐Zhen , Chang Hsi‐Yen , Sun Hsin‐Yun , Chang Shan‐Chwen
Published: September 2016

Background

With the introduction of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) that has significantly improved survival, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐positive patients may be potential organ donors to HIV‐positive recipients in a few countries. Organ shortage remains a challenge for organ transplantation in Taiwan, where organ donation by HIV‐positive patients remains prohibited by law.

Methods

We assessed the willingness of organ donation (should they be pronounced brain dead, and the ban on HIV‐positive organ donation be lifted) among HIV‐positive patients who received regular HIV care at a university hospital in a cross‐sectional survey between May and August 2015 with the use of an anonymous, self‐administered questionnaire interview.

Results

Of the 1010 participants, 93.7% were receiving cART with the latest mean CD4 count and plasma HIV RNA load of 587 cells/mm3 and 2.73 log10 copies/mL, respectively. Overall, 71.9% were willing to donate organs. In multivariate analysis, factors associated with willingness to donate organs included college or graduate school diploma (odds ratio [OR] 1.571, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.166‐2.191), registered willingness to donate in the National Health Insurance system (OR 9.430, 95% CI 1.269‐70.051), and knowledge of the information on HIV‐positive deceased donors (HIVDD) (OR 1.673, 95% CI 1.073‐2.608).

Conclusions

We concluded that a significant proportion (71.9%) of HIV‐positive Taiwanese patients were willing to donate their organs. The willingness was associated with a higher education level, prior registered willingness to donate organs, and awareness of HIVDD.
Innovative Use of Palladium Compounds To Selectively Detect Live Enterobacteriaceae in Milk by PCR
Authors: Soejima Takashi , Iwatsuki Kei-ji
Published: September 2016

Ethidium monoazide and propidium monoazide (EMA and PMA) have been used in combination with PCR for more than a decade to facilitate the discrimination of live and dead bacteria (LD discrimination). These methods, however, require many laborious procedures, including the use of a darkroom. Here, we demonstrate an innovative use of palladium compounds involving lower limits of detection and quantification of targeted live cells, fewer laborious procedures, lower costs, and potentially higher-throughput analysis than the use of EMA and PMA. We have also recently reported platinum compounds for LD discrimination, but platinum compounds carry costs that are 3 times higher because of the requirement for much larger amounts for LD discrimination than palladium compounds. Palladium compounds can penetrate dead (compromised) but not live bacteria and can be chelated primarily by chromosomal DNA and cell wall transmembrane proteins, with small amounts of DNA-binding proteins
in vivo
. The new mechanism for palladium compounds is obviously different from that of platinum compounds, which primarily target DNA. Combining palladium compounds with PCR (Pd-PCR) in water resulted in discrimination between live and dead
Enterobacteriaceae
bacteria that was much clearer than that seen with the PMA method. Pd-PCR correlated with reference plating or with the currently used PMA-PCR method for pasteurized milk, based on EN ISO 16140:2003 validation. Pd-PCR enabled us to specifically detect and assay viable
Enterobacteriaceae
cells at concentrations of 5 to 10 CFU/ml in milk while following U.S./EU regulations after a 4.5-h process in a typical laboratory exposed to natural or electric light, as specified by U.S./EU regulations.

IMPORTANCE
Ethidium monoazide and propidium monoazide (EMA and PMA) facilitate the discrimination of live and dead bacteria (LD discrimination). These methods, however, require many laborious procedures, including the use of a darkroom. Here, we demonstrate an innovative use of palladium compounds involving fewer laborious procedures, lower costs, and potentially higher-throughput analysis than the use of EMA and PMA. We have also recently reported platinum compounds for LD discrimination, but platinum compounds carry costs that are 3 times higher because of the requirement for much larger amounts for LD discrimination than palladium compounds, which have also a novel reaction mechanism different from that of platinum compounds. In view of testing cost, palladium compounds are also very useful here compared with platinum compounds. Ultimately, the innovative Pd-PCR method may be also substituted for the currently used reference plating methods.
Novel Trifunctional Xylanolytic Enzyme Axy43A from Paenibacillus curdlanolyticus Strain B-6 Exhibiting Endo-Xylanase, β-
d
-Xylosidase, and Arabinoxylan Arabinofuranohydrolase Activities
Authors: Teeravivattanakit Thitiporn , Baramee Sirilak , Phitsuwan Paripok , Waeonukul Rattiya , Pason Patthra , Tachaapaikoon Chakrit , Sakka Kazuo , Ratanakhanokchai Khanok
Published: September 2016

The
axy43A
gene encoding the intracellular trifunctional xylanolytic enzyme from
Paenibacillus curdlanolyticus
B-6 was cloned and expressed in
Escherichia coli
. Recombinant PcAxy43A consisting of a glycoside hydrolase family 43 and a family 6 carbohydrate-binding module exhibited endo-xylanase, β-xylosidase, and arabinoxylan arabinofuranohydrolase activities. PcAxy43A hydrolyzed xylohexaose and birch wood xylan to release a series of xylooligosaccharides, indicating that PcAxy43A contained endo-xylanase activity. PcAxy43A exhibited β-xylosidase activity toward a chromogenic substrate,
p
-nitrophenyl-β-
d
-xylopyranoside, and xylobiose, while it preferred to hydrolyze long-chain xylooligosaccharides rather than xylobiose. In addition, surprisingly, PcAxy43A showed arabinoxylan arabinofuranohydrolase activity; that is, it released arabinose from both singly and doubly arabinosylated xylose, α-
l
-Ara
f
-(1→2)-
d
-Xyl
p
or α-
l
-Ara
f
-(1→3)-
d
-Xyl
p
and α-
l
-Ara
f
-(1→2)-[α-
l
-Ara
f
-(1→3)]-β-
d
-Xyl
p
. Moreover, the combination of PcAxy43A and
P. curdlanolyticus
B-6 endo-xylanase Xyn10C greatly improved the efficiency of xylose and arabinose production from the highly substituted rye arabinoxylan, suggesting that these two enzymes function synergistically to depolymerize arabinoxylan. Therefore, PcAxy43A has the potential for the saccharification of arabinoxylan into simple sugars for many applications.

IMPORTANCE
In this study, the glycoside hydrolase 43 (GH43) intracellular multifunctional endo-xylanase, β-xylosidase, and arabinoxylan arabinofuranohydrolase (AXH) from
P. curdlanolyticus
B-6 were characterized. Interestingly, PcAxy43A AXH showed a new property that acted on both the C(O)-2 and C(O)-3 positions of xylose residues doubly substituted with arabinosyl, which usually obstruct the action of xylanolytic enzymes. Furthermore, the studies here show interesting properties for the processing of xylans from cereal grains, particularly rye arabinoxylan, and show a novel relationship between PcAxy43A and endo-xylanase Xyn10C from strain B-6, providing novel metabolic potential for processing arabinoxylans into xylose and arabinose.
Response of Germfree Mice to Colonization by Oxalobacter formigenes and Altered Schaedler Flora
Authors: Li Xingsheng , Ellis Melissa L. , Dowell Alexander E. , Kumar Ranjit , Morrow Casey D. , Schoeb Trenton R. , Knight John
Published: September 2016

Colonization with
Oxalobacter formigenes
may reduce the risk of calcium oxalate kidney stone disease. To improve our limited understanding of host-
O. formigenes
and microbe-
O. formigenes
interactions, germfree mice and mice with altered Schaedler flora (ASF) were colonized with
O. formigenes
. Germfree mice were stably colonized with
O. formigenes
, which suggests that
O. formigenes
does not require other organisms to sustain its survival. Examination of intestinal material indicated no viable
O. formigenes
in the small intestine and ∼4 × 10
6
CFU
O. formigenes
per 100 mg contents in the cecum and proximal colon, with ∼0.02% of total cecal
O. formigenes
cells being tightly associated with the mucosa.
O. formigenes
did not alter the overall microbial composition of ASF, and ASF did not affect the capacity of
O. formigenes
to degrade dietary oxalate in the cecum. Twenty-four-hour collections of urine and feces in metabolic cages in semirigid isolators demonstrated that the introduction of ASF into germfree mice significantly reduced urinary oxalate excretion. These experiments also showed that
O. formigenes
-monocolonized mice excreted significantly more urinary calcium than did germfree mice, which may be due to degradation of calcium oxalate crystals by
O. formigenes
and subsequent intestinal absorption of free calcium. In conclusion, the successful establishment of mouse models with defined flora and
O. formigenes
should improve our understanding of
O. formigenes
-host and
O. formigenes
-microbe interactions. These data support the use of
O. formigenes
as a probiotic that has limited impact on the composition of the resident microbiota but provides an efficient oxalate-degrading function.

IMPORTANCE
Despite evidence suggesting that a lack of
Oxalobacter formigenes
colonization is a risk factor for calcium oxalate stone formation, little is known about
O. formigenes
biology. This study is the first to utilize germfree mice to examine the response to monocolonization with
O. formigenes
, as well as the impact of a defined bacterial cocktail (i.e., ASF) on
O. formigenes
colonization. This study demonstrated that germfree mice receiving their regular diet remained monocolonized with
O. formigenes
, and it suggests that further studies with
O. formigenes
gnotobiotic mouse models could improve our understanding of
O. formigenes
biology and host-
O. formigenes
and microbe-
O. formigenes
interactions.
The end of the Ediacaran: Two new exceptionally preserved body fossil assemblages from Mount Dunfee, Nevada, USA
Authors: Smith E.F. , Nelson L.L. , Strange M.A. , Eyster A.E. , Rowland S.M. , Schrag D.P. , Macdonald F.A.
Published: September 2016

Evaluation of hypotheses that relate environmental to evolutionary change across the Ediacaran-Cambrian transition has been hampered by a dearth of sections that preserve both the last appearance of Ediacaran body fossils and the first appearance of Treptichnus pedum within carbonate-rich strata suitable for chemostratigraphic studies. Here, we report two new exceptionally preserved latest Ediacaran fossil assemblages from the Deep Spring Formation at Mount Dunfee, Nevada (USA). Further, we report these occurrences in a high-resolution carbon isotope chemostratigraphic framework, permitting correlation on a regional and global scale. The lower of the two horizons, at the base of the Deep Spring Formation, hosts a body fossil assemblage that includes Gaojiashania, other vermiform body fossils, and possible Wutubus annularis interbedded with Cloudina shell beds. The upper of the two fossil horizons, in the Esmeralda Member of the Deep Spring Formation, contains Conotubus and occurs within the basal Cambrian negative carbon isotope excursion, establishing it as the youngest Ediacaran fossil assemblage discovered to date. This is the first report of Gaojiashania, Conotubus, and Wutubus in Laurentia, extending the known stratigraphic ranges and biogeographic distributions of these taxa to a global scale. These data refine the relative ages of defining characteristics of the Ediacaran-Cambrian boundary and confirm that a large perturbation to the carbon cycle and surface ocean conditions coincided with the extinction of Ediacaran organisms.
A continental arc tempo discovered in the Pacific-Gondwana margin mudpile?
Authors: Paulsen Timothy , Deering Chad , Sliwinski Jakub , Bachmann Olivier , Guillong Marcel
Published: September 2016

The integration of detrital zircon age and trace element analyses provides a powerful tool with which to reconstruct continental arc evolution. Detrital zircons from the Ross-Delamerian orogen along the Pacific-Gondwana margin in north Victoria Land in Antarctica yield a broad 700–500 Ma U-Pb age population that shows a prominent period of activity centered at ca. 630–550 Ma. This activity is well correlated with the highest zircon Th/U and U/Yb ratios, suggesting an increase in lithospheric contribution coincident with fluid input from oceanic slab subduction, respectively. A low Yb/Gd ratio over this same period also suggests crustal thickening. Determination of zircon parent rock types using trace element proxies reveals the presence of previously unrecognized distinct pulses of granitoid activity that occur over tens of millions of years. Lulls between granitoid flare-ups overlap with increases in mafic-carbonatite-alkaline magma production, suggesting an influx of mantle or lower crustal melts during syn-subduction extension. A concomitant increase in the number of metamorphic zircons (U/Th > 10) and 40Ar/39Ar white mica cooling ages found during these extensional episodes suggest that significant thermal perturbations of the crust coincided with orogenic cooling, which was possibly influenced by uplift and exhumation.
The milling factory: Componentry-dependent fragmentation and fines production in pyroclastic flows
Authors: Bernard Julien , Le Pennec Jean-Luc
Published: September 2016

In order to decipher the mobility of hazardous small-volume pyroclastic flows (PFs), we investigate here the role of clast fragmentation and production of fine particles (<2 mm) in controlling PF dynamics. We report a high-resolution textural data set (i.e., grain size distribution, clast componentry, and clast morphology) of andesitic scoriaceous PF deposits from Tungurahua volcano (Ecuador) based on a unique method and data processing procedure. The strong relationship shown between clast size and componentry in PF deposits is quantified through a componentry versus size index (CSI), which varies between −1 and +1 (all components in the coarse or fine fractions, respectively). Our results show that the incorporated old lava clasts (CSI of −0.33) control early grinding of the pristine juvenile bombs (CSI of −1), which produce smaller scoriaceous andesitic fragments (CSI of 0.26). These latter interact in the granular assemblage and release fine particles through the abrasion processes, as supported by the morphological data. The textural maturity of the deposits reveals that the “milling factory” works before sedimentation begins (i.e., on steep upper slopes) and that there is some balance between fines production and loss. The process evident here tends to redistribute stress into the moving flow and produces fines that contribute to fluidization of it. The milling factory is thus likely to enhance the mobility of geophysical flows, which has strong implications for modeling and hazard assessment purposes.
Electroacupuncture Pretreatment Induces Rapid Tolerance to Bupivacaine Cardiotoxicity in Rats
Authors: Gao Jun-Long , Li Yu-Lan , Wang Xiu-Mei , Zhao Qian-Long , Zhang Hai-Jun , Han Fang-Fang , Li Xia-Xia , Zhang Dong-Hang
Published: September 2016

Background

Evidence suggests that electroacupuncture (EA) protects against arrhythmia and myocardial injury induced by myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion. However, to our knowledge, it remains unknown whether EA could alleviate bupivacaine-induced cardiotoxicity. Therefore, we aimed to explore the effect of EA pretreatment on bupivacaine-induced cardiac arrest and outcomes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in rats.

Methods

24 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups: EA (n=12), and minimal acupuncture (MA) (n=12). Rats in both groups were needled at bilateral PC6, ST36, and ST40. Needles in the EA group were electrically stimulated for 60 min. ECG and invasive arterial blood pressure measurements were recorded. Two hours after EA or MA, 10 mg/kg bupivacaine was infused intravenously at a rate of 5 mg/kg/min in all rats. Rats suffering cardiac arrest were immediately subjected to CPR. At the end of the experiment, arterial blood samples were taken from surviving rats for blood gas analysis.

Results

The time from bupivacaine infusion until 20% prolongation of the QRS and QT interval, and the time to cardiac arrest, were notably increased among the rats pretreated with EA. Moreover, EA pretreatment significantly improved mean arterial pressure and heart rate at all monitored points after bupivacaine infusion. The proportion of animals surviving was higher in the EA group (9/12) than the MA group (3/12) at the end of experiment (p=0.039).

Conclusions

Tolerance to bupivacaine-induced cardiotoxicity appeared to be increased following EA pre-treatment. The mechanism of action underlying the effects of EA on bupivacaine-induced cardiotoxicity requires further investigation.
Does end-tidal capnography confirm tracheal intubation in fresh-frozen cadavers?
Authors: Reid Cliff , Ferguson Ian , Burns Brian , Habig Karel , Shareef Mohammed
Published: September 2016

Background

Life-like end-tidal capnography (ETCO2) waveforms have been demonstrated in recently deceased and fresh-frozen cadavers following tracheal intubation, offering potential for high fidelity airway simulation training. As the mechanism for carbon dioxide production is not fully understood, it is possible that oesophageal intubation may also generate a capnograph. Our aim was to measure ETCO2levels following (1) oesophageal and (2) tracheal intubation in fresh-frozen cadavers, and to observe the size, shape and duration of any capnographic waveform.

Methods

Four fresh frozen cadavers underwent oesophageal intubation by an emergency medicine specialist with confirmation by a second specialist. Hand ventilation with room air via a self-inflating resuscitation bag was provided at 12 breaths per minute for 2 min or until ETCO2was zero for 10 consecutive breaths. ETCO2and waveform morphology were examined and video recorded. The oesophagus was then extubated and the process was repeated for tracheal intubation.

Results

In no case was oesophageal ETCO2detected. For two cadavers, life-like ETCO2waveforms were achieved immediately after tracheal intubation, with maximum ETCO2achieved by the second breath. In these cases waveform morphology was normal and persistent.

Conclusions

Cadaveric oesophageal intubation did not result in a capnography waveform, simulating live patients. When present, ETCO2following tracheal intubation showed normal morphology which was sustained for 2 min. However, ETCO2was not present following tracheal intubation in all cadavers. These results represent instrumentation on the cadavers for the first time after thawing and further work should assess the repeatability of the findings with subsequent intubations.
Stroke prevention by endovascular treatment of carotid and vertebral artery dissections
Authors: Moon Karam , Albuquerque Felipe C , Cole Tyler , Gross Bradley A , McDougall Cameron G
Published: September 2016

Introduction

Endovascular intervention for cervical carotid artery dissection (CAD) and vertebral artery dissection (VAD) may be indicated in specific circumstances.

Objective

To review our institutional experience with endovascular treatment of cervical dissections over the past 20 years to examine indications for treatment, interventional methods, and outcomes.

Methods

Retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database to identify patients with extracranial dissection who underwent endovascular intervention between January 1996 and January 2016. Demographic data and details of procedures, outcomes, and complications were extracted.

Results

Of 116 patients [93 CAD, 23 VAD; mean age 44.9 years (range 5–76 years)], 104 underwent stent placement; 11, coil occlusion of the parent artery; and 1, stenting with contralateral vessel occlusion. The cohorts were well matched for age, sex, dissection etiology, and admission and follow-up modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores. Patients with CAD had significantly more stent placements (p<0.001), failure of medical therapy (p=0.004), and interventions for enlarging pseudoaneurysms (p=0.01) or thromboembolic events (p=0.004). Patients with VAD had significantly more interventions for traumatic occlusion with recanalization (p<0.001). Dissections were spontaneous (n=67), traumatic (n=36), or iatrogenic (n=13). Traumatic dissections in patients with CAD were associated with poor admission mRS scores (p=0.01). Six of 67 (9.0%) patients with spontaneous dissection reported recent chiropractic manipulation. Mean follow-up was 3.5 years (range 1–146 months). Permanent morbidity/mortality was 3.4%, including two deaths. Over a follow-up period of 364 patient-years, 1 stroke occurred (0.27% per year). At last follow-up, 41 previously disabled patients [CAD, 31/93 (33.3%); VAD, 10/23 (43.5%)] were no longer disabled; no patient reported worsened disability.

Conclusions

Patients with CAD and VAD differ significantly in presentation, indications for treatment, and treatment methods. Endovascular treatment of CAD and VAD has low procedural morbidity and is associated with a low incidence of future stroke.
Characteristics of retractions related to faked peer reviews: an overview
Authors: Qi Xingshun , Deng Han , Guo Xiaozhong
Published: September 2016

A faked peer review is a novel cause for retraction. We reviewed the characteristics of papers retracted due to a faked peer review. All papers retracted due to faked peer reviews were identified by searching the Retraction Watch website and by conducting a manual search. All identified papers were confirmed in published journals. The information of retracted papers was collected, which primarily included publisher, journal, journal impact factor, country, as well as publication and retraction year. Overall, 250 retracted papers were identified. They were published in 48 journals by six publishers. The top 5 journals included the Journal of Vibration and Control (24.8%), Molecular Biology Reports (11.6%), Immunopharmacology and Immunotoxicology (8.0%), Tumour Biology (6.8%) and European Journal of Medical Research (6.4%). The publishers included SAGE (31%), Springer (26%), BioMed Central (18%), Elsevier (13%), Informa (11%) and LWW (1%). A minority (4%) of retracted papers were published in Science Citation Index (SCI) journals with an impact factor of >5. A majority (74.8%) of retracted papers were written by Chinese researchers. In terms of the publication year, the retracted papers were published since 2010, and the number of retracted papers peaked in 2014 (40.8%). In terms of the retraction year, the retractions started in 2012, and the number of retractions peaked in 2015 (59.6%). The number of papers retracted due to faked peer reviews differs largely among journals and countries. With the improvement of the peer review mechanism and increased education about publishing ethics, such academic misconduct may gradually disappear in future.
Monogenetic v. polygenetic kimberlite volcanism: in-depth examination of the Tango Extension Super Structure, Attawapiskat kimberlite field, Ontario, Canada
Authors: Fulop Alexandrina , Kurszlaukis Stephan
Published: September 2016

Extensive drilling of the Tango Extension kimberlite pipe resulted in the construction of an emplacement model that revealed the complex architecture of two amalgamated pipes: an older pipe, the Tango Extension Deep, which is cut along its northern margin by the smaller Tango Extension pipe. The resulting volcano forms a complex pipe-in-pipe structure called the Tango Extension Super Structure. The emplacement of the Tango Extension Super Structure sequence indicates prolonged hiatuses, which, similar to other volcanoes classified as monogenetic, puts the classical monogenetic and polygenetic definitions of maar-diatreme volcanoes to the test. Although the Tango Extension and Tango Extension Deep volcanoes could be characterized individually as monogenetic volcanoes, the Tango Extension Super Structure shows evidence of the occurrence of the significant hiatuses typical of polygenetic volcanoes. We suggest that hiatuses that are long enough to consolidate earlier tephra unambiguously differentiate polygenetic from monogenetic maar-diatreme volcanoes.
Low-Temperature Aluminum-Aluminum Wafer Bonding
Authors: Rebhan Bernhard , Hinterreiter Andreas , Malik Nishant , Schjølberg-Henriksen Kari , Dragoi Viorel , Hingerl Kurt
Published: September 2016

Aluminum-aluminum thermo-compression wafer bonding is becoming increasingly important in the production of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices. As the chemically highly stable aluminum oxide layer acts as a diffusion barrier between the two aluminum metallization layers, up to now the process has required bonding temperatures of 300°C or more. By using the EVG®580 ComBond® system, in which a surface treatment and subsequent wafer bonding are both performed in a high vacuum cluster, for the first time successful Al-Al wafer bonding was possible at a temperature of 100°C. The bonded interfaces of blank Al wafers and Al wafers with patterned frames were characterized using C-mode scanning acoustic microscopy (C-SAM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) as well as dicing yield and pull tests representative for the bonding strength. The investigations revealed areas of oxide-free, atomic contact at the Al-Al bonded interface.
Direct Wafer Bonding of SiC-SiC at Room Temperature by SAB Method
Authors: Mu Fengwen , Iguchi Kenichi , Nakazawa Haruo , Takahashi Yoshikazu , Fujino Masahisa , Suga Tadatomo
Published: September 2016

In this work, direct wafer bonding of SiC-SiC was accomplished by surface activated bonding (SAB) method at room temperatrue. The bonding energy of ~1.4 J/m2 was obtained without orientation dependence, which is much weaker than bulk SiC strength. Correspondingly, the tensile strength of bonding interface is ~12.2 MPa. The bonding mechanisms were investigated through Monte Carlo simulation and interface analysis by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The formation of amorphous SiC during surface activation may eliminate the affects of orientation on bonding. In addition, the possible Si preferentially sputtering during surface activation is assumed to be the reason why direct wafer bonding of SiC-SiC cannot reach bulk SiC strength. After a rapid thermal annealing at 1273 K for 180 s in Ar, the tensile strength of bonding interface could be improved to the values higher than 21.6 MPa.
(Invited) Heterogeneous Photonic Integration by Direct Wafer Bonding
Authors: Davenport Michael L , Chang Lin , Huang Duanni , Volet Nicolas , Bowers John E
Published: September 2016

Direct wafer bonding is a powerful technique for combiningsemiconductor materials that cannot normally be monolithicallyintegrated. It allows combination of heterogeneous materials withdifferent properties onto a single substrate, enabling the productionlarge scale and multi-functional photonic circuits.
Room Temperature Bonding with Lift-Off Resist Using the Surface Activated Bonding Method for a Layer Transfer Platform
Authors: Matsumae Takashi , Suga Tadatomo
Published: September 2016

A room temperature bonding of polymethylglutarimide (PMGI) is performed as a temporary bonding process. The previous study showed that temporary bonding process with PMGI achieves extremely small residues on a debonded surface, but bonding temperature reaches to 250 oC. In this study, the surface activated bonding (SAB) method is applied for bonding the PMGI to the Si wafer at room temperature for heat-sensitive materials. Using SAB, a bonded area covering over 92% of the wafer surface, with a room temperature bond strength of ~2 J/m2, is achieved. For debonding, PMGI dissolve into N-methylpyrrolidone based solvent. Surface profile revealed that extremely small amount PMGI residues remains on the debonded surface. This process can be applied for 3D integration of 2D materials.
Optical Isolator with Si Guiding Layer Fabricated by Photosensitive Adhesive Bonding
Authors: Yokoi Hideki , Choowitsakunlert Salinee , Kobayashi Kouya , Takagiwa Kenji
Published: September 2016

An optical isolator employing a nonreciprocal guided-radiation mode conversion is described. The optical isolator composes of a magneto-optic waveguide with a Si guiding layer, which can be realized by photosensitive adhesive bonding. The optical isolator was designed at a wavelength of 1.55 μm. Relationship of waveguide parameters was clarified for isolator operation. Dependence of the thickness of an adhesive layer was investigated for the design of the optical isolator.
Transfer of Ultra-Thin Semi-Conductor Films onto Flexible Substrates
Authors: Montméat Pierre , De Nigris Brandolisi Isadora , Tardif Samuel , Enot Thierry , Enyedi Gregory , Kachtouli Riadh , Besson Pascal , Rieutord François , Fournel Frank
Published: September 2016

This study describes a process for transferring a 200 nm Si thin film from a SOI onto a flexible substrate. The objective is to find a way for applying a tensile strain onto a very thin semi-conductor film for tensile strain engineering. The processs is achieved with 200 mm wafers and based on a polymer temporary bonding process. Grinding and etching are used for removing the SOI backside substrate and buried oxide. The process leads to a 200 mm Si thin film transferred onto a dicing tape. No crack or ondulation is observed on the film and further tensile strain experiments can be conducted on the structure.
(Invited) Self-Assembly Based Multichip-to-Wafer Bonding Technologies for 3D/Hetero Integration
Authors: Fukushima Takafumi , Lee Kangwook , Tanaka Tetsu , Koyanagi Mitsumasa
Published: September 2016

We have proposed and developed 3D integration technologies based on self-assembly using surface tension of liquid in this decade. In this paper, microbump bonding and bumpless bonding in face-up and/or face-down configuration are introduced for fine-pitch interconnect formation. In addition, “non-transfer stacking”, in other word, flip-chip self-assembly and “transfer stacking” called reconfigure-wafer-to-wafer using SAE carrier are explained.
Wafer-Level Vacuum Packaging by Thermocompression Bonding Using Silver after Fly-Cut Planarization
Authors: Liu Cong , Hirano Hideki , Froemel Joerg , Tanaka Shuji
Published: September 2016

A novel wafer-level vacuum thermocompression bonding using electroplated Ag bonding frames which were planarized by diamond fly cutting was described. At relatively low temperature and press pressure, high shear strength and vacuum sealing were achieved. The diffusion of Ag into a Si substrate was suppressed by the implementation of a TiN barrier layer. Leak rate was measured by zero balance method was at approximately 3.6×10-14 Pa·m3/s. Therefore, the proposed process was useful for both wafer-level heterogeneous integration, such as the integration of MEMS and LSI circuits, and hermetic packaging for various microsystems.
Plastic Deformation of Thin Si Membranes in Si-Si Direct Bonding
Authors: Poppe Erik , Jensen Geir Uri , Moe Sigurd Teodor , Wang Dag
Published: September 2016

The effect of bond anneal in Si-Si direct bonding of laminates with thin membranes suspending closed cavities is studied. For membranes of a certain size and thickness, it is found that the under-pressure in the cavity during bond anneal leads to plastic deformation of the membrane. By controlling the cavity pressure it is found that the Si crystal of the membrane can be kept intact during bond anneal.
Direct Bonding of Multiple Curved, Wedged and Structured Silicon Wafers as X-Ray Mirrors
Authors: Landgraf Boris , Gunther Ramses , Vacanti Giuseppe , Barriere Nicolas , Vervest Mark , Girou David , Yanson Alex , Collon Max
Published: September 2016

In this paper, we present the technological basis for the production of structured silicon X-ray mirrors using direct wafer bonding. We dice 12” silicon wafers into rectangular plates, which are then structured to have a thin membrane and several ribs. As a next step we wedge the plates on both sides. Using in-house developed stacking robots, we then elastically deform the plates into conical shapes and bond the plates into a stack, which finally consists of several tens of such plates in a stiff self-supporting structure. Throughout the production of the structured plates and their assembly into stacks, we focus on maintaining pristinely clean surfaces as this is a prerequisite for direct wafer bonding. Several metrology tools have been developed, operating in-line, to ensure precise plate to plate alignment, high cleanliness and an accurate figure. The process is adaptable to work with plates of various dimensions, with metal coatings and with different bend radii.
Theoretical Analysis and Experimental Optimization of Graphene/TMD Heterojunction Barristors
Authors: Shim Jaewoo , Kim Yong-Hoon , Park Jin-Hong
Published: September 2016

We optimized the graphene/MoS2 and graphene/WSe2 heterojunction barristors in terms of on-/off-current densities and on/off-current ratio by inserting an APTES layer which suppresses the charge puddle effect. The on-/off-current densities and on/off-current ratio were improved by a factor of 2.1/15 and 32 in the graphene/MoS2 barristor and 10/25 and 230 in the graphene/WSe2 barristor, respectively. Particularly, we reported an unusual phenomenon that on-state current density increases as the measurement temperature decreases in the graphene/WSe2 barristor. Finally, based on temperature-dependent current-voltage measurements coupled with first-principle density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we confirmed that the main operating mechanisms of graphene/MoS2 and graphene/WSe2 barristors were thermionic emission and trap-assisted tunneling processes, respectively.
Investigation of MPL Effect on PEFC Cold Start
Authors: Zhou Jiaxun , Xie Xu , Jiao Kui
Published: September 2016

Cold-start (subzero startup) capability of polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFCs) is of great importance to achieve the commercialization of the fuel cell. In this paper, the effect of micro porous layer (MPL) on the cell performance is investigated not only in the normal condition but also at subzero temperature. The effect of startup current density variation on the cold start operation is considered. The anode and cathode pressure revolution of PEFC act as a great tool to understand the effect of MPL on the liquid-water removal. It is also found that PEFCs with anode micro-porous-layer (AMPL), compared with one with CMPL, have superior cold start performance due to the voltage reverse phenomenon.
Influence of GDL Properties on Liquid Water Distribution and Temperature at CL Surface
Authors: Araki Takuto , Kobayashi Koki , Minami Ryotaro , Hashimura Sota
Published: September 2016

Proper water management in proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is critical to achieve a high power density and durability of construction materials. The location of water accumulation is influenced by the temperature distribution inside GDL. At the same time, the temperature distribution is affected by the liquid water distribution, because the liquid water inside GDL decrease the effective thermal resistance. Then, the objective of this study was set to clear the mutual interaction between the liquid water distributions and temperature fields. For this purpose, temperature at the CL surface was measured using thin film thermocouple fabricated by MEMS based technology, and liquid water inside the GDL was visualized by X-ray CT. The GDL thermal property, especially the thickness, was changed intentionally to get symmetrical temperature distributions, and the influence of the GDL thermal property on the liquid water distributions and temperature have been examined.
Roles of Photon Scattering in Synchrotron X-ray Radiography of In Operando Visualizations of the Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell
Authors: Ge Nan , Chevalier Stéphane , Hinebaugh James , George Michael Gerald , Lee Jongmin , Banerjee Rupak , Liu Hang , Muirhead Daniel , Shrestha Pranay , Bazylak Aimy
Published: September 2016

A numerical model was developed to predict the attenuated component and the undesired scattered component in the measured X-ray intensity during water visualizations using synchrotron X-ray radiography. The scattering component was found to increase as a function of water thickness traversed by the X-ray beam, and this led to a decrease in the calibrated attenuation coefficient. Due to this relationship between the scattering component and the water thickness, a small water thickness range was demonstrated to produce highly representative attenuation coefficients that resulted in the improved accuracy of water quantifications. Therefore, it was recommended that the calibrated attenuation coefficient should be obtained based on a water thickness range that most appropriately matches the expected liquid water thickness in an operating polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell.