bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the R1b-DF27 haplogroup shows that a large fraction of Iberian Y-chromosome lineages originated recently in situ
Authors: Solé-Morata Neus , Villaescusa Patricia , García-Fernández Carla , Font-Porterias Neus , Illescas María José , Valverde Laura , Tassi Francesca , Ghirotto Silvia , Férec Claude , Rouault Karen , Jiménez-Moreno Susana , Martínez-Jarreta Begoña , Pinheiro Maria Fátima , Zarrabeitia María T. , Carracedo Ángel , de Pancorbo Marian M. , Calafell Francesc
Published: July 2017

Haplogroup R1b-M269 comprises most Western European Y chromosomes; of its main branches, R1b-DF27 is by far the least known, and it appears to be highly prevalent only in Iberia. We have genotyped 1072 R1b-DF27 chromosomes for six additional SNPs and 17 Y-STRs in population samples from Spain, Portugal and France in order to further characterize this lineage and, in particular, to ascertain the time and place where it originated, as well as its subsequent dynamics. We found that R1b-DF27 is present in frequencies ~40% in Iberian populations and up to 70% in Basques, but it drops quickly to 6–20% in France. Overall, the age of R1b-DF27 is estimated at ~4,200 years ago, at the transition between the Neolithic and the Bronze Age, when the Y chromosome landscape of W Europe was thoroughly remodeled. In spite of its high frequency in Basques, Y-STR internal diversity of R1b-DF27 is lower there, and results in more recent age estimates; NE Iberia is the most likely place of origin of DF27. Subhaplogroup frequencies within R1b-DF27 are geographically structured, and show domains that are reminiscent of the pre-Roman Celtic/Iberian division, or of the medieval Christian kingdoms.
Development and validation of a new comorbidity index for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in Japan
Authors: Takenaka Yukinori , Takemoto Norihiko , Oya Ryohei , Ashida Naoki , Kitamura Takahiro , Shimizu Kotaro , Takemura Kazuya , Michiba Takahiro , Hanamoto Atsushi , Suzuki Motoyuki , Yamamoto Yoshifumi , Uno Atsuhiko , Inohara Hidenori
Published: July 2017

Due to habitual drinking and smoking and advanced age at diagnosis, patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) frequently present with comorbidities. Several comorbidity indices have been developed and validated for HNSCC. However, none have become the standard method. In this study, we developed a new comorbidity index for Japanese patients with HNSCC, which was validated against an independent data set. A Cox proportional hazards analysis of 698 patients identified dementia, connective tissue diseases, and second primary malignancies in the oesophagus, head and neck, lungs, and stomach as prognostic comorbidities for overall survival. The Osaka head and neck comorbidity index (OHNCI) was generated from the weighted points of these comorbidities. In the independent data set, the 5-year overall survival rates for the low, moderate, and high scoring OHNCI groups were 62.1%, 64.3%, and 37.7%, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, the high scoring OHNCI group was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (hazard ratio: 1.81, 95% confidence interval: 1.05–3.13; P = 0.031). The model including the OHNCI exhibited a higher prognostic capability compared to those including other commonly used comorbidity indices. The OHNCI could become the primary choice for comorbidity assessment in patients with HNSCC in Japan.
Neuroplastin deletion in glutamatergic neurons impairs selective brain functions and calcium regulation: implication for cognitive deterioration
Authors: Herrera-Molina Rodrigo , Mlinac-Jerkovic Kristina , Ilic Katarina , Stöber Franziska , Vemula Sampath Kumar , Sandoval Mauricio , Milosevic Natasa Jovanov , Simic Goran , Smalla Karl-Heinz , Goldschmidt Jürgen , Bognar Svjetlana Kalanj , Montag Dirk
Published: July 2017

The cell adhesion molecule neuroplastin (Np) is a novel candidate to influence human intelligence. Np-deficient mice display complex cognitive deficits and reduced levels of Plasma Membrane Ca2+ ATPases (PMCAs), an essential regulator of the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([iCa2+]) and neuronal activity. We show abundant expression and conserved cellular and molecular features of Np in glutamatergic neurons in human hippocampal-cortical pathways as characterized for the rodent brain. In Nptn
lox/loxEmx1Cre
mice, glutamatergic neuron-selective Np ablation resulted in behavioral deficits indicating hippocampal, striatal, and sensorimotor dysfunction paralleled by highly altered activities in hippocampal CA1 area, sensorimotor cortex layers I-III/IV, and the striatal sensorimotor domain detected by single-photon emission computed tomography. Altered hippocampal and cortical activities correlated with reduction of distinct PMCA paralogs in Nptn
lox/loxEmx1Cre
mice and increased [iCa2+] in cultured mutant neurons. Human and rodent Np enhanced the post-transcriptional expression of and co-localized with PMCA paralogs in the plasma membrane of transfected cells. Our results indicate Np as essential for PMCA expression in glutamatergic neurons allowing proper [iCa2+] regulation and normal circuit activity. Neuron-type-specific Np ablation empowers the investigation of circuit-coded learning and memory and identification of causal mechanisms leading to cognitive deterioration.
mTORC1 regulates apoptosis and cell proliferation in pterygium via targeting autophagy and FGFR3
Authors: Liu Yanli , Xu Hanchun , An Meixia
Published: July 2017

Pterygium is one of the most common ocular surface diseases. During the initiation of pterygium, resting epithelial cells are activated and exhibit aberrant apoptosis and cell proliferation. Mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) is a central regulator of cell growth, cell proliferation, protein synthesis, autophagy and transcription. However, the effect of mTORC1 activation in epithelial cells on pterygium development has not yet been reported. Additionally, the roles of mTORC1 in aberrant apoptosis and cell proliferation during the initiation of pterygium, and the underlying mechanisms, are not known. Herein, we evaluated mTOR signalling in pterygium growth and development. The results revealed that mTOR signalling, especially mTORC1 signaling, is highly activated, and aberrant apoptosis and cell proliferation were observed in pterygium. mTORC1 activation inhibits apoptosis in pterygium by regulating Beclin 1-dependent autophagy via targeting Bcl-2. mTORC1 also negatively regulates fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) through inhibition of p73, thereby stimulating cell proliferation in pterygium. These data demonstrate that mTORC1 signalling is highly activated in pterygium and provide new insights into the pathogenesis and progression of pterygium. Hence, mTORC1 may be a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of pterygium.
The Expression of Toll-like receptors in eutopic and ectopic endometrium and its implication in the inflammatory pathogenesis of adenomyosis
Authors: Jiang Caixia , Liu Chao , Guo Jing , Chen Li , Luo Ning , Qu Xiaoyan , Yang Weihong , Ren Qing , Cheng Zhongping
Published: July 2017

In this study, we investigated the expression profiles of Toll-like receptors(TLRs) in eutopic endometrium(EU) and ectopic endometrium(EC) and its implication in the inflammatory pathogenesis of adenomyosis. Thirty adenomyosis patients who underwent laparoscopy were recruited in this study. We tested the mRNA and protein expression of TLRs, and the mRNA expression of IL-6 and IL-8 in EU and EC of adenomyosis patients, and control endometrium without adenomyosis(CE). We found that the mRNA expression of IL-6 and IL-8 in EU was significantly higher than that in CE, and was the highest in EC (P < 0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of TLRs were higher in EU, with the expression of TLR1-6, 8 and 9 being significantly higher in EU than in CE, and were the highest in EC (except TLR6) (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Pearson correlation analysis showed that the expression of TLR1, 2, 4, 5 and 9 in EU and EC was positively correlated with that of IL-6 and IL-8 (P < 0.00139). This study suggested that adenomyosis was a state of inflammatory pathology. High expression of TLRs in EU and EC were positively correlated with IL-6 and IL-8, which may be involved in the inflammatory pathogenesis of adenomyosis.
The Continuous Motion Technique for a New Generation of Scanning Systems
Authors: Alexandrov Andrey , Buonaura Annarita , Consiglio Lucia , D’Ambrosio Nicola , Lellis Giovanni De , Crescenzo Antonia Di , Galati Giuliana , Gentile Valerio , Lauria Adele , Montesi Maria Cristina , Tioukov Valeri , Vladymyrov Mikhailo , Voevodina Elena
Published: July 2017

In the present paper we report the development of the Continuous Motion scanning technique and its implementation for a new generation of scanning systems. The same hardware setup has demonstrated a significant boost in the scanning speed, reaching 190 cm2/h. The implementation of the Continuous Motion technique in the LASSO framework, as well as a number of new corrections introduced are described in details. The performance of the system, the results of an efficiency measurement and potential applications of the technique are discussed.
LIN-32/Atonal Controls Oxygen Sensing Neuron Development in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Rojo Romanos Teresa , Pladevall-Morera David , Langebeck-Jensen Kasper , Hansen Stine , Ng Leelee , Pocock Roger
Published: July 2017

Development of complex nervous systems requires precisely controlled neurogenesis. The generation and specification of neurons occur through the transcriptional and post-transcriptional control of complex regulatory networks. In vertebrates and invertebrates, the proneural basic-helix-loop-helix (bHLH) family of transcription factors has multiple functions in neurogenesis. Here, we identified the LIN-32/Atonal bHLH transcription factor as a key regulator of URXL/R oxygen-sensing neuron development in Caenorhabditis elegans. When LIN-32/Atonal expression is lost, the expression of URX specification and terminal differentiation genes is abrogated. As such, lin-32 mutant animals are unable to respond to increases in environmental oxygen. The URX neurons are generated from a branch of the cell lineage that also produces the CEPDL/R and URADL/R neurons. We found development of these neurons is also defective, suggesting that LIN-32/Atonal regulates neuronal development of the entire lineage. Finally, our results show that aspects of URX neuronal fate are partially restored in lin-32 mutant animals when the apoptosis pathway is inhibited. This suggests that, as in other organisms, LIN-32/Atonal regulates neuronal apoptosis.
Electrical detection of hyperbolic phonon-polaritons in heterostructures of graphene and boron nitride
Authors: Woessner Achim , Parret Romain , Davydovskaya Diana , Gao Yuanda , Wu Jhih-Sheng , Lundeberg Mark B. , Nanot Sébastien , Alonso-González Pablo , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Hillenbrand Rainer , Fogler Michael M. , Hone James , Koppens Frank H. L.
Published: July 2017

Light properties in the mid-infrared can be controlled at a deep subwavelength scale using hyperbolic phonons-polaritons of hexagonal boron nitride. While propagating as waveguided modes hyperbolic phonons-polaritons can concentrate the electric field in a chosen nano-volume. Such a behavior is at the heart of many applications including subdiffraction imaging and sensing. Here we employ HPPs in heterostructures of hexagonal boron nitride and graphene as new nano-optoelectronic platform by uniting the benefits of efficient hot-carrier photoconversion in graphene and the hyperbolic nature of hexagonal boron nitride. We demonstrate electrical detection of hyperbolic phonons-polaritons by guiding them towards a graphene pn-junction. We shine a laser beam onto a gap in metal gates underneath the heterostructure, where the light is converted into hyperbolic phonons-polaritons. The hyperbolic phonons-polaritons then propagate as confined rays heating up the graphene leading to a strong photocurrent. This concept is exploited to boost the external responsivity of mid-infrared photodetectors, overcoming the limitation of graphene pn-junction detectors due to their small active area and weak absorption. Moreover this type of detector exhibits tunable frequency selectivity due to the hyperbolic phonons-polaritons, which combined with its high responsivity paves the way for efficient high-resolution mid-infrared imaging.
Stabilization of foams by the combined effects of an insoluble gas species and gelation
Authors: Bey Houda , Wintzenrieth Frédéric , Ronsin Olivier , Höhler Reinhard , Cohen-Addad Sylvie
Published: July 2017

We describe experiments showing how liquid foams can be stabilized by gelation of its continuous phase or by a gas mixture containing an insoluble species. We propose a scaling model that qualitatively predicts the stability diagram.
Simultaneous determination of chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons in fly ashes discharged from industrial thermal processes
Authors: Fan Yun , Zhang Haijun , Wang Dan , Ren Meihui , Zhang Xueping , Wang Longxing , Chen Jiping
Published: July 2017

Chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons (CAHs) have received increasing attention because of their environmental persistence, bioaccumulation potential and high toxicity.
A new conjugated polymer-based combination probe for ATP detection using a multisite-binding and FRET strategy
Authors: Zhao Qi , Zhang Ziqi , Tang Yanli
Published: July 2017

A new conjugated polymer-based ratiometric combination probe was constructed for adenosine triphosphate detection by taking advantage of a multisite-binding and FRET strategy.
Silver nanoclusters with enhanced fluorescence and specific ion recognition capability triggered by alcohol solvents: a highly selective fluorimetric strategy for detecting iodide ions in urine
Authors: Feng Luping , Sun Zongzhao , Liu Huan , Liu Min , Jiang Yao , Fan Chuan , Cai Yuanyuan , Zhang Sheng , Xu Jihong , Wang Hua
Published: July 2017

Alcohol solvents can endow silver nanoclusters with enhanced red fluorescence and specific iodide recognition capability.
High-Tc superconducting phases in organic molecular intercalated iron selenides: synthesis and crystal structures
Authors: Jin Shifeng , Fan Xiao , Wu Xiaozhi , Sun Ruijin , Wu Hui , Huang Qingzhen , Shi Chenlong , Xi Xuekui , Li Zhilin , Chen Xiaolong
Published: July 2017

Phase pure hybrid iron-based superconductors with various structural types can be obtained by sonochemical insertion of organic molecules into FeSe-layers.
Exciton transport in π-conjugated polymers with conjugation defects
Authors: Meng Ruixuan , Li Yuan , Li Chong , Gao Kun , Yin Sun , Wang Luxia
Published: July 2017

Conjugation defects can be divided into energy barriers and energy wells energetically to affect exciton transport.
Evolution of the linear band dispersion of monolayer and bilayer germanene on Cu(111)
Authors: Li Fengping , Wei Wei , Lv Xingshuai , Huang Baibiao , Dai Ying
Published: July 2017

The bottom germanene layer plays a role as a buffer layer preserving the electronic properties of the upper germanene layer.
Spectroscopic characterization of the on-surface induced (cyclo)dehydrogenation of a N-heteroaromatic compound on noble metal surfaces
Authors: Palacio I. , Pinardi A. L. , Martínez J. I. , Preobrajenski A. , Cossaro A. , Jancarik A. , Stará I. , Starý I. , Méndez J. , Martín-Gago J. A. , López M. F.
Published: July 2017

Connecting polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by on-surface chemistry.
The influence of water content in a proton-conducting ionic liquid on the double layer properties of the Pt/PIL interface
Authors: Wippermann K. , Giffin J. , Kuhri S. , Lehnert W. , Korte C.
Published: July 2017

The influence of the water content of 2-sulfoethylmethylammonium trifluoromethanesulfonate [2-Sema][TfO] on the double layer properties of the interface of platinum and the proton conducting ionic liquid (PIL) is investigated by means of impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry.
The activity of lone pair contributing to SHG response in bismuth borates: a combination investigation from experiment and DFT calculation
Authors: Hu Cong , Mutailipu Miriding , Wang Ying , Guo Fengjiao , Yang Zhihua , Pan Shilie
Published: July 2017

A theoretical estimation for the intensity of the Bi-6s stereochemically active lone pair (SCALP) is built, quantified by theRSCAfactor, which indicates that a largerRSCAfactor is beneficial for a larger SHG response.
Exploring the chemistry of backbone amino(chloro)phosphanyl-substituted imidazole-2-thiones
Authors: Koner Abhishek , Serin Spencer C. , Schnakenburg Gregor , Patrick Brian O. , Gates Derek P. , Streubel Rainer
Published: July 2017

Backbone amino(chloro)phosphanyl-substituted imidazole-2-thiones were synthesized and their potential as starting material for backbone phosphaalkenyl substituted imidazole-2-thiones studied.
Antiproliferative activity of (η6-arene)ruthenacarborane sandwich complexes against HCT116 and MCF7 cell lines
Authors: Gozzi Marta , Schwarze Benedikt , Sárosi Menyhárt-Botond , Lönnecke Peter , Drača Dijana , Maksimović-Ivanić Danijela , Mijatović Sanja , Hey-Hawkins Evamarie
Published: July 2017

The [(η6-arene)RuC2B9H11] complexes (arene =p-cymene (2), biphenyl (3) and 1-Me-4-COOEt-C6H4(4)) show cytotoxic activity and excellent selectivity towards specific tumour cells.
Highly-phosphorescent tungsten(0) carbonyl pyridyl-imidazole complexes as photosensitisers
Authors: Lee Jia Jin , Yap Chew Pheng , Chwee Tsz Sian , Fan Wai Yip
Published: July 2017

Highly phosphorescent tungsten(0) carbonyl pyridyl-imidazole complexes function as novel photosensitisers for the geometric isomerisation of alkenes.
Detection of fluorine using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Pořízka Pavel , Kaski Saara , Hrdlička Aleš , Modlitbová Pavlína , Sládková Lucia , Häkkänen Heikki , Prochazka David , Novotný Jan , Gadas Petr , Čelko Ladislav , Novotný Karel , Kaiser Jozef
Published: July 2017

In this work we investigate the relationship of the F line and CaF bands with varying Ca and F contents.
Vibrational and conformational studies of 1,3-diaminopropane and its N-deuterated and N-ionised derivatives
Authors: Mendes Sofia R. O. , Amado Ana M. , Tomkinson John , Marques M. Paula M. , Batista de Carvalho Luís A. E.
Published: July 2017

A scarce understanding of the biological role of 1,3-diaminopropane highlights the relevance of attaining its full conformational preferences, using combined FTIR, Raman and INS spectroscopies.
A new system for cyclohexane functionalization employing iron(iii) catalysts and trichloroisocyanuric acid
Authors: Gomes Clicia A. , Lube Leonardo M. , Fernandes Christiane , Franco Roberto W. A. , Resende Jackson A. L. C. , Horn Adolfo
Published: July 2017

Herein, dinuclear and mononuclear iron complexes were investigated as catalysts in the reaction of cyclohexane chlorination employing trichloroisocyanuric acid as oxidant.
Fabrication of an acetone sensor based on facile ternary MnO2/Gd2O3/SnO2 nanosheets for environmental safety
Authors: Rahman Mohammed M. , Alam M. M. , Asiri Abdullah M.
Published: July 2017

The facile hydrothermally synthesized (at low temperature, in alkaline medium of pH 10.5) nanosheets (NSs) of MnO2/Gd2O3/SnO2 are well crystalline-doped ternary metal oxides.
Experimental and DFT studies of disubstituted 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)benzothiazole-based fluorophores synthesized by Suzuki coupling
Authors: Niu Yahui , Wang Qin , Wu Haoran , Wang Yuxiu , Zhang Yanrong
Published: July 2017

Elucidating the effect of simultaneous disubstitution on the fluorescence of ESIPT dyes through experimental observation and theoretical calculation.
Mononuclear bis(dithiolene) Mo(iv) and W(iv) complexes with P,P; S,S; O,S and O,O donor ligands: a comparative reactivity study
Authors: Khatua S. , Naskar T. , Nandi C. , Majumdar A.
Published: July 2017

Comparative redox reactions of eight MoIV/WIVcomplexes with P,P; S,S; S,O and O,O donor ligands are presented.
Novel non-spherical deltahedra in tritungstaboranes related to the experimentally known Cp*3W3(H)B8H8
Authors: Attia Amr A. A. , Lupan Alexandru , Bruce King R.
Published: July 2017

Low-energy Cp3W3(H)Bn−3Hn−3 (Cp = η5-C5H5; n = 5 to 12) structures have central W3Bn−3 deltahedra with superimposed bonded W3 triangles. Five lowest-energy Cp3W3(H)B8H8 structures all have the same central W3B8 deltahedron as found in the experimental Cp*3W3(H)B8H8 (Cp* = η5-Me5C5) structure.
A highly sensitive and selective fluorescent probe for N2H4 in air and living cells
Authors: Cui Jie , Gao Guanqing , Zhao Hengzhi , Liu Yazhou , Nie Hailiang , Zhang Xiaoling
Published: July 2017

A new colorimetric and fluorescent probe developed for the sensitive and selective detection of N2H4 in air and aqueous solution.
Sky-blue phosphorescence from bis- and tris-cyclometalated iridium(iii) complexes bearing carbazole-based dendrons: fabrication of non-doped multilayer organic light-emitting diodes by solution processing
Authors: Okamura Naoki , Maeda Takeshi , Yagi Shigeyuki
Published: July 2017

Non-doped multilayer OLEDs employing liposoluble and alcohol-insoluble dendrimers were fabricated by solution processing, exhibiting excellent charge balance factors of 0.9.
Not all third-row elements experience the fluorine gauche effect: β-fluorinated organophosphorus compounds
Authors: Andrade Laize A. F. , Freitas Matheus P.
Published: July 2017

Conformational analyses of β-fluorinated organophosphorus compounds were theoretically carried out to probe the role of a possible fluorine–phosphorus gauche effect in conformer stabilization, specifically using a phosphine, a phosphine oxide, phosphinic and phosphonic acids, and the corresponding anions as model compounds.
Reciprocal upregulation of scavenger receptors complicates interpretation of nanoparticle uptake in non-phagocytic cells
Authors: Prapainop Kanlaya , Miao Rong , Åberg Christoffer , Salvati Anna , Dawson Kenneth A.
Published: July 2017

Blocking the expression of scavenger receptors using small interference RNA leads to complex responses in nanoparticle uptake by cells.
Thermal dependence of nanofluidic energy conversion by reverse electrodialysis
Authors: Hwang Junho , Sekimoto Tatsuki , Hsu Wei-Lun , Kataoka Sho , Endo Akira , Daiguji Hirofumi
Published: July 2017

When the temperature and ion concentration are very high, hydrophobic patches grow owing to extraction of gases from the solution.
Correction: Dependence of gold nanoparticle radiosensitization on cell geometry
Authors: Sung Wonmo , Ye Sung-Joon , McNamara Aimee L. , McMahon Stephen J. , Hainfeld James , Shin Jungwook , Smilowitz Henry M. , Paganetti Harald , Schuemann Jan
Published: July 2017

Correction for ‘Dependence of gold nanoparticle radiosensitization on cell geometry’ by Wonmo Sung, et al., Nanoscale, 2017, 9, 5843–5853.
Rhodium(iii)-catalyzed and MeOH-involved regioselective mono-alkenylation of N-arylureas with acrylates
Authors: Lv Honggui , Shi Jingjing , Huang Junjun , Zhang Chao , Yi Wei
Published: July 2017

A new and versatile Rh(iii)-catalyzed C–H activation/alkenylation/MeOH-involved ammonolysis/esterification cascade reaction has been disclosed.
Advances in chemoselective intermolecular cross-benzoin-type condensation reactions
Authors: Gaggero Nicoletta , Pandini Stefano
Published: July 2017

An exhaustive and critical overview of synthetically relevant methods for intermolecular cross-acyloin condensation reactions is reported.
Alkyl-substituted spiropyrans: electronic effects, model compounds and synthesis of aliphatic main-chain copolymers
Authors: Schmidt Simon B. , Kempe Fabian , Brügner Oliver , Walter Michael , Sommer Michael
Published: July 2017

This work reports on the isomerisation behaviour of alkylated spiropyrans and aliphatic main chain spiropyran copolymers.
Synthesis and characterization of Al-substituted LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 cathode materials by a modified co-precipitation method
Authors: Zhao Xinxin , Liang Guangchuan , Lin Dan
Published: July 2017

The performances of 14500 batteries assembled with Al-NCM as the cathode, synthesized by a modified method, are improved.
Zero-charged catanionic lamellar liquid crystals doped with fullerene C60 for potential applications in tribology
Authors: Chen Mengjun , Liu Baoyong , Wang Xiaolin , Fu Yanxu , Hao Jingcheng , Li Hongguang
Published: July 2017

Well-ordered lamellar liquid crystals formed using a salt-free zero-charged catanionic surfactant mixture can be used for high loading of fullerene C60, and the hybrid material shows good performance in tribological measurements.
Orientation of topological defects in 2D nematic liquid crystals
Authors: Tang Xingzhou , Selinger Jonathan V.
Published: July 2017

Liquid crystal defects have orientations, which can be described by tensors, and which affect their interactions and their motion.
Influence of surface tension in the surfactant-driven fracture of closely-packed particulate monolayers
Authors: Peco Christian , Chen Wei , Liu Yingjie , Bandi M. M. , Dolbow John E. , Fried Eliot
Published: July 2017

A phase-field model is used to capture the surfactant-driven formation of fracture patterns in particulate monolayers.
Tungsten dichalcogenides (WS2, WSe2, and WTe2): materials chemistry and applications
Authors: Eftekhari Ali
Published: July 2017

Tungsten is the heaviest transition metal in the family of common transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs).
Temperature-directed growth of highly pyridinic nitrogen doped, graphitized, ultra-hollow carbon frameworks as an efficient electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: He Bing , Liu Fujian , Yan Shouke
Published: July 2017

Highly pyridinic nitrogen doped hollow carbon frameworks (N-HCFs) with large BET surface areas, ultra large pore volumes and very high pyridinic nitrogen contents were prepared, which could be used as highly efficient and stable metal-free electrocatalysts for the ORR.
H2O-induced self-propagating synthesis of hierarchical porous carbon: a promising lithium storage material with superior rate capability and ultra-long cycling life
Authors: Liang Chu , Liang Sheng , Xia Yang , Chen Yun , Huang Hui , Gan Yongping , Tao Xinyong , Zhang Jun , Zhang Wenkui
Published: July 2017

An environmentally benign and high-yield route is developed to synthesize hierarchical porous carbon for high-density energy storage.
Thiol grafted imine-based covalent organic frameworks for water remediation through selective removal of Hg(ii)
Authors: Merí-Bofí Laura , Royuela Sergio , Zamora Félix , Ruiz-González M. Luisa , Segura José L. , Muñoz-Olivas Riansares , Mancheño María José
Published: July 2017

An outstanding and selective material for Hg(ii) polluted water remediation based on an imine-linked COF endowed with triazole and thiol groups.
Few-layer MoS2anchored at nitrogen-doped carbon ribbons for sodium-ion battery anodes with high rate performance
Authors: Pang Yuanchao , Zhang Shuyang , Liu Limin , Liang Jin , Sun Zongjie , Wang Yuankun , Xiao Chunhui , Ding Dawei , Ding Shujiang
Published: July 2017

Few-layer MoS2nanosheets with expanded interlayer spacing (0.75 nm) anchored at nitrogen-doped amorphous micron-sized carbon ribbons are fabricated as sodium-ion battery anodes with excellent performance.
Cr3+/Er3+ co-doped LaAlO3 perovskite phosphor: a near-infrared persistent luminescence probe covering the first and third biological windows
Authors: Xu Jian , Murata Daisuke , Katayama Yumiko , Ueda Jumpei , Tanabe Setsuhisa
Published: July 2017

We have developed a novel persistent phosphor of LaAlO3 perovskite doped with Er3+, Cr3+ and Sm3+ (LAO:Er–Cr–Sm), which exhibits long persistent luminescence (PersL) at 1553 nm due to the Er3+:4I13/2 → 4I15/2 transition as well as at 734 nm due to the Cr3+:2E(2G) → 4A2(4F) transition.
In silico prediction of pesticide aquatic toxicity with chemical category approaches
Authors: Li Fuxing , Fan Defang , Wang Hao , Yang Hongbin , Li Weihua , Tang Yun , Liu Guixia
Published: July 2017

Herein, six machine learning methods combined with nine fingerprints were used to predict aquatic toxicity of pesticides.
Optimizing Respiratory-Swallowing Coordination in Patients With Oropharyngeal Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Martin-Harris Bonnie , (Focht) Garand Kendrea L. , McFarland David
Published: July 2017

Swallowing impairment (dysphagia) represents the highest functional morbidity in oropharyngeal (OP) head and neck (HNC) treated either with surgical approaches followed by radiation or with more recent organ preservation protocols, including combined chemotherapy and radiation. Despite the promising overall increasing survival rates, swallowing impairments remain chronic, are often resistant to traditional swallowing therapy, and have devastating consequences on health and well-being. The respiratory-swallow cross-system approach presented here extends beyond traditional swallowing interventions that commonly targets muscles and structures alone, and is instead, directed toward the re-establishment of optimal respiratory-swallowing coordination.

Results from our work investigating a respiratory-swallow treatment (RST) paradigm is presented, including results from an RST clinical trial in HNC patients, primarily with OP cancers, with chronic and with intractable dysphagia post-cancer and post-traditional swallowing treatment. Future work will investigate the impact of RST on the degree and durability of clinical outcomes, including oral intake and quality of life, while also examining the potential added benefits of a home practice program that uses a commercially available and easy to use recording and analysis hardware and software.
Noninvasive Respiratory Support and Feeding in the Neonate
Authors: Hirst Keith , Dodrill Pamela , Gosa Memorie
Published: July 2017

Background

Preterm neonates are at risk for respiratory illness including respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Recent advancements in neonatal medicine have introduced less invasive forms of respiratory support for neonates with RDS and BPD, including continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and humidified “high-flow” therapy via nasal cannula (HFNC). There is limited evidence documenting the impact of these respiratory supports on neonatal swallowing function.

Objective

This article presents the results of a structured literature review that sought to determine the evidence to support the practice of feeding neonates in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) by mouth while on CPAP or HFNC.

Methods

A systematic search of PubMed was completed to identify relevant, peer-reviewed literature reporting original data that addressed the identified objective.

Results

Five studies were identified that related to oral feeding and/or swallowing while on CPAP or HFNC in neonates.

Conclusions

Given the limited evidence available to support the practice of feeding neonates in the NICU by mouth while on CPAP or HFNC, and the potential for adverse respiratory events related to the underlying respiratory disease, the authors urge caution with this practice, and highlight the urgent need for further research in this area.
Mechanisms for Successful Rehabilitation of Cough in Parkinson's Disease Using Expiratory Muscle Strength Training
Authors: Huff Alyssa , Brown Alyssa , Smith Barbara K. , Pitts Teresa
Published: July 2017

Rehabilitation of cough is now moving under the purview of speech-language pathology as our understanding of the relationship between disorders of cough and swallow increases. The purpose of this review is to provide a guide in understanding the mechanisms of weak or disordered cough in Parkinson's disease, and mechanisms for why expiratory muscle strength training is an effective therapy. Additionally, this review provides resources for performing clinical evaluations of maximum expiratory pressure and dosage information for expiratory muscle strength training.
Antiplatelet Therapy in Noncardioembolic Stroke: A Review of Current Evidence
Authors: Sandset Per , Sandset Else , Krishnan Kailash , Jusufovic Mirza
Published: July 2017

Acute stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in the developed world. Among survivors, the risk of stroke recurrence is highest within the first few days, and up to 15% will be affected within the first year. In the case of noncardioembolism, antiplatelets, such as aspirin, clopidogrel, and the combination of aspirin and dipyridamole, remain the mainstay of treatment. Aspirin given immediately is beneficial, but when combined with clopidogrel is associated with a higher risk of bleeding. Dual antiplatelet therapy of aspirin and dipyridamole was no more effective than clopidogrel in reducing stroke recurrence. In symptomatic extracranial atherosclerosis, surgery within 2 weeks of the index event will benefit, but in strokes due to intracranial atherosclerosis and small vessel disease, medical therapy alone is recommended. The purpose of this review is to discuss the various trials of antiplatelet therapies in acute and long-term stroke prevention in mechanisms excluding cardioembolism.
Nutrition in Stroke Prevention
Authors: Spence J.
Published: July 2017

Nutrition is far more important to the prevention of stroke than most physicians realize. Key issues include a Mediterranean diet, the interaction of the intestinal microbiome, impaired renal function and diet, missed metabolic B12 deficiency, and the lowering of homocysteine with B vitamins to prevent stroke. The Cretan Mediterranean diet is high in olive oil, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes, and is close to a vegetarian diet. Compared with a low-fat diet, it reduced stroke by over 40%, and is clearly the best diet for diabetes. Metabolic B12 deficiency is very common (∼ 30% of stroke patients age > 70 years) and frequently missed because it is not excluded by a total serum B12 level in the reference range. B vitamins to lower homocysteine do prevent stroke, but their benefit was obscured in early studies because of harm from cyanide in cyanocobalamin among participants with renal impairment. Methylcobalamin should be used instead of cyanocobalamin.
Modifiable Risk Factors for Stroke and Strategies for Stroke Prevention
Authors: Towfighi Amytis , Hill Valerie
Published: July 2017

The pathophysiology of stroke is well characterized, and 9 out of 10 strokes are due to modifiable factors. However, preventive strategies thus far have been relatively ineffective in curbing the global stroke burden, which is projected to increase given the aging of the world's population and epidemiological transition in many low- to middle-income countries. In this review we will summarize our current understanding of behavioral, environmental, and metabolic stroke risk factors not covered elsewhere in this issue. Specifically, we will review the evidence for environmental and household air pollution, smoking, and alcohol use. We will subsequently provide a conceptual framework for stroke prevention strategies, categorizing them as those aimed at changing health care systems and/or provider behavior and those targeting behaviors of patients and/or their caregivers, families, and support networks. The field of stroke prevention is relatively nascent, and little is known about how to optimize health care systems so that providers prescribe evidence-based care for stroke prevention, patients have access to care to receive such services, adherence and control of risk factors are optimized, and patients are empowered to manage their own risk factors and make lifestyle changes, including eating healthy diets (high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and low in sodium and sugar-sweetened beverages), engaging in regular physical activity, not smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption. In the next several years, we will likely develop a better understanding of which strategies are effective for modifying vascular risk factors, and how to design and implement successful interventions. Key questions to be answered include optimal theoretical frameworks, delivery models, team composition, timing, dose, intensity, and frequency, taking into account cultural, sociodemographic, and regional differences in patient populations.
Age and Tumor Volume Predict Growth of Carotid and Vagal Body Paragangliomas
Authors: de Pont Lisa , Verbist Berit , van der Mey Andel , Corssmit Eleonora , Hes Frederik , van Benthem Peter , Jansen Jeroen , Heesterman Berdine
Published: July 2017

Objective Treatment for head and neck paragangliomas (HNGPL) can be more harmful than the disease. After diagnosis, an initial period of surveillance is often indicated, and surgery or radiotherapy is reserved for progressive disease. With the aim to optimize this “wait and scan” strategy, we studied growth and possible predictors.

Design A retrospective cohort study was conducted.

Setting This study was conducted at a tertiary referral center for patients with HNGPL.

Methods Tumor volume was estimated for 184 SDHD-related carotid and vagal body paragangliomas using sequential magnetic resonance imaging. Cox regression was used to study predictors of tumor growth.

Results The estimated fraction of growing tumors ranged from 0.42 after 1 year of follow-up to 0.85 after 11 years. A median growth rate of 10.4 and 12.0% per year was observed for carotid and vagal body tumors, respectively. Tumor location, initial volume, and age (p < 0.05) were included in our prediction model. The probability of growth decreased with increasing age and volume, indicating a decelerating growth pattern.

Conclusions We created a prediction model (available online), enabling a more individualized “wait and scan” strategy. The favorable natural course of carotid and vagal body paragangliomas was confirmed; although with long follow-up growth will be observed in most cases.
Evidence-Based Review of Nonsurgical Management of Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastasis and Evolving Role of Interventional Radiology
Authors: Wu Hanping , Opneja Aman , Sutter Christopher , Patel Indravadan , Lewandowski Robert , Eads Jennifer , Tavri Sidhartha
Published: July 2017

Colorectal cancer is the third most common malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Approximately 20 to 25% of patients have clinically detectable colorectal liver metastases (CLM) at the initial diagnosis, and nearly 50% of patients with colorectal cancer develop hepatic metastases at some point during the course of their disease. Patients with untreated CLM have a median survival time of approximately 4.5 months. For the resectable cases, surgical resection is the first-choice treatment. However, only 10 to 30% of patients with CLM are eligible for resection at presentation. There are several nonsurgical treatment options for patients with CLM who are not candidates for initial or potentially curative resection. These include systemic chemotherapy, locoregional therapy that includes thermal and nonthermal ablation, external beam radiation therapy, regional chemotherapy via the hepatic artery, and selective radioembolization using yttrium-labeled glass or resin microspheres. In this review, we discuss the nonsurgical treatment options described earlier that are part of the current multidisciplinary algorithm in the management of CLM and focus on the expanding role of interventional radiology.
Diagnostic Challenges in Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis and Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Banwell Brenda , Yeshokumar Anusha
Published: July 2017

This review highlights the most common presentations of demyelination of the central nervous system (CNS, termed acquired demyelinating syndrome) in children, the difficulty in determining whether the first episode represents a monophasic/transient illness or relapsing disease, and the potential underlying etiologies that must be considered, including multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), and disorders associated with antibodies to myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibodies. The initial clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features, as well as those observed over time, are highlighted, emphasizing the distinct and overlapping features of each of these disorders.
Ein Vergleich der Apnoeerkennung bei Patienten mit obstruktiver Schlafapnoe (OSA) anhand von Atemgeräuschaufzeichnungen und Polysomnografie
Authors: von Heydebrand M. , Hildebrandt O. , Cassel W. , Schäfer A. , Kesper K. , Weissflog A. , Taher N. , Sohrabi K. , Gross V. , Koehler U.
Published: July 2017

Einleitung In dieser Studie wurden nächtliche Atemgeräuschaufzeichnungen von Patienten mit obstruktiver Schlafapnoe (OSA) mit den Daten der Polysomnografie unter dem Aspekt der Diagnostik von Apnoen analysiert und verglichen.

Fragestellung und Methode Bei 45 Patienten mit behandlungsbedürftiger OSA (AHI > 15 /h) wurde parallel zur polysomnografischen Diagnostik eine Langzeitregistrierung der Atemgeräusche mittels LEOSound durchgeführt. Das durchschnittliche Alter der Patienten lag bei 58 ± 12 Jahren (Mittelwert ± Standardabweichung), der BMI bei 33 ± 7 kg/m². Die mit LEOSound audio-visuell detektierten Atempausen wurden mit den polysomnografisch ermittelten verglichen. 11 der 45 Registrierungen wurden wegen erhöhter Artefaktrate bei Mikrofondislokation bei der Feinanalyse nicht berücksichtigt.

Ergebnisse Beim Vergleich der audio-visuell detektierten Apnoephasen und denen der Polysomnografie ergab sich für die Anzahl der Apnoen aus den LEOSound-Aufzeichnungen ein Median von 164, für die PSG von 158. Bei der Atemgeräuschaufzeichnung wurde der Median des Apnoe-Index (AI) mit 20/h berechnet, bei der Polysomnografie mit 21/h. Der Vergleich der Apnoe-Indices von Polysomnografie und akustischer Langzeitregistrierung ergab einen Korrelationskoeffizienten von 0,939 und eine Signifikanz von p < 0,001.

Diskussion Mithilfe der akustischen Langzeitregistrierung der Atem- und Atemnebengeräusche können auch Atemstillstände objektiviert werden. Eine genaue Differenzierung zwischen Apnoen und Hypopnoen ist jedoch nur bedingt möglich.
A Rapid and Sensitive UPLC-MS/MS Method for Quantification of Bruceantinol in Rat Plasma and Its Application to a Pharmacokinetic Study
Authors: Li Jun , Zheng Dayong , Zhen Bixian , Sun Yunfeng , Chen Fen , Zhan Kaixuan , Wei Ning , Zhang Lide
Published: July 2017

Bruceantinol (BOL), a quassinoid compound isolated from the fruits of Brucea javanica, has been reported to have cytotoxic and antibacterial effects. In this study, a rapid, sensitive, and specific ultra-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method was developed for the quantitative determination of BOL in rat plasma. The samples were treated by simple liquid-liquid extraction with ethyl acetate and separated on an UPLC BEH C18 column (2.1 mm × 50 mm) using a 3-min gradient elution scheme, which consists of water (0.1% v/v, formic acid) and methanol (0.1%, v/v, formic acid) to achieve the separation of BOL and sinomenine (IS) with high selectivity. The electrospray ionization source was used in positive ion mode; the multiple reaction monitoring quantified the target fragment ions m/z 629.6 → 569.5 for BOL and m/z 330.5 → 207.3 for IS. This work was evaluated with regards to the specificity, extraction recovery, matrix effect, linearity, accuracy, precision, stability, and dilution integrity. This approach was used to examine the pharmacokinetics of BOL in rats after oral (0.3 mg/kg) and intravenous (0.15 mg/kg) administration. BOL presented fast excretion and very low oral bioavailability.
Impact of dispersion forces on the atomic structure of a prototypical network-forming disordered system: The case of liquid GeSe2
Authors: Lampin Evelyne , Bouzid Assil , Ori Guido , Boero Mauro , Massobrio Carlo
Published: July 2017

A set of structural properties of liquid GeSe2 are calculated by using first-principles molecular dynamics and including, for the first time, van der Waals dispersion forces. None of the numerous atomic-scale simulations performed in the past on this prototypical disordered network-forming material had ever accounted for dispersion forces in the expression of the total energy. For this purpose, we employed either the Grimme-D2 or the maximally localized Wannier function scheme. We assessed the impact of dispersion forces on properties such as partial structure factors, pair correlation functions, bond angle distribution, and number of corner vs edge sharing connections. The maximally localized Wannier function scheme is more reliable than the Grimme-D2 scheme in reproducing existing first-principles results. In particular, the Grimme-D2 scheme worsens the agreement with experiments in the case of the Ge-Ge pair correlation function. Our study shows that the impact of dispersion forces on disordered chalcogenides has to be considered with great care since it cannot be necessarily the same when adopting different recipes.
Interaction of a mode-2 internal solitary wave with narrow isolated topography
Authors: Deepwell David , Stastna Marek , Carr Magda , Davies Peter A.
Published: July 2017

Numerical and experimental studies of the transit of a mode-2 internal solitary wave over an isolated ridge are presented. All studies used a quasi-two-layer fluid with a pycnocline centred at the mid-depth. The wave amplitude and total fluid depth were both varied, while the topography remained fixed. The strength of the interaction between the internal solitary waves and the hill was found to be characterized by three regimes: weak, moderate, and strong interactions. The weak interaction exhibited negligible wave modulation and bottom surface stress. The moderate interaction generated weak and persistent vorticity in the lower layer, in addition to negligible wave modulation. The strong interaction clearly showed material from the trapped core of the mode-2 wave extracted in the form of a thin filament while generating a strong vortex at the hill. A criterion for the strength of the interaction was found by non-dimensionalizing the wave amplitude by the lower layer depth, a/ℓ. A passive tracer was used to measure the conditions for resuspension of boundary material due to the interaction. The speed and prevalence of cross boundary layer transport increased with a/ℓ.
Understanding the catalytic activity of nanoporous gold: Role of twinning in fcc lattice
Authors: Krajčí Marian , Kameoka Satoshi , Tsai An-Pang
Published: July 2017

Nanoporous gold (NPG) prepared by de-alloying Al2Au exhibits correlation between the high catalytic reactivity towards CO oxidation and the density of twinning defects in the fcc lattice of NPG. It was also discovered that on the internal surface of NPG, quite common twinning defects can create close-packed rows of six-coordinated catalytically active Au atoms denoted as W-chains. In this work, using density functional theory methods, we investigate energy conditions for formation, thermal stability, and chemical reactivity of these active sites. The possibility of dioxygen chemisorption on various surface sites is studied in detail. A contribution from the dispersion interactions is also considered. The calculated surface density of the active six-coordinated atoms in NPG comparable with that of supported gold nanoparticle catalysts, exothermic chemisorption of dioxygen, and the energy profiles of reaction pathways for CO oxidation indicate that the six-coordinated sites created by twinning can significantly contribute to the catalytic activity of NPG.