bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Processing unambiguous verbal passives in German
Authors: GRILLO NINO , ALEXIADOU ARTEMIS , GEHRKE BERIT , HIRSCH NILS , PAOLAZZI CATERINA , SANTI ANDREA
Published: August 2018

Passivization played a central role in shaping both linguistic theory and psycholinguistic approaches to sentence processing, language acquisition and impairment. We present the results of two experiments that simultaneously test online processing (self-paced reading) and offline comprehension (through comprehension questions) of passives in German while also manipulating the event structure of the predicates used. In contrast to English, German passives are unambiguously verbal, allowing for the study of passivization independent of a confound in the degree of interpretive ambiguity (verbal/adjectival). In English, this ambiguity interacts with event structure, with passives of stative predicates naturally receiving an adjectival interpretation. In a recent study, Paolazzi et al. (2015, 2016) showed that in contrast to the mainstream theoretical perspective, passive sentences are not inherently harder to process than actives. Complexity of passivization in English is tied to the aspectual class of the verbal predicate passivized: with eventive predicates, passives are read faster (as hinted at in previous literature) and generate no comprehension difficulties (in contrast to previous findings with mixed predicates). Complexity effects with passivization, in turn, are only found with stative predicates. The asymmetry is claimed to stem from the temporary adjectival/verbal ambiguity of stative passives in English. We predict that the observed difficulty with English stative passives disappears in German, given that in this language the passive construction under investigation is unambiguously verbal. The results support this prediction: both offline and online there was no difficulty with passivization, under either eventive or stative predicates. In fact, passives and their rich morphology eased parsing across both types of predicates.
Large-scale dynamo action driven by forced beating waves in a highly conducting plasma
Authors: Mizerski Krzysztof A.
Published: August 2018

The aim of this short paper is simply to demonstrate the effect of interactions between distinct waves induced by an oscillatory forcing on generation of the large-scale electromotive force (EMF) in a highly electrically conducting plasma in the dynamical regime, i.e. when the back reaction of the Lorentz force on the flow is included. The mean EMF is induced by waves with distinct but close phase speeds, which are called ‘beating waves’ by analogy with the acoustic effect of ‘beat’, in the presence of a locally uniform seed magnetic field. These waves may have either positive or negative helicity, and it is supposed that waves of a single sign of helicity are preferentially excited by a symmetry-breaking mechanism. The formula for the mean EMF in a highly conducting plasma is derived, conditions relevant to those of the early universe before and during galaxy formation. Within the scope of the weak magnetohydrodynamic turbulence dominated by the linear waves an$\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}$-effect, that is generation of the large-scale EMF is studied, which leads to amplification of the seed mean magnetic field. Possible subsequent equilibration due to quenching resulting from the presence of the Lorentz force is briefly discussed.
Reduced magneto-hydrodynamic theory of coherent magnetic chains in the solar wind
Authors: Jovanović Dušan , Alexandrova Olga , Maksimović Milan , Belić Milivoj
Published: August 2018

An analytic theory is presented of magnetic structures in collisionless, high-$\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FD}$plasmas. Using a reduced magnetohydrodynamic model, a stationary nonlinear solution is constructed in the form of a Kelvin–Stuart cat’s eyes chain of magnetic islands, on the spatial scale that exceeds the characteristic ion lengths. The solution is imbedded in a background current sheet and possesses both a significant plasma density perturbation trapped inside the magnetic islands and a compressional magnetic field component that is driven mostly by a current loop located at the separatrix of the islands. This theory may provide an explanation for the magnetic structures observed in the solar wind close to the Earth by the Cluster spacecraft.
FICUS SPECIES IN THE SANGHA TRINATIONAL, CENTRAL AFRICA
Authors: Ndolo Ebika S. T. , Morgan D. , Sanz C. , Harris D. J.
Published: August 2018

Twenty-seven species and two subspecies of Ficus are reported from one study site in central Africa. Characters for identification are explained. An identification key, illustrations, descriptions and habitats are provided. The species-level diversity of Ficus in tropical forests is discussed.
Stigmatisierung Alkoholabhängiger: Einstellungen von Betroffenen während einer stationären Entzugsbehandlung, medizinischen Personals und Studierender
Authors: Schuster Rilana , Gavas Funda , Schneider Udo , Glahn Alexander , Hillemacher Thomas , Frischknecht Ulrich , Reinhard Iris , Kleimann Alexandra , Bleich Stefan , Heberlein Annemarie
Published: August 2018

Zusammenfassung. Ziel der Studie: Untersucht wurden die Einstellungen gegenüber Menschen mit Alkoholabhängigkeit und die Akzeptanz neurobiologischer sowie sozialer Krankheitsursachen. Methodik: Mit einem 75-Item Fragebogen wurden die Ansichten von 254 Teilnehmern erfragt und die Einstellungen gegenüber alkoholabhängigen Patienten von Betroffenen und gesunden Menschen verglichen. Die betroffenen alkoholabhängigen Patienten (n = 122) wurden während einer stationären qualifizierten Entzugsbehandlung befragt, nachdem der körperliche Entzug vorüber war. In den Vergleichsgruppen wurden medizinisches Personal (n = 70) sowie Studierende (n = 62) ohne medizinisches Hintergrundwissen befragt. Ergebnisse: Zwischen den Betroffenen und dem medizinischen Personal fanden wir keine Unterschiede bezüglich der Zuschreibung neurobiologischer Faktoren als Ursachen der Alkoholabhängigkeit. Studierende hielten neurobiologische Faktoren für weniger ursächlich für Alkoholabhängigkeit als Betroffenen und als medizinisches Personal. Bezüglich der sozialen Faktoren als Ursachen der Alkoholabhängigkeit ergaben sich keine signifikanten Unterschiede zwischen den drei Gruppen. Die Betroffenen bewerteten die Charaktereigenschaften alkoholabhängiger Patienten insgesamt positiver als das medizinische Personal und die Studierenden.Schlussfolgerung: Betroffene berichten positivere Einstellungen gegenüber Menschen die an einer Alkoholabhängigkeit leiden, als medizinisches Personal und als Studierende.
Leaking: Häufigkeit und Korrelate von Ankündigungen und Androhungen tödlicher Gewalt nach Meldungen Berliner Schulen zwischen 1996 und 2007
Authors: Leuschner Vincenz , Bondü Rebecca , Allroggen Marc , Scheithauer Herbert
Published: August 2018

Zusammenfassung. Androhungen und Ankündigungen tödlicher Gewalt an Schulen (die in der wissenschaftlichen Diskussion mit dem Begriff des «Leaking» bezeichnet werden) können massive Auswirkungen haben, wie zum Beispiel die Evakuierung der Schule, polizeiliche Durchsuchungen oder Einschränkungen des Sicherheitsgefühls. Daher verwundert es, dass bislang nur wenige wissenschaftliche Untersuchungen durchgeführt wurden, die dieses Phänomen und seine Häufigkeit systematisch beschreiben. Der vorliegende Artikel möchte einen Beitrag dazu leisten diese Forschungslücke zu schließen und legt Untersuchungsergebnisse zur Häufigkeit und Struktur von Gewaltandrohungen und -ankündigungen an Berliner Schulen vor. Als Grundlage dienen 427 Androhungen und Ankündigungen tödlicher Gewalt an Berliner Schulen zwischen 1996 und 2007, die im Rahmen des Berliner Leaking-Projekts untersucht wurden. Die vorliegende Studie stellt insofern eine einzigartige Erhebung zum Phänomen Leaking dar, da eine bislang ungenutzte Datenquelle ausgewertet wurde, erstmals ein Zehnjahreszeitraum abgebildet wird und sowohl Ergebnisse einer querschnittlichen Auswertung hinsichtlich Häufigkeit und Merkmalen der Androhungen sowie Merkmalen der Betroffenen präsentiert werden können als auch Beobachtungen des Phänomens über die Zeit möglich sind. Im Ergebnis zeigt sich eine Quote von 0.3 Androhungen und Ankündigungen pro 1 000 Schüler im Schuljahr. Zudem ist eine stetige Zunahme von Androhungen im betreffenden Zeitraum zu beobachten, die jeweils von Imitationseffekten nach realisierten Taten beeinflusst wird.
Autistische Züge bei Patientinnen mit Borderline-Persönlichkeitsstörung unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der Empathie
Authors: Nanchen Katia , Brodführer Anne , Heinrichs Markus , Philipsen Alexandra , Tebartz van Elst Ludger , Matthies Swantje
Published: August 2018

Zusammenfassung. Auch wenn in der Literatur über eine häufige Komorbidität zwischen der Borderline-Persönlichkeitsstörung (BPS) und der Autismus-Spektrum-Störung (ASS) diskutiert wird und überlappende Merkmale zwischen diesen beiden Störungsbildern nachgewiesen wurden, finden sich bisher nur wenige empirische Untersuchungen zu diesem Thema. Zur Einschätzung der Ausprägung autistischer Züge in der BPS-Population wurde in Rahmen dieser Studie der Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) von 38 BPS-Patientinnen erhoben und Zusammenhänge zwischen der Symptomatik der beiden Störungsbilder untersucht. Mit Hilfe des Interpersonal Reactivity Index und der Toronto Alexithymia Scale wurden insbesondere die Bereiche Empathie und Alexithymie genauer betrachtet. Die explorative Auswertung dieser Studie ergab, dass fast die Hälfte der BPS-Patientinnen den Cut-off-Wert im AQ überschritten und somit autistische Züge in einer Subgruppe der BPS-Betroffenen ausgeprägt zu sein scheinen. Weiterhin fanden sich in dieser Subgruppe niedrigere Werte für kognitive Empathie und höhere Alexithymie-Werte. Die Relevanz und Implikationen dieser Ergebnisse im klinischen Kontext werden diskutiert.
Evaluation des Freiburger TOMTASS
Authors: Biscaldi Monica , Paschke-Müller Mirjam , Rauh Reinhold , Schaller Ulrich Max
Published: August 2018

Zusammenfassung. In den letzten Jahren wurden einige spezifische Programme zur Förderung der sozialen Kompetenz bei Kindern und Jugendlichen mit einer hochfunktionalen Autismus-Spektrum-Störung entwickelt, um Fertigkeiten im Interaktions- und Kommunikationsverhalten zu steigern und dadurch den erlebten Stress und Frustrationen in sozialen Situationen zu verringern. Evaluationsstudien zeigen positive Effekte dieser Programme mit Effektstärken im mittleren Bereich für Aufbau sozialer Kompetenz und Verbesserung der sozialen Reaktivität. In der vorliegenden Studie wird eine Phase II Pilotevaluation des Freiburger Gruppenverfahrens TOMTASS, ein Theory-of-Mind-Training für Kinder und Jugendliche mit Autismus-Spektrum-Störungen, vorgestellt. Fragebögen zur sozialen Reaktivität (SRS) und zur Lebensqualität (ILK) wurden von den Eltern der 38 männlichen Teilnehmer vor und nach dem 24-stündigen Training ausgefüllt, das ILK wurde auch als Selbstbeurteilungsbogen ausgeteilt. Zusätzlich wurde eine für den Rater verblindete Video-Analyse der Therapie-Sitzungen zu Beginn und gegen Ende des Trainings durchgeführt. Die Ergebnisse zeigen eine signifikante Verbesserung der sozialen Reaktivität in der SRS-Skala und deskriptive Verbesserungen der Lebensqualität sowohl im Eltern- als auch im Kinder-Urteil. Die Video-Analyse ergab uneinheitliche Ergebnisse mit Verbesserung in den Bereichen der sozialen Interaktion und Kommunikation und Verschlechterungen bei der Einhaltung der Regeln gegen Ende des Trainings. Insgesamt stellen diese positiven Pilotbefunde eine vielversprechende Grundlage für eine weitere Evaluationsphase dar, bei der sowohl eine Kontrollwartegruppe als auch die Verwendung von weiteren objektiven und vor allem ökologisch validen Maßen, wie z.B. behavioralen Testungen, eingeführt werden sollten.
Unterschiede und Gemeinsamkeiten zwischen Körperdysmorpher Störung und Olfaktorischer Referenzstörung
Authors: Schmidt René , Grocholewski Anja
Published: August 2018

Zusammenfassung. Theorie: Die Körperdysmorphe Störung (KDS) und die Olfaktorische Referenzstörung (ORS) überschneiden sich nach klinischen Beobachtungen in verschiedenen Bereichen, ohne dass es bisher Untersuchungen hierzu gibt. Fragestellung: Unterscheiden sich Personen mit KDS oder ORS und eine psychisch gesunde Vergleichsgruppe in Hinblick auf soziale Ängste, wahnhafte Symptome, körperbezogene Emotionen und interpersonelle Probleme? Methode: Wir führten Interview- und Fragebogenerhebungen an n = 21 ORS-Betroffenen, n = 21 KDS-Betroffen und n = 21 gesunden Vergleichspersonen durch. Ergebnisse: Es existieren Gruppenunterschiede hinsichtlich sozialphobischer und wahnhafter Symptome, körperbezogener Emotionen und interpersoneller Probleme, wobei die KDS-Gruppe die höchsten Skalenmittelwerte erzielte. ORS-Betroffene berichteten häufiger von positiven körperbezogenen Emotionen als KDS-Betroffene. Schlussfolgerungen: Soziale Interaktionsangst und ein selbstunsicheres / unterwürfiges Interaktionsverhalten könnten für eine gemeinsame Grundlage beider Störungen sprechen. Die Unterschiede körperbezogener Emotionen könnten ein Unterscheidungsmerkmal sein.
Mitigation of Global Cooling by Stratospheric Chemistry Feedbacks in a Simulation of the Last Glacial Maximum
Authors: Noda Satoshi , Kodera Kunihiko , Adachi Yukimasa , Deushi Makoto , Kitoh Akio , Mizuta Ryo , Murakami Shigenori , Yoshida Kohei , Yoden Shigeo
Published: August 2018

The impact of changes in the stratospheric ozone profile in the Last Glacial Maximum simulation under reduced atmospheric CO2 concentrations and different orbital elements is investigated using an Earth System Model. For this, simulations including an interactive atmospheric chemistry scheme is compared with simulations using the prescribed ozone profile for a preindustrial control run of the fifth Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5). The contribution of the interactive chemistry reveals a significant warming of zonal mean surface temperature, +0.5 K (approximately 20%) in the tropics and up to +1.6 K in high latitudes. In the tropics, this mitigation of global cooling is related to longwave radiative feedbacks associated with circulation‐driven increases in the lower stratospheric ozone and in the stratospheric water vapor, and related decrease in cirrus clouds. The mechanisms are of opposite sign to and consistent with those obtained by increased CO2 simulations. In high latitude, the stronger mitigation of cooling is associated with sea ice retreat, which has the same sign to and is consistent with our previous paleoclimate simulation of the mid‐Holocene (CO2 concentration of 280 ppm and orbital element change) including interactive chemistry. Most previous Last Glacial Maximum simulations with the prescribed ozone profile exhibited cold bias in the tropics compared with geological proxy data, whereas this bias is reduced in our simulations through the use of the interactive ozone chemistry , although a warmer bias in the midlatitude is enhanced. We recommend climate models to include ozone profiles that are consistent with CO2 concentrations and solar forcing.
Evolution of the Ridges of Midelt‐Errachidia Section in the High Atlas Revealed by Paleomagnetic Data
Authors: Torres‐López S. , Casas A. M. , Villalaín J. J. , Moussaid B. , Ruiz Martínez V. C. , El‐Ouardi H.
Published: August 2018

New paleomagnetic data (43 sites) from Mesozoic sediments are contributed in this work, verifying the presence of a pervasive syntectonic Early Cretaceous remagnetization in the easternmost area of the Moroccan High Atlas. Using the small circle intersection method, we have calculated the characteristic remagnetization direction (Dec: 337.3, Inc: 38.4) that fits with a 100‐Ma age, according to the Apparent Polar Wander Path of Africa. The paleomagnetic vectors of remagnetization are used to obtain the geometry during the remagnetization stage (100 Ma) of one of the most renowned geological cross sections of the High Atlas, the Midelt‐Errachidia profile. The partial restoration of the cross section at 100 Ma allows us to determine the dips of the beds at the remagnetization stage in five structures (ridges or anticlines). Our results indicate that the five ridges that configure the Midelt‐Errachidia profile were initiated to different degrees prior to wholesale compressive deformation during the Cenozoic. This configuration can be explained according to two different scenarios that we discuss in this paper: transpression and diapirism. The geological model obtained, both at present and at 100 Ma, indicates the existence of a Mesozoic cover substantially décolled from the Paleozoic basement, what strongly contrasts with previously published transects of the same area.
Evidence of Subduction‐Related Thermal and Compositional Heterogeneity Below the United States From Transition Zone Receiver Functions
Authors: Maguire Ross , Ritsema Jeroen , Goes Saskia
Published: August 2018

The subduction of the Farallon Plate has altered the temperature and composition of the mantle transition zone (MTZ) beneath the United States. We investigate MTZ structure by mapping P‐to‐S conversions at mineralogical phase changes using USArray waveform data and theoretical seismic profiles based on experimental constraints of phase transition properties as a function of temperature and composition. The width of the MTZ varies by about 35 km over the study region, corresponding to a temperature variation of more than 300 K. The MTZ is coldest and thickest beneath the eastern United States where high shear velocity anomalies are tomographically resolved. We detect intermittent P‐to‐S conversions at depths of 520 km and 730 km. The conversions at 730‐km depth are coherent beneath the southeastern United States and are consistent with basalt enrichment of about 50%, possibly due to the emplacement of a fragment of an oceanic plateau (i.e., the Hess conjugate).
Methane Emissions From the Baltimore‐Washington Area Based on Airborne Observations: Comparison to Emissions Inventories
Authors: Ren Xinrong , Salmon Olivia E. , Hansford Jonathan R. , Ahn Doyeon , Hall Dolly , Benish Sarah E. , Stratton Phillip R. , He Hao , Sahu Sayantan , Grimes Courtney , Heimburger Alexie M. F. , Martin Cory R. , Cohen Mark D. , Stunder Barbara , Salawitch Ross J. , Ehrman Sheryl H. , Shepson Paul B. , Dickerson Russell R.
Published: August 2018

Urban areas are responsible for a substantial fraction of anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) including methane (CH4), with the second largest anthropogenic direct radiative forcing relative to carbon dioxide (CO2). Quantification of urban CH4 emissions is important for establishing GHG mitigation policies. Comparison of observation‐based and inventory‐based urban CH4 emissions suggests possible improvements in estimating CH4 source emissions in urban environments. In this study, we quantify CH4 emissions from the Baltimore‐Washington area based on the mass balance aircraft flight experiments conducted in Winters 2015 and 2016. The field measurement‐based mean winter CH4 emission rates from this area were 8.66 ± 4.17 kg/s in 2015 and 9.14 ± 4.49 kg/s in 2016, which are 2.8 times the 2012 average U.S. GHG Inventory‐based emission rate. The observed emission rate is 1.7 times that given in a population‐apportioned state of Maryland inventory. Methane emission rates inferred from carbon monoxide (CO) and CO2 emission inventories and observed CH4/CO and CH4/CO2 enhancement ratios are similar to those from the mass balance approach. The observed ethane‐to‐methane ratios, with a mean value of 3.3% in Winter 2015 and 4.3% in Winter 2016, indicate that the urban natural gas system could be responsible for ~40–60% of total CH4 emissions from this area. Landfills also appear to be a major contributor, providing 25 ± 15% of the total emissions for the region. Our study suggests there are grounds to reexamine the CH4 emissions estimates for the Baltimore‐Washington area and to conduct flights in other seasons.
Human embryonic stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium transplants as a potential treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Liu Yong , Xu Hai Wei , Wang Lei , Li Shi Ying , Zhao Cong Jian , Hao Jie , Li Qi You , Zhao Tong Tao , Wu Wei , Wang Yi , Zhou Qi , Qian Cheng , Wang Liu , Yin Zheng Qin
Published: August 2018

Stem cell therapy may provide a safe and promising treatment for retinal diseases. Wet age-related macular degeneration (wet-AMD) is a leading cause of blindness in China. We developed a clinical-grade human embryonic stem cell (hESC) line, Q-CTS-hESC-2, under xeno-free conditions that differentiated into retinal pigment epithelial cells (Q-CTS-hESC-2-RPE). A clinical trial with three wet-AMD patients was initiated in order to study the safety and tolerance to Q-CTS-hESC-2-RPE cell transplants. The choroidal neovascularization membrane was removed and then a suspension of 1 × 106 Q-CTS-hESC-2-RPE cells were injected into a subfoveal pocket. The patients were followed for 12 months during which no adverse effects resulting from the transplant were observed. Anatomical evidence suggested the existence of new RPE-like cell layer in the previously damaged area. Visual and physiological testing indicated limited functional improvement, albeit to different degrees between patients. This study provides some promising early results concerning the use of transplanted hESC-RPE cells to alleviate wet-AMD.
Activation of mineralocorticoid receptor by ecdysone, an adaptogenic and anabolic ecdysteroid, promotes glomerular injury and proteinuria involving overactive GSK3β pathway signaling
Authors: Lu Minglei , Wang Pei , Ge Yan , Dworkin Lance , Brem Andrew , Liu Zhangsuo , Gong Rujun
Published: August 2018

Ecdysone is an arthropod molting hormone and has been marketed as a non-androgenic natural anabolic and adaptogen. However, the safety profile of ecdysone is largely undetermined. After ecdysone treatment for 2 weeks, mice developed albuminuria with histologic signs of glomerular injury, including hypertrophy, mesangial expansion, mild glomerulosclerosis and podocyte injury. A direct glomerulopathic activity of ecdysone seems to contribute, since addition of ecdysone to cultured glomerular cells induced cytopathic changes, including apoptosis, activation of mesangial cells, podocyte shape changes and a decreased expression of podocyte markers. To explore the molecular target responsible for the pathogenic actions, we employed an in silico modeling system of compound-protein interaction and identified mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) as one of the top-ranking proteins with putative interactions with ecdysone. The molecular structure of ecdysone was highly homologous to mineralocorticoids, like aldosterone. Moreover, ecdysone was capable of both inducing and activating MR, as evidenced by MR nuclear accumulation in glomerular cells both in vitro and in vivo following ecdysone treatment. Mechanistically, glycogen synthase kinase (GSK) 3β, which has been recently implicated in pathogenesis of glomerular injury and proteinuria, was hyperactivated in glomeruli in ecdysone-treated mice, concomitant with diverse glomerulopathic changes. In contrast, spironolactone, a selective blockade of MR, largely abolished the cytopathic effect of ecdysone in vitro and attenuated albuminuria and glomerular lesions in ecdysone treated mice, associated with a mitigated GSK3β overactivity in glomeruli. Altogether, ecdysone seems able to activate MR and thereby promote glomerular injury and proteinuria involving overactive GSK3β pathway signaling.
DNMT1 and DNMT3A haplotypes associated with noise-induced hearing loss in Chinese workers
Authors: Ding Enmin , Liu Jing , Guo Haoran , Shen Huanxi , Zhang Hengdong , Gong Wei , Song Haiyan , Zhu Baoli
Published: August 2018

This study was conducted to explore the effects of DNMT1 and DNMT3A polymorphisms on susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) in Chinese workers. A total of 2689 industrial workers from a single textile factory were recruited. Venous blood was collected, as were questionnaire and pure-tone audiometry (PTA) data by specialist physicians. Four selected SNPs (rs7578575, rs749131, rs1550117, and rs2228611) in DNMT1 and DNMT3A were genotyped in 527 NIHL patients and 527 controls. Then, main effects of the genotypes and their interactions were evaluated. Results revealed that the GG genotype at rs749131 and the AG/GG genotypes at rs1550117 and rs2228611 [odds ratio (OR) = 1.87, 2.57, and 1.98 respectively], as well as the haplotypes AGGG and TGGA (rs7578578-rs749131-rs1550117-rs2228611) (OR = 1.35 and 1.56, respectively) were associated with an increased risk of NIHL in the Chinese population. Multifactor dimensionality reduction analysis indicated that rs7578575, rs749131, and rs2228611 interact and are related to increased NIHL risk (OR = 1.63). The genetic polymorphisms rs749131 G, rs1550117 G, and rs2228611 G within the DNMT1 and DNMT3A genes are associated with an increased risk of NIHL in the Chinese population and have the potential to act as biomarkers for noise-exposed workers.
A moldable sustained release bupivacaine formulation for tailored treatment of postoperative dental pain
Authors: Shepherd Sarah D. , O’Buckley Sandra C. , Harrington James M. , Haines Laura G. , Rothrock Ginger D. , Johnson Leah M. , Nackley Andrea G.
Published: August 2018

A moldable and biodegradable dental material was designed for customized placement and sustained delivery of bupivacaine (BP) within an extraction cavity. Microparticles comprising poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) containing BP were generated via solvent-evaporation and combined with absorbable hemostat Gelfoam®. Kinetics of drug release were evaluated by in vitro dialysis assays, showing higher release within the first 24 hours, with subsequent tapering of release kinetics. Formulations of Gelfoam® and BP-PLGA microparticles (GelBP), with three targeted dosing profiles (0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg/kg/day), were evaluated alongside acute subcutaneous BP injections (2 mg/kg) to determine analgesic efficacy in a rat model of tooth extraction pain. Molar extraction resulted in mechanical and thermal cold hyperalgesia in male and female rats. GelBP outperformed acute BP in blocking post-surgical dental pain, with the 0.25 mg/kg GelBP dose preventing hypersensitivity to mechanical (p < 0.01) and thermal cold stimuli (p = 0.05). Molar extraction also resulted in decreased food consumption and weight. Males receiving acute BP and 0.25 mg/kg GelBP maintained normal food consumption (p < 0.002) and weight (p < 0.0001) throughout 7 days. Females, receiving 0.25 mg/kg GelBP maintained weight on days 5–7 (p < 0.04). Customized, sustained release formulation of anesthetic within a tooth extraction cavity holds potential to eliminate post-operative dental pain over several days.
Context-Dependent Regulation of Conjunctival Goblet Cell Function by Allergic Mediators
Authors: García-Posadas Laura , Hodges Robin R. , Diebold Yolanda , Dartt Darlene A.
Published: August 2018

In the eye, goblet cells responsible for secreting mucins are found in the conjunctiva. When mucin production is not tightly regulated several ocular surface disorders may occur. In this study, the effect of the T helper (Th) 2-type cytokines IL4, IL5, and IL13 on conjunctival goblet cell function was explored. Goblet cells from rat conjunctiva were cultured and characterized. The presence of cytokine receptors was confirmed by Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). Changes in intracellular [Ca2+], high molecular weight glycoconjugate secretion, and proliferation were measured after stimulation with Th2 cytokines with or without the allergic mediator histamine. We found that IL4 and IL13 enhance cell proliferation and, along with histamine, stimulate goblet cell secretion. We conclude that the high levels of IL4, IL5, and IL13 that characterize allergic conjunctivitis could be the reason for higher numbers of goblet cells and mucin overproduction found in this condition.
Author Correction: Allogenic and Autogenic Signals in the Stratigraphic Record of the Deep-Sea Bengal Fan
Authors: Blum Mike , Rogers Kimberly , Gleason James , Najman Yani , Cruz Jarrett , Fox Lyndsey
Published: August 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Wound Healing in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats Using Atmospheric-Pressure Argon Plasma Jet
Authors: Cheng Kuang-Yao , Lin Zhi-Hua , Cheng Yu-Pin , Chiu Hsien-Yi , Yeh Nai-Lun , Wu Tung-Kung , Wu Jong-Shinn
Published: August 2018

In this study, we used an argon-based round atmospheric-pressure plasma jet (APPJ) for enhancing wound healing in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. The APPJ was characterized by optical emission spectroscopy. We induced Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes in rats with different amounts of STZ combined with normal and high-fat diets, respectively. The wound area ratio of all the plasma-treated normal and diabetic groups was greatly reduced (up to 30%) compared with that of the untreated groups during healing. Histological analysis revealed faster re-epithelialization, collagen deposition, less inflammation, and a complete skin structure in the plasma-treated groups was found as compared with the untreated control groups. In addition, the new blood vessels of plasma-treated tissues decreased more than untreated tissues in the middle (Day 14) and late (Day 21) stages of wound healing. The plasma-treated wounds demonstrated more transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) expression in the early stage (Day 7), whereas they decreased in the middle and late stages of wound healing. The levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) increased after plasma treatment. In addition, plasma-treated water had a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide, nitrite and nitrate when the plasma treatment time was longer. In summary, the proposed argon APPJ based on the current study could be a potential tool for treating diabetic wounds.
Changes in Antimicrobial Usage Patterns in Korea: 12-Year Analysis Based on Database of the National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort
Authors: Kim Young Ah , Park Yoon Soo , Youk Taemi , Lee Hyukmin , Lee Kyungwon
Published: August 2018

National antimicrobial usage and prescription patterns during the 12 years from 2002 to 2013 were analyzed using the National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort. Antimicrobial usage was analyzed by major illness, sex, age, area of residence, income rank, diagnosis, and type of medical institution for each year. Total antimicrobial prescriptions increased from 15.943 daily defined dose (DDD)/1,000 inhabitants/day in 2002 to 24.219 in 2013. In 2013, 72% of total prescriptions were administered in clinics. Antimicrobials were most frequently prescribed to children younger than 10 years, followed by adults aged 70 years or older and those aged 60–69 years. Penicillins and cephems were the most popular classes of antimicrobial used. In 2013, 48% of total antibiotic usage (11.683 DDD/1,000 inhabitants/day) was due to respiratory diseases. After the Korean government has implemented a series of healthcare policies, antibiotic prescription decreased for the treatment of upper respiratory infection, the causative agents are mostly viruses.
Structure Properties of Generalized Farey graphs based on Dynamical Systems for Networks
Authors: Jiang Wenchao , Zhai Yinhu , Martin Paul , Zhao Zhiming
Published: August 2018

Farey graphs are simultaneously small-world, uniquely Hamiltonian, minimally 3-colorable, maximally outerplanar and perfect. Farey graphs are therefore famous in deterministic models for complex networks. By lacking of the most important characteristics of scale-free, Farey graphs are not a good model for networks associated with some empirical complex systems. We discuss here a category of graphs which are extension of the well-known Farey graphs. These new models are named generalized Farey graphs here. We focus on the analysis of the topological characteristics of the new models and deduce the complicated and graceful analytical results from the growth mechanism used in generalized Farey graphs. The conclusions show that the new models not only possess the properties of being small-world and highly clustered, but also possess the quality of being scale-free. We also find that it is precisely because of the exponential increase of nodes’ degrees in generalized Farey graphs as they grow that caused the new networks to have scale-free characteristics. In contrast, the linear incrementation of nodes’ degrees in Farey graphs can only cause an exponential degree distribution.
Genetic relatedness of Staphylococcus aureus isolates obtained from cystic fibrosis patients at a tertiary academic hospital in Pretoria, South Africa
Authors: Goolam Mahomed T. , Kock M. M. , Masekela R. , Hoosien E. , Ehlers M. M.
Published: August 2018

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited recessive disease that affects mucocillary clearance in the lung, allowing it to be colonised with bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus. To survive in the CF lung S. aureus adapts both phenotypically and genotypically, through various mechanisms. In this study, multiple specimens were collected from the participants and were processed routinely and were additionally cultured in chromogenic media. Multiplex PCR assays were employed to detect methicillin resistance and selected virulence and quaternary ammonium compound (qac) genes. Genetic relatedness of the S. aureus was determined using agr, SCCmec and spa typing as well as pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multi-locus sequence typing (MLST). Thirty-three S. aureus isolates were isolated, of which 51% (17/33) were methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA). The virulence and qac genes were more prevalent in MRSA than the methicillin sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) isolates. The PFGE analysis showed nine distinct pulsotypes while MLST showed eight sequence types. All the STs detected in this study, except for ST508 have been previously isolated from CF patients according to the literature. This study showed a genetically diverse S. aureus population with a high prevalence of virulence genes among the MRSA isolates from the CF clinic.
A Molecularly Modulated Mode-Locked Laser
Authors: Zaitsu Shin-ichi , Tsuchiya Takao
Published: August 2018

A mode-locked laser operating at a frequency over 10 THz is reported, which is three orders of magnitude greater than a standard mode-locked laser. The system used molecules with a Raman gain as an amplifier, while coherent molecular motions were used for optical modulation. Molecules in a high-finesse optical cavity modulated a continuous-wave beam to produce a train of ultrashort optical pulses at a repetition rate corresponding to the frequency of molecular motion. Phase-locking was achieved by an appropriate compensation of the total dispersion of the optical cavity. Thus, the oscillating multiple longitudinal modes were all coupled under phase-matching conditions of parametric four-wave mixing.
Angiogenic response of rat hippocampal vasculature to focused ultrasound-mediated increases in blood-brain barrier permeability
Authors: McMahon Dallan , Mah Ethan , Hynynen Kullervo
Published: August 2018

Focused ultrasound (FUS) and circulating microbubbles can induce a targeted and transient increase in blood-brain barrier permeability. While preclinical research has demonstrated the utility of FUS for efficacious drug deliver to the brain, there remain gaps in our knowledge regarding the long-term response of brain vasculature to this intervention. Previous work has demonstrated transcriptional changes in hippocampal microvessels following sonication that are indicative of the initiation of angiogenic processes. Moreover, blood vessel growth has been reported in skeletal muscle following application of FUS and microbubbles. The current study demonstrates that blood vessel density in the rat hippocampus is modestly elevated at 7 and 14 d post-FUS compared to the contralateral hemisphere (7 d: 10.9 ± 6.0%, p = 0.02; 14 d: 12.1 ± 3.2%, p < 0.01), but returns to baseline by 21 d (5.9 ± 2.6%, p = 0.12). Concurrently, relative newborn endothelial cell density and frequency of small blood vessel segments were both elevated in the sonicated hippocampus. While further work is required to determine the mechanisms driving these changes, the findings presented here may have relevance to the optimal frequency of repeated treatments.
A tetranuclear samarium(ii) inverse sandwich from direct reduction of toluene by a samarium(ii) siloxide
Authors: Kelly Rory P. , Toniolo Davide , Tirani Farzaneh Fadaei , Maron Laurent , Mazzanti Marinella
Published: August 2018

The dinuclear SmII complex [Sm2L4(dme)] (L = OSi(OtBu)3) reacts slowly with toluene, resulting in the isolation of the triple decker arene-bridged SmII complex [{Sm2L3}2(μ-η6:η6-C7H8)] in 44% yield. This reactivity provides the first example of an unambiguous arene reduction by an isolated SmII species.
Slow magnetic dynamics in a family of mononuclear lanthanide complexes exhibiting the rare cubic coordination geometry
Authors: Alexandropoulos Dimitris I. , Schulte Kelsey A. , Vignesh Kuduva R. , Dunbar Kim R.
Published: August 2018

Synthesis, magnetic, and theoretical studies of a new family of mononuclear lanthanide complexes exhibiting the very rare cubic coordination geometry.
Unexpected high binding energy of CO2 on CH3NH3PbI3 lead-halide organic–inorganic perovskites via bicarbonate formation
Authors: Nayakasinghe M. T. , Han Yulun , Sivapragasam N. , Kilin Dmitri S. , Burghaus U.
Published: August 2018

The adsorption kinetics of CO2 was experimentally characterized in ultra-high vacuum (UHV). In addition, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were included.
Styrylsilane coupling reagents for immobilization of organic functional groups on silica and glass surfaces
Authors: Kim Soo-Bin , Lee Chang-Hee , Jun Chul-Ho
Published: August 2018

Styrylsilanes serve as new coupling reagents for introducing organic functional groups on silica and glass surfaces.
Precise surface structure of nanofibres with nearly atomic-level precision
Authors: Wang Weichong , Zhang Kaka , Bao Yu , Li Haodong , Huang Xiayun , Chen Daoyong
Published: August 2018

The solenoidal wrapping of a DNA chain around a nanofibre transcribes the precise sequence structure of the DNA onto the nanofibre surface.
Square supramolecular assemblies of uranyl complexes in organic solvents
Authors: Servis Michael J. , Wu David T. , Shafer Jenifer C. , Clark Aurora E.
Published: August 2018

Uranyl, ligand and solvent interactions lead to unique supramolecular assembly.
A pH-responsive nanoprobe for turn-on 19F-magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Guo Chang , Xu Suying , Arshad Anila , Wang Leyu
Published: August 2018

A pH-responsive MRI nanoprobe was developed by partially replacing organic linkers in ZIF-8, which displays pH-responsive in vivo19F MRI ability.
A study on the NH3-SCR performance and reaction mechanism of a cost-effective and environment-friendly black TiO2catalyst
Authors: Zeng Yiqing , Wang Yanan , Zhang Shule , Zhong Qin
Published: August 2018

Oxygen vacancies on TiO2make the impossible possible!
Fe–V sulfur clusters studied through photoelectron spectroscopy and density functional theory
Authors: Yin Shi , Bernstein Elliot R.
Published: August 2018

Iron–vanadium sulfur cluster anions are studied by photoelectron spectroscopy (PES) at 3.492 eV (355 nm) and 4.661 eV (266 nm) photon energies, and by density functional theory (DFT) calculations.
The S2 to S3 transition for water oxidation in PSII (photosystem II), revisited
Authors: Siegbahn Per E. M.
Published: August 2018

The formation of O2 from water requires four transitions, each one after the absorption of one light flash.
Anomalous molecular infiltration in graphene laminates
Authors: Checchetto Riccardo , Bettotti Paolo , Brusa Roberto Sennen , Carotenuto Gianfranco , Egger Werner , Hugenschmidt Christoph , Miotello Antonio
Published: August 2018

Molecular transport in graphene laminated coatings exhibits anomalous character: penetrant infiltration occurs through molecular-sized nano-channels having distributed path lengths.
Unravelling the enigma of ultrafast excited state relaxation in non-emissive aggregating conjugated polymers
Authors: Datko Benjamin D. , Livshits Maksim Y. , Zhang Zhen , Portlock Dana , Qin Yang , Rack Jeffrey J. , Grey John K.
Published: August 2018

We demonstrate long-lived, multi-mode vibrational dynamics in a class of non-emissive conjugated polymers believed to undergo singlet fission.
Investigating supramolecular systems using Förster resonance energy transfer
Authors: Teunissen Abraham J. P. , Pérez-Medina Carlos , Meijerink Andries , Mulder Willem J. M.
Published: August 2018

This review details the ways Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) can be used to study natural and synthetic supramolecular systems.
Rhodium-calix[4]pyrrole and rhodium-tetraphenyl porphyrin: preparation, surface grafting and their catalytic application in nitro-benzene reduction
Authors: Anjali K. , Ahmed M. , Christopher J. , Sakthivel A.
Published: August 2018

Rhodium containing macromolecules calix[4]pyrrole (RhCP) and tetraphenyl porphyrin (RhTPP) were prepared, grafted on functionalized SBA-15 and demonstrated as promising catalysts for nitro-arene reduction.
Noble-metal-free Ni3N/g-C3N4 photocatalysts with enhanced hydrogen production under visible light irradiation
Authors: Chen Lu , Huang Huijuan , Zheng Yuanhui , Sun Wenhao , Zhao Yi , Francis Paul S. , Wang Xuxu
Published: August 2018

Noble-metal-free Ni3N/g-C3N4 heterojunctions that show high photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity comparable to platinized g-C3N4 were successfully synthesized.
Synthesis and coordination chemistry of new asymmetric donor/acceptor pincer ligands, 1,3-C6H4(CH2PtBu(Rf))2(Rf= CF3, C2F5)
Authors: Debnath Suman , Venegas Gabriel , Arulsamy Navamoney , Roddick Dean M.
Published: August 2018

Syntheses of new asymmetric pincer precursors 1,3-C6H4{CH2P(tBu,X)}2(tBu,XPCPH; X = Cl, SiMe3, OPh) and a new class of hybrid donor/acceptor pincer ligands 1,3-C6H4{CH2P(tBu,Rf)}2(tBu,RfPCPH; Rf= CF3, C2F5) are reported.
Microfluidic-based vascularized microphysiological systems
Authors: Lee Somin , Ko Jihoon , Park Dohyun , Lee Seung-Ryeol , Chung Minhwan , Lee Younggyun , Jeon Noo Li
Published: August 2018

Microphysiological systems have emerged in the last decade to provide an alternative to in vivo models in basic science and pharmaceutical research.
Microfluidic-enabled quantitative measurements of insulin release dynamics from single islets of Langerhans in response to 5-palmitic acid hydroxy stearic acid
Authors: Bandak Basel , Yi Lian , Roper Michael G.
Published: August 2018

A microfluidic device was developed to investigate the effects of a potential anti-diabetic lipid on patterns of insulin secretion.
Cluster exchange reactivity of [2Fe–2S] cluster-bridged complexes of BOLA3 with monothiol glutaredoxins
Authors: Sen Sambuddha , Rao Brian , Wachnowsky Christine , Cowan J. A.
Published: August 2018

Cluster exchange reactivity of a [2Fe–2S]-bridged BOLA3–GLRX5 heterodimer complex with mitochondrial partner proteins is quantitatively evaluated, and exchange rate constants and ITC-determined thermodynamic parameters contrasted with the corresponding BOLA3 heterocomplex with NFU1.
A novel colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescent CN− sensor based on rhodamine B hydrazone derivatives in aqueous media and its application in sprouting potatoes
Authors: Long Chen , Hu Jing-Han , Ni Peng-Wei , Yin Zhi-yuan , Fu Qing-Qing
Published: August 2018

A novel cyanide specifically selective and highly sensitive chemosensor Z based on rhodamine B hydrazone derivatives had been designed and synthesized.
The effects of protonated heterocyclic cations on the structural and magnetic properties of tetrachlorocuprate(ii) anions; X-ray, magnetochemical and EPR studies
Authors: Kersen Ülo , Wojtczak Andrzej , Bienko Alina , Jezierska Julia
Published: August 2018

The crystal and molecular structures and magnetic properties of two new complexes (HMepy)2[CuCl4]·2H2O, 2, and (H2Me2ppz)[CuCl4], 3, formed by tetrachlorocuprate(ii) anions and organic heterocyclic cations, have been determined by the analysis of their X-ray diffraction data, magnetic susceptibility behaviour and EPR spectral parameters.
New tetrafluorophenylene/carbazole hybrid host materials for phosphorescence organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Xie Lijuan , Liu Di
Published: August 2018

Newly developed host materials containing a tetrafluorophenylene bridge and carbazole derivatives exhibit extremely high glass transition temperatures of 330 °C and an external quantum efficiency of 18% in green phosphorescence organic light-emitting diodes.
The 6π-azaelectrocyclization of azatrienes. Synthetic applications in natural products, bioactive heterocycles, and related fields
Authors: Vargas Didier F. , Larghi Enrique L. , Kaufman Teodoro S.
Published: August 2018

The stepwise construction of azatrienes and their 6π-azaelectrocyclization en route to the total synthesis of natural products, bioactive heterocycles and other complex molecules, is discussed.
Synthesis, optical properties and theoretical modelling of discrete emitting states in doped silicon nanocrystals for bioimaging
Authors: McVey B. F. P. , König D. , Cheng X. , O'Mara P. B. , Seal P. , Tan X. , Tahini H. A. , Smith S. C. , Gooding J. J. , Tilley R. D.
Published: August 2018

The creation of multiple emission pathways in quantum dots (QDs) is an exciting prospect with fundamental interest and optoelectronic potential.
Five-fold plasmonic Fano resonances with giant bisignate circular dichroism
Authors: Tian Ximin , Liu Zhiguang , Lin Han , Jia Baohua , Li Zhi-Yuan , Li Jiafang
Published: August 2018

Chiral metamaterials with versatile designs can exhibit orders of magnitude enhancement in chiroptical responses compared with that of the natural chiral media.
Stepwise triple-click functionalization of synthetic peptides
Authors: Kovalová Anna , Pohl Radek , Vrabel Milan
Published: August 2018

A sequence of click reactions and selective deprotection steps enables the stepwise synthesis of defined triple-functionalized peptides.
Correction: Dibenzofuran-4,6-bis(oxazoline) (DBFOX). A novel trans-chelating bis(oxazoline) ligand for asymmetric reactions
Authors: Itoh Kennosuke , Sibi Mukund P.
Published: August 2018

Correction for ‘Dibenzofuran-4,6-bis(oxazoline) (DBFOX). A novel trans-chelating bis(oxazoline) ligand for asymmetric reactions’ by Kennosuke Itoh et al., Org. Biomol. Chem., 2018, DOI: 10.1039/c8ob01010 b.
Differential calixarene receptors create patterns that discriminate glycosaminoglycans
Authors: Zheng Zhe , Geng Wen-Chao , Gao Jie , Mu Yi-Jiang , Guo Dong-Sheng
Published: August 2018

A well-designed fluorescence displacement sensing array based on calixarene receptors realizes the discrimination of glycosaminoglycans.
A novel microwave-assisted hydrothermal route for the synthesis of ZnxTPA/γ-Al2O3for conversion of carbohydrates into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural
Authors: Parameswaram G. , Roy Sounak
Published: August 2018

Energy-efficient and sustainable processes for the production of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) from carbohydrates are in high demand.
Preparation and characterization of chitosan membranes
Authors: Cui Luqing , Gao Shanshan , Song Xiaoming , Huang Lianqing , Dong Hehe , Liu Jinling , Chen Fushan , Yu Shitao
Published: August 2018

The present study investigates a new method for preparing chitosan membranes. The thus-prepared film was moderately thick and had a smooth surface, without curling.
Inelastic behaviour of cellulose microfibril networks
Authors: Mohan Srivatssan , Koenderink Gijsje H. , Velikov Krassimir P.
Published: August 2018

Weak physical interactions between cellulose microfibrils play an important role in shaping the nonlinear rheological behaviour of their networks.
Investigation of failure behavior of a thermoplastic elastomer gel
Authors: Mishra Satish , Badani Prado Rosa Maria , Lacy Thomas E. , Kundu Santanu
Published: August 2018

Failure behavior of a physically assembled gel was studied and the energy release rate was linked to the gel structure.