bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coherent control schemes for the photoionization of neon and helium in the Extreme Ultraviolet spectral region
Authors: Giannessi Luca , Allaria Enrico , Prince Kevin C. , Callegari Carlo , Sansone Giuseppe , Ueda Kiyoshi , Morishita Toru , Liu Chien Nan , Grum-Grzhimailo Alexei N. , Gryzlova Elena V. , Douguet Nicolas , Bartschat Klaus
Published: May 2018

The seeded Free-Electron Laser (FEL) FERMI is the first source of short-wavelength light possessing the full coherence of optical lasers, together with the extreme power available from FELs. FERMI provides longitudinally coherent radiation in the Extreme Ultraviolet and soft x-ray spectral regions, and therefore opens up wide new fields of investigation in physics. We first propose experiments exploiting this property to provide coherent control of the photoionization of neon and helium, carry out numerical calculations to find optimum experimental parameters, and then describe how these experiments may be realized. The approach uses bichromatic illumination of a target and measurement of the products of the interaction, analogous to previous Brumer-Shapiro-type experiments in the optical spectral range. We describe operational schemes for the FERMI FEL, and simulate the conditions necessary to produce light at the fundamental and second or third harmonic frequencies, and to control the phase with respect to the fundamental. We conclude that a quantitative description of the phenomena is extremely challenging for present state-of-the-art theoretical and computational methods, and further development is necessary. Furthermore, the intensity available may already be excessive for the experiments proposed on helium. Perspectives for further development are discussed.
Risk factors associated with HTLV-1 vertical transmission in Brazil: longer breastfeeding, higher maternal proviral load and previous HTLV-1-infected offspring
Authors: Paiva Arthur M. , Assone Tatiane , Haziot Michel E. J. , Smid Jerusa , Fonseca Luiz Augusto M. , Luiz Olinda do Carmo , de Oliveira Augusto Cesar Penalva , Casseb Jorge
Published: May 2018

HTLV-1 is transmitted primarily either through sexual intercourse or from mother to child. The mother/child pairs were classified as seroconcordant or serodiscordant. We analyzed mother to child transmission (MTCT) according to sociodemographic, clinical and epidemiological characteristics of the mother, child’s gender and duration of breastfeeding. Between June 2006 and August 2016 we followed 192 mothers with HTLV-1 infection (mean age 41 years old), resulting in 499 exposed offspring, 288 (57.7%) of whom were tested for HTLV-1, making up the final sample for the study, along with their 134 respective mothers. Among the tested mother/child pairs, 41 (14.2%) were HTLV-1 positive, highlighted that seven of 134 family clusters concentrated 48.8% of positive cases. Variables associated with a positive child: breastfeeding duration ≥12 months, maternal PVL ≥100 copies/104 PBMC, mother’s age at delivery >26 years old, and HTLV-1 in more than one child of the same mother. In a multiple logistic regression, breastfeeding ≥12 months, higher maternal PVL and ≥2 previous HTLV-1-infected children remained independently associated with the outcome. Thus, high maternal PVL and breastfeeding beyond 12 months were independently associated with MTCT of the HTLV-1 infection. Our results reinforce the need for both prenatal HTLV screening in endemic areas and for advising mothers on breastfeeding.
Sequential immunizations with a panel of HIV-1 Env virus-like particles coach immune system to make broadly neutralizing antibodies
Authors: Mohan Teena , Berman Zachary , Kang Sang-Moo , Wang Bao-Zhong
Published: May 2018

Broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) are correlated with passive HIV/SHIV protection and are desirable components of a HIV protective immunity. In the current study, we have designed a sequential-immunization strategy with a panel of envelope glycoprotein (Env)-enriched virus-like particles (VLPs) from various HIV-1 clades (A-E) to elicit bnAbs with high breadth and potency of neutralization in rabbits. We have compared this regimen with repetitive immunizations of individual Env (subtype B) VLPs or a mixture of various Env VLPs. Our results demonstrate that the sequential immunization group of animals induced significantly higher IgG endpoint titers against respective HIV Env (autologous) antigen than other control groups. Animals vaccinated sequentially showed an increase in the antibody endpoint titers and IgG antibody secreting cells (ASCs) against Con-S Env protein. Sequential immunizations with various Env VLPs promoted antibody avidity indices and enhanced bnAb responses against a panel of HIV pseudotyped virions including some of the tier 3 pseudostrains. Sequential immunizations with various VLPs displaying “native-like” HIV-1 Envs elicited bnAb responses with increased breadth and potency of neutralization.
Comparison of conventional sonographic signs and magnetic resonance imaging proton density fat fraction for assessment of hepatic steatosis
Authors: Kim Mimi , Kang Bo-Kyeong , Jun Dae Won
Published: May 2018

This study correlated conventional ultrasonography (US) signs with the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) proton density fat fraction (PDFF) to evaluate the diagnostic performance of US signs (alone or combined) to predict presence and degree of hepatic steatosis (HS). Overall, 182 subjects met the study inclusion criteria between February 2014 and October 2016. Four US signs were evaluated independently by two radiologists. MRI PDFF was defined as the average of 24 non-overlapping regions of interest (ROIs) within eight liver segments obtained by drawing three ROIs within each segment. The latter acted as the reference standard to evaluate diagnostic accuracy of the US signs and their combinations. Diagnostic performance of US for HS was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses. There was a strongly positive correlation between some combinations of US signs and PDFF (σ = 0.780, p < 0.001). The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 96.6%, 74.8%, 64.8%, and 97.9%, respectively, determined using abnormal hepatorenal echoes to detect grade 1 or higher HS (area under the ROC curve = 0.875). The sensitivity and NPV for detecting HS with US were good and US may be considered a suitable screening tool for exclusion of HS.
Genetic diversity of PRRSV 1 in Central Eastern Europe in 1994–2014: origin and evolution of the virus in the region
Authors: Balka Gyula , Podgórska Katarzyna , Brar Manreetpal Singh , Bálint Ádám , Cadar Daniel , Celer Vladimir , Dénes Lilla , Dirbakova Zuzana , Jedryczko Anna , Márton Lázár , Novosel Dinko , Petrović Tamaš , Sirakov Ivo , Szalay Dóra , Toplak Ivan , Leung Frederick Chi-Ching , Stadejek Tomasz
Published: May 2018

More than 20 years after the first outbreaks, the phylogenetic picture of PRRSV is still incomplete and full of gaps, especially in regards of PRRSV 1. Due to the exceptional diversity observed at the eastern borders of Europe and the low number of available sequences from Central Eastern European countries, the authors collected and analyzed both recent as well as already submitted sequences comparing them to a large backbone set of available ORF5 sequences representing the full spectrum of PRRSV 1 Subtype 1 diversity to conduct a systematic phylogenetic analysis and reclassification elucidating the diversity of the virus in these countries. Moreover, further analyses of the EUROSTAT data regarding the live pig movement trends revealed their influence of virus diversity and evolution. The results indicate that besides the effect of local, isolated divergent evolution and the use of modified live vaccines, the most important factor influencing a given country’s virus diversity is the transboundary movement of live, infected animals.
Non-predictive online spatial coding in the posterior parietal cortex when aiming ahead for catching
Authors: Reid Sinéad A. , Dessing Joost C.
Published: May 2018

Catching movements must be aimed ahead of the moving ball, which may require predictions of when and where to catch. Here, using repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation we show for the first time that the Superior Parietal Occipital Cortex (SPOC) displays non-predictive online spatial coding at the moment the interception movements were already aimed at the predicted final target position. The ability to aim ahead for catching must thus arise downstream within the parietofrontal network for reaching.
Transcriptome and miRNA analyses of the response to Corynespora cassiicola in cucumber
Authors: Wang Xiangyu , Zhang Di , Cui Na , Yu Yang , Yu Guangchao , Fan Haiyan
Published: May 2018

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) target leaf spot (TLS), which is caused by the fungus Corynespora cassiicola (C. cassiicola), seriously endangers the production of cucumber. In this assay, we performed comprehensive sequencing of the transcriptome and microRNAs (miRNAs) of a resistant cucumber (Jinyou 38) during C. cassiicola inoculation using the Illumina NextSeq 500 platform. The possible genes related to the response to C. cassiicola were associated with plant hormones, transcription factors, primary metabolism, Ca2+ signaling pathways, secondary metabolism and defense genes. In total, 150 target genes of these differentially expressed miRNAs were predicted by the bioinformatic analysis. By analyzing the function of the target genes, several candidate miRNAs that may be related to the response to C. cassiicola stress were selected. We also predicted 7 novel miRNAs and predicted their target genes. Moreover, the expression patterns of the candidate genes and miRNAs were tested by quantitative real-time RT-PCR. According to the analysis, genes and miRNAs associated with secondary metabolism, particularly the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway, may play a major role in the resistance to C. cassiicola stress in cucumber. These results offer a foundation for future studies exploring the mechanism and key genes of resistance to cucumber TLS.
Computational identification of specific genes for glioblastoma stem-like cells identity
Authors: Fiscon Giulia , Conte Federica , Licursi Valerio , Nasi Sergio , Paci Paola
Published: May 2018

Glioblastoma, the most malignant brain cancer, contains self-renewing, stem-like cells that sustain tumor growth and therapeutic resistance. Identifying genes promoting stem-like cell differentiation might unveil targets for novel treatments. To detect them, here we apply SWIM – a software able to unveil genes (named switch genes) involved in drastic changes of cell phenotype – to public datasets of gene expression profiles from human glioblastoma cells. By analyzing matched pairs of stem-like and differentiated glioblastoma cells, SWIM identified 336 switch genes, potentially involved in the transition from stem-like to differentiated state. A subset of them was significantly related to focal adhesion and extracellular matrix and strongly down-regulated in stem-like cells, suggesting that they may promote differentiation and restrain tumor growth. Their expression in differentiated cells strongly correlated with the down-regulation of transcription factors like OLIG2, POU3F2, SALL2, SOX2, capable of reprogramming differentiated glioblastoma cells into stem-like cells. These findings were corroborated by the analysis of expression profiles from glioblastoma stem-like cell lines, the corresponding primary tumors, and conventional glioma cell lines. Switch genes represent a distinguishing feature of stem-like cells and we are persuaded that they may reveal novel potential therapeutic targets worthy of further investigation.
Coexistence of Nerve Enlargement and Neuratrophy Detected by Ultrasonography in Leprosy Patients
Authors: Chen Xiaohua , Zhang Liangfu , Huang Meiying , Zhai Xiuli , Wen Yan , Pan Chunzhi
Published: May 2018

The purpose of this study was to evaluate peripheral neural impairment in leprosy patients by ultrasonography (US). The cross-sectional areas (CSAs) of the median (M), ulnar (U) and common fibular (CF) nerves were compared in 71 leprosy patients and 29 healthy controls, and the data were analyzed between the leprosy, multibacillary (MB)/paucibacillary (PB), reaction (R)/no reaction (NR), disability (D)/no disability (ND), and longer/shorter duration groups after treatment. We found that for the nerves located in upper limbs, the CSAs were significantly increased in the leprosy patients vs the controls; the PB group vs the MB group; the R group vs the NR group; the ND group vs the D group; and the longer duration group vs the shorter duration group at some positions of the M nerve and U nerve. In contrast, for the nerves located in lower limbs, the CSAs were significantly reduced in the leprosy patients vs the controls and in the longer duration group vs the shorter duration group at some positions of the CF nerve. This result indicated that nerve enlargement and neuratrophy coexist in leprosy patients.
Metabolite-cycled density-weighted concentric rings k-space trajectory (DW-CRT) enables high-resolution 1 H magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging at 3-Tesla
Authors: Steel Adam , Chiew Mark , Jezzard Peter , Voets Natalie L. , Plaha Puneet , Thomas Michael Albert , Stagg Charlotte J. , Emir Uzay E.
Published: May 2018

Magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) is a promising technique in both experimental and clinical settings. However, to date, MRSI has been hampered by prohibitively long acquisition times and artifacts caused by subject motion and hardware-related frequency drift. In the present study, we demonstrate that density weighted concentric ring trajectory (DW-CRT) k-space sampling in combination with semi-LASER excitation and metabolite-cycling enables high-resolution MRSI data to be rapidly acquired at 3 Tesla. Single-slice full-intensity MRSI data (short echo time (TE) semi-LASER TE = 32 ms) were acquired from 6 healthy volunteers with an in-plane resolution of 5 × 5 mm in 13 min 30 sec using this approach. Using LCModel analysis, we found that the acquired spectra allowed for the mapping of total N-acetylaspartate (median Cramer-Rao Lower Bound [CRLB] = 3%), glutamate+glutamine (8%), and glutathione (13%). In addition, we demonstrate potential clinical utility of this technique by optimizing the TE to detect 2-hydroxyglutarate (long TE semi-LASER, TE = 110 ms), to produce relevant high-resolution metabolite maps of grade III IDH-mutant oligodendroglioma in a single patient. This study demonstrates the potential utility of MRSI in the clinical setting at 3 Tesla.
Cardiac pacemaker channel (HCN4) inhibition and atrial arrhythmogenesis after releasing cardiac sympathetic activation
Authors: Chobanyan-Jürgens Kristine , Heusser Karsten , Duncker David , Veltmann Christian , May Marcus , Mehling Heidrun , Luft Friedrich C. , Schröder Christoph , Jordan Jens , Tank Jens
Published: May 2018

Clinical trials and studies with ivabradine implicate cardiac pacemaker channels (HCN4) in the pathogenesis of atrial arrhythmias. Because acute changes in cardiac autonomic tone predispose to atrial arrhythmias, we studied humans in whom profound cardiac sympathetic activation was rapidly relieved to test influences of HCN4 inhibition with ivabradine on atrial arrhythmias. We tested 19 healthy participants with ivabradine, metoprolol, or placebo in a double blind, randomized, cross-over fashion on top of selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibition with reboxetine. Subjects underwent combined head up tilt plus lower body negative pressure testing followed by rapid return to the supine position. In the current secondary analysis with predefined endpoints before data unblinding, continuous finger blood pressure and ECG recordings were analyzed by two experienced cardiac electrophysiologists and a physician, blinded for treatment assignment. The total atrial premature activity (referred to as atrial events) at baseline did not differ between treatments. After backwards tilting, atrial events were significantly higher with ivabradine compared with metoprolol or with placebo. Unlike beta-adrenoreceptor blockade, HCN4 inhibition while lowering heart rate does not protect from atrial arrhythmias under conditions of experimental cardiac sympathetic activation. The model in addition to providing insight in the role of HCN4 in human atrial arrhythmogenesis may have utility in gauging potential atrial pro-arrhythmic drug properties.
AICAR inhibits NFκB DNA binding independently of AMPK to attenuate LPS-triggered inflammatory responses in human macrophages
Authors: Kirchner Johannes , Brüne Bernhard , Namgaladze Dmitry
Published: May 2018

5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-D-ribofuranoside (AICAR) is an established pharmacological activator of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Both, AICAR and AMPK were reported to attenuate inflammation. However, AICAR is known for many AMPK-independent effects, although the mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Here we report a potent suppression of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory gene expression by AICAR in primary human macrophages, which occurred independently of its conversion to AMPK-activating 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-D-ribofuranosyl monophosphate. Although AICAR did not interfere with activation of cytosolic signalling cascades and nuclear translocation of nuclear factor - κB (NFκB) by LPS, it prevented the recruitment of NFκB and RNA polymerase II to target gene promoters. AICAR also inhibited signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)-dependent induction of interleukin (IL) IL-6 and IL-10 targets, while leaving STAT6 and HIF1α-dependent gene expression in IL-4 and dimethyloxalylgylcine-treated macrophages intact. This points to a transcription factor-specific mode of action. Attenuated gene expression correlated with impaired NFκB and STAT3, but not HIF-binding in electrophoretic mobility shift assays in vitro. Conclusively, AICAR interferes with DNA binding of NFκB and STAT3 to modulate inflammatory responses.
Genome-wide haplotype association analysis of primary biliary cholangitis risk in Japanese
Authors: Im Cindy , Sapkota Yadav , Moon Wonjong , Kawashima Minae , Nakamura Minoru , Tokunaga Katsushi , Yasui Yutaka
Published: May 2018

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) susceptibility loci have largely been discovered through single SNP association testing. In this study, we report genic haplotype patterns associated with PBC risk genome-wide in two Japanese cohorts. Among the 74 genic PBC risk haplotype candidates we detected with a novel methodological approach in a discovery cohort of 1,937 Japanese, nearly two-thirds were replicated (49 haplotypes, Bonferroni-corrected P < 6.8 × 10−4) in an independent Japanese cohort (N = 949). Along with corroborating known PBC-associated loci (TNFSF15, HLA-DRA), risk haplotypes may potentially model cis-interactions that regulate gene expression. For example, one replicated haplotype association (9q32–9q33.1, OR = 1.7, P = 3.0 × 10−21) consists of intergenic SNPs outside of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) region that overlap regulatory histone mark peaks in liver and blood cells, and are significantly associated with TNFSF8 expression in whole blood. We also replicated a novel haplotype association involving non-HLA SNPs mapped to UMAD1 (7p21.3; OR = 15.2, P = 3.9 × 10−9) that overlap enhancer peaks in liver and memory Th cells. Our analysis demonstrates the utility of haplotype association analyses in discovering and characterizing PBC susceptibility loci.
Recording animal vocalizations from a UAV: bat echolocation during roost re-entry
Authors: Kloepper Laura N. , Kinniry Morgan
Published: May 2018

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are rising in popularity for wildlife monitoring, but direct recordings of animal vocalizations have not yet been accomplished, likely due to the noise generated by the UAV. Echolocating bats, especially Tadarida brasiliensis, are good candidates for UAV recording due to their high-speed, high-altitude flight. Here, we use a UAV to record the signals of bats during morning roost re-entry. We designed a UAV to block the noise of the propellers from the receiving microphone, and report on the characteristics of bioacoustic recordings from a UAV. We report the first published characteristics of echolocation signals from bats during group flight and cave re-entry. We found changes in inter-individual time-frequency shape, suggesting that bats may use differences in call design when sensing in complex groups. Furthermore, our first documented successful recordings of animals in their natural habitat demonstrate that UAVs can be important tools for bioacoustic monitoring, and we discuss the ethical considerations for such monitoring.
Searching for a compromise between biological and economic demands to protect vulnerable habitats
Authors: Pennino M. Grazia , Rufener Marie-Christine , Thomé-Souza Mario J. F. , Carvalho Adriana R. , Lopes Priscila F. M. , Sumaila U. Rashid
Published: May 2018

Identifying vulnerable habitats is necessary to designing and prioritizing efficient marine protected areas (MPAs) to sustain the renewal of living marine resources. However, vulnerable habitats rarely become MPAs due to conflicting interests such as fishing. We propose a spatial framework to help researchers and managers determine optimal conservation areas in a multi-species fishery, while also considering the economic relevance these species may have in a given society, even in data poor situations. We first set different ecological criteria (i.e. species resilience, vulnerability and trophic level) to identify optimal areas for conservation and restoration efforts, which was based on a traditional conservationist approach. We then identified the most economically relevant sites, where the bulk of fishery profits come from. We overlapped the ecologically and economically relevant areas using different thresholds. By ranking the level of overlap between the sites, representing different levels of conflicts between traditional conservation and fishing interests, we suggest alternatives that could increase fishers’ acceptance of protected areas. The introduction of some flexibility in the way conservation targets are established could contribute to reaching a middle ground where biological concerns are integrated with economic demands from the fishing sector.
RNase H-assisted RNA-primed rolling circle amplification for targeted RNA sequence detection
Authors: Takahashi Hirokazu , Ohkawachi Masahiko , Horio Kyohei , Kobori Toshiro , Aki Tsunehiro , Matsumura Yukihiko , Nakashimada Yutaka , Okamura Yoshiko
Published: May 2018

RNA-primed rolling circle amplification (RPRCA) is a useful laboratory method for RNA detection; however, the detection of RNA is limited by the lack of information on 3′-terminal sequences. We uncovered that conventional RPRCA using pre-circularized probes could potentially detect the internal sequence of target RNA molecules in combination with RNase H. However, the specificity for mRNA detection was low, presumably due to non-specific hybridization of non-target RNA with the circular probe. To overcome this technical problem, we developed a method for detecting a sequence of interest in target RNA molecules via RNase H-assisted RPRCA using padlocked probes. When padlock probes are hybridized to the target RNA molecule, they are converted to the circular form by SplintR ligase. Subsequently, RNase H creates nick sites only in the hybridized RNA sequence, and single-stranded DNA is finally synthesized from the nick site by phi29 DNA polymerase. This method could specifically detect at least 10 fmol of the target RNA molecule without reverse transcription. Moreover, this method detected GFP mRNA present in 10 ng of total RNA isolated from Escherichia coli without background DNA amplification. Therefore, this method can potentially detect almost all types of RNA molecules without reverse transcription and reveal full-length sequence information.
A comprehensive study on microstructure and tensile behaviour of a selectively laser melted stainless steel
Authors: Qiu Chunlei , Kindi Mohammed Al , Aladawi Aiman Salim , Hatmi Issa Al
Published: May 2018

316L stainless steel samples have been prepared by selective laser melting (SLM) using a pulsed laser mode and different laser powers and scanning patterns. The as-fabricated samples were found to be dominated by clusters of nano-sized γ needles or cells. TEM imaging shows that these needles contain a high population of dislocations while TEM-EDX analysis reveals high chemical homogeneity throughout the as-fabricated samples as evidenced by the fact that there is even no micro-/nano-segregation at interfaces between neighbouring γ needles. The good chemical homogeneity is attributed to the extremely high cooling rate after SLM (>106 °C/s) and the formation of Si- and Mn-oxides that distribute randomly in the current samples. The laser-processed samples show both superior strength and ductility as compared with conventionally manufactured counterparts. TEM examination on the deformed specimens reveals a significantly high density of dislocations and a great number of twinning within nano-needles, suggesting that the plastic deformation has been governed by both gliding of dislocations and twinning deformation, which is believed to be responsible for the simultaneous acquisition of superior strength and ductility. Finally, laser power shows a much more dominant role than laser scanning pattern in porosity and grain size development for the SLM-processed 316L stainless steel samples.
Co-cultivation of fungal-microalgal strains in biogas slurry and biogas purification under different initial CO2 concentrations
Authors: Zhou Kai , Zhang Yuejin , Jia Xiaobo
Published: May 2018

The effects of five different microalgae-fungi on nutrient removal and CO2 removal were investigated under three different CO2 contents (35%, 45% and 55%). The results showed that the highest nutrient and CO2 removal efficiency were found at 55% CO2 by cocultivation of different microalgae and fungi. The effect of different initial CO2 concentration on the removal of CO2 from microalgae was significant, and the order of CO2 removal efficiency was 55% (v/v) >45% (v/v) >35% (v/v). The best nutrient removal and biogas purification could be achieved by co-cultivation of C. vulgaris and G. lucidum with 55% initial CO2 content. The maximum mean COD, TN, TP and CO2 removal efficiency can reach 68.29%, 61.75%, 64.21% and 64.68%, respectively under this condition. All highest COD, TN, TP and CO2 removal efficiency were more than 85%. The analysis of energy consumption economic efficiency revealed that this strategy resulted in the highest economic efficiency. The results of this work can promote simultaneously biological purification of wastewater and biogas using microalgal-fungal symbiosis.
Risk factors for severe hypocalcemia after parathyroidectomy in dialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Sun Xiaoliang , Zhang Xiaoqing , Lu Yao , Zhang Ling , Yang Meng
Published: May 2018

Severe hypocalcemia (SH) is a common and serious complication in dialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) after parathyroidectomy (PTX). The aim is to explore the risk predictors of SH in post-PTX dialysis ESRD patients with SHPT. 129 consecutive dialysis patients with SHPT underwent PTX were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 22 clinical parameters were included in the study. SH was defined as the minimum values of serum calcium lower than 1.875 mmol/L (7.5 mg/dL) after surgery. Univariate analysis showed that pruritus, lumbar X-ray changes of renal osteodystrophy, pre- and post-operative intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), Calcium, alkaline phosphatase, and gland mass were significantly different between SH and non-SH groups. In the multivariate logistic regression model, the pre-operative serum iPTH, calcium, and pruritus were independent risk predictors of SH. AUCs for pre-operative serum iPTH, calcium and pruritus were 0.810, 0.714 and 0.591, respectively. Patients with higher level of pre-operative serum iPTH, lower level of serum calcium and with no/mild symptoms of pruritus are at greater risk of developing SH after PTX.
Ocular Counter Rolling in Astronauts After Short- and Long-Duration Spaceflight
Authors: Reschke Millard F. , Wood Scott J. , Clément Gilles
Published: May 2018

Ocular counter-rolling (OCR) is a reflex generated by the activation of the gravity sensors in the inner ear that stabilizes gaze and posture during head tilt. We compared the OCR measures that were obtained in 6 astronauts before, during, and after a spaceflight lasting 4–6 days with the OCR measures obtained from 6 astronauts before and after a spaceflight lasting 4–9 months. OCR in the short-duration fliers was measured using the afterimage method during head tilt at 15°, 30°, and 45°. OCR in the long-duration fliers was measured using video-oculography during whole body tilt at 25°. A control group of 7 subjects was used to compare OCR measures during head tilt and whole body tilt. No OCR occurred during head tilt in microgravity, and the response returned to normal within 2 hours of return from short-duration spaceflight. However, the amplitude of OCR was reduced for several days after return from long-duration spaceflight. This decrease in amplitude was not accompanied by changes in the asymmetry of OCR between right and left head tilt. These results indicate that the adaptation  of otolith-driven reflexes to microgravity is a long-duration process.
Systemic Vascular Risk Factors for Multiple Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Defects
Authors: Jung Kyoung In , Kim Seon Joo , Park Chan Kee
Published: May 2018

Multiple retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) defects develop uncommonly, even though glaucomatous RNFL loss is typically observed as one RNFL defect in each quadrant. We investigated the risk factors associated with multiple RNFL defects to increase our understanding of the nature and pathogenesis of various RNFL defect patterns. Data from subjects with multiple RNFL defects (28 patients) and glaucoma patients without multiple RNFL defects (194 patients) were analyzed. The term “multiple RNFL defects” refers to three or more isolated defects separated by a comparatively normal area. Patients with multiple RNFL defects showed a higher prevalence of hypertension, end-stage renal disease, and cerebrovascular disease than those without multiple RNFL defects, both before and after propensity score matching for age and mean deviation (all P < 0.05). The number of patients with parafoveal visual field points depressed <5% on pattern deviation plots was higher in subjects with multiple RNFL defects than in those without multiple RNFL defects (P = 0.048). In conclusion, the presence of multiple RNFL defects had clinical relevance for systemic vascular risk factors and a higher risk of parafoveal scotoma. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of concomitant systemic vascular disease when evaluating patients with multiple RNFL defects.
Assessing the Feasibility of Neutralizing Osteopontin with Various Therapeutic Antibody Modalities
Authors: Farrokhi Vahid , Chabot Jeffrey R. , Neubert Hendrik , Yang Zhiyong
Published: May 2018

Osteopontin is a secreted glycophosphoprotein that is highly implicated in many physiological and pathological processes such as biomineralization, cell-mediated immunity, inflammation, fibrosis, cell survival, tumorigenesis and metastasis. Antibodies against osteopontin have been actively pursued as potential therapeutics for various diseases by pharmaceutical companies and academic laboratories. Many studies have demonstrated the efficacy of osteopontin inhibition in a variety of preclinical models of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, but clinical utility has not yet been demonstrated. To evaluate the feasibility of osteopontin neutralization with antibodies in a clinical setting, we measured its physiological turnover rate in humans, a sensitive parameter required for mechanistic pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) modeling of biotherapeutics. Results from a stable isotope-labelled amino acid pulse-chase study in healthy human subjects followed by mass spectrometry showed that osteopontin undergoes very rapid turnover. PK/PD modeling and simulation of different theoretical scenarios reveal that achieving sufficient target coverage using antibodies can be very challenging mostly due to osteopontin’s fast turnover, as well as its relatively high plasma concentrations in human. Therapeutic antibodies against osteopontin would need to be engineered to have much extended PK than conventional antibodies, and be administered at high doses and with short dosing intervals.
Intraperitoneal administration of the anti-IL-23 antibody prevents the establishment of intestinal nematodes in mice
Authors: Gomez-Samblas M. , Bernal D. , Bolado-Ortiz A. , Vilchez S. , Bolás-Fernández F. , Espino A. M. , Trelis M. , Osuna A.
Published: May 2018

Previous studies have established that an increased Th-9 response creates a hostile environment for nematode parasites. Given that IL-23, a cytokine required for maintenance of the IL-17–secreting phenotype, has inhibitory effects on IL-9 production, we hypothesized that reducing circulating IL-23 by treatment with anti-IL-23 antibodies would reduce the establishment and development of parasitic intestinal nematodes. In this study, we show that animals treated with anti-IL-23 monoclonal antibodies showed a drastic reduction in the number of mouse pinworms (Aspiculuris tetraptera)recovered from the intestine (p < 0.001) at 23 days post-infection compared to the untreated animals. The cytokine levels in Peyer’s patches (PP) in treated and infected animals increase the expression of interleukins such as IL-25, IL-21, and IL-9, augmenting mucus production in the crypts, and boosting chemokines, such as OX40 and CCL20 in the mucosa. Our results suggest that the Th17/Th2 regulatory mechanism provoked by the administration of the anti-IL-23 antibody prevents the implantation of the intestinal nematode in mice. The diminished inflammatory IL-17 levels alter the Th9 environment perhaps as a consequence of IL-17 inhibiting IL-9 expression. These Th9 conditions may explain the successful treatment against Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) both with antibodies against IL-23 or through parasitization with nematodes.
Protective Effects of Intraoperative Nerve Monitoring (IONM) for Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Injury in Thyroidectomy: Meta-analysis
Authors: Bai Binglong , Chen Wuzhen
Published: May 2018

Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury is an intractable complication of thyroidectomy. Intraoperative nerve monitoring (IONM) was designed to prevent RLN injury. However, the results concerning the protective effect of IONM on RLN injury are still controversial. We searched all eligible databases from 1980 to 2017. Meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of IONM on RLN injury. Sensitivity analysis was also conducted to check the stability of our results. There were 34 studies included in the analysis. Overall analysis found a significant decrease in total injury (RR = 0.68, 95%CI: 0.55 to 0.83), transient injury (RR = 0.71, 95%CI: 0.57 to 0.88), and permanent injury (RD = −0.0026, 95%CI: −0.0039 to −0.0012) with IONM. Subgroup analysis found IONM played a preventive role of total, transient and permanent injury in patients undergoing bilateral thyroidectomy. IONM also reduced the incidence of total and transient injury for malignancy cases. Operations with IONM were associated with fewer total and transient RLN injuries in operation volume < 300 NARs per year and fewer total and permanent RLN injuries in operation volume ≥ 300 NARs per year. The application of IONM could reduce the RLN injury of thyroidectomy. Particularly, we recommend routine IONM for use in bilateral operations and malignancy operations.
Methanol fixed fibroblasts serve as feeder cells to maintain stem cells in the pluripotent state in vitro
Authors: Ren Yahui , Ma Ziyu , Yu Tong , Ling Min , Wang Huayan
Published: May 2018

Preparation of mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) feeder cells to maintain pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) is time consuming and involved in animal issues. Here, we demonstrated a novel method to prepare feeder cells with high efficiency, timesaving, and low costs. MEFs in 3 × 104 cell/cm2 were fixed by methanol for 5 min and air drying for 5 min. Thereafter, the methanol fixed MEF cells (MT-MEF) were able to be used directly to culture PSCs or stored at room temperature for the future usage. PSCs cultured on MT-MEF could be continuously expanded for over 40 passages with the naïve pluripotency. MT-MEFs could also be used to maintain human and pig iPSCs. Moreover, methanol fixed MEFs’ culture dish was able to be reused for at least 4 times, and to be applied for antibiotic resistant screening assay to establishing stable transfected PSC lines. Alternatively, the immortalized cell lines, for instance NIH3T3 cells, could also be fixed by methanol and used as feeder cells to maintain PSCs. Thus, this novel means of methanol fixed feeder cells can completely replace the mitomycin C and gamma radiation treated MEF feeder cells, and be used to maintain PSCs derived from mouse as well as other animal species.
The Crotone Megalandslide, southern Italy: Architecture, timing and tectonic control
Authors: Zecchin Massimo , Accaino Flavio , Ceramicola Silvia , Civile Dario , Critelli Salvatore , Da Lio Cristina , Mangano Giacomo , Prosser Giacomo , Teatini Pietro , Tosi Luigi
Published: May 2018

Large-scale submarine gravitational land movements involving even more than 1,000 m thick sedimentary successions are known as megalandslides. We prove the existence of large-scale gravitational phenomena off the Crotone Basin, a forearc basin located on the Ionian side of Calabria (southern Italy), by seismic, morpho-bathymetric and well data. Our study reveals that the Crotone Megalandslide started moving between Late Zanclean and Early Piacenzian and was triggered by a contractional tectonic event leading to the basin inversion. Seaward gliding of the megalandslide continued until roughly Late Gelasian, and then resumed since Middle Pleistocene with a modest rate. Interestingly, the onshore part of the basin does not show a gravity-driven deformation comparable to that observed in the marine area, and this peculiar evidence allows some speculations on the origin of the megalandslide.
Effect of annealing conditions on the electrical properties of ALD-grown polycrystalline BiFeO3 films
Authors: Golovina Iryna S. , Falmbigl Matthias , Plokhikh Aleksandr V. , Parker Thomas C. , Johnson Craig , Spanier Jonathan E.
Published: May 2018

We show that a proper selection of annealing conditions is crucial for optimizing the properties of ALD-grown BiFeO3 thin films.
Low cost adsorbents in ultrasound-assisted dispersive micro solid-phase extraction for simultaneous determination of indium and nickel by high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry in soils and sediments
Authors: Krawczyk-Coda Magdalena , Stanisz Ewa
Published: May 2018

In this study, the analytical potential of USA DMSPE with bentonite clay as a low cost adsorbent combined with HR-CS GF AAS in the simultaneous determination of In and Ni was evaluated.
Evaluation of colorimetric methods for quantification of citrus flavonoids to avoid misuse
Authors: Huang Rui , Wu Wenyan , Shen Shuyu , Fan Jiawen , Chang Yue , Chen Shiguo , Ye Xingqian
Published: May 2018

Misused colorimetric methods for citrus flavonoid quantification were evaluated and the most reliable method was recommended.
Determination of chromium(vi) by anodic stripping voltammetry using a silver-plated glassy carbon electrode
Authors: Stojanović Zorica , Koudelkova Zuzana , Sedlackova Eliska , Hynek David , Richtera Lukas , Adam Vojtech
Published: May 2018

In this work, differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DP-ASV) for the determination of trace amounts of hexavalent chromium (Cr(vi)) at a silver plated glassy carbon electrode (Ag plated-GCE) is described in detail.
Bi2Mn4O10: a new mullite-type anode material for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Song Zihan , Zhang Hongzhang , Feng Kai , Wang Huaiqing , Li Xianfeng , Zhang Huamin
Published: May 2018

A new mullite-type anode material Bi2Mn4O10 exhibits a good electrochemical performance in LIBs.
The first representatives of tetranuclear gold(i) complexes of P,N-containing cyclophanes
Authors: Nikolaeva Yu. A. , Balueva A. S. , Khafizov A. A. , Strelnik I. D. , Gerasimova T. P. , Katsyuba S. A. , Litvinov I. A. , Musina E. I. , Karasik A. A. , Sinyashin O. G.
Published: May 2018

The formation of luminescent tetranuclear gold(i) complexes of P,N-containing cyclophanes is accompanied by an unexpected change in ligand conformations.
Enhanced visible light catalysis activity of CdS-sheathed SrAl2O4:Eu2+,Dy3+nanocomposites
Authors: Xiao Yanhe , Luo Bin , Cheng Baochang , Huang Qianfei , Ye Yalong , Fang Liting , Zhou Lin , Lei Shuijin
Published: May 2018

For CdS-sheathed SrAl2O4:Eu2+,Dy3+composites, there exists a tremendous contact interface, and moreover, holes can effectively transfer from the phosphor to the CdS semiconductor. Therefore, they can show a significant enhanced effect for visible light photocatalysis.
Reactivity studies of an imine-functionalised phosphaalkene; unusual electrostatic and supramolecular stabilisation of a σ2λ3-phosphorus motif via hydrogen bonding
Authors: Morales Salazar Daniel , Gupta Arvind Kumar , Orthaber Andreas
Published: May 2018

Protonation with strong acids at an imine over addition to a phosphaalkene; resulting adducts display hydrogen bonding.
Design and mechanistic study of a novel gold nanocluster-based drug delivery system
Authors: Li Qinzhen , Pan Yiting , Chen Tiankai , Du Yuanxin , Ge Honghua , Zhang Buchang , Xie Jianping , Yu Haizhu , Zhu Manzhou
Published: May 2018

The design of a novel bacteria-triggered drug delivery system based on peptide-coated gold nanoclusters.
Diketopyrrolopyrrole-based carbon dots for photodynamic therapy
Authors: He Haozhe , Zheng Xiaohua , Liu Shi , Zheng Min , Xie Zhigang , Wang Yong , Yu Meng , Shuai Xintao
Published: May 2018

The development of a simple and straightforward strategy to synthesize multifunctional carbon dots for photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been an emerging focus.
Synthesis, order-to-disorder transition, microphase morphology and mechanical properties of BAB triblock copolymer elastomers with hard middle block and soft outer blocks
Authors: Wang Wentao , Wang Xuehui , Jiang Feng , Wang Zhigang
Published: May 2018

A series of triblock copolymer elastomers with a soft–hard–soft block sequence was synthesized for studies on their ODT, microphase morphologies and mechanical properties.
A more reliable synthesis of a Gemini vitamin D analog, a potentially effective chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of colorectal carcinomas
Authors: Santalla Hugo , Garrido Fátima , Gómez Generosa , Fall Yagamare
Published: May 2018

After a serendipitous synthesis of a potentially effective chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of colorectal carcinomas, a more reliable synthetic method is now described using our building blocks containing stereodefined stereochemistry at C-20.
Modification of Talc@TiO2 toward high-performance nitrile rubber application
Authors: He Chao , Zhang Lin , Chen Duoli , Fan Xiaoqiang , Cai Zhenbing , Zhu Minhao
Published: May 2018

Modified nano-titania powders (TiO2) with KH550, NDZ201 and PAAS were adhered to the surface of talcum powder (Talc) using a ball milling method.
High-performance organic circuits based on precisely aligned single-crystal arrays
Authors: Kang Jingu , Lee Minwook , Facchetti Antonio , Kim Jaekyun , Park Sung Kyu
Published: May 2018

A high-performance OSC inverter based on the precise control of organic circuit geometryviaphotochemical patterning.
Alleviation of cadmium phytotoxicity to wheat is associated with Cd re-distribution in soil aggregates as affected by amendments
Authors: Li Shanshan , Wang Meng , Zhao Zhongqiu , Li Xiaoyue , Han Yun , Chen Shibao
Published: May 2018

Soil aggregates exert a significant influence on the retention and bioavailability of Cd in soil.
Design of cyclopentadithiophene-based small organic molecules as hole selective layers for perovskite solar cells
Authors: Caliò Laura , Kazim Samrana , Salado Manuel , Zimmermann Iwan , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja , Ahmad Shahzada
Published: May 2018

Thiophene-based p-type semiconducting molecules were synthesized and exploited as hole transport layer in perovskite solar cells.
Electrohydrodynamic fibrillation governed enhanced thermal transport in dielectric colloids under a field stimulus
Authors: Dhar Purbarun , Maganti Lakshmi Sirisha , Harikrishnan A. R.
Published: May 2018

Electrorheological fluids exhibit enhanced viscous characteristics due to field induced fibrillation. It is shown that such particle fibrils or chains are also potent heat carriers and can improve the thermal conductivity of the colloid under a field's influence.
Coupling between criticality and gelation in “sticky” spheres: a structural analysis
Authors: Richard David , Hallett James , Speck Thomas , Royall C. Patrick
Published: May 2018

We combine experiments and simulations to study the link between criticality and gelation in sticky spheres.
Room-temperature fully recyclable carbon fibre reinforced phenolic composites through dynamic covalent boronic ester bonds
Authors: Wang Shujuan , Xing Xiaolong , Zhang Xiaoting , Wang Xiao , Jing Xinli
Published: May 2018

By utilizing the alcoholysis nature of boronate bonds, the CF/PBNR composites can be fully recycled at room temperature in ethanol solvent without sacrificing the mechanical properties.
A facile access to stiff epoxy vitrimers with excellent mechanical properties via siloxane equilibration
Authors: Wu Xiao , Yang Xin , Yu Ran , Zhao Xiao-Juan , Zhang Ying , Huang Wei
Published: May 2018

Recycling process of epoxy vitrimers based on siloxane equilibration.
Boron–graphdiyne: a superstretchable semiconductor with low thermal conductivity and ultrahigh capacity for Li, Na and Ca ion storage
Authors: Mortazavi Bohayra , Shahrokhi Masoud , Zhuang Xiaoying , Rabczuk Timon
Published: May 2018

We conducted density functional theory and classical molecular dynamics simulations to study the mechanical, thermal conductivity and stability, electronic and optical properties of single-layer boron–graphdiyne, a novel synthesized 2D material. Our first-principles results reveal the outstanding prospect of boron–graphdiyne as an anode material with ultrahigh charge capacities for Li, Na and Ca ions storage.
Kinetically controlled redox behaviors of K0.3MnO2 electrodes for high performance sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Qian Jiasheng , Chui Ying San , Li Guijun , Lin Mei , Luk Chi Man , Mak Chun Hin , Zhang Biao , Yan Feng , Lau Shu Ping
Published: May 2018

The additive free K0.3MnO2 electrode exhibits an exceptional one-step redox behavior to serve as the cathode of Na ion batteries.
A multifunctional luminogen with aggregation-induced emission characteristics for selective imaging and photodynamic killing of both cancer cells and Gram-positive bacteria
Authors: Kang Miaomiao , Kwok Ryan T. K. , Wang Jianguo , Zhang Han , Lam Jacky W. Y. , Li Ying , Zhang Pengfei , Zou Hang , Gu Xinggui , Li Feng , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: May 2018

A positively charged multifunctional AIEgen was developed for selective imaging and photodynamic killing of cancer cells as well as Gram-positive bacteria.
Reverse synthesis of CsPbxMn1−x(Cl/Br)3 perovskite quantum dots from CsMnCl3 precursors through cation exchange
Authors: Fang Gaoliang , Chen Daqin , Zhou Su , Chen Xiao , Lei Lei , Zhong Jiasong , Ji Zhenguo
Published: May 2018

Successful development of all-inorganic CsPbX3 (X = Cl, Br, or I) perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) has been witnessed due to their unique optical and electrical properties.
Genotoxic, histologic, immunohistochemical, morphometric and hormonal effects of di-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate (DEHP) on reproductive systems in pre-pubertal male rats
Authors: Karabulut Gözde , Barlas Nurhayat
Published: May 2018

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is widely used as a plasticizer and people are exposed to various amounts on a daily basis.