bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid Prototyping of Polymeric Nanopillars by 3D Direct Laser Writing for Controlling Cell Behavior
Authors: Buch-Månson Nina , Spangenberg Arnaud , Gomez Laura Piedad Chia , Malval Jean-Pierre , Soppera Olivier , Martinez Karen L.
Published: August 2017

Mammalian cells have been widely shown to respond to nano- and microtopography that mimics the extracellular matrix. Synthetic nano- and micron-sized structures are therefore of great interest in the field of tissue engineering, where polymers are particularly attractive due to excellent biocompatibility and versatile fabrication methods. Ordered arrays of polymeric pillars provide a controlled topographical environment to study and manipulate cells, but processing methods are typically either optimized for the nano- or microscale. Here, we demonstrate polymeric nanopillar (NP) fabrication using 3D direct laser writing (3D DLW), which offers a rapid prototyping across both size regimes. The NPs are interfaced with NIH3T3 cells and the effect of tuning geometrical parameters of the NP array is investigated. Cells are found to adhere on a wide range of geometries, but the interface depends on NP density and length. The Cell Interface with Nanostructure Arrays (CINA) model is successfully extended to predict the type of interface formed on different NP geometries, which is found to correlate with the efficiency of cell alignment along the NPs. The combination of the CINA model with the highly versatile 3D DLW fabrication thus holds the promise of improved design of polymeric NP arrays for controlling cell growth.
The homology and function of the lung plates in extant and fossil coelacanths
Authors: Cupello Camila , Meunier François J. , Herbin Marc , Janvier Philippe , Clément Gaël , Brito Paulo M.
Published: August 2017

The presence of a pulmonary organ that is entirely covered by true bone tissue and fills most of the abdominal cavity is hitherto unique to fossil actinistians. Although small hard plates have been recently reported in the lung of the extant coelacanthLatimeria chalumnae, the homology between these hard structures in fossil and extant forms remained to be demonstrated. Here, we resolve this question by reporting the presence of a similar histological pattern–true cellular bone with star-shaped osteocytes, and a globular mineralisation with radiating arrangement–in the lung plates of two fossil coelacanths (Swenzia latimeraeandAxelrodichthys araripensis) and the plates that surround the lung of the most extensively studied extant coelacanth species,L. chalumnae. The point-for-point structural similarity of the plates in extant and fossil coelacanths supports their probable homology and, consequently, that of the organ they surround. Thus, this evidence questions the previous interpretations of the fatty organ as a component of the pulmonary complex ofLatimeria.
Leukocytic Toll-Like Receptor 2 Deficiency Preserves Cardiac Function And Reduces Fibrosis In Sustained Pressure Overload
Authors: Wang Jiong-Wei , Fontes Magda S. C. , Wang Xiaoyuan , Chong Suet Yen , Kessler Elise L. , Zhang Ya-Nan , de Haan Judith J. , Arslan Fatih , de Jager Saskia C. A. , Timmers Leo , van Veen Toon A. B. , Lam Carolyn S. P. , Kleijn Dominique P. V. de
Published: August 2017

An involement of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) has been established in cardiac dysfunction after acute myocardial infarction; however, its role in chronic pressure overload is unclear. We sought to evaluate the role of TLR2 in cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis and dysfunction in sustained pressure overload. We induced pressure overload via transverse aortic constriction (TAC) in TLR2−/−and wild type (WT) mice, and followed temporal changes over 8 weeks. Despite similar increases in heart weight, left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) and diastolic function (mitral E/A ratio) were preserved in TLR2−/−mice but impaired in WT mice following TAC. TAC produced less LV fibrosis in TLR2−/−mice associated with lower mRNA levels of collagen genes (Col1a1 and Col3a1) and lower protein level of TGFbeta1, compared to WT mice. Following TAC, the influx of macrophages and CD3 T cells into LV was similar between TLR2−/−and WT mice, whereas levels of cyto/chemokines were lower in the heart and plasma in TLR2−/−mice. TLR2−/−bone marrow-derived cells protected against LVEF decline and fibrosis following TAC. Our findings show that leukocytic TLR2 deficiency protects against LV dysfunction and fibrosis probably via a reduction in inflammatory signaling in sustained pressure overload.
Nanoscale spectrum analyzer based on spin-wave interference
Authors: Papp Ádám , Porod Wolfgang , Csurgay Árpád I. , Csaba György
Published: August 2017

We present the design of a spin-wave-based microwave signal processing device. The microwave signal is first converted into spin-wave excitations, which propagate in a patterned magnetic thin-film. An interference pattern is formed in the film and its intensity distribution at appropriate read-out locations gives the spectral decomposition of the signal. We use analytic calculations and micromagnetic simulations to verify and to analyze the operation of the device. The results suggest that all performance figures of this magnetoelectric device at room temperature (speed, area, power consumption) may be significantly better than what is achievable in a purely electrical system. We envision that a new class of low-power, high-speed, special-purpose signal processors can be realized by spin-waves.
Cutaneous pigmentation modulates skin sensitivity via tyrosinase-dependent dopaminergic signalling
Authors: Ono Kentaro , Viet Chi T. , Ye Yi , Dang Dongmin , Hitomi Suzuro , Toyono Takashi , Inenaga Kiyotoshi , Dolan John C. , Schmidt Brian L.
Published: August 2017

We propose a new mechanism of sensory modulation through cutaneous dopaminergic signalling. We hypothesize that dopaminergic signalling contributes to differential cutaneous sensitivity in darker versus lighter pigmented humans and mouse strains. We show that thermal and mechanical cutaneous sensitivity is pigmentation dependent. Meta-analyses in humans and mice, along with our own mouse behavioural studies, reveal higher thermal sensitivity in pigmented skin relative to less-pigmented or albino skin. We show that dopamine from melanocytes activates the D1-like dopamine receptor on primary sensory neurons. Dopaminergic activation increases expression of the heat-sensitive TRPV1 ion channel and reduces expression of the mechanically-sensitive Piezo2 channel; thermal threshold is lower and mechanical threshold is higher in pigmented skin.
Optical Control of Tumor Induction in the Zebrafish
Authors: Feng Zhiping , Nam Suzy , Hamouri Fatima , Aujard Isabelle , Ducos Bertrand , Vriz Sophie , Volovitch Michel , Jullien Ludovic , Lin Shuo , Weiss Shimon , Bensimon David
Published: August 2017

The zebrafish has become an increasingly popular and valuable cancer model over the past few decades. While most zebrafish cancer models are generated by expressing mammalian oncogenes under tissue-specific promoters, here we describe a method that allows for the precise optical control of oncogene expression in live zebrafish. We utilize this technique to transiently or constitutively activate a typical human oncogene, kRASG12V, in zebrafish embryos and investigate the developmental and tumorigenic phenotypes. We demonstrate the spatiotemporal control of oncogene expression in live zebrafish, and characterize the different tumorigenic probabilities when kRASG12V is expressed transiently or constitutively at different developmental stages. Moreover, we show that light can be used to activate oncogene expression in selected tissues and single cells without tissue-specific promoters. Our work presents a novel approach to initiate and study cancer in zebrafish, and the high spatiotemporal resolution of this method makes it a valuable tool for studying cancer initiation from single cells.
Thoracic radiotherapy (TRT) improved survival in both oligo- and polymetastatic extensive stage small cell lung cancer
Authors: Xu Li-Ming , Cheng Chingyun , Kang Minglei , Luo Jing , Gong Lin-Lin , Pang Qing-Song , Wang Jun , Yuan Zhi-Yong , Zhao Lu-Jun , Wang Ping
Published: August 2017

There has been no previous study on the efficacy of the thoracic radiotherapy (TRT) in oligometastatic or polymetastatic extensive stage small-cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) to the overall survival (OS). In a group of 270 ES-SCLC cases retrospective study, 78 patients (28.9%) had oligometastases and 192 (71.1%) had polymetastases, among which 51 oligometastatic patients (65.4%) and 93 polymetastatic patients (51.6%) received TRT. Propensity score matching (PSM) was utilized. The 2-year OS, progression free survival (PFS) and local control (LC) in oligometastatic and polymetastatic patients were 22.8% and 4.5% (p < 0.001), 12.0% and 3.8% (p < 0.001), and 36.7% and 6.1% (p < 0.001), respectively. The 2-year OS in oligometastatic patients with the chemotherapy + radiotherapy and chemotherapy alone were 25.2% and 12.7% (p = 0.002), in contrast to 10.0% and 6.8% (p = 0.030) in polymetastatic patients. The estimated hazard ratios for survival were 2.9 and 1.7 for both oligometastatic and polymetastatic patients with radiotherapy. The polymetastatic group has a lower LC (6.1% v.s. 36.7%, (p < 0.001)), due to polymetastases patients receiving involved-sites radiotherapy with low dose schemas. TRT improved OS of patients with oligometastases and polymetastases. Our study demonstrated that aggressive TRT might be a suitable addition of chemotherapy when treating ES-SCLC patients with oligometastases and polymetastases.
Mapping of electromagnetic waves generated by free-running self-oscillating devices
Authors: Hisatake Shintaro , Nakajima Hikaru , Nguyen Pham Hai Huy , Uchida Hirohisa , Tojyo Makoto , Oikawa Yoichi , Miyaji Kunio , Nagatsuma Tadao
Published: August 2017

Near-field mapping has proven to be a powerful technique for characterizing and diagnosing antennas in the microwave frequency range. However, conventional measurement methods based on a network analyzer cannot be applied to on-chip antenna devices extensively studied for future wireless communication in the millimeter wave (mm-wave) (30–300 GHz) and terahertz (THz) wave (0.1–10 THz) frequency regions. Here, we present a new asynchronous mapping technique to investigate the spatial distribution of not only the amplitude but also the phase of the electric field generated by free-running, self-oscillating generators including CMOS oscillators, Gunn oscillators, resonant tunneling diodes, and quantum cascaded lasers. Using a photonic-electronic hybrid measurement system, a wide frequency coverage, minimal invasiveness of the field to be measured, and phase distribution measurements with a theoretically-limited sensitivity are simultaneously achieved. As a proof-of-concept experiment, we demonstrate the mapping of a mm-wave (77 GHz) generated by a free-running Gunn oscillator and antenna characterization based on near-to-far field transformation.
Neuropilin 1 sequestration by neuropathogenic mutant glycyl-tRNA synthetase is permissive to vascular homeostasis
Authors: Sleigh James N. , Gómez-Martín Adriana , Wei Na , Bai Ge , Yang Xiang-Lei , Schiavo Giampietro
Published: August 2017

The mechanism by which dominantly inherited mutations in the housekeeping gene GARS, which encodes glycyl-tRNA synthetase (GlyRS), mediate selective peripheral nerve toxicity resulting in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2D (CMT2D) is still largely unresolved. The transmembrane receptor protein neuropilin 1 (Nrp1) was recently identified as an aberrant extracellular binding partner of mutant GlyRS. Formation of the Nrp1/mutant GlyRS complex antagonises Nrp1 interaction with one of its main natural ligands, vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), contributing to neurodegeneration. However, reduced extracellular binding of VEGF-A to Nrp1 is known to disrupt post-natal blood vessel development and growth. We therefore analysed the vascular system at early and late symptomatic time points in CMT2D mouse muscles, retina, and sciatic nerve, as well as in embryonic hindbrain. Mutant tissues show no difference in blood vessel diameter, density/growth, and branching from embryonic development to three months, spanning the duration over which numerous sensory and neuromuscular phenotypes manifest. Our findings indicate that mutant GlyRS-mediated disruption of Nrp1/VEGF-A signalling is permissive to maturation and maintenance of the vasculature in CMT2D mice.
The receptor genes PfBMPR1B and PfBAMBI are involved in regulating shell biomineralization in the pearl oyster Pinctada fucata
Authors: Li Shiguo , Liu Yangjia , Huang Jingliang , Zhan Aibin , Xie Liping , Zhang Rongqing
Published: August 2017

Mounting evidence suggests that TGFβ/BMP signaling pathway is most likely involved in shell biomineralization in molluscs, but the function of pathway receptors is poorly studied. Here, we cloned and identified two homologous BMP receptor genes,PfBMPR1BandPfBAMBI, from the pearl oysterPinctada fucata. Real-time quantitative PCR andin situhybridization revealed that these genes were expressed in mantle edge and pallial, specifically located at the outer epithelia. Knockdown ofPfBMPR1Bby RNA interference (RNAi) significantly decreased the expression levels of matrix protein (MP) genes and induced the abnormal ultrastructure of prismatic and nacreous layers. Conversely, knockdown ofPfBAMBIsignificantly increased the expression levels of a portion of MP genes and induced the overgrowth of nacreous layer crystals. In the RNAi and shell notching experiments, MP gene expressions were competitively regulated byPfBMPR1BandPfBAMBI. In addition, the receptor inhibitor LDN193189 reduced the expression levels of MP genes in mantle primary cells and larvae, and induced abnormal D-shaped shell formation during larval development. Collectively, these results clearly show thatPfBMPR1BandPfBAMBIare involved in regulating shell biomineralization inP.fucata. Our study therefore provides the direct evidence that BMP receptors participate in mollusc biomineralization.
Metabolic activity of mature biofilms of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other non-tuberculous mycobacteria
Authors: Solokhina Anna , Brückner David , Bonkat Gernot , Braissant Olivier
Published: August 2017

Mycobacteria are classified into two groups, fast- and slow-growing. Often, fast-growing mycobacteria are assumed to have a higher metabolic activity than their slower counterparts, but in mature biofilms this assumption might not be correct. Indeed, when measuring the metabolic activity of mycobacterial biofilms with two independent non-invasive techniques (isothermal microcalorimetry and tunable diode laser absorption spectrometry), mature biofilms of slow- and fast-growing species appeared more alike than expected. Metabolic heat production rate was 2298 ± 181 µW for M. smegmatis and 792 ± 81 µW for M. phlei, while M. tuberculosis and M. bovis metabolic heat production rates were between these values. These small differences were further confirmed by similar oxygen consumption rates (3.3 ± 0.2 nMole/s and 1.7 ± 0.3 nMole/s for M. smegmatis and M. tuberculosis, respectively). These data suggest that the metabolic potential of slow-growing mycobacterial biofilms has been underestimated, particularly for pathogenic species.
Altered cortical brain activity in end stage liver disease assessed by multi-channel near-infrared spectroscopy: Associations with delirium
Authors: Yoshimura Atsushi , Goodson Carrie , Johns Jordan T. , Towe Maxwell M. , Irvine Esme S. , Rendradjaja Nada A. , Max Laura K. , LaFlam Andrew , Ledford Emily C. , Probert Julia , Tieges Zoë , Edwin David H. , MacLullich Alasdair M. J. , Hogue Charles W. , Lindquist Martin A. , Gurakar Ahmet , Neufeld Karin J. , Kamiya Atsushi
Published: August 2017

Delirium is a common and serious psychiatric syndrome caused by an underlying medical condition. It is associated with significant mortality and increased healthcare resource utilization. There are few biological markers of delirium, perhaps related to the etiologic heterogeneity of the syndrome. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is an optical topography system to measure changes in the concentration of oxygenated hemoglobin ([oxy-Hb]) in the cerebral cortex. We examined whether altered cortical brain activity in delirious patients with end stage liver disease (ESLD) is detected by fNIRS. We found that the [oxy-Hb] change during the verbal fluency task (VFT) was reduced in patients with ESLD compared with healthy controls (HC) in the prefrontal and bi-temporal regions. The [oxy-Hb] change during the sustained attention task (SAT) was elevated in patients with ESLD compared to HC in the prefrontal and left temporal regions. Notably, [oxy-Hb] change in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex during SAT showed a positive correlation with the severity of delirium. Our results suggest that [oxy-Hb] change in the prefrontal cortex during the sustained attention task measured with fNIRS might serve as a biological marker associated with delirium in ESLD patients.
Establishment and genomic characterization of the new chordoma cell line Chor-IN-1
Authors: Bosotti Roberta , Magnaghi Paola , Di Bella Sebastiano , Cozzi Liviana , Cusi Carlo , Bozzi Fabio , Beltrami Nicola , Carapezza Giovanni , Ballinari Dario , Amboldi Nadia , Lupi Rosita , Somaschini Alessio , Raddrizzani Laura , Salom Barbara , Galvani Arturo , Stacchiotti Silvia , Tamborini Elena , Isacchi Antonella
Published: August 2017

Chordomas are rare, slowly growing tumors with high medical need, arising in the axial skeleton from notochord remnants. The transcription factor “brachyury” represents a distinctive molecular marker and a key oncogenic driver of chordomas. Tyrosine kinase receptors are also expressed, but so far kinase inhibitors have not shown clear clinical efficacy in chordoma patients. The need for effective therapies is extremely high, but the paucity of established chordoma cell lines has limited preclinical research. Here we describe the isolation of the new Chor-IN-1 cell line from a recurrent sacral chordoma and its characterization as compared to other chordoma cell lines. Chor-IN-1 displays genomic identity to the tumor of origin and has morphological features, growth characteristics and chromosomal abnormalities typical of chordoma, with expression of brachyury and other relevant biomarkers. Chor-IN-1 gene variants, copy number alterations and kinome gene expression were analyzed in comparison to other four chordoma cell lines, generating large scale DNA and mRNA genomic data that can be exploited for the identification of novel pharmacological targets and candidate predictive biomarkers of drug sensitivity in chordoma. The establishment of this new, well characterized chordoma cell line provides a useful tool for the identification of drugs active in chordoma.
Switchable synthesis of furfurylamine and tetrahydrofurfurylamine from furfuryl alcohol over RANEY® nickel
Authors: Liu Yingxin , Zhou Kuo , Shu Huimin , Liu Haiyan , Lou Jiongtao , Guo Dechao , Wei Zuojun , Li Xiaonian
Published: August 2017

Switchable reductive amination of furfuryl alcohol to tetrahydrofurfurylamine and furfurylamine was realized by adding/not adding H2 over a RANEY® Ni catalyst.
Cu2ZnSnS4–CdS heterostructured nanocrystals for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production
Authors: Yuan Meng , Wang Ji-Lei , Zhou Wen-Hui , Chang Zhi-Xian , Kou Dong-Xing , Zhou Zheng-Ji , Tian Qing-Wen , Meng Yue-Na , Zhou Yan-Mei , Wu Si-Xin
Published: August 2017

Novel Cu2ZnSnS4–CdS heterostructured nanocrystals with much higher photocatalytic activities for hydrogen production under visible light were designed and synthesized via wet chemistry approach for the first time.
Epoxide formation from heterogeneous oxidation of benzo[a]pyrene with gas-phase ozone and indoor air
Authors: Zhou Shouming , Yeung Leo W. Y. , Forbes Matthew W. , Mabury Scott , Abbatt Jonathan P. D.
Published: August 2017

This work demonstrates the production of mono- and diol-epoxides from heterogeneous oxidation of benzo[a]pyrene with gas-phase ozone.
The acute effect of coffee on endothelial function and glucose metabolism following a glucose load in healthy human volunteers
Authors: Boon Evan A. J. , Croft Kevin D. , Shinde Sujata , Hodgson Jonathan M. , Ward Natalie C.
Published: August 2017

The consumption of coffee, as a whole beverage, may improve vascular function, although this may be due to the caffeine.
Alkyl chain engineering of pyrene-fused perylene diimides: impact on transport ability and microfiber self-assembly
Authors: Zhan Xuejun , Zhang Ji , Gong Yanbin , Tang Sheng , Tu Jin , Xie Yujun , Peng Qian , Yu Gui , Li Zhen
Published: August 2017

Through alkyl chain engineering, the transport performance of pyrene-fused perylene diimides was systematically investigated.
Synthesis of optically tunable bumpy silver nanoshells by changing the silica core size and their SERS activities
Authors: Chang Hyejin , Ko Eunbyeol , Kang Homan , Cha Myeong Geun , Lee Yoon-Sik , Jeong Dae Hong
Published: August 2017

Size-tunable AgNSs with a broad extinction band are fabricated, all exhibit strong SERS activities at single-particle levels. The SERS activities of the AgNSs increased with reduced size and seemed to correlate with their roughness factors.
Origin of the efficient catalytic thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate over (2−1−10) facets of ZnO nanosheets: surface lattice oxygen
Authors: Li Haitao , Zhao Kun , Tian Shouqin , Zeng Dawen , Pang Aimin , Wang Xiaoxia , Xie Changsheng
Published: August 2017

A proposed classical catalytic mechanism based on surface lattice oxygen reveals that AP decomposition is promoted more by ZnO nanosheets than ZnS nanosheets.
A broad parameter range for selective methane production with bicarbonate solution in electrochemical CO2 reduction
Authors: Hashiba Hiroshi , Sato Hiroki K. , Yotsuhashi Satoshi , Fujii Katsushi , Sugiyama Masakazu , Nakano Yoshiaki
Published: August 2017

Selective methane production was achieved over a broad current density range with 0.5 M KHCO3 solution and bulk, polycrystalline Cu.
Biomass willow catkin-derived Co3O4/N-doped hollow hierarchical porous carbon microtubes as an effective tri-functional electrocatalyst
Authors: Wang Bin , Xu Li , Liu Gaopeng , Zhang Pengfei , Zhu Wenshuai , Xia Jiexiang , Li Huaming
Published: August 2017

Oxygen reduction (ORR), oxygen evolution (OER), and hydrogen evolution (HER) reactions are extremely important electrochemical reactions for electrochemical energy conversion and storage.
Estimation of surgical tool‐tip tracking error distribution in coordinate reference frame involving pivot calibration uncertainty
Authors: Min Zhe , Ren Hongliang , Meng Max Q.‐H.
Published: August 2017

Accurate understanding of surgical tool‐tip tracking error is important for decision making in image‐guided surgery. In this Letter, the authors present a novel method to estimate/model surgical tool‐tip tracking error in which they take pivot calibration uncertainty into consideration. First, a new type of error that is referred to as total target registration error (TTRE) is formally defined in a single‐rigid registration. Target localisation error (TLE) in two spaces to be registered is considered in proposed TTRE formulation. With first‐order approximation in fiducial localisation error (FLE) or TLE magnitude, TTRE statistics (mean, covariance matrix and root‐mean‐square (RMS)) are then derived. Second, surgical tool‐tip tracking error in optical tracking system (OTS) frame is formulated using TTRE when pivot calibration uncertainty is considered. Finally, TTRE statistics of tool‐tip in OTS frame are then propagated relative to a coordinate reference frame (CRF) rigid‐body. Monte Carlo simulations are conducted to validate the proposed error model. The percentage passing statistical tests that there is no difference between simulated and theoretical mean and covariance matrix of tool‐tip tracking error in CRF space is more than 90% in all test cases. The RMS percentage difference between simulated and theoretical tool‐tip tracking error in CRF space is within 5% in all test cases.
Hierarchical non‐parametric Markov random field for image segmentation
Authors: Wang Xiangrong , Zhao Jieyu
Published: August 2017

Markov random fields (MRFs) are prominent in modelling image to handle image processing problems. However, they confront the bottleneck of model selection in further improving the performance. That is difficult to decide how many objects in an image automatically. Motivated by Bayesian non‐parametric (BN) models, a layered BN MRF is proposed. The proposed model is hierarchical: the lower level is a random‐field like model, while the higher level is a Chinese restaurant process (CRP). The clustering procedure can be formulated briefly as follows. The input data is first clustered with the lower level MRF to form a set of components. Then the higher level CRP is used to merge the components into larger clusters. Furthermore, a split–merge Monte Carlo Markov chain is employed. Quantitative evaluations over BSD500 data set and MSRC data set show the proposed model is comparable to the state‐of‐the‐art BN models and other graphical models in modelling unsupervised distance‐dependent problems.
Improved switching‐table‐based DTC strategy for the post‐fault three‐level NPC inverter‐fed induction motor drives
Authors: Tang Qidi , Ge Xinglai , Liu Yong‐Chao , Hou Maojun
Published: August 2017

In this study, a direct torque control (DTC) strategy based on a novel switching table for induction motor drives fed by the eight‐switch three‐phase inverter (ESTPI), which is the post‐fault reconfigured topology for the three‐level neutral‐point‐clamped inverter with the open‐circuit fault occurring in a leg, is proposed to reduce the torque ripple and suppress the dc‐link capacitor voltages offset. The influence of each basic voltage vector provided by the ESTPI on the stator flux, the electromagnetic torque and the dc‐link capacitor voltages is analysed in detail, and the causes of the torque ripple and the capacitor voltages offset are also revealed. To suppress the dc‐link capacitor voltages offset, a hysteresis comparator is added to regulate the dc‐link capacitor voltages. Based on that, an optimised switching table to achieve not only torque ripple reduction but also dc‐link capacitor voltages offset suppression is proposed. The feasibility and the effectiveness of the proposed DTC strategy are verified by simulations and experimental results.
Palladium-Catalysed Sonogashira Reactions of 16-(Hydroxymethylidene)-3-methoxy-α-estrone
Authors: Langer Peter , Jopp Stefan , Liesegang Marko , Ehlers Peter , Frank Eva , Schneider Gyula , Wölfling János , Villinger Alexander
Published: August 2017

Sonogashira reactions of steroids have been studied. The reaction of α-estron-16-methylidenyloxy triflate with various alkynes afforded novel alkynylvinylidene steroids. The reactions proceeded in good to quantitative yields, with excellent E-selectivity and with a broad synthetic scope.
Surgical Treatment of Olfactory Neuroblastoma: Major Complication Rates, Progression Free and Overall Survival
Authors: Wertz Aileen , Hollon Todd , Marentette Lawrence , Sullivan Stephen , McHugh Jonathan , McKean Erin
Published: August 2017

Objective We aimed to compare major complication rates in patients undergoing open versus endoscopic resection of olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) and to determine the prognostic utility of the Kadish staging and Hyams grading systems with respect to progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

Methods It is a retrospective review of experience in treating ONB at a single tertiary care hospital from 1987 through 2015. Major complications were defined as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, meningitis, osteomyelitis, tracheostomy, and severe neurologic injury.

Results Forty-one patients were included. An open approach was used in 34 (83%), endoscopic in 6 (15%), and combined in 1 (2%) case. Rates of major complications by surgical approach were 17% after endoscopic versus 31% after open (p = 0.65). There was no significant difference in PFS or OS based on Kadish B versus C (PFS, p = 0.28; OS, p = 0.11) or Hyams grade 1 and 2 versus Hyams grade 3 and 4 (PFS, p = 0.53; OS, p = 0.38).

Conclusions There was no significant difference in major complications between open and endoscopic approaches for the treatment of ONB. Patient stratification using the Kadish staging and Hyams grading systems did not show significant differences in PFS or OS. Further research is needed to determine if a different staging system would better predict patient outcomes.
Limitationen automatisierter externer Defibrillatoren im Notfalleinsatz: ein Erfahrungsbericht aus dem Kölner Straßenkarneval
Authors: Wanke Sebastian , Odendahl Tobias , Herrmann Anika , Steven Daniel , Reuter Hannes
Published: August 2017

Fallbericht Ohne erkennbare Ursache kollabiert im Straßenkarneval ein 25-jähriger Mann und wird reanimationspflichtig. Reanimationsmaßahmen werden sofort durch den vor Ort befindlichen Sanitätsdienst eingeleitet, ein automatisierter externer Defibrillator (AED) wird genutzt und ein Schock ausgelöst. Im weiteren Verlauf folgen eine 71-minütige Reanimation mit insgesamt 12 Defibrillationen und anschließendem Wiedereinsetzen eines Spontankreislaufs (Return of spontaneous Circulation, ROSC). In der Klinik ergaben die weiteren Untersuchungen eine wiederkehrende Schmalkomplextachykardie im EKG. Aufgrund der optimalen Ersthelfermaßnahmen, der sofortigen notfallmedizinischen Versorgung und der kontinuierlichen Reanimationsmaßnahmen war der Verlauf sehr günstig. Der Patient wurde nach Implantation eines Kardioverter-Defibrillators (ICD) entlassen. Der Verdacht auf eine kongenitale Ionenkanalerkrankung als Ursache des Herz-Kreislauf-Stillstands konnte bislang durch Genanalysen noch nicht bestätigt werden.

Folgerung Obwohl der Einsatz von AED im Sanitätsdienst sicher sinnvoll ist, zeigt der Fallbericht, dass das kompressionsfreie Intervall (No Flow Time) durch die Nutzung eines AED auch bei einem gut trainierten Team mit 26 Sekunden inakzeptabel hoch ist. Dies scheint jedoch zum größten Teil den technischen Einstellungen des Geräts und der suboptimalen Anpassung an die Umgebungsbedingungen geschuldet zu sein. Eine manuelle Defibrillation sollte außerdem immer der automatisierten vorgezogen werden.
Nuciferine Relaxes Tracheal Rings via the Blockade of VDLCC and NSCC Channels
Authors: Yang Xiao , Yu Meng-Fei , Lei Jun , Peng Yong-Bo , Zhao Ping , Xue Lu , Chen Weiwei , Ma Li-Qun , Liu Qing-Hua , Shen Jinhua
Published: August 2017

This study aimed to elucidate the mechanisms of nuciferine (a main aporphine alkaloid of lotus leaf extract), which can induce relaxation in contracted tracheal rings. Under Ca2+-free and 2 mM Ca2+ conditions, we found that nuciferine had no effect on the resting muscle tone of tracheal rings. In contrast, nuciferine relaxed high K+-contracted mouse tracheal rings in a dose-dependent manner and inhibited both Ca2+ influx and voltage-dependent L-type Ca2+ channel currents induced by high K+. Similarly, nuciferine also inhibited acetylcholine-induced contractions in mouse tracheal rings in a dose-dependent manner. Meanwhile, both acetylcholine-induced intracellular Ca2+ influx and whole-cell currents of nonselective cation channels were blocked by nuciferine. Together, the results indicate that nuciferine-induced relaxation in tracheal rings mainly occurred due to the inhibition of extracellular Ca2+ influx through the blockade of voltage-dependent L-type Ca2+ channels and/or nonselective cation channels. These results suggest that nuciferine has a therapeutic effect on respiratory diseases associated with the aberrant contraction of airway smooth muscles and/or bronchospasm.
Researchers model high-speed drop impact on thin films
Authors: Kim Meeri
Published: August 2017

A new study details numerical simulation of high-speed drop impact on thin liquid films, applicable to aircraft icing, a known flight hazard.
Secondary traits explaining sorghum genotype by environment interactions for grain yield
Authors: Carcedo Ana J. P. , Pardo Pedro A. , Gambin Brenda L.
Published: August 2017

Effective plant improvement depends on understanding grain yield genotype by environment (G × E) interactions. Studies focusing on more heritable (secondary) traits provide a way for interpreting the nature of these interactions and assist selection by adapting hybrids to specific adaptation patterns. The objective of our study was to explore some specific traits to help describe G × E interactions for yield in grain sorghum. A set of 22 representative hybrids were grown at eight different environments varying mainly in water and nitrogen availability. Studied traits were yield, phenology (time to anthesis and grain-filling duration), numerical yield components (grain number and individual grain weight) and physiological components (biomass at maturity and harvest index). The G × E interaction to G component variance represented 3.48 for grain yield, 1.03 for grain-filling duration, 0.87 for biomass at maturity, 0.71 for time to anthesis, and less than 0.5 for the rest of the traits. Although the G × E interaction for yield was large, the relative genotypic contribution of most studied traits suggests that G × E interaction is not a major impediment for attaining high selection responses to these traits. Pattern analysis applied to G × E best linear unbiased predictors defined three genotype and three environmental groups. Environments were grouped suggesting different water stress levels during early or pre-flowering stages, whereas genotype groups depicted different yield responses across environmental groups. Phenology differences among genotypes explained a large portion of the G × E interaction throughout its influence on grain weight. Late flowering genotypes performed poorly in terms of grain weight and yield across all environments, showing that these materials are not the best option for our production system. Longer grain filling contributed to grain weight and yield at environments with low stress levels, particularly when combined with intermediate or short maturity. Early materials contributed to grain weight and yield at the highest stressful environments. We provide useful information to sorghum breeders at temperate environments, and described secondary traits that could assist selection at particular environments.
Hidden reservoirs of hospital-associated infections
Authors: Gorrie Claire
Published: August 2017

Klebsiella pneumoniae (Kp) is a Gram-negative bacterium that is ubiquitous in the environment and is of increasing concern in public health. Kp can be carried asymptomatically as a commensal organism and can cause opportunistic infections in susceptible individuals; this is further complicated by an increasing incidence of multi-drug-resistant (MDR) strains. Given Kp can be carried asymptomatically, and can cause infections, it is possible that asymptomatic carriage acts as a reservoir for infection. Our recent work in Melbourne confirms this is often true. Individuals who tested positive for carriage of Kp, on admission to ICU, were over five times more likely to develop an infection during their hospital stay, compared to non-carriers. Whole genome sequence analyses revealed extensive diversity amongst the Kp infection-causing strains. These results indicate the majority of opportunistic infections are caused by patients' own microbiome strains that are already present on ICU admission. As such, screening of individuals on admission may enable clinicians to identify who is most at risk of developing infections during their hospital stay, and who is harboring drug-resistant strains that could transmit to others.
The effect of pitch interplay on English-speaking learners of Mandarin
Authors: Luo Shan
Published: August 2017

This study examines how native English speakers perceive and produce intonation and tone in Mandarin statements and unmarked questions. The results showed, as predicted, that English speakers had less difficulty perceiving intonation and sentence-final tone when the pitch movement of both was in the same direction than when it was not. On the production side, English speakers performed much better at producing tone than intonation. The intelligibility of their question intonation was especially compromised, likely due to their narrow pitch range. The English speakers also consistently produced more final rising pitch in Mandarin unmarked questions, suggesting phonological influence from their native language. Findings highlight the role of language experience in language learning, and the importance of pedagogical awareness.
从“知其然” 到“知其所以然”
Authors: Zhang Yanyin
Published: August 2017

当今众多语言教学法的主要目标是对学习者的语言能力培训。因此，衡量教学的成功与否大都通过语言技能来体现，尤其是语言交流能力。这一趋势不但反映在课堂教学上，而且也反映在语言教学研究、教师培训、教程和教材上。 Kinoshita & Zhang 于 2014 年提出重新审视高等教育中语言教学的目的。她们认为，高等教育中的语言课应被视为一种“人文教育” (liberal arts education) ，目的是智能开发和超语言的知识传授。也就是说，高等教育中的语言课的重点之一应该是提高学习者的普遍认知水平，培养其思辨能力，使其对目的语国家和当今世界不但“知其然”、而且“知其所以然”。

本文将从人文教育这一视角来审视一个将“培训”和“教育”齐头并进的教学实践和体验，重点探讨人文教育在中高级汉语课中的体现，包括课程理念及一系列旨在使学习者深层次、多方面、零距离地探讨和思考今日中国的课堂活动，培养其全面、均衡的思辨能力，从而促使其对目的语国家（中国）的了解不但“知其然”, 而且“知其所以然”。
Creative resonance and misalignment stance
Authors: Dori-Hacohen Gonen
Published: August 2017

This paper elaborates on one element of the theory of Dialogic Syntax, Du Bois’ main tool for stance-taking, namely creative
resonance. The examples are taken from a recording of a car ride which was part of data collected for the analysis of Hebrew. The
focus in the analysis is on misalignment, when participants use stance acts to distance themselves from each other. The main claim
of this paper is that whenever a stance act takes place, the relations between the participants are at stake. I show how creative,
and to a lesser extent pre-existing, resonance can be used for creating and enhancing distance in misalignment. The discussion
connects resonance and Dialogic Syntax with other frameworks for the study of language and interactions.
Chinese aspect marker -le and its acquisition by American English speakers
Authors: Li Bin , Fan Hongli , Lee Po-Lun Peppina
Published: August 2017

This study investigates the functions of the perfective marker -le and its acquisition by native speakers of American English from the perspective of the Aspect Hypothesis (Andersen and Shirai, 1994). We set out to test the predicted order regarding four verb categories in terms of their frequencies of -le marking. Our results confirmed that -le was most frequently used with achievement verbs by learners, but revealed deviated patterns of distribution in other categories when they were compared with those of native speakers of Chinese. We discussed our data further from the perspective of prototypicality, and provide pedagogical implications to Chinese as a foreign language.
Premonitory urges and Touretting volcanoes
Authors: Hartman Jenny
Published: August 2017

Causative meaning including, but not limited to, causation, prevention, and enabling is realized in language use through force construal. Force is explored in this article through consideration of narratives on Tourette Syndrome, a disorder that is largely characterized by its constitutive actions (vocal and motor tics). To account for force construal, the article proposes a merger of a vector model for the description of force in language and cognition and a lexical semantic model of ontologies and construals. Force is accounted for in terms of a number of configurations (cause, enable, prevent, withstand, and despite) that are realized through construal operations. This merger of explanatory models allows nuanced and flexible description of forceful meaning in actual language use.
Quantum autoencoders for efficient compression of quantum data
Authors: Romero Jonathan , Olson Jonathan P , Aspuru-Guzik Alan
Published: August 2017

Classical autoencoders are neural networks that can learn efficient low-dimensional representations of data in higher-dimensional space. The task of an autoencoder is, given an input x, to map x to a lower dimensional point y such that x can likely be recovered from y. The structure of the underlying autoencoder network can be chosen to represent the data on a smaller dimension, effectively compressing the input. Inspired by this idea, we introduce the model of a quantum autoencoder to perform similar tasks on quantum data. The quantum autoencoder is trained to compress a particular data set of quantum states, where a classical compression algorithm cannot be employed. The parameters of the quantum autoencoder are trained using classical optimization algorithms. We show an example of a simple programmable circuit that can be trained as an efficient autoencoder. We apply our model in the context of quantum simulation to compress ground states of the Hubbard model and molecular Hamiltonians.
Role of clathrin in dense core vesicle biogenesis
Authors: Sahu Bhavani S. , Manna Paul T. , Edgar James R. , Antrobus Robin , Mahata Sushil K. , Bartolomucci Alessandro , Borner Georg H. H. , Robinson Margaret S.
Published: August 2017

The dense core vesicles (DCVs) of neuroendocrine cells are a rich source of bioactive molecules such as peptides, hormones, and neurotransmitters, but relatively little is known about how they are formed. Using fractionation profiling, a method that combines subcellular fractionation with mass spectrometry, we identified ∼1200 proteins in PC12 cell vesicle-enriched fractions, with DCV-associated proteins showing distinct profiles from proteins associated with other types of vesicles. To investigate the role of clathrin in DCV biogenesis, we stably transduced PC12 cells with an inducible short hairpin RNA targeting clathrin heavy chain, resulting in ∼85% protein loss. DCVs could still be observed in the cells by electron microscopy, but mature profiles were approximately fourfold less abundant than in mock-treated cells. By quantitative mass spectrometry, DCV-associated proteins were found to be reduced approximately twofold in clathrin-depleted cells as a whole and approximately fivefold in vesicle-enriched fractions. Our combined data sets enabled us to identify new candidate DCV components. Secretion assays revealed that clathrin depletion causes a near-complete block in secretagogue-induced exocytosis. Taken together, our data indicate that clathrin has a function in DCV biogenesis beyond its established role in removing unwanted proteins from the immature vesicle.
Selective regulation of clathrin-mediated epidermal growth factor receptor signaling and endocytosis by phospholipase C and calcium
Authors: Delos Santos Ralph Christian , Bautista Stephen , Lucarelli Stefanie , Bone Leslie N. , Dayam Roya M. , Abousawan John , Botelho Roberto J. , Antonescu Costin N.
Published: August 2017

Clathrin-mediated endocytosis is a major regulator of cell-surface protein internalization. Clathrin and other proteins assemble into small invaginating structures at the plasma membrane termed clathrin-coated pits (CCPs) that mediate vesicle formation. In addition, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling is regulated by its accumulation within CCPs. Given the diversity of proteins regulated by clathrin-mediated endocytosis, how this process may distinctly regulate specific receptors is a key question. We examined the selective regulation of clathrin-dependent EGFR signaling and endocytosis. We find that perturbations of phospholipase Cγ1 (PLCγ1), Ca2+, or protein kinase C (PKC) impair clathrin-mediated endocytosis of EGFR, the formation of CCPs harboring EGFR, and EGFR signaling. Each of these manipulations was without effect on the clathrin-mediated endocytosis of transferrin receptor (TfR). EGFR and TfR were recruited to largely distinct clathrin structures. In addition to control of initiation and assembly of CCPs, EGF stimulation also elicited a Ca2+- and PKC-dependent reduction in synaptojanin1 recruitment to clathrin structures, indicating broad control of CCP assembly by Ca2+signals. Hence EGFR elicits PLCγ1-calcium signals to facilitate formation of a subset of CCPs, thus modulating its own signaling and endocytosis. This provides evidence for the versatility of CCPs to control diverse cellular processes.
Discrimination of wild and cultured Japanese eels based on otolith stable isotope ratios
Authors: Kaifu Kenzo , Itakura Hikaru , Amano Yosuke , Shirai Kotaro , Yokouchi Kazuki , Wakiya Ryoshiro , Murakami-Sugihara Naoko , Washitani Izumi , Yada Takashi
Published: August 2017

We successfully discriminated wild and cultured anguillid eels without artificial tagging. For the purpose of population restoration of anguillid eels, stocking has been widely conducted in the European Union (EU) and Japan, although the net benefits of stocking remain unclear. To evaluate the effectiveness of eel stocking for population restoration, the survival, growth, escapement, and reproduction of stocked eels should be tracked. In this study, we explored the potential of using otolith oxygen and carbon stable isotope ratios as a natural tag to discriminate between wild and cultured eels, because cultured eels are often stocked into natural rivers and lakes. A discrimination model was developed based on wild (n = 95) and cultured (n = 314) Japanese eels as a training dataset. The results of accuracy estimation based on leave-one-out cross-validation were 96.8%. We then tested the applicability of the model to stocked–recaptured eels (n = 20); 100.0% were successfully identified as cultured eels, indicating that these eels spend their early continental phase in aquaculture ponds before stocking. This method could be widely applied to assess the effectiveness of eel stocking by determining the proportion of stocked eels among those captured from rivers, coastal areas, or spawning grounds.
Spot distribution and fast surface evolution on Vega
Authors: Petit P. , Hébrard E.M. , Böhm T. , Folsom C.P. , Lignières F.
Published: August 2017

Spectral signatures of surface spots were recently discovered from high cadence observations of the A star Vega. We aim at constraining the surface distribution of these photospheric inhomogeneities and investigating a possible short-term evolution of the spot pattern. Using data collected over five consecutive nights, we employ the Doppler imaging method to reconstruct three different maps of the stellar surface, from three consecutive subsets of the whole time series. The surface maps display a complex distribution of dark and bright spots, covering most of the visible fraction of the stellar surface. A number of surface features are consistently recovered in all three maps, but other features seem to evolve over the time span of observations, suggesting that fast changes can affect the surface of Vega within a few days at most. The short-term evolution is observed as emergence or disappearance of individual spots, and may also show up as zonal flows, with low- and high-latitude belts rotating faster than intermediate latitudes. It is tempting to relate the surface brightness activity to the complex magnetic field topology previously reconstructed for Vega, although strictly simultaneous brightness and magnetic maps will be necessary to assess this potential link.
Models of Care Delivery for Patients With Parkinson Disease Living in Rural Areas
Authors: Schuller Kristin A. , Vaughan Brooke , Wright Ian
Published: August 2017

The elderly who suffer from chronic conditions have an increasingly difficult time accessing health care in rural areas compared with their healthy counterparts who seek and utilize less specialty care. Parkinson disease affects approximately 0.3% to 5% of the elderly population. However, a large portion of that population has difficulty accessing health care. The purpose of this study was to obtain an understanding of the access to care issues for patients with Parkinson disease and review solutions to aid their provision of care. A review of the literature found several models of care available to improve access to care issues for patients with Parkinson disease.