bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tunable SERS Platforms from Small Nanoparticle 3D Superlattices: A Comparison between Gold, Silver, and Copper
Authors: Chapus Lionel , Aubertin Pierre , Joiret Suzanne , Lucas Ivan T. , Maisonhaute Emmanuel , Courty Alexa
Published: September 2017

Herein we present new substrates for surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The synthesis of colloidal nanoparticles through an organometallic route allowed us to obtain gold, silver, or copper nanoparticles with well‐controlled shapes and sizes (5–12 nm in diameter). The organization of these nanoparticles into large‐scale 3D superlattices produces a very large number of “hot spots” at the origin of the signal enhancement. Each superlattice was studied individually to correlate its optical and SERS properties to the thickness, the nanoparticle sizes, and the interparticle distance. This experimental and theoretical study provides insights for the optimization and tuning of the SERS activity. Indeed, significant SERS amplification could be observed regardless of the nature of the metal. In addition, the SERS signal was homogeneous at the surface of the superlattices, which opens the route for a new approach in analytical SERS detection.
Cytological and cytomorphometric characteristics of buccal mucosa cells from smokeless tobacco users
Authors: Dagli Adile Ferda , Sahin Nurhan , Bozdag Zehra , Ucer Ozlem , Akatli Ayse Nur , Artas Gokhan , Sahin İbrahim , Yardim Meltem , Dalkilic Semih , Akkoc Ramazan Fazil , Simsek Sercan , Aydin Suleyman
Published: September 2017

Background

Use of smokeless tobacco (ST) is increasing in many communities. We investigated whether ST alters the cytological and cytomorphometric features of buccal mucosa cells.

Methods

Twenty male participants who had used Nicotiana rustica Linn.‐containing ST (Maras powder) for at least 10 years, and 20 healthy male controls who did not use ST, were included in this study. After rinsing the mouth with water, samples were taken using a toothbrush from the buccal mucosa of subjects in both groups. Samples were gently spread over a glass slide. After applying a cytofixative spray, the Papanicolaou method was used to stain the slides. The presence of dysplasia, dyskeratosis, parakeratosis, hyperkeratosis, hypergranulosis, karyorrhexis, and pyknosis was evaluated by light microscopy, as were the increment amount of candida, cocco‐bacillus, and Leptotrichia buccalis. Cytomorphometric analysis was performed and at least 20 cells with well‐defined borders were evaluated from each slide, and the cellular diameter (CD), nuclear diameter (ND), and nucleus/cytoplasm (N/C) ratio of the cells were analyzed using a 60× objective.

Results

Other than the presence of dysplasia and candida, all measured cytological parameters were significantly higher in the ST users than in the non‐ST users. Furthermore, CD was lower while nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio was higher in the ST users than in those non‐ST users.

Conclusion

Cytological changes associated with the use of ST, include dyskeratosis, parakeratosis, hyperkeratosis, hypergranulosis, karyorrhexis, pyknosis together with increase in the bacterial population of cocco‐bacillus and L. buccalis. There were no significant differences in patients with dysplasia in spite of reduction of CD, increased nuclear size and N/C ratio.
A follow‐up study on thyroid aspirates reported as atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance and follicular neoplasm/suspicious for follicular neoplasm: A multicenter study from the Arabian Gulf region
Authors: Al‐Abbadi Mousa A. , Shareef Sameera Q. , Yousef Mohammad M. , Almasri Nidal M. , Mustafa Huda E. , Aljawad Hameed , Ali Jassim A. , Groves Alan , Alsaihati Yasmen
Published: September 2017

Objective

This is a multicenter study which was conducted to evaluate the follow‐up on thyroid aspirate cases with atypia of undetermined significance/follicular cells of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS) and follicular neoplasm or suspicious for follicular neoplasm (FN/SFN) using the Bethesda system for reporting thyroid cytology (TBSRTC).

Materials and Methods

The archival materials of all thyroid fine‐needle aspirates over a 5‐year period were retrieved from 3 institutions in the Arabian Gulf Region. All cytology slides and follow‐up material for cases interpreted as AUS/FLUS and FN/SFN were reviewed. The revised diagnoses and follow‐up were recorded. Analysis of risk of malignancy was calculated for the 2 entities.

Results

A total number of 2592 thyroid fine‐needle aspirates were performed, out of which AUS/FLUS was found in 115 (4.4%) while FN/SFN in 39 (1.5%). Follow‐up by surgery or repeat FNA was conducted on 42 (27%) and 10 (7%) patients on these 2 categories, respectively. The risk of malignancy was found to be 29% and 45%, respectively.

Conclusion

The risk of malignancy for AUS/FLUS and FN/SFN are 29% and 45%, respectively. This risk of malignancy in our study is on the higher range of that reported in the literature.
Impacts of nature imagery on people in severely nature‐deprived environments
Authors: Nadkarni Nalini M , Hasbach Patricia H , Thys Tierney , Crockett Emily Gaines , Schnacker Lance
Published: September 2017

An estimated 5.3 million Americans live or work in nature‐deprived venues such as prisons, homeless shelters, and mental hospitals. Such removal from nature can result in an “extinction of experience” that can further lead to disinterest or disaffection toward natural settings, or even biophobia (fear of the natural environment). People who infrequently – or never – spend time in nature will be deprived of the numerous physical and emotional benefits that contact with nature affords. We report on the effects of vicarious nature experiences (nature videos) provided to maximum‐security prison inmates for one year, and compared their emotions and behaviors to inmates who were not offered such videos. Inmates who watched nature videos reported feeling significantly calmer, less irritable, and more empathetic, and committed 26% fewer violent infractions as compared to those who did not watch the videos. Prison staff corroborated these findings. This research reinforces the value of nature exposure as a powerful tool not only for corrections administrators, but also for urban planners and policy makers, to promote socially desirable behaviors.
Recent developments of c‐Met as a therapeutic target in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Bouattour Mohamed , Raymond Eric , Qin Shukui , Cheng Ann‐Lii , Stammberger Uz , Locatelli Giuseppe , Faivre Sandrine
Published: September 2017

Aberrant c‐Met activity has been implicated in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), suggesting that c‐Met inhibition may have therapeutic potential. However, clinical trials of nonselective kinase inhibitors with c‐Met activity (tivantinib, cabozantinib, foretinib, and golvatinib) in patients with HCC have failed so far to demonstrate significant efficacy. This lack of observed efficacy is likely due to several factors, including trial design, lack of patient selection according to tumor c‐Met status, and the prevalent off‐target activity of these agents, which may indicate that c‐Met inhibition is incomplete. In contrast, selective c‐Met inhibitors (tepotinib, capmatinib) can be dosed at a level predicted to achieve complete inhibition of tumor c‐Met activity. Moreover, results from early trials can be used to optimize the design of clinical trials of these agents. Preliminary results suggest that selective c‐Met inhibitors have antitumor activity in HCC, with acceptable safety and tolerability in patients with Child‐Pugh A liver function. Ongoing trials have been designed to assess the efficacy and safety of selective c‐Met inhibition compared with standard therapy in patients with HCC that were selected based on tumor c‐Met status. Thus, c‐Met inhibition continues to be an active area of research in HCC, with well‐designed trials in progress to investigate the benefit of selective c‐Met inhibitors. (Hepatology 2018;67:1132–1149)
The fauna of freshwater calanoid copepods in Japan in the early decades of the 21st Century: Implications for the assessment and conservation of biodiversity
Authors: Makino Wataru , Tanabe Akifumi S. , Urabe Jotaro
Published: September 2017

In copepods, morphologically‐indistinguishable but genetically‐different cryptic species complexes are frequently found, such as the Acanthodiaptomus pacificus complex that is commonly found in Japanese lakes and ponds. In the present study, the fauna of Japanese freshwater calanoid copepods were extensively reexamined using molecular techniques, and the autecology of each calanoid species was deduced based on the molecular identifications. Specimens were collected throughout Japan, identified by their morphological diagnostic characteristics, and then sequenced for the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (mtCOI). In total, 13 species were found in the present study, and in most cases, only one species was collected from each waterbody. The A. pacificus complex occurred not only in high mountain lakes and pools of mountain moors but also in water bodies on low‐altitude plains. The occurrence of the other species was restricted to low‐altitude waterbodies, which were mostly man‐made irrigation ponds. Heliodiaptomus nipponicus and Neutrodiaptomus formosus, which are endemic to Japan, were found only in irrigation ponds, indicating that artificial waterbodies are currently indispensable to maintain the diversity of Japanese freshwater zooplankton. The results of mtCOI sequencing revealed the existence of putative cryptic species complexes such as Neutrodiaptomus formosus in Japan, and Neodiaptomus schmackeri, Sinodiaptomus sarsi, Heliodiaptomus kikuchii, and Eurytemora affinis across their Asian range. It is thus strongly recommended that any outcome of the freshwater zooplankton monitoring programs always be supplemented with DNA sequences in order to render that outcome sound and reliable also for future studies.
Controlling the object phase for g‐factor reduction in phase‐Constrained parallel MRI using spatially selective RF pulses
Authors: Kettinger Adam O. , Kannengiesser Stephan A. R. , Breuer Felix A. , Vidnyanszky Zoltan , Blaimer Martin
Published: September 2017

Purpose

Parallel imaging generally entails a reduction in the signal‐to‐noise ratio of the final image. Phase‐constrained methods aim to improve reconstruction quality by using symmetry properties of k‐space. Noise amplification in phase‐constrained reconstruction depends heavily on the object background phase. The purpose of this work is to present a new approach of using tailored radiofrequency pulses to optimize the object phase distribution in order to maximize the benefit of phase‐constrained reconstruction, and to minimize the noise amplification.

Methods

Intrinsic object phase and coil sensitivity profiles are measured in a prescan. Optimal phase distribution is computed to maximize signal‐to‐noise ratio in the given setup. Tailored radiofrequency pulses are designed to introduce the optimal phase map in the following accelerated acquisitions, subsequently reconstructed by phase‐constrained methods. The potential of the method is demonstrated in vivo with in‐plane accelerated (8x) and simultaneous multislice (3x) acquisitions.

Results

Mean g‐factors are reduced by up to a factor of 2 compared with conventional techniques when an appropriate phase‐constrained reconstruction is applied to phase‐optimized acquisitions, enhancing the signal‐to‐noise ratio of the final images and the visibility of small details.

Conclusions

Combining phase‐constrained reconstruction and phase optimization by tailored radiofrequency pulses can provide notable improvement in the signal‐to‐noise ratio and reconstruction quality of accelerated MRI. Magn Reson Med 79:2113–2125, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Geometric distortion correction in prostate diffusion‐weighted MRI and its effect on quantitative apparent diffusion coefficient analysis
Authors: Nketiah Gabriel , Selnæs Kirsten M , Sandsmark Elise , Teruel Jose R. , Krüger‐Stokke Brage , Bertilsson Helena , Bathen Tone F. , Elschot Mattijs
Published: September 2017

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of correction for B0 inhomogeneity‐induced geometric distortion in echo‐planar diffusion‐weighted imaging on quantitative apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) analysis in multiparametric prostate MRI.

Methods

Geometric distortion correction was performed in echo‐planar diffusion‐weighted images (b = 0, 50, 400, 800 s/mm2) of 28 patients, using two b0 scans with opposing phase‐encoding polarities. Histology‐matched tumor and healthy tissue volumes of interest delineated on T2‐weighted images were mapped to the nondistortion‐corrected and distortion‐corrected data sets by resampling with and without spatial coregistration. The ADC values were calculated on the volume and voxel level. The effect of distortion correction on ADC quantification and tissue classification was evaluated using linear‐mixed models and logistic regression, respectively.

Results

Without coregistration, the absolute differences in tumor ADC (range: 0.0002–0.189 mm2/s×10−3 (volume level); 0.014–0.493 mm2/s×10−3 (voxel level)) between the nondistortion‐corrected and distortion‐corrected were significantly associated (P < 0.05) with distortion distance (mean: 1.4 ± 1.3 mm; range: 0.3–5.3 mm). No significant associations were found upon coregistration; however, in patients with high rectal gas residue, distortion correction resulted in improved spatial representation and significantly better classification of healthy versus tumor voxels (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Geometric distortion correction in DWI could improve quantitative ADC analysis in multiparametric prostate MRI. Magn Reson Med 79:2524–2532, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Ion Mobility‐Enhanced Data‐Independent Acquisitions Enable a Deep Proteomic Landscape of Oligodendrocytes
Authors: Cassoli Juliana S. , Brandão‐Teles Caroline , Santana Aline G. , Souza Gustavo H. M. F. , Martins‐de‐Souza Daniel
Published: September 2017

Oligodendrocytes are a type of neuroglia that provide trophic support and insulation to axons in the central nervous system. The genesis and maturation of oligodendrocytes are essential processes for myelination and the course of CNS development. Using ion mobility‐enhanced, data‐independent acquisitions and 2D‐nanoUPLC fractionation operating at nanoscale flow rates, we established a comprehensive data set of proteins expressed by the human oligodendroglia cell line MO3.13. The final dataset incorporating all fractions comprised 223 531 identified peptides assigned to 10 390 protein hits, an improvement of 4.5 times on identified proteins described previously by our group using the same cell line. Identified proteins play pivotal roles in many biological processes such as cell growth and development and energy metabolism, providing a rich resource for future studies on oligodendrocyte development, myelination, axonal support, and the regulation of such process. Our results can help further studies that use MO3.13 cells as a tool of investigation, not only in relation to oligodendrocyte maturation, but also to diseases that have oligodendrocytes as key players. All MS data have been deposited in the ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD004696.
Plasma on large surfaces
Authors: Seyfert Ulf , Fahland Matthias , Bräuer Günter
Published: September 2017

Die Funktionalisierung großer Flächen unterschiedlicher Substrate durch das Aufbringen dünnster Schichten im Vakuum ist eine seit vielen Jahren industriell etablierte Technologie. Verschiedenste Abscheideverfahren kommen hier zum Einsatz. Mittels Plasmaverfahren oder Verdampfung beschichtete Bauteile sind in vielen Bereichen des Lebens zu finden. Durch den hohen Flächendurchsatz derartiger Anlagen und deren hohen Entwicklungsstand sind die vakuumbedingt höheren Anschaffungskosten dieser Anlagen gegenüber atmosphärischen Abscheideverfahren oftmals nicht das bestimmende wirtschaftliche Moment und bieten in vielen Fällen auch die ökologisch nachhaltigere Lösung. Neue Applikationen können auf einem sehr umfangreichen technologischen und industriellen Erfahrungsschatz aufbauen und innerhalb kurzer Zeit in die Produktion überführt werden.
Quaternary Chalcogenides La3Sn0.5InS7 and La3Sn0.5InSe7
Authors: Iyer Abishek K. , Yin Wenlong , Lee Emma J. , Bernard Guy M. , Michaelis Vladimir K. , Mar Arthur
Published: September 2017

The quaternary chalcogenides La3Sn0.5InS7 and La3Sn0.5InSe7 were prepared by reactions of the elements at 1050 °C and 950 °C, respectively. They adopt noncentrosymmetric structures [hexagonal, space group P63, Z = 2; a = 10.2993(11) Å, c = 6.0921(6) Å for La3Sn0.5InS7; a = 10.6533(7) Å, c = 6.4245(4) Å for La3Sn0.5InSe7] in which the half‐occupancy of Sn atoms within octahedral sites classifies them as belonging to the La3Mn0.5SiS7‐type branch of the large family of quaternary rare‐earth chalcogenides RE3M1–xM′Ch7. The site distribution in La3Sn0.5InCh7, with higher‐valent Sn atoms occupying octahedral instead of tetrahedral sites, is reversed from the typical situation observed in other RE3M1–xM′Ch7 compounds. The ordered distribution of Sn atoms in octahedral sites and In atoms in tetrahedral sites was evaluated by bond valence sum analyses. Moreover, 119Sn solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy confirms the occupation of Sn4+ species exclusively within octahedral sites. An optical bandgap of 1.45 eV was found for La3Sn0.5InS7. Band structure calculations on an ordered superstructure model of La3Sn0.5InS7 reveal that avoidance of strongly Sn–S antibonding levels is an important driving force for the Sn deficiency.
Formation and Structural Characterization of Metal Complexes derived from Thiosalicylic Acid
Authors: Bhowon Minu G. , Jhaumeer‐Laulloo Sabina , Moosun Salma , Humphreys Lisa , Coles Simon , Fowdram Roshni , Mungra Evena
Published: September 2017

The formation and structural aspects of some metal complexes of thiosalicylic acid (TSA) were studied. The μ‐bridging tetra‐coordinated Ru complex, [Ru(C6H4(CO2)(μ‐S)(H2O)]2 (1) was formed by hydrothermal reaction of TSA with RuCl3. The complexes [M(dtdb)(phen)(H2O)]n (2–4) (M = ZnII, CoII, NiII, dtdb = 2,2′‐dithiodibenzoate anion, phen = 1,10‐phenanthroline) were obtained by the slow diffusion technique and the in situ S–S bond formation was confirmed by elemental, spectral and X‐ray analysis. Reaction of TSA with CuCl2 and 2,2′‐bipyridine (bipy) under the slow diffusion technique yielded the dimer [Cu(tdb)(bipy)] (5) (tdb = thiodibenzoic acid), where the in situ generation of 2,2′‐thiodibenzoic acid was observed.
Race and Racism in Britain
Authors: Solomos John
Published: September 2017

The new edition of Race and Racism in Britain builds on the strengths of previous editions of this widely-used text in providing a detailed and critical analysis of race relations and forms of racism in British society today. The book begins by mapping a conceptual framework that seeks to locate the British experience within a broader context which it proceeds to apply in a systematic assessment of trends, developments and political and policy debates since the 1950s.
The presence of anaemia negatively influences survival in patients with POLG disease
Authors: Hikmat Omar , Charalampos Tzoulis , Klingenberg Claus , Rasmussen Magnhild , Tallaksen Chantal M. E. , Brodtkorb Eylert , Fiskerstrand Torunn , McFarland Robert , Rahman Shamima , Bindoff Laurence A.
Published: September 2017

Background

Mitochondria play an important role in iron metabolism and haematopoietic cell homeostasis. Recent studies in mice showed that a mutation in the catalytic subunit of polymerase gamma (POLG) was associated with haematopoietic dysfunction including anaemia. The aim of this study was to analyse the frequency of anaemia in a large cohort of patients with POLG related disease.

Methods

We conducted a multi‐national, retrospective study of 61 patients with confirmed, pathogenic biallelic POLG mutations from six centres, four in Norway and two in the United Kingdom. Clinical, laboratory and genetic data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Anaemia was defined as an abnormally low haemoglobin value adjusted for age and sex. Univariate survival analysis was performed using log‐rank test to compare differences in survival time between categories.

Results

Anaemia occurred in 67% (41/61) of patients and in 23% (14/61) it was already present at clinical presentation. The frequency of anaemia in patients with early onset disease including Alpers syndrome and myocerebrohepatopathy spectrum (MCHS) was high (72%) and 35% (8/23) of these had anaemia at presentation. Survival analysis showed that the presence of anaemia was associated with a significantly worse survival (P = 0.004).

Conclusion

Our study reveals that anaemia can be a feature of POLG‐related disease. Further, we show that its presence is associated with significantly worse prognosis either because anaemia itself is impacting survival or because it reflects the presence of more serious disease. In either case, our data suggests anaemia is a marker for negative prognosis.
Review: Omics and Strategic Yield Improvement in Oil Crops
Authors: Teh Huey Fang , Neoh Bee Keat , Ithnin Nalisha , Daim Leona Daniela Jeffery , Ooi Tony Eng Keong , Appleton David Ross
Published: September 2017

Crop yield improvement is essential for feeding the growing world population without concomitant increases in land allocated to agriculture. Oil crops are critical components of food supply as well as non‐food applications. Oil palm is of particular value due to its significantly higher yield per unit area of land as compared to other oil crops. In the context of sustainable production of edible oils, this review will discuss the role of biochemical‐omics techniques, including metabolomics, transcriptomics and proteomics research for yield improvement through plant breeding; in particular, the unique challenges of the mesocarp‐oil bearing perennial crop, oil palm, are specifically discussed along with perspectives on what is needed for future crop improvement. Future oil crop improvement will need to go beyond classical trait selection, and omics research needs to go beyond looking at oil biosynthesis and fruit development. We need to explore carbon supply and flux, plant stress response, nutrient uptake and water use through a combination of genetics, biochemistry, epigenetics and gene interaction coupled to more detailed and continuous phenotypic data analysis.
Fissures and Fractures in the Koyna Seismogenic Zone, Western India
Authors: Misra Surajit , Roy Sukanta , Bartakke Vikrant , Athavale Gaurav , Gupta Harsh
Published: September 2017

The 1967 M6.3 earthquake near the Koyna dam produced a surface rupture zone following a NNE-SSW structural trend. The rupture zone is documented in a report by the officers of the Geological Survey of India (GSI, 1968). The surface expressions of the rupture comprising fissures, en-echelon fractures, oblique or diagonal tensional cracks and mole tracks, termed here as the Koyna Fissure Zone (KFZ), were reported over a limited area, about 1000m in length and 200 m in width, located to the southeast of the Koyna dam between Donichawadi and Kadoli. The Koyna region was revisited recently for investigating the fissures, to help in locating potential sites for scientific deep drilling. Most of the reported surface deformation features are obliterated due to intense weathering and laterization of the exposed basalt surface during the past 48 years. However, careful field investigations in the Donichawadi-Kadoli area as well as in the surrounding region show that fissures and fractures are still preserved at several locations. The fissures trend between N30°W to N50°E, similar to that reported previously. The mean orientation of these fissures is 25°/89°-E. Transposition of one set of fissures by another set provide strong evidence for repeated brittle deformation in the area. Physical and microstructural studies on core samples of granite-gneiss basement rock underlying Deccan basalt in the area, obtained from a 1522 m deep borehole at Rasati, confirm the extension of the surface fissures to depth. Occurrences of secondary mineralization along these fissures indicate the percolation of water through fractures within basement granitoids. The evidences for water channelization may have direct implications for the occurrence of reservoir triggered earthquakes in the Koyna region for the past five decades.
Gold - Sulphide Mineralization in Ultramafic-Mafic-Granite Complex of Jashpur, Bastar Craton, Central India: Evidences from Geophysical Studies
Authors: Kumar Dewashish , Rao D. V. Subba , Mondal Setbandhu , Sridhar K. , Rajesh K. , Satyanarayanan M.
Published: September 2017

Time Domain Induced Polarization (TDIP) investigation in conjunction with high resolution electrical resistivity tomography surveys carried out at seven sites along a 5.2 km line in Jashpur and Raigarh districts of Chhattisgarh State yielded promising results leading to the demarcation of mineralized zones. These sites are confined to ultramafic-mafic-felsic intrusive complexes representing gabbro-pyroxenite-granite sequences characterized by gold - sulphide mineralization. Two dimensional (2D) geophysical datasets yielded interesting results and a good correlation is found between 2D inverted resistivity tomography and time domain induced polarization (IP) models. Both high resistivity-high chargeability as well as low resistivity-high chargeability conditions have been inferred from these datasets. This observation is consistent with conductive metallic mineralization. Interpretation of the Pharsabahar-Pandripani site, reveals a chargeability magnitude of 9-14 mV/V, which represents a strong metallic conductor associated with gold-sulphide ore body. The results at Samarkachar site are equally significant, showing a good correlation with the presence of a low resistivity and high chargeability zone. Hence, the present study suggests a new scope for application of resistivity and IP tomography surveys for mineral prospecting in favourable geological settings.
Occurrence of Népouite in the Serpentinite of the Manipur Ophiolite Belt, Northeastern India: Implication for Melt-rock Interaction in a Supra-subduction Zone
Authors: Ovung Thungyani N. , Ray Jyotisankar , Ghosh Biswajit , Mandal Debabrata , Dasgupta Pallab , Paul Madhuparna
Published: September 2017

Serpentinization is pervasive in the ultramafic rocks of Manipur ophiolite belt (MOB), Northeastern India. Electron microprobe data of a serpentinite from the Ukhrul-Nungbi sector of MOB shows Ni-rich serpentine mineral (NiO = 33.4-33.9 wt %, SiO2 = 37.55-38.96 wt %, MgO= 14.83-16.89 wt %). The composition and X-ray diffraction pattern characterize this Ni-rich serpentine mineral as népouite which is suggested to be a hydrothermal alteration product of NiO-rich olivine in a fore-arc peridotite. The genesis of this NiO-rich olivine is attributed to the melt-rock interaction in a supra-subduction zone setting.
Abandoned Mine Galleries Detection using Electrical Resistivity Tomography Method over Jharia Coal Field, India
Authors: Das Prasenjit , Pal S. K. , Mohanty P. R. , Priyam Piyush , Bharti Abhay Kumar , Kumar Rajwardhan
Published: September 2017

Land subsidence is a serious problem in Indian coalfields due to old underground mine workings. Unfortunately, most of these are uncharted as no mine plans are available. The hidden galleries, goafs, shafts etc. may pose great threat for future mine development as well as to the local environment. The mine workings should be charted to undertake an effective preventive action. In the present study, 2D electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) technique has been used to detect underground mine workings, mainly air or water filled galleries. Initially, the whole exercise has been executed through a synthetic model study. Gaussian random noise of 5mV/A has been added with synthetic data to demonstrate field condition which provides realistic results. ERT survey was conducted over a part of Jogidih coal mine of Jharia coal field in India for a first time. Four electrode configurations, Wenner, Schlumberger, dipole-dipole and gradient were considered for this study. The results indicate the presence of sub-surface water and air filled cavity due to high resistivity contrast with surroundings.
Overcoming Source Limitations in Drainage Delineation by Combining the Streams of Toposheet and DEM in River Morphometric Studies
Authors: Sah Rajesh Kumar , Das Apurba Kumar
Published: September 2017

This paper suggests an approach that combines the drainages of DEM and toposheets, by matching streams (number and length) and spatial coincidence, the critical aspects of such operations, for overcoming source limitation in river morphometric studies. We illustrate the approach taking Gaurang, a Himalayan river basin, as an example where the toposheets for the uppermost part is inaccessible. Stream matching in terms of number and length is controlled by a method of automatic stream generation from downscaled DEM and flow accumulated rasters. Stream estimated by this method are tested, verified and finally applied to the portion of the basin where the data is unavailable. The other critical aspect-spatial coincidence is controlled by commonly used method of GCPs. In the present case, use of the nodal points of the major tributaries generated from DEM as GCPs for georeferencing of toposheets have restricted the positional mismatch to much less than a pixel. With the consent of both the aspects i.e. stream matching and spatial coincidence, the DEM generated stream is considered to combine with the stream of toposheets to get the drainage of entire basin.
Hydrogeochemistry and Geothermometry of Thermal Springs from the Guelma region, Algeria
Authors: Foued Bouaicha , Hénia Dib , Lazhar Belkhiri , Nabil Manchar , Nabil Chabour
Published: September 2017

This paper reports the results of our studies, the chemical analysis of thermal spring’s waters and their geological settings, the use of different statistical methods to evaluate the origin of the dissolved constituents of spring waters and the estimation of the reservoir temperature of the associated geothermal fields of the Guelma region, Algeria. A major component in 13 spring water samples was analyzed using various techniques. The waters of the thermal springs at Guelma basin vary in temperature between 20 and 94°C. Q-mode hierarchical cluster analysis suggests three groups. The water springs were classified as low, moderate and high salinity. Mineral saturation indices (SI) calculated from major ions indicate the spring waters are supersaturated with the most of the carbonate minerals, and all of the spring water samples are under-saturated with evaporite minerals. The thermal spring waters have a meteoric origin, and all samples are immature with strong mixing between warm and shallow waters, where the temperatures of reservoirs to which the thermal waters are related ranged between 64° and 124°C. The deep circulation of meteoric waters in the study area is supplied by the high geothermal gradient around 4.5°C per 100 m and reaches a high temperature before rising to the surface. The estimated circulation depths ranged from 1425 and 3542 m.
Assessment of Arsenic Health Risk and Source Apportionment of Groundwater Pollutants using Multivariate Statistical Techniques in Chapai-Nawabganj District, Bangladesh
Authors: Islam A. R. M. Towfiqul , Shen Shuang-He , Bodrud-Doza Md.
Published: September 2017

This study assessed arsenic health risk to the local residents through oral and dermal exposure pathways of drinking water and to investigate source apportionment of groundwater pollutants using multivariate statistical techniques in the Chapai-Nawabganj district, Bangladesh. Groundwater samples collected from shallow tube well and dug well at the depth ranges (15-60 m) were analyzed for physio-chemical parameters and trace elements. Most of the studied physio-chemical parameters were found within their respective permissible limits. However, total As, Fe and Mn concentrations exceeded Bangladesh and WHO guideline values. The assessment of arsenic health risk reveals that children as compared to adults are found at a higher risk as the values of hazard quotients (HQ) >1 in the most of the groundwater samples. This level of arsenic contamination should have medium to high chronic risk and medium carcinogenic risk when compared with US EPA guidelines which can cause serious health hazard. The results of principal component analysis (PCA) and factor analysis (CA) indicate that geogenic (interaction of water and basement rock) and anthropogenic (agrochemicals, agricultural fertilizer and domestic sewage) sources are responsible for variation in arsenic and other physio-chemical parameters in the groundwater aquifer of the study area. Furthermore,the inter-correlation of arsenic with metals and ions were also calculated by correlation matrix and linear regression analysis. The outcomes of this study will help to meet the challenge of sustainable groundwater quality management in Bangladesh and enhancing better vision of potential health risk of local inhabitants in the study area.
Professional and Regulatory Infection Control Guidelines: Collaboration to Promote Patient Safety
Authors: Clayton Judith L. , Miller Kimberly J.
Published: September 2017

Professional organizations and regulatory agencies collaborate on infection prevention and control guidelines to support preventing and controlling infection in the surgical setting. More specifically, regulatory and accrediting agencies, professional associations, and advisory committees create and promote the use of evidence‐based recommendations for preventing surgical site infections. Many agencies perform accreditation surveys to ensure compliance with these standards and guidelines. Perioperative personnel can use these resources to implement and sustain essential processes for infection prevention and control and to facilitate staff member compliance with standards, regulations, and best practices. To guide perioperative practice, it is important for nurses to understand the role of these agencies and organizations and the resources each offers to help ensure the best patient outcomes.
Civil society development in Russia and Ukraine: Diverging paths
Authors: Stewart Susan , Dollbaum Jan Matti
Published: September 2017

The authors compare civil society development in Russia and Ukraine in recent years in terms of civil society’s structure and relationships with the state and the broader society. They find major differences in 1) the treatment of civil society by state actors and 2) the level of trust placed in civil society by the population. They use these and other findings to assess civil society’s ability to play economic, political and social roles as defined by Michael Edwards in Civil Society (Edwards, 2009) and discover important differences emerging with regard to the political and social roles.
Concise informed consent to increase data and biospecimen access may accelerate innovative Alzheimer's disease treatments
Authors: Hake Ann M. , Dacks Penny A. , Arnerić Stephen P. ,   CAMD ICF working group
Published: September 2017

Introduction

Informed consent forms that restrict the distribution of data and samples have been an impediment to advancing Alzheimer's disease (AD) understandings and treatments. The Coalition Against Major Disease public‐private partnership developed concise addenda to responsibly broaden data access of informed consent forms.

Methods

Coalition Against Major Disease members identified key elements for ensuring data and biospecimen access, and patient privacy protection according to applicable US law. Collaboration with the Alzheimer's Association established the understandability and relevance of the addenda with AD patients and Care Partners.

Results

Two key findings are (1) patients with dementia and Care Partners were shocked that their data and samples are not broadly shared and (2) with diverse feedback, two concise addenda were created to enable data and sample sharing both within and outside future sponsored studies (see Boxes).

Discussion

Increasing the access of valuable anonymized patient‐level clinical trial data has the potential to inform the foundational and regulatory science required to deliver innovative treatments for AD.
Video Head Impulse Test for Early Diagnosis of Vestibular Neuritis Among Acute Vertigo
Authors: Guan Qiongfeng , Zhang Lisan , Hong Wenke , Yang Yi , Chen Zhaoying , Lu Peilin , Zhang Dan , Hu Xingyue
Published: September 2017

Background: This study assesses the value of the video head impulse test (vHIT) for early diagnosis of vestibular neuritis (VN) among acute vertigo. Methods: Thirty-three cases of vestibular neuritis (VN), 96 patients with other acute vertigo (AV), and 50 cases of normal controls used vHIT to quantitatively test a pair of horizontal vestibulo-ocular reflection (VOR) gains, two pairs of vertical VOR gains, and the corresponding three pairs of VOR gain asymmetry. The peculiarity of VOR gains in VN and the differences between VN and other AV, normal controls by vHIT, were collected and analyzed. Results: There were statistically significant differences in the three pairs of VOR gains asymmetry between VN and other AV, and normal controls (P<0.01). The sensitivity was 87.9% and specificity was 94.3% in differentiating VN from normal and other acute vertigo by vHIT. Conclusions: This study shows vHIT has advantages in the diagnosis of VN in acute vertigo with good sensitivity and specificity and indicates a widespread clinical application.
Bio-degradable highly fluorescent conjugated polymer nanoparticles for bio-medical imaging applications
Authors: Repenko Tatjana , Rix Anne , Ludwanowski Simon , Go Dennis , Kiessling Fabian , Lederle Wiltrud , Kuehne Alexander J. C.
Published: September 2017

Conjugated polymer nanoparticles exhibit strong fluorescence and have been applied for biological fluorescence imaging in cell culture and in small animals. However, conjugated polymer particles are hydrophobic and often chemically inert materials with diameters ranging from below 50 nm to several microns. As such, conjugated polymer nanoparticles cannot be excreted through the renal system. This drawback has prevented their application for clinical bio-medical imaging. Here, we present fully conjugated polymer nanoparticles based on imidazole units. These nanoparticles can be bio-degraded by activated macrophages. Reactive oxygen species induce scission of the conjugated polymer backbone at the imidazole unit, leading to complete decomposition of the particles into soluble low molecular weight fragments. Furthermore, the nanoparticles can be surface functionalized for directed targeting. The approach opens a wide range of opportunities for conjugated polymer particles in the fields of medical imaging, drug-delivery, and theranostics.
Planar polarized Rab35 functions as an oscillatory ratchet during cell intercalation in the Drosophila epithelium
Authors: Jewett Cayla E. , Vanderleest Timothy E. , Miao Hui , Xie Yi , Madhu Roopa , Loerke Dinah , Blankenship J. Todd
Published: September 2017

The coordination between membrane trafficking and actomyosin networks is essential to the regulation of cell and tissue shape. Here, we examine Rab protein distributions during Drosophila epithelial tissue remodeling and show that Rab35 is dynamically planar polarized. Rab35 compartments are enriched at contractile interfaces of intercalating cells and provide the first evidence of interfacial monopolarity. When Rab35 function is disrupted, apical area oscillations still occur and contractile steps are observed. However, contractions are followed by reversals and interfaces fail to shorten, demonstrating that Rab35 functions as a ratchet ensuring unidirectional movement. Although actomyosin forces have been thought to drive interface contraction, initiation of Rab35 compartments does not require Myosin II function. However, Rab35 compartments do not terminate and continue to grow into large elongated structures following actomyosin disruption. Finally, Rab35 represents a common contractile cell-shaping mechanism, as mesoderm invagination fails in Rab35 compromised embryos and Rab35 localizes to constricting surfaces.
Self-supporting sulfur cathodes enabled by two-dimensional carbon yolk-shell nanosheets for high-energy-density lithium-sulfur batteries
Authors: Pei Fei , Lin Lele , Ou Daohui , Zheng Zongmin , Mo Shiguang , Fang Xiaoliang , Zheng Nanfeng
Published: September 2017

How to exert the energy density advantage is a key link in the development of lithium–sulfur batteries. Therefore, the performance degradation of high-sulfur-loading cathodes becomes an urgent problem to be solved at present. In addition, the volumetric capacities of high-sulfur-loading cathodes are still at a low level compared with their areal capacities. Aiming at these issues, two-dimensional carbon yolk-shell nanosheet is developed herein to construct a novel self-supporting sulfur cathode. The cathode with high-sulfur loading of 5 mg cm−2 and sulfur content of 73 wt% not only delivers an excellent rate performance and cycling stability, but also provides a favorable balance between the areal (5.7 mAh cm–2) and volumetric (1330 mAh cm–3) capacities. Remarkably, an areal capacity of 11.4 mAh cm–2 can be further achieved by increasing the sulfur loading from 5 to 10 mg cm–2. This work provides a promising direction for high-energy-density lithium–sulfur batteries.
Copy number rather than epigenetic alterations are the major dictator of imprinted methylation in tumors
Authors: Martin-Trujillo Alex , Vidal Enrique , Monteagudo-Sánchez Ana , Sanchez-Delgado Marta , Moran Sebastian , Hernandez Mora Jose Ramon , Heyn Holger , Guitart Miriam , Esteller Manel , Monk David
Published: September 2017

It has been postulated that imprinting aberrations are common in tumors. To understand the role of imprinting in cancer, we have characterized copy-number and methylation in over 280 cancer cell lines and confirm our observations in primary tumors. Imprinted differentially methylated regions (DMRs) regulate parent-of-origin monoallelic expression of neighboring transcripts in cis. Unlike single-copy CpG islands that may be prone to hypermethylation, imprinted DMRs can either loose or gain methylation during tumorigenesis. Here, we show that methylation profiles at imprinted DMRs often not represent genuine epigenetic changes but simply the accumulation of underlying copy-number aberrations (CNAs), which is independent of the genome methylation state inferred from cancer susceptible loci. Our results reveal that CNAs also influence allelic expression as loci with copy-number neutral loss-of-heterozygosity or amplifications may be expressed from the appropriate parental chromosomes, which is indicative of maintained imprinting, although not observed as a single expression foci by RNA FISH.
Tunable inverted gap in monolayer quasi-metallic MoS2 induced by strong charge-lattice coupling
Authors: Yin Xinmao , Wang Qixing , Cao Liang , Tang Chi Sin , Luo Xin , Zheng Yujie , Wong Lai Mun , Wang Shi Jie , Quek Su Ying , Zhang Wenjing , Rusydi Andrivo , Wee Andrew T. S.
Published: September 2017

Polymorphism of two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides such as molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) exhibit fascinating optical and transport properties. Here, we observe a tunable inverted gap (~0.50 eV) and a fundamental gap (~0.10 eV) in quasimetallic monolayer MoS2. Using spectral-weight transfer analysis, we find that the inverted gap is attributed to the strong charge–lattice coupling in two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (2D-TMDs). A comprehensive experimental study, supported by theoretical calculations, is conducted to understand the transition of monolayer MoS2 on gold film from trigonal semiconducting 1H phase to the distorted octahedral quasimetallic 1T’ phase. We clarify that electron doping from gold, facilitated by interfacial tensile strain, is the key mechanism leading to its 1H–1T’ phase transition, thus resulting in the formation of the inverted gap. Our result shows the importance of charge–lattice coupling to the intrinsic properties of the inverted gap and polymorphism of MoS2, thereby unlocking new possibilities for 2D-TMD-based device fabrication.
Impact of the Mk VI SkinSuit on skin microbiota of terrestrial volunteers and an International Space Station-bound astronaut
Authors: Stabler Richard A. , Rosado Helena , Doyle Ronan , Negus David , Carvil Philip A. , Kristjánsson Juan G. , Green David A. , Franco-Cendejas Rafael , Davies Cadi , Mogensen Andreas , Scott Jonathan , Taylor Peter W.
Published: September 2017

Microgravity induces physiological deconditioning due to the absence of gravity loading, resulting in bone mineral density loss, atrophy of lower limb skeletal and postural muscles, and lengthening of the spine. SkinSuit is a lightweight compression suit designed to provide head-to-foot (axial) loading to counteract spinal elongation during spaceflight. As synthetic garments may impact negatively on the skin microbiome, we used 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene amplicon procedures to define bacterial skin communities at sebaceous and moist body sites of five healthy male volunteers undergoing SkinSuit evaluation. Each volunteer displayed a diverse, distinct bacterial population at each skin site. Short (8 h) periods of dry hyper-buoyancy flotation wearing either gym kit or SkinSuit elicited changes in the composition of the skin microbiota at the genus level but had little or no impact on community structure at the phylum level or the richness and diversity of the bacterial population. We also determined the composition of the skin microbiota of an astronaut during pre-flight training, during an 8-day visit to the International Space Station involving two 6–7 h periods of SkinSuit wear, and for 1 month after return. Changes in composition of bacterial skin communities at five body sites were strongly linked to changes in geographical location. A distinct ISS bacterial microbiota signature was found which reversed to a pre-flight profile on return. No changes in microbiome complexity or diversity were noted, with little evidence for colonisation by potentially pathogenic bacteria; we conclude that short periods of SkinSuit wear induce changes to the composition of the skin microbiota but these are unlikely to compromise the healthy skin microbiome.
FLO5 gene controls flocculation phenotype and adhesive properties in a Saccharomyces cerevisiae sparkling wine strain
Authors: Di Gianvito Paola , Tesnière Catherine , Suzzi Giovanna , Blondin Bruno , Tofalo Rosanna
Published: September 2017

Flocculation is an important feature for yeast survival in adverse conditions. The natural diversity of flocculating genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae can also be exploited in several biotechnological applications. Flocculation is mainly regulated by the expression of genes belonging to the FLO family. These genes have a similar function, but their specific contribution to flocculation ability is still unclear. In this study, the distribution of FLO1, FLO5 and FLO8 genes in four S. cerevisiae wine strains was investigated. Subsequently, both FLO1 and FLO5 genes were separately deleted in a flocculent S. cerevisiae wine strain. After gene disruption, flocculation ability and agar adhesion were evaluated. FLO1 and FLO5 genes inheritance was also monitored. All strains presented different lengths for FLO1 and FLO5 genes. Results confirm that in S. cerevisiae strain F6789, the FLO5 gene drives flocculation and influences adhesive properties. Flocculation ability monitoring after a cross with a non-flocculent strain revealed that FLO5 is the gene responsible for flocculation development.