bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microneedle patch delivery of influenza vaccine during pregnancy enhances maternal immune responses promoting survival and long-lasting passive immunity to offspring
Authors: Esser E. Stein , Pulit-Penaloza Joanna A. , Kalluri Haripriya , McAllister Devin , Vassilieva Elena V. , Littauer Elizabeth Q. , Lelutiu Nadia , Prausnitz Mark R. , Compans Richard W. , Skountzou Ioanna
Published: July 2017

Influenza virus causes life-threatening infections in pregnant women and their newborns. Immunization during pregnancy is the most effective means of preventing maternal and infant mortality/morbidity; however, influenza vaccination rates of pregnant women remain under 50%. Furthermore, the availability of vaccines in low-resource populations is limited. Skin immunization with microneedle patches (MN) is a novel and safe vaccination platform featuring thermostable vaccine formulations. Cold-chain independence and the potential for self-administration can expand influenza vaccination coverage in developing countries. In this study of pregnant BALB/c mice immunized with subunit H1N1 influenza vaccine, we demonstrate the advantage of skin vaccination over intramuscular delivery of a two-fold higher vaccine dose. MN vaccine induced superior humoral immune responses and conferred protective immunity against a lethal challenge dose of homologous influenza virus. Importantly, MN vaccination of mice at mid-gestation resulted in enhanced and long-lasting passive immunity of the offspring, measured by neutralizing antibody titers and survival rates after virus challenge. We conclude that skin vaccination using MN is a superior immunization approach with the potential to overcome immune tolerance observed in pregnancy, and lower vaccination costs through antigen dose-sparing, which is especially relevant in underserved countries.
Chronic high-sodium diet intake after weaning lead to neurogenic hypertension in adult Wistar rats
Authors: Gomes Paula Magalhães , Sá Renato Willian Martins , Aguiar Giovana Lopes , Paes Milede Hanner Saraiva , Alzamora Andréia Carvalho , Lima Wanderson Geraldo , de Oliveira Lisandra Brandino , Stocker Sean David , Antunes Vagner Roberto , Cardoso Leonardo M.
Published: July 2017

In this study, we investigated some mechanisms involved in sodium-dependent hypertension of rats exposed to chronic salt (NaCl) intake from weaning until adult age. Weaned male Wistar rats were placed under high (0.90% w/w, HS) or regular (0.27% w/w, Cont) sodium diets for 12 weeks. Water consumption, urine output and sodium excretion were higher in HS rats compared to control. Blood pressure (BP) was directly measured by the arterial catheter and found 13.8% higher in HS vs Cont rats. Ganglionic blockade with hexamethonium caused greater fall in the BP of HS rats (33%), and central antagonism of AT1 receptors (losartan) microinjected into the lateral ventricle reduced BP level of HS, but not of Cont group. Heart rate variability analysis revealed sympathetic prevalence on modulation of the systolic interval. HS diet did not affect creatinine clearance. Kidney histological analysis revealed no significant change in renal corpuscle structure. Sodium and potassium concentrations in CSF were found higher in HS rats despite no change in plasma concentration of these ions. Taken together, data suggest that animals exposed to chronic salt intake to a level close to that reported for human’ diet since weaning lead to hypertension, which appears to rely on sodium-driven neurogenic mechanisms.
Histone deacetylase 3 is required for iNKT cell development
Authors: Thapa Puspa , Romero Arocha Sinibaldo , Chung Ji Young , Sant’Angelo Derek B. , Shapiro Virginia Smith
Published: July 2017

NKT cells are a distinct subset that have developmental requirements that often differ from conventional T cells. Here, we show that NKT-specific deletion of Hdac3 results in a severe reduction in the number of iNKT cells, particularly of NKT1 cells. In addition, there is decreased cytokine production by Hdac3-deficient NKT2 and NKT17 cells. Hdac3-deficient iNKT cells have increased cell death that is not rescued by transgenic expression of Bcl-2 or Bcl-xL. Hdac3-deficient iNKT cells have less Cyto-ID staining and lower LC3A/B expression, indicative of reduced autophagy. Interestingly, Hdac3-deficient iNKT cells also have lower expression of the nutrient receptors GLUT1, CD71 and CD98, which would increase the need for autophagy when nutrients are limiting. Therefore, Hdac3 is required for iNKT cell development and differentiation.
Bivalent DNA vaccine induces significant immune responses against infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus and infectious pancreatic necrosis virus in rainbow trout
Authors: Xu Liming , Zhao Jingzhuang , Liu Miao , Ren Guangming , Jian Feng , Yin Jiasheng , Feng Ji , Liu Hongbai , Lu Tongyan
Published: July 2017

Infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) and infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) are important pathogens of salmon and trout. An active bivalent DNA vaccine was constructed with the glycoprotein gene of Chinese IHNV isolate Sn1203 and VP2–VP3 gene of Chinese IPNV isolate ChRtm213. Rainbow trout (5 g) were vaccinated by intramuscular injection with 1.0 µg of the bivalent DNA vaccine and then challenged with an intraperitoneal injection of IHNV, IPNV, or both, at 30 and 60 days post-vaccination (d.p.v.). High protection rates against IHNV were observed, with 6% and 10% cumulative mortality, respectively, compared with 90–94% in the mock-vaccinated groups. IPNV loads (531-fold and 135-fold, respectively) were significantly reduced in the anterior kidneys of the vaccinated trout. Significant protection against co-infection with IHNV and IPNV was observed, with cumulative mortality rates of 6.67% and 3.33%, respectively, compared with 50.0% and 43.3%, respectively, in the mock-vaccinated groups. No detectable infective IHNV or IPNV was recovered from vaccinated trout co-infected with IHNV and IPNV. The bivalent DNA vaccine increased the expression of Mx-1 and IFN-γ at 4, 7, and 15 d.p.v, and IgM at 21 d.p.v., and induced high titres (≥160) of IHNV and IPNV neutralizing antibodies at 30 and 60 d.p.v.
Microwave Tunable Metamaterial Based on Semiconductor-to-Metal Phase Transition
Authors: Zhang Guanqiao , Ma He , Lan Chuwen , Gao Rui , Zhou Ji
Published: July 2017

A microwave tunable metamaterial utilizing the semiconductor-to-metal transition of vanadium dioxide (VO2) is proposed, experimentally demonstrated and theoretically scrutinized. Basic concept of the design involves the combination of temperature-dependent hysteresis in VO2 with resonance induced heating, resulting in a nonlinear response to power input. A lithographically prepared gold split-rings resonator (SRR) array deposited with VO2 thin film is fabricated. Transmission spectra analysis shows a clear manifestation of nonlinearity, involving power-dependence of resonant frequency as well as transmitted intensity at both elevated and room temperature. Simulation performed with CST Microwave Studio conforms with the findings. The concept may find applications in transmission modulation and frequency tuning devices working under microwave frequency bands.
Effects of poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) on plant growth and its distribution in a controlled plant-soil system
Authors: Zhang Lei , Yang Xueming , Gao Decai , Wang Lingli , Li Jie , Wei Zhanbo , Shi Yuanliang
Published: July 2017

To demonstrate the responses of plant (Pakchoi) and soil to poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) is essential to better understand the pathways of the promotional effect of γ-PGA on plant growth. In this study, the effects of γ-PGA on soil nutrient availability, plant nutrient uptake ability, plant metabolism and its distribution in a plant-soil system were tested using labeled γ-PGA synthesized from 13C1-15N-L-glutamic acid (L-Glu). γ-PGA significantly improved plant uptake of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) and hence increased plant biomass. γ-PGA greatly strengthened the plant nutrient uptake capacity through enhancing both root biomass and activity. γ-PGA affected carbon (C) and N metabolism in plant which was evidenced with increased soluble sugar contents and decreased nitrate and free amino acids contents. About 26.5% of the γ-PGA-N uptake during the first 24 h, after γ-PGA application, was in the form of intact organic molecular. At plant harvest, 29.7% and 59.4% of γ-PGA-15N was recovered in plant and soil, respectively, with a 5.64% of plant N nutrition being derived from γ-PGA-N. The improved plant nutrient uptake capacity and soil nutrient availability by γ-PGA may partly explain the promotional effect of γ-PGA, however, the underlying reason may be closely related to L-Glu.
Preparation of polydopamine-coated graphene oxide/Fe3O4 imprinted nanoparticles for selective removal of fluoroquinolone antibiotics in water
Authors: Tan Feng , Liu Min , Ren Suyu
Published: July 2017

Antibiotics in water have recently caused increasing concerns for public health and ecological environments. In this work, we demonstrated polydopamine-coated graphene oxide/Fe3O4 (PDA@GO/Fe3O4) imprinted nanoparticles coupled with magnetic separation for fast and selective removal of fluoroquinolone antibiotics in water. The nanoparticles were prepared by the self-polymerization of dopamine using sarafloxacin as a template. The imprinted PDA film of 10~20 nm uniformly covered the surface of GO/Fe3O4 providing selective binding sites. The nanoparticles showed rapid binding and a large capacity (70.9 mg/g). The adsorption data fitted well the Langmuir and pseudo-second order kinetic equations. The nanoparticles could be easily separated by a magnet following the adsorption and then regenerated by simple washing for repetitive adsorptions. The nanoparticles were successfully used for the removal of fluoroquinolone antibiotics in seawater, with removal efficiencies of more than 95%. The proposed strategy has potentials for efficient removal of antibiotics in environmental water.
Exploring spatial and temporal trends in the soundscape of an ecologically significant embayment
Authors: Putland R. L. , Constantine R. , Radford C. A.
Published: July 2017

The Hauraki Gulf, a shallow embayment in north-eastern New Zealand, provides an interesting environment for ecological soundscape research. It is situated on a tectonic plate boundary, contains one of the busiest ports in the southern hemisphere and is home to a diverse range of soniferous animals. The underwater soundscape was monitored for spatial and temporal trends at six different listening stations using passive acoustic recorders. The RMS sound pressure level of ambient sound (50–24,000 Hz) at the six listening stations was similar, ranging from 90–110 dB re 1 μPa throughout the recording period. Biophony had distinct temporal patterns and biological choruses of urchins were significantly correlated to temperature. Geophony and biophony followed the acoustic niche hypothesis, where each sound exhibited both temporal and frequency partitioning. Vessel passage sound were identified in 1.9–35.2% of recordings from the different listening stations. Vessel sound recorded in the Hauraki Gulf has the potential to mask concurrent geophony and biophony, sounds that may be important to marine life. This study provides a baseline of ambient sound, useful for future management strategies in shallow embayments where anthropogenic pressure is likewise increasing.
Status, Stress and Performance in Track and Field Athletes during the European Games in Baku (Azerbaijan)
Authors: Siart Benjamin , Nimmerichter Alfred , Vidotto Claudia , Wallner Bernard
Published: July 2017

This study analyzes the relationship between salivary cortisol and testosterone levels and performance in track and field athletes. In addition, we analyzed the influence of status among athletes (measured based on previous athletic achievement) on hormone levels. Nineteen members of the Austrian track and field team (eleven males, eight females, 25.9 ± 3.9 years of age, 74.9 ± 20.1 kg, and 179.3 ± 10 cm) participated in this study. Data was collected during the European Games in Baku. Athletes delivered saliva samples at various time-points including morning samples and samples directly before and after the competition. Scoring points of the International Association of Athletics Federation were used as an individual measure of relative performance. We found that performance was negatively correlated with rise in testosterone concentrations in the last 24 h prior to the competition. A similar trend was found for cortisol levels, but only when the three least competitive athletes were removed from analysis. Pre-competition cortisol levels were significantly increased compared to measurements 24 h earlier. No effect of status on cortisol or testosterone increase in the same timeframe was found. We conclude that the tournament represented a stressor and that excessive endocrine response was associated with reduced performance.
A near-infrared fluorescence off–on probe for sensitive imaging of hydrogen polysulfides in living cells and mice in vivo
Authors: Fang Yu , Chen Wei , Shi Wen , Li Hongyu , Xian Ming , Ma Huimin
Published: July 2017

A new near-infrared fluorescence off–on probe with phenyl 2-(benzoylthio)benzoate as the recognition moiety is developed and applied in imaging H2Sn in living cells and mice in vivo.
Lewis acid catalyzed diastereoselective [3+4]-annulation of donor–acceptor cyclopropanes with anthranils: synthesis of tetrahydro-1-benzazepine derivatives
Authors: Wang Zhe-Hao , Zhang Huan-Huan , Wang Dao-Ming , Xu Peng-Fei , Luo Yong-Chun
Published: July 2017

The [3+4]-annulation between donor–acceptor cyclopropanes and anthranils has been developed for the diastereoselective synthesis of tetrahydro-1-benzazepine derivatives.
Impedance investigation of the highly efficient polymer solar cells with composite CuBr2/MoO3hole transport layer
Authors: Li Zhiqi , Guo Wenbin , Liu Chunyu , Zhang Xinyuan , Li Shujun , Guo Jiaxin , Zhang Liu
Published: July 2017

The operating mechanism of the CuBr2/MoO3anode buffer layer using the transport-recombination behavior of the impedance spectroscopy was investigated.
Development of a new FT-IR method for the determination of iron oxide. Optimization of the synthesis of suitable magnetic nanoparticles as sorbent in magnetic solid phase extraction
Authors: González Moreno A. , López Guerrero M. M. , Vereda Alonso E. , García de Torres A. , Pavón J. M. Cano
Published: July 2017

Optimized 13 nm MNPs with 70.5% iron, determined by a simple FT-IR strategy for routine Fe3O4 determination in solid MNPs.
Effects of the substituents of pyrazole/thiazine ligands on the magnetic properties of chloro-bridged Cu(ii) complexes
Authors: Torres-García Pablo , Luna-Giles Francisco , Bernalte-García Álvaro , Platas-Iglesias Carlos , Esteban-Gómez David , Viñuelas-Zahínos Emilio
Published: July 2017

The structures and magnetic properties of monomeric and chloro-bridged dimeric CuII complexes can be modulated by steric hindrance.
Green primary energetic materials based on N-(3-nitro-1-(trinitromethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-yl)nitramide
Authors: Liu Tianlin , Qi Xiujuan , Wang Kangcai , Zhang Jiaheng , Zhang Wenquan , Zhang Qinghua
Published: July 2017

A series of green primary energetic materials based on N-(3-nitro-1-(trinitromethyl)-1,2,4-triazol-5-yl)nitramide were synthesized and structurally characterized.
Transmission line fault classification using modified fuzzy Q learning
Authors: Malik Hasmat , Sharma Rajneesh
Published: July 2017

The authors propose an adaptive, self‐learning fault classifier based on modified fuzzy Q learning (MFQL) for transmission lines. Proposed MFQL fault classifier is able to achieve very high classification accuracy with relatively small number of samples. The authors’ is a first attempt at designing a fault identifier using reinforcement learning for fault segregation in transmission lines. The authors’ identifier does not assume prior knowledge of transmission line model or target fault information. Raw voltage and current data (supply and load side) is processed using empirical mode decomposition to generate 13 intrinsic mode functions (IMFs’). Classifier employs the J48 algorithm to further prune these 13 IMF's to eight most relevant input variables, which serve as inputs to the MFQL fault classifier. The authors compare performance of the proposed MFQL classifier to other contemporary AI‐based classifiers, e.g. neural networks and support vector machines. Simulation results and performance comparison against other AI‐based classifiers elucidates that the proposed MFQL‐based identifier achieves a significantly higher performance level and could serve as an important tool for transmission line fault diagnosis.
Paired echo suppression algorithm in helicopter‐borne SAR imaging
Authors: Gao Yuexin , Zhang Zijing , Xing Mengdao , Zhang Yuhong , Li Zhenyu
Published: July 2017

A helicopter may vibrate at high frequencies during its flight, which can give rise to paired echoes in the helicopter‐borne synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery. This phenomenon substantially degrades the quality of SAR images since it may generate unwanted ghost targets in the images. In this study, the authors propose a method consisting of three steps to suppress paired echoes in helicopter‐borne SAR imagery based on the characteristics of the helicopter vibration. The proposed method can suppress paired echoes with high efficiency and accuracy in the case of vibrations with varying amplitude. Furthermore, this method does not require the presence of isolated or strong points in a range cell. Both simulated and acquired data are processed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Synthesis of novel periodic mesoporous organosilicas with large content of lysine‐bridged organosilane skeleton
Authors: Wang Jianqiang , Gu Changqing , Zhou Man , Zhang Wenqi , Wang Zhiwei , Lv Mengyuan , Guo Cheng , Sun Linbing
Published: July 2017

Novel periodic mesoporous organosilicas (PMOs) as functional nanomaterials based on the skeleton of lysine were synthesised by the co‐condensation of lysine‐bridged organosilicane (Lys‐BOS) and tetraethyl orthosilicate in acidic medium using P123 as template. Furthermore, a large content of Lys‐BOS was incorporated into the silica framework. Amino acid organosilicane (Lys‐BOS) was first prepared by the multi‐step reaction between traditional orgnaosilicane [(3‐aminopropyl) triethoxysilane] and carboxyl protected lysine. The small‐angle X‐ray diffraction and N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms indicate that these PMO materials still retain ordered mesostructure in the high molar concentration of Lys‐BOS. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy confirms that lysine is incorporated in the framework of the PMO materials.
Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy for tellurium detection by AgNPs‐loaded 3D porous graphene hydrogel
Authors: Zhou Xiaojiao , Gao Jianwei , Huang Hua , Wu Qingsheng , Ji Xiang
Published: July 2017

A three‐dimensional (3D) graphene hydrogel covered by uniform silver nanoparticles as an effective substrate for surface‐enhanced Raman scattering application was fabricated by facile ethylenediamine‐induced self‐assembly method. The anchor of silver nanoparticles endows the enhanced Raman spectroscopy with the sensitivity and multiplex requirements for the tellurium quick detection using the robust graphene‐based monoliths. The porous structure offers essential channels and space for Te(IV) access. After exposure to Te(IV), the distinguished peak of Te‐O at 584.9 cm−1, which was enhanced significantly and kept constant over a wide range of pH, was selected as the indicative of Te(IV) level. At the optimal pH, the concentration dependent surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy shows that the detection limit was as low as 100 nM.
Current Management of Congenital Pulmonary Airway Malformations: A “European Pediatric Surgeons' Association” Survey
Authors: Morini Francesco , Zani Augusto , Conforti Andrea , van Heurn Ernest , Eaton Simon , Puri Prem , Rintala Risto , Lukac Marija , Kuebler Joachim , Friedmacher Florian , Wijnen Rene , Tovar Juan , Pierro Agostino , Bagolan Pietro
Published: July 2017

Aim To define current management of congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM).

Methods A total of 181 European Pediatric Surgeons' Association members (91% senior) from 48 countries completed an online questionnaire.

Main Results Prenatal: 93% respondents work in centers with prenatal diagnosis facilities, and 27% in centers offering in utero surgery. Prenatal counseling is performed by 86% respondents, 22% of whom see >10 cases per year. Risk of single pre-/postnatal complications is deemed low (<5%) by more than 60% of respondents. Eighty-six percent respondents do not offer pregnancy termination for prenatally diagnosed CPAM. Fetal hydrops is the most frequent indication for termination (87%), followed by parental willingness (52%). Prenatal surgery is an option for 44% respondents, preferring thoracoamniotic shunt (82%).

Postnatal: 75% respondents operate on asymptomatic patients, 18% before 6 months of age, 62% between 6 and 12 months of age, and 20% after 12 months of age. Risk of infection (86%), cancer (63%), and symptoms development (62%) are indications for surgery in asymptomatic CPAM. Sixty-three percent prefer a thoracotomy. Lobectomy is the preferred procedure (58% respondents). Motivations against surgery include lesion <1 cm (64%), risk of postoperative complications (37%), and lack of evidence favoring surgery (27%). Seventeen percent respondents have seen at least one patient with CPAM with lung cancer, in 89% of the cases within the CPAM. Of all the respondents, 83% and 22% offered dedicated follow-up and genetic screening, respectively.

Conclusion Current pre- and postnatal management of CPAM lacks uniformity, particularly for surgical indication, timing, and approach. Efforts should be made toward standardization. Risk of CPAM-associated cancer is not clear.
Variance in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Graft Selection based on Patient Demographics and Location within the Multicenter Orthopaedic Outcomes Network Cohort
Authors: Kraeutler Matthew , Vidal Armando , McCarty Eric , Bravman Jonathan , Wolcott Michelle , Houck Darby ,   MOON Knee Group
Published: July 2017

The purpose of this study is to determine whether any regional or age-related patterns exist in graft choice for patients undergoing primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) within a large multicenter consortium. A retrospective cohort study was performed using data collected from the Multicenter Orthopaedic Outcomes Network (MOON) on patients having undergone primary ACLR. Patients were stratified by age group (younger than 20, 20–29, 30–39, 40–49, and 50+ years) and four demographic regions (Midwest, Southeast, Northeast, and West). A total of 2,149 patients (1,288 males, 861 females) were included. At least 70% of the patients were treated by a single surgeon in three of the four demographic regions. There were no clinically significant differences in body mass index (BMI), and no statistically significant differences in Marx activity rating scale (p > 0.05) between regions within any particular age group. There were significant differences in the proportion of autografts versus allografts used for primary ACLR between regions in every age group (p < 0.01). There were also significant differences in autograft (p < 0.001) and allograft (p < 0.001) harvest location based on demographic region. The Southeast and Northeast were more likely to use bone-patellar-tendon-bone autograft while the West and Midwest were likely to use hamstring autograft. Within our consortium, regional patterns exist both in autograft versus allograft use in patients undergoing primary ACLR, as well as harvest location of autografts and allografts. Given the similarities in average patient BMI and activity level between regions, as well as the single surgeon influence in three of the four regions, the regional patterns in graft use are likely due to surgeon preference.
Taguchi optimization of bismuth-telluride based thermoelectric cooler
Authors: Anant Kishore Ravi , Kumar Prashant , Sanghadasa Mohan , Priya Shashank
Published: July 2017

In the last few decades, considerable effort has been made to enhance the figure-of-merit (ZT) of thermoelectric (TE) materials. However, the performance of commercial TE devices still remains low due to the fact that the module figure-of-merit not only depends on the material ZT, but also on the operating conditions and configuration of TE modules. This study takes into account comprehensive set of parameters to conduct the numerical performance analysis of the thermoelectric cooler (TEC) using a Taguchi optimization method. The Taguchi method is a statistical tool that predicts the optimal performance with a far less number of experimental runs than the conventional experimental techniques. Taguchi results are also compared with the optimized parameters obtained by a full factorial optimization method, which reveals that the Taguchi method provides optimum or near-optimum TEC configuration using only 25 experiments against 3125 experiments needed by the conventional optimization method. This study also shows that the environmental factors such as ambient temperature and cooling coefficient do not significantly affect the optimum geometry and optimum operating temperature of TECs. The optimum TEC configuration for simultaneous optimization of cooling capacity and coefficient of performance is also provided.
Giant electrocaloric effect in ferroelectric ultrathin films at room temperature mediated by flexoelectric effect and work function
Authors: Qiu Ye , Wu Huaping , Wang Jie , Lou Jia , Zhang Zheng , Liu Aiping , Kitamura Takayuki , Chai Guozhong
Published: July 2017

In ferroelectric ultrathin films, built-in electric fields are often present due to the flexoelectric effect and the difference of work functions at asymmetric electrodes, which may change the properties of the materials. In this paper, the influence of build-in electric fields induced by flexoelectric effect and/or work function difference on the misfit strain-temperature phase diagrams, and the electrocaloric properties of epitaxial BaTiO3 ultrathin films are investigated by using an extended nonlinear thermodynamic theory. It is found that the flexoelectric effect, i.e., the coupling of polarization and strain gradient, changes the misfit strain-temperature phase diagrams notably, in which the phases with out-of-plane polarizations increase due to the presence of a built-in field. The electrocaloric properties are remarkably enhanced when the built-in fields induced by both the flexoelectric effect and work function difference are considered. In particular, a giant adiabatic temperature change of 7.89 K in ultrathin Pt/BaTiO3/SrRuO3 capacitors at 460 K is predicted. Moreover, it is demonstrated that the peak of adiabatic temperature change versus working temperature is shifted from a high temperature to room temperature, suggesting that ferroelectric ultrathin films with asymmetric electrodes and strain gradient are promising candidates for room temperature refrigeration.
Exploring the key states of iron with synchrotron tools
Authors: Blaustein Rich
Published: July 2017

Researchers turn to X-ray diffraction technology to explore changes in the fundamental properties of iron with pressure.
Chopping skyrmions from magnetic chiral domains with uniaxial stress in magnetic nanowire
Authors: Liu Yan , Lei Na , Zhao Weisheng , Liu Wenqing , Ruotolo Antonio , Braun Hans-Benjamin , Zhou Yan
Published: July 2017

Magnetic skyrmions are envisioned as ideal candidates as information carriers for future spintronic devices, which have attracted a great deal of attention in recent years. Due to their topological protection, the creation and annihilation of magnetic skyrmions have been a challenging task. Here, we numerically demonstrate that a magnetic skyrmion can be created by chopping a chiral stripe domain with a static uniaxial strain/stress pulse. This mechanism not only provides a method to create skyrmions in magnetic nanostructures but also offers promising routes for designing tunable skyrmionic-mechanic devices.
A new microfluidic device design for a defined positioning of neurons in vitro
Authors: Walczuch Katharina , Renze Peter , Ingensiep Claudia , Degen Rudolf , Bui Thanh Phong , Schnakenberg Uwe , Bräunig Peter , Bui-Göbbels Katrin
Published: July 2017

A new triangle-shaped microfluidic channel system for defined cell trapping is presented. Different variants of the same basic geometry were produced to reveal the best fitting parameter combinations regarding efficiency and sensitivity. Variants with differences in the trap gap width and the inter-trap distance were analyzed in detail by Computational Fluid Dynamics simulations and in experiments with artificial beads of different sizes (30, 60, 80 μm). Simulation analysis of flow dynamics and pressure profiles revealed strongly reduced pressure conditions and balanced flow rates inside the microfluidic channels compared to commonly used systems with meandering channels. Quantitative experiments with beads showed very good trapping results in all channel types with slight variations due to geometrical differences. Highest efficiency in terms of fast trap filling and low particle loss was shown with channel types having a larger trap gap width (20 μm) and/or a larger inter-trap distance (400 μm). Here, experimental success was achieved in almost 85% to 100% of all cases. Particle loss appeared significantly more often with large beads than with small beads. A significantly reduced trapping efficiency of about 50% was determined by using narrow trap gaps and a small inter-trap distance in combination with large 80 μm beads. The combination of the same parameters with small and medium beads led to an only slight decrease in trapping efficiency (80%). All channel types were tested qualitatively with invertebrate neurons from the pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis. The systems were appropriate to trap those sensitive neurons and to keep their viability in the trapping area at the same time.
Theoretical and experimental study on the optical and electrical properties of Cu2ZnTiS4 and its photovoltaic applications
Authors: Jia Xuguang , Guo Huafei , Ma Changhao , Zhang Kezhi , Yuan Ningyi , Ding Jianning
Published: July 2017

In this paper, a I2-II-IV-VI4 quaternary kesterite-structured semiconductor Cu2ZnTiS4 thin film is synthesized by a co-sputtering approach. Its structural properties are investigated via various experimental techniques combining the prediction from first-principle calculations. Stable chemical potential range is analyzed according to the formation energy of Cu2ZnTiS4 and its competing phases. The results show that the stable pure Cu2ZnTiS4 phase can exist and the most possible impure phases are ZnS and Cu2TiS3. X-ray diffraction analysis reveals the cubic crystal structure, which is expected in the calculations. Raman spectrum analysis excludes the possibility of ZnS and Cu2TiS3 phases, which corroborates the formation of single Cu2ZnTiS4 phase. The Cu2ZnTiS4 thin film exhibits dense and pinhole free surface morphologies and a bandgap of 1.42 eV is observed. The initial photovoltaic device based on this material exhibits a 0.83% efficiency. These findings offer a promising candidate material for quaternary semiconductor solar cells.
Theoretical Investigation on Photoionization and Dissociative Photoionization of Toluene
Authors: Zhao Yu-jie , Zhan You-sheng , Li Li , Li Xin , Lian Xiang-yu , Huang Pei , Sheng Liu-si , Chen Jun
Published: July 2017

The photoionization and dissociation photoionization of toluene have been studied using quantum chemistry methods. The geometries and frequencies of the reactants, transition states and products have been performed at B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level, and single-point energy calculations for all the stationary points were carried out at DFT calculations of the optimized structures with the G3B3 level. The ionization energies of toluene and the appearance energies for major fragment ions, C7H7+, C6H5+, C5H6+, C5H5+, are determined to be 8.90, 11.15 or 11.03, 12.72, 13.69, 16.28 eV, respectively, which are all in good agreement with published experimental data. With the help of available published experimental data and theoretical results, four dissociative photoionization channels have been proposed: C7H7++H, C6H5++CH3, C5H6++C2H2, C5H5++C2H2+H. Transition structures and intermediates for those isomerization processes are determined in this work. Especially, the structures of C5H6+ and C5H5+ produced by dissociative photoionization of toluene have been defined as chain structure in this work with theoretical calculations.
Phosphatidic acid binds to and regulates guanine nucleotide exchange factor 8 (GEF8) activity in Arabidopsis
Authors: Cao Chunyan , Wang Peipei , Song Hongdi , Jing Wen , Shen Like , Zhang Qun , Zhang Wenhua
Published: July 2017

Phosphatidic acid (PA) forms part of plant lipid metabolism and is a signalling molecule used in response to various external stresses. Guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) activate small GTPase ROPs, serving as molecular switches in a wide range of signalling pathways. However, the interaction between PA and GEFs in plants has not yet been reported. Here we show that PA bound specifically to GEF8 by using fat-Western blot and isothermal titration calorimetry assays. A C-terminal truncation of GEF8 exhibited strong PA binding, and mutation of lysines 13 and 18 in GEF8 PRONE domain caused a total loss of binding to PA. Two ROPs, ROP7 and ROP10, were identified as preferred substrates of GEF8 by pull-down and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays. GEF8 activity towards ROP7, but not ROP10, was stimulated by PA both in vitro and in cells. Moreover, the PA- or ABA-induced activation of GEF8 was completely lost in the mutant GEF8, which did not bind to PA. Together, these findings identify a direct interconnection between PA-mediated GEFs activity and small GTPase signalling in plants and provide evidence for a synergistic activation of GEF8 by direct PA-binding to its PRONE domain.
Revisiting the kit-split in Coloured South African English
Authors: Toefy Tracey
Published: July 2017

This paper seeks to provide a detailed sociophonetic analysis of kit vowel variation in Coloured South African English (CSAfE). 40 Coloured speakers (20 male; 20 female) from middle-class and working-class backgrounds were analysed using methods of automatic vowel measurement. 2,253 tokens of kit were isolated into phonological environments which condition the split: before and after velar consonants /k, g/, before /ŋ/, before palato-alveolar consonants /ʧ, ʃ, ʤ, ʒ/, after /h/, and word initially. Working-class CSAfE speakers displayed a wider split in the set: they used a higher and fronter variant in all conditioning environments, approximating [ɪ], while tokens in the unconditioned environments were produced in the region of [ə]. Middle-class speakers displayed a definite split, conditioned by the same environments, but with a smaller distance between the two values. The binary split maintains its vitality in this variety of South African English.
Communism and the Incentive to Share in Science
Authors: Heesen Remco
Published: July 2017

The communist norm requires that scientists widely share the results of their work. Where did this norm come from, and how does it persist? I argue on the basis of a game-theoretic model that rational credit-maximizing scientists will in many cases conform to the norm. This means that the origins and persistence of the communist norm can be explained even in the absence of a social contract or enforcement, contrary to recent work by Michael Strevens but adding to previous work emphasizing the benefits of the incentive structure created by the priority rule.
Standardizing biomass reactions and ensuring complete mass balance in genome-scale metabolic models
Authors: Chan Siu H J , Cai Jingyi , Wang Lin , Simons-Senftle Margaret N , Maranas Costas D
Published: July 2017

Motivation

In a genome-scale metabolic model, the biomass produced is defined to have a molecular weight (MW) of 1 g mmol−1. This is critical for correctly predicting growth yields, contrasting multiple models and more importantly modeling microbial communities. However, the standard is rarely verified in the current practice and the chemical formulae of biomass components such as proteins, nucleic acids and lipids are often represented by undefined side groups (e.g. X, R).

Results

We introduced a systematic procedure for checking the biomass weight and ensuring complete mass balance of a model. We identified significant departures after examining 64 published models. The biomass weights of 34 models differed by 5–50%, while 8 models have discrepancies >50%. In total 20 models were manually curated. By maximizing the original versus corrected biomass reactions, flux balance analysis revealed >10% differences in growth yields for 12 of the curated models. Biomass MW discrepancies are accentuated in microbial community simulations as they can cause significant and systematic errors in the community composition. Microbes with underestimated biomass MWs are overpredicted in the community whereas microbes with overestimated biomass weights are underpredicted. The observed departures in community composition are disproportionately larger than the discrepancies in the biomass weight estimate. We propose the presented procedure as a standard practice for metabolic reconstructions.

Availability and implementation

The MALTAB and Python scripts are available in the Supplementary Material.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
SVmine improves structural variation detection by integrative mining of predictions from multiple algorithms
Authors: Xia Yuchao , Liu Yun , Deng Minghua , Xi Ruibin
Published: July 2017

Motivation

Structural variation (SV) is an important class of genomic variations in human genomes. A number of SV detection algorithms based on high-throughput sequencing data have been developed, but they have various and often limited level of sensitivity, specificity and breakpoint resolution. Furthermore, since overlaps between predictions of algorithms are low, SV detection based on multiple algorithms, an often-used strategy in real applications, has little effect in improving the performance of SV detection.

Results

We develop a computational tool called SVmine for further mining of SV predictions from multiple tools to improve the performance of SV detection. SVmine refines SV predictions by performing local realignment and assess quality of SV predictions based on likelihoods of the realignments. The local realignment is performed against a set of sequences constructed from the reference sequence near the candidate SV by incorporating nearby single nucleotide variations, insertions and deletions. A sandwich alignment algorithm is further used to improve the accuracy of breakpoint positions. We evaluate SVmine on a set of simulated data and real data and find that SVmine has superior sensitivity, specificity and breakpoint estimation accuracy. We also find that SVmine can significantly improve overlaps of SV predictions from other algorithms.

Availability and implementation

SVmine is available at https://github.com/xyc0813/SVmine.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Whistleblowing and the Law of Defamation: Does the Law Strike a Fair Balance Between the Rights of Whistleblowers, the Media, and Alleged Wrongdoers?
Authors: Lewis David
Published: July 2017

The Public Interest Disclosure Act only gives rights to workers and makes no mention of any connection with existing defamation provisions. However, whistleblowers and the media may have cause to fear the use alleged wrongdoers could make of the Defamation Act 2013. Having considered the human rights context, this article examines in detail whether or not current legislation strikes a reasonable balance between the rights of whistleblowers, alleged wrongdoers and the media. The author concludes that it is in society’s interest that the balance should be tilted in favour of those who make and disseminate honest allegations even if they turn out to be unfounded. Since the media play an important role in pressing for investigations of concerns that are raised and publicising the fact that wrongdoing has occurred, they too should be protected unless malice can be established.
Arterial tree anomalies in patients with clubfoot: an investigation carried out at Soba University Hospital
Authors: Shaheen Samir , Bahar Mustafa E.H. , Mohammed Almigdad H.A. , Elbadri Sara F.A. , Johari Ashok
Published: July 2017

Vascular deficiencies and reduced perfusion of the anterior tibial artery and the dorsalis pedis artery were suggested as causes of congenital talipes equino varus (CTEV). In this study, we assessed the prevalence of arterial abnormalities in patients with CTEV (50 patients; 74 feet) compared with a normal control group (16 patients; 32 feet) by Doppler ultrasound and Ankle Brachial Index. The flow was normal in the control group and was deficient in 39.19% of clubfoot patients. In severe clubfoot cases, the deficiency was found to an extent of 76.67%. In conclusion, the anterior tibial artery and dorsalis pedis artery are deficient in CTEV patients; to avoid postoperative skin sloughing, arterial supply must be protected using a judicious incision.
Titanium mesh cage as an alternative reconstruction method for epiphyseal-sparing tumour resections in children
Authors: Ayvaz Mehmet , Bekmez Senol , Yucekul Altug , Mermerkaya Musa U. , Tokgozoglu A. Mazhar
Published: July 2017

In this study, we introduced an alternative reconstruction option for epiphysis-sparing tumour resection in children. Eight patients with a malignant tumour in the diaphysis or metaphysis–diaphysis junction of a long bone underwent epiphysis-sparing intercalary resection. Reconstruction was performed using a titanium mesh cage filled with impacted cancellous bone allograft and autograft. A plate and screws were used to supplement the fixation. At the last follow-up, union was achieved in seven patients. Limb-length discrepancy occurred in three patients. Functional scores revealed a good functional outcome. This technique may be an alternative method for epiphyseal-sparing tumour resections in children.
Slipped capital femoral epiphysis in children younger than 10 years old: clinical characteristics and efficacy of physeal-sparing procedures
Authors: Song Mi Hyun , Jang Woo Young , Park Moon Seok , Yoo Won Joon , Choi In Ho , Cho Tae-Joon
Published: July 2017

We aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) in patients aged less than 10 years and identify the efficacy of physeal-sparing procedures in this age group. Demographic data of 18 SCFE patients aged less than 10 years were compared with those of 71 older patients to investigate the clinical characteristics. The efficacy of physeal-sparing procedures (n=5) was investigated compared with that of in-situ screw fixation (n=13). Obese children were noticeably more common among SCFE patients aged less than 10 years (P=0.034). The slip angle improved significantly more in the physeal-sparing subgroups (P=0.038) without the occurrence of further slippage. Moreover, physeal-sparing procedures allow persistent growth of the proximal femoral physis. However, most of the patients in the physeal-sparing subgroup needed additional surgeries when the proximal femoral physis outgrew the implant. Obesity may be associated more with early-onset SCFE (onset<10 years). Physeal-sparing procedures are safe and effective in preventing leg-length discrepancy and allowing the remodeling of the deformed proximal femur in this age group.
Epigenetic mechanisms associated with addiction-related behavioural effects of nicotine and/or cocaine: implication of the endocannabinoid system
Authors: Hayase Tamaki
Published: July 2017

The addictive use of nicotine (NC) and cocaine (COC) continues to be a major public health problem, and their combined use has been reported, particularly during adolescence. In neural plasticity, commonly induced by NC and COC, as well as behavioural plasticity related to the use of these two drugs, the involvement of epigenetic mechanisms, in which the reversible regulation of gene expression occurs independently of the DNA sequence, has recently been reported. Furthermore, on the basis of intense interactions with the target neurotransmitter systems, the endocannabinoid (ECB) system has been considered pivotal for eliciting the effects of NC or COC. The combined use of marijuana with NC and/or COC has also been reported. This article presents the addiction-related behavioural effects of NC and/or COC, based on the common behavioural/neural plasticity and combined use of NC/COC, and reviews the interacting role of the ECB system. The epigenetic processes inseparable from the effects of NC and/or COC (i.e. DNA methylation, histone modifications and alterations in microRNAs) and the putative therapeutic involvement of the ECB system at the epigenetic level are also discussed.
Subcutaneously Placed Breast Implants after a Skin-Sparing Mastectomy: Do We Always Need ADM?
Authors: Singla Apresh , Singla Animesh , Lai Eric , Caminer David
Published: July 2017

Background:

Immediate breast reconstruction is an acceptable treatment option after mastectomy for prophylaxis of early breast cancer. Different options exist for implant placement, incision technique, patient suitability, and institutional experience. This article is a case series exploring the feasibility and outcomes of patients undergoing immediate breast reconstruction using skin-sparing mastectomy without mesh or acellular dermal matrix (ADM) and with a vertical inframammary incision.

Methods:

A single-institution retrospective analysis was performed for all patients who underwent immediate single-stage reconstruction with subcutaneous silicon implants without ADM between 2009 and 2014 inclusive. Patient, operative and treatment variables were extracted. All patients with viable mastectomy skin flaps intraoperatively and at least 5 mm of subcutaneous tissue were eligible except for patients who were deemed too slim by the senior surgeon preoperatively and thus at risk of implant visibility or skin rippling.

Results:

There were 26 patients (bilateral n = 12 and unilateral n = 14) eligible for analysis, with a median long-term follow-up of 51.5 months. The majority of complications were classified as minor affecting 46.2% of the cohort (n = 12). There were 20 episodes of complications overall. The most frequent episodes were contour defects (x = 5), minor seroma (x = 4), and malrotation and minor infection (x = 3). There was 1 episode of capsular contracture.

Conclusion:

Skin-sparing mastectomy with immediate subcutaneous silicon implant reconstruction with a vertical incision and without the need for mesh or ADM is an acceptable and safe treatment option. Accurate patient selection and skin flap viability is the key to achieving optimal outcomes with this approach.