bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cu and Zn Substituted Silicon Clathrates with the Cubic Type‐II Structure: Synthesis and Characterization of Cs8Na16Cu3.8Si132.2 and Cs8Na16Zn6.9Si129.1
Authors: Schäfer Marion C. , Bobev Svilen
Published: September 2017

Studies in the systems Cs–Na–Cu–Si and Cs–Na–Zn–Si yielded the novel clathrates Cs8Na16(Cu,Si)136 and Cs8Na16(Zn,Si)136, both with the cubic type‐II structure [space group Fd3m (no. 227), Pearson symbol cF160]. The structures of the title compounds were established from single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction methods, confirming the complete ordering of the Cs and Na guest atoms. The framework‐building Si atoms are found to be randomly substituted by Cu atoms on framework site 96g, exclusively. In the structure of Cs8Na16(Zn,Si)136, the refinements indicate that the Zn and Si atoms co‐occupy two of the three framework sites with notable preference for site 96g over site 32e. The corresponding refined compositions and unit cell parameters are as follows: Cs8Na16Cu3.8Si132.2(1) [a = 14.7583(15) Å]; Cs8Na16Zn6.9Si129.1(1) [a = 14.7682(5) Å], respectively. The type‐II clathrates can be obtained only from experiments employing both Na and Cs, whereas work in the ternary Cs‐Cu‐Si, Cs‐Zn‐Si, Na‐Cu‐Si, and Na‐Zn‐Si systems failed to yield any clathrate phases. At the same conditions, exploratory studies in the K‐Zn‐Si and Rb‐Zn‐Si systems provided evidence that type‐I clathrates are favored.
Cs[FeSe2], Cs3[FeSe2]2, and Cs7[Fe4Se8]: Missing Links of Known Chalcogenido Ferrate Series
Authors: Stüble Pirmin , Röhr Caroline
Published: September 2017

The three cesium selenido ferrate title compounds with an Se:Fe ratio of 2:1 were synthesized from stoichiometric samples reacting elemental Cs either (A) with Fe and Se in a double‐crucible setup (Cs[FeSe2], Cs3[FeSe2]2) or (B) with previously prepared FeSe2 (Cs3[FeSe2]2, Cs7[Fe4S8]) (Tmax = 800–1000 °C). The pure FeIII ferrate Cs[FeSe2] crystallizes in the Tl[FeSe2] type [monoclinic, space group C2/m, a = 1392.95(10), b = 564.43(3), c = 737.44(6) pm, β = 119.163(5)°, Z = 4, R1 = 0.0550]. It is thus not isotypic to all other alkali ferrates(III) A[FeS2] and A[FeSe2] containing chains of edge‐sharing tetrahedra, but crystallizes in a t2 subgroup of the Immm structure of Cs[FeS2]. The mixed‐valent chain compound Cs3[FeSe2]2 is isotypic to its sulfido analogue [orthorhombic, space group Pnma, a = 777.88(6), b = 1151.02(6), c = 1341.61(7) pm, Z = 4, R1 = 0.0470]. In contrast to the isopunctal Na3[FeSe2]2 type K/Rb compounds the chains are only slightly corrugated. The monoclinic, likewise mixed‐valent FeII/III selenido ferrate Cs7[Fe4Se8] [monoclinic, space group C2/c, a = 1953.79(10), b = 879.71(5), c = 1717.03(10) pm, β = 117.890(2)°, Z = 4, R1 = 0.0816] is isostructural both to the cesium sulfido and tellurido compound. The structure contains oligomeric moieties of four edge sharing [FeSe4] tetrahedra forming slightly distorted tetrahedral clusters [Fe4Se8]7–, which are surrounded by a cube of 26 Cs cations. Based on a structure map, the crystal chemistry of the three title compounds is discussed together with all chain/cluster ferrates of the general series A1+x[FeIII1–xFeIIxQ2] (x = 0–1; A = Na, K, Rb, Cs; Q = S, Se, Te).
Geochemical Appraisal of Mine Discharge and Tailing at Malanjkhand Copper Mine, India
Authors: Equeenuddin Sk. Md. , Panda Abhijit , Singh Vishal , Sahoo Prafulla Kumar , Sahu Subhashis , Basantray Sumit Kumar
Published: September 2017

The Malanjkhand copper deposit, which is the largest open cast copper mine in Asia, is located in central India. The detailed hydrogeochemical study indicates that mine discharges are mostly highly acidic (pH 3.4–6.1) with very high concentration of Cu (9.2–60.8 mg/L). Water releases from the tailing pond is also acidic in nature (pH 2.39–2.48) and contains high concentration of Cu (15.6–65.2 mg/L). The water quality of the mine discharges and tailing is mainly affected by the oxidation of chalcopyrite, which presents abundantly in the host rock along with minor amount of pyrite. The blue coloured secondary mineral that precipitates along the course of the mine effluents is dominated by amorphous copper hydroxysulfate. Alpersite, gypsum, epsomite and hexahydrite occur as efflorescent salts during the summer time, and store very high concentration of metals. Alpersite contains Zn (285-391 mg/kg), Ni (62-78 mg/kg) and Cu (7.8-10.9%) whereas epsomite contains Zn (132-160 mg/kg), Ni (35-43 mg/kg) and Cu (3465-4184 mg/kg). Among the trace elements in tailing, Cu has the highest concentration ranges (98.2–4492 mg/kg) followed by Mn (131.4–760 mg/kg), Zn (54.3–241 mg/kg), Ni (25.7–170.3 mg/kg), Pb (12.5–46.4 mg/kg) and Cd (0.72–1.48 mg/kg). Tailing rich with efflorescent salt has maximum concentration of metals as well as maximum potential for releasing metals into the aqueous system.
Race, Remarital Status, and Infertility in 1910: More Evidence of Multiple Causes
Authors: London Andrew S. , Elman Cheryl
Published: September 2017

The dominant approach to studying historical race-related fertility differences has been to limit samples to first-married and younger women. We argue that studying historical race-related fertility differences in the context of remarriage is also important: remarriage and fertility patterns are both rooted in the biosocial conditions that produce racial disparities in health. We employ a multiple causes framework that attributes variation in fertility patterns to voluntary limitation and involuntary factors (infecundity/subfecundity). We use data from the 1910 Integrated Public Use Microdata Series and estimate zero-inflated negative binomial models that simultaneously distinguish those who are infecund (vs. fecund) and estimate the number of remarital births among the fecund. Our approach allows us to evaluate historical remarital (in)fertility differences, accounting for marital, socioeconomic, and geographic influences on fecundity and fertility, while empirically accounting for the influence of children “missing” from the household due to mortality and fostering/aging out. Consistent with past studies that emphasized poorer African American health as a major influence on involuntary infertility, we find that African American women were more likely than white women to be in the always-zero (infecund) group and to have fewer remarital births. Supplemental analyses nuance these findings but indicate that these results are robust. Overall, we find support for a multiple-causes perspective: while the findings are consistent with the adoption of deliberate fertility control among urban and higher-status women at higher parities, remarital fertility differences in 1910 also reflected greater infecundity/subfecundity among subgroups of women, especially African American women.
Back to Basics: Pneumatic Tourniquet Use
Authors: Spruce Lisa
Published: September 2017

Pneumatic tourniquets are commonly used in surgeries involving the limbs to achieve a nearly bloodless surgery and an optimal operating field or when administering regional anesthesia during surgery on a limb. Complications can arise from the use of tourniquets, including nerve injuries, pain, compartment syndrome, pressure injuries, chemical burns, and tissue necrosis. More serious injuries—including deep vein thrombosis, thermal damage to tissues, severe ischemic injuries, and rhabdomyolysis—also can occur. Therefore, it is important for perioperative team members to understand how to use pneumatic tourniquets effectively and safely to provide the best possible care to patients. This article addresses the safety risks to patients when using pneumatic tourniquets and optimal safe use of these devices.
Negative social comparisons and psychosis proneness in a healthy adolescent population
Authors: Cotier F.A. , Toulopoulou T.
Published: September 2017

There is growing evidence of an association between negative social comparisons (NSC) and both psychosis, and psychosis proneness. The majority of the work thus far, however, has focused largely on one type of NSC, namely, social rank. Whilst social rank is clearly an important factor, an individual's perception of belonging is likely also of importance; particularly, when considering individuals from collectivistic cultures such as China, where greater emphasis is placed on fitting into the group. There is also limited research investigating what factors may contribute towards the relationship between NSC and psychosis proneness, and to what extent this relationship may be due to common familial factors. To address these issues, we examined whether (1) Social rank and perceived belonging predict negative, positive and depressive psychotic experiences in a Chinese, adolescent, twin and sibling population, (2) coping styles moderate the impact of these relationships and (3), there is a familial association between NSC and psychosis proneness. Both social rank and perceived belonging were found to predict the negative and depressive dimensions of psychosis. These relationships were moderated by problem-focused coping styles. Interestingly, the association between perception of belonging, and negative psychotic experiences was familial—and stronger in Monozygotic twins—indicating perhaps shared aetiology due to common genes. Our findings highlight NSC as potential vulnerability markers for negative and depressive psychotic experiences, and suggest potentially different aetiological pathways amongst different NSC and different psychotic experiences. On a clinical level, our findings emphasize the need to consider coping styles when treating at-risk individuals.
Bite Wounds Caused by a Wild Boar: A Case Report
Authors: Nagasawa Hiroki , Omori Kazuhiko , Maeda Hiroyuki , Takeuchi Ikuto , Kato Suguru , Iso Takashi , Jitsuiki Kei , Yoshizawa Toshihiko , Ishikawa Kouhei , Ohsaka Hiromichi , Yanagawa Youichi
Published: September 2017

A 74-year-old man was attacked by a wild boar while on his way home from his farm in the daytime in winter 2017 on the rural Izu peninsula. He did not provoke the boar; however, hunters were hunting animals in the mountains near the farm around the same time. The boar bit his left leg, and the man fell to the ground. The boar continued biting the man’s left leg, and the man delivered a few kicks to the boar’s face with his right leg. The boar then bit his right foot and ran away. The man was taken to a hospital, and a physical examination revealed 3 bite wounds on his left leg and right foot. The wounds were irrigated with sterilized saline and closed with sutures under local anesthesia. He received antibiotics and a tetanus toxoid booster. The next day, his wounds were found to be infected, and pus was drained from them. After these treatments, his wounds healed successfully. Animal bite wounds are frequently contaminated. Accordingly, in addition to early proper wound treatment, close observation of the wound is required for both the early detection of any signs of infection and early medical intervention, including appropriate drainage of pus and irrigation as necessary.
Order and otherness in a photographic shot: Italians abroad and the Great War
Authors: Alù Giorgia
Published: September 2017

This article explores the meaning of photographic portraits of First World War Italian migrants, in terms of the tensions that emerge from their visual codes and the extent to which the subject’s interior reality and individuality might emerge from the reassuring surface imagery of photography and war. By analysing photographs of Italian migrants who either joined Italy’s army or enrolled in their adopted country’s army, we can see how the ‘otherness’ of the war – its artificial face of idealised glory, honour, and ordinariness, as presented through the portrait’s aesthetic codes – supplants the ‘otherness’ of the migrant individual, that is, their ambivalent life in between different cultures, traditions and identities. Yet, beyond the physical and psychological annihilation of the modern war, the photographic portrait, with its fabricated order and ‘otherness’, becomes, for the migrant soldier, a means of giving coherence to his dislocated existence. The nostalgic visual codes of the photograph, however, evoke an order that is now denied by the destructive mobility and mobilisation of both migration and war.
An evaluation of the BrainLAB 6D ExacTrac/Novalis Tx System for image-guided intracranial radiotherapy
Authors: Montgomery Claire , Collins Mark
Published: September 2017

Purpose

Stereotactic-fractionated radiotherapy and radiosurgery (RS) for benign and malignant intracranial lesions relies on a very high degree of accuracy in dose alignment due to the ablative dose delivered, and therefore requires a high-precision image guidance modality. The aim of this review is to investigate the localisation and verification accuracy performance of ExacTrac (ET) and Novalis Tx System.

Materials and methods

A systematic review of the database Science Direct was carried out using search terms ‘stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT)’ and ‘ET’. All articles before 2000 were excluded. Only articles that involved intracranial lesions, with the exception of one article, were included in the final review.

Results

Results from gold standard Hidden Target Tests and patient data show that patient position can be reproduced within 1·0 mm with the use of ET imaging. In addition, the 6 degrees of freedom algorithm function of ET allows for better translational accuracy as well optimal positioning when rotations are corrected for. Studies showed excellent correlation (p<0·01) between bony ET images and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) soft tissue registration, evidencing the safe reliance of bony anatomy for image guidance via ET. Shifts were found to be comparable between CBCT and ET.

Conclusion

There is the need for regular calibration to prevent systematic errors and potential geographic miss. However, due to ET’s additional benefits, including reduced concomitant dose and faster imaging time, ET is the superior image guidance modality for RS/SRT in the treatment of intracranial lesions.
Minimal point volumetric outlining and editing for radiotherapy treatment planning
Authors: Bridge Pete , Fielding Andrew , Rowntree Pamela , Pullar Andrew
Published: September 2017

Purpose

A novel radiotherapy outlining application uses a small number of user-assigned points across orthogonal planes to generate a mesh which is then edited across multiple slices using innovative three-dimensional (3D) sculpting tools. This paper presents the results of a bladder outlining study that compared times and volumes for the new tool with those of a conventional manual outlining tool.

Materials and methods

All students undertaking their first University radiotherapy planning module were invited to participate. Following training, they performed a timed outlining of the same male bladder dataset and provided feedback on their preferred method.

Results

Comparison of times from the resulting ten datasets demonstrated that the 3D segmentation tool was significantly faster than conventional software with a mean time of 11·9 minutes compared with 19·2 minutes (p=0·03). The users expressed a preference for the new tool (eight users) over the conventional outlining software (two users).

Conclusions

A minimal point 3D volumetric manual outlining tool utilising orthogonal computed tomography planes demonstrated significant time saving for bladder segmentation compared with axial-based outlining within a group of novice outliners. Future work aims to establish the role of the 3D multi-slice sculpting tools in editing of auto-segmentation derived contour sets.
Deciphering Deluges
Authors: Witman Sarah
Published: September 2017

New modeling approach reexamines two key assumptions about flooding.
Conductance through a helical state in an Indium antimonide nanowire
Authors: Kammhuber J. , Cassidy M. C. , Pei F. , Nowak M. P. , Vuik A. , Gül Ö. , Car D. , Plissard S. R. , Bakkers E. P. A. M. , Wimmer M. , Kouwenhoven L. P.
Published: September 2017

The motion of an electron and its spin are generally not coupled. However in a one-dimensional material with strong spin-orbit interaction (SOI) a helical state may emerge at finite magnetic fields, where electrons of opposite spin will have opposite momentum. The existence of this helical state has applications for spin filtering and cooper pair splitter devices and is an essential ingredient for realizing topologically protected quantum computing using Majorana zero modes. Here, we report measurements of a quantum point contact in an indium antimonide nanowire. At magnetic fields exceeding 3 T, the 2 e2/h conductance plateau shows a re-entrant feature toward 1 e2/h which increases linearly in width with magnetic field. Rotating the magnetic field clearly attributes this experimental signature to SOI and by comparing our observations with a numerical model we extract a spin-orbit energy of approximately 6.5 meV, which is stronger than the spin-orbit energy obtained by other methods.
Capture of organic iodides from nuclear waste by metal-organic framework-based molecular traps
Authors: Li Baiyan , Dong Xinglong , Wang Hao , Ma Dingxuan , Tan Kui , Jensen Stephanie , Deibert Benjamin J. , Butler Joseph , Cure Jeremy , Shi Zhan , Thonhauser Timo , Chabal Yves J. , Han Yu , Li Jing
Published: September 2017

Effective capture of radioactive organic iodides from nuclear waste remains a significant challenge due to the drawbacks of current adsorbents such as low uptake capacity, high cost, and non-recyclability. We report here a general approach to overcome this challenge by creating radioactive organic iodide molecular traps through functionalization of metal-organic framework materials with tertiary amine-binding sites. The molecular trap exhibits a high CH3I saturation uptake capacity of 71 wt% at 150 °C, which is more than 340% higher than the industrial adsorbent Ag0@MOR under identical conditions. These functionalized metal-organic frameworks also serve as good adsorbents at low temperatures. Furthermore, the resulting adsorbent can be recycled multiple times without loss of capacity, making recyclability a reality. In combination with its chemical and thermal stability, high capture efficiency and low cost, the adsorbent demonstrates promise for industrial radioactive organic iodides capture from nuclear waste. The capture mechanism was investigated by experimental and theoretical methods.
In vivo quantitative imaging of tumor pH by nanosonophore assisted multispectral photoacoustic imaging
Authors: Jo Janggun , Lee Chang H. , Kopelman Raoul , Wang Xueding
Published: September 2017

Changes of physiological pH are correlated with several pathologies, therefore the development of more effective medical pH imaging methods is of paramount importance. Here, we report on an in vivo pH mapping nanotechnology. This subsurface chemical imaging is based on tumor-targeted, pH sensing nanoprobes and multi-wavelength photoacoustic imaging (PAI). The nanotechnology consists of an optical pH indicator, SNARF-5F, 5-(and-6)-Carboxylic Acid, encapsulated into polyacrylamide nanoparticles with surface modification for tumor targeting. Facilitated by multi-wavelength PAI plus a spectral unmixing technique, the accuracy of pH measurement inside the biological environment is not susceptible to the background optical absorption of biomolecules, i.e., hemoglobins. As a result, both the pH levels and the hemodynamic properties across the entire tumor can be quantitatively evaluated with high sensitivity and high spatial resolution in in vivo cancer models. The imaging technology reported here holds the potential for both research on and clinical management of a variety of cancers.
In situ wrapping of the cathode material in lithium-sulfur batteries
Authors: Hu Chenji , Chen Hongwei , Shen Yanbin , Lu Di , Zhao Yanfei , Lu An-Hui , Wu Xiaodong , Lu Wei , Chen Liwei
Published: September 2017

While lithium–sulfur batteries are poised to be the next-generation high-density energy storage devices, the intrinsic polysulfide shuttle has limited their practical applications. Many recent investigations have focused on the development of methods to wrap the sulfur material with a diffusion barrier layer. However, there is a trade-off between a perfect preassembled wrapping layer and electrolyte infiltration into the wrapped sulfur cathode. Here, we demonstrate an in situ wrapping approach to construct a compact layer on carbon/sulfur composite particles with an imperfect wrapping layer. This special configuration suppresses the shuttle effect while allowing polysulfide diffusion within the interior of the wrapped composite particles. As a result, the wrapped cathode for lithium–sulfur batteries greatly improves the Coulombic efficiency and cycle life. Importantly, the capacity decay of the cell at 1000 cycles is as small as 0.03% per cycle at 1672 mA g–1.
Measurement of gut permeability using fluorescent tracer agent technology
Authors: Dorshow Richard B. , Hall-Moore Carla , Shaikh Nurmohammad , Talcott Michael R. , Faubion William A. , Rogers Thomas E. , Shieh Jeng Jong , Debreczeny Martin P. , Johnson James R. , Dyer Roy B. , Singh Ravinder J. , Tarr Phillip I.
Published: September 2017

The healthy gut restricts macromolecular and bacterial movement across tight junctions, while increased intestinal permeability accompanies many intestinal disorders. Dual sugar absorption tests, which measure intestinal permeability in humans, present challenges. Therefore, we asked if enterally administered fluorescent tracers could ascertain mucosal integrity, because transcutaneous measurement of differentially absorbed molecules could enable specimen-free evaluation of permeability. We induced small bowel injury in rats using high- (15 mg/kg), intermediate- (10 mg/kg), and low- (5 mg/kg) dose indomethacin. Then, we compared urinary ratios of enterally administered fluorescent tracers MB-402 and MB-301 to urinary ratios of sugar tracers lactulose and rhamnose. We also tested the ability of transcutaneous sensors to measure the ratios of absorbed fluorophores. Urinary fluorophore and sugar ratios reflect gut injury in an indomethacin dose dependent manner. The fluorophores generated smooth curvilinear ratio trajectories with wide dynamic ranges. The more chaotic sugar ratios had narrower dynamic ranges. Fluorophore ratios measured through the skin distinguished indomethacin-challenged from same day control rats. Enterally administered fluorophores can identify intestinal injury in a rat model. Fluorophore ratios are measureable through the skin, obviating drawbacks of dual sugar absorption tests. Pending validation, this technology should be considered for human use.
Port-based teleportation in arbitrary dimension
Authors: Studziński Michał , Strelchuk Sergii , Mozrzymas Marek , Horodecki Michał
Published: September 2017

Port-based teleportation (PBT), introduced in 2008, is a type of quantum teleportation protocol which transmits the state to the receiver without requiring any corrections on the receiver’s side. Evaluating the performance of PBT was computationally intractable and previous attempts succeeded only with small systems. We study PBT protocols and fully characterize their performance for arbitrary dimensions and number of ports. We develop new mathematical tools to study the symmetries of the measurement operators that arise in these protocols and belong to the algebra of partially transposed permutation operators. First, we develop the representation theory of the mentioned algebra which provides an elegant way of understanding the properties of subsystems of a large system with general symmetries. In particular, we introduce the theory of the partially reduced irreducible representations which we use to obtain a simpler representation of the algebra of partially transposed permutation operators and thus explicitly determine the properties of any port-based teleportation scheme for fixed dimension in polynomial time.
Soil organic phosphorus transformations during 2000 years of paddy-rice and non-paddy management in the Yangtze River Delta, China
Authors: Jiang Xiaoqian , Amelung Wulf , Cade-Menun Barbara J. , Bol Roland , Willbold Sabine , Cao Zhihong , Klumpp Erwin
Published: September 2017

The contents and properties of soil organic phosphorus (Po) largely drive ecosystem productivity with increasing development of natural soil. We hypothesized that soil Po would initially increase with paddy management and then would persist under steady-state conditions. We analyzed soils from a 2000-year chronosequence of a rice-wheat rotation and an adjacent non-paddy 700-year chronosequence in Bay of Hangzhou (China) for their Po composition using solution 31P-NMR after NaOH-EDTA extraction. Land reclamation promoted Po accumulation in both paddy and non-paddy topsoils (depths ≤ 18 cm) until steady-state equilibria were reached within 200 years of land use. Greater Po concentrations were found, however, in the non-paddy subsoils than in those under paddy management. Apparently, the formation of a dense paddy plough pan hindered long-term Po accumulation in the paddy subsoil. The surface soils showed higher proportions of orthophosphate diesters under paddy than under non-paddy management, likely reflecting suppressed decomposition of crop residues despite elevated microbial P compounds stocks under anaerobic paddy-rice management. Intriguingly, the composition of Po was remarkably stable after 194-years of paddy management and 144-years of non-paddy management, suggesting novel steady-state equilibria of P dynamics had been reached in these man-made ecosystems after less than two centuries.
Human electronegative low-density lipoprotein modulates cardiac repolarization via LOX-1-mediated alteration of sarcolemmal ion channels
Authors: Lee An-Sheng , Xi Yutao , Lai Chin-Hu , Chen Wei-Yu , Peng Hsien-Yu , Chan Hua-Chen , Chen Chu-Huang , Chang Kuan-Cheng
Published: September 2017

Dyslipidemia is associated with greater risk of ventricular tachyarrhythmias in patients with cardiovascular diseases. We aimed to examine whether the most electronegative subfraction of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), L5, is correlated with QTc prolongation in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and investigate the effects of human L5 on the electrophysiological properties of cardiomyocytes in relation to the lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor (LOX-1). L5 was isolated from the plasma of 40 patients with angiography documented CAD and 13 patients with no CAD to correlate the QTc interval respectively. The mean concentration of L5 was higher and correlated with QTc in patients with CAD compared to controls. To examine the direct effect of L5 on QTc, mice were intravenously injected with L5 or L1. L5-injected wild-type but not LOX-1−/− mice showed longer QTc compared to L1-injected animals in vivo with corresponding longer action potential duration (APD) in cardiomyocytes incubated with L5 in vitro. The APD prolongation was mediated by an increase of L-type calcium current and a decrease of transient outward potassium current. We show that L5 was positively correlated with QTc prolongation in patients with ischemic heart disease. L5 can modulate cardiac repolarization via LOX-1-mediated alteration sarcolemmal ionic currents.
Sliding friction of graphene/hexagonal –boron nitride heterojunctions: a route to robust superlubricity
Authors: Mandelli D. , Leven I. , Hod O. , Urbakh M.
Published: September 2017

The origin of ultra-low friction exhibited by heterogeneous junctions of graphene and hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) is revealed. For aligned interfaces, we identify a characteristic contact size, below which the junction behaves like its homogeneous counterparts with friction forces that grow linearly with the contact area. Superlubricity sets in due to the progressive appearance of Moiré patterns resulting in a collective stick-slip motion of the elevated super-structure ridges that turns into smooth soliton-like gliding with increasing contact size. Incommensurability effects are enhanced in misaligned contacts, where the friction coefficients further drop by orders of magnitude. Our fully atomistic simulations show that the superlubric regime in graphene/h-BN heterostructures persists up to significantly higher loads compared to the well-studied twisted homogeneous graphene interface. This indicates the potential of achieving robust superlubricity in practical applications using two-dimensional layered materials heterojunctions.
Unveiling CO2 heterogeneous freezing plumes during champagne cork popping
Authors: Liger-Belair Gérard , Cordier Daniel , Honvault Jacques , Cilindre Clara
Published: September 2017

Cork popping from clear transparent bottles of champagne stored at different temperatures (namely, 6, 12, and 20 °C) was filmed through high-speed video imaging in the visible light spectrum. During the cork popping process, a plume mainly composed of gaseous CO2 with traces of water vapour freely expands out of the bottleneck through ambient air. Most interestingly, for the bottles stored at 20 °C, the characteristic grey-white cloud of fog classically observed above the bottlenecks of champagne stored at lower temperatures simply disappeared. It is replaced by a more evanescent plume, surprisingly blue, starting from the bottleneck. We suggest that heterogeneous freezing of CO2 occurs on ice water clusters homogeneously nucleated in the bottlenecks, depending on the saturation ratio experienced by gas-phase CO2 after adiabatic expansion (indeed highly bottle temperature dependent). Moreover, and as observed for the bottles stored at 20 °C, we show that the freezing of only a small portion of all the available CO2 is able to pump the energy released through adiabatic expansion, thus completely inhibiting the condensation of water vapour found in air packages adjacent to the gas volume gushing out of the bottleneck.
Personalized structural image analysis in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Rummel Christian , Slavova Nedelina , Seiler Andrea , Abela Eugenio , Hauf Martinus , Burren Yuliya , Weisstanner Christian , Vulliemoz Serge , Seeck Margitta , Schindler Kaspar , Wiest Roland
Published: September 2017

Volumetric and morphometric studies have demonstrated structural abnormalities related to chronic epilepsies on a cohort- and population-based level. On a single-patient level, specific patterns of atrophy or cortical reorganization may be widespread and heterogeneous but represent potential targets for further personalized image analysis and surgical therapy. The goal of this study was to compare morphometric data analysis in 37 patients with temporal lobe epilepsies with expert-based image analysis, pre-informed by seizure semiology and ictal scalp EEG. Automated image analysis identified abnormalities exceeding expert-determined structural epileptogenic lesions in 86% of datasets. If EEG lateralization and expert MRI readings were congruent, automated analysis detected abnormalities consistent on a lobar and hemispheric level in 82% of datasets. However, in 25% of patients EEG lateralization and expert readings were inconsistent. Automated analysis localized to the site of resection in 60% of datasets in patients who underwent successful epilepsy surgery. Morphometric abnormalities beyond the mesiotemporal structures contributed to subtype characterisation. We conclude that subject-specific morphometric information is in agreement with expert image analysis and scalp EEG in the majority of cases. However, automated image analysis may provide non-invasive additional information in cases with equivocal radiological and neurophysiological findings.
Spatio-Temporal Patterns of the International Merger and Acquisition Network
Authors: Dueñas Marco , Mastrandrea Rossana , Barigozzi Matteo , Fagiolo Giorgio
Published: September 2017

This paper analyses the world web of mergers and acquisitions (M&As) using a complex network approach. We use data of M&As to build a temporal sequence of binary and weighted-directed networks for the period 1995–2010 and 224 countries (nodes) connected according to their M&As flows (links). We study different geographical and temporal aspects of the international M&A network (IMAN), building sequences of filtered sub-networks whose links belong to specific intervals of distance or time. Given that M&As and trade are complementary ways of reaching foreign markets, we perform our analysis using statistics employed for the study of the international trade network (ITN), highlighting the similarities and differences between the ITN and the IMAN. In contrast to the ITN, the IMAN is a low density network characterized by a persistent giant component with many external nodes and low reciprocity. Clustering patterns are very heterogeneous and dynamic. High-income economies are the main acquirers and are characterized by high connectivity, implying that most countries are targets of a few acquirers. Like in the ITN, geographical distance strongly impacts the structure of the IMAN: link-weights and node degrees have a non-linear relation with distance, and an assortative pattern is present at short distances.
Interdisciplinary, Comprehensive Oral and Ocular Evaluation of Patients with Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome
Authors: Tashbayev Behzod , Rusthen Shermin , Young Alix , Herlofson Bente Brokstad , Hove Lene Hystad , Singh Preet Bano , Rykke Morten , Aqrawi Lara Adnan , Chen Xiangjun , Utheim Øygunn Aass , Utheim Tor Paaske , Palm Øyvind , Jensen Janicke Liaaen
Published: September 2017

A comprehensive evaluation of oral and ocular symptoms and findings in primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) patients may provide valuable information for management. Medical history was obtained from female pSS patients, and sex- and age-matched non-SS patients with sicca symptoms (non-SS sicca controls) as well as healthy subjects without sicca complaints (healthy controls). Oral (Summated Xerostomia Inventory, SXI) and ocular (McMonnies Dry Eye questionnaire, MDEIS, and Ocular Surface Disease Index, OSDI) subjective complaints were recorded. Objective findings including clinical oral dryness scores (CODS), unstimulated and stimulated saliva secretion rates (UWS/SWS), Schirmer I test, tear osmolarity, tear film break-up time (TFBUT), and ocular surface staining (OSS) were determined. The pSS and non-SS sicca controls were extensively troubled by subjective dryness, while the pSS group had higher CODS, significantly lower saliva and tear secretion, shorter TFBUT and higher OSS than both control groups. Furthermore, candida counts were significantly higher in the pSS patients. In the pSS group, subjective oral dryness significantly correlated with ocular dryness (MDEIS: r = 0.5, OSDI: r = 0.413) and SWS was significantly correlated with Schirmer I (r = 0.419). The findings imply that interdisciplinary subjective and objective evaluation of patients with xerostomia and xerophthalmia not only have implications for patient care, but also may guide clinicians in differentiating between pSS and non-SS sicca patients.
A general mechanistic model enables predictions of the biological effectiveness of different qualities of radiation
Authors: McMahon Stephen J. , McNamara Aimee L. , Schuemann Jan , Paganetti Harald , Prise Kevin M.
Published: September 2017

Predicting the responses of biological systems to ionising radiation is extremely challenging, particularly when comparing X-rays and heavy charged particles, due to the uncertainty in their Relative Biological Effectiveness (RBE). Here we assess the power of a novel mechanistic model of DNA damage repair to predict the sensitivity of cells to X-ray, proton or carbon ion exposures in vitro against over 800 published experiments. By specifying the phenotypic characteristics of cells, the model was able to effectively stratify X-ray radiosensitivity (R2 = 0.74) without the use of any cell-specific fitting parameters. This model was extended to charged particle exposures by integrating Monte Carlo calculated dose distributions, and successfully fit to cellular proton radiosensitivity using a single dose-related parameter (R2 = 0.66). Using these parameters, the model was also shown to be predictive of carbon ion RBE (R2 = 0.77). This model can effectively predict cellular sensitivity to a range of radiations, and has the potential to support developments of personalised radiotherapy independent of radiation type.
Patterns of change in high frequency precipitation variability over North America
Authors: Roque-Malo Susana , Kumar Praveen
Published: September 2017

Precipitation variability encompasses attributes associated with the sequencing and duration of events of the full range of magnitudes. However, climate change studies have largely focused on extreme events. Using analyses of long-term weather station data, we show that high frequency events, such as fraction of wet days in a year and average duration of wet and dry periods, are undergoing significant changes across North America. Further, these changes are more prevalent and larger than those associated with extremes. Such trends also exist for events of a range of magnitudes. Existence of localized clusters with opposing trend to that of broader geographic variation illustrates the role of microclimate and other drivers of trends. Such hitherto unknown patterns over the entire North American continent have the potential to significantly inform our characterization of the resilience and vulnerability of a broad range of ecosystems and agricultural and socio-economic systems. They can also set new benchmarks for climate model assessments.
Spatiotemporal brain dynamics supporting the immediate automatization of inhibitory control by implementation intentions
Authors: De Pretto Michael , Rochat Lucien , Spierer Lucas
Published: September 2017

While cognitive interventions aiming at reinforcing intentional executive control of unwanted response showed only modest effects on impulse control disorders, the establishment of fast automatic, stimulus-driven inhibition of responses to specific events with implementation intention self-regulation strategies has proven to be an effective remediation approach. However, the neurocognitive mechanisms underlying implementation intentions remain largely unresolved. We addressed this question by comparing electrical neuroimaging analyses of event-related potentials recorded during a Go/NoGo task between groups of healthy participants receiving either standard or implementation intentions instructions on the inhibition stimuli. Inhibition performance improvements with implementation intentions were associated with a Group by Stimulus interaction 200–250 ms post-stimulus onset driven by a selective decrease in response to the inhibition stimuli within the left superior temporal gyrus, the right precuneus and the right temporo-parietal junction. We further observed that the implementation intentions group showed already at the beginning of the task the pattern of task-related functional activity reached after practice in the group having received standard instructions. We interpret our results in terms of an immediate establishment of an automatic, bottom-up form of inhibitory control by implementation intentions, supported by stimulus-driven retrieval of verbally encoded stimulus-response mapping rules, which in turn triggered inhibitory processes.
CAPS-1 requires its C2, PH, MHD1 and DCV domains for dense core vesicle exocytosis in mammalian CNS neurons
Authors: van Keimpema Linda , Kooistra Robbelien , Toonen Ruud F. , Verhage Matthijs
Published: September 2017

CAPS (calcium-dependent activator protein for secretion) are multi-domain proteins involved in regulated exocytosis of synaptic vesicles (SVs) and dense core vesicles (DCVs). Here, we assessed the contribution of different CAPS-1 domains to its subcellular localization and DCV exocytosis by expressing CAPS-1 mutations in four functional domains in CAPS-1/-2 null mutant (CAPS DKO) mouse hippocampal neurons, which are severely impaired in DCV exocytosis. CAPS DKO neurons showed normal development and no defects in DCV biogenesis and their subcellular distribution. Truncation of the CAPS-1 C-terminus (CAPS Δ654-1355) impaired CAPS-1 synaptic enrichment. Mutations in the C2 (K428E or G476E) or pleckstrin homology (PH; R558D/K560E/K561E) domain did not. However, all mutants rescued DCV exocytosis in CAPS DKO neurons to only 20% of wild type CAPS-1 exocytosis capacity. To assess the relative importance of CAPS for both secretory pathways, we compared effect sizes of CAPS-1/-2 deficiency on SV and DCV exocytosis. Using the same (intense) stimulation, DCV exocytosis was impaired relatively strong (96% inhibition) compared to SV exocytosis (39%). Together, these data show that the CAPS-1 C-terminus regulates synaptic enrichment of CAPS-1. All CAPS-1 functional domains are required, and the C2 and PH domain together are not sufficient, for DCV exocytosis in mammalian CNS neurons.
A novel and stress adaptive alternative oxidase derived from alternative splicing of duplicated exon in oyster Crassostrea virginica
Authors: Liu Ming , Guo Ximing
Published: September 2017

Alternative oxidase (AOX) is a mitochondrial inner-membrane oxidase that accepts electrons directly from ubiquinol and reduces oxygen to water without involving cytochrome-linked electron transport chain. It is highly conserved in many non-vertebrate taxa and may protect cells against hypoxia and oxidative stress. We identified two AOX mRNAs in eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica, CvAOXA and CvAOXB, which differ by 170 bp but encode AOXs of the same size. Sequence analyses indicate that CvAOX has 10 exons with a tandem duplication of exon 10, and 3′ alternative splicing using either the first or second exon 10 produces the two variants CvAOXB or CvAOXA, respectively. The second exon 10 in CvAOXA is more conserved across taxa, while the first exon 10 in CvAOXB contains novel mutations surrounding key functional sites. Both variants are expressed in all organs with the expression of CvAOXA higher than that of CvAOXB under normal condition. Under stress by air exposure, CvAOXB showed significantly higher expression than CvAOXA and became the dominant variant. This is the first case of alternative splicing of duplicated exon in a mollusc that produces a novel variant adaptive to stress, highlighting genome’s versatility in generating diversity and phenotypic plasticity.
SERPINB2 is a novel TGFβ-responsive lineage fate determinant of human bone marrow stromal cells
Authors: Elsafadi Mona , Manikandan Muthurangan , Atteya Muhammad , Abu Dawud Raed , Almalki Sami , Ali Kaimkhani Zahid , Aldahmash Abdullah , Alajez Nehad M. , Alfayez Musaad , Kassem Moustapha , Mahmood Amer
Published: September 2017

TGF-β1, a multifunctional regulator of cell growth and differentiation, is the most abundant bone matrix growth factor. During differentiation of human bone stromal cells (hBMSCs), which constitute bone marrow osteoblast (OS) and adipocyte (AD) progenitor cells, continuous TGF-β1 (10 ng/ml) treatment enhanced OS differentiation as evidenced by increased mineralised matrix production. Conversely, pulsed TGF-β1 administration during the commitment phase increased mature lipid-filled adipocyte numbers. Global gene expression analysis using DNA microarrays in hBMSCs treated with TGF-β1 identified 1587 up- and 1716 down-regulated genes in OS-induced, TGF-β1-treated compared to OS-induced hBMSCs (2.0 fold change (FC), p < 0.05). Gene ontology (GO) analysis revealed enrichment in ‘osteoblast differentiation’ and ‘skeletal system development-associated’ genes and up-regulation of several genes involved in ‘osteoblastic-differentiation related signalling pathways’. In AD-induced, TGF-β1-treated compared to AD-induced hBMSCs, we identified 323 up- and 369 down-regulated genes (2.0 FC, p < 0.05) associated with ‘fat cell differentiation’, ‘fatty acid derivative biosynthesis process’, ‘fatty acid derivative metabolic process’, and ‘inositol lipid-mediated’. Serpin peptidase inhibitor, clade B (ovalbumin), member 2 (SERPINB2) was down-regulated 3-fold in TGF-β1-treated hBMSCs. siRNA-mediated SERPINB2 inhibition enhanced OS and AD differentiation. Thus, TGF-β signalling is important for hBMSC OS and AD differentiation and SERPINB2 is a TGF-β-responsive gene that plays a negative regulatory role in hBMSC differentiation.
Redundant Functions for Nap1 and Chz1 in H2A.Z Deposition
Authors: Dronamraju Raghuvar , Ramachandran Srinivas , Jha Deepak K. , Adams Alexander T. , DiFiore Julia V. , Parra Michael A. , Dokholyan Nikolay V. , Strahl Brian D.
Published: September 2017

H2A.Z is a histone H2A variant that contributes to transcriptional regulation, DNA damage response and limits heterochromatin spreading. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, H2A.Z is deposited by the SWR-C complex, which relies on several histone chaperones including Nap1 and Chz1 to deliver H2A.Z-H2B dimers to SWR-C. However, the mechanisms by which Nap1 and Chz1 cooperate to bind H2A.Z and their contribution to H2A.Z deposition in chromatin is not well understood. Using structural modeling and molecular dynamics simulations, we identify a series of H2A.Z residues that form a chaperone-specific binding surface. Mutation of these residues revealed different surface requirements for Nap1 and Chz1 interaction with H2A.Z. Consistent with this result, we found that loss of Nap1 or Chz1 individually resulted in mild defects in H2A.Z deposition, but that deletion of both Nap1 and Chz1 resulted in a significant reduction of H2A.Z deposition at promoters and led to heterochromatin spreading. Together, our findings reveal unique H2A.Z surface dependences for Nap1 and Chz1 and a redundant role for these chaperones in H2A.Z deposition.
Ezrin links CFTR to TLR4 signaling to orchestrate anti-bacterial immune response in macrophages
Authors: Di Pietro Caterina , Zhang Ping-xia , O’Rourke Timothy K. , Murray Thomas S. , Wang Lin , Britto Clemente J. , Koff Jonathan L. , Krause Diane S. , Egan Marie E. , Bruscia Emanuela M.
Published: September 2017

Macrophages (MΦs) with mutations in cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) have blunted induction of PI3K/AKT signaling in response to TLR4 activation, leading to hyperinflammation, a hallmark of cystic fibrosis (CF) disease. Here, we show that Ezrin links CFTR and TLR4 signaling, and is necessary for PI3K/AKT signaling induction in response to MΦ activation. Because PI3K/AKT signaling is critical for immune regulation, Ezrin-deficient MΦs are hyperinflammatory and have impaired Pseudomonas aeruginosa phagocytosis, phenocopying CF MΦs. Importantly, we show that activated CF MΦs have reduced protein levels and altered localization of the remaining Ezrin to filopodia that form during activation. In summary, we have described a direct link from CFTR to Ezrin to PI3K/AKT signaling that is disrupted in CF, and thus promotes hyper-inflammation and weakens phagocytosis.
Identification of Aspergillus fumigatus UDP-Galactopyranose Mutase Inhibitors
Authors: Martin del Campo Julia S. , Eckshtain-Levi Meital , Vogelaar Nancy J. , Sobrado Pablo
Published: September 2017

Aspergillus fumigatus is an opportunistic human pathogen responsible for deadly, invasive infections in immunocompromised patients. The A. fumigatus cell wall is a complex network of polysaccharides among them galactofuran, which is absent in humans. UDP-galactopyranose mutase (UGM) catalyzes the conversion of UDP-galactofuranose (UDP-Galf) to UDP-galactopyranose (UDP-Galp) and is an important virulence factor. UGM is a flavin-dependent enzyme that requires the reduced flavin for activity; flavin reduction is achieved by reaction with NADPH. The aim of this work was to discover inhibitors of UGM by targeting the NADPH binding site using an ADP-TAMRA probe in a high-throughput screening assay. The flavonoids (2S)-hesperetin and (2S)-naringenin were validated as competitive inhibitors of UGM against NADPH with Ki values of 6 µM and 74 µM, respectively. To gain insight into the active chemical substituents involved in the inhibition of UGM, several derivatives of these inhibitors were studied. The results show that the hydroxyl groups of (2S)-hesperetin are important for inhibition, in particular the phenyl-chroman moiety. Congo red susceptibility assay and growth temperature effects showed that these compounds affected cell wall biosynthesis in A. fumigatus. This work is the first report of inhibition studies on UGM from eukaryotic human pathogens.