bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal cycling can extend tool life in orthopaedic operating rooms
Authors: Katchky Ryan N. , McLachlin Stewart D. , Wong Edwin K.Y. , Finkelstein Joel , Kreder Hans J. , Whyne Cari M.
Published: August 2015

Thermal cycling is a temperature modulation process developed to improve the performance, durability and longevity of materials. This process has been successfully utilized in the automotive, aeronautic and manufacturing industries. Surgical cutting tools undergo cyclical loading and generally fail by dulling, suggesting that thermal cycling may improve their performance and longevity. Ten 2.5 mm orthopaedic drill bits were randomized, with five undergoing thermal cycling within their sterile packaging and five serving as untreated controls. Using a servohydraulic testing machine, 100 drilling cycles were performed with each drill bit into the diaphyseal region of bovine femurs. After every 25 cycles, data was collected by performing identical drilling cycles into simulated human cortical bone material. Maximum force, maximum normalized torque and drilling work were measured, and a scanning electron microscope was used to measure outer corner wear. After 100 drilling cycles, the maximum drilling force, maximum normalized torque, drilling work and microscopic outer corner wear were all significantly lower for the treated drill bits (p < 0.05). Thermal cycling has the potential to decrease operating room costs and thermal necrosis associated with dull cutting tools. Application of this technology may also be relevant to surgical cutting tools such as saw blades, burrs and reamers. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:539–543, 2016.
Effect of Laminin‐A4 inhibition on cluster formation of human osteoarthritic chondrocytes
Authors: Moazedi‐Fuerst Florentine C. , Gruber Gerald , Stradner Martin H. , Guidolin Diego , Jones Jonathan C. , Bodo Koppany , Wagner Karin , Peischler Daniela , Krischan Verena , Weber Jennifer , Sadoghi Patrick , Glehr Mathias , Leithner Andreas , Graninger Winfried B.
Published: August 2015

Formation of chondrocyte clusters is not only a morphological sign of osteoarthritis but it is also observed in cell culture. Active locomotion of chondrocytes is controlled by integrins in vitro. Integrins bind to Laminin‐A4 (LAMA4), a protein that is highly expressed in vivo in clusters of hypertrophic chondrocytes. We tested if LAMA4 is relevant for cluster formation. Human chondrocytes were cultured in a 2D matrigel model and treated with different concentrations of a monoclonal inhibitory anti‐LAMA4‐antibody. Migration and cluster formation was analysed using live cell imaging technique. Full genome gene expression analysis was performed to assess the effect of LAMA4 inhibition. The data set were screened for genes relevant to cell motility. F‐actin staining was performed to document cytoskeletal changes. Anti‐LAMA4 treatment significantly reduced the rate of cluster formation in human chondrocytes. Cells changed their surface morphology and exhibited fewer protrusions. Expression of genes associated with cellular motility and migration was affected by anti‐LAMA4 treatment. LAMA4‐integrin signalling affects chondrocyte morphology and gene expression in vitro, thereby contributing to cluster formation in human osteoarthritic chondrocytes. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:419–426, 2016.
GBA Variants are associated with a distinct pattern of cognitive deficits in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Mata Ignacio F. , Leverenz James B. , Weintraub Daniel , Trojanowski John Q. , Chen‐Plotkin Alice , Van Deerlin Vivianna M. , Ritz Beate , Rausch Rebecca , Factor Stewart A. , Wood‐Siverio Cathy , Quinn Joseph F. , Chung Kathryn A. , Peterson‐Hiller Amie L. , Goldman Jennifer G. , Stebbins Glenn T. , Bernard Bryan , Espay Alberto J. , Revilla Fredy J. , Devoto Johnna , Rosenthal Liana S. , Dawson Ted M. , Albert Marilyn S. , Tsuang Debby , Huston Haley , Yearout Dora , Hu Shu‐Ching , Cholerton Brenna A. , Montine Thomas J. , Edwards Karen L. , Zabetian Cyrus P.
Published: August 2015

Background

Loss‐of‐function mutations in the GBA gene are associated with more severe cognitive impairment in PD, but the nature of these deficits is not well understood and whether common GBA polymorphisms influence cognitive performance in PD is not yet known.

Methods

We screened the GBA coding region for mutations and the E326K polymorphism in 1,369 PD patients enrolled at eight sites from the PD Cognitive Genetics Consortium. Participants underwent assessments of learning and memory (Hopkins Verbal Learning Test–Revised), working memory/executive function (Letter‐Number Sequencing Test and Trail Making Test A and B), language processing (semantic and phonemic verbal fluency), visuospatial abilities (Benton Judgment of Line Orientation), and global cognitive function (MoCA). We used linear regression to test for association between genotype and cognitive performance with adjustment for important covariates and accounted for multiple testing using Bonferroni's corrections.

Results

Mutation carriers (n = 60; 4.4%) and E326K carriers (n = 65; 4.7%) had a higher prevalence of dementia (mutations, odds ratio = 5.1; P = 9.7 × 10−6; E326K, odds ratio = 6.4; P = 5.7 × 10−7) and lower performance on Letter‐Number Sequencing (mutations, corrected P[Pc] = 9.0 × 10−4; E326K, Pc = 0.036), Trail Making B‐A (mutations, Pc = 0.018; E326K, Pc = 0.018), and Benton Judgment of Line Orientation (mutations, Pc = 0.0045; E326K, Pc = 0.0013).

Conclusions

Both GBA mutations and E326K are associated with a distinct cognitive profile characterized by greater impairment in working memory/executive function and visuospatial abilities in PD patients. The discovery that E326K negatively impacts cognitive performance approximately doubles the proportion of PD patients we now recognize are at risk for more severe GBA‐related cognitive deficits. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
New treatments for levodopa‐induced motor complications
Authors: Rascol Olivier , Perez‐Lloret Santiago , Ferreira Joaquim J
Published: August 2015

Levodopa (l‐dopa)‐induced motor complications, including motor fluctuations and dyskinesia, affect almost all patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) at some point during the disease course, with relevant implications in global health status. Various dopaminergic and nondopaminergic pharmacological approaches as well as more invasive strategies including devices and functional surgery are available to manage such complications. In spite of undisputable improvements during the last decades, many patients remain significantly disabled, and a fully satisfying management ofl‐dopa–induced motor complications is still an important unmet need of PD therapy. This article reviews the recent trial results published from 2013 to April 2015 about pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions to treat motor complications. Randomized controlled trials conducted in patients suffering from already established complications showed that new levodopa (l‐dopa) formulations such as intrajejunall‐dopa–carbidopa infusion and bilayered extended‐releasel‐dopa–carbidopa (IPX066) can improve motor fluctuations. Positive results were also obtained with a new monoamine oxidase B (MAO‐B) inhibitor (safinamide) and a catechol‐O‐methyltransferase COMT inhibitor (opicapone). Pilot data suggest that new formulations of dopamine agonists (inhaled apomorphine) are also of potential interest. The development of novel nondopaminergic adenosine A2A antagonists (istradefylline, preladenant, and tozadenant) to treat motor fluctuations showed conflicting results in phase 2 and phase 3 trials. For dyskinesia, trials with new amantadine extended‐release formulations confirmed the interest of the glutamatergicN‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) antagonist approach. Positive pilot antidyskinetic effects were also recently reported using serotonin agents such as eltoprazine and glutamate mGluR5 modulators such as mavoglurant. However, the translation to clinical practice of such innovative concepts remains challenging, because subsequent phase 2 trials conducted to confirm the antidyskynetic effects of mavoglurant failed, leading to the interruption of the development of this compound for this indication. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Radiofrequency pulse design using nonlinear gradient magnetic fields
Authors: Kopanoglu Emre , Constable R. Todd
Published: August 2015

Purpose

An iterative k‐space trajectory and radiofrequency (RF) pulse design method is proposed for excitation using nonlinear gradient magnetic fields.

Theory and Methods

The spatial encoding functions (SEFs) generated by nonlinear gradient fields are linearly dependent in Cartesian coordinates. Left uncorrected, this may lead to flip angle variations in excitation profiles. In the proposed method, SEFs (k‐space samples) are selected using a matching pursuit algorithm, and the RF pulse is designed using a conjugate gradient algorithm. Three variants of the proposed approach are given: the full algorithm, a computationally cheaper version, and a third version for designing spoke‐based trajectories. The method is demonstrated for various target excitation profiles using simulations and phantom experiments.

Results

The method is compared with other iterative (matching pursuit and conjugate gradient) and noniterative (coordinate‐transformation and Jacobian‐based) pulse design methods as well as uniform density spiral and EPI trajectories. The results show that the proposed method can increase excitation fidelity.

Conclusion

An iterative method for designing k‐space trajectories and RF pulses using nonlinear gradient fields is proposed. The method can either be used for selecting the SEFs individually to guide trajectory design, or can be adapted to design and optimize specific trajectories of interest. Magn Reson Med 74:826–839, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Individual Differences in Emotional Mimicry: Underlying Traits and Social Consequences
Authors: Mauersberger Heidi , Blaison Christophe , Kafetsios Konstantinos , Kessler Carolin–Louisa , Hess Ursula
Published: August 2015

Mimicry, the imitation of the nonverbal behaviour of others, serves to establish affiliation and to smoothen social interactions. The present research aimed to disentangle rapid facial reactions (RFRs) to affiliative emotions from RFRs to nonaffiliative emotions from a trait perspective. In line with the Mimicry in Social Context Model by Hess and Fischer, we expected that only the former are mimicry responses indicative of underlying social relating competence and predictive of social satisfaction, whereas the latter superficially resemble mimicry responses and are driven by social relating incompetence and have opposite effects on social satisfaction. Further, we assumed that social relating competence would moderate the relationship between stable individuals‘ tendencies to show (mal)adaptive RFRs and social satisfaction. To test these hypotheses, 108 participants first completed scales measuring social relating competence, then participated in a mimicry laboratory task and finally evaluated their naturally occurring social interactions for 10 days. Affiliative RFRs to sadness were related to proximal indices of social relating competence and predicted positive social interactions, whereas nonaffiliative RFRs to disgust were related to social relating incompetence and predicted negative social interactions. By contrast, neither affiliative RFRs to happiness nor nonaffiliative RFRs to anger were linked to proximal indices of social relating competence, and both RFRs were only (dys)functional for interaction quality in less social relating–competent individuals. Copyright © 2015 European Association of Personality Psychology
Solvent Molecule Controlled Zinc(II) Metal‐Organic Frameworks with Different Topology
Authors: Zhang Yan , Liu Qifeng , Geng Hongmei
Published: August 2015

Two zinc(II) coordination polymers, namely [Zn2(bptc)(DMF)2(H2O)]n (1) and [Zn(bptc)0.5(DMA)]n (2) (H4bptc = biphenyl‐3,3′,5,5′‐tetracarboxylic acid, DMF = N,N′‐dimethylformamide, DMA = N,N′‐dimethylacetamide), were obtained under solvothermal conditions by varying the reaction solvents. Single crystal X‐ray diffraction analyses revealed that compound 1 features a 3D PtS type framework based on dinuclear [Zn2O(COO)2] subunits and compound 2 features a 3D lvt type framework based on paddle‐wheel shaped [Zn2(COO)4] subunits. Moreover, the luminescent and thermal stabilities of these two compounds were investigated.
Complications in Laparoscopic Versus Open Incisional Ventral Hernia Repair. A Retrospective Comparative Study
Authors: Ahonen‐Siirtola Mirella , Rautio Tero , Ward Jaana , Kössi Jyrki , Ohtonen Pasi , Mäkelä Jyrki
Published: August 2015

Purpose

The objective of the study was to evaluate peri‐ and postoperative outcomes, especially severe complications in adult incisional ventral hernia repair performed by open or laparoscopic surgery.

Methods

Adult patients who were operated for incisional ventral hernias in two tertiary hospitals in Finland during 2006–2012 were included in the study. Clinical data were collected from patient registers. Peri‐ and postoperative parameters were gathered and compared between open and laparoscopic groups. Postoperative complications were analyzed, and the focus was on major complications.

Results

The results of 818 hernioplasties were evaluated: 291 (36.3 %) open and 527 (63.7 %) laparoscopic operations. In the laparoscopic group, the number of patients with postoperative complications was slightly lower (18.4 vs. 23.4 %, p = 0.090), and there were significantly fewer surgical site infections (3.2 vs. 8.6 %, p = 0.001). Twelve major complications occurred. In the laparoscopic group, four of the five major complications were consequences of undetected enterotomies, leading to reoperations, longer hospital stays, and death of one patient. Major complications in the open group consisted of four cardiac infarctions and three septic surgical site infections. Complex adhesions had a significant influence on major complications, enterotomies, and surgical site infections. Laparoscopic operations had a lower mean blood loss (13 vs. 31.5 ml, p = 0.028), and hospital stay (4 vs. 6 days, p = 0.001) compared to open operations.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic incisional ventral hernia repair has a low rate of postoperative complications but it is associated with an increased risk of undetected enterotomies, in particular during cases involving adhesiolysis.
A longitudinal evaluation of the Resilient Families randomized trial to prevent early adolescent depressive symptoms
Authors: Buttigieg Jason P. , Shortt Alison L. , Slaviero Tania M. , Hutchinson Delyse , Kremer Peter , Toumbourou John W.
Published: August 2015

This study aimed to evaluate whether an intervention prevented the development of depressive symptoms through the early years of secondary school (Grades 7 to 9 – mean ages 12.3 to 14.5 years) in Victoria, Australia. Twelve schools were randomized to a universal preventative intervention (including a student social relationship/emotional health curriculum, and parent/caregiver parenting education); 12 were randomized as control schools. Multivariate regression analyses used student self‐report to predict depressive symptoms at 26‐month follow‐up (13‐months after intervention completion) from baseline measures and intervention status (N = 2027). There was no overall intervention effect on depressive symptoms. However, intervention students with moderate symptoms whose parents attended parent education events had a significantly reduced risk of depressive symptoms at follow‐up. Future evaluations of interventions of this type should investigate: therapeutic processes; methods to increase recruitment into effective parent education events; and the potential to target assistance to students with high depressive symptoms.
Perceived versus actual value of product substitution flexibility: An experimental investigation
Authors: Bansal Saurabh , Moritz Brent
Published: August 2015

Prior literature suggests that in the presence of operational uncertainties such as uncertain demand, firms should deploy operational flexibilities. However, these flexibilities are costly to develop and a correct valuation of these capabilities is necessary to ensure that they are only deployed when the expected benefits exceed the cost. Using a set of behavioral decision‐making experiments for inventory of substitutable products, we investigate how decision‐makers perform when estimating the value of operational flexibility of product substitution. We found that subjects consistently overestimated the monetary value of product substitution. Furthermore, the overestimation became more acute as demand correlation increased. This behavior is not explained by risk aversion or random errors. Instead, it appears to be driven by fundamental and systematic behavioral biases when estimating the conjunctive probability of substitution. We suggest and validate a decomposition‐based approach to mitigate this overestimation.
Forecasting and Communicating Risk of Rip Currents, Wave Runup
Authors: Dusek Gregory , van der Westhuysen Andre , Kurkowski Nicole
Published: August 2015

NOAA Coastal Hazards Resilience Workshop—Rip Currents and Wave Runup; Suffolk, Virginia, 14–16 April 2015
Ultrastructural and functional fate of recycled vesicles in hippocampal synapses
Authors: Rey Stephanie A. , Smith Catherine A. , Fowler Milena W. , Crawford Freya , Burden Jemima J. , Staras Kevin
Published: August 2015

Efficient recycling of synaptic vesicles is thought to be critical for sustained information transfer at central terminals. However, the specific contribution that retrieved vesicles make to future transmission events remains unclear. Here we exploit fluorescence and time-stamped electron microscopy to track the functional and positional fate of vesicles endocytosed after readily releasable pool (RRP) stimulation in rat hippocampal synapses. We show that most vesicles are recovered near the active zone but subsequently take up random positions in the cluster, without preferential bias for future use. These vesicles non-selectively queue, advancing towards the release site with further stimulation in an actin-dependent manner. Nonetheless, the small subset of vesicles retrieved recently in the stimulus train persist nearer the active zone and exhibit more privileged use in the next RRP. Our findings reveal heterogeneity in vesicle fate based on nanoscale position and timing rules, providing new insights into the origins of future pool constitution.
Correction: Corrigendum: Processing of visually evoked innate fear by a non-canonical thalamic pathway
Authors: Wei Pengfei , Liu Nan , Zhang Zhijian , Liu Xuemei , Tang Yongqiang , He Xiaobin , Wu Bifeng , Zhou Zheng , Liu Yaohan , Li Juan , Zhang Yi , Zhou Xuanyi , Xu Lin , Chen Lin , Bi Guoqiang , Hu Xintian , Xu Fuqiang , Wang Liping
Published: August 2015

Nature Communications 6: Article number: 6756 (2015); Published: 9 April 2015; Updated: 21 August 2015. The affiliation details for Lin Xu and Xintian Hu are incorrect in this article. The correct affiliation for these authors is given below. Kunming Institute of Zoology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China.
Non-quantitative adjustment of offspring sex ratios in pollinating fig wasps
Authors: Wang Rui-Wu , Sun Bao-Fa , He Jun-Zhou , Dunn Derek W.
Published: August 2015

Fig wasp is one of the most well known model systems in examining whether or not the parents could adjust their offspring sex ratio to maximize their gene frequency transmission in next generations. Our manipulative experiments showed that, in all of the five pollinator wasps of figs (Agaonidae) that have different averages of foundress numbers per syconium, almost the same proportions of male offspring are produced in the experiment that foundresses deposit one hour then are killed with ether (66.1%–70.1%) and over the lifespan of each foundress (14.0%–21.0%). The foundresses tend to deposit their male eggs prior to female eggs. The observed increase in the proportion of male offspring as a function of foundress number results from density-dependent interference competition among the foundresses. These results showed that the selection of gene frequency transmission through the behavioral adjustment in the evolution of sex ratio does not exist in these five fig wasps. The results here implied that genetic adjustment mechanisms of the sex ratio of fig wasps can only be triggered to be on or off and that the foundresses can not quantitatively adjust their sex ratio according to increased environmental selection pressure.
Ultrafast electron dynamics at the Dirac node of the topological insulator Sb2Te3
Authors: Zhu Siyuan , Ishida Yukiaki , Kuroda Kenta , Sumida Kazuki , Ye Mao , Wang Jiajia , Pan Hong , Taniguchi Masaki , Qiao Shan , Shin Shik , Kimura Akio
Published: August 2015

Topological insulators (TIs) are a new quantum state of matter. Their surfaces and interfaces act as a topological boundary to generate massless Dirac fermions with spin-helical textures. Investigation of fermion dynamics near the Dirac point (DP) is crucial for the future development of spintronic devices incorporating topological insulators. However, research so far has been unsatisfactory because of a substantial overlap with the bulk valence band and a lack of a completely unoccupied DP. Here, we explore the surface Dirac fermion dynamics in the TI Sb2Te3 by time- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (TrARPES). Sb2Te3 has an in-gap DP located completely above the Fermi energy (EF). The excited electrons in the upper Dirac cone stay longer than those below the DP to form an inverted population. This was attributed to a reduced density of states (DOS) near the DP.
Inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta induces apoptosis and mitotic catastrophe by disrupting centrosome regulation in cancer cells
Authors: Yoshino Yuki , Ishioka Chikashi
Published: August 2015

Glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3β) has been investigated as a therapeutic target for numerous human diseases including cancer because of their diverse cellular functions. Although GSK-3β inhibitors have been investigated as anticancer reagents, precise biological mechanisms remain to be determined. In this study, we investigated the anticancer effects of GSK-3β inhibitors on cancer cell lines and observed centrosome dysregulation which resulted in abnormal mitosis. Mitotic checkpoints sensed the mitotic abnormalities and induced apoptosis. For cells that were inherently resistant to apoptosis, cell death distinct from apoptosis was induced. After GSK-3β inhibitor treatment, these cells exhibited characteristic features of mitotic catastrophe, including distended and multivesiculated nuclei and inappropriate reductions in cyclin B1 expression. This suggested that mitotic catastrophe was an alternative mechanism in cells resistant to apoptosis. Although the role of GSK-3β in centrosomes has not yet been clarified, phosphorylated GSK-3β was localised in centrosomes. From these data, GSK-3β seems to regulate centrosome function. Thus, we propose that centrosome dysregulation is an important mechanism for the anticancer effects of GSK-3β inhibitors and that mitotic catastrophe serves as a safe-guard system to remove cells with any mitotic abnormalities induced by GSK-3β inhibition.
Generalisation within specialization: inter-individual diet variation in the only specialized salamander in the world
Authors: Costa Andrea , Salvidio Sebastiano , Posillico Mario , Matteucci Giorgio , De Cinti Bruno , Romano Antonio
Published: August 2015

Specialization is typically inferred at population and species level but in the last decade many authors highlighted this trait at the individual level, finding that generalist populations can be composed by both generalist and specialist individual. Despite hundreds of reported cases of individual specialization there is a complete lack of information on inter-individual diet variation in specialist species. We studied the diet of the Italian endemic Spectacled Salamander(Salamandrina perspicillata), in a temperate forest ecosystem, to disclose the realised trophic niche, prey selection strategy in function of phenotypic variation and inter-individual diet variation. Our results showed thatSalamandrinais highly specialized on Collembola and the more specialized individuals are the better performing ones. Analyses of inter-individual diet variation showed that a subset of animals exhibited a broader trophic niche, adopting different foraging strategies. Our findings reflects the optimal foraging theory both at population and individual level, since animals in better physiological conditions are able to exploit the most profitable prey, suggesting that the two coexisting strategies are not equivalent. At last this species, feeding on decomposers of litter detritus, could play a key role determining litter retention rate, nutrient cycle and carbon sequestration.
Optogenetic control of cell signaling pathway through scattering skull using wavefront shaping
Authors: Yoon Jonghee , Lee Minji , Lee KyeoReh , Kim Nury , Kim Jin Man , Park Jongchan , Yu Hyeonseung , Choi Chulhee , Heo Won Do , Park YongKeun
Published: August 2015

We introduce a non-invasive approach for optogenetic regulation in biological cells through highly scattering skull tissue using wavefront shaping. The wavefront of the incident light was systematically controlled using a spatial light modulator in order to overcome multiple light-scattering in a mouse skull layer and to focus light on the target cells. We demonstrate that illumination with shaped waves enables spatiotemporal regulation of intracellular Ca2+ level at the individual-cell level.
Climate change on the Tibetan Plateau in response to shifting atmospheric circulation since the LGM
Authors: Zhu Liping , Lü Xinmiao , Wang Junbo , Peng Ping , Kasper Thomas , Daut Gerhard , Haberzettl Torsten , Frenzel Peter , Li Quan , Yang Ruimin , Schwalb Antje , Mäusbacher Roland
Published: August 2015

The Tibetan Plateau (TP) is primarily influenced by the northern hemispheric middle latitude Westerlies and the Indian summer monsoon (ISM). The extent, long-distance effects and potential long-term changes of these two atmospheric circulations are not yet fully understood. Here, we analyse modern airborne pollen in a transition zone of seasonally alternating dominance of the Westerlies and the ISM to develop a pollen discrimination index (PDI) that allows us to distinguish between the intensities of the two circulation systems. This index is applied to interpret a continuous lacustrine sedimentary record from Lake Nam Co covering the past 24 cal kyr BP to investigate long-term variations in the atmospheric circulation systems. Climatic variations on the central TP widely correspond to those of the North Atlantic (NA) realm, but are controlled through different mechanisms resulting from the changing climatic conditions since the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). During the LGM, until 16.5 cal kyr BP, the TP was dominated by the Westerlies. After 16.5 cal kyr BP, the climatic conditions were mainly controlled by the ISM. From 11.6 to 9 cal kyr BP, the TP was exposed to enhanced solar radiation at the low latitudes, resulting in greater water availability.
Surface evolution of manganese chloride aqueous droplets resulting in self-suppressed evaporation
Authors: Zeng Xiping , Zhang Yifan , Xia Zengzilu , Wang Li , Wang Cong , Huang Yingzhou , Shen Rong , Wen Weijia
Published: August 2015

The exchange kinetics of liquid water, which are of fundamental interest and have potential applications, remain unclear. A fantastic and extraordinary phenomenon was observed during the evaporation of a water droplet doped with manganese chloride. As observed from the evolution of this type of droplet, a thin film was formed on the surface with an exothermic phase transition, resulting in self-suppressed evaporation. The MnCl2-doped water droplets were maintained in a relative humidity (RH) of 50% at 40 °C for more than a week and for longer than two months at a temperature of 25 °C. In contrast, a pure water droplet can only be sustained for a few minutes. The self-suppressed evaporation of doped water may be due to the special hydration of the accumulated manganese and chloride ions at the surface, decreasing the surface tension.
Heterogeneous lineage marker expression in naive embryonic stem cells is mostly due to spontaneous differentiation
Authors: Nair Gautham , Abranches Elsa , Guedes Ana M. V. , Henrique Domingos , Raj Arjun
Published: August 2015

Populations of cultured mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) exhibit a subfraction of cells expressing uncharacteristically low levels of pluripotency markers such as Nanog. Yet, the extent to which individual Nanog-negative cells are differentiated, both from ESCs and from each other, remains unclear. Here, we show the transcriptome of Nanog-negative cells exhibits expression of classes of genes associated with differentiation that are not yet active in cells exposed to differentiation conditions for one day. Long non-coding RNAs, however, exhibit more changes in expression in the one-day-differentiated cells than in Nanog-negative cells. These results are consistent with the concept that Nanog-negative cells may contain subpopulations of both lineage-primed and differentiated cells. Single cell analysis showed that Nanog-negative cells display substantial and coherent heterogeneity in lineage marker expression in progressively nested subsets of cells exhibiting low levels of Nanog, then low levels of Oct4 and then a set of lineage markers, which express intensely in a small subset of these more differentiated cells. Our results suggest that the observed enrichment of lineage-specific marker gene expression in Nanog-negative cells is associated with spontaneous differentiation of a subset of these cells rather than the more random expression that may be associated with reversible lineage priming.
High-frequency hearing, tinnitus and patient satisfaction with stapedotomy: A randomized prospective study
Authors: Bagger-Sjöbäck Dan , Strömbäck Karin , Hultcrantz Malou , Papatziamos Georgios , Smeds Henrik , Danckwardt-Lillieström Niklas , Tideholm Bo , Johansson Ann , Hellström Sten , Hakizimana Pierre , Fridberger Anders
Published: August 2015

Otosclerosis is a common disorder that leads to conductive hearing loss. Most patients with otosclerosis also have tinnitus and surgical treatment is known to improve hearing as well as tinnitus. Some patients however experience worsening of tinnitus after the operation, but there are no known factors that allow surgeons to predict who will be at risk. In this prospective observational study on 133 patients undergoing stapedotomy, we show that postoperative air conduction thresholds at very high stimulus frequencies predict improvement of tinnitus, as assessed with proportional odds logistic regression models. Young patients were significantly more likely to experience reduction of tinnitus and patients whose tinnitus became better were also more satisfied with the outcome of the operation. These findings have practical importance for patients and their surgeons. Young patients can be advised that surgery is likely to be beneficial for their tinnitus, but a less positive message should be conveyed to older patients.
Prevention of enamel demineralization with a novel fluoride strip: enamel surface composition and depth profile
Authors: Lee Bor-Shiunn , Chou Po-Hung , Chen Shu-Yu , Liao Hua-Yang , Chang Che-Chen
Published: August 2015

There is no topically applicable low concentration fluoride delivery device available for caries prevention. This study was aimed to assess the use of a low concentration (1450 ppm) fluoride strip as an effective fluoride delivery system against enamel demineralization. The enamel surface composition and calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite or toothpaste treatments were investigated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In vitro enamel demineralization was assayed using a pH cycling model and the dissolution of calcium ions from the treated specimens was quantified using ion chromatography. After 24-hr fluoride-strip treatment, the enamel was covered with a CaF2 layer which showed a granular morphology of 1 μm in size. Below the CaF2 layer was a region of mixed fluorapatite and CaF2. Fluoride infiltrated extensively in enamel to produce highly fluorinated fluorohydroxyapatite. In comparison, low-fluoride-level fluorinated fluorohydroxyapatite was formed on the enamel specimen exposed to toothpaste. The treatments with the fluoride strip as short as 1 hr significantly inhibited enamel demineralization. The fluoride strip was effective for topical fluoride delivery and inhibited in vitro demineralization of enamel by forming CaF2 and fluoride-containing apatites at the enamel surface. It exhibited the potential as an effective fluoride delivery device for general use in prevention of caries.
Imaging Fibrosis and Separating Collagens using Second Harmonic Generation and Phasor Approach to Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging
Authors: Ranjit Suman , Dvornikov Alexander , Stakic Milka , Hong Suk-Hyun , Levi Moshe , Evans Ronald M. , Gratton Enrico
Published: August 2015

In this paper we have used second harmonic generation (SHG) and phasor approach to auto fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) to obtain fingerprints of different collagens and then used these fingerprints to observe bone marrow fibrosis in the mouse femur. This is a label free approach towards fast automatable detection of fibrosis in tissue samples. FLIM has previously been used as a method of contrast in different tissues and in this paper phasor approach to FLIM is used to separate collagen I from collagen III, the markers of fibrosis, the largest groups of disorders that are often without any effective therapy. Often characterized by an increase in collagen content of the corresponding tissue, the samples are usually visualized by histochemical staining, which is pathologist dependent and cannot be automated.
Intensity tunable infrared broadband absorbers based on VO2 phase transition using planar layered thin films
Authors: Kocer Hasan , Butun Serkan , Palacios Edgar , Liu Zizhuo , Tongay Sefaattin , Fu Deyi , Wang Kevin , Wu Junqiao , Aydin Koray
Published: August 2015

Plasmonic and metamaterial based nano/micro-structured materials enable spectrally selective resonant absorption, where the resonant bandwidth and absorption intensity can be engineered by controlling the size and geometry of nanostructures. Here, we demonstrate a simple, lithography-free approach for obtaining a resonant and dynamically tunable broadband absorber based on vanadium dioxide (VO2) phase transition. Using planar layered thin film structures, where top layer is chosen to be an ultrathin (20 nm) VO2 film, we demonstrate broadband IR light absorption tuning (from ~90% to ~30% in measured absorption) over the entire mid-wavelength infrared spectrum. Our numerical and experimental results indicate that the bandwidth of the absorption bands can be controlled by changing the dielectric spacer layer thickness. Broadband tunable absorbers can find applications in absorption filters, thermal emitters, thermophotovoltaics and sensing.
Silicon photonic crystal thermal emitter at near-infrared wavelengths
Authors: O’Regan Bryan J. , Wang Yue , Krauss Thomas F.
Published: August 2015

Controlling thermal emission with resonant photonic nanostructures has recently attracted much attention. Most of the work has concentrated on the mid-infrared wavelength range and/or was based on metallic nanostructures. Here, we demonstrate the experimental operation of a resonant thermal emitter operating in the near-infrared (≈1.5 μm) wavelength range. The emitter is based on a doped silicon photonic crystal consisting of a two dimensional square array of holes and using silicon-on-insulator technology with a device-layer thickness of 220 nm. The device is resistively heated by passing current through the photonic crystal membrane. At a temperature of ≈1100 K, we observe relatively sharp emission peaks with a Q factor around 18. A support structure system is implemented in order to achieve a large area suspended photonic crystal thermal emitter and electrical injection. The device demonstrates that weak absorption together with photonic resonances can be used as a wavelength-selection mechanism for thermal emitters, both for the enhancement and the suppression of emission.
Tranexamic acid evokes pain by modulating neuronal excitability in the spinal dorsal horn
Authors: Ohashi Nobuko , Sasaki Mika , Ohashi Masayuki , Kamiya Yoshinori , Baba Hiroshi , Kohno Tatsuro
Published: August 2015

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an antifibrinolytic agent widely used to reduce blood loss during surgery. However, a serious adverse effect of TXA is seizure due to inhibition of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glycine receptors in cortical neurons. These receptors are also present in the spinal cord and antagonism of these receptors in spinal dorsal horn neurons produces pain-related phenomena, such as allodynia and hyperalgesia, in experimental animals. Moreover, some patients who are injected intrathecally with TXA develop severe back pain. However, the effect of TXA on spinal dorsal horn neurons remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated the effects of TXA by using behavioral measures in rats and found that TXA produces behaviors indicative of spontaneous pain and mechanical allodynia. We then performed whole-cell patch-clamp experiments that showed that TXA inhibits GABAA and glycine receptors in spinal dorsal horn neurons. Finally, we also showed that TXA facilitates activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase in the spinal cord. These results indicated that TXA produces pain by inhibiting GABAA and glycine receptors in the spinal dorsal horn.
Natural disturbance reduces disease risk in endangered rainforest frog populations
Authors: Roznik Elizabeth A. , Sapsford Sarah J. , Pike David A. , Schwarzkopf Lin , Alford Ross A.
Published: August 2015

Natural disturbances can drive disease dynamics in animal populations by altering the microclimates experienced by hosts and their pathogens. Many pathogens are highly sensitive to temperature and moisture and therefore small changes in habitat structure can alter the microclimate in ways that increase or decrease infection prevalence and intensity in host populations. Here we show that a reduction of rainforest canopy cover caused by a severe tropical cyclone decreased the risk of endangered rainforest frogs (Litoria rheocola) becoming infected by a fungal pathogen (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis). Reductions in canopy cover increased the temperatures and rates of evaporative water loss in frog microhabitats, which reducedB. dendrobatidisinfection risk in frogs by an average of 11–28% in cyclone-damaged areas, relative to unaffected areas. Natural disturbances to the rainforest canopy can therefore provide an immediate benefit to frogs by altering the microclimate in ways that reduce infection risk. This could increase host survival and reduce the probability of epidemic disease outbreaks. For amphibian populations under immediate threat from this pathogen, targeted manipulation of canopy cover could increase the availability of warmer, drier microclimates and therefore tip the balance from host extinction to coexistence.
Determination of metal ion concentrations by SERS using 2,2′-bipyridyl complexes
Authors: Docherty Julie , Mabbott Samuel , Smith W. Ewen , Reglinski John , Faulds Karen , Davidson Christine , Graham Duncan
Published: August 2015

SERS of bipyridyl complexes for the discrimination of six different metal ions.
A micro-pressure sensor-based analytic platform and its application in thrombin quantification
Authors: Yang Weiqiang , Li Rongjie , Wang Qingping , Wei Qiaohua , Fu Caili , Lin Zhenyu , Chen Guonan
Published: August 2015

A commercially available micro-pressure sensor was employed to fabricate an analytic platform for detecting biomedical targets based on the fact that hydrogen peroxide can be decomposed by catalase to produce oxygen, which reinforces the pressure in a closed container.
A polyhedral metal–organic framework based on the supermolecular building block strategy exhibiting high performance for carbon dioxide capture and separation of light hydrocarbons
Authors: Wang Dongmei , Liu Bing , Yao Shuo , Wang Tao , Li Guanghua , Huo Qisheng , Liu Yunling
Published: August 2015

A PMOF was assembled by the SBB strategy, which exhibited high performance for CO2capture and separation towards CO2, C2H6and C3H8over CH4.
Isothermal titration calorimetry as a powerful tool to quantify and better understand agglomeration mechanisms during interaction processes between TiO2 nanoparticles and humic acids
Authors: Loosli Frédéric , Vitorazi Letícia , Berret Jean-François , Stoll Serge
Published: August 2015

Association processes between engineered TiO2 nanoparticles and Suwannee River humic acids are investigated by isothermal titration calorimetry.
Waterborne polyurethanes from CO2 based polyols with comprehensive hydrolysis/oxidation resistance
Authors: Wang Jin , Zhang Hongming , Miao Yuyang , Qiao Lijun , Wang Xianhong , Wang Fosong
Published: August 2015

Water-borne CO2-based polyurethanes with excellent mechanical performance and hydrolysis/oxidation resistance are prepared from CO2.
Zinc(ii)-catalyzed reactions of carbon dioxide and propargylic alcohols to carbonates at room temperature
Authors: Hu Jiayin , Ma Jun , Zhu Qinggong , Qian Qingli , Han Hongling , Mei Qingqing , Han Buxing
Published: August 2015

ZnI2/NEt3 can catalyze the reactions of CO2 and propargylic alcohols to form α-alkylidene cyclic carbonates effectively at room temperature under solvent-free conditions, and the yields of the desired products can reach 99%.
Insights into the impact of N- and O-methylation on aqueous solubility and lipophilicity using matched molecular pair analysis
Authors: Ritchie T. J. , Macdonald S. J. F. , Pickett S. D.
Published: August 2015

The impact of N- and O-methylation on aqueous solubility and measured lipophilicity for several chemically diverse structural classes is described.
Gold(i) catalysed sequential dehydrative cyclisation/intermolecular [4 + 2] cycloaddition of alkynyldienols onto activated alkynes/alkenes: a facile route to substituted norbornadienes/norbornenes
Authors: Uruvakili Anasuyamma , Gangadhararao G. , Kumara Swamy K. C.
Published: August 2015

Gold-catalysed dehydrative cyclisation of alkynyldienols followed by intermolecular [4 + 2] cycloaddition with activated alkynes/alkenes is reported.
Irreversible electron attachment – a key to DNA damage by solvated electrons in aqueous solution
Authors: Westphal K. , Wiczk J. , Miloch J. , Kciuk G. , Bobrowski K. , Rak J.
Published: August 2015

In an aqueous solution trinucleotides labeled with bromonucleobases are damaged by ionizing radiation induced electrons while native trimers are insensitive to electrons under the same conditions.
Dual enzyme-responsive “turn-on” fluorescence sensing systems based on in situ formation of 7-hydroxy-2-iminocoumarin scaffolds
Authors: Debieu Sylvain , Romieu Anthony
Published: August 2015

We herein report a novel class of dual enzyme-responsive fluorogenic probes based on two orthogonal deprotection reactions via the “covalent assembly” principle. Sensing of two different enzymes (hydrolase and nitroreductase) through domino reactions, producing the push–pull backbone of a fluorescent 3-substituted 7-hydroxy-2-iminocoumarin dye, is reported.
Application of BSA-bioconjugated phosphorescence nanohybrids in protein detection in biofluids
Authors: Miao Yanming
Published: August 2015

In this study, a cross-linking agent 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide/N-hydroxysuccinimide (EDC/NHS) was used to link QDs and bovine serum albumin (BSA) to form a nanohybrid BSA–Mn-ZnS Room-Temperature Phosphorescence (RTP) biosensor.
Novel nanocomposite membranes based on blended sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone)/poly(vinyl alcohol) containing sulfonated graphene oxide/Fe3O4 nanosheets for DMFC applications
Authors: Beydaghi Hossein , Javanbakht Mehran , Bagheri Ahmad , Salarizadeh Parisa , Zahmatkesh Hossein Ghafarian- , Kashefi Sepideh , Kowsari Elaheh
Published: August 2015

Presumptive representation structure of the prepared cross-linked nanocomposite proton exchange membrane.
Synthesis and bifunctional catalysis of metal nanoparticle-loaded periodic mesoporous organosilicas modified with amino groups
Authors: Horiuchi Yu , Do Van Dang , Yonezawa Yusuke , Saito Masakazu , Dohshi Satoru , Kim Tae-Ho , Matsuoka Masaya
Published: August 2015

The present article describes the development of a periodic mesoporous organosilica (PMO)-based bifunctional catalyst that includes both oxidative and base catalytic activities.
Biomolecule incorporated poly-ε-caprolactone nanofibrous scaffolds for enhanced human meniscal cell attachment and proliferation
Authors: Gopinathan J. , Mano Steffie , Elakkiya V. , Pillai Mamatha M. , Sahanand K. Santosh , Rai B. K. Dinakar , Selvakumar R. , Bhattacharyya Amitava
Published: August 2015

Biomolecule incorporated PCL nanofibrous scaffolds supporting meniscal cell attachment and proliferation.
Graphene oxide chemically decorated with Ag–Ru/chitosan nanoparticles: fabrication, electrode processing and immunosensing properties
Authors: Veerapandian Murugan , Neethirajan Suresh
Published: August 2015

Graphene oxide hybridized with ternary nanocomposites (Ag–Ru/chitosan) were prepared and demonstrated as an immunosensor platform for detecting pathogenic bacteria.
Mechano-capacitive properties of polarized membranes
Authors: Mosgaard Lars D. , Zecchi Karis A. , Heimburg Thomas
Published: August 2015

Biological membranes are capacitors that can be charged by applying a field across the membrane. The capacitive properties depend strongly on the polarization of the membrane. One this basis, a generalized theory for electrostriction, piezoelectricity, flexoelectricity and for the thermoelectric effect is derived.
Efficient water oxidation under visible light by tuning surface defects on ceria nanorods
Authors: Zhao Kun , Qi Jian , Yin Huajie , Wang Zumin , Zhao Shenlong , Ma Xiang , Wan Jiawei , Chang Lin , Gao Yan , Yu Ranbo , Tang Zhiyong
Published: August 2015

Surface defects including oxygen vacancies and Ce3+ ions on the surface of CeO2 nanorods lead to an efficient catalytic activity towards water oxidation under visible light.
Steering control collision avoidance system and verification through subject study
Authors: Soudbakhsh Damoon , Eskandarian Azim
Published: August 2015

Many of vehicle crash related fatalities are caused by run‐off‐road crashes and failures of the drivers to avoid obstacles in front of them. This can happen in near collision encounters, where the driver should steer in order to avoid a crash. In these situations, some drivers steer too much and go off the road, and some do not steer enough and collide with the obstacle. In this study, the authors developed a steering control collision avoidance system (SCCAS) to help drivers to safely perform severe manoeuvres and avoid such crashes. This system is activated by the driver's steering input, and was implemented in a car driving simulator to study human interactions. Testing the subjects with no collision avoidance feature resulted in collision with the obstacles in 61 out of 63 encounters; whereas, using the implemented SCCAS, the subjects avoided 44 out of 60 near collision encounters in a new scenario with the same level of difficulty as the original tests. The post‐experiment surveys revealed that besides the effectiveness of the system in reducing the crashes, it was acceptable to the drivers and they found the activation type intuitive.