bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
P.137 Use of intravenous fluorescein for intra-operative localization of an intramedullary spinal cord tumour; a technical note
Authors: Adams JT , Hong M , Christie S , Barry S
Published: June 2018

Background: Localization of intramedullary spine tumors can be difficult. Various intraoperative aids have previously been described, but have limited use due to expense, complexity, and time. Intravenous fluorescein is an inexpensive and safe drug that may be useful in the localization of such tumors. We describe a technical description of the intra-operative use of fluorescein as an aid in the localization of a intramedullary spine tumour. Methods: In this technical report, the authors present a case example of a 56 year old man presenting with a intramedullary tumor at the level of C5/6. Intra-operatively intravenous Fluorescein was administered and the Pentero microscope BLUE™ 400 feature was used to accurately identify the lesion. Multiple biopsies of the fluorescent tissue were taken. Results: After 10 cardiac cycles the fluorescent coloring was isolated to what was thought to be the intramedullary lesion. Our myelotomy was made based on the uptake of this fluorescent coloring and multiple biopsies were taken. Final pathology confirmed this tissue was consistent with a high grade glioma. Conclusions: The use of intravenous fluorescein was a valuable aid in localizing the lesion and minimizing the size of our myelotomy. The use of intravenous fluorescein to localize high grade intramedullary spinal cord tumours appears to be safe, accurate, and inexpensive.
GP.01 The relationship between carotid stenosis, cerebral cortex thickness and cognitive function in community dwelling older individuals
Authors: Alhusaini S , Karama S , Star JM , Bastin ME , Wardlaw JM , Deary IJ , Ducharme S
Published: June 2018

Background: Carotid atherosclerosis is a significant risk factor for stroke and has been associated with cognitive decline and dementia. Methods: We assessed 554 community-dwelling subjects from the Lothian Birth Cohort of 1936 (LBC1936) who underwent brain MRI and carotid Doppler ultrasound studies at age 73 years. The relationship between carotid stenosis and cerebral cortical thickness was examined cross-sectionally, controlling for gender, extensive vascular risk factors (VRFs), and IQ at age 11 (IQ-11). The association between carotid stenosis and a composite measure of fluid intelligence was also investigated. Results: A widespread negative association was identified between carotid stenosis and cerebral cortical thickness at age 73 years, independent of the side of carotid stenosis, other carotid measures, VRFs, or IQ-11. This association increased in an almost dose-response relationship from mild to severe degrees of carotid stenosis. A negative association was also noted between carotid stenosis and fluid intelligence, which appeared partly mediated by carotid stenosis-related thinning of the cerebral cortex. Conclusions: Carotid stenosis is associated with thinner cerebral cortex and lower fluid cognitive abilities at age 73. The findings suggest that carotid stenosis represents a marker of vascular processes that accelerate cortical aging with a negative impact on cognition, independent of measurable VRFs.
A.02 Long-term outcomes in the management of central neuropathic pain syndromes
Authors: Staudt MD , Clark AJ , Gordon AS , Lynch ME , Morley-Forster PK , Nathan H , Smyth C , Stitt LW , Toth C , Ware MA , Moulin DE
Published: June 2018

Background: Central neuropathic pain syndromes are a result of central nervous system injury, most commonly related to stroke, spinal cord injury, or multiple sclerosis. These syndromes are much less common than peripheral etiologies, with less known regarding optimal treatment. The objective of this study was to determine the long-term clinical effectiveness of the management of central relative to peripheral neuropathic pain at tertiary pain centers. Methods: Patients diagnosed with central (n=79) and peripheral (n=710) neuropathic pain were identified from a prospective observational cohort from seven Canadian tertiary centers. Data regarding patient -characteristics, analgesic use, and patient-reported outcomes were collected at baseline and 12-month follow-up. The primary outcome was the composite of reduced average pain intensity and pain interference. Secondary outcomes included assessments of function, mood, and quality-of-life. Results: At 12-month follow-up, 13.5% (95%CI,5.6-25.8) of patients achieved ≥30% reduction in pain, whereas 38.5% (95%CI,25.3-53.0) achieved a ≥1 point reduction in pain interference; 9.6% (95%CI,3.2-21.0) of patients achieving both these measures. Patients with peripheral neuropathic pain were more likely to achieve this primary outcome at 12-months (25.3% of patients; 95%CI,21.4-29.5) (p=.012). Conclusions: Patients with central neuropathic pain were less likely to achieve a meaningful improvement in pain and function compared to patients with peripheral neuropathic pain at 12-month follow-up.
A.03 Durable clinical and MRI efficacy of alemtuzumab over 6 years in CARE-MS II patients with RRMS who relapsed between Courses 1 and 2
Authors: Freedman MS , Broadley S , Chinea A , Izquierdo G , Lycke J , Singer BA , Steingo B , Wiendl H , Wray S , Melanson M , Thangavelu K , Boster A
Published: June 2018

Background: In RRMS patients with inadequate response to prior therapy, 2 alemtuzumab courses (12 mg/day; baseline: 5 days; 12 months later: 3 days) significantly improved outcomes over 2 years (y) versus SC IFNB-1a (CARE-MS II [NCT00548405]), with durable efficacy over a 4-y extension (NCT00930553). We present 6-y efficacy (2-y core study plus 4-y extension) in patients with relapse (relapsers) between Courses (C) 1 and 2. Methods: Annualized relapse rate (ARR); 6-month confirmed disability worsening (CDW); MRI disease activity (Gd-enhancing lesions; new/enlarging T2 hyperintense lesions); brain volume loss (BVL; derived by relative change in brain parenchymal fraction). Results: 105/435 (24%) patients relapsed between C1 and C2; 33% (relapsers) versus 55% without relapse (non-relapsers) received neither alemtuzumab retreatment nor another disease-modifying therapy through Y6. ARR (Y1: 1.2) declined post-C2 (0.5), remaining low through Y6 (0.2 [0.1, non-relapsers]; 10/105 [10%] relapsed). Through Y6, patients remained CDW-free (60% [relapsers]; 75% [non-relapsers]), Gd-enhancing lesion-free (94% [relapsers]; 90% [non-relapsers]), new/enlarging T2 hyperintense lesion-free (68% [relapsers]; 69% [non-relapsers]), and MRI disease activity-free (68% [relapsers]; 69% [non-relapsers]). Alemtuzumab slowed median percent yearly BVL (Y6: -0.13% [relapsers]; -0.10% [non-relapsers]). Conclusions: Patients relapsing between C1 and C2 improved post-C2 through Y6. These findings support administering 2 alemtuzumab courses to achieve optimal and durable benefit.
A.07 Characterizing the epidemiology of epilepsy in Saskatchewan, Canada
Authors: Hernandez Ronquillo L , Thorpe L , Pahwa P , Tellez Zenteno J
Published: June 2018

Background: There is no available estimate of the incidence and mortality of epilepsy in all age groups in the Canadian population. This study aimed to measure the incidence, prevalence, mortality and the secular trends for epilepsy in Saskatchewan between 2005 and 2010. Methods: A population-based cohort study was established from Saskatchewan’s provincial health administrative data. The population was followed until termination of coverage, death, or 31 December 2010. Individuals with epilepsy were identified based on ICD codes algorithms from 2005 to 2010. Results: The age-standardized incidence of epilepsy was 62 per 100,000 person-year. The age-standardized incidence rate of epilepsy in self-declared Registered Indians was 122 per 100,000 person-year. There was a significant decrease in the incidence of epilepsy for all groups over the study period. The age-standardized prevalence of epilepsy was 9 per 1,000 people. There was a significant increase in the prevalence of epilepsy over this time period. The adjusted mortality rate was 0.023 per 1000 person-year, and the all-cause Standardized Mortality Ration for epilepsy was 2.45. The SMR remained constant over the six-year period of the study. Conclusions: This study is the first in Canada to measure the incidence and all-cause mortality of epilepsy in all age groups.
Reforming States, Agricultural Transformation, and Economic Development in Russia and Japan, 1853–1913
Authors: Cohen Mark
Published: June 2018

A once-dominant family of interpretations of the beginnings of Japanese and Russian development claimed that policies adopted by the two states were inadequate to modernize agrarian property relations, and so both states were required to mediate between premodern agriculture and “hot-house” modern industry. More recent accounts have insisted that despite the limited reforms to agrarian property relations, agriculture in both countries in fact dynamically participated in economic development. This paper contends that these revised accounts’ one-sided focus on market opportunities leaves unresolved key puzzles. Why did productivity growth jump higher after the Meiji reforms in Japan? Why did only some regions participate in agricultural development in Russia? To answer these questions, this paper argues it is necessary to return attention to the ways agrarian property relations did and did not change following reforms adopted by the two states in the 1860s and 1870s. The key theoretical upshot of this analysis is that the initiation of capitalist development required a political process in which institutions that had previously guaranteed non-market access of rural households to subsistence were dismantled in favor of the domination of market relations.
Brief Ethnic and Historical Background
Authors: Keur Dorothy Louise
Published: June 2018

The Navahos call themselves “diné” meaning, simply “men” or “people.” All tribes of the Athapaskan linguistic stock designate themselves by a form of this same word, such as “dane, dene, dune, dindje, nde, tinneh, tunne, teni,” etc. The languages spoken by this diversified and widely distributed group, i.e., the Athapaskans, are sufficiently similar in vocabulary, phonetics and morphology, to amply justify the belief that they are descended from a common parent stock. This linguistic family occupies a tremendous sweep of territory from the northern interior of Alaska to Sonora and Chihuahua, more than 4000 miles from north to south.
Typicality or Fluency?
Authors: Honda Hidehito , Fujisaki Itsuki , Matsuka Toshihiko , Ueda Kazuhiro
Published: June 2018

Abstract. The modern Japanese writing system comprises different scripts, such as Kanji, Hiragana, and Katakana. These scripts differ greatly in both typicality and frequency of usage. In two experimental studies using names of cities or prefectures in Japan as target stimuli, we examined two hypotheses, the typicality hypothesis and fluency hypothesis, in order to assess effects of Japanese script on psychological processes. It was found that Kanji names induced typical thinking in a participant’s description of a location, whereas Katakana names induced rather nontypical thinking. In contrast, we found that script differences did not affect distance estimations. We discuss these effects of Japanese script on psychological processes in terms of the typicality hypothesis (differences in typical usage habits between Kanji and Katakana that affect psychological processes).
Paranoid Delusions as an Adaptive Response to Social Evaluative Stress?
Authors: Clamor Annika , Krkovic Katarina
Published: June 2018

Abstract. Learning mechanisms may serve as a framework for understanding the formation of paranoia. Specifically, if paranoid thoughts after social stressors produce a short-term benefit for coping (e.g., downregulating arousal), the encountered negative reinforcement could lead to their excessive application and subsequently to long-term maladaptive convictions. The Trier Social Stress Test was utilized in healthy participants to examine this putative benefit. Participants rated paranoia at baseline and after the stressor. Subjective stress levels, negative affect, heart rate, and heart rate variability were assessed in the following rest phase (N = 59). Semipartial correlations showed that participants who responded with larger increases in paranoia were characterized by a lower heart rate in the subsequent rest phase. No associations were found with heart rate variability or psychological measures. Thus, paranoid thinking in healthy individuals could be an adaptive means for reestablishing some aspects of physiological homeostasis after a social stressor but further research is needed.
An Investigation of Module-Specific Effects of Metacognitive Training for Psychosis
Authors: Schneider Brooke C. , Cludius Barbara , Lutz Wolfgang , Moritz Steffen , Rubel Julian A.
Published: June 2018

Abstract. Metacognitive training for psychosis (MCT) is a group training program that targets cognitive biases, which play a role in the pathogenesis of delusions. It remains unclear to what extent individual MCT modules lead to within- or between-session changes in positive symptoms, sadness, cognitive biases, or theory of mind (ToM) distortions. A one-armed open-label intervention study was conducted with 176 psychiatric inpatients with psychotic symptoms. Patients were asked to fill out a questionnaire on cognitive biases, symptoms, and ToM distortions before and after each session. Multilevel (ML) modeling was used to assess associations between participation in a respective module and subsequent changes in self-reported symptoms. ML analyses indicated an overall improvement in all outcomes as well as within-session decreases in positive symptoms for a module addressing ToM distortions with a small effect. Two MCT modules addressing cognitive biases (jumping to conclusions, a bias against disconfirmatory evidence) were associated with reductions in the module-specific bias with a small and small to medium effect, respectively. The study provides initial evidence regarding module-specific associations with positive symptoms, cognitive biases, and ToM distortions in MCT.
Congressman Renews Call for EPA Administrator to Resign
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: June 2018

In an interview with Eos, Rep. Don Beyer, the second-highest-ranking Democrat on the House Science Committee, details why he calls Pruitt “an embarrassment” to the Trump administration.
In‐Flight Observation of Positron Annihilation by ILDAS
Authors: Kochkin P. , Sarria D. , Skeie C. , van Deursen A. P. J. , de Boer A. I. , Bardet M. , Allasia C. , Flourens F. , Østgaard N.
Published: June 2018

We report a 511‐keV photon flux enhancement that was observed inside a thundercloud and is a result of positron annihilation. The observation was made with the In‐flight Lightning Damage Assessment System (ILDAS) on board of an A340 test aircraft. The aircraft was intentionally flying through a thunderstorm at 12‐km altitude over Northern Australia in January 2016. Two gamma ray detectors showed a significant count rate increase synchronously with fast electromagnetic field variations registered by an on‐board antenna. A sequence of 10 gamma ray enhancements was detected, each lasted for about 1 s. Their spectrum mainly consists of 511‐keV photons and their Compton component. The local electric activity during the emission was identified as a series of static discharges of the aircraft. A full‐scale Geant4 model of the aircraft was created to estimate the emission area. Monte Carlo simulation indicated that the positrons annihilated in direct vicinity or in the aircraft body.
Identification of strong intron enhancer in the heparanase gene: effect of functional rs4693608 variant on HPSE enhancer activity in hematological and solid malignancies
Authors: Ostrovsky Olga , Grushchenko-Polaq Ania Hava , Beider Katia , Mayorov Margarita , Canaani Jonathan , Shimoni Avichai , Vlodavsky Israel , Nagler Arnon
Published: June 2018

Heparanase is an endo-β-glucuronidase that specifically cleaves the saccharide chains of heparan sulfate (HS) proteoglycans and releases HS-bound cytokines, chemokines, and bioactive growth-promoting factors. Heparanase plays an important role in the nucleus as part of an active chromatin complex. Our previous studies revealed that rs4693608 correlates with heparanase levels and increased risk of acute and extensive chronic graft vs. host disease (GVHD). Discrepancy between recipient and donor in this SNP significantly affected the risk of acute GVHD. In the present study, we analyzed the HPSE gene region, including rs4693608, and demonstrated that this region exhibits SNPs-dependent enhancer activity. Analysis of nuclear proteins from normal leukocytes revealed their binding to DNA probe of both alleles with higher affinity to allele G. All malignant cell lines and leukemia samples disclosed a shift of the main bands in comparison to normal leukocytes. At least five additional shifted bands were bound to allele A while allele G probe was bound to only one main DNA/protein complex. Additional SNPs rs4693083, rs4693084, and rs4693609 were found in strong linkage disequilibrium (LD) with rs11099592 (exon 7). Only rs4693084 affected protein binding to DNA in cell lines and leukemia samples. As a result of the short distance between rs4693608 and rs4693084, both SNPs may be included in a common DNA/protein complex. DNA pull-down assay revealed that heparanase is involved in self-regulation by negative feedback in rs4693608-dependent manner. During carcinogenesis, heparanase self-regulation is discontinued and the helicase-like transcription factor begins to regulate this enhancer region. Altogether, our study elucidates conceivable mechanism(s) by which rs4693608 SNP regulates HPSE gene expression and the associated disease outcome.
LSD1-ERRα complex requires NRF1 to positively regulate transcription and cell invasion
Authors: Zhang Ling , Carnesecchi Julie , Cerutti Catherine , Tribollet Violaine , Périan Séverine , Forcet Christelle , Wong Jiemin , Vanacker Jean-Marc
Published: June 2018

Lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) exerts dual effects on histone H3, promoting transcriptional repression via Lys4 (H3K4) demethylation or transcriptional activation through Lys9 (H3K9) demethylation. These activities are often exerted at transcriptional start sites (TSSs) and depend on the type of enhancer-bound transcription factor (TFs) with which LSD1 interacts. In particular, the Estrogen-Receptor Related α (ERRα) TF interacts with LSD1 and switches its activities toward H3K9 demethylation, resulting in transcriptional activation of a set of common target genes. However, how are the LSD1-TF and, in particular LSD1-ERRα, complexes determined to act at TSSs is not understood. Here we show that promoter-bound nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1), but not ERRα, is essential to LSD1 recruitment at the TSSs of positive LSD1-ERRα targets. In contrast to ERRα, NRF1 does not impact on the nature of LSD1 enzymatic activity. We propose a three factor model, in which the LSD1 histone modifier requires a TSS tethering factor (NRF1) as well as an activity inducer (ERRα) to transcriptionally activate common targets. The relevance of this common network is illustrated by functional data, showing that all three factors are required for cell invasion in an MMP1 (Matrix MetalloProtease 1)-dependent manner, the expression of which is regulated by NRF1/LSD1/ERRα-mediated H3K9me2 demethylation.
Metronomic capecitabine vs. best supportive care in Child-Pugh B hepatocellular carcinoma: a proof of concept
Authors: De Lorenzo Stefania , Tovoli Francesco , Barbera Maria Aurelia , Garuti Francesca , Palloni Andrea , Frega Giorgio , Garajovà Ingrid , Rizzo Alessandro , Trevisani Franco , Brandi Giovanni
Published: June 2018

There is a relative lack of evidence about systemic treatments in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and moderate liver dysfunction (Child-Pugh B). In this multicenter study we retrospectively analyzed data from Child-Pugh B-HCC patients naïve to systemic therapies, treated with MC or best supportive care (BSC). To reduce the risk of selection bias, an inverse probability of treatment weighting approach was adopted. Propensity score was generated including: extrahepatic spread; macrovascular invasion; performance status, alphafetoprotein > 400 ng/ml, Child- Pugh score [B7 vs. B8–9]. We identified 35 MC-treated patients and 70 controls. Median overall survival was 7.5 [95% CI: 3.733–11.267]in MC-patients and 5.1 months [95% CI: 4.098–6.102] in the BSC group (p = 0.013). In patients treated with MC, median progression-free survival was 4.5 months (95% CI: 2.5–6.5). The univariate unweighted Cox regression showed a 42% reduction in death risk for patients on MC (95%CI: 0.370–0.906; p = 0.017). After weighting for potential confounders, death risk remained essentially unaltered. In the MC group, 12 patients (34.3%) experienced at least one adverse event, the most common of which were: fatigue (17.1%), hand-foot syndrome (8.5%), thrombocytopenia (8.5%), and neutropenia (5.7%). MC seems a safe option for Child-Pugh B-HCC patients. Its potential antitumour activity warrants prospective evaluations.
Saturated fatty acid attenuates anti-obesity effect of green tea
Authors: Yamashita Shuya , Hirashima Asami , Lin I-Chian , Bae Jaehoon , Nakahara Kanami , Murata Motoki , Yamada Shuhei , Kumazoe Motofumi , Yoshitomi Ren , Kadomatsu Mai , Sato Yuka , Nezu Ayaka , Hikida Ai , Fujino Konatsu , Murata Kyosuke , Maeda-Yamamoto Mari , Tachibana Hirofumi
Published: June 2018

Green tea and its major polyphenol epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG) have suppressive effect on dietary obesity. However, it remains unsolved what type of diet on which they exhibit high or low anti-obesity effect. In the present study, we investigated whether anti-obesity effect of green tea differs depending on composition of fats or fatty acids that consist high-fat (HF) diet in mouse model. Green tea extract (GTE) intake dramatically suppressed weight gain and fat accumulation induced by olive oil-based HF diet, whereas the effects on those induced by beef tallow-based HF diet were weak. GTE also effectively suppressed obesity induced by unsaturated fatty acid-enriched HF diet with the stronger effect compared with that induced by saturated fatty acid-enriched HF diet. These differences would be associated with the increasing action of GTE on expression of PPARδ signaling pathway-related genes in the white adipose tissue. Expressions of genes relating to EGCG signaling pathway that is critical for exhibition of physiological effects of EGCG were also associated with the different effects of GTE. Here, we show that anti-obesity effect of GTE differs depending on types of fats or fatty acids that consist HF diet and could be attenuated by saturated fatty acid.
Development of optokinetic tracking software for objective evaluation of visual function in rodents
Authors: Segura Francisco , Arines Justo , Sánchez-Cano Ana , Perdices Lorena , Orduna-Hospital Elvira , Fuentes-Broto Lorena , Pinilla Isabel
Published: June 2018

The aim of this study was to develop software that performs the optokinetic tracking assessment without the involvement of experimenters to increase the objectivity of the test. To check the effectiveness of the software, several videos were analyzed and the results were compared to those produced by two experimenters. Videos consisted of visual acuity and contrast sensitivity tests on normal animals and pigmented P23H rats (animal model of retinitis pigmentosa). Our software showed a reasonably high success rate: in approximately 78% of the cases, both the software program and the experimenters were in agreement, including the direction of rotation. The software detected 7% false positive cases, 10% false negative cases, and it was wrong in 5% of the cases. Decrease in visual function with age in pigmented P23H rats was observed from the first time interval, although minimum thresholds were found in visual parameters at advanced ages. We developed simple software based on current functions included in the Matlab image processing toolbox that was able to recognize, with a reasonably high percentage of success, the subtle head movements of the rodent produced when visual perception of the optokinetic optotype occurs.
Correction: Corrigendum: Maintained larval growth in mussel larvae exposed to acidified under-saturated seawater
Authors: Ventura Alexander , Schulz Sabrina , Dupont Sam
Published: June 2018

Scientific Reports 6; Article number: 23728; published online: 29 March 2016; updated: 27 June 2018 This Article contains errors. In Table 1, in the sixth row, the pHT value for nominal pH 7.85, “7.80 ± 0.031” should read: “7.86 ± 0.031” Additionally, the legend for Figure 2, “(a) Trochophore stage,(b) protruding mantle, (c) indented margin, (d) convex hinge, (e) cupped and (f) normally D-shaped larva.
The Interaction of NO and H2S Signaling Systems in Biology and Medicine
Authors: Cao Xu , Bian Jin-Song
Published: June 2018

Although historically known as toxic gases, H2S and NO are currently well recognized as endogenous signaling molecules, namely gasotransmitters, in mammalian systems. More interestingly, a plethora of research in the past decade has revealed the interaction between these two molecules by either regulation of mutual biosynthesis or direct chemical reaction. This helps explain their functional similarity and mutual potentiation, particularly in the cardiovascular system. This chapter serves as a general overview on the biochemistry of interaction of H2S and NO and how this interaction occurs in the context of the cardiovascular system, cancer biology, and inflammation. Moreover, recent synthesized NOSH compounds, which simultaneously donate NO and H2S, are briefly summarized in this chapter.
Production and Signaling of Methane
Authors: Boros M. , Keppler F.
Published: June 2018

Methanogenesis has been associated exclusively with anoxic environments and the activity of prokaryotes, but there is convincing evidence for alternative pathways of biological methane formation in the aerobic biosphere, including plants, fungi, algae, and animals. Once generated by anaerobe microbes or released by a non-archaeal process, methane is widely considered to be biologically inactive. However, apart from the data on the effects of endogenously generated methane, several studies have reported that exogenous methane influences the key regulatory mechanisms and cellular pathways involved in oxidative and nitrosative stress responses in antigen-dependent and antigen-independent models of inflammation. This chapter reviews the available literature on methane-producing processes in eukaryotes and the interactions of methane with other biological gases, and summarizes the most relevant results that establish the bioactive role of methane in eukaryotic biological systems. These data collectively imply that methane liberation and effectiveness in eukaryotes are both linked to hypoxic events and redox regulation, and support the notion that methane plays important signaling roles in the mammalian physiology and pathophysiology.
Towards mapping electrostatic interactions between Kdo2-lipid A and cationic antimicrobial peptides via ultraviolet photodissociation mass spectrometry
Authors: Crittenden Christopher M. , Morrison Lindsay J. , Fitzpatrick Mignon D. , Myers Allison P. , Novelli Elisa T. , Rosenberg Jake , Akin Lucas D. , Srinivasa Sorin , Shear Jason B. , Brodbelt Jennifer S.
Published: June 2018

UV-photodissociation mass spectrometry is utilized to probe non-covalent saccharolipid:peptide interactions.
Synthesis of zero-valent iron nanoparticles via laser ablation in a formate ionic liquid under atmospheric conditions
Authors: Okazoe Shinya , Yasaka Yoshiro , Kudo Masaki , Maeno Hiroshi , Murakami Yasukazu , Kimura Yoshifumi
Published: June 2018

Iron nanoparticles prepared in a tetraoctylphosphonium formate ionic liquid via laser ablation are not oxidized under atmospheric conditions.
Viscous field-aligned water exhibits cubic-ice-like structural motifs
Authors: Kahk J. Matthias , Tan Beng Hau , Ohl Claus-Dieter , Loh N. Duane
Published: June 2018

By constraining the orientations of water molecules, strong electric fields can drive the formation of cubic-ice-like motifs in liquid water.
Transition metal cations on the move: simultaneous operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction investigations during Li uptake and release of a NiFe2O4/CNT composite
Authors: Permien Stefan , Neumann Tobias , Indris Sylvio , Neubüser Gero , Kienle Lorenz , Fiedler Andy , Hansen Anna-Lena , Gianolio Diego , Bredow Thomas , Bensch Wolfgang
Published: June 2018

Transition metal cations on the move: simultaneous operando XAS and XRD investigations during Li uptake and release of a NiFe2O4/CNT composite.
Redox-induced switch between luminescence and magnetism in a trinuclear cyanide-bridged compound
Authors: Zhu Xiao-Quan , Su Shao-Dong , Wen Yue-Hong , Zhang Lin-Tao , Yang Yu-Ying , Wu Xin-Tao , Sheng Tian-Lu
Published: June 2018

A trinuclear cyanide-bridged Mn–Ru–Mn compound shows novel redox-induced transformation between luminescence and intramolecular ferromagnetic coupling.
Electronic structure engineering to boost oxygen reduction activity by controlling the coordination of the central metal
Authors: Han Yunhu , Wang Yanggang , Xu Ruirui , Chen Wenxing , Zheng Lirong , Han Aijuan , Zhu Youqi , Zhang Jian , Zhang Huabin , Luo Jun , Chen Chen , Peng Qing , Wang Dingsheng , Li Yadong
Published: June 2018

FeCl1N4/CNS catalyst first realized a great improvement of ORR by controlling the electronic structure of central metal with coordinated chlorine.
Nature-based catalyst for visible-light-driven photocatalytic CO2 reduction
Authors: Jiang Zhifeng , Sun Hongli , Wang Tianqi , Wang Bo , Wei Wei , Li Huaming , Yuan Shouqi , An Taicheng , Zhao Huijun , Yu Jiaguo , Wong Po Keung
Published: June 2018

We demonstrate a rational fabrication of hierarchical treated rape pollen as metal-free catalyst for visible-light-driven photocatalytic CO2 reduction.
Sustainable synthesis of single crystalline sulphur-doped graphene quantum dots for bioimaging and beyond
Authors: Sangam Sujata , Gupta Apoorv , Shakeel Adeeba , Bhattacharya Rohan , Sharma Arun Kumar , Suhag Deepa , Chakrabarti Sandip , Garg Sandeep Kumar , Chattopadhyay Sourav , Basu Biswarup , Kumar Vinod , Rajput Satyendra Kumar , Dutta Malay Kishore , Mukherjee Monalisa
Published: June 2018

Waste-driven single crystalline sulphur-doped GQDs are synthesized via a green hydrothermal route with the highest quantum yield and excellent biocompatibility for bioimaging.
CO2 promoted synthesis of unsymmetrical organic carbonate using switchable agents based on DBU and alcohols
Authors: Gu Qingwen , Fang Jian , Xu Zichen , Ni Wenxiu , Kong Kang , Hou Zhenshan
Published: June 2018

Transesterification can be accelerated under pressurized CO2 and satisfactory activity and selectivity to unsymmetrical organic carbonate can be obtained.
Broadening the temperature range for high thermoelectric performance of bulk polycrystalline strontium titanate by controlling the electronic transport properties
Authors: Li Jian-Bo , Wang Jun , Li Jing-Feng , Li Yan , Yang He , Yu Hao-Yang , Ma Xiao-Bo , Yaer Xinba , Liu Liang , Miao Lei
Published: June 2018

Strontium titanate (SrTiO3) is a promising n-type thermoelectric material at high temperature.
“Do I Sound Straight?”: Acoustic Correlates of Actual and Perceived Sexual Orientation and Masculinity/Femininity in Men's Speech
Authors: Kachel Sven , Simpson Adrian P. , Steffens Melanie C.
Published: June 2018

Purpose

This study aims to give an integrative answer on which speech stereotypes exist toward German gay and straight men, whether and how acoustic correlates of actual and perceived sexual orientation are connected, and how this relates to masculinity/femininity. Hence, it tests speech stereotype accuracy in the context of sexual orientation.

Method

Twenty-five gay and 26 straight German speakers provided data for a fine-grained psychological self-assessment (e.g., masculinity/femininity) and explicit speech stereotypes. They were recorded for an extensive set of read and spontaneous speech samples using microphones and nasometry. Recordings were analyzed for a variety of acoustic parameters (e.g., fundamental frequency and nasalance). Seventy-four listeners categorized speakers as gay or straight on the basis of the same sentence.

Results

Most relevant explicitly expressed speech stereotypes encompass voice pitch, nasality, chromaticity, and smoothness. Demonstrating implicit stereotypes, speakers were perceived as sounding straighter, the lower their median f0, center of gravity in /s/, and mean F2. However, based on actual sexual orientation, straight men only showed lower mean F1 than gay men. Additionally, we found evidence that actual masculinity/femininity and the degree of sexual orientation were reflected in gay and straight men's speech.

Conclusion

Implicit and explicit speech stereotypes about gay and straight men do not contain a kernel of truth, and differences within groups are more important than differences between them.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.6484001
Benefits of long coherent integration for CZT‐based GPS signal acquisition
Authors: Xu Bing , Dou Jie , Dou Lei
Published: June 2018

Due to its flexibility in calculating frequency spectrum, the chirp z‐transform (CZT) has been used in various applications where high‐frequency resolution is desirable, e.g. the acquisition of global positioning system (GPS) signals. However, the CZT is very time consuming when dealing with the very large size of input data. Thus, typically, only 1 ms data is used for GPS signal acquisition. In this Letter, the authors improve the acquisition precision and sensitivity of the CZT‐based acquisition by extending coherent integration time. To reduce computation load, they introduce a down‐sampling operation to the extended data without degrading acquisition performance. Results show that the CZT‐based acquisition with a coherent integration time of 10 ms obtains a frequency error of 5.9 Hz for the carrier‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) of 25 dB‐Hz and can acquire signals with a CNR down to 22 dB‐Hz.
Exploring DCO+ as a tracer of thermal inversion in the disk around the Herbig Ae star HD 163296
Authors: Salinas V. N. , Hogerheijde M. R. , Murillo N. M. , Mathews G. S. , Qi C. , Williams J. P. , Wilner D. J.
Published: June 2018

Context. In planet-forming disks, deuterated species like DCO+ often show up in rings. Two chemical formation routes contribute: cold deuteration at temperatures below 30 K and warm deuteration at temperatures up to 80 K.

Aims. We aim to reproduce the DCO+ emission in the disk around HD 163296 using a simple 2D chemical model for the formation of DCO+ through the cold deuteration channel and a parametric treatment of the warm deuteration channel.

Methods. We use data from ALMA in band 6 to obtain a resolved spectral imaging data cube of the DCO+ J = 3–2 line in HD 163296 with a synthesized beam of 0.′′53 × 0.′′42. We adopt a physical structure of the disk from the literature that reproduces the spectral energy distribution. We then apply a simplified chemical network for the formation of DCO+ that uses the physical structure of the disk as parameters along with a CO abundance profile, a constant HD abundance, and a constant ionization rate. We model the contribution of the warm deuteration channel with two parameters: an effective activation temperature and a constant abundance. Finally, from the resulting DCO+ abundances, we calculate the non-LTE emission using the 3D radiative transfer code LIME.

Results. The observed DCO+ emission is reproduced by a model with cold deuteration producing abundances up to 1.6 × 10−11. Warm deuteration, at a constant abundance of 3.2 × 10−12, becomes fully effective below 32 K and tapers off at higher temperatures, reproducing the lack of DCO+ inside 90 AU. Throughout the DCO+ emitting zone a CO abundance of 2 × 10−7 is found, with ~99% of it frozen out below 19 K. At radii where both cold and warm deuteration are active, warm deuteration contributes up to 20% of DCO+, consistent with detailed chemical models. The decrease in DCO+ at large radii is attributed to a temperature inversion at 250 AU, which raises temperatures above values where cold deuteration operates. Increased photodesorption may also limit the radial extent of DCO+. The corresponding return of the DCO+ layer to the midplane, together with a radially increasing ionization fraction, reproduces the local DCO+ emission maximum at ~260 AU.

Conclusions. We can successfully reproduce the observed morphology of DCO+ at large radii by only considering the dependence on temperature in the chemical reactions that produce it. Predictions on the location of DCO+ within the disk from simple models depend strongly on the gas temperature. Outer disk temperature inversions, expected when grains decouple from the gas and drift inward, can lead to secondary maxima in DCO+ emission and a reduction of its radial extent. This can appear as an outer emission ring, and can be used to identify a second CO desorption front.
SHOTGLAS
Authors: Latour Marilyn , Randall Suzanna K. , Calamida Annalisa , Geier Stephan , Moehler Sabine
Published: June 2018

The presence of extreme horizontal branch (EHB) and blue hook stars in some Galactic globular clusters (GGCs) constitutes one of the remaining mysteries of stellar evolution. While several evolutionary scenarios have been proposed to explain the characteristics of this peculiar population of evolved stars, their observational verification has been limited by the availability of spectroscopic data for a statistically significant sample of such objects in any single GGC. We recently launched the SHOTGLAS project with the aim of providing a comprehensive picture of this intriguing stellar population in terms of spectroscopic properties for all readily accessible GGCs hosting an EHB. In this first paper, we focus on ω Cen, a peculiar, massive GGC that hosts multiple stellar populations. We use non-LTE model atmospheres to derive atmospheric parameters (Teff, log g and N(He)/N(H)) and spectroscopic masses for 152 EHB stars in the cluster. This constitutes the largest spectroscopic sample of EHB stars ever analyzed in a GGC and represents ≈20% of the EHB population of ω Cen. We also search for close binaries among these stars based on radial velocity variations. Our results show that the EHB population of ω Cen is divided into three spectroscopic groups that are very distinct in the Teff − helium abundance plane. The coolest sdB-type stars (Teff ≲ 30 000 K) have a hydrogen-rich atmosphere, populate the theoretical EHB region in the Teff − log g plane, and form 26% of our sample. The hottest sdO-type stars (Teff ≳ 42 000 K) make up 10% of the sample, have a hydrogen-rich atmosphere and are thought to be in a post-EHB evolutionary phase. The majority of our sample is found at intermediate temperatures and consists of sdOB stars that have roughly solar or super-solar atmospheric helium abundances. It is these objects that constitute the blue hook at V > 18.5 mag in the ω Cen color-magnitude diagram. Interestingly, the helium-enriched sdOBs do not have a significant counterpart population in the Galactic field, indicating that their formation is dependent on the particular environment found in ω Cen and other select GGCs. Another major difference between the EHB stars in ω Cen and the field is the fraction of close binaries. From our radial velocity survey we identify two binary candidates, however no orbital solutions could be determined. We estimate an EHB close binary fraction of ≈5% in ω Cen. This low fraction is in line with findings for other GGCs, but in sharp contrast to the situation in the field, where around 50% of the sdB stars reside in close binaries. Finally, the mass distribution derived is very similar for all three spectroscopic groups, however the average mass (0.38 M⊙) is lower than that expected from stellar evolution theory. While this mass conundrum has previously been noted for EHB stars in ω Cen, it so far appears to be unique to that cluster.
The optical properties of dust: the effects of composition, size, and structure
Authors: Ysard N. , Jones A. P. , Demyk K. , Boutéraon T. , Koehler M.
Published: June 2018

Context.Dust grains are determinant for setting the chemical, physical, dynamical, and radiative properties of all the media in which they are present. Their influence depends on the grain composition, size, and geometrical structure which vary throughout the life cycle of dust. In particular, grain growth arises in dense molecular clouds and protoplanetary disks as traced by an enhancement of the dust far-IR emissivity and by the effects of cloudshine and coreshine.

Aims.Our aim is to investigate the imprint of the grain characteristics on the dust unpolarised optical properties from the visible to the far-IR wavelengths for isolated grains as well as for aggregates.

Methods.Using optical constants for both carbonaceous and silicate materials, we have derived the absorption and scattering efficiencies, the asymmetry factor of the phase function, the single scattering albedo, and the mass opacity for isolated grains and aggregates, using either the Mie theory or the discrete dipole approximation (DDA). We investigated the effects of the size, porosity, and shape of the grains, and of the monomers constituting the aggregates, on the optical properties. Besides this, for aggregates we studied the influence of the number of monomers and of mixing monomer sizes.

Results.Grain structure changes result in optical property variations at all wavelengths. Porosity, grain elongation, as well as aggregation all produce an increase in the far-IR opacity. The spectral dependence of this increase depends on the nature of the material composing the grain: it is independent of the wavelength for insulators but not for conductors. In the case of aggregates, the far-IR increase does not depend on the monomer size and saturates for aggregates containing six or more monomers. In the visible and near-IR, the aggregate behaviour is reminiscent of a compact sphere of the same mass whereas at longer wavelengths, it is closer to the effect of porosity. Finally, for silicates, the mid-IR spectral feature at 18μm is more sensitive to the details of the grain structure than the 10μm feature.

Conclusions.Dust optical properties, from the visible to the far-IR, are highly dependent upon the grain composition, size, and structure. This study provides a basis for understanding the range of variations achievable as a result of varying the grain characteristics. It emphasises the importance of considering the detailed grain structure in determining the dust optical properties and of using exact methods because approximate methods cannot reproduce the entire range of the observed variations at all wavelengths.
Solving a dynamic combinatorial auctions problem by a hybrid metaheuristic based on a fuzzy dominance relation
Authors: Asli Larbi , Aïder Méziane , Talbi El-Ghazali
Published: June 2018

This paper introduces a bi-objective winner determination problem which is based on English auctions. Most models of combinatorial auctions (winner determination problem) do not allow the bidder to update his offer, due to the fact that these mechanisms are static. However in reality bidders are in rough competition while there is time for auction. In this work we give a mathematical formulation of the dynamic model of the bi-objective winner determination problem, where the objectives are: (i) maximization of the total income, (ii) maximization of the number of items sold. This problem is based on the English auction mechanism, which allows bidders to renew their bids until the end of the exercise period. Then the solution is proposed by giving an algorithm based on an hybridization of a metaheuristic with a fuzzy dominance relation. A numerical experimentation using this algorithm on simulated data gives rise to satisfactory results.
Organocatalytic Atom-Transfer C(sp3)–H Oxidation
Authors: Hilinski Michael , Johnson Shea , Combee Logan
Published: June 2018

Predictably site-selective catalytic methods for intermolecular C(sp3)–H hydroxylation and amination hold great promise for the synthesis and late-stage modification of complex molecules. Transition-metal catalysis has been the most common approach for early investigations of this type of reaction. In comparison, there are far fewer ­reports of organocatalytic methods for direct oxygen or nitrogen insertion into C–H bonds. Herein, we provide an overview of early efforts in this area, with particular emphasis on our own recent development of an iminium salt that catalyzes both oxygen and nitrogen insertion.

1 Introduction

2 Background: C–H Oxidation Capabilities of Heterocyclic Oxidants

3 Oxaziridine-Mediated Catalytic Hydroxylation

4 Dioxirane-Mediated Catalytic Hydroxylation

5 Iminium Salt Catalysis of Hydroxylation and Amination

6 Conclusion and Outlook
Electroimmunochemical Characterization of Endothelial Cell Proteins: Antigenic Relationship with Platelet and Erythrocyte Membrane Proteins
Authors: Børsum Tone , Hagen Inger , Bjerrum Ole J
Published: June 2018

Human endothelial cells isolated from umbilical cords and cultured in primary cultures were solubilized in Triton X-100 and examined by crossed immunoelectrophoresis using rabbit antiserum against endothelial cells. Endogeneous labelling of the endothelial cell proteins with 35S-methionine or 14C-mannose followed by crossed immunoelectrophoresis and autoradiography revealed about 30 or 8 immunoprecipitates, respectively. Antigenic relationship between endothelial cell proteins and proteins in human platelets or erythrocyte membranes was demonstrated by use of the corresponding antisera and by antigen addition experiments. One of the endothelial cell proteins cross-reacted with antiserum against erythrocyte membranes and showed a partial antigenic identity reaction with the band 3 protein complex of erythrocyte membranes. The same protein showed antigenic relationship also with a platelet protein. In addition, endothelial cells contain at least 7 proteins antigenically related to platelet proteins, of which at least 5 were labelled with 14C-mannose and thus were glycoproteins. Three of these glycoproteins were antigenically related to proteins from isolated platelet membranes and three were related to the release products obtained after thrombin treatment of platelets. The present study demonstrated numerous platelet and endothelial cell proteins that were antigenically related, more than previously anticipated.
Elektronenmikroskopische Untersuchungen an normalen und agglutinierten Thrombozyten
Authors: Nolte A , Breddin K
Published: June 2018

1. Rattenthrombozyten, in den Gefäßen der dem Kreislauf noch angeschlossenen Niere fixiert, und menschliche Thrombozyten, die unmittelbar nach der Blutentnahme in Glutaraldehyd fixiert wurden, zeigen gegenüber in vitro fixierten Blutplättchen deutliche Abweichungen.

2. Plättchenaggregate und -agglutinate sind zwei unterschiedliche Zustandsformen zusammengelagerter Thrombozyten. In Aggregaten zeigen die Plättchen intakte Zellmembranen und normalen Granulomergehalt ; sie haben ihre Individualität als Einzelzelle noch bewahrt. In Agglutinaten treten Membranfusionen, -lücken, Zellverschmelzungen und Degranulierungen auf. Die Agglutinate finden sich in zwei verschiedenen Formen. Einmal bestehen sie aus degranulierten Thrombozyten mit intakten Zellgrenzen, zum ändern aus granulahaltigen Plättchenformen mit zahlreichen Membranfusionen und Zellverschmelzungen.

3. Plättchenagglutinate wurden regelmäßig gefunden in plättchenreichem Plasma von Patienten mit einem abnormen Agglutinationstest, nach Zusatz des Plasmas oder Serums eines Patienten mit aktivem plättchenagglutinierendem Faktor zu den Thrombozyten von Gesunden und nach der Einwirkung von Adenosindiphosphat und normalem Plasma auf gewaschene Blutplättchen. Die mögliche Bedeutung und Entstehung von Thrombozytenaggregaten und Agglutinaten wird diskutiert.