bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Restnutzungsdauer von geschweißten Altstahl konstruktionen unter zyklischer Beanspruchung
Authors: Schuster Jochen , Wagner Steffen , Keitel Steffen
Published: January 2017

Die Wirtschaftlichkeit von Stahlbauten hängt insbesondere von der zuverlässigen Bestimmung der erreichbaren Dauerhaftigkeit von der Herstellung über die gesamte Nutzungszeit bis zum Ende der Lebensdauer ab. Insbesondere stellt sich im Rahmen von Sanierungs‐ und Reparaturvorhaben häufig die Frage nach der Schweißeignung von Stahl‐ und Eisenwerkstoffen, deren Erzeugung vor Mitte des 20. Jahrhunderts liegt und in vielen Fällen bis ins 19. Jahrhundert zurück reicht. Im Rahmen eines öffentlich geförderten Forschungsvorhabens sollte daher geklärt werden, wie sich die Restnutzungsdauer von reparaturgeschweißten Altstahlkonstruktionen unter zyklischer Beanspruchung verändert. Die vorliegenden Untersuchungsergebnisse lassen die Schlussfolgerung zu, dass bei vorhandener und auch eingeschränkter Schweißeignung eines Altstahles, die Restnutzungsdauer einer Konstruktion durch eine ordnungsgemäße schweißtechnische Verarbeitung nicht signifikant verändert wird, so lange diese frei von Kerben ist.
Industrie und Stahlbau 4.0 – ein paar Gedanken!
Authors: Zeman Peter
Published: January 2017

Industrie 4.0 ist in aller Munde. Das Thema wird von der EU gefördert, von Universitäten und Beratern aufgegriffen, es wird definiert und interpretiert. Im Wesentlichen versteht man darunter die Verbindung der industriellen Produktion mit den nun verfügbaren Kommunikations‐ und Informationstechnologien. Noch kürzer: Die Verbindung von NC Maschinen mit dem Internet. Und nochmals kürzer: Höherer Automatisierungsgrad.
Examining the Concept of Subordination in Spoken L1 and L2 English: The Case ofIf‐Clauses
Authors: Basterrechea María , Weinert Regina
Published: January 2017

This article explores the applications of research on native spoken language into second language learning in the concept of subordination. Second language (L2) learners’ ability to integrate subordinate clauses is considered an indication of higher proficiency (e.g., Ellis & Barkhuizen, 2005; Tarone & Swierzbin, 2009). However, the notion of subordination is challenged in the analysis of spoken syntax due to the potential problems in identifying clausal relationships. The study compares the production ofif‐clauses of first language (L1;N = 20) and L2 (N = 20) speakers of English in informal conversations and a map task. Results show that L2 speakers exhibited a strong preference for pre‐posedif‐clauses consisting of oneif‐clause; compared to L1 users, they used few multiclausalif‐clause complexes and postscript and semiformulaic post‐posed clauses in the conversations. As for the map task, L2 speakers did not use singleif‐clause directives, frequently used by L1 speakers. The findings seem to indicate that L2 speakers were constrained in their structural and hence functional repertoire. The article concludes that using subordination as a measure of complexity may not be straightforward, because clausal relations typical of spoken language need to be taken into account.
Biological effects of new‐generation dialkyl phosphinate flame retardants and their hydrolysates in BALB/C mice
Authors: Bao Jieqing , Liu Yuchen , Li Lisha , Chen Minjie , Liu Jiyan , Niu Yumin , Liu Jingfu , Liang Yong
Published: January 2017

Aluminum methylcyclohexylphosphinate (AMHP), calcium methylcyclohexylphosphinate (CMHP), aluminum diethylphosphinate (ADEP), and aluminum methylethylphosphinate (AMEP) are organic dialkyl phosphinates (DPs) and emerging phosphorus‐based flame retardants. The broad‐spectrum DPs flame retardants occupy high‐end industrial markets, but their ecologic risk has been reported rarely. By exposing male BALB/c mice to DPs and dialkyl phosphinic acids, we studied the toxic effects of these chemicals, and measured AMHP and methylcyclohexylphosphinic acid (MHPA) in blood and feces. We found that DPs and their main hydrolysates had mild toxicity in BALB/c mice. Exposure to 10 and 50 mg/kg/d of AMEP and ADEP caused mild hepatotoxicity in mice. Toxicity of CMHP was in the liver and kidneys. Toxicity of AMHP and its hydrolysate MHPA was low and affected the liver. These data suggest that AMHP has lower toxicity than the other DPs that we tested. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 1578–1586, 2017.
Cover Image, Volume 7, Issue 1
Authors: Ramakrishnan Sathish Kumar , Zhu Jie , Gergely Csilla
Published: January 2017

The cover image, by Sathish Ramakrishnan et al., is based on the Overview Organic–inorganic interface simulation for new material discoveries, DOI: 10.1002/wcms.1277.

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A Perfect Storm? The collapse of Lancaster's critical infrastructure networks following intense rainfall on 4/5 December 2015
Authors: Ferranti Emma , Chapman Lee , Whyatt Duncan
Published: January 2017

On 4/5 December 2015 a slow moving frontal system associated with the extratropical cyclone Storm Desmond brought record‐breaking levels of rainfall to Lancaster. Both high ground and low‐lying areas were already saturated following the wettest November on record, and on the evening of 5 December the River Lune flooded into the city. Critical road and rail transport networks ground to a halt, and the city and the surrounding areas were left without mains power for 2 days after a key substation flooded, consequently leaving the majority of communication services inoperable. Was this a ‘Perfect Storm’, or a glimpse of what the future may hold for our cities as they face more frequent extreme weather events, set against the backdrop of urban population growth, and increasingly interdependent critical urban infrastructure systems?
Effect of Amino Acids and Glycyl Dipeptides on Micellization of Antibacterial Drug Domiphen Bromide
Authors: Yan Zhenning , Kang Yunxia , Wen Xiangli , Xu Cuiying , Chu Wenwen
Published: January 2017

The effects of amino acids (glycine, l‐alanine, l‐valine, l‐leucine) and glycyl dipeptides (glycylglycine, glycyl‐l‐valine, glycyl‐l‐leucine) on the micellization behaviour of antibacterial drug domiphen bromide in aqueous solution as a function of temperature were studied by both conductivity and fluorescence spectroscopy. Critical micellar concentration, degree of counterion dissociation (α), limiting molar conductivity (Λ0), and a series of thermodynamic parameters of micellization of domiphen bromide have been calculated from the specific conductivity data. The I1/I3 ratios associated with pyrene fluorescence vibronic bands were used to interpret the variation of micropolarity caused by the interactions between domiphen bromide and amino acids/glycyl dipeptides. The mean aggregation number of domiphen bromide was determined by a fluorescence quenching method. Effects of temperature, concentration, and alkyl chain length of the amino acids/glycyl dipeptides on the above properties were examined. Amino acids and glycyl dipeptides effectively enhance the surface activity of domiphen bromide solution. The intensity of amino acid/dipeptide‐domiphen bromide interaction increased with the hydrophobicity of the amino acid/glycyl dipeptide.
Intake of up to 3 Eggs/Day Increases HDL Cholesterol and Plasma Choline While Plasma Trimethylamine‐N‐oxide is Unchanged in a Healthy Population
Authors: DiMarco Diana M. , Missimer Amanda , Murillo Ana Gabriela , Lemos Bruno S. , Malysheva Olga V. , Caudill Marie A. , Blesso Christopher N. , Fernandez Maria Luz
Published: January 2017

Eggs are a source of cholesterol and choline and may impact plasma lipids and trimethylamine‐N‐oxide (TMAO) concentrations, which are biomarkers for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Therefore, the effects of increasing egg intake (0, 1, 2, and 3 eggs/day) on these and other CVD risk biomarkers were evaluated in a young, healthy population. Thirty‐eight subjects [19 men/19 women, 24.1 ± 2.2 years, body mass index (BMI) 24.3 ± 2.5 kg/m2] participated in this 14‐week crossover intervention. Participants underwent a 2‐week washout with no egg consumption, followed by intake of 1, 2, and 3 eggs/day for 4 weeks each. Anthropometric data, blood pressure (BP), dietary records, and plasma biomarkers (lipids, glucose, choline, and TMAO) were measured during each intervention phase. BMI, waist circumference, systolic BP, plasma glucose, and plasma triacylglycerol did not change throughout the intervention. Diastolic BP decreased with egg intake (P < 0.05). Compared to 0 eggs/day, intake of 1 egg/day increased HDL cholesterol (HDL‐c) (P < 0.05), and decreased LDL cholesterol (LDL‐c) (P < 0.05) and the LDL‐c/HDL‐c ratio (P < 0.01). With intake of 2–3 eggs/day, these changes were maintained. Plasma choline increased dose‐dependently with egg intake (P < 0.0001) while fasting plasma TMAO was unchanged. These results indicate that in a healthy population, consuming up to 3 eggs/day results in an overall beneficial effect on biomarkers associated with CVD risk, as documented by increased HDL‐c, a reduced LDL‐c/HDL‐c ratio, and increased plasma choline in combination with no change in plasma LDL‐c or TMAO concentrations.
Social Cognition, Behaviour and Relationship Continuity in Dementia of the Alzheimer Type
Authors: Poveda Blanca , Osborne-Crowley Katherine , Laidlaw Kenneth , Macleod Fiona , Power Kevin
Published: January 2017

Social cognition can be impaired in a range of neuro-degenerative conditions, yet the impact of these difficulties on behaviour and social relationships is not yet fully understood. This study assessed social cognition in 27 participants with Dementia of the Alzheimer Type (DAT) and their co-residing partners (N= 27) and explored the relationships between social cognition, cognitive ability, relationship continuity and behaviour following diagnosis. In line with previous research, participants with dementia scored lower on social cognition tasks compared to their partners. Behaviour changes such as apathy, disinhibition and agitation in participants with dementia were significantly related to relationship continuity; however, no significant associations were found with measures of social cognition. The results of this study are discussed within a therapeutic context and in line with current guidelines and policies.
Print Culture and the Rebuilding of London after the Fire: The Presumptuous Proposals of Valentine Knight
Authors: Jenner Mark S. R.
Published: January 2017

Histories of the Great Fire of London regularly mention and reproduce Valentine Knight's scheme for London's reconstruction, published in 1666, and note that he was imprisoned for his pains. His proposal, with new streets laid out on a rough grid and a canal through the heart of the city, has attained a walk-on part inlongue duréehistories of urban planning. However, Knight has remained a mysterious and little studied figure; the significance of his imprisonment and of the fact that his was the only scheme to be published remain unexplored. By reconstructing his biography and discovering the reason for his incarceration, and by relating his and the other proposals for the rebuilding of the capital after the fire to the history of public opinion, this article uses this episode to explore the tacit rules governing the discussion of public affairs in Restoration England. Further, by examining the publication history of all the immediate post-fire schemes for rebuilding London from 1666 to 1750, it traces how architectural plans gradually became objects for critical discussion in the worlds of print and periodical.
Input Optimisation: phonology and morphology
Authors: Hammond Michael
Published: January 2017

In this paper, I provide a unified account of three frequency effects in phonology. First, typologically marked elements are underrepresented. Second, phonological changes are underrepresented. Third, morphologically conditioned phonological changes are overrepresented. These effects are demonstrated with corpus data from English and Welsh. I show how all three effects follow from a simple conception of phonological complexity. Further, I demonstrate how this notion of complexity makes predictions about other phenomena in these languages, and that these predictions are borne out. I model this with traditional Optimality Theory, but the proposal is consistent with any constraint-based formalism that weights constraints in some way.
Preoperative right ventricle voltage mapping in Ebstein’s anomaly: can we make the late arrhythmogenic mortality following the cone procedure zero?
Authors: Weber Lauren A. , May Joseph W. , Needleman Matthew
Published: January 2017

A young woman with Epstein’s anomaly had a large endocardial scar in the atrialised ventricular myocardium. In patients with significant preoperative ventricular scarring, more information is needed to help appropriately manage the risk of ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death.
Sports participation in long QT syndrome
Authors: Aziz Peter F. , Saarel Elizabeth V.
Published: January 2017

Untreated congenital long QT syndrome may result in potentially lethal ventricular tachycardia. In the most common type, risk of such an event has been linked to exercise. This originally resulted in very restrictive guidelines for sports participation in affected individuals. Although the complex interactions of a specific genotype, modifying cofactors, and risk are only now being explored, scientific evidence based on clinical experience now suggests that in many instances such restrictive guidelines are unwarranted. In particular, patients with this condition who are compliant with β-blocker therapy and who have never had symptoms during exertion are now enjoying the benefits of athletic activity.
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy
Authors: Orgeron Gabriela M. , Crosson Jane E.
Published: January 2017

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy is an inherited cardiomyopathy characterised by ventricular arrhythmias and an increased risk of sudden cardiac death. Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy diagnosis is based on criteria that take into account electrical and structural cardiac abnormalities, as well as mutation analysis. Appropriate pharmacological therapy and the prevention of sudden death with implantable defibrillators are important in the management of these patients. Exercise is considered an important environmental factor for the development and progression of the disease.
Screening the apparently healthy athlete for risk: a paradigm in transition
Authors: Kurtz Joshua D. , Kanter Ronald J. , Olen Melissa , Rossi Anthony F.
Published: January 2017

It has largely been accepted that pre-participation screening for student athletes is necessary, but there is still no consensus on the most effective and efficient ways to accomplish this. Most clinical strategies are based on retrospective case series. By applying the European Society of Cardiology and Seattle criteria, electrocardiography appears to afford the lowest false-positive rate for identifying potentially dangerous cardiac abnormalities in athletes. Prospective, randomised trials may help determine the most effective primary prevention. Normative data for age, gender, and ethnicity for screening tools need to be formulated to further reduce false-positive results. Targeted advanced screening aimed at the highest risk groups may be the most beneficial and cost-effective application of primary prevention.
Athletic participation in the young patient with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator
Authors: Lampert Rachel , Law Ian
Published: January 2017

The decision of whether to allow a young patient with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator to continue to participate in sports is complex and multi-factorial. The positive physical and psychosocial impact of sports participation must be weighed against the potential adverse events associated with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators. Arrhythmias appear to be more prevalent in athletes and occur more frequently during physical activity or competition/practice, but there is growing evidence that device therapy is effective in athletes across a wide range of competitive sports. Failure of a device to convert a life-threatening arrhythmia, major injury from a shock, and increased lead failure have thus far not been reported in the prospective Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Sports Registry, but follow-up remains relatively short. Thoughtful consideration of disease state, arrhythmia risk, and the potential dangers of device therapy during the desired sports is imperative before allowing participation. Frank discussion with children and families regarding the possibility of shocks during sports, as well as at other times, is imperative. Ongoing and future studies will help guide these decisions.
Comparison of Herbicide Programs for Season-Long Control of Glyphosate-Resistant Common Waterhemp (Amaranthus rudis) in Soybean
Authors: Sarangi Debalin , Sandell Lowell D. , Kruger Greg R. , Knezevic Stevan Z. , Irmak Suat , Jhala Amit J.
Published: January 2017

The evolution of glyphosate and acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitor-resistant common waterhemp in the Midwestern United States has reduced the number of effective POST herbicide options for management of this problem weed in glyphosate-resistant soybean. Moreover, common waterhemp emerges throughout the crop growing season, justifying the need to evaluate herbicide programs that provide season-long control. The objectives of this study were to compare POST-only and PRE followed by (fb) POST herbicide programs for control of glyphosate-resistant common waterhemp in glyphosate-resistant soybean. Field experiments were conducted in 2013 and 2014 in Dodge County, NE, in a field infested with glyphosate-resistant common waterhemp. Programs containing PRE herbicides resulted in ≥83% control of common waterhemp and densities of ≤35 plantsm–2at 21 d after PRE (DAPRE). Post-only herbicide programs resulted in <70% control and densities of 107 to 215 plants m–2at 14 d after early-POST (DAEPOST) treatment. PRE fb POST herbicide programs, including saflufenacil plus imazethapyr plus dimethenamid-P, sulfentrazone plus cloransulam, orS-metolachlor plus metribuzin, fb fomesafen plus glyphosate;S-metolachlor plus fomesafen fb acifluorfen plus glyphosate resulted in >90% control of glyphosate-resistant common waterhemp throughout the growing season, reduced density to ≤7plantsm–2, ≥92% biomass reduction, and soybean yield >2,200kg ha–1. Averaged across herbicide programs, common waterhemp control was 84%, and density was 15 plants m–2with PRE fb POST herbicide programs compared with 42% control, and density of 101 plants m–2with POST-only herbicide programs at harvest. Results of this study indicated that PRE fb POST herbicide programs with effective modes of action exist for season-long control of glyphosate-resistant common waterhemp in glyphosate-resistant soybean.
Assessing Performance on an Evaluated Speaking Task
Authors: Villada Carolina , Hidalgo Vanesa , Almela Mercedes , Salvador Alicia
Published: January 2017

Abstract. Coping with social stress involves cognitive perceptions and the activation of several physiological mechanisms. Our main purpose was to examine how psychological factors such as cognitive appraisal, and particularly self-efficacy, may affect psychophysiological reactivity to social stress and young people’s performance on an evaluated speaking task. Thirty-five university students (18 men and 17 women) were exposed to the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) and a control condition in a counterbalanced order. Self-efficacy, several dimensions of trait anxiety related to social evaluation, and changes in state anxiety were assessed. Additionally, heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV) were analyzed by means of R-R and r-MSSD parameters, respectively. The results indicate that a positive self-assessment of their own ability to overcome a social threat was related to the predominance of vagal tone and better performance. However, cardiac reactivity was not related to the quality of the performance displayed. In addition, some dimensions of trait anxiety, such as cognitive anxiety and test evaluation anxiety, were negatively associated with self-efficacy and performance. These findings emphasize the relevance of self-efficacy, a key component of cognitive appraisal, in explaining psychophysiological reactivity to social stress. Furthermore, they highlight the importance of some personality characteristics, such as social evaluation anxiety, in explaining performance in specifically related stressful situations, regardless of autonomic activation.
Tsunamis Leave a Telltale Chemical Trail
Authors: Kornei Katherine
Published: January 2017

Researchers follow a trail of organic compounds in soil that reveals the 2011 Tohoku tsunami's path over the Japanese coastline, providing clues to how often tsunamis recur and where they travel.
Genomic reconstruction of multiple lineages of uncultured benthic archaea suggests distinct biogeochemical roles and ecological niches
Authors: Lazar C S , Baker B J , Seitz K W , Teske A P
Published: January 2017

Genomic bins belonging to multiple archaeal lineages were recovered from distinct redox regimes in sediments of the White Oak River estuary. The reconstructed archaeal genomes were identified as belonging to the rice cluster subgroups III and V (RC-III, RC-V), the Marine Benthic Group D (MBG-D), and a newly described archaeal class, the Theionarchaea. The metabolic capabilities of these uncultured archaea were inferred and indicated a common capability for extracellular protein degradation, supplemented by other pathways. The multiple genomic bins within the MBG-D archaea shared a nearly complete reductive acetyl-CoA pathway suggesting acetogenic capabilities. In contrast, the RC-III metabolism appeared centered on the degradation of detrital proteins and production of H2, whereas the RC-V archaea lacked capabilities for protein degradation and uptake, and appeared to be specialized on carbohydrate fermentation. The Theionarchaea appeared as complex metabolic hybrids; encoding a complete tricarboxylic acid cycle permitting carbon (acetyl-CoA) oxidation, together with a complete reductive acetyl-CoA pathway and sulfur reduction by a sulfhydrogenase. The differentiated inferred capabilities of these uncultured archaeal lineages indicated lineage-specific linkages with the nitrogen, carbon and sulfur cycles. The predicted metabolisms of these archaea suggest preferences for distinct geochemical niches within the estuarine sedimentary environment.
Attosecond precision multi-kilometer laser-microwave network
Authors: Xin Ming , Şafak Kemal , Peng Michael Y , Kalaydzhyan Aram , Wang Wen-Ting , Mücke Oliver D , Kärtner Franz X
Published: January 2017

Synchronous laser-microwave networks delivering attosecond timing precision are highly desirable in many advanced applications, such as geodesy, very-long-baseline interferometry, high-precision navigation and multi-telescope arrays. In particular, rapidly expanding photon-science facilities like X-ray free-electron lasers and intense laser beamlines require system-wide attosecond-level synchronization of dozens of optical and microwave signals up to kilometer distances. Once equipped with such precision, these facilities will initiate radically new science by shedding light on molecular and atomic processes happening on the attosecond timescale, such as intramolecular charge transfer, Auger processes and their impacts on X-ray imaging. Here we present for the first time a complete synchronous laser-microwave network with attosecond precision, which is achieved through new metrological devices and careful balancing of fiber nonlinearities and fundamental noise contributions. We demonstrate timing stabilization of a 4.7-km fiber network and remote optical–optical synchronization across a 3.5-km fiber link with an overall timing jitter of 580 and 680 attoseconds root-mean-square, respectively, for over 40 h. Ultimately, we realize a complete laser-microwave network with 950-attosecond timing jitter for 18 h. This work can enable next-generation attosecond photon-science facilities to revolutionize many research fields from structural biology to material science and chemistry to fundamental physics.
Interfacing broadband photonic qubits to on-chip cavity-protected rare-earth ensembles
Authors: Zhong Tian , Kindem Jonathan M. , Rochman Jake , Faraon Andrei
Published: January 2017

Ensembles of solid-state optical emitters enable broadband quantum storage and transduction of photonic qubits, with applications in high-rate quantum networks for secure communications and interconnecting future quantum computers. To transfer quantum states using ensembles, rephasing techniques are used to mitigate fast decoherence resulting from inhomogeneous broadening, but these techniques generally limit the bandwidth, efficiency and active times of the quantum interface. Here, we use a dense ensemble of neodymium rare-earth ions strongly coupled to a nanophotonic resonator to demonstrate a significant cavity protection effect at the single-photon level—a technique to suppress ensemble decoherence due to inhomogeneous broadening. The protected Rabi oscillations between the cavity field and the atomic super-radiant state enable ultra-fast transfer of photonic frequency qubits to the ions (∼50 GHz bandwidth) followed by retrieval with 98.7% fidelity. With the prospect of coupling to other long-lived rare-earth spin states, this technique opens the possibilities for broadband, always-ready quantum memories and fast optical-to-microwave transducers.
In vivo response of AZ31 alloy as biliary stents: a 6 months evaluation in rabbits
Authors: Liu Yang , Zheng Shengmin , Li Nan , Guo Huahu , Zheng Yufeng , Peng Jirun
Published: January 2017

Mg-based metallic materials have been making continuing progress as vascular stents. However, the research of Mg-based materials as non-vascular stents is still at its primary stage. AZ31 stents hereby were implanted into the common bile duct of rabbits for 6 months. The results revealed an existence of 93.82 ± 1.36% and 30.89 ± 2.46% of the original volume after 1 and 3 month, respectively. Whole blood tests indicated an inflammation decreasing to normal level after 3 month implantation. A benign host response was observed viaH&Estaining. Nonuniform corrosion at the two ends of the stents was observed and considered the results of flow or local inflammation. Moreover, the application of Mg-based materials for different stenting treatment were reviewed and compared. Esophagus was hypothesized most destructive, whilst blood vessel and bile duct considered similar and less destructive. Trachea and nasal cavity were thought to be mildest.
Hole Transport in A-form DNA/RNA Hybrid Duplexes
Authors: Wong Jiun Ru , Shao Fangwei
Published: January 2017

DNA/RNA hybrid duplexes are prevalent in many cellular functions and are an attractive target form for electrochemical biosensing and electric nanodevice. However the electronic conductivities of DNA/RNA hybrid duplex remain relatively unexplored and limited further technological applications. Here cyclopropyl-modified deoxyribose- and ribose-adenosines were developed to explore hole transport (HT) in both DNA duplex and DNA/RNA hybrids by probing the transient hole occupancies on adenine tracts. HT yields through both B-form and A-form double helixes displayed similar shallow distance dependence, although the HT yields of DNA/RNA hybrid duplexes were lower than those of DNA duplexes. The lack of oscillatory periods and direction dependence in HT through both helixes implied efficient hole propagation can be achieved via the hole delocalization and coherent HT over adenine tracts, regardless of the structural variations.
Highly Stable Glassy Carbon Interfaces for Long-Term Neural Stimulation and Low-Noise Recording of Brain Activity
Authors: Vomero Maria , Castagnola Elisa , Ciarpella Francesca , Maggiolini Emma , Goshi Noah , Zucchini Elena , Carli Stefano , Fadiga Luciano , Kassegne Sam , Ricci Davide
Published: January 2017

We report on the superior electrochemical properties,in-vivoperformance and long term stability under electrical stimulation of a new electrode material fabricated from lithographically patterned glassy carbon. For a direct comparison with conventional metal electrodes, similar ultra-flexible, micro-electrocorticography (μ-ECoG) arrays with platinum (Pt) or glassy carbon (GC) electrodes were manufactured. The GC microelectrodes have more than 70% wider electrochemical window and 70% higher CTC (charge transfer capacity) than Pt microelectrodes of similar geometry. Moreover, we demonstrate that the GC microelectrodes can withstand at least 5 million pulses at 0.45 mC/cm2charge density with less than 7.5% impedance change, while the Pt microelectrodes delaminated after 1 million pulses. Additionally, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT-PSS) was selectively electrodeposited on both sets of devices to specifically reduce their impedances for smaller diameters (<60 μm). We observed that PEDOT-PSS adhered significantly better to GC than Pt, and allowed drastic reduction of electrode size while maintaining same amount of delivered current. The electrode arrays biocompatibility was demonstrated throughin-vitrocell viability experiments, while acutein vivocharacterization was performed in rats and showed that GC microelectrode arrays recorded somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP) with an almost twice SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) when compared to the Pt ones.
Multimodality MRI assessment of grey and white matter injury and blood-brain barrier disruption after intracerebral haemorrhage in mice
Authors: Yang Jie , Li Qian , Wang Zhongyu , Qi Cunfang , Han Xiaoning , Lan Xi , Wan Jieru , Wang Wenzhu , Zhao Xiaochun , Hou Zhipeng , Gao Cong , Carhuapoma J. Ricardo , Mori Susumu , Zhang Jiangyang , Wang Jian
Published: January 2017

In this study, we examined injury progression after intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) induced by collagenase in mice using a preclinical 11.7 Tesla MRI system. On T2-weighted MRI, lesion and striatal volumes were increased on day 3 and then decreased from days 7 to 28. On day 3, with an increase in striatal water content, vasogenic oedema in the perihaematomal region presented as increased T2 and increased apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) signal. With a synchronous change in T2 and ADC signals, microglial activation peaked on day 3 in the same region and decreased over time. Iron deposition appeared on day 3 around the haematoma border but did not change synchronously with ADC signals. Vascular permeability measured by Evans blue extravasation on days 1, 3, and 7 correlated with the T1-gadolinium results, both of which peaked on day 3. On diffusion tensor imaging, white matter injury was prominent in the corpus callosum and internal capsule on day 3 and then partially recovered over time. Our results indicate that the evolution of grey/white matter injury and blood-brain barrier disruption after ICH can be assessed with multimodal MRI, and that perihaematomal vasogenic oedema might be attributable to microglial activation, iron deposition, and blood-brain barrier breakdown.
Non-interacting proteins may resemble interacting proteins: prevalence and implications
Authors: Launay Guillaume , Ceres Nicoletta , Martin Juliette
Published: January 2017

The vast majority of proteins do not form functional interactions in physiological conditions. We have considered several sets of protein pairs from S. cerevisiae with no functional interaction reported, denoted as non-interacting pairs, and compared their 3D structures to available experimental complexes. We identified some non-interacting pairs with significant structural similarity with experimental complexes, indicating that, even though they do not form functional interactions, they have compatible structures. We estimate that up to 8.7% of non-interacting protein pairs could have compatible structures. This number of interactions exceeds the number of functional interactions (around 0.2% of the total interactions) by a factor 40. Network analysis suggests that the interactions formed by non-interacting pairs with compatible structures could be particularly hazardous to the protein-protein interaction network. From a structural point of view, these interactions display no aberrant structural characteristics, and are even predicted as relatively stable and enriched in potential physical interactors, suggesting a major role of regulation to prevent them.
Integrin β4 promotes cell invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition through the modulation of Slug expression in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Li Xiao-Long , Liu Lin , Li Dan-Dan , He Ya-Ping , Guo Le-Hang , Sun Li-Ping , Liu Lin-Na , Xu Hui-Xiong , Zhang Xiao-Ping
Published: January 2017

Integrin β4 (ITGB4) is a transmembrane receptor involved in tumorigenesis and the invasiveness of many cancers. However, its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the most prevalent human cancers worldwide, remains unclear. Here, we examined the involvement of ITGB4 in HCC and explored the underlying mechanisms. Real-time PCR and immunohistochemical analyses of tissues from 82 patients with HCC and four HCC cell lines showed higher ITGB4 levels in tumor than in adjacent non-tumor tissues and in HCC than in normal hepatic cells. Silencing of ITGB4 repressed cell proliferation, colony forming ability and cell invasiveness, whereas ectopic expression of ITGB4 promoted the proliferation and invasion of HCC cells and induced epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) in parallel with the upregulation of Slug, as shown by transwell assays, WB and immunocytochemistry. Knockdown of Slug reduced cell viability inhibited invasion and reversed the effects of ITBG4 overexpression on promoting EMT, and AKT/Sox2-Nanog may also be involved. In a xenograft tumor model induced by injection of ITGB4-overexpressing cells into nude mice, ITGB4 promoted tumor growth and metastasis to the lungs. Taken together, our results indicate that ITGB4 plays a tumorigenic and pro-metastatic role mediated by Slug and suggest IGTB4 could be a prognostic indicator or a therapeutic target in patients with HCC.
CIGS thin-film solar module processing: case of high-speed laser scribing
Authors: Gečys Paulius , Markauskas Edgaras , Nishiwaki Shiro , Buecheler Stephan , De Loor Ronny , Burn Andreas , Romano Valerio , Račiukaitis Gediminas
Published: January 2017

In this paper, we investigate the laser processing of the CIGS thin-film solar cells in the case of the high-speed regime. The modern ultra-short pulsed laser was used exhibiting the pulse repetition rate of 1 MHz. Two main P3 scribing approaches were investigated – ablation of the full layer stack to expose the molybdenum back-contact, and removal of the front-contact only. The scribe quality was evaluated by SEM together with EDS spectrometer followed by electrical measurements. We also modelled the electrical behavior of a device at the mini-module scale taking into account the laser-induced damage. We demonstrated, that high-speed process at high laser pulse repetition rate induced thermal damage to the cell. However, the top-contact layer lift-off processing enabled us to reach 1.7 m/s scribing speed with a minimal device degradation. Also, we demonstrated the P3 processing in the ultra-high speed regime, where the scribing speed of 50 m/s was obtained. Finally, selected laser processes were tested in the case of mini-module scribing. Overall, we conclude, that the top-contact layer lift-off processing is the only reliable solution for high-speed P3 laser scribing, which can be implemented in the future terawatt-scale photovoltaic production facilities.
Pesticide-mediated interspecific competition between local and invasive thrips pests
Authors: Zhao Xueyin , Reitz Stuart R. , Yuan Huiguo , Lei Zhongren , Paini Dean Ronald , Gao Yulin
Published: January 2017

Competitive interactions between species can be mitigated or even reversed in the presence of anthropogenic influences. The thrips species Frankliniella occidentalis and Thrips tabaci are highly invasive and damaging agricultural pests throughout the world. Where the species co-occur, one species tends to eventually predominate over the other. Avermectin and beta-cypermethrin are commonly used insecticides to manage thrips in China, and laboratory bioassays demonstrated that F. occidentalis is significantly less susceptible than T. tabaci to these insecticides. In laboratory cage trials in which both species were exposed to insecticide treated cabbage plants, F. occidentalis became the predominant species. In contrast, T. tabaci completely displaced F. occidentalis on plants that were not treated with insecticides. In field trials, the species co-existed on cabbage before insecticide treatments began, but with T. tabaci being the predominant species. Following application of avermectin or beta-cypermethrin, F. occidentalis became the predominant species, while in plots not treated with insecticides, T. tabaci remained the predominant species. These results indicate that T. tabaci is an intrinsically superior competitor to F. occidentalis, but its competitive advantage can be counteracted through differential susceptibilities of the species to insecticides. These results further demonstrate the importance of external factors, such as insecticide applications, in mediating the outcome of interspecific interactions and produce rapid unanticipated shifts in the demographics of pest complexes.
In vitro gastrointestinal digestion promotes the protective effect of blackberry extract against acrylamide-induced oxidative stress
Authors: Chen Wei , Su Hongming , Xu Yang , Jin Chao
Published: January 2017

Acrylamide (AA)-induced toxicity has been associated with accumulation of excessive reactive oxygen species. The present study was therefore undertaken to investigate the protective effect of blackberry digests produced after (BBD) in vitro gastrointestinal (GI) digestion against AA-induced oxidative damage. The results indicated that the BBD (0.5 mg/mL) pretreatment significantly suppressed AA-induced intracellular ROS generation (56.6 ± 2.9% of AA treatment), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) decrease (297 ± 18% of AA treatment) and glutathione (GSH) depletion (307 ± 23% of AA treatment), thereby ameliorating cytotoxicity. Furthermore, LC/MS/MS analysis identified eight phenolic compounds with high contents in BBD, including ellagic acid, ellagic acid pentoside, ellagic acid glucuronoside, methyl-ellagic acid pentoside, methyl-ellagic acid glucuronoside, cyanidin glucoside, gallic acid and galloyl esters, as primary active compounds responsible for antioxidant action. Collectively, our study uncovered that the protective effect of blackberry was reserved after gastrointestinal digestion in combating exogenous pollutant-induced oxidative stress.
FcRγ-dependent immune activation initiates astrogliosis during the asymptomatic phase of Sandhoff disease model mice
Authors: Ogawa Yasuhiro , Sano Takafumi , Irisa Masahiro , Kodama Takashi , Saito Takahiro , Furusawa Eiri , Kaizu Katsutoshi , Yanagi Yusuke , Tsukimura Takahiro , Togawa Tadayasu , Yamanaka Shoji , Itoh Kohji , Sakuraba Hitoshi , Oishi Kazuhiko
Published: January 2017

Sandhoff disease (SD) is caused by the loss of β-hexosaminidase (Hex) enzymatic activity in lysosomes resulting from Hexb mutations. In SD patients, the Hex substrate GM2 ganglioside accumulates abnormally in neuronal cells, resulting in neuronal loss, microglial activation, and astrogliosis. Hexb−/− mice, which manifest a phenotype similar to SD, serve as animal models for examining the pathophysiology of SD. Hexb−/− mice reach ~8 weeks without obvious neurological defects; however, trembling begins at 12 weeks and is accompanied by startle reactions and increased limb tone. These symptoms gradually become severe by 16–18 weeks. Immune reactions caused by autoantibodies have been recently associated with the pathology of SD. The inhibition of immune activation may represent a novel therapeutic target for SD. Herein, SD mice (Hexb−/−) were crossed to mice lacking an activating immune receptor (FcRγ−/−) to elucidate the potential relationship between immune responses activated through SD autoantibodies and astrogliosis. Microglial activation and astrogliosis were observed in cortices of Hexb−/− mice during the asymptomatic phase, and were inhibited in Hexb−/−FcRγ−/− mice. Moreover, early astrogliosis and impaired motor coordination in Hexb−/− mice could be ameliorated by immunosuppressants, such as FTY720. Our findings demonstrate the importance of early treatment and the therapeutic effectiveness of immunosuppression in SD.
The Effect of a Transcranial Channel as a Skull/Brain Interface in High-Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation—A Computational Study
Authors: Seo Hyeon , Kim Hyoung-Ihl , Jun Sung Chan
Published: January 2017

A transcranial channel is an interface between the skull and brain; it consists of a biocompatible and highly conductive material that helps convey the current induced by transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to the target area. However, it has been proposed only conceptually, and there has been no concrete study of its efficacy. In this work, we conducted a computational investigation of this conceptual transcranial model with high-definition tDCS, inducing focalized neuromodulation to determine whether inclusion of a transcranial channel performs effectively. To do so, we constructed an anatomically realistic head model and compartmental pyramidal neuronal models. We analyzed membrane polarization by extracellular stimulation and found that the inclusion of a transcranial channel induced polarization at the target area 11 times greater than conventional HD-tDCS without the transcranial channel. Furthermore, the stimulation effect of the transcranial channel persisted up to approximately 80%, even when the stimulus electrodes were displaced approximately 5 mm from the target area. We investigated the efficacy of the transcranial channel and found that greatly improved stimulation intensity and focality may be achieved. Thus, the use of these channels may be promising for clinical treatment.
P-HYDROXYPHENYLPYRUVATE DIOXYGENASE from Medicago sativa is involved in vitamin E biosynthesis and abscisic acid-mediated seed germination
Authors: Jiang Jishan , Chen Zhihong , Ban Liping , Wu Yudi , Huang Jianping , Chu Jinfang , Fang Shuang , Wang Zan , Gao Hongwen , Wang Xuemin
Published: January 2017

P-HYDROXYPHENYLPYRUVATE DIOXYGENASE (HPPD) is the first committed enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of vitamin E, and is characterized by catalyzing the conversion of p-hydroxyphenyl pyruvate (HPP) to homogentisic acid (HGA). Here, an HPPD gene was cloned from Medicago sativa L. and designated MsHPPD, which was expressed at high levels in alfalfa leaves. PEG 6000 (polyethylene glycol), NaCl, abscisic acid and salicylic acid were shown to significantly induce MsHPPD expression, especially in the cotyledons and root tissues. Overexpression of MsHPPD was found to significantly increase the level of β-tocotrienol and the total vitamin E content in Arabidopsis seeds. Furthermore, these transgenic Arabidopsis seeds exhibited an accelerated germination time, compared with wild-type seeds under normal conditions, as well as under NaCl and ABA treatments. Meanwhile, the expression level of several genes associated with ABA biosynthesis (NCED3, NCED5 and NCED9) and the ABA signaling pathway (RAB18, ABI3 and ABI5) were significantly down-regulated in MsHPPD-overexpressing transgenic lines, as well as the total free ABA content. Taken together, these results demonstrate that MsHPPD functions not only in the vitamin E biosynthetic pathway, but also plays a critical role in seed germination via affecting ABA biosynthesis and signaling.
Strain Gradient Modulated Exciton Evolution and Emission in ZnO Fibers
Authors: Wei Bin , Ji Yuan , Gauvin Raynald , Zhang Ze , Zou Jin , Han Xiaodong
Published: January 2017

One-dimensional semiconductor can undergo large deformation including stretching and bending. This homogeneous strain and strain gradient are an easy and effective way to tune the light emission properties and the performance of piezo-phototronic devices. Here, we report that with large strain gradients from 2.1–3.5% μm−1, free-exciton emission was intensified, and the free-exciton interaction (FXI) emission became a prominent FXI-band at the tensile side of the ZnO fiber. These led to an asymmetric variation in energy and intensity along the cross-section as well as a redshift of the total near-band-edge (NBE) emission. This evolution of the exciton emission was directly demonstrated using spatially resolved CL spectrometry combined with an in situ tensile-bending approach at liquid nitrogen temperature for individual fibers and nanowires. A distinctive mechanism of the evolution of exciton emission is proposed: the enhancement of the free-exciton-related emission is attributed to the aggregated free excitons and their interaction in the narrow bandgap in the presence of high bandgap gradients and a transverse piezoelectric field. These results might facilitate new approaches for energy conversion and sensing applications via strained nanowires and fibers.
Optogenetic Control of Heart Rhythm by Selective Stimulation of Cardiomyocytes Derived from Pnmt+ Cells in Murine Heart
Authors: Wang Yanwen , Lin Wee Khang , Crawford William , Ni Haibo , Bolton Emma L. , Khan Huma , Shanks Julia , Bub Gil , Wang Xin , Paterson David J. , Zhang Henggui , Galione Antony , Ebert Steven N. , Terrar Derek A. , Lei Ming
Published: January 2017

In the present study, channelrhodopsin 2 (ChR2) was specifically introduced into murine cells expressing the Phenylethanolamine n-methyltransferase (Pnmt) gene, which encodes for the enzyme responsible for conversion of noradrenaline to adrenaline. The new murine model enabled the identification of a distinctive class of Pnmt-expressing neuroendocrine cells and their descendants (i.e. Pnmt+ cell derived cells) within the heart. Here, we show that Pnmt+ cells predominantly localized to the left side of the adult heart. Remarkably, many of the Pnmt+ cells in the left atrium and ventricle appeared to be working cardiomyocytes based on their morphological appearance and functional properties. These Pnmt+ cell derived cardiomyocytes (PdCMs) are similar to conventional myocytes in morphological, electrical and contractile properties. By stimulating PdCMs selectively with blue light, we were able to control cardiac rhythm in the whole heart, isolated tissue preparations and single cardiomyocytes. Our new murine model effectively demonstrates functional dissection of cardiomyocyte subpopulations using optogenetics, and opens new frontiers of exploration into their physiological roles in normal heart function as well as their potential application for selective cardiac repair and regeneration strategies.
DOPAL derived alpha-synuclein oligomers impair synaptic vesicles physiological function
Authors: Plotegher N. , Berti G. , Ferrari E. , Tessari I. , Zanetti M. , Lunelli L. , Greggio E. , Bisaglia M. , Veronesi M. , Girotto S. , Dalla Serra M. , Perego C. , Casella L. , Bubacco L.
Published: January 2017

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the death of dopaminergic neurons and by accumulation of alpha-synuclein (aS) aggregates in the surviving neurons. The dopamine catabolite 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetaldehyde (DOPAL) is a highly reactive and toxic molecule that leads to aS oligomerization by covalent modifications to lysine residues. Here we show that DOPAL-induced aS oligomer formation in neurons is associated with damage of synaptic vesicles, and with alterations in the synaptic vesicles pools. To investigate the molecular mechanism that leads to synaptic impairment, we first aimed to characterize the biochemical and biophysical properties of the aS-DOPAL oligomers; heterogeneous ensembles of macromolecules able to permeabilise cholesterol-containing lipid membranes. aS-DOPAL oligomers can induce dopamine leak in an in vitro model of synaptic vesicles and in cellular models. The dopamine released, after conversion to DOPAL in the cytoplasm, could trigger a noxious cycle that further fuels the formation of aS-DOPAL oligomers, inducing neurodegeneration.