bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SPICE Modeling of Miniature Dual Triode Vacuum Tube for Audio Application
Authors: Oshimo Shiori , Takemoto Kanako , Hamasaki Toshihiko 
Published: May 2018

SUMMARYIn this paper, we describe novel high precision SPICE modeling for triode vacuum tube, which is attracting attention in electronic musical instruments continuously and recently in the field of audio systems. The advantage of proposed high‐precision modeling is that it is created considering the difference of space charge distribution originated from the difference of electrode distance between triode tube 12AX7 and 12AU7.It was found that the characteristic of the space charge change appears within the grid voltage range of minus 1 to plus 1 volt with respect to the grid current versus grid voltage Ig‐Vg curve. In this range, thermal electrons are accelerated from the initial velocity condition of the Maxwell distribution. Based on this analysis, the modulation model formula of the perveance value Gs, which is the key factor of the space charge, is obtained. Subsequently, we extended the model formula to the cathode current versus plate voltage Is‐Vp family curves with the grid voltage as a parameter in consideration of the perveance Gs modulation effects. Finally, Ig‐Vp family curve model equation is derived. Comparing the simulation results of the AC characteristics performed using the proposed model equation and the conventional SPICE model equation, the superiority of the new model equation was confirmed.
The enigmatic function of IgD: some answers at last
Authors: Gutzeit Cindy , Chen Kang , Cerutti Andrea 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIgD emerged soon after IgM at the time of inception of the adaptive immune system. Despite its evolutionary conservation from fish to humans, the specific functions of IgD have only recently begun to be elucidated. Mature B cells undergo alternative mRNA splicing to express IgD and IgM receptors with identical antigenic specificity. The enigma of dual IgD and IgM expression has been tackled by several recent studies showing that IgD helps peripheral accumulation of physiologically autoreactive B cells through its functional unresponsiveness to self‐antigens but prompt readiness against foreign antigens. IgD achieves this balance by attenuating IgM‐mediated anergy while promoting specific responses to multimeric non‐self‐antigens. Additional research has clarified how and why certain mucosal B cells become plasmablasts or plasma cells specializing in IgD secretion. In particular, the microbiota has been shown to play an important role in driving class switch‐mediated replacement of IgM with IgD. Secreted IgD appears to enhance mucosal homeostasis and immune surveillance by “arming” myeloid effector cells such as basophils and mast cells with IgD antibodies reactive against mucosal antigens, including commensal and pathogenic microbes. Here we will review these advances and discuss their implications in humoral immunity in human and mice.
A Novel Surface‐tethered Analysis Method for Mercury (II) ion Detection via Self‐assembly of Individual Electrochemiluminescence Signal Units
Authors: Liu Yuan , Hu Yunxia , Wang Sui , Guo Zhiyong , Hu Yufang 
Published: May 2018

AbstractA novel analysis strategy based on the analyte‐induced surface‐tethered (AIST) of electrochemiluminescence (ECL) signal nanoparticles was first proposed for detection of Mercury (II) ion (Hg2+). In this work, luminol@Au‐cysteamine‐thymine (luminol@Au‐Cys‐T) multifunctional nanoarchitecture was designed as ECL signal units in the experimental process. Through a specific T‐Hg2+‐T coordination, luminol@Au‐Cys‐T composites were gravitationally self‐assembled to the electrode surface, which was coated with tris (2‐aminoethyl) amine functionalized graphene oxide@perylene‐3,4,9,10‐tetracarboxylic acid‐thymine (GO@PTCA‐TAEA‐T) complex film. This simple strategy of AIST of signal molecules could amplify the response signal and vastly enhance the sensitivity. Under the optimum condition, the linear relationship of Hg2+ concentration variation from 0.005 nM to 5 nM with a limit of detection (LOD) down to 0.002 nM (S/N=3), which also offered an alternative analytical approach with excellent performance of stability and selectivity. The regression equation was y=−414.52+2305.02 lgC(Hg2+) (pM). This Hg2+ ECL sensor had a good application prospects for the analysis of real samples.
Enhanced production of l‐lactic acid by Lactobacillus thermophilus SRZ50 mutant generated by high‐linear energy transfer heavy ion mutagenesis
Authors: Jiang Ai‐lian , Hu Wei , Li Wen‐jian , Liu Lu , Tian Xue‐jiao , Liu Jing , Wang Shu‐yang , Lu Dong , Chen Ji‐hong 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe aim of this study was to improve l‐lactic acid production of Lactobacillus thermophilus SRZ50. For this purpose, high efficient heavy‐ion mutagenesis technique was performed using SRZ50 as the original strain. To enhance the screening efficiency for high yield l‐lactic acid producers, a scale‐down from shake flask to microtiter plate was developed. The results showed that 24‐well U‐bottom MTPs could well alternate shake flasks for L. thermophilus cultivation as a scale‐down tool due to its a very good comparability to the shake flasks. Based on this microtiter plate screening method, two high l‐lactic acid productivity mutants, A59 and A69, were successfully screened out, which presented, respectively, 15.8 and 16.2% higher productivities than that of the original strain. Based on fed‐batch fermentation, the A69 mutant can accumulate 114.2 g/L l‐lactic acid at 96 h. Hence, the proposed traditional microbial breeding method with efficient high‐throughput screening assay was proved to be an appropriate strategy to obtain lactic acid‐overproducing strain.
Jmy regulates oligodendrocyte differentiation via modulation of actin cytoskeleton dynamics
Authors: Azevedo Maria M. , Domingues Helena S. , Cordelières Fabrice P. , Sampaio Paula , Seixas Ana I. , Relvas João B. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractDuring central nervous system development, oligodendrocytes form structurally and functionally distinct actin‐rich protrusions that contact and wrap around axons to assemble myelin sheaths. Establishment of axonal contact is a limiting step in myelination that relies on the oligodendrocyte's ability to locally coordinate cytoskeletal rearrangements with myelin production, under the control of a transcriptional differentiation program. The molecules that provide fine‐tuning of actin dynamics during oligodendrocyte differentiation and axon ensheathment remain largely unidentified. We performed transcriptomics analysis of soma and protrusion fractions from rat brain oligodendrocyte progenitors and found a subcellular enrichment of mRNAs in newly‐formed protrusions. Approximately 30% of protrusion‐enriched transcripts encode proteins related to cytoskeleton dynamics, including the junction mediating and regulatory protein Jmy, a multifunctional regulator of actin polymerization. Here, we show that expression of Jmy is upregulated during myelination and is required for the assembly of actin filaments and protrusion formation during oligodendrocyte differentiation. Quantitative morphodynamics analysis of live oligodendrocytes showed that differentiation is driven by a stereotypical actin network‐dependent “cellular shaping” program. Disruption of actin dynamics via knockdown of Jmy leads to a program fail resulting in oligodendrocytes that do not acquire an arborized morphology and are less efficient in contacting neurites and forming myelin wraps in co‐cultures with neurons. Our findings provide new mechanistic insight into the relationship between cell shape dynamics and differentiation in development.
Unobtrusive touch‐free interaction on mobile devices in dirty working environments
Authors: Chen Yingjie Victor , Huynh William , McGraw Tim , Qian Zhenyu Cheryl , Hassan Raymond 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIn this work, we propose a new mode of interaction using hand gestures captured by the back camera of a mobile device. Using a simple intuitive two‐finger picking gesture, the user can perform mouse click and drag‐and‐drop operations from the back of the device, which provides an unobstructed touch‐free interaction. This method allows users to operate on a tablet and maintain full awareness of the display, which is especially suitable for certain working environments, such as the machine shop, garage, kitchen, gym, or construction site, where people's hands may be dirty, wet, or in gloves. The speed, accuracy, and error rate of this interaction have been evaluated and compared with the typical touch interaction in an empirical study. The results show that, although this method is not, in general, as efficient and accurate as direct touch, participants still consider it an effective and intuitive method of interacting with mobile devices in environments where direct touch is impractical.
Seasonal evaporation cycle in oxbow lakes formed along the Tisza River in Hungary for flood control
Authors: Babka Beáta , Futó István , Szabó Szilárd 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAs a result of water regulation, dykes (i.e., embankments against floods) were constructed along the Tisza River and meanders were cut to control the floods in the region. These cut‐off meanders resulted in oxbow lakes that are important locations for nature conservation. We collected water samples over 5 years in 7 campaigns to measure the δ18O (‰) and δ2H (‰) ratios in 45 oxbow lakes from the Upper Tisza Region (NE‐Hungary). We applied Random Forest Regression involving climatic data to reveal the connection with the stable isotopes. We determined that isotope ratios changed as a function of time, due to evaporation and a varying water supply (precipitation and groundwater). The average difference in the isotopic ratios for the river and oxbows increased from spring to winter, but decreased between the oxbows on both sides of the dyke. We found that isotope ratios were determined by the maximum monthly temperature in the case of oxbows in the active floodplain, whereas in case of oxbows on the reclaimed side, this was also influenced by the maximum monthly temperature, and the cumulative evaporation. As direct measurement of evaporation is difficult to evaluate, stable isotope measurements provided an effective quantitative alternative to estimate evaporation. Measuring the seasonality of the δ18O and δ2H is important to interpret the results and these data are useful to water management experts to identify the lakes at risk of running dry.
Association between the XPG gene rs2094258 polymorphism and risk of gastric cancer
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Yin Jiefeng , Xu Qi , Shi Jianfeng 
Published: May 2018

BackgroundXeroderma pigmentosum group G (XPG) plays an important role in maintaining the stability and integrity of genomic DNA. Previous studies demonstrate some XPG gene polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to gastric cancer (GC).MethodsThe association between XPG rs2094258 polymorphism and GC risk was investigated first by a hospital‐based case‐control study involving 386 patients and 439 controls and then by a meta‐analysis. The polymorphism was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLR).ResultsXeroderma pigmentosum group G rs2094258 polymorphism was associated with an increased risk of GC in a Chinese population. The meta‐analysis did not reveal any significant difference in the overall population. Subgroup analysis of geographic locations showed a significant association between the XPG gene rs2094258 polymorphism and GC risk in Southern China. Stratification analysis further indicated significant associations in hospital‐based studies and studies using PCR‐RFLR.ConclusionXeroderma pigmentosum group G gene rs2094258 polymorphism may be associated with an increased risk of GC in Southern China. Nevertheless, the findings of this meta‐analysis should be validated by well‐designed large‐scale case‐control studies among other ethnicities.
Influence of 6 genetic variants on the efficacy of statins in patients with dyslipidemia
Authors: Cano‐Corres Ruth , Candás‐Estébanez Beatriz , Padró‐Miquel Ariadna , Fanlo‐Maresma Marta , Pintó Xavier , Alía‐Ramos Pedro 
Published: May 2018

BackgroundPatients with dyslipidemia are often treated with statins to reduce lipids and hence cardiovascular risk, but treatment response is variable, partly due to genetic factors.MethodsWe studied the influence of 6 gene variants (APOE c.526C > T (APOE2), APOE c.388T > C (APOE4), SLCO1B1 c.521T > C, CYP3A4 c.‐392G > A, HMGCR c.1564‐106A > G, and LPA c.3947 + 467T > C) on statin efficacy assessing 2 indicators: the percent reduction in total cholesterol (TC) and non‐HDL cholesterol (non‐HDL), as well as the achievement of therapeutic goals. The study was performed in a group of patients (n = 100) without previous pharmacological treatment. Multiple regression models were used to calculate the percentage of explanation in response variability added by every variant to a basal model constructed with significant nongenetic control variables.ResultsThe most influential variant was HMGCR c.1564‐106A > G (rs3846662), and carriers showed a significantly lower reduction in TC and non‐HDL. This variant is related to an alternative splicing involving exon 13, which is also regulated by lipid concentrations in patients without the variant. Concerning therapeutic goals, HMGCR c.1564‐106A > G hindered the achievement of TC targets on patients.ConclusionsThe HMGCR c.1564‐106A > G variant was associated with less statin efficacy to decrease cholesterol.
Dim artificial light at night affects mating, reproductive output, and reactive oxygen species in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: McLay Lucy Katherine , Nagarajan‐Radha Venkatesh , Green Mark Philip , Jones Therésa Melanie 
Published: May 2018

AbstractHumans are lighting the night‐time environment with ever increasing extent and intensity, resulting in a variety of negative ecological effects in individuals and populations. Effects of light at night on reproductive fitness traits are demonstrated across taxa however, the mechanisms underlying these effects are largely untested. One possible mechanism is that light at night may result in perturbed reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress levels. Here, we reared Drosophila melanogaster under either dim (10 lx) light or no light (0 lx) at night for three generations and then compared mating and lifetime oviposition patterns. In a second experiment, we explored whether exposure to light at night treatments resulted in variation in ROS levels in the heads and ovaries of six, 23‐ and 36‐day‐old females. We demonstrate that dim light at night affects mating and reproductive output: 10 lx flies courted for longer prior to mating, and female oviposition patterns differed to 0 lx females. ROS levels were lower in the ovaries but not heads, of 10 lx compared with 0 lx females. We suggest that reduced ROS levels may reflect changes in ovarian physiology and cell signaling, which may be related to the differences observed in oviposition patterns. Taken together, our results indicate negative consequences for invertebrates under more stressful, urban, lit conditions and further investigation into the mechanisms driving these changes is warranted to manage invertebrate communities in a brighter future.
Bandwidth enhancement of rectangular microstrip antenna with a rectangular slot by using a novel hybrid optimization method based on the ABC and DE algorithms
Authors: Akdagli Ali , Ustun Deniz 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIn this study, the bandwidth of the rectangular microstrip antenna is improved by using a new integrated technique consisting of a novel hybrid optimization algorithm (HOA) and HyperLynx® 3D electromagnetic platform based on the method of moments (MoM). The novel HOA is developed by integrating the powerful mutation and crossover strategies of the differential evolution algorithm with onlooker bee stage of the artificial bee colony algorithm. The main objective of the design is to enhance bandwidth of the rectangular microstrip antenna by the etching rectangular slot on the antenna ground plane. The optimal position and sizes of the slot are determined by using the integrated optimization technique. The simulation and measurement results indicated a high improvement in the bandwidth of the rectangular microstrip antenna over 45% by using the proposed slot etching method on the ground plane. Additionally, in order to evaluate performance of the HOA, eight benchmark functions having multi or unimodal characteristics were used. The experimental results show that the performance of the HOA was better than both artificial bee colony and differential evolution algorithms.
Are Speedy Brains Needed when Divergent Thinking is Speeded—or Unspeeded?
Authors: Forthmann Boris , Lips Corinna , Szardenings Carsten , Scharfen Jana , Holling Heinz 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIn this study, we focus on mental speed and divergent thinking, examining their relationship and the influence of task speededness. Participants (N = 109) completed a set of processing speed tasks and a test battery measuring divergent thinking. We used two speeded divergent‐thinking tasks of 2 minutes and two unspeeded tasks of 8 minutes to test the influence of task speededness on creative quality and their relation to mental speed. Before each task, participants were instructed to be creative in order to optimally measure creative quality. We found a large main effect of task speededness: less creative ideas were generated when tasks were speeded as compared to unspeeded (Cohen's d = −1.64). We could also replicate a positive relationship of mental speed with speeded divergent thinking (r = .21) and mental speed with unspeeded divergent thinking (r = .25). Our hypothesis that the relation is higher for the speeded divergent‐thinking tasks was not confirmed. Importantly, variation in creative quality scores under speeded conditions was not explained by mental speed beyond the predictive power of unspeeded creative quality. The latter finding implies that measurement of creative quality under speeded conditions is not confounded by mental speed.
Endovascular repair of aortic arch intramural hematoma and penetrating ulcers with 810 nm in situ laser‐assisted fenestration: Preliminary results of a single‐center
Authors: Liu Guang , Qin Jinbao , Cui Chaoyi , Zhao Zhen , Ye Kaichuang , Shi Huihua , Liu Xiaobing , Yin Minyi , Yang Guanglin , Huang Sheng , Lu Min , Huang Xintian , Jiang Mier , Li Weimin , Lu Xinwu 
Published: May 2018

PurposeThe aim of the present study was to report the clinical outcomes of the use of 810 nm in situ laser‐generated fenestration (ISLF) for the treatment of aortic aneurysms (AAs) and intramural hematomas (IMHs) located in the aortic arch.Study Design and MethodsBetween April 2014 and September 2017, 23 patients (15 men, mean age 66.0 years) with AAs (n = 12) or IMHs (n = 11) underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) with 810 nm ISLF of the arch. The primary outcomes of the safety assessment were the presence of endoleaks, mortality and morbidity, including adverse in situ fenestration‐related, cardiovascular, and cerebral events.ResultsTechnical success was achieved in all cases. Urgent intervention was performed in 15 (65.2%) cases. Left subclavian artery (LSA) ISLF was applied in six patients, LSA and left common carotid artery (LCCA) ISLF in three patients, and total aortic arch vessel ISLF in two patients. One patient suffered minimal stroke after the procedure and recovered without permanent disability to the extremities in 2 weeks. There were no fenestration‐related complications except in one patient with brachial artery access who suffered a hematoma and underwent incision repair at the puncture site. All fenestrations remained patent, and there were no endoleaks during a mean follow‐up of 10.5 ± 5.7 (range: 2–21) months.ConclusionsComplete or incomplete endovascular arch reconstruction by ISLF in arch diseases (AAs and IMHs) is feasible and reproducible with safe, effective, and favorable primary results and no need for customized endografts. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:837–843, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An Enzyme‐Responsive “Turn‐on” Fluorescence Polymeric Superamphiphile as a Potential Visualizable Phosphate Prodrug Delivery Vehicle
Authors: Yang Xi , Shen Shihong , Guo Li , Tan Jidong , Lei Henxin , Wu Jianghan , Zhao Lei , Xiong Tao , Wu Youshen , Cheng Yilong , Zhang Yanfeng 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe development of inexpensive and highly efficient enzyme‐responsive polymers has significantly contributed to targeted drug delivery systems. Here, a superamphiphile with a capability of fluorescent dissociation sensing is designed. It is constructed with negatively charged adenosine 5′‐triphosphate (ATP) and negatively charged fluorescein diphosphate (FDP), which are used as fluorescence detection, and a cationic diblock copolymer methoxy‐poly(ethylene glycol)113‐b‐poly(2‐dimethyl‐aminoethyl methacrylate)70. Upon addition of calf intestinal alkaline phosphatase, the superamphiphile disintegrates, presumably due to the enzymatic hydrolysis of ATP. This process is accompanied by an increase in the fluorescence emission intensity of fluorescein owing to the hydrolysis of FDP. The in vitro application of the superamphiphile is also proven. Thus, the “turn‐on” fluorescence of the superamphiphile serves as a real‐time module for detection of the disintegration of superamphiphile.
Injectable Hydrogels for Cardiac Tissue Engineering
Authors: Peña Brisa , Laughter Melissa , Jett Susan , Rowland Teisha J. , Taylor Matthew R. G. , Mestroni Luisa , Park Daewon 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIn light of the limited efficacy of current treatments for cardiac regeneration, tissue engineering approaches have been explored for their potential to provide mechanical support to injured cardiac tissues, deliver cardio‐protective molecules, and improve cell‐based therapeutic techniques. Injectable hydrogels are a particularly appealing system as they hold promise as a minimally invasive therapeutic approach. Moreover, injectable acellular alginate‐based hydrogels have been tested clinically in patients with myocardial infarction (MI) and show preservation of the left ventricular (LV) indices and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). This review provides an overview of recent developments that have occurred in the design and engineering of various injectable hydrogel systems for cardiac tissue engineering efforts, including a comparison of natural versus synthetic systems with emphasis on the ideal characteristics for biomimetic cardiac materials.