bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
1H qNMR Quantification of Annonaceous Acetogenins in Crude Extracts of Annona muricata L. Fruit Pulp
Authors: Bonneau Natacha , Cynober Timothé , Jullian Jean‐Christophe , Champy Pierre 
Published: January 2017

AbstractIntroductionAnnonaceous acetogenins (AAGs) constitute a group of environmental neurotoxins, possibly implicated in sporadic atypical Parkinsonism/dementia complexes. The recent evidencing of complex mixtures of AAGs in edible fruits and derived food products requires efficient and practical analytical tools for an estimation of human exposure.ObjectiveTo develop a simple method for the direct quantitation of the majority of AAGs (sub‐types 1a and 1b) within crude extracts, using commonly available 1H–NMR spectrometers, for food control.MethodologyMethod development was carried out on 400 MHz and 300 MHz spectrometers, for routine application on fruits crude extracts of Annona muricata L. The method was validated with annonacin and squamocin as reference compounds. Two internal standards (ISs), fumaric acid and dimethyl fumarate, were successfully used, in deuterated methanol (CD3OD) and deuterated chloroform (CDCl3), respectively.ResultsQuantitation was carried out using signals corresponding to the deshielded ethylenic protons characterising most AAGs, at δ 7.18 or δ 6.98 ppm in CDCl3. The limit of quantification (LOQ) was 2.5 mM, with acceptable accuracy, and the limit of detection (LOD) was 0.5 mM. The AAGs contents measured in seven distinct fruit samples of Annona muricata ranged from 14 μmol to 226 μmol of AAGs per 100 g fresh pulp (i.e. 0.14 mmol to 1.3 mmol of AAGs per fruit).ConclusionA simple, accurate and specific method for quantification of AAGs content was developed and validated for routine application to fruit pulp crude extracts. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thin Al2O3 passivated boron emitter of n‐type bifacial c‐Si solar cells with industrial process
Authors: Lu Guilin , Zheng Fei , Wang Jianqiang , Shen Wenzhong 
Published: January 2017

AbstractWe have presented thin Al2O3 (~4 nm) with SiNx:H capped (~75 nm) films to effectively passivate the boron‐doped p+ emitter surfaces of the n‐type bifacial c‐Si solar cells with BBr3 diffusion emitter and phosphorus ion‐implanted back surface field. The thin Al2O3 capped with SiNx:H structure not only possesses the excellent field effect and chemical passivation, but also establishes a simple cell structure fully compatible with the existing production lines and processes for the low‐cost n‐type bifacial c‐Si solar cell industrialization. We have successfully achieved the large area (238.95 cm2) high efficiency of 20.89% (front) and 18.45% (rear) n‐type bifacial c‐Si solar cells by optimizing the peak sintering temperature and fine finger double printing technology. We have further shown that the conversion efficiency of the n‐type bifacial c‐Si solar cells can be improved to be over 21.3% by taking a reasonable high emitter sheet resistance. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Trapping mechanisms in insulated‐gate GaN power devices: Understanding and characterization techniques
Authors: Yang Shu , Liu Shenghou , Lu Yunyou , Chen Kevin J. 
Published: January 2017

In addition to surface‐ and buffer‐trapping, interface/border trapping and the consequent VTH shift in insulated‐gate GaN power transistors could also cause RON increase, due to the reduced gate overdrive. This work reports on a systematic study of the trapping mechanisms in normally‐on/off insulated‐gate GaN transistors subjected to dynamic (AC) and static (DC) gate stress. The fast dynamic characterizations featuring an ultrashort measurement delay of 10−7 s minimize the recovery during measurement and enable a quantitative evaluation of VTH shift‐induced RON increase. By analyzing the time‐resolved instability in normally‐on MIS‐HEMT and normally‐off MIS‐FET with fully recessed barrier, we elucidate several key mechanisms including: (i) recessing the polarized III‐nitride barrier layer can suppress VTH shift during ON/OFF switching; (ii) AC stress, which has more practical implication for lifetime projection for power switching applications, produces smaller VTH shift and RON increase comparing to DC stress; (iii) Sufficient gate overdrive at ON state and lower channel resistance in normally‐on MIS‐HEMT allow a better tolerance to VTH shift.Primary trapping effects in an insulated‐gate GaN power transistor.
Characterization and control of charge transfer in a tunnel junction
Authors: Gabelli Julien , Thibault Karl , Gasse Gabriel , Lupien Christian , Reulet Bertrand 
Published: January 2017

AbstractCharge transfer in a tunnel junction is studied under dc and ac voltage bias using quantum shot noise. Under dc voltage bias V, spectral density of noise measured within a very large bandwidth enables to deduce the current–current correlator in the time domain by Fourier transform. This correlator exhibits regular oscillations proving that electrons try to cross the junction regularly, every . Using harmonic and bi‐harmonic ac voltage bias, we then show that quasiparticles excitations can be transferred through the junction in a controlled way. By measuring the reduction of the excess shot noise, we are able to determine the number of electron–hole pairs surrounding the injected electrons and demonstrate that bi‐harmonic voltage pulses realize an on‐demand electron source with a very small admixture of electron–hole pairs.A time‐dependent voltage drive applied to a contact with transmission generates an incoming excitation giving rise to transmitted and reflected quasiparticles. The excess noise given by the difference between the noise measured with and without the ac excitation is measured by an ammeter with a bandwidth . It gives the number of electron–hole pairs surrounding the transmitted electrons: where is the repetition frequency of .
Development of an in vivo visual robot system with a magnetic anchoring mechanism and a lens cleaning mechanism for laparoendoscopic single‐site surgery (LESS)
Authors: Feng Haibo , Dong Dinghui , Ma Tengfei , Zhuang Jinlei , Fu Yili , Lv Yi , Li Liyi 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBackgroundSurgical robot systems which can significantly improve surgical procedures have been widely used in laparoendoscopic single‐site surgery (LESS). For a relative complex surgical procedure, the development of an in vivo visual robot system for LESS can effectively improve the visualization for surgical robot systems.MethodsIn this work, an in vivo visual robot system with a new mechanism for LESS was investigated. A finite element method (FEM) analysis was carried out to ensure the safety of the in vivo visual robot during the movement, which was the most important concern for surgical purposes. A master–slave control strategy was adopted, in which the control model was established by off‐line experiments.ResultsThe in vivo visual robot system was verified by using a phantom box. The experiment results show that the robot system can successfully realize the expected functionalities and meet the demands of LESS.ConclusionThe experiment results indicate that the in vivo visual robot with high manipulability has great potential in clinical application.
Values Underpinning STEM Education in the USA: An Analysis of the Next Generation Science Standards
Authors: HOEG DARREN G. , BENCZE JOHN LAWRENCE 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTThe Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) were designed to address poor science and math performance in United States schools by inculcating globally competitive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics literacies relevant to participation in future society. Considering the complex network of influences involved in the development of the NGSS, the purpose of this paper is to evaluate how educational values are embedded in the discourse of the standards. Using critical discourse analysis and content analysis, we evaluated how themes related to (i) performance, (ii) accessibility, and (iii) innovation and creativity are discursively constituted in the NGSS. Our analysis indicates the NGSS prioritizes: measurable and reproducible performances; the standards appear to be based on a conception of accessibility closely aligned with equality, and self‐investment, and; innovation and creativity are discursively constituted as attributes that can be developed through specific, prescribed practices. We discuss these findings in relation to the goals of the NGSS and potential teaching and learning outcomes resulting from education based on the standards.
Modular composition of multiple applications with architectural event modules
Authors: Malakuti Somayeh 
Published: January 2017

SummaryA complex software system is usually developed as a system of systems (SoS's) in which multiple constituent applications are composed and coordinated to fulfill desired system‐level requirements. To facilitate the interoperability of the constituent applications, they must be augmented with suitable coordination‐specific interfaces, through which they can participate in coordinated interactions. To increase the reusability of the applications and to increase the comprehensibility of SoS's, suitable mechanisms are required to modularize the coordination rules and interfaces from the constituent applications. We introduce a new abstraction named as architectural event modules (AEMs), which facilitates defining constituent applications and desired coordination rules as modules of SoS's. AEMs modularly augment the constituent applications with event‐based interfaces to let them participate in coordinated interactions. We introduce the EventArch language in which the concept of AEMs is implemented, and illustrate its suitability using a case study in the domain of energy optimization. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exosomal miR-146a Contributes to the Enhanced Therapeutic Efficacy of Interleukin-1β-Primed Mesenchymal Stem Cells Against Sepsis
Authors: Song Yuxian , Dou Huan , Li Xiujun , Zhao Xiaoyin , Li Yi , Liu Dan , Ji Jianjian , Liu Fei , Ding Liang , Ni Yanhong , Hou Yayi 
Published: January 2017

AbstractImproving the immunomodulatory efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) through pretreatment with pro-inflammatory cytokines is an evolving field of investigation. However, the underlying mechanisms have not been fully clarified. Here, we pretreated human umbilical cord-derived MSCs with interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and evaluated their therapeutic effects in a cecal ligation and puncture-induced sepsis model. We found that systemic administration of IL-1β-pretreated MSCs (βMSCs) ameliorated the symptoms of murine sepsis more effectively and increased the survival rate compared with naïve MSCs. Furthermore, βMSCs could more effectively induce macrophage polarization toward an anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype through the paracrine activity. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that βMSC-derived exosomes contributed to the enhanced immunomodulatory properties of βMSCs both in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, we found that miR-146a, a well-known anti-inflammatory microRNA, was strongly upregulated by IL-1β stimulation and selectively packaged into exosomes. This exosomal miR-146a was transferred to macrophages, resulted in M2 polarization, and finally led to increased survival in septic mice. In contrast, inhibition of miR-146a through transfection with miR-146a inhibitors partially negated the immunomodulatory properties of βMSC-derived exosomes. Taken together, IL-1β pretreatment effectively enhanced the immunomodulatory properties of MSCs partially through exosome-mediated transfer of miR-146a. Therefore, we believe that IL-1β pretreatment may provide a new modality for better therapeutic application of MSCs in inflammatory disorders.
Competition between similar invasive species: modeling invasional interference across a landscape
Authors: Rauschert Emily Sofia Jalics , Shea Katriona 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAs the number of biological invasions increases, interactions between different invasive species will become increasingly important. Several studies have examined facilitative invader–invader interactions, potentially leading to invasional meltdown. However, if invader interactions are negative, invasional interference may lead to lower invader abundance and spread. To explore this possibility, we develop models of two competing invaders. A landscape simulation model examines the patterns created by two such species invading into the same region. We then apply the model to a case study of Carduus nutans L. and C. acanthoides L., two economically important invasive weeds that exhibit a spatially segregated distribution in central Pennsylvania, USA. The results of these spatially‐explicit models are generally consistent with the results of classic Lotka–Volterra competition models, with widespread coexistence predicted if interspecific effects are weaker than intraspecific effects for both species. However, spatial segregation of the two species (with lower net densities and no further spread) may arise, particularly when interspecific competition is stronger than intraspecific competition. A moving area of overlap may result when one species is a superior competitor. In the Carduus system, our model suggests that invasional interference will lead to lower levels of each species when together, but a similar net level of thistle invasion due to the similarity of intra‐ and interspecific competition. Thus, invasional interference may have important implications for the distribution and management of invasive species.
High Content of Dicranin in Anisothecium spirale (Mitt.) Broth., a Moss from Eastern Himalayas and Its Chemotaxonomic Significance
Authors: Mitra Souvik 
Published: January 2017

AbstractChemical investigation of Anisothecium spirale (Mitt.) Broth. (Family Dicranaceae), an epiphytic moss from the Darjeeling district hill region of the Eastern Himalayas was performed for the first time. Analysis of neutral lipid and phospholipid classes as well as their respective fatty acids revealed the presence of a significantly high content of octadeca‐6‐yn‐9,12,15‐trienoic acid, an acetylenic fatty acid commonly known as dicranin. Dicranin and a less abundant acetylenic fatty acid were detected in neutral lipids. The unique nature of the fatty acid signature supports the view of considering dicranin as chemotaxonomic marker for Dicranaceae members.
Fetal growth‐retardation and brain‐sparing by malnutrition are associated to changes in neurotransmitters profile
Authors: García‐Contreras C. , Valent D. , Vázquez‐Gómez M. , Arroyo L. , Isabel B. , Astiz S. , Bassols A. , Gonzalez‐Bulnes A. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe present study assesses possible changes in the levels of different neurotransmitters (catecholamines and indoleamines) in fetuses affected by nutrient shortage. Hence, we determined the concentration of catecholamines and indoleamines at the hypothalamus of 56 swine fetuses obtained at both 70 and 90 days of pregnancy (n = 33 and 23 fetuses, respectively). The degree of fetal development and the fetal sex affected the neurotransmitters profile at both stages. At Day 70, there were found higher mean concentrations of l‐DOPA in both female and male fetuses with severe IUGR; male fetuses with severe IUGR also showed higher concentrations of TRP than normal male littermates. At Day 90 of pregnancy, the differences between sexes were more evident. There were no significant effects from either severe IUGR on the neurotransmitter profile in male fetuses. However, in the females, a lower body‐weight was related to lower concentrations of l‐DOPA and TRP and those female fetuses affected by severe IUGR evidenced lower HVA concentration. In conclusion, the fetal synthesis and use of neurotransmitters increase with time of pregnancy but, in case of IUGR, both catecholamines and indoleamines pathways are affected by sex‐related effects.
Improved Arousal and Motor Function Using Zolpidem in a Patient With Space‐Occupying Intracranial Lesions: A Case Report
Authors: Bomalaski Martin Nicholas , Smith Sean Robinson 
Published: January 2017

AbstractPatients with disorders of consciousness (DOC) have profound functional limitations with few treatment options for improving arousal and quality of life. Zolpidem is a nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic used to treat insomnia that has also been observed to paradoxically improve arousal in those with DOC, such as the vegetative or minimally conscious states. Little information exists on its use in patients with DOC who have intracranial space‐occupying lesions. We present a case of a 24‐year‐old man in a minimally conscious state due to central nervous system lymphoma who was observed to have increased arousal and improved motor function after the administration of zolpidem.Level of EvidenceV
Sonographically Guided Knee Meniscus Injections: Feasibility, Techniques, and Validation
Authors: Baria Michael R. , Sellon Jacob L. , Lueders Dan , Smith Jay 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBackgroundThere is a growing interest in the use of biologic agents such as platelet‐rich plasma and mesenchymal stem/stromal cells to treat musculoskeletal injuries, including meniscal tears. Although previous research has documented the role of diagnostic ultrasound to evaluate meniscal tears, sonographically guided (SG) techniques to specifically deliver therapeutic agents into the meniscus have not been described.ObjectiveTo describe and validate SG injection techniques for the body and posterior horn of the medial and lateral meniscus.DesignProspective, cadaveric laboratory investigation.SettingAcademic institution procedural skills laboratory.SubjectsFive unenbalmed cadaveric knee‐ankle‐foot specimens from 5 donors (3 female and 2 male) ages 33‐92 years (mean age 74 years) with body mass indices of 21.1‐32.4 kg/m2 (mean 24.1 kg/m2).MethodsA single, experienced operator completed SG injections into the bodies and posterior horns of the medial and lateral menisci of 5 unenbalmed cadaveric knees using colored latex and a 22‐gauge, 38‐mm needle. After injection, coinvestigators dissected each specimen to assess latex distribution within the menisci and identify injury to intra‐articular and periarticular structures.Main Outcome MeasuresLatex location within the target region of meniscus (accurate/inaccurate), and iatrogenic injury to “at risk” intra‐ and periarticular structures (present/absent).ResultsSeventeen of 20 injections were accurate. Two of 3 inaccurate injections infiltrated the posterior horn of the medial meniscus instead of the targeted meniscal body. One inaccurate lateral meniscus injection did not contain latex despite sonographically accurate needle placement. No specimen exhibited injury to regional neurovascular structures or intra‐articular hyaline cartilage.ConclusionsSG meniscus injections are feasible and can accurately and safely deliver injectates such as regenerative agents into bodies and posterior horns of the medial and lateral menisci. The role of SG intrameniscal injections in the treatment of patients with degenerative and traumatic meniscal disorders warrants further exploration.Level of EvidenceNot applicable.
Rehabilitation of the Pontine Ataxia‐Dysmetria Syndrome
Authors: Li Stephanie , Hartman Kasondra , Surapaneni Krishna , Altschuler Eric L. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractWe present a case of a patient with significant ataxia and dysmetria following a lacunar pontine infarction and review the literature on this uncommon syndrome. The patient had an excellent clinical course with near resolution of symptoms and signs in less than 3 weeks. We illustrate the patient's ataxia and dysmetria with videos and also use the videos to demonstrate and characterize the features of the dysmetria. Interestingly, the characteristics of the dysmetria appear to be different from those seen in patients with dysmetria arising from a cerebellar or thalamic lesion. We discuss the likely neurophysiologic mechanisms responsible for the condition and recovery. Simple noninvasive study of patients with ataxia and dysmetria secondary to a pontine lacunar infarct may be most helpful in elucidating the contribution of pontocerebellar fibers to motor control.Level of EvidenceV
Propofol as a Risk Factor for ICU-Acquired Weakness in Septic Patients with Acute Respiratory Failure
Authors: Abdelmalik Peter A. , Rakocevic Goran 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBackground:Critical illness polyneuropathy (CIN) and critical illness myopathy (CIM), together “ICU-Acquired weakness (ICUAW),” occur frequently in septic patients. One of the proposed mechanisms for ICUAW includes prolonged inactivation of sodium channels. Propofol, used commonly in patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF), primarily acts via enhancement of GABAergic transmission but may also increase sodium channel inactivation, suggesting a potential interaction.Methods:Electronic medical records and EMG reports of patients with ICUAW and a diagnosis of either sepsis, septicaemia, severe sepsis, or septic shock, concurrent with a diagnosis of acute respiratory failure (ARF), were retrospectively analyzed in a single center university hospital.Results:74 cases were identified (50.0% men, age 58±14 years), and compared to age- and sex-matched controls. Of these, 51 (69%) had CIN, 19 (26%) had CIM, and 4 (5%) had both. Propofol exposure was significantly higher in patients with ICUAW compared to controls (63.5% vs. 33.8%, p<0.001). The odds ratio of developing ICUAW with propofol exposure was 3.4 (95% CI:1.7-6.7, p<0.001). Patients with ICUAW had significantly more days in hospital (59±44 vs. 30±23) and ICU (38±26 vs. 17±13), days dependent on mechanical ventilation (27±21 vs. 13±16), and rates of tracheostomy (79.7% vs. 36.5%) and gastrostomy (75.7% vs. 25.7%) (all p<0.001). They also received a significantly higher number of distinct intravenous antibiotics, cumulative days of antibiotic therapy, and exposure to vasopressors and paralytics.Conclusions:Propofol exposure may increase the risk of ICUAW in septic patients. An interaction through sodium channel inactivation is hypothesized.
An assessment of the influence of macronutrients on growth performance and nutrient utilisation in broiler chickens by nutritional geometry
Authors: Liu Sonia Y. , Selle Peter H. , Raubenheimer David , Cadogan David J. , Simpson Stephen J. , Cowieson Aaron J. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe right-angled triangle mixture experiment was designed to include fourteen diets with different concentrations of starch, protein and lipid. Experimental diets were offered to male Ross 308 broiler chickens from 10 to 23 d after hatching, and response curves and surfaces were generated to illustrate the influence of macronutrients on growth performance and nutrient utilisations. Despite the primary function of macronutrients, especially protein, may not be providing energy, macronutrients were expressed as energy derived from starch, protein and fat for statistical purposes in the mixture design. Energy derived from lipid had a greater impact on feed intake than energy derived from starch and protein. When we compared the influence of starch and protein on feed intake, ‘equal distance rule’ was observed, which means the animal consumes feed to the point on its respective nutritional rails where the shortage of starch exactly equals the surplus of consumed protein. Increasing the protein-derived energy intake increased weight gain in broiler chickens, whereas energy intake derived from starch and lipid had little impact on weight gain. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) may be reduced by either increasing protein energy intake or decreasing starch energy intake. As the slope of the contours was less than 1, the influence of starch energy intakes on FCR exceeded that of protein energy intakes. In conclusion, energy derived from protein is more important than non-protein energy in terms of weight gain, and a balance between protein and energy supplies is required for efficient muscle protein deposition.