bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optical power and energy radiated by return strokes in rocket‐triggered lightning
Authors: Quick Mason G. , Krider E. Philip 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe broadband optical radiation covering the visible and near‐infrared (VNIR) spectral regions (0.4–1.0 μm) has been measured from 70 negative return strokes (RS) in rocket‐triggered lightning; 17 events were recorded in 2011, and 53 were recorded in 2012. The radiometers were calibrated, and all measurements were time‐correlated with currents measured at the channel base. The risetime and peak of an irradiance waveform are determined primarily by the RS current and by the geometrical growth and total length of channel that is in the field of view of the sensor. Following an initial peak, the irradiance decays faster than the current until there is a plateau or secondary maximum 20 to 40 μs (median of 22 μs) after the peak current, a time when the current itself is steadily decreasing. Estimates of the space‐ and time‐average optical power per unit length (ℓo) that is emitted at the source during onset of RS have been computed using the measured slopes of 70 irradiance waveforms together with an assumption that the initial speed of propagation is 1.2 × 108 m/s. The values range from 0.25 to 9.5 MW/m, with a mean and standard deviation of 2.4 ± 1.7 MW/m, and they are in good agreement with prior estimates of ℓo that were made by Quick and Krider (2013) for the subsequent return strokes in natural lightning that reilluminate a preexisting channel. The values of ℓo also agree with numerical estimates of the VNIR power per unit length that were computed by Paxton et al. (1986). Estimates of the peak optical power per unit length (ℓR) that is radiated at the source have been derived from the peaks of 53 irradiance waveforms, and the values range from 0.4 to 11 MW/m with a mean and standard deviation of 4.2 ± 2.5 MW/m. Both ℓo and ℓR are approximately proportional to the square of the peak current at the channel base. Estimates of the total optical energy per unit length, Jo, that is radiated in the VNIR have been computed by integrating the irradiance waveforms over 2 ms. The values of Jo have a mean and standard deviation of 150 ± 140 J/m, and they are proportional to the total charge that is transported to ground in that interval.
Field‐Effect Transistors Using Thin Flakes of Misfit Layer Compound (LaS)1.20CrS2
Authors: Shimazu Yoshihiro , Takanashi Masaya , Kurihara Daiki , Fujisawa Yutaro , Arai Kensuke , Iwabuchi Tatsuya , Suzuki Kazuya 
Published: August 2017

AbstractMisfit layer compounds consist of two sublattices that are incommensurately modulated. These sublattices have the structures of cubic monochalcogenide and transition‐metal dichalcogenide monolayers. In this work, a semiconducting misfit layer compound (LaS)1.20CrS2 is synthesized by chemical vapor transport. In absence of intervening LaS layers, a CrS2 layer does not exist in a stable state. Using thin flakes of (LaS)1.20CrS2 obtained by mechanical exfoliation, field‐effect transistors are fabricated. The devices show n‐type transport characteristics. An on/off ratio of ≈250 (at 120 K) and mobility of 0.3 cm2 V−1 s−1 (at room temperature) are observed. Temperature dependence of the conductance obeys thermal activation with the activation energy nearly linearly dependent on the gate voltage. This gate‐voltage dependence suggests that the density of trap states is considerably larger than that of MoS2 thin flakes.
Silver‐Catalyzed [3+2] Cycloaddition of Azomethine Ylides with Isocyanides for Imidazole Synthesis
Authors: Hu Zhongyan , Dong Jinhuan , Xu Xianxiu 
Published: August 2017

AbstractA silver‐catalyzed aerobic oxidative [3+2] cycloaddition of azomethine ylides with aryl or heteroaryl isocyanides has been developed. The reaction represents a novel protocol for the efficient and practical synthesis of 1,2‐diarylimidazoles bearing a broad range of substituents in good to excellent yields under mild conditions. The practicability of this cycloaddition was shown by a gram‐scale synthesis and a double cycloaddition for the construction of highly conjugated polyarylimidazole systems.magnified image
Single Crystalline Metal Films as Substrates for Graphene Growth
Authors: Zeller Patrick , Weinl Michael , Speck Florian , Ostler Markus , Henß Ann‐Kathrin , Seyller Thomas , Schreck Matthias , Wintterlin Joost 
Published: August 2017

AbstractSingle crystalline metal films deposited on YSZ‐buffered Si(111) wafers were investigated with respect to their suitability as substrates for epitaxial graphene. Graphene was grown by CVD of ethylene on Ru(0001), Ir(111), and Ni(111) films in UHV. For analysis a variety of surface science methods were used. By an initial annealing step the surface quality of the films was strongly improved. The temperature treatments of the metal films caused a pattern of slip lines, formed by thermal stress in the films, which, however, did not affect the graphene quality and even prevented wrinkle formation. Graphene was successfully grown on all three types of metal films in a quality comparable to graphene grown on bulk single crystals of the same metals. In the case of the Ni(111) films the originally obtained domain structure of rotational graphene phases could be transformed into a single domain by annealing. This healing process is based on the control of the equilibrium between graphene and dissolved carbon in the film. For the system graphene/Ni(111) the metal, after graphene growth, could be removed from underneath the epitaxial graphene layer by a pure gas phase reaction, using the reaction of CO with Ni to give gaseous Ni(CO)4.
Existence of Two‐Dimensional Physical Gels even at Zero Surface Pressure at the Air/Water Interface: Rheology of Self‐Assembled Domains of Small Molecules
Authors: Veschgini Mariam , Habe Taichi , Mielke Salomé , Inoue Shigeto , Liu Xianhe , Krafft Marie Pierre , Tanaka Motomu 
Published: August 2017

AbstractFilms of mesoscopic domains self‐assembled from fluorocarbon/hydrocarbon diblock copolymers (FnHm) at the air/water interface were found to display highly elastic behavior. We determined the interfacial viscoelasticity of domain‐patterned FnHm Langmuir monolayers by applying periodic shear stresses. Remarkably, we found the formation of two‐dimensional gels even at zero surface pressure. These monolayers are predominantly elastic, which is unprecedented for surfactants, exhibiting gelation only at high surface pressures. Systematic variation of the hydrocarbon (n=8; m=14, 16, 18, 20) and fluorocarbon (n=8, 10, 12; m=16) block lengths demonstrated that subtle changes in the block length ratio significantly alter the mechanics of two‐dimensional gels across one order of magnitude. These findings open perspectives for the fabrication of two‐dimensional gels with tuneable viscoelasticity via self‐assembly of mesoscale, low‐molecular‐weight materials.
CD11b+Gr‐1dim Tolerogenic Dendritic Cell–Like Cells Are Expanded in Interstitial Lung Disease in SKG Mice
Authors: Sendo Sho , Saegusa Jun , Okano Takaichi , Takahashi Soshi , Akashi Kengo , Morinobu Akio 
Published: August 2017

ObjectiveSKG mice develop interstitial lung disease (ILD) resembling rheumatoid arthritis–associated ILD in humans. The aim of this study was to clarify the mechanism underlying the lung pathology by analyzing lung‐infiltrating cells in SKG mice with ILD.MethodsWe assessed the severity of zymosan A (ZyA)–induced ILD in SKG mice histologically, and we examined lung‐infiltrating cells by flow cytometry. Total lung cells and isolated monocytic myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) were cultured in vitro with granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) and interleukin‐4. The proliferation of 5,6‐carboxyfluorescein diacetate N‐succinimidyl ester–labeled naive T cells cocultured with isolated CD11b+Gr‐1dim cells and MDSCs was evaluated by flow cytometry. CD11b+Gr‐1dim cells were adoptively transferred to ZyA‐treated SKG mice.ResultsMDSCs, Th17 cells, and group 1 and 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC1s and ILC3s) were increased in the lungs; the proportion of these cells varied with ILD severity. In this process, we found that a unique cell population, CD11b+Gr‐1dim cells, was expanded in the severely inflamed lungs. Approximately half of the CD11b+Gr‐1dim cells expressed CD11c. CD11b+Gr‐1dim cells were induced from monocytic MDSCs with GM‐CSF in vitro and were considered tolerogenic because they suppressed T cell proliferation. These CD11b+Gr‐1dim cells have never been described previously, and we termed them CD11b+Gr‐1dim tolerogenic dendritic cell (DC)–like cells. Th17 cells, ILC1s, and ILC3s in the inflamed lung produced GM‐CSF, which may have expanded CD11b+Gr‐1dim tolerogenic DC–like cells in vivo. Furthermore, adoptive transfer of CD11b+Gr‐1dim tolerogenic DC–like cells significantly suppressed progression of ILD in SKG mice.ConclusionWe identified unique suppressive myeloid cells that were differentiated from monocytic MDSCs in SKG mice with ILD, and we termed them CD11b+Gr‐1dim tolerogenic DC–like cells.
Detection and application of neurochemical profile by multiple regional 1H‐MRS in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Guan Jitian , Rong Yu , Wen Ye , Wu Huanze , Qin Hong , Zhang Qingying , Chen Wei 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIntroductionThe accurate diagnosis and monitoring of idiopathic Parkinson disease (PD), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, has not been fully developed. This study sought to identify a neurochemical profile in multiple regions of the PD brain and healthy controls by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS). We aimed to track changes of the brain neurochemical, quantify neuronal loss, and further determine the diagnostic value of 1H‐MRS.MethodsPD patients and healthy controls recruited from Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, southern China, underwent 1H‐MRS. Chemical information was obtained for ratios of N‐acetylaspartate to creatine (NAA/Cr), NAA to choline (NAA/Cho), and Cho to Cr for substantia nigra, globus pallidus, prefrontal lobe, hippocampus, cuneus gyrus, and dorsal thalamus regions.ResultsCompared to the 20 healthy controls (12 male, age 58.75 ± 5.03 years), the 42 patients (21 male, age 61.60 ± 6.40 years) showed lower NAA/Cr and NAA/Cho ratios in substantia nigra, globus pallidus, prefrontal lobe, hippocampus, cuneus gyrus and dorsal thalamus regions (p < .01); NAA/Cr and NAA/Cho ratios were reduced for both patients with unilateral and mild/no cognitive impairment (p < .01); Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale score was inversely correlated with NAA/Cr ratios in the substantia nigra (r = −.32; p = .042).ConclusionNAA/Cr and NAA/Cho ratios may be useful metabolic biomarkers for early diagnosis of PD. Multi‐voxel 1H‐MRS can provide information on brain neurochemistry and may be a promising technique for diagnosis of and monitoring neuronal loss in PD.
Not all neuroligin 3 and 4X missense variants lead to significant functional inactivation
Authors: Xu Xiaojuan , Hu Zhengmao , Zhang Lusi , Liu Hongfang , Cheng Yuemei , Xia Kun , Zhang Xuehong 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIntroductionNeuroligins are postsynaptic cell adhesion molecules that interact with neurexins to regulate the fine balance between excitation and inhibition of synapses. Recently, accumulating evidence, involving mutation analysis, cellular assays, and mouse models, has suggested that neuroligin (NLGN) mutations affect synapse maturation and function. Previously, four missense variations [p.G426S (NLGN3), p.G84R (NLGN4X), p.Q162K (NLGN4X), and p.A283T (NLGN4X)] in four different unrelated patients have been identified by PCR and direct sequencing.MethodsIn this study, we analyzed the functional effect of these missense variations by in vitro experiment via the stable HEK293 cells expressing wild‐type and mutant neuroligin.ResultsWe found that the four mutations did not significantly impair the expression of neuroligin 3 and neuroligin 4X, and also did not measurably inhibit the neurexin 1–neuroligin interaction. These variants might play a modest role in the pathogenesis of autism or might simply be unreported infrequent polymorphisms.ConclusionOur data suggest that these four previously described neuroligin mutations are not primary risk factors for autism.
From Android games to coding in C—An approach to motivate novice engineering students to learn programming: A case study
Authors: Dolgopolovas Vladimiras , Jevsikova Tatjana , Dagiene Valentina 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThis paper deals with the problem of overcoming difficulties and raising the motivation of novice engineering students studying programming. We consider this an important factor for engineering education in general and for programming of embedded devices, as well as for calculations and modeling in the field of scientific computing in particular. We present a case study on how novice engineering students can be motivated to study structured programming and coding in C using game programming in the App Inventor environment. The study is based on the authors’ practical teaching experience in the Applied Sciences University for novice programmers, with students of the Technology of Smart Devices specialty, as well as the authors’ long‐time research activities in teaching Computer Science.
Interaction of the N‐Terminal Tandem Domains of hnRNP LL with the BCL2 Promoter i‐Motif DNA Sequence
Authors: Lannes Laurie , Young Phoebe , Richter Christian , Morgner Nina , Schwalbe Harald 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe human genome contains GC‐rich sequences able to form tetraplex secondary structures known as the G‐quadruplex and i‐motif. Such sequences are notably present in the promoter region of oncogenes and are proposed to function as regulatory elements of gene expression. The P1 promoter of BCL2 contains a 39‐mer C‐rich sequence (Py39wt) that can fold into a hairpin or an i‐motif in a pH‐dependent manner in vitro. The protein hnRNP LL was identified to recognise the i‐motif over the hairpin conformation and act as an activating transcription factor. Thus, the Py39wt sequence would act as an ON/OFF switch, according to the secondary structure adopted. Herein, a structural study of the interaction between hnRNP LL and Py39wt is reported. Both N‐terminal RNA recognition motifs (RRM12) cooperatively recognise one Py39wt DNA sequence and engage their β‐sheet to form a large binding platform. In contrast, the C‐terminal RRMs show no binding capacity. It is observed that RRM12 binds to Py39wt regardless of the DNA conformation. We propose that RRM12 recognises a single‐stranded CTCCC element present in loop 1 of the i‐motif and in the apical loop of the hairpin conformation.
Direct stenting versus balloon predilation: Jury is still out
Authors: Belardi Jorge A. , Albertal Mariano 
Published: August 2017

Key Points

Compared to balloon predilation, direct stenting (DS) shortens procedural time and reduces radiation and contrast exposure.
A meta-analysis that included 7 studies comparing these 2 strategies revealed lower adverse event rate with DS.
Studies included in the present meta-analysis were mostly observational and utilized first generation drug-eluting stent.
Patient and lesion selection may explain these positive results.
Assembly of Nitrofurazan and Nitrofuroxan Frameworks for High‐Performance Energetic Materials
Authors: Fershtat Leonid L. , Ovchinnikov Igor V. , Epishina Margarita A. , Romanova Anna A. , Lempert David B. , Muravyev Nikita V. , Makhova Nina N. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe design of novel energetic materials with improved performance, optimized parameters, and environmental compatibility remains a challenging task. In this study, new high‐energy materials based on isomeric dinitrobi‐1,2,5‐oxadiazole structures comprising nitrofurazan and nitrofuroxan subunits were synthesized. Due to planarity and strong noncovalent interactions, these materials display high density values as determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The thermal, impact, and friction sensitivities of both isomers are similar to that of nitroesters. Their high detonation performance along with the combined benefits of high density, high heat of formation, and good oxygen balance make the synthesized compounds promising as explosives and highly‐energetic oxidizers.
Generation of Xeno‐Free, cGMP‐Compliant Patient‐Specific iPSCs from Skin Biopsy
Authors: Wiley Luke A. , Anfinson Kristin R. , Cranston Cathryn M. , Kaalberg Emily E. , Collins Malia M. , Mullins Robert F. , Stone Edwin M. , Tucker Budd A. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThis unit describes protocols for the generation of clinical‐grade patient‐specific induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)–derived retinal cells from patients with inherited retinal degenerative blindness. Specifically, we describe how, using xeno‐free reagents in an ISO class 5 environment, one can isolate and culture dermal fibroblasts, generate iPSCs, and derive autologous retinal cells via 3‐D differentiation. The universal methods described herein for the isolation of dermal fibroblasts and generation of iPSCs can be employed regardless of disease, tissue, or cell type of interest. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Functional Stem Cell Integration into Neural Networks Assessed by Organotypic Slice Cultures
Authors: Forsberg David , Thonabulsombat Charoensri , Jäderstad Johan , Jäderstad Linda Maria , Olivius Petri , Herlenius Eric 
Published: August 2017

AbstractRe‐formation or preservation of functional, electrically active neural networks has been proffered as one of the goals of stem cell–mediated neural therapeutics. A primary issue for a cell therapy approach is the formation of functional contacts between the implanted cells and the host tissue. Therefore, it is of fundamental interest to establish protocols that allow us to delineate a detailed time course of grafted stem cell survival, migration, differentiation, integration, and functional interaction with the host. One option for in vitro studies is to examine the integration of exogenous stem cells into an existing active neural network in ex vivo organotypic cultures. Organotypic cultures leave the structural integrity essentially intact while still allowing the microenvironment to be carefully controlled. This allows detailed studies over time of cellular responses and cell‐cell interactions, which are not readily performed in vivo. This unit describes procedures for using organotypic slice cultures as ex vivo model systems for studying neural stem cell and embryonic stem cell engraftment and communication with CNS host tissue. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Wiskott‐Aldrich syndrome protein: Emerging mechanisms in immunity
Authors: Rivers Elizabeth , Thrasher Adrian J. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP) participates in innate and adaptive immunity through regulation of actin cytoskeleton‐dependent cellular processes, including immune synapse formation, cell signaling, migration and cytokine release. There is also emerging evidence for a direct role in nuclear transcription programmes uncoupled from actin polymerization. A deeper understanding of some of the more complex features of Wiskott Aldrich syndrome (WAS) itself, such as the associated autoimmunity and inflammation, has come from identification of defects in the number and function of anti‐inflammatory myeloid cells and regulatory T and B cells, as well as defects in positive and negative B‐cell selection. In this review we outline the cellular defects that have been characterized in both human WAS patients and murine models of the disease. We will emphasize in particular recent discoveries that provide a mechanistic insight into disease pathology, including lymphoid and myeloid cell homeostasis, immune synapse assembly and immune cell signaling.
Matrix stimulation in cancer pain: Methodology, safety and effectiveness
Authors: Mücke M. , Tils M. , Conrad R. , Kravchenko D. , Cuhls H. , Radbruch L. , Marinova M. , Peuckmann‐Post V. , Rolke R. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackgroundThis feasibility study addresses the applicability of matrix electrodes for the reduction of ongoing pain in cancer patients via low‐frequency electrical stimulation (LFS).MethodsLow‐frequency matrix stimulation (4 Hz) was applied to the skin within the ‘Head's zones’ referring to the tumour localization of cancer pain patients. Pain at baseline was compared to a 3‐day treatment interval consisting of 5 min of matrix stimulation in the morning and evening followed by a 3‐day follow‐up period without therapy. Main outcome parameters included numeric rating scale values (rating scale 0–100), painDETECT, HADS, and German pain questionnaire, as well as the opioid intake, calculated as the oral morphine equivalent (OME).ResultsTwenty patients with cancer pain (aged 64.4 ± 10.3; 9 women) were examined. In the majority of patients, the pain was classified as nociceptive. The mean pain reduction achieved by matrix therapy was 30%, under stable daily controlled‐release opioid doses between 177 and 184 mg/day (OME). Seventeen patients (85%) were responders, defined by a pain reduction of at least 30%, while four responders experienced a pain reduction of over 50%. The only side effect was short‐term erythema.ConclusionFindings are consistent with the concept of synaptic long‐term depression in cancer pain induced after conditioning LFS. Despite the short, but well‐tolerated, treatment duration of 2 × 5 min/day, effects persisted throughout the 3‐day follow‐up.SignificanceCutaneous neuromodulation using LFS via a matrix electrode has been shown to be a safe intervention for effectively reducing cancer pain in palliative care patients.
Challenges and Opportunities in Achieving the National Postsecondary Degree Attainment Goals
Authors: Nettles Michael T. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIn 2009, at the end of the 12‐month Great Recession in the United States, the U.S. government established a college degree attainment goal for 60% of 25‐ to 34‐year‐olds to earn an associate's or bachelor's degree by the year 2020. In the same year, Lumina Foundation set a similar goal for 60% of 25‐ to 64‐year‐olds to earn a high‐quality certificate, associate's degree, or bachelor's degree by the year 2025. Both the U.S. government's and Lumina Foundation's goals intend to place the United States in a leadership position in the global massification of postsecondary education that has evolved over the past few decades and to address the growing labor market demands for postsecondary education and training. This report provides a view of current progress and forecasts of the nation's long‐term progress toward achieving the goals. The analyses in this report represent college degree attainment performance of the U.S. population by race/ethnicity and gender and project through 2060. The projections reveal that neither goal is expected to be reached by target dates for the targeted adult populations, but the associate's and bachelor's degree attainment rates of the Asian American population are already beyond the 60% target and the White population, overall, is approaching at a pace to arrive a few years beyond the target year 2020 established by the U.S. government and 2025 set by Lumina Foundation. The projections for the African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, and Hispanic populations are not promising. Unless aggressive actions are taken to address the inequalities in each level and type of degree, and especially bachelor's and higher degrees, not only will the three underserved population groups (African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, and Hispanic) fail to reach the goals in the foreseeable future, but also the progress that they make could be overrepresented by lower status degrees and certificates and in turn lower status occupations. Each of these three underrepresented population groups may require targeted and tailored initiatives to make substantive progress toward a larger share being college and career ready and ultimately persisting toward and attaining college degrees. The report includes data and analyses that could be useful in designing interventions.