bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kirigami stretchable strain sensors with enhanced piezoelectricity induced by topological electrodes
Authors: Sun Rujie , Zhang Bing , Yang Lu , Zhang Wenjiao , Farrow Ian , Scarpa Fabrizio , Rossiter Jonathan
Published: June 2018

Rapid advances in sensing technologies are leading to the development of integrated wearable electronics for biomedical applications. Piezoelectric materials have great potential for implantable devices because of their self-powered sensing capacities. The soft and highly deformable surfaces of most tissues in the human body, however, restrict the wide use of piezoelectric materials, which feature low stretchability. Flexible piezoelectric polyvinylidene fluoride films that could conformably integrate with human bodies would have advantages in health monitoring. Here, a Kirigami technique with linear cut patterns has been employed to design a stretchable piezoelectric sensor with enhanced piezoelectricity. A parametric Finite Element Analysis study is first performed to investigate its mechanical behaviour, followed by experiments. An inter-segment electrode connection approach is proposed to further enhance the piezoelectric performance of the sensor. The voltage output shows superior performance with 2.6 times improvement compared to conventionally continuous electrodes. Dynamic tests with a range of frequencies and strains are performed to validate the sensor design. With its high performance in large strain measurements, the Kirigami-based sensing system shows promise in stretchable electronics for biomedical devices.
Cumulative displacement induced by a magnetosonic soliton bouncing in a bounded plasma slab
Authors: Gueroult Renaud , Fruchtman Amnon , Fisch Nathaniel J.
Published: June 2018

The passage of a magnetosonic (MS) soliton in a cold plasma leads to the displacement of charged particles in the direction of a compressive pulse and in the opposite direction of a rarefaction pulse. In the overdense plasma limit, the displacement induced by a weakly nonlinear MS soliton is derived analytically. This result is then used to derive an asymptotic expansion for the displacement resulting from the bouncing motion of a MS soliton reflected back and forth in a vacuum-bounded cold plasma slab. Particles' displacement after the pulse energy has been lost to the vacuum region is shown to scale as the ratio of light speed to Alfvén velocity. Results for the displacement after a few MS soliton reflections are corroborated by particle-in-cell simulations.
Nucleation stage of multicomponent bubbles of gases dissolved in a decompressed liquid
Authors: Kuchma Anatoly E. , Shchekin Alexander K. , Martyukova Darya S.
Published: June 2018

A new kinetic analysis of degassing and swelling of a decompressed liquid solution with several dissolved gases has been presented. The analysis has been performed for the nucleation stage of formation and growth of supercritical gas bubbles in a closed system under conditions of a limited availability of the dissolved species. The nucleation stage is an important stage of degassing, on which a certain size distribution of gas bubbles is formed, being the starting point for further growth. This stage starts with the appearance of supercritical gas bubbles and is widely completed when the nucleation rate of supercritical gas bubbles diminishes by a decimal order. Neglecting the role of the Laplace pressure in large supercritical bubbles, we were able to introduce the concept of total gas supersaturation and to develop a theory of this stage for liquid solutions with arbitrary number and any values of supersaturations and solubilities of the dissolved gases. First, we have considered slowly growing bubbles within the mean-field approach assuming a stationary diffusion of gases to bubbles at moderate total gas supersaturation. In the case of large total gas supersaturation, we have built a description of fast growing bubbles on the basis of the extended excluded volume approach with nonstationary nonuniform diffusion shells around the bubbles and mean-field mixing of the concentration of gases at the external boundaries of the shells. A main novel feature of the developed theory is its ability to predict the kinetic behavior of the whole ensemble of bubbles with different sizes under changes in the initial gas composition in the liquid solution at its fast decompression. It has been shown that the effects of nonstationary diffusion may be very significant in the growth of multicomponent bubbles and, in particular, are responsible for a significant swelling of a decompressed liquid solution. Distribution of supercritical bubbles in sizes as a function of concentrations of solute gases at any moment of the nucleation stage, the duration of the nucleation stage, and the swelling ratio at the end of the nucleation stage have been determined.
3D simulation of superconducting magnetic shields and lenses using the fast Fourier transform
Authors: Prigozhin Leonid , Sokolovsky Vladimir
Published: June 2018

Shielding sensitive scientific and medical devices from the magnetic field environment is one of the promising applications of superconductors. Magnetic field concentration by superconducting magnetic lenses is the opposite phenomenon based, however, on the same properties of superconductors: their ideal conductivity and ability to expel the magnetic field. Full-dimensional numerical simulations are necessary for designing magnetic lenses and for estimating the quality of magnetic shielding under arbitrary varying external fields. Using the recently proposed Fast Fourier Transform based three-dimensional numerical method [Prigozhin and Sokolovsky, Supercond. Sci. Technol. 31, 055018 (2018)], we model performance of two such devices made of a bulk type-II superconductor: a magnetic shield and a magnetic lens. The method is efficient and can be easier to implement than the alternative approaches based on the finite element methods.
Enhanced photon-phonon coupling via dimerization in one-dimensional optomechanical crystals
Authors: Matheny Matthew H.
Published: June 2018

We show that dimerization of an optomechanical crystal lattice, which leads to folding of the band diagram, can couple flexural mechanical modes to optical fields within the unit cell via radiation pressure. When compared to currently realized crystals, a substantial improvement in the coupling between photons and phonons is found. For experimental verification, we implement a dimerized lattice in a silicon optomechanical nanobeam cavity and measure a vacuum coupling rate of g0/2π= 1.7 MHz between an optical resonance at λc = 1545 nm and a mechanical resonance at 1.14 GHz.
Dipolar effects on the magnetic phases of superparamagnetic clusters
Authors: Pedrosa S. S. , Martins S. M. S. B. , Souza R. M. , Dantas J. T. S. , Souza C. M. , Rebouças G. O. G. , de Araújo J. M. , Dantas Ana L. , Carriço A. S.
Published: June 2018

We report a theoretical study of the impact of dipolar interactions on the room temperature magnetic phases of superparamagnetic nanoparticles confined in spherical and ellipsoidal clusters. We consider Fe3O4 nanoparticles with size ranging from 9 nm to 12 nm, arranged with uniform density in hundred nanometer-sized clusters. We show that one may have a large enhancement of the initial susceptibility for ellipsoidal clusters of high eccentricity, as required for most biomedical applications. Spherical clusters display a reduction of the initial susceptibility, due to the early nucleation of new magnetic phases. In densely packed systems, the dipolar interaction may lead to thermal stabilization of the individual nanoparticle moments, while keeping the cluster superparamagnetic, with a vanishingly small magnetic moment in the absence of an external field. The theoretical model is used to discuss recent findings on quasi-one-dimensional arrays of superparamagnetic Fe and Co nanoparticles, and on spherical clusters of superparamagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles.
Relationship between interface state generation and substrate hole current in InGaAs metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) interfaces
Authors: Yoon S.-H. , Ahn D.-H. , Takenaka M. , Takagi S.
Published: June 2018

The relationship between substrate hole currents and interface state generation in Al2O3/InGaAs n-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) is experimentally studied for the MOSFETs with three different Al2O3 thicknesses of 3.2, 5.2, and 8.2 nm. The constant positive gate bias stress is applied. Then, the substrate hole current, monitored in the carrier separation setup, is clearly observed for the InGaAs n-channel MOSFETs. It is found that the density of the generated interface states (ΔDit) is uniquely represented as a function of the total hole fluence (Nhole), given by integrating the substrate hole current over time, not the total electron fluence. This experimental result strongly supports that interface state generation is triggered by holes induced by electrical stress, regardless of the thickness of Al2O3. It is also found that ΔDit in 3.2- and 5.2-nm-thick Al2O3 MOSFETs, expressed by the universal single line against Nhole, is lower than that in 8.2-nm-thick Al2O3 MOSFETs, which can be explained by the difference of the origin of the hole generation in the Al2O3/InGaAs metal-oxide-semiconductor interface. Judging from the similarity of these features with ΔDit in SiO2/Si n-MOSFETs reported previously, the Al2O3/InGaAs interfaces have the same physical origin of interface state generation as SiO2/Si interfaces.
MHD Kelvin-Helmholtz instability in the anisotropic solar wind plasma
Authors: Ismayilli R. F. , Dzhalilov N. S. , Shergelashvili B. M. , Poedts S. , Pirguliyev M. Sh.
Published: June 2018

We investigated a shear instability of the Kelvin-Helmholtz (KH) type in a plasma with temperature anisotropy under the magnetohydodynamics (MHD) approximation. To solve the problem, a system of 16-moment MHD transport equations are used in a collisionless bi-Maxwellian plasma, including the various components of the heat fluxes along the magnetic field. We consider supersonic flows of two semi-infinite anisotropic and homogeneous plasma layers with different physical parameters and velocities. For the general case, i.e., when the interface between these two flows is a transition layer with a finite thickness, we derived a general linear differential equation framework for determining the eigenmodes in the system. Furthermore, we considered thoroughly the limiting case of a zero thickness transition zone (contact discontinuity). The analysis enabled applying appropriate boundary conditions to derive the dispersion equation for interface waves. The obtained equation analyzes in detail for the case when heat fluxes are absent along the discontinuity in the background state. It is shown that the shear flow excites the KH instability and “couples” the various branches of the free-plasma oscillations to each other. It is found that the region of mode interaction is determined by the resonance regions when the longitudinal phase velocities of the waves match. In the resonance flows with an average speed, the KH instability occurs. The growth rates of the KH instability are calculated as a function of the parameters, including the degree of plasma anisotropy. It is found that in most cases the KH instability is dominant in the considered configuration. The obtained results are applied to the plasma conditions in the bimodal solar wind in the vicinity of the contact discontinuity between different flow patterns (fast and slow wind).
Revealing strong polytypism tendency in MgTe from first-principles
Authors: Benaissa H. , Zaoui A. , Ferhat M.
Published: June 2018

The search for stable polytype phases of III-V and II-VI materials has attracted great interest in recent years due to their great potential for a broad range of applications. Here using density functional theory, we systematically explore electronic structure properties of cubic (3C) and hexagonal (2H, 4H and 6H) polytypes of magnesium telluride: MgTe. Total energies and nearest-neighbor bilayer interaction energies evidence that MgTe shows a high propensity to polytypism. This finding is further supported by mechanical and phonon stabilities of all polytype phases of MgTe. Additionally, ground structural properties, energetic stability, mechanical properties, band structure energies, and dynamical properties are examined in relation with the stacking sequence of 3C, 2H, 4H, and 6H polytypes in the Mg-Te system.
Determination of thickness and bulk sound velocities of isotropic plates using zero-group-velocity Lamb waves
Authors: Grünsteidl Clemens , Berer Thomas , Hettich Mike , Veres István
Published: June 2018

We propose a method to simultaneously determine the thickness of an isotropic plate together with the longitudinal and shear elastic wave velocities of its material. The method requires knowledge of the frequencies of two zero-group-velocity Lamb modes and one respective wavenumber. These quantities are defined by the Rayleigh-Lamb equations, which we use in an inverse problem to obtain the properties of the plate. Experimentally, the frequencies of zero-group-velocity points can be obtained at high precision by measuring the elastic response spectrum of a plate, using laser-ultrasound techniques. By shaping the excitation laser spot with a spatial light modulator, we extend this to enable measurements of the corresponding wavenumber. The introduced method is demonstrated for a homogeneous tungsten and an aluminium plate.
Enhancement of Smith-Purcell radiation with temporal harmonics of surface wave on cylindrical corrugated waveguide
Authors: Annaka Y. , Ogura K. , Ozawa K. , Sekine K. , San Min Thu
Published: June 2018

We experimentally studied an intense Smith-Purcell (SP) radiation based on a cylindrical corrugated waveguide driven by a weakly relativistic electron beam. The corrugated waveguide has a rectangular periodic structure, and an annular electron beam with energy less than 100 keV and current of the order of 100 A is injected. We observe both intense surface-wave radiation at 25 GHz and intense SP radiations up to 150 GHz. The observed SP radiations are enhanced by the sixth and fourth temporal harmonics of the surface wave. The characteristics of the enhanced SP radiation depend on the periodic number of the structure. In the experiment with the use of the 60-period structure, the observed power of the SP radiation at the fourth harmonic is higher than that of the radiation at the sixth harmonic. In the case of the 30 period-structure, the power level of the radiation at the sixth harmonic is comparable to that at the fourth harmonic.
Negative differential resistance in GaN homojunction tunnel diodes and low voltage loss tunnel contacts
Authors: Clinton Evan A. , Vadiee Ehsan , Shen Shyh-Chiang , Mehta Karan , Yoder P. Douglas , Doolittle W. Alan
Published: June 2018

The current-voltage characteristics and metastability in GaN p++/n++ homojunction tunnel diodes and n++/p++/i/n tunnel-contacted diodes grown via metal modulated epitaxy have been investigated. The room temperature negative differential resistance (NDR) beginning at ∼1.35 V is reported for GaN homojunction devices grown on sapphire. The NDR vanishes, and the conductivity increases as multiple I-V sweeps are performed, thus suggesting that charge trapping states with long trap lifetimes exist at defect sites, and these traps play a crucial role in the tunneling mechanism. Additionally, the use of extremely high n-type (ND ∼ 4.6 × 1020 cm−3) and p-type (NA ∼ 7.7× 1020 cm−3) doping results in a near linear characteristic with minimal rectification at current densities less than 200 A/cm2 and soft rectification above this current density. Forward-bias tunneling and NDR are still present at 77 K. The highest silicon-doped n++/p++/i/n tunnel-contacted pin diode demonstrates a turn-on voltage of 3.12 V, only 0.14 V higher than that of the pin control diode, and an improved specific on-resistance of 3.24 × 10−4 Ω cm2, which is 13% lower than that of the control pin diode.
A novel analysis method to determine the surface recombination velocities on unequally passivated surfaces of a silicon wafer by the short wavelength spectrum excited quasi-steady-state photoconductance measurement
Authors: Wei Yi , Lin Yiren , Yang Xichuan , Tan Xin , Su Jia , Song Chengyuan , Liu Aimin
Published: June 2018

In this work, we propose an analysis approach to determine the individual surface recombination velocities (S1 and S2) on each surface of an unequally passivated wafer, which precludes the crude assumption of S1=S2 in conventional methods. Taking advantage of the surface distributed excess charge carriers relatively sensitive to the surface recombination, we probe the sample using quasi-steady-state illumination of the xenon flash lamp equipped with a short pass filter (FSP1). A set of samples passivated by SiO2 and SiNx, as well as bare silicon wafers, are prepared in the experiment. On the basis of fitting the measured time-dependent-excess charge carriers, S1 and S2 are determined based on our analysis approach. The spatial and the temporal distributions of excess charge carrier density are presented. The dependence of τeff on the wavelength, S and τbulk is also discussed in detail. The reliability of this method is finally verified with a long pass filter (FLP2).
Atomically uniform Sn-rich GeSn semiconductors with 3.0–3.5 μm room-temperature optical emission
Authors: Assali S. , Nicolas J. , Mukherjee S. , Dijkstra A. , Moutanabbir O.
Published: June 2018

The simultaneous control of lattice strain, composition, and microstructure is crucial to establish high-quality, direct bandgap GeSn semiconductors. Herein, we demonstrate that multilayer growth with a gradual increase in composition is an effective process to minimize bulk and surface segregation and eliminate phase separation during epitaxy yielding a uniform Sn incorporation up to ∼18 at. %. Detailed atomistic studies using atom probe tomography reveal the presence of abrupt interfaces between monocrystalline GeSn layers with interfacial widths in the 1.5–2.5 nm range. Statistical analyses of 3-D atom-by-atom maps confirmed the absence of Sn precipitates and short-range atomic ordering. Despite the residual compressive strain of −1.3 %, the grown layers show clear room-temperature photoluminescence in the 3.0–3.5 μm wavelength range originating from the upper GeSn layer with the highest Sn content. This finding lays the groundwork to develop silicon-compatible mid-infrared photonic devices.
Experimental characterization of pairwise correlations from quadruple quantum correlated beams generated by cascaded four-wave mixing processes
Authors: Cao Leiming , Wang Wei , Lou Yanbo , Du Jinjian , Jing Jietai
Published: June 2018

We theoretically calculate and experimentally investigate the performance of the pairwise correlations from quadruple quantum correlated beams based on the cascaded four-wave mixing (FWM) processes. The experimental results have similar trends to their theoretical predictions. By properly changing the intensity gains of the cascaded FWM processes, we can gradually convert some pairs of classical correlated beams into quantum correlated beams. Our results may find potential applications in the manipulation of quantum correlated beams generated from the cascaded FWM processes.
A soft-bent dimer composite exhibiting twist-bend nematic phase: Photo-driven effects and an optical memory device
Authors: Prasad S. Krishna , Madhuri P. Lakshmi , Satapathy Pragnya , Yelamaggad C. V.
Published: June 2018

We report the influence of photoisomerization on a guest-host composite comprising a soft-bent dimer exhibiting the presently sought-after twist-bend nematic (NTB) phase, doped with small amounts of a calamitic photoactive azobenzene-based dimer that assumes a bent shape when photo-driven. Trans-cis photoisomerization of the latter compound leads to a substantial decrease in the nematic-isotropic and nematic-NTB transition temperatures. The results bring out the puzzling feature that the thermal stability of the NTB phase, having a helical structure, despite the molecules being achiral, is influenced more than the regular nematic. Differential influence is also seen in the Frank elastic constants of the regular nematic: while the splay elastic constant is significantly diminished its bend counterpart is hardly affected. Molecular conformational aspects of the entities are proposed to explain these features. Through a judicious combination of this photo-driven effect and an AC electric field, an attractive type of optical memory device is demonstrated.
New set of fluid moment equations describes plasma behavior with greater numerical stability
Authors: Kim Meeri
Published: June 2018

Researchers find a new anti-symmetric formulation of the standard plasma moment approach with a first-principles numerical stability.
Pyrosequencing-based analysis of the complex microbiota located in the gastrointestinal tracts of growing-finishing pigs
Authors: Wang J. , Han Y. , Zhao J. Z. , Zhou Z. J. , Fan H.
Published: June 2018

The commensal gut microbial communities play an important role in the health and production efficiency of growing-finishing pigs. This study aimed to analyse the composition and diversity of the microbiota in the gastrointestinal tract sections (stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, caecum, colon and rectum) of growing-finishing pigs. This analysis was assessed using 454 pyrosequencing targeting the V3–V6 region of the 16S rRNA gene. Samples were collected from 20, healthy pigs aged 24 weeks and weighing 115.9 ± 5.4 kg. The dominant bacterial phyla in the various gastrointestinal tract sections were Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria. At the genus level, Prevotella, unclassified Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcus, unclassified Ruminococcaceae and Oscillospira were more abundant in the large intestine than in the stomach and the small intestine. Unclassified Peptostreptococcaceae and Corynebacterium were more abundant in the small intestine than in the stomach and the large intestine. Shuttleworthia, unclassified Veillonellaceae and Mitsuokella were more abundant in the stomach than in the small and large intestines. At the species level, M. el.s.d.enii and M. multacida were predominant in the stomach. In addition, P. stercorea, P. copri, C. butyricum, R. flavefaciens and R. bromii were significantly more abundant in the large intestine than in the stomach and the small intestine. B. pseudolongum and B. thermacidophilum were significantly more abundant in the small intestine than in the stomach and the large intestine. Principal coordinates analysis showed that the overall composition of the pig gastrointestinal microbiota could be clustered into three groups: stomach, small intestine (duodenum, jejunum and ileum) and large intestine (caecum, colon and rectum). Venn diagrams illustrated the distribution of shared and specific operational taxonomic units among the various gastrointestinal tract sections.
Differential responses of accessions of native Australian Nicotiana species to water stress
Authors: Dastogeer Khondoker M. G. , Li Hua , Sivasithamparam Krishnapillai , Jones Michael G. K. , Wylie Stephen J.
Published: June 2018

Thirty-two accessions of four Nicotiana species (Nicotiana benthamiana Domin, Nicotiana occidentalis H.-M.Wheeler, Nicotiana simulans N. Burb. and Nicotiana umbratica N.T.Burb.) collected from wild plants in northern Australia were assessed for responses to water stress. Under moderate water stress conditions, shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight, root fresh weight, root dry weight, root : shoot ratio, and relative water content of leaves were significantly affected. However, the degree to which the accessions were affected varied considerably. Some accessions of N. simulans, N. benthamiana and N. occidentalis were significantly more affected by water stress than others. There was significant variation between accessions in leaf and shoot tip wilting times. Initial symptom expression (leaf wilting) was significantly delayed in three accessions of N. benthamiana, and in one accession of N. umbratica. The least water stress tolerant lines, two accessions each of N. benthamiana, N. occidentalis and N. simulans, exhibited advanced symptoms of water stress (shoot tip wilting) within 14–17 days of cessation of watering. This stage was significantly delayed in three accessions of N. benthamiana and two accessions N. occidentalis and one accession of each of N. simulans and N. umbratica, which showed tip wilting only after 21–24 days. There were variations among the accessions of same Nicotiana species on their tolerance to water stress. Plant responses to water stress could not be predicted from their plant biomass and leaf relative water content under well-watered conditions. Leaf chlorophyll content was variable under water stress, but did not correlate with water stress tolerance.
Democratization of ecosystem services—a radical approach for assessing nature’s benefits in the face of urbanization
Authors: McHale Melissa R. , Beck Scott M. , Pickett Steward T. A. , Childers Daniel L. , Cadenasso Mary L. , Rivers Louie , Swemmer Louise , Ebersohn Liesel , Twine Wayne , Bunn David N
Published: June 2018

Objectives:
(1) To evaluate how ecosystem services may be utilized to either reinforce or fracture the planning and development practices that emerged from segregation and economic exclusion; (2) To survey the current state of ecosystem service assessments and synthesize a growing number of recommendations from the literature for renovating ecosystem service analyses.

Methods:
Utilizing current maps of ecosystem service distribution in Bushbuckridge Local Municipality, South Africa, we considered how a democratized process of assessing ecosystem services will produce a more nuanced representation of diverse values in society and capture heterogeneity in ecosystem structure and function.

Results:
We propose interventions for assessing ecosystem services that are inclusive of a broad range of stakeholders’ values and result in actual quantification of social and ecological processes. We demonstrate how to operationalize a pluralistic framework for ecosystem service assessments.

Conclusion:
A democratized approach to ecosystem service assessments is a reimagined path to rescuing a poorly implemented concept and designing and managing future social-ecological systems that benefit people and support ecosystem integrity.  It is the responsibility of scientists who do ecosystem services research to embrace more complex, pluralistic frameworks so that sound and inclusive scientific information is utilized in decision-making.
Erika Pearce: Fitting metabolism and immunity together, to a T
Authors: O’Donnell Marie Anne
Published: June 2018

Pearce investigates how metabolism is tailored to immune cell function.
snpAD: an ancient DNA genotype caller
Authors: Prüfer Kay
Published: June 2018

Motivation

The study of ancient genomes can elucidate the evolutionary past. However, analyses are complicated by base-modifications in ancient DNA molecules that result in errors in DNA sequences. These errors are particularly common near the ends of sequences and pose a challenge for genotype calling.

Results

I describe an iterative method that estimates genotype frequencies and errors along sequences to allow for accurate genotype calling from ancient sequences. The implementation of this method, called snpAD, performs well on high-coverage ancient data, as shown by simulations and by subsampling the data of a high-coverage Neandertal genome. Although estimates for low-coverage genomes are less accurate, I am able to derive approximate estimates of heterozygosity from several low-coverage Neandertals. These estimates show that low heterozygosity, compared to modern humans, was common among Neandertals.

Availability and implementation

The C++ code of snpAD is freely available at http://bioinf.eva.mpg.de/snpAD/.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
iLoc-lncRNA: predict the subcellular location of lncRNAs by incorporating octamer composition into general PseKNC
Authors: Su Zhen-Dong , Huang Yan , Zhang Zhao-Yue , Zhao Ya-Wei , Wang Dong , Chen Wei , Chou Kuo-Chen , Lin Hao
Published: June 2018

Motivation

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a class of RNA molecules with more than 200 nucleotides. They have important functions in cell development and metabolism, such as genetic markers, genome rearrangements, chromatin modifications, cell cycle regulation, transcription and translation. Their functions are generally closely related to their localization in the cell. Therefore, knowledge about their subcellular locations can provide very useful clues or preliminary insight into their biological functions. Although biochemical experiments could determine the localization of lncRNAs in a cell, they are both time-consuming and expensive. Therefore, it is highly desirable to develop bioinformatics tools for fast and effective identification of their subcellular locations.

Results

We developed a sequence-based bioinformatics tool called ‘iLoc-lncRNA’ to predict the subcellular locations of LncRNAs by incorporating the 8-tuple nucleotide features into the general PseKNC (Pseudo K-tuple Nucleotide Composition) via the binomial distribution approach. Rigorous jackknife tests have shown that the overall accuracy achieved by the new predictor on a stringent benchmark dataset is 86.72%, which is over 20% higher than that by the existing state-of-the-art predictor evaluated on the same tests.

Availability and implementation

A user-friendly webserver has been established at http://lin-group.cn/server/iLoc-LncRNA, by which users can easily obtain their desired results.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Vascular endothelial growth factor regulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase phosphorylation is involved in isoflurane cardiac preconditioning
Authors: Liu Yanan , Paterson Mark , Baumgardt Shelley L , Irwin Michael G , Xia Zhengyuan , Bosnjak Zeljko J , Ge Zhi-Dong
Published: June 2018

Aims

Previous studies indicate that nitric oxide derived from endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) serves as both trigger and mediator in anaesthetic cardiac preconditioning. The mechanisms underlying regulation of eNOS by volatile anaesthetics have not been fully understood. Therefore, this study examined the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in isoflurane cardiac preconditioning.

Methods and results

Wistar rats underwent 30 min of coronary artery occlusion followed by 2 h of reperfusion. Isoflurane given prior to ischaemia/reperfusion significantly decreased myocardial infarct size from 60 ± 1% in control to 40 ± 3% (n = 8 rats/group, P < 0.05). The beneficial effects of isoflurane were blocked by neutralizing antibody against VEGF (nVEGF). Coronary arterial endothelial cells (ECs) alone or together with cardiomyocytes (CMs) were subjected to hypoxia/reoxygenation injury. The expression of VEGF and eNOS was analysed by western blot, and nitric oxide was measured by ozone-based chemiluminescence. In co-cultured CMs and ECs, isoflurane administered before hypoxia/reoxygenation attenuated lactate dehydrogenase activity and increased the ratio of phosphorylated eNOS/eNOS and nitric oxide production. The protective effect of isoflurane on CMs was compromised by nVEGF and after VEGF in ECs was inhibited with hypoxia inducible factor-1α short hairpin RNA (shRNA). The negative effect of hypoxia inducible factor-1α shRNA was restored by recombinant VEGF.

Conclusion

Isoflurane cardiac preconditioning is associated with VEGF regulation of phosphorylation of eNOS and nitric oxide production.
A new method to estimate habitat potential for Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar): predicting the influence of dam removal on the Sélune River (France) as a case study
Authors: Forget Guillaume , Baglinière Jean-Luc , Marchand Frédéric , Richard Arnaud , Nevoux Marie
Published: June 2018

Maintaining connectivity in aquatic ecosystems is important to ensure adequate ecological functioning. A large dam removal project in the Sélune River (Normandy, France) would reconnect 827 km2 of catchment area to the sea. Only the downstream section of the Selune is currently available to diadromous fish, which migrate between freshwater and the marine environment. In particular, managers focus on the future potential abundance of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar, for conservation and fishery purposes. As in stream channel habitat drives carrying capacity of juvenile salmon, salmon abundance is usually inferred from intensive and linear habitat surveys. However, this approach is neither cost-effective for large-scale surveys nor feasible for riverbed sections with low accessibility for measurement with traditional methods, e.g. dam lakes. We used well-defined relationships between gradient, hydrology and channel habitat structure to construct a simple model to estimate potential suitable habitat for juvenile salmon. Using fine-scale habitat data from nearby rivers, we parameterized a linear mixed model to estimate the area of suitable habitat based on simple physical descriptors of river characteristics. We compared our predictions to fine-scale habitat surveys on the upper Sélune. Using only slope and width, our model was able to explain 80% of the variance in suitable habitat. Estimates indicated that dam removal on the Sélune River would generate a threefold increase in suitable habitat for juveniles. This could increase the mean number of adult salmon returning to the river by 1420.9 (s.e. = 1015.5). More generally, this model provides an alternative and cost-effective tool to help better manage salmon populations in rivers impacted by dams.
Spherical Hall Algebras of Weighted Projective Curves
Authors: Lin Jyun-Ao
Published: June 2018

In this article, we deal with the structure of the spherical Hall algebra $\mathbf{U}$ of coherent sheaves with parabolic structures on a smooth projective curve $X$ of arbitrary genus $g$. We provide a shuffle-like presentation of the bundle part $\mathbf{U}^>$ and show the existence of generic spherical Hall algebra of genus $g$. We also prove that the algebra $\mathbf{U}$ contains the characteristic functions on all the Harder–Narasimhan strata. These results together imply Schiffmann’s theorem on the existence of Kac polynomials for parabolic vector bundles of fixed rank and multi-degree over $X$. On the other hand, the shuffle structure we obtain is new and we make links to the representations of quantum affine algebras of type $A$.
Cosmopolitanism beyond the Monolingual Vision
Authors: Bielsa Esperança
Published: June 2018

This article examines how debates on language and democracy have been differently framed within multiculturalist and cosmopolitan frameworks, questioning some of their underlying assumptions and demonstrating a basic continuity with reference to what is approached as the monolingual vision. It then goes on to propose an alternative conception of the language of democracy based on plurilingualism, linguistic hospitality, and translation. Such a conception is not ignorant of the social role of language in the constitution of individual selves and of collective identities, nor does it avoid confronting the politics of language in a highly unequal global space. It recognizes that the grounds of a cosmopolitan democracy can only be built through generalized plurilingual exchanges and sees in the difficulties of understanding and the productive confrontation with the opacity of others and of ourselves the very substance of democracy amongst diversity. This approach also points in the direction of a cosmopolitan sociology that bridges political cosmopolitanism with forms of literary and artistic cosmopolitanism that have remained rather marginal in cosmopolitan thought.
Radial Artery Fascial Flow-Through Free Flap for Complex Cerebral Revascularization: Technical Notes and Long-Term Neurologic and Radiographic Outcomes
Authors: Rennert Robert C , Ravina Kristine , Strickland Ben A , Bakhsheshian Joshua , Carey Joseph , Russin Jonathan J
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND

Surgical innovation is critical for the management of challenging cerebrovascular pathology. Flow-through free flaps are versatile composite grafts that combine viable tissue with a revascularization source. Neurosurgical experience with these flaps is limited.

OBJECTIVE

To provide an in-depth technical description of the radial artery fascial (and fasciocutaneous) flow-through free flap (RAFF and RAFCF, respectively) for complex cerebral revascularizations.

METHODS

An Institutional Review Board-approved, prospective database was retrospectively reviewed to identify patients that underwent extracranial-to-intracranial cerebral bypass with a RAFF or RAFCF. Patient demographics, underlying pathology, surgical treatment, complications, and outcomes were recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 4 patients were treated with RAFFs or RAFCFs (average age 40 ± 8.8 yr). Two patients with progressive moyamoya disease involving multiple vascular territories with predominantly anterior cerebral artery (ACA) symptoms and flow alterations underwent combined direct ACA and indirect middle cerebral artery (MCA) bypass with a RAFF. The third patient with moyamoya disease and concomitant proximal fusiform aneurysms requiring internal carotid artery sacrifice underwent dual direct ACA and MCA bypass and indirect MCA revascularization with posterior tibial artery and RAFF grafts. The fourth patient with a large MCA bifurcation aneurysm and recurrent wound complications underwent a direct MCA bypass and complex wound reconstruction using a RAFCF. Good neurologic outcomes (Glasgow Outcomes Scale score ≥4 at discharge) were achieved in all patients. There were no perioperative surgical complications, and graft patency was confirmed on long-term follow-up.

CONCLUSION

The RAFF and RAFCF are versatile grafts for complex cerebral revascularizations.
Completeness of reporting in Indian qualitative public health research: a systematic review of 20 years of literature
Authors: Godinho Myron Anthony , Gudi Nachiket , Milkowska Maja , Murthy Shruti , Bailey Ajay , Nair N Sreekumaran
Published: June 2018

Background

This study reviewed the completeness of reporting in Indian qualitative public health research (QPHR) studies using the ‘Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research’ (COREQ) checklist.

Methods

Search results from five electronic databases were screened by two independent reviewers. We included English-language, primary QPHR studies from India, which were assessed for their compliance with the COREQ checklist. Each COREQ item was noted as either reported or unreported. Descriptive statistics for the number of COREQ items reported by each study, and the number of studies that reported each COREQ item were reported, as were the items reported in each year, and in pre- and post-COREQ time periods.

Results

Of 537 citations, 246 articles were included. Trends demonstrated an increasing number of Indian QPHR studies being published annually, and an overall increase in reporting completeness since 1997. Only two COREQ items were reported in all studies. 52.4% of articles reported between 16 and 21 items, corresponding to 43–57% of items being reported. Six items were reported in fewer than 10% of studies. COREQ domain 1 was least frequently reported.

Conclusions

Despite improving trends, the reporting of QPHR in India is incomplete. Authors and journals should ensure adherence to reporting guidelines.
Induction of DUSP14 ubiquitination by PRMT5‐mediated arginine methylation
Authors: Yang Chia‐Yu , Chiu Li‐Li , Chang Chih‐Chi , Chuang Huai‐Chia , Tan Tse‐Hua
Published: June 2018

Dual‐specificity phosphatase (DUSP)14 (also known as MAP‐kinase phosphatase 6) inhibits T‐cell receptor (TCR) signaling and T‐cell‐mediated immune responses by inactivation of the TGF‐β activated kinase 1 binding protein (TAB1)‐TGF‐β activated kinase 1 (TAK1) complex and ERK. DUSP14 phosphatase activity is induced by the E3 ligase TNF receptor associated factor (TRAF)2‐mediated Lys63‐linked ubiquitination. Here we report an interaction between DUSP14 and protein arginine methyltransferase (PRMT)5 by proximity ligation assay; similarly, DUSP14 directly interacted with TAB1 but not TAK1. DUSP14 is methylated by PRMT5 at arginine 17, 38, and 45 residues. The DUSP14 triple‐methylation mutant was impaired in PRMT5‐mediated arginine methylation, TRAF2‐mediated lysine ubiquitination, and DUSP14 phosphatase activity. Consistently, DUSP14 methylation, TRAF2 binding, and DUSP14 ubiquitination were attenuated by PRMT5 short hairpin RNA knockdown. Furthermore, DUSP14 was inducibly interacted with PRMT5 and was methylated during TCR signaling in T cells. Together, these findings reveal a novel regulatory mechanism of DUSP14 by which PRMT5‐mediated arginine methylation may sequentially stimulate TRAF2‐mediated DUSP14 ubiquitination and phosphatase activity, leading to inhibition of TCR signaling.—Yang, C.‐Y., Chiu, L.‐L., Chang, C.‐C., Chuang, H.‐C., Tan, T.‐H. Induction of DUSP14 ubiquitination by PRMT5‐mediated arginine methylation. FASEB J. 32, 6760–6770 (2018). www.fasebj.org
Changes in S100 Proteins Identified in Healthy Skin following Electrical Stimulation: Relevance for Wound Healing
Authors: Lallyett Chloe , Yeung Ching-Yan Chloé , Nielson Rie Harboe , Zeef Leo A. H. , Chapman-Jones David , Kjaer Michael , Kadler Karl E.
Published: June 2018

OBJECTIVE:

Targeted electrical energy applied to wounds has been shown to improve wound-healing rates. However, the mechanisms are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to identify genes that are responsive to electrical stimulation (ES) in healthy subjects with undamaged skin.

METHODS:

To achieve this objective, study authors used a small, noninvasive ES medical device to deliver a continuous, specific, set sequence of electrical energy impulses over a 48-hour period to the skin of healthy volunteers and compared resultant gene expression by microarray analysis.

MAIN RESULTS:

Application of this specific ES resulted in differential expression of 105 genes, the majority of which were down-regulated. Postmicroarray analyses revealed there was commonality with a small number of genes that have previously been shown to be up-regulated in skin wounds, including venous leg ulcers.

CONCLUSIONS:

The specific sequence of ES applied continuously for 48 hours to the skin of healthy patients has the effect of modifying expression in a number of identified genes. The identification of the differential expression in this subset of genes in healthy subjects provides new potential lines of scientific inquiry for identifying similar responses in subjects with slow or poorly healing wounds.
Evaluating a Surfactant-Containing Polymeric Membrane Foam Wound Dressing with Glycerin in Patients with Chronic Pilonidal Sinus Disease
Authors: Sibbald R. Gary , Persaud Jaimangal Reneeka , Coutts Patricia M. , Elliott James A.
Published: June 2018

GENERAL PURPOSE:

To present an evaluation of a surfactant-containing polymeric membrane foam wound dressing for use on patients with chronic pilonidal sinus disease.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

This continuing education activity is intended for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES:

After completing this continuing education activity, you should be able to:

1. Recall risk factors for and pathophysiology of pilonidal sinus wounds.

2. Summarize the evidence-based elements of wound assessment and treatment.

3. Identify the study methodology and results.

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the clinical use of a surfactant-containing polymeric wound dressing with glycerin in patients with chronic pilonidal sinus wounds.

METHODS:

This case series was conducted in an outpatient dermatology and wound clinic. Sixteen patients aged between 18 and 49 years with chronic nonhealing pilonidal sinus wounds over 4 weeks in duration were recruited.

INTERVENTIONS:

Dressing changes were performed daily because of frequent contamination from bowel evacuation, sweating, or frictional forces in the perianal and intergluteal skin. Patients were seen at follow-up visits to the clinic at weeks 4, 8, and 12 from study initiation.

RESULTS:

Subjects were predominantly males (81% [n = 13]) with a mean age of 23 years. At study initiation, the mean wound duration was 3.2 months, and mean surface area was 3.3 cm2 (0.18-19.6 cm2). The majority of wounds showed signs of superficial infection (63% [n = 10]) and deep infection (88% [n = 14]). At week 12, 10 wounds (63%) had closed, 1 (6%) had decreased in surface area, 2 (13%) had increased in size, and 3 (19%) of the patients were lost to follow-up. Mean pain score was 3.4 at first visit; most patients reported reduction in pain scores by weeks 4 and 12. Participants reported improved mobility and ability to self-apply dressing. No adverse reactions were observed.

CONCLUSIONS:

Use of a surfactant-containing polymeric membrane foam wound dressing with glycerin may have facilitated wound closure in 10 of 13 patients who completed the 12-week study.
Measurement Reliability in Pediatric Lateral Condyle Fractures of the Humerus
Authors: Bland Daniel C. , Pennock Andrew T. , Upasani Vidyadhar V. , Edmonds Eric W.
Published: June 2018

Background:

Lateral condyle fractures of the distal humerus are the second most common pediatric elbow fracture. A difference of 1 or 2 mm in fracture displacement measurement may change the operative or nonoperative management of a minimally displaced fracture. The goal of this study was to determine the interobserver and intraobserver agreement in the measurements of displacement of lateral condyle fractures of the humerus.

Methods:

A retrospective radiographic review of 60 patients was performed by 3 reviewers. Fracture displacement was measured in millimeters on all radiographic projections and repeated by a single author 1 month later. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated for intraobserver and interobserver agreement. We then calculated the percentage of measurements that differed by >1 or 2 mm. Analysis was performed on the entire cohort of displaced fractures and again separately for a cohort of minimally displaced fractures (defined as <5 mm).

Results:

The combined ICC for intraobserver reliability across all radiographic projections was 0.96 (range, 0.952 to 0.977), but there was disagreement between a single reviewer’s own measurements 17.3% of the time. Within the cohort of fractures displaced <5 mL, this intrarater disagreement (>2 mm) dropped to 4%. Interobserver reliability was also high with an ICC of 0.90 (range, 0.861 to 0.924). Within the minimally displaced cohort (<5 mm), the interrater disagreement was 6.6% when using a 2 mm cutoff and 22.2% when using a 1 mm cutoff.

Conclusions:

Intraobserver and interobserver reliability are high when measuring lateral condyle fractures and the percent of clinical disagreement is low when measuring minimally displaced fractures for which treatment depends on measuring to the millimeter. The internal oblique projection is the most reliable view for measuring lateral condyle fracture displacement, whereas the external oblique view offers little in terms of reliability. This study may be used as a platform for further research, verifying that reliable measurements of lateral humeral condyle fracture displacement can be obtained within 1 to 2 mm from adequate plain films.

Level of Evidence:

Level III.