bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of case management as a cross‐sectoral healthcare provision for women with breast cancer
Authors: Bleich Christiane , Büscher Cathrin , Melchior Hanne , Grochocka Anna , Thorenz Andrea , Schulz Holger , Koch Uwe , Watzke Birgit
Published: May 2016

Objective

Case management (CM) programs are intended to improve care coordination for cancer patients. This quasi‐experimental, controlled study evaluated whether such a program was effective in improving health‐related quality of life and reducing the psychological distress of breast cancer patients.

Methods

For the study, 126 patients with CM and 118 patients with treatment as usual (TAU) were surveyed at baseline, a 6‐month follow‐up and a 12‐month follow‐up. Comparisons of the two groups with regard to quality of life (Short Form‐8, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer‐11; primary outcome) and psychological distress (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, distress thermometer; secondary outcome) were conducted.

Results

Univariate t‐tests regarding the primary and secondary outcomes demonstrated improvements in the relevant outcomes at the 6‐month and 12‐month follow‐ups for the intervention group as well as for the control group. An analysis of covariance revealed that the controls showed a higher level of physical quality of life at the 12‐month follow‐up than the other time points and no differences at 6 months after the baseline.

Conclusions

The tested CM model did not improve the quality of life or psychological well‐being of the patients beyond treatment as usual. Possible reasons include that the treatment was already of high standards in the control group or that there are possibly different impacts than found in the literature regarding different forms of organization in CM. The need for and the tailoring of this CM model as well as the transfer of CM to other oncological indications remain to be clarified. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improvement of the homogeneity of high mobility In2O3:H films by sputtering through a mesh electrode studied by Monte Carlo simulation and thin film analysis
Authors: Scherg‐Kurmes Harald , Hafez Ahmad , Siemers Michael , Pflug Andreas , Schlatmann Rutger , Rech Bernd , Szyszka Bernd
Published: May 2016

Hydrogen‐doped indium oxide (IOH) is a transparent conductive oxide offering great potential to optoelectronic applications because of its high mobility of over 100 cm2 V−1s−1. In films deposited statically by RF magnetron sputtering, a small area directly opposing the target center with a higher resistivity and lower crystallinity than the rest of the film has been found via hall‐ and XRD‐measurements, which we attribute to plasma damage. In order to investigate the distribution of particle energies during the sputtering process we have simulated the RF‐sputtering deposition process of IOH by particle‐in‐cell Monte Carlo (PICMC) simulation. At the surface of ceramic sputtering targets, negatively charged oxygen ions are created. These ions are accelerated toward the substrate in the plasma sheath with energies up to 150 eV. They damage the growing film and reduce its crystallinity. The influence of a negatively biased mesh inside the sputtering chamber on particle energies and distributions has been simulated and investigated. We found that the mesh decreased the high‐energetic oxygen ion density at the substrate, thus enabling a more homogeneous IOH film growth. The theoretical results have been verified by XRD X‐ray diffractometry (XRD), 4‐point probe, and hall measurements of statically deposited IOH films on glass.
Comparative study of different metals for Schottky barrier diamond betavoltaic power converter by EBIC technique
Authors: Tarelkin Sergey , Bormashov Vitaly , Korostylev Eugeniy , Troschiev Sergey , Teteruk Dmitry , Golovanov Anton , Volkov Alexander , Kornilov Nikolay , Kuznetsov Mikhail , Prikhodko Dmitry , Buga Sergei
Published: May 2016

In order to improve the performance of betavoltaic converters based on synthetic IIb diamond Schottky structure, we performed comparative studies of converters with Al, Hf, Pt, and Au metals forming the Schottky barrier by means of the electron beam‐induced current (EBIC) method. Nearly full collection of generated electron–hole pairs was found for all fabricated structures. The aluminum contact showed the lowest energy loses due to negligible electrons absorption and backscattering. But the conversion efficiency of the Al‐contact Schottky diode was just about 2% because of its low open‐circuit voltage. We attributed the reduction of the Schottky barrier height to local defects observed by EBIC. The diamond cells with platinum contact showed the best performance of about 6% with a relatively high open‐circuit voltage >1 V and a good incident beam multiplication factor. Thereby platinum forms the most stable and effective Schottky barrier contact for diamond betavoltaic cells.
Amorphous thin films in the gallium–chalcogen system
Authors: Popescu M. , Sava F. , Lőrinczi A. , Velea A. , Simandan I. D. , Galca A. C. , Matei E. , Socol G. , Gherendi F. , Savastru D. , Miclos S.
Published: May 2016

Thin amorphous films based on gallium–chalcogen (Ga–Ch), namely Ga2S3, Ga2Se3, Ga2Te3, and GaTe have been prepared by pulsed laser deposition (PLD). The films were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, extended X‐ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), optical transmission spectroscopy, ellipsometry, and electrical measurements. Structural measurements showed that Ga is threefold coordinated, except the Te‐based alloys were, it seems, only twofold coordinated, while the chalcogen is usually twofold coordinated. In all the compositions, layered and chain‐like structures are assumed. The bandgaps range between 1.09 eV for Ga2Te3 and 2.21 eV for Ga2Se3.
Thunderstorm graupel charging in the absence of supercooled water droplets
Authors: Luque M. Y. , Bürgesser R. , Ávila E.
Published: May 2016

This study reports new measurements of the charge separation during ice crystal–graupel collisions in the absence of supercooled water droplets. Experimental measurements of the average charge acquired by a simulated graupel, under condition of subsaturation with respect to water and supersaturation with respect to ice, were performed. The relative humidity of the air was controlled and measured during the experiments. The experiments were carried out in the temperature range between −7 and −21 °C, with a relative velocity of 3 m s−1 between the ice particles and the graupel. The aim of the measurements was to study the dependence of the non‐inductive mechanism on the presence/absence of supercooled water droplets. Present results together with previous findings indicate that the sign of the graupel charging depends on the presence/absence of supercooled water droplets and on the relative humidity (subsaturation/supersaturation) of the environment in the case of absence of water droplets. This laboratory study is the first to map the non‐riming conditions with low velocity impact and these new results confirm the negative charging of graupel under these conditions. It was found that the magnitude of the charge separated per collision in non‐riming conditions is of the same order of magnitude as in riming conditions. This suggests that the non‐inductive mechanism could be operating in the storms even in the absence of water droplets, emphasizing the importance of knowledge of the environmental thermodynamic conditions in order to know the charging behaviour of the graupel particles.
Synthetic and Runs‐Rules Charts Combined With an Chart: Theoretical Discussion
Authors: Shongwe Sandile C. , Graham Marien A.
Published: May 2016

A synthetic and a runs‐rules
charts that are combined with a basic
chart are called a Synthetic‐
and an improved runs‐rules
charts, respectively. This paper gives the zero‐state and steady‐state theoretical results of the Synthetic‐
and improved runs‐rules
monitoring schemes. The Synthetic‐
and improved runs‐rules schemes can each be classified into four different categories, that is, (i) non‐side‐sensitive, (ii) standard side‐sensitive, (iii) revised side‐sensitive, and (iv) modified side‐sensitive. In this paper, we first give the operation and, secondly, the general form of the transition probability matrices for each of the categories. Thirdly, in steady‐state, we show that for each of the categories, the three methods that are widely used in the literature to compute the initial probability vectors result in different probability expressions (or values). Fourthly, we derive the closed‐form expressions of the average run‐length (ARL) vectors for each of the categories, so that, by multiplying each of these ARL vectors with the zero‐state and steady‐state initial probability vectors, yield the zero‐state and steady‐state ARL expressions. Finally, we formulate the closed‐form expressions of the extra quadratic loss function for each of the categories. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Perceptions of Resilience Among Coastal Emergency Managers
Authors: Ross Ashley D.
Published: May 2016

Given the widescale usage of resilience in disaster research and policy, it is important to assess how the concept has translated to the local level where it is purported to exist and make the most change. This study assesses resilience among county emergency managers and answers: How do county emergency managers along the Gulf Coast perceive community resilience? What factors explain these perceptions? Employing original survey data collected from 51 Gulf Coast counties, this study finds that meanings of resilience among emergency managers is as varied as those used by academics and federal government agencies. However, interpretations of resilience as “bouncing back” is most common. Regression analyses indicate the adaptive capacity, organizational capacity, and disaster experience of the counties influence resilience perceptions. Emergency managers in urban counties with low adaptive capacity and little disaster experience are more likely to say resilience is “bouncing back” while “self‐reliance” is more likely among emergency managers in rural counties and resilience as “community” is more likely among emergency managers that have fewer emergency management staff. This study has considerable implications for our understanding of community resilience as a theoretical concept and a guiding principal for federal emergency management.
An Examination of Hurricane Sandy: A Review of Savage Sand and Turf by Lisa A. Eargle and Ashraf Esmail (Ed.)
Authors: Valcik Nicolas A.
Published: May 2016

This article will review the edited book Savage Sand and Turf by Lisa A. Eargle and Ashraf Esmail. In this article, an examination is conducted on the different perspectives undertaken by each chapter author on how Hurricane Sandy impacted an entire region of the United States. The article will also review how the different academic disciplines have undertaken different research agendas with Hurricane Sandy in relation to disaster response and emergency management topics.
The Intersectionality of Leadership and Service‐Learning: A 21st‐Century Perspective
Authors: Wagner Wendy , Pigza Jennifer M.
Published: May 2016

This chapter provides a theoretical orientation to the intersections of the theory and practice of leadership and service‐learning. It articulates a set of values to guide leadership educators in their service‐learning practice. The authors advocate a critical approach that fosters social justice.
Fostering Critical Reflection: Moving From a Service to a Social Justice Paradigm
Authors: Owen Julie E.
Published: May 2016

This chapter explores how community engagement creates opportunities to facilitate meaningful discussions about issues including: the nature and sources of power; who benefits and who is silenced by service and leadership efforts; which community actions result in change rather than charity; and how to developmentally sequence reflective practice.
Community Partnerships: POWERful Possibilities for Students and Communities
Authors: Pigza Jennifer M.
Published: May 2016

This chapter provides a theoretical orientation and practical advice about community partnerships by linking the literature of community engagement with that of leadership. The author introduces the POWERful model for community engagement.
Intersecting Asset‐Based Service, Strengths, and Mentoring for Socially Responsible Leadership
Authors: Hastings Lindsay
Published: May 2016

Grounded in a youth leadership and mentoring program, this chapter discusses the value of asset‐based community development from the service‐learning literature and the concept of generativity from the leadership development literature.
Analysis of respiratory activity and carbon usage of a mutant of Azotobacter vinelandii impaired in poly-β-hydroxybutyrate synthesis
Authors: Jiménez Lucero , Castillo Tania , Flores Celia , Segura Daniel , Galindo Enrique , Peña Carlos
Published: May 2016

In this study, the respiratory activity and carbon usage of the mutant strain of A. vinelandii AT6, impaired in poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) production, and their relationship with the synthesis of alginate were evaluated. The alginate yield and the specific oxygen uptake rate were higher (2.5-fold and 62 %, respectively) for the AT6 strain, compared to the control strain (ATCC 9046), both in shake flasks cultures and in bioreactor, under fixed dissolved oxygen tension (1 %). In contrast, the degree of acetylation was similar in both strains. These results, together with the analysis of carbon usage (% C-mol), suggest that in the case of the AT6 strain, the flux of acetyl-CoA (precursor molecule for PHB biosynthesis and alginate acetylation) was diverted to the respiratory chain passing through the tricarboxylic acids cycle, and an important % C-mol was directed through alginate biosynthesis, up to 25.9 % and to a lesser extent, to biomass production (19.7 %).
Report of a nationwide survey on actual administered radioactivities of radiopharmaceuticals for diagnostic reference levels in Japan
Authors: Watanabe Hiroshi , Ishii Kazunari , Hosono Makoto , Imabayashi Etsuko , Abe Koichiro , Inubushi Masayuki , Ohno Kazuko , Magata Yasuhiro , Ono Kinya , Kikuchi Kei , Wagatsuma Kei , Takase Tadashi , Saito Kyoko , Takahashi Yasuyuki
Published: May 2016

Objective

The optimization of medical exposure is one of the major issues regarding radiation protection in the world, and The International Committee of Radiological Protection and the International Atomic Energy Agency recommend establishing diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) as tools for dose optimization. Therefore, the development of DRLs based on the latest survey has been required for nuclear medicine-related societies and organizations. This prompted us to conduct a nationwide survey on the actual administered radioactivity to adults for the purpose of developing DRLs in nuclear medicine.

Methods

A nationwide survey was conducted from November 25, 2014 to January 16, 2015. The questionnaire was sent to all of the 1249 nuclear medicine facilities in Japan, and the responses were collected on a website using an answered form.

Results

Responses were obtained from 516 facilities, for a response rate of 41 %. 75th percentile of 99mTc-MDP and 99mTc-HMDP: bone scintigraphy, 99mTc-HM-PAO, 99mTc-ECD and 123I-IMP: cerebral blood flow scintigraphy, 99mTc-Tetrofosmin, 99mTc-MIBI and 201Tl-Cl; myocardial perfusion scintigraphy and 18F-FDG: oncology PET (in-house-produced or delivery) in representative diagnostic nuclear medicine scans were 932, 937, 763, 775, 200, 831, 818, 180, 235 and 252, respectively. More than 90 % of the facilities were within the range of 50 % from the median of these survey results in representative diagnostic nuclear medicine facilities in Japan. Responses of the administered radioactivities recommended by the package insert, texts and guidelines such as 740 MBq (99mTc-MDP and 99mTc-HMDP: bone scintigraphy), 740 MBq (99mTc-ECD and 99mTc-HM-PAO: cerebral blood flow scintigraphy) and 740 MBq (99mTc-Tetrofosmin and 99mTc-MIBI: myocardial perfusion scintigraphy), etc. were numerous. The administered activity of many radiopharmaceuticals of bone scintigraphy (99mTc-MDP and 99mTc-HMDP), cerebral blood flow scintigraphy (99mTc-HM-PAO) and myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (99mTc-Tetrofosmin and 99mTc-MIBI), etc. were within the range of the EU DRLs and almost none of the administered radioactivity in Japan exceeded the upper limit of SNMMI standard administered radioactivity.

Conclusions

This survey indicated that the administered radioactivity in diagnostic nuclear medicine in Japan had been in the convergence zone and nuclear medicine facilities in Japan show a strong tendency to adhere to the texts and guidelines. Furthermore, the administered radioactivities in Japan were within the range of variation of the EU and the SNMMI administered radioactivities.
Plasma phospholipids and prevalence of mild cognitive impairment and/or dementia in the ARIC Neurocognitive Study (ARIC‐NCS)
Authors: Li Danni , Misialek Jeffrey R. , Boerwinkle Eric , Gottesman Rebecca F. , Sharrett A. Richey , Mosley Thomas H. , Coresh Josef , Wruck Lisa M. , Knopman David S. , Alonso Alvaro
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Phospholipids are altered in brains of patients with dementia and some studies suggest their plasma levels may be useful in the detection of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia.

Methods

We measured 188 plasma metabolites in participants who underwent a detailed neuropsychological assessment and classified as normal (n = 153), MCI (n = 145), or dementia (n = 143) by expert adjudication.

Results

Among 10 phospholipids recently implicated as altered in dementia, higher concentration of PC aa C36:6 was significantly associated with decreased prevalence of dementia (odds ratio = 0.71, 95% confidence interval = 0.50–1.00 per 1−SD increase). Adding these phospholipids to a model including multiple predictors of dementia led to only minimal improvement in detection (C statistic changed from 0.702 to 0.71).

Discussion

Some phospholipids and metabolites were altered in MCI and dementia but cross‐sectional association was relatively weak and did not improve detection of MCI and dementia beyond information provided by clinical variables.
Ecomorphological determinations in the absence of living analogues: the predatory behavior of the marsupial lion (Thylacoleo carnifex) as revealed by elbow joint morphology
Authors: Figueirido Borja , Martín-Serra Alberto , Janis Christine M.
Published: May 2016

Thylacoleo carnifex, or the “pouched lion” (Mammalia: Marsupialia: Diprotodontia: Thylacoleonidae), was a carnivorous marsupial that inhabited Australia during the Pleistocene. Although all present-day researchers agree thatThylacoleohad a hypercarnivorous diet, the way in which it killed its prey remains uncertain. Here we use geometric morphometrics to capture the shape of the elbow joint (i.e., the anterior articular surface of the distal humerus) in a wide sample of extant mammals of known behavior to determine how elbow anatomy reflects forearm use. We then employ this information to investigate the predatory behavior ofThylacoleo. A principal components analysis indicates thatThylacoleois the only carnivorous mammal to cluster with extant taxa that have an extreme degree of forearm maneuverability, such as primates and arboreal xenarthrans (pilosans). A canonical variates analysis confirms thatThylacoleohad forearm maneuverability intermediate between wombats (terrestrial) and arboreal mammals and a much greater degree of maneuverability than any living carnivoran placental. A linear discriminant analysis computed to separate the elbow morphology of arboreal mammals from terrestrial ones shows thatThylacoleowas primarily terrestrial but with some climbing abilities. We infer from our results thatThylacoleoused its forelimbs for grasping or manipulating prey to a much higher degree than its supposed extant placental counterpart, the African lion (Panthera leo). The use of the large and retractable claw on the semiopposable thumb ofThylacoleofor potentially slashing and disemboweling prey is discussed in the light of this new information.
Continental-scale biogeographic variation: provinces versus gradients in the Upper Ordovician of Laurentia
Authors: Jenkins Chelsea E. , Holland Steven M.
Published: May 2016

Although provinces are widely used to delimit large-scale variations in biotic composition, it is unknown to what extent such variations simply reflect large-scale gradients, much as has been shown at smaller scales for communities. We examine here whether four previously described Middle and Late Ordovician provinces on Laurentia are best described as distinct provinces or as biotic gradients through a combination of the Paleobiology Database and new field data. Both data sets indicate considerable overlap in faunal composition, with spatial patterns in Jaccard similarity, quantified Jaccard similarity, and nonmetric multidimensional scaling ordination structure that correspond to variations in substrate type, specifically from carbonate-dominated strata in western Laurentia to mixed carbonate–siliciclastic strata in the midcontinent to siliciclastic-dominated rocks in easternmost Laurentia. Because sampling was limited to shallow-subtidal settings, this gradient cannot be attributed to variations in water depth. Likewise, geographic distance accounts for only a quarter of the variation in faunal composition. This cross-continent faunal gradient increases in strength into the early Late Ordovician, and appears to represent increased siliciclastic influx into eastern Laurentia during the Taconic orogeny. These results raise the question of whether biogeographic provinces may be in general better interpreted and analyzed as biotic gradients rather than as discrete entities.
Axial growth gradients across the postprotaspid ontogeny of the Silurian trilobiteAulacopleura koninckii
Authors: Fusco Giuseppe , Hong Paul S. , Hughes Nigel C.
Published: May 2016

Recent morphometric analysis revealed a juvenile (meraspid) axial growth gradient in the trunk of the ~429 Myr old trilobiteAulacopleura koninckiithat resulted from growth control based on positional specification, as is common among extant organisms. Here we explore axial growth gradients in the more anterior body region, the cephalon, and in the cephalon and trunk during subsequent development in the holaspid period. We detected an axial growth gradient in the cephalon in the meraspid period, flatter and opposite in direction to that of the trunk, which also persisted during the holaspid period. We also found an holaspid trunk growth gradient, with a different distribution of growth rates among segments than that of the meraspid period. These newly observed growth gradients are compatible with the mechanism of growth control inferred for the meraspid trunk. Thus, the same kind of growth control may have operated in both body regions and during the whole ontogeny ofA. koninckii.This study, along with others on the same species that preceded it, show that morphometric analysis of appropriate data sets can address questions of high interest for evolutionary developmental biology using data from fossils. By revealing developmental features at deep nodes of the phylogenetic tree, these studies will elucidate both how developmental processes evolved and how they themselves affected the evolution of organismal body patterning.
Rhinosinusitis associated with post-dental extraction chronic oroantral fistula: outcomes of non-surgical management comprising antibiotics and local decongestion therapy
Authors: Mishra A K , Sinha V R , Nilakantan A , Singh D K
Published: May 2016

Objective:

A non-surgical approach for managing rhinosinusitis associated with chronic oroantral fistula resulting from tooth extraction was evaluated.

Methods:

Twenty-six consecutive patients (15 males and 11 females) aged 28–72 years (mean, 49.81 years) were administered local decongestion therapy for 2 weeks and antibiotics for 10 days. Patients showing a reduction in Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 22 scores after two weeks continued to receive local decongestion therapy weekly for up to six weeks, while those not showing any improvement underwent surgical management.

Results:

At 2 weeks, 17 patients (65.38 per cent) showed an improvement in rhinosinusitis (33.39 per cent mean reduction in Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 22 scores). The primary determinant of response was fistula size. At 6 weeks, sinusitis resolved completely in all 17 patients, and the fistula closed in 16 of these. Final Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 22 and Lund–Mackay scores showed no significant difference between the surgically treated and non-surgically treated groups.

Conclusion:

Local decongestion therapy along with antibiotics may promote resolution in this subset of rhinosinusitis patients.
Habitat overlap between bottlenose dolphins and seabirds: a pilot
study to identify high-presence coastal areas in the Tyrrhenian Sea
Authors: Cafaro Valentina , Angeletti Dario , Bellisario Bruno , Macali Armando , Carere Claudio , Alessi Jessica
Published: May 2016

The identification of foraging hotspots able to support the co-existence of
multiple top predators provides a potential approach to addressing protection
measures for marine ecosystems. In this study, we conducted visual surveys in
the central Tyrrhenian Sea to determine areas with simultaneous presence of
bottlenose dolphins, four species of seabirds (Audouin's gull,
Yellow-legged gull, Yelkouan shearwater and Cory's shearwater), and
baitballs occurring at the surface, indicating the presence of potential prey
items. We also analysed their occurrence in relation to topography (depth, slope
and distance from the shore) and seabed types. Kriging analysis identified areas
with simultaneous presence of several marine top predators. Dolphin distribution
appeared to be linked to gentle slope (6–10 m) and muddy seabed,
possibly associated with prey distribution, whereas the four seabird species
were more frequent in areas with a water depth of 100–150 m, gentle
slope and muddy seabed, apart from Audouin's gull, which preferred a
depth of 10–20 m. Baitball distribution was linked to depth
(20–40 m), gentle slope (6–10 m) and muddy seabed. The
overlapping presence of bottlenose dolphins, seabirds and baitballs allowed the
identification of foraging areas, presumably representing biodiversity and
productivity hotspots, located in waters of 50–100 m depth at the
mouths of two rivers. This approach provides a promising tool for identifying
highly productive coastal areas, and should also be recommended for wider-scale
surveys.
Multiple methods increase detection of large and medium-sized mammals: working with volunteers in south-eastern Oman
Authors: Mazzolli Marcelo , Haag Taiana , Lippert Beatriz G. , Eizirik Eduardo , Hammer Matthias L.A. , Al Hikmani Khalid
Published: May 2016

We compared the effectiveness of various methods for surveying medium and large wild mammals in southern Oman. Working with volunteers recruited by Biosphere Expeditions, wildlife professionals and local rangers, we used direct observation, camera traps, sign surveys (tracks and/or dung) and molecular scatology to study 66 sampling units of 2 × 2 km (grid cells) in an area of 32 × 36 km during a 4-week period in February–March 2011. Sixteen mammal species were recorded, and the largest numbers of species were recorded by sign surveys and camera traps (both n = 9); sign surveys, direct sightings and DNA scatology recorded species across the largest number of grid cells. For species with a sample size large enough for comparison (i.e. detected in ≥ 8 grid cells), DNA scatology proved most effective for detecting caracalCaracal caracal, signs for hyaenaHyaena hyaena, ibexCapra nubiana, porcupineHystrix indicaand hyraxProcavia capensis, and signs and direct sightings for mountain gazelleGazella gazella. Clustering, in which records from multiple methods are either adjacent or overlapping, was highest (≥ 76%) for the wolfCanis lupus, porcupine, ibex and gazelle. Our results indicate the best methods to detect and record the distributions of individual species in the study area, and demonstrate the advantage of using multiple methods to reduce the risk of false absences or partial detections. Our findings also highlight the potential of clustering as a means of cross-checking results of observations that are skill-dependent, which is particularly useful when employing a large workforce.
Apathy in patients with Parkinson’s disease following deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus
Authors: Hindle Fisher Isabel , Pall Hardev S. , Mitchell Rosalind D. , Kausar Jamilla , Cavanna Andrea E.
Published: May 2016

Objective

Apathy has been reported as a possible adverse effect of deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN-DBS). We investigated the prevalence and severity of apathy in 22 patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) who underwent STN-DBS, as well as the effects of apathy on quality of life (QOL).

Methods

All patients were assessed with the Lille Apathy Rating Scale (LARS), the Apathy Scale (AS), and the Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire and were compared to a control group of 38 patients on pharmacotherapy alone.

Results

There were no significant differences in the prevalence or severity of apathy between patients who had undergone STN-DBS and those on pharmacotherapy alone. Significant correlations were observed between poorer QOL and degree of apathy, as measured by the LARS (p<0.001) and the AS (p=0.021). PD-related disability also correlated with both apathy ratings (p<0.001 and p=0.017, respectively).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that STN-DBS is not necessarily associated with apathy in the PD population; however, more severe apathy appears to be associated with a higher level of disability due to PD and worse QOL, but no other clinico-demographic characteristics.
Characteristics of General Aviation Accidents Involving Male and	Female Pilots
Authors: Walton Robert O. , Politano P. Michael
Published: May 2016

Abstract. Studies examining aviation accidents have not found differences in accident rates by gender, although there may be gender differences in the types of accident. One study examined accident rates of male and female private pilots and found that males were more likely to have accidents related to inattention or poor planning while female pilots were more likely to have accidents due to mishandling of the aircraft. This research analyzed the National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) aviation accident database system to examine the severity of injury and aircraft damage in general aviation accidents by gender. The data indicated that female pilots have accidents with higher aircraft damage and personnel injury rates at lower levels of training and experience compared with male pilots, but they then have significantly fewer accidents compared with male pilots at higher levels of experience.
Giant photoluminescence enhancement in tungsten-diselenide–gold plasmonic hybrid structures
Authors: Wang Zhuo , Dong Zhaogang , Gu Yinghong , Chang Yung-Huang , Zhang Lei , Li Lain-Jong , Zhao Weijie , Eda Goki , Zhang Wenjing , Grinblat Gustavo , Maier Stefan A. , Yang Joel K. W. , Qiu Cheng-Wei , Wee Andrew T. S.
Published: May 2016

Impressive properties arise from the atomically thin nature of transition metal dichalcogenide two-dimensional materials. However, being atomically thin limits their optical absorption or emission. Hence, enhancing their photoluminescence by plasmonic nanostructures is critical for integrating these materials in optoelectronic and photonic devices. Typical photoluminescence enhancement from transition metal dichalcogenides is 100-fold, with recent enhancement of 1,000-fold achieved by simultaneously enhancing absorption, emission and directionality of the system. By suspending WSe2 flakes onto sub-20-nm-wide trenches in gold substrate, we report a giant photoluminescence enhancement of ∼20,000-fold. It is attributed to an enhanced absorption of the pump laser due to the lateral gap plasmons confined in the trenches and the enhanced Purcell factor by the plasmonic nanostructure. This work demonstrates the feasibility of giant photoluminescence enhancement in WSe2 with judiciously designed plasmonic nanostructures and paves a way towards the implementation of plasmon-enhanced transition metal dichalcogenide photodetectors, sensors and emitters.
Rapid diagnosis of MDR and XDR tuberculosis with the MeltPro TB assay in China
Authors: Pang Yu , Dong Haiyan , Tan Yaoju , Deng Yunfeng , Cai Xingshan , Jing Hui , Xia Hui , Li Qiang , Ou Xichao , Su Biyi , Li Xuezheng , Zhang Zhiying , Li Junchen , Zhang Jiankang , Huan Shitong , Zhao Yanlin
Published: May 2016

New diagnostic methods have provided a promising solution for rapid and reliable detection of drug-resistant TB strains. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of the MeltPro TB assay in identifying multidrug-resistant (MDR-) and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) patients from sputum samples. The MeltPro TB assay was evaluated using sputum samples from 2057 smear-positive TB patients. Phenotypic Mycobacterial Growth Indicator Tube (MGIT) 960 drug susceptibility testing served as a reference standard. The sensitivity of the MeltPro TB assay was 94.2% for detecting resistance to rifampicin and 84.9% for detecting resistance to isoniazid. For second-line drugs, the assay showed a sensitivity of 83.3% for ofloxacin resistance, 75.0% for amikacin resistance, and 63.5% for kanamycin resistance. However, there was a significant difference for detecting kanamycin resistance between the two pilot sites in sensitivity, which was 53.2% in Guangdong and 81.5% in Shandong (P = 0.015). Overall, the MeltPro TB assay demonstrated good performance for the detection of MDR- and XDR-TB, with a sensitivity of 86.7% and 71.4%, respectively. The MeltPro TB assay is an excellent alternative for the detection of MDR- and XDR-TB cases in China, with high accuracy, short testing turn-around time, and low unit price compared with other tests.
A platinum-based hybrid drug design approach to circumvent acquired resistance to molecular targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors
Authors: Wei Yuming , Poon Daniel C. , Fei Rong , Lam Amy S. M. , Au-Yeung Steve C. F. , To Kenneth K. W.
Published: May 2016

Three molecular targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) were conjugated to classical platinum-based drugs with an aim to circumvent TKI resistance, predominately mediated by the emergence of secondary mutations on oncogenic kinases. The hybrids were found to maintain specificity towards the same oncogenic kinases as the original TKI. Importantly, they are remarkably less affected by TKI resistance, presumably due to their unique structure and the observed dual mechanism of anticancer activity (kinase inhibition and DNA damage). The study is also the first to report the application of a hybrid drug approach to switch TKIs from being efflux transporter substrates into non-substrates. TKIs cannot penetrate into the brain for treating metastases because of efflux transporters at the blood brain barrier. The hybrids were found to escape drug efflux and they accumulate more than the original TKI in the brain in BALB/c mice. Further development of the hybrid compounds is warranted.
Theoretical approach to resonant inelastic x-ray scattering in iron-based superconductors at the energy scale of the superconducting gap
Authors: Marra Pasquale , van den Brink Jeroen , Sykora Steffen
Published: May 2016

We develop a phenomenological theory to predict the characteristic features of the momentum-dependent scattering amplitude in resonant inelastic x-ray scattering (RIXS) at the energy scale of the superconducting gap in iron-based super-conductors. Taking into account all relevant orbital states as well as their specific content along the Fermi surface we evaluate the charge and spin dynamical structure factors for the compounds LaOFeAs and LiFeAs, based on tight-binding models which are fully consistent with recent angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) data. We find a characteristic intensity redistribution between charge and spin dynamical structure factors which discriminates between sign-reversing and sign-preserving quasiparticle excitations. Consequently, our results show that RIXS spectra can distinguish between s± and s++ wave gap functions in the singlet pairing case. In addition, we find that an analogous intensity redistribution at small momenta can reveal the presence of a chiral p-wave triplet pairing.
Asymmetric magnetic proximity effect in a Pd/Co/Pd trilayer system
Authors: Kim Dong-Ok , Song Kyung Mee , Choi Yongseong , Min Byoung-Chul , Kim Jae-Sung , Choi Jun Woo , Lee Dong Ryeol
Published: May 2016

In spintronic devices consisting of ferromagnetic/nonmagnetic systems, the ferromagnet-induced magnetic moment in the adjacent nonmagnetic material significantly influences the spin transport properties. In this study, such magnetic proximity effect in a Pd/Co/Pd trilayer system is investigated by x-ray magnetic circular dichroism and x-ray resonant magnetic reflectivity, which enables magnetic characterizations with element and depth resolution. We observe that the total Pd magnetic moments induced at the top Co/Pd interface are significantly larger than the Pd moments at the bottom Pd/Co interface, whereas transmission electron microscopy and reflectivity analysis indicate the two interfaces are nearly identical structurally. Such asymmetry in magnetic proximity effects could be important for understanding spin transport characteristics in ferromagnetic/nonmagnetic systems and its potential application to spin devices.
The nuclear receptor LXR modulates interleukin-18 levels in macrophages through multiple mechanisms
Authors: Pourcet Benoit , Gage Matthew C. , León Theresa E. , Waddington Kirsty E. , Pello Oscar M. , Steffensen Knut R. , Castrillo Antonio , Valledor Annabel F. , Pineda-Torra Inés
Published: May 2016

IL-18 is a member of the IL-1 family involved in innate immunity and inflammation. Deregulated levels of IL-18 are involved in the pathogenesis of multiple disorders including inflammatory and metabolic diseases, yet relatively little is known regarding its regulation. Liver X receptors or LXRs are key modulators of macrophage cholesterol homeostasis and immune responses. Here we show that LXR ligands negatively regulate LPS-induced mRNA and protein expression of IL-18 in bone marrow-derived macrophages. Consistent with this being an LXR-mediated process, inhibition is abolished in the presence of a specific LXR antagonist and in LXR-deficient macrophages. Additionally, IL-18 processing of its precursor inactive form to its bioactive state is inhibited by LXR through negative regulation of both pro-caspase 1 expression and activation. Finally, LXR ligands further modulate IL-18 levels by inducing the expression of IL-18BP, a potent endogenous inhibitor of IL-18. This regulation occurs via the transcription factor IRF8, thus identifying IL-18BP as a novel LXR and IRF8 target gene. In conclusion, LXR activation inhibits IL-18 production through regulation of its transcription and maturation into an active pro-inflammatory cytokine. This novel regulation of IL-18 by LXR could be applied to modulate the severity of IL-18 driven metabolic and inflammatory disorders.
Identification of PKD2 mutations in human preimplantation embryos in vitro using a combination of targeted next-generation sequencing and targeted haplotyping
Authors: Chen Song-Chang , Xu Xiao-Li , Zhang Jun-Yu , Ding Guo-Lian , Jin Li , Liu Bei , Sun Dong-Mei , Mei Chang-Lin , Yang Xiao-Nan , Huang He-Feng , Xu Chen-Ming
Published: May 2016

Here, we evaluate the applicability of a new method that combines targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) with targeted haplotyping in identifying PKD2 gene mutations in human preimplantation embryos in vitro. To achieve this goal, a proband family with a heterozygous deletion of c.595_595 + 14delGGTAAGAGCGCGCGA in exon 1 of the PKD2 gene was studied. A total of 10 samples were analyzed, including 7 embryos. An array-based gene chip was designed to capture all of the exons of 21 disease-related genes, including PKD2. We performed Sanger sequencing combined with targeted haplotyping to evaluate the feasibility of this new method. A total of 7.09 G of data were obtained from 10 samples by NGS. In addition, 24,142 informative single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified. Haplotyping analysis of several informative SNPs of PKD2 that we selected revealed that embryos 3, 5, and 6 did not inherit the mutation haplotypes of the PKD2 gene, a finding that was 100% accurate and was consistent with Sanger sequencing. Our results demonstrate that targeted NGS combined with targeted haplotyping can be used to identify PKD2 gene mutations in human preimplantation embryos in vitro with high sensitivity, fidelity, throughput and speed.
Co-circulation of H5N6, H3N2, H3N8 and Emergence of Novel Reassortant H3N6 in a Local Community in Hunan Province in China
Authors: Li Xuyong , Yang Jiayun , Liu Bin , Jia Yane , Guo Jing , Gao Xue , Weng Shaoting , Yang Maijuan , Wang Liang , Wang Lin-Fa , Cui Jie , Chen Hualan , Zhu Qiyun
Published: May 2016

Multiple infections of avian influenza viruses (AIVs) in poultry or wild birds contribute to the continued evolution of H5 subtype viruses in nature and provide potential recombination of AIVs of different origins. In this study, we carried out surveillance of AIVs in ducks, geese and the environment of a community in Hunan province, China, from 2014–2015. We isolated multiple co-circulated AIVs including H3N2, H3N8 and H5N6, and, most importantly, a novel reassortant: H3N6. Phylogenetic analyses suggest that H3N6 is highly likely derived from H5N6, which has recently been shown to have zoonotic potential with human infections. Studies with mammalian cell lines and a mouse model indicate that four selected AIVs of duck or goose origin can infect MDCK and A549 cells but have low pathogenicity in mice. We propose that a potential co-circulation of multiple subtypes including H5N6 in local area may result in the production of novel subtypes such as H3N6 by gene reassortment.
Multilocus phylogenetic analyses reveal unexpected abundant diversity and significant disjunct distribution pattern of the Hedgehog Mushrooms (Hydnum L.)
Authors: Feng Bang , Wang Xiang-Hua , Ratkowsky David , Gates Genevieve , Lee Su See , Grebenc Tine , Yang Zhu L.
Published: May 2016

Hydnum is a fungal genus proposed by Linnaeus in the early time of modern taxonomy. It contains several ectomycorrhizal species which are commonly consumed worldwide. However, Hydnum is one of the most understudied fungal genera, especially from a molecular phylogenetic view. In this study, we extensively gathered specimens of Hydnum from Asia, Europe, America and Australasia, and analyzed them by using sequences of four gene fragments (ITS, nrLSU, tef1α and rpb1). Our phylogenetic analyses recognized at least 31 phylogenetic species within Hydnum, 15 of which were reported for the first time. Most Australasian species were recognized as strongly divergent old relics, but recent migration between Australasia and the Northern Hemisphere was also detected. Within the Northern Hemisphere, frequent historical biota exchanges between the Old World and the New World via both the North Atlantic Land Bridge and the Bering Land Bridge could be elucidated. Our study also revealed that most Hydnum species found in subalpine areas of the Hengduan Mountains in southwestern China occur in northeastern/northern China and Europe, indicating that the composition of the mycobiota in the Hengduan Mountains reigion is more complicated than what we have known before.
Computational investigation of dynamical transitions in Trp-cage miniprotein powders
Authors: Kim Sang Beom , Gupta Devansh R. , Debenedetti Pablo G.
Published: May 2016

We investigate computationally the dynamical transitions in Trp-cage miniprotein powders, at three levels of hydration: 0.04, 0.26 and 0.4 g water/g protein. We identify two distinct temperatures where transitions in protein dynamics occur. Thermal motions are harmonic and independent of hydration level below Tlow ≈ 160 K, above which all powders exhibit harmonic behavior but with a different and enhanced temperature dependence. The second onset, which is often referred to as the protein dynamical transition, occurs at a higher temperature TD that decreases as the hydration level increases and at the lowest hydration level investigated here (0.04 g/g) is absent in the temperature range we studied in this work (T ≤ 300 K). Protein motions become anharmonic at TD and their amplitude increases with hydration level. Upon heating above TD, hydrophilic residues experience a pronounced enhancement in the amplitude of their characteristic motions in hydrated powders, whereas it is the hydrophobic residues that experience the more pronounced enhancement in the least hydrated system. The dynamical transition in Trp-cage is a collective phenomenon, with every residue experiencing a transition to anharmonic behavior at the same temperature.
Strain-induced growth of oriented graphene layers revealed by in situ transmission electron microscopy observation
Authors: Wan Neng , Pan Wei , Lin Tao
Published: May 2016

How we can change amorphous carbon to oriented graphene layers – what we need is just a pull.
Ligand-to-ligand charge transfer in heteroleptic Ir-complexes: comprehensive investigations of its fast dynamics and mechanism
Authors: Cho Yang-Jin , Kim So-Yoen , Cho Minji , Wee Kyung-Ryang , Son Ho-Jin , Han Won-Sik , Cho Dae Won , Kang Sang Ook
Published: May 2016

The ligand-to-ligand charge transfer dynamics from cyclometalating ligand to ancillary ligands was probed using femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy after the selective excitations.
Towards targeting anticancer drugs: ruthenium(ii)–arene complexes with biologically active naphthoquinone-derived ligand systems
Authors: Kubanik Mario , Kandioller Wolfgang , Kim Kunwoo , Anderson Robert F. , Klapproth Erik , Jakupec Michael A. , Roller Alexander , Söhnel Tilo , Keppler Bernhard K. , Hartinger Christian G.
Published: May 2016

2-Hydroxy-[1,4]-naphthoquinone-derived ligands and their RuII(η6-p-cymene)Cl complexes were prepared with the aim to obtain multimodal anticancer agents.
Forces between Staphylococcus aureus and human skin
Authors: Formosa-Dague Cécile , Fu Zhuo-Han , Feuillie Cécile , Derclaye Sylvie , Foster Timothy J. , Geoghegan Joan A. , Dufrêne Yves F.
Published: May 2016

A novel nanoscopy technique is developed for measuring the forces between bacterial pathogens and human skin at high spatiotemporal resolution. Applicable to a variety of microbes and host cells, the method offers exciting prospects for understanding the molecular details of microbial infections.
Atomistic simulations of electrochemical metallization cells: mechanisms of ultra-fast resistance switching in nanoscale devices
Authors: Onofrio Nicolas , Guzman David , Strachan Alejandro
Published: May 2016

We describe a new method that enables reactive molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of electrochemical processes and apply it to study electrochemical metallization cells and the effect of device geometry on switching timescales.
Metallothionein-immobilized silica-coated magnetic particles as a novel nanobiohybrid adsorbent for highly efficient removal of cadmium from aqueous solutions
Authors: Zarei Mohsen , Shahpiri Azar , Esmaeilnejad-Ahranjani Parvaneh , Arpanaei Ayyoob
Published: May 2016

In this contribution, magnetic nanocomposite particles of Fe3O4 cluster@SiO2 (MNPs) were functionalized with N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxy-silane (EDS) to obtain amine-functionalized magnetic nanocomposite particles (AF-MNPs).
Facile preparation of a long-term durable nano- and micro-structured polymer blend membrane for a proton exchange membrane fuel cell
Authors: Lee Hye-Jin , Kwon Yeonhye , Lee So Young , Choi Jieun , Kim Bo Hyun , Henkensmeier Dirk , Jang Jong Hyun , Yoo Sung Jong , Kim Jin-Young , Kim Hyoung-Juhn , Kim Hwayong , Kim Man-Ho
Published: May 2016

A blend of sulfonated poly(ether sulfone)s with different sulfonation degree (10–40%) shows unique ionic channels in nanoscale and heterogeneity in microscale.