bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perhexiline maleate enhances antitumor efficacy of cisplatin in neuroblastoma by inducing over-expression of NDM29 ncRNA
Authors: Vella Serena , Penna Ilaria , Longo Luca , Pioggia Giulia , Garbati Patrizia , Florio Tullio , Rossi Fabio , Pagano Aldo
Published: December 2015

High Risk Neuroblastoma (HR-NB) is a pediatric cancer characterized by high malignancy and remarkable cell heterogeneity within the tumour nodules. In a recent study, we demonstrated that in vitro and in vivo over-expression of the non-coding RNA NDM29 (neuroblastoma differentiation marker 29) induces NB cell differentiation, dramatically reducing their malignancy. Among gene expression changes, differentiated phenotype induced by NDM29 is characterized by decrease of the expression of ABC transporters responsible for anticancer drug resistance. Thus, the pharmacological induction of NDM29, in principle, might represent a possible novel strategy to increase cytotoxic drug responses. In this work, we identify a small molecule able to induce the expression of NDM29 in NB cells, conferring to malignant cells increased susceptibility to cisplatin cytotoxic effects. We demonstrate that the pharmacological induction of NDM29 expression in vivo enhances the antitumoral effects of chemotherapy specifically on tumour initiating/cancer stem cells sub-population, usually refractory to therapies and responsible for tumour relapse. In summary, we suggest a novel therapeutical approach possibly useful to treat very aggressive NB cases with poor prognosis. This novel pharmacological strategy aims to promote differentiation of “stem-like” cells to render them more susceptible to the killing action of cytotoxic anticancer drugs.
Social density processes regulate the functioning and performance of foraging human teams
Authors: King Andrew J. , Myatt Julia P. , Fürtbauer Ines , Oesch Nathan , Dunbar Robin I. M. , Sumner Seirian , Usherwood James R. , Hailes Stephen , Brown M. Rowan
Published: December 2015

Social density processes impact the activity and order of collective behaviours in a variety of biological systems. Much effort has been devoted to understanding how density of people affects collective human motion in the context of pedestrian flows. However, there is a distinct lack of empirical data investigating the effects of social density on human behaviour in cooperative contexts. Here, we examine the functioning and performance of human teams in a central-place foraging arena using high-resolution GPS data. We show that team functioning (level of coordination) is greatest at intermediate social densities, but contrary to our expectations, increased coordination at intermediate densities did not translate into improved collective foraging performance and foraging accuracy was equivalent across our density treatments. We suggest that this is likely a consequence of foragers relying upon visual channels (local information) to achieve coordination but relying upon auditory channels (global information) to maximise foraging returns. These findings provide new insights for the development of more sophisticated models of human collective behaviour that consider different networks for communication (e.g. visual and vocal) that have the potential to operate simultaneously in cooperative contexts.
Quantum correlations which imply causation
Authors: Fitzsimons Joseph F. , Jones Jonathan A. , Vedral Vlatko
Published: December 2015

In ordinary, non-relativistic, quantum physics, time enters only as a parameter and not as an observable: a state of a physical system is specified at a given time and then evolved according to the prescribed dynamics. While the state can and usually does, extend across all space, it is only defined at one instant of time. Here we ask what would happen if we defined the notion of the quantum density matrix for multiple spatial and temporal measurements. We introduce the concept of a pseudo-density matrix (PDM) which treats space and time indiscriminately. This matrix in general fails to be positive for measurement events which do not occur simultaneously, motivating us to define a measure of causality that discriminates between spatial and temporal correlations. Important properties of this measure, such as monotonicity under local operations, are proved. Two qubit NMR experiments are presented that illustrate how a temporal pseudo-density matrix approaches a genuinely allowed density matrix as the amount of decoherence is increased between two consecutive measurements.
Classical ROS-dependent and early/rapid ROS-independent release of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps triggered by Leishmania parasites
Authors: Rochael Natalia C. , Guimarães-Costa Anderson B. , Nascimento Michelle T. C. , DeSouza-Vieira Thiago S. , Oliveira Matheus P. , Garcia e Souza Luiz F. , Oliveira Marcus F. , Saraiva Elvira M.
Published: December 2015

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) extruded from neutrophils upon activation are composed of chromatin associated with cytosolic and granular proteins, which ensnare and kill microorganisms. This microbicidal mechanism named classical netosis has been shown to dependent on reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation by NADPH oxidase and also chromatin decondensation dependent upon the enzymes (PAD4), neutrophil elastase (NE) and myeloperoxidase (MPO). NET release also occurs through an early/rapid ROS-independent mechanism, named early/rapid vital netosis. Here we analyze the role of ROS, NE, MPO and PAD4 in the netosis stimulated by Leishmania amazonensis promastigotes in human neutrophils. We demonstrate that promastigotes induce a classical netosis, dependent on the cellular redox imbalance, as well as by a chloroamidine sensitive and elastase activity mechanism. Additionally, Leishmania also induces the early/rapid NET release occurring only 10 minutes after neutrophil-parasite interaction. We demonstrate here, that this early/rapid mechanism is dependent on elastase activity, but independent of ROS generation and chloroamidine. A better understanding of both mechanisms of NET release and the NETs effects on the host immune system modulation, could support the development of new potential therapeutic strategies for leishmaniasis.
Hypericin-photodynamic therapy induces human umbilical vein endothelial cell apoptosis
Authors: Zhang Qian , Li Zhuo-heng , Li Yuan-yuan , Shi San-jun , Zhou Shi-wen , Fu Yuan-yuan , Zhang Qing , Yang Xue , Fu Ruo-qiu , Lu Lai-chun
Published: December 2015

The conventional photosensitizers used in photodynamic therapy (PDT), such as haematoporphyrin (HP), have not yet reached satisfactory therapeutic effects on port-wine stains (PWSs), due largely to the long-term dark toxicity. Previously we have showed that hypericin exhibited potent photocytotoxic effects on Roman chicken cockscomb model of PWSs. However, the molecular mechanism of hypericin-mediated photocytotoxicity remains unclear. In this study, we employed human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to investigate the hypericin-photolytic mechanism. Our study showed that hypericin-PDT induced reactive oxygen species (ROS), resulting in cell killings and an activation of the inflammatory response. Importantly, we have also discovered that photoactivated hypericin induced apoptosis by activating the mitochondrial caspase pathway and inhibiting the activation of the vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A)-mediated PI3K/Akt pathway. Notably, we found that hypericin exhibited a more potent photocytotoxic effect than HP and largely addressed the inconvenience issue associated with the use of HP. Thereby, hypericin may be a better alternative to HP in treating PWSs.
Orientation-distribution mapping of polycrystalline materials by Raman microspectroscopy
Authors: Schmid T. , Schäfer N. , Levcenko S. , Rissom T. , Abou-Ras D.
Published: December 2015

Raman microspectroscopy provides the means to obtain local orientations on polycrystalline materials at the submicrometer level. The present work demonstrates how orientation-distribution maps composed of Raman intensity distributions can be acquired on large areas of several hundreds of square micrometers. A polycrystalline CuInSe2 thin film was used as a model system. The orientation distributions are evidenced by corresponding measurements using electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) on the same identical specimen positions. The quantitative, local orientation information obtained by means of EBSD was used to calculate the theoretical Raman intensities for specific grain orientations, which agree well with the experimental values. The presented approach establishes new horizons for Raman microspectroscopy as a tool for quantitative, microstructural analysis at submicrometer resolution.
Evolution of cellular morpho-phenotypes in cancer metastasis
Authors: Wu Pei-Hsun , Phillip Jude M. , Khatau Shyam B. , Chen Wei-Chiang , Stirman Jeffrey , Rosseel Sophie , Tschudi Katherine , Van Patten Joshua , Wong Michael , Gupta Sonal , Baras Alexander S. , Leek Jeffrey T. , Maitra Anirban , Wirtz Denis
Published: December 2015

Intratumoral heterogeneity greatly complicates the study of molecular mechanisms driving cancer progression and our ability to predict patient outcomes. Here we have developed an automated high-throughput cell-imaging platform (htCIP) that allows us to extract high-content information about individual cells, including cell morphology, molecular content and local cell density at single-cell resolution. We further develop a comprehensive visually-aided morpho-phenotyping recognition (VAMPIRE) tool to analyze irregular cellular and nuclear shapes in both 2D and 3D microenvironments. VAMPIRE analysis of ~39,000 cells from 13 previously sequenced patient-derived pancreatic cancer samples indicate that metastasized cells present significantly lower heterogeneity than primary tumor cells. We found the same morphological signature for metastasis for a cohort of 10 breast cancer cell lines. We further decipher the relative contributions to heterogeneity from cell cycle, cell-cell contact, cell stochasticity and heritable morphological variations.
Characterization of the binding between phthalate esters and mouse PPARα for the development of a fluorescence polarization-based competitive binding assay
Authors: Zhang Jie , Xing XiaoJia , Sun Yonghai , Li Zhuolin , Xue Peiyu , Wang Tuoyi , Li Tiezhu
Published: December 2015

The binding between PPAR and PAEs was investigated for developing an efficient fluorescence polarization-based competitive binding assay.
A stable Alq3@MOF composite for white-light emission
Authors: Xie Wei , He Wen-Wen , Du Dong-Ying , Li Shun-Li , Qin Jun-Sheng , Su Zhong-Min , Sun Chun-Yi , Lan Ya-Qian
Published: December 2015

A blue-emitting MOF served as a host for encapsulating yellow-green-emitting Alq3 to obtain white-light and was used in WLEDs.
An ambipolar organic field-effect transistor based on an AIE-active single crystal with a high mobility level of 2.0 cm2 V−1 s−1
Authors: Deng Jian , Xu Yuanxiang , Liu Liqun , Feng Cunfang , Tang Jia , Gao Yu , Wang Yan , Yang Bing , Lu Ping , Yang Wensheng , Ma Yuguang
Published: December 2015

Ambipolar OFETs based on AIE-active materials were demonstrated to have a high and balanced mobility level of 2.0 cm2 V−1 s−1.
Morphology- and lattice stability-dependent performance of nanostructured Li4Ti5O12probed by in situ high-pressure Raman spectroscopy and synchrotron X-ray diffraction
Authors: Xiao Fengping , Dong Zhaohui , Mao Haiyan , Liu Jian , Sun Xueliang , Song Yang
Published: December 2015

In situhigh-pressure measurements of two different nanostructured Li4Ti5O12materials revealed important structural origins that influence their electrochemical performance.
Nickel oxide supported on porous clay heterostructures as selective catalysts for the oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane
Authors: Solsona B. , Concepción P. , López Nieto J. M. , Dejoz A. , Cecilia J. A. , Agouram S. , Soriano M. D. , Torres V. , Jiménez-Jiménez J. , Rodríguez Castellón E.
Published: December 2015

Porous clay heterostructures (PCH) have shown to be highly efficient supports for nickel oxide in the oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane.
Effects of simulated acid rain on soil respiration and its components in a subtropical mixed conifer and broadleaf forest in southern China
Authors: Liang Guohua , Hui Dafeng , Wu Xiaoying , Wu Jianping , Liu Juxiu , Zhou Guoyi , Zhang Deqiang
Published: December 2015

Soil respiration is a major pathway in the global carbon cycle and its response to environmental changes is an increasing concern.
Multi-centre Raman spectral mapping of oesophageal cancer tissues: a study to assess system transferability
Authors: Isabelle M. , Dorney J. , Lewis A. , Lloyd G. R. , Old O. , Shepherd N. , Rodriguez-Justo M. , Barr H. , Lau K. , Bell I. , Ohrel S. , Thomas G. , Stone N. , Kendall C.
Published: December 2015

The potential for Raman spectroscopy to provide early and improved diagnosis on a wide range of tissue and biopsy samples in situ is well documented. The standard histopathology diagnostic methods of reviewing H&E and/or immunohistochemical (IHC) stained tissue sections provides valuable clinical information, but requires both logistics (review, analysis and interpretation by an expert) and costly processing and reagents. Vibrational spectroscopy offers a complimentary diagnostic tool providing specific and multiplexed information relating to molecular structure and composition, but is not yet used to a significant extent in a clinical setting. One of the challenges for clinical implementation is that each Raman spectrometer system will have different characteristics and therefore spectra are not readily compatible between systems. This is essential for clinical implementation where classification models are used to compare measured biochemical or tissue spectra against a library training dataset. In this study, we demonstrate the development and validation of a classification model to discriminate between adenocarcinoma (AC) and non-cancerous intraepithelial metaplasia (IM) oesophageal tissue samples, measured on three different Raman instruments across three different locations. Spectra were corrected using system transfer spectral correction algorithms including wavenumber shift (offset) correction, instrument response correction and baseline removal. The results from this study indicate that the combined correction methods do minimize the instrument and sample quality variations within and between the instrument sites. However, more tissue samples of varying pathology states and greater tissue area coverage (per sample) are needed to properly assess the ability of Raman spectroscopy and system transferability algorithms over multiple instrument sites.
Single cells in confined volumes: microchambers and microdroplets
Authors: Hümmer D. , Kurth F. , Naredi-Rainer N. , Dittrich P. S.
Published: December 2015

Microfluidic devices capable of manipulating and guiding small fluid volumes open new methodical approaches in the fields of biology, pharmacy, and medicine.
SuccinSite: a computational tool for the prediction of protein succinylation sites by exploiting the amino acid patterns and properties
Authors: Hasan Md. Mehedi , Yang Shiping , Zhou Yuan , Mollah Md. Nurul Haque
Published: December 2015

A novel computational tool termed SuccinSite has been developed to predict protein succinylation sites using the amino acid patterns and properties based on a random forest classifier.
Supramolecular complexes involving non-symmetric viologen cations and hexacyanoferrate(ii) anions. A spectroscopic, crystallographic and computational study
Authors: Papadakis Raffaello , Deligkiozi Ioanna , Giorgi Michel , Faure Bruno , Tsolomitis Athanase
Published: December 2015

We have investigated spectrally, crystallographically as well as computationally charge transfer complexes involving synthesizedN-aryl-N′-methyl non-symmetric viologen cations and hexacyanoferrate(ii) anions.
Greener technology for organic reactive dye degradation in textile dye-contaminated field soil and in situ formation of “electroactive species” at the anode by electrokinetics
Authors: Annamalai Sivasankar , Santhanam Manikandan , Sudanthiramoorthy Subramanian , Pandian Kannan , Pazos Marta
Published: December 2015

The present study focuses on the electrokinetic process for the in situ formation of electroactive species at the anode.
Identifying the structural features and diversifying the chemical domain of peripherally acting CB1 receptor antagonists using molecular modeling techniques
Authors: Sharma Mayank Kumar , Murumkar Prashant R. , Kuang Guanglin , Tang Yun , Yadav Mange Ram
Published: December 2015

A four featured pharmacophore and predictive 3D-QSAR models were developed which were used for virtual screening of the Asinex database to get chemically diverse hits of peripherally active CB1 receptor antagonists.
Tough and thermally resistant cyanate ester resin with significantly reduced curing temperature and low dielectric loss based on developing an efficient graphene oxide/Mn ion metal–organic framework hybrid
Authors: Wang Hong , Yuan Li , Liang Guozheng , Gu Aijuan
Published: December 2015

High performance cyanate ester resins based on a graphene oxide/Mn ion metal–organic framework hybrid with efficient catalysis and toughening effects.
The cis- and trans-formylperoxy radical: fundamental vibrational frequencies and relative energies of the X̃ 2A′′ and Ã 2A′ states
Authors: Elliott Sarah N. , Turney Justin M. , Schaefer Henry F.
Published: December 2015

Acylperoxy radicals [RC(O)OO˙] play an important catalytic role in many atmospheric and combustion reactions.
Nanocomposite preparation via in situ polymerization of quaternary ammonium salt ion-bonded to graphite platelets
Authors: Poláková L. , Beneš H. , Ecorchard P. , Pavlová E. , Sedláková Z. , Kredatusová J. , Štengl V.
Published: December 2015

Polymerizable groups attached by ionic interactions to the graphite galleries ensure the polymerization takes place inside the galleries thus enhancing the exfoliation process.
Electrosynthesis and performance of WC and Co3O4 co-doped α-PbO2 electrodes
Authors: He Shiwei , Xu Ruidong , Hu Gang , Chen Buming
Published: December 2015

α-PbO2 uniformly co-doped with Co3O4 and WC particles was prepared as a functional electrode for oxygen evolution.
Cyanomethylation of alkenes with C–H bond activation of acetonitrile: in situ generated diazonium salts as promoters without transition-metals
Authors: Ni Zhangqin , Huang Xin , Wang Jichao , Pan Yuanjiang
Published: December 2015

In situ generated diazonium salts were used as radical promoters for the Csp3–H functionalization of acetonitrile without photocatalyst or transition-metal.
Nanocasting synthesis of an ordered mesoporous CeO2-supported Pt nanocatalyst with enhanced catalytic performance for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol
Authors: Wang Qianli , Zhang Yiwei , Zhou Yuming , Zhang Zewu , Xue Jinjuan , Xu Yuanmei , Zhang Chao , Sheng Xiaoli , Kui Naishu
Published: December 2015

Ordered mesoporous ceria was used to support Pt nanoparticles stabilized by dendrimers and enhance catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol.
Fabrication of robust, damage-tolerant superhydrophobic coatings on naturally micro-grooved wood surfaces
Authors: Tu Kunkun , Wang Xiaoqing , Kong Lizhuo , Chang Huanjun , Liu Junliang
Published: December 2015

Damage-tolerant superhydrophobic wood surfaces were fabricated by applying an epoxy-resin primer coating and subsequent construction of silica/epoxy-resin/fluorinated alkylsilane composite films.
Peptide-based synthetic vaccines
Authors: Skwarczynski Mariusz , Toth Istvan
Published: December 2015

This review summarise the current stand and future perspective on synthetic peptide-based vaccines.
Systematic chemoenzymatic synthesis of O-sulfated sialyl Lewis x antigens
Authors: Santra Abhishek , Yu Hai , Tasnima Nova , Muthana Musleh M. , Li Yanhong , Zeng Jie , Kenyon Nicholas J. , Louie Angelique Y. , Chen Xi
Published: December 2015

O-Sulfated sialyl Lewisxantigens containing different sialic acid forms were chemoenzymatically synthesized using a bacterial sialyltransferase mutant.
Asymmetric18F-fluorination for applications in positron emission tomography
Authors: Buckingham Faye , Gouverneur Véronique
Published: December 2015

To date, both transition metal complexes and organomediators have been employed for enantiocontrolled18F-incorporation as an alternative to conventional resolution of SN2-based radiochemistry.
Supramolecular trap for a transient corannulene trianion
Authors: Zabula Alexander V. , Spisak Sarah N. , Filatov Alexander S. , Rogachev Andrey Yu. , Clérac Rodolphe , Petrukhina Marina A.
Published: December 2015

The first X-ray structural characterization of the triply-reduced corannulene (C20H10) reveals its ability to form a novel type of supramolecular assembly with large cesium ions, [Cs+//(C20H103−)/4Cs+/(C20H103−)//Cs+].
Fast microwave-assisted synthesis of Li-stuffed garnets and insights into Li diffusion from muon spin spectroscopy
Authors: Amores Marco , Ashton Thomas E. , Baker Peter J. , Cussen Edmund J. , Corr Serena A.
Published: December 2015

The synthesis of pure, cubic-phase Al-doped lithium stuffed garnets by fast microwave-assisted methods has been realised and the use of muon spectroscopy to probe and understand in greater detail the Li+ diffusion properties demonstrated.
Antibacterial properties of Cu–ZrO2thin films prepared via aerosol assisted chemical vapour deposition
Authors: Alotaibi Abdullah M. , Sathasivam Sanjayan , Nair Sean P. , Parkin Ivan P.
Published: December 2015

The antibacterial properties of a Cu–ZrO2film grownviaaerosol assisted chemical vapour deposition are presented.
RE3Sb3Zn2O14 (RE = La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd): a new family of pyrochlore derivatives with rare earth ions on a 2D Kagome lattice
Authors: Sanders M. B. , Krizan J. W. , Cava R. J.
Published: December 2015

RE3Sb3Zn2O14 (RE = La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd) is a series of novel pyrochlore-related materials with 2D Kagome lattices formed by RE3+ and Sb5+. The rare earth is the only magnetic ion in the structure; this family is therefore an archetype for exploring magnetic frustration on a 2D Kagome lattice.
Energy‐efficient adaptive transmission power control for wireless body area networks
Authors: Sodhro Ali Hassan , Li Ye , Shah Madad Ali
Published: December 2015

An important constraint in wireless body area network (WBAN) is to maximise the energy‐efficiency of wearable devices due to their limited size and light weight. Two experimental scenarios; ‘right wrist to right hip’ and ‘chest to right hip’ with body posture of walking are considered. It is analyzed through extensive real‐time data sets that due to large temporal variations in the wireless channel, a constant transmission power and a typical conventional transmission power control (TPC) methods are not suitable choices for WBAN. To overcome these problems a novel energy‐efficient adaptive power control (APC) algorithm is proposed that adaptively adjusts transmission power (TP) level based on the feedback from base station. The main advantages of the proposed algorithm are saving more energy with acceptable packet loss ratio (PLR) and lower complexity in implementation of desired tradeoff between energy savings and link reliability. We adapt, optimise and theoretically analyse the required parameters to enhance the system performance. The proposed algorithm sequentially achieves significant higher energy savings of 40.9%, which is demonstrated by Monte Carlo simulations in MATLAB. However, the only limitation of proposed algorithm is a slightly higher PLR in comparison to conventional TPC such as Gao's and Xiao's methods.
Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing phenomenology: recognition of canonical scatterers using flat spectra OFDM pulses
Authors: Lellouch Gabriel , Mishra Amit Kumar , Inggs Michael
Published: December 2015

In this study, the authors present a novel approach to characterise scattering centres from their radar return using specially designed waveforms. The widely accepted scattering model derived from the geometrical theory of diffraction is considered. They show how the use of flat spectrum orthogonal frequency division multiplexing pulses can help discriminating between the various scattering mechanisms. The technique, which assumes prior information about the target runs into two steps. The first step consists of designing pulses of appropriate length to mitigate intersymbol interference when several scatterers compose the target. In the second step, they calculate the spectrum of the received echo and estimate the slope of this spectrum, whose value is used to infer the scatterer type. Eventually, they assess the sensitivity of this approach with respect to additive white Gaussian noise in terms of the overall probability of correct classification and show that an integration technique can help improve the classification rate even in low signal‐to‐noise ratio conditions.
Time-independent eigenstate-free calculation of vibronic spectra beyond the harmonic approximation
Authors: Petrenko Taras , Rauhut Guntram
Published: December 2015

The calculation of vibronic spectra and resonance Raman intensities can be performed on the basis of the Raman wavefunction (RWF) formalism. In general, the well-known sum-over-states (SOS) and time-dependent methods can be applied for calculating the RWF. We present an alternative route in which the RWF is determined pointwise in a spectral range on the basis of the inhomogeneous Schrödinger equation using an iterative subspace method, in which explicit state-by-state calculations of vibrational eigenstates are bypassed. We study this approach within the framework of vibrational configuration interaction theory in conjunction with high-level electronic structure calculations for the multidimensional Born-Oppenheimer potential energy surface. The method benefits from an implicit account of interference effects between vibrational states, so that its computational cost correlates with the required resolution in the spectra. The accuracy and efficiency of the method with respect to comparable SOS calculations are tested for the simulation of the photoelectron spectra of ClO2, HS2−, ZnOH−, and Zn(H2O)+.
Strong negative differential conductance in strained graphene devices
Authors: Chung Nguyen M. , Hung Nguyen V. , Nguyen Huy-Viet , Dollfus P.
Published: December 2015

In this work, we investigate the transport properties of devices made of graphene strained heterochannels. Due to the effects of local strain on the band structure, the Klein tunneling is strongly suppressed and transport gaps can appear in the unstrained/strained graphene junctions. The gap regions can be modulated in k-space and in energy by strain and doping engineering, respectively. We show that these effects can be exploited to achieve a strong negative differential conductance (NDC) in single gate-induced barrier structures and in p–n junctions. When the local strain is suitably applied, the peak-to-valley ratio (PVR) of the current-voltage characteristics can be as high as a few hundred. The dependence of NDC effect on structure parameters is investigated systematically. In particular, a strong NDC is obtained in single barrier structures with large strained region, while the PVR is not strongly sensitive to the transition length in p–n junctions.
Examination of humidity effects on measured thickness and interfacial phenomena of exfoliated graphene on silicon dioxide via amplitude modulation atomic force microscopy
Authors: Jinkins K. , Camacho J. , Farina L. , Wu Y.
Published: December 2015

The properties of Few-Layer Graphene (FLG) change with the number of layers and Amplitude Modulation (AM) Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) is commonly used to determine the thickness of FLG. However, AFM measurements have been shown to be sensitive to environmental conditions such as relative humidity (RH). In the present study, AM-AFM is used to measure the thickness and loss tangent of exfoliated graphene on silicon dioxide (SiO2) as RH is increased from 10% to 80%. We show that the measured thickness of graphene is dependent on RH. The loss tangent values of the graphene and oxide regions are both affected by humidity, with generally higher loss tangent for graphene than SiO2. As RH increases, we observe the loss tangent of both materials approaches the same value. We hypothesize that there is a layer of water trapped between the graphene and SiO2 substrate to explain this observation. Using this interpretation, the loss tangent images also indicate movement and change in this trapped water layer as RH increases, which impacts the measured thickness of graphene using AM-AFM.
Huge low-frequency dielectric response of (Nb,In)-doped TiO2 ceramics
Authors: Wu Y. Q. , Zhao X. , Zhang J. L. , Su W. B. , Liu J.
Published: December 2015

The (Nb,In)-doped TiO2 ceramics have drawn considerable attention as a type of promising giant-permittivity dielectric materials in recent years. However, a significant controversy concerning the giant dielectric mechanism currently exists, and clarifying it is vitally important from both scientific and technological viewpoints. This letter reports the results of a systematical comparison study, where two kinds of (Nb,In)-doped TiO2 ceramics with a substantial difference in dielectric loss are used. Dielectric properties and complex impedance are investigated over a broad frequency band of 3 mHz–110 MHz. A huge low-frequency dielectric response in addition to the giant dielectric relaxation appearing above 1 MHz is observed for both kinds of (Nb,In)-doped TiO2 ceramics in dielectric dispersion. The huge dielectric response observed in the low frequency range can be ascribed to a non-ohmic electrode-contact, and the dielectric relaxation appearing above 1 MHz can be attributed to an internal barrier layer capacitance effect. An electrical equivalent circuit model suggested can well describe the observed dielectric properties and electrical behaviors.
Design, fabrication and characterization of a high-sensitivity pressure sensor based on nano-polysilicon thin film transistors
Authors: Zhao Xiaofeng , Yu Yang , Li Dandan , Wen Dianzhong
Published: December 2015

Based on the nano-polysilicon thin film transistors (TFTs), a high-sensitivity pressure sensor was designed and fabricated in this paper. The pressure sensing element is composed of a Wheatstone bridge with four nano-polysilicon TFTs designed on different positions of the square silicon diaphragm. Via taking the four channel resistors of the TFTs as piezoresistors, the measurement to the external pressure can be realized according to the piezoresistive effects of channel layer. Through adopting complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology and micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) technology, the chips of sensor were fabricated on <100 > orientation silicon wafer with a high resistivity. At room temperature, when applying a voltage 5.0 V to the Wheatstone bridge, the full scale (100 kPa) output voltage and the sensitivity of the sensor with 35 μm-thick silicon diaphragm are 267 mV and 2.58 mV/kPa, respectively. The experimental results show that the pressure sensors can achieve a much higher sensitivity.
An anomalous subdiffusion model with fractional derivatives for methane desorption in heterogeneous coal matrix
Authors: Kang Jianhong , Zhou Fubao , Ye Gaobang , Liu Yingke
Published: December 2015

Methane desorption in coal matrix is one of the fundamental gas transport processes during coalbed methane extraction, the mechanism of which is commonly described by Fickian diffusion theory. Here, an anomalous subdiffusion model with fractional derivatives is developed to explore the methane desorption in coal matrix with a highly heterogeneous pore structure. Numerical simulations reproduce the volume fraction of gas desorbed over the entire timescale of experimental desorption. It is suggested that the diffusion of methane in heterogeneous coal matrix may obey the anomalous time and space subdiffusion, rather than Fickian second law. The physical reason is perhaps due to the basic topological complexity inherent to porous coal matrix and the strong adsorption effect of coal on methane molecules.
Putting it integrationally
Authors: Pablé Adrian
Published: December 2015

The present paper responds to two discussion articles previously published inLanguage and Dialogue 3:2and4:2: one by Wolfgang Teubert (“Was there a cat in the garden? Knowledge between discourse and the monadic self”), which is partly a critique of Roy Harris’ integrational epistemology (Harris 2009), and the other, itself a critical reply to Teubert, by Alison Sealey (“Cats and categories — reply to Teubert”). In this paper I adopt an integrational linguistic approach (e.g. Harris 1996, 1998) to Teubert and Sealey’s opposing philosophical views (social constructionism vs. realism), showing how their linguistic theories heavily rely on strategies ofdecontextualization(‘segregationism’) needed in order to cast themselves in the role of linguistic experts. Unlike the integrational linguist, who regards signs asradically indeterminate, the segregational linguist has to retain determinacy as a fundamental property of the sign — and hence the latter’s insistence that signs are ‘shared’. Both the relativist and the realist working within a segregational linguistic paradigm adhere to a semantic thesis of how words get their meanings that Harris (1980) has termed ‘surrogationalism’, i.e. the belief that words, in their function as names, ‘stand for’ things in the real world, the difference being that Teubert treats ‘reality’ as a discursive community-based construction (i.e. there is no objective reality forhomo loquens), while Sealey thinks that material reality is independent of discourse and that words functioning as names of things reflect this to varying degrees.
Sea Lice Infestations of a Wild Fish Assemblage in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Jensen Alexander J. , Zydlewski Gayle B. , Barker Sarah , Pietrak Michael
Published: December 2015

Little research on wild fish and sea lice interactions has occurred in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean, particularly for the sea lice speciesCaligus elongatus. This project quantified infestations of sea lice on wild fishes of Cobscook Bay, Maine. Field examinations of 6,334 fish during March–November 2012 were used to determine host species and infestation prevalence. Of these, 253 fish were examined under magnification to identify sea lice genus, infestation intensity, sea lice life cycle stages, and attachment locations of chalimus stages. We used DNA sequencing on 175 (34%) individual lice to confirm sea lice species.Caligus elongatuswas the only observed sea lice species and was found on 10 fish species, including eight newly identified hosts. Nonmotile chalimus were the predominant life stages observed, accounting for 95.87% of sea lice, and were predominantly attached to hosts' fins. Overall infestation prevalence and intensity among all sampled fish were low—less than 5% and just one sea louse per fish, respectively. Among the three most common host species, Threespine SticklebacksGasterosteus aculeatushad the highest infestation prevalence and intensity. These results are the first reported data for sea lice presence on a wild fish assemblage in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean. Furthermore, the identification of new hosts forC. elongatusand the lack of observed infestations by the salmon louseLepeophtheirus salmoniswill be used to inform sea lice management efforts in aquaculture operations.
Management of Opioid Use Disorders among Veterans in Subacute Rehab: Use of An Interdisciplinary Task Force to Address An Emerging Concern
Authors: Hinrichs Kate L. M. , Sharma Samata , Thurston Joe , Sivashanker Karthik , Chang Grace H.
Published: December 2015

There is both rapidly growing need, and limited evidence-based guidelines, for the management of opioid use disorders in subacute rehab and other nonaddiction medical settings. Following 2 unintentional opioid overdoses within the Community Living Center (CLC), a VA (Veterans Administration) subacute rehab setting, an interdisciplinary CLC Addictions Task Force was created to address a critical issue: how to best meet the combined neuropsychiatric and medical needs of the opiate use disorder patient through a multifaceted treatment approach. The goals of the task force were to develop and institute educational initiatives for providers; create patient care guidelines; increase safety on the unit; improve provider confidence when caring for this high-risk population; and mitigate the risk of unintentional overdose. The task force divided into 4 working groups to meet these aims. Process and outcomes are discussed. We found that in-services by addiction specialists improved clinician comfort in caring for this high-risk patient group. Specific areas that yielded the greatest clinician satisfaction ratings included didactics on how to identify at-risk patients and techniques on how to manage the patient in a general rehab setting. Utilizing an interdisciplinary approach, and an iterative process, at all stages was critical to the success of the CLC Addictions Task Force, as it improved buy-in and motivation from all disciplines. Improvements have been made to enhance patient safety, improve communication amongst providers, and provide a foundation to improve patient outcomes. Our preliminary work to enhance the identification and management of opioid use disorders at our CLC is an important first step towards a standardized curriculum that could be applied to other VA and non-VA subacute rehab settings.
Racial Differences in the Association between Nonmedical Prescription Opioid Use, Abuse/Dependence, and Major Depression
Authors: Salas Joanne , Scherrer Jeffrey F. , Lustman Patrick J. , Schneider F. David
Published: December 2015

Background

African Americans (AAs) have lower rates of depressive disorders and are less likely to receive opioid analgesics for chronic pain than whites. Given the evidence that prescription opioid use is associated with depression, we hypothesized that the opioid abuse/dependence and depression comorbidity would be less common among AAs compared with whites.

Methods

A cross-sectional secondary analysis of the public use files for the 2012 ( n = 55,268) and 2013 ( n = 55,160) National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) was used to obtain past-year, DSM-IV ( Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition) criteria diagnoses of nonmedical prescription opioid use (NMPOU), abuse/dependence, and major depressive episode (MDE). Covariates included anxiety disorder, alcohol and illicit drug abuse/dependence, smoking, age, gender, education, marital status, health insurance, county urbanicity, and income. Logistic regression models estimating the association between opioid use and MDE were computed before and after adjusting for covariates and separately for AAs and whites.

Results

AAs and whites had similar past-year prevalence of NMPOU (3.5% vs. 3.7%) and abuse/dependence (0.7% vs. 0.9%). MDE was significantly more prevalent among whites (7.4% vs. 5.5%; P < .0001). Among whites, NMPOU and abuse/dependence were associated with MDE (odds ratio [OR] = 1.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.12–1.64 and OR = 2.22, 95% CI = 1.67–2.94, respectively). Among AAs, there were no significant associations between NMPOU, abuse/dependence, and MDE (OR range: 0.80–0.95).

Conclusions

In a nationally representative sample, co-occurrence of past-year depression, NMPOU, and abuse/dependence was determined in whites but not AAs. Additional research is needed to establish the contribution of pain and temporal relationships.
Suppressed gross erosion of high-temperature lithium via rapid deuterium implantation
Authors: Abrams T. , Jaworski M.A. , Chen M. , Carter E.A. , Kaita R. , Stotler D.P. , De Temmerman G. , Morgan T.W. , van den Berg M.A. , van der Meiden H.J.
Published: December 2015

Lithium-coated high-Z substrates are planned for use in the NSTX-U divertor and are a candidate plasma facing component (PFC) for reactors, but it remains necessary to characterize the gross Li erosion rate under high plasma fluxes (>1023 m−2 s−1), typical for the divertor region. In this work, a realistic model for the compositional evolution of a Li/D layer is developed that incorporates first principles molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of D diffusion in liquid Li. Predictions of Li erosion from a mixed Li/D material are also developed that include formation of lithium deuteride (LiD). The erosion rate of Li from LiD is predicted to be significantly lower than from pure Li. This prediction is tested in the Magnum-PSI linear plasma device at ion fluxes of 1023–1024 m−2 s−1 and Li surface temperatures  ⩽800 °C. Li/LiD coatings ranging in thickness from 0.2 to 500 μm are studied. The dynamic D/Li concentrations are inferred via diffusion simulations. The pure Li erosion rate remains greater than Langmuir Law evaporation, as expected. For mixed-material Li/LiD surfaces, the erosion rates are reduced, in good agreement with modelling in almost all cases. These results imply that the temperature limit for a Li-coated PFC may be significantly higher than previously imagined.
Exchange Rate Policy and Global Supply Chains: The Case of the Chinese Renminbi and Global Soybean and Soybean Product Markets
Authors: Williams Gary W. , Luo Ji
Published: December 2015

A policy debate on widespread currency manipulation has generated economic analyses to inform policymakers regarding both the extent and impact of the problem. Such analyses typically focus on commodity trade and price impacts while ignoring potentially important supply chain linkages. Using Chinese exchange rate policy and global soybean and soybean product markets as an example, this paper illustrates that substantial measurement errors are possible if supply chain linkages are ignored in exchange rate policy analyses. As a consequence, policy responses to foreign currency manipulation informed by such analyses may be misguided or imprecise at best.
Expedition medicine
Authors: Johnson Chris , Anderson Sarah R. , Johnson Chris , Dykes Linda , Warrell David A. , Winser Shane
Published: December 2015

Wilderness travel - Scope of expedition medicine - Risk of death - Illness on expeditions - Conditions requiring hospital evacuation - Meeting the challenge
Treatment: skin
Authors: Dallimore Jon , Warrell David A. , Albert Edi
Published: December 2015

Solar skin damage - Wounds - Wound types and management - Wound infections - Burns - Insect bites - Ectoparasitic infestations - Tropical ulcers - Other infective skin lesions - Marine wound infections - Minor skin conditions
Treatment: abdomen
Authors: Imray Chris , Anderson Sarah R. , Campbell-Smith Tim , Wilson-Howarth Jane
Published: December 2015

Acute abdominal pain - Upper abdominal pain - Lower abdominal pain - Gastrointestinal bleeding - Diarrhoea and vomiting - Other gastrointestinal problems - Urological problems - Acute scrotal pain - Gynaecological problems
Offshore
Authors: Johnson Chris , Briggs Spike , MacKenzie Campbell
Published: December 2015

The environment - Risk assessment - Environmental impact of sailors - Preparations for voyage - Offshore medical kits - Offshore medical problems - Emergency procedures
Hot, dry environments: deserts
Authors: Johnson Chris , Dallimore Jon , Dhillon Sundeep , Winser Shane , Pynn Harvey
Published: December 2015

The environment - Heat-related illnesses (HRIs) - Pathophysiology of HRIs - Acclimatization to heat - Prevention of HRIs - Fluids and electrolytes - Treatment of HRIs - Other heat-related problems
VISUAL RECOVERY AFTER AUTOLOGOUS RETINAL PIGMENT EPITHELIUM AND CHOROIDAL PATCH IN A PATIENT WITH CHOROIDAL NEOVASCULARIZATION SECONDARY TO ANGIOID STREAKS: LONG-TERM RESULTS
Authors: Parolini Barbara , Alkabes Micol , Baldi Andrea , Pinackatt Sajish
Published: December 2015

Purpose:

To describe a successfully treated case of autologous retinal pigment epithelium and choroidal patch in a patient with choroidal neovascularization secondary to angioid streaks.

Methods:

A 53-year-old man with angioid streaks and a subfoveal choroidal neovascularization underwent autologous retinal pigment epithelium and choroid transplantation. Lensectomy, pars plana vitrectomy, 200° peripheral temporal retinotomy, isolation of the patch, endolaser, and silicone oil tamponade 1,000 cts were performed. Preoperative and postoperative ophthalmic examinations included best-corrected visual acuity, fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography, autofluorescence, and optical coherence tomography.

Results:

Two months after surgery, best-corrected visual acuity (Snellen equivalent) improved from 20/200 to 20/100. At 6 months, best-corrected visual acuity further increased to 20/40 and the reading ability, which was absent preoperatively, improved to J2. Visual results were maintained after 2.5 years and no recurrence of choroidal neovascularization was observed.

Conclusion:

Transplantation of a full-thickness patch of retinal pigment epithelium and choroid under the fovea may be considered to prevent retinal atrophy with significant visual improvement in the case of a low active choroidal neovascularization secondary to angioid streaks. Moreover, preoperative optical coherence tomography might guide in highlighting those patients in whom the outer retinal layers are still visible as the best candidate for surgery.
Engaging Direct Care Providers in Improving Infection Prevention and Control Practices Using Participatory Visual Methods
Authors: Backman Chantal , Bruce Natalie , Marck Patricia , Vanderloo Saskia
Published: December 2015

The purpose of this quality improvement project was to determine the feasibility of using provider-led participatory visual methods to scrutinize 4 hospital units' infection prevention and control practices. Methods included provider-led photo walkabouts, photo elicitation sessions, and postimprovement photo walkabouts. Nurses readily engaged in using the methods to examine and improve their units' practices and reorganize their work environment.
What kind of maternal effects are selected for in fluctuating environments?
Authors: Proulx S. R. , Teotónio H.
Published: December 2015

Adaptation to temporally fluctuating environments can be achieved through evolution of fixed genetic effects, by phenotypic plasticity (either developmental plasticity or trans-generational plasticity), or by randomizing offspring phenotypes (often called diversifying bet-hedging). Theory has long held that plasticity can evolve when information about the future environment is reliable while bet-hedging can evolve when mixtures of phenotypes have high average fitness (leading to low among generation variance in fitness). To date, no study has studied the evolutionary routes that lead to the evolution of randomized offspring phenotypes on the one hand or deterministic maternal effects on the other. We develop simple, yet general, models of the evolution of maternal effects and are able to directly compare selection for deterministic and randomizing maternal effects and can also incorporate the notion of differential maternal costs of producing offspring with alternative phenotypes. We find that only a small set of parameters allow bet hedging type strategies to outcompete deterministic maternal effects. Not only must there be little or no informative cues available, but also the frequency with which different environments are present must fall within a narrow range. By contrast, when we consider the joint evolution of the maternal strategy and the set of offspring phenotypes we find that deterministic maternal effects can always invade the ancestral state (lacking any form of maternal effect). The long-term ESS may, however, involve some form of offspring randomization, but only if the phenotypes evolve extreme differences in environment-specific fitness. Overall we conclude that deterministic maternal effects are much more likely to evolve than offspring randomization, and offspring randomization will only be maintained if it results in extreme differences in environment-specific fitness.