bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
miR‐186 is decreased in aged brain and suppresses BACE1 expression
Authors: Kim Jaekwang , Yoon Hyejin , Chung Dah‐eun , Brown Jennifer L. , Belmonte Krystal C , Kim Jungsu
Published: December 2015

Accumulation of amyloid β (Aβ) in the brain is a key pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Because aging is the most prominent risk factor for AD, understanding the molecular changes during aging is likely to provide critical insights into AD pathogenesis. However, studies on the role of miRNAs in aging and AD pathogenesis have only recently been initiated. Identifying miRNAs dysregulated by the aging process in the brain may lead to novel understanding of molecular mechanisms of AD pathogenesis. Here, we identified that miR‐186 levels are gradually decreased in cortices of mouse brains during aging. In addition, we demonstrated that miR‐186 suppresses β‐site amyloid precursor protein‐cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) expression by directly targeting the 3′UTR of Bace1 mRNA in neuronal cells. In contrast, inhibition of endogenous miR‐186 significantly increased BACE1 levels in neuronal cells. Importantly, miR‐186 over‐expression significantly decreased Aβ level by suppressing BACE1 expression in cells expressing human pathogenic mutant amyloid precursor protein. Taken together, our data demonstrate that miR‐186 is a potent negative regulator of BACE1 in neuronal cells and it may be one of the molecular links between brain aging and the increased risk for AD during aging.

image

We identified that miR‐186 levels are gradually decreased in mouse cortices during aging. Furthermore, we demonstrated that miR‐186 is a novel negative regulator of beta‐site amyloid precursor protein‐cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) expression in neuronal cells. Therefore, we proposed that reduction in miR‐186 levels during aging may lead to the up‐regulation of BACE1 in the brain, thereby increasing a risk for Alzheimer's disease in aged individuals.

Read the Editorial Highlight for this article on page 308.
Adenosine A1 receptors control the metabolic recovery after hypoxia in rat hippocampal slices
Authors: Duarte João M. N. , Cunha Rodrigo A. , Carvalho Rui A.
Published: December 2015

Adenosine is a neuromodulator that protects neurons from hypoxia. This effect is attributed to the ability of adenosine A1 receptors (A1R) to inhibit excitatory synaptic transmission. However, A1R activation also protects non‐brain tissues from hypoxic insults by controlling metabolism. Thus, we now tested the hypothesis that A1R‐mediated neuroprotection after a hypoxic insult in superfused hippocampal slices also involves the control of neuronal and astrocytic metabolism. A 90‐min hypoxia insult increased lactate, alanine, and pyruvate levels and decreased energy charge (EC), phosphocreatine/creatine ratio, and glutamine content. These metabolic modifications were fully recovered after reoxygenation for 3 h. The presence of the A1R‐selective antagonist 1,3‐dipropyl‐8‐cyclopentylxanthine stimulated glycolysis, prevented the hypoxia‐induced decrease of EC, and increased the levels of GABA. A1R blockade further blunted the recovery of metabolism on reoxygenation after hypoxia, as typified by a sustained decreased EC and an increased mitochondrial metabolism, as confirmed by a greater [U‐13C]glucose oxidation through the tricarboxylic acid cycle. These results demonstrate that A1R blockade prevents the recovery of hypoxia‐induced metabolic alterations during reoxygenation, which indicates that the ability of A1R to control primary metabolism in the brain tissue may be a hitherto unrecognized mechanism of A1R‐mediated neuroprotection.

image

This study demonstrates that tonic activation of adenosine A1 receptors (A1R) plays an important role in the reoxygenation recovery of the metabolic alterations caused by transient hypoxia in rat hippocampal slices. This ability of A1R to inhibit neuronal metabolism may be a key mechanism by which adenosine affords neuroprotection upon acute hypoxia, thus preventing the long‐term impairment of neuronal circuits.
Region‐specific rapid regulation of aromatase activity in zebra finch brain
Authors: Comito Devon , Pradhan Devaleena S. , Karleen Branden J. , Schlinger Barney A.
Published: December 2015

Recent studies demonstrate that rapid modulation of the estrogen synthetic enzyme aromatase, regulates hypothalamic (HYP) estrogen production, and subsequent neurophysiology and reproductive behavior. In songbirds, in addition to expression in the HYP, aromatase is expressed at high levels in several brain regions notably in the hippocampus (HP) and caudomedial nidopallium (NCM), where estrogens affect learning and memory and auditory processing, respectively. Previous studies, largely in quail HYP, show that aromatase activity is acutely down‐regulated by Ca2+‐dependent phosphorylation. Here, using zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata), we ask if similar mechanisms are at work in the songbird HYP and if there are sex as well as regional differences in aromatase modulation. Using in vitro assays to measure activity in homogenates or in partially purified supernatants containing microsomes and synaptosomes of the HP, HYP, and NCM, we examined effects of Ca2+, Mg2+, ATP, NADPH, and an inhibitor of kinase activity. We report a rapid down‐regulation of aromatase activity in the presence of phosphorylating conditions across all three brain regions and both sexes. However, regional differences were seen in response to some phosphorylating factors, some of which were improved by partial purification of the homogenates. Furthermore, while low concentrations of ATP inhibited aromatase activity, unexpectedly, inhibition was no longer seen with high ATP concentrations. These results provide evidence for a regional and temporal specificity in the rapid modulation of aromatase activity that may bear on local neuroendocrine function.

image

Aromatase activity in male and female zebra finch hippocampus, hypothalamus, and caudomedial nidopallium is rapidly regulated by Ca2+‐dependent phosphorylation. Low ATP and Mg2+ decrease activity, whereas nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), high ATP, and inhibition of protein kinase C increase activity. Evidence suggests this may occur at the synapse. These results provide a mechanism for rapid regulation of behavior via brain estrogen synthesis.
TAXATION AND THE USER COST OF CAPITAL
Authors: Creedy John , Gemmell Norman
Published: December 2015

This paper provides a review of the concept of user cost and its determinants. Particular attention is given to the influence of taxation. The concept of user cost relates to the rental, the rate of return to capital, that arises in a profit maximizing situation in which further investment in capital produces no additional profit. This paper sets out in some detail the range of assumptions involved in obtaining alternative expressions for the user cost. The user cost refers to a before‐tax capital rental, the rate of return that ensures that the (after‐tax) cost of capital is equal to the post‐tax returns over its life. Hence, associated with the user cost measure is an effective marginal tax rate. This can differ substantially from the statutory marginal rate applicable to the investor. A related effective average tax rate is also defined.
Success Factors for Service Innovation: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Storey Chris , Cankurtaran Pinar , Papastathopoulou Paulina , Hultink Erik Jan
Published: December 2015

Service sectors form a considerable part of the world economy. Contrary to the logical assumption that service innovation research should represent a significant share of all innovation research, the vast majority of innovation studies focus on products as opposed to services. This research presents a meta‐analysis of the antecedents of service innovation performance conducted on 92 independent samples obtained from 114 articles published between 1989 and 2015. This research contributes to our understanding of service innovation in three major ways. First, this is the first meta‐analysis that specifically assesses the relative importance of antecedents of service innovation performance, while also pinpointing the differences in meta‐analytic findings between antecedents of service and product innovation performance. Although there are some universal success factors that transcend the boundaries between services and products, the presence of marked differences implies that it would be wrong to treat the development of new services and new products as the same. Second, the meta‐analysis demonstrates that the antecedents of service innovation performance are contingent on the sector context (i.e., explicit versus tacit services). Comparing results between products and services, and between tacit and explicit services, there appears to be a continuum where explicit services sit interstitial between tacit services on one side and products on the other. Third, the meta‐analysis compares and contrasts the antecedents of two dimensions of service innovation performance (i.e., commercial success and strategic competitive advantage). Previous meta‐analyses treated these two dependent variables collectively, which falls short of identifying issues that may affect management decisions when faced with different objectives. Additionally, this research investigates the effect of several other moderators (i.e., culture, unit of analysis, journal quality, and year of publication) on the relationships between the antecedents and service innovation performance. The results are discussed in relation to their implications for research and managerial practice.
The Effects of Water Insecurity and Emotional Distress on Civic Action for Improved Water Infrastructure in Rural South Africa
Authors: Bulled Nicola
Published: December 2015

The South African constitution ratifies water as a human right. Yet millions of citizens remain disconnected from the national water infrastructure. Drawing on data collected in 2013–2014 from women in northern South Africa, this study explores “water citizenship”—individual civic engagement related to improving water service provision. Literature indicates that water insecurity is associated with emotional distress and that water‐related emotional distress influences citizen engagement. I extend these lines of research by assessing the connection that water insecurity and emotional distress may collectively have with civic engagement to improve access to water infrastructure.
CRN13 candidate effectors from plant and animal eukaryotic pathogens are DNA‐binding proteins which trigger host DNA damage response
Authors: Ramirez‐Garcés Diana , Camborde Laurent , Pel Michiel J. C. , Jauneau Alain , Martinez Yves , Néant Isabelle , Leclerc Catherine , Moreau Marc , Dumas Bernard , Gaulin Elodie
Published: December 2015

To successfully colonize their host, pathogens produce effectors that can interfere with host cellular processes. Here we investigated the function of CRN13 candidate effectors produced by plant pathogenic oomycetes and detected in the genome of the amphibian pathogenic chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (BdCRN13).

When expressed in Nicotiana, AeCRN13, from the legume root pathogen Aphanomyces euteiches, increases the susceptibility of the leaves to the oomycete Phytophthora capsici. When transiently expressed in amphibians or plant cells, AeCRN13 and BdCRN13 localize to the cell nuclei, triggering aberrant cell development and eventually causing cell death.

Using Förster resonance energy transfer experiments in plant cells, we showed that both CRN13s interact with nuclear DNA and trigger plant DNA damage response (DDR). Mutating key amino acid residues in a predicted HNH‐like endonuclease motif abolished the interaction of AeCRN13 with DNA, the induction of DDR and the enhancement of Nicotiana susceptibility to P. capsici. Finally, H2AX phosphorylation, a marker of DNA damage, and enhanced expression of genes involved in the DDR were observed in A. euteiches‐infected Medicago truncatula roots.

These results show that CRN13 from plant and animal eukaryotic pathogens promotes host susceptibility by targeting nuclear DNA and inducing DDR.
Effects of Dietary Supplementation of β‐hydroxy‐β‐methylbutyrate on Sow Performance and mRNA Expression of Myogenic Markers in Skeletal Muscle of Neonatal Piglets
Authors: Wan HF , Zhu JT , Shen Y , Xiang X , Yin HJ , Fang ZF , Che LQ , Lin Y , Xu SY , Feng B , Wu D
Published: December 2015

Contents

The effects of dietary β‐hydroxy‐β‐methylbutyrate (HMB) supplementation during gestation on reproductive performance of sows and the mRNA expression of myogenic markers in skeletal muscle of neonatal pigs were determined. At day 35 of gestation, a total of 20 sows (Landrace × Yorkshire, at third parity) were randomly assigned to two groups, with each group receiving either a basal diet or the same diet supplemented with 4 g/day β‐hydroxy‐β‐methylbutyrate calcium (HMB‐Ca) until parturition. At parturition, the total and live litter size were not markedly different between treatments, however, the sows fed HMB diet had a decreased rate of stillborn piglets compared with the sows fed the control (CON) diets (p < 0.05). In addition, piglets from the sows fed HMB diet tended to have an increased birth weight (p = 0.08), and a reduced rate of low birth weight piglets (p = 0.05) compared with piglets from the CON sows. Nevertheless, lower feed intake during lactation was observed in the sows fed the HMB diet compared with those on the CON diet (p < 0.01). The relative weights of the longissimus dorsi (LD) and semitendinosus (ST) muscle were higher (p < 0.05) in neonatal pigs from the HMB than the CON sows. Furthermore, maternal HMB treatment increased the mRNA levels of the myogenic genes, including muscle regulatory factor‐4 (MRF4, p < 0.05), myogenic differentiation factor (MyoD) and insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1, p < 0.01). In conclusion, dietary HMB supplementation to sows at 4 g/day from day 35 of gestation to term significantly improves pregnancy outcomes and increases the expression of myogenic genes in skeletal muscle of neonatal piglets, but reduces feed intake of sows during lactation.
Involvement of Protein cAMP‐dependent Kinase, Phospholipase A2 and Phospholipase C in Sperm Acrosome Reaction of Chinchilla lanigera
Authors: Gramajo‐Bühler MC , Zelarayán L , Sánchez‐Toranzo G
Published: December 2015

Contents

The mechanisms involved in fertilization are the centre of attention in order to determine the conditions required to reproduce in vitro the events that take place in vivo, with special interest in endangered species. Previous data from mouse sperm, where acrosome reaction (AR) occurs more often in the interstitium of the cumulus oophorus, contribute to strengthen the use of progesterone as a physiological inducer of this process. We studied the participation of protein kinase A (PKA), phospholipases A2 and C (PLA2, PLC) in the AR induced by progesterone from Chinchilla epididymal spermatozoa. The addition of db‐cAMP to the incubation medium caused an increase of 58% in the AR, while the use of H89 (30 μm), a PKA inhibitor, reflected a decrease of 40% in the percentage of reacted gametes. The assays conducted with arachidonic acid showed a maximum increase of 23% in the AR. When gametes were pre‐incubated with PLA2 inhibitors, a dose‐dependent inhibitory effect was observed. The addition of phorbol12‐myristate13‐acetate (10 μm) revealed higher percentages of AR induction (60%). When PLC was inhibited with neomycin and U73122, a dose‐dependent decrease in AR percentages was observed. Combined inhibition of PKA, PLA2 and PLC, AR values similar to control were obtained. This work shows evidence, for the first time in Chinchilla, that progesterone activates the AC/cAMP/PKA system as well as sperm phospholipases and that these signalling pathways participate jointly and cooperatively in AR. These results contribute to the understanding of the complex regulation that is triggered in sperm after the effect of progesterone.
Effects of Temperature on In Vitro Short‐Term Storage of Sterlet Sturgeon (Acipenser Ruthenus) Ova
Authors: Linhart O , Shelton WL , Tučková V , Rodina M , Siddique MAM
Published: December 2015

Contents

Artificial propagation of sturgeons is becoming increasingly important for recovery efforts as well as for commercial production. Sterlet Acipenser ruthenus is a common Eurasian sturgeon with a small body size and one of the fastest reproductive cycles among the sturgeons. The practical question being addressed in this study was how long fertilization of ovulated eggs can be delayed without substantially reducing the hatching rate, and an ancillary question is under what' temperature conditions do eggs retain good quality. Broodstock were injected with homogenized carp pituitary extract (CPE); ovulated eggs from three females were allocated to various treatment groups for temperature storage (control, 7°C, 11°C, 15°C and 19°C) until fertilized. Storage times at the regulated temperatures prior to fertilization were for 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 h. After the selected storage times in ovarian fluid, eggs were fertilized and transferred to incubation cages and then they were counted. Three replicates were allocated to each storage period and temperature. Hatched larvae were counted at 7‐day post‐fertilization. We found that sterlet eggs do not need to be fertilized immediately after collection. Reasonably good quality was retained for several hours if temperature conditions are fairly cool and stable. Eggs retained good quality when stored at 7°C and 11°C for up to 10 h with 54.1 ± 2.9 to 69.9 ± 7.9% hatching success, but egg quality was significantly reduced after 5‐h storage at 19°C (p < 0.01) and 7.5‐h storage at 15°C (p < 0.05) compared to cooler temperatures. Uniform temperatures between 7°C and 11°C can be considered as appropriate for storage of eggs in ovarian fluid for up to 10 h. This information can have practical application to routine hatchery practice for acipenserids, as well as for certain research protocols.
Prevalence of blood eosinophilia in hospitalized patients with acute exacerbation of COPD
Authors: Hasegawa Kohei , Camargo Carlos A.
Published: December 2015

In this cohort of 3084 patients hospitalized for acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD), we found that 17% had blood eosinophilia (≥300 cells/μL); the use of an alternative cut‐off level (≥2%) demonstrated that 40% had elevated eosinophil count. Patients with eosinophilia had higher frequency of readmission for AECOPD during 1‐year follow‐up period. This is the first study to investigate the prevalence of eosinophilia among inpatients with AECOPD—the population with the highest morbidity and health‐care utilization.
Increased Levels of Interferon‐Inducible Protein 10 (IP‐10) in 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome
Authors: Aresvik D. M. , Lima K. , Øverland T. , Mollnes T. E. , Abrahamsen T. G.
Published: December 2015

The 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2 DS), also known as DiGeorge syndrome, is a genetic disorder with an estimated incidence of 1:4000 births. These patients may suffer from affection of many organ systems with cardiac malformations, thymic hypoplasia or aplasia, hypoparathyroidism, palate anomalies and psychiatric disorders being the most frequent. The incidence of autoimmune diseases is increased in older patients. The aim of the present study was to examine a cytokine profile in patients with 22q11.2 DS by measuring a broad spectrum of serum cytokines. Patients with a proven deletion of chromosome 22q11.2 (n = 55) and healthy individuals (n = 54) recruited from an age‐ and sex‐comparable group were included in the study. Serum levels of 27 cytokines, including chemokines and growth factors, were analysed using multiplex technology. Interferon‐inducible protein 10 (IP‐10) was also measured by ELISA to confirm the multiplex results. The 22q11.2 DS patients had distinctly and significantly raised levels of pro‐inflammatory and angiostatic chemokine IP‐10 (P < 0.001) compared to controls. The patients with congenital heart defects (n = 31) had significantly (P = 0.018) raised serum levels of IP‐10 compared to patients born without heart defects (n = 24). The other cytokines investigated were either not detectable or did not differ between patients and controls.
Specialization and the Survival of Self‐Help Organizations
Authors: Putnam Rankin Caddie , Archibald Matthew
Published: December 2015

This article examines the survival rates of 589 self‐help organizations in order to understand how self‐help niches, organizations specializing in biomedical, human services, and behavioral health, differentially impact longevity. Drawing on a study of the self‐help movement, we examine how the various mechanisms by which specialization impacts self‐help movement organizations' chances of survival. Extending the concepts of embeddedness, countervailing powers, and organizational specialization to self‐help organizations, we investigate how formal structures and professional alliances differentially promote longevity. Results show how formalization enhances self‐help organizations' longevity, and serves as a mechanism by which specialization impacts organizational viability. While formalization has a robust and beneficial impact on longevity, some professional linkages are negatively associated with survival and others are positively associated with it.
Latino Faces, Corporate Ties: Latino Advocacy Organizations and Their Board Membership
Authors: Perez Samantha L. , Murray Joshua
Published: December 2015

Although they have increased exponentially since the 1960s, social scientists know little about ethnic advocacy organizations. These nonprofits are important bridges between underresourced communities and mainstream funding organizations and their directors are established ethnic leaders. Sociologists study interlocking directorates—or shared board membership—to understand how organizations fit together within broader social networks. Network concepts, particularly the theory of institutional isomorphism, suggest that organizations are likely to be similar to the extent they are connected and operate within a common organizational field. We apply this logic to Latino advocacy organizations to examine the underlying source of cohesion across this ethnic field. We ask whether the organizations are tied by interlocking directorates of ethnic elites who sit on their boards of directors or if board members' common affiliation with other elite institutions creates the structural conditions that facilitate potential ideological or behavioral similarity. A social network analysis of five prominent Latino advocacy organizations reveals support for both hypotheses: Latino board members are both embedded in ethnic‐based networks and entrenched within elite organizational webs. This suggests that ethnic elites who sit on the boards of Latino advocacy organizations are also corporate elites, selected for the social capital they bring to these nonprofits.
Sebaceous adenitis and mural folliculitis in a cat responsive to topical fatty acid supplementation
Authors: Glos Katharina , von Bomhard Wolf , Bettenay Sonya , Mueller Ralf S.
Published: December 2015

Objective

To describe a case of feline sebaceous adenitis and mural folliculitis, and its successful treatment with topical fatty acids.

Animal

A 5‐year‐old, male castrated Norwegian Forest cat was presented with a progressive seborrhoeic dermatitis.

Methods

Clinical examination and histopathological examination of skin biopsies.

Results

There was severe, multifocal, lymphocytic mural folliculitis and perifollicular dermatitis, moderate hyperkeratosis and sebaceous adenitis on histopathology. Sebaceous glands were either absent or almost completely effaced by a dense lymphocytic infiltrate. Clinical signs began in spring on the face and neck and progressed over an 18 month period to involve the legs. Initially, topical and systemic antibacterial therapy for a mild bacterial overgrowth resulted in partial clinical response. There was no improvement with oral omega 6 fatty acids and surface cleaning. Treatment with a spot‐on product containing essential oils, smoothing agents and vitamin E as the sole therapy was associated with a good – but incomplete ‐ clinical response over a 6 month period, with hair regrowth and a marked decrease in seborrhoeic dermatitis. This improvement was sustained until 12 months later when a severe deep pyoderma with associated anorexia and depression occurred. This was symptomatically treated and the cat remained clinically stable for a further 18 months. Periocular and perinasal seborrhoea was a persistent feature.

Conclusion and clinical importance

Topical essential fatty acid therapy may offer a viable alternative to ciclosporin, which has been reported for the successful treatment of this rare disease in cats.
Ultrasound biomicroscopic study of the effects of topical latanoprost on the anterior segment and ciliary body thickness in dogs
Authors: Park Sangwan , Kang Seonmi , Lee Euiri , Kwak Jiyoon , Park Eunjin , Lim Jaegook , Seo Kangmoon
Published: December 2015

Objective

The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of topical latanoprost on the anterior segment and ciliary body using ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) in dogs.

Animals studied

This study included six eyes of six clinically normal beagles.

Procedures

UBM scans were performed on six sedated dogs before and 2 h after topical latanoprost instillation. From the next day on, latanoprost was topically applied twice daily for 7 days. After 1 week of instillation, the UBM scans were repeated. The ciliary body thickness (CBT) and the anterior segment parameters, including the iridocorneal angle (ICA), the width of the ciliary cleft (CC) entry, the length of the CC, and the width of the mid‐CC, were measured.

Results

The topical latanoprost decreased the ICA and CC entry width and increased the mid‐CC width without any significant alterations in the CC length. There were time‐dependent alterations in the CBT: a reduction in the CBT after 2 h of instillation and rebound thickening after 1 week of instillation.

Conclusions

The topical latanoprost widened the ciliary cleft despite the narrowing of the ICA and CC entry. Time‐dependent alterations in the CBT were demonstrated by the UBM and might be a reflection of the mechanism of the uveoscleral outflow enhancement induced by the topical latanoprost.
Public Perceptions of Pathogen Reduction Technology in the Canadian Donor Blood Supply
Authors: Gray N. , Newbold K. B. , Lane S. J. , Heddle N. M. , Webert K. , Eyles J.
Published: December 2015

Background

The safety of the donor blood supply has been a major public health concern to the Canadian public in the past. Multiple safety measures are in place to ensure its continued safety, including a risk‐based decision‐making process associated with blood‐borne pathogen transmission. Pathogen reduction technology (PRT) may provide such an approach by inactivating pathogens in donated blood to prevent spread to a blood transfusion recipient. To date, no research has assessed the Canadian public's opinions of PRT, which can aid in policy development and implementation strategies.

Study Design and Methods

This paper details the results of an email survey that was developed around awareness of blood system practices in Canada, opinions of PRT and health risk perceptions to the Canadian public. 1008 individuals from Ontario and Québec responded to the survey.

Results

Results indicated that there is a generally low reported knowledge of PRT amongst the Canadian public. Regression analysis revealed that education, employment and prior blood donation have an effect on awareness of PRT.

Conclusions

PRT is often met with mixed opinions. The majority of those surveyed agree with its use, yet many were hesitant about the chemical aspect. This also indicates minimal knowledge about PRT and may additionally be a result of the low perceived risk of blood transfusions to the Canadian public. An increase in public awareness around PRT risk may be beneficial in the future if this technology is to be implemented.
Low-temperature atomic layer deposition of TiO2 thin layers for the processing of memristive devices
Authors: Porro Samuele , Jasmin Alladin , Bejtka Katarzyna , Conti Daniele , Perrone Denis , Guastella Salvatore , Pirri Candido F. , Chiolerio Alessandro , Ricciardi Carlo
Published: December 2015

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) represents one of the most fundamental techniques capable of satisfying the strict technological requirements imposed by the rapidly evolving electronic components industry. The actual scaling trend is rapidly leading to the fabrication of nanoscaled devices able to overcome limits of the present microelectronic technology, of which the memristor is one of the principal candidates. Since their development in 2008, TiO2 thin film memristors have been identified as the future technology for resistive random access memories because of their numerous advantages in producing dense, low power-consuming, three-dimensional memory stacks. The typical features of ALD, such as self-limiting and conformal deposition without line-of-sight requirements, are strong assets for fabricating these nanosized devices. This work focuses on the realization of memristors based on low-temperature ALD TiO2 thin films. In this process, the oxide layer was directly grown on a polymeric photoresist, thus simplifying the fabrication procedure with a direct liftoff patterning instead of a complex dry etching process. The TiO2 thin films deposited in a temperature range of 120–230 °C were characterized via Raman spectroscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and electrical current–voltage measurements taken in voltage sweep mode were employed to confirm the existence of resistive switching behaviors typical of memristors. These measurements showed that these low-temperature devices exhibit an ON/OFF ratio comparable to that of a high-temperature memristor, thus exhibiting similar performances with respect to memory applications.
Nanopatterning process based on epitaxial masking for the fabrication of electronic and spintronic devices made of La0.67Sr0.33MnO3/LaAlO3/SrTiO3 heterostructures with in situ interfaces
Authors: Telesio Francesca , Pellegrino Luca , Pallecchi Ilaria , Marré Daniele , Esposito Emanuela , di Gennaro Emiliano , Khare Amit , Miletto Granozio Fabio
Published: December 2015

The fabrication of oxide electronics devices is presently hindered by the lack of standardized and well established patterning procedures, applicable down to the nanoscale. In this work, the authors propose a procedure to obtain patterns with resolution around 100 nm on (La,Sr)MnO3/LaAlO3/SrTiO3 heterostructures. Our method is based on a multistep technique, which includes wet and dry etching, epitaxial masking, and e-beam lithography. Our procedure is devised to define independent patterns on the interfacial two dimensional electron gas and on the metallic top electrode, while preserving an all-in situ approach for the heterostructure growth. The authors show results on nanoscale devices based on (La,Sr)MnO3/LaAlO3/SrTiO3, suitable for oxide spintronics applications.
Simulation of nucleation and growth of atomic layer deposition phosphorus for doping of advanced FinFETs
Authors: Seidel Thomas E. , Goldberg Alexander , Halls Mat D. , Current Michael I.
Published: December 2015

Simulations for the nucleation and growth of phosphorus films were carried out using density functional theory. The surface was represented by a Si9H12 truncated cluster surface model with 2 × 1-reconstructured (100) Si-OH terminations for the initial reaction sites. Chemistries included phosphorous halides (PF3, PCl3, and PBr3) and disilane (Si2H6). Atomic layer deposition (ALD) reaction sequences were illustrated with three-dimensional molecular models using sequential PF3 and Si2H6 reactions and featuring SiFH3 as a byproduct. Exothermic reaction pathways were developed for both nucleation and growth for a Si-OH surface. Energetically favorable reactions for the deposition of four phosphorus atoms including lateral P–P bonding were simulated. This paper suggests energetically favorable thermodynamic reactions for the growth of elemental phosphorus on (100) silicon. Phosphorus layers made by ALD are an option for doping advanced fin field-effect transistors (FinFETs). Phosphorus may be thermally diffused into the silicon or recoil knocked in; simulations of the recoil profile of phosphorus into a FinFET surface are illustrated.
Normal incidence acoustic insertion loss of perforated plates with bias flow
Authors: Phong Vincent , Papamoschou Dimitri
Published: December 2015

The transmission of sound at normal incidence through perforated plates with bias flow is investigated experimentally and theoretically over a large parameter space. A specially designed experimental apparatus enabled the measurement of insertion loss with bias flow Mach number up to 0.25. A theoretical model for insertion loss was constructed based on inviscid, one-dimensional wave propagation with mean flow through a single contraction/expansion chamber. The mass end correction of the contraction is modified for hole interaction effects and mean flow. Hydrodynamic losses are modeled using a vena contracta coefficient dependent on both perforation geometry and Reynolds number. Losses in acoustic energy that occur in the mixing region downstream of the perforations are modeled as fluctuations in entropy. The proposed model was validated experimentally over a range of plate thickness, porosity, and hole size. The experimental results indicate an increase in insertion loss with increasing frequency, followed by saturation and decline as resonant conditions are established in the perforations. The insertion loss at low frequency increases with increasing Mach number through the perforation. The proposed model captures these trends and its predictions are shown to be more accurate than those of past models.
Extraction and analysis of body-induced partials of guitar tones
Authors: Fréour Vincent , Gautier François , David Bertrand , Curtit Marthe
Published: December 2015

Guitar plucked sounds arise from a rapid input of energy applied to the string coupled to the instrument body at the bridge. For the radiated pressure, this results in quasi-harmonic contributions, reflecting the string modes coupled to the body, as well as some transient and quickly decaying components reflecting the excitation of the body modes of the instrument. In order to evaluate the relevance of this transient body sound, a high resolution analysis-synthesis method is described for the extraction of the body-mode contribution from the radiated pressure measured in the near field of the guitar top plate. This analysis scheme is first tested on synthesized signals. Some body-sound emergence indicators are then proposed and computed over a pool of instruments. The influence of the conditions of excitation on the body-sound emergence is investigated, and the instruments categorized according to these objective descriptors. Results show a larger range of body-sound emergence with variations of the plucking position in hand-made guitars compared to industrial instruments. This suggests that these particular hand-made instruments are more sensitive to variations in the control from the player and hence allow a wider range of timbres with respect to the transient coloration of the body modes.
On the modeling of visco-thermal dissipations in heterogeneous porous media
Authors: Chevillotte Fabien , Jaouen Luc , Bécot François-Xavier
Published: December 2015

Based on a modified equivalent fluid model, the present work proposes a composite model which analytically includes the shape of the inclusions, whether they are porous or not. This model enables to describe the acoustic behavior of a large range of media from perforated plates to arbitrarily shaped porous composites including configurations of porous inclusions in solid matrix or double porosity media. In addition, possible permeability interactions between the substrate material and the inclusions are accounted for.
Draft Genome Sequence of “
Candidatus
Bacteroides periocalifornicus,” a New Member of the
Bacteriodetes
Phylum Found within the Oral Microbiome of Periodontitis Patients
Authors: McLean Jeffrey S. , Liu Quanhui , Thompson John , Edlund Anna , Kelley Scott
Published: December 2015

Here we present the draft genome of a distantly related member within the phylum
Bacteriodetes
, “
Candidatus
Bacteroides
periocalifornicus
.” The draft genome sequence was assembled with metagenomic data from a patient with periodontitis. The closest relative has less than 68% average nucleic identity, supporting a novel family within
Bacteriodetes
.
Comparison of Multilocus Sequence Typing and the Xpert C. difficile/Epi Assay for Identification of Clostridium difficile 027/NAP1/BI
Authors: McMillen Tracy , Kamboj Mini , Babady N. Esther
Published: December 2015

Clostridium difficile
027/NAP1/BI is the most common
C. difficile
strain in the United States. The Xpert
C. difficile
/Epi assay allows rapid, presumptive identification of
C. difficile
NAP1. We compared Xpert
C. difficile
/Epi to multilocus sequence typing for identification of
C. difficile
NAP1 and found “very good” agreement at 97.9% (κ = 0.86; 95% confidence interval, 0.80 to 0.91).
Dual Role of Herpes Simplex Virus 1 pUS9 in Virus Anterograde Axonal Transport and Final Assembly in Growth Cones in Distal Axons
Authors: Miranda-Saksena Monica , Boadle Ross A. , Diefenbach Russell J. , Cunningham Anthony L.
Published: December 2015

The herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) envelope protein pUS9 plays an important role in virus anterograde axonal transport and spread from neuronal axons. In this study, we used both confocal microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to examine the role of pUS9 in the anterograde transport and assembly of HSV-1 in the distal axon of human and rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons using US9 deletion (US9
−
), repair (US9R), and wild-type (strain F, 17, and KOS) viruses. Using confocal microscopy and single and trichamber culture systems, we observed a reduction but not complete block in the anterograde axonal transport of capsids to distal axons as well as a marked (∼90%) reduction in virus spread from axons to Vero cells with the US9 deletion viruses. Axonal transport of glycoproteins (gC, gD, and gE) was unaffected. Using TEM, there was a marked reduction or absence of enveloped capsids, in varicosities and growth cones, in KOS strain and US9 deletion viruses, respectively. Capsids (40 to 75%) in varicosities and growth cones infected with strain 17, F, and US9 repair viruses were fully enveloped compared to less than 5% of capsids found in distal axons infected with the KOS strain virus (which also lacks pUS9) and still lower (<2%) with the US9 deletion viruses. Hence, there was a secondary defect in virus assembly in distal axons in the absence of pUS9 despite the presence of key envelope proteins. Overall, our study supports a dual role for pUS9, first in anterograde axonal transport and second in virus assembly in growth cones in distal axons.

IMPORTANCE
HSV-1 has evolved mechanisms for its efficient transport along sensory axons and subsequent spread from axons to epithelial cells after reactivation. In this study, we show that deletion of the envelope protein pUS9 leads to defects in virus transport along axons (partial defect) and in virus assembly and egress from growth cones (marked defect). Virus assembly and exit in the neuronal cell body are not impaired in the absence of pUS9. Thus, our findings indicate that pUS9 contributes to the overall HSV-1 anterograde axonal transport, including a major role in virus assembly at the axon terminus, which is not essential in the neuronal cell body. Overall, our data suggest that the process of virus assembly at the growth cones differs from that in the neuronal cell body and that HSV-1 has evolved different mechanisms for virus assembly and exit from different cellular compartments.
Structural Evolution of the Emerging 2014-2015 GII.17 Noroviruses
Authors: Singh Bishal Kumar , Koromyslova Anna , Hefele Lisa , Gürth Clara , Hansman Grant S.
Published: December 2015

Recent reports suggest that human genogroup II genotype 17 (GII.17) noroviruses are increasing in prevalence. We analyzed the evolutionary changes of three GII.17 capsid protruding (P) domains. We found that the GII.17 P domains had little cross-reactivity with antisera raised against the dominant GII.4 strains. X-ray structural analysis of GII.17 P domains from 2002 to 2014 and 2015 suggested that surface-exposed substitutions on the uppermost part of the P domain might have generated a novel 2014-2015 GII.17 variant.
In children 18 years and under, what promotes recurrent shoulder instability after traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation? A systematic review and meta-analysis of risk factors
Authors: Olds M , Donaldson K , Ellis R , Kersten P
Published: December 2015

Background

Skeletal maturity and age-related changes in the composition of the glenoid labrum and joint capsule may influence rates of recurrent instability in children. We systematically review risk factors which predispose children to recurrent shoulder instability.

Methods

The systematic review-concerned studies published before May 2015. Statistical analysis was undertaken to compare rates of recurrence for each extracted risk factor. Pooled ORs were analysed using random effects meta-analysis.

Results

6 retrospective cohort studies met the inclusion criteria. 8 risk factors were identified across the studies including age, sex, shoulder dominance and injury side, mechanism of injury, state of physis closure, and Hill-Sachs and Bankart lesions. The rate of recurrent instability was 73%. Children aged 14–18 years were 24 times more likely to experience recurrent instability than children aged 13 years and less (93% vs 40%; OR=24.14, 95% CI (3.71 to 156.99), Z=3.33, p=0.001, I2=6.83%). There was a non-significant trend indicating males were 3.4 times more likely to experience recurrent instability (OR=3.44, 95% CI (0.98 to 12.06), Z=1.93, p=0.053, I2=0%). Analysis of one study found that children with a closed physis are 14 times more likely to experience recurrent instability compared with those with an open physis (OR=14.0, 95% CI (1.46 to 134.25), Z=2.29, p=0.02, I2=0%) .

Conclusions

Male children aged 14 years and over had the greatest risk of recurrent shoulder instability following a first-time traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation. This meta-analysis summarises a mix of 6 acceptable and poor quality level III retrospective cohort studies. Further examination of this population with blinded prospective cohort studies will assist clinicians in the appropriate management of first-time traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation.
Clinician-friendly physical performance tests in athletes part 3: a systematic review of measurement properties and correlations to injury for tests in the upper extremity
Authors: Tarara Daniel T , Fogaca Lucas K , Taylor Jeffrey B , Hegedus Eric J
Published: December 2015

Objective

In parts 1 and 2 of this systematic review, the methodological quality as well as the quality of the measurement properties of physical performance tests (PPTs) of the lower extremity in athletes was assessed. In this study, part 3, PPTs of the upper extremity in athletes are examined.

Methods

Database and hand searches were conducted to identify primary literature addressing the use of upper extremity PPTs in athletes. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed and the Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) checklist was used to critique the methodological quality of each paper. The Terwee Scale was used to analyse the quality of the measurement properties of each test.

Results

11 articles that examined 6 PPTs were identified. The 6 PPTs were: closed kinetic chain upper extremity stability test (CKCUEST), seated shot put (2 hands), unilateral seated shot put, medicine ball throw, modified push-up test and 1-arm hop test. Best evidence synthesis provided moderate positive evidence for the CKCUEST and unilateral seated shot put. Limited positive evidence was available for the medicine ball throw and 1-arm hop test.

Conclusions

There are a limited number of upper extremity PPTs used as part of musculoskeletal screening examinations, or as outcome measures in athletic populations. The CKCUEST and unilateral seated shot put are 2 promising PPTs based on moderate evidence. However, the utility of the PPTs in injured populations is unsubstantiated in literature and warrants further investigation.
Does physical activity increase or decrease the risk of sickle cell disease complications?
Authors: Martin Cyril , Pialoux Vincent , Faes Camille , Charrin Emmanuelle , Skinner Sarah , Connes Philippe
Published: December 2015

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common inherited disease in the world. Red blood cell sickling, blood cell-endothelium adhesion, blood rheology abnormalities, intravascular haemolysis, and increased oxidative stress and inflammation contribute to the pathophysiology of SCD. Because acute intense exercise may alter these pathophysiological mechanisms, physical activity is usually contra-indicated in patients with SCD. However, recent studies in sickle-cell trait carriers and in a SCD mice model show that regular physical activity could decrease oxidative stress and inflammation, limit blood rheology alterations and increase nitric oxide metabolism. Therefore, supervised habitual physical activity may benefit patients with SCD. This article reviews the literature on the effects of acute and chronic exercise on the biological responses and clinical outcomes of patients with SCD.
Prevalence and differentials of overweight and obesity in preschool children in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Gebremedhin Samson
Published: December 2015

Objective

To determine the prevalence and differentials of overweight/obesity (body mass index (BMI)-for-age z-score >2) in preschool children in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

The study was conducted on the basis of the data of 26 Demographic and Health Surveys carried out in SSA since 2010.

Participants

The records of 155 726 children aged 0–59 months were included in the analysis.

Primary outcome

Overweight/obesity.

Results

The prevalence of overweight/obesity was 6.8% (95% CI 6.7% to 6.9%). Among the countries represented, higher figures were reported in Sierra Leone (16.9%), Comoros (15.9%) and Malawi (14.5%), whereas lower prevalence was found in Ethiopia (3.0%), Togo (2.6) and Senegal (2.0%). In 11 of the countries, overweight/obesity was more prevalent than wasting. It is estimated that in the whole subcontinent, 10.7 million children were affected by the problem. The prevalence of overweight/obesity was slightly higher in boys than in girls. Overweight/obesity was three times more frequent in stunted children than in normal children. The risk also significantly increased with increasing maternal BMI and birth weight and decreased with increasing maternal age, maternal education, child's age and number of siblings. On the other hand, no significant association was observed with national gross domestic product per capita, place of residence (urban–rural) and household wealth index.

Conclusion

Childhood overweight/obesity has become a sizeable problem in the subcontinent.