bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optical and magnetic properties of Co-doped ZnO nanoparticles and the onset of ferromagnetic order
Authors: Castro T. J. , Rodrigues P. A. M. , Oliveira A. C. , Nakagomi F. , Mantilla J. , Coaquira J. A. H. , Franco Júnior A. , Pessoni H. V. S. , Morais P. C. , da Silva S. W.
Published: January 2017

In this study, we report on the optical and magnetic properties of Co-doped ZnO nanoparticles with increasing Co-content (CoxZn1−xO; x = 0.000, 0.005, 0.010, 0.030, 0.050, 0.070, and 0.100) synthesized by the combustion reaction method. The X-ray diffraction patterns and the Raman spectra of all samples indicated the formation of the ZnO hexagonal wurtzite phase (space group C46V). The Raman data also show the formation of a secondary Co3O4 phase, which is barely seen in the X-ray spectra. Photoacoustic spectroscopy and electron paramagnetic resonance confirm the presence of the two phases (CoxZn1−xO and Co3O4). Vibrating sample magnetometer measurements performed at room temperature exhibited hysteresis loops, indicating the presence of long-range magnetic ordering in the samples. Analysis of the magnetization as a function of magnetic field and temperature shows that the ferromagnetism in the as-synthesized samples comes from small Co-metallic inclusions, with an estimated radius of about 4.8 nm and blocking temperature around 595 K.
Tunable quasi-monochromatic near-field radiative heat transfer in s and p polarizations by a hyperbolic metamaterial layer
Authors: Ikeda Taro , Ito Kota , Iizuka Hideo
Published: January 2017

The spectra of thermal radiation have been controlled for thermophotovoltaics and mid-infrared light sources, and the spectral heat flux has been shown to exceed the blackbody limit by utilizing near-field coupling. We show that a hyperbolic metamaterial layer enables quasi-monochromatic near-field radiative heat transfer between a metallic emitter and a dielectric receiver. The quasi-monochromatic transfer originates from the Fabry-Perot resonance in the hyperbolic layer, where evanescent waves in the vacuum gap become propagative. The Fabry-Perot resonance is excited in s and p polarizations, and the resonant condition is almost independent of the lateral wavenumber due to the large effective parallel permittivity of the hyperbolic metamaterial. The resonant frequency is tuned by the volume filling fraction and the thickness of the layer, while the frequency misalignment between polarizations is kept small. Furthermore, the resonant frequency is shown to be robust to the fluctuation of the gap width and the refractive index of the receiver dielectrics. The hyperbolic metamaterial layer is applied to near-field thermophotovoltaic energy generation, and both the power output and the efficiency are enhanced simultaneously. Numerical simulation reveals that the hyperbolic metamaterial layer can be realized by a hexagonal cylinder array.
Fabrication and stabilization of silicon-based photonic crystals with tuned morphology for multi-band optical filtering
Authors: Salem Mohamed Shaker , Abdelaleem Asmaa Mohamed , El-Gamal Abear Abdullah , Amin Mohamed
Published: January 2017

One-dimensional silicon-based photonic crystals are formed by the electrochemical anodization of silicon substrates in hydrofluoric acid-based solution using an appropriate current density profile. In order to create a multi-band optical filter, two fabrication approaches are compared and discussed. The first approach utilizes a current profile composed of a linear combination of sinusoidal current waveforms having different frequencies. The individual frequency of the waveform maps to a characteristic stop band in the reflectance spectrum. The stopbands of the optical filter created by the second approach, on the other hand, are controlled by stacking multiple porous silicon rugate multilayers having different fabrication conditions. The morphology of the resulting optical filters is tuned by controlling the electrolyte composition and the type of the silicon substrate. The reduction of sidelobes arising from the interference in the multilayers is observed by applying an index matching current profile to the anodizing current waveform. In order to stabilize the resulting optical filters against natural oxidation, atomic layer deposition of silicon dioxide on the pore wall is employed.
Hidden structures of information transport underlying spiral wave dynamics
Authors: Ashikaga Hiroshi , James Ryan G.
Published: January 2017

A spiral wave is a macroscopic dynamics of excitable media that plays an important role in several distinct systems, including the Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction, seizures in the brain, and lethal arrhythmia in the heart. Because the spiral wave dynamics can exhibit a wide spectrum of behaviors, its precise quantification can be challenging. Here we present a hybrid geometric and information-theoretic approach to quantifying the spiral wave dynamics. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach by applying it to numerical simulations of a two-dimensional excitable medium with different numbers and spatial patterns of spiral waves. We show that, by defining the information flow over the excitable medium, hidden coherent structures emerge that effectively quantify the information transport underlying the spiral wave dynamics. Most importantly, we find that some coherent structures become more clearly defined over a longer observation period. These findings provide validity with our approach to quantitatively characterize the spiral wave dynamics by focusing on information transport. Our approach is computationally efficient and is applicable to many excitable media of interest in distinct physical, chemical, and biological systems. Our approach could ultimately contribute to an improved therapy of clinical conditions such as seizures and cardiac arrhythmia by identifying potential targets of interventional therapies.
Determination of the radiative efficiency of GaN-based light-emitting diodes via bias dependent resonant photoluminescence
Authors: Mounir Christian , Schwarz Ulrich T.
Published: January 2017

We report a method to determine the radiative efficiency (ηrad) of GaN-based light-emitting diodes using excitation density and bias dependent room temperature photoluminescence (PL) measurements selectively exciting the active region. Considering carrier escape by tunnelling out of the active region, we extrapolate the generation rate of charge carriers from photocurrent measurements under reverse bias. A model describing the recombination of carriers including phase-space filling is then fitted to excitation density dependent PL data obtained under forward bias to extract ηrad. Results show that ηrad vs. carrier density is asymmetric around its maximum due to phase-space filling.
Pressure-induced fcc to hcp phase transition in Ni-based high entropy solid solution alloys
Authors: Zhang F. X. , Zhao Shijun , Jin Ke , Bei H. , Popov D. , Park Changyong , Neuefeind J. C. , Weber W. J. , Zhang Yanwen
Published: January 2017

A pressure-induced phase transition from the fcc to a hexagonal close-packed (hcp) structure was found in NiCoCrFe solid solution alloy starting at 13.5 GPa. The phase transition is very sluggish and the transition did not complete at ∼40 GPa. The hcp structure is quenchable to ambient pressure. Only a very small amount (<5%) of hcp phase was found in the isostructural NiCoCr ternary alloy up to the pressure of 45 GPa and no obvious hcp phase was found in NiCoCrFePd system till to 74 GPa. Ab initio Gibbs free energy calculations indicated the energy differences between the fcc and the hcp phases for the three alloys are very small, but they are sensitive to temperature. The critical transition pressure in NiCoCrFe varies from ∼1 GPa at room temperature to ∼6 GPa at 500 K.
Densification of a-IGZO with low-temperature annealing for flexible electronics applications
Authors: Troughton J. G. , Downs P. , Price R. , Atkinson D.
Published: January 2017

Amorphous InGaZnO (a-IGZO) thin-film transistors are a leading contender for active channel materials in next generation flat panel displays and flexible electronics. Improved electronic functionality has been linked to the increased density of a-IGZO, and while much work has looked at high-temperature processes, studies at temperatures compatible with flexible substrates are needed. Here, compositional and structural analyses show that short term, low-temperature annealing (<6 h) can increase the density of sputtered a-IGZO by up to 5.6% for temperatures below 300 °C, which is expected to improve the transistor performance, while annealing for longer times leads to a subsequent decrease in density due to oxygen absorption.
Patterning of two-dimensional electron systems in SrTiO3 based heterostructures using a CeO2 template
Authors: Fuchs D. , Wolff K. , Schäfer R. , Thelen R. , Le Tacon M. , Schneider R.
Published: January 2017

Two-dimensional electron systems found at the interface of SrTiO3-based oxide heterostructures often display anisotropic electric transport whose origin is currently under debate. To characterize transport along specific crystallographic directions, we developed a hard-mask patterning routine based on an amorphous CeO2 template layer. The technique allows preparing well-defined microbridges by conventional ultraviolet photolithography which, in comparison to standard techniques such as ion- or wet-chemical etching, does not induce any degradation of interfacial conductance. The patterning scheme is described in detail and the successful production of microbridges based on amorphous Al2O3-SrTiO3 heterostructures is demonstrated. Significant anisotropic transport is observed for T < 30 K which is mainly related to impurity/defect scattering of charge carriers in these heterostructures.
Mathematical operations for acoustic signals based on layered labyrinthine metasurfaces
Authors: Zuo Shu-Yu , Wei Qi , Cheng Ying , Liu Xiao-Jun
Published: January 2017

Acoustic devices such as acoustic diodes, switches, and logic gates can manipulate acoustic signals extraordinarily and show potential in acoustic engineering. However, pioneering works suffer from the limitations of simple functionality, high losses, and geometrical complexity. Here, we present an acoustic analog computing system based on acoustic metasurfaces constructed from layered labyrinthine metamaterials. The system can perform complex mathematical operations, such as spatial differentiation, integration, and convolution on acoustic signals. The proposed system offers a practical, efficient, and flexible solution of designing compact devices for acoustic computing applications, signal processing, and acoustic wave manipulations.
PWM inverter-excited iron loss characteristics of a reactor core
Authors: Yao Atsushi , Tsukada Kouhei , Odawara Shunya , Fujisaki Keisuke , Shindo Yuji , Yoshikawa Naoki , Yoshitake Tetsuma
Published: January 2017

In this paper, we focus on an evaluation of iron losses in a reactor core under pulse width modulation (PWM) inverter excitation. We examine the inverter- and sinusoidal-fed iron losses of the reactor core through both experiments and numerical simulations. The proposed measurement includes operation at a higher frequency than is used commercially. We discuss the building factor (BF) of reactor losses under PWM inverter and sinusoidal excitations based on material iron losses measured in a ring specimen. The BF calculation based on inverter-fed tests is an almost constant value because the magnetic flux density distributions related to the carrier frequency mostly do not depend on the reactor gaps.
Carl-Gustaf Rossby: Theorist, institution builder, bon vivant
Authors: Fleming James R.
Published: January 2017

Best known for discovering the planetary waves that now bear his name, the Swede was arguably the most influential and innovative meteorologist of the 20th century.
Kamifusen, the self-inflating Japanese paper balloon
Authors: Fukumori Ichiro
Published: January 2017

Unlike a rubber balloon, a kamifusen has a hole left open to the surrounding air. So why doesn’t it collapse when you bat it around?
A clean fight: environmental management strategies to drive growth, efficiency and competition in CSG
Authors: Manners Toby
Published: January 2017

During the past 12 months, operators in LNG–CSG have had little option but to purely focus on cost efficiencies to remain profitable after the oil price crash of 2014 (Macdonald-Smith, 2015). This is set to continue with oil hovering around the $40 per barrel price mark, and as more CSG projects transition into operations in the next five years, an alternative approach to operating must be explored to further promote competitiveness and long-term sustainability in this volatile market (Cassidy and Kosev, 2015).
The purpose of this paper is to critically analyse an approach to CSG operations that considers environmental aspects as an effective alternative in addressing the range of operational challenges to improve economic outcomes for operators. Essentially, the approach highlights opportunities to improve yields and further reduce costs along the gas extraction/processing value chain while meeting the critical compliance checklist in CSG.
This paper outlines the key hallmarks of an effective adaptive environmental management approach from well site to water treatment operations. It then turns to consider each of the key components that make up this approach, including the role of leadership, contracting strategies, asset management methodologies, treatment technologies, effective remediation and recovery management, and the benefits that efficient operations deliver to surrounding communities.
This paper also examines key case studies that are delivering substantial savings for CSG operations in the Bowen and Surat basins. These case studies share a similar theme in their intention to generate and implement improvements in efficiency and value delivered by effective water and environmental management, each within their own context.
Brain enlargement and dental reduction were not linked in hominin evolution
Authors: Gómez-Robles Aida , Smaers Jeroen B. , Holloway Ralph L. , Polly P. David , Wood Bernard A.
Published: January 2017

Significance

The evolution of the brain and of posterior teeth seem to follow parallel trends in hominins. Larger brain size is associated with reduced premolars and molars, but this association is not observed in all hominin species. We have evaluated this association in a quantitative way by measuring lineage-specific rates of dental and cerebral evolution in the different branches of the hominin evolutionary tree. Our results show that different species evolved at different rates and that brain evolution in early
Homo
was faster than dental evolution. This result points to different ecological and behavioral factors influencing the evolution of hominin teeth and brains.
Contribution of propriospinal neurons to recovery of hand dexterity after corticospinal tract lesions in monkeys
Authors: Tohyama Takamichi , Kinoshita Masaharu , Kobayashi Kenta , Isa Kaoru , Watanabe Dai , Kobayashi Kazuto , Liu Meigen , Isa Tadashi
Published: January 2017

Significance

There are different views about the targets of regenerative therapies to induce functional recovery in patients with motor paralysis following brain and spinal cord injury: whether we should aim at repairing the injured corticospinal tract or at facilitating compensation by other descending motor pathways. To help answer this question, we used double viral vectors to reversibly and selectively block the propriospinal neurons (PNs), one of the major intercalated neurons mediating cortical commands to motoneurons, in monkeys with partial spinal cord injury. We demonstrated causal roles of the PN-mediated pathway in promoting recovery of hand dexterity after the lesion. Thus, targeting the PNs might lead to developing effective treatment to facilitate recovery after spinal cord injury.
On-demand high-capacity ride-sharing via dynamic trip-vehicle assignment
Authors: Alonso-Mora Javier , Samaranayake Samitha , Wallar Alex , Frazzoli Emilio , Rus Daniela
Published: January 2017

Significance

Ride-sharing services can provide not only a very personalized mobility experience but also ensure efficiency and sustainability via large-scale ride pooling. Large-scale ride-sharing requires mathematical models and algorithms that can match large groups of riders to a fleet of shared vehicles in real time, a task not fully addressed by current solutions. We present a highly scalable anytime optimal algorithm and experimentally validate its performance using New York City taxi data and a shared vehicle fleet with passenger capacities of up to ten. Our results show that 2,000 vehicles (15% of the taxi fleet) of capacity 10 or 3,000 of capacity 4 can serve 98% of the demand within a mean waiting time of 2.8 min and mean trip delay of 3.5 min.
Tbx20 controls the expression of the
KCNH2
gene and of hERG channels
Authors: Caballero Ricardo , Utrilla Raquel G. , Amorós Irene , Matamoros Marcos , Pérez-Hernández Marta , Tinaquero David , Alfayate Silvia , Nieto-Marín Paloma , Guerrero-Serna Guadalupe , Liu Qing-hua , Ramos-Mondragón Roberto , Ponce-Balbuena Daniela , Herron Todd , Campbell Katherine F. , Filgueiras-Rama David , Peinado Rafael , López-Sendón José L. , Jalife José , Delpón Eva , Tamargo Juan
Published: January 2017

Significance

Tbx20 is a transcription factor whose critical role in cardiogenesis is well-established. Here we functionally analyzed the electrophysiological effects produced by a mutation (p.R311C) in Tbx20 found in some affected individuals belonging to a family with long QT syndrome (an inherited cardiac arrhythmia due to delayed ventricular repolarization). We demonstrated that Tbx20 selectively increases the expression of
KCNH2
, which encodes for the channel Kv11.1 (hERG) that generates the main ventricular repolarizing current. Conversely, the p.R311C mutation disables the Tbx20 protranscriptional activity over
KCNH2
, leading to a decrease in the hERG current and a prolongation of the action potentials recorded in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes. Therefore, we propose that Tbx20, besides its described role, regulates
KCNH2
expression.
Imaging individual neurons in the retinal ganglion cell layer of the living eye
Authors: Rossi Ethan A. , Granger Charles E. , Sharma Robin , Yang Qiang , Saito Kenichi , Schwarz Christina , Walters Sarah , Nozato Koji , Zhang Jie , Kawakami Tomoaki , Fischer William , Latchney Lisa R. , Hunter Jennifer J. , Chung Mina M. , Williams David R.
Published: January 2017

Significance

Retinal ganglion cells are the primary output neurons of the retina that process visual information and transmit it to the brain. We developed a method to reveal these cells in the living eye that does not require the fluorescent labels or high light levels that characterize more invasive methods. The death of these cells causes vision loss in glaucoma, the second leading cause of blindness worldwide. The ability to image these cells in the living eye could accelerate our understanding of their role in normal vision and provide a diagnostic tool for evaluating new therapies for retinal disease.
Statistical mechanical model of gas adsorption in porous crystals with dynamic moieties
Authors: Simon Cory M. , Braun Efrem , Carraro Carlo , Smit Berend
Published: January 2017

Significance

Some nanoporous, crystalline materials possess dynamic/flexible constituents, for example, a ligand that can rotate. Much like the induced-fit model of enzyme–substrate binding in biology, these dynamic moieties often change conformation when gas molecules adsorb. Such flexible constituents may endow nanoporous materials with enhanced properties for gas storage and separations, chemical sensing, drug delivery, and catalysis. We developed and solved a statistical mechanical model of gas adsorption in a porous material with a rotating ligand that is shared between cages. Our model contributes a more intimate understanding of gas adsorption in nanoporous materials with moving parts and lends insights into how to harness these dynamic constituents for adsorption-based processes.
Stochastic initiation and termination of calcium-mediated triggered activity in cardiac myocytes
Authors: Song Zhen , Qu Zhilin , Karma Alain
Published: January 2017

Significance

A normal heart cell behaves dynamically as an excitable element that generates a nonlinear electrical impulse in response to a suprathreshold current stimulus. However, under pathological conditions, cardiac myocytes can self-generate their own impulses after a normal excitation. This rogue behavior, known as triggered activity, can cause arrhythmias. However, how it is initiated and terminated is not fundamentally understood. We demonstrate computationally that initiation and termination are random events. Moreover, we elucidate the statistical properties of spontaneous Ca
2+
release from intracellular stores that dictate the probability of those events and link fundamentally stochasticity at the ion channel and whole-cell levels. Our results provide mechanistic insights into cardiac arrhythmogenesis and highlight important differences between Ca
2+
dynamics in cardiac myocytes and other eukaryotic cells.
GAS6 is a key homeostatic immunological regulator of host–commensal interactions in the oral mucosa
Authors: Nassar Maria , Tabib Yaara , Capucha Tal , Mizraji Gabriel , Nir Tsipora , Pevsner-Fischer Meirav , Zilberman-Schapira Gili , Heyman Oded , Nussbaum Gabriel , Bercovier Herve , Wilensky Asaf , Elinav Eran , Burstyn-Cohen Tal , Hovav Avi-Hai
Published: January 2017

Significance

Understanding the mechanisms by which the immune system and local microorganisms coexist in the oral cavity is important, as disruption of this delicate balance could cause oral and systemic diseases. We revealed that growth arrest specific 6 (GAS6), a ligand of the TYRO3–AXL–MERTK signaling system, plays a critical role in this process. Upon birth, microorganisms residing in the oral cavity induce expression of GAS6 in oral tissues; GAS6 in turn regulates antibacterial function in these tissues. We also found that GAS6 expressed by cells of the immune system further contributes to its regulatory role in oral tissues. Collectively, this work proposes that GAS6 restrains the immune response in the oral cavity to maintain coexistence with favorable microorganisms residing within the oral cavity.
Insights into the lifestyle of uncultured bacterial natural product factories associated with marine sponges
Authors: Lackner Gerald , Peters Eike Edzard , Helfrich Eric J. N. , Piel Jörn
Published: January 2017

Significance

The candidate genus “
Candidatus
Entotheonella” belongs to a recently proposed bacterial candidate phylum with largely unknown properties due to the lack of cultivated members. Among the few known biological properties is an association of
Ca
. Entotheonella with marine sponges and an extraordinarily rich genomic potential for bioactive natural products with unique structures and unprecedented biosynthetic enzymology. Increasing evidence suggests that
Ca
. Entotheonella are widespread key producers of sponge natural products with a chemical richness comparable to soil actinomycetes. Given the unusual biology and exceptional pharmacological potential of
Ca
. Entotheonella, the bioinformatic and functional insights into their lifestyle presented here provide diverse avenues for marine natural product research, biotechnology, and microbial ecology.
Glucocorticoid receptor in T cells mediates protection from autoimmunity in pregnancy
Authors: Engler Jan Broder , Kursawe Nina , Solano María Emilia , Patas Kostas , Wehrmann Sabine , Heckmann Nina , Lühder Fred , Reichardt Holger M. , Arck Petra Clara , Gold Stefan M. , Friese Manuel A.
Published: January 2017

Significance

Reproduction in placental mammals relies on potent control of the mother’s immune system to not attack the developing fetus. As a bystander effect, pregnancy also potently suppresses the activity of the autoimmune disease multiple sclerosis (MS). Here, we report that T cells are able to directly sense progesterone via their glucocorticoid receptor (GR), resulting in an enrichment of regulatory T cells (Tregs). By using an MS animal model, we found that the presence of the GR in T cells is essential to increase Tregs and confer the protective effect of pregnancy, but not for maintaining the pregnancy itself. Better understanding of this tolerogenic pathway might yield more specific therapeutic means to steer the immunological balance in transplantation, cancer, and autoimmunity.
Forkhead box a2 (FOXA2) is essential for uterine function and fertility
Authors: Kelleher Andrew M. , Peng Wang , Pru James K. , Pru Cindy A. , DeMayo Francesco J. , Spencer Thomas E.
Published: January 2017

Significance

These studies define biological roles for Forkhead box a2 (FOXA2) and glands of the uterus in female reproduction and fertility. FOXA2 is a critical regulator of uterine gland development in the neonate as well as of differentiated gland function in the adult uterus. Our findings provide clear in vivo evidence that FOXA2 regulates uterine expression of Leukemia inhibitory factor (Lif) for blastocyst implantation and that uterine glands play active roles in stromal cell decidualization and placental development. These findings support the idea that pregnancy loss and complications in women may have their origin in uterine gland dysfunction.
Characterization of cytopathic factors through genome-wide analysis of the Zika viral proteins in fission yeast
Authors: Li Ge , Poulsen Melissa , Fenyvuesvolgyi Csaba , Yashiroda Yoko , Yoshida Minoru , Simard J. Marc , Gallo Robert C. , Zhao Richard Y.
Published: January 2017

Significance

The Zika virus (ZIKV) causes various neurologic defects including microcephaly and the Guillain-Barré syndrome. However, little is known about how ZIKV causes those diseases or which viral protein(s) is responsible for the observed cytopathic effects involved in restricted neuronal cellular growth, dysregulation of the cell cycle, and induction of cell hypertrophy or cell death. A genome-wide analysis of ZIKV proteins and peptides was conducted using fission yeast as a surrogate host. Seven ZIKV proteins conferred various cytopathic effects in which NS4A-induced cellular hypertrophy and growth restriction were mediated through the target of rapamycin (TOR) cellular stress-response pathway. These findings provide a foundation for identifying viral pathogenicity factors associated with the ZIKV diseases.
Resolution of single and double Holliday junction recombination intermediates by GEN1
Authors: Shah Punatar Rajvee , Martin Maria Jose , Wyatt Haley D. M. , Chan Ying Wai , West Stephen C.
Published: January 2017

Significance

Holliday junction resolvases are required for the resolution of recombination intermediates to ensure proper chromosome segregation at mitosis. In human cells, the GEN1 protein, a member of the XPG/Rad2 family of structure-selective endonucleases, is specialized for the cleavage of Holliday junction recombination intermediates. Here, we show that GEN1 cuts DNA substrates containing single or double Holliday junctions to generate cross-over or noncross-over recombination products. In contrast to the bacterial Holliday junction resolvase, RuvC, which prefers to cut junctions at the sequence 5′-
A
/
T
TT
G
/
C
 - 3′, GEN1 shows only weak sequence specificity.
MYH9 binds to lncRNA gene
PTCSC2
and regulates
FOXE1
in the 9q22 thyroid cancer risk locus
Authors: Wang Yanqiang , He Huiling , Li Wei , Phay John , Shen Rulong , Yu Lianbo , Hancioglu Baris , de la Chapelle Albert
Published: January 2017

Significance

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common endocrine cancer and displays strong heritability. So far, the most significant known predisposing variant is rs965513 in 9q22. Although a long noncoding RNA, papillary thyroid cancer susceptibility candidate 2 (
PTCSC2
), has been characterized in this locus, its mode of action in the carcinogenetic process is unknown. Here, we identify myosin-9 (MYH9) as a binding protein of
PTCSC2
that regulates the bidirectional promoter shared by
PTCSC2
and forkhead box E1 (
FOXE1
).
PTCSC2
can rescue the promoter inhibition caused by MYH9. The p53 pathway is profoundly affected by the inhibition of
FOXE1
. Our study discovers fundamental roles for
PTCSC2
, MYH9, and
FOXE1
in thyroid cancer and provides a description of the regulatory mechanism.
Courage, cowardice, and Maher’s misstep
Authors: Kyle Brent G.
Published: January 2017

Could a Nazi soldier or terrorist be courageous? The Courage Problem asks us to answer this sort of question, and then to explain why people are reluctant to give this answer. The present paper sheds new light on the Courage Problem by examining a controversy sparked by Bill Maher, who claimed that the 9/11 terrorists’ acts were ‘not cowardly.’ It is shown that Maher’s controversy is fundamentally related to the Courage Problem. Then, a unified solution to both problems is provided. This solution entails that gutsy people who lack good ends are not courageous.
Bacillus subtilis iolU encodes an additional NADP+-dependent scyllo-inositol dehydrogenase
Authors: Kang Dong-Min , Tanaka Kosei , Takenaka Shinji , Ishikawa Shu , Yoshida Ken-ichi
Published: January 2017

Bacillus subtilis genes iolG, iolW, iolX, ntdC, yfiI, yrbE, yteT, and yulF belong to the Gfo/Idh/MocA family. The functions of iolG, iolW, iolX, and ntdC are known; however, the functions of the others are unknown. We previously reported the B. subtilis cell factory simultaneously overexpressing iolG and iolW to achieve bioconversion of myo-inositol (MI) into scyllo-inositol (SI). YulF shares a significant similarity with IolW, the NADP+-dependent SI dehydrogenase. Transcriptional abundance of yulF did not correlate to that of iol genes involved in inositol metabolism. However, when yulF was overexpressed instead of iolW in the B. subtilis cell factory, SI was produced from MI, suggesting a similar function to iolW. In addition, we demonstrated that recombinant His6-tagged YulF converted scyllo-inosose into SI in an NADPH-dependent manner. We have thus identified yulF encoding an additional NADP+-dependent SI dehydrogenase, which we propose to rename iolU.
The Use of Meta-Analysis to Compare and Select Offender Risk Instruments: A Commentary on Singh, Grann, and Fazel (2011)
Authors: Williams Kevin M. , Wormith J. Stephen , Bonta James , Sitarenios Gill
Published: January 2017

Criminal justice researchers and agencies often look to empirical reviews and meta-analyses when evaluating offender risk instruments. However, variations in meta-analytical methods can influence the interpretation of statistical findings, resulting in potentially misleading conclusions. Through our re-examination of a meta-analysis by Singh, Grann, and Fazel ( 2011 ), we outline common methodological problems that may occur and demonstrate how alternative interpretations might be derived. We conclude by providing recommendations for conducting meta-analyses. Suggestions are made for researchers to consider alternative strategies when examining the validity of risk instruments, and for correctional agencies to consider, but go beyond, predictive validity when selecting offender risk instruments.
Dissection of SAP-dependent and SAP-independent SLAM family signaling in NKT cell development and humoral immunity
Authors: Chen Shasha , Cai Chenxu , Li Zehua , Liu Guangao , Wang Yuande , Blonska Marzenna , Li Dan , Du Juan , Lin Xin , Yang Meixiang , Dong Zhongjun
Published: January 2017

Signaling lymphocytic activation molecule (SLAM)–associated protein (SAP) mutations in X-linked lymphoproliferative disease (XLP) lead to defective NKT cell development and impaired humoral immunity. Because of the redundancy of SLAM family receptors (SFRs) and the complexity of SAP actions, how SFRs and SAP mediate these processes remains elusive. Here, we examined NKT cell development and humoral immunity in mice completely deficient in SFR. We found that SFR deficiency severely impaired NKT cell development. In contrast to SAP deficiency, SFR deficiency caused no apparent defect in follicular helper T (TFH) cell differentiation. Intriguingly, the deletion of SFRs completely rescued the severe defect in TFH cell generation caused by SAP deficiency, whereas SFR deletion had a minimal effect on the defective NKT cell development in SAP-deficient mice. These findings suggest that SAP-dependent activating SFR signaling is essential for NKT cell selection; however, SFR signaling is inhibitory in SAP-deficient TFH cells. Thus, our current study revises our understanding of the mechanisms underlying T cell defects in patients with XLP.
phyloSkeleton: taxon selection, data retrieval and marker identification for phylogenomics
Authors: Guy Lionel
Published: January 2017

With the wealth of available genome sequences, a difficult and tedious part of inferring phylogenomic trees is now to select genomes with an appropriate taxon density in the different parts of the tree. The package described here offers tools to easily select the most representative organisms, following a set of simple rules based on taxonomy and assembly quality, to retrieve the genomes from public databases (NCBI, JGI), to annotate them if necessary, to identify given markers in these, and to prepare files for multiple sequence alignment.

Availability and Implementation

phyloSkeleton is a Perl module and is freely available under GPLv3 at https://bitbucket.org/lionelguy/phyloskeleton/.
Progress and directions in low-cost redox-flow batteries for large-scale energy storage
Authors: Li Bin , Liu Jun
Published: January 2017

Compared to lithium-ion batteries, redox-flow batteries have attracted widespread attention for long-duration, large-scale energy-storage applications. This review focuses on current and future directions to address one of the most significant challenges in energy storage: reducing the cost of redox-flow battery systems. A high priority is developing aqueous systems with low-cost materials and high-solubility redox chemistries. Highly water-soluble inorganic redox couples are important for developing technologies that can provide high energy densities and low-cost storage. There is also great potential to rationally design organic redox molecules and fine-tune their properties for both aqueous and non-aqueous systems. While many new concepts begin to blur the boundary between traditional batteries and redox-flow batteries, breakthroughs in identifying/developing membranes and separators and in controlling side reactions on electrode surfaces also are needed.
A Suite of Receptor-Like Kinases and a Putative Mechano-Sensitive Channel Are Involved in Autoimmunity and Plasma Membrane–Based Defenses in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zhang Zhongqin , Tateda Chika , Jiang Shang-Chuan , Shrestha Jay , Jelenska Joanna , Speed DeQuantarius J. , Greenberg Jean T.
Published: January 2017

In plants, cell surface pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) provide a first line of defense against pathogens. Although each PRR recognizes a specific ligand, they share common signaling outputs, such as callose and other cell wall–based defenses. Several PRRs are also important for callose induction in response to the defense signal salicylic acid (SA). The extent to which common components are needed for PRR signaling outputs is not known. The gain-of-function Arabidopsis mutant of ACCELERATED CELL DEATH6 (ACD6) acd6-1 shows constitutive callose production that partially depends on PRRs. ACD6-1 (and ACD6) forms complexes with the PRR FLAGELLIN SENSING2, and ACD6 is needed for responses to several PRR ligands. Thus, ACD6-1 could serve as a probe to identify additional proteins important for PRR-mediated signaling. Candidate signaling proteins (CSPs), identified in our proteomic screen after immunoprecipitation of hemagglutinin (HA)-tagged ACD6-1, include several subfamilies of receptor-like kinase (RLK) proteins and a MECHANO-SENSITIVE CHANNEL OF SMALL CONDUCTANCE-LIKE 4 (MSL4). In acd6-1, CSPs contribute to autoimmunity. In wild type, CSPs are needed for defense against bacteria and callose responses to two or more microbial-derived patterns and an SA agonist. CSPs may function to either i) promote the assembly of signaling complexes, ii) regulate the output of known PRRs, or both.
Factors Influencing Mini-CEX Rater Judgments and Their Practical Implications: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Lee Victor , Brain Keira , Martin Jenepher
Published: January 2017

Purpose

At present, little is known about how mini-clinical evaluation exercise (mini-CEX) raters translate their observations into judgments and ratings. The authors of this systematic literature review aim both to identify the factors influencing mini-CEX rater judgments in the medical education setting and to translate these findings into practical implications for clinician assessors.

Method

The authors searched for internal and external factors influencing mini-CEX rater judgments in the medical education setting from 1980 to 2015 using the Ovid MEDLINE, PsycINFO, ERIC, PubMed, and Scopus databases. They extracted the following information from each study: country of origin, educational level, study design and setting, type of observation, occurrence of rater training, provision of feedback to the trainee, research question, and identified factors influencing rater judgments. The authors also conducted a quality assessment for each study.

Results

Seventeen articles met the inclusion criteria. The authors identified both internal and external factors that influence mini-CEX rater judgments. They subcategorized the internal factors into intrinsic rater factors, judgment-making factors (conceptualization, interpretation, attention, and impressions), and scoring factors (scoring integration and domain differentiation).

Conclusions

The current theories of rater-based judgment have not helped clinicians resolve the issues of rater idiosyncrasy, bias, gestalt, and conflicting contextual factors; therefore, the authors believe the most important solution is to increase the justification of rater judgments through the use of specific narrative and contextual comments, which are more informative for trainees. Finally, more real-world research is required to bridge the gap between the theory and practice of rater cognition.
The Political Future of Social Medicine: Reflections on Physicians as Activists
Authors: Geiger H. Jack
Published: January 2017

The academic discipline of social medicine has always had a political and policy advocacy component, in addition to its core functions of research and teaching. Its origins lie in the 18th and 19th centuries, in the work of Johann Peter Frank and Rudolph Virchow, among others. Virchow’s dictum that “politics is nothing else but medicine on a large scale” highlights that most social determinants of health are politically determined and shape population health. Yet despite intense epidemiological and sociological research on the social determinants of health, less attention has been paid to this political and policy dimension.

During the 1960s, the author and many other clinicians were directly involved in attempts to use health care institutions to foster structural change. However, the author argues that efforts to assist individual patients and more effectively manage their interactions with the health care system, as described in the articles in this issue’s special collection on “structural competency,” while worthy and useful, do not confront root causes. Going forward, efforts to effect structural change must take place outside the arena of the clinical encounter and involve interprofessional teams and collaborations with nongovernmental organizations. They should intervene directly on the structures that contribute to illness such as poor housing, income and wealth inequality, inferior education, racism and residential segregation, and toxic concentrations of extreme poverty in urban areas. Collectively, these efforts—within and outside the spheres of medicine—represent the real operative form of structural competency.
Changes in Primary Care Graduate Medical Education Are Not Correlated With Indicators of Need: Are States Missing an Opportunity to Strengthen Their Primary Care Workforce?
Authors: Coutinho Anastasia J. , Klink Kathleen , Wingrove Peter , Petterson Stephen , Phillips Robert L. , Bazemore Andrew
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Federal and state graduate medical education (GME) funding exceeds $15 billion annually. It is critical to understand mechanisms to align undergraduate medical education (UME) and GME to meet workforce needs. This study aimed to determine whether states’ primary care GME (PCGME) trainee growth correlates with indicators of need.

Method

Data from the American Medical Association Physician Masterfile, the Association of American Medical Colleges, the American Association of the Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine, and the U.S. Census were analyzed to determine how changes between 2002 and 2012 in PCGME trainees—a net primary care physician (PCP) production estimate—correlated with state need using three indicators: (1) PCP-to-population ratio, (2) change in UME graduates, and (3) population growth.

Results

Nationally, PCGME trainees declined by 7.1% from the net loss of 679 trainees (combined loss of 54 postgraduate year 1 trainees in internal medicine, family medicine, and pediatrics and addition of 625 fellowship trainees in those specialties). The median state PCGME decline was 2.7%. There was no correlation between the percent change in states’ PCGME trainees and PCP-to-population ratio (r = −0.06) or change in UME graduates (r = 0.17). Once adjusted for population growth, PCGME trainees declined by 15.3% nationally; the median state decline was 9.7%.

Conclusions

There is little relationship between PCGME trainee growth and state need indicators. States should capitalize on opportunities to create explicit linkages between UME, GME, and population need; strategically allocate Medicaid GME funds; and monitor the impact of workforce policies and training institution outputs.
Applications of Burow's Grafts in the Reconstruction of Mohs Micrographic Surgery Defects
Authors: Benoit Anastasia , Leach Brian C. , Cook Joel
Published: January 2017

BACKGROUND

Surgical defects in anatomically challenging locations, such as near free margins or crossing cosmetic subunits, may present reconstructive challenges to the dermatologic surgeon. For selected defects, Burow's grafts may produce functional and aesthetic results in a single operative session.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the applications of the Burow's graft technique for the repair of defects after Mohs micrographic surgery.

METHODS

An institutional review board–approved retrospective database review of surgical defects repaired with Burow's grafting after Mohs micrographic surgery at the Medical University of South Carolina was performed. The general technique of Burow's grafting is described, emphasizing proper graft sizing and direction of tension vectors. Varying anatomic locations and defect types are presented, with site-specific considerations and operative photographs.

RESULTS

Burow's grafting provides ideal color and textural match, preserves subunit boundaries, results in a compact single-site wound, and may avoid complications of alternate repair choices. The tension vectors produced in closing the graft's harvest site may be designed to prevent distortion of free margins. Burow's grafting may be combined with hinge flaps to repair deep or avascular defects.

CONCLUSION

Burow's grafts are reproducible, aesthetic, and useful reconstructive choices for a variety of surgical wounds.
PURTSCHER-LIKE RETINOPATHY ASSOCIATED WITH ADULT-ONSET STILL DISEASE
Authors: Yachoui Ralph
Published: January 2017

Purpose:

To describe clinical, laboratory, and funduscopic data of a patient presenting with newly diagnosed adult-onset Still disease and Purtscher-like retinopathy.

Methods:

Observational case report.

Patient:

A 43-year-old man presented with a 3-week history of daily high-spiking fever, diffuse arthralgia and myalgia, sore throat, and a transient nonpruritic maculopapular rash. Two weeks from the onset of his illness, he developed a gradual decrease in visual acuity in both eyes. Fundoscopic examination showed multiple areas of retinal whitening, discrete superficial retinal hemorrhages, and few characteristic Purtscher flecken in the left eye.

Results:

The patient was diagnosed with adult-onset Still disease. We used high-dose corticosteroid therapy with complete resolution of adult-onset Still disease, but it was ineffective for recovery of vision.

Conclusion:

Clinicians should be aware of Purtscher-like retinopathy as a severe ophthalmic complication of adult-onset Still disease.
Genotype Characterization of Group B Streptococcus Isolated From Infants With Invasive Diseases in South Korea
Authors: Kang Hyun Mi , Lee Hoan Jong , Lee Hyunju , Jo Dae Sun , Lee Hye Soo , Kim Taek Soo , Shin Jeong Hwan , Yun Ki Wook , Lee Bongjin , Choi Eun Hwa
Published: January 2017

Background:

Group B streptococcus (GBS) is one of the leading causes of invasive infections in infants. This study aimed to investigate the genotypic diversity of GBS causing invasive infections in infants and to observe the prevalence of the highly virulent clone in South Korea.

Methods:

Invasive strains of GBS were collected prospectively from infants admitted at 4 hospitals during 1995–2015. Serotype and multilocus sequence typing were determined. All isolates underwent polymerase chain reaction amplification to detect the presence of the hypervirulent GBS adhesin (hvgA) gene. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was done by E-test, and erythromycin resistance genes were detected using polymerase chain reaction amplification.

Results:

Among 98 GBS isolates collected, 14 sequence types (STs) were found; ST1 (20.4%), ST17 (19.4%) and ST19 (18.4%) were the most prevalent. The dominant serotype capsule expressed by ST1 was serotype V, ST17 and ST19 were all serotype III and ST23 was serotype Ia. hvgA gene was detected in 19.4% (n = 19) of the isolates; all were ST17, serotype III. A significant temporal trend of serotype III isolates was observed; as ST17 increased (P = 0.001) in proportion, ST19 decreased (P = 0.009). Erythromycin resistance was found in 42.9% (42/98); dominant strains were ermB-positive ST1 serotype V (n = 18/20, 90%), ermB-positive ST17 serotype III (n = 10/19, 52.6%) and ermA-positive ST335 serotype III (n = 7/7, 100%).

Conclusions:

The predominant STs causing invasive infections in South Korea were ST1, ST19 and ST17. Among serotype III isolates, an increase in proportion of the hypervirulent ST17 strains was observed. Erythromycin resistance was significantly associated with ST1.