bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oral bisphosphonates and colorectal cancer
Authors: Vogtmann Emily , Corley Douglas A. , Almers Lucy M. , Cardwell Chris R. , Murray Liam J. , Abnet Christian C.
Published: March 2017

Use of oral bisphosphonates has been associated with a decreased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC), but the association may be related to residual confounding by healthy lifestyle or body mass index (BMI). Therefore, we conducted a prospective nested case-control study within the Kaiser Permanente, Northern California health system cohort. In total, 12,505 CRC cases were individually matched to 599,534 controls. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using conditional logistic regression models with adjustment for important covariates extracted from the database. Participants who had ever used oral bisphosphonates were less likely than non-users to be diagnosed with CRC (OR 0.82; 95% CI: 0.74, 0.89). Colon and rectum site-specific associations were similar to the overall association. A stronger inverse association for ever use of bisphosphonates was observed for men (OR 0.63; 95% CI: 0.47, 0.85), however when stratified by previous lower endoscopy, the association was only observed in the participants who did not have a previous lower endoscopy (OR 0.73 (0.64, 0.83)). In conclusion, we found that oral bisphosphonate use was associated with a decreased odds of CRC, however this association may be due to residual confounding by BMI or another confounder.
Infiltrated bunch of solitons in Bi-doped frequency-shifted feedback fibre laser operated at 1450 nm
Authors: Rissanen Joona , Korobko Dmitry A. , Zolotovsky Igor O. , Melkumov Mikhail , Khopin Vladimir F. , Gumenyuk Regina
Published: March 2017

Mode-locked fibre laser as a dissipative system is characterized by rich forms of soliton interaction, which take place via internal energy exchange through noisy background in the presence of dispersion and nonlinearity. The result of soliton interaction was either stationary-localized or chaotically-oscillated soliton complexes, which have been shown before as stand-alone in the cavity. Here we report on a new form of solitons complex observed in Bi-doped mode-locked fibre laser operated at 1450 nm. The solitons are arranged in two different group types contemporizing in the cavity: one pulse group propagates as bound solitons with fixed phase relation and interpulse position eventuated in 30 dB spectrum modulation depth; while the other pulses form a bunch with continuously and chaotically moving solitons. The article describes both experimental and theoretical considerations of this effect.
A high-density SNP genetic map consisting of a complete set of homologous groups in autohexaploid sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas)
Authors: Shirasawa Kenta , Tanaka Masaru , Takahata Yasuhiro , Ma Daifu , Cao Qinghe , Liu Qingchang , Zhai Hong , Kwak Sang-Soo , Cheol Jeong Jae , Yoon Ung-Han , Lee Hyeong-Un , Hirakawa Hideki , Isobe Sachiko
Published: March 2017

Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) is an autohexaploid species with 90 chromosomes (2n = 6x = 90) and a basic chromosome number of 15, and is therefore regarded as one of the most challenging species for high-density genetic map construction. Here, we used single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identified by double-digest restriction site-associated DNA sequencing based on next-generation sequencing technology to construct a map for sweetpotato. We then aligned the sequence reads onto the reference genome sequence of I. trifida, a likely diploid ancestor of sweetpotato, to detect SNPs. In addition, to simplify analysis of the complex genetic mode of autohexaploidy, we used an S1 mapping population derived from self-pollination of a single parent. As a result, 28,087 double-simplex SNPs showing a Mendelian segregation ratio in the S1 progeny could be mapped onto 96 linkage groups (LGs), covering a total distance of 33,020.4 cM. Based on the positions of the SNPs on the I. trifida genome, the LGs were classified into 15 groups, each with roughly six LGs and six small extra groups. The molecular genetic techniques used in this study are applicable to high-density mapping of other polyploid plant species, including important crops.
Multicolor emission from intermediate band semiconductor ZnO1−xSex
Authors: Welna M. , Baranowski M. , Linhart W. M. , Kudrawiec R. , Yu K. M. , Mayer M. , Walukiewicz W.
Published: March 2017

Photoluminescence and photomodulated reflectivity measurements of ZnOSe alloys are used to demonstrate a splitting of the valence band due to the band anticrossing interaction between localized Se states and the extended valence band states of the host ZnO matrix. A strong multiband emission associated with optical transitions from the conduction band to lower E− and upper E+ valence subbands has been observed at room temperature. The composition dependence of the optical transition energies is well explained by the electronic band structure calculated using the kp method combined with the band anticrossing model. The observation of the multiband emission is possible because of relatively long recombination lifetimes. Longer than 1 ns lifetimes for holes photoexcited to the lower valence subband offer a potential of using the alloy as an intermediate band semiconductor for solar power conversion applications.
Roles of vacuum tunnelling and contact mechanics in single-molecule thermopower
Authors: Tsutsui Makusu , Yokota Kazumichi , Morikawa Takanori , Taniguchi Masateru
Published: March 2017

Molecular junction is a chemically-defined nanostructure whose discrete electronic states are expected to render enhanced thermoelectric figure of merit suitable for energy-harvesting applications. Here, we report on geometrical dependence of thermoelectricity in metal-molecule-metal structures. We performed simultaneous measurements of the electrical conductance and thermovoltage of aromatic molecules having different anchoring groups at room temperature in vacuum. We elucidated the mutual contributions of vacuum tunnelling on thermoelectricity in the short molecular bridges. We also found stretching-induced thermoelectric voltage enhancement in thiol-linked single-molecule bridges along with absence of the pulling effects in diamine counterparts, thereby suggested that the electromechanical effect would be a rather universal phenomenon in Au-S anchored molecular junctions that undergo substantial metal-molecule contact elongation upon stretching. The present results provide a novel concept for molecular design to achieve high thermopower with single-molecule junctions.
Structural reorganization of the fungal endoplasmic reticulum upon induction of mycotoxin biosynthesis
Authors: Boenisch Marike Johanne , Broz Karen Lisa , Purvine Samuel Owen , Chrisler William Byron , Nicora Carrie Diana , Connolly Lanelle Reine , Freitag Michael , Baker Scott Edward , Kistler Harold Corby
Published: March 2017

Compartmentalization of metabolic pathways to particular organelles is a hallmark of eukaryotic cells. Knowledge of the development of organelles and attendant pathways under different metabolic states has been advanced by live cell imaging and organelle specific analysis. Nevertheless, relatively few studies have addressed the cellular localization of pathways for synthesis of fungal secondary metabolites, despite their importance as bioactive compounds with significance to medicine and agriculture. When triggered to produce sesquiterpene (trichothecene) mycotoxins, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of the phytopathogenic fungus Fusarium graminearum is reorganized both in vitro and in planta. Trichothecene biosynthetic enzymes accumulate in organized smooth ER with pronounced expansion at perinuclear- and peripheral positions. Fluorescence tagged trichothecene biosynthetic proteins co-localize with the modified ER as confirmed by co-fluorescence and co-purification with known ER proteins. We hypothesize that changes to the fungal ER represent a conserved process in specialized eukaryotic cells such as in mammalian hepatocytes and B-cells.
NLRX1 accelerates cisplatin-induced ototoxity in HEI-OC1 cells via promoting generation of ROS and activation of JNK signaling pathway
Authors: Yin Haiyan , Sun Gaoying , Yang Qianqian , Chen Chen , Qi Qi , Wang Haibo , Li Jianfeng
Published: March 2017

Nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich-repeat-containing family member X1 (NLRX1), located in mitochondria, can recognize cytoplasmic pattern recognition receptors and is tightly related to reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mitochondrial function, apoptosis and inflammation. The present study was designed to explore whether NLRX1 expresses in HEI-OC1 cells and, if so, to investigate the possible correlations between NLRX1 and cisplatin-induced ototoxity in vitro. Here, we report that NLRX1 was specifically localized to mitochondria in the cytoplasm of HEI-OC1 cells and its expression was increased concurrent with the increase of ROS production and occurrence of apoptosis in HEI-OC1 cells in response to cisplatin stimulus. NLRX1 overexpression led to a higher apoptosis in HEI-OC1 cells treated with cisplatin, whereas, NLRX silencing decreased cisplatin induced apoptosis. Mechanistic studies showed that NLRX1 activated mitochondrial apoptosis pathway as well as promoted ROS generation and JNK activation. Either inhibition of ROS generation or JNK signaling significantly prevented NLRX1-mediated mitochondrial apoptosis in HEI-OC1cells. In addition, NLRX1 expression was confirmed in cochlear explants. The findings from this work reveal that NLRX1 sensitizes HEI-OC1 cells to cisplatin-induced apoptosis via activation of ROS/JNK signaling pathway, suggesting that NLRX1 acts as an important regulator of the cisplatin-elicited ototoxity.
Double-Wall Carbon Nanotube Hybrid Mode-Locker in Tm-doped Fibre Laser: A Novel Mechanism for Robust Bound-State Solitons Generation
Authors: Chernysheva Maria , Bednyakova Anastasia , Al Araimi Mohammed , Howe Richard C. T. , Hu Guohua , Hasan Tawfique , Gambetta Alessio , Galzerano Gianluca , Rümmeli Mark , Rozhin Aleksey
Published: March 2017

The complex nonlinear dynamics of mode-locked fibre lasers, including a broad variety of dissipative structures and self-organization effects, have drawn significant research interest. Around the 2 μm band, conventional saturable absorbers (SAs) possess small modulation depth and slow relaxation time and, therefore, are incapable of ensuring complex inter-pulse dynamics and bound-state soliton generation. We present observation of multi-soliton complex generation in mode-locked thulium (Tm)-doped fibre laser, using double-wall carbon nanotubes (DWNT-SA) and nonlinear polarisation evolution (NPE). The rigid structure of DWNTs ensures high modulation depth (64%), fast relaxation (1.25 ps) and high thermal damage threshold. This enables formation of 560-fs soliton pulses; two-soliton bound-state with 560 fs pulse duration and 1.37 ps separation; and singlet+doublet soliton structures with 1.8 ps duration and 6 ps separation. Numerical simulations based on the vectorial nonlinear Schr¨odinger equation demonstrate a transition from single-pulse to two-soliton bound-states generation. The results imply that DWNTs are an excellent SA for the formation of steady single- and multi-soliton structures around 2 μm region, which could not be supported by single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). The combination of the potential bandwidth resource around 2 μm with the soliton molecule concept for encoding two bits of data per clock period opens exciting opportunities for data-carrying capacity enhancement.
Distinct enhancement of sub-bandgap photoresponse through intermediate band in high dose implanted ZnTe:O alloys
Authors: Li Jing , Ye Jiandong , Ren Fangfang , Tang Dongming , Yang Yi , Tang Kun , Gu Shulin , Zhang Rong , Zheng Youdou
Published: March 2017

The demand for high efficiency intermediate band (IB) solar cells is driving efforts in producing high quality IB photovoltaic materials. Here, we demonstrate ZnTe:O highly mismatched alloys synthesized by high dose ion implantation and pulsed laser melting exhibiting optically active IB states and efficient sub-gap photoresponse, as well as investigate the effect of pulsed laser melting on the structural and optical recovery in detail. The structural evolution and vibrational dynamics indicates a significant structural recovery of ZnTe:O alloys by liquid phase epitaxy during pulsed laser melting process, but laser irradiation also aggravates the segregation of Te in ZnTe:O alloys. A distinct intermediate band located at 1.8 eV above valence band is optically activated as evidenced by photoluminescence, absorption and photoresponse characteristics. The carrier dynamics indicates that carriers in the IB electronic states have a relatively long lifetime, which is beneficial for the fast separation of carriers excited by photons with sub-gap energy and thus the improved overall conversion efficiency. The reproducible capability of implantation and laser annealing at selective area enable the realization of high efficient lateral junction solar cells, which can ensure extreme light trapping and efficient charge separation.
Carnosine Attenuates the Development of both Type 2 Diabetes and Diabetic Nephropathy in BTBR ob/ob Mice
Authors: Albrecht Thomas , Schilperoort Maaike , Zhang Shiqi , Braun Jana D. , Qiu Jiedong , Rodriguez Angelica , Pastene Diego O. , Krämer Bernhard K. , Köppel Hannes , Baelde Hans , de Heer Emile , Anna Altomare Alessandra , Regazzoni Luca , Denisi Alessandra , Aldini Giancarlo , van den Born Jacob , Yard Benito A. , Hauske Sibylle J.
Published: March 2017

We previously demonstrated that polymorphisms in the carnosinase-1 gene (CNDP1) determine the risk of nephropathy in type 2 diabetic patients. Carnosine, the substrate of the enzyme encoded by this gene, is considered renoprotective and could possibly be used to treat diabetic nephropathy (DN). In this study, we examined the effect of carnosine treatment in vivo in BTBR (Black and Tan, BRachyuric) ob/ob mice, a type 2 diabetes model which develops a phenotype that closely resembles advanced human DN. Treatment of BTBR ob/ob mice with 4 mM carnosine for 18 weeks reduced plasma glucose and HbA1c, concomitant with elevated insulin and C-peptide levels. Also, albuminuria and kidney weights were reduced in carnosine-treated mice, which showed less glomerular hypertrophy due to a decrease in the surface area of Bowman’s capsule and space. Carnosine treatment restored the glomerular ultrastructure without affecting podocyte number, resulted in a modified molecular composition of the expanded mesangial matrix and led to the formation of carnosine-acrolein adducts. Our results demonstrate that treatment with carnosine improves glucose metabolism, albuminuria and pathology in BTBR ob/ob mice. Hence, carnosine could be a novel therapeutic strategy to treat patients with DN and/or be used to prevent DN in patients with diabetes.
An innovative application of time-domain spectroscopy on localized surface plasmon resonance sensing
Authors: Li Meng-Chi , Chang Ying-Feng , Wang Huai-Yi , Lin Yu-Xen , Kuo Chien-Cheng , Annie Ho Ja-an , Lee Cheng-Chung , Su Li-Chen
Published: March 2017

White-light scanning interferometry (WLSI) is often used to study the surface profiles and properties of thin films because the strength of the technique lies in its ability to provide fast and high resolution measurements. An innovative attempt is made in this paper to apply WLSI as a time-domain spectroscopic system for localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) sensing. A WLSI-based spectrometer is constructed with a breadboard of WLSI in combination with a spectral centroid algorithm for noise reduction and performance improvement. Experimentally, the WLSI-based spectrometer exhibits a limit of detection (LOD) of 1.2 × 10−3 refractive index units (RIU), which is better than that obtained with a conventional UV-Vis spectrometer, by resolving the LSPR peak shift. Finally, the bio-applicability of the proposed spectrometer was investigated using the rs242557 tau gene, an Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease biomarker. The LOD was calculated as 15 pM. These results demonstrate that the proposed WLSI-based spectrometer could become a sensitive time-domain spectroscopic biosensing platform.
Sodium periodate-mediated conjugation of harringtonine enabling the production of a highly specific monoclonal antibody, and the development of a sensitive quantitative analysis method
Authors: Sakamoto Seiichi , Yusakul Gorawit , Tsuneura Yumi , Putalun Waraporn , Usui Kazuteru , Miyamoto Tomofumi , Tanaka Hiroyuki , Morimoto Satoshi
Published: March 2017

Quantitative analysis of HT could be achieved by using MAb 1D2 produced by sodium periodate-mediated reaction between HT and BSA.
Structural analyses of isolated cyclic tetrapeptides with varying amino acid residues
Authors: Stamm A. , Maué D. , Schaly A. , Schlicher S. , Bartl J. , Kubik S. , Gerhards M.
Published: March 2017

Structural analyses of isolated cyclic tetrapeptides with varying amino acid residues were performed by applying combined IR/UV spectroscopy in the molecular beam and DFT calculations. The intrinsic structural properties especially with regard to the influence of different amino acid residues are fundamental for optimizing their binding ability.
DFT study on the interfacial properties of vertical and in-plane BiOI/BiOIO3hetero-structures
Authors: Dai Wen-Wu , Zhao Zong-Yan
Published: March 2017

Composite photocatalysts with hetero-structures usually favor the effective separation of photo-generated carriers.
Porous membranes in secondary battery technologies
Authors: Lu Wenjing , Yuan Zhizhang , Zhao Yuyue , Zhang Hongzhang , Zhang Huamin , Li Xianfeng
Published: March 2017

The research and development of porous membranes for secondary battery technologies were reviewed and summarized.
Hydroxide-bridged dicopper complexes: the influence of secondary coordination sphere on structure and catecholase activity
Authors: Bansal Deepak , Gupta Rajeev
Published: March 2017

This work illustrates the syntheses, structures and catecholase activities of dicopper(ii) complexes having a Cu(μ-OH)Cu core encased within a secondary coordination sphere intricately created by appended heterocyclic rings.
Towards a classification strategy for complex nanostructures
Authors: Castagnola V. , Cookman J. , de Araújo J. M. , Polo E. , Cai Q. , Silveira C. P. , Krpetić Ž. , Yan Y. , Boselli L. , Dawson K. A.
Published: March 2017

The range of possible nanostructures is so large and continuously growing, that collating and unifying the knowledge connected to them, including their biological activity, is a major challenge.
Copper-catalyzed propargylation of diborylmethane
Authors: Li Feng , Zhang Zhen-Qi , Lu Xi , Xiao Bin , Fu Yao
Published: March 2017

A Cu/PPh3-catalyzed propargylic substitution reaction of diborylmethane is reported.
Toward steric control of guest binding modality: a cationic Co(ii) complex exhibiting cation binding and zero-field relaxation
Authors: Ozumerzifon Tarik J. , Bhowmick Indrani , Spaller William C. , Rappé Anthony K. , Shores Matthew P.
Published: March 2017

A cationic Co(ii) complex shows slow magnetic relaxation in zero field and cation binding properties; computations support distortion-driven magnetic anisotropy.
Infrared spectra of HSCS+, c-HSCS, and HCS2−produced on electron bombardment of CS2in solid para-hydrogen
Authors: Tsuge Masashi , Lee Yuan-Pern
Published: March 2017

We report infrared spectra of HSCS+,c-HSCS, HCS2−, and other species produced on electron bombardment of a mixture of CS2andpara-hydrogen during deposition at 3.2 K.
Nuclear dynamics and phase polymorphism in solid formic acid
Authors: Krzystyniak Maciej , Drużbicki Kacper , Romanelli Giovanni , Gutmann Matthias J. , Rudić Svemir , Imberti Silvia , Fernandez-Alonso Felix
Published: March 2017

Neutron experiments and simulations solve the formic acid puzzle.
Synthesis, structure, and magnetic properties of new layered phosphate halides Sr2Cu5(PO4)4X2·8H2O (X = Cl, Br) with a crown-like building unit
Authors: Qiu Chaoqun , He Zhangzhen , Cui Meiyan , Tang Yingying , Chen Sihuai
Published: March 2017

New compounds Sr2Cu5(PO4)4X2·8H2O (X = Cl and Br) are synthesized by a conventional hydrothermal method, showing a layered structure with a crown-like building unit.
Embedding 1D or 2D cobalt–carboxylate substrates in 3D coordination polymers exhibiting slow magnetic relaxation behaviors: crystal structures, high-field EPR, and magnetic studies
Authors: Mao Nannan , Zhang Biquan , Yu Fan , Chen Xi , Zhuang Gui-lin , Wang Zhenxing , Ouyang Zhongwen , Zhang Tianle , Li Bao
Published: March 2017

A novel 3D coordination polymer containing 2D cobalt–carboxylate layer had been constructed, exhibiting slow magnetic relaxation.
Crystalline magnesium chloride–electron donor complexes: new support materials for Ziegler–Natta catalysts
Authors: Nissinen V. H. , Koshevoy I. O. , Pakkanen T. T.
Published: March 2017

Chelating oxygen and nitrogen donor ligands (1,2-dimethoxyethane, 1,3-dimethoxypropane, andN,N′-diethylethylenediamine) are found to dictate the crystal structure formation of MgCl2, the important support component of a polymerization catalyst.
Ethylene polymerization catalyzed by bridging Ni/Zn heterobimetallics
Authors: Chiu Hsin-Chun , Koley Arijit , Dunn Peter L. , Hue Ryan J. , Tonks Ian A.
Published: March 2017

The effect of proximal Zn halides on Ni-catalyzed ethylene polymerization is reported in this work.
A second-order nonlinear optical material with a 5-fold interpenetrating diamondoid framework based on two achiral precursors: spontaneous resolution to absolute chiral induction
Authors: Shi Zhenzhen , Qin Ling , Zheng Hegen
Published: March 2017

A pair of enantiomeric Zn(ii) complexes have been synthesized through spontaneous resolution. Fortunately, the handedness of bulk crystals can be controlled by using a chiral induction agent. Notably, they display strong SHG response.
Guidelines to design organic electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries: environmental impact, physicochemical and electrochemical properties
Authors: Flamme Benjamin , Rodriguez Garcia Gonzalo , Weil Marcel , Haddad Mansour , Phansavath Phannarath , Ratovelomanana-Vidal Virginie , Chagnes Alexandre
Published: March 2017

Electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) have been put aside for too long because much efforts have been done on electrode materials.
Correction: Enzyme-triggered compound release using functionalized antimicrobial peptide derivatives
Authors: Mizukami Shin , Kashibe Masayoshi , Matsumoto Kengo , Hori Yuichiro , Kikuchi Kazuya
Published: March 2017

Correction for ‘Enzyme-triggered compound release using functionalized antimicrobial peptide derivatives’ by Shin Mizukami et al., Chem. Sci., 2017, DOI: 10.1039/c6sc04435b.
Entanglement and correlation functions of the quantum Motzkin spin-chain
Authors: Movassagh Ramis
Published: March 2017

We present exact results on the exactly solvable spin chain of Bravyi et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 109, 207202 (2012)]. This model is a spin one chain and has a Hamiltonian that is local and translationally invariant in the bulk. It has a unique (frustration free) ground state with an energy gap that is polynomially small in the system’s size (2n). The half-chain entanglement entropy of the ground state is 12logn+const.[Bravyi et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 109, 207202 (2012)]. Here we first write the Hamiltonian in the standard spin-basis representation. We prove that at zero temperature, the magnetization is along the z-direction, i.e., ⟨sx⟩=⟨sy⟩=0 (everywhere on the chain). We then analytically calculate ⟨sz⟩ and the two-point correlation functions of sz. By analytically diagonalizing the reduced density matrices, we calculate the Schmidt rank, von Neumann, and Rényi entanglement entropies for the following: 1. Any partition of the chain into two pieces (not necessarily in the middle) and 2. L consecutive spins centered in the middle. Further, we identify entanglement Hamiltonians (Eqs. (49) and (59)). We prove a small lemma (Lemma (1)) on the combinatorics of lattice paths using the reflection principle to relate and calculate the Motzkin walk “height” to spin expected values. We also calculate the, closely related (scaled), correlation functions of Brownian excursions. The known features of this model are summarized in a table in Sec. I.
Techniques for precise energy calibration of particle pixel detectors
Authors: Kroupa M. , Campbell-Ricketts T. , Bahadori A. , Empl A.
Published: March 2017

We demonstrate techniques to improve the accuracy of the energy calibration of Timepix pixel detectors, used for the measurement of energetic particles. The typical signal from such particles spreads among many pixels due to charge sharing effects. As a consequence, the deposited energy in each pixel cannot be reconstructed unless the detector is calibrated, limiting the usability of such signals for calibration. To avoid this shortcoming, we calibrate using low energy X-rays. However, charge sharing effects still occur, resulting in part of the energy being deposited in adjacent pixels and possibly lost. This systematic error in the calibration process results in an error of about 5% in the energy measurements of calibrated devices. We use FLUKA simulations to assess the magnitude of charge sharing effects, allowing a corrected energy calibration to be performed on several Timepix pixel detectors and resulting in substantial improvement in energy deposition measurements. Next, we address shortcomings in calibration associated with the huge range (from kiloelectron-volts to megaelectron-volts) of energy deposited per pixel which result in a nonlinear energy response over the full range. We introduce a new method to characterize the non-linear response of the Timepix detectors at high input energies. We demonstrate improvement using a broad range of particle types and energies, showing that the new method reduces the energy measurement errors, in some cases by more than 90%.
Effects of the interfacial charge injection properties of silver nanowire transparent conductive electrodes on the performance of organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Kim Jin-Hoon , Triambulo Ross E. , Park Jin-Woo
Published: March 2017

We investigated the charge injection properties of silver nanowire networks (AgNWs) in a composite-like structure with poly(2,3-dihydrothieno-1,4-dioxin)-poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS). The composite films acted as the anodes and hole transport layers (HTLs) in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). The current density (J)–voltage (V)–luminance (L) characteristics and power efficiency (ε) of the OLEDs were measured to determine their electrical and optical properties. The charge injection properties of the AgNWs in the OLEDs during operation were characterized via impedance spectroscopy (IS) by determining the variations in the capacitances (C) of the devices with respect to the applied V and the corresponding frequency (f). All measured results were compared with results for OLEDs fabricated on indium tin oxide (ITO) anodes. The OLEDs on AgNWs showed lower L and ε values than the OLEDs on ITO. It was also observed that AgNWs exhibit excellent charge injection properties and that the interfaces between the AgNWs and the HTL have very small charge injection barriers, resulting in an absence of charge carrier traps when charges move across these interfaces. However, in the AgNW-based OLED, there was a large mismatch in the number of injected holes and electrons. Furthermore, the highly conductive electrical paths of the AgNWs in the composite-like AgNW and PEDOT:PSS structure allowed a large leakage current of holes that did not participate in radiative recombination with the electrons; consequently, a lower ε was observed for the AgNW-based OLEDs than for the ITO-based OLEDs. To match the injection of electrons by the electron transport layer (ETL) in the AgNW-based OLED with that of holes by the AgNW/PEDOT:PSS composite anode, the electron injection barrier of the ETL was decreased by using the low work function polyethylenimine ethoxylated (PEIE) doped with n-type cesium carbonate (Cs2CO3). With the doped-PEIE, the performance of the AgNW-based OLED was significantly enhanced through the balanced injection of holes and electrons, which clearly verified our analysis results by IS.
Development of a planar-type high sensitivity metallic contaminant detector
Authors: Okabe Shunsuke , Sasada Ichiro
Published: March 2017

Metallic contaminant detectors based on the balanced coil system are widely used in the food industry. In the balanced coil system, an excitation coil and two identical pickup coils are used in a way that the magnetic coupling of pickup coils to the excitation coil is cancelled with each other when no metallic contaminants present. In a conventional system, the excitation coil and the pickup coil are planar and are parallel, therefore the magnetic coupling is strong even if there is no metallic contaminant. Such strong magnetic coupling makes balancing procedure tedious. In this paper, we introduce a new coil system in which pickup coils are set orthogonal to the excitation coil, making the magnetic coupling much small compared to conventional counterpart. Pickup coils are equipped with thin magnetic cores and placed inside the excitation coil being parallel to the excitation coil plane. The balancing method consists of two steps; the one is geometrical and the other is digital processing including down conversion. Experiments are carried out to show the detection capability of ferromagnetic contaminants and non-magnetic contaminants.
Allometry in the terminal velocity – dispersal architecture relationship explains variation in dispersal and offspring provisioning strategies in wind dispersed Asteraceae species
Authors: Tabassum Samiya , Bonser Stephen P.
Published: March 2017

Competition can simultaneously favour high dispersal ability (to transport offspring to more favourable habitats) and large seed size (to maximise offspring provisioning). In wind dispersed Asteraceae species, seeds are enclosed within an achene with hair-like projections from the achene form a pappus that acts as a parachute to aid in dispersal. There is potentially an allometric relationship between terminal velocity and pappus to achene volume ratio (dispersal architecture), with changes in dispersal architecture resulting in disproportionately high or low impacts on terminal velocity. We tested the hypothesis that competition induces shifts in dispersal architecture depending on the allometric relationship between terminal velocity and dispersal architecture. We estimated dispersal architecture of diaspores from seven wind dispersed Asteraceae species from environments with low and high neighbour densities. We also estimated diaspore terminal velocity for a subset of these species by recording drop time in a 2 m tube. Diaspores of one species had dispersal architecture promoting higher dispersal under high neighbour density, diaspores of two species had dispersal architecture promoting lower dispersal under high neighbour density, and dispersal architecture was not significantly different between high and low density environments for four of the species. Species showed a common allometric relationship between terminal velocity and dispersal architecture. The allometric relationship predicts dispersal architecture changes across environments differing in neighbour density. Species with dispersal architecture promoting higher dispersal under high neighbour density do so where small increases in dispersal architecture yield large decreases in terminal velocity. Our research suggests that the nature of allometric relationships between traits can help to explain allocation strategies across environments.
Germans in Wroclaw: “Ethnic minority” versus hybrid identity. Historical context and urban milieu
Authors: Pyrah Robert
Published: March 2017

After 1945, German Breslau was transformed intoUr-Polish Wroclaw at Stalin's behest. Most of the remaining prewar population was expelled, and a stable population of a few hundred with German ethnic background is estimated to have lived in the city since then. This paper is based on qualitative analysis of 30 oral history interviews from among the self-defined German minority. It pays close attention to historical context, urban milieu, and salient narratives of identity as shaping forces, which include the suppression of German culture under Communism, prevalent intermarriage between Germans and Poles, and the city's qualified reinvention as “multicultural” after Polish independence in 1989. Together with the group's relatively small numbers, these narratives play out in their hybrid approach to ethnicity, often invoking blended cultural practices or the ambiguous geographical status of the Silesian region, to avoid choosing between “national” antipodes of “German” and “Polish.” The results follow Rogers Brubaker's insight into ethnicity as an essentializing category used to construct groups where individual self-perception may differ; and the concept of “national indifference,” previously applied to rural populations. It also suggests we might better approach circumscribed “minority” identities such as these, by seeing them as a form of “sub-culture.”
Membrane nanoclusters of FcγRI segregate from inhibitory SIRPα upon activation of human macrophages
Authors: Lopes Filipa B. , Bálint Štefan , Valvo Salvatore , Felce James H. , Hessel Edith M. , Dustin Michael L. , Davis Daniel M.
Published: March 2017

Signal integration between activating Fc receptors and inhibitory signal regulatory protein α (SIRPα) controls macrophage phagocytosis. Here, using dual-color direct stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy, we report that Fcγ receptor I (FcγRI), FcγRII, and SIRPα are not homogeneously distributed at macrophage surfaces but are organized in discrete nanoclusters, with a mean radius of 71 ± 11 nm, 60 ± 6 nm, and 48 ± 3 nm, respectively. Nanoclusters of FcγRI, but not FcγRII, are constitutively associated with nanoclusters of SIRPα, within 62 ± 5 nm, mediated by the actin cytoskeleton. Upon Fc receptor activation, Src-family kinase signaling leads to segregation of FcγRI and SIRPα nanoclusters to be 197 ± 3 nm apart. Co-ligation of SIRPα with CD47 abrogates nanocluster segregation. If the balance of signals favors activation, FcγRI nanoclusters reorganize into periodically spaced concentric rings. Thus, a nanometer- and micron-scale reorganization of activating and inhibitory receptors occurs at the surface of human macrophages concurrent with signal integration.
AMPK negatively regulates tensin-dependent integrin activity
Authors: Georgiadou Maria , Lilja Johanna , Jacquemet Guillaume , Guzmán Camilo , Rafaeva Maria , Alibert Charlotte , Yan Yan , Sahgal Pranshu , Lerche Martina , Manneville Jean-Baptiste , Mäkelä Tomi P. , Ivaska Johanna
Published: March 2017

Tight regulation of integrin activity is paramount for dynamic cellular functions such as cell matrix adhesion and mechanotransduction. Integrin activation is achieved through intracellular interactions at the integrin cytoplasmic tails and through integrin–ligand binding. In this study, we identify the metabolic sensor AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) as a β1-integrin inhibitor in fibroblasts. Loss of AMPK promotes β1-integrin activity, the formation of centrally located active β1-integrin– and tensin-rich mature fibrillar adhesions, and cell spreading. Moreover, in the absence of AMPK, cells generate more mechanical stress and increase fibronectin fibrillogenesis. Mechanistically, we show that AMPK negatively regulates the expression of the integrin-binding proteins tensin1 and tensin3. Transient expression of tensins increases β1-integrin activity, whereas tensin silencing reduces integrin activity in fibroblasts lacking AMPK. Accordingly, tensin silencing in AMPK-depleted fibroblasts impedes enhanced cell spreading, traction stress, and fibronectin fiber formation. Collectively, we show that the loss of AMPK up-regulates tensins, which bind β1-integrins, supporting their activity and promoting fibrillar adhesion formation and integrin-dependent processes.
On the Time Fractional Modulation for Electron Acoustic Shock Waves*
Authors: Abdelwahed H G , El-Shewy E K , Mahmoud A A
Published: March 2017

Nonlinear features of electron-acoustic shock waves are studied. The Burgers equation is derived and converted to the time fractional Burgers equation by Agrawal’s method. Using the Adomian decomposition method, the shock wave solutions of the time fractional Burgers equation are constructed. The effect of time fractional parameter on the shock wave properties in auroral plasma is investigated.
Mathematical model and analysis of the strength of particle reinforced ideally plastic composites
Authors: Goldsztein Guillermo
Published: March 2017

We consider fiber reinforced ideally plastic composites. We analyze a mathematical model valid for microstructures and applied stresses that lead to both microscopic and macroscopic anti-plane shear deformations. We obtain a bound on the yield set of the reinforced material in terms of the shapes of the cross section of the fibers, their volume fraction, and the yield stresses of the matrix. We construct examples showing that our bound is sharp.
Knowledge Measurement and Productivity in a Research Program
Authors: Qin Lin , Buccola Steven T.
Published: March 2017

We introduce a metric based on Bayesian probability theory to evaluate the determinants of scientific discovery, and use it to assess an international aquacultural research program consisting of a large number of highly varied projects. The metric accommodates not only project variety but a detailed breakdown of the sources of research productivity, accounting, for example, for the contributions of “failed” as well as “successful” investigations. A mean‐absolute‐deviation loss functional form permits decomposition of knowledge gain into an outcome probability shift (mean surprise) and outcome variance reduction (statistical precision), allowing productivity to be estimated for each of them separately, then combined into a single knowledge production relationship. Laboratory size is found to moderately boost mean surprise but has no effect on statistical precision, while investigator education greatly improves precision but has no effect on mean surprise. Returns to research scale are decreasing in the size dimension alone but increasing when size and education are taken together, suggesting the importance of measuring human capital at both the quantitative and qualitative margins.
Dynamix: dynamic visualization by automatic selection of informative tracks from hundreds of genomic datasets
Authors: Monfort Matthias , Furlong Eileen E M , Girardot Charles
Published: March 2017

Motivation

Visualization of genomic data is fundamental for gaining insights into genome function. Yet, co-visualization of a large number of datasets remains a challenge in all popular genome browsers and the development of new visualization methods is needed to improve the usability and user experience of genome browsers.

Results

We present Dynamix, a JBrowse plugin that enables the parallel inspection of hundreds of genomic datasets. Dynamix takes advantage of a priori knowledge to automatically display data tracks with signal within a genomic region of interest. As the user navigates through the genome, Dynamix automatically updates data tracks and limits all manual operations otherwise needed to adjust the data visible on screen. Dynamix also introduces a new carousel view that optimizes screen utilization by enabling users to independently scroll through groups of tracks.

Availability and Implementation

Dynamix is hosted at http://furlonglab.embl.de/Dynamix.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
What’s buzzing on your feed? Health authorities’ use of Facebook to combat Zika in Singapore
Authors: Vijaykumar Santosh , Meurzec Rianne Wally , Jayasundar Karthikayen , Pagliari Claudia , Fernandopulle Yohan
Published: March 2017

In 2016, Singapore grappled with one of the largest Zika outbreaks in Southeast Asia. This study examines the use of Facebook for Zika-related outreach by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the National Environmental Agency (NEA) from March 1, 2015, to September 1, 2016, and public response to this effort. Despite nearly equivalent outreach, MOH’s Facebook posts received more likes (µ = 3.49) and shares (µ = 30.11), whereas NEA’s posts received more comments (µ = 4.55), with NEA posting mostly on prevention (N = 30) and MOH on situational updates (N = 24). Thematic analyses identified prevention-related posts as garnering the most likes (N = 1277), while update-related posts were most shared (N = 1059) and commented upon (N = 220). Outreach ceased briefly for 2 months after Singapore’s first imported case of Zika, but increased following the outbreak of locally transmitted cases in August 2016. Public engagement was significantly higher during Zika compared with prior haze and dengue outbreaks. The results indicate the value of Facebook as a tool for rapid outreach during infectious disease outbreaks, and as a “listening” platform for those managing the situation. We discuss implications for public health communication research and policy.
Hourglass-Like Constriction of the Brachial Plexus in the Posterior Cord: A Case Report
Authors: Nakagawa Yasunobu , Hirata Hitoshi
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE

Hourglass-like constrictions are fascicular conditions confirmed definitively by interfascicular neurolysis. Certain peripheral nerves have vulnerable areas such as around the elbow in the posterior interosseous nerve. We report the first hourglass-like constriction in the brachial plexus supplying the radial innervated forearm musculature. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of the brachial plexus were consistent with neuralgic amyotrophy (NA).

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

A 9-yr-old boy experienced worsening left arm pain and difficulty in elevating the shoulder. Sequentially, severe palsy emerged when extending the wrist, thumb, and fingers. Based on the clinical picture, we diagnosed him with NA. The oblique coronal T2-weighted short-tau inversion recovery images showed mildly diffuse enlargement and hyperintensity of the brachial plexus. He showed few signs of improvement and interfascicular neurolysis was performed 11 mo after the onset. One of the fascicles in the posterior cord had developed an hourglass-like constriction. Electrical stimulation confirmed that the fascicle supplied forearm muscles. His wrist and finger extension had almost recovered at the 12-mo postoperative visit.

CONCLUSION

Hourglass-like constrictions can occur in the brachial plexus. Although surgical approaches for the constrictions are still controversial, several reports demonstrated their effectiveness. Meanwhile, concerning NA treatment, evidence on the surgical intervention is lacking. Brachial plexus MRI might help in discerning the lesion and planning treatment options including surgical interventions. Hourglass-like constrictions are a possible etiology for certain NA patients with residual symptoms or paresis.
Predictive Validity of Outpatient Follow-up After Detoxification as a Quality Measure
Authors: Schmidt Eric M. , Gupta Shalini , Bowe Thomas , Ellerbe Laura S. , Phelps Tyler E. , Finney John W. , Humphreys Keith , Trafton Jodie , Vanneman Megan E. , Harris Alex H.S.
Published: March 2017

Objectives:

Care coordination for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment is a persistent challenge. Timely outpatient follow-up after detoxification from alcohol and opiates is associated with improved outcomes, leading some care systems to attempt to measure and incentivize this practice. This study evaluated the predictive validity of a 7-day outpatient follow-up after detoxification quality measure used by the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).

Methods:

A national sample of patients who received detoxification from alcohol or opiates (N = 25,354) was identified in VHA administrative data. Propensity score-weighted mixed-effects regressions modeled associations between receiving an outpatient follow-up visit within 7 days of completing detoxification and patient outcomes, controlling for facility-level performance and clustering of patients within facilities.

Results:

Baseline differences between patients who did (39.6%) and did not (60.4%) receive the follow-up visit were reduced or eliminated with propensity score weighting. Meeting the quality measure was associated with significantly more outpatient treatment for SUD (b 
= 1.07 visits) and other mental health conditions (b 
= 0.58 visits), and higher inpatient utilization for SUD (b 
= 0.75 admissions) and other mental health conditions (b 
= 0.76 admissions). Notably, meeting the quality measure was associated with 53.3% lower odds of 2-year mortality (P < 0.001 for all).

Conclusions:

These findings support the predictive validity of 7-day follow-up after detoxification as a care coordination measure. Well-coordinated care may be associated with higher outpatient and inpatient utilization, and such engagement in care may be protective against mortality in people who receive detoxification from alcohol or opiates.
Diversity in the Emerging Critical Care Workforce: Analysis of Demographic Trends in Critical Care Fellows From 2004 to 2014
Authors: Lane-Fall Meghan B. , Miano Todd A. , Aysola Jaya , Augoustides John G. T.
Published: March 2017

Objectives:

Diversity in the physician workforce is essential to providing culturally effective care. In critical care, despite the high stakes and frequency with which cultural concerns arise, it is unknown whether physician diversity reflects that of critically ill patients. We sought to characterize demographic trends in critical care fellows, who represent the emerging intensivist workforce.

Design:

We used published data to create logistic regression models comparing annual trends in the representation of women and racial/ethnic groups across critical care fellowship types.

Setting:

United States Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education-approved residency and fellowship training programs.

Subjects:

Residents and fellows employed by Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education-accredited training programs from 2004 to 2014.

Interventions:

None.

Measurements and Main Results:

From 2004 to 2014, the number of critical care fellows increased annually, up 54.1% from 1,606 in 2004–2005 to 2,475 in 2013–2014. The proportion of female critical care fellows increased from 29.5% (2004–2005) to 38.3% (2013–2014) (p < 0.001). The absolute number of black fellows increased each year but the percentage change was not statistically significantly different (5.1% in 2004–2005 vs 3.9% in 2013–2014; p = 0.92). Hispanic fellows increased in number from 124 (7.7%) in 2004–2005 to 216 (8.4%) in 2013–2014 (p = 0.015). The number of American Indian/Alaskan Native/Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander fellows decreased from 15 (1.0%) to seven (0.3%) (p < 0.001). When compared with population estimates, female critical care fellows and those from racial/ethnic minorities were underrepresented in all years.

Conclusions:

The demographics of the emerging critical care physician workforce reflect underrepresentation of women and racial/ethnic minorities. Trends highlight increases in women and Hispanics and stable or decreasing representation of non-Hispanic underrepresented minority critical care fellows. Further research is needed to elucidate the reasons underlying persistent underrepresentation of racial and ethnic minorities in critical care fellowship programs.