bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Nasal Colonization Prevalence among Emergency Medical Services Personnel
Authors: Amiry Alaa Al , Bissell Richard A. , Maguire Brian J. , Alves Donald W.
Published: April 2013

Introduction

The prevalence of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) nasal colonization among Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel is not well studied. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization can be a health hazard for both EMS personnel and patients. The aim of this study was to quantify the prevalence of MRSA colonization among EMS personnel. This study will help the scientific community understand the extent of this condition so that further protocols and policies can be developed to support the health and wellbeing of EMS personnel.

Hypothesis/ Problem

The hypothesis of this study was that the prevalence of MRSA colonization among EMS personnel is significantly higher than among the general population.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study. A total of 110 subjects were selected from two major US Mid-Atlantic fire departments. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization was detected by nasal swabbing. Nasal swabs were inoculated onto a special agar medium (C-MRSAgar) with polymerase chain reaction testing performed. One-sided binomial distribution at the StudySize 2.0 Web calculator was used. Using the Web calculator, p (H0 proportion) = 1.5%; a difference (H1-H0) ‘Δ’ = 4.53% can be detected at α = 5% and power = 80% with N = 110.

Results

Samples were collected from 110 volunteers. Seven samples were positive for MRSA, resulting in a prevalence of 7/110 or 6.4% (95% CI, 1.8%-11%; P < .0003) compared with a 1.5% prevalence of MRSA colonization among the general population.

Conclusion

There is evidence that EMS personnel have a higher prevalence of MRSA colonization than the general population. This can be a risk to patients and can be recognized as an occupational hazard.

Al AmiryA,
BissellRA, MaguireBJ, AlvesDW. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization prevalence among Emergency Medical Services personnel. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2013;28(4):1-5.
Remission, Response und deren Prädiktion nach einer Dialektisch-Behavioralen Therapie der Borderline-Persönlichkeitsstörung im stationären Setting
Authors: Kröger Christoph , Harbeck Susanne , Rickert Imke , Wollburg Eileen , Gersch Katrin , Armbrust Michael , Kliem Sören
Published: April 2013

Theoretischer Hintergrund: Bislang wurde die Wirksamkeit der Dialektisch-Behavioralen Therapie (DBT) für die Borderline-Persönlichkeitsstörung (BPS) im stationären Bereich überwiegend anhand von gruppenstatistischen Kennwerten aufgezeigt. Fragestellung: Wie hoch fallen die Remissions- und Responseraten aus? Lassen sich Prädiktoren hinsichtlich der Responserate finden? Methode. Soziodemographische und klinische Merkmale von 366 stationären, konsekutiven Patienten mit einer BPS wurden erhoben. Der Therapieerfolg wurde durch den Global Severity Index (GSI) des Brief Symptom Inventory erfasst und auf vier verschiedene Arten (Effektstärke [ES], Remission, Response anhand des Reliable Change Index [RCI] bzw. der prozentualen Symptomverbesserung [PSV]) definiert. Ergebnisse: Es ergab sich im Prä-Post-Vergleich des GSI eine ES von 0.52 (95 %-KI: 0.48 – 0.56). Die Responseraten betrug 42 % nach dem Kriterium des RCIs bzw. 33 % nach der PSV. Etwa 33 % erreichten ein Belastungsniveau, das dem einer ambulanten Stichprobe entspricht. Unverändert blieben 47 %, verschlechtert haben sich 11 %. Einen prädiktiven Einfluss auf die Response zeigten eine höhere Ausprägung der allgemeinen Symptombelastung und Depressivität zu Therapiebeginn und eine höhere Schulbildung. Schlussfolgerungen: Zukünftig sollten Nachbefragungen durchgeführt werden, um zu untersuchen, inwiefern die Response- bzw. Remissionsraten nach der Behandlung über die Zeit hinweg stabil bleiben. Um studien- und verfahrensübergreifende Vergleiche durchführen zu können, erscheinen einheitliche Definitionen notwendig.
Psychische Störungen und individuelle Lebensqualität bei der chronisch progredient-terminalen Erkrankung „Amyotrophe Lateralsklerose (ALS)”
Authors: Nonnenmacher S. , Hammer E. M. , Lulé D. , Hautzinger M. , Kübler A.
Published: April 2013

Theoretischer Hintergrund: Die Krankheitsbewältigung spielt eine wichtige Rolle für die psychische Gesundheit und das Wohlbefinden von Patienten mit amyotropher Lateralsklerose (ALS). Fragestellung: Die vorliegende Studie untersuchte Angst, Depression und individuelle Lebensqualität sowie assoziierte Faktoren bei ALS. Methode: Die Stichprobe umfasste 39 ALS-Patienten (20 Frauen, Durchschnittsalter 58 Jahre, Durchschnitts-Erkrankungsdauer 2.4 Jahre). Eingesetzt wurden die Sektionen A, D, F und teilweise J des SKID-I, das ALS-Depressionsinventar (ADI-12), der Schedule for the Evaluation of Individual Quality of Life–Direct Weigthening (SEIQoL-DW) und die Liste zur Erfassung von Verstärkern (LEV). Ergebnisse: Auftretenshäufigkeiten für eine Major Depression Episode: 10 %, für depressive Störungen insgesamt: 23 %, für Angststörungen: 21 %. Die Erstmanifestation einer Major Depression lag bei 4 von 9 Patienten vor der ALS-Diagnose. Nur die Hälfte der Patienten mit der Depressions-Lebenszeitdiagnose erlebte nach der ALS-Diagnose eine weitere Episode. Depressionen waren assoziiert mit weiblichem Geschlecht, einem geringeren Bildungsniveau, geringerer Lebensqualität und einer geringeren Anzahl positiv verstärkender Aktivitäten. Die individuelle Lebensqualität (iLQ) lag bei 72 von 100. Depressive Patienten zeigten dabei eine stärkere Orientierung auf die Gesundheit als nicht depressive Patienten. Schlussfolgerung: Trotz hoher individueller Lebensqualität traten Depressionen und Angststörungen gehäuft auf. Psychotherapeutische Unterstützung ist angezeigt, vor allem im Sinne einer Einstellungs- und Werteveränderung, beim Aufbau oder Erhalt von Verstärkern sowie als kognitive Therapie bei erlebtem Kontrollverlust.
Brain Mitochondrial Metabolic Dysfunction and Glutamate Level Reduction in the Pilocarpine Model of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy in Mice
Authors: Smeland Olav B , Hadera Mussie G , McDonald Tanya S , Sonnewald Ursula , Borges Karin
Published: April 2013

Although certain metabolic characteristics such as interictal glucose hypometabolism are well established for temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), its pathogenesis still remains unclear. Here, we performed a comprehensive study of brain metabolism in a mouse model of TLE, induced by pilocarpine-status epilepticus (SE). To investigate glucose metabolism, we injected mice 3.5-4 weeks after SE with [1,2- 13 C]glucose before microwave fixation of the head. Using 1 H and 13 C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, gas chromatography—mass spectrometry and high-pressure liquid chromatography, we quantified metabolites and 13 C labeling in extracts of cortex and hippocampal formation (HF). Hippocampal levels of glutamate, glutathione and alanine were decreased in pilocarpine-SE mice compared with controls. Moreover, the contents of N-acetyl aspartate, succinate and reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (phosphate) NAD(P)H were decreased in HF indicating impairment of mitochondrial function. In addition, the reduction in 13 C enrichment of hippocampal citrate and malate suggests decreased tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle turnover in this region. In cortex, we found reduced 13 C labeling of glutamate, glutamine and aspartate via the pyruvate carboxylation and pyruvate dehydrogenation pathways, suggesting slower turnover of these amino acids and/or the TCA cycle. In conclusion, mitochondrial metabolic dysfunction and altered amino-acid metabolism is found in both cortex and HF in this epilepsy model.
Tailoring GalNAcα1-3Galβ-specific lectins from a multi-specific fungal galectin: dramatic change of carbohydrate specificity by a single amino-acid substitution
Authors: Hu Dan , Tateno Hiroaki , Sato Takashi , Narimatsu Hisashi , Hirabayashi Jun
Published: April 2013

Galectins exhibit multiple roles through recognition of diverse structures of β-galactosides. However, this broad specificity often hinders their practical use as probes. In the present study we report a dramatic improvement in the carbohydrate specificity of a multi-specific fungal galectin from the mushroom Agrocybe cylindricea, which binds not only to simple β-galactosides, but also to their derivatives. Site-directed mutagenesis targeting five residues involved in β-galactose binding revealed that replacement of Asn46 with alanine (N46A) increased the binding to GalNAcα1-3Galβ-containing glycans, while eliminating binding to all other β-galactosides, as shown by glycoconjugate microarray analysis. Quantitative analysis by frontal affinity chromatography showed that the mutant N46A had enhanced affinity towards blood group A tetraose (type 2), A hexaose (type 1) and Forssman pentasaccharide with dissociation constants of 5.0×10−6 M, 3.8×10−6 M and 1.0×10−5 M respectively. Surprisingly, all the other mutants generated by saturation mutagenesis of Asn46 exhibited essentially the same specificity as N46A. Moreover, alanine substitution for Pro45, which forms the cis-conformation upon β-galactose binding, exhibited the same specificity as N46A. From a practical viewpoint, the derived N46A mutant proved to be unique as a specific probe to detect GalNAcα1-3Galβ-containing glycans by methods such as flow cytometry, cell staining and lectin microarray.
Global permutationally invariant potential energy surface for ozone forming reaction
Authors: Ayouz Mehdi , Babikov Dmitri
Published: April 2013

We constructed new global potential energy surface for O + O2 → O3 reaction. It is based on high level electronic structure theory calculations and employs fitting by permutationally invariant polynomial functions. This method of surface construction takes full advantage of permutation symmetry of three O nuclei and allows reducing dramatically the number of ab initio data points needed for accurate surface representation. New potential energy surface offers dramatic improvement over older surface of ozone in terms of dissociation energy and behavior along the minimum energy path. It can be used to refine the existing theories of ozone formation.
Evanescent straight tapered-fiber coupling of ultra-high Q optomechanical micro-resonators in a low-vibration helium-4 exchange-gas cryostat
Authors: Rivière R. , Arcizet O. , Schliesser A. , Kippenberg T. J.
Published: April 2013

We developed an apparatus to couple a 50-μm diameter whispering-gallery silica microtoroidal resonator in a helium-4 cryostat using a straight optical tapered-fiber at 1550 nm wavelength. On a top-loading probe specifically adapted for increased mechanical stability, we use a specifically-developed “cryotaper” to optically probe the cavity, allowing thus to record the calibrated mechanical spectrum of the optomechanical system at low temperatures. We then demonstrate excellent thermalization of a 63-MHz mechanical mode of a toroidal resonator down to the cryostat's base temperature of 1.65 K, thereby proving the viability of the cryogenic refrigeration via heat conduction through static low-pressure exchange gas. In the context of optomechanics, we therefore provide a versatile and powerful tool with state-of-the-art performances in optical coupling efficiency, mechanical stability, and cryogenic cooling.
Anomalous Hall effect in epitaxially grown ferromagnetic FeGa/Fe3Ga hybrid structure: Evidence of spin carrier polarized by clusters
Authors: Duc Dung Dang , Cho Sunglae
Published: April 2013

The anomalous Hall resistance relative with magnetic anisotropy of clusters Fe3Ga in Fe3Ga/Fe-Ga hybrid structural epitaxial was reported. The out-of-plane magnetic anisotropy was obtained for Fe3Ga/Fe-Ga hybrid structure, while in-plane magnetic anisotropy is shown in the single Fe-Ga phase epitaxial on GaAs(001). The observation of trend of saturation Hall resistance in Fe3Ga/Fe-Ga hybrid structural is compared with the Fe-Ga single crystal, which is solid evidence for spin polarization by local magnetic clusters.
Is near-“spectroscopic accuracy” possible for heavy atoms and coupled cluster theory? An investigation of the first ionization potentials of the atoms Ga–Kr
Authors: DeYonker Nathan J. , Peterson Kirk A.
Published: April 2013

Recent developments in ab initio coupled cluster (CC) theory and correlation consistent basis sets have ushered in an era of unprecedented accuracy when studying the spectroscopy and thermodynamics of molecules containing main group elements. These same developments have recently seen application to heavier inorganic or transition metal-containing species. The present work benchmarks conventional single reference coupled cluster theory (up to full configuration interaction for valence electron correlation and coupled cluster with up to full pentuple excitations (CCSDTQP) for core-valence correlation) and explicitly correlated coupled cluster methods [CC with single, double, and perturbative triple substitutions (CCSD(T)-F12)] for the atomic ionization potentials of the six 4p elements (Ga–Kr), a property with experimental error bars no greater than a few cm−1. When second-order spin orbit coupling effects are included, a composite methodology based on CCSD(T) calculations yielded a mean signed error of just −0.039 kcal mol−1 and a mean unsigned error of 0.043 kcal mol−1. Inclusion of post-CCSD(T) correlation corrections reduced both of these values to −0.008 kcal mol−1 and 0.025 kcal mol−1, respectively, with the latter corresponding to an average error of just 9 cm−1. The maximum signed error in the latter scheme was just −0.043 kcal mol−1 (15 cm−1).
Size-selective self-assembly of magnetic Mn nanoclusters on Si(111)
Authors: Niu Chun-Yao , Wang Jian-Tao , Wang Enge , Chen Changfeng
Published: April 2013

We show by first-principles calculations two types of magnetic magic Mn clusters on the Si(111)-(7 × 7) surface. The first is a small triangular Mn7 cluster stabilized by the solid-centered Mn–Si3 bonds on the top layer, and the second is a large hexagonal Mn13 cluster favored by the confining potential wells of the faulted half unit cells on the Si(111) surface. These two structural models are distinct from that of the planar group-III clusters on Si(111) and produce simulated scanning tunneling microscopy images in reasonable agreement with recent experimental observations. These results offer key insights for understanding the complex energetic landscape on the Si(111)-(7 × 7) surface, which is critical to precisely controlled growth of Mn nanocluster arrays with specific size, magnetic moment, and good uniformity.
An area law for the bipartite entanglement of disordered oscillator systems
Authors: Nachtergaele Bruno , Sims Robert , Stolz Günter
Published: April 2013

We prove an upper bound proportional to the surface area for the bipartite entanglement of the ground state and thermal states of harmonic oscillator systems with disorder, as measured by the logarithmic negativity. Our assumptions are satisfied for some standard models that are almost surely gapless in the thermodynamic limit.
The atomic structures of carbon nitride sheets for cathode oxygen reduction catalysis
Authors: Feng Yexin , Yao Xiaolong , Wang Mei , Hu Zhenpeng , Luo Xiaoguang , Wang Hui-Tian , Zhang Lixin
Published: April 2013

Carbon nitride sheets are promising Pt replacement materials for cathode oxygen reduction catalysis. Using first principles calculations with a global optimization method, we search for the most stable structures of the monolayer carbon nitrides at various C:N ratios. The results show that the larger the ratio, the more energetically favorable the obtained structures, and the more preferably for the C, N atoms to assume sp2 configurations. A volcano shape is revealed for the curve of the representative O2 adsorption energies on the sheets vs. the ratios. In the ratio range of 2.0–3.0, the sheets not only have lower formation energies than the stable graphitic-C3N4, but also can potentially catalyze the oxygen reduction as efficiently as Pt.
Ultracold collisions of O(1D) and H2: The effects of H2 vibrational excitation on the production of vibrationally and rotationally excited OH
Authors: Pradhan G. B. , Balakrishnan N. , Kendrick Brian K.
Published: April 2013

A quantum dynamics study of the O(1D) + H2(v = 0 − 2, j = 0) system has been carried out using the potential energy surfaces of Dobbyn and Knowles [Mol. Phys. 91, 1107 (1997)10.1080/002689797170842]. A time-independent quantum mechanical method based on hyperspherical coordinates is adopted for the dynamics calculations. Energy dependent cross section, probability, and rate coefficients are computed for the elastic, inelastic, and reactive channels over collision energies ranging from the ultracold to thermal regimes and for total angular momentum quantum number J = 0. The effect of initial vibrational excitation of the H2 molecule on vibrational and rotational populations of the OH product is investigated as a function of the collision energy. Comparison of results for vibrational levels v = 0 − 2 of H2 demonstrates that the vibrational excitation of H2 and its non-reactive relaxation pathway play a minor role in the overall collisional outcome of O(1D) and H2. It is also found that while the state-resolved product vibrational distributions are sensitive to the initial collision energy and H2 vibrational level, the product rotational distribution depicts an inverted population that is largely insensitive to initial conditions. Rate coefficients evaluated using a J-shifting approximation show reasonable agreement with available theoretical and experimental results suggesting that the J-shifting approximation may be used to evaluate the rate coefficients for O(1D) + H2 reaction.
Phase selective growth and characterization of vanadium dioxide films on silicon substrates
Authors: Watanabe Tomo , Okimura Kunio , Hajiri Tetsuya , Kimura Shin-ichi , Sakai Joe
Published: April 2013

We report on selective growth of VO2 films with M1, M2, and intermediate T phases on silicon (Si) substrates by using inductively coupled plasma (ICP)-assisted sputtering (ICPS) under particular conditions. The film composed of M2 phase was proved to be under strong in-plane compressive stress, which is consistent with stress-induced M2 phase. Crystalline structural phase transition (SPT) properties of these films were demonstrated together with infrared light transmittance as a measure of insulator-metal transition (IMT) against temperature. Characteristic correlations between SPT and IMT for films with M2 and intermediate-T phases were reported. Ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy measurements probed an energy gap of the film in the M2 phase at around 0.4 eV from the Fermi level indicating the presence of a Mott gap.
Magnetic irreversibility and pinning force density in the Ti-V alloys
Authors: Matin Md. , Sharath Chandra L. S. , Chattopadhyay M. K. , Meena R. K. , Kaul Rakesh , Singh M. N. , Sinha A. K. , Roy S. B.
Published: April 2013

We present a study of critical current density estimated through dc magnetization measurements in the superconducting alloys Ti60V40 and Ti70V30. The magnetization is irreversible below the irreversibility field (BIrr), which is different from the upper critical field for the alloys. Additionally, the alloys are found to exhibit a peak effect in magnetization below the upper critical field. The critical current densities of the alloys estimated from the magnetization results decrease strongly with increasing magnetic field. The pinning force density follows a universal scaling relation with respect to the magnetic field divided by the BIrr. The field dependence of the pinning force density is analyzed in terms of the size of the grains of the main β phase, the possible presence of dislocation arrays within the grains of the main phase, the presence of additional metallurgical phases, and the configuration of the grain boundaries in the system. The temperature dependence of critical current density is also analyzed within the framework of existing theories.
Modeling the temporal spectral response of the thermally induced non-linearity of mechanical microresonators
Authors: Radzio B. , Oesterschulze E. , Korsch H. J.
Published: April 2013

Optical techniques are widely used for the read-out of micro- and nanoresonators. Absorption of the employed light heats the device, thereby altering its mechanical properties, in particular, its eigenfrequency. To describe this effect, we present a model of a non-linear point mass resonator presuming an exponentially changing eigenfrequency, which is capable to predict the evolution of the resonators spectral response. The model was verified investigating the transient response of a hybrid microresonator and a silicon cantilever employing the gated frequency response method. This approach provides additionally a procedure to determine the thermo-mechanical time constant of resonators.
Structure of multi-wall carbon nanotubes: AA′ stacked graphene helices
Authors: Lee Jae-Kap , Lee Sohyung , Kim Yong-Il , Kim Jin-Gyu , Lee Kyung-Il , Ahn Jae-Pyoung , Min Bong-Ki , Yu Chung-Jong , Hwa Chae Keun , John Phillip
Published: April 2013

The structure of multi-wall carbon nanotubes has been attributed previously to disordered stacking of the graphene planes. Evidence is presented that the nanotubes analyzed in this paper occur with stacked graphene layers in the sequence of AA′, where alternate graphene planes are translated by half the hexagon width. We further present proof that the crystalline materials comprise graphene helices (∼5 nm in width), rather than in the form of a perfect tube. We also show that the structural model proposed here may be a common structure for multi-wall carbon nanotubes.
Breaking the thermally induced write error in heat assisted recording by using low and high Tc materials
Authors: Suess D. , Schrefl T.
Published: April 2013

Heat assisted recording is believed as a key future recording technology. In the work of H. J. Richter et al. [J. Appl. Phys. 111, 033909 (2012)] it is stated that storage densities will be limited to 15–20 Tbit/in2 due to thermally induced write errors. In this letter we propose a composite structure consisting of two materials with different Curie temperatures. In this composite material the thermal write error is negligible up to areal densities of about 50-100 Tbit/in2.
Sign-reversed and magnitude-enhanced nonlinear absorption of Au–CdS core–shell hetero-nanorods
Authors: Nan Fan , Liang Shan , Liu Xiao-Li , Peng Xiao-Niu , Li Min , Yang Zhong-Jian , Zhou Li , Hao Zhong-Hua , Wang Qu-Quan
Published: April 2013

We synthesis uniform Au–CdS core–shell hetero-nanorods and demonstrate the effective plasmon–exciton interaction induced optical nonlinear enhancement in metal–semiconductor hetero-nanostructures. After growing CdS semiconductor shell onto the Au nanorods, the longitudinal plasmon resonance exhibits considerable red-shift with enlarged absorption intensity. Nonlinear absorption responses transform from saturable absorption to reverse saturable absorption, and effective nonlinear absorption coefficient β is increased from −7.7 to +22.2 cm/GW. The observed behaviors indicate strong plasmon–exciton interaction and great local field enhancement.
Wigner quasi-particle attributes—An asymptotic perspective
Authors: Nedjalkov M. , Schwaha P. , Selberherr S. , Sellier J. M. , Vasileska D.
Published: April 2013

Wigner quantum mechanics is reformulated in a discrete momentum space and analyzed within a Monte Carlo approach for solving integral equations and thus associated with a particle picture. General quantum phenomena may thereby be modeled in terms of quasi-particles involving attributes such as drift, generation, sign, and annihilation on a phase space grid. The model is examined in an ultimate regime, where classical and quantum dynamics become equivalent. The peculiarities of the transport in this asymptotic regime are analyzed within simulations, benchmarking the behavior of the Wigner function.
Quantum interference hybrid spin-current injector
Authors: Giazotto F. , Bergeret F. S.
Published: April 2013

We propose a quantum interference spin-injector nanodevice consisting of a superconductor-normal metal hybrid loop connected to a superconductor-ferromagnet bilayer via a tunneling junction. We show that for certain values of the applied voltage bias across the tunnel barrier and the magnetic flux through the loop, the spin-current can be fully polarized. Moreover, by tuning the magnetic flux, one can switch the sign of the spin polarization. This operation can be performed at frequencies within the tens of GHz range. We explore the nanodevice in a wide range of parameters, establish the optimum conditions for its experimental realization, and discuss its possible applications.
Time resolved scanning Kerr microscopy of hard disk writer structures with a multilayered yoke
Authors: Yu W. , Gangmei P. , Keatley P. S. , Hicken R. J. , Gubbins M. A. , Czoschke P. J. , Lopusnik R.
Published: April 2013

Partially built hard disk writer structures with a multilayered yoke formed from 4 repeats of a NiFe(∼1 nm)/CoFe(50 nm) bilayer were studied by time and vector resolved scanning Kerr microscopy. Dynamic images of the in-plane magnetization suggest an underlying closure domain equilibrium state. This state is found to be modified by application of a bias magnetic field and also during pulse cycling, leading to different magnetization rotation and relaxation behavior within the tip region.
Suppression of threshold voltage variability of double-gate fin field-effect transistors using amorphous metal gate with uniform work function
Authors: Matsukawa T. , Liu Y. X. , Mizubayashi W. , Tsukada J. , Yamauchi H. , Endo K. , Ishikawa Y. , O'uchi S. , Ota H. , Migita S. , Morita Y. , Masahara M.
Published: April 2013

An amorphous TaSiN metal gate (MG) is introduced into double-gate fin field-effect transistors (FinFETs) to suppress work function variation (WFV) of the MG, which is a dominant source of threshold voltage (Vt) variability for MG FinFETs. Comparing with a poly-crystalline TiN gate, the TaSiN gate reduces Vt variation dramatically and thus records the smallest AVt value of 1.34 mV μm reported so far for the MG-FinFETs. By decomposing the variation source due to interface trap density, the WFV suppression using the amorphous MG is confirmed to be effective to achieve the well-suppressed variability of the MG-FinFETs.
Optical thickness determination of hexagonal boron nitride flakes
Authors: Golla Dheeraj , Chattrakun Kanokporn , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , LeRoy Brian J. , Sandhu Arvinder
Published: April 2013

Optical reflectivity contrast provides a simple, fast, and noninvasive method for characterization of few monolayer samples of two-dimensional materials. Here, we apply this technique to measure the thickness of thin flakes of hexagonal Boron Nitride (hBN), which is a material of increasing interest in nanodevice fabrication. The optical contrast shows a strong negative peak at short wavelengths and zero contrast at a thickness dependent wavelength. The optical contrast varies linearly for 1-80 layers of hBN, which permits easy calibration of thickness. We demonstrate the applicability of this quick characterization method by comparing atomic force microscopy and optical contrast results.
Two-dimensional subwavelength meta-nanopillar array for efficient visible light absorption
Authors: Cao S. , Yu W. , Wang T. , Xu Z. , Wang C. , Fu Y. , Liu Y
Published: April 2013

We report the extraordinary light harvesting property of a metamaterial-based subwavelength nanopillar array with a periodic arrangement. It is found that the meta-nanopillar array can absorb light efficiently with an average absorptivity of 0.96 over the whole visible waveband with independent of the incoming light polarization state as well as the wide receiving angle of as large as ±60°. We attribute the efficient light harvesting property of meta-nanopillar array to the synergistic effect of the slow light mode and localized surface plasmon resonant effect.
Compact mid-infrared Cr:ZnSe channel waveguide laser
Authors: Macdonald J. R. , Beecher S. J. , Berry P. A. , Schepler K. L. , Kar A. K.
Published: April 2013

We demonstrate a mid-infrared channel waveguide laser in Cr:ZnSe operating at 2573 nm. The compact cavity has a total footprint of less than 3 cm2 and produces a maximum power output of 18.5 mW. The depressed index cladding structures guide across the entire emission band of Cr:ZnSe, from 1.9 μm to 3.4 μm, indicating the viability of the device for integrated and robust continuously tunable mid-infrared sources.
Use of molecular technologies for the advancement of animal breeding: genomic selection in dairy cattle populations in Australia, Ireland and New Zealand
Authors: Spelman Richard J. , Hayes Ben J. , Berry Donagh P.
Published: April 2013

The New Zealand, Australian and Irish dairy industries have used genomic information to enhance their genetic evaluations over the last 2–4 years. The improvement in the accuracy obtained from including genomic information on thousands of animals in the national evaluation system has revolutionised the dairy breeding programs in the three countries. The genomically enhanced breeding values (GEBV) of young bulls are more reliable than breeding values based on parent average, thus allowing the young bulls to be reliably selected and used in the national herd. Traditionally, the use of young bulls was limited and bulls were not used extensively until they were 5 years old when the more reliable progeny test results became available. Using young sires, as opposed to progeny-tested sires, in the breeding program dramatically reduces the generation interval, thereby facilitating an increase in the rate of genetic gain by 40–50%. Young sires have been marketed on their GEBV in the three countries over the last 2–4 years. Initial results show that the genomic estimates were overestimated in both New Zealand and Ireland. Adjustments have since been introduced into their respective national evaluations to reduce the bias. A bias adjustment has been included in the Australian evaluation since it began; however, official genomic evaluations have not been in place as long as in New Zealand and Ireland, so there has been less opportunity to validate if the correction accounts for all bias. Sequencing of the dairy cattle population has commenced in an effort to further improve the genomic predictions and also to detect causative mutations that underlie traits of economic performance.
Trends in HIV prevalence among men who have sex with men in China 2003–09: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Meng Xiaojun , Zou Huachun , Beck Jack , Xu Yan , Zhang Xuan , Miao Xiaolan , Xu Fanfan
Published: April 2013

Background
The year-by-year trend of HIV prevalence among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China is not well documented. Methods: Published studies on HIV prevalence among MSM in China were reviewed and grouped by year, region and age group. Meta-analysis was used to summarise the estimates of national and regional HIV prevalence rates and trends among MSM from 2003 to 2009. HIV prevalence among MSM in different age groups (<25 years old v. ≥25 years old) was also calculated. Results: Eighty-three publications were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled HIV prevalence among MSM in China increased from 0.6% (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.0–2.1%) in 2003 to 7.4% (95% CI: 5.7–9.2%) in 2009. A yearly increase of 1.1% (95% CI: 0.5–1.5%, P < 0.001) in HIV prevalence was detected. The pooled regional HIV prevalence among MSM ranged from 2.3% (95% CI: 1.7–2.9%) in east China to 11.4% (95% CI: 9.2–13.6%) in south-west China. No difference was detected (χ2 = 0.5160, P = 0.4726) between HIV prevalence in the <25-year-old age group (3.1%, 95% CI: 1.6–4.6%) and that in the ≥25-year-old age group (4.0%, 95% CI: 1.8–6.3%). Conclusion: The HIV prevalence among MSM in China is high and climbing. Effective strategies are required to prevent the epidemic from continuing to spread.
Anal cancers attributed to human papillomavirus are more common in areas in Victoria, Australia, with higher HIV notifications
Authors: Vodstrcil Lenka A. , Hocking Jane , Read Tim R. H. , Grulich Andrew E. , Fairley Christopher K.
Published: April 2013

Background
Anal cancer is more common in men who have sex with men with HIV. We aimed to determine if there was an association between anal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and HIV notifications in men in Victoria, Australia, at a population level. Methods: We calculated the male age-standardised incidence rates for anal SCC, brain cancer and colon cancer for each local government area (LGA) in Victoria from 1982 to 31 December 2010 using the Victorian Cancer Registry. Male HIV rates in each LGA were calculated using the Victorian HIV Registry. Results: There were 288 men diagnosed with anal SCC, 8793 with brain cancer and 23 938 with colon cancer in 57 LGAs. There were 3163 men notified with HIV during the same period in the same LGAs (range: 4–435 per LGA). There was a significant positive correlation (r = 0.45, P < 0.001, r2 = 0.20) between the age-standardised rate of anal SCC and the rate of HIV notifications in men in each LGA but no correlation between the male age-standardised rate of colon (Pearson’s r = –0.11, P = 0.40) or brain (r = –0.05, P = 0.71) cancers, and the rate of HIV. The rate of anal cancer was ~50% higher in LGAs with the highest HIV notification rate (incidence rate ratio = 1.47; 95% confidence interval: 1.10–1.97). Conclusions: At a population level, about one in five cases (r2 = 0.20) of anal SCCs in men are explained by the rate of HIV notifications in that LGA.
The prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis detected by wet mount and polymerase chain reaction in Sydney women
Authors: Kwon Ivy , McNulty Anna , Read Phillip
Published: April 2013

Objectives
Although Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) has a low profile in urban Australia, local data has estimated the prevalence in women to be 10 times higher when using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) versus wet mount microscopy (4.8% v. 0.4%). Our aim was to determine the prevalence of TV in Sydney women using both wet mount and PCR. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted of women requiring sexually transmissible infection screening at the Sydney Sexual Health Centre. Vaginal swabs were examined for TV using PCR and wet mount microscopy. Results: In total, 781 of 1263 eligible women were tested; 3 out of 781 tested positive by PCR and 1 out of 781 by wet mount, giving a prevalence of 0.38% (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.14–1.12%) and 0.13% (95% CI: 0.03–0.71%) respectively. There was not enough power to compare PCR and wet mount. Conclusions: The results of this analysis indicate that in our female urban population, TV is a very rare sexually transmissible infection,with 0.38% prevalence, and routine screening by PCR is not indicated.
Structural analysis of Stc1 provides insights into the coupling of RNAi and chromatin modification
Authors: He Chao , Pillai Sreerekha S. , Taglini Francesca , Li Fudong , Ruan Ke , Zhang Jiahai , Wu Jihui , Shi Yunyu , Bayne Elizabeth H.
Published: April 2013

Noncoding RNAs can modulate gene expression by directing modifications to histones that alter chromatin structure. In fission yeast, siRNAs produced via the RNAi pathway direct modifications associated with heterochromatin formation. siRNAs associate with the RNAi effector protein Argonaute 1 (Ago1), targeting the Ago1-containing RNA-induced transcriptional silencing (RITS) complex to homologous nascent transcripts. This promotes recruitment of the Clr4 complex (CLRC), which mediates methylation of histone H3 on lysine 9 (H3K9me) in cognate chromatin. A key question is how the RNAi and chromatin modification machineries are connected. Stc1 is a small protein recently shown to associate with both Ago1 and CLRC and to play a pivotal role in mediating the RNAi-dependent recruitment of CLRC to chromatin. To understand its mode of action, we have performed a detailed structural and functional analysis of the Stc1 protein. Our analyses reveal that the conserved N-terminal region of Stc1 represents an unusual tandem zinc finger domain, with similarities to common LIM domains but distinguished by a lack of preferred relative orientation of the two zinc fingers. We demonstrate that this tandem zinc finger domain is involved in binding Ago1, whereas the nonconserved C-terminal region mediates association with CLRC. These findings elucidate the molecular basis for the coupling of RNAi to chromatin modification in fission yeast.
Differential targeting of brain stress circuits with a selective glucocorticoid receptor modulator
Authors: Zalachoras Ioannis , Houtman René , Atucha Erika , Devos Rene , Tijssen Ans M. I. , Hu Pu , Lockey Peter M. , Datson Nicole A. , Belanoff Joseph K. , Lucassen Paul J. , Joëls Marian , de Kloet E. Ronald , Roozendaal Benno , Hunt Hazel , Meijer Onno C.
Published: April 2013

Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) antagonism may be of considerable therapeutic value in stress-related psychopathology such as depression. However, blockade of all GR-dependent processes in the brain will lead to unnecessary and even counteractive effects, such as elevated endogenous cortisol levels. Selective GR modulators are ligands that can act both as agonist and as antagonist and may be used to separate beneficial from harmful treatment effects. We have discovered that the high-affinity GR ligand C108297 is a selective modulator in the rat brain. We first demonstrate that C108297 induces a unique interaction profile between GR and its downstream effector molecules, the nuclear receptor coregulators, compared with the full agonist dexamethasone and the antagonist RU486 (mifepristone). C108297 displays partial agonistic activity for the suppression of hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) gene expression and potently enhances GR-dependent memory consolidation of training on an inhibitory avoidance task. In contrast, it lacks agonistic effects on the expression of CRH in the central amygdala and antagonizes GR-mediated reduction in hippocampal neurogenesis after chronic corticosterone exposure. Importantly, the compound does not lead to disinhibition of the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis. Thus, C108297 represents a class of ligands that has the potential to more selectively abrogate pathogenic GR-dependent processes in the brain, while retaining beneficial aspects of GR signaling.
The c-ring stoichiometry of ATP synthase is adapted to cell physiological requirements of alkaliphilic
Bacillus pseudofirmus
OF4
Authors: Preiss Laura , Klyszejko Adriana L. , Hicks David B. , Liu Jun , Fackelmayer Oliver J. , Yildiz Özkan , Krulwich Terry A. , Meier Thomas
Published: April 2013

The c-rings of ATP synthases consist of individual c-subunits, all of which harbor a conserved motif of repetitive glycine residues (GxGxGxG) important for tight transmembrane α-helix packing. The c-ring stoichiometry determines the number of ions transferred during enzyme operation and has a direct impact on the ion-to-ATP ratio, a cornerstone parameter of cell bioenergetics. In the extreme alkaliphile
Bacillus pseudofirmus
OF4, the glycine motif is replaced by AxAxAxA. We performed a structural study on two mutants with alanine-to-glycine changes using atomic force microscopy and X-ray crystallography, and found that mutants form smaller c
12
rings compared with the WT c
13
. The molar growth yields of
B. pseudofirmus
OF4 cells on malate further revealed that the c
12
mutants have a considerably reduced capacity to grow on limiting malate at high pH. Our results demonstrate that the mutant ATP synthases with either c
12
or c
13
can support ATP synthesis, and also underscore the critical importance of an alanine motif with c
13
ring stoichiometry for optimal growth at pH >10. The data indicate a direct connection between the precisely adapted ATP synthase c-ring stoichiometry and its ion-to-ATP ratio on cell physiology, and also demonstrate the bioenergetic challenges and evolutionary adaptation strategies of extremophiles.
Fundamental differences in endoreplication in mammals and
Drosophila
revealed by analysis of endocycling and endomitotic cells
Authors: Sher Noa , Von Stetina Jessica R. , Bell George W. , Matsuura Shinobu , Ravid Katya , Orr-Weaver Terry L.
Published: April 2013

Throughout the plant and animal kingdoms specific cell types become polyploid, increasing their DNA content to attain a large cell size. In mammals, megakaryocytes (MKs) become polyploid before fragmenting into platelets. The mammalian trophoblast giant cells (TGCs) exploit their size to form a barrier between the maternal and embryonic tissues. The mechanism of polyploidization has been investigated extensively in
Drosophila
, in which a modified cell cycle—the endocycle, consisting solely of alternating S and gap phases—produces polyploid tissues. During S phase in the
Drosophila
endocycle, heterochromatin and specific euchromatic regions are underreplicated and reduced in copy number. Here we investigate the properties of polyploidization in murine MKs and TGCs. We induced differentiation of primary MKs and directly microdissected TGCs from embryonic day 9.5 implantation sites. The copy number across the genome was analyzed by array-based comparative genome hybridization. In striking contrast to
Drosophila
, the genome was uniformly and integrally duplicated in both MKs and TGCs. This was true even for heterochromatic regions analyzed by quantitative PCR. Underreplication of specific regions in polyploid cells is proposed to be due to a slower S phase, resulting from low expression of S-phase genes, causing failure to duplicate late replicating genomic intervals. We defined the transcriptome of TGCs and found robust expression of S-phase genes. Similarly, S-phase gene expression is not repressed in MKs, providing an explanation for the distinct endoreplication parameters compared with
Drosophila
. Consistent with TGCs endocycling rather than undergoing endomitosis, they have low expression of M-phase genes.
Mechanism for the endocytosis of spherical nucleic acid nanoparticle conjugates
Authors: Choi Chung Hang J. , Hao Liangliang , Narayan Suguna P. , Auyeung Evelyn , Mirkin Chad A.
Published: April 2013

Intracellular delivery of nucleic acids as gene regulation agents typically requires the use of cationic carriers or viral vectors, yet issues related to cellular toxicity or immune responses hamper their attractiveness as therapeutic candidates. The discovery that spherical nucleic acids (SNAs), polyanionic structures comprised of densely packed, highly oriented oligonucleotides covalently attached to the surface of nanoparticles, can effectively enter more than 50 different cell types presents a potential strategy for overcoming the limitations of conventional transfection agents. Unfortunately, little is known about the mechanism of endocytosis of SNAs, including the pathway of entry and specific proteins involved. Here, we demonstrate that the rapid cellular uptake kinetics and intracellular transport of SNAs stem from the arrangement of oligonucleotides into a 3D architecture, which supports their targeting of class A scavenger receptors and endocytosis via a lipid-raft–dependent, caveolae-mediated pathway. These results reinforce the notion that SNAs can serve as therapeutic payloads and targeting structures to engage biological pathways not readily accessible with linear oligonucleotides.
Dnr1 mutations cause neurodegeneration in
Drosophila
by activating the innate immune response in the brain
Authors: Cao Yang , Chtarbanova Stanislava , Petersen Andrew J. , Ganetzky Barry
Published: April 2013

Significance

Infection triggers the innate immune response in all metazoans, activating regulatory pathways that result in expression of effector proteins, including potent antimicrobial peptides. These pathways can also be activated in the brain by aging, stress, and injury. Although nominally protective, excessive neuroinflammatory responses may themselves contribute to neurodegenerative disease by mechanisms that remain unclear. We found that hyperactivation of innate immunity in the
Drosophila
brain as a result of mutation or bacterial injection causes neurodegeneration because of neurotoxic effects of antimicrobial peptides. These findings have important implications for the role of neuroinflammation in human neurodegenerative disease.
Smoke-derived karrikin perception by the α/β-hydrolase KAI2 from
Arabidopsis
Authors: Guo Yongxia , Zheng Zuyu , La Clair James J. , Chory Joanne , Noel Joseph P.
Published: April 2013

Genetic studies in
Arabidopsis
implicate an α/β-hydrolase, KARRIKIN-INSENSITIVE 2 (KAI2) as a receptor for karrikins, germination-promoting butenolide small molecules found in the smoke of burned plants. However, direct biochemical evidence for the interaction between KAI2 and karrikin and for the mechanism of downstream signaling by a KAI2–karrikin complex remain elusive. We report crystallographic analyses and ligand-binding experiments for KAI2 recognition of karrikins. The karrikin-1 (KAR
1
) ligand sits in the opening to the active site abutting a helical domain insert but distal from the canonical catalytic triad (Ser95-His246-Asp217) of α/β-hydrolases, consistent with the lack of detectable hydrolytic activity by purified KAI2. The closest approach of KAR
1
to Ser95-His246-Asp217 is 3.8 Å from His246. Six aromatic side chains, including His246, encapsulate KAR
1
through geometrically defined aromatic–aromatic interactions. KAR
1
binding induces a conformational change in KAI2 at the active site entrance. A crevice of hydrophobic residues linking the polar edge of KAR
1
and the helical domain insert suggests that KAI2–KAR
1
creates a contiguous interface for binding signaling partners in a ligand-dependent manner.
Movements by Adfluvial Bull Trout during the Spawning Season between Lake and River Habitats
Authors: Barnett Heidy K. , Paige Dwayne K.
Published: April 2013

Movements of adfluvial Bull Trout Salvelinus confluentus were evaluated with acoustic telemetry during spawning seasons 2006–2011 in Chester Morse Lake,Washington. Ninety‐six percent of the individuals made multiple trips between the lake and river habitat during the spawning season,which lasted from less than 1 day to more than a month. Male Bull Trout took an average 13.2 (± 8.7 SD) trips,while females averaged 18.0 (± 14.0 SD) trips. Directional movement between the lake and a river occurred throughout the day; however,the distribution of movement activity was bimodal,peaking from 0600 to 0900 hours (downstream movement) and from 1700 to 2000 hours (upstream movement). The majority of time spent in the river per trip occurred during nighttime hours for female (mean = 74%) and male Bull Trout (mean = 72%). While spawning activity was not confirmed for each trip,this study illustrates an as‐yet unreported movement pattern of adfluvial Bull Trout during the spawning season. These results are relevant to managers considering monitoring population trends by way of redd count surveys because multiple redd sites per spawning season are possible,a situation that could lead to overestimating population numbers. Additional research to determine whether spawning occurs on individual trips would help assess whether population numbers could be overestimated by simply using redd counts in systems similar to the one studied.