bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An X band patch antenna integrated with commercial triple‐junction space solar cells
Authors: Yekan Taha , Baktur Reyhan
Published: December 2016

An X band patch antenna was integrated on top of the cover glass of commercial space‐certified solar cell and was studied for understanding the interaction between the solar cell and the antenna. It was found that the solar cell acts as a lossy substrate for the antenna and reduces the gain of the antenna by about 2 dB, and such a reduction remains consistent for different working states of the solar cell. The patch antenna reduces the efficiency of the solar cells because it blocks light, however, at 10 GHz, the impact of a patch antenna alone to the solar cell's efficiency is less than 1%. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:260–265, 2017
Low‐IF noise characteristics of W‐band resistive and diode mixers
Authors: Lee Seokchul , Lee Sangho , Kwon Youngwoo , Jeong Jinho
Published: December 2016

In this letter, W‐band mixers (resistive and diode mixers) are designed using a 0.15 μm GaAs pseudo‐morphic high electron mobility transistor process for frequency‐modulated continuous wave radars. The measurement shows that both mixers can achieve a good conversion gain of −9 dB with high linearity performance. In addition, noise figures (NFs) of both mixers are measured especially at low intermediate frequency (IF) using a gain method. The resistive mixer exhibits 10.3–11.2 dB lower NF than the diode mixer at low IF from 100 kHz to 1 MHz. This result is also supported by the measurement of the flicker noise of HEMT and diode at each operating bias condition. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:275–278, 2017
A triple band circular polarized monopole antenna for GNSS/UMTS/LTE
Authors: Singh Brar Rajveer , Saurav Kushmanda , Sarkar Debdeep , Vaibhav Srivastava Kumar
Published: December 2016

A circularly polarized Y‐shaped monopole antenna with L‐shaped slot loaded ground‐plane is proposed in this letter. The multi‐band operation is achieved due to the resonances of asymmetrical monopole arms as well as the slot in the ground plane. The circular polarization for LTE (band‐7, 2600 MHz) is achieved by using orthogonal and out of phase currents on surface of Y shaped monopole, whereas circular polarization for GNSS and UMTS‐2100 bands is the result of interaction of currents on longer arm of Y shaped monopole and loop currents on ground, which acts as a magnetic monopole. The antenna has been designed and optimised on a low cost FR‐4 epoxy substrate. The proposed antenna exhibits impedance bandwidths of 13.1, 9.7, and 7.4% at the resonant frequencies of 1.57, 2.02, and 2.55 GHz, respectively. At these three resonances, 3 dB axial ratio bandwidths of 3.7, 4.9, and 5.06% are achieved. The antenna has dual sense circular polarization, bidirectional radiation patterns, stable gain and good efficiency in the operating bands. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:298–304, 2017
Low‐cost, compact millimeter‐wave antenna‐in‐package for short‐range wireless communications
Authors: Byeon Chul Woo , Park Chul Soon
Published: December 2016

This article presents a low‐cost, compact millimeter‐wave antenna‐in‐package (AiP) for short‐range wireless communications. The antenna is based on a Yagi‐Uda antenna for high gain and end‐fire radiation and is implemented on a single dielectric layer using a truncated printed circuit board. Integrated with a CMOS transceiver chip, the AiP provides a low‐cost, compact, and robust design. The antenna comprises a microstrip‐to‐coplanar strip line transition, driver, reflector, and director. The fabricated antenna and AiP have dimensions of 6 mm × 5.5 mm × 0.13 mm and 6 mm × 7.2 mm × 0.13 mm, respectively. The antenna has measured beamwidths of 68° (E‐plane) and 105° (H‐plane) and a gain of 6.6 dBi at 60 GHz, while the fabricated AiP achieved a 10.7‐Gb/s wireless data transmission rate over 5 cm at a bit‐error rate of less than 10−12. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:329–333, 2017
A high‐speed Schottky detector for ultra‐wideband communications
Authors: Silva Valdecasa Guillermo , Cimoli Bruno , Blanco Granja Ángel , Bevensee Jensen Jesper , Tafur Monroy Idelfonso , Keinicke Johansen Tom , José Vegas Olmos Juan
Published: December 2016

This letter reviews the design procedure of a high‐speed Schottky video detector for high‐data‐rate communications within the ultra‐wideband (UWB) frequencies. The classic design approach for video detectors is extended with a mixer‐like analysis, which results in a more detailed assessment of the detector performance. The designed circuit is reviewed and measurements are provided for a manufactured prototype. The detector can successfully demodulate 2.5 Gbps video signals around a 7 GHz carrier. The bitrate to carrier frequency ratio of 35.7% is the highest reported for detectors at UWB frequencies. Using 0 dBm carrier power, the lowest measured conversion loss is 10 dB for a video frequency of 1.1 GHz and better than 13 dB up to 1.8 GHz. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:388–393, 2017
A multi‐cavity fiber‐optic device for refractive index measurement
Authors: da Silva Thiago Ferreira , Carneiro Elisa F.
Published: December 2016

We model a multi‐cavity optical device composed of fiber Bragg gratings. The sensitivity of the device for refractive index measurement is extracted from the change in its free‐spectral range, rendering the sensor robust to small temperature fluctuations. Remote interrogation compatibility is ensured by the all‐fiber design. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:423–428, 2017
Coupled‐fed tri‐band MIMO mobile antenna for WWAN and LTE applications
Authors: Zhu Jianfeng , Feng Botao , Deng Li , Peng Biao , Li Shufang
Published: December 2016

In this paper, a coupled‐fed tri‐band multiple‐input‐multiple‐output (MIMO) mobile antenna is proposed for WWAN and LTE applications. The MIMO antenna system is composed of two antenna elements and they are oriented diagonally at the non‐grounded portion of the FR‐4 substrate. Each antenna element consists of a planar inverted‐F antenna (PIFA) coupled‐fed by a L‐shaped driven strip monopole. By adding a parallel‐resonant spiral slit in the main ground, the bandwidth of the lower band can be enhanced to cover the whole GSM850 and GSM900 bands without increasing the antenna size. Slits embedded on the ground are employed to enhance port isolation between the antenna elements. The proposed antenna provides triple bands including the lower band of 810–965 MHz, middle band of 1560–3320 MHz, and upper band of 3400–3590 MHz for WWAN and LTE applications. Detailed geometry and working mechanisms of the antenna are presented. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:463–468, 2017
Cramp‐fasciculation syndrome associated with monofocal motor neuropathy
Authors: Dubuisson Nicolas J. , Van Pesch Vincent , Van Den Bergh Peter Y.K.
Published: December 2016

Introduction

Cramp‐fasciculation syndrome is a peripheral nerve hyperexcitability disorder, which could be caused by inflammatory neuropathy.

Case Report

We describe a 51‐year‐old woman who presented with a 4‐ to 5‐year history of fasciculations and painful cramping of the right thenar eminence.

Results

Electrophysiological studies showed motor conduction block in the right median nerve between the axilla and the elbow with fasciculation potentials and cramp discharges on electromyography in the right abductor pollicis brevis muscle. High titers of serum anti‐GM1 immunoglobulin M antibodies were detected.

Conclusions

Monofocal motor neuropathy of the right median nerve was diagnosed. Intravenous immunoglobulin treatment led to significant improvement of symptoms and signs. Although fasciculations and cramps have been reported in multifocal motor neuropathy and are considered supporting criteria for the diagnosis, the occurrence of cramp‐fasciculation syndrome as the presenting feature and predominant manifestation in monofocal motor neuropathy, a variant of multifocal motor neuropathy, is unique. Muscle Nerve 56: 828–832, 2017
Clinical and biochemical factors associated with preeclampsia in women with obesity
Authors: Vieira Matias C. , Poston Lucilla , Fyfe Elaine , Gillett Alexandra , Kenny Louise C. , Roberts Claire T. , Baker Philip N. , Myers Jenny E. , Walker James J. , McCowan Lesley M. , North Robyn A. , Pasupathy Dharmintra ,   on behalf of the SCOPE Consortium
Published: December 2016

Objective

To compare early pregnancy clinical and biomarker risk factors for later development of preeclampsia between women with obesity (body mass index, BMI ≥30 kg/m2) and those with a normal BMI (20–25 kg/m2).

Methods

In 3,940 eligible nulliparous women from the Screening for Pregnancy Endpoints (SCOPE) study, a total of 53 biomarkers of glucose and lipid metabolism, placental function, and known markers of preeclampsia were measured at 14 to 16 weeks' gestation. Logistic regression was performed to identify clinical and biomarker risk factors for preeclampsia in women with and without obesity.

Results

Among 834 women with obesity and 3,106 with a normal BMI, 77 (9.2%) and 105 (3.4%) developed preeclampsia, respectively. In women with obesity, risk factors included a family history of thrombotic disease, low plasma placental growth factor, and higher uterine artery resistance index at 20 weeks. In women with a normal BMI, a family history of preeclampsia or gestational hypertension, mean arterial blood pressure, plasma endoglin and cystatin C, and uterine artery resistance index were associated with preeclampsia, while high fruit intake was protective.

Conclusions

Women with obesity and a normal BMI have different early pregnancy clinical and biomarker risk factors for preeclampsia.
Isocyanate‐Free Curing of Glycidyl Azide Polymer with Bis–propargylhydroquinone
Authors: Sonawane Sanjeevani , Anniyappan M. , Athar Javaid , Singh Avtar , Talawar M. B. , Sinha R. K. , Banerjee Shaibal , Sikder A. K.
Published: December 2016

Bis‐propargylhydroquinone (BPHQ) is an alkyne functionalized isocyanate‐free curing agent for hydroxyl terminated azido polymers. Conventionally, glycidyl azide polymer (GAP) is cured by isocyanate based curatives, which are toxic and hygroscopic in nature. The reaction between hydroxyl end group of GAP and isocyanate is highly sensitive to moisture causing voids in the propellant, leading to poor mechanical properties. Herein, an alternate approach was adapted to exploit 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reaction between azido group of GAP and the triple bond (–C≡CH) of BPHQ without catalyst at 50 °C forming triazole crosslinked polymer. The curing behavior of GAP‐BPHQ system was studied by rheological method and based on the results the gel time was determined. In addition, the reaction between GAP and BPHQ was carried out with various GAP/BPHQ ratios (0.9 to 2.5) and effects on mechanical properties of resulting triazole polymers were investigated. Post curing hardness of GAP‐BPHQ binder system was tested by surface Shore‐A hardness measurement. The compatibility of BPHQ with energetic oxidizers such as ammonium dinitramide (ADN) and hydrazinium nitroformate (HNF) were also studied by differential scanning calorimetery (DSC) technique and showed good compatibility. The activation energy (Ea) of cured GAP‐BPHQ binder was evaluated by DSC using Ozawa and Kissinger methods and are found to be 33.55 and 33.16 kcal mol–1, respectively. The advantage of this curing system between GAP and BPHQ is unaffected by moisture as compared to isocyanate based urethane systems and also no need to control humidity during the processing of propellant. The experimental results reveal that triazole crosslinked polymer system could be a better choice to develop novel energetic binder systems for explosives as well as propellants composition with improved performance and eco‐friendly nature.
Thermochemistry of Evaporation and Sublimation of 2,4,6‐Triazido‐1,3,5‐triazine
Authors: Korsunskiy Boris L. , Nedel'ko Vadim V. , Zakharov Viktor V. , Chukanov Nikita V. , Chervonnyi Alexandr D. , Larikova Tatiana S. , Chapyshev Sergey V.
Published: December 2016

Saturated vapor pressure over cyanuric triazide melt was measured in the temperature range 393.15–453.15 K using glass membrane Bourdon pressure gauges. Measured evaporation heat and evaporation entropy are equal to 61.1±3.3 kJ mol–1 and 111.3±6.1 J mol–1 K–1, respectively. According to DSC data, melting heat and melting entropy of cyanuric triazide are 22.2±1.3 kJ mol–1 and 60.5±3.5 J mol–1 K–1, respectively. Based on the results obtained, the following dependence was found for the saturated vapor pressure over solid cyanuric triazide: Ps [Pa]=1014.0⋅exp[(–83300±3300)/RT]. Concequently, sublimation heat and sublimation entropy of cyanuric triazide are equal to 83.3±3.3 kJ mol–1 and 171.8±9.6 J mol–1 K–1, respectively. Saturated vapor pressure over solid cyanuric triazide at room temperature is equal to 0.25 Pa (1.9×10−3 Torr). It is concluded that high volatility of cyanuric triazide is caused by its low sublimation heat.
Maternal immune correlates of protection from human cytomegalovirus transmission to the fetus after primary infection in pregnancy
Authors: Lilleri Daniele , Gerna Giuseppe
Published: December 2016

Immune control of primary human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection appears to depend on the interaction of humoral and T‐cell responses. In this review, we have separately explored the 2 arms of the immune response to primary HCMV infection in HCMV‐seronegative pregnant women transmitting (T) or not transmitting (NT) the infection to the fetus, with the objective of correlating the immune risk factors associated with vertical HCMV transmission. As for the humoral response, the following findings were documented: (i) in competitive binding assays, antibody titers to different antigenic sites of the gH pentamer complex were significantly lower in T compared with NT women; (ii) in addition, the number of neutralization sites recognized by T was significantly lower compared with NT women; (iii) the plaque formation inhibition assay showed a faster kinetics and a higher titer in NT women. As for T‐cell immunity, the delayed expression of 3 immunological parameters (lymphoproliferative response, CD45RA reexpression in both CD4+ and CD8+ HCMV‐specific T cells, and interleukin‐2 production by HCMV‐specific CD4+ T cells) were significantly associated with vertical transmission. This overview provides important information at the population level, which may help to inform the evaluation of interventions such as vaccination or treatments designed to interrupt intrauterine transmission of HCMV during primary infection. However, although we are waiting for an HCMV vaccination to become available, we emphasize that none of these parameters can be prognostically used on an individual basis because of the great variation in values among women.
The Road to the Top
Authors: Joe Kathy
Published: December 2016

We ask the Research World Editorial Board to talk about how they got into market research and what was their first job
Beating poverty with research?
Authors: Lampert Martijn , Papadongonas Panos
Published: December 2016

How values‐based market research can assist in reaching the UN Global Goals for 2030
What message would the global public give the next President of America?
Authors: Shafi Gilani Ijaz , Kenny Peter
Published: December 2016

According to a global poll, they would say “The USA has ‘globalised the world’ now be ‘global’ in your outlook”.
Domestic Dudes
Authors: Dutta Sandeep
Published: December 2016

The story of a new consuming class
Flexible parametric modelling of the cause‐specific cumulative incidence function
Authors: Lambert Paul C. , Wilkes Sally R. , Crowther Michael J.
Published: December 2016

Competing risks arise with time‐to‐event data when individuals are at risk of more than one type of event and the occurrence of one event precludes the occurrence of all other events. A useful measure with competing risks is the cause‐specific cumulative incidence function (CIF), which gives the probability of experiencing a particular event as a function of follow‐up time, accounting for the fact that some individuals may have a competing event. When modelling the cause‐specific CIF, the most common model is a semi‐parametric proportional subhazards model. In this paper, we propose the use of flexible parametric survival models to directly model the cause‐specific CIF where the effect of follow‐up time is modelled using restricted cubic splines. The models provide smooth estimates of the cause‐specific CIF with the important advantage that the approach is easily extended to model time‐dependent effects. The models can be fitted using standard survival analysis tools by a combination of data expansion and introducing time‐dependent weights. Various link functions are available that allow modelling on different scales and have proportional subhazards, proportional odds and relative absolute risks as particular cases. We conduct a simulation study to evaluate how well the spline functions approximate subhazard functions with complex shapes. The methods are illustrated using data from the European Blood and Marrow Transplantation Registry showing excellent agreement between parametric estimates of the cause‐specific CIF and those obtained from a semi‐parametric model. We also fit models relaxing the proportional subhazards assumption using alternative link functions and/or including time‐dependent effects. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Climate warming and atmospheric deposition affect seed viability of common juniper (Juniperus communis) via their impact on the nutrient status of the plant
Authors: Gruwez Robert , De Frenne Pieter , De Schrijver An , Vangansbeke Pieter , Verheyen Kris
Published: December 2016

Global environmental change is increasingly affecting species worldwide. One of the emblematic casualties among plants in several European countries is common juniper (Juniperus communis). Many populations of common juniper throughout its distribution range are declining. The relative lack of viable seed production, resulting in low probabilities for successful natural regeneration, is one of the main reasons for this decline. Climate warming and elevated atmospheric depositions have been shown to negatively affect seed viability of common juniper, but our understanding of the underlying mechanisms remains scarce. One possible pathway is via changes in the plant nutrient status that, in turn, may affect seed viability. Here we took advantage of large‐scale gradients in climate and atmospheric depositions between central Sweden and northern Spain, and analysed foliar nutrient concentrations and stoichiometry and seed viability in 20 juniper populations spread across Europe. Our results show that increasing temperatures can negatively affect needle N and P concentrations while enhanced potentially acidifying depositions resulted in lower foliar N and Ca concentrations. Needle C:N ratios increased with higher temperature, acidifying depositions and precipitation. By linking these patterns to seed viability, we found that low needle P, Ca and Mg concentrations were related to low seed viability. Thus, a shortage of these key elements during seed development and seed nutrient storage, can lead to anomalies and seed abortion. These findings help to explain the low seed viability of juniper in Europe and may help to assist land managers to take urgently needed conservation actions.
Eicosapentaenoic Acid‐Enriched Phosphatidylcholine Attenuated Hepatic Steatosis Through Regulation of Cholesterol Metabolism in Rats with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Liu Yanjun , Shi Di , Tian Yingying , Liu Yuntao , Zhan Qiping , Xu Jie , Wang Jingfeng , Xue Changhu
Published: December 2016

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease in the world. Disturbed cholesterol metabolism plays a crucial role in the development of NAFLD. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of EPA‐PC extracted from sea cucumber on liver steatosis and cholesterol metabolism in NAFLD. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into seven groups (normal control group, model group, lovastatin group, low‐ and high‐dose EPA groups, and low‐ and high‐dose EPA‐PC groups). Model rats were established by administering a diet containing 1% orotic acid. To determine the possible cholesterol metabolism promoting mechanism of EPA‐PC, we analyzed the transcription of key genes and transcriptional factors involved in hepatic cholesterol metabolism. EPA‐PC dramatically alleviated hepatic lipid accumulation, reduced the serum TC concentration, and elevated HDLC levels in NAFLD rats. Fecal neutral cholesterol excretion was also promoted by EPA‐PC administration. Additionally, EPA‐PC decreased the mRNA expression of hydroxymethyl glutaric acid acyl (HMGR) and cholesterol 7α‐hydroxylase (CYP7A), and increased the transcription of sterol carrying protein 2 (SCP2). Moreover, EPA‐PC stimulated the transcription of peroxisome proliferators‐activated receptor α (PPARα) and adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase (AMPK) as well as its modulators, liver kinase B1 (LKB1) and Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent kinase kinase (CAMKK). Based on the results, the promoting effects of EPA‐PC on NAFLD may be partly associated with the suppression of cholesterol synthesis via HMGR inhibition and the enhancement of fecal cholesterol excretion through increased SCP2 transcription. The underlying mechanism may involve stimulation of PPARα and AMPK.
On the possibility of identifying human subjects using behavioural complexity analyses
Authors: Kloucek Petr , von Gunten Armin
Published: December 2016

Background

Identification of human subjects using a geometric approach to complexity analysis of behavioural data is designed to provide a basis for a more precise diagnosis leading towards personalised medicine.

Methods

The approach is based on capturing behavioural time‐series that can be characterized by a fractional dimension using non‐invasive longer‐time acquisitions of heart rate, perfusion, blood oxygenation, skin temperature, relative movement and steps frequency. The geometry based approach consists in the analysis of the area and centroid of convex hulls encapsulating the behavioural data represented in Euclidian index spaces based on the scaling properties of the self‐similar normally distributed behavioural time‐series of the above mentioned quantities.

Results

An example demonstrating the presented approach of behavioural fingerprinting is provided using sensory data of eight healthy human subjects based on approximately fifteen hours of data acquisition. Our results show that healthy subjects can be factorized to different similarity groups based on a particular choice of a convex hull in the corresponding Euclidian space. One of the results indicates that healthy subjects share only a small part of the convex hull pertaining to a highly trained individual from the geometric comparison point of view. Similarly, the presented pair‐wise individual geometric similarity measure indicates large differences among the subjects suggesting the possibility of neuro‐fingerprinting.

Conclusions

Recently introduced multi‐channel body‐attached sensors provide a possibility to acquire behavioural time‐series that can be mathematically analysed to obtain various objective measures of behavioural patterns yielding behavioural diagnoses favouring personalised treatments of, e.g., neuropathologies or aging.
Differential expression analyses for single‐cell RNA‐Seq: old questions on new data
Authors: Miao Zhun , Zhang Xuegong
Published: December 2016

Background

Single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) is an emerging technology that enables high resolution detection of heterogeneities between cells. One important application of scRNA‐seq data is to detect differential expression (DE) of genes. Currently, some researchers still use DE analysis methods developed for bulk RNA‐Seq data on single‐cell data, and some new methods for scRNA‐seq data have also been developed. Bulk and single‐cell RNA‐seq data have different characteristics. A systematic evaluation of the two types of methods on scRNA‐seq data is needed.

Results

In this study, we conducted a series of experiments on scRNA‐seq data to quantitatively evaluate 14 popular DE analysis methods, including both of traditional methods developed for bulk RNA‐seq data and new methods specifically designed for scRNA‐seq data. We obtained observations and recommendations for the methods under different situations.

Conclusions

DE analysis methods should be chosen for scRNA‐seq data with great caution with regard to different situations of data. Different strategies should be taken for data with different sample sizes and/or different strengths of the expected signals. Several methods for scRNA‐seq data show advantages in some aspects, and DEGSeq tends to outperform other methods with respect to consistency, reproducibility and accuracy of predictions on scRNA‐seq data.
Comorbidity, family history and personality traits in pathological gamblers compared with healthy controls
Authors: Mann K. , Lemenager T. , Zois E. , Hoffmann S. , Nakovics H. , Beutel M. , Vogelgesang M. , Wölfling K. , Kiefer F. , Fauth-Bühler M.
Published: December 2016

Background

While DSM-5 classified pathological gambling as an addictive disorder, there is debate as to whether ICD-11 should follow suit. The debate hinges on scientific evidence such as neurobiological findings, family history of psychiatric disorders, psychiatric comorbidity, and personality variables.

Methods

In the “Baden-Württemberg Study of Pathological Gambling”, we compared a group of 515 male pathological gamblers receiving treatment with 269 matched healthy controls. We studied differences in sociodemographic characteristics, gambling-related variables, psychiatric comorbidity (lifetime), family history of psychiatric conditions, as well as personality traits such as impulsivity (Barratt Impulsiveness Scale), sensation seeking (Zuckerman's Sensation Seeking Scale) and the NEO-FFI big five. Personality traits were validated in an age- and ethnicity-matched subsample of “pure” gamblers without any psychiatric comorbidity (including nicotine dependence). Data were analyzed using two-sample t-tests, Chi2 analyses, Fisher's exact test and Pearson correlation analysis, as appropriate. Bonferroni correction was applied to correct for multiple comparisons.

Results

Only 1% of the gamblers had been diagnosed with an impulse control disorder other than gambling (ICD-10). Notably, 88% of the gamblers in our sample had a comorbid diagnosis of substance dependence. The highest axis I comorbidity rate was for nicotine dependence (80%), followed by alcohol dependence (28%). Early age of first gambling experience was correlated with gambling severity. Compared to first-degree relatives of controls, first-degree relatives of pathological gamblers were more likely to suffer from alcohol dependence (27.0% vs. 7.4%), pathological gambling (8.3% vs. 0.7%) and suicide attempts (2.7% vs. 0.4%). Significant group differences were observed for the NEO-FFI factors neuroticism, agreeableness and conscientiousness. Gamblers were also more impulsive than controls, but did not differ from controls in terms of sensation seeking.

Conclusions

Our findings support classifying pathological gambling as a behavioural addiction in the ICD-11. This decision will have a significant impact on the approaches available for prevention (e.g. age limits) and treatment.
Preclinical Alzheimer's disease and longitudinal driving decline
Authors: Roe Catherine M. , Babulal Ganesh M. , Head Denise M. , Stout Sarah H. , Vernon Elizabeth K. , Ghoshal Nupur , Garland Brad , Barco Peggy P. , Williams Monique M. , Johnson Ann , Fierberg Rebecca , Fague M. Scot , Xiong Chengjie , Mormino Elizabeth , Grant Elizabeth A. , Holtzman David M. , Benzinger Tammie L.S. , Fagan Anne M. , Ott Brian R. , Carr David B. , Morris John C.
Published: December 2016

Introduction

Links between preclinical Alzheimer's disease (AD) and driving difficulty onset would support the use of driving performance as an outcome in primary and secondary prevention trials among older adults (OAs). We examined whether AD biomarkers predicted the onset of driving difficulties among OAs.

Methods

One hundred four OAs (65+ years) with normal cognition took part in biomarker measurements, a road test, clinical and psychometric batteries, and self‐reported their driving habits.

Results

Higher values of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tau/Aβ42 and phosphorylated tau (ptau181)/Aβ42 ratios, but not uptake on Pittsburgh compound B amyloid imaging (P = .12), predicted time to a rating of marginal or fail on the driving test using Cox proportional hazards models. Hazards ratios (95% confidence interval) were 5.75 (1.70–19.53), P = .005 for CSF tau/Aβ42; 6.19 (1.75–21.88), and P = .005 for CSF ptau181/Aβ42.

Discussion

Preclinical AD predicted time to receiving a marginal or fail rating on an on‐road driving test. Driving performance shows promise as a functional outcome in AD prevention trials.
Alex Halliday Receives 2016 Harry H. Hess Medal
Authors:   AGU
Published: December 2016

Alex Halliday was awarded the 2016 Harry H. Hess Medal at the American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting Honors Ceremony, held on 14 December 2016 in San Francisco, Calif. The medal is for "outstanding achievements in research on the constitution and evolution of the Earth and other planets."
Pleckstrin homology domain-containing protein PHLDB3 supports cancer growth via a negative feedback loop involving p53
Authors: Chao Tengfei , Zhou Xiang , Cao Bo , Liao Peng , Liu Hongbing , Chen Yun , Park Hee-Won , Zeng Shelya X. , Lu Hua
Published: December 2016

The tumour suppressor p53 transactivates the expression of its target genes to exert its functions. Here, we identify a pleckstrin homology domain-containing protein (PHLDB3)-encoding gene as a p53 target. PHLDB3 overexpression increases proliferation and restrains apoptosis of wild-type p53-harboring cancer cells by reducing p53 protein levels. PHLDB3 binds to MDM2 (mouse double minute 2 homolog) and facilitates MDM2-mediated ubiquitination and degradation of p53. Knockdown of PHLDB3 more efficiently inhibits the growth of mouse xenograft tumours derived from human colon cancer HCT116 cells that contain wild type p53 compared with p53-deficient HCT116 cells, and also sensitizes tumour cells to doxorubicin and 5-Fluorouracil. Analysis of cancer genomic databases reveals that PHLDB3 is amplified and/or highly expressed in numerous human cancers. Altogether, these results demonstrate that PHLDB3 promotes tumour growth by inactivating p53 in a negative feedback fashion and suggest PHLDB3 as a potential therapeutic target in various human cancers.
The overexpressed functional transient receptor potential channel TRPM2 in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhao Ling-Yan , Xu Wan-Lin , Xu Zeng-Qi , Qi Cui , Li Yang , Cheng Jie , Liu Lai-Kui , Wu Yu-Nong , Gao Jun , Ye Jin-Hai
Published: December 2016

TRPM2, one member of the transient receptor potential (TRP) protein super-family, is a Ca2+-permeable channel that is activated by oxidative stress and confers susceptibility to cell death. In the human tongue specimens of carcinoma and the tongue carcinoma SCC cell lines, we observed the enhanced expression of TRPM2. By means of the whole-cell electrophysiological recording, the ADPR-induced currents mediated by TRPM2 were recorded in cultured SCC9 cells. Moreover, after H2O2 treatment for 24 hours, the apoptotic number of SCC9 cells was significantly increased. However, the selectively knocked-down TRPM2 with the small interfering RNA technique inhibited the survival and migration of the SCC9 cancer cells, which was independent of the p53-p21 pathway, since the expression of p21 was enhanced after TRPM2 knockdown. Furthermore, the sub-cellular localization of TRPM2 was remarkably different between cancerous and non-cancerous cells. A significant amount of the TRPM2 proteins were located in the nuclei in cancer cells. All these data suggest that TRPM2 is essential for the survival and migration of SCC cancer cells and may be a potential target for the selective treatment of tongue cancer.
Collisional cross-section of water molecules in vapour studied by means of 1H relaxation in NMR
Authors: Mammoli Daniele , Canet Estel , Buratto Roberto , Miéville Pascal , Helm Lothar , Bodenhausen Geoffrey
Published: December 2016

In gas phase, collisions that affect the rotational angular momentum lead to the return of the magnetization to its equilibrium (relaxation) in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). To the best of our knowledge, the longitudinal relaxation rates R1 = 1/T1 of protons in H2O and HDO have never been measured in gas phase. We report R1 in gas phase in a field of 18.8 T, i.e., at a proton Larmor frequency ν0 = 800 MHz, at temperatures between 353 and 373 K and pressures between 9 and 101 kPa. By assuming that spin rotation is the dominant relaxation mechanism, we estimated the effective cross-section σJ for the transfer of angular momentum due to H2O-H2O and HDO-D2O collisions. Our results allow one to test theoretical predictions of the intermolecular potential of water in gas phase.
Acoustic micro-tapping for non-contact 4D imaging of tissue elasticity
Authors: Ambroziński Łukasz , Song Shaozhen , Yoon Soon Joon , Pelivanov Ivan , Li David , Gao Liang , Shen Tueng T. , Wang Ruikang K. , O’Donnell Matthew
Published: December 2016

Elastography plays a key role in characterizing soft media such as biological tissue. Although this technology has found widespread use in both clinical diagnostics and basic science research, nearly all methods require direct physical contact with the object of interest and can even be invasive. For a number of applications, such as diagnostic measurements on the anterior segment of the eye, physical contact is not desired and may even be prohibited. Here we present a fundamentally new approach to dynamic elastography using non-contact mechanical stimulation of soft media with precise spatial and temporal shaping. We call it acoustic micro-tapping (AμT) because it employs focused, air-coupled ultrasound to induce significant mechanical displacement at the boundary of a soft material using reflection-based radiation force. Combining it with high-speed, four-dimensional (three space dimensions plus time) phase-sensitive optical coherence tomography creates a non-contact tool for high-resolution and quantitative dynamic elastography of soft tissue at near real-time imaging rates. The overall approach is demonstrated in ex-vivo porcine cornea.
Driver gene classification reveals a substantial overrepresentation of tumor suppressors among very large chromatin-regulating proteins
Authors: Waks Zeev , Weissbrod Omer , Carmeli Boaz , Norel Raquel , Utro Filippo , Goldschmidt Yaara
Published: December 2016

Compiling a comprehensive list of cancer driver genes is imperative for oncology diagnostics and drug development. While driver genes are typically discovered by analysis of tumor genomes, infrequently mutated driver genes often evade detection due to limited sample sizes. Here, we address sample size limitations by integrating tumor genomics data with a wide spectrum of gene-specific properties to search for rare drivers, functionally classify them, and detect features characteristic of driver genes. We show that our approach, CAnceR geNe similarity-based Annotator and Finder (CARNAF), enables detection of potentially novel drivers that eluded over a dozen pan-cancer/multi-tumor type studies. In particular, feature analysis reveals a highly concentrated pool of known and putative tumor suppressors among the <1% of genes that encode very large, chromatin-regulating proteins. Thus, our study highlights the need for deeper characterization of very large, epigenetic regulators in the context of cancer causality.
Lotus Base: An integrated information portal for the model legume Lotus japonicus
Authors: Mun Terry , Bachmann Asger , Gupta Vikas , Stougaard Jens , Andersen Stig U.
Published: December 2016

Lotus japonicus is a well-characterized model legume widely used in the study of plant-microbe interactions. However, datasets from various Lotus studies are poorly integrated and lack interoperability. We recognize the need for a comprehensive repository that allows comprehensive and dynamic exploration of Lotus genomic and transcriptomic data. Equally important are user-friendly in-browser tools designed for data visualization and interpretation. Here, we present Lotus Base, which opens to the research community a large, established LORE1 insertion mutant population containing an excess of 120,000 lines, and serves the end-user tightly integrated data from Lotus, such as the reference genome, annotated proteins, and expression profiling data. We report the integration of expression data from the L. japonicus gene expression atlas project, and the development of tools to cluster and export such data, allowing users to construct, visualize, and annotate co-expression gene networks. Lotus Base takes advantage of modern advances in browser technology to deliver powerful data interpretation for biologists. Its modular construction and publicly available application programming interface enable developers to tap into the wealth of integrated Lotus data. Lotus Base is freely accessible at: https://lotus.au.dk.
Development of a high-density genetic linkage map and identification of flowering time QTLs in adzuki bean (Vigna angularis)
Authors: Liu Changyou , Fan Baojie , Cao Zhimin , Su Qiuzhu , Wang Yan , Zhang Zhixiao , Tian Jing
Published: December 2016

A high-density linkage map is crucial for the identification of quantitative trait loci (QTLs), positional cloning, and physical map assembly. Here, we report the development of a high-density linkage map based on specific length amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq) for adzuki bean and the identification of flowering time-related QTLs. Through SLAF library construction and Illumina sequencing of a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population, a total of 4425 SLAF markers were developed and assigned to 11 linkage groups (LGs). After binning the SLAF markers that represented the same genotype, the final linkage map of 1628.15 cM contained 2032 markers, with an average marker density of 0.80 cM. Comparative analysis showed high collinearity with two adzuki bean physical maps and a high degree of synteny with the reference genome of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). Using this map, one major QTL on LG03 and two minor QTLs on LG05 associated with first flowering time (FLD) were consistently identified in tests over a two-year period. These results provide a foundation that will be useful for future genomic research, such as identifying QTLs for other important traits, positional cloning, and comparative mapping in legumes.
Formation of equiaxed crystal structures in directionally solidified Al-Si alloys using Nb-based heterogeneous nuclei
Authors: Bolzoni Leandro , Xia Mingxu , Babu Nadendla Hari
Published: December 2016

The design of chemical compositions containing potent nuclei for the enhancement of heterogeneous nucleation in aluminium, especially cast alloys such as Al-Si alloys, is a matter of importance in order to achieve homogeneous properties in castings with complex geometries. We identified that Al3Nb/NbB2 compounds are effective heterogeneous nuclei and are successfully produced in the form of Al-2Nb-xB (x = 0.5, 1 and 2) master alloys. Our study shows that the inoculation of Al-10Si braze alloy with these compounds effectively promotes the heterogeneous nucleation of primary α-Al crystals and reduces the undercooling needed for solidification to take place. Moreover, we present evidences that these Nb-based compounds prevent the growth of columnar crystals and permit to obtain, for the first time, fine and equiaxed crystals in directionally solidified Al-10Si braze alloy. As a consequence of the potent heterogeneous particles, the size of the α-Al crystals was found to be less dependent on the processing conditions, especially the thermal gradient. Finally, we also demonstrate that the enhanced nucleation leads to the refinement of secondary phases such as eutectic silicon and primary silicon particles.
The direct-to-indirect band gap crossover in two-dimensional van der Waals Indium Selenide crystals
Authors: Mudd G. W. , Molas M. R. , Chen X. , Zólyomi V. , Nogajewski K. , Kudrynskyi Z. R. , Kovalyuk Z. D. , Yusa G. , Makarovsky O. , Eaves L. , Potemski M. , Fal’ko V. I. , Patanè A.
Published: December 2016

The electronic band structure of van der Waals (vdW) layered crystals has properties that depend on the composition, thickness and stacking of the component layers. Here we use density functional theory and high field magneto-optics to investigate the metal chalcogenide InSe, a recent addition to the family of vdW layered crystals, which transforms from a direct to an indirect band gap semiconductor as the number of layers is reduced. We investigate this direct-to-indirect bandgap crossover, demonstrate a highly tuneable optical response from the near infrared to the visible spectrum with decreasing layer thickness down to 2 layers, and report quantum dot-like optical emissions distributed over a wide range of energy. Our analysis also indicates that electron and exciton effective masses are weakly dependent on the layer thickness and are significantly smaller than in other vdW crystals. These properties are unprecedented within the large family of vdW crystals and demonstrate the potential of InSe for electronic and photonic technologies.
High resolution spectroscopy reveals fibrillation inhibition pathways of insulin
Authors: Deckert-Gaudig Tanja , Deckert Volker
Published: December 2016

Fibril formation implies the conversion of a protein’s native secondary structure and is associated with several neurodegenerative diseases. A better understanding of fibrillation inhibition and fibril dissection requires nanoscale molecular characterization of amyloid structures involved. Tip-enhanced Raman scattering (TERS) has already been used to chemically analyze amyloid fibrils on a sub-protein unit basis. Here, TERS in combination with atomic force microscopy (AFM), and conventional Raman spectroscopy characterizes insulin assemblies generated during inhibition and dissection experiments in the presence of benzonitrile, dimethylsulfoxide, quercetin, and β-carotene. The AFM topography indicates formation of filamentous or bead-like insulin self-assemblies. Information on the secondary structure of bulk samples and of single aggregates is obtained from standard Raman and TERS measurements. In particular the high spatial resolution of TERS reveals the surface conformations associated with the specific agents. The insulin aggregates formed under different inhibition and dissection conditions can show a similar morphology but differ in their β-sheet structure content. This suggests different aggregation pathways where the prevention of the β-sheet stacking of the peptide chains plays a major role. The presented approach is not limited to amyloid-related reasearch but can be readily applied to systems requiring extremely surface-sensitive characterization without the need of labels.
A rapid method for detecting protein-nucleic acid interactions by protein induced fluorescence enhancement
Authors: Valuchova Sona , Fulnecek Jaroslav , Petrov Alexander P. , Tripsianes Konstantinos , Riha Karel
Published: December 2016

Many fundamental biological processes depend on intricate networks of interactions between proteins and nucleic acids and a quantitative description of these interactions is important for understanding cellular mechanisms governing DNA replication, transcription, or translation. Here we present a versatile method for rapid and quantitative assessment of protein/nucleic acid (NA) interactions. This method is based on protein induced fluorescence enhancement (PIFE), a phenomenon whereby protein binding increases the fluorescence of Cy3-like dyes. PIFE has mainly been used in single molecule studies to detect protein association with DNA or RNA. Here we applied PIFE for steady state quantification of protein/NA interactions by using microwell plate fluorescence readers (mwPIFE). We demonstrate the general applicability of mwPIFE for examining various aspects of protein/DNA interactions with examples from the restriction enzyme BamHI, and the DNA repair complexes Ku and XPF/ERCC1. These include determination of sequence and structure binding specificities, dissociation constants, detection of weak interactions, and the ability of a protein to translocate along DNA. mwPIFE represents an easy and high throughput method that does not require protein labeling and can be applied to a wide range of applications involving protein/NA interactions.
Disentangling genetic and environmental risk factors for individual diseases from multiplex comorbidity networks
Authors: Klimek Peter , Aichberger Silke , Thurner Stefan
Published: December 2016

Most disorders are caused by a combination of multiple genetic and/or environmental factors. If two diseases are caused by the same molecular mechanism, they tend to co-occur in patients. Here we provide a quantitative method to disentangle how much genetic or environmental risk factors contribute to the pathogenesis of 358 individual diseases, respectively. We pool data on genetic, pathway-based, and toxicogenomic disease-causing mechanisms with disease co-occurrence data obtained from almost two million patients. From this data we construct a multiplex network where nodes represent disorders that are connected by links that either represent phenotypic comorbidity of the patients or the involvement of a certain molecular mechanism. From the similarity of phenotypic and mechanism-based networks for each disorder we derive measure that allows us to quantify the relative importance of various molecular mechanisms for a given disease. We find that most diseases are dominated by genetic risk factors, while environmental influences prevail for disorders such as depressions, cancers, or dermatitis. Almost never we find that more than one type of mechanisms is involved in the pathogenesis of diseases.
HbA1c as a Screening tool for Ketosis in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Zhu Bing , Bu Le , Zhang Manna , Gusdon Aaron M. , Zheng Liang , Rampersad Sharvan , Li Jue , Qu Shen
Published: December 2016

Ketosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is overlooked due to atypical symptoms. The objective of this study is to evaluate the value of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) as a screening tool for ketosis in T2DM patients. This retrospective study consisted of 253 T2DM patients with ketosis at Shanghai 10th People’s Hospital during a period from January 1, 2011 to June 30, 2015. A control group consisted of 221 T2DM patients without ketosis randomly selected from inpatients during the same period. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was used to examine the sensitivity and specificity of HbA1c as an indicator for ketosis. Higher HbA1c levels were correlated with ketosis. In patients with newly diagnosed T2DM, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.832, with 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.754–0.911. The optimal threshold was 10.1% (87 mmol/mol). In patients with previously diagnosed T2DM, the AUC was 0.811 (95% CI: 0.767–0.856), with an optimal threshold of 8.6% (70 mmol/mol). HbA1c is a potential screening tool for ketosis in patients with T2DM. Ketosis is much more likely with HbA1c values at ≥10.1% in patients with newly diagnosed T2DM and HbA1c values at ≥8.6% in patients with previously diagnosed T2DM.