bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oral Health, Dental Insurance and Dental Service use in Australia
Authors: Srivastava Preety , Chen Gang , Harris Anthony
Published: October 2015

This study uses data from the 2004–2006 Australian National Survey of Adult Oral Health and a simultaneous equation framework to investigate the interrelationships between dental health, private dental insurance and the use of dental services. The results show that insurance participation is influenced by social and demographic factors, health and health behaviours. In turn, these factors affect the use of dental services, both directly and through insurance participation. Our findings confirm that affordability is a major barrier to visiting the dentist for oral health maintenance and treatment. Our results suggest that having supplementary insurance is associated with some 56 percentage points higher probability of seeing the dentist in the general population. For those who did not have private insurance cover, we predict that conditional on them facing the same insurance conditions, on average, having insurance would increase their visits to the dentist by 43 percentage points. The uninsured in the survey have lower income, worse oral health and lower rates of preventive and treatment visits. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Esculetin Induces Apoptosis Through EGFR/PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway and Nucleophosmin Relocalization
Authors: Jeon Young‐Joo , Cho Jin Hyoung , Lee Seung‐Yeop , Choi Yung Hyun , Park Hongju , Jung Seunggon , Shim Jung‐Hyun , Chae Jung‐Il
Published: October 2015

Esculetin, a coumarin compound, has anti‐proliferative effects on various types of human cancer cells, but its effect on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is unknown. In this study, we determined whether esculetin had anti‐proliferative effects on two oral squamous cell lines, HN22, and HSC2. We found that esculetin inhibited cell viability by inducing apoptosis, as evinced by apoptotic cell morphologies, nuclear fragmentation, and the multi‐caspase/MMP activity. Furthermore, proteomic analysis was used to identify the target‐specific proteins involved in esculetin treatment. Intriguingly, apoptotic cell death by esculetin was associated with significant inhibition of the EGFR/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. We also demonstrated that the expression of nucleophosmin (NPM) markedly decreased after esculetin treatment, and relocalization of NPM from the nucleous to the cytoplasm, together with p65, potentiated apoptotic stimulation. Additionally, our data indicated that NPM expression was markedly higher in OSCC tissues than in normal tissues. Our results collectively indicated that esculetin inhibited the proliferation of OSCC through EGFR‐mediated signaling pathways and down‐regulation of NPM as well as the perturbation of NPM trafficking from the nucleolus to the cytoplasm resulted in apoptosis. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 1210–1221, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Improved Photocatalytic Activity and Stability of Nano‐sized Ag/Ag2CO3 Plasmonic Photocatalyst by Surface Modification of Fe(III) Nanocluster
Authors: Dai Gaopeng , Li Siyong , Liu Suqin , liang Ying , Zhao Heng
Published: October 2015

The surface modification of Ag/Ag2CO3 with Fe(III) ions has been achieved through simply photoreduction‐impregnation method. The obtained products were characterized by means of X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and UV‐vis absorption spectroscopy. Under visible‐light irradiation (γ>420 nm), the Fe(III)/Ag/Ag2CO3 sample displays a higher photocatalytic activity and stability than pure Ag2CO3 and Ag/Ag2CO3 samples for the degradation of methyl orange (MO). The improved photocatalytic activity and stability of this ternary system could be ascribed to the synergetic effect between Ag nanoparticles and Fe(III) nanocluster. The metallic Ag nanoparticles cause an obviously enhanced visible‐light absorption to produce more photogenerated charges, while the Fe(III) works as an active site for the following oxygen reduction to reduce the recombination rate of photogenerated electrons and holes.
The Influencing of Preanodized Inlaying Ultrathin Carbon Paste Electrode on the Oxidation for the Xanthine and Hypoxanthine by the Hydrogen Bond
Authors: Qiao Yue‐chun , Li Jing , Li Yao , Li Quan‐min
Published: October 2015

In this paper, a pre‐anodized inlaying ultrathin carbon paste electrode (PAIUCPE) with 316L as a matrix was constructed by a simple and fast electrochemical pretreatment. Using xanthine (Xa) and hypoxanthine (HXa) as the target compounds, the pH effects compositions of buffer solution, the accumulation times, hydrogen bond catalysis, degree of auxiliary electrode reaction on the size of peak currents (Ip) of Xa and HXa was discussed in detail. Also, it was proposed that Xa and HXa were respectively absorbed at the surface of PAIUCPE through hydrogen bonding. The influencing mechanisms of the PAIUCEP on electrochemical oxidation of Xa and HXa were explained in detail. Moreover, the linear relationships for the Xa and HXa were obtained in the range of 6×10−8–3×10−5 mol/L and 2×10−7–7×10−5 mol/L, respectively. The detection limits for the Xa and HXa were 1.2×10−8 mol/L and 5.7×10−8 mol/L, respectively. Moreover, this proposed method could be applied to determine the Xa and HXa in human urine simultaneously with satisfactory results.
Synthesis of New Tetrazole Derivatives of Spiro‐ and Bis‐barbiturates
Authors: Kashani Elmira , Pesyan Nader Noroozi , Sahin Ertan
Published: October 2015

This work described the synthesis of the first and unprecedented examples of 5‐aryl‐1H‐tetrazoles including spiro‐ and bis‐(thio)barbiturates, generated from the reaction between 4‐(1H‐tetrazol‐5‐yl)benzaldehyde with (thio)barbituric acids and cyanogen bromide (BrCN) in the presence of triethylamine, providing good overall yields. Tetrazoles based on bis‐(thio) barbiturates were also obtained in the absence of BrCN under the same conditions. The structures were characterized by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, X‐ray crystallography and mass analysis techniques. The reaction mechanism was proposed. The hydrogen bond strength (EHB) versus d (O1⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅O7 (w)) distance (kcal.mol−1) and corresponding pKa value for the proton of H3A (in water molecule) in 4b.H2O were estimated to be 13.8 kcal.mol−1 and 8.2, respectively.
Effect of nickel and grafting combination on yield, fruit quality, antioxidative enzyme activities, lipid peroxidation, and mineral composition of tomato
Authors: Kumar Pradeep , Rouphael Youssef , Cardarelli Mariateresa , Colla Giuseppe
Published: October 2015

Soil contamination by heavy metals negatively affects crop productivity, besides representing serious threat to human health. Grafting tomato onto appropriate rootstocks may raise Ni tolerance through limiting heavy metal uptake by roots and/or its translocation to the shoot and by detoxification. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to determine the influence of long‐term Ni exposure (0, 25, or 50 µM) on crop productivity, fruit quality, leaf chlorophyll content, fluorescence, electrolyte leakage, catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) activities in leaf, proline content, membrane lipid peroxidation, and mineral composition of tomato plants cv. Ikram, either self‐grafted or grafted onto three rootstocks: Black Beauty, Unifort, and Maxifort. Significant reduction in yield was observed in response to an increase in Ni concentration with more detrimental effects at 50 µM Ni. The fruit dry matter and total soluble solids content increased under severe Ni stress. The depression of crop performance under Ni toxicity was attributed to a decrease in leaf pigments (SPAD index), efficiency of PSII, macro‐ and microelements, and increase in lipid peroxidation and membrane damage. Plants grafted onto tomato rootstocks Maxifort and Unifort exhibited higher chlorophyll content, photochemical activity of PSII, antioxidant activity of APX and GPX, lower accumulation of MDA, and a better nutritional status (higher Ca and Fe, and lower Ni) in the leaf tissues in comparison with self‐grafted plants and those grafted onto Black Beauty. Plants grafted onto tomato rootstocks Unifort and especially Maxifort could minimize the nickel toxicity by improving nutritional status and detoxification processes.
Children with unilateral hearing loss may have lower intelligence quotient scores: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Purcell Patricia L. , Shinn Justin R. , Davis Greg E. , Sie Kathleen C. Y.
Published: October 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

In this meta‐analysis, we reviewed observational studies investigating differences in intelligence quotient (IQ) scores of children with unilateral hearing loss compared to children with normal hearing.

Data Sources

PubMed Medline, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Embase, PsycINFO.

Methods

A query identified all English‐language studies related to pediatric unilateral hearing loss published between January 1980 and December 2014. Titles, abstracts, and articles were reviewed to identify observational studies reporting IQ scores.

Results

There were 261 unique titles, with 29 articles undergoing full review. Four articles were identified, which included 173 children with unilateral hearing loss and 202 children with normal hearing. Ages ranged from 6 to 18 years. Three studies were conducted in the United States and one in Mexico. All were of high quality. All studies reported full‐scale IQ results; three reported verbal IQ results; and two reported performance IQ results. Children with unilateral hearing loss scored 6.3 points lower on full‐scale IQ, 95% confidence interval (CI) [−9.1, −3.5], P value < 0.001; and 3.8 points lower on performance IQ, 95% CI [−7.3, −0.2], P value 0.04. When investigating verbal IQ, we detected substantial heterogeneity among studies; exclusion of the outlying study resulted in significant difference in verbal IQ of 4 points, 95% CI [−7.5, −0.4], P value 0.028.

Conclusions

This meta‐analysis suggests children with unilateral hearing loss have lower full‐scale and performance IQ scores than children with normal hearing. There also may be disparity in verbal IQ scores. Laryngoscope, 126:746–754, 2016
Comparative study on the effects of EGF and bFGF on the healing of human large traumatic perforations of the tympanic membrane
Authors: Zhengcai‐Lou  , Zihan‐Lou  , Yongmei‐Tang
Published: October 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

We evaluated the effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on the healing of large traumatic tympanic membrane perforations (TMPs).

Study Design

Prospective clinical study.

Setting

Tertiary university hospital.

Methods

A randomized, prospective analysis was performed between June 2013 and August 2014 on the treatment of traumatic TMPs larger than 25% of the TM. Closure rate, closure time, hearing gain, and rate of otorrhea were compared between EGF and bFGF groups, as well as to an observation‐only group.

Results

Final analysis was performed on 86 patients at 3 months. The closure rates of perforation in the EGF, bFGF, and observation groups were 86.2%, 89.3%, and 72.4%, respectively. The closure rates in the EGF and bFGF groups were 14% to 17% higher than in the observation group, although the difference was not statistically significant for the total closure rate among the three groups (P = 0.200). The average closure time was significantly longer (P < 0.01) in the observation group than in the EGF and bFGF groups. However, the closure times in the EGF and bFGF groups were not significantly different (P = 0.92). In addition, differences in purulent otorrhea rates among the groups were not statistically significant (P = 0.82).

Conclusions

Both EGF and bFGF can accelerate the closure of human large traumatic TMPs. The healing outcomes among the two growth factors were not significantly different.

Level of Evidence

2b. Laryngoscope, 126:E23–E28, 2016
PEGylation of Chitosan Via Nitroxide‐Mediated Polymerization in Aqueous Media
Authors: Darabi Ali , García‐Valdez Omar , Champagne Pascale , Cunningham Michael F.
Published: October 2015

The PEGlytation of CTS with poly(poly(ethyleneglycol) methyl ether methacrylate‐co‐styrene), poly(PEGMA‐co‐S), via nitroxide‐mediated polymerization (NMP) using both grafting to and from approaches has been performed. To conduct the PEGylation of CTS via grafting to, CTS was first functionalized with glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) yielding CTS‐g‐GMA macromer. Poly(PEGMA‐co‐S), synthesized via NMP, was then grafted to the CTS‐g‐GMA. For PEGylation via grafting from, CTS‐g‐GMA was first converted into a macroalkoxyamine using an SG1‐based alkoxyamine. Graft copolymerization of PEGMA‐co‐S was then performed. The syntheses of CTS‐g‐GMA‐poly(PEGMA‐co‐S) were confirmed by 1H NMR and TGA.
Phase relaxed localized excitation pulses for inner volume fast spin echo imaging
Authors: Malik Shaihan J. , Hajnal Joseph V.
Published: October 2015

Purpose

To design multidimensional spatially selective radiofrequency (RF) pulses for inner volume imaging (IVI) with three‐dimensional (3D) fast spin echo (FSE) sequences. Enhanced background suppression is achieved by exploiting particular signal properties of FSE sequences.

Theory and Methods

The CPMG condition dictates that echo amplitudes will rapidly decrease if a 90° phase difference between excitation and refocusing pulses is not present, and refocusing flip angles are not precisely 180°. This mechanism is proposed as a means for generating additional background suppression for spatially selective excitation, by biasing residual excitation errors toward violating the CPMG condition. 3D RF pulses were designed using this method with a 3D spherical spiral trajectory, under‐sampled by factor 5.6 for an eight‐channel PTx system, at 3 Tesla.

Results

3D‐FSE IVI with pulse durations of approximately 12 ms was demonstrated in phantoms and for T2‐weighted brain imaging in vivo. Good image quality was obtained, with mean background suppression factors of 103 and 82 ± 6 in phantoms and in vivo, respectively.

Conclusion

Inner Volume Imaging with 3D‐FSE has been demonstrated in vivo with tailored 3D‐RF pulses. The proposed design methods are also applicable to 2D pulses. Magn Reson Med 76:848–861, 2016. © 2015 The Authors. Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
Global analysis of phosphoproteome dynamics in embryonic development of zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Kwon Oh Kwang , Kim Sun Ju , Lee You‐Mie , Lee Young‐Hoon , Bae Young‐Seuk , Kim Jin Young , Peng Xiaojun , Cheng Zhongyi , Zhao Yingming , Lee Sangkyu
Published: October 2015

The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a popular animal model used for studies on vertebrate development and organogenesis. Recent research has shown a similarity of approximately 70% between the human and zebrafish genomes and about 84% of human disease‐causing genes have common ancestry with that of the zebrafish genes. Zebrafish embryos have a number of desirable features, including transparency, a large size, and rapid embryogenesis. Protein phosphorylation is a well‐known PTM, which can carry out various biological functions. Recent MS developments have enabled the study of global phosphorylation patterns by using MS‐based proteomics coupled with titanium dioxide phosphopeptide enrichment. In the present study, we identified 3500 nonredundant phosphorylation sites on 2166 phosphoproteins and quantified 1564 phosphoproteins in developing embryos of zebrafish. The distribution of Ser/Thr/Tyr phosphorylation sites in zebrafish embryos was found to be 88.9, 10.2, and 0.9%, respectively. A potential kinase motif was predicted using Motif‐X analysis, for 80% of the identified phosphorylation sites, with the proline‐directed motif appearing most frequently, and 35 phosphorylation sites having the pSF motif. In addition, we created six phosphoprotein clusters based on their dynamic pattern during the development of zebrafish embryos. Here, we report the largest dataset of phosphoproteins in zebrafish embryos and our results can be used for further studies on phosphorylation sites or phosphoprotein dynamics in zebrafish embryos.
Retardation of shape change of Au nanorods using photo‐cross‐linkable ligands
Authors: Danielsen Scott P. O. , Choi Jihoon , Composto Russell J.
Published: October 2015

The thermal reshaping of gold nanorods has been slowed by grafting a diblock copolymer [P(S‐b‐S‐N3)] containing an outer polystyrene (PS) brush and a short, inner photo‐cross‐linkable PS‐azide block. The P(S‐b‐S‐N3)‐Au NRs were dispersed in a PS thin film and reshaping was investigated using scanning electron microscopy and UV–Vis spectroscopy. For P(S‐b‐S‐N3)‐Au NRs in PS, the longitudinal surface plasmon resonance decreased from about 880 toward 750 nm upon annealing at 100 °C, 150 °C, and 200 °C. This blue shift increased in strength as temperature increased. However, this reshaping of P(S‐b‐S‐N3)‐Au NRs was slower than that of Au NRs grafted with a poly(ethylene glycol) brush that was dispersed in poly(methyl methacrylate). By slowing down reshaping at elevated temperature, polymer thin film devices that heat during use (e.g., polarization dependent filters) can exhibit a longer lifetime. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2016, 54, 301–307
Macro‐ and Micromorphologic Interpretation of Relict Periglacial Slope Deposits from the Holy Cross Mountains, Poland
Authors: Pawelec Halina , Ludwikowska‐Kędzia Małgorzata
Published: October 2015

Relict periglacial slope cover deposits in the Holy Cross Mountains of Poland are composed of material derived from bedrock, loess and sand of polygenic origin. The aim of this study was to interpret the processes that deposited three massive coarse‐grained diamictons near the base of gentle hillslopes. Based on macroscopic and microscopic sedimentological analyses, the diamictons are attributed to deposition by three processes – active‐layer detachment, solifluction and high‐energy overland flow – due to climatic and geomorphologic factors. The use of microscopic analysis revealed the detailed texture and structure of these deposits, and was particularly important in interpreting fine‐grained sediments produced by low‐energy overland flow. This technique served as the basis for the differentiation of solifluction deposits and high‐density flow deposits. The active‐layer detachment deposit (adjacent to the slip plane) was characterised by a heterogenous texture and breccia‐type structure with domains and clasts oriented parallel to the slope. The deposit included erosional surfaces and individual slip planes. The solifluction deposit was a clayey diamicton with a banded structure oriented parallel to the slope. The low‐energy overland flow deposit was laminated and sorted with laminae oriented parallel to the slope. The high‐energy overland flow deposit was a homogeneous and massive diamicton with a silty/sandy matrix and randomly oriented clasts and grains. The following characteristics helped identify the sediment type: the degree of homogenisation, texture, sedimentary structure and fabric. Features including plasmic fabric, deformation structures and microporosity played an additional role in identifying the studied deposits. In relict slope deposits, these features may be formed as a result of depositional or postdepositional processes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the contribution of synoptic transients to the mean atmospheric state in the Gulf Stream region
Authors: Parfitt Rhys , Czaja Arnaud
Published: October 2015

A new decomposition of the time‐mean sea‐level pressure, precipitation, meridional velocity (v) and pressure vertical velocity (ω) is applied to ERA‐Interim reanalysis data over the North Atlantic Ocean for the December–February 1979–2011 time period. The decomposition suggests that the atmosphere over the Gulf Stream is dominated by a continuous series of synoptic systems, or baroclinic waves, propagating across the region. The time‐mean value of precipitation, meridional velocity and ω (the latter being taken as a proxy for upward and downward motion) is accordingly set by the propagating waves. The result is particularly striking for ω (v) considering that ascent and descent (poleward and equatorward flow) could reasonably be expected to cancel out in such a series of waves.

These results shed a new light on analyses of the storm‐track heat budget in which the residual between diabatic heating and ‘transient’ eddy heat fluxes (singled out through band‐pass time filtering or spatial Fourier analysis) is interpreted as a Rossby wave source. This interpretation is questioned because, as a consequence of the filtering used, these studies prevent any direct contribution of the ‘transients’ to the time‐mean ω or meridional velocity, attributing entirely both fields to the circulation associated with the thermally forced Rossby wave. The fact that ‘transients’ directly contribute to the observed time mean ω over the Gulf Stream might also explain the discrepancy between the observed and predicted response of the vertical motion field to heating in midlatitudes.
Reversible Switching of Block Copolymer Nanopatterns by Orthogonal Electric Fields
Authors: Liedel Clemens , Lewin Christian , Tsarkova Larisa , Böker Alexander
Published: October 2015

It is demonstrated that the orientation of striped patterns can be reversibly switched between two perpendicular in‐plane orientations upon exposure to electric fields. The results on thin films of symmetric polystyrene‐block‐poly(2‐vinyl pyridine) polymer in the intermediate segregation regime disclose two types of reorientation mechanisms from perpendicular to parallel relative to the electric field orientation. Domains orient via grain rotation and via formation of defects such as stretched undulations and temporal phase transitions. The contribution of additional fields to the structural evolution is also addressed to elucidate the generality of the observed phenomena. In particular solvent effects are considered. This study reveals the stabilization of the meta‐stable in‐plane oriented lamella due to sequential swelling and quenching of the film. Further, the reorientation behavior of lamella domains blended with selective nanoparticles is addressed, which affect the interfacial tensions of the blocks and hence introduce another internal field to the studied system. Switching the orientation of aligned block copolymer patterns between two orthogonal directions may open new applications of nanomaterials as switchable electric nanowires or optical gratings.
A new method of evaluating robust power system security against uncertainties
Authors: Yorino Naoto , Abdillah Muhammad , Isoya Tomohiro , Sasaki Yutaka , Zoka Yoshifumi
Published: October 2015

The rapid expansion of renewable energy (RE) generation is leading to severe problems related to the reliability of network operation. Power system security is threatened by increased uncertainties of RE outputs and reduced controllable resources. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the robustness of the system controllability in order to preserve system security against uncertainties of RE outputs. We refer to the robustness of the system in this context as ‘robust power system security’. This paper proposes a new formulation for evaluating the robust security region in controllable parameter space where the conventional N‐1 security criterion suffices in the presence of uncertainties. We specify the confidence interval (CI) of uncertain parameters and obtain the worst case feasible region defined by a set of security constraints, which is a very new approach in the treatment of uncertainties. We use the minimum set of static constraints in the load dispatching problem with CI of RE prediction to evaluate the security region, which is referred to as the robust static security region (RSS) in this paper. The proposed method is useful to assess the degree of difficulty of system planning and operation from the viewpoint of the balance between controllable generator capacity and RE uncertainties. © 2015 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Opportunistic distributed channel access for a dense wireless small‐cell zone
Authors: Goonewardena Mathew , Yadav Animesh , Ajib Wessam , Elbiaze Halima
Published: October 2015

This paper considers uplink channel access in a zone of closed‐access small‐cells that is deployed in a macrocell service area. All small‐cell user equipments (SUEs) have access to a common orthogonal set of channels, leading to intercell interference. In addition, each channel forms a separate collision domain in each cell, thus can be successfully used only by one SUE of that cell. This paper proposes two non‐cooperative Bayesian games, G1 and G2, that are played among the SUEs. G1 assumes the availability of channel state information at the transmitters, while G2 assumes the availability of only the distribution of the channel state information. Each SUE can choose to transmit over one of the channels or not to transmit. The emphasis of the paper is on the set of symmetric threshold strategies where the Nash equilibrium is fully determined by a single parameter. The existence and uniqueness of pure Bayesian–Nash symmetric equilibrium of G1 in threshold strategies and mixed Bayesian–Nash symmetric equilibrium of G2 in uniformly distributed threshold strategies are proven. Numerical results corroborate the theoretical findings and benchmark against another decentralized scheme. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phenomenal advanced age of pupping in a captive pacific harbor seal (Phoca vitulina richardsi)
Authors: Temte Jonathan L. , Flynn Erin
Published: October 2015

To better define the life history in the captive environment, we describe the reproductive history and advanced age of pupping of a female Pacific harbor seal (Phoca vitulina richardsi) at the Henry Vilas Zoo (HVZ) in Madison, Wisconsin. This female gave birth to a viable pup on May 16, 2012, at the age of 42 years and is the oldest documented birth reported for this species. This female also demonstrated high temporal fidelity to her previously described birth timing. The pup's sire was also 42 years at the time of birth. Captive harbor seals can remain reproductively healthy into their 5th decade. Zoo Biol. 34:522–524, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
U-shaped fairings suppress vortex-induced vibrations for cylinders in cross-flow
Authors: Xie Fangfang , Yu Yue , Constantinides Yiannis , Triantafyllou Michael S. , Karniadakis George Em
Published: October 2015

We employ three-dimensional direct and large-eddy numerical simulations of the vibrations and flow past cylinders fitted with free-to-rotate U-shaped fairings placed in a cross-flow at Reynolds number $100\leqslant \mathit{Re}\leqslant 10\,000$. Such fairings are nearly neutrally buoyant devices fitted along the axis of long circular risers to suppress vortex-induced vibrations (VIVs). We consider three different geometric configurations: a homogeneous fairing, and two configurations (denoted A and AB) involving a gap between adjacent segments. For the latter two cases, we investigate the effect of the gap on the hydrodynamic force coefficients and the translational and rotational motions of the system. For all configurations, as the Reynolds number increases beyond 500, both the lift and drag coefficients decrease. Compared to a plain cylinder, a homogeneous fairing system (no gaps) can help reduce the drag force coefficient by 15 % for reduced velocity $U^{\ast }=4.65$, while a type A gap system can reduce the drag force coefficient by almost 50 % for reduced velocity $U^{\ast }=3.5,4.65,6$, and, correspondingly, the vibration response of the combined system, as well as the fairing rotation amplitude, are substantially reduced. For a homogeneous fairing, the cross-flow amplitude is reduced by about 80 %, whereas for fairings with a gap longer than half a cylinder diameter, VIVs are completely eliminated, resulting in additional reduction in the drag coefficient. We have related such VIV suppression or elimination to the features of the wake flow structure. We find that a gap causes the generation of strong streamwise vorticity in the gap region that interferes destructively with the vorticity generated by the fairings, hence disorganizing the formation of coherent spanwise cortical patterns. We provide visualization of the incoherent wake flow that leads to total elimination of the vibration and rotation of the fairing–cylinder system. Finally, we investigate the effect of the friction coefficient between cylinder and fairing. The effect overall is small, even when the friction coefficients of adjacent segments are different. In some cases the equilibrium positions of the fairings are rotated by a small angle on either side of the centreline, in a symmetry-breaking bifurcation, which depends strongly on Reynolds number.
Integration through Sports? Polish Migrants in the Ruhr, Germany
Authors: Blecking Diethelm
Published: October 2015

Sport, and football in particular, is described in socio-political discourse as an effective way to integrate immigrants. This thesis will be tested by means of a case study examining Polish migration to the mining areas of the Ruhr from the 1870s. It will be shown that, up until World War I, the sport participated in by Polish miners served, in contrast, as a means of nationalization, ethnicizing, and as an aid to furthering Polish ethnic identity. Only during the Weimar Republic were football clubs in the Ruhr actually used as a vehicle for integration and assimilation for males among the Polish minority. After World War II, memories of these footballers from among the Polish minority were either repressed or reduced to folklore. Based on this historical case study, sport appears in principle to be ambivalent between its ability to form “we” groups and the building of bridges between nationalities.
Migration and Ethnicity in Coalfield History: Global Perspectives
Authors: Knotter Ad
Published: October 2015

This article provides a general background to the case studies in this Special Issue by highlighting some general themes in the history of migration to coalfields worldwide. All over the world, mining companies have struggled with labour shortages and had to find ways to recruit sufficient numbers of mineworkers. The solutions adopted ranged from the involvement of part-time peasant miners, organized mediation by labour contractors, and systems of forced labour, to state regulation of national and international migration. The importance of these kinds of “intervening institution” in mobilizing labour for the coalmines is illustrated by examples from different parts of the world. Efforts to find new workers for the mines often resulted in the recruitment of ethnic groups of a lower social status, not only because they were rural and unskilled, but also because they were considered inferior from a cultural or ethnic viewpoint. In this respect there was a huge difference from the migration and settlement of skilled miners, like those from Britain and other countries. Ethnic differences were often closely related to differences in skill and social status. Although there are many instances of inter-ethnic solidarity and cooperation, depending on the time-frame and circumstances, these differences could have a profound effect on social relations in mining communities.
Research and Evaluations of the Health Aspects of Disasters, Part II: The Disaster Health Conceptual Framework Revisited
Authors: Birnbaum Marvin L. , Daily Elaine K. , O’Rourke Ann P. , Loretti Alessandro
Published: October 2015

A Conceptual Framework upon which the study of disasters can be organized is essential for understanding the epidemiology of disasters, as well as the interventions/responses undertaken. Application of the structure provided by the Conceptual Framework should facilitate the development of the science of Disaster Health. This Framework is based on deconstructions of the commonly used Disaster Management Cycle. The Conceptual Framework incorporates the steps that occur as a hazard progresses to a disaster. It describes an event that results from the changes in the release of energy from a hazard that may cause Structural Damages that in turn, may result in Functional Damages (decreases in levels of function) that produce needs (goods and services required). These needs can be met by the goods and services that are available during normal, day-to-day operations of the community, or the resources that are contained within the community’s Response Capacity (ie, an Emergency), or by goods and services provided from outside of the affected area (outside response capacities). Whenever the Local Response Capacity is unable to meet the needs, and the Response Capacities from areas outside of the affected community are required, a disaster occurs. All responses, whether in the Relief or Recovery phases of a disaster, are interventions that use the goods, services, and resources contained in the Response Capacity (local or outside). Responses may be directed at preventing/mitigating further deterioration in levels of functions (damage control, deaths, injuries, diseases, morbidity, and secondary events) in the affected population and filling the gaps in available services created by Structural Damages (compromise in available goods, services, and/or resources; ie, Relief Responses), or may be directed toward returning the affected community and its components to the pre-event functional state (ie, Recovery Responses). Hazard Mitigation includes interventions designed to decrease the likelihood that a hazard will cause an event, and should an event occur, that the amount of energy released will be reduced. Capacity Building consists of all interventions undertaken before an event occurs in order to increase the resilience of the community to an event related to a hazard that exists in an area-at-risk. Resilience is the combination of the Absorbing, Buffering, and Response Capacities of a community-at-risk, and is enhanced through Capacity-Building efforts. A disaster constitutes a failure of resilience.

BirnbaumML, DailyEK, O’RourkeAP, LorettiA. Research and evaluations of the health aspects of disasters, part II: the disaster health conceptual framework revisited. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2015;30(5):523–538.
The association between soya consumption and serum thyroid-stimulating hormone concentrations in the Adventist Health Study-2
Authors: Tonstad Serena , Jaceldo-Siegl Karen , Messina Mark , Haddad Ella , Fraser Gary E
Published: October 2015

Objective

Consumers may choose soya foods as healthful alternatives to animal products, but concern has arisen that eating large amounts of soya may adversely affect thyroid function. The present study aimed to examine the association between soya food consumption and serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations in North American churchgoers belonging to the Seventh-day Adventist denomination that encourages vegetarianism.

Design

Participants completed six repeated 24 h dietary recalls within a 6-month period. Soya protein and soya isoflavone intakes were estimated, and their relationships to TSH concentrations measured at the end of 6 months were calculated using logistic regression analyses.

Setting

Calibration sub-study of the Adventist Health Study-2.

Subjects

Women (n548) and men (n295) who were not taking thyroid medications.

Results

In men, age and urinary iodine concentrations were associated with high serum TSH concentrations (>5 mIU/l), while among women White ethnicity was associated with high TSH. In multivariate models adjusted for age, ethnicity and urinary iodine, soya isoflavone and protein intakes were not associated with high TSH in men. In women higher soya isoflavone consumption was associated with higher TSH, with an adjusted odds ratio (highestv. lowest quintile) of 4·17 (95 % CI 1·73, 10·06). Likewise, women with high consumption of soya protein (midpoint of highest quintile, 11 g/d)v. low consumption (midpoint of lowest quintile, 0 g/d) carried increased odds of high TSH (OR=2·69; 95 % CI 1·34, 5·30).

Conclusions

In women high consumption of soya was associated with elevated TSH concentrations. No associations between soya intake and TSH were found in men.
Novel compact dual-band-notched ultra-wideband printed antenna with a parasitic circular ring strip
Authors: Tang Zhijun , Wu Xiaofeng , Xi Zaifang , Hu Shigang
Published: October 2015

A simple and compact printed ultra-wideband antenna with dual-band-notched characteristics is presented. The proposed antenna is composed of a rectangular patch and a modified ground plane. The rectangular patch is etched onto a lossy FR4 substrate. A circular ring strip parasitizes the rectangular patch embedded by a U-shaped slot. Two inverted-L slits and a rectangular slit are embedded onto the ground plane. Some bandwidth enhancement and band-notched techniques are applied in the antenna structure for broadening the bandwidth and generating notches. The simulated and measured results show that the proposed antenna offers a very wider bandwidth ranging from 3.04 to 17.30 GHz, defined by the return loss less than −10 dB, with dual-notched bands of 3.30–4.20 and 5.10–5.85 GHz covering the 3.3/3.7 GHz WiMAX, 3.7/4.2 GHz C-band, and 5.2/5.8 GHz wireless local area network systems. Furthermore, the proposed antenna presents relatively high antenna gain and quasi-omnidirectional radiation patterns.
Large-area synthesis of high-quality and uniform monolayer WS2 on reusable Au foils
Authors: Gao Yang , Liu Zhibo , Sun Dong-Ming , Huang Le , Ma Lai-Peng , Yin Li-Chang , Ma Teng , Zhang Zhiyong , Ma Xiu-Liang , Peng Lian-Mao , Cheng Hui-Ming , Ren Wencai
Published: October 2015

Large-area monolayer WS2 is a desirable material for applications in next-generation electronics and optoelectronics. However, the chemical vapour deposition (CVD) with rigid and inert substrates for large-area sample growth suffers from a non-uniform number of layers, small domain size and many defects, and is not compatible with the fabrication process of flexible devices. Here we report the self-limited catalytic surface growth of uniform monolayer WS2 single crystals of millimetre size and large-area films by ambient-pressure CVD on Au. The weak interaction between the WS2 and Au enables the intact transfer of the monolayers to arbitrary substrates using the electrochemical bubbling method without sacrificing Au. The WS2 shows high crystal quality and optical and electrical properties comparable or superior to mechanically exfoliated samples. We also demonstrate the roll-to-roll/bubbling production of large-area flexible films of uniform monolayer, double-layer WS2 and WS2/graphene heterostructures, and batch fabrication of large-area flexible monolayer WS2 film transistor arrays.
SDS-PAGE analysis of Aβ oligomers is disserving research into Alzheimer´s disease: appealing for ESI-IM-MS
Authors: Pujol-Pina Rosa , Vilaprinyó-Pascual Sílvia , Mazzucato Roberta , Arcella Annalisa , Vilaseca Marta , Orozco Modesto , Carulla Natàlia
Published: October 2015

The characterization of amyloid-beta peptide (Aβ) oligomer forms and structures is crucial to the advancement in the field of Alzheimer´s disease (AD). Here we report a critical evaluation of two methods used for this purpose, namely sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), extensively used in the field and ion mobility coupled to electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-IM-MS), an emerging technique with great potential for oligomer characterization. To evaluate their performance, we first obtained pure cross-linked Aβ40 and Aβ42 oligomers of well-defined order. Analysis of these samples by SDS-PAGE revealed that SDS affects the oligomerization state of Aβ42 oligomers, thus providing flawed information on their order and distribution. In contrast, ESI-IM-MS provided accurate information, while also reported on the chemical nature and on the structure of the oligomers. Our findings have important implications as they challenge scientific paradigms in the AD field built upon SDS-PAGE characterization of Aβ oligomer samples.
A geminivirus-based guide RNA delivery system for CRISPR/Cas9 mediated plant genome editing
Authors: Yin Kangquan , Han Ting , Liu Guang , Chen Tianyuan , Wang Ying , Yu Alice Yunzi L. , Liu Yule
Published: October 2015

CRISPR/Cas has emerged as potent genome editing technology and has successfully been applied in many organisms, including several plant species. However, delivery of genome editing reagents remains a challenge in plants. Here, we report a virus-based guide RNA (gRNA) delivery system for CRISPR/Cas9 mediated plant genome editing (VIGE) that can be used to precisely target genome locations and cause mutations. VIGE is performed by using a modified Cabbage Leaf Curl virus (CaLCuV) vector to express gRNAs in stable transgenic plants expressing Cas9. DNA sequencing confirmed VIGE of endogenous NbPDS3 and NbIspH genes in non-inoculated leaves because CaLCuV can infect plants systemically. Moreover, VIGE of NbPDS3 and NbIspH in newly developed leaves caused photo-bleached phenotype. These results demonstrate that geminivirus-based VIGE could be a powerful tool in plant genome editing.
A facile and general route to synthesize silica-coated SERS tags with the enhanced signal intensity
Authors: Zhang Youlin , Li Xiaokun , Xue Bin , Kong Xianggui , Liu Xiaomin , Tu Langping , Chang Yulei
Published: October 2015

Silica-coated SERS tags have been attracting greater attention in recent years. However, the reported methods to synthesize these tags are tedious and often subjected to the limited signal intensity. Here, we report a facile and general method to prepare the silica-coated Ag SERS tags with the enhanced signal intensity by no introducing the primers. This approach mainly depends on the colloidal stability of the Ag NPs in alcohol solution. By decreasing the concentration of salt in Ag NP solution, the citrate-stabilized Ag NPs can be well dispersed in alcohol solution. Based on this, the Ag SERS tags can be directly coated with thickness-controlled and homogeneous silica shells. This approach is highly reproducible for silica shell growth and signal intensity, not depending on the properties of Raman molecules, proved by 7 kinds of the Raman molecules. Moreover, this kind of SERS tags coated with silica hold the stronger SERS signals than the traditional method due to no interference from the priming molecules.
Directed Differentiation of Embryonic Stem Cells Into Cardiomyocytes by Bacterial Injection of Defined Transcription Factors
Authors: Bai Fang , Ho Lim Chae , Jia Jingyue , Santostefano Katherine , Simmons Chelsey , Kasahara Hideko , Wu Weihui , Terada Naohiro , Jin Shouguang
Published: October 2015

Forced expression of defined transcriptional factors has been well documented as an effective method for cellular reprogramming or directed differentiation. However, transgene expression is not amenable for therapeutic application due to potential insertional mutagenesis. Here, we have developed a bacterial type III secretion system (T3SS)-based protein delivery tool and shown its application in directing pluripotent stem cell differentiation by a controlled delivery of transcription factors relevant to early heart development. By fusing to an N-terminal secretion sequence for T3SS-dependent injection, three transcriptional factors, namely Gata4, Mef2c and Tbx5 (abbreviated as GMT), were translocated into murine embryonic stem cells (ESCs), where the proteins are effectively targeted to the nucleus with an average intracellular half-life of 5.5 hours. Exogenous GMT protein injection activated the cardiac program and multiple rounds of GMT protein delivery significantly improved the efficiency of ESC differentiation into cardiomyocytes. Combination of T3SS-mediated GMT delivery and Activin A treatment showed an additive effect, resulting in on average 60% of the ESCs differentiated into cardiomyocytes. ESC derived cardiomyocytes displayed spontaneous rhythmic contractile movement as well as normal hormonal responses. This work serves as a foundation for the bacterial delivery of multiple transcription factors to direct cell fate without jeopardizing genomic integrity.
The mechanism of charge density wave in Pt-based layered superconductors: SrPt2As2 and LaPt2Si2
Authors: Kim Sooran , Kim Kyoo , Min B. I.
Published: October 2015

The intriguing coexistence of the charge density wave (CDW) and superconductivity in SrPt2As2 and LaPt2Si2 has been investigated based on the ab initio density functional theory band structure and phonon calculations. We have found that the CDW instabilities for both cases arise from the q-dependent electron-phonon coupling with quasi-nesting feature of the Fermi surface. The band structure obtained by the band-unfolding technique reveals the sizable q-dependent electron-phonon coupling responsible for the CDW instability. The local split distortions of Pt atoms in the [As-Pt-As] layers play an essential role in driving the five-fold supercell CDW instability as well as the phonon softening instability in SrPt2As2. By contrast, the CDW and phonon softening instabilities in LaPt2Si2 occur without split distortions of Pt atoms. The phonon calculations suggest that the CDW and the superconductivity coexist in [X-Pt-X] layers (X = As or Si) for both cases.
Click-crosslinkable and photodegradable gelatin hydrogels for cytocompatible optical cell manipulation in natural environment
Authors: Tamura Masato , Yanagawa Fumiki , Sugiura Shinji , Takagi Toshiyuki , Sumaru Kimio , Kanamori Toshiyuki
Published: October 2015

This paper describes the generation of “click-crosslinkable“ and “photodegaradable“ gelatin hydrogels from the reaction between dibenzocycloctyl-terminated photoclevable tetra-arm polyethylene glycol and azide-modified gelatin. The hydrogels were formed in 30 min through the click-crosslinking reaction. The micropatterned features in the hydrogels were created by micropatterned light irradiation; the minimum resolution of micropatterning was 10-μm widths for line patterns and 20-μm diameters for circle patterns. Cells were successfully encapsulated in the hydrogels without any loss of viability across a wide concentration range of crosslinker. In contrast, an activated-ester-type photocleavable crosslinker, which we previously used to prepare photodegradable gelatin hydrogels, induced a decrease in cell viability at crosslinker concentrations greater than 1.8 mM. We also observed morphology alteration and better growth of cancer cells in the click-crosslinked photodegradable gelatin hydrogels that included matrigel than in the absence of matrigel. We also demonstrated micropatterning of the hydrogels encapsulating cells and optical cell separation. Both of the cells that remained in the non-irradiated area and the cells collected from the irradiated area maintained their viability.
A portable microcolumn based on silver nanoparticle functionalized glass fibers and its SERS application
Authors: Gu Hai-Xin , Li Da-Wei , Xue Lin , Zhang Yong-Feng , Long Yi-Tao
Published: October 2015

We presented a facile method for the preparation of a portable detection column integrated with silver nanoparticle (Ag NP) functionalized glass fibers for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS).
Coupled molecular motions driven by light or chemical inputs: spiropyran to merocyanine isomerisation followed by pseudorotaxane formation
Authors: Hernández-Melo Denhy , Tiburcio Jorge
Published: October 2015

A dual stimuli-responsive guest molecule containing a spiropyran moiety can be isomerised to a merocyanine species promoting pseudorotaxane formation.
In situ X-ray diffraction study on the formation of α-Sn in nanocrystalline Sn-based electrodes for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Oehl Nikolas , Schmuelling Guido , Knipper Martin , Kloepsch Richard , Placke Tobias , Kolny-Olesiak Joanna , Plaggenborg Thorsten , Winter Martin , Parisi Juergen
Published: October 2015

In situ X-ray diffraction was performed to study the formation of the α-Sn structure in nanocrystalline Sn-based electrodes.