bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of uncertainty in longitudinal T1 measurements on quantification of dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI
Authors: Aryal Madhava P. , Chenevert Thomas L. , Cao Yue
Published: January 2016

The objective of this study was to assess the uncertainty in T1 measurement, by estimating the repeatability coefficient (RC) from two repeated scans, in normal appearing brain tissues employing two different T1 mapping methods. All brain MRI scans were performed on a 3 T MR scanner in 10 patients who had low grade/benign tumors and partial brain radiation therapy (RT) without chemotherapy, at pre‐RT, 3 weeks into RT, end RT (6 weeks) and 11, 33, and 85 weeks after RT. T1‐weighted images were acquired using (1) a spoiled gradient echo sequence with two flip angles (2FA: 5° and 15°) and (2) a progressive saturation recovery sequence (pSR) with five different TR values (100–2000 ms). Manually drawn volumes of interest (VOIs) included left and right normal putamen and thalamus in gray matter, and frontal and parietal white matter, which were distant from tumors and received a total of accumulated radiation doses less than 5 Gy at 3 weeks. No significant changes or even trends in mean T1 from pre‐RT to 3 weeks into RT in these VOIs (p ≥ 0.11, Wilcoxon sign test) allowed us to calculate the repeatability statistics of between‐subject means of squares, within‐subject means of squares, F‐score, and RC. The 2FA method produced RCs in the range of (9.7–11.7)% in gray matter and (12.2–14.5)% in white matter; while the pSR method led to RCs ranging from 10.9 to 17.9% in gray matter and 7.5 to 10.3% in white matter. The overall mean (±SD) RCs produced by the two methods, 12.0 (±1.6)% for 2FA and 12.0 (±3.8)% for pSR, were not significantly different (p = 0.97). A similar repeatability in T1 measurement produced by the time efficient 2FA method compared with the time consuming pSR method demonstrates that the 2FA method is desirable to integrate into dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI for rapid acquisition. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improving thermal and flame‐retardant properties of epoxy resins by a new imine linkage phosphorous‐containing curing agent
Authors: Xie Cong , Du Jifu , Dong Zhen , Sun Shaofa , Zhao Long , Dai Lizong
Published: January 2016

A new reactive phosphorus‐containing curing agent with imine linkage called 4, 4′‐[1, 3‐phenyl‐bis(9, 10‐dihydro‐9‐oxa‐10‐phosphaphenanthrene‐10‐yl)dimethyneimino)]diphenol (2) was synthesized both via two‐pot and one‐pot procedure. The chemical structure of this curing agent was confirmed by FTIR, 1H, 13C, and 31P NMR spectra. A series of thermosetting systems were prepared by using conventional epoxy resins (E51), 4, 4′‐diaminodiphenyl methane (DDM) and (2). Resins with different phosphorus contents were obtained by changing the DDM/(2) molar ratios. Their dynamic mechanical thermal, thermal and flame‐retardant properties were evaluated by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and limiting oxygen index (LOI), respectively. All samples had a single Tg, which showed that these epoxy resins were homogeneous phase. Both the two char yields under nitrogen and air atmospheres increased with increasing content of (2) and the LOI values increased from 24.5 for standard resin to 37.5 for phosphorus‐containing resin, which indicated that incorporation of (2) could impart good thermal stability and excellent flame retardancy to the conventional epoxy thermosets. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 56:441–447, 2016. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Fabrication and thermoelectrical characterization of three‐dimensional nanowire networks
Authors: Wagner Michael F. P. , Völklein Friedemann , Reith Heiko , Trautmann Christina , Toimil‐Molares Maria Eugenia
Published: January 2016

Three‐dimensional (3D) assemblies of nanostructures are gaining more and more attention during the recent years as promising systems to increase the integration density in microelectronic devices. Here we present the fabrication of large areas of 3D nanowire networks (NWNWs) of antimony for thermoelectric applications by electrodeposition in etched ion‐track membranes. The synthesis parameters have been investigated and optimized to achieve mechanically stable and free‐standing NWNWs without a supporting matrix. A cross‐plane method for the complete steady state thermoelectric characterization of an embedded nanowire assembly (NWA) is also introduced, which enables the measurements of Seebeck‐coefficient, cross‐plane thermal conductivity, and electrical resistance of the NWA, and can also be applied to thin films. First results of the thermoelectric properties of Sb NWA are presented.
Integrative analysis of mRNA and microRNA expression of a human alveolar epithelial cell(A549) exposed to water and organic‐soluble extract from particulate matter (PM)2.5
Authors: Jeong Seung‐Chan , Song Mi‐Kyung , Cho Yoon , Lee Eunil , Ryu Jae‐Chun
Published: January 2016

MicroRNA (miRNA) is now attracting attention as a powerful negative regulator of messenger RNA(mRNA) levels, and is implicated in the modulation of important mRNA networks involved in toxicity. In this study, we assessed the effects of particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5), one of the most significant air pollutants, on miRNA and target gene expression. We exposed human alveolar epithelial cell (A549) to two types of PM2.5[water (W‐PM2.5) and organic (O‐PM2.5) soluble extracts] and performed miRNA microarray analysis. A total of 37 miRNAs and 62 miRNAs were altered 1.3‐fold in W‐PM2.5 and O‐PM2.5, respectively. Integrated analyses of miRNA and mRNA expression profiles identified negative correlations between miRNA and mRNA in both W‐PM2.5 and O‐PM2.5 exposure groups. Gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses showed that the 35 W‐PM2.5 target genes are involved in responses to nutrients, positive regulation of biosynthetic processes, positive regulation of nucleobase, nucleoside, and nucleotide, and nucleic acid metabolic processes; while the 69 O‐PM2.5 target genes are involved in DNA replication, cell cycle processes, the M phase, and the cell cycle check point. We suggest that these target genes may play important roles in PM2.5‐induced respiratory toxicity by miRNA regulation. These results demonstrate an integrated miRNA‐mRNA approach for identifying molecular events induced by environmental pollutants in an in vitro human model. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 302–310, 2017.
Mitochondrial Glycerol‐3‐Phosphate Acyltransferase‐Dependent Phospholipid Synthesis Modulates Phospholipid Mass and IL‐2 Production in Jurkat T Cells
Authors: Faris Robert , Weber Mary M. , Seeger Drew R. , Cavazos David , de Graffenried Linda , Murphy Eric J. , Jolly Christopher A.
Published: January 2016

Changes in glycerophospholipid metabolism with age and disease can have a profound effect on immune cell activation and effector function. We previously demonstrated that glycerol‐3‐phosphate acyltransferase‐1, the first and rate limiting step in de novo glycerophospholipid synthesis, plays a role in modulating murine T cell function. The resultant phenotype is characterized by decreased IL‐2 production, increased propensity toward apoptosis, and altered membrane glycerophospholipid mass similar to that of an aged T cell. Since T cells in previous experiments were harvested from GPAT‐1−/− mice, questions remained as to what extent the macro environment of the model influenced the observed cellular phenotype. Therefore, we generated and phenotypically characterized a mitochondrial glycerol‐3‐phosphate acyltransferase (GPAM) deficient Jurkat T cell. Furthermore, this line was used to probe possible mechanisms by which GPAT‐1/GPAM regulates T cell function. We report here that many of the key dysfunctional characteristics of murine GPAT‐1−/− T cells are recapitulated in the GPAMKD Jurkat T cell. We found striking decreased IL‐2 production along with altered phospholipid mass and increased incidence of apoptosis. Since PtdOH is an indirect downstream product of GPAM, we attempted to rescue IL‐2 production with PtdOH supplementation; however, this addition did not return IL‐2 production to normal levels. Interestingly, we did find significantly decreased Zap‐70 phosphorylation following stimulation, suggesting that GPAM deficiency may alter membrane based stimulatory signaling. These data show for the first time that GPAM deficiency results in an inherent defect in Jurkat T cell function and glycerophospholipid composition and that this defect cannot be rescued by addition of exogenous PtdOH.
Preparation of Infant Formula Fat Analog Containing Capric Acid and Enriched with DHA and ARA at the sn‐2 Position
Authors: Álvarez Carlos A. , Akoh Casimir C.
Published: January 2016

An infant formula fat analog with capric acid mostly esterified at the sn‐1,3 positions, and substantial amounts of palmitic, docosahexaenoic (DHA), and arachidonic (ARA) acids at the sn‐2 position, was prepared by physically blending enzymatically synthesized structured lipids (SL) with vegetable oils. The components of the blend included high sn‐2 palmitic acid SL enriched with capric acid (SLCA), canola oil (CAO), corn oil (CO), high sn‐2 DHA (DHAOm), and high sn‐2 ARA (ARAOm) enzymatically modified oils. Each component was proportionally blended to match the fatty acid profile of commercial fat blends used for infant formula. The infant formula fat analog (IFFA1) was characterized for total and positional fatty acids (FA), triacylglycerol (TAG) molecular species, thermal behavior, and tocopherol content. IFFA1 contained 17.37 mol% total palmitic acid of which nearly 35 % was located at the sn‐2 position. The total capric acid content was 13.93 mol%. The content of DHA and ARA were 0.49 mol% (48.18 % at sn‐2) and 0.57 mol% (35.80 % at sn‐2), respectively. The predominant TAG were OPO (24.09 %), POP (15.70 %), OOO (11.53 %), and CLC (7.79 %). The melting completion and crystallization onset temperatures were 18.65 and −2.19 °C, respectively. The total tocopherol content was 566.45 μg/g. This product might be suitable for commercial production of infant formulas.
Increased ventricular cerebrospinal fluid lactate in depressed adolescents
Authors: Bradley K.A.L. , Mao X. , Case J.A.C. , Kang G. , Shungu D.C. , Gabbay V.
Published: January 2016

Background

Mitochondrial dysfunction has been increasingly examined as a potential pathogenic event in psychiatric disorders, although its role early in the course of major depressive disorder (MDD) is unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate mitochondrial dysfunction in medication-free adolescents with MDD through in vivo measurements of neurometabolites using high-spatial resolution multislice/multivoxel proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Methods

Twenty-three adolescents with MDD and 29 healthy controls, ages 12–20, were scanned at 3 T and concentrations of ventricular cerebrospinal fluid lactate, as well as N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA), total creatine (tCr), and total choline (tCho) in the bilateral caudate, putamen, and thalamus were reported.

Results

Adolescents with MDD exhibited increased ventricular lactate compared to healthy controls [F(1,41) = 6.98, P = 0.01]. However, there were no group differences in the other neurometabolites. Dimensional analyses in the depressed group showed no relation between any of the neurometabolites and symptomatology, including anhedonia and fatigue.

Conclusions

Increased ventricular lactate in depressed adolescents suggests mitochondrial dysfunction may be present early in the course of MDD; however it is still not known whether the presence of mitochondrial dysfunction is a trait vulnerability of individuals predisposed to psychopathology or a state feature of the disorder. Therefore, there is a need for larger multimodal studies to clarify these chemical findings in the context of network function.
Influence ofDAOAandRGS4genes on the risk for psychotic disorders and their associated executive dysfunctions: A family-based study
Authors: Soler J. , Miret S. , Lázaro L. , Parellada M. , Martín M. , Lera-Miguel S. , Rosa A. , de Castro-Catala M. , Cuesta M.J. , Fañanás L. , Krebs M.O. , Fatjó-Vilas M.
Published: January 2016

Background

Glutamatergic neurotransmission dysfunction has classically been related to the aetiology of psychotic disorders. A substantial polygenic component shared across these disorders has been reported and molecular genetics studies have associated glutamatergic-related genes, such asd-amino acid oxidase activator (DAOA)andregulator of G-protein signalling 4 (RGS4)with the risk for psychotic disorders. Our aims were to examine: (i) the relationship betweenDAOAandRGS4and the risk for psychotic disorders using a family-based association approach, and (ii) whether variations in these genes are associated with differences in patients’ cognitive performance.

Methods

The sample comprised 753 subjects (222 patients with psychotic disorders and 531 first-degree relatives). Six SNPs inDAOAand 5 SNPs inRGS4were genotyped. Executive cognitive performance was assessed with Trail Making Test B (TMT-B) and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST). Genetic association analyses were conducted with PLINK, using the transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) for the family-based study and linear regression for cognitive performance analyses.

Results

The haplotype GAGACT atDAOAwas under-transmitted to patients (P= 0.0008), indicating its association with these disorders. With regards to cognitive performance, theDAOAhaplotype GAGGCT was associated with worse scores in TMT-B (P= 0.018) in SZ patients only.RGS4analyses did not report significant results.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that theDAOAgene may contribute to the risk for psychotic disorders and that this gene may play a role as a modulator of executive function, probably through the dysregulation of the glutamatergic signalling.
Differences in the Biometry of the Levator Hiatus at Rest, During Contraction, and During Valsalva Maneuver Between Women with and Without Provoked Vestibulodynia Assessed by Transperineal Ultrasound Imaging
Authors: Thibault-Gagnon Stéphanie , McLean Linda , Goldfinger Corrie , Pukall Caroline , Chamberlain Susan
Published: January 2016

Introduction

Pelvic floor muscle (PFM) involvement is suspected in the pathophysiology of provoked vestibulodynia (PVD); however, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. PFM morphology can be inferred from the biometry of the levator hiatus determined through dynamic ultrasound imaging.

Aims

The aim of this study was to determine the nature of PFM involvement in women with PVD via an evaluation of the biometry of the levator hiatus at rest, upon maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of the PFMs, and upon maximal Valsalva maneuver (MVM).

Methods

Thirty-eight women with PVD and 39 asymptomatic controls were imaged using 3D transperineal ultrasound. Levator hiatal dimensions (area; left-right [LR] and anteroposterior [AP] diameters) were measured at rest, on MVC, and on MVM. Differences in hiatal dimensions and in relative changes in dimensions from rest to MVC and from rest to MVM were compared between groups using separate 1-way analyses of variance for each measure and task. Analysis of covariance models were used to investigate the impact of levator hiatal dimensions at rest on the relative changes in the levator hiatal dimensions during MVC and MVM.

Main Outcome Measures

Levator hiatal area, LR, and AP diameters, at rest, on MVC, and on MVM were the main outcome measures. Relative changes in hiatal dimensions were assessed as the percent change in hiatal area, LR diameter, and AP diameter.

Results

In comparison with controls, women with PVD had smaller hiatal areas at rest, on MVC, and on MVM, concurrent with smaller LR diameters on MVM. Women with PVD had a significantly smaller change in hiatal area on MVM than controls, but no differences were evident on MVC. In both groups, smaller levator hiatal dimensions at rest were associated with smaller relative decreases in dimensions on MVC and larger relative increases in dimensions on MVM.

Conclusion

In comparison to controls, women with PVD appear to have narrower levator hiatus' and less capacity to distend their hiatus on Valsalva. The state of the PFMs at rest appears to significantly influence biometric changes in the PFMs during contraction and Valsalva.
Sub-Coronal Inflatable Penile Prosthesis Placement with Modified No-Touch Technique: A Step-by-Step Approach with Outcomes
Authors: Weinberg Aaron C. , Pagano Matthew J. , Deibert Christopher M. , Valenzuela Robert J.
Published: January 2016

Introduction

The surgical treatment of disorders of male sexual function requires specific exposure to correct the underlying problem safely and efficiently. Currently, sub-coronal exposure is used for treatment of phimosis, Peyronie's disease plaque (PDP), and semirigid penile prosthesis insertion. Infra-pubic and scrotal incisions are used for inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) placement. However, men who present with several disorders might require multiple procedures and surgical incisions.

Aim

To report a prospective review of our surgical experience and outcomes with a single sub-coronal incision for IPP placement with a modified no-touch technique. This approach allows for access to the entire corporal body for multiple reconstructive procedures.

Methods

Two hundred men had IPPs placed through a sub-coronal incision using our modified no-touch technique. The penis was degloved to the level of the penoscrotal junction and the dartos muscle was everted and secured to the drapes. This allowed exclusion of the scrotal and penile skin from the operative field. After artificial erection, the patient's corpora were inspected for PDP and other abnormalities. Penoscrotal IPP models were placed in all cases with insertion proximal to the penoscrotal junction. After placement of the IPP, the abnormalities were repaired.

Main Outcome Measures

Feasibility of the procedure, operative times, complication rate, utilization of accessory, reconstructive procedures, and post-operative penile length.

Results

Of the 200 men who had IPP placement, 92 had PDP that was treated, 106 (53%) consented to circumcision, 24 (12%) had their reservoir placed ectopically, and 31 (16%) had a prosthesis exchanged through the sub-coronal technique. Mean operative time was 73 minutes (39–161 minutes).

Conclusion

Specialists in the surgical treatment of disorders of male sexual function can perform multiple procedures safely and easily through a modified no-touch single sub-coronal incision. This approach allows access to the entire corporal body, providing excellent visibility and allowing the surgeon to perform multiple penile reconstructive surgeries through a single incision.
Clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic management of patients with breast tuberculosis: Analysis of 46 Cases
Authors: Kilic Murat Ozgur , Sağlam Cemile , Ağca Filiz D. , Terzioğlu Serdar G.
Published: January 2016

Breast tuberculosis is a rare form of extrapulmonary tubercular infection. Our aim is to highlight the nonspecific clinical presentations, diagnostic difficulties and therapeutic approaches of mammarian tuberculosis. Forty‐six patients diagnosed with breast tuberculosis between 2005 and 2015 were reviewed retrospectively. Clinical features, all diagnostic methods, and the outcomes of treatment were analysed. All cases were female with a mean age of 36.4 years. Breast mass and pain were the most common complaints. While 34.8% of the cases had a physical examination with suspicions for malignancy, 43.5% of the patients had Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI‐RADS) 4 or 5 lesions suggested malignancy radiologically. Definitive diagnosis was based on histopathologic examination through core needle biopsy (n = 29), excisional biopsy (n = 12), and open biopsy (n = 5) taken from the abscess wall during drainage. Standard antiTB therapy for 6 months was given to all cases. Thirty‐three patients recovered with standard 6‐month therapy while extended treatment for 9–12 months was needed in 13 (28.2%) cases. Surgery was carried out in 17 cases. Two patients developed recurrence. Breast tuberculosis can be easily confused with breast cancer, suppurative abscess, and other causes of granulomatous mastitis, both clinically and radiologically. A multidisciplinary approach is required to prevent diagnostic delays and unnecessary surgical interventions. Although antiTB therapy is the mainstay treatment of breast TB, surgery is usually indicated in patients refractory to medical treatment.
Perinatal Regionalization and Implications for Long-Term Health Outcomes in Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Bolbocean Corneliu , Wintermark Pia , Shevell Michael I. , Oskoui Maryam
Published: January 2016

Background: Perinatal regionalization is linked to improved neonatal outcomes; however, the effects on long-term outcomes in cerebral palsy (CP) are not known. We estimate the effect of highest levels of neonatal care available at delivery on the risk of developing a nonambulatory CP status. Methods: Children with CP born in Quebec from the Canadian CP Registry excluding postneonatal causes were included (N=360). We estimate the effect of level of care available at delivery on risk of nonambulatory status among children with CP using propensity score matching and instrumental variables methods to adjust for differences in case mix among the three groups of hospitals. The outcome variable is an indicator for CP nonambulation assigned according to Gross Motor Function Classification System (levels IV and V). This study used data that predated therapeutic hypothermia in Quebec. Results: Propensity score estimates of change in the adjusted risk of having a nonambulatory CP status because of birth at level II versus level I is −0.081, 95% confidence interval (CI; −0.2182 to 0.0562); level III versus level I is −0.072 95% CI (−0.225 to 0.08), and level III versus level II is 0.157 95% CI (0.027 to 0.286). Conclusions: Differences in levels of neonatal care available at hospital where the delivery was carried out are not associated with the risk of a nonambulatory CP phenotype. This suggests that level of care and associated medical technology within the Quebec regionalized neonatal-perinatal system is used efficiently because it does not offer any further marginal benefit in the reduction of severe CP outcomes. The system works well as it is, which is supportive of the perinatal regionalization. The success of the neonatal resuscitation program and referral of high-risk births to regional hospitals with sufficient obstetric and perinatal competence and resources may contribute to this lack of variability.
PSI in the case of internal wave beam reflection at a uniform slope
Authors: Chalamalla Vamsi K. , Sarkar Sutanu
Published: January 2016

Two-dimensional numerical simulations are performed to examine internal wave reflection at a sloping boundary. Owing to reflection, the reflected wave amplitude and wavenumber increase. At low values of the incoming wave amplitude, the reflected wave beam is linear and its properties agree well with linear inviscid theory. Linear theory overestimates the reflected wave Froude number, $Fr_{r}$, for higher values of incoming wave amplitude. Nonlinearity sets in with increasing value of incoming wave Froude number, $Fr_{i}$, leading to parametric subharmonic instability (PSI) of the reflected wave beam: two subharmonics emerge from the reflection region with frequencies $0.33{\it\Omega}$ and $0.67{\it\Omega}$ and wavenumbers that add up to those of the reflected wave. The amplification of Froude number due to reflection must be sufficiently large for PSI to occur implying that the off-criticality in wave angle cannot be too large. The simulations also show that, all other parameters being fixed, a threshold in beam amplitude is required for the onset of PSI in the reflected beam, consistent with results from a previous weakly-nonlinear asymptotic theory for a freely propagating finite-width beam. Growth rates of subharmonic modes at moderate reflected wave amplitude are in reasonable agreement with that theory. However, for $Fr_{r}>0.5$, small scale fluctuations becomes prominent and the subharmonic energy growth rates saturate in the simulations in contrast to the theoretical prediction. Increasing the incoming beam thickness (number of carrier wavelengths) increases the strength of PSI. Keeping the incoming Froude number constant and increasing the incoming Reynolds number by a factor of 50 does not have an effect on the unequal division of frequencies among the subharmonic modes that is found in the simulations.
Perceived Addiction as a Predictor of Smoking Cessation Among Occasional Smokers
Authors: Chaiton Michael , Cohen Joanna E. , Bondy Sue J. , Selby Peter , Brown K. Stephen , Ferrence Roberta , Garcia John M.
Published: January 2016

Introduction: Common short screening measures of dependence that use number of cigarettes per day may not be appropriate for use in populations of occasional smokers.

Aims: In this study, we investigate whether perceived addiction (PA) predicts quit attempts and successful cessation among occasional smokers.

Methods: Current occasional smokers (18+) in the Ontario Tobacco Survey (OTS) longitudinal cohort study followed up every six months for up to three years. Respondents rated their self-perceived level of addiction (very vs. somewhat or not very addicted). Generalised Estimating Equation models and proportional hazard models were used to test the predictive ability of PA.

Results/Findings: Occasional smokers with very high PA had a higher likelihood of reporting a quit attempt (RR: 2.49; 95% CI: 1.88, 3.30) after adjusting for demographics. Given an incident quit attempt, occasional smokers who reported being very addicted were 2.93 times more likely to relapse (95%: 2.01, 4.28). The effect of PA was independent of other predictors of smoking behaviour.

Conclusions: For some, occasional smokers, smoking cessation is a difficult process that may require significant support. Asking occasional smokers about PA is an effective way to predict likely success in quitting smokers that may be easily assessed in population based, as well as in community and clinical, settings.
AMS Dates from Two Archaeological Sites of Korea: Blind Tests
Authors: Kim Jangsuk , Wright David K , Lee Youngseon , Lee Jaeyong , Choi Seonho , Kim Junkyu , Ahn Sung-Mo , Choi Jongtaik , Seong Chuntaek , Hyun Chang Ho , Hwang Jaehoon , Yang Hyemin , Yang Jiwon
Published: January 2016

In interpreting radiocarbon dating results, it is important that archaeologists distinguish uncertainties derived from random errors and those from systematic errors, because the two must be dealt with in different ways. One of the problems that archaeologists face in practice, however, is that when receiving dating results from laboratories, they are rarely able to critically assess whether differences between multiple14C dates of materials are caused by random or systematic errors. In this study, blind tests were carried out to check four possible sources of errors in dating results: repeatability of results generated under identical field and laboratory conditions, differences in results generated from the same sample given to the same laboratory submitted at different times, interlaboratory differences of results generated from the same sample, and differences in the results generated between inner and outer rings of wood. Five charred wood samples, collected from the Namgye settlement and Hongreyonbong fortress, South Korea, were divided into 80 subsamples and submitted to five internationally recognized14C laboratories on a blind basis twice within a 2-month interval. The results are generally in good statistical accordance and present acceptable errors at an archaeological scale. However, one laboratory showed a statistically significant variance in ages between batches for all samples and sites. Calculation of the Bayesian partial posterior predictivepvalue and chi-squared tests rejected the null hypothesis that the errors randomly occurred, although the source of the error is not specifically known. Our experiment suggests that it is necessary for users of14C dating to establish an organized strategy for dating sites before submitting samples to laboratories in order to avoid possible systematic errors.
Institutional disparities and asset allocation homologation in Italian defined contribution pension funds. How do they affect the guarantee commitment?
Authors: DE VINCENTIIS PAOLA , ISAIA ELEONORA , ZOCCHI PAOLA
Published: January 2016

This paper analyzes the performance of the Italian defined contribution guaranteed pension funds during the period 2008–2012 through a panel analysis. This paper is organized around three main research questions. The first one is focused on the probability of a guarantee payment in a given year. The second one deals with the determinants of the gap between actual return and minimum guaranteed yield on a yearly basis. The third one focuses on the factors affecting the weight of administrative and management costs and their relationship with the fund dimension.
Human brain networks function in connectome-specific harmonic waves
Authors: Atasoy Selen , Donnelly Isaac , Pearson Joel
Published: January 2016

A key characteristic of human brain activity is coherent, spatially distributed oscillations forming behaviour-dependent brain networks. However, a fundamental principle underlying these networks remains unknown. Here we report that functional networks of the human brain are predicted by harmonic patterns, ubiquitous throughout nature, steered by the anatomy of the human cerebral cortex, the human connectome. We introduce a new technique extending the Fourier basis to the human connectome. In this new frequency-specific representation of cortical activity, that we call ‘connectome harmonics’, oscillatory networks of the human brain at rest match harmonic wave patterns of certain frequencies. We demonstrate a neural mechanism behind the self-organization of connectome harmonics with a continuous neural field model of excitatory–inhibitory interactions on the connectome. Remarkably, the critical relation between the neural field patterns and the delicate excitation–inhibition balance fits the neurophysiological changes observed during the loss and recovery of consciousness.
Imaging tumour cell heterogeneity following cell transplantation into optically clear immune-deficient zebrafish
Authors: Tang Qin , Moore John C. , Ignatius Myron S. , Tenente Inês M. , Hayes Madeline N. , Garcia Elaine G. , Torres Yordán Nora , Bourque Caitlin , He Shuning , Blackburn Jessica S. , Look A. Thomas , Houvras Yariv , Langenau David M.
Published: January 2016

Cancers contain a wide diversity of cell types that are defined by differentiation states, genetic mutations and altered epigenetic programmes that impart functional diversity to individual cells. Elevated tumour cell heterogeneity is linked with progression, therapy resistance and relapse. Yet, imaging of tumour cell heterogeneity and the hallmarks of cancer has been a technical and biological challenge. Here we develop optically clear immune-compromised rag2E450fs(casper) zebrafish for optimized cell transplantation and direct visualization of fluorescently labelled cancer cells at single-cell resolution. Tumour engraftment permits dynamic imaging of neovascularization, niche partitioning of tumour-propagating cells in embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, emergence of clonal dominance in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and tumour evolution resulting in elevated growth and metastasis in BRAFV600E-driven melanoma. Cell transplantation approaches using optically clear immune-compromised zebrafish provide unique opportunities to uncover biology underlying cancer and to dynamically visualize cancer processes at single-cell resolution in vivo.
Axotomy-induced HIF-serotonin signalling axis promotes axon regeneration in C. elegans
Authors: Alam Tanimul , Maruyama Hiroki , Li Chun , Pastuhov Strahil Iv. , Nix Paola , Bastiani Michael , Hisamoto Naoki , Matsumoto Kunihiro
Published: January 2016

The molecular mechanisms underlying the ability of axons to regenerate after injury remain poorly understood. Here we show that in Caenorhabditis elegans, axotomy induces ectopic expression of serotonin (5-HT) in axotomized non-serotonergic neurons via HIF-1, a hypoxia-inducible transcription factor, and that 5-HT subsequently promotes axon regeneration by autocrine signalling through the SER-7 5-HT receptor. Furthermore, we identify the rhgf-1 and rga-5 genes, encoding homologues of RhoGEF and RhoGAP, respectively, as regulators of axon regeneration. We demonstrate that one pathway initiated by SER-7 acts upstream of the C. elegans RhoA homolog RHO-1 in neuron regeneration, which functions via G12α and RHGF-1. In this pathway, RHO-1 inhibits diacylglycerol kinase, resulting in an increase in diacylglycerol. SER-7 also promotes axon regeneration by activating the cyclic AMP (cAMP) signalling pathway. Thus, HIF-1-mediated activation of 5-HT signalling promotes axon regeneration by activating both the RhoA and cAMP pathways.
Conformation and dynamics of the ligand shell of a water-soluble Au102 nanoparticle
Authors: Salorinne Kirsi , Malola Sami , Wong O. Andrea , Rithner Christopher D. , Chen Xi , Ackerson Christopher J. , Häkkinen Hannu
Published: January 2016

Inorganic nanoparticles, stabilized by a passivating layer of organic molecules, form a versatile class of nanostructured materials with potential applications in material chemistry, nanoscale physics, nanomedicine and structural biology. While the structure of the nanoparticle core is often known to atomic precision, gaining precise structural and dynamical information on the organic layer poses a major challenge. Here we report a full assignment of 1H and 13C NMR shifts to all ligands of a water-soluble, atomically precise, 102-atom gold nanoparticle stabilized by 44 para-mercaptobenzoic acid ligands in solution, by using a combination of multidimensional NMR methods, density functional theory calculations and molecular dynamics simulations. Molecular dynamics simulations augment the data by giving information about the ligand disorder and visualization of possible distinct ligand conformations of the most dynamic ligands. The method demonstrated here opens a way to controllable strategies for functionalization of ligated nanoparticles for applications.
Factors associated with the time to the first wheezing episode in infants: a cross-sectional study from the International Study of Wheezing in Infants (EISL)
Authors: Pacheco-Gonzalez Rosa M , Mallol Javier , Solé Dirceu , Brand Paul L P , Perez-Fernandez Virginia , Sanchez-Solis Manuel , Garcia-Marcos Luis ,   the EISL Study Group
Published: January 2016

Male gender, asthmatic heredity, perinatal tobacco smoke exposure and respiratory infections have been associated with wheeze in the first years of life, among other risk factors. However, information about what factors modify the time to the first episode of wheeze in infants is lacking. The present study analyses which factors are associated with shorter time to the first episode of wheeze in infants. Parents of 11- to 24-month-old children were surveyed when attending their health-care centres for a control visit. They answered a questionnaire including the age in months when a first wheeze episode (if any) had occurred (outcome variable). The study was performed in 14 centres in Latin America (LA) and in 8 centres in Europe (EU) (at least 1,000 infants per centre). Factors known to be associated with wheezing in the cohort were included in a survival analysis (Cox proportional hazards model). Summary hazard ratios adjusted for all risk factors (aHR) were calculated using the meta-analysis approach with random effects. A total of 15,067 infants had experienced wheezing at least once, out of 35,049 surveyed. Male gender in LA (aHR 1.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.00–1.10, P=0.047), parental asthma in LA and EU (aHR 1.05, 95% CI 1.00–1.11, P=0.037), infant eczema in EU (aHR 1.25, 95% CI 1.12–1.39, P<0.001) and having a cold during the first 3 months in LA and EU (aHR 1.97, 95% CI 1.90–2.04, P<0.001), in LA (aHR 1.98, 95% CI 1.90–2.06, P<0.001) and in EU (aHR 1.91, 95% CI 1.75–2.09, P<0.001) were associated with a shorter period of time to the first episode. Breast feeding for at least 3 months was associated with a longer period, only in LA (aHR 0.91, 95% CI 0.86–0.96, P<0.001). Cold symptoms during the first 3 months is the most consistent factor shortening the time to the first episode of wheezing; breast feeding for ⩾3 months delays it only in LA, whereas eczema shortens it only in EU. Avoiding a common cold in the first months of life could be a good strategy to delay the first wheeze episode; however, cohort studies will help to elucidate this association.
Help-seeking and antibiotic prescribing for acute cough in a Chinese primary care population: a prospective multicentre observational study
Authors: Wong Carmen Ka Man , Liu Zhaomin , Butler Chris C , Wong Samuel Yeung Shan , Fung Alice , Chan Dicken , Yip Benjamin Hon Kei , Kung Kenny
Published: January 2016

Acute cough is a common reason to prescribe antibiotics in primary care. This study aimed to explore help-seeking and antibiotic prescribing for acute cough in Chinese primary care population. This is a prospective multicentre observational study that included adults presenting with acute cough. Clinicians recorded patients’ presenting symptoms, examination findings and medication prescription. Patients completed symptom diaries for up to 28 days by charting their symptom severity and recovery. Adjusted binary logistic regression models identified factors independently associated with antibiotic prescription. Primary care clinicians (n=19) recruited 455 patients. A total of 321 patients (70.5%) returned their completed symptom diaries. Concern about illness severity (41.6%) and obtaining a prescription for symptomatic medications (45.9%), rather than obtaining a prescription for antibiotics, were the main reasons for consulting. Antibiotics were prescribed for 6.8% (n=31) of patients, of which amoxicillin was the most common antimicrobial prescribed (61.3%), as it was associated with clinicians’ perception of benefit from antibiotic treatment (odds ratio (OR): 25.9, 95% confidence interval (CI): 6.7–101.1), patients’ expectation for antibiotics (OR: 5.1, 95% CI: 1.7–11.6), anticipation (OR: 5.1, 95% CI: 1.6–15.0) and request for antibiotics (OR 15.7, 95% CI: 5.0–49.4), as well as the severity of respiratory symptoms (cough, sputum, short of breath and wheeze OR: 2.7–3.7, all P<0.05). There was a significant difference in antibiotic prescription rates between private primary care clinicians and public primary care clinicians (17.4 vs 1.6%, P=0.00). Symptomatic medication was prescribed in 98.0% of patients. Mean recovery was 9 days for cough and 10 days for all symptoms, which was not significantly associated with antibiotic treatment. Although overall antibiotic-prescribing rates were low, there was a higher rate of antibiotic prescribing among private primary care clinicians, which warrants further exploration and scope for education and intervention.
Mozart, Mozart Rhythm and Retrograde Mozart Effects: Evidences from Behaviours and Neurobiology Bases
Authors: Xing Yingshou , Xia Yang , Kendrick Keith , Liu Xiuxiu , Wang Maosen , Wu Dan , Yang Hua , Jing Wei , Guo Daqing , Yao Dezhong
Published: January 2016

The phenomenal finding that listening to Mozart K.448 enhances performance on spatial tasks has motivated a continuous surge in promoting music education over the past two decades. But there have been inconsistent reports in previous studies of the Mozart effect. Here conducted was a systematic study, with Mozart and retrograde Mozart music, Mozart music rhythm and pitch, behaviours and neurobiology tests, rats and humans subjects. We show that while the Mozart K.448 has positive cognitive effects, the retrograde version has a negative effect on rats’ performance in the Morris water maze test and on human subjects’ performance in the paper folding and cutting test and the pencil-and-paper maze test. Such findings are further confirmed by subsequent immunohistochemical analyses in rats on the neurogenesis and protein levels of BDNF and its receptor, TrkB. Furthermore, when the rhythm and pitch of the normal and retrograde Mozart music are manipulated independently, the learning performance of the rats in the Morris water maze test indicated that rhythm is a crucial element in producing the behavioural effects. These findings suggest that the nature of Mozart effect is the Mozart rhythm effect and indicate that different music may have quite different to opposite effects. Further study on rhythm effect may provide clues to understand the common basis over animals from rats to humans.
Novel Quantum Criticality in Two Dimensional Topological Phase transitions
Authors: Cho Gil Young , Moon Eun-Gook
Published: January 2016

Topological quantum phase transitions intrinsically intertwine self-similarity and topology of many-electron wave-functions and divining them is one of the most significant ways to advance understanding in condensed matter physics. Our focus is to investigate an unconventional class of the transitions between insulators and Dirac semimetals whose description is beyond conventional pseudo relativistic Dirac Hamiltonian. At the transition without the long-range Coulomb interaction, the electronic energy dispersion along one direction behaves like a relativistic particle, linear in momentum, but along the other direction it behaves like a non-relativistic particle, quadratic in momentum. Various physical systems ranging from TiO2-VO2 heterostructure to organic material α-(BEDT-TTF)2I3 under pressure have been proposed to have such anisotropic dispersion relation. Here, we discover a novel quantum criticality at the phase transition by incorporating the "Equation missing" long range Coulomb interaction. Unique interplay between the Coulomb interaction and electronic critical modes enforces not only the anisotropic renormalization of the Coulomb interaction but also marginally modified electronic excitation. In connection with experiments, we investigate several striking effects in physical observables of our novel criticality.
Optimization Of PVDF-TrFE Processing Conditions For The Fabrication Of Organic MEMS Resonators
Authors: Ducrot Pierre-Henri , Dufour Isabelle , Ayela Cédric
Published: January 2016

This paper reports a systematic optimization of processing conditions of PVDF-TrFE piezoelectric thin films, used as integrated transducers in organic MEMS resonators. Indeed, despite data on electromechanical properties of PVDF found in the literature, optimized processing conditions that lead to these properties remain only partially described. In this work, a rigorous optimization of parameters enabling state-of-the-art piezoelectric properties of PVDF-TrFE thin films has been performed via the evaluation of the actuation performance of MEMS resonators. Conditions such as annealing duration, poling field and poling duration have been optimized and repeatability of the process has been demonstrated.
Priority Choice Experimental Two-Qubit Tomography: Measuring One by One All Elements of Density Matrices
Authors: Bartkiewicz Karol , Černoch Antonín , Lemr Karel , Miranowicz Adam
Published: January 2016

In standard optical tomographic methods, the off-diagonal elements of a density matrix ρ are measured indirectly. Thus, the reconstruction of ρ, even if it is based on linear inversion, typically magnifies small errors in the experimental data. Recently, an optimal tomography solution measuring all the elements of ρ one-by-one without error magnification has been theoretically proposed. We implemented this method for two-qubit polarization states. For comparison, we also experimentally implemented other well-known tomographic protocols, either based solely on local measurements (of, e.g., the Pauli operators and James-Kwiat-Munro-White projectors) or with mutually unbiased bases requiring both local and global measurements. We reconstructed seventeen separable, partially and maximally entangled two-qubit polarization states. Our experiments show that our method has the highest stability against errors in comparison to other quantum tomographies. In particular, we demonstrate that each optimally-reconstructed state is embedded in an uncertainty circle of the smallest radius, both in terms of trace distance and disturbance. We explain how to experimentally estimate uncertainty radii for all the implemented tomographies and show that, for each reconstructed state, the relevant uncertainty circles intersect indicating the approximate location of the corresponding physical density matrix.
First freshwater coralline alga and the role of local features in a major biome transition
Authors: Žuljević A. , Kaleb S. , Peña V. , Despalatović M. , Cvitković I. , De Clerck O. , Le Gall L. , Falace A. , Vita F. , Braga Juan C. , Antolić B.
Published: January 2016

Coralline red algae are significant components of sea bottom and up to now considered as exclusively marine species. Here we present the first coralline alga from a freshwater environment, found in the Cetina River (Adriatic Sea watershed). The alga is fully adapted to freshwater, as attested by reproductive structures, sporelings and an inability to survive brackish conditions. Morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses reveal the species belongs to Pneophyllum and is described as P. cetinaensis sp. nov. The marine-freshwater transition most probably occurred during the last glaciation. The brackish-water ancestor was preadapted to osmotic stress and rapid changes in water salinity and temperature. The particular characteristics of the karst Cetina River, such as hard water enriched with dissolved calcium carbonate and a pH similar to the marine environment, favoured colonization of the river by a marine species. The upstream advance and dispersal is facilitated by exceptionally pronounced zoochory by freshwater gastropods. Pneophyllum cetinaensis defies the paradigm of Corallinales as an exclusively marine group.
Precisely Determining Ultralow level UO22+ in Natural Water with Plasmonic Nanowire Interstice Sensor
Authors: Gwak Raekeun , Kim Hongki , Yoo Seung Min , Lee Sang Yup , Lee Gyoung-Ja , Lee Min-Ku , Rhee Chang-Kyu , Kang Taejoon , Kim Bongsoo
Published: January 2016

Uranium is an essential raw material in nuclear energy generation; however, its use raises concerns about the possibility of severe damage to human health and the natural environment. In this work, we report an ultrasensitive uranyl ion (UO22+) detection method in natural water that uses a plasmonic nanowire interstice (PNI) sensor combined with a DNAzyme-cleaved reaction. UO22+ induces the cleavage of DNAzymes into enzyme strands and released strands, which include Raman-active molecules. A PNI sensor can capture the released strands, providing strong surface-enhanced Raman scattering signal. The combination of a PNI sensor and a DNAzyme-cleaved reaction significantly improves the UO22+ detection performance, resulting in a detection limit of 1 pM and high selectivity. More importantly, the PNI sensor operates perfectly, even in UO22+-contaminated natural water samples. This suggests the potential usefulness of a PNI sensor in practical UO22+-sensing applications. We anticipate that diverse toxic metal ions can be detected by applying various ion-specific DNA-based ligands to PNI sensors.