bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of 5‐Fluorouracil Metabolic Enzymes as Predictors of Response to Adjuvant Chemotherapy Outcomes in Patients with Stage II/III Colorectal Cancer: A Decision‐Curve Analysis
Authors: Shigeta Kohei , Ishii Yoshiyuki , Hasegawa Hirotoshi , Okabayashi Koji , Kitagawa Yuko
Published: August 2014

Background

The effectiveness of 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU)‐based adjuvant chemotherapy is reported in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC), but the usefulness of 5‐FU metabolic enzymes as predictive biomarkers of the efficacy of this chemotherapy remains unclear.

Objective

This study aims to verify whether 5‐FU metabolic enzymes are predictive biomarkers in the clinical setting of adjuvant chemotherapy for stage II/III CRC.

Methods

In total, 179 patients with stage II/III CRC who were treated at our institute between 2000 and 2010 were enrolled. Messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of major 5‐FU metabolic enzymes, namely thymidylate synthase, dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase, thymidine phosphorylase (TP), orotate phosphoribosyl transferase, and β‐actin (control) was evaluated using the Danenberg Tumor Profile method. mRNA expression and other clinicopathological data were investigated with regard to CRC relapse.

Results

A total of 78 patients underwent surgery alone, while 101 underwent adjuvant chemotherapy (5‐FU plus leucovorin [LV] or tegafur plus uracil /LV) following surgery. Relapse‐free survival was longer and risk of recurrence was lower in association with high TP mRNA expression than in association with low TP mRNA expression in the adjuvant chemotherapy group (hazard ratio 0.66; 95 % confidence interval 0.47–0.92; p = 0.016), but not in the surgery alone group. mRNA expression of no other enzymes was associated with relapse in both groups. In decision‐curve analyses, the predictive efficiency of TP mRNA expression plus clinicopathological factors was slightly better than that of clinicopathological factors only.

Conclusions

TP mRNA expression in tumors predicted the effects of adjuvant chemotherapy for stage II/III CRC, although the beneficial effects were marginal.
RELIGIOUS INFLUENCE ON NON-USE OF MODERN CONTRACEPTIVES AMONG WOMEN IN NIGERIA: COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF 1990 AND 2008 NDHS
Authors: WUSU ONIPEDE
Published: August 2014

The role of religion in contraceptive use is an issue of significant debate. This study employed the 1990 and 2008 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey data to examine differences and similarities in the influence of religious affiliation on non-use of modern contraceptives in Nigeria over the last two decades. The results suggest that a significant increase has occurred in the level of awareness of modern contraceptives in Nigeria over the last two decades, but that non-use remains very high. Religion could not independently predict non-use of modern contraceptives in 1990. Women of Islam and Traditional religions were more likely to have never used or not to be using modern contraceptives compared with Catholics and Protestants in 2008 (p<0.05). This can be explained by their poorer socioeconomic status relative to Catholics and Protestants. Therefore, improving women's socioeconomic status is an imperative in the promotion of modern contraception in Nigeria. Education and employment are critical in this regard and adherents of Islam and Traditional religions require special attention.
Does the human immunodeficiency virus influence the vestibulocollic reflex pathways? A comparative study
Authors: Heinze B M , Vinck B M , Swanepoel D W
Published: August 2014

Background:

This study compared vestibulocollic reflex and vestibulo-ocular reflex functioning in subjects with and without human immunodeficiency virus. It also described test results throughout progression of the disease and compared the results of human immunodeficiency virus positive subjects who were receiving antiretroviral therapies with those not receiving this treatment.

Methods:

Subjects comprised 53 adults with human immunodeficiency virus (mean age 38.5 ± 4.4 years) and 38 without human immunodeficiency virus (mean age 36.9 ± 8.2 years). Clinical examinations included cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potential and bithermal caloric testing.

Results:

Abnormal cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potential and caloric results were significantly higher in the human immunodeficiency virus positive group (p = 0.001), with an odds ratio of 10.2. Vestibulocollic reflex and vestibulo-ocular reflex involvement increased with progression of the disease. There were more abnormal test results in subjects receiving antiretroviral therapies (66.7 per cent) than in those not receiving antiretroviral therapies (63.6 per cent), but this difference was insignificant.

Conclusion:

Human immunodeficiency virus seems to influence vestibulocollic reflex pathways. Combining cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potential and caloric testing may be useful to detect early neurological involvement in human immunodeficiency virus positive subjects.
Patterns of sexual mixing with respect to social, health and sexual characteristics among heterosexual couples in England: analyses of probability sample survey data
Authors: PRAH P. , COPAS A. J. , MERCER C. H. , NARDONE A. , JOHNSON A. M.
Published: August 2014

Patterns of sexual mixing are major determinants of sexually transmitted infection (STI) transmission, in particular the extent to which high-risk populations mix with low-risk populations. However, patterns of mixing in the general population are poorly understood. We analysed data from a national probability sample survey of households, the Health Survey for England 2010. A total of 943 heterosexual couples living together, where at least one partner was aged between 16–44 years, were included. We used correlation coefficients to measure the strength of similarities between partners with respect to demographic characteristics, general health, health behaviours and sexual history. Males were on average 2 years older than their female partners, although this age difference ranged from a median of 0 years in men aged 16–24 years to a median of 2 years in men aged 35–44 years. A positive correlation between partners was found for all demographic characteristics. With respect to general health and health behaviours, a strongly positive correlation was found between men and women in reporting alcohol consumption at ⩾3 days a week and smoking. Men typically reported greater numbers of sexual partners than their female partner, although men and women with more partners were more likely to mix with each other. We have been able to elucidate the patterns of sexual mixing between men and women living together in England. Mixing based on demographic characteristics was more assortative than sexual characteristics. These data can better inform mathematical models of STI transmission.
Upscaling of dislocation walls in finite domains
Authors: VAN MEURS P. , MUNTEAN A. , PELETIER M. A.
Published: August 2014

We wish to understand the macroscopic plastic behaviour of metals by upscaling the micro-mechanics of dislocations. We consider a highly simplified dislocation network, which allows our discrete model to be a one dimensional particle system, in which the interactions between the particles (dislocation walls) are singular and non-local. As a first step towards treating realistic geometries, we focus on finite-size effects rather than considering an infinite domain as typically discussed in the literature. We derive effective equations for the dislocation density by means of Γ-convergence on the space of probability measures. Our analysis yields a classification of macroscopic models, in which the size of the domain plays a key role.
A comprehensive view of epicotyl dormancy inViburnumfurcatum: combining field studies with laboratory studies using temperature sequences
Authors: Phartyal Shyam S. , Kondo Tetsuya , Fuji Akinori , Hidayati Siti N. , Walck Jeffrey L.
Published: August 2014

Seeds with epicotyl dormancy reside in soil up to 15 months (or longer), being exposed to a sequence of temperatures, before seedlings completely emerge (i.e. with both roots and shoots). Heretofore, few studies have examined precise temperatures, especially in sequences, for promotion of radicle and cotyledon emergence and how they relate to environmental cues in nature.Viburnumis the best known genus to exhibit epicotyl dormancy and, as such, we investigated the JapaneseV.furcatum, hypothesizing a similar kind and level of dormancy. The underdeveloped embryos in mature seeds in October were spatulate shaped, unlike those in otherViburnumspecies, and they elongated from late June to August of the following year. Radicles emerged after embryo growth until mid-October, followed by cotyledons from mid-April to mid-May. Temperatures required for embryo growth, radicle and cotyledon emergence in the laboratory approximated closely those in the field. Embryo elongation and radicle emergence occurred at warm temperature regimes, and gibberellic acid (GA3) did not substitute for this warm temperature requirements. Following a 120-d cold stratification of seeds with an emerged radicle, shoots emerged from seeds at 10, 15, 15/5, 20/10 and 25/15°C. We identified that seeds ofV. furcatumhave deep simple epicotyl morphophysiological dormancy like the majority of otherViburnumspecies. For propagation of the species from seeds, the nearly 2-year period for seedling emergence could be shortened to 8 months: start fresh seeds at 25/15°C (60 d) and then move them through a sequence of 15/5°C (30 d) →  0°C (120 d) →  20/10°C (30 d).
Phenotypic plasticity in seed germination relates differentially to overwintering and flowering temperatures
Authors: Fernández-Pascual Eduardo , Jiménez-Alfaro Borja
Published: August 2014

Phenotypic plasticity in seed dormancy may allow plant species to cope with rapid environmental changes, such as climate warming. In controlled experimental settings, plasticity in dormancy has been found to relate to temperature during seed maturation, but this relationship has not been tested in field conditions. Here we analyse for the first time the variation in dormancy during five successive years in wild populations of the study species Centaurium somedanum, to determine how this variation is related to average temperatures during specific seasons of plant activity. We performed laboratory germination experiments to measure: (1) the degree of dormancy at dispersal; and (2) the sensitivity to dormancy-breaking factors. We calculated average temperatures during four seasons of plant activity (overwintering, vegetative growth, flowering and seed maturation) for each year, and tested the relationship between these temperatures and patterns of dormancy variation, using Generalized Linear Models. Dormancy varied among sites and years, seeds being more dormant in colder years. For the degree of dormancy at dispersal, we found a positive relationship with flowering temperature and a significant effect of collection site. For the sensitivity to dormancy-breaking factors, we found no significant differences among sites, a positive relationship with flowering temperature and a negative relationship with overwintering temperature. Phenotypic plasticity in dormancy in C. somedanum is thus especially marked in the sensitivity to dormancy-breaking factors. Temperatures during overwintering and flowering have differential effects on this plasticity, allowing the plant to detect the gradient of seasonality, a main ecological feature of its distribution. These results highlight the importance of taking into account more than average temperatures when assessing the response of plant phenotypic plasticity to climate change.
Performance of the NINDS-CSN 5-Minute Protocol in a National Population-Based Sample
Authors: Kennedy Richard E. , Wadley Virginia G. , McClure Leslie A. , Letter Abraham J. , Unverzagt Frederick W. , Crowe Michael , Nyenhius David , Kelley Brendan J. , Kana Bhumika , Marceaux Janice , Kurella Tamura Manjula , Howard Virginia , Howard George
Published: August 2014

In 2006, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke-Canadian Stroke Network (NINDS-CSN) Vascular Cognitive Impairment Harmonization Standards recommended a 5-Minute Protocol as a brief screening instrument for vascular cognitive impairment (VCI). We report demographically adjusted norms for the 5-Minute Protocol and its relation to other measures of cognitive function and cerebrovascular risk factors. We performed a cross-sectional analysis of 7199 stroke-free adults in the REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study on the NINDS-CSN 5-Minute Protocol score. Total scores on the 5-Minute Protocol were inversely correlated with age and positively correlated with years of education, and performance on the Six-Item Screener, Word List Learning, and Animal Fluency (all p-values <.001). Higher cerebrovascular risk on the Framingham Stroke Risk Profile (FSRP) was associated with lower total 5-Minute Protocol scores (p <.001). The 5-Minute Protocol also differentiated between participants with and without confirmed stroke and with and without stroke symptom histories (p <.001). The NINDS-CSN 5-Minute Protocol is a brief, easily administered screening measure that is sensitive to cerebrovascular risk and offers a valid method of screening for cognitive impairment in populations at risk for VCI. (JINS, 2014, 20, 1–12)
Socio-economic and behavioural determinants of fruit and vegetable intake in Moroccan women
Authors: Landais Edwige , Bour Abdellatif , Gartner Agnès , McCullough Fiona , Delpeuch Francis , Holdsworth Michelle
Published: August 2014

Objective

To estimate daily fruit and vegetable intakes and to investigate socio-economic and behavioural differences in fruit and vegetable consumption among urban Moroccan women.

Design

A cross-sectional survey. Fruit and vegetable intake was measured with a single 24 h recall.

Settings

A representative population-based survey conducted in the area of Rabat-Salé.

Subjects

Women (n894) of child-bearing age (20–49 years).

Results

Mean fruit and vegetable intake was 331 g/d (155 g/d for fruit and 176 g/d for vegetables). Only one-third (32·1 %) of women consumed ≥400 g/d and half the sample (50·6 %) were considered as low consumers, i.e. <280 g/d. Women of higher economic status ate significantly more fruit (P<0·05) and more fruit and vegetables combined (P<0·05). Women ate significantly less vegetables if they ate out of home more often or skipped at least one main meal (breakfast, lunch or dinner) or ate more processed foods (P<0·05,P<0·01 andP<0·001, respectively). Fruit and vegetable diversity was not associated with any of the factors investigated.

Conclusions

In this population, fruit and vegetable intakes are driven by different determinants. Indeed, while vegetable consumption was related only to behavioural determinants, fruit consumption was influenced only by economic status. Therefore, programmes promoting fruit and vegetable intake would be more effective if they account for these specific determinants in their design.
The astrobiological mission EXPOSE-R on board of the International Space Station
Authors: Rabbow Elke , Rettberg Petra , Barczyk Simon , Bohmeier Maria , Parpart Andre , Panitz Corinna , Horneck Gerda , Burfeindt Jürgen , Molter Ferdinand , Jaramillo Esther , Pereira Carlos , Weiß Peter , Willnecker Rainer , Demets René , Dettmann Jan , Reitz Guenther
Published: August 2014

EXPOSE-R flew as the second of the European Space Agency (ESA) EXPOSE multi-user facilities on the International Space Station. During the mission on the external URM-D platform of the Zvezda service module, samples of eight international astrobiology experiments selected by ESA and one Russian guest experiment were exposed to low Earth orbit space parameters from March 10th, 2009 to January 21st, 2011. EXPOSE-R accommodated a total of 1220 samples for exposure to selected space conditions and combinations, including space vacuum, temperature cycles through 273 K, cosmic radiation, solar electromagnetic radiation at >110, >170 or >200 nm at various fluences up to GJ m−2. Samples ranged from chemical compounds via unicellular organisms and multicellular mosquito larvae and seeds to passive radiation dosimeters. Additionally, one active radiation measurement instrument was accommodated on EXPOSE-R and commanded from ground in accordance with the facility itself. Data on ultraviolet radiation, cosmic radiation and temperature were measured every 10 s and downlinked by telemetry and data carrier every few months. The EXPOSE-R trays and samples returned to Earth on March 9th, 2011 with Shuttle flight, Space Transportation System (STS)-133/ULF 5, Discovery, after successful total mission duration of 27 months in space. The samples were analysed in the individual investigators laboratories. A parallel Mission Ground Reference experiment was performed on ground with a parallel set of hardware and samples under simulated space conditions following to the data transmitted from the flight mission.
Regulating Strip-Based Entertainment: Sexual Entertainment Venue Policy and the Ex/Inclusion of Dancers’ Perspectives and Needs
Authors: Sanders Teela , Hardy Kate , Campbell Rosie
Published: August 2014

This article showcases a research, dissemination and impact study on the striptease industry that explores why key stakeholders (dancers) are excluded, and ways that inclusion in policy development is achievable. This form of erotic work has undergone increased attention from policy and regulatory officials in recent years with the introduction of a new licensing process as venues are categorised as Sexual Entertainment Venues. The article will demonstrate how community and campaign group voices were heard over that of the dancers themselves, who were not consulted in the process of the legislative change. However, the article shows how small but significant interventions into policy development by direct work with stakeholders (here Licensing Committees and officers) can make steps towards an inclusion of dancer welfare and safety issues. Finally, we propose a set of principles that can ensure dancer and sex worker voices are included in policy consultation and decision making to ensure evidence-based policy making.
Suicide Bereavement and Postvention in Major Suicidology Journals
Authors: Andriessen Karl
Published: August 2014

Background: Since the seminal publications of Shneidman (1969) and Cain (1972), suicide bereavement and postvention have attracted increasing research interest. Aims: To examine the topics of suicide bereavement and postvention in the core international suicidology journals, since their inception until mid-2013, in order to reveal the number of postvention articles throughout the years, their geographic distribution, and the topics of suicide bereavement and postvention that have been published. Method: The online databases of four journals (Crisis, The Journal of Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention; Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior [SLTB]; Archives of Suicide Research; and Suicidology Online) as well as the tables of content of all issues were searched. The number of articles and the countries of origin were quantified, and articles were categorized according to their content. Results: The search identified 144 postvention articles, published during the past 40 years, almost exclusively in two journals (Crisis and SLTB). The majority of articles were (co-)authored by authors from Anglo-Saxon, Western countries. Articles were categorized in three groups: characteristics of suicide bereavement (n = 73), postvention programs (n = 66), and definition/theory and epidemiology of survivors (n = 5). Conclusion: Articles on suicide bereavement and postvention have been published mostly in two suicidology journals, albeit in modest numbers, and from a limited number of mostly Western countries. Our understanding of suicide bereavement and the provision of survivor support might benefit from the development of consensual definitions and from studies in other parts of the world.
The RING ubiquitin E3 RNF114 interacts with A20 and modulates NF-κB activity and T-cell activation
Authors: Rodriguez M S , Egaña I , Lopitz-Otsoa F , Aillet F , Lopez-Mato M P , Dorronsoro A , Lobato-Gil S , Sutherland J D , Barrio R , Trigueros C , Lang V
Published: August 2014

Accurate regulation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activity is crucial to prevent a variety of disorders including immune and inflammatory diseases. Active NF-κB promotes IκBα and A20 expression, important negative regulatory molecules that control the NF-κB response. In this study, using two-hybrid screening we identify the RING-type zinc-finger protein 114 (RNF114) as an A20-interacting factor. RNF114 interacts with A20 in T cells and modulates A20 ubiquitylation. RNF114 acts as negative regulator of NF-κB-dependent transcription, not only by stabilizing the A20 protein but also IκBα. Importantly, we demonstrate that in T cells, the effect of RNF114 is linked to the modulation of T-cell activation and apoptosis but is independent of cell cycle regulation. Altogether, our data indicate that RNF114 is a new partner of A2O involved in the regulation of NF-κB activity that contributes to the control of signaling pathways modulating T cell-mediated immune response.
Personalized Metabolomics for Predicting Glucose Tolerance Changes in Sedentary Women After High-Intensity Interval Training
Authors: Kuehnbaum Naomi L. , Gillen Jenna B. , Gibala Martin J. , Britz-McKibbin Philip
Published: August 2014

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) offers a practical approach for enhancing cardiorespiratory fitness, however its role in improving glucose regulation among sedentary yet normoglycemic women remains unclear. Herein, multi-segment injection capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry is used as a high-throughput platform in metabolomics to assess dynamic responses of overweight/obese women (BMI > 25, n = 11) to standardized oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) performed before and after a 6-week HIIT intervention. Various statistical methods were used to classify plasma metabolic signatures associated with post-prandial glucose and/or training status when using a repeated measures/cross-over study design. Branched-chain/aromatic amino acids and other intermediates of urea cycle and carnitine metabolism decreased over time in plasma after oral glucose loading. Adaptive exercise-induced changes to plasma thiol redox and orthinine status were measured for trained subjects while at rest in a fasting state. A multi-linear regression model was developed to predict changes in glucose tolerance based on a panel of plasma metabolites measured for naïve subjects in their untrained state. Since treatment outcomes to physical activity are variable between-subjects, prognostic markers offer a novel approach to screen for potential negative responders while designing lifestyle modifications that maximize the salutary benefits of exercise for diabetes prevention on an individual level.
Transport spectroscopy of coupled donors in silicon nano-transistors
Authors: Moraru Daniel , Samanta Arup , Anh Le The , Mizuno Takeshi , Mizuta Hiroshi , Tabe Michiharu
Published: August 2014

The impact of dopant atoms in transistor functionality has significantly changed over the past few decades. In downscaled transistors, discrete dopants with uncontrolled positions and number induce fluctuations in device operation. On the other hand, by gaining access to tunneling through individual dopants, a new type of devices is developed: dopant-atom-based transistors. So far, most studies report transport through dopants randomly located in the channel. However, for practical applications, it is critical to control the location of the donors with simple techniques. Here, we fabricate silicon transistors with selectively nanoscale-doped channels using nano-lithography and thermal-diffusion doping processes. Coupled phosphorus donors form a quantum dot with the ground state split into a number of levels practically equal to the number of coupled donors, when the number of donors is small. Tunneling-transport spectroscopy reveals fine features which can be correlated with the different numbers of donors inside the quantum dot, as also suggested by first-principles simulation results.
Understanding Na2Ti3O7 as an ultra-low voltage anode material for a Na-ion battery
Authors: Xu Jing , Ma Chuze , Balasubramanian Mahalingam , Meng Ying Shirley
Published: August 2014

A comprehensive understanding of Na2Ti3O7 as an ultra-low voltage anode material for a Na-ion battery is reported.
Fluorinative hydrolysis of phosphorothioic acid esters with a binaphthyl group through axis-to-center chirality transfer leading to the formation of P-chiral phosphorothioic monofluoridic acid salts
Authors: Murai Toshiaki , Hayashi Takae , Yamada Kyohei , Maekawa Yuuki , Minoura Mao
Published: August 2014

Axis-to-center chirality transfer reactions were described.
The effect of substituents on the surface modification of anatase nanoparticles with catecholate-type ligands: a combined DFT and experimental study
Authors: Savić Tatjana D. , Čomor Mirjana I. , Nedeljković Jovan M. , Veljković Dušan Ž. , Zarić Snežana D. , Rakić Vesna M. , Janković Ivana A.
Published: August 2014

The formation of the inner-sphere charge-transfer complexes results in a red shift of the semiconductor absorption and a reduction of the effective band gap.
Anisotropy of the n-type charge transport and thermal effects in crystals of a fluoro-alkylated naphthalene diimide: a computational investigation
Authors: Canola Sofia , Negri Fabrizia
Published: August 2014

The anisotropy of charge transport in the b,c crystallographic plane of a naphthalene diimide derivative is investigated and nicely reproduced with a multi-scale computational approach.
Properties of two-dimensional insulators: a DFT study of Co adsorption on NaCl and MgO ultrathin films
Authors: Chen Hsin-Yi Tiffany , Pacchioni Gianfranco
Published: August 2014

The interaction of TM atoms like Co with two-dimensional NaCl/Au(111) and MgO/Ag(001) ultrathin films is completely different.
High-throughput screening of high-capacity electrodes for hybrid Li-ion–Li–O2cells
Authors: Kirklin S. , Chan M. K. Y. , Trahey L. , Thackeray M. M. , Wolverton C.
Published: August 2014

A first-ever high throughput computational search for high capacity materials for hybrid Li-ion–Li–O2batteries.
Correlated bifunctionality in heterogeneous catalysts: selective tethering of cinchonidine next to supported Pt nanoparticles
Authors: Hong Junghyun , Lee Ilkeun , Zaera Francisco
Published: August 2014

A strategy has been devised to add molecular functionality to heterogeneous catalysts in a spatially correlated fashion.
Low-temperature aqueous-phase reforming of ethanol on bimetallic PdZn catalysts
Authors: Xiong Haifeng , DeLaRiva Andrew , Wang Yong , Datye Abhaya K.
Published: August 2014

Bimetallic PdZn catalysts supported on carbon black (CB) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were found to be selective for CO-free H2 production from ethanol at low temperature (250 °C).
A composite photocatalyst of an organic electron donor–acceptor dyad and a Pt catalyst supported on semiconductor nanosheets for efficient hydrogen evolution from oxalic acid
Authors: Yamada Yusuke , Nomura Akifumi , Tadokoro Hideyuki , Fukuzumi Shunichi
Published: August 2014

A Pt catalyst was closely located to an organic photosensitiser on a negatively charged semiconductor for efficient photocatalytic H2evolution.
Crystal structure, DFT, spectroscopic and biological activity evaluation of analgin complexes with Co(ii), Ni(ii) and Cu(ii)
Authors: Mansour Ahmed M.
Published: August 2014

Coordination of analgin to Ni(ii) and Cu(ii) ions as a mono-negatively tridentate ligand leads to a significant increase in its antibacterial activity compared with the Co(ii) complex.
Glycerol as feedstock in the synthesis of chemicals: a life cycle analysis for acrolein production
Authors: Cespi D. , Passarini F. , Mastragostino G. , Vassura I. , Larocca S. , Iaconi A. , Chieregato A. , Dubois J.-L. , Cavani F.
Published: August 2014

Three synthetic routes to obtain acrolein are compared, from a life cycle point of view: one by propylene oxidation and two by the dehydration of glycerol, obtained as a co-product either in triglyceride transesterification to FAME or in hydrolysis to fatty acids.
Recent advances in the structure-based rational design of TNKSIs
Authors: Zhan Peng , Song Yu'ning , Itoh Yukihiro , Suzuki Takayoshi , Liu Xinyong
Published: August 2014

Medicinal chemistry strategies employed in the discovery of TNKSIs.
Correlating S-nitrosothiol decomposition and NO release for modified poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) polymer films
Authors: Joslin J. M. , Neufeld B. H. , Reynolds Melissa M.
Published: August 2014

The decomposition of an S-nitrosated model polymer was correlated to the subsequent release of nitric oxide under multiple decomposition pathways.
The construction of a fluorescent nano-probe and its application in detecting transgenic Bt rice TT51-1
Authors: Zhang Guangyuan , Sun Hongwei , Li Fan , Yang Shuke , Xu Xiao Hui , Gao Rui , Zhao Lei , Lu Xingbo
Published: August 2014

A fluorescent nano-probe that simultaneously detects the rice endogenous housekeeping gene SPS and the exogenous Bt gene (Cry1Ab/Ac).
Polysaccharide films at an air/liquid and a liquid/silicon interface: effect of the polysaccharide and liquid type on their physical properties
Authors: Taira Yasunori , McNamee Cathy E.
Published: August 2014

Monolayers of three polysaccharides were made at an air/water or air/pH 9 buffer and the physical properties of the monolayers transferred to a silicon substrate were investigated via atomic force microscopy.
X-ray tomography system to investigate granular materials during mechanical loading
Authors: Athanassiadis Athanasios G. , La Rivière Patrick J. , Sidky Emil , Pelizzari Charles , Pan Xiaochuan , Jaeger Heinrich M.
Published: August 2014

We integrate a small and portable medical x-ray device with mechanical testing equipment to enable in situ, non-invasive measurements of a granular material's response to mechanical loading. We employ an orthopedic C-arm as the x-ray source and detector to image samples mounted in the materials tester. We discuss the design of a custom rotation stage, which allows for sample rotation and tomographic reconstruction under applied compressive stress. We then discuss the calibration of the system for 3D computed tomography, as well as the subsequent image reconstruction process. Using this system to reconstruct packings of 3D-printed particles, we resolve packing features with 0.52 mm resolution in a (60 mm)3 field of view. By analyzing the performance bounds of the system, we demonstrate that the reconstructions exhibit only moderate noise.
Compositional origin of unusual β-relaxation properties in La-Ni-Al metallic glasses
Authors: Zhu Z. G. , Li Y. Z. , Wang Z. , Gao X. Q. , Wen P. , Bai H. Y. , Ngai K. L. , Wang W. H.
Published: August 2014

The β-relaxation of metallic glasses (MGs) bears nontrivial connections to their microscopic and macroscopic properties. In an effort to elucidate the mechanism of the β-relaxation, we studied by dynamical mechanical measurements the change of its properties on varying the composition of La60Ni15Al25 in various ways. The properties of the β-relaxation turn out to be very sensitive to the composition. It is found that the isochronal loss peak temperature of β-relaxation, Tβ,peak, is effectively determined by the total (La + Ni) content. When Cu is added into the alloy to replace either La, Ni, or Al, the Tβ,peak increases with decrease of the (La + Ni) content. The trend is in accordance with data of binary and ternary MGs formed from La, Ni, Al, and Cu. Binary La-Ni MGs have pronounced β-relaxation loss peaks, well separated from the α-relaxation. In contrast, the β-relaxation is not resolved in La-Al and La-Cu MGs, showing up as an excess wing. For the ternary La-Ni-Al MGs, increase of La or Ni content is crucial to lower the Tβ,peak. Keeping the Al content fixed, increase of La content lowers the Tβ,peak further, indicating the more important role La plays in lowering Tβ,peak than Ni. The observed effects on changing the composition of La60Ni15Al25 lead to the conclusion that the properties of the β-relaxation are mainly determined by the interaction between the largest solvent element, La, and the smallest element, Ni. From our data, it is further deduced that La and Ni have high mobility in the MGs, and this explains why the β-relaxation in this La-based MGs is prominent and well resolved from the α-relaxation as opposed to Pd- and Zr-based MGs where the solvent and largest atoms, Pd and Zr, are the least mobile.
Iterative reconstruction using a Monte Carlo based system transfer matrix for dedicated breast positron emission tomography
Authors: Saha Krishnendu , Straus Kenneth J. , Chen Yu. , Glick Stephen J.
Published: August 2014

To maximize sensitivity, it is desirable that ring Positron Emission Tomography (PET) systems dedicated for imaging the breast have a small bore. Unfortunately, due to parallax error this causes substantial degradation in spatial resolution for objects near the periphery of the breast. In this work, a framework for computing and incorporating an accurate system matrix into iterative reconstruction is presented in an effort to reduce spatial resolution degradation towards the periphery of the breast. The GATE Monte Carlo Simulation software was utilized to accurately model the system matrix for a breast PET system. A strategy for increasing the count statistics in the system matrix computation and for reducing the system element storage space was used by calculating only a subset of matrix elements and then estimating the rest of the elements by using the geometric symmetry of the cylindrical scanner. To implement this strategy, polar voxel basis functions were used to represent the object, resulting in a block-circulant system matrix. Simulation studies using a breast PET scanner model with ring geometry demonstrated improved contrast at 45% reduced noise level and 1.5 to 3 times resolution performance improvement when compared to MLEM reconstruction using a simple line-integral model. The GATE based system matrix reconstruction technique promises to improve resolution and noise performance and reduce image distortion at FOV periphery compared to line-integral based system matrix reconstruction.
High open-circuit voltage, high fill factor single-junction organic solar cells
Authors: Peng Yuelin , Zhang Lushuai , Andrew Trisha L.
Published: August 2014

We demonstrate a high open circuit voltage (Voc), high fill factor, single-junction organic photovoltaic (OPV) cell consisting of tetraphenyldibenzoperiflanthene (DBP) as the donor and pyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrrole- 1,4-dione, 3,6-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-2, 5-dihydro (DPP) as the acceptor in a vapor-deposited, fullerene free organic solar cell. Under one sun illumination, the DBP/DPP based planar heterojunction solar cell exhibits a Voc of 1.19 V with a fill factor of 0.67, leading to a final power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 2.2%. Our achieved Voc is the highest value reported thus far for a single-junction, high fill factor organic solar cell. A planar-mixed device architecture allows for high exciton generation while maintaining high exciton dissociation, leading to a PCE of 3.2%. The DBP and DPP interface creates a high interface energy gap (ΔEDA) and relatively low saturation current (JS) due to poor coupling across the donor-acceptor interface. These results support earlier theories that high Voc values are dependent on large ΔΕDA and low JS for a given donor-acceptor combination in OPVs.
Magnetobound positronium and protonium
Authors: Correa J. R. , Ordonez C. A.
Published: August 2014

The formation of magnetobound positronium and protonium is investigated via classical trajectory simulations of binary point charge interactions in an external magnetic field. A magnetobound state is a predicted pair-particle system that is temporarily bound due to the presence of an external magnetic field. The magnetic field constrains the motion of charged particles in the direction perpendicular to it, while allowing them to move freely in the parallel dimension. At large separations, each particle undergoes helical motion with an adiabatically invariant magnetic moment. As the charges approach each other, the electric interaction breaks the adiabatic constant of the motion, and the particles may temporarily behave as a highly correlated pair. The results of computer simulations of the fully three-dimensional trajectories of classical and non-relativistic point charges with the same mass, equal charge magnitude, and opposite sign are reported. The simulations show the formation of magnetobound positronium and protonium. The results yield formation cross sections, which are compared to analytical expressions. Additionally, the results reveal that magnetobound states drift across magnetic field lines. Observations on the drift distance, lifetime, and drift speed of simulated magnetobound states are reported.
A carrier relaxation bottleneck probed in single InGaAs quantum dots using integrated superconducting single photon detectors
Authors: Reithmaier G. , Flassig F. , Hasch P. , Lichtmannecker S. , Müller K. , Vučković J. , Gross R. , Kaniber M. , Finley J. J.
Published: August 2014

Using integrated superconducting single photon detectors, we probe ultra-slow exciton capture and relaxation dynamics in single self-assembled InGaAs quantum dots embedded in a GaAs ridge waveguide. Time-resolved luminescence measurements performed with on- and off-chip detection reveal a continuous decrease in the carrier relaxation time from 1.22 ± 0.07 ns to 0.10 ± 0.07 ns upon increasing the number of non-resonantly injected carriers. By comparing off-chip time-resolved spectroscopy with spectrally integrated on-chip measurements, we identify the observed dynamics in the rise time (τr) as arising from a relaxation bottleneck at low excitation levels. From the comparison with the temporal dynamics of the single exciton transition with the on-chip emission signal, we conclude that the relaxation bottleneck is circumvented by the presence of charge carriers occupying states in the bulk material and the two-dimensional wetting layer continuum. A characteristic τr ∝ P−2∕3 power law dependence is observed suggesting Auger-type scattering between carriers trapped in the quantum dot and the two-dimensional wetting layer continuum which circumvents the phonon relaxation bottleneck.
Gold cluster/titanium dioxide heterojunction photovoltaic cell
Authors: Nakamura Eiji , Kogo Atsushi , Sakai Nobuyuki , Tatsuma Tetsu
Published: August 2014

Metal clusters have recently been applied as photosensitizers to wet-type photovoltaic cells. However, there are some practical issues including instability of the clusters in a liquid phase and leakage of electrolyte. To address these issues, we fabricated a heterojunction photovoltaic cell with solid-state layers of glutathione-protected Au25 clusters and titanium dioxide (TiO2). The ITO/TiO2/Au25/Au cell responded to visible and near infrared light even at 900 nm. Short-circuit photocurrent was ∼14 μA cm−2 and open-circuit photovoltage was 0.53 V under a xenon lamp (>480 nm, 75 mW cm−2).
Enhanced low temperature thermoelectric performance of Ag-doped BiCuSeO
Authors: Tan S. G. , Lei Hechang , Shao D. F. , Lv H. Y. , Lu W. J. , Huang Y. N. , Liu Y. , Yuan B. , Zu L. , Kan X. C. , Song W. H. , Sun Y. P.
Published: August 2014

We investigated the physical properties of the silver doped layered oxyselenides BiCu1–xAgxSeO (x = 0–0.4), which crystallize in an unusual intergrowth structure with [Cu2Se2]2– and [Bi2O2]2+ layers. The total thermal conductivity is decreased because the heavier Ag doping in BiCuSeO lattice decreased the lattice thermal conductivity. The undoped BiCuSeO exhibits a semiconducting behavior, and the Ag-doped BiCuSeO performs much improved electrical conductivity. Although Ag-doping causes a decreasing Seebeck coefficient, the significant increase of the electrical conductivity compensates the moderate decrease of the Seebeck coefficient, which leads to the strongly improved power factor values. Finally, the figure of merit is improved and reaches a maximum ∼0.07 at 300 K for the sample BiCu0.7Ag0.3SeO.
Nanocharacterization of the negative stiffness of ferroelectric materials
Authors: Alipour Skandani A. , Ctvrtlik R. , Al-Haik M.
Published: August 2014

Phase changing materials such as ferroelectric materials could exhibit negative stiffness under certain thermomechanical environments. This negative stiffness is embodied by a deflection along the opposite direction of the applied load. So far negative stiffness materials were investigated with the specific morphology of embedded inclusions in stiff matrices then the resulting composite is studied to measure the behavior of each constituent indirectly. In this study, a modified nonisothermal nanoindentation method is developed to measure the negative stiffness of triglycine sulfate single crystal directly. This in-situ method is intended to first demonstrate the feasibility of detecting the negative stiffness via nanoindentation and nanocreep of a ferroelectric material at its Curie point and then to quantify the negative stiffness without the need for embedding the crystal within a stiffer matrix.
Rapid switching in high-Q mechanical resonators
Authors: Okamoto Hajime , Mahboob Imran , Onomitsu Koji , Yamaguchi Hiroshi
Published: August 2014

Sharp resonance spectra of high-Q micromechanical resonators are advantageous in their applications, such as highly precise sensors and narrow band-pass filters. However, the high-Q characteristics hinder quick repetitive operations of mechanical resonators because of their long ring-down time due to their slow energy relaxation. Here, we demonstrate a scheme to solve this trade-off problem in paired GaAs micromechanical resonators by using parametrically induced intermode coupling. The strong intermode coupling induced by the piezoelectric modulation of tension allows on-demand energy transfer between closely spaced mechanical modes of the resonator via coherent control of the coupling. This enables rapid switching of the vibration amplitude within the ring-down time, leading to quick repetitive operations in high-Q mechanical resonators.
Seminal plasma affects sperm sex sorting in boars
Authors: Alkmin Diego V. , Parrilla Inmaculada , Tarantini Tatiana , del Olmo David , Vazquez Juan M. , Martinez Emilio A. , Roca Jordi
Published: August 2014

Two experiments were conducted in boar semen samples to evaluate how both holding time (24 h) and the presence of seminal plasma (SP) before sorting affect sperm sortability and the ability of sex-sorted spermatozoa to tolerate liquid storage. Whole ejaculate samples were divided into three aliquots immediately after collection: one was diluted (1 : 1, v/v) in Beltsville thawing solution (BTS; 50% SP); the SP of the other two aliquots was removed and the sperm pellets were diluted with BTS + 10% of their own SP (10% SP) or BTS alone (0% SP). The three aliquots of each ejaculate were divided into two portions, one that was processed immediately for sorting and a second that was sorted after 24 h storage at 15–17°C. In the first experiment, the ability to exhibit well-defined X- and Y-chromosome-bearing sperm peaks (split) in the cytometry histogram and the subsequent sorting efficiency were assessed (20 ejaculates). In contrast with holding time, the SP proportion influenced the parameters examined, as evidenced by the higher number of ejaculates exhibiting split and better sorting efficiency (P < 0.05) in semen samples with 0–10% SP compared with those with 50% SP. In a second experiment, the quality (viability, total and progressive motility) and functionality (plasma membrane fluidity and intracellular generation of reactive oxygen species) of sex-sorted spermatozoa were evaluated after 0, 72 and 120 h storage at 15–17°C (10 ejaculates). Holding time and SP proportion did not influence the quality or functionality of stored sex-sorted spermatozoa. In conclusion, a holding time as long as 24 h before sorting did not negatively affect sex sorting efficiency or the ability of sorted boar spermatozoa to tolerate long-term liquid storage. A high proportion of SP (50%) in the semen samples before sorting reduced the number of ejaculates to be sorted and negatively influenced the sorting efficiency, but did not affect the ability of sex-sorted spermatozoa to tolerate liquid storage.
A novel time-limited pop-up HIV testing service for gay men in Sydney, Australia, attracts high-risk men
Authors: Knight Vickie , Gale Marianne , Guy Rebecca , Parkhill Nicolas , Holden Jo , Leeman Craig , McNulty Anna , Keen Phillip , Wand Handan
Published: August 2014

Background HIV diagnoses have been increasing steadily in Australia and are concentrated among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBM). HIV testing is a key control strategy, and in 2013, a novel time-limited pop-up community HIV testing service (Pop-up) was introduced to raise awareness and increase testing options for GBM. The Pop-up service offered rapid HIV tests only. We compared uptake and outcomes of the Pop-up service to an established clinical model [a fast-track screening service in a sexual health clinic offering rapid and/or conventional HIV tests and sexually transmissible infection (STI) tests]. Methods: Service delivery data was collated and analysed from the HIV Pop-up (25 November to 1 December 2013) and the fast-track HIV/STI screening service (Xpress) in a sexual health clinic immediately before the Pop-up (1 August to 22 November 2013). A comparison of all the HIV tests and results, tests per hour and characteristics of new clients (demographics, risk behaviour, testing history) was conducted using χ2, Poisson distribution and Ranksum tests. Results: At the Pop-up service, 182 GBM had a rapid HIV test conducted over the 5-day period (average: seven HIV tests per hour) and no HIV tests were reactive (0%, 95% confidence interval: 0–1.8%). At the Xpress service, 1075 asymptomatic GBM had at least one STI test and 957 GMB had a HIV test (rapid or conventional) conducted over the 3-month period (average: four HIV tests per hour), with two positive HIV tests (0.2%, 95% confidence interval: 0.02–0.7) and 151 positive STI tests (14%, 95% confidence interval: 12–16.2). Compared with new patients at the Xpress service, GBM attending the Pop-up service were older (median of 39 vs 29 years, P < 0.01); more likely to report ≥5 sexual partners in the past 3 months (P = 0.02); more likely to reside in ‘Gay Sydney’ (P < 0.01); and more likely to be tested for HIV (P < 0.01). Conclusions: Time-limited Pop-up community HIV testing is feasible and reached high-risk GBM, but compared with a clinic-based model, it only reached a smaller proportion of GBM who test infrequently or who have never been tested and are unaware of their HIV status. No STI testing was conducted through the Pop-up service, which allowed a higher throughput of HIV tests; however, a significant number of STIs may have been missed.
Practice independence
Authors: Julius A.J.
Published: August 2014

I explore some interpretations of the practice of international market reliance that forms the focus of Aaron James’ book, and I wonder how our actual practices help to settle what we should go on to do now.