bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reconfigurable Solid-state Dye-doped Polymer Ring Resonator Lasers
Authors: Chandrahalim Hengky , Fan Xudong
Published: December 2015

This paper presents wavelength configurable on-chip solid-state ring lasers fabricated by a single-mask standard lithography. The single- and coupled-ring resonator hosts were fabricated on a fused-silica wafer and filled with 3,3′-Diethyloxacarbocyanine iodide (CY3), Rhodamine 6G (R6G) and 3,3′-Diethylthiadicarbocyanine iodide (CY5)-doped polymer as the reconfigurable gain media. The recorded lasing threshold was ~220 nJ/mm2 per pulse for the single-ring resonator laser with R6G, marking the lowest threshold shown by solid-state dye-doped polymer lasers fabricated with a standard lithography process on a chip. A single-mode lasing from a coupled-ring resonator system with the lasing threshold of ~360 nJ/mm2 per pulse was also demonstrated through the Vernier effect. The renewability of the dye-doped polymer was examined by removing and redepositing the dye-doped polymer on the same resonator hosts for multiple cycles. We recorded consistent emissions from the devices for all trials, suggesting the feasibility of employing this technology for numerous photonic and biochemical sensing applications that entail for sustainable, reconfigurable and low lasing threshold coherent light sources on a chip.
Development of a smart guide wire using an electrostrictive polymer: option for steerable orientation and force feedback
Authors: Ganet F. , Le M. Q. , Capsal J. F. , Lermusiaux P. , Petit L. , Millon A. , Cottinet P. J.
Published: December 2015

The development of steerable guide wire or catheter designs has been strongly limited by the lack of enabling actuator technologies. This paper presents the properties of an electrostrive actuator technology for steerable actuation. By carefully tailoring material properties and the actuator design, which can be integrated in devices, this technology should realistically make it possible to obtain a steerable guide wire design with considerable latitude. Electromechanical characteristics are described and their impact on a steerable design is discussed.
Determination of arsenic in water using fluorescent ZnO quantum dots
Authors: Pal Sudip Kumar , Akhtar Nargis , Ghosh Sujit Kumar
Published: December 2015

Stabiliser-free zinc oxide quantum dots have been utilised as a greener sensing platform for the quantification of arsenic at the parts-per-billion level. The method is free from common interference and applicable for real sample analysis.
I2-induced SC–SC transformation within two-dimensional Zn(ii)-triazole framework: an ideal detector of cyano-containing molecules
Authors: Wang Ying , Yi Jin-Min , Zhang Meng-Yuan , Xu Ping , Zhao Xiao-Jun
Published: December 2015

A SC–SC transformation process driven by I2 has been shown to generate a 2D + 1D → 2D interpenetrated architecture from a 2D + 2D → 2D network. For the first time we demonstrate a selective sensor toward cyano-containing molecules.
Correction: Bifunctional ligands in combination with phosphines and Lewis acidic phosphoniums for the carbonylative Sonogashira reaction
Authors: Tan Chen , Wang Peng , Liu Huan , Zhao Xiao-Li , Lu Yong , Liu Ye
Published: December 2015

Correction for ‘Bifunctional ligands in combination with phosphines and Lewis acidic phosphoniums for the carbonylative Sonogashira reaction’ by Chen Tan et al., Chem. Commun., 2015, 51, 10871–10874.
Solvent-induced construction of two zinc metal–organic frameworks for highly selective detection of nitroaromatic explosives
Authors: Zhang Chuanqi , Yan Yan , Sun Libo , Liang Zhiqiang , Li Jiyang
Published: December 2015

Two three-dimensional metal–organic frameworks 1 and 2 based on p-terphenyl-3,4′′,5-tricarboxylic acid (H3TPT) were synthesized by controlling the solvent media. These two MOFs exhibit high efficiency for the recyclable detection of nitroaromatic compounds.
Pore orientation effects on the kinetics of mesostructure loss in surfactant templated titania thin films
Authors: Das Saikat , Nagpure Suraj , Garlapalli Ravinder K. , Wu Qingliu , Islam Syed Z. , Strzalka Joseph , Rankin Stephen E.
Published: December 2015

Grazing incidence small angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS) shows that thin titania films with uniform orthogonal cylindrical pore orientation are stabilized against thermally induced mesostructure loss.
Mechanisms of low temperature capture and regeneration of CO2 using diamino protic ionic liquids
Authors: Simons Tristan J. , Verheyen Thomas , Izgorodina Ekaterina I. , Vijayaraghavan R. , Young Scott , Pearson Andrew K. , Pas Steven J. , MacFarlane Douglas R.
Published: December 2015

Carbon dioxide chemical absorption and regeneration was investigated in two protic ionic liquids using novel calorimetric techniques.
Li3AlSiO5: the first aluminosilicate as a potential deep-ultraviolet nonlinear optical crystal with the quaternary diamond-like structure
Authors: Chen Xinglong , Zhang Fangfang , Liu Lili , Lei Bing-Hua , Dong Xiaoyu , Yang Zhihua , Li Hongyi , Pan Shilie
Published: December 2015

The first aluminosilicate NLO crystal Li3AlSiO5with a diamond-like structure has been synthesized. It exhibits moderate SHG efficiency and deep-ultraviolet transparency.
N-Heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed [4 + 2] cyclization of α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids bearing γ-H with isatins: an enantioselective synthesis of spirocyclic oxindole–dihydropyranones
Authors: Zhu Ling , Yu Chenxia , Li Tuanjie , Wang Yuhong , Lu Yinan , Wang Wenjing , Yao Changsheng
Published: December 2015

An NHC-catalyzed asymmetric [4 + 2] annulation of isatins and α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids bearing γ-H gave spirocyclic oxindole–dihydropyranones successfully via an in situ activation strategy.
One-pot synthesis of difluoromethyl ketones by a difluorination/fragmentation process
Authors: Leng Daniel J. , Black Conor M. , Pattison Graham
Published: December 2015

Difluoromethyl ketones are an under-studied class of ketones which have great potential as useful building blocks for materials and drug design.
Multiferroic properties of Bi0.5K0.5TiO3–BiFe1−xCoxO3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.2) solid solution
Authors: Zuo X. Z. , Yang J. , Yuan B. , Kan X. C. , Zu Lin , Qin Y. F. , Zhu X. B. , Song W. H. , Sun Y. P.
Published: December 2015

We have successfully prepared a binary lead-free solid-solution of Bi0.5K0.5TiO3–BiFe1−xCoxO3 using a modified Pechini method and investigated the magnetic and ferroelectric properties of Bi0.5K0.5TiO3–BiFe1−xCoxO3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.2).
A multifunctional cadmium–organic framework comprising tricarboxytriphenyl amine: selective gas adsorption, liquid-phase separation and luminescence sensing
Authors: Wen Lili , Wang Xiangfang , Shi Hui , Lv Kangle , Wang Chenggang
Published: December 2015

A multifunctional cadmium–organic framework demonstrates impressive adsorption enthalpies for CO2and H2, and possesses the second adsorption capacity for MO among the MOFs as well as displays strong guest-dependent luminescence.
First principles study on electrochemical and chemical stability of solid electrolyte–electrode interfaces in all-solid-state Li-ion batteries
Authors: Zhu Yizhou , He Xingfeng , Mo Yifei
Published: December 2015

This study provides the understanding and design strategy of solid electrolyte–electrode interfaces to improve electrochemical performance of all-solid-state Li-ion batteries.
Signal‐to‐noise ratio estimation for DVB‐S2 based on eigenvalue decomposition
Authors: Wu Hao , Sha Zhi‐Chao , Huang Zhi‐Tao , Zhou Yi‐Yu
Published: December 2015

Signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) estimation is required in many receivers and systems of communications. In this study, the authors propose a novel SNR estimation method for DVB‐S2 over additive white Gaussian noise channel. This is a non‐data‐aided, eigenvalue decomposition‐based method. First, they use the even and odd component vectors of received signal to construct a novel 2 × 2 matrix, and propose an estimation variable using the standard condition number of this matrix. And then, they derive the relationship between this variable and SNR, and give the detailed expressions for SNR estimation on different modulations used in DVB‐S2, including quadrature phase shift keying, 8PSK, 16 amplitude PSK (APSK) and 32APSK. Monte Carlo simulation results show the good estimation performance for different modulations. The proposed method is asymptotic unbiased and can be used for both constant and non‐constant modulus constellations such as M‐ary PSK, MAPSK and M‐ary quadrature amplitude modulation.
High efficiency vortex trapping of circulating tumor cells
Authors: Dhar Manjima , Wong Jessica , Karimi Armin , Che James , Renier Corinne , Matsumoto Melissa , Triboulet Melanie , Garon Edward B. , Goldman Jonathan W. , Rettig Matthew B. , Jeffrey Stefanie S. , Kulkarni Rajan P. , Sollier Elodie , Di Carlo Dino
Published: December 2015

Circulating tumor  cells  (CTCs) are important biomarkers for monitoring tumor dynamics and efficacy of cancer therapy. Several technologies have been demonstrated to isolate CTCs with high efficiency but achieve a low purity from a large background of blood cells. We have previously shown the ability to enrich CTCs with high purity from large volumes of blood through selective capture in microvortices using the Vortex Chip. The device consists of a narrow channel followed by a series of expansion regions called reservoirs. Fast flow in the narrow entry channel gives rise to inertial forces, which direct larger cells into trapping vortices in the reservoirs where they remain circulating in orbits. By studying the entry and stability of particles following entry into reservoirs, we discover that channel cross sectional area plays an important role in controlling the size of trapped particles, not just the orbital trajectories. Using these design modifications, we demonstrate a new device that is able to capture a wider size range of CTCs from clinical samples, uncovering further heterogeneity. This simple biophysical method opens doors for a range of downstream interventions, including genetic analysis, cell culture, and ultimately personalized cancer therapy.
Characterization of negative bias-illumination-stress stability for transparent top-gate In-Ga-Zn-O thin-film transistors with variations in the incorporated oxygen content
Authors: Kim Kyeong-Ah , Park Min-Ji , Lee Won-Ho , Yoon Sung-Min
Published: December 2015

We fabricated fully transparent top-gate In-Ga-Zn-O (IGZO) thin-film transistors (TFTs) while varying the oxygen partial pressure (PO2) during IGZO sputtering deposition and characterized the negative-bias-illumination stress (NBIS) stabilities of these devices before and after a post-annealing process. When the PO2 was chosen to be 2% and the device was annealed in oxygen ambient conditions at 200 °C, the field-effect mobility in the saturation region, subthreshold swing, and on/off current ratio were obtained to be approximately 15.3 cm2 V−1 s−1, 0.14 V/dec, and 8.7 × 109, respectively. Conversely, the TFT did not show the transfer characteristics when the PO2 was chosen to be 0% and no annealing process was performed. The shifts in the turn-on voltages (ΔVon) under the NBIS conditions with red, green, and blue lights were investigated for the fabricated IGZO TFTs. The ΔVon followed the stretched-exponential relationship and was found to be closely related to the concentration of oxygen vacancies and oxygen-related defects in the IGZO channel and at the interfaces. The NBIS stabilities were improved by increasing the PO2 and performing the annealing process in oxygen ambient conditions.
Synthesis and Binding Affinity of Fluorine Containing NG-acyl and -sulfonyl BIBP3226 Derivatives: Ligands for the NPY Y1 Receptor
Authors: Lengkeek Nigel A. , Roberts Maxine P. , Zhang Lei , Lee I-Chieh J. , Fookes Christopher J. R. , Dikic Branko , Herzog Herbert , Katsifis Andrew , Greguric Ivan
Published: December 2015

The neuropeptide Y (NPY) receptors are abundant in a range of tumours hence are a molecular target for tumour imaging and therapy, particularly by the use of radiolabelled molecules. NG-Substituted derivatives of the NPY receptor antagonist, BIBP3226, were prepared aiming to improve its current usability and to incorporate a positron-emitting radioisotope for development in positron emission tomography (PET) radiopharmaceuticals. The BIBP3226 derivatives were prepared in seven steps while retaining the critically important amino acid chirality. The acyl derivative retained acceptable ligand binding, however the sulfonyl derivatives lost almost all binding affinity.
Hybrid 1,2,3-Triazole Supported CuII Complexes: Tuning Assembly and Weak Interaction-Driven Crystal Growth
Authors: Bai Shi-Qiang , Jiang Lu , Young David James , Hor T. S. Andy
Published: December 2015

Two new dinuclear CuII complexes [Cu2Cl4(L1)2] (1) and [Cu2Cl4(L2)2] (2) (L1 = 2-((4-(2-(cyclopentylthio)ethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)methyl)pyridine; L2 = 2-((4-(pyridin-2-yl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)methyl)benzonitrile) were synthesised and characterised by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD), powder XRD, thermogravimetric analysis, elemental analysis and IR measurements. The picolyl-triazole ligand L1 coordinates in a chelate-bridging mode forming a dinuclear structure 1. The more rigid pyridyl-triazole ligand L2 chelates only, generating a chloride-bridged dinuclear complex 2. Both crystals of complexes 1 and 2 show dominant plate shapes that correlate with weak 2D H-bonding interactions in the lattice. A mononuclear structure (3, [CuCl2(L3)2]⋅6H2O, L3 = 3-((4-(pyridin-2-yl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)methyl)benzonitrile) yields block shape crystals that correlate with 3D H-bonding interactions. This study demonstrates tunable assembly at the molecular level and the relationship of crystal shape with weak lattice interactions.
The distribution and conservation status of Carpentarian grasswrens (Amytornis dorotheae), with reference to prevailing fire patterns
Authors: Harrington Graham N. , Murphy Stephen A.
Published: December 2015

The Carpentarian grasswren (Amytornis dorotheae) is a small, shy passerine patchily distributed through Triodia systems in the central and southern parts of Australia’s tropical savannas. Population decline has been reported in the Northern Territory, presumably due to mismanaged fire. The species is considered Endangered in the Northern Territory and Near Threatened in Queensland, but it is not listed Federally. Here, we present the results of over 3000 surveys conducted between 2008 and 2013. We show that Carpentarian grasswrens are divided into four populations, although the northernmost one (Borroloola) now appears to be extinct. The Area of Occupancy for the southernmost population appears to have declined by 28%, while only small numbers of isolated birds now occur at the two intervening populations. Our data suggest that the four populations appear to be at different stages on an extinction pathway, from population decline, to fragmentation and isolation, to extinction, and this seems to be related to worsening fire patterns as one moves northwards. We suggest that the Carpentarian grasswren be listed as Vulnerable at the State and Federal level, and that urgent investment in long-term regional fire management using prescribed burning is required to reverse the declines in the extant populations. For the presumed extinct Borroloola population, restoration will probably need to involve translocation coupled with effective fire management.
In vitro maturation affects chromosome segregation, spindle morphology and acetylation of lysine 16 on histone H4 in horse oocytes
Authors: Franciosi Federica , Goudet Ghylene , Tessaro Irene , Papillier Pascal , Dalbies-Tran Rozenn , Reigner Fabrice , Deleuze Stefan , Douet Cecile , Miclea Ileana , Lodde Valentina , Luciano Alberto M.
Published: December 2015

Implantation failure and genetic developmental disabilities in mammals are caused by errors in chromosome segregation originating mainly in the oocyte during meiosis I. Some conditions, like maternal ageing or in vitro maturation (IVM), increase the incidence of oocyte aneuploidy. Here oocytes from adult mares were used to investigate oocyte maturation in a monovulatory species. Experiments were conducted to compare: (1) the incidence of aneuploidy, (2) the morphology of the spindle, (3) the acetylation of lysine 16 on histone H4 (H4K16) and (4) the relative amount of histone acetyltransferase 1 (HAT1), K(lysine) acetyltransferase 8 (KAT8, also known as MYST1), histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) and NAD-dependent protein deacetylase sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) mRNA in metaphase II stage oocytes that were in vitro matured or collected from peri-ovulatory follicles. The frequency of aneuploidy and anomalies in spindle morphology was increased following IVM, along with a decrease in H4K16 acetylation that was in agreement with our previous observations. However, differences in the amount of the transcripts investigated were not detected. These results suggest that the degradation of transcripts encoding for histone deacetylases and acetyltransferases is not involved in the changes of H4K16 acetylation observed following IVM, while translational or post-translational mechanisms might have a role. Our study also suggests that epigenetic instabilities introduced by IVM may affect the oocyte and embryo genetic stability.
Mitochondrial phylogeography of the critically endangered Capricorn yellow chat (Epthianura crocea macgregori)
Authors: Houston Wayne A. , Aspden William , Black Robert , Elder Rod , Carruthers Ian , Campbell Lorelle , Black Leif
Published: December 2015

The critically endangered Capricorn yellow chat (CYC) is endemic to coastal central Queensland on marine plains where it occurs in three areas, numbering <300 birds. Recent industrial expansion in the region has increased the threat to the CYC. To assist management of the subspecies, a phylogeographical evaluation of the CYC using mitochondrial DNA was undertaken. We found no genetic diversity within, nor genetic divergence between, the two areas at the northern and southern extremes of their current distribution, and only slight morphological differences. These findings suggest that the two groups of CYC represent daughter populations of an ancestral population that was affected by a genetic bottleneck in the recent past. Implications for conservation of the subspecies could be increased vulnerability to environmental change. A preliminary evaluation of the divergence between the CYC and its nearest subspecies, the widespread inland yellow chat, indicate a time to the most recent common ancestor of 215 000 years or less. This timespan overlaps two periods of glacial aridity during which xeric habitats used by yellow chats for breeding, such as semiarid and arid swamps, may have expanded, allowing colonisation of the coastal marine plains. CYCs may represent a relictual population from a previously more xeric era that has subsequently become isolated as the region became wetter following glacial maxima.
Grammatical and pragmatic properties of the DP in children with Specific Language Impairment (SLI) and in children with High Functioning Autism (HFA)
Authors: Creemers Ava , Schaeffer Jeannette C.
Published: December 2015

This study investigates whether grammar and pragmatics are separate linguistic components or not, and whether children with SLI and children with HFA have overlapping or distinct linguistic profiles. We examine two DP-related phenomena: the mass-count distinction (grammatical) and the choice for a definite/indefinite article (pragmatic). We tested 27 children with HFA aged 6–14, age and gender matched to 27 children with SLI, and 27 TD controls on a Quantity Judgment Task (mass-count) and an Elicited Production Task (article choice). Our results show that pragmatics can be impaired independently from grammar (in HFA) and vice versa (in SLI), providing evidence for a modular view of grammar and pragmatics, and against an overlap in the profiles of SLI and HFA.
On the syntactic nature of the Dutch prefix
Authors: Fenger Paula , Creemers Ava , Meijer Marlijn
Published: December 2015

This paper provides a novel syntactic analysis of the Dutch prefixbe-. This prefix can derive new verbs by attaching to verbs (be-vindV-en‘to be located’), nouns (be-dijkN-en‘to dam up’) or adjectives (be-grootA-en‘to economize’). It can also form new adpositions by combining with adjectives (be-needA-en, ‘below’) or prepositions (be-ove(r)P-(e)n‘above’). We propose an analysis ofbe- based on Aboh’s (2010) account for complex locative expressions in typologically different languages, including Gungbe, Zina Kotoko, English and Dutch. We extend this analysis to Dutch verbal complexes, and argue thatbe- expresses a functional category (F°) that embeds a predicate phrase containing the element it attaches to, in both adpositions and verbs. Our analysis goes against Hoekstra, Lansu and Westerduin’s (1987) small clause account ofbe- in verbal complexes in whichbe- is the head of a predicate phrase (Pr°).
A case of cultural evolution
Authors: Lestrade Sander
Published: December 2015

Morphological case is a cross-linguistically widespread strategy to mark the role of participants of an event. Using a computer simulation, this paper will show how case can emerge in languages that have no rules of grammar as a result of cultural evolution. For this, only very general cognitive and communicative principles are necessary.
Prosody, melody and rhythm in vocal music
Authors: Proto Teresa
Published: December 2015

The last decades have witnessed a shift from anecdotal remarks concerning the “marriage” of music and lyrics in songs towards a more scientific approach to the matter. Textsetting has thus become the object of more formal analyses accounting for the regularities observed in individual singing traditions with regard to the mapping of linguistic material on musical structures. This paper illustrates the nature of the problem and reflects the status of the research on textsetting in living traditions. It is addressed to a wide audience of linguists interested in the relationship between language and music and points to the challenges that await the further development of this field of studies under the umbrella of linguistics.
Full wave simulations of fast wave efficiency and power losses in the scrape-off layer of tokamak plasmas in mid/high harmonic and minority heating regimes*
Authors: Bertelli N. , Jaeger E.F. , Hosea J.C. , Phillips C.K. , Berry L. , Bonoli P.T. , Gerhardt S.P. , Green D. , LeBlanc B. , Perkins R.J. , Qin C.M. , Pinsker R.I. , Prater R. , Ryan P.M. , Taylor G. , Valeo E.J. , Wilson J.R. , Wright J.C. , Zhang X.J.
Published: December 2015

Several experiments on different machines and in different fast wave (FW) heating regimes, such as hydrogen minority heating and high harmonic fast waves (HHFW), have found strong interaction between radio-frequency (RF) waves and the scrape-off layer (SOL) region. This paper examines the propagation and the power loss in the SOL by using the full wave code AORSA, in which the edge plasma beyond the last closed flux surface (LCFS) is included in the solution domain and a collisional damping parameter is used as a proxy to represent the real, and most likely nonlinear, damping processes. 2D and 3D AORSA results for the National Spherical Torus eXperiment (NSTX) have shown a strong transition to higher SOL power losses (driven by the RF field) when the FW cut-off is removed from in front of the antenna by increasing the edge density. Here, full wave simulations have been extended for ‘conventional’ tokamaks with higher aspect ratios, such as the DIII-D, Alcator C-Mod, and EAST devices. DIII-D results in HHFW regime show similar behavior found in NSTX and NSTX-U, consistent with previous DIII-D experimental observations. In contrast, a different behavior has been found for C-Mod and EAST, which operate in the minority heating regime.
NBSPred: a support vector machine-based high-throughput pipeline for plant resistance protein NBSLRR prediction
Authors: Kushwaha Sandeep K. , Chauhan Pallavi , Hedlund Katarina , Ahrén Dag
Published: December 2015

Summary: The nucleotide binding site leucine-rich repeats (NBSLRRs) belong to one of the largest known families of disease resistance genes that encode resistance proteins (R-protein) against the pathogens of plants. Various defence mechanisms have explained the regulation of plant immunity, but still, we have limited understanding about plant defence against different pathogens. Identification of R-proteins and proteins having R-protein-like features across the genome, transcriptome and proteome would be highly useful to develop the global understanding of plant defence mechanisms, but it is laborious and time-consuming task. Therefore, we have developed a support vector machine-based high-throughput pipeline called NBSPred to differentiate NBSLRR and NBSLRR-like protein from Non-NBSLRR proteins from genome, transcriptome and protein sequences. The pipeline was tested and validated with input sequences from three dicot and two monocot plants including Arabidopsis thaliana, Boechera stricta, Brachypodium distachyon Solanum lycopersicum and Zea mays.

Availability and implementation: The NBSPred pipeline is available at http://soilecology.biol.lu.se/nbs/.

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

Contact:  sandeep.kushwaha@biol.lu.se
Human Immune Response Varies by the Degree of Relative Cryptococcal Antigen Shedding
Authors: Boulware David R. , von Hohenberg Maximilian , Rolfes Melissa A. , Bahr Nathan C. , Rhein Joshua , Akampurira Andrew , Williams Darlisha A. , Taseera Kabanda , Schutz Charlotte , McDonald Tami , Muzoora Conrad , Meintjes Graeme , Meya David B. , Nielsen Kirsten , Huppler Hullsiek Katherine ,   For the Cryptococcal Optimal ART Timing (COAT) Trial Team, Musubire Abdu K. , Nabeta Henry W. , Thienemann Friedrich , Rajasingham Radha , Scriven James E. , Mwesigy James , Wagubi Robert , Kajumbula Henry , Ndyetukira Jane Francis , Ahimbisibwe Cynthia , Kugonza Florence , Ndyatunga Liberica , Noeme Busingye , Memela Brian , Sigila Yolisa , Sadiq Alisat , Magwayi Monica , Kwizera Richard , Ninsiima Emily , Najjuka Grace , Strain Anna , Wiesner Darin , Nanteza Catherine , Mushagara Rhina , Hassanally Leya , Namawejje Mariam , Ssennono Mark , Kiragga Agnes , Butler Elissa K. , Bahr Nathan C.
Published: December 2015

Background.  Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cryptococcal glucuronoxylomannan antigen (CrAg) titers generally correlate with quantitative fungal culture burden; however, correlation is not precise. Some patients have higher CrAg titers with lower fungal burdens and vice versa. We hypothesized that the relative discordancy between CrAg titer and quantitative culture burden reflects the relative degree of CrAg shedding by Cryptococcus neoformans and is associated with human immune responses.

Methods.  One hundred ninety human immunodeficiency virus-infected individuals with cryptococcal meningitis were enrolled in Uganda and South Africa. We compared initial CSF CrAg titers relative to their CSF quantitative cultures to determine low (n = 58), intermediate (n = 68), or high (n = 64) CrAg shedders. We compared cytokines measured by Luminex multiplex assay on cryopreserved CSF and 10-week mortality across shedding groups using linear and logistic regression and distribution of genotypes by multilocus sequence typing.

Results.  The relative degree of CrAg shedding was positively associated with increasing CSF levels of the following: interleukin (IL)-6, IL-7, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor-α (each P < 0.01), which are all secreted by antigen-presenting cells and negatively associated with vascular endothelial growth factor (P = .01). In addition, IL-5, IL-13, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, and macrophage chemotactic protein were decreased in low-CrAg shedders compared with intermediate shedders (each P ≤ .01). Type 1 T-helper cells (Th1) cytokine responses and 10-week mortality did not differ between the shedding groups. Cryptococcal genotypes were equally distributed across shedding groups.

Conclusions.  Discordancy between CrAg shedding and expected shedding based on quantitative fungal burden is associated with detectable immunologic differences in CSF, primarily among secreted cytokines and chemokines produced by antigen-presenting cells and Th2.
Study on the Effects of Individualized Learning Therapy on Cognitive Function and Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia in the Institutionalized Older Adults
Authors: Chen Hsiao-Mei , Tsai Li-Jane , Chao Shu-Yuan , Clark Mary Jo
Published: December 2015

Background:

The increasing number of elderly people affected by dementia in Taiwan has made dementia care a crucial issue of concern. This issue is particularly important in terms of the proper management of behavioral symptoms and improvement of the cognitive functions of those affected by this disease.

Purpose:

This study examined the effects of individualized learning therapy on cognition and neuropsychiatric symptoms among elderly people with dementia.

Methods:

A quasi-experimental, pretest–posttest research design was adopted. We recruited elderly people with dementia at the only two institutions for elderly patients with dementia in Central Taiwan. These institutions were assigned randomly as the experimental or control group, with totals of 23 and 21 participants, respectively. The participants in the experimental group received individualized learning therapy for 30 minutes twice weekly for 3 months. The comparison group received usual care only. The cognitive function and neuropsychiatric symptoms of all participants were measured using the Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) before the start of and immediately after the 12-week intervention and the Chinese version of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (CNPI), which was administered once per week during the intervention. Independent t tests (or Mann–Whitney U tests), chi-square tests (or Fisher’s exact tests), paired t test, and generalized estimating equations were used for data analysis.

Results:

Participants in the experimental group had significantly higher MMSE scores (p < .01) and lower CNPI scores (p < .01) than their comparison group peers after the intervention. Furthermore, the neuropsychiatric symptoms in the experimental group such as hallucinations, bizarre behavior, depression, apathetic expression, irritability, and sleep disorder had significantly improved by the seventh week.

Conclusions/Implications for Practice:

Individualized learning therapy may be an effective approach to improve cognitive function and reduce neuropsychiatric symptoms among older people with dementia. Therefore, future clinical application is warranted.
Influence of Perceived Stress on Incident Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Katz Mindy J. , Derby Carol A. , Wang Cuiling , Sliwinski Martin J. , Ezzati Ali , Zimmerman Molly E. , Zwerling Jessica L. , Lipton Richard B.
Published: December 2015

Stress is a potentially remediable risk factor for amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). Our objective is to determine whether perceived stress predicts incident aMCI and to determine if the influence of stress on aMCI is independent of known aMCI risk factors, particularly demographic variables, depression, and apolipoprotein genotype. The Einstein Aging Study is a longitudinal community-based study of older adults. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was administered annually in the Einstein Aging Study to participants (N=507; 71 developed incident aMCI; mean follow-up time=3.6 y, SD=2.0) who were aged 70 years and older, free of aMCI and dementia at baseline PSS administration, and had at least 1 subsequent annual follow-up. Cox hazard models were used to examine time to aMCI onset adjusting for covariates. High levels of perceived stress are associated with a 30% greater risk of incident aMCI (per 5-point increase in PSS: hazard ratio=1.30; 95% confidence interval, 1.08-1.58) independent of covariates. The consistency of results after covariate adjustment and the lack of evidence for reverse causation in longitudinal analyses suggest that these findings are robust. Understanding of the effect of perceived stress on cognition may lead to intervention strategies that prevent the onset of aMCI and Alzheimer dementia.
New crystal form of human ubiquitin in the presence of magnesium
Authors: Camara-Artigas Ana , Plaza-Garrido Marina , Martinez-Rodriguez Sergio , Bacarizo Julio
Published: December 2015

Ubiquitin is a small globular protein that has a considerable number of lysine residues on its surface. This results in a high surface entropy that precludes the formation of crystal-packing interactions. To date, only a few structures of the native form of ubiquitin have been solved, and most of the crystals that led to these structures were obtained in the presence of different divalent metal cations. In this work, a new crystallographic structure of human ubiquitin solved from crystals grown in the presence of magnesium is presented. The crystals belonged to a triclinic space group, with unit-cell parametersa= 29.96,b = 30.18,c= 41.41 Å, α = 88.52, β = 79.12, γ = 67.37°. The crystal lattice is composed of stacked layers of human ubiquitin molecules with a large hydrophobic interface and a smaller polar interface in which the magnesium ion lies at the junction between adjacent layers in the crystal. The metal ion appears in a hexa-aquo coordination, which is key to facilitating the crystallization of the protein.
Crystal structure of 13-phenyl-2,3,4,13-tetrahydro-1H-indazolo[1,2-b]phthalazine-1,6,11-trione
Authors: Lamera Esma , Benzerka Saida , Bouraiou Abdelmalek , Bouacida Sofiane , Merazig Hocine , Chibani Aissa , Le Borgne Marc , Bouaziz Zouhair
Published: December 2015

The title compound, C21H16N2O3, consists of an indazolone moiety, bearing a phenyl group, fused to a phthalazine ring system (r.m.s. deviation = 0.018 Å). The phenyl ring is almost normal to the mean plane of the five-membered ring of the indazolone moiety, making a dihedral angle of 89.64 (7)°. The six-membered ring of the indazolone moiety has an envelope conformation, with the central methylene C atom as the flap. In the crystal, molecules are linkedviaC—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming slabs parallel to thebcplane. The slabs are linkedviaC—H...π and π–π interactions [the shortest inter-centroid distance involving rings of pyrazolophthalazine moieties is 3.6430 (8) Å], forming a three-dimensional structure.
The financial impact of a withdrawn ISO 9001 certificate
Authors: Cândido Carlos J.F. , Coelho Luís M.S. , Peixinho Rúben M.T.
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to assess to what extent the loss of the ISO 9001 certification affects the decertified firms’ financial performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using standard event study methods, this paper matches a sample of 143 Portuguese companies that lost their ISO 9001 certification with similar non-event counterpart firms (according to return-on-assets (ROA) and size) and compares the performance of these two groups of firms using financial data collected from the AMADEUS database.

Findings

– Results show no statistical significant differences in the financial performance (as measured by ROA, return-on-sales (ROS) and sales growth) between companies that lost their ISO 9001 certification and their matched firms. Although the literature suggests that certification improves firms’ performance and that the benefits of certification may last over long periods of time, this paper’s results suggest that, after decertification, companies do not exhibit over or underperformance in their operationsvis-à-viscomparable firms that do not undergo the same event.

Originality/value

– As far as the authors are aware, this is the first study assessing the impact of ISO 9001 certificate withdrawal on the decertified firms’ financial performance.
The once and future editorial
Authors: Bawden David
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to discuss the changing nature of abstracts in scholarly journals, with particular reference to Journal of Documentation.

Design/methodology/approach

– Selective literature review.

Findings

– The nature of the editorial is changing towards a more stand-alone and substantive article.

Originality/value

– The first discussion of the nature of the editorial in a scholarly information science journal.
Infrastructure and the experience of documents
Authors: Carter Daniel
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to contribute to understandings of how documents are experienced by looking to work in reception studies for methodological examples. Based on a review of research from literary studies, communication studies and museum studies, it identifies existing approaches and challenges. Specifically, it draws attention to problems cited in relation to small-scale user studies and suggests an alternative approach that focusses on how infrastructures influence experience.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper presents data collected from over a year of ethnographic work at a cultural archive and exhibition space and analyses the implications of infrastructural features such as institutional organization, database structures and the organization of physical space for making available certain modes of reception.

Findings

– This research suggests that infrastructure provides a useful perspective on how experiences of documents are influenced by larger systems.

Research limitations/implications

– This research was conducted to explore the implications of an alternative research methodology. Based on the ethnographic study presented, it suggests that this approach produces results that warrant further work. However, as it is intended only to be a test case, its scope is limited, and future research following the approach discussed here should more fully engage with specific findings in relation to the experience of documents.

Originality/value

– This paper presents an alternative approach to studying the experience of documents that responds to limitations in previous work. The research presented suggests that infrastructures can reveal ways that the experience is shared across contexts, shifting discussions from individuals and objects to technical systems, institutions and social structures.
The Twenty‐First‐Century Quest for Feminism and the Global Urban
Authors: Peake Linda
Published: December 2015

The purpose of this essay is to initiate a conversation about the production and analysis of knowledge on women and the urban. Starting with a brief overview of how women have been addressed in the field of urban studies, I turn to their treatment in works by critical urban scholars, revealing how women fall away from urban theories. The dismissal of women from theory construction and the impact on women's lives of the imbrication of the gendered subject into neoliberal discourses about the city adds urgency to a feminist intervention. A feminist analytic requires the promotion of a new kind of global urban studies that takes seriously women's struggles, strategies and everyday desires.
A double‐blind randomised controlled trial on the effect of dehydroepiandrosterone on ovarian reserve markers, ovarian response and number of oocytes in anticipated normal ovarian responders
Authors: Yeung TWY , Chai J , Li RHW , Lee VCY , Ho PC , Ng EHY
Published: December 2015

Objective

To assess the effect of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on antral follicle count (AFC), ovarian response to a standard low dose of gonadotrophin stimulation and number of oocytes in anticipated normal responders undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF).

Design

Randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study.

Setting

Tertiary reproductive unit.

Population

Seventy‐two subfertile women with AFC of 5–15 scheduled for IVF.

Methods

Eligible women were randomised into the DHEA group (n = 36), who received DHEA (GNC®, 25 mg three times a day), or the placebo group (n = 36), who received placebo, starting from 12 weeks before the scheduled IVF treatment according to a computer‐generated randomisation list. Monthly assessment of AFC, serum anti‐Mullerian hormone (AMH) and follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, ovarian response to a standard dose of gonadotrophin stimulation at week 8 and the number of oocytes obtained were compared.

Main outcome measures

The primary outcome was AFC after 12 weeks of DHEA or placebo.

Results

DHEA for 12 weeks prior to IVF treatment in anticipated normal responders leads to significantly higher serum and follicular DHEA‐S and testosterone relative to placebo. However, no significant differences in AFC, AMH and FSH, ovarian response to standard‐dose ovarian stimulation and IVF cycle outcomes can be detected.

Conclusion

No significant differences in AFC, ovarian response to a standard low dose of gonadotrophin stimulation and number of oocytes obtained were detected in anticipated normal responders receiving 12 weeks of DHEA prior to IVF treatment relative to placebo.

Tweetable abstract

No difference in ovarian response markers in normal responders receiving 12 weeks of DHEA.
Using occupancy modelling to compare environmental DNA to traditional field methods for regional‐scale monitoring of an endangered aquatic species
Authors: Schmelzle Molly C. , Kinziger Andrew P.
Published: December 2015

Environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring approaches promise to greatly improve detection of rare, endangered and invasive species in comparison with traditional field approaches. Herein, eDNA approaches and traditional seining methods were applied at 29 research locations to compare method‐specific estimates of detection and occupancy probabilities for endangered tidewater goby (Eucyclogobius newberryi). At each location, multiple paired seine hauls and water samples for eDNA analysis were taken, ranging from two to 23 samples per site, depending upon habitat size. Analysis using a multimethod occupancy modelling framework indicated that the probability of detection using eDNA was nearly double (0.74) the rate of detection for seining (0.39). The higher detection rates afforded by eDNA allowed determination of tidewater goby occupancy at two locations where they have not been previously detected and at one location considered to be locally extirpated. Additionally, eDNA concentration was positively related to tidewater goby catch per unit effort, suggesting eDNA could potentially be used as a proxy for local tidewater goby abundance. Compared to traditional field sampling, eDNA provided improved occupancy parameter estimates and can be applied to increase management efficiency across a broad spatial range and within a diversity of habitats.
Barbados Spirits Inc.
Authors: Kalesnikoff Douglas K. S.
Published: December 2015

This case focuses on the audit of a subsidiary in Barbados of a Multi‐National Entity (“MNE”), a distiller in Toronto. The MNE is a large and important international client to the accounting firm. The firm provides both tax advisory and audit services to the MNE. The MNE, following advice of the accounting firm, has utilized an offshore related party to structure transactions that avoid taxes in Barbados. These related party transactions are a detriment to the interests of critical users of the financial statements, namely the minority shareholders and the tax authorities of Barbados. The auditor is now faced with evaluating the adequacy of the related party note disclosure and the completeness of the income tax provision. Independence issues of a self‐interest threat (importance of the client) and self‐review threat (evaluating the adequacy of the income tax provision based on tax advice provided by the firm) are explored.
Trichodysplasia spinulosa: a polyomavirus infection specifically targeting follicular keratinocytes in immunocompromised patients
Authors: Rouanet J. , Aubin F. , Gaboriaud P. , Berthon P. , Feltkamp M.C. , Bessenay L. , Touzé A. , Nicol J.T.J. , Franck F. , D'Incan M.
Published: December 2015

Trichodysplasia spinulosa (TS) is a rare skin disease, caused by a specific polyomavirus, occurring in immunocompromised patients. The pathophysiological mechanisms of TS are not yet fully understood. By using polymerase chain reaction and skin biopsy immunostaining we report evidence, in a paediatric case, of follicular keratinocytes being the primary target of trichodysplasia spinulosa-associated polyomavirus.
The development of worry throughout childhood: Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children data
Authors: Caes Line , Fisher Emma , Clinch Jacqui , Tobias Jonathan H. , Eccleston Christopher
Published: December 2015

Objectives

Anxiety is a normal part of childhood and adolescence; however, longitudinal research investigating the development of worrisome thoughts throughout childhood is lacking. This study investigated mothers’ perspectives on their child's normal development of worry as the cognitive component of anxiety and its impact on child functioning in a longitudinal population‐based cohort.

Methods

The data for this study were extracted from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. Mothers (N = 2,227) reported on their child's worry content, frequency, control, emotional disruption, and interference when their child was 7, 10, and 13 years old using the parent component of the Development and Well‐being Assessment. At age 10 and 13, pubertal status was assessed using children's self‐report of pubic hair developmental progress.

Results

Mothers reported a peak of worrisome thoughts at 10. Emotional disruption was highest at 10, and the highest level of interference in daily life was observed at 13, especially for girls. Advanced pubertal status and worry frequency were positively associated for boys at 10 and girls at 13. Advanced puberty at 10 was also associated with overall higher worry frequency and emotional disruption.

Conclusions

Findings are discussed within a developmental framework outlining the normal development of worrisome thoughts, associated distress, and interference throughout early adolescence. Increased knowledge of normative worry could be informative to further our understanding of adolescence as a vulnerable period for the development of mental health problems, such as generalized anxiety disorder.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Worrying is a normal part of childhood, making distinguishing between normal and pathological worrying challenging.

Worry content remains consistent between age 4 and 7, but only for boys.

The complexity and elaboration of worrisome thoughts increase from 8 years onwards.

What does this study add?

Worry frequency peaks at 10 and a low ability to control those worries can be observed at this age.

The highest level of interference in performing daily activities due to worries is observed at age 13.

Child sex and pubertal status play a role in understanding how normal worry patterns develop from age 10 onwards.