bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Unifying Approach to the Duality of “Energetic” Versus “Conformational” Formulations of Allosteric Coupling: Mechanistic Implications for GPCR Allostery
Authors: Onaran H. Ongun , Costa Tommaso
Published: November 2016

Allostery means that a perturbation at one region of a protein affects the functioning at a distant region of the molecule; it is the keystone principle by which proteins work and are regulated in living cells. As we briefly review here, many different structural–dynamic processes can produce the same type of allosteric effect. Thus, allosteric regulation is a general principle in terms of protein thermodynamics, not just a molecular mechanism. In phenomenological models of allostery this principle generates a duality of definitions with diverse mechanistic implications, namely: allosteric coupling between binding sites versus changes across allosteric conformations. We outline here a unified conceptual framework that can merge the two definitions into a single vision. By focusing on the family of G-protein-coupled receptors, we use this approach to analyze the relationship between allostery and structure. We also propose describing allosteric transitions as altered probability distributions of possible physical states rather than as changed equilibria within collections of allosteric states with sparsely distributed levels of function. This non-deterministic view of protein behaviour helps with visualizing how undetectable structural differences may still play a key role in determining the size of allosteric coupling.
Rapid determination of the Mn average oxidation state of Mn oxides with a novel two-step colorimetric method
Authors: Zhu Yanhua , Liang Xinran , Zhao Huaiyan , Yin Hui , Liu Mingming , Liu Fan , Feng Xionghan
Published: November 2016

The Mn average oxidation state (Mn AOS) of Mn oxides has a significant impact on their reactivity towards trace metals and organic contaminants via sorption, catalysis and oxidation processes.
Heat treated carbon supported iron(ii)phthalocyanine oxygen reduction catalysts: elucidation of the structure–activity relationship using X-ray absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Miller Hamish A. , Bellini Marco , Oberhauser Werner , Deng Xin , Chen Hengquan , He Qinggang , Passaponti Maurizio , Innocenti Massimo , Yang Ruoou , Sun Fanfei , Jiang Zheng , Vizza Francesco
Published: November 2016

Correlation between atomic structure and oxygen reduction activity by X-ray absorption spectroscopy.
Characterizing the optical properties of single palladium-coated core–shell gold nanorods as multifunctional orientation probes
Authors: Lee So Young , Ha Ji Won
Published: November 2016

Bimetallic core–shell gold nanorods are promising multifunctional orientation probes due to the synergetic effect of two different metals, as examined under an optical microscope.
Facile one-pot synthesis of Fe3O4@chitosan nanospheres for MRI and fluorescence imaging guided chemo-photothermal combinational cancer therapy
Authors: Gao Zhifang , Liu Xijian , Wang Yeying , Deng Guoying , Zhou Feng , Wang Qian , Zhang Lijuan , Lu Jie
Published: November 2016

Fe3O4@chitosan nanospheres were fabricated by a facile one-step method for MRI and fluorescence imaging guided chemo-photothermal combinational cancer therapy.
Solution-phase and solid-phase sequential, selective modification of side chains in KDYWEC and KDYWE as models for usage in single-molecule protein sequencing
Authors: Hernandez Erik T. , Swaminathan Jagannath , Marcotte Edward M. , Anslyn Eric V.
Published: November 2016

Selective modification of side chains on a model peptide was achieved for studies necessary for emerging single-molecule peptide sequencing technologies.
Contrasting tunability of quinizarin fluorescence with p-sulfonatocalix[4,6]arene hosts
Authors: Gharat Poojan Milan , Joseph Sindhu , Sundararajan Mahesh , Dutta Choudhury Sharmistha , Pal Haridas
Published: November 2016

This study reveals the contrasting modulations in the photophysics of quinizarin on interaction with p-sulfonatocalix[n]arenes.
A palladium and gold catalytic system enables direct access to O- and S-linked non-natural glyco-conjugates
Authors: Jeon Min Ho , Mathew Bijoy P. , Kuram Malleswara Rao , Myung Kyungjae , Hong Sung You
Published: November 2016

A Pd/Au-catalyzed Sonogashira reaction allows the direct synthesis of O- and S-linked non-natural glyco-conjugates.
Brilliant triboluminescence in a potential organic–inorganic hybrid ferroelectric: (Ph3PO)2MnBr2
Authors: Tang Yuan-Yuan , Wang Zhong-Xia , Li Peng-Fei , You Yu-Meng , Stroppa Alessandro , Xiong Ren-Gen
Published: November 2016

A potential organic–inorganic hybrid molecular ferroelectric, (Ph3PO)2MnBr2, exhibits intense triboluminescence at a green wavelength.
Preparation of pH- and magnetism-responsive sodium alginate/Fe3O4@HNTs nanocomposite beads for controlled release of granulysin
Authors: Xu Xianghong , Qu Tao , Fan Ling , Chen Xiaomei , Gao Men , Zhang Junping , Guo Tiankang
Published: November 2016

pH- and magnetism-responsive sodium alginate/Fe3O4@halloysite nanotube nanocomposite beads were prepared for the controlled release of granulysin.
Reduction of charge recombination in PbS colloidal quantum dot solar cells at the quantum dot/ZnO interface by inserting a MgZnO buffer layer
Authors: Zhang Xiaoliang , Johansson Erik M. J.
Published: November 2016

Colloidal quantum dot solar cells with an improved performance are reported by employing MgZnO as a buffer layer with tunable electronic energy levels in the solar cells to reduce interfacial charge recombination and hence improve charge collection.
Throughput evaluation on multilevel modulation with local frequency offset spatial diversity for 400 MHz band implant communications
Authors: Anzai Daisuke , Koya Takashi , Wang Jianqing
Published: November 2016

One of promising applications for implant communications is a wireless capsule endoscope, which can realise a high quality of medical and healthcare services. However, the regulation of medical implant communication service (MICS) band often employed by the wireless capsule endoscope prevents reliable and high‐speed transmission due to its narrowband limitation. In this study, the authors introduce several multilevel modulation schemes with local frequency offset diversity reception into the implant communications to improve the communication reliability and the data rate without any frequency bandwidth extension. Then, the authors evaluate the throughput performances for the proposed multilevel modulation with spatial diversity reception based on propagation characteristics of implant wireless signals derived by a finite difference time domain analysis. Consequently, the computer simulation results demonstrate that the proposed implant communication system can accomplish maximum communication distance of 20 cm ensuring excellently high throughput of 1.5 Mbps under the MICS bandwidth limitation of 300 kHz in a realistic implant communication scenario.
Structure induced tunable magnetic properties of Zn substituted Mn1−xZnx Fe2O4 (x = 0–1) NPs
Authors: Kaur Navjot , Chudasama Bhupendra
Published: November 2016

Mn1−xZnxFe2O4 nanoparticles (MZ NPs) owing to their Zn content dependent tunable magnetic properties have potential applications in energy conversion devices and in nanomedicine. It is a well‐recognised fact that magnetism of MZ NPs has critical dependence on degree of Zn substitution at tetrahedral sites. In addition, the role of cation distribution between the tetrahedral and octahedral sites for a particular degree of Zn‐substitution, i.e. the degree of inversion (δ) also influences their magnetic characteristics. However, the exact correlation between distribution of bivalent metal ions between tetrahedral and octahedral sites and corresponding magnetic characteristics is not well understood. In order to explore this structural dependence of magnetic characteristics of MZ NPs, a series of Mn1−xZnxFe2O4 (x = 0−1) nanoparticles have been synthesized by chemical co‐precipitation method. Saturation magnetisation and Curie temperature of MZ NPs are strongly correlated with the degree of inversion and exchange interactions between the magnetic ions, while the coercivity and remanence is independent of it and only depends on crystallite size. Both saturation magnetisation and Curie temperature decreases with increasing Zn substitution into spinel matrix. This could be attributed to the weakening of strong (A‐B) inter lattice super exchange interaction instead partial substitution of Zn at octahedral Mn sites.
Low-noise correlation measurements based on software-defined-radio receivers and cooled microwave amplifiers
Authors: Nieminen Teemu , Lähteenmäki Pasi , Tan Zhenbing , Cox Daniel , Hakonen Pertti J.
Published: November 2016

We present a microwave correlation measurement system based on two low-cost USB-connected software defined radio dongles modified to operate as coherent receivers by using a common local oscillator. Existing software is used to obtain I/Q samples from both dongles simultaneously at a software tunable frequency. To achieve low noise, we introduce an easy low-noise solution for cryogenic amplification at 600–900 MHz based on single discrete HEMT with 21 dB gain and 7 K noise temperature. In addition, we discuss the quantization effects in a digital correlation measurement and determination of optimal integration time by applying Allan deviation analysis.
There is no direct generalization of positive partial transpose criterion to the three-by-three case
Authors: Skowronek Łukasz
Published: November 2016

We show that there cannot exist a straightforward generalization of the famous positive partial transpose criterion to three-by-three systems. We call straightforward generalizations that use a finite set of positive maps and arbitrary local rotations of the tested two-partite state. In particular, we show that a family of extreme positive maps discussed in a paper by Ha and Kye [Open Syst. Inf. Dyn. 18, 323–337 (2011)], cannot be replaced by a finite set of witnesses in the task of entanglement detection in three-by-three systems. In a more mathematically elegant parlance, our result says that the convex cone of positive maps of the set of three-dimensional matrices into itself is not finitely generated as a mapping cone.
Photodetection in p–n junctions formed by electrolyte-gated transistors of two-dimensional crystals
Authors: Kozawa Daichi , Pu Jiang , Shimizu Ryo , Kimura Shota , Chiu Ming-Hui , Matsuki Keiichiro , Wada Yoshifumi , Sakanoue Tomo , Iwasa Yoshihiro , Li Lain-Jong , Takenobu Taishi
Published: November 2016

Transition metal dichalcogenide monolayers have attracted much attention due to their strong light absorption and excellent electronic properties. These advantages make this type of two-dimensional crystal a promising one for optoelectronic device applications. In the case of photoelectric conversion devices such as photodetectors and photovoltaic cells, p–n junctions are one of the most important devices. Here, we demonstrate photodetection with WSe2 monolayer films. We prepare the electrolyte-gated ambipolar transistors and electrostatic p–n junctions are formed by the electrolyte-gating technique at 270 K. These p-n junctions are cooled down to fix the ion motion (and p-n junctions) and we observed the reasonable photocurrent spectra without the external bias, indicating the formation of p-n junctions. Very interestingly, two-terminal devices exhibit higher photoresponsivity than that of three-terminal ones, suggesting the formation of highly balanced anion and cation layers. The maximum photoresponsivity reaches 5 mA/W in resonance with the first excitonic peak. Our technique provides important evidence for optoelectronics in atomically thin crystals.
Imaging and spectromicroscopy of photocarrier electron dynamics in C60 fullerene thin films
Authors: Shibuta Masahiro , Yamagiwa Kana , Eguchi Toyoaki , Nakajima Atsushi
Published: November 2016

We have employed a two-photon photoelectron emission microscopy (2P-PEEM) to observe the photocarrier electron dynamics in an organic thin film of fullerene (C60) formed on a highly oriented pyrolytic graphite with a spatial resolution of ca. 135 nm. In this approach, photocarrier electrons in C60 single-layer islands generated by the first pump photon are detected by the second probe photon. These spectromicroscopic observations conducted over a 100 × 100 nm2 region of C60 islands consistently reproduced the macroscopic two-photon photoemission spectrum of fully covered C60 monolayer film, where the energy of photocarrier electron in the islands was +0.9 eV relative to the Fermi level. Time-resolved 2P-PEEM revealed that the photocarrier electron decayed from the monolayered C60 islands into the substrate with a time constant of 470 ± 30 fs.
Leader-follower consensus and synchronization in numerosity-constrained networks with dynamic leadership
Authors: Roy Subhradeep , Abaid Nicole
Published: November 2016

In this work, we study leader-follower consensus and synchronization protocols over a stochastically switching network. The agents representing the followers can communicate with any other agent, whereas the agents serving as leaders are restricted to interact only with the other leaders. The model incorporates the phenomenon of numerosity, which limits the perceptual capacity of the agents while allowing for shuffling with whom each individual interacts at each time step. We derive closed form expressions for necessary and sufficient conditions for consensus, the rate of convergence to consensus, and conditions for stochastic synchronization in terms of the asymptotic convergence factor. We provide simulation results to validate the theoretical findings and to illustrate the dependence of this factor on system parameters. The closed form results enable us to study the factors affecting the feasibility of consensus. We show that agents' traits can be chosen for an engineered system to maximize the convergence speed and that protocol speed is enhanced as the proportion of the leaders increases in certain cases. These results may find application in the design and control of an engineered leader-follower system, where consensus or synchronization at the fastest possible rate is desired.
Demonstration of low energy proton radiography on an 11-MeV cyclotron
Authors: Zhang Xiao Ding , Yang Guo Jun , Li Yi Ding , Wei Tao , He Xiaozhong , Zhao Liang Chao , Zhang Zhuo , Ma Chaofan , Jiang Xiaoguo , Shi Jinshui
Published: November 2016

Lens focused proton radiograph on thin objects is demonstrated using an 11-MeV proton cyclotron at China Academy of Engineering Physics. The proton beam exiting from the tested objects is focused onto the image plane by a magnetic lens system mitigating image blur caused by multiple Coulomb scattering. Both simulations and experiments show that clear images can be obtained with a lens system for the objects with thickness up to 2.7 × 10−2 g/cm2 and the error for the areal density measurement is measured to be less than 2.3%. For the objects with thickness between 2.7 × 10−3 g/cm2 and 2.7 × 10−2 g/cm2, 100–200 μm of spatial resolution is achieved.
Interaction and charge transfer between dielectric spheres: Exact and approximate analytical solutions
Authors: Lindén Fredrik , Cederquist Henrik , Zettergren Henning
Published: November 2016

We present exact analytical solutions for charge transfer reactions between two arbitrarily charged hard dielectric spheres. These solutions, and the corresponding exact ones for sphere-sphere interaction energies, include sums that describe polarization effects to infinite orders in the inverse of the distance between the sphere centers. In addition, we show that these exact solutions may be approximated by much simpler analytical expressions that are useful for many practical applications. This is exemplified through calculations of Langevin type cross sections for forming a compound system of two colliding spheres and through calculations of electron transfer cross sections. We find that it is important to account for dielectric properties and finite sphere sizes in such calculations, which for example may be useful for describing the evolution, growth, and dynamics of nanometer sized dielectric objects such as molecular clusters or dust grains in different environments including astrophysical ones.
Note: Response time characterization of fiber Bragg grating temperature sensor in water medium
Authors: Pan Yuheng , Jiang Junfeng , Liu Kun , Wang Shuang , Liu Tiegen
Published: November 2016

Response times of fiber Bragg grating (FBG) temperature sensors are investigated. The response model is established and three types of sensors, including bare, gold-coated, and ceramics packaged FBG, are employed to measure their response time under a step simulation. The matched FBG method is used to obtain the response times. Each FBG sensor is measured 5 times and the average values of the sensors are 8.9 ms, 12.3 ms, and 336 ms, respectively. The results are useful for temperature measurement caring about time characteristic.
Planar ring-shaped phononic crystal anchoring boundaries for enhancing the quality factor of Lamb mode resonators
Authors: Binci L. , Tu C. , Zhu H. , Lee J. E.-Y.
Published: November 2016

We report the use of planar ring-shaped phononic crystals (PnCs) as anchor boundaries of very-high-frequency band piezoelectric-on-silicon Lamb mode resonators for the purpose of enhancing their quality factor (Q). Here, we exploit the acoustic bandgap associated with the PnC anchoring boundaries to reduce acoustic energy leakage out of the micromechanical resonator. The proposed approach provides greater mechanical robustness (by merit of interlocking the cells in a matrix) and the possibility of electrical routing through the PnC cells. We experimentally show enhancements in Q by a factor of three using the proposed approach of hybridizing planar ring-shaped PnCs with micromechanical resonators. The effect of these PnCs on resonator Q is further corroborated by their effects in suppressing transmission when incorporated into a delay line.
Computing algebraic transfer entropy and coupling directions via transcripts
Authors: Amigó José M. , Monetti Roberto , Graff Beata , Graff Grzegorz
Published: November 2016

Most random processes studied in nonlinear time series analysis take values on sets endowed with a group structure, e.g., the real and rational numbers, and the integers. This fact allows to associate with each pair of group elements a third element, called their transcript, which is defined as the product of the second element in the pair times the first one. The transfer entropy of two such processes is called algebraic transfer entropy. It measures the information transferred between two coupled processes whose values belong to a group. In this paper, we show that, subject to one constraint, the algebraic transfer entropy matches the (in general, conditional) mutual information of certain transcripts with one variable less. This property has interesting practical applications, especially to the analysis of short time series. We also derive weak conditions for the 3-dimensional algebraic transfer entropy to yield the same coupling direction as the corresponding mutual information of transcripts. A related issue concerns the use of mutual information of transcripts to determine coupling directions in cases where the conditions just mentioned are not fulfilled. We checked the latter possibility in the lowest dimensional case with numerical simulations and cardiovascular data, and obtained positive results.
Secondary electron emission from plasma-generated nanostructured tungsten fuzz
Authors: Patino M. , Raitses Y. , Wirz R.
Published: November 2016

Recently, several researchers [e.g., Yang et al., Sci. Rep. 5, 10959 (2015)] have shown that tungsten fuzz can grow on a hot tungsten surface under bombardment by energetic helium ions in different plasma discharges and applications, including magnetic fusion devices with plasma facing tungsten components. This work reports the direct measurements of the total effective secondary electron emission (SEE) from tungsten fuzz. Using dedicated material surface diagnostics and in-situ characterization, we find two important results: (1) SEE values for tungsten fuzz are 40%–63% lower than for smooth tungsten and (2) the SEE values for tungsten fuzz are independent of the angle of the incident electron. The reduction in SEE from tungsten fuzz is most pronounced at high incident angles, which has important implications for many plasma devices since in a negative-going sheath the potential structure leads to relatively high incident angles for the electrons at the plasma confining walls. Overall, low SEE will create a relatively higher sheath potential difference that reduces plasma electron energy loss to the confining wall. Thus, the presence or self-generation in a plasma of a low SEE surface such as tungsten fuzz can be desirable for improved performance of many plasma devices.
Characterization of an ultrafast Bragg-Switch for shortening hard x-ray pulses
Authors: Sander M. , Koc A. , Kwamen C. T. , Michaels H. , v. Reppert A. , Pudell J. , Zamponi F. , Bargheer M. , Sellmann J. , Schwarzkopf J. , Gaal P.
Published: November 2016

We present a nanostructured device that functions as photoacoustic hard x-ray switch. The device is triggered by femtosecond laser pulses and allows for temporal gating of hard x-rays on picosecond (ps) timescales. It may be used for pulse picking or even pulse shortening in 3rd generation synchrotron sources. Previous approaches mainly suffered from insufficient switching contrasts due to excitation-induced thermal distortions. We present a new approach where thermal distortions are spatially separated from the functional switching layers in the structure. Our measurements yield a switching contrast of 14, which is sufficient for efficient hard x-ray pulse shortening. The optimized structure also allows for utilizing the switch at high repetition rates of up to 208 kHz.
Large scale arrays of four-state vortex domains in BiFeO3 thin film
Authors: Wang W. Y. , Zhu Y. L. , Tang Y. L. , Xu Y. B. , Liu Y. , Li S. , Zhang S. R. , Wang Y. J. , Ma X. L.
Published: November 2016

Exotic domain states, like vortex, offer the promise of superior properties and the potential disclination strain is a key factor for their formation in ferroelectrics. Here we show that large scale arrays of four-state vortex domains can be obtained in rhombohedral BiFeO3 thin films grown on PrScO3 substrates by pulsed laser deposition. Cs-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy demonstrates that each vortex domain is comprised of four ferroelectric variants with two 180° domain walls and two 109° domain walls. Atomic mappings of the lattice distortions unit cell by unit cell reveal that the cores of the vortex might be charged. The strains are mainly concentrated on domain walls. The formation mechanism of such large scale vortex-like states was discussed.
Nanodiamond embedded ta-C composite film by pulsed filtered vacuum arc deposition from a single target
Authors: Iyer Ajai , Etula Jarkko , Ge Yanling , Liu Xuwen , Koskinen Jari
Published: November 2016

Detonation Nanodiamonds (DNDs) are known to have sp3 core, sp2 shell, small size (few nm) and are gaining importance as multi-functional nanoparticles. Diverse methods have been used to form composites, containing detonation nanodiamonds (DNDs) embedded in conductive and dielectric matrices for various applications. Here we show a method, wherein DND-ta-C composite film, consisting of DNDs embedded in ta-C matrix have been co-deposited from the same cathode by pulsed filtered cathodic vacuum arc method. Transmission Electron Microscope analysis of these films revel the presence of DNDs embedded in the matrix of amorphous carbon. Raman spectroscopy indicates that the presence of DNDs does not adversely affect the sp3 content of DND-ta-C composite film compared to ta-C film of same thickness. Nanoindentation and nanowear tests indicate that DND-ta-C composite films possess improved mechanical properties in comparison to ta-C films of similar thickness.
Role of O and Se defects in the thermoelectric properties of bismuth oxide selenide
Authors: Van Quang Tran , Kim Miyoung
Published: November 2016

Bismuth oxygen selenide, Bi2O2Se, is a promising thermoelectric material because of its reduced thermal conductivity. In this study, we perform the first-principles calculation and utilize the solution of Boltzmann transport equation in a constant relaxation-time approximation to compute the electronic and thermoelectric properties of Bi2O2Se with O and Se defects. Oxygen vacancies trap bands located inside the band gap of Bi2O2Se, and the compound becomes a conductor. These bands lead to drastic reduction in the Seebeck coefficient. When vacancies are filled by selenide atoms (selenide point defect), the materials return to be a semiconductor and the Seebeck coefficient increases. The increase of S is also found in the system with defects formed by the substitution of oxygen atoms into selenide sites (oxygen point defect) in the pristine compound. The power factor significantly increases during p-type doping compared with that during n-type doping for the selenide point defect. However, differences in the two doping cases are less distinguished for the oxygen point defect. Hence, the selenide point defect, Bi2O2−δSe1+δ with p-type doping, is an effective way to increase the power factor and eventually the thermoelectric efficiency of Bi2O2Se.
Structure refinements and the influences of A-site vacancies on properties of Na0.5Bi2.5Nb2O9-based high temperature piezoceramics
Authors: Wu Yangjie , Chen Jia , Yuan Jing , Xing Jie , Tan Zhi , Jiang Laiming , Chen Qiang , Zhu Jianguo
Published: November 2016

Na0.5Bi2.5Nb2O9 (NBN) based high temperature piezoelectric ceramics with A-site vacancies have been synthesized by the conventional solid state reaction method. Rietveld refinements and in-situ X-ray diffraction were performed to explore the influence of A-site vacancies on the crystalline structure and the phase evolution of NBN based ceramics with temperature, respectively. Pseudo-tetragonal distortion induced by A-site vacancies or temperature was found for the first time in the Aurivillius family, and this structural distortion might be responsible for the improvement of piezoelectric activity and the stability of piezoelectric property against thermal depolarization temperature (Td). The composition with 12 mol. % A-site vacancies exhibited good integrated performance, piezoelectric coefficient d33 and Tc were about 24.8 pC/N and 770 °C, respectively, together with excellent resistance to the thermal depolarization behavior (d33 decreased by 3% even if Td reached up to Curie temperature TC). This high temperature piezoelectric ceramics show potential applications in high temperature environments.
Interfacial SiO2 scavenging kinetics in HfO2 gate stack
Authors: Li Xiuyan , Nishimura Tomonori , Toriumi Akira
Published: November 2016

In this paper, Si and oxygen diffusions as well as SiO2 reduction reaction in HfO2/SiO2/Si stacks are examined in detail for fully understanding the SiO2-IL scavenging process. A 29Si isotope tracing experiment confirms that Si in SiO2-IL is mostly emitted from the HfO2 surface. In addition, the reaction of oxygen from SiO2 with VO in HfO2 is suggested. Furthermore, it is reported that the Si substrate is not changed at all in the SiO2-IL scavenging by simultaneously comparing a Si surface between with and without scavenged parts. Based on these results, a kinetic model for the SiO2-IL scavenging in HfO2/SiO2/Si stacks is proposed.
Experimental evidence of negative quantum capacitance in topological insulator for sub-60-mV/decade steep switching device
Authors: Choi H. , Lee H. , Park J. , Yu H.-Y. , Kim T. G. , Shin C.
Published: November 2016

As a three-dimensional topological insulator (TI), bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) has two-dimensional electron gas on its surface where negative quantum capacitance (NQC) can exist at a specific biasing condition. In order to experimentally confirm NQC in a TI, a metal–insulator–semiconductor (MIS) capacitor (i.e., metal–Bi2Te3–SiO2–silicon) is fabricated. The capacitance–voltage measurement of the MIS capacitor at 300 K shows that as the depletion capacitance in silicon decreases, the total capacitance of the MIS capacitor, which consists of two capacitors connected in series (i.e., insulator capacitor and depletion capacitor), increases in the depletion region at a frequency of 50 kHz. The amplified capacitance indicates the existence of NQC on the surface of the TI, and it originates from the strongly correlated electron system. The NQC of the TI opens avenues for sub-60-mV/decade steep switching silicon devices.
Limits of applicability of the quasilinear approximation to the electrostatic wave-plasma interaction
Authors: Zacharegkas Georgios , Isliker Heinz , Vlahos Loukas
Published: November 2016

The limitation of the Quasilinear Theory (QLT) to describe the diffusion of electrons and ions in velocity space when interacting with a spectrum of large amplitude electrostatic Langmuir, Upper and Lower hybrid waves, is analyzed. We analytically and numerically estimate the threshold for the amplitude of the waves above which the QLT breaks down, using a test particle code. The evolution of the velocity distribution, the velocity-space diffusion coefficients, the driven current, and the heating of the particles are investigated, for the interaction with small and large amplitude electrostatic waves, that is, in both regimes, where QLT is valid and where it clearly breaks down.
Predicting protein–ligand affinity with a random matrix framework
Authors: Lee Alpha A. , Brenner Michael P. , Colwell Lucy J.
Published: November 2016

Significance

Developing computational methods to screen ligands against protein targets is a major challenge for drug discovery. We present a robust mathematical framework, inspired by random matrix theory, which predicts ligand binding to a target given the known ligand set of that target. Our method considers binding prediction as a denoising problem, recognizing that only some of the chemically important features associated with each ligand contribute to binding to a particular receptor. We use correlations among chemical features in the known ligand set, combined with random matrix theory, to eliminate statistically insignificant correlations. Our method outperforms existing algorithms in the literature. We show that our algorithm has the physical interpretation of estimating the ligand–target binding energy.
Role of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 1 (NOD1) and its variants in human cytomegalovirus control in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Fan Yi-Hsin , Roy Sujayita , Mukhopadhyay Rupkatha , Kapoor Arun , Duggal Priya , Wojcik Genevieve L. , Pass Robert F. , Arav-Boger Ravit
Published: November 2016

Significance

Infection with human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a growing health problem, creating diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Biomarkers for risk of infection are lacking, and the limited drugs that inhibit HCMV have major side effects. New strategies for virus control are needed. We report on the role of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 1 (NOD1), a cytoplasmic pattern recognition receptor, in HCMV suppression. NOD1 activation (through IKKα and IRF3) resulted in IFN response and HCMV inhibition. Specific mutations in NOD1 showed differential effects on HCMV replication in vitro. In a nested study of HCMV vaccine, specific polymorphisms in NOD1 were detected in HCMV-infected women compared with noninfected women. Our work provides direction for studies of innate immune response to HCMV and genetic susceptibility through NOD1.
Mouse model for acute Epstein–Barr virus infection
Authors: Wirtz Tristan , Weber Timm , Kracker Sven , Sommermann Thomas , Rajewsky Klaus , Yasuda Tomoharu
Published: November 2016

Significance

Epstein–Barr Virus infects human B cells and drives them into proliferation and transformation. Although more than 90% of the human population is EBV-infected, EBV-driven pathologies including B-cell lymphomas are limited by a potent T-cell immune response. Here, we present a mouse model for acute EBV infection through conditional expression of two key EBV proteins, LMP1 and LMP2A. This model reproduces EBV-driven B-cell expansion, T-cell–mediated immune surveillance of EBV-infected B cells, and fatal lymphoproliferative disease when the T-cell response is compromised as in immunosuppressed or genetically impaired patients. It thus allows one to study EBV–host interaction functionally and from an angle that should help to develop new therapies for EBV-driven hematological diseases.
Article Commentary: Turning the Tide or Riptide? The Changing Opioid Epidemic
Authors: Kertesz Stefan G.
Published: November 2016

The US opioid epidemic has changed profoundly in the last 3 years, in ways that require substantial recalibration of the US policy response. This report summarizes the changing nature of overdose deaths in Jefferson County (home to Birmingham, Alabama) using data updated through June 30, 2016. Heroin and fentanyl have come to dominate an escalating epidemic of lethal opioid overdose, whereas opioids commonly obtained by prescription play a minor role, accounting for no more than 15% of reported deaths in 2015. Such local data, along with similar reports from other localities, augment the insights available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's current overdose summary, which lacks data from 2015–2016 and lacks information regarding fentanyl in particular. The observed changes in the opioid epidemic are particularly remarkable because they have emerged despite sustained reductions in opioid prescribing and sustained reductions in prescription opioid misuse. Among US adults, past-year prescription opioid misuse is at its lowest level since 2002. Among 12th graders it is at its lowest level in 20 years. A credible epidemiologic account of the opioid epidemic is as follows: although opioid prescribing by physicians appears to have unleashed the epidemic prior to 2012, physician prescribing no longer plays a major role in sustaining it. The accelerating pace of the opioid epidemic in 2015–2016 requires a serious reconsideration of governmental policy initiatives that continue to focus on reductions in opioid prescribing. The dominant priority should be the assurance of subsidized access to evidence-based medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder. Such treatment is lacking across much of the United States at this time. Further aggressive focus on prescription reduction is likely to obtain diminishing returns while creating significant risks for patients.
Involvement of STH7 in light-adapted development in Arabidopsis thaliana promoted by both strigolactone and karrikin
Authors: Thussagunpanit Jutiporn , Nagai Yuko , Nagae Miyu , Mashiguchi Kiyoshi , Mitsuda Nobutaka , Ohme-Takagi Masaru , Nakano Takeshi , Nakamura Hidemitsu , Asami Tadao
Published: November 2016

Strigolactones (SLs) and karrikins (KARs) regulate photomorphogenesis. GR24, a synthetic SL and KAR1, a KAR, inhibit the hypocotyl elongation of Arabidopsis thaliana in a weak light. GR24 and KAR1 up-regulate the expression of STH7, encoding a transcription factor belonging to the double B-box zinc finger subfamily. In this study, we used STH7-overexpressing (STH7ox) lines and functionally defective STH7 (STH7-SRDX) mutants to investigate roles of SLs and KARs in photomorphogenesis of Arabidopsis. Hypocotyl elongation of STH7-SRDX mutants was less sensitive to both GR24 and KAR1 treatment than that of wild-type Arabidopsis under weak light conditions. Furthermore, the chlorophyll and anthocyanin content was increased in STH7ox lines when de-etiolated with light and GR24-treated plants had enhanced anthocyanin production. GR24 and KAR1 treatment significantly increased the expression level of photosynthesis-related genes LHCB1 and rbcS. The results strongly suggest that SL and KAR induce photomorphogenesis of Arabidopsis in an STH7-dependent manner.
Curie’s Truism
Authors: Norton John D.
Published: November 2016

Curie’s principle asserts that every symmetry of a cause manifests as a symmetry of the effect. It can be formulated as a tautology that is vacuous until it is instantiated. However, instantiation requires us to know the correct way to map causal terminology onto the terms of a science. Causal metaphysics has failed to provide a unique, correct way to carry out the mapping. Thus, successful or unsuccessful instantiation merely reflects our freedom of choice in the mapping.
Mumps Outbreak Among a Highly Vaccinated University Community—New York City, January–April 2014
Authors: Patel Leena N. , Arciuolo Robert J. , Fu Jie , Giancotti Francesca R. , Zucker Jane R. , Rakeman Jennifer L. , Rosen Jennifer B.
Published: November 2016

Background.

On 14 January 2014, a vaccinated student presented with parotitis. Mumps immunoglobulin M (IgM) testing was negative and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing was not performed, resulting in a missed diagnosis and the start of an outbreak at a New York City (NYC) university.

Methods.

Mumps case investigations included patient interviews, medical records review, and laboratory testing including mumps serology and RT-PCR. Case patients were considered linked to the outbreak if they attended or had epidemiologic linkage to the university. Epidemiologic, clinical, and laboratory data for outbreak cases residing in NYC were analyzed.

Results.

Fifty-six NYC residents with mumps were identified with onset between 12 January and 30 April 2014. Fifty-three cases (95%) were university students, 1 (2%) was a staff member, and 2 (4%) had epidemiologic links to the university. The median age was 20 years (range 18–37 years). All cases had parotitis. Three cases were hospitalized, including 1 of 2 cases with orchitis. Fifty-four (96%) cases had received ≥1 mumps-containing vaccine, 1 (2%) was unvaccinated due to religious exemption, and 1 (2%) had unknown vaccination status. Two of the 44 (5%) cases tested by serology were mumps IgM positive, and 27 of the 40 (68%) tested by RT-PCR were positive.

Conclusions.

Mumps outbreaks can occur in highly vaccinated populations. Mumps should be considered in patients with parotitis regardless of vaccination status. RT-PCR is the preferred testing method; providers should not rely on IgM testing alone. High vaccination coverage and control measures likely limited the extent of the outbreak.
Genome Sequencing of the Behavior Manipulating Virus LbFV Reveals a Possible New Virus Family
Authors: Lepetit David , Gillet Benjamin , Hughes Sandrine , Kraaijeveld Ken , Varaldi Julien
Published: November 2016

Parasites are sometimes able to manipulate the behavior of their hosts. However, the molecular cues underlying this phenomenon are poorly documented. We previously reported that the parasitoid wasp Leptopilina boulardi which develops from Drosophila larvae is often infected by an inherited DNA virus. In addition to being maternally transmitted, the virus benefits from horizontal transmission in superparasitized larvae (Drosophila that have been parasitized several times). Interestingly, the virus forces infected females to lay eggs in already parasitized larvae, thus increasing the chance of being horizontally transmitted. In a first step towards the identification of virus genes responsible for the behavioral manipulation, we present here the genome sequence of the virus, called LbFV. The sequencing revealed that its genome contains an homologous repeat sequence (hrs) found in eight regions in the genome. The presence of this hrs may explain the genomic plasticity that we observed for this genome. The genome of LbFV encodes 108 ORFs, most of them having no homologs in public databases. The virus is however related to Hytrosaviridae, although distantly. LbFV may thus represent a member of a new virus family. Several genes of LbFV were captured from eukaryotes, including two anti-apoptotic genes. More surprisingly, we found that LbFV captured from an ancestral wasp a protein with a Jumonji domain. This gene was afterwards duplicated in the virus genome. We hypothesized that this gene may be involved in manipulating the expression of wasp genes, and possibly in manipulating its behavior.
Flawed evidence supporting the Metabolic Theory of Ecology may undermine goals of ecosystem-based fishery management: the case of invasive Indo-Pacific lionfish in the western Atlantic
Authors: Valderrama Diego , Fields KathrynAnn H.
Published: November 2016

Given its ability to yield predictions for very diverse phenomena based only on two parameters—body size and temperature—the Metabolic Theory of Ecology (MTE) has earned a prominent place among ecology’s efficient theories. In a seminal article, the leading proponents of the MTE claimed that the theory was supported by evidence from Pauly’s (On the interrelationships between natural mortality, growth parameters, and mean environmental temperature in 175 fish stocks. Journal Du Conseil International Pour L’Exploration de la mer 39:175–192) dataset on natural mortality, biomass, and environmental temperature for 175 fish stocks spanning tropical, temperate, and polar locations. We demonstrate that the evidence presented by the proponents of the MTE is flawed because it fails to account for the fact that Pauly re-estimated environmental temperatures for polar fish as ‘physiologically effective temperatures’ to correct for their ‘abnormally’ high natural (mass-corrected) mortalities, which on average turned out to be similar to (rather than lower than) the mortalities recorded for temperate fish. Failing to account for these modifications skews the coefficients from MTE regression models and wrongly validates predictions from the theory. It is important to point out these deficiencies given the broad appeal of the MTE as a theoretical framework for applied ecological research. In a recent application, the MTE was used to estimate biomass production rates of prey fish in a model of invasive Indo-Pacific lionfish (Pterois volitans and P. miles) predation in Bahamian reefs. We show that the MTE coefficients may lead to a drastic overestimation of prey fish mortality and productivity rates, leading to erroneous estimations of target densities for ecological control of lionfish stocks. A set of robust mortality-weight coefficients is proposed as an alternative to the MTE.
The Addiction Recovery Clinic: A Novel, Primary-Care-Based Approach to Teaching Addiction Medicine
Authors: Holt Stephen R. , Segar Nora , Cavallo Dana A. , Tetrault Jeanette M.
Published: November 2016

Problem

Substance use is highly prevalent in the United States, but little time in the curriculum is devoted to training internal medicine residents in addiction medicine.

Approach

In 2014, the authors developed and launched the Addiction Recovery Clinic (ARC) to address this educational gap while also providing outpatient clinical services to patients with substance use disorders. The ARC is embedded within the residency primary care practice and is staffed by three to four internal medicine residents, two board-certified addiction medicine specialists, one chief resident, and one psychologist. Residents spend one half-day per week for four consecutive weeks at the ARC seeing new and returning patients. Services provided include pharmacological and behavioral treatments for opioid, alcohol, and other substance use disorders, with direct referral to local addiction treatment facilities as needed. Visit numbers, a patient satisfaction survey, and an end-of-rotation resident evaluation were used to assess the ARC.

Outcomes

From 2014 to 2015, 611 patient encounters occurred, representing 97 new patients. Sixty-one (63%) patients were seen for opioid use disorder. According to patient satisfaction surveys, 29 (of 31; 94%) patients reported that the ARC probably or definitely helped them to cope with their substance use. Twenty-eight residents completed the end-of-rotation evaluation; all rated the rotation highly.

Next Steps

The ARC offers a unique primary-care-based approach to exposing internal medicine residents to the knowledge and skills necessary to diagnose, treat, and prevent unhealthy substance use. Future research will examine other clinical and educational outcomes.
Fast Click Rate Electrocochleography and Auditory Brainstem Response in Normal-Hearing Adults Using Continuous Loop Averaging Deconvolution
Authors: Kaf Wafaa A. , Lewis Kelly M. , Yavuz Erdem , Dixon Samantha M. , Van Ess Mark , Jamos Abdullah M. , Delgado Rafael E.
Published: November 2016

Objectives:

Using the continuous loop averaging deconvolution (CLAD) technique for conventional electrocochleography (ECochG) and auditory brainstem response (ABR) recordings, the effects of testing at high stimulus rates may have the potential to diagnose disorders of the inner ear and auditory nerve. First, a body of normative data using the CLAD technique must be established.

Design:

Extratympanic click ECochG and ABR to seven stimulus rates using CLAD were measured simultaneously from a tympanic membrane electrode and surface electrodes on the forehead and mastoid of 42 healthy individuals.

Results:

Results showed that the compound action potential (AP) of the ECochG and waves I, III, and V of the ABR decreased in amplitude and increased in latency as stimulus rate was increased from standard 7.1 clicks/s up to 507.81 clicks/s, with sharp reduction in AP amplitude at 97.66 clicks/s and reaching asymptote at 292.97 clicks/s. The summating potential (SP) of the ECochG, however, stayed relatively stable, resulting in increased SP/AP ratios with increasing rate. The SP/AP amplitude ratio showed more stability than AP amplitude findings, thus it is recommended for use in evaluation of cochlear and neural response.

Conclusions:

Results of both amplitude and latency data from this normative neural adaptation function of the auditory pathway serves as guide for improving diagnostic utility of both ECochG and ABR using CLAD as a reliable technique in distinguishing inner ear and auditory nerve disorders.
What’s New in Pediatric Medial Epicondyle Fractures?
Authors: Beck Jennifer J. , Bowen Richard E. , Silva Mauricio
Published: November 2016

Background:

Medial epicondyle fractures are predominantly seen in adolescent, male patients. Historically, nonoperative intervention was the mainstay of treatment. With increasing upper extremity demands of young athletes and reports of valgus instability after nonoperative treatment, there has been an increased interest in operative indications. Controversy regarding proper imaging and measurement of displacement complicates decision-making algorithms. Review of recent literature is required for improved decision making.

Methods:

We searched the PubMed database for all papers related to the treatment of medial epicondyle fractures in patients under 18 years of age published between January 1, 2005 and March 15, 2016. This resulted in 39 papers written in English for review. Papers were included based upon subject matter and contribution of new findings to literature. Review articles were excluded.

Results:

In total, 39 papers were reviewed and 30 were included in this review. Five classic manuscripts on medial epicondyle fractures in children provide appropriate historical and background information as needed.

Conclusions:

Medial epicondyle fractures represent a variety of low and high-energy mechanisms, displacement, treatment options, and complications. This paper reviews recent literature on these topics. Controversy regarding imaging modality, displacement measurement accuracy, and surgical indications still exist. Long term, patient based, functional outcome studies of operative versus nonoperative treatment are needed to improve our treatment algorithms of this injury. Treatment algorithms should be individualized to each specific patient and fracture.

Level of Evidence:

Level 5.