bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Illumination homogenization of highly coherent light source based on phase modulation
Authors: Wei Jia-Xin , Sha Peng-Fei , Fang Xu-Chen , Lu Zeng-Xiong , Li Hui , Tan Fang-Rui , Wu Xiao-Bin ,   R & D Center of Optoelectronic Technology, Institute of Microelectronics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100029, China,   University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
Published: July 2024

When using a fly’s eye lens system to homogenize highly coherent light sources, the interference effect between the sub-beams can cause a periodic speckle distribution of illumination intensity, thereby disrupting illumination uniformity. It has been shown that using a rotating optical phase-shift plate behind the fly’s eye lens can eliminate interference patterns, but it only demonstrates engineering realizations. And the theoretical analysis and technical guidance on the phase modulation method and statistical averaging method for fly’s eye lens homogenization systems are still lacking. In this work, a simulation model of fly’s eye random phase modulation homogenization system is developed and studied in detail. Each sub-beam of the fly’s eye lens is randomly phase-modulated to break the coherence condition, and the illumination intensity of multiple independent modulations is accumulated to eliminate the interference pattern. The more times the intensity is accumulated, the better the homogenization is. Meanwhile, studied in this paper are the influence of the diffraction effect on homogenization, and the influence of the sub-lens size and focal length on the homogenization, which result in the diffracting-type system and the imaging-type system respectively. For an imaging type system, it is necessary to ensure that the first fly’s eye lens is in the front focal plane of the second fly’s eye lens. By optimizing the parameters of the fly’s eye lens and using an imaging-type system with p = 1.8 mm and fA = 9 mm, a Gaussian beam with the non-uniformity of 117% is homogenized into a flat-topped beam with the non-uniformity of 1.2% in a square illumination area of 100 mm2. This fly’s eye lens random phase modulation homogenization system has a simple structure, low energy loss, and good illumination uniformity, and can be used in systems that require high coherent laser input and high resolution. This technology can be used in the field of deep-ultraviolet mask defect detection.
Sensing and slow light applications of graphene plasmonic terahertz structure
Authors: Yang Xiao-Jie , Xu Hui , Xu Hai-Ye , Li Ming , Yu Hong-Fei , Cheng Yu-Xuan , Hou Hai-Liang , Chen Zhi-Quan ,   School of Microelectronics and Physics, Hunan University of Technology and Business, Changsha 410205, China,   Xiangjiang Laboratory, Changsha 410205, China,   School of Intelligent Engineering and Intelligent Manufacturing, Hunan University of Technology and Business, Changsha 410205, China
Published: July 2024

In this work, Ansys FDTD is used to design and simulate a terahertz metamaterial structure based on periodic continuous pattern graphene monolayer, and the high-quality PIT phenomena are obtained by continuously adjusting structural parameters. To validate the designed structure, the simulated transmission curve (reflection curve) obtained is compared with the theoretical transmission curve (reflection curve) derived from coupled-mode theory. It is observed that these two results exhibit a remarkably high degree of overlap. The resonant frequency and Fermi energy reveals a perfect linear correlation between them with the resonant frequency increasing proportionally with Fermi energy increasing. Dynamic tuning of PIT can be realized by adjusting the Fermi energy of graphene. For a more in-depth study of its sensing characteristics, the structure is placed in different environments. As the refractive index of the detection medium increases, the resonant frequency gradually decreases, demonstrating a redshift phenomenon. By manipulating the resonant frequency of the PIT sensor, the selective detection of specific target can berealized. After analyzing the sensitivity and FOM values of the structure, it is found that the maximum sensitivity is 1.457 THz/RIU. At a resonant frequency of 6.8174 THz, FOM reaches 30.5652. In summary, the sensor structure designed in this work has dual frequency sensing characteristics and can be used for dual frequency detection. Moreover, compared with other sensor structures, it demonstrates superior sensing performance. Additionally, in studying the slow light effect of the structure, it is found that as the Fermi energy increases, the group index and phase shift at the transparency window continue to increase. At the Fermi energy of 1.2 eV, the group index reaches a high value of 584. This is because in the PIT phenomenon, transparent peaks are formed due to multimodal coupling. This coupling will significantly improve the dispersion characteristics near the transparent peak, resulting in a large group index near the transparent peak. Furthermore, with the increase of carrier mobility, the group index and phase shift of the structure also gradually increase. At a carrier mobility of 0.75 m²/(V·s), the group refractive index is 456, and reaches 1010 at 2.0 m²/(V·s). In this study, the slow-light performance of graphene structure can be optimized through jointly adjusting the Fermi energy and carrier mobility. This research provides theoretical support and methods for designing advanced graphene-based sensors and devices for slow-light applications.
A note about almost uniform convergence on D-poset of intuitionistic fuzzy sets
Authors: Čunderlíková Katarína ,   Mathematical Institute, Slovak Academy of Sciences
Published: July 2024

The aim of this contribution is studying the almost uniform convergence on D-poset of intuitionistic fuzzy sets. We prove the connection between almost everywhere convergence of random variables in Kolmogorov probability space and almost uniform convergence of observables in the mentioned D-poset. We define a product operation on D-poset of intuitionistic fuzzy sets and prove the existence of a joint observable, too.
Systematic evaluation of multifactorial causal associations for Alzheimer’s disease and an interactive platform based on Mendelian randomization analysis — MRAD
Authors: Zhao Tianyu , Li Hui , Zhang Meishuang , Xu Yang , Zhang Ming , Chen Li
Published: July 2024

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a complex degenerative disease of the central nervous system. Traditional epidemiological studies have reported several risk factors for AD. However, most epidemiological studies are insufficient to draw definitive conclusions on causal association due to the potential for reverse causality and confounding bias. Therefore, elucidating its pathogenesis remains challenging. Mendelian randomization (MR) was developed for assessing causality using genetic variants as a new approach in epidemiological research. In this study, we used MR analysis to investigate potential AD risk factors to support extensive AD research. We used the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) model as the major analysis method to perform hypothesis-free Mendelian randomization analysis on the data from MRC IEU OpenGWAS (18,097 exposure traits and 16 AD outcome traits), and conducted sensitivity analysis with six models, to assess the robustness of the IVW results, to identify various classes of risk or protective factors for AD, early-onset AD, and late-onset AD. We generated 400,274 data entries in total, among which the major analysis method of IVW model consists of 73,129 records with 4840 exposure traits, which fall into 10 categories: Disease (n=17,168), Medical laboratory science (n=15,416), Imaging (n=4,896), Anthropometric (n=4,478), Treatment (n=4,546), Molecular trait (n=17,757), Gut microbiota (n=48), Past history (n=668), Family history (n=1,114), and Lifestyle trait (n=7,038). For the convenience of display and operation, an online platform called MRAD has been developed using the Shiny package with MR analysis results. MRAD can be freely accessed online at https://gwasmrad.com/mrad/. Moreover, novel potential AD therapeutic targets (CD33, TBCA, VPS29, GNAI3, PSME1) are identified, among which CD33 was positively associated with the main outcome traits of AD, as well as with both EOAD and LOAD. TBCA and VPS29 were negatively associated with the main outcome traits of AD, as well as with both EOAD and LOAD. GNAI3 and PSME1 were negatively associated with the main outcome traits of AD, as well as with LOAD, but had no significant causal association with EOAD. This is one of the first and largest studies in this field. The findings of our research advance understanding of the etiology of AD.
First evidence for the evolution of host manipulation by tumors during the long-term vertical transmission of tumor cells in Hydra oligactis
Authors: Boutry Justine , Rieu Océane , Guimard Lena , Meliani Jordan , Nedelcu Aurora M. , Tissot Sophie , Stepanskyy Nikita , Ujvari Beata , Hamede Rodrigo , Dujon Antoine M. , Tökölyi Jácint , Thomas Frédéric
Published: July 2024

While host phenotypic manipulation by parasites is a widespread phenomenon, whether tumors – which can be likened to parasite entities, can also manipulate their hosts is not known. Theory predicts that this should nevertheless be the case, especially when tumors (neoplasms) are transmissible. We explored this hypothesis in a cnidarian
Hydra
model system, in which spontaneous tumors can occur in the lab, and lineages in which such neoplastic cells are vertically transmitted (through host budding) have been maintained for over 15 years. Remarkably, the hydras with long-term transmissible tumors show an unexpected increase in the number of their tentacles, allowing for the possibility that these neoplastic cells can manipulate the host. By experimentally transplanting healthy as well as neoplastic tissues derived from both recent and long-term transmissible tumors, we found that only the long-term transmissible tumors were able to trigger the growth of additional tentacles. Also, supernumerary tentacles, by permitting higher foraging efficiency for the host, were associated with an increased budding rate, thereby favoring the vertical transmission of tumors. To our knowledge, this is the first evidence that, like true parasites, transmissible tumors can evolve strategies to manipulate the phenotype of their host.
Insufficiency of 40S ribosomal proteins, RPS26 and RPS25, negatively affects biosynthesis of polyglycine-containing proteins in fragile-X associated conditions
Authors: Tutak Katarzyna , Broniarek Izabela , Zielezinski Andrzej , Niewiadomska Daria , Skrzypczak Tomasz , Baud Anna , Sobczak Krzysztof
Published: July 2024

Expansion of CGG repeats (CGGexp) in the 5’ untranslated region (5’UTR) of the
FMR1
gene underlies the fragile X premutation-associated conditions including tremor/ataxia syndrome, a late-onset neurodegenerative disease and fragile X-associated primary ovarian insufficiency. One common pathomechanism of these conditions is the repeat-associated non-AUG-initiated (RAN) translation of CGG repeats of mutant
FMR1
mRNA, resulting in production of FMRpolyG, a toxic protein containing long polyglycine tract. To identify novel modifiers of RAN translation we used an RNA-tagging system and mass spectrometry-based screening. It revealed proteins enriched on CGGexp-containing
FMR1
RNA in cellulo, including a ribosomal protein RPS26, a component of the 40S subunit. We demonstrated that depletion of RPS26 and its chaperone TSR2, modulates FMRpolyG production and its toxicity. We also found that the RPS26 insufficiency impacted translation of limited number of proteins, and 5’UTRs of mRNAs encoding these proteins were short and guanosine and cytosine-rich. Moreover, the silencing of another component of the 40S subunit, the ribosomal protein RPS25, also induced repression of FMRpolyG biosynthesis. Results of this study suggest that the two 40S ribosomal proteins and chaperone TSR2 play an important role in noncanonical CGGexp-related RAN translation.
The emergence and evolution of gene expression in genome regions replete with regulatory motifs
Authors: Fuqua Timothy , Sun Yiqiao , Wagner Andreas
Published: July 2024

Gene regulation is essential for life and controlled by regulatory DNA. Mutations can modify the activity of regulatory DNA, and also create new regulatory DNA, a process called regulatory emergence. Non-regulatory and regulatory DNA contain motifs to which transcription factors may bind. Prokaryotic gene expression requires a stretch of regulatory DNA called a promoter, which contains two promoter motifs called -10 and -35 boxes. However, these motifs may occur in both promoters and non-regulatory DNA in multiple copies. It is possible that these motifs influence both the evolution and emergence of regulatory DNA, but this has never been thoroughly tested. To understand whether and how promoter motifs influence promoter emergence and evolution, we start from 25 DNA sequences enriched with -10 and -35 box motifs (promoter islands), mutagenize the sequences, and measure gene expression driven by 240’000 mutants. We find that the probability that mutations create an active promoter varies more than 200-fold, but is not correlated with the number of promoter motifs. In most mutants (∼67%), the weakening, strengthening, or emergence of a promoter is caused by mutations that modify already existing motifs. Notably, creating new motifs can either increase or decrease promoter activity. Our work demonstrates how promoter motifs influence promoter emergence and evolution. It has implications for predicting and understanding regulatory evolution, de-novo genes, and phenotypic evolution.
Long non-coding RNA Malat1 fine-tunes bone homeostasis and repair by orchestrating cellular crosstalk and β-catenin-OPG/Jagged1 pathway
Authors: Qin Yongli , Shirakawa Jumpei , Xu Cheng , Chen Ruge , Yang Xu , Ng Courtney , Nakano Shinichi , Elguindy Mahmoud , Deng Zhonghao , Prasanth Kannanganattu V , Eissmann Moritz F , Nakagawa Shinichi , Ricci William M , Zhao Baohong
Published: July 2024

The IncRNA Malat1 was initially believed to be dispensable for physiology due to the lack of observable phenotypes in Malat1 knockout (KO) mice. However, our study challenges this conclusion. We found that both Malat1 KO and conditional KO mice in the osteoblast lineage exhibit significant osteoporosis. Mechanistically, Malat1 acts as an intrinsic regulator in osteoblasts to promote osteogenesis. Interestingly, Malat1 does not directly affect osteoclastogenesis but inhibits osteoclastogenesis in a non-autonomous manner in vivo via integrating crosstalk between multiple cell types, including osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and chondrocytes. Our findings substantiate the existence of a novel remodeling network in which Malat1 serves as a central regulator by binding to β-catenin and functioning through the β-catenin-OPG/Jagged1 pathway in osteoblasts and chondrocytes. In pathological conditions, Malat1 significantly promotes bone regeneration in fracture healing. Bone homeostasis and regeneration are crucial to well-being. Our discoveries establish a previous unrecognized paradigm model of Malat1 function in the skeletal system, providing novel mechanistic insights into how a lncRNA integrates cellular crosstalk and molecular networks to fine tune tissue homeostasis, remodeling and repair.
Dynamic basis of lipopolysaccharide export by LptB2FGC
Authors: Dajka Marina , Rath Tobias , Morgner Nina , Joseph Benesh
Published: July 2024

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) confer resistance against harsh conditions, including antibiotics, in Gram-negative bacteria. The lipopolysaccharide transport (Lpt) complex, consisting of seven proteins (A-G), exports LPS across the cellular envelope. LptB
2
FG forms an ATP-binding cassette transporter that transfers LPS to LptC. How LptB
2
FG couples ATP binding and hydrolysis with LPS transport to LptC remains unclear. We observed the conformational heterogeneity of LptB
2
FG and LptB
2
FGC in micelles and/or proteoliposomes using pulsed dipolar electron spin resonance spectroscopy. Additionally, we monitored LPS binding and release using laser-induced liquid bead ion desorption mass spectrometry. The β-jellyroll domain of LptF stably interacts with the LptG and LptC β-jellyrolls in both the apo and vanadate-trapped states. ATP binding at the cytoplasmic side is allosterically coupled to the selective opening of the periplasmic LptF β-jellyroll domain. In LptB
2
FG, ATP binding closes the nucleotide binding domains, causing a collapse of the first lateral gate as observed in structures. However, the second lateral gate, which forms the putative en try site for LPS, exhibits a heterogeneous conformation. LptC binding limits the flexibility of this gate to two conformations, likely representing the helix of LptC as either released from or inserted into the transmembrane domains. Our results reveal the regulation of the LPS entry gate through the dynamic behavior of the LptC transmembrane helix, while its β-jellyroll domain is anchored in the periplasm. This, combined with long-range ATP-dependent allosteric gating of the LptF β-jellyroll domain, may ensure efficient and unidirectional transport of LPS across the periplasm.
A Review on Nano Herbicides: The Future of Weed Management
Authors: S. Adarsh , S. Shilpa , M. Ameena , V.S. Susha , K. Sreelekshmi , B. Renjan , Umkhulzum Fathima , V.S. Sethulakshmi , Shanavas Shifina
Published: July 2024

Weeds pose significant challenges to global agricultural productivity, with India alone experiencing annual losses of $11 billion due to weed infestations, despite the extensive use of herbicides. The drawbacks of conventional herbicide formulations contribute to their suboptimal performance. Rotating herbicides and use of appropriate mixtures are two key approaches to suppress the weed floral shift and resistance development to herbicide in weeds. Doubts persist regarding the effectiveness of these herbicides, prompting the exploration of more efficient control methods. Using lower amounts of herbicides is preferred because it decreases the lasting impact of herbicide residues in agricultural regions and their environmental toxicity. Nano herbicides can facilitate the efficient transport of herbicides to weed plants, thereby minimizing the buildup of residues in the soil. Nanotechnology emerges as a promising avenue for herbicide development, offering 'Smart herbicides' with heightened effectiveness and reduced application volumes. Nano herbicides employ innovative mechanisms, effectively depleting weed seed banks, degrading germination inhibitors, and facilitating gradual herbicide release. Techniques like damaging weed pollen grains and utilising carbon nanotubes demonstrate inventive approaches to seed bank depletion. Controlled release formulations ensure prolonged and efficient weed suppression while minimising environmental impact. Moreover, incorporating metal ions accelerates herbicide residue degradation, mitigating environmental persistence. Enhanced plant growth with nano herbicide application emphasizes their potential as sustainable weed control solutions. However, further research is essential to ensure their safety and efficacy before widespread adoption in commercial agriculture, addressing potential risks associated with their application. Introducing nano herbicides signifies a significant advancement in sustainable weed management practices, promising a future where agricultural productivity can be safeguarded against weed infestations.
Sosyo-Duygusal e-Yeterlikler Ölçeği: Türkçeye Uyarlama, Geçerlik ve Güvenirlik Çalışması
Authors: Atay Mustafa Remzi , Balcı Çelik Seher
Published: July 2024

Bu çalışmanın amacı Sosyo-Duygusal e-Yeterlikler Ölçeği’ni Türkçeye uyarlamak ve psikometrik özelliklerini değerlendirmektir. Araştırmanın çalışma grubunu yaşları 14 ile 18 arasında değişen 455 ergen (270 kız / 185 erkek) oluşturmaktadır. Ölçeğin yapı geçerliği doğrulayıcı faktör analizi ile incelenmiş, 25 maddeden oluşan beş faktörlü yapının orijinalindeki gibi doğrulandığı görülmüştür. Ölçüt bağıntılı geçerlik için Duygusal Zeka Ölçeği kullanılmış, sosyo-duygusal e-yeterlikler ile duygusal zeka arasında orta düzeyde pozitif yönlü anlamlı ilişki (r=,39, p
Communicating Public Health Advice After a Chemical Spill: Results From National Surveys in the United Kingdom and Poland
Authors: Pearce Julia M. , Rubin G. James , Amlôt Richard , Wessely Simon , Rogers M. Brooke
Published: December 2012

Objective

The aim of this study was to enhance public health preparedness for incidents that involve the large-scale release of a hazardous substance by examining factors likely to influence public responses to official guidance on how to limit their exposure.

Methods

An online demographically representative survey was conducted in the United Kingdom (n = 601) and Poland (n = 602) to test the strength of association of trust in authorities, anxiety, threat, and coping appraisals with the intention to comply with advice to shelter in place following a hypothetical chemical spill. The impact of ease of compliance and style of message presentation were also examined.

Results

Participants were more likely to comply if at home when the incident happened, but message presentation had little impact. Coping appraisals and trust were key predictors of compliance, but threat appraisals were associated with noncompliance. Anxiety was seen to promote behavioral change. UK participants were more likely to comply than Polish participants.

Conclusions

Successful crisis communications during an emergency should aim to influence perceptions regarding the efficacy of recommended behaviors, the difficulties people may have in following advice, and perceptions about the cost of following recommended behaviors. Generic principles of crisis communication may need adaptation for national contexts. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2013;7:65-74)
Resummation in nonlinear equation for high energy factorizable gluon density and its extension to include coherence
Authors: Kutak Krzysztof
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Motivated by forthcoming p-Pb experiments at Large Hadron Collider which require both knowledge of gluon densities accounting for saturation and for processes at a wide range ofptwe study basic momentum space evolution equations of high energy QCD factorization. Solutions of those equations might be used to form a set of gluon densities to calculate observables in generalized high energy factorization. Moreover in order to provide a framework for predictions for exclusive final states in p-Pb scattering with highptwe rewrite the equation for the high energy factorizable gluon density in a resummed form, similarly to what has been done in [1] for the BK equation. The resummed equation is then extended to account for colour coherence. This introduces an external scale to the evolution of the gluon density, and therefore makes it applicable in studies of final states.
Does parentification place Mexican‐heritage youth at risk for substance use? Identifying the intervening nature of parent–child communication about alcohol
Authors: Shin YoungJu , Hecht Michael L.
Published: December 2012

Past research on parentification suggests that adopting adult responsibilities to the point at which the child plays a parental role places children at risk for poor mental and behavioral health outcomes. Since family relations are particularly important in Mexican culture, two hypotheses were posed to examine the indirect effects of parentification on Mexican‐heritage youths' substance use via parent–child communication about alcohol, while examining the moderating effects of parent–child closeness. Mexican‐heritage youth (N = 697) from 23 public middle schools in Phoenix, AZ completed surveys at three waves. Structural equation modeling results provided partial support for the hypotheses. Mexican‐heritage youth experiencing problem‐solving parentification were more likely to talk with a parent about alcohol and, in turn, less likely to use substances. This mediation effect, however, was not found with respect to adult parentification, and parent–child closeness was not a significant moderator. Implications for the beneficial effects of problem‐solving parentification are discussed.
Empirical Evidence of Repertoire Size
Authors: Banelis Melissa , Riebe Erica , Rungie Campbell M.
Published: December 2012

Empirical research over several decades has demonstrated that the average buyer in a repeat-purchase category purchases a repertoire of brands. While the commonality of this behaviour and its implications for managers are widely cited, little is known about the characteristics of a typical repertoire, and the market factors that may influence the make-up of the repertoire. Such knowledge would be a useful precursor to the implementation of marketing efforts for brands in such categories.

This paper provides much needed descriptive knowledge of the typical repertoire (i.e. its size and how it varies across consumers, time and categories). We describe this for all brands in two data sets, one containing 48 consumer goods categories and one containing 74 consumer goods categories. Our research provides information on what is typical given specific market conditions for categories and brands within those categories and thus allows for managers to measure the impact that their activities have on repertoire buying behaviour.
Determinants of sexual dysfunction among middle‐aged women
Authors: Cabral Patrícia U.L. , Canário Ana C.G. , Spyrides Maria H.C. , Uchôa Severina A.C. , Eleutério José , Gonçalves Ana K.
Published: December 2012

Objective

To assess the determinants of sexual dysfunction among middle‐aged women.

Methods

In a cross‐sectional, questionnaire‐based study of middle‐aged women (aged 40–65 years) attending a public healthcare facility in Natal, Brazil, data on sociodemographic, clinical, and behavioral characteristics were collected between May and October 2011. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Blatt–Kupperman Menopausal Index (BKMI), International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and WHO quality of life questionnaire (WHOQOL‐Bref) were used to collect data, which were analyzed by relative frequency and percentage of variables, followed by Pearson χ2 test and logistic regression analysis.

Results

Among 370 study participants, 67% exhibited sexual dysfunction (FSFI ≤ 26.55). Women who were in the oldest age group (56–65 years) (P < 0.001), were divorced or separated (P < 0.001), were sedentary (P = 0.006), had undergone a hysterectomy (P = 0.016), had strong climacteric symptoms (P < 0.001), or had low quality of life (P < 0.001) had a significantly higher incidence of sexual dysfunction. Logistic regression showed that the eldest group of women (55–65 years) (95% CI, 3.4–15.7; P < 0.001), with the strongest climacteric manifestations (95% CI, 3.4–15.7; P < 0.001) and lowest quality of life (95% CI, 3.2–13.8; P < 0.001), were most likely to develop sexual dysfunction.

Conclusion

Sexual dysfunction was found to be substantially influenced by sociodemographic, biologic, and behavioral variables.
Association of GWAS‐linked loci with late‐onset Alzheimer's disease in a northern Han Chinese population
Authors: Tan Lan , Yu Jin‐Tai , Zhang Wei , Wu Zhong‐Chen , Zhang Qun , Liu Qiu‐Yan , Wang Wei , Wang Hui‐Fu , Ma Xiao‐Ying , Cui Wei‐Zhen
Published: December 2012

Objective

Five genomewide association studies (GWAS) in white populations have recently identified and confirmed 9 novel Alzheimer's disease (AD) susceptibility loci (CLU, CR1, PICALM, BIN1, ABCA7, MS4A gene cluster, CD2AP, CD33, and EPHA1). These studies have been conducted almost exclusively in white populations and it is unclear whether these observations generalize to populations with different ethnicities.

Methods

We recruited 1224 unrelated northern Han Chinese subjects comprising 612 patients with a clinical diagnosis of late‐onset AD (LOAD) according to the criteria of the National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Diseases and Stroke/Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association and 612 healthy age‐ and sex‐matched control subjects. Because of our previous study investigating CLU, CR1, and PICALM in the Han population, we limited the current analysis to BIN1, ABCA7, MS4A gene cluster, CD2AP, CD33, and EPHA1.

Results

In a multivariate analysis, associations of MS4A6A (rs610932; odds ratio = 0.632, Bonferroni corrected P = .019) and CD33 (rs3865444; odds ratio = 1.492, Bonferroni corrected P = .017) with LOAD were replicated successfully. When these data were stratified by apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 status, both rs610932 and rs610932 were evident only among subjects without the APOE ε4 allele. For BIN1, assuming a dominant model of inheritance, a positive association for rs7561528 in APOE ε4 carriers was observed. This association, however, did not remain significant after Bonferroni correction. As for ABCA7, CD2AP, and EPHA1 single nucleotide polymorphisms from recent GWAS, despite the similar directional effects, no significant differences in genotype and estimated allele frequency distribution between patients and control subjects were observed.

Conclusions

This study provides the first independent evidence that MS4A and CD33 loci are associated with the risk of LOAD in northern Han Chinese population. Genotypes at the two loci confer risk predominantly in APOE ε4‐negative subjects.
Polypharmacy in nursing home residents with severe cognitive impairment: Results from the SHELTER Study
Authors: Vetrano Davide L. , Tosato Matteo , Colloca Giuseppe , Topinkova Eva , Fialova Daniela , Gindin Jacob , van der Roest Henriëtte G. , Landi Francesco , Liperoti Rosa , Bernabei Roberto , Onder Graziano ,   SHELTER Study
Published: December 2012

Objective

Pharmacological treatment of older adults with cognitive impairment represents a challenge for prescribing physicians, and polypharmacy is common in these complex patients. The aim of the current study is to assess prevalence and factors related to polypharmacy in a sample of nursing home (nursing home) residents with advanced cognitive impairment.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional analysis of 1449 nursing home residents with advanced cognitive impairment participating to the Services and Health for Elderly in Long Term Care (SHELTER) project, a study collecting information on residents admitted to 57 nursing home in eight countries. Data were collected using the International Resident Assessment Instrument (InterRAI) for long‐term care facilities. Polypharmacy status was categorized into three groups: nonpolypharmacy (zero to four drugs), polypharmacy (five to nine drugs), and excessive polypharmacy (≥10 drugs).

Results

Polypharmacy was observed in 735 residents (50.7%) and excessive polypharmacy was seen in 245 (16.9%). Compared with nonpolypharmacy, excessive polypharmacy was associated directly with ischemic heart disease (odds ratio [OR], 3.68; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.01–6.74), diabetes mellitus (OR, 2.66; 95% CI; 1.46–4.84), Parkinson's disease (OR, 2.84; 95% CI, 1.36–5.85), gastrointestinal symptoms (OR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.43–3.39), pain (OR, 3.12; 95% CI, 1.99–4.89), dyspnea (OR, 2.57; 95% CI, 1.31–5.07), and recent hospitalization (OR, 2.56; 95% CI, 1.36–5.85). An inverse relation with excessive polypharmacy was shown for age (OR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.59–0.93), activities of daily living disability (OR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.63–0.99) and presence of a geriatrician on the nursing home staff (OR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.20–0.64).

Conclusion

Polypharmacy and excessive polypharmacy are common among nursing home residents with advanced cognitive impairment. Determinants of polypharmacy status includes not only comorbidities, but also specific symptoms, age, and functional status. A geriatrician in the facility is associated with lower prevalence of excessive polypharmacy.
Light emission and current rectification in a molecular device: Experiment and theory
Authors: Saraiva-Souza A. , Souza F. M. , Baldissera G. , Silva W. E. , Roman L. S. , Mendes Filho J. , Del Nero J. , Fazzio A. , Souza Filho A. G.
Published: December 2012

We have investigated optical and transport properties of the molecular structure 2,3,4,5-tetraphenyl-1-phenylethynyl-cyclopenta-2,4-dienol experimentally and theoretically. The optical spectrum was calculated using Hartree-Fock-intermediate neglect of differential overlap-configuration interaction model. The experimental photoluminescence spectrum showed a peak around 470 nm which was very well described by the modeling. Electronic transport measurements showed a diode-like effect with a strong current rectification. A phenomenological microscopic model based on non-equilibrium Green's function technique was proposed and a very good description electronic transport was obtained.
Al:ZnO thin film: An efficient matrix for cholesterol detection
Authors: Batra Neha , Tomar Monika , Gupta Vinay
Published: December 2012

Al doped ZnO thin film (Al:ZnO) has been realized as a potential matrix for the development of efficient cholesterol biosensor. The correlation between the structural and electrical properties of ZnO thin film with varying Al doping concentration (1% to 5%) and their cyclic voltammetric (CV) response has been studied. 2% Al doped ZnO films were found to give the best CV response and were further utilized for immobilization of cholesterol oxidase (ChOx) to detect cholesterol. Amperometric and photometric studies reveal that the prepared bioelectrode based on 2% Al doped ZnO matrix (ChOx/Al:ZnO/Pt/glass) is highly sensitive (sensitivity = 173 μAmM−1 cm−2) to the detection of cholesterol in the wide range from 0.6–12.9 mM (25–500 mg/dl). A relatively low value of enzyme's kinetic parameter (Michaelis menten constant, 2.53 mM) indicates enhanced affinity of the immobilized ChOx toward cholesterol. The prepared bioelectrode is found to be exhibiting high shelf life (10 weeks) having negligible interference with the presence of other biomolecules in human serum indicating promising application of Al doped ZnO thin films for cholesterol biosensing.
A local dissipation theorem
Authors: Talaei Zahra , Reid James C. , Searles Debra J.
Published: December 2012

The transient time correlation function is a standard method for measuring transport properties in simulations. It represents a special case of a more general theorem, the dissipation theorem, that indirectly calculates phase function averages though the use of the dissipation function. These indirect averages often have significantly less statistical error than direct averages. Recently, it has been demonstrated that a local version of the fluctuation theorem can be derived with a well defined deviation from the global result at sufficiently low fields. Here we show that a similar local expression can be obtained for the dissipation theorem, providing a way of determining values of phase functions by monitoring the fluctuations of phase functions in a small region of the system.
Role of wrinkle height in friction variation with number of graphene layers
Authors: Ye Zhijiang , Tang Chun , Dong Yalin , Martini Ashlie
Published: December 2012

Molecular dynamics simulations are performed to study the frictional behavior of graphene. It is found that the friction between a diamond tip and graphene decreases with increasing number of graphene layers. This behavior is also affected by the graphene sheet size; specifically, the effect of the number of layers on friction becomes significant only when the modeled graphene sheets exceed a critical length. We further show that the frictional behavior can be directly correlated to the height of near-contact wrinkles that resist sliding. These observations are rationalized in terms of the ability of multiple sheets to act as a single material as they resist wrinkle formation.
Eigenvalues of the homogeneous finite linear one step master equation: Applications to downhill folding
Authors: Lane Thomas J. , Pande Vijay S.
Published: December 2012

Motivated by the observed time scales in protein systems said to fold “downhill,” we have studied the finite, linear master equation, with uniform rates forward and backward as a model of the downhill process. By solving for the system eigenvalues, we prove the claim that in situations where there is no free energy barrier a transition between single- and multi-exponential kinetics occurs at sufficient bias (towards the native state). Consequences for protein folding, especially the downhill folding scenario, are briefly discussed.
Application of parametric equations of motion to study the resonance coalescence in $\text{H}_{2}^{+}$H2+
Authors: Kalita Dhruba J. , Gupta Ashish K.
Published: December 2012

Recently, occurrence of coalescence point was reported in \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$\text{H}_{2}^{+}$\end{document}H2+ undergoing multiphoton dissociation in strong laser field. We have applied parametric equations of motion and smooth exterior scaling method to study the coalescence phenomenon of \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$\text{H}_{2}^{+}$\end{document}H2+. The advantage of this method is that one can easily trace the different states that are changing as the field parameters change. It was reported earlier that in the parameter space, only two bound states coalesce [R. Lefebvre, O. Atabek, M. Sindelka, and N. Moiseyev, Phys. Rev. Lett. 103, 123003 (2009)10.1103/PhysRevLett.103.123003]. However, it is found that increasing the accuracy of the calculation leads to the coalescence between resonance states originating from the bound and the continuum states. We have also reported many other coalescence points.
Combinatorial matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation: Single-step synthesis of biopolymer compositional gradient thin film assemblies
Authors: Sima F. , Axente E. , Sima L. E. , Tuyel U. , Eroglu M. S. , Serban N. , Ristoscu C. , Petrescu S. M. , Toksoy Oner E. , Mihailescu I. N.
Published: December 2012

We introduce a combinatorial approach for the fabrication of organic biopolymer thin films. Structures with compositional gradient are obtained by simultaneous laser vaporization of two distinct targets. Matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation deposition method was applied to obtain a compositional library of levan and oxidized levan in form of thin film. The gradient of film composition and structure was demonstrated by infrared spectroscopy while in vitro cell culture assays illustrated characteristic responses of cells to specific surface regions. The method can rapidly generate discrete areas of organic film compositions with improved properties than starting materials.
Integration of high-dielectric constant Ta2O5 oxides on diamond for power devices
Authors: Cheng Shaoheng , Sang Liwen , Liao Meiyong , Liu Jiangwei , Imura Masataka , Li Hongdong , Koide Yasuo
Published: December 2012

The authors report on the direct integration of high-dielectric constant (high-k) Ta2O5 films on p-type single crystal diamond for high-power electronic devices. Crystallized hexagonal phase δ-Ta2O5 film is achieved on diamond by annealing the amorphous Ta2O5 film deposited by a sputter-deposition technique. The electrical properties of the Ta2O5 thin films are investigated by fabricating metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) diodes. The leakage current of the MIS diode is as low as 10−8 A/cm2 for the as-deposited amorphous Ta2O5 film and 10−2 A/cm2 for the crystallized film, which is 108 and 102 times lower than that of the Schottky diode at a forward bias of −3 V, respectively. The dielectric constant of the amorphous Ta2O5 films is measured to be 16 and increases to 29 after annealing at 800  °C. Different current leakage mechanisms and charge trapping behaviors are proposed for the amorphous and crystallized Ta2O5 thin films.
Arl13b regulates endocytic recycling traffic
Authors: Barral Duarte C. , Garg Salil , Casalou Cristina , Watts Gerald F. M. , Sandoval José L. , Ramalho José S. , Hsu Victor W. , Brenner Michael B.
Published: December 2012

Intracellular recycling pathways play critical roles in internalizing membrane and fluid phase cargo and in balancing the inflow and outflow of membrane and cell surface molecules. To identify proteins involved in the regulation of endocytic recycling, we used an shRNA trafficking library and screened for changes in the surface expression of CD1a antigen-presenting molecules that follow an endocytic recycling route. We found that silencing of the ADP-ribosylation factor (Arf)-like small GTPase Arl13b led to a decrease in CD1a surface expression, diminished CD1a function, and delayed CD1a recycling, suggesting that Arl13b is involved in the regulation of endocytic recycling traffic. Arl13b appears to be required for the major route of endocytic trafficking, causing clustering of early endosomes and leading to the accumulation of endocytic cargo. Moreover, Arl13b colocalized with markers of the endocytic recycling pathway followed by CD1a, namely Arf6 and Rab22a. We also detected an interaction between Arl13b and the actin cytoskeleton. Arl13b was previously implicated in cilia formation and function. Our present results indicate a previously unidentified role for Arl13b in endocytic recycling traffic and suggest a link between Arl13b function and the actin cytoskeleton.
Deep Hooking and Angling Success When Passively and Actively Fishing for Stream-Dwelling Trout with Baited J and Circle Hooks
Authors: Sullivan Christopher L. , Meyer Kevin A. , Schill Daniel J.
Published: December 2012

Circle hooks are becoming commonplace in recreational fisheries because they often reduce deep hooking, but there has been little evaluation of their effectiveness in trout fisheries. To compare the occurrence of deep hooking and angling success rates for stream-dwelling trout, we used three baited hook types (i.e., inline circle hooks, inline J hooks, and 4°-offset J hooks) fished with two angling methods (i.e., active fishing, using a traditional bait fishing hook set; and passive fishing, with no sharp hook set). Of the 583 wild trout caught by anglers, 20% were deep hooked. The deep hooking rate varied by hook type and angling method, but the interaction term hook type × angling method was statistically significant, indicating that the effect of hook type could not be interpreted separately from fishing method. Accordingly, the occurrence of deep hooking was significantly greater for offset J hooks fished passively (28 ± 9% [95% CI about the mean]) and inline J hooks fished actively (27 ± 9%) than for offset J hooks fished actively (9 ± 6%) and inline circle hooks fished actively (10 ± 6%). Fish length affected deep-hooking rates, such that trout smaller than 250 mm were less likely to be deeply hooked than trout 250–350 mm in length. Hooking success (i.e., successful hook-ups divided by strikes) was greatest for actively fished inline J hooks (75 ± 7%), lowest for passively fished inline circle hooks (45 ± 6%) and passively fished offset J hooks (48 ± 8%), and always greater for actively fished hooks than for passively fished hooks of the same type. We found deep hooking was nearly twice as likely for inline circle hooks when fished according to manufacturers’ recommendations (i.e., passively) than when fished actively. These results and those of others suggest that fishing circle hooks actively when bait fishing for stream-dwelling trout will result in less deep hooking than fishing circle hooks passively.

Received May 25, 2012; accepted September 17, 2012
Evaluation of Hydrolyzed Poultry Feathers as a Dietary Ingredient for Pond-Raised Channel Catfish
Authors: Li Menghe H , Robinson Edwin H , Bosworth Brian G , Oberle Daniel F , Lucas Penelope M
Published: December 2012

The present study examined the use of hydrolyzed poultry feathers (HPF) as a replacement for soybean meal in diets for pond raised Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus. Four isonitrogenous (28% crude protein) diets were evaluated that contained 0, 5, 10, or 15% HPF. Fingerling Channel Catfish (mean ± SD initial weight was 47.5 ± 2.2 g) were stocked into twenty 0.04-ha earthen ponds at a rate of 14,830 fish/ha. Fish were fed once daily to apparent satiation for 140 d. No significant differences were observed for weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and survival among fish fed various levels of HPF. There were also no significant differences in net yield of fish fed diets containing 0, 5, and 10% HPF, but net yield of fish fed a diet containing 15% HPF was significantly lower than that of fish fed the control diet. Fish on diets containing 5% HPF and above were fed significantly less feed than fish fed the control diet. Regression analysis showed that total amount of diet fed, net yield, and weight gain decreased linearly as dietary HPF levels increased. Based on weight gain and net yield data, 5% HPF with supplemental lysine may be used in Channel Catfish diets without marked impact on fish growth performance. However, carcass and fillet yield were significantly reduced in fish fed diets containing 5% HPF and higher. Fillet protein generally decreased and fillet fat increased with increasing dietary HPF levels.
Exotic mitotic mechanisms
Authors: Drechsler Hauke , McAinsh Andrew D.
Published: December 2012

The emergence of eukaryotes around two billion years ago provided new challenges for the chromosome segregation machineries: the physical separation of multiple large and linear chromosomes from the microtubule-organizing centres by the nuclear envelope. In this review, we set out the diverse solutions that eukaryotic cells use to solve this problem, and show how stepping away from ‘mainstream’ mitosis can teach us much about the mechanisms and mechanics that can drive chromosome segregation. We discuss the evidence for a close functional and physical relationship between membranes, nuclear pores and kinetochores in generating the forces necessary for chromosome segregation during mitosis.
Pediococcus lolii

DSM 19927T and JCM 15055T are strains of

Pediococcus acidilactici
Authors: Wieme Anneleen , Cleenwerck Ilse , Van Landschoot Anita , Vandamme Peter
Published: December 2012

Strain NGRI 0510QT, isolated from ryegrass silage, was recently classified as a representative of a novel

Pediococcus

species,

Pediococcus lolii

Doi et al. 2009. It was deposited in the DSMZ and JCM culture collections as DSM 19927T and JCM 15055T, respectively. A polyphasic taxonomic study, including matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, pheS and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, fluorescent amplified fragment length polymorphism and DNA–DNA hybridization, was used to prove that both subcultures of the type, and only, strain of this species are strains of

Pediococcus acidilactici

.
Aneuploidy causes proteotoxic stress in yeast
Authors: Oromendia Ana B. , Dodgson Stacie E. , Amon Angelika
Published: December 2012

Gains or losses of entire chromosomes lead to aneuploidy, a condition tolerated poorly in all eukaryotes analyzed to date. How aneuploidy affects organismal and cellular physiology is poorly understood. We found that aneuploid budding yeast cells are under proteotoxic stress. Aneuploid strains are prone to aggregation of endogenous proteins as well as of ectopically expressed hard-to-fold proteins such as those containing polyglutamine (polyQ) stretches. Protein aggregate formation in aneuploid yeast strains is likely due to limiting protein quality-control systems, since the proteasome and at least one chaperone family, Hsp90, are compromised in many aneuploid strains. The link between aneuploidy and the formation and persistence of protein aggregates could have important implications for diseases such as cancer and neurodegeneration.