bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
(Big) Data, Diagram Aesthetics and the Question concerning Beauty
Authors: Heinrich Falk
Published: March 2016

The article investigates whether and in which way artistic artefacts deploying big data can be experienced as beautiful. The question is relevant, because the sentiment of beauty indicates besides an immediate sensory valuation also changes in cultural values and epistemic frameworks. The article focuses on artistic data visualisations. It applies concepts of philosophical aesthetics in order to trace an altered notion of beauty and its artistic and cultural implications.The article’s introductory part presents some examples of data visualisations and introduces relevant notions of beauty and big data. The main part discusses the changes in our concept of beauty by analysing data visualisation in the light of conceptual art and its aesthetics of the sublime. Data visualizations present potentially unfathomable and complex information that is associated with the sublime, but represent data in a way that allows for understanding by means of imaginations, which are aspects of beauty. The article elaborates on the simultaneity of and oscillation between aesthetic beauty and the aesthetic sublime, by introducing Deleuze’s understandings of the concept of the diagram that is able to mediate between visualisation as representation and diagrams as performative machine of formation and displacement of data relations.
Data aesthetics - between clouds of information and subjective experience
Authors: Bjoernsten Thomas
Published: March 2016

This article takes it point of departure from a three-year research project entitled “Making sense of data – understanding digital reality through contemporary artistic practices of visualization and sonification”. As the project does, so will this article focus on the analysis of specific practices and artefacts, occupied with exploring digital formats and data through both visualization and sonification strategies (the latter referring to the task of turning data into audible sound), thus, expanding the use of large data sets into the sphere of art and the aesthetic. The article will critically discuss such artistic renderings of what might be termed as ‘Big Data’ and how these various data-translations are presented in the form of artefacts, installations, and performances that establish different aesthetic experiences and effects. A further point developed within the article will be how the examples addressed here diverge according to the data sets used, as something either drawn from large public and (mostly) accessible databases or individually collected data.
Stereotyped spatial patterns of functional synaptic connectivity in the cerebellar cortex
Authors: Valera Antoine M , Binda Francesca , Pawlowski Sophie A , Dupont Jean-Luc , Casella Jean-François , Rothstein Jeffrey D , Poulain Bernard , Isope Philippe
Published: March 2016

Motor coordination is supported by an array of highly organized heterogeneous modules in the cerebellum. How incoming sensorimotor information is channeled and communicated between these anatomical modules is still poorly understood. In this study, we used transgenic mice expressing GFP in specific subsets of Purkinje cells that allowed us to target a given set of cerebellar modules. Combining in vitro recordings and photostimulation, we identified stereotyped patterns of functional synaptic organization between the granule cell layer and its main targets, the Purkinje cells, Golgi cells and molecular layer interneurons. Each type of connection displayed position-specific patterns of granule cell synaptic inputs that do not strictly match with anatomical boundaries but connect distant cortical modules. Although these patterns can be adjusted by activity-dependent processes, they were found to be consistent and predictable between animals. Our results highlight the operational rules underlying communication between modules in the cerebellar cortex.
Testicular cysts: Management and literature review
Authors: Khorsandi Moez , Lobby Nancy , Harkaway Richard C , Ginsberg Phillip C
Published: March 2016

Simple testicular cysts are extremely rare; only 20 cases have been reported in the literature. Sites include the tunica albuginea, tunica vaginalis, and testicular epidermis. Conservative enucleation is an effective treatment for these lesions once ultrasound examination establishes that the mass is cystic. Such Enucleation salvages testicular tissue. In the cases discussed, two patients were initially evaluated for vague testicular discomfort and one patient for male infertility. All were subsequently found to have benign testicular cysts. All the cysts were excised, and all patients remain disease-free. Included is a case series report of simple testicular cysts and a review of the literature.
Complementary resistive switching of annealed Ti/Cu2O/Ti stacks
Authors: Wang Hao-Yu , Jou Shyankay , Huang Bohr-Ran , Song Wan-Jhen , Mao Tzu-Zing
Published: March 2016

Ti/Cu2O/Ti stacks with 25-nm-thick Cu2O layers were produced by sputter deposition and lift-off processes utilizing three photolithographic masks. Subsequent annealing of the Ti/Cu2O/Ti stacks at 250 °C in a vacuum induced interfacial reactions between the Ti and Cu2O layers and converted the Ti/Cu2O/Ti stacks to a Ti/TiO
x
/Cu/TiO
x
/Ti structure. This pentalayered stack resembled a pair of antiserial Ti/TiO
x
/Cu and Cu/TiO
x
/Ti resistive switching devices and, therefore, demonstrated complementary resistive switching behaviors.
Oxygen precipitates distributed around random grain boundaries in a cast-grown multicrystalline silicon crystal
Authors: Uno Takumi , Sato Kuniyuki , Ogura Atsushi , Ono Haruhiko
Published: March 2016

We investigated oxygen precipitates and grain boundaries (GBs) in multicrystalline silicon for solar cells. We observed the distribution of GBs on both sides of the specimen by using an electron backscattering pattern to be able to compare it with the distribution of oxygen precipitates revealed by infrared absorption spectroscopy. We precisely examined the relationship between oxygen precipitates and various GBs, which are coincidence site lattice GBs (

) and random GBs, and found that the distribution of oxygen precipitates coincided with that of random GBs. Furthermore, we annealed the specimen in which the oxygen precipitates already existed around the random GBs, and found that the dispersion and coalescence of the precipitates took place.
Theoretical calculation of performance enhancement in lattice-matched SiGeSn/GeSn p-channel tunneling field-effect transistor with type-II staggered tunneling junction
Authors: Wang Hongjuan , Han Genquan , Wang Yibo , Peng Yue , Liu Yan , Zhang Chunfu , Zhang Jincheng , Hu Shengdong , Hao Yue
Published: March 2016

In this work, a lattice-matched SiGeSn/GeSn heterostructure p-channel tunneling field-effect transistor (hetero-PTFET) with a type-II staggered tunneling junction (TJ) is investigated theoretically. Lattice matching and type-II band alignment at the Γ-point is obtained at the SiGeSn/GeSn interface by tuning Sn and Si compositions. A steeper subthreshold swing (SS) and a higher on state current (I
ON) are demonstrated in SiGeSn/GeSn hetero-PTFET than in GeSn homo-PTFET. Si0.31Ge0.49Sn0.20/Ge0.88Sn0.12 hetero-PTFET achieves a 2.3-fold higher I
ON than Ge0.88Sn0.12 homo-PTFET at V
DD of 0.3 V. Hetero-PTFET achieves a more abrupt hole profile and a higher carrier density near TJ than the homo-PTFET, which contributes to the significantly enhanced band-to-band tunneling (BTBT) rate and tunneling current in hetero-PTFET.
Analysis of printed organic MOSFET characteristics with a focus on the temperature dependence
Authors: Zenitani Hiroshi , Maiti Tapas Kumar , Hayashi Takuro , Tanimoto Yuta , Sato Kenshiro , Chen Lei , Kikuchihara Hideyuki , Miura-Mattausch Mitiko , Mattausch Hans Jürgen
Published: March 2016

An experimental and theoretical investigation of the device characteristics of printed organic MOSFETs with a focus on the temperature dependence is reported. In particular, an anomalous behavior of the temperature dependence of the I
ds–V
gs characteristic is observed, which is found to be increased at higher temperature in MOSFETs fabricated with the printing technology. Our analysis suggests that the temperature dependence of the trap density and the carrier transport mechanism are the causes for this anomalous increase at higher temperature. The results obtained with the compact model HiSIM-Organic, developed based on the physics of carrier dynamics in organic materials, confirm these conclusions. Improving stable characteristics in circuit applications are demonstrated to be achievable at higher temperatures, due to these anomalous properties of organic MOSFETs fabricated by applying the printing technology.
Occurrence ofTerranovalarval types (Nematoda: Anisakidae) in Australian marine fish with comments on their specific identities
Authors: Shamsi Shokoofeh , Suthar Jaydipbhai
Published: March 2016

Pseudoterranovosis is a well-known human disease caused by anisakid larvae belonging to the genusPseudoterranova. Human infection occurs after consuming infected fish. Hence the presence ofPseudoterranovalarvae in the flesh of the fish can cause serious losses and problems for the seafood, fishing and fisheries industries. The accurate identification ofPseudoterranovalarvae in fish is important, but challenging because the larval stages of a number of different genera, includingPseudoterranova,TerranovaandPulchrascaris, look similar and cannot be differentiated from each other using morphological criteria, hence they are all referred to asTerranovalarval type. Given thatTerranovalarval types in seafood are not necessarilyPseudoterranovaand may not be dangerous, the aim of the present study was to investigate the occurrence ofTerranovalarval types in Australian marine fish and to determine their specific identity. A total of 137 fish belonging to 45 species were examined.Terranovalarval types were found in 13 species, some of which were popular edible fish in Australia. The sequences of the first and second internal transcribed spacers (ITS-1 and ITS-2 respectively) of theTerranovalarvae in the present study showed a high degree of similarity suggesting that they all belong to the same species. Due to the lack of a comparable sequence data of a well identified adult in the GenBank database the specific identity ofTerranovalarval type in the present study remains unknown. The sequence of the ITS regions of theTerranovalarval type in the present study and those ofPseudoterranovaspp. available in GenBank are significantly different, suggesting that larvae found in the present study do not belong to the genusPseudoterranova, which is zoonotic. This study does not rule out the presence ofPseudoterranovalarvae in Australian fish asPseudoterranova decipiens Ehas been reported in adult form from seals in Antarctica and it is known that they have seasonal presence in Australian southern coasts. The genetic distinction ofTerranovalarval type in the present study fromPseudoterranovaspp. along with the presence of more species of elasmobranchs in Australian waters (definitive hosts ofTerranovaspp. andPulchrascarisspp.) than seals (definitive hosts ofPseudoterranovaspp.) suggest thatTerranovalarval type in the present study belong to either genusTerranovaorPulchrascaris, which are not known to cause disease in humans. The present study provides essential information that could be helpful to identify AustralianTerranovalarval types in future studies. Examination and characterisation of further specimens, especially adults ofTerranovaandPulchrascaris, is necessary to fully elucidate the identity of these larvae.
Evaluation of the validity of the Psychology Experiment Building Language tests of vigilance, auditory memory, and decision making
Authors: Piper Brian , Mueller Shane T. , Talebzadeh Sara , Ki Min Jung
Published: March 2016

Background.The Psychology Experimental Building Language (PEBL) test battery (http://pebl.sourceforge.net/) is a popular application for neurobehavioral investigations. This study evaluated the correspondence between the PEBL and the non-PEBL versions of four executive function tests.

Methods.In one cohort, young-adults (N= 44) completed both the Conner’s Continuous Performance Test (CCPT) and the PEBL CPT (PCPT) with the order counter-balanced. In a second cohort, participants (N= 47) completed a non-computerized (Wechsler) and a computerized (PEBL) Digit Span (WDS orPDS) both Forward and Backward. Participants also completed the Psychological Assessment Resources or the PEBL versions of the Iowa Gambling Task (PARIGT orPEBLIGT).

Results. The between-test correlations were moderately high (reaction timer= 0.78, omission errorsr= 0.65, commission errorsr= 0.66) on the CPT. DS Forward was significantly greater than DS Backward on theWDS (p< .0005) and thePDS (p< .0005). The totalWDS score was moderately correlated with thePDS (r= 0.56). ThePARIGT and thePEBLIGTs showed a very similar pattern for response times across blocks, development of preference for Advantageous over Disadvantageous Decks, and Deck selections. However, the amount of money earned (score–loan) was significantly higher in thePEBLIGT during the last Block.

Conclusions. These findings are broadly supportive of the criterion validity of the PEBL measures of sustained attention, short-term memory, and decision making. Select differences between workalike versions of the same test highlight how detailed aspects of implementation may have more important consequences for computerized testing than has been previously acknowledged.
Evaluation of thyroid antibodies and benign disease prevalence among young adults exposed to131I more than 25 years after the accident at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant
Authors: Kimura Yuko , Hayashida Naomi , Takahashi Jumpei , Rafalsky Ruslan , Saiko Alexsey , Gutevich Alexander , Chorniy Sergiy , Kudo Takashi , Takamura Noboru
Published: March 2016

Background.The Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant (CNPP) accident exposed a large number of inhabitants to internal131I radiation. The associations between internal131I exposure and thyroid autoimmunity and benign thyroid diseases remain controversial in the population living in the contaminated area around the CNNP. In this study, we evaluate the association of131I with benign thyroid diseases.Methods.We compared the prevalence of Anti-Thyroid Autoantibodies (ATAs), thyroid function, and prevalence of thyroid ultrasound finding outcomes in 300 residents of the contaminated area of Ukraine who were 0–5 years of age at the time of the CNPP accident (group 1) and 300 sex-matched residents who were born after the accident (group 2).Results.We did not find any differences of the prevalence of Antithyroglobulin Antibodies (TGAb) positive, Antithyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPOAb) positive, and TGAb and/or TPOAb positive between the study groups. (11.7% vs 10.3%;p= 0.602, 17.3% vs 13.0%;p= 0.136, 21.0% vs 17.3%;p= 0.254, respectively); after adjusting for age and sex, the prevalence was not associated with the131I exposure status in the study groups. The prevalence of subclinical and overt hypothyroidism cases was not significantly different (p= 0.093 andp= 0.320) in the two groups, nor was the prevalence of goiter (p= 0.482). On the other hand, the prevalence of nodules was significantly higher in group 1 (p= 0.003), though not significantly so after adjustment for age and sex.Discussion.Working 26–27 years after the CNNP accident, we found no increased prevalence of ATAs or benign thyroid diseases in young adults exposed to131I fallout during early childhood in the contaminated area of Ukraine. Long-term follow-up is needed to clarify the effects of radiation exposure on autoimmunity reaction in the thyroid.
The risk of smoking on multiple sclerosis: a meta-analysis based on 20,626 cases from case-control and cohort studies
Authors: Zhang Peng , Wang Rui , Li Zhijun , Wang Yuhan , Gao Chunshi , Lv Xin , Song Yuanyuan , Li Bo
Published: March 2016

Background.Multiple sclerosis (MS) has become a disease that represents a tremendous burden on patients, families, and societies. The exact etiology of MS is still unclear, but it is believed that a combination of genetic and environmental factors contribute to this disease. Although some meta-analyses on the association between smoking and MS have been previously published, a number of new studies with larger population data have published since then. Consequently, these additional critical articles need to be taken into consideration.

Method.We reviewed articles by searching in PubMed and EMBASE. Both conservative and non-conservative models were used to investigate the association between smoking and the susceptibility to MS. We also explored the effect of smoking on the susceptibility to MS in strata of different genders and smoking habits. The association between passive smoking and MS was also explored.

Results.The results of this study suggest that smoking is a risk factor for MS (conservative model: odds ratio (OR) 1.55, 95% CI [1.48–1.62],p< 0.001; non-conservative model: 1.57, 95% CI [1.50–1.64],p< 0.001). Smoking appears to increase the risk of MS more in men than in women and in current smokers more than in past smokers. People who exposed to passive smoking have higher risk of MS than those unexposed.

Conclusion.This study demonstrated that exposure to smoking is an important risk factor for MS. People will benefit from smoking cessation, and policymakers should pay attention to the association between smoking and MS.
Movement, demographics, and occupancy dynamics of a federally threatened salamander: evaluating the adequacy of critical habitat
Authors: Bendik Nathan F. , McEntire Kira D. , Sissel Blake N.
Published: March 2016

Critical habitat for many species is often limited to occupied localities. For rare and cryptic species, or those lacking sufficient data, occupied habitats may go unrecognized, potentially hindering species recovery. Proposed critical habitat for the aquatic Jollyville Plateau salamander (Eurycea tonkawae) and two sister species was delineated based on the assumption that surface habitat is restricted to springs and excludes intervening stream reaches. To test this assumption, we performed two studies to understand aspects of individual, population, and metapopulation ecology ofE. tonkawae. First, we examined movement and population demographics using capture-recapture along a spring-influenced stream reach. We then extended our investigation of stream habitat use with a study of occupancy and habitat dynamics in multiple headwater streams. Indications of extensive stream channel use based on capture-recapture results included frequent movements of >15 m, and high juvenile abundance downstream of the spring. Initial occupancy ofE. tonkawaewas associated with shallow depths, maidenhair fern presence and low temperature variation (indicative of groundwater influence), although many occupied sites were far from known springs. Additionally, previously dry sites were three times more likely to be colonized than wet sites. Our results indicate extensive use of stream habitats, including intermittent ones, byE. tonkawae. These areas may be important for maintaining population connectivity or even as primary habitat patches. Restricting critical habitat to occupied sites will result in a mismatch with actual habitat use, particularly when assumptions of habitat use are untested, thus limiting the potential for recovery.
Loss of a lake system in a megacity: The impact of urban expansion on seasonal meteorology in Mexico City
Authors: Benson‐Lira V. , Georgescu M. , Kaplan S. , Vivoni E. R.
Published: March 2016

The Mexico City Metropolitan Area (MCMA) has undergone significant urban expansion in a closed basin that once supported a large lacustrine system. While urbanization has been mentioned as a factor in observed meteorological trends, a systematic study of the effects of land use‐land cover change (LULCC) on seasonal meteorology is lacking. In this study, we utilize the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) system to determine the spatiotemporal changes in near‐surface air temperature, precipitation, and boundary layer conditions induced by the modern‐day urban landscape relative to presettlement conditions. We capture the MCMA extent through an improved Landsat‐based multicategory urban classification and therefore account for intraurban spatial heterogeneity and further conduct additional experiments to examine the sensitivity to anthropogenic heating within WRF. We find that accounting for these factors produced the best simulations of thermal conditions, with RMSE values less than 1.5°C at all measurement stations, and an improved diurnal cycle of air temperature and precipitation. We then assessed the impacts of LULCC in the MCMA, finding that thermal changes were largest during daytime hours, with temperature increasing, on average, by more than 4°C. Furthermore, we utilize these simulations to mechanistically link the built environment‐induced increase in air temperature to simulated increases in rainfall during the evening hours. To our knowledge, this study provides the first dynamical and thermodynamical evidence to support the rainfall enhancements documented through observations in the MCMA and link it quantitatively to the warming effects associated with urbanization. These results have important implications for understanding the meteorological conditions leading to widespread urban flooding in the MCMA.
ICESat‐derived inland water surface spot heights
Authors: O'Loughlin Fiachra E. , Neal Jeffrey , Yamazaki Dai , Bates Paul D.
Published: March 2016

Accurate measurement of water surface height is key to many fields in hydrology and limnology. Satellite radar and laser altimetry have been shown to be useful means of obtaining such data where no ground gauging stations exist, and the accuracy of different satellite instruments is now reasonably well understood. Past validation studies have shown water surface height data from the ICESat instrument to have the highest vertical accuracy (mean absolute errors of ∼10 cm for ICESat, compared, for example, with ∼28 cm from Envisat), yet no freely available source of processed ICESat data currently exists for inland water bodies. Here we present a database of processed and quality checked ICESat‐derived inland water surface heights (IWSH) for water bodies greater than 3 arc sec (∼92 m at the equator) in width. Four automated methods for removing spurious observations or outliers were investigated, along with the impact of using different water masks. We find that the best performing method ensures that observations used are completely surrounded by water in the SRTM Water Body data. Using this method for removing spurious observations, we estimate transect‐averaged water surface heights at 587,292 unique locations from 2003 to 2009, with the number of locations proportional to the size of the river.
Ethics: Codes of Conduct for Expert Witnesses
Authors: Moenssens Andre A.
Published: March 2016

What constitutes unethical conduct of experts is difficult to define. To attempt to do so requires an exploration of the ethical codes of the various professional societies to which the expert belongs, as well as a study of the enforcement mechanisms enacted by these organizations. This article explores the various issues that go into examining the broader principles upon which a determination is made that a person has violated the ethical principles of a society to which he belongs.
Report Writing for Courts
Authors: Wheate Rhonda M.
Published: March 2016

In order for an expert report to be appropriate for use in legal proceedings, it must fulfill several underlying legal requirements related to the role of an expert witness. This article examines the conceptual issues and broadly outlines the legal elements that are required of expert witness reports in most common law jurisdictions.
Transfer:DNA
Authors: Meakin Georgina E.
Published: March 2016

Touch DNA, better referred to astraceDNA, can be transferred to a surface in a multitude of ways, both directly and indirectly. Although promising methods are on the horizon, it is currently not possible to reliably identify the biological source of trace DNA, be it from skin cells, other tissues or body fluids. This makes it particularly difficult for forensic experts to assess how trace DNA might have been transferred to the surface of interest. The detection of such transferred trace DNA is dependent on a plethora of factors, including those affecting its initial deposition, persistence, availability for onward transfer, and analytical recovery and availability for DNA profiling. Routine DNA profiling is now being conducted by extremely sensitive techniques making the recovery of trace DNA from a crime scene far more likely. As such, forensic experts must consider issues of DNA transfer, and any potential risks of contamination, when evaluating findings of trace DNA in casework.
Extraction
Authors: Ruddock Campbell A.
Published: March 2016

The extraction of DNA from forensic samples is a crucial step in the DNA analysis process. There are many different ways to extract DNA in a manner that results in DNA that is relatively free of inhibitors and concentrated enough for further processing. In this article, the most common methods in use in forensic science are described. These include organic extraction using proteinase K and phenol/chloroform, the differential extraction of semen, Chelex®methods, solid phase methods such as DNA IQ™, and Charge Switch™ extraction. In addition, methods appropriate for specific, more difficult sample types such as feces, bones, and teeth are described. Recent advances in forensic science require new methods to be developed such as those for the coextraction of DNA and RNA and for the extraction of DNA from plant material. These methods are also briefly discussed.
RNA Imaging with Dimeric Broccoli in Live Bacterial and Mammalian Cells
Authors: Filonov Grigory S. , Jaffrey Samie R.
Published: March 2016

RNA spatial dynamics play a crucial role in cell physiology, and thus the ability to monitor RNA localization in live cells can provide insight into important biological problems. This unit focuses on imaging RNAs using an RNA mimic of GFP. This approach relies on an RNA aptamer called dimeric Broccoli, which binds to and switches on the fluorescence of DFHBI, a small molecule mimicking the fluorophore in GFP. Dimeric Broccoli is tagged to heterologously expressed RNAs and, upon DFHBI binding, the fluorescent signal of dimeric Broccoli reports the transcript's localization in cells. This protocol describes the process of validating the fluorescence of dimeric Broccoli−labeled transcripts in vitro and in cells, flow cytometry analysis to determine overall fluorescence levels in cells, and fluorescence imaging in bacterial and mammalian cells. Overall, the protocol should be useful for researchers seeking to image high‐abundance RNAs, such as those transcribed off the T7 promoter in bacteria or off Pol III−dependent promoters in mammalian cells. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Patterning of Soft Matter across Multiple Length Scales
Authors: van der Asdonk Pim , Hendrikse Hans C. , Fernandez‐Castano Romera Marcos , Voerman Dion , Ramakers Britta E. I. , Löwik Dennis W. P. M. , Sijbesma Rint P. , Kouwer Paul H. J.
Published: March 2016

Controlling the organization of functional supramolecular materials at both short and long length scales as well as creating hierarchical patterns is essential for many biological and electrooptical applications. It remains however an extremely challenging objective to date, particularly in water‐based systems. In this work, it is demonstrated that water‐processable self‐assembling materials can be organized from micrometers to centimeters in any direction using liquid crystal templating in combination with photoaddressable command layers. The structural assemblies that are prepared are readily transformed into optically active π‐conjugated polymers after photopolymerization. After this step, the template may be removed to leave the functional material well‐organized on the substrate. The advantage of this approach is that it lacks specific molecular interactions and uses simple techniques such as spin coating and photoillumination and it may therefore be applied to a wide range of (aqueous) materials.
Temporary Sales Prices and Asymmetric Price Transmission
Authors: Tifaoui Said , von Cramon‐Taubadel Stephan
Published: March 2016

We hypothesize that temporary sales might bias the results of vertical price transmission analysis towards findings of asymmetric price transmission. We test this hypothesis using a scanner dataset of retail butter prices in Germany. To this end we first use filters to identify underlying reference retail prices and thus remove temporary sales prices. We then compare estimates of vertical price transmission from the wholesale to the retail level that are generated with raw and with filtered retail prices. Our results confirm that temporary sales prices increase the speed and asymmetry of vertical price transmission. These results add a potential cause of asymmetry to those, such as market power, that have already been identified in the literature. [EconLit citations: C22; L10; Q11].
Enhancing diversity in academic neurology: From agnosia to action
Authors: Hamilton Roy H.
Published: March 2016

Although recent years have seen a rapid increase in the diversity of patient populations and of society in general, individuals who belong to historically disadvantaged groups continue to struggle to achieve fuller representation and success in academic medicine. This is particularly true in academic neurology, where faculty from racial and ethnic minority groups are grossly under‐represented. Raising awareness of this problem in the field is an important first step toward developing coordinated, strategic approaches to enhancing diversity in neurology. Therefore, the aims of this brief article are to underscore the increasing importance of diversity in neurology, point out some of the specific challenges that face diversity efforts in academic neurology, and suggest strategies that leaders in the field could consider in order to enhance the diversity of neurology departments. Ann Neurol 2016;79:705–708
Improvement of the thermal transport performance of a poly(vinylidene fluoride) composite film including silver nanowire
Authors: Li Zhao , Zhang Li , Qi Rong , Xie Fan , Qi Shuhua
Published: March 2016

The miniaturization trend of electronic devices requires that components have a high heat dissipation in industrial applications and in daily life. In this context, a highly thermally conductive film was fabricated with silver nanowire (AgNW) and poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) with a bar‐coating method. The thermal transport performance and mechanism of the AgNW/PVDF composite film were investigated. The through‐plane and in‐plane thermal conductivity of the AgNW/PVDF composite film reached 0.31 and 1.61 W m−1 K−1, respectively; these values far exceeded those of the pristine PVDF film. The experiment illustrated that the thermally conductive pathways formed successfully in the PVDF substrate with the addition of AgNW, and the heat tended to transfer along the thermally conductive pathway rather than along the PVDF substrate. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43554.
Liquid‐type nucleating agent for improving thermal insulating properties of rigid polyurethane foams by HFC‐365mfc as a blowing agent
Authors: Lee Yeongbeom , Geun Jang Myung , Hyung Choi Kun , Han Chonghun , Nyon Kim Woo
Published: March 2016

The effects of liquid‐type additives on the morphology, thermal conductivity, and mechanical strength of polyurethane (PUR) foams were investigated. The PUR foams synthesized with perfluoroalkane showed a smaller average cell diameter and a lower thermal conductivity than PUR foams prepared with propylenecarbonate or acetone. The average cell diameter of the PUR foams decreased from 228 to 155 μm and the thermal conductivity decreased from 0.0227 to 0.0196 kcal/mh °C when the perfluoroalkane content was 0.0 to 2.0 php (parts per hundred polyol by weight). The perfluoroalkane likely acted as a nucleating agent during the formation of the PUR foams. The addition of perfluoroalkane induced the smaller cells size of the PUR foams probably due to lower surface tension of the polyol and perfluoroalkane mixture, resulting in high nucleation rate. The smaller cell size appears to be the main reason for the improvement in the thermal insulating and the mechanical properties of these PUR foams. The compressive strength of the PUR foams prepared with perfluoroalkane was higher than the PUR foams prepared with the propylenecarbonate and acetone. Based on the morphology, thermal conductivity, and compressive strength, it is suggested that the perfluoroalkane is an efficient liquid‐type additive for the improving the thermal insulation of PUR foams. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43557.
Nanostructured Conjugated Polymers for Energy‐Related Applications beyond Solar Cells
Authors: Xie Jian , Zhao Cui‐e , Lin Zong‐qiong , Gu Pei‐yang , Zhang Qichun
Published: March 2016

To meet the ever‐increasing requirements for the next generation of sustainable and versatile energy‐related devices, conjugated polymers, which have potential advantages over small molecules and inorganic materials, are among the most promising types of green candidates. The properties of conjugated polymers can be tuned through modification of the structure and incorporation of different functional moieties. In addition, superior performances can be achieved as a result of the advantages of nanostructures, such as their large surface areas and the shortened pathways for charge transfer. Therefore, nanostructured conjugated polymers with different properties can be obtained to be applied in different energy‐related organic devices. This review focuses on the application and performance of the recently reported nanostructured conjugated polymers for high‐performance devices, including rechargeable lithium batteries, microbial fuel cells (MFCs), thermoelectric generators, and photocatalytic systems. The design strategies, reaction mechanisms, advantages, and limitations of nanostructured conjugated polymers are further discussed in each section. Finally, possible routes to improve the performances of the current systems are also included in the conclusion.
Branch‐PCR Constructed Stable shRNA Transcription Nanoparticles Have Long‐Lasting RNAi Effect
Authors: Liu Jianbing , Wang Runyu , Ma Dejun , Li Yanyan , Wei Chao , Xi Zhen
Published: March 2016

RNA interference (RNAi) is a cellular process for gene silencing. Because of poor serum stability, transferring dsRNA directly into the target cells is a challenge. We report a facile and universal strategy to construct short hairpin RNA (shRNA) transcription nanoparticles with multiple shRNA transcription templates by PCR with flexible branched primers (branch‐PCR). Compared with conventional linear shRNA transcription templates, these shRNA transcription nanoparticles show excellent stability against digestion by exonuclease III. Importantly, we found that our highly stable shRNA transcription nanoparticles can also be transcribed and thus induce efficient and long‐lasting RNAi with picomolar activity in living mammalian cells. These chemically well‐defined branch‐PCR‐generated stable shRNA transcription nanoparticles might facilitate RNAi delivery with a long‐lasting RNAi effects.
A Versatile One‐Pot Access to Cyanoarenes from ortho‐ and para‐Quinones: Paving the Way for Cyanated Functional Materials
Authors: Glöcklhofer Florian , Lunzer Markus , Stöger Berthold , Fröhlich Johannes
Published: March 2016

Invited for the cover of this issue is the team of Florian Glöcklhofer at the TU Wien. The cover reflects the ups and downs they experienced during the investigation of the novel synthesis of cyanoarenes from quinones, which is highlighted by the magnifying glass. The sometimes exhausting experiments were finally rewarded by the versatile new one‐pot reaction presented in the accompanying full paper. The significance for the field of material chemistry is illustrated by the blueprint showing the crystal structure of 6,13‐dicyanopentacene. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201600004.
Synaptic organization of striate cortex projections in the tree shrew: A comparison of the claustrum and dorsal thalamus
Authors: Day‐Brown Jonathan D. , Slusarczyk Arkadiusz S. , Zhou Na , Quiggins Ranida , Petry Heywood M. , Bickford Martha E.
Published: March 2016

The tree shrew (Tupaia belangeri) striate cortex is reciprocally connected with the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN), the ventral pulvinar nucleus (Pv), and the claustrum. In the Pv or the dLGN, striate cortex projections are thought to either strongly “drive”, or more subtly “modulate” activity patterns respectively. To provide clues to the function of the claustrum, we compare the synaptic arrangements of striate cortex projections to the dLGN, Pv, and claustrum, using anterograde tracing and electron microscopy. Tissue was additionally stained with antibodies against γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) to identify GABAergic interneurons and non‐GABAergic projection cells. The striate cortex terminals were largest in the Pv (0.94 ± 0.08 μm2), intermediate in the claustrum (0.34 ± 0.02 μm2), and smallest in the dLGN (0.24 ± 0.01 μm2). Contacts on interneurons were most common in the Pv (39%), intermediate in the claustrum (15%), and least common in the dLGN (12%). In the claustrum, non‐GABAergic terminals (0.34 ± 0.01 μm2) and striate cortex terminals were not significantly different in size. The largest terminals in the claustrum were GABAergic (0.51 ± 0.02 μm2), and these terminals contacted dendrites and somata that were significantly larger (1.90 ± 0.30 μm2) than those contacted by cortex or non‐GABAergic terminals (0.28 ± 0.02 μm2 and 0.25 ± 0.02 μm2, respectively). Our results indicate that the synaptic organization of the claustrum does not correspond to a driver/modulator framework. Instead, the circuitry of the claustrum suggests an integration of convergent cortical inputs, gated by GABAergic circuits. J. Comp. Neurol. 525:1403–1420, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Exploiting Metallophilicity for the Assembly of Inorganic Nanocrystals and Conjugated Organic Molecules
Authors: Dalmases Mariona , Aguiló Elisabet , Llorca Jordi , Rodríguez Laura , Figuerola Albert
Published: March 2016

The accurate engineering of interfaces between inorganic nanocrystals and semiconducting organic molecules is currently viewed as key for further developments in critical fields such as photovoltaics and photocatalysis. In this work, a new and unconventional source of interface interaction based on metal–metal bonds is presented. With this aim, an AuI organometallic gelator was exploited for the formation of hydrogel‐like nanocomposites containing inorganic nanoparticles and conjugated organic molecules. Noteworthy, the establishment of metallophilic interactions at the interface between the two moieties greatly enhances interparticle coupling in the composites. Thus, we believe that this new hybrid system might represent a promising alternative in several fields, such as in the fabrication of improved light‐harvesting devices.
Integrative Physiology of Fasting
Authors: Secor Stephen M.
Published: March 2016

Extended bouts of fasting are ingrained in the ecology of many organisms, characterizing aspects of reproduction, development, hibernation, estivation, migration, and infrequent feeding habits. The challenge of long fasting episodes is the need to maintain physiological homeostasis while relying solely on endogenous resources. To meet that challenge, animals utilize an integrated repertoire of behavioral, physiological, and biochemical responses that reduce metabolic rates, maintain tissue structure and function, and thus enhance survival. We have synthesized in this review the integrative physiological, morphological, and biochemical responses, and their stages, that characterize natural fasting bouts. Underlying the capacity to survive extended fasts are behaviors and mechanisms that reduce metabolic expenditure and shift the dependency to lipid utilization. Hormonal regulation and immune capacity are altered by fasting; hormones that trigger digestion, elevate metabolism, and support immune performance become depressed, whereas hormones that enhance the utilization of endogenous substrates are elevated. The negative energy budget that accompanies fasting leads to the loss of body mass as fat stores are depleted and tissues undergo atrophy (i.e., loss of mass). Absolute rates of body mass loss scale allometrically among vertebrates. Tissues and organs vary in the degree of atrophy and downregulation of function, depending on the degree to which they are used during the fast. Fasting affects the population dynamics and activities of the gut microbiota, an interplay that impacts the host's fasting biology. Fasting‐induced gene expression programs underlie the broad spectrum of integrated physiological mechanisms responsible for an animal's ability to survive long episodes of natural fasting. © 2016 American Physiological Society.Compr Physiol6:773‐825, 2016.
Fungal quorum sensing molecules: Role in fungal morphogenesis and pathogenicity
Authors: Wongsuk Thanwa , Pumeesat Potjaman , Luplertlop Natthanej
Published: March 2016

When microorganisms live together in high numbers, they need to communicate with each other. To achieve cell–cell communication, microorganisms secrete molecules called quorum‐sensing molecules (QSMs) that control their biological activities and behaviors. Fungi secrete QSMs such as farnesol, tyrosol, phenylethanol, and tryptophol. The role of QSMs in fungi has been widely studied in both yeasts and filamentous fungi, for example in Candida albicans, C. dubliniensis, Aspergillus niger, A. nidulans, and Fusarium graminearum. QSMs impact fungal morphogenesis (yeast‐to‐hypha formation) and also play a role in the germination of macroconidia. QSMs cause fungal cells to initiate programmed cell death, or apoptosis, and play a role in fungal pathogenicity. Several types of QSMs are produced during stages of biofilm development to control cell population or morphology in biofilm communities. This review article emphasizes the role of fungal QSMs, especially in fungal morphogenesis, biofilm formation, and pathogenicity. Information about QSMs may lead to improved measures for controlling fungal infection.
Propensity score analysis of endoscopic and open approaches to malignant paranasal and anterior skull base tumor outcomes
Authors: Farquhar Douglas , Kim Luke , Worrall Douglas , Chiu Alexander , Lee John Y. K. , Khalili Sammy , Grady Sean , O'Malley Bert W. , Kennedy David W. , Newman Jason G. , Palmer James N. , Adappa Nithin D.
Published: March 2016

Objectives/Hypothesis

Malignant sinonasal and skull base tumors are now being resected using an endoscopic technique, but there has been controversy regarding the oncologic safety of this approach. Various studies have compared the outcomes from endoscopic surgery to those from open techniques; however, all have been limited by substantial differences in the patient populations receiving each approach. In this study we compare outcomes of open and endoscopic techniques and use propensity score matching to control for these differences in the patient populations.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study including all patients > 18 years old receiving primary surgery for malignant sinonasal or skull base tumors at our institution from 2002 to 2013.

Results

One hundred twenty‐four patients met criteria; 82 received endoscopic‐only surgery, and 42 had an open component to their approach. There was an 86% 3‐year overall survival and a 74% disease‐free survival. Without controlling for differences in the groups, the endoscopic patients fared significantly better in survival, recurrence rates, wound infections, and length of hospital stay. When using propensity score matching to account for patient comorbidities and tumor size, there were no significant differences in any outcomes except length of the hospital stay. A multivariate regression analysis yielded the same results.

Conclusion

In this study, endoscopic surgery was shown to be a safe alternative to the open technique, even when controlling for the favorable patient and tumor characteristics in endoscopic patients. This is the first study to account for these differences with a rigorous statistical methodology.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 126:1724–1729, 2016
First results of a novel adjustable‐length ossicular reconstruction prosthesis in temporal bones
Authors: Gottlieb Peter K. , Li Xiping , Monfared Ashkan , Blevins Nikolas , Puria Sunil
Published: March 2016

Objectives/Hypothesis

The performance of an ossicular replacement prosthesis (ORP) is influenced by its alignment and appropriate tension between the tympanic membrane and the stapes footplate. A novel ORP with a flexible element that potentially allows for length adjustment in situ is presented and tested for acoustic performance.

Study Design

Laser Doppler vibrometry in fresh human cadaveric temporal bones was used to test the acoustic performance of the adjustable ORP relative to standard prostheses used for ossiculoplasty.

Methods

The three‐dimensional (3D) velocity of the stapes posterior crus was measured in the 0.2‐ to 20‐kHz range using a Polytec CLV‐3D laser Doppler vibrometer. The middle ear cavity was accessed through a facial recess approach. After measuring the normal response, the incus was removed and stapes velocity was measured in the disarticulated case, then after insertion of the new prosthesis, a conventional prosthesis (Kurz BELL Dusseldorf type), and a sculpted autologous incus prosthesis in each temporal bone. The 3D stapes velocity transfer function (SVTF) was calculated for each case and compared.

Results

The novel ORP design restored stapes velocity to within 6 dB (on average) of the intact response. No significant differences in 3D‐SVTF were found between the new, conventional, or autologous ORPs.

Conclusions

The inclusion of an in situ adjustable element into the ORP design did not adversely affect its acoustic performance. The adjustable element may increase the ease of achieving optimal ORP placement, especially through a facial recess approach.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 126:2559–2564, 2016
New insights from cluster analysis methods for RNA secondary structure prediction
Authors: Rogers Emily , Heitsch Christine
Published: March 2016

A widening gap exists between the best practices for RNA secondary structure prediction developed by computational researchers and the methods used in practice by experimentalists. Minimum free energy predictions, although broadly used, are outperformed by methods which sample from the Boltzmann distribution and data mine the results. In particular, moving beyond the single structure prediction paradigm yields substantial gains in accuracy. Furthermore, the largest improvements in accuracy and precision come from viewing secondary structures not at the base pair level but at lower granularity/higher abstraction. This suggests that random errors affecting precision and systematic ones affecting accuracy are both reduced by this ‘fuzzier’ view of secondary structures. Thus experimentalists who are willing to adopt a more rigorous, multilayered approach to secondary structure prediction by iterating through these levels of granularity will be much better able to capture fundamental aspects of RNA base pairing. WIREs RNA 2016, 7:278–294. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1334

This article is categorized under:

RNA Evolution and Genomics > Computational Analyses of RNA