bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From Griesinger to DSM-V: Do we need the diagnosis of schizophrenia?
Authors: Erfurth A. , Sachs G.
Published: May 2016

The dichotomy between “dementia praecox” and “manic-depressive insanity” by Emil Kraepelin is one of the milestones of nosology in psychiatry [1].

This dichotomy reflects the necessity – particularly in the absence of effective treatment in Kraepelin's time – to differentiate (and to predict) the functional outcome of individual patients. Since Kraepelin's original division particularly the influence of Kurt Schneider has led to a full acknowledgment of the dichotomy in both ICD and DSM.

While this division has proven to be clinically useful, alternatives have been proposed covering a large spectrum from the idea of unitary psychosis as in Wilhelm Griesinger and Klaus Conrad to further subdivisions as in Karl Leonhard. Recent research in neuroscience suggests the presence of an overlap between schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders [2–4].

Disclosure of interest

The author has not supplied his declaration of competing interest.
Evolution of negative symptom assessment instruments
Authors: García-Portilla Gonzalez M.P.
Published: May 2016

In this talk we will review the psychometric evolution of available instruments for assessing the negative syndrome of schizophrenia, describing their strengths and weaknesses.

Current instruments were classified into two categories according to their content validity and assessment approach as first- or second-generation instruments. The BPRS, SANS, the SENS and the PANSS belong to the first generation while the BNSS, the CAINS and the MAP-SR belong to the second generation. The NSA can be considered a transitional instrument between the two. First-generation instruments have more content validity problems than second-generation instruments do, as they do not accurately reflect the currently accepted negative syndrome (they do not include all negative symptoms and signs or they include symptoms from other dimensions). They also have more problems relative to the use of behavioral referents instead of internal experiences of deficits when assessing symptoms, which may lead to measuring functioning instead of negative symptoms.

Further research needs to be done in this area in order to ensure the evaluation of primary negative symptoms and internal experiences involved in negative symptoms rather than external behaviors.

Disclosure of interest

The author has not supplied his declaration of competing interest.
Kleptomania – “it was just a small fragrance in a Chinese store…”
Authors: Almeida M. , Ferreira J.
Published: May 2016

Introduction

The idea that some people may not be able to control their stealing impulses emerged in 1838, when Esquirol and Marc coined the term Kleptomanie. Although there are not many studies regarding this issue, becoming therefore difficult to establish epidemiological data, various clinical samples suggest a high prevalence of the disorder. As the problem most likely become chronic when left untreated, the diagnostic approach is very important.

Aims

Literature review and discussion about kleptomania, regarding a case report.

Methods

Clinical interviews and literature review in PUBMED database.

Results (case report)

Female patient, 62 years, with history of Personality Disorder and Persistent Depressive Disorder, confesses in psychiatric appointment that she had been caught stealing. She says that she has this “addiction to steal” since childhood, always stealing cheap stuff, that she does not need, usually giving it away to other people. She has this behavior as she feels an unexpected and irresistible impulse to steal, with increasing anxiety, which relieves when action is consumed. Afterwards she experiences feelings of shame and guilt. The patient symptoms appear to get worse in depressive relapses.

Conclusions

Regarding individual, family and social impact of kleptomania is essential to assess it and to treat it promptly. Most of the patients are ashamed of their behavior, so they may not self-report. There are few and controversial data concerning treatment, but it is widely accepted that co-morbidity with mood disorders or substance use disorders is common and may interfere with treatment.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Elderly-study – treatment for alcohol problems among 60+
Authors: Andersen K. , Bogenschutz M. , Bühringer G. , Behrendt S. , Braun B. , Lizarraga C. , Nielsen A.S.
Published: May 2016

Introduction

The western societies have a rapidly aging population and an increasing number of elderly with alcohol use disorders.

Objective

The purpose of the elderly study is to develop and test an outpatient behavior therapy program for people with an alcohol use disorders.

Aim of this abstract

To investigate the association between ages, gender, drinking pattern and psychology distress.

Method

The study is a randomized study expected to enroll and treat 1000 participants aged 60+ years before April 2017; 200 in USA; 400 in Germany and 400 in Denmark. To be included in the study the participants have to fulfil the DSM-5 criteria for alcohol use disorder. All participants are examined at baseline, and at four follow up interviews. After the baseline interview all participants are randomized to Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET); or MET followed by 8 weeks of counseling based on the Community Reinforcement Approach (CRA) with a module added to address problems relevants to elderly people.

Results

The presentation will include baseline characteristics of the Danish participants including demographics, expectations to treatment, history of drinking in the last 90 days before baseline and their psychological distress. We have now enrolled 259 participants in the Danish database. We expect to present results from 320 patients.

Conclusion

The data will present information about the profile of 60+ years’ individuals seeking treatment for alcohol use disorder, and thereby provide knowledge about which characteristics that may be important when planning treatment for this age group.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
E-cigarettes and tobacco cessation: An online survey of electronic cigarette users in France
Authors: Chevallier C. , Batisse A. , Marillier M. , Djezzar S.
Published: May 2016

Introduction

E-cigarettes (EC) are widely used in general population and may facilitate smoking cessation. However, efficacy and addictive potential of EC remain insufficiently studied.

Objectives

To characterize e-cigarette use and its impact on tobacco use/cessation.

Methods

Online survey was available on CEIP website (September 2014–March 2015). Questionnaire assessed smoking status, tobacco and e-cigarette use, including reasons for use, efficacy, adverse effects and dependence (Fagerström test of cigarette dependence [F] and an adapted version to e-cigarette use [Fm]).

Results

One thousand one hundred and twenty-one EC users answered (1008 ex-smokers, 113 current smokers), with mean age of 39 ± 10 years and 72% female. Ninety-six percent e-cigarette users agreed that vaping is useful for tobacco cessation, 80% succeeded to quit/reduce their smoking. Reasons for EC use are partial/complete alternative to smoking, lower toxicity, less side effects and lower cost. Most of ex-smokers (66%) has no/low dependence to EC (Fm ≤ 4) since current smokers reduced dramatically their tobacco consumption by EC use. Among all EC users, 75% had a craving for EC. Use of EC is described as pleasant as tobacco for 59% ex-smokers and 39% smokers. Eighty-three percent of ex-smokers and 68% of smokers do not intend to stop vaping.

Conclusion

E-cigarettes are used primarily for smoking cessation and show effectiveness for harm-reduction, but a secondary dependence to nicotine contains in EC can be observed (Figure 1).

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
The effect of embarrassment on preferences for brand conspicuousness: The roles of self‐esteem and self‐brand connection
Authors: Song Xiaobing , Huang Feifei , Li Xiuping
Published: May 2016

Three studies were conducted to examine how embarrassment influences consumer preferences for brand conspicuousness. We predict that consumers with different levels of self‐esteem will have distinct coping strategies when they feel embarrassed, resulting in differences in their preference changes related to brand conspicuousness. The results show that when feeling embarrassed, consumers with low self‐esteem (high self‐esteem) are more likely to have increased motivation to avoid social attention to the self in general (to repair their self‐image). Thus, relatively speaking, consumers with low self‐esteem (high self‐esteem) prefer a more conspicuous product design over a less conspicuous one to a lesser (greater) extent when they are embarrassed than when they are not embarrassed. In addition, we demonstrate that the interaction between self‐esteem and embarrassment is more likely when consumers form a strong connection with the brand.
EFFICIENT ESTIMATION OF ERLANG MIXTURES USING iSCAD PENALTY WITH INSURANCE APPLICATION
Authors: Yin Cuihong , Lin X. Sheldon
Published: May 2016

The Erlang mixture model has been widely used in modeling insurance losses due to its desirable distributional properties. In this paper, we consider the problem of efficient estimation of the Erlang mixture model. We present a new thresholding penalty function and a corresponding EM algorithm to estimate model parameters and to determine the order of the mixture. Using simulation studies and a real data application, we demonstrate the efficiency of the EM algorithm.
Lawyering compliance with international law: Legal advisers in the ‘War on Terror’
Authors: Nuñez-Mietz Fernando G.
Published: May 2016

According to rationalists and constructivists, compliance with international law occurs to the extent that states see non-compliance as unreasonable or wrong, respectively. An alternative account of compliance points to the practical difficulty of deciding to act contrary to international law. Here non-compliance is blocked rather than morally or instrumentally deterred. This article advances an organisational-process theory of this third kind. The explanatory mechanism lies in the constitutive rules of foreign policymaking, and points to the institutional function of legal advising. Under certain structural conditions (namely, lawyerised decision-making) legal advisers operate as the principal ‘agents of compliance’ within the state, bringing international law into the policymaking process and thus bridging the gap between foreign policy and legal expectations. The theory is applied to the interrogation programme implemented by the United States in the early years of the ‘War on Terror’ (2001–5). While initially violative of international legal standards, the programme eventually shifted towards compliance. Using process tracing, the case study provides fine-grained evidence that corroborates the explanatory power of organisational factors, in general, and legal advising, in particular.
Embedding subshifts of finite type into the Fibonacci–Dyck shift
Authors: HAMACHI TOSHIHIRO , KRIEGER WOLFGANG
Published: May 2016

A necessary and sufficient condition is given for the existence of an embedding of an irreducible subshift of finite type into the Fibonacci–Dyck shift.
Infinite interval exchange transformations from shifts
Authors: LOPEZ LUIS-MIGUEL , NARBEL PHILIPPE
Published: May 2016

We show that minimal shifts with zero topological entropy are topologically conjugate to interval exchange transformations, which are generally infinite. When these shifts have linear factor complexity (linear block growth), the conjugate interval exchanges are proved to satisfy strong finiteness properties.
The Value of E-Learning for the Prevention of Healthcare-Associated Infections
Authors: Labeau Sonia O. , Rello Jordi , Dimopoulos George , Lipman Jeffrey , Sarikaya Aklime , Oztürk Candan , Vandijck Dominique M. , Vogelaers Dirk , Vandewoude Koenraad , Blot Stijn I. ,   for the EVIDENCE Research Team
Published: May 2016

BACKGROUND

Healthcare workers (HCWs) lack familiarity with evidence-based guidelines for the prevention of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). There is good evidence that effective educational interventions help to facilitate guideline implementation, so we investigated whether e-learning could enhance HCW knowledge of HAI prevention guidelines.

METHODS

We developed an electronic course (e-course) and tested its usability and content validity. An international sample of voluntary learners submitted to a pretest (T0) that determined their baseline knowledge of guidelines, and they subsequently studied the e-course. Immediately after studying the course, posttest 1 (T1) assessed the immediate learning effect. After 3 months, during which participants had no access to the course, a second posttest (T2) evaluated the residual learning effect.

RESULTS

A total of 3,587 HCWs representing 79 nationalities enrolled: 2,590 HCWs (72%) completed T0; 1,410 HCWs (39%) completed T1; and 1,011 HCWs (28%) completed T2. The median study time was 193 minutes (interquartile range [IQR], 96–306 minutes)

The median scores were 52% (IQR, 44%–62%) for T0, 80% (IQR, 68%–88%) for T1, and 74% (IQR, 64%–84%) for T2. The immediate learning effect (T0 vs T1) was +24% (IQR, 12%–34%;P<.001), and a residual effect (T0 vs T2) of +18% (IQR 8–28) remained (P<.001). A 200-minute study time was associated with a maximum immediate learning effect (28%). A study time >300 minutes yielded the greatest residual effect (24%).

CONCLUSIONS

Moderate time invested in e-learning yielded significant immediate and residual learning effects. Decision makers could consider promoting e-learning as a supporting tool in HAI prevention.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol2016;37:1052–1059
Weight Gain, Hypothyroidism and Smoking Cessation
Authors: Bittoun Renee , Gargya Ash , Mann Linda
Published: May 2016

The case study received ethics approval from Sydney Local Health District Ethics Review Committee.
Exome sequencing identified mutations in CASK and MYBPC3 as the cause of a complex dilated cardiomyopathy phenotype
Authors: REINSTEIN EYAL , TZUR SHAY , BORMANS CONCETTA , BEHAR DORON M.
Published: May 2016

Whole-exome sequencing for clinical applications is now an integral part of medical genetics practice. Though most studies are performed in order to establish diagnoses in individuals with rare and clinically unrecognizable disorders, due to the constantly decreasing costs and commercial availability, whole-exome sequencing has gradually become the initial tool to study patients with clinically recognized disorders when more than one gene is responsible for the phenotype or in complex phenotypes, when variants in more than one gene can be the cause for the disease. Here we report a patient presenting with a complex phenotype consisting of severe, adult-onset, dilated cardiomyopathy, hearing loss and developmental delay, in which exome sequencing revealed two genetic variants that are inherited from a healthy mother: a novel missense variant in the CASK gene, mutations in which cause a spectrum of neurocognitive manifestations, and a second variant, in MYBPC3, that is associated with hereditary cardiomyopathy. We conclude that although the potential for co-occurrence of rare diseases is higher when analyzing undefined phenotypes in consanguineous families, it should also be given consideration in the genetic evaluation of complex phenotypes in non-consanguineous families.
Rediagnosis and redescription of Mosasaurus hoffmannii (Squamata: Mosasauridae) and an assessment of species assigned to the genus Mosasaurus
Authors: STREET HALLIE P. , CALDWELL MICHAEL W.
Published: May 2016

The large Late Cretaceous marine reptile Mosasaurus has remained poorly defined, in part owing to the unorthodox (by today's nomenclatural standards) manner in which the name was erected. The lack of a diagnosis accompanying the first use of either the genus or species names allowed the genus to become a catchall taxon, and subsequent diagnoses did little to refine the concept of Mosasaurus. We herein present emended diagnoses for both Mosasaurus and the type species M. hoffmannii, based solely on personal examination of the holotype, and a description of the type species based on personal examination of many specimens. Mosasaurus exhibits a premaxilla with a short, conical edentulous rostrum, a maxilla with little to no dorsal excavation for the external naris, posteromedial processes of the frontal that deeply invade the parietal, a quadrate taller than long with a short suprastapedial process and the stapedial pit dorsal to the mid-height of the shaft, an angular that is laterally visible for only a short length of the post-dentary unit, a very tall surangular, a humerus with the postglenoid process robust and offset and a distal width greater than the length, and a pubis with an anteriorly projecting tubercle. M. hoffmannii is distinguished from other species assignable to the genus by the anteroventral corner formed on the tympanic rim of the quadrate, the asymmetric carinae of the anterior marginal teeth dividing the tooth circumference into short labial and long lingual segments, and the proximal and distal expansion of the femur.
Clinical research, national studies and grant applications: United Kingdom National Multidisciplinary Guidelines
Authors: Stafford N
Published: May 2016

Head and neck cancer clinical research is thriving. Infrastructure for clinical research is supported through the National Institute for Health Research Clinical Research Network with operates through 15 local clinical research networks for studies within the UK Clinical Research Network Portfolio. The National Clinical Research Institute is a partnership of UK cancer research funders that support high-quality cancer research, although the National Institute for Health Research also has funding streams that will fund cancer-related research. Their websites provide up-to-date information regarding ongoing research projects. Other specialty organisations such as the British Association of Head and Neck Oncologists play important subsidiary roles in supporting research.
Corrigendum: Multi-contact bipedal robotic locomotion
Authors: Zhao Huihua , Hereid Ayonga , Ma Wen-loong , Ames Aaron D.
Published: May 2016

In Eq. (22), the x symbol was incorrectly represented by an @ symbol, therefore the equation should correctly read as
\begin{eqnarray*}
\dot x &=& {f_v}(x) + {g_v}(x)u,\\
{y_v} &=& y_v^a(x) - y_v^d(x).
\end{eqnarray*}
Similar errors were also found in the sentence following Eq. (22). In this sentence, the correct math symbol should be yva(x) and yvd(x) instead of yva(@) and yvd(@).
Data fusion and abductive inference for metaphor resolution: a bridging discussion
Authors: Ferrin Giovanni , Snidaro Lauro , Foresti Gian Luca
Published: May 2016

Since the 1980s, metaphor has been recognized as a pervasively diffused phenomenon in communication, absolutely not restricted to rhetoric and linguistic phenomena, involving structured concepts, relations, and matching ‘rules’. Metaphor resolution, that is metaphor understanding, as well as metaphor creation, has become an issue in automated processing and understanding of natural language as well as of mixed visual communication. It can be showed as a process of structure finding and mapping procedure between conceptual denotation–connotation structures necessary for interpretation. Creative abduction is then showed to be the pattern inference required to work out structure-mappings in corresponding nodes as present in metaphors. In this paper, we review some key issues (definitions, typologies, theoretical problems) involving the concept of ‘metaphor’ and survey some definitions and concepts emerging in contemporary debate on abductive inference. Finally, we argue that metaphor understanding process can be recognized as a fusion tractable problem, allowing the exploitation of frameworks and algorithms of such domain.
Erratum to “Full and reduced C*-coactions”. Math. Proc. Camb. Phil. Soc. 116 (1994), 435–450
Authors: KALISZEWSKI S. , QUIGG JOHN
Published: May 2016

Proposition 2ċ5 of [5] states that a full coaction of a locally compact group on a C*-algebra is nondegenerate if and only if its normalisation is. Unfortunately, the proof there only addresses the forward implication, and we have not been able to find a proof of the opposite implication. This issue is important because the theory of crossed-product duality for coactions requires implicitly that the coactions involved be nondegenerate. Moreover, each type of coaction — full, reduced, normal, maximal, and (most recently) exotic — has its own distinctive properties with respect to duality, making it crucial to be able to convert from one to the other without losing nondegeneracy.
From essence to appearance: Parallels between the working methods of Alvar Aalto and Hugo Häring
Authors: Jones Peter Blundell
Published: May 2016

The private house has perhaps always been a prototype for more elaborate architecture, but never more so than in the heyday of the Modern Movement, when it provided both the opportunity for experiment and the chance to explore creatively the changing essence of dwelling. This article, based on a keynote lecture given to the Alvar Aalto Foundation in February 2015, compares the generating principles of Alvar and Aino Aalto's own house of 1936 with those of built and unbuilt houses by Hugo Häring, underlining the importance of specific planning and spatial relationships as the essential generators, to which the making of façades remained subordinate or at least secondary. Häring's Woythaler House of 1927 also appears here for the first time in a properly comprehensible form, thanks to information recovered from drawings now available in the public realm.
VAGARIES OF DISENCHANTMENT: GOD, MATTER, AND MAMMON IN THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY
Authors: COLEMAN CHARLY
Published: May 2016

In the lecture “Science as a Vocation,” Max Weber gave a reckoning not only of his own scholarly life, but also of our fate in a world bereft of wonder. Self-possessed intellectuals command knowledge with authority. Yet their technical prowess also points up intractable limits. Calculation falters in securing value, whether in its moral or economic guises. If “we live as did the ancients when their world was not yet disenchanted of its gods and demons,” Weber mused, we nonetheless do so “in a different sense.” Once-knowing entities have shed their skins, to assume the mien of “impersonal forces.” These remarks assemble elements of Weber's religious sociology within a single frame, from the “this-worldly asceticism” of the Protestant ethic to portrayals of rationality as an “iron cage,” where spirits—much less the Spirit—dare not tread.
Largest Haul of Newly Verified Exoplanets Announced
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: May 2016

About 550 of the planets could be rocky like the Earth, and nine of the planets orbit within their star's habitable zone.
Chitohexaose protects against acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in mice
Authors: Barman P K , Mukherjee R , Prusty B K , Suklabaidya S , Senapati S , Ravindran B
Published: May 2016

Acetaminophen (N-acetyl-para-aminophenol (APAP)) toxicity causes acute liver failure by inducing centrilobular hepatic damage as a consequence of mitochondrial oxidative stress. Sterile inflammation, triggered by hepatic damage, facilitates gut bacterial translocation leading to systemic inflammation; TLR4-mediated activation by LPS has been shown to have a critical role in APAP-mediated hepatotoxicity. In this study, we demonstrate significant protection mediated by chitohexaose (Chtx) in mice challenged with a lethal dose of APAP (400 mg/kg b.w.). Decreased mortality by Chtx was associated with reduced hepatic damage, increased peritoneal migration of neutrophils, decreased mRNA expression of IL-1β as well as inhibition of inflammasome activation in liver. Further, an alternate mouse model of co-administration of a sublethal doses of APAP (200 mg/kg b.w.) and LPS (5 mg/kg b.w.) operating synergistically and mediating complete mortality was developed. Overwhelming inflammation, characterized by increased inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β and so on) in liver as well as in circulation and mortality was demonstrable in this model. Also, Chtx administration mediated significant reversal of mortality in APAP+LPS co-administered mice, which was associated with reduced IL-1β in liver and plasma cytokines in this model. In conclusion, Chtx being a small molecular weight linear carbohydrate offers promise for clinical management of liver failure associated with APAP overdose.
Heterogeneity and clinical significance of ESR1 mutations in ER-positive metastatic breast cancer patients receiving fulvestrant
Authors: Spoerke Jill M. , Gendreau Steven , Walter Kimberly , Qiu Jiaheng , Wilson Timothy R. , Savage Heidi , Aimi Junko , Derynck Mika K. , Chen Meng , Chan Iris T. , Amler Lukas C. , Hampton Garret M. , Johnston Stephen , Krop Ian , Schmid Peter , Lackner Mark R.
Published: May 2016

Mutations in ESR1 have been associated with resistance to aromatase inhibitor (AI) therapy in patients with ER+ metastatic breast cancer. Little is known of the impact of these mutations in patients receiving selective oestrogen receptor degrader (SERD) therapy. In this study, hotspot mutations in ESR1 and PIK3CA from ctDNA were assayed in clinical trial samples from ER+ metastatic breast cancer patients randomized either to the SERD fulvestrant or fulvestrant plus a pan-PI3K inhibitor. ESR1 mutations are present in 37% of baseline samples and are enriched in patients with luminal A and PIK3CA-mutated tumours. ESR1 mutations are often polyclonal and longitudinal analysis shows distinct clones exhibiting divergent behaviour over time. ESR1 mutation allele frequency does not show a consistent pattern of increases during fulvestrant treatment, and progression-free survival is not different in patients with ESR1 mutations compared with wild-type patients. ESR1 mutations are not associated with clinical resistance to fulvestrant in this study.
Triple-mode squeezing with dressed six-wave mixing
Authors: Wen Feng , Li Zepei , Zhang Yiqi , Gao Hong , Che Junling , Che Junling , Abdulkhaleq Hasan , Zhang Yanpeng , Wang Hongxing
Published: May 2016

The theory of proof-of-principle triple-mode squeezing is proposed via spontaneous parametric six-wave mixing process in an atomic-cavity coupled system. Special attention is focused on the role of dressed state and nonlinear gain on triple-mode squeezing process. Using the dressed state theory, we find that optical squeezing and Autler-Towns splitting of cavity mode can be realized with nonlinear gain, while the efficiency and the location of maximum squeezing point can be effectively shaped by dressed state in atomic ensemble. Our proposal can find applications in multi-channel communication and multi-channel quantum imaging.
Broadband photon-photon interactions mediated by cold atoms in a photonic crystal fiber
Authors: Litinskaya Marina , Tignone Edoardo , Pupillo Guido
Published: May 2016

We demonstrate theoretically that photon-photon attraction can be engineered in the continuum of scattering states for pairs of photons propagating in a hollow-core photonic crystal fiber filled with cold atoms. The atoms are regularly spaced in an optical lattice configuration and the photons are resonantly tuned to an internal atomic transition. We show that the hard-core repulsion resulting from saturation of the atomic transitions induces bunching in the photonic component of the collective atom-photon modes (polaritons). Bunching is obtained in a frequency range as large as tens of GHz and can be controlled by the inter-atomic separation. We provide a fully analytical explanation for this phenomenon by proving that correlations result from a mismatch of the quantization volumes for atomic excitations and photons in the continuum. Even stronger correlations can be observed for in-gap two-polariton bound states. Our theoretical results use parameters relevant for current experiments and suggest a simple and feasible way to induce interactions between photons.
Three-dimensional paper-based slip device for one-step point-of-care testing
Authors: Han Kwi Nam , Choi Jong-Soon , Kwon Joseph
Published: May 2016

In this study, we developed a new type of paper-based analytical device (PAD), the three-dimensional (3D) slip-PAD, to detect infectious human norovirus for global healthcare. The 3D configuration of the papers combined with a slip design provides unique features and versatility that overcome the limitations of fluidic manipulation and sensitivity in point-of-care (POC) tests. The assay can be carried out in a single step based on a moveable slip design, making it suitable for unskilled users. The 3D fluidic network developed by layered construction of wax-patterned papers provides different fluidic paths for the sequential delivery of multiple fluids without the need for peripheral equipment. The release and mixing of enhancement reagents on the device improved the sensitivity and detection limit. The assay results could be visualized by naked eye within 10 min, with subsequent amplification of the signal over time (<60 min). The device showed a broad dynamic range of detection and high sensitivity, with a detection limit of 9.5 × 104 copies ml−1 for human norovirus. These results demonstrate that the 3D slip-PAD is a sensitive diagnostic assay for detecting human norovirus infection that is particularly suitable for POC testing in regions where resources are scarce.
Intensity Weighted Subtraction Microscopy Approach for Image Contrast and Resolution Enhancement
Authors: Korobchevskaya Kseniya , Peres Chiara , Li Zhibin , Antipov Alexei , Sheppard Colin J. R. , Diaspro Alberto , Bianchini Paolo
Published: May 2016

We propose and demonstrate a novel subtraction microscopy algorithm, exploiting fluorescence emission difference or switching laser mode and their derivatives for image enhancement. The key novelty of the proposed approach lies in the weighted subtraction coefficient, adjusted pixel-by-pixel with respect to the intensity distributions of initial images. This method produces significant resolution enhancement and minimizes image distortions. Our theoretical and experimental studies demonstrate that this approach can be applied to any optical microscopy techniques, including label free and non-linear methods, where common super-resolution techniques cannot be used.
Parametric down-conversion with nonideal and random quasi-phase-matching
Authors: Yang Chun-Yao , Lin Chun , Liljestrand Charlotte , Su Wei-Min , Canalias Carlota , Chuu Chih-Sung
Published: May 2016

Quasi-phase-matching (QPM) has enriched the capacity of parametric down-conversion (PDC) in generating biphotons for many fundamental tests and advanced applications. However, it is not clear how the nonidealities and randomness in the QPM grating of a parametric down-converter may affect the quantum properties of the biphotons. This paper intends to provide insights into the interplay between PDC and nonideal or random QPM structures. Using a periodically poled nonlinear crystal with short periodicity, we conduct experimental and theoretical studies of PDC subject to nonideal duty cycle and random errors in domain lengths. We report the observation of biphotons emerging through noncritical birefringent-phasematching, which is impossible to occur in PDC with an ideal QPM grating and a biphoton spectrum determined by the details of nonidealities and randomness. We also observed QPM biphotons with a diminished strength. These features are both confirmed by our theory. Our work provides new perspectives for biphoton engineering with QPM.
Nanoparticle-mediated conversion of primary human astrocytes into neurons and oligodendrocytes
Authors: Li Xiaowei , Kozielski Kristen , Cheng Yu-Hao , Liu Huanhuan , Zamboni Camila Gadens , Green Jordan , Mao Hai-Quan
Published: May 2016

A non-viral nanoparticle-based transfection method delivers Sox2 or Olig2 into primary human astrocytes to convert the astrocytes into neurons and oligodendrocyte progenitors, respectively, providing a highly translatable approach for engineering astrocytes to repair injured central nervous tissues.
Fluorescent liquid pyrene derivative-in-water microemulsions
Authors: Hollamby M. J. , Danks A. E. , Schnepp Z. , Rogers S. E. , Hart S. R. , Nakanishi T.
Published: May 2016

Using a liquid pyrene derivative as the oil, stable oil-in-water microemuslions are prepared, with tunable fluorescence emission via droplet size.
A cycloparaphenylene nanoring with graphenic hexabenzocoronene sidewalls
Authors: Lu Dapeng , Wu Haotian , Dai Yafei , Shi Hong , Shao Xiang , Yang Shangfeng , Yang Jinlong , Du Pingwu
Published: May 2016

A novel hexabenzocoronene-containing cycloparaphenylene carbon nanoring is rationally designed and synthesized. The cycloparaphenylene structure is firstly observed by STM and its photophysical properties were further studied.
Self-sorting regioisomers through the hierarchical organization of hydrogen-bonded rosettes
Authors: Aratsu Keisuke , Prabhu Deepak D. , Iwawaki Hidetaka , Lin Xu , Yamauchi Mitsuaki , Karatsu Takashi , Yagai Shiki
Published: May 2016

In this work we demonstrate the time-evolvable self-sorting of hydrogen-bonding naphthalene regioisomers.
Light-triggered reversible “one-to-two” morphological transition in a “latent double-amphiphilic” linear-hyperbranched supramolecular block copolymer
Authors: Jiang Wenfeng , Liu Yong , Yu Chunyang , Li Shanlong , Li Yongjin , Zhou Yongfeng
Published: May 2016

This work reports a light-responsive reversible “one-to-two” morphological transition from vesicles to nanosheets and nanofibers in linear-hyperbranched supramolecular block copolymers.
Vanadoantimonates: from discrete clusters to high dimensional aggregates
Authors: Guo Hai-Yang , Zhang Xiao , Cui Xiao-Bing , Huo Qi-Sheng , Xu Ji-Qing
Published: May 2016

Five new vanadoantimonates have been obtained under hydrothermal conditions and characterized.
Halogen bonding influences perylene-core twists in non-core substituted perylene tetraesters
Authors: Wojciechowski Jonathan P. , Martin Adam D. , Bhadbhade Mohan , Webb James E. A. , Thordarson Pall
Published: May 2016

CO⋯X halogen bonding of perylene tetraesters causes perylene-core torsion which affects their spectral properties.
Rational construction of functional molybdenum (tungsten)–copper–sulfur coordination oligomers and polymers from preformed cluster precursors
Authors: Zhang Wen-Hua , Ren Zhi-Gang , Lang Jian-Ping
Published: May 2016

Discrete Mo(W)–Cu–S clusters are used as precursors and building blocks for a diverse array of cluster-supported coordination oligomers and polymers.
Correction: Impact of metallurgical activities on the content of trace elements in the spatial soil and plant parts of Rubus fruticosus L.
Authors: Nujkić M. M. , Dimitrijević M. D. , Alagić S. Č. , Tošić S. B. , Petrović J. V.
Published: May 2016

Correction for ‘Impact of metallurgical activities on the content of trace elements in the spatial soil and plant parts of Rubus fruticosus L.’ by M. M. Nujkić et al., Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2016, 18, 350–360.
Enzymatic synthesis, structural characterization and antioxidant capacity assessment of a new lipophilic malvidin-3-glucoside–oleic acid conjugate
Authors: Cruz Luis , Fernandes Iva , Guimarães Marta , de Freitas Victor , Mateus Nuno
Published: May 2016

Enzymatic synthesis of a novel lipophilic malvidin-3-glucoside–oleic acid conjugate for potential technological applications.
High thermal conductivity in polaritonic SiO2 nanoparticle beds
Authors: Tervo E. J. , Adewuyi O. S. , Hammonds J. S. , Cola B. A.
Published: May 2016

Experimental evidence is presented for the first measurement of thermal conduction by surface phonon polaritons in packed nanoparticle beds.
Orthogonal dual-click diyne for CuAAC and/or SPAAC couplings
Authors: Ramsubhag Ron R. , Dudley Gregory B.
Published: May 2016

A diyne reagent capable of participating in CuAAC and/or SPAAC couplings in either sequential order is reported.
Enhancement of catalytic properties and lifetime of nanostructured SAPO-34 by La isomorphous substitution and alteration of Si/Al ratio used in methanol conversion to light olefins
Authors: Amoozegar Abolfazl , Haghighi Mohammad , Aghamohammadi Sogand
Published: May 2016

Methanol conversion to light olefins was investigated over SAPO-34 catalysts with La introduction exploring the effect of different Si/Al ratios.
A highly efficient magnetic solid acid nanocatalyst for the synthesis of new bulky heterocyclic compounds
Authors: Nasr-Esfahani Masoud , Rafiee Zahra , Montazerozohori Morteza , Kashi Hassan
Published: May 2016

Fe3O4nanoparticles were coated with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane and further chemically modified with maleic anhydride to generate Fe3O4@APTES·MAH NPs. Then some new bulky heterocyclic compounds were synthesized using this catalyst.
3D TiO2/ZnO composite nanospheres as an excellent electron transport anode for efficient dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Cheng Pengfei , Wang Yinglin , Xu Luping , Sun Peng , Su Zisheng , Jin Fangming , Liu Fengmin , Sun Yanfeng , Lu Geyu
Published: May 2016

The present study aimed to develop a high electron lifetime (τr) and low transit time (τd) photoanode material for dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs).
Identification of potential quinoxalinone-based aldose reductase inhibitors by 3D-QSAR, molecular docking and molecular dynamics
Authors: Zhou Dan , Chen Jianbo , Xu Yi
Published: May 2016

The 3D-QSAR model of aldose reductase (ARIs) inhibitors is built to gain insights into the key structural factors affecting the inhibitory activity. Based on the model, six new potential ARIs were designed.
Fabrication and characterization of ALK1fc-loaded fluoro-magnetic nanoparticles for inhibiting TGF β1 in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Hanafy Nemany A. , Ferraro Marzia Maria , Gaballo Antonio , Dini Luciana , Tasco Vittorianna , Nobile Concetta , De Giorgi Maria Luisa , Carallo Sonia , Rinaldi Ross , Leporatti Stefano
Published: May 2016

A novel TGFβ1 inhibitor delivery system based on fluoro-magnetic nanoparticles (fluoro-MNPs) is developed.
Ultrafine Co3O4embedded in nitrogen-doped graphene with synergistic effect and high stability for supercapacitors
Authors: Li Yuan , Pan Denghui , Zhang Mingmei , Xie Jimin , Yan Zaoxue
Published: May 2016

Co3O4embedded in nitrogen-doped graphene (Co3O4/N-G-750) is prepared by a two-step synthetic method: polyol microwave heating method and vacuum tube calcination method.
Methylation on CpG repeats modulates hydroxymethylcytosine induced duplex destabilization
Authors: Wu Qiong , Wong Jiun Ru , Qing Yeo Penny Liu , Zhang Dawei , Shao Fangwei
Published: May 2016

The destabilization effect of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine on CpG repeats can be reversed in heavily methylated duplex.
Small angle neutron scattering contrast variation reveals heterogeneities of interactions in protein gels
Authors: Banc A. , Charbonneau C. , Dahesh M. , Appavou M.-S. , Fu Z. , Morel M.-H. , Ramos L.
Published: May 2016

The SANS analysis of gluten gels prepared with deuterated solvent evidences the formation of large scale zones enriched in protonated proteins. The formation of these zones is associated to the heterogeneities of interaction between the different gluten proteins and the solvent.
Ultra-flexible fibrous supercapacitors with carbon nanotube/polypyrrole brush-like electrodes
Authors: Cherusseri Jayesh , Kar Kamal K.
Published: May 2016

Ultra-flexible supercapacitors with brush-like electrodes consisting of carbon nanotube/polypyrrole nanocomposites exhibit a gravimetric capacitance of 305 F g−1.
Clustering scheme for cooperative spectrum sensing in cognitive radio networks
Authors: Jiao Yan , Yin Peitong , Joe Inwhee
Published: May 2016

For cognitive radio (CR), cooperation in spectrum sensing (SS) using energy detection can increase the detection of primary user signal. However, it also brings extra cooperative sensing overhead due to mutual exchange of large information among CR users. To reduce cooperative sensing overhead and improve sensing performance, the authors propose a novel clustering scheme consists of three stages: pruning, selecting, and clustering. In pruning stage, the CR users without sensing results will not join the following two stages; in the subsequent selecting stage, the CR user who has the most reliable sensing data is selected as the cluster header. For CR network, channel availability is an essence cause of cluster change. Hence, the authors proposed cluster constructing based on SS results correlation in the clustering stage. The simulation results show that the proposed clustering scheme not only has low overhead but also suit to perform in the low signal noise ratio environment.
Ratenbildung bei KV-Daten mit GKV-Versicherten auf Kreisebene – ein empirisches Schätzmodell auf der Basis des Mikrozensus
Authors: Söhl K. , Schulz R. , Kuhn J.
Published: May 2016

Hintergrund: Daten aus der kassenärztlichen Versorgung werden u. a. in der Gesundheitsberichterstattung und der Versorgungsforschung auf Kreisebene genutzt. Für eine korrekte Ratenbildung müsste die Zahl der GKV-Versicherten im Nenner zugrunde gelegt werden, diese steht aber in einigen Bundesländern auf Kreisebene nicht zur Verfügung. Die Raten werden daher im kassenärztlichen System mit einer Surrogatgröße (definiert über die Arztkontakte) gebildet. Dies führt zu Unschärfen, sodass kleinräumige Regionalvergleiche nur bedingt möglich sind. Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit ist ein besseres Schätzmodell für die Zahl der GKV-Versicherten auf Kreisebene.

Methodik: Der Anteil der GKV-Versicherten in den bayerischen Kreisen wird durch ein multiples lineares Regressionsmodell geschätzt. Im Modell wird der Anteil der GKV-Versicherten in den Anpassungsschichten des Mikrozensus (einer Zusammenfassung von mehreren Kreisen) erklärt durch Einflussfaktoren auf den Versicherungsstatus, die auf Kreisebene vorliegen (verfügbares Einkommen, Beamten- und Selbständigenanteil). Die durch das Modell berechneten GKV-Versichertenzahlen werden mit der Surrogatgröße verglichen. Eine konkrete Anwendung erfolgt am Beispiel der regionalen Diabetesdiagnosen aus den Daten der Kassenärztlichen Vereinigung Bayerns.

Ergebnisse: Durch das Regressionsmodell werden für die bayerischen Kreise GKV-Versichertenanteile zwischen 74,7 und 91,6% geschätzt. Der Unterschied zu der bisher genutzten Ersatzgröße beträgt bis zu 18,6 Prozentpunkte. Dies spiegelt sich dementsprechend in den Behandlungsprävalenzen wider, hier am Beispiel des Diabetes mellitus veranschaulicht.

Schlussfolgerung: Die vorliegende Analyse zeigt, mit welchen Unsicherheiten die Ratenbildung bei Daten aus der kassenärztlichen Versorgung derzeit behaftet ist und was daraus für kleinräumige Vergleiche, etwa in der Gesundheitsberichterstattung, folgt. Die Aufbereitung valider Nennerdaten im Rahmen der Datentransparenzregelung nach SGB V ist anzustreben.
Use of the Bethe equation for inner-shell ionization by electron impact
Authors: Powell Cedric J. , Llovet Xavier , Salvat Francesc
Published: May 2016

We analyzed calculated cross sections for K-, L-, and M-shell ionization by electron impact to determine the energy ranges over which these cross sections are consistent with the Bethe equation for inner-shell ionization. Our analysis was performed with K-shell ionization cross sections for 26 elements, with L-shell ionization cross sections for seven elements, L3-subshell ionization cross sections for Xe, and M-shell ionization cross sections for three elements. The validity (or otherwise) of the Bethe equation could be checked with Fano plots based on a linearized form of the Bethe equation. Our Fano plots, which display theoretical cross sections and available measured cross sections, reveal two linear regions as predicted by de Heer and Inokuti [in Electron Impact Ionization, edited by T. D. Märk and G. H. Dunn, (Springer-Verlag, Vienna, 1985), Chap. 7, pp. 232–276]. For each region, we made linear fits and determined values of the two element-specific Bethe parameters. We found systematic variations of these parameters with atomic number for both the low- and the high-energy linear regions of the Fano plots. We also determined the energy ranges over which the Bethe equation can be used.
Molecular dynamics of protein A and a WW domain with a united-residue model including hydrodynamic interaction
Authors: Lipska Agnieszka G. , Seidman Steven R. , Sieradzan Adam K. , Giełdoń Artur , Liwo Adam , Scheraga Harold A.
Published: May 2016

The folding of the N-terminal part of the B-domain of staphylococcal protein A (PDB ID: 1BDD, a 46-residue three-α-helix bundle) and the formin-binding protein 28 WW domain (PDB ID: 1E0L, a 37-residue three-stranded anti-parallel β protein) was studied by means of Langevin dynamics with the coarse-grained UNRES force field to assess the influence of hydrodynamic interactions on protein-folding pathways and kinetics. The unfolded, intermediate, and native-like structures were identified by cluster analysis, and multi-exponential functions were fitted to the time dependence of the fractions of native and intermediate structures, respectively, to determine bulk kinetics. It was found that introducing hydrodynamic interactions slows down both the formation of an intermediate state and the transition from the collapsed structures to the final native-like structures by creating multiple kinetic traps. Therefore, introducing hydrodynamic interactions considerably slows the folding, as opposed to the results obtained from earlier studies with the use of Gō-like models.
Silver migration and trapping in ion implanted ZnO single crystals
Authors: Azarov Alexander , Vines Lasse , Rauwel Protima , Monakhov Edouard , Svensson Bengt G.
Published: May 2016

Potentially, group-Ib elements (Cu, Ag, and Au) incorporated on Zn sites can be used for p-type doping of ZnO, and in the present paper, we use ion implantation to introduce Ag atoms in wurtzite ZnO single crystals. Monitoring the Li behavior, being a residual impurity in the crystals, as a tracer, we demonstrate that Zn interstitials assist the Ag diffusion and lead to Ag pile-up behind the implanted region after annealing above 800 °C. At even higher temperatures, a pronounced Ag loss from the sample surface occurs and concurrently the Ag atoms exhibit a trap-limited diffusion into the crystal bulk with an activation energy of ∼2.6 eV. The dominant traps are most likely Zn vacancies and substitutional Li atoms, yielding substitutional Ag atoms. In addition, formation of an anomalous multipeak Ag distribution in the implanted near-surface region after annealing can be attributed to local implantation-induced stoichiometry disturbances leading to trapping of the Ag atoms by O and Zn vacancies in the vicinity of the surface and in the end-of-range region, respectively.
Thermal properties of layered oxychalcogenides BiCuOCh (Ch = S, Se, and Te): A first-principles calculation
Authors: Liu Gang , Sun Hongyi , Zhou Jian , Li Qingfang , Wan X. G.
Published: May 2016

The phonon spectra, Debye temperatures, Grüneisen parameters, and the intrinsic lattice thermal conductivities of the layered oxychalcogenides BiCuOCh (Ch = S, Se, Te) have been studied with first-principles calculations. We find that the lattice thermal conductivities of them are anisotropic and quite low. The lowest thermal conductivity is only 0.14 Wm−1K−1 along c-axis for BiCuOTe. The size-dependent thermal conductivity of them is also discussed.