bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of feeding state and frozen storage temperature on the lipid stability of Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus)
Authors: Romotowska Paulina E. , Karlsdóttir Magnea G. , Gudjónsdóttir María , Kristinsson Hordur G. , Arason Sigurjon
Published: May 2016

Lipid deterioration of mackerel caught in Icelandic waters was studied, as affected by different frozen storage temperatures (−18 °C vs. −25 °C) and seasonal variation (August vs. September). The lipid stability was investigated by analyses of hydroperoxide value (PV), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), free fatty acids, as well as changes in fatty acid composition. Results showed significant lipid deterioration with extended storage time, where the lower storage temperature showed significantly more protective effects. Furthermore, a higher lipid oxidation level was recorded for fish caught in September than in August, although lipid hydrolysis occurred to be greater for fish in August than in September. Moreover, results indicated a rather stable level of omega‐3 fatty acid during the whole frozen storage period. The analysis indicated that both lipid oxidation and hydrolysis were affected by the frozen storage temperature and the stability differed with regard to season of catch.
High‐Speed Preparation of Highly (100)‐Oriented CeO2 Film by Laser Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Zhao Pei , Su Shi , Wang Ying , Chi Chen , Zhang Zhan Hui , Mao Yang Wu , Huang Zhi liang , Xu Yuan Lai , Goto Takashi
Published: May 2016

CeO2 films were prepared at deposition temperature ranged from 947 to 1096 K (corresponding laser power was from 52 to 185 W) on (100) LaAlO3 single crystal substrate by laser chemical vapor deposition. At deposition temperature of 1027–1096 K (laser power was from 115 to 185 W), highly (100)‐oriented CeO2 films with wedge‐caped columnar grains were prepared, whose epitaxial growth relationship was CeO2 [100]//LAO [100] (CeO2 [010]//LAO [011]). Their full width at half maximum of the ω‐scan on the (200) reflection and that of the ϕ‐scan on the (220) reflection were 0.8°–1.8° and 0.7°–1.2°, respectively. The highest deposition rate at which CeO2 film with pure (100) preferred orientation could be obtained was 30 μm h−1.
Defect Physics of BiOI as High Efficient Photocatalyst Driven by Visible Light
Authors: Dai Wen‐Wu , Zhao Zong‐Yan
Published: May 2016

Point defects are very important for semiconductor photocatalyst: promoting visible‐light absorption, tailoring energy bands, trapping photogenerated carriers, etc. As promising high efficient photocatalyst, BiOI could absorb most solar energy, and has high oxidization activity. However, its conduction band edge is lower than the reduction potential of H+/H2, thus BiOI could not achieve overall photocatalytic water splitting. In the present work, the crystal structure and electronic structure of BiOI with three different types of point defects are systematically investigated by density functional theory calculations, to find suitable strategy to solve above issue. Based on detailed analysis of calculated results, it is found that antisite defect of I@Bi (iodine occupies the bismuth site) and oxygen vacancy defect in BiOI could achieve above requirement: their conduction band and valence band edge positions are straddle the redox potential of water, resulting in as the promising photocatalyst candidates for overall water splitting driven by visible light. The findings could provide reasonable explanations for the reported experiments, and are beneficial to the development of novel bismuth oxyhalogenide‐based photocatalyst.
Infection risk dictates immunological divergence among populations in a Mediterranean lizard
Authors: Sagonas K. , Rota I. A. , Tsitsilonis O. E. , Pafilis P. , Valakos E. D.
Published: May 2016

The ability of vertebrates to evolve different defence strategies in response to varying parasitism regimes remains poorly understood. Hosts may adopt two different strategies to defend themselves against parasites: tolerance (hosts alleviate the negative fitness consequences of parasite infection) and resistance (hosts strengthen their immune response as parasite burden increases). Both strategies are effective, but fitness has been reported to decline faster in less‐tolerant individuals. Here, we assessed the number of splenocytes and the cell‐mediated response (proxies for resistance) and body condition (a proxy for tolerance) in four populations of a Greek endemic lizard (Podarcis gaigeae), each exposed to different infection risks (defined as the cumulative effect of parasite burden and duration of exposure). We anticipated that populations with heavy parasite burden would enhance the efficacy of their immune response (resistance) compared to lizards deriving from parasite‐poor habitats. We also predicted that populations with longer exposure to parasites would be adopted and be more tolerant. Each factor (duration of exposure and parasite burden) had a distinct effect on the immune response, and thus, our results were rather complicated. Lizards with heavy parasite burden and aperiodic exposure demonstrated resistance, whereas lizards with heavy parasite burden and chronic exposure were more tolerant. Populations with low parasite burden and minimal exposure were more resistant. Our results suggest that the development of some immunological strategies may be differentiated under different infection risks, even within the same species.
Crop Planting Structure Optimization for Water Scarcity Alleviation in China
Authors: Zhang Lijia , Yin Xin'an , Xu Zhihao , Zhi Yuan , Yang Zhifeng
Published: May 2016

Along with globalization, countries consume a large amount of goods and services from both domestic and international markets. As one of the world's largest agricultural countries, China is faced with serious water scarcity and has to reduce the water consumption from both domestic and global aspects, of which the crop planting structure optimization (CPSO) between regions based on the virtual water perspective could be a solution for efficient agricultural water consumption. In this article, three scenarios of Chinese agriculture, including agricultural water consumption restrictions relaxed scenario, agricultural water consumption limited scenario, and net utilization ratio of water resources limited scenario, were designed to minimize the national agricultural water consumption under various water, land, and crop planting constraints in individual provinces and analyze the impacts of the CPSO. The results showed that compared with the historical situation of crop planting in 2007, 53.3%, 51.4%, and 47.3% of the agricultural water consumption and more than 10% of the sown area of China was saved under the three scenarios, respectively. Because of the reduction of agricultural water consumption and land use, it brought about the expansion of crops production in China. CPSO is found to have notable effects on water saving and food security considering the dependence of the crops by international trade.
Impact of Trade Openness and Sector Trade on Embodied Greenhouse Gases Emissions and Air Pollutants
Authors: Islam Moinul , Kanemoto Keiichiro , Managi Shunsuke
Published: May 2016

The production of goods and services generates greenhouse gases (GHGs) and air pollution both directly and through the activities of the supply chains on which they depend. The analysis of the latter—called embodied emissions—caused by internationally traded goods and services is the subject of this article. We find that trade openness increases embodied emissions in international trade (EET). We also examine the impact of sector trade on EET. By applying a fixed‐effect model using large balanced panel data from 187 countries between 1990 and 2011, we determine that each unit of increase in trade openness results in a 10% to 23% increase in GHGs EET. The sector trade effect is also significant for the embodied emissions of carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, carbon monoxide, nonmethane volatile organic compounds, particulates and sulfur dioxide. Our findings also clearly indicate that the impact of the gross domestic product (GDP) on the embodied emissions in exports is positive, increasing emissions, but that it is negative on the embodied emissions in imports. We suggest that countries monitor trade sector emissions and trade openness to mitigate global embodied GHG emissions and air pollutants.
Estradiol‐induced neurogenesis in the female accessory olfactory bulb is required for the learning of the male odor
Authors: Brus Maïna , Trouillet Anne‐Charlotte , Hellier Vincent , Bakker Julie
Published: May 2016

Odors processed by the main and accessory olfactory bulbs (MOB, AOB) are important for sexual behavior. Interestingly, both structures continue to receive new neurons during adulthood. A role for olfactory neurogenesis in sexual behavior in female mice has recently been shown and gonadal hormones such as estradiol can modulate adult neurogenesis. Therefore, we wanted to determine the role of estradiol in learning the odors of sexual partners and in the adult neurogenesis of female aromatase knockout mice (ArKO), unable to produce estradiol. Female wild‐type (WT) and ArKO mice were exposed to male odors during 7 days, and olfactory preferences, cell proliferation, cell survival and functional involvement of newborn neurons were analyzed, using BrdU injections, in combination with a marker of cell activation (Zif268) and neuronal fate (doublecortin, NeuN). Behavioral tasks indicated that both WT and ArKO females were able to discriminate between the odors of two different males, but ArKO mice failed to learn the familiar male odor. Proliferation of newborn cells was reduced in ArKO mice only in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. Olfactory exposure decreased cell survival in the AOB in WT females, suggesting a role for estradiol in a structure involved in sexual behavior. Finally, newborn neurons do not seem to be functionally involved in the AOB of ArKO mice compared with WT, when females were exposed to the odor of a familiar male, suggesting that estradiol‐induced neurogenesis in the AOB is required for the learning of the male odor in female mice.

image

Aromatase knockout mice (ArKO) presented deficits in olfactory preferences without affecting their olfactory discrimination abilities, and showed no functional involvement of newborn neurons in the accessory olfactory bulb (AOB) in response to the odor of a familiar male. These results suggest that estradiol‐induced neurogenesis in the female AOB is required for the learning of the male odor.
GLOBALIZATION AND CLIMATE CHANGE: NEW EMPIRICAL PANEL DATA EVIDENCE
Authors: Bu Maoliang , Lin Chin‐Te , Zhang Bing
Published: May 2016

Whether globalization is good or bad for the environment has been studied intensively in recent years. However, few studies have explicitly provided a general picture of globalization around the world or considered the rich dimensions of globalization outside of economic globalization. By applying the new KOF globalization index in a panel data sample of 166 countries over the 1990–2009 period, our results suggest that, on average, overall carbon emissions rise with higher levels of economic, social and political globalization, although the effect varies by OECD and non‐OECD country group. After decomposing the main contributors of carbon emissions, our further data from the manufacturing and construction sector yield evidence consistent with a pollution haven effect in terms of climate change.
A NEW DIRECTION IN ENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMICS
Authors: Lin Brian Chi‐ang , Zheng Siqi
Published: May 2016

Sustainability has emerged as one of most pressing issues in the 21st century since it was recognized that everyone has a stake in Our Common Future. This paper provides an overview of original findings by leading scholars focusing on this field in this collection of special issue covering environmental economics for enhancing sustainability.
Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging Color Maps to Characterize Brain Diffusion in Neurologic Disorders
Authors: Caverzasi Eduardo , Papinutto Nico , Castellano Antonella , Zhu Alyssa H. , Scifo Paola , Riva Marco , Bello Lorenzo , Falini Andrea , Bharatha Aditya , Henry Roland G.
Published: May 2016

PURPOSE

Neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) has recently been developed to overcome diffusion technique limitations in modeling biological systems. This manuscript reports a preliminary investigation into the use of a single color‐coded map to represent NODDI‐derived information.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An optimized diffusion‐weighted imaging protocol was acquired in several clinical neurological contexts including demyelinating disease, neoplastic process, stroke, and toxic/metabolic disease.

The NODDI model was fitted to the diffusion datasets. NODDI is based on a three‐compartment diffusion model and provides maps that quantify the contributions to the total diffusion signal in each voxel. The NODDI compartment maps were combined into a single 4‐dimensional volume visualized as RGB image (red for anisotropic Gaussian diffusion, green for non‐Gaussian anisotropic diffusion, and blue for isotropic Gaussian diffusion), in which the relative contributions of the different microstructural compartments can be easily appreciated.

RESULTS

The NODDI color maps better describe the heterogeneity of neoplastic as well inflammatory lesions by identifying different tissue components within areas apparently homogeneous on conventional imaging. Moreover, NODDI color maps seem to be useful for identifying vasogenic edema differently from tumor‐infiltrated edema.

In multiple sclerosis, the NODDI color maps enable a visual assessment of the underlying microstructural changes, possibly highlighting an increased inflammatory component, within lesions and potentially in normal‐appearing white matter.

CONCLUSION

The NODDI color maps could make this technique valuable in a clinical setting, providing comprehensive and accessible information in normal and pathological brain tissues in different neurological pathologies.
Taxing the Financially Integrated Multinational Firm
Authors: JOHANNESEN NIELS
Published: May 2016

This paper develops a theoretical model of corporate taxation in the presence of financially integrated multinational firms. Under the assumption that multinational firms use some measure of internal loans to finance foreign investment, we find that the optimal corporate tax rate is positive from the perspective of a small, open economy. This finding contrasts the standard result that the optimal‐source‐based capital tax is zero. Intuitively, when multinational firms finance investment in one country with loans from affiliates in another country, the burden of the corporate taxes levied in the latter country partly falls on investment and thus workers in the former country. This tax exporting mechanism introduces a scope for corporate taxes, which is not present in standard models of international taxation. Accounting for the internal capital markets of multinational firms thus helps resolve the tension between standard theory predicting zero capital taxes and the casual observation that countries tend to employ corporate taxes at fairly high rates.
Conditional and Marginal Mutual Information in Gaussian and Hyperbolic Decay Time Series
Authors: Chavez Gordon
Published: May 2016

We consider the amount of available information about an arbitrary future state of a Gaussian stochastic process. We derive an infinite series for the marginal mutual information in terms of the autocorrelation function. We derive an infinite series for the newly available information for prediction, the conditional mutual information, in terms of the moving average parameters, and directly characterize predictability in terms of sensitivity to random shocks. We apply our results to long memory, or more generally, hyperbolic decay models, and give information‐theoretic characterizations of the transition from persistence to anti‐persistence, stationary long memory to nonstationarity, and a stationary regime where the mutual information is not summable.
A multicentre comparison between Child Pugh and Albumin‐Bilirubin scores in patients treated with sorafenib for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Edeline Julien , Blanc Jean‐Frédéric , Johnson Philip , Campillo‐Gimenez Boris , Ross Paul , Ma Yuk Ting , King Judy , Hubner Richard A. , Sumpter Kate , Darby Suzanne , Evans Jeff , Iwuji Chinenye , Swinson Daniel , Collins Peter , Patel Kinnari , Muazzam Iqtedar , Palmer Daniel H. , Meyer Tim
Published: May 2016

Background & Aims

The Albumin‐Bilirubin (ALBI) grade was proposed as an objective means to evaluate liver function in patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). ALBI grade 1 vs 2 were proposed as stratification factors within the Child Pugh (CP) A class. However, the original publication did not provide comparison with the subclassification by points (5–15) within the CP classification.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed data from patients treated with sorafenib for HCC from 17 centres in United Kingdom and France. Overall survival (OS) was analysed using the Kaplan–Meier method and a Cox regression model. Discriminatory abilities of the classifications were assessed with the log likelihood ratio, Harrell's C statistics and Akaike information criterion.

Results

Data from 1019 patients were collected, of which 905 could be assessed for both scores. 92% of ALBI grade 1 were CP A5 while ALBI 2 included a broad range of CP scores of which 44% were CP A6. Median OS was 10.2, 7.0 and 3.6 months for CP scores A5, A6 and >A6, respectively (P < 0.001), Hazard Ratio (HR) = 1.60 (95%CI: 1.35–1.89, P < 0.001) for A6 vs A5. Median OS was 10.9, 6.6 and 3.0 months for ALBI grade 1, 2 and 3, respectively (P < 0.001), HR = 1.68 (1.43–1.97, P < 0.001) for grade 2 vs 1. Discriminatory abilities of CP and ALBI were similar in the CP A population, but better for CP in the overall population.

Conclusions

Our findings support the use CP class A as an inclusion criterion, and ALBI as a stratification factor in trials of systemic therapy.
Inversions and the origin of behavioral differences in cod
Authors: Samuk Kieran
Published: May 2016

How does adaptation manage to occur in the face of overwhelming gene flow? One popular idea is that the suppression of recombination, for example the fixation of a chromosomal inversion, can maintain linkage disequilibrium between groups of locally adapted alleles that would otherwise be degraded by gene flow. This idea has captured the imagination of many geneticists and evolutionary biologists, but we still have only a basic understanding of its general importance. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Kirubakaran et al. () examine the role of recombination suppression in a particularly fascinating example of adaptation in the face of gene flow: the evolution of migratory differences between interbreeding populations of cod. Along the north coast of Norway, two types of cod breed in the near‐shore waters: a ‘stationary’ form that lives near the coast year round, and a ‘migratory’ form that lives far offshore and only returns to the coast to breed. Using a combination of approaches, Kirubakaran et al. () deftly demonstrate that the migratory form has completely fixed two adjacent inversions containing a suite of genes closely connected to migratory behaviour and feeding differences. This work provides an excellent example of how recombination suppression can facilitate adaptive divergence, and helps us understand the geographic and temporal scales over which genomic structural variation evolves.
Initial and Final Finance in the Monetary Circuit and the Theory of Effective Demand
Authors: Cesaratto Sergio
Published: May 2016

One remarkable aspect of modern heterodox theory is the detachment between demand‐led growth models and endogenous money theories. This paper suggests a possible integration of the Keynesian theory of the multiplier (and supermultiplier) with endogenous money and Keynes's finance theories. Focussing upon Graziani's version of the Monetary Circuit Theory (MCT), the paper is a contribution towards reconciling the preoccupation of MCT with initial production financing, and the concern of demand‐side oriented heterodox growth theories with final financing of autonomous demand. Following Davidson, Dalziel and others, the paper shows that endogenous money finances production decisions based, inter alia, on expected consumption and investment orders. In turn, the income (super)multiplier generates actual consumption and saving. The latter funds the actual purchase of investment goods. The (super)multiplier is the nexus between initial and final finance. Various complications of this basic idea not yet considered by the literature are examined.
Susceptibility to human cancer: From the perspective of a pathologist
Authors: Sugimura Haruhiko
Published: May 2016

The etiologies of human cancer can only be discerned when the genetic clustering of cancer occurs within a family or when cancer occurs endemically in a particular environment. The possible approaches to solving the nature/nurture problem, especially for human carcinogenesis, posit a fascinating challenge for pathologists. This perspective review presents some examples of how clues to human cancer etiologies and/or susceptibilities reside in the realm of pathology practice. These examples using various omics techniques including adductomics, which I would like to highlight in this article, show that the currently available concepts and methods in human pathology can open a path toward the brave new world of a post‐genomic era of medicine for young pathologists, whether their original intention was toward the pursuit of diagnostic or investigative knowledge.
Principle, Discretion, and Symbolic Power in Rousseau's Account of Judicial Virtue
Authors: Daly Eoin
Published: May 2016

Rousseau's understanding of legislation as the expression of the general will implies a constitutional principle of legislative supremacy. In turn, this should translate to a narrow, mechanical account of adjudication, lest creative judicial interpretation subvert the primacy of legislative power. Yet in his constitutional writings, Rousseau recommends open‐textured and vague legislative codes, which he openly admits will require judicial development. Thus he apparently trusts a great deal in judicial discretion. Ostensibly, then, he overlooks the problem of how legislative indeterminacy—and correspondingly, judicial discretion—may undermine the authority of the general will. However, I argue that Rousseau aims to check judicial subversion of legislative supremacy simply by extending his broader social politics—and specifically, his peculiar concept of republican virtue—to the domain of law. His main concern is that the law should not develop as a mystifying expert practice; therefore, he necessarily rejects any understanding of judicial virtue as lying in principled discourse. Instead, he envisages that judicial power will be checked by a more generic sense of republican virtue. In turn this echoes his apprehension of social differentiation and social complexity as sources of domination and hierarchy.
Juxtaposing the Black and White Gender Gap: Race and Gender Differentiation in College Enrollment Predictors*
Authors: Davis Tomeka , Otto Bobette
Published: May 2016

Objective

This research examines the factors influencing the reverse gender gap in college enrollment between Black men and women and compares them to the factors affecting the gender gap between Whites.

Methods

We use data from the National Educational Longitudinal Study (NELS) and logistic regression to address our research questions.

Findings

The results reveal that Black male students fare worse than all other race‐gender groups on virtually all predictors of college enrollment. The strongest determinant of the Black gender gap proved to be the lower academic performance of Black male students. In addition, our results support the hypothesis that returns on academic, social, and family economic characteristics differ along race and gender lines, though the strongest differences in returns appear to be between racial groups rather than between men and women of the same race. Blacks benefit less from higher GPAs, positive peer influences, and parental economic resources than Whites, though Black women benefit least from positive peer influences than any other race‐gender group.

Conclusions

In order to improve rates of college enrollment among Black males, policymakers should develop strategies to improve their academic performance. However, policymakers must also recognize that academic performance offers less payoff for Black students and must therefore find ways to equalize these returns for them.
Apparent nitrogen fertilizer replacement value of grass–clover leys and of farmyard manure in an arable rotation. Part II: farmyard manure
Authors: Pikula D. , ten Berge H. F. M. , Goedhart P. W. , Schröder J. J.
Published: May 2016

The apparent nitrogen fertilizer replacement value of farmyard manure (NFRVFYM) was studied in a long‐term experiment on a loamy sand soil at Grabow, Poland. The experiment combined five rates of FYM with four nitrogen (N) fertilizer rates in two rotations (RotA and RotB) started in 1980 (Expt1) and, in parallel, 1981 (Expt2). Rotations consisted of potatoes, winter wheat and spring barley, followed by silage maize (RotA) or grass–clover ley (GCL, RotB). We analysed six consecutive cycles. NFRVFYM was much larger in RotB than RotA, due to high N supply from GCL residues combined with likely deficiencies in potassium (K) and/or phosphorus (P), causing weak crop responses to N fertilizer in RotB relative to FYM effects. Devoid of non‐N effects, ‘true’ (as opposed to apparent) NFRVFYM was estimated at 2.0 kg fertilizer‐N per tonne of FYM (at equal N offtake), or 2.7 kg/t (at equal DM yield). These values correspond with equivalencies of 0.37 and 0.50 kg fertilizer‐N per kg FYM‐N. RotB required 25 kg P and 350 kg K/ha/cycle more input than RotA to compensate for higher P and K offtake in GCL compared to maize. The study highlights differences between approaches to assess NFRVFYM, giving larger values at high compared with low N fertilizer rate, and larger values at low compared with high FYM rate. These contrasts reflect drift in the ratio between the agronomic N‐use efficiencies of FYM and fertilizer, respectively, and in the ratio between the apparent recoveries of N from these sources.
Time course of EPSCs in ON‐type starburst amacrine cells is independent of dendritic location
Authors: Stincic Todd , Smith Robert G. , Taylor W. Rowland
Published: May 2016

Key points

Direction selectivity has been widely studied as an example of a complex neural computation.

Directional GABA release from starburst amacrine cells (SBACs) is critical for generating directional signals in direction‐selective ganglion cells. The mechanisms producing the directional release remain unclear.

For SBACs, ordered distribution of sustained and transient bipolar cell inputs along the dendrites is proposed to generate directional GABA release. This study tests whether this hypothesis applies to ON‐type SBACs.

EPSCs activated at proximal and distal dendritic locations have the same time course. Therefore, the ordered arrangement of inputs from bipolar cells with different kinetic properties cannot be responsible for generating directional GABA release from ON‐type SBACs.

Direction selectivity in the retina relies critically on directionally asymmetric GABA release from the dendritic tips of starburst amacrine cells (SBACs). GABA release from each radially directed dendrite is larger for motion outward from the soma toward the dendritic tips than for motion inwards toward the soma. The biophysical mechanisms generating these directional signals remain controversial. A model based on electron‐microscopic reconstructions of the mouse retina proposed that an ordered arrangement of kinetically distinct bipolar cell inputs to ON‐ and OFF‐type SBACs could produce directional GABA release. We tested this prediction by measuring the time course of EPSCs in ON‐type SBACs in the mouse retina, activated by proximal and distal light stimulation. Contrary to the prediction, the kinetics of the excitatory inputs were independent of dendritic location. Computer simulations based on 3D reconstructions of SBAC dendrites demonstrated that the response kinetics of distal inputs were not significantly altered by dendritic filtering. These direct physiological measurements, do not support the hypothesis that directional signals in SBACs arise from the ordered arrangement of kinetically distinct bipolar cell inputs.
Effect of the chamber wall on fluorocarbon-assisted atomic layer etching of SiO2 using cyclic Ar/C4F8 plasma
Authors: Kawakami Masatoshi , Metzler Dominik , Li Chen , Oehrlein Gottlieb S.
Published: May 2016

The authors studied the effect of the temperature and chemical state of the chamber wall on process performance for atomic layer etching of SiO2 using a steady-state Ar plasma, periodic injection of a defined number of C4F8 molecules, and synchronized plasma-based Ar+ ion bombardment. To evaluate these effects, the authors measured the quartz coupling window temperature. The plasma gas phase chemistry was characterized using optical emission spectroscopy. It was found that although the thickness of the polymer film deposited in each cycle is constant, the etching behavior changed, which is likely related to a change in the plasma gas phase chemistry. The authors found that the main gas phase changes occur after C4F8 injection. The C4F8 and the quartz window react and generate SiF and CO. The emission intensity changes with wall surface state and temperature. Therefore, changes in the plasma gas species generation can lead to a shift in etching performance during processing. During initial cycles, minimal etching is observed, while etching gradually increases with cycle number.
Direct e-beam writing of colors on (AgI)x(AgPO3)1−x glass
Authors: Jacobs Kyle E. , Ferreira Placid M.
Published: May 2016

Direct writing of color patterns is investigated in (AgI)x(AgPO3)1−x ionically conductive glasses through the use of an electron beam. A range of glasses from x = 0–0.5 are explored to represent varying levels of ionic conductivity and the gamut of colors possible depending on substrate composition. For AgIAgPO3, writing capabilities are found to include a linear, tunable optical density of patterns in transmission, as well as diffraction limited color resolution in reflection. Writing at multiple currents, beam energies, and raster techniques are performed to explore the sensitivity to variations of process parameters. With advanced multiple beam voltage patterning techniques, the authors demonstrate the capability to both generate new colors as well as erase patterns previously created with this process.
Magnesium-gold binary alloy for organic light-emitting diodes with high corrosion resistance
Authors: Arai Hiroya , Nakanotani Hajime , Morimoto Kei , Adachi Chihaya
Published: May 2016

The authors demonstrate a simple approach to obtain cathodes that have a high resistance against corrosion by water and oxygen and an air-stable work-function of −3.7 eV by doping 10 at. % of gold (Au) into a magnesium (Mg) base metal layer. Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) with the Mg-Au cathodes achieved electroluminescence characteristics that are comparable to those of devices with conventional cathodes such as aluminum (Al) and Mg-silver (Ag). Although OLEDs with Al or Mg-Ag cathodes exhibited a significant reduction of their emissive area when operated in air, the emissive area of the OLEDs with Mg-Au cathodes decreased only 10% after 10 days of operation in ambient air without any specific encapsulation. These results suggest that Mg-Au cathodes can loosen the strict requirements for encapsulation, reducing the number of process steps and cost of OLED fabrication.
Multiple scattering by infinitely long cylindrical glass inclusions in a saturated Biot porous medium of glass beads
Authors: Trabelsi W. , Franklin H. , Tinel A.
Published: May 2016

The resonance spectrum of sets of two to five infinitely long parallel cylindrical glass inclusions in a fluid saturated porous matrix of unconsolidated glass beads is investigated. The ratio of bead diameters to inclusion diameters is 1/5. The far field form functions and the related phase derivatives are calculated by using an exact multiple scattering formalism and by assuming that the porous medium obeys Biot's model. In order to validate this hypothesis, comparisons between theory and experiments are done in the special case of a fast incident wave on a set of two and three inclusions.
Virulence and Experimental Treatment of Trichoderma longibrachiatum, a Fungus Refractory to Treatment
Authors: Paredes Katihuska , Capilla Javier , Mayayo Emilio , Guarro Josep
Published: May 2016

Different inocula of
Trichoderma longibrachiatum
were tested in a murine model, and only the highest one (1 × 10
7
CFU/animal) killed all of the mice at day 15 postinfection, with spleen and liver the most affected organs. The efficacies of amphotericin B deoxycholate, liposomal amphotericin B, voriconazole, and micafungin were evaluated in the same model, with very poor results. Our study demonstrated the low virulence but high resistance to antifungal compounds of this fungus.
Frequency of BKC-1-Producing Klebsiella Species Isolates
Authors: Martins Willames M. B. S. , Nicoletti Adriana G. , Santos Silvia R. , Sampaio Jorge L. M. , Gales Ana C.
Published: May 2016

BKC-1 is a new class A serine carbapenemase that was recently identified in
Klebsiella pneumoniae
clinical isolates. The principal objective of this study was to evaluate the frequency of
bla
BKC-1
by testing a collection of
Klebsiella
isolates. Only 2 of 635
Klebsiella
isolates (0.3%) carried
bla
BKC-1
. The two BKC-1-producing isolates belonged to clonal complex 442 and possessed identical pulsed-field gel electrophoresis patterns. The
bla
BKC-1
gene was inserted into a 10-kb plasmid that was identical to the previously reported plasmid, p60136. The BKC-producing
K. pneumoniae
isolates presented also possessed other mechanisms for beta-lactam resistance, such as genes encoding extended-spectrum beta-lactamases and mutations in the genes
ompK35
and
ompK36
, encoding the major porins.
Investigation of Elimination Rate, Persistent Subpopulation Removal, and Relapse Rates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by Using Combinations of First-Line Drugs in a Modified Cornell Mouse Model
Authors: Hu Yanmin , Pertinez Henry , Ortega-Muro Fatima , Alameda-Martin Laura , Liu Yingjun , Schipani Alessandro , Davies Geraint , Coates Anthony
Published: May 2016

Currently, the most effective tuberculosis control method involves case finding and 6 months of chemotherapy. There is a need to improve our understanding about drug interactions, combination activities, and the ability to remove persistent bacteria using the current regimens, particularly in relation to relapse. We aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of three main components, rifampin (RMP), isoniazid (INH), and pyrazinamide (PZA), in current drug regimens using a modified version of the Cornell mouse model. We evaluated the posttreatment levels of persistent
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
in the organs of mice using culture filtrate derived from
M. tuberculosis
strain H37Rv. When RMP was combined with INH, PZA, or INH-PZA, significant additive activities were observed compared to each of the single-drug treatments. However, the combination of INH and PZA showed a less significant additive effect than either of the drugs used on their own. Apparent culture negativity of mouse organs was achieved at 14 weeks of treatment with RMP-INH, RMP-PZA, and RMP-INH-PZA, but not with INH-PZA, when conventional tests, namely, culture on solid agar and in liquid broth, indicated that the organs were negative for bacteria. The relapse rates for RMP-containing regimens were not significantly different from a 100% relapse rate at the numbers of mice examined in this study. In parallel, we examined the organs for the presence of culture filtrate-dependent persistent bacilli after 14 weeks of treatment. Culture filtrate treatment of the organs revealed persistent
M. tuberculosis
. Modeling of mycobacterial elimination rates and evaluation of culture filtrate-dependent organisms showed promise as surrogate methods for efficient factorial evaluation of drug combinations in tuberculosis in mouse models and should be further evaluated against relapse. The presence of culture filtrate-dependent persistent
M. tuberculosis
is the likely cause of disease relapse in this modified Cornell mouse model.
Aminoacyl-tRNA Synthetases in the Bacterial World
Authors: Giegé Richard , Springer Mathias
Published: May 2016

Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs) are modular enzymes globally conserved in the three kingdoms of life. All catalyze the same two-step reaction, i.e., the attachment of a proteinogenic amino acid on their cognate tRNAs, thereby mediating the correct expression of the genetic code. In addition, some aaRSs acquired other functions beyond this key role in translation. Genomics and X-ray crystallography have revealed great structural diversity in aaRSs (e.g., in oligomery and modularity, in ranking into two distinct groups each subdivided in 3 subgroups, by additional domains appended on the catalytic modules). AaRSs show huge structural plasticity related to function and limited idiosyncrasies that are kingdom or even species specific (e.g., the presence in many
Bacteria
of non discriminating aaRSs compensating for the absence of one or two specific aaRSs, notably AsnRS and/or GlnRS). Diversity, as well, occurs in the mechanisms of aaRS gene regulation that are not conserved in evolution, notably between distant groups such as Gram-positive and Gram-negative
Bacteria
. The review focuses on bacterial aaRSs (and their paralogs) and covers their structure, function, regulation, and evolution. Structure/function relationships are emphasized, notably the enzymology of tRNA aminoacylation and the editing mechanisms for correction of activation and charging errors. The huge amount of genomic and structural data that accumulated in last two decades is reviewed, showing how the field moved from essentially reductionist biology towards more global and integrated approaches. Likewise, the alternative functions of aaRSs and those of aaRS paralogs (e.g., during cell wall biogenesis and other metabolic processes in or outside protein synthesis) are reviewed. Since aaRS phylogenies present promiscuous bacterial, archaeal, and eukaryal features, similarities and differences in the properties of aaRSs from the three kingdoms of life are pinpointed throughout the review and distinctive characteristics of bacterium-like synthetases from organelles are outlined.
A Type I Signal Peptidase Is Required for Pilus Assembly in the Gram-Positive, Biofilm-Forming Bacterium Actinomyces
oris
Authors: Siegel Sara D. , Wu Chenggang , Ton-That Hung
Published: May 2016

The Gram-positive bacterium
Actinomyces
oris
, a key colonizer in the development of oral biofilms, contains 18 LPXTG motif-containing proteins, including fimbrillins that constitute two fimbrial types critical for adherence, biofilm formation, and polymicrobial interactions. Export of these protein precursors, which harbor a signal peptide, is thought to be mediated by the Sec machine and require cleavage of the signal peptide by type I signal peptidases (SPases). Like many Gram-positive bacteria,
A. oris
expresses two SPases, named LepB1 and LepB2. The latter has been linked to suppression of lethal “glyco-stress,” caused by membrane accumulation of the LPXTG motif-containing glycoprotein GspA when the housekeeping sortase
srtA
is genetically disrupted. Consistent with this finding, we show here that a mutant lacking
lepB2
and
srtA
was unable to produce high levels of glycosylated GspA and hence was viable. However, deletion of neither
lepB1
nor
lepB2
abrogated the signal peptide cleavage and glycosylation of GspA, indicating redundancy of SPases for GspA. In contrast, the
lepB2
deletion mutant failed to assemble the wild-type levels of type 1 and 2 fimbriae, which are built by the shaft fimbrillins FimP and FimA, respectively; this phenotype was attributed to aberrant cleavage of the fimbrillin signal peptides. Furthermore, the
lepB2
mutants, including the catalytically inactive S101A and K169A variants, exhibited significant defects in polymicrobial interactions and biofilm formation. Conversely,
lepB1
was dispensable for the aforementioned processes. These results support the idea that LepB2 is specifically utilized for processing of fimbrial proteins, thus providing an experimental model with which to study the basis of type I SPase specificity.

IMPORTANCE
Sec-mediated translocation of bacterial protein precursors across the cytoplasmic membrane involves cleavage of their signal peptide by a signal peptidase (SPase). Like many Gram-positive bacteria,
A. oris
expresses two SPases, LepB1 and LepB2. The latter is a genetic suppressor of lethal “glyco-stress” caused by membrane accumulation of glycosylated GspA when the housekeeping sortase
srtA
is genetically disrupted. We show here that LepB1 and LepB2 are capable of processing GspA, whereas only LepB2 is required for cleavage of fimbrial signal peptides. This is the first example of a type I SPase dedicated to LPXTG motif-containing fimbrial proteins. Thus,
A. oris
provides an experimental model with which to investigate the specificity mechanism of type I SPases.
Intraventricular thrombolysis after endovascular treatment of a ruptured arteriovenous malformation
Authors: Wang Arthur , Ray Abhishek , Hu Yin C
Published: May 2016

Intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) secondary to arteriovenous malformation (AVM) rupture carries significant morbidity and mortality. External ventricular drainage of IVH is frequently complicated by thrombus formation within the ventricular catheter and therefore often unsuccessful at treating hydrocephalus in this setting. Intraventricular administration of recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rtPA) has proved successful in the treatment of spontaneous panventricular haemorrhage. However, usage of rtPA is contraindicated in the setting of a ruptured AVM or aneurysm in which the bleeding source has not been secured. There are only a few reports of intraventricular thrombolysis in the treatment of IVH from AVM rupture. We present the case of successful application of rtPA to treat IVH after endovascularly securing the haemorrhage site of the AVM. Intraventricular thrombolysis remains an option for the treatment of IVH in the setting of AVM rupture and should be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Spedali Degli Innocenti, the Foundling Hospital in Florence, Italy
Authors: Summers Bruce
Published: May 2016

The author reflects on a visit to the Ospedale Degli Innocenti, the former Renaissance foundling hospital in Florence, having escaped from an international clinical conference. He considers the symbolism of the architecture and artwork in relation to its function as a sanctuary for abandoned children.
Switching between thienopyridines in patients with acute myocardial infarction and quality of care
Authors: Schiele Francois , Puymirat Etienne , Bonello Laurent , Meneveau Nicolas , Collet Jean-Philippe , Motreff Pascal , Ravan Ramin , Leclercq Florence , Ennezat Pierre-Vladimir , Ferrières Jean , Simon Tabassome , Danchin Nicolas
Published: May 2016

Objective

In acute coronary syndromes, switching between thienopyridines is frequent. The aims of the study were to assess the association between switching practices and quality of care.

Methods

Registry study performed in 213 French public university, public non-academic and private hospitals. All consecutive patients admitted for acute myocardial infarction (MI; <48 hours) between 1/10/2010 and 30/11/2010 were eligible. Clinical and biological data were recorded up to 12 months follow-up.

Results

Among 4101 patients receiving thienopyridines, a switch was performed in 868 (21.2%): 678 (16.5%) from clopidogrel to prasugrel and 190 (4.6%) from prasugrel to clopidogrel. Predictors of switch were ST segment elevation MI presentation, admission to a cardiology unit, previous percutaneous coronary intervention, younger age, body weight >60 kg, no history of stroke, cardiac arrest, anaemia or renal dysfunction. In patients with a switch, eligibility for prasugrel was >82% and appropriate use of a switch was 86% from clopidogrel to prasugrel and 20% from prasugrel to clopidogrel. Quality indicators scored higher in the group with a switch and also in centres where the switch rate was higher.

Conclusions

As applied in the French Registry on Acute ST-elevation and non ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction (FAST-MI) registry, switching from one P2Y12 inhibitor to another led to a more appropriate prescription and was associated with higher scores on indicators of quality of care.
Health utility indexes in patients with acute coronary syndromes
Authors: Gencer Baris , Rodondi Nicolas , Auer Reto , Nanchen David , Räber Lorenz , Klingenberg Roland , Pletscher Mark , Jüni Peter , Windecker Stephan , Matter Christian M , Lüscher Thomas F , Mach François , Perneger Thomas V , Girardin François R
Published: May 2016

Background

Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) have been associated with lower health utilities (HUs) compared with the general population. Given the prognostic improvements after ACS with the implementation of coronary angiography (eg, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)), contemporary HU values derived from patient-reported outcomes are needed.

Methods

We analysed data of 1882 patients with ACS 1 year after coronary angiography in a Swiss prospective cohort. We used the EuroQol five-dimensional questionnaire (EQ-5D) and visual analogue scale (VAS) to derive HU indexes. We estimated the effects of clinical factors on HU using a linear regression model and compared the observed HU with the average values of individuals of the same sex and age in the general population.

Results

Mean EQ-5D HU 1-year after coronary angiography for ACS was 0.82 (±0.16) and mean VAS was 0.77 (±0.18); 40.9% of participants exhibited the highest utility values. Compared with population controls, the mean EQ-5D HU was similar (expected mean 0.82, p=0.58) in patients with ACS, but the mean VAS was slightly lower (expected mean 0.79, p<0.001). Patients with ACS who are younger than 60 years had lower HU than the general population (<0.001). In patients with ACS, significant differences were found according to the gender, education and employment status, diabetes, obesity, heart failure, recurrent ischaemic or incident bleeding event and participation in cardiac rehabilitation (p<0.01).

Conclusions

At 1 year, patients with ACS with coronary angiography had HU indexes similar to a control population. Subgroup analyses based on patients' characteristics and further disease-specific instruments could provide better sensitivity for detecting smaller variations in health-related quality of life.