bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the decomposition into Discrete, Type II and Type III C*-algebras
Authors: NG CHI–KEUNG , WONG NGAI–CHING
Published: August 2017

We obtained a “decomposition scheme” of C*-algebras. We show that the classes of discrete C*-algebras (as defined by Peligard and Zsidó), type II C*-algebras and type III C*-algebras (both defined by Cuntz and Pedersen) form a good framework to “classify” C*-algebras. In particular, we found that these classes are closed under strong Morita equivalence, hereditary C*-subalgebras as well as taking “essential extension” and “normal quotient”. Furthermore, there exist the largest discrete finite ideal Ad,1, the largest discrete essentially infinite ideal Ad,∞, the largest type II finite ideal AII,1, the largest type II essentially infinite ideal AII,∞, and the largest type III ideal AIII of any C*-algebra A such that Ad,1 + Ad,∞ + AII,1 + AII,∞ + AIII is an essential ideal of A. This “decomposition” extends the corresponding one for W*-algebras.

We also give a closer look at C*-algebras with Hausdorff primitive ideal spaces, AW*-algebras as well as local multiplier algebras of C*-algebras. We find that these algebras can be decomposed into continuous fields of prime C*-algebras over a locally compact Hausdorff space, with each fiber being non-zero and of one of the five types mentioned above.
Fundamentals of silico-ferrite of calcium and aluminium (SFCA) and SFCA-I iron ore sinter bonding phase formation: effects of mill scale addition
Authors: Webster Nathan A. S. , Pownceby Mark I. , Pattel Rachel
Published: August 2017

The thermal decomposition of mill scale, and the effect of mill scale addition on the formation and decomposition of Silico-Ferrite of Calcium and Aluminium (SFCA) and SFCA-I iron ore sinter bonding phases, has been investigated usingin situX-ray diffraction. Application of the external standard method of quantitative phase analysis of thein situdata collected during decomposition of the mill scale highlighted the applicability of this method for the determination of the nature and abundance of amorphous material in a mineral sample. Increasing mill scale addition from 2.6 to 10.6 and to 21.2 wt% in an otherwise synthetic sinter mixture composition designed to form SFCA did not significantly affect the thermal stability ranges of SFCA-I or SFCA, nor did it significantly affect the amount of each of SFCA or SFCA-I, which formed. This was attributed to the low impurity (i.e. Mn, Mg) concentration in the mill scale, and also the transformation to hematite during heating of the wüstite and magnetite present in the mill scale, with the hematite available for reaction to form SFCA and SFCA-I.
X-ray powder diffraction data for methoxetamine hydrochloride, C15H22ClNO2
Authors: Maixner J. , Jurásek B. , Himl M. , Kuchař M. , Babor M.
Published: August 2017

X-ray powder diffraction data, unit-cell parameters and space group for 2-(ethylamino)-2-(3-methoxyphenyl)cyclohexan-1-one hydrochloride, C15H22ClNO2, are reported [a = 8.574(2) Å, b = 9.943(2) Å, c = 8.774(1) Å, β = 100.294(3)°, unit-cell volume V = 736(1) Å3, Z = 2, and space-group P21]. All measured lines were indexed and are consistent with the P21 space group. No detectable impurities were observed.
A systematic review of varicella seroprevalence in European countries before universal childhood immunization: deriving incidence from seroprevalence data
Authors: BOLLAERTS K. , RIERA-MONTES M. , HEININGER U. , HENS N. , SOUVERAIN A. , VERSTRAETEN T. , HARTWIG S.
Published: August 2017

Surveillance systems for varicella in Europe are highly heterogeneous or completely absent. We estimated the varicella incidence based on seroprevalence data, as these data are largely available and not biased by under-reporting or underascertainment. We conducted a systematic literature search for varicella serological data in Europe prior to introduction of universal varicella immunization. Age-specific serological data were pooled by country and serological profiles estimated using the catalytic model with piecewise constant force of infection. From the estimated profiles, we derived the annual incidence of varicella infection (/100·000) for six age groups (<5, 5–9, 10–14, 15–19, 20–39 and 40–65 years). In total, 43 studies from 16 countries were identified. By the age of 15 years, over 90% of the population has been infected by varicella in all countries except for Greece (86·6%) and Italy (85·3%). Substantial variability across countries exists in the age-specific annual incidence of varicella primary infection among the <5 years old (from 7052 to 16 122 per 100 000) and 5–9 years old (from 3292 to 11 798 per 100 000). The apparent validity and robustness of our estimates highlight the importance of serological data for the characterization of varicella epidemiology, even in the absence of sampling or assay standardization.
Association between meteorological factors and reported cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease from 2000 to 2015 in Japan
Authors: SUMI A. , TOYODA S. , KANOU K. , FUJIMOTO T. , MISE K. , KOHEI Y. , KOYAMA A. , KOBAYASHI N.
Published: August 2017

The purpose of this study was to clarify the association between hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) epidemics and meteorological conditions. We used HFMD surveillance data of all 47 prefectures in Japan from January 2000 to December 2015. Spectral analysis was performed using the maximum entropy method (MEM) for temperature-, relative humidity-, and total rainfall-dependent incidence data. Using MEM-estimated periods, long-term oscillatory trends were calculated using the least squares fitting (LSF) method. The temperature and relative humidity thresholds of HFMD data were estimated from the LSF curves. The average temperature data indicated a lower threshold at 12 °C and a higher threshold at 30 °C for risk of HFMD infection. Maximum and minimum temperature data indicated a lower threshold at 6 °C and a higher threshold at 35 °C, suggesting a need for HFMD control measures at temperatures between 6 and 35 °C. Based on our findings, we recommend the use of maximum and minimum temperatures rather than the average temperature, to estimate the temperature threshold of HFMD infections. The results obtained might aid in the prediction of epidemics and preparation for the effect of climatic changes on HFMD epidemiology.
Place and voluntary activity in inter-war England: topophilia and professionalization
Authors: PENDLEBURY JOHN , HEWITT LUCY E.
Published: August 2017

During the inter-war period, the formation of amenity groups marked a new phase in the way place was conceived and shaped and their establishment and relationship with newly empowered local authorities remains an under-examined aspect of the management of towns and cities at the time. Focusing on the motivations for group formation in Birmingham and Norwich, we explore how complex relationships of attachment to place, or topophilia, entered into dialogue with professionalizing approaches to urban development and shed new light on attitudes to urban conservation and planning in the inter-war period. The article also adds a historical perspective to work on affective relationships with place.
Motivational Sensitivities Linked to Impulsive Motor Errors in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Laurent Richard , van Wouwe Nelleke Corine , Turchan Maxim , Tolleson Christopher , Phibbs Fenna , Bradley Elise , van den Wildenberg Wery , Wylie Scott A.
Published: August 2017

Objectives:We investigated how broad motivational tendencies are related to the expression and suppression of action impulses in Parkinson’s disease (PD).Methods:Sixty-nine participants with PD completed a Simon response conflict task and Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS) and Behavioral Activation System (BAS) scales based on Gray’s (1987) reinforcement sensitivity theory. Analyses determined relationships betweenBIS,BAS, and the susceptibility to making impulsive action errors and the proficiency of inhibiting interference from action impulses.Results:BISscores correlated positively with rates of impulsive action errors, indicating that participants endorsing lowBIStendencies were much more susceptible to acting on strong motor impulses. Analyses of subgroups with high versus lowBISscores confirmed this pattern and ruled out alternative explanations in terms of group differences in speed-accuracy tradeoffs. None of the scores on theBISorBASscales correlated with reactive inhibitory control.Conclusions:PD participants who endorse diminished predilection toward monitoring and avoiding aversive experiences (lowBIS) show much greater difficulty restraining fast, impulsive motor errors. Establishing relationships between motivational sensitivities and cognitive control processes may have important implications for treatment strategies and positive health outcomes in participants with PD, particularly those at risk for falling and driving difficulties related to impulsive reactions. (JINS, 2018,24, 128–138)
Recent and Long-Term Soccer Heading Exposure Is Differentially Associated With Neuropsychological Function in Amateur Players
Authors: Levitch Cara F. , Zimmerman Molly E. , Lubin Naomi , Kim Namhee , Lipton Richard B. , Stewart Walter F. , Kim Mimi , Lipton Michael L.
Published: August 2017

Objectives:The present study examined the relative contribution of recent or long-term heading to neuropsychological function in amateur adult soccer players.Participants and Methods:Soccer players completed a baseline questionnaire (HeadCount-12m) to ascertain heading during the prior 12 months (long-term heading, LTH) and an online questionnaire (HeadCount-2w) every 3 months to ascertain heading during the prior 2 weeks (recent heading, RH). Cogstate, a battery of six neuropsychological tests, was administered to assess neuropsychological function. Generalized estimating equations were used to test if LTH or RH was associated with neuropsychological function while accounting for the role of recognized concussion.Results:A total of 311 soccer players completed 630 HeadCount-2w. Participants had an average age of 26 years. Participants headed the ball a median of 611 times/year (mean=1,384.03) and 9.50 times/2 weeks (mean=34.17). High levels of RH were significantly associated with reduced performance on a task of psychomotor speed (p=.02), while high levels of LTH were significantly associated with poorer performance on tasks of verbal learning (p=.03) and verbal memory (p=.04). Significantly better attention (p=.02) was detectable at moderately high levels of RH, but not at the highest level of RH. One hundred and seven (34.4%) participants reported a lifetime history of concussion, but this was not related to neuropsychological function and did not modify the association of RH or LTH with neuropsychological function.Conclusion:High levels of both RH and LTH were associated with poorer neuropsychological function, but on different domains. The clinical manifestations following repetitive exposure to heading could change with chronicity of exposure. (JINS, 2018,24, 147–155)
Model risk: illuminating the black box
Authors: Black R. , Tsanakas A. , Smith A. D. , Beck M. B. , Maclugash I. D. , Grewal J. , Witts L. , Morjaria N. , Green R. J. , Lim Z.
Published: August 2017

This paper presents latest thinking from the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries’ Model Risk Working Party and follows on from their Phase I work, Model Risk: Daring to Open the Black Box. This is a more practical paper and presents the contributors’ experiences of model risk gained from a wide range of financial and non-financial organisations with suggestions for good practice and proven methods to reduce model risk. After a recap of the Phase I work, examples of model risk communication are given covering communication: to the Board; to the regulator; and to external stakeholders. We present a practical framework for model risk management and quantification with examples of the key actors, processes and cultural challenge. Lessons learned are then presented from other industries that make extensive use of models and include the weather forecasting, software and aerospace industries. Finally, a series of case studies in practical model risk management and mitigation are presented from the contributors’ own experiences covering primarily financial services.
Labelling completeness and sodium content of packaged foods in India
Authors: Johnson Claire , Thout Sudhir Raj , Mohan Sailesh , Dunford Elizabeth , Farrand Clare , Wu Jason HY , He Feng J , Shivashankar Roopa , Webster Jacqui , Krishnan Anand , Garg Vandana , Maulik Pallab K , Prabhakaran Dorairaj , Neal Bruce
Published: August 2017

Objective

To estimate the proportion of products meeting Indian government labelling regulations and to examine the Na levels in packaged foods sold in India.

Design

Nutritional composition data were collected from the labels of all packaged food products sold at Indian supermarkets in between 2012 and 2014. Proportions of products compliant with the Food Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulations and labelled with Na content, and mean Na levels were calculated. Comparisons were made against 2010 data from Hyderabad and against the UK Department of Health (DoH) 2017 Na targets.

Setting

Eleven large chain retail stores in Delhi and Hyderabad, India.

Subjects

Packaged food products (n 5686) categorised into fourteen food groups, thirty-three food categories and ninety sub-categories.

Results

More packaged food products (43 v. 34 %; P<0·001) were compliant with FSSAI regulations but less (32 v. 38 %; P<0·001) reported Na values compared with 2010. Food groups with the highest Na content were sauces and spreads (2217 mg/100 g) and convenience foods (1344 mg/100 g). Mean Na content in 2014 was higher in four food groups compared with 2010 and lower in none (P<0·05). Only 27 % of foods in sub-categories for which there are UK DoH benchmarks had Na levels below the targets.

Conclusions

Compliance with nutrient labelling in India is improving but remains low. Many packaged food products have high levels of Na and there is no evidence that Indian packaged foods are becoming less salty.
Retrospective analysis of portal dosimetry pre-treatment quality assurance of prostate volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans
Authors: Maraghechi Borna , Davis Jack , Badu Shyam , Fleck Andre , Darko Johnson , Osei Ernest
Published: August 2017

Background

Electronic portal imaging device (EPID) offers high-resolution digital image that can be compared with a predicted portal dose image. A very common method to quantitatively compare a measured and calculated dose distribution that is routinely used for quality assurance (QA) of volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) and intensity-modulated radiation therapy treatment plans is the evaluation of the gamma index. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the gamma passing rate (%GP), maximum gamma (γmax), average gamma (γave), maximum dose difference (DDmax) and the average dose difference (DDave) for various regions of interest using Varian’s implementation of three absolute dose gamma calculation techniques of improved, local, and combined improved and local.

Methods and materials

We analyzed 232 portal dose images from 100 prostate cancer patients’ VMAT plans obtained using the Varian EPID on TrueBeam Linacs.

Results

Our data show that the %GP, γmax and γave depend on the gamma calculation method and the acceptance criteria. Higher %GP values were obtained compared with both our current institutional action level and the American Association of Physicists in Medicine Task Group 119 recommendations.

Conclusions

The results of this study can be used to establish stricter action levels for pre-treatment QA of prostate VMAT plans. A stricter 3%/3 mm improved gamma criterion with a passing rate of 97% or the 2%/2 mm improved gamma criterion with a passing rate of 95% can be achieved without additional measurements or configurations.
Constraint handling rules with binders, patterns and generic quantification
Authors: SERRANO ALEJANDRO , HAGE JURRIAAN
Published: August 2017

Constraint handling rules provide descriptions for constraint solvers. However, they fall short when those constraints specify some binding structure, like higher-rank types in a constraint-based type inference algorithm. In this paper, the term syntax of constraints is replaced by λ-tree syntax, in which binding is explicit, and a new ∇ generic quantifier is introduced, which is used to create new fresh constants.
Productive corecursion in logic programming
Authors: KOMENDANTSKAYA EKATERINA , LI YUE
Published: August 2017

Logic Programming is a Turing complete language. As a consequence, designing algorithms that decide termination and non-termination of programs or decide inductive/coinductive soundness of formulae is a challenging task. For example, the existing state-of-the-art algorithms can only semi-decide coinductive soundness of queries in logic programming for regular formulae. Another, less famous, but equally fundamental and important undecidable property is productivity. If a derivation is infinite and coinductively sound, we may ask whether the computed answer it determines actually computes an infinite formula. If it does, the infinite computation is productive. This intuition was first expressed under the name of computations at infinity in the 80s. In modern days of the Internet and stream processing, its importance lies in connection to infinite data structure processing. Recently, an algorithm was presented that semi-decides a weaker property – of productivity of logic programs. A logic program is productive if it can give rise to productive derivations. In this paper, we strengthen these recent results. We propose a method that semi-decides productivity of individual derivations for regular formulae. Thus, we at last give an algorithmic counterpart to the notion of productivity of derivations in logic programming. This is the first algorithmic solution to the problem since it was raised more than 30 years ago. We also present an implementation of this algorithm.
The 1925 Tenants’ Strike in Panama:West Indians, the Left, and the Labor Movement
Authors: Zumoff J.A.
Published: August 2017

In September-October 1925, there occurred in Panama a tenants' strike that helped define the development of the left and workers' movement in that nation. This article presents an overview of the strike—important because no synthetic English-language account exists—and then analyzes the role of black West Indians in the event. West Indians were prominent among the ranks of workers in Panama, and among the slums of Panama City and Colón. Nonetheless, they were not central to the rent strike. This absence reflects the historic relationship between West Indian and Hispanic workers in the isthmus, the effect of the recent defeat of strikes led by West Indians in the Panama Canal Zone, and the lack of attention paid to attracting West Indian support by the Hispanic leadership of the tenants' strike. This division between the West Indian population and the broader labor movement in Panama had lasting effects in the history of the Panamanian left, reinforcing divisions between the struggle for Panamanian self-determination and the struggle against racist oppression of West Indians and their descendants in Panama.
Establishment of the Avera Twin Register in the Midwest USA
Authors: Kittelsrud Julie , Ehli Erik A. , Petersen Vikki , Jung Tammy , Willemsen Gonneke , Boomsma Dorret , Davies Gareth E.
Published: August 2017

The Avera Twin Register (ATR) aims to study environmental and genetic influences on health and disease using a longitudinal repository of biological specimens, survey data, and health information provided by multiples and their family members. The ATR is located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, which is a rural and frontier area in the Midwestern United States with a density of four people per square kilometer. The target area of the ATR is South Dakota and the four surrounding states: Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, and Nebraska. Enrollment of twins and higher-order multiples of all ages and their family members started on May 18, 2016. A description of the first 13 months of enrollment in this longitudinal register will be provided. The ATR will collect longitudinal data on lifestyle, including diet and activity levels, aging, complex traits, and diseases. Upon registration, all participants are genotyped on the Illumina Global Screening Array (GSA) and twins and higher order multiples receive information on their zygosity. The ATR aims to contribute to large international GWAS consortia and collaborates closely with the Netherlands Twin Register, allowing for the comparison of collected data and analyses of results. In addition, the ATR will address twin-specific questions.
Effect of Environmental Factors on Germination and Emergence of Shortawn Foxtail (Alopecurus aequalis)
Authors: Zhao Ning , Li Qi , Guo Wenlei , Zhang Lele , Ge Lu’an , Wang Jinxin
Published: August 2017

Shortawn foxtail is an invasive grass weed infesting winter wheat and canola production in China. A better understanding of the germination ecology of shortawn foxtail would help to develop better control strategies for this weed. Experiments were conducted under laboratory conditions to evaluate the effects of various abiotic factors, including temperature, light, pH, osmotic stress, salt concentration, and planting depth, on seed germination and seedling emergence of shortawn foxtail. The results showed that the seed germination rate was greater than 90% over a wide range of constant (5 to 25C) and alternating (15/5 to 35/25C) temperatures. Maximum germination occurred at 20C or 25/15C, and no germination occurred at 35C. Light did not appear to have any effect on seed germination. Shortawn foxtail germination was 27% to 99% over a pH range of 4 to 10, and higher germination was obtained at alkaline pH values ranging from 7 to 10. Seed germination was sensitive to osmotic potential and completely inhibited at an osmotic potential of −0.6 MPa, but it was tolerant to salinity: germination even occurred at 200 mM NaCl (5%). Seedling emergence was highest (98%) when seeds were placed on the soil surface but declined with the increasing burial depth. No seedlings emerged when seeds were buried 6-cm deep. Deep tillage could be an effective measure to limit seed germination from increased burial depth. The results of this study will lead to a better understanding of the requirements for shortawn foxtail germination and emergence and will provide information that could contribute to its control.
Coastal Wetlands Effectively Sequester “Blue Carbon”
Authors: Witman Sarah
Published: August 2017

Mangrove forests, salt marshes, seagrass beds, and the like are carbon storage treasure troves.
Observation of ultrahigh mobility surface states in a topological crystalline insulator by infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Ying , Luo Guoyu , Liu Junwei , Sankar R. , Wang Nan-Lin , Chou Fangcheng , Fu Liang , Li Zhiqiang
Published: August 2017

Topological crystalline insulators possess metallic surface states protected by crystalline symmetry, which are a versatile platform for exploring topological phenomena and potential applications. However, progress in this field has been hindered by the challenge to probe optical and transport properties of the surface states owing to the presence of bulk carriers. Here, we report infrared reflectance measurements of a topological crystalline insulator, (001)-oriented Pb1−x
Sn
x
Se in zero and high magnetic fields. We demonstrate that the far-infrared conductivity is unexpectedly dominated by the surface states as a result of their unique band structure and the consequent small infrared penetration depth. Moreover, our experiments yield a surface mobility of 40,000 cm2 V−1 s−1, which is one of the highest reported values in topological materials, suggesting the viability of surface-dominated conduction in thin topological crystalline insulator crystals. These findings pave the way for exploring many exotic transport and optical phenomena and applications predicted for topological crystalline insulators.
A quantum spectrum analyzer enhanced by a nuclear spin memory
Authors: Rosskopf Tobias , Zopes Jonathan , Boss Jens M. , Degen Christian L.
Published: August 2017

We realize a two-qubit sensor designed for achieving high-spectral resolution in quantum sensing experiments. Our sensor consists of an active “sensing qubit” and a long-lived “memory qubit”, implemented by the electronic and the nitrogen-15 nuclear spins of a nitrogen-vacancy center in diamond, respectively. Using state storage times of up to 45 ms, we demonstrate spectroscopy of external ac signals with a line width of 19 Hz (∼2.9 ppm) and of carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance signals with a line width of 190 Hz (∼74 ppm). This represents an up to 100-fold improvement in spectral resolution compared to measurements without nuclear memory.
Manipulating the adhesion of electroless nickel-phosphorus film on silicon wafers by silane compound modification and rapid thermal annealing
Authors: Hsu Chin-Wei , Wang Wei-Yen , Wang Kuan-Ting , Chen Hou-An , Wei Tzu-Chien
Published: August 2017

In this study, the effect of 3-2-(2-aminoethylamino) ethylamino propyl trimethoxysilane (ETAS) modification and post rapid thermal annealing (RTA) treatment on the adhesion of electroless plated nickel-phosphorus (ELP Ni-P) film on polyvinyl alcohol-capped palladium nanoclusters (PVA-Pd) catalyzed silicon wafers is systematically investigated. Characterized by pull-off adhesion, atomic force microscopy, X-ray spectroscopy and water contact angle, a time-dependent, three-staged ETAS grafting mechanism including islandish grafting, a self-assembly monolayer (SAM) and multi-layer grafting is proposed and this mechanism is well correlated to the pull-off adhesion of ELP Ni-P film. In the absence of RTA, the highest ELP Ni-P film adhesion occurs when ETAS modification approaches SAM, where insufficient or multi-layer ETAS grafting fails to provide satisfactory results. On the other hand, if RTA is applied, the best ELP Ni-P film adhesion happens when ETAS modification is islandish owing to the formation of nickel silicide, where SAM or multi-layer ETAS modification cannot provide satisfactory adhesion because the interaction between ETAS and PVA-Pd has been sabotaged during RTA. Evidenced by microstructural images, we also confirmed that ETAS can act as an efficient barrier layer for nickel diffusion to bulk silicon.
Determining the geographical origin of common buckwheat from China by multivariate analysis based on mineral elements, amino acids and vitamins
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Xu Jian-Guo
Published: August 2017

This study aimed to establish a method for distinguishing the geographical origin of common buckwheat from Inner Mongolia, Shanxi and Shaanxi Provinces in China. Three chemical families including mineral elements, vitamins and amino acids of 48 samples from different geographical origins were analyzed by principal component analysis (PCA), cluster analysis (CA) and linear discriminate analysis (LDA) for this purpose. LDA clearly discriminated the geographical origin of common buckwheat samples grown in three regions, and gave a high correct classification rate of 95.8% and satisfactory cross-validation rate of 91.7%. Some variables (Mn, VPP, Se, Gly, Cu, Asp, Fe, and Ala) significantly contributed to the ability to discriminate the geographical origin of the common buckwheat. These results demonstrated that the proposed method is a powerful tool for controlling the geographical origin of common buckwheat by governmental administration and protecting consumers from improper domestic labeling. However, the discriminant method still needs to be further validated using more reliable data.
Formation of Thermally Stable Bulk Heterojunction by Reducing the Polymer and Fullerene Intermixing
Authors: Jang Yoonhee , Ju Cho Yun , Kim Minjung , Seok Jeesoo , Ahn Hyungju , Kim Kyungkon
Published: August 2017

A morphologically stable bulk heterojunction (BHJ) with a large heterojunction area is prepared by reducing the portion of the small band gap polymer (PTB7) and fullerene intermixture through a sequential deposition (SqD) of the nanostructured PTB7 and the fullerene layer. The nanostructured PTB7 layer is prepared using a ternary solvent composed of chlorobenzene, 1,8-diiodooctane (DIO) and 1-chloronaphthalene (1-CN). Adding DIO and 1-CN enhances the ordering of PTB7 chains and results in a nanostructured polymer surface. The grazing incidence X-ray diffraction results reveal that the SqD of the nanostructured PTB7 and fullerene layers forms the BHJ with little intermixing between the polymer and the fullerene domains compared to the BHJ formed by the deposition of the blended PTB7 and fullerene solution (BSD). The OPV utilizing the SqD processed BHJ (SqD-OPV) exhibits a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 7.43%, which is similar to that when the BSD processed BHJ (BSD-OPV) is utilized. Furthermore, the SqD-OPV exhibits an excellent thermal stability. The SqD-OPV maintains its initial PCE even after thermal annealing at 140 °C for 10 days, whereas the BSD-OPV maintains 78% of its initial efficiency under the same condition.
Poisson Plus Quantification for Digital PCR Systems
Authors: Majumdar Nivedita , Banerjee Swapnonil , Pallas Michael , Wessel Thomas , Hegerich Patricia
Published: August 2017

Digital PCR, a state-of-the-art nucleic acid quantification technique, works by spreading the target material across a large number of partitions. The average number of molecules per partition is estimated using Poisson statistics, and then converted into concentration by dividing by partition volume. In this standard approach, identical partition sizing is assumed. Violations of this assumption result in underestimation of target quantity, when using Poisson modeling, especially at higher concentrations. The Poisson-Plus Model accommodates for this underestimation, if statistics of the volume variation are well characterized. The volume variation was measured on the chip array based QuantStudio 3D Digital PCR System using the ROX fluorescence level as a proxy for effective load volume per through-hole. Monte Carlo simulations demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed correction. Empirical measurement of model parameters characterizing the effective load volume on QuantStudio 3D Digital PCR chips is presented. The model was used to analyze digital PCR experiments and showed improved accuracy in quantification. At the higher concentrations, the modeling must take effective fill volume variation into account to produce accurate estimates. The extent of the difference from the standard to the new modeling is positively correlated to the extent of fill volume variation in the effective load of your reactions.
Modelling of growth kinetics of Vibrio cholerae in presence of gold nanoparticles: effect of size and morphology
Authors: Chatterjee Tanaya , Chatterjee Barun K. , Chakrabarti Pinak
Published: August 2017

Emergence of multiple drug resistant strains of pathogenic bacteria calls for new initiatives to combat infectious diseases. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), because of their non-toxic nature and size/shape dependent optical properties, offer interesting possibility. Here we report the antibacterial efficacy of AuNPs of different size and shape (AuNS10, AuNS100 and AuNR10; the number indicating the diameter in nm; S stands for sphere and R for rod) against the classical (O395) and El Tor (N16961) biotypes of Vibrio cholerae, the etiological agent responsible for cholera. Growth kinetics was monitored by measuring optical density at different time intervals and fitted by non-linear regression of modified Buchanan model. Sigmoidal growth curve for VcO395 indicated the existence of single phenotype population and was affected by AuNR10 only, implying the importance of morphology of AuNP. Growth of VcN16961 was affected by all three AuNPs indicating the vulnerability of El Tor biotype. Interestingly, VcN16961 exhibited the occurrence of two phenotypic subpopulations – one with shorter (vulnerable Type 1) and the other with extended (tolerant Type 2) lag phase. Various assays were conducted to probe the impact of AuNPs on bacterial cells. Apart from AuNR10, antimicrobial efficacy of AuNS10 was better compared to AuNS100.
Predictive Value of Serum Gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase for Future Cardiometabolic Dysregulation in Adolescents- a 10-year longitudinal study
Authors: Lin Chien-Ming , Hsieh Chang-Hsun , Lee Chien-Hsing , Pei Dee , Lin Jiunn-Diann , Wu Chung-Ze , Liang Yao-Jen , Hung Yi-Jen , Chen Yen-Lin
Published: August 2017

Serum gamma-glutamyltransferase (γ-GT) is implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in adults. The relationships between γ-GT and cardiometabolic dysregulation remains unclear in adolescents. We enrolled 7,072 Taiwanese adolescents and followed them for a median of 6.8 years. The optimal cut-off values (CoVs) of baseline γ-GT to predict future MetS, hypertension (HTN), and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) were determined by receiving operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Using these CoVs, the participants were divided into normal- and high-level groups. Cox proportional hazard analysis was used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) for the subjects with a high level of γ-GT for the risk of future cardiometabolic dysregulation. Serum γ-GT was significantly higher in the subjects with MetS than in those without MetS at baseline (p < 0.001). The optimal CoVs of γ-GT were 12 U/L for boys and 11 U/L for girls. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, a higher serum γ-GT level increased the risk of future MetS (HRs 1.98 and 2.85 for boys and girls, respectively, both p < 0.001), but not new onset HTN and T2DM. In conclusion, serum γ-GT levels not only demonstrated an excellent correlation with the presence of MetS and also in predicting future MetS in adolescents.
Drug-Delivery System Based on Salmon DNA Nano- and Micro-Scale Structures
Authors: Lee Yunwoo , Dugansani Sreekantha Reddy , Jeon So Hee , Hwang Soon Hyoung , Kim Jae-Hyun , Park Sung Ha , Jeong Jun-Ho
Published: August 2017

Microneedles, fabricated by nano-moulding technology show great promise in the field of drug delivery by enabling the painless self-administration of drugs in a patient-friendly manner. In this study, double-stranded salmon DNA (SDNA) was used as both a drug-delivery vehicle and structural material with a microneedle system. SDNA is non-toxic and demonstrates good mechanical robustness, mouldability, biocompatibility, bio-absorbability, and binding affinity with drug molecules for bio-functional applications. Benign fabrication conditions to protect temperature-sensitive biomolecules are used to produce SDNA structures of various sizes with a high aspect ratio (4: 1). Unlike existing dissolving microneedle structure materials, the special binding characteristics of doxorubicin hydrochloride, anti-cancer drug molecules, and SDNA demonstrate the stability of drug-molecule encapsulation via UV-absorption and photoluminescence analyses. Based on COMSOL simulation andin vitroanalysis of the stratum corneum of porcine skin, the mechanical functionality of SDNA microneedles was evaluatedin vitroby penetrating the stratum corneum of porcine skin. The SDNA microneedle dissolved and drug permeation was assessed using rhodamine, a drug surrogate. Owing to its many beneficial characteristics, we anticipate that the SDNA microneedle platform will serve as an effective alternative for drug delivery.
Hospital-acquired Clostridium difficile infection in Mainland China: A seven-year (2009–2016) retrospective study in a large university hospital
Authors: Xu Qiaomai , Chen Yunbo , Gu Silan , Lv Tao , Zheng Beiwen , Shen Ping , Quan Jiazheng , Fang Yunhui , Li Lanjuan
Published: August 2017

Clostridium difficileinfection (CDI) is associated with risk for severe disease and high mortality. Little is known about the extent of hospital-acquired CDI in Mainland China. In this study, we aimed to investigate the annual CDI incidence, bacterial genotypes, risk factors for severe CDI and survival over a 7-year period. A total of 307 hospital-acquired CDI patients were enrolled, and 70.7% of these cases were male. CDI incidence was 3.4 per 10,000 admissions. Thirty-three different sequence types (STs) were identified, among which ST-54 (18.2%), ST-35 (16.6%) and ST-37 (12.1%) were the most prevalent. During the follow-up period, 66 (21.5%) patients developed severe CDI and 32 (10.4%) patients died in 30 days. Multivariate analysis revealed that bloodstream infection, pulmonary infection and C-reactive protein were significantly associated with severe CDI. After adjustment for potential confounders, old age, bloodstream infection, fever, mechanical ventilation, connective tissue disease, macrolide use and hypoalbuminaemia were independently associated with 30-day mortality in patients with CDI. The CDI prevalence has been low and stable in our center, and STs ofClostridium difficilewere different from dominant STs in Western countries. Our data emphasize the need of continued education and surveillance of CDI to reduce the CDI burden in China.
Reduced expression of Paternally Expressed Gene-3 enhances somatic cell reprogramming through mitochondrial activity perturbation
Authors: Theka Ilda , Sottile Francesco , Aulicino Francesco , Garcia Alvaro Castells , Cosma Maria Pia
Published: August 2017

Imprinted genes control several cellular and metabolic processes in embryonic and adult tissues. In particular, paternally expressed gene-3 (Peg3) is active in the adult stem cell population and during muscle and neuronal lineage development. Here we have investigated the role of Peg3 in mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and during the process of somatic cell reprogramming towards pluripotency. Our data show that Peg3 knockdown increases expression of pluripotency genes in ESCs and enhances reprogramming efficiency of both mouse embryonic fibroblasts and neural stem cells. Interestingly, we observed that altered activity of Peg3 correlates with major perturbations of mitochondrial gene expression and mitochondrial function, which drive metabolic changes during somatic cell reprogramming. Overall, our study shows that Peg3 is a regulator of pluripotent stem cells and somatic cell reprogramming.
The association between substance P and white matter integrity in medication-naive patients with major depressive disorder
Authors: Won Eunsoo , Kang June , Choi Sunyoung , Kim Aram , Han Kyu-Man , Yoon Ho-Kyoung , Cho Su-Hee , Tae Woo-Suk , Lee Min-Soo , Joe Sook-Haeng , Kim Yong-Ku , Ham Byung-Joo
Published: August 2017

Substance P (SP) has been implicated in major depressive disorder (MDD), with SP antagonists being studied as potential antidepressants. Although impaired neural plasticity is considered a key mechanism in MDD pathophysiology, the association between SP and brain structural changes in depression has not been investigated. We investigated the correlations between SP levels and white matter (WM) integrity in 42 medication-naive patients with MDD and 57 healthy controls (HCs). Plasma levels of SP were determined, and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was performed to investigate microstructural changes in WM tracts. In patients, negative correlations between SP levels and fractional anisotropy (FA) values of the forceps minor of the corpus callosum, and positive correlations between SP levels and radial diffusivity (RD) and mean diffusivity (MD) values of the right corticospinal tract (CST) were observed, with no significant correlations in HCs. Linear regression analyses showed SP levels to significantly predict FA values of the forceps minor, and RD and MD values of the right CST in patients, but not in HCs. We consider our findings to contribute to the neurobiological evidence on the association between SP and brain structural changes in depression, which may be related with the pathophysiology and treatment of MDD.
Effective method for drug injection into subcutaneous tissue
Authors: Kim Hyejeong , Park Hanwook , Lee Sang Joon
Published: August 2017

Subcutaneous injection of drug solution is widely used for continuous and low dose drug treatment. Although the drug injections have been administered for a long time, challenges in the design of injection devices are still needed to minimize the variability, pain, or skin disorder by repeated drug injections. To avoid these adverse effects, systematic study on the effects of injection conditions should be conducted to improve the predictability of drug effect. Here, the effects of injection conditions on the drug permeation in tissues were investigated using X-ray imaging technique which provides real-time images of drug permeation with high spatial resolution. The shape and concentration distribution of the injected drug solution in the porcine subcutaneous and muscle tissues are visualized. Dynamic movements of the wetting front (WF) and temporal variations of water contents in the two tissues are quantitatively analyzed. Based on the quantitative analysis of the experimental data, the permeability of drug solution through the tissues are estimated according to permeation direction, injection speed, and tissue. The present results would be helpful for improving the performance of drug injection devices and for predicting the drug efficacy in tissues using biomedical simulation.
Nanoparticle Delivery of Fidgetin siRNA as a Microtubule-based Therapy to Augment Nerve Regeneration
Authors: Austin Timothy O. , Matamoros Andrew J. , Friedman Joel M. , Friedman Adam J. , Nacharaju Parimala , Yu Wenqian , Sharp David J. , Baas Peter W.
Published: August 2017

Microtubule-stabilizing drugs have gained popularity for treating injured adult axons, the rationale being that increased stabilization of microtubules will prevent the axon from retracting and fortify it to grow through inhibitory molecules associated with nerve injury. We have posited that a better approach would be not to stabilize the microtubules, but to increase labile microtubule mass to levels more conducive to axonal growth. Recent work on fetal neurons suggests this can be accomplished using RNA interference to reduce the levels of fidgetin, a microtubule-severing protein. Methods to introduce RNA interference into adult neurons, in vitro or in vivo, have been problematic and not translatable to human patients. Here we show that a novel nanoparticle approach, previously shown to deliver siRNA into tissues and organs, enables siRNA to gain entry into adult rat dorsal root ganglion neurons in culture. Knockdown of fidgetin is partial with this approach, but sufficient to increase the labile microtubule mass of the axon, thereby increasing axonal growth. The increase in axonal growth occurs on both a favorable substrate and a growth-inhibitory molecule associated with scar formation in injured spinal cord. The nanoparticles are readily translatable to in vivo studies on animals and ultimately to clinical applications.
Precipitation phenomena in Al-Zn-Mg alloy matrix composites reinforced with B4C particles
Authors: Wu Chuandong , Ma Kaka , Zhang Dalong , Wu Jialu , Xiong Shuya , Luo Guoqiang , Zhang Jian , Chen Fei , Shen Qiang , Zhang Lianmeng , Lavernia Enrique J.
Published: August 2017

To provide insight into precipitation phenomena in age-hardening Al-Zn-Mg(-Cu) matrix composites, an Al 7075 alloy composite reinforced with B4C particles was selected as a model system. The bulk composites were fabricated via plasma activated sintering and followed by a peak aged (T6) heat treatment. Two types of Al matrix zones were identified in the composite: (1) the regions in the vicinity of the matrix/reinforcement interface, defined as “matrix plastic zone” (MPZ) hereafter, and (2) the regions away from the matrix/reinforcement interface, simply defined as matrix hereafter. The precipitation behavior in the MPZ was characterized and compared to that in the matrix. The MPZ contained a high density of dislocations. The number density of GP zones in the MPZ is lower than that in the matrix while the average size of the GP zones in MPZ is coarser. In addition, semi-coherent platelet η′ precipitates were observed but only in the MPZ. The dislocations and the Al/B4C interfaces provide more heterogeneous nucleation sites for the η′ precipitates in the MPZ. The growth and coarsening of the η′ precipitates caused rapid depletion of Mg and Zn solute atoms in the MPZ.
Anterior cingulate cortex γ-aminobutyric acid deficits in youth with depression
Authors: Gabbay V , Bradley K A , Mao X , Ostrover R , Kang G , Shungu D C
Published: August 2017

Abnormally low γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels have been consistently reported in adults with major depressive disorder (MDD). Our group extended this finding to adolescents, and documented that GABA deficits were associated with anhedonia. Here we aimed to confirm our prior finding of decreased brain GABA in youth with depression and explore its associations with clinical variables. Forty-four psychotropic medication-free youth with MDD and 36 healthy control (HC) participants (12–21 years) were studied. Participants represent a combined sample of 39 newly recruited youth (MDD=24) and 41 youth from our previously reported study (MDD=20). GABA levels and the combined resonances of glutamate and glutamine (Glx) were measured in vivo in the anterior cingulate cortex using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Youth with depression exhibited significantly lower GABA levels than HC in both the newly reported (P=0.003) and the combined (P=0.003) samples. When depressed participants were classified based on the presence of anhedonia, only the anhedonic MDD subgroup showed reduced GABA levels compared to HC (P=0.002). While there were no associations between any clinical measures and GABA or Glx levels in the new sample, GABA was negatively correlated with only anhedonia severity in the combined MDD group. Furthermore, in the combined sample, hierarchical regression models showed that anhedonia, but not depression severity, anxiety or suicidality, contributed significant variance in GABA levels. This report solidifies the evidence for a GABA deficit early in the course of MDD, which correlates specifically with anhedonia in the disorder.
3D printed poly(ε-caprolactone) scaffolds modified with hydroxyapatite and poly(propylene fumarate) and their effects on the healing of rabbit femur defects
Authors: Buyuksungur Senem , Endogan Tanir Tugba , Buyuksungur Arda , Bektas Ezgi Irem , Torun Kose Gamze , Yucel Deniz , Beyzadeoglu Tahsin , Cetinkaya Engin , Yenigun Cagri , Tönük Ergin , Hasirci Vasif , Hasirci Nesrin
Published: August 2017

3D printed, BMSC seeded PCL/HAp/PPF scaffolds presented significant regeneration with high mechanical properties similar to that of healthy bone.
Tandem trifluoromethylthiolation/aryl migration of aryl alkynoates to trifluoromethylthiolated alkenes
Authors: Li Huan , Liu Shuai , Huang Yangen , Xu Xiu-Hua , Qing Feng-Ling
Published: August 2017

The oxidative trifluoromethylthiolation of aryl alkynoates with AgSCF3 provided a new access to trifluoromethylthiolated alkenes.
Magnetism and spin entropy in Ru doped Na0.5CoO2
Authors: Assadi M. H. N. , Katayama-Yoshida H.
Published: August 2017

According to density functional calculations, Ru doping increases the Seebeck coefficient of ferrimagnetic Na0.5CoO2:RuCo.
A high-resolution natural abundance 33S MAS NMR study of the cementitious mineral ettringite
Authors: Sasaki Akiko , Ibarra Luis Baquerizo , Wimperis Stephen
Published: August 2017

Natural abundance 33S STMAS NMR spectroscopy is used to determine the 33S chemical shift and quadrupolar parameters in the cement-forming mineral ettringite.
Defocused dark-field orientation imaging of single gold microrods on synthetic membranes
Authors: Lee Junho , Ha Ji Won
Published: August 2017

Defocused scattering patterns allowed us to resolve both in-plane and out-of-plane angles of single AuMRs.
Effect of alloying on thermal conductivity and thermoelectric properties of CoAsS and CoSbS
Authors: Kaur Prabhjot , Bera Chandan
Published: August 2017

A fundamental understanding of the rational design of “Pb” and “Te” free metal chalcogenide alloys, based on the abundant materials CoAsxSb(1−x)S, for both p-type and n-type highly efficient thermoelectric materials is explored.