bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Induced reproduction and early development histology of Oscar Astronotus ocellatus (Agassiz, 1831)
Authors: do Carmo Faria Paes Maria , Makino Lilian Cristina , Vasquez Leonardo Avendaño , Fernandes João Batista Kochenborger , Valentin Fernanda Nogueira , Nakaghi Laura Satiko Okada
Published: November 2013

Oscar (Astronotus ocellatus) is an important fish from the Amazon Basin that has great potential for fish farming, human consumption, sport fishing and fish keeping. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of two hormonal treatments on the induction of artificial reproduction in broodstock and to describe the histological development of embryos and larvae. Broodstocks were selected and induced using two different hormones: (i) extract of carp pituitary (ECP); and (ii) synthetic human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Spawnings were transferred to hatcheries, collected at pre-established times, processed and analysed by histology. Astronotus ocellatus did not respond well to induced reproduction. From 16 couples of breeding fish, only five out of the eight females released oocytes after the hormonal action time, three with hCG and two with ECP; just one male responded positively to hCG. Oscar eggs were oval, and semi-adhesive, the yolk contained granules, and egg diameter was approximately 1.65 ± 0.057 to 1.98 ± 0.038 mm. Development from the initial collection (IC) point until the total absorption of the yolk lasted 315 h, at an average temperature of 27.45 ± 2.13°C. Several events marked embryonic and larval development, including the formation of the optic cup, forebrain, otic vesicle and cephalic divisions. The newly hatched larvae had non-pigmented eyes, and a closed mouth and anus, as well as the presence of adhesive glands on the head. Larval development was characterized by formation of the heart, liver, gaseous bladder, gills, pronephros, brain, fins and also the digestive tract. These results provide important information for the rearing and reproduction of A. ocellatus.
The Prehospital Sepsis Project: Out-of-Hospital Physiologic Predictors of Sepsis Outcomes
Authors: Baez Amado Alejandro , Hanudel Priscilla , Wilcox Susan Renee
Published: November 2013

Introduction

Severe sepsis and septic shock are common, expensive and often fatal medical problems. The care of the critically sick and injured often begins in the prehospital setting; there is limited data available related to predictors and interventions specific to sepsis in the prehospital arena. The objective of this study was to assess the predictive effect of physiologic elements commonly reported in the out-of-hospital setting in the outcomes of patients transported with sepsis.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional descriptive study. Data from the years 2004-2006 were collected. Adult cases (≥18 years of age) transported by Emergency Medical Services to a major academic center with the diagnosis of sepsis as defined by ICD-9-CM diagnostic codes were included. Descriptive statistics and standard deviations were used to present group characteristics. Chi-square was used for statistical significance and odds ratio (OR) to assess strength of association. Statistical significance was set at the .05 level. Physiologic variables studied included mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR) and shock index (SI).

Results

Sixty-three (63) patients were included. Outcome variables included a mean hospital length of stay (HLOS) of 13.75 days (SD = 9.97), mean ventilator days of 4.93 (SD = 7.87), in-hospital mortality of 22 out of 63 (34.9%), and mean intensive care unit length-of-stay (ICU-LOS) of 7.02 days (SD = 7.98). Although SI and RR were found to predict intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, [OR 5.96 (CI, 1.49-25.78; P = .003) and OR 4.81 (CI, 1.16-21.01; P = .0116), respectively] none of the studied variables were found to predict mortality (MAP <65 mmHg: P = .39; HR >90: P = .60; RR >20 P = .11; SI >0.7 P = .35).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that the out-of-hospital shock index and respiratory rate have high predictability for ICU admission. Further studies should include the development of an out-of-hospital sepsis score.

BaezAA, HanudelP, WilcoxSR. The prehospital sepsis project: out-of-hospital physiologic predictors of sepsis outcomes. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2013;28(6):1-4.
A Comparative Study of the Effect of Triage Training by Role-Playing and Educational Video on the Knowledge and Performance of Emergency Medical Service Staffs in Iran
Authors: Aghababaeian Hamidreza , Sedaghat Soheila , Tahery Noorallah , Moghaddam Ali Sadeghi , Maniei Mohammad , Bahrami Nosrat , Ahvazi Ladan Araghi
Published: November 2013

Introduction

Educating emergency medical staffs in triage skills is an important aspect of disaster preparedness. The aim of the study was to compare the effect of role-playing and educational video presentation on the learning and performance of the emergency medical service staffs in Khozestan, Iran

Methods

A total of 144 emergency technicians were randomly classified into two groups. A researcher trained the first group using an educational video method and the second group with a role-playing method. Data were collected before, immediately, and 15 days after training using a questionnaire covering the three domains of demographic information, triage knowledge, and triage performance. The data were analyzed using defined knowledge and performance parameters.

Results

There was no significant difference between the two training methods on performance and immediate knowledge (P = .2), lasting knowledge (P=.05) and immediate performance (P = .35), but there was a statistical advantage for the role-playing method on lasting performance (P = .02).

Conclusion

The two educational methods equally increase knowledge and performance, but the role-playing method may have a more desirable and lasting effect on performance.

AghababaeianH, SedaghatS, TaheryN, Sadeghi MoghaddamA, ManieiM, BahramiN, Araghi AhvaziL. A comparative study of the effect of triage training by role-playing and educational video on the knowledge and performance of emergency medical service staffs in Iran. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2013;28(6):1-5.
Repurposing the Past: The Phantastron and appropriating history as a DIY approach
Authors: Parker Lorin Edwin
Published: November 2013

Historical models may often provide some of the greatest inspiration for the creation of new technologies. A DIY approach appropriating older paradigms in technology is discussed, with special attention paid to how old concepts can become relevant within a modern context. The author's electronic instrument, the Phantastron, is introduced as an example of this DIY approach. The Phantastron's creation is detailed in practice and methods such as repurposing, redesigning, hacking and circuit bending upon a historical design are described. A wider angle is then cast upon the concept of repurposing older technologies, and the works of other artists and DIY makers are considered. The concept that antiquated technology is in the common domain and ready to be utilised in the synthesis of new ideas is discussed. Finally, a generalised DIY approach to integrating historical ideas into new creations is posited.
The Mobile Device: A new folk instrument?
Authors: Jones Steve
Published: November 2013

Barbara Ballard's ‘carry principle’ defines the core elements of the mobile experience: small, personal, communicative, multifunctional, battery operated and always connected (Ballard 2007: 71). These qualities have ensured that for many of us some form of mobile device has become indispensable. Developments in mobile computing have meant that consumer devices are capable of increasingly sophisticated sound processing, leading to the emergence of new forms of mobile music. If this music is looked on as a new sub-genre of folk music, we might be able to put it in the context of live electronic music-making. With this in mind, this article will ask whether the mobile device has the potential to be considered a new folk instrument.
Sketchument: Empowering users to build DMIs through prototyping
Authors: Calegario Filipe , Barbosa Jerônimo , Ramalho Geber , Cabral Giordano , Finch Gabriel
Published: November 2013

New interface artefacts are changing the way we interact with machines, and this is particularly important for the musical domain. Conversely, the growing do-it-yourself (DIY) culture is subverting the manufacturer–consumer model. Regarding music, software such as Pure Data and Max/MSP allows users to build their own interactive systems. These factors contribute to the emergence of new digital musical instruments (DMI). However, DMI creation still requires a strong technical background. Based on the importance of prototyping in the process of designing things, this paper presents the Sketchument, an environment devoted to help non-technical users to easily prototype DMIs, using multiple input modes and allowing the integration to other useful technologies. From a lo-fi paper prototype, to functional ones, passing through movies, questionnaires, interviews, Sketchument has been developed following the same prototyping philosophy we intend to propose to its users. The cyclic process of design–implementation-evaluation has produced valuable feedback from potential users, which has been very useful to back design choices and to push modifications.
Detection of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Dimers on Wet and Intact Eukaryotic Cells in an Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope
Authors: Peckys D. , Werner U. , de Jonge N.
Published: November 2013

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2013 in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, August 4 – August 8, 2013.
Determinants on utilization of the Korea–ASEAN free trade agreement: margin effect, scale effect, and ROO effect
Authors: HAYAKAWA KAZUNOBU , KIM HANSUNG , LEE HYUN-HOON
Published: November 2013

In this paper we empirically examine the determinants on utilization of the Korea–ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (KAFTA) by employing a database provided by the Korea Customs and Trade Development Institute. We find that, although three effects, namely preferential margin (margin effect), rules of origin restrictiveness (ROO effect), and average export volume (scale effect), contribute to determining the utilization of the FTA, the scale effect has the greatest impact. Our results suggest that, since firms with relatively small volumes of trade are usually small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs), policy assistance for reducing administrative costs should be geared toward SMEs. Our results further indicate that policymakers should also try to negotiate more extensive tariff reductions on products not only where MFN rates are high but also where shipments are large.
Therapeutic presence, immediacy, and transparency in CBT with youth: carpe the moment!
Authors: Friedberg Robert D. , Tabbarah Sarah , Poggesi Rosa M.
Published: November 2013

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) with youth owns a solid and growing empirical literature base. CBT also recognizes the contribution a good therapeutic relationship makes to favourable treatment outcome. However, it is argued that the therapeutic relationship is insufficiently operationalized and the extant definitions neglect the role of therapeutic presence, immediacy, and transparency. Indeed, presence, immediacy, and transparency represent critical elements in creating the necessary therapeutic alchemy leading to propitious symptom change. Accordingly, therapeutic presence, immediacy, and transparency are defined and explained. Additionally, clinical parameters for using presence, immediacy, and transparency in clinical encounters with young patients are articulated. Finally, these crucial processes pervade cognitive behavioral modules such as self-monitoring, cognitive restructuring and behavioural experiments/exposures are explicated through specific examples and therapeutic dialogues.
The role of political parties in shaping citizens’ political preferences for the territorial organization of the state: the Spanish case
Authors: Torcal Mariano , Mota Fabiola
Published: November 2013

This article discusses how nationalist regional and state-wide parties, responding to different sub-national party systems dynamics, contribute similarly to interregional and individual public opinion disagreements about the model of the state in new, successfully decentralized democracies. Using individual survey data and other regional-level aggregate measures to perform a multilevel analysis in the 17 Spanish regions, we will show that both types of parties (non- and state-wide parties), following certain sub-national party system dynamics, are a very important influential and conditional factor in explaining the individual preferences adopted by citizens regarding the model of the state, despite the generally positive evaluation of the performance of new decentralized institutions by a large majority of Spaniards. These different positions are producing a persistent inter-individual conflict among Spaniards that have also a strong interregional component.
The Inhibitory Advantage in Bilingual Children Revisited
Authors: Duñabeitia Jon Andoni , Hernández Juan Andrés , Antón Eneko , Macizo Pedro , Estévez Adelina , Fuentes Luis J. , Carreiras Manuel
Published: November 2013

In recent decades several authors have suggested that bilinguals exhibit enhanced cognitive control as compared to monolinguals and some proposals suggest that this main difference between monolinguals and bilinguals is related to bilinguals’ enhanced capacity of inhibiting irrelevant information. This has led to the proposal of the so-called bilingual advantage in inhibitory skills. However, recent studies have cast some doubt on the locus and generality of the alleged bilingual advantage in inhibitory skills. In the current study we investigated inhibitory skills in a large sample of 252 monolingual and 252 bilingual children who were carefully matched on a large number of indices. We tested their performance in a verbal Stroop task and in a nonverbal version of the same task (the number size-congruency task). Results were unequivocal and showed that bilingual and monolingual participants performed equally in these two tasks across all the indices or markers of inhibitory skills explored. Furthermore, the lack of differences between monolingual and bilingual children extended to all the age ranges tested and was not modulated by any of the independent factors investigated. In light of these results, we conclude that bilingual children do not exhibit any specific advantage in simple inhibitory tasks as compared to monolinguals.
Age-Related Differences in Sequential Modulations of Poorer-Strategy Effects
Authors: Lemaire Patrick , Hinault Thomas
Published: November 2013

To determine how younger and older adults modulate execution of strategies across successive trials, we asked participants to accomplish a computational estimation task (i.e., provide approximate products to two-digit multiplication problems like 38 × 74). For each problem, they were cued to execute a better versus a poorer strategy. Their performance revealed sequential modulations of poorer-strategy effects (i.e., longer solution times and larger error rates when asked to execute a poorer than a better strategy). That is, poorer-strategy effects were smaller on current problems after using a poorer strategy on preceding problems than after using a better strategy. Moreover, sequential modulations of these poorer-strategy effects were smaller in older than in younger adults, especially older adults with low-cognitive control skills (as measured by conflict adaptation effects in the Simon task). Our findings suggest that these sequential modulations may result from executive control mechanisms, the efficiency of which is known to decrease in older adults. These findings have important implications regarding mechanisms underlying strategy execution and aging effects on strategic variations.
In vivo comparison of local versus systemic delivery of immunostimulating siRNA in HPV‐driven tumours
Authors: Khairuddin Norliana , Blake Stephen J , Firdaus Farah , Steptoe Raymond J , Behlke Mark A , Hertzog Paul J , McMillan Nigel AJ
Published: November 2013

Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to inhibit oncogene expression and also to activate innate immune responses via Toll‐like receptor (TLR) recognition have been shown to be beneficial as anti‐cancer therapy in certain cancer models. In this study, we investigated the effects of local versus systemic delivery of such immune‐stimulating Dicer‐substrate siRNAs (IS‐DsiRNAs) on a human papillomavirus (HPV)‐driven tumour model. Localized siRNA delivery using intratumour injection of siRNA was able to increase siRNA delivery to the tumour compared with intravenous (IV) delivery and potently activated innate immune responses. However, IV injection remained the more effective delivery route for reducing tumour growth. Although IS‐DsiRNAs activated innate immune cells and required interferon‐α (IFNα) for full effect on tumour growth, we found that potent silencing siRNA acting independently of IFNα were overall more effective at inhibiting TC‐1 tumour growth. Other published work utilising IS‐siRNAs have been carried out on tumour models with low levels of major histocompatibility complex (MHC)‐class 1, a target of natural killer cells that are potently activated by IS‐siRNA. As TC‐1 cells used in our study express high levels of MHC‐class I, the addition of the immunostimulatory motifs may not be as beneficial in this particular tumour model. Our data suggest that selection of siRNA profile and delivery method based on tumour environment is crucial to developing siRNA‐based therapies.
Development of ion source for simulation of edge localized mode in divertor plasma
Authors: Daibo A. , Okamoto A. , Takahashi H. , Kumagai T. , Takahashi T. , Tsubota S. , Kitajima S.
Published: November 2013

A helium ion beam is injected into a linear plasma device for the development of an ion beam source simulating high energy particle flux in divertor plasma. Beam current density more than 10 mA/cm2 is extracted. Measurement of beam currents indicates that the beam is transported along the linear device and reaches to the downstream end plate.
Theoretical analysis of GaAs/AlGaAs quantum dots in quantum wire array for intermediate band solar cell
Authors: Sogabe Tomah , Kaizu Toshiyuki , Okada Yoshitaka , Tomić Stanko
Published: November 2013

A GaAs quantum dot (QD) array embedded in a AlGaAs host material was fabricated using a strain-free approach, through combination of neutral beam etching and atomic hydrogen-assisted molecular beam epitaxy regrowth. In this work, we performed theoretical simulations on a GaAs/AlGaAs quantum well, GaAs QD and QD array based intermediated band solar cell (IBSC) using a combined multiband k·p and drift-diffusion transportation method. The electronic structure, IB band dispersion, and optical transitions, including absorption and spontaneous emission among the valence band, intermediate band, and conduction band, were calculated. Based on these results, maximum conversion efficiency of GaAs/AlGaAs QD array based IBSC devices were calculated by a drift-diffusion model adapted to IBSC under the radiative recombination limit.
Interfacial free energies determined from binary embedded alloy nanocluster geometry
Authors: Boswell-Koller C. N. , Shin S. J. , Guzman J. , Sherburne M. P. , Bustillo K. C. , Sawyer C. A. , Mastandrea J. P. , Beeman J. W. , Ager J. W. , Haller E. E. , Chrzan D. C.
Published: November 2013

The equilibrium geometries of embedded binary eutectic alloy nanostructures are used to determine the interfacial free energies between two phases of a strongly segregating alloy and the matrix. The solid Ge-SiO2 interfacial free energy at 600°C is determined to be 0.82–0.99 J/m2, in good agreement with estimates obtained from stress relaxation experiments.
Insensitivity of tunneling anisotropic magnetoresistance to non-magnetic electrodes
Authors: Wang Y. Y. , Song C. , Wang G. Y. , Zeng F. , Pan F.
Published: November 2013

Ferromagnetic electrodes play a crucial role in magnetoresistance effect and spin injection, whereas the essential features of non-magnetic metal electrodes in spintronics are commonly ignored except for their electrical conductivity. Here, we verify that the room-temperature tunneling anisotropic magnetoresistance (TAMR) behavior in antiferromagnet-based [Pt/Co]/IrMn/AlOx/metal (metal = Pt, Au, Cu, Al) junctions is insensitive to the top metal electrodes. Similar out-of-plane signals are detected for different electrodes, in contrast to the varied shapes of in-plane TAMR curves which are most likely attributed to the differences in the multidomain structure of the magnetic electrode. This would add a different dimension to spintronics.
A direct numerical simulation study of higher order statistics in a turbulent round jet
Authors: Taub G. N. , Lee Hyungoo , Balachandar S. , Sherif S. A.
Published: November 2013

Up until recently direct numerical simulation (DNS) studies involving round turbulent jets have focused on first and second order statistics and vortical behavior near the source of the jet. The third order statistics necessary to compute the turbulent kinetic energy and Reynolds stress transport equations have been examined using LES studies. However, further examination with DNS is important as, on the subgrid scale, LES uses models for Reynolds stress. In this study a DNS of a turbulent free jet with a Reynolds number equal to ReJ = 2000 is computed using a second order accurate, time splitting finite volume scheme. First, second, and third order statistics are compared with previous experimental and numerical studies. All terms of the turbulent kinetic energy balance are calculated directly. The results are compared to experimental studies such as those of Hussein et al. [“Velocity measurements in a high-Reynolds-number, momentum-conserving, axisymmetric, turbulent jet,” J. Fluid Mech. 258, 31–75 (1994)], Panchapakesan and Lumley [“Turbulence measurements in axisymmetric jets of air and helium. Part 1. Air jet,” J. Fluid Mech. 246, 197–233 (1993)], and others. The assumptions made by the various experimental studies in order to solve the dissipation and pressure diffusion terms are discussed and examined using the data from the current study. The Reynolds stress transport equations are also calculated and discussed. Vortical structures are visualized by the λci method and discussed along with entrainment of ambient fluid into the jet. The one dimensional energy spectra in the azimuthal direction are calculated directly and are also discussed.
Instability of the vertical annular flow with a radial heating and rotating inner cylinder
Authors: Yoshikawa H. N. , Nagata M. , Mutabazi I.
Published: November 2013

A linear stability analysis of the flow confined in a differentially rotating cylindrical annulus with a radial temperature gradient has been performed. Depending on values of control parameters (the Taylor number, the Grashof number, and the Froude number), it has shown flow destabilization to axisymmetric or non-axisymmetric modes. Analysis of different terms involved in the evolution rate of the perturbation kinetic energy has allowed us to isolate the dominant terms (centrifugal force or buoyancy force) in the destabilization process. We have shown that the centrifugal buoyancy can induce the asymmetry of the temperature gradient on critical states.
Understanding the role of grid turbulence in enhancing PM10 deposition: Scaling the Stokes number with Rλ
Authors: Moran Sean M. , Pardyjak Eric R. , Veranth John M.
Published: November 2013

Isotropic turbulence in wind tunnel experiments enhances PM10 particle deposition on surfaces used to simulate vegetation. The effect of isotropic turbulence on inertial impaction dominated particle deposition to surfaces in an unconfined flow was studied. The contribution of turbulence on deposition is shown to scale with a dimensionless parameter formed from a combination of the classical Stokes number (Stk) and the Taylor-microscale Reynolds number (Rλ). This scaling helps explain the role that the intermediate sized eddies (λ) and turbulent fluctuations (u′) have on deposition fraction (DFλ). A modified Stokes number (Stk⋆ = Stk·Rλ0.3) parameterization (DFλ=100 − 100/(440.5(Stk⋆)3.88+1)) was devised to utilize this new scaling and incorporate physically significant turbulent deposition parameters (i.e., λ and u′). The experiments covered a practically relevant Stk range of ∼0.005–0.065 and Rλ range of ∼40–280. These experimental results suggest that current impaction correlations substantially underestimate deposition to surfaces in turbulent unconfined flows, for example, in modeling deposition to windbreaks downwind of unpaved roads.
Turbulent electron transport in edge pedestal by electron temperature gradient turbulence
Authors: Singh R. , Jhang Hogun , Diamond P. H.
Published: November 2013

We present a model for turbulent electron thermal transport at the edge pedestal in high (H)-mode plasmas based on electron temperature gradient (ETG) turbulence. A quasi-linear analysis of electrostatic toroidal ETG modes shows that both turbulent electron thermal diffusivity and hyper-resistivity exhibits the Ohkawa scaling in which the radial correlation length of turbulence becomes the order of electron skin depth. Combination of the Ohkawa scales and the plasma current dependence results in a novel confinement scaling inside the pedestal region. It is also shown that ETG turbulence induces a thermoelectric pinch, which may accelerate the density pedestal formation.
Cathode fall model and current-voltage characteristics of field emission driven direct current microplasmas
Authors: Venkattraman Ayyaswamy
Published: November 2013

The post-breakdown characteristics of field emission driven microplasma are studied theoretically and numerically. A cathode fall model assuming a linearly varying electric field is used to obtain equations governing the operation of steady state field emission driven microplasmas. The results obtained from the model by solving these equations are compared with particle-in-cell with Monte Carlo collisions simulation results for parameters including the plasma potential, cathode fall thickness, ion number density in the cathode fall, and current density vs voltage curves. The model shows good overall agreement with the simulations but results in slightly overpredicted values for the plasma potential and the cathode fall thickness attributed to the assumed electric field profile. The current density vs voltage curves obtained show an arc region characterized by negative slope as well as an abnormal glow discharge characterized by a positive slope in gaps as small as 10 μm operating at atmospheric pressure. The model also retrieves the traditional macroscale current vs voltage theory in the absence of field emission.
Percolating porosity in ultrafine grained copper processed by High Pressure Torsion
Authors: Wegner Matthias , Leuthold Jörn , Peterlechner Martin , Setman Daria , Zehetbauer Michael , Pippan Reinhard , Divinski Sergiy V. , Wilde Gerhard
Published: November 2013

Defect structures in copper of different purity (nominally 99.99 and 99.999 wt. %) deformed via High Pressure Torsion (HPT) with varying processing parameters are investigated utilizing the radiotracer diffusion technique. While the degree of deformation is kept constant, the effects of applied quasi-hydrostatic pressure, processing temperature, post-deformation annealing treatments, and of the impurity concentration on the deformed samples are analyzed in terms of the formation of interconnected internal porosity. Furthermore, the anisotropy of the developing porosity network is examined. The porosity channels occurred to be interconnected along the direction parallel to the surface normal with a volume fraction of the order of a few ppm while no long-range penetration along the internal porosity could be detected when measured along the azimuthal or radial directions of a HPT processed sample.
Determination of the individual atomic site contribution to the electronic structure of 3,4,9,10-perylene-tetracarboxylic-dianhydride (PTCDA)
Authors: Cho S. W. , Newby D. , DeMasi A. , Smith K. E. , Piper L. F. J. , Jones T. S.
Published: November 2013

We have studied the element and orbital-specific electronic structure of thin films of 3,4,9,10-perylene-tetracarboxylic-dianhydride (PTCDA) using a combination of synchrotron radiation-exited resonant x-ray emission spectroscopy, x-ray absorption spectroscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, as well as density functional theory calculations. Resonant and non-resonant x-ray emission spectroscopies were used to measure the C and O 2p partial densities of state in PTCDA. Furthermore, resonant x-ray emission at the C and O K-edges is shown to be able to measure the partial densities of states associated with individual atomic sites. The flat molecular orientation of PTCDA on various substrates is explained in terms of the carbonyl O atom acting as a hydrogen-bond acceptor leading to multiple in-plane intermolecular C=O···H−C hydrogen bonding between carbonyl groups and the perylene core of the neighboring PTCDA molecules. We support this conclusion by comparison of our calculations to measurements of the electronic structure using element-, site-, and orbital-selective C and O K-edge resonant x-ray emission spectroscopy, and photoemission spectroscopy.
A normal-incidence PtSi photoemissive detector with black silicon light-trapping
Authors: Steglich Martin , Zilk Matthias , Bingel Astrid , Patzig Christian , Käsebier Thomas , Schrempel Frank , Kley Ernst-Bernhard , Tünnermann Andreas
Published: November 2013

A normal-incidence light-trapping scheme relying on black silicon surface nanostructures for Si-based photoemissive detectors, operating in the IR spectral range, is proposed. An absorptance enhancement by a factor of 2–3 is demonstrated for technologically most relevant, ultrathin (2 nm–3 nm) PtSi rear layers on Si. It is shown that this increase can be translated into an equivalent increase in responsivity because of the absorption limitation of detector performance. Pd2Si/p-Si detectors with black silicon are suggested as promising candidates for room temperature detection in the third optical window with an expected external quantum efficiency in the range of 9%–14%.
Effects of defect clustering on optical properties of GaN by single and molecular ion irradiation
Authors: Ullah M. W. , Kuronen A. , Nordlund K. , Djurabekova F. , Karaseov P. A. , Karabeshkin K. V. , Titov A. I.
Published: November 2013

The effects of irradiation by F, P, and PF4 on optical properties of GaN were studied experimentally and by atomistic simulations. Additionally, the effect of Ag was studied by simulation. The irradiation energy was 0.6 keV/amu for all projectiles. The measured photoluminescence (PL) decay time was found to be decreasing faster when irradiation was done by molecular ion compared to light ion irradiation. The PL decay time change is connected with the types of defect produced by different projectiles. Simulation results show that the light ions mainly produce isolated point defects while molecular and heavy ions produce clusters of point defects. The total amount of defects produced by the PF4 projectile was found to be very close to the sum of all defects produced in five individual cascades started by one P and four F single ions. This and the similar depth profiles of damage produced by molecular and light ion irradiations suggest that the defect clusters are one of the important reasons for fast PL decay. Moreover, the simulations of irradiation by Ag ions, whose mass is close to the mass of the PF4 molecule, showed that the produced defects are clustering in even bigger conglomerates compared to PF4 case. The latter has a tendency to split in the pre-surface region, reducing on average the density of the collision cascade.
Favorable electronic structure for organic solar cells induced by strong interaction at interface
Authors: Wang Shenghao , Sakurai Takeaki , Hao Xia , Fu Wei , Masuda Shigeru , Akimoto Katsuhiro
Published: November 2013

To clarify the role of buffer layer in organic solar cells (OSCs), the electronic properties of bathocuproine (BCP)/Mg interface were systematically investigated by using ultraviolet photoemissions spectroscopy, high-resolution X-ray photoemission spectroscopy, angle-resolved X-ray photoemission spectroscopy and near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy. The results show there are gap states at the interface, which are caused by the interaction between BCP and Mg. The formation of Mg-N bond was found at the interface. The NEXAFS measurements show that BCP molecules for 1-2 monolayers are lying-down on the substrate, whereas orient randomly for thick BCP layer. It was supposed that the gap states and the highly-ordered orientation of thin BCP layer are the reasons for improving the performance of OSC with BCP buffer layer and low work function metal cathode.
Thermal conduction in nano-porous silicon thin film
Authors: Tang G. H. , Bi C. , Fu B.
Published: November 2013

Controlling the thermal conductivity of thermoelectric materials continues to be a goal for energy conversion applications. The Phonon Boltzmann Transport Equation is solved by using the Discrete Ordinates Method to numerically study the phonon thermal conductivity of nano-structured silicon thin film with pores in this study. The effects of the film thickness, film porosity, and porous structure are concerned. The numerical results show that the nano-pores are able to reduce the thermal conductivity of the silicon thin film sharply by the phonon boundary scattering, and the scattering boundary area has significant effect on the thermal conductivity. The method of local angle distribution between heat fluxes is introduced for the first time to optimize the pore placement for reducing the thermal conductivity.
Non-isothermal kinetic study of three lignocellulosic biomass using model-free methods
Authors: Dash Madhusmita , Venkata Dasu V. , Mohanty Kaustubha
Published: November 2013

Thermogravimetric analysis of three lignocellulosic biomass such as Miscanthus grass, Castor stem, and Jatropha stem under high purity nitrogen atmosphere were carried out over a temperature range of 25 °C–900 °C at three different heating rates of 10, 15, 20 °C min−1. The profiles generated from thermal decomposition process signified that except dehydration there were three main stages of degradation occurred associated with three main components (hemicellulose, cellulose, lignin). The temperature peaks at maximum weight loss rate obtained from Differential thermogravimetric thermograms changed with increasing heating rate. The activation energy and pre-exponential factor were calculated by applying two model-free methods and compared. The kinetic parameters obtained from Kissinger and Ozawa methods were in good agreement with the experimental results. The value of kinetic parameters explained the thermal stability of the biomass. The thermal analysis could not infer the composition and chemical structure of lignocellulosic biomass; hence FTIR spectroscopic analysis has been carried out.
Spherical cloaking using multilayer shells of ordinary dielectrics
Authors: Wang Xiaohui , Chen Fang , Semouchkina Elena
Published: November 2013

An approach for spherical cloaking using multilayer ordinary dielectric materials has been developed. The total scattering cross section (TSCS) of the spherical multilayer shell with metallic core was derived based on the Mie theory. The dielectric profile of the shell was optimized to minimize the TSCS of the cloaked target. The specific directions, at which the scattering could be practically eliminated, were detected. The influence of the target size and the dielectric material loss on the cloaking efficiency was analyzed. It was shown that the cloaking efficiency for larger targets could be improved by employing lossy materials in the shell.
Overexpression of AtbHLH112 suppresses lateral root emergence in Arabidopsis
Authors: Wang Wen-Shu , Zhu Jiang , Lu Ying-Tang
Published: November 2013

The basic/helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors are ubiquitous transcriptional regulators that control many different developmental and physiological processes in the eukaryotic kingdom. In this study, the function of AtbHLH112, an uncharacterised member of the bHLH family in Arabidopsis was investigated. Overexpression of AtbHLH112 suppressed lateral root (LR) development in Arabidopsis seedlings. Examination under the microscope revealed that abnormal lateral root primordia (LRP) with flat-head and more than four cell layers retained in the endodermal layer account for over 45% of the total number of LRP and LRs. This suggests that LRP emergence was prevented before LRP penetrated the cortical layer in the transgenic lines. Decreased auxin level within the LRP and parental root cells surrounding the LRP, as well as downregulated expression of cell-wall-remodelling (CWR) genes in the roots may contribute to the suppression of LR emergence in AtbHLH112-overexpressing lines. This finding was further supported by the observation that exogenous application of auxin recovered LR development and upregulated the expression of CWR genes in AtbHLH112-overexpressing lines.
Human health impacts of ecosystem alteration
Authors: Myers Samuel S. , Gaffikin Lynne , Golden Christopher D. , Ostfeld Richard S. , H. Redford Kent , H. Ricketts Taylor , Turner Will R. , Osofsky Steven A.
Published: November 2013

Human activity is rapidly transforming most of Earth’s natural systems. How this transformation is impacting human health, whose health is at greatest risk, and the magnitude of the associated disease burden are relatively new subjects within the field of environmental health. We discuss what is known about the human health implications of changes in the structure and function of natural systems and propose that these changes are affecting human health in a variety of important ways. We identify several gaps and limitations in the research that has been done to date and propose a more systematic and comprehensive approach to applied research in this field. Such efforts could lead to a more robust understanding of the human health impacts of accelerating environmental change and inform decision making in the land-use planning, environmental conservation, and public health policy realms.
Hydrogels preserve native phenotypes of valvular fibroblasts through an elasticity-regulated PI3K/AKT pathway
Authors: Wang Huan , Tibbitt Mark W. , Langer Stephen J. , Leinwand Leslie A. , Anseth Kristi S.
Published: November 2013

Significance

Valvular interstitial cells (VICs) are the principal cellular component of cardiac valves and maintain normal valve homeostasis. During valvular fibrosis, VICs differentiate into myofibroblasts and stiffen the valve matrix. The results in this report demonstrate that standard techniques of culturing VICs on supraphysiologically stiff, tissue-culture polystyrene cause a dramatic induction of myofibroblast differentiation. In contrast, culturing VICs on soft, poly(ethylene glycol)-based hydrogels preserves the native, quiescent phenotype. A detailed study of VIC mechano-sensing reveals that matrix elasticity elicits pathologic changes in VICs through PI3K/AKT signaling. A more complete understanding of the molecular mechanisms of VIC mechano-biology may facilitate development of novel therapeutics targeting downstream signaling in matrix-stiffness–associated diseases, and may be applicable to fibrotic diseases in different tissues.
Host-induced gene silencing of cytochrome P450 lanosterol C14α-demethylase–encoding genes confers strong resistance to
Fusarium
species
Authors: Koch Aline , Kumar Neelendra , Weber Lennart , Keller Harald , Imani Jafargholi , Kogel Karl-Heinz
Published: November 2013

Significance

We demonstrate that host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) targeting the fungal sterol 14α-demethylase (
CYP51
) genes restricts
Fusarium
infection in plants.
Fusarium
diseases have a significant impact not only on global grain production, but also on food safety because of grain contamination with mycotoxins. We capitalized on the knowledge that demethylation inhibitor fungicides target cytochrome P450 lanosterol C-14α-demethylase. In
Fusarium graminearum
(
Fg
), this enzyme is encoded by three paralogous genes. Transgenic
Arabidopsis
and barley expressing a double-stranded RNA targeting all three
CYP51
genes exhibited complete immunity to
Fg
. Our results provide proof-of-concept that HIGS of the
CYP51
genes is an effective strategy for controlling
Fusarium
, demonstrating that HIGS is a powerful tool, which could revolutionize crop plant protection.
Symbiotic bacteria appear to mediate hyena social odors
Authors: Theis Kevin R. , Venkataraman Arvind , Dycus Jacquelyn A. , Koonter Keith D. , Schmitt-Matzen Emily N. , Wagner Aaron P. , Holekamp Kay E. , Schmidt Thomas M.
Published: November 2013

Significance

All animals are populated by microbes, and, contrary to popular belief, most microbes appear highly beneficial to their hosts. They are critical in animal nutrition and immune defense, and they can serve as important catalysts for the effective development and functioning of host tissues. It also is becoming increasingly clear that they can contribute to host behavior. It has been hypothesized that one way they do so is by producing the components of chemical signals that animals use to communicate. We tested and confirmed first predictions of this hypothesis in hyenas, demonstrating that the bacterial and odor profiles of hyena scent secretions covaried and that both profiles varied with characteristics of hyenas known to be communicated through their chemical signals.
Genetic variants related to gap junctions and hormone secretion influence conception rates in cows
Authors: Sugimoto Mayumi , Sasaki Shinji , Gotoh Yusaku , Nakamura Yuuki , Aoyagi Yoshito , Kawahara Takayoshi , Sugimoto Yoshikazu
Published: November 2013

Significance

A genome-wide association study has uncovered four variants, located at
PKP2, CTTNBP2NL, SETD6
, and
CACNB2
, that modulate conception rates in cattle.
PKP2
and
CTTNBP2NL
function in gap junction communication and influence embryo implantation, whereas
SETD6
and
CACNB2
are involved in the release of follicle-stimulating hormone from the anterior pituitary gland. The discovery of such unexpected roles for these genes could help to combat the declining conception rates reported by the dairy industry and potentially contribute to understanding human reproductive events at the molecular level.
Keratin 16 regulates innate immunity in response to epidermal barrier breach
Authors: Lessard Juliane C. , Piña-Paz Sylvia , Rotty Jeremy D. , Hickerson Robyn P. , Kaspar Roger L. , Balmain Allan , Coulombe Pierre A.
Published: November 2013

Significance

Here we report that keratin 16 (Krt16), a type I intermediate filament cytoskeletal protein, is an integral and functionally important component of a genetic network regulating danger signals, innate immunity, and barrier function in skin epidermis. Our findings help explain the pathogenesis of the conspicuous skin lesions arising in genetic skin disorders caused by mutations in Krt16, such as pachyonychia congenita and focal palmoplantar keratoderma, and in diseases in which Krt16 is induced and misregulated, such as psoriasis and cancer.
Rapid stimulus-evoked astrocyte Ca
2+
elevations and hemodynamic responses in mouse somatosensory cortex in vivo
Authors: Lind Barbara Lykke , Brazhe Alexey R. , Jessen Sanne Barsballe , Tan Florence C. C. , Lauritzen Martin J.
Published: November 2013

Significance

The morphology of astrocytes places them as likely contributors to communication between nerve cells and blood vessels. They are reported to respond with few and slow Ca
2+
elevations, which exclude them as possible participants in initiation of blood flow responses or synapse communication. We establish that astrocytes have fast responses in addition to the slow. These rapid, brief Ca
2+
responses were present in a large proportion of astrocytes. We were able to observe these changes due to a signal enhancement analysis, which is useful when responses are small compared with baseline activity. Our findings indicate a higher sensitivity than generally believed of astrocytes.
Motionless phase stepping in X-ray phase contrast imaging with a compact source
Authors: Miao Houxun , Chen Lei , Bennett Eric E. , Adamo Nick M. , Gomella Andrew A. , DeLuca Alexa M. , Patel Ajay , Morgan Nicole Y. , Wen Han
Published: November 2013

Significance

From diagnostic exams to security screening, a major concern in X-ray imaging is the potential damage from absorbed radiation energy. Phase contrast techniques are being developed to alleviate the concern by detecting the slight refractive bending of X-rays in an object, instead of relying on the attenuation of the beam. A front runner in the development is technologies that require mechanical scanning of a grating in the X-ray beam to attain high-resolution images. This paper reports a motionless, electromagnetic scanning method in place of mechanical scanning. It lifts the constraints on speed and flexibility and reduces the complexity and cost of the technologies, all of which help bring them closer to everyday applications.
Searching for efficient Markov chain Monte Carlo proposal kernels
Authors: Yang Ziheng , Rodríguez Carlos E.
Published: November 2013

Significance

Bayesian statistics is widely used in various branches of sciences; its main computational method is the Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithm, which is used to simulate a sample on the computer, on which all Bayesian inference is based. The efficiency of the algorithm determines how long one should run the computer program to obtain estimates with acceptable precision. We compare different simulation algorithms and propose a unique class of algorithms (called Bactrian algorithms), which are found to be >50% more efficient than current algorithms. Our tests suggest that the improvement is generic and may apply to all MCMC algorithms developed in various applications of Bayesian inference.
Repair of UV photolesions in xeroderma pigmentosum group C cells induced by translational readthrough of premature termination codons
Authors: Kuschal Christiane , DiGiovanna John. J. , Khan Sikandar G. , Gatti Richard A. , Kraemer Kenneth H.
Published: November 2013

Significance

About 12% of human genetic disorders involve premature stop codons (PTC) that may produce abnormal, short proteins. Some antibiotics and other compounds have been proposed to restore full-length proteins by reading through PTC. We studied skin cells from xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) patients with different
PTC
in a DNA repair gene. XP patients have a DNA repair defect and a 10,000-fold increased risk of sunlight-induced skin cancer. Using several readthrough compounds, we found increased levels of DNA repair protein, assembly of DNA repair proteins at the DNA damage site, and repair of UV damage in some XP cells. Even small amounts of increased DNA repair protein may provide potential therapy for XP patients and may reduce disease severity.
Impact of reconstituted cytosol on protein stability
Authors: Sarkar Mohona , Smith Austin E. , Pielak Gary J.
Published: November 2013

Significance

The cell cytoplasm contains a complex array of macromolecules at concentrations exceeding 300 g/L. The natural, most relevant state of a biological macromolecule is thus a “crowded” one. Moving quantitative protein chemistry from dilute solution to the inside of living cells represents a major frontier that will affect not only our fundamental biological knowledge, but also efforts to produce and stabilize protein-based pharmaceuticals. We show that the bacterial cytosol actually destabilizes our test protein, contradicting most theoretical predictions, but in agreement with a novel
Escherichia coli
model.