bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of ferroelectric-ferroelastic domains in Néel-type skyrmion host GaV4S8
Authors: Butykai Ádám , Bordács Sándor , Kézsmárki István , Tsurkan Vladimir , Loidl Alois , Döring Jonathan , Neuber Erik , Milde Peter , Kehr Susanne C. , Eng Lukas M.
Published: March 2017

GaV4S8 is a multiferroic semiconductor hosting Néel-type magnetic skyrmions dressed with electric polarization. At Ts = 42 K, the compound undergoes a structural phase transition of weakly first-order, from a non-centrosymmetric cubic phase at high temperatures to a polar rhombohedral structure at low temperatures. Below Ts, ferroelectric domains are formed with the electric polarization pointing along any of the four 〈111〉 axes. Although in this material the size and the shape of the ferroelectric-ferroelastic domains may act as important limiting factors in the formation of the Néel-type skyrmion lattice emerging below TC = 13 K, the characteristics of polar domains in GaV4S8 have not been studied yet. Here, we report on the inspection of the local-scale ferroelectric domain distribution in rhombohedral GaV4S8 using low-temperature piezoresponse force microscopy. We observed mechanically and electrically compatible lamellar domain patterns, where the lamellae are aligned parallel to the (100)-type planes with a typical spacing between 100 nm–1.2 μm. Since the magnetic pattern, imaged by atomic force microscopy using a magnetically coated tip, abruptly changes at the domain boundaries, we expect that the control of ferroelectric domain size in polar skyrmion hosts can be exploited for the spatial confinement and manipulation of Néel-type skyrmions.
Impact of whey proteins on the systemic and local intestinal level of mice with diet induced obesity
Authors: Świątecka D. , Złotkowska D. , Markiewicz L. H. , Szyc A. M. , Wróblewska B.
Published: March 2017

Obesity is a serious public health problem and being multifactorial is difficult to tackle.
Regression of murine Ehrlich ascites carcinoma using synthesized cobalt complex
Authors: Saad Entsar A. , Hassanien Mohamed M. , El-mezayen Hatem A. , ELmenawy Nada M.
Published: March 2017

Cisplatin as a chief chemotherapy has nephro-toxicity and so we have tried to develop a novel antitumor drug based on a combination of cobalt metal ion with an organic moiety.
Enantioselective Diels-Alder-lactamization organocascades employing a furan-based diene
Authors: Abbasov Mikail E. , Hudson Brandi M. , Kong Weixu , Tantillo Dean J. , Romo Daniel
Published: March 2017

α,β-Unsaturated acylammonium salts are useful dienophiles enabling highly enantioselective and stereodivergent Diels-Alder-initiated organocascades with furan-based dienes.
Poly(phenylene-ethynylene-alt-tetraphenylethene) copolymers: aggregation enhanced emission, induced circular dichroism, tunable surface wettability and sensitive explosive detection
Authors: Wang Xiao , Wang Wenjie , Wang Yanmei , Sun Jing Zhi , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: March 2017

Copolymer of poly(phenylene-ethynylene-alt-tetraphenylethene) were prepared via a facile route and tunable properties were realized by post-polymerization modification.
A novel non-enzymatic glucose sensor based on a Cu-nanoparticle-modified graphene edge nanoelectrode
Authors: Jiang Jingyun , Zhang Pu , Liu Yan , Luo Hongxia
Published: March 2017

The Cu–GNE electrode was developed by potentiostatic deposition and showed excellent selectivity, sensitivity, reproducibility and stability for the detection of glucose.
Power-free, digital and programmable dispensing of picoliter droplets using a Digit Chip
Authors: Mepham A. , Besant J. D. , Weinstein A. W. , Burgess I. B. , Sargent E. H. , Kelley S. O.
Published: March 2017

There is a growing need for power-free methods to manipulate small volumes of liquids and thereby enable use of diagnostic assays in resource-limited settings.
Unique perforated graphene derived from Bougainvillea flowers for high-power supercapacitors: a green approach
Authors: Panmand Rajendra P. , Patil Purnima , Sethi Yogesh , Kadam Sunil R. , Kulkarni Milind V. , Gosavi Suresh W. , Munirathnam N. R. , Kale Bharat B.
Published: March 2017

Herein, we demonstrated a green approach for the synthesis of high surface area (850 m2 g−1) mesoporous perforated graphene (PG) from Bougainvillea flower for the first time using a template free single-step method.
Ultrafast pressure sensing with transient tunnelling currents
Authors: Chauhan Ashok S. , Taylor-Harrod Isaac , Littlejohn Samuel D. , Nogaret Alain
Published: March 2017

We experimentally and theoretically demonstrate ultrafast pressure sensing with transient tunnelling currents in thin composite films.
New mechanistic interpretations for nitrone reactivity
Authors: Merino Pedro , Tejero Tomás , Delso Ignacio , Matute Rosa
Published: March 2017

The reactivity of nitrones in cycloadditions and related reactions is revisited by introducing a topological perspective.
Structurally diverse arene-fused ten-membered lactams accessed via hydrolytic imidazoline ring expansion
Authors: Sapegin Alexander , Osipyan Angelina , Krasavin Mikhail
Published: March 2017

A facile approach to hitherto unknown ten-membered ring systems via a hydrolytic imidazoline ring expansion (HIRE) is described. Medium-sized rings are scarce in the contemporary medicinal chemistry toolbox. The new HIRE strategy broadens the arsenal of synthetic methods to obtain such scaffolds.
Highly emissive carbazole-functionalized homopoly(spirobifluorene) for deep-blue polymer light-emitting diodes
Authors: Bai Keyan , Wang Shumeng , Zhao Lei , Ding Junqiao , Wang Lixiang
Published: March 2017

By fully replacing the alkyloxy side chain with a carbazole, a highly emissive homopolymer P(Cz-SF) is developed for deep-blue PLEDs.
Polymers from sugars and CO2: ring-opening polymerisation and copolymerisation of cyclic carbonates derived from 2-deoxy-d-ribose
Authors: Gregory Georgina L. , Kociok-Köhn Gabriele , Buchard Antoine
Published: March 2017

We report the preparation of two anomeric cyclic carbonate monomers from CO2 and natural sugar 2-deoxy-d-ribose, their ring-opening polymerisation and copolymerisation with trimethylene carbonate to produce aliphatic polycarbonates with tunable properties.
Femtosecond-laser direct writing for spatially localized synthesis of PPV
Authors: Avila Oriana I. , Almeida Juliana M. P. , Henrique Franciele R. , Fonseca Ruben D. , Almeida Gustavo F. B. , Balogh Débora T. , Mendonça Cleber R.
Published: March 2017

Conversion of PTHT into PPV is achieved by direct laser writing. Fs-laser pulses induce photo-thermal reactions due to two-photon absorption, resulting in the microscopic control of PPV polymerization. Such methodology is a promising way towards the fabrication of arbitrary polymeric microcircuits.
Anthropomorphic grasp generation through probabilistic modelling in an optimised eigen‐space
Authors: Chattaraj R. , Khan S. , Kumar A. , Bepari B. , Bhaumik S.
Published: March 2017

Artificial cognitive systems are increasingly drawn towards ‘human‐like’ gestural exhibits while performing various manipulative acts. Representing such actions in a natural settings requires temporal extractions of their grasp progressions. A novel optimisation‐based hidden Markov framework is offered, to generate natural hand prehensions through maximisation of a composite grasp function built of individual finger trajectory likelihoods. In order to produce the desired motion in an intuitive framework, the final grasp frame (represented in terms of standard discriminants z ∈ ℜ2 in a condensed grasp eigen‐space) is extended in a temporal sequence by equi‐spaced increments of z, over their conventional joint‐space representations.
JPEG quantisation requires bit‐shifts only
Authors: Oliveira P.A.M. , Oliveira R.S. , Cintra R.J. , Bayer F.M. , Madanayake A.
Published: March 2017

A scheme for low power consumption JPEG quantisation is introduced. Multiplications and additions are not required – only bit‐shifting operations. A fully multiplierless JPEG‐like image encoding framework is also proposed, using a discrete cosine transform approximation. Simulations demonstrate that the introduced quantisation scheme produces a very low image degradation. The proposed architecture is also physically realised in FPGA technology.
Real‐time hardware‐ and software‐in‐the‐loop simulation of decentralised distribution network control architecture
Authors: Tuominen Ville , Reponen Hannu , Kulmala Anna , Lu Shengye , Repo Sami
Published: March 2017

This study introduces a laboratory test set up developed to evaluate the functionality of a novel decentralised distribution automation architecture. The demonstration system consists of a simulated distribution network in real‐time simulation environment including simulated monitoring and control devices as well as physical devices interfaced with the simulator as hardware‐in‐the‐loop test devices. System involves also substation automation units for real‐time monitoring and control that are interfaced with the simulator and physical devices. The operating principle of the system is demonstrated with an example simulation case. The main goal for this system was to test the functionality of the decentralised distribution automation architecture and track out any potential interfacing issues of automation system before implementing the concept to actual field demonstrations. Based on the tests executed with the system described in this study, the proper functionality of all the features of the automation architecture was verified and successfully deployed at the field test sites.
Fuzzy unscented transform for uncertainty quantification of correlated wind/PV microgrids: possibilistic–probabilistic power flow based on RBFNNs
Authors: Baghaee Hamid Reza , Mirsalim Mojtaba , Gharehpetian Gevork B. , Talebi Heidar Ali
Published: March 2017

The probabilistic power flow (PPF) of active distribution networks and microgrids based on the conventional power flow algorithms is almost impossible or at least cumbersome. Always, Mont Carlo simulation is a reliable solution. However, its computation time is relatively high that makes it unattractive to be a reliable solution for large interconnected power systems. This study presents a new method based on fuzzy unscented transform and radial basis function neural networks (RBFNN) for possibilistic‐PPF in the microgrids including uncertain loads, correlated wind and solar distributed energy resources and plug‐in hybrid electric vehicles. When sufficient historical data of the system variables is not available, a probability density function might not be defined, while they must be represented in another way namely possibilistically. When some of system uncertain variables are probabilistic and some are possibilistic, neither the conventional pure probabilistic nor pure possibilistic methods can be implemented. Hence, a combined solution methodology is needed. The proposed method exploits the ability of RBFNN and unscented transform in non‐linear mapping with an acceptable level of accuracy, robustness and reliability. Simulation results for the proposed PPF algorithm and its comparison with the reported methods for different test power systems reveals its efficiency, accuracy, robustness and authenticity.
Orthoester in Cyclodehydration of Carbamate-Protected Amino Alcohols under Acidic Conditions
Authors: Park Heemin , Kwon Yongseok , Shin Jae , Kim Woo-Jung , Hwang Soonho , Lee Seokwoo , Kim Sanghee
Published: March 2017

The first acid-promoted reaction system to form azaheterocycles from N-carbamate-protected amino alcohols is described. The reaction involves the activation of the hydroxyl group via the use of orthoesters. Despite the reduced nucleophilicity of carbamate nitrogen, this reaction system provides several types of pyrrolidines and piperidines in good to high yields. Using this protocol, prolinol derivatives can also be synthesized from carbamate-protected amino diols with regio- and stereoselectivity.
Quality of Life in Pediatric Patients with Allergic Rhinitis treated at the Medical Clinic of Integrated Education – Unisul
Authors: Dziekanski Mariana , Marcelino Taíse
Published: March 2017

Introduction Allergic rhinitis is a common disease among children and adolescents, reaching up to 40% of the population. During childhood, it is usually underdiagnosed because it has nonspecific symptoms. It has a negative impact on quality of life and may predispose to comorbidities. The diagnosis is clinical and treatment aims prevention.

Objective The objective of this study is to evaluate the quality of life in pediatric patients with allergic rhinitis.

Methods This is an observational study with cross-sectional design. The population consisted of pediatric patients with allergic rhinitis treated at the Medical Clinic of Integrated Education (MCIE) – Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina - Unisul, Tubarão, SC, Brazil. We collected data from March to June 2016 through the application of the Sociodemographic and Health Questionnaire, rhinitis module of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood Questionnaire and the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire Modified.

Results Out of the 69 respondents, 52.2% were boys with a mean age of 10.13 years old. The predominant education level of parents/guardians was incomplete second grade and average income level was two minimum wages. 81.2% said they had previous treatment for AR, 30.4% had asthma and 7.2% eczema. Incidence of patients smoking was absent and family (parents/guardians) smoking was 17.4%. March to July were the months of highest symptom occurrence, slightly disturbing daily activities. The mean value of severity was 51.9, nasal symptoms were the most uncomfortable, and nasal itchiness was the most cited.

Conclusion Our results highlight that allergic symptoms negatively impact the life of people with allergic rhinitis, with a predominance of nasal symptoms, especially nasal itchy, representing a poor quality of life of the interviewed.
Salivary Iron (Fe) Ion Levels, Serum Markers of Anemia and Caries Activity in Pregnant Women
Authors: Azevedo Juliana Aires Paiva de , Martins Rafiza Félix Marão , Rodrigues Vandilson Pereira , Alves Cláudia Maria Coêlho , Ribeiro Cecília Cláudia Costa , Thomaz Erika Bárbara Abreu Fonseca , Costa Elisa Miranda
Published: March 2017

Introduction Anemia is a very frequent event among pregnant women. There are evidences of differences in the incidence of dental caries between pregnant and non-pregnant women, but the relationship between salivary iron (Fe) and serum markers of anemia and caries development has not been investigated.

Objective To evaluate the correlation between salivary (Fe) and serum iron (Fe, ferritin and hemoglobin) parameters in pregnant women with the development of dental caries.

Methods A prospective cohort was conducted with 59 women. The outcome of interest was represented by new dental caries lesions during pregnancy, using the Nyvad criteria. Pregnant women were evaluated at three clinical times: up to the 16th week of gestational age (GA) (T1), in the last trimester of pregnancy (T2), and postpartum (T3), at the Mother and Child Unit of University Hospital of the Universidade Federal do Maranhão. A stimulated saliva sample was collected for biochemical analysis of salivary Fe, and a blood sample was collected early in the morning. The correlation between salivary and serum Fe was evaluated through the Pearson correlation test. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Kruskal-Wallis were used to compare the means of anemia parameters at different times. The Student's t and Mann-Whitney tests were used to compare the anemia parameters between the groups of pregnant women (with and without new caries lesions).

Results Serum Fe concentrations were higher in the first trimester of pregnancy and lower after delivery (p = 0.036). It was also observed that the ferritin concentrations were higher in the first trimester and lower at the end of gestation (p = 0.011). There was no association between the expositions of salivary iron and anemia, and the development of dental caries. There was a positive correlation between serum Fe in T1 and salivary Fe in T2 (p < 0.05).

Conclusion The serum markers of anemia were more prevalent in the last trimester of pregnancy.
Andermann Syndrome in a Pakistani Family Caused by a Novel Mutation in SLC12A6
Authors: Muñoz Tatiana , Krishnan Pradeep , Vajsar Jiri , Laughlin Suzanne , Yoon Grace
Published: March 2017

Agenesis of the corpus callosum with peripheral neuropathy (ACCPN) or Andermann syndrome is an autosomal recessive condition caused by mutations in SLC12A6. The neurodegenerative features are characterized primarily by severe and progressive polyneuropathy, with eventual loss of ambulation and limited lifespan. We report two siblings with Andermann syndrome from a consanguineous Pakistani family with severe global developmental delays, sensory-motor polyneuropathy, and complete agenesis of the corpus callosum, associated with a homozygous c.745+2T>A mutation in SLC12A6. This sequence change is predicted to inactivate the donor splice site and abolish correct splicing of intron 6, yielding an abnormally truncated protein. This is the first report of Andermann syndrome in patients of Pakistani origin, which supports the pan-ethnic incidence of this condition.
A Previously Unreported Arterial Variant of the Suboccipital Region Based on Cadaveric Dissection
Authors: Fisahn Christian , Burgess Brittni , Iwanaga Joe , Alonso Fernando , Chapman Jens , Oskouian Rod , Tubbs R.
Published: March 2017

Introduction Several arterial variants have been reported to occur around the posterior arch of the atlas. Understanding the various anomalies and diagnosing them preoperatively can dramatically reduce the risk of surgical insult during neurosurgical procedures. Herein we report a case of an arterial variant found just below the posterior arch of C1.

Case Report During the routine dissection of the suboccipital region via a posterior approach, an unusual bulge was identified just inferior to the inferior capitis oblique muscle. With further dissection, the structure was identified as a tortuous internal carotid artery.

Conclusion Arterial variants around the posterior arch of C1 are surgically significant and can result in catastrophic injuries if unappreciated. Most of these variants will be related to the vertebral artery. To our knowledge, an arterial variant of the internal carotid artery in this location, as reported herein, has not been previously reported.
Modified Lung Ultrasound Score for Assessing and Monitoring Pulmonary Aeration
Authors: Mongodi Silvia , Bouhemad Bélaïd , Orlando Anita , Stella Andrea , Tavazzi Guido , Via Gabriele , Iotti Giorgio , Braschi Antonio , Mojoli Francesco
Published: March 2017

Purpose Lung Ultrasound Score (LUSS) is a useful tool for lung aeration assessment but presents two theoretical limitations. First, standard LUSS is based on longitudinal scan and detection of number/coalescence of B lines. In the longitudinal scan pleura visualization is limited by intercostal space width. Moreover, coalescence of B lines to define severe loss of aeration is not suitable for non-homogeneous lung pathologies where focal coalescence is possible. We therefore compared longitudinal vs. transversal scan and also cLUSS (standard coalescence-based LUSS) vs. qLUSS (quantitative LUSS based on % of involved pleura).

Materials and methods 38 ICU patients were examined in 12 thoracic areas in longitudinal and transversal scan. B lines (number, coalescence), subpleural consolidations (SP), pleural length and pleural involvement (> or ≤ 50 %) were assessed. cLUSS and qLUSS were computed in longitudinal and transversal scan.

Results Transversal scan visualized wider (3.9 [IQR 3.8 – 3.9] vs 2.0 [1.6 – 2.5] cm, p < 0.0001) and more constant (variance 0.02 vs 0.34 cm, p < 0.0001) pleural length, more B lines (70 vs 59 % of scans, p < 0.0001), coalescence (39 vs 28 %, p < 0.0001) and SP (22 vs 14 %, p < 0.0001) compared to longitudinal scan. Pleural involvement > 50 % was observed in 17 % and coalescence in 33 % of cases. Focal coalescence accounted for 52 % of cases of coalescence. qLUSS-transv generated a different distribution of aeration scores compared to cLUSS-long (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion In unselected ICU patients, variability of pleural length in longitudinal scans is high and focal coalescence is frequent. Transversal scan and quantification of pleural involvement are simple measures to overcome these limitations of LUSS.
The Validation of a Paddle Power Meter for Slalom Kayaking
Authors: Macdermid Paul , Fink Philip
Published: March 2017

The ability to quantify power within the sport of slalom kayaking would provide coaches and athletes objective data to monitor performance. This study determined the validity of a kayak paddle power meter and subsequent relationship between work rate and stroke kinetics. One participant completed multiple trials of a flat-water, straight-line sprint and a sequence of slalom gates at numerous intensities to attain the velocity:power relationship. Laboratory results identified the kayak paddles’ strain gauges were valid and reliable, and field tests presented a cubic relationship for power as a function of velocity in the straight-line sprint (R2=0.982) and the slalom-specific test (R2=0.993). Further analysis of stroke kinetics identified velocity of hand movement at individual peak force capability to be critical in the highest work rates achieved for both slalom and flat-water sprinting. It was concluded that the kayak paddle power meter tested is a valid means of recording work rate and stroke kinetics during kayaking in the field.
The elderly liver transplant recipients: anxiety, depression, fatigue and life satisfaction
Authors: Krenzien Felix , Krezdorn Nicco , Morgül Mehmet , Wiltberger Georg , Atanasov Georgi , Hau Hans-Michael , Hinz Andreas , Schmelzle Moritz , Bartels Michael , Benzing Christian
Published: March 2017

Introduction Older patients are neglected in clinical trials and are likely to be excluded from liver transplantation (LT). The aim of this study was to assess fatigue, anxiety, depression, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in elderly LT recipients.

Methods Questionnaires were mailed to patients who underwent LT between 1993 and 2013. Three groups were created: patients ≥ 70, 60 – 69, and < 60 years old. Mental-health status, life satisfaction, and fatigue were assessed using, respectively, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Questions on Life Satisfaction (FLZ-M), and the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20).

Results In total, 276 eligible questionnaires (40.1 %) were received out of 689 patients with a history of LT. No age-related differences were found with regard to anxiety or depression in the study sample. Patients ≥ 70 years old had significantly better life satisfaction in regards to income (p = 0.003) and work (p = 0.005) compared to patients < 60 years. The overall fatigue scores were the highest in patients < 60 years (52.7, SD = 15.8) and ≥ 70 years (52.7, SD = 17.7) compared to patients 60 – 69 years old (48.2, SD = 17.3, p = 0.037).

Discussion Advanced age alone should not be considered a contraindication for LT due to potentially poor quality of life outcomes.
Femoral Neck Stress Fractures in Sport: A Current Concepts Review
Authors: Robertson Greg , Wood Alexander
Published: March 2017

Femoral neck stress fractures (FNSFs) account for 3% of all sport-related stress fractures. The commonest causative sports are marathon and long-distance running.

The main types of FNSF are compression-sided, tension-sided and displaced. The most common reported symptom is exercise-related groin pain. Radiographs form the first line of investigation, with MRI the second-line investigation.

The management of FNSFs is guided by the location and displacement of the fracture. Delay in diagnosis is common and increases the likelihood of fracture displacement. Sporting outcomes are considerably worse for displaced fractures. Education programmes and treatment protocols can reduce the rates of displaced FNSFs.

This article aims to provide a current concepts review on the topic of FNSFs in sport, assess the current evidence on the epidemiology and pathophysiology of these injuries, detail the current recommendations for their imaging and management, and review the recorded sporting outcomes for FNSFs in the existing literature.

From this study, we conclude that although FNSFs are a rare injury, they should be considered in all athletes presenting with exercise-related hip pain, because delay in diagnosis and subsequent fracture displacement can significantly impair future return to sport. However, when detected early, FNSFs show promising results in terms of return-to-sport rates and times.
Transmission and tunneling probability in two-band metals: Influence of magnetic breakdown on the Onsager phase of quantum oscillations
Authors: Fortin Jean-Yves , Audouard Alain
Published: March 2017

Tunneling amplitude through magnetic breakdown (MB) gap is considered for two-bands Fermi surfaces illustrated in many organic metals. In particular, the S-matrix associated to the wave function transmission through the MB gap for the relevant class of differential equations is the main object allowing the determination of tunneling probabilities and phases. The calculated transmission coefficients include a field-dependent Onsager phase. As a result, quantum oscillations are not periodic in 1/B for finite magnetic breakdown gap. Exact and approximate methods are proposed for computing ratio amplitudes of the wave function in interacting two-band models.
Electron accumulation layer in ultrastrong magnetic field
Authors: Sammon M. , Fu Han , Shklovskii B. I.
Published: March 2017

When a three-dimensional electron gas is subjected to a very strong magnetic field, it can reach a quasi-onedimensional state in which all electrons occupy the lowest Landau level. This state is referred to as the extreme quantum limit (EQL) and has been studied in the physics of pulsars and bulk semiconductors. Here we present a theory of the EQL phase in electron accumulation layers created by an external electric field E at the surface of a semiconductor with a large Bohr radius such as InSb, PbTe, SrTiO3 (STO), and particularly in the LaA1O3/SrTiO3 (LAO/STO) heterostructure. The phase diagram of the electron gas in the plane of the magnetic field strength and the electron surface concentration is found for different orientations of the magnetic field. We find that in addition to the quasi-classical metallic phase (M), there is a metallic EQL phase, as well as an insulating Wigner crystal state (WC). Within the EQL phase, the Thomas–Fermi approximation is used to find the electron density and the electrostatic potential profiles of the accumulation layer. Additionally, the quantum capacitance for each phase is calculated as a tool for experimental study of these phase diagrams.
1D Anderson model revisited: Band center anomaly for correlated disorder
Authors: Herrera-González I. F. , Izrailev F. M. , Makarov N. M. , Tessieri L.
Published: March 2017

We study the band-center anomaly in the one-dimensional Anderson model with the disorder characterized by short-range positive correlations. Using the Hamiltonian map approach, we obtain analytical expressions for the localization length and the invariant measure of the phase variable. The analytical expressions are complemented by numerical data.
Manifestation of spin-charge fluctuations in the spectral and thermodynamic properties of quasi-two-dimensional rare-earth intermetallic compounds
Authors: Val'kov V. V. , Zlotnikov A. O.
Published: March 2017

In the framework of the modified periodic Anderson model with exchange interaction in the subsystem of localized states, it is shown that spin-charge fluctuations in quasi-two-dimensional intermetallic compounds with rare-earth ions in the mixed valence state significantly affect both the spectrum of magnetic excitations and the conditions at which the antiferromagnetic phase is realized. The spectral characteristics of the phase were obtained by the method of the diagram technique for Hubbard operators in the one-loop approximation, which allows to account for the spin-charge fluctuation contributions to the components of the mass and the force operators. The developed theory allowed to quantitatively describe the pressure dependence of the Néel temperature observed in a quasi-two-dimensional antiferromagnetic heavy-fermion intermetallic compound CeRhIn5.
Anomalous dispersion of surface and waveguide modes in layered superconductor slabs
Authors: Apostolov S. S. , Havrilenko V. I. , Maizelis Z. A. , Yampol'skii V. A.
Published: March 2017

Linear surface and waveguide modes with transverse magnetic polarization propagating in a slab of layered superconductor in a uniform dielectric environment are studied theoretically. It is assumed that the superconducting layers are orthogonal to the slab surface and the waves propagate perpendicular to the layers. Dispersion relations are obtained for modes that are symmetric and antisymmetric with respect to the magnetic field. It is shown that the dispersion of these modes is anomalous within a certain range of frequencies and wave numbers. The conditions under which the group velocity of these modes goes to zero are found.
A method for calibrating the relative gamma-ray light yield of plastic scintillators
Authors: Mengesha W. , Feng P. L. , Cordaro J. G. , Anstey M. R. , Myllenbeck N. R. , Throckmorton D. J.
Published: March 2017

Currently we are investigating the inclusion of organotin compounds in new polystyrene scintillator materials to improve full gamma-ray energy sensitivity. Accurate calibration of the relative light yield from the newly developed scintillators is crucial to assess merits of compounds and chemical processes used in the scintillators’ development. The full energy gamma-ray peak in a measured gamma-ray spectrum is commonly used in calibrating the relative light yield. However, the Compton continuum in the newly developed plastic scintillators is measured with much better efficiency and statistics and is found to be the best spectral feature that can be exploited for expeditious calibration of the relative light yield. In this study, we present a spectral gain matching of measured and simulated spectra, using a spectrum rebinning technique, to determine the Compton edge in a measured Compton continuum for accurate relative light yield calibration. The Compton edges determined using this technique were found to be within 1.2% of their theoretical estimates.
Comparison of bacterial populations in bedding material, on teat ends, and in milk of cows housed in compost bedded pack barns
Authors: Albino R. L. , Taraba J. L. , Marcondes M. I. , Eckelkamp E. A. , Bewley J. M.
Published: March 2017

The objective of this study was to observe relationships among somatic cell count (SCC) and bacteria counts in milk, on teat ends of lactating cows, and in compost samples from the aerated layer of the compost bedded pack. Twenty-nine lactating cows were used in this study. Clinically mastitis cows were not selected for the trial. The correlation between total bacteria count (TBC) and Streptococcus spp. of teat end and hygiene score was (r = 0.49) and (0.44, P = 0.01), respectively. In addition, there was a positive correlation (0.40, P = 0.03) between TBC on teat ends and somatic cell score. When analysing bacterial populations on teat ends and in milk, there was a positive correlation (0.39, P = 0.03) between Escherichia coli at the teat end and coliform counts in milk and also a positive correlation (0.38, P = 0.04) between coliform counts at the teat end and milk. Furthermore, Streptococcus spp. counts on teat end were positively correlated (0.38, P = 0.04) with TBC in milk. Although correlations were observed between hygiene score and SCC with bacterial population, all correlations were moderate. Therefore, hygiene score was not an efficient tool to estimate bacterial populations on teat end and milk.
Increasing yield of pharyngeal Chlamydia trachomatis among male gay and bisexual clinic attendees in Sydney: an observational study
Authors: Goddard Sian Louise , Rajagopal Preethi , Templeton David James
Published: March 2017

Background
The aim of the present study was to describe the temporal trends in Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) testing yield among gay and bisexual male (GBM) sexual health clinic attendees in Sydney. Methods: All CT testing occasions among GBM from January 2011 to December 2014 were reviewed. Yield was defined as the proportion of testing occasions where CT was detected. Results: In all, 2917 GBM were tested on 5445 occasions. CT was detected on 439 (8.1%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 7.4–8.8%) occasions. Pharyngeal, urethral and anorectal CT were detected on 74 (1.4%; 95% CI 1.1–1.7%), 109 (2.0%; 95% CI 1.7–2.4%) and 333 (6.1%; 95% CI 5.5–6.8%) occasions respectively. Over the study period, there was a significant increase in pharyngeal CT yield (from 0.70% to 1.6%; odds ratio (OR) 1.25; 95% CI 1.01–1.55; Ptrend = 0.043), which remained borderline significant (OR 1.22; 95% CI 0.99–1.52; P = 0.067) when adjusted for age. There was no change in yield of either urethral or anorectal infections. Almost half the pharyngeal CT (n = 35; 47.3%) occurred without concurrent anogenital infection. Excluding those who would have received anti-chlamydial treatment for another reason, 27.0% of pharyngeal and 4.6% of all CT infections would not have been treated without pharyngeal testing. Conclusions: A recent temporal increase was observed in the yield of pharyngeal CT without a concurrent increase in anogenital yield. Ongoing surveillance is warranted to inform testing guidelines for GBM.
Microstructure evolution in refill friction stir spot weld of a dissimilar Al–Mg alloy to Zn-coated steel
Authors: Suhuddin U. F. H. , Fischer V. , Kostka A. , dos Santos J. F.
Published: March 2017

In the present study, dissimilar welds of an Al–Mg–Mn alloy and a Zn-coated high-strength low-alloy steel were welded by refill friction stir spot welding. The maximum shear load recorded was approximately 7.8 kN, obtained from the weld produced with a 1600 rev min−1 tool rotational speed. Microstructural analyses showed the formation of a solid–liquid structure of an Al solid solution in Mg–Al-rich Zn liquid, which gives rise to the formation of Zn-rich Al region and microfissuring in some regions during welding. Exposure of steel surface to Mg–Al-rich Zn liquid led to the formation of Fe2Al5 and Fe4Al13 intermetallics. The presence of defective Zn-rich Al regions and Fe–Al intermetallics at the faying surface affects the weld strength.
The morphosyntactic structure of compound words influences parafoveal processing in Chinese reading
Authors: Drieghe Denis , Cui Lei , Yan Guoli , Bai Xuejun , Chi Hui , Liversedge Simon P
Published: March 2017

In an eye movement experiment employing the boundary paradigm, we compared parafoveal preview benefit during the reading of Chinese sentences. The target word was a two-character compound that had either a noun–noun or an adjective–noun structure each sharing an identical noun as the second character. The boundary was located between the two characters of the compound word. Prior to the eyes crossing the boundary, the preview of the second character was presented either normally or was replaced by a pseudocharacter. Previously, Juhasz, Inhoff, and Rayner observed that inserting a space into a normally unspaced compound in English significantly disrupted processing and that this disruption was larger for adjective–noun compounds than for noun–noun compounds. This finding supports the hypothesis that, at least in English, for adjective–noun compounds, the noun is more important for lexical identification than the adjective, while for noun–noun compounds, both constituents are similar in importance for lexical identification. Our results indicate a similar division of the importance of compounds in reading in Chinese as the pseudocharacter preview was more disruptive for the adjective–noun compounds than for the noun–noun compounds. These findings also indicate that parafoveal processing can be influenced by the morphosyntactic structure of the currently fixated character.
Microglial complement receptor 3 regulates brain Aβ levels through secreted proteolytic activity
Authors: Czirr Eva , Castello Nicholas A. , Mosher Kira I. , Castellano Joseph M. , Hinkson Izumi V. , Lucin Kurt M. , Baeza-Raja Bernat , Ryu Jae Kyu , Li Lulin , Farina Sasha N. , Belichenko Nadia P. , Longo Frank M. , Akassoglou Katerina , Britschgi Markus , Cirrito John R. , Wyss-Coray Tony
Published: March 2017

Recent genetic evidence supports a link between microglia and the complement system in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In this study, we uncovered a novel role for the microglial complement receptor 3 (CR3) in the regulation of soluble β-amyloid (Aβ) clearance independent of phagocytosis. Unexpectedly, ablation of CR3 in human amyloid precursor protein–transgenic mice results in decreased, rather than increased, Aβ accumulation. In line with these findings, cultured microglia lacking CR3 are more efficient than wild-type cells at degrading extracellular Aβ by secreting enzymatic factors, including tissue plasminogen activator. Furthermore, a small molecule modulator of CR3 reduces soluble Aβ levels and Aβ half-life in brain interstitial fluid (ISF), as measured by in vivo microdialysis. These results suggest that CR3 limits Aβ clearance from the ISF, illustrating a novel role for CR3 and microglia in brain Aβ metabolism and defining a potential new therapeutic target in AD.
Tagging SNP-set selection with maximum information based on linkage disequilibrium structure in genome-wide association studies
Authors: Wang Shudong , He Sicheng , Yuan Fayou , Zhu Xinjie
Published: March 2017

Motivation

Effective tagging single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-set selection is crucial to SNP-set analysis in genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Most of the existing tagging SNP-set selection methods cannot make full use of the information hidden in common or rare variants associated diseases. It is noticed that some SNPs have overlapping genetic information owing to linkage disequilibrium (LD) structure between SNPs. Therefore, when testing the association between SNPs and disease susceptibility, it is sufficient to elect the representative SNPs (called tag SNP-set or tagSNP-set) with maximum information.

Results

It is proposed a new tagSNP-set selection method based on LD information between SNPs, namely TagSNP-Set with Maximum Information. Compared with classical SNP-set analytical method, our method not only has higher power, but also can minimize the number of selected tagSNPs and maximize the information provided by selected tagSNPs with less genotyping cost and lower time complexity.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Spatial and temporal changes in pot-fishing effort and habitat use
Authors: Stephenson Fabrice , Polunin Nicholas V. C. , Mill Aileen C. , Scott Catherine , Lightfoot Paula , Fitzsimmons Clare
Published: March 2017

Habitat and fisheries usage data are key components for ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management (EBFM). Significant gaps in knowledge remain for fisheries–habitat interactions, particularly in inshore fisheries where vessels are <12 m in length. Here, we show changes in inshore fishing effort distribution (<12 m) and habitat use over the decade 2004–2013. Sightings data of fishing vessel activity recorded by the Northumberland Inshore Fishery and Conservation Authority (NIFCA) were combined with landings data to estimate and map pot-fishing activity between 2004 and 2013. Spatial temporal changes were investigated using Monte Carlo simulation of randomly sampled fishing effort maps. High resolution (1 m) broadscale (EUNIS level 3) predictive habitat maps of the Coquet to St Marys’ Marine Conservation Zone (CQSM MCZ) were used to investigate spatial temporal changes in fishers’ habitat selection using compositional analysis. Fishing effort in Northumberland increased between 2004 and 2013 (233 642–354 193 pots year−1). Fishing effort distribution differed between individual years, decreasing over large areas between 2004 and 2007, followed by increases, especially inshore, between 2008 and 2013. Fishers in the CQSM MCZ showed a preference for rocky habitats over sediment habitats. Habitat preference did not vary between years although all habitats experienced increasing fishing pressure. Spatial temporal changes in fishing effort and habitat use were discussed in relation to EBFM.
Properties of Local Group galaxies in hydrodynamical simulations of sterile neutrino dark matter cosmologies
Authors: Lovell Mark R. , Bose Sownak , Boyarsky Alexey , Crain Robert A. , Frenk Carlos S. , Hellwing Wojciech A. , Ludlow Aaron D. , Navarro Julio F. , Ruchayskiy Oleg , Sawala Till , Schaller Matthieu , Schaye Joop , Theuns Tom
Published: March 2017

We study galaxy formation in sterile neutrino dark matter models that differ significantly from both cold and from ‘warm thermal relic’ models. We use the eagle code to carry out hydrodynamic simulations of the evolution of pairs of galaxies chosen to resemble the Local Group, as part of the APOSTLE simulations project. We compare cold dark matter (CDM) with two sterile neutrino models with 7 keV mass: one, the warmest among all models of this mass (LA120) and the other, a relatively cold case (LA10). We show that the lower concentration of sterile neutrino subhaloes compared to their CDM counterparts makes the inferred inner dark matter content of galaxies like Fornax (or Magellanic Clouds) less of an outlier in the sterile neutrino cosmologies. In terms of the galaxy number counts, the LA10 simulations are indistinguishable from CDM when one takes into account halo-to-halo (or ‘simulation-to-simulation’) scatter. In order for the LA120 model to match the number of Local Group dwarf galaxies, a higher fraction of low-mass haloes is required to form galaxies than is predicted by the eagle simulations. As the census of the Local Group galaxies nears completion, this population may provide a strong discriminant between cold and warm dark matter models.
Gravitational collapse to a Kerr–Newman black hole
Authors: Nathanail Antonios , Most Elias R. , Rezzolla Luciano
Published: March 2017

We present the first systematic study of the gravitational collapse of rotating and magnetized neutron stars to charged and rotating (Kerr–Newman) black holes. In particular, we consider the collapse of magnetized and rotating neutron stars assuming that no pair-creation takes place and that the charge density in the magnetosphere is so low that the stellar exterior can be described as an electrovacuum. Under these assumptions, which are rather reasonable for a pulsar that has crossed the ‘death line’, we show that when the star is rotating, it acquires a net initial electrical charge, which is then trapped inside the apparent horizon of the newly formed back hole. We analyse a number of different quantities to validate that the black hole produced is indeed a Kerr–Newman one and show that, in the absence of rotation or magnetic field, the end result of the collapse is a Schwarzschild or Kerr black hole, respectively.
Canadian values, social policy and the health of our kids
Authors: Denburg Avram
Published: March 2017

What explains the widening disparities in child health and social circumstance in Canada? And why do we tolerate such inequality? In the present commentary, the author argues that to understand – and ultimately influence – the trajectory of child health and well-being in our country, we must attend to the impact of social policy on the life chances of Canadian children. This, in turn, demands that we probe the fundamental values that guide social policy in modern welfare states and locate Canada's place in this political spectrum. The author explores the controversial tax policy of income-splitting to contextualize this discussion of values, and argues that our polity increasingly privileges economic liberty above equality or solidarity. Until those best positioned to advocate for children – including paediatricians and child health care providers – begin to engage with social policy, the health and well-being of Canada's children will remain a tale of two increasingly different worlds.
Physical Activity Self-Management and Coaching Compared to Social Interaction in Huntington Disease: Results From the ENGAGE-HD Randomized, Controlled Pilot Feasibility Trial
Authors: Busse Monica , Quinn Lori , Drew Cheney , Kelson Mark , Trubey Rob , McEwan Kirsten , Jones Carys , Townson Julia , Dawes Helen , Tudor-Edwards Rhiannon , Rosser Anne , Hood Kerenza
Published: March 2017

Background. Self-management and self-efficacy for physical activity is not routinely considered in neurologic rehabilitation.

Objective. This study assessed feasibility and outcomes of a 14-week physical activity self-management and coaching intervention compared with social contact in Huntington disease (HD) to inform the design of a future full-scale trial.

Design. Assessor blind, multisite, randomized pilot feasibility trial.

Setting. Participants were recruited and assessed at baseline, 16 weeks following randomization, and then again at 26 weeks in HD specialist clinics with intervention delivery by trained coaches in the participants’ homes.

Patients and Intervention. People with HD were allocated to the ENGAGE-HD physical activity coaching intervention or a social interaction intervention.

Measurements. Eligibility, recruitment, retention, and intervention participation were determined at 16 weeks. Other outcomes of interest included measures of mobility, self-efficacy, physical activity, and disease-specific measures of motor and cognition. Fidelity and costs for both the physical activity and social comparator interventions were established.

Results. Forty percent (n = 46) of eligible patients were enrolled; 22 were randomized to the physical intervention and 24 to social intervention. Retention rates in the physical intervention and social intervention were 77% and 92%, respectively. Minimum participation criteria were achieved by 82% of participants in the physical intervention and 100% in the social intervention. There was no indication of between-group treatment effects on function; however, increases in self-efficacy for exercise and self-reported levels of physical activity in the physical intervention lend support to our predefined intervention logic model.

Limitations. The use of self-report measures may have introduced bias.

Conclusions. An HD physical activity self-management and coaching intervention is feasible and worthy of further investigation.