bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Care of Older Adults Experiencing Cognitive Challenges: How Interprofessional Teams Collaborate
Authors: Dahlke Sherry , Meherali Salima , Chambers Thane , Freund-Heritage Rosalie , Steil Kim , Wagg Adrian
Published: September 2017

We conducted a scoping study to examine how interprofessional health care teams improve the outcomes of older adults experiencing cognitive challenges. We searched Ovid, Medline 1946, and MEDLINE In-Process and other non-indexed citations, using the concepts multi or interdisciplinary care teams, confusion or cognitive impairment, and elderly adults. Of 4,554 articles the review yielded, 34 relevant to our inquiry, using Arksey and O’Malley’s methodological framework. Twenty-nine per cent of authors reported on the processes interprofessional teams use to achieve positive outcomes for older adults. They highlighted the importance of communication, staff strategies, and education interventions in achieving outcomes with older adults and in supporting interprofessional collaboration. The review revealed knowledge gaps about the processes teams use to collaborate in caring for older adults experiencing cognitive challenges, and how to best incorporate older adults and their families’ perspectives in team decisions. More research to understand processes interprofessional teams use is needed.
A note on the analysis of germination data from complex experimental designs
Authors: Jensen Signe M. , Andreasen Christian , Streibig Jens C. , Keshtkar Eshagh , Ritz Christian
Published: September 2017

In recent years germination experiments have become more and more complex. Typically, they are replicated in time as independent runs and at each time point they involve hierarchical, often factorial experimental designs, which are now commonly analysed by means of linear mixed models. However, in order to characterize germination in response to time elapsed, specific event-time models are needed and mixed model extensions of these models are not readily available, neither in theory nor in practice. As a practical workaround we propose a two-step approach that combines and weighs together results from event-time models fitted separately to data from each germination test by means of meta-analytic random effects models. We show that this approach provides a more appropriate appreciation of the sources of variation in hierarchically structured germination experiments as both between- and within-experiment variation may be recovered from the data.
Mosaic Decisionmaking and Reemergent Agency after Severe Brain Injury
Authors: FINS JOSEPH J.
Published: September 2017

Neuroethics Now welcomes articles addressing the ethical application of neuroscience in research and patient care, as well as its impact on society.
Dietary patterns and depressive symptoms in a UK cohort of men and women: a longitudinal study
Authors: Northstone Kate , Joinson Carol , Emmett Pauline
Published: September 2017

Objective

There is evidence to suggest that individual components of dietary intake are associated with depressive symptoms. Studying the whole diet, through dietary patterns, has become popular as a way of overcoming intercorrelations between individual dietary components; however, there are conflicting results regarding associations between dietary patterns and depressive symptoms. We examined the associations between dietary patterns extracted using principal component analysis and depressive symptoms, taking account of potential temporal relationships.

Design

Depressive symptoms in parents were assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) when the study child was 3 and 5 years of age. Scores >12 were considered indicative of the presence of clinical depressive symptoms. Diet was assessed via FFQ when the study child was 4 years of age.

Setting

Longitudinal population-based birth cohort.

Subjects

Mothers and fathers taking part in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children when their study child was 3–5 years old.

Results

Unadjusted results suggested that increased scores on the ‘processed’ and ‘vegetarian’ patterns in women and the ‘semi-vegetarian’ pattern in men were associated with having EPDS scores ≥13. However, after adjustment for confounders all results were attenuated. This was the case for all those with available data and when considering a sub-sample who were ‘disease free’ at baseline.

Conclusions

We found no association between dietary patterns and depressive symptoms after taking account of potential confounding factors and the potential temporal relationship between them. This suggests that previous studies reporting positive associations may have suffered from reverse causality and/or residual confounding.
A performance-enhanced planar Schottky diode for Terahertz applications: an electromagnetic modeling approach
Authors: Ghobadi Amir , Khan Talha Masood , Celik Ozan Onur , Biyikli Necmi , Okyay Ali Kemal , Topalli Kagan
Published: September 2017

In this paper, we present the electromagnetic modeling of a performance-enhanced planar Schottky diode for applications in terahertz (THz) frequencies. We provide a systematic simulation approach for analyzing our Schottky diode based on finite element method and lumped equivalent circuit parameter extraction. Afterward, we use the developed model to investigate the effect of design parameters of the Schottky diode on parasitic capacitive and resistive elements. Based on this model, device design has been improved by deep-trench formation in the substrate and using a closed-loop junction to reduce the amount of parasitic capacitance and spreading resistance, respectively. The results indicate that cut-off frequency can be improved from 4.1 to 14.1 THz. Finally, a scaled version of the diode is designed, fabricated, and well characterized to verify the validity of this modeling approach.
Auricular vagal nerve stimulation in peripheral arterial disease patients
Authors: Hackl Gerald , Prenner Andreas , Jud Philipp , Hafner Franz , Rief Peter , Seinost Gerald , Pilger Ernst , Brodmann Marianne
Published: September 2017

Abstract. Background: Auricular nerve stimulation has been proven effective in different diseases. We investigated if a conservative therapeutic alternative for claudication in peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAD) via electroacupuncture of the outer ear can be established. Patients and methods: In this prospective, double-blinded trial an ear acupuncture using an electroacupuncture device was carried out in 40 PAD patients in Fontaine stage IIb. Twenty patients were randomized to the verum group using a fully functional electroacupuncture device, the other 20 patients received a sham device (control group). Per patient, eight cycles (1 cycle = 1 week) of electroacupuncture were performed. The primary endpoint was defined as a significantly more frequent doubling of the absolute walking distance after eight cycles in the verum group compared to controls in a standardized treadmill testing. Secondary endpoints were a significant improvement of the total score of the Walking Impairment Questionnaire (WIQ) as well as improvements in health related quality of life using the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36). Results: There were no differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups. The initial walking distance significantly increased in both groups (verum group [means]: 182 [95 % CI 128–236] meters to 345 [95 % CI 227–463] meters [+ 90 %], p < 0.01; control group [means]: 159 [95 % CI 109–210] meters to 268 [95 % CI 182–366] meters [+ 69 %], p = 0.01). Twelve patients (60 %) in the verum group and five patients (25 %) in controls reached the primary endpoint of doubling walking distance (p = 0.05). The total score of WIQ significantly improved in the verum group (+ 22 %, p = 0.01) but not in controls (+ 8 %, p = 0.56). SF-36 showed significantly improvements in six out of eight categories in the verum group and only in one of eight in controls. Conclusions: Electroacupuncture of the outer ear seems to be an easy-to-use therapeutic option in an age of increasingly invasive and mechanically complex treatments for PAD patients.
Pearl millet genome sequence provides a resource to improve agronomic traits in arid environments
Authors: Varshney Rajeev K , Shi Chengcheng , Thudi Mahendar , Mariac Cedric , Wallace Jason , Qi Peng , Zhang He , Zhao Yusheng , Wang Xiyin , Rathore Abhishek , Srivastava Rakesh K , Chitikineni Annapurna , Fan Guangyi , Bajaj Prasad , Punnuri Somashekhar , Gupta S K , Wang Hao , Jiang Yong , Couderc Marie , Katta Mohan A V S K , Paudel Dev R , Mungra K D , Chen Wenbin , Harris-Shultz Karen R , Garg Vanika , Desai Neetin , Doddamani Dadakhalandar , Kane Ndjido Ardo , Conner Joann A , Ghatak Arindam , Chaturvedi Palak , Subramaniam Sabarinath , Yadav Om Parkash , Berthouly-Salazar Cécile , Hamidou Falalou , Wang Jianping , Liang Xinming , Clotault Jérémy , Upadhyaya Hari D , Cubry Philippe , Rhoné Bénédicte , Gueye Mame Codou , Sunkar Ramanjulu , Dupuy Christian , Sparvoli Francesca , Cheng Shifeng , Mahala R S , Singh Bharat , Yadav Rattan S , Lyons Eric , Datta Swapan K , Hash C Tom , Devos Katrien M , Buckler Edward , Bennetzen Jeffrey L , Paterson Andrew H , Ozias-Akins Peggy , Grando Stefania , Wang Jun , Mohapatra Trilochan , Weckwerth Wolfram , Reif Jochen C , Liu Xin , Vigouroux Yves , Xu Xun
Published: September 2017

Pearl millet [Cenchrus americanus (L.) Morrone] is a staple food for more than 90 million farmers in arid and semi-arid regions of sub-Saharan Africa, India and South Asia. We report the ∼1.79 Gb draft whole genome sequence of reference genotype Tift 23D2B1-P1-P5, which contains an estimated 38,579 genes. We highlight the substantial enrichment for wax biosynthesis genes, which may contribute to heat and drought tolerance in this crop. We resequenced and analyzed 994 pearl millet lines, enabling insights into population structure, genetic diversity and domestication. We use these resequencing data to establish marker trait associations for genomic selection, to define heterotic pools, and to predict hybrid performance. We believe that these resources should empower researchers and breeders to improve this important staple crop.
Mitochondrial mutations drive prostate cancer aggression
Authors: Hopkins Julia F. , Sabelnykova Veronica Y. , Weischenfeldt Joachim , Simon Ronald , Aguiar Jennifer A. , Alkallas Rached , Heisler Lawrence E. , Zhang Junyan , Watson John D. , Chua Melvin L. K. , Fraser Michael , Favero Francesco , Lawerenz Chris , Plass Christoph , Sauter Guido , McPherson John D. , van der Kwast Theodorus , Korbel Jan , Schlomm Thorsten , Bristow Robert G. , Boutros Paul C.
Published: September 2017

Nuclear mutations are well known to drive tumor incidence, aggression and response to therapy. By contrast, the frequency and roles of mutations in the maternally inherited mitochondrial genome are poorly understood. Here we sequence the mitochondrial genomes of 384 localized prostate cancer patients, and identify a median of one mitochondrial single-nucleotide variant (mtSNV) per patient. Some of these mtSNVs occur in recurrent mutational hotspots and associate with aggressive disease. Younger patients have fewer mtSNVs than those who diagnosed at an older age. We demonstrate strong links between mitochondrial and nuclear mutational profiles, with co-occurrence between specific mutations. For example, certain control region mtSNVs co-occur with gain of the MYC oncogene, and these mutations are jointly associated with patient survival. These data demonstrate frequent mitochondrial mutation in prostate cancer, and suggest interplay between nuclear and mitochondrial mutational profiles in prostate cancer.
Mapping surface-modified titania nanoparticles with implications for activity and facet control
Authors: Peng Yung-Kang , Hu Yichen , Chou Hung-Lung , Fu Yingyi , Teixeira Ivo F. , Zhang Li , He Heyong , Tsang Shik Chi Edman
Published: September 2017

The use of surface-directing species and surface additives to alter nanoparticle morphology and physicochemical properties of particular exposed facets has recently been attracting significant attention. However, challenges in their chemical analysis, sometimes at trace levels, and understanding their roles to elucidate surface structure–activity relationships in optical (solar cells) or (photo)catalytic performance and their removal are significant issues that remain to be solved. Here, we show a detailed analysis of TiO2 facets promoted with surface species (OH, O, SO4, F) with and without post-treatments by 31P adsorbate nuclear magnetic resonance, supported by a range of other characterization tools. We demonstrate that quantitative evaluations of the electronic and structural effects imposed by these surface additives and their removal mechanisms can be obtained, which may lead to the rational control of active TiO2 (001) and (101) facets for a range of applications.
In trans paired nicking triggers seamless genome editing without double-stranded DNA cutting
Authors: Chen Xiaoyu , Janssen Josephine M. , Liu Jin , Maggio Ignazio , ‘t Jong Anke E. J. , Mikkers Harald M.M. , Gonçalves Manuel A. F. V.
Published: September 2017

Precise genome editing involves homologous recombination between donor DNA and chromosomal sequences subjected to double-stranded DNA breaks made by programmable nucleases. Ideally, genome editing should be efficient, specific, and accurate. However, besides constituting potential translocation-initiating lesions, double-stranded DNA breaks (targeted or otherwise) are mostly repaired through unpredictable and mutagenic non-homologous recombination processes. Here, we report that the coordinated formation of paired single-stranded DNA breaks, or nicks, at donor plasmids and chromosomal target sites by RNA-guided nucleases based on CRISPR-Cas9 components, triggers seamless homology-directed gene targeting of large genetic payloads in human cells, including pluripotent stem cells. Importantly, in addition to significantly reducing the mutagenicity of the genome modification procedure, this in trans paired nicking strategy achieves multiplexed, single-step, gene targeting, and yields higher frequencies of accurately edited cells when compared to the standard double-stranded DNA break-dependent approach.
Plekhg5-regulated autophagy of synaptic vesicles reveals a pathogenic mechanism in motoneuron disease
Authors: Lüningschrör Patrick , Binotti Beyenech , Dombert Benjamin , Heimann Peter , Perez-Lara Angel , Slotta Carsten , Thau-Habermann Nadine , R. von Collenberg Cora , Karl Franziska , Damme Markus , Horowitz Arie , Maystadt Isabelle , Füchtbauer Annette , Füchtbauer Ernst-Martin , Jablonka Sibylle , Blum Robert , Üçeyler Nurcan , Petri Susanne , Kaltschmidt Barbara , Jahn Reinhard , Kaltschmidt Christian , Sendtner Michael
Published: September 2017

Autophagy-mediated degradation of synaptic components maintains synaptic homeostasis but also constitutes a mechanism of neurodegeneration. It is unclear how autophagy of synaptic vesicles and components of presynaptic active zones is regulated. Here, we show that Pleckstrin homology containing family member 5 (Plekhg5) modulates autophagy of synaptic vesicles in axon terminals of motoneurons via its function as a guanine exchange factor for Rab26, a small GTPase that specifically directs synaptic vesicles to preautophagosomal structures. Plekhg5 gene inactivation in mice results in a late-onset motoneuron disease, characterized by degeneration of axon terminals. Plekhg5-depleted cultured motoneurons show defective axon growth and impaired autophagy of synaptic vesicles, which can be rescued by constitutively active Rab26. These findings define a mechanism for regulating autophagy in neurons that specifically targets synaptic vesicles. Disruption of this mechanism may contribute to the pathophysiology of several forms of motoneuron disease.
Cooperative colloidal self-assembly of metal-protein superlattice wires
Authors: Liljeström Ville , Ora Ari , Hassinen Jukka , Rekola Heikki T. , Nonappa  , Heilala Maria , Hynninen Ville , Joensuu Jussi J. , Ras Robin H. A. , Törmä Päivi , Ikkala Olli , Kostiainen Mauri A.
Published: September 2017

Material properties depend critically on the packing and order of constituent units throughout length scales. Beyond classically explored molecular self-assembly, structure formation in the nanoparticle and colloidal length scales have recently been actively explored for new functions. Structure of colloidal assemblies depends strongly on the assembly process, and higher structural control can be reliably achieved only if the process is deterministic. Here we show that self-assembly of cationic spherical metal nanoparticles and anionic rod-like viruses yields well-defined binary superlattice wires. The superlattice structures are explained by a cooperative assembly pathway that proceeds in a zipper-like manner after nucleation. Curiously, the formed superstructure shows right-handed helical twisting due to the right-handed structure of the virus. This leads to structure-dependent chiral plasmonic function of the material. The work highlights the importance of well-defined colloidal units when pursuing unforeseen and complex assemblies.
Efficient representation of quantum many-body states with deep neural networks
Authors: Gao Xun , Duan Lu-Ming
Published: September 2017

Part of the challenge for quantum many-body problems comes from the difficulty of representing large-scale quantum states, which in general requires an exponentially large number of parameters. Neural networks provide a powerful tool to represent quantum many-body states. An important open question is what characterizes the representational power of deep and shallow neural networks, which is of fundamental interest due to the popularity of deep learning methods. Here, we give a proof that, assuming a widely believed computational complexity conjecture, a deep neural network can efficiently represent most physical states, including the ground states of many-body Hamiltonians and states generated by quantum dynamics, while a shallow network representation with a restricted Boltzmann machine cannot efficiently represent some of those states.
A single-dose live-attenuated vaccine prevents Zika virus pregnancy transmission and testis damage
Authors: Shan Chao , Muruato Antonio E. , Jagger Brett W. , Richner Justin , Nunes Bruno T. D. , Medeiros Daniele B. A. , Xie Xuping , Nunes Jannyce G. C. , Morabito Kaitlyn M. , Kong Wing-Pui , Pierson Theodore C. , Barrett Alan D. , Weaver Scott C. , Rossi Shannan L. , Vasconcelos Pedro F. C. , Graham Barney S. , Diamond Michael S. , Shi Pei-Yong
Published: September 2017

Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause congenital abnormities or fetal demise. The persistence of Zika virus in the male reproductive system poses a risk of sexual transmission. Here we demonstrate that live-attenuated Zika virus vaccine candidates containing deletions in the 3′ untranslated region of the Zika virus genome (ZIKV-3′UTR-LAV) prevent viral transmission during pregnancy and testis damage in mice, as well as infection of nonhuman primates. After a single-dose vaccination, pregnant mice challenged with Zika virus at embryonic day 6 and evaluated at embryonic day 13 show markedly diminished levels of viral RNA in maternal, placental, and fetal tissues. Vaccinated male mice challenged with Zika virus were protected against testis infection, injury, and oligospermia. A single immunization of rhesus macaques elicited a rapid and robust antibody response, conferring complete protection upon challenge. Furthermore, the ZIKV-3′UTR-LAV vaccine candidates have a desirable safety profile. These results suggest that further development of ZIKV-3′UTR-LAV is warranted for humans.
Heterogeneous multi-compartmental hydrogel particles as synthetic cells for incompatible tandem reactions
Authors: Tan Hongliang , Guo Song , Dinh Ngoc-Duy , Luo Rongcong , Jin Lin , Chen Chia-Hung
Published: September 2017

In nature, individual cells contain multiple isolated compartments in which cascade enzymatic reactions occur to form essential biological products with high efficiency. Here, we report a cell-inspired design of functional hydrogel particles with multiple compartments, in which different enzymes are spatially immobilized in distinct domains that enable engineered, one-pot, tandem reactions. The dense packing of different compartments in the hydrogel particle enables effective transportation of reactants to ensure that the products are generated with high efficiency. To demonstrate the advantages of micro-environmental modifications, we employ the copolymerization of acrylic acid, which leads to the formation of heterogeneous multi-compartmental hydrogel particles with different pH microenvironments. Upon the positional assembly of glucose oxidase and magnetic nanoparticles, these hydrogel particles are able to process a glucose-triggered, incompatible, multistep tandem reaction in one pot. Furthermore, based on the high cytotoxicity of hydroxyl radicals, a glucose-powered therapeutic strategy to kill cancer cells was approached.
Trigger factor chaperone acts as a mechanical foldase
Authors: Haldar Shubhasis , Tapia-Rojo Rafael , Eckels Edward C. , Valle-Orero Jessica , Fernandez Julio M.
Published: September 2017

Proteins fold under mechanical forces in a number of biological processes, ranging from muscle contraction to co-translational folding. As force hinders the folding transition, chaperones must play a role in this scenario, although their influence on protein folding under force has not been directly monitored yet. Here, we introduce single-molecule magnetic tweezers to study the folding dynamics of protein L in presence of the prototypical molecular chaperone trigger factor over the range of physiological forces (4–10 pN). Our results show that trigger factor increases prominently the probability of folding against force and accelerates the refolding kinetics. Moreover, we find that trigger factor catalyzes the folding reaction in a force-dependent manner; as the force increases, higher concentrations of trigger factor are needed to rescue folding. We propose that chaperones such as trigger factor can work as foldases under force, a mechanism which could be of relevance for several physiological processes.
Physical origins of current and temperature controlled negative differential resistances in NbO2
Authors: Kumar Suhas , Wang Ziwen , Davila Noraica , Kumari Niru , Norris Kate J. , Huang Xiaopeng , Strachan John Paul , Vine David , Kilcoyne A.L. David , Nishi Yoshio , Williams R. Stanley
Published: September 2017

Negative differential resistance behavior in oxide memristors, especially those using NbO2, is gaining renewed interest because of its potential utility in neuromorphic computing. However, there has been a decade-long controversy over whether the negative differential resistance is caused by a relatively low-temperature non-linear transport mechanism or a high-temperature Mott transition. Resolving this issue will enable consistent and robust predictive modeling of this phenomenon for different applications. Here we examine NbO2 memristors that exhibit both a current-controlled and a temperature-controlled negative differential resistance. Through thermal and chemical spectromicroscopy and numerical simulations, we confirm that the former is caused by a ~400 K non-linear-transport-driven instability and the latter is caused by the ~1000 K Mott metal-insulator transition, for which the thermal conductance counter-intuitively decreases in the metallic state relative to the insulating state.
Type-II Dirac photons
Authors: Wang Hai-Xiao , Chen Yige , Hang Zhi Hong , Kee Hae-Young , Jiang Jian-Hua
Published: September 2017

The Dirac equation for relativistic electron waves is the parent model for Weyl and Majorana fermions as well as topological insulators. Simulation of Dirac physics in three-dimensional photonic crystals, though fundamentally important for topological phenomena at optical frequencies, encounters the challenge of synthesis of both Kramers double degeneracy and parity inversion. Here we show how type-II Dirac points—exotic Dirac relativistic waves yet to be discovered—are robustly realized through the nonsymmorphic screw symmetry. The emergent type-II Dirac points carry nontrivial topology and are the mother states of type-II Weyl points. The proposed all-dielectric architecture enables robust cavity states at photonic-crystal—air interfaces and anomalous refraction, with very low energy dissipation.
Altered brain activity and the effect of personality traits in excessive smartphone use during facial emotion processing
Authors: Chun Ji-Won , Choi Jihye , Kim Jin-Young , Cho Hyun , Ahn Kook-Jin , Nam Jong-Ho , Choi Jung-Seok , Kim Dai-Jin
Published: September 2017

Excessive smartphone use is a phenomenon related to maladaptive smartphone use, leading to negative consequences. This study set out with the aim of assessing the effects of excessive smartphone use on behavioral and neural responses during facial emotional processing. We examined 25 excessive smartphone users and 27 normal control users using functional MRI during facial emotion processing and investigated Behavioral Inhibition System/Behavioral Activation System (BIS/BAS). The excessive smartphone use group (SP) showed neural deactivation in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) during the presentation of an angry face and emotional transition compared to that of the normal control group (NC). Additionally, the SP revealed neural deactivation of the superior temporal sulcus and temporo-parietal junction related to social interaction during emotional transition compared to the NC. We found that BAS-Reward Responsiveness level was correlated with behavioral responses during repeated happy faces related to emotional reward in SP compared to NC. It can thus be suggested that excessive smartphone use is likely to fail on cognitive control during emotional processing, and this impairment might be influenced on emotional processing related to social interaction.
Ohmic contact between iridium film and hydrogen-terminated single crystal diamond
Authors: Wang Yan-Feng , Chang Xiaohui , Li Shuoye , Zhao Dan , Shao Guoqing , Zhu Tianfei , Fu Jiao , Zhang Pengfei , Chen Xudong , Li Fengnan , Liu Zongchen , Fan Shuwei , Bu Renan , Wen Feng , Zhang Jingwen , Wang Wei , Wang Hong-Xing
Published: September 2017

Investigation of ohmic contact between iridium (Ir) film and hydrogen-terminated single crystal diamond has been carried out with annealing temperature from 300 to 600 °C in argon (Ar) and hydrogen ambient. Electrodes were deposited on hydrogen-terminated single crystal diamond by electron beam evaporation technique, and specific contact resistivity has been measured by transmission line model. The interface between Ir film and hydrogen-terminated single crystal diamond was characterized by transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Theoretical calculation value of barrier height between Ir film and hydrogen-terminated single crystal diamond was around −1.1 eV. All results indicate that an excellent ohmic contact could be formed between Ir film and hydrogen-terminated single diamond.
Deep-subwavelength Decoupling for MIMO Antennas in Mobile Handsets with Singular Medium
Authors: Xu Su , Zhang Ming , Wen Huailin , Wang Jun
Published: September 2017

Decreasing the mutual coupling between Multi-input Multi-output (MIMO) antenna elements in a mobile handset and achieving a high data rate is a challenging topic as the 5th-generation (5G) communication age is coming. Conventional decoupling components for MIMO antennas have to be re-designed when the geometries or frequencies of antennas have any adjustment. In this paper, we report a novel metamaterial-based decoupling strategy for MIMO antennas in mobile handsets with wide applicability. The decoupling component is made of subwavelength metal/air layers, which can be treated as singular medium over a broad frequency band. The flexible applicable property of the decoupling strategy is verified with different antennas over different frequency bands with the same metamaterial decoupling element. Finally, 1/100-wavelength 10-dB isolation is demonstrated for a 24-element MIMO antenna in mobile handsets over the frequency band from 4.55 to 4.75 GHz.
Experimental evidence for short-pulse laser heating of solid-density target to high bulk temperatures
Authors: Soloviev A. , Burdonov K. , Chen S. N. , Eremeev A. , Korzhimanov A. , Pokrovskiy G. V. , Pikuz T. A. , Revet G. , Sladkov A. , Ginzburg V. , Khazanov E. , Kuzmin A. , Osmanov R. , Shaikin I. , Shaykin A. , Yakovlev I. , Pikuz S. , Starodubtsev M. , Fuchs J.
Published: September 2017

Heating efficiently solid-density, or even compressed, matter has been a long-sought goal in order to allow investigation of the properties of such state of matter of interest for various domains, e.g. astrophysics. High-power lasers, pinches, and more recently Free-Electron-Lasers (FELs) have been used in this respect. Here we show that by using the high-power, high-contrast “PEARL” laser (Institute of Applied Physics-Russian Academy of Science, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia) delivering 7.5 J in a 60 fs laser pulse, such coupling can be efficiently obtained, resulting in heating of a slab of solid-density Al of 0.8 µm thickness at a temperature of 300 eV, and with minimal density gradients. The characterization of the target heating is achieved combining X-ray spectrometry and measurement of the protons accelerated from the Al slab. The measured heating conditions are consistent with a three-temperatures model that simulates resistive and collisional heating of the bulk induced by the hot electrons. Such effective laser energy deposition is achieved owing to the intrinsic high contrast of the laser which results from the Optical Parametric Chirped Pulse Amplification technology it is based on, allowing to attain high target temperatures in a very compact manner, e.g. in comparison with large-scale FEL facilities.
Novel pathogenic mutations in C1QTNF5 support a dominant negative disease mechanism in late-onset retinal degeneration
Authors: Stanton Chloe M. , Borooah Shyamanga , Drake Camilla , Marsh Joseph A. , Campbell Susan , Lennon Alan , Soares Dinesh C. , Vallabh Neeru A. , Sahni Jayashree , Cideciyan Artur V. , Dhillon Baljean , Vitart Veronique , Jacobson Samuel G. , Wright Alan F. , Hayward Caroline
Published: September 2017

Late-onset retinal degeneration (L-ORD) is a rare autosomal dominant retinal dystrophy, characterised by extensive sub-retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) deposits, RPE atrophy, choroidal neovascularisation and photoreceptor cell death associated with severe visual loss. L-ORD shows striking phenotypic similarities to age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a common and genetically complex disorder, which can lead to misdiagnosis in the early stages. To date, a single missense mutation (S163R) in the C1QTNF5 gene, encoding C1q And Tumor Necrosis Factor Related Protein 5 (C1QTNF5) has been shown to cause L-ORD in a subset of affected families. Here, we describe the identification and characterisation of three novel pathogenic mutations in C1QTNF5 in order to elucidate disease mechanisms. In silico and in vitro characterisation show that these mutations perturb protein folding, assembly or polarity of secretion of C1QTNF5 and, importantly, all appear to destabilise the wildtype protein in co-transfection experiments in a human RPE cell line. This suggests that the heterozygous mutations in L-ORD show a dominant negative, rather than a haploinsufficient, disease mechanism. The function of C1QTNF5 remains unclear but this new insight into the pathogenetic basis of L-ORD has implications for future therapeutic strategies such as gene augmentation therapy.
Local order and vibrational coupling of the C=O Stretching Mode of γ-Caprolactone in liquid binary mixtures
Authors: Xu Wenwen , Sun Yanfang , Dong Xiaoping , Li Si , Wang Huigang , Xue Jiadan , Zheng Xuming
Published: September 2017

The isotropic and anisotropic parts Raman spectra of γ-Caprolactone in the binary mixture at different concentrations have been measured. The non-coincidence effect (NCE) of γ-Caprolactone was determined in carbon tetrachloride solution and DMSO solution. The NCE of the ν11(C=O) stretching mode in the γ-Caprolactone/DMSO mixtures exhibits a linear plot, in contrast to that in the γ-Caprolactone/CCl4 mixtures, which shows an upward (convex) curvature. The reduction and enhancement of the dimer structure (short-range orientational order) of γ-Caprolactone in the γ-Caprolactone/DMSO and γ-Caprolactone/CCl4 mixtures respectively may play a major role in shifting of peak frequencies, thus the geometries of monomer and dimer of γ-Caprolactone were calculated at the B3LYP-D3/6–311 G (d,p) level of theory. We proposed aggregated model to explain the γ-Caprolactone C=O vibration NCE phenomenon and its concentration effect and found it largely consistent with our experimental findings. Solvent dependent experiment show the value of NCE declined with the increase of the solvent dielectric constant under the same condition which is consistent with the Logan’s theory.
In vivo target exploration of apidaecin based on Acquired Resistance induced by Gene Overexpression (ARGO assay)
Authors: Matsumoto Ken’ichiro , Yamazaki Kurato , Kawakami Shun , Miyoshi Daichi , Ooi Toshihiko , Hashimoto Shigeki , Taguchi Seiichi
Published: September 2017

Identifying the target molecules of antimicrobial agents is essential for assessing their mode of action. Here, we propose Acquired Resistance induced by Gene Overexpression (ARGO) as a novel in vivo approach for exploring target proteins of antimicrobial agents. The principle of the method is based on the fact that overexpression of the expected target protein leads to reduced sensitivity to the antimicrobial agent. We applied this approach to identify target proteins of the antimicrobial peptide apidaecin, which is specifically effective against Gram-negative bacteria. To this end, a set of overexpression Escherichia coli clones was tested, and peptide chain release factor 1, which directs the termination of translation, was found as a candidate, suggesting that apidaecin inhibits the termination step of translation. This finding was confirmed in vivo and in vitro by evaluating the inhibitory activity of apidaecin towards lacZ reporter gene expression, which is tightly dependent on its stop codon. The results of this study demonstrate that apidaecin exerts its antimicrobial effects partly by inhibiting release factors.
Thrombopoietic stimulating activity of rhTyrRS (Y341A)
Authors: Jinchao Yu , Yanling Zhang , Xu Wang , Bing Zhao , Yuhao Ye , Weiran Zhou , Shaoyang Sun , Liyun Ma , Yun Shi , Ling Zhan , Min Yu , Wei Mo
Published: September 2017

Tumor radiotherapy induces hematopoietic organ damage and reduces thrombocyte counts. Thrombocytopenia is a common disease. Some studies have shown that tRNA synthetase plays not only catalytic tRNA aminoacylation roles, but also functions similarly to cytokines. Recombinant human tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase with a mutated Y341A (rhTyrRS (Y341A)) promotes megakaryocyte migrate from bone marrow to peripheral blood. It would promote megakaryocytes in the lungs adhering to vascular endothelial cells and resulting in the platelet production. The purpose of this research was to investigate the efficacy of rhTyrRS (Y341A) as a therapy for thrombocytopenia and to explore its mechanism of action. We found platelet number was effectively increased by rhTyrRS (Y341A) via platelet count and reticulated platelets (RPs) flow cytometry. We also demonstrated radiation-induced thrombocytopenia could be prevented by rhTyrRS (Y341A). The results of immunohistochemistry and H&E staining showed the number of pulmonary mature megakaryocytes was significantly increased in rhTyrRS (Y341A) treated groups. In transgenic zebrafish larvae, confocal microscopy results showed rhTyrRS (Y341A) promoted the migration and adhesion of megakaryocytes. These results suggested that rhTyrRS (Y341A) promote megakaryocytes in bone marrow migrating to lungs through blood circulation. rhTyrRS (Y341A) may be an effective medicine which could be used to treat patients suffering from thrombocytopenia.
Upper airway asymmetry in skeletal Class III malocclusions with mandibular deviation
Authors: Zheng De-Hua , Wang Xu-Xia , Ma Dan , Zhou Yuan , Zhang Jun
Published: September 2017

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between bilateral differences of upper airway and mandibular morphologic patterns in subjects with skeletal Class III mandibular deviation. 47 skeletal Class III (ANB < 0°) adult patients with and without mandibular deviation were divided into 2 groups. Bilateral differences of minimum cross-sectional area, mean cross-sectional area, volume of subdivisions (nasopharynx, palatopharynx, glossopharynx, hypopharynx) were assessed paired t test. Stepwise linear regression analysis and Pearson correlation coefficients were computed between a significant pair of upper airway variables and a pair of mandibular deviation variables to examine the quantitative relationship between the upper airway asymmetry and mandibular deviation. The mean cross-sectional area and the volume of palatopharynx on the deviated side in mandibular deviated group was significantly smaller than non-deviated side. The asymmetry index of the palatopharyngeal volume showed significant correlations with CRA asymmetry (r = 0.49) and Ramus asymmetry (r = 0.54). However, in the glossopharyngeal and hypopharyngeal segment, the mandibular deviated group showed significant asymmetry, characterized by larger mean cross-sectional area and volume in deviated side. The asymmetry index of the glossopharyngeal volume and hypopharyngeal volume showed significant correlations with CRA asymmetry (r = 0.42), Me-s (r = 0.72) and Me-s (r = 0.67) respectively.
CIB1 protects against MPTP-induced neurotoxicity through inhibiting ASK1
Authors: Yoon Kyoung Wan , Yang Hyun-Suk , Kim Young Mok , Kim Yeonsil , Kang Seongman , Sun Woong , Naik Ulhas P. , Parise Leslie V. , Choi Eui-Ju
Published: September 2017

Calcium and integrin binding protein 1 (CIB1) is a calcium-binding protein that was initially identified as a binding partner of platelet integrin αIIb. Although CIB1 has been shown to interact with multiple proteins, its biological function in the brain remains unclear. Here, we show that CIB1 negatively regulates degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease using 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). Genetic deficiency of the CIB1 gene enhances MPTP-induced neurotoxicity in dopaminergic neurons in CIB1−/− mice. Furthermore, RNAi-mediated depletion of CIB1 in primary dopaminergic neurons potentiated 1-methyl-4-phenyl pyrinidium (MPP+)-induced neuronal death. CIB1 physically associated with apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) and thereby inhibited the MPP+-induced stimulation of the ASK1-mediated signaling cascade. These findings suggest that CIB1 plays a protective role in MPTP/MPP+-induced neurotoxicity by blocking ASK1-mediated signaling.
Interface Energy Coupling between β-tungsten Nanofilm and Few-layered Graphene
Authors: Han Meng , Yuan Pengyu , Liu Jing , Si Shuyao , Zhao Xiaolong , Yue Yanan , Wang Xinwei , Xiao Xiangheng
Published: September 2017

We report the thermal conductance induced by few-layered graphene (G) sandwiched between β-phase tungsten (β-W) films of 15, 30 and 40 nm thickness. Our differential characterization is able to distinguish the thermal conductance of β-W film and β-W/G interface. The cross-plane thermal conductivity (k) of β-W films is determined at 1.69~2.41 Wm−1K−1 which is much smaller than that of α-phase tungsten (174 Wm−1K−1). This small value is consistent with the large electrical resistivity reported for β-W in literatures and in this work. The β-W/β-W and β-W/G interface thermal conductance (G
W/W
and G
W/G
) are characterized and compared using multilayered β-W films with and without sandwiched graphene layers. The average G
W/W
is found to be at 280 MW m−2K−1. G
W/G
features strong variation from sample to sample, and has a lower-limit of 84 MW m−2K−1, taking into consideration of the uncertainties. This is attributed to possible graphene structure damage and variation during graphene transfer and W sputtering. The difference between G2W/G
and G
W/W
uncovers the finite thermal resistance induced by the graphene layer. Compared with up-to-date reported graphene interface thermal conductance, the β-W/G interface is at the high end in terms of local energy coupling.
The in vivo antitumor effects of type I-interferon against hepatocellular carcinoma: the suppression of tumor cell growth and angiogenesis
Authors: Enomoto Hirayuki , Tao Lihua , Eguchi Ryoji , Sato Ayuko , Honda Masao , Kaneko Shuichi , Iwata Yoshinori , Nishikawa Hiroki , Imanishi Hiroyasu , Iijima Hiroko , Tsujimura Tohru , Nishiguchi Shuhei
Published: September 2017

Type I-interferon (IFN) is considered to exert antitumor effects through the inhibition of cancer cell proliferation and angiogenesis. Based on the species-specific biological activity of IFN, we evaluated each antitumor mechanism separately. We further examined the antitumor effects of type I-IFN combined with sorafenib. Human IFN (hIFN) significantly inhibited the proliferation of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) Hep3B cells and the tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs)in vitro. Although mouse IFN (mIFN) did not inhibit the proliferation of Hep3B cellsin vitro, mIFN, as well as hIFN, showed significant antitumor effects in mouse Hep3B cell-xenograft model. Furthermore, mIFN treatment amplified the antitumor effects of sorafenibin vivowith the suppression of angiogenesis. The DNA chip analysis showed that the mIFN treatment promoted the antitumor signal pathways of sorafenib, including anti-angiogenic effects. Unlike the effects observed inin vitroexperiments, mIFN showed an antitumor effect in the mouse Hep3B cell-xenograft model, suggesting a role of the anti-angiogenic activity in thein vivotumoricidal effects of type I-IFN. In addition, our findings suggested the clinical utility of combination therapy with type І-IFN and sorafenib for HCC.
Equilibrium, Kinetic and Thermodynamic Study of Removal of Eosin Yellow from Aqueous Solution Using Teak Leaf Litter Powder
Authors: Oyelude Emmanuel O. , Awudza Johannes A. M. , Twumasi Sylvester K.
Published: September 2017

Low-cost teak leaf litter powder (TLLP) was prepared as possible substitute for activated carbon. The feasibility of using the adsorbent to remove eosin yellow (EY) dye from aqueous solution was investigated through equilibrium adsorption, kinetic and thermodynamic studies. The removal of dye from aqueous solution was feasible but influenced by temperature, pH, adsorbent dosage and contact time. Variation in the initial concentration of dye did not influence the equilibrium contact time. Optimum adsorption of dye occurred at low adsorbent dosages, alkaline pH and high temperatures. Langmuir isotherm model best fit the equilibrium adsorption data and the maximum monolayer capacity of the adsorbent was 31.64 mg g−1 at 303 K. The adsorption process was best described by pseudo-second order kinetic model at 303 K. Boundary layer diffusion played a key role in the adsorption process. The mechanism of uptake of EY by TLLP was controlled by both liquid film diffusion and intraparticle diffusion. The values of mean adsorption free energy, E (7.91 kJ mol−1), and standard enthalpy, ΔH° (+13.34 kJ mol−1), suggest physical adsorption. The adsorption process was endothermic and spontaneous. Teak leaf litter powder is a promising low-cost adsorbent for treating wastewaters containing eosin yellow.
Tuneable pressure effects in graphene oxide layers
Authors: Sekimoto Yusuke , Ohtani Ryo , Nakamura Masaaki , Koinuma Michio , Lindoy Leonard F. , Hayami Shinya
Published: September 2017

Tuneable pressure effects associated with changing interlayer distances in two-dimensional graphene oxide (GO)/reduced GO (rGO) layers are demonstrated through monitoring the changes in the spin-crossover (SCO) temperature (T1/2) of [Fe(Htrz)2(trz)](BF4) nanoparticles (NPs) incorporated in the interlayer spaces of the GO/rGO layers. The interlayer separation along the GO to GO/rGO-NP composites to rGO series decreases smoothly from 9.00 Å (for GO) to 3.50 Å (for rGO) as the temperature employed for the thermal reduction treatments of the GO-NP composites is increased. At the same time, T1/2 increases from 351 K to 362 K along the series. This T1/2 increment of 11 K corresponds to that observed for pristine [Fe(Htrz)2(trz)](BF4) NPs under a hydrostatic pressure of 38 MPa. The influence of the stacked layer structures on the pseudo-pressure effects has been further probed by investigating the differences in T1/2 for [Fe(Htrz)2(trz)](BF4) that is present in the composite as larger bulk particles rather than as NPs.
Exchange-driven Magnetic Logic
Authors: Zografos Odysseas , Manfrini Mauricio , Vaysset Adrien , Sorée Bart , Ciubotaru Florin , Adelmann Christoph , Lauwereins Rudy , Raghavan Praveen , Radu Iuliana P.
Published: September 2017

Direct exchange interaction allows spins to be magnetically ordered. Additionally, it can be an efficient manipulation pathway for low-powered spintronic logic devices. We present a novel logic scheme driven by exchange between two distinct regions in a composite magnetic layer containing a bistable canted magnetization configuration. By applying a magnetic field pulse to the input region, the magnetization state is propagated to the output via spin-to-spin interaction in which the output state is given by the magnetization orientation of the output region. The dependence of this scheme with input field conditions is extensively studied through a wide range of micromagnetic simulations. These results allow different logic operating modes to be extracted from the simulation results, and majority logic is successfully demonstrated.
The number of key carcinogenic events can be predicted from cancer incidence
Authors: Belikov Aleksey V.
Published: September 2017

The widely accepted multiple-hit hypothesis of carcinogenesis states that cancers arise after several successive events. However, no consensus has been reached on the quantity and nature of these events, although “driver” mutations or epimutations are considered the most probable candidates. By using the largest publicly available cancer incidence statistics (20 million cases), I show that incidence of 20 most prevalent cancer types in relation to patients’ age closely follows the Erlang probability distribution (R2 = 0.9734–0.9999). The Erlang distribution describes the probability y of k independent random events occurring by the time x, but not earlier or later, with events happening on average every b time intervals. This fits well with the multiple-hit hypothesis and potentially allows to predict the number k of key carcinogenic events and the average time interval b between them, for each cancer type. Moreover, the amplitude parameter A likely predicts the maximal populational susceptibility to a given type of cancer. These parameters are estimated for 20 most common cancer types and provide numerical reference points for experimental research on cancer development.