bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bacterial infections in patients with liver cirrhosis
Authors: Zaccherini Giacomo , Bevilacqua Vittoria , Benazzi Barbara , Santi Lucia , Caraceni Paolo , Bernardi Mauro
Published: May 2016

Bacterial infections represent a frequent complication of liver cirrhosis carrying a significantly greater risk of morbidity and mortality as compared to that observed in non-cirrhotic patients. Such unfavourable prognosis is related to the systemic complications (liver and renal failure, shock, coagulopathy, multiple organ failure) induced by a series of pro-inflammatory and immunological systems which are activated by bacteria and their pathogenetic products.The epidemiology of bacterial infections in cirrhosis has changed in the last years with a marked increase of Gram+ infections and the emergence of multi-resistant bacteria.The severity of liver disease represents the major clinical factor predisposing to bacterial infections, which are asymptomatic or paucisymptomatic at presentation in almost half of the cases. Aim of this review is to summarise the clinical and therapeutic aspects of bacterial infections in cirrhotic patients. The most common sites of infection are the urinary tract, ascites, blood, lungs and soft tissues.Beside antibiotics, it has been proposed the administration of human albumin to prevent the development of renal failure in patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and, more recently, the use of hydrocortisone to treat cirrhotic patients with septic shock.
Peripartum cardiomyopathy
Authors: Citro Rodolfo , Giudice Roberta , Mirra Marco , Paolillo Rosa , Paolillo Chiara , Battimelli Anna , Provenza Gennaro , Ravera Amelia , Farina Rosario , Baldi Cesare
Published: May 2016

Peripartum cardiomyopathy is an uncommon form of congestive heart failure associated with systolic dysfunction of left ventricle. The onset is characterised by symptoms of heart failure occurring between the last month of pregnancy and 5-6 months postpartum. The early diagnosis and the institution of medical treatment for this disease are essential because the inadequate management may affect the patient’s long-term prognosis and can lead to severe complications, including death.Currently its aetiology is not completely understood. Many aetiopathogenetic hypotheses have been formulated: inflammation, viral agents, autoimmune processes. In the last years, evidences aroused for a role of prolactin and its 16 kDa metabolite in reducing cardiomyocite metabolic activity and contraction. In this article we have reviewed the current literature with special emphasis on the role of prolactin and the related current treatment strategies. In particular, bromocriptine appears promising, even if women need to be informed that the drug stops the production of breastmilk. Further researchers, such as large multicenter trials, are needed to decide the best treatment for the women suffering of this disease.
Clinical Grading scales in intracerebral haemorrhage
Authors: Di Napoli Mario
Published: May 2016

Intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) represents a subtype of stroke with a higher risk of long-term disability and mortality than any other form of stroke. Despite greater understanding of ICH pathophysiology, treatment options for this devastating condition remain limited. A lack of a standard, universally accepted clinical grading scale for ICH has contributed to reduce availability of optimised treatment regimens, and designing effective clinical trials protocols reducing communication among physicians. A number of ICH grading scales and prognostic models have been developed for mortality and/or functional outcome, particularly 30 days after ICH onset. Several reliable scales have been externally validated in heterogeneous populations. Presently, the ICH score developed by Hemphill and colleagues has showed a greater diffusion due to a good sensibility, specificity and reproducibility together with an easy use. The actual modified versions of this scale have shown only a limited impact on prediction although it is possible to improve prediction of this scale introducing new selected biomarkers. Before an extensive use of these prognostic scale in clinical practice, expansive, prospective, multi-center clinical outcome studies are mandatory to clearly define all aspects of ICH, establish ideal grading scales, and standardised management protocols to enable the identification of novel and effective therapies in ICH.
Practical management for urgent reversal of oral anticoagulation in patients with acute intracerebral haemorrhage
Authors: Imberti Davide
Published: May 2016

In case of intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) during oral anticoagulant therapy (OAT) it is mandatory to obtain the fast and complete normalisation of haemostasis, in order to minimise the risk of haematoma enlargement. Furthermore, if neurosurgery is requested, the immediate correction of haemostatic balance allows the execution of emergency intervention, thus reducing the risk of intra- and post-surgical haemorrhagic complications. Currently prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) in combination with vitamin K represents the gold standard treatment for patients with ICH during OAT. This treatment should be preferred to the administration of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) in order to guarantee a fast and almost immediate normalisation of blood coagulation.
When and in which patients can anticoagulation be resumed after intracerebral haemorrhage?
Authors: Marietta Marco , Pedrazzi Paola , Ghiddi Alessandro
Published: May 2016

Whether to resume the anticoagulant or the antiaggregant therapy after an episode of major haemorrhage is a difficult dilemma for the physician. The physician has to take into consideration two major questions: whether the benefits of restarting anticoagulation outweigh the risk, and if so, when and how should anticoagulation be restarted. Although some case reports suggest that anticoagulation can be withheld safely for short periods after ICH, even in patients with mechanical heart valves, it is still not clear if long-term anticoagulation can be safely reinstituted after haemorrhage, for example in patients with atrial fibrillation. In fact, no large and well-conducted randomised clinical trials are available, and there is lack of strong evidence on which guidelines recommendations can be based. The article summarise the available literature findings. Finally, a protocol is suggested which may represent a useful tool for assessing treatment options.
The public health sector supply of modern contraceptives in rural Nigeria: an analysis of selection, forecasting and inventory control
Authors: Auta Asa , Banwat Samuel B
Published: May 2016

Public health facilities in rural Nigeria have been experiencing a long period of stock-outs and unavailability of modern contraceptives. This work was carried out to review the public health sector supply of modern contraceptives in rural Nigeria in order to make recommendations on how to improve the supply of modern contraceptives in this area. The study reviewed secondary data from country documents and literature obtained from Pubmed, Popline, and Global Health databases; as well as websites of USAID/DELIVER Project, Measure DHS and Federal Ministry of Health. The study revealed that a wide range of contraceptives are included in the essential drug list to be used in secondary facilities, while only a few ones are selected to be used in primary facilities which serve the majority of rural population. Forecasting is done using issue data from the central warehouse because facilities are not generating reliable consumption data. Inventory control is poor in rural facilities, and these facilities do not follow the established inventory control guidelines. The study therefore demonstrates that the current essential drug list should be reviewed in order to include injectables for use in primary facilities, strengthen the current forecasting, data reporting and inventory control system.
Aetiology of intracerebral haemorrage
Authors: Spolveri Stefano
Published: May 2016

Spontaneous non traumatic intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) is usually caused by many different interacting factors, such as the use of alcohol or fibrinolitic drugs, congenital aneurysm, brain tumors, and blood dyscrasia. Age and hypertension-related small vessel diseases, and cerebral amyloid angiopathy are the most common forms of vascular damage which can lead to ICH. Furthermore, a group of inherited cerebral small vessel diseases linked to ICH have been reported recently and the number of these forms is increasing. The presence of leukoaraiosis, lacunar infarcts and microbleeds has been suggested to indicate a higher risk for cerebral hemorrhage. In recent years, MRI and neuroimaging techniques contributed to the understanding and the diagnosis of this disease.
The role of TNF-α and TNF-β gene polymorphism in the pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Al- Rayes Hannan , Arfin Misbahul , Tariq Mohammad , Al-Asmari Abdulrahman
Published: May 2016

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology that affects the synovial membrane of multiple joints. The clinical presentation of RA may vary from mild to severe with excessive erosions of periarticular bone leading to the loss of functional capacity. Both genetic and environmental factors are important in the development of this disorder. The genetic contribution to susceptibility for RA is underlined by a three-to four-fold higher concordance percentage for clinically expressed disease in monozygotic twins compared to dizygotic twins. The severity and long term outcome of RA have also been related to various genetic factors. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, is involved in the pathogenesis of a variety of autoimmune disorders, including RA. A large number of studies have been undertaken to determine the role of TNF-α promoter polymorphisms in the pathogenesis of RA. On the other hand few attempts have been made to identify the association between TNF-α (lymphotoxin-alfa) polymorphism and RA. In this narrative review of published literature, an attempt has been made to determine the association between TNF-α promoter polymorphisms at positions –308, –238, –489, –857, –863 and TNF-β at +252 with respect to susceptibility to and severity of RA, as well as response to drug therapy. In spite of intra-and inter-ethnic variations, analysis of data suggests a significant role of TNF-α/TNF-β polymorphisms in determining the susceptibility/severity of RA and responsiveness to anti-TNF drug therapy. The TNF gene polymorphisms may be an interesting target for novel strategies to prevent RA and/or in its early treatment. Further studies using larger samples are needed to pinpoint the regulatory polymorphisms or haplotypes and their effects on the development of certain manifestations in RA.
Intracerebral haemorrhage pathophysiology: time is brain
Authors: Poggesi Anna , Inzitari Domenico
Published: May 2016

Intracerebral haemorrhage is associated with high mortality and morbidity. Cerebral small vessel disease, either due to hypertensive small vessel disease or to amyloid angiopathy, is the common substrate for primary spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage.The current understanding of brain injury induced by intracerebral haemorrhage is based on both clinical and experimental studies. The initial injury immediately after its onset is from the direct mechanical force of the expanding hematoma, resulting in cytotoxic edema and cellular necrosis. After this, the degrading hematoma releases its breakdown products, which lead to the activation of oxygen free radicals, matrix metalloproteinases, complement proteins and inflammatory markers, thus determining an increase of the BBB permeability, the recruitment of inflammatory cells, apoptosis, and ultimately the exacerbation of cerebral edema and neuronal death.Evidence suggests that early and aggressive medical management and specialist care can improve the overall outcome in patients with intracerebral haemorrhage. The growing insight into the molecular pathophysiological mechanisms may contribute to the development of neuroprotective strategies.
Abciximab in the treatment of coronary artery disease
Authors: Jayasinghe Rohan , Maxwell Ryan , Murdoch Dale
Published: May 2016

Antiplatelet therapy constitutes a cornerstone in the strategies aimed at the effective management of acute coronary syndrome. Abciximab is the oldest and most commonly used intravenous antiplatelet agent in this context, in particular when an invasive strategy is adopted. It is very commonly used in more unstable and high- risk patients. Trials have proven the event-free survival benefits of using abciximab in the right context. This agent also has some adverse outcomes associated with its use that the clinicians need to be well aware of and take precautions against. The comparative cost efficacy with its use too is of significance. There is a growing evidence base on the different ways abciximab is used and the benefits and risks thereof. Since the development and introduction of novel anticoagulants and more potent oral anti-platelet agents, the place of abciximab in the treatment of acute coronary syndrome today needs to be reviewed and clearly defined. This review attempts to study the cross-section of the evidence base to date on the clinical use, efficacy and risks related to the use of abciximab and spotlight the most recent guidelines published by the different global peak bodies to provide a practical overview to the clinician.
Everolimus: a review of its pharmacologic properties and use in solid organ transplantation
Authors: Huiras Paul , Gabardi Steven
Published: May 2016

The aim of this review article is to review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy and safety of everolimus. Primary literature was obtained via MEDLINE. Studies and abstracts evaluating everolimus in solid organ transplantation were considered for evaluation. English-language studies and abstracts only were selected for inclusion. Everolimus, a proliferation signal inhibitor that prevents growth factor-induced cell proliferation, is effective in reducing the incidence of acute rejection in solid organ transplantation. This agent is also useful in reducing cyclosporine-related nephrotoxicity. Everolimus directly inhibits vascular remodelling and intimal thickening, which are often associated with chronic rejection. Clinical trials have shown that everolimus is generally safe. The most commonly reported adverse events were haematologic effects and hyperlipidaemia. Everolimus is the second proliferation signal inhibitor to be proven effective in preventing acute rejection in solid organ transplant recipients. However, its exact role in the transplant immunosuppressive armamentarium is still unknown.
Use of proteasome inhibitors in anticancer therapy
Authors: Schmitt Sara M. , Lu Lillian , Dou Q. Ping
Published: May 2016

The importance of the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway to cellular function has brought it to the forefront in the search for new anticancer therapies. The ubiquitin-proteasome pathway has proven promising in targeting various human cancers. The approval of the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib for clinical treatment of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma has validated the ubiquitin-proteasome as a rational target. Bortezomib has shown positive results in clinical use but some toxicity and side effects, as well as resistance, have been observed, indicating that further development of novel, less toxic drugs is necessary. Because less toxic drugs are necessary and drug development can be expensive and time-consuming, using existing drugs that can target the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway in new applications, such as cancer therapy, may be effective in expediting the regulatory process and bringing new drugs to the clinic. Toward this goal, previously approved drugs, such as disulfiram, as well as natural compounds found in common foods, such as green tea polyphenol (-)-EGCG and the flavonoid apigenin, have been investigated for their possible proteasome inhibitory and cell death inducing abilities. These compounds proved quite promising in preclinical studies and have now moved into clinical trials, with preliminary results that are encouraging. In addition to targeting the catalytic activity of the proteasome pathway, upstream regulators, such as the 19S regulatory cap, as well as E1, E2, and E3, are now being investigated as potential drug targets. This review outlines the development of novel proteasome inhibitors from preclinical to clinical studies, highlighting their abilities to inhibit the tumor proteasome and induce apoptosis in several human cancers.
EGFR as a therapeutic target in glioblastoma
Authors: Siebert David M , Shakur Sophia F , Pytel Peter , Rimas Lukas
Published: May 2016

The tyrosine kinase receptor epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) can be activated by several ligands, thus triggering downstream pathways regulating cell growth and survival. Its dysregula­tion is particularly important for the development and progression of astrocytomas. After the description of its role in glioblastomas (WHO grade IV astrocytomas), an overview on the therapeutic strategies target­ing EGFR is provided. It analyzes the past and ongoing trials concerning the small molecule tyro­sine kinase inhibitors, i.e. gefitinib, erlotinib and the combination therapies, the EGFR vaccina­tion strategies, the antibodies directed against EGFR and finally the intracranially administered EGFR-targeted therapies. As our understanding of the underlying molecular aberrancies in glioblastoma grows, our ability to better target specific subtypes of glioblastoma should improve. Molecular biomarker enriched clinical trials may lead to improved patient outcomes.
Managing diabetes with inhaled insulin
Authors: Mastrandrea Lucy D
Published: May 2016

The incidence of diabetes is increasing world-wide. Many individuals with diabetes require insulin to control their blood sugar and prevent both microvascular and macrovascular complications associated with this chronic disease. Current regimens involve delivery of subcutaneous insulin by injection or continuous insulin infusion. One area of research to advance diabetes care is aimed at developing alternate routes of insulin administration that will make daily management less invasive for patients. This review will focus on inhaled insulin, a novel formulation which takes advantage of drug delivery through the pulmonary system. The pharmacology, efficacy, and safety of inhaled insulin will be discussed. In addition, the status of inhaled insulin as a potential therapy for individuals with diabetes will be reviewed.
Hypophosphatemia in patients with chronic HBV
Authors: Vitale Giovanni , Andreone Pietro
Published: May 2016

Phosphorus is an essential element for correct functioning of the organism. Alteration of serum phosphorus may be due to reduced dietary intake, altered by intra-extracellular, by excretion or reabsorption from the intestine, bone and kidney. In patients with chronic hepatitis B, hypophosphatemia may be secondary to several causes among which the most frequent are related to the use of drugs and the deficiency of vitamin D. Tenofovir is a first choice drug for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B and it can be used in patients with mild renal impairment. In fact renal failure induced by TDF is not frequent, dose-dependent and usually reversible. However, it’s recommended to avoid use other nephrotoxic drugs during treatment with TDF; monitor kidney function and phosphorus metabolism before and during therapy; adjust the doses of the drugs to the degree of renal failure; verify the presence of proximal tubulopathy through the calculation of the EFPi and the TMPi/GFR and consider the suspension of the TDF in the case of severe hypophosphoremia (< 1 mg / dl) or creatinine clearance < 50 ml/min). The aim of this review is to facilitate the recognition of druginduced hypophosphatemia and differentiate it from that due to other causes, in order to avoid unnecessary discontinuation of antiviral therapy.
Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir: the fixed dose combination in the new era of treatment for HCV
Authors: Ciancio Alessia
Published: May 2016

Interferon-based treatment is not suitable for many patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection because of contraindications, other reasons for ineligibility and side-effects. The fixed dosed combination ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV / SOF) is the first approved regimen that doesn’t require administration with interferon or ribavirin. LDV / SOF is also the first single-pill approved for the treatment of chronic HCV genotype 1 in both treatment-naïve and treatment-experienced patients. The results of the phase III studies demonstrate the combination has been very well tolerated and SVR rates consistently above 90%. Objective of this review is to present clinical evidence of efficacy and safety of the combination LDV / SOF in different subgroups of patients with HCV.
Subtitling Taboo Language: Using the Cues of Register and Genre to Affect Audience Experience?
Authors: Baines Roger
Published: May 2016

Using French-English/English-French examples, this article puts forward the hypothesis that, in the film genre of social realism (depicting low socio-economic groups), subtitlers use linguistic and visual cues which are embedded in genre to trigger audience reactions to representations of taboo language. Examples of the subtitling of taboo language are drawn from three films and the hypothesis above will be explored along three main interrelated axes: i) the value of treating subtitles as an entire system; ii) the relationship between the specific film genre of social realism (depicting low socio-economic groups) and audience perceptions of taboo language use; and iii) discourse representations through register and its effect on characterisation. Nuances are brought to evidence from existing research which argues that the choices relating to taboo language made in the oral to written mode shift are subject to politeness restrictions in terms of register, and that these choices have a homogenising/levelling effect on characterisation (Lambert 1990; Taylor 2006a; Mailhac 2000 for example).
Survey Research on Quality Expectations in Interpreting: The Effect of Method of Administration on Subjects’ Response Rate
Authors: García Becerra Olalla
Published: May 2016

The use of new technologies within research into interpreting quality has produced new tools that are expected to increase the number of subjects taking part in survey studies. The growth of Internet users has led to a rise of online questionnaires mainly as a result of their time saving advantages. This paper compares the response rate obtained using three different ways of presenting a questionnaire about quality expectations in interpreting to subjects: in person, via an invitation to take part in an online questionnaire and by including the questionnaire within the text of an email to the subjects. The results of this study show that the subjects tend to participate more when the questionnaire is administered in person. In general male participation was higher than female, but no significant difference was observed with respect to the method of administration. Regarding the particular field of knowledge, the group of subjects working in a scientific and technological area was the only one in which the response rate for the paper “in person” questionnaire was not notably higher than for the other methods.
Sociologie de la transition : quelle société post-écologique ?
Authors: Gendron Corinne
Published: May 2016

La transition écologique fait écho à la plus récente étape d’un processus d’intégration du paramètre écologique dans les sociétés humaines. Héritière du courant de la modernisation écologique, elle peut avantageusement être mise en dialogue avec les travaux des économistes qui se sont intéressés aux réformes du système économique impulsées par les impératifs environnementaux. Plus spécifiquement, l’économie écologique institutionnaliste offre des outils pour penser la transformation du système économique non plus comme un ajustement exclusivement technique, mais comme un processus social. Dans son versant pratique, le courant de la transition est aussi nourri par une première génération de débats autour du développement durable. Mais les enjeux de transformation de l’économie y sont plus explicites, sans pour autant que s’impose une lecture univoque de la trajectoire vers une économie verte. Traversée par des courants réformateurs tout autant que par des discours et des pratiques de rupture, la transition semble ainsi devenue le lieu d’un travail social où se construit peu à peu une société post-écologique.
Pour une approche systémique et pragmatique de la transition écologique des systèmes agri-alimentaires
Authors: Lamine Claire , Bui Sibylle , Ollivier Guillaume
Published: May 2016

En partant de la confrontation de trois grands cadres théoriques permettant de traiter des processus de transformation des systèmes agri-alimentaires, les théories des transitions socio-techniques, celles de la sociologie pragmatique, et celles des food regimes, cet article formule une proposition qui emprunte à ces différents cadres pour construire une approche systémique, historicisée et ancrée dans la sociologie pragmatique de ces processus. Approche systémique et historicisée, car il s’agit de saisir comment la modification dans le temps des interdépendances entre certains maillons et acteurs des systèmes agri-alimentaires conduisent à ces processus de transition. Ancrée dans la sociologie pragmatique, car nous proposons également de nous intéresser aux controverses opposant divers acteurs revendiquant une transition écologique, ainsi qu’aux processus de changement de pratiques qu’ils mettent éventuellement en oeuvre. En vue de montrer l’intérêt d’une telle proposition, nous appliquons ensuite cette proposition à trois cas d’étude : d’une part, l’analyse du processus d’institutionnalisation de l’agroécologie au Brésil et en France, et d’autre part, celle de la transition agroécologique à l’échelle d’un système agri-alimentaire territorial.
Associer les habitants à la transition écologique
Authors: Christen Guillaume , Hamman Philippe
Published: May 2016

À l’heure où le changement climatique s’est affirmé comme un problème politique et un objet de politique publique tant au niveau global que national et local, l’article éclaire la question de la transition écologique à travers la mise en oeuvre de la transition énergétique en Alsace (France), et plus spécialement la possibilité donnée aux acteurs dits ordinaires d’y prendre part. À partir de trois cas d’étude – l’éolien citoyen dans une commune rurale, la mise en oeuvre par un bailleur social d’une action de maîtrise de l’énergie auprès d’habitants de logements sociaux à Strasbourg et l’installation de dispositifs d’énergie solaire auprès de propriétaires à Plobsheim, en couronne périurbaine de Strasbourg –, nous interrogeons la dimension participative des projets : en quoi permettent-ils (ou pas) d’associer les habitants et de concevoir des modes de gouvernance qui rendent possible une appropriation sociale des problématiques énergétiques et environnementales ?
L’articulation des identités plurielles à travers l’éducation : l’exemple de quatre écoles juives à Montréal
Authors: Hirsch Sivane
Published: May 2016

Les écoles ethno-religieuses juives de Montréal, qui accueillent la majorité des jeunes de la communauté, jouent un rôle important dans leur socialisation au sein de la société québécoise. Dans le cadre d’une enquête dans quatre écoles primaires juives qui représentent à bien des égards la diversité au sein de la communauté, nous avons examiné la manière dont elles intègrent le curriculum québécois général dans un projet éducatif « juif » et l’environnement dans lequel il est enseigné. C’est ainsi que les élèves sont constamment invités à articuler leurs identités multiples pour devenir membres engagés d’une communauté minoritaire.
Mapping replication dynamics in Trypanosoma brucei reveals a link with telomere transcription and antigenic variation
Authors: Devlin Rebecca , Marques Catarina A , Paape Daniel , Prorocic Marko , Zurita-Leal Andrea C , Campbell Samantha J , Lapsley Craig , Dickens Nicholas , McCulloch Richard
Published: May 2016

Survival of Trypanosoma brucei depends upon switches in its protective Variant Surface Glycoprotein (VSG) coat by antigenic variation. VSG switching occurs by frequent homologous recombination, which is thought to require locus-specific initiation. Here, we show that a RecQ helicase, RECQ2, acts to repair DNA breaks, including in the telomeric site of VSG expression. Despite this, RECQ2 loss does not impair antigenic variation, but causes increased VSG switching by recombination, arguing against models for VSG switch initiation through direct generation of a DNA double strand break (DSB). Indeed, we show DSBs inefficiently direct recombination in the VSG expression site. By mapping genome replication dynamics, we reveal that the transcribed VSG expression site is the only telomeric site that is early replicating – a differential timing only seen in mammal-infective parasites. Specific association between VSG transcription and replication timing reveals a model for antigenic variation based on replication-derived DNA fragility.
Viral hijacking of a replicative helicase loader and its implications for helicase loading control and phage replication
Authors: Hood Iris V , Berger James M
Published: May 2016

Replisome assembly requires the loading of replicative hexameric helicases onto origins by AAA+ ATPases. How loader activity is appropriately controlled remains unclear. Here, we use structural and biochemical analyses to establish how an antimicrobial phage protein interferes with the function of the Staphylococcus aureus replicative helicase loader, DnaI. The viral protein binds to the loader’s AAA+ ATPase domain, allowing binding of the host replicative helicase but impeding loader self-assembly and ATPase activity. Close inspection of the complex highlights an unexpected locus for the binding of an interdomain linker element in DnaI/DnaC-family proteins. We find that the inhibitor protein is genetically coupled to a phage-encoded homolog of the bacterial helicase loader, which we show binds to the host helicase but not to the inhibitor itself. These findings establish a new approach by which viruses can hijack host replication processes and explain how loader activity is internally regulated to prevent aberrant auto-association.
A neural basis for the spatial suppression of visual motion perception
Authors: Liu Liu D , Haefner Ralf M , Pack Christopher C
Published: May 2016

In theory, sensory perception should be more accurate when more neurons contribute to the representation of a stimulus. However, psychophysical experiments that use larger stimuli to activate larger pools of neurons sometimes report impoverished perceptual performance. To determine the neural mechanisms underlying these paradoxical findings, we trained monkeys to discriminate the direction of motion of visual stimuli that varied in size across trials, while simultaneously recording from populations of motion-sensitive neurons in cortical area MT. We used the resulting data to constrain a computational model that explained the behavioral data as an interaction of three main mechanisms: noise correlations, which prevented stimulus information from growing with stimulus size; neural surround suppression, which decreased sensitivity for large stimuli; and a read-out strategy that emphasized neurons with receptive fields near the stimulus center. These results suggest that paradoxical percepts reflect tradeoffs between sensitivity and noise in neuronal populations.
Ultraflexible and ultrathin polymeric gate insulator for 2 V organic transistor circuits
Authors: Kondo Masaya , Uemura Takafumi , Matsumoto Takafumi , Araki Teppei , Yoshimoto Shusuke , Sekitani Tsuyoshi
Published: May 2016

We have developed a high-yield process for fabricating organic transistors with ultraflexible and ultrathin polymeric (parylene) insulators. In a top-contact bottom-gate configuration, an oxygen plasma treatment for a Au gate surface before parylene deposition significantly improved the yield of transistors, enabling the parylene thickness to be reduced to 18 nm. Taking full advantage of the ultraflexible and ultrathin insulator, we have demonstrated 2 V ring oscillator circuits, where the yield was 97% for 360 transistors inside the area of 7 × 7 cm2. The highly reliable ultrathin insulator is useful for large-area circuits with low-voltage organic transistors.
Subnanosecond-laser-induced periodic surface structures on prescratched silicon substrate
Authors: Hongo Motoharu , Matsuo Shigeki
Published: May 2016

Laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) were fabricated on a prescratched silicon surface by irradiation with subnanosecond laser pulses. Low-spatial-frequency LIPSS (LSFL) were observed in the central and peripheral regions; both had a period Λ close to the laser wavelength λ, and the wavevector orientation was parallel to the electric field of the laser beam. The LSFL in the peripheral region seemed to be growing, that is, expanding in length with increasing number of pulses, into the outer regions. In addition, high-spatial-frequency LIPSS,

, were found along the scratches, and their wavevector orientation was parallel to the scratches.
Deep level traps in GaN LEDs grown by metal organic vapour phase epitaxy on an 8 inch Si(111) substrate
Authors: Nguyen Xuan Sang , Goh Xuan Long , Zhang Li , Zhang Zeng , Arehart Aaron R. , Ringel Steven A. , Fitzgerald Eugene A. , Chua Soo Jin
Published: May 2016

Deep level traps present in GaN LED grown on 8 in. Si substrate were revealed by deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS). One electron trap located at E
C − 0.7 eV was revealed in the n-GaN barrier layer. Two electron traps and one hole trap were observed in the p-GaN layer. They are located at E
C − 0.60 eV, E
C − 0.79 eV and E
V + 0.70 eV. The total trap density in both the n-GaN barrier layer and the p-GaN layer of the LED is in order of 1014 cm−3, which is comparable with that found in GaN epi-layer grown on sapphire.
Pt–Ti–O gate silicon–metal–insulator–semiconductor field-effect transistor hydrogen gas sensors in harsh environments
Authors: Usagawa Toshiyuki , Ueda Kazuhiro , Nambu Akira , Yoneyama Akio , Kikuchi Yota , Watanabe Atsushi
Published: May 2016

The influence of radiation damages to developed hydrogen gas sensor chips from γ-rays (60Co) and/or X-rays (synchrotron radiation) is manageably avoided for sensor operations even at extremely high integral doses such as 1.8 and/or 18 MGy. Platinum–titanium–oxygen (Pt–Ti–O) gate silicon–metal–insulator–semiconductor field-effect transistor (Si-MISFET) hydrogen gas sensors can work stably as hydrogen sensors up to about 270 °C and also show environmental hardness as follows: When nitrogen-diluted 10-ppm hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDS) was exposed to the sensor FETs for 40 min at a working temperature of 115 °C, large sensing amplitude (ΔV
g) changed little within repetition errors before and after HMDS exposures. The variations of ΔV
g among relative humidity of 20 and 80% are very small within ±4.4% around 50% under 40 °C atmosphere. The Pt–Ti–O sensors have been found to show large ΔV
g of 624.4 mV with σΔV
g of 7.27 mV for nine times repeated measurements under nitrogen-diluted 1.0%-hydrogen gas, which are nearly the same values of 654.5 mV with σΔV
g of 3.77 mV under air-diluted 1.0%-hydrogen gas.
Bonding dynamics of compliant microbump during ultrasonic bonding investigated by using Si strain gauge
Authors: Iwanabe Keiichiro , Nakadozono Kenichi , Senda Yousuke , Asano Tanemasa
Published: May 2016

The bonding dynamics of a cone-shaped microbump during ultrasonic bonding are investigated by in situ measurements of the strain generated in a substrate using a piezoresistance strain sensor. The strain sensor is composed of a pair of p- and n-type piezoresistance gauges to extract strain components in the ultrasonic vibration along the plane parallel to the substrate surface and along the direction perpendicular to the surface. Flip-chip bonding is performed at room-temperature. The time evolution of the strain generated in the substrate according to the load-up of pressing force and application of ultrasonic vibration is clearly detected. The softening of the bump metal during the application of ultrasonic vibration is clearly observed. Results of a comparative study between the bonding of a cone-shaped microbump and that of a flat-top microbump suggest mechanical stress concentration near the top end of the cone-shaped microbump, which results in the transformation of the crystal texture of the bump from grains to fine crystallites.
Evaluation technique for plasma-induced SiOC dielectric damage by capacitance–voltage hysteresis monitoring
Authors: Nishida Kentaro , Okada Yukimasa , Takao Yoshinori , Eriguchi Koji , Ono Kouichi
Published: May 2016

We propose an electrical method, named capacitance–voltage (C–V) monitoring, for quantifying plasma-induced damage (PID) to interlayer dielectrics. By this method, we measure the C–V hysteresis loops to assign carrier trap sites created by PID, and simultaneously obtain the change in the dielectric constant and thickness. We optimized the bias-sweep configuration for measuring the hysteresis curves. It is found that the C–V curve shifted in the negative direction during the optimized voltage sweep from accumulation to inversion in a pseudo-metal–oxide–semiconductor (MOS) structure. This implies the appearance of net positively charged sites owing to PID, presumably near the surface of the SiOC film. We estimate the density of defects created near the surface by monitoring the obtained C–V hysteresis curve shift. Since the degradation of interlayer dielectrics affects the circuit performance, the proposed quantitative method should be used for plasma process designs.
Study on the contact resistance of various metals (Au, Ti, and Sb) on Bi–Te and Sb–Te thermoelectric films
Authors: Yong Ho , Na Sekwon , Gang Jun-Gu , Shin HaeSun , Jeon Seong-Jae , Hyun SeungMin , Lee Hoo-Jeong
Published: May 2016

In this study, we explore various electrode materials (Au, Ti, and Sb) for use as contact materials on Bi2Te3 and Sb2Te3 thermoelectric films. Using the transmission line method (TLM), we measured the specific resistivity of the contacts, which showed that Au has the lowest contact resistivity for both the thermoelectric films (after annealing): 2.7 × 10−10 Ω m2 for Bi2Te3 and 2.9 × 10−11 Ω m2 for Sb2Te3. The specific contact resistivity data suggest that the dominant factor for the contact properties is interface states. After annealing, the contact resistivity does not change much for the Bi2Te3 contacts while it drops greatly for the Sb2Te3 ones. Analysis of the carrier transport mechanism across the contacts discloses that changes in the carrier concentration in the thermoelectric films after annealing are responsible for the different behaviors.
Light scattering model for individual sub-100-nm particle size determination in an evanescent field
Authors: Khajornrungruang Panart , Korkmaz Sevim , Angshuman Pal , Suzuki Keisuke , Kimura Keiichi , Babu Suryadevara V.
Published: May 2016

In this paper, we propose an optical method for observation and determination of individual nanosized particles that adhere to an interface by applying an evanescent field. Subsequently, we developed a portable (∼350 mm in length) experimental apparatus equipped with an optical microscopy system for particle observation. The observed intensity is consistent with that calculated using a light scattering model of sub-100-nm particles in the evanescent field.
Similarities between decapod and insect neuropeptidomes
Authors: Veenstra Jan A.
Published: May 2016

Background.Neuropeptides are important regulators of physiological processes and behavior. Although they tend to be generally well conserved, recent results using trancriptome sequencing on decapod crustaceans give the impression of significant differences between species, raising the question whether such differences are real or artefacts.

Methods.The BLAST+ program was used to find short reads coding neuropeptides and neurohormons in publicly available short read archives. Such reads were then used to find similar reads in the same archives, and the DNA assembly program Trinity was employed to construct contigs encoding the neuropeptide precursors as completely as possible.

Results.The seven decapod species analyzed in this fashion, the crabsEriocheir sinensis, Carcinus maenasandScylla paramamosain, the shrimpLitopenaeus vannamei, the lobsterHomarus americanus, the fresh water prawnMacrobrachium rosenbergiiand the crayfishProcambarus clarkiihad remarkably similar neuropeptidomes. Although some neuropeptide precursors could not be assembled, in many cases individual reads pertaining to the missing precursors show unambiguously that these neuropeptides are present in these species. In other cases, the tissues that express those neuropeptides were not used in the construction of the cDNA libraries. One novel neuropeptide was identified: elongated PDH (pigment dispersing hormone), a variation on PDH that has a two-amino-acid insertion in its core sequence. Hyrg is another peptide that is ubiquitously present in decapods and is likely a novel neuropeptide precursor.

Discussion.Many insect species have lost one or more neuropeptide genes, but apart from elongated PDH and hyrg all other decapod neuropeptides are present in at least some insect species, and allatotropin is the only insect neuropeptide missing from decapods. This strong similarity between insect and decapod neuropeptidomes makes it possible to predict the receptors for decapod neuropeptides that have been deorphanized in insects. This includes the androgenic insulin-like peptide that seems to be homologous to drosophila insulin-like peptide 8.
Shot noise modeling of daily streamflows: A hybrid spectral‐ and time‐domain calibration approach
Authors: Morlando F. , Cimorelli L. , Cozzolino L. , Mancini G. , Pianese D. , Garofalo F.
Published: May 2016

The aim of this paper is to describe and evaluate a hybrid spectral‐ and time‐domain approach for the calibration of shot noise models for daily streamflow generation. The calibration approach allows the parameter estimation of a minimum‐phase rainfall/streamflow model using two steps. In the predictor step, the power spectral density of a recorded streamflow series is used to calibrate the parameters connected with the model dynamics. During the corrector step, a classic time‐domain procedure is used to calibrate the parameters connected with the average output of the model and the parameters that characterize the rainfall stochastic process. The procedure is demonstrated through its application to the daily streamflow time series associated with three Italian watersheds, and its results are then compared with those obtained by means of a time‐domain calibration method available in the literature.
On the structural limitations of recursive digital filters for base flow estimation
Authors: Su Chun‐Hsu , Costelloe Justin F. , Peterson Tim J. , Western Andrew W.
Published: May 2016

Recursive digital filters (RDFs) are widely used for estimating base flow from streamflow hydrographs, and various forms of RDFs have been developed based on different physical models. Numerical experiments have been used to objectively evaluate their performance, but they have not been sufficiently comprehensive to assess a wide range of RDFs. This paper extends these studies to understand the limitations of a generalized RDF method as a pathway for future field calibration. Two formalisms are presented to generalize most existing RDFs, allowing systematic tuning of their complexity. The RDFs with variable complexity are evaluated collectively in a synthetic setting, using modeled daily base flow produced by Li et al. (2014) from a range of synthetic catchments simulated with HydroGeoSphere. Our evaluation reveals that there are optimal RDF complexities in reproducing base flow simulations but shows that there is an inherent physical inconsistency within the RDF construction. Even under the idealized setting where true base flow data are available to calibrate the RDFs, there is persistent disagreement between true and estimated base flow over catchments with small base flow components, low saturated hydraulic conductivity of the soil and larger surface runoff. The simplest explanation is that low base flow “signal” in the streamflow data is hard to distinguish, although more complex RDFs can improve upon the simpler Eckhardt filter at these catchments.
Detecting changes in future precipitation extremes over eight river basins in China using RegCM4 downscaling
Authors: Qin Peihua , Xie Zhenghui
Published: May 2016

To detect the frequency and intensity of precipitation extremes in China for the middle 21st century, simulations were conducted with the regional climate model RegCM4 forced by the global climate model GFDL_ESM2M under the middle emission scenario (RCP4.5). Compared with observed precipitation extremes for the reference period from 1982 to 2001, RegCM4 generally performed better in most river basins of China relative to GFDL. In the future period 2032–2051, more wet extremes will occur relative to the present period in most study areas, especially in southeast China while significantly less dry extremes will occur in arid and semiarid areas in northwest China. In contrast, areas in northwest China showed an increase in the trend of dry extremes (CDD) and a decrease in the trend of wet extremes (R95p and Rx5day), which might result in more drought in the future. Finally, we discuss in detail the possible reason of these processes, such as zonal wind, vertical wind, and water vapor. In the Huaihe river basin (HU), reduced south winds in summer (June–August) and a decrease of the upward vertical p velocity cause less future precipitation and might lead to changes of extreme events. We also completed correlation analysis between the precipitation extreme indices and the climate factors and found that the precipitation extremes were more sensitive to the annual and seasonal mean precipitation, total water vapor, and upward vertical wind relative to the geopotential height and 2 m temperature over most river basins in China. Perhaps the changes of some wet extremes could be verified partly through changes of annual precipitation due to their high consistence.
Nanostructured Si/Organic Heterojunction Solar Cells with High Open‐Circuit Voltage via Improving Junction Quality
Authors: Wu Shan , Cui Wei , Aghdassi Nabi , Song Tao , Duhm Steffen , Lee Shuit‐Tong , Sun Baoquan
Published: May 2016

Nanostructured silicon (Si) can provide improved light harvest efficiencies in organic‐Si heterojunction solar cells due to its low light reflection ratio compared with planar one. However, the associated large surface/volume ratio of nanostructured Si suffers from serious surface recombination as well as poor adhesion with organics in organic‐Si heterojunction solar cells, which leads to an inferior open‐circuit voltage (Voc). Here, we develop a simple and effective method to suppress charge recombination as well as enhancing adhesion force between nanostructured Si and organics by incorporating a silane chemical, namely 3‐glycidoxypropyltrimethoxydsilane (GOPS). GOPS can chemically graft onto nanostructured Si and improve the aqueous organic wetting properties, suppressing surface charge recombination velocity dramatically. In addition, this chemically grafted layer can enhance adhesion force between organics and Si. In such a way, a record Voc of 640 mV associated with a power conversion efficiency of 14.1% is obtained for organic‐nanostructured Si heterojunction devices. These findings suggest a promising approach to low‐cost and simple fabrication for high‐performance organic‐Si solar cells.