bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of the Dielectric Constant and Ion Mobility in Light‐Emitting Electrochemical Cells
Authors: Bastatas Lyndon D. , Moore Matthew D. , Slinker Jason D.
Published: November 2017

Light‐emitting electrochemical cells (LEECs) are a promising low‐cost option for display and solid‐state lighting. In these devices, the interplay of mobile ions, electrons, and holes makes for rich physics that can be leveraged for high performance. One example of this interplay is in the formation and radiative decay of excitons–bound electron and hole pairs. Considerations from exciton binding and Langevin recombination suggest that a low dielectric constant (ϵ) would enhance emission. However, emission is also enhanced by the product of the bulk hole and electron concentrations, which in LEECs are enhanced by the motion of small mobile ions yielding high dielectric constants. These competing effects make it difficult to predict whether active layers with low or high dielectric constants will optimize device performance. Here, the effect of varying the dielectric constant on the performance of LEEC devices from ionic transition‐metal complexes was studied by systematically exchanging the negative counterions paired with an iridium complex emitter. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, constant voltage and constant current device studies, and drift‐diffusion simulations were performed. The results clarify the competing effects of Langevin bimolecular recombination and ion‐assisted injection processes occurring in LEECs.
Simultaneous Detection of Protein and mRNA in Jurkat and KG‐1a Cells by Mass Cytometry
Authors: Mavropoulos Anastasia , Allo Bedilu , He Mingxiao , Park Emily , Majonis Daniel , Ornatsky Olga
Published: November 2017

Mass cytometry uniquely enables high‐dimensional single‐cell analysis of complex populations. This recently developed technology is based on inductively coupled time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry for multiplex proteomic analysis of more than 40 markers per cell. The ability to characterize the transcriptome is critical for the understanding of disease pathophysiology, medical diagnostics, and drug discovery. Current techniques allowing the in situ detection of transcripts in single cells are limited to a small number of simultaneous targets and are generally tedious and labor‐intensive. In this report, we present the development of a multiplex method for targeted RNA detection by combining the mass cytometry and RNAscope® platforms. This novel assay, called Metal In Situ Hybridization (MISH), includes the hybridization of RNA‐specific target probes followed by signal amplification achieved through a cascade of hybridization events, ending with the binding of amplifier‐specific detector probes. The detector probes are tagged with isotopically pure metal atoms used for detection by mass cytometry. Proof‐of‐principle experiments show the simultaneous detection of three mRNA targets in Jurkat cells in suspension cell assay mode. The localization of transcripts was also investigated using the imaging mass cytometry platform in Jurkat and KG‐1a cells. In addition, we optimized the antibody staining procedure to allow the co‐detection of mRNA and cell surface markers. Our data demonstrate that MISH can be used to complement protein detection by mass cytometry as well as to investigate gene transcription and translation in single cells. © 2017 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Advanced Metal Oxide@Carbon Nanotubes for High‐Energy Lithium‐Ion Full Batteries
Authors: Ming Hai , Zhou Hong , Zhu Xiayu , Zhang Songtong , Zhao Pengcheng , Li Meng , Wang Limin , Ming Jun
Published: November 2017

A strategy to synthesize a Fe3O4@carbon nanotube (CNT) composite with high tap density of 1.22 g cm−3 and electronic conductivity of 4.1 S cm−1 is developed. The Fe3O4@CNT composite exhibits an extremely high capacity of over 1263 mAh g−1, even after 125 cycles at a current density of 100 mA g−1. Additionally, a lithium‐ion full battery of Fe3O4@CNT|LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 with an energy density of 2283 Wh kganode−1 (381 Wh kgcathode−1) is successfully configured. After optimization of the work voltage windows and electrolyte additives, it has a capacity retention of 71 % after more than 400 cycles. Using this synthetic strategy, additional metal oxide@CNT (e.g., Co3O4, MnO2, CuO, ZnO) composites with high lithium storage capability are explored, and their electrochemical differences versus the cathode of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 are investigated in light of their superior performances. Applying this type of metal oxide‐based composite in full cells is a significant step to the development of high‐energy lithium‐ion batteries and to further applications in current sodium‐ion batteries.
Software agents meet internet of things
Authors: Maamar Zakaria , Faci Noura , Kallel Slim , Sellami Mohamed , Ugljanin Emir
Published: November 2017

The last few years have seen a rapid democratization of things to the extent that they have become omnipresent in our surroundings and daily lives. Many buzzwords like smart cities, smart homes, and smart wrists exemplify thing democratization. Unfortunately, Internet of Things (IoT) adoption is slowing down due to first, the nature of things being usually “passive” and second, the multiplicity of things' development tools and communication standards. Both are impacting the quality of IoT applications and undermining the capabilities that these applications could offer to users. In this position paper, we discuss the “agentification” of things, using norms and commitments, as a means to address their passive nature. At the conceptual level, norms ensure that things operate in accordance to users' best interests. Also, at the operational level, commitments ensure that things will not deviate from the prescribed norms and hence, avoid violations that could lead to penalties. An architecture supporting thing agentification along with some ongoing efforts are discussed in this paper.
Expeditious emergency room referral pathway improves patient access to otolaryngology care
Authors: Johnson Jeffrey , Jiang Zi Yang , Martinez Daniel , Smith David , Curtis Elizabeth , Robinson David , Alava Ibrahim
Published: November 2017

Objectives

Historically at a multi‐hospital residency program, there was an unexpected number of non‐urgent consults from the county hospital emergency room (ER) that caused residents to make more trips between hospitals and come closer to violating duty hours. Moreover, there was also a poor follow‐up rate for these patients. An alternate pathway to redirect such consults to the Otorhinolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (ORL–HNS) clinic, staffed by an attending physician, was devised. This study illustrates how an undemanding process change can improve access to care, and resident duty hours and satisfaction.

Study Design

Quality Improvement Study

Methods

The average rate of no‐show appointments and overall number of patients referred from the county hospital ER; a survey of impact on resident workload; and an average number of on‐call resident trips to county hospital were compared in the 12 months before and after implementation of an expedited ER referral pathway.

Results

The overall number of patients referred to clinic from ER increased by 35% (123 to 166 patients). The average number of completed visits for patients referred to the ORL‐HNS clinic from the ER increased by 29% (91 to 117 patients). There was no statistically significant change in the no‐show rate of said patients. The average number of overnight resident trips to the county hospital, frequency of resident unpreparedness for routine clinical duty and need to alter schedule to avoid duty hour violations all decreased, while resident satisfaction increased.

Conclusions

An undemanding process change in a safety‐net, publicly‐funded, county hospital setting can decrease resident workload and improve satisfaction while possibly improving patient access to specialty clinic care and follow‐up rates for patients.

Level of Evidence

clinical outcomes, level IV
A presentation theorem for continuous logic and metric abstract elementary classes
Authors: Boney Will
Published: November 2017

In recent years, model theory has widened its scope to include metric structures by considering real‐valued models whose underlying set is a complete metric space. We show that it is possible to carry out this work by giving presentation theorems that translate the two main frameworks (continuous first order logic and Metric Abstract Elementary Classes) into discrete settings (a nice fragment of and Abstract Elementary Classes, respectively). We also translate various notions of classification theory.
What measurements of neutrino neutral current events can reveal
Authors: Gandhi Raj , Kayser Boris , Prakash Suprabh , Roy Samiran
Published: November 2017

Abstract

We show that neutral current (NC) measurements at neutrino detectors can play a valuable role in the search for new physics. Such measurements have certain intrinsic features and advantages that can fruitfully be combined with the usual well-studied charged lepton detection channels in order to probe the presence of new interactions or new light states. In addition to the fact that NC events are immune to uncertainties in standard model neutrino mixing and mass parameters, they can have small matter effects and superior rates since all three flavours participate. We also show, as a general feature, that NC measurements provide access to different combinations of CP phases and mixing parameters compared to CC measurements at both long and short baseline experiments. Using the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) as an illustrative setting, we demonstrate the capability of NC measurements to break degeneracies arising in CC measurements, allowing us, in principle, to distinguish between new physics that violates three flavour unitarity and that which does not. Finally, we show that NC measurements can enable us to restrict new physics parameters that are not easily constrained by CC measurements.
Large-scale join-idle-queue system with general service times
Authors: Foss S. , Stolyar A. L.
Published: November 2017

A parallel server system with n identical servers is considered. The service time distribution has a finite mean 1 / μ, but otherwise is arbitrary. Arriving customers are routed to one of the servers immediately upon arrival. The join-idle-queue routeing algorithm is studied, under which an arriving customer is sent to an idle server, if such is available, and to a randomly uniformly chosen server, otherwise. We consider the asymptotic regime where n → ∞ and the customer input flow rate is λn. Under the condition λ / μ < ½, we prove that, as n → ∞, the sequence of (appropriately scaled) stationary distributions concentrates at the natural equilibrium point, with the fraction of occupied servers being constant at λ / μ. In particular, this implies that the steady-state probability of an arriving customer waiting for service vanishes.
The distribution of refracted Lévy processes with jumps having rational Laplace transforms
Authors: Zhou Jiang , Wu Lan
Published: November 2017

We consider a refracted jump diffusion process having two-sided jumps with rational Laplace transforms. For such a process, by applying a straightforward but interesting approach, we derive formulae for the Laplace transform of its distribution. Our formulae are presented in an attractive form and the approach is novel. In particular, the idea in the application of an approximating procedure is remarkable. In addition, the results are used to price variable annuities with state-dependent fees.
Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) predicts therapy response in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Trajkovic-Arsic M. , Heid I. , Steiger K. , Gupta A. , Fingerle A. , Wörner C. , Teichmann N. , Sengkwawoh-Lueong S. , Wenzel P. , Beer A. J. , Esposito I. , Braren R. , Siveke J. T.
Published: November 2017

Recent advances in molecular subtyping of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) support individualization of therapeutic strategies in this most aggressive disease. With the emergence of various novel therapeutic strategies and neoadjuvant approaches in this quickly deteriorating disease, robust approaches for fast evaluation of therapy response are urgently needed. To this aim, we designed a preclinical imaging-guided therapy trial where genetically engineered mice harboring endogenous aggressive PDAC were treated with the MEK targeting drug refametinib, which induces rapid and profound tumor regression in this model system. Multi-parametric non-invasive imaging was used for therapy response monitoring. A significant increase in the Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging derived Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) was noted already 24 hours after treatment onset. Histopathological analyses showed increased apoptosis and matrix remodeling at this time point. Our findings suggest the ADC parameter as an early predictor of therapy response in PDAC.
Complement 5a Receptor deficiency does not influence adverse cardiac remodeling after pressure-overload in mice
Authors: de Haan Judith J. , Bosch Lena , Borgman Anouska , Bastemeijer Marissa , Brans Maike A. D. , van de Weg Sander M. , de Kleijn Dominique P. V. , Sluijter Joost P. G. , el Azzouzi Hamid , de Jager Saskia C. A.
Published: November 2017

Hypertension is one of the most common risk factors for the development heart failure in the general population. Inflammation plays a central role in this adverse remodeling and eventually to the development of heart failure. Circulating levels of Complement factor 5a (C5a) are increased in hypertensive patients and the C5a receptor is associated with the presence of cardiac fibrosis and inflammation in an experimental hypertension model. To test if C5aR is involved in adverse cardiac remodeling following pressure-overload, we induced transverse aortic constriction (TAC) in wildtype and C5a receptor deficient mice (C5aR−/−). Six weeks after TAC, C5aR-/- animals showed a similar degree of cardiac hypertrophy and decrease in cardiac function as wild type mice (End Systolic Volume; 50.30±5.32 µl vs. 55.81±8.16 µl). In addition, other features of adverse cardiac remodeling like cardiomyocyte cell size (WGA staining), fibrosis (picrosirius red staining) or collagen degradation (matrix metalloproteinase activity assay) did not differ either. In conclusion, full body C5aR deficiency does not affect adverse cardiac remodeling after pressure-overload. However, our finding are in contrast with C5a inhibition studies. Our observations do present the role of C5a-C5aR in adverse cardiac remodeling and heart failure as controversial at the least.
Author Correction: Control of in vivo ictogenesis via endogenous synaptic pathways
Authors: Luna-Munguia Hiram , Starski Phillip , Chen Wu , Gliske Stephen , Stacey William C.
Published: November 2017

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML version of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
GWAS of the electrocardiographic QT interval in Hispanics/Latinos generalizes previously identified loci and identifies population-specific signals
Authors: Méndez-Giráldez Raúl , Gogarten Stephanie M. , Below Jennifer E. , Yao Jie , Seyerle Amanda A. , Highland Heather M. , Kooperberg Charles , Soliman Elsayed Z. , Rotter Jerome I. , Kerr Kathleen F. , Ryckman Kelli K. , Taylor Kent D. , Petty Lauren E. , Shah Sanjiv J. , Conomos Matthew P. , Sotoodehnia Nona , Cheng Susan , Heckbert Susan R. , Sofer Tamar , Guo Xiuqing , Whitsel Eric A. , Lin Henry J. , Hanis Craig L. , Laurie Cathy C. , Avery Christy L.
Published: November 2017

QT interval prolongation is a heritable risk factor for ventricular arrhythmias and can predispose to sudden death. Most genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of QT were performed in European ancestral populations, leaving other groups uncharacterized. Herein we present the first QT GWAS of Hispanic/Latinos using data on 15,997 participants from four studies. Study-specific summary results of the association between 1000 Genomes Project (1000G) imputed SNPs and electrocardiographically measured QT were combined using fixed-effects meta-analysis. We identified 41 genome-wide significant SNPs that mapped to 13 previously identified QT loci. Conditional analyses distinguished six secondary signals at NOS1AP (n = 2), ATP1B1 (n = 2), SCN5A (n = 1), and KCNQ1 (n = 1). Comparison of linkage disequilibrium patterns between the 13 lead SNPs and six secondary signals with previously reported index SNPs in 1000G super populations suggested that the SCN5A and KCNE1 lead SNPs were potentially novel and population-specific. Finally, of the 42 suggestively associated loci, AJAP1 was suggestively associated with QT in a prior East Asian GWAS; in contrast BVES and CAP2 murine knockouts caused cardiac conduction defects. Our results indicate that whereas the same loci influence QT across populations, population-specific variation exists, motivating future trans-ethnic and ancestrally diverse QT GWAS.
Phagosomal transport depends strongly on phagosome size
Authors: Keller S. , Berghoff K. , Kress H.
Published: November 2017

Macrophages internalize pathogens for intracellular degradation. An important part of this process is the phagosomal transport from the cell periphery to the perinuclear region. Biochemical factors are known to influence the fate of phagosomes. Here, we show that the size of phagosomes also has a strong influence on their transport. We found that large phagosomes are transported persistently to the nucleus, whereas small phagosomes show strong bidirectional transport. We show that dynein motors play a larger role in the transport of large phagosomes, whereas actin filament-based motility plays a larger role in the transport of small phagosomes. Furthermore, we investigated the spatial distribution of dyneins and microtubules around phagosomes and hypothesize that dynein and microtubule density differences between the nucleus-facing side of phagosomes and the opposite side could explain part of the observed transport characteristics. Our findings suggest that a size-dependent cellular sorting mechanism might exist that supports macrophages in their immunological roles.
Superconductivity in two-dimensional ferromagnetic MnB
Authors: Farooq M. Umar , Hashmi Arqum , Khan Imran , Hong Jisang
Published: November 2017

Using the universal structure predictor algorithm, we proposed that two-dimensional MnB structures with p4mmm (α-MnB) and pmma (β-MnB) symmetries could be synthesized. This finding was verified by calculating the dynamical stability, molecular dynamics, and mechanical properties. The α-MnB had an in-plane stiffness Y
x
(=Y
y
) around 100 N/m while the β-Mn displayed an asymmetric mechanical stiffness of Y
x
 = 186 N/m and Y
y
 = 139 N/m. Both systems displayed a ferromagnetic ground state with metallic band structures. The calculated magnetic moments were 2.14 and 2.34 µB per Mn-B pair in the α-MnB and β-MnB. Furthermore, we investigated the potential superconductivity. In the α-MnB, we found the unique feature of Kohn anomaly at q~2kF in the diagonal direction of the Brillouin zone. The β-MnB phonon spectra showed a valley of degenerated localized softening vibration modes at the edge of the Brillouin zone. The ZA and LA phonon branches in this valley induced the largest contribution to electron-phonon coupling strength. The calculated total electron-phonon coupling parameters were 1.20 and 0.89 in α-MnB and β-MnB systems. Overall, we predict that the α-MnB and β-MnB systems can display 2D ferromagnetic superconducting states with the estimated critical temperatures of Tc ≈ 10−13 K.
Multivalent Fcγ-receptor engagement by a hexameric Fc-fusion protein triggers Fcγ-receptor internalisation and modulation of Fcγ-receptor functions
Authors: Qureshi O. S. , Rowley T. F. , Junker F. , Peters S. J. , Crilly S. , Compson J. , Eddleston A. , Björkelund H. , Greenslade K. , Parkinson M. , Davies N. L. , Griffin R. , Pither T. L. , Cain K. , Christodoulou L. , Staelens L. , Ward E. , Tibbitts J. , Kiessling A. , Smith B. , Brennan F. R. , Malmqvist M. , Fallah-Arani F. , Humphreys D. P.
Published: November 2017

Engagement of Fcγ-receptors triggers a range of downstream signalling events resulting in a diverse array of immune functions. As a result, blockade of Fc-mediated function is an important strategy for the control of several autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. We have generated a hexameric-Fc fusion protein (hexameric-Fc) and tested the consequences of multi-valent Fcγ-receptor engagement inin vitroandin vivosystems.In vitroengagement of hexameric-Fc with FcγRs showed complex binding interactions that altered with receptor density and triggered the internalisation and degradation of Fcγ-receptors. This caused a disruption of Fc-binding and phagocytosis.In vivo, in a mouse ITP model we observed a short half-life of hexameric-Fc but were nevertheless able to observe inhibition of platelet phagocytosis several days after hexameric-Fc dosing. In cynomolgus monkeys, we again observed a short half-life, but were able to demonstrate effective FcγR blockade. These findings demonstrate the ability of multi-valent Fc-based therapeutics to interfere with FcγR function and a potential mechanism through which they could have a sustained effect; the internalisation and degradation of FcγRs.
Tuning Alginate Bioink Stiffness and Composition for Controlled Growth Factor Delivery and to Spatially Direct MSC Fate within Bioprinted Tissues
Authors: Freeman Fiona E. , Kelly Daniel J.
Published: November 2017

Alginate is a commonly used bioink in 3D bioprinting. Matrix stiffness is a key determinant of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) differentiation, suggesting that modulation of alginate bioink mechanical properties represents a promising strategy to spatially regulate MSC fate within bioprinted tissues. In this study, we define a printability window for alginate of differing molecular weight (MW) by systematically varying the ratio of alginate to ionic crosslinker within the bioink. We demonstrate that the MW of such alginate bioinks, as well as the choice of ionic crosslinker, can be tuned to control the mechanical properties (Young’s Modulus, Degradation Rate) of 3D printed constructs. These same factors are also shown to influence growth factor release from the bioinks. We next explored if spatially modulating the stiffness of 3D bioprinted hydrogels could be used to direct MSC fate inside printed tissues. Using the same alginate and crosslinker, but varying the crosslinking ratio, it is possible to bioprint constructs with spatially varying mechanical microenvironments. Moreover, these spatially varying microenvironments were found to have a significant effect on the fate of MSCs within the alginate bioinks, with stiffer regions of the bioprinted construct preferentially supporting osteogenesis over adipogenesis.
Features of electronic and lattice mechanisms of transboundary heat transfer in multilayer nanolaminate TiAlN/Ag coatings
Authors: Kovalev A. I. , Wainstein D. L. , Vakhrushev V. O. , Gago R. , Soldera F. , Endrino J. L. , Fox-Rabinovich G. S. , Veldhuis S.
Published: November 2017

Plasmon resonance heterogeneities were identified and studied along Ag and TiAlN layers within a multilayer stack in nanolaminate TiAlN/Ag coatings. For this purpose, a high-resolution plasmon microscopy was used. The plasmons intensity, energy, and depth of interface plasmon-polariton penetration were studied by scanning reflected electron energy loss spectroscopy. The heat conductivity of such metal-insulator-metal (MIM) nanolaminate coatings was measured by laser reflectometry. Dependencies of thermal conductivity coefficient of coatings, MIM interfaces, and resistivity of Ag layers as a function of the Ag-TiAlN bilayer thickness were calculated on the basis of experimental data. The contribution of plasmon resonance confinement to the abnormal lower thermal conductivity in the MIM metamaterial with Ag layer thickness below 25 nm is discussed. In particular, the results highlight the relevant role of different heat transfer mechanisms between MI and IM interfaces: asymmetry of plasmon-polariton interactions on upper and lower boundaries of Ag layer and asymmetry of LA and TA phonons propagation through interfaces.
Stationary Rossby waves dominate subduction of anthropogenic carbon in the Southern Ocean
Authors: Langlais C. E. , Lenton A. , Matear R. , Monselesan D. , Legresy B. , Cougnon E. , Rintoul S.
Published: November 2017

The Southern Ocean has taken up more than 40% of the total anthropogenic carbon (Cant) stored in the oceans since the preindustrial era, mainly in subantarctic mode and intermediate waters (SAMW-AAIW). However, the physical mechanisms responsible for the transfer of Cant into the ocean interior remain poorly understood. Here, we use high resolution (1/10°) ocean simulations to investigate these mechanisms at the SAMW-AAIW subduction hotspots. Mesoscale Stationary Rossby Waves (SRWs), generated where the Antarctic Circumpolar Current interacts with topography, make the dominant contribution to the Cant transfer in SAMW-AAIW in the Indian and Pacific sectors (66% and 95% respectively). Eddy-resolving simulations reproduce the observed Cant sequestration in these layers, while lower spatial resolution models, that do not reproduce SRWs, underestimate the inventory of Cant in these layers by 40% and overestimate the storage in denser layers. A key implication is that climate model simulations, that lack sufficient resolution to represent sequestration by SRWs, are therefore likely to overestimate the residence time of Cant in the ocean, with implications for simulated rates of climate change.
CRISPR/Cas9 mediated mutation of mouse IL-1α nuclear localisation sequence abolishes expression
Authors: Daniels Michael J. D. , Adamson Antony D. , Humphreys Neil , Brough David
Published: November 2017

Inflammation is a host defense process against infection. Inflammatory mediators include cytokines of the interleukin-1 family, such as IL-1α and IL-1β. Unlike IL-1β, IL-1α carries an N-terminal nuclear localisation sequence (NLS) and is trafficked to the nucleus. The importance of IL-1α nuclear localisation is poorly understood. Here, we used CRISPR/Cas9 to make inactivating mutations to the NLS on the Il1a gene. A colony of NLS mutant mice was successfully generated with precise knock-in mutations to incapacitate NLS function. NLS mutant mice had no gross changes in immunophenotype or inflammatory response but, surprisingly, failed to express IL-1α. We deduced that, in making specific mutations in the Il1a gene, we also mutated a long-noncoding (lnc)RNA in the complementary strand which has cis-regulatory transcriptional control of the Il1a gene itself. The mutations generated in the Il1a gene also result in mutation of the lncRNA sequence and a predicted alteration of its secondary structure, potentially explaining a subsequent failure to function as a transcriptional activator of Il1a expression. Thus, lncRNA secondary structure may regulate IL-1α expression. Our results serve as a cautionary note that CRISPR –mediated genome editing without full knowledge of genomic context can result in unexpected, yet potentially informative observations.
Growth of Graphene/h-BN Heterostructures on Recyclable Pt Foils by One-Batch Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Qian Yongteng , Van Ngoc Huynh , Kang Dae Joon
Published: November 2017

High-quality large-area graphene/h-BN vertical heterostructures are promising building blocks for many viable applications such as energy harvesting/conversion, electronics and optoelectronics. Here, we successfully grew high-quality large-area graphene/h-BN vertical heterostructures on Pt foils by one-batch low-pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD). We obtained the high quality of about 200-µm-wide graphene/h-BN film having uniform layer thickness. Moreover, the obtained graphene/h-BN heterostructures exhibited field effect mobility of up to 7,200 cm2V−1s−1 at room temperature. These results suggest that such graphene/h-BN heterostructures on recyclable Pt foils grown by LPCVD are promising for high-performance graphene-based electronics.
Biphasic drug release from electrospun polyblend nanofibers for optimized local cancer treatment
Authors: Kuang Gaizhen , Zhang Zhiyun , Liu Shi , Zhou Dongfang , Lu Xiaolan , Jing Xiabin , Huang Yubin
Published: November 2017

We report the first attempt to apply biphasic drug release from electrospun polyblend nanofibers for optimized local cancer treatment.
Chemotherapie beim älteren Patienten mit nicht kleinzelligem Lungenkarzinom: Eine nichtinterventionelle, prospektive, multizentrische Beobachtungsstudie
Authors: Heigener David , Hoeffken Gert , Wuerflein Dieter , Feurer Matthias , Rittmeyer Achim , Huber Roland , Pietsch Markus , Ring Arne , Deppermann Karl-Matthias
Published: November 2017

Hintergrund Auch für ältere Patienten (> 70 Jahre) ist der Nutzen einer palliativen Chemotherapie beim NSCLC durch Studien gut belegt. Wir haben eine multizentrische, prospektive Datensammlung über die Therapieentscheidungen bei Patienten älter als 70 Jahre durchgeführt, um die klinische Versorgungsrealität in Hinblick auf Überlebensdaten und Komorbiditäten in Deutschland zu analysieren.

Material und Methoden Eingeschlossen wurden Patienten die 70 Jahre oder älter waren und ein Lungenkarzinom im Stadium IIIB oder IV hatten. Die Zentren durften jeweils 20 konsekutive Patienten einschließen. Es wurden die Komorbiditäten dokumentiert und mittels des Charlson-Comorbidity-Scores bewertet sowie die Überlebensdaten erfasst.

Ergebnisse 253 Patienten wurden dokumentiert. Das mediane Alter betrug 75,5 Jahre (Bereich 70 – 92 Jahre) und 75 % der Patienten waren männlich. 2 % der Patienten wiesen keinerlei Komorbiditäten auf, 5 % eine, 15 % zwei, 24 % drei und 55 % mehr als drei. 237 Patienten (94 %) erhielten eine systemische Chemotherapie: 172 (73 %) als Kombinationstherapie und 58 (24 %) als Monotherapie, von sieben Patienten gibt es keine Angaben bezüglich der Therapie. Von den Kombinationstherapien beinhalteten 66 % Carboplatin und 30 % Cisplatin. Die am häufigsten gegebene Monotherapie war Vinorelbin in 50 % der Fälle. In der Gruppe der über Achtzigjährigen (n = 38) erhielten 53 % eine Monotherapie, 29 % eine Carboplatin-haltige Kombinationstherapie und 16 % keine systemische Therapie. Cisplatin wurde in dieser Gruppe nicht verabreicht. Das mediane Überleben im Gesamtkollektiv betrug 16,9 Monate. Patienten mit einem Charlson-Score von ≤ 6 erreichten 17,9 Monate, solche mit einem von > 6 erreichten 12,0 Monate. In der Gruppe der Patienten, welche eine Kombinationstherapie erhielten, war das Gesamtüberleben median 23,5 Monate. Patienten, die älter als 80 Jahre waren, erreichten hier nur 5,7 Monate.

Schlussfolgerung Patienten älter als 70 Jahre erhielten zu einem hohen Anteil eine systemische Therapie. Das Überleben hing stärker von den Komorbiditäten als von dem Alter der Patienten ab.
Amitabh Bachchan
Authors: Singh Sunny
Published: November 2017

In this unique study of the star, Sunny Singh examines Amitabh Bachchan's film performances and his star persona, locating them in the context of cultural phenomena and global branding, and explores the reasons behind the longevity of his stardom. This illuminating analysis assesses the full range of Bachchan's work, personality and influence - political, social, economic and technological. With in-depth analyses of key films and their wide-ranging social contexts, Singh offers a provocative and in-depth study of the superstar, his extensive career to date as well as the nature of Indian, Asian, and global stardom.

An ideal resource for undergraduate and postgraduate students of film and television studies, this fascinating guide will also appeal to film lovers and anyone interested in this famed actor's transnational career.
Computing aggregate properties of preimages for 2D cellular automata
Authors: Beer Randall D.
Published: November 2017

Computing properties of the set of precursors of a given configuration is a common problem underlying many important questions about cellular automata. Unfortunately, such computations quickly become intractable in dimension greater than one. This paper presents an algorithm—incremental aggregation—that can compute aggregate properties of the set of precursors exponentially faster than naïve approaches. The incremental aggregation algorithm is demonstrated on two problems from the two-dimensional binary Game of Life cellular automaton: precursor count distributions and higher-order mean field theory coefficients. In both cases, incremental aggregation allows us to obtain new results that were previously beyond reach.
Charged particle reflection by a planar artificially structured boundary with electrostatic plugging
Authors: Hedlof R. M. , Ordonez C. A.
Published: November 2017

A classical trajectory Monte Carlo simulation is used to investigate an artificially structured boundary for confinement and control of charged particles. The artificially structured boundary considered here incorporates a planar sequence of conducting wires, where adjacent wires carry current in opposite directions. Such a configuration creates a sequence of magnetic cusps and was studied previously [C. A. Ordonez, J. Appl. Phys. 106, 024905 (2009)]. The effect of introducing a sequence of electrodes for electrostatic plugging of the cusps is investigated. The results of the simulations are used to identify regions of parameter space in which particle losses through the cusps may be negligible in the single particle limit. A trap based on a cylindrical generalization of the artificially structured boundary presented here may lead to a method for confining non-neutral and partially neutralized plasmas along the edge, such that the bulk of a confined plasma is effectively free of externally applied electromagnetic fields.
Crystalline arthropathy and bone health
Authors: Chang Ian , Gazeley David
Published: November 2017

Purpose of review

The purpose of this review is to provide insight on the proposed association between crystal arthritis and bone health. Crystal arthritis is the most common type of inflammatory arthritis, and fractures contribute to significant morbidity and mortality, therefore, the relationship between the two is of clinical importance.

Recent findings

There have been variable findings regarding hyperuricemia, low bone density and risk of fracture. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis of available literature showed a correlation between increased serum uric acid and lower risk of fracture. Less is known about calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease and bone health, although two large studies have suggested an association with osteopenia.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of available data suggest a correlation between increased serum uric acid and lower risk of fracture. Findings support an association between bone health and crystal arthritis which warrants further study and may have implications for how we treat gout.
Evaluation of a Trabecular Microbypass Stent With Cataract Extraction in Severe Primary Open-angle Glaucoma
Authors: Ferguson Tanner , Swan Russell , Ibach Mitch , Schweitzer Justin , Sudhagoni Ramu , Berdahl John P.
Published: November 2017

Purpose:

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a trabecular microbypass stent combined with cataract surgery in patients with severe open-angle glaucoma.

Patients:

The series included 59 eyes with severe primary open-angle glaucoma and severe visual field loss as defined by American Academy of Ophthalmology preferred practice pattern criteria.

Materials and Methods:

Retrospective case series. Patients were implanted with 1 trabecular microbypass stent with concomitant cataract surgery. Primary outcome measures were intraocular pressure (IOP) and number of glaucoma medications. Safety measures included postoperative IOP pressure spikes ≥15 mm Hg or IOP<6 mm Hg at any time point, and the need for additional surgery.

Results:

The mean preoperative IOP was 19.25±6.97 mm Hg. Postoperatively, the mean IOP was 14.38±3.63 mm Hg (P<0.01) at 12 months and 14.92±3.86 mm Hg (P<0.01) at 24 months. The mean number of glaucoma medications was 2.27±1.06 preoperatively and 1.63±1.17 (P<0.01) at 24 months postoperative, indicating a 28% reduction in medication use. In total, 4 (7%) eyes required additional surgery. In total, 5 eyes (8%) experienced IOP spikes ≥15 mm Hg, 14 (24%) eyes had IOP spikes ≥10 mm Hg. Overall 55% of eyes had a 20% IOP reduction after 24 months of surgery. Eyes with baseline IOP≤19 had a mean reduction of 2.24 mm Hg 36 months after surgery.

Conclusions:

Trabecular microbypass stent implantation during cataract surgery safely and effectively lowers IOP and medication use in patients with severe primary open-angle glaucoma.
Penetrance of polygenic obesity susceptibility loci across the body mass index distribution: an update on scaling effects
Authors: Abadi Arkan , Alyass Akram , Robiou du Pont Sebastien , Bolker Ben , Singh Pardeep , Mohan Viswanathan , Diaz Rafael , Engert James C. , Gerstein Hertzel C. , Anand Sonia S. , Meyre David
Published: November 2017

A growing number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been associated with body mass index (BMI) and obesity, but whether the effect of these obesity susceptibility loci is uniform across the BMI distribution remains unclear. We studied the effects of 37 BMI/obesity-associated SNPs in 75,230 adults of European ancestry along BMI percentiles using conditional quantile regression (CQR) and meta-regression (MR) models. The effects of 9 SNPs (24%) increased significantly across the sample BMI distribution including, FTO (rs1421085, p=8.69×10−15), PCSK1 (rs6235, p=7.11×10−06), TCF7L2 (rs7903146, p=9.60×10−06), MC4R (rs11873305, p=5.08×10−05), FANCL (rs12617233, p=5.30×10−05), GIPR (rs11672660, p=1.64×−04), MAP2K5 (rs997295, p=3.25×10−04), FTO (rs6499653, p=6.23×10−04) and NT5C2 (rs3824755, p=7.90×10−04). We showed that such increases stem from unadjusted gene interactions that enhanced the effects of SNPs in persons with high BMI. When 125 height-associated were analyzed for comparison, only one (<1%), IGF1 (rs6219, p=1.80×10−04), showed effects that varied significantly across height percentiles. Cumulative gene scores of these SNPs (GS-BMI and GS-Height, respectively) showed that only GS-BMI had effects that increased significantly across the sample distribution (BMI: p=7.03×10−37, Height: p=0.499). Overall, these findings underscore the importance of gene-gene and gene-environment interactions in shaping the genetic architecture of BMI and advance a method to detect such interactions using only the sample outcome distribution.
The paradoxical sustainability of periodic migration and habitat destruction
Authors: Tan Zong Xuan , Cheong Kang Hao
Published: November 2017

Some species and societies engage in sustainable habitat destruction by periodically alternating between a low-growth migratory lifestyle and high-growth but destructive behavior. Examples include nomadic pastoralism and shifting cultivation, practiced by humans for millenia. Although specific models have been developed for species or societies which practice periodic migration and habitat destruction, theoretical insight into such phenomena as a whole is lacking. Here we present a general model of populations which alternate between migratory but negative-growth ‘nomadism’ and destructive ‘colonialism’ which yields high but short-term growth. Despite both strategies individually resulting in extinction, we demonstrate that a population can sustainably colonize an arbitrarily large network of habitats by alternating between the two. This counter-intuitive result can be interpreted in terms of both Parrondo’s paradox and the exploration-exploitation dilemma, suggesting answers to the question of sustainable development.
Molecular architectures of benzoic acid-specific type III polyketide synthases
Authors: Stewart Charles , Woods Kate , Macias Greg , Allan Andrew C. , Hellens Roger P. , Noel Joseph P.
Published: November 2017

Biphenyl synthase and benzophenone synthase constitute an evolutionarily distinct clade of type III polyketide synthases (PKSs) that use benzoic acid-derived substrates to produce defense metabolites in plants. The use of benzoyl-CoA as an endogenous substrate is unusual for type III PKSs. Moreover, sequence analyses indicate that the residues responsible for the functional diversification of type III PKSs are mutated in benzoic acid-specific type III PKSs. In order to gain a better understanding of structure–function relationships within the type III PKS family, the crystal structures of biphenyl synthase fromMalus×domesticaand benzophenone synthase fromHypericum androsaemumwere compared with the structure of an archetypal type III PKS: chalcone synthase fromMalus×domestica. Both biphenyl synthase and benzophenone synthase contain mutations that reshape their active-site cavities to prevent the binding of 4-coumaroyl-CoA and to favor the binding of small hydrophobic substrates. The active-site cavities of biphenyl synthase and benzophenone synthase also contain a novel pocket associated with their chain-elongation and cyclization reactions. Collectively, these results illuminate structural determinants of benzoic acid-specific type III PKSs and expand the understanding of the evolution of specialized metabolic pathways in plants.
Persistence of organizational identity within interorganizational relationships
Authors: Paul B. , Larkin S.
Published: November 2017

As the emphasis on interorganizational relationships increases, one fear expressed by nonprofits is that interorganizational cooperation would lead them away from their sense of mission. The concern about loss of identity prompted this research into whether, and if so, how, a community action agency embedded in many relationships with other organizations continually and increasingly maintains a sense of identity. A study of the words used to describe the organization across time and across organizational members, leaders, and members of the board yielded strong agreement on some of the organization’s characteristics. The implications of this type of organizational culture for leaders of nonprofits is then described.
Aspects of comparative management in selected mexican and peruvian firms
Authors: Sibeck Gary P. , Stage H. Daniel
Published: November 2017

Mexico and Peru are both striving for economic development, and in doing so, they are trying to use management styles that will achieve their goals. This study is a comparison of selected management styles in these two countries with regard to planning, organizing, motivating, and controlling, as these companies attempt to become more competitive in the world economy.
Resource allocation decisions: The individual and the organization
Authors: Hartley W. Bartley
Published: November 2017

This symposium focuses on the individual and the organization in resource allocation decisions. Budgeting is an information exchange function involving “relational learning,” according to John P. Forrester and Charles J. Spindler. Their framework for assessing budget participant interactions and learning can guide future research on public budget theory. As if in a direct response to Forrester and Sprindler’s call for an examination of "the role played by the executive budget office,” Kurt Thurmaier dissects the microbudgeting decision making process by budget analysts in a state budget office. He examines the rationalities adopted by budget analysts as they shape budget problems (agency requests) into solution sets for consideration by the chief executive. Adopted budgets have implications for employees, especially when allocations challenge organizational culture. Mark A. Glaser and Lee E. Parker assess the impact of a community policing strategy on police officer perceptions as resources respond to a mission-accomplishment focus. I want to thank the ad hoc reviewers for this symposium, including Wes Clark, Ed Clynch, Arie Halachmi, Ken Klase, Earle Klay and Cliff McCue. The authors and reviewers deserve the credit for the quality of the symposium, while I assume any problems that arise from this collective effort
A cross-cultural test of vroom’s expectancy motivation framework: an australian and a malaysian company in the beauty care industry
Authors: Pearson Cecil A. L. , Hui Lynette Tang Yin
Published: November 2017

This study assessed the relevance of Vroom’s expectancy motivational framework in a cross-cultural context. Differences in attitudes for task investment, preferences for work related achievements, and the reward potential of outcomes was assessedwith Australians and Malaysians who were employed in similar work contexts of the beauty care industry. Reasons why the Australian employees reported significantly higher job motivation than the Malaysian respondents were identified by examining the three main components of expectancy, instrumentality and valence, of Vroom’s framework. The study findings are discussed in terms of the implications they have for the necessary organizational development with Australians and Malaysians who were employed in similar work contexts of the beauty care industry. Reasons why the Australian employees reported significantly higher job motivation than the Malaysian respondents were identified by examining the three main components of expectancy, instrumentality and valence, of Vroom's framework. The study findings are discussed in terms of the implications they have for the necessary organizational development of businesses in the competitive Asia-Pacific region.
Design, fabrication and characterization of tailored poly[(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-(R)-3-hydroxyexanoate] scaffolds by computer-aided wet-spinning
Authors: Puppi Dario , Pirosa Alessandro , Morelli Andrea , Chiellini Federica
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the fabrication and characterization of poly[(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-(R)-3-hydroxyexanoate] (PHBHHx) tissue engineering scaffolds with anatomical shape and customized porous structure.

Design/methodology/approach

Scaffolds with external shape and size modeled on a critical size segment of a rabbit’s radius model and an internal macrochanneled porous structure were designed and fabricated by means of a computer-aided wet-spinning (CAWS) technique. Morphological, thermal and mechanical characterization were carried out to assess the effect of the fabrication process on material properties and the potential of the PHBHHx scaffolds in comparison with anatomical star poly(e-caprolactone) (*PCL) scaffolds previously validated in vivo.

Findings

The CAWS technique is well suited for the layered manufacturing of anatomical PHBHHx scaffolds with a tailored porous architecture characterized by a longitudinal macrochannel. Morphological analysis showed that the scaffolds were composed by overlapping layers of microfibers with a spongy morphology, forming a 3D interconnected network of pores. Physical-chemical characterization indicated that the used technique did not affect the molecular structure of the processed polymer. Analysis of the compressive and tensile mechanical properties of the scaffolds highlighted the anisotropic behavior of the porous structure and the effect of the macrochannel in enhancing scaffold compressive stiffness. In comparison to the *PCL scaffolds, PHBHHx scaffolds showed higher compressive stiffness and tensile deformability.

Originality/value

This study shows the possibility of using renewable microbial polyester for the fabrication of scaffolds with anatomical shape and internal architecture tailored for in vivo bone regeneration studies.