bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Introduction of a polar core into the de novo designed protein Top7
Authors: Basanta Benjamin , Chan Kui K. , Barth Patrick , King Tiffany , Sosnick Tobin R. , Hinshaw James R. , Liu Gaohua , Everett John K. , Xiao Rong , Montelione Gaetano T. , Baker David
Published: February 2016

Design of polar interactions is a current challenge for protein design. The de novo designed protein Top7, like almost all designed proteins, has an entirely nonpolar core. Here we describe the replacing of a sizable fraction (5 residues) of this core with a designed polar hydrogen bond network. The polar core design is expressed at high levels in E. coli, has a folding free energy of 10 kcal/mol, and retains the multiphasic folding kinetics of the original Top7. The NMR structure of the design shows that conformations of three of the five residues, and the designed hydrogen bonds between them, are very close to those in the design model. The remaining two residues, which are more solvent exposed, sample a wide range of conformations in the NMR ensemble. These results show that hydrogen bond networks can be designed in protein cores, but also highlight challenges that need to be overcome when there is competition with solvent.
Safety and Efficacy of Banaba–Moringa oleifera–Green Coffee Bean Extracts and Vitamin D3 in a Sustained Release Weight Management Supplement
Authors: Stohs Sidney J. , Kaats Gilbert R. , Preuss Harry G.
Published: February 2016

This 60‐day, 30‐subject pilot study examined a novel combination of ingredients in a unique sustained release (Carbopol matrix) tablet consumed twice daily. The product was composed of extracts of banaba leaf, green coffee bean, and Moringa oleifera leaf and vitamin D3. Safety was assessed using a 45‐measurement blood chemistry panel, an 86‐item self‐reported Quality of Life Inventory, bone mineral density, and cardiovascular changes. Efficacy was assessed by calculating a body composition improvement index (BCI) based on changes in dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry measured fat mass (FM) and fat‐free mass (FFM) as well as between the study group (SG) and a historical placebo group. No changes occurred in any blood chemistry measurements. Positive changes were found in the Quality of Life (QOL) inventory composite scores. No adverse effects were observed. Decreases occurred in FM (p = 0.004) and increases in FFM (p = 0.009). Relative to the historical placebo group, the SG lost more FM (p < 0.0001), gained more FFM (p = <0.0001), and had a negative BCI of −2.7 lb. compared with a positive BCI in the SG of 3.4 lb., a 6.1 discordance (p = 0.0009). The data support the safety and efficacy of this unique product and demonstrate importance of using changes in body composition versus scale weight and BMI. © 2016 The Authors Phytotherapy Research Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Quantifying the legacy of the Chinese Neolithic on the maternal genetic heritage of Taiwan and Island Southeast Asia
Authors: Brandão Andreia , Eng Ken Khong , Rito Teresa , Cavadas Bruno , Bulbeck David , Gandini Francesca , Pala Maria , Mormina Maru , Hudson Bob , White Joyce , Ko Tsang-Ming , Saidin Mokhtar , Zafarina Zainuddin , Oppenheimer Stephen , Richards Martin B. , Pereira Luísa , Soares Pedro
Published: February 2016

There has been a long-standing debate concerning the extent to which the spread of Neolithic ceramics and Malay-Polynesian languages in Island Southeast Asia (ISEA) were coupled to an agriculturally driven demic dispersal out of Taiwan 4000 years ago (4 ka). We previously addressed this question using founder analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control-region sequences to identify major lineage clusters most likely to have dispersed from Taiwan into ISEA, proposing that the dispersal had a relatively minor impact on the extant genetic structure of ISEA, and that the role of agriculture in the expansion of the Austronesian languages was therefore likely to have been correspondingly minor. Here we test these conclusions by sequencing whole mtDNAs from across Taiwan and ISEA, using their higher chronological precision to resolve the overall proportion that participated in the “out-of-Taiwan” mid-Holocene dispersal as opposed to earlier, postglacial expansions in the Early Holocene. We show that, in total, about 20 % of mtDNA lineages in the modern ISEA pool result from the “out-of-Taiwan” dispersal, with most of the remainder signifying earlier processes, mainly due to sea-level rises after the Last Glacial Maximum. Notably, we show that every one of these founder clusters previously entered Taiwan from China, 6–7 ka, where rice-farming originated, and remained distinct from the indigenous Taiwanese population until after the subsequent dispersal into ISEA.
Understanding Spatial Genome Organization: Methods and Insights
Authors: Ramani Vijay , Shendure Jay , Duan Zhijun
Published: February 2016

The manner by which eukaryotic genomes are packaged into nuclei while maintaining crucial nuclear functions remains one of the fundamental mysteries in biology. Over the last ten years, we have witnessed rapid advances in both microscopic and nucleic acid-based approaches to map genome architecture, and the application of these approaches to the dissection of higher-order chromosomal structures has yielded much new information. It is becoming increasingly clear, for example, that interphase chromosomes form stable, multilevel hierarchical structures. Among them, self-associating domains like so-called topologically associating domains (TADs) appear to be building blocks for large-scale genomic organization. This review describes features of these broadly-defined hierarchical structures, insights into the mechanisms underlying their formation, our current understanding of how interactions in the nuclear space are linked to gene regulation, and important future directions for the field.
Translational Bioinformatics: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Tenenbaum Jessica D.
Published: February 2016

Though a relatively young discipline, translational bioinformatics (TBI) has become a key component of biomedical research in the era of precision medicine. Development of high-throughput technologies and electronic health records has caused a paradigm shift in both healthcare and biomedical research. Novel tools and methods are required to convert increasingly voluminous datasets into information and actionable knowledge. This review provides a definition and contextualization of the term TBI, describes the discipline’s brief history and past accomplishments, as well as current foci, and concludes with predictions of future directions in the field.
Mechanisms of Glioma Invasion: Role of Matrix-Metalloproteinases
Authors: Uhm J.H. , Dooley N.P. , Villemure J.-G. , Yong V.W.
Published: February 2016

One of the most lethal properties of high grade gliomas is their ability to invade the surrounding normal brain tissue, as infiltrated cells often escape surgical resection and inevitably lead to tumour recurrence. The consequent poor prognosis and survival rate underscore the need to further understand and target the cellular mechanisms that underly tumour invasiveness. Proteases which degrade the surrounding stromal cells and extracellular matrix proteins have been demonstrated to be critical effectors of invasion for tumours of both central and peripheral origin. Within the nervous system, the role of metalloproteinases as well as other classes of proteases in mediating the invasive phenotype of high grade gliomas has been an intense area of research. We present in this article a review of this literature and address the possibility that these proteases and the biochemical pathways that regulate their expression, such as protein kinase C, may represent potential targets in the therapy of high grade gliomas.
Blood Flow Differences Between Leuko-araiosis with and without Lacunar Infarction
Authors: Oishi Minoru , Mochizuki Yoko , Takasu Toshiaki
Published: February 2016

Background:

The present study was designed to find the differences in regional cerebral blood flow and cerebrovascular acetazolamide reactivity between leuko-araiosis with and without lacunar infarction.

Methods:

Fifteen cases of leuko-araiosis with lacunar infarction, 15 cases of leuko-araiosis without lacunar infarction and 15 age-matched controls in which leuko-araiosis and cerebrovascular diseases are absent (control group) were studied. The regional cerebral blood flow was measured using the stable xenon computed tomography method before and 20 minutes after intravenous injection of 17 mg/kg acetazolamide.

Results:

The blood flows in the leuko-araiosis area and the lacunar area were significantly lower than the blood flow in the cerebral white matter. The blood flows in the cerebral cortex and the cerebral white matter were significantly lower in the leuko-araiosis with lacunar infarction group than in the leuko-araiosis without lacunar infarction group and the control group. The cerebrovascular acetazolamide reactivity in the leuko-araiosis area and the lacunar area was significantly lower than that in the cerebral white matter. The cerebrovascular acetazolamide reactivity in the cerebral cortex and the cerebral white matter was significantly lower in the leuko-araiosis with lacunar infarction group than in the leuko-araiosis without lacunar infarction group and the control group.

Conclusions:

The degree of arteriolosclerosis is considered to be more severe and the rate of association of hypertension was higher in leuko-araiosis with lacunar infarction than in leuko-araiosis without lacunar infarction.
The Effect of Anticonvulsant Drugs on GABA-Stimulated Chloride Uptake
Authors: Francis J. , Mihic S.J. , Sneddon W.B. , Burnham W.M.
Published: February 2016

Eight anticonvulsant drugs – including clonazepam, diazepam and phenobarbital – were tested for their effects on GABA-stimulated chloride uptake in rat cerebral cortical microsacs (unfiltered synaptoneurosomes). “Mid” and “high” therapeutic concentrations were screened, and, if significant enhancement was found, full concentration-response tests were done. In the initial screens, enhancement of GABA-stimulated uptake was found only with phenobarbital, clonazepam and diazepam. In subsequent concentration-response tests, the effects of phenobarbital were found to occur throughout the range of normal, anticonvulsant concentrations, whereas the effects of clonazepam and diazepam were observed only above the concentrations normally used for the chronic control of seizures or anxiety. These data suggest that phenobarbital's anticonvulsant effects are mediated via the GABAA receptor complex, but that the low-dose effects of the benzodiazepines may be mediated via some other mechanism.
Progress in mineralogical quantitative analysis of rock samples: application to quartzites from Denali National Park, Alaska Range (USA)
Authors: Nistor Mărgărit M. , Har Nicolae , Dori Simona Marchetti , Bigi Simona , Gualtieri Alessandro F.
Published: February 2016

This work deals with the determination of the mineralogical composition of three quartzite samples, selected as case study to verify the viability and accuracy of various experimental techniques commonly used in geometallurgy and petrography for the determination of the mineralogical composition of rock samples. The investigated samples are from the North-Eastern side of the Denali National Park (Alaska Range, USA). The mineralogical phase abundance of the samples was determined by digitally assisted optical modal point counting, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) + energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) modal and digital image analysis, normative calculation from bulk chemistry calculation, and modal Rietveld X-ray powder diffraction. The results of our study indicate that the results provided by modal optical and SEM digitalized counting seem less accurate than the others. The determination with EDS mapping was found to be inaccurate only for one sample. Agreement was found between the X-ray diffraction estimates and bulk chemistry calculation. For both modal optical and SEM digitalized counting, the statistics was probably insufficient to provide accurate results. The estimates obtained from the various methods are compared with each other in the attempt to attain general indications on the precision, accuracy, advantages/disadvantages of each method.
The State and the Corporate Private Sector in the Recent Restructuring of Turkish Retailing
Authors: Tokatlı Nebahat , Berna Özcan Gül
Published: February 2016

The Turkish retail industry is experiencing a transformation towards larger-scale retailing. This restructuring has occurred at a time when an assertive corporate private sector has begun to look ready to take the leading role from the state in the development process; and when efforts (real and perceived) towards a cautious and gradual retreat of the state from economic activities have been intensified. This paper addresses the transformation and, because of the above mentioned simultaneity, places substantial emphasis on the role of the state in the development process and in the changes recently experienced in the distribution system. In the process, the paper compares the Turkish experience with those of other countries in which the role of the state has been far-reaching.
Inversion of Spin Signal and Spin Filtering in Ferromagnet|Hexagonal Boron Nitride-Graphene van der Waals Heterostructures
Authors: Kamalakar M. Venkata , Dankert André , Kelly Paul J. , Dash Saroj P.
Published: February 2016

Two dimensional atomically thin crystals of graphene and its insulating isomorph hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) are promising materials for spintronic applications. While graphene is an ideal medium for long distance spin transport, h-BN is an insulating tunnel barrier that has potential for efficient spin polarized tunneling from ferromagnets. Here, we demonstrate the spin filtering effect in cobalt|few layer h-BN|graphene junctions leading to a large negative spin polarization in graphene at room temperature. Through nonlocal pure spin transport and Hanle precession measurements performed on devices with different interface barrier conditions, we associate the negative spin polarization with high resistance few layer h-BN|ferromagnet contacts. Detailed bias and gate dependent measurements reinforce the robustness of the effect in our devices. These spintronic effects in two-dimensional van der Waals heterostructures hold promise for future spin based logic and memory applications.
ZIF-Derived Nitrogen-Doped Porous Carbons for Xe Adsorption and Separation
Authors: Zhong Shan , Wang Qian , Cao Dapeng
Published: February 2016

Currently, finding high capacity adsorbents with large selectivity to capture Xe is still a great challenge. In this work, nitrogen-doped porous carbons were prepared by programmable temperature carbonization of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) and ZIF-8/xylitol composite precursors and the resultant samples are marked as Carbon-Z and Carbon-ZX, respectively. Further adsorption measurements indicate that ZIF-derived nitrogen-doped Carbon-ZX exhibits extremely high Xe capacity of 4.42 mmol g−1 at 298 K and 1 bar, which is higher than almost all other pristine MOFs such as CuBTC, Ni/DOBDC, MOF-5 and Al-MIL-53, and even more than three times of the matrix ZIF-8 at similar conditions. Moreover, Carbon-ZX also shows the highest Xe/N2 selectivity about ~120, which is much larger than all other reported MOFs. These remarkable features illustrate that ZIF-derived nitrogen-doped porous carbon is an excellent adsorbent for Xe adsorption and separation at room temperature.
Grand-canonical simulation of DNA condensation with two salts, effect of divalent counterion size
Authors: Nguyen Toan T.
Published: February 2016

The problem of DNA− DNA interaction mediated by divalent counterions is studied using a generalized grand-canonical Monte-Carlo simulation for a system of two salts. The effect of the divalent counterion size on the condensation behavior of the DNA bundle is investigated. Experimentally, it is known that multivalent counterions have strong effect on the DNA condensation phenomenon. While tri- and tetra-valent counterions are shown to easily condense free DNA molecules in solution into toroidal bundles, the situation with divalent counterions is not as clear cut. Some divalent counterions like Mg+2 are not able to condense free DNA molecules in solution, while some like Mn+2 can condense them into disorder bundles. In restricted environment such as in two dimensional system or inside viral capsid, Mg+2 can have strong effect and able to condense them, but the condensation varies qualitatively with different system, different coions. It has been suggested that divalent counterions can induce attraction between DNA molecules but the strength of the attraction is not strong enough to condense free DNA in solution. However, if the configuration entropy of DNA is restricted, these attractions are enough to cause appreciable effects. The variations among different divalent salts might be due to the hydration effect of the divalent counterions. In this paper, we try to understand this variation using a very simple parameter, the size of the divalent counterions. We investigate how divalent counterions with different sizes can lead to varying qualitative behavior of DNA condensation in restricted environments. Additionally, a grand canonical Monte-Carlo method for simulation of systems with two different salts is presented in detail.
Compilation of Spectroscopic Data of Radium (Ra I and Ra II)
Authors: Dammalapati U. , Jungmann K. , Willmann L.
Published: February 2016

Energy levels, wavelengths, lifetimes, and hyperfine structure constants for the isotopes of the first and second spectra of radium, Ra I and Ra II, have been compiled. Wavelengths and wavenumbers are tabulated for 226Ra and for other Ra isotopes. Isotope shifts and hyperfine structure constants of even and odd-A isotopes of neutral radium atom and singly ionized radium are included. Experimental lifetimes of the states for both neutral and ionic Ra are also added, where available. The information is beneficial for present and future experiments aimed at different physics motivations using neutral Ra and singly ionized Ra.
Comparison of simplified sum-over-state expressions to calculate resonance Raman intensities including Franck-Condon and Herzberg-Teller effects
Authors: Guthmuller Julien
Published: February 2016

Sum-over-state (SOS) expressions to simulate absorption spectroscopy and resonance Raman (RR) scattering including Franck-Condon (FC) and Herzberg-Teller (HT) effects are described. Starting from the general SOS method, several simplified SOS formulae are derived. In particular, within the so-called independent mode displaced harmonic oscillator model, it is shown that including the vibronic structure in the absorption and RR spectra only requires the calculation of FC overlap integrals of the type θg0|θev, where g, e, and v stand for the electronic ground state, excited state, and vibrational quantum number, respectively. Additionally, an approximation of the latter approach is introduced, referred as the simplified Φe method, in which the FC factors are neglected. This method is advantageous from the computational point of view and it is demonstrated that it reproduces the main characteristics of the more involved approaches. The merits and drawbacks of the different methods are discussed by applying them to the prototypical compound of Rhodamine 6G. Overall, this work intends to unravel and clarify some differences in the SOS theories of RR scattering.
Scattering of radio frequency waves by cylindrical density filaments in tokamak plasmas
Authors: Ram Abhay K. , Hizanidis Kyriakos
Published: February 2016

In tokamak fusion plasmas, coherent fluctuations in the form of blobs or filaments are routinely observed in the scrape-off layer. Radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic waves, excited by antenna structures placed near the wall of a tokamak, have to propagate through the scrape-off layer before reaching the core of the plasma. While the effect of fluctuations on the properties of RF waves has not been quantified experimentally, it is of interest to carry out a theoretical study to determine if fluctuations can affect the propagation characteristics of RF waves. Usually, the difference between the plasma density inside the filament and the background plasma density is sizable, the ratio of the density difference to the background density being of order one. Generally, this precludes the use of geometrical optics in determining the effect of fluctuations, since the relevant ratio has to be much less than one, typically, of the order of 10% or less. In this paper, a full-wave, analytical model is developed for the scattering of a RF plane wave by a cylindrical plasma filament. It is assumed that the plasma inside and outside the filament is cold and uniform and that the major axis of the filament is aligned along the toroidal magnetic field. The ratio of the density inside the filament to the density of the background plasma is not restricted. The theoretical framework applies to the scattering of any cold plasma wave. In order to satisfy the boundary conditions at the interface between the filament and the background plasma, the electromagnetic fields inside and outside the filament need to have the same k∥, the wave vector parallel to the ambient magnetic field, as the incident plane wave. Consequently, in contrast to the scattering of a RF wave by a spherical blob [Ram et al., Phys. Plasmas 20, 056110-1–056110-10 (2013)], the scattering by a field-aligned filament does not broaden the k∥ spectrum. However, the filament induces side-scattering leading to surface waves and can also couple some power to the cold plasma wave different from the incident wave. The changes induced by a filament in the propagation of electron cyclotron waves and lower hybrid waves are illustrated by numerical results displaying the properties of the Poynting vector. The Poynting flux in the wake of the filament, and directed towards the core of the plasma, develops a spatial structure due to diffraction and shadowing. Thus, the fluctuations affect the uniformity of power flow into the plasma.
The impact of sodium contamination in tin sulfide thin-film solar cells
Authors: Steinmann Vera , Brandt Riley E. , Chakraborty Rupak , Jaramillo R. , Young Matthew , Ofori-Okai Benjamin K. , Yang Chuanxi , Polizzotti Alex , Nelson Keith A. , Gordon Roy G. , Buonassisi Tonio
Published: February 2016

Through empirical observations, sodium (Na) has been identified as a benign contaminant in some thin-film solar cells. Here, we intentionally contaminate thermally evaporated tin sulfide (SnS) thin-films with sodium and measure the SnS absorber properties and solar cell characteristics. The carrier concentration increases from 2 × 1016 cm−3 to 4.3 × 1017 cm−3 in Na-doped SnS thin-films, when using a 13 nm NaCl seed layer, which is detrimental for SnS photovoltaic applications but could make Na-doped SnS an attractive candidate in thermoelectrics. The observed trend in carrier concentration is in good agreement with density functional theory calculations, which predict an acceptor-type NaSn defect with low formation energy.
Controllability of Boolean networks via input controls under Harvey's update scheme
Authors: Luo Chao , Zhang Xiaolin , Shao Rui , Zheng YuanJie
Published: February 2016

In this article, the controllability of Boolean networks via input controls under Harvey's update scheme is investigated. First, the model of Boolean control networks under Harvey's stochastic update is proposed, by means of semi-tensor product approach, which is converted into discrete-time linear representation. And, a general formula of control-depending network transition matrix is provided. Second, based on discrete-time dynamics, controllability of the proposed model is analytically discussed by revealing the necessary and sufficient conditions of the reachable sets, respectively, for three kinds of controls, i.e., free Boolean control sequence, input control networks, and close-loop control. Examples are showed to demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed scheme.
Retarded condensate freezing propagation on superhydrophobic surfaces patterned with micropillars
Authors: Zhao Yugang , Yang Chun
Published: February 2016

Previous studies have shown ice delay on nano-structured or hierarchical surfaces with nanoscale roughness. Here we report retarded condensate freezing on superhydrophobic silicon substrates fabricated with patterned micropillars of small aspect ratio. We further investigated the pillar size effects on freezing propagation. We found that the velocity of freezing propagation on the surface patterned with proper micropillars can be reduced by one order of magnitude, compared to that on the smooth untreated silicon surface. Additionally, we developed an analytical model to describe the condensate freezing propagation on a structured surface with micropillars and the model predictions were compared with our experimental results.
Vortex motion of dust particles due to non-conservative ion drag force in a plasma
Authors: Chai Kil-Byoung , Bellan Paul M.
Published: February 2016

Vortex motion of the dust in a dusty plasma is shown to result because non-parallelism of the ion density gradient and the gradient of the magnitude of the ion ambipolar velocity cause the ion drag force on dust grains to be non-conservative. Dust grain poloidal vortices consistent with the model predictions are experimentally observed, and the vortices change character with imposed changes in the ion temperature profile as predicted. For a certain ion temperature profile, two adjacent co-rotating poloidal vortices have a well-defined X-point analogous to the X-point in magnetic reconnection.
High-throughput and clogging-free microfluidic filtration platform for on-chip cell separation from undiluted whole blood
Authors: Cheng Yinuo , Ye Xiongying , Ma Zengshuai , Xie Shuai , Wang Wenhui
Published: February 2016

Rapid separation of white blood cells from whole blood sample is often required for their subsequent analyses of functions and phenotypes, and many advances have been made in this field. However, most current microfiltration-based cell separation microfluidic chips still suffer from low-throughput and membrane clogging. This paper reports on a high-throughput and clogging-free microfluidic filtration platform, which features with an integrated bidirectional micropump and commercially available polycarbonate microporous membranes. The integrated bidirectional micropump enables the fluid to flush micropores back and forth, effectively avoiding membrane clogging. The microporous membrane allows red blood cells passing through high-density pores in a cross-flow mixed with dead-end filtration mode. All the separation processes, including blood and buffer loading, separation, and sample collection, are automatically controlled for easy operation and high throughput. Both microbead mixture and undiluted whole blood sample are separated by the platform effectively. In particular, for white blood cell separation, the chip recovered 72.1% white blood cells with an over 232-fold enrichment ratio at a throughput as high as 37.5 μl/min. This high-throughput, clogging-free, and highly integrated platform holds great promise for point-of-care blood pretreatment, analysis, and diagnosis applications.
Experimental observation of type-I energy band alignment in lattice-matched Ge1−x−ySixSny/Ge heterostructures
Authors: Yamaha Takashi , Shibayama Shigehisa , Asano Takanori , Kato Kimihiko , Sakashita Mitsuo , Takeuchi Wakana , Nakatsuka Osamu , Zaima Shigeaki
Published: February 2016

We experimentally demonstrated the formation of type-I energy band alignment in lattice-matched Ge1−x−ySixSny/Ge(001) heterostructures and clarified the dependence of Si and Sn contents on the energy band structure. By controlling the Si and Sn contents, keeping the Si:Sn ratio of 3.7:1.0, we formed high-quality Ge1−x−ySixSny pseudomorphic epitaxial layers on a Ge substrate with the lattice misfit as small as 0.05%. The energy bandgaps of the Ge1−x−ySixSny layers, measured by spectroscopic ellipsometry, increased to 1.15 eV at Si and Sn contents of 41% and 15%, respectively. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicated that the top of the valence band of Ge1−x−ySixSny was lower than that of Ge. Additionally, the energy band offsets between Ge1−x−ySixSny and Ge at both the conduction and valence band edges were estimated to be larger than 0.1 eV with an Sn content of more than 8%. These results promise that heterostructures of group-IV semiconductors using Si, Ge, and Sn can have type-I energy band alignment without relying on strain and can confine both electrons and holes.
MHD boundary layer flow of a power-law nanofluid with new mass flux condition
Authors: Khan Masood , Khan Waqar Azeem
Published: February 2016

An analysis is carried out to study the magnetohydrodynamic MHD boundary layer flow of power-law nanofluid over a non-linear stretching sheet. In the presence of a transverse magnetic field, the flow is generated due to non-linear stretching sheet. By using similarity transformations, the governing boundary layer equations are reduced into a system of ordinary differential equations. A recently proposed boundary condition requiring zero nanoparticle mass flux is employed in the flow analysis of power-law fluid. The reduced coupled differential equations are then solved numerically by the shooting method. The variations of dimensionless temperature and nanoparticle concentration with various parameters are graphed and discussed in detail. Numerical values of physical quantities such as the skin-friction coefficient and the reduced local Nusselt number are computed in tabular form.
Magneto-optical conductivity of Weyl semimetals with quadratic term in momentum
Authors: Shao J. M. , Yang G. W.
Published: February 2016

Weyl semimetal is a three-dimensional Dirac material whose low energy dispersion is linear in momentum. Adding a quadratic (Schrödinger) term to the Weyl node breaks the original particle-hole symmetry and also breaks the mirror symmetry between the positive and negative Landau levels in present of magnetic field. This asymmetry splits the absorption line of the longitudinal magneto-optical conductivity into a two peaks structure. It also results in an oscillation pattern in the absorption part of the Hall conductivity. The two split peaks in Reσxx (or the positive and negative oscillation in Imσxy) just correspond to the absorptions of left-handed (σ−) and right-handed (σ+) polarization light, respectively. The split in Reσxx and the displacement between the absorption of σ+ and σ− are decided by the magnitude of the quadratic term and the magnetic field.
Strong interlayer exchange coupling and high post-annealing stability in perpendicularly magnetized [Pt/Co]/Ru/[Co/Pt] structures
Authors: Yun Seok Jin , Lim Sang Ho , Lee Seong-Rae
Published: February 2016

Strong interlayer exchange coupling (IEC) and high post-annealing stability are demonstrated for perpendicular synthetic ferrimagnets (p-SyFs) with [Pt/Co]6/Ru/[Co/Pt]3 structures. The observed IEC strength was 2.55 ergs/cm2 for a Ru thickness of 0.35 nm, representing the highest value achieved up to date for similar structures. The IEC remained strong even after annealing at 450oC, for the practically important Ru layer thickness of 0.85 nm. The biquadratic IEC, a parameter quantifying the pinhole effects in SyFs, was confirmed by analyzing the experimental results by using the total energy functional, and its strength increased with decreasing the temperature and Ru layer thickness.
Transcription-associated processes cause DNA double-strand breaks and translocations in neural stem/progenitor cells
Authors: Schwer Bjoern , Wei Pei-Chi , Chang Amelia N. , Kao Jennifer , Du Zhou , Meyers Robin M. , Alt Frederick W.
Published: February 2016

Significance

DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) occur in all cells, including neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) that give rise to the brain. We previously found that developing neural cells lacking a major DSB end-joining pathway are subject to widespread death. Because DSBs may result from gene transcription, we assayed for DSBs near active transcription start sites (TSSs) genome-wide in NSPCs. DSBs occur near TSSs of highly transcribed genes involved in general cellular processes but occur less often near neural-specific TSSs. These TSS-associated DSBs can translocate to other DSBs by both the normal and alternative DSB repair pathways. We report similar findings in B lymphocytes, suggesting that highly transcribed genes involved in general cellular processes are subject to TSS-associated DSBs in divergent cell types.
Effect of reheating rate on microstructure and properties of high-strength-toughness steel
Authors: Xie Z. J. , Fang Y. P. , Cui Y. , Wang X. M. , Shang C. J. , Misra R. D. K.
Published: February 2016

Effects of reheating rate and holding time during tempering on microstructure and properties of a 960-MPa-grade low-alloy steel were investigated. Different reheating rates from 1 to 300 K s−1 and holding time from 5 to 1200 s on tempering at 823 K were carried out. The combination of high reheating rate and short holding time is obviously beneficial forgetting more uniformly distributed and refined carbides, which are believed to contribute to the high strength and high toughness. Yield strength of 960 MPa with elongation of ∼16 and impact toughness of 76 J (half size specimen) at 233 K was obtained by induction reheating tempering at 823 K for 5 s at a rate of 373 K s−1.
Bias effects on AlMgB thin films prepared by magnetron sputtering
Authors: Jing S. , Bai Y. , Qin F. , Xiao J.
Published: February 2016

AlMgB thin films were deposited on silicon (100) substrate using a three-target magnetron sputtering system in argon atmosphere. The influence of negative bias voltage on the thickness, morphology, microstructure, local bonding and hardness of the deposited films was investigated. Experimental results show that all films are X-ray amorphous, and the properties of the deposited films have a strong dependence on the applied substrate's negative bias voltage. Deposited at high negative bias voltage, the AlMgB thin films are found to be generally dense, having a smooth surface and containing more well-formed B12 icosahedra, which consequently increase the hardness of the deposited films. However, deposited at low negative bias voltage, the AlMgB thin films exhibit loose structure, coarse surface and contain few B12 icosahedra. It is shown that the hardness of the dense and smooth AlMgB thin films can reach 22 GPa at the negative bias voltage of 400 V.
High-temperature erosion of Fe-based coatings reinforced with cermet particles
Authors: Surzhenkov A. , Antonov M. , Goljandin D. , Kulu P. , Viljus M. , Traksmaa R. , Mere A.
Published: February 2016

High-velocity oxy-fuel sprayed, iron alloy-based powder coatings, reinforced with tungsten carbide–cobalt (WC–Co) and titanium carbide–nickel molybdenum (TiC–NiMo) cermet particles, are compared under high-temperature abrasive–erosive wear conditions. Both WC–Co and TiC–NiMo particles underwent fracture, as well as dissolution, during the spraying process, but in the case of WC–Co particles this process was remarkably less intensive. Under the low impact angle conditions, the WC–Co particle-reinforced coating exhibited 1.1 times lower wear than the TiC–NiMo particle-reinforced coating because of the larger amount of the reinforcement remaining. Under the normal impact angle conditions, the WC–Co particle-reinforced coating showed 1.2 times lower wear than the TiC–NiMo particle-reinforced coating because of the resulting larger size of the WC–Co reinforcement and a more ductile matrix.
Investigation on a magnesiothermic reduction process for preparation of nanocrystalline silicon thin film
Authors: Ma B. , Huang Z. , Mei L. , Fang M. , Liu Y. , Wu X.
Published: February 2016

Nanocrystalline silicon thin films were successfully prepared via a magnesiothermic reduction process. The initial magnesium content was restricted by the thickness of the film deposited on a quartz glass substrate by magnetron sputtering. After the magnesiothermic reduction process, the Raman spectroscopy results revealed a strong correlation between the thickness of the nanocrystalline thin films and the initial magnesium content. The thickness of the nanocrystalline thin films first increased to a maximum and then decreased as the initial magnesium content was further increased. Based on the solid-state reaction between Mg and SiO2, the mechanism behind this phenomenon is explained. In addition, the Raman spectroscopy results showed that the average grain size was almost constant and the crystalline volume fraction was found to be proportional to the silicon content. The band gap of the nanocrystalline silicon thin film was estimated to be 2.94 eV.
Silicon elicited varied physiological and biochemical responses in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea): a concentration dependent study
Authors: Rehman Bushra
Published: February 2016

The present investigation was conducted to evaluate the silicon (Si) mediated responses in different cultivars of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) and to evaluate if Si could be used as an essential, beneficial, or quasi-essential element for growth and development of these cultivars. Surface sterilized seeds were sown in pots and allowed to germinate under natural environmental conditions. At 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18 days after germination, a range of Si concentrations (0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8 and 1.6 mM) was administered to the soil and at 30 days post germination the plants were sampled to assess growth and development, leaf gas exchange traits and plant biochemical parameters, including activities of carbonic anhydrase, catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and protein and proline content. The results demonstrate a dual response to Si concentration: 0.8 mM of Si significantly increased plant growth and development (length of root and shoot, fresh and dry biomass, and leaf area) and photosynthetic efficiency, and enhanced the antioxidant response in T-59 over all the other cultivars tested, whereas, 1.6 mM of Si significantly reduced the above parameters. It is therefore concluded that low levels of Si could be used as a quasi-essential element for enhanced photosynthetic efficiency and antioxidant response ofBrassica junceaplants; however, the response is cultivar specific and concentration dependent.
Is transdifferentiation in trouble?
Authors: Wells William A.
Published: February 2016

Spectacular examples of transdifferentiation—such as brain cells turning to blood and blood to brain—have given way to sneaking suspicions about artifacts in culture, fusion, and clonality. Could cell fates be relatively fixed after all?
Analysis of chromosome translocation frequency after a single CT scan in adults
Authors: Abe Yu , Miura Tomisato , Yoshida Mitsuaki A. , Ujiie Risa , Kurosu Yumiko , Kato Nagisa , Katafuchi Atsushi , Tsuyama Naohiro , Kawamura Fumihiko , Ohba Takashi , Inamasu Tomoko , Shishido Fumio , Noji Hideyoshi , Ogawa Kazuei , Yokouchi Hiroshi , Kanazawa Kenya , Ishida Takashi , Muto Satoshi , Ohsugi Jun , Suzuki Hiroyuki , Ishikawa Tetsuo , Kamiya Kenji , Sakai Akira
Published: February 2016

We recently reported an increase in dicentric chromosome (DIC) formation after a single computed tomography (CT) scan (5.78–60.27 mSv: mean 24.24 mSv) and we recommended analysis of 2000 metaphase cells stained with Giemsa and centromere-FISH for dicentric chromosome assay (DCA) in cases of low-dose radiation exposure. In the present study, we analyzed the frequency of chromosome translocations using stored Carnoy's-fixed lymphocyte specimens from the previous study; these specimens were from 12 patients who were subject to chromosome painting of Chromosomes 1, 2 and 4. Chromosomes 1, 2 and 4 were analyzed in ∼5000 cells, which is equivalent to the whole-genome analysis of almost 2000 cells. The frequency of chromosome translocation was higher than the number of DICs formed, both before and after CT scanning. The frequency of chromosome translocations tended to be higher, but not significantly higher, in patients with a treatment history compared with patients without such a history. However, in contrast to the results for DIC formation, the frequency of translocations detected before and after the CT scan did not differ significantly. Therefore, analysis of chromosome translocation may not be a suitable assay for detecting chromosome aberrations in cases of low-dose radiation exposure from a CT scan. A significant increase in the frequency of chromosome translocations was not likely to be detected due to the high baseline before the CT scan; the high and variable frequency of translocations was probably due to multiple confounding factors in adults.
Risk Factors and Outcomes for Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolation, Stratified by Its Multilocus Sequence Typing: ST258 Versus Non-ST258
Authors: Dhar Sorabh , Martin Emily T. , Lephart Paul R. , McRoberts John P. , Chopra Teena , Burger Timothy T. , Tal-Jasper Ruthy , Hayakawa Kayoko , Ofer-Friedman Hadas , Lazarovitch Tsilia , Zaidenstein Ronit , Perez Federico , Bonomo Robert A. , Kaye Keith S. , Marchaim Dror
Published: February 2016

A “high risk” clone of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) identified by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) as sequence type (ST) 258 has disseminated worldwide. As the molecular epidemiology of the CRE pandemic continues to evolve, the clinical impact of non-ST258 strains is less well defined. We conducted an epidemiological investigation of CRKP based on strains MLST. Among 68 CRKP patients, 61 were ST258 and 7 belonged to non-ST258. Klebsiella pneumoniae ST258 strains were significantly associated with blaKPC production and with resistance to an increased number of antimicrobials. Clinical outcomes were not different. Based on this analysis, one cannot rely solely on the presence of blaKPC in order to diagnose CRKP.
Respiratory Viral Testing and Influenza Antiviral Prescriptions During Hospitalization for Acute Respiratory Illnesses
Authors: Rolfes Melissa A. , Yousey-Hindes Kimberly M. , Meek James I. , Fry Alicia M. , Chaves Sandra S.
Published: February 2016

We examined respiratory viral testing and influenza antiviral prescriptions at a US tertiary care hospital. During the 2010–11 to 2012–13 influenza seasons, antiviral prescriptions among acute respiratory illness (ARI) hospitalizations were associated with viral testing (rate ratio = 15.0), and empiric prescriptions were rare (<1% of ARI hospitalizations).
Auditory Impairments in HIV-Infected Children
Authors: Maro Isaac I. , Fellows Abigail M. , Clavier Odile H. , Gui Jiang , Rieke Catherine C. , Wilbur Jed C. , Chambers Robert D. , Jastrzembski Benjamin G. , Mascari John E. , Bakari Muhammad , Matee Mecky , Musiek Frank E. , Waddell Richard D. , von Reyn C. Fordham , Palumbo Paul E. , Moshi Ndeserua , Buckey Jay C.
Published: February 2016

Objectives:

In a cross-sectional study of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected adults, the authors showed lower distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) in HIV+ individuals compared with controls as well as findings consistent with a central auditory processing deficit in HIV+ adults on antiretroviral therapy. The authors hypothesized that HIV+ children would also have a higher prevalence of abnormal central and peripheral hearing test results compared with HIV− controls.

Design:

Pure-tone thresholds, DPOAEs, and tympanometry were performed on 244 subjects (131 HIV+ and 113 HIV− subjects). Thirty-five of the HIV+, and 3 of the HIV− subjects had a history of tuberculosis treatment. Gap detection results were available for 18 HIV− and 44 HIV+ children. Auditory brainstem response results were available for 72 HIV− and 72 HIV+ children. Data from ears with abnormal tympanograms were excluded.

Results:

HIV+ subjects were significantly more likely to have abnormal tympanograms, histories of ear drainage, tuberculosis, or dizziness. All audiometric results were compared between groups using a two-way ANOVA with HIV status and ear drainage history as grouping variables. Mean audiometric thresholds, gap detection thresholds, and auditory brainstem response latencies did not differ between groups, although the HIV+ group had a higher proportion of individuals with a hearing loss >25 dB HL in the better ear. The HIV+ group had reduced DPOAE levels (p < 0.05) at multiple frequencies compared with HIV− subjects. No relationships were found between treatment regimens or delay in starting treatment and audiological parameters.

Conclusions:

As expected, children with HIV+ were more likely to have a history of ear drainage, and to have abnormal tympanograms. Similar to the adult findings, the HIV+ group did not show significantly reduced audiometric thresholds, but did have significantly lower DPOAE magnitudes. These data suggest that (1) HIV+ children often have middle ear damage which complicates understanding the direct effects of HIV on the hearing system, and (2) even when corrected for confounders DPOAEs were lower in the HIV+ group. Previous studies suggest ototoxicity from antiretroviral drugs is an unlikely cause of the reduced DPOAE magnitudes. Other possibilities include effects on efferent pathways connecting to outer hair cells or a direct effect of HIV on the cochlea.
The Number of Patients and Therapeutic Profile of Spinal Stenosis Using Health Insurance Claims in Japan
Authors: Kuboyama Izumi , Toyokawa Satoshi , Tomio Jun , Inada Haruhiko , Tanihara Shinichi , Kobayashi Yasuki
Published: February 2016

Study Design.

Population-based retrospective descriptive study.

Objective.

To describe the number and therapeutic profile of patients with spinal stenosis at a large-scale community level using health insurance claims data.

Summary of Background Data.

A few reports have documented the prevalence of spinal stenosis, and no report has described the therapeutic profile for spinal stenosis in a population base.

Methods.

We studied the claims data of National Health Insurance and Late-stage Elderly Health Insurance in a prefecture in Japan from April 2010 to March 2011. We considered patients to have spinal stenosis if their claims included at least one diagnosis coded as spinal stenosis for at least 1 month during the study period. Disease criteria were based on the International Classification of Diseases, 10th version. We then described the number and the therapeutic profile of the patients with spinal stenosis by age and sex.

Results.

Of 699,723 beneficiaries, 52,889 patients with spinal stenosis were identified. The number of patients with spinal stenosis per 1000 beneficiaries was 76, and those for the subgroups of age ≥ 65 years, ≥ 75 years, and ≥ 85 years were 128, 155, and 152, respectively. The number of patients per 1000 beneficiaries showed unimodal distribution, and the peak for males was 191 between the ages 95 to 99 years and that for females was 160 between the ages 80 to 84 years. Analgesics, prostaglandin E1, or both were prescribed to 40%, 2%, or 20% of patients with spinal stenosis, respectively. Physical therapy, nerve blocks, and surgery were done for 19%, 8%, and 0.4% of the patients, respectively. Approximately, 33% of patients did not receive any treatment.

Conclusion.

There were a large number of patients with spinal stenosis in elderly people. Most of them received nonsurgical treatments. Health insurance claims data could be a useful source of surveillance for such common diseases as spinal stenosis.

Level of Evidence: 4