bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and aging of superficial white matter myelin from young adulthood to old age: Mapping by vertex‐based surface statistics (VBSS)
Authors: Wu Minjie , Kumar Anand , Yang Shaolin
Published: March 2016

Superficial white matter (SWM) lies immediately beneath cortical gray matter and consists primarily of short association fibers. The characteristics of SWM and its development and aging were seldom examined in the literature and warrant further investigation. Magnetization transfer imaging is sensitive to myelin changes in the white matter. Using an innovative multimodal imaging analysis approach, vertex‐based surface statistics (VBSS), the current study vertexwise mapped age‐related changes of magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) in SWM from young adulthood to old age (30–85 years, N = 66). Results demonstrated regionally selective and temporally heterochronologic changes of SWM MTR with age, including (1) inverted U‐shaped trajectories of SWM MTR in the rostral middle frontal, medial temporal, and temporoparietal regions, suggesting continuing myelination and protracted maturation till age 40–50 years and accelerating demyelination at age 60 and beyond, (2) linear decline of SWM MTR in the middle and superior temporal, and pericalcarine areas, indicating early maturation and less acceleration in age‐related degeneration, and (3) no significant changes of SWM MTR in the primary motor, somatosensory and auditory regions, suggesting resistance to age‐related deterioration. We did not observe similar patterns of changes in cortical thickness in our sample, suggesting the observed SWM MTR changes are not due to cortical atrophy. Hum Brain Mapp 37:1759–1769, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Identification of transformation products from β‐blocking agents formed in wetland microcosms using LC‐Q‐ToF
Authors: Svan Alfred , Hedeland Mikael , Arvidsson Torbjörn , Jasper Justin T. , Sedlak David L. , Pettersson Curt E.
Published: March 2016

Identification of degradation products from trace organic compounds, which may retain the biological activity of the parent compound, is an important step in understanding the long‐term effects of these compounds on the environment. Constructed wetlands have been successfully utilized to remove contaminants from wastewater effluent, including pharmacologically active compounds. However, relatively little is known about the transformation products formed during wetland treatment. In this study, three different wetland microcosm treatments were used to determine the biotransformation products of the β‐adrenoreceptor antagonists atenolol, metoprolol and propranolol. LC/ESI‐Q‐ToF run in the MSE and MS/MS modes was used to identify and characterize the degradation products through the accurate masses of precursor and product ions. The results were compared with those of a reference standard when available. Several compounds not previously described as biotransformation products produced in wetlands were identified, including propranolol‐O‐sulfate, 1‐naphthol and the human metabolite N‐deaminated metoprolol. Transformation pathways were significantly affected by microcosm conditions and differed between compounds, despite the compounds' structural similarities. Altogether, a diverse range of transformation products in wetland microcosms were identified and elucidated using high resolving MS. This work shows that transformation products are not always easily predicted, nor formed via the same pathways even for structurally similar compounds. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Is there any relationship between Toll‐like receptor 3 c.1377C/T and −7C/A polymorphisms and susceptibility to Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever?
Authors: Engin Aynur , Arslan Serdal , Özbilüm Nil , Bakir Mehmet
Published: March 2016

Crimean‐Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is an infectious disease that is caused by CCHF virus. A family of transmembrane receptors called as Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) selectively acts in recognizing a wide range of microbial components and endogenous molecules released by damaged tissue and have been preserved throughout evolution. TLRs initiate some signaling cascades which activate the innate immune system. Mainly four TLRs act in protection against viral infections; TLR3 is one of them. TLR3 identifies dsRNA. By producing inflammatory cytokines and type I interferons, it generates an antiviral immune response. Proper response to TLR ligands may be impaired by single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within TLR genes in some indviduals, and this can cause varied susceptibility to infections. In the present work, polymerase chain reaction‐based restriction fragment length polymorphism is used to analyze the frequencies of TLR3 (c.1377C/T and −7C/A) polymorphisms in 149 CCHF patients and 171 healthy adults as controls, in Cumhuriyet University, Sivas/Turkey. We also investigated the relation between these polymorphisms and severity or mortality of CCHF disease. This is the first study investigating the TLR3 SNPs in patients with CCHF. In the present study, the frequency of the TLR3 (c.1377C/T and −7A/C) genotypes in fatal and non‐fatal cases were comparable, however, the homozygous mutant (TT) genotype frequency of TLR3 c.1377C/T in CCHF patients was significantly higher than that of the healthy controls. In conclusion, presence of TLR3 c.1377 TT genotype may have a role in the susceptibility to CCHF. J. Med. Virol. 88:1690–1696, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Raman imaging and stress quantification in self‐assembled graphene oxide fiber ‘Latin Letters’
Authors: Roy Rajarshi , Mazumder Nilesh , Kumar Gundam Sandeep , Mamgain Hitesh , Ghorai Uttam Kumar , Sen Dipayan , Chattopadhyay Kalyan Kumar
Published: March 2016

To probe the intrinsic stress distribution in terms of spatial Raman shift (ω) and change in the phonon linewidth (Γ), here we analyze self‐assembled graphene oxide fibers (GOF) ‘Latin letters’ by confocal Raman spectroscopy. The self‐assembly of GOF ‘Latin letters’ has been explained through surface tension, π–π stacking, van der Waals interaction at the air–water interface and by systematic time‐dependent investigation using field emission scanning electron microscopy analysis. Intrinsic residual stress due to structural joints and bending is playing a distinct role affecting the E2g mode (G band) at and away from the physical interface of GOF segments with broadening of phonon linewidth, indicating prominent phonon softening. Linescan across an interface of the GOF ‘letters’ reveals Raman shift to lower wavenumber in all cases but more so in ‘Z’ fiber exhibiting a broader region. Furthermore, intrinsic stress homogeneity is observed for ‘G’ fiber distributed throughout its curvature with negligible shift corresponding to E2g mode vibration. This article demonstrates the significance of morphology in stress distribution across the self‐assembled and ‘smart‐integrable’ GOF ‘Latin letters’. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new genotype of flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) with decreased susceptibility to fat oxidation: consequences to hematological and biochemical profiles of blood indices
Authors: Króliczewska Bożena , Miśta Dorota , Króliczewski Jarosław , Zawadzki Wojciech , Kubaszewski Rafał , Wincewicz Edyta , Żuk Magdalena , Szopa Jan
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND

Flaxseed is an alternative to marine products that provide the traditional dietary sources of ω‐fatty acids. A new genotype of flax, W92, is rich in natural antioxidants as well as having a reduced content of α‐linolenic acid and therefore shows decreased susceptibility to fat oxidation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a diet supplemented with W92 flaxseed on hematological and biochemical blood indices.

RESULTS

A positive impact of diet with the addition of flaxseed was observed on erythrocyte indices, including red blood cell (RBC), hematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) values. There were no significant differences for white blood cell (WBC), total protein and glucose values. Aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase estimations in serum were also carried out and no obvious toxicity to the liver was shown. Moreover, a lipid profile was performed in serum samples and a decrease in total cholesterol and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), accompanied by an increase in high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), was observed in rabbits fed flaxseed diets.

CONCLUSION

Based on the results obtained, it appeared that the inclusion of a new genetically modified type of flaxseed in the diet altered cholesterol metabolism and could reduce the possibility of cardiovascular diseases. Diet enrichment with W92 flaxseed may be a solution to the health issues that are a result of improper diet in humans and animals. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
The Psychology of Co‐Branding Alliances: The Business‐to‐Business Relationship Outcomes of Role Stress
Authors: Dahlstrom Robert , Nygaard Arne
Published: March 2016

The study investigates the performance effects of postalliance role stress among retail managers. Co‐branded alliances produce dynamic and complex role structures subject to psychological conflict and ambiguity. These co‐branded outlets enable firms to enter markets efficiently, lower relative operating costs, and raise performance. Despite the seemingly ubiquitous use of this strategy, many co‐branded locations yield less than desirable results. The paper employs role theory to investigate whether ambiguity and conflict become more acute in co‐branded outlets. In addition, it investigates whether competence and communication modality constrain role stress. Data gathered with 416 franchisees indicate that co‐branding alliance influences role stress and interorganizational performance.
Relationship Quality in Business to Business Relationships—Reviewing the Current Literatures and Proposing a New Measurement Model
Authors: Jiang Zhizhong , Shiu Eric , Henneberg Stephan , Naude Peter
Published: March 2016

Relationship quality is a central theme in business to business relationships, and it is becoming increasingly important from a theoretical as well as practical perspective to understand and monitor relationship quality. Despite its pivotal role, measurement issues of relationship quality have not been systematically investigated, confounded by a lack of consensus on the dimensions and contents of this construct. This paper presents a comprehensive review on the measures of relationship quality, and proposes the CLOSES scale as a new monitoring tool. This higher order, multidimensional scale reflects the intensity of communication (C), long‐term orientation (LO), and social and economic satisfaction (SES) of a focal actor in a business relationship. Tested with data collected from 404 construction companies and cross‐checked with a second round of data collection from 201 companies in other various industries, using partially multiple respondents, this new scale shows good reliability, convergent, discriminant, and nomological validity, as well as cross‐industry transferability. Thus, future academic research as well as practical management of business relationships is enriched by providing a valid and reliable tool that is not tied to a specific industry setting, to capture the important construct of relationship quality.
Magnetization transfer from inhomogeneously broadened lines (ihMT): Improved imaging strategy for spinal cord applications
Authors: Girard Olivier M. , Callot Virginie , Prevost Valentin H. , Robert Benjamin , Taso Manuel , Ribeiro Guilherme , Varma Gopal , Rangwala Novena , Alsop David C. , Duhamel Guillaume
Published: March 2016

Purpose

Inhomogeneous magnetization transfer (ihMT) shows great promise for specific imaging of myelinated tissues. Whereas the ihMT technique has been previously applied in brain applications, the current report presents a strategy for cervical spinal cord (SC) imaging free of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pulsatility artifacts.

Methods

A pulsed ihMT preparation was combined with a single‐shot HASTE readout. Electrocardiogram (ECG) synchronization was used to acquire all images during the quiescent phase of SC motion. However ihMT signal quantification errors may occur when a variable recovery delay is introduced in the sequence as a consequence of variable cardiac cycle. A semiautomatic retrospective correction algorithm, based on repetition time (TR) ‐matching, is proposed to correct for signal variations of long T1‐components (e.g., CSF).

Results

The proposed strategy combining ECG synchronization and retrospective data pairing led to clean SC images free of CSF artifacts. Lower variability of the ihMT metrics were obtained with the correction algorithm, and allowed for shorter TR to be used, hence improving signal‐to‐noise ratio efficiency.

Conclusion

The proposed methodology enabled faster acquisitions, while offering robust ihMT quantification and exquisite SC image quality. This opens great perspectives for widening the in vivo characterization of SC physiopathology using MRI, such as studying white matter tracts microstructure or impairment in degenerative pathologies. Magn Reson Med 77:581–591, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
Interval spectral stochastic finite element analysis of structures with aggregation of random field and bounded parameters
Authors: Do Duy Minh , Gao Wei , Song Chongmin , Beer Michael
Published: March 2016

This paper presents the study on non‐deterministic problems of structures with a mixture of random field and interval material properties under uncertain‐but‐bounded forces. Probabilistic framework is extended to handle the mixed uncertainties from structural parameters and loads by incorporating interval algorithms into spectral stochastic finite element method. Random interval formulations are developed based on K–L expansion and polynomial chaos accommodating the random field Young's modulus, interval Poisson's ratios and bounded applied forces. Numerical characteristics including mean value and standard deviation of the interval random structural responses are consequently obtained as intervals rather than deterministic values. The randomised low‐discrepancy sequences initialized particles and high‐order nonlinear inertia weight with multi‐dimensional parameters are employed to determine the change ranges of statistical moments of the random interval structural responses. The bounded probability density and cumulative distribution of the interval random response are then visualised. The feasibility, efficiency and usefulness of the proposed interval spectral stochastic finite element method are illustrated by three numerical examples. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characteristics and properties of wood/polyaniline electromagnetic shielding composites synthesized via in situ polymerization
Authors: He Wen , Li Jiping , Tian Jiaxi , Jing Hui , Li Yanjun
Published: March 2016

Semiconducting wood/polyaniline (PANI) composites were synthesized via in situ polymerization of aniline monomer, which was impregnated into the wood veneer in advance. Thus, the resulting composites exhibited the characteristics of the conducting PANI and natural wood. The light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy images showed that PANI was uniformly dispersed into the wood substrate. The weight percent gain and volume bulk increase of the composites were 16.13% and 6.21%, respectively. The equilibrium water absorption studies showed that the composites were less hydrophilic, because of the addition of hydrophobic PANI. The electrical conductivity of the wood/PANI composite ranged from 2.57 × 10−5 to 9.23 × 10−3 S cm−1 and was tuned by changing the phosphoric acid concentration. The electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of the wood/PANI composites was mainly in the range 30–60 dB, which may be used for general industry or commercial electronics. Fourier transform infrared spectra revealed that PANI was closely polymerized onto the wood substrate and allowed the accessibility of the amine groups of the aniline to the hydroxyl groups of the wood. Furthermore, the X‐ray diffraction analysis indicated that the crystal lattice of the crystalline cellulose region was not damaged, and the relative crystallinity of wood increased. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:537–543, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Reinforced natural rubber nanocomposites using graphene oxide as a reinforcing agent and their in situ reduction into highly conductive materials
Authors: Zhang Chunmei , Zhai Tianliang , Dan Yi , Turng Lih‐Sheng
Published: March 2016

In this study, a new method of fabricating conductive NR nanocomposites was proposed. Graphene oxide (GO) was obtained through oxidization and exfoliation of graphite and was employed as a reinforcing nanofiller for natural rubber (NR). GO/NR nanocomposites with different concentrations of GO were prepared by a latex mixing and casting method. The nanocomposites were characterized by Raman spectroscopy and TEM, and the thermal and mechanical properties were evaluated by TGA, DSC, tensile testing, and DMA. The results showed that the nanocomposite showed a segregated “weblike” morphology. The addition of GO slightly decreased the glass transition temperature of NR and improved the thermal stability of the material. The tensile strength and storage modulus of the nanocomposites significantly increased with the GO contents, indicating GO had a strong reinforcing tendency on NR. The electrically conductive reduced graphene oxide (r‐GO)/NR nanocomposites were obtained by immersing GO/NR nanocomposites in a hydroiodic (HI) acid aqueous solution for reduction. HI acid can efficiently reduce the GO into graphene in 2 h at 60°C. The volumetric electrical conductivity of the nanocomposites increased with the r‐GO contents, and the conductivity of the 5% r‐GO/NR nanocomposite was as high as 1 S/m, which showed its promising application as stretchable electrical conductors and elastomers. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:E199–E207, 2017. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Generation of multihollow structured poly(methyl methacrylate) fibers by electrospinning under pressurized CO2
Authors: Wahyudiono  , Okamoto Koichi , Machmudah Siti , Kanda Hideki , Goto Motonobu
Published: March 2016

Electrospinning is one of the simple techniques for the production of polymer nano‐microfibers. In this study, hollow fibers from poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) were formed by electrospinning under pressurized carbon dioxide (CO2) in a single processing step. The experiments were conducted at temperatures and pressures in the range 27–37°C and 4–6 MPa, respectively. At 5 MPa, CO2 seemed to have enough affinity to dissolve a portion of dichloromethane (DCM) to assist its evaporation. Under subcritical CO2, electrospun products with hollow core fibers having diameters of 4–16 μm were generated. The results confirmed that the change of operating parameters had a strong influence on the morphologies (crack or hollows) of the electrospun products. This study demonstrated that this process offers the possibility that electrospinning under pressurized CO2 will become an essential and useful method for the generation of polymer structures with hollow interiors. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 56:752–759, 2016. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
1‐Methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine induced Parkinson's disease in zebrafish
Authors: Sarath Babu Nukala , Murthy Ch Lakshmi N. , Kakara Sameera , Sharma Rahul , Brahmendra Swamy Cherukuvada V. , Idris Mohammed M.
Published: March 2016

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most common age associated neurodegenerative disease, which has been extensively studied for its etiology and phenotype. PD has been widely studied in alternate model system such as rodents towards understanding the role of neurotoxin by inducing PD. This study is aimed to understand the biomechanism of PD in zebrafish model system induced by 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). The phenotype and role of various genes and proteins for Parkinsonism were tested and evaluated in this study using behavior, molecular and proteomic approaches. Zebrafish PD model induced by 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine showed a significant level of decrease in the movement with erratic swimming pattern and increased freezing bouts.CHCHD2, EEF2B, LRRK2, PARK7, PARK2, POLG, SNCGBandSYNBgenes were differentially regulated at the transcript level in PD zebrafish. Similarly a total of 73 proteins were recognized as differentially expressed in the nervous system of zebrafish due to Parkinsonism based on quantitative proteomics approach. Proteins such as NEFL, MUNC13‐1, NAV2 and GAPVD1 were down regulated in the zebrafish brain for the PD phenotype, which were associated with the neurological pathways. This zebrafish based PD model can be used as a potential model system for screening prospective drug molecules for PD.
Isotype‐specific glycosylation analysis of mouse IgG by LC‐MS
Authors: Maresch Daniel , Altmann Friedrich
Published: March 2016

With mice being the top model organism in immunology and with Fc glycosylation being increasingly recognized as important modulator of antibody function, the time has come to take a look at the glycosylation of mouse IgG isotypes. Tryptic glycopeptides of mouse IgG1, IgG2, and IgG3 differ in mass and so these three isoforms can be easily discriminated by MS. Commercial IgG contained a rare IgG1 variant but no IgG3, which, however, was found in sera of C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice. These strains deviated with regard to IgG2a and IgG2b alleles. The Ig2a B allele was not observed in any of the four samples investigated. All a/c isotypes contain the same glycopeptide sequence, which deviates from that of IgG2b by containing Leu instead of Ile. The Leu/Ile glycopeptide variants were separated by RP chromatography and the order of elution was determined. The major glycoforms on all isotypes were fucosylated with no and one galactose (GnGnF and GnAF) followed by fully galactosylated AAF and smaller amounts of mono‐ and disialylated N‐glycans. In the commercial serum pool, the relative ratios of glycans differed between isotypes. Sialic acid exclusively occurred as N‐glycolylneuraminic acid. Fucosylation was essentially complete. No bisected and no α1,3‐galactosylated glycans were found.
Funnel‐freezing versus heat‐stabilization for the visualization of metabolites by mass spectrometry imaging in a mouse stroke model
Authors: Mulder Inge A. , Esteve Clara , Wermer Marieke J.H. , Hoehn Mathias , Tolner Else A. , van den Maagdenberg Arn M.J.M. , McDonnell Liam A.
Published: March 2016

Tissue preparation is the key to a successful matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) experiment. Rapid post‐mortem changes contribute a significant challenge to the use of MSI approaches for the analysis of peptides and metabolites. In this technical note we aimed to compare the tissue fixation method ex‐vivo heat‐stabilization with in‐situ funnel‐freezing in a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) mouse model of stroke, which causes profound alterations in metabolite concentrations. The influence of the duration of the thaw‐mounting of the tissue sections on metabolite stability was also determined. We demonstrate improved stability and biomolecule visualization when funnel‐freezing was used to sacrifice the mouse compared with heat‐stabilization. Results were further improved when funnel‐freezing was combined with fast thaw‐mounting of the brain sections.
Three‐dimensional imaging MS of lipids in atherosclerotic plaques: Open‐source methods for reconstruction and analysis
Authors: Patterson Nathan H. , Doonan Robert J. , Daskalopoulou Stella S. , Dufresne Martin , Lenglet Sébastien , Montecucco Fabrizio , Thomas Aurélien , Chaurand Pierre
Published: March 2016

Three‐dimensional MALDI imaging MS (IMS) is a growing branch of IMS still requiring developments in methodology and technology to make the technique routinely accessible. Many challenges are simply a matter of producing 3D reconstructions and interpreting them in a timely fashion. In this aim and using analysis of lipids from atherosclerotic plaques from a human carotid and mouse aortic sinuses, we describe 3D reconstruction methods using open‐source software that provides high‐quality visualization and rapid interpretation through multivariate segmentation of the 3D IMS data. Multiple datasets were generated for each sample and we provide insight into simple means to correlate the separate datasets.
From black holes to flux throats
Authors: Cohen‐Maldonado Diego , Diaz Juan , Van Riet Thomas , Vercnocke Bert
Published: March 2016

Supersymmetry‐breaking is a key ingredient for string theory models to be phenomenologically viable. We review the strong analogy in the physics and methods used for describing non‐supersymmetric flux vacua and non‐supersymmetric black holes in string theory. We also show how the polarized state could be the key to describing a well‐behaved back‐reaction of anti‐branes in flux backgrounds, shedding a new light on a recent debate in the literature.
Trichomonas vaginalis induces IL‐1β production in a human prostate epithelial cell line by activating the NLRP3 inflammasome via reactive oxygen species and potassium ion efflux
Authors: Gu Na‐Yeong , Kim Jung‐Hyun , Han Ik‐Hwan , Im Su‐Jeong , Seo Min‐Young , Chung Yong‐Hoon , Ryu Jae‐Sook
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND

Trichomonas vaginalis is a sexually transmitted protozoan parasite that causes vaginitis in women, and urethritis and prostatitis in men. IL‐1β is synthesized as immature pro‐IL‐1β, which is cleaved by activated caspase‐1. Caspase‐1 is, in turn, activated by a multi‐protein complex known as an inflammasome. In this study, we investigated the inflammatory response of a prostate epithelial cell line (RWPE‐1) to T. vaginalis and, specifically, the capacity of T. vaginalis to activate the NLRP3 inflammasome.

METHODS

RWPE‐1 cells were stimulated by live T. vaginalis, and subsequent expression of pro‐IL‐1β, IL‐1β, NLRP3, ASC and caspase‐1 was determined by real‐time PCR and Western blotting. IL‐1β and caspase‐1 production was also measured by ELISA. To evaluate the effects of NLRP3 and caspase‐1 on IL‐1β production, the activated RWPE‐1 cells were transfected with small interfering RNAs to silence the NLRP3 and caspase‐1 genes. Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome was observed by fluorescence microscopy. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were evaluated by spectrofluorometry.

RESULTS

When RWPE‐1 cells were stimulated with live T. vaginalis, the mRNA and protein expression of IL‐1β, NLRP3, ASC, and caspase‐1 increased. Moreover, silencing of NLRP3 and caspase‐1 attenuated T. vaginalis‐induced IL‐1β secretion. The NADPH oxidase inhibitor DPI and high extracellular potassium ion suppressed the production of IL‐1β, caspase‐1, and the expression of NLRP3 and ASC proteins. The specific NF‐κB inhibitor, Bay 11–7082, inhibited IL‐1β production, and also inhibited the production of caspase‐1, ASC and NLRP3 proteins.

CONCLUSIONS

T. vaginalis induces the formation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in human prostate epithelial cells via ROS and potassium ion efflux, and this results in IL‐1β production. This is the first evidence for activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in the inflammatory response by prostate epithelial cells infected with T. vaginalis. Prostate 76:885–896, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Optoelectrical improvement of ultra‐thin Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells through microstructured MgF2 and Al2O3 back contact passivation layer
Authors: Casper Pascal , Hünig Ruben , Gomard Guillaume , Kiowski Oliver , Reitz Christian , Lemmer Uli , Powalla Michael , Hetterich Michael
Published: March 2016

Decreasing the absorber layer thickness of thin‐film solar cells can be an effective solution for cost reduction of photovoltaic electricity generation. Unfortunately, this reduction leads to detrimental effects such as incomplete photon absorption and increased charge carrier recombination at the rear electrode. To tackle these losses in ultra‐thin 0.5 µm Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) solar cells, we developed different passivation structures made of MgF2 and Al2O3 at the molybdenum–CIGS interface, leading to localized back contacts. The influence of the distance between those contacts on the cell performance was studied by varying the periodicity of the applied 1D patterns from 6 μm to 30 μm. Thus, an increase in performance was measured for microstructured layers with a periodicity of up to 12 µm. More precisely, a MgF2 layer yielded an increase in power conversion efficiency (PCE) of up to 9%rel compared to an unpassivated cell design, and a passivation layer comprising Al2O3 led to up to a 5%rel increase in PCE. The gains were primarily attributed to an increased reflectivity of the back contact, while the formation of a negative backside field in the case of Al2O3 might have contributed to this increase by preventing electrons from recombining at the backside interface. Our findings indicate a high lateral conductivity for holes inside the multicrystalline CIGS compound over few tens of micrometres, which allows an independent design of future back contacts and light‐trapping schemes.

False‐colour scanning electron microscopy cross‐section picture of a passivated solar cell, with the front contact layers coloured in green, the 0.5 µm CIGS absorber in dark red, the MgF2 passivation layer in blue, and the Mo back contact in grey.

magnified image

False‐colour scanning electron microscopy cross‐section picture of a passivated solar cell, with the front contact layers coloured in green, the 0.5 µm CIGS absorber in dark red, the MgF2 passivation layer in blue, and the Mo back contact in grey.
Simulations of an observed elevated mesoscale convective system over southern England during CSIP IOP 3
Authors: White B. A. , Blyth A. M. , Marsham J. H.
Published: March 2016

Simulations of an elevated mesoscale convective system (MCS) observed over southern England during the Convective Storm Initiation Project (CSIP) provide the first detailed modelling study of a case of elevated convection occurring in the UK. The study shows that many factors can influence the maintenance of elevated deep convection, from large‐scale flow through to surface heating processes and diabatic cooling within the convective system. It is also shown that interactions and feedback mechanisms between a stable layer and the storm can act to maintain deep convection. The simulation successfully reproduced an elevated MCS above a low‐level stable undercurrent, with a wave in the undercurrent linked to a rear‐inflow jet (RIJ). Convection was fed from an elevated (840 hPa) source layer with CAPE of about 350 J kg−1. The undercurrent in the simulation was approximately 1 km deep, about half that observed. Unlike the observed MCS, a transition from elevated to surface‐based convection occurred in the simulation due to the combined effects of a pre‐existing large‐scale θe gradient, advection and surface heating causing the system to encounter increasingly unstable low‐level air and a shallower stable layer that was more susceptible to penetration by downdraughts. The transition to surface‐based convection was accompanied by the development of cold‐pool outflow and an increase in system velocity from about 6 to 10 m s−1. Diabatic cooling from microphysical processes in the simulation enhanced the undercurrent and strengthened the RIJ. This strengthened the wave in the undercurrent and led to more extensive convection. The existence of a positive feedback process between the convection, RIJ and stable layer is discussed. Uncertainty in the synoptic scale generating errors in the undercurrent is shown to be a major source of error for convective‐scale forecasts.
Family Communication and Cascade Testing for Fragile X Syndrome
Authors: Raspa Melissa , Edwards Anne , Wheeler Anne C. , Bishop Ellen , Bailey Donald B.
Published: March 2016

A total of 679 families who had at least one child with fragile X syndrome (FXS) were recruited from a research registry to participate in a survey examining cascade testing and communication about FXS. Families had a total of 1117 children (804 males, 313 females). Most families (84 %) had tested all of their children. The main reason for not testing, which did not differ by gender or age of the child, was that the child did not show signs of FXS (68 %). Families talked with their children about FXS occasionally (47 %) although 16 % said they do not talk about it. Most families (66 %) had told their children their FXS status, with males and those with the premutation being less likely to be told test results. Of those that did not, 46 % said that they would tell their child when they were old enough to understand, whereas 34 % had either decided they would not tell or were not sure if or when they were going to tell. About a quarter of respondents (28 %) indicated that no extended family members had been tested, with income and communication about FXS being the strongest predictors. Results from this large scale survey provide important data on how families communicate about FXS and reasons testing is or is not sought. This information can be used by genetic counsellors in providing follow‐up to families after a FXS diagnosis.
Bainite Formation in Medium-Carbon Low-Silicon Spring Steels Accounting for Chemical Segregation
Authors: Goulas C. , Mecozzi M. G. , Sietsma J.
Published: March 2016

In this paper, the effect of chemical inhomogeneity on the isothermal bainite formation is investigated in medium-carbon low-silicon spring steel by dilatometry and microscopy. The analysis of the microstructure at different times during transformation shows that chemical segregation of substitutional alloying elements resulting from casting strongly affects the bainite formation by retarding the transformation kinetics and limiting the maximum achievable bainite fraction. During holding at temperatures close to and above the martensite start temperature, a homogeneous lower bainitic microstructure can be eventually obtained, whereas at higher temperatures, incomplete bainitic reaction is evident. It was also found that at the early stages of the transformation, differences in the bainite formation kinetics, due to local inhomogeneities in Cr and Mn concentration, result in retardation of the growth of bainite in the high Mn and Cr concentration regions. The calculated difference in driving force for nucleation between the enriched and the depleted areas is not by itself sufficient to explain the microstructures obtained and thus significant influence of growth on bainite formation is observed. Particularly, it was calculated and experimentally observed that Cr partitions in the carbides in the high Mn, Cr regions during the isothermal treatment, limiting the transformation kinetics.
Childhood body mass index and risk of schizophrenia in relation to childhood age, sex and age of first contact with schizophrenia
Authors: Sørensen HJ , Gamborg M , Sørensen TIA , Baker JL , Mortensen EL
Published: March 2016

Childhood leanness is associated with an increased risk of schizophrenia, but the effects of gender, age at anthropometric measurements and age at first diagnosis on this relationship are unclear. The present study aimed at elucidating these associations.

Methods

Population-based cohort study with childhood anthropometric measures obtained annually from the age of 7 to 13 years in 253,353 Danes born 1930–1976 and followed to 31 December 2010. During this period, 4936 were registered with schizophrenia. The associations of childhood BMI with risk of schizophrenia were estimated with Cox regression models.

Results

Childhood BMI was significantly inversely associated with risk of schizophrenia, however with different patterns among boys and girls. In boys, childhood BMI had an inverse non-linear association with schizophrenia risk dependent on age at diagnosis; in particular, a surprisingly strong association was found between leanness and later onset of schizophrenia. In girls, the risk of schizophrenia decreased linearly with increasing BMI z-score (HR: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.88–0.98). In both boys and girls, birth weight was inversely associated with later risk. In girls, but not in boys, birth weight appeared to significantly modify the associations; there was a somewhat stronger inverse association in the lowest birth weight category.

Conclusions

Birth weight as well as childhood BMI at ages 7 through 13 years is associated with risk of schizophrenia in both genders, but with a particular high risk of late-onset in lean boys irrespective of birth weight, and in lean girls with low birth weight. If replicated, these observations may inform preventive efforts build on schizophrenia trajectories rooted in early life.
The effects of growth hormone on clinical outcomes after frozen–thawed embryo transfer
Authors: Xue‐mei Wang , Hong Jiang , Wen‐xiang Zhang , Yang Li
Published: March 2016

Objective

To evaluate the effects of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) on clinical outcomes of frozen–thawed embryo transfer (FET).

Methods

A prospective study was conducted among 240 patients (aged ≤ 38 years) who underwent FET cycles at a center in Hefei, China, between November 2011 and October 2012. Patients were divided into three groups on the basis of visit order: those in group A received hormone‐replacement therapy (HRT) for endometrial preparation, those in group B received HRT plus simultaneous rhGH, and those in group C received rhGH on day 8 of HRT.

Results

Ten cycles were cancelled; 230 FET cycles were analyzed (77 in group A, 77 in group B, 76 in group C). The rates of clinical pregnancy, embryo implantation, and live birth were significantly higher in group B than in group A, as were the serum levels of estradiol and insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (P ≤ 0.033 for all comparisons). Endometrial thickness and serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor were significantly higher in group B than in groups A and C, whereas pulsatility index, resistance index, and peak systolic velocity/end diastolic velocity of the uterine arcuate artery were significantly lower (P ≤ 0.017 for all comparisons).

Conclusion

Simultaneous administration of rhGH with HRT could improve clinical outcomes after FET by increasing endometrial blood perfusion and expression of cytokines related to endometrial receptivity.
Efficacy and Safety of Autologous Blood Products Compared With Corticosteroid Injections in the Treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis: A Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Qian Xuankun , Lin Qiao , Wei Kongkong , Hu Bin , Jing Pengju , Wang Jianmin
Published: March 2016

Objective

To compare the efficacy and safety of autologous blood products (ABPs) and corticosteroid injections (CSIs) in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis.

Type of Study

Meta‐analysis.

Literature Survey

We systematically searched EMBASE, PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared ABPs with CSIs for the treatment of lateral epicondylitis without language and publication date restriction through April 2015.

Methodology

Two investigators independently included and assessed the quality of each eligible study according to the method recommended by the Cochrane Collaboration. Available data about the main outcomes were extracted from each study and heterogeneity was assessed using the Q statistic and the inconsistency index (I2). We also evaluated the publication bias and conducted a subgroup analysis. Review Manager 5.2 software was used for data syntheses and analyses, and the standardized mean difference (SMD) or mean difference (MD) was estimated by using random effects models with a 95% confidence interval (CI). To investigate the efficacy among different trial durations, the follow‐up times were divided into short periods (2‐4 weeks), intermediate periods (6‐24 weeks) and long‐term periods (≥24 weeks).

Synthesis

Ten RCTs (n = 509) were included in this meta‐analysis. The pooled analysis showed that CSIs were more effective than ABPs for pain relief in the short term (SMD = 0.88; 95% CI = 0.31‐1.46%; P = .003). However, in the intermediate term, ABPs exhibited a better therapeutic effect for pain relief (SMD = −0.38; 95% CI = −0.70 to −0.07%; P = .02), function (SMD = −0.60; 95% CI = −1.13 to −0.08%; P = .03), disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (MD = −11.04; 95% CI = −21.72 to −0.36%; P = .04), and Nirschl stage (MD = −0.81; 95% CI = −1.11 to −0.51%; P < .0001). In the long term, ABPs were superior to CSIs for pain relief (SMD = −0.94; 95% CI = −1.32 to −0.57%; P < .0001) and Nirschl stage (MD = −1.04; 95% CI = −1.66 to −0.42%; P = .001). Moreover, for grip strength recovery, no significant difference was found between the 2 therapies (P > .05).

Conclusions

Limited evidence supports the conclusion that CSIs are superior to ABPs for pain relief in the short term; however, this result was reversed in the intermediate and long term. ABPs seemed to be more effective at restoring function in the intermediate term. Because of the small sample size and the limited number of high‐quality RCTs, more high‐quality RCTs with large sample sizes are required to validate this result.
Feasibility of Using Tetrax Biofeedback Video Games for Balance Training in Patients With Chronic Hemiplegic Stroke
Authors: Hung Jen‐Wen , Yu Min‐Yuan , Chang Ku‐Chou , Lee Hsuei‐Chen , Hsieh Yen‐Wei , Chen Po‐Chih
Published: March 2016

Background

Decreased weight bearing on the affected lower limb and poor weight shifting are common after a stroke occurs. The Tetrax biofeedback system is a center‐of‐pressure controlled video game system designed for patients with balance deficits. Although it is a commercial product, information about its clinical use for patients affected by stroke is limited.

Objective

To investigate the feasibility and potential efficacy of the Tetrax biofeedback system for balance training in patients with chronic stroke.

Design

Feasibility study.

Setting

Rehabilitation department of a medical center.

Participants

Participants who had sustained a hemiplegic stroke at least 6 months prior to enrollment but were still able to stand independently for more than 5 minutes.

Methods

Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group (IG) or control group (CG). All participants received conventional rehabilitation training. The IG also received 20 minutes of exposure to Tetrax biofeedback games controlled by change in center of pressure 3 times a week for 6 weeks.

Main Outcome Measurements

The primary outcome was feasibility, addressed by adherence, safety, and satisfaction. The secondary outcome was efficacy, which was evaluated by the subtests of physiological profile assessment, posturography, Timed Up and Go, and Forward Reach tests. We used percentage change (post‐training score – pretraining score/pretraining score) to quantify the intervention effects. Mann‐Whitney U tests were used to analyze differences in percentage of change between groups.

Results

A total of 14 participants were assigned to the IG, and 13 were assigned to the CG; 12 participants in the IG and 11 in the CG completed the study. In the IG group, those who completed the 6‐week intervention attended 89.5% of planned sessions. No major adverse events or falls occurred within the intervention sessions. With use of 5‐point Likert scales, participants rated their enjoyment of Tetrax games as 4.33 ± 0.78, their motivation as 4.17 ± 1.03, and perceived helpfulness as 4.25 ± 0.97. The IG demonstrated a significantly greater improvement in reaction time (P = .002), proprioception (P < .001), symmetric weight bearing (P = .027), Timed Up and Go (P < .001), and Forward Reach (P < .001) compared with the CG.

Conclusions

Using Tetrax biofeedback video games for balance training is a feasible adjunctive program that may augment conventional therapy in persons affected by chronic hemiplegic stroke.

Level of Evidence

II
Artrosis de la articulación radiocubital distal
Authors: Simón F. , Zancolli E.P. , Iturrieta L. , Rotella P.S. , Scheker L.R.
Published: March 2016

La articulación radiocubital distal (ARCD) es una de las articulaciones que más ha sido estudiada en los últimos años debido a su relevancia en la funcionalidad de la muñeca y del miembro superior en su conjunto. El diagnóstico y tratamiento de su patología supone un interesante reto para el cirujano de mano, especialmente la degeneración artrósica.

El tratamiento de la artrosis de la ARCD puede ser conservador o quirúrgico. El objetivo del tratamiento conservador es la disminución del dolor y la optimización de la función articular hasta que la cirugía se hace inevitable. Con respecto al tratamiento quirúrgico, se han descrito multitud de procedimientos diferentes que reflejan la variedad del espectro patológico de la ARCD. El mejor conocimiento de la anatomía y la biomecánica de la ARCD y los avances en la tecnología han convertido al reemplazo protésico en la tendencia actual para el tratamiento de la artrosis de la ARCD.

En este artículo, tratamos el diagnóstico y las opciones terapéuticas relativas a la artrosis de esta articulación de la fosa sigmoidea del radio y el cúbito distal basados en nuestra experiencia y en la revisión de la literatura actual.
European Citizenship Rights and European Fiscal Politics After the Crisis
Authors: Greer Scott L. , Jarman Holly
Published: March 2016

The economic effects of the financial crisis in the eurozone have been much studied, but the impact of political and institutional changes made amidst crisis conditions have been less studied. This article examines the changes in the EU since 2008 through the lens of T.H. Marshall’s concept of citizenship, gauging the effects of different changes in the EU polity on the citizenship rights of individuals. The key changes are in fiscal governance, which includes a new treaty as well as substantial legislation changing the balance of powers within and competencies of the EU institutions, the European Central Bank’s role and the Troika arrangements for countries in crisis. We find that while the EU’s contribution to civil citizenship in Europe is relatively intact, the development of its fiscal governance is bringing serious negative consequences for political and social citizenship in all member states. The EU is adopting policies that entrust more power to less democratically accountable institutions with the objective of fiscal rigour rather than social citizenship.
Generalised unsteady plume theory
Authors: Craske John , van Reeuwijk Maarten
Published: March 2016

We develop a generalised unsteady plume theory and compare it with a new direct numerical simulation (DNS) dataset for an ensemble of statistically unsteady turbulent plumes. The theoretical framework described in this paper generalises previous models and exposes several fundamental aspects of the physics of unsteady plumes. The framework allows one to understand how the structure of the governing integral equations depends on the assumptions one makes about the radial dependence of the longitudinal velocity, turbulence and pressure. Consequently, the ill-posed models identified by Scase & Hewitt (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 697, 2012, pp. 455–480) are shown to be the result of a non-physical assumption regarding the velocity profile. The framework reveals that these ill-posed unsteady plume models are degenerate cases amongst a comparatively large set of well-posed models that can be derived from the generalised unsteady plume equations that we obtain. Drawing on the results of DNS of a plume subjected to an instantaneous step change in its source buoyancy flux, we use the framework in a diagnostic capacity to investigate the properties of the resulting travelling wave. In general, the governing integral equations are hyperbolic, becoming parabolic in the limiting case of a ‘top-hat’ model, and the travelling wave can be classified as lazy, pure or forced according to the particular assumptions that are invoked to close the integral equations. Guided by observations from the DNS data, we use the framework in a prognostic capacity to develop a relatively simple, accurate and well-posed model of unsteady plumes that is based on the assumption of a Gaussian velocity profile. An analytical solution is presented for a pure straight-sided plume that is consistent with the key features observed from the DNS.