bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence for the continuous latent structure of mania and depression in out-patients with bipolar disorder: results from the Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for Bipolar Disorder (STEP-BD)
Authors: Prisciandaro J. J. , Tolliver B. K.
Published: July 2015

Background

Evidence supporting the continuous latent structure of mood phenomena has not been incorporated into psychiatric diagnostic systems, in part because the evidence has been incomplete. For example, no studies have investigated the boundary between ‘sick’ and ‘well’ periods in individuals with bipolar disorder, despite agreement that characterization of mood disorders as having a discrete episodic course is inaccurate. The present study examined the validity of mood episode symptom thresholds in out-patients with bipolar disorder using multiple methodologies: taxometrics and information-theoretic latent distribution modeling (ITLDM), to evaluate the continuity/discontinuity of mood symptoms; and structural equation mixture modeling (SEMM), to evaluate the continuity/discontinuity of associations between mood symptoms and general functioning.

Method

A total of 3721 out-patients with bipolar disorder from the Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for Bipolar Disorder (STEP-BD) were available for analysis. Data were collected at participants’ baseline STEP-BD visit. Taxometric [maximum covariance/means above minus below a cut (MAXCOV/MAMBAC) with simulated comparison data], ITLDM and SEMM methods were applied twice, once to the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale and again to the Young Mania Rating Scale.

Results

Taxometric results unequivocally supported a continuous interpretation of the data. ITLDM results favored many valued ‘discrete metrical’ models, suggesting that mood symptoms have continuous, but potentially non-normally distributed, latent structures in out-patients with bipolar disorder. Finally, SEMM results demonstrated that latent associations between mood symptoms and general functioning were linear.

Conclusions

Results from the present study argue against the validity of DSM mood episode thresholds and argue for a graded continuum of care of bipolar symptom management.
Stress-related anhedonia is associated with ventral striatum reactivity to reward and transdiagnostic psychiatric symptomatology
Authors: Corral-Frías N. S. , Nikolova Y. S. , Michalski L.J. , Baranger D. A. A. , Hariri A. R. , Bogdan R.
Published: July 2015

Background

Early life stress (ELS) is consistently associated with increased risk for subsequent psychopathology. Individual differences in neural response to reward may confer vulnerability to stress-related psychopathology. Using data from the ongoing Duke Neurogenetics Study, the present study examined whether reward-related ventral striatum (VS) reactivity moderates the relationship between retrospectively reported ELS and anhedonic symptomatology. We further assessed whether individual differences in reward-related VS reactivity were associated with other depressive symptoms and problematic alcohol use via stress-related anhedonic symptoms and substance use-associated coping.

Method

Blood oxygen level-dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was collected while participants (n= 906) completed a card-guessing task, which robustly elicits VS reactivity. ELS, anhedonic symptoms, other depressive symptoms, coping behavior, and alcohol use behavior were assessed with self-report questionnaires. Linear regressions were run to examine whether VS reactivity moderated the relationship between ELS and anhedonic symptoms. Structural equation models examined whether this moderation was indirectly associated with other depression symptoms and problematic alcohol use through its association with anhedonia.

Results

Analyses of data from 820 participants passing quality control procedures revealed that the VS × ELS interaction was associated with anhedonic symptoms (p= 0.011). Moreover, structural equation models indirectly linked this interaction to non-anhedonic depression symptoms and problematic alcohol use through anhedonic symptoms and substance-related coping.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that reduced VS reactivity to reward is associated with increased risk for anhedonia in individuals exposed to ELS. Such stress-related anhedonia is further associated with other depressive symptoms and problematic alcohol use through substance-related coping.
Co-morbid psychiatric disorders among incarcerated ADHD populations: a meta-analysis
Authors: Young S. , Sedgwick O. , Fridman M. , Gudjonsson G. , Hodgkins P. , Lantigua M. , González R. A.
Published: July 2015

Background

Rates of psychiatric disorders are highly prevalent among prison inmates, and recent evidence confirms over-representation of youths and adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The risk for psychiatric co-morbidity may be greater among offenders with ADHD. We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis of reported rates of co-existing psychiatric morbidity with ADHD in prison samples.

Method

Studies published from 1980 to 2015 were identified using five bibliographic indexes, review articles and reference lists. Included studies had a defined ADHD group and provided additional prevalence on at least one of the following: conduct disorder, substance use disorder, mood disorder, anxiety disorder, or personality disorder. We performed meta-analytical estimates of the prevalence of each co-morbid disorder within ADHD, and estimated the risk for co-existing disorders among prisoners with ADHD by pooling odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals.

Results

Eighteen studies with data for 1615 with ADHD and 3128 without ADHD were included. The risk (OR) of all psychiatric morbidity is increased among adult inmates with ADHD. Associations in youths with ADHD were restricted to mood disorder (OR 1.89, 95% confidence interval 1.09–3.28).

Conclusions

This study quantifies the extent of co-morbidity presented by offenders with ADHD, especially adults. The differences between risk estimates for youths and adults indicate an incremental effect in both frequency and severity for the development of further co-morbid pathology through adulthood. The findings have implications for clinical intervention and for criminal justice policy.
Affective modulation of the startle response among children at high and low risk for anxiety disorders
Authors: Kujawa A. , Glenn C. R. , Hajcak G. , Klein D. N.
Published: July 2015

Background

Identifying early markers of risk for anxiety disorders in children may aid in understanding underlying mechanisms and informing prevention efforts. Affective modulation of the startle response indexes sensitivity to pleasant and unpleasant environmental contexts and has been shown to relate to anxiety, yet the extent to which abnormalities in affect-modulated startle reflect vulnerability for anxiety disorders in children has yet to be examined. The current study assessed the effects of parental psychopathology on affective modulation of startle in offspring.

Method

Nine-year-old children (n= 144) with no history of anxiety or depressive disorders completed a passive picture viewing task in which eye-blink startle responses were measured during the presentation of pleasant, neutral, and unpleasant images.

Results

Maternal anxiety was associated with distinct patterns of affective modulation of startle in offspring, such that children with maternal histories of anxiety showed potentiation of the startle response while viewing unpleasant images, but not attenuation during pleasant images, whereas children with no maternal history of anxiety exhibited attenuation of the startle response during pleasant images, but did not exhibit unpleasant potentiation – even when controlling for child symptoms of anxiety and depression. No effects of maternal depression or paternal psychopathology were observed.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that both enhanced startle responses in unpleasant conditions and failure to inhibit startle responses in pleasant conditions may reflect early emerging vulnerabilities that contribute to the later development of anxiety disorders.
Smaller hippocampal volume as a vulnerability factor for the persistence of post-traumatic stress disorder
Authors: van Rooij S. J. H. , Kennis M. , Sjouwerman R. , van den Heuvel M. P. , Kahn R. S. , Geuze E.
Published: July 2015

Background

Smaller hippocampal volume has often been observed in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, there is no consensus whether this is a result of stress/trauma exposure, or constitutes a vulnerability factor for the development of PTSD. Second, it is unclear whether hippocampal volume normalizes with successful treatment of PTSD, or whether a smaller hippocampus is a risk factor for the persistence of PTSD.

Method

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and clinical interviews were collected from 47 war veterans with PTSD, 25 healthy war veterans (combat controls) and 25 healthy non-military controls. All veterans were scanned a second time with a 6- to 8-month interval, during which PTSD patients received trauma-focused therapy. Based on post-treatment PTSD symptoms, patients were divided into a PTSD group who was in remission (n = 22) and a group in whom PTSD symptoms persisted (n = 22). MRI data were analysed with Freesurfer.

Results

Smaller left hippocampal volume was observed in PTSD patients compared with both control groups. Hippocampal volume of the combat controls did not differ from healthy controls. Second, pre- and post-treatment analyses of the PTSD patients and combat controls revealed reduced (left) hippocampal volume only in the persistent patients at both time points. Importantly, hippocampal volume did not change with treatment.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that a smaller (left) hippocampus is not the result of stress/trauma exposure. Furthermore, hippocampal volume does not increase with successful treatment. Instead, we demonstrate for the first time that a smaller (left) hippocampus constitutes a risk factor for the persistence of PTSD.
A population-based study of the risk of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder associated with parent–child separation during development
Authors: Paksarian D. , Eaton W. W. , Mortensen P. B. , Merikangas K. R. , Pedersen C. B.
Published: July 2015

Background

There is growing interest in the role of childhood adversities, including parental death and separation, in the etiology of psychotic disorders. However, few studies have used prospectively collected data to specifically investigate parental separation across development, or assessed the importance of duration of separation, and family characteristics.

Method

We measured three types of separation not due to death: maternal, paternal, and from both parents, across the ages of 1–15 years among a cohort of 985 058 individuals born in Denmark 1971–1991 and followed to 2011. Associations with narrowly and broadly defined schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in the psychiatric register were assessed in terms of separation occurrence, age of separation, and number of years separated. Interactions with parental history of mental disorder were assessed.

Results

Each type of separation was associated with all three outcomes, adjusting for age, sex, birth period, calendar year, family history of mental disorder, urbanicity at birth and parental age. Number of years of paternal separation was positively associated with both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Associations between separation from both parents and schizophrenia were stronger when separation occurred at later ages, while those with bipolar disorder remained stable across development. The first occurrence of paternal separation appeared to increase risk more when it occurred earlier in childhood. Associations differed according to parental history of mental disorder, although in no situation was separation protective.

Conclusions

Effects of parental separation may differ by type, developmental timing and family characteristics. These findings highlight the importance of considering such factors in studies of childhood adversity.
Cefn-Brynich Farm: a New Claudio-Neronian Fort in the Usk Valley, Powys, Wales
Authors: Davies Jeffrey L. , Driver Toby G.
Published: July 2015

This paper describes how the reinterpretation of published coin evidence from the Portable Antiquities Scheme, coupled with favourable conditions for cropmark formation, led to the discovery in 2013 of a probable Claudio-Neronian fort in the upper Usk valley near Brecon. This extends our knowledge of pre-Flavian installations further into central Wales than the hitherto most westerly known fort at Abergavenny.
Analysis of a heterogeneous model for riot dynamics: the effect of censorship of information
Authors: BERESTYKI H. , RODRIGUEZ N.
Published: July 2015

This paper is concerned with modelling the dynamics of social outbursts of activity, such as protests or riots. In this sequel to our work in Berestycki et al. (Networks and Heterogeneous Media, vol. 10, no. 3, 1–34), written in collaboration with J-P. Nadal, we model the effect of restriction of information and explore its impact on the existence of upheaval waves. The system involves the coupling of an explicit variable representing the intensity of rioting activity and an underlying (implicit) field of social tension. We prove the existence of global solutions to the Cauchy problem in ${\mathbb R}^d$ as well as the existence of traveling wave solutions in certain parameter regimes. We furthermore explore the effects of heterogeneities in the environment with the help of numerical simulations, which lead to pulsating waves in certain cases. We analyse the effects of periodic domains as well as the barrier problem with the help of numerical simulations. The barrier problem refers to the potential blockage of a wavefront due to a spatial heterogeneity in the system which leads to an area of low excitability (referred to as the barrier). We conclude with a variety of open problems.
Aurora kinase A is essential for correct chromosome segregation in mouse zygote
Authors: Kovarikova Veronika , Burkus Jan , Rehak Pavol , Brzakova Adela , Solc Petr , Baran Vladimir
Published: July 2015

Aurora-A kinase (AURKA), a member of the serine/threonine protein kinase family, is involved in multiple steps of mitotic progression. It regulates centrosome maturation, mitotic spindle formation, and cytokinesis. While studied extensively in somatic cells, little information is known about AURKA in the early cleavage mouse embryo with respect to acentrosomal spindle assembly. In vitro experiments in which AURKA was inactivated with specific inhibitor MLN8237 during the early stages of embryogenesis documented gradual arrest in the cleavage ability of the mouse embryo. In the AURKA-inhibited 1-cell embryos, spindle formation and anaphase onset were delayed and chromosome segregation was defective. AURKA inhibition increased apoptosis during early embryonic development. In conclusion these data suggest that AURKA is essential for the correct chromosome segregation in the first mitosis as a prerequisite for normal later development after first cleavage.
Infantile pulmonary capillary haemangiomatosis: a lethal form of pulmonary hypertension
Authors: McGovern Eiméar , McNally Paul , O’Sullivan Maureen , Phelan Ethna , Sumner Kelli , Best D. Hunter , McMahon Colin J.
Published: July 2015

We describe the cases of two children who both presented in infancy with recurrent severe pulmonary hypertensive crises. Exhaustive clinical work-up failed to identify an underlying aetiology. The patients had no clinical response to steroids, immunoglobulins, or pulmonary vasodilators. Post-mortem examination revealed extensive invasive pulmonary capillary haemangiomatosis. There was no evidence of pulmonary venous occlusive disease. Given the lethal nature of this condition, early consideration of referral to a lung transplant centre should be considered in selected patients.
Characterization of the Distance Relationship Between Localized Serotonin Receptors and Glia Cells on Fluorescence Microscopy Images of Brain Tissue
Authors: Jacak Jaroslaw , Schaller Susanne , Borgmann Daniela , Winkler Stephan M.
Published: July 2015

We here present two new methods for the characterization of fluorescent localization microscopy images obtained from immunostained brain tissue sections. Direct stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy images of 5-HT1A serotonin receptors and glial fibrillary acidic proteins in healthy cryopreserved brain tissues are analyzed. In detail, we here present two image processing methods for characterizing differences in receptor distribution on glial cells and their distribution on neural cells: One variant relies on skeleton extraction and adaptive thresholding, the other on k-means based discrete layer segmentation. Experimental results show that both methods can be applied for distinguishing classes of images with respect to serotonin receptor distribution. Quantification of nanoscopic changes in relative protein expression on particular cell types can be used to analyze degeneration in tissues caused by diseases or medical treatment.
The Gothenburg MCI study: Design and distribution of Alzheimer’s disease and subcortical vascular disease diagnoses from baseline to 6-year follow-up
Authors: Wallin Anders , Nordlund Arto , Jonsson Michael , Lind Karin , Edman Åke , Göthlin Mattias , Stålhammar Jacob , Eckerström Marie , Kern Silke , Börjesson-Hanson Anne , Carlsson Mårten , Olsson Erik , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj , Svensson Johan , Öhrfelt Annika , Bjerke Maria , Rolstad Sindre , Eckerström Carl
Published: July 2015

There is a need for increased nosological knowledge to enable rational trials in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related disorders. The ongoing Gothenburg mild cognitive impairment (MCI) study is an attempt to conduct longitudinal in-depth phenotyping of patients with different forms and degrees of cognitive impairment using neuropsychological, neuroimaging, and neurochemical tools. Particular attention is paid to the interplay between AD and subcortical vascular disease, the latter representing a disease entity that may cause or contribute to cognitive impairment with an effect size that may be comparable to AD. Of 664 patients enrolled between 1999 and 2013, 195 were diagnosed with subjective cognitive impairment (SCI), 274 with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 195 with dementia, at baseline. Of the 195 (29%) patients with dementia at baseline, 81 (42%) had AD, 27 (14%) SVD, 41 (21%) mixed type dementia (=AD + SVD = MixD), and 46 (23%) other etiologies. After 6 years, 292 SCI/MCI patients were eligible for follow-up. Of these 292, 69 (24%) had converted to dementia (29 (42%) AD, 16 (23%) SVD, 15 (22%) MixD, 9 (13%) other etiologies). The study has shown that it is possible to identify not only AD but also incipient and manifest MixD/SVD in a memory clinic setting. These conditions should be taken into account in clinical trials.
The Cumulative Influence of Hyperoxia and Hypercapnia on Blood Oxygenation and R2*
Authors: Faraco Carlos C , Strother Megan K , Siero Jeroen CW , Arteaga Daniel F , Scott Allison O , Jordan Lori C , Donahue Manus J
Published: July 2015

Cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR)-weighted blood-oxygenation-level-dependent magnetic resonance imaging (BOLD-MRI) experiments are frequently used in conjunction with hyperoxia. Owing to complex interactions between hyperoxia and hypercapnia, quantitative effects of these gas mixtures on BOLD responses, blood and tissue R2∗, and blood oxygenation are incompletely understood. Here we performed BOLD imaging (3T; TE/TR = 35/2,000 ms; spatial resolution = 3×3×3.5 mm3) in healthy volunteers ( n = 12; age = 29±4.1 years) breathing (i) room air (RA), (ii) normocapnic-hyperoxia (95% O2/5% N2, HO), (iii) hypercapnic-normoxia (5% CO2/21% O2/74% N2, HC-NO), and (iv) hypercapnic-hyperoxia (5% CO2/95% O2, HC-HO). For HC-HO, experiments were performed with separate RA and HO baselines to control for changes in O2. T2-relaxation-under-spin-tagging MRI was used to calculate basal venous oxygenation. Signal changes were quantified and established hemodynamic models were applied to quantify vasoactive blood oxygenation, blood–water R∗2, and tissue-water R∗2. In the cortex, fractional BOLD changes (stimulus/baseline) were HO/RA = 0.011 ± 0.007; HC-NO/RA = 0.014±0.004; HC-HO/HO = 0.020±0.008; and HC-HO/RA = 0.035 ±0.010; for the measured basal venous oxygenation level of 0.632, this led to venous blood oxygenation levels of 0.660 (HO), 0.665 (HC-NO), and 0.712 (HC-HO). Interleaving a HC-HO stimulus with HO baseline provided a smaller but significantly elevated BOLD response compared with a HC-NO stimulus. Results provide an outline for how blood oxygenation differs for several gas stimuli and provides quantitative information on how hypercapnic BOLD CVR and R∗2 are altered during hyperoxia.
An actin-dependent spindle position checkpoint ensures the asymmetric division in mouse oocytes
Authors: Metchat Aïcha , Eguren Manuel , Hossain Julius M. , Politi Antonio Z. , Huet Sébastien , Ellenberg Jan
Published: July 2015

Faithful chromosome segregation, during meiosis, is of critical importance to prevent aneuploidy in the resulting embryo. In mammalian oocytes, the segregation of homologous chromosomes takes place with the spindle located at the cell’s periphery. The spindle is often assembled close to the centre of the cell, which necessitates the actin network for spindle transport to the cell cortex. In this study, we investigate how the segregation of chromosomes is coordinated with the positioning of the metaphase I spindle. We develop different assays to perturb the spindle’s position and to delay its relocation to the cell periphery. We find that anaphase is delayed until the spindle is positioned in close proximity with the oocyte cortex. We further show that the metaphase arrest is dependent on a functional actin network, in addition to the spindle assembly checkpoint. Our work provides the first evidence for the existence of a functional spindle position checkpoint.
Charge deformation and orbital hybridization: intrinsic mechanisms on tunable chromaticity of Y3Al5O12:Ce3+ luminescence by doping Gd3+ for warm white LEDs
Authors: Chen Lei , Chen Xiuling , Liu Fayong , Chen Haohong , Wang Hui , Zhao Erlong , Jiang Yang , Chan Ting-Shan , Wang Chia-Hsin , Zhang Wenhua , Wang Yu , Chen Shifu
Published: July 2015

The deficiency of Y3Al5O12:Ce (YAG:Ce) luminescence in red component can be compensated by doping Gd3+, thus lead to it being widely used for packaging warm white light-emitting diode devices. This article presents a systematic study on the photoluminescence properties, crystal structures and electronic band structures of (Y1−xGdx)3Al5O12: Ce3+ using powerful experimental techniques of thermally stimulated luminescence, X-ray diffraction, X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES), extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) and ultraviolet photoelectron spectra (UPS) of the valence band, assisted with theoretical calculations on the band structure, density of states (DOS) and charge deformation density (CDD). A new interpretation from the viewpoint of compression deformation of electron cloud in a rigid structure by combining orbital hybridization with solid-state energy band theory together is put forward to illustrate the intrinsic mechanisms that cause the emission spectral shift, thermal quenching and luminescence intensity decrease of YAG: Ce upon substitution of Y3+ by Gd3+, which are out of the explanation of the classic configuration coordinate model. The results indicate that in a rigid structure, the charge deformation provides an efficient way to tune chromaticity, but the band gaps and crystal defects must be controlled by comprehensively accounting for luminescence thermal stability and efficiency.
Association between Ideal Cardiovascular Health Metrics and Depression in Chinese Population: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Li Zhikun , Yang Xin , Wang Anxin , Qiu Jing , Wang Wei , Song Qiaofeng , Wang Xizhu
Published: July 2015

The study aimed to examine the association between ideal cardiovascular health (CVH) metrics and depression. We conducted a population-based, cross-sectional study of 6,851 participants aged 20 years or older (3,525 men and 3,326 women) living in Tangshan City, China. Information on the seven CVH metrics (including smoking, body mass index, dietary intake, physical activity, blood pressure, total cholesterol and fasting blood glucose) was collected via questionnaires, physical examination and laboratory test. Depression status was assessed using the Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and a score of 16 or above was considered depression. The relationship between CVH metrics and depression was analyzed using logistic regression. Of the 6,851 participants, 525 (7.7%) were in depression status. After adjustment for potential confounders, men in the highest quartile of ideal CVH metric summary score had a reduced likelihood of having depression compared to those in the lowest quartile (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 0.46, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.28–0.75, p = 0.002). A similar trend was found among women, even though the association was not significant (AOR = 0.74, 95%CI: 0.46–1.18, p = 0.211). This study suggested that better CVH status is associated with a lower risk of depression especially in Chinese male and young population.
Hybrid system for rechargeable magnesium battery with high energy density
Authors: Chang Zheng , Yang Yaqiong , Wang Xiaowei , Li Minxia , Fu Zhengwen , Wu Yuping , Holze Rudolf
Published: July 2015

One of the main challenges of electrical energy storage (EES) is the development of environmentally friendly battery systems with high safety and high energy density. Rechargeable Mg batteries have been long considered as one highly promising system due to the use of low cost and dendrite-free magnesium metal. The bottleneck for traditional Mg batteries is to achieve high energy density since their output voltage is below 2.0 V. Here, we report a magnesium battery using Mg in Grignard reagent-based electrolyte as the negative electrode, a lithium intercalation compound in aqueous solution as the positive electrode and a solid electrolyte as a separator. Its average discharge voltage is 2.1 V with stable discharge platform and good cycling life. The calculated energy density based on the two electrodes is high. These findings open another door to rechargeable magnesium batteries.
Nearly isotropic piezoresistive response due to charge detour conduction in nanoparticle thin films
Authors: Jiang Cheng-Wei , Ni I.-Chih , Tzeng Shien-Der , Kuo Watson
Published: July 2015

Piezoresistive responses of nanoparticle thin-film strain sensors on flexible polyimide substrates were studied. Disordered interparticle tunneling introduces microscopic detour of charge conduction so as to reduce gauge factors. The disorder also results in large resistance change when current flows in the direction perpendicular to a unidirectional strain, reducing response anisotropy. For practical usages, stability and endurance of these strain sensors are confirmed with 7 × 104 bending cycles. Cracks form in devices under prolonged cyclic bending and slightly reduce gauge factor.
Nonparametric Risk and Nonparametric Odds in Quantitative Genetic Association Studies
Authors: Zhang Wei , Li Qizhai
Published: July 2015

The coefficient in a linear regression model is commonly employed to evaluate the genetic effect of a single nucleotide polymorphism associated with a quantitative trait under the assumption that the trait value follows a normal distribution or is appropriately normally distributed after a certain transformation. When this assumption is violated, the distribution-free tests are preferred. In this work, we propose the nonparametric risk (NR) and nonparametric odds (NO), obtain the asymptotic normal distribution of estimated NR and then construct the confidence intervals. We also define the genetic models using NR, construct the test statistic under a given genetic model and a robust test, which are free of the genetic uncertainty. Simulation studies show that the proposed confidence intervals have satisfactory cover probabilities and the proposed test can control the type I error rates and is more powerful than the exiting ones under most of the considered scenarios. Application to gene of PTPN22 and genomic region of 6p21.33 from the Genetic Analysis Workshop 16 for association with the anticyclic citrullinated protein antibody further show their performances.
A broadband polarization-insensitive cloak based on mode conversion
Authors: Gu Chendong , Xu Yadong , Li Sucheng , Lu Weixin , Li Jensen , Chen Huanyang , Hou Bo
Published: July 2015

In this work, we demonstrate an one-dimensional cloak consisting of parallel-plated waveguide with two slabs of gradient index metamaterials attached to its metallic walls. In it objects are hidden without limitation of polarizations and good performance is observed for a broadband of frequencies. The experiments at microwave frequencies are carried out, supporting the theoretical results very well. The essential principle behind the proposed cloaking device is based on mode conversion, which provides a new strategy to manipulate wave propagation.
Diagnosis of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Using Real-time Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Joseph Arun A. , Gross Lisa , Ghadimi Michael , Frahm Jens , Beham Alexander W.
Published: July 2015

A small angle (His angle) between the oesophagus and the fundus of the stomach is considered to act as flap valve and anti-reflux barrier. A wide angle results in dysfunction of the oesophagogastric junction and subsequently in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Here, we used real-time magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 50 ms resolution (20 frames per second) in 12 volunteers and 12 patients with GERD to assess transport of pineapple juice through the oesophagogastric junction and reflux during Valsalva. We found that the intra-abdominal part of the oesophagus was bended towards the left side resulting in an angle of 75.3 ± 17.4, which was significantly larger during Valsava (P = 0.017). Reflux and several underlying pathologies were detected in 11 out of 12 patients. Our data visualize oesophagogastric junction physiology and disprove the flap valve hypothesis. Further, non-invasive real-time MRI has considerable potential for the diagnosis of causative pathologies leading to GERD.
Expected number of quantum channels in quantum networks
Authors: Chen Xi , Wang He-Ming , Ji Dan-Tong , Mu Liang-Zhu , Fan Heng
Published: July 2015

Quantum communication between nodes in quantum networks plays an important role in quantum information processing. Here, we proposed the use of the expected number of quantum channels as a measure of the efficiency of quantum communication for quantum networks. This measure quantified the amount of quantum information that can be teleported between nodes in a quantum network, which differs from classical case in that the quantum channels will be consumed if teleportation is performed. We further demonstrated that the expected number of quantum channels represents local correlations depicted by effective circles. Significantly, capacity of quantum communication of quantum networks quantified by ENQC is independent of distance for the communicating nodes, if the effective circles of communication nodes are not overlapped. The expected number of quantum channels can be enhanced through transformations of the lattice configurations of quantum networks via entanglement swapping. Our results can shed lights on the study of quantum communication in quantum networks.
Analysis of gene expression of secreted factors associated with breast cancer metastases in breast cancer subtypes
Authors: Fertig Elana J. , Lee Esak , Pandey Niranjan B. , Popel Aleksander S.
Published: July 2015

Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease, having multiple subtypes with different malignant phenotypes. The triple-negative breast cancer, or basal breast cancer, is highly aggressive, metastatic and difficult to treat. Previously, we identified that key molecules (IL6, CSF2, CCL5, VEGFA and VEGFC) secreted by tumor cells and stromal cells in basal breast cancer can promote metastasis. It remains to assess whether these molecules function similarly in other subtypes of breast cancer. Here, we characterize the relative gene expression of the five secreted molecules and their associated receptors (GP130, GMRA, GMRB, CCR5, VEGFR2, NRP1, VEGFR3, NRP2) in the basal, HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) positive, luminal A and luminal B subtypes using high throughput data from tumor samples in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium (METABRIC). IL6 and CCL5 gene expression are basal breast cancer specific, whereas high gene expression of GP130 was observed in luminal A/B. VEGFA/C and CSF2 mRNA are overexpressed in HER2 positive breast cancer, with VEGFA and CSF2 also overexpressed in basal breast cancer. Further study of the specific protein function of these factors within their associated cancer subtypes may yield personalized biomarkers and treatment modalities.
Stability of cooperation under image scoring in group interactions
Authors: Nax Heinrich H. , Perc Matjaž , Szolnoki Attila , Helbing Dirk
Published: July 2015

Image scoring sustains cooperation in the repeated two-player prisoner’s dilemma through indirect reciprocity, even though defection is the uniquely dominant selfish behaviour in the one-shot game. Many real-world dilemma situations, however, firstly, take place in groups and, secondly, lack the necessary transparency to inform subjects reliably of others’ individual past actions. Instead, there is revelation of information regarding groups, which allows for ‘group scoring’ but not for image scoring. Here, we study how sensitive the positive results related to image scoring are to information based on group scoring. We combine analytic results and computer simulations to specify the conditions for the emergence of cooperation. We show that under pure group scoring, that is, under the complete absence of image-scoring information, cooperation is unsustainable. Away from this extreme case, however, the necessary degree of image scoring relative to group scoring depends on the population size and is generally very small. We thus conclude that the positive results based on image scoring apply to a much broader range of informational settings that are relevant in the real world than previously assumed.
Geometric interpretations for resonances of plasmonic nanoparticles
Authors: Liu Wei , Oulton Rupert F. , Kivshar Yuri S.
Published: July 2015

The field of plasmonics can be roughly categorized into two branches: surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) propagating in waveguides and localized surface plasmons (LSPs) supported by scattering particles. Investigations along these two directions usually employ different approaches, resulting in more or less a dogma that the two branches progress almost independently of each other, with few interactions. Here in this work we interpret LSPs from a Bohr model based geometric perspective relying on SPPs, thus establishing a connection between these two sub-fields. Besides the clear explanations of conventional scattering features of plasmonic nanoparticles, based on this geometric model we further demonstrate other anomalous scattering features (higher order modes supported at lower frequencies and blueshift of the resonance with increasing particle sizes) and multiple electric resonances of the same order supported at different frequencies, which have been revealed to originate from backward SPP modes and multiple dispersion bands supported in the corresponding plasmonic waveguides, respectively. Inspired by this geometric model, it is also shown that, through solely geometric tuning, the absorption of each LSP resonance can be maximized to reach the single channel absorption limit, provided that the scattering and absorption rates are tuned to be equal.
Carbon Nanohorns Carried Iron Fluoride Nanocomposite with ultrahigh rate lithium ion storage properties
Authors: Fan Lishuang , Li Bingjiang , Zhang Naiqing , Sun Kening
Published: July 2015

Novel hierarchical carbon nanohorns (CNHs) carried iron fluoride nanocomposites have been constructed by direct growth of FeF3·0.33H2O nanoparticles on CNHs. In the FeF3·0.33H2O@CNHs nanocomposite, the mesopore CNHs play the role as conductive matrix and robust carrier to support the FeF3·0.33H2O nanoparticles. The intimate conductive contact between the two components can build up an express way of electron transfer for rapid Li+ insertion/extraction. The CNHs can not only suppress the growth and agglomeration of FeF3·0.33H2O during the crystallization process, but also sever as an “elastic confinement” to support FeF3·0.33H2O. As was to be expected, the hierarchical FeF3·0.33H2O@CNHs nanocomposite exhibits impressive rate capability and excellent cycle performance. Markedly, the nanocomposite proves stable, ultrahigh rate lithium ion storage properties of 81 mAh g−1 at charge/discharge rate of 50 C (a discharge/charge process only takes 72 s). The integration of high electron conductivity, confined nano sized FeF3·0.33H2O (~5 nm), hierarchical mesopores CNHs and the “elastic confinement” support, the FeF3·0.33H2O@CNHs nanocomposite demonstrates excellent ultrahigh rate capability and good cycling properties.
The dynamics of meaningful social interactions and the emergence of collective knowledge
Authors: Dankulov Marija Mitrović , Melnik Roderick , Tadić Bosiljka
Published: July 2015

Collective knowledge as a social value may arise in cooperation among actors whose individual expertise is limited. The process of knowledge creation requires meaningful, logically coordinated interactions, which represents a challenging problem to physics and social dynamics modeling. By combining two-scale dynamics model with empirical data analysis from a well-known Questions & Answers system Mathematics, we show that this process occurs as a collective phenomenon in an enlarged network (of actors and their artifacts) where the cognitive recognition interactions are properly encoded. The emergent behavior is quantified by the information divergence and innovation advancing of knowledge over time and the signatures of self-organization and knowledge sharing communities. These measures elucidate the impact of each cognitive element and the individual actor’s expertise in the collective dynamics. The results are relevant to stochastic processes involving smart components and to collaborative social endeavors, for instance, crowdsourcing scientific knowledge production with online games.
Fallout of Pu-238 Over Madagascar Following the Snap 9A Satellite Failure
Authors: Holm E. , Rääf C. , Rabesiranana N. , Garcia-Tenorio R. , Chamizo E.
Published: July 2015

After the SNAP 9A satellite accident in 1964, the dispersion of Pu was investigated as a function of latitude North and South. It was obvious that most of the fallout of 238Pu was on the southern hemisphere. However no data from Madagascar, where the accident happened, were reported. This paper describes the analysis of peat bog samples for Pu-isotopes by alpha spectrometry after radiochemical separation. To investigate especially the presence of 239Pu, selected samples were analyzed for 239Pu and 240Pu using mass spectrometric analyses, AMS.
Transport and Accumulation of Stable Metals and Radionuclides in Dulas Bay, North Wales
Authors: Al-Qasmi H. , Law G. T. W. , Bryan N. D. , Livens F. R.
Published: July 2015

Dulas Bay in Anglesey, North Wales, is an area of scientific interest not only because it receives radioactive contaminants from Sellafield, but also it receives high concentrations of contaminant metals from the abandoned Parys Mountain mine via the Afon Goch. This system, therefore, provides an ideal case study to investigate the transport and the accumulation of radionuclides and stable metals and any connections between them. Samples were collected and U and Pu were separated prior to electrodeposition and alpha spectrometry. ICP-MS, XRF and gamma spectrometry were also carried out.
Uncertainties in Measurements Using LSC Quench-Curves
Authors: Knetsch G. J. , Kwakman P. J. M.
Published: July 2015

All radiological measurements dealing with liquid scintillation counting have at least three categories of uncertainties: (i) Experimental uncertainties, related to all laboratory sample treatment, (ii) Counting uncertainties and (iii) Calibration uncertainties, related to the application of quench curves. The calibration uncertainty associated with a specific quench curve is often neglected or under-estimated. For many users of LS measurements a quench curve is a “black box” given by the supplier of the instrument. These quench curves are the result of a curve fit which is quite difficult to reconstruct from the suppliers software. In this paper the calibration uncertainty associated with LS-counting of 3H, 14C, 89Sr and 90Sr is quantified by examining the uncertainties associated with quench curves.
Design of a novel Schiff-base fluorescent sensor for Al3+: experimental and computational studies
Authors: Qin Jing-Can , Cheng Xiao-ying , Yu Kai-chao , Fang Ran , Wang Ming-fang , Yang Zheng-yin
Published: July 2015

Upon the gradual addition of Al3+ to a solution of HL, the sensor showed a large fluorescence enhancement at 420 nm. The reason for this phenomenon is that the addition of Al3+ to the solution of HL results in the formation of a 1 : 1 stoichiometry of the binding mode of L–Al which inhibits photoinduced electron transfer (PET).
Red light-controlled polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Meyer A. , Schikora Margot , Mokhir A.
Published: July 2015

A 23-mer DNA “caged” at its 3′-terminus with a 9-anthracenyl moiety was prepared.
High catalytic activity of palladium nanoparticle clusters supported on a spherical polymer network
Authors: Sultanova Elza D. , Salnikov Vadim V. , Mukhitova Rezeda K. , Zuev Yuriy F. , Osin Yuriy N. , Zakharova Lucia Ya. , Ziganshina Albina Y. , Konovalov Alexander I.
Published: July 2015

In this communication we report the synthesis of Pd nanoparticle clusters achieved via the assembly of Pd nanoparticles on the surface of a spherical polymer network.
Towards multifunctional lanthanide-based metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Tobin Gerard , Comby Steve , Zhu Nianyong , Clérac Rodolphe , Gunnlaugsson Thorfinnur , Schmitt Wolfgang
Published: July 2015

The structure-type of a Ho(iii)-based MOF can be varied using a range of different lanthanide ions to tune the photophysical properties and produce ligand-sensitised near-infrared and visible light emitters.
Rhodium(iii)-catalyzed oxidative bicyclization of 4-arylbut-3-yn-1-amines with internal alkynes through C–H functionalization
Authors: Pi Rui , Zhou Ming-Bo , Yang Yuan , Gao Cai , Song Ren-Jie , Li Jin-Heng
Published: July 2015

A new Rh(iii)-catalyzed oxidative bicyclization through C–H functionalization is presented for the synthesis of benzo[g]indoles.
Highly transparent and flexible polyimide/ZrO2 nanocomposite optical films with a tunable refractive index and Abbe number
Authors: Tsai Chia-Liang , Liou Guey-Sheng
Published: July 2015

The obtained PI/ZrO2 hybrid films revealed excellent optical transparency, a tunable refractive index and an Abbe number of 1.804 and 32.18, respectively.
Self-assembled NIR nanovesicles for long-term photoacoustic imaging in vivo
Authors: An Hong-Wei , Qiao Sheng-Lin , Hou Chun-Yuan , Lin Yao-Xin , Li Li-Li , Xie Han-Yi , Wang Yi , Wang Lei , Wang Hao
Published: July 2015

We report a supramolecular approach for preparation of photostable NIR nanovesicles based on a cyanine dye derivative as a photoacoustic (PA) contrast agent for high-performance nano-imaging.
Immobilization of a molecular cobalt electrocatalyst by hydrophobic interaction with a hematite photoanode for highly stable oxygen evolution
Authors: Joya Khurram S. , Morlanés Natalia , Maloney Edward , Rodionov Valentin , Takanabe Kazuhiro
Published: July 2015

A highly stable performance was achieved during photoelectrochemical oxygen evolution using a molecular cobalt catalyst utilizing its hydrophobic nature.
Direct formation of large-scale multi-layered germanene on Si substrate
Authors: Tsai Hsu-Sheng , Chen Yu-Ze , Medina Henry , Su Teng-Yu , Chou Ta-Shun , Chen Yi-Hsuan , Chueh Yu-Lun , Liang Jenq-Horng
Published: July 2015

Germanene layers with lonsdaleite structure has been synthesized from a SiGe thin film using a N2 plasma-assisted process in this investigation.
Composition-dependent band gaps and indirect–direct band gap transitions of group-IV semiconductor alloys
Authors: Zhu Zhen , Xiao Jiamin , Sun Haibin , Hu Yue , Cao Ronggen , Wang Yin , Zhao Li , Zhuang Jun
Published: July 2015

Obtaining the value of the band gap and the composition of an indirect–direct band gap transition point for group-IV semiconductor alloys by an efficient and reliable method.
Ab initio GGA+U study of oxygen evolution and oxygen reduction electrocatalysis on the (001) surfaces of lanthanum transition metal perovskites LaBO3(B = Cr, Mn, Fe, Co and Ni)
Authors: Lee Yueh-Lin , Gadre Milind J. , Shao-Horn Yang , Morgan Dane
Published: July 2015

Theoretical ORR volcano of LaBO3perovskite (001) surfaces at stable adsorbate coverage.
Nanocrystal-constructed mesoporous CoFe2O4nanowire arrays aligned on flexible carbon fabric as integrated anodes with enhanced lithium storage properties
Authors: Wang Bo , Li Songmei , Wu Xiaoyu , Li Bin , Liu Jianhua , Yu Mei
Published: July 2015

Hierarchical mesoporous CoFe2O4nanowire arrays on flexible carbon fabric as integrated anodes for highly efficient and reversible lithium storage.
Vibrational lifetimes and friction in adsorbate motion determined from quasi-elastic scattering
Authors: Lechner Barbara A. J. , Hedgeland Holly , Jardine Andrew P. , Allison William , Hinch B. J. , Ellis John
Published: July 2015

The vibrations of an adsorbate molecule are measured by quasi-elastic helium atom scattering at the same time as long-range diffusion.
Local environments of boron heteroatoms in non-crystalline layered borosilicates
Authors: Garaga Mounesha N. , Hsieh Ming-Feng , Nour Zalfa , Deschamps Michael , Massiot Dominique , Chmelka Bradley F. , Cadars Sylvian
Published: July 2015

B heteroatoms incorporated in subtly different layered silicates lead to strikingly distinct extents and types of local order and disorder.
ZSM-5 seed-grafted SBA-15 as a high performance support for cobalt Fischer–Tropsch synthesis catalysts
Authors: Chen Sufang , Wang Cunwen , Li Jinlin , Zhang Yuhua , Hong Jingping , Wen Xiong , Liu Chengchao
Published: July 2015

Strong bifunctional performance was observed on a ZSM-5 seed-grafted SBA-15 supported cobalt catalyst reacted at 260 °C in FTS.
Recent progress in g-C3N4 based low cost photocatalytic system: activity enhancement and emerging applications
Authors: Yin Shengming , Han Jianyu , Zhou Tianhua , Xu Rong
Published: July 2015

Noble metal free g-C3N4 based photocatalysts find promising applications in the fields of photocatalytic H2 production, overall water splitting and CO2 reduction. Their photocatalytic can be enhanced by depositing non-noble metal co-catalysts and exfoliation to nanosheets.
Mild and selective catalytic oxidation of organic substrates by a carbon nanotube-rhodium nanohybrid
Authors: Donck Simon , Gravel Edmond , Li Alex , Prakash Praveen , Shah Nimesh , Leroy Jocelyne , Li Haiyan , Namboothiri Irishi N. N. , Doris Eric
Published: July 2015

A heterogeneous catalyst was assembled by stabilization of rhodium nanoparticles on carbon nanotubes.
Wet-chemical synthesis of different bismuth telluride nanoparticles using metal organic precursors – single source vs. dual source approach
Authors: Bendt Georg , Weber Anna , Heimann Stefan , Assenmacher Wilfried , Prymak Oleg , Schulz Stephan
Published: July 2015

Thermolysis of metal organicsingle sourceanddual source precursorsyielded phase-pure BixTeynanoparticles at low temperatures.