bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ti/Au Cathode for Electronic transport material-free organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells
Authors: Shi Tongfei , Chen Jian , Zheng Jianqiang , Li Xinhua , Zhou Bukang , Cao Huaxiang , Wang Yuqi
Published: December 2016

We have fabricated organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cell that uses a Ti/Au multilayer as cathode and does not use electron transport materials, and achieved the highest power conversion efficiency close to 13% with high reproducibility and hysteresis-free photocurrent curves. Our cell has a Schottky planar heterojunction structure (ITO/PEDOT:PSS/perovskite/Ti/Au), in which the Ti insertion layer isolate the perovskite and Au layers, thus proving good contact between the Au and perovskite and increasing the cells’ shunt resistance greatly. Moreover, the Ti/Au cathode in direct contact with hybrid perovskite showed no reaction for a long-term exposure to the air, and can provide sufficient protection and avoid the perovskite and PEDOT:PSS layers contact with moisture. Hence, the Ti/Au based devices retain about 70% of their original efficiency after 300 h storage in the ambient environment.
Identification of novel X-linked gain-of-function RPGR-ORF15 mutation in Italian family with retinitis pigmentosa and pathologic myopia
Authors: Parmeggiani Francesco , Barbaro Vanessa , De Nadai Katia , Lavezzo Enrico , Toppo Stefano , Chizzolini Marzio , Palù Giorgio , Parolin Cristina , Di Iorio Enzo
Published: December 2016

The aim of this study was to describe a new pathogenic variant in the mutational hot spot exon ORF15 of retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator (RPGR) gene within an Italian family with X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (RP), detailing its distinctive genotype-phenotype correlation with pathologic myopia (PM). All members of this RP-PM family underwent a complete ophthalmic examination. The entire open reading frames of RPGR and retinitis pigmentosa 2 genes were analyzed by Sanger sequencing. A novel frame-shift mutation in exon ORF15 of RPGR gene (c.2091_2092insA; p.A697fs) was identified as hemizygous variant in the male proband with RP, and as heterozygous variant in the females of this pedigree who invariably exhibited symmetrical PM in both eyes. The c.2091_2092insA mutation coherently co-segregated with the observed phenotypes. These findings expand the spectrum of X-linked RP variants. Interestingly, focusing on Caucasian ethnicity, just three RPGR mutations are hitherto reported in RP-PM families: one of these is located in exon ORF15, but none appears to be characterized by a high penetrance of PM trait as observed in the present, relatively small, pedigree. The geno-phenotypic attributes of this heterozygosity suggest that gain-of-function mechanism could give rise to PM via a degenerative cell-cell remodeling of the retinal structures.
Effect of Positive Psychological Intervention on Posttraumatic Growth among Primary Healthcare Workers in China: A Preliminary Prospective Study
Authors: Xu Xin , Hu Mu-li , Song Yu , Lu Zhang-xiu , Chen You-qiao , Wu Da-xing , Xiao Tao
Published: December 2016

Posttraumatic growth (PTG) is defined as positive psychological change in the wake of highly challenging circumstances. Healthcare workers in particular are more vulnerable to stressors and trauma than the general population. The current study examined the use and effectiveness of a novel positive psychological intervention based on Chinese traditional culture to improve PTG in hospital healthcare workers. The intervention was provided to 579 healthcare workers at hospitals in Guilin, Shenzhen and Xiangtan. Scores on the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) and its subscales were significantly higher after intervention than before (p < 0.001). Of the five aspects of PTG, the aspect of “new possibilities” benefited the most from intervention (Cohen’s d = 0.45). PTG in women, nurses and college graduates increased to a greater extent than other participants after intervention. It was concluded that our novel intervention is effective at improving PTG in medical staff.
A genome-wide screen for acrophobia susceptibility loci in a Finnish isolate
Authors: Misiewicz Zuzanna , Hiekkalinna Tero , Paunio Tiina , Varilo Teppo , Terwilliger Joseph D. , Partonen Timo , Hovatta Iiris
Published: December 2016

Acrophobia, an abnormal fear of heights, is a specific phobia characterized as apprehension cued by the occurrence or anticipation of elevated spaces. It is considered a complex trait with onset influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Identification of genetic risk variants would provide novel insight into the genetic basis of the fear of heights phenotype and contribute to the molecular-level understanding of its aetiology. Genetic isolates may facilitate identification of susceptibility alleles due to reduced genetic heterogeneity. We took advantage of an internal genetic isolate in Finland in which a distinct acrophobia phenotype appears to be segregating in pedigrees originally ascertained for schizophrenia. We conducted parametric, nonparametric, joint linkage and linkage disequilibrium analyses using a microsatellite marker panel, genotyped in families to search for chromosomal regions correlated with acrophobia. Our results implicated a few regions with suggestive evidence for linkage on chromosomes 4q28 (LOD = 2.17), 8q24 (LOD = 2.09) and 13q21-q22 (LOD = 2.22). We observed no risk haplotypes shared between different families. These results suggest that genetic predisposition to acrophobia in this genetic isolate is unlikely to be mediated by a small number of shared high-risk alleles, but rather has a complex genetic architecture.
Structure of Crenezumab Complex with Aβ Shows Loss of β-Hairpin
Authors: Ultsch Mark , Li Bing , Maurer Till , Mathieu Mary , Adolfsson Oskar , Muhs Andreas , Pfeifer Andrea , Pihlgren Maria , Bainbridge Travis W. , Reichelt Mike , Ernst James A. , Eigenbrot Charles , Fuh Germaine , Atwal Jasvinder K. , Watts Ryan J. , Wang Weiru
Published: December 2016

Accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides and amyloid plaque deposition in brain is postulated as a cause of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The precise pathological species of Aβ remains elusive although evidence suggests soluble oligomers may be primarily responsible for neurotoxicity. Crenezumab is a humanized anti-Aβ monoclonal IgG4 that binds multiple forms of Aβ, with higher affinity for aggregated forms, and that blocks Aβ aggregation, and promotes disaggregation. To understand the structural basis for this binding profile and activity, we determined the crystal structure of crenezumab in complex with Aβ. The structure reveals a sequential epitope and conformational requirements for epitope recognition, which include a subtle but critical element that is likely the basis for crenezumab’s versatile binding profile. We find interactions consistent with high affinity for multiple forms of Aβ, particularly oligomers. Of note, crenezumab also sequesters the hydrophobic core of Aβ and breaks an essential salt-bridge characteristic of the β-hairpin conformation, eliminating features characteristic of the basic organization in Aβ oligomers and fibrils, and explains crenezumab’s inhibition of aggregation and promotion of disaggregation. These insights highlight crenezumab’s unique mechanism of action, particularly regarding Aβ oligomers, and provide a strong rationale for the evaluation of crenezumab as a potential AD therapy.
Enabling Ultrasensitive Photo-detection Through Control of Interface Properties in Molybdenum Disulfide Atomic Layers
Authors: Najmaei Sina , Lei Sidong , Burke Robert A. , Nichols Barbara M. , George Antony , Ajayan Pulickel M. , Franklin Aaron D. , Lou Jun , Dubey Madan
Published: December 2016

The interfaces in devices made of two-dimensional materials such as MoS2 can effectively control their optoelectronic performance. However, the extent and nature of these deterministic interactions are not fully understood. Here, we investigate the role of substrate interfaces on the photodetector properties of MoS2 devices by studying its photocurrent properties on both SiO2 and self-assembled monolayer-modified substrates. Results indicate that while the photoresponsivity of the devices can be enhanced through control of device interfaces, response times are moderately compromised. We attribute this trade-off to the changes in the electrical contact resistance at the device metal-semiconductor interface. We demonstrate that the formation of charge carrier traps at the interface can dominate the device photoresponse properties. The capture and emission rates of deeply trapped charge carriers in the substrate-semiconductor-metal regions are strongly influenced by exposure to light and can dynamically dope the contact regions and thus perturb the photodetector properties. As a result, interface-modified photodetectors have significantly lower dark-currents and higher on-currents. Through appropriate interfacial design, a record high device responsivity of 4.5 × 103 A/W at 7 V is achieved, indicative of the large signal gain in the devices and exemplifying an important design strategy that enables highly responsive two-dimensional photodetectors.
Nutrient enrichment alters impacts of Hydrocotyle vulgaris invasion on native plant communities
Authors: Liu Lin , Quan Han , Dong Bi-Cheng , Bu Xiang-Qi , Li Lin , Liu Fu-De , Lei Guang-Chun , Li Hong-Li
Published: December 2016

Nutrients may affect the invasiveness of alien plants and the invasibility of native plant communities. We performed a greenhouse experiment to investigate the interactive effect of invasion by a clonal herb Hydrocotyle vulgaris and nutrient enrichment on biomass and evenness of native plant communities. We established three types of plant communities (H. vulgaris alone, native plant communities without or with H. vulgaris) under low and high levels of nutrients. Native communities consisted of eight native, terrestrial species of three functional groups, i.e. four grasses, two legumes, and two forbs. Invasion of H. vulgaris had no effect on biomass of the native community, the functional groups, or the individual species. High nutrients increased biomass of grasses, but reduced evenness of the community. High nutrients also decreased the competitive effect, and the relative dominance index of H. vulgaris. Therefore, high nutrients reduced the competitive ability of H. vulgaris and enhanced the resistance of the native community to invasion. The results provide a basis for management strategies to control the invasion and spread of H. vulgaris by manipulating resource availability to support native communities.
Ascorbic Acid Protects against Hypertension through Downregulation of ACE1 Gene Expression Mediated by Histone Deacetylation in Prenatal Inflammation-Induced Offspring
Authors: Wang Jing , Yin Na , Deng Youcai , Wei Yanling , Huang Yinhu , Pu Xiaoyun , Li Li , Zheng Yingru , Guo Jianxin , Yu Jianhua , Li Xiaohui , Yi Ping
Published: December 2016

Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. Prenatal exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) leads to hypertension in a rat offspring. However, the mechanism is still unclear. This study unraveled epigenetic mechanism for this and explored the protective effects of ascorbic acid against hypertension on prenatal inflammation-induced offspring. Prenatal LPS exposure resulted in an increase of intrarenal oxidative stress and enhanced angiotensin-converting enzyme 1 (ACE1) gene expression at the mRNA and protein levels in 6- and 12-week-old offspring, correlating with the augmentation of histone H3 acetylation (H3AC) on the ACE1 promoter. However, the prenatal ascorbic acid treatment decreased the LPS-induced expression of ACE1, protected against intrarenal oxidative stress, and reversed the altered histone modification on the ACE1 promoter, showing the protective effect in offspring of prenatal LPS stimulation. Our study demonstrates that ascorbic acid is able to prevent hypertension in offspring from prenatal inflammation exposure. Thus, ascorbic acid can be a new approach towards the prevention of fetal programming hypertension.
Associations between dairy food consumption and chronic kidney disease in older adults
Authors: Gopinath Bamini , Harris David C. , Flood Victoria M. , Burlutsky George , Mitchell Paul
Published: December 2016

We aimed to assess the association between dairy product consumption and calcium intake with the prevalence and 10-year incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD). 1185 participants aged ≥50 years at baseline were examined between 1992–4 and 2002–4. Dietary data were collected using a food frequency questionnaire, and servings of dairy food consumption were calculated. Baseline biochemistry including serum creatinine was measured. CKD was defined as Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL·min−1.1.73 m−2. Cross-sectional analysis showed that older adults in the highest quintile compared to the lowest quintile (reference group) of low/reduced fat dairy food consumption had reduced odds of CKD, multivariable-adjusted odds ratio, OR, 0.64 (95% confidence intervals, CI, 0.43–0.96). Increasing total intake of dietary calcium was associated with reduced odds of CKD (P-trend = 0.02); comparing highest versus lowest quintile: OR 0.62 (95% CI 0.42–0.92). Participants in the second versus first quintile of low/reduced fat dairy food consumption at baseline had 49% reduced risk of CKD 10 years later, OR 0.51 (95% CI 0.29–0.89). Higher consumption of low/reduced fat dairy foods was independently associated with lower risk of CKD. Additional population-based studies are warranted to confirm these findings.
Selective corrosion of LaCoO3 by NaOH: structural evolution and enhanced activity for benzene oxidation
Authors: Luo Yongjin , Wang Kuncan , Zuo Jiachang , Qian Qingrong , Xu Yuxian , Liu Xinping , Xue Hun , Chen Qinghua
Published: December 2016

NaOH corrosion of electrospun LaCoO3 shows enhanced benzene oxidation activity due to mutual effects among La2O3, Co3O4 and LaCoO3.
Solvent effects on the folding of o-phenylene oligomers
Authors: Vemuri Gopi Nath , Chu Meng , Dong Han , Spinello Brian J. , Hartley C. Scott
Published: December 2016

o-Phenylenes fold well in a wide range of solvents, but worse in higher-dielectric media because misfolded states are more polar.
Ferroelectric fluorinated copolymers with improved adhesion properties
Authors: Soulestin Thibaut , Marcelino Dos Santos Filho Pedro , Ladmiral Vincent , Lannuzel Thierry , Domingues Dos Santos Fabrice , Améduri Bruno
Published: December 2016

Modified fluorinated electroactive poly(VDF-co-TrFE) copolymers with improved adhesion properties, on glass or metal substrates, are presented.
Pairwise hydrogen addition in the selective semihydrogenation of alkynes on silica-supported Cu catalysts
Authors: Salnikov Oleg G. , Liu Hsueh-Ju , Fedorov Alexey , Burueva Dudari B. , Kovtunov Kirill V. , Copéret Christophe , Koptyug Igor V.
Published: December 2016

Mechanistic insight into the semihydrogenation of 1-butyne and 2-butyne on Cu nanoparticles supported on partially dehydroxylated silica (Cu/SiO2-700) was obtained using parahydrogen.
“Soft power” does not always mean “smart power”: an investigation of human terrain teams in Iraq and Afghanistan
Authors: Joseph Paul
Published: December 2016

This article reviews the promise and actual achievement of Human Terrain Teams (HTTs): the small groups of social scientists that were eventually embedded in every combat brigade in Iraq and Afghanistan. On the basis of interviews with both HTT personnel and their military commanders, this article explores the military’s need for sociocultural information, the ethical issues surrounding research carried out in combat zones, and the tensions between military and social science organizational cultures. The account provides a close, detailed account of HTT activities, offers a critical reflection on the possibilities of creating a “softer”, less violent counterinsurgency, as well as the difficulty of attempting to make war more “intelligent”, discriminating and effective. This article is published as part of a collection on soft power.
Characterization of secondary ion emission processes of sub-MeV C60 ion impacts via analysis of statistical distributions of the emitted ion number
Authors: Hirata K. , Yamada K. , Chiba A. , Narumi K. , Saitoh Y.
Published: December 2016

We report probability distributions of the number of secondary ions (SIs) emitted by sub-MeV C60 ion impacts on an organic polymer target and the characterization of their emission processes through the analysis of the distributions. The probability distributions were obtained by analyzing experimental SI counting data obtained by a time-of-flight SI mass spectrometer combined with pulsed primary ion beams, using an analytical model developed to derive the distributions from the experimental data. A series of probability distribution functions was investigated for ion impacts of C60 with sub-MeV energies (0.12–0.54 MeV), which can provide sufficient SIs per impact to determine the functions. Their complicated and undefined SI emission processes were characterized based on the determined functions.
Large static tuning of narrow-beam terahertz plasmonic lasers operating at 78K
Authors: Wu Chongzhao , Jin Yuan , Reno John L. , Kumar Sushil
Published: December 2016

A new tuning mechanism is demonstrated for single-mode metal-clad plasmonic lasers, in which the refractive-index of the laser’s surrounding medium affects the resonant-cavity mode in the same vein as the refractive-index of gain medium inside the cavity. Reversible, continuous, and mode-hop-free tuning of ∼57 GHz is realized for single-mode narrow-beam terahertz plasmonic quantum-cascade lasers (QCLs), which is demonstrated at a much more practical temperature of 78 K. The tuning is based on post-process deposition/etching of a dielectric (silicon-dioxide) on a QCL chip that has already been soldered and wire-bonded onto a copper mount. This is a considerably larger tuning range compared to previously reported results for terahertz QCLs with directional far-field radiation patterns. The key enabling mechanism for tuning is a recently developed antenna-feedback scheme for plasmonic lasers, which leads to the generation of hybrid surface-plasmon-polaritons propagating outside the cavity of the laser with a large spatial extent. The effect of dielectric deposition on QCL’s characteristics is investigated in detail including that on maximum operating temperature, peak output power, and far-field radiation patterns. Single-lobed beam with low divergence (<7°) is maintained through the tuning range. The antenna-feedback scheme is ideally suited for modulation of plasmonic lasers and their sensing applications due to the sensitive dependence of spectral and radiative properties of the laser on its surrounding medium.
Fabrication and convergent X-ray nanobeam diffraction characterization of submicron-thickness SrTiO3 crystalline sheets
Authors: Tilka J. A. , Park J. , Sampson K. C. , Cai Z. , Evans P. G.
Published: December 2016

The creation of thin SrTiO3 crystals from (001)-oriented SrTiO3 bulk single crystals using focused ion beam milling techniques yields sheets with submicron thickness and arbitrary orientation within the (001) plane. Synchrotron x-ray nanodiffraction rocking curve widths of these SrTiO3 sheets are less than 0.02°, less than a factor of two larger than bulk SrTiO3, making these crystals suitable substrates for epitaxial thin film growth. The change in the rocking curve width is sufficiently small that we deduce that dislocations are not introduced into the SrTiO3 sheets. Observed lattice distortions are consistent with a low concentration of point defects.
Magnetic anisotropy of epitaxial La2/3Sr1/3MnO3 thin films on SrTiO3 with different orientations
Authors: Zhou Peng , Qi Yajun , Yang Chao , Mei Zhiheng , Ye Ang , Liang Kun , Ma Zhijun , Xia Zhengcai , Zhang Tianjin
Published: December 2016

Epitaxial La2/3Sr1/3MnO3 thin films with different crystallographic orientations were fabricated on (001)-, (110)-, and (111)-oriented SrTiO3 substrates by pulsed laser deposition. Out-of-plane magnetic anisotropy was studied with the field angle fixed at 0°, 30°, 60°, and 90° relative to the film surface. The results show that there is a remarkable dependence of the magnetization on the magnetic field direction and crystallographic orientation. Furthermore, the (110)- and (111)-oriented thin films show stronger angular-dependent magnetic anisotropy than the (001) film, and the (110)-oriented one can reach the saturated magnetization more easily than the other two films. Such findings are correlated with the strain imposed on the films via substrates with different orientations. Our results have implications for the better understanding of magnetic anisotropy and the tunability of the magnetoelectric coupling coefficient involving multiferroic composite thin films.
Identification and properties of the non-cubic phases of Mg2Pb
Authors: Li Yuwei , Bian Guang , Singh David J.
Published: December 2016

Mg2Pb occurs in the cubic fluorite structure and is a semimetal with a band structure strongly affected by spin-orbit interaction on the Pb p states. Its properties are therefore of interest in the context of topological materials. In addition a different phase of Mg2Pb was experimentally reported, but its crystal structure and properties remain unknown. Here we determine the structure of this phase using ab initio evolutionary methods and report its properties. The energy of one tetragonal phase, space group P4/nmm, is 2 meV per atom higher than that of the ground state structure supporting the experimental observation. We find this tetragonal phase to be a compenstated anisotropic metal with strong spin orbit effects. Many other metastable structures have also been identified, especially one orthorhombic structure, space group Pnma, of which energy is 17 meV per atom higher than that of ground state structure and which perhaps could be the phase that was reported based on similarity of lattice parameters.
Corrigendum to: New handbook for standardised measurement of plant functional traits worldwide
Authors: Pérez-Harguindeguy N. , Díaz S. , Garnier E. , Lavorel S. , Poorter H. , Jaureguiberry P. , Bret-Harte M. S. , Cornwell W. K. , Craine J. M. , Gurvich D. E. , Urcelay C. , Veneklaas E. J. , Reich P. B. , Poorter L. , Wright I. J. , Ray P. , Enrico L. , Pausas J. G. , de Vos A. C. , Buchmann N. , Funes G. , Quétier F. , Hodgson J. G. , Thompson K. , Morgan H. D. , ter Steege H. , Sack L. , Blonder B. , Poschlod P. , Vaieretti M. V. , Conti G. , Staver A. C. , Aquino S. , Cornelissen J. H. C.
Published: December 2016

Plant functional traits are the features (morphological, physiological, phenological) that represent ecological strategies and determine how plants respond to environmental factors, affect other trophic levels and influence ecosystem properties. Variation in plant functional traits, and trait syndromes, has proven useful for tackling many important ecological questions at a range of scales, giving rise to a demand for standardised ways to measure ecologically meaningful plant traits. This line of research has been among the most fruitful avenues for understanding ecological and evolutionary patterns and processes. It also has the potential both to build a predictive set of local, regional and global relationships between plants and environment and to quantify a wide range of natural and human-driven processes, including changes in biodiversity, the impacts of species invasions, alterations in biogeochemical processes and vegetation–atmosphere interactions. The importance of these topics dictates the urgent need for more and better data, and increases the value of standardised protocols for quantifying trait variation of different species, in particular for traits with power to predict plant- and ecosystem-level processes, and for traits that can be measured relatively easily. Updated and expanded from the widely used previous version, this handbook retains the focus on clearly presented, widely applicable, step-by-step recipes, with a minimum of text on theory, and not only includes updated methods for the traits previously covered, but also introduces many new protocols for further traits. This new handbook has a better balance between whole-plant traits, leaf traits, root and stem traits and regenerative traits, and puts particular emphasis on traits important for predicting species' effects on key ecosystem properties. We hope this new handbook becomes a standard companion in local and global efforts to learn about the responses and impacts of different plant species with respect to environmental changes in the present, past and future.
Western Australian students' alcohol consumption and expenditure intentions for Schoolies
Authors: Jongenelis Michelle I. , Pettigrew Simone , Biagioni Nicole , Hagger Martin S.
Published: December 2016

In Australia, the immediate post-school period (known as ‘Schoolies’) is associated with heavy drinking and high levels of alcohol-related harm. This study investigated students’ intended alcohol consumption during Schoolies to inform interventions to reduce alcohol-related harm among this group. An online survey was administered to students in their senior year of schooling. Included items related to intended daily alcohol consumption during Schoolies, amount of money intended to be spent on alcohol over the Schoolies period, and past drinking behaviour. On average, participants (n=187) anticipated that they would consume eight standard drinks per day, which is substantially higher than the recommended maximum of no more than four drinks on a single occasion. Participants intended to spend an average of A$131 on alcohol over the Schoolies period. Although higher than national guidelines, intended alcohol consumption was considerably lower than has been previously documented during Schoolies events. The substantial amounts of money expected to be spent during Schoolies suggest this group has adequate spending power to constitute an attractive target market for those offering alternative activities that are associated with lower levels of alcohol-related harm.
Regulatory module involving FGF13, miR-504, and p53 regulates ribosomal biogenesis and supports cancer cell survival
Authors: Bublik Débora R. , Bursać Slađana , Sheffer Michal , Oršolić Ines , Shalit Tali , Tarcic Ohad , Kotler Eran , Mouhadeb Odelia , Hoffman Yonit , Fuchs Gilad , Levin Yishai , Volarević Siniša , Oren Moshe
Published: December 2016

Significance

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can regulate the amounts of specific proteins by targeting their mRNA. miR-504, which targets the mRNA encoding the p53 tumor suppressor, resides within an intron of the fibroblast growth factor 13 (
FGF13
) gene. We show that expression of the FGF13/miR-504 locus is repressed by p53, defining an additional p53-regulatory feedback loop. Moreover, we report that the FGF13 protein, whose expression is upregulated in a subset of tumors, is essential for survival of cells derived from such tumors. Remarkably, FGF13 restricts the production of ribosomal RNA and attenuates protein synthesis. By tuning down protein synthesis, FGF13 upregulation might enable oncogene-driven cancer cells to avoid excessive accumulation of potentially toxic aberrant proteins, conferring a survival advantage. This work defines a unique vulnerability of cancer cells.
Thermal decomposition of N-expanded austenite in 304L and 904L steels
Authors: Maistro G. , Pérez-García S. A. , Norell M. , Nyborg L. , Cao Y.
Published: December 2016

In this study, expanded austenite was prepared by an industrial low-temperature plasma nitriding process in 304L and 904L austenitic stainless steels. The current investigation focuses on the assessment of the thermal stability and related phase evolution of the expanded austenite layer during isothermal annealing in protective argon atmosphere at temperatures ranging from 450 to 600°C for 24 and 168 h. Characterisation of the original expanded austenite and the decomposed surface layers was performed. Denitriding, inward N-diffusion and Cr-compounds precipitation occurred at different extent, depending on annealing conditions and alloy composition. Expanded austenite in 304L exhibited a near complete eutectoid decomposition after a short annealing time, while 904L showed significantly better thermal stability. A fine dispersion of small CrN precipitates resulting from expanded austenite decomposition at relatively low annealing temperature or short duration could further positively affect the surface hardness of both materials. Precipitate growth reduces hardness at higher annealing temperatures/times.
Solar UVR sensitivity of phyto- and bacterioplankton communities from Patagonian coastal waters under increased nutrients and acidification
Authors: Durán-Romero Cristina , Villafañe Virginia E. , Valiñas Macarena S. , Gonçalves Rodrigo J. , Helbling E. Walter
Published: December 2016

The effects of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) under future expected conditions of acidification and increase in nutrient inputs were studied on a post-bloom phytoplankton and bacterioplankton community of Patagonian coastal waters. We performed an experiment using microcosms where two environmental conditions were mimicked using a cluster approach: present (ambient nutrients and pH) and future (increased nutrients and acidification), and acclimating the samples for five days to two radiation treatments (full solar radiation [+UVR] and exclusion of UVR [–UVR]). We evaluated the short-term (hours) sensitivity of the community to solar UVR through chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters (e.g. the effective photochemical quantum yield of PSII [ΦPSII]) at the beginning, at the mid-point and at the end of the acclimation period. Primary production and heterotrophic bacterial production (HBP) were determined, and biological weighting functions were calculated, at the beginning and at the end of the acclimation period. Mid-term effects (days) were evaluated as changes in taxonomic composition, growth rates and size structure of the community. Although the UVR-induced inhibition on ΦPSII decreased in both clusters, samples remained sensitive to UVR after the 5 days of acclimation. Also, under the future conditions, there was, in general, an increase in the phytoplankton carbon incorporation rates along the experiment as compared to the present conditions. Bacterioplankton sensitivity to UVR changed along the experiment from inhibition to enhancement of HBP, and future environmental conditions stimulated bacterial growth, probably due to indirect effects caused by phytoplankton. Those changes in the microbial loop functioning and structure under future global change conditions might have important consequences for the carbon pump and thus for the carbon sequestration and trophodynamics of Patagonian coastal waters.
Evaluation of Chipped Cankers for Management of Eastern Filbert Blight
Authors: Heckert Stephanie , Pscheidt Jay W. , Cluskey Steve A.
Published: December 2016

Oregon harvested 36,000 tons of hazelnuts with a farm gate value of $135 million in 2014, primarily from eastern filbert blight (EFB) susceptible cultivars. Cultural management of EFB includes the removing and burning of symptomatic branches to reduce potential sources of inoculum before bud break. As an alternative to burning, chipped cankered branches were studied to determine if they remained a source of inoculum. Branches with or without EFB cankers were coarsely chipped and placed in four piles on the ground at various geospatial locations relative to susceptible host trees. Ascospores were collected above each chipped pile during rain events in the spring of 2012 and 2013. Although ascospore counts were higher above piles containing chipped cankers, they were not significantly different from piles without cankers. However, a small percentage of susceptible hazelnut trees placed amongst, upwind, or downwind of these piles and exposed to ascospores developed EFB cankers. It is advised that when not burning cankered branches, growers should chip these branches prior to bud break in the spring to reduce the risk of potential exposure of the orchard to ascospores.

Accepted for publication 22 November 2016.
Cryptic Species: A Leitmotif of Contemporary Mycology Has Challenges and Benefits for Plant Pathologists
Authors: Dugan Frank M. , Everhart Sydney
Published: December 2016

Multiple traditional species names for plant pathogenic fungi have been supplemented with new names that delimit formerly cryptic species. In separate instances, isolates within a species are clearly differentiated by both phylogeny and distinctive pathogenic traits and are assigned sub-specific designations. These new species names and the sub-specific designations are both cases of cryptic species that are, in some instances, relevant and/or critical for plant disease management. Here we provide examples of such instances in which newly described taxa differ from the original (“parent”) in phenotypic traits of importance to plant disease management: host range, fungicide sensitivity, environmental niche, metabolite production, regulatory status, or other attributes.

Accepted for publication 16 November 2016.
Long-Term Synergistic Interaction of Cisplatin- and Noise-Induced Hearing Losses
Authors: DeBacker J. Riley , Harrison Ryan T. , Bielefeld Eric C.
Published: December 2016

Objective:

Past experiments in the literature have shown that cisplatin interacts synergistically with noise to create hearing loss. Much of the previous work on the synergistic interaction of noise and cisplatin tested exposures that occurred very close together in time. The present study assessed whether rats that have been exposed to cisplatin continue to show increased susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss months after conclusion of the cisplatin exposure.

Design:

Thirty-two Fischer 344/NHsd rats were exposed to one of five conditions: (1) cisplatin exposure followed by immediate cochlear tissue harvest, (2) cisplatin exposure and a 20-week monitoring period before tissue harvest, (3) cisplatin exposure followed immediately by noise exposure, (4) cisplatin exposure followed by noise exposure 16 weeks later, and (5) noise exposure without cisplatin exposure. The cisplatin exposure was an 8-week interval in which cisplatin was given every 2 weeks. Cochlear injury was evaluated using auditory brainstem response thresholds, P1 wave amplitudes, and postmortem outer hair cell counts.

Results:

The 8-week cisplatin exposure induced little threshold shift or P1 amplitude loss, and a small lesion of missing outer hair cells in the basal half of the cochlea. The rats exposed to noise immediately after the cisplatin exposure interval showed a synergistic interaction of cisplatin and noise. The group exposed to noise 16 weeks after the cisplatin exposure interval also showed more severe threshold shift and outer hair cell loss than control subjects. The controls exposed to cisplatin and monitored for 20 weeks showed little threshold shift or outer hair cell loss, but did show P1 wave amplitude changes over the 20-week monitoring period.

Conclusions:

The results from the groups exposed to cisplatin followed by noise, combined with the findings from the cisplatin- and noise-only groups, suggest that the cisplatin induced cochlear injuries that were not severe enough to result in threshold shift, but left the cochlea in a state of heightened susceptibility to future injury. The heightened susceptibility to noise injury was still present 16 weeks after the conclusion of the cisplatin exposure.
Crossing Borders: An Online Interdisciplinary Course in Health Informatics for Students From Two Countries
Authors: Fossum Mariann , Fruhling Ann , Moe Carl Erik , Thompson Cheryl Bagley
Published: December 2016

A cross-countries and interprofessional novel approach for delivering an international interdisciplinary graduate health informatics course online is presented. Included in this discussion are the challenges, lessons learned, and pedagogical recommendations from the experiences of teaching the course. Four professors from three different fields and from three universities collaborated in offering an international health informatics course for an interdisciplinary group of 18 US and seven Norwegian students. Highly motivated students and professors, an online technology infrastructure that supported asynchronously communication and course delivery, the ability to adapt the curriculum to meet the pedagogy requirements at all universities, and the support of higher administration for international collaboration were enablers for success. This project demonstrated the feasibility and advantages of an interdisciplinary, interprofessional, and cross-countries approach in teaching health informatics online. Students were able to establish relationships and conduct professional conversations across disciplines and international boundaries using content management software. This graduate course can be used as a part of informatics, computer science, and/or health science programs.
The Role of Public and Private Insurance Expansions and Premiums for Low-income Parents
Authors: Guy Gery P. , M. Johnston Emily , Ketsche Patricia , Joski Peter , Adams E. Kathleen
Published: December 2016

Background:

Numerous states have implemented policies expanding public insurance eligibility or subsidizing private insurance for parents.

Objectives:

To assess the impact of parental health insurance expansions from 1999 to 2012 on the likelihood that parents are insured; their children are insured; both the parent and child within a family unit are insured; and the type of insurance.

Design:

Cross-sectional analysis of the 2000–2013 March supplements to the Current Population Survey, with data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey—Insurance Component and the Area Resource File.

Methods:

Cross-state and within-state multivariable regression models estimated the effects of health insurance expansions targeting parents using 2-way fixed effect modeling and difference-in-difference modeling. All analyses controlled for household, parent, child, and local area characteristics that could affect insurance status.

Results:

Expansions increased parental coverage by 2.5 percentage points, and increased the likelihood of both parent and child being insured by 2.1 percentage points. Substantial variation was observed by type of expansion. Public expansions without premiums and special subsidized plan expansions had the largest effects on parental coverage and increased the likelihood of jointly insuring both the parent and child. Higher premiums were a substantial deterrent to parents’ insurance.

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that premiums and the type of insurance expansion can have a substantial impact on the insurance status of the family. These findings can help inform states as they continue to make decisions about expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act to cover all family members.
Anesthesia Service Use and the Uptake of Screening Colonoscopies
Authors: Hirshman Samuel , Mattke Soeren , Liu Hangsheng
Published: December 2016

Background:

The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently defined “screening colonoscopy” to include separately furnished anesthesia services.

Objective:

To examine the relationship between anesthesia service use and the uptake of screening colonoscopies.

Study Design:

We correlated metropolitan statistical area (MSA) level anesthesia service use rates, derived from the 2008, 2010, and 2012 Medicare and MarketScan claims data, with the presence of individual level guideline concordant screening colonoscopy using the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data for the same years.

Measures:

Proportion of colonoscopies with anesthesia service was calculated at the MSA level. A guideline concordant screening colonoscopy was defined as a colonoscopy received within the past 10 years.

Results:

The average MSA level anesthesia service use rate in colonoscopy significantly increased from 25.34% in 2008 to 44.25% in 2012; but only a moderate increase in the rate of guideline concordant colonoscopies was observed, from 57.36% in 2008 to 65.32% in 2012. After adjusting for patient characteristics, we found a nonsignificant negative association between anesthesia service use rate and colonoscopy screening rate, with an odds ratio of 0.90 for receiving a guideline concordant colonoscopy for each percentage point increase in anesthesia service use rate (P=0.27). The relationship between anesthesia service use and the overall colorectal cancer screening rate followed the same pattern and was also not statistically significant.

Conclusions:

No significant association between anesthesia service use and colonoscopy screening or colorectal cancer screening rates was found, suggesting that more evidence is needed to support the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services rule change.
Unbiased and targeted mass spectrometry for the HDL proteome
Authors: Singh Sasha A. , Aikawa Masanori
Published: December 2016

Purpose of review

Mass spectrometry is an ever evolving technology that is equipped with a variety of tools for protein research. Some lipoprotein studies, especially those pertaining to HDL biology, have been exploiting the versatility of mass spectrometry to understand HDL function through its proteome. Despite the role of mass spectrometry in advancing research as a whole, however, the technology remains obscure to those without hands on experience, but still wishing to understand it. In this review, we walk the reader through the coevolution of common mass spectrometry workflows and HDL research, starting from the basic unbiased mass spectrometry methods used to profile the HDL proteome to the most recent targeted methods that have enabled an unprecedented view of HDL metabolism.

Recent findings

Unbiased global proteomics have demonstrated that the HDL proteome is organized into subgroups across the HDL size fractions providing further evidence that HDL functional heterogeneity is in part governed by its varying protein constituents. Parallel reaction monitoring, a novel targeted mass spectrometry method, was used to monitor the metabolism of HDL apolipoproteins in humans and revealed that apolipoproteins contained within the same HDL size fraction exhibit diverse metabolic properties.

Mass spectrometry provides a variety of tools and strategies to facilitate understanding, through its proteins, the complex biology of HDL.
Outcomes From the First 6 Years of Operation of the Central Portugal Pharmacovigilance Unit
Authors: Batel-Marques Francisco , Penedones Ana , Mendes Diogo , Alves Carlos
Published: December 2016

Objectives

The aim of this study was to analyze and characterize the outcomes of the Central Portugal Regional Pharmacovigilance Unit over a 6-year period.

Methods

Spontaneous reports received between January 2009 and December 2014 were considered. The annual reporting ratios were estimated. The cases were characterized according to their seriousness, previous description, causality assessment, reporting professional, pharmacotherapeutic groups of the suspected drugs, and type of adverse drug reactions most frequently reported.

Results

The Pharmacovigilance Unit received 1277 reports that contained 3222 adverse events. In 2014, the reporting rate was estimated at 124 reports per million inhabitants. Sixty-five percent of the reports were assessed as serious. Seventy-three percent of the cases were assessed as being at least possibly related with the suspected drug. Physicians reported 49% of the cases. The suspected drugs most frequently reported were “anti-infectives for systemic use” (n = 494, 38%). The most frequently reported adverse events were “general disorders and administration site conditions” (n = 667, 21%).

Conclusions

Despite the continuous efforts carried out by the Central Portugal Regional Pharmacovigilance Unit in promoting spontaneous reports of suspected adverse drug reactions, the results, although representing a contribution to the postmarketing safety monitoring of drugs, are still modest illustrating the need to promote the adherence of health-care professionals to the pharmacovigilance system and to increase their reporting rates of suspected ADRs.
Screening and Treatment of Latent Tuberculosis Among Patients Receiving Biologic Agents
Authors: Tran Nhu Quynh , Garcia-Rosell Melinda , Pattanaik Debendra , Raza Syed Hasan , Carbone Laura
Published: December 2016

Objective

We sought to understand the current practice patterns of both US and international members of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) in this regard.

Methods

A set of questionnaires developed by a focus group of faculties and fellows of the Rheumatology Division of University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, was sent electronically using an online survey tool to 4433 rheumatologists who are ACR members in the United States and internationally.

Results

Seven hundred sixty-eight physicians out of 4433 ACR members responded to the electronic survey, with a response rate of 17.32%. The preferred screening method by most of the respondents was either tuberculin skin test (19%) or interferon γ release assay (32%) or both. For treatment of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) overall, 49% of the respondents would refer management to infectious disease specialist or the health department, 37% would initiate isoniazid for 9 or 12 months, and 14% would use isoniazid for 6 months. Approximately 60% of respondents would initiate anti–tumor necrosis factor therapy after being on LTBI treatment for 1 month. The other respondents were almost equally divided among the 3 responses: 2, 3, 6, or 9 months.

Conclusions

There is a large disagreement regarding the method used and how often to screen for LTBI after initiating biologic therapy and how soon biologic treatment would be started after initiating LTBI therapy. Another disagreement exists regarding the duration of LTBI therapy. The information obtained from the survey can be taken into account when ACR or other international member organizations formulate future recommendations regarding screening and treatment of LTBI.
Genome sequence of a diabetes-prone desert rodent reveals a mutation hotspot around the ParaHox gene cluster
Authors: Hargreaves Adam D , Zhou Long , Christensen Josef , Marlétaz Ferdinand , Liu Shiping , Li Fang , Jansen Peter Gildsig , Spiga Enrico , Hansen Matilde Thye , Horn Pedersen Signe Vendelbo , Biswas Shameek , Serikawa Kyle , Fox Brian A , Taylor William R , Mulley John F , Zhang Guojie , Heller R Scott , Holland Peter W H
Published: December 2016

The sand ratPsammomys obesusis a gerbil native to deserts of North Africa and the Middle East1. Sand rats survive with low caloric intake and when given high carbohydrate diets can become obese and develop type II diabetes2which, in extreme cases, leads to pancreatic failure and death3,4. Previous studies have reported inability to detect thePdx1gene or protein in gerbils5–7, suggesting that absence of this key insulin-regulating homeobox gene might underlie diabetes susceptibility. Here we report sequencing of the sand rat genome and discovery of an extensive, mutationally-biased GC-rich genomic domain encompassing many essential genes, including the elusivePdx1.The sequence ofPdx1has been grossly affected by GC-biased mutation leading to the highest divergence observed in the animal kingdom. In addition to molecular insights into restricted caloric intake in a desert species, the discovery that specific chromosomal regions can be subject to elevated mutation rate has widespread significance to evolution.