bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti-Müllerian hormone: a new actor of sexual dimorphism in pituitary gonadotrope activity before puberty
Authors: Garrel Ghislaine , Racine Chrystèle , L’Hôte David , Denoyelle Chantal , Guigon Céline J. , di Clemente Nathalie , Cohen-Tannoudji Joëlle
Published: March 2016

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) contributes to male sexual differentiation and acts on gonads of both sexes. Identification of AMH receptivity in both pituitary and brain has led to the intriguing idea that AMH participates to the hypothalamic-pituitary control of reproduction, however in vivo experimental evidence is still lacking. We show that AMH stimulates secretion and pituitary gene expression of the gonadotropin FSH in vivo in rats. AMH action is sex-dependent, being restricted to females and occurring before puberty. Accordingly, we report higher levels of pituitary AMH receptor transcripts in immature females. We show that AMH is functionally coupled to the Smad pathway in LβT2 gonadotrope cells and dose-dependently increases Fshb transcript levels. Furthermore, AMH was shown to establish complex interrelations with canonical FSH regulators as it cooperates with activin to induce Fshb expression whereas it reduces BMP2 action. We report that GnRH interferes with AMH by decreasing AMH receptivity in vivo in females. Moreover, AMH specifically regulates FSH and not LH, indicating that AMH is a factor contributing to the differential regulation of gonadotropins. Overall, our study uncovers a new role for AMH in regulating gonadotrope function and suggests that AMH participates in the postnatal elevation of FSH secretion in females.
Long-term Changes in Extreme Air Pollution Meteorology and the Implications for Air Quality
Authors: Hou Pei , Wu Shiliang
Published: March 2016

Extreme air pollution meteorological events, such as heat waves, temperature inversions and atmospheric stagnation episodes, can significantly affect air quality. Based on observational data, we have analyzed the long-term evolution of extreme air pollution meteorology on the global scale and their potential impacts on air quality, especially the high pollution episodes. We have identified significant increasing trends for the occurrences of extreme air pollution meteorological events in the past six decades, especially over the continental regions. Statistical analysis combining air quality data and meteorological data further indicates strong sensitivities of air quality (including both average air pollutant concentrations and high pollution episodes) to extreme meteorological events. For example, we find that in the United States the probability of severe ozone pollution when there are heat waves could be up to seven times of the average probability during summertime, while temperature inversions in wintertime could enhance the probability of severe particulate matter pollution by more than a factor of two. We have also identified significant seasonal and spatial variations in the sensitivity of air quality to extreme air pollution meteorology.
Bioengineering of Tobacco Mosaic Virus to Create a Non-Infectious Positive Control for Ebola Diagnostic Assays
Authors: Lam Patricia , Gulati Neetu M. , Stewart Phoebe L. , Keri Ruth A. , Steinmetz Nicole F.
Published: March 2016

The 2014 Ebola epidemic is the largest to date. There is no cure or treatment for this deadly disease; therefore there is an urgent need to develop new diagnostics to accurately detect Ebola. Current RT-PCR assays lack sensitive and reliable positive controls. To address this critical need, we devised a bio-inspired positive control for use in RT-PCR diagnostics: we encapsulated scrambled Ebola RNA sequences inside of tobacco mosaic virus to create a biomimicry that is non-infectious, but stable and could therefore serve as a positive control in Ebola diagnostic assays. Here, we report the bioengineering and validation of this probe.
Clinical spectrum and survival analysis of 145 cases of HIV-negative Castleman’s disease: renal function is an important prognostic factor
Authors: Zhang Lu , Li Zhiyuan , Cao Xinxin , Feng Jun , Zhong Dingrong , Wang Shujie , Zhou Daobin , Li Jian
Published: March 2016

Castleman’s disease (CD) is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder with clinical features and prognostic factors that are incompletely characterized. This retrospective single-center study reviewed the largest HIV-negative CD patient cohort (n = 145) to date. By clinical classification, we identified 69 patients (47.6%) as unicentric CD (UCD) and 76 patients (52.4%) as multicentric CD (MCD). Pathological classification identified 74 patients (51.0%) with the hyaline-vascular variant, 51 patients (35.2%) with the plasma-cell variant and 20 patients (13.8%) with a mixed variant. After a median follow-up duration of 58 months (range, 1–180 months), the 1-year and 5-year survival rates were 95.1% and 91.0%, respectively. UCD patients exhibited significantly better survival (1-year and 5-year survival rates of 98.5% and 97.1%, respectively) compared with MCD patients (1-year and 5-year survival rates of 92.1% and 85.5%, respectively; p = 0.005). By univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses, the estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 ml/min (with the MDRD equation; hazard ratio = 4.60; 95% confidence interval, 1.50–14.12; p = 0.008) was clinically significant and represented an independent predictor for death in MCD patients. In summary, this large-scale study suggests that UCD patients enjoy better survival than MCD patients and that renal function is an important prognostic factor for MCD patients.
Single crystalline cylindrical nanowires – toward dense 3D arrays of magnetic vortices
Authors: Ivanov Yurii P. , Chuvilin Andrey , Vivas Laura G. , Kosel Jurgen , Chubykalo-Fesenko Oksana , Vázquez Manuel
Published: March 2016

Magnetic vortex-based media have recently been proposed for several applications of nanotechnology; however, because lithography is typically used for their preparation, their low-cost, large-scale fabrication is a challenge. One solution may be to use arrays of densely packed cobalt nanowires that have been efficiently fabricated by electrodeposition. In this work, we present this type of nanoscale magnetic structures that can hold multiple stable magnetic vortex domains at remanence with different chiralities. The stable vortex state is observed in arrays of monocrystalline cobalt nanowires with diameters as small as 45 nm and lengths longer than 200 nm with vanishing magnetic cross talk between closely packed neighboring wires in the array. Lorentz microscopy, electron holography and magnetic force microscopy, supported by micromagnetic simulations, show that the structure of the vortex state can be adjusted by varying the aspect ratio of the nanowires. The data we present here introduce a route toward the concept of 3-dimensional vortex-based magnetic memories.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Carotid Plaque Among Middle-aged and Elderly Adults in Rural Tianjin, China
Authors: Zhan Changqing , Shi Min , Yang Ying , Pang Hongbo , Fei Shizao , Bai Lingling , Liu Bin , Tu Jun , Huo Yong , Ning Xianjia , Zhang Yan , Wang Jinghua
Published: March 2016

Carotid plaque (CP) is associated with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. However, population-based studies with a large sample are rare in China, particularly those in the low-income population. We aimed to determine the prevalence of CP and the associated risk factors in the rural areas of northern China. Between April 2014 and June 2014, we recruited 3789 residents aged ≥45 years. B-mode ultrasonography was performed to measure the extent of CP. The prevalence of CP was 40.3% overall, 47.1% in men and 35.4% in women (P < 0.001). The prevalence of CP increased with increasing age (P < 0.001). The participants with CP were more likely to have hypertension, diabetes, high total cholesterol (TC) levels and high low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels and be a current smoker; however, they were less likely to be obese. Multiple logistic regression analysis, adjusted for confounders, indicated that age, male sex, hypertension, diabetes, current smoking and high LDL-C levels were the independent risk factors for CP. There was a lower risk of CP with alcohol consumption. The findings suggest that managing the conventional risk factors is crucial to reduce the burden of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in the low-income population in China.
Functional brain networks associated with eating behaviors in obesity
Authors: Park Bo-yong , Seo Jongbum , Park Hyunjin
Published: March 2016

Obesity causes critical health problems including diabetes and hypertension that affect billions of people worldwide. Obesity and eating behaviors are believed to be closely linked but their relationship through brain networks has not been fully explored. We identified functional brain networks associated with obesity and examined how the networks were related to eating behaviors. Resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were obtained for 82 participants. Data were from an equal number of people of healthy weight (HW) and non-healthy weight (non-HW). Connectivity matrices were computed with spatial maps derived using a group independent component analysis approach. Brain networks and associated connectivity parameters with significant group-wise differences were identified and correlated with scores on a three-factor eating questionnaire (TFEQ) describing restraint, disinhibition, and hunger eating behaviors. Frontoparietal and cerebellum networks showed group-wise differences between HW and non-HW groups. Frontoparietal network showed a high correlation with TFEQ disinhibition scores. Both frontoparietal and cerebellum networks showed a high correlation with body mass index (BMI) scores. Brain networks with significant group-wise differences between HW and non-HW groups were identified. Parts of the identified networks showed a high correlation with eating behavior scores.
Recombination spot identification Based on gapped k-mers
Authors: Wang Rong , Xu Yong , Liu Bin
Published: March 2016

Recombination is crucial for biological evolution, which provides many new combinations of genetic diversity. Accurate identification of recombination spots is useful for DNA function study. To improve the prediction accuracy, researchers have proposed several computational methods for recombination spot identification. k-mer is one of the commonly used features for recombination spot identification. However, when the value of k grows larger, the dimension of the corresponding feature vectors increases rapidly, leading to extremely sparse vectors. In order to overcome this disadvantage, recently a new feature called gapped k-mer was proposed (Ghandi et al., PloS Computational Biology, 2014). That study showed that the gapped k-mer feature can improve the predictive performance of regulatory sequence prediction. Motived by its success, in this study we applied gapped k-mer to the field of recombination spot identification, and a computational predictor was constructed. Experimental results on a widely used benchmark dataset showed that this predictor outperformed other highly related predictors.
Promotional role of La addition in the NO oxidation performance of a SmMn2O5 mullite catalyst
Authors: Feng Zijian , Wang Jianqiang , Liu Xiao , Wen Yanwei , Chen Rong , Yin Hongfeng , Shen Meiqing , Shan Bin
Published: March 2016

A series of LaxSm1−xMn2Oδ (x = 0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5) catalysts were synthesized through a co-precipitation method. The catalytic activity for NO oxidation was enhanced with La substitution, and the maximum activity was achieved at x = 0.3.
Effects of CO2 leakage on soil bacterial communities from simulated CO2-EOR areas
Authors: Chen Fu , Yang Yongjun , Ma Yanjun , Hou Huping , Zhang Shaoliang , Ma Jing
Published: March 2016

It is an interesting designed study on the effects of elevated CO2 on bacterial communities.
Dielectric investigation of a conducting fibrous nonwoven porous mat fabricated by a one-step facile electrospinning process
Authors: Tahalyani Jitendra , Rahangdale Khushbu K. , Aepuru Radhamanohar , Kandasubramanian Balasubramanian , Datar Suwarna
Published: March 2016

Currently, there is a considerable demand for materials with inter-balanced dielectric properties to replace the existing traditional insulators in variegated electronic appliances over the range of audio and radio frequency.
Photo-assisted electrodeposition of MoSxfrom ionic liquids on organic-functionalized silicon photoelectrodes for H2generation
Authors: Redman Daniel W. , Kim Hark Jin , Stevenson Keith J. , Rose Michael J.
Published: March 2016

This work reports the synergistic utility of ionic liquid-based, photo-assisted electrodeposition of MoSxonto organic-functionalized silicon photolelectrodes for dihydrogen (H2) evolution under 1-sun illumination.
Enantioselective intramolecular cyclization of alkynyl esters catalyzed by a chiral Brønsted base
Authors: Kondoh Azusa , Tran Hoa Thi Quynh , Kimura Kyoko , Terada Masahiro
Published: March 2016

An enantioselective intramolecular cyclization reaction of alkynyl esters was developed, which employs a Brønsted base catalyst generated in situ from a chiral Schiff base and t-BuOK.
Comparison of heavy metal immobilization in contaminated soils amended with peat moss and peat moss-derived biochar
Authors: Park Jin Hee , Lee Seul-Ji , Lee Myoung-Eun , Chung Jae Woo
Published: March 2016

Soil amendments showed contradictory results in heavy metal immobilization. Peat moss increased mobility and bioavailability of heavy metals in soil while peat moss-derived biochar decreased both through the coordination of metal electrons to CC bonds of the biochar.
Proteomic analysis of exosomal cargo: the challenge of high purity vesicle isolation
Authors: Abramowicz Agata , Widlak Piotr , Pietrowska Monika
Published: March 2016

The advantages and disadvantages of different strategies of exosome isolation are discussed with special emphasis being placed on their adequacy for proteomics applications.
Asymmetric nucleophilic dearomatization of diazarenes by anion-binding catalysis
Authors: Fischer Theresa , Bamberger Julia , Mancheño Olga García
Published: March 2016

The first highly regio- and enantioselective nucleophilic dearomatization of diazarenes by anion-binding organocatalysis is reported.
Carbohydrates as enantioinduction components in stereoselective catalysis
Authors: Henderson Alexander S. , Bower John F. , Galan M. Carmen
Published: March 2016

In this review, synthetic approaches to carbohydrate-based ligands and catalysts are outlined, along with example applications in enantioselective catalysis.
Functionalization of single-walled carbon nanotubes with thermo-responsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide): effect of the polymer architecture
Authors: Guo Zanru , Yin Hongyao , Feng Yujun , He Shuai
Published: March 2016

Star-shaped and linear thermo-responsive PNIPAM polymers were compared for the functionalization of SWNTs. The star-shaped polymer gave the SWNTs a higher solubility and more thermo-responsive properties than its linear counterpart.
Performance enhancement of perovskite solar cells with a modified TiO2 electron transport layer using Zn-based additives
Authors: Lv Minghang , Lv Wei , Fang Xiang , Sun Peng , Lin Bencai , Zhang Shuai , Xu Xueqing , Ding Jianning , Yuan Ningyi
Published: March 2016

Perovskite solar cells (PVSCs) have recently emerged as a very attractive option in film photovoltaics.
Solvothermal synthesis and electrochemical properties of S-doped Bi2Se3 hierarchical microstructure assembled by stacked nanosheets
Authors: Mao Fangxin , Guo Jing , Zhang Shaohua , Yang Fan , Sun Qiao , Ma Jianmin , Li Zhen
Published: March 2016

Hierarchical S-doped Bi2Se3 microspheres assembled by stacked nanosheets were successfully synthesized as the anode of a lithium ion battery, which shows an initial discharge capacity of 771.3 mA h g−1 with great potential in energy storage.
Recycling of spodumene slag: preparation of green polymer composites
Authors: Qiu Yaxin , Wu Defeng , Yan Lili , Zhou Ye
Published: March 2016

The recycling of spodumene slag is studied in this work, with the objective of exploring the possibility of using spodumene slag as a common polymer filler.
A nanostructured label-free platform based on an ultrathin film for ultrasensitive detection of a secosteroid hormone
Authors: Raymundo-Pereira Paulo A. , Lima Alan R. F. , Machado Sergio A. S.
Published: March 2016

We report the electrocatalytic activity of perovskite-type LaNiO3-nanoxide (LN-NO) on secosteroid hormone oxidation in alkaline solution.
Recent progress and perspectives on bi-functional oxygen electrocatalysts for advanced rechargeable metal–air batteries
Authors: Lee Dong Un , Xu Pan , Cano Zachary P. , Kashkooli Ali Ghorbani , Park Moon Gyu , Chen Zhongwei
Published: March 2016

This review summarizes recent research progress and perspectives on bi-functional oxygen electrocatalysts active towards oxygen reduction and oxygen evolution reactions for rechargeable metal–air batteries.
Dual-valence nickel nanosheets covered with thin carbon as bifunctional electrocatalysts for full water splitting
Authors: Xi Wang , Ren Zhiyu , Kong Lingjun , Wu Jun , Du Shichao , Zhu Jiaqing , Xue Yuzhu , Meng Huiyuan , Fu Honggang
Published: March 2016

Dual-valence nickel nanosheets covered with thin carbon, synthesized by controlling the successive assembly and carbothermal reduction, achieve 10 mA cm−2of water-splitting current due to synergetic effects of adjacent Ni and NiO.
Structured compressive sensing‐based non‐orthogonal time‐domain training channel state information acquisition for multiple input multiple output systems
Authors: Ding Wenbo , Yang Fang , Liu Sicong , Song Jian
Published: March 2016

In practical multiple input multiple output (MIMO) systems, accurate knowledge of the channel state information (CSI) is a prerequisite to guarantee the system performance. The conventional CSI acquisition methods for MIMO system usually rely on the orthogonal (either time‐ or frequency‐domain) training sequences (TSs) to estimate the channel associated with each transmit–receive antenna pair, which is not spectrally efficient. This study proposes a non‐orthogonal time‐domain training‐based CSI acquisition approach for MIMO systems under the framework of structured compressive sensing. By exploiting the spatial–temporal correlations of the sparse MIMO channels, a spatially–temporally spARsity‐adaptivE‐simultaneous orthogonal matching pursuit algorithm is proposed, which could use the inter‐block interference free region of very small dimension within the received TS to recover the multiple channels. Furthermore, the proposed algorithm could utilise the priori channel partial common support to improve the recovery probability and reduce the complexity. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme has better performance and higher spectral efficiency than the conventional MIMO schemes, which might be an appealing solution for the future wireless communications.
Fourier transform‐based windowed adaptive switching minimum filter for reducing periodic noise from digital images
Authors: Varghese Justin , Subash Saudia , Tairan Nasser
Published: March 2016

This paper presents a windowed adaptive switching minimum filter in frequency domain to restore images corrupted by periodic noise. Periodic noise frequencies that spread throughout the spatial domain image concentrate in frequency domain image as star‐shaped peak regions. The proposed algorithm incorporates distinct stages of noisy frequency detection and correction. The noisy frequency detection stage has peak detection and noise map generation sub‐stages to effectively identify noisy peak areas into a binary flag image from the directional image of the origin shifted Fourier transformed corrupted image. The proposed noise correction scheme restores the detected noisy areas of the corrupted frequency domain image with the minimum of nearest possible uncorrupted frequencies. Finally, inverse shifting and inverse Fourier transform operations generates the restored image. Experimental results in terms of subjective and objective metrics demarcate that the proposed periodic noise reduction filter is more effective in restoring images corrupted with periodic noise than other filters used in the comparative study.
Three‐level saddle space vector pulse width modulation strategy based on two‐level space vector pulse width modulation for neutral‐point‐clamped three‐level inverters
Authors: Lyu Jianguo , Hu Wenbin , Wu Fuyun , Yao Kai , Wu Junji
Published: March 2016

This study proposes a three‐level saddle space vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM) strategy based on two‐level SVPWM (TBT_SAPWM) for neutral‐point‐clamped (NPC) three‐level inverters. According to the analysis of the conventional three‐level SVPWM strategy based on two‐level SVPWM (CTBT_SVPWM) and the proposed TBT_SAPWM strategy, the modulation wave expressions of the two strategies are derived. Compared to the CTBT_SVPWM strategy, each main sector has its own independent area, and determining the main sectors or regions becomes easier with the proposed TBT_SAPWM strategy. Moreover, by optimising the switching states, the proposed TBT_SAPWM strategy makes on‐state duration of one selected phase equal to that of the other selected phases in a switching cycle. Therefore, the three‐phase modulation waves are saddle waves at the full range of fundamental wave modulation ratios. According to the experimental results in this study, the proposed TBT_SAPWM strategy has better performances in terms of the output harmonics and the neutral‐point voltage ripple, compared to the CTBT_SVPWM strategy. The feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed strategy are verified by the experimental platform of an NPC three‐level inverter based on the digital signal processor and complex programmable logic device.
Preparation and characterisation of Cu2FeSnS4 micro/nano particles by a liquid reflux method
Authors: Zhou Jicheng , Wang Yunyun , Ye Zhibin , Hu Yao , Liu Hanjian , Peng Yinqiao
Published: March 2016

Quaternary compounds Cu2FeSnS4 (CFTS), a promising alternative material for solar cell absorber layer, were successfully synthesised by a liquid reflux method in a mixture solvent of triethylenetetramine‐ethylene glycol (TETA‐EG, 1:1, v/v) at 230°C for 3 h under the atmospheric pressure condition. The phase, micro‐structure, morphology, chemical composition and optical properties of the as‐synthesised CFTS micro/nano particles were characterised using X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray spectrometry and ultraviolet‐visible absorption spectrophotometer. The results showed that the stannite structured CFTS micro/nano particles with close to theoretical stoichiometric ratio were pure and well‐crystallised, the particle size ranged from 70 to 240 nm and the particles were well‐distributed, the band gap was about 1.25 eV which indicated its suitable application as the absorption layer of thin film solar cells.
Mandibular Reconstruction Using a Custom-Made Titanium Prosthesis: A Case Report on the Use of Virtual Surgical Planning and Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing
Authors: Ow Andrew , Tan Winston , Pienkowski Lukasz
Published: March 2016

The use of virtual surgical planning and computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing has been reported to enhance the planning for the reconstruction of mandibular continuity defects. This case report illustrates the use of this technology in the fabrication of a custom-made titanium prosthesis to restore a segmental mandibular defect. The design specifications and sequence of the custom-made titanium prosthesis are discussed. Although successful in this case, there are limitations in its application and case selection is of vital importance.
Experimental study on the interaction between bubble and free surface using a high-voltage spark generator
Authors: Zhang S. , Wang S. P. , Zhang A. M.
Published: March 2016

The experimental studies presented in this paper attempt to supply a reasonable comprehensive explanation for the key feature of the collapse bubble and the complex nature of the raised free surface. Six distinctive patterns of free surface motion were identified for bubbles initiated at different γf (the non-dimensional bubble-free surface distance scaled with the maximum bubble radius). Special features such as “breaking wrinkles,” “spraying water film,” and other unstable phenomena were observed with free surface motions, which were hardly captured by a boundary integral scheme. Parameters defining the shape of the free surface, such as the spike height Hspike, the spike width Wbase, and the skirt height Hspray, are measured and analyzed against γf. Different voltages were used to generate bubbles with varies sizes, while the bubble and free surface motion patterns appeared to be largely independent of the bubble size. Finally, collapsing bubble shape, centroid migration, period of bubble oscillation, and jet tip velocity at different γf are investigated and noticeable variation trends are found.
Remarks on mass and angular momenta for U(1)2-invariant initial data
Authors: Alaee Aghil , Kunduri Hari K.
Published: March 2016

We extend Brill’s positive mass theorem to a large class of asymptotically flat, maximal, U(1)2-invariant initial data sets on simply connected four dimensional manifolds Σ. Moreover, we extend the local mass angular momenta inequality result [A. Alaee and H. K. Kunduri, Classical Quantum Gravity 32(16), 165020 (2015)] for U(1)2 invariant black holes to the case with nonzero stress energy tensor with positive matter density and energy-momentum current invariant under the above symmetries.
Evaluation of the grand-canonical partition function using expanded Wang-Landau simulations. IV. Performance of many-body force fields and tight-binding schemes for the fluid phases of silicon
Authors: Desgranges Caroline , Delhommelle Jerome
Published: March 2016

We extend Expanded Wang-Landau (EWL) simulations beyond classical systems and develop the EWL method for systems modeled with a tight-binding Hamiltonian. We then apply the method to determine the partition function and thus all thermodynamic properties, including the Gibbs free energy and entropy, of the fluid phases of Si. We compare the results from quantum many-body (QMB) tight binding models, which explicitly calculate the overlap between the atomic orbitals of neighboring atoms, to those obtained with classical many-body (CMB) force fields, which allow to recover the tetrahedral organization in condensed phases of Si through, e.g., a repulsive 3-body term that favors the ideal tetrahedral angle. Along the vapor-liquid coexistence, between 3000 K and 6000 K, the densities for the two coexisting phases are found to vary significantly (by 5 orders of magnitude for the vapor and by up to 25% for the liquid) and to provide a stringent test of the models. Transitions from vapor to liquid are predicted to occur for chemical potentials that are 10%–15% higher for CMB models than for QMB models, and a ranking of the force fields is provided by comparing the predictions for the vapor pressure to the experimental data. QMB models also reveal the formation of a gap in the electronic density of states of the coexisting liquid at high temperatures. Subjecting Si to a nanoscopic confinement has a dramatic effect on the phase diagram with, e.g. at 6000 K, a decrease in liquid densities by about 50% for both CMB and QMB models and an increase in vapor densities between 90% (CMB) and 170% (QMB). The results presented here provide a full picture of the impact of the strategy (CMB or QMB) chosen to model many-body effects on the thermodynamic properties of the fluid phases of Si.
A seesaw-lever force-balancing suspension design for space and terrestrial gravity-gradient sensing
Authors: Liu Huafeng , Pike W. T. , Dou Guangbin
Published: March 2016

We present the design, fabrication, and characterization of a seesaw-lever force-balancing suspension for a silicon gravity-gradient sensor, a gravity gradiometer, that is capable of operation over a range of gravity from 0 to 1 g. This allows for both air and space deployment after ground validation. An overall rationale for designing a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) gravity gradiometer is developed, indicating that a gravity gradiometer based on a torsion-balance, rather than a differential-accelerometer, provides the best approach. The fundamental micromachined element, a seesaw-lever force-balancing suspension, is designed with a low fundamental frequency for in-plane rotation to response gravity gradient but with good rejection of all cross-axis modes. During operation under 1 g, a gravitational force is axially loaded on two straight-beams that perform as a stiff fulcrum for the mass-connection lever without affecting sensitive in-plane rotational sensing. The dynamics of this suspension are analysed by both closed-form and finite element analysis, with good agreement between the two. The suspension has been fabricated using through-wafer deep reactive-ion etching and the dynamics verified both in air and vacuum. The sensitivity of a gravity gradiometer built around this suspension will be dominated by thermal noise, contributing in this case a noise floor of around 10 E/Hz (1 E = 10−9/s2) in vacuum. Compared with previous conventional gravity gradiometers, this suspension allows a gradiometer of performance within an order of magnitude but greatly reduced volume and weight. Compared with previous MEMS gravity gradiometers, our design has the advantage of functionality under Earth gravity.
Hamiltonian reductions of the one-dimensional Vlasov equation using phase-space moments
Authors: Chandre C. , Perin M.
Published: March 2016

We consider Hamiltonian closures of the Vlasov equation using the phase-space moments of the distribution function. We provide some conditions on the closures imposed by the Jacobi identity. We completely solve some families of examples. As a result, we show that imposing that the resulting reduced system preserves the Hamiltonian character of the parent model shapes its phase space by creating a set of Casimir invariants as a direct consequence of the Jacobi identity. We exhibit three main families of Hamiltonian models with two, three, and four degrees of freedom aiming at modeling the complexity of the bunch of particles in the Vlasov dynamics.
The investigation of ferromagnetic resonance linewidth in Ni80Fe20 films with submicron rectangular elements
Authors: Zhang D. , Yue J. J. , Kou Z. X. , Lin L. , Zhai Y. , Zhai H. R.
Published: March 2016

Patterned magnetic films with nano-scaled dots exhibit some special magnetic properties. In this paper, we investigate the in-plane shape anisotropy and the magnetization dynamic damping in permalloy (Ni80Fe20) arrays of submicron rectangular elements using ferromagnetic resonance (FMR). The FMR linewidth exhibits a dependence on the element size, and mainly comes from the contribution of the intrinsic damping. Also the contribution of two-magnon scattering plays an important role and is reduced with increasing aspect ratio. The damping coefficient decreases from 0.0129 to 0.0118 with the element length increasing from 300 nm to 1200 nm, and the theoretical calculation suggests that the change of damping results from the longitudinal and transverse interlayer spin current due to the spatially inhomogeneous magnetization dynamics.
TURBOGEN: Computer-controlled vertically oscillating grid system for small-scale turbulence studies on plankton
Authors: Amato Alberto , Fortini Stefania , Watteaux Romain , Diano Marcello , Espa Stefania , Esposito Serena , Ferrante Maria I. , Peters Francesc , Iudicone Daniele , Ribera d’Alcalà Maurizio
Published: March 2016

In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in the impact of turbulence on aquatic organisms. In response to this interest, a novel instrument has been constructed, TURBOGEN, that generates turbulence in water volumes up to 13 l. TURBOGEN is fully computer controlled, thus, allowing for a high level of reproducibility and for variations of the intensity and characteristics of turbulence during the experiment. The calibration tests, carried out by particle image velocimetry, showed TURBOGEN to be successful in generating isotropic turbulence at the typical relatively low levels of the marine environment. TURBOGEN and its sizing have been devised with the long-term scope of analyzing in detail the molecular responses of plankton to different mixing regimes, which is of great importance in both environmental and biotechnological processes.
Spontaneous profile self-organization in a simple realization of drift-wave turbulence
Authors: Cui L. , Ashourvan A. , Thakur S. C. , Hong R. , Diamond P. H. , Tynan G. R.
Published: March 2016

We report the observation of a transport bifurcation that occurs by spontaneous self-organization of a drift-wave and shear flow system in a linear plasma device. As we increase the magnetic field above a threshold (BCr = 1200 G), a global transition occurs, with steepening of mean density and ion pressure profiles, onset of strong E×B shearing, a reduction of turbulence, and improved turbulent radial particle transport. An abrupt transition appears in the graph of turbulent particle flux versus density gradient. Hysteresis in the density gradient further confirms this transport bifurcation. The total Reynolds work on the flow sharply increases above threshold. This correlates with the increase of density steepness, which suggests the Reynolds stress-driven flow that plays an essential role in density steepening and transport bifurcation. A change in turbulence feature from drift waves (DWs) to a mix of DWs and ion temperature gradients also coincides with the transport bifurcation. Interesting phenomena related to the transport bifurcation are also reported; a local inward particle flux, the co-existence of ion and electron features, and a self-sustained axial flow absent momentum input.
Performance of quantum Monte Carlo for calculating molecular bond lengths
Authors: Cleland Deidre M. , Per Manolo C.
Published: March 2016

This work investigates the accuracy of real-space quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) methods for calculating molecular geometries. We present the equilibrium bond lengths of a test set of 30 diatomic molecules calculated using variational Monte Carlo (VMC) and diffusion Monte Carlo (DMC) methods. The effect of different trial wavefunctions is investigated using single determinants constructed from Hartree-Fock (HF) and Density Functional Theory (DFT) orbitals with LDA, PBE, and B3LYP functionals, as well as small multi-configurational self-consistent field (MCSCF) multi-determinant expansions. When compared to experimental geometries, all DMC methods exhibit smaller mean-absolute deviations (MADs) than those given by HF, DFT, and MCSCF. The most accurate MAD of 3 ± 2 × 10−3 Å is achieved using DMC with a small multi-determinant expansion. However, the more computationally efficient multi-determinant VMC method has a similar MAD of only 4.0 ± 0.9 × 10−3 Å, suggesting that QMC forces calculated from the relatively simple VMC algorithm may often be sufficient for accurate molecular geometries.
Magnetic reconnection driven by Gekko XII lasers with a Helmholtz capacitor-coil target
Authors: Pei X. X. , Zhong J. Y. , Sakawa Y. , Zhang Z. , Zhang K. , Wei H. G. , Li Y. T. , Li Y. F. , Zhu B. J. , Sano T. , Hara Y. , Kondo S. , Fujioka S. , Liang G. Y. , Wang F. L. , Zhao G.
Published: March 2016

We demonstrate a novel plasma device for magnetic reconnection, driven by Gekko XII lasers irradiating a double-turn Helmholtz capacitor-coil target. Optical probing revealed an accumulated plasma plume near the magnetic reconnection outflow. The background electron density and magnetic field were measured to be approximately 1018 cm−3 and 60 T by using Nomarski interferometry and the Faraday effect, respectively. In contrast with experiments on magnetic reconnection constructed by the Biermann battery effect, which produced high beta values, our beta value was much lower than one, which greatly extends the parameter regime of laser-driven magnetic reconnection and reveals its potential in astrophysical plasma applications.
Spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy experiments on the rough surface of a polycrystalline NiFe film with a fine magnetic tip sensitive to a well-defined magnetization component
Authors: Matsuyama H. , Nara D. , Kageyama R. , Honda K. , Sato T. , Kusanagi K. , Srinivasan E. , Koike K.
Published: March 2016

We developed a micrometer-sized magnetic tip integrated onto the write head of a hard disk drive for spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy (SP-STM) in the modulated tip magnetization mode. Using SP-STM, we measured a well-defined in-plane spin-component of the tunneling current of the rough surface of a polycrystalline NiFe film. The spin asymmetry of the NiFe film was about 1.3% within the bias voltage range of -3 to 1 V. We obtained the local spin component image of the sample surface, switching the magnetic field of the sample to reverse the sample magnetization during scanning. We also obtained a spin image of the rough surface of a polycrystalline NiFe film evaporated on the recording medium of a hard disk drive.
On-chip pressure sensor using single-layer concentric chambers
Authors: Tsai Chia-Hung Dylan , Kaneko Makoto
Published: March 2016

A vision-based on-chip sensor for sensing local pressure inside a microfluidic device is proposed and evaluated in this paper. The local pressure is determined from the change of color intensity in the sensing chamber which is pre-filled with colored fluid. The working principle of the sensor is based on polydimethylsiloxane deformation. The pressure at the point of interest is guided into a deformation chamber, where the structural stiffness is softened by chamber geometry, and thus, the chamber deforms as a result of pressure changes. Such deformation is transmitted to the sensing chamber, a same-layer concentric inside the deformation chamber. The deformation in the sensing chamber causes the colored fluid flowing in or out the chamber and leads to different color intensity from the top view through a microscope. Experimental evaluations on static and dynamic responses by regulated input pressures were conducted. The correlation in static response is 0.97 while the dynamic responses are successfully observed up to 16 Hz. The greatest advantage is that the local pressure can be directly seen without any additional hardware or electricity. The whole sensor is on a single-layer microfluidic design, so that the fabrication is simple, consistent, and low-cost. The single-layer design also provides the convenience of easy integration for existing microfluidic systems.
Gender Comparisons in a Forensic Sample: Patient Profiles and HCR-20:V2 Reliability and Item Utility
Authors: Grimbos Teresa , Penney Stephanie R. , Fernane Stephanie , Prosser Aaron , Ray Ipsita , Simpson Alexander I. F.
Published: March 2016

Given documented gender differences in risk factors and manifestations of violence, researchers have advocated for gender-sensitive approaches to violence risk assessment. This study compares male ( n = 292) and female ( n = 68) forensic psychiatric patients on an array of demographic, clinical, behavioral, and legal variables to gain a clearer understanding of the prevalence of different risk factors and types of violence in this population. We investigate the interrater reliability and item utility of the Historical, Clinical, Risk Management-20 (HCR-20:V2), and examine whether individual HCR-20 items exhibit differential relationships to the tool's summary risk rating across gender. More women carried a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder, whereas antisocial personality disorder, substance use problems and extensive criminal histories were more often noted in men. These clinical differences were reflected in the distribution of HCR-20 item and subscale scores across gender. Interrater reliability was excellent, especially for women. A lack of personal support increased the odds of being deemed high risk in women to a greater extent than in men. We discuss the utility of structured professional judgment tools such as HCR-20 in women, and consider the importance of a gender-sensitive approach to risk assessment.
Staufen1 impairs stress granule formation in skeletal muscle cells from myotonic dystrophy type 1 patients
Authors: Ravel-Chapuis Aymeric , Klein Gunnewiek Amanda , Bélanger Guy , Crawford Parks Tara E. , Côté Jocelyn , Jasmin Bernard J.
Published: March 2016

Myotonic dystrophy (DM1) is caused by an expansion of CUG repeats (CUGexp) in the DMPK mRNA 3′UTR. CUGexp-containing mRNAs become toxic to cells by misregulating RNA-binding proteins. Here we investigated the consequence of this RNA toxicity on the cellular stress response. We report that cell stress efficiently triggers formation of stress granules (SGs) in proliferating, quiescent, and differentiated muscle cells, as shown by the appearance of distinct cytoplasmic TIA-1– and DDX3-containing foci. We show that Staufen1 is also dynamically recruited into these granules. Moreover, we discovered that DM1 myoblasts fail to properly form SGs in response to arsenite. This blockage was not observed in DM1 fibroblasts, demonstrating a cell type–specific defect. DM1 myoblasts display increased expression and sequestration of toxic CUGexpmRNAs compared with fibroblasts. Of importance, down-regulation of Staufen1 in DM1 myoblasts rescues SG formation. Together our data show that Staufen1 participates in the inhibition of SG formation in DM1 myoblasts. These results reveal that DM1 muscle cells fail to properly respond to stress, thereby likely contributing to the complex pathogenesis of DM1.
Preserving temporal relations in clinical data while maintaining privacy
Authors: Hripcsak George , Mirhaji Parsa , Low Alexander FH , Malin Bradley A
Published: March 2016

Objective Maintaining patient privacy is a challenge in large-scale observational research. To assist in reducing the risk of identifying study subjects through publicly available data, we introduce a method for obscuring date information for clinical events and patient characteristics.

Methods The method, which we call Shift and Truncate (SANT), obscures date information to any desired granularity. Shift and Truncate first assigns each patient a random shift value, such that all dates in that patient’s record are shifted by that amount. Data are then truncated from the beginning and end of the data set.

Results The data set can be proven to not disclose temporal information finer than the chosen granularity. Unlike previous strategies such as a simple shift, it remains robust to frequent – even daily – updates and robust to inferring dates at the beginning and end of date-shifted data sets. Time-of-day may be retained or obscured, depending on the goal and anticipated knowledge of the data recipient.

Conclusions The method can be useful as a scientific approach for reducing re-identification risk under the Privacy Rule of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and may contribute to qualification for the Safe Harbor implementation.
A standardized framework for examination of oral lesions in wolf skulls (Carnivora: Canidae: Canis lupus)
Authors: Janssens Luc , Verhaert Leen , Berkowic Daniel , Adriaens Dominique
Published: March 2016

Oral lesions in wolves (Carnivora: Canidae: Canis lupus) are usually reported in a nonstandardized manner, and often only a few abnormalities are indicated. This approach has likely led to underreporting of oral lesions, thus limiting our ability to interpret wolf health conditions and thus making comparisons across geographical and taxonomic groups difficult. Here, we present a standardized oral exam protocol to examine wolf skulls for their oral lesions. Using this protocol, we analyzed 40 skulls of adult wild Middle East wolves representing 1,680 teeth. Six wolves were Canis lupus arabs, 34 were Canis lupus pallipes. Only 3 skulls showed no oral lesions. We were able to identify a large range of oral lesions and refined subclasses, exceeding the variety of what has been reported on wolf oral lesions so far. No statistical differences were found in the type and number of lesions between the 2 subspecies of wolves. Therefore, the lesions were pooled in subsequent analyses. This standardized protocol should provide a useful framework to assess oral lesions in wolf skulls, facilitating rigorous comparisons across geographic and taxonomic groups.
Techniques for Primary and Revision First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Arthrodesis
Authors: Macias David M. , Coughlin Michael J.
Published: March 2016

A first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint arthrodesis is often used for the treatment of MTP arthritis as well as severe angular deformities. While many techniques for achieving solid arthrodesis have been used, this paper will present the senior author's technique for a standard first MTP arthrodesis. This paper will also discuss techniques for revision and salvage procedures and review the evolution of current first MTP arthrodesis techniques.

Level of Evidence: Diagnostic Level 5. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Dried Blood Spot Methodology in Combination With Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry Facilitates the Monitoring of Teriflunomide
Authors: Filali-Ansary Aziz , Lunven Catherine , Turpault Sandrine , Beyer Yann-Joel , O'Brien Amy , Delfolie Astrid , Boyanova Neli , Sanderink Ger-Jan , Baldinetti Francesca
Published: March 2016

Background:

Teriflunomide, a once-daily oral immunomodulator approved for treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, is eliminated slowly from plasma. If necessary to rapidly lower plasma concentrations of teriflunomide, an accelerated elimination procedure using cholestyramine or activated charcoal may be used. The current bioanalytical assay for determination of plasma teriflunomide concentration requires laboratory facilities for blood centrifugation and plasma storage. An alternative method, with potential for greater convenience, is dried blood spot (DBS) methodology. Analytical and clinical validations are required to switch from plasma to DBS (finger-prick sampling) methodology.

Methods:

Using blood samples from healthy subjects, an LC-MS/MS assay method for quantification of teriflunomide in DBS over a range of 0.01–10 mcg/mL was developed and validated for specificity, selectivity, accuracy, precision, reproducibility, and stability. Results were compared with those from the current plasma assay for determination of plasma teriflunomide concentration.

Results:

Method was specific and selective relative to endogenous compounds, with process efficiency ∼88%, and no matrix effect. Inaccuracy and imprecision for intraday and interday analyses were <15% at all concentrations tested. Quantification of teriflunomide in DBS assay was not affected by blood deposit volume and punch position within spot, and hematocrit level had a limited but acceptable effect on measurement accuracy. Teriflunomide was stable for at least 4 months at room temperature, and for at least 24 hours at 37°C with and without 95% relative humidity, to cover sampling, drying, and shipment conditions in the field. The correlation between DBS and plasma concentrations (R2= 0.97), with an average blood to plasma ratio of 0.59, was concentration independent and constant over time.

Conclusions:

DBS sampling is a simple and practical method for monitoring teriflunomide concentrations.
Overview of Cervical Insufficiency: Diagnosis, Etiologies, and Risk Factors
Authors: ROMAN AMANDA , SUHAG ANJU , BERGHELLA VINCENZO
Published: March 2016

The diagnosis of cervical insufficiency can be made in women with or without prior pregnancy losses. Cervical insufficiency has been defined by transvaginal ultrasound cervical length <25 mm before 24 weeks in women with prior pregnancy losses or preterm births at 14 to 36 weeks, or by cervical changes detected on physical examination before 24 weeks of gestation.
Cerclage: Indications and Patient Counseling
Authors: ROMAN AMANDA , SUHAG ANJU , BERGHELLA VINCENZO
Published: March 2016

Cervical cerclage is a surgical procedure to prevent preterm birth. There are currently 3 main indications, based on either history, ultrasound, or physical exam changes.