bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contrast-enhanced transrectal ultrasound for prediction of prostate cancer aggressiveness: The role of normal peripheral zone time-intensity curves
Authors: Huang Hui , Zhu Zheng-Qiu , Zhou Zheng-Guo , Chen Ling-Shan , Zhao Ming , Zhang Yang , Li Hong-Bo , Yin Li-Ping
Published: December 2016

To assess the role of time-intensity curves (TICs) of the normal peripheral zone (PZ) in the identification of biopsy-proven prostate nodules using contrast-enhanced transrectal ultrasound (CETRUS). This study included 132 patients with 134 prostate PZ nodules. Arrival time (AT), peak intensity (PI), mean transit time (MTT), area under the curve (AUC), time from peak to one half (TPH), wash in slope (WIS) and time to peak (TTP) were analyzed using multivariate linear logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to assess whether combining nodule TICs with normal PZ TICs improved the prediction of prostate cancer (PCa) aggressiveness. The PI, AUC (p < 0.001 for both), MTT and TPH (p = 0.011 and 0.040 respectively) values of the malignant nodules were significantly higher than those of the benign nodules. Incorporating the PI and AUC values (both, p < 0.001) of the normal PZ TIC, but not the MTT and TPH values (p = 0.076 and 0.159 respectively), significantly improved the AUC for prediction of malignancy (PI: 0.784–0.923; AUC: 0.758–0.891) and assessment of cancer aggressiveness (p < 0.001). Thus, all these findings indicate that incorporating normal PZ TICs with nodule TICs in CETRUS readings can improve the diagnostic accuracy for PCa and cancer aggressiveness assessment.
Two different phase-change origins with chemical- and structural-phase-changes in C doped (1.5 wt.%) In3Sb1Te2
Authors: Lee Y. M. , Lee S. Y. , Sasaki T. , Kim K. , Ahn D. , Jung M.-C.
Published: December 2016

We fabricated C-doped (1.5 wt.%) In3Sb1Te2 (CIST) thin films with amorphous phase (a-CIST) using a sputter method. Two electrical-phase-changes at 250 and 275 °C were observed in the sheet resistance measurement. In order to understand the origin of these electrical-phase-changes, all samples were characterized by XRD, TEM, and HRXPS with synchrotron radiation. In a-CIST, only weak Sb-C bonding was observed. In the first electrical-phase-change at 250 °C, strong Sb-C bonding occurred without an accompanying structural/phase change (still amorphous). On the other hand, the second electrical-phase-change at 275 °C was due to the structural/phase change from amorphous to crystalline without a chemical state change.
An integrated genomic approach for the study of mandibular prognathism in the European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax)
Authors: Babbucci Massimiliano , Ferraresso Serena , Pauletto Marianna , Franch Rafaella , Papetti Chiara , Patarnello Tomaso , Carnier Paolo , Bargelloni Luca
Published: December 2016

Skeletal anomalies in farmed fish are a relevant issue affecting animal welfare and health and causing significant economic losses. Here, a high-density genetic map of European seabass for QTL mapping of jaw deformity was constructed and a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was carried out on a total of 298 juveniles, 148 of which belonged to four full-sib families. Out of 298 fish, 107 were affected by mandibular prognathism (MP). Three significant QTLs and two candidate SNPs associated with MP were identified. The two GWAS candidate markers were located on ChrX and Chr17, both in close proximity with the peaks of the two most significant QTLs. Notably, the SNP marker on Chr17 was positioned within theSobpgene coding region, which plays a pivotal role in craniofacial development. The analysis of differentially expressed genes in jaw-deformed animals highlighted the “nervous system development” as a crucial pathway in MP. In particular,Zic2, a key gene for craniofacial morphogenesis in model species, was significantly down-regulated in MP-affected animals. Gene expression data revealed also a significant down-regulation ofSobpin deformed larvae. Our analyses, integrating transcriptomic and GWA methods, provide evidence for putative mechanisms underlying seabass jaw deformity.
Development of a Fiber Laser with Independently Adjustable Properties for Optical Resolution Photoacoustic Microscopy
Authors: Aytac-Kipergil Esra , Demirkiran Aytac , Uluc Nasire , Yavas Seydi , Kayikcioglu Tunc , Salman Sarper , Karamuk Sohret Gorkem , Ilday Fatih Omer , Unlu Mehmet Burcin
Published: December 2016

Photoacoustic imaging is based on the detection of generated acoustic waves through thermal expansion of tissue illuminated by short laser pulses. Fiber lasers as an excitation source for photoacoustic imaging have recently been preferred for their high repetition frequencies. Here, we report a unique fiber laser developed specifically for multiwavelength photoacoustic microscopy system. The laser is custom-made for maximum flexibility in adjustment of its parameters; pulse duration (5–10 ns), pulse energy (up to 10 μJ) and repetition frequency (up to 1 MHz) independently from each other and covers a broad spectral region from 450 to 1100 nm and also can emit wavelengths of 532, 355, and 266 nm. The laser system consists of a master oscillator power amplifier, seeding two stages; supercontinuum and harmonic generation units. The laser is outstanding since the oscillator, amplifier and supercontinuum generation parts are all-fiber integrated with custom-developed electronics and software. To demonstrate the feasibility of the system, the images of several elements of standardized resolution test chart are acquired at multiple wavelengths. The lateral resolution of optical resolution photoacoustic microscopy system is determined as 2.68 μm. The developed system may pave the way for spectroscopic photoacoustic microscopy applications via widely tunable fiber laser technologies.
The importance of structural softening for the evolution and architecture of passive margins
Authors: Duretz T. , Petri B. , Mohn G. , Schmalholz S. M. , Schenker F. L. , Müntener O.
Published: December 2016

Lithospheric extension can generate passive margins that bound oceans worldwide. Detailed geological and geophysical studies in present and fossil passive margins have highlighted the complexity of their architecture and their multi-stage deformation history. Previous modeling studies have shown the significant impact of coarse mechanical layering of the lithosphere (2 to 4 layer crust and mantle) on passive margin formation. We built upon these studies and design high-resolution (~100–300 m) thermo-mechanical numerical models that incorporate finer mechanical layering (kilometer scale) mimicking tectonically inherited heterogeneities. During lithospheric extension a variety of extensional structures arises naturally due to (1) structural softening caused by necking of mechanically strong layers and (2) the establishment of a network of weak layers across the deforming multi-layered lithosphere. We argue that structural softening in a multi-layered lithosphere is the main cause for the observed multi-stage evolution and architecture of magma-poor passive margins.
Plant-based foods containing cell wall polysaccharides rich in specific active monosaccharides protect against myocardial injury in rat myocardial infarction models
Authors: Lim Sun Ha , Kim Yaesil , Yun Ki Na , Kim Jin Young , Jang Jung-Hee , Han Mee-Jung , Lee Jongwon
Published: December 2016

Many cohort studies have shown that consumption of diets containing a higher composition of foods derived from plants reduces mortality from coronary heart disease (CHD). Here, we examined the active components of a plant-based diet and the underlying mechanisms that reduce the risk of CHD using three rat models and a quantitative proteomics approach. In a short-term myocardial infarction (MI) model, intake of wheat extract (WE), the representative cardioprotectant identified by screening approximately 4,000 samples, reduced myocardial injury by inhibiting apoptosis, enhancing ATP production, and maintaining protein homeostasis. In long-term post-MI models, this myocardial protection resulted in ameliorating adverse left-ventricular remodelling, which is a predictor of heart failure. Among the wheat components, arabinose and xylose were identified as active components responsible for the observed efficacy of WE, which was administered via ingestion and tail-vein injections. Finally, the food components of plant-based diets that contained cell wall polysaccharides rich in arabinose, xylose, and possibly fucose were found to confer protection against myocardial injury. These results show for the first time that specific monosaccharides found in the cell wall polysaccharides in plant-based diets can act as active ingredients that reduce CHD by inhibiting postocclusion steps, including MI and heart failure.
The sphingolipid biosynthetic enzyme Sphingolipid delta8 desaturase is important for chilling resistance of tomato
Authors: Zhou Ying , Zeng Lanting , Fu Xiumin , Mei Xin , Cheng Sihua , Liao Yinyin , Deng Rufang , Xu Xinlan , Jiang Yueming , Duan Xuewu , Baldermann Susanne , Yang Ziyin
Published: December 2016

The physiological functions of sphingolipids in animals have been intensively studied, while less attention has been paid to their roles in plants. Here, we reveal the involvement of sphingolipid delta8 desaturase (SlSLD) in the chilling resistance of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum cv. Micro-Tom). We used the virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) approach to knock-down SlSLD expression in tomato leaves, and then evaluated chilling resistance. Changes in leaf cell structure under a chilling treatment were observed by transmission electron microscopy. In control plants, SlSLD was highly expressed in the fruit and leaves in response to a chilling treatment. The degree of chilling damage was greater in SlSLD-silenced plants than in control plants, indicating that SlSLD knock-down significantly reduced the chilling resistance of tomato. Compared with control plants, SlSLD-silenced plants showed higher relative electrolytic leakage and malondialdehyde content, and lower superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activities after a chilling treatment. Chilling severely damaged the chloroplasts in SlSLD-silenced plants, resulting in the disruption of chloroplast membranes, swelling of thylakoids, and reduced granal stacking. Together, these results show that SlSLD is crucial for chilling resistance in tomato.
Aerosol effect on the evolution of the thermodynamic properties of warm convective cloud fields
Authors: Dagan Guy , Koren Ilan , Altaratz Orit , Heiblum Reuven H.
Published: December 2016

Convective cloud formation and evolution strongly depend on environmental temperature and humidity profiles. The forming clouds change the profiles that created them by redistributing heat and moisture. Here we show that the evolution of the field’s thermodynamic properties depends heavily on the concentration of aerosol, liquid or solid particles suspended in the atmosphere. Under polluted conditions, rain formation is suppressed and the non-precipitating clouds act to warm the lower part of the cloudy layer (where there is net condensation) and cool and moisten the upper part of the cloudy layer (where there is net evaporation), thereby destabilizing the layer. Under clean conditions, precipitation causes net warming of the cloudy layer and net cooling of the sub-cloud layer (driven by rain evaporation), which together act to stabilize the atmosphere with time. Previous studies have examined different aspects of the effects of clouds on their environment. Here, we offer a complete analysis of the cloudy atmosphere, spanning the aerosol effect from instability-consumption to enhancement, below, inside and above warm clouds, showing the temporal evolution of the effects. We propose a direct measure for the magnitude and sign of the aerosol effect on thermodynamic instability.
Effects of nilotinib on leukaemia cells using vibrational microspectroscopy and cell cloning
Authors: Siddique M. R. , Rutter A. V. , Wehbe K. , Cinque G. , Bellisola G. , Sulé-Suso J.
Published: December 2016

S-FTIR and Raman microspectroscopies identify spectral markers of sensitivity/resistance to nilotinib in leukaemia cell clones.
Correction: Remote meta C–H bond functionalization of 2-phenethylsulphonic acid and 3-phenylpropanoic acid derivatives
Authors: Modak Atanu , Mondal Anirban , Watile Rahul , Mukherjee Semanti , Maiti Debabrata
Published: December 2016

Correction for ‘Remote meta C–H bond functionalization of 2-phenethylsulphonic acid and 3-phenylpropanoic acid derivatives’ by Atanu Modak et al., Chem. Commun., 2016, 52, 13916–13919.
Correlated/non-correlated ion dynamics of charge-neutral ion couples: the origin of ionicity in ionic liquids
Authors: Driver G. W. , Huang Y. , Laaksonen A. , Sparrman T. , Wang Y.-L. , Westlund P.-O.
Published: December 2016

The reorientational dynamics of charge-neutral ion couples [C4mim]⋯[PF6], [C4mim]+ and surprisingly, also [PF6]− ions, are in the nanosecond (ns) time regime. The NMRD profile analysis reveals detailed information about ionicity and free anion fraction, f, based on transient correlated/non-correlated ion dynamics.
A new potential for methylammonium lead iodide
Authors: Handley C. M. , Freeman C. L.
Published: December 2016

A new force field for MALI designed to model the material and the reactants predicts experimental properties and demonstrates the short and long range ordering present in the material.
Probing ice VII crystallization from amorphous NaCl–D2O solutions at gigapascal pressures
Authors: Ludl A.-A. , Bove L. E. , Corradini D. , Saitta A. M. , Salanne M. , Bull C. L. , Klotz S.
Published: December 2016

The high density amorphous solution NaCl·10.2D2O crystallises at 260 K as almost pure ice VII during annealing at gigapascal pressures.
Generalized Born implicit solvent models for small molecule hydration free energies
Authors: Brieg Martin , Setzler Julia , Albert Steffen , Wenzel Wolfgang
Published: December 2016

Hydration free energy estimation of small molecules from all-atom simulations was widely investigated in recent years, as it provides an essential test of molecular force fields and our understanding of solvation effects.
Do primary carriers of both positive charge and unpaired electron spin exist in irradiated propylene carbonate?
Authors: Borovkov V. I.
Published: December 2016

Magnetic field sensitive fluorescence from irradiated propylene carbonate solutions indicates the existence of previously unobserved radical cations formed from the solvent molecules.
Unsymmetrical NCN-pincer mononuclear and dinuclear nickel(ii) complexes of N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC): synthesis, structure and catalysis for Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling
Authors: Gu Shaojin , Du Jiehao , Huang Jingjing , Guo Yun , Yang Ling , Xu Weilin , Chen Wanzhi
Published: December 2016

Both two rare [(NHC)2Ni2-OH] type complexes and pincer-type [(NCNHCN)Ni-Cl] complexes were synthesized using the same synthetic methodology by slight modulation of the N-substituents on the N-heterocyclic carbene ring.
A 3D neurovascular microfluidic model consisting of neurons, astrocytes and cerebral endothelial cells as a blood–brain barrier
Authors: Adriani Giulia , Ma Dongliang , Pavesi Andrea , Kamm Roger D. , Goh Eyleen L. K.
Published: December 2016

A 3D microfluidic neurovascular model (A), using a differential seeding procedure (B) for co-culturing neurons, astrocytes and endothelial cells (C).
Design and synthesis of novel selective estrogen receptor degradation inducers based on the diphenylheptane skeleton
Authors: Misawa Takashi , Fujisato Takuma , Kanda Yasunari , Ohoka Nobumichi , Shoda Takuji , Yorioka Momoko , Makishima Makoto , Sekino Yuko , Naito Mikihiko , Demizu Yosuke , Kurihara Masaaki
Published: December 2016

Compound PBP-NC10 bearing the decylaminoethyl group was identified as a novel SERD.
From protein domains to molecular nanoparticles: what can giant molecules learn from proteins?
Authors: Zhang Wen-Bin , Wu Xia-Ling , Yin Guang-Zhong , Shao Yu , Cheng Stephen Z. D.
Published: December 2016

Synthetic polymers are still considered as primitive as compared to the sophisticated polymeric machines like proteins.
Breaking the paradigm: record quindecim charged magnetic ionic liquids
Authors: Prodius D. , Smetana V. , Steinberg S. , Wilk-Kozubek M. , Mudryk Y. , Pecharsky V. K. , Mudring A.-V.
Published: December 2016

A family of cationic, record quindecim {15+} charged [(Er, Ho, Tm)5(C2H5-Im-CH2COO)16(H2O)8](Tf2N)15magnetic ionic liquids has been synthesized and fully characterized.
The first total synthesis of the marine acetylenic alcohol, lembehyne B – a selective inducer of early apoptosis in leukemia cancer cells
Authors: Dzhemileva Lilya U. , D'yakonov Vladimir A. , Makarov Aleksey A. , Andreev Evgeny N. , Yunusbaeva Milyausha M. , Dzhemilev Usein M.
Published: December 2016

The first gram-scale total synthesis of natural lembehyne B, a selective inducer of early apoptosis in leukemia cancer cells, has been developed.
Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of methyl-2-(2-(5-bromo benzoxazolone)acetamido)-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)propanoate: TSPO ligand for SPECT
Authors: Srivastava Pooja , Kaul Ankur , Ojha Himanshu , Kumar Pravir , Tiwari Anjani K.
Published: December 2016

The translator protein (TSPO, 18 kDa), a transmembrane mitochondrial protein, has been explored as an important biomarker by researchers for inflammation, immune modulation and cell proliferation. Here we report a new SPECT agent99mTc-MBIP for TSPO imaging and quantification.
SiO2nanoparticles cause depression and anxiety-like behavior in adult zebrafish
Authors: Li Xiang , Liu Xiaodong , Li Teng , Li Xu , Feng Daofu , Kuang Xiangyu , Xu Jia , Zhao Xin , Sun Mingzhu , Chen Dongyan , Zhang Zhixiang , Feng Xizeng
Published: December 2016

Here, we report that both nano-silica (SiO2-NPs) and reserpine can elicit depression-like behavior in adult zebrafish in a novel tank test.
Mechanism and kinetic properties for the gas-phase ozonolysis of β-ionone
Authors: Zhao Yan , Zou Shengli
Published: December 2016

The gas-phase degradation mechanisms of β-ionone with O3are investigated using density functional theory (DFT).
Involvement of the Central Cognitive Mechanism in Word Production in Adults Who Stutter
Authors: Tsai Pei-Tzu , Ratner Nan Bernstein
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The study examined whether semantic and phonological encoding processes were capacity demanding, involving the central cognitive mechanism, in adults who do and do not stutter (AWS and NS) to better understand the role of cognitive demand in linguistic processing and stuttering. We asked (a) whether the two linguistic processes in AWS are capacity demanding, which can temporally disrupt the processing of a concurrent nonlinguistic task, and (b) whether AWS and NS show similar patterns of temporal disruption in the two processes.

Method

Twenty AWS and 20 matched NS participated in the study. We examined semantic interference and phonological facilitation effects, using the picture–word interference paradigm, under concurrent and sequential processing of a secondary, nonlinguistic task.

Results

Both AWS and NS showed statistically significant semantic interference and phonological facilitation effects, and both effects caused temporal disruption to the processing of a secondary task to the predicted extent.

Conclusions

The observed result patterns in both AWS and NS suggest that both semantic and phonological encoding processes are capacity demanding and can be vulnerable to concurrent processing demands. This finding on NS is inconsistent with the current literature on young, fluent adults and warrants further investigation.
A Critical Appraisal of Vascularized Bone Grafting for Scaphoid Nonunion
Authors: Alluri Ram , Yin Christine , Iorio Matthew , Leland Hyuma , Mack Wendy , Patel Ketan
Published: December 2016

Background Vascularized bone grafting (VBG) has the potential to yield reliable results in scaphoid nonunion; however, results across studies have been highly variable. This study critically evaluates surgical techniques, fracture location, and patient selection in relation to radiographic, clinical, and patient-centered outcomes after VBG for scaphoid nonunion.

Methods We conducted a systematic review of the literature for the use of VBG in scaphoid nonunion. Physical examination, radiographic, and patient-centered outcomes were assessed. Four substratifications were performed: the location of scaphoid nonunion, pedicled versus free technique, Kirschner wire (K-wire) versus screw fixation, and VBG done as a primary versus revision procedure.

Results A total of 41 publications were included in final analysis. VBG had an 84.7% union rate at 13 weeks after surgery. On an average, 89% of patients returned to preinjury activity levels by 18 weeks after surgery and 91% of patients reported satisfaction with the procedure. Proximal pole nonunions demonstrated similar union rates but lower functionality scores compared with nonunions across all regions of the scaphoid. Pedicled techniques demonstrated slightly improved range of motion compared with free technique. K-wire versus screw fixation demonstrated significantly higher union rates and faster union times. There were no differences in outcomes for VBG done as a primary versus revision procedure.

Conclusion VBG serves as a viable option for the treatment of scaphoid nonunion, with consistent union rates in addition to significantly improved postoperative patient functionality. The fixation of these vascularized bone grafts with K-wires versus screw fixation may result in superior radiologic outcomes.

Level of Evidence Therapeutic, Level III, systematic review.
Suppression of diamagnetism by neutrals pressure in partially ionized, high-beta plasma
Authors: Shinohara Shunjiro , Kuwahara Daisuke , Yano Kazuki , Fruchtman Amnon
Published: December 2016

Suppression of diamagnetism in a partially ionized plasma with high beta was experimentally investigated by the use of Langmuir and Hall sensor probes, focusing on a neutrals pressure effect. The plasma beta, which is the ratio of plasma to vacuum magnetic pressures, varied from ∼1% to >100% while the magnetic field varied from ∼120 G to ∼1 G. Here, a uniform magnetized argon plasma was operated mostly in an inductive mode, using a helicon plasma source of the Large Helicon Plasma Device [S. Shinohara et al., Phys. Plasmas 16, 057104 (2009)] with a diameter of 738 mm and an axial length of 4860 mm. Electron density varied from 5 × 1015 m−3 to <3 × 1018 m−3, while an argon fill pressure was varied from ∼0.02 Pa to 0.75 Pa as well as the magnetic field mentioned above, with the fixed radio frequency (rf) and power of 7 MHz and ∼3.5 kW, respectively. The observed magnetic field reduction rate, a decrease of the magnetic field divided by the vacuum one, was up to 18%. However, in a certain parameter regime, where the product of ion and electron Hall terms is a key parameter, the measured diamagnetic effect was smaller than that expected by the plasma beta. This suppressed diamagnetism is explained by the neutrals pressure replacing magnetic pressure in balancing plasma pressure. Diamagnetism is weakened if neutrals pressure is comparable to the plasma pressure and if the coupling of plasma and neutrals pressures by ion-neutral collisions is strong enough.
High repetition pump-and-probe photoemission spectroscopy based on a compact fiber laser system
Authors: Ishida Y. , Otsu T. , Ozawa A. , Yaji K. , Tani S. , Shin S. , Kobayashi Y.
Published: December 2016

The paper describes a time-resolved photoemission (TRPES) apparatus equipped with a Yb-doped fiber laser system delivering 1.2-eV pump and 5.9-eV probe pulses at the repetition rate of 95 MHz. Time and energy resolutions are 11.3 meV and ∼310 fs, respectively, the latter is estimated by performing TRPES on a highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG). The high repetition rate is suited for achieving high signal-to-noise ratio in TRPES spectra, thereby facilitating investigations of ultrafast electronic dynamics in the low pump fluence (p) region. TRPES of polycrystalline bismuth (Bi) at p as low as 30 nJ/mm2 is demonstrated. The laser source is compact and is docked to an existing TRPES apparatus based on a 250-kHz Ti:sapphire laser system. The 95-MHz system is less prone to space-charge broadening effects compared to the 250-kHz system, which we explicitly show in a systematic probe-power dependency of the Fermi cutoff of polycrystalline gold. We also describe that the TRPES response of an oriented Bi(111)/HOPG sample is useful for fine-tuning the spatial overlap of the pump and probe beams even when p is as low as 30 nJ/mm2.
Metamorphoses of electronic structure of FeSe-based superconductors (Review Article)
Authors: Pustovit Yu. V. , Kordyuk A. A.
Published: December 2016

The electronic structure of FeSe, the simplest iron-based superconductor (Fe-SC), conceals a potential of dramatic increase of Tc that realizes under pressure or in a single layer film. This is also the system where nematicity, the phenomenon of a keen current interest, is most easy to study since it is not accompanied by the antiferromagnetic transition like in all other Fe-SC's. Here we overview recent experimental data on electronic structure of FeSe-based superconductors: isovalently doped crystals, intercalates, and single layer films, trying to clarify its topology and possible relation of this topology to superconductivity. We argue that the marked differences between the experimental and calculated band structures for all FeSe compounds can be described by a hoping selective renormalization model for a spin/orbital correlated state that may naturally explain both the evolution of the band structure with temperature and nematicity.
Electron dynamics in the normal state of cuprates: Spectral function, Fermi surface and ARPES data
Authors: Zubov E. E.
Published: December 2016

An influence of the electron-phonon interaction on excitation spectrum and damping in a narrow band electron subsystem of cuprates has been investigated. Within the framework of the t-J model an approach to solving a problem of account of both strong electron correlations and local electron–phonon binding with characteristic Einstein mode ω0 in the normal state has been presented. In approximation Hubbard-I it was found an exact solution for the polaron bands. We established that in the low-dimensional system with a pure kinematic part of Hamiltonian a complicated excitation spectrum is realized. It is determined mainly by peculiarities of the lattice Green's function. In the definite area of the electron concentration and hopping integrals a correlation gap may be possible on the Fermi level. Also, in specific cases it is observed a doping evolution of the Fermi surface. We found that the strong electron–phonon binding enforces a degree of coherence of electron-polaron excitations near the Fermi level and spectrum along the nodal direction depends on wave vector module weakly. It corresponds to ARPES data. A possible origin of the experimentally observed kink in the nodal direction of cuprates is explained by fine structure of the polaron band to be formed near the mode −ω0.
Thermopower of molecular junctions: Tunneling to hopping crossover in DNA
Authors: Korol Roman , Kilgour Michael , Segal Dvira
Published: December 2016

We study the electrical conductance G and the thermopower S of single-molecule junctions and reveal signatures of different transport mechanisms: off-resonant tunneling, on-resonant coherent (ballistic) motion, and multi-step hopping. These mechanisms are identified by studying the behavior of G and S while varying molecular length and temperature. Based on a simple one-dimensional model for molecular junctions, we derive approximate expressions for the thermopower in these different regimes. Analytical results are compared to numerical simulations, performed using a variant of Büttiker’s probe technique, the so-called voltage-temperature probe, which allows us to phenomenologically introduce environmentally induced elastic and inelastic electron scattering effects, while applying both voltage and temperature biases across the junction. We further simulate the thermopower of GC-rich DNA sequences with mediating A:T blocks and manifest the tunneling-to-hopping crossover in both the electrical conductance and the thermopower, in accord with measurements by Li et al. [Nat. Commun. 7, 11294 (2016)].
Pressure and temperature dependence of the laser-induced plasma plume dynamics
Authors: Ojeda-G-P Alejandro , Schneider Christof W. , Lippert Thomas , Wokaun Alexander
Published: December 2016

The influence of different background gases and substrate heating on the plasma plume dynamics from silver ablation is investigated by species selected time and space resolved imaging. The results provide a time-resolved understanding on how those process parameters affect the expansion: from a free expansion in vacuum with velocities exceeding 20 000 m/s to a very slow expansion in Ar at 1 × 10−1 mbar with arrival velocities of 280 m/s. In addition, we observe a rebound of the ablated material on the substrate holder leading to a re-coating of the ablated target. At 1 × 10−1 mbar, it seems that the expansion of the plasma plume displaces a considerable portion of the background gas and traps it against the frontal area of the substrate holder. This leads to a transient high local pressure just above the substrate. In the case of Ar, the rebound is enhanced due to inelastic scattering, whereas for an O2 background, an area of high reactivity/emission in addition to the rebound is created. Imaging of selected species shows that the light emission in this area is mainly due to excited Ag and metal oxygen species. There is a clear influence of substrate heating on the plasma expansion due to the background gas density gradients, reducing the stopping ability of the background gas and already detectable 2 cm away from the substrate. Both rebound and excitation effects are reduced in intensity due to the substrate heating.
Growth of Ni and Ni-Cr alloy thin films on MgO(001): Effect of alloy composition on surface morphology
Authors: Ramalingam Gopalakrishnan , Reinke Petra
Published: December 2016

The effects of substrate treatment, growth temperature, and composition on the surface morphology of Ni-Cr thin films grown on MgO(001) are studied by scanning tunneling microscopy and atomic force microscopy. We demonstrate that a combination of acid-etched substrates and high temperature deposition (400 °C) will result in smooth films with well-defined terraces (up to 30 nm wide) that are suitable for the study of progression of chemical reactions on the surface. Two different treatments are used to prepare the MgO substrates for deposition and they introduce characteristic differences in film surface morphology. Thin films that are grown on the phosphoric acid-treated substrates present reduced nucleation density during the initial stages of film growth which results in long and wide terraces. Due to the ≈16% lattice mismatch in the Ni(001)/MgO(001) system, film growth at 400 °C yields discontinuous films and a two-step growth process is necessary to obtain a continuous layer. Ni films are deposited at 100 °C and subjected to a post-growth annealing at 300 °C for 2 h to obtain a smoother surface. The addition of just 5 wt. % Cr drastically changes the film growth processes and yields continuous films at 400 °C without de-wetting in contrast to pure Ni films. With increasing Cr content, the films become progressively smoother with wider terraces. Ni5Cr alloy thin films have an rms surface roughness of 3.63 ± 0.75 nm, while Ni33Cr thin film is smoother with an rms roughness of only 0.29 ± 0.13 nm. The changes in film growth initiated by alloying with Cr are due to changes in the interfacial chemistry which favorably alters the initial adsorption of the metal atoms on MgO surface and suggests a reduction of the Ehrlich-Schwoebel barrier. The growth of smooth Ni-Cr thin films with a well-defined surface structure opens up a new pathway for a wide range of surface science studies related to alloy performance.
Deposition of copper from Cu(i) and Cu(ii) precursors onto HOPG surface: Role of surface defects and choice of a precursor
Authors: Duan Yichen , Teplyakov Andrew V.
Published: December 2016

The surface reactivity of two copper-containing precursors, (Cu(hfac)2 and Cu(hfac)VTMS, where hfac is hexafluoroacetyloacetonate and VTMS is vinyltrimethylsilane), was investigated by dosing the precursors onto a surface of highly ordered pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) at room temperature. The behavior of these precursors on a pristine HOPG was compared to that on a surface activated by ion sputtering and subsequent oxidation to induce controlled surface defects. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were used to confirm copper deposition and its surface distribution, and to compare with the results of scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy investigations. As expected, surface defects promote copper deposition; however, the specific structures deposited depend on the deposition precursor. Density functional theory was used to mimic the reactions of each precursor molecule on this surface and to determine the origins of this different reactivity.
Composition-tuning in a solid-state electrotransport furnace with active thermal expansion compensation
Authors: Schmehr J. L. , Whitley W. , Huxley A. D.
Published: December 2016

A new solid-state electrotransport (SSE) apparatus for refining ultra-pure single crystals of metallic compounds under ultra-high vacuum is described. The setup employs a novel thermal expansion compensation mechanism to minimize mechanical stress on the sample during refinement with cold clamps for contamination-less purification at elevated temperatures. The apparatus is designed to tune the composition of initially slightly off-stoichiometric samples. The expansion compensation and stress-free operation were tested by recording the thermal expansion of elemental cerium in a treatment up to 655 °C. SSE refinement was then performed on a high-quality single crystal of U6Fe resulting in a 50% increase of its residual resistivity ratio to the highest value obtained for a single crystal to date.
Development of array piezoelectric fingers towards in vivo breast tumor detection
Authors: Xu Xin , Chung Youngsoo , Brooks Ari D. , Shih Wei-Heng , Shih Wan Y.
Published: December 2016

We have investigated the development of a handheld 4 × 1 piezoelectric finger (PEF) array breast tumor detector system towards in vivo patient testing, particularly, on how the duration of the DC applied voltage, the depression depth of the handheld unit, and breast density affect the PEF detection sensitivity on 40 patients. The tests were blinded and carried out in four phases: with DC voltage durations 5, 3, 2, to 0.8 s corresponding to scanning a quadrant, a half, a whole breast, and both breasts within 30 min, respectively. The results showed that PEF detection sensitivity was unaffected by shortening the applied voltage duration from 5 to 0.8 s nor was it affected by increasing the depression depth from 2 to 6 mm. Over the 40 patients, PEF detected 46 of the 48 lesions (46/48)—with the smallest lesion detected being 5 mm in size. Of 28 patients (some have more than one lesion) with mammography records, PEF detected 31/33 of all lesions (94%) and 14/15 of malignant lesions (93%), while mammography detected 30/33 of all lesions (91%) and 12/15 of malignant lesions (80%), indicating that PEF could detect malignant lesions not detectable by mammography without significantly increasing false positives. PEF’s detection sensitivity is also shown to be independent of breast density, suggesting that PEF could be a potential tool for detecting breast cancer in young women and women with dense breasts.
Bragg superlattices formed in growing chemically vapor deposited diamond
Authors: Kukushkin V. A. , Lobaev M. A. , Radischev D. B. , Bogdanov S. A. , Drozdov M. N. , Isaev V. A. , Vikharev A. L. , Gorbachev A. M.
Published: December 2016

A Bragg superlattice is created in the process of the diamond growth from a gaseous phase via the nanoscale boron modulation doping method. To maximize the Bragg superlattice reflection coefficient at the violet edge of the visible range, the thicknesses of either of two layers in its period were made close to the quarter-wavelength of radiation in this spectral domain. The vacuum wavelength dependence of the transition coefficient of electromagnetic radiation in the optical and near infrared range through this superlattice is measured. The most pronounced Bragg features are lying at the violet edge of the optical range, where the contrast of the diamond dielectric permittivity due to modulation doping is much smaller than in the red and infrared domain. Its accordance with simulation results based on secondary ion mass spectroscopy data on the thicknesses and boron atom concentrations for doped layers is demonstrated.
Optical and electronic properties of conductive ternary nitrides with rare- or alkaline-earth elements
Authors: Kassavetis S. , Hodroj A. , Metaxa C. , Logothetidis S. , Pierson J. F. , Patsalas P.
Published: December 2016

Conductive nitrides, such as TiN, are key engineering materials for electronics, photonics, and plasmonics; one of the essential issues for such applications is the ability of tuning the conduction electron density, the resistivity, and the electron scattering. While enhancing the conduction electron density and blueshifting the intraband absorption towards the UV were easily achieved previously, reducing the conduction electron density and redshifting the intraband absorption into the infrared are still an open issue. The latter is achieved in this work by alloying TiN by rare earth (RE = Sc, Y, La) or alkaline earth (AE = Mg, Ca) atoms in Ti substitutional positions. The produced TixRE1−xN and TixAE1−xN thin film samples were grown by a hybrid arc evaporation/sputtering process, and most of them are stable in the B1 cubic structure. Their optical properties were studied in an extensive spectral range by spectroscopic ellipsometry. The ellipsometric spectra were analyzed and quantified by the Drude-Lorentz model, which provided the conduction electron density, the electron mean free path, and the resistivity. The observed interband transitions are firmly assigned, and the optical and electrical properties of TixRE1−xN and TixAE1−xN are quantitatively correlated with their composition and crystal structure.
Core loss and magnetic susceptibility of superparamagnetic Fe nanoparticle assembly
Authors: Kin Masane , Kura Hiroaki , Ogawa Tomoyuki
Published: December 2016

Toroidal-shaped high-density Fe nanoparticle assemblies (FNAs) were fabricated by molding different sized Fe nanoparticles (NPs), and the effect of the magnetic behavior of the FNAs on the core loss and the magnetic susceptibility was investigated. An FNA with 4.3 nm diameter Fe NPs exhibits superparamagnetism at room temperature while an FNA with 6.4 nm diameter Fe NPs doesn’t exhibit superparamagnetism at room temperature. AC magnetization curves at 1, 10 and 100 kHz were measured to evaluate the core loss of the toroidal-shaped FNAs. Both FNAs exhibited no significant eddy current loss, which suggests that surfactants on the NP surface effectively act to electrically insulate the NPs, and the NPs are not sintered together when the FNAs are molded. The AC magnetization curves had no hysteresis for the FNA with 4.3 nm diameter Fe NPs, i.e., the core loss was minimal for the superparamagnetic FNA. The magnetic susceptibility of the superparamagnetic FNA with 4.3 nm Fe NPs was 12 times higher than that estimated from Langevin theory due to the effect of strong magnetic dipole interaction. These results suggest that the superparamagnetic FNA has potential as a magnetic core material that exhibits low core loss and high magnetic susceptibility, even at high frequency.
Flexible control of cellular encapsulation, permeability, and release in a droplet-templated bifunctional copolymer scaffold
Authors: Chen Qiushui , Chen Dong , Wu Jing , Lin Jin-Ming
Published: December 2016

Designing cell-compatible, bio-degradable, and stimuli-responsive hydrogels is very important for biomedical applications in cellular delivery and micro-scale tissue engineering. Here, we report achieving flexible control of cellular microencapsulation, permeability, and release by rationally designing a diblock copolymer, alginate-conjugated poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (Alg-co-PNiPAM). We use the microfluidic technique to fabricate the bifunctional copolymers into thousands of mono-disperse droplet-templated hydrogel microparticles for controlled encapsulation and triggered release of mammalian cells. In particular, the grafting PNiPAM groups in the synthetic cell-laden microgels produce lots of nano-aggregates into hydrogel networks at elevated temperature, thereafter enhancing the permeability of microparticle scaffolds. Importantly, the hydrogel scaffolds are readily fabricated via on-chip quick gelation by triggered release of Ca2+ from the Ca-EDTA complex; it is also quite exciting that very mild release of microencapsulated cells is achieved via controlled degradation of hydrogel scaffolds through a simple strategy of competitive affinity of Ca2+ from the Ca-Alginate complex. This finding suggests that we are able to control cellular encapsulation and release through ion-induced gelation and degradation of the hydrogel scaffolds. Subsequently, we demonstrate a high viability of microencapsulated cells in the microgel scaffolds.
Synthesis of Norfijimycin A with Activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Stoye Alexander , Nagalingam Gayathri , Britton Warwick J. , Payne Richard J.
Published: December 2016

The total synthesis of norfijimycin A, a simplified analogue of the marine natural product fijimycin A, is described. Fijimycin A is a cyclic depsipeptide that has been shown to possess activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The natural product contains a rare N,β-dimethyl leucine unit with unknown stereochemistry at the β-carbon. To evaluate the importance of the β-methyl group for antimicrobial activity, we introduced N-methyl leucine into the natural product scaffold. The resulting norfijimycin A was shown to possess significant activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the etiological agent of tuberculosis.
Coproducing Aboriginal patient journey mapping tools for improved quality and coordination of care
Authors: Kelly Janet , Dwyer Judith , Mackean Tamara , O'Donnell Kim , Willis Eileen
Published: December 2016

This paper describes the rationale and process for developing a set of Aboriginal patient journey mapping tools with Aboriginal patients, health professionals, support workers, educators and researchers in the Managing Two Worlds Together project between 2008 and 2015. Aboriginal patients and their families from rural and remote areas, and healthcare providers in urban, rural and remote settings, shared their perceptions of the barriers and enablers to quality care in interviews and focus groups, and individual patient journey case studies were documented. Data were thematically analysed. In the absence of suitable existing tools, a new analytical framework and mapping approach was developed. The utility of the tools in other settings was then tested with health professionals, and the tools were further modified for use in quality improvement in health and education settings in South Australia and the Northern Territory. A central set of patient journey mapping tools with flexible adaptations, a workbook, and five sets of case studies describing how staff adapted and used the tools at different sites are available for wider use.
An NAD
+
-dependent transcriptional program governs self-renewal and radiation resistance in glioblastoma
Authors: Gujar Amit D. , Le Son , Mao Diane D. , Dadey David Y. A. , Turski Alice , Sasaki Yo , Aum Diane , Luo Jingqin , Dahiya Sonika , Yuan Liya , Rich Keith M. , Milbrandt Jeffrey , Hallahan Dennis E. , Yano Hiroko , Tran David D. , Kim Albert H.
Published: December 2016

Significance

Glioblastoma, the most common primary malignant brain tumor in adults, remains challenging despite multimodality therapy, necessitating the discovery of new therapies. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD
+
) plays a pivotal role in cancer cell metabolism, but how NAD
+
impacts functional signaling events in glioblastoma is not well understood. We provide clinical evidence that high expression of NAMPT, the rate-limiting step in NAD
+
biosynthesis, in glioblastoma tumors is associated with poor overall survival in patients, and demonstrate NAMPT and NAD
+
are required for the maintenance of patient-derived glioblastoma stem-like cells (GSCs). Moreover, we delineate a NAD
+
-dependent transcriptional program that governs GSC self-renewal and dictates the radiation resistance of these cells. These findings identify potential new therapeutic avenues for the treatment of glioblastoma.
Reading the novel Stone Dreams on the 100th anniversary of the “Great Catastrophe”
Authors: Mamedov Mikail
Published: December 2016

The article analyzes the Stone Dreams novel by the famous Azeri writer Akram Aylisli. Published in the Russian literary journal Druzhba Narodov (Friendship of the People) in December 2012, it condemned anti-Armenian pogroms in the republic and in the cities of Baku and Sumgait in particular at the end of the 1980s. The novel also refers to the massacre committed by Turkish troops on Christmas of 1919 in the midst of the Armenian Genocide, 1915–1923. At that time, Turkish commander Adif-bey ordered the mass execution of the Armenian population in the author's home village Aylis (Agulis in Armenian). Almost all Armenians were killed, with the exception of a few young girls who by the late 1980s had turned into gray-haired women. The writer knew them when he was a young man, and the whole of his narrative was based on the stories that were told by the older people in the village. The novel caused mass outrage in Azerbaijan, for allegedly being one-sided. This included mass demonstrations in front of the author's house and the public burning of his books.
Characterisation of the structure and the tribological behaviour of PN/PVD duplex processed Ti6Al4V
Authors: Hosseini S. R. , Ahmadi A.
Published: December 2016

A duplex process including plasma nitriding (PN) and physical vapour deposition (PVD) of TiN was carried out for improvement of the tribological properties of Ti6Al4V alloy. Samples were characterised by optical microscope, field emission scanning electron microscope, atomic force microscope, energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and microhardness. The sharp interface of PVD coating led to the quick failure of TiN, while the PN process distributed hardness profile gradually, but decreased surface quality. The duplex process optimised surface hardness, interface hardness gradient and coefficient of friction by four regions. The outer region (I) was δ-TiN, which was formed by PVD. Region II consisted of ‘δ-TiN+ε-Ti2N’, regions III was Al-enriched, and region IV showed a diffusion zone produced during PN. These structures led to high surface hardness, gradual hardness profile, reasonable surface quality, optimum friction behaviour and superior wear resistance. Overall, the duplex process improved the tribological properties of Ti6Al4V alloy significantly, as compared to the single stage PVD and the separate PN treatment.