bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Levels of Faecal Calprotectin and Magnetic Resonance Enterocolonography Correlate with Severity of Small Bowel Crohn’s Disease: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Ye Lei , Cheng Wei , Chen Bi-qin , Lan Xing , Wang Shao-dong , Wu Xiao-chen , Huang Wei , Wang Fang-yu
Published: May 2017

Few studies have evaluated the usefulness of fecal calprotectin (FC) or magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) in diagnosing active Crohn’s disease (CD) of the small bowel. In the study, we investigated the reliability of FC and MRE in assessing the activity of ileal CD and further explored the relationship between levels of FC and MRE scores. A total of 221 patients were diagnosed with ileal or ileo-colitis CD in our department between July 2012 and October 2016. The global magnetic resonance index of activity (MaRIA) correlated with the simple endoscopic score for CD (SES-CD) (r = 0.527, P = 0.005). When analysed segment-by-segment, a significant correlation was still observed (r = 0.590, P < 0.001). The SES-CD correlated closest with FC (r = 0.503), followed by CRP (r = 0.461), ESR (0.377) and the CDAI (r = 0.320). In receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses, the FC cut-off value of mucosal healing was 213.1 μg/g, with 76.1% sensitivity and 66.7% specificity. As for MaRIA, a cut-off value of 6.8 for each segment provided a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 79.2%. No agreement between MaRIA and FC levels was found. In conclusion, a combination of FC levels and MaRIA could be effective in monitoring mucosal activity in patients with small bowel CD.
A new paradigm in sweat based wearable diagnostics biosensors using Room Temperature Ionic Liquids (RTILs)
Authors: Munje Rujuta D. , Muthukumar Sriram , Jagannath Badrinath , Prasad Shalini
Published: May 2017

Successful commercialization of wearable diagnostic sensors necessitates stability in detection of analytes over prolonged and continuous exposure to sweat. Challenges are primarily in ensuring target disease specific small analytes (i.e. metabolites, proteins, etc.) stability in complex sweat buffer with varying pH levels and composition over time. We present a facile approach to address these challenges using RTILs with antibody functionalized sensors on nanoporous, flexible polymer membranes. Temporal studies were performed using both infrared spectroscopic, dynamic light scattering, and impedimetric spectroscopy to demonstrate stability in detection of analytes, Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Cortisol, from human sweat in RTILs. Temporal stability in sensor performance was performed as follows: (a) detection of target analytes after 0, 24, 48, 96, and 168 hours post-antibody sensor functionalization; and (b) continuous detection of target analytes post-antibody sensor functionalization. Limit of detection of IL-6 in human sweat was 0.2 pg/mL for 0–24 hours and 2 pg/mL for 24–48 hours post-antibody sensor functionalization. Continuous detection of IL-6 over 0.2–200 pg/mL in human sweat was demonstrated for a period of 10 hours post-antibody sensor functionalization. Furthermore, combinatorial detection of IL-6 and Cortisol in human sweat was established with minimal cross-talk for 0–48 hours post-antibody sensor functionalization.
Entanglement concentration for arbitrary four-particle linear cluster states
Authors: Song Ting-Ting , Tan Xiaoqing , Wang Tianyin
Published: May 2017

Cluster states, whose model are a remarkably rich structure in measurement-based quantum computation, hold high degree of entanglement, while entanglement is very fragile during the process of transmission because of the inevitable interaction with the environment. We propose two entanglement concentration protocols for four-particle linear cluster states which and are susceptible to the decoherence and the imperfect communication setups. In the first protocol, POVM operators are introduced to maximize the success probability, and the second protocol is based on cross-Kerr nonlinearity which is utilized to check the parity between the original particle and the ancillary particle. Both of the protocols have their own advantages. The first one can be easily realized in experiment by linear optics, while the one with cross-Kerr nonlinearity reach more than 90% success probability by iteration. Since the wide application of cluster states, the two protocols are efficient and valuable to different fields of quantum communication.
Accuracy of shear wave elastography for the diagnosis of prostate cancer: A meta-analysis
Authors: Sang Liang , Wang Xue-mei , Xu Dong-yang , Cai Yun-fei
Published: May 2017

Many studies have established the high diagnostic accuracy of shear wave elastography (SWE) for the detection of prostate cancer (PCa); however, its utility remains a subject of debate. This meta-analysis sought to appraise the overall accuracy of SWE for the detection of PCa. A literature search of the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure) databases was conducted. In all of the included studies, the diagnostic accuracy of SWE was compared with that of histopathology, which was used as a standard. Data were pooled, and the sensitivity, specificity, area under the curve (AUC), positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) were calculated to estimate the accuracy of SWE. The pooled sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of PCa by SWE were 0.844 (95% confidence interval: 0.696–0.927) and 0.860 (0.792–0.908), respectively. The AUC was 0.91 (0.89–0.94), the PLR was 6.017 (3.674–9.853), and the NLR was 0.182 (0.085–0.389). The DOR was 33.069 (10.222–106.982). Thus, SWE exhibited high accuracy for the detection of PCa using histopathology as a diagnostic standard. Moreover, SWE may reduce the number of core biopsies needed.
Correction: Corrigendum: Identification of RAN1 orthologue associated with sex determination through whole genome sequencing analysis in fig (Ficus carica L.)
Authors: Mori Kazuki , Shirasawa Kenta , Nogata Hitoshi , Hirata Chiharu , Tashiro Kosuke , Habu Tsuyoshi , Kim Sangwan , Himeno Shuichi , Kuhara Satoru , Ikegami Hidetoshi
Published: May 2017

Scientific Reports 7: Article number: 41124; published online: 25 January 2017; updated: 10 May 2017 This Article contains errors. In the legend of Figure 1: ‘(D) Genetics of sex determination in F. carica. G, dominant allele for gynoecious flowers short-style pistils’ Should read: ‘(D) Genetics of sex determination in F.
Calibration transfer of near-infrared spectroscopy by canonical correlation analysis coupled with wavelet transform
Authors: Bin Jun , Li Xin , Fan Wei , Zhou Ji-heng , Wang Cheng-wei
Published: May 2017

A novel calibration transfer approach, WTCCA, combining the advantages of WT and CTCCA has been proposed for NIRS multivariate calibration.
High pH instability of quaternary ammonium surfactant coatings in capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Shulman Lisa , Pei Lei , Bahnasy Mahmoud F. , Lucy Charles A.
Published: May 2017

Stability of cationic surfactant coatings at moderate to high pH depends on the aggregate structure on the surface of the silica capillary.
Laboratory analytical methods applied in the early detection of cancers by tumor biomarker
Authors: Wang Weizhong , Yu Yan , Zhang Xiuqing , Tong Xiangmin
Published: May 2017

With the improvement of many fields such as sequencing technology, materials science and mass spectroscopy, traditional laboratory technologies applied to the early detection of cancer using tumor biomarkers have improved and novel technologies emerge constantly, which are summarized in this mini-review..
Radical-carbene coupling reaction: Mn-catalyzed synthesis of indoles from aromatic amines and diazo compounds
Authors: Li Huihuang , Zhao Yanwei , Ma Liang , Ma Meihua , Jiang Jun , Wan Xiaobing
Published: May 2017

A novel radical-carbene coupling reaction (RCC reaction) between aromatic amines and diazo compounds was well developed, which afforded a fundamentally different and efficient access to indoles.
Hemin-catalyzed sulfonium ylide formation and subsequently reactant-controlled chemoselective rearrangements
Authors: Xu Xiaofei , Li Chang , Xiong Mingteng , Tao Zhihao , Pan Yuanjiang
Published: May 2017

The Stevens and Sommelet–Hauser rearrangements can be controlled by the electronic property of the substituents on the benzyl group together with solvent effects.
Selecting strong Brønsted acid zeolites through screening from a database of hypothetical frameworks
Authors: Matsuoka Taku , Baumes Laurent , Katada Naonobu , Chatterjee Abhijit , Sastre German
Published: May 2017

New candidate zeolites with potentially strong Brønsted acidity have been computationally selected from the Treacy/Foster database of prospective zeolites.
A novel three-dimensional desalination system utilizing honeycomb-shaped lattice structures for flow-electrode capacitive deionization
Authors: Cho Younghyun , Lee Ki Sook , Yang SeungCheol , Choi Jiyeon , Park Hong-ran , Kim Dong Kook
Published: May 2017

A highly compact and scalable three-dimensional desalination cell was realized by utilizing honeycomb-shaped porous lattice scaffolds.
SERS-active metal-dielectric nanostructures integrated in microfluidic devices for label-free quantitative detection of miRNA
Authors: Novara Chiara , Chiadò Alessandro , Paccotti Niccolò , Catuogno Silvia , Esposito Carla Lucia , Condorelli Gerolama , De Franciscis Vittorio , Geobaldo Francesco , Rivolo Paola , Giorgis Fabrizio
Published: May 2017

In this work, SERS-based microfluidic PDMS chips integrating silver-coated porous silicon membranes were used for the detection and quantitation of microRNAs (miRNAs), which consist of short regulatory non-coding RNA sequences typically over- or under-expressed in connection with several diseases such as oncogenesis. In detail, metal–dielectric nanostructures which provide noticeable Raman enhancements were functionalized according to a biological protocol, adapted and optimized from an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), for the detection of miR-222. Two sets of experiments based on different approaches were designed and performed, yielding a critical comparison. In the first one, the labelled target miRNA is revealed through hybridization to a complementary thiolated DNA probe, immobilized on the silver nanoparticles. In the second one, the probe is halved into shorter strands (half1 and half2) that interact with the complementary miRNA in two steps of hybridization. Such an approach, taking advantage of the Raman labelling of half2, provides a label-free analysis of the target. After suitable optimisation of the procedures, two calibration curves allowing quantitative measurements were obtained and compared on the basis of the SERS maps acquired on the samples loaded with several miRNA concentrations. The selectivity of the two-step assay was confirmed by the detection of target miR-222 mixed with different synthetic oligos, simulating the hybridization interference coming from similar sequences in real biological samples. Finally, that protocol was applied to the analysis of miR-222 in cellular extracts using an optofluidic multichamber biosensor, confirming the potentialities of SERS-based microfluidics for early-cancer diagnosis.
Impact of SCILL catalysts for the S–S coupling of thiols to disulfides
Authors: Pavel Octavian D. , Podolean Iunia , Parvulescu Vasile I. , Taylor S. F. Rebecca , Manyar Haresh G. , Ralphs Kathryn , Goodrich Peter , Hardacre Christopher
Published: May 2017

SCILL catalysts are active and selective for the S–S coupling of thiols to the corresponding disulfides showing a significantly increased stability.
A general environmentally friendly access to long chain fatty acid ionic liquids (LCFA-ILs)
Authors: Mezzetta A. , Guazzelli L. , Seggiani M. , Pomelli C. S. , Puccini M. , Chiappe C.
Published: May 2017

A general, environmentally friendly, single step synthesis of ammonium, phosphonium, and imidazolium long chain fatty acid ionic liquids (LCFA-ILs) is presented.
A scalable carboxylation route to furan-2,5-dicarboxylic acid
Authors: Dick Graham R. , Frankhouser Amy D. , Banerjee Aanindeeta , Kanan Matthew W.
Published: May 2017

2-Furoic acid is converted to furan-2,5-dicarboxylic acid in high yield on a mole scale using carbonate-promoted C–H carboxylation.
The structure-guided discovery of osimertinib: the first U.S. FDA approved mutant selective inhibitor of EGFR T790M
Authors: Butterworth Sam , Cross Darren A. E. , Finlay M. Raymond V. , Ward Richard A. , Waring Michael J.
Published: May 2017

The winners of the Malcolm Campbell Memorial Prize for 2017 discuss the structure-guided discovery of Osimertinib and the difficulties associated with discovering a new drug.
Non-doped deep blue emitters based on twisted phenanthroimidazole derivatives for organic light-emitting devices (CIE y ≈ 0.04)
Authors: Li Guang , Zhao Juewen , Zhang Dan , Zhu Jieji , Shi Zhichun , Tao Silu , Lu Feng , Tong Qingxiao
Published: May 2017

Three blue emitters via twisted donor–acceptor molecular design strategy show extremely good color purity without impairing the excellent photophysical and electrical properties. The color purity of nondoped devices can meet the blue OLED requirements of NTSC.
Improving the growth of monolayer CVD-graphene over polycrystalline iron sheets
Authors: Lavin-Lopez M. P. , Fernandez-Diaz M. , Sanchez-Silva L. , Valverde J. L. , Romero A.
Published: May 2017

A high quality graphene film, mostly composed of monolayer graphene, was successfully grown on polycrystalline iron foil by atmospheric CVD process using methane as carbonaceous source.
Effective immobilization of silver nanoparticles on a regenerated cellulose–chitosan composite membrane and its antibacterial activity
Authors: Chook Soon Wei , Chia Chin Hua , Zakaria Sarani , Neoh Hui Min , Jamal Rahman
Published: May 2017

Chitosan–cellulose membranes with high amount of Ag NPs with improved antibacterial performance against S. aureus and E. coli.
Facile synthesis of highly thermally stable TiO2 photocatalysts
Authors: Mezni Amine , Saber Nesrine Ben , Ibrahim Mohamed M. , El-Kemary Maged , Aldalbahi Ali , Feng Peter , Samia Smiri Leila , Altalhi Tariq
Published: May 2017

Synthesis of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles by a new one-pot solvothermal process.
N,N′-di-caboxy methyl perylene diimide (PDI) functionalized CuO nanocomposites with enhanced peroxidase-like activity and their application in visual biosensing of H2O2 and glucose
Authors: Chen Miaomiao , Ding Yanan , Gao Yan , Zhu Xixi , Wang Peng , Shi Zhiqiang , Liu Qingyun
Published: May 2017

Perylene diimide functionalized CuO nanobelts were demonstrated to possess higher intrinsic peroxidase-like activity than that of pure CuO nanobelts.
A new approach to the classification and management of airways diseases: identification of treatable traits
Authors: Shrimanker Rahul , Choo Xue Ning , Pavord Ian D.
Published: May 2017

This review outlines a new, personalized approach for the classification and management of airway diseases. The current approach to airways disease is, we believe, no longer fit for purpose. It is impractical, overgeneralizes complex and heterogeneous conditions and results in management that is imprecise and outcomes that are worse than they could be. Importantly, the assumptions we make when applying a diagnostic label have impeded new drug discovery and will continue to do so unless we change our approach. This review suggests a new mechanism-based approach where the emphasis is on identification of key causal mechanisms and targeted intervention with treatment based on possession of the relevant mechanism rather than an arbitrary label. We highlight several treatable traits and suggest how they can be identified and managed in different healthcare settings.
Discrepant effects of heart failure on electrophysiological property in right ventricular outflow tract and left ventricular outflow tract cardiomyocytes
Authors: Lu Yen-Yu , Cheng Chen-Chuan , Tsai Chin-Feng , Lin Yung-Kuo , Lee Ting-I , Chen Yao-Chang , Chen Shih-Ann , Chen Yi-Jen
Published: May 2017

Ventricular arrhythmias commonly arise from the right (RVOT) and left ventricular outflow tracts (LVOT) in patients without structural heart disease. Heart failure (HF) significantly increases the risk of ventricular arrhythmias. The regional differences and how HF affects the electrophysiological characteristics of RVOT and LVOT cardiomyocytes remain unclear. The whole-cell patch-clamp technique was used to investigate the action potentials and ionic currents in isolated single RVOT and LVOT cardiomyocytes from control rabbits and rabbits with HF induced by rapid ventricular pacing. Comparison with control LVOT cardiomyocytes showed that control RVOT cardiomyocytes have a shorter action potential duration (APD), smaller late Na+ currents (INa-late), larger transient outward (Ito) and larger delayed rectifier K+ currents (IKr-tail), but had similar L-type Ca2+ currents (ICa-L) and Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) current. HF increased APD, INa-late and NCX, but decreased ICa-L and Ito in RVOT cardiomyocytes. In contrast with this, HF decreased APD and ICa-L, but increased Ito and IKr-tail in LVOT cardiomyocytes. In conclusion, RVOT and LVOT cardiomyocytes had distinctive electrophysiological characteristics. HF differentially modulates action potential morphology and ionic currents in RVOT and LVOT cardiomyocytes.
Using DTI to assess white matter microstructure in cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) in multicentre studies
Authors: Croall Iain D. , Lohner Valerie , Moynihan Barry , Khan Usman , Hassan Ahamad , O’Brien John T. , Morris Robin G. , Tozer Daniel J. , Cambridge Victoria C. , Harkness Kirsty , Werring David J. , Blamire Andrew M. , Ford Gary A. , Barrick Thomas R. , Markus Hugh S.
Published: May 2017

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) metrics such as fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) have been proposed as clinical trial markers of cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) due to their associations with outcomes such as cognition. However, studies investigating this have been predominantly single-centre. As clinical trials are likely to be multisite, further studies are required to determine whether associations with cognition of similar strengths can be detected in a multicentre setting. One hundred and nine patients (mean age =68 years) with symptomatic lacunar infarction and confluent white matter hyperintensities (WMH) on MRI was recruited across six sites as part of the PRESERVE DTI substudy. After handling missing data, 3T-MRI scanning was available from five sites on five scanner models (Siemens and Philips), alongside neuropsychological and quality of life (QoL) assessments. FA median and MD peak height were extracted from DTI histogram analysis. Multiple linear regressions were performed, including normalized brain volume, WMH lesion load, and n° lacunes as covariates, to investigate the association of FA and MD with cognition and QoL. DTI metrics from all white matter were significantly associated with global cognition (standardized β =0.268), mental flexibility (β =0.306), verbal fluency (β =0.376), and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) (β =0.273). The magnitudes of these associations were comparable with those previously reported from single-centre studies found in a systematic literature review. In this multicentre study, we confirmed associations between DTI parameters and cognition, which were similar in strength to those found in previous single-centre studies. The present study supports the use of DTI metrics as biomarkers of disease progression in multicentre studies.
Multi‐phase centre coherent radar sea clutter modelling and simulation
Authors: McDonald Michael , Cerutti‐Maori Delphine
Published: May 2017

Two‐component clutter models are utilised to model and simulate the spatial–temporal characteristics of radar sea clutter backscatter returns from moving airborne platforms. Simulated data is shown to accurately model real data as assessed by comparing unprocessed data characteristics from real and simulated data sets as well as outputs from a single‐channel coherent detectors and space‐time adaptive processing based detectors. The proposed model is shown to provide improved performance over recently proposed models.
Legislative science advice in Europe: the case for international comparative research
Authors: Kenny Caroline , Washbourne Carla-Leanne , Tyler Chris , Blackstock Jason J.
Published: May 2017

This article provides an introduction to science advisory structures in elected legislatures; an arena of public decision-making which, although critical to the healthy functioning of democratic societies, has been largely neglected in recent discussions of science advice. The article begins by contrasting the functions and operating environments of legislatures with those of executive branches of governments, examining how these differences shape the requirements of their respective science advisory structures. A study of three national legislative science advice units within Europe is then presented, revealing a range of advisory structures and practices. These variations in approach suggest different underpinning conceptions about both why science advice is being provided, and how science advice can most effectively influence a legislature’s activities. Given these differences, and our currently limited comparative understanding of the influence of scientific knowledge across different spheres of public decision-making, we argue that more attention needs to be focused on the difficult challenge of mapping and understanding legislative science advisory structures via a comparative international study. We close by arguing that an international comparative exercise of this type could significantly improve our understanding of the different influences science advisory practices and structures can have on the function of our democratic societies’ deliberative bodies. This article is published as part of a collection on scientific advice to governments.
Testing the role of molecular physics in dissipative divertor operations through helium plasmas at DIII-D
Authors: Canik J. M. , Briesemeister A. R. , McLean A. G. , Groth M. , Leonard A. W. , Lore J. D. , Moser A. ,   BPMIC Team
Published: May 2017

Recent experiments in DIII-D helium plasmas are examined to resolve the role of atomic and molecular physics in major discrepancies between experiment and modeling of dissipative divertor operation. Helium operation removes the complicated molecular processes of deuterium plasmas that are a prime candidate for the inability of standard fluid models to reproduce dissipative divertor operation, primarily the consistent under-prediction of radiated power. Modeling of these experiments shows that the full divertor radiation can be accounted for, but only if measures are taken to ensure that the model reproduces the measured divertor density. Relying on upstream measurements instead results in a lower divertor density and radiation than is measured, indicating a need for improved modeling of the connection between the divertor and the upstream scrape-off layer. These results show that fluid models are able to quantitatively describe the divertor-region plasma, including radiative losses, and indicate that efforts to improve the fidelity of the molecular deuterium models are likely to help resolve the discrepancy in radiation for deuterium plasmas.
Coexistence of strongly and weakly confined energy levels in (Cd,Zn)Se quantum dots: Tailoring the near-band-edge and defect-levels for white light emission
Authors: Das Tapan Kumar , Ilaiyaraja P. , Sudakar C.
Published: May 2017

We demonstrate white light emission (WLE) from (Cd,Zn)Se system, which is a composite of Zn alloyed CdSe quantum dot and ZnSe-amorphous (ZnSe-a) phase. Detailed structural and photoluminescence emission studies on pure CdSe and (Cd,Zn)Se show cubic zinc blende structure in the size range of 2.5 to 5 nm. (Cd,Zn)Se quantum dots (QDs) also have a significant fraction of ZnSe-a phase. The near-band-edge green-emission in crystalline CdSe and (Cd,Zn)Se is tunable between 500 to 600 nm. The (Cd,Zn)Se system also exhibits a broad, deep defect level (DL) red-emission in the range 600 to 750 nm and a sharp ZnSe near-band-edge blue-emission (ZS-NBE) between 445 to 465 nm. While DL and CdSe near-band-edge (CS-NBE) emissions significantly shift with the size of QD due to strong confinement effect, the ZS-NBE show minimal change in peak position indicating a weak confinement effect. The intensities of ZS-NBE and DL emissions also exhibit a strong dependence on the QD size. A gamut of emission colors is obtained by combining the CS-NBE with the ZS-NBE emission and broad DL emission in (Cd,Zn)Se system. Interestingly, we find the convergence of Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) coordinates towards the white light with increasing Zn concentration in CdSe. We demonstrate by combining these three emissions in a proper weight ratio WLE can be achieved. Cd1-yZnySe (y = 0. 5; QD size ∼4.9 nm) alloy with a maximum quantum yield of 57% exhibits CIE coordinates of (0.39, 0.4), color rendering index (CRI) of 82, correlated color temperature (CCT) of 3922 K, and Duv of 0.0078 which is very promising for white light applications.
Growth kinetics of O-polar BexMgyZn1-x-yO alloy: Role of Zn to Be and Mg flux ratio as a guide to growth at high temperature
Authors: Ullah M. B. , Avrutin V. , Nakagawara T. , Hafiz S. , Altuntaş I. , Özgür Ü. , Morkoç H.
Published: May 2017

We studied the effect of the substrate temperature, in the range from 450 °C to 500 °C, on the required Zn to (Be + Mg) flux ratio for plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy growth of O-polar BexMgyZn1-x-yO on (0001)-GaN/sapphire templates. Achievement of single-crystalline BexMgyZn1-x-yO with improved optical and structural qualities required relatively high substrate temperatures, which necessitated the Zn to (Be + Mg) flux ratio to be increased from 3.9 at 450 °C to 8.3 at 500 °C. This resulted in a reduction of Mg incorporation from 25% to 15% for a fixed Be content of ∼3%. With increasing Zn to (Be + Mg) ratio, 15 K photoluminescence energy for the dominant emission remained unchanged at around 3.75 eV and 3.55 eV for the samples grown at 475 °C and 500 °C, respectively. These findings readily suggest a kinetic limitation of Mg and Be incorporation into wurtzite BexMgyZn1-x-yO lattice, resulting in the formation of second phase due mainly to the enhanced surface mobility of Mg adatoms and, therefore, an increase in the probability of the formation of Mg-rich clusters. An increase in the in-plane lattice parameter, deduced from the Reflection High Energy Electron Diffraction, at the onset of the phase segregation suggests the formation of the wurtzite phase MgO rich alloy(s).
Effects of device size and material on the bending performance of resistive-switching memory devices fabricated on flexible substrates
Authors: Lee Won-Ho , Yoon Sung-Min
Published: May 2017

The resistive change memory (RCM) devices using amorphous In-Ga-Zn-O (IGZO) and microcrystalline Al-doped ZnO (AZO) thin films were fabricated on plastic substrates and characterized for flexible electronic applications. The device cell sizes were varied to 25 × 25, 50 × 50, 100 × 100, and 200 × 200 μm2 to examine the effects of cell size on the resistive-switching (RS) behaviors at a flat state and under bending conditions. First, it was found that the high-resistance state programmed currents markedly increased with the increase in the cell size. Second, while the AZO RCM devices did not exhibit RESET operations at a curvature radius smaller than 8.0 mm, the IGZO RCM devices showed sound RS behaviors even at a curvature radius of 4.5 mm. Third, for the IGZO RCM devices with the cell size bigger than 100 × 100 μm2, the RESET operation could not be performed at a curvature radius smaller than 6.5 mm. Thus, it was elucidated that the RS characteristics of the flexible RCM devices using oxide semiconductor thin films were closely related to the types of RS materials and the cell size of the device.
Point heat sink induced by droplet train impingement
Authors: Qiu Lu , Dubey Swapnil , Choo Fook Hoong , Duan Fei
Published: May 2017

A point heat sink is produced by impinging a high frequency microscale droplet stream onto a superheated copper substrate. Although the overall target surface area is larger than the liquid-solid interface by two or three orders of magnitude, the thermal energy is mainly removed through the point heat sink rather than the rest dry area. Therefore, the spherical conduction patterns in the solid materials are observed with a “nozzle-shifting” method which requires only two temperature probes. The temperature gradient in the vicinity of the impingement stagnation point is tremendously high, suggesting that the liquid-solid interface temperature is significantly lower than the far-field bulk temperature of the substrate. Moreover, the liquid-to-solid heat transfer is measured, which agrees well with the theoretical prediction. The maximum interface heat flux can reach around 80 W/mm2. It is insensitive to the substrate temperature in a relatively wide temperature range, which brings conveniences to the potential industrial applications.
Talking security and rights
Authors: Demirsu Ipek
Published: May 2017

This article addresses the question of how draconian counter-terrorism policies are legitimized in long-established democracies. Being the heartland of liberal rights, the UK comes to the fore as a striking case where some of the most controversial security policies have been enacted. The study undertakes a systematic frame analysis of UK parliamentary debates with the help of ATLAS.ti, which allows the analyst to trace and map out recurrent concepts, themes, and arguments as well as their overall distribution. While demonstrating the workings of securitization in the formulation of key counter-terrorism legislation, the study unearths how the security narrative in the UK context evidently relies on the language of rights in invoking legitimacy. The study suggests that far from negating the indispensable status of human rights, security narrative resorts to the latter’s moral power and mimics rights language, heralding the weight of these international norms even in hard-core security matters.
Traditional balance and slackline training are associated with task‐specific adaptations as assessed with sensorimotor tests
Authors: Volery Samuel , Singh Navrag , de Bruin Eling D. , List Renate , Jaeggi Marc Morten , Mattli Baur Brigitte , Lorenzetti Silvio
Published: May 2017

The purpose of this study was to measure alterations in sensorimotor skills and balance resulting from slackline training and conventional balance training. Forty‐three physically fit subjects were randomized into three groups. Two groups practiced three times a week for 15 minutes, including at least once supervised session, on the slackline or perform conventional balance training for 6 weeks. The control group was not allowed to perform any balance training. Before and after the intervention, the subjects underwent sensorimotor and strength tests. The results of our intra‐class correlation analysis showed that the stability parameters from the multifunctional training device (MFT, 0.7), the height during the countermovement jump (CMJ, 0.95) and the maximum force (0.88) during leg press showed excellent reliability. A post hoc comparison indicated a larger effect of conventional training (almost 11% reduction in MFT stability) compared with slackline training in group‐wide comparisons of the pre‐ to the post‐training measurements. The factor analysis showed that stability and sensorimotor assessment using MFT were correlated, as were height during CMJ and maximal force during leg press, which represented dynamic strength. Because CMJ had the highest intra‐class correlation value, it was chosen over maximum force from leg press. For these reasons, only two out of nine measured parameters, namely MFT stability and CMJ, were analysed across groups. The only observed difference between the two groups was MFT stability (slackline − 1.5%, conventional − 13%), whereas the improvement of CMJ was the same (slackline + 3%, conventional + 3%). It can be concluded that slacklining is partly complementary to conventional sensorimotor training.
PD-1 regulates KLRG1+ group 2 innate lymphoid cells
Authors: Taylor Samuel , Huang Yuefeng , Mallett Grace , Stathopoulou Chaido , Felizardo Tania C. , Sun Ming-An , Martin Evelyn L. , Zhu Nathaniel , Woodward Emma L. , Elias Martina S. , Scott Jonathan , Reynolds Nick J. , Paul William E. , Fowler Daniel H. , Amarnath Shoba
Published: May 2017

Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC-2s) regulate immune responses to pathogens and maintain tissue homeostasis in response to cytokines. Positive regulation of ILC-2s through ICOS has been recently elucidated. We demonstrate here that PD-1 is an important negative regulator of KLRG1+ ILC-2 function in both mice and humans. Increase in KLRG1+ ILC-2 cell numbers was attributed to an intrinsic defect in PD-1 signaling, which resulted in enhanced STAT5 activation. During Nippostrongylus brasiliensis infection, a significant expansion of KLRG1+ ILC-2 subsets occurred in Pdcd1−/− mice and, upon adoptive transfer, Pdcd1−/− KLRG1+ ILC-2s significantly reduced worm burden. Furthermore, blocking PD-1 with an antibody increased KLRG1+ ILC-2 cell number and reduced disease burden. Therefore, PD-1 is required for maintaining the number, and hence function, of KLRG1+ ILC-2s.
Two types of electric field enhancements by infinitely many circular conductors arranged closely in two parallel lines
Authors: Yun KiHyun
Published: May 2017

In stiff fiber-reinforced composites, high shear stress concentrations occur in narrow regions between neighboring fibers. Electric fields and conductors correspond to shear stresses and cross-sections of fibers respectively in the anti-plane shear model. Due to material failure of composites, there have been intensive studies so far to estimate an electric field in between only a finite number of conductors. Indeed, the composites contain a large number of stiff fibers, and the concentration can be strongly enhanced by some combinations of inclusions. Two types of enhancements in parallel and perpendicular directions by a combination of infinitely many inclusions in a line are the main subjects of this paper. We thus consider the electric fields in between a infinite number of perfectly conducting unit disks arranged closely and regularly in two parallel lines. Asymptotes and optimal blow-up rates for the fields in two kinds of narrow regions are obtained in terms of the distances between conductors. In particular, very strong enhancement in the parallel direction is exhibited to have the blow-up rate substantially different from the existing result in the case of finite inclusions.
Three-Hand Endoscopic Endonasal Transsphenoidal Surgery: Experience With an Anatomy-Preserving Mononostril Approach Technique
Authors: Eseonu Chikezie I , ReFaey Karim , Pamias-Portalatin Eva , Asensio Javier , Garcia Oscar , Boahene Kofi D , Quiñones-Hinojosa Alfredo
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND

Variations on the endoscopic transsphenoidal approach present unique surgical techniques that have unique effects on surgical outcomes, extent of resection (EOR), and anatomical complications.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the learning curve and perioperative outcomes of the 3-hand endoscopic endonasal mononostril transsphenoidal technique.

METHODS

Prospective case series and retrospective data analysis of patients who were treated with the 3-hand transsphenoidal technique between January 2007 and May 2015 by a single neurosurgeon. Patient characteristics, preoperative presentation, tumor characteristics, operative times, learning curve, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. Volumetric EOR was evaluated, and a logistic regression analysis was used to assess predictors of EOR.

RESULTS

Two hundred seventy-five patients underwent an endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery using the 3-hand technique. One hundred eighteen patients in the early group had surgery between 2007 and 2010, while 157 patients in the late group had surgery between 2011 and 2015. Operative time was significantly shorter in the late group (161.6 min) compared to the early group (211.3 min, P = .001). Both cohorts had similar EOR (early group 84.6% vs late group 85.5%, P = .846) and postoperative outcomes. The learning curve showed that it took 54 cases to achieve operative proficiency with the 3-handed technique. Multivariate modeling suggested that prior resections and preoperative tumor size are important predictors for EOR.

CONCLUSION

We describe a 3-hand, mononostril endoscopic transsphenoidal technique performed by a single neurosurgeon that has minimal anatomic distortion and postoperative complications. During the learning curve of this technique, operative time can significantly decrease, while EOR, postoperative outcomes, and complications are not jeopardized.
Pachysandra Species and Cultivar Susceptibility to the Boxwood Blight Pathogen, Calonectria pseudonaviculata
Authors: LaMondia James A.
Published: May 2017

This research was conducted to answer grower questions regarding potential differences among Pachysandra species and cultivars in susceptibility to the boxwood blight pathogen, Calonectria pseudonaviculata. Five cultivars of P. terminalis, one cultivar of P. axillaris, and one selection of P. procumbens were evaluated using whole plants and detached leaves. Pachysandra species and cultivars differed somewhat in susceptibility to boxwood blight, with more significant differences observed between species and cultivars using whole plants than with detached leaf assays. All Pachysandra species and cultivars were susceptible to the pathogen and sporulation occurred on lesions; therefore, all of these cultivars may serve as inoculum reservoirs for the boxwood blight pathogen. Best management practices will need to take this into account in landscapes, garden centers, and nurseries to prevent additional spread of the pathogen.
TREATMENT OF NEOVASCULAR AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION PATIENTS WITH VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR INHIBITORS IN EVERYDAY PRACTICE
Authors: Ehlken Christoph , Wilke Thomas , Bauer-Steinhusen Ulrike , Agostini Hansjürgen T. , Hasanbasic Zoran , Müller Sabrina
Published: May 2017

Purpose:

The PONS study was conceived to analyze the extent of nonpersistence (NP) and nonadherence (NA) in the treatment of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration in everyday clinical practice in Germany. Further objectives were to identify factors that can affect NP and NA and to analyze clinical outcomes under everyday conditions.

Methods:

Nonpersistence (no contact with doctor for at least 3 months) and NA (no treatment or follow-up for at least 6 weeks) as well as clinical data were analyzed up to 24 months retrospectively and 12 months prospectively in 480 patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration in 23 treatment centers. Patients were interviewed for factors possibly affecting NP and NA.

Results:

One third of patients fulfilled criteria of NA in the first 3 months and two thirds after 6 months. The NP was 18.8% after 12 months. Treatment exclusively at one center, a higher number of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration at the treating center, and fixed appointments were associated with a lower risk for NP. An initial gain in visual acuity after upload was not preserved after 12 months (mean change −0.5 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters). Whereas visual acuity declined by 7.5 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters in patients with good baseline visual acuity >20/40, visual acuity improved by 8.5 letters in patients with baseline visual acuity of ≤20/200. Only 7.5% of patients underwent an optical coherence tomography scan after 3 upload injections, and only 2.0 optical coherence tomographies were performed in the first 12 months.

Conclusion:

The NP and NA were high in our study population and are likely to have contributed to a suboptimal clinical outcome compared with randomized clinical trials. Shortcomings in the management of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration, including restrictions in the timely and adequate follow-up (including optical coherence tomography) and retreatment, appear to be constraining factors in Germany.
Expression of Peroxiredoxin 2 and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 2 in Pterygium
Authors: Wang Yuchuan , Lin Jinyong , Chen Luxia , Wang Liming , Hao Peng , Han Ruifang , Ying Ming , Li Xuan
Published: May 2017

Purpose:

The expression of peroxiredoxin 2 and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) was detected in pterygium to investigate whether they are involved in the pathogenesis or recurrence of pterygium and to evaluate the association between peroxiredoxin 2 and VEGFR2 in pterygium.

Methods:

Ten normal bulbar conjunctivae, 35 primary pterygia, and 35 recurrent pterygia were obtained. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-wax–embedded tissues were analyzed by immunohistochemistry with peroxiredoxin 2 and VEGFR2 antibodies.

Results:

There was no statistical difference between primary pterygia and recurrent pterygia in terms of age and sex (P = 0.685; P = 0.811). The expression rate of peroxiredoxin 2 (94.3%, 66/70) and VEGFR2 (61.4%, 43/70) was increased in pterygia compared with normal conjunctivae (negative). The expression of peroxiredoxin 2 in recurrent pterygia (negative 0, weak 0, moderate 27, strong 8) was higher than that in primary pterygia (negative 6, weak 16, moderate 13, strong 0) (P < 0.001). The expression of VEGFR2 in recurrent pterygia (negative 4, weak 5, moderate 12, strong 4) was higher than that in primary pterygia (negative 23, weak 10, moderate 1, strong 1) (P < 0.001). The expression of peroxiredoxin 2 was consistent with that of VEGFR2 in pterygium (r = 0.348, P = 0.006).

Conclusions:

Overexpression of peroxiredoxin 2 and VEGFR2 in pterygium might be involved in the pathogenesis or recurrence of pterygium. The increase of VEGFR2 might be related to the increase of peroxiredoxin 2 in response to excessive reactive oxygen species from ultraviolet exposure.
Tear Cytokine Levels in Contact Lens Wearers With Acanthamoeba Keratitis
Authors: Carnt Nicole , Montanez Vicente M. , Galatowicz Grazyna , Veli Neyme , Calder Virginia
Published: May 2017

Purpose:

To determine differences in key tear film cytokines between mild and severe cases of acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) and control contact lens (CL) wearers.

Methods:

This was a prospective study of CL wearers with AK attending Moorfields Eye Hospital and control CL wearers from the Institute of Optometry, London. Basal tear specimens were collected by 10-μL capillary tubes (BLAUBRAND intraMark, Wertheim, Germany), and tear protein levels were measured with a multiplex magnetic bead array (Luminex 100; Luminex Corporation, Austin, TX) for cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17A, IL-17E, IL-17F, IL-22, and interferon gamma and with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Abcam, Cambridge, United Kingdom) for CXCL2. Severe cases of AK were defined as having active infection for over 12 months and at least 1 severe inflammatory event.

Results:

One hundred and thirty-two tear samples were collected from a total of 61 cases (15 severe and 46 mild–moderate) and 22 controls. IL-8, part of the Toll-like receptor 4 cytokine cascade, was found to be expressed at a detectable level more often in cases of AK than in control CL wearers (P = 0.003) and in higher concentrations in severe cases than in milder forms of the disease (z = −2.35). IL-22, part of the IL-10 family, and a proinflammatory Th17 cytokine, was detected more often in severe cases than in milder forms of AK (P < 0.02).

Conclusions:

Profiling patients with AK during disease shows differences in cytokine levels between severe and milder disease that may inform clinical management. The Toll-like receptor 4 and IL-10/Th17 inflammatory pathways should be included in further investigations of this disease.
Dog Ownership and Dog Walking
Authors: Dunn Susan L. , Sit Michael , DeVon Holli A. , Makidon Devynn , Tintle Nathan L.
Published: May 2017

Background:

Dog ownership has been associated with increased physical activity in the general adult population.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to examine dog ownership and dog walking and their relationship with home-based and phase II cardiac rehabilitation exercise, depression, and hopelessness in patients with ischemic heart disease.

Methods:

A total of 122 patients with ischemic heart disease were included in this prospective observational study. Patients completed dog ownership/walking questions during their hospitalization. The Cardiac Rehabilitation Exercise Participation Tool, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and State-Trait Hopelessness Scale were completed by mail at 3, 8, or 12 months later. Regression modeling was used to evaluate the significance of dog ownership/walking on exercise, depression and hopelessness.

Results:

The sample was 34.4% female and had a mean age of 64.7 ± 9.1 years. Forty-two patients (34.4%) reported owning a dog. Patients who owned but did not walk their dog reported significantly lower levels of home exercise compared with patients who walked their dogs at least 1 day per week (36.8% for non–dog walkers vs 73.9% for dog walkers, P = .019). The odds of participating in home exercise were significantly higher for dog walkers compared with non–dog walkers (odds ratio, 8.1 [1.7, 38.5] vs 1.0). There were no differences in phase II cardiac rehabilitation exercise, depression, or hopelessness between dog owners and non–dog owners or between dog walkers and non–dog walkers.

Conclusions:

These findings show a beneficial effect on home-based exercise for those who dog-walk at least 1 day per week. Healthcare professionals should encourage dog walking to increase dog owners' physical activity levels.