bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictive Effects of Lung function test on Postoperative Pneumonia in Squamous Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Wei Ran , Dong Wei , Shen Hongchang , Ni Yang , Zhang Tiehong , Wang Yibing , Du Jiajun
Published: March 2016

Pulmonary function tests had prospective implications for postoperative pneumonia, which occurred frequently after esophagectomy. Understanding factors that were associated with pulmonary infection may help in patient selection and postoperative management. We performed a retrospective review of 2 independent cohorts including 216 patients who underwent esophagectomy between November 2011 and May 2014, aiming at identifying predictors of primary pneumonia. Univariate analysis was used to identify potential covariates for the development of primary pneumonia. Adjustments for multiple comparisons were made using False Discovery Rate (FDR) (Holm-Bonferroni method). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors and construct a regression model based on a training cohort (n = 166) and then the regression model was validated using an independent cohort (n = 50). It showed that low PEF (hazard ratio 0.97, P = 0.009) was independent risk factors for the development of primary pneumonia in multivariate analyses and had a predictive effect for primary pneumonia (AUC = 0.691 and 0.851 for training and validation data set, respectively). Therefore, PEF has clinical value in predicting postoperative pneumonia after esophagectomy and it may serve as an indicator of preoperative lung function training.
Raman spectroscopy combined with SHG gives a new perspective for rapid assessment of the collagen status in the healing of cutaneous wounds
Authors: Liu Hao , Liu Hanping , Deng Xiaoyuan , Chen Maosheng , Han Xue , Yan Wenxia , Wang Ning
Published: March 2016

Accurate and rapid assessment of the healing status of a wound in a simple manner would enable clinicians to diagnose wounds in time and promptly adopt appropriate treatments for nonhealing wounds.
Application of dynamic headspace and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (DHS-GC-MS) for the determination of oxygenated volatile organic compounds in refinery effluents
Authors: Boczkaj Grzegorz , Makoś Patrycja , Przyjazny Andrzej
Published: March 2016

The paper presents a new procedure for the determination of oxygenated volatile organic compounds in postoxidative effluents from the production of petroleum asphalt using dynamic headspace coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in SIM mode.
Creation of hollow SAPO-34 single crystals via alkaline or acid etching
Authors: Qiao Yuyan , Yang Miao , Gao Beibei , Wang Linying , Tian Peng , Xu Shutao , Liu Zhongmin
Published: March 2016

Hollow SAPO-34 crystals are created by alkaline or acid etching. During the hollowing process, the components in the core are leached in different ways. Meanwhile, the surface with abundant/interconnected Si–O–Al domains and Si–O–Si networks is preserved due to their strong stability in base solution and acid solution.
Characterization of the [3Fe–4S]0/1+cluster from the D14C variant of Pyrococcus furiosus ferredoxin via combined NRVS and DFT analyses
Authors: Lauterbach Lars , Gee Leland B. , Pelmenschikov Vladimir , Jenney Francis E. , Kamali Saeed , Yoda Yoshitaka , Adams Michael W. W. , Cramer Stephen P.
Published: March 2016

A combined NRVS and DFT approach to characterize the redox-dependent vibrational properties of a [3Fe–4S]0/1+cluster.
Tuning of the lowest excited states in mixed ruthenium(ii) polypyridyl complexes having RuN6 cores by the conformation of the ancillary ligand. Emission from a 3ligand-to-ligand-charge-transfer state
Authors: Shee Nirmal K. , Drew Michael G. B. , Datta Dipankar
Published: March 2016

A small difference in the conformation of an ancillary ligand L determines the lowest excited state in [Ru(bpy)2L]2+ and [Ru(phen)2L]2+.
An approach to “escape from flatland”: chemo-enzymatic synthesis and biological profiling of a library of bridged bicyclic compounds
Authors: Suryanarayana Birudukota N. V. , Franke Raimo , Hofer Bernd
Published: March 2016

A small library of 78 bridged bicyclic compounds were synthesized via a chemo-enzymatic pathway. Biological evaluation suggested that rigid spherical scaffolds are useful to enhance the success rate of compound libraries for drug development.
The role of dynamic ligand exchange in the oxidation chemistry of cerium(iii)
Authors: Robinson Jerome R. , Qiao Yusen , Gu Jun , Carroll Patrick J. , Walsh Patrick J. , Schelter Eric J.
Published: March 2016

We report the exchange processes and reactivity of 1-Ce(het), which establish the effects of ligand redistribution and ligand reorganization in CeIII oxidation chemistry.
A selective near-infrared fluorescent probe for hydrogen sulfide and its application in sulfate-reducing bacteria detection
Authors: Qi Peng , Zhang Dun , Sun Yan , Wan Yi
Published: March 2016

A novel NIR fluorescent probe for sulfide was presented, and applied in fluorescence imaging and detection of sulfate-reducing bacteria.
Simultaneous determination of 14 components in Shuanghua Baihe tablets by ultrasonic-assisted extraction and HPLC-MS/MS
Authors: Zheng Lu , Huo Xiao-Kui , Wang Chao , Cong Hai-Jian , Xiang Ting , Wu Bin , Zhang Bao-Jing , Huang Shan-Shan , Zhang Lin , Ma Xiao-Chi
Published: March 2016

A simple, sensitive, selective, and reliable high-performance liquid chromatograph-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the simultaneous detection and quantification of 14 compounds.
Chromo-fluorogenic probes for carbon monoxide detection
Authors: Marín-Hernández Cristina , Toscani Anita , Sancenón Félix , Wilton-Ely James D. E. T. , Martínez-Máñez Ramón
Published: March 2016

An overview of the design of chromo-fluorogenic probes for the detection of carbon monoxide and their application to CO sensing in air, solution and in cells.
Antibacterial activity of silver camphorimine coordination polymers
Authors: Cardoso João M. S. , Galvão Adelino M. , Guerreiro Soraia I. , Leitão Jorge H. , Suarez Ana C. , Carvalho M. Fernanda N. N.
Published: March 2016

[Ag(NO3)(OC10H14NC6H4NC10H14O)] is the first bi-camphor silver coordination polymer structurally characterized. It displays bactericidal activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive strains comparable to drugs in use.
A multi-coordinating polymer ligand optimized for the functionalization of metallic nanocrystals and nanorods
Authors: Wang Wentao , Ji Xin , Burns Hunter , Mattoussi Hedi
Published: March 2016

We report the design and use of a multi-coordinating polymer ligand that is ideally suited for functionalizing gold nanoparticles and nanorods, and promoting their steric stabilization in buffer media. The ligand is preparedviaa one-step nucleophilic addition reaction between poly(isobutylene-alt-maleic anhydride) and amine-modified anchoring groups and hydrophilic moieties. Surface functionalization of gold nanoparticles and nanorods with this polymer yields nanocrystals that exhibit excellent long-term colloidal stability over a broad range of conditions, including pH changes and in growth media, as verified using dynamic light scattering measurements combined with agarose gel electrophoresis. This polymer coating can also prevent the formation of protein corona. These features bode well for use in biological applications where small size, reduced nonspecific interactions and colloidal stability are highly desired. Furthermore, this design can be easily expanded to functionalize a variety of other inorganic nanocrystals.
One-photon and two-photon stimulation of neurons in a microfluidic culture system
Authors: Jang Jae Myung , Lee Jeonghyeon , Kim Hyeongeun , Jeon Noo Li , Jung Woonggyu
Published: March 2016

A microfluidic device integrated with microelectrode arrays was developed to investigate neural responses to femtosecond light.
Synthesis of polymers and nanoparticles bearing polystyrene sulfonate brushes for chemokine binding
Authors: Isahak Naatasha , Sanchez Julie , Perrier Sébastien , Stone Martin J. , Payne Richard J.
Published: March 2016

This paper describes the synthesis of polymers and silica nanoparticles, both bearing polystyrene sulfonate brushes, and the measurement of their binding affinity for the chemokine monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in monomeric and dimeric form.
In silico screening of molecular imprinting prepolymerization systems: oseltamivir selective polymers through full-system molecular dynamics-based studies
Authors: Shoravi Siamak , Olsson Gustaf D. , Karlsson Björn C. G. , Bexborn Fredrik , Abghoui Younes , Hussain Javed , Wiklander Jesper G. , Nicholls Ian A.
Published: March 2016

All-component molecular dynamics studies were used to probe a library of oseltamivir molecularly imprinted polymer prepolymerization mixtures
Facile synthesis of 3D porous nitrogen-doped graphene as an efficient electrocatalyst for adenine sensing
Authors: Li Junhua , Jiang Jianbo , Feng Haibo , Xu Zhifeng , Tang Siping , Deng Peihong , Qian Dong
Published: March 2016

We demonstrate a simple, low-cost and eco-friendly strategy for the convenient preparation of three-dimensional porous nitrogen-doped graphene (3D-N-GN) for the highly sensitive detection of adenine.
Synthesis, growth and third-order nonlinear optical properties of quinolinium single crystal-PCLQI
Authors: Karthigha S. , Kalainathan S. , Hamada Fumio , Yamada Manabu , Kondo Yoshihiko
Published: March 2016

N-Ethyl quinolinium chromophore crystal 2-[2-(4-chloro-phenyl)-vinyl]-1-ethyl-quinolinium iodide (PCLQI) has been successfully grown by the slow evaporation technique.
Dual light and temperature responsive cotton fabric functionalized with a surface-grafted spiropyran–NIPAAm-hydrogel
Authors: ter Schiphorst J. , van den Broek M. , de Koning T. , Murphy J. N. , Schenning A. P. H. J. , Esteves A. C. C.
Published: March 2016

A dual-responsive cotton fabric functionalized with a spiropyran–NIPAAm hydrogel, capable of dimensional changes upon irradiation with visible light or upon a temperature stimulus is reported.
Microwave structured polyamide-6 nanofiber/net membrane with embedded poly(m-phenylene isophthalamide) staple fibers for effective ultrafine particle filtration
Authors: Zhang Shichao , Liu Hui , Yu Jianyong , Luo Wenjing , Ding Bin
Published: March 2016

Microwave structured PA-6/PMIA NFN membrane can filter airborne particles with high filtration efficiency, low pressure drop, and large dust-holding capacity.
Structural and electronic properties of dye-sensitized TiO2 for solar cell applications: from single molecules to self-assembled monolayers
Authors: Pastore Mariachiara , Etienne Thibaud , De Angelis Filippo
Published: March 2016

We review computational modelling studies of DSCs, focusing on dye self-aggregation in relation to the optical and transport properties of dye-sensitized TiO2.
Functional and structural characterization of two Bacillus megaterium nitroreductases biotransforming the herbicide mesotrione
Authors: Carles Louis , Besse-Hoggan Pascale , Joly Muriel , Vigouroux Armelle , Moréra Solange , Batisson Isabelle
Published: March 2016

Mesotrione is a selective herbicide belonging to the triketone family, commonly used on maize cultures since 2003. A mesotrione-transforming Bacillus megaterium Mes11 strain isolated from an agricultural soil was used as a model to identify the key enzymes initiating the biotransformation of this herbicide. Two enzymes (called NfrA1 and NfrA2/YcnD) were identified, and functionally and structurally characterized. Both belong to the NfsA FRP family of the nitro-FMN reductase superfamily (type I oxygen-insensitive nitroreductase) and show optimal pH and temperature of 6–6.5 and 23–25°C, respectively. Both undergo a Ping Pong Bi Bi mechanism, with NADPH and NADPH/NADH as cofactors for NfrA1 and NfrA2/YcnD, respectively. It is interesting that both can also reduce various nitro compounds including pesticides, antibiotics, one prodrug and 4-methylsulfonyl-2-nitrobenzoic acid, one of the mesotrione metabolites retrieved from the environment. The present study constitutes the first identification of mesotrione-transforming enzymes. These enzymes (or their corresponding genes) could be used as biomarkers to predict the capacity of ecosystems to transform mesotrione and assess their contamination by both the parent molecule and/or the metabolites.
Première observation de l'éponge introduite et invasive Celtodoryx ciocalyptoides (Burton, 1935) (Porifera : Coelosphaeridae) dans le port du Havre (Manche)
Authors: Berno Aurélien , Dancie Chloé , Pinsivy Lucas , Corthésy Denis , Breton Gérard
Published: March 2016

L'objectif de cette étude est de signaler une première observation en Manche orientale et l'introduction dans le port du Havre du spongiaire Celtodoryx ciocalyptoides (Burton, 1935), et de comparer la population havraise avec celles du Pacifique nord-ouest (première description de l'espèce) et celles implantées dans les années 1990 dans le sud de la Bretagne (France) et dans l'Oosterschelde (Pays-Bas). La petite population havraise a été observée en 2014 sur des enrochements de la berge d'un bassin de marée, entre + 1 m et − 4,8 m. Les trois populations européennes (Le Havre, Bretagne-sud et Pays-Bas) aussi bien que la population du Pacifique nord-ouest se sont toutes développées dans un environnement paralique, c'est-à-dire dans une zone de transition entre milieu marin et milieu continental. Le vecteur d'introduction est vraisemblablement le trafic maritime et ne peut pas être l'importation de naissain de l'huître Crassostrea gigas (Thunberg, 1793) pour l'ostréiculture, vecteur invoqué pour les deux précédentes introductions de cette espèce en Europe, en raison de l'absence de parcs ostréicoles à proximité.
From trees to electricity, the physics beyond the LCA
Authors: Mirgaux Olivier , Francois Jessica , Patisson Fabrice
Published: March 2016

A critical issue in life cycle assessment (LCA) often lies in the accuracy of the data collected during the inventory process. Moreover when processes involved are linked to breakthrough or uncommon technologies, or when the data are deeply connected to local parameters, collection for the inventory relies on many assumptions that cannot be handled properly with standard commercial databases. To avoid this common and well-known drawback of LCA, Institut Jean Lamour has been developing for some years a hybrid LCA methodology based on process modeling. To generate the inventory, all the main processes of the chain are modeled using a process flowsheeting software, which ensures rigorous mass and energy balances. This methodology offers the possibility to assess different configurations of the processes involved. In this paper we illustrate this methodology through a recent study focused on the use of biomass for combined heat and power (CHP) production. We conducted a comparative LCA in which two options were modeled and assessed to produce CHP: a standard combustion process and an alternative innovative gasification process. All the main steps, from forest growth to heat and electricity distribution were considered and modeled. An application to the local context of the city of Nancy in France, in which heat was assumed used for local district heating and electricity delivered to the grid, is presented. Modeling the whole chain of processes made it possible to assess and compare several scenarios including different options of forest harvesting. Globally the study showed that both combustion and gasification of biomass exhibit lower impacts than conventional fossil systems. Influence of harvesting options was found to be weak regarding global results. However, improvement in the characterization of soil depletion due to forest exploitation could be made to refine the results. Eventually, a strong influence of the electricity grid mix was found.
„Mein Haus, mein Auto, mein Boot“. Zufriedenheit mit dem Lebensstandard als geschlechtsspezifischer Mortalitätsprädiktor
Authors: Arnold L. , Keller B. , Lange A. , Szagun B.
Published: March 2016

Hintergrund: Männer haben ein höheres Mortalitätsrisiko als Frauen und reagieren wesentlich sensibler auf statusbezogene Stressbelastungen. Mögliche Erklärungen für die stärker ausgeprägte männliche Empfindlichkeit liefert der über die HPA-Achse vermittelte Zusammenhang zwischen hierarchischem Rang und Gesundheit. Viel Aufmerksamkeit hat in diesem Zusammenhang das Konstrukt des Statusunbehagens erfahren, wonach soziale Vergleichsprozesse das generelle Wohlbefinden senken und als wesentliche Risikofaktoren für verschiedene Erkrankungen angesehen werden.

Methodik: Mittels Sekundärdatenanalyse des sozio-ökonomischen Panels (SOEP) soll analysiert werden, inwiefern die subjektive Unzufriedenheit mit dem eigenen Lebensstandard mit einem erhöhten geschlechtsabhängigen Mortalitätsrisiko assoziiert werden kann. Zur statistischen Modellierung der Fragestellung werden geschlechtsdifferenzierte Cox-Regressionsmodelle berechnet. Die unbalancierte Teilstichprobe umfasst 6 963 Männer (764 Todesfälle) und 7 461 Frauen (663 Todesfälle).

Ergebnisse: Unzufriedenheit mit dem eigenen Lebensstandard hat einen signifikanten Einfluss auf das Mortalitätsrisiko von Männern nicht jedoch von Frauen. Unzufriedene Männer weisen ein nahezu doppelt so hohes Mortalitätsrisiko auf als die Referenzgruppe (HR=1,95, 95% KI 1,48–2,58), Männer mit mittlerer Zufriedenheit ein um 25% höheres Mortalitätsrisiko (HR=1,26, 95% KI 1,08–1,49). Außerdem zeigt der subjektive Statusindikator stärkere Dosis-Wirkungs-Beziehungen als die klassischen objektiven Statusparameter.

Schlussfolgerung: Unzufriedenheit mit dem eigenen Lebensstandard kann mit einem erhöhten geschlechtsabhängigen Mortalitätsrisiko in Verbindung gebracht werden und erweist sich als klarer Prädiktor insbesondere für die männliche Mortalität. Eine zentrale Ursache können über die HPA-Achse vermittelte Stressreaktionen aufgrund von herabsetzenden sozialen Vergleichsprozessen zu sein. Die Ergebnisse sprechen für eine standardisierte Einbeziehung subjektiver Statusindikatoren; der ausgeprägte Geschlechterunterschied legt darüber hinaus eine geschlechtergerechte epidemiologische Datenanalyse nahe.
Mutual diffusion of binary liquid mixtures containing methanol, ethanol, acetone, benzene, cyclohexane, toluene, and carbon tetrachloride
Authors: Guevara-Carrion Gabriela , Janzen Tatjana , Muñoz-Muñoz Y. Mauricio , Vrabec Jadran
Published: March 2016

Mutual diffusion coefficients of all 20 binary liquid mixtures that can be formed out of methanol, ethanol, acetone, benzene, cyclohexane, toluene, and carbon tetrachloride without a miscibility gap are studied at ambient conditions of temperature and pressure in the entire composition range. The considered mixtures show a varying mixing behavior from almost ideal to strongly non-ideal. Predictive molecular dynamics simulations employing the Green-Kubo formalism are carried out. Radial distribution functions are analyzed to gain an understanding of the liquid structure influencing the diffusion processes. It is shown that cluster formation in mixtures containing one alcoholic component has a significant impact on the diffusion process. The estimation of the thermodynamic factor from experimental vapor-liquid equilibrium data is investigated, considering three excess Gibbs energy models, i.e., Wilson, NRTL, and UNIQUAC. It is found that the Wilson model yields the thermodynamic factor that best suits the simulation results for the prediction of the Fick diffusion coefficient. Four semi-empirical methods for the prediction of the self-diffusion coefficients and nine predictive equations for the Fick diffusion coefficient are assessed and it is found that methods based on local composition models are more reliable. Finally, the shear viscosity and thermal conductivity are predicted and in most cases favorably compared with experimental literature values.
Polar semiconductor heterojunction structure energy band diagram considerations
Authors: Lin Shuxun , Wen Cheng P. , Wang Maojun , Hao Yilong
Published: March 2016

The unique nature of built-in electric field induced positive/negative charge pairs of polar semiconductor heterojunction structure has led to a more realistic device model for hexagonal III-nitride HEMT. In this modeling approach, the distribution of charge carriers is dictated by the electrostatic potential profile instead of Femi statistics. The proposed device model is found suitable to explain peculiar properties of GaN HEMT structures, including: (1) Discrepancy in measured conventional linear transmission line model (LTLM) sheet resistance and contactless sheet resistance of GaN HEMT with thin barrier layer. (2) Below bandgap radiation from forward biased Nickel Schottky barrier diode on GaN HEMT structure. (3) GaN HEMT barrier layer doping has negligible effect on transistor channel sheet charge density.
Temperature dependence of full set tensor properties of KTiOPO4 single crystal measured from one sample
Authors: Zhang Yang , Tang Liguo , Ji Nianjing , Liu Gang , Wang Jiyang , Jiang Huaidong , Cao Wenwu
Published: March 2016

The temperature dependence of the complete set of elastic, dielectric, and piezoelectric constants of KTiOPO4 single crystal has been measured from 20 °C to 150 °C. All 17 independent constants for the mm2 symmetry piezoelectric crystal were measured from one sample using extended resonance ultrasound spectroscopy (RUS), which guaranteed the self-consistency of the matrix data. The unique characteristics of the RUS method allowed the accomplishment of such a challenging task, which could not be done by any other existing methods. It was found that the elastic constants (c11E, c13E, c22E, and c33E) and piezoelectric constants (d15, d24, and d32) strongly depend on temperature, while other constants are only weakly temperature dependent in this temperature range. These as-grown single domain data allowed us to calculate the orientation dependence of elastic, dielectric, and piezoelectric properties of KTiOPO4, which are useful for finding the optimum cut for particular applications.
Discrete-time systems with random switches: From systems stability to networks synchronization
Authors: Guo Yao , Lin Wei , Ho Daniel W. C.
Published: March 2016

In this article, we develop some approaches, which enable us to more accurately and analytically identify the essential patterns that guarantee the almost sure stability of discrete-time systems with random switches. We allow for the case that the elements in the switching connection matrix even obey some unbounded and continuous-valued distributions. In addition to the almost sure stability, we further investigate the almost sure synchronization in complex dynamical networks consisting of randomly connected nodes. Numerical examples illustrate that a chaotic dynamics in the synchronization manifold is preserved when statistical parameters enter some almost sure synchronization region established by the developed approach. Moreover, some delicate configurations are considered on probability space for ensuring synchronization in networks whose nodes are described by nonlinear maps. Both theoretical and numerical results on synchronization are presented by setting only a few random connections in each switch duration. More interestingly, we analytically find it possible to achieve almost sure synchronization in the randomly switching complex networks even with very large population sizes, which cannot be easily realized in non-switching but deterministically connected networks.
Bragg polaritons in a ZnSe-based unfolded microcavity at elevated temperatures
Authors: Sebald K. , Rahman SK. S. , Cornelius M. , Kaya T. , Gutowski J. , Klein T. , Gust A. , Hommel D. , Klembt S.
Published: March 2016

In this contribution, we present strong coupling of ZnSe quantum well excitons to Bragg modes resulting in the formation of Bragg polariton eigenstates, characterized by a small effective mass in comparison to a conventional microcavity. We observe an anticrossing of the excitonic and the photonic component in our sample being a clear signature for the strong-coupling regime. The anticrossing is investigated by changing the detuning between the excitonic components and the Bragg mode. We find anticrossings between the first Bragg mode and the heavy- as well as light-hole exciton, respectively, resulting in three polariton branches. The observed Bragg-polariton branches are in good agreement with theoretical calculations. The strong indication for the existence of strong coupling is traceable up to a temperature of 200 K, with a Rabi-splitting energy of 24 meV and 13 meV for the Bragg mode with the heavy- and light-hole exciton, respectively. These findings demonstrate the advantages of this sample configuration for ZnSe-based devices for the strong coupling regime.
Design, fabrication, and measurement of reflective metasurface for orbital angular momentum vortex wave in radio frequency domain
Authors: Yu Shixing , Li Long , Shi Guangming , Zhu Cheng , Zhou Xiaoxiao , Shi Yan
Published: March 2016

In this paper, a reflective metasurface is designed, fabricated, and experimentally demonstrated to generate an orbital angular momentum (OAM) vortex wave in radio frequency domain. Theoretical formula of phase-shift distribution is deduced and used to design the metasurface producing vortex radio waves. The prototype of a practical configuration is designed, fabricated, and measured to validate the theoretical analysis at 5.8 GHz. The simulated and experimental results verify that the vortex waves with different OAM mode numbers can be flexibly generated by using sub-wavelength reflective metasurfaces. The proposed method and metasurface pave a way to generate the OAM vortex waves for radio and microwave wireless communication applications.
Viscoelastic properties of cellular polypropylene ferroelectrets
Authors: Gaal Mate , Bovtun Viktor , Stark Wolfgang , Erhard Anton , Yakymenko Yuriy , Kreutzbruck Marc
Published: March 2016

Viscoelastic properties of cellular polypropylene ferroelectrets (PP FEs) were studied at low frequencies (0.3–33 Hz) by dynamic mechanical analysis and at high frequencies (250 kHz) by laser Doppler vibrometry. Relaxation behavior of the in-plane Young's modulus (Y11′ ∼ 1500 MPa at room temperature) was observed and attributed to the viscoelastic response of polypropylene matrix. The out-of-plane Young's modulus is very small (Y33′ ≈ 0.1 MPa) at low frequencies, frequency- and stress-dependent, evidencing nonlinear viscoelastic response of PP FEs. The high-frequency mechanical response of PP FEs is shown to be linear viscoelastic with Y33′ ≈ 0.8 MPa. It is described by thickness vibration mode and modeled as a damped harmonic oscillator with one degree of freedom. Frequency dependence of Y33* in the large dynamic strain regime is described by the broad Cole-Cole relaxation with a mean frequency in kHz range attributed to the dynamics of the air flow between partially closed air-filled voids in PP FEs. Switching-off the relaxation contribution causes dynamic crossover from the nonlinear viscoelastic regime at low frequencies to the linear viscoelastic regime at high frequencies. In the small strain regime, contribution of the air flow seems to be insignificant and the power-law response, attributed to the mechanics of polypropylene cell walls and closed air voids, dominates in a broad frequency range. Mechanical relaxation caused by the air flow mechanism takes place in the sound and ultrasound frequency range (10 Hz–1 MHz) and, therefore, should be taken into account in ultrasonic applications of the PP FEs deal with strong exciting or receiving signals.
Note: Sound velocity of a soft sphere model near the fluid-solid phase transition
Authors: Khrapak Sergey A.
Published: March 2016

The quasilocalized charge approximation is applied to estimate the sound velocity of simple soft sphere fluid with the repulsive inverse-power-law interaction. The obtained results are discussed in the context of the sound velocity of the hard-sphere system and of liquid metals at the melting temperature.
Correlated memory resistor in epitaxial NdNiO3 heterostructures with asymmetrical proton concentration
Authors: Oh Chadol , Heo Seungyang , Jang Hyun M. , Son Junwoo
Published: March 2016

The electronic devices using correlated transition metal oxides are the promising candidates to overcome the limitation of the current electronics due to the rich electronic phases and the extreme sensitivities. Here, we report proton-based resistive switching memory that uses correlated oxides, i.e., epitaxial NdNiO3 heterostructure with asymmetrical concentration of protons (H+) to obtain multilevel states. By designing such metal-NdNiO3-metal device structures with asymmetrical proton concentration, we demonstrate that the correlated oxides exhibit resistive switching by ionic transport of protons at the metal-hydrogenated NdNiO3 (H-NNO) interface. This finding will guide the development of energy-efficient switching devices for non-volatile memory and neuromorphic applications.
A comparative study on charge carrier recombination across the junction region of Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 and Cu(In,Ga)Se2 thin film solar cells
Authors: Halim Mohammad Abdul , Islam Muhammad Monirul , Luo Xianjia , Sakurai Takeaki , Sakai Noriyuki , Kato Takuya , Sugimoto Hiroki , Tampo Hitoshi , Shibata Hajime , Niki Shigeru , Akimoto Katsuhiro
Published: March 2016

A comparative study with focusing on carrier recombination properties in Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe) and the CuInGaSe2 (CIGS) solar cells has been carried out. For this purpose, electroluminescence (EL) and also bias-dependent time resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) using femtosecond (fs) laser source were performed. For the similar forward current density, the EL-intensity of the CZTSSe sample was obtained significantly lower than that of the CIGS sample. Primarily, it can be attributed to the existence of excess amount of non-radiative recombination center in the CZTSSe, and/or CZTSSe/CdS interface comparing to that of CIGS sample. In case of CIGS sample, TRPL decay time was found to increase with the application of forward-bias. This can be attributed to the reduced charge separation rate resulting from the reduced electric-field at the junction. However, in CZTSSe sample, TRPL decay time has been found almost independent under the forward and reverse-bias conditions. This phenomenon indicates that the charge recombination rate strongly dominates over the charge separation rate across the junction of the CZTSSe sample. Finally, temperature dependent VOC suggests that interface related recombination in the CZTSSe solar cell structure might be one of the major factors that affect EL-intensity and also, TRPL decay curves.
Platelet-rich plasma: a case study for the identification of disinvestment opportunities using horizon scanning
Authors: Mundy Linda
Published: March 2016

Objective
This paper discusses the potential for horizon scanning to identify low-value, inappropriate clinical practices that deliver minimal benefit to patients and represent a considerable financial burden on the health system.

Methods
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was identified by routine horizon scanning as a potentially innovative treatment alternative for osteoarthritis of the knee. A rapid, non-systematic assessment of the evidence pertaining to the safety and effectiveness of PRP compared with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee was conducted.

Results
The evidence base supporting the use of PRP for the treatment of osteoarthritis was poor. No comparative studies were identified that compared the use of PRP to NSAIDs, the current treatment option for osteoarthritis of the knee in Australia. Despite the lack of effectiveness evidence, the use of PRP injections was rapidly increasing in the private sector using an inappropriate Medicare Benefits Schedule item number.

Conclusions
This assessment highlights the potential of using established horizon scanning methodologies to identify targets for full or partial disinvestment of ineffective, inefficient or harmful clinical practices.

What is known about the topic?
PRP is rapidly diffusing in the private health system in Australia, however the use of a Medicare Benefits Schedule item number meant that this practice was being subsidised by the public reimbursement of treatment fees.

What does this paper add?
Traditional horizon scanning tends to identify technologies for health systems to invest in. The evidence on the effectiveness of PRP was examined with the purpose of exploring investment in an innovative treatment that may have reduced the number of invasive procedures being performed in the public hospital system. The current evidence base does not support the use of PRP injections for the treatment of osteoarthritis. It does, however, support the use of horizon scanning as an inexpensive methodology to identify possible disinvestment targets associated with potential patient harm and high health service expenditure.

What are the implications for practitioners?
Practitioners should be aware that public funding for the injection of PRP should not be used for the treatment of osteoarthritis.
Costs and returns on training investment for empirically supported psychological interventions
Authors: Crome Erica , Shaw Joanne , Baillie Andrew
Published: March 2016

Objective
Financial costs are a significant barrier to the uptake of empirically supported psychological interventions in clinical settings. Training may be among the largest of these costs; however, the potential magnitude of these costs is unclear. The aim of the present study was to develop a hypothetical model of potential training costs associated with adopting a novel therapy using systematic review of anticipated training durations and publicly available data on workshop costs, training materials and income.

Methods
Direct and indirect costs were estimated for reference categories being cognitive behavioural therapy for social anxiety disorder delivered by registered psychologists. These were based on averages of 39 workshops and eight treatment manuals available in Australia identified through online searches.

Results
This model demonstrated that upper cost ranges for training can exceed A$55 000, and even didactic training (reading manuals, attending workshops) may cost up to A$9000. Indirect costs of forfeited income account for a substantial proportion of these costs.

Conclusions
This hypothetical model highlights why training costs should be considered in decisions about disseminating and implementing novel empirically supported psychological interventions, particularly within private workforces. In addition, the direct return on training investment for practitioners in private practice is unclear, and may vary based on caseloads and current treatment modalities. Initiatives to track competence, support training and identify novel training solutions may be required to ensure the sustainability of high-quality mental healthcare.

What is known about the topic?
Financial costs are one of the leading factors determining whether empirically supported mental health treatments are adopted or sustained. Training costs may be one of the largest costs of disseminating and implementing novel psychological therapies within existing workforces, including both direct (e.g. workshop fees) and indirect (e.g. lost income) costs. However, little is understood about the potential magnitude of these costs.

What does this paper add?
This paper presents a hypothetical modelling of potential costs associated with adopting a novel therapy, with reference categories for an empirically supported treatment (cognitive behaviour therapy) for one mental disorder (social anxiety disorder) for one mental health profession (psychologist). This model was developed and populated using systematic review of anticipated training durations and publicly available data on workshop costs, training materials and income.

What are the implications for practitioners?
With potential costs for adopting one novel psychological intervention exceeding A$55 000, we highlight why training costs and pathways should be a focal point for ensuring the sustainable provision of high-quality mental healthcare in Australia.
A heme-binding domain controls regulation of ATP-dependent potassium channels
Authors: Burton Mark J. , Kapetanaki Sofia M. , Chernova Tatyana , Jamieson Andrew G. , Dorlet Pierre , Santolini Jérôme , Moody Peter C. E. , Mitcheson John S. , Davies Noel W. , Schmid Ralf , Raven Emma L. , Storey Nina M.
Published: March 2016

Significance

Heme-containing proteins are found in all living species and carry out a wide variety of biological functions. It is becoming clear that heme has a wider regulatory role in the cell; one such regulatory role is in control of ion channel function. In this paper, we demonstrated heme-dependent regulation of K
ATP
channels and identified the heme-binding location as being on a sulphonylurea receptor subunit of the channel. We use this information to present a hypothesis for how heme regulation across numerous ion channels may occur.
Sleeping Beautytransposon mutagenesis identifies genes that cooperate with mutantSmad4in gastric cancer development
Authors: Takeda Haruna , Rust Alistair G. , Ward Jerrold M. , Yew Christopher Chin Kuan , Jenkins Nancy A. , Copeland Neal G.
Published: March 2016

Significance

Gastric cancer is the third leading cause of cancer mortality, with an overall 5-y survival rate of <25%. Although sequencing and comprehensive molecular profiling of human gastric cancer have identified a wide spectrum of genes that drive gastric cancer development, we are still far from understanding the complete pathophysiology of this disease. Here, we usedSleeping Beautytransposon mutagenesis to identify genes and evolutionary forces driving gastric cancer development. This study identified pathways driving gastric cancer development, including WNT, TGF-β, PI3K signaling, ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, adherens junctions, RNA degradation, and chromatin modification, and discovered many previously unidentified genes, such as the LDL receptor-related protein 1B (LRP1B) tumor suppressor gene, with potential clinical importance in human gastric cancer.
Assessing the conservation value of ex situ seed bank collections of endangered wild plants
Authors: Ferrando-Pardo Inmaculada , Ferrer-Gallego Pablo , Laguna-Lumbreras Emilio
Published: March 2016

In order to achieve certain targets of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (GSPC), countries should aim to have at least 75% of their threatened species preserved in ex situ genetically representative collections, preferably in the country of origin, and at least 20% of the threatened species must be available for recovery plans and restoration programs (Target 8). Assessing the conservation value of ex situ collections is needed in order to identify the gaps in gene banks and to determine the baseline situation. Selection of the target species for conservation followed the Regional Responsibility criterion, as the first-order of priority at the local level with highest ranking given to species whose distribution is endemic to the study area. Data analysis was performed on 85 species listed in the Valencian Catalog of Threatened Plant Species (VCTPS) stored in the Germplasm Bank Collections of Valencian Flora, Spain. Our results show that conservation value of an ex situ collection will depend on whether the analysis is based on the representation of species (i.e. the presence or absence of species in an ex situ collection) or based on their representativeness (i.e. how well the collected and stored natural populations represent the “theoretical” species genetic diversity and what is the potential to produce plants for recovery actions, summarized in the proposed index R4). For 85 species listed in VCTPS the existing ex situ seed bank collections keep samples of 91.8% (78 species), indicating good representation. However, the criteria accounting for number of populations collected and quality of the stored germplasm revealed that less than 50% of the listed species are properly preserved in the ex situ collections.
Aureolysin of Staphylococcus warneri M accelerates its proteolytic cascade, and participates in biofilm formation
Authors: Yokoi Ken-ji , Kuzuwa Shinya , Iwasaki Shu-Ichi , Yamakawa Ayanori , Taketo Akira , Kodaira Ken-Ichi
Published: March 2016

The aureolysin (Aur) gene of S. warneri M (aurWM) was cloned and sequenced. Analyses of the aurWM-inactivated mutant (S. warneri Mau) suggested that AurWM was probably associated with efficient processing of the PROM protease (homolog of V8/SspA serine protease), whereas considerable amount of mature-PROC protease (homolog of SspB cysteine protease) accumulated without AurWM. Additionally, AurWM appeared to affect biofilm formation in an uncertain suppressive way.
Signaling pathways for stress responses and adaptation in Aspergillus species: stress biology in the post-genomic era
Authors: Hagiwara Daisuke , Sakamoto Kazutoshi , Abe Keietsu , Gomi Katsuya
Published: March 2016

Aspergillus species are among the most important filamentous fungi in terms of industrial use and because of their pathogenic or toxin-producing features. The genomes of several Aspergillus species have become publicly available in this decade, and genomic analyses have contributed to an integrated understanding of fungal biology. Stress responses and adaptation mechanisms have been intensively investigated using the accessible genome infrastructure. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades have been highlighted as being fundamentally important in fungal adaptation to a wide range of stress conditions. Reverse genetics analyses have uncovered the roles of MAPK pathways in osmotic stress, cell wall stress, development, secondary metabolite production, and conidia stress resistance. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the stress biology of Aspergillus species, illuminating what we have learned from the genomic data in this “post-genomic era.”
Artificial Rearing of Endemic Red-tailed Barb Hypselobarbus kurali: A First Report
Authors: Williams Sherly E , Vijayalekshmi P , Benziger Allen , Karim Razeena , Nair Vishnu
Published: March 2016

Hypselobarbus kurali, a freshwater ray-finned fish (class Actinopterigii, order Cyprinidae), inhabits large streams and rivers of South Western Ghats of Kerala, India. The present work aims to create a breakthrough in the captive breeding technology of H. kurali and thereby successfully accomplish the goal of restocking resources. While both induced and artificial breeding were performed, the success rate for induced breeding was negligible when compared with that of artificial breeding. Artificial breeding was successfully carried out in the laboratory by dry stripping berried females (weight, 20–250 g; length, 25–28 cm) and matured milting males (weight, 180–200 g; length, 20–25 cm). Fertilized eggs were incubated in filtered source water (collected from the study site [Kulathupuzha region, Kallada River, Kollam district, Kerala]), at a temperature of 22–25°C and pH 7.5–7.8. The rate of fertilization was 92%, and the average hatching rate was 83.5%. The eggs hatched by 48 h after fertilization. After the yolk sac stage, the 7-d-old larvae were fed with cladocerans and rotifers.
Large-volume flux closure during plasmoid-mediated reconnection in coaxial helicity injection
Authors: Ebrahimi F. , Raman R.
Published: March 2016

A large-volume flux closure during transient coaxial helicity injection (CHI) in NSTX-U is demonstrated through resistive magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) simulations. Several major improvements, including the improved positioning of the divertor poloidal field coils, are projected to improve the CHI start-up phase in NSTX-U. Simulations in the NSTX-U configuration with constant in time coil currents show that with strong flux shaping the injected open field lines (injector flux) rapidly reconnect and form large volume of closed flux surfaces. This is achieved by driving parallel current in the injector flux coil and oppositely directed currents in the flux shaping coils to form a narrow injector flux footprint and push the injector flux into the vessel. As the helicity and plasma are injected into the device, the oppositely directed field lines in the injector region are forced to reconnect through a local Sweet–Parker type reconnection, or to spontaneously reconnect when the elongated current sheet becomes MHD unstable to form plasmoids. In these simulations for the first time, it is found that the closed flux is over 70% of the initial injector flux used to initiate the discharge. These results could work well for the application of transient CHI in devices that employ super conducting coils to generate and sustain the plasma equilibrium.
Effect of plasma response on the fast ion losses due to ELM control coils in ITER
Authors: Varje Jari , Asunta Otto , Cavinato Mario , Gagliardi Mario , Hirvijoki Eero , Koskela Tuomas , Kurki-Suonio Taina , Liu Yueqiang , Parail Vassili , Saibene Gabriella , Sipilä Seppo , Snicker Antti , Särkimäki Konsta , Äkäslompolo Simppa
Published: March 2016

Mitigating edge localized modes (ELMs) with resonant magnetic perturbations (RMPs) can increase energetic particle losses and resulting wall loads, which have previously been studied in the vacuum approximation. This paper presents recent results of fusion alpha and NBI ion losses in the ITER baseline scenario modelled with the Monte Carlo orbit following code ASCOT in a realistic magnetic field including the effect of the plasma response. The response was found to reduce alpha particle losses but increase NBI losses, with up to 4.2% of the injected power being lost. Additionally, some of the load in the divertor was found to be shifted away from the target plates toward the divertor dome.
Strategies for reducing ocean plastic debris should be diverse and guided by science
Authors: Rochman Chelsea M
Published: March 2016

Studies suggest that trillions of microplastic particles are floating on the surface of the global oceans and that the total amount of plastic waste entering the ocean will increase by an order of magnitude by 2025. As such, this ever-increasing problem demands immediate mitigation and reduction. Diverse solutions have been proposed, ranging from source reduction to ocean-based cleanup. These solutions are most effective when guided by scientific evidence. A study published in  Environmental Research Letters (Sherman and van Sebille 2016 Environ. Res. Lett.

11 014006) took a closer look at the potential effectiveness of ocean-based cleanup. They conclude that it will be most cost-effective and ecologically beneficial if clean-up efforts focus on the flux of microplastics from the coasts rather than in the center of the oceans where plastic accumulates in so called ‘garbage patches’. If followed, this example may become one of a series of examples where science has informed a solution to the complex problem of plastic pollution.
Bridge trisections of knotted surfaces in 𝑆⁴
Authors: Meier Jeffrey , Zupan Alexander
Published: March 2016

We introduce bridge trisections of knotted surfaces in the 4–sphere. This description is inspired by the work of Gay and Kirby on trisections of 4–manifolds and extends the classical concept of bridge splittings of links in the 3–sphere to four dimensions. We prove that every knotted surface in the 4–sphere admits a bridge trisection (a decomposition into three simple pieces) and that any two bridge trisections for a fixed surface are related by a sequence of stabilizations and destabilizations. We also introduce a corresponding diagrammatic representation of knotted surfaces and describe a set of moves that suffice to pass between two diagrams for the same surface. Using these decompositions, we define a new complexity measure: the bridge number of a knotted surface. In addition, we classify bridge trisections with low complexity, we relate bridge trisections to the fundamental groups of knotted surface complements, and we prove that there exist knotted surfaces with arbitrarily large bridge number.