bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exciton size and binding energy limitations in one-dimensional organic materials
Authors: Kraner S. , Scholz R. , Plasser F. , Koerner C. , Leo K.
Published: December 2015

In current organic photovoltaic devices, the loss in energy caused by the charge transfer step necessary for exciton dissociation leads to a low open circuit voltage, being one of the main reasons for rather low power conversion efficiencies. A possible approach to avoid these losses is to tune the exciton binding energy to a value of the order of thermal energy, which would lead to free charges upon absorption of a photon, and therefore increase the power conversion efficiency towards the Shockley-Queisser limit. We determine the size of the excitons for different organic molecules and polymers by time dependent density functional theory calculations. For optically relevant transitions, the exciton size saturates around 0.7 nm for one-dimensional molecules with a size longer than about 4 nm. For the ladder-type polymer poly(benzimidazobenzophenanthroline), we obtain an exciton binding energy of about 0.3 eV, serving as a lower limit of the exciton binding energy for the organic materials investigated. Furthermore, we show that charge transfer transitions increase the exciton size and thus identify possible routes towards a further decrease of the exciton binding energy.
Surface energy fluctuation effects in single crystals of DNA-functionalized nanoparticles
Authors: Li Ting I. N. G. , Olvera de la Cruz Monica
Published: December 2015

Surface  energy is a fundamental material property that determines important functions such as catalytic, sensing, and imaging properties. Over the past century, various experimental studies and models including the broken bond theory and Wulff construction have been developed to analyze surface  free energies. However, it remains a challenge to measure or predict thermal fluctuation effects on surface  energies. In particular, crystals of functionalized building blocks, such as self-assembling proteins and DNA-functionalized nanoparticles, assembled via the specific surface interactions of the building blocks, are highly sensitive to thermal fluctuations. In the case of DNA-functionalized nanoparticles, it has been shown that the crystals are formed as a result of thermally active hybridizations. We show here that the surface  energy along different planes can be obtained from the ratio of hybridization events. The surface  energy fluctuations in these systems are shown to bear a nearly linear correlation with the fluctuations in DNA hybridization events in the bulk. We further demonstrate that short DNA chains and high DNA loading increase the volume density of the DNA sticky ends. The relationship between thermally active hybridizations and surface  energy found here can be used to aid the design of single crystals of functionalized colloids with active surface groups.
Interfacial thermal degradation in inverted organic solar cells
Authors: Greenbank William , Hirsch Lionel , Wantz Guillaume , Chambon Sylvain
Published: December 2015

The efficiency of organic photovoltaic (OPV) solar cells is constantly improving; however, the lifetime of the devices still requires significant improvement if the potential of OPV is to be realised. In this study, several series of inverted OPV were fabricated and thermally aged in the dark in an inert atmosphere. It was demonstrated that all of the devices undergo short circuit current-driven degradation, which is assigned to morphology changes in the active layer. In addition, a previously unreported, open circuit voltage-driven degradation mechanism was observed that is highly material specific and interfacial in origin. This mechanism was specifically observed in devices containing MoO3 and silver as hole transporting layers and electrode materials, respectively. Devices with this combination were among the worst performing devices with respect to thermal ageing. The physical origins of this mechanism were explored by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry and atomic force microscopy and an increase in roughness with thermal ageing was observed that may be partially responsible for the ageing mechanism.
Elastic scattering by hot electrons and apparent lifetime of longitudinal optical phonons in gallium nitride
Authors: Khurgin Jacob B. , Bajaj Sanyam , Rajan Siddharth
Published: December 2015

Longitudinal optical (LO) phonons in GaN generated in the channel of high electron mobility transistors (HEMT) are shown to undergo nearly elastic scattering via collisions with hot electrons. The net result of these collisions is the diffusion of LO phonons in the Brillouin zone causing reduction of phonon and electron temperatures. This previously unexplored diffusion mechanism explicates how an increase in electron density causes reduction of the apparent lifetime of LO phonons, obtained from the time resolved Raman studies and microwave noise measurements, while the actual decay rate of the LO phonons remains unaffected by the carrier density. Therefore, the saturation velocity in GaN HEMT steadily declines with increased carrier density, in a qualitative agreement with experimental results.
Silicon nitride membrane resonators at millikelvin temperatures with quality factors exceeding 108
Authors: Yuan Mingyun , Cohen Martijn A. , Steele Gary A.
Published: December 2015

We study the mechanical dissipation of the fundamental mode of millimeter-sized, high quality-factor (Q) metalized silicon nitride membranes at temperatures down to 14 mK using a three-dimensional optomechanical cavity. Below 200 mK, high-Q modes of the membranes show a diverging increase of Q with decreasing temperature, reaching Q=1.27×108 at 14 mK, an order of magnitude higher than that reported before. The ultra-low dissipation makes the membranes highly attractive for the study of optomechanics in the quantum regime, as well as for other applications of optomechanics such as microwave to optical photon conversion.
Highly tunable magnetism in silicene doped with Cr and Fe atoms under isotropic and uniaxial tensile strain
Authors: Zheng Rui , Chen Ying , Ni Jun
Published: December 2015

We have investigated the magnetic properties of silicene doped with Cr and Fe atoms under isotropic and uniaxial tensile strain by the first-principles calculations. We find that Cr and Fe doped silicenes show strain-tunable magnetism. (1) The magnetism of Cr and Fe doped silicenes exhibits sharp transitions from low spin states to high spin states by a small isotropic tensile strain. Specially for Fe doped silicene, a nearly nonmagnetic state changes to a high magnetic state by a small isotropic tensile strain. (2) The magnetic moments of Fe doped silicene also show a sharp jump to ∼2 μB at a small threshold of the uniaxial strain, and the magnetic moments of Cr doped silicene increase gradually to ∼4 μB with the increase of uniaxial strain. (3) The electronic and magnetic properties of Cr and Fe doped silicenes are sensitive to the magnitude and direction of the external strain. The highly tunable magnetism may be applied in the spintronic devices.
Low coercive field of polymer ferroelectric via x-ray induced phase transition
Authors: Lee Hyeon Jun , Kim Jihong , Kwon Owoong , Lee Hye Jeong , Kwak Jeong Hun , Kim Jae Myung , Lee Sung Su , Kim Yunseok , Kim Dong-Yu , Jo Ji Young
Published: December 2015

We present an experimental strategy via X-ray irradiation combined with time-resolved X-ray diffraction to reduce a coercive field of ferroelectric thin films. We found in real-time that X-ray irradiation enables the irreversible phase transition from a polar to non-polar phase in ferroelectric poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) thin films. The non-polar regions act as initial nucleation sites for opposite domains thus reducing the coercive field, directly related to the switching of domains, by 48%.
Effects of biaxial stress and layer thickness on octahedral tilts in LaNiO3
Authors: McBride Patrick M. , Janotti Anderson , Dreyer Cyrus E. , Himmetoglu Burak , Van de Walle Chris G.
Published: December 2015

Using first-principles calculations based on the density functional theory, we investigated the structural properties of superlattices of the perovskites LaNiO3 and SrTiO3. Inspection of the tilt angles of the NiO6 octahedra in the biaxially stressed LaNiO3 layers reveals the important role of octahedral connectivity at the interface. For tensile biaxial stress, we find that the LaNiO3 layers exhibit a negative Poisson's ratio, in contrast to the positive Poisson's ratio observed in bulk material. These results can be explained in terms of simple models, and are discussed in light of recent experiments.
Early stage time evolution of a dense nanosecond microdischarge used in fast optical switching applications
Authors: Levko Dmitry , Raja Laxminarayan L.
Published: December 2015

The mechanism of high-voltage nanosecond microdischarges is studied by the self-consistent two-dimensional Particle-in-Cell/Monte Carlo Collisions model. These microdischarges were recently proposed for use as fast switches of visible light in Bataller et al. [Appl. Phys. Lett. 105, 223501 (2014)]. The microdischarge is found to develop in two stages. The first stage is associated with the electrons initially seeded in the cathode-anode gap. These electrons lead to the formation of a cathode-directed streamer. The second stage starts when the secondary electron emission from the cathode begins. In this stage, a rather dense plasma (∼1016 cm−3) is generated which results in the narrow cathode sheath. The electric field in this sheath exceeds the critical electric field which is necessary for the runaway electrons generation. We have found that the presence of these energetic electrons is crucial for the discharge maintenance.
Note: All-digital CMOS MOS-capacitor-based pulse-shrinking mechanism suitable for time-to-digital converters
Authors: Chen Chun-Chi , Hwang Chorng-Sii , Lin You-Ting , Liu Keng-Chih
Published: December 2015

This paper presents an all-digital CMOS pulse-shrinking mechanism suitable for time-to-digital converters (TDCs). A simple MOS capacitor is used as a pulse-shrinking cell to perform time attenuation for time resolving. Compared with a previous pulse-shrinking mechanism, the proposed mechanism provides an appreciably improved temporal resolution with high linearity. Furthermore, the use of a binary-weighted pulse-shrinking unit with scaled MOS capacitors is proposed for achieving a programmable resolution. A TDC involving the proposed mechanism was fabricated using a TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company) 0.18-μm CMOS process, and it has a small area of nearly 0.02 mm2 and an integral nonlinearity error of ±0.8 LSB for a resolution of 24 ps.
Modelling of aluminium foam core sandwich panels under impact perforation
Authors: Babakhani A. , Golestanipour M. , Zebarjad S. M.
Published: December 2015

Aluminium foam core sandwich panels are good energy absorbers for impact protection applications, such as light-weight structural panels, packing materials and energy absorbing devices. In this study, the high-velocity impact perforation of aluminium foam core sandwich structures was analysed. Sandwich panels with 1100 aluminium face-sheets and closed-cell A356 aluminium alloy foam core were modelled by three-dimensional finite element models. The models were validated with experimental tests by comparing numerical and experimental damage modes, output velocity, ballistic limit and absorbed energy. By this model the influence of foam core and face-sheet thicknesses on the behaviour of the sandwich panel under impact perforation was evaluated.
bSUM: A bead-supported unilamellar membrane system facilitating unidirectional insertion of membrane proteins into giant vesicles
Authors: Zheng Hui , Lee Sungsoo , Llaguno Marc C. , Jiang Qiu-Xing
Published: December 2015

Fused or giant vesicles, planar lipid bilayers, a droplet membrane system, and planar-supported membranes have been developed to incorporate membrane proteins for the electrical and biophysical analysis of such proteins or the bilayer properties. However, it remains difficult to incorporate membrane proteins, including ion channels, into reconstituted membrane systems that allow easy control of operational dimensions, incorporation orientation of the membrane proteins, and lipid composition of membranes. Here, using a newly developed chemical engineering procedure, we report on a bead-supported unilamellar membrane (bSUM) system that allows good control over membrane dimension, protein orientation, and lipid composition. Our new system uses specific ligands to facilitate the unidirectional incorporation of membrane proteins into lipid bilayers. Cryo–electron microscopic imaging demonstrates the unilamellar nature of the bSUMs. Electrical recordings from voltage-gated ion channels in bSUMs of varying diameters demonstrate the versatility of the new system. Using KvAP as a model system, we show that compared with other in vitro membrane systems, the bSUMs have the following advantages: (a) a major fraction of channels are orientated in a controlled way; (b) the channels mediate the formation of the lipid bilayer; (c) there is one and only one bilayer membrane on each bead; (d) the lipid composition can be controlled and the bSUM size is also under experimental control over a range of 0.2–20 µm; (e) the channel activity can be recorded by patch clamp using a planar electrode; and (f) the voltage-clamp speed (0.2–0.5 ms) of the bSUM on a planar electrode is fast, making it suitable to study ion channels with fast gating kinetics. Our observations suggest that the chemically engineered bSUMs afford a novel platform for studying lipid–protein interactions in membranes of varying lipid composition and may be useful for other applications, such as targeted delivery and single-molecule imaging.
Nano-imaging of the beating mouse heart in vivo: Importance of sarcomere dynamics, as opposed to sarcomere length per se, in the regulation of cardiac function
Authors: Kobirumaki-Shimozawa Fuyu , Oyama Kotaro , Shimozawa Togo , Mizuno Akari , Ohki Takashi , Terui Takako , Minamisawa Susumu , Ishiwata Shin’ichi , Fukuda Norio
Published: December 2015

Sarcomeric contraction in cardiomyocytes serves as the basis for the heart’s pump functions in mammals. Although it plays a critical role in the circulatory system, myocardial sarcomere length (SL) change has not been directly measured in vivo under physiological conditions because of technical difficulties. In this study, we developed a high speed (100–frames per second), high resolution (20-nm) imaging system for myocardial sarcomeres in living mice. Using this system, we conducted three-dimensional analysis of sarcomere dynamics in left ventricular myocytes during the cardiac cycle, simultaneously with electrocardiogram and left ventricular pressure measurements. We found that (a) the working range of SL was on the shorter end of the resting distribution, and (b) the left ventricular–developed pressure was positively correlated with the SL change between diastole and systole. The present findings provide the first direct evidence for the tight coupling of sarcomere dynamics and ventricular pump functions in the physiology of the heart.
The hitchhiker’s guide to the voltage-gated sodium channel galaxy
Authors: Ahern Christopher A. , Payandeh Jian , Bosmans Frank , Chanda Baron
Published: December 2015

Eukaryotic voltage-gated sodium (Nav) channels contribute to the rising phase of action potentials and served as an early muse for biophysicists laying the foundation for our current understanding of electrical signaling. Given their central role in electrical excitability, it is not surprising that (a) inherited mutations in genes encoding for Nav channels and their accessory subunits have been linked to excitability disorders in brain, muscle, and heart; and (b) Nav channels are targeted by various drugs and naturally occurring toxins. Although the overall architecture and behavior of these channels are likely to be similar to the more well-studied voltage-gated potassium channels, eukaryotic Nav channels lack structural and functional symmetry, a notable difference that has implications for gating and selectivity. Activation of voltage-sensing modules of the first three domains in Nav channels is sufficient to open the channel pore, whereas movement of the domain IV voltage sensor is correlated with inactivation. Also, structure–function studies of eukaryotic Nav channels show that a set of amino acids in the selectivity filter, referred to as DEKA locus, is essential for Na+ selectivity. Structures of prokaryotic Nav channels have also shed new light on mechanisms of drug block. These structures exhibit lateral fenestrations that are large enough to allow drugs or lipophilic molecules to gain access into the inner vestibule, suggesting that this might be the passage for drug entry into a closed channel. In this Review, we will synthesize our current understanding of Nav channel gating mechanisms, ion selectivity and permeation, and modulation by therapeutics and toxins in light of the new structures of the prokaryotic Nav channels that, for the time being, serve as structural models of their eukaryotic counterparts.
Zinc flexes its muscle: Correcting a novel analysis of calcium for zinc interference uncovers a method to measure zinc
Authors: Qian Cheng , Colvin Robert A.
Published: December 2015

The divalent cation chelator 1,2-bis(o-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA), often used to buffer physiological changes in cytosolic Ca2+, also binds Zn2+ with high affinity. In a recently published method (Lamboley et al. 2015. J. Gen. Physiol. http://dx.doi.org/10.1085/jgp.201411250), the absorbance shift of BAPTA at 292 nm was successfully used to determine the total calcium concentrations of various skeletal muscle tissues. In the present study, we show that endogenous Zn2+ in rat skeletal muscle tissue can be unknowingly measured as “Ca2+,” unless appropriate measures are taken to eliminate Zn2+ interference. We analyzed two rat skeletal muscle tissues, soleus and plantaris, for total calcium and zinc using either inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) or the BAPTA method described above. ICP-MS analysis showed that total zinc contents in soleus and plantaris were large enough to affect the determination of total calcium by the BAPTA method (calcium = 1.72 ± 0.31 and 1.96 ± 0.14, and zinc = 0.528 ± 0.04 and 0.192 ± 0.01; mean ± standard error of the mean [SEM]; n = 5; mmole/kg, respectively). We next analyzed total calcium using BAPTA but included the Zn2+-specific chelator N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine (TPEN) that buffers Zn2+ without affecting Ca2+/BAPTA binding. We found that estimated concentrations of total calcium ([CaT]WM) in soleus and plantaris were reduced after TPEN addition ([CaT]WM = 3.71 ± 0.62 and 3.57 ± 0.64 without TPEN and 3.39 ± 0.64 and 3.42 ± 0.62 with TPEN; mean ± SEM; n = 3; mmole/kg, respectively). Thus, we show that a straightforward correction can be applied to the BAPTA method to improve the accuracy of the determination of total calcium that should be applicable to most any tissue studied. In addition, we show that using TPEN in combination with the BAPTA method allows one to make reasonable estimates of total zinc concentration that are in agreement with the direct determination of zinc concentration by ICP-MS.
Multispherical interactions and their effects on the Tibetan Plateau's earth system: a review of the recent researches
Authors: Yao Tandong , Wu Fuyuan , Ding Lin , Sun Jimin , Zhu Liping , Piao Shilong , Deng Tao , Ni Xijun , Zheng Hongbo , Ouyang Hua
Published: December 2015

The Tibetan Plateau (TP) is a regional Earth system showing very strong interactions among its lithosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, biosphere, atmosphere, and anthrosphere. These interactions manifest TP's impact on surrounding regions and reflect TP's response to the global change. Quantifying the multispherical interactions is critically important to understand the TP environment. Our recent years researches including the ongoing program entitled ‘Tibetan Multi-Spheres Interactions and Their Resource-Environment Significance (TIMI)’, the completed program entitled. ‘Paleo-Altitudes of Tibetan Plateau and Environment (PATE)’, as well as the other relating projects have focused on multidisciplinary research approaches and emphasized on three major pathways: Eurasia-Indian plates collision on deep-Earth dynamics, uplift impact on Earth's mantle–crust dynamics, and contemporary interface on land surface and atmospheric dynamics. Our researches have taken in situ measurement as priority and developed several platforms of data acquisition and analysis, including the platforms of water-phase transformations, and ecosystem observations. Our field investigations have been conducted to obtain data about stratum, paleontology, paleoenvironment, genetic differentiation of animals and plants. We have developed conceptual and mathematical models for crust uplift formation, paleoclimate, glacial melt, water–air interface flux, vegetation climate, and soil erosion. We have also assessed the anthropogenic impacts on environment. Our researches have achieved new and reliable redating of the mantle–crust interaction and initial formation of the TP, found the interaction between tectonics and uplift of the TP and resultant paleoaltitude acting as a spreading source; discovered the interaction between the westerlies and Indian monsoon acting as a control chain that dominates the TP's contemporary environment. The scientific results can play fundamental roles in supporting the TP's resource exploration and societal sustainable development.
Proliferation of functional human natural killer cells with anti‐HIV‐1 activity in NOD/SCID/Jak3null mice
Authors: Hattori Shinichiro , Matsuda Kouki , Kariya Ryusho , Harada Hideki , Okada Seiji
Published: December 2015

Natural killer cells, a critical component of the innate immune system, eradicate both virus‐infected cells and tumor cells through cytotoxicity and secretion of cytokines. Human NK cell research has largely been based on in vitro studies because of the lack of appropriate animal models. In this study, a selective proliferation model of functional human NK cells was established in NOD/SCID/Jak3null (NOJ) mice transplanted with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and K562 cells. The antiviral effects of NK cells were evaluated by challenging this mouse model with HIV‐1. The percentage of intracellular p24+ T cells and the amount of plasma p24 was decreased compared with NOJ mice transplanted with PBMC. Our findings indicate that NK cells have an anti‐HIV‐1 effect through direct cytotoxicity against HIV‐1‐infected cells. These mice provide an important model for evaluating human NK function against human infectious diseases such as HIV‐1 and malignancies.
Biotic resistance to tropical ornamental invasion
Authors: Bufford Jennifer L. , Lurie Matthew H. , Daehler Curtis C.
Published: December 2015

We examined invasive, casual (found occasionally outside cultivation) and non‐invasive (found only in cultivation) species to investigate the role of species traits and two forms of biotic resistance (plant neighbours and herbivores) in limiting invasion in Hawaiian lowlands.

Seeds of 21 species of common woody ornamentals from three plant families (Acanthaceae, Apocynaceae, Bignoniaceae) that are non‐invasive, casual or invasive in Hawai'i were outplanted at two field sites. We measured germination of seeds and growth and survival of seedlings for 1 year in plots with and without neighbours from the naturally assembled community.

The presence of neighbours reduced survival in some species, mostly non‐invasive or casual species, and completely excluded two non‐invasive species from community plots. Damage from the existing community of herbivores was correlated with lower survival in the Acanthaceae and Bignoniaceae, but not the Apocynaceae.

Non‐invasive and casual species had lower survival and growth rates than invasive species and lower photosynthetic rates in the presence of neighbours than invasive species. Non‐invasives without neighbours also had lower specific leaf area than invasives and casuals.

We found evidence for barriers to invasion in some non‐invasive and casual species, including low growth rate, low survival, or low survival in the presence of neighbours. By contrast, five of the six invasives flowered and three began setting fruit within the duration of the experiment, as did one of the casual species.

Synthesis. Our research demonstrates biotic resistance, presumably as a result of competition. Neighbouring plants reduced survival and growth for most species. For non‐invasive species with low survival and growth even without competition from neighbouring plants, this resulted in complete exclusion from community plots or such low growth rates that exclusion over longer time frames was likely. We also provide evidence for traits‐based barriers to invasion in non‐invasive and casual species. However, no single barrier to invasion was shared across all non‐invasive and casual species.
Taurine ameliorates cholesterol metabolism by stimulating bile acid production in high‐cholesterol‐fed rats
Authors: Murakami Shigeru , Fujita Michiko , Nakamura Masakazu , Sakono Masanobu , Nishizono Shoko , Sato Masao , Imaizumi Katsumi , Mori Mari , Fukuda Nobuhiro
Published: December 2015

This study was designed to investigate the effects of dietary taurine on cholesterol metabolism in high‐cholesterol‐fed rats. Male Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomly divided into two dietary groups (n = 6 in each group): a high‐cholesterol diet containing 0.5% cholesterol and 0.15% sodium cholate, and a high‐cholesterol diet with 5% (w/w) taurine. The experimental diets were given for 2 weeks. Taurine supplementation reduced the serum and hepatic cholesterol levels by 37% and 32%, respectively. Faecal excretion of bile acids was significantly increased in taurine‐treated rats, compared with untreated rats. Biliary bile acid concentrations were also increased by taurine. Taurine supplementation increased taurine‐conjugated bile acids by 61% and decreased glycine‐conjugated bile acids by 53%, resulting in a significant decrease in the glycine/taurine (G/T) ratio. Among the taurine‐conjugated bile acids, cholic acid and deoxycholic acid were significantly increased. In the liver, taurine supplementation increased the mRNA expression and enzymatic activity of hepatic cholesterol 7α‐hydroxylase (CYP7A1), the rate‐limiting enzyme for bile acid synthesis, by three‐ and two‐fold, respectively. Taurine also decreased the enzymatic activity of acyl‐CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) and microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP). These observations suggest that taurine supplementation increases the synthesis and excretion of taurine‐conjugated bile acids and stimulates the catabolism of cholesterol to bile acid by elevating the expression and activity of CYP7A1. This may reduce cholesterol esterification and lipoprotein assembly for very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) secretion, leading to reductions in the serum and hepatic cholesterol levels.
Does land lease tenure insecurity cause decreased productivity and investment in the sugar industry? Evidence from Fiji
Authors: Kumari Reshmi , Nakano Yuko
Published: December 2015

Does land lease tenure insecurity cause decreased productivity and investment in the sugar industry? To answer this question, this study examined the impact of weak formal tenure lease arrangements on tenants’ investment and the productivity of sugarcane in Ba province, Fiji. After controlling for potential endogeneity in the choice of lease tenure using instrumental variables (IV), it was shown that tenants under insecure lease tenure (expiring in 0–5 years) achieve significantly lower yields of sugarcane, by 6.5–11 tonnes per hectare, and plant smaller areas of new sugarcane, by 0.14–0.25 hectares on average, than do tenants under secure lease tenure. Insecure lease tenure also negatively affects chemical fertiliser use, although this impact is not statistically significant. An intervention to improve tenure security would likely enhance the production efficiency of and investment in the Fijian sugarcane industry.
Pay for Performance in Medicaid: Evidence from Three Natural Experiments
Authors: Rosenthal Meredith B. , Landrum Mary Beth , Robbins Jacob A. , Schneider Eric C.
Published: December 2015

Objective

To examine the impact of pay for performance in Medicaid on the quality and utilization of care.

Data Sources

Medicaid claims and encounter data in three intervention states (Pennsylvania, Minnesota, and Alabama) and three comparison states.

Study Design

Difference‐in‐difference analysis with propensity score‐matched comparison group. Primary outcomes of interest were Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS)‐like process measures of quality, utilization by service category, and ambulatory care–sensitive admissions and emergency department visits.

Principal Findings

In Pennsylvania, there was a statistically significant reduction of 88 ambulatory visits per 1,000 enrollee months compared with Florida. In Minnesota, there was a significant decrease of 7.2 hospital admissions per thousand enrollee months compared with Wisconsin. In Alabama, where incentives were not paid out until the end of a 2‐year waiver period, there was a decline of 1.6 hospital admissions per thousand member months, and an increase of 59 ambulatory visits per 1,000 enrollees compared with Georgia. No significant quality improvements in intervention relative to control states.

Conclusions

Our findings are mixed, with no measurable quality improvements across the three states, but reductions in hospital admissions in two programs. As states move to value‐based payment for patient‐centered medical homes and Accountable Care Organizations, lessons learned from these pioneering states should inform program design.
The Economic Implications of House Price Capitalization: A Synthesis
Authors: Hilber* Christian A. L.
Published: December 2015

In this article, I synthesize an emerging literature that explores the conditions under which public and private investments and intergovernmental transfers are capitalized into local house prices and the broader economic implications of such capitalization. The main insights are: (1) house price capitalization is more pronounced in locations with strict regulatory and geographical supply constraints; (2) capitalization can induce the provision of durable local public goods and club goods; and (3) capitalization effects—which are habitually ignored by policy‐makers—have important adverse consequences for a wide range of policies such as intergovernmental aid and the mortgage interest deduction.
Latent Fingermark Aging Patterns (Part I): Minutiae Count as One Indicator of Degradation
Authors: De Alcaraz‐Fossoul Josep , Mestres Patris Cristina , Barrot Feixat Carme , McGarr Luke , Brandelli Donna , Stow Karen , Gené Badia Manel
Published: December 2015

The authors are exploring degradation patterns of latent fingermarks over time which can be quantitatively determined in a predictable manner by visual means. Several physical degradation parameters for assessing this hypothesis are evaluated. This article analyzes the parameter “minutiae count” as a function of time. Experiment variables included were secretion type (sebaceous‐rich and eccrine‐rich), substrate (glass and plastic), and exposure to light (dark, shade, and direct light). Depositions were sequentially visualized with Titanium Dioxide powder over a period of 6 months, photographed, and number of minutiae recorded. Results revealed a significant decrease of minutiae for eccrine‐rich marks on glass but insignificant for sebaceous‐rich marks on the same surface. However, significant degradation was observed for both types of secretions on plastic. The authors conclude that the distinctive prevalence of minutiae changes over time indicates with a high degree of certainty the hypothesis is valid and deserves additional exploration.
Enhancement of the Gelation Properties of Surimi from Yellowtail Seabream (Parargyrops edita, Sparidae) with Chinese Oak Silkworm Pupa, Antheraea pernyi
Authors: Zhu Jialin , Fan Daming , Zhao Jianxin , Zhang Hao , Huang Jianlian , Zhou Wenguo , Zhang Wenhai , Chen Wei
Published: December 2015

In this study, the textural properties and micromechanism of yellowtail seabream (Parargyrops edita, Sparidae) surimi, with and without Chinese oak silkworm pupa homogenate (SPH), were investigated at different levels. The fresh, freeze‐dried, and oven‐dried SPH all showed a gel‐enhancing ability in suwari (40/90 °C) and modori (67/90 °C) gels, in a concentration‐dependent manner. Though the drying treatments can improve the storability of SPH, compared with fresh, the effect of the active substance was weakened. Suwari and modori gels added with 5%(w/w, whole product) fresh SPH had the increase in breaking force and deformation by 37.39% and 47.98%, and 85.14% and 78.49%, respectively, compared with the control gel (without SPH addition). The major myofibrillar protein, especially myosin heavy chain (MHC), was better retained by the addition of SPH. Compared the control group, a finer, denser, and more ordered 3‐dimensional gel network microstructure was obtained, and different Df (Fractal dimension) was analyzed by using the box count method. This was found in all samples from 2.838 to 2.864 for suwari gels and 2.795 to 2.857 for modori gels, respectively. Therefore, the modori of yellowtail seabream surimi, linked with endogenous proteases, could be retarded in the presence of SPH, leading to an increase in gel strength.
Impact of Prior Consumption on Sour, Sweet, Salty, and Bitter Tastes
Authors: Christina Josephine , Palma‐Salgado Sindy , Clark Diana , Kahraman Ozan , Lee Soo‐Yeun
Published: December 2015

Food sensory tests generally require panelists to abstain from food or beverage consumption 30 min to an hour before a tasting session. However, investigators do not have a complete control over panelists' intentional or unintentional consumption prior to a tasting session. Currently, it is unclear how prior consumption impacts the results of the tasting session. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of temporary and lingering mouth irritation caused by the consumption of coffee, orange juice, and gum within 1, 15, or 30 min prior to the tasting session on the perception of 4 basic tastes: sweet, salty, sour, and bitter. Fifty‐two panelists were served a beverage (orange juice, coffee, and water) or were asked to chew a piece of gum, and then, remained in the waiting room for 1, 15, or 30 min. They were then asked to report taste intensities using 15‐cm unstructured line scales. Mean intensities of all tastes were not significantly different when orange juice was a primer at 1, 15, and 30 min when compared to water. Mean intensities of bitter were significantly lower when coffee was a primer at 1, 15, and 30 min than when water was a primer. Mean intensities of sweet were significantly lower when gum was a primer at 1 and 15 min than when water was a primer. The findings showed that it is necessary for 30 min or more waiting period of no food or beverage consumption prior to sensory testing.
Trajectories of drinking urges and the initiation of abstinence during cognitive–behavioral alcohol treatment
Authors: Hallgren Kevin A. , McCrady Barbara S. , Epstein Elizabeth E.
Published: December 2015

Background and aims

Drinking urges during treatment for alcohol use disorders (AUDs) are common, can cause distress and predict relapse. Clients may have little awareness of how their drinking urges might be expected to change during AUD treatment in general and in response to initiating abstinence. The aim of the present study was to test whether drinking urges change on a daily level during treatment and after initiating abstinence.

Design

Secondary data analysis was performed using daily drinking urge ratings from two randomized clinical trials.

Setting and Participants

Women (n = 98) and men (n = 79) with AUDs in separate clinical trials of out‐patient AUD‐focused cognitive–behavioral therapy.

Measurements

Daily dichotomous indicators of any drinking urges or acute escalations in urges (i.e. at least two more urges compared with the previous day) were examined using generalized linear mixed growth‐curve modeling.

Findings

Participants who initiated abstinence reported reductions in urges immediately thereafter (log odds ratios: women B = −0.701, P < 0.001; men B = −0.628, P = 0.018), followed by additional, gradual reductions over time (women B = −0.118, P < 0.001; men B = −0.141, P < 0.001). Participants who entered treatment abstaining from alcohol also reported significant reductions in urges over time (women B = −0.147, P < 0.001; men B = −0.142, P < 0.001). Participants who drank throughout treatment had smaller (women B = −0.042, P = 0.012) or no reductions in urges (men B = 0.015, P = 0.545). There was no evidence that urges increased systematically in response to initiating abstinence.

Conclusions

Drinking urges during out‐patient behavioral treatment for alcohol use disorders may be maintained in part by alcohol consumption. Initiating abstinence is associated with reductions in drinking urges immediately and then more gradually over time.
FTO gene variants are associated with growth and carcass traits in cattle
Authors: Jevsinek Skok D. , Kunej T. , Kovac M. , Malovrh S. , Potocnik K. , Petric N. , Zgur S. , Dovc P. , Horvat S.
Published: December 2015

An important aim in animal breeding is the improvement of growth and meat quality traits. Previous studies have demonstrated that genetic variants in the fat mass and obesity associated (FTO) gene have a relatively large effect on human obesity as well as on body composition in rodents and, more recently, in livestock. Here, we examined the effects of the FTO gene variants on growth and carcass traits in the Slovenian population of Simmental (SS) and Brown (SB) cattle. To validate and identify new polymorphisms, we used sequencing, PCR‐RFLP analysis and TaqMan assays in the SS breed and FTO gene variants data from the Illumina BovineSNP50 v1 array for the SB breed. Sequencing of the eight samples of progeny‐tested SS sires detected 108 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the bovine FTO gene. Statistical analyses between growth and carcass traits and 34 FTO polymorphisms revealed significant association of FTO variants with lean meat percentage in both breeds. Additionally, FTO SNPs analyzed in SS cattle were associated with fat percentage, bone weight and live weight at slaughter. The FTO gene can thus be regarded as a candidate gene for the marker‐assisted selection programs in our and possibly other populations of cattle. Future studies in cattle might reveal novel roles for the FTO gene in shaping carcass traits in livestock species as well as body composition control in other mammals.
Circulating complexes between tumour necrosis factor‐alpha and etanercept predict long‐term efficacy of etanercept in juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Kahn Robin , Berthold Elisabet , Gullstrand Birgitta , Schmidt Tobias , Kahn Fredrik , Geborek Pierre , Saxne Tore , Bengtsson Anders A. , Månsson Bengt
Published: December 2015

Aim

The relationship between tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) and drug survival had not been studied in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), and there were no laboratory tests to predict the long‐term efficacy of biological drugs for JIA. We studied whether serum levels of TNF‐α, free or bound to etanercept, could predict long‐term efficacy of etanercept in children with JIA.

Methods

We included 41 biologic‐naïve patients with JIA who started treatment with etanercept at Skåne University Hospital between 1999 and 2010. Serum taken at the start of treatment and at the six‐week follow‐up were analysed for TNF‐α and the long‐term efficacy of etanercept was assessed using the drug survival time.

Results

Levels of TNF‐α increased significantly at the six‐week follow‐up, and this was almost exclusively comprised of TNF‐α in complex with etanercept. The increase in TNF‐α showed a dose‐dependent correlation to long‐term drug survival (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Increasing levels of circulating TNF‐α at treatment initiation predicted long‐term efficacy of etanercept in children with JIA, which may have been due to different pathophysiological mechanisms of inflammation. Our result may provide a helpful clinical tool, as high levels of circulating TNF‐α/etanercept complexes could be used as a marker for the long‐term efficacy of etanercept.
Infants under two months of age with urinary tract infections are showing increasing resistance to empirical and oral antibiotics
Authors: Segal Zvi , Cohen Matan J. , Engelhard Dan , Tenenbaum Ariel , Simckes Ari M. , Benenson Shmuel , Stepensky Polina , Averbuch Diana
Published: December 2015

Aim

Data on antimicrobial resistance in uropathogens in infants up to the age of three months are limited. This study characterised resistance patterns in Gram‐negative uropathogens in infants up to the age of two months.

Methods

Previously healthy young infants with urinary tract infections (UTIs) were studied retrospectively. Antimicrobial susceptibility was evaluated. Multidrug resistance (MDR) was defined as resistance to at least three antibiotic classes. Clinical, laboratory and outcome data were compared between infants with UTIs caused by bacteria sensitive and resistant to empirical and to oral therapy.

Results

We evaluated 306 UTI episodes with 314 pathogens. The following resistance rates were observed: ampicillin 73.7%, cefazoline 22.1%, ampicillin/clavulanate 21.8%, cefuroxime 7.8%, gentamicin 7%; MDR 11.8%; resistant to empirical treatment 7.3% and resistant to available oral antibiotics 8.6%. Our study showed that pathogens resistant to empirical and oral therapy were more frequently isolated in non‐Jewish (Arab) infants and in those of ≥30 days of age. Resistance to empirical treatment and oral antibiotics also resulted in longer mean hospital stays.

Conclusion

Resistance to antibiotics challenges empirical therapy and compromises oral treatment options in young infants with UTIs. Antimicrobial resistance patterns should be monitored in infants to determine appropriate empirical antibiotic therapy protocols.
High frequency of multidrug‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus with SCCmec type III and Spa types t037 and t631 isolated from burn patients in southwest of Iran
Authors: Parhizgari Najmeh , Khoramrooz Seyed Sajjad , Malek Hosseini Seyed Ali Asghar , Marashifard Masoud , Yazdanpanah Mahboobeh , Emaneini Mohammad , Gharibpour Farzaneh , Mirzaii Mehdi , Darban‐Sarokhalil Davood , Moein Masoud , Naraki Mahmood
Published: December 2015

Methicilin resistance Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections are the major challenges in hospitals, especially in the burn units. The use of molecular typing methods is essential for tracking the spread of S. aureus infection and epidemiological investigations. The aim of this study was to find the profile of the spa types and also the prevalence of each SCCmec type of S. aureus strains in a central burn hospital in southwest of Iran. A total of 81 non‐duplicate S. aureus were isolated from burn patients between April 2011 and February 2012. The susceptibility of the isolates against 13 different antibiotics was tested by disk agar diffusion (DAD) method. MRSA strains were identified by amplification of mecA gene. Multiplex‐polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique was used to determine the SCCmec types of MRSA strains and all the S. aureus isolates were typed by spa typing method. Detection of mecA gene showed that 70 (86.4%) of the isolates were MRSA. The highest rate of resistance was observed for penicillin (97.5%) and erythromycin (77.8%). None of the isolates were resistant to vancomycin. Sixty‐seven of the 70 MRSA isolates harbored only SCCmec type III and three untypeable isolates. Five different spa types were detected. The most common spa types were t037 (42.5%) and t631 (34.5%) and were only found in MRSA isolates. Only SCCmec type III was found in burn patients which emphasizes the HA‐MRSA origin of these strains. Only five different spa types identified in this study are in accordance with one SCCmec type which indicates that a limited number of bacterial colons are circulated in the burn unit in this hospital.
Reduced‐port laparoscopic restorative proctocolectomy without diverting ileostomy
Authors: Ueki Takashi , Manabe Tatsuya , Nagayoshi Kinuko , Yanai Kosuke , Moriyama Taiki , Shimizu Shuji , Tanaka Masao
Published: December 2015

Introduction

We introduced a reduced‐port procedure for laparoscopic restorative proctocolectomy without diverting ileostomy for patients with familial adenomatous polyposis and ulcerative colitis.

Materials and Surgical Technique

A multichannel port was inserted through a 2.5‐cm umbilical incision. A 12‐mm port in the right lower abdomen and a 3‐ or 5‐mm port were also employed. A proctocolectomy was performed intracorporeally, and the entire colon and rectum were delivered through the umbilical incision. An ileal J‐pouch was made extracorporeally following division of the mesenteric vessels. Ileal j‐pouch–anal anastomosis was performed intracorporeally or transanally after rectal mucosectomy. A drain was inserted through the 12‐mm port incision, and a transanal decompression tube was placed in the pouch. Two women and one man underwent this surgery, and their postoperative recovery was uneventful.

Discussion

Laparoscopic restorative proctocolectomy without a diverting stoma by a reduced‐port technique is feasible and provides excellent cosmetic outcomes in selected patients.
Mycoplasma pneumonia of swine (MPS) resistance and immune characteristics of pig lines generated by crossing an MPS pulmonary lesion selected Landrace line and a highly immune capacity selected Large White line
Authors: Borjigin Liushiqi , Shimazu Tomoyuki , Katayama Yuki , Watanabe Kouichi , Kitazawa Haruki , Roh Sang‐gun , Aso Hisashi , Katoh Kazuo , Uchida Takafumi , Suda Yoshihito , Sakuma Akiko , Nakajo Mituru , Suzuki Keiichi
Published: December 2015

To understand the influence of crossbreeding on Mycoplasma pneumonia of swine (MPS) resistance and immune characteristics, two crossbred lines were characterized. One crossbred line, LaWa, was generated by crossing the MPS pulmonary lesion selected Landrace line (La) and the highly immune‐selected Large White line (Wa). The second crossbred line, LaWb, was generated by crossing the La line and the nonselected Large White line (Wb). The crossbred LbWb line (nonselected Landrace line × nonselected Large White line) and the La line were used as controls. The LaWa and LaWb lines had an intermediate level of MPS lung lesions between La and LbWb lines, although the difference was not statistically significant. After stimulation with sheep red blood cells (SRBCs), the LaWb and LaWa lines showed immune characteristics similar to that of the La line; the number of monocytes in peripheral blood increased, while B cells, T cells, secretion of SRBC‐specific immunoglobulin G, and interleukin (IL)‐13 decreased. Additionally, the number of natural killer (NK) cells and the expression of IL‐4 and IL‐17 were significantly higher in the LaWb and LaWa lines, respectively. These data suggested that crossbreeding of La and Wa lines resulted in the inheritance of some of the selected immune responses.