bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent advances and insights in dye-sensitized NiO photocathodes for photovoltaic devices
Authors: Nikolaou Vasilis , Charisiadis Asterios , Charalambidis Georgios , Coutsolelos Athanassios G. , Odobel Fabrice
Published: August 2017

Approaches to enhance the performance of recent sensitizers employed in dye-sensitized NiO photocathodes for DSC and DSPEC devices are described.
Reduced graphene oxide functionalized stretchable and multicolor electrothermal chromatic fibers
Authors: Li Qiang , Li Kerui , Fan Hongwei , Hou Chengyi , Li Yaogang , Zhang Qinghong , Wang Hongzhi
Published: August 2017

Stretchable and multicolor electrothermal chromatic fibers are prepared with a multilayered structure and achieve satisfactory comprehensive properties.
Embedded nanolamps in electrospun nanofibers enabling online monitoring and ratiometric measurements
Authors: Buchner Markus , Ngoensawat Umphan , Schenck Milena , Fenzl Christoph , Wongkaew Nongnoot , Matlock-Colangelo Lauren , Hirsch Thomas , Duerkop Axel , Baeumner Antje J.
Published: August 2017

Upconversion nanoparticles were incorporated in nanofibers as light emitting materials for online monitoring and ratiometric measurements in microfluidic systems.
Distributed Training Enhances Implicit Sequence Acquisition in Children With Specific Language Impairment
Authors: Desmottes Lise , Meulemans Thierry , Patinec Marie-Aude , Maillart Christelle
Published: August 2017

Purpose

This study explored the effects of 2 different training structures on the implicit acquisition of a sequence in a serial reaction time (SRT) task in children with and without specific language impairment (SLI).

Method

All of the children underwent 3 training sessions, followed by a retention session 2 weeks after the last session. In the massed-training condition, the 3 training sessions were in immediate succession on 1 day, whereas in the distributed-training condition, the 3 training sessions were spread over a 1-week period in an expanding schedule format.

Results

Statistical analyses showed that the children with normal language were unaffected by the training conditions, performing the SRT task similarly in both training conditions. The children with SLI, however, were affected by the training structure, performing the SRT task better when the training sessions were spaced over time rather than clustered on 1 day.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that although intensive training does not increase learning in children with SLI, distributing training sessions over time does increase learning. The implications of these results on the learning abilities of children with SLI are discussed, as are the mechanisms involved in massed versus distributed learning.
Leading the Way With Supervision Training: Embracing Change and Transforming Clinical Practice
Authors: Procaccini Samantha J. , McNamara Kevin M. , Lenzen Natalie M.
Published: August 2017

The practice area of clinical supervision has recently acknowledged a demand for efficacious and accessible supervision training opportunities. As with any area of clinical practice, effective supervision requires prior training. Those who engage in supervision practices must be well-trained to adequately support the advancement of evidence-based clinicians. This article will discuss the upcoming changes in supervision training requirements and how embracing these changes will ultimately transform the fields of audiology and speech language pathology.
Gas kinematics and star formation in the filamentary molecular cloud G47.06+0.26
Authors: Xu Jin-Long , Xu Ye , Zhang Chuan-Peng , Liu Xiao-Lan , Yu Naiping , Ning Chang-Chun , Ju Bing-Gang
Published: August 2017

Aims. We performed a multi-wavelength study toward the filamentary cloud G47.06+0.26 to investigate the gas kinematics and star formation.

Methods. We present the 12CO (J = 1−0), 13CO (J = 1−0) and C18O (J = 1−0) observations of G47.06+0.26 obtained with the Purple Mountain Observation (PMO) 13.7 m radio telescope to investigate the detailed kinematics of the filament. Radio continuum and infrared archival data were obtained from the NRAO VLA Sky Survey (NVSS), the APEX Telescope Large Area Survey of the Galaxy (ATLASGAL), the Galactic Legacy Infrared Mid-Plane Survey Extraordinaire (GLIMPSE) survey, and the Multi-band Imaging Photometer Survey of the Galaxy (MIPSGAL). To trace massive clumps and extract young stellar objects in G47.06+0.26, we used the BGPS catalog v2.0 and the GLIMPSE I catalog, respectively.

Results. The 12CO (J = 1−0) and 13CO (J = 1−0) emission of G47.06+0.26 appear to show a filamentary structure. The filament extends about 45′ (58.1 pc) along the east-west direction. The mean width is about 6.8 pc, as traced by the 13CO (J = 1−0) emission. G47.06+0.26 has a linear mass density of ~361.5 M⊙pc-1. The external pressure (due to neighboring bubbles and H II regions) may help preventing the filament from dispersing under the effects of turbulence. From the velocity-field map, we discern a velocity gradient perpendicular to G47.06+0.26. From the Bolocam Galactic Plane Survey (BGPS) catalog, we found nine BGPS sources in G47.06+0.26, that appear to these sources have sufficient mass to form massive stars. We obtained that the clump formation efficiency (CFE) is ~18% in the filament. Four infrared bubbles were found to be located in, and adjacent to, G47.06+0.26. Particularly, infrared bubble N98 shows a cometary structure. CO molecular gas adjacent to N98 also shows a very intense emission. H II regions associated with infrared bubbles can inject the energy to surrounding gas. We calculated the kinetic energy, ionization energy, and thermal energy of two H II regions in G47.06+0.26. From the GLIMPSE I catalog, we selected some Class I sources with an age of ~105 yr, which are clustered along the filament. The feedback from the H II regions may cause the formation of a new generation of stars in filament G47.06+0.26.
Existence result for degenerate cross-diffusion system with application to seawater intrusion
Authors: Alkhayal Jana , Issa Samar , Jazar Mustapha , Monneau Régis
Published: August 2017

In this paper we study a degenerate parabolic system, which is strongly coupled. We prove general existence result, but the uniqueness question remains open. Our proof of existence is based on a crucial entropy estimate which controls the gradient of the solution together with its non-negativity. Our system is of porous medium type which is applicable to models in seawater intrusion.
Nickel-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling of Functionalized Organo­manganese Reagents with Aryl and Heteroaryl Halides Promoted by 4-Fluorostyrene
Authors: Knochel Paul , Benischke Andreas , Desaintjean Alexandre , Juli Thomas , Cahiez Gérard
Published: August 2017

A catalytic system consisting of Ni(acac)2 (5 mol%) and 4-fluorostyrene (20 mol%) allows a convenient cross-coupling of functionalized organomanganese reagents with a variety of aryl and heteroaryl halides leading to polyfunctionalized diaryl- and arylheteroarylmethane derivatives.
A Practical Gram-Scale Synthesis of Acrylohydroxamic Acid
Authors: Hamper Bruce , Sullivan Brendan , Rath Nigam , Spilling Christopher
Published: August 2017

Acrylohydroxamic acid, which is a useful monomer for the preparation of polymeric materials, has been prepared in a straightforward, two-step synthesis from readily available starting materials. The key steps are coupling of acrylic acid with O-tetrahydropyranylhydroxyl amine to provide protection of the hydroxylamine functionality, followed by acid cleavage of the protecting group.
Bewegungskontrolle LWS
Authors: Oswald Oliver
Published: August 2017

Assessments sind objektive standardisierte Testverfahren, mit denen sich in der
Physiotherapie die Situation des Patienten umfassend beurteilen lässt. Sie
liefern unverzichtbare Hinweise für die Optimierung und weitere Planung der
Therapie. Die AG Akademisierung des VPT stellt im VPTMAGAZIN valide Tests
steckbriefartig vor.
Die FODMAP-Ernährungstherapie bei funktionellen Darmerkrankungen
Authors: Edlinger Edburg , Schilling Beatrice
Published: August 2017

Das FODMAP-Konzept wird seit 2005 erforscht und hat sich in verschiedenen wissenschaftlichen Studien bei
funktionellen Darmerkrankungen (Reizdarmsyndrom, RDS) als wirksam erwiesen [1, 2, 3, 4]. Mit einer 2- bis 6-wöchigen FODMAP-armen Eliminationsphase kann herausgefunden werden, ob
eine Person mit Reizdarmsyndrom dadurch weniger Beschwerden und eine bessere Lebensqualität hat. Dies ist
bei 50–75 % der Betroffenen der Fall. Dann können FODMAP-reiche Nahrungsmittel schrittweise und gezielt
bis zur individuellen Toleranz wieder eingeführt werden.
Ernährung bei Störung der Verdauungsfunktionen
Authors: Frieling Thomas , Krummen Britta , Kalde Sigrid
Published: August 2017

Viele Patienten mit gastrointestinalen Funktionsstörungen bzw. funktionellen gastrointestinalen
Erkrankungen geben nahrungsassoziierte Beschwerden an. Die Bewertung der Symptome ist subjektiv und kann
nur in wenigen Fällen objektiviert werden. Die wesentlichen Differenzialdiagnosen (u. a. chologene
Diarrhö, Zöliakie) sollten beachtet werden. Nach Standardisierung (leichte Vollkost) mit Berücksichtigung
der Zeit, Menge und Frequenz der Nahrungszufuhr kann eine Diagnostik und Therapie durch ein
Ernährungstagebuch mit individueller Nahrungsanpassung erfolgen. Diätetische Strategien sind die
laktose-, fruktose- bzw. sorbitarme Ernährung bei Nachweis einer entsprechenden Unverträglichkeit im
Wasserstoffatemtest, die gluten- bzw. weizenarme Kost, die FODMAP-reduzierte Kost bzw. die 6-Food-Diät
bei eosinophiler Ösophagitis. Eine dogmatische, auf bestimmte Ernährungsgewohnheiten fixierte Diät sollte
vermieden werden.
Structure and lattice dynamics of the wide band gap semiconductors MgSiN2 and MgGeN2
Authors: Råsander M. , Quirk J. B. , Wang T. , Mathew S. , Davies R. , Palgrave R. G. , Moram M. A.
Published: August 2017

We have determined the structural and lattice dynamical properties of the orthorhombic, wide band gap semiconductors MgSiN2 and MgGeN2 using density functional theory. In addition, we present the structural properties and Raman spectra of MgSiN2 powder. The structural properties and lattice dynamics of the orthorhombic systems are compared to those of wurtzite AlN. We find clear differences in the lattice dynamics between MgSiN2, MgGeN2 and AlN, for example, we find that the highest phonon frequency in MgSiN2 is about 100 cm−1 higher than the highest frequency in AlN, and that MgGeN2 is much softer. We also provide the Born effective charge tensors and dielectric tensors of MgSiN2, MgGeN2 and AlN. Phonon related thermodynamic properties, such as the heat capacity and the entropy, have also been evaluated and are found to be in very good agreement with available experimental results.
Lubricant shear thinning behavior correlated with variation of radius of gyration via molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Liu Pinzhi , Lu Jie , Yu Hualong , Ren Ning , Lockwood Frances E. , Wang Q. Jane
Published: August 2017

The shear thinning of a lubricant significantly affects lubrication film generation at high shear rates. The critical shear rate, defined at the onset of shear thinning, marks the transition of lubricant behaviors. It is challenging to capture the entire shear-thinning curve by means of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations owing to the low signal-to-noise ratio or long calculation time at comparatively low shear rates (104–106 s−1), which is likely coincident with the shear rates of interest for lubrication applications. This paper proposes an approach that correlates the shear-thinning phenomenon with the change in the molecular conformation characterized by the radius of gyration of the molecule. Such a correlation should be feasible to capture the major mechanism of shear thinning for small- to moderate-sized non-spherical molecules, which is shear-induced molecular alignment. The idea is demonstrated by analyzing the critical shear rate for squalane (C30H62) and 1-decene trimer (C30H62); it is then implemented to study the behaviors of different molecular weight poly-α-olefin (PAO) structures. Time-temperature-pressure superpositioning (TTPS) is demonstrated and it helps further extend the ranges of the temperature and pressure for shear-thinning behavior analyses. The research leads to a relationship between molecular weight and critical shear rate for PAO structures, and the results are compared with those from the Einstein-Debye equation.
High frequency transducer for vessel imaging based on lead-free Mn-doped (K0.44Na0.56)NbO3 single crystal
Authors: Ma Jinpeng , Xue Saidong , Zhao Xiangyong , Wang Feifei , Tang Yanxue , Duan Zhihua , Wang Tao , Shi Wangzhou , Yue Qingwen , Zhou Huifang , Luo Haosu , Fang Bijun
Published: August 2017

We report a high frequency ultrasonic transducer up to 50 MHz for vessel imaging based on a lead-free (K0.44Na0.56)NbO3–0.5 mol. % Mn (Mn-KNN) single crystal, which has a high electromechanical coupling coefficient kt of 0.64 and a large thickness frequency constant Nt of 3210 kHz · mm. The Krimholtz, Leedom, and Mattaei (KLM) equivalent circuit model was utilized to simulate and optimize the pulse-echo response combined with PiezoCAD software. Theoretically, a high -6 dB bandwidth of 74.94% was obtained at a center frequency of 50.47 MHz and optimized matching conditions. The experimental results showed a center frequency of 51.8 MHz with a −6 dB bandwidth of 70.2%. The excellent global performance makes this lead-free single-crystal transducer quite potential in an environmentally friendly vessel imaging transducer.
Magnetic-coupled phase anomaly in mixed-phase BiFeO3 thin films
Authors: Huang Yen-Chin , Liou Yi-De , Liu Heng-Jui , Lee Hsin-Hua , Chen Yi-Chun , Chu Ying-Hao
Published: August 2017

The rich phase diagram of rhombohedral (R)-like and tetragonal (T)-like monoclinic polymorph in strained BiFeO3 (BFO) films brings on various functionalities. Finding correlations of physical ordering parameters in this system is generally difficult because T-like and R-like phases are undistinguishable in many aspects. In this study, the magnetic-coupled structural transitions of the mixed-phase BFO at low temperatures were investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectroscopy. To resolve the complexity resulted from the similarity between T-like and R-like phases, we analyzed the Raman spectra on a micro-scale region with various T/R ratios, which is in situ manipulated by an AFM tip carrying a dc bias. Phonons of T-like and R-like phases were thus successfully separated. Based on temperature-dependent XRD and resolved Raman spectra, we observed two isostructural transitions at around 225 K and 150 K, and they are strongly correlated with the magnetic ordering in the mixed-phase BFO film. Moreover, through the effective spin-lattice coupling, the evolution of the T/R polymorph is changed by the magnetic cooling process at low temperatures. This study provides a pathway to modulate phonon behaviors by magnetic fields in a highly strained system.
Kerr nonlinearity and multi-photon absorption in germanium at mid-infrared wavelengths
Authors: Sohn B.-U. , Monmeyran C. , Kimerling L. C. , Agarwal A. M. , Tan D. T. H.
Published: August 2017

Multiphoton absorption coefficients and nonlinear refractive indices of germanium in the near and mid-infrared (2–5 μm) are reported. The nonlinear coefficients are measured by open and closed aperture Z-scan with 150 fs pulses at a repetition rate of 1 kHz. The nonlinear refractive index of Ge has a peak value of 9.1×10−5cm2/GW at a wavelength of 3 μm. The effect of free electrons generated by multiphoton absorption is discussed by investigating the variation of multiphoton absorption coefficients at different input powers. Kramers-Kronig relations are also discussed with regard to the relationship between nonlinear refractive index and two photon absorption coefficient.
Mid-infrared epsilon-near-zero modes in ultra-thin phononic films
Authors: Nordin L. , Dominguez O. , Roberts C. M. , Streyer W. , Feng K. , Fang Z. , Podolskiy V. A. , Hoffman A. J. , Wasserman D.
Published: August 2017

We demonstrate strong, narrow-band selective absorption and subsequent selective thermal emission from ultra-thin planar films of polar materials at mid-infrared wavelengths. Our structures consist of AlN layers of varying thicknesses deposited upon molybdenum ground planes. We demonstrate coupling to the Berreman mode at frequencies at, or near, the longitudinal optical phonon energy of AlN. Samples are characterized experimentally by temperature-, angle-, and polarization-dependent Fourier transform infrared reflection and emission spectroscopy and modeled using a transfer matrix method approach. Strong, spectrally selective thermal emission, with near angle-independent spectral position, is demonstrated from an AlN layer with thickness t<λo/100.
Highly stretchable electrospun conducting polymer nanofibers
Authors: Boubée de Gramont Fanny , Zhang Shiming , Tomasello Gaia , Kumar Prajwal , Sarkissian Andranik , Cicoira Fabio
Published: August 2017

Biomedical electronics research targets both wearable and biocompatible electronic devices easily adaptable to specific functions. To achieve such goals, stretchable organic electronic materials are some of the most intriguing candidates. Herein, we develop highly stretchable poly-(3,4-ethylenedioxythiphene) (PEDOT) doped with tosylate (PEDOT:Tos) nanofibers. A two-step process involving electrospinning of a carrier polymer (with oxidant) and vapor phase polymerization was used to produce fibers on a polydimethylsiloxane substrate. The fibers can be stretched up to 140% of the initial length maintaining high conductivity.
Viscous decay of nonlinear oscillations of a spherical bubble at large Reynolds number
Authors: Smith W. R. , Wang Q. X.
Published: August 2017

The long-time viscous decay of large-amplitude bubble oscillations is considered in an incompressible Newtonian fluid, based on the Rayleigh–Plesset equation. At large Reynolds numbers, this is a multi-scaled problem with a short time scale associated with inertial oscillation and a long time scale associated with viscous damping. A multi-scaled perturbation method is thus employed to solve the problem. The leading-order analytical solution of the bubble radius history is obtained to the Rayleigh–Plesset equation in a closed form including both viscous and surface tension effects. Some important formulae are derived including the following: the average energy loss rate of the bubble system during each cycle of oscillation, an explicit formula for the dependence of the oscillation frequency on the energy, and an implicit formula for the amplitude envelope of the bubble radius as a function of the energy. Our theory shows that the energy of the bubble system and the frequency of oscillation do not change on the inertial time scale at leading order, the energy loss rate on the long viscous time scale being inversely proportional to the Reynolds number. These asymptotic predictions remain valid during each cycle of oscillation whether or not compressibility effects are significant. A systematic parametric analysis is carried out using the above formula for the energy of the bubble system, frequency of oscillation, and minimum/maximum bubble radii in terms of the Reynolds number, the dimensionless initial pressure of the bubble gases, and the Weber number. Our results show that the frequency and the decay rate have substantial variations over the lifetime of a decaying oscillation. The results also reveal that large-amplitude bubble oscillations are very sensitive to small changes in the initial conditions through large changes in the phase shift.
Low frequency fully kinetic simulation of the toroidal ion temperature gradient instability
Authors: Sturdevant B. J. , Chen Y. , Parker S. E.
Published: August 2017

A fully kinetic ion model is useful for the verification of gyrokinetic turbulence simulations in certain regimes, where the gyrokinetic model may break down due to the lack of small ordering parameters. However, for a fully kinetic model to be of value, it must first be able to accurately simulate low frequency drift-type instabilities typically well within the domain of gyrokinetics. Here, a fully kinetic ion model is formulated with weak gradient drive terms and applied to the toroidal ion-temperature-gradient (ITG) instability for the first time. Implementation in toroidal geometry is discussed, where orthogonal coordinates are used for particle dynamics, but field-line-following coordinates are used for the field equation allowing for high resolution of the field-aligned mode structure. Variational methods are formulated for integrating the equation of motion allowing for accuracy at a modest time-step size. Linear results are reported for both the slab and toroidal ITG instabilities. Good agreement with full Vlasov and gyrokinetic theory is demonstrated in slab geometry. Good agreement with global gyrokinetic simulation is also shown in toroidal geometry.
Numerical study on wave-induced beam ion prompt losses in DIII-D tokamak
Authors: Feng Zhichen , Zhu Jia , Fu Guo-Yong , Heidbrink W. W. , Van Zeeland M. A.
Published: August 2017

A numerical study is performed on the coherent beam ion prompt losses driven by Alfvén eigenmodes (AEs) in DIII-D plasmas using realistic parameters and beam ion deposition profiles. The synthetic signal of a fast-ion loss detector (FILD) is calculated for a single AE mode. The first harmonic of the calculated FILD signal is linearly proportional to the AE amplitude with the same AE frequency in agreement with the experimental measurement. The calculated second harmonic is proportional to the square of the first harmonic for typical AE amplitudes. The coefficient of quadratic scaling is found to be sensitive to the AE mode width. The second part of this work considers the AE drive due to coherent prompt loss. It is shown that the loss-induced mode drive is much smaller than the previous estimate and can be ignored for mode stability.
Influence of the heterostructure design on the optical properties of GaN and Al0.1Ga0.9N quantum dots for ultraviolet emission
Authors: Matta S. , Brault J. , Ngo T. H. , Damilano B. , Korytov M. , Vennéguès P. , Nemoz M. , Massies J. , Leroux M. , Gil B.
Published: August 2017

The optical properties of AlyGa1-yN quantum dots (QDs), with y = 0 or y = 0.1, in an AlxGa1−xN matrix are studied. The influence of the QD layer design is investigated pointing out the correlations between the QD structural and optical properties. In a first part, the role of the epitaxial strain in the dot self-assembling process is studied by fabricating GaN QD layers on different AlxGa1−xN layers with 0.5 ≤ x ≤ 0.7. Photoluminescence (PL) measurements show the main influence of the increase of the internal electric field (Fint) on the QD optical response inducing a strong red shift in the emission energy as x increases. Time resolved combined with temperature dependent PL measurements enabled the estimation of the QD internal quantum efficiencies at low temperature showing values around 50%. In addition, a PL integrated intensity ratio up to 74% is shown, between 300 and 9 K. In the second part, the design of Al0.1Ga0.9N QDs was investigated, by varying the Al0.1Ga0.9N amount deposited. An increase of the transition energy (from 3.65 eV up to 3.83 eV) is obtained while decreasing the deposited amount. Calculations of the ground state transition energies as a function of the Al0.1Ga0.9N dot height give a value of Fint around 2.0 ± 0.5 MV/cm. Therefore, the propensity of Al0.1Ga0.9N dots to emit at much higher energies than GaN dots (a PL shift of ∼1 eV using a low excitation power) is seen as the consequence of the reduced Fint together with their smaller sizes.
Conducting polymer nanofibers enable electric currents in conformable devices
Authors: Blaustein Rich
Published: August 2017

Researchers demonstrate a two-stage process to produce biocompatible devices with conducting nanofibers embedded in a highly stretchable polymer.
Investigation of solidification cracking susceptibility during laser beam welding using an in-situ observation technique
Authors: Bakir Nasim , Gumenyuk Andrey , Rethmeier Michael
Published: August 2017

In recent years, laser beam welding has found wide applications in many industrial fields. Solidification cracks are one of the most frequently encountered welding defects that hinder obtaining a safe weld joint. Decades of research have shown that one of the main causes of such cracks are the strain and the strain rate. Obtaining meaningful measurements of these strains has always been a major challenge for scientists, because of the specific environment of the measurement range and the many obstacles, as well as the high temperature and the plasma plume. In this study, a special experimental setup with a high-speed camera was employed to measure the strain during the welding process. The hot cracking susceptibility was investigated for 1.4301 stainless steel, and the critical strain required for solidification crack formation was locally and globally determined.
RIPK1-dependent apoptosis bypasses pathogen blockade of innate signaling to promote immune defense
Authors: Peterson Lance W. , Philip Naomi H. , DeLaney Alexandra , Wynosky-Dolfi Meghan A. , Asklof Kendra , Gray Falon , Choa Ruth , Bjanes Elisabet , Buza Elisabeth L. , Hu Baofeng , Dillon Christopher P. , Green Douglas R. , Berger Scott B. , Gough Peter J. , Bertin John , Brodsky Igor E.
Published: August 2017

Many pathogens deliver virulence factors or effectors into host cells in order to evade host defenses and establish infection. Although such effector proteins disrupt critical cellular signaling pathways, they also trigger specific antipathogen responses, a process termed “effector-triggered immunity.” The Gram-negative bacterial pathogen Yersinia inactivates critical proteins of the NF-κB and MAPK signaling cascade, thereby blocking inflammatory cytokine production but also inducing apoptosis. Yersinia-induced apoptosis requires the kinase activity of receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1), a key regulator of cell death, NF-κB, and MAPK signaling. Through the targeted disruption of RIPK1 kinase activity, which selectively disrupts RIPK1-dependent cell death, we now reveal that Yersinia-induced apoptosis is critical for host survival, containment of bacteria in granulomas, and control of bacterial burdens in vivo. We demonstrate that this apoptotic response provides a cell-extrinsic signal that promotes optimal innate immune cytokine production and antibacterial defense, demonstrating a novel role for RIPK1 kinase–induced apoptosis in mediating effector-triggered immunity to circumvent pathogen inhibition of immune signaling.
Exploding microbubbles driving a simple electrochemical micropump
Authors: Uvarov Ilia V , Lemekhov Sergey S , Melenev Artem E , Svetovoy Vitaly B
Published: August 2017

Electrochemical microactuators and micropumps are too slow for many applications. The use of the alternating polarity electrolysis can strongly reduce the response time of such devices. We investigate a powerful pumping regime of a simple valveless micropump made from polydimethylsiloxane on a glass substrate. Microsecond dynamics of the gas bubbles in the chamber is monitored with fast cameras. After an incubation period of 10–100 ms a microbubble filling the entire chamber pops up in less than100 μs and disappears in 10 ms. This bubble pushes liquid out and drives the pump. The phenomenon is interpreted as an explosion of the microbubble containing a mixture of H2and O2gases. For higher amplitude of the driving pulses the incubation time can be as short as 1–2 ms but many uncorrelated microbubbles are formed in the chamber, and disappear in 1 ms. As the result a less powerful but faster pumping is possible. A few principles allowing further improve the micropump characteristics are formulated.
Decoding natural reach-and-grasp actions from human EEG
Authors: Schwarz Andreas , Ofner Patrick , Pereira Joana , Sburlea Andreea Ioana , Müller-Putz Gernot R
Published: August 2017

Objective. Despite the high number of degrees of freedom of the human hand, most actions of daily life can be executed incorporating only palmar, pincer and lateral grasp. In this study we attempt to discriminate these three different executed reach-and-grasp actions utilizing their EEG neural correlates. Approach. In a cue-guided experiment, 15 healthy individuals were asked to perform these actions using daily life objects. We recorded 72 trials for each reach-and-grasp condition and from a no-movement condition. Main results. Using low-frequency time domain features from 0.3 to 3 Hz, we achieved binary classification accuracies of 72.4%, STD  ±  5.8% between grasp types, for grasps versus no-movement condition peak performances of 93.5%, STD  ±  4.6% could be reached. In an offline multiclass classification scenario which incorporated not only all reach-and-grasp actions but also the no-movement condition, the highest performance could be reached using a window of 1000 ms for feature extraction. Classification performance peaked at 65.9%, STD  ±  8.1%. Underlying neural correlates of the reach-and-grasp actions, investigated over the primary motor cortex, showed significant differences starting from approximately 800 ms to 1200 ms after the movement onset which is also the same time frame where classification performance reached its maximum. Significance. We could show that it is possible to discriminate three executed reach-and-grasp actions prominent in people’s everyday use from non-invasive EEG. Underlying neural correlates showed significant differences between all tested conditions. These findings will eventually contribute to our attempt of controlling a neuroprosthesis in a natural and intuitive way, which could ultimately benefit motor impaired end users in their daily life actions.
Heegaard Floer invariants in codimension one
Authors: Levine Adam , Ruberman Daniel
Published: August 2017

Using Heegaard Floer homology, we construct a numerical invariant for any smooth, oriented

4
4

-manifold

X
X

with the homology of

S
1

×

S
3

S^1 \times S^3

. Specifically, we show that for any smoothly embedded

3
3

-manifold

Y
Y

representing a generator of

H
3

(
X
)

H_3(X)

, a suitable version of the Heegaard Floer

d
d

invariant of

Y
Y

, defined using twisted coefficients, is a diffeomorphism invariant of

X
X

. We show how this invariant can be used to obstruct embeddings of certain types of

3
3

-manifolds, including those obtained as a connected sum of a rational homology

3
3

-sphere and any number of copies of

S
1

×

S
2

S^1 \times S^2

. We also give similar obstructions to embeddings in certain open

4
4

-manifolds, including exotic

R

4

\mathbb {R}^4

s.
Potentially 𝐺𝐿₂-type Galois representations associated to noncongruence modular forms
Authors: Li Wen-Ching , Liu Tong , Long Ling
Published: August 2017

In this paper, we consider representations of the absolute Galois group

Gal
(

Q

¯

/

Q

)

\text {Gal}(\overline {\mathbb Q}/\mathbb Q)

attached to modular forms for noncongruence subgroups of

SL
2

(

Z

)

\text {SL}_2(\mathbb Z)

. When the underlying modular curves have a model over

Q

\mathbb {Q}

, these representations are constructed by Scholl in [Invent. Math. 99 (1985), pp. 49–77] and are referred to as Scholl representations, which form a large class of motivic Galois representations. In particular, by a result of Belyi, Scholl representations include the Galois actions on the Jacobian varieties of algebraic curves defined over

Q

\mathbb Q

. As Scholl representations are motivic, they are expected to correspond to automorphic representations according to the Langlands philosophy. Using recent developments on automorphy lifting theorem, we obtain various automorphy and potential automorphy results for potentially

G
L

2

\mathrm {GL}_2

-type Galois representations associated to noncongruence modular forms. Our results are applied to various kinds of examples. In particular, we obtain potential automorphy results for Galois representations attached to an infinite family of spaces of weight 3 noncongruence cusp forms of arbitrarily large dimensions.
CSAR: a contig scaffolding tool using algebraic rearrangements
Authors: Chen Kun-Tze , Liu Chia-Liang , Huang Shang-Hao , Shen Hsin-Ting , Shieh Yi-Kung , Chiu Hsien-Tai , Lu Chin Lung
Published: August 2017

Advances in next generation sequencing have generated massive amounts of short reads. However, assembling genome sequences from short reads still remains a challenging task. Due to errors in reads and large repeats in the genome, many of current assembly tools usually produce just collections of contigs whose relative positions and orientations along the genome being sequenced are still unknown. To address this issue, a scaffolding process to order and orient the contigs of a draft genome is needed for completing the genome sequence. In this work, we propose a new scaffolding tool called CSAR that can efficiently and more accurately order and orient the contigs of a given draft genome based on a reference genome of a related organism. In particular, the reference genome required by CSAR is not necessary to be complete in sequence. Our experimental results on real datasets have shown that CSAR outperforms other similar tools such as Projector2, OSLay and Mauve Aligner in terms of average sensitivity, precision, F-score, genome coverage, NGA50 and running time.

Availability and implementation

The program of CSAR can be downloaded from https://github.com/ablab-nthu/CSAR.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Description of the Nicotiana benthamiana−Cercospora nicotianae Pathosystem
Authors: Fodor József , Kámán-Tóth Evelin , Dankó Tamás , Schwarczinger Ildikó , Bozsó Zoltán , Pogány Miklós
Published: August 2017

Nicotiana benthamiana is a valuable model organism in plant biology research. This report describes its extended applicability in the field of molecular plant pathology by introducing a nonbiotrophic fungal pathogen Cercospora nicotianae that can be conveniently used under laboratory conditions, consistently induces a necrotic leaf spot disease on Nicotiana benthamiana, and is specialized on solanaceous plants. Our inoculation studies showed that C. nicotianae more effectively colonizes N. benthamiana than its conventional host, N. tabacum. The functions of two critical regulators of host immunity, coronatine-insensitive 1 (COI1) and ethylene-insensitive 2 (EIN2), were studied in N. benthamiana using Tobacco rattle virus-based virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS). Perturbation of jasmonic acid or ethylene signaling by VIGS of either COI1 or EIN2, respectively, resulted in markedly increased Cercospora leaf spot symptoms on N. benthamiana plants. These results suggest that the N. benthamiana–C. nicotianae host–pathogen interaction is a prospective but hitherto unutilized pathosystem for studying gene functions in diseased plants.
Pilot Study Examining the Safety and Efficacy of Calcium Hydroxylapatite Filler With Integral Lidocaine Over a 12-Month Period to Correct Temporal Fossa Volume Loss
Authors: Juhász Margit L.W. , Levin Melissa K. , Marmur Ellen S.
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND

Age-related volume loss in the temporal fossae is due to thinning of the epidermis, loss of subcutaneous structural volume, and change in the bony architecture. Temporal concavities are important areas of 3-dimensional volume restoration. The temporal fossae is becoming an increasingly popular area for patients seeking soft tissue augmentation with injectable fillers such as calcium hydroxylapatite with integral lidocaine [CaHA (+)].

OBJECTIVE

This pilot study aims to define the safety, efficacy, technique, and patient-reported outcomes for injectable CaHA (+) to correct volume loss in the temporal fossae over a 12-month period.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a single-investigator, nonblinded study involving 20 participants. Participants received filler injection into their temporal fossae, with follow-up evaluations at Day 14, 6 weeks, and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months.

RESULTS

CaHA (+) results in statistically significant improvement in temporal fossae appearance lasting up to 12 months. Subjects reported “moderate” global aesthetic improvement over the 12-month period.

CONCLUSION

As the cosmetic field continues to advance, it is important for practitioners to have access to research regarding the efficacy and safety of injectables. These results show that CaHA (+) is an effective and safe option to correct temporal fossae volume loss associated with high patient satisfaction.
Male Body Contouring
Authors: Coleman Kyle M. , Lawrence Naomi
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND

Men are increasingly seeking out cosmetic procedures, especially minimally and noninvasive body-contouring procedures.

OBJECTIVE

With the relative lack of scientific evidence related specifically to the use of body-contouring procedures in men, there is a need for more education and scientific discussion in this growing group.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Understanding the male anatomy and aesthetics, and how body-contouring techniques and new modalities can be used in men, can lead to better outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

This review of body contouring in men emphasizes currently available literature and author experiences.
BLEB-RELATED ENDOPHTHALMITIS AFTER USE OF THE INVITRIA INJECTION GUIDE
Authors: Baneke Alex J. , Vakros Georgios , Sharma Vik , Wong Sui Chien
Published: August 2017

Purpose:

To present the case of a patient who developed bleb-related endophthalmitis after an intravitreal injection using the InVitria injection guide, alongside a review of the literature on bleb-related endophthalmitis.

Methods:

Our case is presented in context of the current literature on bleb-related endophthalmitis.

Results:

Bleb-related endophthalmitis occurs in up to 2% of eyes within 5 years of filtering glaucoma surgery. Risk factors include bleb leakage, use of anti-fibrinolytic agents, blepharitis, hypotony, and nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Our patient presented with a bleb leak and bleb-related endophthalmitis 2 weeks after an intravitreal injection using the InVitria injection guide.

Conclusion:

Injection guides can cause bleb trauma and resulting bleb leakage. They should be avoided in patients with filtering glaucoma surgery.
UTILITY OF INTRAOPERATIVE OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY IN ACUTE ENDOPHTHALMITIS
Authors: Yaginuma Shigeharu , Inoue Makoto , Itoh Yuji , Takahashi Hiroyuki , Hirakata Akito
Published: August 2017

Purpose:

To evaluate the efficacy of intraoperative optical coherence tomography (OCT) during vitrectomy for acute endophthalmitis.

Methods:

The intraoperative and postoperative images of an 87-year-old woman with acute endophthalmitis after uncomplicated cataract surgery were analyzed.

Results:

At presentation, the vision of the patient was 20/2000, and the preoperative OCT was unable to obtain clear images because of vitreous opacities. Intraoperative OCT showed that the inner retinal layer was hyperreflective because of diffuse retinal edema. Cystic changes were also present in the retina. A fibrin-like epiretinal membrane that was connected to the hyperreflective inner retinal layer was detected, and the retinal microstructures were well preserved. Intravitreal injections of vancomycin and ceftazidime were given at the end of the surgery. Postoperative examination showed that the epiretinal membrane–like tissue disappeared on the OCT image 1 month after the surgery, and the vision improved to 20/30.

Conclusion:

Intraoperative OCT can be useful to examine the structural alterations of the retina in eyes with vitreous opacities that prevent preoperative OCT examinations. Evaluations of intraoperative OCT images can provide information on what surgical procedures are needed.
Potential Impact of Changes in the Schedule for Primary Diphtheria-Tetanus Toxoids-Pertussis Immunization as Control Strategy for Pertussis
Authors: Bergero Paula Elena , Fabricius Gabriel , Hozbor Daniela Flavia , Theeten Heidi , Hens Niel
Published: August 2017

Background:

Pertussis is a vaccine-preventable respiratory disease that may cause death mainly in infants. The schedules for primary pertussis vaccination are set in each country by the local health authorities. Several different schedules meet World Health Organization recommendations, 2–4–6 months, 6–10–14 weeks, 2–3–4 months and 3–4–5 months being the most commonly used worldwide. In this work, we analyze the benefits of changing the vaccination schedule to control the disease.

Methods:

We used an age-structured deterministic mathematical model for pertussis transmission to compute the incidences for the 4 above-mentioned schedules. Different vaccination coverages and vaccine effectiveness levels were considered. Immunization data from Argentina and Belgium were used.

Results:

The highest reduction in incidence was obtained by adopting the 6–10–14 weeks schedule, reaching about a 36% reduction of 0–1-year incidence with respect to the 2–4–6 months schedule. We show the dependence of this reduction on both vaccine effectiveness and coverage. The severe pertussis incidence decreased significantly when the first dose of the 2–4–6 months schedule was accelerated to 6 weeks. Finally, we estimated that the communication campaign adopted in Flanders (Belgium) to improve compliance with the vaccine schedule could lead to a reduction of 16% in severe pertussis incidence and about 7% in total incidence in infants.

Conclusions:

Our work highlights the use of mathematical modeling to quantify the benefits of the existing vaccination schedules and the strategies that could be implemented to improve their compliance. Our results indicated that the 6–10–14 weeks is the best schedule option and that the Belgium vaccination campaign significantly reduced the incidence of severe cases.
Characteristics and Risk Factors of Late-onset Bloodstream Infection Beyond 6 Months After Liver Transplantation in Children
Authors: Furuichi Munehiro , Fukuda Akinari , Sakamoto Seisuke , Kasahara Mureo , Miyairi Isao
Published: August 2017

Background:

Bloodstream infection (BSI) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality after pediatric liver transplantation (LT). However, most studies have focused on BSI occurring within a few months after LT. In this study, we evaluated the characteristics of BSI occurring beyond 6 months after pediatric LT.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective cohort study at a pediatric LT center in Japan from November 2005 to March 2016. We evaluated the causative organisms and site of late-onset BSI in children ≤ 18 years of age. The risk factors for developing late-onset BSI and the associations of late-onset BSI with long-term outcomes were also evaluated.

Results:

Three hundred forty cases of LT were evaluated. Thirty-eight BSI developed in 29 (9%) LT recipients. There were 42 organisms (nine Gram-positive cocci, 33 Gram-negative rods) isolated from the blood cultures of recipients with late-onset BSI. The most frequent sites of late-onset BSI was intraabdominal infection (18/38; 47%). There were also 14 (39%) episodes with no apparent focus. In multivariate analysis, a prolonged operative time > 12 hours (odds ratio [OR] = 3.55; P = 0.04) and biliary stenosis (OR = 4.60; P = 0.006) were independent risk factors for developing late-onset BSI. Late-onset BSI was associated with increased retransplantation rate (P = 0.04) and mortality (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Late-onset BSI developed in 9% of recipients after pediatric LT. Gram-negative rods accounted for the majority of late-onset BSI as a consequence of abdominal infection, but the focus was often unclear. Prolonged operative time at LT and biliary stenosis were independent risk factors for developing late-onset BSI.
Leadership Competencies in U.S. Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education Service Systems
Authors: Bruns Deborah A. , LaRocco Diana J. , Sharp Olga L. , Sopko Kim Moherek
Published: August 2017

In 2015, the Division for Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children released a position statement on leadership in early intervention and early childhood special education (EI/ECSE). Division for Early Childhood emphasized the importance of developing and supporting high-quality leadership within and across all levels of EI/ECSE service systems. Moreover, there was a call for related research because of the paucity of related research in the field. This cross-sectional survey was designed to address this call. The study expands on an earlier investigation designed to gain an understanding of the competencies needed to be an effective leader at any level of the EI service system under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Part C. Using a network-sampling approach, participants in the study described here were recruited from the population of individuals who were engaged, at any level in the EI/ECSE service delivery systems under the IDEA (Part B-619 and Part C). A sample of 820 individuals completed an Internet-based questionnaire. A factor analysis yielded 6 knowledge areas and 5 competency areas considered necessary for effective EI/ECSE leadership. The 6 knowledge areas comprised child development, evidence-based practices, state laws and regulations, family-centered approaches, federal laws and regulations, and group processes. The 5 competency areas comprised Professional Learning, Effective Relationships, Shared Responsibility, Data Use, and Effective Communication. The study results suggest avenues for further examinations of leadership within the EI/ECSE service systems.
Regional and National Variations in Reasons for Gluten Avoidance
Authors: Zylberberg Haley M. , Yates Shireen , Borsoi Carla , Green Peter H.R. , Lebwohl Benjamin
Published: August 2017

Background:

Although studies have assessed the prevalence of celiac disease (CD), less is known about the prevalence of gluten avoidance because of nonceliac gluten sensitivity (GS). The avoidance of foods other than gluten is also understudied in these 2 groups.

Methods:

Participants visiting a web site for information about a newly developed portable gluten detection device (Nima) were instructed to complete questions about food and gluten avoidance patterns. We assessed the relative proportion of CD and GS across world regions and United States (US) regions and determined the distribution of food avoidance patterns.

Results:

CD was reported in 6474 respondents and GS in 2597 respondents. Within the United States, the majority of avoiders of gluten reported having CD (69.8%), with the highest ratio of CD to GS in the Northeast (CD: 74.3%; GS: 25.7%) and the lowest in the West (CD: 67.1%; GS: 32.9%) (P<0.0001). Compared with the United States, all other countries had lower proportions of GS, with the lowest in Argentina (CD: 94.7%; GS: 5.3%; P<0.0001). Food avoidances other than gluten were reported by 25% of respondents, with avoidance in all categories more common in GS than CD (P<0.0001).

Conclusion:

There is a significant difference in the relative rates of CD and GS within the United States and worldwide. Food avoidance other than gluten seems to be a more common component of GS than CD. Future research should focus on the causes of these international and US regional differences and the significance of other food avoidances.