bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Altered pain sensitivity and axioscapular muscle activity in neck pain patients compared with healthy controls
Authors: Christensen S.W. , Hirata R.P. , Graven‐Nielsen T.
Published: August 2017

Background

Previous studies have indicated that neck pain patients feel increased symptoms following upper limb activities, and altered axioscapular muscle function has been proposed as a contributing factor.

Methods

Pain sensitivity and muscle activity, during arm movements, were assessed in neck pain patients and controls. Patients with ongoing insidious‐onset neck pain (IONP, N = 16) and whiplash‐associated disorders (WAD, N = 9) were included along with sex‐ and age‐matched controls (N = 25). Six series of repeated arm abductions were performed during electromyographic (EMG) recordings from eight bilateral muscles. The first and last three series were separated by 8 min and 42 s, respectively. Each series consisted of three slow and three fast movements. Pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) were recorded bilaterally from neck, head and arm at baseline, after the third and sixth movement series. Pain intensity was recorded on an electronic visual analogue scale (VAS).

Results

Larger pain areas and higher VAS scores were found in patients compared with controls (p < 0.001), and in patients, the VAS scores increased in the course of movements (p < 0.02). PPTs were lower in patients compared with controls at all sites (p < 0.03), and these decreased during arm movements in the IONP group (p < 0.03), while increasing at head and neck sites in controls (p < 0.04). During the slow movements, increasing serratus anterior EMG activity was found in the series with short breaks in‐between for the WAD group compared with IONP and controls (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Axioscapular movement caused different responses in pain sensitivity and muscle activity between neck pain patient groups compared with controls.

Significance

Neck pain patients report increased symptoms following upper limb activities. This study shows that repeated arm movements caused differentiated responses in pain sensitivity and muscle activity between subgroups of neck pain patient and asymptomatic controls. Such findings may be of great clinical significance when planning rehabilitation for this patient population.
Incorporation of Tetrazolium Blue (TB)/Gold Nanoparticles (GNPs) into Carbon Paste Electrode: Application as an Electrochemical Sensor for the Sensitive and Selective Determination of Sotalol in Micellar Medium
Authors: Mohamed Mona A. , Fekry Amany M. , El‐Shal Manal A. , Banks Craig E.
Published: August 2017

The electrochemical oxidation of Sotalol (SOT) based on Tetrazolium Blue (TB)/gold nanoparticles (GNPs)‐modified carbon paste electrodes (CPE) have been studied in the presence of sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS). Cyclic voltammetry (CV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), chronoamperometry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques have all been utilized within this study. GNPs and TB have a synergetic effect‐giving rise to highly improved electrochemical responses and provide an advantageous platform for the basis of an electrochemical sensor with excellent performance. The experimental parameters, electrodeposition time, pH and scan rate have all been examined and optimized. The sensing of SOT via DPV is found to exhibit a wide linear dynamic range of 1.0×10−7–7.5×10−4 M in pH 2. LOD and LOQ were calculated and found to correspond to 2.5×10−8 M and 8.3×10−8 M, respectively. The suggested sensor has been used successfully for SOT determination in pharmaceutical samples and human urine as real samples. Satisfactory recoveries of analyte from these samples are demonstrated indicating that the suggested sensor is highly suitable for clinical analysis, quality control and a routine determination of SOT in pharmaceutical formulations.
Protein micropatterns printed on glass: Novel tools for protein‐ligand binding assays in live cells
Authors: Dirscherl Cindy , Springer Sebastian
Published: August 2017

Micrometer‐sized patterns of proteins on glass or silica surfaces are in widespread use as protein arrays for probing with ligands or recombinant proteins. More recently, they have been used to capture the surface proteins of mammalian cells seeded onto them, and to arrange these surface proteins into pattern structures. Binding of small molecule ligands or of other proteins, transmembrane or intracellular, to these captured surface proteins can then be quantified. However, reproducible production of protein micropatterns on surfaces can be technically difficult. In this review, we outline the wide potential and the current practical uses of printed protein micropatterns in a historical overview, and we detail some potential pitfalls and difficulties from our own experience, as well as ways to circumvent them.
Enhanced Energy‐Storage Properties of Lanthanum‐Doped Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3‐Based Lead‐Free Ceramics
Authors: Yang Haibo , Yan Fei , Lin Ying , Wang Tong
Published: August 2017

A series of Bi(0.5−x)Lax(Na0.82K0.18)0.5Ti0.96Zr0.02Sn0.02O3 (BNKTZS‐xL) (x=0–0.18) lead‐free ceramics were designed and fabricated by using a conventional solid‐state sintering method. The effects of the La3+ content on the properties of the BNKTZS‐xL ceramics were systematically investigated. Temperature‐dependent dielectric constant curves displayed two depressed anomalies, which resulted in significantly improved dielectric temperature stability. The polarization–electric field hysteresis loops illustrated that the addition of La3+ markedly enhanced the breakdown strength, energy‐storage density, and energy‐storage efficiency. A maximum energy‐storage density of 1.95 J cm−3 was obtained for the material with x=0.10, and the energy‐storage efficiency significantly improved from 28 to 85 % upon increasing the value of x from 0 to 0.18. These properties indicate that the BNKTZS‐xL ceramics may be promising lead‐free materials for high energy‐storage capacitor applications.
Influence of development, postharvest handling, and storage conditions on the carbohydrate components of sweetpotato (Ipomea batatas Lam.) roots
Authors: Nabubuya Agnes , Namutebi Agnes , Byaruhanga Yusuf , Narvhus Judith , Wicklund Trude
Published: August 2017

Changes in total starch and reducing sugar content in five sweetpotato varieties were investigated weekly during root development and following subjection of the roots to different postharvest handling and storage conditions. Freshly harvested (noncured) roots and cured roots (spread under the sun for 4 days at 29–31°C and 63–65% relative humidity [RH]) were separately stored at ambient conditions (23°C–26°C and 70–80% RH) and in a semiunderground pit (19–21°C and 90–95% RH). Changes in pasting properties of flour from sweetpotato roots during storage were analyzed at 14‐day intervals. Significant varietal differences (p < .05) in total starch, sucrose, glucose, maltose, and fructose concentrations were registered. The total starch and sucrose content of the roots did not change significantly (p < .05) during root development (72.4 and 7.4%, respectively), whereas the average concentrations of glucose, maltose, and fructose decreased markedly (0.46–0.18%, 0.55–0.28%, and 0.43–0.21%), respectively. Storage led to decrease in total starch content (73–47.7%) and increase in sucrose and glucose concentrations (8.1–11.2% and 0.22–1.57%, respectively). Storage also resulted in reduction in sweetpotato flour pasting viscosities. Curing resulted in increased sucrose and glucose concentrations (9.1–11.2% and 0.45–0.85%, respectively) and marked reduction (p < .05) in total starch content (72.9–47.6%). This resulted in low pasting viscosities compared to flour from storage of uncured roots. These findings show that significant changes occur in the carbohydrate components of sweetpotato roots during storage compared to development and present an opportunity for diverse utilization of flours from sweetpotato roots in the food industry.
Analysis of vascular homogeneity and anisotropy on high‐resolution primate brain imaging
Authors: Kennel Pol , Fonta Caroline , Guibert Romain , Plouraboué Franck
Published: August 2017

Using a systematic investigation of brain blood volume, in high‐resolution synchrotron 3D images of microvascular structures within cortical regions of a primate brain, we challenge several basic questions regarding possible vascular bias in high‐resolution functional neuroimaging. We present a bilateral comparison of cortical regions, where we analyze relative vascular volume in voxels from 150 to 1000 μm side lengths in the white and grey matter. We show that, if voxel size reaches a scale smaller than 300 µm, the vascular volume can no longer be considered homogeneous, either within one hemisphere or in bilateral comparison between samples. We demonstrate that voxel size influences the comparison between vessel‐relative volume distributions depending on the scale considered (i.e., hemisphere, lobe, or sample). Furthermore, we also investigate how voxel anisotropy and orientation can affect the apparent vascular volume, in accordance with actual fMRI voxel sizes. These findings are discussed from the various perspectives of high‐resolution brain functional imaging. Hum Brain Mapp 38:5756–5777, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High‐mobility‐group protein 2 regulated by microRNA‐127 and small heterodimer partner modulates pluripotency of mouse embryonic stem cells and liver tumor initiating cells
Authors: Zhao Yulan , Yang Zhihong , Wu Jianguo , Wu Raymond , Keshipeddy Santosh K. , Wright Dennis , Wang Li
Published: August 2017

High‐mobility‐group protein 2 (HMGB2) expression is up‐regulated in human liver cancer; however, little is known about its regulatory function. Here, we establish HMGB2 as a new modulator of the pluripotency of mouse embryonic stem cells. Similar to octamer‐binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4) and sex‐determining region Y‐box 2 (SOX2), HMGB2 protein is highly expressed in undifferentiated CGR8 cells, whereas it undergoes rapid decline during embryonic body formation. HMGB2 interacts with OCT4, increases protein expression of OCT4 and SOX2, and enhances their transcriptional activities. We also show that microRNA (miRNA)‐127 is a translational repressor of HMGB2 protein expression by targeting its 3′ untranslated region. We further elucidate a transcriptional mechanism controlling HMGB2 messenger RNA expression by the nuclear receptor small heterodimer partner (SHP) and transcription factor E2F1. Diminishing HMGB2 expression by ectopic expression of miR‐127 or SHP or treatment with the small molecule inhibitor inflachromene decreases OCT4 and SOX2 expression and facilitates CGR8 differentiation. In addition, HMGB2 is markedly induced in liver tumor initiating cells. Diminishing HMGB2 expression by short hairpin RNA for HMGB2 (shHMGB2), miR‐127, or SHP impairs spheroid formation. Importantly, HMGB2 expression is elevated in various human cancers. Conclusion: HMGB2 acts upstream of OCT4/SOX2 signaling to control embryonic stem cell pluripotency. Diminishing HMGB2 expression by miR‐127 or SHP may provide a potential means to decrease the pluripotency of tumor initiating cells. (Hepatology Communications 2017;1:816–830)
Monitoring traffic congestion in urban areas through probe vehicles: A case study analysis
Authors: Carli Raffaele , Dotoli Mariagrazia , Epicoco Nicola
Published: August 2017

We present a probe vehicles approach to evaluate traffic congestion in urban areas. The method is illustrated by a real case study in Bari, Italy. Global Positioning System (GPS) data generated by buses are transmitted via General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) to a control station, where they are used to analyze traffic conditions. Traffic indices are evaluated to provide an exhaustive view of roads congestion and implement suitable control strategies. Thus, traffic administrators can efficiently manage sustainable mobility in cities and people can acquire awareness on traffic and public transport performance.
Winter is coming: Diapause in the subtropical swallowtail butterfly Euryades corethrus (Lepidoptera, Papilionidae) is triggered by the shortening of day length and reinforced by low temperatures
Authors: Caporale Andressa , Romanowski Helena Piccoli , Mega Nicolás Oliveira
Published: August 2017

Diapause is modulated by genetic responses to some environmental cues. The most common stimulus to trigger diapause is photoperiod, but temperature and humidity can also be important. Subtropical grasslands insects are overexposed to seasonality and can use diapause as strategy to overcome harsh conditions, avoiding freezing winter temperatures and drought summer conditions. Here, we investigate if photoperiod, temperature, and humidity can induce and terminate dormancy using the model Euryades corethrus, a butterfly from Pampa that diapause as pupae. We hypothesize that photoperiod, temperature, and humidity can induce dormancy; to test the hypothesis, individuals from a stock population were subjected to experiments controlling these three factors. Photoperiod and temperature interactions were also tested. To evaluate if the removal of the harsh factor that induced diapause trigger diapause termination, 50% of dormant pupae in each experiment were exposed to amenable conditions. The results indicated that diapause is mainly induced by short photophases, while temperature and humidity separately do not increase dormancy frequency. Short photoperiods and low temperatures interact with each other, increasing dormancy in experimental populations. The evidences suggest that diapause is trigger by short‐day lengths and boosted by low temperatures as winter approaches. The incidence of obligatory summer diapause was not supported, but the occurrence of dormant pupae in high‐temperature treatments suggests that high temperatures produce facultative diapause. Regarding diapause termination, the softening of harsh conditions that induced diapause was not sufficient to reverse the dormancy state, suggesting that diapause termination is more complex than previously thought, probably involving internal clocks.
Metabolic plasticity in development: Synergistic responses to high temperature and hypoxia in zebrafish,Danio rerio
Authors: Pan Tien‐Chien Francis , Hunt von Herbing Ione
Published: August 2017

This study investigated interactions of temperature and hypoxia on metabolic plasticity and regulation in zebrafish,Danio rerio, in the first week of development. Larval morphometry, oxygen consumption, and metabolic responses to acute changes in temperature and oxygen were measured in larvae reared under four conditions, including control (28°C and partial pressures of oxygen [PO2] of 21 kPa), high temperature (31°C), hypoxia (11 kPa), and the two stressors combined. Rearing conditions did not result in consistent morphometric changes; substantial metabolic adjustments, however, were evident. While acute temperature increase resulted in elevated oxygen consumption, with aQ10of 2.2 ± 0.08, early‐staged larvae were able to compensate to chronic temperature rise as routine metabolic rates did not differ between 28°C and 31°C chronic treatments. In contrast, larval responses to chronic and acute hypoxia were similar, with ∼30% decrease in metabolic rates from normoxic values at both temperatures. Further, prior exposure to chronic hypoxia in conjunction with acute high temperature increasedQ10by a factor of 2.5 from 2.2 ± 0.08 to 5.6 ± 0.19. Metabolic suppression by acute hypoxia was independent of any prior exposure conditions. In short, results from this study showed that zebrafish larvae exhibited surprising temperature resilience and metabolic plasticity to a 3°C temperature rise even in their first week of life. Yet exposure to a second stressor (hypoxia) resulted in elevated sensitivity to temperature change that may lead to bioenergetic imbalance due to synergetic effects of temperature and hypoxia on metabolic rates.
The Underlying Architecture of the Creative Worlds of Children: Young Persons from theUKand China Unwittingly Generate More Concepts that Violate Ontological Category Structure Than Do Older Adults During an Exemplar‐Generation Task
Authors: Gregory Justin P. , Greenway Tyler S.
Published: August 2017

Is our cognition the underlying architecture of the recurrent and pan‐cultural imaginative ideas of children and adolescents? Recent cross‐cultural studies show that children and adolescents recall proportionally more creative, counterintuitive concepts than older adults. One outstanding concern is that cultural transmission is also constrained by how concepts emerge into culture. Hence, a broad sample of age demographics inUKandChina (10–58 years;N = 90) participated in an exemplar‐generation task where participants assembled statements exemplifying conceptual categories of positive and negative emotion, imagery, humor, and inferential potential. Multiple regression analysis considering counterintuitiveness and age revealed young persons generated significantly more imaginative, counterintuitive ideas than older adults, in bothUKand China groups. This cross‐cultural support for an underlying cognitive architecture of human creativity builds on Ward's (1994) research onstructured imagination.
Trends in hip replacements between 1999 and 2012 in Sweden
Authors: Cnudde Peter , Nemes Szilard , Bülow Erik , Timperley John , Malchau Henrik , Kärrholm Johan , Garellick Göran , Rolfson Ola
Published: August 2017

National Registers document changes in the circumstance, practice, and outcome of surgery with the passage of time. In the context of total hip replacement (THR), registers can help elucidate the relevant factors that affect the clinical outcome. We evaluated the evolution of factors related to patient, surgical procedure, socio‐economy, and various outcome parameters after merging databases of the Swedish Hip Arthroplasty Register, Statistics Sweden and the National Board of Health and Welfare. Data on 193,253 THRs (164,113 patients) operated between 1999 and 2012 were merged. We studied the evolution of surgical volume, patient demographics, socio‐economic factors, surgical factors, length‐of‐stay, mortality rate, adverse events, re‐operation and revision rates, and Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs). Throughout this time period the majority of patients were operated on with a diagnosis of primary osteoarthritis. Comorbidity indices increased each year observed. The share of all‐cemented implants has dropped from 92% to 68%. More than 88% of the bearings were metal‐on‐polyethylene. Length‐of‐stay decreased by 50%. There was a reduction in 30‐ and 90‐day mortality. Re‐operation and revision rates at 2 years are decreasing. The post‐operative PROMs improved despite the observation of worse pre‐operative pain scores getting over time. The demographics of patients receiving a THR, their comorbidities, and their primary diagnosis are changing. Notwithstanding these changes, outcomes like mortality, re‐operations, revisions, and PROMs have improved. The practice of hip arthroplasty has evolved, even in a country such as Sweden that is considered to be conservative with regard taking on new surgical practices. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Orthopaedic Research® Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Orthopaedic Research Society. J Orthop Res 36:432–442, 2018.
Identification and characterisation of the proteins bound by specific phage‐displayed recombinant antibodies (scFv) obtained against Brazil nut and almond extracts
Authors: de la Cruz Silvia , Madrid Raquel , García-García Aina , Alcocer Marcos , Martín Rosario , González Isabel , García Teresa
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND

Almonds and Brazil nuts are widely consumed allergenic nuts whose presence must be declared according to food labelling regulations. Their detection in food products has been recently achieved by ELISA methods with recombinant antibodies (scFv) isolated against complete Brazil nut and almond protein extracts. The screening of phage‐scFv libraries against complete protein extracts confers a series of advantages over the use of purified proteins, as recombinant proteins might alter their native folding. However, using this strategy, the nature of the target detected by phage‐displayed antibodies remains unknown, and requires further research to identify whether they are nut allergens or other molecules present in the extract, but not related to their allergenic potential.

RESULTS

Electrophoretic, chromatographic, immunological and spectrometric techniques revealed that the Brazil nut (BE95) and almond (PD1F6 and PD2C9) specific phage‐scFvs detected conformational epitopes of the Brazil nut and almond 11S globulins, recognised by WHO/IUIS as Ber e 2 and Pru du 6 major allergens. Circular dichroism data indicated that severe heat treatment would entail loss of epitope structure, disabling scFv for target detection.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of important Brazil nut and almond allergens (Ber e 2 and Pru du 6) in foodstuffs can be determined by using phage‐display antibodies BE95, PD1F6 and PD2C9 as affinity probes in ELISA. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
ERAS: Safety checklists, antibiotics, and VTE prophylaxis
Authors: Moffatt‐Bruce Susan D. , Hilligoss Brian , Gonsenhauser Iahn
Published: August 2017

The concept rested on several components that many of us have now tried to adopt or improve on, inclusive of a multidisciplinary team, a multimodal approach to anesthesia and preoperative preparedness, evidence‐based approach to care protocols; and a change in management using interactive and continuous audit prior to and post‐procedure. This article describes the development of ERAS protocols relative to checklist implementation, antibiotic use, and venous thromboembolism (VTE) prevention, how these ideas are developed and operationalized as well as how they are evolving and spreading across the care continuum to achieve sustained outcome improvements.
Age‐related histologic and biochemical changes in auricular and septal cartilage
Authors: Riedler Kiersten L. , Shokrani Alireza , Markarian Alexander , Fisher Laurel M. , Pepper Jon‐Paul
Published: August 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

To characterize the histologic and biochemical properties of auricular and septal cartilage and analyze age‐related changes in middle‐aged to older adults.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study of auricular and septal cartilage from 33 fresh cadavers.

Methods

Auricular and septal cartilage specimens were stained using Safranin O for glycosaminoglycans, Verhoeff's stain for elastin, and Masson's trichrome for collagen. Percentage of tissue stained, cell density and size were quantified. Relationships between donor characteristics and histologic properties were evaluated using mixed model analyses.

Results

The average donor age was 75 years (standard deviation = 11 years; range, 55–93 years). In auricular cartilage, each 1‐year increase in age was associated with a 0.97% decrease in glycosaminoglycans (P < .001) and a 0.98% decrease in elastin (P < .001). In septal cartilage, glycosaminoglycans decreased 2.4% per year (P < .001). Age did not affect collagen content significantly in auricular (P = .417) or septal cartilage (P = .284). Cell density and cell size declined with age in auricular (both P < .001) and septal cartilage (P = .044, P = .032, respectively). Compared to septal cartilage in patients of all ages, auricular cartilage had more glycosaminoglycans, less collagen, higher cell density, and smaller cells.

Conclusions

In auricular and septal cartilage, glycosaminoglycans, elastin, cell density, and cell size decrease significantly with age in patients over 55 years of age. Glycosaminoglycan content declines faster with age in septal cartilage than auricular cartilage. These age‐related changes may affect biomechanical properties and tissue viability, and thereby have implications for graft choice in functional, aesthetic, and reconstructive nasal surgery.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 127:E399–E407, 2017
Fatty acid derivatives from the halotolerant fungus Cladosporium cladosporioides
Authors: Peng Xiaoping , Wang Yi , Zhu Guoliang , Zhu Weiming
Published: August 2017

Halotolerant fungus Cladosporium cladosporioides OUCMDZ‐187 was isolated from the mangrove plant Rhizophora stylosa collected in Shankou, Guangxi Province of China. Three new fatty acid esters cladosporesters A–C (1–3) and 5 new fatty acids cladosporacids A–E (4–8) were isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of the fermentation broth of OUCMDZ‐187 in a hypersaline (10% salt) medium. Their structures were elucidated by UV, IR, MS, specific rotation, and 1D and 2D NMR data.
Unprecedented strong blue photoluminescence from hyperbranched polycarbonate: From its fluorescence mechanism to applications
Authors: Huang Wei , Yan Hongxia , Niu Song , Du Yuqun , Yuan Luyao
Published: August 2017

Fluorescent polymers without π‐aromatic structure have been a hot spot in recent years. Polycarbonate has been applied in industry for many years; however, the fluorescent behavior of the polycarbonate has not been reported yet. Therefore, a kind of hyperbranched polycarbonate (HBPC) has been synthesized under solvent and catalyst‐free condition. Unexpectedly, the novel HBPC containing no conventional chromophores exhibits unimagined bright blue fluorescence under the irradiation of 334 nm UV light. The intensity of the HBPC fluorescence is rising in step with its concentration going up, showing an aggregation‐induced enhanced emission (AIEE). It is more interestingly that the fluorescence of HBPC could be affected by pH and metal ions. Specifically, the fluorescence of HBPC is extraordinarily sensitive to the Fe3+. TEM micrographs show that the HBPC self‐assemble to clustering in water. Rudimentary investigation illustrates that the formation of cluster accounts for the unexpected fluorescence in the HBPC. This phenomenon is typical of Clustering‐Triggered emission (CTE). This study exhibits a novel route for the design of CTE fluorescent polymers. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 3690–3696
Environmental fate and behaviour of the biocontrol agent Bacillus amyloliquefaciens CPA‐8 after preharvest application to stone fruit
Authors: Vilanova Laura , Teixidó Neus , Usall Josep , Balsells‐Llauradó Marta , Gotor‐Vila Amparo , Torres Rosario
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND

Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain CPA‐8 has been described as an effective biocontrol agent to control brown rot in stone fruit for both preharvest and postharvest applications. However, no information about the environmental fate and behaviour of this strain under field conditions is available.

RESULTS

The dispersion of the CPA‐8 application was evaluated using water‐sensitive papers, and complete coverage was observed on the leaves of treated trees, while <1% of non‐treated tree leaves had CPA‐8. CPA‐8 persisted on the fruit of treated trees during preharvest and postharvest conditions, while a significant decrease on leaves and weeds was observed 21 days after treatment. On non‐treated trees, CPA‐8 was detected on leaves until 180 days after treatment, and on weeds, the CPA‐8 population was dependent on the distance from the treated trees. A high persistence of CPA‐8 was detected on inert materials, such as clothes and gloves worn by handlers and plastic harvesting boxes. More than 99% of the samples with a CPA‐8 phenotype were confirmed as CPA‐8 using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

CONCLUSION

This work demonstrated a good distribution, persistence and adaptation of the CPA‐8 strain to field and postharvest conditions. Monitoring of dispersion and persistence is an excellent tool to determine the time of application and provides valuable information for registering issues. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Single‐Side Heterojunction Solar Cell with Microcrystalline Silicon Oxide Emitter and Diffused Back Surface Field
Authors: Yang Xueliang , Chen Jianhui , Liu Wei , Li Feng , Sun Yun
Published: August 2017

The goal of high efficiency in Si solar cells has been developed to a close limit by Si heterojunction (SHJ) scheme. The further work should aim to simplify its fabrication process for the reduction of cost. In this study, a scheme single‐side heterojunction solar cell with hydrogenated microcrystalline silicon oxide emitter ((µc‐SiOx:H(p+)) and diffused back surface field (BSF) was presented, to save the flip of wafers and the number of vacuum chambers. The device performance evolution was performed by AFORS‐HET simulation and experiments. It is demonstrated that FF of the solar cell is improved using diffused BSF to replace the intrinsic and doped stack hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a‐Si:H(n+/i)) layer in HIT solar cell, but Jsc and Voc decreased. The former ascribes to the better conductivity of diffused BSF and band offset free in homojunction, the later the free carrier absorption in diffused region and the removal of rear a‐Si:H passivation layer. Further, the introduction of µc‐SiOx:H(p+) emitter can compensate for the loss of Jsc above and increase FF, again, due to its wide band gap and high electrical conductivity, leading to a device performance similar to routine HIT device. This work provides a candidate for the roadmap of SHJ solar cells.
Investigation of Nucleation and Growth of Nanocrystalline Diamond Films Deposited at Low Temperature Using In Situ Laser Reflectance Interferometry
Authors: Baudrillart Benoit , Bénédic Fabien , Tardieu André , Achard Jocelyn
Published: August 2017

The nucleation and growth of nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) films deposited at low temperature on silicon substrates with a distributed antenna array (DAA) plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) system is investigated using in situ laser reflectance interferometry (LRI). An optical model is developed using an effective media theory in order to describe the LRI signal recorded during NCD growth and to extract the nucleation density. The model is validated through comparisons with nuclei counting from Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) micrographs. LRI is then employed to investigate the influence of several ex situ pre‐treatments of silicon substrates. The nucleation density is estimated between 7.3 × 109 for ultrasonic abrasion with 40 μm diamond powder and 5.9 × 1010 for seeding with 4.2 nm nanodiamond solution. The LRI technique is also employed to estimate in real time the critical thickness leading to the film delamination. The critical thickness for seeding methods is estimated in the range 485–545 nm, whereas no delamination is observed for the sample achieved on Si substrate pre‐treated by ultrasonic abrasion that reaches a thickness of 674 nm after a deposition of 20 h.
Multiferroic and Related Hysteretic Behavior in Ferromagnetic Shape Memory Alloys
Authors: Gebbia Jonathan F. , Castán Teresa , Lloveras Pol , Porta Marcel , Saxena Avadh , Planes Antoni
Published: August 2017

We combine a Ginzburg–Landau model for a ferroelastic transition with the theory of micromagnetism to study the magnetostructural behavior leading to multicaloric effects in ferromagnetic shape memory alloys. We analyze the ferroelastic transition under different conditions of temperature, stress and magnetic field and establish the corresponding phase diagram. On the one hand, our results show that the proper combination of both fields may be used to reduce the transition hysteresis and thus improve the reversibility of the related elastocaloric effects, superelasticity and stress‐mediated magnetocaloric effects. On the other hand, the stress‐free magnetic field‐driven and thermally driven magnetostructural evolution provides physical insight into the low‐temperature field‐induced domain reorientation, from which we derive strategies to modify the operational temperature ranges and thus the corresponding (magnetic) shape‐memory effect.
Correlation energy from random phase approximations: A reduced density matrices perspective
Authors: Pernal Katarzyna
Published: August 2017

Random phase approximation (RPA) electron correlation methods have gained in popularity in the recent years. A number of RPA correlation energy variants emerged in the Kohn–Sham DFT framework and in the theory of strongly orthogonal geminals. Foundations of most RPA approaches trace back to an exact expression for two‐electron reduced density matrix written in terms of one‐electron density matrix and dynamic one‐electron response functions, originally presented in the seminal paper of McLachlan and Ball (Rev. Mod. Phys. 1964, 36, 844). The aim of this article is to give a pedagogical introduction to possible approaches for describing electron correlation energy based on the McLachlan and Ball formula. The focus of the presentation is to formulate electron‐interaction energy expressions as functions of reduced density matrices. On one hand, it provides a common umbrella for RPA approximations proposed for uncorrelated (Hartree–Fock or Kohn–Sham) as well as partially correlated (strongly orthogonal geminals) references. On the other hand, such presentation may stimulate new developments in density matrix functional theory.
Pressure‐Induced Phase Transition in Weyl Semimetallic WTe2
Authors: Xia Juan , Li Dong‐Fei , Zhou Jia‐Dong , Yu Peng , Lin Jun‐Hao , Kuo Jer‐Lai , Li Hai‐Bo , Liu Zheng , Yan Jia‐Xu , Shen Ze‐Xiang
Published: August 2017

Tungsten ditelluride (WTe2) is a semimetal with orthorhombic Td phase that possesses some unique properties such as Weyl semimetal states, pressure‐induced superconductivity, and giant magnetoresistance. Here, the high‐pressure properties of WTe2 single crystals are investigated by Raman microspectroscopy and ab initio calculations. WTe2 shows strong plane‐parallel/plane‐vertical vibrational anisotropy, stemming from its intrinsic Raman tensor. Under pressure, the Raman peaks at ≈120 cm−1 exhibit redshift, indicating structural instability of the orthorhombic Td phase. WTe2 undergoes a phase transition to a monoclinic T′ phase at 8 GPa, where the Weyl states vanish in the new T′ phase due to the presence of inversion symmetry. Such Td to T′ phase transition provides a feasible method to achieve Weyl state switching in a single material without doping. The new T′ phase also coincides with the appearance of superconductivity reported in the literature.
A Global Assessment of Access to and Use of Medical Information: The State of Evidence‐Based Surgery
Authors: LaGrone Lacey N. , Fuhs Amy K. , Egoavil Eduardo Huaman , Langdale Lorrie A. , Fuangworawong Phupit , Hamasaki Jose Luis , Gyedu Adam , Mock Charles N.
Published: August 2017

Background

We aimed to assess surgeons’ access to and use of medical information, as well as their training and perceptions about evidence‐based medicine (EBM), in order to identify priority areas for improvement.

Study design

An anonymous survey conducted among surgeons from the USA, Ghana, Peru, and Thailand examined access to, and use and perception of, medical literature.

Results

Of 307 participants, 98% reported access to “OK” or “good” internet. Fifty‐one percent reported that language was a barrier to accessing needed medical information; most frequently in Peru (73%) and Thailand (64%). Access to priced full‐text journals was poorest in Peru, where 54% lacked access, followed by Ghana (42%) and Thailand (32%). US respondents scored highest on the EBM knowledge test (1.4, SD 0.8), followed by Thailand (1.3, SD 0.9), Ghana (1.1, SD 0.8), and Peru (0.9, SD 0.8) (p < 0.001). Adjusted analysis revealed Ghanaians and Peruvians spent 5% and 1% more on medical information, respectively, relative to country income, than persons from other countries (p < 0.01). After adjustment, employment in a large and/or urban hospital and history of EBM training were associated with better EBM test scores, while middle‐income origin and public hospital employment were associated with worse scores (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Language, access to priced full‐text journals, and training are significant barriers to surgeons’ practice of EBM globally. The way forward involves collaboration among surgical societies, publishers, hospital employers, and international policymakers in providing surgeons from all country income levels with the access and training necessary to interpret and apply medical information.
The Antimicrobial Scrub Contamination and Transmission (ASCOT) Trial: A Three-Arm, Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial With Crossover Design to Determine the Efficacy of Antimicrobial-Impregnated Scrubs in Preventing Healthcare Provider Contamination
Authors: Anderson Deverick J. , Addison Rachel , Lokhnygina Yuliya , Warren Bobby , Sharma-Kuinkel Batu , Rojas Laura J. , Rudin Susan D. , Lewis Sarah S. , Moehring Rebekah W. , Weber David J. , Rutala William A. , Bonomo Robert A. , Fowler Vance G. , Sexton Daniel J. ,   the CDC Prevention Epicenters Program
Published: August 2017

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether antimicrobial-impregnated textiles decrease the acquisition of pathogens by healthcare provider (HCP) clothing.

DESIGN

We completed a 3-arm randomized controlled trial to test the efficacy of 2 types of antimicrobial-impregnated clothing compared to standard HCP clothing. Cultures were obtained from each nurse participant, the healthcare environment, and patients during each shift. The primary outcome was the change in total contamination on nurse scrubs, measured as the sum of colony-forming units (CFU) of bacteria.

PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING

Nurses working in medical and surgical ICUs in a 936-bed tertiary-care hospital.

INTERVENTION

Nurse subjects wore standard cotton-polyester surgical scrubs (control), scrubs that contained a complex element compound with a silver-alloy embedded in its fibers (Scrub 1), or scrubs impregnated with an organosilane-based quaternary ammonium and a hydrophobic fluoroacrylate copolymer emulsion (Scrub 2). Nurse participants were blinded to scrub type and randomly participated in all 3 arms during 3 consecutive 12-hour shifts in the intensive care unit.

RESULTS

In total, 40 nurses were enrolled and completed 3 shifts. Analyses of 2,919 cultures from the environment and 2,185 from HCP clothing showed that scrub type was not associated with a change in HCP clothing contamination (P=.70). Mean difference estimates were 0.118 for the Scrub 1 arm (95% confidence interval [CI], −0.206 to 0.441; P=.48) and 0.009 for the Scrub 2 rm (95% CI, −0.323 to 0.342; P=.96) compared to the control. HCP became newly contaminated with important pathogens during 19 of the 120 shifts (16%).

CONCLUSIONS

Antimicrobial-impregnated scrubs were not effective at reducing HCP contamination. However, the environment is an important source of HCP clothing contamination.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT 02645214

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:1147–1154
Imaginary Engagement, Real-World Effects: Fiction, Emotion, and Social Cognition
Authors: Barnes Jennifer L.
Published: August 2017

Prior research has shown that cumulative written fiction exposure is correlated with ( Mar, Oatley, Hirsch, de la Paz, & Peterson, 2006 ; Mar, Oatley, & Peterson, 2009 ) and 1-time exposure to literary fiction increases (e.g., Black & Barnes, 2015a ; Kidd & Castano, 2013 ) performance on an emotion-reading task. However, Panero and colleagues (2016) found that although lifetime fiction exposure is a reliable predictor of performance, the causal effects previously observed may be more fragile (see also Samur, Tops, & Koole, 2017 ). The current article is an exploration of the extent to which the ability of fiction to affect social cognition may depend not only on what is read, but also how one reads. Specifically, an argument is made that the effect of fiction on social cognition may depend on the degree to which the reader contributes imaginatively to the text and that, although drawing meaning from literary fiction may require high levels of imaginative engagement, popular and genre fiction may allow for engaging in this way. This stance is discussed with respect to the role that emotional investment in a story and its characters might play in influencing readers of popular fiction to read in a “literary” way.
Optical wireless information transfer with nonlinear micromechanical resonators
Authors: Boales Joseph A. , Mateen Farrukh , Mohanty Pritiraj
Published: August 2017

Wireless transfer of information is the basis of modern communication. It includes cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth, and GPS systems, all of which use electromagnetic radio waves with frequencies ranging from typically 100 MHz to a few GHz. However, several long-standing challenges with standard radio-wave wireless transmission still exist, including keeping secure transmission of data from potential compromise. Here, we demonstrate wireless information transfer using a line-of-sight optical architecture with a micromechanical element. In this fundamentally new approach, a laser beam encoded with information impinges on a nonlinear micromechanical resonator located a distance from the laser. The force generated by the radiation pressure of the laser light on the nonlinear micromechanical resonator produces a sideband modulation signal, which carries the precise information encoded in the subtle changes in the radiation pressure. Using this, we demonstrate data and image transfer with one hundred percent fidelity with a single 96-by-270 μm silicon resonator element in an optical frequency band. This mechanical approach relies only on the momentum of the incident photons and is therefore able to use any portion of the optical frequency band—a band that is 10 000 times wider than the radio frequency band. Our line-of-sight architecture using highly scalable micromechanical resonators offers new possibilities in wireless communication. Due to their small size, these resonators can be easily arrayed while maintaining a small form factor to provide redundancy and parallelism.
IgSF21 promotes differentiation of inhibitory synapses via binding to neurexin2α
Authors: Tanabe Yuko , Naito Yusuke , Vasuta Cristina , Lee Alfred Kihoon , Soumounou Youssouf , Linhoff Michael W. , Takahashi Hideto
Published: August 2017

Coordinated development of excitatory and inhibitory synapses is essential for higher brain function, and impairment in this development is associated with neuropsychiatric disorders. In contrast to the large body of accumulated evidence regarding excitatory synapse development, little is known about synaptic adhesion and organization mechanisms underlying inhibitory synapse development. Through unbiased expression screens and proteomics, we identified immunoglobulin superfamily member 21 (IgSF21) as a neurexin2α-interacting membrane protein that selectively induces inhibitory presynaptic differentiation. IgSF21 localizes postsynaptically and recruits axonal neurexin2α in a trans-interaction manner. Deleting IgSF21 in mice impairs inhibitory presynaptic organization, especially in the hippocampal CA1 stratum radiatum, and also diminishes GABA-mediated synaptic transmission in hippocampal CA1 neurons without affecting their excitatory synapses. Finally, mice lacking IgSF21 show a sensorimotor gating deficit. These findings suggest that IgSF21 selectively regulates inhibitory presynaptic differentiation through interacting with presynaptic neurexin2α and plays a crucial role in synaptic inhibition in the brain.
Direct imaging of delayed magneto-dynamic modes induced by surface acoustic waves
Authors: Foerster Michael , Macià Ferran , Statuto Nahuel , Finizio Simone , Hernández-Mínguez Alberto , Lendínez Sergi , Santos Paulo V. , Fontcuberta Josep , Hernàndez Joan Manel , Kläui Mathias , Aballe Lucia
Published: August 2017

The magnetoelastic effect—the change of magnetic properties caused by the elastic deformation of a magnetic material—has been proposed as an alternative approach to magnetic fields for the low-power control of magnetization states of nanoelements since it avoids charge currents, which entail ohmic losses. Here, we have studied the effect of dynamic strain accompanying a surface acoustic wave on magnetic nanostructures in thermal equilibrium. We have developed an experimental technique based on stroboscopic X-ray microscopy that provides a pathway to the quantitative study of strain waves and magnetization at the nanoscale. We have simultaneously imaged the evolution of both strain and magnetization dynamics of nanostructures at the picosecond time scale and found that magnetization modes have a delayed response to the strain modes, adjustable by the magnetic domain configuration. Our results provide fundamental insight into magnetoelastic coupling in nanostructures and have implications for the design of strain-controlled magnetostrictive nano-devices.
Timely regulated sorting from early to late endosomes is required to maintain cerebellar long-term depression
Authors: Kim Taegon , Yamamoto Yukio , Tanaka-Yamamoto Keiko
Published: August 2017

An important feature of long-term synaptic plasticity is the prolonged maintenance of plastic changes in synaptic transmission. The trafficking of AMPA-type glutamate receptors (AMPARs) is involved in the expression of many forms of synaptic plasticity, yet the subsequent events accomplishing the maintenance of plastic changes in synaptic AMPAR numbers are not fully understood. Here, we find that maintenance of cerebellar long-term depression results from a reduction in the number of AMPARs residing within endocytic recycling pathways. We then develop a genetically encoded, photosensitive inhibitor of late endosome sorting and use this to discover that initial maintenance of long-term depression relies on timely regulated late endosome sorting, which exhibits a threshold as well as switch-like behavior. Thus, our results indicate that recycling AMPAR numbers are reduced by a switching machinery of transient late endosome sorting, and that this process enables the transition from basal synaptic transmission to long-term depression maintenance.
Diverse reactivity trends of Ni surfaces in Au@Ni core–shell nanoparticles probed by near ambient pressure (NAP) XPS
Authors: A. Bharathan Vysakh , Jain Ruchi , Gopinath Chinnakonda S. , Vinod C. P.
Published: August 2017

A mild temperature sequential reduction method in aqueous medium for the synthesis of Au@Ni nanoparticles with a core–shell morphology and its NAPXPS study under oxygen atmosphere is reported.
Keggin H3PW12O40 pore blockage by coke can be reversible in the gas phase methanol-to-DME reaction
Authors: Schnee Josefine , Fusaro Luca , Aprile Carmela , Gaigneaux Eric M.
Published: August 2017

Flowing methanol induces a cracking of H3PW12O40 particles which acts against pore blockage by coke in the methanol-to-DME reaction. As a result, coking does not necessarily decrease the performance.
A novel label-free electrochemical immunosensor based on the composite of LPCs-SnS2and AuNPs for the detection of human chorionic gonadotropin
Authors: Wang Hejie , Guo Wenjuan , Pei Meishan
Published: August 2017

LPCs-SnS2with a 3D conduction architecture was prepared by a facile hydrothermal process.
A sandwich-type electrochemical biosensor for alpha-fetoprotein based on Au nanoparticles decorating a hollow molybdenum disulfide microbox coupled with a hybridization chain reaction
Authors: He Baoshan
Published: August 2017

In this work, a sensitive sandwich-type biosensor for detecting alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is developed by using a target-triggered hybridization chain reaction strategy.
Crown ether triad modified core–shell magnetic mesoporous silica nanocarrier for pH-responsive drug delivery and magnetic hyperthermia applications
Authors: Santha Moorthy Madhappan , Bharathiraja Subramanian , Manivasagan Panchanathan , Lee Kang Dae , Oh Junghwan
Published: August 2017

A “host–guest” complexation-based core–shell FeNP@SiOH@CET NP system was fabricated for chemotherapy and magnetic hyperthermia applications.
In situ doping of Pt active sites via Sn in double-shelled TiO2 hollow nanospheres with enhanced photocatalytic H2 production efficiency
Authors: Zhang Chao , Zhou Yuming , Zhang Yiwei , Zhao Shuo , Fang Jiasheng , Sheng Xiaoli
Published: August 2017

A Sn4+-doped double-shelled Pt/TiO2 hollow nanocatalyst (DHS-SnPt) with excellent photocatalytic H2 production efficiency was prepared successfully via a facile hydrothermal method.