bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of non-olfactory GPCRs in human sperm with a focus on GPR18
Authors: Flegel Caroline , Vogel Felix , Hofreuter Adrian , Wojcik Sebastian , Schoeder Clara , Kieć-Kononowicz Katarzyna , Brockmeyer Norbert H. , Müller Christa E. , Becker Christian , Altmüller Janine , Hatt Hanns , Gisselmann Günter
Published: August 2016

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) transduce external chemical cues into intracellular signals and are involved in a plethora of physiological processes, but knowledge regarding the function of these receptors in spermatozoa is limited. In the present study, we performed RNA-Seq and analyzed the expression of the all GPCRs except olfactory receptors in human spermatozoa. We revealed the expression of up to 223 different GPCR transcripts in human spermatozoa (FPKM > 0.1) and identified GPR18, a newly described cannabinoid receptor, together with GPR137 and GPR135, as one of the three most highly expressed GPCRs. To date, the expression of GPR18 was completely unknown in human spermatozoa. We confirmed GPR18 expression using RT-PCR and immuncytochemistry experiments and localized the GPR18 protein in the midpiece of human spermatozoa. Stimulation of human spermatozoa with the GPR18 ligand N-arachidonoylglycine induced the phosphorylation of 12 protein kinases, some of them are for example known to be involved in the acrosome reaction. In line with this, N-arachidonoylglycine affected the cytoskeleton by changing levels of F-actin and inducing the acrosome reaction in human spermatozoa in a concentration-dependent manner. Our results indicate that GPR18 might be involved in physiological processes of human spermatozoa, suggesting GPR18 to be a potential player in sperm physiology.
Correction: Corrigendum: A melanosomal two-pore sodium channel regulates pigmentation
Authors: Bellono Nicholas W. , Escobar Iliana E. , Oancea Elena
Published: August 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 26570; published online: 27 May 2016; updated: 30 August 2016 This Article contains an error in Figure 4a: the upper right “hTPC2 rescue” trace is a duplication of the upper left “control” trace. The correct Figure 4 appears below as Figure 1.
Plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance determinants in quinolone-resistant Escherichia coli isolated from patients with bacteremia in a university hospital in Taiwan, 2001–2015
Authors: Kao Cheng-Yen , Wu Hsiu-Mei , Lin Wei-Hung , Tseng Chin-Chung , Yan Jing-Jou , Wang Ming-Cheng , Teng Ching-Hao , Wu Jiunn-Jong
Published: August 2016

The aim of this study was to characterize fluoroquinolone (FQ)-resistant Escherichia coli isolates from bacteremia in Taiwan in 2001–2015. During the study period, 248 (21.2%) of 1171 isolates were identified as levofloxacin-resistant. The results of phylogenetic group analysis showed that 38.7% of the FQ-resistant isolates belonged to phylogenetic group B2, 23.4% to group B1, 22.6% to groupA, 14.9% to group D and 0.4% belonged to group F. FQ-resistant isolates were highly susceptible to cefepime (91.5%), imipenem (96.0%), meropenem (98.8%), amikacin (98.0%) and fosfomycin (99.6%), as determined by the agar dilution method. β-lactamases, including blaTEM (66.1%), blaCMY-2 (16.5%), blaCTX-M (5.2%), blaDHA-1 (1.6%) and blaSHV-12 (1.6%), were found in FQ-resistant isolates. The results of PCR and direct sequencing showed that 37 isolates (14.9%) harbored plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes. qnrB2, qnrB4, qnrS1, coexistence of qnrB4 and qnrS1, oqxAB and aac(6′)-Ib-cr were found in 1, 4, 4, 1, 15 and 14 isolates, respectively. PMQR genes were successfully transfered for 11 (29.7%) of the 37 PMQR-harboring isolates by conjugation to E. coli C600. These findings indicate that qnr genes remained rare in E. coli but demonstrate the potential spread of oqxAB and aac(6′)-Ib-c in Taiwan.
Residual Tumor Volume as Best Outcome Predictor in Low Grade Glioma – A Nine-Years Near-Randomized Survey of Surgery vs. Biopsy
Authors: Roelz Roland , Strohmaier David , Jabbarli Ramazan , Kraeutle Rainer , Egger Karl , Coenen Volker A. , Weyerbrock Astrid , Reinacher Peter C.
Published: August 2016

Diffuse low grade gliomas (DLGG) are continuously progressive primary brain neoplasms that lead to neurological deficits and death. Treatment strategies are controversial. Randomized trials establishing the prognostic value of surgery do not exist. Here, we report the results of a nine-year near-randomized patient distribution between resection and biopsy. Until 2012, the Department of Neurosurgery and the Department of Stereotactic Neurosurgery at the University Medical Center Freiburg were organized as separate administrative units both coordinating DLGG patient treatment independently. All consecutive adult patients with a new diagnosis of DLGG by either stereotactic biopsy or resection were included. Pre- and post-operative tumor volumetry was performed. 126 patients, 87 men (69%), 39 women (31%), median age 41 years, were included. 77 (61%) were initially managed by biopsy, 49 (39%) by resection. A significant survival benefit was found for patients with an initial management by resection (5-year OS 82% vs. 54%). The survival benefit of patients with initial resection was reserved to patients with a residual tumor volume of less than 15 cm3. Maximum safe resection is the first therapy of choice in DLGG patients if a near-complete tumor removal can be achieved. Accurate prediction of the extent-of-resection is required for selection of surgical candidates.
First record of Podocarpoid fossil wood in South China
Authors: Li Long , Jin Jian-Hua , Quan Cheng , Oskolski Alexei A.
Published: August 2016

A new species of fossil conifer wood, Podocarpoxylon donghuaiense sp. nov., is described from the late Eocene of Nadu Formation in Baise Basin of the Guangxi Province, South China. This fossil wood is characterized by distinct growth rings, circular to oval tracheids in cross section, 1–2-seriate opposite pits on radial tracheid walls, uniseriate (rarely biseriate) rays, smooth end walls of ray parenchyma cells and the absence of resin ducts, suggesting its affinity to Podocarpaceae. The new species is distinctive from other Cenozoic woods ascribed to this family by the combination of distinctive growth rings, the absence of axial parenchyma, the occurrence of bordered pits on tangential tracheid walls and the occurrence of 3–4 cuppressoid or taxodioid pits on cross-fields. This represents the first record of podocarpoid fossil wood in South China and provides fossil evidence for the early dispersal and diversification of Podocarpaceae in eastern Asia as well as for mild temperate seasonal climate in this region during the late Eocene.
Bright luminescence from pure DNA-curcumin–based phosphors for bio hybrid light-emitting diodes
Authors: Reddy M. Siva Pratap , Park Chinho
Published: August 2016

Recently, significant advances have occurred in the development of phosphors for bio hybrid light-emitting diodes (Bio-HLEDs), which have created brighter, metal-free, rare-earth phosphor-free, eco-friendly, and cost-competitive features for visible light emission. Here, we demonstrate an original approach using bioinspired phosphors in Bio-HLEDs based on natural deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)-curcumin complexes with cetyltrimethylammonium (CTMA) in bio-crystalline form. The curcumin chromophore was bound to the DNA double helix structure as observed using field emission tunnelling electron microscopy (FE-TEM). Efficient luminescence occurred due to tightly bound curcumin chromophore to DNA duplex. Bio-HLED shows low luminous drop rate of 0.0551 s−1. Moreover, the solid bio-crystals confined the activating bright luminescence with a quantum yield of 62%, thereby overcoming aggregation-induced quenching effect. The results of this study herald the development of commercially viable large-scale hybrid light applications that are environmentally benign.
Dietary Patterns are Associated with Helicobacter Pylori Infection in Chinese Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Xia Yang , Meng Ge , Zhang Qing , Liu Li , Wu Hongmei , Shi Hongbin , Bao Xue , Su Qian , Gu Yeqing , Fang Liyun , Yu Fei , Yang Huijun , Yu Bin , Sun Shaomei , Wang Xing , Zhou Ming , Jia Qiyu , Zhao Honglin , Song Kun , Niu Kaijun
Published: August 2016

Previous studies indicated that food consumption was associated with Helicobacter pylori infection, but no study has yet investigated the association between Helicobacter pylori infection and dietary patterns. The aim of this study was to evaluate the associations between Helicobacter pylori infection and dietary patterns in Tianjin, China. The final cross-sectional study population comprised 10407 participants. Dietary consumption of participants was assessed via food frequency questionnaire. Factor analysis was used to identify dietary patterns, and Helicobacter pylori infection status was diagnosis by H. pylori urease Immunogold Testing kit. Participants in the highest quartile of the high-carbohydrate/sweet pattern showed a multivariable-adjusted OR (95% CI) of 1.65 (1.27–2.17) for the prevalence of H. pylori infection compared with those in the lowest quartile. The multiple adjusted OR for scores of the extreme quartile of high-protein/cholesterol pattern was 0.75 (95% CI, 0.57–0.98). This study demonstrated that a diet rich in carbohydrates and sweets was positively associated with the prevalence of H. pylori infection; interestingly, a diet characterized by high intake of animal offal, animal blood, fish, seafood, and poultry was associated with a reduction of prevalence of H. pylori infection.
Design for strong absorption in a nanowire array tandem solar cell
Authors: Chen Yang , Pistol Mats-Erik , Anttu Nicklas
Published: August 2016

Semiconductor nanowires are a promising candidate for next-generation solar cells. However, the optical response of nanowires is, due to diffraction effects, complicated to optimize. Here, we optimize through optical modeling the absorption in a dual-junction nanowire-array solar cell in terms of the Shockley-Quessier detailed balance efficiency limit. We identify efficiency maxima that originate from resonant absorption of photons through the HE11 and the HE12 waveguide modes in the top cell. An efficiency limit above 40% is reached in the band gap optimized Al0.10Ga0.90As/In0.34Ga0.66As system when we allow for different diameter for the top and the bottom nanowire subcell. However, for experiments, equal diameter for the top and the bottom cell might be easier to realize. In this case, we find in our modeling a modest 1–2% drop in the efficiency limit. In the Ga0.51In0.49P/InP system, an efficiency limit of η = 37.3% could be reached. These efficiencies, which include reflection losses and sub-optimal absorption, are well above the 31.0% limit of a perfectly-absorbing, idealized single-junction bulk cell and close to the 42.0% limit of the idealized dual-junction bulk cell. Our results offer guidance in the choice of materials and dimensions for nanowires with potential for high efficiency tandem solar cells.
Forced co-expression of IL-21 and IL-7 in whole-cell cancer vaccines promotes antitumor immunity
Authors: Gu Yang-Zhuo , Fan Chuan-Wen , Lu Ran , Shao Bin , Sang Ya-Xiong , Huang Qiao-Rong , Li Xue , Meng Wen-Tong , Mo Xian-Ming , Wei Yu-Quan
Published: August 2016

Genetic modification of whole-cell cancer vaccines to augment their efficacies has a history of over two and a half decades. Various genes and gene combinations, targeting different aspects of immune responses have been tested in pursuit of potent adjuvant effects. Here we show that co-expression of two cytokine members of the common cytokine receptor γ-chain family, IL-21 and IL-7, in whole-cell cancer vaccines boosts antitumor immunity in a CD4+ and CD8+ T cell-dependent fashion. It also generates effective immune memory. The vaccine-elicited short-term effects positively correlated with enhanced infiltration of CD4+ and CD8+ effector T cells, and the long-term effects positively correlated with enhanced infiltration of effector memory T cells, especially CD8+ effector memory T cells. Preliminary data suggested that the vaccine exhibited good safety profile in murine models. Taken together, the combination of IL-21 and IL-7 possesses potent adjuvant efficacy in whole-cell vaccines. This finding warrants future development of IL-21 and IL-7 co-expressing whole-cell cancer vaccines and their relevant combinatorial regimens.
Formation of oxygen vacancies and Ti3+ state in TiO2 thin film and enhanced optical properties by air plasma treatment
Authors: Bharti Bandna , Kumar Santosh , Lee Heung-No , Kumar Rajesh
Published: August 2016

This is the first time we report that simply air plasma treatment can also enhances the optical absorbance and absorption region of titanium oxide (TiO2) films, while keeping them transparent. TiO2 thin films having moderate doping of Fe and Co exhibit significant enhancement in the aforementioned optical properties upon air plasma treatment. The moderate doping could facilitate the formation of charge trap centers or avoid the formation of charge recombination centers. Variation in surface species viz. Ti3+, Ti4+, O2−, oxygen vacancies, OH group and optical properties was studied using X-ray photon spectroscopy (XPS) and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The air plasma treatment caused enhanced optical absorbance and optical absorption region as revealed by the formation of Ti3+ and oxygen vacancies in the band gap of TiO2 films. The samples were treated in plasma with varying treatment time from 0 to 60 seconds. With the increasing treatment time, Ti3+ and oxygen vacancies increased in the Fe and Co doped TiO2 films leading to increased absorbance; however, the increase in optical absorption region/red shift (from 3.22 to 3.00 eV) was observed in Fe doped TiO2 films, on the contrary Co doped TiO2 films exhibited blue shift (from 3.36 to 3.62 eV) due to Burstein Moss shift.
Bacterial community structure and function shift across a northern boreal forest fire chronosequence
Authors: Sun Hui , Santalahti Minna , Pumpanen Jukka , Köster Kajar , Berninger Frank , Raffaello Tommaso , Asiegbu Fred O. , Heinonsalo Jussi
Published: August 2016

Soil microbial responses to fire are likely to change over the course of forest recovery. Investigations on long-term changes in bacterial dynamics following fire are rare. We characterized the soil bacterial communities across three different times post fire in a 2 to 152-year fire chronosequence by Illumina MiSeq sequencing, coupled with a functional gene array (GeoChip). The results showed that the bacterial diversity did not differ between the recently and older burned areas, suggesting a concomitant recovery in the bacterial diversity after fire. The differences in bacterial communities over time were mainly driven by the rare operational taxonomic units (OTUs < 0.1%). Proteobacteria (39%), Acidobacteria (34%) and Actinobacteria (17%) were the most abundant phyla across all sites. Genes involved in C and N cycling pathways were present in all sites showing high redundancy in the gene profiles. However, hierarchical cluster analysis using gene signal intensity revealed that the sites with different fire histories formed separate clusters, suggesting potential differences in maintaining essential biogeochemical soil processes. Soil temperature, pH and water contents were the most important factors in shaping the bacterial community structures and function. This study provides functional insight on the impact of fire disturbance on soil bacterial community.
Epigenetic regulation of OAS2 shows disease-specific DNA methylation profiles at individual CpG sites
Authors: Gu Xiaolian , Boldrup Linda , Coates Philip J. , Fahraeus Robin , Nylander Elisabet , Loizou Christos , Olofsson Katarina , Norberg-Spaak Lena , Gärskog Ola , Nylander Karin
Published: August 2016

Epigenetic modifications are essential regulators of biological processes. Decreased DNA methylation of OAS2 (2′-5′-Oligoadenylate Synthetase 2), encoding an antiviral protein, has been seen in psoriasis. To provide further insight into the epigenetic regulation of OAS2, we performed pyrosequencing to detect OAS2 DNA methylation status at 11 promoter and first exon located CpG sites in psoriasis (n = 12) and two common subtypes of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the head and neck: tongue (n = 12) and tonsillar (n = 11). Compared to corresponding controls, a general hypomethylation was seen in psoriasis. In tongue and tonsillar SCC, hypomethylation was found at only two CpG sites, the same two sites that were least demethylated in psoriasis. Despite differences in the specific residues targeted for methylation/demethylation, OAS2 expression was upregulated in all conditions and correlations between methylation and expression were seen in psoriasis and tongue SCC. Distinctive methylation status at four successively located CpG sites within a genomic area of 63 bp reveals a delicately integrated epigenetic program and indicates that detailed analysis of individual CpGs provides additional information into the mechanisms of epigenetic regulation in specific disease states. Methylation analyses as clinical biomarkers need to be tailored according to disease-specific sites.
Region-specific alterations of A-to-I RNA editing of serotonin 2c receptor in the cortex of suicides with major depression
Authors: Weissmann D , van der Laan S , Underwood M D , Salvetat N , Cavarec L , Vincent L , Molina F , Mann J J , Arango V , Pujol J F
Published: August 2016

Brain region-specific abnormalities in serotonergic transmission appear to underlie suicidal behavior. Alterations of RNA editing on the serotonin receptor 2C (HTR2C) pre-mRNA in the brain of suicides produce transcripts that attenuate 5-HT2CR signaling by impairing intracellular G-protein coupling and subsequent intracellular signal transduction. In brain, the distribution of RNA-editing enzymes catalyzing deamination (A-to-I modification) shows regional variation, including within the cerebral cortex. We tested the hypothesis that altered pre-mRNA 5-HT2CR receptor editing in suicide is region-specific. To this end, we investigated the complete 5-HT2CR mRNA-editing profile in two architectonically distinct cortical areas involved in mood regulation and decision-making in a clinically well-characterized cohort of age- and sex-matched non-psychiatric drug-free controls and depressed suicides. By using an original biochemical detection method, that is, capillary electrophoresis single-stranded conformational polymorphism (CE-SSCP), we corroborated the 5-HT2CR mRNA-editing profile previously described in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (Brodmann area 9 (BA9)). Editing of 5-HT2CR mRNA displayed clear regional difference when comparing dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (BA9) and anterior cingulate cortex (BA24). Compared with non-psychiatric control individuals, alterations of editing levels of 5-HT2CR mRNA were detected in both cortical areas of depressed suicides. A marked increase in editing on 5-HT2CR was especially observed in the anterior cingulate cortex in suicides, implicating this cortical area in suicide risk. The results suggest that region-specific changes in RNA editing of 5-HT2CR mRNA and deficient receptor function likely contribute to the etiology of major depressive disorder or suicide.
Whole-brain patterns of 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy imaging in Alzheimer's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies
Authors: Su L , Blamire A M , Watson R , He J , Hayes L , O'Brien J T
Published: August 2016

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy has demonstrated metabolite changes in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB); however, their pattern and relationship to clinical symptoms is unclear. To determine whether the spatial patterns of brain-metabolite changes in AD and DLB are regional or diffused, and to examine whether the key metabolite levels are associated with cognitive and non-cognitive symptoms, we acquired whole-brain spatially resolved 3T magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) data from subjects with AD (N=36), DLB (N=35) and similarly aged controls (N=35). Voxel-wise measurement of N-acetylaspartate to creatine (NAA/Cr), choline to Cr (Cho/Cr), myo-inositol to Cr (mI/Cr) as well as glutamate and glutamine to Cr (Glx/Cr) ratios were determined using MRSI. Compared with controls, AD and DLB groups showed a significant decrease in most brain metabolites, with NAA/Cr, Cho/Cr and mI/Cr levels being reduced in posterior cingulate, thalamus, frontotemporal areas and basal ganglia. The Glx/Cr level was more widely decreased in DLB (posterior cingulate, hippocampus, temporal regions and caudate) than in AD (only in posterior cingulate). DLB was also associated with increased levels of Cho/Cr, NAA/Cr and mI/Cr in occipital regions. Changes in metabolism in the brain were correlated with cognitive and non-cognitive symptoms in the DLB but not in the AD group. The different patterns between AD and DLB may have implications for improving diagnosis, better understanding disease-specific neurobiology and targeting therapeutics. In addition, the study raised important questions about the role of occipital neuroinflammation and glial activation as well as the glutamatergic treatment in DLB.
Adolescent cocaine self-administration induces habit behavior in adulthood: sex differences and structural consequences
Authors: DePoy L M , Allen A G , Gourley S L
Published: August 2016

Adolescent cocaine use increases the likelihood of drug abuse and addiction in adulthood, and etiological factors may include a cocaine-induced bias towards so-called ‘reward-seeking’ habits. To determine whether adolescent cocaine exposure indeed impacts decision-making strategies in adulthood, we trained adolescent mice to orally self-administer cocaine. In adulthood, males with a history of escalating self-administration developed a bias towards habit-based behaviors. In contrast, escalating females did not develop habit biases; rather, low response rates were associated with later behavioral inflexibility, independent of cocaine dose. We focused the rest of our report on understanding how individual differences in young-adolescent females predicted long-term behavioral outcomes. Low, ‘stable’ cocaine-reinforced response rates during adolescence were associated with cocaine-conditioned object preference and enlarged dendritic spine head size in the medial (prelimbic) prefrontal cortex in adulthood. Meanwhile, cocaine resilience was associated with enlarged spine heads in deep-layer orbitofrontal cortex. Re-exposure to the cocaine-associated context in adulthood energized responding in ‘stable responders’, which could then be reduced by the GABAB agonist baclofen and the putative tyrosine receptor kinase B (trkB) agonist, 7,8-dihydroxyflavone. Together, our findings highlight resilience to cocaine-induced habits in females relative to males when intake escalates. However, failures in instrumental conditioning in adolescent females may precipitate reward-seeking behaviors in adulthood, particularly in the context of cocaine exposure.
Shape-controlled electrochemical synthesis of mesoporous Si/Fe nanocomposites with tailored ferromagnetic properties
Authors: Bardet B. , Defforge T. , Negulescu B. , Valente D. , Billoué J. , Poveda P. , Gautier G.
Published: August 2016

Iron–mesoporous silicon nanocomposites are synthesized by anodization and surface-state assisted electrochemical deposition. Magnetic anisotropy and coercivity are found to depend on the morphology of the iron inclusions.
Recent advances in the synthesis of Janus nanomaterials of block copolymers
Authors: Deng Renhua , Liang Fuxin , Zhu Jintao , Yang Zhenzhong
Published: August 2016

We present a review of the very recent advances in the synthesis of block copolymer (BCP) Janus nanomaterials.
Targeted solid phase fermentation of the soil dwelling fungus Gymnascella dankaliensis yields new brominated tyrosine-derived alkaloids
Authors: Wang Hao , Dai Haofu , Heering Christian , Janiak Christoph , Lin Wenhan , Orfali Raha S. , Müller Werner E. G. , Liu Zhen , Proksch Peter
Published: August 2016

Seven new brominated alkaloids, gymnastatins T–Y (1–6) and dankastatin D (7), together with three known analogues were isolated from the soil fungus Gymnascella dankaliensis through fermentation on solid rice mediumcontaining NaBr.
Synthesis and characterization of bifunctional lipophilic and basic mesoporous organosilica supported palladium nanoparticles as an efficient and ecofriendly nanocomposite in aqueous Heck reaction
Authors: Jafari Nasab Mina , Kiasat Ali Reza
Published: August 2016

In the present study, a highly ordered mesoporous organosilica nanocomposite having modified pore channels with both lipophilic and basic units, SBA-R/Im-NH2, was synthesized through surfactant-templated sol–gel methodology and post modification process.
Bio-based polycarbonates derived from the neolignan honokiol
Authors: Wacker Kevin T. , Kristufek Samantha L. , Lim Soon-Mi , Kahn Sarosh , Wooley Karen L.
Published: August 2016

Honokiol, a highly functional phenolic- and alkenyl-containing neolignan natural product isolated fromMagnoliaplants, is an interesting bio-based resource which is shown to be useful as a monomer for the synthesis of poly(honokiol carbonate) (PHC).
Zirconocene catalyzed diastereoselective carbometalation of cyclobutenes
Authors: Roy Sudipta Raha , Eijsberg Hendrik , Bruffaerts Jeffrey , Marek Ilan
Published: August 2016

We functionalize cyclobutene species into polysubstituted metalated cyclobutanes through the Dzhemilev reaction.
Compact broadband CP monopole antenna with tilted branch
Authors: Tang Hongyan , Wang Ke , Wu Runmiao , Yu Chao
Published: August 2016

A novel compact monopole antenna with wide circularly polarised (CP) bandwidth is designed, fabricated and measured. The wide impedance bandwidth and broadband CP characteristic are achieved based on a simple tilted monopole structure, which consists of a slotted rectangular patch and an improved ground plane. The measured impedance bandwidth with return loss better than 10 dB is 97.4% (1.10–3.19 GHz), the measured 3 dB axial‐ratio bandwidth is 59.1% (1.11–2.04 GHz) and the measured peak gain within the operating band is 4.84 dBic, which indicates that it is a good candidate for the application of various global navigation satellite systems.
Wireless data transmission of 34 Gbit/s at a 500‐GHz range using resonant‐tunnelling‐diode terahertz oscillator
Authors: Oshima N. , Hashimoto K. , Suzuki S. , Asada M.
Published: August 2016

A resonant‐tunnelling‐diode terahertz oscillator capable of wide‐band direct modulation was fabricated, and wireless data transmission at a 500‐GHz range was demonstrated. An error‐free transmission up to the data rate of 22 Gbit/s and a transmission with a bit error rate less than the forward error correction limit up to 34 Gbit/s were achieved.
Hardware‐assisted instruction profiling and latency detection
Authors: Sharma Suchakrapani Datt , Dagenais Michel
Published: August 2016

Debugging and profiling tools can alter the execution flow or timing, can induce heisenbugs and are thus marginally useful for debugging time critical systems. Software tracing, however advanced it may be, depends on consuming precious computing resources. In this study, the authors analyse state‐of‐the‐art hardware‐tracing support, as provided in modern Intel processors and propose a new technique which uses the processor hardware for tracing without any code instrumentation or tracepoints. They demonstrate the utility of their approach with contributions in three areas ‐ syscall latency profiling, instruction profiling and software‐tracer impact detection. They present improvements in performance and the granularity of data gathered with hardware‐assisted approach, as compared with traditional software only tracing and profiling. The performance impact on the target system – measured as time overhead – is on average 2–3%, with the worst case being 22%. They also define a way to measure and quantify the time resolution provided by hardware tracers for trace events, and observe the effect of fine‐tuning hardware tracing for optimum utilisation. As compared with other in‐kernel tracers, they observed that hardware‐based tracing has a much reduced overhead, while achieving greater precision. Moreover, the other tracing techniques are ineffective in certain tracing scenarios.
Stacked piezoelectric energy harvesting device by printing process
Authors: Kamata Yuki , Yoon Dong Hyun , Sasaki Toshio , Nozaki Yoshito , Yamaura Shinichi , Sekiguchi Tetsushi , Nakajima Takashi , Shoji Shuichi
Published: August 2016

A simple printing process to design a novel piezoelectric energy‐harvesting device made from vinylidene fluoride/trifluoroethylene copolymers is presented. Fabrication using a metal nanoink and a household printer dramatically reduced the fabrication complexity. In addition, this process employed low‐temperature steps, and thus the structural damage to the polymers resulting from high‐temperature annealing was avoided. By stacking the devices and connecting them in parallel, the generated energy was increased and electric power of ∼1.12 μJ was obtained.
Compatibility analysis of 3D printer resin for biological applications
Authors: Sivashankar Shilpa , Agambayev Sumeyra , Alamoudi Kholod , Buttner Ulrich , Khashab Niveen , Salama Khaled Nabil
Published: August 2016

The salient features of microfluidics such as reduced cost, handling small sample and reagent volumes and less time required to fabricate the devices has inspired the present work. The incompatibility of three‐dimensional printer resins in their native form and the method to improve their compatibility to many biological processes via surface modification are reported. The compatibility of the material to build microfluidic devices was evaluated in three different ways: (i) determining if the ultraviolet (UV) cured resin inhibits the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), i.e. testing devices for PCR compatibility; (ii) observing agglutination complex formed on the surface of the UV cured resin when anti‐C‐reactive protein (CRP) antibodies and CRP proteins were allowed to agglutinate; and (iii) by culturing human embryonic kidney cell line cells and testing for its attachment and viability. It is shown that only a few among four in its native form could be used for fabrication of microchannels and that had the least effect on biological molecules that could be used for PCR and protein interactions and cells, whereas the others were used after treating the surface. Importance in building lab‐on‐chip/micrototal analysis systems and organ‐on‐chip devices is found.
Pulmonary Resection for a Residual Tumor after Definitive Radiation in Locally Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Ito Kensaku , Fukuzawa Kengo , Motohiro Akira , Tagawa Tetsuzo
Published: August 2016

Objective and Methods To clarify the benefits of surgery for a persistent tumor following definitive radiation in locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer, five patients were retrospectively reviewed.

Results All patients received definitive radiation, and three received concurrent chemotherapy followed by anatomical lung resection for a residual local tumor. The median time from the radiation to surgery was 8.2 weeks. There were no postoperative mortalities. Four patients developed distant metastasis with a mean recurrence-free interval of 7.5 months.

Conclusions Distant metastasis frequently occurred within a relatively short period after surgery. Further studies with a larger sample size are needed.
Design of an extreme ultraviolet spectrometer suite to characterize rapidly heated solid matter
Authors: Ivancic S. T. , Stillman C. R. , Nelson D. , Begishev I. A. , Mileham C. , Nilson P. M. , Froula D. H.
Published: August 2016

An ultrafast streaked extreme-ultraviolet (XUV) spectrometer (5–20 nm) was developed to measure the temperature dynamics in rapidly heated samples. Rapid heating makes it possible to create exotic states of matter that can be probed during their inertial confinement time—tens of picoseconds in the case of micron-sized targets. In contrast to other forms of pyrometry, where the temperature is inferred from bulk x-ray emission, XUV emission is restricted to the sample surface, allowing for a temperature measurement at the material–vacuum interface. The surface-temperature measurement constrains models for the release of high-energy-density material. Coupling the XUV spectrometer to an ultrafast (<2-ps) streak camera provided picosecond-time scale evolution of the surface-layer emission. Two high-throughput XUV spectrometers were designed to simultaneously measure the time-resolved and absolute XUV emission.
Conceptual design of the ITER fast-ion loss detector
Authors: Garcia-Munoz M. , Kocan M. , Ayllon-Guerola J. , Bertalot L. , Bonnet Y. , Casal N. , Galdon J. , Garcia Lopez J. , Giacomin T. , Gonzalez-Martin J. , Gunn J. P. , Jimenez-Ramos M. C. , Kiptily V. , Pinches S. D. , Rodriguez-Ramos M. , Reichle R. , Rivero-Rodriguez J. F. , Sanchis-Sanchez L. , Snicker A. , Vayakis G. , Veshchev E. , Vorpahl Ch. , Walsh M. , Walton R.
Published: August 2016

A conceptual design of a reciprocating fast-ion loss detector for ITER has been developed and is presented here. Fast-ion orbit simulations in a 3D magnetic equilibrium and up-to-date first wall have been carried out to revise the measurement requirements for the lost alpha monitor in ITER. In agreement with recent observations, the simulations presented here suggest that a pitch-angle resolution of ∼5° might be necessary to identify the loss mechanisms. Synthetic measurements including realistic lost alpha-particle as well as neutron and gamma fluxes predict scintillator signal-to-noise levels measurable with standard light acquisition systems with the detector aperture at ∼11 cm outside of the diagnostic first wall. At measurement position, heat load on detector head is comparable to that in present devices.
Asymmetries in the motional Stark effect emission on the DIII-D tokamak
Authors: Victor B. S. , Holcomb C. T. , Allen S. L. , Meyer W. H. , Makowski M. A. , Thorman A.
Published: August 2016

Spectrometer measurements and filter upgrades to a motional Stark effect polarimeter measuring the outer half-radius of the DIII-D tokamak helped to identify asymmetries in the polarization angle of Stark-split emission. The measured polarization angle of the π components differs and is not orthogonal to the σ component. These differences persist over a range of densities and with low levels of background light. It is suggested that the difference in the polarization angle between components is from a change in the ellipticity of the emitted light across the Stark components coupled with imperfect polarization preservation from an in-vessel mirror.
Simulations on time-of-flight ERDA spectrometer performance
Authors: Julin Jaakko , Arstila Kai , Sajavaara Timo
Published: August 2016

The performance of a time-of-flight spectrometer consisting of two timing detectors and an ionization chamber energy detector has been studied using Monte Carlo simulations for the recoil creation and ion transport in the sample and detectors. The ionization chamber pulses have been calculated using Shockley-Ramo theorem and the pulse processing of a digitizing data acquisition setup has been modeled. Complete time-of-flight–energy histograms were simulated under realistic experimental conditions. The simulations were used to study instrumentation related effects in coincidence timing and position sensitivity, such as background in time-of-flight–energy histograms. Corresponding measurements were made and simulated results are compared with data collected using the digitizing setup.
How polarizabilities and C6 coefficients actually vary with atomic volume
Authors: Gould Tim
Published: August 2016

In this work, we investigate how atomic C6 coefficients and static dipole polarizabilities α scale with effective volume. We show, using confined atoms covering rows 1-5 of the periodic table, that C6/C6R≈(V/VR)pZ and α/αR≈(V/VR)pZ′ (for volume V=∫dr4π3r3n(r)), where C6R, αR, and VR are the reference values and effective volume of the free atom. The scaling exponents pZ and pZ′ vary substantially as a function of element number Z = N, in contrast to the standard “rule of thumb” that pZ = 2 and pZ′=1. Remarkably, we find that the polarizability and C6 exponents p′ and p are related by p′ ≈ p − 0.615 rather than the expected p′ ≈ p/2. Results are largely independent of the form of the confining potential (harmonic, cubic, and quartic potentials are considered) and kernel approximation, justifying this analysis.
Experimental and theoretical investigation of the magnetization dynamics of an artificial square spin ice cluster
Authors: Pohlit Merlin , Stockem Irina , Porrati Fabrizio , Huth Michael , Schröder Christian , Müller Jens
Published: August 2016

We study the magnetization dynamics of a spin ice cluster which is a building block of an artificial square spin ice fabricated by focused electron-beam-induced deposition both experimentally and theoretically. The spin ice cluster is composed of twelve interacting Co nanoislands grown directly on top of a high-resolution micro-Hall sensor. By employing micromagnetic simulations and a macrospin model, we calculate the magnetization and the experimentally investigated stray field emanating from a single nanoisland. The parameters determined from a comparison with the experimental hysteresis loop are used to derive an effective single-dipole macrospin model that allows us to investigate the dynamics of the spin ice cluster. Our model reproduces the experimentally observed non-deterministic sequences in the magnetization curves as well as the distinct temperature dependence of the hysteresis loop.
Effective mass of two-dimensional electrons in InGaAsN/GaAsSb type II quantum well by Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations
Authors: Kawamata Shuichi , Hibino Akira , Tanaka Sho , Kawamura Yuichi
Published: August 2016

In order to develop optical devices for 2–3 μm wavelength regions, the InP-based InGaAs/GaAsSb type II multiple quantum well system has been investigated. By doping nitrogen into InGaAs layers, the system becomes effective in creating the optical devices with a longer wavelength. In this report, electrical transport properties are reported on the InGaAsN/GaAsSb type II system. The epitaxial layers with the single hetero or multiple quantum well structure on InP substrates are grown by the molecular beam epitaxy. The electrical resistance of samples with different nitrogen concentrations has been measured as a function of the magnetic field up to 9 Tesla at several temperatures between 2 and 6 K. The oscillation of the resistance due to the Shubnikov-de Haas (SdH) effect has been observed at each temperature. The effective mass is obtained from the temperature dependence of the amplitude of the SdH oscillations. The value of the effective mass increases from 0.048 for N = 0.0% to 0.062 for N = 1.2 and 1.5% as the nitrogen concentration increases. The mass enhancement occurs with corresponding to the reduction of the bandgap energy. These results are consistent with the band anticrossing model.
Epitaxial growth of In-rich InGaN on yttria-stabilized zirconia and its application to metal–insulator–semiconductor field-effect transistors
Authors: Kobayashi Atsushi , Lye Khe Shin , Ueno Kohei , Ohta Jitsuo , Fujioka Hiroshi
Published: August 2016

We grew In-rich InxGa1-xN films on yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) substrates at low temperatures by pulsed sputtering deposition. It was found that single-crystal InxGa1-xN (0.63 ≤ x ≤ 0.82) films can be prepared without significant compositional fluctuations at growth temperatures below 500 °C. It was also found that the electrical properties of InGaN are strongly dependent on In composition, growth temperature, and film polarity. N-channel operation of the metal–insulator–semiconductor field-effect transistor (MISFET) with an ultrathin InGaN channel on the YSZ substrates was successfully demonstrated. These results indicate that an InGaN-based MISFET is a promising device for next-generation high-speed electronics.
Liquid gallium and the eutectic gallium indium (EGaIn) alloy: Dielectric functions from 1.24 to 3.1 eV by electrochemical reduction of surface oxides
Authors: Morales Daniel , Stoute Nicholas A. , Yu Zhiyuan , Aspnes David E. , Dickey Michael D.
Published: August 2016

Liquid metals based on gallium are promising materials for soft, stretchable, and shape reconfigurable electromagnetic devices. The behavior of these metals relates directly to the thicknesses of their surface oxide layers, which can be determined nondestructively by ellipsometry if their dielectric functions ε are known. This paper reports on the dielectric functions of liquid gallium and the eutectic gallium indium (EGaIn) alloy from 1.24 to 3.1 eV at room temperature, measured by spectroscopic ellipsometry. Overlayer-induced artifacts, a continuing problem in optical measurements of these highly reactive metals, are eliminated by applying an electrochemically reductive potential to the surface of the metal immersed in an electrolyte. This technique enables measurements at ambient conditions while avoiding the complications associated with removing overlayers in a vacuum environment. The dielectric responses of both metals are closely represented by the Drude model. The EGaIn data suggest that in the absence of an oxide the surface is In-enriched, consistent with the previous vacuum-based studies. Possible reasons for discrepancies with previous measurements are discussed.
Edge structures and properties of triangular antidots in single-layer MoS2
Authors: Gan Li-Yong , Cheng Yingchun , Schwingenschlögl Udo , Yao Yingbang , Zhao Yong , Zhang Xi-xiang , Huang Wei
Published: August 2016

Density functional theory and experiments are employed to shed light on the edge structures of antidots in O etched single-layer MoS2. The equilibrium morphology is found to be the zigzag Mo edge with each Mo atom bonded to two O atoms, in a wide range of O chemical potentials. Scanning electron microscopy shows that the orientation of the created triangular antidots is opposite to the triangular shape of the single-layer MoS2 samples, in agreement with the theoretical predictions. Furthermore, edges induced by O etching turn out to be p-doped, suggesting an effective strategy to realize p-type MoS2 devices.
A quantitative and qualitative approach to the assessment of behaviour of sows upon mixing into group pens with or without a partition
Authors: Clarke Taya , Pluske John R. , Collins Teresa , Miller David W. , Fleming Patricia A.
Published: August 2016

The behaviour of intensively managed sows is influenced by the design of their housing, with the physical structure of the pen affecting how sows spend their time. The first hour after unfamiliar sows are mixed into group housing is considered important in terms of their welfare due to high levels of aggression as they develop a hierarchy and investigate their new surroundings and pen-mates. This study compared the behaviour of sows on a commercial piggery at the point of mixing into 20 group pens (n = 15–18 sows each group), where half the group pens had a concrete partition (a short wall, 2 m long and 1.6 m high) running through the middle of the pen, and half did not have the partition. We predicted that the partition would improve the expression of behaviours during the first hour after mixing. Sows were filmed for 70 min post-mixing and the footage was analysed using quantitative behavioural profile for eight behavioural categories (i.e. time budgets). We found no significant differences in the incidence of aggression, but found less investigative behaviour for sows in pens with the partition; these sows also lay down sooner compared with sows in no-partition pens, and stopped eating/searching for food sooner. The difference between pen designs was most evident at 50–60 min post-mixing, and therefore we compared the behavioural expression of the sows using qualitative behavioural assessment for this time point. There was significant inter-observer reliability among the 17 observers, with 60.02% (P < 0.001) of the variation in their scoring using the Free Choice Profiling methodology explained by the consensus profile. Sows in partition pens were scored as more ‘calm/relaxed’ compared with sows in no-partition pens, which were scored as more ‘aggressive/tense’. There were also significant correlations between the time budgets and behavioural expression scores, with groups of animals described as more ‘aggressive/tense’ also showing more walking, aggression, and avoidance, but less lying. The sows described as more ‘sleepy/bored’ showed more lying and sitting. This study shows that even a subtle difference in housing design (in this case, retention of a concrete partition) can make a significant positive difference to the demeanour and activity patterns of sows. Identifying housing designs that have positive welfare outcomes can inform pen design and construction, and is particularly relevant where housing is being converted (e.g. from single pens to group housing) and decisions must be made around whether or not to keep existing structures.
European Neolithic societies showed early warning signals of population collapse
Authors: Downey Sean S. , Haas W. Randall , Shennan Stephen J.
Published: August 2016

Significance

This study explores whether archaeologically detectable declines in resilience precede the onset of large-scale human population collapses. Our case study is the European Neolithic: a period that began approximately 9,000 y ago when the introduction of agricultural technologies initiated phases of rapid population growth that were in many cases followed by demographic instability and dramatic collapse. Our study finds evidence that statistical signatures of decreasing resilience can be detected long before population decline begins. To our knowledge, this study is the first to find early warning signals of demographic regime shift among human populations. The results suggest that archaeological information can potentially be used to monitor social and ecological vulnerability in human societies at large spatial and temporal scales.
Controlling water evaporation through self-assembly
Authors: Roger Kevin , Liebi Marianne , Heimdal Jimmy , Pham Quoc Dat , Sparr Emma
Published: August 2016

Significance

Water evaporation from aqueous solutions of amphiphilic molecules is shown to be independent of the evaporation driving force, which is the air relative humidity. This reproduces the behavior observed for mammals’ skin outer layer. An homeostatic mechanism achieves the control of water evaporation in systems that adapt their structure to their water content. The response to a change in relative humidity operates through a change in thickness of the self-assembled phase in contact with the air, and thus a change in permeability to water in this layer. This external layer shields the rest of the system from humidity variations and sets the hydration below this shield.
Chemotaxis cluster 1 proteins form cytoplasmic arrays in
Vibrio cholerae
and are stabilized by a double signaling domain receptor DosM
Authors: Briegel Ariane , Ortega Davi R. , Mann Petra , Kjær Andreas , Ringgaard Simon , Jensen Grant J.
Published: August 2016

Significance

The structure and function of membrane-bound chemoreceptor arrays in Bacteria and Archaea are well understood. The chemoreceptors form trimers-of-dimers that are organized into large, hexagonally packed arrays by rings of the histidine kinase CheA and the adaptor protein CheW. Even though many chemotactic prokaryotes are predicted to have additional, purely cytoplasmic chemoreceptor arrays, their structure and function remain poorly understood. We investigated the structure of the cytoplasmic array in the human pathogen
Vibrio cholerae
and discovered a receptor, DosM, with an unusual architecture. This chemoreceptor contains two signaling domains and is essential for the formation of cytoplasmic arrays. Furthermore, we show that DosM structurally stabilizes the cytoplasmic arrays.