bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultra-shallow-marine anoxia in an Early Triassic shallow-marine clastic ramp (Spitsbergen) and the suppression of benthic radiation
Authors: WIGNALL PAUL B. , BOND DAVID P. G. , SUN YADONG , GRASBY STEPHEN E. , BEAUCHAMP BENOIT , JOACHIMSKI MICHAEL M. , BLOMEIER DIERK P. G.
Published: October 2015

Lower Triassic marine strata in Spitsbergen accumulated on a mid-to-high latitude ramp in which high-energy foreshore and shoreface facies passed offshore into sheet sandstones of probable hyperpycnite origin. More distal facies include siltstones, shales and dolomitic limestones. Carbon isotope chemostratigraphy comparison allows improved age dating of the Boreal sections and shows a significant hiatus in the upper Spathian. Two major deepening events, in earliest Griesbachian and late Smithian time, are separated by shallowing-upwards trends that culminated in the Dienerian and Spathian substages. The redox record, revealed by changes in bioturbation, palaeoecology, pyrite framboid content and trace metal concentrations, shows anoxic phases alternating with intervals of better ventilation. Only Dienerian–early Smithian time witnessed persistent oxygenation that was sufficient to support a diverse benthic community. The most intensely anoxic, usually euxinic, conditions are best developed in offshore settings, but at times euxinia also developed in upper offshore settings where it is even recorded in hyperpycnite and storm-origin sandstone beds: an extraordinary facet of Spitsbergen's record. The euxinic phases do not track relative water depth changes. For example, the continuous shallowing upwards from the Griesbachian to lower Dienerian was witness to several euxinic phases separated by intervals of more oxic, bioturbated sediments. It is likely that the euxinia was controlled by climatic oscillations rather than intra-basinal factors. It remains to be seen if all the anoxic phases found in Spitsbergen are seen elsewhere, although the wide spread of anoxic facies in the Smithian/Spathian boundary interval is clearly a global event.
Brain substrates of perceived spatial separation between speech sources under simulated reverberant listening conditions in schizophrenia
Authors: Zheng Y. , Wu C. , Li J. , Wu H. , She S. , Liu S. , Wu H. , Mao L. , Ning Y. , Li L.
Published: October 2015

Background

People with schizophrenia recognize speech poorly under multiple-people-talking (informational masking) conditions. In reverberant environments, direct-wave signals from a speech source are perceptually integrated with the source reflections (the precedence effect), forming perceived spatial separation (PSS) between different sources and consequently improving target-speech recognition against informational masking. However, the brain substrates underlying the schizophrenia-related vulnerability to informational masking and whether schizophrenia affects the unmasking effect of PSS are largely unknown.

Method

Using psychoacoustic testing and functional magnetic resonance imaging, respectively, the speech recognition under either the PSS or perceived spatial co-location (PSC) condition and the underlying brain substrates were examined in 20 patients with schizophrenia and 16 healthy controls.

Results

Speech recognition was worse in patients than controls. Under the PSS (but not PSC) condition, speech recognition was correlated with activation of the superior parietal lobule (SPL), and target speech-induced activation of the SPL, precuneus, middle cingulate cortex and caudate significantly declined in patients. Moreover, the separation (PSS)-against-co-location (PSC) contrast revealed (1) activation of the SPL, precuneus and anterior cingulate cortex in controls, (2) suppression of the SPL and precuneus in patients, (3) activation of the pars triangularis of the inferior frontal gyrus and middle frontal gyrus in both controls and patients, (4) activation of the medial superior frontal gyrus in patients, and (5) impaired functional connectivity of the SPL in patients.

Conclusions

Introducing the PSS listening condition efficiently reveals both the brain substrates underlying schizophrenia-related speech-recognition deficits against informational masking and the schizophrenia-related neural compensatory strategy for impaired SPL functions.
Art Law & Balances. Increased Protection of Cultural Heritage Law vs. Private Ownership: Towards Clash or Balance?
Authors: de Clippele Marie-Sophie , Lambrecht Lucie
Published: October 2015

Private ownership and cultural heritage protection are two interests in continuing tension. The traditional conception of property right is based on an absolute individual right to the peaceful enjoyment of possessions. However, interference in this right may restrict its exercise and impose charges on the owner, such as classification measures and conservation easements. This paper formulates a hypothesis about an increased protection of cultural heritage along with that of private ownership.

Against the background of a complex constitutional allocation of cultural powers, Belgian law provides a pertinent illustration of this development. At the one hand, Belgian governments have been adopting more extensive legislation protecting cultural heritage. On the other hand, Belgian courts, traditionally reluctant to recognize any compensation right when the protective measure only restricts the ownership, gradually appear to undertake a more thorough analysis of the fair balance between the conflicting interests, notably in favor of the owner.

The authors gauge the merits of a new model of cultural heritage protection.
The Rescue, Stewardship, and Return of the Lysi Frescoes by the Menil Foundation
Authors: Fincham Derek
Published: October 2015

The return of works of art by museums to nations of origin has generated considerable scholarly response, yet there has been little engagement with the potential role museums could have as responsible stewards for works of art that are at risk. One important example can be seen in the actions of the Menil Foundation. The Menil, with the permission of the Church of Cyprus, conserved a series of frescoes and created a purpose-built gallery on the Menil campus in Houston to safely house them. It was a novel solution to the problems caused by the situation in Cyprus. Acquiring and saving these thirteenth century frescoes gives an important template for the rescue and conservation of works of art that are at risk, but also exposes similarly-situated actors to the moral dilemma of purchasing looted art with the consent of the original owner.
Association between use of proton pump inhibitors and non-typhoidal salmonellosis identified following investigation into an outbreak ofSalmonellaMikawasima in the UK, 2013
Authors: FREEMAN R. , DABRERA G. , LANE C. , ADAMS N. , BROWNING L. , FOWLER T. , GORTON R. , PETERS T. , MATHER H. , ASHTON P. , DALLMAN T. , GODBOLE G. , TUBIN-DELIC D. , CHARLETT A. , FISHER I. , ADAK G. K.
Published: October 2015

In November 2013, national public health agencies in England and Scotland identified an increase in laboratory-confirmedSalmonellaMikawasima. The role of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) as a risk factor for salmonellosis is unclear; we therefore captured information on PPI usage as part of our outbreak investigation. We conducted a case-control study, comparing each case with two controls. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using multivariable logistic regression. Thirty-nine of 61 eligible cases were included in the study. The median age of cases was 45 years; 56% were female. Of these, 33% were admitted to hospital and 31% reported taking PPIs. We identified an association between PPIs and non-typhoidal salmonellosis (aOR 8·8, 95% CI 2·0–38·3). There is increasing evidence supporting the existence of an association between salmonellosis and PPIs; however, biological studies are needed to understand the effect of PPIs in the pathogenesis ofSalmonella. We recommend future outbreak studies investigate PPI usage to strengthen evidence on the relevance of PPIs inSalmonellainfection. These findings should be used to support the development of guidelines for patients and prescribers on the risk of gastrointestinal infection and PPI usage.
Potentially fatal arrhythmias in two cases of adult Kawasaki disease
Authors: Watanabe Hirofumi , Kato Masataka , Ayusawa Mamoru
Published: October 2015

Fatal arrhythmias in asymptomatic Kawasaki disease patients with normal left ventricular function have rarely been reported. In this study, we report the cases of two adult patients with largely unpredictable sudden cardiac arrest, despite almost-normal left ventricular function even after the diagnosis of presumed Kawasaki disease, as well as consider the mechanisms involved with reference to the literature.
Health care disparities among persons with comorbid schizophrenia and cardiovascular disease: a case–control epidemiological study
Authors: Gal G. , Munitz H. , Levav I.
Published: October 2015

Aims.

Studies showed health care disparities among persons with comorbid schizophrenia and cardiovascular disease (CVD), including in countries with universal health care. However, the potential positive effect of specific mental health legislation has not been reported. This study aimed to investigate the health care of persons with comorbid schizophrenia and CVD in a country with both a national health insurance and a comprehensive rehabilitation law for persons with mental disabilities.

Method.

This study builds on a large case–control epidemiological sample (N = 52 189) of service users. Within the sample we identified a sub-group of persons with CVD diagnoses (n = 8208) and compared service users with and without schizophrenia on drug utilisation, laboratory tests, visits to specialists and surgical interventions.

Results.

Service users with schizophrenia were less likely to meet similar indexes of care as their counterparts: 91% cholesterol tests (p < 0.001), 60% stress tests (p < 0.001), 93% visits to specialists (p = 0.001), 93% drug utilisation (p < 0.001) and 55% CVD surgical interventions (odds ratio 0.55, 95% confidence intervals 0.49–0.61).

Conclusions.

In Israel, a country with a national health insurance and a rehabilitation law specific for persons with mental disabilities, service users with schizophrenia still fail to receive equitable levels of health care for CVD. However, the disparities appear to be smaller than in other countries with universal health insurance.
„Ich möchte sterben“ – Zum Umgang mit Suizidwünschen in der hausärztlichen Palliativbetreuung
Authors: Alvarado Vanessa , Liebig Brigitte
Published: October 2015

Zusammenfassung. Unterschiedliche Vorstellungen vom Umgang mit dem Lebensende stellen in der hausärztlichen Palliativbetreuung keine Seltenheit dar. Wenn diese jedoch zu stark divergieren, können daraus erhebliche Belastungen für die Professionellen entstehen, insbesondere wenn es um assistierten Suizid geht. Wie erleben Hausärzte und Hausärztinnen die Unvereinbarkeit zwischen Patientenwünschen und persönlichen Werten? Wie gelingt es Ihnen, Wertedivergenzen zu überbrücken? Ausgehend von Gruppengesprächen mit Hausärzten in der Schweiz geht der Beitrag diesen Fragen nach und zeigt verschiedene, in der Praxis gewählte Strategien auf. Dabei wird deutlich, dass insbesondere eine ‚Perspektivenannäherung‘ (durch fortgesetztes Verhandeln) mit Patienten die Belastungen für Hausärzte und Hausärztinnen reduzieren und eine hohe Versorgungsqualität gewährleisten kann.
Cave "Breathing" Affects Mineral Growth and Climate Clues
Authors: Calderone Julia
Published: October 2015

A new global model suggests how and where air flow in caves affects the growth of cave mineral deposits that scientists use to reconstruct ancient climates.
Chappell Receives 2015 Space Physics and Aeronomy Richard Carrington Award
Authors:   AGU
Published: October 2015

Charles "Rick" Chappell will receive the 2015 Space Physics and Aeronomy Richard Carrington Award at the 2015 American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting, to be held 14–18 December in San Francisco, Calif. The award is given in recognition of significant and outstanding impact on students' and the public's understanding of our science through education and/or outreach activities.
Caspase-8 activation by TRAIL monotherapy predicts responses to IAPi and TRAIL combination treatment in breast cancer cell lines
Authors: Polanski R , Vincent J , Polanska U M , Petreus T , Tang E K Y
Published: October 2015

The discovery of cancer cell-selective tumour necrosis factor-related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL)-induced apoptosis generated broad excitement and development of TRAIL receptor agonists (TRA) as potential cancer therapy. Studies demonstrating the synergistic combination effect of SMAC mimetics and TRA further suggested potentially effective treatment in multiple tumour settings. However, predictive biomarkers allowing identification of patients that could respond to treatment are lacking. Here, we described a high throughput combination screen conducted across a panel of 31 breast cancer cell lines in which we observed highly synergistic activity between TRAIL and the inhibitors of apoptosis proteins (IAP) inhibitor (IAPi) AZD5582 in ~30% of cell lines. We detected no difference in the expression levels of the IAPi or TRAIL-targeted proteins or common modulators of the apoptotic pathway between the sensitive and resistant cell lines. Synergistic combination effect of AZD5582 and TRAIL correlated with sensitivity to TRAIL, but not to AZD5582 as a single agent. TRAIL treatment led to significantly greater activity of Caspase-8 in sensitive than in resistant cell lines (P=0.002). The majority (12/14) of AZD5582+TRAIL-resistant cell lines retained a functional cell death pathway, as they were sensitive to AZD5582+TNFα combination treatment. This suggested that failure of the TRAIL receptor complex to transduce the death signal to Caspase-8 underlies AZD5582+TRAIL resistance. We developed a 3D spheroid assay and demonstrated its suitability for the ex vivo analysis of the Caspase-8 activity as a predictive biomarker. Altogether, our study demonstrated a link between the functionality of the TRAIL receptor pathway and the synergistic activity of the IAPi+TRA combination treatment. It also provided a rationale for development of the Caspase-8 activity assay as a functional predictive biomarker that could allow better prediction of the response to IAPi+TRA-based therapies than the analysis of expression levels of protein biomarkers.
Enantiomeric switching of chiral metamaterial for terahertz polarization modulation employing vertically deformable MEMS spirals
Authors: Kan Tetsuo , Isozaki Akihiro , Kanda Natsuki , Nemoto Natsuki , Konishi Kuniaki , Takahashi Hidetoshi , Kuwata-Gonokami Makoto , Matsumoto Kiyoshi , Shimoyama Isao
Published: October 2015

Active modulation of the polarization states of terahertz light is indispensable for polarization-sensitive spectroscopy, having important applications such as non-contact Hall measurements, vibrational circular dichroism measurements and anisotropy imaging. In the terahertz region, the lack of a polarization modulator similar to a photoelastic modulator in the visible range hampers expansion of such spectroscopy. A terahertz chiral metamaterial has a huge optical activity unavailable in nature; nevertheless, its modulation is still challenging. Here we demonstrate a handedness-switchable chiral metamaterial for polarization modulation employing vertically deformable Micro Electro Mechanical Systems. Vertical deformation of a planar spiral by a pneumatic force creates a three-dimensional spiral. Enantiomeric switching is realized by selecting the deformation direction, where the polarity of the optical activity is altered while maintaining the spectral shape. A polarization rotation as high as 28° is experimentally observed, thus providing a practical and compact polarization modulator for the terahertz range.
SiR–Hoechst is a far-red DNA stain for live-cell nanoscopy
Authors: Lukinavičius Gražvydas , Blaukopf Claudia , Pershagen Elias , Schena Alberto , Reymond Luc , Derivery Emmanuel , Gonzalez-Gaitan Marcos , D’Este Elisa , Hell Stefan W. , Wolfram Gerlich Daniel , Johnsson Kai
Published: October 2015

Cell-permeable DNA stains are popular markers in live-cell imaging. Currently used DNA stains for live-cell imaging are either toxic, require illumination with blue light or are not compatible with super-resolution microscopy, thereby limiting their utility. Here we describe a far-red DNA stain, SiR–Hoechst, which displays minimal toxicity, is applicable in different cell types and tissues, and is compatible with super-resolution microscopy. The combination of these properties makes this probe a powerful tool for live-cell imaging.
Hierarchical ferroelectric and ferrotoroidic polarizations coexistent in nano-metamaterials
Authors: Shimada Takahiro , Lich Le Van , Nagano Koyo , Wang Jie , Kitamura Takayuki
Published: October 2015

Tailoring materials to obtain unique, or significantly enhanced material properties through rationally designed structures rather than chemical constituents is principle of metamaterial concept, which leads to the realization of remarkable optical and mechanical properties. Inspired by the recent progress in electromagnetic and mechanical metamaterials, here we introduce the concept of ferroelectric nano-metamaterials and demonstrate through an experiment in silico with hierarchical nanostructures of ferroelectrics using sophisticated real-space phase-field techniques. This new concept enables variety of unusual and complex yet controllable domain patterns to be achieved, where the coexistence between hierarchical ferroelectric and ferrotoroidic polarizations establishes a new benchmark for exploration of complexity in spontaneous polarization ordering. The concept opens a novel route to effectively tailor domain configurations through the control of internal structure, facilitating access to stabilization and control of complex domain patterns that provide high potential for novel functionalities. A key design parameter to achieve such complex patterns is explored based on the parity of junctions that connect constituent nanostructures. We further highlight the variety of additional functionalities that are potentially obtained from ferroelectric nano-metamaterials and provide promising perspectives for novel multifunctional devices. This study proposes an entirely new discipline of ferroelectric nano-metamaterials, further driving advances in metamaterials research.
Multiple effect of social influence on cooperation in interdependent network games
Authors: Jiang Luo-Luo , Li Wen-Jing , Wang Zhen
Published: October 2015

The social influence exists widely in the human society, where individual decision-making process (from congressional election to electronic commerce) may be affected by the attitude and behavior of others belonging to different social networks. Here, we couple the snowdrift (SD) game and the prisoner’s dilemma (PD) game on two interdependent networks, where strategies in both games are associated by social influence to mimick the majority rule. More accurately, individuals’ strategies updating refers to social learning (based on payoff difference) and above-mentioned social influence (related with environment of interdependent group), which is controlled by social influence strength s. Setting s = 0 decouples the networks and returns the traditional network game; while its increase involves the interactions between networks. By means of numerous Monte Carlo simulations, we find that such a mechanism brings multiple influence to the evolution of cooperation. Small s leads to unequal cooperation level in both games, because social learning is still the main updating rule for most players. Though intermediate and large s guarantees the synchronized evolution of strategy pairs, cooperation finally dies out and reaches a completely dominance in both cases. Interestingly, these observations are attributed to the expansion of cooperation clusters. Our work may provide a new understanding to the emergence of cooperation in intercorrelated social systems.
Comparative proteomics reveals human pluripotent stem cell-derived limbal epithelial stem cells are similar to native ocular surface epithelial cells
Authors: Mikhailova Alexandra , Jylhä Antti , Rieck Jochen , Nättinen Janika , Ilmarinen Tanja , Veréb Zoltán , Aapola Ulla , Beuerman Roger , Petrovski Goran , Uusitalo Hannu , Skottman Heli
Published: October 2015

Limbal epithelial stem cells (LESCs) are tissue-specific stem cells responsible for renewing the corneal epithelium. Acute trauma or chronic disease affecting LESCs may disrupt corneal epithelial renewal, causing vision threatening and painful ocular surface disorders, collectively referred to as LESC deficiency (LESCD). These disorders cannot be treated with traditional corneal transplantation and therefore alternative cell sources for successful cell-based therapy are needed. LESCs derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) are a prospective source for ocular surface reconstruction, yet critical evaluation of these cells is crucial before considering clinical applications. In order to quantitatively evaluate hPSC-derived LESCs, we compared protein expression in native human corneal cells to that in hPSC-derived LESCs using isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) technology. We identified 860 unique proteins present in all samples, including proteins involved in cell cycling, proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis, various LESC niche components and limbal and corneal epithelial markers. Protein expression profiles were nearly identical in LESCs derived from two different hPSC lines, indicating that the differentiation protocol is reproducible, yielding homogeneous cell populations. Their protein expression profile suggests that hPSC-derived LESCs are similar to the human ocular surface epithelial cells and possess LESC-like characteristics.
Anti-interleukin-6 therapy through application of a monogenic protein inhibitor via gene delivery
Authors: Görtz Dieter , Braun Gerald S. , Maruta Yuichi , Djudjaj Sonja , van Roeyen Claudia R. , Martin Ina V. , Küster Andrea , Schmitz-Van de Leur Hildegard , Scheller Jürgen , Ostendorf Tammo , Floege Jürgen , Müller-Newen Gerhard
Published: October 2015

Anti-cytokine therapies have substantially improved the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Cytokine-targeting drugs are usually biologics such as antibodies or other engineered proteins. Production of biologics, however, is complex and intricate and therefore expensive which might limit therapeutic application. To overcome this limitation we developed a strategy that involves the design of an optimized, monogenic cytokine inhibitor and the protein producing capacity of the host. Here, we engineered and characterized a receptor fusion protein, mIL-6-RFP-Fc, for the inhibition of interleukin-6 (IL-6), a well-established target in anti-cytokine therapy. Upon application in mice mIL-6-RFP-Fc inhibited IL-6-induced activation of the transcription factor STAT3 and ERK1/2 kinases in liver and kidney. mIL-6-RFP-Fc is encoded by a single gene and therefore most relevant for gene transfer approaches. Gene transfer through hydrodynamic plasmid delivery in mice resulted in hepatic production and secretion of mIL-6-RFP-Fc into the blood in considerable amounts, blocked hepatic acute phase protein synthesis and improved kidney function in an ischemia and reperfusion injury model. Our study establishes receptor fusion proteins as promising agents in anti-cytokine therapies through gene therapeutic approaches for future targeted and cost-effective treatments. The strategy described here is applicable for many cytokines involved in inflammatory and other diseases.
A robust screening method for dietary agents that activate tumour-suppressor microRNAs
Authors: Hagiwara Keitaro , Gailhouste Luc , Yasukawa Ken , Kosaka Nobuyoshi , Ochiya Takahiro
Published: October 2015

Certain dietary agents, such as natural products, have been reported to show anti-cancer effects. However, the underlying mechanisms of these substances in human cancer remain unclear. We recently found that resveratrol exerts an anti-cancer effect by upregulating tumour-suppressor microRNAs (miRNAs). In the current study, we aimed to identify new dietary products that have the ability to activate tumour-suppressor miRNAs and that therefore may serve as novel tools for the prevention and treatment of human cancers. We describe the generation and use of an original screening system based on a luciferase-based reporter vector for monitoring miR-200c tumour-suppressor activity. By screening a library containing 139 natural substances, three natural compounds — enoxolone, magnolol and palmatine chloride — were identified as being capable of inducing miR-200c expression in breast cancer cells at 10 μM. Moreover, these molecules suppressed the invasiveness of breast cancer cells in vitro. Next, we identified a molecular pathway by which the increased expression of miR-200c induced by natural substances led to ZEB1 inhibition and E-cadherin induction. These results indicate that our method is a valuable tool for a fast identification of natural molecules that exhibit tumour-suppressor activity in human cancer through miRNA activation.
The recombinant expression and activity detection of MAF-1 fusion protein
Authors: Fu Ping , Wu Jianwei , Gao Song , Guo Guo , Zhang Yong , Liu Jian
Published: October 2015

This study establishes the recombinant expression system of MAF-1 (Musca domesticaantifungal peptide-1) and demonstrates the antifungal activity of the expression product and shows the relationship between biological activity and structure. The gene segments on mature peptide part of MAF-1 were cloned, based on the primers designed according to the cDNA sequence of MAF-1. We constructed the recombinant prokaryotic expression plasmid using prokaryotic expression vector (pET-28a(+)) and converted it to the competent cell of BL21(DE3) to gain recombinant MAF-1 fusion protein with His tag sequence through purifying affinity chromatographic column of Ni-NTA. To conduct the Western Blotting test, recombinant MAF-1 fusion protein was used to produce the polyclonal antibody of rat. The antifungal activity of the expression product was detected usingCandida albicans(ATCC10231) as the indicator. The MAF-1 recombinant fusion protein was purified to exhibit obvious antifungal activity, which lays the foundation for the further study of MAF-1 biological activity, the relationship between structure and function, as well as control of gene expression.
Resonant Scanning with Large Field of View Reduces Photobleaching and Enhances Fluorescence Yield in STED Microscopy
Authors: Wu Yong , Wu Xundong , Lu Rong , Zhang Jin , Toro Ligia , Stefani Enrico
Published: October 2015

Photobleaching is a major limitation of superresolution Stimulated Depletion Emission (STED) microscopy. Fast scanning has long been considered an effective means to reduce photobleaching in fluorescence microscopy, but a careful quantitative study of this issue is missing. In this paper, we show that the photobleaching rate in STED microscopy can be slowed down and the fluorescence yield be enhanced by scanning with high speed, enabled by using large field of view in a custom-built resonant-scanning STED microscope. The effect of scanning speed on photobleaching and fluorescence yield is more remarkable at higher levels of depletion laser irradiance and virtually disappears in conventional confocal microscopy. With ≥6 GW∙cm−2 depletion irradiance, we were able to extend the fluorophore survival time of Atto 647N and Abberior STAR 635P by ~80% with 8-fold wider field of view. We confirm that STED Photobleaching is primarily caused by the depletion light acting upon the excited fluorophores. Experimental data agree with a theoretical model. Our results encourage further increasing the linear scanning speed for photobleaching reduction in STED microscopy.
JBP485 promotes corneal epithelial wound healing
Authors: Nagata Maho , Nakamura Takahiro , Hata Yuiko , Yamaguchi Shumpei , Kaku Taiichi , Kinoshita Shigeru
Published: October 2015

Proper wound healing is vital for maintenance of corneal integrity and transparency. Corneal epithelial damage is one of the most frequently observed ocular disorders. Because clinical options are limited, further novel treatments are needed to improve clinical outcomes for this type of disease. In the present study, it was found that placental extract-derived dipeptide (JBP485) significantly increased the proliferation and migration of corneal epithelial cells (CECs). Moreover, JBP485 accelerated corneal epithelial wound healing in vivo without inflammation and neovascularization and was found to be effective for the treatment of corneal damage. These data indicate that JBP485 efficiently activates the viability of CECs and has potential as a novel treatment for various kinds of corneal epithelial disease.
Nanoplasmonic ruler to measure lipid vesicle deformation
Authors: Jackman Joshua A. , Špačková Barbora , Linardy Eric , Kim Min Chul , Yoon Bo Kyeong , Homola Jiří , Cho Nam-Joon
Published: October 2015

A nanoplasmonic ruler measures vesicle deformation and provides direct evidence to support membrane tension-based models of vesicle adsorption and rupture.
Charging-induced asymmetric spin distribution in an asymmetric (9,0) carbon nanotube
Authors: Wang Jia , Roeterdink Wim G. , Jiang Wanrun , Dai Xing , Gao Yang , Wang Bo , Lei Yanyu , Wang Zhigang , Zhang Rui-Qin
Published: October 2015

The spin distribution of an asymmetric structure facilitates obvious asymmetry along the tube direction and can be controlled by charge.
Light emitting diodes based on carbon dots derived from food, beverage, and combustion wastes
Authors: Sarswat Prashant K. , Free Michael L.
Published: October 2015

Light emitting diodes from waste derived carbon dots.
Tunable self-imaging effect using hybrid optofluidic waveguides
Authors: Shi Y. , Liang L. , Zhu X. Q. , Zhang X. M. , Yang Y.
Published: October 2015

This paper demonstrates the real-time tunable self-imaging function using hybrid optofluidic waveguides.
Three-dimensional ZnO porous films for self-cleaning ultraviolet photodetectors
Authors: Cao Yuanzhi , Deng Sunbin , Hu Qiyi , Zhong Qize , Luo Qiu-Ping , Yuan Longyan , Zhou Jun
Published: October 2015

Three-dimensional (3D) ZnO porous films composed of an interconnected skeleton were fabricated successfully through atomic layer deposition method using carbon nanoparticles as template.
Occurrence of a functionally stable photoharvesting single peptide allophycocyanin α-subunit (16.4 kDa) in the cyanobacterium Nostoc sp. R76DM
Authors: Rastogi Rajesh P. , Sonani Ravi R. , Patel Avani B. , Madamwar Datta
Published: October 2015

We report the occurrence of a functionally stable single peptide APC α-subunit in cyanobacteriumNostocsp. R76DM.
Effects of microstructures on the compression behavior and phase transition routine of In2O3 nanocubes under high pressures
Authors: Tang Shunxi , Li Yan , Zhang Jian , Zhu Hongyang , Dong Yunxuan , Zhu Pinwen , Cui Qiliang
Published: October 2015

In addition to size and morphology, the microstructure may play an important role and induce differences in the compression and phase transition behaviors of nanomaterials under high pressures.
Developing critical thinking skills using the Science Writing Heuristic in the chemistry laboratory
Authors: Stephenson N. S. , Sadler-McKnight N. P.
Published: October 2015

The Science Writing Heuristic (SWH) laboratory approach is a teaching and learning tool which combines writing, inquiry, collaboration and reflection, and provides scaffolding for the development of critical thinking skills. In this study, the California Critical Thinking Skills Test (CCTST) was used to measure the critical thinking skills of first year general chemistry students who were instructed using the SWH approach and first year general chemistry students who received traditional (TRAD) laboratory instruction A quasi experimental pretest–posttest design involving the use of matched groups was used to assess differences in critical thinking between the two groups. Students in the SWH group had significantly higher total critical thinking scores over their traditional counterparts. The results indicate that the SWH approach shows efficacy in improving students' critical thinking skills over the traditional approach.
Discovery of low energy pathways to metal-mediated BN bond reduction guided by computation and experiment
Authors: Carter Tyler J. , Heiden Zachariah M. , Szymczak Nathaniel K.
Published: October 2015

The reduction of borazine-type heterocycles has been a challenge in the area of chemical hydrogen storage. Coordination to low valent metal carbonyls activates borazine for reduction by both 1 e− and 2 e− pathways.
Drop impact and capture on a thin flexible fiber
Authors: Comtet Jean , Keshavarz Bavand , Bush John W. M.
Published: October 2015

The interaction between fiber oscillations and drop deformation leads to a complex dependence of drop capture efficiency on fiber flexibility.
Quantitative diffusion and swelling kinetic measurements using large-angle interferometric refractometry
Authors: Saunders John E. , Chen Hao , Brauer Chris , Clayton McGregor , Chen Weijian , Barnes Jack A. , Loock Hans-Peter
Published: October 2015

The dissolution of an SU-8 photoresist film in methanol was recorded using glancing-angle interferometric refractometry.
Chlorine-conducted defect repairment and seed crystal-mediated vapor growth process for controllable preparation of efficient and stable perovskite solar cells
Authors: Luo Paifeng , Liu Zhaofan , Xia Wei , Yuan Chenchen , Cheng Jigui , Xu Chenxi , Lu Yingwei
Published: October 2015

A facile MaCl-assisted STCVD method is developed, and the novel defect repairment and seed crystal-mediated growth behavior is reported for the first time.
Solution- and solid-state photophysical and stimuli-responsive behavior in conjugated monoalkoxynaphthalene–naphthalimide donor–acceptor dyads
Authors: Peebles Cameron , Wight Christopher D. , Iverson Brent L.
Published: October 2015

The solution-state, solid-state and exceptional stimuli-responsive properties of a series of aromatic conjugated monoalkoxynaphthalene–naphthalimide donor–acceptor dyads is reported.
Enhanced electron mobility in crystalline thionated naphthalene diimides
Authors: Kozycz Lisa M. , Guo Chang , Manion Joseph G. , Tilley Andrew J. , Lough Alan J. , Li Yuning , Seferos Dwight S.
Published: October 2015

A series of five thionated naphthalene diimides (NDIs) with linear alkyl chains was synthesized and the optoelectronic, self-assembly, and device properties were studied.
Down-regulation of PAR1 activity with a pHLIP-based allosteric antagonist induces cancer cell death
Authors: Burns Kelly E. , Thévenin Damien
Published: October 2015

Even though abnormal expression of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and of their ligands is observed in many cancer cells of various origins, only a few anti-cancer compounds directly act on their signalling. One promising approach to modulate their activity consists of targeting the receptor cytoplasmic surfaces interacting with the associated G-proteins using peptides mimicking the intracellular loops of the receptor. Thus, to be fully effective, the peptide mimics must be selectively targeted to the tumour while sparing healthy tissues, translocated across the cell membrane and stay anchored to the cytoplasmic leaflet of the plasma membrane. In the present study, we introduce a novel way to selectively target and inhibit the activity of a GPCR in cancer cells under acidic conditions, such as those found in solid tumours. We find that the conjugation of a peptide fragment derived from the third intracellular loop (i3) of the protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1) to a peptide that can selectively target tumours solely based on their acidity [pH(Low) Insertion Peptide (pHLIP)], produces a construct capable of effectively down-regulating PAR1 activity in a concentration- and pH-dependent manner and of inducing a potent cytotoxic effect in a panel of cancer cells that is proportional to the relative level of receptor expression at the cell surface. This strategy not only allows for a more selective targeting and specific intracellular delivery than current approaches, but also offers new possibilities for developing novel anti-cancer drugs targeting GPCRs.
Retrospective Analysis of Decreasing the Use of Anesthesia in Pediatric Audiology: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Padish-Clarin Gail , Hawkins Andrea J.
Published: October 2015

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to analyze outcomes of processes aimed at reducing the need for use of anesthesia in evaluating pediatric hearing loss.

Method

A retrospective chart review was completed to assess how often a pediatric hearing evaluation was successful/not successful and auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing with anesthesia was avoided/required following review of orders for ABR testing with anesthesia.

Results

A total of 30% of the patients referred for ABR with anesthesia successfully completed a pediatric hearing evaluation, therefore avoiding anesthesia. Male subjects and subjects with developmental delay were less likely to avoid testing with anesthesia. None of the subjects with a comorbidity of developmental delay completed a pediatric hearing evaluation successfully. Other comorbidities with low success rates were autism spectrum disorder and speech delay. No significant outcome differences were measured as a function of referral source.

Conclusions

Processes implemented in this study resulted in elimination of the need to use anesthesia to evaluate hearing in a large portion of patients referred. Success rates for avoiding anesthesia may vary depending on available resources, physician education, and population tested. Additional benefits of the described process include reduced stress on the health care system and families receiving services.
The Relationship Between Submental Surface Electromyography and Hyo-Laryngeal Kinematic Measures of Mendelsohn Maneuver Duration
Authors: Azola Alba M. , Greene Lindsey R. , Taylor-Kamara Isha , Macrae Phoebe , Anderson Cheryl , Humbert Ianessa A.
Published: October 2015

Purpose

The Mendelsohn Maneuver (MM) is a commonly prescribed technique that is taught to individuals with dysphagia to improve swallowing ability. Due to cost and safety concerns associated with videofluoroscopy (VFS) use, submental surface electromyography (ssEMG) is commonly used in place of VFS to train the MM in clinical and research settings. However, it is unknown whether ssEMG accurately reflects the prolonged hyo-laryngeal movements required for execution of the MM. The primary goal of this study was to examine the relationship among ssEMG duration, duration of laryngeal vestibule closure, and duration of maximum hyoid elevation during MM performance.

Method

Participants included healthy adults and patients with dysphagia due to stroke. All performed the MM during synchronous ssEMG and VFS recording.

Results

Significant correlations between ssEMG duration and VFS measures of hyo-laryngeal kinematic durations during MM performance ranged from very weak to moderate. None of the correlations in the group of stroke patients reached statistical significance.

Conclusion

Clinicians and researchers should consider that the MM involves novel hyo-laryngeal kinematics that may be only moderately represented with ssEMG. Thus, there is a risk that these target therapeutic movements are not consistently being trained.
The 21st Century Educational Landscape: Implications for the Academic and Clinical Preparation of SLPs
Authors: Roth Froma P.
Published: October 2015

This article begins a discussion of collaboration and its purposeful integration into Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) training programs. Overviews of Response-to-Intervention (RTI) and the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) are then presented along with examples of the array of knowledge, skills, and clinical experiences SLPs must possess to work effectively in schools. Finally, suggestions are given for specific roles SLPs play at different tiers.
Blended, Active Learning for Anatomy & Physiology: Development & Program Evaluation
Authors: Lemoncello Rik
Published: October 2015

Blended learning, also known as hybrid courses or flipped classrooms, combines face-to-face and online learning to alter the sequence of knowledge acquisition; students engage in content learning before class in order to maximize in-class time for active learning. Active learning in class helps produce significant learning as learners practice with, engage with, and apply pre-class learning. In this manuscript, the author describes the development of a required undergraduate course, Anatomy and Physiology for Speech and Swallowing, from a traditional format to the hybrid blended learning format, as well as program evaluation data. When compared to the traditional format with active learning, the hybrid format with active learning produced similar outcomes in terms of final grade distribution. Analysis of data from teaching the A&P course as a hybrid for 3 years revealed a significant correlation between time spent on-task online with pre-class learning tutorials and final grades. The author also provides qualitative analysis of course evaluation data and lessons learned, and includes detailed information to help readers design effective hybrid courses.
BER analysis of hybrid carrier system based on WFRFT with carrier frequency offset
Authors: Wang Zhenduo , Mei Lin , Wang Xiaolu , Sha Xuejun , Zhang Naitong
Published: October 2015

Carrier frequency offset (CFO) due to Doppler shift or misaligned frequency between the transmitter and the receiver has a serious impact on both orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) and single carrier (SC) communication systems. Inter‐carrier interference coefficients of OFDM system produced by CFO have been proposed and applied in analysing exact bit error rate (BER) upon diverse channel models. In this Letter, interference of hybrid carrier communication system based on weighted‐type fractional Fourier transform impaired by CFO is investigated, which is a weighted form of multi‐carrier and SC schemes, and then exact BER expression of BPSK modulation HC system is derived and verified by simulations.
Enhanced‐output‐power broadband terahertz‐wave emitter based on slot‐antenna‐integrated uni‐travelling‐carrier photodiode
Authors: Ito H. , Yamamoto H. , Yoshimatsu T. , Ishibashi T.
Published: October 2015

Resonant slot‐antenna‐integrated uni‐travelling‐carrier photodiodes were developed for enhancing terahertz (THz)‐wave output powers while maintaining relatively broad bandwidths. Their output powers were two to three times larger at their peaks than those of a non‐resonant bowtie‐antenna‐integrated device. The output powers were enhanced at frequencies from 900 GHz to 1.6 THz for a narrow‐slot device and from 350 to 850 GHz for a wide‐slot device. Typical output powers were 3.5 μW at 1.25 THz and 28 μW at 700 GHz for a photocurrent of 10 mA with a bias voltage of only −0.4 V.
10 Gbit/s serial link receiver with speculative decision feedback equaliser using mixed‐signal adaption in 65 nm CMOS technology
Authors: Yuan Shuai , Wang Ziqiang , Zheng Xuqiang , Jia Wen , Wu Liji , Zhang Chun , Wang Zhihua
Published: October 2015

A 10 Gbit/s serial link receiver with an offset‐calibrated continuous‐time linear equaliser, an adaptive one‐tap half‐rate speculative decision feedback equaliser (DFE) and a phase‐interpolator‐based clock and data recovery is presented. Adaption of the DFE is achieved by using a novel mixed‐signal implementation of the sign‐sign least mean square algorithm to save the cost of hardware and power. Fabricated in 65 nm CMOS technology, the receiver can totally compensate 24.85 dB channel loss at a bit error rate of 10−12. The active chip area is 0.08 mm2 and the total power consumption is 57 mW from a 1.2 V supply.
Deployment method of UAVs with energy constraint for multiple tasks
Authors: Lee H.S. , Yoo H.W. , Lee B.H.
Published: October 2015

This reported work addresses the deployment problem of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for multiple scattered tasks. The objective is to minimise the duration of all UAVs in reaching their assigned task locations so that the overall time needed to accomplish a mission is minimised. Taking speed and energy constraints into account, it is advantageous to transport UAVs by a large‐scale ground vehicle in the shortest time. However, computation of the deployment points requires too much time for an optimal operation to accomplish a task. Therefore, an approximate solution is pursued by an algorithm for efficient deployment. The feasibility of the proposed algorithm is demonstrated through simulations.
Performance of standard and double‐sided 3D‐radiation detectors under the impact of a temperature pulse
Authors: Abouelatta M. , Shaker A. , Gontrand C. , Ossaimee M.
Published: October 2015

In this Letter, a comparison of the electrical performances of a standard and a double‐sided 3D‐radiation detectors using TCAD simulations is performed. The transient simulation is used to investigate the charge collection performance by swamping the detector with a uniform concentration of EHPs (75 e‐h pairs/µm), chosen to give the same total number of carriers as a minimum ionising particle. Both detectors can be biased with the same voltage level of the readout circuitry in the standard 0.35 µm BiCMOS technology, but the standard full 3D structure is preferred for its high collection charge which means high signal to noise ratio. Finally, the impact of a temperature (300−400 K) pulse with fast transition times is studied. The impact has no significant effect on the collection current waveform of the standard but it has a big influence of the current waveform of the double‐sided 3D‐detectors. This makes the standard 3D‐detector favourable than the double‐sided 3D‐detector in a harsh environment.
CMOS 65 nm 'on chip' broadband real time substrate noise measurement
Authors: Noulis T. , Lourandakis E. , Stefanou S. , Merakos P.
Published: October 2015

A CMOS 65 nm substrate crosstalk noise sensor with exceptional performance characteristics was implemented. The sensor is integrated and fabricated onto the same die with a pin‐grid array packaged ZigBee transceiver. It provides a gain of 6.5 dB in an operating bandwidth from 1 MHz to 4.5 GHz and a −1 dB gain compression point for an input signal amplitude of 124 mV. Its superior substrate noise sensing capacity is demonstrated using measurements in an advanced wireless communication system on chip, having a programmable CMOS control logic of 120 kGate acting as the substrate noise transmitter.
Energy‐efficient dynamic power allocation in multi‐antenna transmissions with imperfect channel estimation and feedback
Authors: Yang Ruizhe , Zheng Chen , Wang Zhuwei , Zhang Yanhua , Yu Fei Richard
Published: October 2015

A dynamic power allocation scheme is proposed to maximise the energy efficiency (EE) for multi‐antenna transmissions when both the imperfect channel estimation and feedback are considered. The lower bounded ergodic EE is given by the temporal correlation analysis from the Kalman estimation and the differential codebook‐based feedback of the Gauss–Markov channel, based on which both the powers of data and training are adaptively optimised. Simulations show that the proposed dynamic power allocation scheme outperforms the traditional power allocation schemes.