bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Associated with Time to Arrival at a Regional Pediatric Trauma Center
Authors: Odetola Folafoluwa O. , Mann N. Clay , Hansen Kristine W. , Bratton Susan L.
Published: November 2015

Objective

The goal of this study was to test the hypothesis that the prehospital time between injury and arrival at a trauma center for critically injured children is associated with patient injury severity and mode of transport.

Methods

Secondary analysis of prospectively collected data on children 0-17 years of age admitted with traumatic injuries to a designated Level I pediatric trauma center from January 1, 2006 through September 30, 2007 was conducted. Multivariate regression methods were used to assess for factors independently associated with prehospital time.

Results

Of 1,175 admissions during the study period, only 355 (30%) had a prehospital time within 60 minutes of injury. Prehospital time within 60 minutes of injury was associated with higher frequency of coma, higher mean injury severity scores (ISS), and greater frequency of admission to the intensive care unit when compared with prehospital time beyond 60 minutes of injury. Children who arrived at the trauma center within 60 minutes versus beyond 60 minutes were 13-fold (odds ratio [OR]: 12.9; 95% Confidence Interval [CI], 7.6-22.0) more likely to be transported via air ambulance than a private vehicle, and had 4.8-fold greater odds (95% CI, 2.2-10.3) of transport via ground ambulance than private vehicle. For each kilometer of distance between the injury zip code and the trauma center, the odds of arrival within 60 minutes versus beyond 60 minutes decreased by 15% (OR: 0.85; 95% CI, 0.79-0.91).

Conclusion

Field triage and decision making appeared to correlate with severity of patient injury with expeditious transport of the most severely injured children to definitive trauma care. This finding serves as important groundwork that might enable further study into factors that influence triage and overall prehospital care for critically injured children.

OdetolaFO, MannNC, HansenKW, BrattonSL. Factors associated with time to arrival at a regional pediatric trauma center. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2016;31(1):4–9.
Determination of Mean Inner Potential and Inelastic Mean Free Path of ZnTe Using Off-Axis Electron Holography and Dynamical Effects Affecting Phase Determination
Authors: Gan Zhaofeng , DiNezza Michael , Zhang Yong-Hang , Smith David J. , McCartney Martha R.
Published: November 2015

The mean inner potential (MIP) and inelastic mean free path (IMFP) of undoped ZnTe are determined using a combination of off-axis electron holography and convergent beam electron diffraction. The ZnTe MIP is measured to be 13.7±0.6 V, agreeing with previously reported simulations, and the IMFP at 200 keV is determined to be 46±2 nm for a collection angle of 0.75 mrad. Dynamical effects affecting holographic phase imaging as a function of incident beam direction for several common semiconductors are systematically studied and compared using Bloch wave simulations. These simulation results emphasize the need for careful choice of specimen orientation when carrying out quantitative electron holography studies in order to avoid erroneous phase measurements.
A ‘Minefield of Misreckonings’: Europe’s Constitutional Pluralism
Authors: Christodoulidis Emilios
Published: November 2015

The paper is a critique of ‘constitutional pluralism’, as increasingly called upon to compensate for the social and democratic deficits of the European project, and of ‘constitutionalisation’ as compensating for the absence of any semblance of ‘constituent power’ at the European level. The substitution has been largely successful in redefining the terms of the debate. My interest in this paper, more specifically, is with constitutionalisation as a process of ‘becoming-constitutional’, the conditions of that process, and the criteria of ascription of constitutionality. My argument is that it involves a constitutive coupling with constitutional pluralism, such that allows even the current crisis to be portrayed as an ‘opportunity’ for Europe’s alleged ‘social market economy for the 21st century’ to ‘come out stronger’, its progress at no point obstructed or derailed by the peoples’ of Europe resistance to it.
‘Posting’ and ‘Posted Workers’: The Need for Clear Definitions of Two Key Concepts of the Posting of Workers Directive
Authors: van Hoek Aukje , Houwerzijl Mijke
Published: November 2015

In this chapter the authors discuss the personal scope of the Directive on the Posting of Workers (Dir 96/71/EC) and the implementation thereof in the Member States. The comparative findings are based on two studies conducted by the authors on behalf of the European Commission in 2010/2011. The authors argue that the concepts of ‘posting’ and ‘posted worker’ are crucial for a proper understanding of the scope of application of the Directive and its interaction with the Rome I Regulation on the applicable law to contractual obligations (Reg 593/2008). A clear and enforceable demarcation of the personal scope will help the Member States to combat abuse of the freedom to provide services and to distinguish more clearly between posting and other types of labour mobility. The proposal submitted by the European Commission to that effect (COM (2012) 131) is judged to be an important step in the right direction.
An Illusion of Protection and an Assumption of Responsibility: The Possibility of Swedish State Liability after Laval
Authors: van Leeuwen Barend
Published: November 2015

This chapter will look deeper into the question of horizontal direct effect in the Viking and Laval cases by focusing on the effects of the Laval judgment. It will be submitted that the Laval case was an example of the horizontal enforcement of the vertical right to be protected by the State against interference with one’s free movement rights under EU law. The trade union acted within a legislative framework which had been established by the State and which provided protection to the trade union. The CJEU’s judgment established that this protection had been illusory, and the Swedish State assumed responsibility by amending two pieces of legislation. However, the reasoning of the CJEU did not sufficiently recognise the vertical nature of the proceedings. As a result, the Swedish Labour Court granted Francovich damages against the trade union, but these damages did not adequately compensate Laval for its losses. Therefore, the extension of horizontal direct effect to trade unions has resulted in inadequate judicial protection in this case. In future cases which present themselves as cases between two private parties the CJEU should more carefully investigate the responsibility of the State. A more careful investigation would open up the possibility of a Francovich claim against the State, if the State bore responsibility for breaches of EU law committed by private parties.
A Fourth in the Court: Why Are There Advocates General in the Court of Justice?
Authors: Bobek Michal
Published: November 2015

Why are there Advocates General in the Court of Justice of the European Union? A standard answer to this question is likely to be either a simple textual reference (because the Treaty provides for them); or an appeal to authority (because the original framers of the Treaties put them there, inspired by the French legal system); or a rather pragmatic appeal to their on-going utility (because they assist the Court and they do a great job); or any combination of these three. All of these explanations are valid. This contribution, however, attempts to go a little deeper in discerning what may be the ideological justification for Advocates General in the Court of Justice. It does so by carrying out a historical and comparative study concerning their origins and systemic justification from the vantage point of a national lawyer coming from a Member State that does not know any type of a ‘fourth in the court’.

The first part of the contribution explains which factors have considerably eroded the position of Advocates General in the course of the last decade and why questions concerning their role and its justification became topical. Second, the commonly invoked reference to the French inspiration for introducing Advocates General is critically examined. It is suggested that justifications once provided with respect to the office of commissaire du gouvernement in the Conseil d’État can hardly be used on the European level with respect to Advocates General. Third, possibilities of internal justification of the role of Advocates General are examined: are Advocates General providing any unique assistance to the Court of Justice, which could not be provided for in different ways? With a negative answer to the latter question, the last part of the argument offers a simple yet solid overreaching justification as to why there should be Advocates General in the Court of Justice.
Advocates General and Grand Chamber Cases: Assistance with the Touch of Substitution
Authors: Łazowski Adam
Published: November 2015

The aim of this chapter is to analyse the role of Advocates General in Grand Chamber cases. The latter are supposed to be the crème de la crème of the case law. Alas, this is not always the case as some of the judgments are poorly argued and with quite limited legal reasoning. This chapter demonstrates that formally the role of Advocates General in Grand Chamber cases is the same as in other cases where the Court of Justice sits in different compositions. Several examples are given proving that assistance of the Advocates General is sometimes followed and sometimes rejected by the Grand Chamber. However, a selection of judgments discussed in the last section of the chapter demonstrates another phenomenon. When the Grand Chamber limits the judicial discourse to the minimum it enhances the role of the Advocates General as their Opinions become the only source of reasoning. If that happens we are arguably dealing with assistance with the touch of substitution.
The Advocate General: Assisting the CJEU of Article 13 TEU to Secure Trust and Democracy
Authors: Solanke Iyiola
Published: November 2015

The Advocate General (AG) has been a permanent feature of the European Union judicial order since 1957. From two Advocates General (AGs) in a Community of six Member States and Court of seven judges, their number has risen to eight in a Union of 27 Member States, three courts and 61 judges. Their task under the Treaty has remained the same, as has their mode of recruitment. The Lisbon Treaty has, however, assigned a new task to the collective judiciary of the Union—under Article 13 TEU, it is to ‘serve’ the citizens of the EU. What does this mean, and in particular what does it mean for the AG—has the task of these non-decision making officers also changed? This chapter suggests that the objective of this new duty is to manufacture trust in the Court of Justice and argues that this requires more transparency at the CJEU and thus a new role for the Advocate General.
Direct observation of titanium-centered octahedra in titanium–antimony–tellurium phase-change material
Authors: Rao Feng , Song Zhitang , Cheng Yan , Liu Xiaosong , Xia Mengjiao , Li Wei , Ding Keyuan , Feng Xuefei , Zhu Min , Feng Songlin
Published: November 2015

Phase-change memory based on Ti0.4Sb2Te3 material has one order of magnitude faster Set speed and as low as one-fifth of the Reset energy compared with the conventional Ge2Sb2Te5 based device. However, the phase-transition mechanism of the Ti0.4Sb2Te3 material remains inconclusive due to the lack of direct experimental evidence. Here we report a direct atom-by-atom chemical identification of titanium-centered octahedra in crystalline Ti0.4Sb2Te3 material with a state-of-the-art atomic mapping technology. Further, by using soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy and density function theory simulations, we identify in amorphous Ti0.4Sb2Te3 the titanium atoms preferably maintain the octahedral configuration. Our work may pave the way to more thorough understanding and tailoring of the nature of the Ti–Sb–Te material, for promoting the development of dynamic random access memory-like phase-change memory as an emerging storage-class memory to reform current memory hierarchy.
Identification of candidate genes for prostate cancer-risk SNPs utilizing a normal prostate tissue eQTL data set
Authors: Thibodeau S. N. , French A. J. , McDonnell S. K. , Cheville J. , Middha S. , Tillmans L. , Riska S. , Baheti S. , Larson M. C. , Fogarty Z. , Zhang Y. , Larson N. , Nair A. , O’Brien D. , Wang L. , Schaid D J.
Published: November 2015

Multiple studies have identified loci associated with the risk of developing prostate cancer but the associated genes are not well studied. Here we create a normal prostate tissue-specific eQTL data set and apply this data set to previously identified prostate cancer (PrCa)-risk SNPs in an effort to identify candidate target genes. The eQTL data set is constructed by the genotyping and RNA sequencing of 471 samples. We focus on 146 PrCa-risk SNPs, including all SNPs in linkage disequilibrium with each risk SNP, resulting in 100 unique risk intervals. We analysecis-acting associations where the transcript is located within 2 Mb (±1 Mb) of the risk SNP interval. Of all SNP–gene combinations tested, 41.7% of SNPs demonstrate a significant eQTL signal after adjustment for sample histology and 14 expression principal component covariates. Of the 100 PrCa-risk intervals, 51 have a significant eQTL signal and these are associated with 88 genes. This study provides a rich resource to study biological mechanisms underlying genetic risk to PrCa.
Small-scale pig farmers’ behavior, silent release of African swine fever virus and consequences for disease spread
Authors: Costard Solenne , Zagmutt Francisco J. , Porphyre Thibaud , Pfeiffer Dirk Udo
Published: November 2015

The expanding distribution of African swine fever (ASF) is threatening the pig industry worldwide. Most outbreaks occur in backyard and small-scale herds, where poor farmers often attempt to limit the disease’s economic consequences by the emergency sale of their pigs. The risk of African swine fever virus (ASFV) release via this emergency sale was investigated. Simulation modeling was used to study ASFV transmission in backyard and small-scale farms as well as the emergency sale of pigs and the potential impact of improving farmers and traders’ clinical diagnosis ability–its timeliness and/or accuracy–was assessed. The risk of ASFV release was shown to be high and improving farmers’ clinical diagnosis ability does not appear sufficient to effectively reduce this risk. Estimates obtained also showed that the distribution of herd size within the backyard and small-scale sectors influences the relative contribution of these farms to the risk of release of infected pigs. These findings can inform surveillance and control programs.
TGFβ3 (TGFB3) polymorphism is associated with male infertility
Authors: Droździk Marek , Kaczmarek Maciej , Malinowski Damian , Broś Urszula , Kazienko Anna , Kurzawa Rafał , Kurzawski Mateusz
Published: November 2015

Factors affecting the blood-testis barrier function may be involved in testicular damage and male infertility. Two cytokines play an important role in the barrier regulation, namely transforming growth factor beta 3 (TGF-β3) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α). The aim of this study was to investigate the potential association between TGF-β3 (TGFB3) and TNF-α (TNF) gene polymorphisms and male infertility. A total of 846 subjects, 423 diagnosed with male infertility and 423 fertile men were enrolled. TGFB3 (rs2268626:T > C, rs3917158:C > T, rs2284792:A > G, rs2268625:T > C, rs3917187:C > T) and TNF (rs1800629:-308G > A) gene polymorphisms were genotyped. No association between TNF genotype and infertility was observed. As for TGFB3, the genotypes distribution was similar in infertile and fertile men. However, rs2284792 minor allele frequency was significantly higher among infertile subjects. Heterozygous rs2284792 AG genotype was associated with increased odds for infertility [OR = 1.40 (95% CI 1.05–1.86), p = 0.021] and similar results were observed for G allele carrier status [OR = 1.40 (95% CI 1.06–1.84), p = 0.017]. Heterozygosity in TGFB3 rs3917158 was also associated with the infertility [OR = 1.37 (95% CI 1.01–1.87), p = 0.041]. The TGFB3 variant genotypes were associated with lower spermatozoa motility parameters in fertile men. The results indicate that variants in TGFB3 gene may be associated with male infertility. However, the findings require further replication and validation.
Size dependent nanomechanics of coil spring shaped polymer nanowires
Authors: Ushiba Shota , Masui Kyoko , Taguchi Natsuo , Hamano Tomoki , Kawata Satoshi , Shoji Satoru
Published: November 2015

Direct laser writing (DLW) via two-photon polymerization (TPP) has been established as a powerful technique for fabrication and integration of nanoscale components, as it enables the production of three dimensional (3D) micro/nano objects. This technique has indeed led to numerous applications, including micro- and nanoelectromechanical systems (MEMS/NEMS), metamaterials, mechanical metamaterials and photonic crystals. However, as the feature sizes decrease, an urgent demand has emerged to uncover the mechanics of nanosized polymer materials. Here, we fabricate coil spring shaped polymer nanowires using DLW via two-photon polymerization. We find that even the nanocoil springs follow a linear-response against applied forces, following Hooke’s law, as revealed by compression tests using an atomic force microscope. Further, the elasticity of the polymer material is found to become significantly greater as the wire radius is decreased from 550 to 350 nm. Polarized Raman spectroscopy measurements show that polymer chains are aligned in nanowires along the axis, which may be responsible for the size dependence. Our findings provide insight into the nanomechanics of polymer materials fabricated by DLW, which leads to further applications based on nanosized polymer materials.
Function of desiccate in gustatory sensilla of drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Kawano Takeshi , Ryuda Masasuke , Matsumoto Hitoshi , Ochiai Masanori , Oda Yasunori , Tanimura Teiichi , Csikos Gyorge , Moriya Megumi , Hayakawa Yoichi
Published: November 2015

Desiccate (Desi), initially discovered as a gene expressing in the epidermis of Drosophila larvae for protection from desiccation stress, was recently found to be robustly expressed in the adult labellum; however, the function, as well as precise expression sites, was unknown. Here, we found that Desi is expressed in two different types of non-neuronal cells of the labellum, the epidermis and thecogen accessory cells. Labellar Desi expression was significantly elevated under arid conditions, accompanied by an increase in water ingestion by adults. Desi overexpression also promoted water ingestion. In contrast, a knockdown of Desi expression reduced feeding as well as water ingestion due to a drastic decrease in the gustatory sensillar sensitivity for all tested tastants. These results indicate that Desi helps protect insects from desiccation damage by not only preventing dehydration through the integument but also accelerating water ingestion via elevated taste sensitivities of the sensilla.
Multimodal targeted high relaxivity thermosensitive liposome for in vivo imaging
Authors: Kuijten Maayke M. P. , Hannah Degeling M. , Chen John W. , Wojtkiewicz Gregory , Waterman Peter , Weissleder Ralph , Azzi Jamil , Nicolay Klaas , Tannous Bakhos A.
Published: November 2015

Liposomes are spherical, self-closed structures formed by lipid bilayers that can encapsulate drugs and/or imaging agents in their hydrophilic core or within their membrane moiety, making them suitable delivery vehicles. We have synthesized a new liposome containing gadolinium-DOTA lipid bilayer, as a targeting multimodal molecular imaging agent for magnetic resonance and optical imaging. We showed that this liposome has a much higher molar relaxivities r1 and r2 compared to a more conventional liposome containing gadolinium-DTPA-BSA lipid. By incorporating both gadolinium and rhodamine in the lipid bilayer as well as biotin on its surface, we used this agent for multimodal imaging and targeting of tumors through the strong biotin-streptavidin interaction. Since this new liposome is thermosensitive, it can be used for ultrasound-mediated drug delivery at specific sites, such as tumors and can be guided by magnetic resonance imaging.
Supplemental vibrational force does not reduce pain experience during initial alignment with fixed orthodontic appliances: a multicenter randomized clinical trial
Authors: Woodhouse Neil R. , DiBiase Andrew T. , Papageorgiou Spyridon N. , Johnson Nicola , Slipper Carmel , Grant James , Alsaleh Maryam , Cobourne Martyn T.
Published: November 2015

This prospective randomized trial investigated the effect of supplemental vibrational force on orthodontic pain during alignment with fixed-appliances. Eighty-one subjects < 20 years-old undergoing extraction-based fixed-appliance treatment were randomly allocated to supplementary (20-minutes/day) use of an intra-oral vibrational device (AcceleDent®) (n = 29); an identical non-functional (sham) device (n = 25) or fixed-appliances only (n = 27). Each subject recorded pain intensity (using a 100-mm visual-analogue scale) and intake of oral analgesia in a questionnaire, following appliance-placement (T1) and first-adjustment (T2) for 1-week (immediately-after, 4, 24, 72-hours and at 1-week). Mean maximum-pain for the total sample was 72.96 mm [SD 21.59; 95%CI 68.19–77.74 mm] with no significant differences among groups (P = 0.282). Subjects taking analgesics reported slightly higher maximum-pain although this was not significant (P = 0.170). The effect of intervention was independent of analgesia (P = 0.883). At T1 and T2, a statistically and clinically significant increase in mean pain was seen at 4 and 24-hours, declining at 72-hours and becoming insignificant at 1-week. For mean alignment-rate, pain-intensity and use of analgesics, no significant differences existed between groups (P > 0.003). The only significant predictor for mean pain was time. Use of an AcceleDent vibrational device had no significant effect on orthodontic pain or analgesia consumption during initial alignment with fixed appliances.
Coexistence of Scattering Enhancement and Suppression by Plasmonic Cavity Modes in Loaded Dimer Gap-Antennas
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Xiao Jun-Jun , Li Meili , Han Dezhuan , Gao Lei
Published: November 2015

Plasmonic nanoantenna is of promising applications in optical sensing and detection, enhancement of optical nonlinear effect, surface optical spectroscopy, photoemission, etc. Here we show that in a carefully-designed dimer gap-antenna made by two metallic nanorods, the longitudinal plasmon antenna mode (AM) of bonding dipoles can compete with the transverse plasmonic cavity modes (CMs), yielding dramatically enhanced or suppressed scattering efficiency, depending on the CMs symmetry characteristics. More specifically, it is demonstrated that an appropriately loaded gap layer enables substantial excitation of toroidal moment and its strong interaction with the AM dipole moment, resulting in Fano- or electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT)-like profile in the scattering spectrum. However, for CMs with nonzero azimuthal number, the spectrum features a cumulative signature of the respective AM and CM resonances. We supply both detailed near-field and far-field analysis, showing that the modal overlap and phase relationship between the fundamental moments of different order play a crucial role. Finally, we show that the resonance bands of the AM and CMs can be tuned by adjusting the geometry parameters and the permittivity of the load. Our results may be useful in plasmonic cloaking, spin-polarized directional light emission, ultra-sensitive optical sensing and plasmon-mediated photoluminescence.
Electrocaloric effect in ferroelectric nanowires from atomistic simulations
Authors: Herchig R. , Chang C.-M. , Mani B. K. , Ponomareva I.
Published: November 2015

Electrocaloric effect is presently under active investigation owing to both the recent discoveries of giant electrocaloric effects and its potential for solid state cooling applications. We use first-principles-based direct simulations to predict the electrocaloric temperature change in ferroelectric ultrathin nanowires. Our findings suggest that in nanowires with axial polarization direction the maximum electrocaloric response is reduced when compared to bulk, while the room temperature electrocaloric properties can be enhanced by tuning the ferroelectric transition temperature. The potential of ferroelectric nanowires for electrocaloric cooling applications is discussed.
Association of SCNN1A Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms with neonatal respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Li Wang , Long Chen , Renjun Li , Zhangxue Hu , Yin Hu , Wanwei Li , Juan Ma , Yuan Shi
Published: November 2015

Increasing evidence has demonstrated that lung fluid absorption disorders might be an important cause of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) by influencing gas exchange or surfactant function. The SCNN1A gene, which encodes the α-ENaC, might predispose infants to RDS. To explore whether the single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of SCNN1A are associated with RDS, we conducted a case-control study to investigate the RDS-associated loci in Han Chinese infants. Seven target SNPs were selected from the SCNN1A gene and were genotyped using the improved multiplex ligase detection reaction (iMLDR). In the total sample, only rs4149570 was associated with NRDS; this association was further confirmed in logistic regression analysis after adjusting for birth weight, gestational age and sex. In the subgroup of infants whose gestational age was 37 weeks and older, in addition to rs4149570, rs7956915 also showed a significant association with RDS. Interestingly, these associations were only observed in term infants. No significant association was observed between the target SNPs and the risk of RDS in preterm infants. We report for the first time that the rs4149570 and rs7956915 polymorphisms of SCNN1A might play important roles in the susceptibility to RDS, particularly in term infants.
In vitro follicle growth supports human oocyte meiotic maturation
Authors: Xiao Shuo , Zhang Jiyang , Romero Megan M. , Smith Kristin N. , Shea Lonnie D. , Woodruff Teresa K.
Published: November 2015

In vitro follicle growth is a potential approach to preserve fertility for young women who are facing a risk of premature ovarian failure (POF) caused by radiation or chemotherapy. Our two-step follicle culture strategy recapitulated the dynamic human follicle growth environment in vitro. Follicles developed from the preantral to antral stage, and, for the first time, produced meiotically competent metaphase II (MII) oocytes after in vitro maturation (IVM).
Utility of Translocator Protein (18 kDa) as a Molecular Imaging Biomarker to Monitor the Progression of Liver Fibrosis
Authors: Hatori Akiko , Yui Joji , Xie Lin , Kumata Katsushi , Yamasaki Tomoteru , Fujinaga Masayuki , Wakizaka Hidekatsu , Ogawa Masanao , Nengaki Nobuki , Kawamura Kazunori , Wang Feng , Zhang Ming-Rong
Published: November 2015

Hepatic fibrosis is the wound healing response to chronic hepatic injury caused by various factors. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the utility of translocator protein (18 kDa) (TSPO) as a molecular imaging biomarker for monitoring the progression of hepatic fibrosis to cirrhosis. Model rats were induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and liver fibrosis was assessed. Positron emission tomography (PET) with N-benzyl-N-methyl-2-[7,8-dihydro-7-(2-[18F]fluoroethyl)-8-oxo-2-phenyl-9H-purin-9-yl]-acetamide ([18F]FEDAC), a radioprobe specific for TSPO, was used for noninvasive visualisation in vivo. PET scanning, immunohistochemical staining, ex vivo autoradiography and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction were performed to elucidate the relationships among radioactivity uptake, TSPO levels and cellular sources enriching TSPO expression in damaged livers. PET showed that uptake of radioactivity in livers increased significantly after 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks of CCl4 treatment. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that TSPO was mainly expressed in macrophages and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). TSPO-expressing macrophages and HSCs increased with the progression of liver fibrosis. Interestingly, the distribution of radioactivity from [18F]FEDAC was well correlated with TSPO expression and TSPO mRNA levels increased with the severity of liver damage. TSPO was a useful molecular imaging biomarker and could be used to track the progression of hepatic fibrosis to cirrhosis with PET.
Alcohol-soluble Star-shaped Oligofluorenes as Interlayer for High Performance Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Zou Yang , He Zhicai , Zhao Baofeng , Liu Yuan , Yang Chuluo , Wu Hongbin , Cao Yong
Published: November 2015

Two star-shaped oligofluorenes with hexakis(fluoren-2-yl)benzene as core are designed and sythesized for interfacial materials in polymer solar cell. Diethanolamino groups are attached to the side chain of fluorene units for T0-OH and T1-OH to enable the alcohol solubility and additional hydrophobic n-hexyl chains are also grafted on the increased fluorene arms for T1-OH. In conventional device with PCDTBT/PC71BM as active layer, a 50% enhanced PCE is obtained by incorporating T0-OH and T1-OH as the interlayer compared with device without interlayer. By optimizing the active material with PTB7 and with the inverted device structure, a maximum PCE of 9.30% is achieved, which is among the highest efficiencies for PTB7 based polymer solar cells. The work function of modified electrode, the surface morphology and the suraface properties are systematically studied. By modifying the structures of the star-shaped molecules, a balance between the hydrophobic and hydrophilic property is finely tuned and thus facilitate the interlayer for high performance of PSCs.
Orbital-dependent Electron-Hole Interaction in Graphene and Associated Multi-Layer Structures
Authors: Deng Tianqi , Su Haibin
Published: November 2015

We develop an orbital-dependent potential to describe electron-hole interaction in materials with structural 2D character, i.e. quasi-2D materials. The modulated orbital-dependent potentials are also constructed with non-local screening, multi-layer screening and finite gap due to the coupling with substrates. We apply the excitonic Hamiltonian in coordinate-space with developed effective electron-hole interacting potentials to compute excitons’ binding strength at M (π band) and Γ (σ band) points in graphene and its associated multi-layer forms. The orbital-dependent potential provides a range-separated property for regulating both long- and short-range interactions. This accounts for the existence of the resonant π exciton in single- and bi-layer graphenes. The remarkable strong electron-hole interaction in σ orbitals plays a decisive role in the existence of σ exciton in graphene stack at room temperature. The interplay between gap-opening and screening from substrates shed a light on the weak dependence of σ exciton binding energy on the thickness of graphene stacks. Moreover, the analysis of non-hydrogenic exciton spectrum in quasi-2D systems clearly demonstrates the remarkable comparable contribution of orbital dependent potential with respect to non-local screening process. The understanding of orbital-dependent potential developed in this work is potentially applicable for a wide range of materials with low dimension.
Polychromatic polarization microscope: bringing colors to a colorless world
Authors: Shribak Michael
Published: November 2015

Interference of two combined white light beams produces Newton colors if one of the beams is retarded relative to the other by from 400 nm to 2000 nm. In this case the corresponding interfering spectral components are added as two scalars at the beam combination. If the retardance is below 400 nm the two-beam interference produces grey shades only. The interference colors are widely used for analyzing birefringent samples in mineralogy. However, many of biological structures have retardance <100 nm. Therefore, cells and tissues under a regular polarization microscope are seen as grey image, which contrast disappears at certain orientations. Here we are proposing for the first time using vector interference of polarized light in which the full spectrum colors are created at retardance of several nanometers, with the hue determined by orientation of the birefringent structure. The previously colorless birefringent images of organelles, cells and tissues become vividly colored. This approach can open up new possibilities for the study of biological specimens with weak birefringent structures, diagnosing various diseases, imaging low birefringent crystals and creating new methods for controlling colors of the light beam.
Cultured enterocytes internalise bacteria across their basolateral surface for, pathogen-inhibitable, trafficking to the apical compartment
Authors: Dean Paul , Quitard Sabine , Bulmer David M. , Roe Andrew J. , Kenny Brendan
Published: November 2015

In vitro- and in vivo-polarised absorptive epithelia (enterocytes) are considered to be non-phagocytic towards bacteria with invasive pathogenic strains relying on virulence factors to ‘force’ entry. Here, we report a serendipitous discovery that questions these beliefs. Thus, we uncover in well-established models of human small (Caco-2; TC-7) and large (T84) intestinal enterocytes a polarization-dependent mechanism that can transfer millions of bacteria from the basal to apical compartment. Antibiotic-protection assays, confocal imaging and drug inhibitor data are consistent with a transcellular route in which internalized, basolateral-membrane enclosed bacteria are trafficked to and across the apical surface. Basal-to-apical transport of non-pathogenic bacteria (and inert beads) challenged the idea of pathogens relying on virulence factors to force entry. Indeed, studies with Salmonella demonstrated that it’s entry-forcing virulence factor (SPI-I) was not required to enter via the basolateral surface but to promote another virulence-associated event (intra-enterocyte accumulation).
Structural modifications due to interface chemistry at metal-nitride interfaces
Authors: Yadav S. K. , Shao S. , Wang J. , Liu X.-Y.
Published: November 2015

Based on accurate first principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations, an unusual phenomenon of interfacial structural modifications, due to the interface chemistry influence is identified at two metal-nitride interfaces with strong metal-nitrogen affinity, Al/TiN {111} and Al/VN {111} interfaces. It is shown that at such interfaces, a faulted stacking structure is energetically preferred on the Al side of the interface. And both intrinsic and extrinsic stacking fault energies in the vicinity Al layers are negligibly small. However, such phenomenon does not occur in Pt/TiN and Pt/VN interfaces because of the weak Pt-N affinity. Corresponding to structural energies of metal-nitride interfaces, the linear elasticity analysis predicts characteristics of interfacial misfit dislocations at metal-nitride interfaces.
Efficient hydrogenation of levulinic acid in water using a supported Ni–Sn alloy on aluminium hydroxide catalysts
Authors: Rodiansono Rodiansono , Astuti Maria Dewi , Hara Takayoshi , Ichikuni Nobuyuki , Shimazu Shogo
Published: November 2015

Efficient hydrogenation of levulinic acid (LA) into γ-valerolactone (GVL) in water using supported Ni–Sn(1.4)/AlOH consisting of Ni3Sn2 alloy species was achieved with high selectivity towards GVL and the catalyst could be reused without any significant loss of activity and selectivity.
Cyclopropanes in water: a diastereoselective synthesis of substituted 2H-chromen-2-one and quinolin-2(1H)-one linked cyclopropanes
Authors: Anand Ashish , Yenagi Jayashree , Tonannavar J. , Kulkarni Manohar V.
Published: November 2015

A one-pot three component reaction has been developed for the synthesis of substituted cyclopropanes employing 4-bromomethyl-2H-chromen-2-one/quinolin-2(1H)-ones, aromatic aldehydes and activated nitriles.
Injectable shear-thinning xanthan gum hydrogel reinforced by mussel-inspired secondary crosslinking
Authors: Liu Zhijia , Yao Ping
Published: November 2015

With a xanthan gum double helical strand network and dopamine-mediated crosslinking network, hydrogels possess injectable properties and enhanced mechanical strength.
Ultrasensitive electrochemical assay of hydrogen peroxide and glucose based on PtNi alloy decorated MWCNTs
Authors: Mei He , Wu Huimin , Wu Wenqin , Wang Shengfu , Xia Qinghua
Published: November 2015

A electrochemical sensor based on PtNi/MWCNTs can detect hydrogen peroxide and glucose with wide linear range and high sensitivity.
Carbon-doped ZnO submicron spheres functionalized with carboxylate groups and effect of dispersion stability in the colloidal system for high photocatalytic activity
Authors: Lee JaeSoul , Lim Hyung-Seok , Kang Yong Soo , Suh Kyung-Do
Published: November 2015

This paper describes a new approach to improve photodegradation efficiency using carbon-doped ZnO submicron spheres in a colloidal system.
Gold-catalyzed tandem cycloisomerization/Petasis–Ferrier rearrangement: a direct route to 3-alkoxyindanones from enynals and alcohols
Authors: Cao Ziping , Zhang Huaqing , Zhang Xiaoxiang , Zhang Ludan , Meng Xin , Chen Guang , Zhao Xian-En , Sun Xuejun , You Jinmao
Published: November 2015

A method to prepare 3-alkoxyindanones by gold-catalyzed tandem cycloisomerization/Petasis–Ferrier rearrangement of ortho-ethynylarylaldehydes with alcohols is described. The reaction also offers a synthetic route to 3-alkoxylcyclopentenones.
Core–shell Co3O4/ZnCo2O4 coconut-like hollow spheres with extremely high performance as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Wang Qiang , Yu Binwei , Li Xiao , Xing Lili , Xue Xinyu
Published: November 2015

Core–shell Co3O4/ZnCo2O4 hollow spheres exhibit superior electrochemical performance with high reversible capacity, excellent cycling stability and good rate capability.
A ternary complex comprising FAK, PTPα and IP3 receptor 1 functionally engages focal adhesions and the endoplasmic reticulum to mediate IL-1-induced Ca2+ signalling in fibroblasts
Authors: Wang Qin , Wang Yongqiang , Downey Gregory P. , Plotnikov Sergey , McCulloch Christopher A.
Published: November 2015

Ca2+ release is tightly sequestered in eukaryotic cells to enable fine spatio-temporal control of signalling but how Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is linked to cell adhesions is not defined. We examined the spatial restriction of Ca2+ release through the inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptor 1 (IP3R1) in response to interleukin-1 (IL-1) and the functions of the adhesion-associated proteins, focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and protein tyrosine phosphatase-α (PTPα). In cultured fibroblasts IL-1 treatment promoted co-localization of PTPα and FAK with the ER and increased association of IP3R1 with PTPα and FAK at focal adhesions (FAs). GST pull-down assays of purified proteins demonstrated that PTPα and FAK directly interacted with IP3R1. These interactions depended on the focal adhesion-targeting (FAT) and band4.1-ezrin-radixin-moesin (FERM) domains of FAK. PTPα was required for the association of IP3R1 with Src, which mediated IP3R1 phosphorylation and consequently ER Ca2+ release. Collectively, these data indicate that PTPα and FAK, which are enriched in FAs, interact with IP3R1 at adjacent ER sites to spatially sequester IL-1-induced Ca2+ signalling.
Mutation of genes controlling mRNA metabolism and protein synthesis predisposes to neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Sartor Francesca , Anderson Jihan , McCaig Colin , Miedzybrodzka Zosia , Müller Berndt
Published: November 2015

Brain development is a tightly controlled process that depends upon differentiation and function of neurons to allow for the formation of functional neural networks. Mutation of genes encoding structural proteins is well recognized as causal for neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Recent studies have shown that aberrant gene expression can also lead to disorders of neural development. Here we summarize recent evidence implicating in the aetiology of NDDs mutation of factors acting at the level of mRNA splicing, mRNA nuclear export, translation and mRNA degradation. This highlights the importance of these fundamental processes for human health and affords new strategies and targets for therapeutic intervention.
Rate control in yeast protein synthesis at the population and single-cell levels
Authors: Dacheux Estelle , Firczuk Helena , McCarthy John E.G.
Published: November 2015

Yeast commits approximately 76% of its energy budget to protein synthesis and the efficiency and control of this process are accordingly critical to organism growth and fitness. We now have detailed genetic, biochemical and biophysical knowledge of the components of the eukaryotic translation machinery. However, these kinds of information do not, in themselves, give us a satisfactory picture of how the overall system is controlled. This is where quantitative system analysis can enable a step-change in our understanding of biological resource management and how this relates to cell physiology and evolution. An important aspect of this more system-oriented approach to translational control is the inherent heterogeneity of cell populations that is generated by gene expression noise. In this short review, we address the fact that, although the vast majority of our knowledge of the translation machinery is based on experimental analysis of samples that each contain hundreds of millions of cells, in reality every cell is unique in terms of its composition and control properties. We have entered a new era in which research into the heterogeneity of cell systems promises to provide answers to many (previously unanswerable) questions about cell physiology and evolution.
Simplified equations of the compliant matrix for right elliptical flexure hinges
Authors: Fu Jinjiang , Yan Changxiang , Liu Wei , Yuan Ting
Published: November 2015

The simplified compliance matrix for right elliptical hinges is presented in this paper by nonlinear curve fitting on the basis of the equations derived by Chen et al. [Rev. Sci. Instrum. 79, 095103 (2008)]. The equations of the rotation stiffness are then confirmed by comparison with results from finite element analysis and experimental measurements. Percentage errors between theoretical predictions and results from both the finite element analysis and experimental testing are within 5% for a range of geometries with the ratio s (b/t) between 1 and 14. The geometric parameter optimization for the purposes of maximizing the rotation stiffness for one universal hinge is utilized to illustrate the application of the simplified equations. The theoretical predictions are in good agreement with both the result of simulation and experiment for the universal hinge: the error between them is within 6.5%.
Unipolar resistive switching in metal oxide/organic semiconductor non-volatile memories as a critical phenomenon
Authors: Bory Benjamin F. , Rocha Paulo R. F. , Gomes Henrique L. , de Leeuw Dago M. , Meskers Stefan C. J.
Published: November 2015

Diodes incorporating a bilayer of an organic semiconductor and a wide bandgap metal oxide can show unipolar, non-volatile memory behavior after electroforming. The prolonged bias voltage stress induces defects in the metal oxide with an areal density exceeding 1017 m−2. We explain the electrical bistability by the coexistence of two thermodynamically stable phases at the interface between an organic semiconductor and metal oxide. One phase contains mainly ionized defects and has a low work function, while the other phase has mainly neutral defects and a high work function. In the diodes, domains of the phase with a low work function constitute current filaments. The phase composition and critical temperature are derived from a 2D Ising model as a function of chemical potential. The model predicts filamentary conduction exhibiting a negative differential resistance and nonvolatile memory behavior. The model is expected to be generally applicable to any bilayer system that shows unipolar resistive switching.
One-way acoustic mirror based on anisotropic zero-index media
Authors: Gu Zhong-ming , Liang Bin , Zou Xin-ye , Yang Jing , Li Yong , Yang Jun , Cheng Jian-chun
Published: November 2015

We have designed a one-way acoustic mirror comprising anisotropic zero-index media. For acoustic beam incident at a particular angle, the designed structure behaves like a high-efficient mirror that redirects almost all the incident energy into another direction predicted by the Snell's law, while becoming virtually transparent to beams propagating reversely along this output path. Furthermore, the mirror can be tailored to work at arbitrary incident angle by simply adjusting its geometry. Our design, with undirectional reflection functionality and flexible working angle, may offer possibilities in space isolations and have deep implication in various scenarios like ultrasound imaging or noise control.
Communication: Probing the absolute configuration of chiral molecules at aqueous interfaces
Authors: Lotze Stephan , Versluis Jan , Olijve Luuk L. C. , van Schijndel Luuk , Milroy Lech G. , Voets Ilja K. , Bakker Huib J.
Published: November 2015

We demonstrate that the enantiomers of chiral macromolecules at an aqueous interface can be distinguished with monolayer sensitivity using heterodyne-detected vibrational sum-frequency generation (VSFG). We perform VSFG spectroscopy with a polarization combination that selectively probes chiral molecular structures. By using frequencies far detuned from electronic resonances, we probe the chiral macromolecular structures with high surface specificity. The phase of the sum-frequency light generated by the chiral molecules is determined using heterodyne detection. With this approach, we can distinguish right-handed and left-handed helical peptides at a water-air interface. We thus show that heterodyne-detected VSFG is sensitive to the absolute configuration of complex, interfacial macromolecules and has the potential to determine the absolute configuration of enantiomers at interfaces.
Predicting natural instream woody-habitat loads across large river networks
Authors: Kitchingman Adrian , Tonkin Zeb , Ayres Renae M. , Lyon Jarod , Stout Justin C. , Rutherfurd Ian D. , Wilson Paul
Published: November 2015

Past waterway management practices worldwide involved extensive removal of instream woody habitat (IWH) and riparian vegetation. The importance of instream woody habitat for healthy aquatic ecosystems has now been recognised, with management approaches reversed to reintroduce instream woody habitat and replant riverbanks. Knowledge of natural or pre-disturbance IWH loads is useful to guide such restoration programs; however, such datasets are often unavailable. In this study, natural IWH loads were mapped along 105km of undisturbed rivers in south-eastern Australia. This field dataset was modelled, using boosted regression trees, against geomorphic, environmental and climatic variables to predict natural IWH loads in rivers across Victoria. Mapped natural IWH loads averaged 0.029m3m–2 (±0.005), ranging from 0.083 to 0.002m3m–2. Natural IWH volumes were predicted to range from 0 to 0.102m3m–2. Distinct IWH loading trends were noticeable over larger spatial scales. Eastern Victoria showed relatively lower natural IWH loads than did western Victoria. Because many stream restoration efforts do not have a quantifiable knowledge of natural IWH load, the results of the present study provide some guidance. The predicted IWH loadings are a useful first step in identifying broad areas for further investigation and a natural condition base for current IWH condition modelling.