bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High-hole mobility polycrystalline Ge on an insulator formed by controlling precursor atomic density for solid-phase crystallization
Authors: Toko Kaoru , Yoshimine Ryota , Moto Kenta , Suemasu Takashi 
Published: November 2017

AbstractHigh-carrier mobility semiconductors on insulators are essential for fabricating advanced thin-film transistors, allowing for three-dimensional integrated circuits or high-performance mobile terminals. We investigate the low-temperature (375–450 °C) solid-phase crystallization (SPC) of Ge on a glass substrate, focusing on the precursor conditions. The substrate temperature during the precursor deposition, Td, ranged from 50 to 200 °C. According to the atomic density of the precursor and the Td dependent SPC properties, the precursor conditions were determined by three regimes: the low-density regime (Td < 100 °C), high-density regime (100 ≤ Td ≤ 125 °C), and nucleation regime (Td > 125 °C). The use of the precursor in the narrow high-density regime enabled us to form SPC-Ge with a hole mobility of 340 cm2/Vs, the highest value among semiconductor thin films grown on insulators at low temperature (<900 °C). The origins of the high hole mobility were determined to be both a large grain size (5 µm) and a low energy barrier height (6.4 meV) for the grain boundary. The findings from and knowledge gained in this study, that is, the influence of the precursor conditions on subsequent crystal growth, will be universal and applicable to various materials.
High-definition tDCS of the temporo-parietal cortex enhances access to newly learned words
Authors: Perceval Garon , Martin Andrew K. , Copland David A. , Laine Matti , Meinzer Marcus 
Published: November 2017

AbstractLearning associations between words and their referents is crucial for language learning in the developing and adult brain and for language re-learning after neurological injury. Non-invasive transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to the posterior temporo-parietal cortex has been suggested to enhance this process. However, previous studies employed standard tDCS set-ups that induce diffuse current flow in the brain, preventing the attribution of stimulation effects to the target region. This study employed high-definition tDCS (HD-tDCS) that allowed the current flow to be constrained to the temporo-parietal cortex, to clarify its role in novel word learning. In a sham-controlled, double-blind, between-subjects design, 50 healthy adults learned associations between legal non-words and unfamiliar object pictures. Participants were stratified by baseline learning ability on a short version of the learning paradigm and pairwise randomized to active (20 mins; N = 25) or sham (40 seconds; N = 25) HD-tDCS. Accuracy was comparable during the baseline and experimental phases in both HD-tDCS conditions. However, active HD-tDCS resulted in faster retrieval of correct word-picture pairs. Our findings corroborate the critical role of the temporo-parietal cortex in novel word learning, which has implications for current theories of language acquisition.
C-Phycocyanin protects against mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in parthenogenetic porcine embryos
Authors: Niu Ying-Jie , Zhou Wenjun , Guo Jing , Nie Zheng-Wen , Shin Kyung-Tae , Kim Nam-Hyung , Lv Wen-Fa , Cui Xiang-Shun 
Published: November 2017

AbstractC-Phycocyanin (CP) is a biliprotein enriched in blue-green algae that is known to possess antioxidant, anti-apoptosis, anti-inflammatory, and radical-scavenging properties in somatic cells. However, the protective effect of CP on porcine embryo developmental competence in vitro remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the effect of CP on the development of early porcine embryos as well as its underlying mechanisms. Different concentrations of CP (2, 5, 8, 10 μg/mL) were added to porcine zygote medium 5 during in vitro culture. The results showed that 5 μg/mL CP significantly increased blastocyst formation and hatching rate. Blastocyst formation and quality were significantly increased in the 50 μM H2O2 treatment group following 5 μg/mL CP addition. CP prevented the H2O2-induced compromise of mitochondrial membrane potential, release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria, and reactive oxygen species generation. Furthermore, apoptosis, DNA damage level, and autophagy in the blastocysts were attenuated by supplementation of CP in the H2O2-induced oxidative injury group compared to in controls. These results suggest that CP has beneficial effects on the development of porcine parthenotes by attenuating mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress.
CN rings in full protoplanetary disks around young stars as probes of disk structure
Authors: Cazzoletti P. , van Dishoeck E. F. , Visser R. , Facchini S. , Bruderer S. 
Published: November 2017

Aims. Bright ring-like structure emission of the CN molecule has been observed in protoplanetary disks. We investigate whether such structures are due to the morphology of the disk itself or if they are instead an intrinsic feature of CN emission. With the intention of using CN as a diagnostic, we also address to which physical and chemical parameters CN is most sensitive.
Methods. A set of disk models were run for different stellar spectra, masses, and physical structures via the 2D thermochemical code DALI. An updated chemical network that accounts for the most relevant CN reactions was adopted.
Results. Ring-shaped emission is found to be a common feature of all adopted models; the highest abundance is found in the upper outer regions of the disk, and the column density peaks at 30−100 AU for T Tauri stars with standard accretion rates. Higher mass disks generally show brighter CN. Higher UV fields, such as those appropriate for T Tauri stars with high accretion rates or for Herbig Ae stars or for higher disk flaring, generally result in brighter and larger rings. These trends are due to the main formation paths of CN, which all start with vibrationally excited H\hbox{$_2^*$} molecules, that are produced through far ultraviolet (FUV) pumping of H2. The model results compare well with observed disk-integrated CN fluxes and the observed location of the CN ring for the TW Hya disk.
Conclusions. CN rings are produced naturally in protoplanetary disks and do not require a specific underlying disk structure such as a dust cavity or gap. The strong link between FUV flux and CN emission can provide critical information regarding the vertical structure of the disk and the distribution of dust grains which affects the UV penetration, and could help to break some degeneracies in the SED fitting. In contrast with C2H or c-C3H2, the CN flux is not very sensitive to carbon and oxygen depletion.
Defining sustainable limits during and after intensification in a maritime agricultural ecosystem
Authors: Squire Geoffrey R 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
Intensification of agricultural ecosystems in the 20th century proceeded by a series of innovations that initially ensured food security, but had negative consequences for the in-field and wider environments. A case study in the north Atlantic zone maritime cropland of the UK identified three phases: (1) reorganization between 1940 and 1960, (2) intensification leading to tripling of grain output (1960–1990), and (3) a leveling of output (1990–2015).

Outcomes:
Innovations that caused the changes together with their effect on life forms, ecological processes and the evolving social, economic and biophysical conditions are identified. Attempts to design future sustainable systems are hampered by the absence of a baseline before intensification, by inadequate knowledge of in-field processes, and by uncertainty over “safe ranges” in which processes can operate without causing long-term system decline. Safe ranges are examined for three attributes recorded over all three phases, namely grain output, fertilizer input and the wild seedbank flora. The lower limits for grain and nitrogen were quantified as those that ensure grain security. Tentative upper limits were identified as those that were economically acceptable to farming in the face of major external perturbations related to food policy and environmental protection. Within these upper limits, fields can maintain a generalist wild species seedbank that supports a farmland food web.

Conclusion:
Some properties of the ecosystem therefore attained stability in phase 3. However, evidence of degrading soil, increasing pesticide use to maintain yield and collapse of specialist plant functions such as nitrogen fixation and pollination, suggest the system is moving toward a phase of decline.
A metal-free route to synthesize pure-phase 3C-SiC with excellent optical and magnetic properties
Authors: Liu S , Wang J G 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Large amount of pure-phase 3C-SiC particles were synthesized via microwave heating, without using any metal catalyst. Ball-milling pre-treatment was employed to enhance reaction activity of raw materials prior to the microwave heating process. The morphology, microstructure of the SiC products were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscope (TEM). As the result of SEM, the SiC particles have diameters of 500–2000 nm and smooth surface. TEM image shows that some of the micro-sized SiC particles are composed of agglomerate nano-particles with diameters of 50–200 nm. Photoluminescence and magnetic properties of the SiC products were measured by fluorescence spectrophotometer and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), respectively. Ultra-violet emission from the 3C-SiC products can be detected under excitation wavelength of 240 nm. Without any contribution from the magnetic metal ions, the SiC particles can exhibit ferromagnetic properties around room temperature with saturation magnetization (Ms) of 0.9 emu/g, approximately. The excellent optical and magnetic properties of SiC may mainly be attributed to the point defects.
Feasibility of a Skills-Based Group Reintegration Workshop for OEF/OIF Veterans: STEP-Home
Authors: Fortier Catherine Brawn , Kenna Alexandra , Dams-O'Connor Kristen , Fonda Jennifer , Levin Laura K. , Hursh Colleen , Franz Hannah , Milberg William P. , McGlinchey Regina E. 
Published: November 2017

Objective:
To evaluate the feasibility of a newly developed reintegration workshop for Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF/OIF) Veterans that is based on an evidence-based rehabilitation program shown to be effective in treating mild traumatic brain injury–related symptoms in civilians. Underutilization and resistance to mental health treatment remain a significant problem for OEF/OIF Veterans. Innovative, integrative, transdiagnostic, and acceptable interventions are needed, particularly for this heterogeneous group.

Participants:
Eighty-four OEF/OIF/Operation New Dawn Veterans (74 male and 10 female)—mean age = 35; standard deviation = 7.4.

Setting:
VA Healthcare System.

Intervention:
A 12-week, 2-hour/wk, group skills-based workshop with individual skill building to assist all OEF/OIF Veterans (with and without psychiatric and/or traumatic brain injury) in reintegration after military service.

Main Measures:
Primary outcomes were feasibility measures including treatment fidelity, acceptability, tolerability/adherence, and treatment-related skill acquisition. Secondary outcomes were interest and engagement in future treatment and reintegration status.

Results:
Veterans' enrollment, adherence, and attrition data indicated that Short-Term Executive Plus adapted for Veteran civilian reintegration (STEP-Home) was acceptable and tolerable. Pre-/postintervention differences in attention, problem-solving, and emotional regulation skills demonstrated treatment-related skills acquisition. Secondary outcome data demonstrated Veterans who were hesitant to participate in mental health treatments before enrollment were more open to treatment engagement after STEP-Home, and reintegration status improved.

Conclusions:
This study demonstrated that the STEP-Home workshop is feasible in OEF/OIF Veterans and changes in treatment-related skill acquisition and reintegration status were observed. STEP-Home has potential to facilitate readjustment and serves as a gateway to additional, critically needed Veterans Administration services.
Joint Moments During Downhill and Uphill Walking of a Person with Transfemoral Amputation with a Hydraulic Articulating and a Rigid Prosthetic Ankle—A Case Study
Authors: Alexander Nathalie , Strutzenberger Gerda , Kroell Josef , Barnett Cleveland T. , Schwameder Hermann 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Functional characteristics of prosthetic ankle design may facilitate sloped walking for individuals with transfemoral (TF) amputation. The aim of the current case study was to analyze the effects of a rigid versus a hydraulically articulating ankle component on the biological joint moments of an individual with TF amputation during downhill, uphill, and level walking.

Materials and Methods
The gait of one individual with unilateral TF amputation, using the same prosthetic foot with rigid and hydraulic ankle components, was analyzed and compared with a control group of 18 able-bodied participants. Kinematic and kinetic data were recorded at self-selected walking speed on a sloped ramp with inclinations of −12°, −4° (downhill), 0° (level), +4°, and +12° (uphill).

Results
The slope influenced lower-limb joint moments similarly in both the able-bodied participants and the participant with unilateral TF amputation. The effect of altering ankle movement through exchanging prosthetic ankle componentry was most acutely seen at the hip joint of the residual limb. The use of a hydraulic ankle joint component resulted in decreased mean hip joint extension and flexion moments of up to 92% and 48%, respectively, in the residual limb when compared with the use of the rigid ankle joint component.

Conclusions
During sloped walking, the use of a hydraulically articulating versus rigid ankle joint component reduced the joint moments observed at the hip joint of the residual limb in an individual with unilateral TF amputation. This indicates a benefit for persons with TF amputation as the increased ankle function reduces the moment producing requirements of the hip joint, which may result in decreased energy consumption and subsequently a more efficient gait.
Evaluating a sepsis prediction machine learning algorithm in the emergency department and intensive care unit: a before and after comparative study
Authors: Burdick Hoyt , Pino Eduardo , Gabel-Comeau Denise , Gu Carol , Huang Heidi , Lynn-Palevsky Anna , Das Ritankar 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIntroductionSepsis is a major health crisis in US hospitals, and several clinical identification systems have been designed to help care providers with early diagnosis of sepsis. However, many of these systems demonstrate low specificity or sensitivity, which limits their clinical utility. We evaluate the effects of a machine learning algodiagnostic (MLA) sepsis prediction and detection system using a before-and-after clinical study performed at Cabell Huntington Hospital (CHH) in Huntington, West Virginia. Prior to this study, CHH utilized the St. John’s Sepsis Agent (SJSA) as a rules-based sepsis detection system.MethodsThe Predictive algoRithm for EValuation and Intervention in SEpsis (PREVISE) study was carried out between July 1, 2017 and August 30, 2017. All patients over the age of 18 who were admitted to the emergency department or intensive care units at CHH were monitored during the study. We assessed pre-implementation baseline metrics during the month of July, 2017, when the SJSA was active. During implementation in the month of August, 2017, SJSA and the MLA concurrently monitored patients for sepsis risk. At the conclusion of the study period, the primary outcome of sepsis-related in-hospital mortality and secondary outcome of sepsis-related hospital length of stay were compared between the two groups.ResultsSepsis-related in-hospital mortality decreased from 3.97% to 2.64%, a 33.5% relative decrease (P = 0.038), and sepsis-related length of stay decreased from 2.99 days in the pre-implementation phase to 2.48 days in the post-implementation phase, a 17.1% relative reduction (P < 0.001).ConclusionReductions in patient mortality and length-of-stay were observed with use of a machine learning algorithm for early sepsis detection in the emergency department and intensive care units at Cabell Huntington Hospital, and may present a method for improving patient outcomes.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03235193, retrospectively registered on July 27th 2017.
Photocatalytic disinfection of Surfaces with Copper Doped TiO2Nanotube Coatings Illuminated by Ceiling Mounted Fluorescent Light
Authors: Koklic Tilen , Pintarič Štefan , Zdovc Irena , Golob Majda , Umek Polona , Mehle Alma , Dobeic Martin , Štrancar Janez 
Published: November 2017

AbstractHigh economic burden is associated with foodborne illnesses. Different disinfection methods are therefore employed in food processing industry; such as use of ultraviolet light or usage of surfaces with copper-containing alloys. However, all the disinfection methods currently in use have some shortcomings. Here we show that copper doped TiO2nanotubes deposited on existing surfaces and illuminated with ceiling mounted fluorescent lights or additional low power light emitting diodes can be employed for an economical and permanent disinfection of surfaces.We deposited the nanotubes on various surfaces: polyethylene terephatlate, polystyrene, and aluminum oxide, where they could withstand repeated washings with neutral, alkaline or acidic medium. Here we show that the polymer surfaces coated with the nanotubes and innoculated with 107bacteria, illuminated with ceiling mounted fluorescent lights retard the growth ofListeria Innocuaby up to 99% in seven hours of exposure to the fluorescent lights, compared to a control surface. The disinfection properties of the surfaces depend mainly on the temperature difference of the surface and the dew point, where for maximum effectiveness of the photocatalytic effect the difference should be at least 2.5 degrees celsius.Usage of one dimensional nanomaterials, such as TiO2nanotubes, offers a promising low cost alternative to current disinfection methods, since illumination of surfaces with common fluorescent lights is sufficient to photo-excite the nanotubes, which sequentially produce microbicidal hydroxyl radicals. Future use of such surfaces with antibacterial nano-coating and resulting sterilizing effect holds promise for such materials to be used in different environments or in better control of critical control points in food production as well as an improved biosecurity during the food manufacturing process.
PDGFRα signaling in cardiac fibroblasts modulates quiescence, metabolism and self-renewal, and promotes anatomical and functional repair
Authors: Asli Naisana S. , Xaymardan Munira , Patrick Ralph , Farbehi Nona , Cornwell James , Forte Elvira , Waardenberg Ashley J. , Janbandhu Vaibhao , Kesteven Scott , Chandrakanthan Vashe , Malinowska Helena , Reinhard Henrik , Schofield Peter , Christ Daniel , Ahmed Ishtiaq , Bouveret Romaric , Srivastava Surabhi , Mishra Rakesh K. , Dhawan Jyotsna , Chong James J.H. , Nordon Robert , Macdonald Peter , Graham Robert M. , Feneley Michael , Harvey Richard P. 
Published: November 2017

SUMMARYThe interstitial and perivascular spaces of the mammalian heart contain a highly interactive tissue community essential for cardiac homeostasis, repair and regeneration. Mesenchymal cells (fibroblasts) are one of the most abundant cell types, playing key roles as sentinels, tissue architects, paracrine signaling hubs and lineage precursors, and are linked to heart disease through their roles in inflammation and fibrosis. Platelet-derived growth factors (PDGFs) are secreted by several cell types involved in cardiac injury and repair, and are recognized mitogens for cardiac fibroblasts and mesenchymal stem cells. However, their roles are complex and investigations of their impact on heart repair have produced contrasting outcomes, leaving therapeutic potential uncertain. Here, we use new approaches and tools, including single cell RNA sequencing, to explore cardiac fibroblast heterogeneity and how PDGF receptor α (PDGFRα) signaling impacts fibroblasts during heart repair. Short-term systemic delivery of PDGF-AB to mice from the time of myocardial infarction (MI) led to enhanced anatomical and functional recovery. Underpinning these benefits was a priming effect, in which PDGF-AB accelerated exit of fibroblasts from quiescence and induced a higher translational biosynthetic capacity in both fibroblasts and macrophages without triggering fibrosis. Our study highlights the significant biosynthetic heterogeneity and plasticity in cardiac fibroblast populations, and suggests a rationale for a novel therapeutic approach to cardiac injury involving controlled stimulation of fibroblast activation.
Laminar-specific cortical dynamics in human visual and sensorimotor cortices
Authors: Bonaiuto James J , Meyer Sofie S , Little Simon , Rossiter Holly , Callaghan Martina F , Dick Fred , Barnes Gareth R , Bestmann Sven 
Published: November 2017

AbstractLower frequency, feedback, activity in the alpha and beta range is thought to predominantly originate from infragranular cortical layers, whereas feedforward signals in the gamma range stem largely from supragranular layers. Distinct anatomical and spectral channels may therefore play specialized roles in communication within hierarchical cortical networks; however, empirical evidence for this organization in humans is limited. We leverage high precision MEG to test this proposal, directly and non-invasively, in human participants during visually guided actions. Visual alpha activity mapped onto deep cortical laminae, whereas visual gamma activity predominantly arose from superficial laminae. This laminar-specificity was echoed in sensorimotor beta and gamma activity. Visual gamma activity scaled with task demands in a way compatible with feedforward signaling. For sensorimotor activity, we observed a more complex relationship with feedback and feedforward processes. Distinct frequency channels thus operate in a laminar-specific manner, but with dissociable functional roles across sensory and motor cortices.