bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Current-injection Firing with Ag Paste in a Boron Emitter
Authors: Kim Chanseok , Choi Jae-Wook , Choi Sungjin , Kim Soomin , Park Hyomin , Song Hee-eun , Yoon Sam S. , Huh Joo-Youl , Kang Yoonmook , Lee Hae-Seok , Kim Donghwan 
Published: February 2016

AbstractA high contact resistance for screen-printed contacts was observed when a conventional Ag paste was used on a boron emitter. The results of this study suggest that electron injection during firing is one of the processes that contribute to a lower contact resistance. Larger quantities of Ag precipitates formed upon electron injection into the boron emitter, which was confirmed by observing Ag crystallite or dendrite structures on the boron and by measuring the contact resistance between the boron emitter and the Ag bulk. The electron-injected sample had approximately 10000 times lower contact resistance than an untreated sample. The contact resistance of the electron-injected sample was 0.021 mΩ∙cm2 under optimal conditions, which is lower than that of conventional p-type silicon solar cells. Thus, electron injection can effectively lower contact resistance when using Ag paste in n-type silicon solar cells. During the cooling in the firing process, dissolved Ag ions in the glass layer are formed as dendrites or crystallites/particles. The dendrites are formed earlier than others via electrochemical migration under electron injection conditions. Then, crystallites and particles are formed via a silicon etching reaction. Thus, Ag ions that are not formed as dendrites will form as crystallites or particles.
Rapid design approach of optimal efficiency magnetic resonant wireless power transfer system
Authors: Liu Zhongtao , Zhong Zheng , Guo Yong Xin 
Published: February 2016

A rapid design approach to achieve the optimal efficiency in a magnetic resonant wireless power transfer (MR‐WPT) system is presented. A concise design guideline is provided to determine the optimal efficiency condition and related coupling coefficients. Experimental validations are demonstrated by both simulation and measurement results of a 6.78 MHz MR‐WPT system prototype with the maximum efficiency of 76.1% at a 50 mm distance between transmitter and receiver.
Limits to the precision of gradient sensing with spatial communication and temporal integration
Authors: Mugler Andrew , Levchenko Andre , Nemenman Ilya 
Published: February 2016

Significance
Knowing which way to move is crucial for many biological processes, from organismal development to migration of cancer cells and from motion of microbes to wound healing. To find their preferred directions, biological systems compare concentrations of a chemical cue at their different edges. The comparison requires information from these different locations to be communicated to the same place. However, all communication is noisy (just think of the childhood game “telephone”). This communication noise, as well as noise in the individual measurements themselves, sets the accuracy of the direction sensing. Here we quantify the importance of the communication noise and propose a mechanism that can improve the accuracy of direction sensing.
Mobile small RNAs regulate genome-wide DNA methylation
Authors: Lewsey Mathew G. , Hardcastle Thomas J. , Melnyk Charles W. , Molnar Attila , Valli Adrián , Urich Mark A. , Nery Joseph R. , Baulcombe David C. , Ecker Joseph R. 
Published: February 2016

Significance
Small RNAs (sRNAs) of 24 nt are associated with transcriptional gene silencing by targeting DNA methylation to complementary sequences. We demonstrated previously that sRNAs move from shoot to root, where they regulate DNA methylation of three endogenous transposable elements (TEs). However, the full extent of root DNA methylation dependent on mobile sRNAs was unknown. We demonstrate that DNA methylation at thousands of sites depends upon mobile sRNAs. These sites are associated with TE superfamilies found in gene-rich regions of the genome, which lose methylation selectively in an sRNA-deficient mutant. If the TEs were able to reactivate, they could cause genome instability and altered gene expression patterns, with negative effects on the plant. Consequently, mobile sRNAs may defend against these TEs.
When Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Treatment Goals Conflict with Guideline-Based Opioid Prescribing: A Qualitative Study of Hiv Treatment Providers
Authors: Starrels Joanna L. , Peyser Deena , Haughton Lorlette , Fox Aaron , Merlin Jessica S. , Arnsten Julia H. , Cunningham Chinazo O. 
Published: February 2016

Background Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients have a high prevalence of chronic pain and opioid use, making HIV care a critical setting for improving the safety of opioid prescribing. Little is known about HIV treatment providers’ perspectives about opioid prescribing to patients with chronic pain. Methods The authors administered a questionnaire and conducted semistructured telephone interviews with 18 HIV treatment providers (infectious disease specialists, general internists, family medicine physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants) in Bronx, NY. Open-ended interview questions focused on providers’ experiences, beliefs, and attitudes about opioid prescribing and about the use of guideline-based opioid prescribing practices (conservative prescribing, and monitoring for and responding to misuse). Transcripts were thematically analyzed using a modified grounded theory approach. Results Eighteen HIV treatment providers included 13 physicians, four nurse practitioners, and one physician assistant. They were 62% female, 56% white, and practiced as HIV treatment providers for a mean of 14.6 years. Most reported always or almost always using opioid treatment agreements (56%) and urine drug testing (61%) with their patients on long-term opioid therapy. HIV treatment providers tended to view opioid prescribing for chronic pain within the “HIV paradigm,” a set of priorities and principles defined by three key themes: (1) primacy of HIV goals, (2) familiarity with substance use, and (3) the clinician as ally. The HIV paradigm sometimes supported, and sometimes conflicted with, guideline-based opioid prescribing practices. For HIV treatment providers, perceived alignment with the HIV paradigm determined whether and how guideline-based opioid prescribing practices were adopted. For example, the primacy of HIV goals superseded conservative opioid prescribing when providers prescribed opioids with the goal of retaining patients in HIV care. Conclusion: These findings highlight unique factors in HIV care that influence adoption of guideline-based opioid prescribing practices. These factors should be considered in future research and initiatives to address opioid prescribing in HIV care.
Measurement of gauge blocks by interferometry
Authors: Matus M , Haas S , Piree H , Gavalyugov V , Tamakyarska D , Thalmann R , Balling P , Garnaes J , Hald J , Farid N , Prieto E , Lassila A , Salgado J A , Lewis A , Bandis C , Mudronja V , Banreti E , Balsamo A , Pedone P , Bergmans R H , Karlsson H , Ramotowski Z , Eusebio L , Saraiva F , Duta A , Zelenika S , Bergstrand S , Fira R , Yandayan T , Sendogdu D , Ganioglu O , Akgoz S Asli , Franke P 
Published: February 2016

The key comparison EURAMET.L-K1.2011 on gauge blocks was carried out in the framework of a EURAMET project starting in 2012 and ending in 2015. It involved the participation of 24 National Metrology Institutes from Europe and Egypt, respectively.
38 gauge blocks of steel and ceramic with nominal central lengths between 0.5 mm and 500 mm were circulated. The comparison was conducted in two loops with two sets of artifacts. A statistical technique for linking the reference values was applied. As a consequence the reference value of one loop is influenced by the measurements of the other loop although they did not even see the artifacts of the others. This influence comes solely from three "linking laboratories" which measure both sets of artifacts.
In total there were 44 results were not fully consistent with the reference values. This represents 10% of the full set of 420 results which is a considerable high number. At least 12 of them are clearly outliers where the participants have been informed by the pilot as soon as possible.
The comparison results help to support the calibration and measurement capabilities (CMCs) of the laboratories involved in the CIPM MRA.

Main text

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.
The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCL, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
All-Si valley-Hall photonic topological insulator
Authors: Ma Tzuhsuan , Shvets Gennady 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
An all-Si photonic structure emulating the quantum-valley-Hall effect is proposed. We show that it acts as a photonic topological insulator (PTI), and that an interface between two such PTIs can support edge states that are free from scattering. The conservation of the valley degree of freedom enables efficient in- and out-coupling of light between the free space and the photonic structure. The topological protection of the edge waves can be utilized for designing arrays of resonant time-delay photonic cavities that do not suffer from reflections and cross-talk.
Gastroduodenal Perforation and Ulcer Associated With Rotavirus and Norovirus Infections in Japanese Children: A Case Report and Comprehensive Literature Review
Authors: Ueda Norishi 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Background.  There is no literature review on gastroduodenal perforation or ulcer (GDPU) with rotavirus (RV) and norovirus (NoV) gastroenteritis.
Methods.  Pediatric cases of GDPU or upper gastrointestinal bleeding with RV and NoV gastroenteritis were searched from September 1974 until October 2015 using PubMed, Google for English, other-language-publications, and Ichushi (http://www.jamas.or.jp) for Japanese-language publications. All reports confirming GDPU or upper gastrointestinal bleeding with RV and NoV gastroenteritis were eligible for inclusion in the study. In addition, clinical characteristics were reviewed.
Results.  A boy with duodenal ulcer (DU) and NoV gastroenteritis was described. There were 32 GDPU cases (23 RVs and 9 NoVs cases), including our case; with the exception of 1 case, all were Japanese. Mean age, male/female ratio, and symptoms' duration before admission were 21.6 months, 2.2, and 4.0 days, respectively. Vomiting was the most common symptom, followed by diarrhea, lethargy, fever, abdominal distension, and convulsion. Dehydration, hematemesis, melena, drowsiness or unconsciousness, shock, metabolic acidosis, leukocytosis, anemia, positive C-reactive protein, high blood urea nitrogen, and hyponatremia commonly occurred. Helicobacter pylori was a minor cause of GDPU. Duodenal (DP) or gastric perforation (GP) developed in 14 cases (10 DP/RVs, 1 GP/RV, and 3 DP/NoVs). Duodenal ulcer or gastric ulcer (GU) developed in 18 cases (10 DU/RVs, 4 DU/NoVs, 1 GU/RV, 1 GU + DU/NoV, and 2 upper gastrointestinal bleeding/RVs). The predominant perforation or ulcer site was in the duodenum. With the exception of 2 deaths from DU, all cases recovered.
Conclusions.  Race, young age, male, severe dehydration, metabolic acidosis, drowsiness and unconsciousness, and shock may be potential risk factors of GDPU associated with RV and NoV gastroenteritis. Limitation of this descriptive study warrants further investigations to determine the risk factors in these infections that could be associated with GDPU.
Asymmetric Dimethylarginine in Adult Falciparum Malaria: Relationships With Disease Severity, Antimalarial Treatment, Hemolysis, and Inflammation
Authors: Barber Bridget E. , William Timothy , Grigg Matthew J. , Parameswaran Uma , Piera Kim A. , Yeo Tsin W. , Anstey Nicholas M. 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Background.  Endothelial nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability is impaired in severe falciparum malaria (SM). Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous inhibitor of NO synthase (NOS), contributes to endothelial dysfunction and is associated with mortality in adults with falciparum malaria. However, factors associated with ADMA in malaria, including the NOS-substrate l-arginine, hemolysis, and antimalarial treatment, are not well understood.
Methods.  In a prospective observational study of Malaysian adults with SM (N = 22) and non-SM (NSM; N = 124) and healthy controls (HCs), we investigated factors associated with plasma ADMA including the effects of antimalarial treatment.
Results.  Compared with HCs, ADMA levels were lower in NSM (0.488 µM vs 0.540 µM, P = .001) and in the subset of SM patients enrolled before commencing treatment (0.453 µM [N = 5], P = .068), but levels were higher in SM patients enrolled after commencing antimalarial treatment (0.610 µM [N = 17], P = .026). In SM and NSM, ADMA levels increased significantly to above-baseline levels by day 3. Baseline ADMA was correlated with arginine and cell-free hemoglobin in SM and NSM and inversely correlated with interleukin-10 in NSM. Arginine and the arginine/ADMA ratio (reflective of arginine bioavailability) were lower in SM and NSM compared with HCs, and the arginine/ADMA ratio was lower in SM compared with NSM.
Conclusions.  Pretreatment ADMA concentrations and l-arginine bioavailability are reduced in SM and NSM. Asymmetric dimethylarginine increases to above-baseline levels after commencement of antimalarial treatment. Arginine, hemolysis, and posttreatment inflammation all likely contribute to ADMA regulation, with ADMA likely contributing to the reduced NO bioavailability in SM.
Inhibition of p21-Activated Kinase 1 by IPA-3 Promotes Locomotor Recovery After Spinal Cord Injury in Mice
Authors: Ji Xinran , Zhang Yiling , Zhang Lihai , Chen Hua , Peng Ye , Tang Peifu 
Published: February 2016

Study Design.
Ninety-six male adult CD-1 mice were randomly divided into sham, spinal cord injury (SCI) + vehicle, and SCI + IPA-3 groups. Expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9, production of tumor necrosis factors (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β, tissue edema, blood-spinal cord barrier penetrability, neural cell apoptosis, and neurological function recovery were measured.

Objective.
The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of specific inhibition of p21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1) by IPA-3 on SCI and the underlying mechanisms thereof.

Summary of Background Data.
SCI is a devastating clinical condition that may result in long-lasting and deteriorating functional deficits. The major goal of SCI treatment is to limit the development of secondary injury. IPA-3, a PAK1 inhibitor, exhibited neuroprotection against secondary damage after traumatic brain injury and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).

Methods.
MMP-2, MMP-9, and cleaved caspase-3 expression were assessed by Western blot. Inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The blood-spinal cord barrier disruption was measured by water content and Evans blue extravasation of the spinal cord. Neuronal apoptosis was evaluated by Nissl staining and Terminal-deoxynucleoitidyl Transferase Mediated Nick End Labeling (TUNEL) assay. The locomotor behavior of hind limb was evaluated by Basso Mouse Scale (BMS) at 1, 3, 7, 14, and 28 days post-injury.

Results.
Compared with SCI + vehicle mice, IPA-3 treatment showed decreased p-PAK1, MMP-2, MMP-9, cleaved caspase-3, TNF-α, and IL-1β expression. Moreover, inhibition of PAK1 by IPA-3 reduced spinal cord water content and Evans blue extravasation, increased neuronal survival, and reduced TUNEL-positive cells at 24 hours after SCI. Furthermore, IPA-3 improved spinal cord functional recovery 7 days after SCI.

Conclusion.
Inhibition of PAK1 by IPA-3 promoted recovery of neurological function, possibly by downregulating the expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, TNF-α, and IL-1β. Our data suggest that PAK1 may be a potential therapeutic target in patients with SCI.

Level of Evidence: 1
Local Epiphyseal Growth Modulation for the Early Treatment of Progressive Scoliosis
Authors: Hachem Bahe , Aubin Carl-Eric , Parent Stefan 
Published: February 2016

Study Design.
Experimental study of a localized device for the control of the vertebral growth using an immature porcine model.

Objective.
The aim of the study was to experimentally evaluate a localized device acting on the epiphyseal growth plates without bridging the intervertebral disc of immature hybrid pigs over 3 months of growth.

Summary of Background Data.
Based on current published literature, fusionless devices offer promising scoliosis treatment alternatives to conventional spinal instrumentation and fusion in the growing spine. Current compression-based devices achieve growth modulation while also compressing the intervertebral discs, increasing the risk of long-term disc degeneration.

Methods.
An intravertebral staple acting on both the superior and inferior growth plates was inserted locally over T7–T9 of seven healthy immature pigs. Four age-matched animals served as controls. Radiographs were acquired monthly to assess induced spinal curvature and vertebral wedging (inverse model). Global (spinal) and local (vertebral, discal) geometric changes were evaluated over 3-months follow-up. Final left/right vertebral height differences were also quantified.

Results.
The only postoperative complication observed was one pig that had a persistent deep infection and was excluded from the study. No significant changes in spinal alignment were reported in control animals. Final induced Cobb angle was 25.0° ± 4.2° measured over T7–T9, with no observable sagittal profile modification. Highest vertebral wedging occurred at T9 with 18.2° ± 2.7°. Cumulative vertebral wedging over T7–T9 accounted for 45.4°, demonstrating evidence of reversed disc wedge phenomenon. Vertebral height was 3.9 ± 1.0 mm shorter on the instrumented side suggesting full growth restraint. Local and regional induced deformities significantly differed from their control counterparts (P < 0.001).

Conclusion.
In this animal model, the local epiphyseal device achieved significant localized growth modulation over as little as three instrumented levels, with explicit vertebral wedging exclusive of the intervertebral disc. By increasing the number of instrumented levels, one may achieve higher curvature control potentially providing a unique local correction method to correct spinal deformity without affecting the intervertebral disc.

Level of Evidence: 5
Tacrolimus Predose Concentration Is Associated With Hypertension in Pediatric Liver Transplant Recipients
Authors: Prytula Agnieszka , Vandekerckhove Kristof , Raes Ann , De Wolf Daniel , Dehoorne Jo , Vande Walle Johan , De Bruyne Ruth 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACTBackground:The aim of the study was to analyze the incidence of hypertension in pediatric liver transplantation (LT) recipients using ambulatory blood pressure measurements (ABPM) and to identify factors associated with hypertension. We also investigated whether hypertension or tacrolimus predose concentration (TAC C0) was associated with increased left ventricular (LV) wall thickness.Patients and Methods:On a retrospective longitudinal base, we included 39 pediatric LT recipients. Median time since transplantation was 65 months (range: 11–183). Two consecutive ABPM were analyzed with a median time interval of 13 months. Data from echocardiographic evaluation parallel to the baseline ABPM were analyzed. All patients except 1 were prescribed tacrolimus. The median TAC C0 was 4 ng/mL (range 0.9–11.2). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were fitted to identify factors associated with systolic and diastolic hypertension and LV wall thickness.Results:Twenty‐two of 39 children were hypertensive at baseline and 19 of 32 were hypertensive at follow‐up. At baseline 10 (26%) children had masked systolic hypertension. TAC C0 was associated with systolic (P = 0.007, Exp(B) 2.02, 95% CI 1.2–3.3) and diastolic (P = 0.044, Exp(B) 1.48, 95% CI 1.0–2.2) hypertension. LV wall thickness was increased in children after LT compared with healthy population, but it was not associated with hypertension or TAC C0.Conclusions:Given the high prevalence of masked hypertension, ABPM should be performed in all pediatric LT recipients. Systolic and diastolic hypertension is associated with TAC C0; therefore, children with a higher target TAC C0 require a more intensive blood pressure surveillance.
Effect of Vitamin E With Therapeutic Iron Supplementation on Iron Repletion and Gut Microbiome in US Iron Deficient Infants and Toddlers
Authors: Tang Minghua , Frank Daniel N. , Sherlock Laurie , Ir Diana , Robertson Charles E. , Krebs Nancy F. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackground:Iron therapy induces inflammation, which could decrease iron absorption. Increased exposure of iron in the gut could also alter microbiome file. Providing antioxidants such as vitamin E with iron therapy has been associated with reduced oxidative potential.Objective:The aim of the present study was to test the efficacy of adding vitamin E to therapeutic iron therapy on iron repletion, inflammation markers, and gut microbiome in iron‐deficient infants and toddlers.Design:This was a randomized, double‐blind, control trial in which infants and toddlers (Denver, CO metro area) who were at risk of iron deficiency were screened. Eligible participants were randomized to receive iron therapy (6 mg · kg−1 · day−1) plus placebo (n = 22) or iron (6 mg · kg−1 · day−1) and vitamin E (18 mg/day, n = 14) for 8 weeks. Iron and inflammation status, and gut microbiome (16S sequencing) were analyzed in all participants before and after the treatment.Results:After 8 weeks of treatment, average serum ferritin level returned to normal for both iron + placebo and iron + vitamin E groups at 33.3 ± 20.2 and 33.5 ± 21.5 μg/L, respectively. Serum vitamin E concentration increased in iron + vitamin E group. No change over time was observed regarding serum interleukin‐4, tumor necrosis factor‐α, or fecal calprotectin. The relative abundance of the genus Roseburia (phylum Firmicutes), a butyrate producer, increased in the Fe + E group (Δ1.3%, P < 0.01). Also at the genus level, the genus Escherichia decreased by 1.2% on average among all participants (effect of time P = 0.01).Conclusions:Using a therapeutic iron dose of 6 mg · kg−1 · day−1 is effective in treating iron deficiency during an 8‐week period, without inducing persistent inflammatory response. Changes of the gut microbiome raised the possibility that antioxidant therapy in conjunction with therapeutic iron supplementation could potentially improve microbial community profiles in the intestinal tract.