bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Double-Wall Carbon Nanotube Hybrid Mode-Locker in Tm-doped Fibre Laser: A Novel Mechanism for Robust Bound-State Solitons Generation
Authors: Chernysheva Maria , Bednyakova Anastasia , Al Araimi Mohammed , Howe Richard C. T. , Hu Guohua , Hasan Tawfique , Gambetta Alessio , Galzerano Gianluca , Rümmeli Mark , Rozhin Aleksey 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe complex nonlinear dynamics of mode-locked fibre lasers, including a broad variety of dissipative structures and self-organization effects, have drawn significant research interest. Around the 2 μm band, conventional saturable absorbers (SAs) possess small modulation depth and slow relaxation time and, therefore, are incapable of ensuring complex inter-pulse dynamics and bound-state soliton generation. We present observation of multi-soliton complex generation in mode-locked thulium (Tm)-doped fibre laser, using double-wall carbon nanotubes (DWNT-SA) and nonlinear polarisation evolution (NPE). The rigid structure of DWNTs ensures high modulation depth (64%), fast relaxation (1.25 ps) and high thermal damage threshold. This enables formation of 560-fs soliton pulses; two-soliton bound-state with 560 fs pulse duration and 1.37 ps separation; and singlet+doublet soliton structures with 1.8 ps duration and 6 ps separation. Numerical simulations based on the vectorial nonlinear Schr¨odinger equation demonstrate a transition from single-pulse to two-soliton bound-states generation. The results imply that DWNTs are an excellent SA for the formation of steady single- and multi-soliton structures around 2 μm region, which could not be supported by single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). The combination of the potential bandwidth resource around 2 μm with the soliton molecule concept for encoding two bits of data per clock period opens exciting opportunities for data-carrying capacity enhancement.
Distinct enhancement of sub-bandgap photoresponse through intermediate band in high dose implanted ZnTe:O alloys
Authors: Li Jing , Ye Jiandong , Ren Fangfang , Tang Dongming , Yang Yi , Tang Kun , Gu Shulin , Zhang Rong , Zheng Youdou 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe demand for high efficiency intermediate band (IB) solar cells is driving efforts in producing high quality IB photovoltaic materials. Here, we demonstrate ZnTe:O highly mismatched alloys synthesized by high dose ion implantation and pulsed laser melting exhibiting optically active IB states and efficient sub-gap photoresponse, as well as investigate the effect of pulsed laser melting on the structural and optical recovery in detail. The structural evolution and vibrational dynamics indicates a significant structural recovery of ZnTe:O alloys by liquid phase epitaxy during pulsed laser melting process, but laser irradiation also aggravates the segregation of Te in ZnTe:O alloys. A distinct intermediate band located at 1.8 eV above valence band is optically activated as evidenced by photoluminescence, absorption and photoresponse characteristics. The carrier dynamics indicates that carriers in the IB electronic states have a relatively long lifetime, which is beneficial for the fast separation of carriers excited by photons with sub-gap energy and thus the improved overall conversion efficiency. The reproducible capability of implantation and laser annealing at selective area enable the realization of high efficient lateral junction solar cells, which can ensure extreme light trapping and efficient charge separation.
Carnosine Attenuates the Development of both Type 2 Diabetes and Diabetic Nephropathy in BTBR ob/ob Mice
Authors: Albrecht Thomas , Schilperoort Maaike , Zhang Shiqi , Braun Jana D. , Qiu Jiedong , Rodriguez Angelica , Pastene Diego O. , Krämer Bernhard K. , Köppel Hannes , Baelde Hans , de Heer Emile , Anna Altomare Alessandra , Regazzoni Luca , Denisi Alessandra , Aldini Giancarlo , van den Born Jacob , Yard Benito A. , Hauske Sibylle J. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractWe previously demonstrated that polymorphisms in the carnosinase-1 gene (CNDP1) determine the risk of nephropathy in type 2 diabetic patients. Carnosine, the substrate of the enzyme encoded by this gene, is considered renoprotective and could possibly be used to treat diabetic nephropathy (DN). In this study, we examined the effect of carnosine treatment in vivo in BTBR (Black and Tan, BRachyuric) ob/ob mice, a type 2 diabetes model which develops a phenotype that closely resembles advanced human DN. Treatment of BTBR ob/ob mice with 4 mM carnosine for 18 weeks reduced plasma glucose and HbA1c, concomitant with elevated insulin and C-peptide levels. Also, albuminuria and kidney weights were reduced in carnosine-treated mice, which showed less glomerular hypertrophy due to a decrease in the surface area of Bowman’s capsule and space. Carnosine treatment restored the glomerular ultrastructure without affecting podocyte number, resulted in a modified molecular composition of the expanded mesangial matrix and led to the formation of carnosine-acrolein adducts. Our results demonstrate that treatment with carnosine improves glucose metabolism, albuminuria and pathology in BTBR ob/ob mice. Hence, carnosine could be a novel therapeutic strategy to treat patients with DN and/or be used to prevent DN in patients with diabetes.
An innovative application of time-domain spectroscopy on localized surface plasmon resonance sensing
Authors: Li Meng-Chi , Chang Ying-Feng , Wang Huai-Yi , Lin Yu-Xen , Kuo Chien-Cheng , Annie Ho Ja-an , Lee Cheng-Chung , Su Li-Chen 
Published: March 2017

AbstractWhite-light scanning interferometry (WLSI) is often used to study the surface profiles and properties of thin films because the strength of the technique lies in its ability to provide fast and high resolution measurements. An innovative attempt is made in this paper to apply WLSI as a time-domain spectroscopic system for localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) sensing. A WLSI-based spectrometer is constructed with a breadboard of WLSI in combination with a spectral centroid algorithm for noise reduction and performance improvement. Experimentally, the WLSI-based spectrometer exhibits a limit of detection (LOD) of 1.2 × 10−3 refractive index units (RIU), which is better than that obtained with a conventional UV-Vis spectrometer, by resolving the LSPR peak shift. Finally, the bio-applicability of the proposed spectrometer was investigated using the rs242557 tau gene, an Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease biomarker. The LOD was calculated as 15 pM. These results demonstrate that the proposed WLSI-based spectrometer could become a sensitive time-domain spectroscopic biosensing platform.
Knowledge Measurement and Productivity in a Research Program
Authors: Qin Lin , Buccola Steven T. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractWe introduce a metric based on Bayesian probability theory to evaluate the determinants of scientific discovery, and use it to assess an international aquacultural research program consisting of a large number of highly varied projects. The metric accommodates not only project variety but a detailed breakdown of the sources of research productivity, accounting, for example, for the contributions of “failed” as well as “successful” investigations. A mean‐absolute‐deviation loss functional form permits decomposition of knowledge gain into an outcome probability shift (mean surprise) and outcome variance reduction (statistical precision), allowing productivity to be estimated for each of them separately, then combined into a single knowledge production relationship. Laboratory size is found to moderately boost mean surprise but has no effect on statistical precision, while investigator education greatly improves precision but has no effect on mean surprise. Returns to research scale are decreasing in the size dimension alone but increasing when size and education are taken together, suggesting the importance of measuring human capital at both the quantitative and qualitative margins.
Dynamix: dynamic visualization by automatic selection of informative tracks from hundreds of genomic datasets
Authors: Monfort Matthias , Furlong Eileen E M , Girardot Charles 
Published: March 2017

Abstract

Motivation
Visualization of genomic data is fundamental for gaining insights into genome function. Yet, co-visualization of a large number of datasets remains a challenge in all popular genome browsers and the development of new visualization methods is needed to improve the usability and user experience of genome browsers.

Results
We present Dynamix, a JBrowse plugin that enables the parallel inspection of hundreds of genomic datasets. Dynamix takes advantage of a priori knowledge to automatically display data tracks with signal within a genomic region of interest. As the user navigates through the genome, Dynamix automatically updates data tracks and limits all manual operations otherwise needed to adjust the data visible on screen. Dynamix also introduces a new carousel view that optimizes screen utilization by enabling users to independently scroll through groups of tracks.

Availability and Implementation
Dynamix is hosted at http://furlonglab.embl.de/Dynamix.

Supplementary information
Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
What’s buzzing on your feed? Health authorities’ use of Facebook to combat Zika in Singapore
Authors: Vijaykumar Santosh , Meurzec Rianne Wally , Jayasundar Karthikayen , Pagliari Claudia , Fernandopulle Yohan 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
In 2016, Singapore grappled with one of the largest Zika outbreaks in Southeast Asia. This study examines the use of Facebook for Zika-related outreach by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the National Environmental Agency (NEA) from March 1, 2015, to September 1, 2016, and public response to this effort. Despite nearly equivalent outreach, MOH’s Facebook posts received more likes (µ = 3.49) and shares (µ = 30.11), whereas NEA’s posts received more comments (µ = 4.55), with NEA posting mostly on prevention (N = 30) and MOH on situational updates (N = 24). Thematic analyses identified prevention-related posts as garnering the most likes (N = 1277), while update-related posts were most shared (N = 1059) and commented upon (N = 220). Outreach ceased briefly for 2 months after Singapore’s first imported case of Zika, but increased following the outbreak of locally transmitted cases in August 2016. Public engagement was significantly higher during Zika compared with prior haze and dengue outbreaks. The results indicate the value of Facebook as a tool for rapid outreach during infectious disease outbreaks, and as a “listening” platform for those managing the situation. We discuss implications for public health communication research and policy.
Hourglass-Like Constriction of the Brachial Plexus in the Posterior Cord: A Case Report
Authors: Nakagawa Yasunobu , Hirata Hitoshi 
Published: March 2017

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE
Hourglass-like constrictions are fascicular conditions confirmed definitively by interfascicular neurolysis. Certain peripheral nerves have vulnerable areas such as around the elbow in the posterior interosseous nerve. We report the first hourglass-like constriction in the brachial plexus supplying the radial innervated forearm musculature. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of the brachial plexus were consistent with neuralgic amyotrophy (NA).

CLINICAL PRESENTATION
A 9-yr-old boy experienced worsening left arm pain and difficulty in elevating the shoulder. Sequentially, severe palsy emerged when extending the wrist, thumb, and fingers. Based on the clinical picture, we diagnosed him with NA. The oblique coronal T2-weighted short-tau inversion recovery images showed mildly diffuse enlargement and hyperintensity of the brachial plexus. He showed few signs of improvement and interfascicular neurolysis was performed 11 mo after the onset. One of the fascicles in the posterior cord had developed an hourglass-like constriction. Electrical stimulation confirmed that the fascicle supplied forearm muscles. His wrist and finger extension had almost recovered at the 12-mo postoperative visit.

CONCLUSION
Hourglass-like constrictions can occur in the brachial plexus. Although surgical approaches for the constrictions are still controversial, several reports demonstrated their effectiveness. Meanwhile, concerning NA treatment, evidence on the surgical intervention is lacking. Brachial plexus MRI might help in discerning the lesion and planning treatment options including surgical interventions. Hourglass-like constrictions are a possible etiology for certain NA patients with residual symptoms or paresis.
Predictive Validity of Outpatient Follow-up After Detoxification as a Quality Measure
Authors: Schmidt Eric M. , Gupta Shalini , Bowe Thomas , Ellerbe Laura S. , Phelps Tyler E. , Finney John W. , Humphreys Keith , Trafton Jodie , Vanneman Megan E. , Harris Alex H.S. 
Published: March 2017

Objectives:
Care coordination for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment is a persistent challenge. Timely outpatient follow-up after detoxification from alcohol and opiates is associated with improved outcomes, leading some care systems to attempt to measure and incentivize this practice. This study evaluated the predictive validity of a 7-day outpatient follow-up after detoxification quality measure used by the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).

Methods:
A national sample of patients who received detoxification from alcohol or opiates (N = 25,354) was identified in VHA administrative data. Propensity score-weighted mixed-effects regressions modeled associations between receiving an outpatient follow-up visit within 7 days of completing detoxification and patient outcomes, controlling for facility-level performance and clustering of patients within facilities.

Results:
Baseline differences between patients who did (39.6%) and did not (60.4%) receive the follow-up visit were reduced or eliminated with propensity score weighting. Meeting the quality measure was associated with significantly more outpatient treatment for SUD (b
= 1.07 visits) and other mental health conditions (b
= 0.58 visits), and higher inpatient utilization for SUD (b
= 0.75 admissions) and other mental health conditions (b
= 0.76 admissions). Notably, meeting the quality measure was associated with 53.3% lower odds of 2-year mortality (P < 0.001 for all).

Conclusions:
These findings support the predictive validity of 7-day follow-up after detoxification as a care coordination measure. Well-coordinated care may be associated with higher outpatient and inpatient utilization, and such engagement in care may be protective against mortality in people who receive detoxification from alcohol or opiates.
Diversity in the Emerging Critical Care Workforce: Analysis of Demographic Trends in Critical Care Fellows From 2004 to 2014
Authors: Lane-Fall Meghan B. , Miano Todd A. , Aysola Jaya , Augoustides John G. T. 
Published: March 2017

Objectives:
Diversity in the physician workforce is essential to providing culturally effective care. In critical care, despite the high stakes and frequency with which cultural concerns arise, it is unknown whether physician diversity reflects that of critically ill patients. We sought to characterize demographic trends in critical care fellows, who represent the emerging intensivist workforce.

Design:
We used published data to create logistic regression models comparing annual trends in the representation of women and racial/ethnic groups across critical care fellowship types.

Setting:
United States Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education-approved residency and fellowship training programs.

Subjects:
Residents and fellows employed by Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education-accredited training programs from 2004 to 2014.

Interventions:
None.

Measurements and Main Results:
From 2004 to 2014, the number of critical care fellows increased annually, up 54.1% from 1,606 in 2004–2005 to 2,475 in 2013–2014. The proportion of female critical care fellows increased from 29.5% (2004–2005) to 38.3% (2013–2014) (p < 0.001). The absolute number of black fellows increased each year but the percentage change was not statistically significantly different (5.1% in 2004–2005 vs 3.9% in 2013–2014; p = 0.92). Hispanic fellows increased in number from 124 (7.7%) in 2004–2005 to 216 (8.4%) in 2013–2014 (p = 0.015). The number of American Indian/Alaskan Native/Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander fellows decreased from 15 (1.0%) to seven (0.3%) (p < 0.001). When compared with population estimates, female critical care fellows and those from racial/ethnic minorities were underrepresented in all years.

Conclusions:
The demographics of the emerging critical care physician workforce reflect underrepresentation of women and racial/ethnic minorities. Trends highlight increases in women and Hispanics and stable or decreasing representation of non-Hispanic underrepresented minority critical care fellows. Further research is needed to elucidate the reasons underlying persistent underrepresentation of racial and ethnic minorities in critical care fellowship programs.
Depression Linked to Frequent Emergency Department Use in Large 10-year Retrospective Analysis of an Integrated Health Care System
Authors: Ingram Wendy Marie , Weston Cody , Ritchie Marylyn D. , Larson Sharon 
Published: March 2017

AbstractWe evaluated general patient features related to depression and frequency of Emergency Department (ED) use in a large integrated health care system. Electronic Health Records of 287,281 adults from a general patient population were studied retrospectively over a 10-year period. Patients with a history of depression were more likely to be seen in the ED and at higher frequency than those without. Frequent ED users were more likely to have a history of depression or psychiatric medication orders than infrequent users. ED visits by depression patients and frequent users have highly correlated complaints and discharge diagnoses with other ED users, often related to pain. Poorly managed depression may be playing a role in frequent ED utilization which may be addressed by universal screening for depression, evaluation of barriers to treatment, and other novel interventions to improve care coordination.
Dissecting the genetic architecture of shoot growth in carrot (Daucus carotaL.) using a diallel mating design
Authors: Turner Sarah D. , Maurizio Paul L. , Valdar William , Yandell Brian S. , Simon Philipp W. 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTCrop establishment in carrot (Daucus carotaL.) is limited by slow seedling growth and delayed canopy closure, resulting in high management costs for weed control. Varieties with improved growth habit (i.e. larger canopy and increased shoot biomass) may help mitigate weed control, but the underlying genetics of these traits in carrot is unknown. This project used a diallel mating design coupled with recent Bayesian analytical methods to determine the genetic basis of carrot shoot growth. Six diverse carrot inbred lines with variable shoot size were crossed in WI in 2014. F1 hybrids, reciprocal crosses, and parental selfs were grown in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with two blocks in CA (2015, 2016) and in WI (2015). Measurements included canopy height, canopy width, shoot biomass, and root biomass. General and specific combining abilities were estimated using Griffing’s Model I. In parallel, additive, inbreeding, epistatic, and maternal effects were estimated from a Bayesian linear mixed model, which is more robust to dealing with missing data, outliers, and theoretical constraints than traditional biometric methods. Both additive and non-additive effects significantly influenced shoot traits, with non-additive effects playing a larger role early in the growing season, when weed control is most critical. Results suggest that early season canopy growth and root size express hybrid vigor and can be improved through reciprocal recurrent selection.Article SummaryBreeding for improved competitive ability is a priority in carrot, which suffers yield losses under weed pressure. However, improvement and in-depth genetic studies for these traits relies on knowledge of the underlying genetic architecture. This study estimated heritable and non-heritable components of carrot shoot growth from a diallel mating design using a Bayesian mixed model. Results directly contribute to improvement efforts by providing estimates of combining ability, identifying a useful tester line, and characterizing the genetic and non-genetic influences on traits for improved competitive ability in carrot.
Decoding across sensory modalities reveals common supramodal signatures of conscious perception
Authors: Sanchez Gaëtan , Hartmann Thomas , Fuscà Marco , Demarchi Gianpaolo , Weisz Nathan 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAn increasing number of studies highlight common brain regions and processes in mediating conscious sensory experience. While most studies have been performed in the visual modality, it is implicitly assumed that similar processes are involved in other sensory modalities. However, the existence of supramodal neural processes related to conscious perception has not been convincingly shown so far. Here, we aim to directly address this issue by investigating whether neural correlates of conscious perception in one modality can predict conscious perception in a different modality. In two separate experiments, we presented participants with successive blocks of near-threshold tasks involving tactile, visual or auditory stimuli during the same magnetoencephalography (MEG) acquisition. Using decoding analysis in the post-stimulus period between sensory modalities, our first experiment uncovered supramodal spatio-temporal neural activity patterns predicting conscious perception of the feeble stimulation. Strikingly, these supramodal patterns included activity in primary sensory regions not directly relevant to the task (e.g. neural activity in visual cortex predicting conscious perception of auditory near-threshold stimulation). We carefully replicate our results in a control experiment that furthermore show that the relevant patterns are independent of the type of report (i.e. whether conscious perception was reported by pressing or withholding a button-press). Using standard paradigms for probing neural correlates of conscious perception, our findings reveal a common signature of conscious access across sensory modalities and illustrate the temporally late and widespread broadcasting of neural representations, even into task-unrelated primary sensory processing regions.