bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
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

AbstractHepatic 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

AbstractTwo 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

AbstractWe 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

AbstractInterference 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

AbstractIn 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

AbstractBased 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.
Rich chromatin structure prediction from Hi-C data
Authors: Malik Laraib Iqbal , Patro Rob 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACTRecent studies involving the 3-dimensional conformation of chromatin have revealed the important role it has to play in different processes within the cell. These studies have also led to the discovery of densely interacting segments of the chromosome, called topologically associating domains. The accurate identification of these domains from Hi-C interaction data is an interesting and important computational problem for which numerous methods have been proposed. Unfortunately, most existing algorithms designed to identify these domains assume that they are non-overlapping whereas there is substantial evidence to believe a nested structure exists. We present an efficient methodology to predict hierarchical chromatin domains using chromatin conformation capture data. Our method predicts domains at different resolutions and uses these to construct a hierarchy that is based on intrinsic properties of the chromatin data. The hierarchy consists of a set of non-overlapping domains, that maximize intra-domain interaction frequencies, at each level. We show that our predicted structure is highly enriched for CTCF and various other chromatin markers. We also show that large-scale domains, at multiple resolutions within our hierarchy, are conserved across cell types and species. Our software, Matryoshka, is written in C++11 and licensed under GPL v3; it is available athttps://github.com/COMBINE-lab/matryoshka.
Urbanization shapes the demographic history of a native rodent (the white-footed mouse, Peromyscus leucopus) in New York City
Authors: Harris Stephen E. , Xue Alexander T. , Alvarado-Serrano Diego , Boehm Joel T. , Joseph Tyler , Hickerson Michael J. , Munshi-South Jason 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACTHow urbanization shapes population genomic diversity and evolution of urban wildlife is largely unexplored. We investigated the impact of urbanization on white-footed mice, Peromyscus leucopus, in the New York City metropolitan area using coalescent-based simulations to infer demographic history from the site frequency spectrum. We assigned individuals to evolutionary clusters and then inferred recent divergence times, population size changes, and migration using genome-wide SNPs genotyped in 23 populations sampled along an urban-to-rural gradient. Both prehistoric climatic events and recent urbanization impacted these populations. Our modeling indicates that post-glacial sea level rise led to isolation of mainland and Long Island populations. These models also indicate that several urban parks represent recently-isolated P. leucopus populations, and the estimated divergence times for these populations are consistent with the history of urbanization in New York City.
Suicide rates for different religious groups in the South Asian origin population in England and Wales: a secondary analysis of a national data set
Authors: Tuck Andrew , Bhui Kamaldeep , Nanchahal Kiran , McKenzie Kwame 
Published: November 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to calculate the rate of suicide in different religious groups in people of South Asian origin in the UK.Design/methodology/approach– A cross-sectional, secondary analysis of a national data set. A name recognition algorithm was used to identify people of South Asian origin and their religion. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated using this data and data from the national census. Setting: a population study of all those who died by suicide in England and Wales in 2001. Participants: all cases of suicide and undetermined intent identified by the Office for National Statistics for England and Wales.Findings– There were 4,848 suicides in the UK in 2001 of which 125 (2.6 percent) were identified as people of South Asian origin by the algorithm. The suicide rate for all people of South Asian origin was 5.50/100,000 compared to 9.31/100,000 for the population of England and Wales. The age SMR for those whose names were of Hindu, Muslim or Sikh origin were 0.88, 0.47 and 0.85, respectively. Female South Asians have lower rates of suicide, than their South Asian male counterparts.Research limitations/implications– Religious classification by the computerized program does not guarantee religious affiliation. The data set were confined to one year because religion was not collected prior to the 2001 census.Originality/value– The rates of suicide for South Asian sub-populations in the UK differ by gender and religion.
Examining childhood obesity and the environment of a segregated, lower-income US suburb
Authors: Hackett Martine , Gillens- Eromosele Clara , Dixon Jacob 
Published: November 2015

Purpose
– The contribution of the built environment within communities plays a significant role in the higher rates of childhood obesity, particularly among black and Hispanic youth. The purpose of this paper is to investigate neighborhood assets and barriers to nutrition and physical activity in an underserved, majority-minority suburban community in New York State, USA using Photovoice, a community-based participatory research method.

Design/methodology/approach
– Nine local youth took photographs to visually identify the community’s environmental assets and barriers. Through an extensive review and selection of photos and group discussion themes were identified. Final results of the Photovoice project were presented to local policy makers and community members for action.

Findings
– Participants provided complex and insightful perspectives of health inequalities in the suburbs, including limited access to fresh, healthy food, and safe spaces for physical activity. They also understood that improving nutrition and physical activity practices required policy changes and civic engagement.

Research limitations/implications
– This study represented one suburban area of New York, and is not meant to be representative of all suburban areas. However, the findings of environmental barriers to childhood obesity are similar to those found in urban areas, suggesting similarities in low-income communities of color.

Social implications
– This study suggests that Photovoice is an effective way of collaborating between various community stakeholders (particularly youth) in an underserved suburb that can result in community changes.

Originality/value
– Besides achieving all three Photovoice goals – recording and reflection, dialogue, and reaching policymakers – the Photovoice project identified a long-standing environmental hazard as a result of the partnerships established between the youth, academic institution, community-based organizations, and residents. This study also identified factors in the built environment that contribute to health disparities in a racially segregated suburban community.
Nonlinear model predictive controller robustness extension for unmanned aircraft
Authors: Garcia Gonzalo , Keshmiri Shahriar , Stastny Thomas 
Published: November 2015

Purpose
– Nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) is emerging as a way to control unmanned aircraft with flight control constraints and nonlinear and unsteady aerodynamics. However, these predictive controllers do not perform robustly in the presence of physics-based model mismatches and uncertainties. Unmodeled dynamics and external disturbances are unpredictable and unsteady, which can dramatically degrade predictive controllers’ performance. To address this limitation, the purpose of this paper is to propose a new systematic approach using frequency-dependent weighting matrices.

Design/methodology/approach
– In this framework, frequency-dependent weighting matrices jointly minimize closed-loop sensitivity functions. This work presents the first practical implementation where the frequency content information of uncertainty and disturbances is used to provide a significant degree of robustness for a time-domain nonlinear predictive controller. The merit of the proposed method is successfully verified through the design, coding, and numerical implementation of a robust nonlinear model predictive controller.

Findings
– The proposed controller commanded and controlled a large unmanned aerial system (UAS) with unsteady and nonlinear dynamics in the presence of environmental disturbances, measurement bias or noise, and model uncertainties; the proposed controller robustly performed disturbance rejection and accurate trajectory tracking. Stability, performance, and robustness are attained in the NMPC framework for a complex system.

Research limitations/implications
– The theoretical results are supported by the numerical simulations that illustrate the success of the presented technique. It is expected to offer a feasible robust nonlinear control design technique for any type of systems, as long as computational power is available, allowing a much larger operational range while keeping a helpful level of robustness. Robust control design can be more easily expanded from the usual linear framework, allowing meaningful new experimentation with better control systems.

Originality/value
– Such algorithms allows unstable and unsteady UASs to perform reliably in the presence of disturbances and modeling mismatches.
Entrepreneurship of university students in Taiwan and Japan
Authors: Isada Fumihiko , Lin Han-Ching , Isada Yuriko 
Published: November 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this study is to develop empirically an international comparison of the extent of student entrepreneurship and the factors influencing it. This study explores the factors responsible for the richness of entrepreneurship in Taiwan through a comparison with entrepreneurship in Japan. Looking at factors that determine the extent of entrepreneurship, the discussion builds on previous studies based on individual traits and those that are based on environments, such as a social system or climate. This study focuses on the individual and the environment.Design/methodology/approach– After identifying pertinent issues through a survey of relevant studies, a comparative study of Taiwan and Japan was undertaken. A questionnaire survey was distributed to around 20-year-old university students. Statistical analyses were performed to determine whether there is cause–effect relationship between environmental and individual factors and university students’ entrepreneurship, and to assess the significant differences between entrepreneurship in Taiwan and Japan. In addition, a qualitative case study of university politics related to entrepreneurship in Taiwan was conducted to complement the quantitative analysis.Findings– Results of the study by country indicate that the environmental factors and individual factors that influence entrepreneurship differ.Originality/value– The reciprocal complementarity of the environmental factors and the individual factors or the likelihood of co-evolution cyclic dynamism is demonstrated.
An investigation of trust in e-banking
Authors: Yu Chian-Son , Asgarkhani Mehdi 
Published: November 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to understand the connection among trust’s antecedents, dimensions and consequences in the context of e-banking.

Design/methodology/approach
– A survey of 510 and 122 respondents in Taiwan and New Zealand (NZ), respectively, was conducted.

Findings
– The empirical results indicate that, first, not all trusts’ precursors the authors considered have significant influence on generating consumers’ trust and, second, that influential weights of these precursors on building consumer trust vary across consumers and cultures. Meanwhile, all factors on the e-banking side hold greatly significant influence on consumers’ trust in both NZ and Taiwan cases.

Research limitations/implications
– Practical and academic implications culled from the empirical results are discussed, and these implications may also be applicable to other information and communication technology (ICT) solutions and innovation banking services.

Practical implications
– Before banks shift their focus on to trust resources of consumer side, banks are advised to create clients’ trust from e-banking side, such as situational normality and structural assurance.

Originality/value
– This paper takes a holistic view to investigate the links between trust’s dimensions, antecedents and consequences in a single research structure, and the implications may also be applicable to other ICT solutions and innovative banking services.
All World Media: a new business model (cases A and B)
Authors: Kerem Katri , Sternad Dietmar 
Published: November 2015

Synopsis
This failure case study tells the story of All World Media, a start-up offering internet-based media planning and buying tool created by ambitious Estonian entrepreneurs in 2011. A few years earlier the two founders had come up with an idea that in their opinion would revolutionize the process of media planning and buying for advertisers. They had noticed that the industry worked in an intransparent and inefficient way. Based on their own extensive experience in various internet ventures and following first consultations with key industry players they were confident that the market was ready for a self-service online media marketplace.

Research methodology
The (A) case focusses on the initial business idea and on the events before the launch of the internet platform. The case includes the entrepreneurs' concept, the main contents of the business plan, and the operational steps until the launch of the service on the market. The (B) case outlines the events after the launch of the online service, analyzes the possible reasons for the failure of the original business model and discusses potential strategic alternatives that are still open for the entrepreneurs.

Relevant courses and levels
The two-case sequence can be used for a 90-minutes session in marketing, entrepreneurship or strategic management courses in graduate and executive programs. The case is accompanied by an instructor's manual which also includes suggested assignment questions and proposed session plan.