bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Graphene-based FET Fabricated using a Shadow Mask
Authors: Tien Dung Hoang , Park Jun-Young , Kim Ki Buem , Lee Naesung , Seo Yongho 
Published: May 2016

AbstractTo pattern electrical metal contacts, electron beam lithography or photolithography are commonly utilized and these processes require polymer resists with solvents. During the patterning process the graphene surface is exposed to chemicals and the residue on the graphene surface was unable to be completely removed by any method, causing the graphene layer to be contaminated. A lithography free method can overcome these residue problems. In this study, we use a micro-grid as a shadow mask to fabricate a graphene based field-effect-transistor (FET). Electrical measurements of the graphene based FET samples are carried out in air and vacuum. It is found that the Dirac peaks of the graphene devices on SiO2 or on hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) shift from a positive gate voltage region to a negative region as air pressure decreases. In particular, the Dirac peaks shift very rapidly when the pressure decreases from ~2 × 10−3 Torr to ~5 × 10−5 Torr within 5 minutes. These Dirac peak shifts are known as adsorption and desorption of environmental gases, but the shift amounts are considerably different depending on the fabrication process. The high gas sensitivity of the device fabricated by shadow mask is attributed to adsorption on the clean graphene surface.
Determination of Stark parameters by cross-calibration in a multi-element laser-induced plasma
Authors: Liu Hao , Truscott Benjamin S. , Ashfold Michael N. R. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractWe illustrate a Stark broadening analysis of the electron density Ne and temperature Te in a laser-induced plasma (LIP), using a model free of assumptions regarding local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE). The method relies on Stark parameters determined also without assuming LTE, which are often unknown and unavailable in the literature. Here, we demonstrate that the necessary values can be obtained in situ by cross-calibration between the spectral lines of different charge states, and even different elements, given determinations of Ne and Te based on appropriate parameters for at least one observed transition. This approach enables essentially free choice between species on which to base the analysis, extending the range over which these properties can be measured and giving improved access to low-density plasmas out of LTE. Because of the availability of suitable tabulated values for several charge states of both Si and C, the example of a SiC LIP is taken to illustrate the consistency and accuracy of the procedure. The cross-calibrated Stark parameters are at least as reliable as values obtained by other means, offering a straightforward route to extending the literature in this area.
Pristine mangrove creek waters are a sink of nitrous oxide
Authors: Maher Damien T. , Sippo James Z. , Tait Douglas R. , Holloway Ceylena , Santos Isaac R. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractNitrous oxide (N2O) is an important greenhouse gas, but large uncertainties remain in global budgets. Mangroves are thought to be a source of N2O to the atmosphere in spite of the limited available data. Here we report high resolution time series observations in pristine Australian mangroves along a broad latitudinal gradient to assess the potential role of mangroves in global N2O budgets. Surprisingly, five out of six creeks were under-saturated in dissolved N2O, demonstrating mangrove creek waters were a sink for atmospheric N2O. Air-water flux estimates showed an uptake of 1.52 ± 0.17 μmol m−2 d−1, while an independent mass balance revealed an average sink of 1.05 ± 0.59 μmol m−2 d−1. If these results can be upscaled to the global mangrove area, the N2O sink (~2.0 × 108 mol yr−1) would offset ~6% of the estimated global riverine N2O source. Our observations contrast previous estimates based on soil fluxes or mangrove waters influenced by upstream freshwater inputs. We suggest that the lack of available nitrogen in pristine mangroves favours N2O consumption. Widespread and growing coastal eutrophication may change mangrove waters from a sink to a source of N2O to the atmosphere, representing a positive feedback to climate change.
IgA response and protection following nasal vaccination of chickens with Newcastle disease virus DNA vaccine nanoencapsulated with Ag@SiO2 hollow nanoparticles
Authors: Zhao Kai , Rong Guangyu , Hao Yan , Yu Lu , Kang Hong , Wang Xin , Wang Xiaohua , Jin Zheng , Ren Zhiyu , Li Zejun 
Published: May 2016

AbstractNewcastle disease caused by ND virus (NDV) is a highly contagious disease of birds. Vaccine for effective protection of poultry animals from NDV infection is urgently needed. Mucosal immunity plays a very important role in the antiviral immune response. In this study, a NDV F gene-containing DNA vaccine encapsulated in Ag@SiO2 hollow nanoparticles (pFDNA-Ag@SiO2-NPs) with an average diameter of 500 nm were prepared to assess the mucosal immune response. These nanoparticles exhibited low cytotoxicity and did not destroy the bioactivity of plasmid DNA, which could be expressed in vitro. The plasmid DNA was sustainably released after an initial burst release. In vivo immunization showed that the intranasal immunization of chickens with pFDNA-Ag@SiO2-NPs induced high titers of serum antibody, significantly promoted lymphocyte proliferation and induced higher expression levels of IL-2 and IFN-γ in a dose-dependent manner. These results indicated that the Ag@SiO2 hollow nanoparticles could serve as an efficient and safe delivery carrier for NDV DNA vaccine to induce mucosal immunity. This study has provided promising results for the further development of mucosal vaccines encapsulated in inorganic nanoparticles.
Temporary-tattoo for long-term high fidelity biopotential recordings
Authors: Bareket Lilach , Inzelberg Lilah , Rand David , David-Pur Moshe , Rabinovich David , Brandes Barak , Hanein Yael 
Published: May 2016

AbstractElectromyography is a non-invasive method widely used to map muscle activation. For decades, it was commonly accepted that dry metallic electrodes establish poor electrode-skin contact, making them impractical for skin electromyography applications. Gelled electrodes are therefore the standard in electromyography with their use confined, almost entirely, to laboratory settings. Here we present novel dry electrodes, exhibiting outstanding electromyography recording along with excellent user comfort. The electrodes were realized using screen-printing of carbon ink on a soft support. The conformity of the electrodes helps establish direct contact with the skin, making the use of a gel superfluous. Plasma polymerized 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene was used to enhance the impedance of the electrodes. Cyclic voltammetry measurements revealed an increase in electrode capacitance by a factor of up to 100 in wet conditions. Impedance measurements show a reduction factor of 10 in electrode impedance on human skin. The suitability of the electrodes for long-term electromyography recordings from the hand and from the face is demonstrated. The presented electrodes are ideally-suited for many applications, such as brain-machine interfacing, muscle diagnostics, post-injury rehabilitation, and gaming.
Factors influencing attempted and completed suicide in postnatal women: A population-based study in Taiwan
Authors: Weng Shu-Chuan , Chang Jung-Chen , Yeh Ming-Kung , Wang Shun-Mu , Chen Yi-Hua 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe aims of study were to investigate risk factors associated with attempted and completed suicide. This nested case–control study was conducted using the medical and death data of nearly all pregnant women for the period 2002–2012 in Taiwan. A total of 139 cases of attempted suicide and 95 cases of completed suicide were identified; for each case, 10 controls were randomly selected and matched to the cases according to age and year of delivery. A conditional logistic regression model was used. The mean attempted and completed suicide rates were 9.91 and 6.86 per 100,000 women with live births, respectively. Never having married and postpartum depression also increased the risk of attempted suicide (OR = 2.06; 95% CI = 1.09–3.88 and OR = 2.51; 95% CI = 1.10–5.75, respectively) and completed suicide (OR = 20.27; 95% CI = 8.99–45.73 and OR = 21.72; 95% CI = 8.08–58.37, respectively). Other factors for attempted suicide included being widowed or divorced, and having a caesarean delivery or suicide history. Other factors for completed suicide included lower education level, low infant birth weight, and diagnosis of anxiety or mood disorder. These results suggest that people should appropriately assess potential risk factors and provide assistance for postnatal women to reduce the occurrence of suicide events.
Application of iridium(III) complex in label-free and non-enzymatic electrochemical detection of hydrogen peroxide based on a novel “on-off-on” switch platform
Authors: Miao Xiangmin , Yang Chao , Leung Chung-Hang , Ma Dik-Lung 
Published: May 2016

AbstractWe herein report a label-free and non-enzymatic electrochemical sensor for the highly sensitive detection of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) based on a novel “on-off-on” switch system. In our design, MB was used as an electron mediator to accelerate the electron transfer while AuNPs was used to amplify the electrochemical signal due to its excellent biocompatibility and good conductivity. The “switch-off” state was achieved by introducing the guanine-rich capture probe (CP) and an iridium complex onto the electrode surface to form a hydrophobic layer, which then hinders electron transfer. Upon addition of H2O2, fenton reaction occurs and produces OH• in the presence of Fe2+. The OH• cleaves the CP into DNA fragments, thus resulting in the release of CP and iridium complex from the sensing interface, recovering the electrochemical signal to generate a “switch-on” state. Based on this novel switch system, a detection limit as low as 3.2 pM can be achieved for H2O2 detection. Moreover, satisfactory results were obtained by using this method for the detection of H2O2 in sterilized milk. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first G-quadruplex-based electrochemical sensor using an iridium(III) complex.
Comparative study of serum zinc concentrations in benign and malignant prostate disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhao Jiang , Wu Qingjian , Hu Xiaoyan , Dong Xingyou , Wang Liang , Liu Qian , Long Zhou , Li Longkun 
Published: May 2016

AbstractMany studies have investigated the relationship between serum zinc concentration and prostatic disease, but have shown inconsistent results. Hence, we performed a systematic literature review and meta-analysis to assess the correlation between serum zinc concentration and prostate disease. Systematic literature searches were conducted with PubMed, EMBASE, Science Direct/Elsevier, MEDLINE, CNKI and the Cochrane Library up to June 2015 for studies that involved the relationship between serum zinc concentration and prostate disease. Fourteen studies were identified from the databases. Our results illustrated that the serum zinc concentrations in prostate cancer patients were significantly lower than those in Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients and normal controls (SMD (95% CI), −0.94 [−1.57, −0.32]; −1.18 [−1.90, −0.45]). However, the serum zinc concentrations in BPH patients were significantly higher than those in normal controls (SMD (95% CI) 1.77 [0.15, 3.39]). The present study showed that different levels of serum zinc concentrations are correlated with different prostatic disease. Serum zinc concentration may be used as a tool for the diagnosis and screening of prostate disease. But, further studies with well-designed larger sample studies are needed in this field to further clarify the correlation between serum zinc concentration and prostate disease.
Intermartensitic Transformation and Enhanced Exchange Bias in Pd (Pt) -doped Ni-Mn-Sn alloys
Authors: Dong S. Y. , Chen J. Y. , Han Z. D. , Fang Y. , Zhang L. , Zhang C. L. , Qian B. , Jiang X. F. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractIn this work, we studied the phase transitions and exchange bias of Ni50−xMn36Sn14Tx (T = Pd, Pt; x = 0, 1, 2, 3) alloys. An intermartensitic transition (IMT), not observed in Ni50Mn36Sn14 alloy, was induced by the proper application of negative chemical pressure by Pd(Pt) doping in Ni50−xMn36Sn14Tx (T = Pd, Pt) alloys. IMT weakened and was suppressed with the increase of applied field; it also disappeared with further increase of Pd(Pt) content (x = 3 for Pd and x = 2 for Pt). Another striking result is that exchange bias effect, ascribed to the percolating ferromagnetic domains coexisting with spin glass phase, is notably enhanced by nonmagnetic Pd(Pt) addition. The increase of unidirectional anisotropy by the addition of Pd(Pt) impurities with strong spin-orbit coupling was explained by Dzyaloshinsky-Moriya interactions in spin glass phase.
Calorie restriction regulates circadian clock gene expression through BMAL1 dependent and independent mechanisms
Authors: Patel Sonal A. , Velingkaar Nikkhil , Makwana Kuldeep , Chaudhari Amol , Kondratov Roman 
Published: May 2016

AbstractFeeding behavior, metabolism and circadian clocks are interlinked. Calorie restriction (CR) is a feeding paradigm known to extend longevity. We found that CR significantly affected the rhythms in the expression of circadian clock genes in mice on the mRNA and protein levels, suggesting that CR reprograms the clocks both transcriptionally and post-transcriptionally. The effect of CR on gene expression was distinct from the effects of time-restricted feeding or fasting. Furthermore, CR affected the circadian output through up- or down-regulation of the expression of several clock-controlled transcriptional factors and the longevity candidate genes. CR-dependent effects on some clock gene expression were impaired in the liver of mice deficient for BMAL1, suggesting importance of this transcriptional factor for the transcriptional reprogramming of the clock, however, BMAL1- independent mechanisms also exist. We propose that CR recruits biological clocks as a natural mechanism of metabolic optimization under conditions of limited energy resources.
Tracking bacterial virulence: global modulators as indicators
Authors: Prieto Alejandro , Urcola Imanol , Blanco Jorge , Dahbi Ghizlane , Muniesa Maite , Quirós Pablo , Falgenhauer Linda , Chakraborty Trinad , Hüttener Mário , Juárez Antonio 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe genomes of Gram-negative bacteria encode paralogues and/or orthologues of global modulators. The nucleoid-associated H-NS and Hha proteins are an example: several enterobacteria such as Escherichia coli or Salmonella harbor H-NS, Hha and their corresponding paralogues, StpA and YdgT proteins, respectively. Remarkably, the genome of the pathogenic enteroaggregative E. coli strain 042 encodes, in addition to the hha and ydgT genes, two additional hha paralogues, hha2 and hha3. We show in this report that there exists a strong correlation between the presence of these paralogues and the virulence phenotype of several E. coli strains. hha2 and hha3 predominate in some groups of intestinal pathogenic E. coli strains (enteroaggregative and shiga toxin-producing isolates), as well as in the widely distributed extraintestinal ST131 isolates. Because of the relationship between the presence of hha2/hha3 and some virulence factors, we have been able to provide evidence for Hha2/Hha3 modulating the expression of the antigen 43 pathogenic determinants. We show that tracking global modulators or their paralogues/orthologues can be a new strategy to identify bacterial pathogenic clones and propose PCR amplification of hha2 and hha3 as a virulence indicator in environmental and clinical E. coli isolates.
In vitro and in vivo efficacy, toxicity, bio-distribution and resistance selection of a novel antibacterial drug candidate
Authors: Brunetti Jlenia , Falciani Chiara , Roscia Giulia , Pollini Simona , Bindi Stefano , Scali Silvia , Arrieta Unai Cossio , Gómez-Vallejo Vanessa , Quercini Leila , Ibba Elisa , Prato Marco , Rossolini Gian Maria , Llop Jordi , Bracci Luisa , Pini Alessandro 
Published: May 2016

AbstractA synthetic antimicrobial peptide was identified as a possible candidate for the development of a new antibacterial drug. The peptide, SET-M33L, showed a MIC90 below 1.5 μM and 3 μM for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae, respectively. In in vivo models of P. aeruginosa infections, the peptide and its pegylated form (SET-M33L-PEG) enabled a survival percentage of 60–80% in sepsis and lung infections when injected twice i.v. at 5 mg/Kg, and completely healed skin infections when administered topically. Plasma clearance showed different kinetics for SET-M33L and SET-M33L-PEG, the latter having greater persistence two hours after injection. Bio-distribution in organs did not show significant differences in uptake of the two peptides. Unlike colistin, SET-M33L did not select resistant mutants in bacterial cultures and also proved non genotoxic and to have much lower in vivo toxicity than antimicrobial peptides already used in clinical practice. The characterizations reported here are part of a preclinical development plan that should bring the molecule to clinical trial in the next few years.
PDK1–Akt pathway regulates radial neuronal migration and microtubules in the developing mouse neocortex
Authors: Itoh Yasuhiro , Higuchi Maiko , Oishi Koji , Kishi Yusuke , Okazaki Tomohiko , Sakai Hiroshi , Miyata Takaki , Nakajima Kazunori , Gotoh Yukiko 
Published: May 2016

Significance
In the developing mammalian neocortex, neurons migrate a long distance from their birthplace to the positions where they form appropriate layers and networks, and dysregulation of this process has been implicated in brain malformation and neurological diseases. Given the fine correlation between temporal order of various sequentially generated neuronal cell types and their spatial distribution, migration speed needs to be tightly controlled to achieve correct neocortical layering, although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here we show that the serine/threonine kinase Akt and its activator phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1 (PDK1) regulate the speed of locomotion of mouse neocortical neurons through the cortical plate. Our data suggest that the PDK1–Akt axis regulates microtubule organization, in part by regulating the cytoplasmic dynein/dynactin complex, in migrating neurons.
Using Lean to Advance Quality Improvement Research
Authors: Blackmore Christopher Craig , Williams Barbara L. , Ching Joan M. , Chafetz Lynne A. , Kaplan Gary S. 
Published: May 2016

Introduction:
Quality improvement research skills are not commonplace among quality improvement practitioners, and research on the effectiveness of quality improvement has not always kept pace with improvement innovation. However, the Lean tools applied to quality improvement should be equally relevant to the advancement of quality improvement research.

Methods:
We applied the Lean methods to develop a simplified quality improvement publication pathway enabling a small research methodology group to increase quality improvement research throughout the institution. The key innovations of the pathway are horizontal integration of the quality improvement research methods group across the institution, implementation of a Lean quality improvement research pathway, and application of a just-in-time quality improvement research toolkit.

Results:
This work provides a road map and tools for the acceleration of quality improvement research. At our institution, the Lean quality improvement research approach was associated with statistically significant increases in the number (annual mean increase from 3.0 to 8.5, p = .03) and breadth of published quality improvement research articles, and in the number of quality improvement research projects currently in process.

Discussion:
Application of Lean methods to the quality improvement research process can aid in increasing publication of quality improvement articles from across the institution.
Transitional Care in the Patient-Centered Medical Home: Lessons in Adaptation
Authors: Hirschman Karen B. , Shaid Elizabeth , Bixby M. Brian , Badolato David J. , Barg Ronald , Byrnes Mary Beth , Byrnes Richard , Streletz Deborah , Stretton Jean , Naylor Mary D. 
Published: May 2016

Abstract:
Older adults with multiple chronic conditions (MCCs) typically have risk factors (e.g., functional deficits, social barriers) that complicate the management of their healthcare, often with devastating human and economic consequences. Finding new ways to provide patient-centered care to community-based older adults with MCCs is essential. Two current models of care, the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) and the Transitional Care Model (TCM), have demonstrated improvements in the outcomes of high-risk older adults at different points on the chronic illness trajectory. However, neither care management approach has optimally engaged vulnerable patients to address needs throughout both acute and more stable transitions in health. In this article, we summarize the development of the PCMH plus TCM (hereafter, PCMH + TCM), an innovative approach to care, and the experience of the providers involved in testing the feasibility of implementing the PCMH + TCM. Using content analyses to code open-ended survey responses from transitional care nurses and PCMH clinical leaders', two major themes, collaboration and communication, emerged as critical to the process of implementing the PCMH + TCM. Barriers and facilitators to implementing the PCMH + TCM are presented. Findings support that the TCM can be adapted and integrated into the PCMH with meticulous planning and implementation.