bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comparative study of efficiency droop and internal electric field for InGaN blue lighting-emitting diodes on silicon and sapphire substrates
Authors: Ryu H. Y. , Jeon K. S. , Kang M. G. , Yuh H. K. , Choi Y. H. , Lee J. S. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractWe investigated the efficiency droop and polarization-induced internal electric field of InGaN blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs) grown on silicon(111) and c-plane sapphire substrates. The efficiency droop of the LED sample grown on silicon substrates was considerably lower than that of the identically fabricated LED sample grown on sapphire substrates. Consequently, the LED on silicon showed higher efficiency at a sufficiently high injection current despite the lower peak efficiency caused by the poorer crystal quality. The reduced efficiency droop for the LED on silicon was attributed to its lower internal electric field, which was confirmed by reverse-bias electro-reflectance measurements and numerical simulations. The internal electric field of the multiple quantum wells (MQWs) on silicon was found to be reduced by more than 40% compared to that of the MQWs on sapphire, which resulted in a more homogenous carrier distribution in InGaN MQWs, lower Auger recombination rates, and consequently reduced efficiency droop for the LEDs grown on the silicon substrates. Owing to its greatly reduced efficiency droop, the InGaN blue LED on silicon substrates is expected to be a good cost effective solution for future lighting technology.
A priori Prediction of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Response and Survival in Breast Cancer Patients using Quantitative Ultrasound
Authors: Tadayyon Hadi , Sannachi Lakshmanan , Gangeh Mehrdad J. , Kim Christina , Ghandi Sonal , Trudeau Maureen , Pritchard Kathleen , Tran William T. , Slodkowska Elzbieta , Sadeghi-Naini Ali , Czarnota Gregory J. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractQuantitative ultrasound (QUS) can probe tissue structure and analyze tumour characteristics. Using a 6-MHz ultrasound system, radiofrequency data were acquired from 56 locally advanced breast cancer patients prior to their neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and QUS texture features were computed from regions of interest in tumour cores and their margins as potential predictive and prognostic indicators. Breast tumour molecular features were also collected and used for analysis. A multiparametric QUS model was constructed, which demonstrated a response prediction accuracy of 88% and ability to predict patient 5-year survival rates (p = 0.01). QUS features demonstrated superior performance in comparison to molecular markers and the combination of QUS and molecular markers did not improve response prediction. This study demonstrates, for the first time, that non-invasive QUS features in the core and margin of breast tumours can indicate breast cancer response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and predict five-year recurrence-free survival.
Advances in pancreatic islet monolayer culture on glass surfaces enable super-resolution microscopy and insights into beta cell ciliogenesis and proliferation
Authors: Phelps Edward A. , Cianciaruso Chiara , Santo-Domingo Jaime , Pasquier Miriella , Galliverti Gabriele , Piemonti Lorenzo , Berishvili Ekaterine , Burri Olivier , Wiederkehr Andreas , Hubbell Jeffrey A. , Baekkeskov Steinunn 
Published: April 2017

AbstractA robust and reproducible method for culturing monolayers of adherent and well-spread primary islet cells on glass coverslips is required for detailed imaging studies by super-resolution and live-cell microscopy. Guided by an observation that dispersed islet cells spread and adhere well on glass surfaces in neuronal co-culture and form a monolayer of connected cells, we demonstrate that in the absence of neurons, well-defined surface coatings combined with components of neuronal culture media collectively support robust attachment and growth of primary human or rat islet cells as monolayers on glass surfaces. The islet cell monolayer cultures on glass stably maintain distinct mono-hormonal insulin+, glucagon+, somatostatin+ and PP+ cells and glucose-responsive synchronized calcium signaling as well as expression of the transcription factors Pdx-1 and NKX-6.1 in beta cells. This technical advance enabled detailed observation of sub-cellular processes in primary human and rat beta cells by super-resolution microscopy. The protocol is envisaged to have broad applicability to sophisticated analyses of pancreatic islet cells that reveal new biological insights, as demonstrated by the identification of an in vitro protocol that markedly increases proliferation of primary beta cells and is associated with a reduction in ciliated, ostensibly proliferation-suppressed beta cells.
Correlations in the degeneracy of structurally controllable topologies for networks
Authors: Campbell Colin , Aucott Steven , Ruths Justin , Ruths Derek , Shea Katriona , Albert Réka 
Published: April 2017

AbstractMany dynamic systems display complex emergent phenomena. By directly controlling a subset of system components (nodes) via external intervention it is possible to indirectly control every other component in the system. When the system is linear or can be approximated sufficiently well by a linear model, methods exist to identify the number and connectivity of a minimum set of external inputs (constituting a so-called minimal control topology, or MCT). In general, many MCTs exist for a given network; here we characterize a broad ensemble of empirical networks in terms of the fraction of nodes and edges that are always, sometimes, or never a part of an MCT. We study the relationships between the measures, and apply the methodology to the T-LGL leukemia signaling network as a case study. We show that the properties introduced in this report can be used to predict key components of biological networks, with potentially broad applications to network medicine.
Crystallisation-enhanced bulk hole mobility in phenothiazine-based organic semiconductors
Authors: Shinde D. B. , Salunke Jagadish K. , Candeias Nuno R. , Tinti Francesca , Gazzano Massimo , Wadgaonkar P. P. , Priimagi Arri , Camaioni Nadia , Vivo Paola 
Published: April 2017

AbstractA series of three novel donor-acceptor systems based on C(3)-malononitrile-substituted phenothiazines was synthesised in good overall yields and their thermal, spectroscopic, and electrochemical properties were characterised. The compounds were prepared through a sequence of Ullmann-coupling, Vilsmeier-Haack formylation and Knoevenagel-condensation, followed by Suzuki-coupling reactions for introduction of aryl substitutents at C(7) position of the phenothiazine. The introduction of a donor unit at the C(7) position exhibited a weak impact on the optical and electrochemical characteristics of the compounds and led to amorphous films with bulk hole mobilities in the typical range reported for phenothiazines, despite the higher charge delocalisation as attested by computational studies. In contrast, highly ordered films were formed when using the C(7)-unsubstituted 3-malononitrile phenothiazine, exhibiting an outstanding mobility of 1 × 10−3 cm2 V−1 s−1, the highest reported for this class of compounds. Computational conformational analysis of the new phenothizanes suggested that free rotation of the substitutents at the C(7) position suppresses the ordering of the system, thereby hampering suitable packing of the new materials needed for high charge carrier mobility.
Prenatal stress from trawl capture affects mothers and neonates: a case study using the southern fiddler ray (Trygonorrhina dumerilii)
Authors: Guida L. , Awruch C. , Walker T. I. , Reina R. D. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractAssessing fishing effects on chondrichthyan populations has predominantly focused on quantifying mortality rates. Consequently, sub-lethal effects of capture stress on the reproductive capacity of chondrichthyans are largely unknown. We investigated the reproductive consequences of capture on pregnant southern fiddler rays (Trygonorrhina dumerilii) collected from Swan Bay, Australia, in response to laboratory-simulated trawl capture (8 h) followed immediately by air exposure (30 min). Immediately prior to, and for up to 28 days post trawling, all females were measured for body mass (BM), sex steroid concentrations (17-β estradiol, progesterone, testosterone) and granulocyte to lymphocyte (G:L) ratio. At parturition, neonates were measured for total length (TL), BM and G:L ratio. Trawling reduced maternal BM and elevated the G:L ratio for up to 28 days. Trawling did not significantly affect any sex steroid concentrations relative to controls. Neonates from trawled mothers were significantly lower in BM and TL than control animals, and had an elevated G:L ratio. Our results show that capture of pregnantT. dumeriliican influence their reproductive potential and affect the fitness of neonates. We suggest other viviparous species are likely to be similarly affected. Sub-lethal effects of capture, particularly on reproduction, require further study to improve fisheries management and conservation of chondrichthyans.
Elephants know when their bodies are obstacles to success in a novel transfer task
Authors: Dale Rachel , Plotnik Joshua M. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe capacity to recognise oneself as separate from other individuals and objects is difficult to investigate in non-human animals. The hallmark empirical assessment, the mirror self-recognition test, focuses on an animal’s ability to recognise itself in a mirror and success has thus far been demonstrated in only a small number of species with a keen interest in their own visual reflection. Adapting a recent study done with children, we designed a new body-awareness paradigm for testing an animal’s understanding of its place in its environment. In this task, Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) were required to step onto a mat and pick up a stick attached to it by rope, and then pass the stick forward to an experimenter. In order to do the latter, the elephants had to see their body as an obstacle to success and first remove their weight from the mat before attempting to transfer the stick. The elephants got off the mat in the test significantly more often than in controls, where getting off the mat was unnecessary. This task helps level the playing field for non-visual species tested on cognition tasks and may help better define the continuum on which body- and self-awareness lie.
Memory-enhancing effects of GEBR-32a, a new PDE4D inhibitor holding promise for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Ricciarelli Roberta , Brullo Chiara , Prickaerts Jos , Arancio Ottavio , Villa Carla , Rebosio Claudia , Calcagno Elisa , Balbi Matilde , van Hagen Britt T. J. , Argyrousi Elentina K. , Zhang Hong , Pronzato Maria Adelaide , Bruno Olga , Fedele Ernesto 
Published: April 2017

AbstractMemory loss characterizes several neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Inhibition of type 4 phosphodiesterase (PDE4) and elevation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach to treat cognitive deficits. However, PDE4 exists in several isoforms and pan inhibitors cannot be used in humans due to severe emesis. Here, we present GEBR-32a, a new PDE4D full inhibitor that has been characterized both in vitro and in vivo using biochemical, electrophysiological and behavioural analyses. GEBR-32a efficiently enhances cAMP in neuronal cultures and hippocampal slices. In vivo pharmacokinetic analysis shows that GEBR-32a is rapidly distributed within the central nervous system with a very favourable brain/blood ratio. Specific behavioural tests (object location and Y-maze continuous alternation tasks) demonstrate that this PDE4D inhibitor is able to enhance memory in AD transgenic mice and concomitantly rescues their hippocampal long-term potentiation deficit. Of great relevance, our preliminary toxicological analysis indicates that GEBR-32a is not cytotoxic and genotoxic, and does not seem to possess emetic-like side effects. In conclusion, GEBR-32a could represent a very promising cognitive-enhancing drug with a great potential for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
Origin of high strength, low modulus superelasticity in nanowire-shape memory alloy composites
Authors: Zhang Xudong , Zong Hongxiang , Cui Lishan , Fan Xueling , Ding Xiangdong , Sun Jun 
Published: April 2017

AbstractAn open question is the underlying mechanisms for a recent discovered nanocomposite, which composed of shape memory alloy (SMA) matrix with embedded metallic nanowires (NWs), demonstrating novel mechanical properties, such as large quasi-linear elastic strain, low Young’s modulus and high yield strength. We use finite element simulations to investigate the interplay between the superelasticity of SMA matrix and the elastic-plastic deformation of embedded NWs. Our results show that stress transfer plays a dominated role in determining the quasi-linear behavior of the nanocomposite. The corresponding microstructure evolution indicate that the transfer is due to the coupling between plastic deformation within the NWs and martensitic transformation in the matrix, i.e., the martensitic transformation of the SMA matrix promotes local plastic deformation nearby, and the high plastic strain region of NWs retains considerable martensite in the surrounding SMA matrix, thus facilitating continues martensitic transformation in subsequent loading. Based on these findings, we propose a general criterion for achieving quasi-linear elasticity.
Rapid crystallization during recycling of basaltic andesite tephra: timescales determined by reheating experiments
Authors: Deardorff Nicholas , Cashman Katharine 
Published: April 2017

AbstractMicrocrystalline inclusions within microlite-poor matrix are surprisingly common in low intensity eruptions around the world, yet their origin is poorly understood. Inclusions are commonly interpreted as evidence of crystallization along conduit margins. Alternatively, these clasts may be recycled from low level eruptions where they recrystallize by heating within the vent. We conducted a series of experiments heating basaltic andesite lapilli from temperatures below the glass transition (~690 °C) to above inferred eruption temperatures (>1150 °C) for durations of 2 to >60 minutes. At 690 °C < T < 800 °C, crystallization is evident after heating for ~20 minutes; at T > 800 °C, crystallization occurs in <5 minutes. At T ≥ 900 °C, all samples recrystallize extensively in 2–10 minutes, with pyroxenes, Fe-oxides, and plagioclase. Experimental crystallization textures closely resemble those observed in natural microcrystalline inclusions. Comparison of inclusion textures in lapilli from the active submarine volcano NW Rota-1, Mariana arc and subaerial volcano Stromboli suggest that characteristic signatures of clast recycling are different in the two environments. Specifically, chlorine assimilation provides key evidence of recycling in submarine samples, while bands of oxides bordering microcrystalline inclusions are unique to subaerial environments. Correct identification of recycling at basaltic vents will improve (lower) estimates of mass eruption rate and help to refine interpretations of eruption dynamics.
Association between Cockroach-specific Immunoglobulin E and periodontitis in Korean male adults Based on Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Hong Mihee , Park Jun-Beom , Kim Young Soo , Lee Dong-Hee , Kim HeeYeon , Lee Jae-Im , Ahn Hyo-Suk , Sohn Tae Seo , Lee Tae-Kyu , Song Jae Yen , Jeong Seong Cheol , Yeo Chang Dong , Chae Hiun Suk , Do Han Kyung , Vu David , Lee Young Bok 
Published: April 2017

AbstractPeriodontitis is an inflammatory disease affecting the tooth supporting tissues (periodontium) and associated with chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and insulin resistance. However, there has been no nation-wide population based epidemiologic study regarding any association between periodontitis and serum IgE. Among the 8,958 participants in the 2010 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES V-1), 1,731 adults aged 19 to 64 who had measured serum IgE were included in the analysis. Dentists examined the periodontal status of the participants. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the odds ratio of periodontitis in association with total IgE and specific IgE to cockroach and house dust mite. In males, total IgE showed a positive correlation with the presence of periodontitis. The participants in the highest tertile of cockroach specific IgE (T3, >31.6 kU/L) had a significantly increased risk of periodontitis (OR = 2.108; 95% CI, 1.233–3.606). In females, the inverse association occurred between total IgE and periodontitis (OR = 0.409; 95% CI, 0.200–0.839). The present study firstly demonstrated the association between periodontitis and serum IgE, using the Korean nationwide, population-based, cross-sectional health examination and survey. This study suggested a positive correlation between periodontitis and cockroach-specific IgE in Korean male adults.
Smelting Magnesium Metal using a Microwave Pidgeon Method
Authors: Wada Yuji , Fujii Satoshi , Suzuki Eiichi , Maitani Masato M. , Tsubaki Shuntaro , Chonan Satoshi , Fukui Miho , Inazu Naomi 
Published: April 2017

AbstractMagnesium (Mg) is a lightweight metal with applications in transportation and sustainable battery technologies, but its current production through ore reduction using the conventional Pidgeon process emits large amounts of CO2 and particulate matter (PM2.5). In this work, a novel Pidgeon process driven by microwaves has been developed to produce Mg metal with less energy consumption and no direct CO2 emission. An antenna structure consisting of dolomite as the Mg source and a ferrosilicon antenna as the reducing material was used to confine microwave energy emitted from a magnetron installed in a microwave oven to produce a practical amount of pure Mg metal. This microwave Pidgeon process with an antenna configuration made it possible to produce Mg with an energy consumption of 58.6 GJ/t, corresponding to a 68.6% reduction when compared to the conventional method.
Parasitic‐enhanced circularly polarised sequential antenna array for dedicated short‐range communication applications at 5.8 GHz
Authors: Maddio S. 
Published: April 2017

A compact printed antenna array for dedicated short‐range communication (DSRC) at 5.8 GHz is presented. The proposed device is based on the sequential rotation arrangement (SRA) applied to a parasitic loaded patch antenna. Despite the compact dimension, the proposed array presents a left‐hand gain of 10.5 dB at centre frequency, as well as an axial ratio equal to 0.5 dB and a return loss in excess of 16 dB. Therefore, the device is adequate to operate according to the European framework of DSRC for traffic monitoring in the C‐band.
Paradoxical Tuberculomas Complicating Tuberculous Meningitis: About Two Cases
Authors: Mandour Cherkaoui , Laaguili Jawad , Gazzaz Miloudi , Brahim El Mostarchid 
Published: April 2017

AbstractParadoxical tuberculomas in patients with tuberculous meningitis during antituberculous chemotherapy is an unusual phenomenon. This reaction is due to the immune response of the host to antituberculous drugs. It is commonly seen in the intensive phase of chemotherapy. We report the cases of two patients with tuberculous meningitis who had developed tuberculomas during adequate and appropriate antitubercular therapy. Tuberculous meningitis requires the regular clinical and radiological follow-up to detect paradoxical response.
Do Flow and Pulsatility Index within the Accepted Ranges Predict Long-Term Outcomes after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting?
Authors: De Leon Maximiliano , Stanham Roberto , Soca Gerardo , Dayan Victor 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Background Transit-time flow measurement (TTFM) is the gold standard for intraoperative detection of graft failure. Several reports show that TTFM and distal coronary bed quality (DCBQ) may also be useful for midterm detection of graft failure. Nonetheless, there are no data regarding their predictive role on long-term outcomes.
Methods Patients with three-vessel disease who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in 2006 and received at least one graft to the left anterior descending artery (LAD) or to the first obtuse marginal (OM1) or posterior descending artery (PDA) were included. Baseline characteristics, mean graft flow, pulsatility index, and subjective impression of DCBQ for each coronary territory were collected. Long-term cardiovascular (CV) and overall survival, operative mortality, and new percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were evaluated.
Results A total of 177 patients underwent isolated CABG. The OM1 was grafted in 131 patients, the LAD in 169 patients, and the PDA in 100 patients. Neither DQCB nor TTFM were predictors for new PCI. Independent predictors for overall survival were age, previous acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and DQCB of OM1 (odds ratio [OR] = 2.97; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.15–7.71). Age, previous AMI, and DCBQ of OM1 (OR = 2.5; 95% CI: 1.39–4.81) were independent predictors for CV survival.
Conclusions TTFM on patients with functioning grafts does not predict long-term survival or performance of new PCI. Subjective evaluation of distal coronary bed, especially of the OM1, has a strong impact on long-term outcomes.
The Role of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in the Diagnosis of Biliary Atresia: 14 Years' Experience
Authors: Negm Ahmed , Petersen Claus , Markowski Andrea , Luettig Birgit , Ringe Kristina , Lankisch Tim , Manns Michael , Ure Benno , Schneider Andrea 
Published: April 2017

Introduction Biliary atresia (BA) is a rare destructive inflammatory obliterative cholangiopathy of neonates. Early diagnosis is important in disease management. The aim was to evaluate the role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in diagnosing BA in a large cohort. In addition, we evaluated whether parameters such as bile trace, GGT, bilirubin, and laboratory values in combination can be used to develop a risk score that could indicate the referral to specialized centers.
Materials and Methods All infants with neonatal cholestasis (2000–2014) who presented to our endoscopy unit for suspected BA were included. Demographics, laboratory parameters, ultrasound findings, liver biopsy results, ERCP diagnosis, and surgical outcome were collected. Value and safety of ERCP and risk factors for BA were retrospectively analyzed.
Results We included 251 infants in our cohort (55% males, median age: 53 days). BA was intraoperatively diagnosed in 155 (83.4%) patients and was excluded in 30 (16.2%). Fifty-six cases were not operated due to the ERCP findings. ERCP was successful in 224/251 patients (89.2%) with no procedure-related complications. The operative and endoscopic diagnosis matched in 96.6% of the patients (positive predictive value: 92.2%, negative predictive value: 97.1%). In comparison to cases with excluded BA, the ones with this disease were significantly associated with absence of duodenal bile traces (98.4 vs. 1.6%, p < 0.001), higher bilirubin (p < 0.001, cutoff 7.3 mg/dL), and higher GGT (p < 0.001, cutoff 250 U/L).
Conclusion ERCP is safe and accurate in the hands of experts in diagnosing BA if the cause of cholestasis is unclear. While evaluating the role of ERCP for diagnosing this disease, we found that the secondary parameters GGT > 250 U/L, bilirubin > 7.3 mg/dL (125 μmol/L), and the absence of bile traces are risk factors.