bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of cross‐sectional transmission electron microscope studies of thin germanium epilayers grown on differently oriented silicon wafers
Authors: NORRIS D.J. , MYRONOV M. , LEADLEY D.R. , WALTHER T. 
Published: October 2017

SummaryWe compare transmission electron microscopical analyses of the onset of islanding in the germanium‐on‐silicon (Ge/Si) system for three different Si substrate orientations: (001), (10) and (11)Si. The Ge was deposited by reduced pressure chemical vapour deposition and forms islands on the surface of all Si wafers; however, the morphology (aspect ratio) of the deposited islands is different for each type of wafer. Moreover, the mechanism for strain relaxation is different for each type of wafer owing to the different orientation of the (111) slip planes with the growth surface. Ge grown on (001)Si is initially pseudomorphically strained, yielding small, almost symmetrical islands of high aspect ratio (clusters or domes) on top interdiffused SiGe pedestals, without any evidence of plastic relaxation by dislocations, which would nucleate later‐on when the islands might have coalesced and then the Matthews‐Blakeslee limit is reached. For (10)Si, islands are flatter and more asymmetric, and this is correlated with plastic relaxation of some islands by dislocations. In the case of growth on (11)Si wafers, there is evidence of immediate strain relaxation taking place by numerous dislocations and also twinning. In the case of untwined film/substrate interfaces, Burgers circuits drawn around certain (amorphous‐like) regions show a nonclosure with an edge‐type a/4[12] Burgers vector component visible in projection along [110]. Microtwins of multiples of half unit cells in thickness have been observed which occur at the growth interface between the Si(11) buffer layer and the overlying Ge material. Models of the growth mechanisms to explain the interfacial configurations of each type of wafer are suggested.
The Zap1 transcriptional activator negatively regulates translation of the RTC4 mRNA through the use of alternative 5′ transcript leaders
Authors: Bird Amanda J. , Labbé Simon 
Published: October 2017

SummaryThe zinc‐responsive transcription activator Zap1 plays a central role in zinc homeostasis in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In zinc‐deficient cells, Zap1 binds to zinc responsive elements in target gene promoters and activates gene expression. In most cases, Zap1‐dependent gene activation results in increased levels of mRNAs and proteins. However, Zap1‐dependent activation of RTC4 results in increased levels of the RTC4 mRNA and decreased levels of the Rtc4 protein. This atypical regulation results from Zap1‐mediated changes in the transcriptional start site for RTC4 and the production of a RTC4 transcript with a longer 5′ leader. This long RTC4 transcript contains small upstream open reading frames that prevent translation of the downstream RTC4 ORF. The new studies with Zap1 highlight how a transcriptional activator can facilitate decreased protein expression.
Wenxin Keli diminishes Ca2+ overload induced by hypoxia/reoxygenation in cardiomyocytes through inhibiting INaL and ICaL
Authors: Luo Antao , Liu Zhipei , Cao Zhenzhen , Hao Jie , Wu Lin , Fu Chen , Zeng Mengliu , Jiang Wanzhen , Zhang Peihua , Zhao Buchang , Zhao Tao , Zhao Jing , Ma Jihua 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBackgroundAn increase in the late sodium current (INaL) causes intracellular Na+ overload and subsequently intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) overload via the stimulated reverse Na+‐Ca2+ exchange (NCX). Wenxin Keli (WXKL) is an effective antiarrhythmic Chinese herb extract, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear.Methods and resultsThe INaL, NCX current (INCX), L‐type Ca2+ current (ICaL), and action potentials were recorded using the whole‐cell patch‐clamp technique in rabbit ventricular myocytes. Myocyte [Ca2+]i transients were measured using a dual excitation fluorescence photomultiplier system. WXKL decreased the enhanced INaL, reverse INCX, diastolic [Ca2+]i, and the amplitude of Ca2+ transients induced by sea anemone toxin II (ATX II, a specific INaL channel opener) in a concentration‐dependent manner. Hypoxia increased INaL, INCX, and diastolic [Ca2+]i, and decreased amplitude of [Ca2+]i transients. Hypoxia‐reoxygenation aggravated these changes and induced spontaneous [Ca2+]i transients and hypercontraction in 86% cells (6/7). The application of WXKL during hypoxia or reoxygenation periods decreased the increased INaL, INCX, and diastolic [Ca2+]i, and prevented those events in 82% cells (9/11) under hypoxia‐reoxygenation conditions. WXKL also inhibited the ICaL in a dose‐dependent manner. Furthermore, WXKL shortened the action potential duration and completely abolished ATX II‐induced early afterdepolarizations from 9/9 to /9. In isolated heart electrocardiogram recordings, WXKL inhibited ischemia‐reperfusion induced ventricular premature beats and tachycardia.ConclusionsWXKL attenuated [Ca2+]i overload induced by hypoxia‐reoxygenation in ventricular myocytes through inhibiting INaL and ICaL and prevents arrhythmias. This could, at least partly, contribute to the antiarrhythmic effects of WXKL.
Kinome‐wide transcriptional profiling of uveal melanoma reveals new vulnerabilities to targeted therapeutics
Authors: Bailey Fiona P. , Clarke Kim , Kalirai Helen , Kenyani Jenna , Shahidipour Haleh , Falciani Francesco , Coulson Judy M. , Sacco Joseph J. , Coupland Sarah E. , Eyers Patrick A. 
Published: October 2017

SummaryMetastatic uveal melanoma (UM) is invariably fatal, usually within a year of diagnosis. There are currently no effective therapies, and clinical studies employing kinase inhibitors have so far demonstrated limited success. This is despite common activating mutations in GNAQ/11 genes, which trigger signalling pathways that might predispose tumours to a variety of targeted drugs. In this study, we have profiled kinome expression network dynamics in various human ocular melanomas. We uncovered a shared transcriptional profile in human primary UM samples and across a variety of experimental cell‐based models. The poor overall response of UM cells to FDA‐approved kinase inhibitors contrasted with much higher sensitivity to the bromodomain inhibitor JQ1, a broad transcriptional repressor. Mechanistically, we identified a repressed FOXM1‐dependent kinase subnetwork in JQ1‐exposed cells that contained multiple cell cycle‐regulated protein kinases. Consistently, we demonstrated vulnerability of UM cells to inhibitors of mitotic protein kinases within this network, including the investigational PLK1 inhibitor BI6727. We conclude that analysis of kinome‐wide signalling network dynamics has the potential to reveal actionable drug targets and inhibitors of potential therapeutic benefit for UM patients.
Coordinated Scheduling for a Multi‐server Network in Outpatient Pre‐operative Care
Authors: Wang Dongyang , Morrice Douglas J. , Muthuraman Kumar , Bard Jonathan F. , Leykum Luci K. , Noorily Susan H. 
Published: October 2017

Many parts of the healthcare system remain fragmented and outpatient surgical care is no exception. In this study, we develop a coordinated pre‐operative scheduling approach between Anesthesiology and Internal Medicine to optimize patients’ medical conditions prior to surgery. Coordinating these two services has conceptual appeal because any health issues discovered by the anesthesiologist can often be addressed by a general internist. We design a patient‐centered approach that allows the patient to see both providers, if necessary, on a single visit. This problem is modeled as a two‐station stochastic network, where each station (or clinic) may be staffed by multiple parallel providers and patients see the first available provider. To solve the scheduling problem, we formulate an optimization model to maximize the net benefit of scheduling patients. The objective balances benefits against patient waiting time and clinic overtime costs. We develop a scheduling method with a booking limit to create a balanced network schedule. Due to the complexity of this problem, the solution approach is myopic. In addition, we develop a hybrid method that combines analytical calculation and simulation‐based optimization. We demonstrate our approach on a healthcare network at The University of Texas Health Sciences Center in San Antonio. We compare our method against other policies and show that it yields high quality and robust results. Based on the level of generality of our model and results, the insights gained are not limited to the particular application, but can be applied to other patient‐centered models where scheduling coordination can be used.
Agreement Between Maternal Report and Medical Records During Pregnancy: Medications for Rheumatoid Arthritis and Asthma
Authors: Palmsten Kristin , Hulugalle Avanthi , Bandoli Gretchen , Kuo Grace M. , Ansari Shayda , Xu Ronghui , Chambers Christina D. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBackgroundThere are limited data regarding the comparability of medication exposure information during pregnancy from maternal report and medical records, including for rheumatoid arthritis and asthma‐related medications.MethodsThis study included pregnant women with rheumatoid arthritis (n = 216) and asthma (n = 172) enrolled in the MothertoBaby Pregnancy Studies (2009–2014). Women reported types and dates of medications used through semi‐structured telephone interviews up to three times during pregnancy and once after delivery, and medical records were obtained. We calculated Cohen's kappa coefficients and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and per cent agreement for agreement between report and records.ResultsFor rheumatoid arthritis, prednisone was reported most frequently (53%). During pregnancy, kappa coefficients for rheumatoid arthritis medications ranged from 0.32 (95% CI 0.15, 0.50) for ibuprofen, with 84.3% agreement, to 0.90 (95% CI 0.84, 0.96) for etanercept with 95.4% agreement, and was 0.44 (95% CI 0.33, 0.55) for prednisone, with 71.3% agreement. For asthma, albuterol was reported most frequently (77.9%). During pregnancy, kappa coefficients for asthma medications ranged from 0.21 (95% CI 0.08, 0.35), with 64.5% agreement for albuterol to 0.84 (95% CI 0.71, 0.96) for budesonide/formoterol, with 96.5% agreement. Where kappas for any use during pregnancy were less than excellent (i.e. ≤0.80), medication use was more frequently captured by report than record.ConclusionsAgreement was higher for medications typically used continuously than sporadically. Information on medication use from medical records alone may not be adequate when studying the impact of intermittently used medications during pregnancy on perinatal outcomes.
First‐impression bias effects on mismatch negativity to auditory spatial deviants
Authors: Fitzgerald Kaitlin , Provost Alexander , Todd Juanita 
Published: October 2017

AbstractInternal models of regularities in the world serve to facilitate perception as redundant input can be predicted and neural resources conserved for that which is new or unexpected. In the auditory system, this is reflected in an evoked potential component known as mismatch negativity (MMN). MMN is elicited by the violation of an established regularity to signal the inaccuracy of the current model and direct resources to the unexpected event. Prevailing accounts suggest that MMN amplitude will increase with stability in regularity; however, observations of first‐impression bias contradict stability effects. If tones rotate probabilities as a rare deviant (p = .125) and common standard (p = .875), MMN elicited to the initial deviant tone reaches maximal amplitude faster than MMN to the first standard when later encountered as deviant—a differential pattern that persists throughout rotations. Sensory inference is therefore biased by longer‐term contextual information beyond local probability statistics. Using the same multicontext sequence structure, we examined whether this bias generalizes to MMN elicited by spatial sound cues using monaural sounds (n = 19, right first deviant and n = 22, left first deviant) and binaural sounds (n = 19, right first deviant). The characteristic differential modulation of MMN to the two tones was observed in two of three groups, providing partial support for the generalization of first‐impression bias to spatially deviant sounds. We discuss possible explanations for its absence when the initial deviant was delivered monaurally to the right ear.
Designing Graphs that Promote Both Risk Understanding and Behavior Change
Authors: Okan Yasmina , Stone Eric R. , Bruine de Bruin Wändi 
Published: October 2017

AbstractGraphs show promise for improving communications about different types of risks, including health risks, financial risks, and climate risks. However, graph designs that are effective at meeting one important risk communication goal (promoting risk‐avoidant behaviors) can at the same time compromise another key goal (improving risk understanding). We developed and tested simple bar graphs aimed at accomplishing these two goals simultaneously. We manipulated two design features in graphs, namely, whether graphs depicted the number of people affected by a risk and those at risk of harm (“foreground+background”) versus only those affected (“foreground‐only”), and the presence versus absence of simple numerical labels above bars. Foreground‐only displays were associated with larger risk perceptions and risk‐avoidant behavior (i.e., willingness to take a drug for heart attack prevention) than foreground+background displays, regardless of the presence of labels. Foreground‐only graphs also hindered risk understanding when labels were not present. However, the presence of labels significantly improved understanding, eliminating the detrimental effect of foreground‐only displays. Labels also led to more positive user evaluations of the graphs, but did not affect risk‐avoidant behavior. Using process modeling we identified mediators (risk perceptions, understanding, user evaluations) that explained the effect of display type on risk‐avoidant behavior. Our findings contribute new evidence to the graph design literature: unlike what was previously feared, we demonstrate that it is possible to design foreground‐only graphs that promote intentions for behavior change without a detrimental effect on risk understanding. Implications for the design of graphical risk communications and decision support are discussed.
Risk Ranking of Antimicrobial‐Resistant Hazards Found in Meat in Switzerland
Authors: Collineau Lucie , Carmo Luís Pedro , Endimiani Andrea , Magouras Ioannis , Müntener Cedric , Schüpbach‐Regula Gertraud , Stärk Katharina D. C. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractHuman exposure to bacteria resistant to antimicrobials and transfer of related genes is a complex issue and occurs, among other pathways, via meat consumption. In a context of limited resources, the prioritization of risk management activities is essential. Since the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) situation differs substantially between countries, prioritization should be country specific. The objective of this study was to develop a systematic and transparent framework to rank combinations of bacteria species resistant to selected antimicrobial classes found in meat, based on the risk they represent for public health in Switzerland. A risk assessment model from slaughter to consumption was developed following the Codex Alimentarius guidelines for risk analysis of foodborne AMR. Using data from the Swiss AMR monitoring program, 208 combinations of animal species/bacteria/antimicrobial classes were identified as relevant hazards. Exposure assessment and hazard characterization scores were developed and combined using multicriteria decision analysis. The effect of changing weights of scores was explored with sensitivity analysis. Attributing equal weights to each score, poultry‐associated combinations represented the highest risk. In particular, contamination with extended‐spectrum β‐lactamase/plasmidic AmpC‐producing Escherichia coli in poultry meat ranked high for both exposure and hazard characterization. Tetracycline‐ or macrolide‐resistant Enterococcus spp., as well as fluoroquinolone‐ or macrolide‐resistant Campylobacter jejuni, ranked among combinations with the highest risk. This study provides a basis for prioritizing future activities to mitigate the risk associated with foodborne AMR in Switzerland. A user‐friendly version of the model was provided to risk managers; it can easily be adjusted to the constantly evolving knowledge on AMR.
Waste not, want not: The efficiency of health expenditure in emerging and developing economies
Authors: Grigoli Francesco , Kapsoli Javier 
Published: October 2017

AbstractPublic health spending is low in emerging and developing economies relative to advanced economies and health outputs and outcomes need to be substantially improved. Simply increasing public expenditure in the health sector, however, may not significantly affect health outcomes if the efficiency of this spending is low. This paper quantifies the inefficiency of public health expenditure and the associated potential gains for emerging and developing economies using a stochastic frontier model that controls for the socioeconomic determinants of health, and provides country‐specific estimates. The results suggest that African economies have the lowest efficiency. At 2009 spending levels, they could boost life expectancy up to about 5 years if they followed best practices.
Specific Material Removal Rate Calculation in Five-Axis Grinding
Authors: Kountanya Raja , Guo Changsheng 
Published: October 2017

Specific material removal rate (MRR) q′ was calculated for five-axis grinding in a virtual machining simulation environment (VMSE). The axis-symmetric tool rotational profile was arc-length parameterized. The twisted grazing curve due to the concurrent translation and rotation in every move was modeled through an exact velocity field and areal MRR density q″, positive in the front of the grazing curve on the tool surface. Variation of q′ and equivalent chip thickness h within the instantaneous engagement contour were deduced from q″. Illustrative results with a five-axis impeller blade finishing simulation are shown. The results were benchmarked against an average q′ calculated from the instantaneous MRR from the VMSE. As a function of time, maximum chip thickness hmax within the extents of contact along the tool profile in every move showed more isolated peaks than corresponding qmax′. Maximum cumulative material removed per unit length Qmax′ along the tool profile from all the moves was calculated to predict axial location of maximum risk of cutter degradation. Qmax′ and hmax are useful metrics for tool path diagnosis and tool wear analysis.
Lateral Earth Pressure Coefficient of Soils Subjected to Freeze–Thaw
Authors: Zhao Xiaodong , Zhou Guoqing , Wang Bo , Jiao Wei , Yu Jing 
Published: October 2017

Artificial frozen soils (AFS) have been used widely as temporary retaining walls in strata with soft and water-saturated soil deposits. After excavations, frozen soils thaw, and the lateral earth pressure penetrates through the soils subjected to freeze–thaw, and acts on man-made facilities. Therefore, it is important to investigate the lateral pressure (coefficient) responses of soils subjected to freeze–thaw to perform structure calculations and stability assessments of man-made facilities. A cubical testing apparatus was developed, and tests were performed on susceptible soils under conditions of freezing to a stable thermal gradient and then thawing with a uniform temperature (Fnonuni–Tuni). The experimental results indicated a lack of notable anisotropy for the maximum lateral preconsolidated pressures induced by the specimen’s compaction and freeze–thaw. However, the freeze–thaw led to a decrement of lateral earth pressure coefficient K0, and K0 decrement under the horizontal Fnonuni–Tuni was greater than that under the vertical Fnonuni–Tuni. The measured K0 for normally consolidated and over-consolidated soil specimens exhibited anisotropic characteristics under the vertical Fnonuni–Tuni and horizontal Fnonuni–Tuni treatments. The anisotropies of K0 under the horizontal Fnonuni–Tuni were greater than that under the vertical Fnonuni–Tuni, and the anisotropies were more noticeable in the unloading path than that in the loading path. These observations have potential significances to the economical and practical design of permanent retaining walls in soft and water-saturated soil deposits.
Benchmark Study of Five Optimization Algorithms for Weather Routing
Authors: Wang Helong , Mao Wengang , Eriksson Leif 
Published: October 2017

Safety and energy efficiency are two of the key issues in the maritime transport community. A sail plan system, which combines the concepts of weather routing and voyage optimization, are recognized by the shipping industry as an efficient measure to ensure a ship’s safety, gain more economic benefit, and reduce negative effects on our environment. In such a system, the key component is to develop a proper optimization algorithm to generate potential ship routes between a ship’s departure and destination.
In the weather routing market, four routing optimization algorithms are commonly used. They are the so-called modified Isochrone and Isopone methods, dynamic programming, threedimensional dynamic programming, and Dijkstra’s algorithm, respectively. Each optimization algorithm has its own advantages and disadvantages to estimate a ship routing with shortest sailing time or/and minimum fuel consumption. This paper will present a benchmark study that compare these algorithms for routing optimization aiming at minimum fuel consumption. A merchant ship sailing in the North Atlantic with full-scale performance measurements, are employed as the case study vessels for the comparison. The ship’s speed/power performance is based on the ISO2015 methods combined with the measurement data. It is expected to demonstrate the pros and cons of different algorithms for the ship’s sail planning.
Ditch Magnet Performance
Authors: Strømø Kjartan M. , Saasen Arild , Hodne Helge , Pallin Jan Egil , Aaker Gudmund 
Published: October 2017

Magnetic shielding of the Measurement While Drilling (MWD) directional tools and damages to mud pumps, down-hole tools and casing/drill-pipe and difficulties in understanding logging results are some of the main problems caused by steel and magnetic contaminated drilling fluids. In order to have these problems significantly reduced, all the magnetic contaminants should ideally be removed from the drilling fluid by the use of ditch magnets. Hence, the magnets and their ability to remove magnetic waste from the drilling fluid was evaluated by field evaluations.
Data from a field test of a new ditch magnet system where all the drilling fluid is forced to flow into an area with a strong magnetic fields have been compared with data from an operation with a traditional ditch magnet system in order to see if there are any significant differences in the total amount of magnetic waste material collected from the two systems. It is shown how drilling length, inclination and casing size may affect the production of magnetic debris entering the drilling fluid, and hence, show the well construction dependence of the ditch magnet performance.