bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Can silicon carbide serve as a saturable absorber for passive mode-locked fiber lasers?
Authors: Cheng Chih-Hsien , Lin Yung-Hsiang , Chen Ting-Hui , Chen Hsiang-Yu , Chi Yu-Chieh , Lee Chao-Kuei , Wu Chih-I , Lin Gong-Ru 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe study presents a novel demonstration of a passively mode-locked erbium-doped fiber laser (EDFL) that is based on a silicon carbide (SixC1−x) saturable absorber. When the C/Si composition ratio is increased to 1.83, the SixC1−x film transforms from two-photon absorption to nonlinear saturable absorption and the corresponding value reaches −3.9 × 10−6 cm/W. The Si-rich SixC1−x film cannot mode lock the EDFL because it induced high intracavity loss through two-photon absorption. Even when a stoichiometric SiC is used, the EDFL is mode locked, similar to an EDFL operating under weak nonlinear-polarization-rotation condition. A C-rich SixC1−x film containing sp2-orbital C–C bonds with a linear absorbance of 0.172 and nonlinear absorbance of 0.04 at a 181 MW/cm2 saturation intensity demonstrates nonlinear transmittance. The C-rich SixC1−x saturable absorber successfully generates a short mode-locked EDFL pulse of 470 fs. The fluctuation of the pulse-train envelope dropps considerably from 11.6% to 0.8% when a strong saturable-absorption-induced self-amplitude modulation process occurs in the C-rich SixC1−x film.
Nondestructive nanofabrication on Si(100) surface by tribochemistry-induced selective etching
Authors: Guo Jian , Yu Bingjun , Chen Lei , Qian Linmao 
Published: November 2015

AbstractA tribochemistry-induced selective etching approach is proposed for the first time to produce silicon nanostructures without lattice damage. With a ~1 nm thick SiOx film as etching mask grown on Si(100) surface (Si(100)/SiOx) by wet-oxidation technique, nano-trenches can be produced through the removal of local SiOx mask by a SiO2 tip in humid air and the post-etching of the exposed Si in potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution. The material removal of SiOx mask and Si under low load is dominated by the tribochemical reaction at the interface between SiO2 tip and Si/SiOx sample, where the contact pressure is much lower than the critical pressure for initial yield of Si. High resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) observation indicates that neither the material removal induced by tribochemical reaction nor the wet etching in KOH solution leads to lattice damage of the fabricated nanostructures. The proposed approach points out a new route in nondestructive nanofabrication.
Exome sequencing reveals a high genetic heterogeneity on familial Hirschsprung disease
Authors: Luzón-Toro Berta , Gui Hongsheng , Ruiz-Ferrer Macarena , Sze-Man Tang Clara , Fernández Raquel M. , Sham Pak-Chung , Torroglosa Ana , Kwong-Hang Tam Paul , Espino-Paisán Laura , Cherny Stacey S. , Bleda Marta , Enguix-Riego María del Valle , Dopazo Joaquín , Antiñolo Guillermo , García-Barceló María-Mercé , Borrego Salud 
Published: November 2015

AbstractHirschsprung disease (HSCR; OMIM 142623) is a developmental disorder characterized by aganglionosis along variable lengths of the distal gastrointestinal tract, which results in intestinal obstruction. Interactions among known HSCR genes and/or unknown disease susceptibility loci lead to variable severity of phenotype. Neither linkage nor genome-wide association studies have efficiently contributed to completely dissect the genetic pathways underlying this complex genetic disorder. We have performed whole exome sequencing of 16 HSCR patients from 8 unrelated families with SOLID platform. Variants shared by affected relatives were validated by Sanger sequencing. We searched for genes recurrently mutated across families. Only variations in the FAT3 gene were significantly enriched in five families. Within-family analysis identified compound heterozygotes for AHNAK and several genes (N = 23) with heterozygous variants that co-segregated with the phenotype. Network and pathway analyses facilitated the discovery of polygenic inheritance involving FAT3, HSCR known genes and their gene partners. Altogether, our approach has facilitated the detection of more than one damaging variant in biologically plausible genes that could jointly contribute to the phenotype. Our data may contribute to the understanding of the complex interactions that occur during enteric nervous system development and the etiopathology of familial HSCR.
Pressure-induced superconductivity in H2-containing hydride PbH4(H2)2
Authors: Cheng Ya , Zhang Chao , Wang Tingting , Zhong Guohua , Yang Chunlei , Chen Xiao-Jia , Lin Hai-Qing 
Published: November 2015

AbstractHigh pressure structure, stability, metallization and superconductivity of PbH4(H2)2, a H2-containing compound combining one of the heaviest elements with the lightest element, are investigated by the first-principles calculations. The metallic character is found over the whole studied pressure range, although PbH4(H2)2 is metastable and easily decompose at low pressure. The decomposition pressure point of 133 GPa is predicted above which PbH4(H2)2 is stable both thermodynamically and dynamically with the C2/m symmetry. Interestedly, all hydrogen atoms pairwise couple into H2 quasi-molecules and remain this style up to 400 GPa in the C2/m structure. At high-pressure, PbH4(H2)2 tends to form the Pb-H2 alloy. The superconductivity of Tc firstly rising and then falling is observed in the C2/m PbH4(H2)2. The maximum of Tc is about 107 K at 230 GPa. The softening of intermediate-frequency phonon induced by more inserted H2 molecules is the main origin of the high Tc. The results obtained represent a significant step toward the understanding of the high pressure behavior of metallic hydrogen and hydrogen-rich materials, which is helpful for obtaining the higher Tc.
Winter cropping in Ficus tinctoria: an alternative strategy
Authors: Chen Huanhuan , Peng Yanqiong , Zhang Yuan , Corlett Richard T. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe many species of figs (Ficus, Moraceae) have evolved a variety of reproductive phenologies that ensure the survival of both the fig plants and their short-lived, species-specific, pollinating wasps. A phenological study of 28 male and 23 female plants of a dioecious hemiepiphytic fig, Ficus tinctoria, was conducted in Xishuangbanna, SW China at the northern margin of tropical SE Asia. In contrast to other figs of seasonal climates, which have a winter low in fig production, both sexes produced their major fig crops at the coldest time of the year. Male plants released pollinators during the period when most female trees were receptive and male syconia had a long wasp-producing (D) phase, which ensured high levels of pollination. Female crops ripened at the end of the dry season, when they attracted numerous frugivorous birds and dispersed seeds can germinate with the first reliable rains. Few syconia were produced by either sex during the rest of the year, but these were sufficient to maintain local pollinator populations. We suggest that this unique phenological strategy has evolved to maximize seed dispersal and establishment in this seasonal climate.
Cancellation of the zeroth order by a low-contrast grating
Authors: Wang Bo 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe cancellation of the 0th order is described by a low-contrast fused-silica grating. In reported works, the high-contrast grating and complicated structure were applied with reasonable and excellent performance. However, the low-contrast grating is proved that it can also cancel the 0th order with the period more than 2λ in this paper. Grating parameters are optimized by using rigorous coupled-wave analysis, whose physical essence for cancellation of the 0th order can be well explained by modal method. The fabrication tolerance is investigated for production of the low-contrast grating for cancellation of the 0th order, which can be potentially used for writing the fiber Bragg grating.
Reveromycin A Administration Prevents Alveolar Bone Loss in Osteoprotegerin Knockout Mice with Periodontal Disease
Authors: Mizuno Manami , Miyazawa Ken , Tabuchi Masako , Tanaka Miyuki , Yoshizako Mamoru , Minamoto Chisato , Torii Yasuyoshi , Tamaoka Yusuke , Kawatani Makoto , Osada Hiroyuki , Maeda Hatsuhiko , Goto Shigemi 
Published: November 2015

AbstractChronic periodontal disease is characterized by alveolar bone loss and inflammatory changes. Reveromycin A (RMA) was recently developed and is a unique agent for inhibiting osteoclast activity. This study analysed the effects of RMA in an experimental mouse model of periodontitis involving osteoprotegerin (OPG)-knockout mice, specifically, whether it could control osteoclasts and reduce inflammation in periodontal tissue. We examined wild-type (WT) and OPG knockout mice (OPG KO) ligated with wire around contact points on the left first and second molars. RMA was administered twice a day to half of the mice. Using micro-computed tomography, we measured the volume of alveolar bone loss between the first and second molars and also performed histological analysis. The OPG KO RMA+ group had significantly decreased osteoclast counts, alveolar bone loss, attachment loss and inflammatory cytokine expression 8 weeks after ligation. Thus, RMA may reduce alveolar bone loss and inflamed periodontal tissues in patients with periodontitis.
Modular approach to customise sample preparation procedures for viral metagenomics: a reproducible protocol for virome analysis
Authors: Conceição-Neto Nádia , Zeller Mark , Lefrère Hanne , De Bruyn Pieter , Beller Leen , Deboutte Ward , Yinda Claude Kwe , Lavigne Rob , Maes Piet , Ranst Marc Van , Heylen Elisabeth , Matthijnssens Jelle 
Published: November 2015

AbstractA major limitation for better understanding the role of the human gut virome in health and disease is the lack of validated methods that allow high throughput virome analysis. To overcome this, we evaluated the quantitative effect of homogenisation, centrifugation, filtration, chloroform treatment and random amplification on a mock-virome (containing nine highly diverse viruses) and a bacterial mock-community (containing four faecal bacterial species) using quantitative PCR and next-generation sequencing. This resulted in an optimised protocol that was able to recover all viruses present in the mock-virome and strongly alters the ratio of viral versus bacterial and 16S rRNA genetic material in favour of viruses (from 43.2% to 96.7% viral reads and from 47.6% to 0.19% bacterial reads). Furthermore, our study indicated that most of the currently used virome protocols, using small filter pores and/or stringent centrifugation conditions may have largely overlooked large viruses present in viromes. We propose NetoVIR (Novel enrichment technique of VIRomes), which allows for a fast, reproducible and high throughput sample preparation for viral metagenomics studies, introducing minimal bias. This procedure is optimised mainly for faecal samples, but with appropriate concentration steps can also be used for other sample types with lower initial viral loads.
GSK3β mediates the carcinogenic effect of HPV16 in cervical cancer
Authors: Ma Cuiling , Zeng Chenglong , Jin Liang , Yang Yang , Li Pengfei , Chen Liangfeng , Wang Jian 
Published: November 2015

AbstractCervical cancer is one of the most prevalent and fatal cancers among women and infection of the human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most important risk factor. This study investigated how HPV16 regulated GSK3β expression and function to promote cervical cancers. The expression of GSK3β was analyzed by quantitative PCR and western blot. The proliferation, invasion and clonogenic survival of cells with different E6/E7 levels were measured by MTT, transwell invasion assays and soft agar colony-forming assays, respectively. The levels of GSK3β were correlated with the copy numbers and expression levels of HPV16 E6/E7 genes. HPV16 E6/E7 genes regulated GSK3β transcription through an element located in the promoter 85 and 250 base pairs upstream of the transcription start site. The abilities of cell proliferation, invasion and clonogenic survival were increased in C33A cells by ectopic HPV16 E6/E7 and decreased in CaSki cells by knocking down HPV16 E6/E7 levels. Meanwhile, LiCl increased GSK3β transcript levels and the proliferation of CaSki cells in a HPV16-dependent manner. These data indicated that GSK3β may participated in HPV16 mediated deregulation of wnt/β-catenin and other signaling pathways promoting the progression and invasion of cervical cancers.
Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Kinase 4 Promotes Vascular Calcification via SMAD1/5/8 Phosphorylation
Authors: Lee Sun Joo , Jeong Ji Yun , Oh Chang Joo , Park Sungmi , Kim Joon-Young , Kim Han-Jong , Doo Kim Nam , Choi Young-Keun , Do Ji-Yeon , Go Younghoon , Ha Chae-Myeong , Choi Je-Yong , Huh Seung , Ho Jeoung Nam , Lee Ki-Up , Choi Hueng-Sik , Wang Yu , Park Keun-Gyu , Harris Robert A. , Lee In-Kyu 
Published: November 2015

AbstractVascular calcification, a pathologic response to defective calcium and phosphate homeostasis, is strongly associated with cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. In this study, we have observed that pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4) is upregulated and pyruvate dehydrogenase complex phosphorylation is increased in calcifying vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and in calcified vessels of patients with atherosclerosis, suggesting that PDK4 plays an important role in vascular calcification. Both genetic and pharmacological inhibition of PDK4 ameliorated the calcification in phosphate-treated VSMCs and aortic rings and in vitamin D3-treated mice. PDK4 augmented the osteogenic differentiation of VSMCs by phosphorylating SMAD1/5/8 via direct interaction, which enhances BMP2 signaling. Furthermore, increased expression of PDK4 in phosphate-treated VSMCs induced mitochondrial dysfunction followed by apoptosis. Taken together, our results show that upregulation of PDK4 promotes vascular calcification by increasing osteogenic markers with no adverse effect on bone formation, demonstrating that PDK4 is a therapeutic target for vascular calcification.
GRADE in Systematic Reviews of Acupuncture for Stroke Rehabilitation: Recommendations based on High-Quality Evidence
Authors: Xin Zhang , Xue-Ting Liu , De-Ying Kang 
Published: November 2015

AbstractSystematic reviews (SRs) of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have demonstrated acupuncture’s effectiveness in stroke rehabilitation. The current study reviews the quality of evidence in SRs of acupuncture in stroke rehabilitation and rates the strength of recommendation for its use based on this evidence using the GRADE (grading of recommendations, assessment, development and evaluations) approach. A comprehensive literature search was performed using multiple databases (e.g., Medline, Embase) with advanced search strategies. Two authors independently selected articles, collected data and assessed the methodological quality of each identified SR according to AMSTAR (a measurement tool to assess systematic reviews) and OQAQ (Oxman and Guyatt’s overview quality assessment questionnaire). Outcomes related to stroke rehabilitation were evaluated. SRs of high methodological quality (AMSTAR score ≥9 and OQAQ score ≥7) were graded using GRADE. Ultimately, acupuncture yields benefits in stroke rehabilitation (neurological function improvement: RR = 1.34; swallowing improvement: RR = 1.61, 1.49, 1.07; disability: SMD = 0.49 or 0.07). Poor evidentiary quality and insufficient information about harm led to weak recommendations. In conclusion, acupuncture may improve stroke rehabilitation, as the GRADE approach indicated a weak recommendation for acupuncture’s usage in this context.
Spectral separation of optical spin based on antisymmetric Fano resonances
Authors: Piao Xianji , Yu Sunkyu , Hong Jiho , Park Namkyoo 
Published: November 2015

AbstractWe propose a route to the spectral separation of optical spin angular momentum based on spin-dependent Fano resonances with antisymmetric spectral profiles. By developing a spin-form coupled mode theory for chiral materials, the origin of antisymmetric Fano spectra is clarified in terms of the opposite temporal phase shift for each spin, which is the result of counter-rotating spin eigenvectors. An analytical expression of a spin-density Fano parameter is derived to enable quantitative analysis of the Fano-induced spin separation in the spectral domain. As an application, we demonstrate optical spin switching utilizing the extreme spectral sensitivity of the spin-density reversal. Our result paves a path toward the conservative spectral separation of spins without any need of the magneto-optical effect or circular dichroism, achieving excellent purity in spin density superior to conventional approaches based on circular dichroism.
Integration of coal gasification and waste heat recovery from high temperature steel slags: an emerging strategy to emission reduction
Authors: Sun Yongqi , Sridhar Seetharaman , Liu Lili , Wang Xidong , Zhang Zuotai 
Published: November 2015

AbstractWith the continuous urbanization and industrialization in the world, energy saving and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction have been serious issues to be addressed, for which heat recovery from traditional energy-intensive industries makes up a significant strategy. Here we report a novel approach to extract the waste heat and iron from high temperature steel slags (1450–1650 oC) produced in the steel industry, i.e., integration of coal gasification and steel slag treatment. Both the thermodynamics and kinetics of the pertinent reactions were identified. It was clarified that the kinetic mechanism for gasification varied from A2 model to A4 model (Avrami-Erofeev) in the presence of slags. Most importantly, the steel slags acted not only as good heat carriers but also as effective catalysts where the apparent activation energy for char gasification got remarkably reduced from 95.7 kJ/mol to 12.1 kJ/mol (A2 model). Furthermore, the FeO in the slags was found to be oxidized into Fe3O4, with an extra energy release, which offered a potential for magnetic separation. Moreover, based on the present research results, an emerging concept, composed of multiple industrial sectors, was proposed, which could serve as an important route to deal with the severe environmental problems in modern society.
Quercitrin for periodontal regeneration: effects on human gingival fibroblasts and mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Gómez-Florit Manuel , Monjo Marta , Ramis Joana M. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractPeriodontal disease (PD) is the result of an infection and chronic inflammation of the gingiva that may lead to its destruction and, in severe cases, alveolar bone and tooth loss. The ultimate goal of periodontal treatment is to achieve periodontal soft and hard tissues regeneration. We previously selected quercitrin, a catechol-containing flavonoid, as a potential agent for periodontal applications. In this study, we tested the ability of quercitrin to alter biomarker production involved in periodontal regeneration on primary human gingival fibroblasts (hGF) and primary human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) cultured under basal and inflammatory conditions. To mimic PD inflammatory status, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) was used. The expression of different genes related to inflammation and extracellular matrix were evaluated and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production was quantified in hGFs; alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and calcium content were analysed in hMSCs. Quercitrin decreased the release of the inflammatory mediator PGE2 and partially re-established the impaired collagen metabolism induced by IL-1β treatment in hGFs. Quercitrin also increased ALP activity and mineralization in hMSCs, thus, it increased hMSCs differentiation towards the osteoblastic lineage. These findings suggest quercitrin as a novel bioactive molecule with application to enhance both soft and hard tissue regeneration of the periodontium.
A diagnostic tool for malaria based on computer software
Authors: Kotepui Manas , Uthaisar Kwuntida , Phunphuech Bhukdee , Phiwklam Nuoil 
Published: November 2015

AbstractNowadays, the gold standard method for malaria diagnosis is a staining of thick and thin blood film examined by expert laboratorists. It requires well-trained laboratorists, which is a time consuming task and is un-automated protocol. For this study, Maladiag Software was developed to predict malaria infection in suspected malaria patients. The demographic data of patients, examination for malaria parasites and complete blood count (CBC) profiles were analyzed. Binary logistic regression was used to create the equation for the malaria diagnosis. The diagnostic parameters of the equation were tested on 4,985 samples (703 infected and 4,282 control samples). The equation indicated 81.2% sensitivity and 80.3% specificity for predicting infection of malaria. The positive likelihood and negative likelihood ratio were 4.12 (95% CI = 4.01–4.23) and 0.23 (95% CI = 0.22–0.25), respectively. This parameter also had odds ratios (P value < 0.0001, OR = 17.6, 95% CI = 16.0–19.3). The equation can predict malaria infection after adjust for age, gender, nationality, monocyte (%), platelet count, neutrophil (%), lymphocyte (%) and the RBC count of patients. The diagnostic accuracy was 0.877 (Area under curve, AUC) (95% CI = 0.871–0.883). The system, when used in combination with other clinical and microscopy methods, might improve malaria diagnoses and enhance prompt treatment.
Ultra‐wideband reconfigurable radiation pattern antenna for diversity applications
Authors: Jeong Jun Gi , Ahn Jihwan , Yoon Young Joong 
Published: November 2015

A radiation pattern reconfigurable planar antenna operating at an ultra‐wideband frequency range of 2.78–10.85 GHz is proposed. The proposed antenna is a combined structure of a monopole and a tapered slot, and it has two types of radiation patterns that can be chosen to be a monopole pattern or tapered slot pattern by controlling the states of four diodes. In addition, the shape of both radiation patterns is maintained across the whole operating frequency range. Details of the operation principle and the design considerations of the proposed antenna are presented.
Reliable majority voter based on spin transfer torque magnetic tunnel junction device
Authors: Butzen P.F. , Slimani M. , Wang Y. , Cai H. , Naviner L.A.B. 
Published: November 2015

A reliable majority voter circuit using a nanometre spin transfer torque magnetic tunnel junction (STT‐MTJ) is presented. The circuit tolerates single transient faults and manages process variations due to technology downscaling. The use of this magnetic device brings non‐volatility memory to logic circuits and promises to overcome the rising standby power issue. By using the STMicroelectronics fully depleted silicon on insulator 28 nm design kit and a precise STT‐MTJ compact model, electrical simulations have been carried out to show its low‐power and high reliability performances.