bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
New avenues for phase matching in nonlinear hyperbolic metamaterials
Authors: Duncan C. , Perret L. , Palomba S. , Lapine M. , Kuhlmey B. T. , de Sterke C. Martijn 
Published: March 2015

AbstractNonlinear optical processes, which are of paramount importance in science and technology, involve the generation of new frequencies. This requires phase matching to avoid that light generated at different positions interferes destructively. Of the two original approaches to achieve this, one relies on birefringence in optical crystals and is therefore limited by the dispersion of naturally occurring materials, whereas the other, quasi-phase-matching, requires direct modulation of material properties, which is not universally possible. To overcome these limitations, we propose to exploit the unique dispersion afforded by hyperbolic metamaterials, where the refractive index can be arbitrarily large. We systematically analyse the ensuing opportunities and demonstrate that hyperbolic phase matching can be achieved with a wide range of material parameters, offering access to the use of nonlinear media for which phase matching cannot be achieved by other means. With the rapid development in the fabrication of hyperbolic metamaterials, our approach is destined to bring significant advantages over conventional techniques for the phase matching of a variety of nonlinear processes.
Performance modulation of α-MnO2 nanowires by crystal facet engineering
Authors: Li Wenxian , Cui Xiangyuan , Zeng Rong , Du Guodong , Sun Ziqi , Zheng Rongkun , Ringer Simon P. , Dou Shi Xue 
Published: March 2015

AbstractModulation of material physical and chemical properties through selective surface engineering is currently one of the most active research fields, aimed at optimizing functional performance for applications. The activity of exposed crystal planes determines the catalytic, sensory, photocatalytic and electrochemical behavior of a material. In the research on nanomagnets, it opens up new perspectives in the fields of nanoelectronics, spintronics and quantum computation. Herein, we demonstrate controllable magnetic modulation of α-MnO2nanowires, which displayed surface ferromagnetism or antiferromagnetism, depending on the exposed plane. First-principles density functional theory calculations confirm that both Mn- and O-terminated α-MnO2(1 1 0) surfaces exhibit ferromagnetic ordering. The investigation of surface-controlled magnetic particles will lead to significant progress in our fundamental understanding of functional aspects of magnetism on the nanoscale, facilitating rational design of nanomagnets. Moreover, we approved that the facet engineering pave the way on designing semiconductors possessing unique properties for novel energy applications, owing to that the bandgap and the electronic transport of the semiconductor can be tailored via exposed surface modulations.
Toward air-stable multilayer phosphorene thin-films and transistors
Authors: Kim Joon-Seok , Liu Yingnan , Zhu Weinan , Kim Seohee , Wu Di , Tao Li , Dodabalapur Ananth , Lai Keji , Akinwande Deji 
Published: March 2015

AbstractFew-layer black phosphorus (BP), also known as phosphorene, is poised to be the most attractive graphene analogue owing to its high mobility approaching that of graphene and its thickness-tunable band gap that can be as large as that of molybdenum disulfide. In essence, phosphorene represents the much sought after high-mobility, large direct band gap two-dimensional layered crystal that is ideal for optoelectronics and flexible devices. However, its instability in air is of paramount concern for practical applications. Here, we demonstrate air-stable BP devices with dielectric and hydrophobic encapsulation. Microscopy, spectroscopy and transport techniques were employed to elucidate the aging mechanism, which can initiate from the BP surface for bare samples, or edges for samples with thin dielectric coating, highlighting the ineffectiveness of conventional scaled dielectrics. Our months-long studies indicate that a double layer capping of Al2O3 and hydrophobic fluoropolymer affords BP devices and transistors with indefinite air-stability for the first time, overcoming a critical material challenge for applied research and development.
Influence of drug transporters and stereoselectivity on the brain penetration of pioglitazone as a potential medicine against Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Chang Kai Lun , Pee Hai Ning , Yang Shili , Ho Paul C. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractPioglitazone is currently undergoing clinical trials for treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, poor brain penetration remains an obstacle to development of the drug for such intended clinical uses. In this study, we demonstrate that the inhibition of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) significantly increases brain penetration of pioglitazone, whereas inhibition of breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) has little effect. We also investigate the stereoselectivity of pioglitazone uptake in the brain. When mice were dosed with racemic pioglitazone, the concentration of (+)-pioglitazone was 46.6% higher than that of (-)-pioglitazone in brain tissue and 67.7% lower than that of (-)-pioglitazone in plasma. Dosing mice with pure (+)-pioglitazone led to a 76% increase in brain exposure levels compared to those from an equivalent dose of racemic pioglitazone. Pure (+)-pioglitazone was also shown to have comparable amyloid-lowering capabilities to the racemic pioglitazone in an in vitro AD model. These results suggest that P-gp may act as a stereoselective barrier to prevent pioglitazone entry into the brain. Dosing with (+)-pioglitazone instead of the racemic mixture may result in higher levels of brain exposure to pioglitazone, thus potentially improving the development of pioglitazone treatment of AD.
Molecular-based approaches to characterize coastal microbial community and their potential relation to the trophic state of Red Sea
Authors: Ansari Mohd Ikram , Harb Moustapha , Jones Burton , Hong Pei-Ying 
Published: March 2015

AbstractMolecular-based approaches were used to characterize the coastal microbiota and to elucidate the trophic state of Red Sea. Nutrient content and enterococci numbers were monitored and used to correlate with the abundance of microbial markers. Microbial source tracking revealed the presence of >1 human-associated Bacteroides spp. at some of the near-shore sampling sites and at a heavily frequented beach. Water samples collected from the beaches had occasional exceedances in enterococci numbers, higher total organic carbon (TOC, 1.48–2.18 mg/L) and nitrogen (TN, 0.15–0.27 mg/L) than that detected in the near-shore waters. Enterococci abundances obtained from next-generation sequencing did not correlate well with the cultured enterococci numbers. The abundance of certain genera, for example Arcobacter, Pseudomonas and unclassified Campylobacterales, was observed to exhibit slight correlation with TOC and TN. Low abundance of functional genes accounting for up to 41 copies/L of each Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Campylobacter coli were detected. Arcobacter butzleri was also detected in abundance ranging from 111 to 238 copies/L. Operational taxonomic units (OTUs) associated with cyanobacteria, Prochlorococcus,Ostreococcus spp. and Gramella were more prevalent in waters that were likely impacted by urban runoffs and recreational activities. These OTUs could potentially serve as quantifiable markers indicative of the water quality.
Correlation of breaking forces, conductances and geometries of molecular junctions
Authors: Yoshida Koji , Pobelov Ilya V. , Manrique David Zsolt , Pope Thomas , Mészáros Gábor , Gulcur Murat , Bryce Martin R. , Lambert Colin J. , Wandlowski Thomas 
Published: March 2015

AbstractElectrical and mechanical properties of elongated gold-molecule-gold junctions formed by tolane-type molecules with different anchoring groups (pyridyl, thiol, amine, nitrile and dihydrobenzothiophene) were studied in current-sensing force spectroscopy experiments and density functional simulations. Correlations between forces, conductances and junction geometries demonstrate that aromatic tolanes bind between electrodes as single molecules or as weakly-conductive dimers held by mechanically-weak π − π stacking. In contrast with the other anchors that form only S-Au or N-Au bonds, the pyridyl ring also forms a highly-conductive cofacial link to the gold surface. Binding of multiple molecules creates junctions with higher conductances and mechanical strengths than the single-molecule ones.
Quercetin Attenuates Lactate Production and Extracellular Matrix Secretion in Keratoconus
Authors: McKay T. B. , Lyon D. , Sarker-Nag A. , Priyadarsini S. , Asara J. M. , Karamichos D. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractKeratoconus(KC) is an ecstatic corneal disease leading to corneal-thinning and the formation of a cone-like cornea. Elevated lactate levels, increased oxidative stress and myofibroblast formation have all been previously reported. In the current study, we assess the role of Quercetin on collagen secretion and myofibroblast formation in KC in vitro. Human corneal fibroblasts(HCFs) and human keratoconus cells(HKCs) were treated with a stable Vitamin C derivative and cultured for 4 weeks, stimulating formation of a self-assembled extracellular matrix. All samples were analyzed using Western blots and targeted tandem mass spectrometry. Our data showed that Quercetin significantly down regulates myofibroblast differentiation and fibrotic markers, such as α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and Collagen III (Col III), in both HCFs and HKCs. Collagen III secretion was reduced 80% in both HCFs and HKCs following Quercetin treatment. Furthermore, Quercetin reduced lactate production by HKCs to normal HCF levels. Quercetin down regulated TGF-βR2 and TGF-β2 expression in HKCs suggesting a significant link to the TGF-β pathway. These results assert that Quercetin is a key regulator of fibrotic markers and ECM assembly by modulating cellular metabolism and TGF-β signaling. Our study suggests that Quercetin is a potential therapeutic for treatment of corneal dystrophies, such as KC.
Dissection of keratin network formation, turnover and reorganization in living murine embryos
Authors: Schwarz Nicole , Windoffer Reinhard , Magin Thomas M. , Leube Rudolf E. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractEpithelial functions are fundamentally determined by cytoskeletal keratin network organization. However, our understanding of keratin network plasticity is only based on analyses of cultured cells overexpressing fluorescently tagged keratins. In order to learn how keratin network organization is affected by various signals in functional epithelial tissues in vivo, we generated a knock-in mouse that produces fluorescence-tagged keratin 8. Homozygous keratin 8-YFP knock-in mice develop normally and show the expected expression of the fluorescent keratin network both in fixed and in vital tissues. In developing embryos, we observe for the first time de novo keratin network biogenesis in close proximity to desmosomal adhesion sites, keratin turnover in interphase cells and keratin rearrangements in dividing cells at subcellular resolution during formation of the first epithelial tissue. This mouse model will help to further dissect keratin network dynamics in its native tissue context during physiological and also pathological events.
Tim-3 protects decidual stromal cells from toll-like receptor-mediated apoptosis and inflammatory reactions and promotes Th2 bias at the maternal-fetal interface
Authors: Wang SongCun , Cao ChunMei , Piao HaiLan , Li YanHong , Tao Yu , Zhang XiaoMing , Zhang Di , Sun Chan , Zhu Rui , Wang Yan , Yuan MinMin , Li DaJin , Du MeiRong 
Published: March 2015

AbstractToll-like receptors (TLRs) are important in mediating immune responses against various pathogens during pregnancy. However, uncontrolled TLR-triggered inflammation will endanger normal pregnancy, resulting in pregnancy loss. Therefore, maintenance of a moderate inflammatory response is crucial for successful pregnancy under conditions of infection. Here, we demonstrated significantly lowered expression of T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3 (Tim-3) in miscarried decidual stromal cells (DSCs), indicating that Tim-3 might play important roles in maintaining successful pregnancies. Activation of TLR signaling induced pro-inflammatory cytokine production and apoptosis of DSCs, which was accompanied by up-regulated Tim-3 expression. Tim-3, in turn, protected DSCs from TLR-mediated apoptosis in an ERK1/2 pathway-dependent manner. In addition, Tim-3 inhibited TLR signaling-induced inflammatory cytokine production by DSCs through suppressing NF-κB activation. Tim-3 increased production of T helper 2 (Th2)-type cytokines by DSCs and reversed the inhibitory effect of LPS on Th2 cytokine generation by up-regulation of interferon regulatory factor 4 expression. Tim-3 blockade abolished the effect of Tim-3 on the inflammatory response to LPS stimulation. Thus, Tim-3 signaling could represent a “self-control” mechanism in TLR-triggered inflammation during pregnancy. These findings identify Tim-3 as a key regulator of DSCs and suggest its potential as a target for the treatment of spontaneous abortion.
NUCKS: a potential biomarker in cancer and metabolic disease
Authors: Qiu Beiying , Han Weiping , Tergaonkar Vinay 
Published: March 2015

Nuclear, casein kinase and cyclin-dependent kinase substrate (NUCKS), a protein similar to the HMG (high-mobility group) protein family, is one of the most modified proteins in the mammalian proteome. Although very little is known about the biological roles of NUCKS, emerging clinical evidence suggests that this protein can be a biomarker and therapeutic target in various human ailments, including several types of cancer. An inverse correlation between NUCKS protein levels and body mass index in humans has also been observed. Depletion of NUCKS in mice has been reported to lead to obesity and impaired glucose homoeostasis. Genome-wide genomic and proteomic approaches have revealed that NUCKS is a chromatin regulator that affects transcription. The time is now ripe for further understanding of the role of this novel biomarker of cancer and the metabolic syndrome, and how its sundry modifications can affect its function. Such studies could reveal how NUCKS could be a link between physiological cues and human ailments.
Motor role of parietal cortex in a monkey model of hemispatial neglect
Authors: Kubanek Jan , Li Jingfeng M. , Snyder Lawrence H. 
Published: March 2015

Significance
Humans and animals often choose between targets in space. Parietal cortex is known to be critical to this function. However, the exact role of parietal cortex in spatial choice remains controversial. Does parietal cortex implement choices at the general cognitive level, or are the choices made in the context of specific upcoming actions? We placed focused reversible lesions into specific parietal circuits of monkeys making choices between two targets. Lesions of specific circuits only affected choices made using specific actions: lesions of lateral intraparietal area (LIP) affected eye movements but not reaches, while lesions of the parietal reach region had converse effects. This illuminates the nature of spatial choice in parietal cortex, and suggests that choice is implemented in dedicated parietal circuits, each responsible for a specific class of actions.
Environmental Factors Affecting Brook Trout Occurrence in Headwater Stream Segments
Authors: Kanno Yoichiro , Letcher Benjamin H. , Rosner Ana L. , O'Neil Kyle P. , Nislow Keith H. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractWe analyzed the associations of catchment‐scale and riparian‐scale environmental factors with occurrence of Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis in Connecticut headwater stream segments with catchment areas of <15 km2. A hierarchical Bayesian approach was applied to a statewide stream survey data set, in which Brook Trout detection probability was incorporated and statistical significance of environmental covariates was based on 95% credible intervals of estimated coefficients that did not overlap a value of zero. Forested land at the catchment scale was the most important covariate affecting Brook Trout occurrence; i.e., heavily forested catchments with corresponding low levels of developed and impervious land area were more likely to be occupied by Brook Trout. Coarse surficial geology (an indicator of groundwater potential) and stream slope had significantly positive effects on occurrence, whereas herbaceous plant cover and wetland and open water area had significantly negative effects. Catchment‐scale and riparian‐scale covariates were highly correlated in many instances, and no riparian‐scale covariate was retained in the final model. Detection probability of Brook Trout at the stream‐segment scale was high (mean, 0.85). Our model had a high predictive ability, and the mean value of receiver operating characteristic area under the curve was 0.80 across 100 leave‐some‐out iterations. The fine spatial grain of this study identified patches of suitable stream habitat for Brook Trout in Connecticut, particularly in the northwestern part. Our analysis revealed a more optimistic status of Brook Trout in Connecticut than did a coarser‐grained analysis across the USA.Received May 13, 2014; accepted November 15, 2014
Price discount framings on product bundles with shipping surcharges in the Indian market
Authors: Sahay Arvind , Mukherjee Sumitava , Dewani Prem Prakash 
Published: March 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to study how consumers process price frames of product bundles (product plus surcharge) and discount offers to weigh contentious positions between the weighted-additive and the reference-dependent models. Further, some research suggests bundling, while others suggest partitioning to be a more effective pricing strategy. This research evaluated the relative influences of different price frames to examine which model is supported and what are the boundary conditions for price framing.

Design/methodology/approach
– Two online studies were conducted on Indian adults who had prior experiences of online purchases. They were asked to judge attractiveness of bundles (product along with shipping surcharge). Discounts were shown on the product, the surcharge or on the overall bundle either as partitioned prices or as a bundle.

Findings
– Across two studies on low- and high-priced products, discounts on shipping surcharge increased attractiveness of the bundle compared to a similar discount on the product or on the overall bundle, supporting the reference-dependent model. Further, for a low-priced product, bundling increased attractiveness, while for a high-priced product, partitioning was more attractive.

Research limitations/implications
– More research is needed to examine whether these results translate to other kinds of products, surcharges or discount promotions and in different populations.

Originality/value
– This research makes important contributions to theoretical and practical aspects of bundling and partitioned pricing research. It also adds much needed data about evaluation of product bundles with shipping surcharges among Indian customers.
Fixing positive change
Authors: Thomas Mark 
Published: March 2015

Purpose
– This article aims to outline how tangible objects can encourage more efficient working practices and how they can be powerful tools for leading change within an organisation. It looks specifically at how Toyota, Haier and IDEO have very powerful symbols and the type of behaviour this wish to encourage with the company.

Design/methodology/approach
– This paper discusses the use of objects as powerful symbols and relates this to three specific companies.

Findings
– It might seem strange to denote core values through such things as a long piece of rope running through a factory, a sledgehammer attached to a company wall and a small bell that is occasionally rung in meetings. Chosen carefully, however, and with real meaning behind them, those objects can be very powerful symbols that have a lasting impact on corporate culture and can encourage positive change within the organisation.

Originality/value
– This article outlines how tangible objects can encourage more efficient working practices and how they can be powerful tools for leading change within an organisation.
Imputing Missing Race/Ethnicity in Pediatric Electronic Health Records: Reducing Bias with Use of U.S. Census Location and Surname Data
Authors: Grundmeier Robert W. , Song Lihai , Ramos Mark J. , Fiks Alexander G. , Elliott Marc N. , Fremont Allen , Pace Wilson , Wasserman Richard C. , Localio Russell 
Published: March 2015

ObjectiveTo assess the utility of imputing race/ethnicity using U.S. Census race/ethnicity, residential address, and surname information compared to standard missing data methods in a pediatric cohort.Data Sources/Study SettingElectronic health record data from 30 pediatric practices with known race/ethnicity.Study DesignIn a simulation experiment, we constructed dichotomous and continuous outcomes with pre‐specified associations with known race/ethnicity. Bias was introduced by nonrandomly setting race/ethnicity to missing. We compared typical methods for handling missing race/ethnicity (multiple imputation alone with clinical factors, complete case analysis, indicator variables) to multiple imputation incorporating surname and address information.Principal FindingsImputation using U.S. Census information reduced bias for both continuous and dichotomous outcomes.ConclusionsThe new method reduces bias when race/ethnicity is partially, nonrandomly missing.
Earnings Metrics, Information Processing, and Price Efficiency in Laboratory Markets
Authors: ELLIOTT W. BROOKE , HOBSON JESSEN L. , WHITE BRIAN J. 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTAn enduring issue in financial reporting is whether and how salient summary measures of firm performance (“earnings metrics”) affect market price efficiency. In laboratory markets, we test the effects of salient earnings metrics, which vary in how they combine persistent and transitory elements, on investor information search, beliefs about value, offers to trade, and market price efficiency. We find that including transitory elements in salient earnings metrics causes traders to search unnecessarily for further information about these elements and to overestimate their effect on fundamental value relative to a rational benchmark. In contrast, separately displaying persistent elements in earnings increases the accuracy of traders’ value estimates. Prices generally reflect traders’ beliefs about value, and prices are most efficient when transitory elements are excluded from earnings metrics entirely. Our study contributes to research on salience effects in financial reporting by showing that including transitory elements in salient earnings metrics causes inefficient information search and biased beliefs about value that can aggregate to affect market prices. We also contribute to research in experimental markets by showing that redundant disclosure is not always beneficial; redundant disclosure of transitory earnings elements, in particular, appears to have negative consequences for investor behavior and market efficiency.
Determination of Injury Risks and Safety Measures Taken by Mothers of Children With an Intellectual Disability and Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Yıldırım Sarı Hatice , Girli Alev , Ozturk Ozgonenel Semra , Rowley Helen 
Published: March 2015

PurposeThe purpose of the study is to determine the injury risk behaviors and home safety measures in children with an intellectual disability or autism spectrum disorder.MethodThe study sample included mothers of 100 children between the ages of 2 and 12 years.FindingsThere was a significant difference between the home safety measures and the children's ages, the birth order of the children, and the mother's and father's ages. There was not a significant relationship between the children's ages, diagnosis, and Injury Behavior Checklist (IBC). There is a positive correlation between the total score of the Home Safety Measures Control List and IBC.