bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tm3+–Tb3+‐doped tunable fibre ring laser for 1700 nm wavelength region
Authors: Yamada M. , Senda K. , Tanaka T. , Maeda Y. , Aozasa S. , Ono H. , Ota K. , Koyama O. , Ono J. 
Published: September 2013

The first tunable fibre ring laser in the 1700 nm wavelength region has been developed. To achieve this fibre laser, a Tm3+–Tb3+‐doped fibre is used as the active fibre, along with a tunable bandpass filter. A fibre ring laser that consisted of a 1.2/1.7 μm band wavelength division multiplexing coupler, a tunable bandpass filter, an active fibre and one 1.21 μm pump laser diode has been realised. A wide tuning wavelength band of 130.4 nm (from 1635.6 to 1766.0 nm) was achieved with a launched pump power of over ∼ 30 mW. The lasing threshold pump power at 1716 nm was ∼ 9 mW.
NF-κB inhibitor targeted to activated endothelium demonstrates a critical role of endothelial NF-κB in immune-mediated diseases
Authors: Sehnert Bettina , Burkhardt Harald , Wessels Johannes T. , Schröder Agnes , May Michael J. , Vestweber Dietmar , Zwerina Jochen , Warnatz Klaus , Nimmerjahn Falk , Schett Georg , Dübel Stefan , Voll Reinhard Edmund 
Published: September 2013

Significance
The transcription factor NF-κB is crucially involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases and represents a target for treatment. However, a general blockade of NF-κB by small-molecule inhibitors is associated with serious side effects due to the importance of NF-κB in cellular survival and function of various organs. This paper demonstrates that cell type-specific NF-κB inhibition can be achieved using multi-modular fusion proteins, which exclusively target activated endothelial cells. Inhibition of NF-κB within activated endothelium potently ameliorated peritonitis and arthritis in mice, indicating that endothelial NF-κB might be a valid target in inflammatory diseases. Importantly, this strategy enables the targeting of other cell types and intracellular signaling pathways.
Preverbal infants expect members of social groups to act alike
Authors: Powell Lindsey J. , Spelke Elizabeth S. 
Published: September 2013

Significance
Adults and children conform to members of their social groups and expect others to do the same, but the earlier development of this expectation is unknown. Through looking-time experiments with 7- to 12-month-old infants, we show that preverbal infants expect members of social groups to act alike. Our findings further reveal that this expectation is specific to social groups, as infants did not expect similar actions from socially unrelated individuals or from groups of inanimate objects. Thus, an expectation that social affiliates will share behaviors arises early in human development, prior to language or to extensive experience with different social groups.
Existence of an information unit as a postulate of quantum theory
Authors: Masanes Lluís , Müller Markus P. , Augusiak Remigiusz , Pérez-García David 
Published: September 2013

Significance
Despite the enormous success of quantum theory, its significance and meaning are still being debated. In particular, the standard postulates of quantum theory are abstract mathematical statements in terms of complex vectors, self-adjoint operators, etc., and as such they lack a clear physical interpretation. For this reason, it is difficult to assess what they say about the structure of the physical world. In this article, we prove that quantum theory can be formulated through four very simple postulates, each having a direct physical and intuitive meaning. Also, our postulates unveil some connections between physics and information that remain hidden in the standard postulates, thus supporting Wheeler’s hypothesis “it from bit.”
Enhanced anticancer activity of nanopreparation containing an MMP2-sensitive PEG-drug conjugate and cell-penetrating moiety
Authors: Zhu Lin , Wang Tao , Perche Federico , Taigind Anton , Torchilin Vladimir P. 
Published: September 2013

Significance
The clinical outcomes of anticancer drugs are compromised by their poor physicochemical properties, low tumor targeting, insufficient bioavailability, and side effects. Matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) has been found overexpressed in most cancers and responsible for tumor cell proliferation and metastasis. In this study, a self-assembling MMP2-sensitive paclitaxel-containing micellar nanopreparation was developed. Several major drug delivery strategies, including self-assembly, PEGylation, the enhanced permeability and retention effect, stimulus sensitivity, a cell-penetrating moiety, and the concept of prodrug, were used in a collaborative fashion to design this nanoparticle. The nanopreparation showed superior tumor targeting, cell internalization, and antitumor efficacy over its nonsensitive counterpart, free paclitaxel and conventional micelles. This uniquely engineered nanoparticle has potential for effective intracellular delivery of drug into cancer cells.
Chain conformations dictate multiscale charge transport phenomena in disordered semiconducting polymers
Authors: Noriega Rodrigo , Salleo Alberto , Spakowitz Andrew J. 
Published: September 2013

SignificanceSemiconducting polymers have promising applications in transistors, light-emitting diodes, and solar cells. These materials have microstructures that exhibit heterogeneity over multiple length scales, which obscures the relationship between properties, processing conditions, and device performance. Our work provides a theoretical framework to address the role of polymer conformations in electronic transport through disordered semiconducting polymers. We present a simple model that reconciles observations at the local scale with device-scale measurements of charge mobility (charges move quickly at short distances and slowly at long distances). The main features are the use of well-known models to describe the conformations of individual polymer chains and the inclusion of the kinetics of electronic transport between sites on a single polymer and between adjacent chains.
Robust increases in severe thunderstorm environments in response to greenhouse forcing
Authors: Diffenbaugh Noah S. , Scherer Martin , Trapp Robert J. 
Published: September 2013

Significance
Severe thunderstorms are one of the primary causes of catastrophic loss in the United States. However, the response of such storms to elevated greenhouse forcing has remained highly uncertain. We use an ensemble of global climate model experiments to probe the severe thunderstorm response. We find that this ensemble exhibits robust increases in the occurrence of severe thunderstorm environments over the eastern United States. In addition, the simulated changes in the atmospheric environment indicate an increase in the number of days supportive of the spectrum of convective hazards, with the suggestion of a possible increase in the number of days supportive of tornadic storms. Given current vulnerabilities, such increases imply increasing risk of thunderstorm-related damage if global warming continues.
War, space, and the evolution of Old World complex societies
Authors: Turchin Peter , Currie Thomas E. , Turner Edward A. L. , Gavrilets Sergey 
Published: September 2013

SignificanceHow did human societies evolve from small groups, integrated by face-to-face cooperation, to huge anonymous societies of today? Why is there so much variation in the ability of different human populations to construct viable states? We developed a model that uses cultural evolution mechanisms to predict where and when the largest-scale complex societies should have arisen in human history. The model was simulated within a realistic landscape of the Afroeurasian landmass, and its predictions were tested against real data. Overall, the model did an excellent job predicting empirical patterns. Our results suggest a possible explanation as to why a long history of statehood is positively correlated with political stability, institutional quality, and income per capita.
Nrf2 acts cell-autonomously in endothelium to regulate tip cell formation and vascular branching
Authors: Wei Yanhong , Gong Junsong , Thimmulappa Rajesh K. , Kosmider Beata , Biswal Shyam , Duh Elia J. 
Published: September 2013

Significance
Angiogenesis, in which new blood vessels form via endothelial cell (EC) sprouting from existing vessels, is critical in embryonic development and multiple disease processes. The intracellular molecular mechanisms governing sprouting angiogenesis remain incompletely understood. We found that transcription factor NF-E2–related factor 2 (Nrf2), well-known for regulating the stress response in multiple pathologic settings, is a critical intracellular regulator in ECs for sprouting angiogenesis in vascular development through delta-like 4 (Dll4)/Notch signaling. Understanding the molecular mechanisms by which Nrf2 regulates angiogenesis could facilitate therapeutic strategies targeting Nrf2 to treat angiogenesis-related diseases, including tumorigenesis, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, atherosclerosis, and ischemic disorders.
Perturbation of the left inferior frontal gyrus triggers adaptive plasticity in the right homologous area during speech production
Authors: Hartwigsen Gesa , Saur Dorothee , Price Cathy J. , Ulmer Stephan , Baumgaertner Annette , Siebner Hartwig R. 
Published: September 2013

Significance
The role of the right hemisphere in aphasia recovery is unclear. We demonstrate that a virtual lesion of left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) decreased activity in the targeted area and increased activity in the contralateral homologous area during pseudoword repetition. This was associated with a stronger facilitatory drive from the right IFG to the left IFG. Importantly, responses became faster with increased influence of the right IFG on the left IFG. Our results shed new light on the dynamic regulation of interhemispheric interactions in the human brain. Particularly, these findings are of potential importance for understanding language recovery after left-hemispheric stroke, indicating that homologous right hemisphere areas actively contribute to language function after a left hemisphere lesion.
Social stress up-regulates inflammatory gene expression in the leukocyte transcriptome via β-adrenergic induction of myelopoiesis
Authors: Powell Nicole D. , Sloan Erica K. , Bailey Michael T. , Arevalo Jesusa M. G. , Miller Gregory E. , Chen Edith , Kobor Michael S. , Reader Brenda F. , Sheridan John F. , Cole Steven W. 
Published: September 2013

SignificanceChronic exposure to adverse social environments is associated with increased risk of disease, and stress-related increases in the expression of proinflammatory genes appear to contribute to these effects. The present study identifies a biological mechanism of such effects in the ability of the sympathetic nervous system to up-regulate bone marrow production of immature, proinflammatory monocytes. These effects are mediated by β-adrenergic receptors and the myelopoietic growth factor GM-CSF, and suggest new targets for interventions to protect health in the context of chronic social stress.
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) causes transient lower respiratory tract infection in rhesus macaques
Authors: de Wit Emmie , Rasmussen Angela L. , Falzarano Darryl , Bushmaker Trenton , Feldmann Friederike , Brining Douglas L. , Fischer Elizabeth R. , Martellaro Cynthia , Okumura Atsushi , Chang Jean , Scott Dana , Benecke Arndt G. , Katze Michael G. , Feldmann Heinz , Munster Vincent J. 
Published: September 2013

Significance
The Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is the latest emerged coronavirus causing severe respiratory disease with a high case fatality rate in humans. To better understand the disease caused by MERS-CoV, we developed a rhesus macaque model. Infection of rhesus macaques with MERS-CoV resulted in the rapid development of a transient pneumonia, with MERS-CoV replication largely restricted to the lower respiratory tract. This affinity of MERS-CoV for the lungs partly explains the severity of the disease observed in humans. The MERS-CoV rhesus macaque model will be instrumental in developing and testing vaccine and treatment options for an emerging viral pathogen with pandemic potential.
Precocious cerebellum development and improved motor functions in mice lacking the astrocyte cilium-, patched 1-associated Gpr37l1 receptor
Authors: Marazziti Daniela , Di Pietro Chiara , Golini Elisabetta , Mandillo Silvia , La Sala Gina , Matteoni Rafaele , Tocchini-Valentini Glauco P. 
Published: September 2013

Significance
A new mouse mutant strain carrying a genetic deletion of the G-protein–coupled receptor 37l1 (Gpr37l1) was established and characterized. Null mutant animals exhibit specific alterations of postnatal cerebellar development, with premature down-regulation of granule neuron proliferation, precocious Bergmann glia, and Purkinje neuron maturation and layer formation. The postnatal expression of several components of the sonic hedgehog protein mitogenic pathway is consistently changed in cerebellar samples from Gpr37l1 knock-out mice. These alterations are associated with precocious juvenile motor abilities and improved adult motor learning and coordination. The Gpr37l1 and patched 1 proteins are found to colocalize and interact in Bergmann glia cells during cerebellar development. The reported experimental data indicate that Gpr37l1 participates in the regulation of sonic hedgehog signaling during postnatal cerebellar development.
Broad domain generality in focal regions of frontal and parietal cortex
Authors: Fedorenko Evelina , Duncan John , Kanwisher Nancy 
Published: September 2013

Significance
One of the oldest debates in cognitive neuroscience concerns the degree of functional specialization present in the human brain. Prior work has discovered several highly specialized components dedicated to particular mental functions, like face recognition or motion perception. However, our cognitive versatility suggests the additional existence of more general-purpose machinery. Building on prior neuroimaging evidence, along with neurophysiological evidence from non-human primates, we searched for such domain-general brain regions in humans. Seven diverse demanding cognitive tasks produced overlapping activation at the individual-subject level in a number of frontal and parietal brain regions. Thus, human cognition arises from hardware that includes not only specialized components, but also very general-purpose ones that plausibly enable us to solve novel problems.
Short-term synaptic plasticity in the deterministic Tsodyks–Markram model leads to unpredictable network dynamics
Authors: Cortes Jesus M. , Desroches Mathieu , Rodrigues Serafim , Veltz Romain , Muñoz Miguel A. , Sejnowski Terrence J. 
Published: September 2013

Significance
Short-term synaptic plasticity contributes to the balance and regulation of brain networks from milliseconds to several minutes. In this paper we report the existence of a route to chaos in the Tsodyks and Markram model of short-term synaptic plasticity. The chaotic region corresponds to what in mathematics is called Shilnikov chaos, an unstable manifold that strongly modifies the shape of trajectories and induces highly irregular transient dynamics, even in the absence of noise. The interplay between the Shilnikov chaos and stochastic effects may give rise to some of the complex dynamics observed in neural systems such as transitions between up and down states.
Sustained Improvement in Hand Hygiene Adherence: Utilizing Shared Accountability and Financial Incentives
Authors: Talbot Thomas R. , Johnson James G. , Fergus Claudette , Domenico John Henry , Schaffner William , Daniels Titus L. , Wilson Greg , Slayton Jennifer , Feistritzer Nancye , Hickson Gerald B. 
Published: September 2013

Objective.To evaluate the impact of an institutional hand hygiene accountability program on healthcare personnel hand hygiene adherence.Design.Time-series design with correlation analysis.Setting.Tertiary care academic medical center, including outpatient clinics and procedural areas.Participants.Medical center healthcare personnel.Methods.A comprehensive hand hygiene initiative was implemented in 2 major phases starting in July 2009. Key facets of the initiative included extensive project planning, leadership buy-in and goal setting, financial incentives linked to performance, and use of a system-wide shared accountability model. Adherence was measured by designated hand hygiene observers. Adherence rates were compared between baseline and implementation phases, and monthly hand hygiene adherence rates were correlated with monthly rates of device-associated infection.Results.A total of 109,988 observations were completed during the study period, with a sustained increase in hand hygiene adherence throughout each implementation phase (P<.0001) as well as from one phase to the next (P< .0001), such that adherence greater than 85% has been achieved since January 2011. Medical center departments were able to reclaim some rebate dollars allocated through a self-insurance trust, but during the study period, departments did not achieve full reimbursement. Hand hygiene adherence rates were inversely correlated with device-associated standardized infection ratios (R2= 0.70).Conclusions.Implementation of this multifaceted, observational hand hygiene program was associated with sustained improvement in hand hygiene adherence. The principles of this program could be applied to other medical centers pursuing improved hand hygiene adherence among healthcare personnel.
Hand Hygiene Behavior: Translating Behavioral Research into Infection Control Practice
Authors: Eiamsitrakoon Thanee , Apisarnthanarak Anucha , Nuallaong Winitra , Khawcharoenporn Thana , Mundy Linda M. 
Published: September 2013

Background.In 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended “My Five Moments for Hand Hygiene” (5MHH) to optimize hand hygiene (HH). Uptake of these recommendations by healthcare workers (HCWs) remains uncertain.Methods.We prospectively observed HCW compliance to 5MHH. After observations, eligible HCWs who consented to interviews completed surveys on factors associated with HH compliance based on constructs from the transtheoretical model of behavioral change (TTM) and the theory of planned behavior (TPB). Survey results were compared with observed HCW behaviors.Results.There were 968 observations among 123 HCWs, of whom 110 (89.4%) were female and 63 (51.3%) were nurses. The mean HH compliance for all 5MHH was 23.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 18.1%-28.3%) by direct observation versus 82.4% (95% CI, 79.9%-84.9%) by self report. The HCW 5MHH compliance was associated with critical care unit encounters (P < .05), medicine unit encounters (P = 0.08, P <.001), immunocompromised patient encounters (P <. 05), and HCW prioritized patient advocacy (P <.001). Self-reported TTM stages of action or maintenance (P = .08) and the total TPB behavior score correlated with observed 5MHH (r = 0.21, P = .02) and with self-reported 5MHH compliance (r = 0.53, P < .001).Conclusion.Observed HCW compliance to 5MHH was associated with the type of hospital unit, type of provider-patient encounter, and theory-based behavioral measures of 5MHH commitment.
Mathematical Modeling of Pathogen Trajectory in a Patient Care Environment
Authors: Hewlett Angela L. , Whitney Scott E. , Gibbs Shawn G. , Smith Philip W. , Viljoen Hendrik J. 
Published: September 2013

Objective.Minimizing healthcare worker exposure to airborne infectious pathogens is an important infection control practice. This study utilized mathematical modeling to evaluate the trajectories and subsequent concentrations of particles following a simulated release in a patient care room.Design.Observational study.Setting. Biocontainment unit patient care room at a university-affiliated tertiary care medical center.Methods. Quantitative mathematical modeling of airflow in a patient care room was achieved using a computational fluid dynamics software package. Models were created on the basis of a release of particles from various locations in the room. Computerized particle trajectories were presented in time-lapse fashion over a blueprint of the room. A series of smoke tests were conducted to visually validate the model.Results.Most particles released from the head of the bed initially rose to the ceiling and then spread across the ceiling and throughout the room. The highest particle concentrations were observed at the head of the bed nearest to the air return vent, and the lowest concentrations were observed at the foot of the bed.Conclusions.Mathematical modeling provides clinically relevant data on the potential exposure risk in patient care rooms and is applicable in multiple healthcare delivery settings. The information obtained through mathematical modeling could potentially serve as an infection control modality to enhance the protection of healthcare workers.
Comparison of Visual versus Microscopic Methods to Detect Blood Splatter from an Intravascular Catheter with Engineered Sharps Injury Protection
Authors: Ansari Aiysha , Ramaiah Padmaja , Collazo Lillian , Salihu Hamisu M. , Haiduven Donna 
Published: September 2013

Objective.To determine whether retractable intravenous devices produced blood splatter and whether blood splatter frequency differed between visual and microscopy detection methods.Methods.In this laboratory-based experiment, 105 venipunctures were performed in a simulated brachial vein containing mock venous blood. The retraction mechanism was activated in a testing chamber with precut fabric filters, placed at 3 different locations, to capture blood splatter. Differences in filter mass, visual inspection, and microscopic analysis for presence of blood on filters were the units of analysis. Descriptive statistics, paired Student t tests, and k statistics were used for data analysis.Results.Blood splatter was detected visually and microscopically as follows: filter A, 70% and 71%, respectively; filter B, 12% and 9%, respectively; and filter C, 13% and 10%, respectively. A statistically significant difference was observed in the mean mass of filter A between before and after activation when confirmed by the naked eye (P = .014) and microscopically (P = .0092). Substantial agreement between methods was observed for filter A (k = 0.78 [95% confidence interval, 0.64-0.92]), filter B (k = 0.73 [95% confidence interval, 0.51-0.95]), and filter C (k = 0.75 [95% confidence interval, 0.55-0.96]). However, blood was detected by microscopy and not by the naked eye in 7 instances (7%).Conclusions.Our findings demonstrate that splatter, which can potentially expose healthcare workers (HCWs) to bloodborne pathogens, is associated with the activation of intravascular catheters with retraction mechanisms. HCWs may not detect this splatter when it occurs and may not report a splash to mucous membranes or nonintact skin. The need to wear personal protective equipment when using such devices is reinforced.