bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HIV DNA-Adenovirus Multiclade Envelope Vaccine Induces gp41 Antibody Immunodominance in Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Han Qifeng , Williams Wilton B. , Saunders Kevin O. , Seaton Kelly E. , Wiehe Kevin J. , Vandergrift Nathan , Von Holle Tarra A. , Trama Ashley M. , Parks Robert J. , Luo Kan , Gurley Thaddeus C. , Kepler Thomas B. , Marshall Dawn J. , Montefiori David C. , Sutherland Laura L. , Alam Munir S. , Whitesides John F. , Bowman Cindy M. , Permar Sallie R. , Graham Barney S. , Mascola John R. , Seed Patrick C. , Van Rompay Koen K. A. , Tomaras Georgia D. , Moody M. Anthony , Haynes Barton F.
Published: August 2017

Dominant antibody responses in vaccinees who received the HIV-1 multiclade (A, B, and C) envelope (Env) DNA/recombinant adenovirus virus type 5 (rAd5) vaccine studied in HIV-1 Vaccine Trials Network (HVTN) efficacy trial 505 (HVTN 505) targeted Env gp41 and cross-reacted with microbial antigens. In this study, we asked if the DNA/rAd5 vaccine induced a similar antibody response in rhesus macaques (RMs), which are commonly used as an animal model for human HIV-1 infections and for testing candidate HIV-1 vaccines. We also asked if gp41 immunodominance could be avoided by immunization of neonatal RMs during the early stages of microbial colonization. We found that the DNA/rAd5 vaccine elicited a higher frequency of gp41-reactive memory B cells than gp120-memory B cells in adult and neonatal RMs. Analysis of the vaccine-induced Env-reactive B cell repertoire revealed that the majority of HIV-1 Env-reactive antibodies in both adult and neonatal RMs were targeted to gp41. Interestingly, a subset of gp41-reactive antibodies isolated from RMs cross-reacted with host antigens, including autologous intestinal microbiota. Thus, gp41-containing DNA/rAd5 vaccine induced dominant gp41-microbiota cross-reactive antibodies derived from blood memory B cells in RMs as observed in the HVTN 505 vaccine efficacy trial. These data demonstrated that RMs can be used to investigate gp41 immunodominance in candidate HIV-1 vaccines. Moreover, colonization of neonatal RMs occurred within the first week of life, and immunization of neonatal RMs during this time also induced a dominant gp41-reactive antibody response.

IMPORTANCE
Our results are critical to current work in the HIV-1 vaccine field evaluating the phenomenon of gp41 immunodominance induced by HIV-1 Env gp140 in RMs and humans. Our data demonstrate that RMs are an appropriate animal model to study this phenomenon and to determine the immunogenicity in new HIV-1 Env trimer vaccine designs. The demonstration of gp41 immunodominance in memory B cells of both adult and neonatal RMs indicated that early vaccination could not overcome gp41 dominant responses.
The UL21 Tegument Protein of Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Is Differentially Required for the Syncytial Phenotype
Authors: Sarfo Akua , Starkey Jason , Mellinger Erica , Zhang Dan , Chadha Pooja , Carmichael Jillian , Wills John W.
Published: August 2017

The initial goal of this study was to reexamine the requirement of UL21 for herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) replication. Previous studies suggested that UL21 is dispensable for replication in cell cultures, but a recent report on HSV-2 challenges those findings. As was done for the HSV-2 study, a UL21-null virus was made and propagated on complementing cells to discourage selection of compensating mutations. This HSV-1 mutant was able to replicate in noncomplementing cells, even at a low multiplicity of infection (MOI), though a reduction in titer was observed. Also, increased proportions of empty capsids were observed in the cytoplasm, suggesting a role for UL21 in preventing their exit from the nucleus. Surprisingly, passage of the null mutant resulted in rapid outgrowth of syncytial (Syn) variants. This was unexpected because UL21 has been shown to be required for the Syn phenotype. However, earlier experiments made use of only the A855V syncytial mutant of glycoprotein B (gB), and the Syn phenotype can also be produced by substitutions in glycoprotein K (gK), UL20, and UL24. Sequencing of the syncytial variants revealed mutations in the gK locus, but UL21 was shown to be dispensable for UL20
Syn
and UL24
Syn
. To test whether UL21 is needed only for the A855V mutant, additional gB
Syn
derivatives were examined in the context of the null virus, and all produced lytic rather than syncytial sites of infection. Thus, UL21 is required only for the gB
Syn
phenotype. This is the first example of a differential requirement for a viral protein across the four
syn
loci.

IMPORTANCE
UL21 is conserved among alphaherpesviruses, but its role is poorly understood. This study shows that HSV-1 can replicate without UL21, although the virus titers are greatly reduced. The null virus had greater proportions of empty (DNA-less) capsids in the cytoplasm of infected cells, suggesting that UL21 may play a role in retaining them in the nucleus. This is consistent with reports showing UL21 to be capsid associated and localized to the nuclei of infected cells. UL21 also appears to be needed for viral membrane activities. It was found to be required for virus-mediated cell fusion, but only for mutants that harbor syncytial mutations in gB (not variants of gK, UL20, or UL24). The machinery needed for syncytial formation is similar to that needed for direct spread of the virus through cell junctions, and these studies show that UL21 is required for cell-to-cell spread even in the absence of syncytial mutations.
The Divided Bacterial Genome: Structure, Function, and Evolution
Authors: diCenzo George C. , Finan Turlough M.
Published: August 2017

Approximately 10% of bacterial genomes are split between two or more large DNA fragments, a genome architecture referred to as a multipartite genome. This multipartite organization is found in many important organisms, including plant symbionts, such as the nitrogen-fixing rhizobia, and plant, animal, and human pathogens, including the genera
Brucella
,
Vibrio
, and
Burkholderia
. The availability of many complete bacterial genome sequences means that we can now examine on a broad scale the characteristics of the different types of DNA molecules in a genome. Recent work has begun to shed light on the unique properties of each class of replicon, the unique functional role of chromosomal and nonchromosomal DNA molecules, and how the exploitation of novel niches may have driven the evolution of the multipartite genome. The aims of this review are to (i) outline the literature regarding bacterial genomes that are divided into multiple fragments, (ii) provide a meta-analysis of completed bacterial genomes from 1,708 species as a way of reviewing the abundant information present in these genome sequences, and (iii) provide an encompassing model to explain the evolution and function of the multipartite genome structure. This review covers, among other topics, salient genome terminology; mechanisms of multipartite genome formation; the phylogenetic distribution of multipartite genomes; how each part of a genome differs with respect to genomic signatures, genetic variability, and gene functional annotation; how each DNA molecule may interact; as well as the costs and benefits of this genome structure.
Role of AmpR in the High Expression of the Plasmid-Encoded AmpC β-Lactamase CFE-1
Authors: Nakano Ryuichi , Nakano Akiyo , Yano Hisakazu , Okamoto Ryoichi
Published: August 2017

CFE-1 is a unique plasmid-encoded AmpC β-lactamase with the regulator gene
ampR
. It imparts high resistance to most cephalosporins with constitutive high-level β-lactamase activity.
The Hemagglutinin-Esterase Fusion Glycoprotein Is a Primary Determinant of the Exceptional Thermal and Acid Stability of Influenza D Virus
Authors: Yu Jieshi , Hika Busha , Liu Runxia , Sheng Zizhang , Hause Ben M. , Li Feng , Wang Dan
Published: August 2017

Influenza D virus (IDV) utilizes cattle as a primary reservoir. Increased outbreaks in pigs and serological evidence of human infection have raised a concern about the potential of IDV adapting to humans. Here, we directly compared IDV’s stability to that of other influenza types (A, B, and C) following prolonged incubation at high temperatures or in a low-pH environment. We found that IDV is the most stable of the four types of influenza viruses. Importantly, we demonstrated that the hemagglutinin-esterase fusion (HEF) protein, which drives the fusion between viral and host cell membranes, is the primary determinant for the high thermal and acid stability of IDV. Considering that there is a link between the acid stability of the hemagglutinin protein of influenza A virus and its cross-species transmission, further investigation of the mechanism of HEF-directed viral tolerance may offer novel insights into tissue tropism and cross-species transmission of influenza viruses.
Persisting fatigue and myalgia as the presenting features in a case of hypokalaemic periodic paralysis
Authors: Neame Matthew Thomas , Wright David , Chandrasekaran Surendran
Published: August 2017

We report a case of a 9-year-old boy who developed hypokalaemic periodic paralysis (HypoPP) following a prodrome of persistent fatigue and muscle aches associated with mildly elevated creatine kinase (CK) levels.

HypoPP is usually associated with a sudden onset of weakness and hypokalaemia at presentation. A review of published cases failed to identify any other reports of individuals with a similar onset of symptoms and elevated CK levels prior to the development of frank HypoPP.

In the case described above, the association of these symptoms with elevated levels of CK may have been related to the underlying mutation in the skeletal muscle calcium channels that was subsequently identified.

In cases of persisting fatigue and myalgia associated with elevated CK levels it may be helpful to consider HypoPP in the differential diagnosis.
The incidence of acute angle closure in Scotland: a prospective surveillance study
Authors: Chua Paul Y , Day Alexander C , Lai Ken L , Hall Nikki , Tan Lai L , Khan Kamran , Lim Lik Thai , Foot Barny , Foster Paul J , Azuara-Blanco Augusto
Published: August 2017

Purpose

To estimate the incidence, and describe the clinical features and short-term clinical outcomes of acute angle closure (AAC).

Methods

Patients with newly diagnosed AAC were identified prospectively over a 12-month period (November 2011 to October 2012) by active surveillance through the Scottish Ophthalmic Surveillance Unit reporting system. Data were collected at case identification and at 6 months follow-up.

Results

There were 114 cases (108 patients) reported, giving an annual incidence of 2.2 cases (95% CI 1.8 to 2.6) or 2 patients (95% CI 1.7 to 2.4) per 1 00 000 in the whole population in Scotland. Precipitating factors were identified in 40% of cases. Almost one in five cases was associated with topical dilating drops. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at presentation ranged from 6/6 to perception of light. The mean presenting intraocular pressure (IOP) was 52 mm Hg (SD 11). Almost 30% cases had a delayed presentation of 3 or more days. At 6 months follow-up, 75% had BCVA of 6/12 or better and 30% were found to have glaucoma at follow-up. Delayed presentation (≥3 days) was associated with higher rate of glaucoma at follow-up (22.6% vs 60.8%, p<0.001), worse VA (0.34 vs 0.74 LogMAR, p<0.0001) and need for more topical medication (0.52 vs 1.2, p=0.003) to control IOP.

Conclusion

The incidence of AAC in Scotland is relatively low compared with the Far East countries, but in line with previous European data. Almost one in five cases were associated with pupil dilation for retinal examination.
Pulmonary vasodilator therapy is associated with greater survival in Eisenmenger syndrome
Authors: Arnott Clare , Strange Geoff , Bullock Andrew , Kirby Adrienne C , O’Donnell Clare , Radford Dorothy J , Grigg Leeanne E , Celermajer David S
Published: August 2017

Objective

Eisenmenger syndrome (ES) is a severe form of pulmonary hypertension in adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) and has a poor prognosis. We aimed to understand factors associated with survival in ES and particularly to assess the potential benefits of advanced pulmonary vasodilator therapy (AT).

Methods

From January 2004, when AT became generally available for patients with ES, we followed 253 ES adults from 12 adult congenital heart disease centres across Australia and New Zealand. Demographic, medical and outcome data were collected and analysed prospectively and retrospectively.

Results

The patients with ES were predominantly female (60%), aged 31 (SD 12) years. At diagnosis of ES, 64% were WHO functional class ≥3. The most common underlying lesion was ventricular septal defect (33%) with 21% having ‘complex’ anatomy. Over a median follow-up time of 9.1 years, the majority (72%) had been prescribed at least one AT (49% single agent), mostly bosentan (66%, 168 patients). The mean time on AT was 6 (SD 3.6) years. Those on AT were more functionally impaired at presentation (69% WHO ≥3 vs 51%, p=0.007) and more likely to have been prescribed anticoagulation (47% vs 27%, p=0.003). The risk of death/transplant was 4.8 %/year in AT exposed versus 8.4% in those never exposed. On multivariable analysis, exposure to AT was independently associated with greater survival (survival HR 2.27, 95% CI 1.49 to 3.45; p<0.001). WHO ≥3 at presentation was associated with a worse prognosis (mortality HR 1.82, 95% CI 1.19 to 2.78; p=0.006).

Conclusion

Treatment with AT was independently associated with greater survival in patients with ES, even though they were comparatively sicker prior to treatment.
Children forgotten in hot cars: a mental models approach for improving public health messaging
Authors: Williams Castle A , Grundstein Andrew J
Published: August 2017

Introduction

On average, in the USA, 37 young children die every year due to vehicular heatstroke. Additionally, over half of these incidents occur when a parent/caregiver forgets a child in a vehicle. While various governmental and child safety advocacy groups have worked to raise awareness about these tragedies, rigorous studies have yet to be conducted that examine the current understanding and effectiveness of this public health messaging.

Methods

This study will employ a mental models approach in order to identify differences that exist between experts’ and parents’/caregivers’ knowledge and beliefs surrounding the topic of children forgotten in hot cars. We interviewed a diverse set of 25 parents/caregivers and seven experts in order to construct and explore these mental models.

Results

A comparative analysis was conducted, and three key differences were observed between these mental models. Unlike the experts, the parents/caregivers in the study emphasised perceived lifestyle factors (eg, low-income parent) as important elements in increasing an individual’s likelihood of forgetting a child in a car. Importantly, the parents/caregivers primarily obtained information from news reports, while experts believed public health campaigns would reach more parents/caregivers. Lastly, while experts stressed that this tragedy could happen to anyone, most parents/caregivers failed to acknowledge that they could forget their own child in a car.

Conclusions

To confront this denial, future public health messaging must strive to engage and reach all parents/caregivers. This can be accomplished using a multifaceted messaging strategy that includes personalising core messaging, providing additional resources to media outlets and building rapport between key partners.
A refined method to study gene dosage changes in vitro using CRISPR/Cas9
Authors: Raposo Teresa P , Ebili Henry O , Ilyas Mohammad
Published: August 2017

Aims

Gene dosage can have a major impact on cell biology, although, hitherto, it has been difficult to study using in vitro models. We sought to refine and accelerate the development of ‘gene dosage’ models through using CRISPR/Cas9 (a gene editing technology) for sequential knockout of gene alleles.

Methods

Our method involved (1) using Cas9 nuclease mRNA rather than expression plasmids, (2) using a fluorescently labelled FAM-6 tracr complexed with guide RNA and (3) using high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis to screen for mutations. HCT116 cells, wild-type forTP53, were transfected with different molarities of FAM-6 tracr-labelled and guide RNA targeting different exons of TP53 and selected by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Single-cell colonies were then isolated, expanded and tested for mutation in the targeted region by PCR/HRM.

Results

Out of 32 clones tested, 12 have shown aberrant melting by HRM, giving a targeting efficiency of 37.5%. One clone was sequenced and a heterozygous mutation found — in this case comprising a single base deletion in exon 3. mRNA sequencing confirmed the mutation was expressed, and western blotting for p53 showed the presence of both wild-type and truncated protein bands. Changes in expression of MDM-2 isoforms suggested a functional effect of the induced TP53 mutation.

Conclusions

We have developed an in vitro model to study TP53 gene dosage effects. The protocol is efficient and applicable to any gene. Importantly, we have used Cas9 mRNA and labelled tracr/guide RNA to isolate likely mutated cells and HRM for rapid mutation detection.
Socioeconomic position and markers of adiposity among female teachers in Mexico
Authors: Hirko Kelly A , Lajous Martin , Ortiz-Panozo Eduardo , Lopez-Ridaura Ruy , Christine Paul J , Lȇ-Scherban Felice , Rice Megan S , Barrientos-Gutierrez Tonatiuh
Published: August 2017

Background

Occupation is often used as an indicator of socioeconomic position (SEP) in epidemiological studies, although it is unclear whether variation in SEP within a single occupational group is associated with health outcomes, including adiposity measures.

Methods

We created a multidimensional SEP index using principal component analysis based on self-reported data from 36 704 female teachers in Mexico from 2008 to 2011. Multivariable Poisson regression models with robust variance were used to evaluate cross-sectional associations of SEP and markers of adiposity, including obesity (body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2), elevated waist-to-hip ratio (WHR >85) and high waist circumference (WC >88 cm).

Results

The most relevant indicators of SEP in this study were internet access and private health insurance. We observed significant inverse trends in obesity, WHR and WC in relation to SEP (all ptrend<0.001). Compared with women with low SEP, women in the middle (prevalence ratio (PR) 0.97, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.02) and high (PR 0.85, 95% CI 0.81 to 0.90) SEP tertiles were less likely to be obese in multivariable models. Results were similar in models of WHR and WC adjusting for BMI. For example, women with high versus low SEP were 14% less likely to have an elevated WHR (PR 0.86, 95% CI 0.83 to 0.89) and 7% less likely to have a high WC (PR 0.93, 95% CI 0.89 to 0.97).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that SEP remains relevant for adiposity within a single occupational setting and indicate that a stronger conceptualisation of SEP in epidemiological studies may be warranted.
Female American lobster (Homarus americanus) size-at-maturity declined in Canada during the 20th and early 21st centuries
Authors: Haarr Marthe Larsen , Sainte-Marie Bernard , Comeau Michel , Tremblay M. John , Rochette Rémy
Published: August 2017

Changes in the environment and fishing have been shown to affect life-history characteristics, such as size or age of maturation, in a number of finfish and invertebrates. The American lobster (Homarus americanus) supports Canada’s most valuable fishery and exploitation rates are high. Female size-at-maturity (SM) is an important parameter in management of this species, as it is used in establishing minimum legal size regulations. In this study, we show with historical and recent data that SM of female American lobsters has declined across most of Canada, in some areas by as much as 30%, over the past 10–80 years. The spatial patterns of these declines are inconsistent with patterns of rising ocean temperature and lobster abundance (density). They are, however, strongly correlated to the strength of size-based fishery selection, and egg-per-recruit modeling indicates a gain in lifetime egg production associated with observed SM declines under a range of realistic harvesting scenarios. These findings suggest that the marked decrease we document in SM of female American lobsters in Canada over the past century represents an evolutionary response to intense exploitation.
GREEN TAX LEGISLATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN CHINA
Authors: MA ZHONGFA , ZHAO JIANFU , NI JIAHUI
Published: August 2017

Environmental pollution has produced adverse impacts on sustainable development in China, and the inappropriate tax legal regime may be one of the important causes. There are only three separate laws concerning three types of taxes, and most of the other taxes are collected by regulations or rules. China has not adopted particular tax laws concerning environmental protection by December 25th, 2016, and has not enforced any special environmental tax law, and polluters are primarily charged for their pollution activities as a way of assuming their legal liabilities, which has significant shortcomings. Under the situations of addressing climate change and constraining and curing environmental pollution for sustainable development, a comprehensive system of green tax laws shall be established and perfected by making and enforcing Environmental Protection Tax Law and improving the existing tax laws involved in environmental protection.
The spin pairing symmetry of d-wave superconductor indicated by tunneling spectroscopy
Authors: Lv Bo , Guo Wei
Published: August 2017

Andreev reflection on the interface of ferromagnet/superconductor ([Formula: see text]) junction provides a tool for exhibiting the spin pairing symmetry in superconductors. The triplet tunneling in [Formula: see text]-wave [Formula: see text] junction observed in recent experiments revived a fundamental interest: the pairing mechanism of the superconducting cuprate. Here we show that in a doped cuprate, the effective spin coupling between the doped holes on the O sites yields a symmetric bound pair state [Formula: see text] with quantum numbers [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] in the CuO2 layer, which explains the origin of the resonating valence bound state in cuprates, as well as the tunneling experiments. In addition, the [Formula: see text]-wave is consistent with the triplet pairing since the observable orbital wavefunction is a projection from the total odd-frequency wavefunction onto the quasi-2D superconducting CuO[Formula: see text] layer. High-temperature superconductivity as a long-standing puzzle touches upon a hiding symmetry: the triplet state ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) is indistinguishable from the singlet ([Formula: see text]) either in NMR measurements, or in muon detections, but can be identified by tunneling spectroscopy of [Formula: see text] junction.
Toward heterogeneity in feedforward network with synaptic delays based on FitzHugh–Nagumo model
Authors: Qin Ying-Mei , Men Cong , Zhao Jia , Han Chun-Xiao , Che Yan-Qiu
Published: August 2017

We focus on the role of heterogeneity on the propagation of firing patterns in feedforward network (FFN). Effects of heterogeneities both in parameters of neuronal excitability and synaptic delays are investigated systematically. Neuronal heterogeneity is found to modulate firing rates and spiking regularity by changing the excitability of the network. Synaptic delays are strongly related with desynchronized and synchronized firing patterns of the FFN, which indicate that synaptic delays may play a significant role in bridging rate coding and temporal coding. Furthermore, quasi-coherence resonance (quasi-CR) phenomenon is observed in the parameter domain of connection probability and delay-heterogeneity. All these phenomena above enable a detailed characterization of neuronal heterogeneity in FFN, which may play an indispensable role in reproducing the important properties of in vivo experiments.
An integrated microfluidic analysis microsystems with bacterial capture enrichment and in-situ impedance detection
Authors: Liu Hai-Tao , Wen Zhi-Yu , Xu Yi , Shang Zheng-Guo , Peng Jin-Lan , Tian Peng
Published: August 2017

In this paper, an integrated microfluidic analysis microsystems with bacterial capture enrichment and in-situ impedance detection was purposed based on microfluidic chips dielectrophoresis technique and electrochemical impedance detection principle. The microsystems include microfluidic chip, main control module, and drive and control module, and signal detection and processing modulet and result display unit. The main control module produce the work sequence of impedance detection system parts and achieve data communication functions, the drive and control circuit generate AC signal which amplitude and frequency adjustable, and it was applied on the foodborne pathogens impedance analysis microsystems to realize the capture enrichment and impedance detection. The signal detection and processing circuit translate the current signal into impendence of bacteria, and transfer to computer, the last detection result is displayed on the computer. The experiment sample was prepared by adding Escherichia coli standard sample into chicken sample solution, and the samples were tested on the dielectrophoresis chip capture enrichment and in-situ impedance detection microsystems with micro-array electrode microfluidic chips. The experiments show that the Escherichia coli detection limit of microsystems is [Formula: see text] CFU/mL and the detection time is within 6 min in the optimization of voltage detection 10 V and detection frequency 500 KHz operating conditions. The integrated microfluidic analysis microsystems laid the solid foundation for rapid real-time in-situ detection of bacteria.
Turing Patterns in the Lengyel–Epstein System with Superdiffusion
Authors: Liu Biao , Wu Ranchao , Iqbal Naveed , Chen Liping
Published: August 2017

Turing instability and pattern formation in the Lengyel–Epstein (L–E) model with superdiffusion are investigated in this paper. The effects of superdiffusion on the stability of the homogeneous steady state are studied in detail. In the presence of superdiffusion, instability will occur in the stable homogeneous steady state and more complex dynamics will exist. As a result of Turing instability, some patterns are formed. Through stability analysis of the system at the equilibrium point, conditions ensuring Turing and Hopf bifurcations are obtained. To further explore pattern selection, the weakly nonlinear analysis and multiple scale analysis are employed to derive amplitude equations of the stationary patterns. Then complex dynamics of amplitude equations, such as the existence of homogeneous solutions, stripe and hexagon patterns, mixed structure patterns, their stability, interaction and transition between them, are analyzed. Then different patterns occur immediately. Finally, the numerical simulations are presented to show the effectiveness of theoretical analysis and patterns are identified numerically. Whereas in the existing results of such model with normal diffusion, no amplitude equations are derived and patterns are only identified through numerical simulations.
Bifurcations and Chaos in the Duffing Equation with Parametric Excitation and Single External Forcing
Authors: Jiang Tao , Yang Zhiyan , Jing Zhujun
Published: August 2017

We study the Duffing equation with parametric excitation and single external forcing and obtain abundant dynamical behaviors of bifurcations and chaos. The criteria of chaos of the Duffing equation under periodic perturbation are obtained through the Melnikov method. And the existence of chaos of the averaged system of the Duffing equation under the quasi-periodic perturbation [Formula: see text] (where [Formula: see text] is not rational relative to [Formula: see text]) and [Formula: see text] is shown, but the existence of chaos of averaged system of the Duffing equation cannot be proved when [Formula: see text],[Formula: see text]7–15, whereas the occurrence of chaos in the original system can be shown by numerical simulation. Numerical simulations not only show the correctness of the theoretical analysis but also exhibit some new complex dynamical behaviors, including homoclinic or heteroclinic bifurcation surfaces, bifurcation diagrams, Lyapunov exponent diagrams, phase portraits and Poincaré maps. We find a large chaotic region with some solitary period parameter points, a large period and quasi-period region with some solitary chaotic parameter points, period-doubling to chaos and chaos to inverse period-doubling, nondense curvilinear chaotic attractor, nonattracting chaotic motion, nonchaotic attracting set, fragmental chaotic attractors. Almost chaotic motion and almost nonchaotic motion appear through adjusting the parameters of the Duffing system, which can be taken as a strategy of chaotic control or a strategy of chaotic motion to nonchaotic motion.
Various Exact Soliton Solutions and Bifurcations of a Generalized Dullin–Gottwald–Holm Equation with a Power Law Nonlinearity
Authors: Leta Temesgen Desta , Li Jibin
Published: August 2017

In this paper, we study a model of generalized Dullin–Gottwald–Holm equation, depending on the power law nonlinearity, that derives a series of planar dynamical systems. The study of the traveling wave solutions for this model derives a planar Hamiltonian system. By investigating the dynamical behavior and bifurcation of solutions of the traveling wave system, we derive all possible exact explicit traveling wave solutions, under different parametric conditions. These results completely improve the study of traveling wave solutions to the mentioned model stated in [Biswas & Kara, 2010].
Unique Normal Form for a Class of Three-Dimensional Nilpotent Vector Fields
Authors: Li Jing , Kou Liying , Wang Duo
Published: August 2017

In this paper, the unique normal form for a class of three-dimensional nilpotent vector fields with symmetry is investigated. The key technique used is a combination of multiple Lie brackets, linear grading function, new notations of block matrices and first integral of the linear part of the given vector field which avoids complicated calculations. The first and the second order normal forms are computed successively, and the uniqueness of the second order normal form is proved under certain conditions.
The attribute of rotational profile to the hyperon puzzle in the prediction of heaviest compact star
Authors: Bhuyan M. , Carlson B. V. , Patra S. K. , Zhou Shan-Gui
Published: August 2017

In this theoretical study, we report an investigation of the equations of state (EoSs) of hyper-nuclear matter and its composition as a function of density within the framework of effective field theory motivated relativistic mean field model. We have used G2 force parameter along with various hyperon–meson coupling ratios by allowing the mixing and the breaking of SU(6) symmetry to predict the EoSs, keeping the nucleonic coupling constant intact. We have estimated the properties of nonrotating and rapidly rotating configuration of compact stars by employing four different representative sets of equations of state. The obtained results of the mass and radius for the compact stars are compared with the recent mass observations. Further, we have studied the stability and sensitivity of rotational frequency (at sub-millisecond period) on the configuration of the compact stars because the angular frequency is significantly smaller than the mass-shedding (Keplerian) frequency in slow rotation regime. Moreover, the yield of hyperon as a function of density for various hyperon–meson couplings are also estimated.
LINEAR AND NONLINEAR CORRELATIONS IN THE ORDER AGGRESSIVENESS OF CHINESE STOCKS
Authors: YUE PENG , XU HAI-CHUAN , CHEN WEI , XIONG XIONG , ZHOU WEI-XING
Published: August 2017

The diagonal effect of orders is well documented in different markets, which states that the orders are more likely to be followed by the orders of the same aggressiveness and implies the presence of short-term correlations in order flows. Based on the order flow data of 43 Chinese stocks, we investigate if there are long-range correlations in the time series of order aggressiveness. The detrending moving average analysis shows that there are crossovers in the scaling behaviors of overall fluctuations and order aggressiveness exhibits linear long-term correlations. We design an objective procedure to determine the two Hurst indexes delimited by the crossover scale. We find no correlations in the short term and strong correlations in the long term for all stocks except for an outlier stock. The long-term correlation is found to depend on several firm specific characteristics. We also find that there are nonlinear long-term correlations in the order aggressiveness when we perform the multifractal detrending moving average analysis.
Singular perturbation approximation for linear systems with Lévy noise
Authors: Redmann Martin , Benner Peter
Published: August 2017

To solve a stochastic linear evolution equation numerically, finite dimensional approximations are commonly used. For a good approximation, one might end up with a sequence of ordinary stochastic linear equations of high order. To reduce the high dimension for practical computations, we consider the singular perturbation approximation as a model order reduction technique in this paper. This approach is well-known from deterministic control theory and here we generalize it for controlled linear systems with Lévy noise. Additionally, we discuss properties of the reduced order model, provide an error bound, and give some examples to demonstrate the quality of this model order reduction technique.
Design and Development of One-Switch Video Games for Children with Severe Motor Disabilities
Authors: López Sebastián Aced , Corno Fulvio , De Russis Luigi
Published: August 2017

Video games are not just played for fun; they have become a handy instrument for the cognitive, emotional, and social development of children. However, several barriers prevent many children with disabilities from playing action-oriented video games, alone or with their peers. In particular, children with severe motor disabilities, who rely on one-switch interaction for accessing electronic devices, find fast-paced games that require rapid decision-making and timely responses, completely unplayable. This article contributes to lowering such barriers by presenting
GNomon
(
G
aming
NOMON
), a software framework based on the NOMON mode of interaction that allows the creation of action-oriented single-switch video games. The article reports the results of two studies that evaluate the playability and rehabilitation suitability of GNomon-based video games. The
playability
of GNomon-based games is evaluated by assessing their learnability, effectiveness, errors, satisfaction, memorability, and enjoyability with a group of eight children with severe motor disabilities. The
suitability for pediatric rehabilitation
is determined by means of a focus group with a team of speech therapists, physiotherapists, and psychologists from a Local Health Agency in Turin, Italy. The results of the playability study are positive: All children had fun playing GNomon-based video games, and seven of eight were able to interact and play autonomously. The results of the rehabilitation-suitability study also entail that GNomon-based games can be exploited in training hand-eye coordination and maintenance of selective attention over time. The article finally offers critical hindsight and reflections and shows possible new future game concepts.
Excitable Signal Transduction Networks in Directed Cell Migration
Authors: Devreotes Peter N. , Bhattacharya Sayak , Edwards Marc , Iglesias Pablo A. , Lampert Thomas , Miao Yuchuan
Published: August 2017

Although directed migration of eukaryotic cells may have evolved to escape nutrient depletion, it has been adopted for an extensive range of physiological events during development and in the adult organism. The subversion of these movements results in disease, such as cancer. Mechanisms of propulsion and sensing are extremely diverse, but most eukaryotic cells move by extending actin-filled protrusions termed macropinosomes, pseudopodia, or lamellipodia or by extension of blebs. In addition to motility, directed migration involves polarity and directional sensing. The hundreds of gene products involved in these processes are organized into networks of parallel and interconnected pathways. Many of these components are activated or inhibited coordinately with stimulation and on each spontaneously extended protrusion. Moreover, these networks display hallmarks of excitability, including all-or-nothing responsiveness and wave propagation. Cellular protrusions result from signal transduction waves that propagate outwardly from an origin and drive cytoskeletal activity. The range of the propagating waves and hence the size of the protrusions can be altered by lowering or raising the threshold for network activation, with larger and wider protrusions favoring gliding or oscillatory behavior over amoeboid migration. Here, we evaluate the variety of models of excitable networks controlling directed migration and outline critical tests. We also discuss the utility of this emerging view in producing cell migration and in integrating the various extrinsic cues that direct migration.
The Minimalist Program After 25 Years
Authors: Hornstein Norbert
Published: August 2017

The Minimalist Program (MP) has been around for about 25 years, and anecdotal evidence suggests that conventional wisdom thinks it a failure. This review argues that MP has been a tremendous success and has more than met the very high goals it had set for itself. This does not imply that there is not more to be done. There is, a lot more. But the problems are those characteristic of successful and ongoing research programs. Why the perception of failure? It arises from a misunderstanding concerning the aims of the minimalist project and what, given these aims, it is reasonable to expect. Once we clear up the nature of MP's goals, we will be better placed to judge (and appreciate) how far it has come.
Minimizing Syntactic Dependency Lengths: Typological/Cognitive Universal?
Authors: Temperley David , Gildea Daniel
Published: August 2017

Syntactic dependencies are head/modifier relations between words in a sentence that organize sentences into a syntactic tree structure. The general principle that languages have a preference to group syntactically related words close together can be made precise as a preference for shorter dependencies. We examine evidence for this principle in the development of languages’ grammars as well as in the choices made by individual speakers where syntactic variation is licensed. We survey evidence from corpus studies, computational simulations, and experiments on comprehension; altogether, this evidence makes a compelling case for dependency length minimization as an important factor in language structure and cognition.
Cognitive Foundations of Learning from Testimony
Authors: Harris Paul L. , Koenig Melissa A. , Corriveau Kathleen H. , Jaswal Vikram K.
Published: August 2017

Humans acquire much of their knowledge from the testimony of other people. An understanding of the way that information can be conveyed via gesture and vocalization is present in infancy. Thus, infants seek information from well-informed interlocutors, supply information to the ignorant, and make sense of communicative acts that they observe from a third-party perspective. This basic understanding is refined in the course of development. As they age, children's reasoning about testimony increasingly reflects an ability not just to detect imperfect or inaccurate claims but also to assess what inferences may or may not be drawn about informants given their particular situation. Children also attend to the broader characteristics of particular informants—their group membership, personality characteristics, and agreement or disagreement with other potential informants. When presented with unexpected or counterintuitive testimony, children are prone to set aside their own prior convictions, but they may sometimes defer to informants for inherently social reasons.
PLK1 regulates spindle association of phosphorylated eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein and spindle function in mouse oocytes
Authors: Severance Ashley L. , Latham Keith E.
Published: August 2017

Oocyte meiotic spindles are associated with spindle-enriched mRNAs, phosphorylated ribosome protein S6, and phosphorylated variants of the key translational regulator, eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1 (eIF4E-BP1), consistent with translational control of localized mRNAs by eIF4E-BP1 in facilitating spindle formation and stability. Using specific kinase inhibitors, we determined which kinases regulate phosphorylation status of eIF4E-BP1 associated with meiotic spindles in mouse oocytes and effects of kinase inhibition on chromosome congression and spindle formation. Neither ataxia telangiectasia-mutated kinase nor mechanistic target of rapamycin inhibition significantly affected phosphorylation status of spindle-associated eIF4E-BP1 at the phosphorylation sites examined. Spindle-associated phospho-eIF4E-BP1, spindle formation, and chromosome congression were strongly disrupted by polo-like kinase I (PLK1) inhibition at both metaphase I (MI) and MII. In addition, direct inhibition of eIF4E-BP1 via 4EGI led to spindle defects at MI, indicating a direct role for eIF4E-BP1 phosphorylation in meiotic spindle formation. PLK1 also regulated microtubule dynamics throughout the ooplasm, indicating likely coordination between spindle dynamics and broader ooplasm cytoskeletal dynamics. Because diverse upstream signaling pathways converge on PLK1, these results implicate PLK1 as a major regulatory nexus coupling endogenous and exogenous signals via eIF4E-BP1 to the regulation of spindle formation and stability.
Hyperalgesia and sensitization of dorsal horn neurons following activation of NK-1 receptors in the rostral ventromedial medulla
Authors: Khasabov Sergey G. , Malecha Patrick , Noack Joseph , Tabakov Janneta , Giesler Glenn J. , Simone Donald A.
Published: August 2017

Neurons in the rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) project to the spinal cord and are involved in descending modulation of pain. Several studies have shown that activation of neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptors in the RVM produces hyperalgesia, although the underlying mechanisms are not clear. In parallel studies, we compared behavioral measures of hyperalgesia to electrophysiological responses of nociceptive dorsal horn neurons produced by activation of NK-1 receptors in the RVM. Injection of the selective NK-1 receptor agonist Sar9,Met(O2)11-substance P (SSP) into the RVM produced dose-dependent mechanical and heat hyperalgesia that was blocked by coadministration of the selective NK-1 receptor antagonist L-733,060. In electrophysiological studies, responses evoked by mechanical and heat stimuli were obtained from identified high-threshold (HT) and wide dynamic range (WDR) neurons. Injection of SSP into the RVM enhanced responses of WDR neurons, including identified neurons that project to the parabrachial area, to mechanical and heat stimuli. Since intraplantar injection of capsaicin produces robust hyperalgesia and sensitization of nociceptive spinal neurons, we examined whether this sensitization was dependent on NK-1 receptors in the RVM. Pretreatment with L-733,060 into the RVM blocked the sensitization of dorsal horn neurons produced by capsaicin. c-Fos labeling was used to determine the spatial distribution of dorsal horn neurons that were sensitized by NK-1 receptor activation in the RVM. Consistent with our electrophysiological results, administration of SSP into the RVM increased pinch-evoked c-Fos expression in the dorsal horn. It is suggested that targeting this descending pathway may be effective in reducing persistent pain.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY It is known that activation of neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptors in the rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM), a main output area for descending modulation of pain, produces hyperalgesia. Here we show that activation of NK-1 receptors produces hyperalgesia by sensitizing nociceptive dorsal horn neurons. Targeting this pathway at its origin or in the spinal cord may be an effective approach for pain management.
Resistance to ChronicToxoplasma gondiiInfection Induced by a DNA Vaccine Expressing GRA16
Authors: Hu Ling-Ying , Zhang Nian-Zhang , Zhang Fu-Kai , Wang Meng , Gao Qi , Wang Jin-Lei , Zhu Xing-Quan
Published: August 2017

Toxoplasma gondiican infect all warm-blooded animals including human beings.T. gondiidense granule protein 16 (TgGRA16) as a crucial virulence factor could modulate the host gene expression. Here, a DNA vaccine expressing TgGRA16 was constructed to explore the protective efficacy againstT. gondiiinfection in Kunming mice. The immune responses induced by pVAX-GRA16 were also evaluated. Mice immunized with pVAX-GRA16 could elicit higher levels of specific IgG antibody and strong cellular response compared to those in controls. The DNA vaccination significantly increased the levels of cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, and IL-10) and the percentages of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in mice. After lethal challenge, mice immunized with pVAX-GRA16 (8.4±0.78days) did not show a significant longer survival time than that in controls (7.1±0.30days) (p>0.05). However, in chronic toxoplasmosis model (administration of 10 brain cysts of PRU strain orally), numbers of tissue cysts in mice immunized with pVAX-GRA16 were significantly reduced compared to those in controls (p<0.05) and the rate of reduction could reach 43.89%. The results indicated that the TgGRA16 would be a promising vaccine candidate for further development of effective epitope-based vaccines against chronicT. gondiiinfection in mice.
Occupational Exposure to Needle Stick and Sharp Injuries and Associated Factors among Health Care Workers in Awi Zone, Amhara Regional State, Northwest Ethiopia, 2016
Authors: Dilie Abebe , Amare Desalegn , Gualu Tenaw
Published: August 2017

Background. Needle stick and sharp injuries were one of the major risk factors for blood and body fluid borne infections at health care facilities. Objective. To assess occupational exposure to needle stick and sharp injuries and associated factors among health care workers in Awi zone, 2016. Methods. institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted among 193 health care workers. Study participants were selected using systematic random sampling technique. Result. When queried, 18.7% of the respondents’ encountered needle stick and sharp injury in the last 1 year. Participants who practiced needle recapping and had job related stress were 21.3 and 7.3 times more likely to face needle stick and sharp injury, respectively. However, those who apply universal precautions and acquire the required skill were 99% and 96% times less likely to face needle stick and sharp injury, respectively, than their counterparts. Conclusion and Recommendation. The prevalence of needle stick and sharp injury was relatively low as compared to previous studies. Recapping of needle after use, job related stress, not applying universal precautions, and lack of the required skill were associated with needle stick and sharp injuries. Therefore, health care providers should apply universal precaution.