bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The metabolic landscape of cancer stem cells
Authors: Dando Ilaria , Dalla Pozza Elisa , Biondani Giulia , Cordani Marco , Palmieri Marta , Donadelli Massimo
Published: September 2015

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a sub‐population of quiescent cells endowed with self‐renewal properties that can sustain the malignant behavior of the tumor mass giving rise to more differentiated cancer cells. For this reason, the specific killing of CSCs represents one of the most important challenges of the modern molecular oncology. However, their particular resistance to traditional chemotherapy and radiotherapy imposes a thorough understanding of their biological and biochemical features. The metabolic peculiarities of CSCs may be a therapeutic and diagnostic opportunity in cancer research. In this review, we summarize the most significant discoveries on the metabolism of CSCs describing and critically analyzing the studies supporting either glycolysis or mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation as a primary source of energy for CSCs. © 2015 IUBMB Life, 67(9):687–693, 2015
Elongation method for electronic structure calculations of random DNA sequences
Authors: Orimoto Yuuichi , Liu Kai , Aoki Yuriko
Published: September 2015

We applied ab initio order‐N elongation (ELG) method to calculate electronic structures of various deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) models. We aim to test potential application of the method for building a database of DNA electronic structures. The ELG method mimics polymerization reactions on a computer and meets the requirements for linear scaling computational efficiency and high accuracy, even for huge systems. As a benchmark test, we applied the method for calculations of various types of random sequenced A‐ and B‐type DNA models with and without counterions. In each case, the ELG method maintained high accuracy with small errors in energy on the order of 10−8 hartree/atom compared with conventional calculations. We demonstrate that the ELG method can provide valuable information such as stabilization energies and local densities of states for each DNA sequence. In addition, we discuss the “restarting” feature of the ELG method for constructing a database that exhaustively covers DNA species. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion‐weighted MR imaging with dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI for differentiating lung cancer from benign solitary pulmonary lesions
Authors: Yuan Mei , Zhang Yu‐Dong , Zhu Chan , Yu Tong‐Fu , Shi Hai‐Bin , Shi Zhao‐Fei , Li Hai , Wu Jiang‐Fen
Published: September 2015

Background

To compare intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) and pharmacokinetic analysis dynamic contrast‐enhanced MR imaging (DCE‐MRI) in distinguishing lung cancer (LC) from benign solitary pulmonary lesions (SPL).

Methods

This prospective study was approved by the institutional review board, and written informed consent was obtained. Eighty‐one consecutive patients considered for SPL underwent DW‐IVIM and DCE‐3T MRI. ADC, D, D*, and f were calculated with mono‐ and bi‐exponential models. Ktrans, kep, ve, and vp were calculated with the modified Tofts model. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was constructed to determine the diagnostic performance of IVIM and DCE‐MRI in discriminating LC from benignity.

Results

There were 29 patients with a total of 48 benign SPL and 52 LCs: 4 small cell carcinomas (SCLC), 19 squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), and 29 adenocarcinomas (Adeno‐Ca). Both Adeno‐Ca (ADC: 1.19 ± 0.23 × 10−3 mm2/s; D:1.12 ± 0.35 × 10−3 mm2/s; ve:0.27 ± 0.13; Ktrans:0.24 ± 0.09 min−1; kep:0.90 ± 0.45 min−1) and SCC (1.13± 0.28 × 10−3 mm2/s; 1.02 ± 0.32 10−3 mm2/s; 0.32 ± 0.14; 0.26 ± 0.08 min−1; 0.90 ± 0.48 min−1) had significantly lower ADC, D, ve and larger Ktrans, kep than benignity (1.37 ± 0.38 × 10−3 mm2/s; 1.34 ± 0.45 × 10−3 mm2/s; 0.42 ± 0.19; 0.19 ± 0.08 min−1; 0.53 ± 0.26 min−1). D (72.2%) had significantly higher accuracy (72.2%) and higher sensitivity (91.3%) than other imaging indices (accuracy: 55.5–68.0%; sensitivity: 41.3–78.3%; all P < 0.01) except for accuracy in kep (70.8%; P > 0.05) in discriminating LC from benignity. Ktrans exhibited significantly higher specificity (84.6%) than the other indices (38.5–73.1%; P < 0.01). These results can be improved by combined D and Ktrans, leading to a sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 94.2%, 92%, and 93.5%, respectively.

Conclusion

IVIM‐derived D and DCE‐derived Ktrans are two promising parameters for differentiating LC from benignity. J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2016;43:669–679.
Device circuit co‐design to reduce gate leakage current in VLSI logic circuits in nano regime
Authors: Rana Ashwani K.
Published: September 2015

In this paper, nanoscale metal–oxide–semiconductor field‐effect transistor (MOSFET) device circuit co‐design is presented with an aim to reduce the gate leakage curren t in VLSI logic circuits. Firstly, gate leakage current is modeled through high‐k spacer underlap MOSFET (HSU MOSFET). In this HSU MOSFET, inversion layer is induced in underlap region by the gate fringing field through high‐k dielectric (high‐k) spacer, and this inversion layer in the underlap region acts as extended source/drain region. The analytical model results are compared with the two‐dimensional Sentaurus device simulation. Good agreement is obtained between the model and Sentaurus simulation. It is observed that modified HSU MOSFET had improved off current, subthreshold slope, and drain‐induced barrier lowering characteristics. Further, modified HSU MOSFET is also analyzed for gate leakage in generic logic circuits. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neuropathology and Cellular Pathogenesis of Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 12
Authors: O'Hearn Elizabeth E. , Hwang Hyon S. , Holmes Susan E. , Rudnicki Dobrila D. , Chung Daniel W. , Seixas Ana I. , Cohen Rachael L. , Ross Christopher A. , Trojanowski John Q. , Pletnikova Olga , Troncoso Juan C. , Margolis Russell L.
Published: September 2015

Objective

SCA12 is a progressive autosomal‐dominant disorder, caused by a CAG/CTG repeat expansion in PPP2R2B on chromosome 5q32, and characterized by tremor, gait ataxia, hyperreflexia, dysmetria, abnormal eye movements, anxiety, depression, and sometimes cognitive impairment. Neuroimaging has demonstrated cerebellar and cortical atrophy. We now present the neuropathology of the first autopsied SCA12 brain and utilize cell models to characterize potential mechanisms of SCA12 neurodegeneration.

Methods

A fixed SCA12 brain was examined using gross, microscopic, and immunohistochemical methods. The effect of the repeat expansion on PPP2R2B Bβ1 expression was examined in multiple cell types by transient transfection of constructs containing the PPP2R2B Bβ1 promoter region attached to a luciferase reporter. The neurotoxic effect of PPP2R2B overexpression was examined in transfected rat primary neurons.

Results

Neuropathological investigation revealed enlarged ventricles, marked cerebral cortical atrophy and Purkinje cell loss, less‐prominent cerebellar and pontine atrophy, and neuronal intranuclear ubiquitin‐positive inclusions, consistent with Marinesco bodies, which did not stain for long polyglutamine tracts, alpha‐synuclein, tau, or transactive response DNA‐binding protein 43. Reporter assays demonstrated that the region of PPP2R2B containing the repeat functions as a promoter, and that promoter activity increases with longer repeat length and is dependent on cell type, repeat sequence, and sequence flanking the repeat. Overexpression of PPP2R2B in primary cortical neurons disrupted normal morphology.

Conclusions

SCA12 involves extensive, but selective, neurodegeneration distinct from Alzheimer's disease, synucleinopathies, tauopathies, and glutamine expansion diseases. SCA12 neuropathology may arise from the neurotoxic effect of repeat‐expansion–induced overexpression of PPP2R2B. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Stepanov ergodic perturbations for some neutral partial functional differential equations
Authors: Es‐sebbar Brahim , Ezzinbi Khalil
Published: September 2015

In this work, we give sufficient conditions for the existence and uniqueness of μ−pseudo almost periodic integral solutions for some neutral partial functional differential equations with Stepanov μ−pseudo almost periodic forcing functions. Our working tools are based on the variation of constant formula and the spectral decomposition of the phase space. To illustrate our main results, we give applications to a neutral model arising in physical systems, as well as an application to heat equations with discrete and continuous delay. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analyticity for Kuramoto–Sivashinsky‐type equations in two spatial dimensions
Authors: Ioakim Xenakis , Smyrlis Yiorgos‐Sokratis
Published: September 2015

I. Stratis In this work, we investigate the analyticity properties of solutions of Kuramoto–Sivashinsky‐type equations in two spatial dimensions, with periodic initial data. In order to do this, we explore the applicability in three‐dimensional models of a spectral method, which was developed by the authors for the one‐dimensional Kuramoto–Sivashinsky equation. We introduce a criterion, which provides a sufficient condition for analyticity of a periodic function u∈C∞, involving the rate of growth of ∇nu, in suitable norms, as n tends to infinity. This criterion allows us to establish spatial analyticity for the solutions of a variety of systems, including Topper–Kawahara, Frenkel–Indireshkumar, and Coward–Hall equations and their dispersively modified versions, once we assume that these systems possess global attractors. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ground state solutions for asymptotically periodic coupled Kirchhoff‐type systems with critical growth
Authors: Shi Hongxia , Chen Haibo
Published: September 2015

In this paper, we consider the coupled system of Kirchhoff‐type equations:

urn:x-wiley:mma:media:mma3633:mma3633-math-0001
where 4 < τ < 6, a,c > 0, b,d≥0 are constants and λ is a positive parameter. The main purpose of this paper is to study the existence of ground state solutions for the aforementioned system with a nonlinearity in the critical growth under some suitable assumptions on V and F. Recent results from the literature are improved and extended. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nonlinear model reduction via a locally weighted POD method
Authors: Peng Liqian , Mohseni Kamran
Published: September 2015

In this article, we propose a new approach for model reduction of parameterized partial differential equations (PDEs) by a locally weighted proper orthogonal decomposition (LWPOD) method. The presented approach is particularly suited for large‐scale nonlinear systems characterized by parameter variations. Instead of using a global basis to construct a global reduced model, LWPOD approximates the original system by multiple local reduced bases. Each local reduced basis is generated by the singular value decomposition of a weighted snapshot matrix. Compared with global model reduction methods, such as the classical proper orthogonal decomposition, LWPOD can yield more accurate solutions with a fixed subspace dimension. As another contribution, we combine LWPOD with the chord iteration to solve elliptic PDEs in a computationally efficient fashion. The potential of the method for achieving large speedups while maintaining good accuracy is demonstrated for both elliptic and parabolic PDEs in a few numerical examples. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Campylobacter coli infection causing second trimester intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR): a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Kuperman‐Shani Adi , Vaknin Zvi , Mendlovic Sonia , Zaidenstein Ronit , Melcer Yaakov , Maymon Ron
Published: September 2015

Campylobacter is a gram‐negative, microaerophilic, curved rod and a normal resident of the gastrointestinal flora and may be the cause of disease in animals. Transmission to humans occurs by ingestion of contaminated food or by direct contact with infected animals. In the past few decades, an increasing number of reports have implicated the presence of this organism in human abortions as well. An infectious mechanism due to primary placental inflammatory damage followed by secondary damage to the fetus following placental insufficiency and ischemia was suggested. The most common species of Campylobacter are Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli, which are classically associated with enteritis in humans. We present a rare case of mid‐gestation intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) associated with maternal bacteremia caused by C. coli infection. Our literature review focuses on Campylobacter infections occurring in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. In all cases, mild maternal symptoms consisting of fever and weakness were presented. However, associated adverse fetal outcome, including abortions, IUGR or preterm labor may occur more frequently than anticipated. Our report strengthens the importance of awareness to this finding and focuses the need to consume properly cooked meat during pregnancy. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and characterization of light‐absorbing cyclopentadithiophene‐based donor–acceptor copolymers
Authors: Sharma Bhavna , Sarothia Yameeni , Singh Ranbir , Kan Zhipeng , Keivanidis Panagiotis E , Jacob Josemon
Published: September 2015

Cyclopentadithiophene and benzothiadiazole based donor–acceptor polymers are fast emerging as the most promising class of materials for organic solar cells. Here we report on a series of Cyclopentadithiophene and benzothiadiazole based conjugated polymers, namely poly[4,7‐bis(4,4‐dioctyl‐4H‐cyclopenta[2,1‐b;3,4‐b′]dithiophene‐2‐yl)benzo[1,2,5]thiadiazole] (P1), poly[4,7‐bis(4,4‐dioctyl‐4H‐cyclopenta[2,1‐b;3,4‐b′]dithiophene‐2‐yl)benzo[1,2,5]thiadiazole‐alt‐9‐(heptadecan‐9‐yl)‐2,7‐bis(4,4,5,5‐tetramethyl)‐1,3,2‐dioxaborolan‐2‐yl)‐9H‐carbazole] (P2) and poly[4,7‐bis(4,4‐dioctyl‐4H‐cyclopenta[2,1‐b;3,4‐b′]dithiophene‐2‐yl)benzo[1,2,5]thiadiazole‐alt‐5,11‐bis(2‐hexyldecyl)‐3,9‐bis(4,4,5,5‐tetramethyl)‐1,3,2‐dioxaborolan‐2‐yl)‐5,11‐dihydroindolo[3,2‐b]carbazole] (P3), with alternating donor and acceptor units and discuss their photophysical and electrochemical properties. Stille coupling of 2‐tributylstannyl‐4,4‐dioctylcyclopenta[2,1‐b:3,4‐b′]dithiophene with 4,7‐dibromobenzo[1,2,5]thiadiazole generated the alternating donor–acceptor monomer 4,7‐bis(4,4‐dioctyl‐4H‐cyclopenta[2,1‐b;3,4‐b′]dithiophene‐2‐yl)benzo[1,2,5]thiadiazole (CPDT‐BT‐CPDT). Homopolymer P1 of CPDT‐BT‐CPDT was synthesized by oxidative polymerization using FeCl3. Copolymers P2 and P3 were synthesized by palladium‐catalysed Suzuki polycondensation. The synthesized polymers showed good solubility in common organic solvents, and UV‐visible measurements showed that the absorption maxima of the polymers lie in the range 624 to 670 nm. The energy gaps of these polymers were found to lie in the range 1.29 to 1.50 eV. Gel permeation chromatography measurements against polystyrene standards showed the number‐average molecular weight to be in the range (2.2–6.0) × 104 g mol−1. Thermogravimetric analysis showed the polymers to possess high thermal stability. A preliminary study of photodiode devices prepared using polymers P1, P2 and P3 when blended with the PC71BM electron acceptor found that P2 is the optimum chemical structure for pursuing further device optimization.© 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Personalized medicine for cystic fibrosis: Establishing human model systems
Authors: Mou Hongmei , Brazauskas Karissa , Rajagopal Jayaraj
Published: September 2015

With over 1,500 identifiable mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene that result in distinct functional and phenotypical abnormalities, it is virtually impossible to perform randomized clinical trials to identify the best therapeutics for all patients. Therefore, a personalized medicine approach is essential. The only way to realistically accomplish this is through the development of improved in vitro human model systems. The lack of a readily available and infinite supply of human CFTR‐expressing airway epithelial cells is a key bottleneck. We propose that a concerted two‐pronged approach is necessary for patient‐specific cystic fibrosis research to continue to prosper and realize its potential: (1) more effective culture and differentiation conditions for growing primary human airway and nasal epithelial cells and (2) the development of collective protocols for efficiently differentiating disease‐ and patient‐specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) into pure populations of adult epithelial cells. Ultimately, we need a personalized human model system for cystic fibrosis with the capacity for uncomplicated bankability, widespread availability, and universal applicability for patient‐specific disease modeling, novel pharmacotherapy investigation and screening, and readily executable genetic modification. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2015; 50:S14–S23. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cystic fibrosis lung microbiome: Opportunities to reconsider management of airway infection
Authors: Caverly Lindsay J. , Zhao Jiangchao , LiPuma John J.
Published: September 2015

The importance of infection in the pathogenesis of cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease has been long recognized, and the use of antibiotics targeting bacteria identified in cultures of respiratory specimens has played a critical role in improving outcomes for individuals with CF. Over the past ∼15 years, the use of culture‐independent methods to assess airway microbiology in CF has revealed complex and dynamic CF airway bacterial communities. Recent areas of investigation of the CF lung microbiome have included exploring how bacterial community structures change over time, particularly with respect to disease progression or pulmonary exacerbation, and in response to antibiotic therapies. This review will discuss what has been learned from these studies as well as how these findings offer opportunities to further refine management of CF airway infection. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2015; 50:S31–S38. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nonsurgical management of an enlarging pneumatocele by fibrin sealant injection via pigtail catheter
Authors: Park Tae Hyun , Kim Jin Kyu
Published: September 2015

Most pneumatoceles disappear spontaneously and do not cause severe symptoms. Treatment alternatives include various conventional or surgical methods. However, an enlarging, complicated pneumatocele with cardiorespiratory instability requires imaging‐guided catheter drainage or surgery. Here, we report the case of a newborn girl with an enlarging pneumatocele accompanied by pulmonary interstitial emphysema secondary to mechanical ventilation. The pneumatocele was successfully managed by the injection of fibrin sealant via a pigtail catheter. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016;51:E5–E7. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Study on Curing Reaction Thermokinetics of Azide Binder/Bispropargyl Succinate by Microcalorimetry
Authors: Li Na , Zhao Fengqi , Luo Yang , Mo Hongchang , Gao Hongxu , Xiao Libai , Yao Ergang , Hu Rongzu
Published: September 2015

The thermokinetics of the curing reactions between poly‐(3‐azidomethyl‐3‐methyloxetane) (PAMMO) and bispropargyl succinate (BPS) were studied using a microcalorimeter. On the basis of experimental and calculated results, three thermodynamics parameters (the activation enthalpies, the activation entropies, the activation free energies), the rate constant, three thermokinetic parameters (the activation energies, the pre‐exponential constant, and the reaction order) and the enthalpies of the curing reactions between PAMMO and BPS in the temperature range of 50–65 °C were obtained, showing that the main reaction leading to a triazole structure easily took place in the studied temperature range. The linear relationship between lnk and the molar ratio of triple bonds to azide groups was found. Furthermore, the corresponding kinetic equation describing the curing reaction between PAMMO and BPS was dα/dt=10−4.48(1−α)0.962 at 333.15 K.
Thermal Kinetic Parameters of Lead Azide and Lead Styphnate with Antistatic Additives
Authors: Liu Jianchao , Jiang Yutong , Tong Wenchao , Zhang Tonglai , Yang Li
Published: September 2015

Three antistatic additives were applied to improve the antistatic abilities of lead styphnate and lead azide. It has been found that PVA and DEX are more effective antistatic additives for LA, whereas CMC and DEX are more appropriate for LS by electrostatic accumulation test. The dynamic vacuum stability test (DVST) method was used to investigate the thermal decomposition of LA/PVA, LA/DEX, LS/CMC, LS/DEX, thermal kinetic parameters are obtained. The results show that antistatic additives have influence on the thermal kinetic parameters that lead to the thermal decomposition reaction which requires more energy, thus increasing the thermal stability of primary explosive. However, the reaction mechanism function that insure the explosive properties remained unchanged.
Probability modeling of the number of positive cores in a prostate cancer biopsy session, with applications
Authors: Serfling Robert , Ogola Gerald
Published: September 2015

Among men, prostate cancer (CaP) is the most common newly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of death from cancer. A major issue of very large scale is avoiding both over‐treatment and under‐treatment of CaP cases. The central challenge is deciding clinical significance or insignificance when the CaP biopsy results are positive but only marginally so. A related concern is deciding how to increase the number of biopsy cores for larger prostates. As a foundation for improved choice of number of cores and improved interpretation of biopsy results, we develop a probability model for the number of positive cores found in a biopsy, given the total number of cores, the volumes of the tumor nodules, and – very importantly – the prostate volume. Also, three applications are carried out: guidelines for the number of cores as a function of prostate volume, decision rules for insignificant versus significant CaP using number of positive cores, and, using prior distributions on total tumor size, Bayesian posterior probabilities for insignificant CaP and posterior median CaP. The model‐based results have generality of application, take prostate volume into account, and provide attractive tradeoffs of specificity versus sensitivity. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The “expert patient” approach for non‐communicable disease management in low and middle income settings: When the reality confronts the rhetoric
Authors: Xiao Yue
Published: September 2015

This paper seeks to explore the relevance between the Western “expert patient” rhetoric and the reality of non‐communicable diseases (NCDs) control and management in low and middle income settings from the health sociological perspective. It firstly sets up a conceptual framework of the “expert patient” or the patient self‐management approach, showing the rhetoric of the initiative in the developed countries. Then by examining the situation of NCDs control and management in low income settings, the paper tries to evaluate the possibilities of implementing the “expert patient” approach in these countries. Kober and Van Damme's study on the relevance of the “expert patient” for an HIV/AIDS program in low income settings is critically studied to show the relevance of the developed countries' rhetoric of the “expert patient” approach for the reality of developing countries. In addition, the MoPoTsyo diabetes peer educator program is analyzed to show the challenges faced by the low income countries in implementing patient self‐management programs. Finally, applications of the expert patient approach in China are discussed as well, to remind us of the possible difficulties in introducing it into rural settings.
Ultrasound‐Guided, Percutaneous Needle Fascial Fenestration for the Treatment of Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Finnoff Jonathan T. , Rajasekaran Sathish
Published: September 2015

Chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) involves a painful increase in compartment pressure caused by exercise and relieved by rest. The most common site for CECS in the lower extremity is the anterior leg compartment. We report a case of a collegiate athlete with bilateral anterior and lateral leg compartment CECS who was successfully treated with an ultrasound‐guided, percutaneous needle fascial fenestration of the affected compartments in both legs and was able to return to full, unrestricted activity within 1 week of the procedure. This case highlights the potential application of this procedure for the treatment of anterior and lateral leg CECS.
W.T. Harris, Peirce, and the Charge of Nominalism
Authors: Agler David W. , Stango Marco
Published: September 2015

While a number of classical pragmatists crafted their philosophies in conjunction with a careful study of Hegel's works, others saw their philosophies emerge in antagonism with proponents of Hegel. In this paper, we offer an instance of the latter case. Namely, we show that the impetus for Charles S. Peirce's early articulation and avowal of realism (the claim that some generals are real) was William Torrey Harris's claim that the formal laws of logic lacked universal validity. According to Harris, the leading representative of Hegelism in the United States, the universal validity of the laws of logic rested on a nominalistic metaphysics that a Hegelian-realism showed to be false. In response to this charge, we articulate how Peirce's attempt to prove the universal validity of the laws of logic resulted in avowing a realism that differed from both nominalism and Harris's Hegelian-realism.
Pluralism and Dialectic: On James's Relation to Hegel
Authors: Schultz Lucy Christine
Published: September 2015

In this paper James's pluralism is examined in light of his critiques of ‘intellectualism’ and monistic idealism in order to elucidate his relationship to Hegel. Contrary to the strong anti-Hegelianism found throughout the writings of James, Hegel's dialectic and speculative logic are able to give a rational account of the continuity of objects and relations within experience that James struggled to articulate in A Pluralistic Universe. Neither James nor Hegel is an absolute pluralist or monist due to the interdependence of the concepts of unity and plurality, aptly described by Hegel in his Logic, and alluded to by James in various places throughout his work. Thus, the ambiguity of the nature of James's pluralism previously noted by scholars is explained, and the relevance of Hegel and dialectic for pragmatist theory is elucidated.
ON ALGEBRAIC INVARIANTS FOR FREE ACTIONS ON HOMOTOPY SPHERES
Authors: JO JANG HYUN
Published: September 2015

We investigate conjectures and questions regarding topological phenomena related to free actions on homotopy spheres and present some affirmative answers.
FIXED POINTS THEOREMS FOR GENERALISED WEAKLY CONTRACTIVE MAPPINGS
Authors: XUE ZHIQUN
Published: September 2015

In this paper, we establish a convergence theorem for fixed points of generalised weak contractions in complete metric spaces under some new control conditions on the functions. An illustrative example of a generalised weak contraction is discussed to show how the new conditions extend known results.
A randomised trial of a medium-chain TAG diet as treatment for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy
Authors: Law Tsz Hong , Davies Emma S. S. , Pan Yuanlong , Zanghi Brian , Want Elizabeth , Volk Holger A.
Published: September 2015

Despite appropriate antiepileptic drug treatment, approximately one-third of humans and dogs with epilepsy continue experiencing seizures, emphasising the importance for new treatment strategies to improve the quality of life of people or dogs with epilepsy. A 6-month prospective, randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled cross-over dietary trial was designed to compare a ketogenic medium-chain TAG diet (MCTD) with a standardised placebo diet in chronically antiepileptic drug-treated dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. Dogs were fed either MCTD or placebo diet for 3 months followed by a subsequent respective switch of diet for a further 3 months. Seizure frequency, clinical and laboratory data were collected and evaluated for twenty-one dogs completing the study. Seizure frequency was significantly lower when dogs were fed the MCTD (2·31/month, 0–9·89/month) in comparison with the placebo diet (2·67/month, 0·33–22·92/month,P=0·020); three dogs achieved seizure freedom, seven additional dogs had ≥50 % reduction in seizure frequency, five had an overall <50 % reduction in seizures (38·87 %, 35·68–43·27 %) and six showed no response. Seizure day frequency were also significantly lower when dogs were fed the MCTD (1·63/month, 0–7·58/month) in comparison with the placebo diet (1·69/month, 0·33–13·82/month,P=0·022). Consumption of the MCTD also resulted in significant elevation of bloodβ-hydroxybutyrate concentrations in comparison with placebo diet (0·041 (sd0·004)v.0·031 (sd0·016) mmol/l,P=0·028). There were no significant changes in serum concentrations of glucose (P=0·903), phenobarbital (P=0·422), potassium bromide (P=0·404) and weight (P=0·300) between diet groups. In conclusion, the data show antiepileptic properties associated with ketogenic diets and provide evidence for the efficacy of the MCTD used in this study as a therapeutic option for epilepsy treatment.
Determinants of parathyroid hormone response to vitamin D supplementation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Moslehi Nazanin , Shab-Bidar Sakineh , Mirmiran Parvin , Hosseinpanah Farhad , Azizi Fereidoun
Published: September 2015

This systematic review aimed to assess the determinants of the parathyroid hormone (PTH) level response to vitamin D supplementation. We searched Medline, Google Scholar and the reference lists of previous reviews. All randomised controlled trials (RCT) on vitamin D supplementation that involved apparently healthy human subjects with a report of PTH were selected. Potential studies were screened independently and in duplicate. Results are summarised as mean differences with 95 % confidence intervals. Quality assessment, subgroup analysis, meta-analysis and meta-regression analysis were carried out. Thirty-three vitamin D supplementation RCT were included. Vitamin D supplementation significantly raised circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) with significant heterogeneity among studies with a pooled mean difference (PMD) of 15.5 ng/ml (test for heterogeneity: P<0·001 and I2=97·3 %). Vitamin D supplementation significantly reduced PTH level with PMD of −8·0 pg/ml, with significant heterogeneity ((test for heterogeneity: P<0·001) and the I2 value was 97·3 %). In the subgroup analyses, the optimum treatment effect for PTH was observed with Ca doses of 600–1200 mg/d (−22·48 pg/ml), after the duration of a >12-month trial (−18·36 pg/ml), with low baseline 25(OH)D concentration of <20 ng/ml (−16·70 pg/ml) and in those who were overweight and obese (−18·11 pg/ml). Despite the present meta-analysis being hindered by some limitations, it provided some interesting evidence, suggesting that suppression of PTH level needs higher vitamin D intake (75 μg/d) than the current recommendations and longer durations (12 months), which should be taken into account for nutritional recommendations.
Pertussis immunity and epidemiology: mode and duration of vaccine-induced immunity
Authors: MAGPANTAY F. M. G. , DOMENECH DE CELLÈS M. , ROHANI P. , KING A. A.
Published: September 2015

The resurgence of pertussis in some countries that maintain high vaccination coverage has drawn attention to gaps in our understanding of the epidemiological effects of pertussis vaccines. In particular, major questions surround the nature, degree and durability of vaccine protection. To address these questions, we used mechanistic transmission models to examine regional time series incidence data from Italy in the period immediately following the introduction of acellular pertussis (aP) vaccine. Our results concur with recent animal-challenge experiments wherein infections in aP-vaccinated individuals proved as transmissible as those in naive individuals but much less symptomatic. On the other hand, the data provide evidence for vaccine-driven reduction in susceptibility, which we quantify via a synthetic measure of vaccine impact. As to the precise nature of vaccine failure, the data do not allow us to distinguish between leakiness and waning of vaccine immunity, or some combination of these. Across the range of well-supported models, the nature and duration of vaccine protection, the age profile of incidence and the range of projected epidemiological futures differ substantially, underscoring the importance of the remaining unknowns. We identify key data gaps: sources of data that can supply the information needed to eliminate these remaining uncertainties.
BRF1, a subunit of RNA polymerase III transcription factor TFIIIB, is essential for cell growth ofTrypanosoma brucei
Authors: VÉLEZ-RAMÍREZ D. E. , FLORENCIO-MARTÍNEZ L. E. , ROMERO-MEZA G. , ROJAS-SÁNCHEZ S. , MORENO-CAMPOS R. , ARROYO R. , ORTEGA-LÓPEZ J. , MANNING-CELA R. , MARTÍNEZ-CALVILLO S.
Published: September 2015

RNA polymerase III (Pol III) synthesizes small RNA molecules that are essential for cell viability. Accurate initiation of transcription by Pol III requires general transcription factor TFIIIB, which is composed of three subunits: TFIIB-related factor BRF1, TATA-binding protein and BDP1. Here we report the molecular characterization of BRF1 inTrypanosoma brucei(TbBRF1), a parasitic protozoa that shows distinctive transcription characteristics.In silicoanalysis allowed the detection in TbBRF1 of the three conserved domains located in the N-terminal region of all BRF1 orthologues, namely a zinc ribbon motif and two cyclin repeats. Homology modelling suggested that, similarly to other BRF1 and TFIIB proteins, the TbBRF1 cyclin repeats show the characteristic structure of fiveα-helices per repeat, connected by a short random-coiled linker. As expected for a transcription factor, TbBRF1 was localized in the nucleus. Knock-down of TbBRF1 by RNA interference (RNAi) showed that this protein is essential for the viability of procyclic forms ofT. brucei, since ablation of TbBRF1 led to growth arrest of the parasites. Nuclear run-on and quantitative real-time PCR analyses demonstrated that transcription of all the Pol III-dependent genes analysed was reduced, at different levels, after RNAi induction.
EXPLORING MOBILITY PATTERNS AND BIOLOGICAL AFFINITIES IN THE SOUTHERN AEGEAN: FIRST INSIGHTS FROM EARLY BRONZE AGE EASTERN CRETE
Authors: Triantaphyllou Sevi , Nikita Efthymia , Kador Thomas
Published: September 2015

This paper presents the results of a pilot project which combines, for the first time, biodistance and strontium isotope analyses in the study of human skeletal remains from Early Bronze Age Crete (third millennium bc). Information from these analyses offers, in a direct way, insights into the biological distance, and consequently the gene flow and mobility patterns, among human populations in eastern Crete. The results are synthesised with the evidence of funerary practices in order to explore the nature of interaction among communities in eastern Crete. The biodistance analysis supports a strong genetic affinity between the populations represented at the two Kephala Petras skeletal assemblages, while the results of the available strontium isotope analysis favour their local origin; thus the combined results suggest the lack of significant population influx. The biological distance of the two chronologically contemporary populations at Livari-Skiadi, also manifesting completely different patterns of mortuary disposal, is of particular interest since it contrasts with the Petras situation and raises issues of intra-community distinctions, cultural and biological.
Resilience and psychiatric epidemiology: Implications for a conceptual framework
Authors: Boden Joseph M. , McLeod Geraldine F. H.
Published: September 2015

Kalisch and colleagues present a conceptual framework for the study of resilience, using a neurobiological approach. The present commentary examines issues arising for the study of resilience from epidemiological data, which suggest that resilience is most likely a normative function that may operate as a kind of psychological immune system. The implications of the epidemiological data on the development of a neurobiological theory of resilience are discussed.
Resilience: Mediated by not one but many appraisal mechanisms
Authors: Juslin Patrik N.
Published: September 2015

Kalisch et al. discuss the causal process underlying stress in terms of a multidimensional goal-appraisal process, but there are several mechanisms at various levels of the brain that use different types of information to guide behavior. Depending on the mechanism, the characteristics of the process are different. Hence, both research and prevention must deal with appraisal in mechanism-specific ways.
Resilience is more about being flexible than about staying positive
Authors: Koole Sander L. , Schwager Susanne , Rothermund Klaus
Published: September 2015

Kalisch et al. propose a positive appraisal style as the key mechanism that underlies resilience. The present authors suggest that flexibility in emotion processing is more conducive to resilience than a general positivity bias. People may achieve emotional flexibility through counter-regulation – a dynamic processing bias toward positive stimuli in negative contexts and negative stimuli in positive contexts.
Integration of negative experiences: A neuropsychological framework for human resilience
Authors: Quirin Markus , Kent Martha , Boksem Maarten A. S. , Tops Mattie
Published: September 2015

We propose that the fundamental mechanism underlying resilience is the integration of novel or negative experiences into internal schemata. This process requires a switch from reactive to predictive control modes, from the brain's salience network to the default mode network. Reappraisal, among other mechanisms, is suggested to facilitate this process.
Stability through variability: Homeostatic plasticity and psychological resilience
Authors: Schutter Dennis J. L. G. , Wischnewski Miles , Bekkering Harold
Published: September 2015

According to Kalisch et al., adopting a cognitive positive appraisal style promotes internal bodily homeostasis and acts as a safeguard against the detrimental effects of stress. Here we will discuss results from recent noninvasive brain stimulation studies in humans to illustrate that homeostatic plasticity provides a neural mechanistic account for the positive appraisal style theory of resilience.
Reappraisal and resilience to stress: Context must be considered
Authors: Troy Allison S.
Published: September 2015

Kalisch et al. propose that positive reappraisal constitutes a resilience mechanism for highly stressed individuals. Both empirical and theoretical accounts suggest that this claim is too simplistic – the relationship between reappraisal and resilience depends on context. Indeed, there may be contexts in which reappraisal leads to harm, not resilience. Future research should examine multiple regulatory processes as well as context.
Do we know how stressed we are?
Authors: Washington Natalia
Published: September 2015

I take issue with Kalisch et al.'s formulation of PASTOR, arguing that care must be taken in understanding what is meant by “appraisal.” I examine the implications of PASTOR given two competing possibilities for what counts as an appraisal – first, if appraisal is restricted to conscious reflection on one's circumstances, and second, if appraisal is expanded to include subconscious mechanisms of evaluation.
SOCIOLOGY AND THE THEORY OF DOUBLE CONSCIOUSNESS
Authors: Itzigsohn José , Brown Karida
Published: September 2015

In this paper we emphasize W. E. B. Du Bois’s relevance as a sociological theorist, an aspect of his work that has not received the attention it deserves. We focus specifically on the significance of Du Bois’s theory of Double Consciousness. This theory argues that in a racialized society there is no true communication or recognition between the racializing and the racialized. Furthermore, Du Bois’s theory of Double Consciousness puts racialization at the center of the analysis of self-formation, linking the macro structure of the racialized world with the lived experiences of racialized subjects. We develop our argument in two stages: The first section locates the theory of Double Consciousness within the field of classical sociological theories of the self. We show how the theory addresses gaps in the theorizing of self-formation of James, Mead, and Cooley. The second section presents an analysis of how Du Bois deploys this theory in his phenomenological analysis of the African American experience. The conclusions point out how the theory of Double Consciousness is relevant to contemporary debates in sociological theory.
The composition of the zebrafish intestinal microbial community varies across development
Authors: Stephens W Zac , Burns Adam R , Stagaman Keaton , Wong Sandi , Rawls John F , Guillemin Karen , Bohannan Brendan J M
Published: September 2015

The assembly of resident microbial communities is an important event in animal development; however, the extent to which this process mirrors the developmental programs of host tissues is unknown. Here we surveyed the intestinal bacteria at key developmental time points in a sibling group of 135 individuals of a model vertebrate, the zebrafish (Danio rerio). Our survey revealed stage-specific signatures in the intestinal microbiota and extensive interindividual variation, even within the same developmental stage. Microbial community shifts were apparent during periods of constant diet and environmental conditions, as well as in concert with dietary and environmental change. Interindividual variation in the intestinal microbiota increased with age, as did the difference between the intestinal microbiota and microbes in the surrounding environment. Our results indicate that zebrafish intestinal microbiota assemble into distinct communities throughout development, and that these communities are increasingly different from the surrounding environment and from one another.
Spinal corollary discharge modulates motion sensing during vertebrate locomotion
Authors: Chagnaud Boris P. , Banchi Roberto , Simmers John , Straka Hans
Published: September 2015

During active movements, neural replicas of the underlying motor commands may assist in adapting motion-detecting sensory systems to an animal’s own behaviour. The transmission of such motor efference copies to the mechanosensory periphery offers a potential predictive substrate for diminishing sensory responsiveness to self-motion during vertebrate locomotion. Here, using semi-isolated in vitro preparations of larval Xenopus, we demonstrate that shared efferent neural pathways to hair cells of vestibular endorgans and lateral line neuromasts express cyclic impulse bursts during swimming that are directly driven by spinal locomotor circuitry. Despite common efferent innervation and discharge patterns, afferent signal encoding at the two mechanosensory peripheries is influenced differentially by efference copy signals, reflecting the different organization of body/water motion-detecting processes in the vestibular and lateral line systems. The resultant overall gain reduction in sensory signal encoding in both cases, which likely prevents overstimulation, constitutes an adjustment to increased stimulus magnitudes during locomotion.
Effect of Ag nanoparticle concentration on the electrical and ferroelectric properties of Ag/P(VDF-TrFE) composite films
Authors: Paik Haemin , Choi Yoon-Young , Hong Seungbum , No Kwangsoo
Published: September 2015

We investigated the effect of the Ag nanoparticles on the ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties of Ag/poly(vinylidenefluoride-trifluoroethylene) (P(VDF-TrFE)) composite films. We found that the remanent polarization and direct piezoelectric coefficient increased up to 12.14 μC/cm2 and 20.23 pC/N when the Ag concentration increased up to 0.005 volume percent (v%) and decreased down to 9.38 μC/cm2 and 13.45 pC/N when it increased up to 0.01 v%. Further increase in Ag concentration resulted in precipitation of Ag phase and significant leakage current that hindered any meaningful measurement of the ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties. 46% increase of the remanent polarization value and 27% increase of the direct piezoelectric coefficient were observed in the film with the 0.005 v% of the Ag nanoparticles added without significant changes to the crystalline structure confirmed by both X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) experiments. These enhancements of both the ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties are attributed to the increase in the effective electric field induced by the reduction in the effective volume of P(VDF-TrFE) that results in more aligned dipoles.
A protein with simultaneous capsid scaffolding and dsRNA-binding activities enhances the birnavirus capsid mechanical stability
Authors: Mertens Johann , Casado Santiago , Mata Carlos P. , Hernando-Pérez Mercedes , de Pablo Pedro J. , Carrascosa José L. , Castón José R.
Published: September 2015

Viral capsids are metastable structures that perform many essential processes; they also act as robust cages during the extracellular phase. Viruses can use multifunctional proteins to optimize resources (e.g., VP3 in avian infectious bursal disease virus, IBDV). The IBDV genome is organized as ribonucleoproteins (RNP) of dsRNA with VP3, which also acts as a scaffold during capsid assembly. We characterized mechanical properties of IBDV populations with different RNP content (ranging from none to four RNP). The IBDV population with the greatest RNP number (and best fitness) showed greatest capsid rigidity. When bound to dsRNA, VP3 reinforces virus stiffness. These contacts involve interactions with capsid structural subunits that differ from the initial interactions during capsid assembly. Our results suggest that RNP dimers are the basic stabilization units of the virion, provide better understanding of multifunctional proteins and highlight the duality of RNP as capsid-stabilizing and genetic information platforms.
Copper induced oxidative stresses, antioxidant responses and phytoremediation potential of Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens)
Authors: Chen Junren , Shafi Mohammad , Li Song , Wang Ying , Wu Jiasen , Ye Zhengqian , Peng Danli , Yan Wenbo , Liu Dan
Published: September 2015

Moso bamboo is recognized as phytoremediation plant due to production of huge biomass and high tolerance in stressed environment. Hydroponics and pot experiments were conducted to investigate mechanism of copper tolerance and to evaluate copper accumulation capacity of Moso bamboo. In hydroponics experiment there was non significant variation in MDA contents of leaves compared with control. SOD and POD initially indicated enhancing trend with application of 5 μM Cu and then decreased consistently with application of 25 and 100 μM Cu. Application of each additional increment of copper have constantly enhanced proline contents while maximum increase of proline was observed with application of 100 μM copper. In pot experiment chlorophyll and biomass initially showed increasing tendency and decreased gradually with application of each additional increment of Cu. Normal growth of Moso bamboo was observed with application of 100 mg kg−1 copper. However, additional application of 300 or 600 mg kg−1 copper had significantly inhibited growth of Moso bamboo. The concentration of Cu in Moso bamboo has attained the levels of 340, 60, 23 mg kg−1 in roots, stems and leaves respectively. The vacuoles were the main organs which accumulated copper and reduced toxicity of copper as studied by TEM-DEX technology.