bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proteomic Analysis Reveals That Metabolic Flows Affect the Susceptibility of Aeromonas hydrophila to Antibiotics
Authors: Yao Zujie , Li Wanxin , Lin Yi , Wu Qian , Yu Feifei , Lin Wenxiong , Lin Xiangmin
Published: December 2016

The overuse of antibiotics results in the development of antibiotic resistance and limits the useful life of these drugs in fighting bacteria, including Aeromonas hydrophila, a well-known opportunistic pathogen that causes serious infections in fish and other animals. In this study, we investigated the adaptive resistance mechanism in A. hydrophila by multiple proteomic methods. Dimethyl labeling and label-free methods were performed to compare the differential expression of proteins in response to various doses of oxytetracycline (OXY). The results point to the conclusions that, in response to OXY stress, translational processes increase the abundance of these proteins whereas largely central metabolic pathways decrease their abundance. To confirm our hypothesis, various exogenous metabolites were compounded with OXY, and the resulting survival capabilities were measured. Results show that 7 metabolites (malic acid, serine, methionine, etc.) significantly decreased the survival capabilities of A. hydrophila in the presence of OXY, whereas 4 metabolites (arginine, lysine, tyrosine, etc.) did the opposite. Further investigation suggests that a compound comprising exogenous metabolites in combination with various antibiotics could have a significant bactericidal effect and might come into widespread use, especially together with tetracycline antibiotics. These findings may provide new clues to the antimicrobial treatment of A. hydrophila infection.
Anti-melanoma activity of Forsythiae Fructus aqueous extract in mice involves regulation of glycerophospholipid metabolisms by UPLC/Q-TOF MS-based metabolomics study
Authors: Bao Jiaolin , Liu Fang , Zhang Chao , Wang Kai , Jia Xuejing , Wang Xiaotong , Chen Meiwan , Li Peng , Su Huanxing , Wang Yitao , Wan Jian-Bo , He Chengwei
Published: December 2016

Metabolomics is a comprehensive assessment of endogenous metabolites of a biological system in a holistic context. In this study, we evaluated the in vivo anti-melanoma activity of aqueous extract of Forsythiae Fructus (FAE) and globally explored the serum metabolome characteristics of B16-F10 melanoma-bearing mice. UPLC/Q-TOF MS combined with pattern recognition approaches were employed to examine the comprehensive metabolic signatures and differentiating metabolites. The results demonstrated that FAE exhibited remarkable antitumor activity against B16-F10 melanoma in C57BL/6 mice and restored the disturbed metabolic profile by tumor insult. We identified 17 metabolites which were correlated with the antitumor effect of FAE. Most of these metabolites are involved in glycerophospholipid metabolisms. Notably, several lysophosphatidylcholines (LysoPCs) significantly decreased in tumor model group, while FAE treatment restored the changes of these phospholipids to about normal condition. Moreover, we found that lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 1 (LPCAT1) and autotaxin (ATX) were highly expressed in melanoma, and FAE markedly down-regulated their expression. These findings indicated that modulation of glycerophospholipid metabolisms may play a pivotal role in the growth of melanoma and the antitumor activity of FAE. Besides, our results suggested that serum LysoPCs could be potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of melanoma and other malignant tumors.
Anatomically correct visualization of the human upper airway using a high-speed long range optical coherence tomography system with an integrated positioning sensor
Authors: Jing Joseph C. , Chou Lidek , Su Erica , Wong Brian J. F. , Chen Zhongping
Published: December 2016

The upper airway is a complex tissue structure that is prone to collapse. Current methods for studying airway obstruction are inadequate in safety, cost, or availability, such as CT or MRI, or only provide localized qualitative information such as flexible endoscopy. Long range optical coherence tomography (OCT) has been used to visualize the human airway in vivo, however the limited imaging range has prevented full delineation of the various shapes and sizes of the lumen. We present a new long range OCT system that integrates high speed imaging with a real-time position tracker to allow for the acquisition of an accurate 3D anatomical structure in vivo. The new system can achieve an imaging range of 30 mm at a frame rate of 200 Hz. The system is capable of generating a rapid and complete visualization and quantification of the airway, which can then be used in computational simulations to determine obstruction sites.
Hephaestin and ceruloplasmin facilitate iron metabolism in the mouse kidney
Authors: Jiang Bo , Liu Guohao , Zheng Jiashuo , Chen Mengxia , Maimaitiming Zaitunamu , Chen Min , Liu Shunli , Jiang Ruiwei , Fuqua Brie K. , Dunaief Joshua L. , Vulpe Chris D. , Anderson Gregory J. , Wang Hongwei , Chen Huijun
Published: December 2016

Multicopper ferroxidases (MCFs) play an important role in cellular iron homeostasis. However, the role of MCFs in renal metabolism remains unclear. We used Hephaestin (Heph) and Ceruloplasmin (Cp) single or double (Heph/Cp) knockout (KO) mice to study the roles of MCFs in the kidney. Renal iron levels and the expression of iron metabolism genes were examined. The non-heme iron content both in the renal cortex and medulla of Heph/Cp KO mice was significantly increased. Perls’ Prussian blue staining showed iron accumulation on the apical side of renal tubular cells in Heph/Cp KO mice. A significant increase in ferritin protein expression was also observed in the renal medulla and cortex of Heph/Cp KO mice. Both DMT1 and TfR1 protein expression were significantly decreased in the renal medulla of Heph/Cp KO mice, while the expression of DMT1 protein was significantly increased in the renal cortex of these animals. Significant increase in proteinuria and total urinary iron was observed in the double knockout mice, and this was associated with compromised structural integrity. These results suggest that KO of both the HEPH and CP genes leads to kidney iron deposition and toxicity, MCFs could protect kidney against a damage from iron excess.
Periodic fluctuation of reference evapotranspiration during the past five decades: Does Evaporation Paradox really exist in China?
Authors: Xing Wanqiu , Wang Weiguang , Shao Quanxi , Yu Zhongbo , Yang Tao , Fu Jianyu
Published: December 2016

Evidence that the pan evaporation or reference evapotranspiration (ET0) as the indicator of atmospheric evaporation capability have decreased along with the continuous increase in temperature over the past decades (coined as “evaporation paradox”) has been reported worldwide. Here, we provide a nationwide investigation of spatiotemporal change of ET0 using meteorological data from 602 stations with the updated data (1961–2011). In addition, we explore the trigger mechanism by quantitative assessment on the contribution of climatic factors to ET0 change based on a differential equation method. In despite of different shift points regionally, our results suggest that the ET0 generally present decadal variations rather than monotonic response to climate change reported in previous studies. The significant decrease in net radiation dominate the decrease in ET0 before early 1990s in southern regions, while observed near-surface wind speed is the primary contributor to the variations of ET0 for the rest regions during the same periods. The enhancements of atmospheric evaporation capability after early 1990s are driven primarily by recent relative humidity limitation in China. From a continental scale view, as highly correlating with to Pacific Decadal Oscillation, the shift behaviors of ET0 is likely an episodic phenomenon of the ocean-atmosphere interaction in earth.
Noninvasive photothermal cancer therapy nanoplatforms via integrating nanomaterials and functional polymers
Authors: Ban Qingfu , Bai Ting , Duan Xiao , Kong Jie
Published: December 2016

In the cutting-edge field of cancer therapy, noninvasive photothermal therapy (PTT) has received great attention because it is considered to overcome the drawbacks of conventional surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy of severe body injuries and side effects on the immune system.
Defective graphitic carbon nitride synthesized by controllable co-polymerization with enhanced visible light photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Zhang Mei , Duan Yanyan , Jia Hanzhong , Wang Fu , Wang Lan , Su Zhi , Wang Chuanyi
Published: December 2016

Schematic illustration of modified g-C3N4for visible-light photocatalytic water splitting to hydrogen. The CN-DPT shows remarkably enhanced hydrogen evolution performance.
Upregulation of caveolin-1 by mulberry leaf extract and its major components, chlorogenic acid derivatives, attenuates alcoholic steatohepatitis via inhibition of oxidative stress
Authors: Lee Yi-Ju , Hsu Jeng-Dong , Lin Wea-Lung , Kao Shao-Hsuan , Wang Chau-Jong
Published: December 2016

Excessive alcohol uptake exerts hepatocellular toxicity, ultimately leading to multiple liver diseases such as steatohepatitis and liver cirrhosis.
Green Chemistry in 2017
Authors: Jessop Philip , Leitner Walter
Published: December 2016

Walter Leitner, who retires as Chair of the Editorial Board, and Philip Jessop, the new Chair, share their thoughts on Green Chemistry and the field at this time.
Ambipolar tetrafluorodiphenylethene-based donor–acceptor copolymers: synthesis, properties, backbone conformation and fluorine-induced conformational locks
Authors: Zhang Weifeng , Mao Zupan , Chen Zhihui , Huang Jianyao , Wei Congyuan , Gao Dong , Lin Zuzhang , Li Hao , Wang Liping , Yu Gui
Published: December 2016

Tetrafluorodiphenylethene-based donor–acceptor copolymers with multiple conformational locks exhibit excellent ambipolar charge carrier transport characteristics.
Aqueous MCRs of quaternary ammoniums, N-substituted formamides and sodium disulfide towards aryl thioamides
Authors: Zhou Zhou , Yu Jin-Tao , Zhou Yongnan , Jiang Yan , Cheng Jiang
Published: December 2016

A three-component reaction of quaternary ammonium salts, N-substituted formamides and aqueous sodium disulfide was developed, leading to aryl/heteroaryl thioamides in moderate to good yields with good functional group compatibility.
Protein-based fluorescent nanoparticles for super-resolution STED imaging of live cells
Authors: Shang Li , Gao Peng , Wang Haixia , Popescu Radian , Gerthsen Dagmar , Nienhaus Gerd Ulrich
Published: December 2016

Protein-based fluorescent nanoparticles with excellent biocompatibility, good colloidal stability and photostability have been synthesized as attractive markers for STED nanoscopy in biological imaging.
Solution-based synthesis and processing of Sn- and Bi-doped Cu3SbSe4nanocrystals, nanomaterials and ring-shaped thermoelectric generators
Authors: Liu Yu , García Gregorio , Ortega Silvia , Cadavid Doris , Palacios Pablo , Lu Jinyu , Ibáñez Maria , Xi Lili , De Roo Jonathan , López Antonio M. , Martí-Sánchez Sara , Cabezas Ignasi , Mata María de la , Luo Zhishan , Dun Chaochao , Dobrozhan Oleksandr , Carroll David L. , Zhang Wenqing , Martins José , Kovalenko Maksym V. , Arbiol Jordi , Noriega German , Song Jiming , Wahnón Perla , Cabot Andreu
Published: December 2016

Sn- and Bi-doped Cu3SbSe4-based thermoelectric devices.
Large CO2 uptake on a monolayer of CaO
Authors: Berdiyorov G. R. , Neek-Amal M. , Hussein I. A. , Madjet M. E. , Peeters F. M.
Published: December 2016

Density functional theory calculations are used to study gas adsorption properties of a recently synthesized CaO monolayer. Due to its topology and strong interaction with the CO2 molecules, this material possesses a remarkably high CO2 uptake capacity and is highly selective towards CO2 against other major greenhouse gases.
Microwave-assisted chemical insertion: a rapid technique for screening cathodes for Mg-ion batteries
Authors: Kaveevivitchai Watchareeya , Huq Ashfia , Manthiram Arumugam
Published: December 2016

An ultrafast microwave-assisted chemical insertion with magnesium acetate as the Mg-ion source and diethylene glycol as the reducing agent can be used to rapidly screen and identify potential hosts for Mg-ion batteries, without the necessity of fabricating electrodes and assembling electrochemical cells.
Significant light absorption enhancement by a single heterocyclic unit change in the π-bridge moiety from thieno[3,2-b]benzothiophene to thieno[3,2-b]indole for high performance dye-sensitized and tandem solar cells
Authors: Eom Yu Kyung , Kang Sung Ho , Choi In Taek , Yoo Youngjun , Kim Jeongho , Kim Hwan Kyu
Published: December 2016

Thieno[3,2-b]indole-based organic sensitizers were synthesized to enhance the light absorption ability and exhibited superior performance for dye-sensitized solar cells.
A brief introduction to the fabrication and synthesis of graphene based composites for the realization of electromagnetic absorbing materials
Authors: Lv Hualiang , Guo Yuhang , Yang Zhihong , Cheng Yan , Wang Luyuan Pual , Zhang Baoshan , Zhao Yue , Xu Zhichuan J. , Ji Guangbin
Published: December 2016

This review gives a brief introduction to graphene-based composites. Their synthesis methods and electromagnetic energy attenuation mechanisms are summarized in detail.
Color-tunable Ag-In-Zn-S quantum-dot light-emitting devices realizing green, yellow and amber emissions
Authors: Choi Dan Bi , Kim Sohee , Yoon Hee Chang , Ko Minji , Yang Heesun , Do Young Rag
Published: December 2016

In this study, we report the creation of heterostructured alloy core/shell Ag-In-Zn-S (AIZS)/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) by sequential core-forming, alloying and shelling processes and the fabrication of color-tunable QD light-emitting diodes (QLEDs) with a standard device architecture.
Supporting Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Families in Early Intervention
Authors: Peredo Tatiana Nogueira
Published: December 2016

This report examines two central themes of providing family-centered early intervention services to culturally and linguistically diverse families, including: (a) viewing home language use as a family strength, and (b) learning about family culture and values to provide appropriate caregiver training. Challenges to embedding home language and culture in early intervention are discussed. The importance of supporting home language and how to systematically do so in intervention is explained. The Family Values and Activities Interview, an ethnographic interview, can be used to learn about family culture, values, and activities, and plan for intervention. A protocol of the Family Values and Activities Interview is included.
Contact mechanics for poroelastic, fluid-filled media, with application to cartilage
Authors: Persson B. N. J.
Published: December 2016

I study a simple contact mechanics model for a poroelastic, fluid-filled solid squeezed against a rigid, randomly rough substrate. I study how the fluid is squeezed out from the interface, and how the area of contact, and the average interfacial separation, change with time. I present numerical results relevant for a human cartilage. I show that for a fluid filled poroelastic solid the probability of cavitation (and the related wear as the cavities implode), and dynamical scraping (defined below and in Hutt and Persson, J. Chem. Phys. 144, 124903 (2016)), may be suppressed by fluid flow from the poroelastic solid into the (roughness induced) interfacial gap between the solids.
Double-layer buffer template to grow commensurate epitaxial BaBiO3 thin films
Authors: Lee Han Gyeol , Kim Yoonkoo , Hwang Sangwoon , Kim Gideok , Kang Tae Dong , Kim Minu , Kim Miyoung , Noh Tae Won
Published: December 2016

We propose a BaCeO3/BaZrO3 double-layer buffer template, grown on a SrTiO3 substrate, for epitaxial growth of a target oxide film with large lattice constants of over 4.1 Å. Lattice mismatch from the substrate was mostly accommodated for by a BaZrO3 arbitrating layer. Having an ideal in-plane lattice structure, BaCeO3 served as the main-buffer to grow the target material. We demonstrated commensurate epitaxy of BaBiO3 (BBO, a = 4.371 Å) utilizing the new buffer template. Our results can be applied to heteroepitaxy and strain engineering of novel oxide materials of sizable lattice constants.
Interfacial stability and self-similar rupture of evaporating liquid layers under vapor recoil
Authors: Wei Tao , Duan Fei
Published: December 2016

We investigate interfacial stability of an evaporating viscous liquid layer above/below a horizontal heated substrate in the framework of a long-wave model that accounts for surface tension, positive/negative gravity, and evaporation effects of mass loss and vapor recoil. With the time-dependent linear stability analysis, it is found that the interface instability is enhanced by vapor recoil with time using an effective growth rate. The destabilizing mechanism of vapor thrust competes with the stabilizing surface tension, and the effects of the latter are not asymptotically negligible near rupture, reflected by a rescaled effective interfacial pressure. A two-dimensional nonlinear evolution is investigated for the quasi-equilibrium evaporating layers with different evaporative conditions for Rayleigh–Taylor unstable and sessile layers. For weak mass loss and strong vapor recoil, the well-defined capillary ridges emerge around a deepening narrow valley with increasing wavelength under a positive gravity, while, on the basis of initial condition, main and secondary droplets are either coalesced partially or separated by a sharp dry-out point under a negative gravity. The rupture location depends strongly on the characteristics of a given initial condition, except for the random perturbation. For both the cases, an increase in the modified evaporation number tends to reduce the rupture time tr and droplet thickness remarkably. Similarity analysis along with numerical strategy is presented for the final stage of touch-down dynamics, determined by a physical balance between the vapor recoil and capillary force. The evaporation-driven rupture with a significant vapor recoil and negligible mass loss is shown to contain a countably infinite number of similarity solutions whose horizontal and vertical length scales behave as (tr − t)1/2 and (tr − t)1/3. The first similarity solution represents a stable single-point rupture.
The Stratonovich formulation of quantum feedback network rules
Authors: Gough John E.
Published: December 2016

We express the rules for forming quantum feedback networks using the Stratonovich form of quantum stochastic calculus rather than the Itō or SLH (J. E. Gough and M. R. James, “Quantum feedback networks: Hamiltonian formulation,” Commun. Math. Phys. 287, 1109 (2009), J. E. Gough and M. R. James, “The Series product and its application to quantum feedforward and feedback networks,” IEEE Trans. Autom. Control 54, 2530 (2009)) form. Remarkably the feedback reduction rule implies that we obtain the Schur complement of the matrix of Stratonovich coupling operators where we short out the internal input/output coefficients.
Microwave emission power exceeding 10 μW in spin torque vortex oscillator
Authors: Tsunegi Sumito , Yakushiji Kay , Fukushima Akio , Yuasa Shinji , Kubota Hitoshi
Published: December 2016

We fabricated vortex-type spin-torque oscillators (STOs) with optimized structures to enhance the microwave emission power. Inserting a thin Co70Fe30 layer between the MgO tunnel barrier and Fe-B free layer of the STOs resulted in the magnetoresistance ratio up to 190% with a resistance area (RA) value of 4.1 Ω μm2, which contributed to a large enhancement of the emission power. The optimized STO exhibited the emission power of 10.1 μW, which is the highest power from a single STO reported to date, with excellent frequency stability (fSTO/Δf = 2000 with the timing jitter of 12 ps). The results suggest that the vortex-STOs are promising candidates for next generation microwave generators.
A cell sorting and trapping microfluidic device with an interdigital channel
Authors: Tu Jing , Qiao Yi , Xu Minghua , Li Junji , Liang Fupeng , Duan Mengqin , Ju An , Lu Zuhong
Published: December 2016

The growing interest in cell sorting and trapping is driving the demand for high performance technologies. Using labeling techniques or external forces, cells can be identified by a series of methods. However, all of these methods require complicated systems with expensive devices. Based on inherent differences in cellular morphology, cells can be sorted by specific structures in microfluidic devices. The weir filter is a basic and efficient cell sorting and trapping structure. However, in some existing weir devices, because of cell deformability and high flow velocity in gaps, trapped cells may become stuck or even pass through the gaps. Here, we designed and fabricated a microfluidic device with interdigital channels for cell sorting and trapping. The chip consisted of a sheet of silicone elastomer polydimethylsiloxane and a sheet of glass. A square-wave-like weir was designed in the middle of the channel, comprising the interdigital channels. The square-wave pattern extended the weir length by three times with the channel width remaining constant. Compared with a straight weir, this structure exhibited a notably higher trapping capacity. Interdigital channels provided more space to slow down the rate of the pressure decrease, which prevented the cells from becoming stuck in the gaps. Sorting a mixture K562 and blood cells to trap cells demonstrated the efficiency of the chip with the interdigital channel to sort and trap large and less deformable cells. With stable and efficient cell sorting and trapping abilities, the chip with an interdigital channel may be widely applied in scientific research fields.
Chopping down the syntax tree
Authors: van Trijp Remi
Published: December 2016

Word order, argument structure and unbounded dependencies are among the most important topics in linguistics because they touch upon the core of the syntax-semantics interface. One question is whether “marked” word order patterns, such as The man I talked to vs. I talked to the man, require special treatment by the grammar or not. Mainstream linguistics answers this question affirmatively: in the marked order, some mechanism is necessary for “extracting” the man from its original argument position, and a special placement rule (e.g. topicalization) is needed for putting the constituent in clause-preceding position. This paper takes an opposing view and argues that such formal complexity is only required for analyses that are based on syntactic trees. A tree is a rigid data structure that only allows information to be shared between local nodes, hence it is inadequate for non-local dependencies and can only allow restricted word order variations. A construction, on the other hand, offers a more powerful representation device that allows word order variations – even unbounded dependencies – to be analyzed as the side-effect of how language users combine the same rules in different ways in order to satisfy their communicative needs. This claim is substantiated through a computational implementation of English argument structure constructions in Fluid Construction Grammar that can handle both comprehension and formulation.
Unidirectionality as a cycle of convention and innovation
Authors: Petré Peter
Published: December 2016

The present study combines recent interest on the impact of unconventional individual language use on grammar change (Petré and Van de Velde 2014, De Smet 2016) with research on how
conventional grammar impacts on language users. To better understand their interplay, I will zoom in on the interaction of unconventional
and conventional behaviour of individuals in the developments of [be Ving] and [be

going
to|go

to INF]. Apart from enhancing our understanding of the long-term effects of the urge to be
expressive, an important outcome of the analysis will be that it is precisely the way in which the spiral of the conventional leads to the
unconventional to the conventional again, which may help explain the phenomenon of unidirectionality in language change.
A gentle introduction to the minimal Naming Game
Authors: Baronchelli Andrea
Published: December 2016

Social conventions govern countless behaviors all of us engage in every day, from how we greet each other to the languages we speak. But how can shared conventions emerge spontaneously in the absence of a central coordinating authority? The Naming Game model shows that networks of locally interacting individuals can spontaneously self-organize to produce global coordination. Here, we provide a gentle introduction to the main features of the model, from the dynamics observed in homogeneously mixing populations to the role played by more complex social networks, and to how slight modifications of the basic interaction rules give origin to a richer phenomenology in which more conventions can co-exist indefinitely.
The evolution of Lexical Usage Profiles in social networks
Authors: Schaden Gerhard
Published: December 2016

This paper investigates how network structure influences the outcomes of reinforcement learning in a series of multi-agent simulations. Its basic results are the following: (i) contact between agents in networks creates similarity in the usage patterns of the signals these agents use; (ii) in case of complete networks, the bigger the network, the smaller the lexical differentiation; and (iii) in networks consisting of linked cliques, the distance between usage patterns reflects on average the structure of the network.
Observations of Channel Change from Constructed Wood Jams on a Forested Gravel‐Bed Stream
Authors: Flannery Joel , Stubblefield Andrew , Fiori Rocco , Shea Conor
Published: December 2016

Salmonids in the Pacific Northwest face a number of threats: habit degradation, loss of habitat, overharvest, competition from hatchery fish, dams, and climate change. Wood has been shown to play a key role in many aspects of stream habitat quality; however, it is in low supply in many Pacific Northwest streams because of wood removal and timber harvest practices in riparian zones. Wood placement for restoration has the potential to benefit salmonid populations. However, common applications often fall short of producing the physical changes necessary to achieve the objectives, such as the formation of deep pools and cover. This study evaluated the hypothesis that wood jams constructed with whole‐tree materials, high wood piece counts, and high wood volumes would be effective at creating instream geomorphic complexity, function, and aquatic habitat quality. Results were based on an evaluation of changes to surface sediment textures and channel morphology at eight constructed wood jams built with varying complexity, wood volumes, and whole‐tree materials, including large‐diameter trees with an attached rootwad, logs, and branches. We found that complex wood jams created statistically significant changes that include increasing percentage pool cover, increasing scour pool habitat, and sorting and metering gravel, resulting in an increase in the proportion of the stream bed composed of gravels appropriately sized for local species of spawning salmonids, increased habitat heterogeneity, and increased gradient and channel width.

Received May 27, 2016; accepted September 1, 2016 Published online December 16, 2016
Economic crisis and the crisis of national identity in Slovenia: toward a new notion of social order
Authors: Perković Ana Ješe , Učakar Tjaša
Published: December 2016

This paper addresses the influence of the economic crisis on national identity in Slovenia. It first analyzes the creation of the contemporary national identity following independence in 1991 that was established in relation to a negatively perceived Balkan identity, which represented “the Other,” and in relation to a “superior” European identity that Slovenia aspired to. With the economic crisis, the dark corners of Slovenia's “successful” post-socialist transition to democracy came to light. Massive layoffs of workers and the bankruptcies of once-solid companies engendered disdain for the political elites and sympathy for marginalized groups. The public blamed the elites for the country's social and economic backsliding, and massive public protests arose in 2012. The aftermath of the protests was a growing need among the people for a new social paradigm toward solidarity. We show that in Slovenia the times of crisis were not times of growing nationalism and exclusion as social theory presupposes but, quite the contrary, they were times of growing solidarity among citizens and with the “Balkan Other.”
Statistics versus livelihoods: questioning Rwanda’s pathway out of poverty
Authors: Ansoms An , Marijnen Esther , Cioffo Giuseppe , Murison Jude
Published: December 2016

Recent statistics indicate that poverty in Rwanda decreased impressively between 2006 and 2014. This seems to confirm Rwanda’s developmental progress. This article however argues for a more cautious interpretation of household survey data. The authors contrast macro-level statistical analysis with in-depth field research on livelihood conditions. Macro-economic numbers provide interesting information, however differentiated evidence is required to understand how poverty ‘works’ in everyday life. On the basis of the Rwandan case study, the authors conclude that because of the high political stakes of data collection and analysis, and given that relations of power influence the production of knowledge on poverty, cross-checking is crucial.
Non-O1/non-O139 Vibrio cholerae septicaemia in a Saudi man: a case report
Authors: Kaki Reham , El-Hossary Dalia , Jiman-Fatani Asif , Al-Ghamdi Rahaf
Published: December 2016

Background. The non-O1/non-O139 serogroups of Vibrio cholerae occur in diverse natural niches, and usually cause mild and self-limiting gastrointestinal illness. However, they have well-documented potential to cause invasive and extra-intestinal infections among immunocompromised patients. Furthermore, their ability to grow in low-salinity surface water, and the existence of asymptomatic human carriers, suggest novel acquisition routes for this unusual infection, even in people without obvious risk factors.

Case presentation. A 62-year-old man presented with epigastric pain, vomiting and fever. The patient had a history of diabetes and cholecystectomy, although our initial examination did not reveal any significant findings that might indicate V. cholerae infection. However, blood cultures subsequently revealed the presence of V. cholerae, which was positively identified using both conventional and modern non-conventional technologies. The identity of the V. cholerae isolate was confirmed using Vitek MS (matrix–assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight MS) and the FilmArray system, in addition to its initial identification using the Vitek 2 system. The septicaemia was successfully treated using a 14 day course of ciprofloxacin.

Conclusion. The present case highlights the need to remain highly suspicious of non-O1/non-O139 V. cholerae infections in patients with known risk factors, as well as in healthy individuals with epidemiological exposure and compatible clinical symptoms. Special care should be taken to avoid false-positive results from confirmatory laboratory tests, as the organism can grow in fresh water, and the results should be verified using multiple methods.
FerriTag: A Genetically-Encoded Inducible Tag for Correlative Light-Electron Microscopy
Authors: Clarke Nicholas I. , Royle Stephen J.
Published: December 2016

A current challenge is to develop tags to precisely visualize proteins in cells by light and electron microscopy. Here, we introduce FerriTag, a genetically-encoded chemically-inducible tag for correlative light-electron microscopy (CLEM). FerriTag is a fluorescent recombinant electron-dense ferritin particle that can be attached to a protein-of-interest using rapamycin-induced heterodimerization. We demonstrate the utility of FerriTag for CLEM by labeling proteins associated with various intracellular structures including mitochondria, plasma membrane, and clathrin-coated pits and vesicles. FerriTagging has a high signal-to-noise ratio and a labeling resolution of 10 ± 5 nm. We demonstrate how FerriTagging allows nanoscale mapping of protein location relative to a subcellular structure, and use it to detail the distribution of huntingtin-interacting protein 1 related (HIP1R) in clathrin-coated pits.
Systematic assessment of multi-gene predictors of pan-cancer cell line sensitivity to drugs exploiting gene expression data
Authors: Nguyen Linh C. , Dang Cuong C. , Ballester Pedro J.
Published: December 2016

Selected gene mutations are routinely used to guide the selection of cancer drugs for a given patient tumour. Large pharmacogenomic data sets were introduced to discover more of these single-gene markers of drug sensitivity. Very recently, machine learning regression has been used to investigate how well cancer cell line sensitivity to drugs is predicted depending on the type of molecular profile. The latter has revealed that gene expression data is the most predictive profile in the pan-cancer setting. However, no study to date has exploited GDSC data to systematically compare the performance of machine learning models based on multi-gene expression data against that of widely-used single-gene markers based on genomics data.

Here we present this systematic comparison using Random Forest (RF) classifiers exploiting the expression levels of 13,321 genes and an average of 501 tested cell lines per drug. To account for time-dependent batch effects in IC50measurements, we employ independent test sets generated with more recent GDSC data than that used to train the predictors and show that this is a more realistic validation than K-fold cross-validation. Across 127 GDSC drugs, our results show that the single-gene markers unveiled by the MANOVA analysis tend to achieve higher precision than these RF-based multi-gene models, at the cost of generally having a poor recall (i.e. correctly detecting only a small part of the cell lines sensitive to the drug). Regarding overall classification performance, about two thirds of the drugs are better predicted by multi-gene RF classifiers. Among the drugs with the most predictive of these models, we found pyrimethamine, sunitinib and 17-AAG.
Bunch-by-bunch position measurement and analysis at PLS-II
Authors: Lee Jaeyu , Chun M. H. , Kim G.-J. , Shin D.-C. , Kim D.-T. , Shin S.
Published: December 2016

A bunch-by-bunch measurement system has been developed at Pohang Light Source II. The system consists of a four-channel button pick-up, 20 GHz sampling oscilloscope and an 800 MHz low-pass digital filter. Upon measuring a bunch-by-bunch spatio-temporal beam motion matrix over many turns, singular-value decomposition analysis is used to reveal the dominant coupled-bunch modes. The system can diagnose injection oscillations due to kicker errors and the effect of resistive-wall impedance that gives rise to instability during operation.
Intelligent reasoning and management decision making with grey rough influence diagrams
Authors: Hu Haiqing , Liu Bingqiang , Shen Tao
Published: December 2016

Purpose

Influence diagrams (IDs) have been widely applied as a form of knowledge expression and a decision analysis tool in the management and engineering fields. Relationship measurements and expectation values are computed depending on probability distributions in traditional IDs, however, most information systems in the real world are nondeterministic, and data in information tables can be interval valued, multiple valued and even incomplete. Consequently, conventional numeric models of IDs are not suitable for information processing with respect to imprecise data whose boundaries are uncertain. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The grey system theory and rough sets have proved to be effective tools in the data processing of uncertain information systems, approximate knowledge acquisition and representation are also the objectives in intelligent reasoning and decision analysis. Hence, this study proposes a new mathematical model by combining grey rough sets with IDs, and approximate measurements are used instead of probability distribution, an implicational relationship is utilized instead of an indiscernible relationship, and all of the features of the proposed approach contribute to deal with uncertain problems.

Findings

The focus of this paper is to provide a more comprehensive framework for approximate knowledge representation and intelligent decision analysis in uncertain information systems and an example of decision support in product management systems with the new approach is illustrated.

Originality/value

Collaboration of IDs and grey rough sets is first proposed, which provides a new mathematical and graphical tool for approximate reasoning and intelligent decision analysis within interval-valued information systems.
Large-scale scene real-time infrared simulation based on texture blending
Authors: Wang Yuye , Zhang Guofeng , Hu Xiaoguang
Published: December 2016

Purpose

Infrared simulation plays an important role in small and affordable unmanned aerial vehicles. Its key and main goal is to get the infrared image of a specific target. Infrared physical model is established through a theoretical research, thus the temperature field is available. Then infrared image of a specific target can be simulated properly while taking atmosphere state and effect of infrared imaging system into account. For recent years, some research has been done in this field. Among them, the infrared simulation for large scale is still a key problem to be solved. In this passage, a method of classification based on texture blending is proposed and this method effectively solves the problem of classification of large number of images and increase the frame rate of large infrared scene rendering. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Mosart Atmospheric Tool (MAT) is used first to calculate data of sun radiance, skyshine radiance, path radiance, temperatures of different material which is an offline process. Then, shader in OGRE does final calculation to get simulation result and keeps a high frame rate. Considering this, the authors convert data in MAT file into textures which can be easily handled by shader. In shader responding, radiance can be indexed by information of material, vertex normal, eye and sun. Adding the effect of infrared imaging system, the final radiance distribution is obtained. At last, the authors get infrared scene by converting radiance to grayscale.

Findings

In the fragment shader, fake infrared textures are used to look up temperature which can calculate radiance of itself and related radiance.

Research limitations/implications

The radiance is transferred into grayscale image while considering effect of infrared imaging system.

Originality/value

Simulation results show that a high frame rate can be reached while guaranteeing the fidelity.
Scotland's Progressive Dilemma
Authors: Torrance David
Published: December 2016

Since the 1980s the Scottish National Party has presented its political project in progressive terms, but this created a twin dilemma: in order to achieve independence, the SNP needed to win political power, and in order to achieve political power it had to win an election, and orthodoxy dictated that winning elections in Scotland involved a centre‐left platform. But the two have often been in conflict, as is clear as the SNP approaches its tenth anniversary in devolved government and agitates for another referendum.
An optimized high quality male DNA extraction from spermatophores in open thelycum shrimp species
Authors: PLANELLA Laia , HERAS Sandra , VERA Manuel , GARCÍA‐MARÍN José‐Luis , ROLDÁN María Inés
Published: December 2016

The crucial step of most of the current genetic studies is the extraction of DNA of sufficient quantity and quality. Several genomic DNA isolation methods have been described to successfully obtain male DNA from shrimp species. However, all current protocols require invasive handling methods with males for DNA isolation. Using Aristeus antennatus as a model we tested a reliable non‐invasive differential DNA extraction method to male DNA isolation from spermatophores attached to female thelycum. The present protocol provides high quality and quantity DNA for polymerase chain reaction amplification and male genotyping. This new approach could be useful to experimental shrimp culture to select sires with relevant genetic patterns for selective breeding programs. More importantly, it can be applied to identify the mating pairs and male structure in wild populations of species as A. antennatus, where males are often difficult to capture. Our method could be also valuable for biological studies on other spermatophore‐using species, such as myriapods, arachnids and insects.
Improvement on Physical Properties of Pullulan Films by Novel Cross‐Linking Strategy
Authors: Chen Chieh‐Ting , Chen Kuan‐I , Chiang Hsin‐Han , Chen Yu‐Kuo , Cheng Kuan‐Chen
Published: December 2016

Pullulan based films possess several advantages, including high transparency, low toxicity, good biodegradability, good mechanical properties, and low oxygen permeability, are preferable for food packaging. The application of pullulan films on food packaging, however, has inherent disadvantage of high water solubility. In this study, glutaraldehyde and glycerol were used as the cross‐linking reagent and the plasticizer respectively to improve water resistance and physical properties of the pullulan films. Effects of cross‐linking degree on physical properties, including water absorptions, swelling behaviors, water vapor permeability and tensile strengths of films were evaluated. FTIR results demonstrated that the pullulan films were successfully cross‐linked by glutaraldehyde. The tensile strength of pullulan films could be enhanced significantly (P < 0.05) when glutaraldehyde was between 1% and 5% (w/w); nevertheless, the amount of glutaraldehyde above 20% (w/w) led to films brittleness. With the addition of glycerol as a plasticizer enhanced the extensibility of films as well as the hydrophilicity, resulting in higher water vapor permeability.
The role of spironolactone on myocardial oxidative stress in rat model of streptozotocin‐induced diabetes
Authors: Mayyas Fadia , Alzoubi Karem H. , Bonyan Ruwidah
Published: December 2016

Background

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is linked to cardiovascular diseases development and progression. Aldosterone contributes to cardiac oxidative stress and remodeling.

Aim

To evaluate the impact of spironolactone (an aldosterone antagonist) on markers of myocardial redox status in a rat model of streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced DM.

Method

Adult Sprague Dawley rats were randomized into four groups; controls, spironolactone‐treated rats (Spir), diabetic rats (DM), and diabetic rats treated with spironolactone (DM+Spir) for 4 weeks. Blood pressure and cardiac levels of aldosterone and oxidants/antioxidants were measured.

Result

STZ‐induced DM but did not cause hypertension or dyslipidemia in either spironolactone‐treated or spironolactone‐untreated rats. Aldosterone and aldosterone synthase levels were increased in both the DM and DM+Spir groups compared to control. In parallel, total nitrite and nitrotyrosine levels were increased and vitamin E antioxidant levels were reduced in the DM group. Spironolactone use reduced cardiac total nitrite levels and improved vitamin E levels. Glutathione reductase/peroxidase activities were increased in the DM and DM+Spir groups without changes in the ratio of reduced to oxidized form of glutathione. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities were increased in the DM group. Lipid peroxidation products were similar among the groups.

Conclusions

The increase in total nitrite/nitrotyrosine in DM promoted significant compensatory increases in antioxidant activities of SOD, catalase and glutathione peroxidase/reductase probably to prevent cardiac oxidative damage. The use of spironolactone reduced nitrite generation and improved vitamin E levels independent of blood pressure.
Do brokers' recommendation changes generate brokerage? Evidence from a central limit order market
Authors: Brown Rob , Chan Howard W. H. , Faff Robert W. , Ho Yew Kee
Published: December 2016

We examine the short‐term response to recommendation changes on the Australian Securities Exchange, a central limit order market. In both central limit order markets and dealer‐driven markets, clients may reward the recommending broker with increased trade volumes. But a central limit order market does not have mandatory market makers and hence provides greater opportunity to free ride. We find evidence supporting the hypothesis that recommending brokers are rewarded with higher trade volumes and brokerage commission. Consistent with the tipping hypothesis, these rewards are concentrated in the period shortly before the release. There is no evidence of free riding.
CB2 receptors regulate natural killer cells that limit allergic airway inflammation in a murine model of asthma
Authors: Ferrini M. E. , Hong S. , Stierle A. , Stierle D. , Stella N. , Roberts K. , Jaffar Z.
Published: December 2016

Background

Allergic asthma is a chronic airway inflammatory disease involving the complementary actions of innate and adaptive immune responses. Endogenously generated cannabinoids acting via CB2 receptors play important roles in both homeostatic and inflammatory processes. However, the contribution of CB2‐acting eicosanoids to the innate events preceding sensitization to the common house dust mite (HDM) allergen remains to be elucidated. We investigated the role of CB2 activation during allergen‐induced pulmonary inflammation and natural killer (NK) cell effector function.

Methods

Lung mucosal responses in CB2‐deficient (CB2−/−) mice were examined and compared with wild‐type (WT) littermates following intranasal exposure to HDM allergen.

Results

Mice lacking CB2 receptors exhibited elevated numbers of pulmonary NK cells yet were resistant to the induction of allergic inflammation exemplified by diminished airway eosinophilia, type 2 cytokine production and mucus secretion after allergen inhalation. This phenomenon was corroborated when WT mice were treated with a CB2‐specific antagonist that caused a pronounced inhibition of HDM‐induced airway inflammation and goblet cell hyperplasia. Unexpectedly, the preponderance of NK cells in the lungs of CB2−/− mice correlated with reduced numbers of group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s). Depletion of NK cells restored the allergen responsiveness in the lungs and was associated with elevated ILC2 numbers.

Conclusions

Collectively, these results reveal that CB2 activation is crucial in regulating pulmonary NK cell function, and suggest that NK cells serve to limit ILC2 activation and subsequent allergic airway inflammation. CB2 inhibition may present an important target to modulate NK cell response during pulmonary inflammation.