bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Semi-Automated Equipment for CO2 Purification and Graphitization at the A.E. Lalonde AMS Laboratory (Ottawa, Canada)
Authors: St-Jean Gilles , Kieser William E , Crann Carley A , Murseli Sarah
Published: August 2016

New computer-controlled, semi-automatic systems were designed and built for CO2 purification and graphitization at the A.E. Lalonde Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) Laboratory with consideration for user friendliness and high throughput. The stainless steel vacuum lines are orbitally welded to ensure clean seams with low memory. The insulated graphitization ovens with plug-in electrodes provide a hazard-free environment for operators. The closed-loop cooling system circulating low-viscosity Dynalene at –40°C provides highly efficient water trapping. The LabVIEWTM software features (1) pressure and temperature recording for QA/QC; (2) safety interlocks to preclude operator errors resulting in sample loss, cross-contamination, or damaging a vacuum pump; and (3) automation for leak checking, iron conditioning, and running samples. Results from the first year of routinely measured standards, reference, and background materials are reproducible and within acceptance values. In the first year of operation (commissioned in spring 2014), over 1000 targets (~60% unknowns) were produced. With new tube sealing and CO2 purification lines, and two more graphitization lines now operational, the Lalonde AMS Laboratory is able to provide routine radiocarbon analysis (>200 µg carbon) at a capacity of more than 7000 targets per year. Most importantly, the equipment is safe and intuitive, making it ideal for education and training students to run their own samples.
Longitudinal and long-term effects of radiotherapy on swallowing function after tongue reconstruction
Authors: Fujiki M , Miyamoto S , Zenda S , Sakuraba M
Published: August 2016

Objective:

This study evaluated the longitudinal and long-term effects of radiotherapy on swallowing function after tongue reconstruction.

Methods:

The study comprised 16 patients who had: undergone glossectomy and tongue reconstruction with free flap transfer, received adjuvant radiotherapy, and survived without recurrence for at least 1 year. Swallowing function, as indicated by tolerance of oral intake, was evaluated before radiotherapy, at radiotherapy completion, and at 6 and 12 months after radiotherapy completion.

Results:

Before radiotherapy, all patients could tolerate oral intake. At radiotherapy completion, only three patients could consume all nutrition orally. However, swallowing function improved over time, and by 12 months after radiotherapy completion it had returned nearly to that before radiotherapy.

Conclusion:

Acute dysphagia due to radiotherapy after tongue reconstruction is severe, but can improve gradually. Multidisciplinary support of patients during percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy dependence is important to improve long-term functional outcomes.
From “sense of number” to “sense of magnitude”: The role of continuous magnitudes in numerical cognition
Authors: Leibovich Tali , Katzin Naama , Harel Maayan , Henik Avishai
Published: August 2016

In this review, we are pitting two theories against each other: the more accepted theory, the number sense theory, suggesting that a sense of number is innate and non-symbolic numerosity is being processed independently of continuous magnitudes (e.g., size, area, and density); and the newly emerging theory suggesting that (1) both numerosities and continuous magnitudes are processed holistically when comparing numerosities and (2) a sense of number might not be innate. In the first part of this review, we discuss the number sense theory. Against this background, we demonstrate how the natural correlation between numerosities and continuous magnitudes makes it nearly impossible to study non-symbolic numerosity processing in isolation from continuous magnitudes, and therefore, the results of behavioral and imaging studies with infants, adults, and animals can be explained, at least in part, by relying on continuous magnitudes. In the second part, we explain the sense of magnitude theory and review studies that directly demonstrate that continuous magnitudes are more automatic and basic than numerosities. Finally, we present outstanding questions. Our conclusion is that there is not enough convincing evidence to support the number sense theory anymore. Therefore, we encourage researchers not to assume that number sense is simply innate, but to put this hypothesis to the test and consider whether such an assumption is even testable in the light of the correlation of numerosity and continuous magnitudes.
How to measure public demand for policies when there is no appropriate survey data?
Authors: Oehl Bianca , Schaffer Lena Maria , Bernauer Thomas
Published: August 2016

Explanatory models accounting for variation in policy choices by democratic governments usually include a demand (by the public) and a supply (by the government) component, whereas the latter component is usually better developed from a measurement viewpoint. The main reason is that public opinion surveys, the standard approach to measuring public demand, are expensive, difficult to implement simultaneously for different countries for purposes of crossnational comparison and impossible to implementex postfor purposes of longitudinal analysis if survey data for past time periods are lacking. We therefore propose a new approach to measuring public demand, focussing on political claims made by nongovernmental actors and expressed in the news. To demonstrate the feasibility and usefulness of our measure ofpublished opinion, we focus on climate policy in the time period between 1995 and 2010. When comparing the new measure of published opinion with the best available public opinion survey and internet search data, it turns out that our data can serve as a meaningful proxy for public demand.
Creation and Validation of a Novel Mobile Simulation Laboratory for High Fidelity, Prehospital, Difficult Airway Simulation
Authors: Bischof Jason J. , Panchal Ashish R. , Finnegan Geoffrey I. , Terndrup Thomas E.
Published: August 2016

Introduction

Endotracheal intubation (ETI) is a complex clinical skill complicated by the inherent challenge of providing care in the prehospital setting. Literature reports a low success rate of prehospital ETI attempts, partly due to the care environment and partly to the lack of consistent standardized training opportunities of prehospital providers in ETI.

Hypothesis/Problem

The availability of a mobile simulation laboratory (MSL) to study clinically critical interventions is needed in the prehospital setting to enhance instruction and maintain proficiency. This report is on the development and validation of a prehospital airway simulator and MSL that mimics in situ care provided in an ambulance.

Methods

The MSL was a Type 3 ambulance with four cameras allowing audio-video recordings of observable behaviors. The prehospital airway simulator is a modified airway mannequin with increased static tongue pressure and a rigid cervical collar. Airway experts validated the model in a static setting through ETI at varying tongue pressures with a goal of a Grade 3 Cormack-Lehane (CL) laryngeal view. Following completion of this development, the MSL was launched with the prehospital airway simulator to distant communities utilizing a single facilitator/driver. Paramedics were recruited to perform ETI in the MSL, and the detailed airway management observations were stored for further analysis.

Results

Nineteen airway experts performed 57 ETI attempts at varying tongue pressures demonstrating increased CL views at higher tongue pressures. Tongue pressure of 60 mm Hg generated 31% Grade 3/4 CL view and was chosen for the prehospital trials. The MSL was launched and tested by 18 paramedics. First pass success was 33% with another 33% failing to intubate within three attempts.

Conclusions

The MSL created was configured to deliver, record, and assess intubator behaviors with a difficult airway simulation. The MSL created a reproducible, high fidelity, mobile learning environment for assessment of simulated ETI performance by prehospital providers.

BischofJJ, PanchalAR, FinneganGI, TerndrupTE. Creation and validation of a novel mobile simulation laboratory for high fidelity, prehospital, difficult airway simulation. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2016;31(5):465–470.
The Impact of Age upon Contingency Planning for Multiple-casualty Incidents Based on a Single Center’s Experience
Authors: Ashkenazi Itamar , Einav Sharon , Olsha Oded , Turegano-Fuentes Fernando , Krausz Michael M. , Alfici Ricardo
Published: August 2016

Introduction

Trauma patients in the extremes of age may require a specialized approach during a multiple-casualty incident (MCI).

Problem

The aim of this study was to examine the type of injuries encountered in children and elderly patients and the implications of these injuries for treatment and organization.

Methods

A review of medical record files of patients admitted in MCIs in one Level II trauma center was conducted. Patients were classified according to age: children (≤12 years), adults (between 12-65 years), and elders (≥65 years).

Results

The files of 534 were screened: 31 (5.8%) children and 54 (10.1%) elderly patients. One-third of the elderly patients were either moderately or severely injured, compared to only 6.5% of the children and 11.1% of the adults (P<.001). Elderly patients required more blood transfusions (P=.0001), more computed tomography imaging (P=.0001), and underwent more surgery (P=.0004). Elders were hospitalized longer (P=.0003). There was no mortality among injured children, compared to nine (2.0%) of the adults and seven (13.0%) of the elderly patients (P<.0001). All the adult deaths occurred early and directly related to their injuries, whereas most of the deaths among the elderly patients (four out of seven) occurred late and were due to complications and multiple organ failure.

Conclusions

Injury at an older age confers an increased risk of complications and death in victims of MCIs.

AshkenaziI, EinavS, OlshaO, Turegano-FuentesF, KrauszMM, AlficiR. The impact of age upon contingency planning for multiple-casualty incidents based on a single center’s experience. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2016;31(5):492–497.
Effects of aripiprazole once-monthly on symptoms of schizophrenia in patients switched from oral antipsychotics
Authors: Peters-Strickland Timothy , Zhao Cathy , Perry Pamela P. , Eramo Anna , Salzman Phyllis M. , McQuade Robert D. , Johnson Brian R. , Sanchez Raymond
Published: August 2016

Objective

To assess the effects of aripiprazole once-monthly 400 mg (AOM 400) on clinical symptoms and global improvement in schizophrenia after switching from an oral antipsychotic.

Methods

In a multicenter, open-label, mirror-image, naturalistic study in patients with schizophrenia (>1 year, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision [DSM-IV-TR] criteria), changes in efficacy measures were assessed during prospective treatment (6 months) with AOM 400 after switching from standard-of-care oral antipsychotics. During prospective treatment, patients were cross-titrated to oral aripiprazole monotherapy (1–4) weeks followed by open-label AOM 400 (24 weeks). Mean change from baseline of the open-label AOM 400 phase in Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) scores (total, positive and negative subscales) and Clinical Global Impression–Severity (CGI-S) scores; mean CGI–Improvement (CGI-I) score; and proportion of responders (≥30% decrease from baseline in PANSS total score or CGI-I score of 1 [very much improved] or 2 [much improved]) were assessed.

Results

PANSS and CGI-S scores improved from baseline (P<0.0001) and CGI-I demonstrated improvement at all time points. By the end of the study, 49.0% of patients were PANSS or CGI-I responders.

Conclusions

In a community setting, patients with schizophrenia who were stabilized at baseline and switched to AOM 400 from oral antipsychotics showed clear improvements in clinical symptoms.
Colloidal oatmeal emollient as an alternative skincare approach in radiotherapy: a feasibility study
Authors: Rudge Rosemary
Published: August 2016

Aim

To assess the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) on patients receiving radical radiotherapy for carcinoma of the anus in order to compare the present skincare advice at the time of the study with an alternative product, Aveeno, used primarily for dermatological and chemotherapeutic-induced skin conditions.

Materials and method

Standardised Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) grading and skincare assessments were used primarily to inform on physical reactions within a RCT. A pre-existing morbidity/quality-of-life instrument ‘the Head and Neck Radiotherapy Questionnaire’, which was validated for use with radiotherapy patients in preceding studies, was adapted for anus patients and formed the secondary basis for data collection. In all, 24 participants undergoing radical radiotherapy for anal cancer were randomised into two arms, Aveeno cream versus Aqueous Cream BP, and reviewed weekly to collect data and perform analysis and Mann–Whitney U non-parametric statistical tests.

Results

RTOG gradings for skin reactions were comparable week by week across the cohorts, with a baseline 100% of participants exhibiting RTOG 0 at week 1 in all areas, through to week 6 where both cohorts had progressed to higher RTOG grades. The Aveeno cohort, however, indicated ap-value approaching significance in regards to epidermal regeneration at follow-up 1 (p=0·0543). Questionnaires yielded diminishing responses as treatment progressed correlating with advancing RTOG grades, and exhibited increasing negativity in responses in correlation with advancing RTOG grade exhibited.

Conclusion

The study was the first to recognise colloidal oatmeal as a skincare approach in the radiotherapy setting and recognises the potential benefits of Aveeno in radiation-induced skin reactions. The study determined the RTOG grading system to be robust as a method of evaluation of skin reactions and the questionnaires deemed the quality-of-life assessment to be a necessity in order to address patients’ psychological needs in addition to the physical needs.
Wide-Field Slitless Spectroscopy with JWST's NIRISS
Authors: Dixon William V. , Ravindranath Swara , Willott Chris J.
Published: August 2016

The Near Infrared Imager and Slitless Spectrograph (NIRISS) aboard the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) will offer wide-field slitless spectroscopy (WFSS) with a resolving power R = 150 at wavelengths from 0.8 to 2.25 microns. In this band, NIRISS will be sensitive to Lyman α emission lines and continuum breaks in the spectra of galaxies with redshifts 6 < z < 17, allowing it to probe the first stars and ionizing sources in the early universe. NIRISS observations of the high-redshift universe will provide a wealth of information on foreground objects, creating a unique library of optical emission-line spectra from the faintest galaxies at lower redshifts. To explore its ability to identify and characterize galaxies at all redshifts, we have modeled a NIRISS observation of a massive strong-lensing galaxy cluster and analyzed the synthetic images using standard software tools. Our simulations demonstrate that WFSS with NIRISS will provide a powerful tool for the exploration of galaxies near and far.
The evolution of high-redshift massive black holes
Authors: Volonteri Marta , Habouzit Melanie , Pacucci Fabio , Tremmel Michael
Published: August 2016

Massive black holes (MBHs) are nowadays recognized as integral parts of galaxy evolution. Both the approximate proportionality between MBH and galaxy mass, and the expected importance of feedback from active MBHs in regulating star formation in their host galaxies point to a strong interplay between MBHs and galaxies. MBHs must form in the first galaxies and be fed by gas in these galaxies, with continuous or intermittent inflows that, at times, can be larger than the Eddington rate. Feedback from supernovae and from the MBHs themselves modulates the growth of the first MBHs. While current observational data only probe the most massive and luminous MBHs, the tip of the iceberg, we will soon be able to test theoretical models of MBH evolution on more “normal” MBHs: the MBHs that are indeed relevant in building the population that we observe in local galaxies, including our own Milky Way.
The Green Peas: Searching for LyC Emitters at Low Redshift
Authors: Jaskot Anne , Oey Sally
Published: August 2016

The escape fraction of Lyman continuum (LyC) radiation from galaxies remains one of the primary uncertainties in studies of reionization. However, few LyC-emitting galaxies are known. The recently identified, low-redshift “Green Pea” (GP) galaxies exhibit a number of similarities with high-redshift galaxies, and their optical emission lines suggest they may be some of the elusive LyC emitters. Recent HST COS and ACS observations of four GPs suggest further evidence for LyC escape and give new insights into the origins of Lyα and low-ionization UV lines in high-redshift galaxies. The Lyα emission and low-ionization emission and absorption lines provide a coherent physical picture of the neutral gas distribution in the GPs and may identify LyC emitters at high redshift. The rare, low-redshift GPs hint at possible factors that may enable LyC and Lyα escape from high-redshift galaxies.
Dusty Galaxies at the Highest Redshifts
Authors: Clements David L , Greenslade Josh , Riechers Dominik A. , Wardlow Julie , Pérez-Fournon Ismael ,   The HerMES Red Collective, The HerMES & H-ATLAS Consortia
Published: August 2016

The use of red colour as the basis for selecting candidate high redshift dusty galaxies from surveys made with Herschel has proved highly successful. The highest redshift such object, HFLS3, lies at z = 6.34 and numerous other sources have been found. Spectroscopic followup confirms that most of these lie at z > 4. These sources are found in such numbers that they represent a challenge to current models of galaxy evolution. We also examine the prospects for finding dusty galaxies at still higher redshifts. These would not appear in the SPIRE surveys from Herschel but would be detected in longer wavelength, submm, surveys. Several such ‘SPIRE-dropouts’ have been found and are now subject to followup observations.
A MUSE View of the HDFS: The Lyα Luminosity Function out to z~6
Authors: Drake Alyssa B. , Guiderdoni Bruno , Blaizot Jérémy , Richard Johan , Bacon Roland , Garel Thibault , Hashimoto Takuya ,   the MUSE Consortium
Published: August 2016

We present preliminary results from MUSE on the Lyα luminosity function in the Hubble Deep Field South (HDFS). Using a large homogeneous sample of LAEs selected through blind spectroscopy, we utilise the unprecedented detection power of MUSE to study the progenitors of L* galaxies back to when the Universe was just ~2 Gyr old. We present these results in the context of the current literature, and highlight the importance of the forthcoming Hubble Ultra Deep Field (HUDF) study with MUSE, which will increase the size of our sample by a factor of ~ 10.
Are quiescent galaxies truly devoid of star formation? The mid-, far-infrared and radio properties of quiescent galaxies at z = 0.1 - 3
Authors: Man Allison W. S.
Published: August 2016

Quiescent galaxy candidates are typically identified by their low unobscured star formation rates from deep field photometric surveys. However, their selection technique relies on the assumption of a universal dust attenuation curve. It is important to verify the selection through independent SFR indicators at longer wavelengths. Current mid-, far-infrared and radio surveys are limited to detecting only galaxies with very strong star formation or AGN activity. Here, I present the first comprehensive stacking results across mid-, far-infrared and radio wavelengths using Spitzer, Herschel and VLA data in the COSMOS field (Man et al. 2014). We find that the rest-frame NUV-r and r-J color criteria, combined with low 24 μm emission, provides a robust selection of truly quiescent galaxies out to z = 3. Additionally, we find evidence of radio emission in excess of the expected total star formation in quiescent galaxies at z ~ 0-1.5, indicative of a ubiquitous presence of low-luminosity radio AGN among them.
Large Scale Outflow from a Radio Loud AGN in Merging Galaxies at Redshift 2.48
Authors: Shih Hsin-Yi , Stockton Alan
Published: August 2016

We present observations of a remarkable compact group of galaxies at z = 2.48. Four galaxies, all within 40 kpc of each other, surround a powerful high redshift radio source. This group comprises two compact red passive galaxies and a pair of merging galaxies. One of the red galaxies, with an apparent stellar mass of 3.6×1011 M⊙ and an effective radius of 470 pc, is one of the most extreme examples of a massive quiescent compact galaxy found so far. One of the pair of merging galaxies hosts the AGN producing the large powerful radio structure. The merger is massive and enriched, consistent with the mass-metallicity relation expected at this redshift. Close to the merging nuclei, the emission lines exhibit broad and asymmetric profiles that suggest outflows powered either by a very young expanding radio jet or by AGN radiation. At ≳ 50 kpc from the system, we found a fainter extended-emission region that may be a part of a radio jet-driven outflow.
A snapshot beyond the Local Universe with Herschel/SPIRE
Authors: Pinter Sandor , Marton Gabor , Toth L. Viktor , Pearson Chris , Bagoly Zsolt , Balazs Lajos G. , Horvath Istvan , Racz Istvan I.
Published: August 2016

The European Large-Area ISO Survey (ELAIS) N1 field is one of the extragalactic windows where the lack of the Galactic ISM allows us to analyze the unbiased FIR properties of extragalactic objects. The field was investigated recently based on Herschel observations by the HerMES key project. We present a survey of the field covering a larger area than HerMES (12.54 deg2 vs 3.47 deg2). We provide accurate 250, 350, and 500 micrometer flux densities for about 8000 point sources using the latest Herschel analysis and calibration procedures. Based on SDSS spectroscopic and SWIRE photometric data our sample has approximately 4000 and 4500 galaxies with 0.2 < z < 0.5 and z > 0.5 redshifts, respectively. The new flux densities are crucial limiting the star-forming activity of galaxies outside the Local Universe, as it is demonstrated in the star-forming galaxy 2MASS J16072472+5412119.
Dusty Starbursts within a z=3 Large Scale Structure revealed by ALMA
Authors: Umehata Hideki
Published: August 2016

The role of the large-scale structure is one of the most important theme in studying galaxy formation and evolution. However, it has been still mystery especially at z>2. On the basis of our ALMA 1.1 mm observations in a z ~ 3 protocluster field, it is suggested that submillimeter galaxies (SMGs) preferentially reside in the densest environment at z ~ 3. Furthermore we find a rich cluster of AGN-host SMGs at the core of the protocluster, combining with Chandra X-ray data. Our results indicate the vigorous star-formation and accelerated super massive black hole (SMBH) growth in the node of the cosmic web.
Characterizing the galaxy populations within different environments in the RCS2319 supercluster
Authors: Delahaye Anna , Webb Tracy
Published: August 2016

We present the results of a multi-wavelength photometric study of the high redshift supercluster RCS2319+00. RCS2319+00 is a high-redshift (z ~ 0.9) supercluster comprising three spectroscopically confrmed cluster cores discovered in the Red Sequence Cluster Survey (RCS) (Gladders & Yee 2005). Core proximities and merger rates estimate coalescence into a 1015M⊙ cluster by z ~ 0.5 (Gilbank et al. 2008). Spectroscopic studies of the system have revealed over 300 supercluster members located in the cores and several infalling groups (Faloon et al. 2013). RCS2319 presents a diverse range of dynamical systems and densities making it an ideal laboratory in which to study the effects of environment on galaxy properties.

Imaging in optical and near infrared (griz' from MegaCam, JKs from WIRCam, both at CFHT), as well as 3.6 μm and 4.5μm from IRAC have enabled the assembly of a large photometric catalogue. Coupled with an extensive spectroscopic survey (Faloon et al. 2013) providing nearly 2400 redshifts across the field, photometric redshifts were determined using the template fitting code EAZY (Brammer et al. 2008). Nearly 80 000 photometric redshifts were measured providing a sample of nearly 3000 cluster members.

To investigate effects of global environment, analysis was done utilizing a friend-of-friends group finding algorithm identifying several large and small infalling groups along with the three cluster cores. The cores are found to be dominated by massive, red galaxies and the field galaxies are populated by low mass, blue galaxies, as is the case in the local universe. Interestingly, the large groups exhibit intermediate properties between field and core populations, suggesting possible pre-processing as they are being accreted into the core halos.

Relative fifth-nearest neighbour overdensity, log(1+δ5), is used as a proxy for local environment to investigate environmental dependence on galaxy colour. While there is an overall dependence of colour on local density, when controlled for stellar mass the dependence largely disappears. Indeed, galaxy mass is the dominant factor in determining colour, with local density a secondary effect only noticeable in lower mass galaxies at the 3 σ level for both colour and red fraction.

RCS2319+00 presents a rare opportunity to probe many different densities and environments all located within the same object. We're able to investigate how galaxy evolution is affected by the environment, from field galaxies to infalling to groups to dense cluster cores, as well as the different density regions within each environment.
Chemical Enrichment of the First Binaries
Authors: Chen Ke-Jung
Published: August 2016

Recent studies of Population III (Pop III) star formation suggest that the primordial star-forming clouds can fragment to form binary or multiple stellar systems inside dark matter minihalos. Here, we briefly present the chemical enrichment of the Pop III binary scenarios.
Spatial distribution of GRBs and large scale structure of the Universe
Authors: Bagoly Zsolt , Rácz István I. , Balázs Lajos G. , Tóth L. Viktor , Horváth István
Published: August 2016

We studied the space distribution of the starburst galaxies from Millennium XXL database at z = 0.82. We examined the starburst distribution in the classical Millennium I (De Lucia et al. (2006)) using a semi-analytical model for the genesis of the galaxies. We simulated a starburst galaxies sample with Markov Chain Monte Carlo method. The connection between the large scale structures homogenous and starburst groups distribution (Kofman and Shandarin 1998), Suhhonenko et al. (2011), Liivamägi et al. (2012), Park et al. (2012), Horvath et al. (2014), Horvath et al. (2015)) on a defined scale were checked too.
Understanding the size growth of massive galaxies through stellar populations
Authors: Ferreras I. , Trujillo I. , Mármol-Queraltó E. , Pérez-González P. ,   the SHARDS team
Published: August 2016

Massive early-type galaxies undergo a significant process of evolution with redshift on the stellar mass vs size plane. Furthermore, this trend does not depend on the age of their stellar populations. Therefore, such an evolution should involve processes that do not include a significant amount of star formation, leaving (mostly) dry mergers as the main growth channel. By studying close pairs involving a massive galaxy, one can quantify the role of mergers on the growth of massive galaxies. A recent study based on the SHARDS dataset reveals that minor mergers cannot be the dominant mechanism to explain the bulk of size growth in these systems. Merging is found to provide a constant fractional growth rate of ~10% per Gyr from redshift z=1, corresponding to an overall stellar mass increase of 2× between z=1 and z=0.
PRESERVATION OF ADMISSIBLE RULES WHEN COMBINING LOGICS
Authors: RASGA JOÃO , SERNADAS CRISTINA , SERNADAS AMÍLCAR
Published: August 2016

Admissible rules are shown to be conservatively preserved by the meet-combination of a wide class of logics. A basis is obtained for the resulting logic from bases given for the component logics, under mild conditions. A weak form of structural completeness is proved to be preserved by the combination. Decidability of the set of admissible rules is also shown to be preserved, with no penalty on the time complexity. Examples are provided for the meet-combination of intermediate and modal logics.
The Evolution of Indirect Expropriation Clauses: Lessons from Singapore’s BITs/FTAs
Authors: ANTHONY Yvette
Published: August 2016

This paper examines the evolution of expropriation provisions contained in Singapore’s bilateral investment treaties and free trade agreements from the 1970s until now. It will be seen that whilst earlier treaties contained skeletal expropriation provisions, the later treaties have sought to guide the exercise of tribunals’ discretion by providing a non-exhaustive list of factors to be taken into account when indirect expropriation is alleged. The consequences of this evolution in Singapore’s treaty-making practice are considered in the light of customary international law. The paper postulates a framework for analyzing Singapore’s treaty practice and this author concludes by submitting that the later treaties arguably go one step further in limiting the scope of indirect expropriation.
Scientists Bittersweet as Australia Backtracks on Climate Cuts
Authors: Kollipara Puneet
Published: August 2016

Researchers welcome the prime minister's move to force an independent research institute to reverse some job cuts but say that the damage to Australia's scientific reputation can't be reversed.
Extension of human lncRNA transcripts by RACE coupled with long-read high-throughput sequencing (RACE-Seq)
Authors: Lagarde Julien , Uszczynska-Ratajczak Barbara , Santoyo-Lopez Javier , Gonzalez Jose Manuel , Tapanari Electra , Mudge Jonathan M. , Steward Charles A. , Wilming Laurens , Tanzer Andrea , Howald Cédric , Chrast Jacqueline , Vela-Boza Alicia , Rueda Antonio , Lopez-Domingo Francisco J. , Dopazo Joaquin , Reymond Alexandre , Guigó Roderic , Harrow Jennifer
Published: August 2016

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) constitute a large, yet mostly uncharacterized fraction of the mammalian transcriptome. Such characterization requires a comprehensive, high-quality annotation of their gene structure and boundaries, which is currently lacking. Here we describe RACE-Seq, an experimental workflow designed to address this based on RACE (rapid amplification of cDNA ends) and long-read RNA sequencing. We apply RACE-Seq to 398 human lncRNA genes in seven tissues, leading to the discovery of 2,556 on-target, novel transcripts. About 60% of the targeted loci are extended in either 5′ or 3′, often reaching genomic hallmarks of gene boundaries. Analysis of the novel transcripts suggests that lncRNAs are as long, have as many exons and undergo as much alternative splicing as protein-coding genes, contrary to current assumptions. Overall, we show that RACE-Seq is an effective tool to annotate an organism’s deep transcriptome, and compares favourably to other targeted sequencing techniques.
Thermodynamics of freezing and melting
Authors: Pedersen Ulf R. , Costigliola Lorenzo , Bailey Nicholas P. , Schrøder Thomas B. , Dyre Jeppe C.
Published: August 2016

Although the freezing of liquids and melting of crystals are fundamental for many areas of the sciences, even simple properties like the temperature–pressure relation along the melting line cannot be predicted today. Here we present a theory in which properties of the coexisting crystal and liquid phases at a single thermodynamic state point provide the basis for calculating the pressure, density and entropy of fusion as functions of temperature along the melting line, as well as the variation along this line of the reduced crystalline vibrational mean-square displacement (the Lindemann ratio), and the liquid’s diffusion constant and viscosity. The framework developed, which applies for the sizable class of systems characterized by hidden scale invariance, is validated by computer simulations of the standard 12-6 Lennard-Jones system.
Ubiquity and impact of thin mid-level clouds in the tropics
Authors: Bourgeois Quentin , Ekman Annica M. L. , Igel Matthew R. , Krejci Radovan
Published: August 2016

Clouds are crucial for Earth’s climate and radiation budget. Great attention has been paid to low, high and vertically thick tropospheric clouds such as stratus, cirrus and deep convective clouds. However, much less is known about tropospheric mid-level clouds as these clouds are challenging to observe in situ and difficult to detect by remote sensing techniques. Here we use Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) satellite observations to show that thin mid-level clouds (TMLCs) are ubiquitous in the tropics. Supported by high-resolution regional model simulations, we find that TMLCs are formed by detrainment from convective clouds near the zero-degree isotherm. Calculations using a radiative transfer model indicate that tropical TMLCs have a cooling effect on climate that could be as large in magnitude as the warming effect of cirrus. We conclude that more effort has to be made to understand TMLCs, as their influence on cloud feedbacks, heat and moisture transport, and climate sensitivity could be substantial.
Volume-wise destruction of the antiferromagnetic Mott insulating state through quantum tuning
Authors: Frandsen Benjamin A. , Liu Lian , Cheung Sky C. , Guguchia Zurab , Khasanov Rustem , Morenzoni Elvezio , Munsie Timothy J. S. , Hallas Alannah M. , Wilson Murray N. , Cai Yipeng , Luke Graeme M. , Chen Bijuan , Li Wenmin , Jin Changqing , Ding Cui , Guo Shengli , Ning Fanlong , Ito Takashi U. , Higemoto Wataru , Billinge Simon J. L. , Sakamoto Shoya , Fujimori Atsushi , Murakami Taito , Kageyama Hiroshi , Alonso Jose Antonio , Kotliar Gabriel , Imada Masatoshi , Uemura Yasutomo J.
Published: August 2016

RENiO3 (RE=rare-earth element) and V2O3 are archetypal Mott insulator systems. When tuned by chemical substitution (RENiO3) or pressure (V2O3), they exhibit a quantum phase transition (QPT) between an antiferromagnetic Mott insulating state and a paramagnetic metallic state. Because novel physics often appears near a Mott QPT, the details of this transition, such as whether it is first or second order, are important. Here, we demonstrate through muon spin relaxation/rotation (μSR) experiments that the QPT in RENiO3 and V2O3 is first order: the magnetically ordered volume fraction decreases to zero at the QPT, resulting in a broad region of intrinsic phase separation, while the ordered magnetic moment retains its full value until it is suddenly destroyed at the QPT. These findings bring to light a surprising universality of the pressure-driven Mott transition, revealing the importance of phase separation and calling for further investigation into the nature of quantum fluctuations underlying the transition.
Telomeric RNAs are essential to maintain telomeres
Authors: Montero Juan José , López de Silanes Isabel , Graña Osvaldo , Blasco Maria A.
Published: August 2016

Telomeres are transcribed generating long non-coding RNAs known as TERRA. Deciphering the role of TERRA has been one of the unsolved issues of telomere biology in the past decade. This has been, in part, due to lack of knowledge on the TERRA loci, thus preventing functional genetic studies. Here, we describe that long non-coding RNAs with TERRA features are transcribed from the human 20q and Xp subtelomeres. Deletion of the 20q locus by using the CRISPR-Cas9 technology causes a dramatic decrease in TERRA levels, while deletion of the Xp locus does not result in decreased TERRA levels. Strikingly, 20q-TERRA ablation leads to dramatic loss of telomere sequences and the induction of a massive DNA damage response. These findings identify chromosome 20q as a main TERRA locus in human cells and represent the first demonstration in any organism of the essential role of TERRA in the maintenance of telomeres.
Sharing health-related data: a privacy test?
Authors: Dyke Stephanie OM , Dove Edward S , Knoppers Bartha M
Published: August 2016

Greater sharing of potentially sensitive data raises important ethical, legal and social issues (ELSI), which risk hindering and even preventing useful data sharing if not properly addressed. One such important issue is respecting the privacy-related interests of individuals whose data are used in genomic research and clinical care. As part of the Global Alliance for Genomics and Health (GA4GH), we examined the ELSI status of health-related data that are typically considered ‘sensitive’ in international policy and data protection laws. We propose that ‘tiered protection’ of such data could be implemented in contexts such as that of the GA4GH Beacon Project to facilitate responsible data sharing. To this end, we discuss a Data Sharing Privacy Test developed to distinguish degrees of sensitivity within categories of data recognised as ‘sensitive’. Based on this, we propose guidance for determining the level of protection when sharing genomic and health-related data for the Beacon Project and in other international data sharing initiatives.
Targeted nanoconjugate co-delivering siRNA and tyrosine kinase inhibitor to KRAS mutant NSCLC dissociates GAB1-SHP2 post oncogene knockdown
Authors: Srikar R. , Suresh Dhananjay , Zambre Ajit , Taylor Kristen , Chapman Sarah , Leevy Matthew , Upendran Anandhi , Kannan Raghuraman
Published: August 2016

A tri-block nanoparticle (TBN) comprising of an enzymatically cleavable porous gelatin nanocore encapsulated with gefitinib (tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)) and surface functionalized with cetuximab-siRNA conjugate has been synthesized. Targeted delivery of siRNA to undruggable KRAS mutated non-small cell lung cancer cells would sensitize the cells to TKI drugs and offers an efficient therapy for treating cancer; however, efficient delivery of siRNA and releasing it in cytoplasm remains a major challenge. We have shown TBN can efficiently deliver siRNA to cytoplasm of KRAS mutant H23 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) cells for oncogene knockdown; subsequently, sensitizing it to TKI. In the absence of TKI, the nanoparticle showed minimal toxicity suggesting that the cells adapt a parallel GAB1 mediated survival pathway. In H23 cells, activated ERK results in phosphorylation of GAB1 on serine and threonine residues to form GAB1-p85 PI3K complex. In the absence of TKI, knocking down the oncogene dephosphorylated ERK, and negated the complex formation. This event led to tyrosine phosphorylation at Tyr627 domain of GAB1 that regulated EGFR signaling by recruiting SHP2. In the presence of TKI, GAB1-SHP2 dissociation occurs, leading to cell death. The outcome of this study provides a promising platform for treating NSCLC patients harboring KRAS mutation.
Mussel-inspired Polydopamine-treated Copper Foil as a Current Collector for High-performance Silicon Anodes
Authors: Cho Inseong , Gong Seokhyeon , Song Danoh , Lee Young-Gi , Ryou Myung-Hyun , Lee Yong Min
Published: August 2016

A new Cu current collector was prepared by introducing a mussel-inspired polydopamine coating onto a Cu foil surface to improve the electrochemical performance of a Si electrode. The polydopamine coating covalently bonded the polymeric binder (with hydroxyl functional groups) via a condensation reaction. The coating improved the adhesion strength between the Si composite electrode and the Cu current collector (245.5 N m−1, 297.5 N m−1, and 353.2 N m−1 for the Si electrodes based on bare Cu, polydopamine-treated Cu without thermal treatment, and polydopamine-treated Cu with thermal treatment, respectively). We demonstrate that the detachment between the Si composite electrode and the current collector plays an important role in determining the electrochemical performance of the Si electrode. The cycle life and rate capability of the Si electrode improved when the polydopamine surface-treated Cu current collector was used (963.9 mAh g−1, 1361.1 mAh g−1, and 1590.0 mAh g−1 for the Si electrodes based on bare Cu, polydopamine-treated Cu without thermal treatment, and polydopamine-treated Cu with thermal treatment, respectively, at C/2 after 500 cycles).
Synthesis, Biological Evaluation and Molecular Modeling Studies of New Oxadiazole-Stilbene Hybrids against Phytopathogenic Fungi
Authors: Jian Weilin , He Daohang , Song Shaoyun
Published: August 2016

Natural stilbenes (especially resveratrol) play important roles in plant protection by acting as both constitutive and inducible defenses. However, their exogenous applications on crops as fungicidal agents are challenged by their oxidative degradation and limited availability. In this study, a new class of resveratrol-inspired oxadiazole-stilbene hybrids was synthesized via Wittig-Horner reaction. Bioassay results indicated that some of the compounds exhibited potent fungicidal activity against Botrytis cinerea in vitro. Among these stilbene hybrids, compounds 11 showed promising inhibitory activity with the EC50 value of 144.6 μg/mL, which was superior to that of resveratrol (315.6 μg/mL). Remarkably, the considerably abnormal mycelial morphology was observed in the presence of compound 11. The inhibitory profile was further proposed by homology modeling and molecular docking studies, which showed the possible interaction of resveratrol and oxadiazole-stilbene hybrids with the cytochrome P450-dependent sterol 14α-demethylase from B. cinerea (BcCYP51) for the first time. Taken together, these results would provide new insights into the fungicidal mechanism of stilbenes, as well as an important clue for biology-oriented synthesis of stilbene hybrids with improved bioactivity against plant pathogenic fungi in crop protection.
Diabetic Risk Factors Promote Islet Amyloid Polypeptide Misfolding by a Common, Membrane-mediated Mechanism
Authors: Okada Alan K. , Teranishi Kazuki , Isas J. Mario , Bedrood Sahar , Chow Robert H. , Langen Ralf
Published: August 2016

The current diabetes epidemic is associated with a diverse set of risk factors including obesity and exposure to plastics. Notably, significant elevations of negatively charged amphiphilic molecules are observed in obesity (e.g. free fatty acids and phosphatidic acid) and plastics exposure (monophthalate esters). It remains unclear whether these factors share pathogenic mechanisms and whether links exist with islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) misfolding, a process central to β-cell dysfunction and death. Using a combination of fluorescence, circular dichroism and electron microscopy, we show that phosphatidic acid, oleic acid and the phthalate metabolite MBzP partition into neutral membranes and enhance IAPP misfolding. The elevation of negative charge density caused by the presence of the risk factor molecules stabilizes a common membrane-bound α-helical intermediate that, in turn, facilitates IAPP misfolding. This shared mechanism points to a critical role for the membrane-bound intermediate in disease pathogenesis, making it a potential target for therapeutic intervention.
REST is a hypoxia-responsive transcriptional repressor
Authors: Cavadas Miguel A. S. , Mesnieres Marion , Crifo Bianca , Manresa Mario C. , Selfridge Andrew C. , Keogh Ciara E. , Fabian Zsolt , Scholz Carsten C. , Nolan Karen A. , Rocha Liliane M. A. , Tambuwala Murtaza M. , Brown Stuart , Wdowicz Anita , Corbett Danielle , Murphy Keith J. , Godson Catherine , Cummins Eoin P. , Taylor Cormac T. , Cheong Alex
Published: August 2016

Cellular exposure to hypoxia results in altered gene expression in a range of physiologic and pathophysiologic states. Discrete cohorts of genes can be either up- or down-regulated in response to hypoxia. While the Hypoxia-Inducible Factor (HIF) is the primary driver of hypoxia-induced adaptive gene expression, less is known about the signalling mechanisms regulating hypoxia-dependent gene repression. Using RNA-seq, we demonstrate that equivalent numbers of genes are induced and repressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells. We demonstrate that nuclear localization of the Repressor Element 1-Silencing Transcription factor (REST) is induced in hypoxia and that REST is responsible for regulating approximately 20% of the hypoxia-repressed genes. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation assays we demonstrate that REST-dependent gene repression is at least in part mediated by direct binding to the promoters of target genes. Based on these data, we propose that REST is a key mediator of gene repression in hypoxia.
Anti-RAINBOW dye-specific antibodies as universal tools for the visualization of prestained protein molecular weight markers in Western blot analysis
Authors: Schüchner Stefan , Andorfer Peter , Mudrak Ingrid , Ogris Egon
Published: August 2016

Western blotting is one of the most widely used techniques in molecular biology and biochemistry. Prestained proteins are used as molecular weight standards in protein electrophoresis. In the chemiluminescent Western blot analysis, however, these colored protein markers are invisible leaving researchers with the unsatisfying situation that the signal for the protein of interest and the signal for the markers are not captured simultaneously and have to be merged in an error-prone step. To allow the simultaneous detection of marker proteins we generated monoclonal antibodies specific for the protein dyes. To elicit a dye rather than protein specific immune response we immunized mice sequentially with dye-carrier protein complexes, in which a new carrier protein was used for each subsequent immunization. Moreover, by sequentially immunizing with dye-carrier protein complexes, in which different but structurally related dyes were used, we could also generate an antibody, termed anti-RAINBOW, that cross-reacted even with structurally related dyes not used in the immunizations. Our novel antibodies represent convenient tools for the simultaneous Western blot detection of commercially available prestained marker proteins in combination with the detection of any specific protein of interest. These antibodies will render obsolete the anachronistic tradition of manually charting marker bands on film.
Understanding the structural basis of substrate recognition by Plasmodium falciparum plasmepsin V to aid in the design of potent inhibitors
Authors: Bedi Rajiv K. , Patel Chandan , Mishra Vandana , Xiao Huogen , Yada Rickey Y. , Bhaumik Prasenjit
Published: August 2016

Plasmodium falciparumplasmepsin V (PfPMV) is an essential aspartic protease required for parasite survival, thus, considered as a potential drug target. This study reports the first detailed structural analysis and molecular dynamics simulation of PfPMV as an apoenzyme and its complexes with the substrate PEXEL as well as with the inhibitor saquinavir. The presence of pro-peptide in PfPMV may not structurally hinder the formation of a functionally competent catalytic active site. The structure of PfPMV-PEXEL complex shows that the unique positions of Glu179 and Gln222 are responsible for providing the specificity of PEXEL substrate with arginine at P3 position. The structural analysis also reveals that the S4 binding pocket in PfPMV is occupied by Ile94, Ala98, Phe370 and Tyr472 and therefore, does not allow binding of pepstatin, a potent inhibitor of most pepsin-like aspartic proteases. Among the screened inhibitors, the HIV-1 protease inhibitors and KNI compounds have higher binding affinities for PfPMV with saquinavir having the highest value. The presence of a flexible group at P2 and a bulky hydrophobic group at P3 position of the inhibitor is preferred in the PfPMV substrate binding pocket. Results from the present study will aid in the design of potent inhibitors of PMV.