bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flooding hazard assessment at Tulancingo (Hidalgo, Mexico)
Authors: Bonasia R. , Areu‐Rangel O.S. , Tolentino D. , Mendoza‐Sanchez I. , González‐Cao J. , Klapp J.
Published: June 2017

In recent decades, the Tulancingo municipality (Mexico), has been affected by numerous extreme weather phenomena that caused heavy flooding events with severe damage to property and people. Most of the weather phenomena placed several dams under hydrologic risk. The hurricane ‘Dean’, in 2007, led to the overflow of the dam ‘La Esperanza’, generating inundations that reached levels of 1 m in Tulancingo. Mexico does not have a specific regulation that establishes critical thresholds for the construction of flooding hazard maps. With the aim to provide a tool for the flooding hazard assessment, we performed a numerical study of inundation waterdepths by means of the IBER software. The study is based on the construction of different inundation scenarios that are based on the hydrologic study of ‘La Esperanza’ dam's basin, associated to regional precipitation and different return periods. Inundation waterdepths, flow velocity, and land use were used to construct flooding hazard maps. We calculated the occurrence probability of the considered inundation events. The hazard maps presented here and the evaluation of the flooding likelihood can support long‐term planning that would help minimise the impact of such events in Tulancingo.
Effect of liquid properties on swallowing and ventilation coordination in rats
Authors: Desombres A. C. , Duclos C. , Ghannouchi I. , Marie J. P. , Verin E.
Published: June 2017

Background

One aspect of rehabilitation in swallowing disorders is to change liquid properties. The objective of our study was to test how liquid properties could improve oropharyngeal dysphagia and swallowing and ventilation coordination in an animal model.

Methods

Forty‐two healthy male rats were distributed in six groups, including a control group. Rats were deprived of water for 24 h and then each group was administered liquid with different properties: tap water, sugar water, sparkling water, salt water, cold water, and acidic water. Rats were studied without and with oropharyngeal dysphagia achieved by unilateral section of the hypoglossal nerve. Swallowing and ventilation were analyzed by barometric plethysmograph.

Key Results

In healthy rats, swallowing occurred during expiratory time for all liquid properties. Most deglutitions were during expiratory time for all liquid properties (88±12%) and were not modified. There was an increase in VT/TI during swallowing with sparkling water and cold water (P<.05). In the operated groups, rats had significantly fewer swallows with tap water (P<.05) and significantly more swallows with sparkling water (P<.001), sugar water (P<.001) and cold water (P<.001) during expiratory time. The mean inspiratory volume (VT/TI) increased with sparkling water (P<.05).

Conclusion and Inferences

Sparkling water seemed to improve swallowing and ventilation coordination in an animal model, to be confirmed in a study including patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia.
Down‐regulation of fibronectin and the correlated expression of neuroligin in hirschsprung disease
Authors: Zheng Y. , Lv X. , Wang D. , Gao N. , Zhang Q. , Li A.
Published: June 2017

Aim

The goal of this study was to investigate the expression of fibronectin (FN) and the correlated abundance of neuroligins (NLs) in the enteric nervous system (ENS) and to find a novel diagnostic marker in the serum of Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) patients.

Methods

The expression levels of FN, neuroligin‐1 and neuroligin‐2 were detected in 114 children with or without HSCR. The expression and localization of the NLs and FN were assessed morphologically by immunohistochemical staining. Western blot analysis and real‐time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qPCR) were performed to examine the correlated expression of the NLs and FN in aganglionic, transitional, and normal ganglionic colon tissues. An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to evaluate and compare serum FN levels between HSCR and non‐HSCRand between long‐type HSCR and short‐type HSCR.

Results

These studies showed that both neuroligin‐1 and neuroligin‐2 were expressed at low levels in aganglionic segments and at intermediate levels in transitional segments compared to their high level of expression in normal tissue. In contrast, FN expression was negatively correlated, with expression in these three samples transitioning from highest to lowest. The serum FN level was higher in HSCR than in non‐HSCR, but no significant difference between short‐type HSCR and long‐type HSCR was observed.

Conclusion

FN affects the expression of both neuroligin‐1 and neuroligin‐2 in HSCR, which may lead to the hypoplasia of ganglion cells in the ENS. This correlation may play a key role in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, or classification of HSCR.
Coloured overlays and precision‐tinted lenses: poor repeatability in a sample of adults and children diagnosed with visual stress
Authors: Suttle Catherine M. , Barbur John , Conway Miriam L.
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Visual stress consists of perceived distortions or discomfort while reading. It is claimed that these symptoms are alleviated by viewing through coloured lenses or overlays, with a specific colour required for each individual. This has been explained on the basis of altered visual cortex excitation as affected by the spectral content of the viewing light. If symptoms are indeed alleviated by a particular colour that has an impact on the individual's visual system, we would expect that selection of the most beneficial colour would be repeatable. The aim of this study was to determine whether this is the case.

Methods

Twenty‐one participants (mean age 26 years (range 8–55 years); 12 female, nine male) with visual stress and no other uncorrected ocular or visual anomaly were recruited. Each participant selected the colour most beneficial in alleviating their symptoms from a standard set of 10 coloured overlays, and underwent intuitive colorimetry in which the most beneficial of a wide range of chromatic illuminance settings was selected. Without prescribing an overlay at the first appointment, this process was repeated on a second occasion at a mean of 25 days later.

Results

About half of the participants (n = 10) chose the same (n = 7) or similar (with one common colour in both choices; n = 3) coloured overlay on the two occasions, while 11 participants chose a completely different overlay colour. Across all participants, the colorimetry setting shifted by, on average, 9.6 just noticeable differences, indicating that the colours were perceptually very different.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that people with visual stress are unlikely to find exactly the same colour to be optimal on different occasions, and raise questions about the need for precise colour specification in tinted lenses for visual stress.
Saccades and fixations in children with delayed reading skills
Authors: Vinuela‐Navarro Valldeflors , Erichsen Jonathan T. , Williams Cathy , Woodhouse J. Margaret
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Previous studies have reported that eye movements differ between good/average and poor readers. However, these studies have been limited to investigating eye movements during reading related tasks, and thus, the differences found could arise from deficits in higher cognitive processes involved in reading rather than oculomotor performance. The purpose of the study is to determine the extent to which eye movements in children with delayed reading skills are different to those obtained from children with good/average reading skills in non‐reading related tasks.

Methods

After a screening optometric assessment, eye movement recordings were obtained from 120 children without delayed reading skills and 43 children with delayed reading skills (4 to 11 years) using a Tobii TX300 eye tracker. Cartoon characters were presented horizontally from −20° to +20° in steps of 5° to study saccades. An animated stimulus in the centre of the screen was presented for 8 seconds to study fixation stability. Saccadic main sequences, and the number and amplitude of the saccades during fixation were obtained for each participant. Children with delayed reading skills (n = 43) were unmasked after data collection was completed. Medians and quartiles were calculated for each eye movement parameter for children without (n = 120) and with (n = 43) delayed reading skills.

Results

Independent t‐tests with Bonferroni correction showed no significant differences in any of the saccadic main sequence parameters (Slope, Intercept, A, n and Q ratio) between children without and with delayed reading (p > 0.01). Similarly, no significant differences were found in the number of saccades and their amplitude during the fixation task between the two groups (p > 0.05). Further, none of the gross optometric parameters assessed (visual acuity, refractive error, ocular alignment, convergence, stereopsis and accommodation accuracy) were found to be associated with delayed reading skills (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Eye movements in children with delayed reading skills are quantitatively similar to those found in children without delayed reading skills. These findings suggest that, in these children, delayed reading skills are not associated with eye movements and further question interventions targeted at improving eye movement control.
Granting preferential market access in services sequentially versus jointly with goods
Authors: Egger Peter H. , Shingal Anirudh
Published: June 2017

Despite the cost and resource‐effectiveness of joint trade negotiations and complementarities between goods and services‐trade flows, more than 12% of the 132 WTO‐notified services‐trade agreements (STAs) in force until August 2015 were entered into effect sequentially to goods‐trade accords. This stylised fact motivates our study of the determinants of joint versus sequential negotiation/accession of goods and services accords, a subject hitherto unexplored in the growing literature on the determinants of STA membership. Our results suggest larger marginal effects of fundamental economic, geographic, institutional, doing business and services regulatory factors on the propensity of joint negotiation/accession compared to STA formation alone. Moreover, cultural‐distance variables are only found to affect the likelihood of joint preferential liberalisation of goods and services trade, without influencing STA‐only membership.
Does Financial Inclusion Promote Women Empowerment? Evidence from Bangladesh
Authors: Siddik Md. Nur Alam
Published: June 2017

Financial inclusion empowers individuals and families, especially women and the poor, and well-functioning financial systems enrich whole countries. While a plethora of literature exists in connection between the financial inclusion and women empowerment most of those are cross country studies and findings are mixed. And there is relative dearth of studies examining the nexus of financial inclusion and women empowerment of developing economy, particularly Bangladesh. This study attempted to fill this gap. In order to achieve the objective, a survey, by means of structured questionnaire, has been conducted on 500 rural women living in the Kurigram and Gaibandha district of Bangladesh during January to February 2017. Study reveals that financial inclusion increases women income, purchasing power, living standard and position in the family. Study also reveals that after availing financial inclusion progrmmes, rural women become able to meet their emergencies, give child better education, get better medical facility, reduce dependency on local money lenders which means that financial inclusion programmes promotes women’s economic empowerment. Findings of the study is of greater importance to the academicians, practitioners and policy makers of the country to design such packages as to foster financial inclusion which will lead to more women empowerment which in turn will lead to the inclusive development of the country.
Improvement of Oxygen-Uptake Kinetics and Cycling Performance With Combined Prior Exercise and Fast Start
Authors: Brock Kirsty , Antonellis Prokopios , Black Matthew I. , DiMenna Fred J. , Vanhatalo Anni , Jones Andrew M. , Bailey Stephen J.
Published: June 2017

Purpose:To investigate whether oxygen-uptake () kinetics and simulated 4-km cycling performance are synergistically improved by prior “priming” exercise and an all-out starting strategy.Methods:Nine men completed 4 target work trials (114 ± 17 kJ) to assesskinetics and cycling performance in a repeated-measures, crossover experimental design. Trials were initiated with either a 12-s all-out start or a self-selected start and preceded by prior severe-intensity (70%Δ) priming exercise or no priming exercise.Results:Themean response time (MRT) was lower (indicative of fasterkinetics) in the all-out primed condition (20 ± 6 s) than in the all-out unprimed (23 ± 6 s), self-paced-unprimed (42 ± 13 s), and self-paced-primed (42 ± 11 s) trials (P < .05), with theMRT also lower in the all-out unprimed than the self-paced unprimed and self-paced primed trials (P < .05). Trial-completion time was shorter (performance was enhanced) in the all-out primed trial (402 ± 14 s) than in the all-out unprimed (408 ± 14 s), self-paced unprimed (411 ± 16 s), and self-paced primed (411 ± 19 s) trials (P < .05), with no differences between the latter 3 trials.Conclusions:The findings from this study suggest that combining severe-intensity priming exercise with a short-duration all-out starting strategy can expedite the adjustment ofand lower completion time during a cycling performance trial to a greater extent than either intervention administered independently. These results might have implications for optimizing performance in short-duration high-intensity competitive events such as a 4-km cycling time trial.
Differences Between Relative and Absolute Speed and Metabolic Thresholds in Rugby League
Authors: Scott Tannath J. , Thornton Heidi R. , Scott Macfarlane T.U. , Dascombe Ben J. , Duthie Grant M.
Published: June 2017

Purpose: To compare relative and absolute speed and metabolic thresholds for quantifying match output in elite rugby league. Methods: Twenty-six professional players competing in the National Rugby League were monitored with global positioning systems (GPS) across a rugby-league season. Absolute speed (moderate-intensity running [MIRTh > 3.6 m/s] and high-intensity running [HIRTh > 5.2 m/s]) and metabolic (>20 W/kg) thresholds were compared with individualized ventilatory (first [VT1IFT] and second [VT2IFT]) thresholds estimated from the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test (30-15IFT), as well as the metabolic threshold associated with VT2IFT (HPmetVT2), to examine difference in match-play demands. Results: VT2IFT mean values represent 146%, 138%, 167%, and 144% increases in the HIR dose across adjustables, edge forwards, middle forwards, and outside backs, respectively. Distance covered above VT2IFT was almost certainly greater (ES range = 0.79–1.03) than absolute thresholds across all positions. Trivial to small differences were observed between VT1IFT and MIRTh, while small to moderate differences were reported between HPmetVT2 and HPmetTh. Conclusions: These results reveal that the speed at which players begin to run at higher intensities depends on individual capacities and attributes. As such, using absolute HIR speed thresholds underestimates the physical HIR load. Moreover, absolute MIR and high metabolic thresholds may over- or underestimate the work undertaken above these thresholds depending on the respective fitness of the individual. Therefore, using relative thresholds enables better prescription and monitoring of external training loads based on measured individual physical capacities.
The Relationship Between Attachment Styles, Emotion Regulation Strategies, and Health-Promoting Behaviors: Extreme Sports Participants Versus Non-Participants
Authors: Bekaroglu Ece , Bozo Özlem
Published: June 2017

The purpose of the current study was to investigate the relationship between attachment styles, emotion regulation strategies, and their possible effects on health-promoting behaviors among those who participate (N = 109) versus those who do not participate in extreme sports (N = 202). Multiple mediation analyses were conducted to test the hypotheses. Different nonadaptive emotion regulation strategies mediated the relationship between insecure attachment styles and health-promoting behaviors in two groups of the current study. In the extreme sports group, lack of awareness about emotions and lack of goals while dealing with negative emotions mediated the relationship between anxious attachment style and health-promoting behaviors; and lack of goals while dealing with negative emotions mediated the relationship between avoidant attachment style and health-promoting behaviors. In participants who do not engage in extreme sports, lack of clarity about emotions mediated the relationship between anxious attachment style and health-promoting behaviors. Findings and their implications were discussed in the light of the literature.
Development of the Referee Retention Scale
Authors: Ridinger Lynn L. , Kim Kyungun R. , Warner Stacy , Tingle Jacob K.
Published: June 2017

Building on the current sport officiating research, this study puts forth the Referee Retention Scale. Through a three-phase process, the researchers developed a valid and reliable scale to predict sport officials’ job satisfaction and intention to continue. The first phase consisted of instrument development, whereas the second phase included field testing of referees (n = 253). After exploratory factor analysis and Rasch analysis, the resultant refined scale from Phases 1 and 2 was then administered to 979 referees in Phase 3. Phase 3 results using confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the seven-factor, 28-item Referee Retention Scale was a valid and reliable tool for measuring and predicting referee retention. The results highlight the importance of considering a variety of factors associated with the referee experience, which include administrator consideration, intrinsic motives, mentoring, remuneration, sense of community, lack of stress, and continuing education. A discussion on how the Referee Retention Scale can help administrators manage and retain sport officials is included.
Phylogeography of Coxsackievirus A16 Reveals Global Transmission Pathways and Recent Emergence and Spread of a Recombinant Genogroup
Authors: Hassel Chervin , Mirand Audrey , Farkas Agnes , Diedrich Sabine , Huemer Hartwig P. , Peigue-Lafeuille Hélène , Archimbaud Christine , Henquell Cécile , Bailly Jean-Luc ,   the HFMD French Study Network
Published: June 2017

Coxsackievirus A16 (CV-A16;Picornaviridae) is an enterovirus (EV) type associated with hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) in children. To investigate the spatial spread of CV-A16, we used viral sequence data sampled during a prospective sentinel surveillance of HFMD in France (2010 to 2014) and phylogenetic reconstruction. A data set of 168 VP1 sequences was assembled with 416 publicly available sequences of various geographic origins. The CV-A16 sequences reported were assigned to two clades, genogroup B and a previously uncharacterized clade D. The time origins of clades B and D were assessed in 1978 (1973 to 1981) and 2004 (2001 to 2007), respectively. The shape of the global CV-A16 phylogeny indicated worldwide cocirculation of genetically distinct virus lineages over time and across geographic regions. Phylogenetic tree topologies and Bayes factor analysis indicated virus migration. Virus transportation events in clade B within Europe and Asia and between countries of the two geographic regions were assessed. The sustained transmission of clade D viruses over 4 years was analyzed at the township level in France and traced back to Peru in South America. Comparative genomics provided evidence of recombination between CV-A16 clades B and D and suggested an intertype recombinant origin for clade D. Time-resolved phylogenies and HFMD surveillance data indicated that CV-A16 persistence is sustained by continuing virus migration at different geographic scales, from community transmission to virus transportation between distant countries. The results showed a significant impact of virus movements on the epidemiological dynamics of HFMD that could have implications for disease prevention.

IMPORTANCECoxsackievirus A16 is one of the most prevalent enterovirus types in hand, foot, and mouth disease outbreaks reported in Southeast Asia. This study is based on epidemiological and viral data on HFMD caused by CV-A16 in a European country. The phylogeographic data complemented the syndromic surveillance with virus migration patterns between geographic regions in France. The results show how viral evolutionary dynamics and global virus spread interact to shape the worldwide pattern of an EV disease. CV-A16 transmission is driven by movements of infected individuals at different geographic levels: within a country (local dynamics), between neighboring countries (regional dynamics), and between distant countries (transcontinental dynamics). The results are consistent with our earlier data on EV-A71 and confirm the epidemiological interconnection of Asia and Europe with regard to EV infections.
Progression of Strain Relaxation in Linearly-Graded GaAs1-yPy/GaAs (001) Epitaxial Layers Approximated by a Finite Number of Sublayers
Authors: Kujofsa Tedi , Ayers John E.
Published: June 2017

We have investigated the residual in-plane strain and width of the surface misfit dislocation free zone in linearly-graded GaAs1-yPy metamorphic buffer layers as approximated by a finite number of sublayers. For this purpose we have developed an electric circuit model approach for the equilibrium analysis of these structures, in which each sublayer may be represented by an analogous configuration involving a current source, a resistor, a voltage source, and an ideal diode. The resulting node voltages in the analogous electric circuit correspond to the equilibrium strains in the original epitaxial structure. Utilizing this new approach, we show that the residual surface strain in linearly-graded epitaxial structures increases monotonically with grading coefficient as well as the number of sublayers, and is strongly dependent on the width of the misfit dislocation free zone, which diminishes with an increasing grading coefficient.
A Low-Power Low-Data Rate Impulse Radio Ultra-Wideband (IR-UWB) Transmitter
Authors: Mahbub Ifana , Shamsir Samira , Islam Syed K.
Published: June 2017

A low-power and low-data-rate (100 kbps) fully integrated CMOS impulse radio ultra-wideband (IR-UWB) transmitter for biomedical application is presented in this paper. The transmitter is designed using a standard 180-nm CMOS technology that operates at the 3.1-5 GHz frequency range with more than 500 MHz of channel bandwidth. Modulation scheme of this transmitter is based on on-off keying (OOK) in which a short pulse represents binary “1” and absence of a pulse represents binary “0” transmission. During the ‘off’ state (sleep mode) the transmitter consumes only 0.4 μW of power for an operating voltage of 1.8 V while during the impulse transmission state it consumes a power of 36.29 μW. A pulse duration of about 3.5 ns and a peak amplitude of the frequency spectrum of about -47.8 dBm/MHz are obtained in the simulation result which fully complies with Federal Communication Commission (FCC) regulation.
Quantum Dot Channel (QDC) Field Effect Transistors (FETs) Configured as Floating Gate Nonvolatile Memories (NVMs)
Authors: Kondo Jun , Lingalugari Murali , Mirdha Pial , Chan Pik-Yiu , Heller Evan , Jain Faquir
Published: June 2017

This paper presents quantum dot channel (QDC) Field Effect Transistors (FETs) which are configured as nonvolatile memories (NVMs) by incorporating cladded GeOx-Ge quantum dots in the floating gates as well as the transport channels. The current flow and the threshold characteristics were significantly improved when the gate dielectric was changed from silicon dioxide (SiO2) to hafnium aluminum oxide (HfAlO2), and the control dielectric was changed from silicon nitride (Si3N4) to hafnium aluminum oxide (HfAlO2). The device operations are explained by carrier transport in narrow energy mini-bands which are manifested in a quantum dot transport channel.
Testing Modified Dark Matter with galaxy clusters: Does dark matter know about the cosmological constant?
Authors: Edmonds Douglas , Farrah Duncan , Ho Chiu Man , Minic Djordje , Ng Y. Jack , Takeuchi Tatsu
Published: June 2017

We discuss the possibility that the cold dark matter mass profiles contain information on the cosmological constant [Formula: see text], and that such information constrains the nature of cold dark matter (CDM). We call this approach Modified Dark Matter (MDM). In particular, we examine the ability of MDM to explain the observed mass profiles of 13 galaxy clusters. Using general arguments from gravitational thermodynamics, we provide a theoretical justification for our MDM mass profile. In order to properly fit the shape of the mass profiles in galaxy clusters, we find it necessary to generalize the MDM mass profile from the one we used previously to fit galactic rotation curves. We successfully compare it to the NFW mass profiles both on cluster and galactic scales, though differences in form appear with the change in scales. Our results suggest that indeed the CDM mass profiles contain information about the cosmological constant in a nontrivial way.
Three-body decays of Ds+ → η(η′)π+π0
Authors: Asadi Amin , Mehraban Hossein , Shahryari Zahra
Published: June 2017

In this paper, we investigate the three-body decays of [Formula: see text] meson to [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] final state mesons, using a simple model based on the framework of the factorization approach. As we know, there are tree and emission-annihilation diagrams for these decay modes in the factorization approach. We calculate the total [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] branching ratios, including the nonresonant and resonances contributions, and in view of the [Formula: see text] mixing, by applying the Dalitz plot analysis and obtain [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], while the experimental values are [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively. The branching ratios obtained in our model are partly compatible with the experimental results.
Investigation of the structural, electronic, elastic and thermodynamic properties of Curium Monopnictides: An ab initio study
Authors: Baaziz H. , Guendouz Dj. , Charifi Z. , Akbudak S. , Uğur G. , Uğur Ş. , Boudiaf K.
Published: June 2017

The structural, electronic, elastic and thermodynamic properties of Curium Monopnictides CmX (X = N, P, As, Sb and Bi) are investigated using first-principles calculations based on the density functional theory (DFT) and full potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method under ambient condition and high pressure. The exchange-correlation term is treated using two approximations spin-polarized local density approximation (LSDA) and spin-polarized generalized gradient approximation generalized (GGA). The structural parameters such as the equilibrium lattice parameters, bulk modulus and the total energies are calculated in two phases: namely NaCl (B1) and CsCl (B2). The obtained results are compared with the previous theoretical and experimental results. A structural phase transition from B1 phase to B2 phase for Curium pnictides has been obtained. The highest transition pressure is 122 GPa for CmN and the lowest one is 10.0 GPa for CmBi compound. The electronic properties show that these materials exhibit half-metallic behavior in both phases. The magnetic moment is found to be around 7.0 [Formula: see text]B. The mechanical properties of CmX (X = N, P, As, Sb and Bi) are predicted from the calculated elastic constants. Our calculated results are in good agreement with the theoretical results in literature. The effect of pressure and temperature on the thermodynamic properties like the cell volume, bulk modulus and the specific heats C[Formula: see text] and C[Formula: see text], the entropy [Formula: see text] and the Grüneisen parameter [Formula: see text] have been foreseen at expanded pressure and temperature ranges.
Research for practice
Authors: Bailis Peter , Alvaro Peter , Gulwani Sumit
Published: June 2017

Expert-curated guides to the best of CS research.
Cryptovirology
Authors: Young Adam L. , Yung Moti
Published: June 2017

Recent attacks exploiting a known vulnerability continue a downward spiral of ransomware-related incidents.
The informal guide to ACM fellow nominations
Authors: Snir Marc
Published: June 2017

Recommendations for a successful nomination process.
The Circumgalactic Medium
Authors: Tumlinson Jason , Peeples Molly S. , Werk Jessica K.
Published: June 2017

The gas surrounding galaxies outside their disks or interstellar medium and inside their virial radii is known as the circumgalactic medium (CGM). In recent years this component of galaxies has assumed an important role in our understanding of galaxy evolution owing to rapid advances in observational access to this diffuse, nearly invisible material. Observations and simulations of this component of galaxies suggest that it is a multiphase medium characterized by rich dynamics and complex ionization states. The CGM is a source for a galaxy's star-forming fuel, the venue for galactic feedback and recycling, and perhaps the key regulator of the galactic gas supply. We review our evolving knowledge of the CGM with emphasis on its mass, dynamical state, and coevolution with galaxies. Observations from all redshifts and from across the electromagnetic spectrum indicate that CGM gas has a key role in galaxy evolution. We summarize the state of this field and pose unanswered questions for future research.
Small-Scale Challenges to the ΛCDM Paradigm
Authors: Bullock James S. , Boylan-Kolchin Michael
Published: June 2017

The dark energy plus cold dark matter (ΛCDM) cosmological model has been a demonstrably successful framework for predicting and explaining the large-scale structure of the Universe and its evolution with time. Yet on length scales smaller than ∼1 Mpc and mass scales smaller than ∼1011M⊙, the theory faces a number of challenges. For example, the observed cores of many dark matter–dominated galaxies are both less dense and less cuspy than naïvely predicted in ΛCDM. The number of small galaxies and dwarf satellites in the Local Group is also far below the predicted count of low-mass dark matter halos and subhalos within similar volumes. These issues underlie the most well-documented problems with ΛCDM: cusp/core, missing satellites, and too-big-to-fail. The key question is whether a better understanding of baryon physics, dark matter physics, or both is required to meet these challenges. Other anomalies, including the observed planar and orbital configurations of Local Group satellites and the tight baryonic/dark matter scaling relations obeyed by the galaxy population, have been less thoroughly explored in the context of ΛCDM theory. Future surveys to discover faint, distant dwarf galaxies and to precisely measure their masses and density structure hold promising avenues for testing possible solutions to the small-scale challenges going forward. Observational programs to constrain or discover and characterize the number of truly dark low-mass halos are among the most important, and achievable, goals in this field over the next decade. These efforts will either further verify the ΛCDM paradigm or demand a substantial revision in our understanding of the nature of dark matter.
Evolutionary Genomics of Defense Systems in Archaea and Bacteria
Authors: Koonin Eugene V. , Makarova Kira S. , Wolf Yuri I.
Published: June 2017

Evolution of bacteria and archaea involves an incessant arms race against an enormous diversity of genetic parasites. Accordingly, a substantial fraction of the genes in most bacteria and archaea are dedicated to antiparasite defense. The functions of these defense systems follow several distinct strategies, including innate immunity; adaptive immunity; and dormancy induction, or programmed cell death. Recent comparative genomic studies taking advantage of the expanding database of microbial genomes and metagenomes, combined with direct experiments, resulted in the discovery of several previously unknown defense systems, including innate immunity centered on Argonaute proteins, bacteriophage exclusion, and new types of CRISPR-Cas systems of adaptive immunity. Some general principles of function and evolution of defense systems are starting to crystallize, in particular, extensive gain and loss of defense genes during the evolution of prokaryotes; formation of genomic defense islands; evolutionary connections between mobile genetic elements and defense, whereby genes of mobile elements are repeatedly recruited for defense functions; the partially selfish and addictive behavior of the defense systems; and coupling between immunity and dormancy induction/programmed cell death.
A Biologically Inspired Energy-Efficient Duty Cycle Design Method for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Zhou Jie
Published: June 2017

The recent success of emerging wireless sensor networks technology has encouraged researchers to develop new energy-efficient duty cycle design algorithm in this field. The energy-efficient duty cycle design problem is a typical NP-hard combinatorial optimization problem. In this paper, we investigate an improved elite immune evolutionary algorithm (IEIEA) strategy to optimize energy-efficient duty cycle design scheme and monitored area jointly to enhance the network lifetimes. Simulation results show that the network lifetime of the proposed IEIEA method increased compared to the other two methods, which means that the proposed method improves the full coverage constraints.
Orderly Roulette Selection Based Ant Colony Algorithm for Hierarchical Multilabel Protein Function Prediction
Authors: Liang Zhengping , Guo Rui , Sun Jiangtao , Ming Zhong , Zhu Zexuan
Published: June 2017

Ant colony optimization (ACO) algorithms have been successfully applied to identify classification rules in data mining. This paper proposes a new ant colony optimization algorithm, named hmAntMinerorder, for the hierarchical multilabel classification problem in protein function prediction. The proposed algorithm is characterized by an orderly roulette selection strategy that distinguishes the merits of the data attributes through attributes importance ranking in classification model construction. A new pheromone update strategy is introduced to prevent the algorithm from getting trapped in local optima and thus leading to more efficient identification of classification rules. The comparison studies to other closely related algorithms on 16 publicly available datasets reveal the efficiency of the proposed algorithm.
Commiphora molmol Modulates Glutamate‐Nitric Oxide‐cGMP and Nrf2/ARE/HO‐1 Pathways and Attenuates Oxidative Stress and Hematological Alterations in Hyperammonemic Rats
Authors: Mahmoud Ayman M. , Alqahtani Sultan , Othman Sarah I. , Germoush Mousa O. , Hussein Omnia E. , Al-Basher Gadh , Khim Jong Seong , Al-Qaraawi Maha A. , Al-Harbi Hanan M. , Fadel Abdulmannan , Allam Ahmed A.
Published: June 2017

Hyperammonemia is a serious complication of liver disease and may lead to encephalopathy and death. This study investigated the effects of Commiphora molmol resin on oxidative stress, inflammation, and hematological alterations in ammonium chloride‐ (NH4Cl‐) induced hyperammonemic rats, with an emphasis on the glutamate‐NO‐cGMP and Nrf2/ARE/HO‐1 signaling pathways. Rats received NH4Cl and C. molmol for 8 weeks. NH4Cl‐induced rats showed significant increase in blood ammonia, liver function markers, and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α). Concurrent supplementation of C. molmol significantly decreased circulating ammonia, liver function markers, and TNF‐α in hyperammonemic rats. C. molmol suppressed lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide and enhanced the antioxidant defenses in the liver, kidney, and cerebrum of hyperammonemic rats. C. molmol significantly upregulated Nrf2 and HO‐1 and decreased glutamine and nitric oxide synthase, soluble guanylate cyclase, and Na+/K+‐ATPase expression in the cerebrum of NH4Cl‐induced hyperammonemic rats. Hyperammonemia was also associated with hematological and coagulation system alterations. These alterations were reversed by C. molmol. Our findings demonstrated that C. molmol attenuates ammonia‐induced liver injury, oxidative stress, inflammation, and hematological alterations. This study points to the modulatory effect of C. molmol on glutamate‐NO‐cGMP and Nrf2/ARE/HO‐1 pathways in hyperammonemia. Therefore, C. molmol might be a promising protective agent against hyperammonemia.
Targeting Vascular Endothelial-Cadherin in Tumor-Associated Blood Vessels Promotes T-cell–Mediated Immunotherapy
Authors: Zhao Yang , Ting Ka Ka , Li Jia , Cogger Victoria C. , Chen Jinbiao , Johansson-Percival Anna , Ngiow Shin Foong , Holst Jeff , Grau Georges , Goel Shom , Muller Thorleif , Dejana Elisabetta , McCaughan Geoff , Smyth Mark J. , Ganss Ruth , Vadas Mathew A. , Gamble Jennifer R.
Published: June 2017

T-cell infiltration of solid tumors is associated with improved prognosis and favorable responses to immunotherapy. Mechanisms that enable tumor infiltration of CD8+ T cells have not been defined, nor have drugs that assist this process been discovered. Here we address these issues with a focus on VE-cadherin, a major endothelial cell–specific junctional protein that controls vascular integrity. A decrease in VE-cadherin expression is associated with tumor pathology. We developed an oligonucleotide-based inhibitor (CD5-2), which disrupted the interaction of VE-cadherin with its regulator miR-27a, resulting in increased VE-cadherin expression. Administration of CD5-2 in tumor-bearing mice enhanced expression of VE-cadherin in tumor endothelium, activating TIE-2 and tight junction pathways and normalizing vessel structure and function. CD5-2 administration also enhanced tumor-specific T-cell infiltration and spatially redistributed CD8+ T cells within the tumor parenchyma. Finally, CD5-2 treatment enhanced the efficacy of anti-PD-1 blocking antibody. Our work establishes a role for VE-cadherin in T-cell infiltration in tumors and offers a preclinical proof of concept for CD5-2 as a therapeutic modifier of cancer immunotherapy via effects on the tumor vasculature. Cancer Res; 77(16); 4434–47. ©2017 AACR.
Mysteries in Muscovite Political Theology
Authors: Hunt Priscilla
Published: June 2017

Under the Metropolitan Macarius, a fresco program was produced in the Kremlin Golden Palace throne room and vestibule to express a rulership ideology appropriate for Ivan iv’s recent elevation from Grand Prince to Tsar. The images in the dome, based on a symbolic paradigm of “Wisdom’s house” from Proverbs (9: 1–5), show many innovative features. Most mysterious of all is a sun whose rays are the bodies of serpents, with the heads of serpents, lions and an eagle, above a rabbit fleeing from the devil. This study analyzes the origin, meaning and function of these heretofore undeciphered animal images. It shows that they are esoteric symbols of the Wisdom of the Cross which act as controlling metaphors for the whole program, including the Old Testament prototypes for present day Muscovy. They are directed at the sovereign as a mystical initiate who makes present the renewing power of the world’s beginning and end; they express the ruler’s Christ-like sovereignty and messianic calling to use the church and his army to liberate the peoples from sin, death and enslavement to the Devil or to the Devil’s earthly substitutes. Their symbolism transforms the traditional ecclesiastical model of “Wisdom’s house” into a vehicle of political theology.
Volodimer the Bold: A Counter-factual History of Eleventh-Century Rus’
Authors: Raffensperger Christian
Published: June 2017

One of the ways that we can profitably discuss what happened in the past is, counterintuitively, by asking not just “why did x happen” but “what if x did not happen?” Attempting to answer such a question involves an in-depth inquiry into the surrounding events and requires the historian to question the underlying causes of a whole host, indeed a spreading wave, of events that all might be affected by one particular change. This article posits the idea that if Volodimer, the eldest son of Iaroslav the Wise had lived to inherit – Rusian and even medieval European more broadly, history would be changed.
High sensitivity troponin T and I reflect left atrial function being assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Natale Michèle , Behnes Michael , Kim Seung-Hyun , Hoffmann Julia , Reckord Nadine , Hoffmann Ursula , Budjan Johannes , Lang Siegfried , Borggrefe Martin , Papavassiliu Theano , Bertsch Thomas , Akin Ibrahim
Published: June 2017

Background

Left atrial function (LAF) plays an interactive role between pulmonary and systemic circulation. Cardiac biomarkers, such as amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and troponins, might reflect cardiac function. This study aims to evaluate the association between high sensitivity troponins (hsTn) and left atrial function in patients undergoing cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI).

Methods

Patients undergoing cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) were enrolled prospectively. Patients with right ventricular dysfunction (<50%) were excluded. Blood samples for measurements of hsTn and NT-proBNP were collected at the time of cMRI.

Results

Eighty-four patients were included. Median LVEF was 59% (IQR 51–64%). HsTn correlated inversely with LAF within multivariable linear regression models (hsTnI: Beta −0.46; T −4.44; P = 0.0001; hsTnT: Beta −0.29; T −3.06; P = 0.003). High sensitivity troponins increased significantly according to decreasing stages of impaired LAF ( P = 0.0001). High sensitivity troponins discriminated patients with impaired LAF < 55% (hsTnT: AUC = 0.80; P = 0.0001; hsTnI: AUC = 0.74; P = 0.0001) and <45% (hsTnT: AUC = 0.75; P = 0.0001; hsTnI: AUC = 0.73; P = 0.001) and were still significantly associated in multivariable logistic regression models (LAF < 55%: hsTnT: OR = 21.78; P = 0.0001; hsTnI: OR = 5.96; P = 0.009; LAF < 45%: hsTnT: OR = 10.27; P = 0.0001; hsTnI: OR = 12.56; P = 0.001).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that hsTn are able to reflect LAF being assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.
Foetal haemoglobin concentration at postmenstrual age is unaffected by gestational age at birth
Authors: Watanabe Yuki , Osawa Kayo , Sato Itsuko , Iwatani Sota , Kono Ruri , Hayakawa Ikuyo , Hayashi Nobuhide , Iijima Kazumoto , Saegusa Jun , Morioka Ichiro
Published: June 2017

Background

Our aim was to determine whether the postnatal age or postmenstrual age is a more appropriate criterion for evaluating foetal haemoglobin concentrations.

Methods

Blood samples ( n = 1095) were obtained from 394 infants and were divided into two groups based on gestational age at birth: <37 weeks ( n = 491) and ≥37 weeks ( n = 604). (1) Foetal haemoglobin concentrations divided by one month at age after birth were compared between the groups. (2) Foetal haemoglobin concentrations divided into ≤9 months from last menstruation and one month thereafter were compared between the groups.

Results

In samples from infants ≥37 weeks’ gestational age at birth, the median foetal haemoglobin concentrations were 69.5%, 21.4% and 3.6% at 0–1 month, 2–3 months and ≥5 months after birth, respectively. The median foetal haemoglobin concentrations in infants <37 weeks’ gestational age at birth were 75.5%, 62.7% and 5.1% at 0–1 month, 2–3 months and ≥5 months after birth, respectively. The median foetal haemoglobin concentrations in infants <37 weeks’ gestational age at birth were significantly higher than that in infants ≥37 weeks’ gestational age at birth at all postnatal age points. (2) There was no significant difference between the groups at all age points after nine months of postmenstrual age: 72.5 and 75.3% at 9–10 months, 25.1 and 26.6% at 11–12 months and 5.5 and 4.6% at >13 months after last menstruation in infants ≥37 and <37 weeks’ gestational age at birth, respectively.

Conclusions

Evaluation of foetal haemoglobin concentrations at postmenstrual age is unaffected by gestational age at birth.
Exploring the Relationship of Task Performance and Physical and Cognitive Fatigue During a Daylong Light Precision Task
Authors: Yung Marcus , Manji Rahim , Wells Richard P.
Published: June 2017

Objective:

Our aim was to explore the relationship between fatigue and operation system performance during a simulated light precision task over an 8-hr period using a battery of physical (central and peripheral) and cognitive measures.

Background:

Fatigue may play an important role in the relationship between poor ergonomics and deficits in quality and productivity. However, well-controlled laboratory studies in this area have several limitations, including the lack of work relevance of fatigue exposures and lack of both physical and cognitive measures. There remains a need to understand the relationship between physical and cognitive fatigue and task performance at exposure levels relevant to realistic production or light precision work.

Method:

Errors and fatigue measures were tracked over the course of a micropipetting task. Fatigue responses from 10 measures and errors in pipetting technique, precision, and targeting were submitted to principal component analysis to descriptively analyze features and patterns.

Results:

Fatigue responses and error rates contributed to three principal components (PCs), accounting for 50.9% of total variance. Fatigue responses grouped within the three PCs reflected central and peripheral upper extremity fatigue, postural sway, and changes in oculomotor behavior.

Conclusion:

In an 8-hr light precision task, error rates shared similar patterns to both physical and cognitive fatigue responses, and/or increases in arousal level.

Application:

The findings provide insight toward the relationship between fatigue and operation system performance (e.g., errors). This study contributes to a body of literature documenting task errors and fatigue, reflecting physical (both central and peripheral) and cognitive processes.
Unintended Birth and Children’s Long-term Mental Health
Authors: Su Jessica Houston
Published: June 2017

Research has examined the proximate effects of unintended birth on infants and young children, but we know relatively little about the longer-term effects. Given that unintended birth is associated with several childhood risk factors, it might set the stage for poor mental health in adulthood. Drawing on rich intergenerational survey data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, 1979 ( N = 3,742), this study used a variety of statistical techniques to examine whether maternal pregnancy intentions are associated with children’s depressive symptoms during early adulthood. Results from ordinary least squares regression suggest that children resulting from unintended pregnancies experienced more depressive symptoms in their 20s than children resulting from intended pregnancies, controlling for a host of characteristics. Results from propensity-weighted and sibling fixed-effects models suggest that there is little to no causal relationship, however. Much of the initial association between maternal fertility intentions and children’s depressive symptoms is attributed to the mother’s sociodemographic characteristics.