bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating regional losses of soil water due to the conversion of agricultural land to forest in China's Loess Plateau
Authors: Jia Xiaoxu , Wang Yunqiang , Shao Ming'an , Luo Yi , Zhang Chencheng
Published: February 2017

Afforestation on the Chinese Loess Plateau (CLP) has been extensively implemented by the central government over the past decades to control soil erosion. The conversion of agricultural land to forest, however, has led to decreases in soil‐water storage (SWS), which may in turn limit tree growth and threaten the health of ecosystems in the region. This study estimated the regional patterns of losses of soil water (ΔSWS) following conversions across the CLP. Soil‐water content at 0–5.0 m was measured in 169 forests on the plateau, and the initial preafforestation SWS at each sample site was then estimated using stepwise regression. The mean ΔSWS in the 1.0‐ to 5.0‐m profile across the study area was 203.7 mm, with an estimated annual average ΔSWS rate of 16.2 mm/year. ΔSWS and its main contributing factors varied amongst 3 rainfall zones. ΔSWS generally increased with mean annual precipitation (MAP). ΔSWS depended primarily on tree age in the >550 mm MAP zone and on slope gradient and initial SWS in the <450 mm MAP zone. This result suggested that the vegetation might be more important than soil or topographic properties for estimating ΔSWS following the conversion of farmland in the wettest area of the CLP. Our study also suggests that MAP, tree age, slope gradient, and initial SWS have important effects on ΔSWS, which vary with rainfall. Understanding the regional hydrological effects of afforestation is necessary for the efficient management of soil‐water resources on the CLP and in other water‐limited regions.
The interactive effect of demographic and clinical factors on hippocampal volume: A multicohort study on 1958 cognitively normal individuals
Authors: Ferreira Daniel , Hansson Oskar , Barroso José , Molina Yaiza , Machado Alejandra , Hernández‐Cabrera Juan Andrés , Muehlboeck J‐Sebastian , Stomrud Erik , Nägga Katarina , Lindberg Olof , Ames David , Kalpouzos Grégoria , Fratiglioni Laura , Bäckman Lars , Graff Caroline , Mecocci Patrizia , Vellas Bruno , Tsolaki Magda , Kłoszewska Iwona , Soininen Hilkka , Lovestone Simon , Ahlström Håkan , Lind Lars , Larsson Elna‐Marie , Wahlund Lars‐Olof , Simmons Andrew , Westman Eric ,   and for the AddNeuroMed consortium, for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI),   for the Australian Imaging Biomarkers and Lifestyle Study of Ageing (AIBL) research group
Published: February 2017

Alzheimer's disease is characterized by hippocampal atrophy. Other factors also influence the hippocampal volume, but their interactive effect has not been investigated before in cognitively healthy individuals. The aim of this study is to evaluate the interactive effect of key demographic and clinical factors on hippocampal volume, in contrast to previous studies frequently investigating these factors in a separate manner. Also, to investigate how comparable the control groups from ADNI, AIBL, and AddNeuroMed are with five population‐based cohorts. In this study, 1958 participants were included (100 AddNeuroMed, 226 ADNI, 155 AIBL, 59 BRC, 295 GENIC, 279 BioFiNDER, 398 PIVUS, and 446 SNAC‐K). ANOVA and random forest were used for testing between‐cohort differences in demographic‐clinical variables. Multiple regression was used to study the influence of demographic‐clinical variables on hippocampal volume. ANCOVA was used to analyze whether between‐cohort differences in demographic‐clinical variables explained between‐cohort differences in hippocampal volume. Age and global brain atrophy were the most important variables in explaining variability in hippocampal volume. These variables were not only important themselves but also in interaction with gender, education, MMSE, and total intracranial volume. AddNeuroMed, ADNI, and AIBL differed from the population‐based cohorts in several demographic‐clinical variables that had a significant effect on hippocampal volume. Variability in hippocampal volume in individuals with normal cognition is high. Differences that previously tended to be related to disease mechanisms could also be partly explained by demographic and clinical factors independent from the disease. Furthermore, cognitively normal individuals especially from ADNI and AIBL are not representative of the general population. These findings may have important implications for future research and clinical trials, translating imaging biomarkers to the general population, and validating current diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer's disease and predementia stages.
A comparative study of mud‐like and coralliform calcium carbonate gallbladder stones
Authors: Ma Rui‐Hong , Luo Xiao‐Bing , Wang Xiao‐Feng , Qiao Tie , Huang Hai‐Yi , Zhong Hai‐Qiang
Published: February 2017

To gain insight to underlying mechanism of the formation of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) gallbladder stones, we did comparative study of stones with mud appearance and those with coralliform appearance. A total of 93 gallbladder stones with mud appearance and 50 stones with coralliform appearance were analyzed. The appearance, color, texture, and the detection of Clonorchis sinensis eggs by microscopic examination were compared between the two groups. Then, the material compositions of stones were analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy and the spectrogram characteristics were compared. Moreover, microstructure characteristics of the two kinds of stones were observed and compared with Scanning Electron Microscopy. Mud‐like gallbladder stones were mainly earthy yellow or brown with brittle or soft texture, while coralliform stones were mainly black with extremely hard texture, the differences between the two groups was significant (p < .05). The analytic results of FTIR spectroscopy showed that 95.7% (89/93) of the mud‐like gallbladder stones were CaCO3 stones, and mainly aragonite; while all of the coralliform stones were CaCO3 stones, and mainly calcite (p < .05). Meanwhile, microscopic examination indicated that the detection rate of Clonorchis sinensis eggs in mud‐like CaCO3 stones was lower than that in coralliform CaCO3 stones (p < .05), and that in aragonite CaCO3 stones was lower than that in calcite CaCO3 stones(p < .05). Mud‐like CaCO3 stones mainly happened to patients with cystic duct obstruction. Clonorchis sinensis infection was mainly associated with coralliform (calcite) CaCO3 stones. Cystic duct obstruction was mainly associated with mud‐like (aragonite) CaCO3 stones.
Can Statistical Capacity Building Help Reduce Procyclical Fiscal Policy?
Authors: Tapsoba Sampawende J.‐A. , Noumon Codjo Neree , York Robert C.
Published: February 2017

Few papers have attempted to assess the role of ‘capacity’, especially in the area of macroeconomic statistics. Consequently, we make an attempt to advance this literature through the construction of a ‘statistical capacity building index’ and then test its explanatory power on the cyclicality of government spending. Using panel data from 62 developing countries, we find evidence that improvements in this index are associated with less procyclicality of government spending over the period 1990–2012, with the significance of this relationship dependent upon the quality of administrative and technical capacity of budgetary institutions. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lymphedema evaluation using noninvasive 3T MR lymphangiography
Authors: Crescenzi Rachelle , Donahue Paula M.C. , Hartley Katherine G. , Desai Aditi A. , Scott Allison O. , Braxton Vaughn , Mahany Helen , Lants Sarah K. , Donahue Manus J.
Published: February 2017

Purpose

To exploit the long 3.0T relaxation times and low flow velocity of lymphatic fluid to develop a noninvasive 3.0T lymphangiography sequence and evaluate its relevance in patients with lymphedema.

Materials and Methods

A 3.0T turbo‐spin‐echo (TSE) pulse train with long echo time (TEeffective = 600 msec; shot‐duration = 13.2 msec) and TSE‐factor (TSE‐factor = 90) was developed and signal evolution simulated. The method was evaluated in healthy adults (n = 11) and patients with unilateral breast cancer treatment‐related lymphedema (BCRL; n = 25), with a subgroup (n = 5) of BCRL participants scanned before and after manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) therapy. Maximal lymphatic vessel cross‐sectional area, signal‐to‐noise‐ratio (SNR), and results from a five‐point categorical scoring system were recorded. Nonparametric tests were applied to evaluate study parameter differences between controls and patients, as well as between affected and contralateral sides in patients (significance criteria: two‐sided P < 0.05).

Results

Patient volunteers demonstrated larger lymphatic cross‐sectional areas in the affected (arm = 12.9 ± 6.3 mm2; torso = 17.2 ± 15.6 mm2) vs. contralateral (arm = 9.4 ± 3.9 mm2; torso = 9.1 ± 4.6 mm2) side; this difference was significant both for the arm (P = 0.014) and torso (P = 0.025). Affected (arm: P = 0.010; torso: P = 0.016) but not contralateral (arm: P = 0.42; torso: P = 0.71) vessel areas were significantly elevated compared with control values. Lymphatic cross‐sectional areas reduced following MLD on the affected side (pre‐MLD: arm = 8.8 ± 1.8 mm2; torso = 31.4 ± 26.0 mm2; post‐MLD: arm = 6.6 ± 1.8 mm2; torso = 23.1 ± 24.3 mm2). This change was significant in the torso (P = 0.036). The categorical scoring was found to be less specific for detecting lateralizing disease compared to lymphatic‐vessel areas.

Conclusion

A 3.0T lymphangiography sequence is proposed, which allows for upper extremity lymph stasis to be detected in ∼10 minutes without exogenous contrast agents.

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy: Stage 3

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;46:1349–1360.
Claudin domain containing 1 contributing to endothelial cell adhesion decreases in presence of cerebellar hemorrhage
Authors: Ohnishi Masatoshi , Ochiai Hiroyuki , Matsuoka Kohei , Akagi Marina , Nakayama Yuta , Shima Akiho , Uda Arisa , Matsuoka Hiroshi , Kamishikiryo Jun , Michihara Akihiro , Inoue Atsuko
Published: February 2017

The claudin family comprises four‐pass transmembrane proteins involved in the formation of tight junctions (TJs). Relatively recently, claudin domain containing (CLDND) 1, also known as claudin‐25, was identified as a novel member of the claudin family. In the present study, we revealed that in the adult murine brain, CLDND1 is abundant in the cerebellum among common sites of intracerebral hemorrhage. Thus, the dynamics of CLDND1 after cerebellar hemorrhage were examined. Both CLDND1 mRNA and protein levels transiently decreased at 24 hr after hemorrhagic insult. For immunostaining, an anti‐CLDND1 antibody that recognizes the specific epitope in the extracellular first loop was prepared. Dual immunohistochemical staining with CD31 using coronal cryosections of intact murine cerebellum tissue revealed that CLDND1 is expressed on endothelial cells. We therefore performed an in vitro permeability test using a human brain endothelial cell (HBEC) line to reveal whether CLDND1 contributes to cell adhesion like other claudins. CLDND1 was expressed on HBECs as well as in murine cerebellum tissue, and a strong signal was observed at TJs. RNA interference against CLDND1 decreased both the mRNA and protein levels without cytotoxicity. The permeability to small molecules, but not to large ones, across confluent HBECs increased on CLDND1 knockdown compared with mock‐treated cells. These results suggest that the transient decrease of CLDND1 after cerebellar hemorrhage is responsible for low‐molecular‐weight selective vascular hyperpermeability. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Self‐modeling based diagnosis of network services over programmable networks
Authors: Sánchez Vílchez José Manuel , Ben Yahia Imen Grida , Lac Chidung , Crespi Noel
Published: February 2017

In this paper, we propose a multilayer self‐diagnosis framework for network services within the software‐defined networking and network functions virtualization environments. The framework encompasses 3 main contributions: (1) the definition of multilayered templates to identify the components to supervise across the physical, logical, virtual, and service layers. These templates are also finer‐granular, extendable, and machine‐readable; (2) a topology‐aware and a service‐aware self‐modeling module that takes as input the templates, instantiates them, and generates an on‐the‐fly diagnosis model, which includes the physical, logical, and the virtual dependencies of network services; (3) a topology‐aware and a service‐aware root cause analysis approach that takes into account the network services views and their underlying network resources observations within the aforementioned layers to automate the diagnosis of programmable networks. We also present extensive simulations to prove and evaluate the following aspects: a fully automated diagnosis model generation and a fine‐grained and reduced uncertainty diagnosis of the root cause for network services failures including those of their underlying resources. We include in this extended paper relevant state‐of‐the‐art on topology and service aware diagnosis approaches for different types of network technologies, a deeper insight of our approach and problem formalization, and additional results.
What should be included in a doctor's bag?
Authors: Dowden Angela
Published: February 2017

GPs have always carried some equipment and drugs with them when they visit patients. This overview considers what a ‘doctor's bag’ actually is, and discusses the items it might need to contain for GP home visits as well as the factors to consider when stocking it.
Exploring the Effect of Ginsenoside Rh1 in a Sleep Deprivation‐Induced Mouse Memory Impairment Model
Authors: Lu Cong , Shi Zhe , Dong Liming , Lv Jingwei , Xu Pan , Li Yinghui , Qu Lina , Liu Xinmin
Published: February 2017

Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer (Araliaceae) has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for enhancing cognition for thousands of years. Ginsenoside Rh1, a constituent of ginseng root, as with other constituents, has memory‐improving effects in normal mice and scopolamine‐induced amnesic mice. Sleep deprivation (SD) is associated with memory impairment through induction of oxidative stress. The present study investigated the effect of Rh1 against SD‐induced cognitive impairment and attempted to define the possible mechanisms involved. Ginsenoside Rh1 (20 μmol/kg; 40 μmol/kg) and modafinil (0.42 g/kg) were administered to the mice intraperitoneally for 23 days. After 14‐day SD, locomotor activity was examined using the open field test, and the object location recognition and Morris water maze tests were used to evaluate cognitive ability. The cortex and hippocampus were then dissected and homogenized, and levels and activities of antioxidant defense biomarkers were evaluated to determine the level of oxidative stress. The results revealed that Rh1 prevented cognitive impairment induced by SD, and its ability to reduce oxidative stress in cortex and hippocampus may contribute to the mechanism of action. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Acute physical and psychological stress effects on visceral hypersensitivity in male rat: role of central nucleus of the amygdala
Authors: Afzali Hamideh , Nabavizadeh Fatemeh , Karimian Seyed Morteza , Sohanaki Hamid , Vahedian Jalal , Mohamadi Seyed Mehdi
Published: February 2017

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of acute physical and psychological stress and temporary central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) block on stress-induced visceral hypersensitivity.

Methods Forty two male Wistar rats were used in this study. Animals were divided into 7 groups (n = 6); 1 – Control, 2 – physical stress, 3 – psychological stress, 4 – sham, 5 – lidocaine, 6 – lidocaine + physical stress and 7 – lidocaine + psychological stress. Stress induction was done using a communication box.

Results Abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) score was monitored one hour after stress exposure. AWR score significantly heightened at 20, 40 and 60 mmHg in the psychological stress group compared with control (p < 0.05), while, it was almost unchanged in other groups. This score was strikingly decreased at 20, 40 and 60 mmHg in lidocaine + psychological stress group compared with psychological stress with no tangible response on physical stress. Total stool weight was significantly increased in psychological stress group compared with control (0.72 ± 0.15, 0.1 ± 0.06 g) (p < 0.05), but it did not change in physical stress compared to control group (0.16 ± 0.12, 0.1 ± 0.06 g) (p < 0.05). Concomitant use of lidocaine with stress followed the same results in psychological groups (0.18 ± 0.2, 0.72 ± 0.15 g) (p < 0.05), while it did not have any effect on physical stress group (0.25 ± 0.1, 0.16 ± 0.12 g) (p < 0.05).

Conclusions Psychological stress could strongly affect visceral hypersensitivity. This effect is statistically comparable with physical stress. Temporary CeA block could also reduce visceral hypersensitivity post-acute psychological stress.
Boundary integral formulation for flows containing an interface between two porous media
Authors: Ahmadi E. , Cortez R. , Fujioka H.
Published: February 2017

A system of boundary integral equations is derived for flows in domains composed of a porous medium of permeability $k_{1}$, surrounded by another porous medium of different permeability, $k_{2}$. The incompressible Brinkman equation is used to describe the flow in the porous media. We first apply a boundary integral representation of the Brinkman flow on each side of the dividing interface, and impose continuity of the velocity at the interface to derive the final formulation in terms of the interfacial velocity and surface forces. We discuss relations between the surface stresses based on the additional conditions imposed at the interface that depend on the porosity and permeability of the media and the structural composition of the interface. We present simulated results for test problems and different interface stress conditions. The results show significant sensitivity to the choice of the interface conditions, especially when the permeability is large. Since the Brinkman equation approaches the Stokes equation when the permeability approaches infinity, our boundary integral formulation can also be used to model the flow in sub-categories of Stokes–Stokes and Stokes–Brinkman configurations by considering infinite permeability in the Stokes fluid domain.
Are Bondholders Investors? Sovereign Debt and Investment Arbitration afterPoštová
Authors: ORTOLANI PIETRO
Published: February 2017

As a result of the 2010 sovereign debt crisis and the subsequent restructuring operations, bondholders have pursued different dispute resolution strategies. Litigation before US courts has proved to be a viable option, as demonstrated by the Argentine cases. State court litigation, however, is not the only available forum: in some cases, bondholders have commenced arbitration proceedings against the issuing state.

Arbitral case law has been consistent in concluding that the holders of sovereign bonds issued by the host state qualify as investors and thus have standing to bring investment treaty-based claims. The recentPoštováaward, however, casts doubts over whether holders of sovereign bonds qualify as investors for the purposes of international investment law.

This article illustrates the main problems revolving around the qualification of sovereign bonds as investments for the purposes of international investment law. The article summarizes the relevant legal framework and the solutions adopted by arbitral case law so far. Subsequently, the contents of thePoštovádecision are addressed in detail and the consequences of this decision are scrutinizsed.
Salmonellain the pork production chain and its impact on human health in the European Union
Authors: BONARDI S.
Published: February 2017

Salmonellaspp. comprise the second most common food-borne pathogens in the European Union (EU). The role of pigs as carriers ofSalmonellahas been intensively studied both on farm and at slaughter.Salmonellainfection in pigs may cause fever, diarrhoea, prostration and mortality. However, most infected pigs remain healthy carriers, and those infected at the end of the fattening period could pose a threat to human health. Contamination of pig carcasses can occur on the slaughter line, and it is linked to cross-contamination from other carcasses and the presence ofSalmonellain the environment. Therefore,Salmonellaserovars present on pig carcasses can be different from those detected in the same bathes on the farm. In recent years,S.Typhimurium,S.Derby andS.serotype 4,[5],12:i:- (a monophasic variant ofS.Typhimurium) have been the most common serovars to be detected in pigs in EU countries, butS.Rissen,S.Infantis,S.Enteritidis andS.Brandenburg have also been reported. In humans, several cases of salmonellosis have been linked to the consumption of raw or undercooked pork and pork products. Among the main serovars of porcine origin detected in confirmed human cases,S.Typhimurium, the monophasic variantS.4,[5],12:i:- andS.Derby are certainly the most important.
A 10-year analysis of VTEC microbiological clearance times, in the under-six population of the Midlands, Ireland
Authors: COLLINS A. , FALLON U. B. , COSGROVE M. , MEAGHER G. , NI SHUILEABHAN C.
Published: February 2017

Verotoxin-producingEscherichia coli(VTEC) is a significant problem in the under-six population in the Midlands, Ireland. VTEC spreads by person-to-person transmission and children attending childcare facilities are excluded until they achieve two consecutive negative stool samples. This report analyses 10 years data on the number of days children under the age of six take to microbiologically clear VTEC. We identified from our data that the median clearance time for VTEC was 39 days, interquartile range (IQR) 27–56 days, maximum clearance time 283 days. At 70 days from onset of infection, 90% of children had cleared the infection. These findings were slightly more prolonged but consistent with international literature on VTEC clearance times for children. Asymptomatic children cleared VTEC infection significantly faster (median time 25 days IQR 13–43 days) than symptomatic children (median time 43 days IQR 31–58 days). Symptomatic children older than 1 year of age cleared VTEC infection significantly faster (median time 42 days IQR 31–57) than symptomatic children year under 1 year (median time 56 days IQR 35–74 days). This report identifies clear data which can be used to more accurately advise parents on time periods required to achieve microbiological clearance from VTEC.
Yoneda completeness
Authors: BICE TRISTAN
Published: February 2017

We characterize Yoneda completeness for non-symmetric distances by combinations of metric and directed completeness. One of these generalizes the Kostanek–Waszkiewicz theorem on formal balls.
KuQuinones as sensitizers for NiO based p-type dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Bonomo Matteo , Sabuzi Federica , Di Carlo Aldo , Conte Valeria , Dini Danilo , Galloni Pierluca
Published: February 2017

KuQuinones have been used for the first time as dyes in NiO-based p-type DSSCs.
Bubble nucleation and growth in nanochannels
Authors: Bao Bo , Zandavi Seyed Hadi , Li Huawei , Zhong Junjie , Jatukaran Arnav , Mostowfi Farshid , Sinton David
Published: February 2017

We apply micro- and nanofluidics to study fundamental phase change behaviour at nanoscales, as relevant to shale gas/oil production.
Base assisted C–C coupling between carbonyl and polypyridyl ligands in a Ru-NADH-type carbonyl complex
Authors: Ghosh Debashis , Fukushima Takashi , Kobayashi Katsuaki , Sen Susan , Kitagawa Susumu , kato Tatsuhisa , Tanaka Koji
Published: February 2017

Strong organic base assists quantitative conversion of ruthenium(ii)-NADH-type complex to new metallacycle which was further oxidized to Ru-OCO-bridge complex upon reaction with aq. NH4PF6 under air.
Implementation of hardware TCP/IP stack for DAQ systems with flexible data channel
Authors: Liu Quan , Xu Zhiqiang , Li Zhengying
Published: February 2017

Traditional solutions for Ethernet transmission of data acquisition systems (DAQ) are mainly based on software transmission control protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP) stack while its throughput is relatively low and hard to improve. A hardware TCP/IP stack that can greatly promote the Ethernet throughput for generic DAQ is presented. To reduce the memory overhead of FPGA in DAQ, a shared memory method based on parallel and pipeline operations is proposed so that it can realise multiple protocols with just 2 Kb RAM for receiving and sending respectively. Unlike software system, hardware stack is difficult to realise multiple data source transmission simultaneously since it is realised totally by logic circuits. Therefore, a data manage module is designed specially to manage the internal, software and hardware data and it can enhance the flexibility and practicability remarkably. Functional simulation shows that, under 50 MHz system clock, the maximum throughput is near 800 Mbps. A common Megabit Ethernet controller chip is applied in the board test. The results show that the maximum throughput of the whole system is 82.2 Mbps which is much better than designs based on the same or similar network controllers.
Optimal reference element for interference suppression in GNSS antenna arrays under channel mismatch
Authors: Lu Zukun , Nie Junwei , Wan Youda , Ou Gang
Published: February 2017

Nowadays, antenna arrays have been widely used in global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receivers to suppress interference. However, its performance of interference suppression is inevitably limited by channel mismatch. Under channel mismatch, the performance of interference suppression is affected by reference element selection, while selecting a different reference element has a different performance. Hence, it is indispensable to select the optimal reference element to make the maximum of the interference cancellation ratio. A novel method is proposed to select the optimal reference element. In comparison to the former methods, the proposed method only needs to calculate the self‐correlation power of each channel and cross‐correlation power of cross channel, while the parameters of channel mismatch is unnecessary. Simulations and experiments are executed, the proposed method always select the optimal reference element during the whole period, which assures the validity of the proposed method.
Lorentz-like force emerging from kinematic interactions between electrons and nuclei in molecules: A quantum mechanical origin of symmetry breaking that can trigger molecular chirality
Authors: Takatsuka Kazuo
Published: February 2017

The Longuet-Higgins (Berry) phase arising from nonadiabatic dynamics and the Aharonov-Bohm phase associated with the dynamics of a charged particle in the electromagnetic vector potential are well known to be individually a manifestation of a class of the so-called geometrical phase. We herein discuss another similarity between the force working on a charged particle moving in a magnetic field, the Lorentz force, and a force working on nuclei while passing across a region where they have a strong quantum mechanical kinematic (nonadiabatic) coupling with electrons in a molecule. This kinematic force is indeed akin to the Lorentz force in that its magnitude is proportional to the velocity of the relevant nuclei and works in the direction perpendicular to its translational motion. Therefore this Lorentz-like nonadiabatic force is realized only in space of more or equal to three dimensions, thereby highlighting a truly multi-dimensional effect of nonadiabatic interaction. We investigate its physical significance qualitatively in the context of breaking of molecular spatial symmetry, which is not seen otherwise without this force. This particular symmetry breaking is demonstrated in application to a coplanar collision between a planar molecule and an atom sharing the same plane. We show that the atom is guided by this force to the direction out from the plane, resulting in a configuration that distinguishes one side of the mirror plane from the other. This can serve as a trigger for the dynamics towards molecular chirality.
Gate-voltage-dependent charge transport in multi-dispersed polymer thin films
Authors: Zhou Ling , Bu Laju , Li Dongfan , Lu Guanghao
Published: February 2017

In semiconductor polymers, charge transport usually occurs via hopping between localized states, which are generally multi-dispersed due to multi-dispersed chemical structures, crystallinities, and phase segregations. We report a combined modeling and experimental study to investigate gate-voltage-dependent charge transport in field-effect transistors based on multi-dispersed polymers including semiconductor:semiconductor and semiconductor:insulator blends. Film-depth-dependent charge accumulation and transport are correlated with vertical composition profiles and film-depth-dependent energetic distribution of localized states. Even low gate-voltage could accumulate charges in any depth of the films, greatly increasing charge density in some (sub-) components for effective charge transport. Therefore, neither overall high crystallinity nor molecular ordering near the semiconductor-dielectric interface is necessarily required for high field-effect mobility (μFET). This study not only proposes a model for high effective μFET recently reported in some nearly amorphous polymer films and the “bislope feature” in their transfer characteristics but also helps improve transistor performances and exploit transistor operations via manipulating charge distribution in multi-dispersed films.
Resistivity plateau and large magnetoresistance in the charge density wave system TaTe4
Authors: Luo X. , Chen F. C. , Pei Q. L. , Gao J. J. , Yan J. , Lu W. J. , Tong P. , Han Y. Y. , Song W. H. , Sun Y. P.
Published: February 2017

Due to the time reversal symmetry, the metallic surface of the topological insulator (TI) survives and results in the resistivity plateau at low temperature, which is the transport signature of the metallic surface state. Such a universal character has been observed in many materials, such as Bi2Te2Se, SmB6, and so on. Recently, a similar behavior has also been found in the possible topological semimetal LaSb/Bi and the metallic compounds Nb/TaAs2. Herein, we have mainly explored the resistivity plateau and the magnetoresistance (MR) of TaTe4 single crystal with the charge density wave (CDW) transition temperature TCDW = 475 K. There are some interesting observations: (i) The large MR (MR is about 1200% in a magnetic field 16 T at T = 2 K) is observed at low temperature; (ii) A field-induced universal TI resistivity with a plateau at roughly T = 10 K and high quantum mobility of carriers in the plateau region are present; (iii) Quantum oscillations with the angle dependence of a two-dimensional Fermi surface are shown. Owing to the CDW character that existed in TaTe4, it represents an ideal system to investigate the relationship between the CDW and the topological physics.
Synergy of cAMP and calcium signaling pathways in CFTR regulation
Authors: Bozoky Zoltan , Ahmadi Saumel , Milman Tal , Kim Tae Hun , Du Kai , Di Paola Michelle , Pasyk Stan , Pekhletski Roman , Keller Jacob P. , Bear Christine E. , Forman-Kay Julie D.
Published: February 2017

Significance

Cystic fibrosis is caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene that encodes a chloride channel located in the apical membrane of epithelia cells. The cAMP signaling pathway and protein phosphorylation are known to be primary controlling mechanisms for channel function. In this study, we present an alternative activation pathway that involves calcium-activated calmodulin binding of the intrinsically disordered regulatory (R) region of CFTR. Beyond their potential therapeutic value, these data provide insights into the intersection of calcium signaling with control of ion homeostasis and the ways in which the local CFTR microdomain organizes itself.
Previously unknown class of metalorganic compounds revealed in meteorites
Authors: Ruf Alexander , Kanawati Basem , Hertkorn Norbert , Yin Qing-Zhu , Moritz Franco , Harir Mourad , Lucio Marianna , Michalke Bernhard , Wimpenny Joshua , Shilobreeva Svetlana , Bronsky Basil , Saraykin Vladimir , Gabelica Zelimir , Gougeon Régis D. , Quirico Eric , Ralew Stefan , Jakubowski Tomasz , Haack Henning , Gonsior Michael , Jenniskens Peter , Hinman Nancy W. , Schmitt-Kopplin Philippe
Published: February 2017

Significance

In this study we report the discovery of a previously unrecognized chemical class, dihydroxymagnesium carboxylates, [(HO)
2
MgO
2
CR]
−
, gained from nonterrestrial meteoritic analyses. The existence of such low-coordination organomagnesium anionic compounds expands our knowledge and understanding of extreme environments from which the early solar system emerged and has evolved. The appearance this CHOMg chemical class extends the previously investigated vast diversity of CHNOS groups in meteoritic soluble organics. Experimental evidence is given for the connection between the evolution of organic compounds and minerals. These thermostable compounds might have contributed to the stabilization of organic molecules on a geological time scale, which emphasizes their potential astrobiological relevance.
Aberrant splicing in maize
rough endosperm3
reveals a conserved role for U12 splicing in eukaryotic multicellular development
Authors: Gault Christine M. , Martin Federico , Mei Wenbin , Bai Fang , Black Joseph B. , Barbazuk W. Brad , Settles A. Mark
Published: February 2017

Significance

The last eukaryotic common ancestor had two spliceosomes. The major spliceosome acts on nearly all introns, whereas the minor spliceosome removes rare, U12-type introns. Based on in vitro RNA-splicing assays, the RGH3/ZRSR2 RNA-splicing factor has functions in both spliceosomes. Here, we show that the maize
rgh3
mutant allele primarily disrupts U12 splicing, similar to human
ZRSR2
mutants, indicating a conserved in vivo function in the minor spliceosome. These mutant alleles block cell differentiation leading to overaccumulation of stem cells in endosperm and blood, respectively. We found extensive conservation between maize and human U12-type intron-containing genes, demonstrating that a common genetic architecture controls at least a subset of cell differentiation pathways in both plants and animals.
In vivo polymerization and manufacturing of wires and supercapacitors in plants
Authors: Stavrinidou Eleni , Gabrielsson Roger , Nilsson K. Peter R. , Singh Sandeep Kumar , Franco-Gonzalez Juan Felipe , Volkov Anton V. , Jonsson Magnus P. , Grimoldi Andrea , Elgland Mathias , Zozoulenko Igor V. , Simon Daniel T. , Berggren Magnus
Published: February 2017

Significance

Plants with integrated electronics,
e
-Plants, have been presented recently. Up to now the devices and circuits have been manufactured in localized regions of the plant due to limited distribution of the organic electronic material. Here we demonstrate the synthesis and application of a conjugated oligomer that can be delivered in every part of the vascular tissue of a plant and cross through the veins into the apoplast of leaves. The oligomer polymerizes in vivo due to the physicochemical environment of the plant. We demonstrate long-range conducting wires and supercapacitors along the stem. Our findings open pathways for autonomous energy systems, distributed electronics, and new
e
-Plant device concepts manufactured in living plants.
Genetic variation in chromosome Y regulates susceptibility to influenza A virus infection
Authors: Krementsov Dimitry N. , Case Laure K. , Dienz Oliver , Raza Abbas , Fang Qian , Ather Jennifer L. , Poynter Matthew E. , Boyson Jonathan E. , Bunn Janice Y. , Teuscher Cory
Published: February 2017

Significance

Including sex and gender into preclinical research is central to delineating the mechanisms contributing to sex differences in health and disease. The majority of sex differences in susceptibility to infectious diseases, such as influenza A virus (IAV), are believed to be due to the influence of sex hormones on the immune system; however, the idea that sex chromosomes also may influence infectious disease susceptibility is being increasingly recognized. Our finding that genetic variation in chromosome Y (ChrY) influences the survival of male mice following IAV infection, and the associated sex differences in IAV susceptibility, further establishes a critical role for ChrY in controlling the male-specific regulatory genome related to infectious disease susceptibility.
Strategic aspects of cyberattack, attribution, and blame
Authors: Edwards Benjamin , Furnas Alexander , Forrest Stephanie , Axelrod Robert
Published: February 2017

Significance

Attribution of cyberattacks has strategic and technical components. We provide a formal model that incorporates both elements and shows the conditions under which it is rational to tolerate an attack and when it is better to assign blame publicly. The model applies to a wide range of conflicts and provides guidance to policymakers about which parameters must be estimated to make a sound decision about attribution and blame. It also draws some surprising conclusions about the risks of asymmetric technical attribution capabilities.
General Strain Theory
Authors: Brezina Timothy
Published: February 2017

General strain theory (GST) provides a unique explanation of crime and delinquency. In contrast to control and learning theories, GST focuses explicitly on negative treatment by others and is the only major theory of crime and delinquency to highlight the role of negative emotions in the etiology of offending. According to GST, the experience of strain or stress tends to generate negative emotions such as anger, frustration, depression, and despair. These negative emotions, in turn, are said to create pressures for corrective action, with crime or delinquency being one possible response.

GST was designed, in part, to address criticisms leveled against previous versions of strain theory. Earlier versions of strain theory have been criticized for focusing on a narrow range of possible strains, for their inability to explain why only some strained individuals resort to crime or delinquency, and for limited empirical support. GST has been partly successful in overcoming these limitations. Since its inception, the theory has received a considerable amount of attention from researchers, has enjoyed a fair amount of empirical support, and has been credited with helping to revitalize the strain theory tradition. The full potential of GST has yet to be realized, however, as the theory continues to evolve and further testing is required.
Health Status of Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Europe
Authors: Humphris Rachel , Bradby Hannah
Published: February 2017

The health status of refugees and asylum seekers varies significantly across the European region. Differences are attributed to the political nature of the legal categories of “asylum seeker” and “refugee”; the wide disparities in national health services; and the diversity in individual characteristics of this population including age, gender, socioeconomic background, country of origin, ethnicity, language proficiency, migration trajectory, and legal status. Refugees are considered to be at risk of being or becoming relatively “unhealthy migrants” compared to those migrating on the basis of economic motives, who are characterized by the “healthy migrant effect.” Refugees and asylum seekers are at risk to the drivers of declining health associated with settlement such as poor diet and housing. Restricted access to health care whether from legal, economic, cultural, or language barriers is another likely cause of declining health status. There is also evidence to suggest that the “embodiment” of the experience of exclusion and marginalization that refugee and asylum seekers face in countries of resettlement significantly drives decrements in the health status of this population.
Can clinically relevant dose errors in patient anatomy be detected by gamma passing rate or modulation complexity score in volumetric-modulated arc therapy for intracranial tumors?
Authors: Ohira Shingo , Ueda Yoshihiro , Isono Masaru , Masaoka Akira , Hashimoto Misaki , Miyazaki Masayoshi , Takashina Masaaki , Koizumi Masahiko , Teshima Teruki
Published: February 2017

We investigated whether methods conventionally used to evaluate patient-specific QA in volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) for intracranial tumors detect clinically relevant dosimetric errors. VMAT plans with coplanar arcs were designed for 37 intracranial tumors. Dosimetric accuracy was validated by using a 3D array detector. Dose deviations between the measured and planned doses were evaluated by gamma analysis. In addition, modulation complexity score for VMAT (MCSv) for each plan was calculated. Three-dimensional dose distributions in patient anatomy were reconstructed using 3DVH software, and clinical deviations in dosimetric parameters between the 3DVH doses and planned doses were calculated. The gamma passing rate (GPR)/MCSv and the clinical dose deviation were evaluated using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Significant correlation (P < 0.05) between the clinical dose deviation and GPR was observed with both the 3%/3 mm and 2%/2 mm criteria in clinical target volume (D99), brain (D2), brainstem (D2) and chiasm (D2), albeit that the correlations were not ‘strong’ (0.38 < |r| < 0.54). The maximum dose deviations of brainstem were up to 4.9 Gy and 2.9 Gy for Dmax and D%, respectively in the case of high GPR (98.2% with 3%/3 mm criteria). Regarding MCSv, none of the evaluated organs showed a significant correlation with clinical dose deviation, and correlations were ‘weak’ or absent (0.01 < |r| < 0.21). The use of high GPR and MCSv values does not always detect dosimetric errors in a patient. Therefore, in-depth analysis with the DVH for patient-specific QA is considered to be preferable for guaranteeing safe dose delivery.
Concern noted: A descriptive study of editorial expressions of concern in PubMed and PubMed Central
Authors: Vaught Melissa , Jordan Diana C. , Bastian Hilda
Published: February 2017

Background

An editorial expression of concern (EEoC) is issued by editors or publishers to draw attention to potential problems in a publication, without itself constituting a retraction or correction.

Methods

We searched PubMed, PubMed Central (PMC), and Google Scholar to identify EEoCs issued for publications in PubMed and PMC up to 22 August 2016. We also searched the archives of the Retraction Watch blog, some journal and publisher websites, and studies of EEoCs. In addition, we searched for retractions of EEoCs and affected articles in PubMed up to 8 December 2016. We analyzed overall historical trends, as well as reported reasons and subsequent editorial actions related to EEoCs issued between August 2014 and August 2016.

Results

After screening 5,076 records, we identified 230 EEoCs that affect 300 publications indexed in PubMed, the earliest issued in 1985. Half of the primary EEoCs were issued between 2014 and 2016 (52%). We found evidence of some EEoCs that had been removed by the publisher without leaving a record and some were not submitted for PubMed or PMC indexing. A minority of publications affected by EEoCs had been retracted by early December 2016 (25%). For the subset of 92 EEoCs issued between August 2014 and August 2016, affecting 99 publications, the rate of retraction was similar (29%). The majority of EEoCs were issued because of concerns with validity of data, methods, or interpretation of the publication (68%), and 31% of cases remained open. Issues with images were raised in 40% of affected publications. Ongoing monitoring after the study identified another 17 EEoCs to year’s end in 2016, increasing the number of EEoCs to 247 and publications in PubMed known to be affected by EEoCs to 320 at the end of 2016.

Conclusions

EEoCs have been rare publishing events in the biomedical literature, but their use has been increasing. Most have not led to retractions, and many remain unresolved. Lack of prominence and inconsistencies in management of EEoCs reduce the ability of these notices to alert the scientific community to potentially serious problems in publications. EEoCs will be made identifiable in PubMed in 2017.
Genomic epidemiology of globalKlebsiella pneumoniaecarbapenemase (KPC)-producingEscherichia coli
Authors: Stoesser N , Sheppard AE , Peirano G , Anson LW , Pankhurst L , Sebra R , Phan HTT , Kasarskis A , Mathers AJ , Peto TEA , Brandford P , Motyl MR , Walker AS , Crook DW , Pitout JD
Published: February 2017

The dissemination of carbapenem resistance inEscherichia colihas major implications for the management of common human infections.blaKPC,encoding a transmissible carbapenemase (KPC), has historically largely been associated withKlebsiella pneumoniae,a predominant plasmid (pKpQIL), and a specific transposable element (Tn4401,~10kb). Here we characterize the genetic features of the emergence ofblaKPCin globalE. coli,2008-2013, using both long-and short-read whole genome sequencing.

Amongst 43/45 successfully sequencedblaKPC-E. colistrains, we identified high strain (n=21 sequence types, 18% of annotated genes in the core genome); plasmid (≥9 replicon types); andblaKPC-associated, mobile genetic element (MGE) diversity (50% not within complete Tn4401elements). We also found evidence of interspecies, regional and international plasmid spread. In several casesblaKPCwas found on high copy number, small Col-like plasmids, previously associated with horizontal transmission of resistance genes in the absence of antimicrobial selection pressures.

E. coliis a common human pathogen, but also a commensal in a multiple environmental and animal reservoirs, and easily transmissible. The association ofblaKPCwith a range of MGEs previously linked to the successful spread of widely endemic resistance mechanisms (e.g.blaTEM,blaCTX-M) suggests that it is likely to become similarly prevalent.
Demographic inference through approximate-Bayesian-computation skyline plots
Authors: Navascués Miguel , Leblois Raphaël , Burgarella Concetta
Published: February 2017

The skyline plot is a graphical representation of historical effective population sizes as a function of time. Past population sizes for these plots are estimated from genetic data, without aprioriassumptions on the mathematical function defining the shape of the demographic trajectory. Because of this flexibility in shape, skyline plots can, in principle, provide realistic descriptions of the complex demographic scenarios that occur in natural populations. Currently, demographic estimates needed for skyline plots are estimated using coalescent samplers or a composite likelihood approach. Here, we provide a way to estimate historical effective population sizes using an Approximate Bayesian Computation (ABC) framework. We assess its performance using simulated and actual microsatellite datasets. Our method correctly retrieves the signal of contracting, constant and expanding populations, although the graphical shape of the plot is not always an accurate representation of the true demographic trajectory, particularly for recent changes in size and contracting populations. Because of the flexibility of ABC, similar approaches can be extended to other types of data, to multiple populations, or to other parameters that can change through time, such as the migration rate.