bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Suppression of the thermal quenching of photoluminescence in irradiated silicon heterojunction solar cells
Authors: Plantevin Olivier , Defresne Alice , Roca i Cabarrocas Pere
Published: May 2016

We report on the decrease in photoluminescence (PL) intensity with the increase of the sample temperature (thermal quenching) in crystalline silicon and its suppression after ion irradiation. The crystalline silicon surface was passivated with intrinsic and doped hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a‐Si:H) layer stacks as for making silicon heterojunction solar cell precursors. Low energy argon ion irradiation, in the range between 5 and 17 keV, was used for controlled defect formation either in the thin a‐Si:H top layer or at the interface with the crystalline silicon beneath. The irradiation defects introduce radiative recombination centers in the a‐Si:H as can be measured from PL at low temperature. Moreover, the irradiation and annealing result in a strong modification of the thermal quenching of the PL intensity up to 500 K, showing evidence for the strong reduction of thermally activated non‐radiative recombinations at the amorphous‐crystalline interface. This result can have implications in the field of crystalline silicon surface passivation.
Correlation among selected fracture‐mechanical parameters of concrete obtained from experiments and inverse analyses
Authors: Zimmermann Thomas , Lehký David , Strauss Alfred
Published: May 2016

The correlations among selected parameters of concrete were investigated for concrete mixes of the strength classes C20/25, C25/30, C30/37, C40/50 and C50/60. The focus was laid on correlations between basic mechanical parameters such as compressive strength, tensile strength and modulus of elasticity as well as parameters related to concrete fracture, represented here by specific fracture energy. Laboratory tests examining the fracture behaviour and mechanical properties were carried out in order to determine the fundamental concrete parameters. In particular, standard compression tests on test cubes and three‐point bending tests on beams with central edge notch were performed. Additional material parameters were identified using the inverse analysis technique. Finally, correlation factors between different parameters of concrete were identified using the rank‐order correlation method.
Experimental and numerical evaluation of proposed precast concrete connections
Authors: Yekrangnia Mohammad , Taheri Amir , Zahrai Seyed Mehdi
Published: May 2016

In this article, the cyclic performance of an innovative precast beam‐to‐column connection is evaluated experimentally and numerically. Two full‐scale beam‐column cross‐shape interior connection specimens named PF‐1 and PF‐2 are tested. By adding extra nuts to the connecting bolts, specimen PF‐2 behaves in a more shear‐dominant pattern and shows less pinching. Comparison of performance of these specimens with the numerical monolithic model in terms of stiffness, strength, ductility and energy dissipation capacity indicates the proposed system can provide conditions close to the monolithic connection. However, to reduce the pinching drawback, a minor modification was made leading to performance improvements in strength and equivalent viscous damping ratio up to 51% and 29% respectively. The results of this study have direct industrial relevance and may be used for the development of reliable seismic guidelines for precast concrete structures.
Numerical analysis of a bridge pier subjected to truck impact
Authors: Jiříček Pavel , Foglar Marek
Published: May 2016

The impact of heavy trucks on a bridge substructure can lead to progressive collapse of the bridge superstructure, and to disastrous accidents. This type of load should therefore be taken into consideration, especially in the design of motorway bridges. For some structural arrangements, vehicle impact is the decisive loading for the design of the bridge substructure. This paper presents verification of the detailed procedures given by European standard EN 1991‐1‐7 for bridge pier impact load – dynamic ana lysis, which is compared with the outcomes from a detailed finite‐element model (FEM) of a truck impact prepared using AUTODYN software. A nonlinear material model of concrete with damage and strain‐rate effect is used to assess the impact performance of a bridge pier. The paper further presents the results of a numerical study focused on the influence of different types of bridge pier reinforcement arrangement on their resistance to vehicle impact. The performance of various types of reinforcement is analysed and compared. Practical recommendations are drawn for the design of bridge piers which can be subjected to vehicle impacts in an urban environment.
The Hernia–Neck‐Ratio (HNR), a Novel Predictive Factor for Complications of Umbilical Hernia
Authors: Fueter T. , Schäfer M. , Fournier P. , Bize P. , Demartines N. , Allemann P.
Published: May 2016

Background

Umbilical hernia is a common pathology and surgical repair is advised to prevent complications in symptomatic patients. However, risk factors that predict such advert events are unknown. The aim of the study was to determine whether morphological characteristics are associated with the occurrence of complications.

Method

Retrospective review of adult patients with elective and emergent umbilical hernia repair operated from January 2004 to December 2013. The size of the hernia and the size of the neck were measured based on operative reports, ultrasound, CT or MRI images. The Hernia–Neck‐Ratio (HNR) was then calculated as novel risk indicator.

Results

106 patients underwent umbilical hernia repair (70 for uncomplicated and 36 for complicated hernia) as single procedure. The median size of the hernia sac was statistically significantly smaller in the uncomplicated group (30 mm, interquartile range (IQR) 20–49 vs. 50 mm, IQR 40–71, p = 0.037). The median size of the neck was not different between both groups (15 mm, IQR 11–29 vs. 16 mm, IQR 12–21, p = 0.44). The median HNR was smaller in the uncomplicated group (1.76, IQR 1.45–2.18 vs. 3.33, IQR 2.97–3.91, p = 0.00026). Based on ROC curve analysis (area under the curve: 0.9038), a cut‐off value of 2.5 was associated with 91 % sensitivity and 84 % specificity.

Conclusions

A novel predictive factor for complications related to umbilical hernia is proposed. The Hernia–Neck Ratio can easily be calculated. These results suggest that umbilical hernia with HNR >2.5 should be operated, irrespective of the presence of symptoms.
Nanoemulsification of Ceramide‐2 by Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine, a Novel Peptide‐Based Gemini Surfactant
Authors: Tian Yonghong , Guo Yiguang , Yang Xuefang , Zhang Wanping
Published: May 2016

A novel peptide‐based gemini surfactant, namely, sodium dilauramidoglutamide lysine (DLGL) was employed to fabricate a stable nanoemulsion system for the delivery of hydrophobic bioactive ceramide‐2 molecules. The phase properties and morphology and stability of the nanoemulsion were investigated by focusing on the interaction between DLGL and ceramide‐2 molecules. The investigation of the phase properties of the mixture of DLGL and ceramide‐2 by X‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed remarkable reduction in the crystallinity of ceramide‐2 due to the presence of DLGL. The spherical shape and nanometer size of nanoemulsions emulsified by DLGL were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The nanoemulsions prepared using DLGL exhibited significant improvement in the dispersion stability without any significant changes in the particle sizes even after storing them for a month at 50 °C. The results indicated that DLGL readily associated with ceramide‐2 to form a relatively stable structure. The steric hindrance of DLGL and molecular rearrangement of DLGL and ceramide‐2 attributed to a break in the continuity of the molecular assembly of ceramide‐2, which hampered its crystallinity.
Satisfaction and Quality of Life Related to Chemotherapy with an Arm Port: A Pilot Study
Authors: Burbridge Brent , Chan Ian Y.M. , Bryce Rhonda , Lim Hyun J. , Stoneham Grant , Haggag Hager , Roh Christine
Published: May 2016

Purpose

Placement of arm ports, or totally implanted venous access devices, is a common practice in our interventional radiology suite. We implant a miniaturized port in the upper arm for the provision of long-term chemotherapy. We hypothesized that there was general satisfaction with these arm ports and they have a minimal negative impact on quality of life. In this study we aimed to assess our hypotheses.

Methods

We surveyed subjects, who having previously received an arm port for chemotherapy to treat a malignancy, attended the interventional room for its removal. The survey assessed the port's effect on lifestyle, the degree of device-related pain, the acceptance of the port, and the willingness to have another port in the future.

Results

Survey responses from 77 subjects were reviewed. On a scale of 1 (most negative) to 10 (most positive), respondents indicated that the port system was a very positive enhancement to their treatment (satisfaction = 9.2 ± 2.0 and positivity = 8.8 ± 2.2). The port had little impact on daily activities. The mean score for the likelihood of choosing to have another port placed if additional treatment was required was 9.1 ± 2.1.

Discussion

The arm port in this study did not negatively impact subject satisfaction and quality of life for this cohort. Most subjects rated the device utility highly and felt that the port was a positive enhancement to their treatment, one that they would possibly utilise again in future, if need be.
Protective effects of BMP‐7 against tumor necrosis factor α‐induced oligodendrocyte apoptosis
Authors: Wang Xin , Xu Jun‐Mei , Wang Ya‐Ping , Yang Lin , Li Zhi‐Jian
Published: May 2016

Bone morphogenic protein‐7 (BMP7) is a multifunctional cytokine with demonstrated neurogenic potential. Oligodendrocytes (OLs) death after spinal cord injury (SCI) contributes to demyelination of spared axons, even leading to a permanent neurological deficit. Therefore, therapeutic approaches to prevent OLs death after SCI should be considered. Since the effects of BMP7 on OLs after injury are largely unknown, we demonstrated the effects of BMP7 on TNF‐α‐induced OLs apoptosis in vitro. The effects of BMP7 on TNF‐α‐induced OLs apoptosis were verified by flow cytometry, spectrophotometry and western blotting on primary cultures from spinal cord of postnatal day 1 (P1) to P2 rats. As shown by flow cytometry, apoptosis rate was 25.6% for the control group, 59.0% for the TNF‐α group, and 33.5% for the BMP7 + TNF‐α group; spectrophotometry showed caspase‐3 and caspase‐8 activity were significantly increased in the TNF‐α group than in the control group, and BMP7 could reverse the increase. The involvement of cIAP1 in the protection of BMP7 was determined by western blotting and silencing cIAP1. In summary, our results demonstrated that BMP7 could potently inhibite TNF‐α‐induced OLs apoptosis and identified the cIAP1 expression level, the activity of caspase‐3 and caspase‐8 as important mediators of OLs survival after cellular stress and cytokine challenge.
Textual paralanguage and its implications for marketing communications
Authors: Luangrath Andrea Webb , Peck Joann , Barger Victor A.
Published: May 2016

Both face‐to‐face communication and communication in online environments convey information beyond the actual verbal message. In a traditional face‐to‐face conversation, paralanguage, or the ancillary meaning‐ and emotion‐laden aspects of speech that are not actual verbal prose, gives contextual information that allows interactors to more appropriately understand the message being conveyed. In this paper, we conceptualize textual paralanguage (TPL), which we define as written manifestations of nonverbal audible, tactile, and visual elements that supplement or replace written language and that can be expressed through words, symbols, images, punctuation, demarcations, or any combination of these elements. We develop a typology of textual paralanguage using data from Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. We present a conceptual framework of antecedents and consequences of brands' use of textual paralanguage. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Aerobic Exercise Combined With Noninvasive Positive Pressure Ventilation Increases Serum Brain‐Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Healthy Males
Authors: Kawazu Takamitsu , Nakamura Takeshi , Moriki Takashi , Kamijo Yoshi‐ichiro , Nishimura Yukihide , Kinoshita Tokio , Tajima Fumihiro
Published: May 2016

Background

Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been implicated in enhancing neuronal health. Exercise and noninvasive positive‐pressure ventilation (NPPV) are known to independently alter BDNF levels in patients with depression, dementia, type 2 diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. However, the combined effects of exercise and NPPV on serum BDNF in normal subjects are unknown.

Objective

To determine the effects of the combination of acute aerobic exercise under NPPV on serum BDNF in normal adults.

Design

Cross‐over design study.

Setting

Wakayama Medical University.

Participants

Ten healthy young men.

Intervention

The subjects exercised on a cycle ergometer at 60% of pretraining maximal oxygen uptake (O2max) for 30 minutes daily for 5 consecutive days with or without NPPV (12 cmH2O). The 5‐day exercise protocol was repeated after a 3‐week washout period with or without NPPV.

Main Outcome Measurements

Serum BDNF, plasma cortisol, and platelet, lymphocyte, and monocyte counts were measured at 24 hours before the first day exercise with or without NPPV and 24 hour after last day exercise with or without NPPV at resting condition. Measurements were also made on the first day exercise; serum BDNF level was measured immediately before and immediately after exercise, as well as at 1, 2, and 3 hours after exercise with or without NPPV.

Results

The 5‐day exercise protocol significantly (P < .05) increased serum BDNF when combined with NPPV, but not without NPPV, and did not change plasma cortisol level, platelet, or lymphocyte counts, with or without NPPV. The 5‐day exercise protocol also significantly (P < .05) decreased monocyte count without NPPV, but not with NPPV, relative to baseline. Changes noticed immediately after the first day of exercise included significant (P < .05) increase in serum BDNF compared with immediately before the exercise, with or without NPPV.

Conclusions

The results indicated that a 5‐day exercise protocol combined with NPPV increased serum BDNF, suggesting that NPPV synergistically enhances the effect of aerobic exercise on serum BDNF level.

Level of Evidence

II
Do Multiple Concussions Lead to Cumulative Cognitive Deficits? A Literature Review
Authors: Yumul Joy Noelle , McKinlay Audrey
Published: May 2016

A concussion is an important health concern for children and adolescents, particularly in the context of sporting injuries. Some research suggests a cumulative effect from multiple concussions (also referred to as mild traumatic brain injury), which creates a dilemma when considering how to manage children and young persons who may experience multiple concussive events within a sporting season. However, there is very little research regarding the outcomes of multiple concussions and their optimal management. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the evidence regarding the cognitive outcomes of multiple concussions. After assessing the eligibility of the articles from the literature search, 7 studies were identified and included in the review. In most of the available literature, the cognitive outcomes related to multiple concussions are measured during the same developmental age as when the injuries happened. Moreover, most studies that investigated multiple concussions are focused on sports‐related injuries, and only some are conducted in children and adolescents in the general population. The current evidence is inconclusive; whereas some studies reported adverse outcomes, others reported null findings. The studies that reported adverse or cumulative effects based their findings on worse cognitive outcomes, more subjective symptoms, and prolonged recovery postinjury.

Level of Evidence

II
Screening for History of Traumatic Brain Injury Among Women Exposed to Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Goldin Yelena , Haag Halina L. , Trott Charlotte T.
Published: May 2016

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common chronically debilitating consequence of intimate‐partner violence (IPV). Diagnosis and effective treatment are precluded by poor detection and lack of uniform practice guidelines for TBI screening in IPV. Although there are several TBI‐screening tools commonly used in clinical and research practices, their applicability to this unique and vulnerable population is unclear. In this review paper, we propose a theoretically based framework for screening for history of TBI in women exposed to IPV and apply it to investigate the applicability of TBI‐screening instruments. The framework was developed by examining existing guidelines for working with IPV survivors and applied to evaluate the content of nine currently available TBI screening instruments to determine the extent to which each offers (1) events that can lead to TBI in an IPV situation; (2) safe (without increasing the risk of retaliation) endorsement of an event; and (3) ease of administration. Our evaluation of the currently available TBI‐screening tools determined that no instrument met the proposed framework standards and only 2 (Brain Injury Screening Questionnaire and Ohio State University TBI Identification Method) came close, requiring only minor adjustments to meet the postulated criteria. We make specific content and interview‐based recommendations for revising TBI screening instruments to minimize the weaknesses of currently available screening tools among women exposed to IPV and the knowledge gaps about TBI in this context. The proposed framework and recommendations are intended to guide future work in this area to enhance the capacity of TBI screening tools to safely detect TBI in this population.

Level of Evidence

V
Aggregate Effects of Large-Scale Campaigns on Voter Turnout
Authors: Enos Ryan D. , Fowler Anthony
Published: May 2016

To what extent do political campaigns mobilize voters? Despite the central role of campaigns in American politics and despite many experiments on campaigning, we know little about the aggregate effects of an entire campaign on voter participation. Drawing upon inside information from presidential campaigns and utilizing a geographic research design that exploits media markets spanning state boundaries, we estimate the aggregate effects of a large-scale campaign. We estimate that the 2012 presidential campaigns increased turnout in highly targeted states by 7–8 percentage points, on average, indicating that modern campaigns can significantly alter the size and composition of the voting population. Further evidence suggests that the predominant mechanism behind this effect is traditional ground campaigning, which has dramatically increased in scale in the last few presidential elections. Additionally, we find no evidence of diminishing marginal returns to ground campaigning, meaning that voter contacts, each likely exhibiting small individual effects, may aggregate to large effects over the course of a campaign.
Scholarly Power, Being, and Nothingness
Authors: Brown Nathan J.
Published: May 2016

In 1990, Vaclav Havel addressed a joint session of the United States Congress. It was a heady moment in many ways. Not only was his rise the product of stunning—and surprisingly peaceful—political change; not only was he a living symbol of principled political opposition and its force; Havel was also something extremely unusual: a true intellectual who had just entered the halls of power. And he quickly showed that in his visit to the halls of Congress. The new Czech president was not content to give a mere policy address or a string of bromides and platitudes. Instead he actually talked somewhat serious philosophy to the assembled legislators. Before doing so, he did at least promise, he said, to “limit myself to a single idea.” He called that idea “a great certainty.” What was it? “Consciousness precedes Being, not the other way around, as Marxists claim.”
The Resurgence of The Arab Cold War
Authors: Lawson Fred H.
Published: May 2016

Malcolm H. Kerr's classic study The Arab Cold War appeared in print in a circuitous way, which can be traced using archival materials that have previously been inaccessible to scholars. More important, the primary analytical themes of the book continue to be fundamentally misrepresented, despite the frequent appropriation of the book's title by students of regional affairs in the wake of the 2010–11 uprisings.
Whole-body and splanchnic amino acid metabolism in sheep during an acute endotoxin challenge
Authors: McNeil C. J. , Hoskin S. O. , Bremner D. M. , Holtrop G. , Lobley G. E.
Published: May 2016

Supplemented protein or specific amino acids (AA) are proposed to help animals combat infection and inflammation. The current study investigates whole-body and splanchnic tissue metabolism in response to a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge with or without a supplement of six AA (cysteine, glutamine, methionine, proline, serine and threonine). Eight sheep were surgically prepared with vascular catheters across the gut and liver. On two occasions, four sheep were infused through the jugular vein for 20 h with either saline or LPS fromEscherichia coli(2 ng/kg body weight per min) in a random order, plus saline infused into the mesenteric vein; the other four sheep were treated with saline or LPS plus saline or six AA infused via the jugular vein into the mesenteric vein. Whole-body AA irreversible loss rate (ILR) and tissue protein metabolism were monitored by infusion of [ring-2H2]phenylalanine. LPS increased (P<0·001) ILR (+17 %), total plasma protein synthesis (+14 %) and lymphocyte protein synthesis (+386 %) but decreased albumin synthesis (−53 %,P=0·001), with no effect of AA infusion. Absorption of dietary AA was not reduced by LPS, except for glutamine. LPS increased the hepatic removal of leucine, lysine, glutamine and proline. Absolute hepatic extraction of supplemented AA increased, but, except for glutamine, this was less than the amount infused. This increased net appearance across the splanchnic bed restored arterial concentrations of five AA to, or above, values for the saline-infused period. Infusion of key AA does not appear to alter the acute period of endotoxaemic response, but it may have benefits for the chronic or recovery phases.
What Caused Chicago Bank Failures in the Great Depression? A Look at the 1920s
Authors: Postel-Vinay Natacha
Published: May 2016

This article reassesses the causes of Chicago state bank failures during the Great Depression by tracking the evolution of their balance sheets in the 1920s. I find that all banks suffered tremendous deposit withdrawals; however banks that failed earlier in the 1930s had invested more in mortgages in the 1920s. The main problem with mortgages was their lack of liquidity, not their quality. Banks heavily engaged in mortgages did not have enough liquid assets to face the withdrawals, and failed. This article thus reasserts the importance of pre-crisis liquidity risk management in preventing bank failures.
The occurrence of the strongylid nematodes Kalicephalus brachycephalus, K. bungari and K. indicus in snake species from Hunan Province, China
Authors: Liu W. , Wang T. , Liu T.B. , Tan L. , Lv C.C. , Liu Y.
Published: May 2016

Kalicephalus is a genus of strongylid nematodes infecting snakes and causing serious diseases and even death when it is complicated with secondary bacterial infections. The infection of snakes with Kalicephalus has been reported in many countries in the world. However, little information is available on the prevalence of Kalicephalus in snakes in China. In the present study, the prevalence of Kalicephalus in snakes was investigated. The worms were examined, counted and identified to species according to existing keys and descriptions. Three species of Kalicephalus, namely K. indicus, K. bungari and K. brachycephalus, were found in six species of snakes (Elaphe carinata, Zaocys dhumnade, Naja najaatra, Elaphe taeniura, Bungarus multicinctus and Dinodon rufozonatum). The total prevalence of Kalicephalus in snakes in Hunan Province was 39.7%. The most common species was K. indicus, with the highest prevalence 72.8%, followed by K. bungari (24.0%). The prevalence of K. brachycephalus was 0.9%. This is the first report on the prevalence of Kalicephalus species in snakes in China, and the findings have important implications for the control of Kalicephalus infections in snakes in China.
Economic impact of recurrent respiratory papillomas in a UK adult population
Authors: Harrison A , Montgomery J , Macgregor F B
Published: May 2016

Objective:

To calculate the financial burden of recurrent respiratory papilloma. This study is UK-based, where up until now no financial estimates have been calculated for this group of patients.

Background:

Recurrent respiratory papilloma is caused by the human papilloma virus (subtypes 6 and 11). The burden for the patient and the healthcare system is significant given the recurrent nature of the disease.

Methods:

Data were collected, using a questionnaire completed during routine clinical follow up, from a single centre managing recurrent respiratory papilloma in Glasgow, Scotland. Cost information was sourced from the Scottish Government's Information Services Division.

Results:

Fourteen patients with active recurrent respiratory papilloma between 2013 and 2014 were identified. The direct measurable cost to NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde amounted to £107 478.

Conclusion:

Recurrent respiratory papilloma is a benign condition, but the financial implications of diagnosis are significant. Recurrent respiratory papilloma has a natural history of relapse and remission, and patients may require healthcare input over a period of several years.
PRODUCT-FORM IN G-NETWORKS
Authors: Marin Andrea
Published: May 2016

The introduction of the class of queueing networks called G-networks by Gelenbe has been a breakthrough in the field of stochastic modeling since it has largely expanded the class of models which are analytically or numerically tractable. From a theoretical point of view, the introduction of the G-networks has lead to very important considerations: first, a product-form queueing network may have non-linear traffic equations; secondly, we can have a product-form equilibrium distribution even if the customer routing is defined in such a way that more than two queues can change their states at the same time epoch. In this work, we review some of the classes of product-forms introduced for the analysis of the G-networks with special attention to these two aspects. We propose a methodology that, coherently with the product-form result, allows for a modular analysis of the G-queues to derive the equilibrium distribution of the network.
CARTESIAN PRODUCT PARTITIONING OF MULTI-DIMENSIONAL REACHABLE STATE SPACES
Authors: Dayar Tuǧrul , Orhan M. Can
Published: May 2016

Markov chains (MCs) are widely used to model systems which evolve by visiting the states in their state spaces following the available transitions. When such systems are composed of interacting subsystems, they can be mapped to a multi-dimensional MC in which each subsystem normally corresponds to a different dimension. Usually the reachable state space of the multi-dimensional MC is a proper subset of its product state space, that is, Cartesian product of its subsystem state spaces. Compact storage of the matrix underlying such a MC and efficient implementation of analysis methods using Kronecker operations require the set of reachable states to be represented as a union of Cartesian products of subsets of subsystem state spaces. The problem of partitioning the reachable state space of a three or higher dimensional system with a minimum number of partitions into Cartesian products of subsets of subsystem state spaces is shown to be NP-complete. Two algorithms, one merge based the other refinement based, that yield possibly non-optimal partitionings are presented. Results of experiments on a set of problems from the literature and those that are randomly generated indicate that, although it may be more time and memory consuming, the refinement based algorithm almost always computes partitionings with a smaller number of partitions than the merge-based algorithm. The refinement based algorithm is insensitive to the order in which the states in the reachable state space are processed, and in many cases it computes partitionings that are optimal.
A STOCHASTIC APPROXIMATION ALGORITHM FOR STOCHASTIC SEMIDEFINITE PROGRAMMING
Authors: Gaujal Bruno , Mertikopoulos Panayotis
Published: May 2016

Motivated by applications to multi-antenna wireless networks, we propose a distributed and asynchronous algorithm for stochastic semidefinite programming. This algorithm is a stochastic approximation of a continuous-time matrix exponential scheme which is further regularized by the addition of an entropy-like term to the problem's objective function. We show that the resulting algorithm converges almost surely to an ɛ-approximation of the optimal solution requiring only an unbiased estimate of the gradient of the problem's stochastic objective. When applied to throughput maximization in wireless systems, the proposed algorithm retains its convergence properties under a wide array of mobility impediments such as user update asynchronicities, random delays and/or ergodically changing channels. Our theoretical analysis is complemented by extensive numerical simulations, which illustrate the robustness and scalability of the proposed method in realistic network conditions.
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF GUIDED INDUCTION VERSUS DEDUCTIVE INSTRUCTION ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF COMPLEX SPANISHGUSTARSTRUCTURES
Authors: Cerezo Luis , Caras Allison , Leow Ronald P.
Published: May 2016

Meta-analytic research suggests an edge of explicit over implicit instruction for the development of complex L2 grammatical structures, but the jury is still out as to which type of explicit instruction—deductiveorinductive, where rules are respectively provided or elicited—proves more effective. Avoiding this dichotomy, accumulating research shows superior results forguided induction, in which teachers help learners co-construct rules by directing their attention to relevant aspects in the input and asking guiding questions. However, no study has jointly investigated the effects of guided induction on both learning outcomes and processes, or whether guided induction can prove effective outside classroom settings where teacher mediation is not possible. In this study, which targeted the complex Spanishgustarstructures, 70 English-speaking learners of beginning Spanish received either guided induction via a videogame, deductive instruction in a traditional classroom setting, or no instruction. Learning outcomes were measured via one receptive and two controlled production tasks (oral and written) with old and new items. Results revealed that while both instruction groups improved across time, outperforming the control group, the guided induction group achieved higher learning outcomes on all productive posttests (except immediate oral production) and experienced greater retention. Additionally, the think-aloud protocols of the guided induction group revealed high levels of awareness of the L2 structure and a conspicuous activation of recently learned knowledge, which are posited to have contributed to this group’s superior performance. These findings thus illustrate, quantitatively and qualitatively, the potential of guided induction for the development of complex L2 grammar in online learning environments.
Patterns in Random Permutations Avoiding the Pattern 132
Authors: JANSON SVANTE
Published: May 2016

We consider a random permutation drawn from the set of 132-avoiding permutations of lengthnand show that the number of occurrences of another pattern σ has a limit distribution, after scaling bynλ(σ)/2, where λ(σ) is the length of σ plus the number of descents. The limit is not normal, and can be expressed as a functional of a Brownian excursion. Moments can be found by recursion.
Frequent L2 language use enhances executive control in bilinguals
Authors: DE LEEUW ESTHER , BOGULSKI CARI ANNE
Published: May 2016

Seminal research which indicates that bilingualism leads to enhanced executive control (Bialystok, Craik, Green & Gollan, 2009; Bialystok, Craik & Luk, 2012) has recently been challenged (de Bruin, Treccani & Della Sala, 2014; Hilchey & Klein, 2011; Paap & Greenberg, 2013). We suggest that this discrepancy in findings is attributable to differences between bilinguals. Although the present results showed no significant differences in executive control between the monolinguals and bilinguals, those bilinguals who used their L2 more frequently in their daily lives were significantly more likely to evidence enhanced executive control over those who rarely used their L2.
Structural basis for haem piracy from host haemopexin by Haemophilus influenzae
Authors: Zambolin Silvia , Clantin Bernard , Chami Mohamed , Hoos Sylviane , Haouz Ahmed , Villeret Vincent , Delepelaire Philippe
Published: May 2016

Haemophilus influenzae is an obligate human commensal/pathogen that requires haem for survival and can acquire it from several host haemoproteins, including haemopexin. The haem transport system from haem-haemopexin consists of HxuC, a haem receptor, and the two-partner-secretion system HxuB/HxuA. HxuA, which is exposed at the cell surface, is strictly required for haem acquisition from haemopexin. HxuA forms complexes with haem-haemopexin, leading to haem release and its capture by HxuC. The key question is how HxuA liberates haem from haemopexin. Here, we solve crystal structures of HxuA alone, and HxuA in complex with the N-terminal domain of haemopexin. A rational basis for the release of haem from haem-haemopexin is derived from both in vivo and in vitro studies. HxuA acts as a wedge that destabilizes the two-domains structure of haemopexin with a mobile loop on HxuA that favours haem ejection by redirecting key residues in the haem-binding pocket of haemopexin.
HIF-1α-PDK1 axis-induced active glycolysis plays an essential role in macrophage migratory capacity
Authors: Semba Hiroaki , Takeda Norihiko , Isagawa Takayuki , Sugiura Yuki , Honda Kurara , Wake Masaki , Miyazawa Hidenobu , Yamaguchi Yoshifumi , Miura Masayuki , Jenkins Dana M. R. , Choi Hyunsung , Kim Jung-whan , Asagiri Masataka , Cowburn Andrew S. , Abe Hajime , Soma Katsura , Koyama Katsuhiro , Katoh Manami , Sayama Keimon , Goda Nobuhito , Johnson Randall S. , Manabe Ichiro , Nagai Ryozo , Komuro Issei
Published: May 2016

In severely hypoxic condition, HIF-1α-mediated induction of Pdk1 was found to regulate glucose oxidation by preventing the entry of pyruvate into the tricarboxylic cycle. Monocyte-derived macrophages, however, encounter a gradual decrease in oxygen availability during its migration process in inflammatory areas. Here we show that HIF-1α-PDK1-mediated metabolic changes occur in mild hypoxia, where mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase activity is unimpaired, suggesting a mode of glycolytic reprogramming. In primary macrophages, PKM2, a glycolytic enzyme responsible for glycolytic ATP synthesis localizes in filopodia and lammelipodia, where ATP is rapidly consumed during actin remodelling processes. Remarkably, inhibition of glycolytic reprogramming with dichloroacetate significantly impairs macrophage migration in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, inhibition of the macrophage HIF-1α-PDK1 axis suppresses systemic inflammation, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for regulating inflammatory processes. Our findings thus demonstrate that adaptive responses in glucose metabolism contribute to macrophage migratory activity.
Structure of human Cdc45 and implications for CMG helicase function
Authors: Simon Aline C. , Sannino Vincenzo , Costanzo Vincenzo , Pellegrini Luca
Published: May 2016

Cell division cycle protein 45 (Cdc45) is required for DNA synthesis during genome duplication, as a component of the Cdc45-MCM-GINS (CMG) helicase. Despite its essential biological function, its biochemical role in DNA replication has remained elusive. Here we report the 2.1-Å crystal structure of human Cdc45, which confirms its evolutionary link with the bacterial RecJ nuclease and reveals several unexpected features that underpin its function in eukaryotic DNA replication. These include a long-range interaction between N- and C-terminal DHH domains, blocking access to the DNA-binding groove of its RecJ-like fold, and a helical insertion in its N-terminal DHH domain, which appears poised for replisome interactions. In combination with available electron microscopy data, we validate by mutational analysis the mechanism of Cdc45 association with the MCM ring and GINS co-activator, critical for CMG assembly. These findings provide an indispensable molecular basis to rationalize the essential role of Cdc45 in genomic duplication.
Mechanical slowing-down of cytoplasmic diffusion allows in vivo counting of proteins in individual cells
Authors: Okumus Burak , Landgraf Dirk , Lai Ghee Chuan , Bakshi Somenath , Arias-Castro Juan Carlos , Yildiz Sadik , Huh Dann , Fernandez-Lopez Raul , Peterson Celeste N. , Toprak Erdal , El Karoui Meriem , Paulsson Johan
Published: May 2016

Many key regulatory proteins in bacteria are present in too low numbers to be detected with conventional methods, which poses a particular challenge for single-cell analyses because such proteins can contribute greatly to phenotypic heterogeneity. Here we develop a microfluidics-based platform that enables single-molecule counting of low-abundance proteins by mechanically slowing-down their diffusion within the cytoplasm of live Escherichia coli (E. coli) cells. Our technique also allows for automated microscopy at high throughput with minimal perturbation to native physiology, as well as viable enrichment/retrieval. We illustrate the method by analysing the control of the master regulator of the E. coli stress response, RpoS, by its adapter protein, SprE (RssB). Quantification of SprE numbers shows that though SprE is necessary for RpoS degradation, it is expressed at levels as low as 3–4 molecules per average cell cycle, and fluctuations in SprE are approximately Poisson distributed during exponential phase with no sign of bursting.
Lingunite-a high-pressure plagioclase polymorph at mineral interfaces in doleritic rock of the Lockne impact structure (Sweden)
Authors: Agarwal Amar , Reznik Boris , Kontny Agnes , Heissler Stefan , Schilling Frank
Published: May 2016

Lingunite nanocrystals and amorphous plagioclase (maskelynite) are identified at the contacts between augite and labradorite wedge-shaped interfaces in the doleritic rocks of the Lockne impact structure in Sweden. The occurrence of lingunite suggests that the local pressure was above 19 GPa and the local temperature overwhelmed 1000 °C. These values are up to 10 times higher than previous values estimated numerically for bulk pressure and temperature. High shock-induced temperatures are manifested by maskelynite injections into microfractures in augite located next to the wedges. We discuss a possible model of shock heterogeneity at mineral interfaces, which may lead to longer duration of the same shock pressure and a concentration of high temperature thus triggering the kinetics of labradorite transformation into lingunite and maskelynite.
Quantum state transfer via Bloch oscillations
Authors: Tamascelli Dario , Olivares Stefano , Rossotti Stefano , Osellame Roberto , Paris Matteo G. A.
Published: May 2016

The realization of reliable quantum channels, able to transfer a quantum state with high fidelity, is a fundamental step in the construction of scalable quantum devices. In this paper we describe a transmission scheme based on the genuinely quantum effect known as Bloch oscillations. The proposed protocol makes it possible to carry a quantum state over different distances with a minimal engineering of the transmission medium and can be implemented and verified on current quantum technology hardware.
Stool-based biomarkers of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome
Authors: Braundmeier-Fleming A. , Russell Nathan T. , Yang Wenbin , Nas Megan Y. , Yaggie Ryan E. , Berry Matthew , Bachrach Laurie , Flury Sarah C. , Marko Darlene S. , Bushell Colleen B. , Welge Michael E. , White Bryan A. , Schaeffer Anthony J. , Klumpp David J.
Published: May 2016

Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC) is associated with significant morbidity, yet underlying mechanisms and diagnostic biomarkers remain unknown. Pelvic organs exhibit neural crosstalk by convergence of visceral sensory pathways, and rodent studies demonstrate distinct bacterial pain phenotypes, suggesting that the microbiome modulates pelvic pain in IC. Stool samples were obtained from female IC patients and healthy controls, and symptom severity was determined by questionnaire. Operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were identified by16S rDNA sequence analysis. Machine learning by Extended Random Forest (ERF) identified OTUs associated with symptom scores. Quantitative PCR of stool DNA with species-specific primer pairs demonstrated significantly reduced levels of E. sinensis, C. aerofaciens, F. prausnitzii, O. splanchnicus, and L. longoviformis in microbiota of IC patients. These species, deficient in IC pelvic pain (DIPP), were further evaluated by Receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) analyses, and DIPP species emerged as potential IC biomarkers. Stool metabolomic studies identified glyceraldehyde as significantly elevated in IC. Metabolomic pathway analysis identified lipid pathways, consistent with predicted metagenome functionality. Together, these findings suggest that DIPP species and metabolites may serve as candidates for novel IC biomarkers in stool. Functional changes in the IC microbiome may also serve as therapeutic targets for treating chronic pelvic pain.
Contrasting movement strategies among juvenile albatrosses and petrels
Authors: de Grissac Sophie , Börger Luca , Guitteaud Audrey , Weimerskirch Henri
Published: May 2016

Animal movement is a fundamental eco-evolutionary process yet the behaviour of juvenile animals is largely unknown for many species, especially for soaring seabirds which can range widely over the oceans at low cost. We present an unprecedented dataset of 98 juvenile albatrosses and petrels (nine species), tracked for the first three months after independence. There was a startling diversity within and among species in the type and scale of post-natal movement strategies, ranging from area-restricted to nomadic patterns. Spatial scales were clustered in three groups that ranged from <3000 km to >6000 km from the natal nest. In seven of the nine species, the orientation of flight paths and other movement statistics showed strong similarities between juveniles and adults, providing evidence for innate orientation abilities. Our results have implications for understanding the development of foraging behaviour in naïve individuals and the evolution of life history traits such as survival, lifespan and breeding strategy.
Infused polymers for cell sheet release
Authors: Juthani Nidhi , Howell Caitlin , Ledoux Haylea , Sotiri Irini , Kelso Susan , Kovalenko Yevgen , Tajik Amanda , Vu Thy L. , Lin Jennifer J. , Sutton Amy , Aizenberg Joanna
Published: May 2016

Tissue engineering using whole, intact cell sheets has shown promise in many cell-based therapies. However, current systems for the growth and release of these sheets can be expensive to purchase or difficult to fabricate, hindering their widespread use. Here, we describe a new approach to cell sheet release surfaces based on silicone oil-infused polydimethylsiloxane. By coating the surfaces with a layer of fibronectin (FN), we were able to grow mesenchymal stem cells to densities comparable to those of tissue culture polystyrene controls (TCPS). Simple introduction of oil underneath an edge of the sheet caused it to separate from the substrate. Characterization of sheets post-transfer showed that they retain their FN layer and morphology, remain highly viable and are able to grow and proliferate normally after transfer. We expect that this method of cell sheet growth and detachment may be useful for low-cost, flexible and customizable production of cellular layers for tissue engineering.
Multiple response optimization of the coagulation process for upgrading the quality of effluent from municipal wastewater treatment plant
Authors: Li Na , Hu Yi , Lu Yong-Ze , Zeng Raymond J. , Sheng Guo-Ping
Published: May 2016

To meet the high quality standard of receiving water, the coagulation process using polyferric chloride (PFC) was used to further improve the water quality of effluent from wastewater treatment plants. Uniform design (UD) coupled with response surface methodology (RSM) was adopted to assess the effects of the main influence factors: coagulant dosage, pH and basicity, on the removal of total organic carbon (TOC), NH4+-N and PO43−-P. A desirability function approach was used to effectively optimize the coagulation process for the comprehensive removal of TOC, NH4+-N and PO43−-P to upgrade the effluent quality in practical application. The optimized operating conditions were: dosage 28 mg/L, pH 8.5 and basicity 0.001. The corresponding removal efficiencies for TOC, NH4+-N and PO43−-P were 77.2%, 94.6% and 20.8%, respectively. More importantly, the effluent quality could upgrade to surface water Class V of China through coagulation under optimal region. In addition, grey relational analysis (GRA) prioritized these three factors as: pH > basicity > dosage (for TOC), basicity > dosage > pH (for NH4+-N), pH > dosage > basicity (for PO43−-P), which would help identify the most important factor to control the treatment efficiency of various effluent quality indexes by PFC coagulation.
ApoE4 expression accelerates hippocampus-dependent cognitive deficits by enhancing Aβ impairment of insulin signaling in an Alzheimer’s disease mouse model
Authors: Chan Elizabeth S. , Shetty Mahesh Shivarama , Sajikumar Sreedharan , Chen Christopher , Soong Tuck Wah , Wong Boon-Seng
Published: May 2016

The apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4) is the strongest genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The AD brain was shown to be insulin resistant at end stage, but the interplay between insulin signaling, ApoE4 and Aβ across time and their involvement in memory decline is unclear. To investigate insulin response in the ageing mouse hippocampus, we crossed the human ApoE-targeted replacement mice with the mutant human amyloid precursor protein (APP) mice (ApoExAPP). While hippocampal Aβ levels were comparable between ApoE3xAPP and ApoE4xAPP mice at 26 weeks, insulin response was impaired in the ApoE4xAPP hippocampus. Insulin treatment was only able to stimulate insulin signaling and increased AMPA-GluR1 phosphorylation in forskolin pre-treated hippocampal slices from ApoE3xAPP mice. In ApoE4xAPP mice, insulin dysfunction was also associated with poorer spatial memory performance. Using dissociated hippocampal neuron in vitro, we showed that insulin response in ApoE3 and ApoE4 neurons increased AMPA receptor-mediated miniature excitatory postsynaptic current (mEPSC) amplitudes and GluR1-subunit insertion. Pre-treatment of ApoE3 neurons with Aβ42 did not affect insulin-mediated GluR1 subunit insertion. However, impaired insulin sensitivity observed only in the presence of ApoE4 and Aβ42, attenuated GluR1-subunit insertion. Taken together, our results suggest that ApoE4 enhances Aβ inhibition of insulin-stimulated AMPA receptor function, which accelerates memory impairment in ApoE4xAPP mice.