bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of suitable reference genes for RT–qPCR studies in chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Nakayama Tsuguhisa , Okada Naoko , Yoshikawa Mamoru , Asaka Daiya , Kuboki Akihito , Kojima Hiromi , Tanaka Yasuhiro , Haruna Shin-ichi
Published: January 2018

Reverse transcription–quantitative polymerase chain reaction is a valuable and reliable method for gene quantification. Target gene expression is usually quantified by normalization using reference genes (RGs), and accurate normalization is critical for producing reliable data. However, stable RGs in nasal polyps and sinonasal tissues from patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) have not been well investigated. Here, we used a two-stage study design to identify stable RGs. We assessed the stability of 15 commonly used candidate RGs using five programs—geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, ΔCT, and RefFinder. Ribosomal protein lateral stalk subunit P1 (RPLP1) and ribosomal protein lateral stalk subunit P0 (RPLP0) were the two most stable RGs in the first stage of the study, and these results were validated in the second stage. The commonly used RGs β-actin (ACTB) and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) were unstable according to all of the algorithms used. The findings were further validated via relative quantification of IL-5, CCL11, IFN-γ, and IL-17A using the stable and unstable RGs. The relative expression levels varied greatly according to normalization with the selected RGs. Appropriate selection of stable RGs will allow more accurate determination of target gene expression levels in patients with CRS.
Pharmacokinetic parameters explain the therapeutic activity of antimicrobial agents in a silkworm infection model
Authors: Paudel Atmika , Panthee Suresh , Urai Makoto , Hamamoto Hiroshi , Ohwada Tomohiko , Sekimizu Kazuhisa
Published: January 2018

Poor pharmacokinetic parameters are a major reason for the lack of therapeutic activity of some drug candidates. Determining the pharmacokinetic parameters of drug candidates at an early stage of development requires an inexpensive animal model with few associated ethical issues. In this study, we used the silkworm infection model to perform structure-activity relationship studies of an antimicrobial agent, GPI0039, a novel nitrofuran dichloro-benzyl ester, and successfully identified compound 5, a nitrothiophene dichloro-benzyl ester, as a potent antimicrobial agent with superior therapeutic activity in the silkworm infection model. Further, we compared the pharmacokinetic parameters of compound 5 with a nitrothiophene benzyl ester lacking chlorine, compound 7, that exerted similar antimicrobial activity but had less therapeutic activity in silkworms, and examined the metabolism of these antimicrobial agents in human liver fractions in vitro. Compound 5 had appropriate pharmacokinetic parameters, such as an adequate half-life, slow clearance, large area under the curve, low volume of distribution, and long mean residence time, compared with compound 7, and was slowly metabolized by human liver fractions. These findings suggest that the therapeutic effectiveness of an antimicrobial agent in the silkworms reflects appropriate pharmacokinetic properties.
On the origins of strain inhomogeneity in amorphous materials
Authors: Lunt Alexander J. G. , Chater Philip , Korsunsky Alexander M.
Published: January 2018

Strain is a crucial measure of materials deformation for evaluating and predicting the mechanical response, strength, and fracture. The spatial resolution attainable by the modern real and reciprocal space techniques continues to improve, alongside the ability to carry out atomistic simulations. This is offering new insights into the very concept of strain. In crystalline materials, the presence of well-defined, stable atomic planes allows defining strain as the relative change in the interplanar spacing. However, the presence of disorder, e.g. locally around defects such as dislocation cores, and particularly the pervasive atomic disorder in amorphous materials challenge existing paradigms: disorder prevents a reference configuration being defined, and allows strain to be accommodated in a different manner to crystalline materials. As an illustration, using experimental pair distribution function analysis in combination with Molecular Dynamic (MD) simulations, we highlight the importance of bond angle change vs bond stretching for strain accommodation in amorphous systems.
Isolation and characterization of novel mutations in the pSC101 origin that increase copy number
Authors: Thompson Mitchell G. , Sedaghatian Nima , Barajas Jesus F. , Wehrs Maren , Bailey Constance B. , Kaplan Nurgul , Hillson Nathan J. , Mukhopadhyay Aindrila , Keasling Jay D.
Published: January 2018

pSC101 is a narrow host range, low-copy plasmid commonly used for genetically manipulating Escherichia coli. As a byproduct of a genetic screen for a more sensitive lactam biosensor, we identified multiple novel mutations that increase the copy number of plasmids with the pSC101 origin. All mutations identified in this study occurred on plasmids which also contained at least one mutation localized to the RepA protein encoded within the origin. Homology modelling predicts that many of these mutations occur within the dimerization interface of RepA. Mutant RepA resulted in plasmid copy numbers between ~31 and ~113 copies/cell, relative to ~5 copies/cell in wild-type pSC101 plasmids. Combining the mutations that were predicted to disrupt multiple contacts on the dimerization interface resulted in copy numbers of ~500 copies/cell, while also attenuating growth in host strains. Fluorescent protein production expressed from an arabinose-inducible promoter on mutant origin derived plasmids did correlate with copy number. Plasmids harboring RepA with one of two mutations, E83K and N99D, resulted in fluorescent protein production similar to that from p15a- (~20 copies/cell) and ColE1- (~31 copies/cell) based plasmids, respectively. The mutant copy number variants retained compatibility with p15a, pBBR, and ColE1 origins of replication. These pSC101 variants may be useful in future metabolic engineering efforts that require medium or high-copy vectors compatible with p15a- and ColE1-based plasmids.
Identification of a biosynthetic gene cluster for the polyene macrolactam sceliphrolactam in a Streptomyces strain isolated from mangrove sediment
Authors: Low Zhen Jie , Pang Li Mei , Ding Yichen , Cheang Qing Wei , Le Mai Hoang Kim , Thi Tran Hoa , Li Jinming , Liu Xue-Wei , Kanagasundaram Yoganathan , Yang Liang , Liang Zhao-Xun
Published: January 2018

Streptomyces are a genus of Actinobacteria capable of producing structurally diverse natural products. Here we report the isolation and characterization of a biosynthetically talented Streptomyces (Streptomyces sp. SD85) from tropical mangrove sediments. Whole-genome sequencing revealed that Streptomyces sp. SD85 harbors at least 52 biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs), which constitute 21.2% of the 8.6-Mb genome. When cultivated under lab conditions, Streptomyces sp. SD85 produces sceliphrolactam, a 26-membered polyene macrolactam with unknown biosynthetic origin. Genome mining yielded a putative sceliphrolactam BGC (sce) that encodes a type I modular polyketide synthase (PKS) system, several β-amino acid starter biosynthetic enzymes, transporters, and transcriptional regulators. Using the CRISPR/Cas9–based gene knockout method, we demonstrated that the sce BGC is essential for sceliphrolactam biosynthesis. Unexpectedly, the PKS system encoded by sce is short of one module required for assembling the 26-membered macrolactam skeleton according to the collinearity rule. With experimental data disfavoring the involvement of a trans-PKS module, the biosynthesis of sceliphrolactam seems to be best rationalized by invoking a mechanism whereby the PKS system employs an iterative module to catalyze two successive chain extensions with different outcomes. The potential violation of the collinearity rule makes the mechanism distinct from those of other polyene macrolactams.
Large-grain MBE-grown GaSe on GaAs with a Mexican hat-like valence band dispersion
Authors: Chen Ming-Wei , Kim HoKwon , Ovchinnikov Dmitry , Kuc Agnieszka , Heine Thomas , Renault Olivier , Kis Andras
Published: January 2018

Atomically thin GaSe has been predicted to have a non-parabolic, Mexican hat-like valence band structure due to the shift of the valence band maximum (VBM) near the Γ point which is expected to give rise to novel, unique properties such as tunable magnetism, high effective mass suppressing direct tunneling in scaled transistors, and an improved thermoelectric figure of merit. However, the synthesis of atomically thin GaSe remains challenging. Here, we report on the growth of atomically thin GaSe by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) and demonstrate the high quality of the resulting van der Waals epitaxial films. The full valence band structure of nominal bilayer GaSe is revealed by photoemission electron momentum microscopy (k-PEEM), confirming the presence of a distorted valence band near the Γ point. Our results open the way to demonstrating interesting new physical phenomena based on MBE-grown GaSe films and atomically thin monochalcogenides in general.
A pH- and temperature-responsive bioresorbable injectable hydrogel based on polypeptide block copolymers for the sustained delivery of proteins in vivo
Authors: Turabee Md. Hasan , Thambi Thavasyappan , Duong Huu Thuy Trang , Jeong Ji Hoon , Lee Doo Sung
Published: January 2018

A pH- and temperature-responsive in situ-forming injectable hydrogel based on comb-type polypeptide block copolymers for the controlled delivery of proteins has been developed.
A hemiaminal–ether structure stabilized by lanthanide complexes with an imidazole-based Schiff base ligand
Authors: Kachi-Terajima Chihiro , Shimoyama Takeru , Ishigami Takahiro , Ikeda Mari , Habata Yoichi
Published: January 2018

A hemiaminal-ether can be formedviafour synthetic routes in alcohols using lanthanide complexes. The hemiaminal-ether structure is stabilized by the lanthanide complex.
Chronic consumption of a western diet modifies the DNA methylation profile in the frontal cortex of mice
Authors: Yokoyama Amy S. , Dunaway Keith , Rutkowsky Jennifer , Rutledge John C. , Milenkovic Dragan
Published: January 2018

Western diet (WD; 42% kcal fat, 0.2% total cholesterol and 34% sucrose) alters DNA methylation in the frontal cortex of mice presenting one of the mechanisms by which consumption of a WD impairs cognitive function.
Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel 5-hydroxy-2-methyl-4H-pyran-4-one derivatives as antiglioma agents
Authors: Li Yi-Bin , Hou Wen , Lin Hui , Sun Ping-Hua , Lin Jing , Chen Wei-Min
Published: January 2018

Two series of 5-hydroxy-2-methyl-4H-pyran-4-one derivatives were synthesized and their antiglioma activities were evaluated.
A pH-responsive polymer based on dynamic imine bonds as a drug delivery material with pseudo target release behavior
Authors: Tao Yangchun , Liu Siwei , Zhang Yi , Chi Zhenguo , Xu Jiarui
Published: January 2018

In this study, pentaerythritol tetra(3-mercaptopropionate)-allylurea-poly(ethylene glycol) (PETMP-AU-PEG), produced by the Schiff-base reaction between terminal-aldehyded PEG and PETMP-AU, was used to prepare doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded polymers for triggered release.
Single step electrodeposition process using ionic liquid to grow highly luminescent silicon/rare earth (Er, Tb) thin films with tunable composition
Authors: Thomas Shibin , Mallet Jeremy , Rinnert Hervé , Molinari Michael
Published: January 2018

A one-step method for the electrodeposition of silicon–erbium (Si/Er) and silicon–terbium (Si/Tb) thin films using room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) has been successfully developed.
High-efficiency photocatalytic CO2 reduction in organic–aqueous system: a new insight into the role of water
Authors: Lin Jinliang , Liao Rongying , Xu Junli
Published: January 2018

A high efficiency photocatalytic conversion of CO2 into CO has been achieved by construction of a binary liquid system.
Proteome-wide mapping of PQS-interacting proteins in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Dandela Rambabu , Mantin Danielle , Cravatt Benjamin F. , Rayo Josep , Meijler Michael M.
Published: January 2018

Development and application of chemical probes to globally map key virulence proteins of pathogenic bacteria.
Lysine-derived, pH-sensitive and biodegradable poly(beta-aminoester urethane) networks and their local drug delivery behaviour
Authors: Tamer Yasemin , Chen Biqiong
Published: January 2018

Noval pH-sensitive and lysine-derived local drug delivery devices followed the non-Fickian type diffusion mechanism through erosion of the network.
High energy Li-ion capacitor and battery using graphitic carbon spheres as an insertion host from cooking oil
Authors: Jayaraman Sundaramurthy , Madhavi Srinivasan , Aravindan Vanchiappan
Published: January 2018

We report a facile low-temperature synthesis of graphitic carbons with a spherically shaped morphology (CO-CS) and high purity by the modified catalytic chemical vapour deposition using vegetable cooking oil as a carbon source.
Near instantaneous gelation of crude oil using naphthalene diimide based powder gelator
Authors: Datta Saptarshi , Samanta Samaresh , Chaudhuri Debangshu
Published: January 2018

A naphthalene diimide based organogelator is reported that solidifies heavy crude oil from water in seconds, even when applied in the powder form.
2D framework C2N as a potential cathode for lithium–sulfur batteries: anab initiodensity functional study
Authors: Wu Jianbao , Wang Lin-Wang
Published: January 2018

Quantum chemical calculations combined with a genetic algorithm for a global structure search using a C2N nanosheet as a LSB cathode.
Convenient synthesis and engineering of ultrafine Co3O4-incorporated carbon composite: towards practical application of environmental remediation
Authors: Luo Rui , Liu Chao , Li Jiansheng , Wang Chaohai , Sun Xiuyun , Shen Jinyou , Han Weiqing , Wang Lianjun
Published: January 2018

Convenient synthesis of ultrafine-Co3O4 incorporated carbon composite and its efficient continuous-flow reaction for environmental remediation were achieved.
Tunable dipole and carrier mobility for a few layer Janus MoSSe structure
Authors: Yin Wen-Jin , Wen Bo , Nie Guo-Zheng , Wei Xiao-Lin , Liu Li-Min
Published: January 2018

Transition metal chalcogenides have attracted considerable attention for the further development of nanoscale devices, however low carrier mobility seriously prevents its further application.
Fast functionalization of ultrasound microbubbles using strain promoted click chemistry
Authors: Liu Xifeng , Gong Ping , Song Pengfei , Xie Feng , Miller II A. Lee , Chen Shigao , Lu Lichun
Published: January 2018

We report a fast and versatile method for ultrasound microbubble functionalization using strain promoted alkyne–azide cycloaddition (SPAAC) click chemistry.
Solvent triggered irreversible shape morphism of biopolymer films
Authors: Rath Amrita , Geethu P. M. , Mathesan Santhosh , Satapathy Dillip K. , Ghosh Pijush
Published: January 2018

We report the controlled reversible and irreversible folding behavior of a biopolymer film simply by tuning the solvent characteristics.
Correction: Films of bacteria at interfaces: three stages of behaviour
Authors: Vaccari Liana , Allan Daniel B. , Sharifi-Mood Nima , Singh Aayush R. , Leheny Robert L. , Stebe Kathleen J.
Published: January 2018

Correction for ‘Films of bacteria at interfaces: three stages of behaviour’ by Liana Vaccari et al., Soft Matter, 2015, 11, 6062–6074.
Increase the capacity of distributed energy resource by multi‐dimensional multi‐resolution model
Authors: Zhao Shanshan , Song Xiaohui , Li Yajie , Gao Fei , Li Jianfang , Zhang Yu
Published: January 2018

In order to deal with the problem of energy and environment, it is important to increase the maximum capacity of distributed energy resource (DER) in the distribution network. A multi‐dimensional multi‐resolution model (MDMRM) of distribution network and a method are proposed to calculate and increase the capacity of DER considering voltage, power loss, and thermal constraints. Finally, the model and method are applied to the IEEE Comprehensive Case. The simulation results show that the calculations and analysis of DER capacity have been proved to be less time‐consuming based on the MDMRM, and the proposed method is a useful solution to increase DER capacity. It is important for reliable, high‐quality distribution network with large capacity of DER.
Adaptive voltage protection scheme based on wide area information
Authors: Wang Deshun , Zhao Shanglin , Zhang Song , Song Shizhan , Ma Jing , Zhang Weibo
Published: January 2018

An adaptive voltage protection scheme based on wide area information is proposed in this study. The method uses intelligent electronic device (IED)s to acquire real‐time voltage and current information and store relevant line parameters, thus realise communication between primary and backup protection devices. On this basis, adaptive primary and backup voltage protection is structured. Simulation results show the setting value is adaptive to different system operation mode and distributed generation (DG) output. The time to issue the tripping command will not be affected by the variation of DG output and fault type. Compared with traditional voltage protection, the proposed adaptive voltage protection scheme effectively extends the protection range.
Direct imaging of an ultracool substellar companion to the exoplanet host star HD 4113 A
Authors: Cheetham A. , Ségransan D. , Peretti S. , Delisle J.-B. , Hagelberg J. , Beuzit J-L. , Forveille T. , Marmier M. , Udry S. , Wildi F.
Published: January 2018

Using high-contrast imaging with the SPHERE instrument at the Very Large Telescope (VLT), we report the first images of a cold brown dwarf companion to the exoplanet host star HD 4113A. The brown dwarf HD 4113C is part of a complex dynamical system consisting of a giant planet, a stellar host, and a known wide M-dwarf companion. Its separation of 535 ± 3 mas and H-band contrast of 13.35 ± 0.10 mag correspond to a projected separation of 22 AU and an isochronal mass estimate of 36 ± 5 MJ based on COND models. The companion shows strong methane absorption, and through fitting an atmosphere model, we estimate a surface gravity of logg = 5 and an effective temperature of ~500–600 K. A comparison of its spectrum with observed T dwarfs indicates a late-T spectral type, with a T9 object providing the best match. By combining the observed astrometry from the imaging data with 27 years of radial velocities, we use orbital fitting to constrain its orbital and physical parameters, as well as update those of the planet HD 4113A b, discovered by previous radial velocity measurements. The data suggest a dynamical mass of 66−4+5 MJ and moderate eccentricity of 0.44−0.07+0.08 for the brown dwarf. This mass estimate appears to contradict the isochronal estimate and that of objects with similar temperatures, which may be caused by the newly detected object being an unresolved binary brown dwarf system or the presence of an additional object in the system. Through dynamical simulations, we show that the planet may undergo strong Lidov-Kozai cycles, raising the possibility that it formed on a quasi-circular orbit and gained its currently observed high eccentricity (e ~ 0.9) through interactions with the brown dwarf. Follow-up observations combining radial velocities, direct imaging, and Gaia astrometry will be crucial to precisely constrain the dynamical mass of the brown dwarf and allow for an in-depth comparison with evolutionary and atmosphere models.
Contralateral Eyebrow Approach for Unilateral Suprasellar Meningioma
Authors: Aldea Sorin , Gaillard Stéphan
Published: January 2018

Unilateral suprasellar meningiomas have distinct features compared to other midline tumors, as they may produce severe visual symptoms even if small due to an early involvement of the optic canal. Surgical treatment of these tumors from an ipsilateral approach is challenging, as the tumor is covered by the optic nerve that needs to be mobilized to access the optic canal extension. A contralateral approach allows a direct line of sight to the tumor despite a longer working distance. We report the case of a 49-year-old patient presenting with unilateral visual loss related to a left suprasellar meningioma extending to the left optic canal and displacing the optic nerve laterally. Through a right eyebrow approach, a 2.5/2 cm supraorbital bone flap was raised and the orbital floor was thoroughly flattened. After dural opening, the carotid cistern was opened and CSF evacuated allowing a surgery without fixed retractors. The intracranial part of the tumor was removed, but the optic nerve seemed to be still displaced by the intracanalicular part. Under copious irrigation, the medial part of the optic canal was drilled, the dura incised, and the tumor removed. Postoperative course was favorable and the patient made a complete visual recovery. Postoperative MRI showed complete removal of the tumor. We present different surgical steps and discuss the nuances of the procedure. The contralateral eyebrow approach is an interesting addition to the surgical armamentarium and should be discussed for unilateral suprasellar tumors.

The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/2LTEOaGoKzo.
Tailoring magnetic domains in Gd-Fe thin films
Authors: Talapatra A. , Chelvane J. Arout , Mohanty J.
Published: January 2018

This paper presents the global modification of magnetic domains and magnetic properties in amorphous Gd19Fe81 thin films with rapid thermal processing at two distinct temperatures (250oC and 450oC), and with different time intervals viz., 2, 5, 10 and 20 minutes. 100 nm thick as-prepared films display nano-scale meandering stripe domains with high magnetic phase contrast which is the signature of perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. The films processed at 250oC for various time intervals show successive reduction in magnetic phase contrast and domain size. The domain pattern completely disappeared, and topography dominated mixed magnetic phase has been obtained for the films processed at 450oC for time intervals greater than 2 minutes. The magnetization measurements indicate the reduction in perpendicular magnetic anisotropy with increase in saturation magnetization for all the rapid thermal processed films. The experimental outputs have been used to simulate the domain pattern. Reduction in uniaxial anisotropy along with the increase in saturation magnetization successfully explain the experimental trend of decrease in domain size and magnetic contrast.
Using artificial intelligence to improve identification of nanofluid gas–liquid two-phase flow pattern in mini-channel
Authors: Xiao Jian , Luo Xiaoping , Feng Zhenfei , Zhang Jinxin
Published: January 2018

This work combines fuzzy logic and a support vector machine (SVM) with a principal component analysis (PCA) to create an artificial-intelligence system that identifies nanofluid gas-liquid two-phase flow states in a vertical mini-channel. Flow-pattern recognition requires finding the operational details of the process and doing computer simulations and image processing can be used to automate the description of flow patterns in nanofluid gas-liquid two-phase flow. This work uses fuzzy logic and a SVM with PCA to improve the accuracy with which the flow pattern of a nanofluid gas-liquid two-phase flow is identified. To acquire images of nanofluid gas-liquid two-phase flow patterns of flow boiling, a high-speed digital camera was used to record four different types of flow-pattern images, namely annular flow, bubbly flow, churn flow, and slug flow. The textural features extracted by processing the images of nanofluid gas–liquid two-phase flow patterns are used as inputs to various identification schemes such as fuzzy logic, SVM, and SVM with PCA to identify the type of flow pattern. The results indicate that the SVM with reduced characteristics of PCA provides the best identification accuracy and requires less calculation time than the other two schemes. The data reported herein should be very useful for the design and operation of industrial applications.
James Douglas Morrison 1924–2013
Authors: Rae Ian D.
Published: January 2018

Jim Morrison was born in Scotland in 1924 and completed his PhD studies in X-ray crystallography at the University of Glasgow before taking up a position with CSIRO in Melbourne in 1949. There he became expert in the construction and operation of mass spectrometers, mainly for the study of ion physics. In 1967, he became the Foundation Professor Physical Chemistry at the new La Trobe University in Melbourne where he continued his work in mass spectrometry but was also involved in university leadership that included a period as head of a residential college.Together with his students, he developed the use of compact, rapid-scanning quadrupole mass spectrometers, linking them in series to allow secondary studies (including photochemistry) of particular ions, but also taking advantage of the speed of the quadrupoles to link them to gas chromatographs for the study of mixtures of organic compounds. In all of this he was a pioneer in the use of computers with spectroscopic instruments. Internationally he was a recognized expert, speaking at conferences, establishing collaborations, and spending periods of leave at the University of Utah. After his retirement in 1990 he spent a long period as Emeritus Professor before his death in 2013.
Folk perception of variation in Cavite Chabacano
Authors: Lesho Marivic
Published: January 2018

Cavite Chabacano, an endangered creole language spoken in Cavite City, Philippines, has dialectal variation that can be traced to the settlement patterns established by the Spanish during the colonial era. This study focuses on Cavite Chabacano speakers’ metalinguistic awareness of dialectal variation, what their attitudes are toward it, and how they believe the different dialects are influenced by the superstrate Spanish or the substrate Tagalog. Participants’ comments during a map-labeling task show where Chabacano is still believed to be spoken and reveal that they have high metalinguistic awareness of variation in the vowel system and in second person pronoun usage. The Chabacano spoken in the San Roque district is perceived to have the closest relationship to Spanish, despite having more substrate influence in the vowel system. This study demonstrates the usefulness of perceptual dialectology for endangered language documentation and for studying variation and language attitudes in small communities and creole or other multilingual settings.
Analyzing the linguistic landscape of mass-scale
events
Authors: Seals Corinne A.
Published: January 2018

The past few years have seen a redefining of the linguistic landscape to become
inclusive of the wide variety of semiotic encounters that people have each day.
The current article partakes in this expansion by looking to the ever-shifting
nature of the LL of mass-scale events, particularly protests. In particular, the
current article outlines a method for designing LL studies of mass-scale events,
including data collection, data analysis, and presentation of findings. The
strengths and limitations of such a method are also discussed, paying particular
attention to the experiential nature of mass-scale events and importance of
transparent researcher positionality and reflexivity.
(T)Apping the linguistic landscape
Authors: Purschke Christoph
Published: January 2018

This article explores methodological challenges and scientific perspectives of a
citizen science approach to linguistic landscapes research. Starting from the
outline of a disciplinary landscape, the text first discusses development
strategies and practical implementation of crowdsourcing via mobile applications
as means to data collection in two participatory research projects. The
comparison highlights the complex trade-off between empirical benefits and
methodological drawbacks in relation to mobile app setups for crowdsourcing. In
a second step, the use of crowdsourcing technology is embedded in a
methodological framework for a citizen science approach to the study of social
semiotics and discussed against the background of five guiding principles:
participatory research, lifeworld orientation, societal engagement,
computational analysis, and open research practice. The discussion points out
that a citizen science approach brings about numerous opportunities as well as
substantial challenges for academic practice in terms of a democratization,
social embedding, and opening of research activities.
Language planning and language policy in Sardinia
Authors: Lai Rosangela
Published: January 2018

In 1999, the Italian Republic acknowledged the status of Sardinian as a minority language. Since then the Autonomous Region of Sardinia has been committed to the development of language policies for Sardinian. A regional law approved in 1997 adopted the aim of promoting the different varieties of the languages spoken in Sardinia. The goals changed substantially when the Region adopted for its language planning activities the ideas of a cultural-political movement known asMovimentu Linguisticu Sardu, and appointed an activist Director of the Bureau of the Sardinian Language. This article presents and discusses the key steps in the last decade of language planning: the proposals, their development and consequences.
A pedagogical model for integrating film education and audio
description in foreign language acquisition
Authors: Herrero Carmen , Escobar Manuela
Published: January 2018

Films are particularly powerful pedagogical tools that can help improve the
linguistic skills of foreign language learners. Audio describing tasks can
provide additional benefits. However, for an efficient use of feature films,
learners need to be trained on how to elaborate audio description texts and
develop active viewing strategies. This article discusses a language teaching
approach that advocates the addition of Film Literacy education and audio
description tasks to the language curriculum. It focuses on the application of
audio description, in both oral and written form, to the acquisition of Spanish
as a foreign language in Higher Education. It presents a pedagogical model
designed to help students develop linguistic, cultural and intercultural
competences while encouraging the aesthetic appreciation of films as cultural
objects that can be evaluated through a wide range of critical approaches.
The implications of Cognitive Load Theory and exposure to subtitles
in English Foreign Language (EFL)
Authors: Frumuselu Anca Daniela
Published: January 2018

The pedagogical use of subtitled and captioned material in the foreign language
classroom is upheld by various theories which reveal the cognitive processing
activated when students are exposed to multimedia and subtitled audiovisual
materials. The three theories that will be considered here are Cognitive Load
Theory (CLT), Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning (CTML) and Cognitive
Affective Theory of Learning with Media (CATLM). The main purpose of the paper
is to illustrate the internal mechanisms triggered in learners when various
sensorial channels (visual, auditory and textual) coincide simultaneously on
screen and how this may affect their cognitive engagement and motivation while
learning a foreign language. Additionally, two empirical studies will be
presented in the second part of the article in order to provide evidence of the
benefits of using subtitled audiovisual materials in the English Foreign
Language (EFL) classroom in higher education. The results show that both
interlingual (L1) and intralingual (L2) subtitles prove to have a facilitating
role in informal and colloquial language learning in this context.
The use of audio description in foreign language education
Authors: Navarrete Marga
Published: January 2018

Audio description (AD) is a type of audiovisual translation (AVT) used for making video content accessible to the blind and
visually impaired. Over the last decade, the pedagogic potential of AVT in foreign language learning (FLL) has gained increasing
recognition by experts. However, AD as a didactic tool in FLL is an innovative area that has received very little attention so
far, despite its significant potential for language learners. In addition, many experts in Applied Linguistics have shown a
growing interest in the study of fluency, pronunciation and intonation.

With these ideas in mind the author of the present article has carried out a small scale preliminary experiment with university
students of Spanish as a foreign language. This article presents the methodological framework of the experiment which includes the
instruments for data gathering. Although only six students completed the experiment, their responses were positive and encouraging
as they found active AD tasks useful for language learning. It is hoped that the lessons learnt will inform the methodological
framework for larger scale studies.
Tree biomechanics.
Authors: James K. R. , Moore J. R. , Slater D. , Dahle G. A.
Published: January 2018

This review of tree biomechanics covers recent research publications that offer new insights into how trees respond to mechanical loads and resist failure, especially in winds. Biomechanical studies using dynamic rather than static structural methods are showing that the form of the tree influences dynamic response in winds and differences in tree morphology can produce extreme behaviours such as very little or nearly critical dissipation of stem oscillations. Biomechanical studies on trees that measure the forces, stresses and strains are reviewed including a new method of optical strain measurement where small dots (speckle) sprayed on tree surfaces show the strain distribution of trunks and branches under load. The role of stress and strain in tree growth is currently an important research question and the review includes papers that are indicating that strain may be the factor, more than stress, in triggering adaptive growth response. The importance of the form of trees influencing their wind loading is leading to investigations of the importance of branches, especially in winds where they act like coupled oscillators attached to an oscillating trunk to modify sway behaviour. Branch unions are being studied and new concepts on their attachment are also reviewed. Collectively, these developments are leading to a better understanding of tree biomechanics and the complex dynamic response of trees in wind.
Quantitative super-resolution single molecule microscopy dataset of YFP-tagged growth factor receptors
Authors: Lukeš Tomáš , Pospíšil Jakub , Fliegel Karel , Lasser Theo , Hagen Guy M
Published: January 2018

Background

Super-resolution single molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) is a method for achieving resolution beyond the classical limit in optical microscopes (approx. 200 nm laterally). Yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) has been used for super-resolution single molecule localization microscopy, but less frequently than other fluorescent probes. Working with YFP in SMLM is a challenge because a lower number of photons are emitted per molecule compared with organic dyes, which are more commonly used. Publically available experimental data can facilitate development of new data analysis algorithms.

Findings

Four complete, freely available single molecule super-resolution microscopy datasets on YFP-tagged growth factor receptors expressed in a human cell line are presented, including both raw and analyzed data. We report methods for sample preparation, for data acquisition, and for data analysis, as well as examples of the acquired images. We also analyzed the SMLM datasets using a different method: super-resolution optical fluctuation imaging (SOFI). The 2 modes of analysis offer complementary information about the sample. A fifth single molecule super-resolution microscopy dataset acquired with the dye Alexa 532 is included for comparison purposes.

Conclusions

This dataset has potential for extensive reuse. Complete raw data from SMLM experiments have typically not been published. The YFP data exhibit low signal-to-noise ratios, making data analysis a challenge. These datasets will be useful to investigators developing their own algorithms for SMLM, SOFI, and related methods. The data will also be useful for researchers investigating growth factor receptors such as ErbB3.
Towns and Villages
Authors: Gunn Steven
Published: January 2018

This chapter uses the records of hundreds of parishes and boroughs to see how communities coped with the pressures of war in Henry VIII’s England. At the king’s command they bought and maintained up-to-date weapons and armour, including heavy artillery, pikes, handguns, and the drums necessary to help men march in time. They fortified the coasts and set up warning beacons. They mustered their inhabitants regularly and began to train them. To cope with all these demands, communities strained their financial resources, plundering the church or taxing their inhabitants, and developed new mechanisms of local government, concentrating power in the hands of urban oligarchies and parish elites.
Transfer of a Radial Nerve Branch to the Brachialis Nerve for Restoration of Elbow Flexion
Authors: Chepla Kyle J. , Bafus Blaine T.
Published: January 2018

Nerve transfers for brachial plexus reconstruction and the treatment of peripheral nerve injury have demonstrated excellent clinical outcomes and may be superior to nerve grafting. Previously described nerve transfers for restoration of elbow flexion include the Oberlin (ulnar to musculocutaneous) and double fasicular (median to biceps and ulnar to brachialis) transfers. However, these transfers cannot be performed in patients with loss of elbow flexion and concomitant high median and ulnar nerve injury. Other transfers utilizing the thoracodorsal or intercostal nerves have been described; however, this requires sacrifice of the latissimus dorsi muscle or potential nerve donors for a free, functioning gracilis muscle transfer. The triceps lower medial head and anconeus motor branch is a frequently used nerve donor with minimal morbidity. As an alternative for this specific patient population, we report the transfer of the triceps lower medial head and anconeus motor branch to the brachialis nerve as an option to restore elbow flexion.
Successful Hand Replantation in a Case of Total Avulsion without Vein Graft
Authors: Sulaiman Shatha M. , Alkhodair Abdulmalik A. , Sulaiman Shahd M. , Sulaiman Lama M. , Elkafafy Ahmed S.
Published: January 2018

Replantation is the reattachment of a severed body part, with attempts to restore neurovascular and musculoskeletal integrity, function, and aesthetics. On September 7, 1964, the first extremity replantation—a completely amputated hand—by vascular anastomosis technique was successfully performed.
1
Soon after, the first replantation of a complete thumb amputation using microvascular anastomosis in a human was successfully conducted by Komatsu et al.
2
in 1968. The overall success rate of limb replantation surgery is around 83.2%.
3
The mechanism of injury plays a role in the outcome; guillotine amputations—for example—carry a better prognosis than crush amputations.
4
We present a case report of a 36-year-old male patient who presented with a total avulsion of the right hand with multiple fracture levels at the level of trans-carpal, distal radius extra-articulation fracture, and total avulsion of the hand. The patient was managed by a multidisciplinary team who were able to reattach his hand successfully with good functional outcome.
Statewide Inferior Vena Cava Filter Placement, Complications, and Retrievals
Authors: Charalel Resmi A. , Durack Jeremy C. , Mao Jialin , Ross Joseph S. , Meltzer Andrew J. , Sedrakyan Art
Published: January 2018

Background:

Public awareness of inferior vena cava (IVC) filter-related controversies has been elevated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) safety communication in 2010.

Objectives:

To examine population level trends in IVC filter utilization, complications, retrieval rates, and subsequent pulmonary embolism (PE) risk.

Design:

A retrospective cohort study.

Subjects:

Patients receiving IVC filters during 2005–2014 in New York State.

Measures:

IVC filter-specific complications, new PE occurrences and IVC filter retrievals were evaluated as time-to-event data using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Estimated cumulative risks were obtained at various timepoints during follow-up.

Results:

There were 91,873 patients receiving IVC filters between 2005 and 2014 in New York State included in the study. The average patient age was 67 years and 46.6% were male. Age-adjusted rates of IVC filter placement increased from 48 cases/100,000 in 2005 to 52 cases/100,000 in 2009, and decreased afterwards to 36 cases/100,000 in 2014. The estimated risks of having an IVC filter-related complication and filter retrieval within 1 year was 1.5% [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.4%–1.6%] and 3.5% (95% CI, 3.4%–3.6%). One-year retrieval rate was higher post-2010 when compared with pre-2010 years (hazard ratio, 2.70; 95% CI, 2.50–2.91). Among the 58,176 patients who did not have PE events before or at the time of IVC filter placement, the estimated risk of developing subsequent PE at 1 year was 2.0% (95% CI, 1.9%–2.1%).

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that FDA communications may be effective in modifying statewide clinical practices. Given the 2% observed PE rate following prophylactic IVC filter placement, large scale pragmatic studies are needed to determine contemporary safety and effectiveness of IVC filters.
Trends in Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education Accreditation for Subspecialty Fellowship Training in Plastic Surgery
Authors: Silvestre Jason , Serletti Joseph M. , Chang Benjamin
Published: January 2018

Background:

The purposes of this study were to (1) determine the proportion of plastic surgery residents pursuing subspecialty training relative to other surgical specialties, and (2) analyze trends in Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education accreditation of plastic surgery subspecialty fellowship programs.

Methods:

The American Medical Association provided data on career intentions of surgical chief residents graduating from 2014 to 2016. The percentage of residents pursuing fellowship training was compared by specialty. Trends in the proportion of accredited fellowship programs in craniofacial surgery, hand surgery, and microsurgery were analyzed. The percentage of accredited programs was compared between subspecialties with added-certification options (hand surgery) and subspecialties without added-certification options (craniofacial surgery and microsurgery).

Results:

Most integrated and independent plastic surgery residents pursued fellowship training (61.8 percent versus 49.6 percent; p = 0.014). Differences existed by specialty from a high in orthopedic surgery (90.8 percent) to a low in colon and rectal surgery (3.2 percent). From 2005 to 2015, the percentage of accredited craniofacial fellowship programs increased, but was not significant (from 27.8 percent to 33.3 percent; p = 0.386). For hand surgery, the proportion of accredited programs that were plastic surgery (p = 0.755) and orthopedic surgery (p = 0.253) was stable, whereas general surgery decreased (p = 0.010). Subspecialty areas with added-certification options had more accredited fellowships than those without (100 percent versus 19.2 percent; p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

There has been slow adoption of accreditation among plastic surgery subspecialty fellowships, but added-certification options appear to be highly correlated.
Quantitative Trait Loci ControllingPhytophthora cactorumResistance in the Cultivated Octoploid Strawberry (Fragariaxananassa)
Authors: Nellist Charlotte F. , Vickerstaff Robert J. , Sobczyk Maria K. , Marina-Montes César , Brain Philip , Wilson Fiona M. , Simpson David W. , Whitehouse Adam B. , Harrison Richard J.
Published: January 2018

The cultivated strawberry,Fragaria x ananassa(Fragariaspp.) is the most economically important global soft fruit.Phytophthora cactorum, a water-borne oomycete causes economic losses in strawberry production globally. A bi-parental cross of octoploid cultivated strawberry segregating for resistance toP. cactorum, the causative agent of crown rot disease, was screened using artificial inoculation. Multiple resistance quantitative trait loci (QTL) were identified and mapped. Three major effect QTL (FaRPc6C,FaRPc6DandFaRPc7D) explained 36% of the variation observed and in total, the detected QTL explained 86% of the variation observed. There were no epistatic interactions detected between the three major QTLs. Testing a subset of the mapping population progeny against a range ofP. cactorumisolates revealed no major differences in host response, however, some lines showed higher susceptibility than predicted, indicating that additional undetected factors may affect the expression of some quantitative resistance loci. Using historic crown rot disease score data from strawberry accessions, a preliminary genome-wide association study of 114 individuals revealed additional loci associated with resistance toP. cactorum. Mining ofFragaria vescaHawaii 4 v1.1 genome revealed candidate resistance genes in the QTL regions.
In vivomonitoring of plant small GTPase activation using a Förster resonance energy transfer biosensor
Authors: Wong Hann Ling , Akamatsu Akira , Wang Qiong , Higuchi Masayuki , Matsuda Tomonori , Okuda Jun , Kosami Ken-ichi , Inada Noriko , Kawasaki Tsutomu , Nagawa Shingo , Tan Li , Kawano Yoji , Shimamoto Ko
Published: January 2018

Small GTPases act as molecular switches that regulate various plant responses such as disease resistance, pollen tube growth, root hair development, cell wall patterning and hormone responses. Thus, to monitor their activation status within plant cells is believed to be the key step in understanding their roles. We have established a plant version of a Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) probe called Ras and interacting protein chimeric unit (Raichu) that can successfully monitor activation of the rice small GTPase OsRac1 during various defence responses in rice cells. Here, we describe the protocol for visualizing spatiotemporal activity of plant Rac/ROP GTPase in living plant cells, transfection of rice protoplasts withRaichu-OsRac1and acquisition of FRET images. Our protocol should be widely adaptable for monitoring activation for other plant small GTPases and for other FRET sensors in various plant cells.
HCAtk and pyHCA: A Toolkit and Python API for the Hydrophobic Cluster Analysis of Protein Sequences
Authors: Bitard-Feildel Tristan , Callebaut Isabelle
Published: January 2018

Motivation: Detecting protein domains sharing no similarity to known domains, as stored in domain databases, is a challenging problem, particularly for unannotated proteomes, domains emerged recently, fast diverging proteins or domains with intrinsically disordered regions.

Results: We developed pyHCA and HCAtk, a python API and standalone tool gathering together improved versions of previously developed methodologies, with new functionalities. The developed tools can be either used from command line or from a python API.

Availability: HCAtk and pyHCA are available at https://github.com/T-B-F/pyHCA under the CeCILL-C license.
Crystal structure and Hirshfeld analysis of 2-(5-bromothiophen-2-yl)acetonitrile
Authors: Pappenfus Ted M. , Wood Tiana L. , Morey Joseph L. , Wilcox Wyatt D. , Janzen Daron E.
Published: January 2018

The title compound, C6H4BrNS, crystallizes in the space group P21/n with one complete molecule in the asymmetric unit. The non-H atoms are nearly planar (r.m.s for non-H atoms = 0.071 Å), with the nitrile group oriented antiperiplanar with respect to the thiophene S atom. Intermolecular Type I centrosymmetric Br...Br halogen interactions are present at a distance of 3.582 (1) Å and with a C—Br...Br angle of 140.7 (1)°. Additional weaker C—H...N, C—H...S, and S...π interactions are also present. A Hirshfeld analysis indicates Br...Br interactions comprise only 1.9% of all the interatomic contacts.