bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Visual Stimuli on the Spoken Narrative Performance of School-Age African American Children
Authors: Mills Monique T.
Published: June 2015

Purpose

This study investigated the fictional narrative performance of school-age African American children across 3 elicitation contexts that differed in the type of visual stimulus presented.

Method

A total of 54 children in Grades 2 through 5 produced narratives across 3 different visual conditions: no visual, picture sequence, and single picture. Narratives were examined for visual condition differences in expressive elaboration rate, number of different word roots (NDW) rate, mean length of utterance in words, and dialect density. The relationship between diagnostic risk for language impairment and narrative variables was explored.

Results

Expressive elaboration rate and mean length of utterance in words were higher in the no-visual condition than in either the picture-sequence or the single-picture conditions. NDW rate was higher in the no-visual and picture-sequence conditions than in the single-picture condition. Dialect density performance across visual context depended on the child's grade, so that younger children produced a higher rate of African American English in the no-visual condition than did older children. Diagnostic risk was related to NDW rate and dialect density measure.

Conclusion

The results suggest the need for narrative elicitation contexts that include verbal as well as visual tasks to fully describe the narrative performance of school-age African American children with typical development.
Joint channel coding‐cryptography based on random insertions and deletions in quasi‐cyclic‐low‐density parity check codes
Authors: Esmaeili Mostafa , Gulliver T. Aaron
Published: June 2015

In this paper, a new secure channel coding scheme is presented which randomly inserts and deletes bits in a codeword of a quasi‐cyclic‐low‐density parity check (QC‐LDPC) code. It is shown that the key size is smaller than other code‐based cryptosystems based on permutation and scrambling matrices. The positions of the inserted and deleted bits are determined using a secret key. It is shown that the error performance of the resulting code after the insertions and deletions is better than a random low‐density parity check code with similar parameters. An important advantage of this cryptosystem is that even if the QC‐LDPC code is revealed, the system remains secure. Furthermore, the proposed approach using insertions and deletions can be employed with other classes of error correcting codes.
Trajectory‐based view‐invariant hand gesture recognition by fusing shape and orientation
Authors: Wu Xingyu , Mao Xia , Chen Lijiang , Xue Yuli
Published: June 2015

Traditional studies in vision‐based hand gesture recognition remain rooted in view‐dependent representations, and hence users are forced to be fronto‐parallel to the camera. To solve this problem, view‐invariant gesture recognition aims to make the recognition result independent of viewpoint changes. However, in current works the view‐invariance is achieved at the price of mixing different gesture patterns that have similar trajectory curve shape but different semantic meanings. For example, the gesture ‘push’ can be mistaken as ‘drag’ from another viewpoint. To address this shortcoming, in this study, the authors use a shape descriptor to extract the view‐invariant features of a three‐dimensional (3D) trajectory. As the shape features are invariant to omnidirectional viewpoint changes, the orientation features are then added into weight different rotation angles so that similar trajectory shapes are better separated. The proposed method was conducted on two different databases, including a popular Australian Sign Language database and a challenging Kinect Hand Trajectory database. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm achieves a higher average recognition rate than the state‐of‐the‐art approaches, and can better distinguish confusing gestures while meeting the view‐invariant condition.
Theory of Bound-Electron g Factor in Highly Charged Ions
Authors: Shabaev V. M. , Glazov D. A. , Plunien G. , Volotka A. V.
Published: June 2015

The paper presents the current status of the theory of bound-electron g factor in highly charged ions. The calculations of the relativistic, quantum electrodynamics (QED), nuclear recoil, nuclear structure, and interelectronic-interaction corrections to the g factor are reviewed. Special attention is paid to tests of QED effects at strong coupling regime and determinations of the fundamental constants.
Evaluation of the Proton Charge Radius from Electron–Proton Scattering
Authors: Arrington John , Sick Ingo
Published: June 2015

In light of the proton radius puzzle, the discrepancy between measurements of the proton charge radius from muonic hydrogen and those from electronic hydrogen and electron–proton (e–p) scattering measurements, we re-examine the charge radius extractions from electron scattering measurements. We provide a recommended value for the proton root-mean-square charge radius, rE = 0.879 ± 0.011 fm, based on a global examination of elastic e–p scattering data. The uncertainties include contributions to account for tension between different data sets and inconsistencies between radii using different extraction procedures.
Influence of single particle orbital sets and configuration selection on multideterminant wavefunctions in quantum Monte Carlo
Authors: Clay Raymond C. , Morales Miguel A.
Published: June 2015

Multideterminant wavefunctions, while having a long history in quantum chemistry, are increasingly being used in highly accurate quantum Monte Carlo calculations. Since the accuracy of QMC is ultimately limited by the quality of the trial wavefunction, multi-Slater determinants wavefunctions offer an attractive alternative to Slater-Jastrow and more sophisticated wavefunction ansatz for several reasons. They can be efficiently calculated, straightforwardly optimized, and systematically improved by increasing the number of included determinants. In spite of their potential, however, the convergence properties of multi-Slater determinant wavefunctions with respect to orbital set choice and excited determinant selection are poorly understood, which hinders the application of these wavefunctions to large systems and solids. In this paper, by performing QMC calculations on the equilibrium and stretched carbon dimer, we find that convergence of the recovered correlation energy with respect to number of determinants can depend quite strongly on basis set and determinant selection methods, especially where there is strong correlation. We demonstrate that properly chosen orbital sets and determinant selection techniques from quantum chemistry methods can dramatically reduce the required number of determinants (and thus the computational cost) to reach a given accuracy, which we argue shows clear need for an automatic QMC-only method for selecting determinants and generating optimal orbital sets.
Implementation of density functional embedding theory within the projector-augmented-wave method and applications to semiconductor defect states
Authors: Yu Kuang , Libisch Florian , Carter Emily A.
Published: June 2015

We report a new implementation of the density functional embedding theory (DFET) in the VASP code, using the projector-augmented-wave (PAW) formalism. Newly developed algorithms allow us to efficiently perform optimized effective potential optimizations within PAW. The new algorithm generates robust and physically correct embedding potentials, as we verified using several test systems including a covalently bound molecule, a metal surface, and bulk semiconductors. We show that with the resulting embedding potential, embedded cluster models can reproduce the electronic structure of point defects in bulk semiconductors, thereby demonstrating the validity of DFET in semiconductors for the first time. Compared to our previous version, the new implementation of DFET within VASP affords use of all features of VASP (e.g., a systematic PAW library, a wide selection of functionals, a more flexible choice of U correction formalisms, and faster computational speed) with DFET. Furthermore, our results are fairly robust with respect to both plane-wave and Gaussian type orbital basis sets in the embedded cluster calculations. This suggests that the density functional embedding method is potentially an accurate and efficient way to study properties of isolated defects in semiconductors.
Theoretical analysis of structures and electronic spectra in molecular cadmium chalcogenide clusters
Authors: Nguyen Kiet A. , Pachter Ruth , Day Paul N. , Su Haibin
Published: June 2015

We present calculated structural and optical properties of molecular cadmium chalcogenide nonstoichiometric clusters with a size range of less than 1 nm to more than 2 nm with well-defined chemical compositions and structures in comparison to experimental characterization and previous theoretical work. A unified treatment of these clusters to obtain a fundamental understanding of the size, ligand, and solvation effects on their optical properties has not been heretofore presented. The clusters belong to three topological classes, specifically supertetrahedral (Tn), penta-supertetrahedral (Pn), and capped supertetrahedral (Cn), where n is the number of metal layers in each cluster. The tetrahedrally shaped Tn clusters examined in this work are Cd(ER)42− (T1), Cd4(ER)102− (T2), and Cd10E4′(ER)164− (T3), where R is an organic group, E and E′ are chalcogen atoms (sulfur or selenium). The first member of the Pn series considered is M8E′(ER)162−. For the Cn series, we consider the first three members, M17E4′(ER)282−, M32E14′(ER)36L4, and M54E32′(ER)48L44− (L = neutral ligand). Mixed ligand clusters with capping ER groups replaced by halogen or neutral ligands were also considered. Ligands and solvent were found to have a large influence on the color and intensity of the electronic absorption spectra of small clusters. Their effects are generally reduced with increasing cluster sizes. Blueshifts were observed for the first electronic transition with reduced size for both cadmium sulfide and cadmium selenide series. Due to weakly absorbing and forbidden transitions underlying the one-photon spectra, more care is needed in interpreting the quantum confinement from the clusters’ lowest-energy absorption bands.
Weakly nonlinear stability analysis of non-isothermal Poiseuille flow in a vertical channel
Authors: Khandelwal Manish K. , Bera P.
Published: June 2015

A weakly nonlinear stability theory in terms of Landau equation is developed to analyze the nonlinear saturation of stably stratified non-isothermal Poiseuille flow in a vertical channel. The results are presented with respect to fluids: mercury, gases, liquids, and heavy oils. The weakly nonlinear stability results predict only the supercritical instability, in agreement with the published result [Y. C. Chen and J. N. Chung, “A direct numerical simulation of K and H-type flow transition in heated vertical channel,” Comput. Fluids 32, 795–822 (2003)] based on direct numerical simulation. Apart from this, the influence of nonlinear interaction among different superimposed waves on the heat transfer rate, real part of wavespeed, and friction coefficient on the wall is also investigated. A substantial enhancement (reduction) in heat transfer rate (friction coefficient) is found for liquids and heavy oils from the basic state beyond the critical Rayleigh number. The amplitude analysis indicates that the equilibrium amplitude decreases on increasing the value of Reynolds number. However, in the case of mercury, influence of nonlinear interaction on the variation of equilibrium amplitude, heat transfer rate, wavespeed, as well as friction coefficient is complex and subtle. The analysis of the nonlinear energy spectra for the disturbance also supports the supercritical instability at and beyond the critical point. Finally, the effect of superimposed waves on the pattern of secondary flow, based on linear stability theory, is also studied. It has been found that the impact of nonlinear interaction of waves on the pattern of secondary flow for mercury is weak compared to gases, which is the consequence of negligible modification in the buoyant production of disturbance kinetic energy of the mercury.
Preserving correlations between trajectories for efficient path sampling
Authors: Gingrich Todd R. , Geissler Phillip L.
Published: June 2015

Importance sampling of trajectories has proved a uniquely successful strategy for exploring rare dynamical behaviors of complex systems in an unbiased way. Carrying out this sampling, however, requires an ability to propose changes to dynamical pathways that are substantial, yet sufficiently modest to obtain reasonable acceptance rates. Satisfying this requirement becomes very challenging in the case of long trajectories, due to the characteristic divergences of chaotic dynamics. Here, we examine schemes for addressing this problem, which engineer correlation between a trial trajectory and its reference path, for instance using artificial forces. Our analysis is facilitated by a modern perspective on Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling, inspired by non-equilibrium statistical mechanics, which clarifies the types of sampling strategies that can scale to long trajectories. Viewed in this light, the most promising such strategy guides a trial trajectory by manipulating the sequence of random numbers that advance its stochastic time evolution, as done in a handful of existing methods. In cases where this “noise guidance” synchronizes trajectories effectively, as the Glauber dynamics of a two-dimensional Ising model, we show that efficient path sampling can be achieved for even very long trajectories.
Fragment approach to constrained density functional theory calculations using Daubechies wavelets
Authors: Ratcliff Laura E. , Genovese Luigi , Mohr Stephan , Deutsch Thierry
Published: June 2015

In a recent paper, we presented a linear scaling Kohn-Sham density functional theory (DFT) code based on Daubechies wavelets, where a minimal set of localized support functions are optimized in situ and therefore adapted to the chemical properties of the molecular system. Thanks to the systematically controllable accuracy of the underlying basis set, this approach is able to provide an optimal contracted basis for a given system: accuracies for ground state energies and atomic forces are of the same quality as an uncontracted, cubic scaling approach. This basis set offers, by construction, a natural subset where the density matrix of the system can be projected. In this paper, we demonstrate the flexibility of this minimal basis formalism in providing a basis set that can be reused as-is, i.e., without reoptimization, for charge-constrained DFT calculations within a fragment approach. Support functions, represented in the underlying wavelet grid, of the template fragments are roto-translated with high numerical precision to the required positions and used as projectors for the charge weight function. We demonstrate the interest of this approach to express highly precise and efficient calculations for preparing diabatic states and for the computational setup of systems in complex environments.
Modelling, verification, and calibration of a photoacoustics based continuous non-invasive blood glucose monitoring system
Authors: Pai Praful P. , Sanki Pradyut K. , Sarangi Satyabrata , Banerjee Swapna
Published: June 2015

This paper examines the use of photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) at an excitation wavelength of 905 nm for making continuous non-invasive blood glucose measurements. The theoretical background of the measurement technique is verified through simulation. An apparatus is fabricated for performing photoacoustic measurements in vitro on glucose solutions and in vivo on human subjects. The amplitude of the photoacoustic signals measured from glucose solutions is observed to increase with the solution concentration, while photoacoustic amplitude obtained from in vivo measurements follows the blood glucose concentration of the subjects, indicating a direct proportionality between the two quantities. A linear calibration method is applied separately on measurements obtained from each individual in order to estimate the blood glucose concentration. The estimated glucose values are compared to reference glucose concentrations measured using a standard glucose meter. A plot of 196 measurement pairs taken over 30 normal subjects on a Clarke error grid gives a point distribution of 82.65% and 17.35% over zones A and B of the grid with a mean absolute relative deviation (MARD) of 11.78% and a mean absolute difference (MAD) of 15.27 mg/dl (0.85 mmol/l). The results obtained are better than or comparable to those obtained using photoacoustic spectroscopy based methods or other non-invasive measurement techniques available. The accuracy levels obtained are also comparable to commercially available continuous glucose monitoring systems.
Simplified TiO2 force fields for studies of its interaction with biomolecules
Authors: Luan Binquan , Huynh Tien , Zhou Ruhong
Published: June 2015

Engineered TiO2 nanoparticles have been routinely applied in nanotechnology, as well as in cosmetics and food industries. Despite active experimental studies intended to clarify TiO2’s biological effects, including potential toxicity, the relation between experimentally inferred nanotoxicity and industry standards for safely applying nanoparticles remains somewhat ambiguous with justified concerns. Supplemental to experiments, molecular dynamics simulations have proven to be efficacious in investigating the molecular mechanism of a biological process occurring at nanoscale. In this article, to facilitate the nanotoxicity and nanomedicine research related to this important metal oxide, we provide a simplified force field, based on the original Matsui-Akaogi force field but compatible to the Lennard-Jones potentials normally used in modeling biomolecules, for simulating TiO2 nanoparticles interacting with biomolecules. The force field parameters were tested in simulating the bulk structure of TiO2, TiO2 nanoparticle-water interaction, as well as the adsorption of proteins on the TiO2 nanoparticle. We demonstrate that these simulation results are consistent with experimental data/observations. We expect that simulations will help to better understand the interaction between TiO2 and molecules.
Experimental study on thermal characteristics of positive leader discharges using Mach-Zehnder interferometry
Authors: Zhou X. , Zeng R. , Zhuang C. , Chen S.
Published: June 2015

Leader discharge is one of the main phases in long air gap breakdown, which is characterized by high temperature and high conductivity. It is of great importance to determine thermal characteristics of leader discharges. In this paper, a long-optical-path Mach-Zehnder interferometer was set up to measure the thermal parameters (thermal diameter, gas density, and gas temperature) of positive leader discharges in atmospheric air. IEC standard positive switching impulse voltages were applied to a near-one-meter point-plane air gap. Filamentary channels with high gas temperature and low density corresponding to leader discharges were observed as significant distortions in the interference fringe images. Typical diameters of the entire heated channel range from 1.5 mm to 3.5 mm with an average expansion velocity of 6.7 m/s. In contrast, typical diameters of the intensely heated region with a sharp gas density reduction range from 0.4 mm to 1.1 mm, about one third of the entire heated channel. The radial distribution of the gas density is calculated from the fringe displacements by performing an Abel inverse transform. The typical calculated gas density reduction in the center of a propagating leader channel is 80% to 90%, corresponding to a gas temperature of 1500 K to 3000 K based on the ideal gas law. Leaders tend to terminate if the central temperature is below 1500 K.
Laser driven terahertz generation in hot plasma with step density profile
Authors: Kumar Manoj , Tripathi Vipin Kumar , Jeong Young Uk
Published: June 2015

An analytical formalism of terahertz (THz) radiation generation by beating of two lasers in a hot plasma with step density profile is developed. The lasers propagate obliquely to plasma surface normal, and the nonlinearity arises through the ponderomotive force. The THz is emitted in the specular reflection direction, and the yield is enhanced due to coupling with the Langmuir wave when the plasma frequency is close to THz frequency. The power conversion efficiency maximizes at an optimum angle of incidence.
Study on the dynamics responses of a transmission system made from carbon nanotubes
Authors: Yin Hang , Cai Kun , Wei Ning , Qin Qing-Hua , Shi Jiao
Published: June 2015

A rotational transmission system from coaxial carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is investigated using a computational molecular dynamics approach. The system consists of a motor from a single-walled carbon nanotube and a bearing from a double-walled carbon nanotube. The motor has a high fixed rotational frequency and the two ends of the outer tube in the bearing are fixed. The inner tube in the bearing works as a rotor. Because of the interlayer friction in the bearing, configurations of the joint between the adjacent ends of motor and rotor have significant effects on rotational transmission properties. Four factors are considered in simulation, i.e., the bonding types of atoms (sp1 and sp2) on the ends of motor and rotor, the difference between motor and rotor radii, the rotational speed of motor, and the environmental temperature. It is found that the synchronous transmission happens if the sp1 atoms on the jointed ends of motor and rotor are bonded each other and become new sp2 atoms. Therefore, the lower difference between radii of motor and rotor, higher temperature of environment leads to synchronous rotational transmission easily. If the environmental temperature is too low (e.g., <150 K), the end of motor adjacent to rotor is easily under buckling and new sp2 atoms appear, too. With capped CNTs or higher radii difference between rotor and motor at an appropriate temperature, a stable asynchronous rotation of rotor can be generated, and the rotor's frequency varying linearly with motor's frequency between 230 and 270 GHz. A multi-signal transmission device combined with oscillating and rotational motion is proposed for motor and stator shares a same size in radius.
Efficient organic solar cells using copper(I) iodide (CuI) hole transport layers
Authors: Peng Ying , Yaacobi-Gross Nir , Perumal Ajay K. , Faber Hendrik A. , Vourlias George , Patsalas Panos A. , Bradley Donal D. C. , He Zhiqun , Anthopoulos Thomas D.
Published: June 2015

We report the fabrication of high power conversion efficiency (PCE) polymer/fullerene bulk heterojunction (BHJ) photovoltaic cells using solution-processed Copper (I) Iodide (CuI) as hole transport layer (HTL). Our devices exhibit a PCE value of ∼5.5% which is equivalent to that obtained for control devices based on the commonly used conductive polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): polystyrenesulfonate as HTL. Inverted cells with PCE >3% were also demonstrated using solution-processed metal oxide electron transport layers, with a CuI HTL evaporated on top of the BHJ. The high optical transparency and suitable energetics of CuI make it attractive for application in a range of inexpensive large-area optoelectronic devices.
Variability and reliability analysis in self-assembled multichannel carbon nanotube field-effect transistors
Authors: Hu Zhaoying , Tulevski George S. , Hannon James B. , Afzali Ali , Liehr Michael , Park Hongsik
Published: June 2015

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been widely studied as a channel material of scaled transistors for high-speed and low-power logic applications. In order to have sufficient drive current, it is widely assumed that CNT-based logic devices will have multiple CNTs in each channel. Understanding the effects of the number of CNTs on device performance can aid in the design of CNT field-effect transistors (CNTFETs). We have fabricated multi-CNT-channel CNTFETs with an 80-nm channel length using precise self-assembly methods. We describe compact statistical models and Monte Carlo simulations to analyze failure probability and the variability of the on-state current and threshold voltage. The results show that multichannel CNTFETs are more resilient to process variation and random environmental fluctuations than single-CNT devices.
Effect of herb-clover mixes of plantain and chicory on yearling lamb production in the early spring period
Authors: Somasiri S. C. , Kenyon P. R. , Kemp P. D. , Morel P. C. H. , Morris S. T.
Published: June 2015

Lamb production was evaluated in three herbage treatments (Pasture mix, Plantain mix and Chicory mix) in two consecutive early spring periods. The hypothesis was that the Plantain and Chicory mixes would produce greater weaned lamb liveweight gains than the Pasture mix. The lambs were rotationally grazed weekly in the herbage treatments and weighed fortnightly and carcass data collected at slaughter. Both Plantain and Chicory mixes produced heavier (P < 0.05) carcasses at slaughter (21.1 ± 0.11, 21.8 ± 0.11 and 22.3 ± 0.38 in Experiment 1 followed by 18.1 ± 0.17, 20.3 ± 0.17 and 19.7 ± 0.17 in Experiment 2 for the Pasture, Plantain and Chicory mixes, respectively). Lambs had greater (P < 0.05) liveweight gains and dressing-out percentages in Experiment 2 (39.5 ± 0.29, 41.4 ± 0.29 and 41.3 ± 0.29 for the Pasture, Plantain and Chicory mixes, respectively), than the Pasture mix in the early spring period. Therefore, these herb-clover mixes could be an alternative feed source in the early spring period compared with ryegrass/white clover pastures for finishing lambs.
Spatial patterns of agricultural expansion determine impacts on biodiversity and carbon storage
Authors: Chaplin-Kramer Rebecca , Sharp Richard P. , Mandle Lisa , Sim Sarah , Johnson Justin , Butnar Isabela , Milà i Canals Llorenç , Eichelberger Bradley A. , Ramler Ivan , Mueller Carina , McLachlan Nikolaus , Yousefi Anahita , King Henry , Kareiva Peter M.
Published: June 2015

Significance

Deforestation is a major threat to biodiversity and many ecosystem services and is closely linked to agricultural expansion. Sustainability assessment of different agricultural products and policies requires an understanding of the impacts of land conversion resulting from shifts in demand or incentives for production. The prevailing approaches to estimating such impacts do not account for the spatial context of the transformation. This study shows how different patterns of agricultural expansion into forested landscapes can vastly reduce or exacerbate the total impact, suggesting that methods to measure sustainability should consider not only the total area but also where and how the landscape is converted.
Estimating the impacts of conservation on ecosystem services and poverty by integrating modeling and evaluation
Authors: Ferraro Paul J. , Hanauer Merlin M. , Miteva Daniela A. , Nelson Joanna L. , Pattanayak Subhrendu K. , Nolte Christoph , Sims Katharine R. E.
Published: June 2015

Significance

Research shows how the potential services from ecosystem conservation can be modeled, mapped, and valued; however, this integrative research has not been systematically applied to estimate the actual impacts of programs on the delivery of ecosystem services. We bridge this divide by showing how protected areas in Brazil, Costa Rica, Indonesia, and Thailand store carbon and deliver ecosystem services worth at least $5 billion. Impacts on carbon are associated with poverty exacerbation in some settings and with poverty reduction in others. We describe an agenda to improve conservation planning by (i) studying impacts on other ecosystem services, (ii) uncovering the mechanisms through which conservation programs affect human welfare, and (iii) more comprehensively comparing costs and benefits of conservation impacts.
Adaptive governance, ecosystem management, and natural capital
Authors: Schultz Lisen , Folke Carl , Österblom Henrik , Olsson Per
Published: June 2015

Significance

Adaptive governance (AG) has been suggested as a suitable approach for ecosystem management in changing environments. It rests on the assumption that landscapes and seascapes need to be understood and governed as complex social–ecological systems rather than as ecosystems alone. We compared three AG initiatives and their effects on natural capital and ecosystem services. In comparison with other efforts aimed at conservation and sustainable use of natural capital, adaptive governance developed capacity to manage multiple ecosystem services and respond to ecosystem-wide changes and enabled collaboration across diverse interests, sectors, and institutional arrangements. Internal and external pressures continuously challenge the adaptive capacity of the initiatives.
Public health impacts of ecosystem change in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Bauch Simone C. , Birkenbach Anna M. , Pattanayak Subhrendu K. , Sills Erin O.
Published: June 2015

Significance

Nature threads the very fabric of human lives in remote forest areas of developing countries. Unfortunately, we do not fully understand how ecosystem services (such as human health benefits) could be secured by conserving natural capital. Thus, we analyze a rich dataset on disease, climate, demography, land uses, and conservation policies in the Brazilian Amazon. Unsurprisingly, we find that the health dividends vary across conservation policies and are small relative to the overall burden of these diseases. However, interventions targeted specifically at preserving biodiversity (strict protected areas) generate health cobenefits. Thus, given a chance, nature does its part for human (health) capital, especially for the poor and politically voiceless.
Nazi indoctrination and anti-Semitic beliefs in Germany
Authors: Voigtländer Nico , Voth Hans-Joachim
Published: June 2015

Significance

Attempts at modifying public opinions, attitudes, and beliefs range from advertising and schooling to “brainwashing.” Their effectiveness is highly controversial. We demonstrate that Nazi indoctrination––with its singular focus on fostering racial hatred––was highly effective. Germans who grew up under the Nazi regime are much more anti-Semitic today than those born before or after that period. These findings demonstrate that beliefs can be modified massively through policy intervention. We also show that it was probably Nazi schooling that was most effective, and not radio or cinema propaganda. Where schooling could tap into preexisting prejudices, indoctrination was particularly strong. This suggests that confirmation bias may play an important role in intensifying attitudes toward minorities.
Nuclear matrix-associated protein SMAR1 regulates alternative splicing via HDAC6-mediated deacetylation of Sam68
Authors: Nakka Kiran Kumar , Chaudhary Nidhi , Joshi Shruti , Bhat Jyotsna , Singh Kulwant , Chatterjee Subhrangsu , Malhotra Renu , De Abhijit , Santra Manas Kumar , Dilworth F. Jeffrey , Chattopadhyay Samit
Published: June 2015

Significance

Multiple studies highlight the role of various proteins in regulation of alternative splicing; however, the regulatory role of distinct posttranslational modifications during alternative splicing that contribute to tumorigenesis is enigmatic. Here we report a previously unidentified noncanonical mechanism of regulation of alternative splicing modulated by deacetylation of RNA-binding protein Sam68 (Src-associated substrate during mitosis of 68 kDa) via Scaffold/matrix-associated region-binding protein 1 (SMAR1)–histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) complex. SMAR1 in complex with HDAC6 maintains Sam68 in a deacetylated state. We observed that ERK-1/2–dependent phosphorylation of SMAR1, knockdown of SMAR1, or loss of heterozygosity facilitates
CD44
variant exon inclusion via Sam68 acetylation and thus confers invasive and metastatic potential in breast tumor cells. Our findings provide key insights into regulation of alternative splicing and the potential for therapeutic intervention during tumor metastasis.
Dynamics of the echolocation beam during prey pursuit in aerial hawking bats
Authors: Jakobsen Lasse , Olsen Mads Nedergaard , Surlykke Annemarie
Published: June 2015

Significance

Many insects have evolved ultrasonic ears to detect and evade hunting bats, performing dramatic escape maneuvers in response to intense ultrasound. Presumably as a response, some bats broaden their echolocation beam in close proximity to insects to keep track of them at large off-axis angles. Here, we investigated if beam broadening is a general property of echolocation when hunting moving prey. The results show that emballonurid bats ensonify a wide area during pursuit, not by broadening the beam but by emitting high-intensity calls throughout pursuit. Thus, beam broadening is not a general property of echolocation, but we hypothesize that maintaining a broad acoustic field of view is crucial for all echolocators hunting moving prey.
Deregulation of the Hippo pathway in soft-tissue sarcoma promotes FOXM1 expression and tumorigenesis
Authors: Eisinger-Mathason T. S. Karin , Mucaj Vera , Biju Kevin M. , Nakazawa Michael S. , Gohil Mercy , Cash Timothy P. , Yoon Sam S. , Skuli Nicolas , Park Kyung Min , Gerecht Sharon , Simon M. Celeste
Published: June 2015

Genetic aberrations responsible for soft-tissue sarcoma formation in adults are largely unknown, with targeted therapies sorely needed for this complex and heterogeneous family of diseases. Here we report that that the Hippo pathway is deregulated in many soft-tissue sarcomas, resulting in elevated expression of the effector molecule Yes-Associated Protein (YAP). Based on data gathered from human sarcoma patients, a novel autochthonous mouse model, and mechanistic analyses, we determined that YAP-dependent expression of the transcription factor forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) is necessary for cell proliferation/tumorigenesis in a subset of soft-tissue sarcomas. Notably, FOXM1 directly interacts with the YAP transcriptional complex via TEAD1, resulting in coregulation of numerous critical pro-proliferation targets that enhance sarcoma progression. Finally, pharmacologic inhibition of FOXM1 decreases tumor size in vivo, making FOXM1 an attractive therapeutic target for the treatment of some sarcoma subtypes.
Hemocyte differentiation mediates the mosquito late-phase immune response against
Plasmodium
in
Anopheles gambiae
Authors: Smith Ryan C. , Barillas-Mury Carolina , Jacobs-Lorena Marcelo
Published: June 2015

Significance

The innate immune response is a major determinant of malaria parasite success in its mosquito host. Previous experiments have implicated LPS-induced TNFα transcription factor (LITAF)-like 3 (LL3) as an integral component of the mosquito immune response to the malaria parasite. This study reports that LL3 influences oocyst survival and demonstrates its role in mosquito blood cell (hemocyte) differentiation in response to parasite infection. Integrating previous data, we provide evidence that hemocytes are critical modulators of the mosquito late-phase immune response. Our findings provide new insight into how parasites are killed in the mosquito host and define major roles for LL3 and the STAT pathways in
Plasmodium
oocyst survival.
Mapping fast protein folding with multiple-site fluorescent probes
Authors: Prigozhin Maxim B. , Chao Shu-Han , Sukenik Shahar , Pogorelov Taras V. , Gruebele Martin
Published: June 2015

Significance

Fast–protein-folding experiments and molecular-dynamics simulations can nowadays be compared on the same timescale. The comparison is limited by the lack of time-resolved structural information from experiment, which usually provides only information on global kinetics or stability. Structural data from microsecond folding experiments enables more rigorous testing of the detailed predictions available from simulations, which will in turn make future simulations more reliable. Here, we tackled this long-standing problem by measuring tertiary contact formation between three helices in a fast-folding protein. The folding of this protein is not as simple as it seems but matches up nicely with a long all-atom simulation trajectory that monitors multiple folding and unfolding events.
Southern East Asian origin and coexpansion of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Beijing family with Han Chinese
Authors: Luo Tao , Comas Iñaki , Luo Dan , Lu Bing , Wu Jie , Wei Lanhai , Yang Chongguang , Liu Qingyun , Gan Mingyu , Sun Gang , Shen Xin , Liu Feiying , Gagneux Sebastien , Mei Jian , Lan Rushu , Wan Kanglin , Gao Qian
Published: June 2015

Significance

Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Beijing family is a group of globally emerging bacterial strains that are responsible for more than a quarter of the global tuberculosis epidemic. Here, we combine whole-genome sequencing and large-scale genotyping to map the temporal and spatial changes of the genetic diversity within this strain family. We reveal a southern East Asia origin and a parallel evolution of this bacterial genotype with modern humans in East Asia during the last 30,000 years. The recently globally emerged Beijing strains mainly belong to a hypervirulent subtype that most likely has initially been selected for adaption to increased population densities during the agricultural transition in northern China.
COX/mPGES-1/PGE
2
pathway depicts an inflammatory-dependent high-risk neuroblastoma subset
Authors: Larsson Karin , Kock Anna , Idborg Helena , Arsenian Henriksson Marie , Martinsson Tommy , Johnsen John I. , Korotkova Marina , Kogner Per , Jakobsson Per-Johan
Published: June 2015

Significance

Cancer-related inflammation promotes progression and therapy resistance in tumors of adulthood. Knowledge concerning the significance of inflammation in childhood malignancies has been limited. Neuroblastoma is an embryonal tumor of early childhood with poor prognosis despite intensified therapy, and biological understanding is necessary to develop novel therapies. We found high-risk neuroblastoma, in particular the therapy-resistant subset with chromosome 11q-deletion, to be inflammatory driven and characterized by high expression of the COX/microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1)/prostaglandin E
2
(PGE
2
) pathway that correlates with metastatic stage and poor clinical outcome. We further detected infiltrating cancer-associated fibroblasts expressing mPGES-1, the essential enzyme for synthesis of PGE
2
, promoting tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastatic spread. Treatment targeting this inflammatory pathway provides a therapeutic option for neuroblastoma and other cancers.
MPE-seq, a new method for the genome-wide analysis of chromatin structure
Authors: Ishii Haruhiko , Kadonaga James T. , Ren Bing
Published: June 2015

Significance

The structure of chromatin is critical for processes such as transcription, DNA replication, and DNA repair. The most commonly used techniques for analyzing chromatin structure involve the use of enzymes such as micrococcal nuclease (MNase) and DNase I. These enzymes, however, have distinct characteristics that can at some times be an advantage but in other situations be a drawback. Here we describe methidiumpropyl-EDTA sequencing (MPE-seq), a method in which we use the chemical MPE-Fe(II) for the genome-wide analysis of chromatin structure. MPE-Fe(II) cleaves chromatin with minimal DNA sequence bias. Moreover, MPE-seq reveals noncanonical chromatin structures in active promoter regions that are not seen with standard MNase-seq conditions. MPE-seq provides insights into chromatin structure that complement the information gained from MNase-seq.
Successional dynamics in Neotropical forests are as uncertain as they are predictable
Authors: Norden Natalia , Angarita Héctor A. , Bongers Frans , Martínez-Ramos Miguel , Granzow-de la Cerda Iñigo , van Breugel Michiel , Lebrija-Trejos Edwin , Meave Jorge A. , Vandermeer John , Williamson G. Bruce , Finegan Bryan , Mesquita Rita , Chazdon Robin L.
Published: June 2015

Significance

Although forest succession has been approached as a predictable process, successional trajectories vary widely, even among nearby stands with similar environmental conditions and disturbance histories. We quantified predictability and uncertainty during tropical forest succession using dynamical models describing the interactions among stem density, basal area, and species density over time. We showed that the trajectories of these forest attributes were poorly predicted by stand age and varied significantly within and among sites. Our models reproduced the general successional trends observed, but high levels of noise were needed to increase model predictability. These levels of uncertainty call into question the premise that successional processes are consistent over space and time, and challenge the way ecologists view tropical forest regeneration.
Quantitative methods of identifying the key nodes in the illegal wildlife trade network
Authors: Patel Nikkita Gunvant , Rorres Chris , Joly Damien O. , Brownstein John S. , Boston Ray , Levy Michael Z. , Smith Gary
Published: June 2015

Significance

Despite advances in technology and general descriptive work, current approaches at reducing the illegal wildlife trade are failing. We take a more analytical approach to identify the key countries involved in the illegal wildlife trade network by using a new database of illegal wildlife trade reports, HealthMap Wildlife Trade, to identify (
i
) the key exporter, intermediary, and importer countries and (
ii
) the countries where enforcement activities and educational campaigns might most effectively disrupt the networks. Identifying these key countries can provide useful information on how to allocate resources to combat the illegal trade in wildlife, a major focus for conservation and public health agendas.
Early Bronze Age migrants and ethnicity in the Middle Eastern mountain zone
Authors: Rothman Mitchell S.
Published: June 2015

Significance

This analysis shows the complex interaction of ethnic groups in antiquity, adapting to new locations and adopting and ultimately, assimilating into a majority culture. It occurs in a background of mountain valleys and highland plains, where ever-shifting populations carve out a living and an identity.
Dysplastic spondylolysis is caused by mutations in the diastrophic dysplasia sulfate transporter gene
Authors: Cai Tao , Yang Liu , Cai Wanshi , Guo Sen , Yu Ping , Li Jinchen , Hu Xueyu , Yan Ming , Shao Qianzhi , Jin Yan , Sun Zhong Sheng , Luo Zhuo-Jing
Published: June 2015

Significance

Spondylolysis is a crack in part of a vertebra that occurs in 3–6% of the general population. The cracked vertebra sometimes slips forward over the vertebra below it, resulting in spondylolisthesis and lower-back pain. Although inherited spondylolysis has long been described, the genetic etiology of these disorders remains unclear. Studies of families with autosomal-dominant mutations provide a unique means to investigate the pathogenesis of spondylolysis, which can also be used as biomarkers, even during the asymptomatic period. This research identified two novel missense mutations in independent families that were located at the conserved Stas domain. Functional analyses demonstrated that sulfate uptake activities of mutant SLC26A2 were significantly reduced. This study suggests that the pathogenesis of chondrodysplasia is associated with dysplastic spondylolysis.
Self-repairing symmetry in jellyfish through mechanically driven reorganization
Authors: Abrams Michael J. , Basinger Ty , Yuan William , Guo Chin-Lin , Goentoro Lea
Published: June 2015

Significance

Animals are endowed with the capacity to repair injuries. In this study, we found that, upon amputation, the moon jellyfish
Aurelia aurita
rearranges existing body parts and recovers radial symmetry within a few days. This unique strategy of self-repair, which we call symmetrization, requires mechanical forces generated by the muscle-based propulsion machinery. We observed a similar strategy in a number of other jellyfish species. This finding may contribute to understanding the evolutionary pressures governing biological self-repair strategies. Beyond biology, this finding may inspire a mechanically driven, self-organizing machinery that recovers essential geometry without regenerating precise forms.
Inherited chromosomally integrated human herpesvirus 6 as a predisposing risk factor for the development of angina pectoris
Authors: Gravel Annie , Dubuc Isabelle , Morissette Guillaume , Sedlak Ruth H. , Jerome Keith R. , Flamand Louis
Published: June 2015

Significance

Based on several studies, including ours, we estimate that 40–70 million individuals carry a chromosomally integrated copy of the human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) genome in every cell of their body. This condition is referred to as inherited chromosomally integrated HHV-6 (iciHHV-6). The regions targeted for integration are telomeres, which play important roles in the self-renewal capacity of cells. Whether iciHHV-6 is associated with disease remains unknown. After conducting a population screen (
n
= 20,000), our results indicate that the prevalence of angina is three times greater in iciHHV-6+ subjects relative to iciHHV-6− ones. Furthermore, iciHHV-6+ subjects have shorter telomeres, a result that may explain, at least in part, how iciHHV-6 may contribute to the development of angina.
Rescaling of metal oxide nanocrystals for energy storage having high capacitance and energy density with robust cycle life
Authors: Jeong Hyung Mo , Choi Kyung Min , Cheng Tao , Lee Dong Ki , Zhou Renjia , Ock Il Woo , Milliron Delia J. , Goddard William A. , Kang Jeung Ku
Published: June 2015

Significance

The combined study of experiments and molecular dynamics simulations demonstrates that metal oxide nanocrystals on graphene can be rescaled into atomic clusters. It is notable that the capacitance of 3,023 F per the mass of NiO, matching the measured capacitance of 2,231 per the total electrode mass, exceeds the theoretical gravimetric capacitance of 2,618 F available via ion-to-atom redox reactions. This approach thus provides a new pathway to realize full capacitance via ion-to-atom Faradaic redox reactions. Furthermore, assembly with a rescaled metal oxide positive electrode shows that further development of high-capacity negative counter electrode materials can pave a new route to address challenging energy storage issues.
Analysis of the size dependence of macromolecular crowding shows that smaller is better
Authors: Sharp Kim A.
Published: June 2015

Significance

Cells contain 30–40% dissolved protein and RNA by volume. In vivo protein binding and stability might differ significantly from in vitro measurements. Crowding by the excluded volume of these macromolecules has been studied extensively by experiment and theory. When the crowding effects of macromolecules, water, and ions are treated on an equal footing, the effect is opposite to that commonly believed. Large molecules are less effective at crowding than water and ions. There is also a surprisingly weak dependence on crowder size. Molecules of medium size have the same effect as much larger macromolecules like proteins and RNA. These results require a reassessment of observed high-concentration effects and of strategies to mimic in vivo conditions with in vitro experiments.