bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Transformation of Hybrid Silica Nanoparticles from Solid to Hollow or Yolk‐Shell Nanostructures
Authors: Liu Xingwen , Qian Guangren , Jiao Zheng , Wu Minghong , Zhang Haijiao
Published: April 2017

Here, a facile self‐templating approach is presented for synthesis of hollow and yolk‐shell mesoporous silica nanoparticles (HMSNs and YMSNs) through a selective etching of hybrid silica nanoparticles. The hybrid silica nanoparticles are from the co‐condensation of tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) and N‐[3‐(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]ethylenediamine (TSD) by a simple one‐step process. Two kinds of products including HMSNs and YMSNs can be easily prepared only by tuning the TSD amounts in the precursor. Significantly, the transformation of hollow structure does not use any sacrificial template and surface‐protective agent. The etching mechanism and formation process are systematically investigated by SEM, TEM, TG, CHN elemental analysis and Si MAS NMR spectroscopy. The results reveal that the selective etching is mainly attributed to the discrepancy in density between the outer layer and inner area of hybrid silica, where its inner section is more readily dissolved while the outer shell is robust in hydrofluoric acid (HF) aqueous solution. Specifically, the new understanding is further extended to precisely prepare multi‐shelled hollow/yolk‐shell silica nanoparticles.
Nutrient Fluxes in Rainfall, Throughfall, and Stemflow in Pinus densata Natural Forest of Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Lu Jie , Zhang Shuoxin , Fang Jiangping , Yan Hongan , Li Jiangrong
Published: April 2017

This study aimed to measure the chemical components of the rainfall, throughfall, and stemflow, and to evaluate the characteristics of the solutes in the Pinus densata forest in Tibetan plateau. Rainfall, throughfall, and stemflow were monitored from March 2011 to November 2013. The pH and concentrations of Cl−, Na+, K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ were measured. Depositions of rainfall, throughfall, and stemflow, and canopy budget of different solutes were calculated. There were significant correlations among throughfall, stemflow, and rainfall. The monthly pH of the three forms of water was significantly different between each other. The annual average concentrations of the solutes showed the following order: stemflow>throughfall>rainfall. The annual mean rainfall depositions of rainfall, throughfall, and stemflow were 104.20, 175.54, and 16.60 kg ha−1 · per year, respectively. Annual net throughfall and stemflow deposit was 87.94 kg ha−1 · per year. The main source of and came from rainfall while Cl−, Na+, K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ input mainly came from the throughfall. Settlement of NH4+‐N was close to the global average, Cl−, K+, Mg2+ were above the global average, and Na+ and Ca2+ were slightly lower than the global average. The rainfall may have the potential to supply nutrients in the P. densata forest in the Tibetan plateau.
The honeybee as a model insect for developmental genetics
Authors: Cridge A.G. , Lovegrove M.R. , Skelly J.G. , Taylor S.E. , Petersen G.E.L. , Cameron R.C. , Dearden P.K.
Published: April 2017

Honeybees are an important component of modern agricultural systems, and a fascinating and scientifically engrossing insect. Honeybees are not commonly used as model systems for understanding development in insects despite their importance in agriculture. Honeybee embryogenesis, while being superficially similar to Drosophila, is molecularly very different, especially in axis formation and sex determination. In later development, much of honeybee biology is modified by caste development, an as yet poorly understood, but excellent, system to study developmental plasticity. In adult stages, developmental plasticity of the ovaries, related to reproductive constraint exhibits another aspect of plasticity. Here they review the tools, current knowledge and opportunities in honeybee developmental biology, and provide an updated embryonic staging scheme to support future studies.
Synthesis and evaluation of cytotoxic activity of conjugated linoleic acid derivatives (esters, alcohols, and their acetates) toward cancer cell lines
Authors: Niezgoda Natalia , Gliszczyńska Anna , Kempińska Katarzyna , Wietrzyk Joanna , Wawrzeńczyk Czesław
Published: April 2017

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is natural unsaturated fatty acid known for the wide biological properties therefore is available in functional food and cosmetics and as a dietary supplements. In this study a series of simple derivatives of cis‐9,trans‐11 and trans‐10,cis‐12 CLA and a mixture of those isomers have been proposed as alternative for free CLA preparations. Obtained in high yields (>72%) ethyl esters, alcohols, and their acetates have been subjected to in vitro cytotoxic assay against human tumor cells (human promyelocytic leukemia, breast cancer, and colon cancer) and compered with stearic and linoleic derivatives. Studies showed that the growth inhibitory activities depended on the degree of unsaturation. All CLA derivatives except ethyl esters showed similar activities compared to free CLA isomers. Moreover, this study showed that trans‐10,cis‐12 CLA derivatives have better anticancer properties against all tested tumor cells than derivatives of cis‐9,trans‐11 isomer and a mixture of both isomers.

Practical applications: This paper make a contribution in the field of study of biological activity of CLA derivatives and completes deficiencies in spectroscopic data of known isomers of ethyl esters of CLA isomers, conjugated octadecadienoic alcohols and their acetates. Obtained compounds can be used as a components of cosmetics and food supplements.

A series of simple derivatives of cis‐9,trans‐11 and trans‐10,cis‐12 CLA and a mixture of those isomers are obtained in high yields (>72%). CLA derivatives: Ethyl esters, alcohols, and their acetates are subjected to in vitro cytotoxic assay against human tumor cells. Studies show that all CLA derivatives except ethyl esters show similar activities compared to free CLA isomers. Moreover, this study show that trans‐10,cis‐12 CLA derivatives have better anticancer properties against all tested tumor cells than derivatives of cis‐9,trans‐11 isomer and a mixture of both isomers.
Recent strategies toward microfluidic‐based surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Tycova Anna , Prikryl Jan , Foret Frantisek
Published: April 2017

Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is an extremely powerful analytical tool, which not only yields information about the molecular structure of the analyte in the form of characteristic vibrational spectrum but also gives sensitivities approaching those in fluorescence spectroscopy. The SERS measurement on the microfluidic platform provides possibility to manufacture the device with design perfectly fulfilling the needs of the application with minimal sample consumption. This review aims at describing basic strategies for SERS measurement in microfluidic devices published in the last decade and covers current trends in microfluidics with SERS detection in the field of bioanalysis and approaches toward on‐line coupling of liquid‐based separation techniques with SERS detection.
Mesh regularization for an ALE code based on the limitation of the Lagrangian mesh velocity
Authors: Costes J. , Ghidaglia J.‐M. , Breil J.
Published: April 2017

The Lagrangian approach is usually used for the simulation of flow with strong shock waves. Moreover, this approach is particularly well suited to treatment of material interfaces in the case of multimaterial flows.Unfortunately, this formulation leads to very large deformations in the mesh. The arbitrary Lagrangian‐Eulerian method overcomes this drawback by using a mesh regularization that is based on an analysis of cell geometry. The regularization step may be considered as a method used to correct the nonconvex and potentially tangled cells that constitute the mesh. In this paper, we present a new approach to mesh regularization. Instead of using a purely geometric criterion, we propose that the mesh evolution is computed on the basis of the flow vorticity. This approach is called the large Eddy limitation method, and it is aimed here to be used in finite volume direct arbitrary Lagrangian‐Eulerian methods. The large Eddy limitation method is general, which means that it is not restricted to applications in the finite volume framework dedicated to fluid flow simulation; for instance, it could also be naturally applied to the finite element framework.
Categorical learning revealed in activity pattern of left fusiform cortex
Authors: Goold Jessica E. , Meng Ming
Published: April 2017

The brain is organized such that it encodes and maintains category information about thousands of objects. However, how learning shapes these neural representations of object categories is unknown. The present study focuses on faces, examining whether: (1) Enhanced categorical discrimination or (2) Feature analysis enhances face/non‐face categorization in the brain. Stimuli ranged from non‐faces to faces with two‐toned Mooney images used for testing and gray‐scale images used for training. The stimulus set was specifically chosen because it has a true categorical boundary between faces and non‐faces but the stimuli surrounding that boundary have very similar features, making the boundary harder to learn. Brain responses were measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging while participants categorized the stimuli before and after training. Participants were either trained with a categorization task, or with non‐categorical semblance analyzation. Interestingly, when participants were categorically trained, the neural activity pattern in the left fusiform gyrus shifted from a graded representation of the stimuli to a categorical representation. This corresponded with categorical face/non‐face discrimination, critically including both an increase in selectivity to faces and a decrease in false alarm response to non‐faces. By contrast, while activity pattern in the right fusiform cortex correlated with face/non‐face categorization prior to training, it was not affected by learning. Our results reveal the key role of the left fusiform cortex in learning face categorization. Given the known right hemisphere dominance for face‐selective responses, our results suggest a rethink of the relationship between the two hemispheres in face/non‐face categorization.Hum Brain Mapp 38:3648–3658, 2017. ©2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Simulations of water movement and solute transport through different soil texture configurations under negative‐pressure irrigation
Authors: Wang Jiajia , Huang Yuanfang , Long Huaiyu , Hou Sen , Xing An , Sun Zhongxiang
Published: April 2017

This study examined the effects of different soil texture configurations on water movement and solute transport to provide a reliable scientific basis for the application of negative‐pressure irrigation (NPI) technology. HYDRUS‐2D was used to analyse water movement and solute transport under NPI. The main results are as follows: (a) HYDRUS‐2D can be used to simulate water movement and solute transport under NPI, as there was good agreement between the simulated and measured values for water contents, NaCl concentrations, cumulative water infiltration, and wetting distances in the horizontal and vertical directions; the Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency coefficients were in the range of 0.94–0.97. (b) Layered soils have obvious effects on water movement under NPI. With the emitter position in the loam layer, when a coarse texture of loamy sand was present below the loam layer (namely, L‐LS), irrigation water accumulated in the topsoil, and this led to an increase in evaporation compared with the homogeneous loam profile. However, fine texture silty loam or silty clay loam layers beneath the loam layer (namely, L‐SiL or L‐SiCL, respectively) was more conducive to water infiltration into the lower layer, and this increased the amount of water infiltration and simultaneously reduced the surface evaporation effectively. (c) Layered soils have obvious effects on solute transport under NPI, and salt accumulation will readily occur in the clay‐rich soil layer at the interface. The maximum soil salt accumulation of L‐LS occurred above the soil interface between the two soil layers with a value of 21.80 g/kg; however, for L‐SiCL and L‐SiL, the maximum salt accumulation occurred below the soil interface between the two soil layers, with values of 23.80 g/kg and 20.08 g/kg, respectively. (d) Interlayered soils showed remarkable changes in the water infiltration characteristics and salt‐leaching intensities under NPI, and the properties for the soil profile with a silty loam interlayer were better than those for the soil profile with a silty clay loam interlayer. The soil profile with a loamy sand interlayer had the lowest amount of water infiltration, which resulted in reductions of the salt‐leaching intensities. Thus, NPI is clearly not suitable for loamy sand soil. Overall, the results demonstrated that soil texture configurations affected water movement and solute transport under NPI. Therefore, careful consideration should be given to the use of NPI to achieve target soil water and solution conditions and reduce water loss.
Simulation of mono‐PEGylated lysozyme separation in heparin affinity chromatography using a general rate model
Authors: Mejía‐Manzano Luis Alberto , Sandoval Gabriela , Lienqueo M Elena , Moisset Pablo , Rito‐Palomares Marco , Asenjo Juan A
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND

The bioavailability of therapeutic proteins is improved through PEGylation. This chemical modification involves the production of isomers with different numbers and sites of attached PEG chains, which are difficult to separate efficiently. Their purification with chromatography requires an understanding of the operation and the evaluation of different operational conditions. The General Rate Model (GRM) was applied for modelling the linear salt gradient elution of mono‐PEGylated and native lysozyme in Heparin Affinity Chromatography (HAC) considering mass balance equations for proteins in the bulk‐fluid phase, in the particle phase and the kinetic adsorption.

RESULTS

The model was able to simulate the individual proteins and the separation of these in a PEGylation reaction using as proof‐of‐concept a mono‐PEGylated and native lysozyme mixture under changes of operational parameters such as the gradient length (5, 13, 25 column volumes) and flow (0.8 and 1.2 mL min‐1) with a relative error in retention times of less than 6% and correlation coefficients greater than 0.78.

CONCLUSION

Simulation of the elution curves of PEGylated lysozyme in HAC was performed in this work and the diverse information generated by the model is explained through the physicochemical protein properties. This simulation represents a tool for optimization, prediction and future scale‐up of PEGylated proteins purification, which would reduce the investment in time and resources to test several operating conditions. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
A Validated and Reliable Instrument Investigating Engineering Students’ Perceptions of Competency in Generic Skills
Authors: Chan Cecilia K. Y. , Zhao Yue , Luk Lillian Y. Y.
Published: April 2017

Background

Although generic skills development is a concern of educational policy and accreditation bodies, little is known about how engineering students perceive generic skills in relation to their motivation for learning such skills. The development of these skills is often done only through ad hoc approaches, without a well‐structured curriculum design framework. Disagreement over the nuances and interpretations of generic skills across disciplines makes framework design even more challenging.

Purpose/Hypothesis

To investigate students’ perceptions of generic skills on a disciplinary basis, this article reports the development and validation of the Generic Skills Perception Questionnaire designed for investigating engineering students’ perceptions of their level of competency in these skills.

Design/Method

The questionnaire was administered to 1,241 first‐year engineering students from three universities in Hong Kong. Most of the questionnaire was items asking students to rate their perceived level of competency in 38 generic skills. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed to examine the psychometric properties of the instrument for providing evidence on reliability and validity.

Results

Exploratory factor analysis resulted in eight scales. Confirmatory factor analyses demonstrated that the correlated eight‐factor model and higher‐order factor model provided an acceptable fit with the data. Cronbach's alpha values indicated that the scales were reliable.

Conclusions

The questionnaire was reliable and valid. Findings from the questionnaire will help develop a conceptual framework facilitating the understanding of engineering students’ generic skills development.
Diagnostic Value of Virtual Touch Tissue Imaging Quantification for Evaluating Median Nerve Stiffness in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: Zhang Chen , Li Miao , Jiang Jue , Zhou Qi , Xiang Li , Huang Yajuan , Ban Wenrui , Peng Wei
Published: April 2017

Objectives

To measure the shear wave velocity (SWV) of the median nerve by Virtual Touch tissue imaging quantification (VTIQ; Siemens AG, Erlangen, Germany) through the beginning of the carpal tunnel and to determine whether VTIQ could be used to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome.

Methods

This study recruited 49 consecutive patients (72 wrists) with a definitive diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome and 23 healthy volunteers (46 wrists). We measured the median nerve diameter and cross‐sectional area by 2‐dimensional sonography and the SWV by VTIQ. The interobserver variability was analyzed, and diagnostic values were evaluated by drawing a receiver operating characteristic curve.

Results

The median nerve SWV was significantly higher in the carpal tunnel syndrome group (3.857 m/s) than the control group (2.542 m/s; P < .05). A 3.0‐m/s SWV cutoff value revealed sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of 83.3%, 91.3%, 93.8%, 77.8%, and 86.4%, respectively. The interobserver agreement was excellent for the SWV measurements.

Conclusions

The median nerve SWV at the carpal tunnel inlet is significantly higher in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, for whom VTIQ appears to be a highly reproducible diagnostic technique.
A rare variant in TOR1A exon 5 associated with isolated dystonia in southwestern Chinese
Authors: Long Yuzhou , Chen Yang , Qian Yuan , Wang Jianlin , Luo Lihua , Huang Xiaoqin , Li Li , Chu Jiayou , Yang Zhaoqing , Sun Hao
Published: April 2017

Background: TOR1A has been proposed as an important genetic factor in early‐onset isolated dystonia. Variants located in the 3′ untranslated region of TOR1A are of particular importance because they may influence gene expression, although related studies are limited. The objectives of the present study focused on variants in the TOR1A 3′ untranslated region.

Methods: The last exon of TOR1A was sequenced in 229 cases with isolated dystonia and in 210 controls. In addition, 471 controls were tested to determine the frequency of the variants in the 3′ untranslated region.

Results: Except for c.904_906delGAG, 3 rare sequence variants (NM_000113.2:c.*454T>A, NM_000113.2:c.860C>A [rs766483672], and NM_000113.2:c.*302T>A [rs563498119]) were found only in the patients. The c.*302T>A variant was located in the conserved region of the human microRNA (hsa‐miR‐494) binding site. A luciferase reporter assay showed that c.*302T>A significantly altered gene expression.

Conclusions: Population frequencies, computational analyses, and function experiments in this study implied that c.*302T>A is associated with dystonia. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Whole‐body adipose tissue and lean muscle volumes and their distribution across gender and age: MR‐derived normative values in a normal‐weight Swiss population
Authors: Ulbrich Erika J. , Nanz Daniel , Leinhard Olof Dahlqvist , Marcon Magda , Fischer Michael A.
Published: April 2017

Purpose

To determine age‐ and gender‐dependent whole‐body adipose tissue and muscle volumes in healthy Swiss volunteers in Dixon MRI in comparison with anthropometric and bioelectrical impedance (BIA) measurements.

Methods

Fat–water‐separated whole‐body 3 Tesla MRI of 80 healthy volunteers (ages 20 to 62 years) with a body mass index (BMI) of 17.5 to 26.2 kg/m2 (10 men, 10 women per decade). Age and gender‐dependent volumes of total adipose tissue (TAT), visceral adipose tissue (VAT), total abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (ASAT) and total abdominal adipose tissue (TAAT), and the total lean muscle tissue (TLMT) normalized for body height were determined by semi‐automatic segmentation, and correlated with anthropometric and BIA measurements as well as lifestyle parameters.

Results

The TAT, ASAT, VAT, and TLMT indexes (TATi, ASATi, VATi, and TLMTi, respectively) (L/m2 ± standard deviation) for women/men were 6.4 ± 1.8/5.3 ± 1.7, 1.6 ± 0.7/1.2 ± 0.5, 0.4 ± 0.2/0.8 ± 0.5, and 5.6 ± 0.6/7.1 ± 0.7, respectively. The TATi correlated strongly with ASATi (r > 0.93), VATi, BMI and BIA (r > 0.70), and TAATi (r > 0.96), and weak with TLMTi for both genders (r > –0.34). The VAT was the only parameter showing an age dependency (r > 0.32). The BMI and BIA showed strong correlation with all MR‐derived adipose tissue volumes. The TAT mass was estimated significantly lower from BIA than from MRI (both genders P < .001; mean bias –5 kg).

Conclusions

The reported gender‐specific MRI‐based adipose tissue and muscle volumes might serve as normative values. The estimation of adipose tissue volumes was significantly lower from anthropometric and BIA measurements than from MRI. Magn Reson Med 79:449–458, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Stable numerical solution of the Cauchy problem for the Laplace equation in irregular annular regions
Authors: Conde Mones José Julio , Juárez Valencia Lorenzo Héctor , Oliveros Oliveros José Jacobo , León Velasco Diana Assaely
Published: April 2017

This article is mainly concerned with the numerical study of the Cauchy problem for the Laplace equation in a bounded annular region. To solve this ill‐posed problem, we follow a variational approach based on its reformulation as a boundary control problem, for which the cost function incorporates a penalized term with the input data. The cost function is minimized by a conjugate gradient method in combination with a finite element discretization. In the case where the input data is noisy, some preliminary error estimates, show that the penalization parameter may be chosen like the inverse of the level of noise. Numerical solutions in simple and complex domains show that this methodology produces stable and accurate solutions.© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 33: 1799–1822, 2017
EVIDENCE FOR THE EXPANDING ROLE OF CONSULTATION IN THE PRACTICE OF SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS
Authors: Bahr Michael W. , Leduc James D. , Hild Melissa A. , Davis Shannon E. , Summers Jenna K. , Mcneal Brittany
Published: April 2017

In 2010, the National Association of School Psychologists approved the Model for Comprehensive and Integrated School Psychological Services (or the NASP Practice Model), codifying what an expanded role encompasses in the delivery of school‐based psychological services. This study examined the role and function of school psychology practitioners from three Midwestern states with different legal statues and policy initiatives related to the practice of school psychology. A total of 175 practicing school psychologists from Missouri, Illinois, and Iowa reported their actual and preferred practices and completed a self‐assessment on their knowledge of the NASP Practice Model. Results showed participants not only identified problem‐solving consultation as their most knowledgeable domain of practice but also the activity on which they spent the greatest amount of their time. Analysis by state revealed differential levels of practice devoted to consultation and intervention. Study findings are discussed relative to the potential impact and importance of state law and policy initiatives.
Strategies, Scaffolding, and Social Positioning in Interaction
Authors: LaScotte Darren K.
Published: April 2017

The present study investigates how and when learners decide to correct one another in interaction. In exploring how two learners used strategies in interaction to scaffold or be scaffolded by their interlocutor in an effort to negotiate and communicate meaning, this study finds that the two participants primarily used recasts as their preferred form of corrective feedback. As a means to cue scaffolding by her interlocutor, each participant also used pausing and reversion to first language as strategies in communication. However, not all corrective feedback is well received. Social positioning of the speakers and how that relates to learner‐to‐learner corrective feedback is discussed; this may have an effect on the less proficient participant's motivation. Related teaching implications are raised for further consideration.
Oliver Cromwell
Authors: Gentles Ian
Published: April 2017

A concise, fresh biography of Oliver Cromwell which synthesizes recent research and provides students with an ideal introduction to this key figure in seventeenth-century British history
Media Nations
Authors: Mihelj Sabina
Published: April 2017

Media Nations: Communicating Belonging and Exclusion in the Modern World provides an original interdisciplinary introduction to the study of the media and nationalism in the modern world. Building on a range of international case studies and taking into account recent debates about globalization, cosmopolitanism and alternative modernities, Sabina Mihelj offers an insightful analysis that:

- Argues for the continuing relevance of concepts such as nationalism and national identity in understanding the global patterns of mediated communication and identification

- Bridges the gap between text-based analysis of national imagination and the more sociological concerns with the impact of media institutions and the broader political and economic context

- Challenges the tacit ethnocentrism of existing debates, and opens up the study of nationalism and mass communication to the multiple trajectories of modernity around the globe

Media Nations is an important and timely contribution to debates on the media, nationalism and modernity.

Sabina Mihelj has worked and studied in Slovenia, Hungary, and Germany, and is currently a Lecturer in Media, Communication and Culture at Loughborough University, (UK). Her research centres on issues of collective identity formation and mass communication, with particular reference to nationalism, European integration, religion and communism.
Considering the Use of Walled Gardens for FLOSS Project Communication
Authors: Squire Megan
Published: April 2017

At its core, free, libre, and open source software (FLOSS) is defined by its adherence to a set of licenses that give various freedoms to the users of the software, for example the ability to use the software, to read or modify its source code, and to distribute the software to others. In addition, many FLOSS projects and developers also champion other values related to “freedom” and “openness”, such as transparency, for example in communication and decision-making, or community-orientedness, for example in broadening access, collaboration, and participation. This paper explores how one increasingly common software development practice - communicating inside non-archived, third-party “walled gardens” - puts these FLOSS values into conflict. If communities choose to use non-archived walled gardens for communication, they may be prioritizing one type of openness (broad participation) over another (transparency). We use 18 FLOSS projects as a sample to describe how walled gardens are currently being used for intra-project communication, as well as to determine whether or not these projects provide archives of these communications. Findings will be useful to the FLOSS community as a whole as it seeks to understand the evolution and impact of its communication choices.
Adoption of Academic Tools in Open Source Communities: The Debian Case Study
Authors: Abate Pietro , Di Cosmo Roberto
Published: April 2017

Component repositories play a key role in the open software ecosystem. Managing the evolution of these repositories is a challenging task, and maintainers are confronted with a number of complex issues that need automatic tools to be adressed properly.

In this paper, we present an overview of 10 years of research in this field and the process leading to the adoption of our tools in a FOSS community. We focus on the Debian distribution and in particular we look at the issues arising during the distribution lifecycle: ensuring buildability of source packages, detecting packages that cannot be installed and bootstrapping the distribution on a new architecture. We present three tools, distcheck, buildcheck and botch, that we believe of general interest for other open source component repositories.

The lesson we have learned during this journey may provide useful guidance for researchers willing to see their tools broadly adopted by the community.
Assessing Code Authorship: The Case of the Linux Kernel
Authors: Avelino Guilherme , Passos Leonardo , Hora Andre , Valente Marco Tulio
Published: April 2017

Code authorship is a key information in large-scale open-source systems. Among others, it allows maintainers to assess division of work and identify key collaborators. Interestingly, open-source communities lack guidelines on how to manage authorship. This could be mitigated by setting to build an empirical body of knowledge on how authorship-related measures evolve in successful open-source communities. Towards that direction, we perform a case study on the Linux kernel. Our results show that: (a) only a small portion of developers (26%) makes significant contributions to the code base; (b) the distribution of the number of files per author is highly skewed—a small group of top-authors (3%) is responsible for hundreds of files, while most authors (75%) are responsible for at most 11 files; (c) most authors (62%) have a specialist profile; (d) authors with a high number of co-authorship connections tend to collaborate with others with less connections.
Release Early, Release Often and Release on Time. An Empirical Case Study of Release Management
Authors: Teixeira Jose
Published: April 2017

The dictum of “Release early, release often.” by Eric Raymond as the Linux modus operandi highlights the importance of release management in open source software development. Nevertheless, there are very few empirical studies addressing release management in open source software development. It is already known that most open source software communities adopt either feature-based or time-based release strategies. Each of these has its advantages and disadvantages that are context-specific. Recent research reported that many prominent open source software projects have moved from feature-based to time-based releases. In this longitudinal case study, we narrate how OpenStack shifted towards a liberal six-month release cycle. If prior research discussed why projects should adopt time-based releases and how they can adopt such a strategy, we discuss how OpenStack adapted its software development processes, its organizational design and its tools toward a hybrid release management strategy — a strive for balancing the benefits and drawbacks of feature-based and time-based release strategies.
Technical Lag in Software Compilations: Measuring How Outdated a Software Deployment Is
Authors: Gonzalez-Barahona Jesus M. , Sherwood Paul , Robles Gregorio , Izquierdo Daniel
Published: April 2017

Large software compilations based on free, open source software (FOSS) packages are the basis for many software systems. When they are deployed in production, specific versions of the packages in the compilation are selected for installation. Over time, those versions become outdated with respect to the upstream software from which they are produced, and from the components available in the compilations as well. The fact that deployed components are outdated is not a problem in itself, but there is a price to pay for not being “as much updated as reasonable”. This includes bug fixes and new features that could, at least potentially, be interesting for the deployed system. Therefore, a balance has to be maintained between “being up-to-date” and “keeping the good old working versions”. This paper proposes a theoretical model (the “technical lag”) for measuring how outdated a system is, with the aim of assisting in the decisions about upgrading in production. The paper explores several ways in which technical lag can be implemented, depending on requirements. As an illustration, it presents as well some specific cases in which the evolution of technical lag is computed.
Longitudinal Analysis of the Run-up to a Decision to Break-up (Fork) in a Community
Authors: Azarbakht Amirhosein “Emerson” , Jensen Carlos
Published: April 2017

In this paper, we use a developer-oriented statistical approach to understand what causes people in complex software development networks to decide to fork (break away), and what changes a community goes through in the run-up to a decision to break-up. Developing complex software systems is complex. Software developers interact. They may have the same or different goals, communication styles, or values. Interactions can be healthy or troubled. Troubled interactions cause troubled communities, that face failure. Some of these failures manifest themselves as a community split (known as forking). These failures affects many people; developers and users. Can we save troubled projects? We statistically model the longitudinal socio-grams of software developers and present early indicators and warning signs that can be used to predict an imminent break-up decision.
Designing for Participation: Three Models for Developer Involvement in Hybrid OSS Projects
Authors: Mäenpää Hanna , Kilamo Terhi , Mikkonen Tommi , Männistö Tomi
Published: April 2017

This paper reports governance practices of three profit oriented companies that develop OSS software with the help of their respective open development communities. We explore how the companies allow development contributions from external stakeholders, and what knowledge they let out of their internal software development activities. The results lay ground for further research on how to organize openness of the software development process in hybrid setups where the needs of different stakeholders are partly competing - yet complementary.
Digging into the Eclipse Marketplace
Authors: Krüger Jacob , Corr Niklas , Schröter Ivonne , Leich Thomas
Published: April 2017

Eclipse is an integrated development environment that can be extended with plug-ins. Thanks to Eclipse’s success, a diverse community has been established with members coming from industry, open-source projects, and others, and a marketplace with more than 1.700 different plug-ins developed. Hence, the question arises how this marketplace is composed: Who contributes plug-ins? Which plug-ins are successful? Are there common characteristics or trends? To answer these questions, extensive investigations are necessary. In this paper, we present (i) an initial approach for corresponding analyses and (ii) preliminary results. Overall, we aim to pave the way for further research addressing, for example, motivations to participate in, or the evolution of, open marketplaces.
Magnetic and Phase Behavior of Magnetic Water‐in‐Oil Microemulsions
Authors: Brown Paul , Mohamed Azmi , Ardyani Tretya , Rogers Sarah E. , Eastoe Julian
Published: April 2017

Magnetic water‐in‐oil microemulsions with anisotropic morphology have been generated by mixing single‐chain magnetic surfactants (dodecyltrimethylammonium trichloromonobromoferrate, DTAF) with non‐magnetic di‐chain analogues (didodecyldimethylammonium bromide, DDAB). Full phase diagrams have been mapped as a function of surfactant composition, water content, and temperature. It was shown that for all surfactant concentrations [Surfactanttotal], on replacing 30 wt% DDAB with DTAF optimum (i.e. wt% of the total surfactant) w ratios (w = [water]/[surfactant]) could be achieved; up to w = 120 for [Surfactanttotal] = 0.050 M. Small‐angle neutron scattering (SANS) indicated that microemulsion droplets have a rod‐like morphology with a radius commensurate with the surfactant tail length and an aspect ratio between 6 and 35. In the presence of a large magnetic field (6.7 T) no reorientation of the droplets was observed by SANS.
Shoreline Hardening Affects Nekton Biomass, Size Structure, and Taxonomic Diversity in Nearshore Waters, with Responses Mediated by Functional Species Groups
Authors: Kornis Matthew S. , Bilkovic Donna M. , Davias Lori A. , Giordano Steve , Breitburg Denise L.
Published: April 2017

Coastal shoreline hardening is intensifying due to human population growth and sea level rise. Prior studies have emphasized shoreline-hardening effects on faunal abundance and diversity; few have examined effects on faunal biomass and size structure or described effects specific to different functional groups. We evaluated the biomass and size structure of mobile fish and crustacean assemblages within two nearshore zones (waters extending 3 and 16 m from shore) adjacent to natural (native wetland; beach) and hardened (bulkhead; riprap) shorelines. Within 3 m from shore, the total fish/crustacean biomass was greatest at hardened shorelines, driven by greater water depth that facilitated access to planktivore (e.g., bay anchovy) and benthivore-piscivore (e.g., white perch) species. Small-bodied littoral-demersal species (e.g., Fundulus spp.) had greatest biomass at wetlands. By contrast, total biomass was comparable among shoreline types within 16 m from shore, suggesting the effect of shoreline hardening on fish biomass is largely within extreme nearshore areas immediately at the land/water interface. Shoreline type utilization was mediated by body size across all functional groups: small individuals (≤60 mm) were most abundant at wetlands and beaches, while large individuals (>100 mm) were most abundant at hardened shorelines. Taxonomic diversity analysis indicated natural shoreline types had more diverse assemblages, especially within 3 m from shore, although relationships with shoreline type were weak and sensitive to the inclusion/exclusion of crustaceans. Our study illustrates how shoreline hardening effects on fish/crustacean assemblages are mediated by functional group, body size, and distance from shore, with important applications for management.
Differential regulation of H3S10 phosphorylation, mitosis progression and cell fate by Aurora Kinase B and C in mouse preimplantation embryos
Authors: Li Wenzhi , Wang Peizhe , Zhang Bingjie , Zhang Jing , Ming Jia , Xie Wei , Na Jie
Published: April 2017

Coordination of cell division and cell fate is crucial for the successful development of mammalian early embryos. Aurora kinases are evolutionarily conserved serine/threonine kinases and key regulators of mitosis. Aurora kinase B (AurkB) is ubiquitously expressed while Aurora kinase C (AurkC) is specifically expressed in gametes and preimplantation embryos. We found that increasing AurkC level in one blastomere of the 2-cell embryo accelerated cell division and decreasing AurkC level slowed down mitosis. Changing AurkB level had the opposite effect. The kinase domains of AurkB and AurkC were responsible for their different ability to phosphorylate Histone H3 Serine 10 (H3S10P) and regulate metaphase timing. Using an Oct4-photoactivatable GFP fusion protein (Oct4-paGFP) and fluorescence decay after photoactivation assay, we found that AurkB overexpression reduced Oct4 retention in the nucleus. Finally, we show that blastomeres with higher AurkC level elevated pluripotency gene expression, which were inclined to enter the inner cell mass lineage and subsequently contributed to the embryo proper. Collectively, our results are the first demonstration that the activity of mitotic kinases can influence cell fate decisions in mammalian preimplantation embryos and have important implications to assisted reproduction.
Advancing chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy with CRISPR/Cas9
Authors: Ren Jiangtao , Zhao Yangbing
Published: April 2017

The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) system, an RNA-guided DNA targeting technology, is triggering a revolution in the field of biology. CRISPR/Cas9 has demonstrated great potential for genetic manipulation. In this review, we discuss the current development of CRISPR/Cas9 technologies for therapeutic applications, especially chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell-based adoptive immunotherapy. Different methods used to facilitate efficient CRISPR delivery and gene editing in T cells are compared. The potential of genetic manipulation using CRISPR/Cas9 system to generate universal CAR T cells and potent T cells that are resistant to exhaustion and inhibition is explored. We also address the safety concerns associated with the use of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing and provide potential solutions and future directions of CRISPR application in the field of CAR T cell immunotherapy. As an integration-free gene insertion method, CRISPR/Cas9 holds great promise as an efficient gene knock-in platform. Given the tremendous progress that has been made in the past few years, we believe that the CRISPR/Cas9 technology holds immense promise for advancing immunotherapy.
Cardiac resynchronization therapy in ischemic and non‐ischemic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Yokoshiki Hisashi , Mitsuyama Hirofumi , Watanabe Masaya , Mitsuhashi Takeshi , Shimizu Akihiko
Published: April 2017

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) using a biventricular pacing system has been an effective therapeutic strategy in patients with symptomatic heart failure with a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 35% or less and a QRS duration of 130 ms or more. The etiology of heart failure can be classified as either ischemic or non‐ischemic cardiomyopathy. Ischemic etiology of patients receiving CRT is prevalent predominantly in North America, moderately in Europe, and less so in Japan. CRT reduces mortality similarly in both ischemic and non‐ischemic cardiomyopathy, whereas reverse structural left ventricular remodeling occurs more favorably in non‐ischemic cardiomyopathy. Because the substrate for ventricular arrhythmias appears to be more severe in cases of ischemic as compared with non‐ischemic cardiomyopathy, the use of an implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) backup method could prolong the long‐term survival, especially of patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy, even in the presence of CRT. The aim of this review article is to summarize the effects of CRT on outcomes and the role of ICD backup in ischemic and non‐ischemic cardiomyopathy.
Building Physician Networks as Part of the Zika Response
Authors: Heard-Garris Nia , Arora Sanjeev , Lurie Nicole
Published: April 2017

The global community needs to easily identify and respond to new and reemerging threats, such as H1N1, Ebola, and most recently Zika. Clinicians are often the first-line providers to recognize these threats, but yet have few opportunities to learn from each other in real time. In this concept article, we describe the ways clinical information is traditionally shared during a public health emergency and then introduce new mechanisms to facilitate physician communication and learning as a part of the response to Zika. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2017;11:259–261)
Diabetes Management by Probiotics: Current Knowledge and Future Pespective
Authors: Homayouni-Rad Aziz , Soroush Ahmad-Reza , Khalili Leila , Norouzi-Panahi Leila , Kasaie Zahra , Ejtahed Hanieh-Sadat
Published: April 2017

Abstract. Diabetes mellitus, a multifactorial disorder, is related to the intestinal microbiota via numerous molecular mechanisms. The vast increase in the prevalence of diabetes and its associated complications requires a natural and safe solution. There is a growing evidence of gut microbiota effi ciency in improving insulin resistance, impaired insulin secretion, and metabolic complications in diabetic patients. Probiotics are defi ned as live microorganisms that, when ingested in adequate amounts, exert health benefi ts to the host. Probiotics can increase insulin sensitivity and reduce autoimmune responses by modulating intestinal microbiota and decreasing the infl ammatory reactions and oxidative stress. Recent evidences show that the intestinal microbiota infl uences the host through modulating intestinal permeability and mucosal immune response, manipulating eating behaviors by appetite-regulating hormones, including agouti related protein (AgRP), glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and neuropeptide Y, and controlling gut endocannabinoid (eCB) system which is now believed to be associated with infl ammation and diabetes. Moreover, intestinal microbiota control the host metabolism by affecting energy extraction from food and by biochemically converting molecules derived from the host or from gut microbes themselves. Experimental studies and clinical trials support the hypothesis that the modulation of the intestinal microbiota by probiotics, especially Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains may be effective in prevention and management of diabetes. This review will highlight the current evidences in probiotic effectiveness and future prospects for exploring probiotic therapy in prevention and control of diabetes.
Androgen and Estrogen Shifts in Men Before and After Bariatric Surgery and Links to Vitamins and Trace Elements
Authors: Rosenblatt Alberto , Faintuch Joel , Cecconello Ivan
Published: April 2017

Abstract. Androgens and estrogens play a key role regarding sexual life and reproduction. Along with hypotestosteronemia, obese men exhibit a 2-fold increase in estradiol concentration, adversely infl uencing these parameters. Estrogens and adipokines also infl uence bone metabolism, exerting a direct effect on vitamin D, calcium homeostasis and bone health. Bariatric procedures normalize some sex hormones, and may reverse several obesity-related conditions. Estrogens levels may remain elevated postoperatively, and despite its protective effect on the skeleton, bariatric patients are more prone to fractures when compared to the general population. Multiple nutritional defi cits are common after bariatric interventions, and hypozincemia is the most likely to negatively infl uence reproductive parameters. Zinc is an essential element for normal spermatogenesis, and severe hypozincemia is associated with infertility in both sexes. Vitamin D also acts as a regulator of several enzymes involved in steroid hormone production, and its defi ciency could impair reproductive function. Few studies have addressed changes in sex hormones and in reproductive function in the male bariatric population, as they represent a minority of surgical candidates. Although obesity rates and burden are similar for both sexes, society is more lenient with the obese male. Moreover, 73 % of overweight/obese men are satisfi ed with their health, causing body weight and obesity-related health problems to increase when they opt for bariatric surgery. In the present article, we discuss shifts of sex hormones before and after bariatric surgery, surgery impact on semen quality, skeletal health and nutrients, and new research directions regarding links between vitamin D, zinc, androgens and reproduction.