bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of plasma impedance of microwave plasma system by electric field simulation
Authors: Shuto Mitsutoshi , Ohmi Hiromasa , Kakiuchi Hiroaki , Yamada Takahiro , Yasutake Kiyoshi
Published: July 2017

A simple method has been proposed to determine the plasma impedance based on the electric field simulation of the whole microwave plasma system including the matching network. The plasma impedance can be determined by the experimental parameters in the matching network (positions of the three stub tuner). From the real part of the plasma impedance, the conductivity of the plasma can be deduced. When a reasonable model is assumed to relate the plasma conductivity and the electron density (ne), the average ne independent of any plasma condition may be obtained. To show the possible procedure to extract the information on the average ne, the present method has been applied for the high-pressure hydrogen plasma generated between a narrow gap (<0.5 mm) where the usual Langmuir probe method is not applicable. The obtained average ne is on the order of 1012 cm−3, which is consistent with the available experimental results. The present attempt to extract information on the plasma impedance and ne based on the positions of the three stub tuner may be potentially useful in the control of industrial plasma processes.
Magnetic field line random walk in two-dimensional dynamical turbulence
Authors: Wang J. F. , Qin G. , Ma Q. M. , Song T. , Yuan S. B.
Published: July 2017

The field line random walk (FLRW) of magnetic turbulence is one of the important topics in plasma physics and astrophysics. In this article, by using the field line tracing method, the mean square displacement (MSD) of FLRW is calculated on all possible length scales for pure two-dimensional turbulence with the damping dynamical model. We demonstrate that in order to describe FLRW with the damping dynamical model, a new dimensionless quantity R is needed to be introduced. On different length scales, dimensionless MSD shows different relationships with the dimensionless quantity R. Although the temporal effect affects the MSD of FLRW and even changes regimes of FLRW, it does not affect the relationship between the dimensionless MSD and dimensionless quantity R on all possible length scales.
Fluctuation correction for the critical transition of symmetric homopolymer blends
Authors: Beardsley Thomas M. , Matsen Mark W.
Published: July 2017

Monte Carlo simulations are performed on structurally symmetric binary homopolymer blends over a wide range of invariant polymerization indices, N¯. A finite-size scaling analysis reveals that certain critical exponents deviate from the expected 3D-Ising values as N¯ increases. However, the deviations are consistent with previous simulations and can be attributed to the fact that the system crosses over to mean-field behavior when the molecules become too large relative to the size of the simulation box. Nevertheless, the finite-size scaling techniques provide precise predictions for the position of the critical transition. Using a previous calibration of the Flory-Huggins interaction parameter, χ, we confirm that the critical point scales as (χN)c=2+cN¯−1∕2 for large N¯, and more importantly we are able to extract a reliable estimate, c≈1.5, for the universal constant.
Increasing the thermoelectric power factor of Ge17Sb2Te20 by adjusting the Ge/Sb ratio
Authors: Williams Jared B. , Mather Spencer P. , Page Alexander , Uher Ctirad , Morelli Donald T.
Published: July 2017

We have investigated the thermoelectric properties of Ge17Sb2Te20. This compound is a known phase change material with electronic properties that depend strongly on temperature. The thermoelectric properties of this compound can be tuned by altering the stoichiometry of Ge and Sb without the use of additional foreign elements during synthesis. This tuning results in a 26% increase in the thermoelectric power factor at 723 K. Based on a single parabolic band model we show that the pristine material is optimally doped, and thus, a reduction in the lattice thermal conductivity of pure Ge17Sb2Te20 should result in an enhanced thermoelectric figure of merit.
Copper-vapor-catalyzed chemical vapor deposition of graphene on dielectric substrates
Authors: Yang Chao , Wu Tianru , Wang Haomin , Zhang Xuefu , Shi Zhiyuan , Xie Xiaoming
Published: July 2017

Direct synthesis of high-quality graphene on dielectric substrates is important for its application in electronics. In this work, we report the process of copper-vapor-catalyzed chemical vapor deposition of high-quality and large graphene domains on various dielectric substrates. The copper vapor plays a vital role on the growth of transfer-free graphene. Both single-crystal domains that are much larger than previous reports and high-coverage graphene films can be obtained by adjusting the growth duration. The quality of the obtained graphene was verified to be comparable with that of graphene grown on Cu foil. The progress reported in this work will aid the development of the application of transfer-free graphene in the future.
The relationship between anisotropic magnetoresistance and topology of Fermi surface in Td-MoTe2 crystal
Authors: Lv Yang-Yang , Li Xiao , Pang Bin , Cao Lin , Lin Dajun , Zhang Bin-Bin , Yao Shu-Hua , Chen Y. B. , Zhou Jian , Dong Song-Tao , Zhang Shan-Tao , Lu Ming-Hui , Chen Yan-Feng
Published: July 2017

Layered transition-metal dichalcogenides have been recently attracted a lot of attention because of their unique physical properties, such as extremely large and anisotropic magnetoresistance (MR) in WTe2. In this work, we observed the abnormally anisotropic MR on Td-MoTe2 crystal that is strongly dependent on the temperature, as well as the orientations of both magnetic field B and electric field E with respect to crystallographic axes of Td-MoTe2. When E//a-axis and B//c-axis, MR is parabolically dependent on B and is as high as 520% under 9 T and 2 K conditions; the MR is quasi-linearly dependent on B when E//a-axis and B//b-axis (E//b-axis and B//c-axis), and the corresponding MR is only 130% (220%); MR is initially parabolically dependent on B, then linearly on B, and finally shows a saturate trend under E//B//a-axis (or E//B//b-axis) conditions, and the MR is about 16% (30%). These anisotropic MR behaviors can be qualitatively explained by the features of the Fermi surface of Td-MoTe2. This work may demonstrate the rich anisotropic physical behavior in layered transition-metal dichalcognides.
Local complexity predicts global synchronization of hierarchically networked oscillators
Authors: Xu Jin , Park Dong-Ho , Jo Junghyo
Published: July 2017

We study the global synchronization of hierarchically-organized Stuart-Landau oscillators, where each subsystem consists of three oscillators with activity-dependent couplings. We considered all possible coupling signs between the three oscillators, and found that they can generate different numbers of phase attractors depending on the network motif. Here, the subsystems are coupled through mean activities of total oscillators. Under weak inter-subsystem couplings, we demonstrate that the synchronization between subsystems is highly correlated with the number of attractors in uncoupled subsystems. Among the network motifs, perfect anti-symmetric ones are unique to generate both single and multiple attractors depending on the activities of oscillators. The flexible local complexity can make global synchronization controllable.
Analytical study of funnel type Rössler attractor
Authors: Cheng An-Liang , Chen Yih-Yuh
Published: July 2017

We investigate the behavior of a typical trajectory in a funnel type Rössler attractor. Using a suitable averaging method, we propose to describe the originally more difficult time-continuous chaotic behavior of the system using an approximate four-parameter surrogate iteration scheme. This approach has the merits of helping one see more easily how the height of the peaks and the peak-to-peak durations vary as one tunes the system parameters. Our analytical results compare favorably well with those obtained through the numerical integration of the system.
Experimental demonstration of two-dimensional hybrid waveguide-integrated
plasmonic crystals on silicon-on-insulator platform
Authors: Ren Guanghui , Yudistira Didit , Nguyen Thach G. , Khodasevych Iryna , Schoenhardt Steffen , Berean Kyle J. , Hamm Joachim M. , Hess Ortwin , Mitchell Arnan
Published: July 2017

Nanoscale plasmonic structures can offer unique functionality due to extreme sub-wavelength optical confinement, but the realization of complex plasmonic circuits is hampered by high propagation losses. Hybrid approaches can potentially overcome this limitation, but only few practical approaches based on either single or few element arrays of nanoantennas on dielectric nanowire have been experimentally demonstrated. In this paper, we demonstrate a two dimensional hybrid photonic plasmonic crystal interfaced with a standard silicon photonic platform. Off resonance, we observe low loss propagation through our structure, while on resonance we observe strong propagation suppression and intense concentration of light into a dense lattice of nanoscale hot-spots on the surface providing clear evidence of a hybrid photonic plasmonic crystal bandgap. This fully integrated approach is compatible with established silicon-on-insulator (SOI) fabrication techniques and constitutes a significant step toward harnessing plasmonic functionality within SOI photonic circuits.
Global existence of weak solution for quantum Navier-Stokes-Poisson equations
Authors: Yang Jianwei , Li Yong
Published: July 2017

In this paper, we consider the compressible quantum Navier-Stokes-Poisson equations with a linear density-dependent viscosity. By the use of a singular pressure close to vacuum, we prove the global-in-time existence of weak solutions in a three-dimensional torus for large data in the sense of distribution.
Refractive indices of CaF2 single crystals under elastic shock loading
Authors: Li Y. , Zhou X. M. , Liu C. L. , Luo S. N.
Published: July 2017

Refractive indices and Hugoniots of CaF2 single crystals are investigated by laser displacement interferometry under shock loading below 5 GPa. Birefringence is observed for the [110] loading. We obtain the Hugoniot equation of states for [100], [110] and [111], and refractive indices for these orientations with consideration of their polarization. The measured refractive indices are in reasonable agreement with predictions based on the piezo-optic theory, and are used to refine the elasto-optic coefficients.
High switching efficiency in FePt exchange coupled composite media mediated by MgO exchange control layers
Authors: Dutta Tanmay , Piramanayagam S. N. , Saifullah M. S. M. , Bhatia C. S.
Published: July 2017

Satisfying the mutually conflicting requirements of easy switchability and high thermal stability still remains a hindrance to achieving ultra-high areal densities in hard disk drives. Exchange coupled composite media used with proper exchange control layers (ECLs) presents a potential solution to circumvent this hindrance. In this work, we have studied the role of MgO and Ta ECLs of different thicknesses in reducing the switching field of FePt media. MgO ECL was found to be more effective than a Ta ECL. For a 2 nm MgO ECL, the switching field could be reduced by 41% and at the cost of only a limited loss in thermal stability. Furthermore, a very high switching efficiency of 1.9 was obtained using 2 nm MgO ECL. So, with a proper choice of ECL material and thickness, the switching field of FePt media can be substantially reduced while ensuring high thermal stability and a better signal-to-noise ratio, thus potentially paving the way for very high areal density media.
Influences of water molecules on the electronic properties of atomically thin molybdenum disulfide
Authors: Zhang Kang , Wang Xingli , Sun Leimeng , Zou Jianping , Wang Jingyuan , Liu Zheng , Chen Tupei , Tay Beng Kang , Zhang Qing
Published: July 2017

Although it is well known that the performances of two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenide (2D-TMD) based devices are strongly affected by humidity, the roles of water molecules in the electronic properties of 2D-TMDs are still unclear. In this work, the influence of water molecules on the electrical properties of monolayer molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is studied systemically using the dielectric force microscopy (DFM) technique. Taking the advantage of the DFM technique and other nondestructive characterization techniques, the electronic properties (surface potential, dielectrics, and carrier mobility) of atomically thin MoS2 exposed to different levels of humidity are investigated. Furthermore, Raman spectroscopy manifested the correlation between the optical phonon and the mobility drop of MoS2 flakes when subjected to humidity variations. Our results provide an in-depth understanding of the mechanism of water molecules interacting with MoS2.
Response of wheat to post-anthesis water stress, and the nature of gene action as revealed by combining ability analysis
Authors: Mia Md Sultan , Liu Hui , Wang Xingyi , Lu Zhanyuan , Yan Guijun
Published: July 2017

Post-anthesis water stress is a major limitation to wheat grain yield globally. Understanding the nature of gene action of yield related traits under post-anthesis water stress will help to breed stress-resilient genotypes. Four bread wheat genotypes having varying degree of drought tolerance were crossed in a full-diallel fashion and the resultant crosses along with the parental genotypes, were subjected to water stress after the onset of anthesis in order to investigate their comparative performance and nature of gene action. Parental genotypes Babax (B) and Westonia (W) performed better compared with C306 (C) and Dharwar Dry (D) with respect to relative reduction in grain yield and related traits under stressed condition. Direct cross B × D and reciprocal cross W × C were more tolerant to water stress, while cross between C306 and Dharwar Dry, either direct or reciprocal, produced more sensitive genotypes. Combining ability analysis revealed that both additive and non-additive gene action were involved in governing the inheritance of the studied traits, with predominance of non-additive gene action for most of the traits. Among the parents, Babax and Westonia were better combiners for grain yield under stress condition. B × D in stressed condition, and C × W in both stressed and stress-free conditions, were the most suitable specific crosses. Moreover, specificity of parental genotypes as female parents in cross combination was also evident from the significant reciprocal combining ability effects of certain traits. Low to medium narrow sense heritability and high broad sense heritability were observed for most of the studied traits in both well watered and water stress conditions. The results of the study suggested that specific cross combinations with high specific combining ability involving better performing parents with high general combining ability may generate hybrids as well as segregating populations suitable for further breeding programs.
Molecular and morphological evidence for a new genus of small trapdoor spiders from arid Western Australia (Araneae : Mygalomorphae : Nemesiidae : Anaminae)
Authors: Castalanelli Mark A. , Huey Joel A. , Hillyer Mia J. , Harvey Mark S.
Published: July 2017

The trapdoor spider family Nemesiidae comprises 14 genera in Australia, the majority of which are included in the subfamily Anaminae. Here we provide evidence from a multigene molecular analysis of most Australian genera of Anaminae for a previously unrecognised clade that also differs from its sister-genus, Aname L. Koch, by the lack of a prominent asetose ventral depression on the pedipalpal tibia and the medium-sized mating spur on tibia I of males. This depression is a characteristic of all species of Aname examined to date, and represents a newly recognised character system in the subfamily. The new genus, named Hesperonatalius, is represented by three new species – H. maxwelli, sp. nov., H. harrietae, sp. nov. and H. langlandsi, sp. nov. – all from arid Western Australia.
http://zoobank.org/References/D5352390-5D21-49DD-A123-A074422EB860
Chronic stress effects and their reversibility on the Fallopian tubes and uterus in rats
Authors: Divyashree S. , Yajurvedi H. N.
Published: July 2017

The durational effects of chronic stress on the Fallopian tubes and uterus were studied by exposing rats to stressors in the form of restraint (1 h) and forced swimming (15 min) daily for 4, 8 or 12 weeks. One group of stressed rats from each time period was then maintained without exposure to stressors for a further 4 weeks to assess their ability to recover from stress. All time periods of stress exposure resulted in decreased weight of the body and Fallopian tubes; however, the relative weight of the uterus and serum concentrations of oestradiol and insulin increased significantly. The antioxidant potential was decreased with increased malondialdehyde concentrations in the Fallopian tubes following all durations of exposure and after 4 and 8 weeks of stress exposure in the uterus. Interestingly, rats stressed for 12 weeks showed an increase in serum testosterone concentration and antioxidant enzyme activities with a decrease in malondialdehyde concentration in the uterus. The antioxidant enzyme activities and malondialdehyde concentration in the Fallopian tubes of all recovery group rats were similar to stressed rats. However, in the uterus these parameters were similar to controls in recovery group rats after 4 weeks or 8 weeks of exposure, but after 12 weeks of stress exposure these parameters did not return to control levels following the recovery period. These results reveal, for the first time, that chronic stress elicits an irreversible decrease in antioxidant defence in the Fallopian tubes irrespective of exposure duration, whereas the uterus develops reversible oxidative stress under short-term exposure but increased antioxidant potential with endometrial proliferation following long-term exposure.
Ubiquitination of exposed glycoproteins by SCF
FBXO27
directs damaged lysosomes for autophagy
Authors: Yoshida Yukiko , Yasuda Sayaka , Fujita Toshiharu , Hamasaki Maho , Murakami Arisa , Kawawaki Junko , Iwai Kazuhiro , Saeki Yasushi , Yoshimori Tamotsu , Matsuda Noriyuki , Tanaka Keiji
Published: July 2017

Significance

Although lysosomes play a crucial role in autophagy, damaged lysosomes are eliminated by autophagy. The molecular mechanisms that recognize lysosomal damage in cells remain poorly understood, but ubiquitination is a known prerequisite for directing autophagic machinery to damaged lysosomes. FBXO27, a substrate-recognition subunit of the SCF (SKP1/CUL1/F-box protein) ubiquitin ligase complex, localizes to the cytosolic surface of endomembranes and binds glycoproteins. This paper reports that SCF
FBXO27
ubiquitinates exposed glycoproteins normally sequestered on the lumenal surface of lysosomes following lysosomal damage, resulting in accelerated recruitment of autophagic machinery.
SUMOylation determines the voltage required to activate cardiac
I

Ks

channels
Authors: Xiong Dazhi , Li Tian , Dai Hui , Arena Anthony F. , Plant Leigh D. , Goldstein Steve A. N.
Published: July 2017

Significance

The slow delayed rectifier K
+
current (
I

Ks

) determines the length of each human heartbeat because it activates after myocytes are excited and depolarize. This sensitivity to voltage, as well as dynamic regulation by hormones and second messengers, underlies the essential role of
I

Ks

in determining the duration and rhythm of cardiac action potentials. Here, we demonstrate the unexpected mechanism that establishes the voltage-dependent operation of
I

Ks

channels: SUMOylation. When native
I

Ks

channels are resident in the plasma membranes of neonatal mouse ventricular myocytes, or human channels are reconstituted in CHO cells, each of the four KCNQ1 pore-forming subunits is subject to monoSUMOylation in a manner that depends on KCNE1 accessory subunits, leading to stepwise depolarizing shifts in the activation voltage.
Investigating the dynamics of humor
Authors: Chovanec Jan , Tsakona Villy
Published: July 2017

While semanticopragmatic approaches to humor usually view it as stemming from incongruity, many current studies from fields such as discourse analysis, conversation analysis, and pragmatics have moved beyond to underline the significance of other factors defining humor. These factors include the framing devices of humor, the reactions to it, the sociocultural parameters influencing its production and interpretation, its social functions and affective goals, and the genres where it may occur. In view of the above, a broader definition of interactional humor is proposed, emphasizing its dynamic co-construction and including all humorous texts whose meanings are negotiated among interactants. It is argued that such a definition has a number of relevant implications for the theory of humor, where it suitably complements the recent (pragmatic) shift towards a more contextualized understanding of humor production and reception.
Online joint fictionalization
Authors: Tsakona Villy
Published: July 2017

Genres are dynamic discoursal structures which are frequently subject to change so as to adapt to speakers’ new communicative goals and exigencies. The present paper explores the particularities of a quite recent genre of humor, online joint fictionalization, which seems to have emerged from oral joint fictionalization involving the collaborative construction of humorous fictional scenarios in informal face-to-face interactions among peers. The present case study reveals significant similarities between the new digital genre and the initial oral one. Furthermore, it appears that the new genre incorporates other humorous genres such as memes, which are typical of online communication and, in this new context, contribute to the construction of the fictional scenario at hand.
On-line humorous representations of the 2015 Greek national elections
Authors: Piata Anna
Published: July 2017

The recent development of social media platforms has given rise to new forms of digital communication in which humor seems to play a prominent role. This chapter is concerned with humor in such a newly emerged, mediated genre, so-called internet memes
(i.e. units of image, text, animation, and/or sound spread through the internet), focusing on the memes generated, disseminated, and commented upon on Facebook after the Greek national elections in January 2015. This chapter examines memes along with the responses posted by Facebook users, showing that, being humorous themselves, internet memes enact mimetic responses that are also humorous. This line of research aims to do justice to the interactional aspect of meme-based humor not previously acknowledged in the literature.
Non-monotonic radial distribution of tensile yielding strength in cold-drawn pearlitic wire
Authors: Zhao Tian-Zhang , Song Hong-Wu , Zhang Shi-Hong
Published: July 2017

It is commonly accepted that the surface layer in the cold-drawn pearlitic steel wire has a higher strength than the centre. In the present work, via testing the cold-drawn wire after removing the surface layer by an electrochemical method, it is discovered that the tensile yielding strength distributes non-monotonically from the surface to the centre. A valley is observed at the sub-surface. It is found that the maximum accumulative strain during drawing occurs at the sub-surface which leads to more hardening. The presence of residual stress after drawing reduces the tensile yielding stress. With increasing thickness of the removed layer, the tensile yielding stress increases monotonically. Finally, the only reason for the non-monotonic distribution of the tensile yielding stress is the strain path which the material at the sub-surface experiences in drawing and subsequent tension. It actually belongs to a reverse and a cross loading, which result in softening.
Poisoning of Zr microstructures during casting homogenisation and solution treatment
Authors: Huang Yuanchun , Liu Hui , Xiao Zhengbing , Wang Sanxing
Published: July 2017

The influence of Al–Ti–B grain refiners on the microstructures of Zr-containing Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy was investigated by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, as well as through tensile and hardness tests. A poisoning effect occurred when the grain refiner was added to the Zr-containing alloy, and the grain size increased significantly. The precipitates in the alloy without the grain refiner were finely distributed, while the phases of the alloy with the Al–Ti–B refiner agglomerated at the grain boundaries, decreasing both the hardness and elongation. The addition of the grain refiner to the alloys markedly increased their hardness and elongation, when coupled with slow cooling, although the peak stress also decreased slightly.
Manganese dependence of microstructure and mechanical properties in Fe–Mn alloy
Authors: Chen Jun , Zhang Wei-na
Published: July 2017

Two Fe–Mn alloys with relatively low Mn content were designed. The microstructure characteristics and resultant mechanical properties were investigated in detail by means of electron back-scattered diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The results show that the formation of α′-martensite is effectively suppressed and the yield strength and total elongation are significantly enhanced by increasing Mn content from 12 to 13 mass%. A great amount of α′-martensite can effectively enhance strain hardening rate, but they deteriorate ductility. The austenite grain is always divided by multiple-variant ϵ-martensite plate. In addition, the prior austenite grain boundaries and austenite/ ϵ-martensite interfaces can act as obstacle to suppress the growth of ϵ-martensite plates.
Astilbe thunbergii reduces postprandial hyperglycemia in a type 2 diabetes rat model via pancreatic alpha-amylase inhibition by highly condensed procyanidins
Authors: Kato Eisuke , Kushibiki Natsuka , Inagaki Yosuke , Kurokawa Mihoko , Kawabata Jun
Published: July 2017

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a common global health problem. Prevention of this disease is an important task, and functional food supplements are considered an effective method. We found potent pancreatic α-amylase inhibition in Astilbe thunbergii root extract (AT) and confirmed that AT treatment in a T2DM rat model reduces post-starch administration blood glucose levels. Activity-guided isolation revealed procyanidin (AT-P) as the α-amylase inhibitory component with IC50 = 1.7 μg/mL against porcine pancreatic α-amylase. Structure analysis of AT-P revealed it is a B-type procyanidin comprised of four types of flavan-3-ols, some with a galloyl group, and catechin attached as the terminal unit. The abundant AT-P content and its comparable α-amylase inhibition to acarbose, the anti-diabetic medicine, suggest that AT is a promising food supplement for diabetes prevention.
Kallikrein-related peptidase 4 contributes to the tumor metastasis of oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Cui Zhi , Cui Ye , Luo Gan , Yang Shuting , Ling Xinlian , Lou Yixin , Sun Xinhua
Published: July 2017

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a disfiguring malignancy and significantly impacts the quality of patient’s life. Kallikrein-related peptidase 4 (KLK4), which is closely related to cancers, is highly expressed in OSCC. To explore the biological function of KLK4 in OSCC, a KLK4-specific shRNA was used to silence its endogenous expression, and then the migration and invasion of OSCC cells were explored. Results of our study showed that silencing KLK4 inhibited the migration and invasion of OSCC cells. The protein levels of epithelial mesenchymal transition-associated markers and proteases were also altered by KLK4 silencing. Further study showed that the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3 K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway was involved in the function of KLK4. Treatment with a PI3 K/AKT activator reversed the migration-inhibitory effect of KLK4 shRNA. Our study suggests that KLK4 may contribute to the metastasis of OSCC through the PI3 K/AKT signaling pathway.
A rigorous method to enrich for exosomes from brain tissue
Authors: Vella Laura J. , Scicluna Benjamin J. , Cheng Lesley , Bawden Emma G. , Masters Colin L. , Ang Ching‐Seng , Willamson Nicholas , McLean Catriona , Barnham Kevin J. , Hill Andrew F.
Published: July 2017

Extracellular vesicles, including exosomes, are released by all cells, including those of the nervous system. Capable of delivering lipid, protein and nucleic acids to both nearby and distal cells, exosomes have been hypothesized to play a role in progression of many diseases of the nervous system. To date, most analyses on the role of these vesicles in the healthy and diseased state have relied on studying vesicles from in vitro sources, such as conditioned cell culture media, or body fluids. Here we have taken a critical approach to the enrichment and characterization of exosomes from human frontal cortex. This method maintains the integrity of the vesicles and their cargo, and comprehensive proteomic and genomic characterization confirms the legitimacy of the resulting extracellular vesicles as endosome‐derived exosomes. This method will enable neuroscientists to acquire more detailed information about exosomes in the brain and explore the role(s) this form of intercellular communication and unique source of lipid, protein and RNA has in healthy brain function and pathogenic conditions. Furthermore, this method may have important utility in the isolation of exosomes from other tissues.
ILC2s regulate adaptive Th2 cell functions via PD-L1 checkpoint control
Authors: Schwartz Christian , Khan Adnan R. , Floudas Achilleas , Saunders Sean P. , Hams Emily , Rodewald Hans-Reimer , McKenzie Andrew N.J. , Fallon Padraic G.
Published: July 2017

Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) are important effector cells driving the initiation of type 2 immune responses leading to adaptive T helper 2 (Th2) immunity. Here we show that ILC2s dynamically express the checkpoint inhibitor molecule PD-L1 during type 2 pulmonary responses. Surprisingly, PD-L1:PD-1 interaction between ILC2s and CD4+ T cells did not inhibit the T cell response, but PD-L1–expressing ILC2s stimulated increased expression of GATA3 and production of IL-13 by Th2 cells both in vitro and in vivo. Conditional deletion of PD-L1 on ILC2s impaired early Th2 polarization and cytokine production, leading to delayed worm expulsion during infection with the gastrointestinal helminth Nippostrongylus brasiliensis. Our results identify a novel PD-L1–controlled mechanism for type 2 polarization, with ILC2s mediating an innate checkpoint to control adaptive T helper responses, which has important implications for the treatment of type 2 inflammation.
Stratification for module categories of finite group schemes
Authors: Benson Dave , Iyengar Srikanth , Krause Henning , Pevtsova Julia
Published: July 2017

The tensor ideal localizing subcategories of the stable module category of all, including infinite dimensional, representations of a finite group scheme over a field of positive characteristic are classified. Various applications concerning the structure of the stable module category and the behavior of support and cosupport under restriction and induction are presented.
Sequence2Vec: a novel embedding approach for modeling transcription factor binding affinity landscape
Authors: Dai Hanjun , Umarov Ramzan , Kuwahara Hiroyuki , Li Yu , Song Le , Gao Xin
Published: July 2017

Motivation

An accurate characterization of transcription factor (TF)-DNA affinity landscape is crucial to a quantitative understanding of the molecular mechanisms underpinning endogenous gene regulation. While recent advances in biotechnology have brought the opportunity for building binding affinity prediction methods, the accurate characterization of TF-DNA binding affinity landscape still remains a challenging problem.

Results

Here we propose a novel sequence embedding approach for modeling the transcription factor binding affinity landscape. Our method represents DNA binding sequences as a hidden Markov model which captures both position specific information and long-range dependency in the sequence. A cornerstone of our method is a novel message passing-like embedding algorithm, called Sequence2Vec, which maps these hidden Markov models into a common nonlinear feature space and uses these embedded features to build a predictive model. Our method is a novel combination of the strength of probabilistic graphical models, feature space embedding and deep learning. We conducted comprehensive experiments on over 90 large-scale TF-DNA datasets which were measured by different high-throughput experimental technologies. Sequence2Vec outperforms alternative machine learning methods as well as the state-of-the-art binding affinity prediction methods.

Availability and implementation

Our program is freely available at https://github.com/ramzan1990/sequence2vec.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Twelve easy steps to embrace or avoid scientific petrification: lessons learned from a career in otolith research†
Authors: Campana Steven E
Published: July 2017

Prior experience is as much an eye opener in science as it is in life, and often results in increased efficiency, greater productivity and reduced stress. While some actions and behaviours must be experienced first-hand to be appreciated, there are some behavioural patterns that can be readily absorbed from others, allowing the learning curve to be shortened and the professional career enhanced. After nearly 40 years of scientific research in otolith and shark science, it is clear that some strategies and tactics worked well at advancing my career, while others were ineffective or even counterproductive. Targeted mainly at graduate students and early-to-mid-career scientists, this somewhat philosophical essay identifies 12 easily adopted scientific behaviour patterns that would have had a hugely positive effect on my career, if only I had known about them early on. My hope is that early-career scientists can take advantage of some of the hard lessons that I have learned along the way, thus avoiding needless mistakes in the process of becoming the best scientist that they can be.
Female sex offenders
Authors: McIvor Gill
Published: July 2017

Women represent a small proportion of offenders convicted of sexual offences, and a small proportion of imprisoned women have been sentenced for offences of this kind. This essay begins with a discussion of the nature of female sexual offending, including the number and types of offences, the characteristics of victims, and the level of co-offending with men. It then considers the characteristics and emerging typologies of female sexual offenders. Theoretical approaches to female sexual offending are discussed, with particular attention to the relevance of theories of male sexual offending to sexual offending by women and theoretical developments that focus on women. The implications for assessment and treatment of female sex offenders are considered. Given its increasing role in relation to sexual offending more generally, the role of new technology—particularly the Internet—in facilitating female sexual abuse is explored.
Victimization and revictimization
Authors: Walklate Sandra , Clay-Warner Jody
Published: July 2017

Central to understanding the experiences of sexual assault victims is the phenomenon of revictimization, in which victims feel victimized not only from the assault but also from their experiences of the criminal justice process. This essay discusses the nature and extent of victimization as a result of sexual assault from national and international data sources. It considers the key points at which such victims experience revictimization from their contact with the criminal justice process. It analyses the success of policy interventions designed to have an impact on those experiences. Underpinning this analysis is the concept of gender. The authors demonstrate the extent to which gendered assumptions embedded in policy and practice still frame the experiences of sexual assault victims.
Alcohol and drugs in relation to sexual offending
Authors: Emmelkamp Paul M.G. , Kraanen Fleur L.
Published: July 2017

Substance use and criminal behaviour often go hand in hand, and sexual crimes are no exception. This essay on alcohol and drug use in relation to sexual offending aims to provide a brief overview of the relevant literature on this topic. An important difficulty that arises when discussing the relationship between substance misuse and sexual offending is that both sex offenses and substance misuse are very broadly defined categories. Sex offenses may comprise rape, child molestation, and downloading child pornography, to name a few. The nature of the relationship between substance use and sex offenses may vary for different types of sex offenses.
The role of policy in preventing sexual violence
Authors: Wright Richard
Published: July 2017

This essay focuses on the role of law and policy in sexual assault and offending. Comparing and contrasting U.S., Canadian, and European policy approaches, the review examines how various governments have prioritized their legal approaches to sexual offending prevention and response. These responses have included broad-based conviction-focused schemes, narrowly focused laws centered on high-risk repeat offenders, and prioritization with stranger-based assault. There has been great variance in terms of the emphasis placed on treatment and public notification. The essay analyses how these nations have learned from each other and how their sex offending policies have evolved, if and how they reflect the science of sexual offending and risk, and which demonstrate the most promise for sexual assault reduction with the fewest unintended consequences.
The aftermath of sex offender registration and other controls
Authors: Zgoba Kristen M.
Published: July 2017

This essay begins with a review of public reaction to sexual offenses and the rise in social awareness that sex offenses have promoted. Statistics exploring the prevalence of sexual abuse in the United States and the United Kingdom will be given. As a result of a number of widely publicized sexual abuse cases (particularly child sexual abuse cases), a variety of laws applied to sexual offenders have been enacted from 1990 to 2010. Although different, these policies tend to center around four common themes: sex offender registration and notification, civil commitment, residency restrictions, and risk assessment. The essay examines these legislative efforts to assess their effectiveness at reducing sexually offensive behaviors and discusses the controversies surrounding such legislation.
Risk assessment of sex offenders
Authors: Barbaree Howard E. , Prentky Robert A.
Published: July 2017

This essay discusses the assessment of recidivism risk in sex offenders. It begins with definitions of critical terms and concepts. A number of approaches to risk assessment are described. Validated risk instruments are reviewed, with a focus on their reliability and accuracy in predicting recidivism. Actuarial assessment of risk is described as a two-stage process. In the first stage, offenders are assessed and assigned to a risk level or stratum. In the second stage, the probability of risk over a follow-up period is estimated based on the offender’s risk ranking. The essay discusses calibration in the context of Bayes’ theorem, which reveals critically important realities involving base rates and the use of currently available standardization samples in determining a final estimate of recidivism likelihood. The essay concludes with a glimpse into the future of risk assessment and predictions about the next stage in evidence-based risk assessment of sex offenders.
Public perceptions of sex crimes and sex offenders
Authors: Stafford Mark C. , Vandiver Donna M.
Published: July 2017

Sex crimes and sex offenders generate considerable public fear and worry, yet many public perceptions about sex offenders are inaccurate. Links between fear of sex crimes, especially rape, and fear of other types of crime are considered. The essay reviews research on public perceptions of sex offender laws and policies, including registration laws, notification laws, residence restrictions, punishment and treatment of sex offenders, and civil commitment. Discussion focuses on the perceptions of criminal justice officials, lawmakers, sexual abuse professionals, and survivors of sexual assaults. Inaccuracies in public perceptions of sex crimes and sex offenders are explored, with a special focus on rape myths. Despite the inaccuracy of many public perceptions of sex crimes and sex offenders, what cannot be overlooked is the harm that sex offenders actually cause.
Social media, cyberspace, and sex crime
Authors: Wykes Maggie
Published: July 2017

This essay considers the nature of offences involving social media. These include topics such as sexting, revenge porn, grooming, cyberstalking, and sexual harassment which have all become more common ‘sex crimes’ in the age of the digital. The essay explores whether there is any relationship between cyber-sex content or contact and real sexual harm. The author asks whether this is a new form of offending; whether it is old crime that is newly transacted, fashioned, and experienced; or whether it is really crime at all. Even though the focus of much concern with social media sex is ‘stranger danger’, in most cases assailants are actually known to the victim.
The explanation of sexual offending
Authors: Ward Tony , Beech Anthony
Published: July 2017

This essay focuses on four core issues and their normative implications associated with the “theory problem” as it relates to sexual offending. First, a critical task is to build multi-level and interfield theories that are directly responsive to the complex nature of human functioning and psychological architecture. Second, an important cognitive task is to take seriously the level of human agency and mental state psychological explanations of action. This requires accepting the significance of values and personal meanings, and appreciating that social and cultural practices causally influence a person’s sense of self and purpose in life. Third, we need to shift our attention from construct validity procedures and look to understand underlying causal processes. A preoccupation with measurement may trap us into surface-level explanations. Finally, some degree of integration should be attempted between research and conceptual work on dynamic risk factors and that on aetiological theories.
Commercial sexual exploitation of children
Authors: Pearce Jenny
Published: July 2017

This essay explores key questions emerging from recent research with children who experience commercial child sexual exploitation. It examines the discrepancies between children’s right to be protected from all forms of violence, including sexual violence, and the right to express their views. Child protection has traditionally focused on protecting younger children from sexual abuse in the home, so a conceptual shift is needed to embrace the needs of older children who are making their own decisions about how to respond to and manage adversity. The author proposes a child protection system that understands the various forms of exploitation of children in public spaces and within the informal economies of drug and sex markets. The author argues for a ‘social model’ for contextualizing consent to sexual activity that takes into account the economic, social, and environmental pressures on young people.
The juvenile sex offender
Authors: Bijleveld Catrien , van den Berg Chantal , Hendriks Jan
Published: July 2017

Juvenile sexual offending is often regarded as a precursor of serious and continued sexual offending in adulthood, but there has been little empirical evidence supporting this assumption. Could juvenile sexual offending be just a ‘passing phase’? The study discussed in this essay follows the criminal career about 1,600 juvenile sex offenders from early adolescence into adulthood. A comprehensive view of the entire criminal career is presented to establish whether juvenile sexual offending is a precursor of continued (sexual) offending in adulthood or if (sexual) offending is non-chronic for most. The sexual recidivists in the sample are identified, and this group is used to establish the risk factors associated with continued sexual offending. These risk factors are compared to the ones used in risk assessment instruments for (juvenile) sex offenders. This study holds crucial information for policy and theory regarding juvenile sex offenders.
Electoral Systems in Context
Authors: Vowles Jack
Published: July 2017

This chapter examines the consolidation of New Zealand’s mixed-member proportional (MMP) electoral system since the first MMP election in 1996. It has three sections: the first examines whether the change to MMP has achieved the goals of electoral reformers or confirmed the fears of its opponents; the second draws on longer-term historical analysis to assess the fit between the MMP system and the cleavage structure of New Zealand’s electoral politics and its party system; and the third provides some evidence from individual-level opinion and behavior since 1996, notably by outlining the attitudinal foundations of choice in the 2011 referendum that confirmed that New Zealand would retain the MMP system.
Electoral Systems in Context
Authors: Nemoto Kuniaki
Published: July 2017

The system used for Japan’s House of Representatives (Shugiin, or HoR) was changed in the mid-1990s from hyperpersonalistic single nontransferable voting (SNTV) to mixed-member majoritarian (MMM). The reform was expected to bring about a move toward two-party competition, party-centered campaigning, and party centralization. Evidence generally supports the theoretically expected consequences of the electoral reform. However, the electoral system change did not completely transform Japanese party politics as expected. Some of the institutions and practices considered peculiar to the old electoral system, such as personal support networks and factions, were not wiped away by the reform. Other rules in the new system initially considered minor, such as dual candidacy, can have a substantive impact on incumbency advantage and Duvergerian convergence. These suggest that Japan’s electoral reform opens the way for new comparative research on the effects of electoral systems.
Navigating Interdependent Social Situations
Authors: Molho Catherine , Balliet Daniel
Published: July 2017

Interdependence is a fundamental characteristic of social situations. Yet, in everyday life, people rarely have direct knowledge about how their own and others’ decisions influence desired outcomes. The chapter discusses two models of objective differences in interdependent situations and then outlines three theoretical approaches to understanding how people form interdependence perceptions: an experiential learning approach, a mental templates approach, and functional interdependence theory. It then reviews recent innovations in the measurement of interdependence perceptions across situations. It describes how these theoretical approaches and measures can be used to investigate (a) the cues that people use to infer interdependence, (b) the common forms of interdependence people experience in their daily lives, (c) the importance of future interdependence and biased inferences, and (d) the role of personality in shaping interdependence perceptions. It concludes with discussing how recent research on interdependence perceptions can be integrated with existing empirical findings on taxonomies of psychological situations.