bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unexpected role of the L-domain of calpastatin during the autoproteolytic activation of human erythrocyte calpain
Authors: De Tullio Roberta , Franchi Alice , Martines Antonino , Averna Monica , Pedrazzi Marco , Melloni Edon , Sparatore Bianca
Published: March 2018

Autoproteolysis of human erythrocyte calpain-1 proceeds in vitro at high [Ca2+], through the conversion of the 80-kDa catalytic subunit into a 75-kDa activated enzyme that requires lower [Ca2+] for catalysis. Importantly, here we detect a similar 75 kDa calpain-1 form also in vivo, in human meningiomas. Although calpastatin is so far considered the specific inhibitor of calpains, we have previously identified in rat brain a calpastatin transcript truncated at the end of the L-domain (cast110, L-DOM), coding for a protein lacking the inhibitory units. Aim of the present study was to characterize the possible biochemical role of the L-DOM during calpain-1 autoproteolysis in vitro, at high (100 µM) and low (5 µM) [Ca2+]. Here we demonstrate that the L-DOM binds the 80 kDa proenzyme in the absence of Ca2+. Consequently, we have explored the ability of the 75 kDa activated protease to catalyze at 5 µM Ca2+ the intermolecular activation of native calpain-1 associated with the L-DOM. Notably, this [Ca2+] is too low to promote the autoproteolytic activation of calpain-1 but enough to support the catalysis of the 75 kDa calpain. We show for the first time that the L-DOM preserves native calpain-1 from the degradation mediated by the 75 kDa form. Taken together, our data suggest that the free L-domain of calpastatin is a novel member of the calpain/calpastatin system endowed with a function alternative to calpain inhibition. For this reason, it will be crucial to define the intracellular relevance of the L-domain in controlling calpain activation/activity in physiopathological conditions having altered Ca2+ homeostasis.
MiR-27-3pregulates TLR2/4-dependent mouse alveolar macrophage activation by targetting PPARγ
Authors: Wang Dan , He Sirong , Liu Bicui , Liu Chuntao
Published: March 2018

Activation of alveolar macrophages (AMs) and the release of cytokines play critical roles in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, little is known about the mechanisms of AM activation. miRNAs have recently emerged as key regulators of inflammation and as mediators of macrophage activation and polarization. We identified potential miRNAs related to AM activation using miRNA microarray analysis, which showed that miR-27-3p expression was up-regulated in AMs and the lung tissues of mice exposed to cigarette smoke (CS)/lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and found that miR-27-3p regulated proinflammatory cytokine production and AM polarization depending on TLR2/4 intracellular signaling in AMs. We also found that miR-27-3p controlled TLR2/4 signaling in AMs via targetting the 3′-UTR sequences of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and inhibiting PPARγ activation. Moreover, we found that PPARγ activation not only inhibited CS/LPS-induced TLR2/4 expression and miR-27-3p-mediated TLR2/4 signaling cascades involving the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK)/p38, and Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathways in AMs but also ameliorated CS/LPS-induced AM activation and pulmonary inflammation. Our study revealed that miR-27-3p mediated AM activation by the inhibition of PPARγ activation and sensitization of TLR signaling.
CTRP3 attenuates high-fat diet-induced male reproductive dysfunction in mice
Authors: Mu Yang , Yin Tai-lang , Yin Lu , Hu Xue , Yang Jing
Published: March 2018

Recent studies have suggested a role for abdominal obesity in male infertility. Previous studies have found that cell apoptosis exerts an important role in obesity-related male infertility. C1q/TNF-related protein 3 (CTRP3), a paralog of adiponectin, has been proposed to exert anti-apoptotic effects and to attenuate diabetes-related cardiac injuries. However, the role of CTRP3 in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced spermatogenic impairment remains unclear. In the present study, we fed male mice an HFD for 24 weeks to induce obesity. The expression of CTRP3 was decreased by HFD feeding. Supplementation with the recombinant human globular domain of CTRP3 (0.25 μg/g/day) for 4 weeks beginning at 20 weeks of the HFD improved spermatogenic function in the HFD-fed mice, which were characterized by improved testis morphology, increased testis weight/body weight ratio, and increased sperm count, sperm viability, and sperm motility. We also found that CTRP3 infusion resulted in the attenuation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and the activation of silence information regulator 1 (SIRT1) in the testes of obese mice. Our in vitro study also suggested that CTRP3 attenuated the palmitic acid (PA)-induced reductions in sperm viability and motility via the inhibition of ER stress. Moreover, germ cell-specific Sirtuin1 knockout abolished the protective effects of CTRP3 in vivo and in vitro. In vitro studies of human sperm showed that the protective effects of CTRP3 on sperm viability and motility were abrogated by a specific inhibitor of SIRT1. Thus, our results demonstrated that CTRP3 expression protected against HFD-induced spermatogenic deficiency through the SIRT1/ER stress pathway.
Convolutional neural network for smooth filtering detection
Authors: Yang Bin , Sun Xingming , Cao Enguo , Hu Weifeng , Chen Xianyi
Published: March 2018

Smooth filtering is a common post‐operation which is exploited to blur and conceal the traces of tampered objects. Most of the existing forensic methods aim at detecting only one type of filtering process, such as median filtering or Gaussian filtering, which limits their applications. The authors present a new forensic method based on deep learning technique, which utilises a convolutional neural network (CNN) to automatically learn hierarchical representations from the input images. Unlike conventional CNN models, a modified CNN architecture is specifically designed to identify traces left by the manipulation. A filter layer is added into the CNN. The filtering residual in frequency feature of the input image is extracted by this added layer. The output feature is then fed into the next layer of the CNN. Radon transform is applied to increase the distinctiveness of the residual feature. Experimental results on several public datasets show that the proposed CNN‐based model outperforms some state‐of‐the‐art methods.
Opening PANDORA’s box: APEX observations of CO in PNe
Authors: Guzman-Ramirez L. , Gómez-Ruíz A. I. , Boffin H. M. J. , Jones D. , Wesson R. , Zijlstra A. A. , Smith C. L. , Nyman Lars-Åke
Published: March 2018

Context. Observations of molecular gas have played a key role in developing the current understanding of the late stages of stellar evolution.

Aims. The survey Planetary nebulae AND their cO Reservoir with APEX (PANDORA) was designed to study the circumstellar shells of evolved stars with the aim to estimate their physical parameters.

Methods. Millimetre carbon monoxide (CO) emission is the most useful probe of the warm molecular component ejected by low- to intermediate-mass stars. CO is the second-most abundant molecule in the Universe, and the millimetre transitions are easily excited, thus making it particularly useful to study the mass, structure, and kinematics of the molecular gas. We present a large survey of the CO (J = 3−2) line using the Atacama Pathfinder EXperiment (APEX) telescope in a sample of 93 proto-planetary nebulae and planetary nebulae.

Results. CO (J = 3−2) was detected in 21 of the 93 objects. Only two objects (IRC+10216 and PN M2-9) had previous CO (J = 3−2) detections, therefore we present the first detection of CO (J = 3−2) in the following 19 objects: Frosty Leo, HD 101584, IRAS 19475+3119, PN M1-11, V* V852 Cen, IC 4406, Hen 2-113, Hen 2-133, PN Fg 3, PN Cn 3-1, PN M2-43, PN M1-63, PN M1-65, BD+30 3639, Hen 2-447, Hen 2-459, PN M3-35, NGC 3132, and NGC 6326.

Conclusions. CO (J = 3−2) was detected in all 4 observed pPNe (100%), 15 of the 75 PNe (20%), one of the 4 wide binaries (25%), and in 1 of the 10 close binaries (10%). Using the CO (J = 3−2) line, we estimated the column density and mass of each source. The H2 column density ranges from 1.7 × 1018 to 4.2 × 1021 cm−2 and the molecular mass ranges from 2.7 × 10−4 to 1.7 × 10−1 M⊙.
Geomechanical Assessments of Simultaneous Operation in the Case of Transition from Open Pit to Underground Mine in Vietnam
Authors: Niedbalski Zbigniew , Nguyen Phu Minh Vuong , Widzyk-Capehart Eleonora
Published: March 2018

Nowadays, for a number of reasons, many open pit mines are considering a transition from Open Pit (OP) to Underground (UG) to remain competitive. In OP-UG transition, UG operation is operated simultaneously with the OP operation for a certain period of time. Guidelines for the simultaneous operation of OP and UG are very difficult to establish, as there are very few case studies available. Yet, because of the OP-UG interactions; the operation has a higher safety, technical and management requirements than the OP or UG methods when considered separately. In Vietnam, Cao Son is one of many OP mines, which decided to change the operational system from OP to UG. Simultaneous operation started in 2015 and will be conducted until 2030 when the OP mine Cao Son ends its mining activities. In this paper, selected geomechanical considerations of the simultaneous operation are presented. A number of numerical modelling calculations using finitedifference software with code FLAC were carried out for calibration process, slope stability analysis and the OP-UG interaction analysis for the Cao Son – Khe Cham II–IV mine. Based on the results obtained from numerical modelling, the geomechanical assessments of simultaneous operation Cao Son – Khe Cham II–IV are discussed in this paper.
Neotectonic and Geomorphological Characteristics of the Ma Pi Leng Area (Ha Giang Province, North Vietnam): Implications for Improving the Worth of Vietnamese Geological Heritage
Authors: Van Bui Thom , Huy Nguyen Thinh , Duc Nguyen Tung
Published: March 2018

Ma Pi Leng area is the core part of Dong Van karst plateau geopark, and is a region of high diversity of geology and tectonics in Vietnam. This region has experienced strong uplift motions that have created three grades of regional relief: 1400–1600 m; 1100–1200 m and 500–600 m. This geomorphology is in turn strongly eroded by the stream systems and divided into different structural blocks controlled by the faults. During the neotectonic stage, several modes of faulting have occurred in Ma Pi Leng such as strikeslip, normal, extension, riverse faults. The NW–SE fault system had a decisive role in determining the structural pattern of the region. The tectonic fractures, at the largest scale, are hundreds of meters high and up to a kilometer long. Tectonic activities, together with exogenic processes, have made regional relief strongly diverse with strips of horsts and grabens as well as laddersteps-shaped escarpments, inverse topography, high cliffs and deep canyons. Besides that there are also the caves at varying levels of height, chains of sinkholes, and pyramidal mountainous peaks. Ma Pi Leng area is truly majestic and worthy of tourist attractions both in terms of scientific value and natural landscape.
Tectono-thermal Evolution of the Lower Paleozoic Petroleum Source Rocks in the Southern Lublin Trough: Implications for Shale Gas Exploration from Maturity Modelling
Authors: Botor Dariusz
Published: March 2018

The Lower Paleozoic basins of eastern Poland have recently been the focus of intensive exploration for shale gas. In the Lublin Basin potential unconventional play is related to Lower Silurian source rocks. In order to assess petroleum charge history of these shale gas reservoirs, 1-D maturity modeling has been performed. In the Łopiennik IG-1 well, which is the only well that penetrated Lower Paleozoic strata in the study area, the uniform vitrinite reflectance values within the Paleozoic section are interpreted as being mainly the result of higher heat flow in the Late Carboniferous to Early Permian times and ~3500 m thick overburden eroded due to the Variscan inversion. Moreover, our model has been supported by zircon helium and apatite fission track dating. The Lower Paleozoic strata in the study area reached maximum temperature in the Late Carboniferous time. Accomplished tectono-thermal model allowed establishing that petroleum generation in the Lower Silurian source rocks developed mainly in the Devonian – Carboniferous period. Whereas, during Mesozoic burial, hydrocarbon generation processes did not develop again. This has negative influence on potential durability of shale gas reservoirs.
Relative secular variations of the geomagnetic field along the Zgorzelec-Wiżajny profile, Poland
Authors: Wojas Anna , Grabowska Teresa , Mikołajczak Mateusz
Published: March 2018

The paper presents results of the study on relative secular variations of total magnetic intensity (TMI) of the geomagnetic field along the 700 km long profile crossing the area of Poland. Surveys were carried out at annual intervals between 1966 and 2016 (50 measurement series), in 31 survey sites (secular points) separated by about 22 km. The studied profile of the SW-NE direction, called Zgorzelec-Wiżajny (Z-W), crosses large parts of the main tectonic units of Europe, namely the Palaeozoic Platform of Central and Western Europe (PLZ) and the East European Craton (EEC), connected by the Teisseyre-Tornquist Zone (TTZ). Using the original methodology of analysis of measured data, reduced to the values of geomagnetic field recorded at the Central Geophysical Observatory in Belsk, the relative secular variations of TMI with the magnetic anomalies (ΔT) and the terrestrial heat flow density (Q) were graphically presented.
Instantaneous Attributes Applied to Full Waveform Sonic Log and Seismic Data in Integration of Elastic Properties of Shale Gas Formations in Poland
Authors: Wawrzyniak-Guz Kamila
Published: March 2018

Seismic attributes calculated from full waveform sonic log were proposed as a method that may enhance the interpretation the data acquired at log and seismic scales. Though attributes calculated in the study were the mathematical transformations of amplitude, frequency, phase or time of the acoustic full waveforms and seismic traces, they could be related to the geological factors and/or petrophysical properties of rock formations. Attributes calculated from acoustic full waveforms were combined with selected attributes obtained for seismic traces recorded in the vicinity of the borehole and with petrophysical parameters. Such relations may be helpful in elastic and reservoir properties estimation over the area covered by the seismic survey.
Defining the Cubature Changes of Historic St. Kinga Chamber in Bochnia Salt Mine, Using Laser Scanning Technology
Authors: Szafarczyk Anna , Gawałkiewicz Rafał
Published: March 2018

In Poland, there are many mining enterprises, of historic character registered in the UNESCO World Heritage List. One of the oldest mining enterprises in Poland is the Salt Mine in Bochnia. The processes inside the rock mass require that surveying services carry out regular geometric control of the cavities. A particular attention should be paid (due to its sacral function) on St. Kinga Chamber, located 195 metres below the surface, on the mine level “August”. So far measurement technologies have been connected with the studies on changes in the geometry of cavities and based on linear bases used to measure convergence. This only provides discrete information (in a point) and not always presents a real state of deformation. In the scanning method, in practice a three dimension image of changes (structural deformations) is obtained, impossible to determine with the application of measurement methods, applied to measure the value of linear convergence (the method with a limited number of bases). Laser scanning, apart from determining the value of volume convergence, gives also the possibility of the visualization of 3D cavern. Moreover, it provides direct information to update mining numerical maps and make it possible to generate various cross-sections through the cavern. The authors analysed the possibility of the application of laser scanning (scanner Faro Focus 3D), as a modern tool allowing the measuring of the value of volume convergence.
Research for Forming up the Controlling Diagram Utilizing the Connection of a LV Resistor on Voltage Transformer’s Open-Triagle Coil to Reduce over Voltage Caused by Earth Fault in 6 kV Grid of QuangNinh Underground Mines
Authors: Viet Bun Ho , Xuan Thanh Le
Published: March 2018

Single phase earth-fault in MV grids usually causes overvoltage that harm to human being and electric equipment. If the magnitude of over voltage is so great, many grids’ eco-technical parameters will be affected. The paper analyzes all possible consequences of over voltage occurred in 6 kV grid of QuangNinh underground mines. Base on the analysis, a controlling diagram utilizing the connection of a LV resistor on voltage transformer’s open-triangle coil to reduce over voltage is recommended. The simulation results of the diagram are used to prove the effectiveness of solution: the over voltage magnitude is only in the range of (2,1–2,4).Uf. Other advantage that solution brings to relay system will be pointed out.
Integrated Reporting as a Tool for Communicating with Stakeholders – Advantages and Disadvantages
Authors: Matuszyk Iwona , Rymkiewicz Bartosz
Published: March 2018

Financial and non-financial reporting from the beginning of its existence is the primary source of communication between the company and a wide range of stakeholders. Over the decades it has adapted to the needs of rapidly changing business and social environment. Currently, the final link in the evolution of organizational reporting, such as integrated reporting, assumes integration and mutual connectivity to both financial and non-financial data. The main interest in the concept of integrated reporting comes from the value it contributes to the organization. Undoubtedly, the concept of integrated reporting is a milestone in the evolution of organizational reporting. It is however important to consider whether it adequately addresses the information needs of a wide range of stakeholders, and whether it is a universal tool for communication between the company and its stakeholders. The aim of the paper is to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the concept of integrated reporting as a tool for communication with stakeholders and to further directions of its development. The article uses the research methods such as literature analysis, the content analysis of the corporate publications and comparative analysis.
Integration of Biochemometrics and Molecular Networking to Identify Antimicrobials in Angelica keiskei
Authors: Caesar Lindsay , Kellogg Joshua , Kvalheim Olav , Cech Richard , Cech Nadja
Published: March 2018

Botanical medicines have been utilized for centuries, but it remains challenging to identify bioactive constituents from complex botanical extracts. Bioassay-guided fractionation is often biased toward abundant or easily isolatable compounds. To comprehensively evaluate active botanical mixtures, methods that allow for the prioritization of active compounds are needed. To this end, a method integrating bioassay-guided fractionation, biochemometric selectivity ratio analysis, and molecular networking was devised and applied to Angelica keiskei to comprehensively evaluate its antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. This approach enabled the identification of putative active constituents early in the fractionation process and provided structural information for these compounds. A subset of chalcone analogs were prioritized for isolation, yielding 4-hydroxyderricin (1, minimal inhibitory concentration [MIC] ≤ 4.6 µM, IC50 = 2.0 µM), xanthoangelol (2, MIC ≤ 4.0 µM, IC50 = 2.3) and xanthoangelol K (4, IC50 = 168 µM). This approach allowed for the identification of a low-abundance compound (xanthoangelol K) that has not been previously reported to possess antimicrobial activity and facilitated a more comprehensive understanding of the compounds responsible for A. keiskei’s antimicrobial activity.
Flexible Hilfe
Authors: Dißmann Steffen
Published: March 2018

Autismus-Therapie Bei Menschen mit einer Autismus-Spektrum-Störung ist es wichtig, dass Pflegende flexibel und anpassungsfähig auf sie reagieren. Außerdem
sollten die Angehörigen aktiv in die Therapie miteinbezogen werden, damit sie das Verhalten des Betroffenen verstehen und lernen, damit umzugehen. Unser Autor
stellt praxiserprobte Methoden vor, mit denen eine professionelle Unterstützung gelingen kann.
Acoustic metacages for sound shielding with steady air flow
Authors: Shen Chen , Xie Yangbo , Li Junfei , Cummer Steven A. , Jing Yun
Published: March 2018

Conventional sound shielding structures typically prevent fluid transport between the exterior and interior. A design of a two-dimensional acoustic metacage with subwavelength thickness which can shield acoustic waves from all directions while allowing steady fluid flow is presented in this paper. The structure is designed based on acoustic gradient-index metasurfaces composed of open channels and shunted Helmholtz resonators. In-plane sound at an arbitrary angle of incidence is reflected due to the strong parallel momentum on the metacage surface, which leads to low sound transmission through the metacage. The performance of the proposed metacage is verified by numerical simulations and measurements on a three-dimensional printed prototype. The acoustic metacage has potential applications in sound insulation where steady fluid flow is necessary or advantageous.
Quantitative study of energy-transfer mechanism in Eu,O-codoped GaN by time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy
Authors: Inaba Tomohiro , Kojima Takanori , Yamashita Genki , Matsubara Eiichi , Mitchell Brandon , Miyagawa Reina , Eryu Osamu , Tatebayashi Jun , Ashida Masaaki , Fujiwara Yasufumi
Published: March 2018

In order to investigate the excitation processes in Eu,O-codoped GaN (GaN:Eu,O), the time-resolved photoluminescence signal including the rising part is analyzed. A rate equation is developed based upon a model for the excitation processes in GaN:Eu to fit the experimental data. The non-radiative recombination rate of the trap state in the GaN host, the energy transfer rate between the Eu3+ ions and the GaN host, the radiative transition probability of Eu3+ ion, as well as the ratio of the number of luminescent sites (OMVPE 4α and OMVPE 4β), are simultaneously determined. It is revealed and quantified that radiative transition probability of the Eu ion is the bottleneck for the enhancement of light output from GaN:Eu. We also evaluate the effect of the growth conditions on the luminescent efficiency of GaN:Eu quantitatively, and find the correlation between emission intensity of GaN:Eu and the fitting parameters introduced in our model.
Calibration and energy measurement of optically levitated nanoparticle sensors
Authors: Hebestreit Erik , Frimmer Martin , Reimann René , Dellago Christoph , Ricci Francesco , Novotny Lukas
Published: March 2018

Optically levitated nanoparticles offer enormous potential for precision sensing. However, as for any other metrology device, the absolute measurement performance of a levitated-particle sensor is limited by the accuracy of the calibration relating the measured signal to an absolute displacement of the particle. Here, we suggest and demonstrate calibration protocols for levitated-nanoparticle sensors. Our calibration procedures include the treatment of anharmonicities in the trapping potential, as well as a protocol using a harmonic driving force, which is applicable if the sensor is coupled to a heat bath of unknown temperature. Finally, using the calibration, we determine the center-of-mass temperature of an optically levitated particle in thermal equilibrium from its motion and discuss the optimal measurement time required to determine the said temperature.
Low temperature anomaly of light stimulated magnetization and heat capacity of the 1D diluted magnetic semiconductors
Authors: Geffe Chernet Amente
Published: March 2018

This article reports magnetization and specific heat capacity anomalies in one dimensional diluted magnetic semiconductors observed at very low temperatures. Based on quantum field theory double time temperature dependent Green function technique is employed to evaluate magnon dispersion and the time correlation function. It is understood that magnon-photon coupling and magnetic impurity concentration controls both, such that near absolute temperature magnetization is nearly zero and abruptly increase to saturation level with decreasing magnon-photon coupling strength. We also found out dropping of magnetic specific heat capacity as a result of increase in magnetic impurity concentration x, perhaps because of inter-band disorder that would suppress the enhancement of density of spin waves.
Measurements of long-wavelength spin waves for the magnetic field in the Damon-Eshbach, backward-volume and forward-volume geometries of an yttrium iron garnet film
Authors: Bang Wonbae , Lim Jinho , Trossman Jonathan , Amanov Dovran , Jungfleisch Matthias B. , Hoffmann Axel , Ketterson John B.
Published: March 2018

We report systematic measurements of the dispersion of long wavelength spin waves for a wide range of wave vectors for the magnetic field along the three principal directions defining the forward volume, backward volume and Damon-Eshbach modes of a 9.72 μm thick film of an yttrium iron garnet obtained using lithographically patterned, multi-element, spatially resonant, antennas. Overall good agreement is found between the experimental data for the backward volume and Damon-Eshbach modes and the magnetostatic theory of Damon and Eshbach. Also, good agreement is found between the experimental data for the forward volume mode and the theory of Damon and van de Vaart.
Integrated Tokamak modeling: When physics informs engineering and research planning
Authors: Poli Francesca Maria
Published: March 2018

Modeling tokamaks enables a deeper understanding of how to run and control our experiments and how to design stable and reliable reactors. We model tokamaks to understand the nonlinear dynamics of plasmas embedded in magnetic fields and contained by finite size, conducting structures, and the interplay between turbulence, magneto-hydrodynamic instabilities, and wave propagation. This tutorial guides through the components of a tokamak simulator, highlighting how high-fidelity simulations can guide the development of reduced models that can be used to understand how the dynamics at a small scale and short time scales affects macroscopic transport and global stability of plasmas. It discusses the important role that reduced models have in the modeling of an entire plasma discharge from startup to termination, the limits of these models, and how they can be improved. It discusses the important role that efficient workflows have in the coupling between codes, in the validation of models against experiments and in the verification of theoretical models. Finally, it reviews the status of integrated modeling and addresses the gaps and needs towards predictions of future devices and fusion reactors.
X-ray absorption spectroscopy study of annealing process on Sr1–xLaxCuO2 electron-doped cuprate thin films
Authors: Galdi A. , Orgiani P. , Sacco C. , Gobaut B. , Torelli P. , Aruta C. , Brookes N. B. , Minola M. , Harter J. W. , Shen K. M. , Schlom D. G. , Maritato L.
Published: March 2018

The superconducting properties of Sr1–xLaxCuO2 thin films are strongly affected by sample preparation procedures, including the annealing step, which are not always well controlled. We have studied the evolution of Cu L2,3 and O K edge x-ray absorption spectra (XAS) of Sr1–xLaxCuO2 thin films as a function of reducing annealing, both qualitatively and quantitatively. By using linearly polarized radiation, we are able to identify the signatures of the presence of apical oxygen in the as-grown sample and its gradual removal as a function of duration of 350 °C Ar annealing performed on the same sample. Even though the as-grown sample appears to be hole doped, we cannot identify the signature of the Zhang-Rice singlet in the O K XAS, and it is extremely unlikely that the interstitial excess oxygen can give rise to a superconducting or even a metallic ground state. XAS and x-ray linear dichroism analyses are, therefore, shown to be valuable tools to improving the control over the annealing process of electron doped superconductors.
Nonlinear beat excitation of low frequency wave in degenerate plasmas
Authors: Mir Zahid , Shahid M. , Jamil M. , Rasheed A. , Shahbaz A.
Published: March 2018

The beat phenomenon due to the coupling of two signals at slightly different frequencies that generates the low frequency signal is studied. The linear dispersive properties of the pump and sideband are analyzed. The modified nonlinear dispersion relation through the field coupling of linear modes against the beat frequency is derived in the homogeneous quantum dusty magnetoplasmas. The dispersion relation is used to derive the modified growth rate of three wave parametric instability. Moreover, significant quantum effects of electrons through the exchange-correlation potential, the Bohm potential, and the Fermi pressure evolved in macroscopic three wave interaction are presented. The analytical results are interpreted graphically describing the significance of the work. The applications of this study are pointed out at the end of introduction.
The role of Herzberg-Teller effects on the resonance Raman spectrum of trans-porphycene investigated by time dependent density functional theory
Authors: Guthmuller Julien
Published: March 2018

The S1 excited state properties as well as the associated absorption and resonance Raman (RR) spectra of trans-porphycene are investigated by means of time dependent density functional theory calculations. The relative magnitude of the Franck-Condon (FC) contribution and of the Herzberg-Teller (HT) effects is evaluated for both the absorption and RR intensities. The accuracy of the calculated spectra is assessed by employing different theoretical approximations and by comparing with experimental data. The obtained results show that Duschinsky effects lead to noticeable modifications in the absorption intensities but are nearly negligible in the RR spectrum. By contrast, the HT effects are stronger for the RR intensities compared to the absorption intensities, and these effects significantly improve the agreement with the experimental RR spectrum. Moreover, the HT effects produce different values of the RR depolarization ratios, which can be used to quantify the relative importance of the FC and HT contributions. Generally, it is found that the HT effects have a significant role on the RR spectrum of trans-porphycene and that their inclusion in the computational scheme is mandatory to accurately predict the RR intensities.
Microscopic structural descriptor of liquid water
Authors: Shi Rui , Tanaka Hajime
Published: March 2018

The microscopic structure of liquid water has been believed to be the key to the understanding of the unique properties of this extremely important substance. Many structural descriptors have been developed for revealing local structural order in water, but their properties are still not well understood. The essential difficulty comes from structural fluctuations due to thermal noise, which are intrinsic to the liquid state. The most popular and widely used descriptors are the local structure index (LSI) and d5. Recently, Russo and Tanaka [Nat. Commun. 3, 3556 (2014)] introduced a new descriptor ζ which measures the translational order between the first and second shells considering hydrogen bonding (H-bonding) in the first shell. In this work, we compare the performance of these three structural descriptors for a popular water model known as TIP5P water. We show that local structural ordering can be properly captured only by the structural descriptor ζ, but not by the other two descriptors particularly at a high temperature, where thermal noise effects are severe. The key difference of ζ from LSI and d5 is that only ζ considers H-bonding which is crucial to detect high translational and tetrahedral order of not only oxygen but also hydrogen atoms. The importance of H-bonding is very natural, considering the fact that the locally favored structures are stabilized by energy gain due to the formation of four hydrogen bonds between the central water molecule and its neighboring ones in the first shell. Our analysis of the water structure by using ζ strongly supports the two-state model of water: water is a dynamic mixture of locally favored (ordered) and normal-liquid (disordered) structures. This work demonstrates the importance of H-bonding in the characterization of water’s structures and provides a useful structural descriptor for water-type tetrahedral liquids to study their structure and dynamics.
Stress management: New model describes heterostructure’s piezoelectric responses to external pressure
Authors: Liebendorfer Adam
Published: March 2018

Constructed with data from bending transistors, a new model looks to predict behavior of 2-D electron gases inside AlGaN/GaN heterostructures.
Temporally differential protein expression of glycolytic and glycogenic enzymes during in vitro preimplantation bovine embryo development
Authors: García-Herreros Manuel , Simintiras Constantine A. , Lonergan Patrick
Published: March 2018

Proteomic analyses are useful for understanding the metabolic pathways governing embryo development. This study investigated the presence of enzymes involved in glycolysis and glycogenesis in in vitro-produced bovine embryos at five developmental stages leading up to blastocyst formation. The enzymes examined were: (1) glycolytic: hexokinase-I (HK-I), phosphofructokinase-1 (PFK-1), pyruvate kinase mutase 1/2 (PKM-1/2), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and (2) glycogenic: glycogen synthase kinase-3 isoforms α/ β (GSK-3α/β). Glucose transporter-1 (GLUT-1) was also analysed. The developmental stages examined were: (1) 2–4-cell, (2) 5–8-cell, (3) 16-cell, (4) morula and (5) expanded blastocyst. The enzymes HK-I, PFK-1, PKM-1/2, GAPDH and GLUT-1 were differentially expressed throughout all stages (P < 0.05). GSK-3α and β were also differentially expressed from the 2–4-cell to the expanded blastocyst stage (P < 0.05) and GLUT-1 was identified throughout. The general trend was that the abundance of PFK1, GAPDH and PKM-1/2 decreased whereas HK-I, phospho-GSK3α (P-GSK3α) and P-GSK3β levels increased as the embryo advanced. In contrast, GLUT-1 expression peaked at the 16-cell stage. These data combined suggest that in vitro bovine embryo metabolism switches from being glycolytic-centric to glycogenic-centric around the 16-cell stage, the developmental window also characterised by embryonic genome activation.
Antioxidant β-cryptoxanthin enhances porcine oocyte maturation and subsequent embryo development in vitro
Authors: Park Yun-Gwi , Lee Seung-Eun , Son Yeo-Jin , Jeong Sang-Gi , Shin Min-Young , Kim Won-Jae , Kim Eun-Young , Park Se-Pill
Published: March 2018

Oxidative stress is partly responsible for the poor quality of IVM oocytes. The present study investigated the effects of the antioxidant β-cryptoxanthin on the IVM of porcine oocytes and the in vitro development of the ensuing embryos. Oocytes were matured in IVM medium containing different concentrations of β-cryptoxanthin (0, 0.1, 1, 10 or 100 μM). Treatment with 1 µM β-cryptoxanthin (Group 1B) improved polar body extrusion and the expression of maturation-related genes in cumulus cells and oocytes compared with control. In addition, levels of reactive oxygen species decreased significantly in Group 1B, whereas there were significant increases in glutathione levels and expression of the antioxidant genes superoxide dismutase 1 and peroxiredoxin 5 in this group. After parthenogenetic activation, although the cleavage rate did not differ between the control and 1B groups, the blastocyst formation rate was higher in the latter. Moreover, the total number of cells per blastocyst and relative mRNA levels of pluripotency marker and antioxidant genes were significantly higher in the 1B compared with control group. These results demonstrate that β-cryptoxanthin decreases oxidative stress in porcine oocytes and improves their quality and developmental potential.
The new business environment and trends in tourism.
Authors: Rate S. , Moutinho L. , Ballantyne R.
Published: March 2018

This chapter presents an overview of the new business environment and the recent and probable future trends in tourism. Many facets are covered such as social, cultural, economic, international, communication, infrastructure, institutional, legal and political factors; ecological aspects; and technological developments.
Future economic development in tourism.
Authors: Dwyer L.
Published: March 2018

This chapter presents projections of tourism growth as well as its drivers. Other topics tackled include economic equality, inter-industry effects of tourism growth, challenges to tourism growth in lesser-developed countries, tourism's economic contribution, domestic tourism, industry consolidation, leakages, the costs of tourism growth, and policies for destination competitiveness.
Consumer behaviour in tourism.
Authors: Ballantyne R. , Moutinho L. , Rate S.
Published: March 2018

This chapter introduces the most important classic tenets in consumer behaviour with respect to their applicability in the tourism field. The chapter first deals with behavioural determinants of a broader nature, concentrating on reference group influences. Next, concepts concerning the individual are presented with a focus on: (i) tourist self-image; (ii) perception and cognition; (iii) motivation; and (iv) attitude and intention. Finally, an overview of the decision-making process is given, and other important determinants of tourist decision making, including the 'evoked set', are discussed.
Strategic creativity in tourism business.
Authors: Rajah K. K.
Published: March 2018

This chapter discusses what creativity is all about and why creativity-based approaches can be strategically a more effective way to plan ahead and offer new options to tourism in the context of the experience economy and attention economy. Topics covered include the factors affecting creativity (including motivation, cognitive style and intuition), different types of problems, the creative problem-solving (CPS) process, and the techniques for each CPS stage.
Strategic innovation in tourism business.
Authors: Hjalager A. M.
Published: March 2018

This chapter explores innovations in the tourism sector with some tangible examples, and also examines the relationship between strategy and innovation. A comparison between episodic change, continuous change and innovativeness is introduced. The driving forces behind an innovation strategy are discussed, and key typologies of innovation are also presented.
Empowerment and human resource management in tourism.
Authors: Kokkranikal J. , Wilson J. , Cronje P. , Radhakrishnan N.
Published: March 2018

This chapter analyses the strategic role of employee empowerment in enhancing quality and competitiveness within the tourism industry. Starting with a discussion that reviews some current definitions of empowerment, it intends to arrive at a practical understanding of what empowerment means within the service industry and what this entails. The chapter also explores supporting disciplines, in the interests of looking towards the future of empowerment and its potential to become a core strategic driving force.
Financial management in tourism.
Authors: Wilson J. M. , Moutinho L.
Published: March 2018

This chapter presents a perspective on the financial consequences of common management decisions in tourism, including pricing policies, new service and product introductions, and marketing decisions. Case studies are included as well as discussion of critical issues and caveats. The theme of yield management is covered, as well as the topic of value and profit.
Technology management in tourism.
Authors: Moutinho L. , Vargas-Sánchez A. , Moral-Moral M.
Published: March 2018

This chapter initially presents an overview of technological evolution, followed by a discussion of specific technologies and innovations with a direct impact on tourism. There is also a section on 'smart tourism', and some experiences with technology solutions for tourism are discussed.
Process-based management in tourism.
Authors: Southern G. , Moutinho L.
Published: March 2018

This chapter looks at process thinking in travel and tourism. It first considers what is meant by a business process, the process-based management (PBM) and the act of business process re-engineering (BPR). It then describes management movements that led to the breakthrough in the early 1990s in BPR and other developments since then. The influence of tourism futurecast on the drive towards PBM is covered, as well as the role of PBM in tourism marketing. Examples of BPR in tourism are presented.
Tourism resources and sustainability.
Authors: Gibson D.
Published: March 2018

This chapter focuses on the sustainable management of tourism resources and highlights various sustainability tools. The concepts of sustainable tourism, ecotourism, community-based tourism, pro-poor tourism, and alternative tourism are discussed.
Leveraging known genomic variants to improve detection of variants, especially close-by Indels
Authors: Vo Nam S , Phan Vinhthuy
Published: March 2018

Motivation

The detection of genomic variants has great significance in genomics, bioinformatics, biomedical research and its applications. However, despite a lot of effort, Indels and structural variants are still under-characterized compared to SNPs. Current approaches based on next-generation sequencing data usually require large numbers of reads (high coverage) to be able to detect such types of variants accurately. However Indels, especially those close to each other, are still hard to detect accurately.

Results

We introduce a novel approach that leverages known variant information, e.g. provided by dbSNP, dbVar, ExAC or the 1000 Genomes Project, to improve sensitivity of detecting variants, especially close-by Indels. In our approach, the standard reference genome and the known variants are combined to build a meta-reference, which is expected to be probabilistically closer to the subject genomes than the standard reference. An alignment algorithm, which can take into account known variant information, is developed to accurately align reads to the meta-reference. This strategy resulted in accurate alignment and variant calling even with low coverage data. We showed that compared to popular methods such as GATK and SAMtools, our method significantly improves the sensitivity of detecting variants, especially Indels that are close to each other. In particular, our method was able to call these close-by Indels at a 15–20% higher sensitivity than other methods at low coverage, and still get 1–5% higher sensitivity at high coverage, at competitive precision. These results were validated using simulated data with variant profiles extracted from the 1000 Genomes Project data, and real data from the Illumina Platinum Genomes Project and ExAC database. Our finding suggests that by incorporating known variant information in an appropriate manner, sensitive variant calling is possible at a low cost.

Availability and implementation

Implementation can be found in our public code repository https://github.com/namsyvo/IVC.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Proactive Infliximab Monitoring Following Reactive Testing is Associated With Better Clinical Outcomes Than Reactive Testing Alone in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Papamichael Konstantinos , Vajravelu Ravy K , Vaughn Byron P , Osterman Mark T , Cheifetz Adam S
Published: March 2018

Background and Aims

Reactive testing has emerged as the new standard of care for managing loss of response to infliximab in inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]. Recent data suggest that proactive infliximab monitoring is associated with better therapeutic outcomes in IBD. Nevertheless, there are no data regarding the clinical utility of proactive infliximab monitoring after first reactive testing. We aimed to evaluate long-term outcomes of proactive infliximab monitoring following reactive testing compared with reactive testing alone in patients with IBD.

Methods

This was a retrospective multicenter cohort study of consecutive IBD patients on infliximab maintenance therapy receiving a first reactive testing between September 2006 and January 2015. Patients were divided into two groups; Group A [proactive infliximab monitoring after reactive testing] and Group B [reactive testing alone]. Patients were followed through December 2015. Time-to-event analysis for treatment failure and IBD-related surgery and hospitalization was performed. Treatment failure was defined as drug discontinuation due to either loss of response or serious adverse event.

Results

The study population consisted of 102 [n = 70, 69% with CD] patients [Group A, n = 33 and Group B, n = 69] who were followed for (median, interquartile range [IQR]) 2.7 [1.4–3.8] years. Multiple Cox regression analysis identified proactive following reactive TDM as independently associated with less treatment failure (hazard ratio [HR] 0.15; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.05–0.51; p = 0.002) and fewer IBD-related hospitalizations [HR: 0.18; 95% CI 0.05–0.99; p = 0.007].

Conclusions

This study showed that proactive infliximab monitoring following reactive testing was associated with greater drug persistence and fewer IBD-related hospitalizations than reactive testing alone.
Recent purse-seine FAD fishing strategies in the eastern Pacific Ocean: what is the appropriate number of FADs at sea?
Authors: Lennert-Cody Cleridy E , Moreno Gala , Restrepo Victor , Román Marlon H , Maunder Mark N
Published: March 2018

Concerns about the ecological impact of recent increases in the use of drifting fish-aggregating devices (FADs) have led to implementation of FAD limits worldwide in purse-seine fisheries targeting tropical tunas. However, quantitative analyses supporting such management measures are needed. Analyses of observer data for purse-seine vessels operating in the eastern Pacific Ocean (EPO) during 2012–2015 were conducted. FAD fishing strategies identified in this analysis were found to vary with distance to the coast. Vessels that operated furthest offshore made a large number of FAD deployments and fished primarily on FADs they deployed themselves. Vessels that operated closest to the coast made the fewest FAD deployments and fished about equally on FADs they deployed themselves and on FADs deployed by other vessels. Independent of the FAD fishing strategy, the estimated relationship between deployments and sets was increasing but nonlinear, with a reduced rate of return beyond about 200 deployments. An analysis of the relationship between deployments and standardized catch per successful set, however, provided some support for the hypothesis that more deployments may allow vessels to optimize fishing efficiency. These results highlight the complexity of EPO FAD fishing strategies and have management implications for limits on FAD usage globally.
A Nursing Partnership to Accelerate Academic Progression
Authors: Kumm Sharon , Laverentz Delois
Published: March 2018

Associate degree nursing faculty in a Midwestern state reported that their students were being excluded from many clinical experiences and that their graduates were not being hired in Magnet® or Magnet-seeking hospitals. University and community college faculty formed a partnership to promote academic progression. Barriers of residency requirements, financial aid, and accreditation were overcome. Students complete all BSN prerequisites, take ADN and BSN courses simultaneously, graduate with both degrees, and take the national licensure examination. This is a viable model allowing nursing students to remain in their home town, thus decreasing costs and increasing the number of BSN-prepared nurses in rural areas.