bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating the division kernel of a size-structured population
Authors: Hoang Van Ha
Published: June 2017

We consider a size-structured model describing a population of cells proliferating by division. Each cell contain a quantity of toxicity which grows linearly according to a constant growth rateα. At division, the cells divide at a constant rateRand share their content between the two daughter cells into fractionsΓand 1 −ΓwhereΓhas a symmetric densityhon [ 0,1 ], since the daughter cells are exchangeable. We describe the cell population by a random measure and observe the cells on the time interval [ 0,T] with fixedT. We address here the problem of estimating the division kernelh(or fragmentation kernel) when the division tree is completely observed. An adaptive estimator ofhis constructed based on a kernel functionKwith a fully data-driven bandwidth selection method. We obtain an oracle inequality and an exponential convergence rate, for which optimality is considered.
Boronic Acid Catalysis for Aza-Piancatelli Rearrangement
Authors: Zheng Wen-Hua , Tang Wu-Bang , Cao Kou-Sen , Meng Shan-Shui
Published: June 2017

A first example of boronic acid catalyzed intermolecular aza-Piancatelli rearrangement to access a wide range of trans-4,5-disubstituted cyclopentenones is described. The catalytic system can also be extended to intramolecular aza-Piancatelli rearrangement to afford a wide range of azaspirocycles. Good to excellent yields were obtained in an excellent diastereoselective manner.
Knochengesunde Ernährung bei Arthrose und Osteoporose
Authors: Siedentopp Uwe
Published: June 2017

Bei Arthrose und Osteoporose spielt die Ernährung präventiv und therapeutisch eine wesentliche Rolle. Eine integrative Ernährung bildet einen wichtigen Bestandteil eines therapeutischen Gesamtkonzepts.

Die gezielte ernährungsmedizinische Anamnese und Diagnostik können individuelle Risikofaktoren aufdecken. Bei Arthrose haben neben der Gewichtsnormalisierung chondroprotektive Knorpelnährstoffe wesentliche Bedeutung sowie die ausreichende Versorgung mit den Vitaminen E, C und D. Kalzium und Vitamin D bilden bei gleichzeitig niedriger Phosphataufnahme die Basis für eine gesunde Knochenstruktur, adjuvant sind Phytoöstrogene empfehlenswert.

Die Empfehlungen der chinesischen Diätetik richten sich nach dem jeweiligen Störungsmuster. Sie basieren auf qualitativen Eigenschaften von Lebensmitteln wie Temperaturverhalten, Geschmacksrichtung und Organbezug.

Der Artikel stellt die Charakteristika der integrativen Ernährung vor, die quantitative ernährungswissenschaftliche Aspekte sowie qualitative Lebensmittelmerkmale der chinesischen Medizin berücksichtigt.
Intravesikale Salpingiose – Fallbericht und Literaturüberblick
Authors: Gilbert N. , Guo X. , Bauer J. , Hennig M. , Kümpers C. , Merseburger A.
Published: June 2017

Die Endosalpingiose der Harnblase ist eine sehr seltene benigne Erkrankung der Harnblase gekennzeichnet durch das ektope Auftreten von endosalpingialem Gewebe. Das zusätzliche Vorliegen von endozervikalem oder endometrialem Gewebe wird als Müllerianose bezeichnet. In der englischsprachigen Literatur sind ca. 5 reine Endosalpingiose- und 17 Müllerianosefälle beschrieben. Über die Entstehung der Erkrankung existieren zwei Theorien. Während die Implantationstheorie von der Versprengung ektopen Gewebes durch chirurgische Eingriffe ausgeht, propagiert die Metaplasie-Theorie die Neuentstehung durch einen vermeintlichen hormonellen Einfluss.

Die Symptomatik der Erkrankung ist ebenso vielfältig wie unspezifisch und kann eine Drangsymptomatik, suprapubische Schmerzen, aber auch Dysurie oder Makrohämaturie beinhalten. Die Beschwerden können zudem zyklisch und zyklusabhängig auftreten.

Die Diagnosestellung wird aufgrund der Seltenheit weitestgehend ein Zufallsbefund im Rahmen der zystoskopischen Abklärung dieser Beschwerden bleiben. Eine adäquate Therapie gelingt in der Regel mittels transurethraler Resektion. Allerdings kann es auch bei scheinbar vollständiger Resektion zu Rezidiven kommen, welche zum Teil eventuell einen invasiveren Eingriff nach sich ziehen können.

Wir präsentieren die Kasuistik einer 40-jährigen Patientin mit schmerzhafter Makrohämaturie, bei der zufallsbefundlich eine intravesikale Salpingiose nachgewiesen und die in unserer Klinik mittels transurethraler Resektion behandelt wurde. Zudem geben wir einen Überblick über die vorliegende Literatur dieser seltenen intravesikalen Raumforderung.
Why are GGAs so accurate for reaction kinetics on surfaces? Systematic comparison of hybrid vs. nonhybrid DFT for representative reactions
Authors: Mahler Andrew , Janesko Benjamin G. , Moncho Salvador , Brothers Edward N.
Published: June 2017

“Jacob’s Ladder” of approximate exchange-correlation (XC) functionals in Kohn-Sham density functional theory are widely accepted to have systematic errors in reaction barriers. The first-rung local spin-density approximation (LDA) typically predicts barriers below generalized gradient approximations, which in turn predict barriers below experiment and below fourth-rung hybrid functionals incorporating a fraction of exact exchange. We show that several reactions from previous literature reports, as well as new simulations of carbon-carbon coupling in the Fischer-Tropsch process, do not follow this conventional picture. We introduce the AB9 test set of nine abnormal reaction barriers, in which density gradient corrections and exact exchange admixture tend to lower rather than to raise predicted barriers. Comparisons of normal and abnormal reactions rationalize this phenomenon in terms of how density gradient and exact-exchange corrections stabilize transition states relative to reaction intermediates. Multireference diagnostics confirm that this behavior is not merely a consequence of multireference character. Benchmarks of the AB9 set, using the best available ab initio reference values, highlight the role of symmetry breaking and show surprisingly good performance from both the LDA and “Rung 3.5” functionals. This motivates benchmarks of the AB9 set in future XC functional development.
First-principles study of MnAl for its application in MgO-based perpendicular magnetic tunnel junctions
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Tao L. L. , Zhang Jia , Liang S. H. , Jiang Leina , Han X. F.
Published: June 2017

MnAl, as a prospective candidate of magnetic electrode materials for MgO-based magnetic tunnel junctions, possesses several advantages including the spin polarized Δ1 band, relatively low Gilbert damping factor, and large perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. Here, we report a thorough first-principles investigation on MnAl/MgO/MnAl-magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs). It is found that the bulk anisotropy density is 17.39 Merg/cm3, while the interfacial anisotropy contribution is evaluated to be 0.12 erg/cm2 and 0.44 erg/cm2 for Mn- and Al-terminated structures, respectively. The large anisotropy can be attributed to dyz and dz2 orbits. Furthermore, the formation of a Mn-O bond on the interface of MnAl/MgO is shown to be detrimental for the improvement of perpendicular anisotropy. On the other hand, a giant zero-bias tunneling magnetoresistance ratio is predicted and can be maintained over 2000% even for a bias up to 0.6 V for Mn-terminated MTJs. The in-plane spin transfer torque for Mn-terminated MTJs increases linearly with a bias up to 0.6 V due to the large net spin-polarized current. This work paves the way for the further application of MnAl-based perpendicular magnetic tunnel junctions.
Modeling the effects of lanthanum, nitrogen, and fluorine treatments of Si-SiON-HfO2-TiN gate stacks in 28 nm high-k-metal gate technology
Authors: Leitsmann Roman , Lazarevic Florian , Drescher Maximilian , Erben Elke
Published: June 2017

We have carried out a combined experimental and theoretical study on the influence of lanthanum, nitrogen, and fluorine treatments on the electric properties of high-k metal gate (HKMG) devices. In particular, we have developed a theoretical gate stack model which is able to predict qualitatively and quantitatively the influence of nitrogen, fluorine, and lanthanum treatments on the characteristic electric properties of Si-SiON-HfO2 gate stacks. The combination of this theoretical model with experimental investigations of several differently treated HKMG devices allows the estimation of the amount of incorporated impurity atoms in different material layers. Furthermore, we propose an atomistic mechanism for the incorporation of lanthanum and fluorine impurity atoms and we can explain the results of recent leakage current measurements by a passivation of oxygen vacancies within the HfO2 layer.
Dose-rate dependence of damage buildup in 3C-SiC
Authors: Bayu Aji L. B. , Li T. T. , Wallace J. B. , Kucheyev S. O.
Published: June 2017

The influence of the defect generation rate on radiation damage processes in SiC remains poorly understood. Here, we use a combination of ion channeling and transmission electron microscopy to systematically study the dose-rate dependence of damage buildup in 3C-SiC bombarded in the temperature range of 25–200 °C with 500 keV Ar ions. The results reveal a pronounced dose-rate effect, whose magnitude increases close-to-linearly with temperature. When ion dose and temperature are held constant, the dose-rate dependence of the damage level is nonlinear, with saturation at high dose rates. Electron microscopy reveals that the average size of stable defect clusters increases with increasing dose rate. These findings have important implications for understanding and predicting radiation damage in SiC.
Perovskite substrates boost the thermopower of cobaltate thin films at high temperatures
Authors: Yordanov P. , Wochner P. , Ibrahimkutty S. , Dietl C. , Wrobel F. , Felici R. , Gregori G. , Maier J. , Keimer B. , Habermeier H.-U.
Published: June 2017

Transition metal oxides are promising candidates for thermoelectric applications, because they are stable at high temperature and because strong electronic correlations can generate large Seebeck coefficients, but their thermoelectric power factors are limited by the low electrical conductivity. We report transport measurements on Ca3Co4O9 films on various perovskite substrates and show that reversible incorporation of oxygen into SrTiO3 and LaAlO3 substrates activates a parallel conduction channel for p-type carriers, greatly enhancing the thermoelectric performance of the film-substrate system at temperatures above 450 °C. Thin-film structures that take advantage of both electronic correlations and the high oxygen mobility of transition metal oxides thus open up new perspectives for thermopower generation at high temperature.
Pinhole density and contact resistivity of carrier selective junctions with polycrystalline silicon on oxide
Authors: Wietler T. F. , Tetzlaff D. , Krügener J. , Rienäcker M. , Haase F. , Larionova Y. , Brendel R. , Peibst R.
Published: June 2017

In the pursuit of ever higher conversion efficiencies for silicon photovoltaic cells, polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si) layers on thin silicon oxide films were shown to form excellent carrier-selective junctions on crystalline silicon substrates. Investigating the pinhole formation that is induced in the thermal processing of the poly-Si on oxide (POLO) junctions is essential for optimizing their electronic performance. We observe the pinholes in the oxide layer by selective etching of the underlying crystalline silicon. The originally nm-sized pinholes are thus readily detected using simple optical and scanning electron microscopy. The resulting pinhole densities are in the range of 6.6 × 106 cm−2 to 1.6 × 108 cm−2 for POLO junctions with selectivities close to S10 = 16, i.e., saturation current density J0c below 10 fA/cm2 and contact resistivity ρc below 10 mΩcm2. The measured pinhole densities agree with values deduced by a pinhole-mediated current transport model. Thus, we conclude pinhole-mediated current transport to be the dominating transport mechanism in the POLO junctions investigated here.
Surface properties of topological insulator Bi2Se3 nanoparticles separated by impedance spectroscopy
Authors: Choi Dong Min , Lee Kyu Won , Jeon Gi Wan , Kim Do Wan , Lee Cheol Eui
Published: June 2017

We have separated the surface and bulk electrical properties of the Bi2Se3 nanoparticles by means of impedance spectroscopy. An equivalent circuit analysis of the complex impedance data comprising two separate resistance components, RB and RS, and two separate inductance components, LB and LS, enabled us to separate the bulk and surface properties of the topological insulator. One of the resistance components, RS, attributed to the surface, showed no temperature dependence, whereas the other, RB, attributed to the bulk, showed a weak metallic behavior. With increasing surface-to-bulk ratio by mixing with insulating Al2O3 nanoparticles up to the ratio of 1:1, the surface resistivity showed decrease up to ∼70%, whereas the bulk resistivity showed increase up to ∼150%. While the bulk state showed increasing electrical resistivity up to 200% with aging up to 30 days, the surface state resistivity did not show an aging effect.
ZBP1/DAI ubiquitination and sensing of influenza vRNPs activate programmed cell death
Authors: Kesavardhana Sannula , Kuriakose Teneema , Guy Clifford S. , Samir Parimal , Malireddi R.K. Subbarao , Mishra Ashutosh , Kanneganti Thirumala-Devi
Published: June 2017

Innate sensing of influenza virus infection induces activation of programmed cell death pathways. We have recently identified Z-DNA–binding protein 1 (ZBP1) as an innate sensor of influenza A virus (IAV). ZBP1-mediated IAV sensing is critical for triggering programmed cell death in the infected lungs. Surprisingly, little is known about the mechanisms regulating ZBP1 activation to induce programmed cell death. Here, we report that the sensing of IAV RNA by retinoic acid inducible gene I (RIG-I) initiates ZBP1-mediated cell death via the RIG-I–MAVS–IFN-β signaling axis. IAV infection induces ubiquitination of ZBP1, suggesting potential regulation of ZBP1 function through posttranslational modifications. We further demonstrate that ZBP1 senses viral ribonucleoprotein (vRNP) complexes of IAV to trigger cell death. These findings collectively indicate that ZBP1 activation requires RIG-I signaling, ubiquitination, and vRNP sensing to trigger activation of programmed cell death pathways during IAV infection. The mechanism of ZBP1 activation described here may have broader implications in the context of virus-induced cell death.
Bilateral key comparison on luminous flux COOMET.PR-K4.1. final report
Authors: Huriev M , Khlevnoy B , Tolstykh G , Ivashin E , Gorchkova T
Published: June 2017

This report describes an international bilateral key comparison on luminous flux of tungsten lamps between the National Scientific Centre 'Institute of Metrology' (NSC 'IM', Ukraine) and All-Russian Research Institute for Optical and Physical Measurements (VNIIOFI, Russia). The comparison is intended to determine the Degrees of Equivalence (DoE) for NSC 'IM' and the associated expanded uncertainty. VNIIOFI acts as a laboratory, providing the link to the comparison CCPR-K4. The comparison used a set of tungsten incandescent lamps as a transfer standard with a luminous flux of approximately 3800 lm. The determined DoE of NSC 'IM' is -0.94% with an expanded uncertainty (k = 2) of 1.05%.

Main text

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCPR, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Using the Revised Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Staging System to Classify Persons Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus in New York City, 2011–2015
Authors: Xia Qiang , Braunstein Sarah L. , Torian Lucia V.
Published: June 2017

The proportion of persons living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in New York City in stage 1 (CD4 ≥ 500 cells/mm3) increased from 50.6% in 2011 to 59.6% in 2015. The revised Centers for Disease Control and Prevention staging system of HIV infection is a useful tool with which to classify persons living with HIV.
Brief Report: Should Abacavir Be a First-Line Alternative for Adults With HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa?
Authors: Lee Guinevere Q. , McCluskey Suzanne , Boum Yap , Hunt Peter W. , Martin Jeffrey N. , Bangsberg David R. , Gao Xiaojiang , Harrigan P. Richard , Haberer Jessica E. , Siedner Mark J.
Published: June 2017

Despite a poor toxicity profile, zidovudine supersedes abacavir (ABC) as an alternative first-line agent in most international treatment guidelines because of concerns about HLA-B*57:01-related ABC-hypersensitivity. We detected one case of HLA-B*57:01 carriage among 513 HIV-infected individuals in Uganda, which, in combination with previous reports, supports the safety of ABC in the region.
Clozapine Safety and Efficacy for Interictal Psychotic Disorder in Pharmacoresistant Epilepsy
Authors: Jetté Pomerleau Vincent , Dubeau François , Ducharme Simon
Published: June 2017

Since the middle of the 19th century, both neurologists and psychiatrists have linked psychosis and epilepsy. Clozapine, the most effective antipsychotic drug, alters electroencephalographic activity and carries a significant risk of causing seizures. Unfortunately, this risk limits the drug’s potential use in treating pharmacoresistant psychosis in patients with epilepsy. We present a unique case in which we used clozapine successfully as a last resort treatment for chronic interictal psychosis in a 43-year-old woman with severe pharmacoresistant epilepsy and recurrent status epilepticus. Her psychotic symptoms improved markedly without an increase in the frequency of seizures despite gradual titration of the clozapine dose up to 300 mg daily. Her response demonstrates that, properly monitored, clozapine can be an effective treatment for psychosis even in patients with daily seizures.
Dermoscopic features of ocular and extraocular sebaceous carcinomas
Authors: Satomura Hanae , Ogata Dai , Arai Eichi , Tsuchida Tetsuya
Published: June 2017

Sebaceous carcinomas are rare but potentially fatal malignant adenocarcinomas with varying degrees of sebaceous differentiation. Several dermoscopic findings of extraocular sebaceous carcinomas have been reported; however, there are no previous reports of ocular sebaceous carcinomas detected using dermoscopy. We present a case of ocular sebaceous carcinomas showing specific findings from dermoscopy, and describe the common dermoscopic characteristics. In our cases and a review of cases in the literature, we noted that polymorphous vessels and yellowish areas were observed in all eight cases. Thus, we consider that dermoscopic findings of polymorphous vessels with yellow backgrounds suggest sebaceous carcinoma.
Toward establishing model organisms for marine protists: Successful transfection protocols for Parabodo caudatus (Kinetoplastida: Excavata)
Authors: Gomaa Fatma , Garcia Paulo A. , Delaney Jennifer , Girguis Peter R. , Buie Cullen R. , Edgcomb Virginia P.
Published: June 2017

We developed protocols for, and demonstrated successful transfection of, the free‐living kinetoplastid flagellate Parabodo caudatus with three plasmids carrying a fluorescence reporter gene (pEF‐GFP with the EF1 alpha promoter, pUB‐GFP with Ubiquitin C promoter, and pEYFP‐Mitotrap with CMV promoter). We evaluated three electroporation approaches: (1) a square‐wave electroporator designed for eukaryotes, (2) a novel microfluidic transfection system employing hydrodynamically‐controlled electric field waveforms, and (3) a traditional exponential decay electroporator. We found the microfluidic device provides a simple and efficient platform to quickly test a wide range of electric field parameters to find the optimal set of conditions for electroporation of target species. It also allows for processing large sample volumes (>10 ml) within minutes, increasing throughput 100 times over cuvettes. Fluorescence signal from the reporter gene was detected a few hours after transfection and persisted for 3 days in cells transfected by pEF‐GFP and pUB‐GFP plasmids and for at least 5 days post‐transfection for cells transfected with pEYFP‐Mitotrap. Expression of the reporter genes (GFP and YFP) was also confirmed using reverse transcription‐PCR (RT‐PCR). This work opens the door for further efforts with this taxon and close relatives toward establishing model systems for genome editing.
Unrecognized crisis management—Normalizing everyday work
Authors: Oscarsson Olof , Danielsson Erna
Published: June 2017

The aim of this study was to examine the practices of crisis management adopted by operative staff when facing a crisis situation in their workplace. This research is based on interviews with personnel from social services and staff from homes for unaccompanied youth. The interviewees asked respondents about their actions in caring for young refugees during the refugee situation. The results are structured around three themes: everyday practices, crisis work, and the process of normalization. Three practices for handling the situation—improvisation, prioritization, and creating alternatives—served as crisis management‐as‐practice. The staff members' everyday practice for solving problems became the basic method employed during the crisis to normalize everyday work.
Germination‐Assisted Enzymatic Hydrolysis Can Improve the Quality of Soybean Protein
Authors: Yang Hui , Li Xin , Gao Jinyan , Tong Ping , Yang Anshu , Chen Hongbing
Published: June 2017

This study aimed to investigate the effects of combined germination and Alcalase hydrolysis on the quality of soybean protein. Protein profiles, water solubility, foaming and emulsifying properties, thixotropic properties, and in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD) were tested, the chemical score (CS), essential amino acid index (EAAI), and protein efficiency ratio (PER) of soybean protein were also defined. The combined treatment of germination and Alcalase hydrolysis remarkably improved the solubility, emulsification activity index, emulsion stability index, and foaming capacity of soybean protein. Notably, a decrease in foaming stability was detected. The electrophoretic profile showed a weak breakdown of soybean protein during germination. However, a strong breakdown of protein was observed after the hydrolysis with Alcalase. The combined treatment also decreased the CS and EAAI of soybean protein, but only by 18%. Meanwhile, the IVPD and PER of soybean protein were significantly improved. Moreover, the protein of the germinated and hydrolyzed soybean flour demonstrated better swallowing properties. These findings indicated that the combined treatment of germination and enzymatic hydrolysis can improve the quality of soybean protein.
Myosin substitution rate is affected by the amount of cytosolic myosin in cultured muscle cells
Authors: Ojima Koichi , Ichimura Emi , Yasukawa Yuya , Oe Mika , Muroya Susumu , Suzuki Takahiro , Wakamatsu Jun‐ichi , Nishimura Takanori
Published: June 2017

In striated muscles, approximately 300 myosin molecules form a single thick filament in myofibrils. Each myosin is continuously displaced by another myosin to maintain the thick filament structure. Our previous study using a fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) technique showed that the myosin replacement rate is decreased by inhibition of protein synthesis, but myosin is still exchangeable. This result prompted us to examine whether myosin in the cytoplasm is involved in myosin replacement in myofibrils. To address this, FRAP was measured in green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐tagged myosin heavy chain 3 (Myh3) expressing myotubes that were treated with streptolysin‐O (SLO), which forms pores specifically in the plasma membrane to induce leakage of cytoplasmic proteins. Our biochemical data demonstrated that the cytoplasmic myosin content was reduced in SLO‐permeabilized semi‐intact myotubes. Furthermore, FRAP experiments showed a sluggish substitution rate of GFP‐Myh3 in SLO‐permeabilized myotubes. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the myosin substitution rate is significantly reduced by a decreased amount of myosin in the cytoplasm and that cytoplasmic myosin contributes to myosin replacement in myofibrils.
Synthesis, biological evaluation and docking studies of trans‐stilbene methylthio derivatives as cytochromes P450 family 1 inhibitors
Authors: Wierzchowski Marcin , Dutkiewicz Zbigniew , Gielara‐Korzańska Agnieszka , Korzański Artur , Teubert Anna , Teżyk Artur , Stefański Tomasz , Baer‐Dubowska Wanda , Mikstacka Renata
Published: June 2017

Cytochromes P450 family 1 (CYP1) are responsible for the metabolism of procarcinogens, for example polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and aromatic and heterocyclic amines. The inhibition of CYP1 activity is examined in terms of chemoprevention and cancer chemotherapy. We designed and synthesized a series of trans‐stilbene derivatives possessing a combination of methoxy and methylthio functional groups attached in different positions to the trans‐stilbene skeleton. We determined the effects of synthesized compounds on the activities of human recombinant CYP1A1, CYP1A2 and CYP1B1 and, to explain the variation of inhibitory potency of methoxystilbene derivatives and their methylthio analogues, we employed computational analysis. The compounds were docked to CYP1A1, CYP1A2 and CYP1B1 binding sites with the use of Accelrys Discovery Studio 4.0 by the CDOCKER procedure. For CYP1A2 and CYP1B1, values of scoring functions correlated well with inhibitory potency of stilbene derivatives. All compounds were relatively poor inhibitors of CYP1A2 that possess the most narrow and flat enzyme cavity among CYP1s. For the most active CYP1A1 inhibitor, 2‐methoxy‐4′‐methylthio‐trans‐stilbene, a high number of molecular interactions was observed, although the interaction energies were not distinctive.
Molecular modeling study on the tubulin‐binding modes of epothilone derivatives: Insight into the structural basis for epothilones activity
Authors: Jiménez Verónica A. , Alderete Joel B. , Navarrete Karen R.
Published: June 2017

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were employed to study the tubulin‐binding modes of 20 epothilone derivatives spanning a wide range of antitumor activity. Trajectory analysis revealed that active ligands shared a common region of association and similar binding poses compared to the high‐resolution crystal structure of the tubulin complex with epothilone A, the stathmin‐like protein RB3, and tubulin tyrosine ligase (PDB code 4I50). Conformational analysis of epothilones in aqueous solution and tubulin‐bound states indicated that the bound conformations of active species can be found to a significant extent within the ensemble of conformers available in aqueous solution. On the other hand, inactive derivatives were unable to adopt bound‐like conformations in aqueous solution, thus requiring an extensive conformational pre‐organization to accomplish an effective interaction with the tubulin receptor. Additionally, MD results revealed that epothilone binding‐induced structuring of the M‐loop and local flexibility changes in protein regions involved in interdimeric contacts that are relevant for microtubule stabilization. These results provide novel, valuable structural information to increase understanding about the underlying molecular aspects of epothilones activity and support further work on the search for new active tubulin‐binding agents.
Young children seek out biased information about social groups
Authors: Over Harriet , Eggleston Adam , Bell Jenny , Dunham Yarrow
Published: June 2017

Understanding the origins of prejudice necessitates exploring the ways in which children participate in the construction of biased representations of social groups. We investigate whether young children actively seek out information that supports and extends their initial intergroup biases. In Studies 1 and 2, we show that children choose to hear a story that contains positive information about their own group and negative information about another group rather than a story that contains negative information about their own group and positive information about the other group. In a third study, we show that children choose to present biased information to others, thus demonstrating that the effects of information selection can start to propagate through social networks. In Studies 4 and 5, we further investigate the nature of children's selective information seeking and show that children prefer ingroup‐favouring information to other types of biased information and even to balanced, unbiased information. Together, this work shows that children are not merely passively recipients of social information; they play an active role in the creation and transmission of intergroup attitudes.
Effects of degrees of grass competition on spreading of Kura clover
Authors: Kim Byong W. , Nejad Jalil Ghassemi , Sung Kyung I. , Lee Bae H. , Albrecht Kenneth A.
Published: June 2017

Kura clover (Trifolium ambiguum M. Bieb.) is known to develop an extensive rhizome system when grown in monoculture. However, there is no information about the effects that competition from companion grasses could have on its rhizome development. This study was conducted to determine the difference in rhizome development of kura clover planted in grass, grass plus nitrogen (grass + N) fertilizer, or killed‐grass plots, and to evaluate the effect of defoliation height on kura clover rhizome development. Using 1‐year‐old smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss) and Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) swards, experiment 1 and 2 commenced in August 1991 and May 1992, respectively, at the University of Wisconsin Arlington Agricultural Research Station. Ten kura clover entries (populations started from seeds or from rhizomes started from clones) were transplanted into each sub‐plot. Two cutting height sub‐plots were superimposed on each of the three grass sward types. In each Exp., two plants from the same seed or rhizome source represented the experimental unit. Individual plants spread up to 1 m in diameter over a 2‐year period after transplanting when there was no grass competition. For both swards, the mean spread of kura clover by rhizome growth was highest in killed‐grass plots (85 cm diameter), least in the grass + N plots (29 cm diameter) and intermediate (57 cm diameter) in the grass only plots. The defoliation height (4 cm or 10 cm) of the swards did not significantly affect the spread of kura clover regardless of grass status (killed or + or −N) in either smooth bromegrass or Kentucky bluegrass. We conclude that reducing the competition from grasses is a management tool that can be used to maximize the colonizing ability of kura clover.
What drives and measures public sector internal audit effectiveness? Dependent and independent variables
Authors: Coetzee Philna , Erasmus Lourens J.
Published: June 2017

The effectiveness of the internal audit function is important to improve performance in the public sector. This study provides insight into the drivers and measures of internal audit effectiveness. The heads of the internal audit function, senior management of public institutions and chairpersons of the audit committee, within a South African public sector context, responded to a survey based on an extensive review of the internal audit function. Exploratory factor analysis was applied to facilitate the reduction of 92 items into a meaningful number of independent (drivers) and dependent (measures) variables. The result of the study identifies a refined list of drivers and measures of internal audit effectiveness that adds to existing knowledge and presents a foundation for further research.
Identification of allergens by IgE‐specific testing improves outcomes in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Will Brett M. , Severino Richard , Johnson Douglas W.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

IgE quantitative assaying of allergens (IgEQAA) has long been implemented by allergists in determining patients’ reactivities for allergic rhinitis and asthma, two of the three diagnoses in atopic syndrome. This test operates by measuring the patient's IgE response to different allergens and can identify potential triggers for a patient's symptoms. Despite this, IgEQAA has yet to see the same widespread use in the field of dermatology, specifically in the treatment of patients with atopic dermatitis (AD).

Materials and Methods

The affected body surface area (BSA) at first presentation, IgEQAA classes, and total immunoglobulin E (IgE) concentration were taken retrospectively for 54 patients with AD.

Results

Of the 54 patients observed, 41 had an abnormally high total IgE concentration (76%). Additionally, it was observed that nine (17%) of our patients significantly improved after making lifestyle changes.

Conclusion

Knowledge of the identified specific antigens can guide patients to make lifestyle modifications that may improve disease outcomes. IgEQAA and avoidance of allergens may help some patients with AD.
Inside a Uniform Imaginary: Gender, Politics, and Aesthetics in Peruvian Technical Education
Authors: Silverstein Sydney M.
Published: June 2017

Este artículo explora el surgimiento de los Institutos Superiores Tecnológicos (ISTs) en la ciudad amazónica de Tarapoto, Perú, centrándose en su atractivo para mujeres jóvenes. En Perú, el surgimiento de la escuela tecnológica privada llega en una coyuntura histórica con la disminución de un violento conflicto social, seguido por las reformas neoliberales que han reducido drásticamente la financiación de las universidades públicas ‐y especialmente sus programas en las humanidades y las ciencias sociales. Sin embargo, la dramática representación de las mujeres jóvenes matriculados en los ISTs de Tarapoto—de las cuales son las primeras en sus familias en asistir postsecundaria, o incluso secundario– plantea importantes cuestiones sobre el tipo de esperanzas, posibilidades y experiencias que complementan el plan de estudios técnicos en las aulas de los ISTs.
Stereotypical Inferences: Philosophical Relevance and Psycholinguistic Toolkit
Authors: Fischer Eugen , Engelhardt Paul E.
Published: June 2017

Stereotypes shape inferences in philosophical thought, political discourse, and everyday life. These inferences are routinely made when thinkers engage in language comprehension or production: We make them whenever we hear, read, or formulate stories, reports, philosophical case‐descriptions, or premises of arguments – on virtually any topic. These inferences are largely automatic: largely unconscious, non‐intentional, and effortless. Accordingly, they shape our thought in ways we can properly understand only by complementing traditional forms of philosophical analysis with experimental methods from psycholinguistics. This paper seeks, first, to bring out the wider philosophical relevance of stereotypical inference, well beyond familiar topics like gender and race. Second, we wish to provide (experimental) philosophers with a toolkit to experimentally study these ubiquitous inferences and what intuitions they may generate. This paper explains what stereotypes are (Section1), and why they matter to current and traditional concerns in philosophy – experimental, analytic, and applied (Section2). It then assembles a psycholinguistic toolkit and demonstrates through two studies (Sections3–4) how potentially questionnaire‐based measures (plausibility‐ratings) can be combined with process measures (reaction times and pupillometry) to garner evidence for specific stereotypical inferences and study when they ‘go through’ and influence our thinking.
Lifetime Suicidal Behaviors and Career Characteristics Among U.S. Army Soldiers: Results from the Army Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Servicemembers (Army STARRS)
Authors: Millner Alexander J. , Ursano Robert J. , Hwang Irving , King Andrew J. , Naifeh James A. , Sampson Nancy A. , Zaslavsky Alan M. , Stein Murray B. , Kessler Ronald C. , Nock Matthew K. ,   the STARRS‐LS Collaborators
Published: June 2017

The current report presents data on lifetime prevalence of suicide ideation and nonfatal attempts as reported by the large representative sample of U.S. Army soldiers who participated in the Consolidated All‐Army Survey of the Army Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Servicemembers (N = 29,982). We also examine associations of key Army career characteristics with these outcomes. Prevalence estimates for lifetime suicide ideation are 12.7% among men and 20.1% among women, and for lifetime suicide attempts are 2.5% and 5.1%, respectively. Retrospective age‐of‐onset reports suggest that 53.4%–70% of these outcomes had preenlistment onsets. Results revealed that, for both men and women, being in the Regular Army, compared with being in the National Guard or Army Reserve, and being in an enlisted rank, compared with being an officer, is associated with increased risk of suicidal behaviors and that this elevated risk is present both before and after joining the Army.
Diagnosing wild species harvest: resource use and conservation
Authors: Flores Tenorio Pedro Augusto
Published: June 2017

Review of the book Diagnosing wild species harvest: resourse use and conservation by Salo, Sirén & Kalliola, Elsevier Academic Press, London, 2014, pp. 479, ISBN 9780123972040.
Plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition of vanadium phosphate as a lithium-ion battery electrode material
Authors: Dobbelaere Thomas , Mattelaer Felix , Vereecken Philippe M. , Detavernier Christophe
Published: June 2017

Vanadium phosphate films were deposited by a new process consisting of sequential exposures to trimethyl phosphate (TMP) plasma, O2 plasma, and either vanadium oxytriisopropoxide [VTIP, OV(O-i-Pr)3] or tetrakisethylmethylamido vanadium [TEMAV, V(NEtMe)4] as the vanadium precursor. At a substrate temperature of 300 °C, the decomposition behavior of these precursors could not be neglected; while VTIP decomposed and thus yielded a plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition process, the author found that the decomposition of the TEMAV precursor was inhibited by the preceding TMP plasma/O2 plasma exposures. The TEMAV process showed linear growth, saturating behavior, and yielded uniform and smooth films; as such, it was regarded as a plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition process. The resulting films had an elastic recoil detection-measured stoichiometry of V1.1PO4.3 with 3% hydrogen and no detectable carbon contamination. They could be electrochemically lithiated and showed desirable properties as lithium-ion battery electrodes in the potential region between 1.4 and 3.6 V versus Li+/Li, including low capacity fading and an excellent rate capability. In a wider potential region, they showed a remarkably high capacity (equivalent to three lithium ions per vanadium atom), at the expense of reduced cyclability.
Combined Effect of the Cfr Methyltransferase and Ribosomal Protein L3 Mutations on Resistance to Ribosome-Targeting Antibiotics
Authors: Pakula Kevin K. , Hansen Lykke H. , Vester Birte
Published: June 2017

Several groups of antibiotics inhibit bacterial growth by binding to bacterial ribosomes. Mutations in ribosomal protein L3 have been associated with resistance to linezolid and tiamulin, which both bind at the peptidyl transferase center in the ribosome. Resistance to these and other antibiotics also occurs through methylation of 23S rRNA at position A2503 by the methyltransferase Cfr. The mutations in L3 and the
cfr
gene have been found together in clinical isolates, raising the question of whether they have a combined effect on antibiotic resistance or growth. We transformed a plasmid-borne
cfr
gene into a uL3-depleted
Escherichia coli
strain containing either wild-type L3 or L3 with one of seven mutations, G147R, Q148F, N149S, N149D, N149R, Q150L, or T151P, expressed from plasmid-carried
rplC
genes. The L3 mutations are well tolerated, with small to moderate growth rate decreases. The presence of Cfr has a very minor influence on the growth rate. The resistance of the transformants to linezolid, tiamulin, florfenicol, and Synercid (a combination of quinupristin and dalfopristin [Q-D]) was measured by MIC assays. The resistance from Cfr was, in all cases, stronger than the effects of the L3 mutations, but various effects were obtained with the combinations of Cfr and L3 mutations ranging from a synergistic to an antagonistic effect. Linezolid and tiamulin susceptibility varied greatly among the L3 mutations, while no significant effects on florfenicol and Q-D susceptibility were seen. This study underscores the complex interplay between various resistance mechanisms and cross-resistance, even from antibiotics with overlapping binding sites.
Impact of
gyrB
and
eis
Mutations in Improving Detection of Second-Line-Drug Resistance among Mycobacterium tuberculosis Isolates from Georgia
Authors: Bablishvili N. , Tukvadze N. , Shashkina E. , Mathema B. , Gandhi N. R. , Blumberg H. M. , Kempker R. R.
Published: June 2017

The country of Georgia has a high burden of multi- and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB). To evaluate whether mutations in
gyrB
and
eis
genes increased the sensitivity of detection of phenotypic resistance to ofloxacin and kanamycin or capreomycin compared to use of the first-generation MTBDR
sl
assay alone, which tests for mutations in
gyrA
and
rrs
genes, a retrospective study of stored
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
isolates was performed. All isolates underwent DNA sequencing of resistance-determining regions. Among 112
M. tuberculosis
isolates with DNA extraction data, targeted sequencing was successfully performed for each gene as follows: for
gyrA
, 98% sensitivity; for
gyrB
, 96%; for
rrs
, 93%; for the
eis
gene and its promoter, 93%. The specificity and hence the positive predictive value of
gyrA
and
gyrB
mutations for detecting ofloxacin resistance were 100%. The addition of
gyrB
mutations increased the sensitivity of phenotypic ofloxacin resistance detection by 13% (75% to 88%). All
rrs
resistance-conferring mutations were A1401G, and this mutation had low sensitivity (40% and 18%) and high specificity (95% and 100%) in predicting phenotypic capreomycin and kanamycin resistance, respectively. The
eis
C-14T mutation increased the sensitivity of phenotypic kanamycin resistance detection by 9% (18% to 27%) and was found solely in kanamycin phenotypic resistance isolates. Our data showed that the inclusion of
eis
C-14T and
gyrB
mutations in addition to
rrs
and
gyrA
mutations improves the sensitivity of detection of phenotypic ofloxacin and kanamycin resistance, respectively.
Risk of allergic conjunctivitis in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus: a population-based retrospective cohort study
Authors: Chen Yin-Huei , Lin Cheng-Li , Bau Da-Tian , Hung Yi-Chih
Published: June 2017

Objective

In accordance with the dichotomy between T helper type 1(Th1) and T helper type 2 (Th2) responses, the occurrence of allergic conjunctivitis (AC) and type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is, in theory, inversely related in the individual. However, recent studies investigating the association between the two diseases are controversial.

Design

Population-based cohort study.

Setting

We used claims data of the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan.

Participants

We identified 4160 patients aged 1–30 years with newly diagnosed T1DM and no history of AC at baseline. For each patient with T1DM, four non-T1DM controls (n=16,640) were matched by sex. The mean follow-up time was 6 years.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to evaluate the risk of AC. We additionally evaluated the association between risk of AC and T1DM progression by examining Diabetes Complications Severity Index (aDCSI) changes from the date of diagnosis until the end of follow-up.

Results

The overall incidence of allergic conjunctivitis (AC) was higher in the type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) cohort than in the control cohort (23.0 vs 13.5 per 1000 person-years, adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRR): 1.59, 95% CI 1.47 to 1.71). Relative to that in patients with mildly progressive T1DM, the risk of AC increased as the adapted Diabetes Complications Severity Index (aDCSI) increased (aIRR: 1.68, 3.78 and 18.8, with yearly changes in aDCSI score: 0.51 to 1.00, 1.01 to 2.00, and >2.00 vs <0.51, respectively; for trend <0.001).

Conclusion

Patients with T1DM are at an elevated risk of developing AC; this risk increases with T1DM progression. The T helper type 1/T helper type 2 hypothesis is an overly simplistic explanation for this association.
Precise occlusion and trophic niche differentiation indicate specialized feeding in Early Devonian jawed vertebrates
Authors: Blais Stephanie A.
Published: June 2017

Acanthodians may represent a paraphyletic assemblage of stem chondrichthyans, stem osteichthyans, stem gnathostomes, or some combination of the three. One of the difficulties in determining the phylogenetic affinities of this group of mostly small, spiny fishes is that several subgroups of acanthodians are represented by relatively little information in the fossil record. It is becoming increasingly apparent that to understand the evolution of gnathostomes, we must understand more about acanthodians. This study uses micro-computed tomography to test hypotheses about acanthodian jaw function, and in doing so provides insight into the form, function, and ecological role of ischnacanthiform acanthodian jaws and teeth from an extraordinary Early Devonian fossil locality in the Northwest Territories of Canada. The results of this study suggest that ischnacanthiform acanthodians may have coexisted by trophic niche differentiation, employing specialized feeding strategies during the Silurian and Early Devonian.
Parallelization of Cycle-Based Logic Simulation
Authors: Mancini Toni , Massini Annalisa , Tronci Enrico
Published: June 2017

Verification of digital circuits by Cycle-based simulation can be performed in parallel. The parallel implementation requires two phases: the compilation phase, that sets up the data needed for the execution of the simulation, and the simulation phase, that consists in executing the parallel simulation of the considered circuit for a certain number of cycles. During the early phase of design, compilation phase has to be repeated each time a bug is found. Thus, if the time of the compilation phase is too high, the advantages stemming from the parallel approach may be lost. In this work we propose an effective version of the compilation phase and compute the corresponding execution time. We also analyze the percentage of execution time required by the different steps of the compilation phase for a set of literature benchmarks. Further, we implemented the simulation phase exploiting the GPU architecture, and we computed the execution times for a set of benchmarks obtaining values comparable with literature ones. Finally, we implemented the sequential version of the Cycle-based simulation in such a way that the execution time is optimized. We used the sequential values to compute the speedup of the parallel version for the considered set of benchmarks.