bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AN ELEMENTARY PROOF OF JAMES’ CHARACTERISATION OF WEAK COMPACTNESS. II
Authors: MOORS WARREN B. , WHITE SAMUEL J.
Published: September 2016

In this paper we provide an elementary proof of James’ characterisation of weak compactness for Banach spaces whose dual ball is weak∗sequentially compact.
THE -GENERATION OF THE SPECIAL LINEAR GROUPS OVER FINITE FIELDS
Authors: PELLEGRINI MARCO ANTONIO
Published: September 2016

We complete the classification of the finite special linear groups $\text{SL}_{n}(q)$ which are $(2,3)$-generated, that is, which are generated by an involution and an element of order $3$. This also gives the classification of the finite simple groups $\text{PSL}_{n}(q)$ which are $(2,3)$-generated.
The phylogeny and life cycle of two species ofProfilicollis(Acanthocephala: Polymorphidae) in marine hosts off the Pacific coast of Chile
Authors: Rodríguez S.M. , D'Elía G. , Valdivia N.
Published: September 2016

Resolving complex life cycles of parasites is a major goal of parasitological research. The aim of this study was to analyse the life cycle of two species of the genusProfilicollis,the taxonomy of which is still unstable and life cycles unclear. We extracted individuals ofProfilicollisfrom two species of crustaceans (intermediate hosts) and four species of seagulls (definitive hosts) from sandy-shore and estuarine habitats along the south-east Pacific coast of Chile. Mitochondrial DNA analyses showed that two species ofProfilicollisinfected intermediate hosts from segregated habitats: whileP. altmanilarvae infected exclusively molecrabs of the genusEmeritafrom fully marine habitats,P. antarcticuslarvae infected the crabHemigrapsus crenulatusfrom estuarine habitats. Moreover,P. altmanicompleted its life cycle in four seagulls,Chroicocephalus maculipennis, Leucopheus pipixcan, Larus modestusandL. dominicanus,whileP. antarcticus, on the other hand, completed its life cycle in the kelp gullL. dominicanus. Accordingly, our results show that two congeneric parasites use different and spatially segregated species as intermediate hosts, and both are capable of infecting one species of definitive hosts. As such, our analyses allow us to shed light on a complex interaction network.
The case for proto-Dvāravatī: A review of the art historical and archaeological evidence
Authors: Murphy Stephen A.
Published: September 2016

The mid-first millennium CE represents a crucial period in the emergence of early polities in Southeast Asia. However, disagreement remains between archaeologists and art historians as to the precise dating of this shift from prehistory to history. This article focuses on the Dvāravatī period and re-evaluates evidence in Thai and Western language publications. A growing number of sites excavated over the past two decades in particular show occupation from c. the fourth to fifth century onwards while others provide a continual sequence stretching back well into the Iron Age. I argue that evidence from these sites makes a strong case for postulating a proto-Dvāravatī period spanning c. the fourth to fifth centuries. In doing so this article proposes this period as the timeframe within which the nascent traits and characteristics of what becomes Dvāravatī in the seventh to ninth centuries are present and gradually developing.
Dvāravatī and Zhenla in the seventh to eighth centuries: A transregional ritual complex
Authors: Revire Nicolas
Published: September 2016

The paradigm that the early Southeast Asian polities known as Dvāravatī and Zhenla were respectively, indeed almost exclusively, Buddhist and Hindu/Brahmanical during the second half of the first millennium CE has long remained uncontested. In this reappraisal, however, arguments are presented that challenge this general scholarly opinion. A thorough reassessment of the material culture and inscriptions from these two neighbouring regions of mainland Southeast Asia tempers such clear-cut compartmentalisation and instead emphasises the complex and evolving nature of the religion of that age through the lens of the ideology of merit. The religious affiliation of certain artefacts and inscriptions that are clearly related to this ideology are further examined and questioned.
At the dawn of history: From Iron Age aggrandisers to Zhenla kings
Authors: Higham Charles F.W.
Published: September 2016

The transition from Late Iron Age to early state societies in the riverine lowlands of the Mun Valley and northern Cambodia took place rapidly in the fifth and sixth centuries CE. Defining the former involves archaeological excavation, whereas the latter is best known from surviving temple structures and inscriptions in addition to the results of archaeological fieldwork. Several common threads link the two phases of cultural development. From the late fifth century BCE, Iron Age communities participated in the growing maritime exchange network linking Southeast Asia with China and India, bringing exotic ideas and goods into the hinterland. Iron itself had a major impact on agriculture and warfare. Salt, a vital commodity that is abundantly available in the Mun Valley, was exploited on an industrial scale. By the fifth century CE, an agricultural revolution involving permanent, probably irrigated, rice fields and ploughing underwrote a rapid rise of social elites. These leaders in society, named in the early historic inscriptions, maintained and elaborated prehistoric innovations.
Transition to the Pre-Angkorian period (300–500 CE): Thala Borivat and a regional perspective
Authors: Heng Piphal
Published: September 2016

Archaeological data over the past two decades have contributed to our understanding of the transition into the historic period in Southeast Asia and rebutted outdated models of externally stimulated complex polity formation. This article investigates the transition into the Pre-Angkorian period 300–500 CE based on a model constructed using archaeological data from Thala Borivat, Cambodia. Data from Thala Borivat suggest a pattern of continuity where smaller proto-historic settlements may have become incorporatedc.300–500 CE into larger ones which became major Pre-Angkorian centres. This phenomenon coincided with evidence of increasing inter- and intra-regional interaction following the proto-historic period. This article argues that the model can be used to reinterpret the pattern observed in major Pre-Angkorian centres in the Mekong Delta and northeast Thailand. This pattern is complemented by the spatial correlation between the chronometrically-anchored ceramic traditions in proto-historic and early historic period Cambodia that suggests the continuity of local communities. Spatial correlation between prehistoric sites and inscriptions recording Pre-Angkorian elites, particularly thepoñ, mratāñ, and kings provides similar patterns of continuity between the elites of the late proto-historic to the Pre-Angkorian periods.
From National to Sub-National? Exploring the Territorial Dimension of Social Assistance in Italy
Authors: VAMPA DAVIDE
Published: September 2016

In countries that have experienced decentralisation processes, the role that central and sub-national authorities play in the governance of some social policies may vary considerably across regions. In Italy, for instance, whereas some regions (and municipalities) have been very active in financing social assistance programmes, others still overwhelmingly rely on resources directly allocated by the central government. This indicates that, in a ‘regionalised’ system, the development of a sub-national social dimension is not a territorially homogeneous phenomenon. Interestingly, cross-regional variation is mainly explained by differences in the strength of regionalist parties. The share of total social assistance spending allocated by sub-national authorities has increased significantly in those areas of the country where regionalist parties are stronger and does not seem to depend on ideological shifts on the left-right spectrum. Surprisingly, the positive effect of regional economic development on sub-national spending is not as strong as expected. On the other hand, female employment and population ageing seem to explain part of territorial divergence, the former having a positive effect and the latter a negative one on the dependent variable.
Primary Health Care Providers’ Perspectives: Facilitating Older Patients’ Access to Community Support Services
Authors: Ploeg Jenny , Denton Margaret , Hutchison Brian , McAiney Carrie , Moore Ainsley , Brazil Kevin , Tindale Joseph , Wu Amina , Lam Annie
Published: September 2016

Le but de l’étude examiné dans cet article était de comprendre comment les professionnels des soins de santé qui ne sont pas médecins, mais travaillent dans des milieux primaires canadiens de soins de santé, facilitent l’accès des personnes âgées aux services de soutien communautaire (SSC). L’utilisation de SSC a un impact positif pour les clients, mais ils restent sous-utilisés en raison du manque de prise de conscience. En utilisant une approche descriptive qualitative, nous avons interrogé 20 professionnels de la santé de diverses disciplines et modèles de soins de santé primaires sur les processus qu’ils utilisent pour lier les patients âgés à SSC. Les participants ont collaboré intensivement avec des collègues professionnels au sein et à l’extérieur de leurs organisations pour trouver SSC pertinents. Ils faisaient participer activement les patients et leurs familles à faire ces liens et ont assuré le suivi. Il est troublant de constater qu’ils comptaient sur les ressources périmées et des stratégies de recherche inefficaces pour trouver les SSC. Nos résultats peuvent être utilisés pour développer des ressources et des approches afin de mieux soutenir les fournisseurs de soins de santé primaires en reliant les adultes âgés à des CSS pertinents.
Disruption, destruction and the creation of ‘the inner cities’: the impact of urban renewal on industry, 1945–1980
Authors: KEFFORD ALISTAIR
Published: September 2016

This article examines the impact of post-war urban renewal on industry and economic activity in Manchester and Leeds. It demonstrates that local redevelopment plans contained important economic underpinnings which have been largely overlooked in the literature, and particularly highlights expansive plans for industrial reorganization and relocation. The article also shows that, in practice, urban renewal had a destabilizing and destructive impact on established industrial activities and exacerbated the inner-city problems of unemployment and disinvestment which preoccupied policy-makers by the 1970s. The article argues that post-war planning practices need to be integrated into wider histories of deindustrialization in British cities.
Quality of life and exercise performance in unoperated children with anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery from the opposite sinus of valsalva
Authors: Sing Alan C. , Tsaur Stephen , Paridon Stephen M. , Brothers Julie A.
Published: September 2016

Background

Anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery is a congenital cardiac condition that can be associated with increased risk of sudden death. To date, quality of life and exercise performance have not been evaluated in patients with this condition who do not undergo surgical repair.

Methods

We carried out a cross-sectional analysis of patients with unoperated anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery at our institution from 1 January, 2000 to 31 January, 2016. We prospectively assessed quality of life using standardised questionnaires. Medical records were reviewed for clinical and exercise stress test data. Statistical analyses were performed using Student’s t-tests and Spearman’s correlation coefficients.

Results

In total, 56 families completed the questionnaires. The average age at enrolment was 14.7±6 years. The majority were male (n=44, 78.6%) and had interarterial anomalous right coronary artery (n=38, 67.9%). Patients had normal quality of life on the PedsQL 4.0 Report, Child Health Questionnaire Child Form 87, and SF-36v2. Their parents had normal quality of life on the PedsQL 4.0 Parent Report, but parents of exercise-restricted patients had decreased Physical Functioning, General Health Perception, Emotional Impact on Parent, and Physical Summary scores (p<0.001–0.048) on the Child Health Questionnaire Parent Form 50.

Conclusions

Patients with unoperated anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery appear to have normal quality of life, but parents of exercise-restricted patients have decreased general health and emotional and physical quality of life scores. Improved counselling of families may be beneficial in this group. Future studies with more patients should evaluate quality of life and exercise performance over time.
Understanding the symptoms and sources of variability in second language sentence processing
Authors: GABRIELE ALISON , FIORENTINO ROBERT , COVEY LAUREN
Published: September 2016

Cunnings (2016) proposes that differences between native (L1) and second language (L2) sentence processing can best be explained in terms of susceptibility to effects of interference and an overreliance on discourse level cues during memory retrieval. Cunnings’ argument that difficulty in retrieval operations may provide a better explanation than a syntactic deficit account for explaining certain L1-L2 differences is convincing. However, the proposal for the ‘overuse’ of discourse is too broad and needs to be refined in terms of the specific contexts and conditions under which learners have difficulty. We also believe that difficulty with cue-based retrieval is still a characterization of the symptoms of differences between L1-L2 processing, and does not necessarily address the source of the variability.
Influence of mealtime habits on the risk of weight gain and obesity in Mexican adults
Authors: Dosamantes-Carrasco Libia Darina , Méndez-Hernández Pablo , Flores Yvonne N , Siani Carole , Denova-Gutiérrez Edgar , Gallegos-Carrillo Katia , Ramírez Paula , Rivera-Paredez Berenice , Salazar-Martínez Eduardo , Salmerón Jorge
Published: September 2016

Objective

To prospectively examine the extent to which mealtime habits influences the risk of weight gain and obesity in Mexican adults.

Design

We performed a prospective cohort study. The Mealtime Habits Quality (MHQ) scale was used for assessing participants’ MHQ; the outcomes of interest were gain ≥5 % of body weight, developing overweight/obesity and abdominal obesity, after 7 years of follow-up. In order to estimate the independent effect of MHQ on anthropometric indicators, generalized linear models were computed to obtain adjusted relative risks (95 % CI).

Setting

The state of Morelos, Mexico.

Subjects

Mexican adults (n 837) aged 18–70 years participating in a cohort study.

Results

Compared with participants classified in the higher MHQ category, individuals in the middle and lower MHQ groups had a 4·1 (2·5, 6·7) and 6·2 (3·9, 9·7) fold greater risk of gain ≥5 % of body weight, respectively; 6·6 (2·8, 15·5) and 8·6 (3·7, 19·8) fold greater risk of becoming overweight/obese, respectively; and 3·8 (2·0, 7·3) and 5·3 (2·8, 9·8) fold greater risk of developing abdominal obesity, respectively.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence about the influence of a set of mealtime habits on obesity indicators, showing that greater adherence to unadvisable mealtime habits increases the risk of developing unhealthy anthropometric indicators. Since the meal is one of the most important sources of food intake, and consequently weight status, the MHQ scale can be a useful population tool to predict weight gain and obesity.
The climatic impact of food consumption in a representative sample of Irish adults and implications for food and nutrition policy
Authors: Hyland John J , Henchion Maeve , McCarthy Mary , McCarthy Sinéad N
Published: September 2016

Objective

To evaluate the greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE) associated with the diet of Irish adults.

Design

GHGE were estimated by applying conversion factors to habitual food consumption data taken from the National Adult Nutrition Survey, which was representative of the population. Descriptive analyses were undertaken for GHGE for the total population, as well as accounting for energy misreporting and across categories of sociodemographic and socio-economic factors and tertiles of emissions.

Setting

Republic of Ireland.

Subjects

Adults aged 18–87 years (n1500).

Results

The GHGE derived from daily dietary intakes was estimated as 6·5 kg of CO2equivalents (CO2eq) per person. Males, younger consumers, those with secondary education and student employment status were associated with significantly higher GHGE. Red meat was the highest contributor to GHGE with 1646 g CO2eq arising from a mean intake of 47 g/d. Dairy and starchy staples were the next largest dietary GHGE sources, with mean daily emissions of 732 g CO2eq and 647 g CO2eq, respectively. The lowest emissions were associated with consumption of vegetables, fruits and legumes/pulses/nuts.

Conclusions

Based on profiling using actual food consumption data, it is evident that one single measure is not sufficient and a range of evidence-based mitigation measures with potential to lower emissions throughout the food chain should be considered. The research contributes towards an improved understanding of the climatic impact of the dietary intakes of Irish adults and can serve to inform a sustainability framework to guide action in food and nutrition policy development.
A cross-sectional observation on habitual non-alcoholic beverage consumption among adolescents from four Irish post-primary schools
Authors: Millar Sophie , O’Donoghue Megan , McNulty Breige , Kirwan Laura , McKevitt Aideen
Published: September 2016

Objective

No up-to-date data on the dietary intake of Irish adolescents are available. The aim of the present pilot study was to obtain and compare cross-sectional information on habitual adolescent beverage consumption between four distinct post-primary schools in the Republic of Ireland, in 2014–2015.

Design

A cross-sectional observation study. A beverage consumption questionnaire was used to obtain data on beverage intake and influences on consumption.

Setting

Four post-primary mixed-sex schools in Ireland representing the following school classifications were selected for the study: urban fee-paying, urban disadvantaged, rural fee-paying and rural disadvantaged.

Subjects

Students (n 761) aged 12–18 years.

Results

Data were analysed by Kruskal–Wallis (non-parametric) ANOVA to compare the distribution of beverage consumption across the schools. Water was the most highly consumed beverage among students from all four schools (median 1425 ml/d). Students from urban and rural disadvantaged schools reported a significantly higher volume of carbonated beverage intake than students from fee-paying schools. Students from an urban disadvantaged school also reported a significantly higher volume of carbonated beverage and energy drink intake compared with the other three schools. Students from an urban fee-paying school reported the highest consumption of water, while rural disadvantaged school students were the biggest consumers of tea and milk.

Conclusions

Significant differences in beverage consumption (ml/d) were reported by adolescents from four schools in Ireland. Surveillance on current beverage consumption trends among adolescents is vital to guide policies and interventions, and for appropriate targeting of resources.
An Evolving Landscape: From Information Gatekeeper to Knowledge Professional
Authors: Bradbury Jane , Beaumont Jon , Barlow Tim
Published: September 2016

This paper is based on a presentation of the same title given by Jane Bradbury, Head of Knowledge and Information at the law firm Slaughter and May, at the inaugural seminar of the BIALL Knowledge Management Group on 9th May 2016. The article has been compiled by the other two authors, Jon Beaumont and Tim Barlow, and so not all of the opinions expressed are attributable to Jane. The authors are also indebted to Anne Ashdown, of recruitment firm tfpl, who presented at the same seminar on the subject of recruitment for legal knowledge management (KM) roles and whose observations are also incorporated in the article. The paper considers the increasing impact of KM on the work of library and information professionals in law firms. It discusses the related role of professional support lawyers (PSLs), the knowledge “hot topics” which are driving evolution of the profession, the transferability of information skills, and opportunities for development and career progression beyond the traditional boundaries of library and information management.
BIALL Professional Skills Framework
Authors:   British and Irish Association of Law Librarians
Published: September 2016

In 2016 BIALL published a Professional Skills Framework which describes the skills and experience which legal information professionals need to perform their role. The aim of the framework is act as a benchmarking tool for personal professional development and to assist managers with appraisal and recruitment processes.
The Challenge of Printed UK Official Publications: Improving Access at Warwick University Library
Authors: Riley Helen
Published: September 2016

This article by Helen Riley explains how changes in official publishing have affected the provision of official publications at Warwick University Library, and discusses the pros and cons of print versus online publications. It also explains how using and promoting good online databases may help to save staff time and shelf space at a time when library budgets are being curtailed.
Law Student Views on the Principles of a Legal Research Website: a User Experience Study
Authors: Intahchomphoo Channarong , Jeske Margo , Landriault Emily , Brown Michelle
Published: September 2016

The Principles of Legal Research (PLR) website of the University of Ottawa's Brian Dickson Law Library is a bilingual (English and French) online learning tool for all first year students in both Common Law and Civil Law.1 Law librarians use this e-learning website to facilitate teaching components such as student assignments and assessments. This user experience study aims to investigate law students’ real experience with the system. Their feedback will be used for future development planning as well as analysing user behaviour trends. The authors investigate the following aspects: accuracy of information, interface design, navigation system, Web 2.0, social media, and smartphone version.
Searching for wisdom in oncology care: A scoping review
Authors: Butlin Helen , Kinsella Elizabeth Anne , Garcia Carla , Bauman Glenn
Published: September 2016

Objective:

The concept of “wisdom” is beginning to emerge in the oncology literature, raising questions concerning: (1) how the concept of wisdom is used in oncology literature; (2) the ways in which wisdom has been a focus of inquiry within oncology care; and (3) how wisdom is characterized when the term is used.

Method:

A scoping review, using Arksey and O'Malley's five-step framework, was undertaken to address these questions. In consultation with oncology reference librarians, “wisdom”- and “oncology”-related search terms were identified, and four electronic databases were searched: CINAHL, SocINDEX, PubMed, and PsychINFO. After removal of duplicates and application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 58 records were identified and included for analysis.

Results:

The concept of wisdom was employed with a breadth of meanings, and 58 records were schematized into 7 genres, including: (1) empirical research with wisdom foregrounded as a study focus (n= 2); (2) empirical research articles where “wisdom” appears in the findings (n= 16); (3) a quality-improvement project where wisdom is an embedded concept (n= 1); (4) essays where wisdom is an aspect of the discussion (n= 5); (5) commentary/opinion pieces where wisdom is an aspect of its focus (n= 6); (6) personal stories describing wisdom as something gleaned from lived experience with cancer (n= 2); and (7) everyday/taken-for-granted uses of wisdom (n= 26).

Significance of Results:

The notion of wisdom has a taken-for-granted presence in the published oncology literature and holds promise for future research into patient and clinician wisdom in oncology care. Nonetheless, the terminology is varied and unclear. A scholarly focus on wisdom has not been brought to bear in cancer care to the degree it has in other fields, and research is in the early stages. Various characterizations of wisdom are present. If such a resource as “wisdom” exists, dwelling in human experiences and practices, there may be benefit in recognizing wisdom as informing the epistemologies of practice in oncology care.
Sub-molecular modulation of a 4f driven Kondo resonance by surface-induced asymmetry
Authors: Warner Ben , El Hallak Fadi , Atodiresei Nicolae , Seibt Philipp , Prüser Henning , Caciuc Vasile , Waters Michael , Fisher Andrew J. , Blügel Stefan , van Slageren Joris , Hirjibehedin Cyrus F.
Published: September 2016

Coupling between a magnetic impurity and an external bath can give rise to many-body quantum phenomena, including Kondo and Hund’s impurity states in metals, and Yu-Shiba-Rusinov states in superconductors. While advances have been made in probing the magnetic properties of d-shell impurities on surfaces, the confinement of f orbitals makes them difficult to access directly. Here we show that a 4f driven Kondo resonance can be modulated spatially by asymmetric coupling between a metallic surface and a molecule containing a 4f-like moment. Strong hybridization of dysprosium double-decker phthalocyanine with Cu(001) induces Kondo screening of the central magnetic moment. Misalignment between the symmetry axes of the molecule and the surface induces asymmetry in the molecule’s electronic structure, spatially mediating electronic access to the magnetic moment through the Kondo resonance. This work demonstrates the important role that molecular ligands have in mediating electronic and magnetic coupling and in accessing many-body quantum states.
Real-time encoding and compression of neuronal spikes by metal-oxide memristors
Authors: Gupta Isha , Serb Alexantrou , Khiat Ali , Zeitler Ralf , Vassanelli Stefano , Prodromakis Themistoklis
Published: September 2016

Advanced brain-chip interfaces with numerous recording sites bear great potential for investigation of neuroprosthetic applications. The bottleneck towards achieving an efficient bio-electronic link is the real-time processing of neuronal signals, which imposes excessive requirements on bandwidth, energy and computation capacity. Here we present a unique concept where the intrinsic properties of memristive devices are exploited to compress information on neural spikes in real-time. We demonstrate that the inherent voltage thresholds of metal-oxide memristors can be used for discriminating recorded spiking events from background activity and without resorting to computationally heavy off-line processing. We prove that information on spike amplitude and frequency can be transduced and stored in single devices as non-volatile resistive state transitions. Finally, we show that a memristive device array allows for efficient data compression of signals recorded by a multi-electrode array, demonstrating the technology’s potential for building scalable, yet energy-efficient on-node processors for brain-chip interfaces.
Structure–function insights reveal the human ribosome as a cancer target for antibiotics
Authors: Myasnikov Alexander G. , Kundhavai Natchiar S. , Nebout Marielle , Hazemann Isabelle , Imbert Véronique , Khatter Heena , Peyron Jean-François , Klaholz Bruno P.
Published: September 2016

Many antibiotics in clinical use target the bacterial ribosome by interfering with the protein synthesis machinery. However, targeting the human ribosome in the case of protein synthesis deregulations such as in highly proliferating cancer cells has not been investigated at the molecular level up to now. Here we report the structure of the human 80S ribosome with a eukaryote-specific antibiotic and show its anti-proliferative effect on several cancer cell lines. The structure provides insights into the detailed interactions in a ligand-binding pocket of the human ribosome that are required for structure-assisted drug design. Furthermore, anti-proliferative dose response in leukaemic cells and interference with synthesis of c-myc and mcl-1 short-lived protein markers reveals specificity of a series of eukaryote-specific antibiotics towards cytosolic rather than mitochondrial ribosomes, uncovering the human ribosome as a promising cancer target.
Next generation sequencing data of a defined microbial mock community
Authors: Singer Esther , Andreopoulos Bill , Bowers Robert M. , Lee Janey , Deshpande Shweta , Chiniquy Jennifer , Ciobanu Doina , Klenk Hans-Peter , Zane Matthew , Daum Christopher , Clum Alicia , Cheng Jan-Fang , Copeland Alex , Woyke Tanja
Published: September 2016

Generating sequence data of a defined community composed of organisms with complete reference genomes is indispensable for the benchmarking of new genome sequence analysis methods, including assembly and binning tools. Moreover the validation of new sequencing library protocols and platforms to assess critical components such as sequencing errors and biases relies on such datasets. We here report the next generation metagenomic sequence data of a defined mock community (Mock Bacteria ARchaea Community; MBARC-26), composed of 23 bacterial and 3 archaeal strains with finished genomes. These strains span 10 phyla and 14 classes, a range of GC contents, genome sizes, repeat content and encompass a diverse abundance profile. Short read Illumina and long-read PacBio SMRT sequences of this mock community are described. These data represent a valuable resource for the scientific community, enabling extensive benchmarking and comparative evaluation of bioinformatics tools without the need to simulate data. As such, these data can aid in improving our current sequence data analysis toolkit and spur interest in the development of new tools.
Mesoporous Silica Supported Pd-MnOx Catalysts with Excellent Catalytic Activity in Room-Temperature Formic Acid Decomposition
Authors: Jin Min-Ho , Oh Duckkyu , Park Ju-Hyoung , Lee Chun-Boo , Lee Sung-Wook , Park Jong-Soo , Lee Kwan-Young , Lee Dong-Wook
Published: September 2016

For the application of formic acid as a liquid organic hydrogen carrier, development of efficient catalysts for dehydrogenation of formic acid is a challenging topic, and most studies have so far focused on the composition of metals and supports, the size effect of metal nanoparticles, and surface chemistry of supports. Another influential factor is highly desired to overcome the current limitation of heterogeneous catalysis for formic acid decomposition. Here, we first investigated the effect of support pore structure on formic acid decomposition performance at room temperature by using mesoporous silica materials with different pore structures such as KIE-6, MCM-41, and SBA-15, and achieved the excellent catalytic activity (TOF: 593 h−1) by only controlling the pore structure of mesoporous silica supports. In addition, we demonstrated that 3D interconnected pore structure of mesoporous silica supports is more favorable to the mass transfer than 2D cylindrical mesopore structure, and the better mass transfer provides higher catalytic activity in formic acid decomposition. If the pore morphology of catalytic supports such as 3D wormhole or 2D cylinder is identical, large pore size combined with high pore volume is a crucial factor to achieve high catalytic performance.
Serum sclerostin levels in renal cell carcinoma patients with bone metastases
Authors: Wibmer C. , Amrein K. , Fahrleitner-Pammer A. , Gilg M. M. , Berghold A. , Hutterer G. C. , Maurer-Ertl W. , Gerger A. , Leithner A. , Pichler M. , Szkandera J.
Published: September 2016

Sclerostin has been proposed as a potent inhibitor of bone formation. Sclerostin antibodies are under clinical development to treat osteoporosis and metastatic bone disease. Serum sclerostin level is elevated in multiple myeloma, an osteolytic malignancy, where it might serve as predictive marker for the use of sclerostin-directed antibodies. As renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients often present with osteolytic metastases, we aimed to investigate serum sclerostin levels in RCC patients. Our study included 53 RCC patients (19 with bone metastases, 25 with visceral metastases and 9 with localized disease) and 53 age- and gender-matched non-osteoporotic controls. Frozen serum samples were subjected to sclerostin quantitative sandwich ELISA. The mean serum sclerostin levels of RCC patients and controls were 45.8 pmol/l and 45.1 pmol/l, respectively (p = 0.86). Analysis of variance showed no difference between the subgroups of RCC patients with regard to visceral or bone metastases or localized disease (p = 0.22). There was no significant association between eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) and serum sclerostin levels in RCC patients (r = 0.05; p = 0.74) and controls (r = 0.06; p = 0.68). Our results indicate that serum sclerostin levels appear not to be a valuable biomarker to assess the occurrence of bone metastases in RCC patients.
TRIM52 inhibits Japanese Encephalitis Virus replication by degrading the viral NS2A
Authors: Fan Wenchun , Wu Mengge , Qian Suhong , Zhou Yun , Chen Huanchun , Li Xiangmin , Qian Ping
Published: September 2016

The members of tripartite-motif containing (TRIM) protein participate in various cellular processes and play an important role in host antiviral function. TRIM proteins exert their antiviral activity either directly by degrading viral proteins through their E3 ligase activity, or indirectly by promoting host innate immunity. This study demonstrated for the first time that TRIM52 is a novel antiviral TRIM protein against Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) infection. Overexpression of TRIM52 restricted JEV replication in BHK-21 and 293T cells. In addition, JEV nonstructural protein 2A (NS2A) is a protein that interacts with TRIM52. Their interaction degraded NS2A in a proteasome-dependent manner via the E3 ligase activity of TRIM52. Thus, TRIM52 is a novel antiviral TRIM protein, and it exerted antiviral activity against JEV infection by targeting and degrading viral NS2A.
Evaluating the performance of infectious disease forecasts: A comparison of climate-driven and seasonal dengue forecasts for Mexico
Authors: Johansson Michael A. , Reich Nicholas G. , Hota Aditi , Brownstein John S. , Santillana Mauricio
Published: September 2016

Dengue viruses, which infect millions of people per year worldwide, cause large epidemics that strain healthcare systems. Despite diverse efforts to develop forecasting tools including autoregressive time series, climate-driven statistical and mechanistic biological models, little work has been done to understand the contribution of different components to improved prediction. We developed a framework to assess and compare dengue forecasts produced from different types of models and evaluated the performance of seasonal autoregressive models with and without climate variables for forecasting dengue incidence in Mexico. Climate data did not significantly improve the predictive power of seasonal autoregressive models. Short-term and seasonal autocorrelation were key to improving short-term and long-term forecasts, respectively. Seasonal autoregressive models captured a substantial amount of dengue variability, but better models are needed to improve dengue forecasting. This framework contributes to the sparse literature of infectious disease prediction model evaluation, using state-of-the-art validation techniques such as out-of-sample testing and comparison to an appropriate reference model.
Coffee and cancer risk: A meta-analysis of prospective observational studies
Authors: Wang Anqiang , Wang Shanshan , Zhu Chengpei , Huang Hanchun , Wu Liangcai , Wan Xueshuai , Yang Xiaobo , Zhang Haohai , Miao Ruoyu , He Lian , Sang Xinting , Zhao Haitao
Published: September 2016

Meta-analyses on coffee and cancer incidence mainly restricted to limited cancers. We carried out a more comprehensive meta-analysis of cohort studies to explore association between coffee and most cancer types. We conducted comprehensive search and summarized relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals for the highest versus lowest coffee intake and cancer using STATA12. We conducted dose-analysis if result suggested significant association. The publication bias was evaluated with begg’s and egger’s test. Finally, 105 individual prospective studies were included. Inverse associations were observed on oral, pharyngeal, colon, liver, prostate, endometrial cancer and melanoma, with RR 0.69 (95% CI = 0.48–0.99, I2 = 73.4%, P = 0.044), 0.87 (95% CI = 0.78–0.96, I2 = 28.4%, P = 0.007), 0.46 (95% CI = 0.37–0.57, I2 = 0%, P = 0), 0.89 (95% CI = 0.84–0.93, I2 = 30.3%, P = 0.003), 0.73 (95% CI = 0.67–0.80, I2  = 0%, P = 0) and 0.89 (95% CI = 0.80–0.99, I2  = 0%, P = 0.031) respectively. However, the relative risk for lung cancer is 2.18 (95% CI = 1.26–3.75, I2  = 63.3%, P = 0.005). The summary relative risk for increment of 2 cups of coffee were RR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.67–0.79 for liver cancer, RR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.96–0.98 for prostate cancer and RR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.85–0.92 for endometrial cancer. Accordingly, coffee intake was associated with reduced risk of oral, pharynx, liver, colon, prostate, endometrial cancer and melanoma and increased lung cancer risk.
Tanshinones and diethyl blechnics with anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Danshen)
Authors: Gao Hongwei , Sun Wen , Zhao Jianping , Wu Xiaxia , Lu Jin-Jian , Chen Xiuping , Xu Qiong-ming , Khan Ikhlas A. , Yang Shilin
Published: September 2016

Four novel compounds (1–4) as well as fourteen reported compounds (5–18) were isolated and purified from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Danshen). The structures of novel compounds were determined by 1D and 2D NMR, HRESIMS data, etc. The anti-inflammatory properties of all the compounds on RAW264.7 macrophages and their cytotoxicity on H1299 and Bel-7402 cell lines coupled with a structure-activity relationship (SAR) were investigated. Compound 4 demonstrated the best anti-inflammatory activity and was chosen for further research. Compound 4 greatly suppressed secretion of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the RAW264.7 macrophages stimulated by LPS. Additionally, the protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) was decreased and the nuclear translocation of NF-κB was attenuated after treatment with compound 4in vitro. Compound 4 was able to dramatically inhibit LPS-induced activation of JNK1/2 and ERK1/2 and remarkably disrupted the TLR4 dimerization in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages. Thus, the new compound 4 suppressed LPS-induced inflammation partially is due to the blocking TLR4 dimerization. In addition, the anti-cancer activity investigation indicated that most of isolated compounds exhibited cytotoxicity and the SAR analysis showed that the intact D ring was indispensable and unsaturated D ring played vital role.
Acidity-Controlled Conducting Polymer Films for Organic Thermoelectric Devices with Horizontal and Vertical Architectures
Authors: Lee Woongki , Song Myeonghun , Park Soohyung , Nam Sungho , Seo Jooyeok , Kim Hwajeong , Kim Youngkyoo
Published: September 2016

Organic thermoelectric devices (OTEDs) are recognized one of the next generation energy conversion platforms because of their huge potentials for securing electricity continuously from even tiny heat sources in our daily life. The advantage of OTEDs can be attributable to the design freedom in device shapes and the low-cost fabrication by employing solution coating processes at low temperatures. As one of the major OTE materials to date, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) has been used, but no study has been yet carried out on its acidity control even though the acidic components in OTEDs can seriously affect the device performance upon operation. Here we demonstrate that the addition of aniline (a weak base) can control the acidity of PEDOT:PSS and enhance the performance of OTEDs. In particular, the vertical OTEDs with aniline-doped PEDOT:PSS films (active area = 1.0 cm2) could continuously generate electricity (0.06 nW) even at low temperatures (<38 °C) when they were mounted on a desk lamp (power = 24 W).
A general and efficient strategy for generating the stable enzymes
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Fei , Yang Guang-Yu , Zhang Yong , Xie Yuan , Withers Stephen G. , Feng Yan
Published: September 2016

The local flexibility of an enzyme’s active center plays pivotal roles in catalysis, however, little is known about how the flexibility of these flexible residues affects stability. In this study, we proposed an active center stabilization (ACS) strategy to improve the kinetic thermostability of Candida rugosa lipase1. Based on the B-factor ranking at the region ~10 Å within the catalytic Ser209, 18 residues were selected for site-saturation mutagenesis. Based on three-tier high-throughput screening and ordered recombination mutagenesis, the mutant VarB3 (F344I/F434Y/F133Y/F121Y) was shown to be the most stable, with a 40-fold longer in half-life at 60 °C and a 12.7 °C higher Tm value than that of the wild type, without a decrease in catalytic activity. Further analysis of enzymes with different structural complexities revealed that focusing mutations on the flexible residues within around 10 Å of the catalytic residue might increase the success rate for enzyme stabilization. In summary, this study identifies a panel of flexible residues within the active center that affect enzyme stability. This finding not only provides clues regarding the molecular evolution of enzyme stability but also indicates that ACS is a general and efficient strategy for exploring the functional robustness of enzymes for industrial applications.
Compartmentalized gene expression profiling of receptive endometrium reveals progesterone regulated ENPP3 is differentially expressed and secreted in glycosylated form
Authors: Boggavarapu Nageswara Rao , Lalitkumar Sujata , Joshua Vijay , Kasvandik Sergo , Salumets Andres , Lalitkumar Parameswaran Grace , Gemzell-Danielsson Kristina
Published: September 2016

The complexity of endometrial receptivity at the molecular level needs to be explored in detail to improve the management of infertility. Here, differential expression of transcriptomes in receptive endometrial glands and stroma revealed Ectonucleotide Pyrophosphatase/Phosphodiesterase 3 (ENPP3) as a progesterone regulated factor and confirmed by various methods, both at mRNA and protein level. The involvement of ENPP3 in embryo attachment was tested in an in vitro model for human embryo implantation. Interestingly, there was high expression of ENPP3 mRNA in stroma but not protein. Presence of N-glycosylated ENPP3 in receptive phase uterine fluid in women confirms its regulation by progesterone and makes it possible to use in a non-invasive test of endometrial receptivity.
Two-step phase-shifting SPIDER
Authors: Zheng Shuiqin , Cai Yi , Pan Xinjian , Zeng Xuanke , Li Jingzhen , Li Ying , Zhu Tianlong , Lin Qinggang , Xu Shixiang
Published: September 2016

Comprehensive characterization of ultrafast optical field is critical for ultrashort pulse generation and its application. This paper combines two-step phase-shifting (TSPS) into the spectral phase interferometry for direct electric-field reconstruction (SPIDER) to improve the reconstruction of ultrafast optical-fields. This novel SPIDER can remove experimentally the dc portion occurring in traditional SPIDER method by recording two spectral interferograms with π phase-shifting. As a result, the reconstructed results are much less disturbed by the time delay between the test pulse replicas and the temporal widths of the filter window, thus more reliable. What is more, this SPIDER can work efficiently even the time delay is so small or the measured bandwidth is so narrow that strong overlap happens between the dc and ac portions, which allows it to be able to characterize the test pulses with complicated temporal/spectral structures or narrow bandwidths.
Effective vitrification and warming of porcine embryos using a pH-stable, chemically defined medium
Authors: Cuello Cristina , Martinez Cristina A. , Nohalez Alicia , Parrilla Inmaculada , Roca Jordi , Gil Maria A. , Martinez Emilio A.
Published: September 2016

The use of pH-stable media would simplify embryo vitrification and the warming of porcine embryos and might facilitate the application of embryo transfer in practice. In this work, we investigated whether a pH-stable basal medium constituted of Tyrode’s lactate medium, polyvinyl alcohol, and HEPES for buffering was suitable for porcine embryo vitrification warming in place of the conventional gas-equilibrated media. A high percentage (>90%) of embryos survived vitrification and warming in this medium, achieving in vitro survival rates similar to embryos vitrified-warmed using the conventional protocol and their fresh counterparts. The pH-stable medium did not affect the in vivo developmental competence of the vitrified-warmed embryos. A farrowing rate of 71.4% (5/7) with 10.4 ± 3.1 piglets born was obtained for the embryos vitrified and warmed in this medium and transferred to selected recipients. This medium will enable the use of simple, safe and standardized protocols for the vitrification and warming of porcine embryos for optimal embryo survival and quality when applied under field conditions. This study opens new possibilities for the widespread use of embryo transfer in pigs.
Gondwanan conifer clones imperilled by bushfire
Authors: Worth James R. P. , Sakaguchi Shota , Rann Karl D. , Bowman Clarence J. W. , Ito Motomi , Jordan Gregory J. , Bowman David M. J. S.
Published: September 2016

Global increases in fire frequency driven by anthropogenic greenhouse emissions and land use change could threaten unique and ancient species by creeping into long-term fire refugia. The perhumid and mountainous western half of Tasmania is a globally important refugium for palaeo-endemic, fire intolerant lineages, especially conifers. Reproductive strategy will be crucial to the resilience of these organisms under warmer, dryer and more fire prone climates. This study analysed clonal versus sexual reproduction in old growth plots dominated by the palaeo-endemic conifer Athrotaxis cupressoides (Cupressaceae), a species that lacks any traits to tolerate frequent landscape fire. Across most of the seven plots the amount of sexually derived individuals was lower than clonally derived with, on average, 60% of all stems belonging to the same multi-locus lineage (MLL) (i.e. were clonal). Some MLLs were large spanning over 10 s of metres and consisted of up to 62 stems. The high mortality after fire and the rarity of sexual regeneration means that the range of this fire-intolerant species is likely to contract under enhanced fire regimes and has a limited capacity to disperse via seed to available fire refugia in the landscape.