bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microarray‐based identification of human antibodies against Staphylococcus aureus antigens
Authors: Kloppot Peggy , Selle Martina , Kohler Christian , Stentzel Sebastian , Fuchs Stephan , Liebscher Volkmar , Müller Elke , Kale Devika , Ohlsen Knut , Bröker Barbara M. , Zipfel Peter F. , Kahl Barbara C. , Ehricht Ralf , Hecker Michael , Engelmann Susanne
Published: February 2015

Purpose

The mortality rate of patients with Staphylococcus aureus infections is alarming and urgently demands new strategies to attenuate the course of these infections or to detect them at earlier stages.

Experimental design

To study the adaptive immune response to S. aureus antigens in healthy human volunteers, a protein microarray containing 44 S. aureus proteins was developed using the ArrayStrip platform technology.

Results

Testing plasma samples from 15 S. aureus carriers and 15 noncarriers 21 immunogenic S. aureus antigens have been identified. Seven antigens were recognized by antibodies present in at least 60% of the samples, representing the core S. aureus immunome of healthy individuals. S. aureus‐specific serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels were significantly lower in noncarriers than in carriers specifically anti‐IsaA, anti‐SACOL0479, and anti‐SACOL0480 IgGs were found at lower frequencies and quantities. Twenty‐two antigens present on the microarray were encoded by all S. aureus carrier isolates. Nevertheless, the immune system of the carriers was responsive to only eight of them and with different intensities.

Conclusion and clinical relevance

The established protein microarray allows a broad profiling of the S. aureus‐specific antibody response and can be used to identify S. aureus antigens that might serve as vaccines or diagnostic markers.
Development and evaluation of a multiplexed mass spectrometry based assay for measuring candidate peptide biomarkers in Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) CSF
Authors: Spellman Daniel S. , Wildsmith Kristin R. , Honigberg Lee A. , Tuefferd Marianne , Baker David , Raghavan Nandini , Nairn Angus C. , Croteau Pascal , Schirm Michael , Allard Rene , Lamontagne Julie , Chelsky Daniel , Hoffmann Steven , Potter William Z. ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: February 2015

Purpose

We describe the outcome of the Biomarkers Consortium CSF Proteomics Project (where CSF is cerebral spinal fluid), a public–private partnership of government, academia, nonprofit, and industry. The goal of this study was to evaluate a multiplexed MS‐based approach for the qualification of candidate Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarkers using CSF samples from the AD Neuroimaging Initiative.

Experimental design

Reproducibility of sample processing, analytic variability, and ability to detect a variety of analytes of interest were thoroughly investigated. Multiple approaches to statistical analyses assessed whether panel analytes were associated with baseline pathology (mild cognitive impairment (MCI), AD) versus healthy controls or associated with progression for MCI patients, and included (i) univariate association analyses, (ii) univariate prediction models, (iii) exploratory multivariate analyses, and (iv) supervised multivariate analysis.

Results

A robust targeted MS‐based approach for the qualification of candidate AD biomarkers was developed. The results identified several peptides with potential diagnostic or predictive utility, with the most significant differences observed for the following peptides for differentiating (including peptides from hemoglobin A, hemoglobin B, and superoxide dismutase) or predicting (including peptides from neuronal pentraxin‐2, neurosecretory protein VGF (VGF), and secretogranin‐2) progression versus nonprogression from MCI to AD.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

These data provide potential insights into the biology of CSF in AD and MCI progression and provide a novel tool for AD researchers and clinicians working to improve diagnostic accuracy, evaluation of treatment efficacy, and early diagnosis.
Excitation‐dependent carrier dynamics in Al‐rich AlGaN layers and multiple quantum wells
Authors: Ščajev Patrik , Miasojedovas Saulius , Jarašiunas Kestutis , Hiramatsu Kazumasa , Miyake Hideto , Gil Bernard
Published: February 2015

The combined temporally, spatially and spectrally‐resolved optical techniques, namely the photoluminescence, light induced transient grating, and differential reflectivity were used for investigation of excitation‐dependent PL efficiency, exciton lifetime, and diffusion coefficient in Si‐doped Al‐rich multiple quantum wells and epilayers at various temperatures. Novel features of carrier recombination and in‐plane diffusion were observed. Low‐excitation radiative lifetime of 1–2 ns was found temperature‐independent in 80–150 K interval, while it sublinearly decreased with excitation at excess carrier densities above 1018 cm−3. The lifetime decrease correlated with the increase of diffusion coefficient, indicating excitation‐enhanced delocalization of localized excitons and therefore enhanced capture to nonradiative centers. The droop of photoluminescence efficiency with excitation was the strongest at 80–150 K due to strong delocalisation at low‐temperatures, while at higher temperatures the thermal activation prevailed in photoluminescence excitation dependence. The photoluminescence efficiency quenching at T > 200 K provided rather high activation energies of ∼100 and 160 meV for Al‐rich multiple quantum wells and epilayers, correspondingly.
Team IHMC's Lessons Learned from the DARPA Robotics Challenge Trials
Authors: Johnson Matthew , Shrewsbury Brandon , Bertrand Sylvain , Wu Tingfan , Duran Daniel , Floyd Marshall , Abeles Peter , Stephen Douglas , Mertins Nathan , Lesman Alex , Carff John , Rifenburgh William , Kaveti Pushyami , Straatman Wessel , Smith Jesper , Griffioen Maarten , Layton Brooke , de Boer Tomas , Koolen Twan , Neuhaus Peter , Pratt Jerry
Published: February 2015

This article is a summary of the experiences of the Florida Institute for Human & Machine Cognition (IHMC) team during the DARPA Robotics Challenge (DRC) Trials. The primary goal of the DRC is to develop robots capable of assisting humans in responding to natural and manmade disasters. The robots are expected to use standard tools and equipment to accomplish the mission. The DRC Trials consisted of eight different challenges that tested robot mobility, manipulation, and control under degraded communications and time constraints. Team IHMC competed using the Atlas humanoid robot made by Boston Dynamics. We competed against 16 international teams and placed second in the competition. This article discusses the challenges we faced in transitioning from simulation to hardware. It also discusses the lessons learned both during the competition and in the months of preparation leading up to it. The lessons address the value of reliable hardware and solid software practices. They also cover effective approaches to bipedal walking and designing for human‐robot teamwork. Lastly, the lessons present a philosophical discussion about choices related to designing robotic systems.
Meta‐analysis of Autonomy at the DARPA Robotics Challenge Trials
Authors: Murphy Robin R.
Published: February 2015

The DARPA Robotics Challenge trials offer insights into how the robotics community approaches the design of intelligent systems and the role of supervision and simulation. A survey of the teams suggests that the design process may be hampered by the lack of a recognized canon of intelligent design principles and references and by the underrepresentation of artificial intelligence experts on the teams. The teams generally approached supervision and simulation as a fine‐grained execution approval activity rather than as task rehearsal for the entire action sequence.
Leucine‐rich amelogenin peptide (LRAP) as a surface primer for biomimetic remineralization of superficial enamel defects: An in vitro study
Authors: Shafiei Farhad , Hossein Bagheri G. , Farajollahi Mohammad M. , Fathollah Moztarzadeh , Marjan Behroozibakhsh , Tahereh Jafarzadeh Kashi
Published: February 2015

This study was carried out to obtain more information about the assembly of hydroxyapatite bundles formed in the presence of Leucine‐Rich Amelogenin Peptide (LRAP) and to evaluate its effect on the remineralization of enamel defects through a biomimetic approach. One or 2 mg/mL LRAP solutions containing 2.5 mM of Ca+2 and 1.5 mM phosphate were prepared (pH = 7.2) and stored at 37 °C for 24 h. The products of the reaction were studied using atomic force microscopy (AFM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and selected area electron diffraction (SAED). Vickers surface microhardness recovery (SMR%) of acid‐etched bovine enamel, with or without LRAP surface treatment, were calculated to evaluate the influence of peptide on the lesion remineralization. Distilled water and 1 or 2 mg/mL LRAP solution (pH = 7.2) were applied on the lesions and the specimens were incubated in mineralization solution (2.5mM Ca+2, 1.5mM PO4−3, pH = 7.2) for 24 h. One‐way ANOVA and Tukey's multi‐comparison tests were used for statistical analysis. The pattern of enamel surface repair was studied using FE‐SEM. AFM showed the formation of highly organized hierarchical structures, composed of hydroxyapatite (HA) crystals, similar to the dental enamel microstructure. ANOVA procedure showed significant effect of peptide treatment on the calculated SMR% (p < 0.001). Tukey's test revealed that peptide treated groups had significantly higher values of SMR%. In conclusion, LRAP is able to regulate the formation of HA and enhances the remineralization of acid‐etched enamel as a surface treatment agent. SCANNING 37:179–185, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Line‐of‐sight mass spectrometry: principles and practice
Authors: Hessey Stephen G. , Jones Robert G.
Published: February 2015

Line‐of‐sight mass spectrometry (LOSMS) defines a focal area on a sample surface such that only species originating from within that area are detected by a mass spectrometer. Line‐of‐sight gas trajectories are established between a focal area and the ionisation volume using two apertures with cryo‐pumping walls to prevent all other trajectories from reaching the ionisation volume. Because of the geometry, LOSMS is area specific, angle resolving and capable of detecting neutral, radical and charged species with approximately equal sensitivity and can be used to measure the speed distribution of gases. The history of LOSMS is reviewed, and the different aspects are drawn together to give a coherent description of the technique. The general operating principles are used to predict how a gas microscope with a spatial resolution of 25 µm and a gas camera with an angular resolution of 0.014° could be built. Three types of experiment that can be carried out using LOSMS are described: temperature‐programmed desorption, sticking probability measurements and general monitoring of the gas phase above a surface where the temporal variation of the gas pressure and sample temperature can be arbitrarily complex. Procedures for accurately locating the line‐of‐sight focal area are described. The angle‐resolving ability of LOSMS is demonstrated, showing that the angular distributions of two gases, acetone and 1,2,3‐trifluorobenzene, from a solid surface (silver) and a liquid (1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium ethyl sulfate [C2C1Im][EtSO4]) surface are cosine distributions as predicted by Knudsen's cosine law. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of substrate temperature on the structural and optical properties of crystalline ZnO films obtained by pulsed spray pyrolysis
Authors: Dobrozhan Oleksandr , Kurbatov Denys , Opanasyuk Anatoliy , Cheong Hyeonsik , Cabot Andreu
Published: February 2015

In this work, we report on the structural and optical properties of ZnO films deposited by pulsed spray pyrolysis at relatively low temperatures, compatible with a large variety of substrates and processing technologies. Crystalline ZnO films were deposited onto glass substrates using zinc acetate dihydrate dissolved in distilled water with concentration of 0.2 M. The temperature of the substrate was varied in the range Ts = 473–673 K with ΔТ = 50 K. Effect of Ts were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, x‐ray diffraction and energy dispersive x‐ray, and optical spectroscopies. Also, the influence of Ts on the grain size, phase composition, texture quality, coherent scattering domain size, crystal lattice parameters, chemical composition, transmission coefficient, and the bang gap of the ZnO films were studied. X‐ray diffraction analysis revealed that films were polycrystalline with hexagonal phase and showed as preferential orientation (101) at Ts < 573 K and (100) and (002) at Ts > 573 K. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) measurements showed that the substrate temperature has a strong effect on morphology of the films. Energy dispersive analysis revealed that ZnO films consisted of the non‐stoichiometric compounds. Optical measurements showed ZnO films to be highly transparent in the visible region, and optical band gap is shifting from 3.18 eV to 3.30 eV. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Densification Process of MgO Bearing Pellets
Authors: Shen Fengman , Gao Qiangjian , Wei Guo , Jiang Xin , Shen Yansong
Published: February 2015

The densification process of MgO bearing pellets is investigated in the present work. The experimental results show that there is a densification phenomenon for oxidized pellets during induration process where the structure of product pellets becomes dense and the pore size and porosity of product pellets decreases gradually. MgO addition has a negative effect on the densification process of pellets. As the addition of MgO bearing additive is increased from 0 to 2.0%, the densification ratio of pellets decreases from 46.3 to 28.6%; the pore size increases gradually and porosity of product pellets increases from 18.61 to 24.06%. This study helps to understand and optimize the use of MgO in the whole blast furnace ironmaking process.
Water binding properties of acid‐thinned wheat, potato, and pea starches
Authors: Ulbrich Marco , Natan Cindy , Flöter Eckhard
Published: February 2015

Acid‐thinned wheat, potato, and pea starches prepared by variation of acid type (HCl and H2SO4), concentration (0.36 and 0.72 N in a 40% w/w suspension), and hydrolysis time (4 and 24 h) were characterized in terms of water binding properties. Hydrolysis decreased the water content bound by sorption at water activity (aW) 1.0, at which the water was detected to be non‐freezable (wnf) using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The decrease of wnf due to hydrolysis was in the order potato > wheat > pea starch. The modification changed the ability to certain granule swelling as well as porosity and void volume of the starch ballast affecting the water uptake based on capillary suction properties (WHCCS) and the water hydration capacity (WHCC). Decreasing WHCC was found systematically by enhancing the hydrolysis time for wheat and potato starches. Incremental molecular degradation including partial debranching in the threshold area between amorphous and crystalline regions promotes re‐organization of helices near the crystallite surface reducing granule swelling.
Patient‐specific aided surgery approach of deviated nasal septum using computational fluid dynamics
Authors: Hemtiwakorn Khaisang , Mahasitthiwat Visan , Tungjitkusolmun Supan , Hamamoto Kazuhiko , Pintavirooj Chuchart
Published: February 2015

In treating a patient with deviated nasal septum (DNS), a surgeon draws up a surgical plan based on the patient's rhinomanometry outcomes and self‐assessment of nose conditions, e.g. the nasal obstruction septoplasty effectiveness (NOSE) score. However, the procedure fails to localize the DNS and determine the nose's aerodynamic effects. This paper proposes a DNS‐aided surgery approach using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and computed tomography (CT) techniques consisting of three main processes: preoperative, presurgical planning, and postoperative processes. The healthy baseline refers to a benchmark consisting of five subjects without DNS and nasal airway obstructions. To assess the possibility of using the CFD‐CT‐aided surgery approach as a presurgical planning tool in the DNS operation, comparative tests were carried out with DNS patient #1, who received a conventional nasal surgery without the proposed presurgical planning. Although DNS patient #1's surgical outcome was relatively satisfying to the patient, evaluating from the reduction of the NOSE score the conventional surgical method could induce an excessive excision of nasal airway, resulting in water loss in the nasal mucosa and a large reduction in airflow velocity. In addition, the postoperative nasal resistance measured by a rhinomanometer was not acceptable to the surgeon. Virtual surgery using the CFD‐CT approach performed after surgery could suggest suitable patient‐specific components of nasal operation with predictable results. Subsequently, implementation of the proposed CFD‐CT approach in aid of DNS surgery was performed in DNS patient #2. The benefits of the CFD‐CT‐aided surgery approach were determined based on the pre‐ and postoperative outcomes (i.e. nasal geometric data and nasal airflow patterns), NOSE scores, and rhinomanometric data of DNS patient #2, which were compared against those of the healthy baseline benchmark. The CFD‐CT approach could assist the surgeon to localize the DNS and determine the defective nasal tissues to be removed. The actual postoperative outcomes were clinically acceptable to the surgeon and DNS patient #2. It is evident that the CFD‐CT‐aided surgery approach is suitable for and applicable to surgery of DNS patients with small variability from the presurgical planning stage. © 2015 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Analysis and design of a MEMS DC/DC converter
Authors: Qu Furong , Nie Mengyan , Liu Yu , Ou Yi
Published: February 2015

This paper presents the analysis and simulation of a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) DC/DC converter based on vibration‐to‐electric energy conversion. The device transfers and accumulates the mechanical energy from ambient vibration via a variable capacitor. After the key parameters of the device are carefully discussed, the dynamics analysis is given based on the differential equation of the system. The approach provided in this paper is very helpful in designing and essentially understanding the MEMS DC/DC converter with high performance. © 2014 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Comparison of Solomon technique with selective laser ablation for twin–twin transfusion syndrome: a systematic review
Authors: Dhillon R. K. , Hillman S. C. , Pounds R. , Morris R. K. , Kilby M. D.
Published: February 2015

Objective

To compare the Solomon and selective techniques for fetoscopic laser ablation (FLA) for the treatment of twin–twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) in monochorionic–diamniotic twin pregnancies.

Methods

This was a systematic review conducted in accordance with the PRISMA statement. Electronic searches were performed for relevant citations published from inception to September 2014. Selected studies included pregnancies undergoing FLA for TTTS that reported on recurrence of TTTS, occurrence of twin anemia–polycythemia sequence (TAPS) or survival.

Results

From 270 possible citations, three studies were included, two cohort studies and one randomized controlled trial (RCT), which directly compared the Solomon and selective techniques for FLA. The odds ratios (OR) of recurrent TTTS when using the Solomon vs the selective technique in the two cohort studies (n = 249) were 0.30 (95% CI, 0.00–4.46) and 0.45 (95% CI, 0.07–2.20). The RCT (n = 274) demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in risk of recurrent TTTS with the Solomon technique (OR, 0.21 (95% CI, 0.04–0.98); P = 0.03). The ORs for the development of TAPS following the Solomon and the selective techniques were 0.20 (95% CI, 0.00–2.46) and 0.61 (95% CI, 0.05–5.53) in the cohort studies and 0.16 (95% CI, 0.05–0.49) in the RCT, with statistically significant differences for the RCT only (P < 0.001). Observational evidence suggested overall better survival with the Solomon technique, which was statistically significant for survival of at least one twin. The RCT did not demonstrate a significant difference in survival between the two techniques, most probably owing to the small sample size and lack of power.

Conclusion

This systematic review of observational, comparative cohort and RCT data suggests a trend towards a reduction in TAPS and recurrent TTTS and an increase in twin survival, with no increase in the occurrence of complications or adverse events, when using the Solomon compared to the selective technique for the treatment of TTTS. These findings need to be confirmed by an appropriately‐powered RCT with long‐term neurological follow‐up. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Serum soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 in the three trimesters of pregnancy: effects of maternal characteristics and medical history
Authors: Tsiakkas A. , Duvdevani N. , Wright A. , Wright D. , Nicolaides K. H.
Published: February 2015

Objective

To define the contribution of maternal variables which influence the measured level of maternal serum soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 (sFlt‐1) in screening for pregnancy complications.

Methods

Maternal characteristics and medical history were recorded and serum sFlt‐1 was measured in women with a singleton pregnancy attending for three routine hospital visits at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6, 19 + 0 to 24 + 6 and 30 + 0 to 34 + 6 or 35 + 0 to 37 + 6 weeks' gestation. For pregnancies delivering phenotypically normal live births or stillbirths ≥ 24 weeks' gestation, variables from maternal demographic characteristics and medical history that are important in the prediction of sFlt‐1 were determined from a linear mixed‐effects multiple regression.

Results

Serum sFlt‐1 was measured in 7066 cases in the first trimester, 8078 in the second trimester and 10 464 in the third trimester. Significant independent contributions to serum sFlt‐1 were provided by gestational age, maternal weight, racial origin, cigarette smoking, birth‐weight Z‐score of the neonate in the previous pregnancy and interpregnancy interval. Random‐effects multiple regression analysis was used to define the contribution of maternal variables that influence the measured level of serum sFlt‐1 and express the values as multiples of the median (MoMs). The model was shown to provide an adequate fit of MoM values for all covariates, both in pregnancies that developed pre‐eclampsia and in those without this pregnancy complication.

Conclusions

A model was fitted to express measured serum sFlt‐1 across the three trimesters of pregnancy as MoMs, after adjusting for variables from maternal characteristics and medical history that affect this measurement. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Umbilical and fetal middle cerebral artery Doppler at 30–34 weeks' gestation in the prediction of adverse perinatal outcome
Authors: Bakalis S. , Akolekar R. , Gallo D. M. , Poon L. C. , Nicolaides K. H.
Published: February 2015

Objective

To investigate the potential value of cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) at 30–34 weeks' gestation in the prediction of adverse perinatal outcome.

Methods

This was a screening study in 30 780 singleton pregnancies at 30–34 weeks' gestation. Umbilical artery (UA) and fetal middle cerebral artery (MCA) pulsatility index (PI) were measured and the values were converted to multiples of the median (MoM) after adjustment from variables in maternal characteristics and medical history that affect the measurements. CPR was calculated by dividing MCA‐PI MoM by UA‐PI MoM. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine if measuring CPR improved the prediction of adverse perinatal outcome provided by screening with maternal characteristics, medical history and obstetric factors. The detection rate (DR) and false‐positive rate (FPR) of screening by CPR were estimated for stillbirth, Cesarean section for fetal distress, umbilical arterial cord blood pH ≤ 7.0, umbilical venous cord blood pH ≤ 7.1, 5‐min Apgar score < 7 and admission to the neonatal unit (NNU) and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Results

There was a significant association between CPR and birth‐weight Z‐score. In addition to maternal characteristics, medical history and obstetric factors, measuring CPR provided a significant contribution to the prediction of arterial cord blood pH ≤ 7.0, venous cord blood pH ≤ 7.1 and admission to NNU. The performance of CPR in screening for each adverse outcome was poor, with DR of 5–11% and a FPR of about 5%. In the small subgroup of the population delivering within 2 weeks following assessment, the DR improved to 20–50%, but with a simultaneous increase in FPR to 10–23%.

Conclusion

The performance of CPR in routine screening for adverse perinatal outcome at 30–34 weeks' gestation is poor. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
The estimation of grizzly bear density through hair‐snagging techniques above the tree line
Authors: Dumond Mathieu , Boulanger John , Paetkau David
Published: February 2015

Assessing grizzly bears' (Ursus arctos) abundance in the Arctic has been challenging because of the large scale of their movements and the remoteness of field locations. We modified a post sampling method used for wolverines (Gulo gulo) to allow collection of hair samples from grizzly bears in the Canadian tundra. We deployed 1 post/cell in a sampling grid of 393 10 × 10‐km cells sampled in 2008 and 2009 for two 14‐day sessions in July–August of both years. We then compared density estimates from mark–recapture estimators that used telemetry data from previous years with spatially explicit mark–recapture models that used only genetic detections. Over the 2 years of sampling, we detected 98 female and 81 male grizzly bears. We found that the DNA degradation rate was related to collection interval and the number of days between rainfall events and sample collection. Estimates of density were in the order of 5 bears/1,000 km2. The estimates from the 2 methods were statistically similar, but spatially explicit estimates were more precise than those using radiocollar data. Our results provide the first demonstration of the viability of posts as hair‐snagging stations to obtain DNA from grizzly bears, and of spatially explicit mark–recapture methods to estimate population size and density for grizzly bears above the tree line. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.
Spectral analysis of semigroups and growth-fragmentation equations
Authors: Mischler S. , Scher J.
Published: February 2015

The aim of this paper is twofold:

(1) On the one hand, the paper revisits the spectral analysis of semigroups in a general Banach space setting. It presents some new and more general versions, and provides comprehensible proofs, of classical results such as the spectral mapping theorem, some (quantified) Weyl's Theorems and the Krein–Rutman Theorem. Motivated by evolution PDE applications, the results apply to a wide and natural class of generators which split as a dissipative part plus a more regular part, without assuming any symmetric structure on the operators nor Hilbert structure on the space, and give some growth estimates and spectral gap estimates for the associated semigroup. The approach relies on some factorization and summation arguments reminiscent of the Dyson–Phillips series in the spirit of those used in [96,87,51,86].

(2) On the other hand, we present the semigroup spectral analysis for three important classes of “growth-fragmentation” equations, namely the cell division equation, the self-similar fragmentation equation and the McKendrick–Von Foerster age structured population equation. By showing that these models lie in the class of equations for which our general semigroup analysis theory applies, we prove the exponential rate of convergence of the solutions to the associated first eigenfunction or self-similar profile for a very large and natural class of fragmentation rates. Our results generalize similar estimates obtained in [103,73] for the cell division model with (almost) constant total fragmentation rate and in [19,18] for the self-similar fragmentation equation and the cell division equation restricted to smooth and positive fragmentation rate and total fragmentation rate which does not increase more rapidly than quadratically. It also improves the convergence results without rate obtained in [84,36] which have been established under similar assumptions to those made in the present work.
Emotion processing in joint hypermobility: A potential link to the neural bases of anxiety and related somatic symptoms in collagen anomalies
Authors: Mallorquí-Bagué N. , Bulbena A. , Roé-Vellvé N. , Hoekzema E. , Carmona S. , Barba-Müller E. , Fauquet J. , Pailhez G. , Vilarroya O.
Published: February 2015

Background:

Joint hypermobility syndrome (JHS) has repeatedly been associated with anxiety and anxiety disorders, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome and temporomandibular joint disorder. However, the neural underpinnings of these associations still remain unclear. This study explored brain responses to facial visual stimuli with emotional cues using fMRI techniques in general population with different ranges of hypermobility.

Methods:

Fifty-one non-clinical volunteers (33 women) completed state and trait anxiety questionnaire measures, were assessed with a clinical examination for hypermobility (Beighton system) and performed an emotional face processing paradigm during functional neuroimaging.

Results:

Trait anxiety scores did significantly correlate with both state anxiety and hypermobility scores. BOLD signals of the hippocampus did positively correlate with hypermobility scores for the crying faces versus neutral faces contrast in ROI analyses. No results were found for any of the other studied ROIs. Additionally, hypermobility scores were also associated with other key affective processing areas (i.e. the middle and anterior cingulate gyrus, fusiform gyrus, parahippocampal region, orbitofrontal cortex and cerebellum) in the whole brain analysis.

Conclusions:

Hypermobility scores are associated with trait anxiety and higher brain responses to emotional faces in emotion processing brain areas (including hippocampus) described to be linked to anxiety and somatic symptoms. These findings increase our understanding of emotion processing in people bearing this heritable variant of collagen and the mechanisms through which vulnerability to anxiety and somatic symptoms arises in this population.
Deglacial Hydroclimate of Midcontinental North America
Authors: Voelker Steven L. , Stambaugh Michael C. , Guyette Richard P. , Feng Xiahong , Grimley David A. , Leavitt Steven W. , Panyushkina Irina , Grimm Eric C. , Marsicek Jeremiah P. , Shuman Bryan , Brandon Curry B.
Published: February 2015

During the last deglaciation temperatures over midcontinental North America warmed dramatically through the Bølling-Allerød, underwent a cool period associated with the Younger-Dryas and then reverted to warmer, near modern temperatures during the early Holocene. However, paleo proxy records of the hydroclimate of this period have presented divergent evidence. We reconstruct summer relative humidity (RH) across the last deglacial period using a mechanistic model of cellulose and leaf water δ18O and δD combined with a pollen-based temperature proxy to interpret stable isotopes of sub-fossil wood. Midcontinental RH was similar to modern conditions during the Last Glacial Maximum, progressively increased during the Bølling-Allerød, peaked during the Younger-Dryas, and declined sharply during the early Holocene. This RH record suggests deglacial summers were cooler and characterized by greater advection of moisture-laden air-masses from the Gulf of Mexico and subsequent entrainment over the mid-continent by a high-pressure system over the Laurentide ice sheet. These patterns help explain the formation of dark-colored cumulic horizons in many Great Plains paleosol sequences and the development of no-analog vegetation types common to the Midwest during the last deglacial period. Likewise, reduced early Holocene RH and precipitation correspond with a diminished glacial high-pressure system during the latter stages of ice-sheet collapse.
Dynamics of a binary mixture subjected to a temperature gradient and oscillatory forcing
Authors: Shevtsova V. , Gaponenko Y. A. , Sechenyh V. , Melnikov D. E. , Lyubimova T. , Mialdun A.
Published: February 2015

We examine the dynamics of a binary mixture in a cubic cell subjected to a temperature differential and oscillatory forcing. The Soret effect, which is negative in the present study, provides a coupling mechanism by which a temperature gradient establishes a concentration gradient in a mixture. We present the results of experiments that were performed on the International Space Station (ISS) and compare the observations with the results of direct numerical simulations. The evolution of temperature and concentration fields is investigated by optical digital interferometry. One advantage of the experimental technique is the observation of the fields along two perpendicular directions of the cell, allowing us to restore the three-dimensional field. Experimental evidence disproves speculations that the ISS microgravity environment always affects diffusion-controlled processes. Furthermore, we demonstrate that imposed vibrations with constant frequency and amplitude create slow mean flows and that they do influence the diffusion kinetics. The perturbation of the diffusive fields scales as the square of the vibrational velocity. In addition to calculations of the full three-dimensional Navier–Stokes equations, a two-time-scale computational methodology is used for situations in which the forcing period is very small compared to the natural time scales of the problem. The simulations show excellent agreement with experimental observations.
On the validity of single-parcel energetics to assess the importance of internal energy and compressibility effects in stratified fluids
Authors: Tailleux Rémi
Published: February 2015

It is often assumed on the basis of single-parcel energetics that compressible effects and conversions with internal energy are negligible whenever typical displacements of fluid parcels are small relative to the scale height of the fluid (defined as the ratio of the squared speed of sound to the gravitational acceleration). This paper shows that the above approach is flawed, however, and that a correct assessment of compressible effects and internal energy conversions requires the consideration of the energetics of at least two parcels or, more generally, of mass-conserving parcel rearrangements. As a consequence, it is shown that it is the adiabatic lapse rate and its derivative with respect to pressure, rather than the scale height, that controls the relative importance of compressible effects and internal energy conversions when considering the global energy budget of a stratified fluid. Only when mass conservation is properly accounted for is it possible to explain why the available internal energy can account for up to 40 % of the total available potential energy in the oceans. This is considerably larger than the prediction of single-parcel energetics, according to which this number should be no more than approximately 2 %.
The motor system’s contribution to perception and understanding actions: clarifying mirror neuron myths and misunderstandings
Authors: HICKOK GREGORY
Published: February 2015

abstract

Kemmerer’s critical review of my book The Myth of Mirror Neurons raises some important points regarding the relation between motor-centric and motor-modulatory models of perception and understanding. In addressing his critiques I hope to clarify that there is growing agreement that motor-centric models are untenable, while motor-modulatory models are viable but still face theoretical and empirical hurdles.
A New Approach to Diffeomorphism Invariant Algebras of Generalized Functions
Authors: Nigsch E. A.
Published: February 2015

We develop the diffeomorphism invariant Colombeau-type algebra of nonlinear generalized functions in a modern and compact way. Using a unifying formalism for the local setting and on manifolds, the construction becomes simpler and more accessible than before.
Classifying Polygonal Algebras by theirK0-Group
Authors: Konter Johan , Vdovina Alina
Published: February 2015

We prove that every incidence graph of a finite projective plane allows a partitioning into incident point-line pairs. This is used to determine the order of the identity in theK0-group of so-called polygonal algebras associated with cocompact group actions onÃ2-buildings with three orbits. TheseC*-algebras are classified by theK0-group and the classof the identity inK0. To be more precise, we show that 2(q− 1)= 0, whereqis the order of the links of the building. Furthermore, ifq= 22l−1withl∈ ℤ, then the order ofisq− 1.
Abstract M- and Abstract L-Spaces of Polynomials on Banach Lattices
Authors: Bu Qingying , Buskes Gerard , Li Yongjin
Published: February 2015

In this paper we use the norm of bounded variation to study multilinear operators and polynomials on Banach lattices. As a result, we obtain when all continuous multilinear operators and polynomials on Banach lattices are regular. We also provide new abstract M- and abstract L-spaces of multilinear operators and polynomials and generalize all the results by Grecu and Ryan, from Banach lattices with an unconditional basis to all Banach lattices.
On the Local Tb Theorem: A Direct Proof under the Duality Assumption
Authors: Lacey Michael T. , Vähäkangas Antti V.
Published: February 2015

We give a new direct proof of the local Tb theorem in the Euclidean setting and under the assumption of dual exponents. This theorem provides a flexible framework for proving the boundedness of a Calderón–Zygmund operator, supposing the existence of systems of local accretive functions. We assume that the integrability exponents on these systems of functions are of the form 1/p + 1/q ⩽ 1, the ‘dual case’ 1/p + 1/q = 1 being the most difficult one. Our proof is direct: it avoids a reduction to the perfect dyadic case unlike some previous approaches. The principal point of interest is in the use of random grids and the corresponding construction of the corona. We also use certain twisted martingale transform inequalities.
Predictors of persistent maternal depression trajectories in early childhood: results from the EDEN mother–child cohort study in France
Authors: van der Waerden J. , Galéra C. , Saurel-Cubizolles M.-J. , Sutter-Dallay A.-L. , Melchior M. ,   the EDEN Mother–Child Cohort Study Group
Published: February 2015

Background

Maternal depression in the pre- and postpartum period may set women on a course of chronic depressive symptoms. Little is known about predictors of persistently elevated depressive symptoms in mothers from pregnancy onwards. The aims of this study are to determine maternal depression trajectories from pregnancy to the child's fifth birthday and identify associated risk factors.

Method

Mothers (N = 1807) from the EDEN mother–child birth cohort study based in France (2003–2011) were followed from 24–28 weeks of pregnancy to their child's fifth birthday. Maternal depression trajectories were determined with a semi-parametric group-based modelling strategy. Sociodemographic, psychosocial and psychiatric predictors were explored for their association with trajectory class membership.

Results

Five trajectories of maternal symptoms of depression from pregnancy onwards were identified: no symptoms (60.2%); persistent intermediate-level depressive symptoms (25.2%); persistent high depressive symptoms (5.0%); high symptoms in pregnancy only (4.7%); high symptoms in the child's preschool period only (4.9%).Socio-demographic predictorsassociated with persistent depression were non-French origin;psychosocial predictorswere childhood adversities, life events during pregnancy and work overinvestment;psychiatric predictorswere previous mental health problems, psychological help, and high anxiety during pregnancy.

Conclusions

Persistent depression in mothers of young children is associated to several risk factors present prior to or during pregnancy, notably anxiety. These characteristics precede depression trajectories and offer a possible entry point to enhance mother's mental health and reduce its burden on children.
LEKITĀB AL-KAŠF ʿAN MANĀHIĞ AL-ADILLAD'AVERROÈS: LES PHASES DE LA RÉDACTION DANS LES DISCOURS SUR L'EXISTENCE DE DIEU ET SUR LA DIRECTION, D'APRÈS L'ORIGINAL ARABE ET LA TRADUCTION HÉBRAÏQUE
Authors: Di Donato Silvia
Published: February 2015

The extant manuscript tradition of theKitāb al-Kašfprovides evidences of three phases of redaction and revision of the treatise. This study aims to illustrate the relations between the two Arabic versions and the anonymous fourteenth century Hebrew translation, taking into account the additions and modifications that differentiate them. I conclude that the Hebrew translation represents an intermediate stage of reworking, attesting important additions to the text as well as philosophical changes, especially in arguments concerning the creation of the world at the beginning of the treatise. However, it precedes the next revision phase of the text, which leaded to the modifications of the last Arabic version, in the chapters dealing with the thorny questions of divine corporeality and direction. The analysis of additions and arguments in the matter of content, context and reasoning helps to understand the redaction phases' history and the way the treatise was transmitted.
Carbon-sensitive productivity, climate and institutions
Authors: Kumar Surender , Managi Shunsuke
Published: February 2015

Climate and institutions might be crucial in lowering the vagaries of climate change impacts in terms of productivity. This study measures the relationships of productivity measures adjusted for the regulation of carbon emission and institutions together with climate change throughout the world. This paper finds that there is higher potential for reduction of CO2emissions in developing countries at lower cost. However, the cost to reduce emissions lowers their growth potential in terms of lost productivity growth. Better institutions help to lower the negative impacts of climate change by improving the process of technological adoption in developing countries. Climate change reduces the productivity growth in developing countries by lowering the process of technological adoption, and better institutions result in higher productivity.
On forward inferences of fast and slow readers. An eye movement study
Authors: Hawelka Stefan , Schuster Sarah , Gagl Benjamin , Hutzler Florian
Published: February 2015

Unimpaired readers process words incredibly fast and hence it was assumed that top-down processing, such as predicting upcoming words, would be too slow to play an appreciable role in reading. This runs counter the major postulate of the predictive coding framework that our brain continually predicts probable upcoming sensory events. This means, it may generate predictions about the probable upcoming word during reading (dubbed forward inferences). Trying to asses these contradictory assumptions, we evaluated the effect of the predictability of words in sentences on eye movement control during silent reading. Participants were a group of fluent (i.e., fast) and a group of speed-impaired (i.e., slow) readers. The findings indicate that fast readers generate forward inferences, whereas speed-impaired readers do so to a reduced extent - indicating a significant role of predictive coding for fluent reading.
Suppressing Klein tunneling in graphene using a one-dimensional array of localized scatterers
Authors: Walls Jamie D. , Hadad Daniel
Published: February 2015

Graphene's unique physical and chemical properties make it an attractive platform for use in micro- and nanoelectronic devices. However, electrostatically controlling the flow of electrons in graphene can be challenging as a result of Klein tunneling, where electrons normally incident to a one-dimensional potential barrier of height V are perfectly transmitted even as V → ∞. In this study, theoretical and numerical calculations predict that the transmission probability for an electron wave normally incident to a one-dimensional array of localized scatterers can be significantly less than unity when the electron wavelength is smaller than the spacing between scatterers. In effect, placing periodic openings throughout a potential barrier can, somewhat counterintuitively, decrease transmission in graphene. Our results suggest that electrostatic potentials with spatial variations on the order of the electron wavelength can suppress Klein tunneling and could find applications in developing graphene electronic devices.
An Effect of Molecular Motion on Carrier Formation in a Poly(3-hexylthiophene) Film
Authors: Ogata Yudai , Kawaguchi Daisuke , Tanaka Keiji
Published: February 2015

Free carriers, polarons (P), in conjugated polymers play a key role in the performance of optoelectronic devices. Here, we present solid evidence that P can be predominantly generated from polaron pairs (PP) in a poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) film under zero electric field. P formation from PP strongly depends on temperature. The temperature dependence of P starts to change around 300 K. P3HT exhibits a thermal molecular motion named the α1 relaxation process, in which the twisting motion of thiophene rings is released, in this temperature region. Thus, it can be claimed that the twisting motion of P3HT thiophene rings is one of the determining factors of the photodynamics of P in P3HT films. This finding holds true for poly(thiophene)s with different alkyl lengths and should be considered in the design and construction of highly-functionalized organic devices based on poly(thiophene)s.
Muonium in Stishovite: Implications for the Possible Existence of Neutral Atomic Hydrogen in the Earth's Deep Mantle
Authors: Funamori Nobumasa , Kojima Kenji M. , Wakabayashi Daisuke , Sato Tomoko , Taniguchi Takashi , Nishiyama Norimasa , Irifune Tetsuo , Tomono Dai , Matsuzaki Teiichiro , Miyazaki Masanori , Hiraishi Masatoshi , Koda Akihiro , Kadono Ryosuke
Published: February 2015

Hydrogen in the Earth's deep interior has been thought to exist as a hydroxyl group in high-pressure minerals. We present Muon Spin Rotation experiments on SiO2 stishovite, which is an archetypal high-pressure mineral. Positive muon (which can be considered as a light isotope of proton) implanted in stishovite was found to capture electron to form muonium (corresponding to neutral hydrogen). The hyperfine-coupling parameter and the relaxation rate of spin polarization of muonium in stishovite were measured to be very large, suggesting that muonium is squeezed in small and anisotropic interstitial voids without binding to silicon or oxygen. These results imply that hydrogen may also exist in the form of neutral atomic hydrogen in the deep mantle.