bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing a low‐cost milliliter‐scale chemostat array for precise control of cellular growth
Authors: Skelding David , Hart Samuel F M , Vidyasagar Thejas , Pozhitkov Alexander E , Shou Wenying
Published: July 2018

Background

Multiplexed milliliter‐scale chemostats are useful for measuring cell physiology under various degrees of nutrient limitation and for carrying out evolution experiments. In each chemostat, fresh medium containing a growth rate‐limiting metabolite is pumped into the culturing chamber at a constant rate, while culture effluent exits at an equal rate. Although such devices have been developed by various labs, key parameters — the accuracy, precision, and operational range of flow rate — are not explicitly characterized.

Methods

Here we re‐purpose a published multiplexed culturing device to develop a multiplexed milliliter‐scale chemostat. Flow rates for eight chambers can be independently controlled to a wide range, corresponding to population doubling times of 3~13 h, without the use of expensive feedback systems.

Results

Flow rates are precise, with the maximal coefficient of variation among eight chambers being less than 3%. Flow rates are accurate, with average flow rates being only slightly below targets, i.e., 3%–6% for 13‐h and 0.6%–1.0% for 3
‐h doubling times. This deficit is largely due to evaporation and should be correctable. We experimentally demonstrate that our device allows accurate and precise quantification of population phenotypes.

Conclusions

We achieve precise control of cellular growth in a low‐cost milliliter‐scale chemostat array, and show that the achieved precision reduces the error when measuring biological processes.
Student Advancement in Tertiary Learning Environments: Shift from the obstacle course to the dancefloor
Authors: Dix Steve
Published: July 2018

This paper explores a path for those of us in the university classroom to re-think our approach to the millennial students we teach. The research question ponders what foremost initiatives we may implement to advance our students’ learning. A signposted series of ideas is posted and prompted by the first four letters in the alphabet. “A” is for “Activating our Millennial Learners.” This is call to set our students up for success at the start. “B” stands for “Building Bonds of Knowledge Retention” for core discipline knowledge. What long term learning should our students take forward? The third initiative is “Collaboration” and urges us to work more closely with those co-responsible for delivering the learning. The final initiative is “Data Analytics”. How can we prioritize our students to leverage analytical skills around big data? In conclusion, the challenge is to shift our focus away from being an ‘instructor’ to becoming a ‘partner in learning.’
Attitudes Toward Penile Transplantation Among Urologists and Health Professionals
Authors: Najari Bobby , Flannigan Ryan , Hobgood Jackson , Paduch Darius
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Penile transplantation, in its infancy, has the potential to reestablish functional outcomes for men with penile loss and disfigurement. However, significant bioethical considerations are pertinent, and systematic discussions are necessary to safely progress implementation.

Aim

To determine the attitude of health practitioners toward the penile transplant and identify the key aspects of concern pertinent to the operation and clinical care.

Methods

Health care professionals from the United States responded to either email invitation, web link, or social media post on Facebook to complete a questionnaire investigating perceptions and attitudes toward penile transplantation.

Main Outcome Measures

Respondents' attitude toward penile transplantation, their own perceived important functions of the penis, and concerns about performing a penile transplantation. Respondents' previous exposure to visceral transplants, to penile disfigurement, and information about penile transplants were used as independent factors in analysis.

Results

Among 412 health care professionals who responded to the questionnaire, 95.9% were in favor of visceral organ transplant, but only 64.3% were in favor of penile transplantation. The results showed that 61.3% of respondents first learned about the penile transplant from mass media, whereas only 37.5% had been exposed through a scientific journal, formal lecture, or a professional colleague. Younger health professionals and those exposed through professional forums surrounding penile transplantation were more likely to be in favor of the procedure (P < .001). The most important functions of the penis were identified by respondents as being sexual function (role in sexual activity) and gender identity (being a man) with rates of 86.4% and 85.3%, respectively (P < .001). Barriers identified by respondents included the use of immunosuppression and the potential subsequent effect on healthcare resource utilization. Reading an excerpt about penile trauma in war during the questionnaire improved acceptance of penile transplantation (P = .05).

Conclusion

Penile transplantation is accepted by most health professionals surveyed. Younger respondents and those informed through professional outlets are more favorable toward penile transplantation. Anticipated limitations include the risk of immunosuppression, lack of available donors, and the effect on healthcare utilization.
On the Mabinogion urn model
Authors: Stenlund David
Published: July 2018

In this paper we discuss the Mabinogion urn model introduced by Williams (1991). Therein he describes an optimal control problem where the objective is to maximize the expected final number of objects of one kind in the Mabinogion urn model. Our main contribution is formulae for the expected time to absorption and its asymptotic behaviour in the optimally controlled process. We also present results for the noncontrolled Mabinogion urn process and briefly analyze other strategies that become superior if a certain discount factor is included.
Coagulation and universal scaling limits for critical Galton–Watson processes
Authors: Iyer Gautam , Leger Nicholas , Pego Robert L.
Published: July 2018

The basis of this paper is the elementary observation that then-step descendant distribution of any Galton–Watson process satisfies a discrete Smoluchowski coagulation equation with multiple coalescence. Using this we obtain simple necessary and sufficient criteria for the convergence of scaling limits of critical Galton–Watson processes in terms of scaled family-size distributions and a natural notion of convergence of Lévy triples. Our results provide a clear and natural interpretation, and an alternate proof, of the fact that the Lévy jump measure of certain continuous-state branching processes (CSBPs) satisfies a generalized Smoluchowski equation. (This result was previously proved by Bertoin and Le Gall (2006).) Our analysis shows that the nonlinear scaling dynamics of CSBPs becomelinear and purely dilatationalwhen expressed in terms of the Lévy triple associated with the branching mechanism. We prove a continuity theorem for CSBPs in terms of the associated Lévy triples, and use our scaling analysis to prove the existence ofuniversalcritical Galton–Watson processes and CSBPs analogous to Doeblin's `universal laws'. Namely, these universal processes generateallpossible critical and subcritical CSBPs as subsequential scaling limits. Our convergence results rely on a natural topology for Lévy triples and a continuity theorem for Bernstein transforms (Laplace exponents) which we develop in a self-contained appendix.
Error bounds for augmented truncation approximations of Markov chains via the perturbation method
Authors: Liu Yuanyuan , Li Wendi
Published: July 2018

LetPbe the transition matrix of a positive recurrent Markov chain on the integers with invariant probability vectorπT, and let(n)P̃ be a stochastic matrix, formed by augmenting the entries of the (n+ 1) x (n+ 1) northwest corner truncation ofParbitrarily, with invariant probability vector(n)πT. We derive computableV-norm bounds on the error betweenπTand(n)πTin terms of the perturbation method from three different aspects: the Poisson equation, the residual matrix, and the norm ergodicity coefficient, which we prove to be effective by showing that they converge to 0 asntends to ∞ under suitable conditions. We illustrate our results through several examples. Comparing our error bounds with the ones of Tweedie (1998), we see that our bounds are more applicable and accurate. Moreover, we also consider possible extensions of our results to continuous-time Markov chains.
Use of Big Data and Information and Communications Technology in Disasters: An Integrative Review
Authors: Freeman Jeffrey D. , Blacker Brigette , Hatt Grace , Tan Sophia , Ratcliff Jeremy , Woolf Thomas B. , Tower Craig , Barnett Daniel J.
Published: July 2018

Novel approaches to improving disaster response have begun to include the use of big data and information and communication technology (ICT). However, there remains a dearth of literature on the use of these technologies in disasters. We have conducted an integrative literature review on the role of ICT and big data in disasters. Included in the review were 113 studies that met our predetermined inclusion criteria. Most studies used qualitative methods (39.8%, n=45) over mixed methods (31%, n=35) or quantitative methods (29.2%, n=33). Nearly 80% (n=88) covered only the response phase of disasters and only 15% (n=17) of the studies addressed disasters in low- and middle-income countries. The 4 most frequently mentioned tools were geographic information systems, social media, patient information, and disaster modeling. We suggest testing ICT and big data tools more widely, especially outside of high-income countries, as well as in nonresponse phases of disasters (eg, disaster recovery), to increase an understanding of the utility of ICT and big data in disasters. Future studies should also include descriptions of the intended users of the tools, as well as implementation challenges, to assist other disaster response professionals in adapting or creating similar tools. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2019;13:353–367)
OVERGROWN COURTYARDS AND TILLED FIELDS: IMAGE-BASED DEBATES ON GOVERNANCE AND BODY POLITICS IN THEMENGZI,ZHUANGZI, ANDHUAINANZI
Authors: Zürn Tobias Benedikt
Published: July 2018

Thus far, scholarship on early China has mainly focused on conceptual debates and re-interpretations of terminology. I showcase in this article a methodology called metaphorology that enables us to analyze how discourses developed through the reworking of images. In particular, I reconstruct a discourse on governance and self-cultivational practices as enshrined inMengzi3A.4, theZhuangzi’s “Mati” chapter andHuainanzi9.13. WhileMengzi3A.4 purports that the cultivation of agricultural fields and human bodies are necessary steps in the civilizational process, theZhuangzi’s “Mati” chapter demands a decultivation of the human population and a return to the wilderness. In my reading,Huainanzi9.13, from the “Arts of Rulership” chapter, amalgamates these two image-based debates with the help of the metaphors of the ruler as an overgrown courtyard and the officials as tilled fields. Hence, I propose thatHuainanzi9.13 creates its integrative vision of governance that promotes both education and decultivation by synthesizing the “Mati” chapter's focus on wilderness andMengzi3A.4's concerns with tilling. As a result, I encourage us to engage fully in imagery's role as a central and foundational aspect of early Chinese debate culture rather than a rhetorical side effect of its various discourses.
Effects of limiting memory capacity on the behaviour of exemplar dynamics
Authors: Goodman B. , Tupper P. F.
Published: July 2018

Exemplar models are a popular class of models used to describe language change. Here we study how limiting the memory capacity of an individual in these models affects the system's behaviour. In particular, we demonstrate the effect this change has on the extinction of categories. Previous work in exemplar dynamics has not addressed this question. In order to investigate this, we will inspect a simplified exemplar model. We will prove for the simplified model that all the sound categories but one will always become extinct, whether memory storage is limited or not. However, computer simulations show that changing the number of stored memories alters how fast categories become extinct.
On an ageing class based on the moment generating function order
Authors: Ghosh Shyamal , Mitra Murari
Published: July 2018

We develop shock model theory in different scenarios for the ℳ-class of life distributions introduced by Klar and Müller (2003). We also study the cumulative damage model of A-Hameed and Proschan (1975) in the context of ℳ-class and establish analogous results. We obtain moment bounds and explore weak convergence issues within the ℳ-class of life distributions.
Approximation of the difference of two Poisson-like counts by Skellam
Authors: Gan H. L. , Kolaczyk Eric D.
Published: July 2018

Poisson-like behavior for event count data is ubiquitous in nature. At the same time, differencing of such counts arises in the course of data processing in a variety of areas of application. As a result, the Skellam distribution – defined as the distribution of the difference of two independent Poisson random variables – is a natural candidate for approximating the difference of Poisson-like event counts. However, in many contexts strict independence, whether between counts or among events within counts, is not a tenable assumption. Here we characterize the accuracy in approximating the difference of Poisson-like counts by a Skellam random variable. Our results fully generalize existing, more limited, results in this direction and, at the same time, our derivations are significantly more concise and elegant. We illustrate the potential impact of these results in the context of problems from network analysis and image processing, where various forms of weak dependence can be expected.
Asymptotic behavior for the Robbins–Monro process
Authors: Miao Yu , Dong Manru
Published: July 2018

In this paper we study the Robbins–Monro procedure Xn+1 = Xn - an-1Yn with some fixed number a > 0 and establish the moderate deviation principle of the process {Xn}.
A quenched central limit theorem for biased random walks on supercritical Galton–Watson trees
Authors: Bowditch Adam
Published: July 2018

In this paper we prove a quenched functional central limit theorem for a biased random walk on a supercritical Galton–Watson tree with leaves. This extends a result of Peres and Zeitouni (2008) where the case without leaves was considered. A conjecture of Ben Arous and Fribergh (2016) suggests an upper bound on the bias which we observe to be sharp.
Hazard rate ordering of the largest order statistics from geometric random variables
Authors: Kim Bara , Kim Jeongsim
Published: July 2018

Mao and Hu (2010) left an open problem about the hazard rate order between the largest order statistics from two samples of n geometric random variables. Du et al. (2012) solved this open problem when n = 2, and Wang (2015) solved for 2 ≤ n ≤ 9. In this paper we completely solve this problem for any value of n.
Concentrated sugars and incidence of prostate cancer in a prospective cohort
Authors: Miles Fayth L. , Neuhouser Marian L. , Zhang Zuo-Feng
Published: July 2018

The association between consumption of added or concentrated sugars and prostate cancer risk is unclear. We examined the association between concentrated sugars in beverages and desserts and prostate cancer risk among 22 720 men in the usual-care arm of the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial, enrolled during 1993–2001. After a median follow-up of 9 years, 1996 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) for prostate cancer risk and 95 % CI, adjusting for potential confounding factors. Increased consumption of sugars from sugar-sweetened beverages was associated with increased risk of prostate cancer for men in the highest quartile of sugar consumption (HR: 1·21; 95 % CI 1·06, 1·39), and there was a linear trend (P<0·01). There were no linear associations between prostate cancer risk and consumption of sugars from fruit juices or dessert foods. In conclusion, in this prospective substudy within the PLCO trial, consumption of sugars from sugar-sweetened beverages was associated with increased risk of prostate cancer among men receiving standard medical care. Our study suggests that limiting intake of sugars from beverages may be important in the prevention of prostate cancer.
‘It Gives Us a Power and Strength which We Do Not Possess’: Martiality, manliness, and India's Great War enlistment drive
Authors: UPTON ROBERT E.
Published: July 2018

This article studies the extraordinarily broad advocacy of military enlistment by India's political and intellectual elites during the First World War. Though often interpreted as politically motivated, it shows above all a preoccupation with the enlivening effects of military experience—in particular its development of courage and manliness. In this it followed an established pattern of Indian elite concern with martiality. It also reflected anxieties of Indian weakness and effeminacy—something elites indicted themselves for, but which, importantly, they assumed to be more generally prevalent. Sampling calls for enlistment in the public space throughout the war, the article focuses on Bombay Presidency—a region that gave rise to such prominent Indian voices for enlistment as M. K. Gandhi, B. G. Tilak, and M. A. Jinnah. Bombay's recent experience of relative exclusion from military recruitment, and from membership of the ‘martial races’, was representative of much of India. This article enables us to view the effects of such ‘demartialization’ away from the classic case of Bengal. It suggests that it helped to inspire the call to enlist, especially as public spokesmen for the ‘martial race’ ideology explicitly linked martiality with manliness. The concern for enlistment ultimately superseded political calculation even for so hard-nosed a politician as Tilak. And though elites were most obviously concerned for their own martial vigour and leadership, they were also concerned with the manliness of the bulk of India's population, especially in Gandhi's conception of war as a preparation forsatyagraha.
EXPOSURE IN VIVOVERSUSPAIN-CONTINGENT PHYSICAL THERAPY IN COMPLEX REGIONAL PAIN SYNDROME TYPE I: A COST-EFFECTIVENESS ANALYSIS
Authors: den Hollander Marlies , Heijnders Noortje , de Jong Jeroen R. , Vlaeyen Johan W.S. , Smeets Rob J.E.M. , Goossens Mariëlle E.J.B.
Published: July 2018

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of exposure in vivo (EXP, a cognitive-behavioral treatment targeting pain-related fear) in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type I (CRPS-I), as compared to pain-contingent physical therapy (PPT).

Methods:

Data from a randomized controlled trial were used to compare the cost-effectiveness of EXPversusPPT from a societal perspective. Intervention costs, other healthcare costs, costs to patient and family, and productivity losses were included. The main outcomes were changes in the SF-36 physical component scale and quality-adjusted life-years. Changes were followed until 6 months after treatment. Uncertainty was estimated using nonparametric bootstrap analysis, cost-effectiveness acceptability curves and cost-effectiveness planes. Sensitivity analyses were performed to check robustness of findings.

Results:

Forty-six patients were randomized and thirty-eight completed the study. Over 6 months, EXP resulted in greater improvement in physical health-related quality of life and quality-adjusted life-years than PPT. Despite higher initial treatment costs, EXP showed a tendency to reduce all costs compared with PPT; healthcare costs were significantly reduced. Furthermore, the cost-effectiveness planes were in favor of EXP. Sensitivity analyses, for different program costs and complete cases only, confirmed robustness of these findings.

Conclusions:

EXP, a cognitive-behavioral treatment, seems more cost-effective than PPT in CRPS patients with pain-related fear. The initial higher costs for EXP are offset by a long-term reduction of costs for healthcare use, and a tendency to lower work absenteeism and reduced societal costs. Due to low sample sizes, replication of findings is required to confirm results.
Cost-effectiveness of treating infantile haemangioma with propranolol in an outpatient setting
Authors: Chaturvedi Kanupriya , Steinberg Joni S. , Snyder Christopher S.
Published: July 2018

Background

Infantile haemangioma is one of the most commonly known benign vascular tumours of infancy and childhood, having an incidence of 3–10%. Most lesions regress spontaneously; however, some may require treatment owing to their clinical and cosmetic effects. Propranolol has become the treatment of choice for infantile haemangioma, but treatment protocols are largely institutional based without any specific consensus guidelines. Our aim was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of propranolol use as inpatient versus outpatient therapy.

Methods

A decision tree model was created depicting alternate strategies for initiating propranolol treatment on an inpatient versus outpatient basis combined with the option of a pretreatment echocardiogram applied to both strategies. Cost analysis was assumed to be based on treatment of haemangioma in patients who were born at term, had no chronic illnesses, a non-life-threatening location of the haemangioma, and those who were not taking any other medications that could potentiate the side effects of propranolol. A sensitivity analysis was performed to evaluate the probability of side effects.

Results

The average cost incurred for inpatient treatment of infantile haemangioma was approximately $2603 for a single hospital day and increased to $2843 with the addition of an echocardiogram. The expected cost of treatment in the outpatient setting was $138, which increased to $828 after the addition of an echocardiogram.

Conclusion

Treating infantile haemangioma with propranolol is more cost-effective when initiated on an outpatient basis.
A case of Kounis syndrome associated with branched-chain amino acid supplementation in a 17-year-old boy
Authors: Dogan Volkan
Published: July 2018

Kounis Syndrome is characterised by the concurrence of acute coronary syndrome with mast cell activation induced by inflammatory mediators released during an allergic reaction. Although several factors and diseases were reported to be associated with Kounis Syndrome, branched-chain amino acid supplements have not been previously reported as a cause of Kounis Syndrome. We present a 17-year-old boy admitted to our hospital with thoracic pain after the ingestion of a branched-chain amino acid supplement.
Varying Benefits of Irrigation Expansion for Crop Production Under a Changing Climate and Competitive Water Use Among Crops
Authors: Okada Masashi , Iizumi Toshichika , Sakamoto Takaaki , Kotoku Mizuki , Sakurai Gen , Hijioka Yasuaki , Nishimori Motoki
Published: July 2018

Replacing rainfed cropping systems with irrigated systems has been deemed an effective agricultural adaptation measure in response to climate change. However, few agricultural impact assessments have considered changes in the water availability because of climate change and water use competition among crops. Here we assessed future global crop production under a changing climate and expanded surface water irrigation using the large‐scale crop‐river coupled model CROVER. The future irrigated area was estimated by extrapolating from the historical linear trends. We present three interesting cases from this global analysis. The results under a high‐emission scenario (Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5) showed that, in response to irrigation expansion, maize production in Europe will increase, whereas rice production in East Asia will not increase because of competitive water use between rice and other crops. Furthermore, we found that future precipitation over crop‐producing areas in the Indus River watershed will decrease but that increased precipitation in the higher mountainous areas of the watershed will compensate for these diminished water resources, thereby reducing drought damage. Our findings reveal that competitive water use among crops and the geographical patterns of future changes in precipitation influence the benefits of expanding irrigation for crop production under a changing climate.
Cooling Effect of Urban Trees on the Built Environment of Contiguous United States
Authors: Wang Chenghao , Wang Zhi‐Hua , Yang Jiachuan
Published: July 2018

Exacerbated heat stress has resulted in a series of environmental issues in urban areas. Mounting empirical evidence shows that urban trees are effective in mitigating the thermal stress in the built environment, whereas large‐scale numerical simulations remain scarce. In this study, the effects of shade trees on the built environment, in terms of radiative cooling, pedestrian thermal comfort, and urban land surface energy balance, were evaluated over the contiguous United States. The projected scenario was simulated using a coupled Weather Research and Forecasting‐urban modeling system, incorporating the radiative shading of urban trees only. Results show that on average the mean near‐surface air temperature in urban areas decreases by 3.06 °C over the entire contiguous United States with the shading effect. Analysis of pedestrian thermal comfort shows that shade trees improve the thermal comfort level in summers, but could be detrimental in winters for cities located in temperate or subpolar climate zones. In addition, it was found that trees alter the surface energy balance by primarily enhancing the radiative cooling, leading to significant changes in the sensible heat but the ground heat comparatively intact.
Heat Waves, More Than Coral Death, May Cause Fish to Flee Reefs
Authors: Loomis Ilima
Published: July 2018

A study over a broad swath of the Great Barrier Reef shows that warming waters directly cause fish and invertebrates to leave the reef, making it harder for coral to recover from bleaching events.
Solidarity Among World’s Scientists Needed Now More Than Ever
Authors: Davidson Eric
Published: July 2018

Challenged by widespread nationalism and xenophobia, scientific societies must stand together to insist that scientific collaboration remain international and interdisciplinary.
Computational Benefit of GPU Optimization for the Atmospheric Chemistry Modeling
Authors: Sun Jian , Fu Joshua S. , Drake John B. , Zhu Qingzhao , Haidar Azzam , Gates Mark , Tomov Stanimire , Dongarra Jack
Published: July 2018

Global chemistry‐climate models are computationally burdened as the chemical mechanisms become more complex and realistic. Optimization for graphics processing units (GPU) may make longer global simulation with regional detail possible, but limited study has been done to explore the potential benefit for the atmospheric chemistry modeling. Hence, in this study, the second‐order Rosenbrock solver of the chemistry module of CAM4‐Chem is ported to the GPU to gauge potential speed‐up. We find that on the CPU, the fastest performance is achieved using the Intel compiler with a block interleaved memory layout. Different combinations of compiler and memory layout lead to ~11.02× difference in the computational time. In contrast, the GPU version performs the best when using a combination of fully interleaved memory layout with block size equal to the warp size, CUDA streams for independent kernels, and constant memory. Moreover, the most efficient data transfer between CPU and GPU is gained by allocating the memory contiguously during the data initialization on the GPU. Compared to one CPU core, the speed‐up of using one GPU alone reaches a factor of ~11.7× for the computation alone and ~3.82× when the data transfer between CPU and GPU is considered. Using one GPU alone is also generally faster than the multithreaded implementation for 16 CPU cores in a compute node and the single‐source solution (OpenACC). The best performance is achieved by the implementation of the hybrid CPU/GPU version, but rescheduling the workload among the CPU cores is required before the practical CAM4‐Chem simulation.
Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor sertraline inhibits bone healing in a calvarial defect model
Authors: Howie R. Nicole , Herberg Samuel , Durham Emily , Grey Zachary , Bennfors Grace , Elsalanty Mohammed , LaRue Amanda C. , Hill William D. , Cray James J.
Published: July 2018

Bone wound healing is a highly dynamic and precisely controlled process through which damaged bone undergoes repair and complete regeneration. External factors can alter this process, leading to delayed or failed bone wound healing. The findings of recent studies suggest that the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can reduce bone mass, precipitate osteoporotic fractures and increase the rate of dental implant failure. With 10% of Americans prescribed antidepressants, the potential of SSRIs to impair bone healing may adversely affect millions of patients’ ability to heal after sustaining trauma. Here, we investigate the effect of the SSRI sertraline on bone healing through pre-treatment with (10 mg·kg-1 sertraline in drinking water, n = 26) or without (control, n = 30) SSRI followed by the creation of a 5-mm calvarial defect. Animals were randomized into three surgical groups: (a) empty/sham, (b) implanted with a DermaMatrix scaffold soak-loaded with sterile PBS or (c) DermaMatrix soak-loaded with 542.5 ng BMP2. SSRI exposure continued until sacrifice in the exposed groups at 4 weeks after surgery. Sertraline exposure resulted in decreased bone healing with significant decreases in trabecular thickness, trabecular number and osteoclast dysfunction while significantly increasing mature collagen fiber formation. These findings indicate that sertraline exposure can impair bone wound healing through disruption of bone repair and regeneration while promoting or defaulting to scar formation within the defect site.
Comparative metatranscriptomics reveals extracellular electron transfer pathways conferring microbial adaptivity to surface redox potential changes
Authors: Ishii Shun’ichi , Suzuki Shino , Tenney Aaron , Nealson Kenneth H , Bretschger Orianna
Published: July 2018

Some microbes can capture energy through redox reactions with electron flow to solid-phase electron acceptors, such as metal-oxides or poised electrodes, via extracellular electron transfer (EET). While diverse oxide minerals, exhibiting different surface redox potentials, are widely distributed on Earth, little is known about how microbes sense and use the minerals. Here we show electrochemical, metabolic, and transcriptional responses of EET-active microbial communities established on poised electrodes to changes in the surface redox potentials (as electron acceptors) and surrounding substrates (as electron donors). Combination of genome-centric stimulus-induced metatranscriptomics and metabolic pathway investigation revealed that nine Geobacter/Pelobacter microbes performed EET activity differently according to their preferable surface potentials and substrates. While the Geobacter/Pelobacter microbes coded numerous numbers of multi-heme c-type cytochromes and conductive e-pili, wide variations in gene expression were seen in response to altering surrounding substrates and surface potentials, accelerating EET via poised electrode or limiting EET via an open circuit system. These flexible responses suggest that a wide variety of EET-active microbes utilizing diverse EET mechanisms may work together to provide such EET-active communities with an impressive ability to handle major changes in surface potential and carbon source availability.
MiR-205-5p inhibition by locked nucleic acids impairs metastatic potential of breast cancer cells
Authors: De Cola Antonella , Lamolinara Alessia , Lanuti Paola , Rossi Cosmo , Iezzi Manuela , Marchisio Marco , Todaro Matilde , De Laurenzi Vincenzo
Published: July 2018

Mir-205 plays an important role in epithelial biogenesis and in mammary gland development but its role in cancer still remains controversial depending on the specific cellular context and target genes. We have previously reported that miR-205-5p is upregulated in breast cancer stem cells targeting ERBB pathway and leading to targeted therapy resistance. Here we show that miR-205-5p regulates tumorigenic properties of breast cancer cells, as well as epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Silencing this miRNA in breast cancer results in reduced tumor growth and metastatic spreading in mouse models. Moreover, we show that miR-205-5p knock-down can be obtained with the use of specific locked nucleic acids oligonucleotides in vivo suggesting a future potential use of this approach in therapy.
Poly(ADP-ribosyl)ated PXR is a critical regulator of acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity
Authors: Wang Cheng , Xu Wenjing , Zhang Yanqing , Huang Dan , Huang Kai
Published: July 2018

Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose is the most frequent cause of acute liver failure and remains a critical problem in medicine. PARP1-dependent poly(ADPribosyl)ation is a key mediator of cellular stress responses and functions in multiple physiological and pathological processes. However, whether it is involved in the process of APAP metabolism remains elusive. In this study, we find that PARP1 is activated in mouse livers after APAP overdose. Pharmacological or genetic manipulations of PARP1 are sufficient to suppress the APAP-induced hepatic toxicity and injury, as well as reduced APAP metabolism. Mechanistically, we identify pregnane X receptor (PXR) as a substrate of PARP1-mediated poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation. The poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation of PXR in ligand-binding domain activates PXR competitively and solidly, facilitates its recruitment to target gene CYP3A11 promoter, and promotes CYP3A11 gene transcription, thus resulting in increases of APAP pro-toxic metabolism. Additionally, PXR silence antagonizes the effects of PARP1 on APAP-induced hepatotoxicity. These results identifies poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation of PXR by PARP1 as a key step in APAP-induced liver injury. We propose that inhibition of PARP1-dependent poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation might represent a novel approach for the treatment of drug-induced hepatotoxicity.
Correction to: IRE1α deficiency promotes tumor cell death and eIF2α degradation through PERK-dependent autophagy
Authors: Storniolo Antonello , Alfano Vincenzo , Carbotta Sabino , Ferretti Elisabetta , Di Renzo Livia
Published: July 2018

Following publication of the article, author Elisabetta Ferretti asked for the following institution to be added to her affiliation:
Publisher Correction: The origin and remolding of genomic islands of differentiation in the European sea bass
Authors: Duranton Maud , Allal François , Fraïsse Christelle , Bierne Nicolas , Bonhomme François , Gagnaire Pierre-Alexandre
Published: July 2018

The originally published version of this Article contained errors in Figure 5, whereby the sign for Spearman’s rho was incorrect in panels b and c. These errors have now been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.
Plk1 overexpression induces chromosomal instability and suppresses tumor development
Authors: de Cárcer Guillermo , Venkateswaran Sharavan Vishaan , Salgueiro Lorena , El Bakkali Aicha , Somogyi Kalman , Rowald Konstantina , Montañés Pablo , Sanclemente Manuel , Escobar Beatriz , de Martino Alba , McGranahan Nicholas , Malumbres Marcos , Sotillo Rocío
Published: July 2018

Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) is overexpressed in a wide spectrum of human tumors, being frequently considered as an oncogene and an attractive cancer target. However, its contribution to tumor development is unclear. Using a new inducible knock-in mouse model we report here that Plk1 overexpression results in abnormal chromosome segregation and cytokinesis, generating polyploid cells with reduced proliferative potential. Mechanistically, these cytokinesis defects correlate with defective loading of Cep55 and ESCRT complexes to the abscission bridge, in a Plk1 kinase-dependent manner. In vivo, Plk1 overexpression prevents the development of Kras-induced and Her2-induced mammary gland tumors, in the presence of increased rates of chromosome instability. In patients, Plk1 overexpression correlates with improved survival in specific breast cancer subtypes. Therefore, despite the therapeutic benefits of inhibiting Plk1 due to its essential role in tumor cell cycles, Plk1 overexpression has tumor-suppressive properties by perturbing mitotic progression and cytokinesis.
Scaling oscillatory platform frequency reveals recurrence of intermittent postural attractor states
Authors: Dutt-Mazumder Aviroop , Rand Troy J. , Mukherjee Mukul , Newell Karl M.
Published: July 2018

The study of postural control has been dominated by experiments on the maintenance of quiet upright standing balance on flat stationary support surfaces that reveal only limited modes of potential configurations of balance stability/instability. Here we examine the self-organization properties of postural coordination as revealed in a dynamic balance task with a moving platform. We scaled a control parameter (platform frequency) to investigate the evolving nature of the coupled oscillator dynamics between center of mass (CoM) and platform. Recurrent map measures were used to reveal whether episodic postural control strategies exist that can be scaled by systematically changing the magnitude of platform motion. The findings showed that at higher platform frequencies (1.2 Hz), the CoM-Platform coupling was less deterministic than lower platform frequencies and evolved to intermittent postural control strategies that oscillated between periodic-chaotic transitions to maintain upright postural balance. Collectively, the recurrence map measures indicated that quasi-static postural attractor states were progressively emerging to the changing task constraints of platform frequency in the maintenance of postural stability. It appears that several dynamic modes of intermittent coupling in postural control can interchangeably co-exist and are expressed as a function of the control parameter of platform frequency.
High-Responsivity Multilayer MoSe2 Phototransistors with Fast Response Time
Authors: Lee Hyejoo , Ahn Jongtae , Im Seongil , Kim Jiyoung , Choi Woong
Published: July 2018

There is a great interest in phototransistors based on transition metal dichalcogenides because of their interesting optoelectronic properties. However, most emphasis has been put on MoS2 and little attention has been given to MoSe2, which has higher optical absorbance. Here, we present a compelling case for multilayer MoSe2 phototransistors fabricated in a bottom-gate thin-film transistor configuration on SiO2/Si substrates. Under 650-nm-laser, our MoSe2 phototransistor exhibited the best performance among MoSe2 phototransistors in literature, including the highest responsivity (1.4 × 105 AW−1), the highest specific detectivity (5.5 × 1013 jones), and the fastest response time (1.7 ms). We also present a qualitative model to describe the device operation based on the combination of photoconductive and photogating effects. These results demonstrate the feasibility of achieving high performance in multilayer MoSe2 phototransistors, suggesting the possibility of further enhancement in the performance of MoSe2 phototransistors with proper device engineering.
Photoluminescence of planar and 3D InGaN/GaN LED structures excited with femtosecond laser pulses close to the damage threshold
Authors: Jaros Angelina , Hartmann Jana , Zhou Hao , Szafranski Barbara , Strassburg Martin , Avramescu Adrian , Waag Andreas , Voss Tobias
Published: July 2018

We study the photoluminescence emission from planar and 3D InGaN/GaN LED structures, excited using a femtosecond laser with fluences close to sample’s damage threshold. For a typical laser system consisting of a titanium-sapphire regenerative amplifier, which is pumping an optical parametric amplifier delivering output pulses of a few tens of MW pulse power with ∼100 fs pulse duration, 1 kHz repetition rate and a wavelength of 325 nm, we determine the damage threshold of the InGaN/GaN LEDs to be about 0.05 J/cm2. We find that the relative intensity of the GaN photoluminescence (PL) and InGaN PL changes significantly close to the damage threshold. The changes are irreversible once the damage threshold is exceeded. As the damage threshold is approached, the InGaN luminescence band blue-shifts by several tens of meV, which is attributed to band filling effects. The PL decay time reduces substantially, by about 30%, when the excitation energy density is increased by approximately two orders of magnitude. The results are comparable for 2D and 3D LED structures, where in the latter case m-plane QWs exhibit different recombination dynamics because of the absence of the quantum confined Stark effect.
LED based real-time survival bioassays for nematode research
Authors: Rajasekharan Satish Kumar , Raorane Chaitany Jayaprakash , Lee Jintae
Published: July 2018

Nematode bioassays are extensively conducted worldwide, either for screening anthelmintic drugs or for assessing the toxicity of drug candidates. Recently, the US Environmental Protection Agency mandated the use of invertebrate models including nematodes especially Caenorhabditis elegans, for toxicity testing as an alternative to rodent models. The significance of nematode bioassays in the biological sciences is escalating, but no standardized protocol is available to assess nematode mortality in a liquid medium. Manual counting under white light is the only approach currently practiced, which exhibit large variabilities and false positive results. Here, we describe an innovative counting strategy that employs light-emitting diode (LED) technology. We found that the nematodes stopped moving under white light (360–760 nm) when administered with sub-lethal dosage (LC50) of a toxic drug, whereas they responded rapidly to blue (450–490 nm) and ultraviolet (UV) (100–400 nm) LED lights. Furthermore, paralyzed nematodes responded in less than 5 seconds to a LED pulse. The response to the LED stimulus was distinctively noted in C. elegans dauers, which squirmed away from illuminated sites within seconds. LED produced an incoherent beam, and uniformly distributed light across the sampling area. In conclusion, this method is more accurate than the conventional counting techniques, and enables us to differentiate paralyzed and dead nematodes virtually in real-time. Furthermore, this technique would appear to be suitable for incorporating a motion-sensor based automated system.
Alkaline earth metal complexes stabilized by amidine and guanidine ligands: synthesis, structure and their catalytic activity towards polymerization of rac-lactide
Authors: Liu Na , Liu Bo , Cui Dongmei
Published: July 2018

Amidine ligands with various rigidity of backbone substituents were used to synthesize heteroleptic calcium complexes with different solvation and aggregation. These complexes unprecedentedly catalyze “immortal” ROP of lactide in the presence of excess PhOH.
Morpholinyl dendrimer phthalocyanine: synthesis, photophysical properties and photoinduced intramolecular electron transfer
Authors: Guo Qiumei , Chen Limin , Pan Sujuan , Ma Dongdong , Liu Xiwen , Chen Xiuqin , Xu Guoxing , Yang Hongqin , Peng Yiru
Published: July 2018

The photophysical properties of a novel series of morpholinyl dendrimer phthalocyanines exhibited dependence on the number of morpholinyl groups and the central ion. The photoinduced electron transfer from the morpholinyl units to phthalocyanine ring was evidenced.
Development of catalytic nitrogen fixation using transition metal–dinitrogen complexes under mild reaction conditions
Authors: Nishibayashi Yoshiaki
Published: July 2018

This paper describes our recent progress in catalytic nitrogen fixation using transition metal–dinitrogen complexes as catalysts.
Design, synthesis, and evaluation of 4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzo[d]thiazole-based novel dual kinase inhibitors of CK2 and GSK3β
Authors: Pardhi Triveni R. , Patel Manishkumar S. , Sudarsanam V. , Vasu Kamala K.
Published: July 2018

A rationally designed novel compound (1g) has shown significant dual kinase inhibitory activity against CK2 (1.9 μM) and GSK3β (0.67 μM).
Studies on a landscape of perfluoroaromatic-reactive peptides
Authors: Evans Ethan D. , Pentelute Bradley L.
Published: July 2018

Diverse peptide sequences and folds promote cysteine arylation.
Highly efficient access to well-defined linear polymers with substantial vinyl pendants via ATRP of divinyl monomers
Authors: Wang Xiao-Yan , Sun Xiu-Li , Chen Zhi-Hao , Wang Feng , Wang Sunewang R. , Tang Yong
Published: July 2018

Reported herein is a highly efficient access to well-defined linear polymers with substantial vinyl pendants via ATRP of dissymmetric divinyl monomers by side armed bisoxazoline (SaBOX)/copper catalysts.
The Role of Audiologists in Assuring Follow-Up to Outpatient Screening in Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Systems
Authors: Thomson Vickie , Yoshinaga-Itano Christine
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of audiology involvement and other factors associated with failure to follow through from the initial hearing screening to the second outpatient screen.

Method

Linear regression, logistical regression, and descriptive analyses were used across demographic and hospital variables associated with infants who did not receive a follow-up outpatient screen.

Results

The results included birthing hospital outpatient rescreen rates from January 1, 2005, through December 31, 2005. Variables were collected from the birth certificate and hospital surveys. Results showed higher loss to follow-up/documentation to outpatient screen for (a) infants born in hospitals with low rates for returning for follow-up, (b) infants born in hospitals that did not have an audiologist involved, (c) infants who were Hispanic, (d) infants who were born to mothers who were not married, (e) infants with mother's with < 12 years of education, and (f) infants with Apgar scores of 7 or below.

Conclusions

The findings were used to identify quality improvement strategies to decrease the loss to follow-up. Strategies included ensuring audiology support, providing information in the parent's native language, educating personnel in the newborn intensive care units, developing and disseminating information in Spanish in written form, and educating hospitals on the importance of scheduling the outpatient rescreening before hospital discharge.
Combined ON/OFF and conformal mapping method for magnet shape optimisation of SPMSM
Authors: Mirahki Hooshang , Moallem Mehdi , Ebrahimi Mohammad , Fahimi Babak
Published: July 2018

In this study, a combined ON/OFF and conformal mapping method is applied to the permanent magnet shape optimisation of the surface‐mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor (SPMSM). The magnet shape has a profound impact on the cogging torque and torque profile of the SPMSM. The proposed method is based on the combination of the conformal mapping and ON/OFF methods, which can reduce computation time significantly as compared with methods that are based on the finite‐element method (FEM). For the optimisation process, genetic algorithms are used and applied to three cases. Finally, the FEM is used to verify the magnetic model and characteristics of the optimised machine.