bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deep-ultraviolet second-harmonic generation by combined degenerate four-wave mixing and surface nonlinearity polarization in photonic crystal fiber
Authors: Yuan Jinhui , Kang Zhe , Li Feng , Zhou Guiyao , Zhang Xianting , Mei Chao , Sang Xinzhu , Wu Qiang , Yan Binbin , Zhou Xian , Zhong Kangping , Wang Kuiru , Yu Chongxiu , Lu Chao , Tam Hwa Yaw , Wai P. K. A.
Published: August 2017

Deep-ultraviolet (UV) second-harmonics (SHs) have important applications in basic physics and applied sciences. However, it still remains challenging to generate deep-UV SHs especially in optical fibers. Here, for the first time, we experimentally demonstrate the deep-UV SH generations (SHGs) by combined degenerate four-wave mixing (FWM) and surface nonlinearity polarization in an in-house designed and fabricated air-silica photonic crystal fiber (PCF). When femtosecond pump pulses with average input power Pav of 650 mW and center wavelength λp of 810, 820, 830, and 840 nm are coupled into the normal dispersion region close to the zero-dispersion wavelength of the fundamental mode of the PCF, the anti-Stokes waves induced by degenerate FWM process are tunable from 669 to 612 nm. Then, they serve as the secondary pump, and deep-UV SHs are generated within the wavelength range of 334.5 to 306 nm as a result of surface nonlinearity polarization at the core-cladding interface of the PCF. The physical mechanism of the SHGs is confirmed by studying the dependences of the output power PSH of the SHs on the PCF length and time. Finally, we also establish a theoretical model to analyze the SHGs.
Development of a versatile and conventional technique for gene disruption in filamentous fungi based on CRISPR-Cas9 technology
Authors: Zheng Yan-Mei , Lin Fu-Long , Gao Hao , Zou Gen , Zhang Jiang-Wei , Wang Gao-Qian , Chen Guo-Dong , Zhou Zhi-Hua , Yao Xin-Sheng , Hu Dan
Published: August 2017

Filamentous fungi represent an invaluable source of pharmaceutically active compounds. The development of versatile methods to genetically manipulate filamentous fungi is of great value for improving the low yields of bioactive metabolites and expanding chemical diversity. The CRISPR-Cas9-based system has become a common platform for genome editing in a variety of organisms. However, recent application of this technology in filamentous fungi is limited to model strains, a versatile method for efficient gene disruption in different fungi is lacking. Here, we investigated the utility of the CRISPR-Cas9 system in a less-studied fungus Nodulisporium sp. (No. 65-12-7-1), and we have developed an efficient CRISPR-Cas9-based gene disruption strategy by simultaneous transformation of in vitro transcriptional gRNA and the linear maker gene cassette into the Cas9-expressing fungi. We found that the linear marker gene cassette could not only allow for selection of transformants, but also significantly enhance the gene disruption efficiency by inserting itself into the Cas9 cut site. Moreover, the above approach also demonstrated its efficiency in two other phylogenetically distinct strains Aspergillus oryzae NSAR1 and Sporormiella minima (No. 40-1-4-1) from two different classes of Ascomycota. These results suggested that a versatile CRISPR-Cas9-based gene disruption method in filamentous fungi was established.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Activation of PERK-Nrf2 oncogenic signaling promotes Mdm2-mediated Rb degradation in persistently infected HCV culture
Authors: Aydin Yucel , Chedid Milad , Chava Srinivas , Danielle Williams Donkita , Liu Shuanghu , Hagedorn Curt H. , Sumitran-Holgersson Suchitra , Reiss Krzysztof , Moroz Krzysztof , Lu Hua , Balart Luis A. , Dash Srikanta
Published: August 2017

The mechanism of how chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection leads to such a high rate of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unknown. We found that the PERK axis of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress elicited prominent nuclear translocation of Nrf2 in 100% of HCV infected hepatocytes. The sustained nuclear translocation of Nrf2 in chronically infected culture induces Mdm2-mediated retinoblastoma protein (Rb) degradation. Silencing PERK and Nrf2 restored Mdm2-mediated Rb degradation, suggesting that sustained activation of PERK/Nrf2 axis creates oncogenic stress in chronically infected HCV culture model. The activation of Nrf2 and its nuclear translocation were prevented by ER-stress and PERK inhibitors, suggesting that PERK axis is involved in the sustained activation of Nrf2 signaling during chronic HCV infection. Furthermore, we show that HCV clearance induced by interferon-α based antiviral normalized the ER-stress response and prevented nuclear translocation of Nrf2, whereas HCV clearance by DAAs combination does neither. In conclusion, we report here a novel mechanism for how sustained activation of PERK axis of ER-stress during chronic HCV infection activates oncogenic Nrf2 signaling that promotes hepatocyte survival and oncogenesis by inducing Mdm2-mediated Rb degradation.
Comparison of patterns and prognosis among distant metastatic breast cancer patients by age groups: a SEER population-based analysis
Authors: Chen Meng-Ting , Sun He-Fen , Zhao Yang , Fu Wen-Yan , Yang Li-Peng , Gao Shui-Ping , Li Liang-Dong , Jiang Hong-lin , Jin Wei
Published: August 2017

To investigate the effects of age at diagnosis on metastatic breast cancer and patients’ prognosis, we collected patient data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. We finally identified 4932 eligible metastatic breast cancer patients diagnosed between 2010–2013, including 850 younger patients (<50 years), 2,540 middle-aged patients (50–69 years) and 1,542 elder patients (>69 years). The results revealed that in stage IV patients, elder patients were more likely to have lung metastasis (P < 0.001) and less likely to have only distant lymphatic spread (P = 0.004). Higher proportion of younger (34.9%) and middle-aged (36.2%) patients had multiple metastatic sites than elder patients (28.3%) (P < 0.001). In survival analysis, younger patients presented the best prognosis, while elder patients had the worst both in overall survival (χ2 = 121.9, P < 0.001) and breast cancer-specific survival (χ2 = 69.8, P < 0.001). Age at diagnosis was an independent prognostic factor for metastatic breast cancer patients. Moreover, patients with bone metastasis only had superior survival compared to other metastatic patients (P < 0.001). Brain metastasis only group and multiple sites metastasis group had the poorest prognosis (P < 0.05). We hope the results will provide insights into a better understanding of distant metastatic breast cancer.
Electronic properties of antimony-doped anatase TiO2 thin films prepared by aerosol assisted chemical vapour deposition
Authors: Bhachu Davinder S. , Egdell Russell G. , Sankar Gopinathan , Carmalt Claire J. , Parkin Ivan P.
Published: August 2017

The electronic properties of antimony-doped anatase (TiO2) thin films deposited via aerosol assisted chemical vapour deposition were investigated by a range of spectroscopic techniques.
The fabrication and gas sensing application of a fast-responding m-CP-PVP composite film/potassium ion-exchanged glass optical waveguide
Authors: Zhu Min , Kari Nuerguli , Yan Yin , Yimit Abliz
Published: August 2017

A simply designed sensor was able to measure trimethylamine (TMA) gas down to a concentration of 0.1 ppb at room temperature, and its response and recovery times were 1.4 s and 5.6 s, respectively.
The effect of CeO2–ZrO2 structural differences on the origin and reactivity of carbon formed during methane dry reforming over NiCo/CeO2–ZrO2 catalysts studied by transient techniques
Authors: Vasiliades Michalis A. , Djinović Petar , Pintar Albin , Kovač Janez , Efstathiou Angelos M.
Published: August 2017

The kinetic rate of inactive and active carbon formation in DRM over CeZrO2-supported NiCo alloy particles depends on the support's oxygen mobility.
An integrated microbial electrolysis-anaerobic digestion process combined with pretreatment of wastewater solids to improve hydrogen production
Authors: Beegle Jeff R. , Borole Abhijeet P.
Published: August 2017

This paper explores an integrated anaerobic digestion/microbial electrolysis cell process (ADMEC) with alkaline or thermal hydrolysis pretreatment methods to improve COD conversion to hydrogen gas.
Temporally controlled growth factor delivery from a self-assembling peptide hydrogel and electrospun nanofibre composite scaffold
Authors: Bruggeman Kiara F. , Wang Yi , Maclean Francesca L. , Parish Clare L. , Williams Richard J. , Nisbet David R.
Published: August 2017

Tissue-specific self-assembling peptide (SAP) hydrogels designed based on biologically relevant peptide sequences have great potential in regenerative medicine.
New molecular insights into the stability of Ni–Pd hollow nanoparticles
Authors: Akbarzadeh Hamed , Mehrjouei Esmat , Shamkhali Amir Nasser , Abbaspour Mohsen , Salemi Sirous , Ramezanzadeh Samira
Published: August 2017

Molecular dynamics simulations were used to investigate the structural evolution and thermal behavior of Ni–Pd hollow nanoparticles.
Prepared MnO2 with different crystal forms as electrode materials for supercapacitors: experimental research from hydrothermal crystallization process to electrochemical performances
Authors: Zhao Xiaoyu , Hou Yongdan , Wang Yanfei , Yang Libin , Zhu Liang , Cao Ruge , Sha Zuoliang
Published: August 2017

The aim of this study was to prepare manganese dioxide with different crystal forms through hydrothermal treatment of MnSO4·H2O–KMnO4 precursors at various precursor ratios, temperatures, time periods, and pH values.
Tunable electromagnetically induced transparency based on terahertz graphene metamaterial
Authors: He Xunjun , Huang Yiming , Yang Xingyu , Zhu Lei , Wu Fengmin , Jiang Jiuxing
Published: August 2017

The terahertz EIT graphene metamaterial, consisting of two coupled split ring resonators placed in orthogonally twisted fashion, was proposed by patterning graphene. An actively controlled EIT peak can be obtained by changing relaxation time or Fermi energy of graphene.
Carbon nanotubes of oil fly ash as lubricant additives for different base oils and their tribology performance
Authors: Salah Numan , Abdel-wahab M. Sh. , Alshahrie Ahmed , Alharbi Najlaa D. , Khan Zishan H.
Published: August 2017

CNTs of oil fly ash were found to be suitable as lubricant additives for Aramco base oil.
The synthesis and tribological characteristics of triangular copper nanoplates as a grease additive
Authors: Wang Jing , Guo Xiaochuan , He Yan , Jiang Mingjun , Sun Rong
Published: August 2017

We prepared triangular copper nanoplates and investigated its growth mechanism and tribological characteristics as grease additive.
Rapid assessment of crystal orientation in semi-crystalline polymer films using rotational zone annealing and impact of orientation on mechanical properties
Authors: Ye Changhuai , Wang Chao , Wang Jing , Wiener Clinton G. , Xia Xuhui , Cheng Stephen Z. D. , Li Ruipeng , Yager Kevin G. , Fukuto Masafumi , Vogt Bryan D.
Published: August 2017

Rotational zone annealing enables rapid assessment of processing to generate oriented crystalline polymer films, which generates anisotropic mechanical properties.
The relationship between surface open cells of α-MnO2 and CO oxidation ability from a surface point of view
Authors: Li Kezhi , Chen Jianjun , Peng Yue , Lin Weichen , Yan Tao , Li Junhua
Published: August 2017

Open cells at the surface of α-MnO2 provide adsorption and oxidative sites for CO oxidation.
Thermally stable nanosized LEV zeolites synthesized by hydrothermal conversion of FAU zeolites in the presence of N,N-dimethylpiperidinium cations
Authors: Funase Natsumi , Tanigawa Takuya , Yamasaki Yoshitaka , Tsunoji Nao , Sadakane Masahiro , Sano Tsuneji
Published: August 2017

Thermally stable nanosized LEV zeolites were successfully synthesized by hydrothermal conversion of FAU zeolites in the presence of N,N-dimethylpiperidinium cations.
Transportation and release of Janus micromotors by two-stage rocket hydrogel
Authors: Liang Yuling , Wang Hui , Yao Dahua , Chen Yunhua , Deng Yonghong , Wang Chaoyang
Published: August 2017

A fast two-stage hydrogel rocket is described that displays efficient autonomous motion, long transportation time and the release of Janus micromotors that can self-propel after hydrogel disintegration. Such an attractive two-stage hydrogel rocket holds considerable potential for the on demand delivery of artificial small motors and further diverse applications of nano/micro machines.
Hollow double-layered polymer nanoparticles with S-nitrosothiols for tumor targeted therapy
Authors: Liu Tuanwei , Hu Jingjing , Ma Xiaoye , Kong Bing , Wang Jilan , Zhang Zhide , Guo Dian-Shun , Yang Xinlin
Published: August 2017

Tumor targeted hollow double-layered polymer nanoparticles (HDPNs) withS-nitrosothiols for nitric oxide (NO)-release as chemotherapy were described.
Large strain and strain memory effect in bismuth ferrite lead-free ceramics
Authors: Lv Jing , Gao Weiwei , Li Junning , Li Tangyuan , Long Changbai , Lou Xiaojie , Wu Jiagang
Published: August 2017

An electric-field-induced strain in ferroelectric materials has extensive applications in actuators and sensors.
Genetic human prion disease modelled in PrP transgenic Drosophila
Authors: Thackray Alana M. , Cardova Alzbeta , Wolf Hanna , Pradl Lydia , Vorberg Ina , Jackson Walker S. , Bujdoso Raymond
Published: August 2017

Inherited human prion diseases, such as fatal familial insomnia (FFI) and familial Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (fCJD), are associated with autosomal dominant mutations in the human prion protein gene PRNP and accumulation of PrPSc, an abnormal isomer of the normal host protein PrPC, in the brain of affected individuals. PrPSc is the principal component of the transmissible neurotoxic prion agent. It is important to identify molecular pathways and cellular processes that regulate prion formation and prion-induced neurotoxicity. This will allow identification of possible therapeutic interventions for individuals with, or at risk from, genetic human prion disease. Increasingly, Drosophila has been used to model human neurodegenerative disease. An important unanswered question is whether genetic prion disease with concomitant spontaneous prion formation can be modelled in Drosophila. We have used pUAST/PhiC31-mediated site-directed mutagenesis to generate Drosophila transgenic for murine or hamster PrP (prion protein) that carry single-codon mutations associated with genetic human prion disease. Mouse or hamster PrP harbouring an FFI (D178N) or fCJD (E200K) mutation showed mild Proteinase K resistance when expressed in Drosophila. Adult Drosophila transgenic for FFI or fCJD variants of mouse or hamster PrP displayed a spontaneous decline in locomotor ability that increased in severity as the flies aged. Significantly, this mutant PrP-mediated neurotoxic fly phenotype was transferable to recipient Drosophila that expressed the wild-type form of the transgene. Collectively, our novel data are indicative of the spontaneous formation of a PrP-dependent neurotoxic phenotype in FFI- or CJD-PrP transgenic Drosophila and show that inherited human prion disease can be modelled in this invertebrate host.
Author Impact Metrics in Communication Sciences and Disorder Research
Authors: Stuart Andrew , Faucette Sarah P. , Thomas William Joseph
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose was to examine author-level impact metrics for faculty in the communication sciences and disorder research field across a variety of databases.

Method

Author-level impact metrics were collected for faculty from 257 accredited universities in the United States and Canada. Three databases (i.e., Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and Scopus) were utilized.

Results

Faculty expertise was in audiology (24.4%;
n
= 490) and speech-language pathology (75.6%;
n
= 1,520). Women comprised 68.1% of faculty, and men comprised 31.9% of faculty. The percentage of faculty in the field of communication sciences and disorders identified in each database was 10.5% (
n
= 212), 44.0% (
n
= 885), and 84.4% (
n
= 1,696) for Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and Scopus, respectively. In general, author-level impact metrics were positively skewed. Metric values increased significantly with increasing academic rank (
p
< .05), were greater for men versus women (
p
< .05), and were greater for those in audiology versus speech-language pathology (
p
< .05). There were statistically significant positive correlations between all author-level metrics (
p
< .01).

Conclusions

These author-level metrics may serve as a benchmark for scholarly production of those in the field of communication sciences and disorders and may assist with professional identity management, tenure and promotion review, grant applications, and employment.
Geometric mesh corner detection using triangle principle
Authors: Lin Xinyu , Zhu Ce , Zhang Qian , Liu Yipeng
Published: August 2017

As one of the most significant local features, corners play a fundamental role in 3D computer vision and computer graphics. Two novel corner detection algorithms for 3D mesh data are presented in this Letter, in which the authors examine the geometric properties of the surface in multi‐scale space and utilise simple triangle principle to detect mesh corners. Numerical experiments show that our corner detectors outperform six state‐of‐the‐art methods.
Matching mechanism for networked control systems with multirate sampling
Authors: Jia Xin‐Chun , Ma Weiwei , Yang Fuwen , Zhang Dawei
Published: August 2017

This study deals with the observer‐based controller design problem for a class of networked control systems with multirate sampling. A matching mechanism is proposed to synchronise the sampled data between the plant and an observer, and computes the corresponding error. Using the error, the multirate observer is developed to estimate the state of the system in real time. A state feedback controller based on the observer is utilised to control the system. Different from discrete‐time modelling methods, the resulting closed‐loop system is modelled as a continuous‐time system with multiple sawtooth input‐delays. Inspired by Wirtinger's inequality, a new Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional is constructed to analyse efficiently the closed‐loop system in the presence of time‐varying network‐induced delays. Then sufficient conditions for performance analysis and the observer‐based controller design are presented. Finally, two illustrative examples show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Single‐phase auto‐reclosing mitigation procedure for half‐wavelength transmission line
Authors: Dias Ozenir , Tavares Maria Cristina
Published: August 2017

In this study, the main results of a new mitigation method to single‐phase auto‐reclosing switching in half‐wavelength transmission lines are presented. Initially, the behaviour of single‐phase reclosing on conventional lines was evaluated, then, the results obtained for half‐wavelength lines are presented. Finally, the proposed solution for the manoeuvre to be successfully executed is described. The study proposes a very advantageous solution for the application of the single‐phase switching in half‐wavelength lines.
Selective Oxidation of Secondary Amines to N,N-Disubstituted Hydroxylamines by Choline Peroxydisulfate
Authors: Heydari Akbar , Banan Alireza , Valizadeh Hassan , Moghimi Abolghasem
Published: August 2017

N,N-Disubstituted hydroxylamines were prepared directly from secondary amines by a reliable method using an oxidizing task-specific ionic liquid, choline peroxydisulfate. The operational simplicity, high selectivity, and green reaction conditions, make this method efficient and practical.
Lithiation–Substitution of N-Boc-2-phenylazepane
Authors: Aeyad Tahani , Williams Jason , Meijer Anthony , Coldham Iain
Published: August 2017

Preparation of 2,2-disubstituted azepanes was accomplished from N-tert-butoxy(N-Boc)-2-phenylazepane by treatment with butyllithium then electrophilic quench. The lithiation was followed by in situ ReactIR spectroscopy and the rate of rotation of the carbamate was determined by variable temperature (VT)-NMR spectroscopy and by DFT studies. Most electrophiles add α to the nitrogen atom but cyanoformates and chloroformates gave ortho-substituted products. Cyclic carbamates were formed from an aldehyde or ketone electrophile. Kinetic resolution with sparteine was only poorly selective. Removal of the Boc group promoted cyclization to a homoindolizidine or an isoindolinone.
Landmarks to Identify Petrous Apex Through Endonasal Approach Without Transgression of Sinus
Authors: Negm Hazem , Singh Harminder , Dhandapani Sivashanmugam , Cohen Salomon , Anand Vijay , Schwartz Theodore
Published: August 2017

Objectives The use of nasopharyngeal landmarks to localize the petrous apex has not been previously described. We describe a purely endoscopic endonasal corridor to localize the petrous apex without transgressing any of the paranasal sinuses.

Methods Anatomical dissections of four formalin preserved cadaveric heads (eight petrous apices) were performed to evaluate the feasibility of a nonsinus-based approach and illustrate the surgical landmarks and measurements that are useful for surgery in this area.

Results The Eustachian tubes, fossa of Rosenmüller (FR), and posterior end of the middle and inferior turbinates are constant landmarks, which can be identified without opening any nasal sinuses. The petrous apex is located on an extended straight line connecting the upper end of the torus tubarius (TT) and the roof of the FR. The distance from upper end of TT to the roof of FR measured 9.875 (±0.99) mm, and the distance from roof of the FR to the petrous apex measured 9.75 (±1) mm.

Conclusion With well-defined landmarks, the inferior, medial petrous apex can be reached using the endoscopic endonasal approach without crossing the sinus cavities.
Praktische Anwendung der kontinuierlichen Apomorphin-Pumpentherapie
Authors: Tönges Lars , Ceballos-Baumann Andrés , Honig Holger , Storch Alexander , Jost Wolfgang H.
Published: August 2017

Das idiopathische Parkinson-Syndrom ist nach der Alzheimer Erkrankung die zweithäufigste neurodegenerative Erkrankung und im
fortgeschrittenen Stadium durch zahlreiche Besonderheiten gekennzeichnet. Neben nicht-motorischen Symptomen stehen oft motorische
Komplikationen im Vordergrund, die mit pulsatilen oralen Therapien nur unzureichend verbessert werden können. Mithilfe der kontinuierlichen
dopaminergen Stimulation lassen sich jedoch auch im fortgeschrittenen Stadium Optimierungen vornehmen, die neben der Verbesserung
motorischer und nicht-motorischer Symptome auch eine höhere Lebensqualität erzielen können. Etabliert hat sich in diesem Zusammenhang die
kontinuierliche subkutane Gabe von Apomorphin mittels Medikamentenpumpe, deren Nutzen, Indikationen, Anwendungsbeschränkungen und praktische
Umsetzung in dieser Expertenempfehlung ausführlich dargestellt werden. Besonders hervorzuheben ist das vorteilhafte therapeutische Fenster
der Apomorphin-Pumpentherapie, das durch einfache medikamentöse Titration bei einem schnell reversiblen Verfahren optimal ausgenutzt werden
kann. Im vorliegenden Artikel werden die Ergebnisse eines Experten-Meetings zur Apomorphin-Therapie vorgestellt, das am 6. Juli 2016 in
Frankfurt am Main stattgefunden hat.
Thermo-mechanical properties of mixed-matrix membranes encompassing zeolitic imidazolate framework-90 and polyvinylidine difluoride: ZIF-90/PVDF nanocomposites
Authors: Flyagina Irina S. , Mahdi E. M. , Titov Kirill , Tan Jin-Chong
Published: August 2017

Mixed-matrix membranes are contemporary nanocomposite materials with many potential applications, from liquid and gas separations to chemical sensors and biomedicine. We report fabrication of a metal-organic framework (MOF)-based nanocomposite, combining polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) polymer as the matrix and ZIF-90 nanocrystals of up to 30 wt. % filler content. The focus is to establish the processing—microstructure—mechanical property relationships. We reveal the importance for quantifying salient effects of the filler contents: (i) tensile strength degrades beyond 10 wt. % and (ii) mechanical toughness declines due to membrane embrittlement. These are vital mechanical aspects but widely overlooked in the emergent field of MOF membranes and composites.
Neutron diffraction in the megabar realm made possible using novel diamond cells
Authors: Dowd Deborah
Published: August 2017

New large-volume diamond anvil cells tested at high pressure, yielding high quality diffraction spectra.
Stylistic variation in L1 and L2 Chinese
Authors: Li Xiaoshi
Published: August 2017

This study examines stylistic variation patterns in L1 and L2 Chinese, focusing on two linguistic structures: morphosyntactic particle DE and subject pronoun. The data were from thirteen native speakers, four Chinese instructors, twenty-three L2 Chinese learners, and four Chinese textbooks. Results from variation analysis with frequency description show four general patterns. First, instructors used overt forms of stylistic variants in class significantly more frequently than native speakers did in conversations. Second, learners tended to overuse the overt forms compared with their native speaker peers. Third, learner patterns of stylistic variation aligned closely with those of their teachers. Finally, unlike teacher input, textbook input demonstrated mixed results compared with learner patterns. For DE use, learners’ patterns aligned significantly with those in textbooks, but did not for subject pronoun use. The implications for stylistic variation in conversational and written Chinese are discussed and suggestions are offered for Chinese and foreign language instruction.
Aspectual coercion
Authors: Li Wendan
Published: August 2017

Dynamic verbs followed by the perfective aspect morpheme -le(V-le) in Chinese typically designate bounded events but can also encode states. This article proposes that the eventive designations are at the basic level and the stative interpretations are at the derived level through aspectual coercion. The categorical shifts from the former to the latter may be brought about by a number of factors, which include sentences with nonagent subject/topic, general stative sentences, and certain adverbs. These factors introduce aspectual properties incompatible with V-le's basic-level eventive interpretation. They trigger a coercion procedure to reconcile the incompatibilities, leading to aspectual reinterpretations. These findings are discussed in light of the principle of external override and the analytic nature of the Chinese language.
A plea for a socio-cognitive perspective on the language-culture-cognition nexus in educational approaches to intercultural communicative competence
Authors: Strugielska Ariadna , Piątkowska Katarzyna
Published: August 2017

Intercultural communicative competence (ICC) links three notions, i.e. language, culture and cognition, which are declared crucial in approaches to ICC in educational context. Despite the announced importance of the notions, none of the ICC models specifies the relationship between these elements in a motivated way and hence unjustified dichotomies arise. Educational approaches to ICC can be divided into cognitive or social ones with the former emphasizing an autonomous nature of language, culture and cognition and the latter focusing on social aspects and thus marginalizing cognition. The article aims to stress the need for a socio-cognitive approach to ICC which will view language, culture and cognition in a holistic way. While this approach is based on complexity science, cognitive psychology, grounded cognition and intercultural pragmatics, we demonstrate that cognitive linguistics can become an encompassing framework for a holistic model of ICC.
Ground reaction forces produced by two different hockey skating arm swing techniques
Authors: Hayward‐Ellis Julie , Alexander Marion J. L. , Glazebrook Cheryl M. , Leiter Jeff
Published: August 2017

The arm swing in hockey skating can have a positive effect on the forces produced by each skate, and the resulting velocity from each push off. The main purpose of this study was to measure the differences in ground reaction forces (GRFs) produced from an anteroposterior versus a mediolateral style hockey skating arm swing. Twenty‐four elite‐level female hockey players performed each technique while standing on a ground‐mounted force platform, and all trials were filmed using two video cameras. Force data was assessed for peak scaled GRFs in the frontal and sagittal planes, and resultant GRF magnitude and direction. Upper limb kinematics were assessed from the video using Dartfish video analysis software, confirming that the subjects successfully performed two distinct arm swing techniques. The mediolateral arm swing used a mean of 18.38° of glenohumeral flexion/extension and 183.68° of glenohumeral abduction/adduction while the anteroposterior technique used 214.17° and 28.97° respectively. The results of this study confirmed that the mediolateral arm swing produced 37% greater frontal plane and 33% less sagittal plane GRFs than the anteroposterior arm swing. The magnitudes of the resultant GRFs were not significantly different between the two techniques; however, the mediolateral technique produced a resultant GRF with a significantly larger angle from the direction of travel (44.44°) as compared to the anteroposterior technique (31.60°). The results of this study suggest that the direction of GRFs produced by the mediolateral arm swing more closely mimic the direction of lower limb propulsion during the skating stride.
Transition of yeast Can1 transporter to the inward-facing state unveils an α-arrestin target sequence promoting its ubiquitylation and endocytosis
Authors: Gournas Christos , Saliba Elie , Krammer Eva-Maria , Barthelemy Céline , Prévost Martine , André Bruno
Published: August 2017

Substrate-transport–elicited endocytosis is a common control mechanism of membrane transporters avoiding excess uptake of external compounds, though poorly understood at the molecular level. In yeast, endocytosis of transporters is triggered by their ubiquitylation mediated by the Rsp5 ubiquitin-ligase, recruited by α-arrestin–family adaptors. We here report that transport-elicited ubiquitylation of the arginine transporter Can1 is promoted by transition to an inward-facing state. This conformational change unveils a region of the N-terminal cytosolic tail targeted by the Art1 α-arrestin, which is activated via the TORC1 kinase complex upon arginine uptake. Can1 mutants altered in the arginine-binding site or a cytosolic tripeptide sequence permanently expose the α-arrestin–targeted region so that Art1 activation via TORC1 is sufficient to trigger their endocytosis. We also provide evidence that substrate-transport elicited endocytosis of other amino acid permeases similarly involves unmasking of a cytosolic Art1-target region coupled to activation of Art1 via TORC1. Our results unravel a mechanism likely involved in regulation of many other transporters by their own substrates. They also support the emerging view that transporter ubiquitylation relies on combinatorial interaction rules such that α-arrestins, stimulated via signaling cascades or in their basal state, recognize transporter regions permanently facing the cytosol or unveiled during transport.
Monoubiquitination of syntaxin 3 leads to retrieval from the basolateral plasma membrane and facilitates cargo recruitment to exosomes
Authors: Giovannone Adrian J. , Reales Elena , Bhattaram Pallavi , Fraile-Ramos Alberto , Weimbs Thomas
Published: August 2017

Syntaxin 3 (Stx3), a SNARE protein located and functioning at the apical plasma membrane of epithelial cells, is required for epithelial polarity. A fraction of Stx3 is localized to late endosomes/lysosomes, although how it traffics there and its function in these organelles is unknown. Here we report that Stx3 undergoes monoubiquitination in a conserved polybasic domain. Stx3 present at the basolateral—but not the apical—plasma membrane is rapidly endocytosed, targeted to endosomes, internalized into intraluminal vesicles (ILVs), and excreted in exosomes. A nonubiquitinatable mutant of Stx3 (Stx3-5R) fails to enter this pathway and leads to the inability of the apical exosomal cargo protein GPRC5B to enter the ILV/exosomal pathway. This suggests that ubiquitination of Stx3 leads to removal from the basolateral membrane to achieve apical polarity, that Stx3 plays a role in the recruitment of cargo to exosomes, and that the Stx3-5R mutant acts as a dominant-negative inhibitor. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) acquires its membrane in an intracellular compartment and we show that Stx3-5R strongly reduces the number of excreted infectious viral particles. Altogether these results suggest that Stx3 functions in the transport of specific proteins to apical exosomes and that HCMV exploits this pathway for virion excretion.
Investigation of cardiac fibroblasts using myocardial slices
Authors: Perbellini Filippo , Watson Samuel A , Scigliano Martina , Alayoubi Samha , Tkach Sebastian , Bardi Ifigeneia , Quaife Nicholas , Kane Christopher , Dufton Neil P , Simon André , Sikkel Markus B , Faggian Giuseppe , Randi Anna M , Gorelik Julia , Harding Sian E , Terracciano Cesare M
Published: August 2017

Aims

Cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) are considered the principal regulators of cardiac fibrosis. Factors that influence CF activity are difficult to determine. When isolated and cultured in vitro, CFs undergo rapid phenotypic changes including increased expression of α-SMA. Here we describe a new model to study CFs and their response to pharmacological and mechanical stimuli using in vitro cultured mouse, dog and human myocardial slices.

Methods and results

Unloading of myocardial slices induced CF proliferation without α-SMA expression up to 7 days in culture. CFs migrating onto the culture plastic support or cultured on glass expressed αSMA within 3 days. The cells on the slice remained αSMA(−) despite transforming growth factor-β (20 ng/ml) or angiotensin II (200 µM) stimulation. When diastolic load was applied to myocardial slices using A-shaped stretchers, CF proliferation was significantly prevented at Days 3 and 7 (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Myocardial slices allow the study of CFs in a multicellular environment and may be used to effectively study mechanisms of cardiac fibrosis and potential targets.
A comparative study of amplitude calibrations for the East Asia VLBI Network: A priori and template spectrum methods
Authors: Cho Ilje , Jung Taehyun , Zhao Guang-Yao , Akiyama Kazunori , Sawada-Satoh Satoko , Kino Motoki , Byun Do-Young , Sohn Bong Won , Shibata Katsunori M. , Hirota Tomoya , Niinuma Kotaro , Yonekura Yoshinori , Fujisawa Kenta , Oyama Tomoaki
Published: August 2017

We present the results of a comparative study of amplitude calibrations for the East Asia VLBI Network (EAVN) at 22 and 43 GHz using two different methods of an “a priori” and a “template spectrum”, particularly on lower declination sources. Using observational data sets of early EAVN observations, we investigated the elevation-dependence of the gain values at seven stations of the KaVA (KVN and VERA Array) and three additional telescopes in Japan (Takahagi 32 m, Yamaguchi 32 m, and Nobeyama 45 m). By comparing the independently obtained gain values based on these two methods, we found that the gain values from each method were consistent within 10% at elevations higher than 10°. We also found that the total flux densities of two images produced from the different amplitude calibrations were in agreement within 10% at both 22 and 43 GHz. By using the template spectrum method, furthermore, the additional radio telescopes can participate in KaVA (i.e., EAVN), giving a notable sensitivity increase. Therefore, our results will constrain the detailed conditions in order to measure the VLBI amplitude reliably using EAVN, and discuss the potential of possible expansion to telescopes comprising EAVN.
A Model of the International Monetary System*
Authors: Farhi Emmanuel , Maggiori Matteo
Published: August 2017

We propose a simple model of the international monetary system. We study the world supply and demand for reserve assets denominated in different currencies under a variety of scenarios: a hegemon versus a multipolar world; abundant versus scarce reserve assets; and a gold exchange standard versus a floating rate system. We rationalize the Triffin dilemma, which posits the fundamental instability of the system, as well as the common prediction regarding the natural and beneficial emergence of a multipolar world, the Nurkse warning that a multipolar world is more unstable than a hegemon world, and the Keynesian argument that a scarcity of reserve assets under a gold standard or at the zero lower bound is recessionary. Our analysis is both positive and normative.
Application of genome‐editing technology in crop improvement
Authors: Ni Zhe , Han Qian , He Yong‐Qiang , Huang Sheng
Published: August 2017

Background and objectives

Increase in the world population is usually followed by a growing demand for food and increasingly higher requirements for the quality of food. The existing crops may require immediate improvement and optimization in order to adjust to market demands and the deteriorating environment.

Findings

Genome‐editing technology, a relatively advanced technology method that appeared in recent years, can accurately edit (i.e., insert, delete, or replace) genes and directionally modify crops by changing the plant's heredity and performance.

Conclusions

Currently, some of the modern genome‐editing approaches have been applied rather widely in crop breeding: for example, zinc finger nuclease, transcription activator‐like effector nuclease, and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR‐associated protein.

Significance and novelty

While reviewing the principles of the above genome‐editing technologies and their research progress in crop improvement, this study will discuss the commercial application and future development of these technologies.
Community Health Workers and the Management of Noncommunicable Diseases Among Rural Health Clinics in Limpopo Province, South Africa
Authors: Doede Aubrey L. , Allen Taylor E. , Gray Ja'Lynn S. , Herbst Austin G. , Hlungwani Madala C. , Ramakuela Nditsheni J. , Xie Alice X. , Campbell Cathy L.
Published: August 2017

South Africa's rise in noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and health care provider shortages has generated the need for community health workers (CHWs) in rural areas. However, roles and interactions with clinic staff are not well understood. Interviews with health care workers at community clinics in Limpopo Province revealed common themes, including resource scarcity, clinic-patient partnerships, management of NCDs, and collaboration between professionals. The data did not support CHW-physician interactions, necessitating further research to describe these practices and to evaluate CHWs' impact on patient outcomes. The CHW involvement in rural clinics is essential to patient-clinic partnerships and may help close treatment gaps in resource-poor areas.
Antidiabetic Drug Alogliptin Protects the Heart Against Ischemia-reperfusion Injury Through GLP-1 Receptor-dependent and Receptor-independent Pathways Involving Nitric Oxide Production in Rabbits
Authors: Baba Shinya , Iwasa Masamitsu , Higashi Kenshi , Minatoguchi Shingo , Yamada Yoshihisa , Kanamori Hiromitsu , Kawasaki Masanori , Nishigaki Kazuhiko , Minatoguchi Shinya
Published: August 2017

GLP-1 has been reported to be cardioprotective against ischemia-reperfusion injury. We aimed to examine the effect of alogliptin, which may produce GLP-1, on ischemia-reperfusion injury and its mechanisms. Rabbits were fed a normal chow (control group) and a chow containing alogliptin (2 mg·kg−1·d−1: alogliptin-L group and 20 mg·kg−1·d−1: alogliptin-H group) for 7 days. The rabbits underwent 30 minutes of coronary occlusion and 48 hours of reperfusion. Exendin (9–39) [5 or 50 μg/kg, i.v., alogliptin-H+exendin (9–39)-L group and alogliptin-H+exendin (9–39)-H group] or l-NAME (10 mg/kg, i.v., alogliptin-H+L-NAME group) was administered to the alogliptin-H group. Alogliptin dose-dependently reduced the infarct size, which was partially blocked by exendin (9–39), but completely blocked by l-NAME. Exendin (9–39) or l-NAME alone did not affect the infarct size for themselves. The left ventricular ejection fraction and ±dP/dt were higher in the alogliptin-L group and alogliptin-H group than in the control group. Alogliptin increased the serum NOx and plasma GLP-1 levels, and those levels inversely correlated with the infarct size. Alogliptin upregulated the expressions of phosphorylated (p)-Akt and p-eNOS, which were inhibited by exendin (9–39) and l-NAME, respectively. In conclusion, alogliptin protects the heart against ischemia-reperfusion injury through GLP-1 receptor-dependent and receptor-independent pathways which involve nitric oxide production in rabbits.
Levosimendan in Acute and Advanced Heart Failure: An Appraisal of the Clinical Database and Evaluation of Its Therapeutic Applications
Authors: Altenberger Johann , Gustafsson Finn , Harjola Veli-Pekka , Karason Kristjan , Kindgen-Milles Detlef , Kivikko Matti , Malfatto Gabriella , Papp Zoltán , Parissis John , Pollesello Piero , Pölzl Gerhard , Tschöpe Carsten
Published: August 2017

The use of inotropes for correcting hemodynamic dysfunction in patients with congestive heart failure has been described over many decades. However, negative or insufficient data have been collected regarding the effects of cardiac glycosides, catecholamines, and phosphodiesterase inhibitors on quality of life and survival. More recently, the calcium sensitizer and potassium channel-opener levosimendan has been proposed as a safer inodilator than traditional agents in some heart failure settings, such as advanced heart failure. At the 2017 annual congress of the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology (Paris, April 30–May 2), a series of tutorials delivered by lecturers from 8 European countries examined how to use levosimendan safely and effectively in acute and advanced heart failure. The proceedings of those tutorials have been collated in this review to provide an expert perspective on the optimized use of levosimendan in those settings.
RANIBIZUMAB AND AFLIBERCEPT FOR THE TREATMENT OF PIGMENT EPITHELIAL DETACHMENT IN NEOVASCULAR AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION
Authors: Vaze Anagha , Nguyen Vuong , Daien Vincent , Arnold Jennifer J. , Young Stephanie H. , Cheung Chui M. , Lamoureux Ecosse , Bhargava Mayuri , Barthelmes Daniel , Gillies Mark C. ,   the Fight Retinal Blindness Study Group
Published: August 2017

Purpose:

To assess the effect of intravitreal ranibizumab and aflibercept on retinal pigment epithelial detachment (RPED) in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

Methods:

This was a retrospective analysis of data from a prospectively designed and implemented clinical audit. Analysis included change in RPED dimensions and visual acuity in 92/233 treatment-naive eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration and RPED 6 months after treatment with either aflibercept or ranibizumab.

Results:

There was no significant between-group difference in the adjusted mean change for maximum RPED height (P = 0.195), diameter (P = 0.522) or visual acuity (P = 0.836) at 6 months. Injection frequency was the only clinical variable that affected RPED height (P = 0.050) and visual acuity change for both treatment groups (P = 0.004). Around 30% of eyes in each group had complete resolution of RPED at 6 months.

Conclusion:

Eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration and RPED showed significant functional and anatomical responses after 6 months of intravitreal anti–vascular endothelial growth factor injections. However, we found no significant difference in anatomical response or change in visual acuity between eyes treated with ranibizumab compared with aflibercept. Larger, prospectively designed, randomized studies with longer term follow-up may identify a difference between the two drugs that we did not detect.
The Walk-in Clinic
Authors: Gardner Kenzie A. , Westrom Dale R.
Published: August 2017

Access to adequate and timely dermatology care, especially for an acute chief complaint (changing lesion, painful rash, etc.), is an ongoing problem for patients. A same-day service model (same-day appointments, walk-in clinic, “advanced access scheduling,” or “open access scheduling”) can be implemented to increase the supply of dermatology care with demand. Limited evidence exists on how to successfully establish a same-day service, such as a walk-in clinic, in a traditional dermatology practice. This article will discuss the establishment of a walk-in clinic in a dermatology practice in Northern California and will also review the associated advantages and challenges of providing a walk-in clinic. It will also identify the important role of nurses and nurse practitioners in the dermatology walk-in clinic. It is our hope that the information in this article will support the future establishment of dermatology walk-in clinics to better serve dermatology patients with acute skin problems.
Nonoperative Management of Labral Tears of the Hip in Adolescent Athletes: Description of Sports Participation, Interventions, Comorbidity, and Outcomes
Authors: Cianci Andrea , Sugimoto Dai , Stracciolini Andrea , Yen Yi-Meng , Kocher Mininder S. , d'Hemecourt Pierre A.
Published: August 2017

Context:

Hip injury among young athletes is increasing, especially hip labral tears. Some tears may require surgical intervention, especially if they are associated with boney pathology such as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). A protocol for nonoperative treatment of the hip labral tears is not well established.

Objective:

To identify current nonoperative treatment options, comorbidities, sports participation, and outcomes of adolescent athletes who were diagnosed with hip labral tears.

Study Design:

Retrospective chart review.

Setting:

A regional tertiary level medical and academic institution.

Participants:

Physically active 8- to 20-year-old males and females who were diagnosed with hip labral tears in 2010 to 2013.

Main Outcome Measures:

Nonoperative treatment interventions including physical therapy (PT), intraarticular injection (IAI), the type of sports participation, and comorbidity were extracted.

Statistical Analysis:

Descriptive statistics and χ2 tests were used with a priori alpha level <0.05.

Results:

Among 76 adolescent athletes who were diagnosed with hip labral tear, 52 (68.4%) had PT, 55 (72.4%) received IAI, and 43 (56.6%) experienced both PT and IAI interventions. Top 3 sports participated were dance (18.4%), soccer (14.5%), and gymnastics (7.9%). The most common comorbidity was FAI, which was observed in 46 individuals (60.5%). Although there was no difference in a proportion of FAI cases between sexes, a greater proportion of surgical cases were observed among hip labrum–injured athletes with FAI compared with those without FAI (P = 0.032).

Conclusions:

Adolescent athletes with hip labral tears often receive PT, IAI, and a combination of both, as nonoperative treatment options in this study cohort. The adolescent athletes who sustained hip labral tears with comorbidity of FAI had significantly greater proportion of surgical cases after nonoperative treatments.