bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Clustering Algorithms to Improve the Production of Symbolic-Neural Rule Bases from Empirical Data
Authors: Prentzas Jim , Hatzilygeroudis Ioannis
Published: December 2017

Neurules are a kind of integrated rules integrating neurocomputing (via the adaline unit) and production rules. A neurule base is modular and natural, in contrast to existing connectionist knowledge bases, a comparable type of integrated knowledge bases. In producing neurules from an empirical data training set, the inability of the adaline unit to classify non-separable training data should be faced. The general approach followed is consecutively splitting the training set into two subsets, according to a splitting strategy, until (sub)sets of separable data are produced; then as many neurules as the resulted subsets are produced. In this paper, we present and experimentally evaluate six splitting strategies applied to the production process of a neurule base, three of which are based on clustering algorithms suitable for categorical data (i.e., 2-medoids, 2-modes and COOLCAT). Experiments were performed using 18 different distance or similarity metrics suitable for categorical data. No such an extensive comparison of distance/similarity metrics has been made so far. The strategy based on 2-modes generally performs better than the other strategies by applying alternative cluster center initialization methods. Specific distance/similarity metrics also provide better results.
Imperialist Competitive Algorithm with Updated Assimilation for the Solution of Real Valued Optimization Problems
Authors: Sherinov Zhavat , Ünveren Ahmet , Acan Adnan
Published: December 2017

In this paper, an improved imperialistic competitive algorithm is presented for real-valued optimization problems. A new method is introduced for the movement of colonies towards their imperialist, which is called assimilation. The proposed method uses Euclidean distance along with Pearson correlation coefficient as an operator for assimilating colonies with respect to their imperialists. Applications of the proposed algorithm to classical and recently published hard benchmark problems, and statistical analysis associated with the corresponding experimental results illustrated that the achieved success is significantly better than a number of state-of-the art methods.
The 1-Good-Neighbor Conditional Diagnosability of Some Regular Graphs
Authors: GU MEI-MEI , HAO RONG-XIA , YU AI-MEI
Published: December 2017

The g-good-neighbor conditional diagnosability is the maximum number of faulty vertices a network can guarantee to identify, under the condition that every fault-free vertex has at least g fault-free neighbors. In this paper, we study the 1-good-neighbor conditional diagnosabilities of some general k-regular k-connected graphs G under the PMC model and the MM* model. The main result [Formula: see text] under some conditions is obtained, where l is the maximum number of common neighbors between any two adjacent vertices in G. Moreover, the following results are derived: [Formula: see text] for the hierarchical star networks, [Formula: see text] for the BC networks, [Formula: see text] for the alternating group graphs [Formula: see text].
Stable isotope evidence for near-surface, low-temperature formation of Mg-(hydro)carbonates in highly altered Greek Mesozoic serpentinites
Authors: Andrews J. E. , Stamatakis M. G. , Mitsis I. , Donnelly T. , Regueiroy González-Barros M. , Fallick A. E.
Published: December 2017

Authigenic magnesite, hydromagnesite and huntite associated with intensely altered and serpentinized ophiolitic rocks in Attica (mainland Greece) occur predominantly as veinlets and nodules within a totally weathered former serpentinite groundmass. Carbonate δ
18
O values are consistent with post-geothermal fluid temperatures between 25 and 70°C, but mostly between 25 and 30°C, from a dominantly meteoric-sourced groundwater, indicating near-surface, low-temperature conditions. Despite the proximity of a volcanic centre with strong CO
2
flux, 75% of the carbon isotope data imply little or no incorporation of this CO
2
into the authigenic Mg-(hydro)carbonates. Indeed, many δ
13
C values are more negative than soil-zone calcrete values, and in this setting Mg-(hydro)carbonate δ
13
C values below −6‰ VPDB probably indicate disequilibrium effects in alkaline groundwaters. Geothermal fluids and groundwaters were mainly routed through structural conduits. Some of the low-temperature hydromagnesite subsequently dehydrated to magnesite under near-surface conditions, and huntite is probably a diagenetic transformation of hydromagnesite, forming close to the volcanic centre where fluid Mg/Ca ratios were low. The isotopic signatures are distinct from previously published Balkan–East Mediterranean magnesite data arrays but are consistent with many other ultramafic-associated magnesium carbonates worldwide; their association with likely fluid compositions provides important context for Mg-(hydro)carbonate formation as geothermal conditions cool to near-surface temperatures.
Vanadium isotope composition of crude oil: effects of source, maturation and biodegradation
Authors: Gao Yongjun , Casey John F. , Bernardo Luis M. , Yang Weihang , Bissada K. K. Adry
Published: December 2017

We present a study of vanadium (V) isotope compositions for 17 crude oils spanning a wide range of concentrations and formation ages. Bulk organic geochemical and biomarker compositions are investigated for 11 co-genetic crude oils from the Barbados oil field. About 2‰ V isotope fractionation was observed and they are primarily correlated with V/Ni ratios and most likely reflect the depositional environment of the petroleum source rocks. Factors such as the lithology of the source rocks, Eh and pH of the depositional environment, and possibly the V isotope composition of seawater could all play a role in the V isotope composition. The Eh and pH conditions determine the speciation and coordination of V ions in fluids, whereas the lithology of the source rock defines the competing phases for available V ions in solution. The V isotopes are significantly modified by maturation and biodegradation. The V isotope fractionation during biodegradation has most probably resulted from the microbial activity-induced changes in the species and coordination geometries of V ions in fluids. The progressive decrease of
δ
51
V with the increase of maturation might suggest a preferential loss of
51
V during de-metalation and/or a preferential incorporation of
50
V in the newly formed V-organometallic compounds.
The utility of methane clumped isotopes to constrain the origins of methane in natural gas accumulations
Authors: Stolper Daniel A. , Lawson Michael , Formolo Michael J. , Davis Cara L. , Douglas Peter M. J. , Eiler John M.
Published: December 2017

Methane clumped-isotope compositions provide a new approach to understanding the formational conditions of methane from both biogenic and thermogenic sources. Under some conditions, these compositions can be used to reconstruct the formational temperatures of the gas, and this capability can be applied to common subsets of both biogenic and thermogenic systems. Additionally, there are examples in which clumped-isotope compositions do not reflect gas-formation temperatures but instead mixing effects and kinetic phenomena; such kinetic effects also occur in common and recognizable subtypes of biogenic and thermogenic gases. Here we review the use of methane clumped-isotope measurements for understanding the origin of methane in the subsurface. We review methane clumped-isotope measurements from numerous biogenic and thermogenic natural gas reservoirs. We then place these measurements in the context of common frameworks for identifying the formational conditions of methane including the use of methane δ
13
C and δD values and C
1
/C
2–3
ratios. Finally, we propose a framework for how methane clumped isotopes can be used to identify the origin of methane accumulations.
An Infrared Dye–Conjugated Virus-like Particle for the Treatment of Primary Uveal Melanoma
Authors: Kines Rhonda C. , Varsavsky Isabella , Choudhary Sanghamitra , Bhattacharya Debaditya , Spring Sean , McLaughlin Roger , Kang Shin J. , Grossniklaus Hans E. , Vavvas Demetrios , Monks Stephen , MacDougall John R. , de los Pinos Elisabet , Schiller John T.
Published: December 2017

The work outlined herein describes AU-011, a novel recombinant papillomavirus-like particle (VLP) drug conjugate and its initial evaluation as a potential treatment for primary uveal melanoma. The VLP is conjugated with a phthalocyanine photosensitizer, IRDye 700DX, that exerts its cytotoxic effect through photoactivation with a near-infrared laser. We assessed the anticancer properties of AU-011 in vitro utilizing a panel of human cancer cell lines and in vivo using murine subcutaneous and rabbit orthotopic xenograft models of uveal melanoma. The specificity of VLP binding (tumor targeting), mediated through cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPG), was assessed using HSPG-deficient cells and by inclusion of heparin in in vitro studies. Our results provide evidence of potent and selective anticancer activity, both in vitro and in vivo. AU-011 activity was blocked by inhibiting its association with HSPG using heparin and using cells lacking surface HSPG, indicating that the tumor tropism of the VLP was not affected by dye conjugation and cell association is critical for AU-011–mediated cytotoxicity. Using the uveal melanoma xenograft models, we observed tumor uptake following intravenous (murine) and intravitreal (rabbit) administration and, after photoactivation, potent dose-dependent tumor responses. Furthermore, in the rabbit orthotopic model, which closely models uveal melanoma as it presents in the clinic, tumor treatment spared the retina and adjacent ocular structures. Our results support further clinical development of this novel therapeutic modality that might transform visual outcomes and provide a targeted therapy for the early-stage treatment of patients with this rare and life-threatening disease. Mol Cancer Ther; 17(2); 565–74. ©2017 AACR.
Neurobiological Bases of Autism Spectrum Disorders and Implications for Early Intervention: A Brief Overview
Authors: Petinou Kakia , Minaidou Despo
Published: December 2017

Objectives: To better understand the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and implications for intervention, the current paper reports on research related to the neurobiological underpinnings of ASD and the implication for early intervention with a focus on the importance of joint attention and eye gaze behaviors. Participants and Methods: An overview is provided on the available research findings from the fields of social neuroscience and experimental psychology specific to brain development, brain pathology, eye gaze, and joint attention behaviors. Results: The results of the review converge towards the existence of aberrant brain connections and atypical brain morphology areas, which in complex and dynamic ways hinder the prioritization of social information. Consequently, the atypical social interaction skills exhibited by infants at risk for developing ASD are traced in the malformation of respective brain connections. Conclusions: Given the importance of neurobiological findings and their mapping onto early social pragmatic skills, early intervention goals need to focus on increasing appropriate eye gaze skills and joint attention. Such goals could potentially improve intervention outcomes in terms of improving social communication skills in youngsters with ASD.
‘In-Situ Split' Liver Resection/ALPPS - Historical Development and Current Practice
Authors: Schlitt Hans J. , Hackl Christina , Lang Sven Arke
Published: December 2017

Background: Liver tumors that are extensive, multifocal, or critically located frequently require advanced techniques of liver resection including ‘functional augmentation' of liver segments. Here we describe the invention and stepwise establishment of a new technique - termed ‘in-situ split' liver resection or ‘ALPPS' - enabling liver resection in certain situations. Methods: The development of the technique in the first and the subsequent 8 patients in the index center, and also the method's spread throughout Germany and the world were reviewed. Results: In 2007, in the first patient, the new technique was developed intraoperatively by necessity. Due to the convincing outcome, it was deliberately applied again several months later in another patient, and thereafter (sparsely) used for liver resection for various indications. Following oral communication, the method spread throughout Germany, and later - mainly following the publication of the initial multicentric German series - very quickly disseminated worldwide. Currently, it is used for a very (if not overly) broad spectrum of indications by many hepatobiliary surgery centers. Conclusion: In-situ split/ALPPS is a newly developed technique for liver resection, which was established for very specific situations. This method has created a hype, and is currently used rather generously by many centers worldwide.
Differentiation between Pure Mucinous Breast Carcinomas and Fibroadenomas with Strong High-Signal Intensity on T2-Weighted Images from Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Qu Ning , Luo Yahong , Yu Tao , Yu Huihui
Published: December 2017

Objective: This study aimed to identify characteristics that can differentiate between pure mucinous breast carcinomas (PMBCs) and fibroadenomas (FAs) with strong high-signal intensity on T2-weighted images (T2-SHi) from dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI). Methods: The DCE-MRI tumor characteristics were compared and analyzed between 35 PMBCs and 70 FAs with T2-SHi. Results: Multivariate analysis revealed that delayed enhancement pattern was the only significant independent predictor (p = 0.007). Conclusion: A delayed enhancement pattern is the most reliable characteristic for differentiating PMBCs from FAs with T2-SHi from DCE-MRI.
Differential Kinetics of Aspergillus nidulans and Aspergillus fumigatus Phagocytosis
Authors: Gresnigt Mark S. , Becker Katharina L. , Leenders Floris , Alonso M. Fernanda , Wang Xiaowen , Meis Jacques F. , Bain Judith M. , Erwig Lars P. , van de Veerdonk Frank L.
Published: December 2017

Invasive aspergillosis mainly occurs in immunocompromised patients and is commonly caused by Aspergillus fumigatus, while A.nidulans is rarely the causative agent. However, in chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) patients, A. nidulans is a frequent cause of invasive aspergillosis and is associated with higher mortality. Immune recognition of A. nidulans was compared to A. fumigatus to offer an insight into why A. nidulans infections are prevalent in CGD. Live cell imaging with J774A.1 macrophage-like cells and LC3-GFP-mCherry bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) revealed that phagocytosis of A. nidulans was slower compared to A. fumigatus. This difference could be attributed to slower migration of J774A.1 cells and a lower percentage of migrating BMDMs. In addition, delayed phagosome acidification and LC3-associated phagocytosis was observed with A. nidulans. Cytokine and oxidative burst measurements in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells revealed a lower oxidative burst upon challenge with A. nidulans. In contrast, A. nidulans induced significantly higher concentrations of cytokines. Collectively, our data demonstrate that A. nidulans is phagocytosed and processed at a slower rate compared to A. fumigatus, resulting in reduced fungal killing and increased germination of conidia. This slower rate of A. nidulans clearance may be permissive for overgrowth within certain immune settings.
Safety Assessment of Endovascular Treatment of Cerebral Aneurysms in Patients with Fibromuscular Dysplasia
Authors: Bender Matthew T. , Hurtado Christopher , Jiang Bowen , Campos Jessica K. , Huang Judy , Tamargo Rafael J. , Lin Li-Mei , Coon Alexander L. , Colby Geoffrey P.
Published: December 2017

Background: The prevalence of cerebral aneurysms is increased in fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD). The presence of FMD may serve as discouragement to elective endovascular aneurysm treatment. Outcomes of endovascular intervention for aneurysms through vessels affected by FMD have not been reported. Methods: A prospectively maintained database of patients undergoing intracranial embolization was reviewed for patients with FMD who underwent endovascular aneurysm treatment. Results: A total of 1,025 patients were screened and 31 (3.0%) had cerebrovascular FMD. These patients underwent a total of 43 embolization procedures; 27 of these procedures were performed through an affected vessel. All but 1 patient were female and the average age was 62 years. “String-of-pearls”-type FMD was the most common subtype (90%). The internal carotid arteries were more commonly affected (65%) than the vertebral arteries (48%). All patients underwent treatment of cerebral aneurysms, most of which (87%) were incidentally discovered; 6 patients (19%) also had incidental vessel dissection. The average aneurysm size was 7.1 mm. The morphology was saccular in 93% of the cases, and 86% were in the anterior circulation. The most commonly performed treatment was flow diversion (67%), in the majority of cases by pipeline embolization. Other procedures performed were coiling (19%), stent-coiling (12%), and intrasaccular flow disruption (2%). All but 1 procedure (98%) were successful. There were no major complications; 1 patient experienced a transient ischemic attack. Follow-up angiography was performed in 88% of the cases, without evidence for disease progression after treatment. The average time to last angiographic follow-up was 17 months (±13). Conclusions: Elective embolization of intracranial aneurysms can be performed safely through vessels affected by FMD.
Relationship Between Short-Term Blood Pressure Variability and Incidence of Acute Kidney Injury in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Xie Zhichao , Liao Xuelian , Yin Wanhong , Kang Yan , Guo Jun , Lu Meizhu
Published: December 2017

Background/Aims: Blood pressure (BP) variability is associated with cardiovascular events, and cerebral and renal damage. The aim of this study was to investigate any potential relationship between short-term BP variability and incidence of acute onset conditions, such as acute kidney injury (AKI), in critically ill patients. Methods: BP was monitored to analyze its variability in critically ill patients in present study. Short-term BP variability was assessed as average real variability (ARV), standard deviation (SD) and coefficient of variation (CV) of 24-hour BP. Results: A total of 565 patients were included, 41.2% (n=233) of which presented with AKI after admission (AKI stage I, n = 94; stage II, n = 37; stage III, n = 102). The mean APACHE II score was 21.5 for all patients. ARV of 24 h systolic BP was significantly higher in patients with AKI (p<0.001). This association remained (p=0.006) after adjustment for potential confounders. The incidence of AKI increased with the ARV from 14.0% (ARV ≤6 mmHg) to 73.9% (ARV >14 mmHg). A weak association was also found between BP variability and hospital mortality in critically ill patients. Conclusion: BP variability is correlated with the incidence of AKI in critically ill patients.
Whole-Genome Analysis of an Extensive Drug-Resistant Acinetobacter Baumannii ST195 Isolate from a Recipient After DCD Renal Transplantation in China
Authors: Jiang Hong , Cao Luxi , Shen Qixia , Qu Lihui , Jiang Yan , Qu Tingting , Zhang Jian , Lu Yingying , Li Bingjue , Zhu Chaohong , Liu Guangjun , Wang Rending , Chen Miao , Wang Yucheng , Wang Yanfei , Feng Shi , Wang Junwen , Yu Yunsong , Wu Jianyong , Chen Jianghua
Published: December 2017

Background/Aims: Infection with Acinetobacter baumannii was emerging as one of the leading causes of mortality after donation after cardiac death transpalantion. Methods: We reported a case of a recipient who underwent DCD renal transplantation and later got infected by A.baumannii. Etests were done to verify the susceptibility test results in clinic. Whole-genome analysis was applied to investigate the resistant mechanism at gene level. Results: The pathogen was isolated from his draining liquid the day after the surgery, and susceptibility test reavealed that it was sensitive to tigecycline. However, the isolate obtained from the draining liquid became tigecycline-resistant after fifteen-day administration of tigecycline. The Susceptibility tests showed that the pathogen recovered from tigecycline resistance and became intermediated to tigecycline. Whole-Genome analysis revealed the genetic level change leading to tigecycline resistance and we identified the location of mutation by comparing the whole genome sequence of the isolates. Three loci were figured out which may contribute to drug resistance, including genes encoding HTH domain protein, MFS transporter and AdeS. Conclusion: Understanding the genetic characteristics associated with drug resistance mechanism and antimicrobial profiles of pathogen is important in controlling infection outbreak and preventing serious complications and gives a new insight into the development of antimicrobial agents.
Elements of the immoral act in Augustin of Hipona
Authors: Rodrigues Rafael A. S. Barberino
Published: December 2017

A questão que será posta como objetivo desta pesquisa é parte de um problema mais geral, a saber, o de tentar compreender como Agostinho de Hipona harmoniza no interior de seu pensamento as exigências de dois imperativos impostos ao homem: o imperativo do retorno à interioridade e o imperativo da caridade. Trata-se de buscar elucidar o relacionamento do homem com o mundo, dando uma especial atenção ao problema da vida social. Contudo, na presente comunicação nos deteremos apenas com o homem mísero e soberbo, buscando compreender os elementos que participam de um ato imoral. Para tanto, um exercício de leitura do segundo livro das Confissões do Bispo de Hipona deve guiar o nosso trabalho
Adequation o f raw-materials for industrial purposes
Authors: Chaves Arthur Pinto
Published: December 2017

As matérias-primas minerais possuem algumas características próprias e peculiares, que afetam a sua utilização industrial. A produção cerâmica, vidreira ou metalúrgica de uma dada comunidade é sempre afetada pelas características das matériasprimas disponíveis e muitas vezes pode ser identificada a partir das mesmas: distribui­ ção de tamanhos das partículas do minério, espécies minerais presentes, teor do mineral útil, presença de contaminantes, entre muitas. Este trabalho faz uma revisão rápida dos efeitos destas características sobre os produtos finais: cerâmica vermelha ou branca, vidros, metais e argamassas.
The Tahuantinsuyu and the Power of the huacas in the centre x periphery of Cuzco
Authors: Arcuri Marcia
Published: December 2017

O objetivo deste ensaio é discutir as relações centro x periferia das esferas de poder político e religioso do mundo andino, a partir da compreensão das cosmovisões ameríndias e a concepção quadripartite que fundamentou a espacialização e territorialidade do Tahuantinsuyu incaico. A análise compreende uma variada gama de fontes arqueológicas, etnográficas e históricas, dando ênfase à comparação dos contextos de produção da cerâmica ritual mochica e da religião oficial que proclamava, no período de hegemonia incaica, os ideais centralizadores de Cusco
Os contos infantis como literatura, na formação humana e na educação: alguns aspectos
Authors: Penitente Luciana Aparecida De Araújo , Castro Rosane Michelli De
Published: December 2017

As reflexões tecidas neste texto decorreram de inúmeros questionamentos acerca da necessidade de se considerar a importância dos contos infantis como literatura, na formação humana e na educação. Nesse sentido, abordam-se, num primeiro momento, aspectos históricos da origem e trajetória dos contos infantis. Após isso abordam-se, ainda que brevemente, alguns fundamentos discutidos entre Habermas e Mead sobre a construção da intersubjetividade humana que pode ser propiciada pelos contos infantis e a conquista da individuação e socialização. Por fim, são abordados aspectos a partir dos quais se espera contribuir para as reflexões sobre educação, centralmente sobre a educação de crianças em processo de escolarização.
Endocardial Activation Drives Activation Patterns During Long-Duration Ventricular Fibrillation and Defibrillation
Authors: Panitchob Nuttanont , Li Li , Huang Jian , Ranjan Ravi , Ideker Raymond E. , Dosdall Derek J.
Published: December 2017

Background

Understanding the mechanisms that drive ventricular fibrillation is essential for developing improved defibrillation techniques to terminate ventricular fibrillation (VF). Distinct organization patterns of chaotic, regular, and synchronized activity were previously demonstrated in VF that persisted over 1 to 2 minutes (long-duration VF [LDVF]). We hypothesized that activity on the endocardium may be driving these activation patterns in LDVF and that unsuccessful defibrillation shocks may alter activation patterns.

Methods and Results

The study was performed using a 64-electrode basket catheter on the left ventricle endocardium and 54 6-electrode plunge needles inserted into the left ventricles of 6 dogs. VF was induced electrically, and after short-duration VF (10 seconds) and LDVF (7 minutes), shocks of increasing strengths were delivered every 10 seconds until VF was terminated. Endocardial activation patterns were classified as chaotic (varying cycle lengths and nonsynchronous activations), regular (highly repeatable cycle lengths), and synchronized (activation that spreads rapidly over the endocardium with diastolic periods between activations).

Conclusions

The results showed that the chaotic pattern was predominant in early VF, but the regular pattern emerges as VF progressed. The synchronized pattern only emerged occasionally during late VF. Failed defibrillation shocks changed chaotic and regular activation patterns to synchronized patterns in LDVF but not in short-duration VF. The regular and synchronized patterns of activation were driven by rapid activations on the endocardial surface that blocked and broke up transmurally, leading to an endocardial to epicardial activation rate gradient as LDVF progressed.
U-shaped Relation between Prestimulus Alpha-band and Poststimulus Gamma-band Power in Temporal Tactile Perception in the Human Somatosensory Cortex
Authors: Wittenberg Marc André , Baumgarten Thomas J. , Schnitzler Alfons , Lange Joachim
Published: December 2017

Neuronal oscillations are a ubiquitous phenomenon in the human nervous system. Alpha-band oscillations (8–12 Hz) have been shown to correlate negatively with attention and performance, whereas gamma-band oscillations (40–150 Hz) correlate positively. Here, we studied the relation between prestimulus alpha-band power and poststimulus gamma-band power in a suprathreshold tactile discrimination task. Participants received two electrical stimuli to their left index finger with different SOAs (0 msec, 100 msec, intermediate SOA, intermediate SOA ± 10 msec). The intermediate SOA was individually determined so that stimulation was bistable, and participants perceived one stimulus in half of the trials and two stimuli in the other half. We measured neuronal activity with magnetoencephalography (MEG). In trials with intermediate SOAs, behavioral performance correlated inversely with prestimulus alpha-band power but did not correlate with poststimulus gamma-band power. Poststimulus gamma-band power was high in trials with low and high prestimulus alpha-band power and low for intermediate prestimulus alpha-band power (i.e., U-shaped). We suggest that prestimulus alpha activity modulates poststimulus gamma activity and subsequent perception: (1) low prestimulus alpha-band power leads to high poststimulus gamma-band power, biasing perception such that two stimuli were perceived; (2) intermediate prestimulus alpha-band power leads to low gamma-band power (interpreted as inefficient stimulus processing), consequently, perception was not biased in either direction; and (3) high prestimulus alpha-band power leads to high poststimulus gamma-band power, biasing perception such that only one stimulus was perceived.
Colonial Modernity, Rituals and Feasting in Odùduwà Grove, Ilé-Ifẹ̀ (Nigeria)
Authors: Ogundiran Akinwumi , Ogunfolakan Adisa
Published: December 2017

Sacred groves are ubiquitous on the cultural landscape of Ilé-Ifẹ̀ and they have been the site of most archaeological research in the ancient Yoruba city. But these studies have been driven by the view that sacred groves were places of static ritual traditions. Recovering the paraphernalia of those rituals, especially the exquisite sculptures, therefore preoccupied the pioneering archaeological research in Ilé-Ifẹ̀. In contrast, the historical trajectories that defined the evolution and transformation of these groves as dynamic cultural sites have not been undertaken. We make the case in this article that sacred groves are dynamic and meaningful sites for historical negotiation. With this perspective, we conducted archaeological study of Odùduwà Grove in Ile-Ife with the goal to understand the broad sociocultural processes that have shaped the cultural landscape of the grove across different registers of time. The archaeological evidence in Odùduwà Grove dates back to at least the fourteenth century. We focus this article on the evolution of the grove during the twentieth century with emphasis on the materiality of colonial and postcolonial modernity and its implications for rituals of royal coronation, sacrificial rites, and feasting.
Three new species of Peruvian Nelidina (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Neocoelidiinae) with key to males
Authors: GONÇALVES CLAYTON CORRÊA , MEJDALANI GABRIEL
Published: December 2017

Three new species of Nelidina DeLong, 1953 are described and illustrated, N. bifida sp. nov., N. coronata sp. nov. and N. platypenis sp. nov., all from Peru. A key to males of the six known species of Nelidina is presented and a new record for Nelidina sportula Kramer, 1967 is added.
A Scale-Adaptive Turbulent Kinetic Energy Closure for the Dry Convective Boundary Layer
Authors: Kurowski Marcin J. , Teixeira João
Published: December 2017

A pragmatic scale-adaptive turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) closure is proposed to simulate the dry convective boundary layer for a variety of horizontal grid resolutions: from 50 m, typical of large-eddy simulation models that use three-dimensional turbulence parameterizations/closures, up to 100 km, typical of climate models that use one-dimensional turbulence and convection parameterizations/closures. Since parameterizations/closures using the TKE approach have been frequently used in these two asymptotic limits, a simple method is proposed to merge them with a mixing-length-scale formulation for intermediate resolutions. This new scale-adaptive mixing length naturally increases with increasing grid length until it saturates as the grid length reaches mesoscale-model resolution. The results obtained using this new approach for dry convective boundary layers are promising. The mean vertical profiles of potential temperature and heat flux remain in good agreement for different resolutions. A continuous transition (in terms of resolution) across the gray zone is illustrated through the partitioning between the model-resolved and the subgrid-scale transports as well as by documenting the transition of the subgrid-scale TKE source/sink terms. In summary, a natural and continuous transition across resolutions (from 50 m to 100 km) is obtained, for dry convection, using exactly the same atmospheric model for all resolutions with a simple scale-adaptive mixing-length formulation.
Role of Latent Heating over the Tropical Western Pacific in Surface Temperature Change over North America during Boreal Spring
Authors: He Bian , Yang Song
Published: December 2017

Based on observational data, a linear baroclinic model, and an atmospheric general circulation model (AGCM), the major modes of spring precipitation over the tropical Asian and Pacific regions are identified. and the influence of latent heating over the tropical western Pacific (TWP) on global climate is investigated. Results show that the first mode of empirical orthogonal function analysis explains 20% of the total variance in March, the largest in spring, with the maximum center located over the TWP. The precipitation is highly positively correlated with local sea surface temperature (SST) in March, which suggests that the warming SST is the trigger for the precipitation over the TWP. Further analysis suggests that an increase in latent heating over the TWP, especially in March, can produce Rossby waves along the westerly jet, which causes an increase in surface temperature over North America. The propagation intensity decreases from March to May. The changes in location and strength of the westerly jet stream in the Northern Hemisphere are responsible for this decrease. Experiments with both a linear baroclinic model and an AGCM verify the above hypothesis. The study highlights that the spatial distributions of latent heating and westerly jet stream are the two key factors for the formation of teleconnection patterns from eastern Asia to North America.
Effects of Soil Moisture on the Longitudinal Dryline Position in the Southern Great Plains
Authors: Johnson Zachary F. , Hitchens Nathan M.
Published: December 2017

The dryline is among the most important meteorological phenomena in the Great Plains because of its significance in tornadogenesis, severe weather, and consistent rainfall. Past research has extensively examined the dynamics of the dryline; however, recent meteorological research looks beyond dynamics and focuses on land–atmosphere interactions. This study focuses on how soil moisture, a surrogate for evapotranspiration, affects the climatological longitudinal positioning of the dryline, presenting a climatological study for the months of April–June during 2006–15 in the southern Great Plains. Here, drylines are defined as specific humidity gradients exceeding 3 g kg−1 (100 km)−1 that do not deviate more than 30° from a north–south orientation; they were found to occur on 33.4% of spring days, and the most favorable position was −100.9° at 0000 UTC. Specific humidity gradients ranged from 3.0 to 15.2 g kg−1 (100 km)−1, with an average value of 6.8 g kg−1 (100 km)−1. A relationship between the dryline longitudinal position and soil moisture was found; as soil moisture values increased, the dryline was located farther west, which suggests soil moisture may influence the longitudinal positioning of the dryline. There was also a relationship between the gradient of soil moisture and the intensity (specific humidity gradient) of the dryline, such that when longitudinal soil moisture gradients were strong (increasing from west to east), the dryline intensity increased.
A Joint Probability Density–Based Decomposition of Turbulence in the Atmospheric Boundary Layer
Authors: Chinita Maria J. , Matheou Georgios , Teixeira João
Published: December 2017

In convective flows, vertical turbulent fluxes, covariances between vertical velocity and scalar thermodynamic variables, include contributions from local mixing and large-scale coherent motions, such as updrafts and downdrafts. The relative contribution of these motions to the covariance is important in turbulence parameterizations. However, the flux partition is challenging, especially in regions without convective cloud. A method to decompose the vertical flux based on the corresponding joint probability density function (JPD) is introduced. The JPD-based method partitions the full JPD into a joint Gaussian part and the complement, which represent the local mixing and the large-scale coherent motions, respectively. The coherent part can be further divided into updraft and downdraft parts based on the sign of vertical velocity. The flow decomposition is independent of water condensate (cloud) and can be applied in cloud-free convection, the subcloud layer, and stratiform cloud regions. The method is applied to large-eddy simulation model data of three boundary layers. The results are compared with traditional cloud and cloud-core decompositions and a decaying scalar conditional sampling method. The JPD-based method includes a single free parameter and sensitivity tests show weak dependence on the parameter values. The results of the JPD-based method are somewhat similar to the cloud-core and conditional sampling methods. However, differences in the relative magnitude of the flux decomposition terms suggest that an objective definition of the flow regions is subtle and diagnosed flow properties like updraft characteristics depend on the sampling method. Moreover, the flux decomposition depends on the thermodynamic variable and convection characteristics.
Gene therapy with adeno-associated virus vector 5–human factor IX in adults with hemophilia B
Authors: Miesbach Wolfgang , Meijer Karina , Coppens Michiel , Kampmann Peter , Klamroth Robert , Schutgens Roger , Tangelder Marco , Castaman Giancarlo , Schwäble Joachim , Bonig Halvard , Seifried Erhard , Cattaneo Federica , Meyer Christian , Leebeek Frank W. G.
Published: December 2017

Key Points

AAV5 liver-directed wild-type hFIX gene transfer was well tolerated and clinically effective in severe and moderate-severe hemophilia B. No cellular immune responses to the AAV5 vector were detected, and FIX expression levels were stable for the entire observation period.
Epidemiology and Outcomes of Bloodstream Infections in Patients With Solid Tumors in a Central American Population at Mexico Hospital, San Jose, Costa Rica
Authors: Calvo-Lon Jorge , Landaverde Denis U. , Ramos-Esquivel Allan , Villalobos-Vindas Juan M.
Published: December 2017

Purpose

Bloodstream infections (BSIs) are an important cause of mortality in patients with solid tumors. We conducted a retrospective study to evaluate the epidemiologic profile and mortality of patients with solid tumors who have BSIs and were admitted to Mexico Hospital. This is the first study in Costa Rica and Central America describing the current epidemiologic situation.

Methods

We analyzed the infectious disease database for BSIs in patients with solid tumors admitted to Mexico Hospital from January 2012 to December 2014. Epidemiology and mortality were obtained according to microorganism, antibiotic sensitivity, tumor type, and presence of central venous catheter (CVC). Descriptive statistics were used.

Results

A total of 164 BSIs were recorded, the median age was 58 years, 103 patients (63%) were males, and 128 cases of infection (78%) were the result of gram-negative bacilli (GNB). Klebsiella pneumoniae (21%), Escherichia coli (21%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (15%) were the most common microorganisms isolated. Gram-positive cocci (GPC) were found in 36 patients, with the most frequent microorganisms being Staphylococcus aureus (10%) and Staphyloccocus epidermidis (6%). With respect to tumor type, BSIs were more frequent in the GI tract (57%) followed by head and neck (9%) and genitourinary tract (8%). Regarding antibiotic susceptibility, only 17% (GNB) expressed extended-spectrum beta-lactamase and 12% (GPC) had methicillin resistance. Patients with CVCs (n = 59) were colonized mainly by GNB (78%). Overall the mortality rate at 30 days was about 30%.

Conclusion

GNB are the most frequent cause of BSIs in solid tumors and in patients with CVCs. GI cancers had more BSIs than other sites. Mortality and antibiotic sensitivity remained stable and acceptable during this observational period in this Latin American population.
Redundancy and cooperation in Notch intercellular signaling
Authors: Luna-Escalante Juan C. , Formosa-Jordan Pau , Ibañes Marta
Published: December 2017

During metazoan development, Notch signaling drives spatially coordinated differentiation by establishing communication between adjacent cells. This occurs through either lateral inhibition, in which adjacent cells acquire distinct fates, or lateral induction, in which all cells become equivalent. Notch signaling is commonly activated by several distinct ligands, each of which drives signaling with a different efficiency upon binding to the Notch receptor of adjacent cells. Moreover, these ligands can also be distinctly regulated by Notch signaling. Under such complex circumstances, the overall spatial coordination becomes elusive. Here, we address this issue through both mathematical and computational analyses. Our results show that when two ligands have distinct efficiencies and compete for the same Notch receptor, they cooperate to drive new signaling states, thereby conferring additional robustness and evolvability to Notch signaling. Counterintuitively, whereas antagonistically regulated ligands cooperate to drive and enhance the response that is expected from the more efficient ligand, equivalently regulated ligands coordinate emergent spatial responses that are dependent on both ligands. Our study highlights the importance of ligand efficiency in multi-ligand scenarios, and can explain previously reported complex phenotypes.
In situ imaging of mitochondrial translation shows weak correlation with nucleoid DNA intensity and no suppression during mitosis
Authors: Estell Christopher , Stamatidou Emmanouela , El-Messeiry Sarah , Hamilton Andrew
Published: December 2017

Although mitochondrial translation produces only 13 proteins, we show here how this process can be visualised and detected in situ by fluorescence microscopy with a simple, rapid and inexpensive procedure using non-canonical amino acid labelling and click chemistry. This allows visualisation of the translational output in different mitochondria within a cell, their position within that cell and a comparison of mitochondrial translation between cells. The most highly translationally active mitochondria were closest to the nucleus but were also found at the distal end of long cellular projections. There were substantial differences in translation between adjacent mitochondria and this did not readily correlate with apparent mitochondrial genome content. Mitochondrial translation was unchanged during mitosis when cytoplasmic translation was suppressed. This method will serve both fundamental cell biology and clinically orientated studies, in which mitochondrial function is a key parameter.
Quantitative analysis of multilayer organization of proteins and RNA in nuclear speckles at super resolution
Authors: Fei Jingyi , Jadaliha Mahdieh , Harmon Tyler S. , Li Isaac T. S. , Hua Boyang , Hao Qinyu , Holehouse Alex S. , Reyer Matthew , Sun Qinyu , Freier Susan M. , Pappu Rohit V. , Prasanth Kannanganattu V. , Ha Taekjip
Published: December 2017

Nuclear speckles are self-assembled organelles composed of RNAs and proteins. They are proposed to act as structural domains that control distinct steps in gene expression, including transcription, splicing and mRNA export. Earlier studies identified differential localization of a few components within the speckles. It was speculated that the spatial organization of speckle components might contribute directly to the order of operations that coordinate distinct processes. Here, by performing multi-color structured illumination microscopy, we characterized the multilayer organization of speckles at a higher resolution. We found that SON and SC35 (also known as SRSF2) localize to the central region of the speckle, whereas MALAT1 and small nuclear (sn)RNAs are enriched at the speckle periphery. Coarse-grained simulations indicate that the non-random organization arises due to the interplay between favorable sequence-encoded intermolecular interactions of speckle-resident proteins and RNAs. Finally, we observe positive correlation between the total amount of RNA present within a speckle and the speckle size. These results imply that speckle size may be regulated to accommodate RNA accumulation and processing. Accumulation of RNA from various actively transcribed speckle-associated genes could contribute to the observed speckle size variations within a single cell.
Emerging role of the plant ERF transcription factors in coordinating wound defense responses and repair
Authors: Heyman Jefri , Canher Balkan , Bisht Anchal , Christiaens Fien , De Veylder Lieven
Published: December 2017

Plants react to wounding through the activation of both defense and repair pathways, but how these two responses are coordinated is unclear. Here, we put forward the hypothesis that diverse members of the subfamily X of the plant-specific ethylene response factor (ERF) transcription factors coordinate stress signaling with the activation of wound repair mechanisms. Moreover, we highlight the observation that tissue repair is strongly boosted through the formation of a heterodimeric protein complex that comprises ERF and transcription factors of the GRAS domain type. This interaction turns ERFs into highly potent and stress-responsive activators of cell proliferation. The potency to induce stem cell identity suggests that these heterodimeric transcription factor complexes could become valuable tools to increase crop regeneration and transformation efficiency.
Will the Antarctic tardigrade Acutuncus antarcticus be able to withstand environmental stresses due to global climate change?
Authors: Giovannini Ilaria , Altiero Tiziana , Guidetti Roberto , Rebecchi Lorena
Published: December 2017

Since conditions in Continental Antarctica are highly selective and extremely hostile to life, its biota is depauperate, but well adapted to live in this region. Global climate change has the potential to impact Continental Antarctica organisms because of increasing temperatures and ultraviolet radiation. This research evaluates how ongoing climate changes will affect Antarctic species, and if Antarctic organisms will be able to adapt to the new environmental conditions. Tardigrades represent the main terrestrial components of Antarctic meiofauna; therefore the pan-Antarctic tardigrade Acutuncus antarcticus was used as model to predict the fate of Antarctic meiofauna threatened by climate changes. Acutuncus antarcticus individuals tolerate single event of desiccation, increased temperature, and UV radiation. Both hydrated and desiccated animals tolerate increases in UV radiation, even though the desiccated ones are more resistant. Nevertheless, survivorships of hydrated and desiccated animals are negatively affected by the combination of temperature and UV radiation, with the hydrated animals being more tolerant than desiccated ones. Finally, UV radiation has a negative impact on the life history traits of successive generations of A. antarcticus, causing an increase in egg reabsorption and teratological events. In the longrun, A. antarcticus could be at risk of population reductions or even extinction. Nevertheless, since the global climate changes will proceed gradually and an overlapping of temperature and UV increase could be limited in time, A. antarcticus, as well as many other Antarctic organisms, could have the potential to overcome global warming stresses, and/or time and capability to adapt to the new environmental conditions.
Physical Education of Students in the American School: Achievements and Problems
Authors: Данилова Лариса , Danilova Larisa , Молоков Д. , Molokov D.
Published: December 2017

The article reveals the features of building a system of physical education in the United States of America, which contributes to the development of a positive attitude and interest of students in physical physical exercise and sports. It is emphasized that this system is supranational in nature: American teachers and trainers use the experience of physical education of many other countries. Specificity of the organization of school sports and physical education in the US is seen through the prism of the numerous victories of the American team at the Olympic Games, as well as the successful performances of American athletes at various international competitions.