bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coarse-grained component concurrency in Earth System modeling
Authors: Balaji V. , Benson R. , Wyman B. , Held I.
Published: May 2016

Abstract. Climate models represent a large variety of processes on a variety of time and space scales, a canonical example of multi-physics multi-scale modeling. Current hardware trends, such as GPUs and MICs, are based on marginal increases in clock speed, coupled with vast increases in concurrency, particularly at the fine grain. Multi-physics codes face particular challenges in achieving fine-grained concurrency, as different physics and dynamics components have different computational profiles, and universal solutions are hard to come by. We propose here one approach for multi-physics codes. These codes are typically structured as components interacting via software frameworks. The component structure of a typical Earth system model consists of a hierarchical and recursive tree of components, each representing a different climate process or dynamical system. This recursive structure generally encompasses a modest level of concurrency at the highest level (e.g atmosphere and ocean on different processor sets) with serial organization underneath. We propose to extend concurrency much further by running more and more lower- and higher-level components in parallel with each other. Each component can further be parallelized on the fine grain, potentially offering a major increase in scalability of Earth system models. We present here first results from this approach, called Coarse-grained Component Concurrency. Within the GFDL Flexible Modeling System, the atmospheric radiative transfer component has been configured to run in parallel with the atmospheric dynamics and all other atmospheric physics components. We will explore the algorithmic challenges involved in such an approach, and present results from such simulations. Plans to achieve even greater levels of coarse-grained concurrency by extending this approach within other components such as the ocean, will be discussed.
The Prevalence of Amblyopia, Strabismus, and Ptosis in Schoolchildren of Dezful
Authors: Yekta Abbasali , Hashemi Hassan , Norouzirad Reza , Ostadimoghaddam Hadi , Nabovati Payam , Dadbin Nooshin , Nirouzad Fereidon , Shir-Alivand Ehsan , Khabazkhoob Mehdi
Published: May 2016

Purpose

To determine the prevalence of amblyopia, strabismus, and ptosis among schoolchildren in Dezful in the west of Iran.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 1,375 schoolchildren of Dezful were selected through multistage cluster sampling. After obtaining written consents, participants had uncorrected and corrected visual acuity tests, cycloplegic refraction, and the cover test, and were examined for ptosis at the school site.

Results

Of the 1,151 study participants (83.7%), examinations were completed for 1,130 schoolchildren. Prevalence rates of amblyopia, strabismus, and ptosis were 2.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.8-4.7), 1.9% (95% CI: 0.2-3.8), and 0.8%, respectively. Anisometropia was the most common cause of amblyopia; 45.2% of cases had anisometropic amblyopia. Among cases with strabismus, 63.6% were exotropic and 36.4% were esotropic.

Conclusion

The present study indicated that the prevalence of amblyopia and strabismus in Dezful schoolchildren falls in the average range. Since the Amblyopia Screening Program has been running for years, we expected lower rates compared to previous years, but this was not observed. Correcting refractive errors can significantly reduce amblyopic cases.
Comparison of Macular Findings due to Vitreomacular Traction Alone or in Association with Epiretinal Membrane
Authors: Chatziralli Irini , Theodossiadis George , Grigoropoulos Vlassis , Datseris Ioannis , Chatzirallis Alexandros , Theodossiadis Panagiotis
Published: May 2016

Purpose

To evaluate the anatomical and functional findings in patients with vitreomacular traction (VMT) alone or in combination with epiretinal membrane (ERM).

Methods

In this retrospective, cross-sectional study, we studied 102 patients with VMT, either alone (n = 37) or combined with ERM (n = 65). All patients were examined with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). We recorded the vitreofoveal angle of VMT nasally and temporally, the horizontal diameter of VMT, macular thickness, the presence, type, and location of macular edema, the ellipsoid zone (ΕΖ)/external limiting membrane (ELM) status, and the visual acuity.

Results

Patients with VMT combined with ERM presented smaller vitreofoveal angle nasally and temporally, broader adhesion diameter, and a greater extent of EZ defect compared to patients with VMT alone, although there was no statistically significant difference in EZ and ELM condition regarding the number of affected cases. There is also no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups concerning the visual acuity. In the majority of patients with VMT alone, cystoid macular edema was present mainly at the foveal area. In cases where VMT coexisted with ERM, macular edema was mostly found to be diffuse, while cystoid or mixed type, extending to the whole macular area, was also present.

Conclusions

Patients with VMT in association with ERM have different characteristics in SD-OCT compared to those with VMT alone regarding the type and location of macular edema, the extent of EZ defect, as well as the vitreofoveal angle and the VMT diameter. Moreover, they presented worse visual acuity compared to those with VMT alone, although the difference did not reach statistical significance.
Role of Difucosylated Lewis Y Antigen in Outcome of Locally Advanced Cervical Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treated with Cisplatin Regimen
Authors: Leone Julieta , Perez Juan E. , Dominguez Maria E. , Iturbe Julian , Leone José P. , Mac Donnell Maria C. , Grosman Gabriel , Vallejo Carlos T. , Leone Bernardo A. , Zwenger Ariel O.
Published: May 2016

Background

Several mechanisms are involved in the development of resistance to therapy in locally advanced cervical squamous cell carcinoma (LACSCC). Studies have shown that CD44 and Lewis Y antigen (LeY) form a complex that is associated with chemoresistance, tumor invasion and metastasis. We assessed the role of CD44 and LeY in the outcome of LACSCC patients treated with different chemotherapy regimens.

Methods

126 LACSCC patients at FIGO stages IIB-IVA were selected from the GOCS database: 74 patients included in 3 different prospective phase II trials in the neoadjuvant setting (vinorelbine, docetaxel, ifosfamide-vinorelbine-cisplatin) and 52 patients treated with standard radiochemotherapy based on cisplatin (RCBC). Clinical data at baseline, disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were recorded. Univariate and multivariate Cox models were employed.

Results

Median age was 45.6 years (range: 24.9-80.5). Sixty-three and 47 tumors were CD44+ and LeY+, respectively. Tumors with expansive growth showed higher grade (p = 0.0024), mitotic index (p = 0.0505), tumor necrosis (p = 0.0191), LeY+ (p = 0.0034) and CD44+/LeY+ coexpression (p = 0.0334). CD44+ cells were present in 91.3% of patients with local recurrence (p = 0.0317). Advanced stage was associated with LeY+ tumors. Patients treated with RCBC had worse DFS and OS when their tumors expressed LeY (p = 0.0083 and p = 0.0137, respectively). Pre-treatment hemoglobin level, FIGO stage and tumor response remained the most significant prognostic factors in Cox regression.

Conclusions

In our cohort of LACSCC patients, the coexpression of CD44 and LeY was not associated with worse outcome. However, in the subgroup of patients receiving RCBC, LeY expression was correlated with shorter DFS and OS.
Socioeconomic inequalities and mortality among disability pensioners in Norway – a population-based cohort study
Authors: Gjesdal Sturla , Mæland John Gunnar , Hagberg Jan , Alexanderson Kristina
Published: May 2016

Background: The study assessed the mortality related to disability pension (DP) status in Norway during 1990-96 and investigated whether socioeconomic factors explained the increased mortality. Methods: A 10% random sample of the Norwegian population aged 30-59 years, 73,420 women and 75,500 men, were followed-up with respect to death or emigration in 1990-96. DP-status, age, gender, educational level and mean income before inclusion were used as explanatory variables in Cox’ regression analysis with death as endpoint. The analyses were stratified for gender and separately for persons who had obtained DP before 1985 (early) and in 1985-1989 (late). Results: The majority of persons with DP had only basic education and belonged to the lowest income level. Among the women 6.2% in the DP-group died during follow-up compared to 1.2% of those in the non-DP group. The corresponding percentages for men were 14.5% and 2.3%. The age-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) were 3.5 and 2.5 for women with early and late DP, and 4.3 and 3.3 among men. After adjustment for socioeconomic variables, the HRs were 2.9 and 2.2 for women, and 2.2 and 1.9 for men. Conclusions: Nearly half of the excess mortality related to DP-status was explained by low socioeconomic status among the men. Among women, HR related to DP was not significantly reduced after the adjustments for socioeconomic variables. These findings indicate a strong impact of the medical factors underlying the DP decision, especially among women, but also an important role of the socioeconomic factors related to DP status.
Er det forskningsmessig interessant å koble data fra Medisinsk fødselsregister med data fra Kreftregisteret?
Authors: Tretli Steinar , Grotmol Tom
Published: May 2016

Medisinsk fødselsregister og Kreftregisteret inneholder personidentifiserbare data som via fødselsnummeret kan kobles sammen innenfor de rammer som lovverket gir. Denne sammenkoblingen gir oss interessante muligheter til å studere fødselskarakteristikas betydning for risikoen for å få kreft senere i livet. På den måten vil vi også kunne få informasjon om hvilke mekanismer som er med å påvirke vår kreftrisiko. Det gir oss også muligheter til å studere hvilke konsekvenser kreftforekomst med påfølgende behandling kan ha både for senere svangerskap og barn som blir født.Per 2006 er det akkumulert 12 443 krefttilfeller blant de barn som er registrert i Medisinsk fødselsregister siden det ble etablert i 1967. Selv om dette er et betydelig antall krefttilfeller, er de fordelt på mange krefttyper, noe som har begrenset nytteverdien i kreftforskningen så langt. Imidlertid vil forskningsmuligheteneøke med alderen til registeret. Også andre nordiske land har muligheter for slike koblinger, og til sammen gir dette unike muligheter til å gjennomføre interessant forskning.I denne fremstillingen gis en kort presentasjon av gjennomførte og pågående vitenskapelige studier basert på sammenkobling mellom data fra Medisinsk fødselsregister og Kreftregisteret.
Spedbarn skal sove på rygg – en epidemiologisk suksesshistorie
Authors: Øyen Nina
Published: May 2016

Foreldre redder mer enn 100 spedbarn hvert år i Norge fordi de lar dem sove på ryggen. Medisinsk fødselsregister har vært sentral i å vise at krybbedød økte allerede på slutten av 1970-tallet, at økningen skyldtes den populære sovestillingen mageleie, at ryggleie hindrer krybbedød, og at vi fortsatt må overvåke hyppigheten av krybbedød og forekomsten av risikofaktorene i spedbarnspopulasjonen. Epidemiologiske studier danner det viktigste bevisgrunnlaget for årsaken til krybbedød
Selective fertility – the examples of perinatal death and preeclampsia
Authors: Skjærven Rolv , Melve Kari Klungsøyr
Published: May 2016

Introduction. Studies of foetal or perinatal losses are hampered by the fact that a woman’s pregnancies are not independent events, making traditional “cross sectional” design and analyses difficult. A complicating issue is the mechanism of “selective fertility”. Selective fertility is the tendency for a woman to replace aperinatal loss with a new pregnancy until the desired number of children is attained. We wanted to evaluate the effects of selective fertility related to perinatal deaths and to preeclamptic pregnancies, using data covering four decades. Material and Methods. We use data from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway, covering the years 1967-2006, altogether 2.3 million births, organized into 1.1 million sibships with the mother as the unit of analysis. Results. Following a perinatal death, the continuation to a next pregnancy is higher then after a live birth, and this elevation of ‘fertility’ has increased over time. After two perinatal losses, the continuation is more then doubled. On the other hand, continuing to a next pregnancy is reduced after a preeclamptic pregnancy, and after two preeclamptic pregnancies the reduction corresponds to 25%. Conclusions. These two examples show that samples of births are strongly hampered by self-selection to pregnancy. Therefore, data organized into sibships should be obligatory for studies in perinatal epidemiology. Perinatal epidemiology is in need for analytical designs that account for dependencies in data
Threatening Men’s Mate Value Influences Aggression Toward an Intrasexual Rival: The Moderating Role of Narcissism
Authors: Bird Brian M. , Carré Justin M. , Knack Jennifer M. , Arnocky Steven
Published: May 2016

Correlational research has linked low mate value (MV)--one’s worth as a mating partner to members of the opposite sex--with aggression in men. In 2 experiments, we examined the effects of self-perceived MV on men’s reported willingness to aggress directly toward a hypothetical mate poacher (Experiment 1, N = 60) and observable aggression toward a same-sex rival in a laboratory paradigm (Experiment 2, N = 54). In both experiments, the roles of narcissism in moderating the effect of MV condition on subsequent aggression were examined. Results of Experiment 1 indicated that men randomly assigned to the low MV condition were significantly more willing to report aggressive intention than men in the high MV condition. This relationship was moderated by narcissism such that men in the low MV condition who were also high in narcissism were the most likely to aggress. Results of Experiment 2 similarly showed that men in the low MV condition relative to the high MV condition aggressed more toward a same-sex rival when they were high in narcissism. These findings support evolutionary hypotheses surrounding the importance of self-perceived MV in directing aggressive mating efforts, as situated in the framework of threatened egotism.
A Structural Equation Model of CSR and Performance: Mediation by Innovation and Productivity
Authors: Al-Shuaibi Khalid M.
Published: May 2016

This study has explored the role of Innovation and productivity as mediating factors between Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and firm’s Performance relationship. The objectives of this study are to build and test a theoretical model to identify the mediating factors in the linkage between CSR and performance.The theoretical model (CIPP Model) is deduced using strategic paradigm of literature. It consists of CSR, Innovation, Productivity, and Performance dimensions. Furthermore, several hypotheses were generated to examine the model. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) is employed to test the model using data from CSR practicing firms 197 from Saudi Arabia. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) is performed followed by Structural Equation Modeling to examine the model. The results generally support the hypothesized model with research and managerial implications. The mediation of Innovation along with productivity in CSR linkage to performance isa major contribution to the literature, which may help to explore the black box in the relationship of CSR with performance. Besides proving the business case for the CSR in general, it also advocates the adoption of CSR practices by firms and MNEs operating in the developing countries, as it may enhance innovation and productivity leading to their increased financial performance. This model would be practical and useful for business managers that seek a competitive solution for succeeding in a business crisis and work in the settings of international business.
MÉTODO ALTERNATIVO PARA A DETERMINAÇÃO DO LIMITE DE CONTRAÇÃO A PARTIR DE PASTILHA PARAFINADA EM UM ARGISSOLO VERMELHO DISTRÓFICO ARÊNICO
Authors: Aita Rômulo Aragonês , Facco Ronaldo , Werlang Arthur Piccolo , Werlang Mauro Kumpfer
Published: May 2016

O limite entre os estados semi-sólido e sólido numa amostra de solo é o limite de contração. A umidade que determina o limite inferior da zona de friabilidade do solo é obtida a partir da determinação do limite de contração. Para essa determinação, a metodologia clássica utiliza mercúrio. Esse metal pode acarretar efeitos adversos, tanto para o meio ambiente como para a saúde humana. Nesse sentido, o método da pastilha parafinada pode constituir-se numa alternativa para a determinação do limite de contração sem a necessidade do uso de mercúrio. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi a determinação e a comparação dos resultados obtidos para o limite de contração com a utilização de mercúrio e, sem o uso de mercúrio, mas com a utilização de parafina. Utilizaram-se quatro amostras de solo de um Argissolo Vermelho Distrófico arênico respectivamente aos horizontes diagnósticos A, E e Bt. Os valores dos limites de contração foram obtidos utilizando-se o método deslocamento de mercúrio e o método da pastilha parafinada, com oito repetições para cada amostra. Os resultados obtidos para os limites de contração determinados utilizando-se as duas metodologias mostraram baixos valores de desvio-padrão. O teste de hipóteses para amostras independentes mostrou que não houve variação significativa a um valor-p de 0,20. Adotando-se o nível de significância a partir de 10% entre os valores do limite de contração determinado pelo método proposto pela MB-55 (ABNT, 1948) e o método com a pastilha parafinada, para os horizontes diagnósticos em análise, as médias diferiram.  Palavras-chave: limite de contração, zona de friabilidade do solo, método de determinação. DOI: 10.5902/2236499415712
The effects of physical tiredness on some cognitive functions
Authors: Ranđelović Dušan , Kostić Senka , Todorović Dušan
Published: May 2016

Although a significant number of researchers in spite of the large number of scientific papers dealing with various psychological and physiological effects of physical fatigue, there are few works which are considered objective ways of registering the psychological consequences of physical fatigue. This paper represents pilot research with the aim of ascertaining whether physical tiredness significantly affects the occurrence and prominence of some cognitive and executive functions (concentration and inhibition). Conducted on the sample of 41 respondents including the 2nd, 3rd and 4th year Psychology students at the Faculty of Philosophy in Nis, the research consisted of two phases. In order to assess concentration and inhibition, in the first, pre-test phase the respondents were given two tasks - Code Task and Left-Right Task. This was followed by the physical tiring out of the respondents, which consisted of jumping over the skipping rope for 5 minutes. Immediately afterwards, the respondents took part in the second, post-test phase, which included the assessment of cognitive and executive functions by applying the same tasks from the pre-test phase. T-test for dependent samples was used in order to test the existence of significant effects of physical tiredness on concentration and inhibition. The results point to the existence of significant differences between the number of correct and incorrect answers within each research phase (pre-test and post-test) for both functions. However, the results were slightly different when we examined the difference between correct answers in the pre-test and post-test phase and the difference between the number of incorrect answers in the pre-test and post-test phase. Namely, what was noticed is a significant effect of physical tiredness on the concentration, but not on the inhibition. Since it was pilot research, it can be said that the obtained results show that it seems reasonable to examine the influence of physical tiredness on the occurrence and prominence of cognitive and executive functions, but a series of further research is required in order to check more thoroughly the relation between the examined variables. Since the effects of fatigue on individual cognitive and executive functions measured with instruments that were inflicted on the computer and the duration (cognitive tasks) do not exceed 2 minutes, in this paper points to the possibility of constructing fast and flexible software devices to measure some of the consequences of the murder.
Cyrillic alphabet as the designation of national identity among students of University of Priština with temporary head office in Kosovska Mitrovica
Authors: Miketić Sanja , Baščarević Ivan
Published: May 2016

The relationship between culture and nationality and in that sense - national identity of a particular community - is a known thing for a long time. Nationality is usually strongly connected to culture. We will only mention few of their joint characteristics: language, religion, art, customs, tradition etc. In this article special attention will be paid to one of the features of national identity - language - and we will focus on the usage of Cyrillic alphabet of our target group (students of University of Priština, with temporary head office in Kosovska Mitrovica). The study consists of two smaller researches. In the first part we explored reactions of students at University of Priština and we assumed that they will have different reactions towards Cyrillic alphabet and Latin alphabet used as stimuli-words comparing to pupils of Belgrade and Zrenjanin high schools and students of University of Belgrade, Novi Sad and Niš presented in The associative dictionary of Serbian language (Asocjativni rečnik srpskog jezika, 2005). In the second part we tried to find out if our informants prefer the usage of Cyrillic or Latin alphabet, and which one they find better in the esthetic sense. We compared attitudes of students who enroll University of Priština to attitudes of students who enroll University of Belgrade and differences between their attitudes. With both researches we wanted to see if there are formed verbal stereotypes with positive or negative connotation, and what are the attitudes on using Cyrillic alphabet among students in the age of expansion of Latin alphabet. We concluded that Cyrillic alphabet is more used and valued at University of Priština than in the rest of Republic of Serbia and the reason for that might be the stronger sense of national identity among these students.
Constructing alternatives: Envisioning a critical psychology of prefigurative politics
Authors: Trott Carlie D.
Published: May 2016

Psychological contributions to social movement scholarship have disproportionately concentrated on a "politics of demand", rather than on a "politics of the act", or prefigurative politics. Prefigurative actors, rather than making demands of power-holders, take direct action aimed at creating change in the ‘here and now’ by constructing alternative modes of being and interacting that reflect a given movement’s desired social transformations. Given that the prefigurative process takes place within and between individuals—with aims of changing the macrostructure by altering micro-relations—psychological perspectives are imperative to their understanding. Despite relevant theories and concepts, a psychology of prefiguration has yet to emerge. This theoretical discussion explores several reasons why prefigurative practices have been largely overlooked and at times misunderstood within mainstream social movement scholarship, traces the distinctive dimensions of prefiguration deserving of further (especially psychological) inquiry, and calls for methodological techniques both responsive to the context-driven nature of prefigurative praxis and consistent with the ‘bottom-up’ approach embodied within these unique spaces of resistance. After highlighting important points of disjuncture and possibility within the study of prefiguration, this discussion offers critical questions and methods aimed to envision and invigorate a critical psychology of prefigurative politics.
Concise Review: Pancreatic Cancer and Bone Marrow-Derived Stem Cells
Authors: Błogowski Wojciech , Bodnarczuk Tomasz , Starzyńska Teresa
Published: May 2016

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma remains one of the most challenging diseases of modern gastroenterology, and, even though considerable effort has been put into understanding its pathogenesis, the exact molecular mechanisms underlying the development and/or systemic progression of this malignancy still remain unclear. Recently, much attention has been paid to the potential role of bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMSCs) in this malignancy. Hence, herein, we comprehensively review the most recent discoveries and current achievements and concepts in this field. Specifically, we discuss the significance of identifying pancreatic cancer stem cells and novel therapeutic approaches involving molecular interference of their metabolism. We also describe advances in the current understanding of the biochemical and molecular mechanisms responsible for BMSC mobilization during pancreatic cancer development and systemic spread. Finally, we summarize experimental, translational, and/or clinical evidence regarding the contribution of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells, endothelial progenitor cells, hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells, and pancreatic stellate cells in pancreatic cancer development/progression. We also present their potential therapeutic value for the treatment of this deadly malignancy in humans.

Significance

Different bone marrow-derived stem cell populations contribute to the development and/or progression of pancreatic cancer, and they might also be a promising “weapon” that can be used for anticancer treatments in humans. Even though the exact role of these stem cells in pancreatic cancer development and/or progression in humans still remains unclear, this concept continues to drive a completely novel scientific avenue in pancreatic cancer research and gives rise to innovative ideas regarding novel therapeutic modalities that can be safely offered to patients.
ULOGA I PERSPEKTIVE RAZVOJA OBAVJEŠTAJNE SLUŽBE BOSNE I HERCEGOVINE
Authors: Međed Mile
Published: May 2016

Obavještajni sistem Bosne i Hercegovine, do njenog osamostaljenja,odnosno međunarodnog priznanja 1992. godine, treba posmatrati u sklopujugoslovenskog obavještajnog prostora i odgovarajućih snaga, zaduženih za ovu oblast.U toku građanskog rata na prostoru BiH (1992-1995) i pobjedom nacionalnih stranaka,formirane su i nacionalne obavještajne komponente, koje su u toku rata bile međusobnosuprotstavljene i svaka je on njih provodila zadatke tadašnje vlasti.Obavještajna služba BiH danas mora završiti započete reforme i shodno tomeprovesti depolitizaciju i deideologizaciju, te obuku njenih pripadnika uz usklađivanjezakonodavstva iz ove oblasti sa zakonodavstvom zemalja članica Evropske unije iNATO-a, posebno parlamentarni nadzor nad radom službi za zaštitu ljudskih prava isloboda, tajnost rada naspram transparentnosti i sl.
КОНЦЕСИЈЕ У ФУНКЦИЈИ РЕПРОДУКЦИЈЕ МИНЕРАЛНО СИРОВИНСКЕ БАЗЕ РЕПУБЛИКЕ СРПСКЕ
Authors: Цвијић Ранко
Published: May 2016

Разноврсна и економски значајна, у току протеклих деценија истраживањем и експлоатацијом у знатној мјери доказана, минерално сировинска база Републике Српске, може се користити само на основу прецизно разрађеног система концесија. Транзиција у тржишну привреду у минералној економији путем концесијa и концесионарства омогућујe успјешан и перманентан развој минерално сировинског комплекса Р. Српске. Систем концесија у овој области нема алтернативе и у минералној економији Српске нико не би смио да истражујеи експлоатише природна богатства ако му није одобрена одговарајућа концесија.У раду су презентовани стaње и проблеми концесионе политике у минерално-сиpовинском комплексу Републике Српcкe и приједлози за унапређење.
Gap junction networks in mushroom bodies participate in visual learning and memory in Drosophila
Authors: Liu Qingqing , Yang Xing , Tian Jingsong , Gao Zhongbao , Wang Meng , Li Yan , Guo Aike
Published: May 2016

Gap junctions are widely distributed in the brains across species and play essential roles in neural information processing. However, the role of gap junctions in insect cognition remains poorly understood. Using a flight simulator paradigm and genetic tools, we found that gap junctions are present in Drosophila Kenyon cells (KCs), the major neurons of the mushroom bodies (MBs), and showed that they play an important role in visual learning and memory. Using a dye coupling approach, we determined the distribution of gap junctions in KCs. Furthermore, we identified a single pair of MB output neurons (MBONs) that possess a gap junction connection to KCs, and provide strong evidence that this connection is also required for visual learning and memory. Together, our results reveal gap junction networks in KCs and the KC-MBON circuit, and bring new insight into the synaptic network underlying fly’s visual learning and memory.
Optical electrophysiology for probing function and pharmacology of voltage-gated ion channels
Authors: Zhang Hongkang , Reichert Elaine , Cohen Adam E
Published: May 2016

Voltage-gated ion channels mediate electrical dynamics in excitable tissues and are an important class of drug targets. Channels can gate in sub-millisecond timescales, show complex manifolds of conformational states, and often show state-dependent pharmacology. Mechanistic studies of ion channels typically involve sophisticated voltage-clamp protocols applied through manual or automated electrophysiology. Here, we develop all-optical electrophysiology techniques to study activity-dependent modulation of ion channels, in a format compatible with high-throughput screening. Using optical electrophysiology, we recapitulate many voltage-clamp protocols and apply to Nav1.7, a channel implicated in pain. Optical measurements reveal that a sustained depolarization strongly potentiates the inhibitory effect of PF-04856264, a Nav1.7-specific blocker. In a pilot screen, we stratify a library of 320 FDA-approved compounds by binding mechanism and kinetics, and find close concordance with patch clamp measurements. Optical electrophysiology provides a favorable tradeoff between throughput and information content for studies of NaV channels, and possibly other voltage-gated channels.
InGaN laser diode with metal-free laser ridge using n+-GaN contact layers
Authors: Malinverni Marco , Tardy Camille , Rossetti Marco , Castiglia Antonino , Duelk Marcus , Vélez Christian , Martin Denis , Grandjean Nicolas
Published: May 2016

We report on InGaN edge emitting laser diodes with a top metal electrode located beside the laser ridge. Current spreading over the ridge is achieved via a highly doped n+-type GaN layer deposited on top of the structure. The low sheet resistance of the n+-GaN layer ensures excellent lateral current spreading, while carrier injection is confined all along the ridge thanks to current tunneling at the interface between the n+-GaN top layer and the p++-GaN layer. Continuous-wave lasing at 400 nm with an output power of 100 mW is demonstrated on uncoated facet devices with a threshold current density of 2.4 kA·cm−2.
Effects of electrolyte gating on photoluminescence spectra of large-area WSe2 monolayer films
Authors: Matsuki Keiichiro , Pu Jiang , Kozawa Daichi , Matsuda Kazunari , Li Lain-Jong , Takenobu Taishi
Published: May 2016

We fabricated electric double-layer transistors comprising large-area WSe2 monolayers and investigated the effects of electrolyte gating on their photoluminescence (PL) spectra. Using the efficient gating effects of electric double layers, we succeeded in the application of a large electric field (∼107 V cm−1) and the accumulation of high carrier density (>1013 cm−2). As a result, we observed PL spectra based on both positively and negatively charged excitons and their gate-voltage-dependent redshifts, suggesting the effects of both an electric field and charge accumulation.
Effect of plasma jet diameter on the efficiency of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species generation in water
Authors: Oh Jun-Seok , Kakuta Maito , Furuta Hiroshi , Akatsuka Hiroshi , Hatta Akimitsu
Published: May 2016

The plasma jet generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) in solution is important in biology, medicine, and disinfection. Studies using a wide variety of plasma jet devices have been carried out for this purpose, making it difficult to compare the performance between devices. In this study, we compared the efficiency of RONS generation in deionized (DI) water between 3.7-mm- and 800-µm-sized helium (He) plasma jets (hereafter mm-jet and µm-jet, respectively) at different treatment distances and times. The efficiency of RONS generation was determined by considering the total amount of RONS generated in DI water with respect to the input energy and gas consumption. We found that the mm-jet generated 20% more RONS in the DI water than the µm-jet at the optimized distance. However, when the input power and He gas consumption were taken into account, we discovered that the µm-jet was 5 times more efficient in generating RONS in the DI water. Under the parameters investigated in this study, the concentration of RONS continued to increase as a function of treatment time (up to 30 min). However treatment distance had a marked effect on the efficiency of RONS generation: treatment distances of 25 and 30 mm were optimal for the mm-jet and µm-jet, respectively. Our method of comparing the efficiency of RONS generation in solution between plasma jets could be used as a reference protocol for the development of efficient plasma jet sources for use in medicine, biology, and agriculture.
Sex expression and floral diversity inJatropha curcas: a population study in its center of origin
Authors: Adriano-Anaya María de Lourdes , Pérez-Castillo Edilma , Salvador-Figueroa Miguel , Ruiz-González Sonia , Vázquez-Ovando Alfredo , Grajales-Conesa Julieta , Ovando-Medina Isidro
Published: May 2016

Sex expression and floral morphology studies are central to understand breeding behavior and to define the productive potential of plant genotypes. In particular, the new bioenergy cropJatropha curcasL. has been classified as a monoecious species. Nonetheless, there is no information about its reproductive diversity in the Mesoamerican region, which is considered its center of origin and diversification. Thus, we determined sex expression and floral morphology inJ. curcaspopulations from southern Mexico and Guatemala. Our results showed that most ofJ. curcasspecimens had typical inflorescences with separate sexes (monoecious); meanwhile, the rest were atypical (gynoecious, androecious, andromonoecious, androgynomonoecious). The most important variables to group these populations, based on a discriminant analysis, were: male flower diameter, female petal length and male nectary length. From southern Mexico “Guerrero” was the most diverse population, and “Centro” had the highest variability among the populations from Chiapas. A cluster analysis showed that the accessions from southern Mexico were grouped without showing any correlation with the geographical origin, while those accessions with atypical sexuality were grouped together. To answer the question of how informative are floral morphological traits compared to molecular markers, we perform a Mantel correlation test between the distance matrix generated in this study and the genetic distance matrix (AFLP) previously reported for the same accessions. We found significant correlation between data at the level of accessions. Our results contribute to design genetic improvement programs by using sexually and morphologically contrasting plants from the center of origin.
Ecological implications of metabolic compensation at low temperatures in salamanders
Authors: Catenazzi Alessandro
Published: May 2016

Global warming is influencing the biology of the world’s biota. Temperature increases are occurring at a faster pace than that experienced by organisms in their evolutionary histories, limiting the organisms’ response to new conditions. Mechanistic models that include physiological traits can help predict species’ responses to warming. Changes in metabolism at high temperatures are often examined; yet many species are behaviorally shielded from high temperatures. Salamanders generally favor cold temperatures and are one of few groups of metazoans to be most species-rich in temperate regions. I examined variation in body temperature, behavioral activity, and temperature dependence of resting heart rate, used as a proxy for standard metabolic rate, in fire salamanders (Salamandra salamandra). Over 26 years, I found that salamanders are behaviorally active at temperatures as low as 1 °C, and aestivate at temperatures above 16 °C. Infrared thermography indicates limited thermoregulation opportunities for these nocturnal amphibians. Temperature affects resting heart rate, causing metabolic depression above 11 °C, and metabolic compensation below 8 °C: heart rate at 3 °C is 224% the expected heart rate. Thus, salamanders operating at low temperatures during periods of peak behavioral activity are able to maintain a higher metabolic rate than the rate expected in absence of compensation. This compensatory mechanism has important ecological implications, because it increases estimated seasonal heart rates. Increased heart rate, and thus metabolism, will require higher caloric intake for field-active salamanders. Thus, it is important to consider a species performance breadth over the entire temperature range, and particularly low temperatures that are ecologically relevant for cold tolerant species such as salamanders.
Sperm removal during copulation confirmed in the oldest extant damselfly,Hemiphlebia mirabilis
Authors: Cordero-Rivera Adolfo
Published: May 2016

Postcopulatory sexual selection may favour mechanisms to reduce sperm competition, like physical sperm removal by males. To investigate the origin of sperm removal, I studied the reproductive behaviour and mechanisms of sperm competition in the only living member of the oldest damselfly family,Hemiphlebia mirabilis, one species that was considered extinct in the 1980s. This species displays scramble competition behaviour. Males search for females with short flights and both sexes exhibit a conspicuous “abdominal flicking”. This behaviour is used by males during an elaborate precopulatory courtship, unique among Odonata. Females use a similar display to reject male attempts to form tandem, but eventually signal receptivity by a particular body position. Males immobilise females during courtship using their legs, which, contrarily to other damselflies, never autotomise. Copulation is short (range 4.1–18.7 min), and occurs in two sequential stages. In the first stage, males remove part of the stored sperm, and inseminate during the second stage, at the end of mating. The male genital ligula matches the size and form of female genitalia, and ends by two horns covered by back-oriented spines. The volume of sperm in females before copulation was 2.7 times larger than the volume stored in females whose copulation was interrupted at the end of stage I, indicative of a significant sperm removal. These results point out that sperm removal is an old character in the evolution of odonates, possibly dating back to the Permian.
Tsunami source uncertainty estimation: The 2011 Japan tsunami
Authors: Dettmer Jan , Hawkins Rhys , Cummins Phil R. , Hossen Jakir , Sambridge Malcolm , Hino Ryota , Inazu Daisuke
Published: May 2016

This paper studies the initial sea surface displacement and its uncertainty after an earthquake based on tsunami waveforms. The spatial distribution is inferred with a Bayesian approach that provides probabilities that are interpreted as uncertainties of the displaced sea surface. The parameterization is nonlinear and treats apparent rupture velocity as unknown but assumes rise time to be fixed at 30 s. Importantly, the spatial complexity of the source is constrained by observations using a transdimensional algorithm based on a wavelet decomposition of the displacement field. In this approach, the number of wavelet coefficients is an unknown random variable that is also estimated as part of the inversion. The resulting parameterization is parsimonious in that it can adapt to the spatially varying source complexity while being consistent with the information in the tsunami waveforms. In this way, the resolution of displacement varies across the source region with more parameters introduced for parts of the source that are resolved well by the data and/or have significant complexity. The noise level (standard deviation) at each gauge is initially treated as unknown to estimate data covariance matrices. These matrices are applied in subsequent inversion and include unknown scaling which eliminates the requirement to assume station weights and accounts for temporally correlated waveform noise. The method is applied to waveforms recorded during the 2011 Japan Tsunami and results show high resolution (low uncertainty) in most parts of the source region and a previously unreported level of source detail. In particular, the main peak of the source is elongated trench parallel and shows a well‐resolved bimodal finger‐like feature in the northern source region that closely follows the trench.
Enceladus's internal ocean and ice shell constrained from Cassini gravity, shape, and libration data
Authors: Čadek Ondřej , Tobie Gabriel , Van Hoolst Tim , Massé Marion , Choblet Gaël , Lefèvre Axel , Mitri Giuseppe , Baland Rose‐Marie , Běhounková Marie , Bourgeois Olivier , Trinh Anthony
Published: May 2016

The intense plume activity at the South Pole of Enceladus together with the recent detection of libration hints at an internal water ocean underneath the outer ice shell. However, the interpretation of gravity, shape, and libration data leads to contradicting results regarding the depth of ocean/ice interface and the total volume of the ocean. Here we develop an interior structure model consisting of a rocky core, an internal ocean, and an ice shell, which satisfies simultaneously the gravity, shape, and libration data. We show that the data can be reconciled by considering isostatic compensation including the effect of a few hundred meter thick elastic lithosphere. Our model predicts that the core radius is 180–185 km, the ocean density is at least 1030 kg/m3, and the ice shell is 18–22 km thick on average. The ice thicknesses are reduced at poles decreasing to less than 5 km in the south polar region.
Structure II gas hydrates found below the bottom‐simulating reflector
Authors: Paganoni M. , Cartwright J. A. , Foschi M. , Shipp R. C. , Van Rensbergen P.
Published: May 2016

Gas hydrates are a major component in the organic carbon cycle. Their stability is controlled by temperature, pressure, water chemistry, and gas composition. The bottom‐simulating reflector (BSR) is the primary seismic indicator of the base of hydrate stability in continental margins. Here we use seismic, well log, and core data from the convergent margin offshore NW Borneo to demonstrate that the BSR does not always represent the base of hydrate stability and can instead approximate the boundary between structure I hydrates above and structure II hydrates below. At this location, gas hydrate saturation below the BSR is higher than above and a process of chemical fractionation of the migrating free gas is responsible for the structure I‐II transition. This research shows that in geological settings dominated by thermogenic gas migration, the hydrate stability zone may extend much deeper than suggested by the BSR.
Fast initial continuous current pulses versus return stroke pulses in tower‐initiated lightning
Authors: Azadifar Mohammad , Rachidi Farhad , Rubinstein Marcos , Rakov Vladimir A. , Paolone Mario , Pavanello Davide , Metz Stefan
Published: May 2016

We present a study focused on pulses superimposed on the initial continuous current of upward negative discharges. The study is based on experimental data consisting of correlated lightning current waveforms recorded at the instrumented Säntis Tower in Switzerland and electric fields recorded at a distance of 14.7 km from the tower. Two different types of pulses superimposed on the initial continuous current were identified: (1) M‐component‐type pulses, for which the microsecond‐scale electric field pulse occurs significantly earlier than the onset of the current pulse, and (2) fast pulses, for which the onset of the field matches that of the current pulse. We analyze the currents and fields associated with these fast pulses (return‐stroke type (RS‐type) initial continuous current (ICC) pulses) and compare their characteristics with those of return strokes. A total of nine flashes containing 44 RS‐type ICC pulses and 24 return strokes were analyzed. The median current peaks associated with RS‐type ICC pulses and return strokes are, respectively, 3.4 kA and 8 kA. The associated median E‐field peaks normalized to 100 km are 1.5 V/m and 4.4 V/m, respectively. On the other hand, the electric field peaks versus current peaks for the two data sets (RS‐type ICC pulses and return strokes) are characterized by very similar linear regression slopes, namely, 3.67 V/(m kA) for the ICC pulses and 3.77 V/(m kA) for the return strokes. Assuming the field‐current relation based on the transmission line model, we estimated the apparent speed of both the RS‐type ICC pulses and return strokes to be about 1.4 × 108 m/s. A strong linear correlation is observed between the E‐field risetime and the current risetime for the ICC pulses, similar to the relation observed between the E‐field risetime and current risetime for return strokes. The similarity of the RS‐type ICC pulses with return strokes suggests that these pulses are associated with the mixed mode of charge transfer to ground.
Disease Outcomes in Glucocorticosteroid‐Naive Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Sheane Barry J. , Gladman Dafna D. , Su Jiandong , Urowitz Murray B.
Published: May 2016

Objective

The phenotype of patients who remain naive of glucocorticosteroids has not been described, and the type and rate of their damage accrual remains largely unknown. The objective of this study was to compare the type, amount, rate, and nature of organ damage accrual, mortality, and atherosclerotic comorbidities in glucocorticosteroid‐naive and glucocorticosteroid‐exposed patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

Inception patients from the University of Toronto Lupus Clinic who had never taken glucocorticosteroids and had a minimum of 3 years of followup were compared to patients who received glucocorticosteroids within the first 6 months of SLE diagnosis and for at least 3 years. All patients had no damage at inception.

Results

A total of 86 glucocorticosteroid‐naive and 173 glucocorticosteroid‐exposed patients were included. There were more females and whites among the glucocorticosteroid‐naive patients, whereas the glucocorticosteroid‐exposed patients had higher Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 scores on first examination. Overall mortality was higher in the glucocorticosteroid‐exposed group, but the deaths occurred late. There was no difference in the frequency of coronary artery disease overall or at each of the time points. Damage accrual was higher in glucocorticosteroid‐exposed patients overall and at 5 and 8 years. Individual damage items that were higher in glucocorticosteroid‐exposed patients included ocular (cataracts) and musculoskeletal (osteoporosis with fragility fractures, and osteonecrosis) components.

Conclusion

Mortality is more frequent in patients taking glucocorticosteroids for at least the first 3 years of their lupus compared to patients who are glucocorticosteroid‐naive. In addition, patients taking glucocorticosteroids accumulate more damage by 5 years of disease, and damage tends to be glucocorticosteroid related, including cataracts and musculoskeletal components.