bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microstructural and Electrical Characterization of Plasma Sprayed Cu‐Mn Oxide Spinels as Coating on Metallic Interconnects for Stacking Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Spotorno R. , Piccardo P. , Perrozzi F. , Valente S. , Viviani M. , Ansar A.
Published: September 2015

Interconnect coatings are extremely important to ensure an optimal performance of a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stack. Nowadays the most common material used to produce SOFC interconnects is a ferritic stainless steel (FSS) rich in chromium which is much less expensive than the previously used ceramic interconnects. Nevertheless interconnects have to be coated in order to provide protection from the aggressive environment that surrounds them and reduce chromium species migration to the cell's cathode. In this work three different coatings were applied to Crofer® 22 H substrates via atmospheric plasma spraying (APS): two different stoichiometries of copper manganese oxide (CuxMn3–xO4, where x = 1.4 and 1.5) and one of cobalt manganese oxide (CoxMn3–xO4, where x = 1.5), considered the state of the art coating for SOFC interconnects. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) was used to check the composition of deposited layers. Area specific resistance (ASR) of samples has been characterized for different samples in the range 673–1,073 K and during a 100 hours ageing test at 1,073 K. Microstructural changes and Cr‐barrier properties have been characterized by SEM‐EDX analyses.
Endoscopic nasal versus open approach for the management of sinonasal adenocarcinoma: A pooled‐analysis of 1826 patients
Authors: Meccariello Giuseppe , Deganello Alberto , Choussy Olivier , Gallo Oreste , Vitali Daniele , De Raucourt Dominique , Georgalas Christos
Published: September 2015

Background

Surgical resection represents the gold standard for the treatment of sinonasal malignancies. This study reviewed the published outcomes on endoscopic surgery or endoscopic‐assisted surgery versus open approach for the management of sinonasal adenocarcinomas.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and CENTRAL electronic databases were searched for English language articles on endoscopic surgery, endoscopic‐assisted surgery, and open approach for sinonasal adenocarcinomas. Each article was examined for patient data and outcomes for analysis.

Results

Thirty‐nine articles including 1826 patients were used for the analysis. The endoscopic surgery and endoscopic‐assisted surgery showed low rates of major complications (6.6% and 25.9%, respectively) compared to open approaches (36.4%; p < .01). The incidence of local failure was lower in the endoscopic surgery group as compared with open approach patients (17.8% vs 38.5%; p < .01, respectively). The multivariate Cox regression model showed a worst overall survival related to advanced T classification and open approach.

Conclusion

From the existing body of data, there is growing evidence that endoscopic nasal resection is a safe surgical option in the management of sinonasal adenocarcinomas. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Head Neck 38: E2267–E2274, 2016
Laryngeal cancer mortality trends in European countries
Authors: Chatenoud Liliane , Garavello Werner , Pagan Eleonora , Bertuccio Paola , Gallus Silvano , La Vecchia Carlo , Negri Eva , Bosetti Cristina
Published: September 2015

After a steady increase between the 1950s and the 1970s, laryngeal cancer mortality has been levelling off since the early 1980s in men from most western and southern European countries and since the early 1990s in central and eastern Europe. To update trends in laryngeal cancer mortality, we analyzed data provided by the World Health Organization over the last two decades for 34 European countries and the European Union (EU) as a whole. For major European countries, we also identified significant changes in trends between 1980 and 2012 using joinpoint regression analysis. Male mortality in the EU was approximately constant between 1980 and 1991 (annual percent change, APC=−0.5%) and declined by 3.3% per year in 1991–2012. EU age‐standardized (world population) rates were 4.7/100,000 in 1990–91 and 2.5/100,000 in 2010–2011. Rates declined in most European countries, particularly over the last two decades. In 2010–11, the highest male rates were in Hungary, the Republic of Moldova, and Romania (over 6/100,000), and the lowest ones in Finland, Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland (below 1/100,000). In EU women, mortality was stable around 0.29/100,000 between 1980 and 1994 and slightly decreased thereafter (APC=−1.3%; 0.23/100,000 in 2000–01). We also considered male incidence trends for nine European countries or cancer registration areas. In most of them, declines were observed over recent decades. Laryngeal cancer mortality thus showed favourable trends over the last few decades in most Europe, following favourable changes in tobacco and, mostly for Mediterranean countries, alcohol consumption.
Chinese undergraduates' preferences for altruistic traits in mate selection and personal advertisement: Evidence from Q‐sort technique
Authors: Guo Qingke , Feng Linlin , Wang Mingming
Published: September 2015

Human's preferences for altruistic mates have been confirmed by many researchers. Under the deep influence of Confucianism that authorised more parental control over offspring's mate selection, Chinese people's mating strategies and mate preferences may be different from what the evolutionary psychologists have suggested. This study used the Q‐sort technique to assess the roles of altruistic traits in mate selection and personal advertisement. A total of 200 university students participated in the Q‐sort procedures and were asked to sort 50 traits (among which altruistic traits were mixed) according to their importance when choosing (or advertising to) a long‐term (LT) or a short‐term (ST) mate. Our findings were quite different from prior studies. When Chinese participants chose a mate or advertised themselves to a potential mate, kin altruism was considered to be the most important trait; altruistic traits were more preferred by males than by females and females tended to advertise themselves as more altruistic; preferences for altruistic traits showed no difference between LT and ST mate selections (or between personal advertisement to a LT and a ST mate).
Humic analog AQDS can act as a selective inhibitor to enable anoxygenic photosynthetic bacteria to outcompete sulfate‐reducing bacteria under microaerobic conditions
Authors: Wang Xingzu , Cheng Xiang , Ren Yiwei , Xu Guihua , Tang Jing
Published: September 2015

BACKGROUND

The anoxygenic photosynthetic bacteria (APB) process is considered the most promising candidate for cost‐effective wastewater treatment and resource recovery. One major problem in the APB process with sulfate‐containing wastewater is the overgrowth of sulfate‐reducing bacteria. In this study, the humic analog anthraquinone‐2,6‐disulfonate (AQDS) was used to selectively inhibit sulfate‐reducing bacteria (SRB) in an SRB and APB coculture.

RESULTS

The addition of 1.0 mmol L−1 AQDS to the SRB and APB coculture resulted in significant decreases in the amount of SRB and the sulfide concentration, whereas the number of APB increased from 3.7 × 103 to 3.1 × 108 CFU mL−1. A high concentration of AQDS negatively affected the growth of both SRB and APB but more strongly inhibited the growth of SRB. The inhibition of SRB by AQDS relies on an electron donor and is enhanced by illumination. AQDS treatment at 1.0 mmol L−1 induced significant membrane depolarization and superoxide production in SRB cells but not in APB cells, and this may be responsible for the selective inhibition of SRB in the coculture.

CONCLUSION

At appropriate concentrations, AQDS can decrease the concentration of sulfide and induce oxidative stress for SRB, effectively allowing APB to out‐compete SRB under microaerobic conditions. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Ultrastructure of the fetal membranes of the oviparous kingsnake, Lampropeltis getula (Colubridae) as revealed by scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Kim Young K. , Blackburn Daniel G.
Published: September 2015

In reptilian sauropsids, fetal (extraembryonic) membranes that line the eggshell sustain developing embryos by providing for gas exchange and uptake of water and eggshell calcium. However, a scarcity of morphological studies hinders an understanding of functional specializations and their evolution. In kingsnakes (Lampropeltis getula), scanning electron microscopy reveals two major fetal membranes: the chorioallantois and yolk sac omphalopleure. In early development, the chorioallantois contains tall chorionic epithelial cells, avascular connective tissue, and enlarged allantoic epithelial cells. During its maturation, the chorionic and allantoic epithelia thin dramatically and become underlain by a rich network of allantoic capillaries, yielding a membrane ideally suited for respiratory gas exchange. Yolk sac development initially is like that of typical lizards and snakes, forming an avascular omphalopleure, isolated yolk mass (IYM), and yolk cleft. However, unlike the situation in most squamates studied, the omphalopleure becomes transformed into a “secondary chorioallantois” via three asynchronous events: flattening of the epithelium, regression of the IYM, and vascularization by the allantois. Progressive expansion of chorioallantois parallels growing embryonic needs for gas exchange. In early through mid‐development, external surfaces of both the chorionic and omphalopleure epithelium show an abundance of irregular surface protrusions that possibly increase surface area for water absorption. We postulate that the hypertrophied allantoic epithelial cells produce allantoic fluid, a viscous substance that facilitates water uptake and storage. Our findings are consistent with a previous study on the corn snake Pantherophis guttatus, but include new observations and novel functional hypotheses relevant to a reconstruction of basal squamate patterns. J. Morphol. 276:1467–1481, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Influence of osteoarthritis grade on molecular signature of human cartilage
Authors: Zhou Shuanhu , Thornhill Thomas S. , Meng Fangang , Xie Li , Wright John , Glowacki Julie
Published: September 2015

Articular chondrocytes maintain cartilage matrix turnover and have the capacity for anabolic and catabolic activities that can be influenced by injury and disease. This study tested the hypothesis that catabolic genes are upregulated with regional osteoarthritis (OA) disease severity within a joint. With IRB approval, specimens of knee cartilage obtained as discarded tissues from subjects undergoing arthroplasty were partitioned for each subject by OA disease severity and evaluated for gene expression by RT‐PCR. There was regional OA grade‐associated upregulation of expected inflammatory mediators TNF‐α, TNF receptors, IFN‐γ, and interleukins as well as genes encoding proteolytic enzymes, including Adamts‐5 and MMPs. Osteoclast‐related genes, cathepsin K, tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), RANKL, RANK, M‐CSF, and c‐fms, but not osteoprotegerin, were induced in advanced grades. In vitro treatment of normal human chondrocytes with interleukin‐1β upregulated similar genes; this provides evidence that chondrocytes per se can be the source of osteoclast‐related factors. Immunohistochemical staining showed that RANK‐ and RANKL‐positive cells were abundant in advanced grades, especially in chondrocyte clusters. This suggests a possible autocrine mechanism by which an osteoclast phenotype is induced in articular chondrocytes. In sum, these studies identified gene expression signatures in human OA cartilage based upon regional disease severity within a joint. There was an effect of OA Grade on expression of osteoclastic lytic enzymes and regulatory factors in human articular chondrocytes. Induction of an osteoclast‐like phenotype in chondrocytes may be part of OA progression and suggests specific therapeutic approaches. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:454–462, 2016.
Heat accumulation during sequential cortical bone drilling
Authors: Palmisano Andrew C. , Tai Bruce L. , Belmont Barry , Irwin Todd A. , Shih Albert , Holmes James R.
Published: September 2015

Significant research exists regarding heat production during single‐hole bone drilling. No published data exist regarding repetitive sequential drilling. This study elucidates the phenomenon of heat accumulation for sequential drilling with both Kirschner wires (K wires) and standard two‐flute twist drills. It was hypothesized that cumulative heat would result in a higher temperature with each subsequent drill pass. Nine holes in a 3 × 3 array were drilled sequentially on moistened cadaveric tibia bone kept at body temperature (about 37°C). Four thermocouples were placed at the center of four adjacent holes and 2 mm below the surface. A battery‐driven hand drill guided by a servo‐controlled motion system was used. Six samples were drilled with each tool (2.0 mm K wire and 2.0 and 2.5 mm standard drills). K wire drilling increased temperature from 5°C at the first hole to 20°C at holes 6 through 9. A similar trend was found in standard drills with less significant increments. The maximum temperatures of both tools increased from <0.5°C to nearly 13°C. The difference between drill sizes was found to be insignificant (P > 0.05). In conclusion, heat accumulated during sequential drilling, with size difference being insignificant. K wire produced more heat than its twist‐drill counterparts. This study has demonstrated the heat accumulation phenomenon and its significant effect on temperature. Maximizing the drilling field and reducing the number of drill passes may decrease bone injury. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:463–470, 2016.
Using ultrasonography to monitor liver blood flow for liver transplant from donors supported on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Zhu Xian‐Sheng , Wang Sha‐Sha , Cheng Qi , Ye Chuang‐Wen , Huo Feng , Li Peng
Published: September 2015

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been used to support brain‐dead donors for liver procurement. This study investigated the potential role of ultrasonographic monitoring of hepatic perfusion as an aid to improve the viability of liver transplants obtained from brain‐dead donors who are supported on ECMO. A total of 40 brain‐dead patients maintained on ECMO served as the study population. Hepatic blood flow was monitored using ultrasonography, and perioperative optimal perfusion was maintained by calibrating ECMO. Liver function tests were performed to assess the viability of the graft. The hepatic arterial blood flow was well maintained with no significant changes observed before and after ECMO (206 ± 32 versus 241 ± 45 mL/minute; P = 0.06). Similarly, the portal venous blood flow was also maintained throughout (451 ± 65 versus 482 ± 77 mL/minute; P = 0.09). No significant change in levels of total bilirubin, alanine transaminase, and lactic acid were reported during ECMO (P = 0.17, P = 0.08, and P = 0.09, respectively). Before the liver is procured, ultrasonographic monitoring of hepatic blood flow could be a valuable aid to improve the viability of a liver transplant by allowing for real‐time calibration of ECMO perfusion in brain‐dead liver donors. In our study, ultrasonographic monitoring helped prevent warm ischemic injury to the liver graft by avoiding both overperfusion and underperfusion of the liver. Liver Transpl 22:188‐191, 2016. © 2015 AASLD.
Demystification of the geometric Fourier transforms and resulting convolution theorems
Authors: Bujack Roxana , Scheuermann Gerik , Hitzer Eckhard
Published: September 2015

T. Qian As it will turn out in this paper, the recent hype about most of the Clifford–Fourier transforms is not thoroughly worth the pain. Almost everyone that has a real application is separable, and these transforms can be decomposed into a sum of real valued transforms with constant multivecor factors. This fact makes their interpretation, their analysis, and their implementation almost trivial. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Local effects of human PCSK9 on the atherosclerotic lesion
Authors: Giunzioni Ilaria , Tavori Hagai , Covarrubias Roman , Major Amy S , Ding Lei , Zhang Youmin , DeVay Rachel M , Hong Liang , Fan Daping , Predazzi Irene M , Rashid Shirya , Linton MacRae F , Fazio Sergio
Published: September 2015

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) promotes atherosclerosis by increasing low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels through degradation of hepatic LDL receptor (LDLR). Studies have described the systemic effects of PCSK9 on atherosclerosis, but whether PCSK9 has local and direct effects on the plaque is unknown. To study the local effect of human PCSK9 (hPCSK9) on atherosclerotic lesion composition, independently of changes in serum cholesterol levels, we generated chimeric mice expressing hPCSK9 exclusively from macrophages, using marrow from hPCSK9 transgenic (hPCSK9tg) mice transplanted into apoE−/− and LDLR−/− mice, which were then placed on a high‐fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks. We further characterized the effect of hPCSK9 expression on the inflammatory responses in the spleen and by mouse peritoneal macrophages (MPM) in vitro. We found that MPMs from transgenic mice express both murine (m) Pcsk9 and hPCSK9 and that the latter reduces macrophage LDLR and LRP1 surface levels. We detected hPCSK9 in the serum of mice transplanted with hPCSK9tg marrow, but did not influence lipid levels or atherosclerotic lesion size. However, marrow‐derived PCSK9 progressively accumulated in lesions of apoE−/− recipient mice, while increasing the infiltration of Ly6Chi inflammatory monocytes by 32% compared with controls. Expression of hPCSK9 also increased CD11b‐ and Ly6Chi‐positive cell numbers in spleens of apoE−/− mice. In vitro, expression of hPCSK9 in LPS‐stimulated macrophages increased mRNA levels of the pro‐inflammatory markers Tnf and Il1b (40% and 45%, respectively) and suppressed those of the anti‐inflammatory markers Il10 and Arg1 (30% and 44%, respectively). All PCSK9 effects were LDLR‐dependent, as PCSK9 protein was not detected in lesions of LDLR−/− recipient mice and did not affect macrophage or splenocyte inflammation. In conclusion, PCSK9 directly increases atherosclerotic lesion inflammation in an LDLR‐dependent but cholesterol‐independent mechanism, suggesting that therapeutic PCSK9 inhibition may have vascular benefits secondary to LDL reduction. Copyright © 2015 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigation of α‐iron oxide‐coated polymeric nanocomposites capacity for efficient heavy metal removal from aqueous solution
Authors: Fallah TAlooki Elahe , Ghorbani Mohsen , Ghoreyshi Ali Asghar
Published: September 2015

In the present study, PS@α‐Fe2O3 nanocomposites were prepared by chemical microemulsion polymerization approach and the ability of magnetic beads to remove Cu(II) ions from aqueous solutions in a batch media was investigated. Various physico‐chemical parameters such as pH, initial metal ion concentration, temperature, and equilibrium contact time were also studied. Adsorption mechanism of Cu2+ ions onto magnetic polymeric adsorbents has been investigated using Langmuir, Freundlich, Sips and Redlich–Petersen isotherms. The results demonstrated that the PS@α‐Fe2O3 nanocomposite is an effective adsorbent for Cu2+ ions removal. The Sips adsorption isotherm model (R2 > 0.99) was more in consistence with the adsorption isotherm data of Cu(II) ions compared to other models and the maximum adsorbed amount of copper was 34.25 mg/g. The adsorption kinetics well fitted to a pseudo second‐order kinetic model. The thermodynamic parameters (ΔH°, ΔS°, and ΔG°) were calculated from the temperature dependent sorption isotherms, and the results suggested that copper adsorption was a spontaneous and exothermic process. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:2735–2742, 2015. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Influence of point defects on the phonon thermal conductivity and phonon density of states of Bi2Te3
Authors: Bedoya‐Martínez O. N. , Hashibon A. , Elsässer C.
Published: September 2015

Abstractauthoren The influence of point defects on the lattice thermal conductivity and vibrational properties of BiTe were studied by using equilibrium and non‐equilibrium molecular‐dynamics simulations. Three types of point defects at various concentrations were considered, namely Bi and Te vacancies and Bi anti‐sites. It is shown that point defects can result in a reduction of up to 80% of the bulk thermal conductivity. A detailed analysis of the phonon density of states (PDOS) of the studied systems is provided. Element (Bi or Te) and orientation (in‐plane or cross‐plane) resolved PDOS were calculated.

In agreement with experimental observations and other simulations, features in the PDOS were identified with specific atomic and orientation contributions. Systems containing point defects exhibit a broadening of the PDOS peaks as the defect concentration increases, which is due to the disorder induced by the defects. Such disorder leads to a higher phonon scattering and thus to a lower lattice thermal conductivity. Tuning the point defect type and concentrations during growth may, therefore, provide a route for optimizing BiTe based thermoelectric devices.
The changing water cycle: climatic and socioeconomic drivers of water‐related changes in the Andes of Peru
Authors: Drenkhan Fabian , Carey Mark , Huggel Christian , Seidel Jochen , Oré María Teresa
Published: September 2015

Water resources in high mountains play a fundamental role for societies and ecosystems both locally and downstream. Impacts of global change, including climate change, glacier shrinkage, and socioeconomic forces related to demographics, agroindustrial development, and hydroelectricity generation; pose new hydrological risks for human livelihoods. However, these hydroclimatic and socioeconomic drivers of water resource change are often poorly quantified and interconnected, while data scarcity poses challenges in these regions. Here we review the state of knowledge for two major catchments in the Peruvian Andes, which hold the largest tropical glacier mass worldwide: the Santa River (Cordillera Blanca) and Vilcanota River (Cordillera Vilcanota). Our integrative review of water resource change and comparative discharge analysis of two gauging stations in the Santa and Vilcanota River catchments show that the future provision of water resources is a concern to regional societies and must be factored more carefully into water management policies. In this context, observed hydroclimatic and socioeconomic changes represent important drivers of water availability, allocation, and conflicts over water resources. The legal framework and decentralized institutional architecture in Peru could potentially provide a basis for participatory integrative water management; however, unequal power relations, institutional fragility and increasing competition over water resources hamper these efforts. We identify several research gaps, including the need for more in situ data, cultural analyses, and a risk‐based framework that combines climate‐related hazards with human and natural vulnerabilities. Finally, this review suggests that future adaptation plans for water management should better link science, society, and policy. WIREs Water 2015, 2:715–733. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1105

This article is categorized under:

Science of Water > Water and Environmental Change
Consequences of fire and cattle browsing on ground beetles (Coleoptera) in NW Patagonia
Authors: Sasal Yamila , Raffaele Estela , Farji‐Brener Alejandro G.
Published: September 2015

Understanding the responses of natural communities to disturbances remains a challenging task in ecology. In northwestern Patagonia, the most important disturbances are fire and introduced ungulates. Although these disturbances have been present in this region since late eighteen century, their effects on arthropods diversity have been poorly studied. Here, we examined the short‐term response of ground beetles (Coleoptera) to fire (burnt and unburnt) in browsed forests and to cattle browsing (cattle and no cattle) in post‐fire forests. We collected ground beetles with pitfall traps and estimated beetle abundance, species richness, assemblage composition, abundance of trophic guilds and beetle characteristic species, and measured some habitat parameters. We found that burnt browsed forest had lower diversity and different assemblage composition than unburnt forest. Beetle abundance, assemblage composition and abundance of trophic guilds were similar in post‐fire forests with and without cattle browsing. Conversely, beetle species richness was higher in cattle than in no cattle forests. Fire had a strong negative effect on beetle diversity probably by its effect changing habitat structure. Whereas fire had a homogenizing influence on beetle diversity with and without cattle, at small‐spatial scales, browsing of cattle probably generate habitat heterogeneity enhancing beetle richness. The implementation of policies aimed to reduce the risk of fire and to maintain low‐moderate cattle pressure appears to be vital to conserve the beetle assemblage in the Patagonian region.
Prudent diet may attenuate the adverse effects of Western diet on cognitive decline
Authors: Shakersain Behnaz , Santoni Giola , Larsson Susanna C. , Faxén‐Irving Gerd , Fastbom Johan , Fratiglioni Laura , Xu Weili
Published: September 2015

Introduction

The influence of mixed dietary patterns on cognitive changes is unknown.

Methods

A total of 2223 dementia‐free participants aged ≥60 were followed up for 6 years to examine the impact of dietary patterns on cognitive decline. Mini‐mental state examination (MMSE) was administered. Diet was assessed by a food frequency questionnaire. By factor analysis, Western and prudent dietary patterns emerged. Mixed‐effect models for longitudinal data with repeated measurements were used.

Results

Compared with the lowest adherence to each pattern, the highest adherence to prudent pattern was related to less MMSE decline (β = 0.106, P = .011), whereas the highest adherence to Western pattern was associated with more MMSE decline (β = −0.156, P < .001). The decline associated with Western diet was attenuated when accompanied by high adherence to prudent pattern.

Discussion

High adherence to prudent diet may diminish the adverse effects of high adherence to Western diet on cognitive decline.
Business Freedoms and Employment Rights in the European Union
Authors: PRASSL Jeremias
Published: September 2015

In this article, I explore the substance and operation of Article 16 of the European Union’s Charter of Fundamental Rights, which recognises ‘the freedom to conduct a business’, in order to determine the extent to which the constitutionalisation of commercial interests as fundamental rights could pose a threat to the Union’s worker-protectiveacquis. Having surveyed three important Directives which regulate employees’ rights in transfers of undertakings, collective redundancies, and the organisation of working time, I argue that future challenges based on Article 16 CFR are unlikely to succeed: even in situations where the Directives limit employers’ economic freedoms, such interference is justified and proportionate.
Refining the Chronology of the Neolithic Settlement at Pool, Sanday, Orkney: Implications for the Emergence and Development of Grooved Ware
Authors: Macsween Ann , Hunter John , Sheridan Alison , Bond Julie , Ramsey Christopher Bronk , Reimer Paula , Bayliss Alex , Griffiths Seren , Whittle Alasdair
Published: September 2015

New radiocarbon dates for the Neolithic settlement at Pool on Sanday, Orkney, are interpreted in a formal chronological framework. Phases 2.2 and 2.3, during which flat-based Grooved Ware pottery with incised decoration developed, have been modelled as probably dating to between the 31st and 28th centuries calbc. There followed a hiatus of a century or so, before the resumption of occupation in Phase 3, which has a different Grooved Ware style featuring the use of applied decoration. This has been modelled as probably dating from the 26th to the 24th centuries calbc. The implications of these results are discussed for the emergence and development of Grooved Ware, and for the trajectory of settlement and monumentality on Sanday.
Adding network approaches to a neurobiological framework of resilience
Authors: Levit-Binnun Nava , Golland Yulia
Published: September 2015

In their paper, Kalisch et al. make an important attempt to create a unifying theoretical framework for the neuroscientific study of general resilience mechanisms. We suggest that such attempts can benefit tremendously by incorporating the recently emerging network approaches that enable the characterization of complex brain network architecture and dynamics, in both health and disease.
The temporal dynamics of resilience: Neural recovery as a biomarker
Authors: Walter Henrik , Erk Susanne , Veer Ilya M.
Published: September 2015

Resilience can be defined as the capability of an individual to maintain health despite stress and adversity. Here we suggest to study the temporal dynamics of neural processes associated with affective perturbation and emotion regulation at different time scales to investigate the mechanisms of resilience. Parameters related to neural recovery might serve as a predictive biomarker for resilience.
Quantifying resilience: Theoretical or pragmatic for translational research?
Authors: Shumyatsky Gleb P. , Jovanovic Tanja , Handler Talma
Published: September 2015

Quantifying resilience allows for several testable hypotheses, such as that resilience is equal to the number of mental health problems given a known quantity of stressor load. The proposed model lends itself well to prospective studies with data collection pre- and post-adversity; however, prestressor assessments are not always available. Challenges remain for adapting quantifying resilience to animal research, even if the idea of its translation value is significant.
Memory for generic and quantified sentences in Spanish-speaking children and adults
Authors: GELMAN SUSAN A. , SÁNCHEZ TAPIA INGRID , LESLIE SARAH-JANE
Published: September 2015

Generic language (Owlseat at night) expresses knowledge about categories and may represent a cognitively default mode of generalization. English-speaking children and adults more accurately recall generic than quantified sentences (All owlseat at night) and tend to recall quantified sentences as generic. However, generics in English are shorter than quantified sentences, and may be better recalled for this reason. The present study provided a new test of the issue in Spanish, where generics are expressed with an additional linguistic element not found in certain quantified sentences (Los búhoscomen de noche ‘Owls eat at night’ [generic] vs. Muchos búhoscomen de noche ‘Many owls eat at night’ [quantified]). Both preschoolers and adults recalled generics more accurately than quantified sentences, and quantified sentences were more often recalled as generic than the reverse. These findings provide strong additional evidence for generics as a cognitive default, in an understudied cultural context.
Is a Non-Capitalist World Possible?
Authors: Gao Mobo
Published: September 2015

The most pressing current intellectual challenge for those who are disillusioned with capitalism is: what can one do to overcome the seemingly insurmountable problems of human conditions today? Be critical as you may of the prevailing neoliberal capitalist order that has given rise to, for instance, environmental destruction, increasing inequality and a mounting alienation with party politics, it appears intellectually impossible to imagine a better solution. In short, this is the best we have: there is no alternative.
Tabling as a library with delimited control
Authors: DESOUTER BENOIT , VAN DOOREN MARKO , SCHRIJVERS TOM
Published: September 2015

Tabling is probably the most widely studied extension of Prolog. But despite its importance and practicality, tabling is not implemented by most Prolog systems. Existing approaches require substantial changes to the Prolog engine, which is an investment out of reach of most systems. To enable more widespread adoption, we present a new implementation of tabling in under 600 lines of Prolog code. Our lightweight approach relies on delimited control and provides reasonable performance.
Knowledge compilation of logic programs using approximation fixpoint theory
Authors: BOGAERTS BART , VAN DEN BROECK GUY
Published: September 2015

Recent advances in knowledge compilation introduced techniques to compilepositivelogic programs into propositional logic, essentially exploiting the constructive nature of the least fixpoint computation. This approach has several advantages over existing approaches: it maintains logical equivalence, does not require (expensive) loop-breaking preprocessing or the introduction of auxiliary variables, and significantly outperforms existing algorithms. Unfortunately, this technique is limited tonegation-freeprograms. In this paper, we show how to extend it to general logic programs under the well-founded semantics.

We develop our work in approximation fixpoint theory, an algebraical framework that unifies semantics of different logics. As such, our algebraical results are also applicable to autoepistemic logic, default logic and abstract dialectical frameworks.
A logic programming approach to predict effective compiler settings for embedded software
Authors: BLACKMORE CRAIG , RAY OLIVER , EDER KERSTIN
Published: September 2015

This paper introduces a new logic-based method for optimising the selection of compiler flags on embedded architectures. In particular, we use Inductive Logic Programming (ILP) to learn logical rules that relate effective compiler flags to specific program features. Unlike earlier work, we aim to infer human-readable rules and we seek to develop a relational first-order approach which automatically discovers relevant features rather than relying on a vector of predetermined attributes. To this end we generated a data set by measuring execution times of 60 benchmarks on an embedded system development board and we developed an ILP prototype which outperforms the current state-of-the-art learning approach in 34 of the 60 benchmarks. Finally, we combined the strengths of the current state of the art and our ILP method in a hybrid approach which reduced execution times by an average of 8% and up to 50% in some cases.
Planning as tabled logic programming
Authors: ZHOU NENG-FA , BARTÁK ROMAN , DOVIER AGOSTINO
Published: September 2015

This paper describes Picat's planner, its implementation, and planning models for several domains used in International Planning Competition (IPC) 2014. Picat's planner is implemented by use of tabling. During search, every state encountered is tabled, and tabled states are used to effectively perform resource-bounded search. In Picat, structured data can be used to avoid enumerating all possible permutations of objects, and term sharing is used to avoid duplication of common state data. This paper presents several modeling techniques through the example models, ranging from designing state representations to facilitate data sharing and symmetry breaking, encoding actions with operations for efficient precondition checking and state updating, to incorporating domain knowledge and heuristics. Broadly, this paper demonstrates the effectiveness of tabled logic programming for planning, and argues the importance of modeling despite recent significant progress in domain-independent PDDL planners.
Rewriting recursive aggregates in answer set programming: back to monotonicity
Authors: ALVIANO MARIO , FABER WOLFGANG , GEBSER MARTIN
Published: September 2015

Aggregation functions are widely used in answer set programming for representing and reasoning on knowledge involving sets of objects collectively. Current implementations simplify the structure of programs in order to optimize the overall performance. In particular, aggregates are rewritten into simpler forms known as monotone aggregates. Since the evaluation of normal programs with monotone aggregates is in general on a lower complexity level than the evaluation of normal programs with arbitrary aggregates, any faithful translation function must introduce disjunction in rule heads in some cases. However, no function of this kind is known. The paper closes this gap by introducing a polynomial, faithful, and modular translation for rewriting common aggregation functions into the simpler form accepted by current solvers. A prototype system allows for experimenting with arbitrary recursive aggregates, which are also supported in the recent version 4.5 of the groundergringo, using the methods presented in this paper.
Optimizing phylogenetic supertrees using answer set programming
Authors: KOPONEN LAURA , OIKARINEN EMILIA , JANHUNEN TOMI , SÄILÄ LAURA
Published: September 2015

The supertree construction problem is about combining several phylogenetic trees with possibly conflicting information into a single tree that has all the leaves of the source trees as its leaves and the relationships between the leaves are as consistent with the source trees as possible. This leads to an optimization problem that is computationally challenging and typically heuristic methods, such as matrix representation with parsimony (MRP), are used. In this paper we consider the use of answer set programming to solve the supertree construction problem in terms of two alternative encodings. The first is based on an existing encoding of trees using substructures known as quartets, while the other novel encoding captures the relationships present in trees through direct projections. We use these encodings to compute a genus-level supertree for the family of cats (Felidae). Furthermore, we compare our results to recent supertrees obtained by the MRP method.
A denotational semantics for equilibrium logic
Authors: AGUADO FELICIDAD , CABALAR PEDRO , PEARCE DAVID , PÉREZ GILBERTO , VIDAL CONCEPCIÓN
Published: September 2015

In this paper we provide an alternative semantics for Equilibrium Logic and its monotonic basis, the logic of Here-and-There (also known as Gödel'sG3logic) that relies on the idea ofdenotationof a formula, that is, a function that collects the set of models of that formula. Using the three-valued logicG3as a starting point and an ordering relation (for which equilibrium/stable models are minimal elements) we provide several elementary operations for sets of interpretations. By analysing structural properties of the denotation of formulas, we show some expressiveness results forG3such as, for instance, that conjunction is not expressible in terms of the other connectives. Moreover, the denotational semantics allows us to capture the set of equilibrium models of a formula with a simple and compact set expression. We also use this semantics to provide several formal definitions for entailment relations that are usual in the literature, and further introduce a new one calledstrong entailment. We say that α strongly entails β when the equilibrium models of α ∧ γ are also equilibrium models of β ∧ γ for any context γ. We also provide a characterisation of strong entailment in terms of the denotational semantics, and give an example of a sufficient condition that can be applied in some cases.
WEAK GEODESIC RAYS IN THE SPACE OF KÄHLER POTENTIALS AND THE CLASS
Authors: Darvas Tamás
Published: September 2015

Suppose that$(X,\unicode[STIX]{x1D714})$is a compact Kähler manifold. In the present work we propose a construction for weak geodesic rays in the space of Kähler potentials that is tied together with properties of the class${\mathcal{E}}(X,\unicode[STIX]{x1D714})$. As an application of our construction, we prove a characterization of${\mathcal{E}}(X,\unicode[STIX]{x1D714})$in terms of envelopes.
Comparison of Three Questionnaires to Screen for Borderline	Personality Disorder in Adolescents and Young Adults
Authors: van Alebeek Anne , van der Heijden Paul T. , Hessels Christel , Thong Melissa S.Y. , van Aken Marcel
Published: September 2015

Abstract. One of the most common personality disorders among adolescents and young adults is the Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). The objective of current study was to assess three questionnaires that can reliably screen for BPD in adolescents and young adults (N = 53): the McLean Screening Instrument for BPD (MSI-BPD; Zanarini et al., 2003 ), the Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire 4th edition – BPD scale (PDQ-4 BPD; Hyler, 1994 ), and the SCID-II Patient Questionnaire – BPD scale (SCID-II-PQ BPD). The nine criteria of BPD according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV (DSM-IV; APA, 1994 ) were measured with the Structural Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis II disorders – BPD scale (SCID-II; First, Spitzer, Gibbon, Williams, & Benjamin, 1995 ). Correlations between the questionnaires and the SCID-II were calculated. In addition, the sensitivity and specificity of the questionnaires were tested. All instruments predicted the BPD diagnosis equally well.
Position Statement on Hazards: Call for Comments
Authors: Landau Elizabeth
Published: September 2015

Feedback sought from American Geophysical Union members until 30 September on draft statement emphasizing partnering of scientists, policy makers, and stakeholders to improve hazards resilience.
Tumor suppressor Nf2/merlin drives Schwann cell changes following electromagnetic field exposure through Hippo-dependent mechanisms
Authors: Colciago A , Melfi S , Giannotti G , Bonalume V , Ballabio M , Caffino L , Fumagalli F , Magnaghi V
Published: September 2015

Previous evidence showed mutations of the neurofibromin type 2 gene (Nf2), encoding the tumor suppressor protein merlin, in sporadic and vestibular schwannomas affecting Schwann cells (SCs). Accordingly, efforts have been addressed to identify possible factors, even environmental, that may regulate neurofibromas growth. In this context, we investigated the exposure of SC to an electromagnetic field (EMF), which is an environmental issue modulating biological processes. Here, we show that SC exposed to 50 Hz EMFs changes their morphology, proliferation, migration and myelinating capability. In these cells, merlin is downregulated, leading to activation of two intracellular signaling pathways, ERK/AKT and Hippo. Interestingly, SC changes their phenotype toward a proliferative/migrating state, which in principle may be pathologically relevant for schwannoma development.
Heme-based catalytic properties of human serum albumin
Authors: Ascenzi P , di Masi A , Fanali G , Fasano M
Published: September 2015

Human serum albumin (HSA): (i) controls the plasma oncotic pressure, (ii) modulates fluid distribution between the body compartments, (iii) represents the depot and carrier of endogenous and exogenous compounds, (iv) increases the apparent solubility and lifetime of hydrophobic compounds, (v) affects pharmacokinetics of many drugs, (vi) inactivates toxic compounds, (vii) induces chemical modifications of some ligands, (viii) displays antioxidant properties, and (ix) shows enzymatic properties. Under physiological and pathological conditions, HSA has a pivotal role in heme scavenging transferring the metal-macrocycle from high- and low-density lipoproteins to hemopexin, thus acquiring globin-like reactivity. Here, the heme-based catalytic properties of HSA are reviewed and the structural bases of drug-dependent allosteric regulation are highlighted.
Mutations in SLC12A5 in epilepsy of infancy with migrating focal seizures
Authors: Stödberg Tommy , McTague Amy , Ruiz Arnaud J. , Hirata Hiromi , Zhen Juan , Long Philip , Farabella Irene , Meyer Esther , Kawahara Atsuo , Vassallo Grace , Stivaros Stavros M. , Bjursell Magnus K. , Stranneheim Henrik , Tigerschiöld Stephanie , Persson Bengt , Bangash Iftikhar , Das Krishna , Hughes Deborah , Lesko Nicole , Lundeberg Joakim , Scott Rod C. , Poduri Annapurna , Scheffer Ingrid E. , Smith Holly , Gissen Paul , Schorge Stephanie , Reith Maarten E. A. , Topf Maya , Kullmann Dimitri M. , Harvey Robert J. , Wedell Anna , Kurian Manju A.
Published: September 2015

The potassium-chloride co-transporter KCC2, encoded by SLC12A5, plays a fundamental role in fast synaptic inhibition by maintaining a hyperpolarizing gradient for chloride ions. KCC2 dysfunction has been implicated in human epilepsy, but to date, no monogenic KCC2-related epilepsy disorders have been described. Here we show recessive loss-of-function SLC12A5 mutations in patients with a severe infantile-onset pharmacoresistant epilepsy syndrome, epilepsy of infancy with migrating focal seizures (EIMFS). Decreased KCC2 surface expression, reduced protein glycosylation and impaired chloride extrusion contribute to loss of KCC2 activity, thereby impairing normal synaptic inhibition and promoting neuronal excitability in this early-onset epileptic encephalopathy.
Novel mutations in PIEZO1 cause an autosomal recessive generalized lymphatic dysplasia with non-immune hydrops fetalis
Authors: Fotiou Elisavet , Martin-Almedina Silvia , Simpson Michael A. , Lin Shin , Gordon Kristiana , Brice Glen , Atton Giles , Jeffery Iona , Rees David C. , Mignot Cyril , Vogt Julie , Homfray Tessa , Snyder Michael P. , Rockson Stanley G. , Jeffery Steve , Mortimer Peter S. , Mansour Sahar , Ostergaard Pia
Published: September 2015

Generalized lymphatic dysplasia (GLD) is a rare form of primary lymphoedema characterized by a uniform, widespread lymphoedema affecting all segments of the body, with systemic involvement such as intestinal and/or pulmonary lymphangiectasia, pleural effusions, chylothoraces and/or pericardial effusions. This may present prenatally as non-immune hydrops. Here we report homozygous and compound heterozygous mutations in PIEZO1, resulting in an autosomal recessive form of GLD with a high incidence of non-immune hydrops fetalis and childhood onset of facial and four limb lymphoedema. Mutations in PIEZO1, which encodes a mechanically activated ion channel, have been reported with autosomal dominant dehydrated hereditary stomatocytosis and non-immune hydrops of unknown aetiology. Besides its role in red blood cells, our findings indicate that PIEZO1 is also involved in the development of lymphatic structures.
Abscisic acid transporters cooperate to control seed germination
Authors: Kang Joohyun , Yim Sojeong , Choi Hyunju , Kim Areum , Lee Keun Pyo , Lopez-Molina Luis , Martinoia Enrico , Lee Youngsook
Published: September 2015

Seed germination is a key developmental process that has to be tightly controlled to avoid germination under unfavourable conditions. Abscisic acid (ABA) is an essential repressor of seed germination. In Arabidopsis, it has been shown that the endosperm, a single cell layer surrounding the embryo, synthesizes and continuously releases ABA towards the embryo. The mechanism of ABA transport from the endosperm to the embryo was hitherto unknown. Here we show that four AtABCG transporters act in concert to deliver ABA from the endosperm to the embryo: AtABCG25 and AtABCG31 export ABA from the endosperm, whereas AtABCG30 and AtABCG40 import ABA into the embryo. Thus, this work establishes that radicle extension and subsequent embryonic growth are suppressed by the coordinated activity of multiple ABA transporters expressed in different tissues.