bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Competition‐Based Benchmarking of Influence Ranking Methods in Social Networks
Authors: Topîrceanu Alexandru
Published: August 2018

The development of new methods to identify influential spreaders in complex networks has been a significant challenge in network science over the last decade. Practical significance spans from graph theory to interdisciplinary fields like biology, sociology, economics, and marketing. Despite rich literature in this direction, we find small notable effort to consistently compare and rank existing centralities considering both the topology and the opinion diffusion model, as well as considering the context of simultaneous spreading. To this end, our study introduces a new benchmarking framework targeting the scenario of competitive opinion diffusion; our method differs from classic SIR epidemic diffusion, by employing competition‐based spreading supported by the realistic tolerance‐based diffusion model. We review a wide range of state‐of‐the‐art node ranking methods and apply our novel method on large synthetic and real‐world datasets. Simulations show that our methodology offers much higher quantitative differentiation between ranking methods on the same dataset and notably high granularity for a ranking method over different datasets. We are able to pinpoint—with consistency—which influence the ranking method performs better against the other one, on a given complex network topology. We consider that our framework can offer a forward leap when analysing diffusion characterized by real‐time competition between agents. These results can greatly benefit the tackling of social unrest, rumour spreading, political manipulation, and other vital and challenging applications in social network analysis.
Thermal Errors Classification Compensation without Sensor for CNC Machine Tools
Authors: Wei Xian , Gao Feng , Li Yan , Zhang Dongya
Published: August 2018

Both multicollinearity and utilization deficiency of temperature sensors affect the robustness and the prediction precision of traditional thermal error prediction models. To address the problem, a thermal error prediction model without temperature sensors is proposed. Firstly, the paper analyzes the temperature field and thermal deformation mechanisms of the spindle of a CNC gear grinding machine in accordance with the parameters, efficiencies, and structures of the machine spindle and bearing. A preliminary theoretical model is established on the basis of the mechanism analysis. Secondly, the theoretical model is corrected according to the actual operation parameters of the machine. Thirdly, verification experiments are carried out on machine tools of the same type. It is found that the corrected model has higher precision in predicting thermal errors at the same rotational velocity. The standard deviation and the maximum residual error are reduced by at least 39% and 48% separately. The prediction precision decreases with the increase in prediction range when predicting thermal errors at different rotational velocities. The model has high prediction precision and strong robustness in the case of reasonable prediction range and classified prediction. In a word, prediction precision and robustness of the model without temperature sensors can be effectively ensured by reasonably determining the prediction range and practicing classified prediction and compensation for thermal errors at different rotational velocities. The model established can be applied to machine tools that have difficulties in arranging sensors or those whose sensors are significantly disturbed.
Effect of Carotid Artery Morphological Variations on Cognitive Function
Authors: Chen Lin , Huang Jialu , Wang Suxia , Ran Hong , Wen Lan , Chen Kangning , Zhou Zhenhua
Published: August 2018

Background. Carotid artery morphological variations (CAMV) are common variations on medical imaging; the effects of CAMV on cognition were still unknown. This study is aimed at investigating whether carotid artery morphological variations (CAMV) cause cognitive impairment. Methods. Hospitalized patients from March 2017 to October 2017 who underwent digital subtract angiography (DSA) were divided into non-CAMV group, T-type group, K-type group, and C-type group according to their carotid artery morphology. Cognitive function in each group was evaluated with the Mini-Mental State Scale (MMSE), the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), the Verbal Fluency Test (VFT), and the Digital Span Test (DST). Results. A total of 96 patients were included in the study (32 in non-CAMV group, 34 in T-type group, 30 in K-type group, and none in C-group). The positive rate of MMSE in the non-CAMV group, the T-type group, and the K-type group was 15.6%, 14.7%, and 20.0%, respectively, with no statistical difference in the three groups (p=0.836). The positive rate of MoCA in the K-type group was significantly higher than that in the non-CAMV and the T-type groups (p<0.001), but there was no significant difference between the non-CAMV group and the T-type group (p=0.826). The VFT, DST forward score, and backward score in the K-type group were significantly lower than those in the non-CAMV and the T-type groups (p<0.001). Conclusions. K-type CAMV may cause cognitive impairment, and MoCA is superior to MMSE in identifying mild cognitive impairment caused by CAMV.
Study on Leaking Characteristics of Port Plate Pair in Primary Three-Row Axial Piston Pump/Motor
Authors: Deng Haishun , Wang Qingchun , Dai Peng , Yang Yongkang
Published: August 2018

In order to investigate the leaking characteristics of the port plate pair in primary three-row axial piston pump/motor, the present paper deducts two equations about the leakage of oil film, analyzes the effect of such parameters as oil film thickness, sealing tape width, and central angle of waist-like slot on the leakage, and arrives at the following conclusions: for the primary three-row axial piston pump/motor, the angle of heel on cylinder increases the leakage of port plat pair, but high-pressure areas on its both sides with similar displacement weaken the effect of the scope and direction of angle of heel on the leakage and help to stabilize the port plat pair’s leakage and maintain the fluid lubrication; widening the sealing tape in a reasonable range can effectively bring down the leakage and raise the volume efficiency; in case of any change in the central angle of waist-like slot, the leakage of primary three-row axial piston pump/motor appears to be more stable than common type, which is more favorable for maintaining the fluid lubrication in the port plat pair. This study can shed some light on the structural design of the primary three-row axial piston pump/motor.
Mobile Phone-Based Audio Announcement Detection and Recognition for People with Hearing Impairment
Authors: Ruan Yong , Qian Yueliang , Wang Xiangdong
Published: August 2018

Automatic audio announcement systems are widely used in public places such as transportation vehicles and facilities, hospitals, and banks. However, these systems cannot be used by people with hearing impairment. That brings great inconvenience to their lives. In this paper, an approach of audio announcement detection and recognition for the hearing-impaired people based on the smart phone is proposed and a mobile phone application (app) is developed, taking the bank as a major applying scenario. Using the app, the users can sign up alerts for their numbers and then the system begins to detect audio announcements using the microphone on the smart phone. For each audio announcement detected, the speech within it is recognized and the text is displayed on the screen of the phone. When the number the user input is announced, alert will be given by vibration. For audio announcement detection, a method based on audio segment classification and postprocessing is proposed, which uses a SVM classifier trained on audio announcements and environment noise collected in banks. For announcement speech recognition, an ASR engine is developed using a GMM-HMM-based acoustic model and a finite state transducer (FST) based grammar. The acoustic model is trained on audio announcement speech collected in banks, and the grammar is human-defined according to the patterns used by the automatic audio announcement systems. Experimental results show that character error rates (CERs) around 5% can be achieved for the announcement speech, which shows feasibility of the proposed method and system.
Systematic Development of a Wireless Sensor Network for Piezo-Based Sensing
Authors: Chen Jian , Li Peng , Song Gangbing , Tan Yu , Zheng Yongjun , Han Yu
Published: August 2018

A low-power wireless sensor/actuator network was specially developed and optimized for piezoceramic transducer-based active sensing applications. Wireless sensor network promises increased system flexibility, lower system cost, and increased robustness through decentralization. Piezoceramic signal conditioning circuit, actuating circuit, power management, and wireless microcontroller were integrated in the hardware design. IEEE 802.15.4 wireless stack protocol was implemented on the hardware, and user input/output management together with a shell provided easier debugging and configuring interface. The designed system provides a low-power wireless solution towards many applications such as wireless structural health monitoring and wireless structural vibration control.
IFNγ PET Imaging as a Predictive Tool for Monitoring Response to Tumor Immunotherapy
Authors: Gibson Heather M. , McKnight Brooke N. , Malysa Agnes , Dyson Greg , Wiesend Wendy N. , McCarthy Claire E. , Reyes Joyce , Wei Wei-Zen , Viola-Villegas Nerissa T.
Published: August 2018

IFNγ is an attractive target for imaging active antitumor immunity due to its function in the T-cell signaling axis. Here, we test an IFNγ immuno-PET (immunoPET) probe for its capacity to identify adaptive immunotherapy response after HER2/neu vaccination in both spontaneous salivary and orthotopic neu+ mouse mammary tumors. IFNγ immunoPET detected elevated cytokine levels in situ after vaccination, which inversely correlated with tumor growth rate, an indicator of response to therapy. In a model of induced T-cell anergy where CD8 T cells infiltrate the tumor, but upregulate PD-1, IFNγ tracer uptake was equivalent to isotype control, illustrating a lack of antitumor T-cell activity. The IFNγ immunoPET tracer detected IFNγ protein sequestered on the surface of tumor cells, likely in complex with the IFNγ receptor, which may explain imaging localization of this soluble factor in vivo. Collectively, we find that the activation status of cytotoxic T cells is annotated by IFNγ immunoPET, with reduced off-target binding to secondary lymphoid tissues compared with imaging total CD3+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Targeting of soluble cytokines such as IFNγ by PET imaging may provide valuable noninvasive insight into the function of immune cells in situ.

Significance: This study presents a novel approach to monitor therapeutic outcomes via IFNγ-targeted positron emission tomography. Cancer Res; 78(19); 5706–17. ©2018 AACR.
Transcriptomics and Transposon Mutagenesis Identify Multiple Mechanisms of Resistance to the FGFR Inhibitor AZD4547
Authors: Kas Sjors M. , de Ruiter Julian R. , Schipper Koen , Schut Eva , Bombardelli Lorenzo , Wientjens Ellen , Drenth Anne Paulien , de Korte-Grimmerink Renske , Mahakena Sunny , Phillips Christopher , Smith Paul D. , Klarenbeek Sjoerd , van de Wetering Koen , Berns Anton , Wessels Lodewyk F.A. , Jonkers Jos
Published: August 2018

In human cancers, FGFR signaling is frequently hyperactivated by deregulation of FGF ligands or by activating mutations in the FGFR receptors such as gene amplifications, point mutations, and gene fusions. As such, FGFR inhibitors are considered an attractive therapeutic strategy for patients with mutations in FGFR family members. We previously identified Fgfr2 as a key driver of invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) in an in vivo insertional mutagenesis screen using the Sleeping Beauty transposon system. Here we explore whether these FGFR-driven ILCs are sensitive to the FGFR inhibitor AZD4547 and use transposon mutagenesis in these tumors to identify potential mechanisms of resistance to therapy. Combined with RNA sequencing-based analyses of AZD4547-resistant tumors, our in vivo approach identified several known and novel potential resistance mechanisms to FGFR inhibition, most of which converged on reactivation of the canonical MAPK–ERK signaling cascade. Observed resistance mechanisms included mutations in the tyrosine kinase domain of FGFR2, overexpression of MET, inactivation of RASA1, and activation of the drug-efflux transporter ABCG2. ABCG2 and RASA1 were identified only from de novo transposon insertions acquired during AZD4547 treatment, demonstrating that insertional mutagenesis in mice is an effective tool for identifying potential mechanisms of resistance to targeted cancer therapies.

Significance: These findings demonstrate that a combined approach of transcriptomics and insertional mutagenesis in vivo is an effective method for identifying potential targets to overcome resistance to therapy in the clinic. Cancer Res; 78(19); 5668–79. ©2018 AACR.
Colorectal Cancer Incidence Trends by Age, Stage, and Racial/Ethnic Group in California, 1990–2014
Authors: Ellis Libby , Abrahão Renata , McKinley Meg , Yang Juan , Somsouk Ma , Marchand Loic Le , Cheng Iona , Gomez Scarlett Lin , Shariff-Marco Salma
Published: August 2018

Background: The incidence of colorectal cancer in the United States declined substantially over the past 20 years, but evidence suggests that among younger adults (under 50 years at diagnosis), incidence is increasing. However, data on age- and stage-specific incidence trends across racial/ethnic groups are limited.

Methods: All incident cases of colorectal cancer diagnosed from 1990 through 2014 in adults aged 20 years and older were obtained from the California Cancer Registry. Incidence rates (per 100,000), incidence rate ratios, and triannual percent changes in incidence were estimated for each age group at diagnosis (20–49, 50–74, 75+ years), sex, stage, and race/ethnicity (non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black, Hispanic, and 7 Asian American groups).

Results: Of 349,176 incident colorectal cancer cases diagnosed from 1990 through 2014, 9% were in adults younger than 50 years. Increases in incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer, especially in regional/distant stage disease, were observed in most racial/ethnic groups (statistically significant for non-Hispanic whites and Hispanics, ranging from 0.9% to 2.9% every 3 years). Incidence also increased in Vietnamese and other Southeast Asian groups of screening age (50–74 years). The incidence of colorectal cancer in non-Hispanic blacks aged 50+ declined over the 25-year period, but remained significantly higher than in non-Hispanic whites.

Conclusions: Further research is needed to understand the causes of the increasing incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer. The rising incidence of colorectal cancer among Southeast Asians of screening age and the persistently high incidence in non-Hispanic blacks also warrant attention.

Impact: Our findings may have implications for revisiting screening guidelines in the United States. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(9); 1011–8. ©2018 AACR.
Preclinical Efficacy of the Novel Monocarboxylate Transporter 1 Inhibitor BAY-8002 and Associated Markers of Resistance
Authors: Quanz Maria , Bender Eckhard , Kopitz Charlotte , Grünewald Sylvia , Schlicker Andreas , Schwede Wolfgang , Eheim Ashley , Toschi Luisella , Neuhaus Roland , Richter Carmen , Toedling Joern , Merz Claudia , Lesche Ralf , Kamburov Atanas , Siebeneicher Holger , Bauser Marcus , Hägebarth Andrea
Published: August 2018

The lactate transporter SLC16A1/monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1) plays a central role in tumor cell energy homeostasis. In a cell-based screen, we identified a novel class of MCT1 inhibitors, including BAY-8002, which potently suppress bidirectional lactate transport. We investigated the antiproliferative activity of BAY-8002 in a panel of 246 cancer cell lines and show that hematopoietic tumor cells, in particular diffuse large B-cell lymphoma cell lines, and subsets of solid tumor models are particularly sensitive to MCT1 inhibition. Associated markers of sensitivity were, among others, lack of MCT4 expression, low pleckstrin homology like domain family A member 2, and high pellino E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 1 expression. The antitumor effect of MCT1 inhibition was less pronounced on tumor xenografts, with tumor stasis being the maximal response. BAY-8002 significantly increased intratumor lactate levels and transiently modulated pyruvate levels. In order to address potential acquired resistance mechanisms to MCT1 inhibition, we generated MCT1 inhibitor–resistant cell lines and show that resistance can occur by upregulation of MCT4 even in the presence of sufficient oxygen, as well as by shifting energy generation toward oxidative phosphorylation. These findings provide insight into novel aspects of tumor response to MCT1 modulation and offer further rationale for patient selection in the clinical development of MCT1 inhibitors. Mol Cancer Ther; 17(11); 2285–96. ©2018 AACR.
Komodo Dragon Predation on Crab-Eating Macaques at the Rinca Island’s Visitor Centre, Indonesia
Authors: Imron Muhammad Ali , Satria Ryan Adi , Ramlan Mohamad Faqih Pratama
Published: August 2018

We investigated the proportion of crab-eating macaques in the diet of Komodo dragons and quantified the spatial habitat use between the species as a proxy for predation threat and in relation to prey availability due to ecotourism. In 2013, in Loh Buaya valley of Rinca Island, Komodo National Park, we conducted macroscopic identification of hairs, claws, dentition and osteological remains of consumed prey. For habitat use, we quantified the use of vertical strata by macaques through focal animal sampling. For Komodo dragons in the valley, macaques were a significant component of their diet (20.7%), ranking second after rusa deer (58.6%); the proportion of macaques we observed in the diet is much higher than in previous studies. An increased use of the forest floor by macaques at this site may increase their vulnerability as a prey species, especially in the daytime when tourist presence impacts the availability of other favoured prey species.
Spontaneous Viral Clearance in Sixteen HIV-Infected Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C
Authors: Soares Jorge , Santos João Vasco , Sarmento António , Costa-Pereira Altamiro
Published: August 2018

Background/Aims: Spontaneous viral clearance of the chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients is a rare event. We aimed to identify the clinical, therapeutic, demographic, and laboratory features associated with spontaneous HCV clearance in 16 HIV-infected patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC, the largest case series, to our knowledge). Methods: This case series study reports the findings from 16 HIV/HCV coinfected patients with CHC who experienced spontaneous clearance of HCV infection. Patients were monitored between 2000 and 2013 in the Infectious Diseases Outpatient Clinic at the Centro Hospitalar S. João, Porto, Portugal. Results: Apart from antiretroviral therapy (ART), all patients were also consuming other potential hepatotoxic drugs (e.g., alcohol, illicit drugs, methadone, and antituberculosis medication). In all but 1 of the 16 HIV-infected patients with CHC, viral remission was associated with a temporary suspension of the ART. All patients showed a sustained HCV viral clearance. Conclusion: A possible drug-induced liver injury and/or suspension of ART may, in some cases, contribute to increasing the chances of spontaneous HCV clearance in HIV-infected patients with CHC.
Faecal Particle Size in Free-Ranging Proboscis Monkeys, Nasalis larvatus: Variation between Seasons
Authors: Thiry Valentine , Clauss Marcus , Stark Danica J. , Beudels-Jamar Roseline C. , Drubbel Régine Vercauteren , Nathan Senthilvel K.S.S. , Goossens Benoît , Vercauteren Martine
Published: August 2018

Reducing the size of food particles is crucial for herbivores. Seasonal dietary changes are known to influence animals’ chewing efficiency. Proboscis monkeys (Nasalis larvatus) are foregut fermenters, with a high chewing efficiency allowing them to achieve very fine faecal particles. In this study, we investigated how proboscis monkeys’ chewing efficiency varies between wet and dry seasons, hypothesising differences possibly related to diet change. Faecal particle size analysis is an established approach to estimate chewing efficiency in mammalian herbivores. We analysed 113 proboscis monkey faecal samples collected in the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, between 2015 and 2017. By following standard sieve analysis protocols, we measured a mean particle size MPS0.025–8 of 0.45 ± 0.14 mm, and confirmed a previous result that proboscis monkeys have a very low faecal MPS. This study highlights a seasonal influence on proboscis monkeys’ chewing efficiency, with smaller MPS (better chewing efficiency) during the wet season. During that time of the year, individuals may potentially change their diet, as all faecal samples contained intact seeds. Whether the seasonal MPS difference in proboscis monkeys is smaller than in other colobines due to their “rumination” strategy remains to be investigated.
Factor X Deficiency Caused by Nonsecretory Myeloma Successfully Corrected with Bortezomib: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Jia Jing , Wang Huijuan , Wu Miaomiao , Zhang Feilong , Liu Xuelin , Chen Wenming , Liu Aijun
Published: August 2018

A 62-year-old female presenting with anemia and extensive hemorrhages is reported. Coagulation tests showed significantly prolonged prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time. Decreased levels of clotting factor X activity were determined (5.4%). Bone marrow biopsy revealed neoplastic plasma cells. Serum and urine protein electrophoresis were both negative for monoclonal gammopathy, and both bone marrow and abdominal fat biopsies were negative for amyloid deposition. The patient was diagnosed as suffering from nonsecretory multiple myeloma (MM) complicated by acquired factor X deficiency. A complete response (CR) of the myeloma and recovery of factor X activity (56.6%) were achieved after the administration of treatment, including chemotherapy and bortezomib. We suggest that patients with nonsecretory MM might present with factor X deficiency and should be carefully screened for light chain amyloidosis. Novel agents such as bortezomib should be highly considered as treatment in these patients.
Treatment Efficiency of Different Routes of Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Injection in Rat Liver Fibrosis Model
Authors: Idriss Naglaa K. , Sayyed Hayam G. , Osama Amany , Sabry Dina
Published: August 2018

Background/Aims: The most appropriate route for bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell (BM-MSC) transplantation in the management of liver fibrosis remains controversial. This study investigated the therapeutic efficacy of intravenous and intrasplenic BM-MSC transplantation on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced rat liver fibrosis. Methods: Fifty rats were divided into 5 groups (n = 10 rats per group): healthy control group, CCl4 group, CCl4/ recovery group, CCl4/BM-MSC intravenous group, and CCl4/BM-MSC intrasplenic group. BM-MSCs were isolated, labeled with green fluorescent protein (GFP), and injected into fibrotic rats either intravenously or intrasplenically. Gene expression of interleukins (IL-1β and IL-6), interferon (INF)-γ, hepatic growth factor, and the hepatocyte-specific marker cytokeratin 18 was estimated by quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Vascular endothelial growth factor and connective tissue growth factor was detected by western blot analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. At 2 weeks after intravenous and intrasplenic BM-MSC injections, GFP-positive cells were detected in liver tissue. Results: Both routes achieved a similar enhancement of liver function, which was confirmed by histopathological examination. The intravenous route was more effective than the intrasplenic route in reducing gene expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and INF-γ. However, fibrotic changes were still observed in the recovery group. Conclusion: Intravenous BM-MSC injection was an efficient and appropriate route for BM-MSC transplantation for the management of liver fibrosis.
PCI29732, a Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor, Enhanced the Efficacy of Conventional Chemotherapeutic Agents in ABCG2-Overexpressing Cancer Cells
Authors: Ge Chunlei , Wang Fang , Cui Chaochu , Su Xiaodong , To Kenneth Kin Wah , Wang Xiaokun , Zhang Hui , Song Xin , Fu Liwu
Published: August 2018

Background/Aims: Multidrug resistance (MDR) induced by the ABC transporter subfamily B member 1 (ABCB1) and subfamilyG member 2 (ABCG2) limits successful cancer chemotherapy and no commercially available MDR modulator is used in the clinic. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the effects of PCI29732 on the enhancement of chemotherapeutic agents. Methods: Cell cytotoxicity and reversal effect were measured with MTT assay. Additionally, flow cytometry was employed to detect the accumulation and efflux of the drugs. We investigated the interaction of PCI29732 and the substrate binding sites of ABCG2 was investigated via the photo-labeling of ABCG2 with the [125I] iodoarylazidoprazosin. The vanadate-sensitive ATPase activity of ABCG2 was measured to identify whether the drug affected the ATPase activity. RT-PCR and Western blot were utilized to analyze mRNA and protein expression respectively. Results: Here, we found that PCI29732 significantly enhanced the efficacy of substrate chemotherapeutic agents in ABCG2-overexpressing cells and also in xenografts harboring the H460/MX20 cell that overexpress ABCG2, but not in their parental sensitive cells and ABCB1-overexpressing cells. Mechanistically, the intracellular accumulations of doxorubicin and Rhodamine 123 were increased in ABCG2-overexpressing S1-MI-80 cells with the presence of PCI29732. PCI29732 stimulated the ATPase activity of ABCG2 at low concentrations. However at the high concentrations, PCI29732 inhibited the ATPase activity, and competed with [125I]-iodoarylazidoprazosin for photo-affinity labeling of ABCG2. PCI29732 did neither alter the mRNA or protein expression levels of ABCG2 nor the phosphorylation levels of AKT and ERK1/2. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that PCI29732 inhibits the function of ABCG2 by competitively binding to the ATP-binding site of ABCG2 and enhances the anti-tumor efficacy of substrate chemotherapeutic agents, This findings encourages the development of combinational chemotherapy for the treatment of ABCG2- overexpressing cancer patients.
Evidence of Decreased Activity in Intermediate-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels During Retinoic Acid–Induced Differentiation in Motor Neuron–Like NSC-34 Cells
Authors: Chen Pei-Chun , Ruan Jing-Syuna , Wu Sheng-Nan
Published: August 2018

Background/Aims: Intermediate-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (IKCa; KCa3.1 or KCNN4) channels affect the behaviors of central neurons including motor neurons. The mechanism through which neuronal differentiation is related to the activity of these channels remains largely unclear. Methods: By using various molecular biology tools and electrophysiological measurements, we investigated possible changes in the activity of IKCa channels in a retinoic acid (RA)-induced differentiation process in motor neuron-like NSC-34 cells. Results: The protein and messenger RNA expression of KCa3.1 substantially diminished as NSC-34 cells were differentiated with low serum (1%) and 1 µM RA. In whole-cell current recordings, the density of delayed-rectifier K+ currents obtained from differentiated cells was elevated. However, the density of a ramp pulse-elicited K+ current that was sensitive to blockage by 1-((2-chlorophenyl) (diphenyl)methyl)-1H-pyrazole (TRAM-34)—an inhibitor of IKCa channels—was significantly higher in undifferentiated NSC-34 cells than in differentiated cells. In undifferentiated cells, the activity of IKCa channels was readily detected and the probability of channel openings was resistant to stimulation by diazoxide or suppression by verruculogen. Furthermore, this probability was increased by 5,6-dichloro-1-ethyl-1,3-dihydro-2H-benzimidazol-2-one or 9-phenanthrol and reduced by TRAM-34. The channel-opening probability decreased in RA-induced differentiated cells, whereas the single-channel conductance of IKCa channels did not differ between undifferentiated and differentiated cells. Moreover, the slow component of the mean closed time in these channels was significantly shorter in undifferentiated cells than in differentiated cells; however, the mean open time in the channel remained unchanged as cells were differentiated. Conclusion: RA-induced differentiation in neurons could exert a suppressive effect on the activity of IKCa channels.
Checking Up on (ϕ-)Agree
Authors: Bjorkman Bronwyn M. , Zeijlstra Hedde
Published: August 2018

We argue for a uniformly upward-probing implementation of Agree (Upward Agree, UA), showing that it can account for a wide range of long-distance agreement phenomena, including cases that have been cited as evidence against earlier UA models of ϕ-agreement. Our core revision to earlier UA approaches is a distinction between checking and valuation: while we maintain that checking is strictly regulated by UA, we propose that valuation depends on a secondary relation of accessibility, which allows valuation of a higher probe by a lower, accessible goal, in cases where the checker of the probe cannot (fully) value it. This model provides a better account of asymmetries between Spec-head agreement and long-distance agreement patterns, and also accounts for movement-agreement interactions without a need for EPP features.
Certainty Is Primarily Determined by Past Performance During Concept Learning
Authors: Martí Louis , Mollica Francis , Piantadosi Steven , Kidd Celeste
Published: August 2018

Prior research has yielded mixed findings on whether learners’ certainty reflects veridical probabilities from observed evidence. We compared predictions from an idealized model of learning to humans’ subjective reports of certainty during a Boolean concept-learning task in order to examine subjective certainty over the course of abstract, logical concept learning. Our analysis evaluated theoretically motivated potential predictors of certainty to determine how well each predicted participants’ subjective reports of certainty. Regression analyses that controlled for individual differences demonstrated that despite learning curves tracking the ideal learning models, reported certainty was best explained by performance rather than measures derived from a learning model. In particular, participants’ confidence was driven primarily by how well they observed themselves doing, not by idealized statistical inferences made from the data they observed.
“Religious” as a Category: A Comparative Case Study
Authors: Campany Robert Ford
Published: August 2018

Rightly noting that premodern non-Western cultures lacked a version of the modern Western category of “the religious,” some scholars have proposed simply abandoning it. Meanwhile, other scholars continue to wield it uncritically. In this article I propose a middle way, using premodern China as an example. Although China had no category exactly matching “the religious” in meaning and scope, it did, I argue, have an analogous category, one that functioned somewhat similarly in a partially analogous discourse that, like the Western category, formed part of an imperial project. More generally, I suggest that we do well to inquire into the extent to which the cultures we study possessed analogues to the categories and concepts in terms of which we characterize them, rather than assume either that they did or that they did not.
Halotolerant Copepoda in South American inland saline waters
Authors: De los Ríos Patricio , Bayly Ian A. E.
Published: August 2018

The zooplankton in South American saline waters is mainly dominated by copepods at salinities lower than 90 g/l, whereas at salinities above 90 g/l Artemia sp. is totally dominant. The aim of the present study is to analyse the salinity range of halophilic copepods on the basis of a literature review for South American saline inland waters. The calanoid Boeckella poopoensis Marsh, 1906, is widespread on the South American Altiplano and southern Argentinian plains, and in southern Patagonian shallow ponds. In the upper part of the salinity range, 20-90 g/l, B. poopoensis is the only copepod in the zooplankton of southern Patagonian and Altiplano shallow lakes. In the salinity range 5-20 g/l B. poopoensis may co-exist with B. palustris (Harding, 1955), two cyclopoids and an harpacticoid, and at salinities lower than 5 g/l it may co-exist with an even wider range of copepod species. Ecological and biogeographical aspects are also discussed.
The parasitic barnacle Sacculina lata Boschma, 1933 (Cirripedia, Rhizocephala, Sacculinidae) infecting the commercial swimming crab Charybdis miles (De Haan, 1835) (Decapoda, Portunidae) in the Beibu Gulf, South China Sea
Authors: Yang Chang-Ping , Sun Dian-Rong , Qiu Yong-Song , Liu Yan , Shan Binbin , Li Teng , Liu Shengnan
Published: August 2018

A sacculinid rhizocephalan parasite,Sacculina lataBoschma, 1933, was discovered in the Beibu Gulf (= Gulf of Tonkin) west of Hainan Island, China, occurring in 7.4% of 363Charybdis miles(De Haan, 1835) collected by 30 trawls in July 2017. This is the first time thatS. latahas been recorded in Beibu Gulf and in the Chinese Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). Of the sampled crabs from 9 stations, 8 males and 19 females were found bearing externae ofS. lataon the abdomen, a prevalence of 4.1 and 11.2% in male and female crabs, respectively. The dominant size group of infected males was larger than that of females. There was no significant relationship between water depth and infection rate of the parasite. A positive correlation was found both between volume and weight of externae, and between surface area of externae and abdomen width of the host crabs. Carapace width and wet weight of infected crabs were significantly less than those of uninfected crabs. In male crabs, the first pleopods of infected individuals were shorter than normal, but their pleons were wider. The propodus of the chela of a parasitized crab was significantly larger than that of normal crabs, both in males and females. No rhizocephalan-infected female crab was found bearing eggs.
Fairness in National Courts Prosecuting International Crimes: The Case of the War Crimes Chamber of Bosnia-Herzegovina
Authors: Meernik James , Barron Josue
Published: August 2018

The Bosnian War Crimes Chamber was established to adjudicate cases of violations of international law by lower-ranking individuals in Bosnia-Herzegovina, who were not prosecuted by the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY). One of the most critical issues facing this Court, however, is whether its justice is unbiased by the ethnic divisions that characterized the Bosnian War (1992–1995) and the politics of Bosnia-Herzegovina ever since. Using a new database of first instance verdicts from the War Crimes Chamber (WCC), we test for the impact of ethnic bias on verdicts and sentences. While initial analyses seem to suggest such bias may exist, our multivariate model of sentencing indicates that other factors such as the gravity of the crimes and individual circumstances play a more powerful role than ethnicity.
A Last-Minute Private Peace Initiative: Albert Ballin’s Mediation Efforts between Germany and Britain, 1908-1914
Authors: Lehrs Lior
Published: August 2018

As relations between Germany and Britain were deteriorating during the years 1908-1914, Albert Ballin, a German businessman, became concerned and decided to promote Anglo–German talks on naval arms limitations in order to halt the naval arms race and improve relations between the two states. This article analyses Albert Ballin’s — and his British friend Ernest Cassel’s — private peace initiatives during the years 1908-1914 as a historical example of ‘unofficial diplomacy’ long before this term was discussed in International Relations literature. It examines the tools and conditions that created the basis for Ballin’s initiatives and explores his role in the diplomatic processes between Germany and Britain before the First World War. Ballin’s and Cassel’s unofficial, persistent peace efforts had some effect on the official diplomatic sphere and led to official negotiations, but they ultimately failed in their attempt to promote an agreement or to prevent the war.
Reporting to the Sage: Military Monuments in the Imperial Academy in Qing China
Authors: Tang Kwok-leong
Published: August 2018

This article presents a study of a unique kind of commemorative stele erected by Qing emperors in the Imperial Academy—the symbol of Confucian culture and civilian education—and also replicated in schools across China. Before the Qing dynasty (1644-1911), Chinese rulers did not install military monuments at the academy. In this article, I argue that the Qing emperors erected war monuments in the Imperial Academy to justify and commemorate their wars of conquest. As the emperors required the stelae to be replicated at some of the local schools across China, they became widely accessible to the public. However, the Qing emperors, particularly the Qianlong emperor, were concerned that the stelae could become symbols of abusive warfare, thereby undermining their claims to rule in accordance with Confucian ideals. For this reason, they carefully selected the campaigns to commemorate and ensured that inscriptions on the stelae explained that they had no choice but to embark on war in these instances.
Subutai: Sorting Fact from Fiction Surrounding the Mongol Empire’s Greatest General (With Translations of Subutai’s Two Biographies in the Yuan Shi)
Authors: Pow Stephen , Liao Jingjing
Published: August 2018

Subutai [Sübe’etei], often referred to as the greatest of the Mongol Empire’s generals, has increasingly become a topic of popular interest. However, the literature about him continues to rely on secondary sources so that popular and scholarly work alike often contains and perpetuates ahistorical statements regarding his origins and his military career. Based on the assumption that many errors have been perpetuated because Chinese source material has not been sufficiently integrated into available Western literature, this paper aims to offer a two-part corrective to the problem. First, an introductory essay will analyze several aspects of Subutai’s life and career that are often misrepresented. Secondly, complete English translations of the two biographies of Subutai found in the 121st and 122nd chapters of theYuan Shiare provided.
The Rescue of British by Chinese at Yenangyaung and Slim’s Flawed Account of the Battle
Authors: Wang Z. George
Published: August 2018

Chinese and British troops fought shoulder to shoulder against the Japanese at Yenangyaung, Burma, in mid-April 1942. The official military histories of the two nations, however, record the Yenangyaung battle and appraise the Chinese contribution in striking disagreement. To find the truth through reconciling the significant discrepancies in existence for seven decades, materials of various countries have been comparatively studied. The article will present the following conclusions from this forensic inquiry: i) the narrative of the Yenangyaung battle by William Slim, the commanding officer of the British-Chinese joint forces in the battle, is fraught with misrepresentations; and ii) the official British military history errs in denying the Chinese rescue of the British troops.
Concentric Eyewall Formation in Typhoon Sinlaku (2008). Part III: Horizontal Momentum Budget Analyses
Authors: Huang Yi-Hsuan , Wu Chun-Chieh , Montgomery Michael T.
Published: August 2018

This is a follow-up work to two prior studies examining secondary eyewall formation (SEF) in Typhoon Sinlaku (2008). This study shows that, in the SEF region, the majority of the elevated winds are supergradient. About two-thirds of the rapid increase in tangential wind tendencies immediately prior to SEF are attributed to agradient wind tendencies. This suggests the importance of nonlinear, unbalanced dynamical processes in SEF in addition to the classical axisymmetric balanced response to forcings of heating and momentum. In the SEF region, analyses show two distinct responsible processes for the increasing azimuthal tangential wind in two vertical intervals. Within the boundary inflow layer, the competing effect between the mean radial influx of absolute vorticity and deceleration caused by surface friction and subgrid diffusion yields a secondary maximum of positive tendency. Analyses further demonstrate the major impact of the mean radial influx of absolute vorticity on SEF. Above the boundary inflow layer, the vertical advection acts to vertically extend the tangential wind jet via the lofting of the enhanced tangential momentum farther upward. The roles of the nonlinear unbalanced dynamics in these two processes are discussed in this paper. From a Lagrangian perspective, the persistently increasing agradient force outweighs the frictional loss, effectively decelerating boundary layer inflowing air across the SEF region. This explains the sharpening of the radial gradient of boundary layer inflow, which is shown to be responsible for the buildup of a zone with concentrated boundary layer convergence. The previously proposed unbalanced dynamical pathway to SEF is elaborated upon and supported by the current results and discussion.
The Unexpected Rapid Intensification of Tropical Cyclones in Moderate Vertical Wind Shear. Part I: Overview and Observations
Authors: Ryglicki David R. , Cossuth Joshua H. , Hodyss Daniel , Doyle James D.
Published: August 2018

A satellite-based investigation is performed of a class of tropical cyclones (TCs) that unexpectedly undergo rapid intensification (RI) in moderate vertical wind shear between 5 and 10 m s−1 calculated as 200–850-hPa shear. This study makes use of both infrared (IR; 11 μm) and water vapor (WV; 6.5 μm) geostationary satellite data, the Statistical Hurricane Prediction Intensity System (SHIPS), and model reanalyses to highlight commonalities of the six TCs. The commonalities serve as predictive guides for forecasters and common features that can be used to constrain and verify idealized modeling studies. Each of the TCs exhibits a convective cloud structure that is identified as a tilt-modulated convective asymmetry (TCA). These TCAs share similar shapes, upshear-relative positions, and IR cloud-top temperatures (below −70°C). They pulse over the core of the TC with a periodicity of between 4 and 8 h. Using WV satellite imagery, two additional features identified are asymmetric warming/drying upshear of the TC relative to downshear, as well as radially thin arc-shaped clouds on the upshear side. The WV brightness temperatures of these arcs are between −40° and −60°C. All of the TCs are sheared by upper-level anticyclones, which limits the strongest environmental winds to near the tropopause.
It’s Time to Upgrade to Principal Selection 2.0
Authors: Palmer Brandon
Published: August 2018

Education researchers have continually noted the importance of the principal in affecting student achievement and school success. Despite this importance, school districts seldom use reliable methods to select principals. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the selection processes used to select principals in California. Results indicate that public school principals were selected to their current principalship by the least reliable and least predictive methods of selection. Education stakeholders should make a concerted effort to improve principal selection methods.
Exploring the Spatial Dependence and Selection Bias of Double Parking Citations Data
Authors: Gao Jingqin , Xie Kun , Ozbay Kaan
Published: August 2018

Parking violation citations, often used to identify factors contributing to parking violation behavior, offer one of the most valuable datasets for traffic operation research. However, little has been done to examine their spatial dependence caused by location-specific differences in features such as traffic, land use, etc., and potential selection biases resulting from different effects of traffic enforcement. This study leveraged extensive data on double parking citations in Manhattan, New York City, in 2015, along with other relevant datasets including land use, transportation, and sociodemographic features. Moran’s I statistics confirmed that double parking tickets were spatially correlated so that spatial lag and spatial error models were proposed to account for the spatial dependence of parking tickets to avoid biased estimates. To investigate whether selection bias exists in issuing tickets, we estimated the effects of parking ticket density and police precinct distance, when controlling for variables such as commercial area, truck activity, taxi demand, population, hotels, and restaurants. Parking ticket density and police precinct distance were used as indicators of the enforcement levels and coverage and were found to be statistically significant. This indicated the existence of selection bias due to heterogeneity in enforcement levels or coverage across different regions. Moreover, patrol patterns of traffic enforcement officers revealed that the majority had less than three daily patterns. These findings can assist with proper usage of the citation data by recommending that researchers and agencies consider spatial dependence as well as selection bias, and provide insights for parking violation management strategies.
Additively manufactured versus conventionally pressed cranioplasty implants: An accuracy comparison
Authors: Peel Sean , Eggbeer Dominic , Burton Hanna , Hanson Hayley , Evans Peter L
Published: August 2018

This article compared the accuracy of producing patient-specific cranioplasty implants using four different approaches. Benchmark geometry was designed to represent a cranium and a defect added simulating a craniectomy. An ‘ideal’ contour reconstruction was calculated and compared against reconstructions resulting from the four approaches –‘conventional’, ‘semi-digital’, ‘digital – non-automated’ and ‘digital – semi-automated’. The ‘conventional’ approach relied on hand carving a reconstruction, turning this into a press tool, and pressing titanium sheet. This approach is common in the UK National Health Service. The ‘semi-digital’ approach removed the hand-carving element. Both of the ‘digital’ approaches utilised additive manufacturing to produce the end-use implant. The geometries were designed using a non-specialised computer-aided design software and a semi-automated cranioplasty implant-specific computer-aided design software. It was found that all plates were clinically acceptable and that the digitally designed and additive manufacturing plates were as accurate as the conventional implants. There were no significant differences between the additive manufacturing plates designed using non-specialised computer-aided design software and those designed using the semi-automated tool. The semi-automated software and additive manufacturing production process were capable of producing cranioplasty implants of similar accuracy to multi-purpose software and additive manufacturing, and both were more accurate than handmade implants. The difference was not of clinical significance, demonstrating that the accuracy of additive manufacturing cranioplasty implants meets current best practice.