bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RANDOMNESS VIA INFINITE COMPUTATION AND EFFECTIVE DESCRIPTIVE SET THEORY
Authors: CARL MERLIN , SCHLICHT PHILIPP
Published: August 2018

We study randomness beyond${\rm{\Pi }}_1^1$-randomness and its Martin-Löf type variant, which was introduced in [16] and further studied in [3]. Here we focus on a class strictly between${\rm{\Pi }}_1^1$and${\rm{\Sigma }}_2^1$that is given by the infinite time Turing machines (ITTMs) introduced by Hamkins and Kidder. The main results show that the randomness notions associated with this class have several desirable properties, which resemble those of classical random notions such as Martin-Löf randomness and randomness notions defined via effective descriptive set theory such as${\rm{\Pi }}_1^1$-randomness. For instance, mutual randoms do not share information and a version of van Lambalgen’s theorem holds.

Towards these results, we prove the following analogue to a theorem of Sacks. If a real is infinite time Turing computable relative to all reals in some given set of reals with positive Lebesgue measure, then it is already infinite time Turing computable. As a technical tool towards this result, we prove facts of independent interest about random forcing over increasing unions of admissible sets, which allow efficient proofs of some classical results about hyperarithmetic sets.
THE COMPUTATIONAL CONTENT OF INTRINSIC DENSITY
Authors: ASTOR ERIC P.
Published: August 2018

In a previous article, the author introduced the idea of intrinsic density—a restriction of asymptotic density to sets whose density is invariant under computable permutation. We prove that sets with well-defined intrinsic density (and particularly intrinsic density 0) exist only in Turing degrees that are either high (${\bf{a}}\prime { \ge _{\rm{T}}}\emptyset \prime \prime$) or compute a diagonally noncomputable function. By contrast, a classic construction of an immune set in every noncomputable degree actually yields a set with intrinsic lower density 0 in every noncomputable degree.

We also show that the former result holds in the sense of reverse mathematics, in that (over RCA0) the existence of a dominating or diagonally noncomputable function is equivalent to the existence of a set with intrinsic density 0.
Identifying voter preferences for politicians’ personal attributes: a conjoint experiment in Japan
Authors: Horiuchi Yusaku , Smith Daniel M. , Yamamoto Teppei
Published: August 2018

Although politicians’ personal attributes are an important component of elections and representation, few studies have rigorously investigated which attributes are most relevant in shaping voters’ preferences for politicians, or whether these preferences vary across different electoral system contexts. We investigate these questions with a conjoint survey experiment using the case of Japan’s mixed-member bicameral system. We find that the attributes preferred by voters are not entirely consistent with the observed attributes of actual politicians. Moreover, voters’ preferences do not vary when asked to consider representation under different electoral system contexts, whereas the observed attributes of politicians do vary across these contexts. These findings point to the role of factors beyond voters’ sincere preferences, such as parties’ recruitment strategies, the effect of electoral rules on the salience of the personal vote, and the availability of different types of politicians, in determining the nature of representation.
INITIAL IMPROVEMENT OF THE HYBRID ACCELERATED GRADIENT DESCENT PROCESS
Authors: PANIĆ STEFAN , PETROVIĆ MILENA J. , CAREVIĆ MIROSLAVA MIHAJLOV
Published: August 2018

We improve the convergence properties of the iterative scheme for solving unconstrained optimisation problems introduced in Petrovic et al. [‘Hybridization of accelerated gradient descent method’, Numer. Algorithms (2017), doi:10.1007/s11075-017-0460-4] by optimising the value of the initial step length parameter in the backtracking line search procedure. We prove the validity of the algorithm and illustrate its advantages by numerical experiments and comparisons.
Effects of prebiotic inulin-type fructans on blood metabolite and hormone concentrations and faecal microbiota and metabolites in overweight dogs
Authors: Alexander Celeste , Cross Tzu-Wen L. , Devendran Saravanan , Neumer Franka , Theis Stephan , Ridlon Jason M. , Suchodolski Jan S. , de Godoy Maria R. C. , Swanson Kelly S.
Published: August 2018

Because obesity is associated with many co-morbidities, including diabetes mellitus, this study evaluated the second-meal effect of a commercial prebiotic, inulin-type fructans, and the effects of the prebiotic on faecal microbiota, metabolites and bile acids (BA). Nine overweight beagles were used in a replicated 3×3 Latin square design to test a non-prebiotic control (cellulose) against a low (equivalent to 0·5 % diet) and high dose (equivalent to 1·0 % diet) of prebiotic over 14-d treatments. All dogs were fed the same diet twice daily, with treatments provided orally via gelatin capsules before meals. On days 13 or 14 of each period, fresh faecal samples were collected, dogs were fed at 08.00 hours and then challenged with 1 g/kg body weight of maltodextrin in place of the 16.00 hours meal. Repeated blood samples were analysed for glucose and hormone concentrations to determine postprandial incremental AUC (IAUC) data. Baseline glucose, insulin and active glucagon-like peptide-1 levels were similar between all groups (P>0·10). Glucose and insulin IAUC after glucose challenge appeared lower following the high dose, but did not reach statistical relevance. Prebiotic intervention resulted in an increase in relative abundance of some Firmicutes and a decrease in the relative abundance of some Proteobacteria. Individual and total faecal SCFA were significantly increased (P<0·05) following prebiotic supplementation. Total concentration of excreted faecal BA tended to increase in dogs fed the prebiotic (P=0·06). Our results indicate that higher doses of inulin-type prebiotics may serve as modulators of gut microbiota, metabolites and BA pool in overweight dogs.
Battling in the Bronx: Social Choreography and Outlaw Culture Among Early Hip-Hop Streetdancers in New York City
Authors: Johnson Imani Kai
Published: August 2018

This article closely examines oral histories of b-boys Aby and Kwikstep, b-girl Baby Love, and poppers Cartoon and Wiggles, and the social choreography necessary to navigate the streets of the South Bronx in the 1970s and 1980s that has an indelible link to four core battling principles as articulated by 1970s b-boy Trac2: survivalism, strategizing, nomadism, and illusionism. By comparing and contrasting foundational elements of battling techniques with life lessons about growing up in the Bronx, the comparison signals the impact of “outlaw culture” within hip-hop, and the counterdominant sensibilities taught in battle cyphers.
Modeling and trajectory tracking control of a two-wheeled mobile robot: Gibbs–Appell and prediction-based approaches
Authors: Mirzaeinejad Hossein , Shafei Ali Mohammad
Published: August 2018

This study deals with the problem of trajectory tracking of wheeled mobile robots (WMR's) under non-holonomic constraints and in the presence of model uncertainties. To solve this problem, the kinematic and dynamic models of a WMR are first derived by applying the recursive Gibbs–Appell method. Then, new kinematics- and dynamics-based multivariable controllers are analytically developed by using the predictive control approach. The control laws are optimally derived by minimizing a pointwise quadratic cost function for the predicted tracking errors of the WMR. The main feature of the obtained closed-form control laws is that online optimization is not needed for their implementation. The prediction time, as a free parameter in the control laws, makes it possible to achieve a compromise between tracking accuracy and implementable control inputs. Finally, the performance of the proposed controller is compared with that of a sliding mode controller, reported in the literature, through simulations of some trajectory tracking maneuvers.
Multi-robot system optimization based on redundant serial spherical mechanism for robotic minimally invasive surgery
Authors: Nelson C. A. , Laribi M. A. , Zeghloul S.
Published: August 2018

Serial spherical linkages have been used in the design of a number of robots for minimally invasive surgery, in order to mechanically constrain the surgical instrument with respect to the incision. However, the typical serial spherical mechanism suffers from conflicting design objectives, resulting in an unsuitable compromise between avoiding collision with the patient and producing good kinematic and workspace characteristics. In this paper, we propose a multi-robot system composed of two redundant serial spherical linkages to achieve this purpose. A multi-objective optimization for achieving the aforementioned design goals is presented first for a single redundant robot and then for a multi-robot system. The problem of mounting multiple robots on the operating table as well as the way cooperative actions can be performed is addressed. The sensitivity of each optimal solution (single-robot and multi-robot) to uncertainties in the design parameters is investigated.
Abstract allocation as a unified approach to polyvariance in control-flow analyses
Authors: GILRAY THOMAS , ADAMS MICHAEL D. , MIGHT MATTHEW
Published: August 2018

In higher order settings, control-flow analysis aims to model the propagation of both data and control by finitely approximating program behaviors across all possible executions. The polyvariance of an analysis describes the number of distinct abstract representations, or variants, for each syntactic entity (e.g., functions, variables, or intermediate expressions). Monovariance, one of the most basic forms of polyvariance, maintains only a single abstract representation for each variable or expression. Other polyvariant strategies allow a greater number of distinct abstractions and increase analysis complexity with the aim of increasing analysis precision. For example,k-call sensitivity distinguishes flows by the most recentkcall sites,k-object sensitivity by a history of allocation points, and argument sensitivity by a tuple of dynamic argument types. From this perspective, even a concrete operational semantics may be thought of as an unboundedly polyvariant analysis. In this paper, we develop a unified methodology that fully captures this design space. It is easily tunable and guarantees soundness regardless of how tuned. We accomplish this by extending the method of abstracting abstract machines, a systematic approach to abstract interpretation of operational abstract-machine semantics. Our approach permits arbitrary instrumentation of the underlying analysis and arbitrary tuning of an abstract-allocation function. We show that the design space of abstract allocators both unifies and generalizes existing notions of polyvariance. Simple changes to the behavior of this function recapitulate classic styles of analysis and yield novel combinations and variants.
Ventricular tachycardia in a 16-year-old boy with primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Marčinković Nedo , Dilber Daniel , Velagić Vedran
Published: August 2018

We report a case of primary hyperparathyroidism with hypercalcaemia in a 16-year-old boy who had spontaneous attack of ventricular tachycardia. To our knowledge, presentation of ventricular tachycardia caused by primary hyperparathyroidism in such a young patient has not been reported in medical literature so far.
Self-Reference Effect and Self-Reference Recollection Effect for Trait Adjectives in Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Carson Nicole , Rosenbaum R. Shayna , Moscovitch Morris , Murphy Kelly J.
Published: August 2018

Objectives:The self-reference effect (SRE), enhanced memory for self-related information, has been studied in healthy young and older adults but has had little investigation in people with age-related memory disorders, such as amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). Self-referential encoding may help to improve episodic memory in aMCI. Additionally, self-referential processing has been shown to benefitrecollection, the vivid re-experiencing of past events, a phenomenon that has been termed theself-reference recollection effect(SRRE; Conway & Dewhurst, 1995). Furthermore, it remains unclear whether the valence of stimuli influences the appearance of the SRE and SRRE.Methods:The current study investigated the SRE and SRRE for trait adjective words in 20 individuals with aMCI and 30 healthy older adult controls. Ninety trait adjective words were allocated to self-reference, semantic, or structural encoding conditions; memory was later tested using a recognition test.Results:While healthy older adults showed a SRE, individuals with aMCI did not benefit from self-referential encoding over and above that of semantic encoding (an effect of “deep encoding”). A similar pattern was apparent for the SRRE; healthy controls showed enhanced recollection for words encoded in the self-reference condition, while the aMCI group did not show specific benefit to recollection for self-referenced over semantically encoded items. No effects of valence were found.Conclusions:These results indicate that while memory for trait adjective words can be improved in aMCI with deep encoding strategies (whether self-reference or semantic), self-referencing does not provide an additional benefit. (JINS, 2018,24, 821–832)
Explicit and implicit aptitude effects on second language speech learning: Scrutinizing segmental and suprasegmental sensitivity and performance via behavioural and neurophysiological measures
Authors: SAITO KAZUYA , SUN HUI , TIERNEY ADAM
Published: August 2018

The current study examines the role of cognitive and perceptual individual differences (i.e., aptitude) in second language (L2) pronunciation learning, when L2 learners’ varied experience background is controlled for. A total of 48 Chinese learners of English in the UK were assessed for their sensitivity to segmental and suprasegmental aspects of speech on explicit and implicit modes via behavioural (language/music aptitude tests) and neurophysiological (electroencephalography) measures. Subsequently, the participants’ aptitude profiles were compared to the segmental and suprasegmental dimensions of their L2 pronunciation proficiency analyzed through rater judgements and acoustic measurements. According to the results, the participants’ segmental attainment was associated not only with explicit aptitude (phonemic coding), but also with implicit aptitude (enhanced neural encoding of spectral peaks). Whereas the participants’ suprasegmental attainment was linked to explicit aptitude (rhythmic imagery) to some degree, it was primarily influenced by the quality and quantity of their most recent L2 learning experience.
From status inconsistency to revisionism: Russian foreign policy after color revolutions
Authors: Mazloomi Esmaeil , Yeoh Emile Kok-Kheng , Karim Mohd Aminul
Published: August 2018

This paper delves into the shifts in the foreign policy of Russia, considering what has determined Russia's grand strategy orientation after the collapse of the Soviet Union. It also attempts to offer an explanation of why Russia becomes discounted with the ‘constitutive and normative structure’, and how its foreign policy shifted toward the anti-status quo orientation, especially after the color revolutions. The main purpose of this paper is to explain the shift in Russia's foreign policy, from the search for the ‘greatpowerness’ status via different enhancement strategies in light of status quo in the ‘revolutionary decade’, to revisionism after the color revolutions in Commonwealth of Independent States region (2003–2005). To substantiate this, the study uses process-tracing and document analysis to show the changes in Russia's foreign policy. As demonstrated in this paper, power rendered is unable of directing or disinclined to direct its policies toward status quo, due to internal effects of perceived ‘status immobility’ resulting from the failure of several status enhancement strategies. Accordingly, the shift in Russia's foreign policy was a result of changing the Russian perception from status inconsistency to status immobility.
Wideband dual-polarized Vivaldi antenna with improved balun feed
Authors: Song Lizhong , Zhou Huiyuan
Published: August 2018

The paper researches a kind of wideband dual-polarized Vivaldi antenna with improved balun feed which consists of slot line and two bent coplanar strip lines. The whole of antenna structure is composed of two orthogonal Vivaldi antenna elements, and the mode of feeding adopts electromagnetic coupling from micro-strip line to slot line. The improved balun can avoid the intersection of transmission lines, reduce the size, and simplify the assembly. The electromagnetic simulation and optimization design of proposed antenna are carried out by using electromagnetic simulation software, CST. Simulation results show that the isolation between two polarized ports is more than 15 dB within working frequency range of 2–3.5 GHz and VSWRs of two ports are lower than 2.5 at the range of 2–3.5 GHz. The designed antenna is fabricated and measured. The measured results indicate that the designed antenna achieves anticipated patterns and feasible design of the dual-polarized Vivaldi antenna. The dual-polarized Vivaldi antenna with improved balun feed is suitable for some application fields, such as passive electronic reconnaissance, passive radar, and wideband communication and detection.
Four-Generation Pedigree of Monozygotic Female Twins Reveals Genetic Factors in Twinning Process by Whole-Genome Sequencing
Authors: Liu Shiqi , Hong Yaqiang , Cui Kai , Guan Jinxia , Han Lu , Chen Wei , Xu Zhe , Gong Kenan , Ou Yang , Zeng Changqing , Li Sheng , Zhang Dake , Hu Dawei
Published: August 2018

Familial monozygotic (MZ) twinning reports are rare around the world, and we report a four-generation pedigree with seven recorded pairs of female MZ twins. Whole-genome sequencing of seven family members was performed to explore the featured genetic factors in MZ twins. For variations specific to MZ twins, five novel variants were observed in the X chromosome. These candidates were used to explain the seemingly X-linked dominant inheritance pattern, and only one variant was exonic, located at the 5′UTR region ofZCCHC12(chrX: 117958597, G > A). Besides, consistent mitochondrial DNA composition in the maternal linage precluded roles of mitochondria for this trait. In this pedigree, autosomes also contain diverse variations specific to MZ twins. Pathway analysis revealed a significant enrichment of genes carrying novel SNVs in the epithelial adherens junction-signaling pathway (p= .011), contributed byFGFR1,TUBB6, andMYH7B. Meanwhile,TBC1D22A,TRIOBP, andTUBB6, also carrying similar SNVs, were involved in the GTPase family-mediated signal pathway. Furthermore, gene-set enrichment analysis for 533 genes covered by copy number variations specific to MZ twins illustrated that the tight junction-signaling pathway was significantly enriched (p< .001). Therefore, the novel changes in the X chromosome and the provided candidate variants across autosomes may be responsible for MZ twinning, giving clues to increase our understanding about the underlying mechanism.
On the Quasi‐linear Saturation of the Parallel Proton Firehose Instability Using a Full‐f Approach
Authors: Astfalk Patrick , Jenko Frank
Published: August 2018

A classic example for the application of quasi‐linear theory to electromagnetic wave‐particle interactions, the saturation of the parallel proton firehose instability, is usually considered in the long‐wavelength approximation although for
this instability is dominated by anomalous cyclotron resonance, which invalidates a macroscopic treatment (Gary et al., 1998, https://doi.org/10.1029/98JA01174). To relax the long‐wavelength approximation, Seough et al. (2015, https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4905230) solved the microscopic weak turbulence kinetic equation to model the temperature anisotropy reduction of the firehose also in the resonant regime. However, the employed moment‐kinetic approach assumes the preservation of the initially bi‐Maxwellian shape of the underlying proton velocity distribution throughout the saturation process, leading to poor results for low β∥,p. In this work, we lift the limitations of the moment‐kinetic approach and we demonstrate that allowing for distribution deformation due to anomalous cyclotron‐resonant scattering greatly improves the predictions of the kinetic quasi‐linear model except for cases of very strong firehose growth. We conclude that quasi‐linear theory can be a valid model for studying the parallel firehose saturation even in the strongly cyclotron‐resonant regime as long as the initial temperature anisotropy is not too large.
Growth of Self‐Assembling Tubular Structures of Magnesium Oxy/Hydroxide and Silicate Related With Seafloor Hydrothermal Systems Driven by Serpentinization
Authors: Sainz‐Díaz C. Ignacio , Escamilla‐Roa Elizabeth , Cartwright Julyan H. E.
Published: August 2018

Tubular structures self‐assemble from precipitating magnesium salts under the chemical garden chemobrionic growth process. Two experimental procedures, the dissolution of magnesium salt pellets and the injection of magnesium salt solutions into silicate solutions, were explored to reproduce in the laboratory the geochemical conditions under which similar structures may form from mineral‐rich fluids at some seafloor hydrothermal vents driven by serpentinization. X‐ray diffraction and Raman microspectroscopy applied to the materials formed indicated the presence of layers of magnesium silicate and magnesium oxide/hydroxide. Quantum mechanical calculations based on density functional theory were performed on models of hydrated magnesium silicate surfaces and related minerals to explain the Raman spectroscopy results. We examine the precipitate morphology, chemical structure, and crystal or mineral structure in our experiments and how these change with the reaction conditions. This is a fascinating example in geochemistry of a self‐organizing nonequilibrium process that creates complex structures.
First Daily Mapping of Surface Moisture from Cellular Network Data and Comparison with Both Observations/ECMWF Product
Authors: Alpert P. , Rubin Y.
Published: August 2018

Air‐moisture maps were generated based on commercial microwave links data over N. Israel and compared for the first time to European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) ERA‐Interim maps for April 2017. Several skill scores of the different maps were calculated against the observed humidity from 39 weather stations. High correlations range, 0.75–0.9, were found between the new links' humidity fields and the stations. The numbers of best correlated links are found to be higher compared to ECMWF, that is, 31 stations versus 8. Also, in the measure of standard deviation the links performed better, 38 versus 1. However, for the mean humidity, the ECMWF is doing better, that is 14/25 for links/ECMWF. The links' humidity thus provides a more accurate picture of the observed moisture as compared to current weather prediction product. Consequently, the high‐resolution humidity fields obtained from the commercial microwave link seem to have the potential to improve future forecasting of precipitation.
Imaging of Lithospheric Structure Beneath Jeju Volcanic Island by Teleseismic Traveltime Tomography
Authors: Song Jung‐Hun , Kim Seongryong , Rhie Junkee , Lee Sang‐Hyun , Kim YoungHee , Kang Tae‐Seob
Published: August 2018

Jeju Island (JI) is an intraplate volcanic field located at the continental margin of Northeast Asia. This volcanic island has been formed by multiple eruptions from the Pleistocene to the Holocene (~3.7 ka), which have yielded hundreds of monogenetic volcanic cones and a central basaltic shield. To understand the volcanic structures and mechanism beneath JI, we deployed 20 broadband temporary seismometers across the island for over two years (October 2013 to November 2015). We investigated the crustal and upper mantle structures in JI for the first time using the gathered data. Through teleseismic traveltime tomography, we obtained images of the lithospheric structure related to the volcanic system. A major finding was the identification of a prominent low‐velocity anomaly (<−0.3 km/s in P wave velocity relative to the surrounding high‐velocity region) beneath the summit of the central shield volcano at greater depths (50–60 km), which separates into low‐velocity zones at shallower depths (10–45 km). Based on previous geological observations, the anomalies were interpreted as a magmatic system, potentially with partial melting. Moreover, relatively high velocity zones were consistently imaged to the north, east, and west of the island, indicating relatively thick lithospheric structures at the southern margin of the continental lithosphere beneath the Korean Peninsula. Based on the geometries of the imaged structures, we suggest that a focused decompressional melting at sublithospheric depths and complex magma interactions within the lithosphere resulted in the characteristics of JI volcanism as intraplate magmatic activities that are isolated in space and confined in time.
Forecasting the Arrival Time of Coronal Mass Ejections: Analysis of the CCMC CME Scoreboard
Authors: Riley Pete , Mays M. Leila , Andries Jesse , Amerstorfer Tanja , Biesecker Douglas , Delouille Veronique , Dumbović Mateja , Feng Xueshang , Henley Edmund , Linker Jon A. , Möstl Christian , Nuñez Marlon , Pizzo Vic , Temmer Manuela , Tobiska W. K. , Verbeke C. , West Matthew J , Zhao Xinhua
Published: August 2018

Accurate forecasting of the properties of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) as they approach Earth is now recognized as an important strategic objective for both NOAA and NASA. The time of arrival of such events is a key parameter, one that had been anticipated to be relatively straightforward to constrain. In this study, we analyze forecasts submitted to the Community Coordinated Modeling Center at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center over the last 6 years to answer the following questions: (1) How well do these models forecast the arrival time of CME‐driven shocks? (2) What are the uncertainties associated with these forecasts? (3) Which model(s) perform best? (4) Have the models become more accurate during the past 6 years? We analyze all forecasts made by 32 models from 2013 through mid‐2018, and additionally focus on 28 events, all of which were forecasted by six models. We find that the models are generally able to predict CME‐shock arrival times—in an average sense—to within ±10 hr, but with standard deviations often exceeding 20 hr. The best performers, on the other hand, maintained a mean error (bias) of −1 hr, a mean absolute error of 13 hr, and a precision (standard deviation) of 15 hr. Finally, there is no evidence that the forecasts have become more accurate during this interval. We discuss the intrinsic simplifications of the various models analyzed, the limitations of this investigation, and suggest possible paths to improve these forecasts in the future.
Approaches for Estimating Soil Water Retention Curves at Various Bulk Densities With the Extended Van Genuchten Model
Authors: Tian Zhengchao , Gao Weida , Kool Dilia , Ren Tusheng , Horton Robert , Heitman Joshua L.
Published: August 2018

Soil bulk density (ρb) variations influence soil hydraulic properties, such as the water retention curve (WRC), but they are usually ignored in soil water simulation models. We extend the van Genuchten WRC model parameters to account for ρb variations using a series of empirical expressions. WRC measurements made on eight soils with various ρb, and textures are used to calibrate these ρb‐related empirical equations. Accordingly, two approaches are developed to estimate WRCs of soils at various ρb. Another eight soils with a wide range of ρb and textures are used to evaluate the accuracy of the new approaches. Approach 1 estimates WRCs for each soil at various ρb using a WRC measurement made at a reference ρb and the soil texture fractions. This approach gives reasonable WRC estimates for the eight validation soils, with an average root‐mean‐square error (RMSE) of 0.025 m3/m3 and an average determination coefficient (R2) of 0.94. For Approach 2, a WRC measurement made at a reference ρb and one additional water content‐matric potential value measured at a different ρb value are used, which produces WRC estimates with an average RMSE of 0.017 m3/m3 and an average R2 of 0.97. The methodology used in Approach 2 is also applied to the Brooks and Corey WRC model to obtain accurate and precise WRC estimates. The proposed approaches have the potential to be incorporated into simulation models for estimating soil hydraulic properties that are affected by transient and variable ρb.
Identification of Pollutant Source for Super‐Diffusion in Aquifers and Rivers with Bounded Domains
Authors: Zhang Yong , Sun HongGuang , Neupauer Roseanna M. , Straka Peter , Kelly James F. , Lu Bingqing , Zheng Chunmiao
Published: August 2018

Backward models for super‐diffusion in infinite domains have been developed to identify pollutant sources, while backward models for non‐Fickian diffusion in bounded domains remain unknown. To restrict possible source locations and improve the accuracy of backward probabilities, this technical note develops the backward model for super‐diffusion governed by the fractional‐divergence advection‐dispersion equation (FD‐ADE) in bounded domains. The resultant backward model is the fractional‐flux advection‐dispersion equation (FF‐ADE) with modified boundary conditions. In particular, the Dirichlet boundary condition in the forward FD‐ADE becomes a spatial‐nonlocal sink term in the backward FF‐ADE (to account for preferential flow), while the nonlocal, non‐zero‐value Neumann (or Robin) boundary condition in the forward FD‐ADE switches to the zero‐value Robin (or Neumann) boundary condition in the backward FF‐ADE (to eliminate pollutant source outside the domain). Field applications show that the backward location probability density function can approximate the point source location in a natural river or fluvial aquifer. The impact of reflective/absorbing boundaries and the upstream boundary location on the backward probability density function is also discussed.
Relationship between white matter integrity and serum inflammatory cytokine levels in drug-naive patients with major depressive disorder: diffusion tensor imaging study using tract-based spatial statistics
Authors: Sugimoto Koichiro , Kakeda Shingo , Watanabe Keita , Katsuki Asuka , Ueda Issei , Igata Natsuki , Igata Ryohei , Abe Osamu , Yoshimura Reiji , Korogi Yukunori
Published: August 2018

Recently, accumulated evidence has indicated a role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of major depressive disorder (MDD). Therefore, we evaluated the relationship between white matter integrity and serum cytokine levels during the first depressive episode in drug-naive MDD patients, using a tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) method. A total of 35 drug-naive MDD patients with a first depressive episode and 35 healthy subjects (HS) underwent diffusion tensor imaging, and an analysis was conducted using TBSS. We measured serum cytokine levels (interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-6, interferon-γ, and tumor necrosis factor-α). Fractional anisotropy (FA) values of the bilateral inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus (IFOF) and genu of the corpus callosum in MDD patients were decreased significantly to the HS (p < 0.05 with family-wise error [FWE] correction) and were significantly inversely correlated with the IL-1β levels (p < 0.05, with FWE correction). No regions showed a correlation between FA values and other serum cytokine levels. Our results suggested that the microstructural changes in IFOF and genu of the corpus callosum are associated with the high IL-1β levels in the early stage of MDD.
Selective killing of human T-ALL cells: an integrated approach targeting redox homeostasis and the OMA1/OPA1 axis
Authors: Silic-Benussi Micol , Scattolin Gloria , Cavallari Ilaria , Minuzzo Sonia , del Bianco Paola , Francescato Samuela , Basso Giuseppe , Indraccolo Stefano , D’Agostino Donna M. , Ciminale Vincenzo
Published: August 2018

Approximately 20% of pediatric T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) patients are currently incurable due to primary or secondary resistance to glucocorticoid-based therapies. Here we employed an integrated approach to selectively kill T-ALL cells by increasing mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) using NS1619, a benzimidazolone that activates the K+ (BK) channel, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which blunts ROS scavenging through inhibition of the pentose phosphate pathway. These compounds selectively killed T-ALL cell lines, patient-derived xenografts and primary cells from patients with refractory T-ALL, but did not kill normal human thymocytes. T-ALL cells treated with NS1619 and DHEA showed activation of the ROS-responsive transcription factor NRF2, indicating engagement of antioxidant pathways, as well as increased cleavage of OPA1, a mitochondrial protein that promotes mitochondrial fusion and regulates apoptosis. Consistent with these observations, transmission electron microscopy analysis indicated that NS1619 and DHEA increased mitochondrial fission. OPA1 cleavage and cell death were inhibited by ROS scavengers and by siRNA-mediated knockdown of the mitochondrial protease OMA1, indicating the engagement of a ROS-OMA1-OPA1 axis in T-ALL cells. Furthermore, NS1619 and DHEA sensitized T-ALL cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis. In vivo, the combination of dexamethasone and NS1619 significantly reduced the growth of a glucocorticoid-resistant patient-derived T-ALL xenograft. Taken together, our findings provide proof-of-principle for an integrated ROS-based pharmacological approach to target refractory T-ALL.
Evaluating protective and therapeutic effects of alpha-lipoic acid on cisplatin-induced ototoxicity
Authors: Kim Kyung-Hee , Lee Byeonghyeon , Kim Ye-Ri , Kim Min-A , Ryu Nari , Jung Da Jung , Kim Un-Kyung , Baek Jeong-In , Lee Kyu-Yup
Published: August 2018

Cisplatin, a small platinum-containing molecule, is a widely used, highly effective anticancer drug. However, severe side effects have been found in cancer patients treated with cisplatin, including nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and ototoxicity. These cisplatin-induced side effects can have a major impact on patient quality of life, including social development problems in pediatric patients that develop hearing loss. Previous studies have suggested that the major cause of cisplatin-induced ototoxicity is abnormal accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), one of the most effective antioxidants, is known to be involved in the cellular antioxidant system and may have a protective effect on cisplatin-induced ototoxicity. However, the therapeutic effect of ALA on damaged hearing function and its detailed mechanism of action are not fully understood. This study focused on determining whether ALA has a potential as a protective and/or therapeutic agent for cisplatin-induced ototoxicity. Histological and physiological analyses were performed using cisplatin-treated mouse cochlea and HEI-OC1 culture cells in pre- and post-treatment with ALA in vitro and in vivo. We found that ALA contributes to protecting mitochondrial function by preventing ROS accumulation and inhibiting apoptotic cell death. Importantly, post-treatment with ALA consistently showed an almost equal restorative effect to pretreatment, in vitro and in vivo, supporting the possible use of ALA as a therapeutic agent for cisplatin-induced ototoxicity. This study is the first report on a strong therapeutic potential of ALA to rescue ototoxic hearing loss caused by cisplatin, and our data provide key evidence that ALA may act as a reducing agent for glutathione disulfide to increase glutathione levels on behalf of glutathione reductase. This result was consistent in both cultured cells and the mouse model, which improves the clinical value of ALA for therapy of cisplatin-induced ototoxicity.
Field- and temperature-dependent quantum tunnelling of the magnetisation in a large barrier single-molecule magnet
Authors: Ding You-Song , Yu Ke-Xin , Reta Daniel , Ortu Fabrizio , Winpenny Richard E. P. , Zheng Yan-Zhen , Chilton Nicholas F.
Published: August 2018

Understanding quantum tunnelling of the magnetisation (QTM) in single-molecule magnets (SMMs) is crucial for improving performance and achieving molecule-based information storage above liquid nitrogen temperatures. Here, through a field- and temperature-dependent study of the magnetisation dynamics of [Dy(tBuO)Cl(THF)5][BPh4]·2THF, we elucidate the different relaxation processes: field-independent Orbach and Raman mechanisms dominate at high temperatures, a single-phonon direct process dominates at low temperatures and fields >1 kOe, and a field- and temperature-dependent QTM process operates near zero field. Accounting for the exponential temperature dependence of the phonon collision rate in the QTM process, we model the magnetisation dynamics over 11 orders of magnitude and find a QTM tunnelling gap on the order of 10−4to 10−5 cm−1. We show that removal of Dy nuclear spins does not suppress QTM, and argue that while internal dipolar fields and hyperfine coupling support QTM, it is the dynamic crystal field that drives efficient QTM.
Tunable inverse spin Hall effect in nanometer-thick platinum films by ionic gating
Authors: Dushenko Sergey , Hokazono Masaya , Nakamura Kohji , Ando Yuichiro , Shinjo Teruya , Shiraishi Masashi
Published: August 2018

Electric gating can strongly modulate a wide variety of physical properties in semiconductors and insulators, such as significant changes of conductivity in silicon, appearance of superconductivity in SrTiO3, the paramagnet–ferromagnet transition in (In,Mn)As, and so on. The key to such modulation is charge accumulation in solids. Thus, it has been believed that such modulation is out of reach for conventional metals where the number of carriers is too large. However, success in tuning the Curie temperature of ultrathin cobalt gave hope of finally achieving such a degree of control even in metallic materials. Here, we show reversible modulation of up to two orders of magnitude of the inverse spin Hall effect—a phenomenon that governs interconversion between spin and charge currents—in ultrathin platinum. Spin-to-charge conversion enables the generation and use of electric and spin currents in the same device, which is crucial for the future of spintronics and electronics.
Exploration of PET and MRI radiomic features for decoding breast cancer phenotypes and prognosis
Authors: Huang Shih-ying , Franc Benjamin L. , Harnish Roy J. , Liu Gengbo , Mitra Debasis , Copeland Timothy P. , Arasu Vignesh A. , Kornak John , Jones Ella F. , Behr Spencer C. , Hylton Nola M. , Price Elissa R. , Esserman Laura , Seo Youngho
Published: August 2018

Radiomics is an emerging technology for imaging biomarker discovery and disease-specific personalized treatment management. This paper aims to determine the benefit of using multi-modality radiomics data from PET and MR images in the characterization breast cancer phenotype and prognosis. Eighty-four features were extracted from PET and MR images of 113 breast cancer patients. Unsupervised clustering based on PET and MRI radiomic features created three subgroups. These derived subgroups were statistically significantly associated with tumor grade (p = 2.0 × 10−6), tumor overall stage (p = 0.037), breast cancer subtypes (p = 0.0085), and disease recurrence status (p = 0.0053). The PET-derived first-order statistics and gray level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) textural features were discriminative of breast cancer tumor grade, which was confirmed by the results of L2-regularization logistic regression (with repeated nested cross-validation) with an estimated area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.76 (95% confidence interval (CI) = [0.62, 0.83]). The results of ElasticNet logistic regression indicated that PET and MR radiomics distinguished recurrence-free survival, with a mean AUC of 0.75 (95% CI = [0.62, 0.88]) and 0.68 (95% CI = [0.58, 0.81]) for 1 and 2 years, respectively. The MRI-derived GLCM inverse difference moment normalized (IDMN) and the PET-derived GLCM cluster prominence were among the key features in the predictive models for recurrence-free survival. In conclusion, radiomic features from PET and MR images could be helpful in deciphering breast cancer phenotypes and may have potential as imaging biomarkers for prediction of breast cancer recurrence-free survival.
Evaluation of platelet indices as diagnostic biomarkers for colorectal cancer
Authors: Zhu Xianjin , Cao Yingping , Lu Pingxia , Kang Yanli , Lin Zhen , Hao Taisen , Song Yanfang
Published: August 2018

Altered platelet indices, including platelet count (PC), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), and plateletcrit (PCT), have been found in various cancer types. This study aimed to evaluate the role of platelet indices as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC), and to assess the association between platelet indices and CRC clinicopathological characteristics. The study included 783 subjects with CRC, 463 subjects with colorectal adenomas (CA), and 689 control subjects from June 2015 to October 2017. All participants’ clinicopathological characteristics were collected and analyzed. Here, we found that PC, MPV and PCT levels in CRC patients were significantly higher than those in CA patients and healthy participants (p < 0.001); however, PDW level in CRC patients was significantly higher than that in healthy participants while lower than that in CA patients. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis indicated that combined detection of PCT and CEA appears to be a more effective marker to distinguish CRC patients from CA patients, with 70% sensitivity and 83% specificity. Among CRC patients, PC and PCT levels were associated with TNM stages and tumor size; MPV and PCT levels were associated with vascular invasion. Our findings suggest that altered PC, MPV and PCT levels might serve as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of CRC.
The parasitoid complex of D. suzukii and other fruit feeding Drosophila species in Asia
Authors: Girod Pierre , Borowiec Nicolas , Buffington Matthew , Chen Guohua , Fang Yuan , Kimura Masahito T. , Peris-Felipo Francisco Javier , Ris Nicolas , Wu Hao , Xiao Chun , Zhang Jinping , Aebi Alexandre , Haye Tim , Kenis Marc
Published: August 2018

Drosophila suzukii is an invasive fly of East Asian origin that has become a serious fruit pest worldwide. Classical biological control through the introduction of parasitoids from Asia could help reduce populations of D. suzukii in invaded regions. Little is known about the native parasitoids of the fly in Asia. Therefore, surveys for larval parasitoids of D. suzukii were carried out in China and Japan between 2015 and 2017. Parasitoids of D. suzukii and other fruit-inhabiting drosophilids (D. pulchrella and D. subpulchrella) that are probably attacked by the same parasitoid complex were found in four Chinese provinces and four Japanese prefectures. Larval parasitoids were obtained at most sites where D. suzukii was found, with parasitism varying from 0.0 to 75.6%. At least eight parasitoid species were reared. The most abundant and frequent parasitoids were the Figitidae Ganaspis cf. brasiliensis and Leptopilina japonica, but another Leptopilina species and at least five Braconidae species belonging to the genera Areotetes, Asobara and Tanycarpa were obtained in low numbers. Due to its likely restricted host range, the most promising parasitoid for biological control is Ganaspis cf. brasiliensis. However, its exact specificity and taxonomic status require future research.
Alpha-band sensory entrainment alters the duration of temporal windows in visual perception
Authors: Ronconi Luca , Busch Niko A. , Melcher David
Published: August 2018

The phase and frequency of neural oscillations in the alpha band (8–12 Hz) have been recently proposed as key parameters for the temporal resolution of visual perception. Here, we tested the possible causal links between these oscillatory features and temporal integration/segregation. The individual alpha frequency (IAF) peak as obtained from resting-state electroencephalography was used to set the frequency of sensory (audio-visual) entrainment for the lower (IAF − 2 Hz) and upper (IAF + 2 Hz) alpha. Entrainment at IAF ± 2 Hz was administered in the prestimulus interval to align oscillations to a faster or slower rhythm. We densely sampled in time the accuracy for integration/segregation by using identical stimuli with different instructions. The spectral peaks of performance fluctuations over time were found in the upper or lower alpha band for the IAF + 2 and IAF − 2 Hz entrainment, respectively, implying that faster entrainment resulted in faster behavioral fluctuations. Moreover, the entrainment frequency had opposite effects on temporal resolution: faster entrainment improved segregation while slower entrainment improved integration. Performance fluctuations were almost in anti-phase between the two tasks, such that highest integration performance coincided with lowest segregation performance. These findings provide evidence for a direct link between changes in the alpha band and the temporal resolution of perception.
RNA-seq-based analysis of the hypertrophic scarring with and without pressure therapy in a Bama minipig model
Authors: Liu Baimei , Liu Yang , Wang Li , Hou Chunsheng , An Meiwen
Published: August 2018

Pressure therapy has been proved to be an effective treatment for hypertrophic scars in a clinical setting. However, evidence-based data are controversial and the precise mechanism of action of this technique remains unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential molecular mechanisms of pressure therapy for hypertrophic scars. We established a Bama minipig (Sus scrofa) model of hypertrophic scarring in which the scars were treated with pressure to explore the mechanism of action of the treatment. There were 568 differentially expressed genes (289 upregulated, 279 downregulated) after pressure therapy at 90 days post-injury, whereas only 365 genes were differentially expressed (250 upregulated, 115 downregulated) at 120 days post-injury. These genes were associated with metabolic pathways, ECM-receptor interaction, the PI3K-Akt and MAPK signaling pathways, focal adhesion and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction. In addition, the qRT-PCR results indicated that the trend of gene expression following pressure therapy was mostly consistent across the two methods. In conclusion, our systematic analysis of the transcriptome has provided a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in pressure therapy and offers an important basis for further studies of the complex signaling pathways regulated by the treatment.
Retraction Note: Sorcin Predicts Poor Prognosis and Promotes Metastasis by Facilitating Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Lei Xiong , Liang Yahang , Chen Jian , Xiao Shuai , Lei Jian , Li Jianfeng , Duanmu Jinzhong , Jiang Qunguang , Liu Dongning , Tang Cheng , Li Taiyuan
Published: August 2018

This paper has been retracted at the request of the authors.