bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The VisegráD Group in the Eu: 2016 as a Turning-point?
Authors: Nič Milan
Published: December 2016

The past year has witnessed a major shift in the relationships between the four Central European countries that make up the Visegrád Group. In matters related to migration, the members of the alliance have worked together in Brussels as a cohesive bloc throughout 2016. But in the wake of Brexit, simmering internal divisions have arisen within this regional alliance over the EU's future. The Visegrád Group acts as an amplifier, an ad hoc coalition, reinforcing regional positions where they exist. Its diplomatic infrastructure and other structural factors are here to stay, but the key drivers of its stances are now domestic politics and the role of the countries’ leaders. In the absence of a shared vision for the future of Europe and the role of EU institutions, the honeymoon period seems to be over. A ‘conservative revolution’ in Poland has created an illiberal axis with Hungary, where a sovereigntist narrative holds sway, while the Czech and Slovak governments have maintained a more pragmatic line on the EU. The new risk is that reinventing the EU will come at the expense of (divided) Central Europeans.
Clinical Risk Score for Prediction of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase–Producing Enterobacteriaceae in Bloodstream Isolates
Authors: Augustine Matthew R. , Testerman Traci L. , Justo Julie Ann , Bookstaver P. Brandon , Kohn Joseph , Albrecht Helmut , Al-Hasan Majdi N.
Published: December 2016

OBJECTIVE

To develop a risk score to predict probability of bloodstream infections (BSIs) due to extended-spectrum β-lactamase–producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBLE).

DESIGN

Retrospective case-control study.

SETTING

Two large community hospitals.

PATIENTS

Hospitalized adults with Enterobacteriaceae BSI between January 1, 2010, and June 30, 2015.

METHODS

Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors for ESBLE BSI. Point allocation in extended-spectrum β-lactamase prediction score (ESBL-PS) was based on regression coefficients.

RESULTS

Among 910 patients with Enterobacteriaceae BSI, 42 (4.6%) had ESBLE bloodstream isolates. Most ESBLE BSIs were community onset (33 of 42; 79%), and 25 (60%) were due to Escherichia coli. Independent risk factors for ESBLE BSI and point allocation in ESBL-PS included outpatient procedures within 1 month (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 8.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.1–22.9; 1 point), prior infections or colonization with ESBLE within 12 months (aOR, 26.8; 95% CI, 7.0–108.2; 4 points), and number of prior courses of β-lactams and/or fluoroquinolones used within 3 months of BSI: 1 course (aOR, 6.3; 95% CI, 2.7–14.7; 1 point), ≥2 courses (aOR, 22.0; 95% CI, 8.6–57.1; 3 points). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the ESBL-PS model was 0.86. Patients with ESBL-PSs of 0, 1, 3, and 4 had estimated probabilities of ESBLE BSI of 0.7%, 5%, 24%, and 44%, respectively. Using ESBL-PS ≥3 to indicate high risk provided a negative predictive value of 97%.

CONCLUSIONS

ESBL-PS estimated patient-specific risk of ESBLE BSI with high discrimination. Incorporation of ESBL-PS with acute severity of illness may improve adequacy of empirical antimicrobial therapy and reduce carbapenem utilization.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:266–272
Why the Reformation failed in Ireland
Authors: Jefferies Henry A.
Published: December 2016

The Reformation failed comprehensively and absolutely in Ireland before the end of Elizabeth’s reign: contemporaries estimated the number of Irish Protestants at between forty and 120 individuals. The debate about that failure has been long running, yet inconclusive. After a short historiographical review, this paper considers a range of factors which may have been pertinent in shaping Irish responses to the Reformation policies of Henry VIII and his Protestant children. It shows that Elizabeth’s Reformation in Ireland was stymied by the absence of indigenous support, which meant that religious change was neither propagated by local clergymen nor enforced by the local elites in Irish parishes. It points to the strength and persistence of Catholic resistance to the Reformation in different forms from the very start of Elizabeth’s reign in Ireland, contradicting the unsubstantiated notion that passive ‘church papistry’ was general. Nonetheless, it argues that it was only from the 1580s, when the Catholic church in Ireland was reorganised as a disestablished ‘people’s church’, and infused with the confidence inspired by the Counter-Reformation, can it be stated that the Reformation had failed in Ireland definitively.
Select Document: Lord Carnarvon’s memoirs relating to his lord lieutenancy, c. 29 March to 7 April 1886
Authors: Gordon Peter
Published: December 2016

This article examines the memoirs written by Henry Howard Molyneux Herbert, fourth earl of Carnarvon, concerning his period as lord lieutenant of Ireland between June 1885 and January 1886, in the brief Salisbury administration. Carnarvon inherited many of the problems of his Liberal predecessor, fifth Earl Spencer, telling Salisbury ‘the day of reckoning in this case will come very rapidly if any unwise promises are made or implied’. Nevertheless he was sympathetic to reform in many different fields, notably home rule, land reform, education and religion. A sensitive politician, Carnarvon penned this memorandum shortly after leaving office in an attempt to uphold his reputation. The memorandum gives a number of insights into Carnarvon’s manoeuvrings in cabinet, and demonstrates the workings of high politics in the late-nineteenth century. It was never published.
Chameleons at large: Entrepreneurs, employees and firms – the changing context of employment relationships
Authors: Wynn Michael T
Published: December 2016

Current labour markets are witnessing a proliferation of hybrid or quasi-employment status whereby company directors and limited liability partners are gaining access to employment rights. At the same time, legislation is creating new forms of employee shareholder status, where employees trade employment rights for shares in the company. New corporate structures are being developed to promote one-man companies, small and medium sized enterprises and hybrid company/partnerships. This paper examines some of these developments in the light of the theory of the firm and the jurisprudence of company and employment law and considers the implications for workers, employers and the self-employed.
Five decades of strong temporal variability in the flow of Brunt Ice Shelf, Antarctica
Authors: GUDMUNDSSON G. HILMAR , DE RYDT JAN , NAGLER THOMAS
Published: December 2016

Data showing velocity changes on the Brunt Ice Shelf (BIS), Antarctica, over the last 55 years are presented and analysed. During this period no large-scale calving events took place and the ice shelf gradually grew in size. Ice flow velocities, however, fluctuated greatly, increasing twofold between 1970 and 2000, then decreasing again to previous levels by 2012 after which velocities started to increase yet again. In the observational period, velocity changes in the order of 10% a−1 have commonly been observed, and currently velocities are increasing at this rate. By modelling the ice flow numerically, we explore potential causes for the observed changes in velocity. We find that a loss of mechanical contact between the BIS and the McDonald Ice Rumples following a local calving event in 1971 would explain both the increase and the subsequent decrease in ice velocities. Other explanations involving enlargement of observed rift structures are discounted as the effects on ice flow are found to be too small and the spatial pattern of velocity change inconsistent with data. The most recent phase of acceleration remains unexplained but may potentially be related to a recent re-activation of a known rift structure within the BIS.
Determinants of Wineries’ Decisions to Seek VQA Certification in the Canadian Wine Industry
Authors: Ugochukwu Albert I. , Hobbs Jill E. , Bruneau Joel F.
Published: December 2016

The establishment of quality assurance systems is an important development in the wine sector, particularly so for new and emerging wine regions. Focusing on the Canadian wine industry, this article examines the determinants of a winery's decision to adopt Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) certification for wines. The analysis also examines whether wineries seek VQA certification for higher-priced wines or whether VQA certification leads to higher wine prices. To examine the certification decision, a probit model is applied to a detailed data set of Canadian wines sold in Ontario over the period 2007–2012. Wines from wineries that supply large volumes of wines (more than 1,000 cases) are more likely to have VQA certification, as well as ice wines and wines from specific regions. A Hausman specification test for endogeneity suggests that VQA certification leads to higher wine prices and not the other way around. (JEL Classifications: D22, L15, L66, Q13)
Influences on recovery of seabirds on islands where invasive predators have been eradicated, with a focus on Procellariiformes
Authors: Borrelle Stephanie B. , Boersch-Supan Philipp H. , Gaskin Chris P. , Towns David R.
Published: December 2016

Protecting seabirds is a global conservation priority given that 29% of seabird species are threatened with extinction. One of the most acute threats to seabirds is the presence of introduced predators, which depredate seabirds at all life stages, from eggs to adults. Consequently, eradication of invasive predators has been identified as an effective and commonly used approach to seabird conservation. Seabird recovery following the eradication of predators is influenced by complex and interacting environmental and demographic factors, and there are gaps in our understanding of species-specific responses. We reflect on the recovery of seabirds on islands cleared of predators, drawing on the equilibrium theory of island biogeography, and synthesize key influences on recovery reported in the literature. We present a regionally specific case study on the recovery of seabird colonies (n = 98) in the Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand, which is a hotspot of seabird diversity (27 species), with a long history of eradications of invasive predators. We found that on islands cleared of predators seabirds recover over time, and such islands have more diverse seabird assemblages than islands that never had predators. Recovery appears to be influenced by a suite of site- and species-specific factors. Managers may assume that given enough time following eradication of predators, seabirds will recolonize an island. Although time is a factor, proximity to source populations and human activities has a significant effect on recolonization by seabirds, as do demographic traits, colonizing ability and habitat suitability. Therefore, integrating expected site and species-specific recovery responses in the planning of eradications should help guide post-eradication management actions.
THE PRIORITY VIEW
Authors: McCarthy David
Published: December 2016

According to the priority view, or prioritarianism, it matters more to benefit people the worse off they are. But how exactly should the priority view be defined? This article argues for a highly general characterization which essentially involves risk, but makes no use of evaluative measurements or the expected utility axioms. A representation theorem is provided, and when further assumptions are added, common accounts of the priority view are recovered. A defence of the key idea behind the priority view, the priority principle, is provided. But it is argued that the priority view fails on both ethical and conceptual grounds.
Habitat suitability and impacts of climate change on the distribution of wintering population of Asian Houbara BustardChlamydotis macqueeniiin Iran
Authors: YOUSEFI MASOUD , AHMADI MOHSEN , NOURANI ELHAM , REZAEI ALI , KAFASH ANOOSHE , KHANI ALI , SEHHATISABET MOHAMMAD EBRAHIM , ADIBI MOHAMAD ALI , GOUDARZI FAHIMEH , KABOLI MOHAMMAD
Published: December 2016

We developed a habitat suitability model for wintering populations of the Asian Houbara BustardChlamydotis macqueeniiin Iran and determined environmental variables affecting its occurrence. Our results indicate that various patches in central, western and eastern Iran provide the most suitable habitats for the Houbara. Annual precipitation, slope and distance to croplands were the most important variables for predicting Houbara occurrence. We also determined the effects future climate changes on the distribution of the Houbara in Iran. Results showed that suitable habitats for the wintering Houbara will increase in Iran, but will also considerably shift under future climatic conditions. The distribution maps that we present for the present and future climatic conditions can have important implications for the conservation and management of Houbara populations in Iran.
Preface
Authors: TORTORA DE FALCO LORENZO
Published: December 2016

This special issue is devoted to some aspects of the new ideas that recently arose from the work of Thomas Ehrhard on the models of linear logic (LL) and of the λ-calculus. In some sense, the very origin of these ideas dates back to the introduction of LL in the 80s by Jean-Yves Girard. An obvious remark is that LL yielded a first logical quantitative account of the use of resources: the logical distinction between linear and non-linear formulas through the introduction of the exponential connectives. As explicitly mentioned by Girard in his first paper on the subject, the quantitative approach, to which he refers as ‘quantitative semantics,’ had a crucial influence on the birth of LL. And even though, at that time, it was given up for lack of ‘any logical justification’ (quoting the author), it contained rough versions of many concepts that were better understood, precisely introduced and developed much later, like differentiation and Taylor expansion for proofs. Around 2003, and thanks to the developments of LL and of the whole research area between logic and theoretical computer science, Ehrhard could come back to these fundamental intuitions and introduce the structure of finiteness space, allowing to reformulate this quantitative approach in a standard algebraic setting. The interpretation of LL in the category Fin of finiteness spaces and finitary relations suggested to Ehrhard and Regnier the differential extensions of LL and of the simply typed λ-calculus: Differential Linear Logic (DiLL) and the differential λ-calculus. The theory of LL proof-nets could be straightforwardly extended to DiLL, and a very natural notion of Taylor expansion of a proof-net (and of a λ-term) was introduced: an element of the Taylor expansion of the proof-net/term α is itself a (differential) proof-net/term and an approximation of α.
ROBERTSON’S INDUSTRIAL FLUCTUATION (1915): AN EARLY REAL BUSINESS CYCLE-LIKE APPROACH
Authors: Bridel Pascal
Published: December 2016

This paper re-examines Dennis Robertson’s ‘real’ business cycle (RBC) theory outlined in his 1915 A Study in Industrial Fluctuation. Even if, for Robertson, cycles find their origin and respond to oscillations in entrepreneurs’ “rational inducement” to invest, in opposition to RBC models in which every outcome is by construction an equilibrium outcome, Robertson discusses in a traditional way the short-run consequences of such exogenous technological shocks. There are no intertemporal equilibrium phenomena in the sense of the RBC approach; cycle theory is organized, for Robertson, around a Marshallian-defined center of gravity (or long-run equilibrium state of rest). For him, the real forces are represented by the gestation period of investment, but also by investment’s durability, its imperfect divisibility, and, allied with these, its intractability. These features of investment lead to excessive outlays upon capital investment, which ultimately depresses their marginal productivity. The inevitable and rational result is a downturn in the capital goods industries and the onset of a cycle.
DEALING WITH TIME IN ECONOMIC ANALYSIS: SOME MARSHALLIAN INSIGHTS
Authors: Caldari Katia
Published: December 2016

According to Alfred Marshall, the element of time is the most important and difficult aspect to deal with in the economic analysis. Accordingly, he has placed the concept of time at the core of his economic reasoning, and he has developed a number of analytical tools that allow including time in his analytical framework: most notably, the cœteris paribus pound, the representative firm, and the distinction between short and long periods. However, he encountered an insurmountable impasse when dealing with the real elapsing of time in his static framework: the solution proposed in his Principles of Economics remained, for him, highly unsatisfactory, problematic, and incomplete. The real elapsing of time—unavoidable in his reflections—copes very badly indeed with his analytical construction based on equilibrium. The continuity of time is the element of the Marshallian analysis most quickly criticized and rejected. After him, in the economic analysis, time gradation was rigorously divided into “short” and “long” periods, whereas Marshall’s concerns for the continuity of real time were banished from what was considered a “rigorous” analysis. The main aims of this paper are to frame Marshall’s distinction between short and long periods and to underline those aspects of his contribution that were lost or were substantially simplified in later literature.
Does Corruption End the Dominant Party System? A Comparative Analysis of the Italian and Turkish Cases
Authors: Coşkun Gülçın Balamır
Published: December 2016

This article argues that the effects of high-level corruption scandals on the future of a dominant party depend on the existence of a rule of law system based on the separation of powers. The article will study two examples from a comparative perspective to concretise its theoretical claims: the Christian Democracy Party in Italy, which was the dominant party from 1948 to 1992, and the Justice and Development Party in Turkey. The comparison will be based on an institutionalist perspective. The first part tries to provide a theoretical clarification of the concepts of predominant party systems and corruption. The second part discusses whether the Turkish and Italian party systems can be classified as predominant and the characteristics of these systems. The final section seeks to draw out similarities and differences between these two systems and the effects corruption has on them.
Analyzing lexical emergence in Modern American English online – CORRIGENDUM
Authors: GRIEVE JACK , NINI ANDREA , GUO DIANSHENG
Published: December 2016

In the above mentioned article by Grieve, Nini & Guo, an error has occurred in the section numbering.

Section 4 is missing and has been mistakenly labelled with section 5. All sections and subsections labelled section 5, should be section 4. Which means section 6 should be renamed section 5.
Sun exposure, UV irradiance and serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol in pregnant women in rural north India
Authors: Sudhanshu Siddhnath , Upadhyay Pramod , Sahu Monashish , Rawat Vinita , Bhatia Vijayalakshmi
Published: December 2016

Objective

To document the effect of season and environmental pollution on UVB irradiance; and to estimate cutaneous vitamin D synthesis in village women in different seasons.

Design

Radiant UVB energy was measured by a spectroradiometer in different seasons and, in April and May, on successive days in open areas at the city outskirts, at a crowded inner-city area and the villages of our participants. Clothing, outdoor activity pattern and serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25(OH)D) levels were documented.

Setting

Rural north India, latitude 26·8°N.

Subjects

Pregnant women (n 139, aged 20–40 years).

Results

UVB irradiance ranged from 56 µW/cm2 in January to 470 µW/cm2 in June. Proportion of skin exposed was 18·5 % in summer and 9·5 % in winter. Mean (sd) daily duration of sun exposure was 3·2 (0·2) h during winter and 2·1 (0·4) h during summer. Cutaneous vitamin D synthesis was estimated to be 19·25 µg (770 IU) during winter and 37·25 µg (1490 IU) during summer. Mean (sd) serum 25(OH)D was 28 (15) nmol/l during winter (92 % of participants with <50 nmol/l) and reached 56 (20) nmol/l during late summer (60 % with >50 nmol/l). Mean (sd) UVB irradiance at peak summer was significantly higher at the open areas and in the villages than at the inner-city location (340 (45) and 310 (60) v. 250 (50) µW/cm2, P=0·03).

Conclusions

In our population, at latitude 26·8°N, poor skin exposure is a limiting factor in all seasons. During winter, low UVB radiation energy also contributes. Particulate pollution limits UVB irradiance. Vitamin D supplementation during winter may be necessary.
A randomised controlled trial of repeated filmed social contact on reducing mental illness-related stigma in young adults
Authors: Koike S. , Yamaguchi S. , Ojio Y. , Ohta K. , Shimada T. , Watanabe K. , Thornicroft G. , Ando S.
Published: December 2016

Aims.

Public stigma alters attitudes towards people with mental illness, and is a particular concern for young people since most mental health problems occur in adolescence and young adulthood. However, little is known about the long-term effects of repeated filmed social contact (FSC) on reducing mental health-related stigma among young adults in the general population, compared with self-instructional Internet search (INS) and control interventions.

Methods.

This study is a parallel-group randomised controlled trial over 12 months conducted in Tokyo, Japan. A total of 259 university students (malen= 150, mean age = 20.0 years,s.d.= 1.2) were recruited from 20 colleges and universities between November 2013 and July 2014, without being provided information about the mental health-related survey or trial. Participants were assigned to one of three groups before completion of the baseline survey (FSC/INS/control = 89/83/87). The FSC group received a computer-based 30-min social contact film with general mental health education and five follow-up web-based FSCs at 2-month intervals. The INS group undertook a 30-min search for mental health-related information with five follow-up web-based reminders for self-instructional searches at 2-month intervals. The control group played PC games and had no follow-up intervention. The main outcome measures were the future (intended behaviour) domain of the Reported and Intended Behaviour Scale at 12 months after the intervention. Analysis was conducted in September 2015.

Results.

At the 12-month follow-up, 218 participants completed the survey (84.1%, 75:70:73). The FSC group showed the greatest change at the 12-month follow-up (FSC: mean change 2.11 [95% CI 1.49, 2.73], INS: 1.04 [0.29, 1.80], control: 0.71 [0.09, 1.33]; FSCv.INSp= 0.037, FSCv.controlsp= 0.004). No adverse events were reported during the follow-up period.

Conclusions.

FSC was more successful in reducing stigma at 12 months after intervention than INS or control interventions. FSC could be used to reduce stigma in educational lectures and anti-stigma campaigns targeted at young people.

Study registration.

This study is registered at UMIN-CTR (No. UMIN000012239).
PDMS/MWCNT-based tactile sensor array with coplanar electrodes for crosstalk suppression
Authors: Wang Luxian , Peng Huiling , Wang Xiaolin , Chen Xiang , Yang Chunsheng , Yang Bin , Liu Jingquan
Published: December 2016

The severe crosstalk effect is widely present in tactile sensor arrays with a sandwich structure. Here we present a novel design for a resistive tactile sensor array with a coplanar electrode layer and isolated sensing elements, which were made from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) doped with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) for crosstalk suppression. To optimize its properties, both mechanical and electrical properties of PDMS/MWCNT-sensing materials with different PDMS/MWCNT ratios were investigated. The experimental results demonstrate that a 4 wt% of MWCNTs to PDMS is optimal for the sensing materials. In addition, the pressure-sensitive layer consists of three microstructured layers (two aspectant PDMS/MWCNT-based films and one top PDMS-based film) that are bonded together. Because of this three-layer microstructure design, our proposed tactile sensor array shows sensitivity up to −1.10 kPa−1, a response time of 29 ms and reliability in detecting tiny pressures.
Observation of spontaneous spin-splitting in the band structure of an n-type zinc-blende ferromagnetic semiconductor
Authors: Anh Le Duc , Hai Pham Nam , Tanaka Masaaki
Published: December 2016

Large spin-splitting in the conduction band and valence band of ferromagnetic semiconductors, predicted by the influential mean-field Zener model and assumed in many spintronic device proposals, has never been observed in the mainstream p-type Mn-doped ferromagnetic semiconductors. Here, using tunnelling spectroscopy in Esaki-diode structures, we report the observation of such a large spontaneous spin-splitting energy (31.7–50 meV) in the conduction band bottom of n-type ferromagnetic semiconductor (In,Fe)As, which is surprising considering the very weak s-d exchange interaction reported in several zinc-blende type semiconductors. The mean-field Zener model also fails to explain consistently the ferromagnetism and the spin-splitting energy of (In,Fe)As, because we found that the Curie temperature values calculated using the observed spin-splitting energies are much lower than the experimental ones by a factor of 400. These results urge the need for a more sophisticated theory of ferromagnetic semiconductors.
Brain structural plasticity with spaceflight
Authors: Koppelmans Vincent , Bloomberg Jacob J , Mulavara Ajitkumar P , Seidler Rachael D
Published: December 2016

Humans undergo extensive sensorimotor adaptation during spaceflight due to altered vestibular inputs and body unloading. No studies have yet evaluated the effects of spaceflight on human brain structure despite the fact that recently reported optic nerve structural changes are hypothesized to occur due to increased intracranial pressure occurring with microgravity. This is the first report on human brain structural changes with spaceflight. We evaluated retrospective longitudinal T2-weighted MRI scans and balance data from 27 astronauts (thirteen ~2-week shuttle crew members and fourteen ~6-month International Space Station crew members) to determine spaceflight effects on brain structure, and whether any pre to postflight brain changes are associated with balance changes. Data were obtained from the NASA Lifetime Surveillance of Astronaut Health. Brain scans were segmented into gray matter maps and normalized into MNI space using a stepwise approach through subject specific templates. Non-parametric permutation testing was used to analyze pre to postflight volumetric gray matter changes. We found extensive volumetric gray matter decreases, including large areas covering the temporal and frontal poles and around the orbits. This effect was larger in International Space Station versus shuttle crew members in some regions. There were bilateral focal gray matter increases within the medial primary somatosensory and motor cortex; i.e., the cerebral areas where the lower limbs are represented. These intriguing findings are observed in a retrospective data set; future prospective studies should probe the underlying mechanisms and behavioral consequences.
An atlas of transcriptional, chromatin accessibility, and surface marker changes in human mesoderm development
Authors: Koh Pang Wei , Sinha Rahul , Barkal Amira A. , Morganti Rachel M. , Chen Angela , Weissman Irving L. , Ang Lay Teng , Kundaje Anshul , Loh Kyle M.
Published: December 2016

Mesoderm is the developmental precursor to myriad human tissues including bone, heart, and skeletal muscle. Unravelling the molecular events through which these lineages become diversified from one another is integral to developmental biology and understanding changes in cellular fate. To this end, we developed an in vitro system to differentiate human pluripotent stem cells through primitive streak intermediates into paraxial mesoderm and its derivatives (somites, sclerotome, dermomyotome) and separately, into lateral mesoderm and its derivatives (cardiac mesoderm). Whole-population and single-cell analyses of these purified populations of human mesoderm lineages through RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, and high-throughput surface marker screens illustrated how transcriptional changes co-occur with changes in open chromatin and surface marker landscapes throughout human mesoderm development. This molecular atlas will facilitate study of human mesoderm development (which cannot be interrogated in vivo due to restrictions on human embryo studies) and provides a broad resource for the study of gene regulation in development at the single-cell level, knowledge that might one day be exploited for regenerative medicine.
Correction: Corrigendum: Australian sea-floor survey data, with images and expert annotations
Authors: Bewley Michael , Friedman Ariell , Ferrari Renata , Hill Nicole , Hovey Renae , Barrett Neville , Marzinelli Ezequiel M. , Pizarro Oscar , Figueira Will , Meyer Lisa , Babcock Russ , Bellchambers Lynda , Byrne Maria , Williams Stefan B.
Published: December 2016

Scientific Data 2:150057 doi:10.1038/sdata.2015.57 (2015); Published 27 Oct 2015; Updated 20 Dec 2016 The authors regret that Ezequiel Marzinelli was omitted in error from the author list of the original version of this Data Descriptor. This omission has now been corrected in the HTML and PDF versions of this Data Descriptor.
Transcriptome characterisation and simple sequence repeat marker discovery in the seagrass Posidonia oceanica
Authors: D’Esposito D. , Orrù L. , Dattolo E. , Bernardo L. , Lamontanara A. , Orsini L. , Serra I.A , Mazzuca S. , Procaccini G.
Published: December 2016

Posidonia oceanica is an endemic seagrass in the Mediterranean Sea, where it provides important ecosystem services and sustains a rich and diverse ecosystem. P. oceanica meadows extend from the surface to 40 meters depth. With the aim of boosting research in this iconic species, we generated a comprehensive RNA-Seq data set for P. oceanica by sequencing specimens collected at two depths and two times during the day. With this approach we attempted to capture the transcriptional diversity associated with change in light and other depth-related environmental factors. Using this extensive data set we generated gene predictions and identified an extensive catalogue of potential Simple Sequence Repeats (SSR) markers. The data generated here will open new avenues for the analysis of population genetic features and functional variation in P. oceanica. In total, 79,235 contigs were obtained by the assembly of 70,453,120 paired end reads. 43,711 contigs were successfully annotated. A total of 17,436 SSR were identified within 13,912 contigs.
Inertial Focusing of Microparticles in Curvilinear Microchannels
Authors: Özbey Arzu , Karimzadehkhouei Mehrdad , Akgönül Sarp , Gozuacik Devrim , Koşar Ali
Published: December 2016

A passive, continuous and size-dependent focusing technique enabled by “inertial microfluidics”, which takes advantage of hydrodynamic forces, is implemented in this study to focus microparticles. The objective is to analyse the decoupling effects of inertial forces and Dean drag forces on microparticles of different sizes in curvilinear microchannels with inner radius of 800 μm and curvature angle of 280°, which have not been considered in the literature related to inertial microfluidics. This fundamental approach gives insight into the underlying physics of particle dynamics and offers continuous, high-throughput, label-free and parallelizable size-based particle separation. Our design allows the same footprint to be occupied as straight channels, which makes parallelization possible with optical detection integration. This feature is also useful for ultrahigh-throughput applications such as flow cytometers with the advantages of reduced cost and size. The focusing behaviour of 20, 15 and 10 μm fluorescent polystyrene microparticles was examined for different channel Reynolds numbers. Lateral and vertical particle migrations and the equilibrium positions of these particles were investigated in detail, which may lead to the design of novel microfluidic devices with high efficiency and high throughput for particle separation, rapid detection and diagnosis of circulating tumour cells with reduced cost.
Efficacy and safety of thrombopoietin receptor agonists in patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Li , Gao Zhe , Chen Xiao-ping , Zhang Hai-yan , Yang Nan , Wang Fei-yan , Guan Li-xun , Gu Zhen-yang , Zhao Sha-sha , Luo Lan , Wei Hua-ping , Gao Chun-ji
Published: December 2016

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune disease characterized by increased platelet destruction and impaired platelet production. In this study, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the efficacy and safety of thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TPO-RAs) in primary ITP patients. Thirteen randomized controlled trials were included in this study, the pooled results of which demonstrated that TPO-RAs significantly increased platelet response (R) and durable response (DR) rates [risk ratio (RR): 2.77, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.01–3.82, P = 5.9 × 10−10; RR: 7.52, 95% CI: 3.94–14.35, P = 9.2 × 10−10; respectively] and that TPO-RAs significantly reduced the incidences of any or severe bleeding events (RR: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.67–0.95, P = 0.013; RR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.27–0.99, P = 0.048; respectively). Moreover, our results indicated that there was a significant reduction in the proportion of patients needing rescue medications in the TPO-RA groups compared with the control groups (RR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.42–0.59, P = 2.0 × 10−15) and that the rates of any or severe adverse events were similar between the TPO-RA and control regimens (RR: 1.01, 95% CI: 0.92–1.10; RR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.54–1.01; respectively). These findings demonstrate that TPO-RAs are an effective and safe second-line treatment option for primary ITP patients.
Correction: Corrigendum: Efficacy of PIVKA-II in prediction and early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma: a nested case-control study in Chinese patients
Authors: Yu Rentao , Xiang Xiaomei , Tan Zhaoxia , Zhou Yi , Wang Haoliang , Deng Guohong
Published: December 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 35050; published online: 12 October 2016; updated: 19 December 2016
Disorder-induced topological phase transitions in two-dimensional spin-orbit coupled superconductors
Authors: Qin Wei , Xiao Di , Chang Kai , Shen Shun-Qing , Zhang Zhenyu
Published: December 2016

Normal superconductors with Rashba spin-orbit coupling have been explored as candidate systems of topological superconductors. Here we present a comparative theoretical study of the effects of different types of disorder on the topological phases of two-dimensional Rashba spin-orbit coupled superconductors. First, we show that a topologically trivial superconductor can be driven into a chiral topological superconductor upon diluted doping of isolated magnetic disorder, which close and reopen the quasiparticle gap of the paired electrons in a nontrivial manner. Secondly, the superconducting nature of a topological superconductor is found to be robust against Anderson disorder, but the topological nature is not, converting the system into a topologically trivial state even in the weak scattering limit. These topological phase transitions are distinctly characterized by variations in the topological invariant. We discuss the central findings in connection with existing experiments, and provide new schemes towards eventual realization of topological superconductors.
Macrophages Enhance Migration in Inflammatory Breast Cancer Cells via RhoC GTPase Signaling
Authors: Allen Steven G. , Chen Yu-Chih , Madden Julie M. , Fournier Chelsea L. , Altemus Megan A. , Hiziroglu Ayse B. , Cheng Yu-Heng , Wu Zhi Fen , Bao Liwei , Yates Joel A. , Yoon Euisik , Merajver Sofia D.
Published: December 2016

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is the most lethal form of breast cancer. All IBC patients have lymph node involvement and one-third of patients already have distant metastasis at diagnosis. This propensity for metastasis is a hallmark of IBC distinguishing it from less lethal non-inflammatory breast cancers (nIBC). Genetic profiling studies have been conducted to differentiate IBC from nIBC, but no IBC cancer-cell-specific gene signature has been identified. We hypothesized that a tumor-extrinsic factor, notably tumor-associated macrophages, promotes and contributes to IBC’s extreme metastatic phenotype. To this end, we studied the effect of macrophage-conditioned media (MCM) on IBC. We show that two IBC cell lines are hyper-responsive to MCM as compared to normal-like breast and aggressive nIBC cell lines. We further interrogated IBC’s hyper-responsiveness to MCM using a microfluidic migration device, which permits individual cell migration path tracing. We found the MCM “primes” the IBC cells’ cellular machinery to become extremely migratory in response to a chemoattractant. We determined that interleukins −6, −8, and −10 within the MCM are sufficient to stimulate this enhanced IBC migration effect, and that the known metastatic oncogene, RhoC GTPase, is necessary for the enhanced migration response.
Non-binary Colour Modulation for Display Device Based on Phase Change Materials
Authors: Ji Hong-Kai , Tong Hao , Qian Hang , Hui Ya-Juan , Liu Nian , Yan Peng , Miao Xiang-Shui
Published: December 2016

A reflective-type display device based on phase change materials is attractive because of its ultrafast response time and high resolution compared with a conventional display device. This paper proposes and demonstrates a unique display device in which multicolour changing can be achieved on a single device by the selective crystallization of double layer phase change materials. The optical contrast is optimized by the availability of a variety of film thicknesses of two phase change layers. The device exhibits a low sensitivity to the angle of incidence, which is important for display and colour consistency. The non-binary colour rendering on a single device is demonstrated for the first time using optical excitation. The device shows the potential for ultrafast display applications.
Prognostic Value of Bone Mineral Density on Curve Progression: A Longitudinal Cohort Study of 513 Girls with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: YIP Benjamin Hon Kei , YU Fiona Wai Ping , WANG Zhiwei , HUNG Vivian Wing Yin , LAM Tsz Ping , NG Bobby Kin Wah , ZHU Feng , CHENG Jack Chun Yiu
Published: December 2016

Osteopenia has been found to occur in about 30% of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) patients. This study aimed to investigate its prognostic value on the risk of curve progression to surgical threshold. Newly diagnosed AIS girls (N = 513) with Cobb angle 10°–40° were recruited with follow-up till maturity. Bilateral hips were assessed with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Distal radius of a subgroup of 90 subjects was further assessed with high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT). 55 patients progressed to surgical threshold or underwent spine surgery at the end of follow-up. Cox model with osteopenia status performed significantly better than the model without (p = 0.010). Osteopenic patients had significantly higher risk of surgery (HR2.25, p = 0.011), even after adjustment for menarche status, age and initial Cobb angle. The incremental predictive value of osteopenia was, however, not statistically significant. In the subgroup analysis, cortical bone density was identified as a better marker to improve the sensitivity of the prediction, but requires further larger study to validate this finding. These consistent results of bone density measured at different sites suggest a systemic effect, rather than local effect to the deformed spine, and support to the link of abnormal bone density to the etiopathogenesis in AIS patients.
Local recording of biological magnetic fields using Giant Magneto Resistance-based micro-probes
Authors: Barbieri Francesca , Trauchessec Vincent , Caruso Laure , Trejo-Rosillo Josué , Telenczuk Bartosz , Paul Elodie , Bal Thierry , Destexhe Alain , Fermon Claude , Pannetier-Lecoeur Myriam , Ouanounou Gilles
Published: December 2016

The electrical activity of brain, heart and skeletal muscles generates magnetic fields but these are recordable only macroscopically, such as in magnetoencephalography, which is used to map neuronal activity at the brain scale. At the local scale, magnetic fields recordings are still pending because of the lack of tools that can come in contact with living tissues. Here we present bio-compatible sensors based on Giant Magneto-Resistance (GMR) spin electronics. We show on a mouse musclein vitro, using electrophysiology and computational modeling, that this technology permits simultaneous local recordings of the magnetic fields from action potentials. The sensitivity of this type of sensor is almost size independent, allowing the miniaturization and shaping required forin vivo/vitromagnetophysiology. GMR-based technology can constitute the magnetic counterpart of microelectrodes in electrophysiology, and might represent a new fundamental tool to investigate the local sources of neuronal magnetic activity.
Simple reverse genetics systems for Asian and African Zika viruses
Authors: Atieh Thérèse , Baronti Cécile , de Lamballerie Xavier , Nougairède Antoine
Published: December 2016

Zika virus (ZIKV), a typical example of a re‐emerging pathogen, recently caused large outbreaks in Pacific islands and the Americas, associated with congenital diseases and neurological complications. Deciphering the natural history, ecology and pathophysiology of this mosquito-borne pathogen requires effective reverse genetics tools. In the current study, using the bacterium-free ‘Infectious Subgenomic Amplicons’ (ISA) method, we generated and made available to the scientific community via the non-profit European Virus Archive collection, two simple and performing reverse genetics systems for ZIKV. One is based on an Asian ZIKV strain belonging to the outbreak lineage (French Polynesia 2013). The second was designed from the sequence of a low-passaged ZIKV African strain (Dakar 1984). Using the ISA procedure, we derived wild-type and a variety of specifically engineered ZIKVs in days (intra- and inter-lineage chimeras). Since they are based on low-passaged ZIKV strains, these engineered viruses provide ideal tools to study the effect of genetic changes observed in different evolutionary time-scales of ZIKV as well as pathophysiology of ZIKV infections.
Brain tissue banking for stem cells for our future
Authors: Palmero Emily , Palmero Sheryl , Murrell Wayne
Published: December 2016

In our lab we study neurogenesis and the development of brain tumors. We work towards treatment strategies for glioblastoma and towards using autologous neural stem cells for tissue regeneration strategies for brain damage and neurodegenerative disorders. It has been our policy to try to establish living cell cultures from all human biopsy material that we obtain. We hypothesized that small pieces of brain tissue could be cryopreserved and that live neural stem cells could be recovered at a later time. DMSO has been shown to possess a remarkable ability to diffuse through cell membranes and pass into cell interiors. Its chemical properties prevent the formation of damaging ice crystals thus allowing cell storage at or below −180 C. We report here a protocol for successful freezing of small pieces of tissue derived from human brain and human brain tumours. Virtually all specimens could be successfully revived. Assays of phenotype and behaviour show that the cell cultures derived were equivalent to those cultures previously derived from fresh tissue.
Serum soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor as a biological marker of bacterial infection in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ni Wentao , Han Yuliang , Zhao Jin , Cui Junchang , Wang Kai , Wang Rui , Liu Youning
Published: December 2016

The serum concentration of soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) reflects immune activation. We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the usefulness of suPAR for the diagnosis and prognosis of bacterial infections. PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases were searched for studies reporting the detection of suPAR in adult patients with bacterial infections. Seventeen studies were selected from 671 studies. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of suPAR for diagnosing infection were 0.73 and 0.79, respectively, and the area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.82. Subgroup analyses revealed suPAR showed similar AUC values for diagnosing sepsis and bacteremia, but the AUC for differentiating sepsis from systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) was only 0.68. Elevated suPAR levels were significantly associated with a high risk of death, with a pooled risk ratio of 3.37 (95% confidence interval, 2.60–4.38). The pooled sensitivity and specificity for predicting mortality were 0.70 and 0.72, respectivfely, with an AUC of 0.77. Serum suPAR could be a biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of bacterial infection, but it is relatively ineffective for differentiating sepsis from SIRS. Further investigation is required to evaluate whether using of suPAR in combination with other biomarkers can improve diagnostic efficacy.
Is energy transfer limiting multiphotochromism? answers from ab initio quantifications
Authors: Fihey Arnaud , Russo Roberto , Cupellini Lorenzo , Jacquemin Denis , Mennucci Benedetta
Published: December 2016

Energy transfer between the closed and the open switches in DTE dyads impacts the multiphotochromic character of the assembly depending on the nature of the linker.
Copper-promoted methylene C–H oxidation to a ketone derivative by O2
Authors: Deville Claire , McKee Vickie , McKenzie Christine J.
Published: December 2016

The oxime-dipyridyl ligand on a copper complex is slowly oxygenated at the benzylic C–H bond in air.
Cubane-like tetranuclear Cu(ii) complexes bearing a Cu4O4 core: crystal structure, magnetic properties, DFT calculations and phenoxazinone synthase like activity
Authors: Sagar Shipra , Sengupta Swaraj , Mota Antonio J. , Chattopadhyay Shyamal K. , Espinosa Ferao Arturo , Riviere Eric , Lewis William , Naskar Subhendu
Published: December 2016

Two tetranuclear copper complexes with a Cu4O4 cubane core exhibiting phenoxazinone synthase like activity are reported.
An Ising iron(ii) chain exhibits a large finite-size energy barrier and “hard” magnetic behaviour
Authors: Deng Yi-Fei , Han Tian , Xue Wei , Hayashi Naoaki , Kageyama Hiroshi , Zheng Yan-Zhen
Published: December 2016

An iron(ii) chain was reported to exhibit a large energy barrier of 150 K, a large coercivity of 1.7 T and a high remnant magnetic moment of 1.55Nβ(2 K) among homo-spin single-chain magnets.
The W@WO3 ohmic contact induces a high-efficiency photooxidation performance
Authors: Wan Fangxu , Kong Lina , Wang Changhua , Li Yingying , Liu Yichun , Zhang Xintong
Published: December 2016

The W@WO3 Ohmic-type junction exhibits superior mineralization ability for the photocatalytic degradation of acetaldehyde under UV light irradiation.
Retention of fungal enzyme activity in environmental liquid and filter samples
Authors: Salmela A. , Lappalainen V. , Reponen T. , Pasanen P.
Published: December 2016

Fungal biomass can be determined by measuring the beta-N-acetylhexos-aminidase (NAHA) enzyme activity.
Synthesis, in vitro and in vivo evaluation of new hybrids of millepachine and phenstatin as potent tubulin polymerization inhibitors
Authors: An Baijiao , Zhang Shun , Yan Jun , Huang Ling , Li Xingshu
Published: December 2016

In this paper, a series of millepachine derivatives were synthesized and evaluated as tubulin polymerization inhibitors.