bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dual specific phosphatase 12 ameliorates cardiac hypertrophy in response to pressure overload
Authors: Li Wei-ming , Zhao Yi-fan , Zhu Guo-fu , Peng Wen-hui , Zhu Meng-yun , Yu Xue-jing , Chen Wei , Xu Da-chun , Xu Ya-wei
Published: October 2016

Pathological cardiac hypertrophy is an independent risk factor of heart failure. However, we still lack effective methods to reverse cardiac hypertrophy. DUSP12 is a member of the dual specific phosphatase (DUSP) family, which is characterized by its DUSP activity to dephosphorylate both tyrosine and serine/threonine residues on one substrate. Some DUSPs have been identified as being involved in the regulation of cardiac hypertrophy. However, the role of DUSP12 during pathological cardiac hypertrophy is still unclear. In the present study, we observed a significant decrease in DUSP12 expression in hypertrophic hearts and cardiomyocytes. Using a genetic loss-of-function murine model, we demonstrated that DUSP12 deficiency apparently aggravated pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis as well as impaired cardiac function, whereas cardiac-specific overexpression of DUPS12 was capable of reversing this hypertrophic and fibrotic phenotype and improving contractile function. Furthermore, we demonstrated that JNK1/2 activity but neither ERK1/2 nor p38 activity was increased in the DUSP12 deficient group and decreased in the DUSP12 overexpression group both in vitro and in vivo under hypertrophic stress conditions. Pharmacological inhibition of JNK1/2 activity (SP600125) is capable of reversing the hypertrophic phenotype in DUSP12 knockout (KO) mice. DUSP12 protects against pathological cardiac hypertrophy and related pathologies. This regulatory role of DUSP12 is primarily through c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibition. DUSP12 could be a promising therapeutic target of pathological cardiac hypertrophy. DUSP12 is down-regulated in hypertrophic hearts. An absence of DUSP12 aggravated cardiac hypertrophy, whereas cardiomyocyte-specific DUSP12 overexpression can alleviate this hypertrophic phenotype with improved cardiac function. Further study demonstrated that DUSP12 inhibited JNK activity to attenuate pathological cardiac hypertrophy.
No‐load performance study of 1200 kV Indian UHVAC transmission system
Authors: Bharti Satyadharma , Dubey Satya Prakash
Published: October 2016

Major load centres of India are located at northern part and western–southern part of country, whereas most of the generating units are concentrated at eastern and North‐eastern parts. Economic transmission of bulk power over a long distance is a basic requirement for which ultra‐high voltage AC (UHVAC) transmission system is identified as a feasible solution resulting in reduced transmission loss and reduced corridor width (right of way), protection of precious flora and fauna. For this, Powergrid Corporation of India along with Central Power Research Institute had made a call for indigenous development of UHVAC technology. As a result, 1200 kV UHVAC National Test Station is developed in India at Bina. One 400/1200 kV bay is successfully charged, along with one 1200 kV single circuit and one 1200 kV double‐circuit test transmission line. This study deals with the study of on‐site acceptance test such as sweep frequency response analysis, frequency‐domain spectroscopy (FDS), along with inrush current measurement, voltage withstand test, corona measurement, thermo‐vision scanning conducted on‐site at no load, to ensure the performance of transmission system. A brief review of technical studies related to UHVAC technology developed throughout the World is also presented. The power transmission at 1200 kV is a feasible and viable option but further research is required in this area to make UHV transmission a global success.
Identification of superposed modulations for two‐way relaying MIMO systems with physical‐layer network coding
Authors: Ben Chikha Wassim , Chaoui Slim , Attia Rabah
Published: October 2016

The automatic modulation identification of a detected signal represents an essential task for an intelligent receiver and plays an important role in demodulating the intercepted signals for several communication systems. In this study, the authors propose an efficient algorithm of superposed modulations identification dedicated for two‐way relaying multiple‐input multiple‐output systems with physical‐layer network coding (PLNC). The aim of this work is to identify a pair of sources modulations from the superposed constellation, when PLNC is applied. For this purpose, the authors use the higher order statistics‐based features in conjunction with genetic algorithm and information theory as a features selection method and the random forests as a classifier. Simulations are provided to assess the accuracy of the proposed algorithm through the average probability of correct identification for different modulation scheme pairs. It is shown that the algorithm achieves high‐modulation identification in acceptable signal‐to‐noise ratio level at different relay position.
Mareike Kunkel: Zuhause angekommen
Authors: König Romy
Published: October 2016

Die Würzburger Uniklinik hat seit Anfang des Jahres eine neue Apothekenleiterin: Mareike Kunkel, 35 Jahre jung. Sie ist aufstrebend und ehrgeizig, doch sie kennt auch ihre Wurzeln – und pflegt sie.
Historische Entwicklung von Wollproben- und Farbtafeltests für das Screening von Farbsehstörungen im deutschsprachigen Raum
Authors: Kuchenbecker J.
Published: October 2016

Das Farbensehen ist eine komplexe visuelle Funktion, die durch angeborene und/oder erworbene Störungen beeinträchtigt sein kann. Insbesondere ab den 70er-Jahren des 19. Jahrhunderts wurden durch planmäßige Untersuchungen insbesondere von Eisenbahn- und Marinepersonal die Verbreitung von angeborenen Störungen des Farbensehens erkannt und zahlreiche Untersuchungsverfahren entwickelt. So kamen u. a. Wollprobentests, Florkontrasttests und Farbtafeltests zur Anwendung. Bis in die heutige Zeit wird ein Farbtafeltest auf der Grundlage der Stillingʼschen pseudoisochromatischen Tafeln kombiniert mit einem Florkontrasttest als Screeningmethode für die Farbsehtestung im deutschen Sprachraum publiziert. Ziel des Tests ist es, angeborene und erworbene Farbsehstörungen einfach und zuverlässig aufzudecken. Dabei können bereits heute und in Zukunft auch die modernen Möglichkeiten wie Internet und Tablet-PC, trotz ihrer technischen Limitationen, ergänzend für das Screening von Farbsehstörungen genutzt werden.
MHD marking using the MSE polarimeter optics in ILW JET plasmas
Authors: Reyes Cortes S. , Alper B. , Alves D. , Baruzzo M. , Bernardo J. , Buratti P. , Coelho R. , Challis C. , Chapman I. , Hawkes N. , Hender T. C. , Hobirk J. , Joffrin E. ,   JET Contributors
Published: October 2016

In this communication we propose a novel diagnostic technique, which uses the collection optics of the JET Motional Stark Effect (MSE) diagnostic, to perform polarimetry marking of observed MHD in high temperature plasma regimes. To introduce the technique, first we will present measurements of the coherence between MSE polarimeter, electron cyclotron emission, and Mirnov coil signals aiming to show the feasibility of the method. The next step consists of measuring the amplitude fluctuation of the raw MSE polarimeter signals, for each MSE channel, following carefully the MHD frequency on Mirnov coil data spectrograms. A variety of experimental examples in JET ITER-Like Wall (ILW) plasmas are presented, providing an adequate picture and interpretation for the MSE optics polarimeter technique.
Perspective: Kohn-Sham density functional theory descending a staircase
Authors: Yu Haoyu S. , Li Shaohong L. , Truhlar Donald G.
Published: October 2016

This article presents a perspective on Kohn-Sham density functional theory (KS-DFT) for electronic structure calculations in chemical physics. This theory is in widespread use for applications to both molecules and solids. We pay special attention to several aspects where there are both concerns and progress toward solutions. These include: 1. The treatment of open-shell and inherently multiconfigurational systems (the latter are often called multireference systems and are variously classified as having strong correlation, near-degeneracy correlation, or high static correlation; KS-DFT must treat these systems with broken-symmetry determinants). 2. The treatment of noncovalent interactions. 3. The choice between developing new functionals by parametrization, by theoretical constraints, or by a combination. 4. The ingredients of the exchange-correlation functionals used by KS-DFT, including spin densities, the magnitudes of their gradients, spin-specific kinetic energy densities, nonlocal exchange (Hartree-Fock exchange), nonlocal correlation, and subshell-dependent corrections (DFT+U). 5. The quest for a universal functional, where we summarize some of the success of the latest Minnesota functionals, namely MN15-L and MN15, which were obtained by optimization against diverse databases. 6. Time-dependent density functional theory, which is an extension of DFT to treat time-dependent problems and excited states. The review is a snapshot of a rapidly moving field, and—like Marcel Duchamp—we hope to convey progress in a stimulating way.
An improved device for bioimpedance deviation measurements based on 4-electrode half bridge
Authors: Liu Yang , Qiao Xiaoyan , Li Gang , Lin Ling
Published: October 2016

Researches on monitoring the body fluid changes have attracted much attention during recent years. Real-time bioimpedance deviation detection has good potential for evaluating body fluid changes. In this paper, an improved device based on the self-balancing half bridge and the 4-electrode technique is proposed, which is able to detect minor bioimpedance deviations. The 4-electrode technique is used to remove the interference from contact impedance. Furthermore, the automatic balancing half bridge is utilized to deduct the high-level static impedance baseline, and thus, the dynamic range is enlarged. Moreover, a digital lock-in algorithm based on oversampling improved the effective resolution of the system. Validation experiments show that the minimum bioimpedance deviation measured in the experiment can reach 1 Ω even when the bioimpedance baseline is 10 kΩ and the noise level is low. The system has advantages of high resolution, high magnification, large dynamic range, and good self-adaptability for bioimpedance deviation detection.
On the shape of large wave-groups on deep water—The influence of bandwidth and spreading
Authors: Adcock T. A. A. , Taylor P. H. , Draper S.
Published: October 2016

In the open ocean, the formation of large waves is non-linear. This non-linearity modifies the shape and structure of steep waves relative to that expected in a linear model. Work by Adcock et al. [“Nonlinear dynamics of wave-groups in random seas: Unexpected walls of water in the open ocean,” Proc. R. Soc. A 471(2184), 20150660 (2015)] used a numerical model to show that, for a wave spectrum representative of that of a storm in the North Sea, non-linear dynamics resulted in the following changes to the shape of extreme wave groups relative to a linear model: expansion of the wave-crest laterally, contraction of the wave-group in the mean wave direction, and a movement of the largest wave to the front of the wave-group. They found only moderate elevation above that expected by the linear model. This paper extends this work to explore the influence of spectral bandwidth and directional spreading on these results. We find that sea-states with low directional spreads are more likely to see significant non-linear changes to extreme wave-groups. However, rather surprisingly, extreme waves formed in seas with broader spectra generally, although not always, see greater non-linear changes for the range of spectra studied here. We also observe that the lateral expansion to the wave-group occurs even for relatively modest sea-states and is a predictable feature. By contrast, the contraction of the wave-group in the mean wave direction only occurs occasionally in the steepest sea-states—although when this is triggered the change can be very dramatic.
Recombination by band-to-defect tunneling near semiconductor heterojunctions: A theoretical model
Authors: Myers Samuel M. , Wampler William R. , Modine Normand A.
Published: October 2016

Carrier transport and recombination are modeled for a heterojunction diode containing irradiation defects. Detailed attention is given to the role of band-to-trap tunneling and how it is affected by band offsets at the junction. Tunneled states are characterized by numerical solution of the one-band effective-mass envelope equation. The interaction with traps is treated assuming capture by the multi-phonon-emission mechanism. It is shown that tunneling can increase carrier recombination at defects by orders of magnitude in the presence of large band offsets. This explains why Npn InGaP/GaAs/GaAs heterojunction bipolar transistors with displacement damage from energetic-particle irradiation are observed to have high carrier recombination in the emitter-base depletion region.
Intertwining operators for non-self-adjoint Hamiltonians and bicoherent states
Authors: Bagarello F.
Published: October 2016

This paper is devoted to the construction of what we will call exactly solvable models, i.e., of quantum mechanical systems described by an Hamiltonian H whose eigenvalues and eigenvectors can be explicitly constructed out of some minimal ingredients. In particular, motivated by PT-quantum mechanics, we will not insist on any self-adjointness feature of the Hamiltonians considered in our construction. We also introduce the so-called bicoherent states, we analyze some of their properties and we show how they can be used for quantizing a system. Some examples, both in finite and in infinite-dimensional Hilbert spaces, are discussed.
Perpetual points and periodic perpetual loci in maps
Authors: Dudkowski Dawid , Prasad Awadhesh , Kapitaniak Tomasz
Published: October 2016

We introduce the concepts of perpetual points and periodic perpetual loci in discrete–time systems (maps). The occurrence and analysis of these points/loci are shown and basic examples are considered. We discuss the potential usage and properties of the introduced concepts. The comparison of perpetual points and loci in discrete–time and continuous–time systems is presented. The discussed methods can be widely applied in other dynamical systems.
Size-dependent vibration of nickel cantilever microbeams: Experiment and gradient elasticity
Authors: Lei Jian , He Yuming , Guo Song , Li Zhenkun , Liu Dabiao
Published: October 2016

The size-dependent elasticity of a series of nickel cantilever microbeams was investigated experimentally for the first time. The experimental results revealed that the dimensionless natural frequencies of the cantilever microbeams increase to about 2.1 times with the beam thickness decreasing from 15 to 2.1 μm. Furthermore, based on the strain gradient elasticity theory (SGT) and by using the differential quadrature method (DQM) and the least square method (LSM), the experimental results were interpreted and the material length scale parameters in the scale of micron in elastic range were obtained. This investigation will be useful and helpful for the theoretical and numerical simulation of micro-structures and important for the design of the MEMS/NEMS.
A theoretical model and analysis of composite membrane of a piezoresistive pressure sensor
Authors: Nie Meng , Bao Hong-Quan
Published: October 2016

In this paper, an analytical model of the composite membrane piezoresistive pressure sensor with the testing structure is established, which built the relationship between the electrostatic force and the material properties, dimension parameters of the sensor. By using the theoretical model of the sensor, it is easily to analyze the sensor’s performance, to optimize the dimension of the sensor, and to make the step of calibrating to be getting fast and accurate.
Label-free imaging of the native, living cellular nanoarchitecture using partial-wave spectroscopic microscopy
Authors: Almassalha Luay M. , Bauer Greta M. , Chandler John E. , Gladstein Scott , Cherkezyan Lusik , Stypula-Cyrus Yolanda , Weinberg Samuel , Zhang Di , Thusgaard Ruhoff Peder , Roy Hemant K. , Subramanian Hariharan , Chandel Navdeep S. , Szleifer Igal , Backman Vadim
Published: October 2016

Significance

Chromatin is one of the most critical structures within the cell because it houses most genetic information. Its structure is well understood at the nucleosomal (<20-nm) and chromosomal (>200-nm) levels; however, due to the lack of quantitative imaging modalities to study this organization, little is known about the higher-order structure between these length scales in live cells. We present a label-free technique, live-cell partial-wave spectroscopic (PWS) microscopy, with sensitivity to structures between 20 and 200 nm that can quantify the nanoarchitecture in live cells. With this technique, we can detect DNA fragmentation and expand on the link between metabolic function and higher-order chromatin structure. Live-cell PWS allows high-throughput study of the relationship between nanoscale organization and molecular function.
Polynomials and harmonic functions on discrete groups
Authors: Meyerovitch Tom , Perl Idan , Tointon Matthew , Yadin Ariel
Published: October 2016

Alexopoulos proved that on a finitely generated virtually nilpotent group, the restriction of a harmonic function of polynomial growth to a torsion-free nilpotent subgroup of finite index is always a polynomial in the Mal’cev coordinates of that subgroup. For general groups, vanishing of higher-order discrete derivatives gives a natural notion of polynomial maps, which has been considered by Leibman and others. We provide a simple proof of Alexopoulos’s result using this notion of polynomials under the weaker hypothesis that the space of harmonic functions of polynomial growth of degree at most

k
k

is finite-dimensional. We also prove that for a finitely generated group the Laplacian maps the polynomials of degree

k
k

surjectively onto the polynomials of degree

k
−
2

k-2

. We then present some corollaries. In particular, we calculate precisely the dimension of the space of harmonic functions of polynomial growth of degree at most

k
k

on a virtually nilpotent group, extending an old result of Heilbronn for the abelian case, and refining a more recent result of Hua and Jost.
Topography of the Cotyledon Surfaces and Adjoining Seed Coat of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Genotypes Differing in Milling Performance
Authors: Wood Jennifer A. , Knights Edmund J. , Choct Mingan
Published: October 2016

Milling of pulse seeds generally refers to dehulling (decortication or seed coat removal) and splitting (division of the two cotyledons) to produce split seeds, known as dhal. Reduction of whole seeds or dhal to flour, in comparison, is generally termed “grinding” for pulses. Many pulses are consumed as dhal, including desi chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), faba bean (Vicia faba L.), lentil (Lens culinaris L.), field pea (Pisum sativum L.), pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L.), mungbean (Vigna radiata L.), black gram (Vigna mungo L.), and hyacinth bean (Lablab purpureus L.). Hence, ease‐of‐milling is an important quality attribute of pulse species that are commonly dehulled or split prior to consumption. Seed structure and the surface topography at the junctions between seed coat and cotyledons have the potential to influence the varietal differences observed in the ease of milling. The epicuticular wax surfaces of six genotypes of chickpea differing in ease of milling were examined by scanning electron microscopy to evaluate whether the physical attributes of seed coat and cotyledon surfaces could be involved in adhesion. Differing epicuticular wax patterns were observed for each of the six genotypes. The possible roles these patterns play in genotypic differences in ease of milling are discussed.
Palliative Pelvic Exenteration: Clinical Outcomes and Quality of Life
Authors: Quyn Aaron J. , Solomon Michael J. , Lee Peter M. , Badgery-Parker Tim , Masya Lindy M. , Young Jane M.
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND:

Locally advanced pelvic malignancy can be associated with disabling symptoms and reduced quality of life. If resectable with clear margins, a pelvic exenteration can offer long-term survival and improved quality of life. Its role in the palliation of symptoms has been described; however, the clinical outcomes and surgical indication are poorly defined.

OBJECTIVE:

This study describes the clinical and quality-of-life outcomes after palliative pelvic exenteration for advanced pelvic malignancy.

DESIGN:

Clinical data and patient-reported outcomes were collected for patients undergoing pelvic exenteration for symptom palliation.

SETTINGS:

This study was conducted at a tertiary referral center for pelvic exenteration.

PATIENTS:

All of the patients undergoing palliative pelvic exenteration for advanced primary rectal or recurrent cancer were included in our analysis.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Patient-reported quality of life and physical and mental health status were measured. Quality-of-life trajectories were modeled over the 12 months from the date of surgery using linear mixed models.

RESULTS:

A total of 39 patients underwent pelvic exenteration for symptom palliation. Although there were no in-hospital deaths, 34% experienced significant morbidity. Patient-reported quality of life reduced postoperatively and gradually declined thereafter. Overall median survival was 24 months, with a 1-year mortality rate of 31%. There was a significant survival difference for the 39 patients undergoing pelvic exenteration compared with those patients who only had a debulking/bypass procedure or were closed without definitive treatment (overall median survival = 24 versus 9 months; p = <0.02).

LIMITATIONS:

Disease and patient heterogeneity limit the interpretation of these results.

CONCLUSIONS:

Palliative pelvic exenteration is a technically demanding operation that can be performed safely in a dedicated exenteration center. However, no durable palliation of symptoms with associated improved or sustained quality of life was observed, and the role of palliation therefore remains highly controversial in this complex group of patients.
Resolution of Cosmetic Buttock Injection-induced Inflammatory Reaction and Heart Failure after Excision of Filler Material
Authors: Purnell Chad A. , Klosowiak Julian L. , Cheesborough Jennifer E. , Park Eugene , Bandy Andrew , Dumanian Gregory A.
Published: October 2016

We present a case of a 66-year-old woman who developed heart failure and severe inflammatory reaction after the illicit cosmetic injections of polymethyl-methacrylate or polyacrylamide hydrogel from a primary care provider. After medical optimization, an en bloc excision of all injectable materials and gluteus muscle was performed, which resulted in exposure of bilateral sciatic nerves. Within 10 days, the patient's heart failure resolved and inflammatory state improved. This is the first known report of heart failure due to buttock injections and subsequent improvement after surgery.
Closing the Generational Gap in Surgery: Why So Angry?
Authors: Zbar Ross I.S.
Published: October 2016

Significant and rapid changes in healthcare delivery are forcing surgeons into collaborative teams. Additionally, surgeons are faced with new bureaucratic requirements that do not directly impact patient care, but nevertheless require allocation of time and attention. Surgeons are required to communicate with an expanding group of individuals at various professional levels, adding further stress to daily tasks. Even the method of communication is undergoing rapid transformation. Some surgeons, especially those who are members of the Boomer or X Generation, find this revolution difficult to manage; whereas those who are members of the Y Generation may in fact be better equipped. Surgeons who either refuse to acknowledge these changes or simply lack emotional self-awareness run the risk of being labeled as disruptive. Behavioral techniques are explored which may help those surgeons who are having difficulty.
Congenital Sucrase‐isomaltase Deficiency
Authors: Haberman Yael , Di Segni Ayelet , Loberman‐Nachum Nurit , Barel Ortal , Kunik Vered , Eyal Eran , Kol Nitzan , Hout‐Siloni Goni , Kochavi Brigitte , Avivi Camila , Schvimer Michael , Rechavi Gideon , Anikster Yair , Barshack Iris , Weiss Batia
Published: October 2016

Objectives:

Congenital diarrheal disorders is a group of inherited enteropathies presenting in early life and requiring parenteral nutrition. In most cases, genetics may be the key for precise diagnosis. We present an infant girl with chronic congenital diarrhea that resolved after introduction of fructose‐based formula but had no identified mutation in the SLC5A1 gene. Using whole exome sequencing (WES) we identified other mutations that better dictated dietary adjustments.

Methods:

WES of the patient and her parents was performed. The analysis focused on recessive model including compound heterozygous mutations. Sanger sequencing was used to validate identified mutations and to screen the patient's newborn sister and grandparents. Expression and localization analysis were performed in the patient's duodenal biopsies using immunohistochemistry.

Results:

Using WES we identified a new compound heterozygote mutation in sucrase‐isomaltase (SI) gene; a maternal inherited known V577G mutation, and a novel paternal inherited C1531W mutation. Importantly, the newborn offspring carried similar compound heterozygous mutations. Computational predictions suggest that both mutations highly destabilize the protein. SI expression and localization studies determined that the mutated SI protein was not expressed on the brush border membrane in the patient's duodenal biopsies, verifying the diagnosis of congenital sucrase‐isomaltase deficiency (CSID).

Conclusions:

The novel compound heterozygote V577G/C1531W SI mutations lead to lack of SI expression in the duodenal brush border, confirming the diagnosis of CSID. These cases of CSID extend the molecular spectrum of this condition, further directing a more adequate dietary intervention for the patient and newborn sibling.
Contemplative Practices, Self-efficacy, and NCLEX-RN Success
Authors: Fiske Elizabeth
Published: October 2016

Despite program completion, not all graduates are successful on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Contemplative practices such as meditation and guided imagery were added to an NCLEX-RN preparatory course. The difference between self-efficacy scores at the beginning and end of the course was statistically significant. Students reported that the contemplative activities were beneficial, and they would use these activities again in the future.
TALEN-Mediated Knockout of CCR5 Confers Protection Against Infection of Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Authors: Shi Bingjie , Li Juan , Shi Xuanling , Jia Wenxu , Wen Yi , Hu Xiongbing , Zhuang Fengfeng , Xi Jianzhong , Zhang Linqi
Published: October 2016

Transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN) represents a valuable tool for genomic engineering due to its single-nucleotide precision, high nuclease activity, and low cytotoxicity. We report here systematic design and characterization of 28 novel TALENs targeting multiple regions of CCR5 gene (CCR5-TALEN) which encodes the co-receptor critical for entry of human immunodeficiency virus type I (HIV-1). By systemic characterization of these CCR5-TALENs, we have identified one (CCR5-TALEN-515) with higher nuclease activity, specificity, and lower cytotoxicity compared with zinc-finger nuclease (CCR5-ZFN) currently undergoing clinical trials. Sequence analysis of target cell line GHOST-CCR5-CXCR4 and human primary CD4+ T cells showed that the double-strand breaks at the TALEN targeted sites resulted in truncated or nonfunctional CCR5 proteins thereby conferring protection against HIV-1 infection in vitro. None of the CCR5-TALENs had detectable levels of off-target nuclease activity against the homologous region in CCR2 although substantial level was identified for CCR5-ZFN in the primary CD4+ T cells. Our results suggest that the CCR5-TALENs identified here are highly functional nucleases that produce protective genetic alterations to human CCR5. Application of these TALENs directly to the primary CD4+ T cells and CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) of infected individuals could help to create an immune system resistant to HIV-1 infection, recapitulating the success of “Berlin patient” and serving as an essential first step towards a “functional” cure of AIDS.
Identification and taxonomic characterization of Bordetella pseudohinzii sp. nov. isolated from laboratory-raised mice
Authors: Ivanov Yury V. , Linz Bodo , Register Karen B. , Newman Jeffrey D. , Taylor Dawn L. , Boschert Kenneth R. , Le Guyon Soazig , Wilson Emily F. , Brinkac Lauren M. , Sanka Ravi , Greco Suellen C. , Klender Paula M. , Losada Liliana , Harvill Eric T.
Published: October 2016

Bordetella hinzii

is known to cause respiratory disease in poultry and has been associated with a variety of infections in immunocompromised humans. In addition, there are several reports of

B. hinzii

infections in laboratory-raised mice. Here we sequenced and analysed the complete genome sequences of multiple

B. hinzii

-like isolates, obtained from vendor-supplied C57BL/6 mice in animal research facilities on different continents, and we determined their taxonomic relationship to other

Bordetella

species. The whole-genome based and 16S rRNA gene based phylogenies each identified two separate clades in

B. hinzii

, one was composed of strains isolated from poultry, humans and a rabbit whereas the other clade was restricted to isolates from mice. Distinctly different estimated DNA–DNA hybridization values, average nucleotide identity scores, gene content, metabolic profiles and host specificity all provide compelling evidence for delineation of the two species,

B. hinzii

– from poultry, humans and rabbit – and Bordetella pseudohinzii sp. nov. type strain 8-296-03T (=NRRL B-59942T=NCTC 13808T) that infect mice.
Sequencing of small RNAs of the fern Pleopeltis minima (Polypodiaceae) offers insight into the evolution of the microRNA repertoire in land plants
Authors: Berruezo Florencia , de Souza Flavio S. J. , Picca Pablo I. , Nemirovsky Sergio I. , Martinez-Tosar Leandro , Rivero Mercedes , Mentaberry Alejandro N , Zelada Alicia M.
Published: October 2016

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, single stranded RNA molecules that regulate the stability and translation of messenger RNAs in diverse eukaryotic groups. Several miRNA genes are of ancient origin and have been maintained in the genomes of animal and plant taxa for hundreds of millions of years, and functional studies indicate that ancient miRNAs play key roles in development and physiology. In the last decade, genome and small RNA (sRNA) sequencing of several plant species have helped unveil the evolutionary history of land plant miRNAs. Land plants are divided into bryophytes (liverworts, mosses), lycopods (clubmosses and spikemosses), monilophytes (ferns and horsetails), gymnosperms (cycads, conifers and allies) and angiosperms (flowering plants). Among these, the fern group occupies a key phylogenetic position, since it represents the closest extant cousin taxon of seed plants, i.e. gymno- and angiosperms. However, in spite of their evolutionary, economic and ecological importance, no fern genome has been sequenced yet and few genomic resources are available for this group. Here, we sequenced the small RNA fraction of an epiphytic South American fern, Pleopeltis minima (Polypodiaceae), and compared it to plant miRNA databases, allowing for the identification of miRNA families that are shared by all land plants, shared by all vascular plants (tracheophytes) or shared by euphyllophytes (ferns and seed plants) only. Using the recently described transcriptome of another fern, Lygodium japonicum, we also estimated the degree of conservation of fern miRNA targets in relation to other plant groups. Our results pinpoint the origin of several miRNA families in the land plant evolutionary tree with more precision and are a resource for future genomic and functional studies of fern miRNAs.
Recovery of hand function after stroke: separable systems for finger strength and control
Authors: Xu Jing , Ejaz Naveed , Hertler Benjamin , Branscheidt Meret , Widmer Mario , Faria Andreia V. , Harran Michelle , Cortes Juan C. , Kim Nathan , Celnik Pablo A. , Kitago Tomoko , Luft Andreas R. , Krakauer John W. , Diedrichsen Jörn
Published: October 2016

Loss of hand function after stroke is a major cause of long-term disability. Hand function can be partitioned into strength and independent control of fingers (individuation). Here we developed a novel paradigm, which independently quantifies these two aspects of hand function, to track hand recovery in 54 patients with hemiparesis over the first year after their stroke. Most recovery of both strength and individuation occurred in the first three months after stroke. Improvement in strength and individuation were tightly correlated up to a strength level of approximately 60% of the unaffected side. Beyond this threshold, further gains in strength were not accompanied by improvements in individuation. Any observed improvements in individuation beyond the 60% threshold were attributable instead to a second independent stable factor. Lesion analysis revealed that damage to the hand area in motor cortex and the corticospinal tract (CST) correlated more with individuation than with strength. CST involvement correlated with individuation even after factoring out the strength-individuation correlation. The most parsimonious explanation for these behavioral and lesion-based findings is that most strength recovery, along with some individuation, can be attributed to descending systems other than the CST, whereas further recovery of individuation is CST dependent.
Analysis of primary modulation based x‐ray scatter correction methods
Authors: Horváth Áron , Hadházi Dániel , Horváth Gábor
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to provide an overview of primary modulation based scatter estimation techniques and evaluate their performance as well as to propose improvements. There have been published two distinct approaches to estimate scatter with primary modulators; however they have not been compared, so far. This work seeks to quantify their performance (focusing on how accurately they can estimate a smooth scatter from primary modulated images with real textures and signal to noise ratios) along with that of proposed improved variants. The influence of the parameters of the described algorithms on the estimation error is also investigated.

Methods

Simulations were carried out using primary components derived from real chest DTS projections. After modulation, artificial scatter distributions were added to these projections, and the difference between the estimated and the artificial scatter distributions was quantified. Two existing and four proposed methods were assessed. The performance of the scatter estimators was examined under noisy and noiseless circumstances and with scatter distributions of different bandwidths. The proposed methods (SSE, SSENP, ADASE) solve the problem of varying effective transmission factors in the case of cell‐image based methods, and they include an improved gradient based method (LSGSE) as well, which estimates scatter distribution more accurately.

Results

It was found that the gradient based algorithms outperformed the cell‐image based algorithms under noiseless conditions, while the cell‐image based solutions proved to be insensitive to noise. The proposed improved methods reached considerably lower scatter estimation errors than the existing ones. Modulator cell sampling windows of different sizes and shapes were examined. Although much lower effective transmission factors (higher contrast between the attenuated and unattenuated cells) can be achieved using narrow windows, in our case the best estimation results are provided by windows that cover about half of the pixels of a modulator cell. The effect of detector backscatter on scatter estimation was also studied, and a solution was proposed to incorporate this type of scatter into the primary modulation framework.

Conclusions

Considering all the above results, the authors suggest the use of LSGE for scatter estimation with primary modulation.
Physiological Adaptations following Resistance Training in Youth Athletes—A Narrative Review
Authors: Legerlotz Kirsten , Marzilger Robert , Bohm Sebastian , Arampatzis Adamantios
Published: October 2016

Purpose:

To understand the mechanisms for the effects of resistance training on functional parameters, and to assess the injury risk of the involved tissues, it is necessary to examine the underlying morphological and structural changes of the respective tissues.

Methods:

The presented information on physiological adaptations have been deduced from cross-sectional studies comparing youth athletes with controls and children with adults as well as from longitudinal studies examining the effects of resistance training in untrained children and adolescents and in youth athletes.

Results:

The evidence indicates, that training induced changes in motor performance rely partly on enhanced neuromuscular control, and partly on morphological adaptation of muscles and tendons, such as changes in muscle, muscle fiber and tendon cross-sectional area, muscle composition, and tendon material properties, with the bone also adapting by increasing bone mineral content and cortical area.

Conclusion:

Although the training induced adaptations of the investigated tissues follows similar principles in children as in adults, the magnitude of the adaptive response appears to be more subtle. As studies investigating physiological adaptation in youth athletes are sparse, more research in this area is warranted to elucidate the specific physiological stimulus-response relationship necessary for effective training programs and injury prevention.
Mechanistic modeling of hemoglobin glycation and red blood cell kinetics enables personalized diabetes monitoring
Authors: Malka Roy , Nathan David M. , Higgins John M.
Published: October 2016

On the basis of first principles, a model of hemoglobin glycation yields a personalized, more accurate estimate of average glucose for diabetics.
Working for Tip(DC)s
Authors: Lund Amanda W.
Published: October 2016

Adoptive T cell therapy depends on induction of Tip-DCs, which promote T cell function and enhance tumor control.
Broadly Neutralizing Hemagglutinin Stalk-Specific Antibodies Induce Potent Phagocytosis of Immune Complexes by Neutrophils in an Fc-Dependent Manner
Authors: Mullarkey Caitlin E. , Bailey Mark J. , Golubeva Diana A. , Tan Gene S. , Nachbagauer Raffael , He Wenqian , Novakowski Kyle E. , Bowdish Dawn M. , Miller Matthew S. , Palese Peter
Published: October 2016

Broadly neutralizing antibodies that recognize the conserved hemagglutinin (HA) stalk have emerged as exciting new biotherapeutic tools to combat seasonal and pandemic influenza viruses. Our general understanding of the mechanisms by which stalk-specific antibodies achieve protection is rapidly evolving. It has recently been demonstrated that broadly neutralizing HA stalk-specific IgG antibodies require Fc-Fcγ receptor (FcγR) interactions for optimal protection
in vivo
. Here we examine the neutrophil effector functions induced by stalk-specific antibodies. As the most abundant subset of blood leukocytes, neutrophils represent a critical innate effector cell population and serve an instrumental role in orchestrating downstream adaptive responses to influenza virus infection. Yet, the interplay of HA stalk-specific IgG, Fc-FcγR engagement, and neutrophils has remained largely uncharacterized. Using an
in vitro
assay to detect the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), we show that human and mouse monoclonal HA stalk-specific IgG antibodies are able to induce the production of ROS by neutrophils, while HA head-specific antibodies do not. Furthermore, our results indicate that the production of ROS is dependent on Fc receptor (FcR) engagement and phagocytosis. We went on to assess the ability of monoclonal HA stalk-specific IgA antibodies to induce ROS. Consistent with our findings for monoclonal IgGs, only HA stalk-specific IgA antibodies elicited ROS production by neutrophils. This induction is dependent on the engagement of FcαR1. Taken together, our findings describe a novel FcR-dependent effector function induced by HA stalk-specific IgG and IgA antibodies, and importantly, our studies shed light on the mechanisms by which HA stalk-specific antibodies achieve protection.

IMPORTANCE
The present study provides evidence that broadly neutralizing HA stalk-specific antibodies induce downstream Fc-mediated neutrophil effector functions. In addition to their ability to neutralize, this class of antibodies has been shown to rely on Fc-Fc receptor interactions for optimal protection
in vivo
. Curiously, neutralizing antibodies that bind the HA head domain do not require such interactions. Our findings build on these previous observations and provide a more complete picture of the relationship between stalk-specific antibodies and cells of the innate immune compartment. Furthermore, our data suggest that the ability of HA stalk-specific antibodies to mediate Fc-Fc receptor engagement is epitope dependent. Overall, this work will inform the rational design of improved influenza virus vaccines and therapeutics.
The 8200-year vegetation history of an urban woodland as reconstructed from pollen and plant remains
Authors: Lavoie Martin , Richard Pierre J.H.
Published: October 2016

Data on the long term evolution of urban forests are rare. Using pollen and macrofossil analyses of a sediment core collected in a swampy forest hollow on Île aux Chats, an island in Bois-de-Saraguay woodland park in Montreal (Quebec), the postglacial history of a maple forest was reconstructed at a local spatial scale for the last 8200 years. Results show that after Île aux Chats emerged from the waters of Lake Lampsilis, it was rapidly colonized by a maple forest that was already diversified 8000 years ago. More than half of the vascular species identified in the macrofossil assemblages are absent from the local plant community today, notably coniferous species (Pinus resinosa, Larix laricina, Picea mariana). Other plants have multiplied their populations over time (Tilia americana, Tsuga canadensis, Acer rubrum). The maple forest was probably sustained by a small-scale gap dynamic caused by windthrow, fires having apparently been very rare. Fagus grandifolia, never abundant locally in the past, is observed to be currently expanding, and could eventually compete with Acer saccharum. This study constitutes not only a rare plurimillenial study of an urban woodland in eastern North America, but also of a maple forest at a local spatial scale.
Ab initiostudy of structural, electronic, and thermal properties of Pt1−xPdx alloys
Authors: Ahmed Shabbir , Zafar Muhammad , Shakil M. , Choudhary M. A. , Hashmi Muhammad Raza-Ur-Rehman
Published: October 2016

We report a systematic theoretical study of Pt[Formula: see text]Pd[Formula: see text] alloys using ab initio density functional theory (DFT) by pseudo potential method. We have used super cell approach to investigate structural, electronic and thermal properties of Platinum (Pt), Palladium (Pd) and their alloys Pt[Formula: see text]Pd[Formula: see text]([Formula: see text] = 0.00, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00). The calculated lattice constants and bulk moduli are in good agreement with available literature data. The results of electronic properties revealed that the alloys are metallic in nature. The thermal properties were investigated through density functional perturbation theory (DFPT) and quasi-harmonic approximation. The contribution to the free energy from the lattice vibration was calculated using the phonon densities of states (DOS) derived by means of the linear-response theory. The DFPT with quasi-harmonic approximation methods was applied to determine the phonon DOS and thermal quantities i.e., the Debye temperatures, vibration energy, entropy and constant-volume specific heat.
Parameter Optimization of PEMFC with Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Bhatt Puja , Agarwal Neha , Chakraborty Uday K.
Published: October 2016

This paper provides a review of recent research in the application of genetic algorithms to proton exchange membrane fuel cell parameter optimization.
The Management of Groundwater: Irrigation Efficiency, Policy, Institutions, and Externalities
Authors: Lin Lawell C.-Y. Cynthia
Published: October 2016

The management of groundwater resources for use in agriculture is an issue that reaches far and wide; many of the world's most productive agricultural basins depend on groundwater and have experienced declines in water table levels. There is a socially optimal rate of extraction that can be modeled, measured, and achieved through policy and a complete definition of the property rights that govern groundwater. However, several factors may affect farmers' groundwater use decisions and behavior and may lead them to overextract groundwater. These factors include increases in irrigation efficiency, perverse incentives from policy, institutional incentives, and externalities.
Determining Reliable Networks of Prepositioning Materiel Warehouses for Public-Sector Rapid Response Supplies
Authors: Lang Thomas E. , McGarvey Ronald G.
Published: October 2016

Events such as natural disasters or combat operations require a rapid response capability from humanitarian service providers and military organizations. Such organizations can decrease their response times through theprepositioningof materiel in forward warehouses, reducing the time needed to transport items to the site of need. A particular challenge to the development of networks of prepositioning warehouses is that the warehouses themselves may be impacted by the very disruptions that drive demands for prepositioned materials. The objective of this research is to identify a reliable networkposture, which is a set of utilized facility locations and an allocation of materiel to those locations, that can satisfy time-sensitive delivery requirements to potential locations around the globe, ensuring that demands can be satisfied even in the event of loss of access to a subset of storage sites (along with said sites’ materiel), all at minimum total cost. We develop new optimization formulations to account for differing levels of network reliability, all reflecting the time-sensitive environment faced by rapid response operations. We demonstrate an application of this methodology using rapid response material prepositioned by the US Air Force.
Detecting Direction of Pepper Stem by Using CUDA-Based Accelerated Hybrid Intuitionistic Fuzzy Edge Detection and ANN
Authors: Gunes Mahit , Badem Hasan
Published: October 2016

In recent years, computer vision systems have been used in almost every field of industry. In this study, image processing algorithm has been developed by using CUDA (GPU) which is 79 times faster than CPU. We had used this accelerated algorithm in destemming process of pepper. 65 percent of total national production of pepper is produced in our cities, Kahramanmaras and Gaziantep in Turkey. Firstly, hybrid intuitionistic fuzzy algorithm edge detection has been used for preprocessing of original image and Otsu method has been used for determining automatic threshold in this algorithm. Then the multilayer perceptron artificial neural network has been used for the classification of patterns in processed images. Result of ANN test for detection direction of pepper has shown high accuracy performance in CPU-based implementation and in GPU-based implementation.