bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous visualization of the subfemtomolar expression of microRNA and microRNA target gene using HILO microscopy
Authors: Lin Yi-Zhen , Ou Da-Liang , Chang Hsin-Yuan , Lin Wei-Yu , Hsu Chiun , Chang Po-Ling
Published: July 2017

In this study, we propose a sensitive imaging method for the direct probing of miR-10b and its target in fixed cells.
Motility of active nematic films driven by “active anchoring”
Authors: Blow Matthew L. , Aqil Marco , Liebchen Benno , Marenduzzo Davide
Published: July 2017

We provide a minimal model for an active nematic film in contact with both a solid substrate and a passive isotropic fluid, and explore its dynamics in one and two dimensions using a combination of hybrid Lattice Boltzmann simulations and analytical calculations.
A CMK-5-encapsulated MoSe2 composite for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries with improved electrochemical performance
Authors: Zheng Cheng , Chen Congrong , Chen Lin , Wei Mingdeng
Published: July 2017

A composite of MoSe2/CMK-5 was fabricated through a nanocasting route, in which ultra-thin two-dimensional MoSe2 nanosheets were encapsulated in the mesopores of CMK-5, exhibiting improved electrochemical performance for lithium-ion batteries.
Target-specific induced hyaluronic acid decorated silica fluorescent nanoparticles@polyaniline for bio-imaging guided near-infrared photothermal therapy
Authors: Mazrad Zihnil Adha Islamy , Choi Cheong A , Kim Sung Han , Lee Gibaek , Lee Sangkug , In Insik , Lee Kang-Dae , Park Sung Young
Published: July 2017

Heating properties of FNPs(Si/HA)@PANI nanoparticles could lead to new options for photothermal therapy guided by tumor targeted bioimaging to track treatment progress.
Upconversion emission enhancement mechanisms of Nd3+-sensitized NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+ nanoparticles using tunable plasmonic Au films: plasmonic-induced excitation, radiative decay rate and energy-transfer enhancement
Authors: Wang Yida , Yang Zhengwen , Ma Yingjin , Chai Zhuangzhuang , Qiu Jianbei , Song Zhiguo
Published: July 2017

Upconversion emission enhancement mechanisms of Nd3+ sensitized NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+ nanoparticles was obtained by using tunable plasmonic Au films.
Effects of the selection function on metallicity trends in spectroscopic surveys of the Milky Way
Authors: Nandakumar G. , Schultheis M. , Hayden M. , Rojas-Arriagada A. , Kordopatis G. , Haywood M.
Published: July 2017

Context. Large spectroscopic Galactic surveys imply a selection function in the way they performed their target selection.

Aims. We investigate here the effect of the selection function on the metallicity distribution function (MDF) and on the vertical metallicity gradient by studying similar lines of sight using four different spectroscopic surveys (APOGEE, LAMOST, RAVE, and Gaia-ESO), which have different targeting strategies and therefore different selection functions.

Methods. We use common fields between the spectroscopic surveys of APOGEE, LAMOST, RAVE (ALR) and APOGEE, RAVE, Gaia-ESO (AGR) and use two stellar population synthesis models, GALAXIA and TRILEGAL, to create mock fields for each survey. We apply the selection function in the form of colour and magnitude cuts of the respective survey to the mock fields to replicate the observed source sample. We make a basic comparison between the models to check which best reproduces the observed sample distribution. We carry out a quantitative comparison between the synthetic MDF from the mock catalogues using both models to understand the effect of the selection function on the MDF and on the vertical metallicity gradient.

Results. Using both models, we find a negligible effect of the selection function on the MDF for APOGEE, LAMOST, and RAVE. We find a negligible selection function effect on the vertical metallicity gradients as well, though GALAXIA and TRILEGAL have steeper and shallower slopes, respectively, than the observed gradient. After applying correction terms on the metallicities of RAVE and LAMOST with respect to our reference APOGEE sample, our observed vertical metallicity gradients between the four surveys are consistent within 1σ. We also find consistent gradient for the combined sample of all surveys in ALR and AGR. We estimated a mean vertical metallicity gradient of − 0.241 ± 0.028 dex kpc-1. There is a significant scatter in the estimated gradients in the literature, but our estimates are within their ranges.

Conclusions. We have shown that there is a negligible selection function effect on the MDF and the vertical metallicity gradients for APOGEE, RAVE, and LAMOST using two stellar population synthesis models. Therefore, it is indeed possible to combine common fields of different surveys in studies using MDF and metallicity gradients provided their metallicities are brought to the same scale.
Cardioembolic Stroke: Mechanisms and Therapeutics
Authors: Sacchetti Daniel , Furie Karen , Yaghi Shadi
Published: July 2017

Cardioembolic stroke accounts for nearly 30% of all known stroke mechanisms. This percentage may be underestimated, however, when considering the large proportion of cryptogenic strokes that likely have a covert cardiac source. Although it is well known that cardioembolic stroke can occur in the setting of atrial fibrillation, other mechanisms such as a systolic heart failure, patent foramen ovale, valvular dysfunction, and aortic arch atheroma are commonly encountered in daily practice. The authors provide an overview on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnostic evaluation, and secondary prevention treatment strategies for cardioembolic stroke.
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Psychosocial Risk Factors for Stroke
Authors: Clegg Andrew , Patel Kulsum , Lucas Julie , Storey Hannah , Hackett Maree , Watkins Dame , Lightbody C.
Published: July 2017

Several studies have assessed the link between psychosocial risk factors and stroke; however, the results were inconsistent. We have conducted a systemic review and meta-analysis of cohort or case-control studies to ascertain the association between psychosocial risk factors (psychological, vocational, behavioral, interpersonal, and neuropsychological) and the risk of stroke. Systematic searches were undertaken in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews between 2000 and January 2017. Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts, and full texts. One reviewer assessed quality and extracted data, which was checked by a second reviewer. For studies that reported risk estimates, a meta-analysis was performed. We identified 41 cohort studies and 5 case-control studies. No neuropsychological papers were found. Overall, pooled adjusted estimates showed that all other psychosocial risk factors were independent risk factors for stroke. Psychological factors increased the risk of stroke by 39% (hazard ratio [HR], 1.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.27–1.51), vocational by 35% (HR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.20–1.51), and interpersonal by 16% (HR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.03–1.31), and the effects of behavioral factors were equivocal (HR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.20–4.31). The meta-analyses were affected by heterogeneity. Psychosocial risk factors are associated with an increased risk of stroke.
Infant Botulism in the Very Young Neonate: A Case Series
Authors: Jackson Laura , Madan-Khetarpal Suneeta , Naik Monica , Michaels Marian , Riley Melissa
Published: July 2017

Background Though botulism is a rare disease overall, all infants younger than 1 year of age are at risk of contracting infant botulism, the most prevalent form reported in the United States. Nonetheless, infant botulism is frequently omitted from the differential diagnosis of the very young neonate exclusively due to age, and the diagnosis is often only considered secondarily after a costly and prolonged work up is undertaken. Delayed diagnosis can lead not only to unnecessary testing but also to prolonged hospital stay and increased morbidity.

Case This case series highlights three critically ill neonates, all younger than 30 days, who presented to our neonatal intensive care unit and were eventually diagnosed with infant botulism. The initial diagnostic dilemma is described for each of these patients and highlights the importance of early recognition of the main symptoms, in addition to consideration of important potential coinciding conditions.
Advantages of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Severe Pectus Excavatum Assessment in Children
Authors: Triana Junco Paloma , Bret Monserrat , Gomez Cervantes Manuel , Muñoz Romo Martha , Jimenez Gomez Javier , Perez Vigara Ana , Parron Pajares Manuel , Luis Encinas Jose , Hernandez Francisco , Martinez Leopoldo , Lopez Santamaria Manuel , De La Torre Carlos , Dore Mariela
Published: July 2017

Aim Cardiac function can be impaired in patients with pectus excavatum (PE) due to anatomic and dynamic compression of the heart. Efforts for radiation dose reduction in imaging techniques have allowed cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (c-MRI) to play a major role in PE assessment. The aim of our study is to describe the findings of c-MRI 18 months after we changed the PE assessment protocol from chest computed tomography to c-MRI.

Patients and Methods Since mid-2015 all patients with severe PE (suspected Haller's index > 3.2) were assessed with inspiratory and expiratory c-MRI. A retrospective analysis of these patients was performed evaluating the following parameters: (1) Radiologic PE indexes (Haller's, correction and asymmetry indexes; and sternal rotation) and (2) cardiac function (including left and right ventricle ejection fraction).

Results A total of 20 patients met the inclusion criteria. Dynamic imaging showed a significant difference during inspiration and expiration of the Haller's index 3.85 (range: 3.17–7.3) versus 5.10 (range: 3.85–10.8) (p < 0.05), and correction index (26.86% vs. 36.84%, respectively, p < 0.05). The sternal rotation was 14.5 (range: 0–36). c-MRI analysis disclosed a right ventricle ejection fraction of 50.3%. (normal range: 61% [54–71%]). Echocardiographic imaging underestimated the functional repercussion of PE in all patients.

Conclusion Initial results show that PE assessment by c-MRI allows a radiation-free image of the chest wall deformity during the entire breathing process. Also, it permitted the evaluation of the influence of sternum impingement on cardiac function. These findings allowed us a careful surgical evaluation and preoperative planning.
DMEK: Probleme vermeiden, erkennen, lösen
Authors: Bachmann Björn , Schrittenlocher Silvia , Schaub Friederike , Siebelmann Sebastian , Matthaei Mario , Cursiefen Claus
Published: July 2017

Seit der ersten erfolgreichen Descemet Membrane endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) vor über 10 Jahren hat sich diese Technik in vielen Regionen zu einem Routineeingriff entwickelt, der mittlerweile einen festen Platz im ophthalmochirurgischen Armamentarium bei der Behandlung von Hornhautendothelerkrankungen einnimmt. Im Vergleich mit der etwas älteren Methode der Descemetʼs Stripping (automated) endothelial Keratoplasty (DS[A]EK), bei der das Transplantat im Gegensatz zur DMEK noch eine Stromalamelle besitzt, wird bei der DMEK eine schnellere und bessere Visuserholung erzielt und gleichzeitig ist das Risiko der Abstoßungsreaktion deutlich reduziert. Dennoch birgt die Technik einige Schwierigkeiten, die ein besonderes Vorgehen zur Vermeidung intra- und postoperativer Komplikationen notwendig machen. Hierzu zählen Strategien zur Vermeidung von Endothelschädigungen während der Präparation, die richtige Spender-Patienten-Allokation ist wichtig für eine schonende Entfaltung der Transplantatrolle in der Vorderkammer, die Verwendung von SF6-Gas zur Transplantatanlage vermindert die Transplantatablösungsrate und damit die Notwendigkeit erneuter Vorderkammertamponaden (Rebubblings), und die richtige postoperative Behandlung mit topischen Steroiden hat maßgeblichen Einfluss auf die Entwicklung von zystoidem Makulaödem und Abstoßungsreaktionen. Durch die weitere Standardisierung, aber auch Individualisierung der DMEK kann sie mittlerweile auch bei Patienten mit schwierigen anatomischen Voraussetzungen des vorderen Augenabschnitts (anteriore Synechien, größere Irisdefekte, Glaukomdrainageimplantate) regelmäßig durchgeführt werden, wodurch gerade solche Patienten mit tendenziell erhöhtem Risiko von Wundheilungsstörungen und Abstoßungsreaktionen im Übermaß profitieren.
Epitaxial nanowire formation in metamorphic GaAs/GaPAs short-period superlattices
Authors: Zheng Nan , Ahrenkiel S. Phillip
Published: July 2017

Metamorphic growth presents routes to novel nanomaterials with unique properties that may be suitable for a range of applications. We discuss self-assembled, epitaxial nanowires formed during metalorganic chemical vapor deposition of metamorphic GaAs/GaPAs short-period superlattices. The heterostructures incorporate strain-engineered GaPAs compositional grades on 6°-<111>B miscut GaAs substrates. Lateral diffusion within the SPS into vertically aligned, three-dimensional columns results in nanowires extending along <110>A directions with a lateral period of 70-90 nm. The microstructure is probed by transmission electron microscopy to confirm the presence of coherent GaAs nanowires within GaPAs barriers. The compositional profile is inferred from analysis of {200} dark-field image contrast and <210> lattice images.
Implementation of analytical gradients and of a mixed real and momentum space DVR method for excess electron systems described by a self-consistent polarization model
Authors: Choi Tae Hoon , Vazhappilly Tijo , Jordan Kenneth D.
Published: July 2017

This work presents two extensions of our self-consistent polarization model for treating non-valence excess electron systems. The first extension is the implementation of analytical gradients, and the second extension is the implementation of a mixed real space plus momentum space approach combined with fast Fourier transforms to reduce the computational time compared to a purely real space discrete variable representation approach. The performance of the new algorithms is assessed in calculations of the excess electron states of various size water clusters and of the non-valence correlation-bound anion of the C240 fullerene.
Advances in liquid phase soft-x-ray photoemission spectroscopy: A new experimental setup at BESSY II
Authors: Seidel Robert , Pohl Marvin N. , Ali Hebatallah , Winter Bernd , Aziz Emad F.
Published: July 2017

A state-of-the-art experimental setup for soft X-ray photo- and Auger-electron spectroscopy from liquid phase has been built for operation at the synchrotron-light facility BESSY II, Berlin. The experimental station is named SOL3, which is derived from solid, solution, and solar, and refers to the aim of studying solid–liquid interfaces, optionally irradiated by photons in the solar spectrum. SOL3 is equipped with a high-transmission hemispherical electron analyzer for detecting electrons emitted from small molecular aggregates, nanoparticles, or biochemical molecules and their components in (aqueous) solutions, either in vacuum or in an ambient pressure environment. In addition to conventional energy-resolved electron detection, SOL3 enables detection of electron angular distributions by the combination of a ±11° acceptance angle of the electron analyzer and a rotation of the analyzer in the polarization plane of the incoming synchrotron-light beam. The present manuscript describes the technical features of SOL3, and we also report the very first measurements of soft-X-ray photoemission spectra from a liquid microjet of neat liquid water and of TiO2-nanoparticle aqueous solution obtained with this new setup, highlighting the necessity for state-of-the-art electron detection.
Coherent structures shed by multiscale cut-in trailing edge serrations on lifting wings
Authors: Prigent S. L. , Buxton O. R. H. , Bruce P. J. K.
Published: July 2017

This experimental study presents the effect of multiscale cut-in trailing edge serrations on the coherent structures shed into the wake of a lifting wing. Two-probe span-wise hot-wire traverses are performed to study spectra, coherence, and phase shift. In addition, planar particle image velocimetry is used to study the spatio-temporal structure of the vortices shed by the airfoils. Compared with a single tone sinusoidal serration, the multiscale ones reduce the vortex shedding energy as well as the span-wise coherence. Results indicate that the vortex shedding is locked into an arch-shaped cell structure. This structure is weakened by the multiscale patterns, which explains the reduction in both shedding energy and coherence.
Modeling of chemical reactions between polyatomic molecules for atmospheric entry simulations with direct simulation Monte Carlo
Authors: Nizenkov P. , Pfeiffer M. , Mirza A. , Fasoulas S.
Published: July 2017

For the simulation of atmospheric entry maneuvers at Mars and Saturn’s Titan, the chemistry modeling of polyatomic molecules is implemented in the direct simulation Monte Carlo method within the reactive plasma flow solver PICLas. An additional reaction condition as well as the consideration of the vibrational degrees of freedom is described in the context of the total collision energy model. The treatment of reverse exchange and recombination reactions is discussed, where the low temperature exponent of the Arrhenius fit for methane dissociation limited the calculation of the reaction probability at relevant temperatures. An alternative method based on the equilibrium constant is devised. The post-reaction energy redistribution is performed under the assumption of equipartition of the remaining collisional energy. The implementation is verified for several reaction paths with simple reservoir simulations. Finally, the feasibility of the new chemistry model is demonstrated by a simulation of a trajectory point of Huygens probe at Titan.
Path lumping: An efficient algorithm to identify metastable path channels for conformational dynamics of multi-body systems
Authors: Meng Luming , Sheong Fu Kit , Zeng Xiangze , Zhu Lizhe , Huang Xuhui
Published: July 2017

Constructing Markov state models from large-scale molecular dynamics simulation trajectories is a promising approach to dissect the kinetic mechanisms of complex chemical and biological processes. Combined with transition path theory, Markov state models can be applied to identify all pathways connecting any conformational states of interest. However, the identified pathways can be too complex to comprehend, especially for multi-body processes where numerous parallel pathways with comparable flux probability often coexist. Here, we have developed a path lumping method to group these parallel pathways into metastable path channels for analysis. We define the similarity between two pathways as the intercrossing flux between them and then apply the spectral clustering algorithm to lump these pathways into groups. We demonstrate the power of our method by applying it to two systems: a 2D-potential consisting of four metastable energy channels and the hydrophobic collapse process of two hydrophobic molecules. In both cases, our algorithm successfully reveals the metastable path channels. We expect this path lumping algorithm to be a promising tool for revealing unprecedented insights into the kinetic mechanisms of complex multi-body processes.
Porous monolith microfluidics for bacterial cell-to-cell communication assays
Authors: Austin C. M. , Caro D. M. , Sankar S. , Penniman W. F. , Perdomo J. E. , Hu L. , Patel S. , Gu X. , Watve S. , Hammer B. K. , Forest C. R.
Published: July 2017

Genetically engineered bacteria can be used for a wide range of applications, from monitoring environmental toxins to studying complex communication networks in the human digestive system. Although great strides have been made in studying single strains of bacteria in well-controlled microfluidic environments, there remains a need for tools to reliably control and measure communication between multiple discrete bacterial populations. Stable long-term experiments (e.g., days) with controlled population sizes and regulated input (e.g., concentration) and output measurements can reveal fundamental limits of cell-to-cell communication. In this work, we developed a microfluidic platform that utilizes a porous monolith to reliably and stably partition adjacent strains of bacteria while allowing molecular communication between them for several days. We measured small molecule production by the bacterial populations in response to stimuli using analytical chemistry methods and measured fluorescent output. The results are compared with communication and diffusion delay models. This porous monolith microfluidic system enables bacterial cell-to-cell communication assays with dynamic control of inputs, relatively long-term experimentation with no cross contamination, and stable bacterial population size. This system can serve as a valuable tool in understanding bacterial communication and improving biosensor design capabilities.
Increase of the emission of laser-produced plasmas under N2 gas atmosphere in the 2.9–6 nm region
Authors: Kado Masataka , Kishimoto Maki , Shinohara Kunio , Ejima Takeo
Published: July 2017

The wavelength region between the K-edges of carbon and oxygen is termed as the water window (λ = 2.3–4.5 nm) and is considered to be suitable for the observation of nanometer-scale structures composed of light elements in an aqueous solution because of both the short wavelength and transparency of the light. The nanometer-scale structures in an aqueous solution fluctuate owing to Brownian motion. Therefore, the observation of the nanometer-scale structures can be achieved by one-shot exposure of the light in the water window. To observe the nanometer-scale structures by the one-shot exposure, the light source of the microscope working in the water window should exhibit a high light-flux. One of the light sources used for the one-shot exposure is the laser-produced plasma (LPP) light source. The conversion efficiency of the LPP light source in the water window is 1% or less. Therefore, a high intensity laser or improvement of the conversion efficiency is required for the one-shot observation. In this study, an emission-intensity increase in the LPP light source is observed in the wavelength region from 2.9 nm to 6 nm under a N2 gas atmosphere. The intensity value, calibrated by the gas absorbance, was increased up to 5 times in proportion to the N2 pressure, which was increased from 0 Pa to 400 Pa. Experimental conditions demonstrate that the conversion efficiency of the LPP light source is improved by the introduction of gas.
Spatial modelling of bilby (Macrotis lagotis) and rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) pellets within a predator-proof enclosure
Authors: Lollback Gregory W. , Dunwoody J. Ernest , Mebberson Rachel , Shuker Jonathan D. , Page Tahlie , Hayles Sarann J. , Rakotopare Nicolas , Liu Xiaoye , Hero Jean-Marc
Published: July 2017

A traditional design-reliant estimate of abundance is calculated by multiplying a density estimate obtained from transects to reflect the size of the study area. This type of estimate tells nothing about the nature of a species’ distribution between the samples. In contrast, model-based inference can better estimate abundance by interpolating transect estimates over the study area with the aid of covariates. This study used density surface modelling (DSM) to predict spatial distribution of greater bilby (Macrotis lagotis) and rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) pellets within a predator-proof enclosure at Currawinya National Park, south-west Queensland. Pellets and latrines were counted using distance sampling and plot sampling on 30 PPBio plots during 2012 and 2014. Pellets and latrines were not strongly associated with habitat features, reflecting the generalist nature of both species. Bilby pellets were found on 23 plots in 2012 and 5 plots in 2014. Rabbit pellets were present on 29 plots in 2012 and 16 plots during 2014. These substantial declines in pellet abundances coincided with invasion of the feral cat (Felis catus) into the enclosure. While DSM modelling can allow managers to make informed decisions about applying survey effort or management practices, it is not suited to all species or situations.
Comparing visualization techniques for learning second language prosody
Authors: Niebuhr Oliver , Alm Maria , Schümchen Nathalie , Fischer Kerstin
Published: July 2017

We tested the usability of prosody visualization techniques for second language (L2) learners. Eighteen Danish learners realized target sentences in German based on different visualization techniques. The sentence realizations were annotated by means of the phonological Kiel Intonation Model and then analyzed in terms of (a) prosodic-pattern consistency and (b) correctness of the prosodic patterns. In addition, the participants rated the usability of the visualization techniques. The results from the phonological analysis converged with the usability ratings in showing that iconic techniques, in particular the stylized “hat pattern” visualization, performed better than symbolic techniques, and that marking prosodic information beyond intonation can be more confusing than instructive. In discussing our findings, we also provide a description of the new Danish-German learner corpus we created: DANGER. It is freely available for interested researchers upon request.
Prompting offers of assistance in interaction
Authors: Haugh Michael
Published: July 2017

One of the ways in which we can get someone to do something for us is through hinting. However, studies that have attempted to systematically examine requestive hints have faced difficulties in identifying hints as they are designed, by definition, to be ambiguous with respect to the intentions of that speaker. An alternative to this kind of circularity is to shift the analytical lens away from putative speaker intentions as the starting point of analysis. In this paper it is suggested that a properly pragmatic account of prompted offers requires systematic analysis of the situational conditions which afford the participants’ understanding of themasprompted, along with an appreciation of the three-part sequential architecture that is immanent to prompting offer sequences. It is concluded that pragmatic act theory has an important contribution to make to ongoing efforts to better understand fundamental processes of social action formation and ascription.
Monitoring Climate Impacts: Survival and Migration Timing of Summer Chum Salmon in Salmon Creek, Washington
Authors: Weinheimer Joshua , Anderson Joseph H. , Downen Mark , Zimmerman Mara , Johnson Thom
Published: July 2017

In rivers of the Pacific Northwest, climate change is predicted to increase flow variability and water temperature, which may ultimately affect salmonid survival and the seasonal timing of key life history transitions. Summer Chum Salmon Oncorhynchus keta, native to tributaries flowing into Hood Canal and Strait of Juan de Fuca in Washington State, are particularly vulnerable to flow and temperature changes given their early spawn timing, yet relatively little is known regarding their juvenile life history. We investigated how flow and incubation temperatures influenced juvenile survival and timing of Chum Salmon in Salmon Creek between 2008 and 2016. Egg‐to‐migrant survival ranged from 0.9% to 46.3%, and was negatively related to the peak flow experienced during egg incubation from November 1 to January 31. Warm temperatures advanced emergence timing, as the number of days between the median spawning date and the median juvenile migration date was negatively related to average stream temperature during the same period. We used empirical data to estimate the range of accumulated temperature units (TUs) and survival that best explained the observed juvenile migration in the spring. The model indicated that incubating eggs experiencing warmer temperatures (2010, 2015, and 2016) accrued more TUs before emigration than did eggs incubating during colder years (2008, 2009, and 2014). Although the population exhibited some ability to compensate for warmer temperatures and stabilize emergence timing by increasing TU thresholds, our analysis, when combined with climate projections, suggests that warming temperature trends could significantly advance the timing of marine entry by weeks or more. Such a change could carry a corresponding impact on marine survival if emigration timing becomes desynchronized with spring zooplankton blooms in the marine environment, the primary source of nutrition for juvenile summer Chum Salmon.

Received December 21, 2016; accepted April 16, 2017 Published online July 31, 2017
Performance of the Nordmøre Grid in Shrimp Trawling and Potential Effects of Guiding Funnel Length and Light Stimulation
Authors: Larsen Roger B. , Herrmann Bent , Sistiaga Manu , Brinkhof Jesse , Tatone Ivan , Langård Lise
Published: July 2017

The introduction of the Nordmøre grid to shrimp trawls has reduced the issue of bycatch to that of small-sized species and juveniles that are able to pass through the grid and enter the small-meshed cod end together with the targeted shrimp. This study estimated the size- and species-selective performance of the Nordmøre grid in the configuration most often applied by fishermen and made a preliminary exploration of the effects of reducing the length of the guiding funnel in front of the grid and mounting light-emitting diodes (LEDs) around the escape exit. Experimental fishing trials were conducted in the Barents Sea to assess the size-selective properties of a 19-mm bar spacing Nordmøre grid, mandatory in this Norwegian trawl fishery targeting deepwater shrimp Pandalus borealis (also known as northern shrimp), and its potential improvement. Results were obtained for the target species and four bycatch species: redfish Sebastes spp., Haddock Melanogrammus aeglefinus, Atlantic Cod Gadus morhua, and American Plaice Hippoglossoides platessoides. In general, very few deepwater shrimp were found to escape through the escape exit, although the quantity increased slightly at larger sizes. Between 80% and 100% of the bycatch species up to a species-specific size passed through the grid and entered the cod end. A short guiding funnel decreased this for Haddock significantly by increasing the fraction of small Haddock seeking the escape exit. Further, adding LEDs around the escape exit significantly negated this effect. For the other bycatch species, the results indicated similar trends but were not statistically significant. However, considering that only a few fishing hauls were conducted using the short guiding funnel with or without mounting LEDs calls for some caution when attributing these changes to the configuration of the Nordmøre grid, and these preliminary results should be followed up by further testing before definitive conclusions are made.
Filopodyan: An open-source pipeline for the analysis of filopodia
Authors: Urbančič Vasja , Butler Richard , Richier Benjamin , Peter Manuel , Mason Julia , Livesey Frederick J. , Holt Christine E. , Gallop Jennifer L.
Published: July 2017

Filopodia have important sensory and mechanical roles in motile cells. The recruitment of actin regulators, such as ENA/VASP proteins, to sites of protrusion underlies diverse molecular mechanisms of filopodia formation and extension. We developed Filopodyan (filopodia dynamics analysis) in Fiji and R to measure fluorescence in filopodia and at their tips and bases concurrently with their morphological and dynamic properties. Filopodyan supports high-throughput phenotype characterization as well as detailed interactive editing of filopodia reconstructions through an intuitive graphical user interface. Our highly customizable pipeline is widely applicable, capable of detecting filopodia in four different cell types in vitro and in vivo. We use Filopodyan to quantify the recruitment of ENA and VASP preceding filopodia formation in neuronal growth cones, and uncover a molecular heterogeneity whereby different filopodia display markedly different responses to changes in the accumulation of ENA and VASP fluorescence in their tips over time.
Tree shrew, a potential animal model for hepatitis C, supports the infection and replication of HCV in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Feng Yue , Feng Yue-Mei , Lu Caixia , Han Yuanyuan , Liu Li , Sun Xiaomei , Dai Jiejie , Xia Xueshan
Published: July 2017

The tree shrew (Tupaia belangeri chinensis), a small animal widely distributed in Southeast Asia and southwest China, has the potential to be developed as an animal model for hepatitis C. To determine the susceptibility of the tree shrew to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in vitro and in vivo, a well-established HCV, produced from the J6/JFH1-Huh7.5.1 culture system, was used to infect cultured primary tupaia hepatocytes (PTHs) and tree shrews. The in vitro results showed that HCV genomic RNA and HCV-specific nonstructural protein 5A (NS5A) could be detected in the PTH cell culture from days 3–15 post-infection, although the viral load was lower than that observed in Huh7.5.1 cell culture. The occurrence of five sense mutations [S391A, G397A, L402F and M405T in the hypervariable region 1 (HVR1) of envelope glycoprotein 2 and I2750M in NS5B] suggested that HCV undergoes genetic evolution during culture. Fourteen of the 30 experimental tree shrews (46.7 %) were found to be infected, although the HCV viremia was intermittent in vivo. A positive test for HCV RNA in liver tissue provided stronger evidence for HCV infection and replication in tree shrews. The results of an immunohistochemistry assay also demonstrated the presence of four HCV-specific proteins (Core, E2, NS3/4 and NS5A) in the hepatocytes of infected tree shrews. The pathological changes observed in the liver tissue of infected tree shrews could be considered to be representative symptoms of mild hepatitis. These results revealed that the tree shrew can be used as an animal model supporting the infection and replication of HCV in vitro and in vivo.
Chitosan perception inArabidopsisrequires the chitin receptor AtCERK1 suggesting an improved model for receptor structure and function
Authors: Gubaeva Ekaterina , Gubaev Airat , Melcher Rebecca , Cord-Landwehr Stefan , Singh Ratna , Gueddari Nour Eddine El , Moerschbacher Bruno M.
Published: July 2017

Chitin, a linear polymer of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, and chitosans, fully or partially deacetylated derivatives of chitin, are known to elicit defense reactions in higher plants. We compared the ability of chitin and chitosan oligomers and polymers (chitin oligomers with degree of polymerization 3 to 8; chitosan oligomers with degree of acetylation 0% to 35% and degree of polymerization 3 to 15; chitosan polymers with degree of acetylation 1% to 60% and degree of polymerization ~1300) to elicit an oxidative burst indicative of induced defense reactions inA. thalianaseedlings. Fully deacetylated chitosans were not able to trigger a response; elicitor activity increased with increasing degree of acetylation of chitosan polymers. Partially acetylated chitosan oligomers required a minimum degree of polymerization of 6 and at least four N-acetyl groups to trigger a response. Invariably, elicitation of an oxidative burst required the presence of the chitin receptor AtCERK1. Our results as well as previously published studies on chitin and chitosan perception in plants are best explained by a new general model of LysM-containing receptor complexes where two partners form a long, but off-set chitin-binding groove and are, thus, dimerized by one chitin or chitosan molecule, sharing a central GlcNAc unit with which both LysM domains interact. To verify this model and to distinguish it from earlier models, we assayed elicitor and inhibitor activities of selected partially acetylated chitosan oligomers with fully defined structures. In contrast to the initial “continuous groove”, the original “sandwich”, or the current “sliding mode” models for the chitin/chitosan receptor, the here proposed “slipped sandwich” model - which builds on these earlier models and represents a consensus combination of these - is in agreement with all experimental observations.
miRNAtools: advanced training using the miRNA web of knowledge
Authors: Enguita Francisco J.
Published: July 2017

miRNAs are small non-coding RNAs, that act as negative regulators of the genomic output. Their intrinsic importance within cell biology and human disease is well known. Their mechanism of action based on the base pairing binding to their cognate targets, have helped the development of many computer applications for the prediction of miRNA target recognition. More recently, many other computer applications have appeared with the objective of studying miRNA roles in many contexts, trying to dissect and predict their functions in a specific biological process. Learning about miRNA function needs a practical training in the use of specific computer and web-based applications that are complementary to the wet-lab studies. In the last seven years we have been involved in the organization of advanced training courses about thein silicofunctional analysis of miRNAs and non-coding RNAs, for students ranging from the postgraduate to the post-doctoral level. In order to guide the learning process about miRNAs, we have created miRNAtools (http://mirnatools.eu), a web repository of miRNA tools and tutorials. This page is a compilation of tools to analyze miRNAs and their regulatory action that intends to collect and organize the information that is dispersed in the web. The miRNAtools webpage is completed by a collection of tutorials that can be used by students and tutors engaged in advanced training courses. The tutorials follow the rationale of the analysis of the function of selected miRNAs, starting from their nomenclature and genomic localization and finishing by assessing their involvement in specific cellular functions.

DESCRIPTION OF THE AUTHOR

Francisco J. Enguita is assistant professor at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon and senior investigator at the Instituto de Medicina Molecular within the same University.

KEY POINTS

- We have designed a web-page, mIRNAtools3 (http://mirnatools.eu) specifically devoted for advanced teaching purposes within the miRNA field.

- The webpage constitutes also a repository of web-tools for the analysis of miRNA function in several contexts.

- The webpage contains tutorials that cover many aspects related with miRNAs including nomenclature, target prediction and validation, and functional analysis.
Flipping the odds of drug development success through human genomics
Authors: Hingorani Aroon D. , Kuan Valerie , Finan Chris , Kruger Felix A. , Gaulton Anna , Chopade Sandesh , Sofat Reecha , MacAllister Raymond J. , Overington John P. , Hemingway Harry , Denaxas Spiros , Prieto David , Casas Juan Pablo
Published: July 2017

Drug development depends on accurately identifying molecular targets that both play a causal role in a disease and are amenable to pharmacological action by small molecule drugs or bio-therapeutics, such as monoclonal antibodies.

Errors in drug target specification contribute to the extremely high rates of drug development failure.

Integrating knowledge of genes that encode druggable targets with those that influence susceptibility to common disease has the potential to radically improve the probability of drug development success.
Towards an Unconscious Neurotherapy for Common Fears
Authors: Taschereau-Dumouchel Vincent , Cortese Aurelio , Chiba Toshinori , Knotts J.D. , Kawato Mitsuo , Lau Hakwan
Published: July 2017

Can evolutionarily ‘hardwired’ fear responses, e.g. for spiders and snakes, be reprogramed unconsciously in the human brain? Currently, exposure therapy is amongst the most effective treatments for anxiety disorders1, but this intervention is subjectively aversive to patients, and rates of premature attrition from treatment have been reported to be as high as 70%2. Here we introduce a novel method to bypass the subjective unpleasantness in conscious exposure, by directly pairing monetary reward with unconscious occurrences of decoded representations of naturally feared objects in the brain. The typical way to identify multivoxel functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) representations for feared objects involves repeated presentations of the relevant images explicitly to subjects. However, for our potential treatment method to be effective in actual clinical settings, we need to decode fear representationswithouttriggering excessively aversive reactions which may cause patients to dropout from treatments prematurely. Here we overcome this challenge by capitalizing on recent advancements in fMRI decoding techniques: We employed a method called hyperalignment3,4to infer the relevant representations of feared objects for a designated participant based on data from other ‘surrogate’ participants. This way the procedure completely bypasses the need for the conscious encountering of feared objects. We demonstrate that our method can lead to reliable reductions in physiological fear responses measured by skin conductance as well as amygdala hemodynamic activity. Not only do these results raise the intriguing possibility that naturally occurring fear can be ‘re-programmed’ outside of conscious awareness, importantly they also created the rare opportunity for a psychological intervention of this nature to be tested rigorously in a double-blind placebo-controlled fashion. This may pave the way for a novel treatment method, combining the appealing rationale and proven efficacy of conventional psychotherapy with the rigor and leverage of clinical neuroscience.
The House of Plenty – a social innovation model
Authors: Kaime-Atterhög Wanjiku , von Friedrichs Yvonne
Published: July 2017

Subject area

Social entrepreneurship/innovation.

Study level/applicability

Basic to advanced level.

Case overview

This case introduces students to the context of social innovation and social entrepreneurship. Societies are facing new challenges that will require innovative solutions. In our society, social needs are addressed in a variety of different ways. Some of these needs are addressed mainly through public organizations, some in private spheres through associations or businesses, and others in informal organizations or maybe not at all. As changes occur in our society, the current practices we use to meet our needs will not necessarily be the same practices we use to meet our needs in the future. In response, a number of initiatives are emerging. This case describes the process of such a new initiative.

Expected learning outcomes

Students need to understand what social innovation is; in how many ways it manifests; and why it is a multi-disciplinary field. Students need to understand the difference between for-profit and not-for-profit organizations and which challenges they are effective in addressing (context dependency). Students need to understand, describe and discuss the process and methods of developing social entrepreneurship and social innovations using the House of Plenty Social Innovation Model as a case. Students need to understand and discuss the main challenges that not-for-profit social innovations face in securing financial sustainability and in scaling up using the House of Plenty Social Innovation Model as a case.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code

CSS 3: Entrepreneurship.
Leadership challenges at Fritz Publishing
Authors: Ronnie Linda
Published: July 2017

Subject area

Human Resource Management

Study level/applicability

Postgraduate business students, particularly MBA students.

Case overview

This case examines the working environment of Fritz Publishing, a small independent South African publishing company. Fritz Publishing was established in 1960 by Nick Fritz. After his retirement, ownership passed to his son, Martin. In 2011, Martin Fritz decided to sell the company to the Prys Group, an international publishing house headquartered in Germany. February 2011 saw the arrival of a newly appointed CEO for Fritz Publishing, Vadim Arshavin, who had already experienced excellent financial results as the head of another publishing house. In the wake of his arrival, the company experienced several changes. The case highlights the challenges at Fritz Publishing that have resulted in a growing sense of dissatisfaction. After Martin Fritz sold Fritz Publishing, the organisational culture shifted quite drastically which created challenges for managers, employees and customers alike. Employees, including some members of management, are de-motivated, disengaged and frustrated because of the leadership style and behaviour of the new CEO Vadim Arshavin and consider their psychological contracts to have been breached. The case explores factors that have helped create this situation. It considers challenges to the sustainability of the organisation given recent events including an internal employee engagement survey and feedback from key customers. The case further examines the potential dangers that toxic leadership creates within organisations and encourages discussion on ways this form of destructive leadership can be handled.

Expected learning outcomes

The learning objectives to be drawn from the case are: to assess the impact of leadership on organisational culture; to analyse how leadership impacts the psychological contract; to identify the cross-cultural factors at play in an emerging market organisation and to understand the way a toxic leadership style can detrimentally affect a high-performance workplace. In addition, there are further learning objectives that can be explored. These are: to examine the change process and associated challenges with the introduction of new leadership into a family-type organisational culture; to understand how breach can be avoided and/or how the psychological contract can be reconstructed.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code

CSS 6: Human Resource Management.
The effect of vertical throughflow on the boundary layer flow of a nanofluid past a stretching/shrinking sheet
Authors: Pop Ioan , Naganthran Kohilavani , Nazar Roslinda , Ishak Anuar
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the effects of vertical throughflow on the boundary layer flow and heat transfer of a nanofluid driven by a permeable stretching/shrinking surface.

Design/methodology/approach

Similarity transformation is used to convert the system of boundary layer equations into a system of ordinary differential equations. The system of governing similarity equations is then reduced to a system of first-order differential equations and solved numerically using the bvp4c function in Matlab software. The generated numerical results are presented graphically and discussed based on some governing parameters.

Findings

It is found that dual solutions exist in both cases of stretching and shrinking sheet situations. Stability analysis is performed to determine which solution is stable and valid physically.

Originality/value

Dual solutions are found for positive and negative values of the moving parameter. A stability analysis has also been performed to show that the first (upper branch) solutions are stable and physically realizable, while the second (lower branch) solutions are not stable and, therefore, not physically possible.