bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Innerstädtische Flusslandschaften als integriertes Handlungsfeld – Planungspraktische Einflussfaktoren der Koordination und Kooperation
Authors: Galler Carolin , Levin-Keitel Meike
Published: January 2016

In urban riverscapes different significant land uses and interests come together, for instance flood protection, environmental protection, tourism or local recreation, nature or monument conservation, waterfront development or climate change mitigation. Accordingly, planning for integrated spatial developments is required for which actors of different administrative units need to collaborate. This paper first shows the institutional requirements for a collaborative approach in riverscapes. Therefore the administrative organization and the legally based objectives and planning instruments are analyzed. Based on planning culture as analytical perspective, further informal and more cultural influence factors of cooperation are included. Following the examples of integrated development planning in the riverscapes of Nuremberg and Ratisbon, some interesting characteristics of two key organizations—water management authorities and city administrations—were pointed out by highlighting their guiding principles, their organization-specific perceptions, and validations as well as their particular self-conception. It becomes apparent, that the so called common process paradigm—how the cooperation in urban riverscapes is implemented—plays a crucial role in the way planning processes take place. Last but not least it influences the spatial development and design itself. Relevant parameters for designing and steering integrated planning processes are identified.
Antioxidant Potential and Ability of Phloroglucinol to Decrease Formation of Advanced Glycation End Products Increase Efficacy of Sildenafil in Diabetes-Induced Sexual Dysfunction of Rats
Authors: Goswami Sumanta Kumar , Gangadarappa Suma Kallahalli , Vishwanath Manikanta , Razdan Rema , Jamwal Rohitash , Bhadri Naini , Inamdar Mohammed Naseeruddin
Published: January 2016

Introduction

Diabetes-induced sexual dysfunction is associated with an increase in oxidative stress. Scavengers of reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been shown to reduce oxidative stress and aid in the management of sexual dysfunction in diabetes.

Aim

The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis that antioxidant, which scavenge ROS and reduce formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), can potentiate efficacy of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors in diabetes-induced sexual dysfunction that is associated with oxidative stress.

Materials and Methods

Effect of phloroglucinol and sildenafil on serum glucose level, sexual function, penile smooth muscle : collagen ratio, and phenylephrine precontracted corpus cavernosum smooth muscle (CCSM) was studied. The ability of phloroglucinol to reduce the formation of AGEs and its ability to scavenge 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and nitric oxide (NO) was also evaluated.

Main Outcome Measures

Antioxidant potential of phloroglucinol was studied in addition to its effect on diabetes-induced sexual dysfunction in presence and absence of sildenafil.

Results

Phloroglucinol (50 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly decreased serum glucose level and increased sexual function in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats when compared with diabetic control rats. Sildenafil (5 mg/kg, p.o.) had no effect on glycemia but significantly increased sexual function of diabetic rats. Coadministration of phloroglucinol increased the efficacy of sildenafil by improving sexual function. Treatment of diabetic rats with phloroglucinol + sildenafil maintained smooth muscle : collagen levels similar to that of normal rat penile tissue. Phloroglucinol decreased formation of AGEs and significantly scavenged DPPH radical activity in vitro. Sildenafil relaxed isolated CCSM of normal rat and diabetic rat significantly, but phloroglucinol did not show any significant effect. Phloroglucinol also inhibited human CYP3A4 enzyme activity in vitro.

Conclusion

Phloroglucinol coadministration increases efficacy of sildenafil in diabetes-induced sexual dysfunction. However, further studies are required to ascertain the benefits of phloroglucinol owing to its undesirable CYP3A4 inhibition activity.
Preclinical Abuse Potential Assessment of Flibanserin: Effects on Intracranial Self-Stimulation in Female and Male Rats
Authors: Lazenka Matthew F. , Blough Bruce E. , Negus S. Stevens
Published: January 2016

Introduction

Flibanserin is a serotonin receptor subtype 1A agonist and 2A antagonist that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treating female sexual interest and arousal disorder. Little is known about the abuse potential of flibanserin.

Aim

To examine abuse-related effects of flibanserin in rats using an intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) procedure previously used to evaluate the abuse potential of other drugs.

Methods

Adult female and male Sprague-Dawley rats with electrodes implanted in the medial forebrain bundle were trained to press a lever for electrical brain stimulation under a “frequency–rate” ICSS procedure. In this procedure, increasing frequencies of brain stimulation maintain increasing rates of responding. Drugs of abuse typically increase (or “facilitate”) ICSS rates and produce leftward and upward shifts in ICSS frequency–rate curves, whereas drugs that lack abuse potential typically do not alter or only decrease ICSS rates. Initial studies determined the potency and time course of effects on ICSS produced by acute flibanserin administration (1.0, 3.2 and 10.0 mg/kg). Subsequent studies determined the effects of flibanserin (3.2–18 mg/kg) before and after a regimen of repeated flibanserin administration (5.6 mg/kg/d for 5 days). Effects of the abused stimulant amphetamine (1.0 mg/kg) were examined as a positive control.

Main Outcome Measures

Flibanserin effects on ICSS frequency–rate curves in female and male rats were examined and compared with the effects of amphetamine.

Results

Baseline ICSS frequency–rate curves were similar in female and male rats. Acute and repeated administrations of flibanserin produced only decreases in ICSS rates, and rate-decreasing effects of the highest flibanserin dose (10 mg/kg) were greater in female than in male rats. In contrast to flibanserin, amphetamine produced an abuse-related increase in ICSS rates that did not differ between female and male rats.

Conclusion

These results suggest that flibanserin has low abuse potential. In addition, this study suggests that female rats might be more sensitive than male rats to the rate-decreasing effects of high flibanserin doses.
Usefulness of the platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio in predicting the severity of carotid artery stenosis in patients undergoing carotid angiography
Authors: Varım Ceyhun , Varım Perihan , Acar Bilgehan Atılgan , Vatan Mehmet Bülent , Uyanık Mehmet Sevki , Kaya Tezcan , Acar Turkan , Akdemir Ramazan
Published: January 2016

Carotid artery stenosis (CAS) is primarily caused by atherosclerotic plaque. Progressive inflammation may contribute to the rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque. The platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR) is a new and simple marker that indicates inflammation. In this study, we aimed to investigate the use of the PLR to determine the severity of CAS. One hundred forty patients were chosen from among patients who underwent carotid angiography in our institution. Symptomatic patients with stenosis >50% in the carotid arteries and asymptomatic patients with stenosis >80% were diagnosed via carotid angiography as having critical stenosis. Patients were classified into two groups. Group 1 included patients who had critical CAS, whereas Group 2 included patients with noncritical CAS, as determined by carotid angiography. Correlations between the PLR and the severity of CAS were analyzed. There were no significant differences in sex and age between the two groups. The PLR was 162.5 ± 84.7 in the noncritical CAS group patients and 94.9 ± 60.3 in the critical CAS group patients (p < 0.0001). The PLR value of 117.1 had 89% sensitivity and 68% specificity for CAS [95% confidence interval, 0.043–0.159; area under the curve, 0.101 ± 0.03)]. In this study, we have shown that PLR values may be associated with critical stenosis in at least one of the carotid arteries. Furthermore, PLR values may be used to predict critical stenosis in the carotid arteries.
Fixed points of local actions of nilpotent Lie groups on surfaces
Authors: HIRSCH MORRIS W.
Published: January 2016

Let$G$be a connected nilpotent Lie group with a continuous local action on a real surface$M$, which might be non-compact or have non-empty boundary$\unicode[STIX]{x2202}M$. The action need not be smooth. Let$\unicode[STIX]{x1D711}$be the local flow on$M$induced by the action of some one-parameter subgroup. Assume$K$is a compact set of fixed points of$\unicode[STIX]{x1D711}$and$U$is a neighborhood of$K$containing no other fixed points.

Theorem.If the Dold fixed-point index of$\unicode[STIX]{x1D711}_{t}|U$is non-zero for sufficiently small$t>0$,then$\mathsf{Fix}(G)\cap K\neq \varnothing$.
Counting common perpendicular arcs in negative curvature
Authors: PARKKONEN JOUNI , PAULIN FRÉDÉRIC
Published: January 2016

Let$D^{-}$and$D^{+}$be properly immersed closed locally convex subsets of a Riemannian manifold with pinched negative sectional curvature. Using mixing properties of the geodesic flow, we give an asymptotic formula as$t\rightarrow +\infty$for the number of common perpendiculars of length at most$t$from$D^{-}$to$D^{+}$, counted with multiplicities, and we prove the equidistribution in the outer and inner unit normal bundles of$D^{-}$and$D^{+}$of the tangent vectors at the endpoints of the common perpendiculars. When the manifold is compact with exponential decay of correlations or arithmetic with finite volume, we give an error term for the asymptotic. As an application, we give an asymptotic formula for the number of connected components of the domain of discontinuity of Kleinian groups as their diameter goes to$0$.
Flow equivalence of sofic beta-shifts
Authors: JOHANSEN RUNE
Published: January 2016

The Fischer, Krieger, and fiber product covers of sofic beta-shifts are constructed and used to show that every strictly sofic beta-shift is 2-sofic. Flow invariants based on the covers are computed, and shown to depend only on a single integer that can easily be determined from the$\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FD}$-expansion of 1. It is shown that any beta-shift is flow equivalent to a beta-shift given by some$1<\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FD}<2$, and concrete constructions lead to further reductions of the flow classification problem. For each sofic beta-shift, there is an action of$\mathbb{Z}/2\mathbb{Z}$on the edge shift given by the fiber product, and it is shown precisely when there exists a flow equivalence respecting these$\mathbb{Z}/2\mathbb{Z}$-actions. This opens a connection to ongoing efforts to classify general irreducible 2-sofic shifts via flow equivalences of reducible shifts of finite type (SFTs) equipped with$\mathbb{Z}/2\mathbb{Z}$-actions.
Asymptotic entropy of transformed random walks
Authors: FORGHANI BEHRANG
Published: January 2016

We consider general transformations of random walks on groups determined by Markov stopping times and prove that the asymptotic entropy (respectively, rate of escape) of the transformed random walks is equal to the asymptotic entropy (respectively, rate of escape) of the original random walk multiplied by the expectation of the corresponding stopping time. This is an analogue of the well-known Abramov formula from ergodic theory; its particular cases were established earlier by Kaimanovich [Differential entropy of the boundary of a random walk on a group.Uspekhi Mat. Nauk38(5(233)) (1983), 187–188] and Hartmanet al [An Abramov formula for stationary spaces of discrete groups.Ergod. Th. & Dynam. Sys.34(3) (2014), 837–853].
Dietary diversity, animal source food consumption and linear growth among children aged 1–5 years in Bandung, Indonesia: a longitudinal observational study
Authors: Muslimatun Siti , Wiradnyani Luh Ade Ari
Published: January 2016

Dietary diversity involves adequate intake of macronutrient and micronutrient. The inclusion of animal source foods (ASF) in the diet helps prevent multiple nutrient deficiencies and any resultant, linear growth retardation. The objective of the current study was to assess the relationship between dietary diversity, ASF consumption and height-for-agez-score (HAZ) among children aged 12–59 months old across a 1-year observation. This longitudinal observational study without controls was conducted among four age groups: 12–23 months (n57), 24–35 months (n56), 36–47 months (n58) and 48–59 months (n56). Anthropometry and dietary intake were measured during each of four visits at 16–20-week intervals. The general characteristics and other observations were only collected at baseline and endline. During the year-long study period, approximately 27 % of the children ate a diverse diet (consumed ≥6 out of 9 food groups) according to ≥3 visits. ASF consumption was high, particularly for eggs, poultry, processed meats and liquid milk. Yet, micronutrient intake inadequacy, especially of Zn, Ca, Fe and vitamin A, was highly prevalent. A multivariate regression analysis showed that the consumption of a diverse diet and ASF was not significantly associated with the HAZ at endline, after controlling for demographic characteristics and the baseline HAZ. The consumption of a diverse diet was significantly associated with Ca intake adequacy. Moreover, ASF consumption was significantly associated with adequate intake of protein and micronutrients, particularly vitamin A, Ca and Zn. Thus, the recommendation is to continue and strengthen the promotion of consuming a diverse diet that includes ASF in supporting the linear growth of young children.
Protective capacity of cercarial transformation fluid alone or in combination with crude cercarial antigen against challenge infections ofSchistosoma mansoniin mice
Authors: El Azzouni M.Z. , Mady R.F. , Gaafar M.R. , Arafa F.M. , Elhadidi A.
Published: January 2016

Schistosomiasis is the second major parasitic disease in the world after malaria. It affects 201.5 million cases in Africa alone. The aim of this research was to explore alternative vaccination strategies against experimental schistosomiasis mansoni. We assessed the effect of cercarial transformation fluid (CTF) singly and in combination with crude cercarial antigen (CCA) using alum as an adjuvant. The combined antigens gave the best results, as evidenced by a significant reduction in the worm load (62.07%), tissue egg count (78.16%, 86.46%) in liver and intestine respectively, and hepatic granuloma size (29.96%). Scanning electron microscopy revealed changes in the tegument, in the form of roughness and appearance of vesicles and furrows between the tegumental tubercles. Also, resorption of the ventral sucker and dimples replacing its spines were observed. The female tegument was irregular and its posterior end showed loss of spines and sensory bulbs. Moreover, there was a significant decrease in liver enzymes (alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST)) compared to infected control mice. A significant elevation in CD4+T-lymphocytes, denoting amelioration of the immune status, in mice that received combined antigens was also observed. It can be concluded that combined antigens demonstrate potential as a vaccine againstSchistosoma mansoni.
Tangents of σ-finite curves and scaled oscillation
Authors: CSÖRNYEI MARIANNA , WILSON BOBBY
Published: January 2016

We show that every continuous simple curve with σ-finite length has a tangent at positively many points. We also apply this result to functions with finite lower scaled oscillation; and study the validity of the results in higher dimension.
Income, neural executive processes, and preschool children's executive control
Authors: Ruberry Erika J. , Lengua Liliana J. , Crocker Leanna Harris , Bruce Jacqueline , Upshaw Michaela B. , Sommerville Jessica A.
Published: January 2016

This study aimed to specify the neural mechanisms underlying the link between low household income and diminished executive control in the preschool period. Specifically, we examined whether individual differences in the neural processes associated with executive attention and inhibitory control accounted for income differences observed in performance on a neuropsychological battery of executive control tasks. The study utilized a sample of preschool-aged children (N= 118) whose families represented the full range of income, with 32% of families at/near poverty, 32% lower income, and 36% middle to upper income. Children completed a neuropsychological battery of executive control tasks and then completed two computerized executive control tasks while EEG data were collected. We predicted that differences in the event-related potential (ERP) correlates of executive attention and inhibitory control would account for income differences observed on the executive control battery. Income and ERP measures were related to performance on the executive control battery. However, income was unrelated to ERP measures. The findings suggest that income differences observed in executive control during the preschool period might relate to processes other than executive attention and inhibitory control.
Effectiveness of cardiac surgery in patients with trisomy 18: a single-institutional experience
Authors: Nakai Yosuke , Asano Miki , Nomura Norikazu , Matsumae Hidekazu , Mishima Akira
Published: January 2016

Background

Surgical repair for cardiac lesions has rarely been offered to patients with trisomy 18 because of their very short lifespans. We investigated the effectiveness of cardiac surgery in patients with trisomy 18.

Patients and methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of 20 consecutive patients with trisomy 18 and congenital cardiac anomalies who were evaluated between August, 2003 and July, 2013. All patients developed respiratory or cardiac failure due to excessive pulmonary blood flow. Patients were divided into two subgroups: one treated surgically (surgical group, n=10) and one treated without surgery (conservative group, n=10), primarily to compare the duration of survival between the groups.

Results

All the patients in the surgical group underwent cardiac surgery with pulmonary artery banding, including patent ductus arteriosus ligation in nine patients and coarctation repair in one. The duration of survival was significantly longer in the surgical group than in the conservative group (495.4±512.6 versus 93.1±76.2 days, respectively; p=0.03). A Cox proportional hazard model found cardiac surgery to be a significant predictor of survival time (risk ratio of 0.12, 95% confidence interval 0.016–0.63; p=0.01).

Conclusions

Cardiac surgery was effective in prolonging survival by managing high pulmonary blood flow; however, the indication for surgery should be carefully considered on a case-by-case basis, because the risk of sudden death remains even after surgery. Patients’ families should be provided with sufficient information to make decisions that will optimise the quality of life for both patients and their families.
THOMAS HARDY'S “THE MOCK WIFE,” MAUMBURY, AND THE MAYOR OF CASTERBRIDGE
Authors: Donnelly Brian
Published: January 2016

In a 1908 review article for the Times of London, Thomas Hardy commented on the previous months of excavation of the Neolithic earthwork amphitheater in Dorchester, known as the Maumbury Ring(s). Hardy had returned to Dorchester from London in 1883, and the town is most famously fictionalized in the 1886 novel The Mayor of Casterbridge. Hardy's description identifies the defining moment in the Ring's history as the execution there in 1706 of the nineteen year-old Mary Channing for allegedly having poisoned her husband. Quoting extensively from a contemporary report of Channing's trial and execution, Hardy asserts that he could find little in the statements of the case to support Channing's execution. His opinion is rather that this was a high spirited young woman forced by her parents to marry a man she did not love, whose weak indulgence of his new wife merely served to contribute to the sense of her being a woman of “careless character” that would see her wrongly condemned.
DRACULA’S APOLOGETICS OF PROGRESS
Authors: Kwong Lucas
Published: January 2016

Religion inDraculastudieshas often looked a little like the Un-Dead Lucy, a ghastly simulacrum of living faith. Indeed, readings of the novel frequently depend on a suspicious approach to the novel's professions of piety, one that regards them as a mask for more fundamental concerns: the heroes profess religious concern, but what they really want is to neutralize the New Woman, or racial degeneration, or sexual perversion. Under these conditions, Christianity provides, at best, a potent discourse through which the characters can manage these coded crises. When religion does enter the conversation, critics tend to read the text for clues to Stoker's personal position on the theological controversies of his day: the Catholic-Protestant divide in Ireland, the place of High Church ritualism in Anglican worship, the merit of the doctrine of transubstantiation. As a result, we are left with aDraculathat functions as an elaborate code book, encrypting what Stoker secretly (or not-so-secretly) believed.
INADMISSIBLE EVIDENCE: THE TRIAL OF MADELEINE SMITH AND COLLINS'STHE LAW AND THE LADY
Authors: Murphy Sara
Published: January 2016

“A trial and a literary text,”Shoshana Felman once noted, “do not aim at the same kind of conclusion, nor do they strive toward the same kind of effect. A trial is presumed to be a search for truth, but technically it is a search for a decision; and thus. . . it seeks not truth but finality: a force of resolution.” Literature, on the other hand, Felman posits, is characterized by “a search for meaning. . . for heightened significance, for symbolic understanding” (Felman 55). Trials function to curb the proliferation of meanings in favor of finality, if not absolute truth, whereas literature allegedly forgoes such determinacy. A corollary of this distinction has to do with language itself: while law seeks to fix linguistic meaning, literature draws attention to the inherent instability of meaning.
STOCHASTIC GRADIENT LEARNING AND INSTABILITY: AN EXAMPLE
Authors: Slobodyan Sergey , Bogomolova Anna , Kolyuzhnov Dmitri
Published: January 2016

In this paper, we investigate real-time behavior of constant-gain stochastic gradient (SG) learning, using the Phelps model of monetary policy as a testing ground. We find that whereas the self-confirming equilibrium is stable under the mean dynamics in a very large region, real-time learning diverges for all but the very smallest gain values. We employ a stochastic Lyapunov function approach to demonstrate that the SG mean dynamics is easily destabilized by the noise associated with real-time learning, because its Jacobian contains stable but very small eigenvalues. We also express caution on usage of perpetual learning algorithms with such small eigenvalues, as the real-time dynamics might diverge from the equilibrium that is stable under the mean dynamics.
DATA REVISIONS IN THE ESTIMATION OF DSGE MODELS
Authors: Casares Miguel , Vázquez Jesús
Published: January 2016

Revisions of U.S. macroeconomic data are persistent, correlated with real-time data, and with high variability (around 80% of U.S. real-time data volatility). This paper adapts a DSGE-style model to accommodate both real-time and revised data from the U.S. economy. The results show a lesser role of both habit formation and price indexation than in the standard model. In the simulations, revision shocks to both output and inflation are expansionary because the Fed reacts by cutting interest rates. Consumption revisions, in contrast, are countercyclical, consumption mirrors the observed reduction in real-time consumption. In the variance decomposition, data revisions explain 9.3% of output changes.
Determinants of iron status and Hb in the Bangladesh population: the role of groundwater iron
Authors: Rahman Sabuktagin , Ahmed Tahmeed , Rahman Ahmed Shafiqur , Alam Nurul , Ahmed AM Shamsir , Ireen Santhia , Chowdhury Ireen Akhter , Chowdhury Fatima Parveen , Rahman SM Mustafizur
Published: January 2016

Objective

Using data from the national micronutrients survey 2011–2012, the present study explored the determinants of Fe status and Hb levels in Bangladesh with a particular focus on groundwater Fe.

Design

Cross-sectional study conducted at the nationwide scale.

Settings

The survey was conducted in 150 clusters, fifty in each of the three strata of rural, urban and slum.

Subjects

Three population groups: pre-school age children (6–59 months; PSAC), school age children (6–14 years; SAC) and non-pregnant non-lactating women (15–49 years; NPNLW).

Results

National prevalence of Fe deficiency was 10·7 %, 7·1 % and 3·9–9·5 % in PSAC, NPNLW and SAC, respectively. Prevalence of anaemia was 33·1 % (PSAC), 26·0 % (NPNLW) and 17·1–19·1 % (SAC). Multivariate regression analyses showed that the area with ‘predominantly high groundwater Fe’ was a determinant of higher serum ferritin levels in NPNLW (standardized β=0·19; P=0·03), SAC (standardized β=0·22; P=0·01) and PSAC (standardized β=0·20; P=0·03). This area also determined higher levels of Hb in PSAC (standardized β=0·14; P=0·01).

Conclusions

National prevalence of Fe deficiency in Bangladesh is low, contrary to the widely held assumption. High Fe level in groundwater is associated with higher Fe status (all populations) and higher Hb level (PSAC).
Calcium Deposits in the Crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus: Microstructure Versus Elemental Distribution
Authors: Luquet Gilles , Dauphin Yannicke , Percot Aline , Salomé Murielle , Ziegler Andreas , Fernández Maria S. , Arias José L.
Published: January 2016

The crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus stores calcium ions, easily mobilizable after molting, for calcifying parts of the new exoskeleton. They are chiefly stored as amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) during each premolt in a pair of gastroliths synthesized in the stomach wall. How calcium carbonate is stabilized in the amorphous state in such a biocomposite remains speculative. The knowledge of the microstructure at the nanometer level obtained by field emission scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy combined with scanning electron microscopy energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, micro-Raman and X-ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy gave relevant information on the elaboration of such an ACC-stabilized biomineral. We observed nanogranules distributed along chitin-protein fibers and the aggregation of granules in thin layers. AFM confirmed the nanolevel structure, showing granules probably surrounded by an organic layer and also revealing a second level of aggregation as described for other crystalline biominerals. Raman analyses showed the presence of ACC, amorphous calcium phosphate, and calcite. Elemental analyses confirmed the presence of elements like Fe, Na, Mg, P, and S. P and S are heterogeneously distributed. P is present in both the mineral and organic phases of gastroliths. S seems present as sulfate (probably as sulfated sugars), sulfonate, sulfite, and sulfoxide groups and, in a lesser extent, as sulfur-containing amino acids.
SOLUTIONS AND DIAGNOSTICS OF SWITCHING PROBLEMS WITH LINEAR STATE DYNAMICS
Authors: HINZ J. , YAP N.
Published: January 2016

Optimal control problems of stochastic switching type appear frequently when making decisions under uncertainty and are notoriously challenging from a computational viewpoint. Although numerous approaches have been suggested in the literature to tackle them, typical real-world applications are inherently high dimensional and usually drive common algorithms to their computational limits. Furthermore, even when numerical approximations of the optimal strategy are obtained, practitioners must apply time-consuming and unreliable Monte Carlo simulations to assess their quality. In this paper, we show how one can overcome both difficulties for a specific class of discrete-time stochastic control problems. A simple and efficient algorithm which yields approximate numerical solutions is presented and methods to perform diagnostics are provided.
miR-302 regulates pluripotency, teratoma formation and differentiation in stem cells via an AKT1/OCT4-dependent manner
Authors: Li H-L , Wei J-F , Fan L-Y , Wang S-H , Zhu L , Li T-P , Lin G , Sun Y , Sun Z-J , Ding J , Liang X-L , Li J , Han Q , Zhao R-C-H
Published: January 2016

Pluripotency makes human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) promising for regenerative medicine, but the teratoma formation has been considered to be a major obstacle for their clinical applications. Here, we determined that the downregulation of miR-302 suppresses the teratoma formation, hampers the self-renewal and pluripotency, and promotes hPSC differentiation. The underlying mechanism is that the high endogenous expression of miR-302 suppresses the AKT1 expression by directly targeting its 3'UTR and subsequently maintains the pluripotent factor OCT4 at high level. Our findings reveal that miR-302 regulates OCT4 by suppressing AKT1, which provides hPSCs two characteristics related to their potential for clinical applications: the benefit of pluripotency and the hindrance of teratoma formation. More importantly, we demonstrate that miR-302 upregulation cannot lead OCT4 negative human adult mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) to acquire the teratoma formation in vivo. Whether miR-302 upregulation can drive hMSCs to acquire a higher differentiation potential is worthy of deep investigation.
MatP regulates the coordinated action of topoisomerase IV and MukBEF in chromosome segregation
Authors: Nolivos Sophie , Upton Amy L. , Badrinarayanan Anjana , Müller Julius , Zawadzka Katarzyna , Wiktor Jakub , Gill Amber , Arciszewska Lidia , Nicolas Emilien , Sherratt David
Published: January 2016

The Escherichia coli SMC complex, MukBEF, forms clusters of molecules that interact with the decatenase topisomerase IV and which are normally associated with the chromosome replication origin region (ori). Here we demonstrate an additional ATP-hydrolysis-dependent association of MukBEF with the replication termination region (ter). Consistent with this, MukBEF interacts with MatP, which binds matS sites in ter. MatP displaces wild-type MukBEF complexes from ter, thereby facilitating their association with ori, and limiting the availability of topoisomerase IV (TopoIV) at ter. Displacement of MukBEF is impaired when MukB ATP hydrolysis is compromised and when MatP is absent, leading to a stable association of ter and MukBEF. Impairing the TopoIV-MukBEF interaction delays sister ter segregation in cells lacking MatP. We propose that the interplay between MukBEF and MatP directs chromosome organization in relation to MukBEF clusters and associated topisomerase IV, thereby ensuring timely chromosome unlinking and segregation.
A mouse model for a partially inactive obesity-associated human MC3R variant
Authors: Lee Bonggi , Koo Jashin , Yun Jun Joo , Gavrilova Oksana , Lee Yongjun , Seo Arnold Y. , Taylor-Douglas Dezmond C. , Adler-Wailes Diane C. , Chen Faye , Gardner Ryan , Koutzoumis Dimitri , Sherafat Kazemzadeh Roya , Roberson Robin B. , Yanovski Jack A.
Published: January 2016

We previously reported children homozygous for two MC3R sequence variants (C17A+G241A) have greater fat mass than controls. Here we show, using homozygous knock-in mouse models in which we replace murine Mc3r with wild-type human (MC3RhWT/hWT) and double-mutant (C17A+G241A) human (MC3RhDM/hDM) MC3R, that MC3RhDM/hDM have greater weight and fat mass, increased energy intake and feeding efficiency, but reduced length and fat-free mass compared with MC3RhWT/hWT. MC3RhDM/hDM mice do not have increased adipose tissue inflammatory cell infiltration or greater expression of inflammatory markers despite their greater fat mass. Serum adiponectin levels are increased in MC3RhDM/hDM mice and MC3RhDM/hDM human subjects. MC3RhDM/hDM bone- and adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) differentiate into adipocytes that accumulate more triglyceride than MC3RhWT/hWT MSCs. MC3RhDM/hDM impacts nutrient partitioning to generate increased adipose tissue that appears metabolically healthy. These data confirm the importance of MC3R signalling in human metabolism and suggest a previously-unrecognized role for the MC3R in adipose tissue development.
Object Specific Trajectory Optimization for Industrial X-ray Computed Tomography
Authors: Fischer Andreas , Lasser Tobias , Schrapp Michael , Stephan Jürgen , Noël Peter B.
Published: January 2016

In industrial settings, X-ray computed tomography scans are a common tool for inspection of objects. Often the object can not be imaged using standard circular or helical trajectories because of constraints in space or time. Compared to medical applications the variance in size and materials is much larger. Adapting the acquisition trajectory to the object is beneficial and sometimes inevitable. There are currently no sophisticated methods for this adoption. Typically the operator places the object according to his best knowledge. We propose a detectability index based optimization algorithm which determines the scan trajectory on the basis of a CAD-model of the object. The detectability index is computed solely from simulated projections for multiple user defined features. By adapting the features the algorithm is adapted to different imaging tasks. Performance of simulated and measured data was qualitatively and quantitatively assessed.The results illustrate that our algorithm not only allows more accurate detection of features, but also delivers images with high overall quality in comparison to standard trajectory reconstructions. This work enables to reduce the number of projections and in consequence scan time by introducing an optimization algorithm to compose an object specific trajectory.
Ligand selectivity in tachykinin and natalisin neuropeptidergic systems of the honey bee parasitic mite Varroa destructor
Authors: Jiang Hongbo , Kim Donghun , Dobesh Sharon , Evans Jay D. , Nachman Ronald J. , Kaczmarek Krzysztof , Zabrocki Janusz , Park Yoonseong
Published: January 2016

The varroa mite, Varroa destructor, is a devastating ectoparasite of the honey bees Apis mellifera and A. cerana. Control of these mites in beehives is a challenge in part due to the lack of toxic agents that are specific to mites and not to the host honey bee. In searching for a specific toxic target of varroa mites, we investigated two closely related neuropeptidergic systems, tachykinin-related peptide (TRP) and natalisin (NTL) and their respective receptors. Honey bees lack both NTL and the NTL receptor in their genome sequences, providing the rationale for investigating these receptors to understand their specificities to various ligands. We characterized the receptors for NTL and TRP of V. destructor (VdNTL-R and VdTRP-R, respectively) and for TRP of A. mellifera (AmTRP-R) in a heterologous reporter assay system to determine the activities of various ligands including TRP/NTL peptides and peptidomimetics. Although we found that AmTRP-R is highly promiscuous, activated by various ligands including two VdNTL peptides when a total of 36 ligands were tested, we serendipitously found that peptides carrying the C-terminal motif -FWxxRamide are highly specific to VdTRP-R. This motif can serve as a seed sequence for designing a VdTRP-R-specific agonist.
Heating-Rate-Triggered Carbon-Nanotube-based 3-Dimensional Conducting Networks for a Highly Sensitive Noncontact Sensing Device
Authors: Tai Yanlong , Lubineau Gilles
Published: January 2016

Recently, flexible and transparent conductive films (TCFs) are drawing more attention for their central role in future applications of flexible electronics. Here, we report the controllable fabrication of TCFs for moisture-sensing applications based on heating-rate-triggered, 3-dimensional porous conducting networks through drop casting lithography of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT)/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) ink. How ink formula and baking conditions influence the self-assembled microstructure of the TCFs is discussed. The sensor presents high-performance properties, including a reasonable sheet resistance (2.1 kohm/sq), a high visible-range transmittance (>69%, PET = 90%) and good stability when subjected to cyclic loading (>1000 cycles, better than indium tin oxide film) during processing, when formulation parameters are well optimized (weight ratio of SWCNT to PEDOT:PSS: 1:0.5, SWCNT concentration: 0.3 mg/ml and heating rate: 36 °C/minute). Moreover, the benefits of these kinds of TCFs were verified through a fully transparent, highly sensitive, rapid response, noncontact moisture-sensing device (5 × 5 sensing pixels).
Magnetic Ordering in Sr3YCo4O10+x
Authors: Kishida Takayoshi , Kapetanakis Myron D. , Yan Jiaqiang , Sales Brian C. , Pantelides Sokrates T. , Pennycook Stephen J. , Chisholm Matthew F.
Published: January 2016

Transition-metal oxides often exhibit complex magnetic behavior due to the strong interplay between atomic-structure, electronic and magnetic degrees of freedom. Cobaltates, especially, exhibit complex behavior because of cobalt’s ability to adopt various valence and spin state configurations. The case of the oxygen-deficient perovskite Sr3YCo4O10+x (SYCO) has attracted considerable attention because of persisting uncertainties about its structure and the origin of the observed room temperature ferromagnetism. Here we report a combined investigation of SYCO using aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy and density functional theory calculations. Guided by theoretical results on Co-O distances projected on different planes, the atomic-scale images of several different orientations, especially of the fully oxygenated planes, allow the unambiguous extraction of the underlying structure. The calculated magnetic properties of the new structure are in excellent agreement with the experimental data.
A quantitative analysis of hydraulic interaction processes in stream-aquifer systems
Authors: Wang Wenke , Dai Zhenxue , Zhao Yaqian , Li Junting , Duan Lei , Wang Zhoufeng , Zhu Lin
Published: January 2016

The hydraulic relationship between the stream and aquifer can be altered from hydraulic connection to disconnection when the pumping rate exceeds the maximum seepage flux of the streambed. This study proposes to quantitatively analyze the physical processes of stream-aquifer systems from connection to disconnection. A free water table equation is adopted to clarify under what conditions a stream starts to separate hydraulically from an aquifer. Both the theoretical analysis and laboratory tests have demonstrated that the hydraulic connectedness of the stream-aquifer system can reach a critical disconnection state when the horizontal hydraulic gradient at the free water surface is equal to zero and the vertical is equal to 1. A boundary-value problem for movement of the critical point of disconnection is established for an analytical solution of the inverted water table movement beneath the stream. The result indicates that the maximum distance or thickness of the inverted water table is equal to the water depth in the stream and at a steady state of disconnection, the maximum hydraulic gradient at the streambed center is 2. This study helps us to understand the hydraulic phenomena of water flow near streams and accurately assess surface water and groundwater resources.
Global transcriptomic responses of Escherichia coli K-12 to volatile organic compounds
Authors: Yung Pui Yi , Lo Grasso Letizia , Mohidin Abeed Fatima , Acerbi Enzo , Hinks Jamie , Seviour Thomas , Marsili Enrico , Lauro Federico M.
Published: January 2016

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are commonly used as solvents in various industrial settings. Many of them present a challenge to receiving environments, due to their toxicity and low bioavailability for degradation. Microorganisms are capable of sensing and responding to their surroundings and this makes them ideal detectors for toxic compounds. This study investigates the global transcriptomic responses of Escherichia coli K-12 to selected VOCs at sub-toxic levels. Cells grown in the presence of VOCs were harvested during exponential growth, followed by whole transcriptome shotgun sequencing (RNAseq). The analysis of the data revealed both shared and unique genetic responses compared to cells without exposure to VOCs. Results suggest that various functional gene categories, for example, those relating to Fe/S cluster biogenesis, oxidative stress responses and transport proteins, are responsive to selected VOCs in E. coli. The differential expression (DE) of genes was validated using GFP-promoter fusion assays. A variety of genes were differentially expressed even at non-inhibitory concentrations and when the cells are at their balanced-growth. Some of these genes belong to generic stress response and others could be specific to VOCs. Such candidate genes and their regulatory elements could be used as the basis for designing biosensors for selected VOCs.
Predictability of the dispersion of Fukushima-derived radionuclides and their homogenization in the atmosphere
Authors: Mészáros Róbert , Leelőssy Ádám , Kovács Tibor , Lagzi István
Published: January 2016

Long-range simulation of the dispersion of air pollutants in the atmosphere is one of the most challenging tasks in geosciences. Application of precise and fast numerical models in risk management and decision support can save human lives and can diminish consequences of an accidental release. Disaster at Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant has been the most serious event in the nuclear technology and industry in the recent years. We present and discuss the results of the numerical simulations on dispersion of Fukushima-derived particulate 131I and 137Cs using a global scale Lagrangian particle model. We compare concentrations and arrival times, using two emission scenarios, with the measured data obtained from 182 monitoring stations located all over the Northern Hemisphere. We also investigate the homogenization of isotopes in the atmosphere. Peak concentrations were predicted with typical accuracy of one order of magnitude showing a general underestimation in the case of 131I but not for 137Cs. Tropical and Arctic plumes, as well as the early detections in American and European midlatitudes were generally well predicted, however, the later regional-scale mixing could not be captured by the model. Our investigation highlights the importance of the parameterization of free atmospheric turbulence.
Tunable exchange bias in dilute magnetic alloys – chiral spin glasses
Authors: Hudl Matthias , Mathieu Roland , Nordblad Per
Published: January 2016

A unidirectional anisotropy appears in field cooled samples of dilute magnetic alloys at temperatures well below the cusp temperature of the zero field cooled magnetization curve. Magnetization measurements on a Cu(13.5 at% Mn) sample show that this anisotropy is essentially temperature independent and acts on a temperature dependent excess magnetization, ΔM. The anisotropy can be partially or fully transferred from being locked to the direction of the cooling field at lower fields to becoming locked to the direction of ΔM at larger fields, thus instead appearing as a uniaxial anisotropy. This introduces a deceiving division of the anisotropy into a superposition of a unidirectional and a uniaxial part. This two faced nature of the anisotropy has been empirically scrutinized and concluded to originate from one and the same exchange mechanism: the Dzyaloshinsky-Moriya interaction.
Ferroelectricity and Self-Polarization in Ultrathin Relaxor Ferroelectric Films
Authors: Miao Peixian , Zhao Yonggang , Luo Nengneng , Zhao Diyang , Chen Aitian , Sun Zhong , Guo Meiqi , Zhu Meihong , Zhang Huiyun , Li Qiang
Published: January 2016

We report ferroelectricity and self-polarization in the (001) oriented ultrathin relaxor ferroelectric PMN-PT films grown on Nb-SrTiO3, SrRuO3 and La0.7Sr0.3MnO3, respectively. Resistance-voltage measurements and AC impedance analysis suggest that at high temperatures Schottky depletion width in a 4 nm thick PMN-PT film deposited on Nb-SrTiO3 is smaller than the film thickness. We propose that Schottky interfacial dipoles make the dipoles of the nanometer-sized polar nanoregions (PNRs) in PMN-PT films grown on Nb-SrTiO3 point downward at high temperatures and lead to the self-polarization at room temperature with the assistance of in-plane compressive strain. This work sheds light on the understanding of epitaxial strain effects on relaxor ferroelectric films and self-polarization mechanism.
Energy and structure of bonds in the interaction of organic anions with layered double hydroxide nanosheets: A molecular dynamics study
Authors: Tsukanov A.A. , Psakhie S.G.
Published: January 2016

The application of hybrid and hierarchical nanomaterials based on layered hydroxides and oxyhydroxides of metals is a swiftly progressing field in biomedicine. Layered double hydroxides (LDH) possess a large specific surface area, significant surface electric charge and biocompatibility. Their physical and structural properties enable them to adsorb various kinds of anionic species and to transport them into cells. However, possible side effects resulting from the interaction of LDH with anions of the intercellular and intracellular medium need to be considered, since such interaction can potentially disrupt ion transport, signaling processes, apoptosis, nutrition and proliferation of living cells. In the present paper molecular dynamics is used to determine the energies of interaction of organic anions (aspartic acid, glutamic acid and bicarbonate) with a fragment of layered double hydroxide Mg/Al-LDH. The average number of hydrogen bonds between the anions and the hydroxide surface and characteristic binding configurations are determined. Possible effects of LDH on the cell resulting from binding of protein fragments and replacement of native intracellular anions with delivered anions are considered.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi regulate soil respiration and its response to precipitation change in a semiarid steppe
Authors: Zhang Bingwei , Li Shan , Chen Shiping , Ren Tingting , Yang Zhiqiang , Zhao Hanlin , Liang Yu , Han Xingguo
Published: January 2016

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are critical links in plant–soil continuum and play a critical role in soil carbon cycles. Soil respiration, one of the largest carbon fluxes in global carbon cycle, is sensitive to precipitation change in semiarid ecosystems. In this study, a field experiment with fungicide application and water addition was conducted during 2010–2013 in a semiarid steppe in Inner Mongolia, China and soil respiration was continuously measured to investigate the influences of AMF on soil respiration under different precipitation regimes. Results showed that soil respiration was promoted by water addition treatment especially during drought seasons, which induced a nonlinear response of soil respiration to precipitation change. Fungicide application suppressed AMF root colonization without impacts on soil microbes. AMF suppression treatment accelerated soil respiration with 2.7, 28.5 and 37.6 g C m−2across three seasons, which were mainly caused by the enhanced heterotrophic component. A steeper response of soil respiration rate to precipitation was found under fungicide application treatments, suggesting a greater dampening effect of AMF on soil carbon release as water availability increased. Our study highlighted the importance of AMF on soil carbon stabilization and sequestration in semiarid steppe ecosystems especially during wet seasons.