bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Athena’s Birth on the Night of the Dark Moon
Authors: Anghelina Catalin
Published: November 2017

The exact days on which the Panathenaia was celebrated are not altogether clear, with the exception of Hekatombaion 28 (I 28), the day of the great πομπή honouring Athena. In two ancient scholia it is said that Athena's birthday was celebrated on this main day of the festival. This information has often been deemed false, owing to the existence of other, conflicting testimony according to which Athena's birthday was celebrated on the third of each month, a fact seemingly in accord with her epithet of Tritogeneia. The association between I 28 and Athena's birthday has been seen as the result of the confusion generated by I 28 being the third day from the end of the month (τρίτη ἀπιόντος). I argue that the information contained in the scholia is not the result of confusion. Athena's birthday was indeed celebrated on the main day of the Panathenaia. This date was set in stone by Pheidias on the Parthenon's east pediment.
Teaching and Learning Celestial Navigation Using Google Maps
Authors: Bensky Tom
Published: November 2017

We present a method of teaching the basics of celestial navigation, using the Javascript programming interface to Google Maps. This offers the teacher of celestial navigation many highly visual and flexible investigative and presentation options, all using the familiar Google Map system. In this paper, we discuss the programming route to Google Maps, and demonstrate an exercise of correcting the assumed position of a hypothetical lost ship, using sights of the Sun, suitable for classroom use. We also present an analysis of the relationship between the proximity of the assumed to the actual position of the ship, and the outcome of a sight-reduction procedure.
AIS Data-based Decision Model for Navigation Risk in Sea Areas
Authors: Li Lianbo , Lu Wenyu , Niu Jiawei , Liu Junpo , Liu Dexin
Published: November 2017

The safety of maritime transportation has become increasingly important in recent decades. In this paper, a decision model (a multi-objective and multi-layer fuzzy optimisation model) for navigation risk in different sea areas is established. This is done according to the evaluation index system based on relative data extracted and analysed from Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) information and the multi-objective and multi-layer fuzzy optimisation theory. Then, sorted by an optimal relative membership degree vector and calculated from lower layer to higher layer, the sea areas which have higher navigation risk are selected. Finally, the decision model is shown to be scientific and practical since the results from it are basically consistent with real traffic in Chengshantou waters and the results from the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model. With the decision model, navigation risk judgments in different sea areas can be offered. It can also provide decision making references to the design of ship routing systems, the layout of search and rescue sites, the configuration of rescue forces and the administration of navigation safety.
THE CRAMÉR–WOLD THEOREM ON QUADRATIC SURFACES AND HEISENBERG UNIQUENESS PAIRS
Authors: Gröchenig Karlheinz , Jaming Philippe
Published: November 2017

Two measurable sets $S,\unicode[STIX]{x1D6EC}\subseteq \mathbb{R}^{d}$ form a Heisenberg uniqueness pair, if every bounded measure $\unicode[STIX]{x1D707}$ with support in $S$ whose Fourier transform vanishes on $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6EC}$ must be zero. We show that a quadratic hypersurface and the union of two hyperplanes in general position form a Heisenberg uniqueness pair in $\mathbb{R}^{d}$. As a corollary we obtain a new, surprising version of the classical Cramér–Wold theorem: a bounded measure supported on a quadratic hypersurface is uniquely determined by its projections onto two generic hyperplanes (whereas an arbitrary measure requires the knowledge of a dense set of projections). We also give an application to the unique continuation of eigenfunctions of second-order PDEs with constant coefficients.
LEARNING DEMOCRACY IN THE NEW GILDED AGE
Authors: Groeger Cristina V.
Published: November 2017

Can democracy be learned? The election of Donald Trump has reinvigorated debates about the practice and process of democratic governance. It has highlighted the ways in which political behavior and ideologies are rooted in different cultures and geographies, and, in our new Gilded Age, the effects of the increasing polarization of the wealthy few and the 99 percent. These conditions make it an opportune time to reexamine earlier social critics who pointed to an array of institutions to combat political and economic inequality. Pragmatist thinkers, John Dewey foremost among them, considered the electoral process only one facet of a democratic ideal that citizens would need to strive to realize in the economic, social, and cultural realms. “Democracy” described not only a political system, but also an egalitarian “mode of associated living.” Such a way of life did not take place exclusively in the realm of formal politics, but in any instance of communal activity. Most importantly, democracy was a learned disposition: a form of egalitarian human organization that could only emerge if individuals developed the right habits of mind and used their shared intelligence to build inclusive communities of mutual flourishing.
JOHN DEWEY AND THE SIGNIFICANCE OF PEACE EDUCATION IN AMERICAN DEMOCRACY
Authors: Howlett Charles F. , Cohan Audrey
Published: November 2017

As 2016 is the centennial of Dewey's most famous work,Democracy and Education(1916), it is imperative to consider Dewey's role as a public intellectual. In reflection of how he framed his most famous work—as an instrument for helping people think about democratic reform—the authors examined John Dewey's beliefs about the importance of peace as applied to the American view. This essay journals Dewey as an important contributor to the American peace movement in terms of both thought and activity, especially in the post-World War I period. Dewey argued that the responsibility of schools in a democratic society is to teach cooperation and understanding and not simply rely on notions of patriotism and allegiance as often presented in schools. His World War I experience alerted him to the need for transforming schools as seminaries of patriotism into instruments for global understanding. The authors also offered specific examples as to how his instrumentalist philosophy, including his involvement in the Outlawry of War campaign in the 1920s, has been a cornerstone of peace education efforts in the United States over the past one hundred years and what has been their effectiveness.
DEWEY ON CIVIL RIGHTS, TESTING, INTEREST, AND DISCIPLINE:DEMOCRACY AND EDUCATIONIN PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Rury John L. , Rice Suzanne
Published: November 2017

In this essay we consider how the principles evident in Dewey'sDemocracy and Educationwould have been evident in response to the civil rights movement that took shape shortly after his death, and to the major educational reform movements of today. While acknowledging that Dewey's views on race and human development were inevitably influenced by his social and intellectual context, we maintain that he was fundamentally opposed to racist ideology and related popular beliefs, and that his deep commitment to democracy as a social process would have made him a staunch supporter of the civil rights movement and associated demands for racial equality. We likewise argue that Dewey would have had deep misgivings about the standards-driven assessment regimes that underlie current national reform efforts. In the end we suggest thatDemocracy and Educationstill has much to offer students of education today, and can serve as a helpful guide to those who would seek to change educational practice for the better.
PROGRESSIVE EDUCATION IN THE 21ST CENTURY: THE ENDURING INFLUENCE OF JOHN DEWEY
Authors: Sadovnik Alan R. , Semel Susan F. , Coughlan Ryan W. , Kanze Bruce , Tyner-Mullings Alia R.
Published: November 2017

This essay examines three schools in New York City—the City and Country School founded in 1914—and two founded in 1974 and 1984—Central Park East Elementary School 1 and Central Park East Secondary School—with respect to how they reflected Deweyan pedagogic practices and Dewey's belief in democratic education.1It analyzes whether such pedagogic practices can be maintained over time. City and Country, founded by Caroline Pratt, reflected many of Dewey's ideas and remains true to its founder's vision today. CPE 1 founded by Deborah Meier with five teachers reflected the progressive ideas of its founder, many of which were consistent with Deweyan philosophy. It remains progressive although there have been recent attempts to make it more traditional. CPESS, founded by Deborah Meier, reflected both Deweyan philosophy and the ideas of Theodore Sizer. After Meier left in the 1990s, the school became less progressive and eventually was closed and then reopened as a traditional high school. These histories indicate that Dewey's work on education was at the core of all of these schools’ philosophies and practices. Although there have been uneven successes in keeping Dewey's progressive practices alive, they demonstrate that Dewey's work is relevant and is being practiced today.
The impact of local agricultural production on farm to school expenditures
Authors: O'Hara Jeffrey K. , Benson Matthew C.
Published: November 2017

The implementation of farm to school programs and the use of local foods in US school meals have increased dramatically since the 1990s. However, supply constraints are often cited by school districts as an impediment to purchasing local foods. In this paper, we estimate the responsiveness of local food sourcing by schools in response to changes in local agricultural production. We test several hypotheses by merging data from the nationally administered 2015 Farm to School Census, which solicits information about local food sourcing from school districts, with Census of Agriculture data and other socio-economic data. We test whether local agricultural conditions influence the probability that a school district sources local foods, as well as the level of such purchases among the subset of school districts that are buying locally. We examine two types of local food purchases: local fluid milk purchases, which is the predominate food product that is locally sourced by schools, and local non-milk food purchases. We test the extent to which local purchases are influenced by local dairy production in the former case and local direct-to-consumer (DTC) agricultural production in the latter case. We find that the dairy and DTC agricultural production had a positive, although modest, impact on local milk and local non-milk purchases, respectively.

We find that county-level average income and the percentage of residents in poverty, when statistically significant, had positive and negative, respectively, impacts on local sourcing. Interpreting the coefficients on some of our other control variables involves greater nuance. For instance, while the percentage of students eligible for free and reduced-price meals decreases the predicted probability of a school making local non-milk purchases, it has a positive impact on the level of expenditures. We also find that the number of students in a school district has a positive impact on local food expenditures. However, while county-level population has a positive impact on local food expenditures, it has a negative impact on the predicted probability that a school district sources local non-milk products.
Driving Convergence in Space and Deep-Sea Science Exploration
Authors: Waldmann Christoph , Dohna Tina , Haefner Allison
Published: November 2017

ROBEX Sensor Workshop; Vienna, Austria, 27 April 2017
The telomere bouquet facilitates meiotic prophase progression and exit in fission yeast
Authors: Moiseeva Vera , Amelina Hanna , Collopy Laura C , Armstrong Christine A , Pearson Siân R , Tomita Kazunori
Published: November 2017

During meiotic prophase, chromosome arrangement and oscillation promote the pairing of homologous chromosomes for meiotic recombination. This dramatic movement involves clustering of telomeres at the nuclear membrane to form the so-called telomere bouquet. In fission yeast, the telomere bouquet is formed near the spindle pole body (SPB), which is the microtubule organising centre, functionally equivalent to the metazoan centrosome. Disruption of bouquet configuration impedes homologous chromosome pairing, meiotic recombination and spindle formation. Here, we demonstrate that the bouquet is maintained throughout meiotic prophase and promotes timely prophase exit in fission yeast. Persistent DNA damages, induced during meiotic recombination, activate the Rad3 and Chk1 DNA damage checkpoint kinases and extend the bouquet stage beyond the chromosome oscillation period. The auxin-inducible degron system demonstrated that premature termination of the bouquet stage leads to severe extension of prophase and consequently spindle formation defects. However, this delayed exit from meiotic prophase was not caused by residual DNA damage. Rather, loss of chromosome contact with the SPB caused delayed accumulation of CDK1-cyclin B at the SPB, which correlated with impaired SPB separation. In the absence of the bouquet, CDK1-cyclin B localised near the telomeres but not at the SPB at the later stage of meiotic prophase. Thus, bouquet configuration is maintained throughout meiotic prophase, by which this spatial organisation may facilitate local and timely activation of CDK1 near the SPB. Our findings illustrate that chromosome contact with the nuclear membrane synchronises meiotic progression of the nucleoplasmic chromosomes with that of the cytoplasmic SPB.
Evidence of renal angiomyolipoma neoplastic stem cells arising from renal epithelial cells
Authors: Gonçalves Ana Filipa , Adlesic Mojca , Brandt Simone , Hejhal Tomas , Harlander Sabine , Sommer Lukas , Shakhova Olga , Wild Peter J. , Frew Ian J.
Published: November 2017

Renal angiomyolipomas (AML) contain an admixture of clonal tumour cells with features of several different mesenchymal lineages, implying the existence of an unidentified AML neoplastic stem cell. Biallelic inactivation of TSC2 or TSC1 is believed to represent the driving event in these tumours. Here we show that TSC2 knockdown transforms senescence-resistant cultured mouse and human renal epithelial cells into neoplastic stem cells that serially propagate renal AML-like tumours in mice. mTOR inhibitory therapy of mouse AML allografts mimics the clinical responses of human renal AMLs. Deletion of Tsc1 in mouse renal epithelia causes differentiation in vivo into cells expressing characteristic AML markers. Human renal AML and a renal AML cell line express proximal tubule markers. We describe the first mouse models of renal AML and provide evidence that these mesenchymal tumours originate from renal proximal tubule epithelial cells, uncovering an unexpected pathological differentiation plasticity of the proximal tubule.
Probing optical anisotropy of nanometer-thin van der waals microcrystals by near-field imaging
Authors: Hu Debo , Yang Xiaoxia , Li Chi , Liu Ruina , Yao Ziheng , Hu Hai , Corder Stephanie N. Gilbert , Chen Jianing , Sun Zhipei , Liu Mengkun , Dai Qing
Published: November 2017

Most van der Waals crystals present highly anisotropic optical responses due to their strong in-plane covalent bonding and weak out-of-plane interactions. However, the determination of the polarization-dependent dielectric constants of van der Waals crystals remains a nontrivial task, since the size and dimension of the samples are often below or close to the diffraction limit of the probe light. In this work, we apply an optical nano-imaging technique to determine the anisotropic dielectric constants in representative van der Waals crystals. Through the study of both ordinary and extraordinary waveguide modes in real space, we are able to quantitatively determine the full dielectric tensors of nanometer-thin molybdenum disulfide and hexagonal boron nitride microcrystals, the most-promising van der Waals semiconductor and dielectric. Unlike traditional reflection-based methods, our measurements are reliable below the length scale of the free-space wavelength and reveal a universal route for characterizing low-dimensional crystals with high anisotropies.
Carbon nanotubes as excitonic insulators
Authors: Varsano Daniele , Sorella Sandro , Sangalli Davide , Barborini Matteo , Corni Stefano , Molinari Elisa , Rontani Massimo
Published: November 2017

Fifty years ago Walter Kohn speculated that a zero-gap semiconductor might be unstable against the spontaneous generation of excitons–electron–hole pairs bound together by Coulomb attraction. The reconstructed ground state would then open a gap breaking the symmetry of the underlying lattice, a genuine consequence of electronic correlations. Here we show that this excitonic insulator is realized in zero-gap carbon nanotubes by performing first-principles calculations through many-body perturbation theory as well as quantum Monte Carlo. The excitonic order modulates the charge between the two carbon sublattices opening an experimentally observable gap, which scales as the inverse of the tube radius and weakly depends on the axial magnetic field. Our findings call into question the Luttinger liquid paradigm for nanotubes and provide tests to experimentally discriminate between excitonic and Mott insulators.
Unique phenotypes and clonal expansions of human CD4 effector memory T cells re-expressing CD45RA
Authors: Tian Yuan , Babor Mariana , Lane Jerome , Schulten Veronique , Patil Veena S. , Seumois Grégory , Rosales Sandy L. , Fu Zheng , Picarda Gaelle , Burel Julie , Zapardiel-Gonzalo Jose , Tennekoon Rashika N. , De Silva Aruna D. , Premawansa Sunil , Premawansa Gayani , Wijewickrama Ananda , Greenbaum Jason A. , Vijayanand Pandurangan , Weiskopf Daniela , Sette Alessandro , Peters Bjoern
Published: November 2017

The expression of CD45RA is generally associated with naive T cells. However, a subset of effector memory T cells re-expresses CD45RA (termed TEMRA) after antigenic stimulation with unknown molecular characteristics and functions. CD4 TEMRA cells have been implicated in protective immunity against pathogens such as dengue virus (DENV). Here we show that not only the frequency but also the phenotype of CD4 TEMRA cells are heterogeneous between individuals. These cells can be subdivided into two major subsets based on the expression of the adhesion G protein-coupled receptor GPR56, and GPR56+TEMRA cells display a transcriptional and proteomic program with cytotoxic features that is distinct from effector memory T cells. Moreover, GPR56+TEMRA cells have higher levels of clonal expansion and contain the majority of virus-specific TEMRA cells. Overall, this study reveals the heterogeneity of CD4 TEMRA cells and provides insights into T-cell responses against DENV and other viral pathogens.
Balancing activity, stability and conductivity of nanoporous core-shell iridium/iridium oxide oxygen evolution catalysts
Authors: Kim Yong-Tae , Lopes Pietro Papa , Park Shin-Ae , Lee A-Yeong , Lim Jinkyu , Lee Hyunjoo , Back Seoin , Jung Yousung , Danilovic Nemanja , Stamenkovic Vojislav , Erlebacher Jonah , Snyder Joshua , Markovic Nenad M.
Published: November 2017

The selection of oxide materials for catalyzing the oxygen evolution reaction in acid-based electrolyzers must be guided by the proper balance between activity, stability and conductivity—a challenging mission of great importance for delivering affordable and environmentally friendly hydrogen. Here we report that the highly conductive nanoporous architecture of an iridium oxide shell on a metallic iridium core, formed through the fast dealloying of osmium from an Ir25Os75 alloy, exhibits an exceptional balance between oxygen evolution activity and stability as quantified by the activity-stability factor. On the basis of this metric, the nanoporous Ir/IrO2 morphology of dealloyed Ir25Os75 shows a factor of ~30 improvement in activity-stability factor relative to conventional iridium-based oxide materials, and an ~8 times improvement over dealloyed Ir25Os75 nanoparticles due to optimized stability and conductivity, respectively. We propose that the activity-stability factor is a key “metric” for determining the technological relevance of oxide-based anodic water electrolyzer catalysts.
New melanocortin-like peptide of E. coli can suppress inflammation via the mammalian melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R): possible endocrine-like function for microbes of the gut
Authors: Qiang Xiaoling , Liotta Anthony S. , Shiloach Joseph , Gutierrez J. C. , Wang Haichao , Ochani Mahendar , Ochani Kanta , Yang Huan , Rabin Aviva , LeRoith Derek , Lesniak Maxine A. , Böhm Markus , Maaser Christian , Kannengiesser Klaus , Donowitz Mark , Rabizadeh Shervin , Czura Christopher J. , Tracey Kevin J. , Westlake Mark , Zarfeshani Aida , Mehdi Syed F. , Danoff Ann , Ge Xueliang , Sanyal Suparna , Schwartz Gary J. , Roth Jesse
Published: November 2017

E. coli releases a 33 amino acid peptide melanocortin-like peptide of E. coli (MECO-1) that is identical to the C-terminus of the E. coli elongation factor-G (EF-G) and has interesting similarities to two prominent mammalian melanocortin hormones, alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) and adrenocorticotropin (ACTH). Note that MECO-1 lacks HFRW, the common pharmacophore of the known mammalian melanocortin peptides. MECO-1 and the two hormones were equally effective in severely blunting release of cytokines (HMGB1 and TNF) from macrophage-like cells in response to (i) endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide) or (ii) pro-inflammatory cytokine HMGB-1. The in vitro anti-inflammatoty effects of MECO-1 and of alpha-MSH were abrogated by (i) antibody against melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) and by (ii) agouti, an endogenous inverse agonist of MC1R. In vivo MECO-1 was even more potent than alpha-MSH in rescuing mice from death due to (i) lethal doses of LPS endotoxin or (ii) cecal ligation and puncture, models of sterile and infectious sepsis, respectively.
Network pharmacology exploration reveals endothelial inflammation as a common mechanism for stroke and coronary artery disease treatment of Danhong injection
Authors: Lyu Ming , Yan Chun-Lin , Liu Hai-Xin , Wang Tai-Yi , Shi Xin-Hui , Liu Jin-Ping , Orgah John , Fan Guan-Wei , Han Ji-Hong , Wang Xiao-Ying , Zhu Yan
Published: November 2017

Although Danhong injection (DHI) is the most widely prescribed Chinese medicine for both stroke and coronary artery disease (CAD), its underlying common molecular mechanisms remain unclear. An integrated network pharmacology and experimental verification approach was used to decipher common pharmacological mechanisms of DHI on stroke and CAD treatment. A compound-target-disease & function-pathway network was constructed and analyzed, indicating that 37 ingredients derived from DH (Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge., Flos Carthami tinctorii and DHI) modulated 68 common targets shared by stroke and CAD. In-depth network analysis results of the top diseases, functions, pathways and upstream regulators implied that a common underlying mechanism linking DHI’s role in stroke and CAD treatment was inflammatory response in the process of atherosclerosis. Experimentally, DHI exerted comprehensive anti-inflammatory effects on LPS, ox-LDL or cholesterol crystal-induced NF-κB, c-jun and p38 activation, as well as IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-10 secretion in vascular endothelial cells. Ten of 14 predicted ingredients were verified to have significant anti-inflammatory activities on LPS-induced endothelial inflammation. DHI exerts pharmacological efficacies on both stroke and CAD through multi-ingredient, multi-target, multi-function and multi-pathway mode. Anti-endothelial inflammation therapy serves as a common underlying mechanism. This study provides a new understanding of DHI in clinical application on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
Competing tradeoffs between increasing marine mammal predation and fisheries harvest of Chinook salmon
Authors: Chasco Brandon E. , Kaplan Isaac C. , Thomas Austen C. , Acevedo-Gutiérrez Alejandro , Noren Dawn P. , Ford Michael J. , Hanson M. Bradley , Scordino Jonathan J. , Jeffries Steven J. , Marshall Kristin N. , Shelton Andrew O. , Matkin Craig , Burke Brian J. , Ward Eric J.
Published: November 2017

Many marine mammal predators, particularly pinnipeds, have increased in abundance in recent decades, generating new challenges for balancing human uses with recovery goals via ecosystem-based management. We used a spatio-temporal bioenergetics model of the Northeast Pacific Ocean to quantify how predation by three species of pinnipeds and killer whales (Orcinus orca) on Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) has changed since the 1970s along the west coast of North America, and compare these estimates to salmon fisheries. We find that from 1975 to 2015, biomass of Chinook salmon consumed by pinnipeds and killer whales increased from 6,100 to 15,200 metric tons (from 5 to 31.5 million individual salmon). Though there is variation across the regions in our model, overall, killer whales consume the largest biomass of Chinook salmon, but harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) consume the largest number of individuals. The decrease in adult Chinook salmon harvest from 1975–2015 was 16,400 to 9,600 metric tons. Thus, Chinook salmon removals (harvest + consumption) increased in the past 40 years despite catch reductions by fisheries, due to consumption by recovering pinnipeds and endangered killer whales. Long-term management strategies for Chinook salmon will need to consider potential conflicts between rebounding predators or endangered predators and prey.
Pd supported on carbon containing nickel, nitrogen and sulfur for ethanol electrooxidation
Authors: Yang Zi-Rui , Wang Shang-Qing , Wang Jing , Zhou Ai-Ju , Xu Chang-Wei
Published: November 2017

Carbon material containing nickel, nitrogen and sulfur (Ni-NSC) has been synthesized using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as precursor by annealing treatment with a size from 200 to 300 nm. Pd nanoparticles supported on the Ni-NSC (Pd/Ni-NSC) are used as electrocatalysts for ethanol oxidation in alkaline media. Due to the synergistic effect between Pd and Ni, S, N, free OH radicals can form on the surface of Ni, N and S atoms at lower potentials, which react with CH3CO intermediate species on the Pd surface to produce CH3COO− and release the active sites. On the other hand, the stronger binding force between Pd and co-doped N and S is responsible for enhancing dispersion and preventing agglomeration of the Pd nanoparticles. The Pd(20 wt%)/Ni-NSC shows better electrochemical performance of ethanol oxidation than the traditional commercial Pd(20 wt%)/C catalyst. Onset potential on the Pd(20 wt%)/Ni-NSC electrode is 36 mV more negative compared with that on the commercial Pd(20 wt%)/C electrode. The Pd(20 wt%)/Ni-NSC in this paper demonstrates to have excellent electrocatalytic properties and is considered as a promising catalyst in alkaline direct ethanol fuel cells.
Motivational interviewing and urine cotinine feedback to stop passive smoke exposure in children predisposed to asthma: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Hutchinson Sasha G. , van Breukelen Gerard , van Schayck Constant P. , Essers Brigitte , Hammond S. Katharine , Muris Jean W. M. , Feron Frans J. M. , Dompeling Edward
Published: November 2017

We tested the effectiveness of a program consisting of motivational interviewing (MI) and feedback of urine cotinine to stop passive smoking (PS) in children at risk for asthma. Fifty-eight families with children 0–13 years with a high risk of asthma and PS exposure were randomised in a one-year follow-up study. The intervention group received the intervention program during 6 sessions (1/month) and the control group received measurements (questionnaires, urine cotinine, and lung function) only. The primary outcome measure was the percentage of families stopping PS (parental report verified and unverified with the child’s urine cotinine concentration <10 μg/l) in children during the intervention program. The analyses were performed with Mixed Logistic Regression. After 6 months, a significant group difference was observed for the unverified parental report of stopping PS in children: 27% of parents in the intervention group versus 7% in the control group. For the verified parental report, the difference was similar (23% versus 7%) but was not statistically significant. Despite a limited sample size, the results suggest that the intervention program is probably an effective strategy to stop PS in children. A program longer than 6 months might be necessary for a longer lasting intervention effect.
RCS Diversity of Electromagnetic Wave Carrying Orbital Angular Momentum
Authors: Zhang Chao , Chen Dong , Jiang Xuefeng
Published: November 2017

An electromagnetic (EM) wave with orbital angular momentum (OAM) has a helical wave front, which is different from that of the plane wave. The phase gradient can be found perpendicular to the direction of propagation and proportional to the number of OAM modes. Herein, we study the backscattering property of the EM wave with different OAM modes, i.e., the radar cross section (RCS) of the target is measured and evaluated with different OAM waves. As indicated by the experimental results, different OAM waves have the same RCS fluctuation for the simple target, e.g., a small metal ball as the target. However, for complicated targets, e.g., two transverse-deployed small metal balls, different RCSs can be identified from the same incident angle. This valuable fact helps to obtain RCS diversity, e.g., equal gain or selective combining of different OAM wave scattering. The majority of the targets are complicated targets or expanded targets; the RCS diversity can be utilized to detect a weak target traditionally measured by the plane wave, which is very helpful for anti-stealth radar to detect the traditional stealth target by increasing the RCS with OAM waves.
Effect of Si on the Energy Band Gap Modulation and Performance of Silicon Indium Zinc Oxide Thin-Film Transistors
Authors: Choi Jun Young , Heo Keun , Cho Kyung-Sang , Hwang Sung Woo , Chung JaeGwan , Kim Sangsig , Lee Byeong Hyeon , Lee Sang Yeol
Published: November 2017

The band gap properties of amorphous SiInZnO (a-SIZO) thin-film transistors (TFTs) with different Si concentrations have been studied. The electronic structures of the films, engineered by controlling the Si content, have been investigated through the changes of the band gap and band edge states. Carrier generation at oxygen vacancies can modify the band gap states of oxide thin films. Si suppresses the number of oxygen vacancies—which are carrier generation sites—so shifts the Fermi energy level away from the conduction band. It is difficult to derive the electronic structures of amorphous oxide semiconductors by electrical measurements. Thus, we used a combination of ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy, Kelvin probe measurements, and electron energy loss spectroscopy to measure the band gap and electrical performance variations of SIZO TFTs with Si doping. To verify the versatility of Si doping in modulating electronic properties, high-performance depletion-mode inverter circuits consisting of 0.1 to 0.3 wt% Si-doped a-SIZO TFTs were fabricated. These inverter models operate through the threshold voltage difference that arises from the different Si contents. High voltage gains of ~20.62 at a supply voltage of 15 V were obtained with the two TFTs, with a strong dependence on the subthreshold swing.
Species pool distributions along functional trade-offs shape plant productivity–diversity relationships
Authors: Chalmandrier Loïc , Albouy Camille , Pellissier Loïc
Published: November 2017

Grasslands deliver the resources for food production and are among the most biologically diverse ecosystems. These characteristics are often in conflict as increasing yield through fertilization can lead to biodiversity loss. Thus, the challenge in grassland management is to sustain both yield and diversity. Biodiversity–ecosystem functioning experiments typically reveal a positive relationship between manipulated species diversity and productivity. In contrast, observations of the effect of increasing productivity via fertilization suggest a negative association with biodiversity. Using a mathematical model simulating species co-existence along a resource gradient, we show that trade-offs and species pool structure (size and trait distribution) determines the shape of the productivity-diversity relationship. At a constant resource level, over-yielding drives a positive relationship between biodiversity and productivity. In contrast, along a resource gradient, the shape of the productivity-diversity relationship is determined by the distribution of species along trade-off axes and often resulted in a bell-shaped relationship. In accordance to this theoretical result, we then explain the general trend of plant biodiversity loss with fertilisation in the European flora, by showing empirical evidence that trait distribution of plant species pools throughout Europe is biased toward species preferring poorer soils.
Whole genomic analysis of two potential recombinant strains within Human mastadenovirus species C previously found in Beijing, China
Authors: Mao Naiying , Zhu Zhen , Rivailler Pierre , Chen Meng , Fan Qin , Huang Fang , Xu Wenbo
Published: November 2017

Human mastadenovirus species C (HAdV-C) are the most common etiologic agents of respiratory disease in young children and are frequently detected worldwide including China. Two recombinant HAdV-C strains (BJ04 and BJ09) were isolated from infants with acute respiratory infection (ARI) in Beijing in 2012–2013. The whole genome sequences (WGS) of BJ04 and BJ09 were generated and compared to other 35 HAdV-C WGSs publicly available. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the BJ04 strain might be the result of three homologous recombination events involving the parental strains JX173086 (HAdV-1), NC_001405 (HAdV-2) and LC068718 (HAdV-6), whereas BJ09 viral genome might be made of genetic elements from JX173083 (HAdV-1), KF268199 (HAdV-5), and KR699642 (strain CBJ113). Despite intratypic recombination, amino acid analysis showed that the gene repertoire of BJ04 and BJ09 were similar to type 2 viruses. Finally, this analysis revealed that at least three lineages of HAdV-C have been identified in China, represented by BJ04 related to NC_001405, BJ09 related to CBJ113, and KF951595 (strain DD28) related to virus isolated in Japan. This study showed that the frequent recombination played an important driving force for complexity of the HAdV-C epidemic in Beijing, thereby demonstrating the necessity for epidemiological and virological surveillance for HAdV-C in China.
Surge-type and surge-modified glaciers in the Karakoram
Authors: Bhambri R. , Hewitt K. , Kawishwar P. , Pratap B.
Published: November 2017

Glaciers in the Karakoram exhibit irregular behavior. Terminus fluctuations of individual glaciers lack consistency and, unlike other parts of the Himalaya, total ice mass remained stable or slightly increased since the 1970s. These seeming anomalies are addressed through a comprehensive mapping of surge-type glaciers and surge-related impacts, based on satellite images (Landsat and ASTER), ground observations, and archival material since the 1840s. Some 221 surge-type and surge-like glaciers are identified in six main classes. Their basins cover 7,734 ± 271 km2 or ~43% of the total Karakoram glacierised area. Active phases range from some months to over 15 years. Surge intervals are identified for 27 glaciers with two or more surges, including 9 not previously reported. Mini-surges and kinematic waves are documented and surface diagnostic features indicative of surging. Surge cycle timing, intervals and mass transfers are unique to each glacier and largely out-of-phase with climate. A broad class of surge-modified ice introduces indirect and post-surge effects that further complicate tracking of climate responses. Mass balance in surge-type and surge-modified glaciers differs from conventional, climate-sensitive profiles. New approaches are required to account for such differing responses of individual glaciers, and effectively project the fate of Karakoram ice during a warming climate.
Conformal transistor arrays based on solution-processed organic crystals
Authors: Zhao Xiaoli , Zhang Bing , Tang Qingxin , Ding Xueyan , Wang Shuya , Zhou Yuying , Tong Yanhong , Liu Yichun
Published: November 2017

Conformal transistor array based on solution-processed organic crystals, which can provide sensory and scanning features for monitoring, biofeedback, and tracking of physiological function, presents one of the most promising technologies for future large-scale low-cost wearable and implantable electronics. However, it is still a huge challenge for the integration of solution-processed organic crystals into conformal FETs owing to a generally existing swelling phenomenon of the elastic materials and the lack of the corresponding device fabrication technology. Here, we present a promising route to fabricate a conformal field-effect transistor (FET) array based on solution-processed TIPS-pentacene single-crystal micro/nanowire array. By simply drop-casting the organic solution on an anti-solvent photolithography-compatible electrode with bottom-contact coplanar configuration, the transistor array can be formed and can conform onto uneven objects. Excellent electrical properties with device yield as high as 100%, field-effect mobility up to 0.79 cm2V−1s−1, low threshold voltage, and good device uniformity are demonstrated. The results open up the capability of solution-processed organic crystals for conformal electronics, suggesting their substantial promise for next-generation wearable and implantable electronics.
Bio-detoxification of ricin in castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) seeds
Authors: Sousa Natália L. , Cabral Glaucia B. , Vieira Pabline M. , Baldoni Aisy B. , Aragão Francisco J. L.
Published: November 2017

Ricin is a highly toxic ribosome-inactivating lectin occurring in the seeds of castor bean (Ricinus communis L.). Castor bean grows throughout tropical and sub-tropical regions and is a very important crop due to its high seed content of ricinoleic acid, an unusual fatty acid, which has several industrial applications. However, due to the presence of the toxin, castor bean can cause death after the exposure of animals to low doses of ricin through skin contact, injection, inhalation or oral routes. Aiming to generate a detoxified genotype, we explored the RNAi concept in order to silence the ricin coding genes in the endosperm of castor bean seeds. Results indicated that ricin genes were effectively silenced in genetically modified (GM) plants, and ricin proteins were not detected by ELISA. Hemagglutination activity was not observed with proteins isolated from GM seeds. In addition, we demonstrated that seed proteins from GM plants were not toxic to rat intestine epithelial cells or to Swiss Webster mice. After oil extraction, bio-detoxified castor bean cake, which is very rich in valuable proteins, can be used for animal feeding. Gene silencing would make castor bean cultivation safer for farmers, industrial workers and society.
Incidence of asymptomatic neurosyphilis in serofast Chinese syphilis patients
Authors: Cai Sheng Nan , Long Jing , Chen Chen , Wan Gang , Lun Wen Hui
Published: November 2017

More new diagnosed syphilis cases were reported in china, the incidence and relevant factors of asymptomatic neurosyphilis (ANS) in serofast syphilis patients were unclear. Clinical and laboratory data of 402 Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) negative, serofast syphilis patients, who underwent lumbar puncture at the Peking University Ditan Teaching Hospital between September 2008 and August 2016, were collected. Incidence of ANS was verified and the relevant factors were further analyzed. According to the ANS criteria, 139 (34.6%) patients had ANS. Of these, 40 (28.8%) had reactive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), rapid plasma reagin (RPR) positive, 115 (82.7%) had CSF white blood cell (WBC) count > 5 × 106/L, 28 (20.1%) had CSF protein concentration > 45 mg/dL (without other neurological diseases). Patients aged 51–60 years, of non-Han ethnicity, with serum RPR titer 1:32 and ≥ 1:64 were 2.28-fold, 9.11-fold, 5.12-fold and 5.69-fold, respectively, more likely to have ANS. The incidence of ANS was 34.6% among Chinese serofast syphilis patients. Age, ethnicity and serum RPR titer were associated with high risk of ANS.
The Prognostic Value of Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio in Urological Cancers: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Dong-Yang , Hao Xuan-Yu , Ma Tian-Ming , Dai Hui-Xu , Song Yong-Sheng
Published: November 2017

The relationship of platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and survival in urological cancers remained inconsistent in previous studies. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to assess the prognostic significance of PLR in patients with urological cancers. A literature search was performed in the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science up to July, 2017 and study quality was obtained using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. To estimate the association of PLR and overall survival (OS) and other survival outcomes in urological cancers, we used pooled hazard ratios (HRs). Subgroup analyses were conducted on different ethnics, sample sizes and cut-off values. 20 high quality studies involving 7562 patients with urological cancers were included in this meta-analysis. High pretreatment PLR was significantly associated with poor OS in patients with urological cancers (pooled HR = 1.58). Elevated PLR was also correlated with other survival outcomes. However, we found that PLR was significantly relevant to the OS of patients with different types of urological cancers except bladder cancer (BCa, HR = 1.16, 95%CI: 0.96–1.41). In conclusion, elevated PLR was negatively related to the OS of patients with urological cancers, except in BCa. However, more large scale prospective studies with high quality are required in the future.
Off-centered Double-slit Metamaterial for Elastic Wave Polarization Anomaly
Authors: Lee Hyung Jin , Lee Je-Ryung , Moon Seung Hwan , Je Tae-Jin , Jeon Eun-chae , Kim Kiyean , Kim Yoon Young
Published: November 2017

The polarization anomaly refers to the polarization transition from longitudinal to shear modes along an equi-frequency contour of the same branch, which occurs only in some anisotropic elastic media, but the lack of natural materials exhibiting desired anisotropy makes its utilization impossible for potential novel applications. In this paper, we present a unique, non-resonant type elastic metamaterial made of off-centered, double-slit unit cells. We show that its wave polarization characteristics that determine the desired anomalous polarization for a certain application are tailorable. As an application, a mode converting wedge that transforms pure longitudinal into pure shear modes is designed by the proposed metamaterial. The physics involved in the mode conversion is investigated by simulations and experiments.
WBSCR22 confers oxaliplatin resistance in human colorectal cancer
Authors: Yan Dongmei , Tu Linglan , Yuan Haining , Fang Jianfei , Cheng Liyan , Zheng Xiaoliang , Wang Xiaoju
Published: November 2017

Human WBSCR22 gene is involved in tumor metastasis, cell growth and invasion, however, its role in chemosensitivity to antitumor agents remains unknown. In this study, we analyzed the TCGA cohort and found the expression of WBSCR22 was significantly elevated in human colorectal cancer (CRC) tissue. WBSCR22 could be served as an independent risk predictor for overall survival (OS), and up-regulated WBSCR22 could predict unfavorable OS for CRC patients. Knockdown of WBSCR22 significantly sensitized CRC cells to oxaliplatin in vitro and in vivo, while overexpression of WBSCR22 led to cellular resistance to oxaliplatin treatment. Although WBSCR22 knockdown did not change cell cycle, it increased the oxaliplatin-induced cellular apoptosis. WBSCR22 knockdown augmented the oxaliplatin-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and ROS-induced 8-oxoguanine (8-oxoG) oxidative lesion accumulation, likely sensitizing oxaliplatin treatment. These results demonstrate that WBSCR22 is involved in CRC resistance to oxaliplatin, suggesting WBSCR22 may represent a novel oxaliplatin resistance biomarker as well as a potentail target for CRC therapeutics.
Geometry and Evolution of the Cangdong Sag in the Bohai Bay Basin, China: Implications for Subduction of the Pacific Plate
Authors: Luo Liang , Qi Jiafu , Li Hongxiang , Dong Yueqi , Zhang Shuai , Zhang Xichen , Yu Xiaoxia , Luo Lingyan
Published: November 2017

The Cangdong Sag is a complex Cenozoic rift basin at the center of the Bohai Bay Basin. Cenozoic structures in the Cangdong Sag can be subdivided into the Cangdong Fault System in the west and the Xuxi Fault System in the east. The geometry of the boundary faults varies along the axes of half-grabens. According to the cross-sectional strata geometry, unconformity and planar structural pattern, the Cenozoic structural evolution of the Cangdong Sag can be divided into four distinct stages: (1) major Paleocene initial rift, (2) latest Paleocene–early Eocene intensive rift, (3) late Eocene–Oligocene strike–slip superimposed rift, and (4) Neogene to present-day post-rift depression. The extensional deformation was mainly derived from horizontal stress induced by the upwelling of asthenosphere. The strike–slip structure of the Cangdong Sag provides important information related to the subduction of the Western Pacific Plate. It was found that the strike–slip movement of the southern Xuxi Fault Zone was activated during the deposition of the third member of Shahejie Formation to the Dongying Formation; therefore, ~43 Ma probably marks the time when the Western Pacific Plate initially changed its subduction direction from northwest to nearly west.
The safety and feasibility of laparoscopic common bile duct exploration for treatment patients with previous abdominal surgery
Authors: Huang Yong , Feng Qian , Wang Kai , Xiong Xiaoli , Zou Shubing
Published: November 2017

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) in patients with previous abdominal surgery (PAS). The outcomes were compared in 139 patients (103 upper and 36 lower abdominal surgeries) with PAS and 361 without PAS who underwent LCBDE. The operative time, hospital stay, rate of open conversion, postoperative complications, duct clearance, and blood loss were compared. Patients with PAS had longer operative times (P = 0.006), higher hospital costs (P = 0.043), and a higher incidence of wound complications (P = 0.011) than those without PAS. However, there were no statistically significant in the open conversion rate, blood loss, hospital stay, bile leakage, biliary strictures, residual stones, and mortality between patients with and without PAS (P > 0.05). Moreover, compared with those without PAS, patients with previous upper abdominal surgery (PUAS) had longer operative times (P = 0.005), higher hospital costs (P = 0.030), and a higher open conversion rate (P = 0.043), but patients with previous lower abdominal surgery (PLAS) had a higher incidence of wound complications (P 
= 0.022). LCBDE is considered safe and feasible for patients with PAS, including those with PUAS.