bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the removal of initial state bias from simulation data
Authors: Bacci Marco , Caflisch Amedeo , Vitalis Andreas
Published: March 2019

Classical atomistic simulations of biomolecules play an increasingly important role in molecular life science. The structure of current computing architectures favors methods that run multiple trajectories at once without requiring extensive communication between them. Many advanced sampling strategies in the field fit this mold. These approaches often rely on an adaptive logic and create ensembles of comparatively short trajectories whose starting points are not distributed according to the correct Boltzmann weights. This type of bias is notoriously difficult to remove, and Markov state models (MSMs) are one of the few strategies available for recovering the correct kinetics and thermodynamics from these ensembles of trajectories. In this contribution, we analyze the performance of MSMs in the thermodynamic reweighting task for a hierarchical set of systems. We show that MSMs can be rigorous tools to recover the correct equilibrium distribution for systems of sufficiently low dimensionality. This is conditional upon not tampering with local flux imbalances found in the data. For a real-world application, we find that a pure likelihood-based inference of the transition matrix produces the best results. The removal of the bias is incomplete, however, and for this system, all tested MSMs are outperformed by an alternative albeit less general approach rooted in the ideas of statistical resampling. We conclude by formulating some recommendations for how to address the reweighting issue in practice.
Growth-mode investigation of epitaxial EuS on InAs(100)
Authors: Blümel Norman V. , Goschew Alexander , Shokr Yasser A. , Fumagalli Paul
Published: March 2019

A persistent challenge in the field of spintronics is the search for suitable materials that enable the circumvention of the impedance mismatch preventing efficient spin-injection from metallic ferromagnetic conductors into semiconductors. One promising material is europium sulfide (EuS), a ferromagnetic semiconductor below the Curie temperature of 16.5 K. Investigation and optimization of the conditions required for high-quality growth of epitaxial EuS films on suitable substrates are thus of particular interest for the creation of efficient devices. We present the results of a growth-mode study employing atomic force microscopy and spot-profile analysis low-energy electron diffraction (SPA-LEED) of epitaxial EuS thin films deposited by electron-beam evaporation on InAs(100) substrates with varying combinations of, respectively, growth and annealing temperatures, Tg and Ta, from room temperature to 400 °C. We observed Stranski-Krastanov-like growth featuring low-roughness surfaces with root mean square values between 0.4 – 0.9 nm for all temperature combinations. An increased tendency for nucleation into grains and islands was observed for higher Ta from 300 – 400 °C. The corresponding nucleation mode, defined by varying degrees of 2D and 3D nucleation, was dependent on Tg. A 2D island growth mode was observed for Tg = 150 °C and Ta = 400 °C featuring a sharp and bright SPA-LEED pattern. This suggests the formation of a highly ordered, smooth surface for these growth conditions thereby providing a good starting point for optimization attempts for potential future devices.
Ultrafast structural dynamics of photo-reactions observed by time-resolved x-ray cross-correlation analysis
Authors: Vester Peter , Zaluzhnyy Ivan A. , Kurta Ruslan P. , Møller Klaus B. , Biasin Elisa , Haldrup Kristoffer , Nielsen Martin Meedom , Vartanyants Ivan A.
Published: March 2019

We applied angular X-ray Cross-Correlation analysis (XCCA) to scattering images from a femtosecond resolution X-ray free-electron laser pump-probe experiment with solvated PtPOP {[Pt2(P2O5H2)4]4–} metal complex molecules. The molecules were pumped with linear polarized laser pulses creating an excited state population with a preferred orientational (alignment) direction. Two time scales of 1.9 ± 1.5 ps and 46 ± 10 ps were revealed by angular XCCA associated with structural changes and rotational dephasing of the solvent molecules, respectively. These results illustrate the potential of XCCA to reveal hidden structural information in the analysis of time-resolved x-ray scattering data from molecules in solution.
Electronic transport in metal-molecular nanoelectronic networks: A density functional theory study
Authors: Venkataraman Anusha , Zhang Po , Papadopoulos Chris
Published: March 2019

Electronic transport properties of nanoscale networks composed of interconnected molecules/gold nanoclusters are examined via first-principles plane wave scattering density functional theory-based simulations. Au-molecular (benzene/alkanedithiol) junctions and networks, connected in linear chains and Y-, H- and ring-shaped networks were studied. Molecular orbital calculations show HOMO (highest-occupied-molecular-orbital)-LUMO (lowest-unoccupied-molecular-orbital) gaps of chains decreased with length, indicating decreased barrier to electron transport. Orbitals near the gap of benzenedithiol networks show good delocalization whereas those of alkanedithiol molecules were more localized the metallic clusters. The transmission spectra of benzenedithiol-based networks showed increase in number/width of peaks near the Fermi energy as structures were extended due to increased orbital overlapping (spatially/energetically) with each other leading to formation of transmission pathways and electronic energy band-like properties. In contrast, lower transmission was observed for networks having localized orbitals (alkanedithiol molecular networks) with less overlap near the Fermi energy. Transmission spectra were also in good agreement with associated peaks in electronic density of states. In the case of multi-terminal networks, the location of delocalized orbitals can also shift from one branch to another, indicating potential ON/OFF switching behavior is possible. Switching elements and molecular-scale circuits (e.g., logic gates or inverters) based on Y- and H-shaped networks are proposed in analogy to electron waveguide devices and our simulations indicated that low-energy switching operation on the order of 10-50 meV may be possible. These nanoscale molecular electronic networks linked via metallic clusters provide an avenue for engineering electronics at the molecular level by using superstructures of different organic molecules and topologies.
Negotiating interpersonal relations in Chinese-English diplomatic interpreting
Authors: Fu Rongbo , Chen Jing
Published: March 2019

This paper investigates the negotiation of interpersonal relations by interpreters in Chinese government press conferences – a major instrument for the promotion of public diplomacy in China. Drawing on the theory of linguistic modality in systemic functional grammar (SFG) and the concept of explicitation (Englund Dimitrova 1993), we present a corpus-based discourse analysis of interpreters’ explicitation of modality and connect it to their participation in negotiating interpersonal relations in such a setting. Quantitative results indicate a noticeable trend of explicit use of modal expressions in target speeches in both interpreting modes, i.e., consecutive and simultaneous. Data from qualitative analysis illustrate the various explicitations that manifest interpersonal relations on different levels between interactants on the scene. We conclude by underlining the role of government press conference interpreters as active co-participants in public diplomatic settings, discussing the contributions of this work to empirical research on interpreters’ agency and its limitations, and suggesting new directions towards which further research might be carried out.
Teaching-oriented research
Authors: Levis John M.
Published: March 2019

This paper examines some of the factors that make for a good teaching-oriented paper, in which research and
practice are most clearly connected. Such papers have clear research questions, explicit and systematic approaches to teaching and
learning for experimental and control groups, improvement measured by pre and posttests, and well-developed teaching implications.
Various papers from different journals are used to illustrate the characteristics of successful teaching-oriented papers.
Comparative Study of the ability of selective attention and speech perception in noise between 6 to 9 year old normal and learning disabled children
Authors: Jarollahi Farnoush , Aarabi Saeid , Jalaei Shohre
Published: March 2019

Object:

Selective auditory attention and speech perception in the presence of noise are necessary skills to correctly process speech. Persian version of monaural selective auditory attention test [P-mSAAT] that simultaneously assesses selective auditory attention and speech in noise perception performance was used in the present study.

Design:

The P-mSAAT was performed on 89 normal children aged 6 to 9 and 24 children with learning disability sampled from different schools in Tehran in two competitive and non-competitive ways.

Results:

The average of test scores had a significant difference in a competitive way between normal and children with learning disability (P < 0/001). Furthermore, the test scores improved as a function of age in the both groups.

Conclusion:

Findings of the current study demonstrated that children presented with learning disability had difficulty in speech perception in the presence of competitive noise accompanied by reduced selective auditory attention ability. It is also suggested that P-mSAAT can be used as a screening test in diagnosing Learning disability in children aged 6 to 9 due to its high sensitivity.
STUDIES ON LYSOSOMES
Authors: Weissmann Gerald , Thomas Lewis
Published: March 2019

In the article by Weissmann and Thomas on Studies on lysosomes. I, in Text-figs. 1, 2, and 3, and in Tables I, II, III, and IV, for /micrograms protein/hour read everywhere /100 micrograms protein/hour.
Topological Noetherianity of polynomial functors
Authors: Draisma Jan
Published: March 2019

We prove that any finite-degree polynomial functor over an infinite field is topologically Noetherian. This theorem is motivated by the recent resolution, by Ananyan-Hochster, of Stillman’s conjecture; and a recent Noetherianity proof by Derksen-Eggermont-Snowden for the space of cubics. Via work by Erman-Sam-Snowden, our theorem implies Stillman’s conjecture and indeed boundedness of a wider class of invariants of ideals in polynomial rings with a fixed number of generators of prescribed degrees.
The semi-global isometric embedding of surfaces with curvature changing signs stably
Authors: Cao Wentao
Published: March 2019

A semi-global isometric embedding of abstract surfaces with Gaussian curvature changing signs of any finite order is obtained through solving the Darboux equation.
On closed mappings of 𝜎-compact spaces and dimension
Authors: Pol Elżbieta , Pol Roman
Published: March 2019

A remainder of the Hilbert space

l

2

l_{2}

is a space homeomorphic to

Z
∖

l

2

Z \setminus l_{2}

, where

Z
Z

is a metrizable compact extension of

l

2

l_{2}

, with

l

2

l_{2}

dense in

Z
Z

. We prove that for any remainder

K
K

of

l

2

l_{2}

, every non-one-point closed image of

K
K

contains either a compact set with no transfinite dimension or compact sets of arbitrarily high inductive transfinite dimension

i
n
d

\mathrm {ind}

. We shall also construct for each natural

n
n

a

σ
\sigma

-compact metrizable

n
n

-dimensional space whose image under any non-constant closed map has dimension at least

n
n

and analogous examples for the transfinite inductive dimension

i
n
d

\mathrm {ind}

(this provides a rather strong negative solution of a problem in [Dissertationes Math. (Rozprawy Mat.) 216 (1983), pp. 1–41]).
Corrigendum to “Genus growth in ℤ_{𝕡}-towers of function fields”
Authors: Kosters Michiel , Wan Daqing
Published: March 2019

We give a corrected necessary and sufficient condition for the genus stability in a

Z

p

\mathbb {Z}_p

-tower of function fields of characteristic

p
p

.
Virtual residue and a generalized Cayley-Bacharach theorem
Authors: Li Mu-Lin
Published: March 2019

Using the virtual residue, which is a generalization of the Grothendieck residue, we generalize the Cayley-Bacharach theorem to the cases with positive dimensions.
Lifting a prescribed group of automorphisms of graphs
Authors: Potočnik Primož , Spiga Pablo
Published: March 2019

In this paper we are interested in lifting a prescribed group of automorphisms of a finite graph via regular covering projections. Let

Γ
\Gamma

be a finite graph and let

A
u
t

(
Γ
)

\mathrm {Aut}(\Gamma )

be the automorphism group of

Γ
\Gamma

. It is well known that we can always find a finite graph

Γ
~

\tilde {\Gamma }

and a regular covering projection

℘
:

Γ
~

→
Γ

\wp \colon \tilde {\Gamma } \to \Gamma

such that

A
u
t

(
Γ
)

\mathrm {Aut}(\Gamma )

lifts along

℘
\wp

. However, for constructing peculiar examples and in applications it is often important, given a subgroup

G
G

of

A
u
t

(
Γ
)

\mathrm {Aut}(\Gamma )

, to find

℘
\wp

along which

G
G

lifts but no further automorphism of

Γ
\Gamma

does, or even that

A
u
t

(

Γ
~

)

\mathrm {Aut}(\tilde {\Gamma })

is the lift of

G
G

. In this paper, we address these problems.
On weak closure of some diffusion equations
Authors: Liao Menglan , Bao Lianzhang , Yan Baisheng
Published: March 2019

We study the closure of approximating sequences of some diffusion equations under certain weak convergence. A specific description of the closure under weak

H
1

H^1

-convergence is given, which reduces to the original equation when the equation is parabolic. However, the closure under strong

L
2

L^2

-convergence may be much larger, even for parabolic equations.
Phylogeography of the Recent Expansion of Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in South America and the Caribbean Basin
Authors: Tembrock Luke R , Timm Alicia E , Zink Frida A , Gilligan Todd M
Published: March 2019

The Old World bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner), is one of the most destructive agricultural pests worldwide. It was first recorded in Brazil in 2013, yet despite this recent introduction, H. armigera has spread throughout much of Latin America. Where H. armigera has become established, it is displacing or hybridizing with the congeneric New World pest Helicoverpa zea. In addition to the adaptive qualities that make H. armigera a megapest, such as broad range pesticide resistance, the spread of H. armigera in the New World may have been hastened by multiple introductions into South America and/or the Caribbean. The recent expansion of the range of H. armigera into the New World is analyzed herein using mtDNA of samples from South America, the Caribbean Basin, and the Florida Peninsula. Phylogeographic analyses reveal that several haplotypes are nearly ubiquitous throughout the New World and native range of H. armigera, but several haplotypes have limited geographic distribution from which a secondary introduction with Euro-African origins into the New World is inferred. In addition, host–haplotype correlations were analyzed to see whether haplotypes might be restricted to certain crops. No specialization was found; however, some haplotypes had a broader host range than others. These results suggest that the dispersal of H. armigera in the New World is occurring from both natural migration and human-mediated introductions. As such, both means of introduction should be monitored to prevent the spread of H. armigera into areas such as the United States, Mexico, and Canada, where it is not yet established.
MicroRNAs and nervous system diseases: network insights and computational challenges
Authors: Wang Jianjian , Cao Yuze , Lu Xiaoyu , Wang Tianfeng , Li Shuang , Kong Xiaotong , Bo Chunrui , Li Jie , Wang Xiaolong , Ma Heping , Li Lei , Zhang Huixue , Ning Shangwei , Wang Lihua
Published: March 2019

The nervous system is one of the most complex biological systems, and nervous system disease (NSD) is a major cause of disability and mortality. Extensive evidence indicates that numerous dysregulated microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in a broad spectrum of NSDs. A comprehensive review of miRNA-mediated regulatory will facilitate our understanding of miRNA dysregulation mechanisms in NSDs. In this work, we summarized currently available databases on miRNAs and NSDs, star NSD miRNAs, NSD spectrum width, miRNA spectrum width and the distribution of miRNAs in NSD sub-categories by reviewing approximately 1000 studies. In addition, we characterized miRNA–miRNA and NSD–NSD interactions from a network perspective based on miRNA–NSD benchmarking data sets. Furthermore, we summarized the regulatory principles of miRNAs in NSDs, including miRNA synergistic regulation in NSDs, miRNA modules and NSD modules. We also discussed computational challenges for identifying novel miRNAs in NSDs. Elucidating the roles of miRNAs in NSDs from a network perspective would not only improve our understanding of the precise mechanism underlying these complex diseases, but also provide novel insight into the development, diagnosis and treatment of NSDs.
Measuring intradialyser transmembrane and hydrostatic pressures: pitfalls and relevance in haemodialysis and haemodiafiltration
Authors: Ficheux Alain , Gayrard Nathalie , Szwarc Ilan , Duranton Flore , Vetromile Fernando , Brunet Philippe , Servel Marie-Françoise , Jankowski Joachim , Argilés Àngel
Published: March 2019

Background

Post-dilutional haemodiafiltration (HDF) with high convection volumes (HCVs) could improve survival. HCV-HDF requires a significant pressure to be applied to the dialyser membrane. The aim of this study was to assess the pressure applied to the dialysers in HCV-HDF, evaluate the influence of transmembrane pressure (TMP) calculation methods on TMP values and check how they relate to the safety limits proposed by guidelines.

Methods

Nine stable dialysis patients were treated with post-dilutional HCV-HDF with three different convection volumes [including haemodialysis (HD)]. The pressures at blood inlet (Bi), blood outlet (Bo) and dialysate outlet (Do) were continuously recorded. TMP was calculated using two pressures (TMP2: Bo, Do) or three pressures (TMP3: Bo, Do, Bi). Dialysis parameters were analysed at the start of the session and at the end of treatment or at the first occurrence of a manual intervention to decrease convection due to TMP alarms.

Results

During HD sessions, TMP2 and TMP3 remained stable. During HCV-HDF, TMP2 remained stable while TMP3 clearly increased. For the same condition, TMP3 could be 3-fold greater than TMP2. This shows that the TMP limit of 300 mmHg as recommended by guidelines could have different effects according to the TMP calculation method. In HCV-HDF, the pressure at the Bi increased over time and exceeded the safety limits of 600 mmHg provided by the manufacturer, even when respecting TMP safety limits.

Conclusions

This study draws our attention to the dangers of using a two-pressure points TMP calculation, particularly when performing HCV-HDF.
ImagIngDev: A New Approach for Developing Automatic Cross-Platform Mobile Applications Using Image Processing Techniques
Authors: Rosales-Morales Viviana Yarel , Sánchez-Morales Laura Nely , Alor-Hernández Giner , Garcia-Alcaraz Jorge Luis , Sánchez-Cervantes José Luis , Rodriguez-Mazahua Lisbeth
Published: March 2019

The aim of this work is propose and describe ImagIngDev, a new approach for developing automatic cross-platform mobile applications using image processing techniques. As proof of concept, we presented ImagIng Tool and compared its performance with respect to similar cross-platform application development tools. Our main contribution to software development is ImagingDev, a new, intuitive and agile approach aimed at novice developers for automatically developing cross-platform mobile applications. Our proof of concept, ImagIng Tool, can generate mobile applications on four different software platforms: Android™, Windows Phone™, iOS™ and FirefoxOS™. Also, it relies on image processing techniques to recognize user interface design patterns (UIDPs) inside user interfaces, and generates the source code for cross-platform and multi-device applications. As proof of concept, we developed ImagIng Tool for automatic generation of cross-platform mobile applications by using image processing techniques. Results from the evaluation demonstrated that ImagIng Tool has attractive benefits if compared to similar cross-platform application development tools. Such benefits include higher learnability and usability. ImagIngDev and ImagIng Tool can effectively solve current problems in mobile applications development, such as automatic code generation for cross-platform mobile applications, since they allow users to generate cross-platform and multi-device mobile applications in an easy and intuitive way.
Using choice experiments to improve the design of agri-environmental schemes
Authors: Latacz-Lohmann Uwe , Breustedt Gunnar
Published: March 2019

This study applies a two-stage analysis of discrete–continuous supply of environmental services, based on an extended discrete choice experiment (DCE) with 68 farmers in Northern Germany. The estimation strategy combined a multinomial Heckman model and an OLS regression. We extend the literature by feeding the estimation results into a contract optimisation model for a stylised conservation scheme. The optimised contract differed significantly from the standard contract, which offered farmers a payment equal to the average cost of service provision. The standard contract yielded only 64 per cent of the environmental service of the optimised contract for the same budget outlay.
VqsA controls exotoxin production by directly binding to the promoter of asp in the pathogen Vibrio alginolyticus
Authors: Zhang Jun , Hao Yuan , Yin Kaiyu , Mao Qiaoqiao , Xu Rongjing , Zhang Yuanxing , Ma Yue , Wang Qiyao
Published: March 2019

Quorum sensing (QS) system is an important bacterial cell-to-cell signaling system controlling expression of various genes in response to cell densities. In vibrios, LuxR/AphA are two established master QS regulators (MQSRs), and VqsA is recently identified to be the third putative MQSR. As a novel LysR-type regulator, the regulon and the underlying regulation mechanisms of VqsA remains to be elucidated. Here our investigation indicated that the yields of alkaline serine protease (Asp), the exotoxin in Vibrio alginolyticus was dependent on both LuxR and VqsA in growth phase dependent manner. Various in vivo and in vitro analyses including electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) along with DNase I footprinting investigations demonstrated that VqsA positively controls asp expression through directly binding to the partially palindromic 29 bp binding motif in the promoter region of asp. Moreover, RNA-seq analysis validated the regulatory roles of VqsA in various processes in the organism. Collectively, our data showed that VqsA positively regulates the expression of exotoxin and other virulence-associated genes and is essential for the QS regulation in V. alginolyticus.
A Bayesian Monte Carlo inversion of spatial auto-correlation (SPAC) for near-surface Vs structure applied to both broad-band and geophone data
Authors: Zhang Hao , Pankow Kristine , Stephenson William
Published: March 2019

We propose a new Bayesian method to reveal the Vs structure of the near surface of the earth using spatial autocorrelation (SPAC) functions and apply this new method to synthetic, broad-band and geophone data sets. The principle of SPAC is introduced, and an implementation of the Bayesian Monte Carlo inversion (BMCI) for modelling SPAC coherency functions is described. To demonstrate its effectiveness, BMCI is applied to synthetic tests, data from 14 SPAC array sites in the Salt Lake Valley (SLV), Utah, and two arrays (one broad-band and one geophone) located in south central Utah. The Vs models derived from previous SPAC analysis of the 14 SLV sites differ by 10 per cent at most from those determined by BMCI and lie within uncertainties determined for the BMCI models. These agreements demonstrate the effectiveness of the BMCI method. The synthetic tests and applications to the SLV SPAC data show BMCI has great potential to resolve Vs structure down to at least 400 m. To achieve resolution for deeper Vs structure, longer duration deployments, wider array apertures, and additional seismometers or geophones can be used. Additionally, when the target frequencies are greater than 0.1 Hz, there is no apparent disadvantage in using geophone data for BMCI compared to broad-band data. Most significantly, BMCI places a quantifiable constraint on the uncertainties of the Vs models as well as Vs30.
Evolution of a co-management arrangement in Japanese offshore fisheries: current policy and legal framework and a case study of the tiger puffer fishery in Ise–Mikawa Bay
Authors: Tokunaga Kanae , Miyata Tsutom , Wakamatsu Hiroki
Published: March 2019

This study examines Japanese offshore fisheries management by focusing on the possibilities and challenges in implementing co-management of fisheries. Offshore fisheries, characterized by a lack of clear geographical boundaries in fishing grounds and community boundaries in fishery participants, face different challenges than coastal fisheries that are managed by territorial use rights and fisheries cooperative associations. This study examines the current policy and legal framework in offshore fisheries management in Japan and uses a case study of the tiger puffer fishery in Ise–Mikawa Bay to investigate interactions among multiple fishing entities as well as interactions between resource harvesters and managers. We argue that increased participation of both national and prefectural governments in fisheries management contributes to strengthen co-management: yet, a lack of science-based harvest control rules hinders the biological and economic benefits from accruing to the fishery.
On parameter estimation with the Wasserstein distance
Authors: Bernton Espen , Jacob Pierre E , Gerber Mathieu , Robert Christian P
Published: March 2019

Statistical inference can be performed by minimizing, over the parameter space, the Wasserstein distance between model distributions and the empirical distribution of the data. We study asymptotic properties of such minimum Wasserstein distance estimators, complementing results derived by Bassetti, Bodini and Regazzini in 2006. In particular, our results cover the misspecified setting, in which the data-generating process is not assumed to be part of the family of distributions described by the model. Our results are motivated by recent applications of minimum Wasserstein estimators to complex generative models. We discuss some difficulties arising in the numerical approximation of these estimators. Two of our numerical examples ($g$-and-$\kappa$ and sum of log-normals) are taken from the literature on approximate Bayesian computation and have likelihood functions that are not analytically tractable. Two other examples involve misspecified models.
Distinct roles for Peyer’s patch B cells for induction of antigen-specific IgA antibody responses in mice administered oral recombinantSalmonella
Authors: Hashizume-Takizawa Tomomi , Shibata Naoko , Kurashima Yosuke , Kiyono Hiroshi , Kurita-Ochiai Tomoko , Fujihashi Kohtaro
Published: March 2019

Our previous study demonstrated an indispensable role of Peyer’s patches (PPs) for the induction of antigen-specific secretory (S)IgA antibody responses after oral immunization with recombinant Salmonella expressing fragment C of tetanus toxin (rSalmonella-Tox C). In this study, we defined the PP lymphoid structures and immune cells required for the induction of mucosal SIgA antibody responses. Adoptive transfer of mononuclear cells (MNCs) from PPs into PP-deficient (PP-null) mice failed to elicit tetanus toxoid (TT)-specific mucosal immunity. However, when the same PP MNCs were transferred into lethally irradiated PP-normal recipient mice, PP MNCs preferentially emigrated to recipient PPs, leading to PP lymphoid structures and TT-specific SIgA antibody responses. Significantly reduced numbers of TT-specific IgA antibody-forming cells were detected in the mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) and intestinal lamina propria of mice when surface expression of the sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor on lymphocytes was inhibited by its agonist FTY720. However, FTY720 treatment did not alter dendritic cell migration or Salmonella dissemination into these tissues. When rSalmonella-Tox C-stimulated CD4+ T cells isolated from PPs, MLNs and the spleen were co-cultured with B cells from these tissues, significantly increased levels of TT-specific IgA antibody responses were exclusively induced in cultures containing PP B cells. Furthermore, surface IgA+ PP B cells produced TT-specific IgA antibody responses in vitro. These findings suggest that PP lymphoid structures and surface IgA+ PP B cells are essential elements for the induction of antigen-specific intestinal SIgA antibody responses to oral Salmonella.
Reassessing the dosing of cefoxitin prophylaxis during major abdominal surgery: insights from microdialysis and population pharmacokinetic modelling
Authors: Boisson Matthieu , Torres Bruna Gaelzer Silva , Yani Sabrina , Couet William , Mimoz Olivier , Dahyot-Fizelier Claire , Marchand Sandrine , Grégoire Nicolas
Published: March 2019

Objectives

Cefoxitin is frequently used for surgical antibiotic prophylaxis (SAP). Using microdialysis, we evaluated whether the currently recommended dosing regimen is appropriate to maintain cefoxitin subcutaneous tissue concentrations above the MIC for pathogens involved in abdominal surgical site infection.

Methods

Data from eight patients undergoing major abdominal surgery were analysed using population pharmacokinetic modelling, and Monte Carlo simulations were conducted to determine the PTA for aerobic and anaerobic pathogens. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02703857.

Results

Only 2.3% and 47.4% of the simulated patients maintained cefoxitin subcutaneous concentrations above the MIC breakpoint for anaerobic (MIC = 16 mg/L) and aerobic (MIC = 8 mg/L) pathogens, respectively. New simulations with administration of a loading dose followed by a constant infusion of cefoxitin were conducted and demonstrate that, notwithstanding using the same total dose per unit of time, continuous infusion of cefoxitin can cover aerobes in 96.6% of the simulated patients, but remains insufficient for anaerobic bacteria.

Conclusions

The recommended dosing regimen of cefoxitin is insufficient for covering the usual bacteria during abdominal surgery. Administration of a loading dose followed by a constant infusion should be considered for aerobic bacteria and cefoxitin should be avoided as SAP for anaerobic bacteria.
Underserved populations with missing race ethnicity data differ significantly from those with structured race/ethnicity documentation
Authors: Sholle Evan T , Pinheiro Laura C , Adekkanattu Prakash , Davila Marcos A , Johnson Stephen B , Pathak Jyotishman , Sinha Sanjai , Li Cassidie , Lubansky Stasi A , Safford Monika M , Campion Thomas R
Published: March 2019

Objective

We aimed to address deficiencies in structured electronic health record (EHR) data for race and ethnicity by identifying black and Hispanic patients from unstructured clinical notes and assessing differences between patients with or without structured race/ethnicity data.

Materials and Methods

Using EHR notes for 16 665 patients with encounters at a primary care practice, we developed rule-based natural language processing (NLP) algorithms to classify patients as black/Hispanic. We evaluated performance of the method against an annotated gold standard, compared race and ethnicity between NLP-derived and structured EHR data, and compared characteristics of patients identified as black or Hispanic using only NLP vs patients identified as such only in structured EHR data.

Results

For the sample of 16 665 patients, NLP identified 948 additional patients as black, a 26%increase, and 665 additional patients as Hispanic, a 20% increase. Compared with the patients identified as black or Hispanic in structured EHR data, patients identified as black or Hispanic via NLP only were older, more likely to be male, less likely to have commercial insurance, and more likely to have higher comorbidity.

Discussion

Structured EHR data for race and ethnicity are subject to data quality issues. Supplementing structured EHR race data with NLP-derived race and ethnicity may allow researchers to better assess the demographic makeup of populations and draw more accurate conclusions about intergroup differences in health outcomes.

Conclusions

Black or Hispanic patients who are not documented as such in structured EHR race/ethnicity fields differ significantly from those who are. Relatively simple NLP can help address this limitation.
Antecedents: A Half-Century of Imaging the Breast
Authors: Kopans Daniel B
Published: March 2019

The field of Breast Imaging evolved because a fairly small number of dedicated individuals realized the lifesaving potential of detecting breast cancer earlier. They persevered despite persistent efforts to curtail screening. From the first attempts to produce X-ray images of the breast to magnetic resonance and digital breast tomosynthesis, investigators have worked continuously to develop better ways to detect breast cancer at a time when cure is possible, while working continuously to preserve access for women to screening. Consequently, the death rate from breast cancer has declined by more than 40%. Therapy has improved, but therapy saves lives when breast cancers are treated early.
Hidden Between Craft and Industry: Engineering Patternmakers’ Design Knowledge
Authors: Stein Jesse Adams
Published: March 2019

Craft is currently experiencing an academic and popular revival, as evidenced by increasing interest in ‘makers’ and artisanal practices, both within and beyond design history. Yet, in this moment of craft’s resurgence, some aspects are regularly overlooked. Industrial craft in manufacturing, for instance, is a field ripe for closer analysis. Engineering patternmaking is an industrial craft that remains almost invisible in design history, despite the design-related nature of patternmaking, and its centrality to many industrial manufacturing processes. Drawing on oral histories with Australian patternmakers, this article emphasizes that patternmaking is both a manual and intellectual practice that requires thorough knowledge of drawing, materials, geometry, three-dimensional visuality and manufacturing processes planning. Accordingly, I argue that patternmakers possess and enact a specific type of design knowledge, a form of expertise that has thus far been undervalued in both design and craft histories. Making use of Nigel Cross’ influential theorization of ‘designerly ways of knowing’, this article explores the connections and divergences between design and patternmaking knowledge sets, reminding us that the making of manufactured objects is deeply collaborative across professional and class formations. In doing so, I highlight the significance of industrial craft knowledge in the actualization of design. This example has broader historical implications for how design history frames and values the knowledge, skills and influence of those engaged in industrial production.
Insecticidal Effects of Triterpene Glycosides Extracted From Holothuria atra (Echinodermata: Holothuroidea) Against Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Nobsathian Saksit , Ruttanaphan Torranis , Bullangpoti Vasakorn
Published: March 2019

Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) is economically important in many countries. Many biopesticides have been developed and studied to control this pest species; however, few natural products from marine organisms have been studied for their pesticidal efficiency. This study compared the acute contact toxicity of solvent extracted from the viscera of Holothuria atra and isolated triterpene glycoside compounds on third-instar S. litura. Our results showed that crude methanolic extracts were the most toxic to the larvae (LC50 ~ 10.37 mg/ml) compared with other crude extracts and contained the bioactive compound 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (LC50 ~ 6.01 mg/ml). All crude extracts and isolated triterpene glycoside compounds inhibited carboxylesterase activity. The efficiency and effectiveness of H. atra extractions and triterpene glycoside compounds against S. litura indicate their potential use in integrated pest management programs and the overall value of marine species as natural sources of insecticidal compounds.
No Indication of High Host-Plant Specificity in Afrotropical Geometrid Moths
Authors: Holm Sille , Javoiš Juhan , Molleman Freerk , Davis Robert B , Õunap Erki , Roininen Heikki , Tammaru Toomas
Published: March 2019

Specificity is one of the fundamental concepts in ecology. Host specificity of phytophagous insects has been of particular interest because of its crucial role in diversification and life-history evolution. However, the majority of tropical insects remain insufficiently explored with respect to their host-plant relations. A lack of respective data is also hindering the debate over whether higher levels of host-plant specificity prevail in tropical insects compared to temperate ones. We investigated host-plant specificity of forest geometrid moths (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) in equatorial Africa using host-plant acceptability trials with neonate larvae, with the addition of field observations. We compare our experimental data to the (well-known) host-specificity patterns of closely related temperate (hemiboreal) species. Similarly to the temperate region, there were broadly polyphagous tropical species in several clades of Geometridae utilizing hosts belonging to different plant families. Phylogenetic comparative analysis returned no significant differences in host specificity between the two regions. Our study contributes to the evidence that host-plant specificity of herbivores is not necessarily substantially higher in tropical than temperate regions.
Primeval very low-mass stars and brown dwarfs – VI. Population properties of metal-poor degenerate brown dwarfs
Authors: Zhang (张曾华) Z H , Burgasser A J , Gálvez-Ortiz M C , Lodieu N , Zapatero Osorio M R , Pinfield D J , Allard F
Published: March 2019

We presented 15 new T dwarfs that were selected from UKIRT Infrared Deep Sky Survey, Visible and Infrared Survey Telescope for Astronomy , and Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer surveys, and confirmed with optical to near-infrared spectra obtained with the Very Large Telescope and the Gran Telescopio Canarias. One of these new T dwarfs is mildly metal-poor with slightly suppressed K-band flux. We presented a new X-shooter spectrum of a known benchmark sdT5.5 subdwarf, HIP 73786B. To better understand observational properties of brown dwarfs, we discussed transition zones (mass ranges) with low-rate hydrogen, lithium, and deuterium burning in brown dwarf population. The hydrogen burning transition zone is also the substellar transition zone that separates very low-mass stars, transitional, and degenerate brown dwarfs. Transitional brown dwarfs have been discussed in previous works of the Primeval series. Degenerate brown dwarfs without hydrogen fusion are the majority of brown dwarfs. Metal-poor degenerate brown dwarfs of the Galactic thick disc and halo have become T5+ subdwarfs. We selected 41 T5+ subdwarfs from the literature by their suppressed K-band flux. We studied the spectral-type–colour correlations, spectral-type–absolute magnitude correlations, colour–colour plots, and HR diagrams of T5+ subdwarfs, in comparison to these of L–T dwarfs and L subdwarfs. We discussed the T5+ subdwarf discovery capability of deep sky surveys in the 2020s.
Cell membrane-covered nanoparticles as biomaterials
Authors: Xuan Mingjun , Shao Jingxin , Li Junbai
Published: March 2019

Surface engineering of synthetic carriers is an essential and important strategy for drug delivery in vivo. However, exogenous properties make synthetic nanosystems invaders that easily trigger the passive immune clearance mechanism, increasing the retention effect caused by the reticuloendothelial systems and bioadhesion, finally leading to low therapeutic efficacy and toxic effects. Recently, a cell membrane cloaking technique has been reported as a novel interfacing approach from the biological/immunological perspective, and has proved useful for improving the performance of synthetic nanocarriers in vivo. After cell membrane cloaking, nanoparticles not only acquire the physiochemical properties of natural cell membranes but also inherit unique biological functions due to the presence of membrane-anchored proteins, antigens, and immunological moieties. The derived biological properties and functions, such as immunosuppressive capability, long circulation time, and targeted recognition integrated in synthetic nanosystems, have enhanced their potential in biomedicine in the future. Here, we review the cell membrane-covered nanosystems, highlight their novelty, introduce relevant biomedical applications, and describe the future prospects for the use of this novel biomimetic system constructed from a combination of cell membranes and synthetic nanomaterials.
Genetic code restoration by artificial RNA editing of Ochre stop codon with ADAR1 deaminase
Authors: Bhakta Sonali , Azad Md Thoufic Anam , Tsukahara Toshifumi
Published: March 2019

Site directed mutagenesis is a very effective approach to recode genetic information. Proper linking of the catalytic domain of the RNA editing enzyme adenosine deaminase acting on RNA (ADAR) to an antisense guide RNA can convert specific adenosines (As) to inosines (Is), with the latter recognized as guanosines (Gs) during the translation process. Efforts have been made to engineer the deaminase domain of ADAR1 and the MS2 system to target specific A residues to restore G→A mutations. The target consisted of an ochre (TAA) stop codon, generated from the TGG codon encoding amino acid 58 (Trp) of enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP). This system had the ability to convert the stop codon (TAA) to a readable codon (TGG), thereby restoring fluorescence in a cellular system, as shown by JuLi fluorescence and LSM confocal microscopy. The specificity of the editing was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism, as the restored EGFP mRNA could be cleaved into fragments of 160 and 100 base pairs. Direct sequencing analysis with both sense and antisense primers showed that the restoration rate was higher for the 5′ than for the 3′A. This system may be very useful for treating genetic diseases that result from G→A point mutations. Successful artificial editing of RNA in vivo can accelerate research in this field, and pioneer genetic code restoration therapy, including stop codon read-through therapy, for various genetic diseases.
Outpatient Physical Therapist Attitudes Toward and Behaviors in Cardiovascular Disease Screening: A National Survey
Authors: Severin Richard , Wang Edward , Wielechowski Adam , Phillips Shane A
Published: March 2019

Background

Screening the cardiovascular system is an important and necessary component of the physical therapist examination to ensure patient safety, appropriate referral, and timely medical management of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and risk factors. The most basic screening includes a measurement of resting blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR). Previous work demonstrated that rates of BP and HR screening and perceptions toward screening by physical therapists are inadequate.

Objective

The purpose was to assess the current attitudes and behaviors of physical therapists in the United States regarding the screening of patients for CVD or risk factors in outpatient orthopedic practice.

Design

This was a cross-sectional, online survey study.

Methods

Data were collected from an anonymous adaptive online survey delivered via an email list.

Results

A total of 1812 surveys were included in this analysis. A majority of respondents (n = 931; 51.38%) reported that at least half of their current caseload included patients either with diagnosed CVD or at moderate or greater risk of a future occurrence. A total of 14.8% of respondents measured BP and HR on the initial examination for each new patient. The most commonly self-reported barriers to screening were lack of time (37.44%) and lack of perceived importance (35.62%). The most commonly self-reported facilitators of routine screening were perceived importance (79.48%) and clinic policy (38.43%). Clinicians who managed caseloads with the highest CVD risk were the most likely to screen.

Limitations

Although the sampling population included was large and representative of the profession, only members of the American Physical Therapy Association Orthopaedic Section were included in this survey.

Conclusions

Despite the high prevalence of patients either diagnosed with or at risk for CVD, few physical therapists consistently included BP and HR on the initial examination. The results of this survey suggest that efforts to improve understanding of the importance of screening and modifications of clinic policy could be effective strategies for improving rates of HR and BP screening.
STATISTICAL ESTIMATION OF RADIOLOGICAL HAZARDS FROM RADIONUCLIDE CONTENTS IN BUILDING MATERIALS
Authors: Adewoyin O O , Omeje M , Joel E S , Odetunmibi O A
Published: March 2019

Thirteen (13) types of building tiles and Sharp sand commonly used for building purposes were collected for their radionuclide contents analysis using gamma ray spectrometry. The average value of the Radium equivalent activity is 208.81 Bq/kg for all samples considered was found to be lower than the recommended safe limit of 370 Bq/kg. Similarly, both external and internal hazard indices (Hex and Hin) were noted to have mean values of 0.57 and 0.73, respectively, which were lower than the recommended safe standard of 1. More so, the average absorbed gamma dose rate was observed to be 94.31 nGy/h, much higher than the recommended safe limit of 59 nGy/h.
Impaired Subcortical Detection of Auditory Changes in Schizophrenia but Not in Major Depression
Authors: Gaebler Arnim Johannes , Zweerings Jana , Koten Jan Willem , König Andrea Anna , Turetsky Bruce I , Zvyagintsev Mikhail , Mathiak Klaus
Published: March 2019

The mismatch negativity is a cortical response to auditory changes and its reduction is a consistent finding in schizophrenia. Recent evidence revealed that the human brain detects auditory changes already at subcortical stages of the auditory pathway. This finding, however, raises the question where in the auditory hierarchy the schizophrenic deficit first evolves and whether the well-known cortical deficit may be a consequence of dysfunction at lower hierarchical levels. Finally, it should be resolved whether mismatch profiles differ between schizophrenia and affective disorders which exhibit auditory processing deficits as well. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging to assess auditory mismatch processing in 29 patients with schizophrenia, 27 patients with major depression, and 31 healthy control subjects. Analysis included whole-brain activation, region of interest, path and connectivity analysis. In schizophrenia, mismatch deficits emerged at all stages of the auditory pathway including the inferior colliculus, thalamus, auditory, and prefrontal cortex. In depression, deficits were observed in the prefrontal cortex only. Path analysis revealed that activation deficits propagated from subcortical to cortical nodes in a feed-forward mechanism. Finally, both patient groups exhibited reduced connectivity along this processing stream. Auditory mismatch impairments in schizophrenia already manifest at the subcortical level. Moreover, subcortical deficits contribute to the well-known cortical deficits and show specificity for schizophrenia. In contrast, depression is associated with cortical dysfunction only. Hence, schizophrenia and major depression exhibit different neural profiles of sensory processing deficits. Our findings add to a converging body of evidence for brainstem and thalamic dysfunction as a hallmark of schizophrenia.