bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temperature dependence of the off‐diagonal magnetoimpedance in sensor configuration utilizing Co‐rich amorphous wires
Authors: Yudanov N. A. , Evstigneeva S. A. , Panina L. V. , Morchenko A. T. , Zhukov A. , Peng X. H.
Published: January 2016

For sensor operation, the temperature stability is of primary importance. In this work, we have investigated the temperature dependence of the magnetoimpedance (MI) in glass‐coated Co‐based amorphous wires which are widely used as MI sensing elements. The magnetic alloy has high Curie and crystallization temperatures, yet, the MI change at moderate temperatures of 20–90 °C and low‐magnetic fields can be about 100%. This is explained by high‐temperature sensitivity of the residual stress due to fast solidification and the difference in thermal expansion coefficients of glass and metal. To reduce the temperature effect, annealing treatment was proposed and applied to the whole sensing element in off‐diagonal configuration comprising the MI wire and detection coil. Annealing treatment at a temperature of 160 °C during 2–3 min makes it possible to significantly improve both the magnetic field sensitivity and temperature stability. After annealing, the output voltage sensitivity in the linear region ( increases more than 2.5 times and shows little variations with temperature up to 90 °C. For higher magnetic fields, the MI profile still shows noticeable change with temperature: the maximum of the output voltage decreases at a rate of about 0.15%/°C as the temperature is increased. After optimum annealing, the MI curves become almost symmetrical suggesting that a well‐defined circumferential anisotropy is established.
Hydroxy‐Safflower Yellow A inhibits the TNFR1‐Mediated Classical NF‐κB Pathway by Inducing Shedding of TNFR1
Authors: Wang Haifang , Liu Jinlian , Yang Yuejin , Cao Qingwen , Huo Xueping , Ma Shuhui , Hu Jun , Pavalko Fredrick M. , Liu Qinshe
Published: January 2016

Hydroxy‐safflower yellow A (HSYA) is the major active component of safflower, a traditional Asia herbal medicine well known for its cardiovascular protective activities. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of HSYA on TNF‐α‐induced inflammatory responses in arterial endothelial cells (AECs) and to explore the mechanisms involved. The results showed that HSYA suppressed the up‐regulation of ICAM‐1 expression in TNF‐α‐stimulated AECs in a dose‐dependent manner. High concentration (120 μM) HSYA significantly inhibited the TNF‐α‐induced adhesion of RAW264.7 cells to AECs. HSYA blocked the TNFR1‐mediated phosphorylation and degradation of IκBα and also prevented the nuclear translocation of NF‐κB p65. Moreover, HSYA reduced the cell surface level of TNFR1 and increased the content of sTNFR1 in the culture media. TNF‐α processing inhibitor‐0 (TAPI‐0) prevented the HSYA inhibition of TNFR1‐induced IκBα degradation, implying the occurrence of TNFR1 shedding. Furthermore, HSYA induced phosphorylation of TNF‐α converting enzyme (TACE) at threonine 735, which is thought to be required for its activation. Conclusively, HSYA suppressed TNF‐α‐induced inflammatory responses in AECs, at least in part by inhibiting the TNFR1‐mediated classical NF‐κB pathway. TACE‐mediated TNFR1 shedding can be involved in this effect. Our study provides new evidence for the antiinflammatory and anti‐atherosclerotic effects of HSYA. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A modular force‐controlled robotic instrument for minimally invasive surgery – efficacy for being used in autonomous grasping against a variable pull force
Authors: Khadem Seyed Mohsen , Behzadipour Saeed , Mirbagheri Alireza , Farahmand Farzam
Published: January 2016

Background

Many deficiencies of minimally invasive robotic surgery systems can be eliminated by using automated laparoscopic tools with force measurement and control capability.

Method

A fully modular, automated laparoscopic instrument with a proximal force sensory system was designed and fabricated. The efficacy of the instrument was evaluated experimentally when functioning in an autonomous force‐controlled grasping scheme.

Results

The designed instrument was shown to work easily with standard laparoscopic tools, with the whole distal part detachable for autoclave sterilization. The root mean squared error (RMSE) of the actual pinch force from the target ramp was 0.318 N; it was 0.402 N for a sinusoidal pull force, which dropped by 21% using a static friction compensation. A secure grasping condition was achieved, in spite of this error, by applying a sufficiently large margin from the slip boundary.

Conclusions

With a simple and practical design, the instrument enjoys affordability, versatility and autoclave sterilizability for clinical usage, with an acceptable performance for being used in an auto‐grasping control scheme. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structured training and competence assessment in colorectal robotic surgery. Results of a consensus experts round table
Authors: Petz Wanda , Spinoglio Giuseppe , Choi Gyu Seog , Parvaiz Amjad , Santiago Cesar , Marecik Slawomir , Giulianotti Pier Cristoforo , Bianchi Paolo Pietro
Published: January 2016

Background

A structured training is a key element for the learning of techniques with a high level of complexity, such as robotic colorectal surgery.

Methods

This study reports the results of an expert consensus round table held during the 6th Clinical Robotic Surgery Association (CRSA) congress, focusing on recommendations in robotic colorectal surgery.

Results

Three sequential steps are proposed for training: a basic module, to learn basic robotic skills and general competencies; an advanced module, to acquire skills to safely perform a colorectal resection, and tutored clinical practice providing procedures of increasing complexity.

Each specific skill of the basic module and performance of each surgical step of a colorectal procedure was evaluated and rated from 1 to 3.

Conclusions

Defining requirements to begin robotic colorectal activity, delineation of structured training programs and objectification of the acquired competences are key elements for a safe and efficient learning of robotic colorectal surgery. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comprehensive structural analysis of halogenated sucrose derivatives: Revisiting the reactivity of sucrose primary alcohols
Authors: Tachrim Zetryana Puteri , Wang Lei , Yoshida Takuma , Muto Miho , Nakamura Tadashi , Masuda Katsuyoshi , Hashidoko Yasuyuki , Hashimoto Makoto
Published: January 2016

Regioselective halogenations of sucrose primary alcohols can simplify the synthesis of carbohydrate‐based products. The Appel reaction, using carbon tetrahalide (CBr4 or CCl4) and triphenylphosphine, offers efficient conversion of primary hydroxyl groups to halide. Previous halogenation of sucrose with limited amounts of Appel reagent gave obscure result—regarding the halogenation selectivity of sucrose primary alcohols at 6‐ and 6′‐ position. Within careful purification of its per‐O‐acetylated form, re‐subjection of sucrose into Appel reaction resulted in two mono‐ and one dihalogenated products only at 6‐ and/or 6′‐position. Extensive NMR analyses support the revision of previous literature's assignments. Comprehensive analysis of each monohalogenated sucrose at the primary position, including the first reported 1′‐monohalogenated sucrose derivatives synthesis via regioselective enzymic deacetylation, provided halogenation of sucrose primary alcohols by the Appel reaction followed the order of 6>6′≫1′.
Structure, Delamination and Luminescence of Layered Dysprosium Hydroxides and the Generation of White Light with 2D Crystals
Authors: Wang Xinying , Feng Pingping , Zhao Yushuang , Li Ji‐Guang , Yang Xiaojing
Published: January 2016

Layered dysprosium hydroxides intercalated with dodecyl sulfate ions (DS−LDyHs) have been synthesized using homogenous precipitation technique. Unlike the previously reported DS− intercalated layered europium hydroxides (DS−‐LEuHs) and layered terbium hydroxides (DS−‐LTbHs), the resultant DS−‐LDyHs have mixed host layers of m=1 and m=2 according to the general formula of Dy2(OH)6‐m(Ax−)m/x⋅nH2O. Due to charge difference, the m=1 and 2 types of layers have different basal spacings of ∼28 and ∼34 Å, corresponding to a monolayer and an alternating antiparallel arrangements of DS− in the interlayers, respectively. Unlike their precursors, the 2D crystals exhibit strong 4F9/2→6H13/2 hypersensitive emissions of Dy3+, making them more applicable to the generation of white‐bluish lights. The nanosheets also have longer fluorescence lifetime than precursor for 480 nm emission of Dy3+. Colloidal hybrids were prepared by mixing a suspension of the nanosheets of DS−‐LDyHs, DS−‐LEuHs and DS−‐LTbHs to achieve color‐tuning in the white‐light region under excitations at 284, 318, and 377 nm.
CeCl3⋅7H2O‐NaI Promoted Regioselective Sulfenylation of Indoles with Sulfonylhydrazides
Authors: Nookaraju U. , Begari Eeshwaraiah , Yetra Ravikiran Reddy , Kumar Pradeep
Published: January 2016

A simple and highly efficient method has been developed for the regioselective sulfenylation of a wide variety of indoles with alkyl and aryl sulfonylhydrazides as a sulphur source and CeCl3⋅7H2O‐NaI as an inexpensive and readily available reagent system. This method involves the breaking of sulfur–oxygen and sulfur–nitrogen bonds and making of carbon‐sulfur bond. The method provides high yields of the products with enhanced regioselectivity. We studied the reactivity of various electron rich and electron deficient indoles towards the sulfenylation reaction. The indoles containing electron donating group reacts fast towards the sulfenylation reaction as compared to the indoles containing electron withdrawing groups. More over functional groups like alkoxy, aryloxy, bromo, nitro, cyano, ester, were well tolerated under the established reaction conditions. We also proposed a plausible mechanism for this transformation. The experimental simplicity and environmentally benign nature of the reagent system makes this method an attractive alternative to established methods.
Delay Between Onset of Symptoms and Surgery in Acute Appendicitis Increases Perioperative Morbidity: A Prospective Study
Authors: Saar Sten , Talving Peep , Laos Juhan , Põdramägi Taavi , Sokirjanski Maksim , Lustenberger Thomas , Lam Lydia , Lepner Urmas
Published: January 2016

Background

Despite significant progress in surgery, controversy persists about timing of appendectomy. Objective of this prospective observational study was to determine associations between time interval from onset of symptoms in appendicitis to appendectomy and postoperative complications.

Methods

After institutional review board approval, all adult consecutive patients subjected to emergency appendectomy between 1/9/2013 and 1/12/2014 were prospectively enrolled. Data collection included demographics, open vs. laparoscopic appendectomy, comprehensive complication index (CCI), and 30‐day follow‐up. To determine time‐dependent associations between delay of surgery and complications all patients were stratified into subgroups based on 12‐h time intervals from onset of abdominal pain to surgery. Primary outcome was complications per CCI in correlation to delay from symptoms to appendectomy. Secondary outcomes included duration of surgery, hospital length of stay (HLOS), and incidence of complication within 30‐day follow‐up.

Results

A total of 266 patients with a mean age of 35.4 ± 14.8 years met inclusion criteria. Overall, 83.1 % of patients were subjected to laparoscopic appendectomy. Delay to surgery in 12‐h increments showed stepwise‐adjusted increase in complications per CCI (adj. P = 0.037). Also, delay to appendectomy increased significantly duration of surgery and HLOS, respectively (adj. P < 0.001 and adj. P < 0.001). Overall, 5.7 % of patients developed a surgical site infection after hospital discharge.

Conclusion

Extended time interval from the onset of initial symptoms to appendectomy is associated with increased complications per CCI, duration of surgery, and HLOS in acute appendicitis. Prompt appendectomy in acute appendicitis is warranted.
OPTIMAL DIVIDEND AND REINSURANCE STRATEGIES WITH FINANCING AND LIQUIDATION VALUE
Authors: Yao Dingjun , Yang Hailiang , Wang Rongming
Published: January 2016

This study investigates a combined optimal financing, reinsurance and dividend distribution problem for a big insurance portfolio. A manager can control the surplus by buying proportional reinsurance, paying dividends and raising money dynamically. The transaction costs and liquidation values at bankruptcy are included in the risk model. Under the objective of maximising the insurance company's value, we identify the insurer's joint optimal strategies using stochastic control methods. The results reveal that managers should consider financing if and only if the terminal value and the transaction costs are not too high, less reinsurance is bought when the surplus increases or dividends are always distributed using the barrier strategy.
Of Corporations, Courts, Personhood, and Morality
Authors: Blair Margaret M.
Published: January 2016

Since the dawn of capitalism, corporations have been regarded by the law as separate legal “persons.” Corporate “personhood” has nonetheless remained controversial, and our understanding of corporate personhood often influences our thinking about the social responsibilities of corporations. This essay, written in honor of Prof. Thomas Donaldson, explores the tension in recent decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court and the Delaware Chancery Court about what corporations are, whose interests they serve, and who gets to make decisions about what they do. These decisions suggest that the law does not unequivocally support Donaldson’s vision of corporations as “moral” persons.
Experimental survey of linear and nonlinear inertial waves and wave instabilities in a spherical shell
Authors: Hoff Michael , Harlander U. , Egbers C.
Published: January 2016

We experimentally study linear and nonlinear inertial waves in a spherical shell with a radius ratio of${\it\eta}=1/3$. The shell rotates with a mean angular velocity${\it\Omega}_{0}$around its vertical axis. This rotation is overlaid by a time-periodic libration of the inner sphere in the range$0<{\it\omega}_{lib}<2{\it\Omega}_{0}$to excite inertial waves with a defined frequency. In the first part, we investigate linear inertial waves. The influence of the libration amplitude and the libration frequency on the waves and further the efficiency of the forcing to excite linear inertial waves will be discussed. For this, qualitative data from Kalliroscope visualisation in a meridional laser plane, as well as quantitative particle image velocimetry (PIV) data in a horizontal plane, have been analysed. A simple two-dimensional ray-tracing model is applied for the meridional plane to interpret the visualisations with respect to energy focusing and wave attractors. For sufficiently high/low libration amplitudes/frequencies, the Stewartson layer, a vertical shear layer tangential to the inner sphere’s equator, becomes unstable. This so-called ‘supercritical’ regime, where centrifugal and shear instabilities occur, allows for nonlinear wave coupling. PIV analyses in the horizontal laser plane in the corotating frame show low-frequency structures that correspond to Rossby-wave instabilities of the Stewartson layer. Some of these are travelling retrograde and are trapped near the Stewartson layer, others are travelling prograde filling the whole gap outside the Stewartson layer. Since libration can be viewed as a time-periodic variation of differential rotation, we assume that these two different structures are related to either the retrograde$(Ro_{d}<0)$or the prograde$(Ro_{d}>0)$phase of the libration cycle. The experimental results confirm theoretical, numerical as well as other experimental studies on Stewartson-layer instabilities.
Influence of “traveling” youth and substance use behaviors in the social networks of homeless youth
Authors: YOUNG UM MEE , RICE ERIC , RHOADES HARMONY , WINETROBE HAILEY , BRACKEN NATALIE
Published: January 2016

Traveling homeless youth (i.e., youth who migrate from city to city, after a short period of time) exhibit elevated levels of risky substance use behaviors compared to non-traveling youth. Using sociometric data, we examined the characteristics of homeless youth who are connected to at least one traveler and how at least one connection to travelers was associated with substance use of travelers and non-travelers. Data were collected from 386 homeless youth at two drop-in centers in Los Angeles, CA. Results indicated that, comparing to what would be expected by chance, youth who reported at least one connection to travelers were more likely to use substances, more travelers reported at least one tie to another traveler, and more substance-using travelers reported at least one tie to other substance-using travelers. Multivariate analyses revealed that binge drinking and marijuana use were associated with homeless youth reporting connections to at least one substance-using traveler. Injection drug use was associated with reporting at least one connection to an injection drug user, regardless of traveler status, once we controlled for demographic characteristics and traveler status. We suggest the need for substance-using traveler-specific services using brief one-on-one interventions to prevent further engagement in risky substance use.
The Soundproofed Superpower: American Bases and Japanese Communities, 1945–1972
Authors: Kovner Sarah
Published: January 2016

American military bases and the protests they have elicited have had a major impact on Japanese political culture. But after the end of the formal Occupation, and outside the territory immediately affected, the cultural consequences of the U.S. military presence are much less clear. This article offers a synthetic analysis that integrates diplomatic and social history and relates the strategies of U.S. policymakers to those of anti-base activists. It shows how much the base system has changed over time and how protests have long focused on the same issues, especially sex work and sexual violence, territorial disputes, and nuclear weapons. In each case, Washington and Tokyo worked together to insulate Japanese society, which made it easier for Japanese men and women to tolerate the bases and easier for U.S. servicemen to live within them.
Glue ear: how good is the information on the World Wide Web?
Authors: Ritchie L , Tornari C , Patel P M , Lakhani R
Published: January 2016

Objective:

This paper objectively evaluates current information available to the general public related to glue ear on the World Wide Web.

Methods:

The term ‘glue ear’ was typed into the 3 most frequently used internet search engines – Google, Bing and Yahoo – and the first 20 links were analysed. The first 400 words of each page were used to calculate the Flesch–Kincaid readability score. Each website was subsequently graded using the Discern instrument, which gauges quality and content of literature.

Results:

The websites Webmd.boots.com, Bupa.co.uk and Patient.co.uk received the highest overall scores. These reflected top scores in either readability or Discern instrument assessment, but not both. Readability and Discern scores increased with the presence of a marketing or advertising incentive. The Patient.co.uk website had the highest Discern score and third highest readability score.

Conclusion:

There is huge variation in the quality of information available to patients on the internet. Some websites may be accessible to a wide range of reading ages but have poor quality content, and vice versa. Clinicians should be aware of indicators of quality, and use validated instruments to assess and recommend literature.
Antidepressant use and work-related injuries
Authors: Kouvonen A. , Vahtera J. , Pentti J. , Korhonen M. J. , Oksanen T. , Salo P. , Virtanen M. , Kivimäki M.
Published: January 2016

Background

Adverse effects of antidepressants are most common at the beginning of the treatment, but possible also later. We examined the association between antidepressant use and work-related injuries taking into account the duration of antidepressant use.

Method

Antidepressant use and work-related injuries between 2000 and 2011 were measured among 66 238 employees (mean age 43.8 years, 80% female) using linkage to national records (the Finnish Public Sector study). We analysed data using time-dependent modelling with individuals as their own controls (self-controlled case-series design).

Results

In 2238 individuals who had used antidepressants and had a work-related injury during a mean follow-up of 7.8 years, no increase in the risk of injury was observed in the beginning of antidepressant treatment. However, an increased injury risk was seen after 3 months of treatment (rate ratio, compared with no recent antidepressant use, 1.27, 95% confidence interval 1.10–1.48). This was also the case among those who had used only selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (n = 714; rate ratio 1.41, 95% confidence interval 1.08–1.83).

Conclusions

Antidepressant use was not associated with an increased risk of work-related injury at the beginning of treatment. Post-hoc analyses of antidepressant trials are needed to determine whether long-term use of antidepressants increases the risk of work-related injury.
Bullying victimization in adolescence and psychotic symptomatology in adulthood: evidence from a 35-year study
Authors: Boden J. M. , van Stockum S. , Horwood L. J. , Fergusson D. M.
Published: January 2016

Background

There has been considerable recent interest in possible causal linkages between exposure to bullying victimization and later psychotic symptomatology. Prior research in this area has had several limitations which make it difficult to ascertain causality, and to determine the extent to which these effects extend beyond adolescence.

Method

Data were obtained from the Christchurch Health and Development Study, a 35-year study of a longitudinal birth cohort. This investigation used generalized estimating equation modelling to estimate the associations between bullying victimization (ages 13–16 years) and psychotic symptoms (ages 18–35 years), before and after controlling for possible confounding factors, including: gender; childhood socio-economic status; child intelligence quotient; exposure to sexual abuse in childhood; anxious/withdrawn behaviour and attention problems (ages 7–9 years); and adolescent psychotic symptoms and paranoid ideation (ages 15–16 years).

Results

There was a significant (p < 0.0001) bivariate association between bullying victimization in adolescence and psychotic symptomatology in adulthood. Successive models controlling for covariation reduced this association to statistical non-significance. After controlling for covariates, those with the highest level of bullying victimization had rates of psychotic symptoms that were 1.21 (95% confidence interval 0.73–1.99) times higher than those who were not victimized.

Conclusions

The association between bullying victimization in adolescence and psychotic symptomatology in adulthood could be largely explained by childhood behavioural problems, and exposure to sexual abuse in childhood. The results suggest that bullying victimization was unlikely to have been a cause of adult psychotic symptoms, but bullying victimization remained a risk marker for these symptoms.
Another look at πίστις Χριστοῦ
Authors: Hooker Morna D.
Published: January 2016

The debate regarding the meaning of πίστις Χριστοῦ in the Pauline epistles continues and is important because of its implications for theology. In the phrase there is a double ambiguity, which touches not only the significance of the genitive, but also the meaning of πίστις. A brief look at some key texts in Romans suggests that the phrase refers primarily to the faith/faithfulness of Christ, but that this is also something shared by those who are ‘in Christ’. Through Christ God has done what the law could not do, enabling men and women to become his children, and so share not only in Christ's faith but in what he is. The phrase thus represents the ‘delicate balance between human behaviour and divine grace’ that characterises Paul's soteriology.
It's Baaaack: Zeroing, the US Department of Commerce, andUS‒Shrimp II (Viet Nam)
Authors: HARTIGAN JAMES C.
Published: January 2016

In itsFinal Modification for Reviewsthe US DOC announced on 14 February 2012 that it would cease the use of zeroing in the calculation of anti-dumping (AD) margins in all reviews as of 16 April 2012. However, it did not pertain to targeted dumping. In itsFinal Ruleof 22 April 2014, it codified substantial discretion in calculating AD duties, including the use of zeroing, in targeted dumping. Thus the panel inUS‒Shrimp II (Viet Nam)erred in not finding ‘as such’ inconsistency by the US with the AD Agreement, despite this not being a targeted dumping complaint. Given the record of the US in complying with zeroing petitions, it should have incurred the burden of proof, which is not satisfied by these pronouncements. Market structure should be used by panels in ‘as applied’ inconsistency determinations. Viet Nam should have included an Article 3 violation in its complaint.
The Inner Geographies of a Migrant Gateway: Mapping the Built Environment and the Dynamics of Caribbean Mobility in Manchester, 1951–2011
Authors: Brown Laurence , Cunningham Niall
Published: January 2016

Between the 1960s and 1990s a series of urban redevelopment projects in Manchester radically transformed ethnic settlement in the city. The ward of Moss Side, which had been a gateway for Caribbean and African immigrants, experienced repeated slum clearances in which whole communities were relocated and large tracts of housing stock were demolished and redesigned. The relationship between these physical and demographic changes has been overshadowed by the persisting stigmatization of Moss Side as a racialized “ghetto,” which has meant that outsiders have constructed the area as possessing a fixed and homogenous identity. This article uses geographic information systems in conjunction with local surveys and archival records to explore how the dynamics of immigrant mobility within Moss Side were shaped by housing stock, external racism, family strategies, and urban policy. Whereas scholarship on ethnic segregation in Britain has focused on the internal migration of ethnic groups between administrative areas, using areal interpolation to connect demographic data and the built environment reveals the intense range of movements that developed within the variegated urban landscape of Moss Side.
Socioeconomic Attainment in the Ellis Island Era
Authors: White Michael J. , Mullen Erica Jade
Published: January 2016

Contemporary discussions of immigrant assimilation in the United States often take the experience of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries as a benchmark, yet significant gaps remain in our understanding of the generality and rate of immigrant progress during that era. Using four decades of Integrated Public Use Microdata Samples census microdata, we utilize both ordinary least squares microdata regression and double cohort methodology to examine socioeconomic assimilation across arrival cohort and country of origin during the Ellis Island era. Our results show, contrary to some writing, that while the first generation (the foreign born) exhibit decidedly inferior labor market outcomes, socioeconomic attainment (measured by Socio-Economic Index points) increased quickly with duration in the United States. Persons of the second generation and those of mixed parentage show much less penalty than immigrants. At the same time, we uncover differences in outcome by European region that do not disappear over the decades we examine.
Editor's Introduction to Volume 40, Issue 1
Authors: McCants Anne EC
Published: January 2016

With this issue, Social Science History begins its fortieth year of publication. The journal is also in its second year of publication with Cambridge University Press. So this seems an especially propitious moment to take stock of who we are and how we conceive of our mission, to both our parent organization and to the wider world of interdisciplinary scholarly inquiry. Since our founding in 1976, the journal remains firmly rooted in the organizational and intellectual apparatus of the Social Science History Association (SSHA). We embrace the cross-disciplinary and grassroots “network” structure of the annual meetings in forming our Editorial Board, with its rotating membership and diverse representation from across the historical and social science disciplines. We actively seek out new scholarship, as well as encourage SSHA members to propose special issues that address a common theme or scholarly question from multiple disciplinary points of view and address different places and time periods. But we also remain fundamentally historical in our purview, dedicated to “improv[ing] the quality of historical explanation in every manner possible, but particularly by encouraging the selective use and adaptation in historical . . . research of relevant theories and methods from related disciplines, particularly the social sciences.”
Shugoshin forms a specialized chromatin domain at subtelomeres that regulates transcription and replication timing
Authors: Tashiro Sanki , Handa Tetsuya , Matsuda Atsushi , Ban Takuto , Takigawa Toru , Miyasato Kazumi , Ishii Kojiro , Kugou Kazuto , Ohta Kunihiro , Hiraoka Yasushi , Masukata Hisao , Kanoh Junko
Published: January 2016

A chromosome is composed of structurally and functionally distinct domains. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the formation of chromatin structure and the function of subtelomeres, the telomere-adjacent regions, remain obscure. Here we report the roles of the conserved centromeric protein Shugoshin 2 (Sgo2) in defining chromatin structure and functions of the subtelomeres in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. We show that Sgo2 localizes at the subtelomeres preferentially during G2 phase and is essential for the formation of a highly condensed subtelomeric chromatin body ‘knob’. Furthermore, the absence of Sgo2 leads to the derepression of the subtelomeric genes and premature DNA replication at the subtelomeric late origins. Thus, the subtelomeric specialized chromatin domain organized by Sgo2 represses both transcription and replication to ensure proper gene expression and replication timing.
Membrane potential shapes regulation of dopamine transporter trafficking at the plasma membrane
Authors: Richardson Ben D. , Saha Kaustuv , Krout Danielle , Cabrera Elizabeth , Felts Bruce , Henry L. Keith , Swant Jarod , Zou Mu-Fa , Newman Amy Hauck , Khoshbouei Habibeh
Published: January 2016

The dopaminergic system is essential for cognitive processes, including reward, attention and motor control. In addition to DA release and availability of synaptic DA receptors, timing and magnitude of DA neurotransmission depend on extracellular DA-level regulation by the dopamine transporter (DAT), the membrane expression and trafficking of which are highly dynamic. Data presented here from real-time TIRF (TIRFM) and confocal microscopy coupled with surface biotinylation and electrophysiology suggest that changes in the membrane potential alone, a universal yet dynamic cellular property, rapidly alter trafficking of DAT to and from the surface membrane. Broadly, these findings suggest that cell-surface DAT levels are sensitive to membrane potential changes, which can rapidly drive DAT internalization from and insertion into the cell membrane, thus having an impact on the capacity for DAT to regulate extracellular DA levels.
The architecture of the Schizosaccharomyces pombe CCR4-NOT complex
Authors: Ukleja Marta , Cuellar Jorge , Siwaszek Aleksandra , Kasprzak Joanna M. , Czarnocki-Cieciura Mariusz , Bujnicki Janusz M. , Dziembowski Andrzej , M. Valpuesta Jose
Published: January 2016

CCR4-NOT is a large protein complex present both in cytoplasm and the nucleus of eukaryotic cells. Although it is involved in a variety of distinct processes related to expression of genetic information such as poly(A) tail shortening, transcription regulation, nuclear export and protein degradation, there is only fragmentary information available on some of its nine subunits. Here we show a comprehensive structural characterization of the native CCR4-NOT complex from Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Our cryo-EM 3D reconstruction of the complex, combined with techniques such as immunomicroscopy, RNA-nanogold labelling, docking of the available high-resolution structures and models of different subunits and domains, allow us to propose its full molecular architecture. We locate all functionally defined domains endowed with deadenylating and ubiquitinating activities, the nucleus-specific RNA-interacting subunit Mmi1, as well as surfaces responsible for protein–protein interactions. This information provides insight into cooperation of the different CCR4-NOT complex functions.
Evolutionary signals of selection on cognition from the great tit genome and methylome
Authors: Laine Veronika N. , Gossmann Toni I. , Schachtschneider Kyle M. , Garroway Colin J. , Madsen Ole , Verhoeven Koen J. F. , de Jager Victor , Megens Hendrik-Jan , Warren Wesley C. , Minx Patrick , Crooijmans Richard P. M. A. , Corcoran Pádraic ,   The Great Tit HapMap Consortium, Adriaensen Frank , Belda Eduardo , Bushuev Andrey , Cichon Mariusz , Charmantier Anne , Dingemanse Niels , Doligez Blandine , Eeva Tapio , Erikstad Kjell Einar , Fedorov Slava , Hau Michaela , Hille Sabine , Hinde Camilla , Kempenaers Bart , Kerimov Anvar , Krist Milos , Mand Raivo , Matthysen Erik , Nager Reudi , Norte Claudia , Orell Markku , Richner Heinz , Slagsvold Tore , Tilgar Vallo , Tinbergen Joost , Torok Janos , Tschirren Barbara , Yuta Tera , Sheldon Ben C. , Slate Jon , Zeng Kai , van Oers Kees , Visser Marcel E. , Groenen Martien A. M.
Published: January 2016

For over 50 years, the great tit (Parus major) has been a model species for research in evolutionary, ecological and behavioural research; in particular, learning and cognition have been intensively studied. Here, to provide further insight into the molecular mechanisms behind these important traits, we de novo assemble a great tit reference genome and whole-genome re-sequence another 29 individuals from across Europe. We show an overrepresentation of genes related to neuronal functions, learning and cognition in regions under positive selection, as well as increased CpG methylation in these regions. In addition, great tit neuronal non-CpG methylation patterns are very similar to those observed in mammals, suggesting a universal role in neuronal epigenetic regulation which can affect learning-, memory- and experience-induced plasticity. The high-quality great tit genome assembly will play an instrumental role in furthering the integration of ecological, evolutionary, behavioural and genomic approaches in this model species.
Functional annotation of rare gene aberration drivers of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Tsang Yiu Huen , Dogruluk Turgut , Tedeschi Philip M. , Wardwell-Ozgo Joanna , Lu Hengyu , Espitia Maribel , Nair Nikitha , Minelli Rosalba , Chong Zechen , Chen Fengju , Chang Qing Edward , Dennison Jennifer B. , Dogruluk Armel , Li Min , Ying Haoqiang , Bertino Joseph R. , Gingras Marie-Claude , Ittmann Michael , Kerrigan John , Chen Ken , Creighton Chad J. , Eterovic Karina , Mills Gordon B. , Scott Kenneth L.
Published: January 2016

As we enter the era of precision medicine, characterization of cancer genomes will directly influence therapeutic decisions in the clinic. Here we describe a platform enabling functionalization of rare gene mutations through their high-throughput construction, molecular barcoding and delivery to cancer models for in vivo tumour driver screens. We apply these technologies to identify oncogenic drivers of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). This approach reveals oncogenic activity for rare gene aberrations in genes including NAD Kinase (NADK), which regulates NADP(H) homeostasis and cellular redox state. We further validate mutant NADK, whose expression provides gain-of-function enzymatic activity leading to a reduction in cellular reactive oxygen species and tumorigenesis, and show that depletion of wild-type NADK in PDAC cell lines attenuates cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo. These data indicate that annotating rare aberrations can reveal important cancer signalling pathways representing additional therapeutic targets.
Controllable high-fidelity quantum state transfer and entanglement generation in circuit QED
Authors: Xu Peng , Yang Xu-Chen , Mei Feng , Xue Zheng-Yuan
Published: January 2016

We propose a scheme to realize controllable quantum state transfer and entanglement generation among transmon qubits in the typical circuit QED setup based on adiabatic passage. Through designing the time-dependent driven pulses applied on the transmon qubits, we find that fast quantum sate transfer can be achieved between arbitrary two qubits and quantum entanglement among the qubits also can also be engineered. Furthermore, we numerically analyzed the influence of the decoherence on our scheme with the current experimental accessible systematical parameters. The result shows that our scheme is very robust against both the cavity decay and qubit relaxation, the fidelities of the state transfer and entanglement preparation process could be very high. In addition, our scheme is also shown to be insensitive to the inhomogeneous of qubit-resonator coupling strengths.
Boosting spin-caloritronic effects by attractive correlations in molecular junctions
Authors: Weymann Ireneusz
Published: January 2016

In nanoscopic systems quantum confinement and interference can lead to an enhancement of thermoelectric properties as compared to conventional bulk materials. For nanostructures, such as molecules or quantum dots coupled to external leads, the thermoelectric figure of merit can reach or even exceed unity. Moreover, in the presence of external magnetic field or when the leads are ferromagnetic, an applied temperature gradient can generate a spin voltage and an associated spin current flow in the system, which makes such nanostructures particularly interesting for future thermoelectric applications. In this study, by using the numerical renormalization group method, we examine the spin-dependent thermoelectric transport properties of a molecular junction involving an orbital level with attractive Coulomb correlations coupled to ferromagnetic leads. We analyze how attractive correlations affect the spin-resolved transport properties of the system and find a nontrivial dependence of the conductance and tunnel magnetoresistance on the strength and sign of those correlations. We also demonstrate that attractive correlations can lead to an enhancement of the spin thermopower and the figure of merit, which can be controlled by a gate voltage.
Association between Carotid Intima-Media Thickness and Cognitive Impairment in a Chinese Stroke Population: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Yue Wei , Wang Anxin , Liang Hui , Hu Fengyun , Zhang Yunshu , Deng Meiying , Li Tong , Hu Xiao , Ye Zhenxuan , Shen Ying , Ji Yong
Published: January 2016

This study aimed to investigate the potential associations between carotid intima-media thickness and cognitive impairment among patients with acute ischemic stroke and to identify the clinical implications. We measured carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and performed the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) upon the admission of 1,826 acute ischemic stroke patients. The association between IMT and cognitive impairment evaluated by the MMSE was assessed with a multivariate regression analysis. Other clinical variables of interest were also assessed. After adjusting for potential confounders, participants in the highest IMT quartile had a higher likelihood of having cognitive impairments compared with the lowest IMT quartile (odds ratio: 3.01, 95% confidence interval: 2.07–4.37, p < 0.001). Stratified analyses indicated that this positive correlation was similar for the maxIMT and meanIMT of carotid artery measurements. A positive correlation was found between IMT and cognitive impairment in participants with acute ischemic stroke.
Phylogeographic analysis of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus from Zhoushan Islands, China: implication for transmission across the ocean
Authors: Fu Yongfeng , Li Shibo , Zhang Zhao , Man Suqin , Li Xueping , Zhang Wenhong , Zhang Chiyu , Cheng Xunjia
Published: January 2016

From June 2011 to August 2014, 21 cases of infection by severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome bunyavirus (SFTSV) were confirmed in Zhoushan Islands in the Eastern coast of China. To identify the source of SFTSV in Zhoushan Islands, the whole SFTSV genomes were amplified and sequenced from 17 of 21 patients. The L, M and S genomic segments of these SFTSV strains were phylogenetically analyzed together with those of 188 SFTSV strains available from GenBank. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated SFTSV could be classified into six genotypes. The genotypes F, A and D were dominant in mainland China. Additionally, seven types of SFTSV genetic reassortants (abbreviated as AFA, CCD, DDF, DFD, DFF, FAF and FFA for the L, M and S segments) were identified from 10 strains in mainland China. Genotype B was dominant in Zhoushan Islands, Japan and South Korea, but not found in mainland China. Phylogeographic analysis also revealed South Korea possible be the origin area for genotype B and transmitted into Japan and Zhoushan islands in the later part of 20th century. Therefore, we propose that genotype B isolates were probable transmitted from South Korea to Japan and Zhoushan Islands.
Orbital Delocalization and Enhancement of Magnetic Interactions in Perovskite Oxyhydrides
Authors: Liu Kai , Hou Yusheng , Gong Xingao , Xiang Hongjun
Published: January 2016

Recent experiments showed that some perovskite oxyhydrides have surprisingly high magnetic-transition temperature. In order to unveil the origin of this interesting phenomenon, we investigate the magnetism in SrCrO2H and SrVO2H on the basis of first-principles calculations and Monte Carlo simulations. Our work indicates that the Cr-O-Cr superexchange interaction in SrCrO2H is unexpectedly strong. Different from the previous explanation in terms of the H− ion substitution induced increase of the Cr-O-Cr bond angle, we reveal instead that this is mainly because the 3d orbitals in perovskite oxyhydrides becomes more delocalized since H− ions have weaker electronegativity and less electrons than O2− ions. The delocalized 3d orbitals result in stronger Cr-O interactions and enhance the magnetic-transition temperature. This novel mechanism is also applicable to the case of SrVO2H. Furthermore, we predict that SrFeO2H will have unprecedented high Neel temperature because of the extraordinarily strong Fe-H-Fe σ-type interactions. Our work suggests the anion substitution can be used to effectively manipulate the magnetic properties of perovskite compounds.
Evaluation of children with ADHD on the Ball-Search Field Task
Authors: Rosetti Marcos F. , Ulloa Rosa E. , Vargas-Vargas Ilse L. , Reyes-Zamorano Ernesto , Palacios-Cruz Lino , de la Peña Francisco , Larralde Hernán , Hudson Robyn
Published: January 2016

Searching, defined for the purpose of the present study as the displacement of an individual to locate resources, is a fundamental behavior of all mobile organisms. In humans this behavior underlies many aspects of everyday life, involving cognitive processes such as sustained attention, memory and inhibition. We explored the performance of 36 treatment-free children diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and 132 children from a control school sample on the ecologically based ball-search field task (BSFT), which required them to locate and collect golf balls in a large outdoor area. Children of both groups enjoyed the task and were motivated to participate in it. However, performance showed that ADHD-diagnosed subjects were significantly less efficient in their searching. We suggest that the BSFT provides a promising basis for developing more complex ecologically-derived tests that might help to better identify particular cognitive processes and impairments associated with ADHD.
Structural Insights into the Quaternary Catalytic Mechanism of Hexameric Human Quinolinate Phosphoribosyltransferase, a Key Enzyme in de novo NAD Biosynthesis
Authors: Youn Hyung-Seop , Kim Tae Gyun , Kim Mun-Kyoung , Kang Gil Bu , Kang Jung Youn , Lee Jung-Gyu , An Jun Yop , Park Kyoung Ryoung , Lee Young jin , Im Young Jun , Lee Jun Hyuck , Eom Soo Hyun
Published: January 2016

Quinolinate phosphoribosyltransferase (QPRT) catalyses the production of nicotinic acid mononucleotide, a precursor of de novo biosynthesis of the ubiquitous coenzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. QPRT is also essential for maintaining the homeostasis of quinolinic acid in the brain, a possible neurotoxin causing various neurodegenerative diseases. Although QPRT has been extensively analysed, the molecular basis of the reaction catalysed by human QPRT remains unclear. Here, we present the crystal structures of hexameric human QPRT in the apo form and its complexes with reactant or product. We found that the interaction between dimeric subunits was dramatically altered during the reaction process by conformational changes of two flexible loops in the active site at the dimer-dimer interface. In addition, the N-terminal short helix α1 was identified as a critical hexamer stabilizer. The structural features, size distribution, heat aggregation and ITC studies of the full-length enzyme and the enzyme lacking helix α1 strongly suggest that human QPRT acts as a hexamer for cooperative reactant binding via three dimeric subunits and maintaining stability. Based on our comparison of human QPRT structures in the apo and complex forms, we propose a drug design strategy targeting malignant glioma.
A new basal bird from China with implications for morphological diversity in early birds
Authors: Wang Min , Wang Xiaoli , Wang Yan , Zhou Zhonghe
Published: January 2016

The Chinese Lower Cretaceous Jehol Group is the second oldest fossil bird-bearing deposit, only surpassed by Archaeopteryx from the German Upper Jurassic Solnhofen Limestones. Here we report a new bird, Chongmingia zhengi gen. et sp. nov., from the Jehol Biota. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that Chongmingia zhengi is basal to the dominant Mesozoic avian clades Enantiornithes and Ornithuromorpha and represents a new basal avialan lineage. This new discovery adds to our knowledge regarding the phylogenetic differentiation and morphological diversity in early avian evolution. The furcula of Chongmingia is rigid (reducing its efficiency), consequently requiring more power for flight. However, the elongated forelimb and the large deltopectoral crest on the humerus might indicate that the power was available. The unique combination of features present in this species demonstrates that numerous evolutionary experimentations took place in the early evolution of powered flight. The occurrence of gastroliths further confirms that herbivory was common among basal birds. The Jehol birds faced competition with pterosaurs and occupied sympatric habitats with non-avian theropods, some of which consumed birds. Thus, avialan herbivory may have reduced ecological competition from carnivorous close relatives and other volant vertebrates early in their evolutionary history.
Switchable graphene-substrate coupling through formation/dissolution of an intercalated Ni-carbide layer
Authors: Africh Cristina , Cepek Cinzia , Patera Laerte L. , Zamborlini Giovanni , Genoni Pietro , Menteş Tevfik O. , Sala Alessandro , Locatelli Andrea , Comelli Giovanni
Published: January 2016

Control over the film-substrate interaction is key to the exploitation of graphene’s unique electronic properties. Typically, a buffer layer is irreversibly intercalated “from above” to ensure decoupling. For graphene/Ni(111) we instead tune the film interaction “from below”. By temperature controlling the formation/dissolution of a carbide layer under rotated graphene domains, we reversibly switch graphene’s electronic structure from semi-metallic to metallic. Our results are relevant for the design of controllable graphene/metal interfaces in functional devices.