bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monte Carlo studies of low‐field electron transport in monolayer silicene and graphene
Authors: Borowik Piotr , Thobel Jean‐Luc , Adamowicz Leszek
Published: September 2016

Electron mobility and diffusion coefficients in monolayer silicene and graphene are calculated by Monte Carlo simulations using a simplified band structure with linear energy bands. Temperature evolution of the low‐field mobility and diffusion coefficients is presented. Calculated characteristics of the low‐field mobility in silicene exhibit a 1/T3 dependence for nondegenerate electron gas conditions, which is attributed to dominant acoustic phonon scattering and to the linear band structure of the material. In degenerate conditions, a 1/T dependence is found in silicene. In graphene, there is no such simple power relation since optical and acoustic phonon scattering have comparable influences on electron transport. It is also found that electron–electron scattering only slightly modifies the low‐field electron mobility in a degenerate electron gas.
On martingale tail sums for the path length in random trees
Authors: Sulzbach Henning
Published: September 2016

For a martingale (Xn) converging almost surely to a random variable X, the sequence (Xn– X) is called martingale tail sum. Recently, Neininger (Random Structures Algorithms 46 (2015), 346–361) proved a central limit theorem for the martingale tail sum of Régnier's martingale for the path length in random binary search trees. Grübel and Kabluchko (in press) gave an alternative proof also conjecturing a corresponding law of the iterated logarithm. We prove the central limit theorem with convergence of higher moments and the law of the iterated logarithm for a family of trees containing binary search trees, recursive trees and plane‐oriented recursive trees. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 50, 493–508, 2017
Slack resources, firm performance, and the institutional context: Evidence from privately held European firms
Authors: Vanacker Tom , Collewaert Veroniek , Zahra Shaker A.
Published: September 2016

Research summary: Integrating the behavioral and institutional perspectives, we propose that a country's formal institutions, particularly its legal frameworks, affect managers' deployment of slack resources. Specifically, we explore the moderating effects of creditor and employee rights on the performance effects of slack. Using longitudinal data from 162,633 European private firms in 26 countries, we find that financial slack enhances firm performance at diminishing rates, whereas human resource (HR) slack lowers performance at diminishing rates. However, financial slack has a more positive effect on firm performance in countries with weaker creditor rights, whereas HR slack has a more negative effect on performance in countries with stronger employee rights. The results provide a richer view of the relationship between slack and firm performance than currently assumed in the literature.

Managerial summary: A key dilemma managers often encounter is whether, on the one hand, they should build in excess resources to buffer their firms from internal and external shocks and to pursue new opportunities or whether, on the other hand, they should develop “lean” firms. Our study suggests that excess cash resources—which are usually viewed as easy to redeploy—benefit firm performance, especially when firms operate in countries with weaker creditor rights. However, excess human resources—which are usually viewed as more difficult to redeploy—hamper firm performance, particularly when firms operate in countries with stronger labor protection laws. Thus, the management of slack resources critically depends on the characteristics of these resources (e.g., redeployability) and the institutional context in which managers operate. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Performance‐based durability design, carbonation, part 3: PSF approach and a proposal for the revision of deemed‐to‐satisfy rules
Authors: von Greve‐Dierfeld Stefanie , Gehlen Christoph
Published: September 2016

A performance‐based safety factor durability design format is proposed and developed with respect to carbonation of concrete. Deemed‐to‐satisfy rules based on a partial safety factor design approach are developed for the carbonation of concrete. This design format follows the design procedure proposed in EN 1990 [1]. For the design format, the limit state equation for the carbonation is introduced in its probabilistic and safety factor format. The PSF approach has been used to derive design charts. Values for minimum concrete cover depending on material resistance and exposure class are proposed for critical environmental conditions and a design service life of 50 years.
Averaging effect on stochastic response prediction in FastADR aggregation for building air‐conditioning facilities
Authors: Kondo Shinji , Morikawa Junji , Ninagawa Chuzo
Published: September 2016

This letter reports on the averaging effect on prediction errors of the fast automated demand response (FastADR) power limitation amount calculated by our autoregressive and neural net models for a large number of multi‐type building air‐conditioning facilities. The standard deviation of prediction error variation decreases with the number of FastADR trials according to the rule. This result will be useful for estimating the averaging effect in the prediction of FastADR for a large number of target facilities. © 2016 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Smart grid real‐time pricing optimization management on power consumption of building multi‐type air‐conditioners
Authors: Morikawa Junji , Yamaguchi Takayuki , Ninagawa Chuzo
Published: September 2016

Real‐time pricing will be one of the demand response methods for the future smart grid. Assuming an advanced building energy management system for air‐conditioning facilities in commercial buildings, a simulated annealing optimization that minimizes an evaluation function consisting of power cost and comfort degradation terms is studied. © 2016 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Fensterbierscheiben in the Pena National Palace collection – chemical and iconographic relations
Authors: Coutinho I. , Berger F. , Rodrigues A. , Coutinho M. L. , Machado A. , Alves Luis C. , Vilarigues M.
Published: September 2016

The stained‐glass collection from the Pena National Palace (Sintra, Portugal) includes around 130 ‘rural panels’, also known as Fensterbierscheiben, that were produced between the 16th and 19th centuries. The aim of this investigation is to characterise the glass composition of this collection of Fensterbierscheiben and relate it with the iconographic research made on these panels, in order to establish possible provenance of production. This is the first study on Fensterbierscheiben, where the chemical information of the glass is considered and related with historical information.

The micro‐energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence allowed performing non‐invasive analysis, mostly performed in situ. Micro‐particle‐induced X‐ray emission analysis was performed on the cross section of a small group of fragmented panels for obtaining quantitative chemical composition of the glass. Through the analysis of the colourless glass, and the comparison of micro‐energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence and micro‐particle‐induced X‐ray emission data, it was concluded that the majority of the panes have a high lime low alkali glass composition. Furthermore, the Fensterbierscheiben panes form a cohesive group in terms of composition, suggesting that they were all manufactured with raw materials from the same region. This study also allowed one to observe the chronological evolution in terms of treatments applied to the used raw materials. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Treatment Access and Survival Amongst British Asians with Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Isherwood J. , Bilku D. , Metcalfe M. S. , Dennison A. R. , Garcea G.
Published: September 2016

Introduction

Despite increasingly mixed communities in large cities, there remains a paucity of absolute and comparative data concerning the treatment, access and survival of British Asians with pancreatic cancer.

Methods

A prospective database of 1038 patients with a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer from 2003 to 2012 was analysed. Asian/Asian British was defined as patients identifying themselves as originating from India, Bangladesh or Pakistan.

Results

No significant difference was observed in gender split for both Asian/Asian British and White British (AAB and WB). The incidence of pancreas cancer was also equivalent between the two groups at 8.1 versus 8.8 per 100,000 of the population. Age at presentation was significantly younger in AABs when compared to WBs (67 vs. 70 years, p = 0.003). Whilst median maximal tumour diameter, node status and the incidence of metastases were not different between AABs and WBs, the AABs had a significantly greater median T‐stage (3.0 versus 2.5, p = 0.0024). The percentage of patients referred for chemotherapy was significantly higher in the AAB group (70.5 vs. 47.7 %, p = 0.0015). Overall survival and survival for patients having palliative treatment were significantly greater in AABs (4.6 vs. 6.1 months and 3.7 vs. 5.1 months).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that AAB patients are present with pancreatic cancer at a younger age and that when receiving palliative chemotherapy their survival is significantly better. Further studies and larger data sets over a longer period are required. It is important to examine further the complexity of incidence and survival in ethnic minorities and investigate the underlying reasons when differences are demonstrated.
Sozial-emotionale Kompetenzen hörgeschädigter Kleinkinder
Authors: Hintermair Manfred , Sarimski Klaus , Lang Markus
Published: September 2016

Zusammenfassung. Fragestellung: Hörgeschädigte Kinder sind aufgrund ihres Hörverlusts u. a. auch in ihrer sozial-emotionalen Entwicklung gefährdet. Möglichst frühe Diagnostik ist erforderlich, um rechtzeitig Interventionen einleiten zu können. In der vorliegenden Studie wurden dazu zwei neuere Elternfragebögen erprobt, mit denen die sozial-emotionale Entwicklung von Kleinkindern aus einer Kompetenzperspektive beurteilt werden kann. Methodik: Es wurden Eltern von 128 hörgeschädigten Kleinkindern im Alter zwischen 18 und 36 Monaten mit vorläufigen deutschen Versionen von zwei internationalen Untersuchungsinstrumenten zur Entwicklung ihrer Kinder sowie ihren eigenen erzieherischen Kompetenzen befragt. Ergebnisse: Die Ergebnisse legen neben einer Reihe im Normbereich liegenden Kompetenzen u. a. einige behinderungsspezifische Besonderheiten nahe, die insbesondere die Empathiefähigkeiten und die Beziehungen zu gleichaltrigen Kindern betreffen. Kinder mit zusätzlichen Behinderungen sind in ihrer Entwicklung besonders gefährdet. Die elterliche Responsivität erweist sich als bedeutsam im Zusammenhang mit der Entwicklung sozial-emotionaler Kompetenzen. Schlussfolgerungen: Es werden durch die vorgelegten Daten Ergebnisse aus der Literatur zur Entwicklung und Förderung hörgeschädigter Kinder nachhaltig gestützt. Mit den beiden verwendeten Fragebögen eröffnet sich die Möglichkeit, die Entwicklung sozial-emotionaler Kompetenzen bei hörgeschädigten Kindern schon sehr früh zu erfassen und entsprechende Interventionen einzuleiten. Weiterführende Studien sind indiziert, in denen neben Elterneinschätzungen auch andere Informationsquellen zur Beurteilung herangezogen werden.
Nicht-melanozytärer Hautkrebs
Authors: Barysch Marjam Jeanette
Published: September 2016

Zusammenfassung. Der nicht-melanozytäre Hautkrebs (NMSC) ist der häufigste Krebs weltweit mit stetig zunehmender Inzidenz. Hierzu zählen vor allem das Basalzellkarzinom und das spinozelluläre Karzinom. Die Prävention beinhaltet den UV-Schutz, eventuell unterstützt durch Chemoprophylaxe. Regelmässige Kontrollen sind notwendig (bei Risikogruppen sehr engmaschig), um neue NMSC frühzeitig erkennen und behandeln zu können. Die Therapie besteht üblicherweise in Lokalbehandlung (in situ: nicht-invasiv; invasiv: Totalexzision oder Radiotherapie), in sehr seltenen Fällen ist eine Lymphknotenextirpation, adjuvante Radiotherapie oder eine Systemtherapie notwendig.
Hydrocephalus beim Erwachsenen – die «heilbare» Demenz
Authors: Stieglitz Lennart Henning , Wachter Karen , Regli Luca
Published: September 2016

Zusammenfassung. Das Krankheitsbild des Normaldruckhydrocephalus ist seit 50 Jahren bekannt. Etwa genau so lange existiert mit der Möglichkeit einer internen Liquordrainage durch einen Liquorshunt die Möglichkeit einer effektiven Therapie. Moderne Shuntsysteme lassen sich sehr genau den Bedürfnissen der Patienten anpassen, und die operativen Eingriffe selbst haben nur noch eine sehr geringe Morbidität und Mortalität. Trotzdem wird nur ungefähr jeder zehnte Patient erkannt und einer Behandlung zugeführt. Bei Erfolgsaussichten von über 80% einer signifikanten Reduktion der Beschwerden entsteht für die unbehandelten Patienten, aber auch für die Gesellschaft, ein erheblicher Schaden durch den Verlust der Selbständigkeit und durch vermeidbare Pflegebedürftigkeit. Der Information über dieses Krankheitsbild und Aufklärung über die Abgrenzung gegenüber häufigen Differenzialdiagnosen kommt daher eine zentrale Bedeutung zu.
Mice with a heterozygous Lrp6 deletion have impaired fracture healing
Authors: Burgers Travis A , Vivanco Juan F , Zahatnansky Juraj , Moren Andrew J Vander , Mason James J , Williams Bart O
Published: September 2016

Bone fracture non-unions, the failure of a fracture to heal, occur in 10%–20% of fractures and are a costly and debilitating clinical problem. The Wnt/β-catenin pathway is critical in bone development and fracture healing. Polymorphisms of linking low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6 (LRP6), a Wnt-binding receptor, have been associated with decreased bone mineral density and fragility fractures, although this remains controversial. Mice with a homozygous deletion of Lrp6 have severe skeletal abnormalities and are not viable, whereas mice with a heterozygous deletion have a combinatory effect with Lrp5 to decrease bone mineral density. As fracture healing closely models embryonic skeletal development, we investigated the process of fracture healing in mice heterozygous for Lrp6 (Lrp6+/−) and hypothesized that the heterozygous deletion of Lrp6 would impair fracture healing. Mid-diaphyseal femur fractures were induced in Lrp6+/− mice and wild-type controls (Lrp6+/+). Fractures were analyzed using micro-computed tomography (μCT) scans, biomechanical testing, and histological analysis. Lrp6+/− mice had significantly decreased stiffness and strength at 28 days post fracture (PF) and significantly decreased BV/TV, total density, immature bone density, and mature area within the callus on day-14 and -21 PF; they had significantly increased empty callus area at days 14 and 21 PF. Our results demonstrate that the heterozygous deletion of Lrp6 impairs fracture healing, which suggests that Lrp6 has a role in fracture healing.
Inhibition of BET bromodomain-dependent XIAP and FLIP expression sensitizes KRAS-mutated NSCLC to pro-apoptotic agents
Authors: Klingbeil Olaf , Lesche Ralf , Gelato Kathy A , Haendler Bernard , Lejeune Pascale
Published: September 2016

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has the highest incidence of cancer-related death worldwide and a high medical need for more effective therapies. Small-molecule inhibitors of the bromodomain and extra terminal domain (BET) family such as JQ1, I-BET762 and OTX-015 are active in a wide range of different cancer types, including lung cancer. Although their activity on oncogene expression such as c-Myc has been addressed in many studies, the effects of BET inhibition on the apoptotic pathway remain largely unknown. Here we evaluated the activity of BET bromodomain inhibitors on cell cycle distribution and on components of the apoptosis response. Using a panel of 12 KRAS-mutated NSCLC models, we found that cell lines responsive to BET inhibitors underwent apoptosis and reduced their S-phase population, concomitant with downregulation of c-Myc expression. Conversely, ectopic c-Myc overexpression rescued the anti-proliferative effect of JQ1. In the H1373 xenograft model, treatment with JQ1 significantly reduced tumor growth and downregulated the expression of c-Myc. The effects of BET inhibition on the expression of 370 genes involved in apoptosis were compared in sensitive and resistant cells and we found the expression of the two key apoptosis regulators FLIP and XIAP to be highly BET dependent. Consistent with this, combination treatment of JQ1 with the tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) or the pro-apoptotic chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin enhanced induction of apoptosis in both BET inhibitor sensitive and resistant cells. Further we showed that combination of JQ1 with cisplatin led to significantly improved anti-tumor efficacy in A549 tumor-bearing mice. Altogether, these results show that the identification of BET-dependent genes provides guidance for the choice of drug combinations in cancer treatment. They also demonstrate that BET inhibition primes NSCLC cells for induction of apoptosis and that a combination with pro-apoptotic compounds represents a valuable strategy to overcome treatment resistance.
Metal-encapsulated organolead halide perovskite photocathode for solar-driven hydrogen evolution in water
Authors: Crespo-Quesada Micaela , Pazos-Outón Luis M. , Warnan Julien , Kuehnel Moritz F. , Friend Richard H. , Reisner Erwin
Published: September 2016

Lead-halide perovskites have triggered the latest breakthrough in photovoltaic technology. Despite the great promise shown by these materials, their instability towards water even in the presence of low amounts of moisture makes them, a priori, unsuitable for their direct use as light harvesters in aqueous solution for the production of hydrogen through water splitting. Here, we present a simple method that enables their use in photoelectrocatalytic hydrogen evolution while immersed in an aqueous solution. Field’s metal, a fusible InBiSn alloy, is used to efficiently protect the perovskite from water while simultaneously allowing the photogenerated electrons to reach a Pt hydrogen evolution catalyst. A record photocurrent density of −9.8 mA cm−2 at 0 V versus RHE with an onset potential as positive as 0.95±0.03 V versus RHE is obtained. The photoelectrodes show remarkable stability retaining more than 80% of their initial photocurrent for ∼1 h under continuous illumination.
Neutralizing blood-borne polyphosphate in vivo provides safe thromboprotection
Authors: Labberton Linda , Kenne Ellinor , Long Andy T. , Nickel Katrin F. , Di Gennaro Antonio , Rigg Rachel A. , Hernandez James S. , Butler Lynn , Maas Coen , Stavrou Evi X. , Renné Thomas
Published: September 2016

Polyphosphate is an inorganic procoagulant polymer. Here we develop specific inhibitors of polyphosphate and show that this strategy confers thromboprotection in a factor XII-dependent manner. Recombinant Escherichia coli exopolyphosphatase (PPX) specifically degrades polyphosphate, while a PPX variant lacking domains 1 and 2 (PPX_Δ12) binds to the polymer without degrading it. Both PPX and PPX_Δ12 interfere with polyphosphate- but not tissue factor- or nucleic acid-driven thrombin formation. Targeting polyphosphate abolishes procoagulant platelet activity in a factor XII-dependent manner, reduces fibrin accumulation and impedes thrombus formation in blood under flow. PPX and PPX_Δ12 infusions in wild-type mice interfere with arterial thrombosis and protect animals from activated platelet-induced venous thromboembolism without increasing bleeding from injury sites. In contrast, targeting polyphosphate does not provide additional protection from thrombosis in factor XII-deficient animals. Our data provide a proof-of-concept approach for combating thrombotic diseases without increased bleeding risk, indicating that polyphosphate drives thrombosis via factor XII.
Observational learning computations in neurons of the human anterior cingulate cortex
Authors: Hill Michael R. , Boorman Erie D. , Fried Itzhak
Published: September 2016

When learning from direct experience, neurons in the primate brain have been shown to encode a teaching signal used by algorithms in artificial intelligence: the reward prediction error (PE)—the difference between how rewarding an event is, and how rewarding it was expected to be. However, in humans and other species learning often takes place by observing other individuals. Here, we show that, when humans observe other players in a card game, neurons in their rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC) encode both the expected value of an observed choice, and the PE after the outcome was revealed. Notably, during the same task neurons recorded in the amygdala (AMY) and the rostromedial prefrontal cortex (rmPFC) do not exhibit this type of encoding. Our results suggest that humans learn by observing others, at least in part through the encoding of observational PEs in single neurons in the rACC.
Nanoscopic imaging of thick heterogeneous soft-matter structures in aqueous solution
Authors: Bartsch Tobias F. , Kochanczyk Martin D. , Lissek Emanuel N. , Lange Janina R. , Florin Ernst-Ludwig
Published: September 2016

Precise nanometre-scale imaging of soft structures at room temperature poses a major challenge to any type of microscopy because fast thermal fluctuations lead to significant motion blur if the position of the structure is measured with insufficient bandwidth. Moreover, precise localization is also affected by optical heterogeneities, which lead to deformations in the imaged local geometry, the severity depending on the sample and its thickness. Here we introduce quantitative thermal noise imaging, a three-dimensional scanning probe technique, as a method for imaging soft, optically heterogeneous and porous matter with submicroscopic spatial resolution in aqueous solution. By imaging both individual microtubules and collagen fibrils in a network, we demonstrate that structures can be localized with a precision of ∼10 nm and that their local dynamics can be quantified with 50 kHz bandwidth and subnanometre amplitudes. Furthermore, we show how image distortions caused by optically dense structures can be corrected for.
The evolution of acoustic size exaggeration in terrestrial mammals
Authors: Charlton Benjamin D. , Reby David
Published: September 2016

Recent studies have revealed that some mammals possess adaptations that enable them to produce vocal signals with much lower fundamental frequency (F0) and formant frequency spacing (ΔF) than expected for their size. Although these adaptations are assumed to reflect selection pressures for males to lower frequency components and exaggerate body size in reproductive contexts, this hypothesis has not been tested across a broad range of species. Here we show that male terrestrial mammals produce vocal signals with lower ΔF(but notF0) than expected for their size in mating systems with greater sexual size dimorphism. We also reveal that males produce calls with higher than expectedF0 and ΔFin species with increased sperm competition. This investigation confirms that sexual selection favours the use of ΔFas an acoustic size exaggerator and supports the notion of an evolutionary trade-off between pre-copulatory signalling displays and sperm production.
Experience drives innovation of new migration patterns of whooping cranes in response to global change
Authors: Teitelbaum Claire S. , Converse Sarah J. , Fagan William F. , Böhning-Gaese Katrin , O’Hara Robert B. , Lacy Anne E. , Mueller Thomas
Published: September 2016

Anthropogenic changes in climate and land use are driving changes in migration patterns of birds worldwide. Spatial changes in migration have been related to long-term temperature trends, but the intrinsic mechanisms by which migratory species adapt to environmental change remain largely unexplored. We show that, for a long-lived social species, older birds with more experience are critical for innovating new migration behaviours. Groups containing older, more experienced individuals establish new overwintering sites closer to the breeding grounds, leading to a rapid population-level shift in migration patterns. Furthermore, these new overwintering sites are in areas where changes in climate have increased temperatures and where food availability from agriculture is high, creating favourable conditions for overwintering. Our results reveal that the age structure of populations is critical for the behavioural mechanisms that allow species to adapt to global change, particularly for long-lived animals, where changes in behaviour can occur faster than evolution.
Health status instruments for patients with COPD in pulmonary rehabilitation: defining a minimal clinically important difference
Authors: Alma Harma , de Jong Corina , Jelusic Danijel , Wittmann Michael , Schuler Michael , Blok Bertine Flokstra-de , Kocks Janwillem , Schultz Konrad , Molen Thys van der
Published: September 2016

The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) defines to what extent change on a health status instrument is clinically relevant, which aids scientists and physicians in measuring therapy effects. This is the first study that aimed to establish the MCID of the Clinical chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Questionnaire (CCQ), the COPD Assessment Test (CAT) and the St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) in the same pulmonary rehabilitation population using multiple approaches. In total, 451 COPD patients participated in a 3-week Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) programme (58 years, 65% male, 43 pack-years, GOLD stage II/III/IV 50/39/11%). Techniques used to assess the MCID were anchor-based approaches, including patient-referencing, criterion-referencing and questionnaire-referencing, and the distribution-based methods standard error of measurement (SEM), 1.96SEM and half standard deviation (0.5s.d.). Patient- and criterion-referencing led to MCID estimates of 0.56 and 0.62 (CCQ); 3.12 and 2.96 (CAT); and 8.40 and 9.28 (SGRQ). Questionnaire-referencing suggested MCID ranges of 0.28–0.61 (CCQ), 1.46–3.08 (CAT) and 6.86–9.47 (SGRQ). The SEM, 1.96SEM and 0.5s.d. were 0.29, 0.56 and 0.46 (CCQ); 3.28, 6.43 and 2.80 (CAT); 5.20, 10.19 and 6.06 (SGRQ). Pooled estimates were 0.52 (CCQ), 3.29 (CAT) and 7.91 (SGRQ) for improvement. MCID estimates differed depending on the method used. Pooled estimates suggest clinically relevant improvements needing to exceed 0.40 on the CCQ, 3.00 on the CAT and 7.00 on the SGRQ for moderate to very severe COPD patients. The MCIDs of the CAT and SGRQ in the literature might be too low, leading to overestimation of treatment effects for patients with COPD.
Toxic effects of the neem oil (Azadirachta indica) formulation on the stink bug predator, Podisus nigrispinus (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae)
Authors: Zanuncio José Cola , Mourão Sheila Abreu , Martínez Luis Carlos , Wilcken Carlos Frederico , Ramalho Francisco S. , Plata-Rueda Angelica , Soares Marcus Alvarenga , Serrão José Eduardo
Published: September 2016

This research investigated the effects of neem oil on mortality, survival and malformations of the non-target stink bug predator, Podisus nigrispinus. Neurotoxic and growth inhibitor insecticides were used to compare the lethal and sublethal effects from neem oil on this predator. Six concentrations of neem oil were topically applied onto nymphs and adults of this predator. The mortality rates of third, fourth, and fifth instar nymphs increased with increasing neem oil concentrations, suggesting low toxicity to P. nigrispinus nymphs. Mortality of adults was low, but with sublethal effects of neem products on this predator. The developmental rate of P. nigrispinus decreased with increasing neem oil concentrations. Longevity of fourth instar nymphs varied from 3.74 to 3.05 d, fifth instar from 5.94 to 4.07 d and adult from 16.5 and 15.7 d with 0.5 and 50% neem doses. Podisus nigrispinus presented malformations and increase with neem oil concentrations. The main malformations occur in wings, scutellum and legs of this predator. The neem oil at high and sub lethal doses cause mortality, inhibits growth and survival and results in anomalies on wings and legs of the non-traget predator P. nigrispinus indicating that its use associated with biological control should be carefully evaluated.
Genotypes of cancer stem cells characterized by epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and proliferation related functions
Authors: Hsu Chueh-Lin , Chung Feng-Hsiang , Chen Chih-Hao , Hsu Tzu-Ting , Liu Szu-Mam , Chung Dao-Sheng , Hsu Ya-Fen , Chen Chien-Lung , Ma Nianhan , Lee Hoong-Chien
Published: September 2016

Cancer stem cells (CSCs), or cancer cells with stem cell-like properties, generally exhibit drug resistance and have highly potent cancer inducing capabilities. Genome-wide expression data collected at public repositories over the last few years provide excellent material for studies that can lead to insights concerning the molecular and functional characteristics of CSCs. Here, we conducted functional genomic studies of CSC based on fourteen PCA-screened high quality public CSC whole genome gene expression datasets and, as control, four high quality non-stem-like cancer cell and non-cancerous stem cell datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. A total of 6,002 molecular signatures were taken from the Molecular Signatures Database and used to characterize the datasets, which, under two-way hierarchical clustering, formed three genotypes. Type 1, consisting of mainly glia CSCs, had significantly enhanced proliferation, and significantly suppressed epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), related functions. Type 2, mainly breast CSCs, had significantly enhanced EMT, but not proliferation, related functions. Type 3, composed of ovarian, prostate, and colon CSCs, had significantly suppressed proliferation related functions and mixed expressions on EMT related functions.
Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors and hepatotoxicity in type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Longhao , Chen Qiyan , Li Ling , Kwong Joey S. W. , Jia Pengli , Zhao Pujing , Wang Wen , Zhou Xu , Zhang Mingming , Sun Xin
Published: September 2016

Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors (AGIs) was reported to be associated with several rare adverse hepatic events, but with inconsistent results. We aimed to investigate the risk of hepatotoxicity associated with the use of AGIs in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and performed a systematic review and meta-analysis. Fourteen studies (n = 2881) were eligible, all of which were RCTs. Meta-analysis of data regarding elevation of more than 3-fold the upper limit of normal (ULN) of AST and ALT showed statistically significant differences between AGIs treatment versus control (OR 6.86, 95% CI 2.50 to 18.80; OR 6.48, 95% CI 2.40 to 17.49). Subgroup analyses of elevation of more than 1.8-fold ULN of AST and ALT by dose of AGIs showed differential effects on AST and ALT (AST: OR 0.38 vs 7.31, interaction P = 0.003; ALT: OR 0.32 vs 4.55, interaction p = 0.02). Meta-analysis showed that AGIs might increase the risk of hepatotoxicity, and higher dose appeared to be associated with higher risk of hepatotoxicity. However, the evidence is limited with surrogate measures (i.e. ALT and AST), and no clinically important adverse events were observed.
TNF-α -308 G > A (rs1800629) Polymorphism is Associated with Celiac Disease: A Meta-analysis of 11 Case-Control Studies
Authors: Khan Saif , Mandal Raju K. , Jawed Arshad , Dar Sajad A. , Wahid Mohd , Panda Aditya K. , Areeshi Mohammed Y. , Ahmed Khan Md. Ekhlaque , Haque Shafiul
Published: September 2016

Celiac disease (CD) remains one of the most significant autoimmune diseases worldwide. The pathogenesis of CD is not clearly understood and is probably attributed to genomic variations and host genetic make-up. Case-control and cohort studies of the association between the TNF-α -308 G > A (rs1800629) polymorphism and CD susceptibility have yielded inconsistent results. In this study, PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar web-databases were searched for pertinent reports showing association of TNF-α -308 G > A gene with CD risk. A total of eleven reports involving 1774 controls and 1147 CD cases were included. Significant associations in four genetic models, viz. variant allele (A vs. G: p = 0.001; OR = 2.051, 95% CI = 1.452–2.895), variant homozygous (AA vs. GG: p = 0.001; OR = 6.626, 95% CI = 3.569–12.300), recessive (AA vs. GG + AG: p = 0.001; OR = 4.766, 95% CI = 3.177–7.152) and dominant (AA + AG vs. GG: p = 0.008; OR = 1.910, 95% CI = 1.181–3.088) were found in comparison with wild type homozygous GG genotype. However, heterozygous genetic model did not show any association. Sensitivity analysis revealed stable and statistically robust results. Our results suggest that TNF-α -308 G > A gene polymorphism significantly contributes to CD susceptibility.
The expression and function of human CD300 receptors on blood circulating mononuclear cells are distinct in neonates and adults
Authors: Zenarruzabeitia Olatz , Vitallé Joana , García-Obregón Susana , Astigarraga Itziar , Eguizabal Cristina , Santos Silvia , Simhadri Venkateswara R. , Borrego Francisco
Published: September 2016

Neonates are more susceptible to infections than adults. This susceptibility is thought to reflect neonates’ qualitative and quantitative defects in the adaptive and innate immune responses. Differential expression of cell surface receptors may result in altered thresholds of neonatal immune cell activation. We determined whether the expression and function of the lipid-binding CD300 family of receptors are different on neonatal immune cells compared to adult immune cells. A multiparametric flow cytometry analysis was performed to determine the expression of CD300 receptors on adult peripheral blood mononuclear cells and neonatal cord blood mononuclear cells. The expression of the CD300a inhibitory receptor was significantly reduced on cells from the newborn adaptive immune system, and neonatal antigen presenting cells exhibited a different CD300 receptors expression pattern. We also found differential LPS-mediated regulation of CD300 receptors expression on adult monocytes compared to cord blood monocytes, and that CD300c and CD300e-mediated activation was quantitatively different in neonatal monocytes. This is the first complete study examining the expression of CD300 receptors on human neonatal immune cells compared with adult immune cells. Significant differences in the expression and function of CD300 receptors may help to explain the peculiarities and distinctness of the neonatal immune responses.
Microstructure and performance of rare earth element-strengthened plasma-facing tungsten material
Authors: Luo Laima , Shi Jing , Lin Jinshan , Zan Xiang , Zhu Xiaoyong , Xu Qiu , Wu Yucheng
Published: September 2016

Pure W and W-(2%, 5%, 10%) Lu alloys were manufactured via mechanical alloying for 20 h and a spark plasma sintering process at 1,873 K for 2 min. The effects of Lu doping on the microstructure and performance of W were investigated using various techniques. For irradiation performance analysis, thermal desorption spectroscopy (TDS) measurements were performed from room temperature to 1,000 K via infrared irradiation with a heating rate of 1 K/s after implantations of He+ and D+ ions. TDS measurements were conducted to investigate D retention behavior. Microhardness was dramatically enhanced, and the density initially increased and then decreased with Lu content. The D retention performance followed the same trend as the density. Second-phase particles identified as Lu2O3 particles were completely distributed over the W grain boundaries and generated an effective grain refinement. Transgranular and intergranular fracture modes were observed on the fracture surface of the sintered W-Lu samples, indicating some improvement of strength and toughness. The amount and distribution of Lu substantially affected the properties of W. Among the investigated alloy compositions, W-5%Lu exhibited the best overall performance.
Exactly solvable spin chain models corresponding to BDI class of topological superconductors
Authors: Jafari S. A. , Shahbazi Farhad
Published: September 2016

We present an exactly solvable extension of the quantum XY chain with longer range multi-spin interactions. Topological phase transitions of the model are classified in terms of the number of Majorana zero modes, nM which are in turn related to an integer winding number, nW. The present class of exactly solvable models belong to the BDI class in the Altland-Zirnbauer classification of topological superconductors. We show that time reversal symmetry of the spin variables translates into a sliding particle-hole (PH) transformation in the language of Jordan-Wigner fermions – a PH transformation followed by a π shift in the wave vector which we call it the πPH. Presence of πPH symmetry restricts the nW (nM) of time-reversal symmetric extensions of XY to odd (even) integers. The πPH operator may serve in further detailed classification of topological superconductors in higher dimensions as well.
Stygofauna enhance prokaryotic transport in groundwater ecosystems
Authors: Smith Renee J. , Paterson James S. , Launer Elise , Tobe Shanan S. , Morello Eliesa , Leijs Remko , Marri Shashikanth , Mitchell James G.
Published: September 2016

More than 97% of the world’s freshwater reserves are found in aquifers, making groundwater one of the most important resources on the planet. Prokaryotic communities in groundwater underpin the turnover of energy and matter while also maintaining groundwater purity. Thus, knowledge of microbial transport in the subsurface is crucial for maintaining groundwater health. Here, we describe for the first time the importance of stygofauna as vectors for prokaryotes. The “hitch-hiking” prokaryotes associated with stygofauna may be up to 5 orders of magnitude higher in abundance and transported up to 34× faster than bulk groundwater flow. We also demonstrate that prokaryotic diversity associated with stygofauna may be higher than that of the surrounding groundwater. Stygofauna are a newly recognized prokaryotic niche in groundwater ecosystems that have the potential to transport remediating, water purifying and pathogenic prokaryotes. Therefore, stygofauna may influence ecosystem dynamics and health at a microbial level, and at a larger scale could be a new source of prokaryotic diversity in groundwater ecosystems.
miR-762 promotes porcine immature Sertoli cell growth via the ring finger protein 4 (RNF4) gene
Authors: Ma Changping , Song Huibin , Yu Lei , Guan Kaifeng , Hu Pandi , Li Yang , Xia Xuanyan , Li Jialian , Jiang Siwen , Li Fenge
Published: September 2016

A growing number of reports have revealed that microRNAs (miRNAs) play critical roles in spermatogenesis. Our previous study showed that miR-762 is differentially expressed in immature and mature testes of Large White boars. Our present data shows that miR-762 directly binds the 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) of ring finger protein 4 (RNF4) and down-regulates RNF4 expression. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the RNF4 3′UTR that is significantly associated with porcine sperm quality traits leads to a change in the miR-762 binding ability. Moreover, miR-762 promotes the proliferation of and inhibits apoptosis in porcine immature Sertoli cells, partly by accelerating DNA damage repair and by reducing androgen receptor (AR) expression. Taken together, these findings suggest that miR-762 may play a role in pig spermatogenesis by regulating immature Sertoli cell growth.
Responses of soil hydrolytic enzymes, ammonia-oxidizing bacteria and archaea to nitrogen applications in a temperate grassland in Inner Mongolia
Authors: Zhang Xinyu , Tang Yuqian , Shi Yao , He Nianpeng , Wen Xuefa , Yu Qiang , Zheng Chunyu , Sun Xiaomin , Qiu Weiwen
Published: September 2016

We used a seven-year urea gradient applied field experiment to investigate the effects of nitrogen (N) applications on soil N hydrolytic enzyme activity and ammonia-oxidizing microbial abundance in a typical steppe ecosystem in Inner Mongolia. The results showed that N additions inhibited the soil N-related hydrolytic enzyme activities, especially in 392 kg N ha−1 yr−1 treatment. As N additions increased, the amoA gene copy ratios of ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) to ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) decreased from 1.13 to 0.65. Pearson correlation analysis showed that the AOA gene copies were negatively related with NH4+-N content. However, the AOB gene copies were positively correlated with NO3−-N content. Moderate N application rates (56–224 kg N ha−1 yr−1) accompanied by P additions are beneficial to maintaining the abundance of AOB, as opposed to the inhibition of highest N application rate (392 kg N ha−1 yr−1) on the abundance of AOB. This study suggests that the abundance of AOB and AOA would not decrease unless N applications exceed 224 kg N ha−1 yr−1 in temperate grasslands in Inner Mongolia.
Food-induced changes of lipids in rat neuronal tissue visualized by ToF-SIMS imaging
Authors: Dowlatshahi Pour Masoumeh , Jennische Eva , Lange Stefan , Ewing Andrew G. , Malmberg Per
Published: September 2016

Time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) was used to image the lipid localization in brain tissue sections from rats fed specially processed cereals (SPC). An IonTof 5 instrument equipped with a Bi cluster ion gun was used to analyze the tissue sections. Data from 15 brain samples from control and cereal-fed rats were recorded and exported to principal components analysis (PCA). The data clearly show changes of certain lipids in the brain following cereal feeding. PCA score plots show a good separation in lipid distribution between the control and the SPC-fed group. The loadings plot reveal that the groups separated mainly due to changes in cholesterol, vitamin E and c18:2, c16:0 fatty acid distribution as well as some short chain monocarboxylic fatty acid compositions. These insights relate to the working mechanism of SPC as a dietary supplement. SPC is thought to activate antisecretory factor (AF), an endogenous protein with regulatory function for inflammation and fluid secretion. These data provide insights into lipid content in brain following SPC feeding and suggest a relation to activating AF.
Evidence for the mechanosensor function of filamin in tissue development
Authors: Huelsmann Sven , Rintanen Nina , Sethi Ritika , Brown Nicholas H. , Ylänne Jari
Published: September 2016

Cells integrate mechanical properties of their surroundings to form multicellular, three-dimensional tissues of appropriate size and spatial organisation. Actin cytoskeleton-linked proteins such as talin, vinculin and filamin function as mechanosensors in cells, but it has yet to be tested whether the mechanosensitivity is important for their function in intact tissues. Here we tested, how filamin mechanosensing contributes to oogenesis in Drosophila. Mutations that require more or less force to open the mechanosensor region demonstrate that filamin mechanosensitivity is important for the maturation of actin-rich ring canals that are essential for Drosophila egg development. The open mutant was more tightly bound to the ring canal structure while the closed mutant dissociated more frequently. Thus, our results show that an appropriate level of mechanical sensitivity is required for filamins’ function and dynamics during Drosophila egg growth and support the structure-based model in which the opening and closing of the mechanosensor region regulates filamin binding to cellular components.
Individual wealth-based selection supports cooperation in spatial public goods games
Authors: Chen Xiaojie , Szolnoki Attila
Published: September 2016

In a social dilemma game group members are allowed to decide if they contribute to the joint venture or not. As a consequence, defectors, who do not invest but only enjoy the mutual benefit, prevail and the system evolves onto the tragedy of the common state. This unfortunate scenario can be avoided if participation is not obligatory but only happens with a given probability. But what if we also consider a player’s individual wealth when to decide about participation? To address this issue we propose a model in which the probabilistic participation in the public goods game is combined with a conditional investment mode that is based on individual wealth: if a player’s wealth exceeds a threshold value then it is qualified and can participate in the joint venture. Otherwise, the participation is forbidden in the investment interactions. We show that if only probabilistic participation is considered, spatially structured populations cannot support cooperation better than well-mixed populations where full defection state can also be avoided for small participation probabilities. By adding the wealth-based criterion of participation, however, structured populations are capable to augment network reciprocity relevantly and allow cooperator strategy to dominate in a broader parameter interval.
Multiwavelength metasurfaces through spatial multiplexing
Authors: Arbabi Ehsan , Arbabi Amir , Kamali Seyedeh Mahsa , Horie Yu , Faraon Andrei
Published: September 2016

Metasurfaces are two-dimensional arrangements of optical scatterers rationally arranged to control optical wavefronts. Despite the significant advances made in wavefront engineering through metasurfaces, most of these devices are designed for and operate at a single wavelength. Here we show that spatial multiplexing schemes can be applied to increase the number of operation wavelengths. We use a high contrast dielectric transmittarray platform with amorphous silicon nano-posts to demonstrate polarization insensitive metasurface lenses with a numerical aperture of 0.46, that focus light at 915 and 1550 nm to the same focal distance. We investigate two different methods, one based on large scale segmentation and one on meta-atom interleaving, and compare their performances. An important feature of this method is its simple generalization to adding more wavelengths or new functionalities to a device. Therefore, it provides a relatively straightforward method for achieving multi-functional and multiwavelength metasurface devices.
Progression of temporal processing deficits in the HIV-1 transgenic rat
Authors: McLaurin Kristen A. , Booze Rosemarie M. , Mactutus Charles F.
Published: September 2016

The HIV-1 transgenic (Tg) rat, which expresses 7 of the 9 HIV-1 genes, was used to investigate the effect(s) of long-term HIV-1 viral protein exposure on chronic neurocognitive deficits observed in pediatric HIV-1 (PHIV). A longitudinal experimental design was used to assess the progression of temporal processing deficits, a potential underlying dimension of neurocognitive impairment in HIV-1. Gap prepulse inhibition (gap-PPI), a translational experimental paradigm, was conducted every thirty days from postnatal day (PD) 30 to PD 180. HIV-1 Tg animals, regardless of sex, displayed profound alterations in the development of temporal processing, assessed using prepulse inhibition. A differential sensitivity to the manipulation of interstimulus interval was observed in HIV-1 Tg animals in comparison to control animals. Moreover, presence of the HIV-1 transgene was diagnosed with 90.8% accuracy using measures of prepulse inhibition and temporal sensitivity. Progression of temporal processing deficits in the HIV-1 Tg rat affords a relatively untapped opportunity to increase our mechanistic understanding of the role of long-term exposure to HIV-1 viral proteins, observed in pediatric HIV-1, in the development of chronic neurological impairment, as well as suggesting an innovative clinical diagnostic screening tool.