bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-Organizing and Error Driven (SOED) artificial neural network for smarter classifications
Authors: Jafari-Marandi Ruholla , Khanzadeh Mojtaba , Smith Brian K. , Bian Linkan
Published: April 2017

Classification tasks are an integral part of science, industry, business, and health care systems; being such a pervasive technique, its smallest improvement is valuable. Artificial Neural Network (ANN) is one of the strongest techniques used in many disciplines for classification. The ANN technique suffers from drawbacks such as intransparency in spite of its high prediction power. In this paper, motivated by learning styles in human brains, ANN's shortcomings are assuaged and its prediction power is improved. Self-Organizing Map (SOM), an ANN variation which has strong unsupervised power, and Feedforward ANN, traditionally used for classification tasks, are hybridized to solidify their benefits and help remove their limitations. The proposed method, which we name Self-Organizing Error-Driven (SOED) Artificial Neural Network, shows significant improvements in comparison with usual ANNs. We show SOED is a more accurate, more reliable, and more transparent technique through experimentation with five different datasets.

Highlights A synthesis of MLP and SOM is presented for tackling classification challenges. The superiority of SOED over MLP in addressing 5 classification tasks is presented. SOED is compared with other states of the art techniques such as DT, KNN, and SVM. It is shown that SOED is a more accurate and reliable in comparison with MLP. It is shown SOED is more accurate, reliable and transparent in comparison with MLP.
The Northwest Participant and Clinical Interactions Network: Increasing opportunities for patients to participate in research across the Northwestern United States
Authors: Baldwin Laura-Mae , Hassell Laurie , Laukes Cindi , Doyle Michelle , Reedy Anne , Mollis Brenda , Albritton Sandra , Ciemins Elizabeth , Coker Robert , Brant Jeannine , Tuttle Katherine R. , Baker Laura , Ramsey Bonnie
Published: April 2017

Introduction

The Institute of Translational Health Sciences (ITHS) promotes and supports translational research collaboration between clinicians, communities, and investigators across the five-state Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho (WWAMI) region. The ITHS has developed a collaborative regional clinical research network, the Northwest Participant & Clinical Interactions Network (NW PCI), involving 12 diverse clinical health systems and academic institutions.

Methods

This descriptive article details NW PCI’s development, infrastructure and governance, tools, characteristics, and initial outcomes.

Results

Regional NW PCI sites are conducting largely industry-sponsored studies; they are interested in including more grant-funded research. Regional NW PCI sites had over 1,240 open studies involving over 6700 patients in 2016. NW PCI trials are largely industry-sponsored; NW PCI sites are interested in including more grant-funded research. In its first three years, the NW PCI Coordinating Center facilitated regional sites’ participation in 34 new grant and contract applications across diverse topics.

Conclusion

The NW PCI model supports the goals of the developing CTSA Trial Innovation Network by increasing access to cutting-edge research across the Northwestern U.S., by supporting investigators seeking diverse populations, including those with rare diseases, for their research studies, and by providing settings to test implementation and dissemination of effective interventions.
Schoolchildren or Citizen Shareholders?: Provincial Repertory Audiences, Letters to the Editor, and Public Subscription
Authors: Franks Matthew
Published: April 2017

When the Abbey Theatre installed a nightly police cordon to silence protesting playgoers during the 1907 run of Synge'sThe Playboy of the Western World, spectators voiced their objections in newsprint. Under pseudonyms like “A Western Girl,” “A Commonplace Person,” “A Much Interested Foreigner,” and “A Lover of Liberty,” correspondents sent letters to theDublin Evening Telegraph, Freeman's Journal, andDublin Evening Mail. “Vox Populi” wrote that the arrested protesters “showed an admirable public spirit, which in any other country would be highly honoured.” “Oryza” reported a conversation overheard from the stalls in which Synge had said that the audience's hissing was “quite legitimate.” After journalist and Galway MP Stephen Gwynn penned a letter supporting the Abbey, biographer D. J. O'Donoghue responded that “the vindictiveness which has been shown night after night in expelling and prosecuting people who ahve [sic], in their excitement, called out ‘It's a libel’ or ‘shame,’ or otherwise mildly protested, is a serious menace to the freedom of an audience.” He referred to the furor as a “newspaper controversy”; others called it a “newspaper war.” In a public discussion at the Abbey after the play's run, Yeats quoted from the correspondence when defending his decision to call in the police. According to playwright William Boyle, the controversy boiled down to political representation. In a letter to theFreeman's Journal, he argued that protesters had not reacted “by staying away,” as some supporters had suggested they should, “because the ‘Abbey’ is a subsidised theatre, independent of the money taken at the door. Therefore … the public had no remedy, but the one resorted to.” Private subsidy had muffled the democratic shuffling of playgoers’ pocketbooks; forced to shut their mouths inside the theatre, playgoers opened up to the newspapers that circulated around it.
Kalbeliya Dance from Rajasthan: Invented Gypsy Form or Traditional Snake Charmers’ Folk Dance?
Authors: Joncheere Ayla
Published: April 2017

Since being listed as intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2010, Kalbeliya dance from Rajasthan is now generally conceptualized as an ancient tradition from India. However, this same dance practice, also known as a form of “Indian Gypsy” or “snake charmers’” folk dance, appears to have originated as recently as the 1980s. This article gives an account of the swift development of Kalbeliya dance from its first appearance on stage in 1981 to the present. Ethnographic research with Kalbeliya dancers’ families has elucidated how this inventive dance practice was formed to fit into national and transnational narratives with the aim of commercializing it globally and of generating a new, lucrative livelihood for these Kalbeliya families. As a new cultural product of Rajasthani fusion, the dance finds itself at the crossroads of commercial tourism and political folklorism and is grounded in neo-orientalist discourses (romanticism and exoticism).
Law, order and plunder at sea: a comparison of England and France in the fourteenth century
Authors: HEEBØLL-HOLM THOMAS K.
Published: April 2017

This article addresses the management of maritime plunder and conflict in the waters of England and France in the fourteenth century. It argues that during this century a fundamental change occurred. Around 1300, maritime conflict was handled by recourse to the strictly civil law merchant and law maritime, or by Marcher law. However by the 1350s and 1360s the kings of England and France, moved by contemporary political events and theories of sovereignty at sea, created courts of Admiralty that challenged the previous systems’ jurisdiction. These initiatives eventually paved the way for the criminalisation of private maritime conflict.
FINITE CAPACITY ENERGY PACKET NETWORKS
Authors: Kadioglu Yasin Murat
Published: April 2017

This paper surveys research on mathematical models that predict the performance of digital devices that operate with intermittent energy sources. The approach taken in this work is based on the “Energy Packet Network” paradigm where the arrival of data to be processed or transmitted, and the energy to operate the system, are modeled as discrete random processes. Our assumption is that these devices will capture energy from intermittent ambient sources such as vibrations, heat or light, and capture it onto electrical energy that may be stored in batteries or capacitors. The devices consume this energy intermittently for processing and for wired or wireless transmission. Thus, both the arrival of energy to the device, and the devices workload, are modeled as random processes. Based on these assumptions, we discuss probability models based on Markov chains that can be used to predict the effective rates at which such devices operate. We also survey related work that models networks of such systems.
Golden Years or Retirement Fears? Private Pension Inequality Among Canada’s Immigrants
Authors: Curtis Josh , Lightman Naomi
Published: April 2017

En ce moment, de nombreux immigrants n’ont pas droit à participer au régime de retraite publique du Canada en raison des critères de résidence légale. De plus, des décennies de faible revenu et de l’exclusion du marché du travail défendent à nombreux immigrants canadiens d’augmenter une épargne-pension ou des économies suffisantes tout au long de la période de la vie quand ils travaillent. Ces facteurs, pris ensemble, posent de sérieuses préoccupations pour le bien-être des immigrants âgés. À l’aide des données du recensement canadien pendant une période de vingt ans (1991–2011), nous constatons que les revenus tirés des épargnes et des investissements personnels ont fortement diminué chez les canadiens d’origine et les immigrants, les dernières cohortes d’immigrants étant les plus touchées. Toutefois, depuis 1991, les hommes d’origine canadienne et les immigrants vivant au Canada depuis 40 ans ou plus ont montré des gains importants dans les pensions des employeurs privés. Ainsi, les données montrent un écart inquiétant de plus en plus grand entre les hommes nés au Canada et tous les autres au Canada, les nouveaux immigrants et les femmes étant les plus démunis.
Genetic and environmental influences on the codevelopment among borderline personality disorder traits, major depression symptoms, and substance use disorder symptoms from adolescence to young adulthood
Authors: Bornovalova Marina A. , Verhulst Brad , Webber Troy , McGue Matt , Iacono William G. , Hicks Brian M.
Published: April 2017

Although borderline personality disorder (BPD) traits decline from adolescence to adulthood, comorbid psychopathology such as symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD), alcohol use disorder (AUD), and drug use disorders (DUDs) likely disrupt this normative decline. Using a longitudinal sample of female twins (N= 1,763), we examined if levels of BPD traits were correlated with changes in MDD, AUD, and DUD symptoms from ages 14 to 24. A parallel process biometric latent growth model examined the contributions of genetic and environmental factors to the relationships between developmental components of these phenotypes. Higher BPD trait levels predicted a greater rate of increase in AUD and DUD symptoms, and higher AUD and DUD symptoms predicted a slower rate of decline of BPD traits from ages 14 to 24. Common genetic influences accounted for the associations between BPD traits and each disorder, as well as the interrelationships of AUD and DUD symptoms. Both genetic and nonshared environmental influences accounted for the correlated levels between BPD traits and MDD symptoms, but solely environmental influences accounted for the correlated changes between the two over time. Results indicate that higher levels of BPD traits may contribute to an earlier onset and faster escalation of AUD and DUD symptoms, and substance use problems slow the normative decline in BPD traits. Overall, our data suggests that primarily genetic influences contribute to the comorbidity between BPD features and substance use disorder symptoms. We discuss our data in the context of two major theories of developmental psychopathology and comorbidity.
Anglicismes dans la presse écrite: le bilinguisme de milieu peut-il expliquer l'anglicisation ?
Authors: PLANCHON CÉCILE
Published: April 2017

Les Canadiens francophones sont naturellement exposés à un environnement bilingue constant. L'influence de la langue officielle dominante – l'anglais – sur leur langue maternelle ne peut être ignorée. Vu la politique linguistique proactive actuellement en place dans la province de Québec, on peut s'attendre à ce que la presse écrite francophone soit très attentive à la protection de la langue qu'elle utilise. Cependant, plusieurs études (Théoret, 1991; Martel et al., 2001; Chaput, 2009) ont montré que la presse n’échappait pas au phénomène d'anglicisation tant les traces laissées par les contacts entre les deux cultures étaient visibles à l’écrit dans l'utilisation de termes anglais ou anglicisés. Se basant sur deux visions s'opposant sur le sujet, cet article se propose d’étudier si le contexte culturel et linguistique des lectorats a une influence sur le degré d'anglicisation de la presse écrite canadienne francophone. La première hypothèse admet que plus une communauté est exposée à l'anglais de façon répétée, plus la fréquence d'utilisation d'emprunts à l'anglais dans les journaux est élevée ; la deuxième se base sur le principe de survie de la langue qui veut que lorsqu'il y a insécurité linguistique, la protection du lexique est beaucoup plus importante. Basée sur un corpus composé d'une année entière de publications de trois quotidiens destinés à trois communautés francophones québécoises et outaouaise, cette étude analyse la fréquence d'utilisation de plus de 500 « anglicismes », plus précisément des emprunts lexicaux intégraux et hybrides. Les résultats obtenus semblent confirmer la deuxième hypothèse, vu que la région la plus bilingue des trois communautés affiche les chiffres les plus bas.
What leads to high antipsychotic dosing in forensic patients with schizophrenia?
Authors: Margetić Branimir , Aukst Margetić Branka , Ivanec Dragutin , Žarković Palijan Tija
Published: April 2017

Earlier findings suggest that forensic schizophrenia patients are treated with higher doses of antipsychotics. This practice-based specificity is insufficiently studied, and clinicians’ motives regarding this practice remain poorly understood. In this editorial, the authors provide their data on treatment of forensic schizophrenia patients and identify characteristics of psychopathology and previous types of behaviors, including suicidal attempts, as potential reasons for the practice. They also emphasize that “these previous acts” often took place years ago, and suggest that current or recent aggression is unlikely the main reason for dosing, but rather the clinicians’ intention to maintain “must remain unaggressive” condition. Therefore, the authors suggest new ideas that may contribute to a better understanding of the specific prescribing patterns in the forensic population and hope that these ideas would be implemented in further well-designed prospective studies.
Impaired Comprehension of Speed Verbs in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Speed Laura J. , van Dam Wessel O. , Hirath Priyantha , Vigliocco Gabriella , Desai Rutvik H.
Published: April 2017

Objectives:A wealth of studies provide evidence for action simulation during language comprehension. Recent research suggests such action simulations might be sensitive to fine-grained information, such as speed. Here, we present a crucial test for action simulation of speed in language by assessing speed comprehension in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Based on the patients’ motor deficits, we hypothesized that the speed of motion described in language would modulate their performance in semantic tasks. Specifically, they would have more difficulty processing language about relatively fast speed than language about slow speed.Methods:We conducted a semantic similarity judgment task on fast and slow action verbs in patients with PD and age-matched healthy controls. Participants had to decide which of two verbs most closely matched a target word.Results:Compared to controls, PD patients were slower making judgments about fast action verbs, but not for judgments about slow action verbs, suggesting impairment in processing language about fast action. Moreover, this impairment was specific to verbs describing fast action performed with the hand.Conclusions:Problems moving quickly lead to difficulties comprehending language about moving quickly. This study provides evidence that speed is an important part of action representations. (JINS, 2017,23, 412–420)
Hierarchical assembly of centriole subdistal appendages via centrosome binding proteins CCDC120 and CCDC68
Authors: Huang Ning , Xia Yuqing , Zhang Donghui , Wang Song , Bao Yitian , He Runsheng , Teng Junlin , Chen Jianguo
Published: April 2017

In animal cells, the centrosome is the main microtubule-organizing centre where microtubules are nucleated and anchored. The centriole subdistal appendages (SDAs) are the key structures that anchor microtubules in interphase cells, but the composition and assembly mechanisms of SDAs are not well understood. Here, we reveal that centrosome-binding proteins, coiled-coil domain containing (CCDC) 120 and CCDC68 are two novel SDA components required for hierarchical SDA assembly in human cells. CCDC120 is anchored to SDAs by ODF2 and recruits CEP170 and Ninein to the centrosome through different coiled-coil domains at its N terminus. CCDC68 is a CEP170-interacting protein that competes with CCDC120 in recruiting CEP170 to SDAs. Furthermore, CCDC120 and CCDC68 are required for centrosome microtubule anchoring. Our findings elucidate the molecular basis for centriole SDA hierarchical assembly and microtubule anchoring in human interphase cells.
Electron transport and visible light absorption in a plasmonic photocatalyst based on strontium niobate
Authors: Wan D. Y. , Zhao Y. L. , Cai Y. , Asmara T. C. , Huang Z. , Chen J. Q. , Hong J. , Yin S. M. , Nelson C. T. , Motapothula M. R. , Yan B. X. , Xiang D. , Chi X. , Zheng H. , Chen W. , Xu R. , Ariando  , Rusydi A. , Minor A. M. , Breese M. B. H. , Sherburne M. , Asta M. , Xu Q-H , Venkatesan T
Published: April 2017

Semiconductor compounds are widely used for photocatalytic hydrogen production applications, where photogenerated electron–hole pairs are exploited to induce catalysis. Recently, powders of a metallic oxide (Sr1−xNbO3, 0.03<x<0.20) were reported to show competitive photocatalytic efficiencies under visible light, which was attributed to interband absorption. This discovery expanded the range of materials available for optimized performance as photocatalysts. Here we study epitaxial thin films of SrNbO3+δ and find that their bandgaps are ∼4.1 eV. Surprisingly, the carrier density of the conducting phase exceeds 1022 cm−3 and the carrier mobility is only 2.47 cm2 V−1 s−1. Contrary to earlier reports, the visible light absorption at 1.8 eV (∼688 nm) is due to the plasmon resonance, arising from the large carrier density. We propose that the hot electron and hole carriers excited via Landau damping (during the plasmon decay) are responsible for the photocatalytic property of this material under visible light irradiation.
Evolutionary history of the extant amphioxus lineage with shallow-branching diversification
Authors: Igawa Takeshi , Nozawa Masafumi , Suzuki Daichi G. , Reimer James D. , Morov Arseniy R. , Wang Yiquan , Henmi Yasuhisa , Yasui Kinya
Published: April 2017

Amphioxus or lancelets have been regarded as a key animal in understanding the origin of vertebrates. However, the evolutionary history within this lineage remains unexplored. As the amphioxus lineage has likely been separated from other chordates for a very long time and displays a marked left-right asymmetry, its evolutionary history is potentially helpful in better understanding chordate and vertebrate origins. We studied the phylogenetic relationships within the extant amphioxus lineage based on mitochondrial genomes incorporating newAsymmetronandEpigonichthyspopulations, and based on previously reported nuclear transcriptomes. The resulting tree patterns are consistent, showing theAsymmetronclade diverging first, followed by theEpigonichthysandBranchiostomaclades splitting. Divergence time estimates based on nuclear transcriptomes with vertebrate calibrations support a shallow diversification of the extant amphioxus lineage in the Tertiary. These estimates fit well with the closure of seaways between oceans by continental drift, ocean currents, and present geographical distributions, and suggest a long cryptic history from the origin of amphioxus to its most recent diversification. Deduced character polarities based on phylogenetic analyses suggest that the common ancestor of the extant amphioxus existed in a tiny epibenthic state with larva-like appearance of extant amphioxus, likely with ciliate epidermis.
Physical Links: defining and detecting inter-chain entanglement
Authors: Caraglio Michele , Micheletti Cristian , Orlandini Enzo
Published: April 2017

Fluctuating filaments, from densely-packed biopolymers to defect lines in structured fluids, are prone to become interlaced and form intricate architectures. Understanding the ensuing mechanical and relaxation properties depends critically on being able to capture such entanglement in quantitative terms. So far, this has been an elusive challenge. Here we introduce the first general characterization of non-ephemeral forms of entanglement in linear curves by introducing novel descriptors that extend topological measures of linking from close to open curves. We thus establish the concept of physical links. This general method is applied to diverse contexts: equilibrated ring polymers, mechanically-stretched links and concentrated solutions of linear chains. The abundance, complexity and space distribution of their physical links gives access to a whole new layer of understanding of such systems and open new perspectives for others, such as reconnection events and topological simplification in dissipative fields and defect lines.
Nanoscale Membrane Domain Formation Driven by Cholesterol
Authors: Javanainen Matti , Martinez-Seara Hector , Vattulainen Ilpo
Published: April 2017

Biological membranes generate specific functions through compartmentalized regions such as cholesterol-enriched membrane nanodomains that host selected proteins. Despite the biological significance of nanodomains, details on their structure remain elusive. They cannot be observed via microscopic experimental techniques due to their small size, yet there is also a lack of atomistic simulation models able to describe spontaneous nanodomain formation in sufficiently simple but biologically relevant complex membranes. Here we use atomistic simulations to consider a binary mixture of saturated dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine and cholesterol — the “minimal standard” for nanodomain formation. The simulations reveal how cholesterol drives the formation of fluid cholesterol-rich nanodomains hosting hexagonally packed cholesterol-poor lipid nanoclusters, both of which show registration between the membrane leaflets. The complex nanodomain substructure forms when cholesterol positions itself in the domain boundary region. Here cholesterol can also readily flip–flop across the membrane. Most importantly, replacing cholesterol with a sterol characterized by a less asymmetric ring region impairs the emergence of nanodomains. The model considered explains a plethora of controversial experimental results and provides an excellent basis for further computational studies on nanodomains. Furthermore, the results highlight the role of cholesterol as a key player in the modulation of nanodomains for membrane protein function.
Chlamydia trachomatis neither exerts deleterious effects on spermatozoa nor impairs male fertility
Authors: Puerta Suarez Jenniffer , Sanchez Leonardo R. , Salazar Florencia C. , Saka Hector A. , Molina Rosa , Tissera Andrea , Rivero Virginia E. , Cardona Maya Walter D. , Motrich Ruben D.
Published: April 2017

Chlamydia trachomatis is the most prevalent sexually transmitted bacterial infection. However, whether Chlamydia trachomatis has a negative impact on sperm quality and male fertility is still controversial. Herein, we report the effects on sperm quality of the in vitro exposure of spermatozoa to Chlamydia trachomatis, and also the effects of male genital infection on male fertility using an animal model. Human and mouse sperm were obtained from healthy donors and cauda epididimys from C57BL/6 mice, respectively. Highly motile human or mouse spermatozoa were in vitro exposed to C. trachomatis (serovar E or LGV) or C. muridarum, respectively. Then, sperm quality parameters were analyzed. Moreover, male fertility of Chlamydia muridarum infected male C57BL/6 mice was assessed. Human or murine sperm in vitro exposed to increasing bacterial concentrations or soluble factors from C. trachomatis or C. muridarum, respectively, did not show differences in sperm motility and viability, apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential, DNA fragmentation, ROS production and lipid peroxidation levels, when compared with control sperm (p > 0.05). Moreover, no differences in fertility parameters (potency, fecundity, fertility index, pre- and post-implantation loss) were observed between control and infected males. In conclusion, our results indicate that Chlamydia spp. neither directly exerts deleterious effects on spermatozoa nor impairs male fertility.
Leukemia and Risk of Venous Thromboembolism: A Meta-analysis and Systematic Review of 144 Studies Comprising 162,126 Patients
Authors: Wu Ying-Ying , Tang Liang , Wang Ming-Huan
Published: April 2017

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) has significant clinical implications in leukemia patients. However, the actual frequency of this complication remains unknown. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to better estimate the frequency of this complication and to assess the risk factors that contribute to its occurrence. We searched several databases, including PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science, and assessed study quality using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale. The pooled frequency of VTE in leukemia patients was calculated. A total of 144 studies met the eligibility criteria. The incidence rate (IR) of VTE from 72 prospective studies comprising 9,061 patients was 5% (95%CI: 4–6%). The incidence rate (IR) of VTE in ALL, CLL, total-AML, and CML population was 5% (95%CI: 4–6%), 3% (95%CI: 2–5%), 6% (95%CI: 4–8%) and 13% (95%CI: 1–36%). The incidence of VTE was markedly decreased among ALL patients who received anticoagulation treatment (IR: 1%, 95%CI: 0–6%) or concentrates therapy (IR: 3%, 95%CI: 0–9%). The overall incidence of VTE in the leukemia population was high, particularly in transplant recipients, who had the highest risk (IR: 8%, 95% CI: 4–13%). Prophylactic approaches could significantly decrease the occurrence of VTE events.
MicroRNA-30a Regulation of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Diabetic Cataracts Through Targeting SNAI1
Authors: Zhang Lu , Wang Ye , Li Wenfeng , Tsonis Panagiotis A. , Li Zhiyuan , Xie Lixin , Huang Yusen
Published: April 2017

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a highly conserved and fundamental process in development, fibrosis, and metastasis. During the process, epithelial cells lose their morphology and transcriptional program, and transdifferentiate to mesenchymal cells. It has been reported that lens epithelial cells undergo EMT during cataract formation, and regulation of microRNAs on genes is associated with lens development. However, the molecular mechanisms of this regulation in diabetic cataract still need to be investigated. In the present study, the expression of E-cadherin was downregulated, while the expression of alpha-SMA and vimentin was upregulated in diabetic cataract tissues and the in vitro model, suggesting the involvement of EMT in diabetic cataract formation. Results of miRNA profiling demonstrated that miR-30a was markedly downregulated in diabetic cataract tissues. Overexpression of miR-30a-5p decreased SNAI1, a known modulator of EMT, and the expression of vimentin and alpha-SMA in our diabetic cataract model in vitro. It is concluded that EMT is involved in human diabetic cataract, and upregulation of miR-30a can repress EMT through its targeting of SNAI1 in lens epithelial cells, which make miR-30a a novel target of therapeutic intervention for human diabetic cataract.
The upper limit of the in-plane spin splitting of Gaussian beam reflected from a glass-air interface
Authors: Zhu Wenguo , Yu Jianhui , Guan Heyuan , Lu Huihui , Tang Jieyuan , Zhang Jun , Luo Yunhan , Chen Zhe
Published: April 2017

Optical spin splitting has a promising prospect in quantum information and precision metrology. Since it is typically small, many efforts have been devoted to its enhancement. However, the upper limit of optical spin splitting remains uninvestigated. Here, we investigate systematically the in-plane spin splitting of a Gaussian beam reflected from a glass-air interface and find that the spin splitting can be enhanced in three different incident angular ranges: around the Brewster angle, slightly smaller than and larger than the critical angle for total reflection. Within the first angular range, the reflected beam can undergo giant spin splitting but suffers from low energy reflectivity. In the second range, however, a large spin splitting and high energy reflectivity can be achieved simultaneously. The spin splitting becomes asymmetrical within the last angular range, and the displacement of one spin component can be up to half of incident beam waist w0/2. Of all the incident angles, the spin splitting reaches its maximum at Brewster angle. This maximum splitting increases with the refractive index of the “glass” prism, eventually approaching an upper limit of w0. These findings provide a deeper insight into the optical spin splitting phenomena and thereby facilitate the development of spin-based applications.
Metabolic Syndrome Modulates Association between Endothelial Lipase and Lipid/Lipoprotein Plasma Levels in Acute Heart Failure Patients
Authors: Potočnjak Ines , Trbušić Matias , Terešak Sanda Dokoza , Radulović Bojana , Pregartner Gudrun , Berghold Andrea , Tiran Beate , Marsche Gunther , Degoricija Vesna , Frank Saša
Published: April 2017

We hypothesised that the established association of endothelial lipase (EL) plasma levels with atherogenic lipid profile is altered in acute heart failure (AHF) and additionally affected by overlapping metabolic syndrome (MetS). We examined the association of EL plasma levels and lipid/lipoprotein plasma levels in AHF patients without and with overlapping MetS. The study was performed as a single-centre, observational study on 152 AHF patients, out of which 85 had overlapping MetS. In the no-MetS group, EL plasma levels were significantly positively correlated with plasma levels of atherogenic lipids/lipoproteins, including total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, total LDL particles and triglycerides, but also with plasma levels of antiatherogenic high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, total HDL particles and small HDL particles. In the MetS group, EL plasma levels were positively correlated with triglyceride and small LDL-particle levels, and significantly negatively correlated with plasma levels of large HDL particles as well as with LDL- and HDL-particle size, respectively. EL- and lipid/lipoprotein- plasma levels were different in the no-MetS patients, compared to MetS patients. The association of EL with atherogenic lipid profile is altered in AHF and additionally modified by MetS, which strongly modulates EL- and lipid/lipoprotein-plasma levels in AHF.
First, you need a Gestalt: An interaction of bottom-up and top-down streams during the perception of the ambiguously rotating human walker
Authors: Pastukhov Alexander
Published: April 2017

Our visual system combines sensory evidence with prior knowledge to produce a representation of an outside world. Here, we explored the limits of the feedforward computation using an ambiguously rotating human biological motion. Specifically, we investigated whether an overall rotation, which was added to all the displays used in the study, would be perceived when the point-light walker was presented upside-down, a condition that typically obliterates perception of a human Gestalt. We report that inversion of the point-light walker or the absence of an identifiable Gestalt abolished the perception of an overall rotation. Perception of rotation was restored if the human walker Gestalt could be identified (an upright walker), if observers were informed about the nature of the motion display, or if observers expected to see the rotation of an unknown dynamic object. This implies that a mathematically more complex human motion was accounted for before the remaining motion components could be used to infer an overall rotation. Our results indicate that the perceptual inference does not proceed in a hierarchical manner with the simpler components being identified first. Instead, prior knowledge acts as a starting point for the decomposition of an even relatively simple combination of two motions.
Epidemiology of 45,616 suspect cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease in Chongqing, China, 2011–2015
Authors: Tao Jian , He Xiao-yan , Shi Yu , Zhu Guohun , Liu Shan , Zhang Zhenzhen , Tang Shi , Zhang Rong , Peng Bin , Liu Zhidai , Tan Junjie , Chen Qian , Wang Xingbin , Bao Liming , Zou Lin , Zhang Penghui
Published: April 2017

Epidemiology and etiology of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) based on large sample size or evaluation of detection for more enterovirus serotypes are not well investigated in Chongqing of China. 45,616 suspect HFMD patients were prospectively enrolled among whom 21,615 were laboratory confirmed HFMD cases over a 5-year period (January 2011 to December 2015). Their epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory data were extracted and stratified by month, age, sex, disease severity, and enterovirus serotype. Subsequently 292 non-EV-A71/CV-A16 HFMD confirmed cases were randomly selected in three consecutive outbreaks to detect CV-A6 and CV-A10, using RT-PCR. Results showed that the HFMD epidemic peaked in early summer and autumn. The median age of onset was 2.45 years with a male-to-female ratio of 1.54:1, and with children under 5 years of age accounting for 92.54% of all confirmed cases. EV-A71 and CV-A16 infection accounted for only 36.05% (7793/21615) of total confirmed cases while EV-A71 accounted for 59.64% (232/389) of severe cases. Importantly, the proportion of EV-A71 infection generally increased with age which showed rapid growth in severe cases. CV-A6 and CV-A10 were tested positive in Chongqing, but CV-A6 had greater positive rates of 62.33% while CV-A10 had 4.79% in non-EV-A71/CV-A16 HFMD confirmed cases.
Running exercise strengthens the intervertebral disc
Authors: Belavý Daniel L. , Quittner Matthew J. , Ridgers Nicola , Ling Yuan , Connell David , Rantalainen Timo
Published: April 2017

There is currently no evidence that the intervertebral discs (IVDs) can respond positively to exercise in humans. Some authors have argued that IVD metabolism in humans is too slow to respond anabolically to exercise within the human lifespan. Here we show that chronic running exercise in men and women is associated with better IVD composition (hydration and proteoglycan content) and with IVD hypertrophy. Via quantitative assessment of physical activity we further find that accelerations at fast walking and slow running (2 m/s), but not high-impact tasks, lower intensity walking or static positions, correlated to positive IVD characteristics. These findings represent the first evidence in humans that exercise can be beneficial for the IVD and provide support for the notion that specific exercise protocols may improve IVD material properties in the spine. We anticipate that our findings will be a starting point to better define exercise protocols and physical activity profiles for IVD anabolism in humans.
Accurate and effective multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis detection method using gap-filling ligation coupled with high-resolution capillary electrophoresis-based single strand conformation polymorphism
Authors: Choi Woong , Lee Jongseok , Cho Eunjin , Jung Gyoo Yeol
Published: April 2017

Tuberculosis (TB) has severely threatened public health via emerging multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) strains. For effective TB treatment, rapid, accurate, and multiplex detection of drug resistance is extremely important. However, conventional methods for TB diagnosis are time consuming and have a limited effect on treatment. Nucleic acid-based molecular detection methods have been developed as an effective MDR/XDR-TB diagnosis technology. Among the nucleic acid-based methods, ligation-dependent methods are attractive as MDR/XDR-MTB detection technologies, but multiplex analysis is limited by the detection method. Although an electrophoresis-based method is considered for multiple target detection because it is free from the errors pertaining to hybridization-based systems, the procedure of multiplex analysis is quite complicated owing to the DNA size-based separation system. In this study, we report an accurate, rapid, and simple multiple MDR/XDR-MTB detection technology using gap-filling ligation reaction coupled with high-resolution capillary electrophoresis-based single-strand conformation polymorphism. Using this system, rapid and accurate MDR/XDR-MTB detection is feasible via similar length probes without the complicated step of probe design. We found that this method could accurately and effectively detect highly polymorphic regions in specific codons associated with drug resistance.
Differential Control of Asexual Development and Sterigmatocystin Biosynthesis by a Novel Regulator in Aspergillus nidulans
Authors: Kim Yong Jin , Yu Yeong Man , Maeng Pil Jae
Published: April 2017

The filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans primarily reproduces by forming asexual spores called conidia and produces the mycotoxin sterigmatocystin (ST), the penultimate precursor of aflatoxins. It has been known that asexual development and ST production are tightly co-regulated by various regulatory inputs. Here, we report that the novel regulator AslA with a C2H2 domain oppositely regulates development and ST biosynthesis. Nullifying aslA resulted in defective conidiation and reduced expression of brlA encoding a key activator of asexual development, which indicates that AslA functions as an upstream activator of brlA expression. aslA deletion additionally caused enhanced ST production and expression of aflR encoding a transcriptional activator for ST biosynthetic genes, suggesting that AslA functions as an upstream negative regulator of aflR. Cellular and molecular studies showed that AslA has a trans-activation domain and is localized in the nuclei of vegetative and developing cells but not in spores, indicating that AslA is likely a transcription factor. Introduction of the aslA homologs from distantly-related aspergilli complemented the defects caused by aslA null mutation in A. nidulans, implying a functional conservancy of AslA. We propose that AslA is a novel regulator that may act at the split control point of the developmental and metabolic pathways.
Distorted Immunodominance by Linker Sequences or other Epitopes from a Second Protein Antigen During Antigen-Processing
Authors: Kim AeRyon , Boronina Tatiana N. , Cole Robert N. , Darrah Erika , Sadegh-Nasseri Scheherazade
Published: April 2017

The immune system focuses on and responds to very few representative immunodominant epitopes from pathogenic insults. However, due to the complexity of the antigen processing, understanding the parameters that lead to immunodominance has proved difficult. In an attempt to uncover the determinants of immunodominance among several dominant epitopes, we utilized a cell free antigen processing system and allowed the system to identify the hierarchies among potential determinants. We then tested the resultsin vivo; in mice and in human. We report here, that immunodominance of known sequences in a given protein can change if two or more proteins are being processed and presented simultaneously. Surprisingly, we find that new spacer/tag sequences commonly added to proteins for purification purposes can distort the capture of the physiological immunodominant epitopes. We warn against adding tags and spacers to candidate vaccines, or recommend cleaving it off before using for vaccination.
Sea-level proxies in Holocene raised beach ridge deposits (Greenland) revealed by ground-penetrating radar
Authors: Nielsen Lars , Bendixen Mette , Kroon Aart , Hede Mikkel Ulfeldt , Clemmensen Lars B. , Weβling Ronny , Elberling Bo
Published: April 2017

Identification of sea-level proxies is important for reconstruction of past sea-level variation. Methods for reconstructing Holocene relative sea-level curves are crucial for quantification of the impact of Greenland ice thickness variation on global sea level and vertical land movement. Arctic beach ridges constitute important potential archives of sea-level variation. However, their surface morphology may have undergone modification since deposition due to freezing/thawing processes and erosion, and their morphology may therefore not be trustworthy for sea-level reconstruction. Therefore, geophysical imaging is used to examine the internal structures of the beach ridges and to define a sea-level proxy unaffected by surface processes. The GPR reflections from study sites in West and South Greenland show deposition of beachface deposits and upper shoreface deposits; the contact between steeply dipping beachface reflections and less-dipping shoreface reflections is used as sea-level proxy. Numerous points are identified along GPR transects facilitating reconstruction of relative sea-level variation of hitherto unprecedented resolution. Erosional events and deformation caused by freezing/thawing processes are clearly delineated. The approach constitutes a solid base for reconstruction of relative sea-level curves affected by a well-defined vertical land movement history since the studied beach ridge systems represent long time intervals and only relatively small spatial extents.
Critical involvement of ZEB2 in collagen fibrillogenesis: the molecular similarity between Mowat-Wilson syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
Authors: Teraishi Mika , Takaishi Mikiro , Nakajima Kimiko , Ikeda Mitsunori , Higashi Yujiro , Shimoda Shinji , Asada Yoshinobu , Hijikata Atsushi , Ohara Osamu , Hiraki Yoko , Mizuno Seiji , Fukada Toshiyuki , Furukawa Takahisa , Wakamatsu Nobuaki , Sano Shigetoshi
Published: April 2017

Mowat-Wilson syndrome (MOWS) is a congenital disease caused by de novo heterozygous loss of function mutations or deletions of the ZEB2 gene. MOWS patients show multiple anomalies including intellectual disability, a distinctive facial appearance, microcephaly, congenital heart defects and Hirschsprung disease. However, the skin manifestation(s) of patients with MOWS has not been documented in detail. Here, we recognized that MOWS patients exhibit many Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS)-like symptoms, such as skin hyperextensibility, atrophic scars and joint hypermobility. MOWS patients showed a thinner dermal thickness and electron microscopy revealed miniaturized collagen fibrils. Notably, mice with a mesoderm-specific deletion of the Zeb2 gene (Zeb2-cKO) demonstrated redundant skin, dermal hypoplasia and miniaturized collagen fibrils similar to those of MOWS patients. Dermal fibroblasts derived from Zeb2-cKO mice showed a decreased expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules, such as collagens, whereas molecules involved in degradation of the ECM, such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), were up-regulated. Furthermore, bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis was attenuated in Zeb2-cKO mice. We conclude that MOWS patients exhibit an EDS-like skin phenotype through alterations of collagen fibrillogenesis due to ZEB2 mutations or deletions.
3D porous Li3V2(PO4)3/hard carbon composites for improving the rate performance of lithium ion batteries
Authors: Wang Zhaoyang , He Wen , Zhang Xudong , Yi Xinli , Wang Jichao , Yang Guihua , Yue Yuanzheng
Published: April 2017

A 3D porous Li3V2(PO4)3/hard carbon composite delivers a capacity of 98 mA h g−1 after 1000 cycles at 10C.
Higher UV-shielding ability and lower photocatalytic activity of TiO2@SiO2/APTES and its excellent performance in enhancing the photostability of poly(p-phenylene sulfide)
Authors: Bai Yali , Li Zhenhuan , Cheng Bowen , Zhang Maliang , Su Kunmei
Published: April 2017

U–TiO2 is successfully coated with SiO2 and subsequently well modified by APTES, and a core–shell structure exists on TiO2@SiO2 and TiO2@SiO2/APTES, which greatly reduces aggregation of the TiO2 nanoparticles.
From chemical markers to quality markers: an integrated approach of UPLC/Q-TOF, NIRS, and chemometrics for the quality assessment of honeysuckle buds
Authors: Ding Guoyu , Wang Yanshuai , Liu Aina , Hou Yuanyuan , Zhang Tiejun , Bai Gang , Liu Changxiao
Published: April 2017

We built a set of integrated strategies to improve the chemical markers for Q-markers in Chinese herbal medicines quality management.
Preparation of gold nanoparticle coated NaYF4:Yb,Er,Gd nanoparticles and their application for AFP detection in the red region
Authors: Ma Yuanhui , Zhang Liping , Wang Lei , Wang Lun , Chen Hongqi
Published: April 2017

A novel surface plasmon resonance (SPR) enhanced upconversion (UC) luminescence system was designed for the detection of α-fetoprotein (AFP) by using gold nanoparticle (NP) coated NaYF4:Yb,Er,Gd upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) as probes.
Photocatalytic radical cyclization of α-halo hydrazones with β-ketocarbonyls: facile access to substituted dihydropyrazoles
Authors: Yu Jing-miao , Lu Guo-Ping , Cai Chun
Published: April 2017

A mild and efficient method for the photocatalytic radical cyclization of α-halo hydrazones with β-ketocarbonyls has been described.
In situ investigation of degradation at organometal halide perovskite surfaces by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy at realistic water vapour pressure
Authors: Chun-Ren Ke Jack , Walton Alex S. , Lewis David J. , Tedstone Aleksander , O'Brien Paul , Thomas Andrew G. , Flavell Wendy R.
Published: April 2017

Near-ambient-pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy enables the study of the reaction ofin situ-prepared methylammonium lead iodide (MAPI) perovskite at realistic water vapour pressures for the first time.
[FeFe] Hydrogenase active site model chemistry in a UiO-66 metal–organic framework
Authors: Pullen Sonja , Roy Souvik , Ott Sascha
Published: April 2017

CO→phosphine ligand exchange reactions on [FeFe(dcbdt)(CO)6] incorporated in UiO-66(Zr) afford selectively the disubstituted UiO-66–[FeFe(dcbdt)(CO)4(PX3)2] which can be protonated quantitatively to afford the bridging hydride UiO-66–[FeFe(dcbdt)(μ-H)(CO)4(PX3)2].
A neutral halogen bonding macrocyclic anion receptor based on a pseudocyclopeptide with three 5-iodo-1,2,3-triazole subunits
Authors: Mungalpara Disha , Stegmüller Simone , Kubik Stefan
Published: April 2017

The converging arrangement of iodine atoms along a confined cavity causes a cyclic pseudopeptide with three 5-iodo-1,2,3-triazole subunits to interact with halides, in particular with chloride, in 2.5 vol% water/DMSO.
Enhanced photo-responsiveness in a photoswitchable system model: emergent hormetic catalysis
Authors: Micheau J.-C. , Coudret C.
Published: April 2017

Numerical simulations of a continuously illuminated photoswitchable catalytic system unveil photohormesis: how profitable can be an incomplete but dynamic photoswitching.
Can the tricyanomethanide anion improve CO2 absorption by acetate-based ionic liquids?
Authors: Lepre L. F. , Szala-Bilnik J. , Pison L. , Traïkia M. , Pádua A. A. H. , Ando R. A. , Costa Gomes M. F.
Published: April 2017

The chemical reaction of carbon dioxide with 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ionic liquids is not affected by presence of the C(CN)3− anion, which leads to a faster gas absorption and a higher solubility.
Effect of nucleoside analogue antimetabolites on the structure of PEO–PPO–PEO micelles investigated by SANS
Authors: Han Youngkyu , Zhang Zhe , Smith Gregory S. , Do Changwoo
Published: April 2017

Changes in properties and internal structures of PEO–PPO–PEO micelles upon adding drug molecules are observed by small-angle scattering techniques.