bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A production economics analysis for quantifying the efficiency of wind turbines
Authors: Hwangbo Hoon , Johnson Andrew , Ding Yu
Published: March 2017

We quantify the productive efficiency of a wind turbine, using power output and environmental variable data, measured either at the turbine or at a meteorological mast near the turbine. The methods described can potentially help with decision makings in asset procurement, maintenance planning, or wind turbine control optimization. The current recommendation from the International Electrotechnical Commission regarding turbine performance evaluation is to use a power curve or power coefficient. What is commonly used in practice is the average performance power curve or power coefficient. When using the power curve to quantify productive efficiency, one crucial shortcoming is the lack of a common best performance benchmark, while the power coefficient approach uses an absolute efficiency measure that is not achievable. We introduce a new approach for efficiency quantification based upon production economics' concepts which provides estimates of a best performance benchmark. Our specific approach has two main components: (a) a best performance power curve is estimated and used together with the average performance curve to show how well a turbine has performed relative to its full potential; and (b) a covariate matching procedure is developed to control for environmental influences for the comparison of turbine performances over different periods. Through a simulation study, we demonstrate that the proposed efficiency is more sensitive to potential changes in the turbine. When analyzing multi‐year wind turbine data, we observe that the turbine's efficiency is improving during the first 2 years of operation and then remains relatively constant during years 3 and 4. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structure, Physicochemical and Biological Properties of an Aqua (2,2′,2′′‐Nitrilotriacetato)‐oxidovanadium(IV) Salt with 4‐Methylpyridinium Cation
Authors: Tesmar Aleksandra , Wyrzykowski Dariusz , Kazimierczuk Katarzyna , Kłak Julia , Kowalski Szymon , Inkielewicz‐Stępniak Iwona , Drzeżdżon Joanna , Jacewicz Dagmara , Chmurzyński Lech
Published: March 2017

The crystal structure of a nitrilotriacetate (nta) oxidovanadium(IV) salt with 4‐methylpyridinium cation, [4‐Me(Py)H]+, of [4‐Me(Py)H][VO(nta)(H2O)] stoichiometry was determined. The complex comprises a discrete mononuclear [VO(nta)(H2O)]– coordination entity that can be rarely found among other known compounds containing nitrilotriacetate oxidovanadium(IV) moieties. The complex was characterized by spectroscopic (IR and EPR) methods, magnetic measurements, and thermogravimetry (TG‐FTIR). The stability of the title compound in aqueous solutions was investigated by using the potentiometric titration method. Furthermore, spectrophotometric (UV/Vis) studies have revealed that the compound is capable to scavenge the superoxide free radicals (O2•–) as well as stable organic radicals i.e. 2,2′‐azinobis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6 sulfonic acid) cation radical (ABTS+•) and 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH•). Finally, biological properties of the complex studied were investigated in relation to its cytoprotective activity against the oxidative damage generated exogenously by using hydrogen peroxide in the HT22 hippocampal neuronal cell line (the MTT assay). Additionally, the biological action of the compound towards two human osteosarcoma HOS and MG‐63 cell lines (the MTT and BrdU tests) as well as the untransformed human osteoblast hFOB 1.19 cell line was tested.
Syntheses of Halogenated Polyhedral Phosphaboranes: Crystal Structure of conjuncto‐3,3′‐(closo‐1,2‐P2B4Br3)2
Authors: Keller Willi
Published: March 2017

Co‐pyrolysis of B2Br4 with PBr3 at 480 °C gave, in addition to the main product closo‐1,2‐P2B4Br4, conjuncto‐3,3′‐(1,2‐P2B4Br3)2 (1) and the twelve‐vertex closo‐1,7‐P2B10Br10 (2), both in low yields. X‐ray structure determination for 1 [triclinic, space‐group P1 with a = 7.220(2) Å, b = 7.232(2) Å, c = 8.5839(15) Å, α = 97.213(15)°, β = 96.81(2)°, γ = 94.07(2)° and Z = 1] confirmed that 1 adopts a structure consisting of two symmetrically boron–boron linked distorted octahedra with the bridging boron atoms in the 3,3′‐positions and the phosphorus atoms in the 1,2‐positions. The intercluster 2e/2c B–B bond length is 1.61(3) Å. The shortest boron–boron bond within the cluster framework is 1.68(2) Å located between the boron atoms antipodal to the phosphorus atoms. The icosahedral phosphaborane 2 was characterized by 11B‐11B COSY NMR spectroscopy showing cross peaks indicative for the isomer with the phosphorus atoms in 1,7‐positions. Both the X‐ray data of 1 and the NMR spectroscopic data of 1 and 2 give further evidence for the influence of an antipodal effect of heteroatoms to cross‐cage boron atoms and, vice versa, of an additional shielding of the phosphorus atoms caused by B‐Hal substitution at the boron positions trans to phosphorus.
A Phase II Study of Partial and Subtotal Thymectomy for Thymoma (JART02)
Authors: Yano Motoki , Fujii Yoshitaka , Yoshida Junji , Utsumi Tomoki , Shiono Hiroyuki , Takao Motoshi , Tanahashi Masayuki , Saito Yushi
Published: March 2017

Background

We believe the merit of preservation of a part of the thymus following surgery for thymoma. We evaluated the efficacy of partial or subtotal thymectomy for early‐stage thymoma in the prospective study.

Methods

The Japanese Association for Research on the Thymus conducted a multiple institutional study of thymectomy for thymoma localized in the thymus without total thymectomy. Patients without autoimmune disease who had an anterior mediastinal tumor that had been clinically diagnosed as an early‐stage thymoma were enrolled in the study. Patients who were positive for anti‐acetylcholine receptor antibodies were excluded.

Results

Sixty‐three patients were enrolled preoperatively; 27 patients were judged as being inappropriate based on the other thymic pathologies or tumor invasion. The remaining 36 cases were diagnosed as early‐staged thymoma and analyzed. The mean age of the patients was 61 years. The mean maximal tumor diameter in the resected specimens was 3.6 cm. The most common pathological types of thymoma were AB (n = 10) and B1 (n = 10). The Masaoka stages were classified as stage I (n = 22) and II (n = 14). The mean observation period was 63 months. Two patients died due to respiratory dysfunction, which was not related to thymoma. One hundred percent of the patients remained recurrence‐free.

Conclusions

This prospective study suggested the efficacy of partial or subtotal thymectomy for early‐stage thymoma in patients without any apparent evidence of autoimmune disease. We can preserve a part of the thymus even following surgery for thymoma to prepare the possible second malignancies or diseases in future.
Experience with second line drugs in frequently relapsing and steroid dependent childhood nephrotic syndrome in a large Saudi center
Authors: Alsaran Khalid , Khalid Mirza , Al-Talhi Abdulhadi , Al-Kanani Esam
Published: March 2017

Background and objectives:

To assess the efficacy and safety of second line drugs used at our center in frequently relapsing and steroid dependant (FR/SD) childhood nephrotic syndrome.

Patients and methods:

This was a retrospective study over a period of 3 years (July 2012 to July 2015) on the use of 4 second line drugs in FR/SD nephrotic syndrome in children treated at our center. These drugs were Levamisole, Mycophenolate Mofetil (MMF), Cyclophosphamide, and Cyclosporine. We studied the relapse rate per year, cumulative dose of steroids, success, failure, and side effects of these drugs. Statistical analyses were done with the help of a statistician using the T-test and the "N-1”Chi–Square test.

Results:

We reviewed the charts of 60 children. All had FR/SD nephrotic syndrome and received a 3 month protocol of prednisolone. 20 received Levamisole (33%), 12 received Cyclophosphamide (20%), 20 received MMF (25%), and 13 received Cyclosporine (22%).

All the four drugs significantly reduced the relapse rate and the cumulative dose of steroids (P < .0001). Treatment success was best with Cyclosporine (69.2%), and treatment failure was the least with Cyclosporine (7.6%). However, treatment success and failure with Cyclosporine when compared to other three drugs was not statistically significant. No dangerous side effects were seen with any of the 4 drugs in the observation period.

Conclusion:

All the second line drugs in our study were equally effective. However, we recommend that the initial treatment of FR/SD nephrotic syndrome should be chosen with the least toxic yet equally efficacious drug Levamisole.
Recent publications from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative: Reviewing progress toward improved AD clinical trials
Authors: Weiner Michael W. , Veitch Dallas P. , Aisen Paul S. , Beckett Laurel A. , Cairns Nigel J. , Green Robert C. , Harvey Danielle , Jack Clifford R. , Jagust William , Morris John C. , Petersen Ronald C. , Saykin Andrew J. , Shaw Leslie M. , Toga Arthur W. , Trojanowski John Q. ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: March 2017

Introduction

The Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) has continued development and standardization of methodologies for biomarkers and has provided an increased depth and breadth of data available to qualified researchers. This review summarizes the over 400 publications using ADNI data during 2014 and 2015.

Methods

We used standard searches to find publications using ADNI data.

Results

(1) Structural and functional changes, including subtle changes to hippocampal shape and texture, atrophy in areas outside of hippocampus, and disruption to functional networks, are detectable in presymptomatic subjects before hippocampal atrophy; (2) In subjects with abnormal β‐amyloid deposition (Aβ+), biomarkers become abnormal in the order predicted by the amyloid cascade hypothesis; (3) Cognitive decline is more closely linked to tau than Aβ deposition; (4) Cerebrovascular risk factors may interact with Aβ to increase white‐matter (WM) abnormalities which may accelerate Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression in conjunction with tau abnormalities; (5) Different patterns of atrophy are associated with impairment of memory and executive function and may underlie psychiatric symptoms; (6) Structural, functional, and metabolic network connectivities are disrupted as AD progresses. Models of prion‐like spreading of Aβ pathology along WM tracts predict known patterns of cortical Aβ deposition and declines in glucose metabolism; (7) New AD risk and protective gene loci have been identified using biologically informed approaches; (8) Cognitively normal and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) subjects are heterogeneous and include groups typified not only by “classic” AD pathology but also by normal biomarkers, accelerated decline, and suspected non‐Alzheimer's pathology; (9) Selection of subjects at risk of imminent decline on the basis of one or more pathologies improves the power of clinical trials; (10) Sensitivity of cognitive outcome measures to early changes in cognition has been improved and surrogate outcome measures using longitudinal structural magnetic resonance imaging may further reduce clinical trial cost and duration; (11) Advances in machine learning techniques such as neural networks have improved diagnostic and prognostic accuracy especially in challenges involving MCI subjects; and (12) Network connectivity measures and genetic variants show promise in multimodal classification and some classifiers using single modalities are rivaling multimodal classifiers.

Discussion

Taken together, these studies fundamentally deepen our understanding of AD progression and its underlying genetic basis, which in turn informs and improves clinical trial design.
Associations between social relationship measures, serum brain‐derived neurotrophic factor, and risk of stroke and dementia
Authors: Salinas Joel , Beiser Alexa , Himali Jayandra J. , Satizabal Claudia L. , Aparicio Hugo J. , Weinstein Galit , Mateen Farrah J. , Berkman Lisa F. , Rosand Jonathan , Seshadri Sudha
Published: March 2017

Introduction

Mechanisms underlying social determinants of stroke and dementia are unclear and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) may contribute as a molecular link.

Methods

Using the Framingham Study, we examined social relationship measures as predictors of higher serum BDNF level and cumulative incidence of stroke and dementia.

Results

Among 3294 participants, controlling for age and sex, isolation trended with lower BDNF (odds ratio = 0.69 [0.47–1.00]). Participants with more companionship had reduced risk for stroke (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.59 [0.41–0.83]) and dementia (HR = 0.67 [0.49–0.92]). Greater emotional support was associated with higher BDNF (odds ratio = 1.27 [1.04–1.54]), reduced dementia risk (HR = 0.69 [0.51–0.94], and among smokers, reduced stroke risk (HR = 0.23 [0.10–0.57]). Associations persisted after additional adjustments. BDNF partly mediated the total effect between emotional support and dementia risk.

Conclusions

Availability of social support appears to be associated with increased BDNF levels and, in certain subsets, reduce risk of subsequent dementia and stroke, thus warranting study of these pathways to understand their role in neuroprotection.
On the Davey-Stewartson systems
Authors: Linares Felipe , Ponce Gustavo
Published: March 2017

We study the initial value problem for the Davey–Stewartson systems. This model arises generically in both physics and mathematics. Using the classification in [15] we consider the elliptic-hyperbolic and hyperbolic-hyperbolic cases. Under smallness assumption on the data it is shown that the IVP is locally wellposed in weighted Sobolev spaces.

Nous étudions le problème de Cauchy pour les systèmes de Davey–Stewartson. Ce modèle se présente de façon générique en mathé-matiques et en physique. Nous utilisons la classification de [15] et considérons les cas elliptique-hyperbolique et hyperbolique-hyperbolique. Sous des conditions (de petites tailles) sur les données nous montrons que le problème est bien posé sur les espaces de Sobolev à poids.
The symmetry of minimizing harmonic maps from a two dimensional domain to the sphere
Authors: Sandier Étienne
Published: March 2017

We show that minimizing harmonic maps from an annulus in

ℝ^2

to the sphere in

ℝ^3

that agree on the boundary with the map

u_0 (x, y) = (x/r, y/r, 0)

– where

r^2 = x^2 + y^2

– must be radially symmetric. This result combined with previous results of Jäger–Kaul [JK], Brezis–Coron [BC] and of Bethuel–Brezis–Coleman–Hélein [BBCH] shows that for any symmetrical domain in

ℝ^2

and any symmetrical boundary data with image lying in a closed hemisphere, minimizing harmonic maps must be radially symmetric. We also give an example showing that this no longer has to be true when the boundary data has its image lying in a neighborhood – however small it may be – of a closed hemisphere.

On montre que les applications harmoniques minimisantes d’un domaine bidimensionnel vers la sphère sont nécessairement symétriques dès que leur trace est symétrique et à valeur dans un hémisphère fermé. On montre également que ceci devient faux lorsque la trace est à valeurs dans un voisinage arbitrairement petit d’un hémisphère.
Kant's Theory of Normativity
Authors: Pollok Konstantin
Published: March 2017

Konstantin Pollok offers the first book-length analysis of Kant's theory of normativity that covers foundational issues in theoretical and practical philosophy as well as aesthetics. Interpreting Kant's 'critical turn' as a normative turn, he argues that Kant's theory of normativity is both original and radical: it departs from the perfectionist ideal of early modern rationalism, and arrives at an unprecedented framework of synthetic a priori principles that determine the validity of our judgments. Pollok examines the hylomorphism in Kant's theory of normativity and relates Kant's idea of our reason's self-legislation to the 'natural right' tradition, revealing Kant's debt to his predecessors as well as his relevance to contemporary debates on normativity. This book will appeal to academic researchers and advanced students of Kant, early modern philosophy and intellectual history.
Technology and Isolation
Authors: Lawson Clive
Published: March 2017

Inspired by the desire to facilitate a critical intellectual dialogue between the philosophy of technology and recent developments in ontology, especially critical realism, this detailed analysis is aimed at anyone interested in the nature of technology. As well as contributing to the philosophy of technology, there are chapters on the history, sociology, psychology and economics of technology, contributing to such diverse topics as the circumstances in which the term 'technology' gained currency, the importance of technology to 'social acceleration' and the relation of technology to those with autism. The central theme of the book is the way that notions of isolation weave in and out of the classic accounts of the philosophy of technology, along with a new account of why isolation is so important.
Byzantine Legal Culture and the Roman Legal Tradition, 867–1056
Authors: Chitwood Zachary
Published: March 2017

This social history of Byzantine law offers an introduction to one of the world's richest yet hitherto understudied legal traditions. In the first study of its kind, Chitwood explores and reinterprets the seminal legal-historical events of the Byzantine Empire under the Macedonian dynasty, including the re-appropriation and refashioning of the Justinianic legal corpus and the founding of a law school in Constantinople. During this last phase of Byzantine secular law, momentous changes in law and legal culture were underway: the patronage of the elite was reflected in the legal system, theological terms from Orthodox Christianity entered the vocabulary of Byzantine jurisprudence, and private legal collections of uncertain origins began to circulate in manuscripts alongside official redactions of Justinianic law. By using the heuristic device of exploring legal culture, this book examines the interplay in law between the Roman political heritage, Orthodox Christianity and Hellenic culture.
Neuropsychological Outcome in Perinatal Stroke Associated With Epileptiform Discharges in Sleep
Authors: Mineyko Aleksandra , Qi Wei , Carlson Helen L. , Bello-Espinosa Luis , Brooks Brian L. , Kirton Adam
Published: March 2017

Background:Patients with arterial perinatal stroke often suffer long-term motor sequelae, difficulties in language, social development, and behaviour as well as epilepsy. Despite homogeneous lesions, long-term behavioural and cognitive outcomes are variable and unpredictable. Sleep-related epileptic encephalopathies can occur after early brain injury and are associated with global developmental delays. We hypothesized that sleep-potentiated epileptiform abnormalities are associated with worse developmental outcomes after perinatal stroke.Methods:Participants were identified from a population-based cohort (Alberta Perinatal Stroke Project). Inclusion criteria were magnetic resonance imaging–confirmed arterial perinatal stroke, age 4 to 18 years, electroencephalogram (EEG) including sleep, and comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation. Sleep-related EEG abnormalities were categorized by an epileptologist blinded to the cognitive outcome. Associations between EEG classification and neuropsychological outcomes were explored (ttests, Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons).Results:Of 128 potentially eligible participants, 34 (53% female) had complete EEG (mean age, 8.1 years; range, 0.2-16.4) and neuropsychology testing (mean age, 9.8 years; range 4.4-16.7). Twelve (35%) were classified as having electrical status epilepticus in sleep. Patients with abnormal EEGs were more likely to have statistically worse scores when corrected for multiple comparisons, in receptive language (median, 1st percentile; IQR 1-7th percentile; p<0.05), and externalizing behaviours (median, 82nd percentile; IQR, 79-97th percentile; p<0.05).Conclusions:Developmental outcome in language and behaviour in children with arterial perinatal stroke is associated with electrical status epilepticus in sleep. Increased screening with sleep EEG is suggested, whereas further studies are necessary to determine if treatment of EEG abnormalities can improve outcome.
Radiocarbon Dating of a Multi-phase Passage Tomb on Baltinglass Hill, Co. Wicklow, Ireland
Authors: Schulting Rick J. , Mcclatchie Meriel , Sheridan Alison , Mclaughlin Rowan , Barratt Phil , Whitehouse Nicki J.
Published: March 2017

Baltinglass is a multi-chamber Neolithic passage tomb in Co. Wicklow, Ireland, excavated in the 1930s. This paper presents the results of a radiocarbon dating programme on charred wheat grains and hazelnut shell found underlying the cairn, and on cremated human bone found within and near two of the monument’s five chambers. The results are surprising, in that three of the six determinations on calcined bone pre-date by one or two centuries the charred cereals and hazelnut shells sealed under the cairn, dating to c. 3600–3400 calbc. Of the remaining three bone results, one is coeval with the charred plant remains, while the final two can be placed in the period 3300/3200–2900 calbc, that is more traditionally associated with developed passage tombs. A suggested sequence of construction is presented beginning with a simple tomb lacking a cairn, followed by a burning event – perhaps a ritual preparation of the ground – involving the deposition of cereal grains and other materials, very rapidly and intentionally sealed under a layer of clay, in turn followed by at least two phases involving the construction of more substantial chambers and associated cairns. What was already a complex funerary monument has proven to be even more complex, with a history spanning at least six centuries.
Dissolution collapse of a growing diapir from radial, concentric, and salt-withdrawal faults overprinting in the Salinas de Oro salt diapir, northern Spain
Authors: Guerrero Jesús
Published: March 2017

A geomorphic investigation of the Salinas de Oro salt diapir in the Pyrenees reveals that the ring fracture pattern related to the karstic collapse of the diapir crest may vary significantly depending on the rates of dissolution and salt flow, and the rheology of the overburden. The salt diapir has well-developed concentric faults related to salt dissolution subsidence throughout the Quaternary. Roof strata accommodate subsidence by a combination of downward sagging and brittle collapse leading to the development of a ring monocline that is broken by 5 to 20 m throw conjugated normal faults and a 40 m throw, 9.5-km-long and 200-m-wide keystone graben. The salt diapir top has >100-m-long sinkholes that coalesce to form hollows >70 m deep. Up to 3-km-long radial grabens with a 70 to 90 m vertical throw overprint concentric-ring faulting and displace Quaternary deposits demonstrating active salt flow and diapir rise. Radial faults are linked with salt-withdrawal faults of the Andia Fault Zone (AFZ). Salt flow from the AFZ into the Salinas de Oro salt diapir causes brittle gravitational extension of limestone strata leading to a sequence of grabens and Quaternary faults >10 km long and several hundred meters deep.
A new substitute host and its effects on some biological properties ofOoencyrtus kuvanae
Authors: Tunca Hilal , Venard Marine , Colombel Etty-Ambre , Tabone Elisabeth
Published: March 2017

Lymantia dispar(L.) (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae), commonly known as the gypsy moth, is a serious forest pest, and beneficial insects are particularly important for reducing its population numbers.Ooencyrtus kuvanae(Howard) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) is an arrhenotokous, solitary egg parasitoid ofL. dispar. In this study, we evaluated a new substitute host,Philosamia ricini(Danovan) (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) forO. kuvanae. We investigated some of the biological effects ofO. kuvanaeonP. ricinieggs. In this context, the importance of the age of the female parasitoid (1, 3 or 5 days old), host age (1–2 and 3–4 days old) and host number (40, 60 and 80 host eggs) were examined under laboratory conditions (25 ± 1 °C, 65 ± 5% relative humidity and a 16 : 8 h photoperiod [light : dark]). The highest rate of offspring production (89.90%) occurred with 40 (1–2-day-old) host eggs and 5-day-old females. The mean developmental period ranged from 16.5 ± 0.08 days to 18.7 ± 0.08 days. The mean lifespan of the parasitoid was 51.10 ± 1.1 (n= 60) days with bio-honey and 3.92 ± 0.14 (n= 60) days without food. The mean fecundity was 68.88 ± 3.22 offspring/female. Peak adult emergence occurred between 2 and 9 days. The mean oviposition and mean post-oviposition periods of the female parasitoid were 22.76 ± 1.37 days and 13.64 ± 1.40 days, respectively.O. kuvanaewas reared for more than ten generations on the eggs ofP. ricini. Based on our findings,P. ricinican be used to rearO. kuvanaefor the biological control ofL. dispar.
Patterns and processes influencing helminth parasites of Arctic coastal communities during climate change
Authors: Galaktionov K.V.
Published: March 2017

This review analyses the scarce available data on biodiversity and transmission of helminths in Arctic coastal ecosystems and the potential impact of climate changes on them. The focus is on the helminths of seabirds, dominant parasites in coastal ecosystems. Their fauna in the Arctic is depauperate because of the lack of suitable intermediate hosts and unfavourable conditions for species with free-living larvae. An increasing proportion of crustaceans in the diet of Arctic seabirds would result in a higher infection intensity of cestodes and acanthocephalans, and may also promote the infection of seabirds with non-specific helminths. In this way, the latter may find favourable conditions for colonization of new hosts. Climate changes may alter the composition of the helminth fauna, their infection levels in hosts and ways of transmission in coastal communities. Immigration of boreal invertebrates and fish into Arctic seas may allow the circulation of helminths using them as intermediate hosts. Changing migratory routes of animals would alter the distribution of their parasites, facilitating, in particular, their trans-Arctic transfer. Prolongation of the seasonal ‘transmission window’ may increase the parasitic load on host populations. Changes in Arctic marine food webs would have an overriding influence on the helminths’ circulation. This process may be influenced by the predicted decreased of salinity in Arctic seas, increased storm activity, coastal erosion, ocean acidification, decline of Arctic ice, etc. Greater parasitological research efforts are needed to assess the influence of factors related to Arctic climate change on the transmission of helminths.
Charged particle dynamics in multiple colliding electromagnetic waves. Survey of random walk, Lévy flights, limit circles, attractors and structurally determinate patterns
Authors: Bulanov S. V. , Esirkepov T. Zh. , Koga J. K. , Bulanov S. S. , Gong Z. , Yan X. Q. , Kando M.
Published: March 2017

The multiple colliding laser pulse concept formulated by Bulanovet al.(Phys. Rev. Lett., vol. 104, 2010b, 220404) is beneficial for achieving an extremely high amplitude of coherent electromagnetic field. Since the topology of electric and magnetic fields of multiple colliding laser pulses oscillating in time is far from trivial and the radiation friction effects are significant in the high field limit, the dynamics of charged particles interacting with the multiple colliding laser pulses demonstrates remarkable features corresponding to random walk trajectories, limit circles, attractors, regular patterns and Lévy flights. Under extremely high intensity conditions the nonlinear dissipation mechanism stabilizes the particle motion resulting in the charged particle trajectory being located within narrow regions and in the occurrence of a new class of regular patterns made by the particle ensembles.
Realism and constructivism in social perception
Authors: Kihlstrom John F.
Published: March 2017

Jussim's critique of social psychology's embrace of error and bias is needed and often persuasive. In opting for perceptual realism over social constructivism, however, he seems to ignore a third choice – a cognitive constructivism which has a long and distinguished history in the study of nonsocial perception, and which enables us to understand both accuracy and error.
A close consideration of effect sizes reviewed by Jussim (2012)
Authors: Trafimow David , Raut Yogesh J.
Published: March 2017

This commentary on Jussim (2012) makes two points: (1) Effect sizes often reflect artifacts of experimental design rather than real-world relevance, and (2) any argument dependent on effect sizes must correct for attenuation due to instrument reliabilities. A formula for making this correction is presented, and its ramifications on the debate over accuracy in person perception are discussed.
Attractiveness biases are the tip of the iceberg in biological markets
Authors: Barclay Pat
Published: March 2017

Physical attractiveness affects how one gets treated, but it is just a single component of one's overall “market value.” One's treatment depends on other markers of market value, including social status, competence, warmth, and any other cues of one's ability or willingness to confer benefits on partners. To completely understand biased treatment, we must also incorporate these other factors.
Is there an alternative explanation to the evolutionary account for financial and prosocial biases in favor of attractive individuals?
Authors: Dang Junhua
Published: March 2017

All three critical points of the evolutionary explanation proposed by Maestripieri et al. may not withstand close scrutiny. Instead, there should be an alternative explanation that has nothing to do with genetic continuity, but stresses the rewarding property of attractiveness that results mainly from sociocultural value assignment and sexual experience pursuit.
It is not all about mating: Attractiveness predicts partner value across multiple relationship domains
Authors: Eisenbruch Adar B. , Lukaszewski Aaron W. , Roney James R.
Published: March 2017

An account of the “beauty premium” based only on mating motivations overlooks adaptationist models of social valuation that have broader explanatory power. We suggest a broader approach based on evolved preferences for attractive partners in multiple cooperative domains (not just mating), which accounts for many observations of attractiveness-based preferential treatment more comfortably than does the target article's mating-specific account.
The type of behavior and the role of relationship length in mate choice for prosociality among physically attractive individuals
Authors: Farrelly Daniel
Published: March 2017

Two further key aspects of prosociality as a sexual signal are explored here. First, the context in which it is used (in particular, relationship length) and, second, the different types of prosocial behaviors that exist in social interactions. Therefore, this commentary can show why prosocial behaviors are biased toward physically attractive individuals, as they can gain valuable information from them.
How should we tackle financial and prosocial biases against unattractive people?
Authors: Minerva Francesca
Published: March 2017

The fact that attractive people benefit from their good looks is not bad per se. Rather, what is worrisome is the fact that unattractive people are discriminated against, and that such discrimination negatively affects many aspects of their lives. I focus on the moral implications of this discrimination and on the possible measures that could be taken to alleviate it.
Tinbergen's “four questions” provides a formal framework for a more complete understanding of prosocial biases in favour of attractive people
Authors: Stephen Ian D. , Burke Darren , Sulikowski Danielle
Published: March 2017

We adopt Tinbergen's (1963) “four questions” approach to strengthen the criticism by Maestripieri et al. of the non-evolutionary accounts of favouritism toward attractive individuals, by showing which levels of explanation are lacking in these accounts. We also use this approach to propose ways in which the evolutionary account may be extended and strengthened.
Moving forward with interdisciplinary research on attractiveness-related biases
Authors: Maestripieri Dario , Henry Andrea , Nickels Nora
Published: March 2017

In our response, we review and address the comments on our target article made in the 25 commentaries. First, we review and discuss the commentaries that recognized the value of our approach, accepted the main premises and conclusions of our target article, and suggested further avenues for research on attractiveness-related biases. We then respond to commentators who either misinterpreted some parts of our target article or made statements with which we disagree. These commentaries provided us with an opportunity to clarify some aspects of our target article, for example, the fact that we address both the functional significance of attractiveness-related biases and their underlying mechanisms. We provide a rebuttal to two commentaries, in which we are accused of poor scholarship. We conclude our response by addressing two commentaries that discussed the societal implications of the occurrence of attractiveness-related biases in the labor market by briefly discussing the relationship between scientific research and social policy.
Proton pump inhibitors as a risk factor for norovirus infection
Authors: PRAG C. , PRAG M. , FREDLUND H.
Published: March 2017

Norovirus causes viral gastroenteritis, which is a major problem in health care. The disease causes death in elderly and seriously ill patients, and results in significant health costs each year. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) reduce gastric acidity, which is an important protection against microorganisms. We hypothesised that treatment with PPIs increases the risk of contracting norovirus infection. This has not previously been studied. The study was a retrospective case–control study, in which 192 hospitalised patients positive for norovirus in Örebro County, Sweden, were identified as cases. For each case, a hospitalised patient who did not have the infection was selected as a control, and matched with respect to ward, gender, admission date and age. Details of exposure, i.e. treatment with PPIs, were retrieved from the patient records. Odds ratio (OR) with confidence intervals (CIs) and P-values were calculated using McNemar's test. There was a significantly increased risk of norovirus infection in patients treated with PPIs compared with patients without PPI treatment (OR 1·73, 95% CI 1·07–2·81; P = 0·02). PPIs appear to be a risk factor for norovirus infection, and our results motivate future studies to further examine this association.
Developing a Peer Support Protocol for Improving Veterans’ Engagement to Computer-Delivered Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Authors: Ray John M. , Kemp Lakiesha L. , Hubbard Amanda , Cucciare Michael A.
Published: March 2017

Background:Computer-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy (cCBT) is an effective alternative to provider-delivered treatment for depression and anxiety, but high attrition poses a significant challenge to its use. Peer support is a feasible approach to improving cCBT engagement, but less is known about its acceptability among Veterans.Aims:To obtain feedback from Veterans (n= 24) with depression and/or anxiety on their preferences for (a) activities of Veterans Administration Peer Support Specialists (VA PSS) in helping Veterans use Moving Forward, a cCBT-based protocol developed by VA, and (b) methods for delivering support to Veterans using this programme.Method:Four focus groups (5–7 Veterans per group) provided feedback to be used in the development of a peer-supported engagement intervention to help Veterans with depression and anxiety use Moving Forward. Content areas included roles that a VA PSS might play in supporting the use of and engagement in Moving Forward, as well as methods of delivering that support.Results:Veteran preferences for PSS activity focused on practical aspects of using Moving Forward, including orientation to the programme, technical support, and monitoring progress. Feedback also suggested that Veterans preferred more personal roles for the PSS, including emotional support, as well as application of Moving Forward to ‘real life’ problems.Conclusions:The findings extend the literature on online, patient-facing mental health protocols by identifying emotional support and ‘real life’ skills application as Veteran-preferred components of a peer-support protocol designed to enhance use of and engagement in cCBT for depression and anxiety.
Task-Switching Training and Transfer
Authors: Gaál Zsófia Anna , Czigler István
Published: March 2017

Abstract. We used task-switching (TS) paradigms to study how cognitive training can compensate age-related cognitive decline. Thirty-nine young (age span: 18–25 years) and 40 older (age span: 60–75 years) women were assigned to training and control groups. The training group received 8 one-hour long cognitive training sessions in which the difficulty level of TS was individually adjusted. The other half of the sample did not receive any intervention. The reference task was an informatively cued TS paradigm with nogo stimuli. Performance was measured on reference, near-transfer, and far-transfer tasks by behavioral indicators and event-related potentials (ERPs) before training, 1 month after pretraining, and in case of older adults, 1 year later. The results showed that young adults had better pretraining performance. The reference task was too difficult for older adults to form appropriate representations as indicated by the behavioral data and the lack of P3b components. But after training older adults reached the level of performance of young participants, and accordingly, P3b emerged after both the cue and the target. Training gain was observed also in near-transfer tasks, and partly in far-transfer tasks; working memory and executive functions did not improve, but we found improvement in alerting and orienting networks, and in the execution of variants of TS paradigms. Behavioral and ERP changes remained preserved even after 1 year. These findings suggest that with an appropriate training procedure older adults can reach the level of performance seen in young adults and these changes persist for a long period. The training also affects the unpracticed tasks, but the transfer depends on the extent of task similarities.
Commercial Underwater Cable Systems Could Reduce Disaster Impact
Authors: Tilmann Frederik , Howe Bruce , Butler Rhett
Published: March 2017

Workshop on SMART Cable Applications in Earthquake and Tsunami Science and Early Warning; Potsdam, Germany, 3–4 November 2016
Global Significance of the Changing Freshwater Carbon Cycle
Authors: Biddanda Bopaiah
Published: March 2017

Freshwater ecosystems constitute a small fraction of our planet but play a disproportionately large and critical role in the global carbon cycle.
Regulation of hepatic lipogenesis by the zinc finger protein Zbtb20
Authors: Liu Gan , Zhou Luting , Zhang Hai , Chen Rong , Zhang Ye , Li Ling , Lu Jun-Yu , Jiang Hui , Liu Dong , Qi Shasha , Jiang Ying-Ming , Yin Kai , Xie Zhifang , Shi Yuguang , Liu Yong , Cao Xuetao , Chen Yu-Xia , Zou Dajin , Zhang Weiping J.
Published: March 2017

Hepatic de novo lipogenesis (DNL) converts carbohydrates into triglycerides and is known to influence systemic lipid homoeostasis. Here, we demonstrate that the zinc finger protein Zbtb20 is required for DNL. Mice lacking Zbtb20 in the liver exhibit hypolipidemia and reduced levels of liver triglycerides, along with impaired hepatic lipogenesis. The expression of genes involved in glycolysis and DNL, including that of two ChREBP isoforms, is decreased in livers of knockout mice. Zbtb20 binds to and enhances the activity of the ChREBP-α promoter, suggesting that altered metabolic gene expression is mainly driven by ChREBP. In addition, ChREBP-β overexpression largely restores hepatic expression of genes involved in glucose and lipid metabolism, and increases plasma and liver triglyceride levels in knockout mice. Finally, we show that Zbtb20 ablation protects from diet-induced liver steatosis and improves hepatic insulin resistance. We suggest ZBTB20 is an essential regulator of hepatic lipogenesis and may be a therapeutic target for the treatment of fatty liver disease.
FMNL formins boost lamellipodial force generation
Authors: Kage Frieda , Winterhoff Moritz , Dimchev Vanessa , Mueller Jan , Thalheim Tobias , Freise Anika , Brühmann Stefan , Kollasser Jana , Block Jennifer , Dimchev Georgi , Geyer Matthias , Schnittler Hans-Joachim , Brakebusch Cord , Stradal Theresia E. B. , Carlier Marie-France , Sixt Michael , Käs Josef , Faix Jan , Rottner Klemens
Published: March 2017

Migration frequently involves Rac-mediated protrusion of lamellipodia, formed by Arp2/3 complex-dependent branching thought to be crucial for force generation and stability of these networks. The formins FMNL2 and FMNL3 are Cdc42 effectors targeting to the lamellipodium tip and shown here to nucleate and elongate actin filaments with complementary activities in vitro. In migrating B16-F1 melanoma cells, both formins contribute to the velocity of lamellipodium protrusion. Loss of FMNL2/3 function in melanoma cells and fibroblasts reduces lamellipodial width, actin filament density and -bundling, without changing patterns of Arp2/3 complex incorporation. Strikingly, in melanoma cells, FMNL2/3 gene inactivation almost completely abolishes protrusion forces exerted by lamellipodia and modifies their ultrastructural organization. Consistently, CRISPR/Cas-mediated depletion of FMNL2/3 in fibroblasts reduces both migration and capability of cells to move against viscous media. Together, we conclude that force generation in lamellipodia strongly depends on FMNL formin activity, operating in addition to Arp2/3 complex-dependent filament branching.
A semisynthetic Atg3 reveals that acetylation promotes Atg3 membrane binding and Atg8 lipidation
Authors: Li Yi-Tong , Yi Cong , Chen Chen-Chen , Lan Huan , Pan Man , Zhang Shao-Jin , Huang Yi-Chao , Guan Chao-Jian , Li Yi-Ming , Yu Li , Liu Lei
Published: March 2017

Acetylation of Atg3 regulates the lipidation of the protein Atg8 in autophagy. The molecular mechanism behind this important biochemical event remains to be elucidated. We describe the first semi-synthesis of homogeneous K19/K48-diacetylated Atg3 through sequential hydrazide-based native chemical ligation. In vitro reconstitution experiments with the semi-synthetic proteins confirm that Atg3 acetylation can promote the lipidation of Atg8. We find that acetylation of Atg3 enhances its binding to phosphatidylethanolamine-containing liposomes and to endoplasmic reticulum, through which it promotes the lipidation process.
Pharmacological inhibition of adipose triglyceride lipase corrects high-fat diet-induced insulin resistance and hepatosteatosis in mice
Authors: Schweiger Martina , Romauch Matthias , Schreiber Renate , Grabner Gernot F. , Hütter Sabrina , Kotzbeck Petra , Benedikt Pia , Eichmann Thomas O. , Yamada Sohsuke , Knittelfelder Oskar , Diwoky Clemens , Doler Carina , Mayer Nicole , De Cecco Werner , Breinbauer Rolf , Zimmermann Robert , Zechner Rudolf
Published: March 2017

Elevated circulating fatty acids (FAs) contribute to the development of obesity-associated metabolic complications such as insulin resistance (IR) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Hence, reducing adipose tissue lipolysis to diminish the mobilization of FAs and lower their respective plasma concentrations represents a potential treatment strategy to counteract obesity-associated disorders. Here we show that specific inhibition of adipose triglyceride lipase (Atgl) with the chemical inhibitor, Atglistatin, effectively reduces adipose tissue lipolysis, weight gain, IR and NAFLD in mice fed a high-fat diet. Importantly, even long-term treatment does not lead to lipid accumulation in ectopic tissues such as the skeletal muscle or heart. Thus, the severe cardiac steatosis and cardiomyopathy that is observed in genetic models of Atgl deficiency does not occur in Atglistatin-treated mice. Our data validate the pharmacological inhibition of Atgl as a potentially powerful therapeutic strategy to treat obesity and associated metabolic disorders.
Molecular level detection and localization of mechanical damage in collagen enabled by collagen hybridizing peptides
Authors: Zitnay Jared L. , Li Yang , Qin Zhao , San Boi Hoa , Depalle Baptiste , Reese Shawn P. , Buehler Markus J. , Yu S. Michael , Weiss Jeffrey A.
Published: March 2017

Mechanical injury to connective tissue causes changes in collagen structure and material behaviour, but the role and mechanisms of molecular damage have not been established. In the case of mechanical subfailure damage, no apparent macroscale damage can be detected, yet this damage initiates and potentiates in pathological processes. Here, we utilize collagen hybridizing peptide (CHP), which binds unfolded collagen by triple helix formation, to detect molecular level subfailure damage to collagen in mechanically stretched rat tail tendon fascicle. Our results directly reveal that collagen triple helix unfolding occurs during tensile loading of collagenous tissues and thus is an important damage mechanism. Steered molecular dynamics simulations suggest that a likely mechanism for triple helix unfolding is intermolecular shearing of collagen α-chains. Our results elucidate a probable molecular failure mechanism associated with subfailure injuries, and demonstrate the potential of CHP targeting for diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of tissue disease and injury.
Pressure-induced metallization and superconducting phase in ReS
2
Authors: Zhou Dawei , Zhou Yonghui , Pu Chunying , Chen Xuliang , Lu Pengchao , Wang Xuefei , An Chao , Zhou Ying , Miao Feng , Ho Ching-Hwa , Sun Jian , Yang Zhaorong , Xing Dingyu
Published: March 2017

Among the family of transition metal dichalcogenides, ReS2 occupies a special position, which crystalizes in a unique distorted low-symmetry structure at ambient conditions. The interlayer interaction in ReS2 is rather weak, thus its bulk properties are similar to those of monolayer. However, how compression changes its structure and electronic properties is unknown so far. Here using ab initio crystal structure searching techniques, we explore the high-pressure phase transitions of ReS2 extensively and predict two new high-pressure phases. The ambient pressure phase transforms to a “distorted-1T” structure at very low pressure and then to a tetragonal I41/amd structure at around 90 GPa. The “distorted-1T” structure undergoes a semiconductor–metal transition at around 70 GPa with a band overlap mechanism. Electron–phonon calculations suggest that the I41/amd structure is superconducting and has a critical superconducting temperature of about 2 K at 100 GPa. We further perform high-pressure electrical resistance measurements up to 102 GPa. Our experiments confirm the semiconductor–metal transition and the superconducting phase transition of ReS2 under high pressure. These experimental results are in good agreement with our theoretical predictions.