bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An asymptotically optimal heuristic for general nonstationary finite-horizon restless multi-armed, multi-action bandits
Authors: Zayas-Cabán Gabriel , Jasin Stefanus , Wang Guihua 
Published: September 2019

AbstractWe propose an asymptotically optimal heuristic, which we termrandomized assignment control(RAC) for a restless multi-armed bandit problem with discrete-time and finite states. It is constructed using a linear programming relaxation of the original stochastic control formulation. In contrast to most of the existing literature, we consider a finite-horizon problem with multiple actions and time-dependent (i.e. nonstationary) upper bound on the number of bandits that can be activated at each time period; indeed, our analysis can also be applied in the setting with nonstationary transition matrix and nonstationary cost function. The asymptotic setting is obtained by letting the number of bandits and other related parameters grow to infinity. Our main contribution is that the asymptotic optimality of RAC in this general setting does not require indexability properties or the usual stability conditions of the underlying Markov chain (e.g. unichain) or fluid approximation (e.g. global stable attractor). Moreover, our multi-action setting is not restricted to the usual dominant action concept. Finally, we show that RAC is also asymptotically optimal for adynamicpopulation, where bandits can randomly arrive and depart the system.
Scaling limits for a random boxes model
Authors: Aurzada F. , Schwinn S. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractWe consider random rectangles in

$\mathbb{R}^2$

that are distributed according to a Poisson random measure, i.e. independently and uniformly scattered in the plane. The distributions of the length and the width of the rectangles are heavy tailed with different parameters. We investigate the scaling behaviour of the related random fields as the intensity of the random measure grows to infinity while the mean edge lengths tend to zero. We characterise the arising scaling regimes, identify the limiting random fields, and give statistical properties of these limits.
Association of sugar-sweetened beverage intake at 18 months and 5 years of age with adiposity outcomes at 6 years of age: the Singapore GUSTO mother–offspring cohort
Authors: Quah Phaik Ling , Kleijweg Josefien , Chang Ya Yin , Toh Jia Ying , Lim Hui Xian , Sugianto Ray , Aris Izzuddin M. , Yuan Wen Lun , Tint Mya Thway , Bernard Jonathan Y. , Natarajan Padmapriya , Müller-Riemenschneider Falk , Godfrey Keith M. , Gluckman Peter D. , Chong Yap-Seng , Shek Lynette P. , Tan Kok Hian , Eriksson Johan G. , Yap Fabian , Lee Yung Seng , Chong Mary F. F. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractConsumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) by infants and young children are less explored in Asian populations. The Growing Up in Singapore Towards healthy Outcomes cohort study examined associations between SSB intake at 18 months and 5 years of age, with adiposity measures at 6 years of age. We studied Singaporean infants/children with SSB intake assessed by FFQ at 18 months of age (n 555) and 5 years of age (n 767). The median for SSB intakes is 28 (interquartile range 5·5–98) ml at 18 months of age and 111 (interquartile range 57–198) ml at 5 years of age. Association between SSB intake (100 ml/d increments and tertile categories) and adiposity measures (BMI standard deviation scores (sd units), sum of skinfolds (SSF)) and overweight/obesity status were examined using multivariable linear and Poisson regression models, respectively. After adjusting for confounders and additionally for energy intake, SSB intake at age 18 months were not significantly associated with later adiposity measures and overweight/obesity outcomes. In contrast, at age 5 years, SSB intake when modelled as 100 ml/d increments were associated with higher BMI by 0·09 (95 % CI 0·02, 0·16) sd units, higher SSF thickness by 0·68 (95 % CI 0·06, 1·44) mm and increased risk of overweight/obesity by 1·2 (95 % CI 1·07, 1·23) times at age 6 years. Trends were consistent with SSB intake modelled as categorical tertiles. In summary, SSB intake in young childhood is associated with higher risks of adiposity and overweight/obesity. Public health policies working to reduce SSB consumption need to focus on prevention programmes targeted at young children.
GUILT, GRIEF, AND THE GOOD
Authors: Nelkin Dana Kay 
Published: September 2019

Abstract:In this essay, I consider a particular version of the thesis that the blameworthy deserve to suffer, namely, that they deserve to feel guilty to the proper degree (a thesis I call "Desert-Guilt"). Two further theses have been thought to explicate and support the thesis, one that appeals to the non-instrumental goodness of the blameworthy receiving what they deserve (in this case, the experience of guilt), and the other that appeals to the idea that being blameworthy provides reason to promote the blameworthy receiving what they deserve (again, in this case, the experience of guilt). I call the first "Good-Guilt" and the second "Reason-Guilt.” I begin by exploring what I take to be the strongest argument for Good-Guilt which gains force from a comparison of guilt and grief, and the strongest argument against. I conclude that Good-Guilt might be true, but that even if it is, the strongest argument in favor of it fails to support it in a way that provides reason for the thesis that the blameworthy deserve to feel guilty. I then consider the hypothesis that Reason-Guilt might be true and might be the more fundamental principle, supporting both Good-Guilt and Desert-Guilt. I argue that it does not succeed, however, and instead propose a different principle, according to which being blameworthy does not by itself provide reason for promoting that the blameworthy get what they deserve, but that being blameworthy systematically does so in conjunction with particular kinds of background circumstances. Finally, I conclude that Desert-Guilt might yet be true, but that it does not clearly gain support from either Good-Guilt or Reason-Guilt.
NARRATIVE CAPACITY AND MORAL RESPONSIBILITY
Authors: Griffith Meghan 
Published: September 2019

Abstract:My main aim in this essay is to argue that “narrative capacity” is a genuine feature of our mental lives and a skill that enables us to become full-fledged morally responsible agents. I approach the issue from the standpoint of reasons-responsiveness. Reasons-responsiveness theories center on the idea that moral responsibility requires sufficient sensitivity to reasons. I argue that our capacity to understand and tell stories has an important role to play in this sensitivity. Without such skill we would be cut off from the full range of reasons to which moral agents need access and/or we would be deficient in the ability to weigh the reasons that we recognize. After arguing for the relevance of narrative skill, I argue that understanding the connection between reasons-sensitivity and narrative confers additional benefits. It illuminates important psychological structures (sometimes said to be missing from reasons-responsive accounts) and helps to explain some cases of diminished blame.
The response of glyphosate-resistant and glyphosate-susceptible biotypes of annual sowthistle (Sonchus oleraceus) to mungbean density
Authors: Mobli Ahmadreza , Matloob Amar , Chauhan Bhagirath Singh 
Published: September 2019

AbstractAnnual sowthistle (Sonchus oleraceus L.) is a major weed of mungbean crops in Australia. Resistance in this weed to several herbicide groups is a challenging issue for its management. Hence, cultural weed management strategies, such as increasing the crop competitive ability through increased stand density, should be considered to reduce reliance on herbicides. It was hypothesized that a competitive crop stand may reduce the growth and seed production of S. oleraceus. Two pot studies were conducted, and each study was repeated once. The first study evaluated the effect of different mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek] densities (0, 82, 164, 246, and 328 plants m−2) on S. oleraceus growth and seed production, while the second study focused on glyphosate-resistant and glyphosate-susceptible biotypes of this weed in competition with densities of 0, 82, and 164 mungbean plants m−2. Although increasing mungbean density from 0 to 82 and 164 plants m−2 reduced S. oleraceus seed production by 55% and 78%, respectively, a large number of seeds were produced, even at the mungbean density of 328 plants m−2 (1,185 seeds plant−1). Both glyphosate-resistant and glyphosate-susceptible biotypes of S. oleraceus responded similarly to the increase in mungbean density. The results of the second study showed that height, leaves, number of inflorescence, and seed production per plant of both glyphosate-resistant and glyphosate-susceptible biotypes were reduced but not suppressed adequately. The glyphosate-resistant biotype produced fewer leaves and less biomass and, consequently, its seed production was 24% less compared with the glyphosate-susceptible biotype in the no-competition treatment. Both biotypes of S. oleraceus produced about 4,000 seeds plant−1 in competition with 164 mungbean plants m−2. The results suggest that crop competition alone cannot provide satisfactory control of S. oleraceus; therefore, for effective and adequate weed management, other practices such as PRE herbicides should be integrated with increased crop density.
Changes in Permeability Caused by Two Consecutive Earthquakes—Insights From the Responses of a Well‐Aquifer System to Seismic Waves
Authors: Sun Xiaolong , Xiang Yang , Shi Zheming 
Published: September 2019

AbstractEarthquake‐induced aquifer permeability changes have been observed both in the laboratory and the field. However, the effects of multiple earthquakes on aquifer systems have rarely been differentiated. In this study, we analyze the piezometric response to earthquake pairs that occurred on the same day. The results show that events with higher seismic energy may result in a rise in piezometric level, and the seismic waves enhanced the permeability of the aquifer by different magnitudes. Stress/strain history from consecutive earthquakes may be retained, and permeability increased much more following the second earthquake than the first one. The method proposed in this study is useful in evaluating the permeability enhancement induced by consecutive earthquakes. The stress/strain memory of aquifers also has important implications for understanding aftershocks.
Utility of the Ages and Stages Questionnaire, Third Edition, in a Comprehensive Sickle Cell Disease Clinic
Authors: Hahn Amy L. , Garbacz Lauren L. , Lemanek Kathleen L. 
Published: September 2019

Objective: Young children diagnosed with sickle cell disease (SCD) are at risk for neurocognitive delays. Traditional neurocognitive measures are not realistic for frequent, repeated screenings in a medical clinic setting. The current study sought to (a) examine the clinical utility of the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (3rd ed.; ASQ-3) for repeated developmental screenings in an integrated behavioral health model within a SCD specialty clinic and (b) highlight case examples of ongoing developmental monitoring. Method: Parents of 52 children aged 3 months to 4 years old were administered the ASQ-3. The ASQ-3 screener provides five domain scores (communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem solving, personal social), which translate into pass, at-risk, or fail categories using age-based cut-off scores. Families participated in three administrations in a SCD clinic. Results were used by an interdisciplinary team to inform patient care. Results: The majority of the sample (90% to 96%) screened in the passing category across domains at baseline. However, 17% to 30% of the sample had at least one at-risk or failing score in any one domain across administrations. Rates of passing scores declined by 5% to 17% across administrations. Problem solving and personal social domains showed the largest declines. Conclusions: Results of the current study supported utility of the ASQ-3 in this specialty clinic setting to detect children at risk for developmental delays. In a high-risk population such as SCD, repeated, prospective developmental screening of young children with a brief screening measure can detect those in need of developmental supports and allows for timely referrals to early intervention. Implications for Impact Statement Children followed in a medical clinic for sickle cell disease (SCD) care participated in developmental screening with a psychology provider as a routine part of their medical visit. Most children (90% to 96%) passed the screener at their first visit. However nearly one third of the children had at least one at-risk or failing score in one of five developmental domains as they got older. Monitoring young children with SCD using a brief screening measure can identify children in need of developmental supports and help get them connected with early intervention and other developmentally supportive services.
Targeted next-generation sequencing identified a known EMD mutation in a Chinese patient with Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy
Authors: Dai Xiafei , Zheng Chenqing , Chen Xuepin , Tang Yibin , Zhang Hongmei , Yan Chao , Ma Huihui , Li Xiaoping 
Published: September 2019

AbstractEmery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (EDMD) is a rare X-linked recessive disease characterized by the clinical triad of early childhood joint contractures, progressive weakness in muscles and cardiac involvement and can result in sudden death. Targeted next-generation sequencing was performed for a Chinese patient with EDMD and the previously reported mutation [NM_000117.2: c.251_255del (p.Leu84Profs*7)] in exon 3 of the emerin gene (EMD) was identified.
In situ observation of picosecond polaron self-localisation in α-Fe2O3 photoelectrochemical cells
Authors: Pastor Ernest , Park Ji-Sang , Steier Ludmilla , Kim Sunghyun , Grätzel Michael , Durrant James R. , Walsh Aron , Bakulin Artem A. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractHematite (α-Fe2O3) is the most studied artificial oxygen-evolving photo-anode and yet its efficiency limitations and their origin remain unknown. A sub-picosecond reorganisation of the hematite structure has been proposed as the mechanism which dictates carrier lifetimes, energetics and the ultimate conversion yields. However, the importance of this reorganisation for actual device performance is unclear. Here we report an in situ observation of charge carrier self-localisation in a hematite device, and demonstrate that this process affects recombination losses in photoelectrochemical cells. We apply an ultrafast, device-based optical-control method to resolve the subpicosecond formation of small polarons and estimate their reorganisation energy to be ~0.5 eV. Coherent oscillations in the photocurrent signals indicate that polaron formation may be coupled to specific phonon modes (<100 cm−1). Our results bring together spectroscopic and device characterisation approaches to reveal new photophysics of broadly-studied hematite devices.
Meiotic sex in Chagas disease parasite Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Schwabl Philipp , Imamura Hideo , Van den Broeck Frederik , Costales Jaime A. , Maiguashca-Sánchez Jalil , Miles Michael A. , Andersson Bjorn , Grijalva Mario J. , Llewellyn Martin S. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractGenetic exchange enables parasites to rapidly transform disease phenotypes and exploit new host populations. Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasitic agent of Chagas disease and a public health concern throughout Latin America, has for decades been presumed to exchange genetic material rarely and without classic meiotic sex. We present compelling evidence from 45 genomes sequenced from southern Ecuador that T. cruzi in fact maintains truly sexual, panmictic groups that can occur alongside others that remain highly clonal after past hybridization events. These groups with divergent reproductive strategies appear genetically isolated despite possible co-occurrence in vectors and hosts. We propose biological explanations for the fine-scale disconnectivity we observe and discuss the epidemiological consequences of flexible reproductive modes. Our study reinvigorates the hunt for the site of genetic exchange in the T. cruzi life cycle, provides tools to define the genetic determinants of parasite virulence, and reforms longstanding theory on clonality in trypanosomatid parasites.
A CRISPR platform for targeted in vivo screens identifies Toxoplasma gondii virulence factors in mice
Authors: Young Joanna , Dominicus Caia , Wagener Jeanette , Butterworth Simon , Ye Xingda , Kelly Gavin , Ordan Merav , Saunders Becky , Instrell Rachael , Howell Michael , Stewart Aengus , Treeck Moritz 
Published: September 2019

AbstractGenome-wide CRISPR screening is a powerful tool to identify genes required under selective conditions. However, the inherent scale of genome-wide libraries can limit their application in experimental settings where cell numbers are restricted, such as in vivo infections or single cell analysis. The use of small scale CRISPR libraries targeting gene subsets circumvents this problem. Here we develop a method for rapid generation of custom guide RNA (gRNA) libraries using arrayed single-stranded oligonucleotides for reproducible pooled cloning of CRISPR/Cas9 libraries. We use this system to generate mutant pools of different sizes in the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondi and describe optimised analysis methods for small scale libraries. An in vivo genetic screen in the murine host identifies novel and known virulence factors and we confirm results using cloned knock-out parasites. Our study also reveals a potential trans-rescue of individual knock-out parasites in pools of mutants compared to homogenous knock-out lines of the key virulence factor MYR1.
Pituitary cell translation and secretory capacities are enhanced cell autonomously by the transcription factor Creb3l2
Authors: Khetchoumian Konstantin , Balsalobre Aurélio , Mayran Alexandre , Christian Helen , Chénard Valérie , St-Pierre Julie , Drouin Jacques 
Published: September 2019

AbstractTranslation is a basic cellular process and its capacity is adapted to cell function. In particular, secretory cells achieve high protein synthesis levels without triggering the protein stress response. It is unknown how and when translation capacity is increased during differentiation. Here, we show that the transcription factor Creb3l2 is a scaling factor for translation capacity in pituitary secretory cells and that it directly binds ~75% of regulatory and effector genes for translation. In parallel with this cell-autonomous mechanism, implementation of the physiological UPR pathway prevents triggering the protein stress response. Knockout mice for Tpit, a pituitary differentiation factor, show that Creb3l2 expression and its downstream regulatory network are dependent on Tpit. Further, Creb3l2 acts by direct targeting of translation effector genes in parallel with signaling pathways that otherwise regulate protein synthesis. Expression of Creb3l2 may be a useful means to enhance production of therapeutic proteins.
Closed-loop control of gamma oscillations in the amygdala demonstrates their role in spatial memory consolidation
Authors: Kanta Vasiliki , Pare Denis , Headley Drew B. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractGamma is a ubiquitous brain rhythm hypothesized to support cognitive, perceptual, and mnemonic functions by coordinating neuronal interactions. While much correlational evidence supports this hypothesis, direct experimental tests have been lacking. Since gamma occurs as brief bursts of varying frequencies and durations, most existing approaches to manipulate gamma are either too slow, delivered irrespective of the rhythm’s presence, not spectrally specific, or unsuitable for bidirectional modulation. Here, we overcome these limitations with an approach that accurately detects and modulates endogenous gamma oscillations, using closed-loop signal processing and optogenetic stimulation. We first show that the rat basolateral amygdala (BLA) exhibits prominent gamma oscillations during the consolidation of contextual memories. We then boost or diminish gamma during consolidation, in turn enhancing or impairing subsequent memory strength. Overall, our study establishes the role of gamma oscillations in memory consolidation and introduces a versatile method for studying fast network rhythms in vivo.
Potentially repurposable drugs for schizophrenia identified from its interactome
Authors: Karunakaran Kalyani B. , Chaparala Srilakshmi , Ganapathiraju Madhavi K. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractWe previously presented the protein-protein interaction network of schizophrenia associated genes, and from it, the drug-protein interactome which showed the drugs that target any of the proteins in the interactome. Here, we studied these drugs further to identify whether any of them may potentially be repurposable for schizophrenia. In schizophrenia, gene expression has been described as a measurable aspect of the disease reflecting the action of risk genes. We studied each of the drugs from the interactome using the BaseSpace Correlation Engine, and shortlisted those that had a negative correlation with differential gene expression of schizophrenia. This analysis resulted in 12 drugs whose differential gene expression (drug versus normal) had an anti-correlation with differential expression for schizophrenia (disorder versus normal). Some of these drugs were already being tested for their clinical activity in schizophrenia and other neuropsychiatric disorders. Several proteins in the protein interactome of the targets of several of these drugs were associated with various neuropsychiatric disorders. The network of genes with opposite drug-induced versus schizophrenia-associated expression profiles were significantly enriched in pathways relevant to schizophrenia etiology and GWAS genes associated with traits or diseases that had a pathophysiological overlap with schizophrenia. Drugs that targeted the same genes as the shortlisted drugs, have also demonstrated clinical activity in schizophrenia and other related disorders. This integrated computational analysis will help translate insights from the schizophrenia drug-protein interactome to clinical research - an important step, especially in the field of psychiatric drug development which faces a high failure rate.