bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamical Controls for Improving Quantum Search Algorithm Through Flux Qubits System
Authors: Homid A. H. , Abdel‐Aty M. , El‐Shahat T. , Eleuch H. , Obada A.‐S. F. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractA new technique was developed to generate the dynamical quantum gates, depend on the ferromagnetism and antiferromagnetism phenomena in the superconducting flux qubits system at the same interaction time. According to the dynamical controls techniques of such gates, we invoke and synthesize a new algorithm called the dynamical quantum search algorithm. The Grover algorithm was obtained at a specified time for the current algorithm. This algorithm was distinguished by accuracy in obtaining high probability of finding any marked state in a shorter time compared with Grover algorithm time. The algorithm performance was improved with respect to different values of the dynamical controls.
Roles of conserved tryptophans in trimerization of HIV‐1 membrane‐proximal external regions: Implications for virucidal design via alchemical free‐energy molecular simulations
Authors: Gossert Steven T. , Parajuli Bibek , Chaiken Irwin , Abrams Cameron F. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe Dual‐Action Virolytic Entry Inhibitors, or “DAVEI's,” are a class of recombinant fusions of a lectin, a linker polypeptide, and a 15‐residue fragment from the membrane‐proximal external region (MPER) of HIV‐1 gp41. DAVEI's trigger rupture of HIV‐1 virions, and the interaction site between DAVEI MPER and HIV‐1 lies in the gp41 component of the envelope glycoprotein Env. Here, we explore the hypothesis that DAVEI MPER engages Env gp41 in a mode structurally similar to a crystallographic MPER trimer. We used alchemical free‐energy perturbation to assess the thermodynamic roles of each of the four conserved tryptophan residues on each protomer of MPER3. We found that a W666A mutation had a large positive
for all three protomers, while W672A had a large positive
for only two of the three protomers, with the other tryptophans remaining unimportant contributors to MPER3 stability. The protomer for which W672 is not important is unique in the placement of its W666 sidechain between the other two protomers. We show that the unique orientation of this W666 sidechain azimuthally rotates its protomer away from the orientation it would have if the trimer were symmetric, resulting in the diminished interaction of this W672 with the rest of MPER3. Our findings are consistent with our previous experimental study of W‐to‐A mutants of DAVEI. This suggests that DAVEI MPER may engage HIV‐1 Env to form a mixed trimer state in which one DAVEI MPER forms a trimer by displacing a more weakly interacting protomer of the endogenous Env MPER trimer.
Ajulemic acid: potential treatment for chronic inflammation
Authors: Burstein Sumner H. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAjulemic acid (AJA, CT‐3, IP‐751, JBT‐101, anabasum) is a first‐in‐class, synthetic, orally active, cannabinoid‐derived drug that preferentially binds to the CB2 receptor and is nonpsychoactive. In preclinical studies, and in Phase 1 and 2 clinical trials, AJA showed a favorable safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetic profile. It also demonstrated significant efficacy in preclinical models of inflammation and fibrosis. It suppresses tissue scarring and stimulates endogenous eicosanoids that resolve chronic inflammation and fibrosis without causing immunosuppression. AJA is currently being developed for use in 4 separate but related indications including systemic sclerosis (SSc), cystic fibrosis, dermatomyositis (DM), and systemic lupus erythematosus. Phase 2 clinical trials in the first 3 targets demonstrated that it is safe, is a potential treatment for these orphan diseases and appears to be a potent inflammation‐resolving drug with a unique mechanism of action, distinct from the nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID), and will be useful for treating a wide range of chronic inflammatory diseases. It may be considered to be a disease‐modifying drug unlike most NSAIDs that only provide symptomatic relief. AJA is currently being evaluated in 24‐month open‐label extension studies in SSc and in skin‐predominant DM. A Phase 3 multicenter trial to demonstrate safety and efficacy in SSc has recently been initiated.
Relationship between the mode of conception and depressive symptoms during the first 6 months post‐partum in Japan
Authors: Mori Emi , Iwata Hiroko , Maehara Kunie , Sakajo Akiko , Tamakoshi Koji 
Published: April 2018

AbstractPurposeTo determine whether conventional treatment and assisted reproductive technology for infertility are associated with depressive symptoms and to identify the predictors of depressive symptoms during the first 6 months' post‐partum.MethodsA prospective cohort design was used, with the participants being recruited from 13 Japanese hospitals. Using self‐report questionnaires, a total of 2709 women (response rate: 71.9%) provided longitudinal data at five time points: during their hospital stay and at 1, 2, 4, and 6 months' post‐partum. The depressive symptoms were measured by using the Japanese version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). A logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between the mode of conception and depressive symptoms and to identify the predictors of the depressive symptoms.ResultsThere was no significant association between the mode of conception and the depressive symptoms at any time point. Six factors that were associated with the EPDS score were first‐time childbirth, emergency cesarean delivery, infant feeding, financial burden, having a male infant, and dissatisfaction with social support.ConclusionThere was no significant relationship between the mode of conception and depressive symptoms. Nursing care should be based on individual assessments that focus on parity, the delivery method, infant feeding method, financial burden, the infant's sex, and social support, rather than on the mode of conception.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSC) Derived from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSC) Equivalent to Adipose-Derived MSC in Promoting Intestinal Healing and Microbiome Normalization in Mouse Inflammatory Bowel Disease Model
Authors: Soontararak Sirikul , Chow Lyndah , Johnson Valerie , Coy Jonathan , Wheat William , Regan Daniel , Dow Steven 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Cellular therapy with allogeneic or autologous mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) has emerged as a promising new therapeutic strategy for managing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, MSC therapy ideally requires a convenient and relatively homogenous cell source (typically bone marrow or adipose tissues) and the ability to generate cells with stable phenotype and function. An alternative means of generating allogeneic MSC is to derive them from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), which could in theory provide an indefinite supply of MSC with well-defined phenotype and function. Therefore, we compared the effectiveness of iPSC-derived MSC (iMSC) and adipose-derived MSC (adMSC) in a mouse model of IBD (dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis), and investigated mechanisms of intestinal protection. We found that iMSC were equivalent to adMSC in terms of significantly improving clinical abnormalities in treated mice and reducing lesion scores and inflammation in the gut. Administration of iMSC also stimulated significant intestinal epithelial cell proliferation, increased in the numbers of Lgr5+ intestinal stem cells, and increased intestinal angiogenesis. In addition, the microbiome alterations present in mice with colitis were partially restored to resemble those of healthy mice following treatment with iMSC or adMSC. Thus, iMSC administration improved overall intestinal health and healing with equivalent potency to treatment with adMSC. This therefore is the first report of the effectiveness of iMSC in the treatment of IBD, along with a description of unique mechanisms of action with respect to intestinal healing and microbiome restoration.
Cobalt Phosphide Composite Encapsulated within N,P‐Doped Carbon Nanotubes for Synergistic Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Li Hui , Xu Si‐Min , Yan Hong , Yang Lan , Xu Sailong 
Published: April 2018

AbstractExploring highly efficient and stable oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysts such as transition‐metal phosphides (TMPs) is critical to advancing renewable hydrogen fuel. TMP nanostructures typically involving binary or ternary TMPs tuned by cation or anion doping are suggested to be promising low‐cost and durable OER catalysts. Herein, the preparation of CoP/CoP2 composite nanoparticles encapsulated within N,P‐doped carbon nanotubes (CoP/CoP2@NPCNTs) is demonstrated as a synergistic electrocatalyst for OER via the calcination of a CoAl‐layered double hydroxide/melamine mixture and subsequent phosphorization. Facile visualization by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with electron backscatter diffraction demonstrates the encapsulation of the CoP/CoP2 nanoparticles within the N,P‐codoped CNTs. Electrocatalytic evaluation shows that the composite electrode requires a low overpotential of 300 mV for the OER at 10 mA cm−2 in a 1.0 m KOH solution and, in particular, exhibits an excellent long‐term durability of ≈100 h, which is superior to that of the state‐of‐the‐art RuO2 electrocatalyst. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the synergistic effect of CoP and CoP2 can enhance the electrocatalytic performance. In addition, molecular dynamics simulations demonstrate that the generated O2 molecules can readily diffuse out of the CNTs. Both the effects give rise to the observed OER enhancement.
Evaluation of the association between strong ion acid–base disturbances and mortality in dogs: a retrospective study
Authors: Zager Erik , Fletcher Daniel J. , Goggs Robert 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAcid–base abnormalities are frequently encountered in veterinary emergency and critical care, but information regarding the prognostic value of these findings is limited. Several systems for analysing acid–base disturbances have been reported, but the prognostic abilities of these systems have not been compared in dogs. The objectives of this retrospective study were to determine if the commonly used acid–base interpretation methods (Henderson–Hasselbalch, Stewart and semi‐quantitative) have prognostic value, and to compare the performance of the three methods. Electronic medical records were searched to create a database containing point‐of‐care blood‐gas, electrolyte and serum chemistry values for 1024 dogs assessed at a university teaching hospital. Dogs with contemporaneous blood‐gas analysis, blood lactate and serum biochemistry samples were eligible for study, and only the first recorded analyses for each patient visit were included. Components of the Henderson–Hasselbalch, Stewart and semi‐quantitative methods were calculated. To assess prognostic ability and to compare analysis system performance, receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curves for survival to hospital discharge were created. Of the 1024 dogs identified, case fatality rate was 23.8%. Area under theROCcurve did not exceed 0.63 for any calculated variable. Performance of all three analysis systems was similar. While some acid–base abnormalities identified were associated with mortality, no individual abnormality or system output yielded sensitive and specific cut‐off values for mortality prediction, and no interpretation method outperformed the others. This study suggests that initial acid–base abnormalities have limited prognostic utility and that various analysis systems can be used to assess acid–base disturbances in critically ill dogs.
Mix‐and‐match nanobiosensor design: Logical and spatial programming of biosensors using self‐assembled DNA nanostructures
Authors: Liu Ying , Kumar Sriram , Taylor Rebecca E. 
Published: April 2018

The evergrowing need to understand and engineer biological and biochemical mechanisms has led to the emergence of the field of nanobiosensing. Structural DNA nanotechnology, encompassing methods such as DNA origami and single‐stranded tiles, involves the base pairing‐driven knitting of DNA into discrete one‐, two‐, and three‐dimensional shapes at nanoscale. Such nanostructures enable a versatile design and fabrication of nanobiosensors. These systems benefit from DNA's programmability, inherent biocompatibility, and the ability to incorporate and organize functional materials such as proteins and metallic nanoparticles. In this review, we present a mix‐and‐match taxonomy and approach to designing nanobiosensors in which the choices of bioanalyte and transduction mechanism are fully independent of each other. We also highlight opportunities for greater complexity and programmability of these systems that are built using structural DNA nanotechnology.This article is categorized under:

Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanomaterials and Implants
Diagnostic Tools > Biosensing
Biology‐Inspired Nanomaterials > Nucleic Acid‐Based Structures
Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology
Hfq chaperone brings speed dating to bacterial sRNA
Authors: Santiago‐Frangos Andrew , Woodson Sarah A. 
Published: April 2018

Hfq is a ubiquitous, Sm‐like RNA binding protein found in most bacteria and some archaea. Hfq binds small regulatory RNAs (sRNAs), facilitates base pairing between sRNAs and their mRNA targets, and directly binds and regulates translation of certain mRNAs. Because sRNAs regulate many stress response pathways in bacteria, Hfq is essential for adaptation to different environments and growth conditions. The chaperone activities of Hfq arise from multipronged RNA binding by three different surfaces of the Hfq hexamer. The manner in which the structured Sm core of Hfq binds RNA has been well studied, but recent work shows that the intrinsically disordered C‐terminal domain of Hfq modulates sRNA binding, creating a kinetic hierarchy of RNA competition for Hfq and ensuring the release of double‐stranded sRNA–mRNA complexes. A combination of structural, biophysical, and genetic experiments reveals how Hfq recognizes its RNA substrates and plays matchmaker for sRNAs and mRNAs in the cell. The interplay between structured and disordered domains of Hfq optimizes sRNA‐mediated post‐transcriptional regulation, and is a common theme in RNA chaperones.This article is categorized under:

Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs
RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > RNA–Protein Complexes
RNA Structure and Dynamics > RNA Structure, Dynamics, and Chemistry
Origin of last-glacial loess in the western Yukon-Tanana Upland, central Alaska, USA
Authors: Muhs Daniel R. , Pigati Jeffrey S. , Budahn James R. , Skipp Gary L. , Bettis E. Arthur , Jensen Britta 
Published: April 2018

AbstractLoess is widespread over Alaska, and its accumulation has traditionally been associated with glacial periods. Surprisingly, loess deposits securely dated to the last glacial period are rare in Alaska, and paleowind reconstructions for this time period are limited to inferences from dune orientations. We report a rare occurrence of loess deposits dating to the last glacial period, ~19 ka to ~12 ka, in the Yukon-Tanana Upland. Loess in this area is very coarse grained (abundant coarse silt), with decreases in particle size moving south of the Yukon River, implying that the drainage basin of this river was the main source. Geochemical data show, however, that the Tanana River valley to the south is also a likely distal source. The occurrence of last-glacial loess with sources to both the south and north is explained by both regional, synoptic-scale winds from the northeast and opposing katabatic winds that could have developed from expanded glaciers in both the Brooks Range to the north and the Alaska Range to the south. Based on a comparison with recent climate modeling for the last glacial period, seasonality of dust transport may also have played a role in bringing about contributions from both northern and southern sources.
Assessment and calibration of representational bias in soil phytolith assemblages in Northeast China and its implications for paleovegetation reconstruction
Authors: Gao Guizai , Jie Dongmei , Liu Lidan , Liu Hongyan , Li Dehui , Li Nannan , Shi Jichen , Leng Chengcheng , Qiao Zhihe 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe assessment and calibration of representational bias in modern soil phytolith assemblages provide the basis for improving interpretation of fossil phytolith assemblages. We studied soil phytolith representation by comparing phytoliths from living plant communities with those from paired surface soils, representing 39 plant communities in Northeast China. Together with the use of representation indices, the 34 and 30 soil morphotypes observed in forest and grassland samples, respectively, were both classified into the following four groups: “Associated types” were similarly represented in soils and in the corresponding species inventory data; “Over-represented types” and “Under-represented types” were respectively over- and under-represented in soils compared to the inventory data; and, in the case of “Special types,” the relationship with the parent plants was unclear. In addition, the diagnostic types exhibited different degrees of representation, while the most common morphotypes were equally represented between grassland samples and forest samples. On this basis, a comparison between the original and corrected soil phytolith indices of the additional 29 soil samples was conducted. The soil phytoliths frequencies corrected by R-values differed between plots with differing plant compositions, and were moderately consistent with actual plant richness in the plot inventory data. We therefore confirmed that R-values are a promising means of correcting soil phytoliths for representational bias in temperate regions. The corrected soil phytoliths can be used to reliably reflect vegetation variability. Overall, our study provides an improved understanding of soil phytolith representation and offers a potential method for improving the accuracy of paleovegetation reconstruction.
An Inductive Julia-Carathéodory Theorem for Pick Functions in Two Variables
Authors: Pascoe J. E. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractClassically, Nevanlinna showed that functions from the complex upper half plane into itself which satisfy nice asymptotic conditions are parametrized by finite measures on the real line. Furthermore, the higher order asymptotic behaviour at infinity of a map from the complex upper half plane into itself is governed by the existence of moments of its representing measure, which was the key to his solution of the Hamburger moment problem. Agler and McCarthy showed that an analogue of the above correspondence holds between a Pick function f of two variables, an analytic function which maps the product of two upper half planes into the upper half plane, and moment-like quantities arising from an operator theoretic representation for f. We apply their ‘moment’ theory to show that there is a fine hierarchy of levels of regularity at infinity for Pick functions in two variables, given by the Löwner classes and intermediate Löwner classes of order N, which can be exhibited in terms of certain formulae akin to the Julia quotient.
ALBERT LUTHULI'S PRIVATE STRUGGLE: HOW AN ICON OF PEACE CAME TO ACCEPT SABOTAGE IN SOUTH AFRICA
Authors: VINSON ROBERT TRENT , CARTON BENEDICT 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIn December 1961, Albert Luthuli, leader of the African National Congress (ANC), arrived in Oslo to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. Journalists in Norway noted how apartheid crackdowns failed to poison the new laureate's ‘courteous’ commitment to nonviolence. The press never reported Luthuli's acceptance that saboteurs in an armed wing, Umkhonto weSizwe (MK or Spear of the Nation), would now fight for freedom. Analyzing recently available evidence, this article challenges a prevailing claim that Luthuli always promoted peace regardless of state authorities who nearly beat him to death and massacred protesting women, children, and men. We uncover his evolving views of justifiable violence, which guided secret ANC decisions to pursue ‘some kind of violence’ months before his Nobel celebration. These views not only expand knowledge of ‘struggle history’, but also alter understandings of Luthuli's aim to emancipate South Africa from a system of white supremacy that he likened to ‘slavery’.
DILEMMAS OF POSTCOLONIAL DIPLOMACY: ZAMBIA, KENNETH KAUNDA, AND THE MIDDLE EAST CRISIS, 1964–73
Authors: SCHLER LYNN 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThis article examines Zambia's engagement with the Middle East conflict from 1964–73 as a window into the political strategies and ideological ambitions of Kaunda's government in the first decade of independence. At the start of independence, Kaunda's domestic agenda led him to establish ties with Israel and to advance a program for cooperative development based on Israeli technical assistance. However, broader international concerns, filtered through the struggle against white minority regimes in southern Africa, ultimately led Kaunda to embrace a leadership role in international protests against Israel's policies towards its neighboring states. Zambia's foray into Middle East diplomacy in the first decade of independence enables a focused examination of Kaunda's presence in the international arena, while also revealing the compromises he made in the face of conflicting interests. Zambia's role in the Middle East conflict highlights this era as a time of confidence and claim-making by African leaders, but also one of concessions.
CONSISTENCY OF THE EFFECTS OF FEMALE EDUCATION ON FERTILITY ACROSS THE NORTH–SOUTH DEMOGRAPHIC DIVIDE IN NIGERIA, 2003–2013
Authors: Wusu Onipede , Isiugo-Abanihe Uche C. 
Published: April 2018

SummaryMost studies examining the association between female education and fertility have reported an inverse association. However, little is known about the consistency of the relationship, or what level of education triggers an inverse association. This study examined the consistency of the association between female education and fertility across the north–south demographic divide in Nigeria. Data on women aged 40–49 were taken from the 2003, 2008 and 2013 Nigerian DHS data sets. The results showed that female education remained significantly and consistently inversely related to fertility in both the north and south of Nigeria. Women with secondary or higher level of education reported a lower number of children ever born (CEB) than those with primary or no education in both the north and south (p<0.05). The findings suggest that female education has a more effective negative effect on fertility in the south, where the level of female schooling is higher, than in the north, with its limited level of female education. Primary-level female education appeared to be ineffective in reducing fertility in the study sample. Women with primary schooling reported a slightly higher CEB than those who did not have any formal education. Also, age at marriage and child mortality were found to be consistent and significant predictors of fertility in both the north and south (p<0.001). Women who married at relatively higher ages and those who had never lost a child reported a smaller CEB consistently in both the north and south (p<0.001). Therefore, to attain sustainable fertility decline throughout Nigeria, it is imperative that policies aimed at increasing the prevalence and quality of female education are pursued, and there must be a focus on social, physical, environmental and cultural factors influencing age at marriage and child mortality.