bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamic-Sensitive centrality of nodes in temporal networks
Authors: Huang Da-Wen , Yu Zu-Guo 
Published: February 2017

AbstractLocating influential nodes in temporal networks has attracted a lot of attention as data driven and diverse applications. Classic works either looked at analysing static networks or placed too much emphasis on the topological information but rarely highlighted the dynamics. In this paper, we take account the network dynamics and extend the concept of Dynamic-Sensitive centrality to temporal network. According to the empirical results on three real-world temporal networks and a theoretical temporal network for susceptible-infected-recovered (SIR) models, the temporal Dynamic-Sensitive centrality (TDC) is more accurate than both static versions and temporal versions of degree, closeness and betweenness centrality. As an application, we also use TDC to analyse the impact of time-order on spreading dynamics, we find that both topological structure and dynamics contribute the impact on the spreading influence of nodes, and the impact of time-order on spreading influence will be stronger when spreading rate b deviated from the epidemic threshold bc, especially for the temporal scale-free networks.
Eumelanin broadband absorption develops from aggregation-modulated chromophore interactions under structural and redox control
Authors: Micillo Raffaella , Panzella Lucia , Iacomino Mariagrazia , Prampolini Giacomo , Cacelli Ivo , Ferretti Alessandro , Crescenzi Orlando , Koike Kenzo , Napolitano Alessandra , d’Ischia Marco 
Published: February 2017

AbstractEumelanins, the chief photoprotective pigments in man and mammals, owe their black color to an unusual broadband absorption spectrum whose origin is still a conundrum. Excitonic effects from the interplay of geometric order and disorder in 5,6-dihydroxyindole (DHI)-based oligomeric/polymeric structures play a central role, however the contributions of structural (scaffold-controlled) and redox (π-electron-controlled) disorder have remained uncharted. Herein, we report an integrated experimental-theoretical entry to eumelanin chromophore dynamics based on poly(vinyl alcohol)-controlled polymerization of a large set of 5,6-dihydroxyindoles and related dimers. The results a) uncover the impact of the structural scaffold on eumelanin optical properties, disproving the widespread assumption of a universal monotonic chromophore; b) delineate eumelanin chromophore buildup as a three-step dynamic process involving the rapid generation of oxidized oligomers, termed melanochromes (phase I), followed by a slow oxidant-independent band broadening (phase II) leading eventually to scattering (phase III); c) point to a slow reorganization-stabilization of melanochromes via intermolecular redox interactions as the main determinant of visible broadband absorption.
Bioengineering a bacterial pathogen to assemble its own particulate vaccine capable of inducing cellular immunity
Authors: Lee Jason W. , Parlane Natalie A. , Wedlock D. Neil , Rehm Bernd H. A. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractMany bacterial pathogens naturally form cellular inclusions. Here the immunogenicity of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) inclusions and their use as particulate vaccines delivering a range of host derived antigens was assessed. Our study showed that PHA inclusions of pathogenic Pseudomonas aeruginosa are immunogenic mediating a specific cell-mediated immune response. Protein engineering of the PHA inclusion forming enzyme by translational fusion of epitopes from vaccine candidates outer membrane proteins OprI, OprF, and AlgE mediated self-assembly of PHA inclusions coated by these selected antigens. Mice vaccinated with isolated PHA inclusions produced a Th1 type immune response characterized by antigen-specific production of IFN-γ and IgG2c isotype antibodies. This cell-mediated immune response was found to be associated with the production of functional antibodies reacting with cells of various P. aeruginosa strains as well as facilitating opsonophagocytic killing. This study showed that cellular inclusions of pathogenic bacteria are immunogenic and can be engineered to display selected antigens suitable to serve as particulate subunit vaccines against infectious diseases.
Palmdelphin promotes myoblast differentiation and muscle regeneration
Authors: Nie Yaping , Chen Hu , Guo Cilin , Yuan Zhuning , Zhou Xingyu , Zhang Ying , Zhang Xumeng , Mo Delin , Chen Yaosheng 
Published: February 2017

AbstractDifferentiation of myoblasts is essential in the development and regeneration of skeletal muscles to form multinucleated, contractile muscle fibers. However, the process of myoblast differentiation in mammals is complicated and requires to be further investigated. In this study, we found Palmdelphin (Palmd), a cytosolic protein, promotes myoblast differentiation. Palmd is predominantly expressed in the cytosol of myoblasts and is gradually up-regulated after differentiation. Knockdown of Palmd by small interfering RNA (siRNA) in C2C12 markedly inhibits myogenic differentiation, suggesting a specific role of Palmd in the morphological changes of myoblast differentiation program. Overexpression of Palmd in C2C12 enhances myogenic differentiation. Remarkably, inhibition of Palmd results in impaired myotube formation during muscle regeneration after injury. These findings reveal a new cytosolic protein that promotes mammalian myoblast differentiation and provide new insights into the molecular regulation of muscle formation.
The conserved macrodomains of the non-structural proteins of Chikungunya virus and other pathogenic positive strand RNA viruses function as mono-ADP-ribosylhydrolases
Authors: Eckei Laura , Krieg Sarah , Bütepage Mareike , Lehmann Anne , Gross Annika , Lippok Barbara , Grimm Alexander R. , Kümmerer Beate M. , Rossetti Giulia , Lüscher Bernhard , Verheugd Patricia 
Published: February 2017

AbstractHuman pathogenic positive single strand RNA ((+)ssRNA) viruses, including Chikungunya virus, pose severe health problems as for many neither efficient vaccines nor therapeutic strategies exist. To interfere with propagation, viral enzymatic activities are considered potential targets. Here we addressed the function of the viral macrodomains, conserved folds of non-structural proteins of many (+)ssRNA viruses. Macrodomains are closely associated with ADP-ribose function and metabolism. ADP-ribosylation is a post-translational modification controlling various cellular processes, including DNA repair, transcription and stress response. We found that the viral macrodomains possess broad hydrolase activity towards mono-ADP-ribosylated substrates of the mono-ADP-ribosyltransferases ARTD7, ARTD8 and ARTD10 (aka PARP15, PARP14 and PARP10, respectively), reverting this post-translational modification both in vitro and in cells. In contrast, the viral macrodomains possess only weak activity towards poly-ADP-ribose chains synthesized by ARTD1 (aka PARP1). Unlike poly-ADP-ribosylglycohydrolase, which hydrolyzes poly-ADP-ribose chains to individual ADP-ribose units but cannot cleave the amino acid side chain - ADP-ribose bond, the different viral macrodomains release poly-ADP-ribose chains with distinct efficiency. Mutational and structural analyses identified key amino acids for hydrolase activity of the Chikungunya viral macrodomain. Moreover, ARTD8 and ARTD10 are induced by innate immune mechanisms, suggesting that the control of mono-ADP-ribosylation is part of a host-pathogen conflict.
Manipulation of lignin metabolism by plant densities and its relationship with lodging resistance in wheat
Authors: Zheng Mengjing , Chen Jin , Shi Yuhua , Li Yanxia , Yin Yanping , Yang Dongqing , Luo Yongli , Pang Dangwei , Xu Xu , Li Wenqian , Ni Jun , Wang Yuanyuan , Wang Zhenlin , Li Yong 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIncreasing plant density is one of the most efficient ways of increasing wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) grain production. However, overly dense plant populations have an increased risk of lodging. We examined lignin deposition during wheat stem development and the regulatory effects of plant density using the wheat cultivars shannong23 and weimai8. Plants were cultivated at densities of 75, 225 and 375 plants per m2during two growing seasons. Our results showed that decreasing plant density enhanced culm quality, as revealed by increased culm diameter, wall thickness and dry weight per unit length, and improved the structure of sclerenchyma and vascular bundles by increasing lignification. In addition, more lignins were deposited in the secondary cell walls, resulting in strong lodging resistance. The guaiacyl unit was the major component of lignin and there was a higher content of the syringyl unit than that of the hydroxybenzyl unit. Furthermore, we hypothesised that the syringyl unit may correlate with stem stiffness. We describe here, to the best of our knowledge, the systematic study of the mechanism involved in the regulation of stem breaking strength by plant density, particularly the effect of plant density on lignin biosynthesis and its relationship with lodging resistance in wheat.
The evolution of conditional moral assessment in indirect reciprocity
Authors: Sasaki Tatsuya , Okada Isamu , Nakai Yutaka 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIndirect reciprocity is a major mechanism in the maintenance of cooperation among unrelated individuals. Indirect reciprocity leads to conditional cooperation according to social norms that discriminate the good (those who deserve to be rewarded with help) and the bad (those who should be punished by refusal of help). Despite intensive research, however, there is no definitive consensus on what social norms best promote cooperation through indirect reciprocity, and it remains unclear even how those who refuse to help the bad should be assessed. Here, we propose a new simple norm called “Staying” that prescribes abstaining from assessment. Under the Staying norm, the image of the person who makes the decision to give help stays the same as in the last assessment if the person on the receiving end has a bad image. In this case, the choice about whether or not to give help to the potential receiver does not affect the image of the potential giver. We analyze the Staying norm in terms of evolutionary game theory and demonstrate that Staying is most effective in establishing cooperation compared to the prevailing social norms, which rely on constant monitoring and unconditional assessment. The application of Staying suggests that the strict application of moral judgment is limited.
Thermal conductance of Teflon and Polyethylene: Insight from an atomistic, single-molecule level
Authors: Buerkle Marius , Asai Yoshihiro 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe thermal transport properties of teflon (polytetrafluoroethylene) and its polyethylene counterparts are, while highly desirable and widely used, only superficially understood. Here, we aim therefore to provide rigorous insight from an atomistic point of view in context of single-molecule devices. We show that for vinyl polymers adsorbed on metal-surfaces the thermal transport strongly depends on the properties of the metal-molecule interface and that the reduced thermal conductance observed for teflon derivatives originates in a reduced phonon injection life time. In asymmetric molecules phonon blocking on the intra molecular interface leads to a further reduction of thermal conductance. For hetrojunctions with different electrode materials we find that thermal conductance is suppressed due to a reduced overlap of the available phonon modes in the different electrodes. A detailed atomistic picture is thereby provided by studying the transport through perfluorooctane and octane on a single-molecule level using first principles transport calculations and nonequilibrium molecular dynamic simulations.
Allometric analysis of a morphological anti-predator trait in geographic populations of Japanese crucian carp
Authors: Kodama Sakie , Fujimori Hiroka , Hakoyama Hiroshi 
Published: February 2017

AbstractCostly anti-predator traits tend to be expressed only in high-predation conditions. For the cyprinid fish genusCarassius, deeper body depth is more adaptive to avoid predation by gape-limited piscivorous fish, but it raises swimming costs. It is therefore predicted that the relative body depth will decrease when the prey fish has reached a size larger than the predator gape-size. This prediction was tested by allometric analysis of the relation between body depth and standard length of triploid asexual females of the Japanese crucian carp (Carassius auratussspp.) sampled from 13 geographic populations. The overall allometric relation was not significantly different from isometry. The estimate of the common major-axis slope was close to 1 (near-isometry). The mean relative body depth differed significantly among populations. A significant positive correlation was found with the mean annual air temperature. The geographic variation suggests that local selection pressures vary. In conclusion, the hypothesis that larger fish will have lower body depth was not supported, perhaps indicating that deep body depth in large fish is adaptive for some reason other than defense against piscivorous fish.
Pediatric Neurology Workforce in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Nahdi Bayan , Ashgar Mowadah , Domyati Mayasem , AlWadei Ali , Albaradie Raidah , Jan Mohammed 
Published: February 2017

Background The availability of pediatric neurologists remains a global problem. Strategic planning and tackling issues related to optimizing the care of children with neurologic disorders depend on the workforce, which we aim to evaluate in this study.
Method Physicians practicing in the field of pediatric neurology in Saudi Arabia were identified from the database of national societies. A structured 30-item online survey was designed to examine their clinical practice, experience, and availability of supporting services.
Results A total of 56 pediatric neurologists completed the survey, mostly (48%) practicing in the capital city of Riyadh. Many of them worked alone (30%) or with only one other colleague (21%). Based on their responses, the estimated total number of pediatric neurologists across the country was 75 with a ratio of 1.06 pediatric neurologists per 100,000 children < 15 years of age. They had very busy services with 66% evaluating > 15 patients per clinic and 79% reporting difficulties in finishing on time. The majority (87.5%) felt overwhelmed, which correlated with working alone (p = 0.002), having no assistant consultant (p = 0.039), and having no access to international sent-out laboratories (p = 0.02). The majority (94.5%) needed additional help in dealing with the volume and complexity of their patients, which correlated with feeling overwhelmed (p = 0.006).
Conclusion Although the total number of pediatric neurologists across Saudi Arabia has improved significantly over the last decade, their distribution remains uneven leading to shortages in many regions. This adds to the excessive workload and affects the quality of the provided services.
Vancomycin serum concentrations do not adequately predict tissue exposure in diabetic patients with mild to moderate limb infections
Authors: Hamada Yukihiro , Kuti Joseph L. , Nicolau David P. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract

Objectives
Vancomycin is a common treatment for complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSIs) caused by MRSA. This analysis aimed to understand the variability of vancomycin tissue exposure at the site of infection.

Methods
Vancomycin serum and interstitial tissue fluid concentration data for nine patients with cSSSI and normal renal function were derived from an in vivo microdialysis study. Using Pmetrics, the non-parametric population modelling package for R, we co-modelled serum and tissue concentration data. A 5000-patient Monte Carlo simulation was conducted for 1 g of vancomycin every 12 h and every 8 h to calculate the penetration distribution (AUCtissue/fAUCserum) and probability of target attainment (PTA) at an fAUC/MIC target of ≥200 in tissue fluid.

Results
A three-compartment model fitted the data best. The mean (SD) and median penetration ratios into tissue of the simulated population were 1.91 (4.56) and 0.85, respectively, which were consistent with observed values in the original patients. PTAs for 1 g of vancomycin every 12 h and every 8 h in tissue fluid were 39.6% and 56.6% at an MIC of 1 mg/L. Serum trough concentrations (R2 = 0.06) and serum AUC exposure (R2 = 0.002) were poor predictors of vancomycin AUC tissue exposure.

Conclusions
Standard dosages of vancomycin provide a low likelihood of obtaining target pharmacodynamic exposure in the tissue of a lower limb infection. This low likelihood is due to wide variability in vancomycin penetration in the interstitial tissue fluid, which could not be predicted by serum concentrations.
Pathogenesis of Lesions Induced in Rat Lung by Chronic Tobacco Smoke Inhalation23
Authors: Heckman Carol A. , Dalbey Walden E. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Lesions were induced in the lungs of specific-pathogen-free F344 rats by chronic tobacco smoke exposure. Animals exposed to 7 cigarettes/day were killed after 1, 1.5, or 2 years of exposure. Parallel lifetime exposures induced pulmonary tumors in 9% of the animals. In serially killed animals, four types of lesions were found: 1) perivascular or peribronchiolar accumulation of lymphoreticular cells, 2) fibrotic and cellular enlargement of peribronchiolar septa, 3) type II cell hyperplasia with septal fibrosis, and 4) air-space enlargement (emphysema). However, emphysema occurred only in animals exposed to a higher (10 cigarettes) dose of tobacco smoke. Ultrastructural studies showed all of the focal lesions to be infiltrated by cells typical of the inflammatory response. The type II hyperplastic and peribronchiolar alveolar lesions involved larger portions of the parenchyma in fibrotic changes but differed in structure, location, and frequency. The incidence of the peribronchiolar alveolar lesions was temporally related to tumor incidence.
Connecting gene and hormone action to form, pattern and organogenesis: biophysical transductions
Authors: Green Paul B. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Morphological effects of mutations and hormones in shoots and flowers are common. Hence the causal chain between genome and phenotype must contain biophysical steps which link soluble control compounds to the production of specific solid tissue configuration. Extension of cylindrical form results from the iterated directional expansion of cell and organ surface. This is thought to be based on transverse microfibril and microtubule (MT) alignment in cells. It is proposed that the key biophysical link is a dynamic ‘self-cinching’ process involving shear between adjacent cortical MTs in a ring. The MT array is maximally stable when the MTs are transverse. Gene products and hormones could act on form by influencing this minimal energy process. Production of pattern is the iterated emergence of new primordia in specific relation to pre-existing ones. It is proposed that the key biophysical step here is the minimal energy buckling (folding) of the tunica layer as it develops excess surface adjacent to older primordia. This physical response can also initiate regular undulations, primordia, in originally uniform tissue. Gene products and hormones could influence meristem size or tissueyielding properties and thereby govern both pattern and organ number. Organogenesis, connecting pattern to form, is proposed to involve the destabilization and restabilization of MT alignment controls within, and among, cells. All three processes are analysed in terms of minimal energy configurations of tissue and cell components.
A New Method for the UV Excitation in Radiophotoluminescence Dosimetry
Authors: Ruihua Z. , Boyang L. , Jianhuan Z. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
A new type 2 W miniature halogen tungsten incandescent lamp working in an 'over-power' single pulse mode with higher incandescent colour temperature for UV excitation is used in the reading of fluoroglass for radiophotoluminescence dosimetry. A reliable, portable and low cost field reader for the fluoroglass dosemeter with a low energy consumption has been designed employing this new method of UV excitation.
Dosimetric Properties of Hot-Pressed Thin Layer LiF Detectors for Integrating Solid State Dosemeters
Authors: Holzapfel G. , Lesz J. , Scharmann A. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Using the thermoluminescence (TL) readout, hot-pressed thin layer detectors (C/B/Al2O3/LiF configuration) were investigated with respect to some dosimetric properties. These are: repeatability of measurements for the individual detector (reproducibility), batch homogeneity, low dose detection limits (zero point, threshold), light sensitivity, stability of dose information (fading), and dose ranges (linearity, supralinearity, saturation). Results on energy response of the bonded thin layer detectors are given separately using also exoelectron emission (TSEE) readouts.
A Comparison of Results of Methods of Individual Monitoring at a Fuel Reprocessing Plant
Authors: Britcher A.R. , Bartlett D.T. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Until recently the method of obtaining individual assessment of fast neutron dose equivalent at BNFL Sellafield was based on occupancy studies and the use of neutron to gamma dose rate ratios. Essentially, the method entailed a measurement of neutron to gamma dose equivalent ratios at sites occupied by groups of workers, this ratio being then applied to the gamma dose equivalent recorded by personal film badge dosemeters to obtain an estimate of the neutron personal dose equivalent. Following extensive trials, both on phantoms and personnel, the NRPB PADC (CR-39) personal neutron dosemeter is now used to assess the personal fast neutron dose equivalent. A comparison has been made of the assessments made using the two methods. This comparison shows that there is agreement for average dose equivalents for groups of workers. However, there are differences for individual workers. After consideration of the variation in neutron to gamma ratios between working areas and the incompleteness of the occupancy data, the conclusion reached is that the more accurate assessment is obtained by the use of personal dosemeters.
Experimental Determination of the Response of Four Bonner Sphere sets to Monoenergetic Neutrons
Authors: Alevra A.V. , Cosack M. , Hunt J.B. , Thomas D.J. , Schraube H. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
In a joint PTB/NPL/GSF experimental programme the responses of four sets of Bonner Spheres were determined experimentally using monoenergetic neutrons in the range from 8 keV to 2.5 MeV. The measurements showed effects which can be understood qualitatively, but there are discrepancies with calculated values. It is questionable if these discrepancies can be explained by differences in the polyethylene density and detector characteristics employed in this experiment and those assumed in the calculations.