bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantitative assessment of the regenerative and mineralogenic performances of the zebrafish caudal fin
Authors: Cardeira João , Gavaia Paulo J. , Fernández Ignacio , Cengiz Ibrahim Fatih , Moreira-Silva Joana , Oliveira Joaquim Miguel , Reis Rui L. , Cancela M. Leonor , Laizé Vincent 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe ability of zebrafish to fully regenerate its caudal fin has been explored to better understand the mechanisms underlying de novo bone formation and to develop screening methods towards the discovery of compounds with therapeutic potential. Quantifying caudal fin regeneration largely depends on successfully measuring new tissue formation through methods that require optimization and standardization. Here, we present an improved methodology to characterize and analyse overall caudal fin and bone regeneration in adult zebrafish. First, regenerated and mineralized areas are evaluated through broad, rapid and specific chronological and morphometric analysis in alizarin red stained fins. Then, following a more refined strategy, the intensity of the staining within a 2D longitudinal plane is determined through pixel intensity analysis, as an indicator of density or thickness/volume. The applicability of this methodology on live specimens, to reduce animal experimentation and provide a tool for in vivo tracking of the regenerative process, was successfully demonstrated. Finally, the methodology was validated on retinoic acid- and warfarin-treated specimens, and further confirmed by micro-computed tomography. Because it is easily implementable, accurate and does not require sophisticated equipment, the present methodology will certainly provide valuable technical standardization for research in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine and skeletal biology.
How mobile are dye adsorbates and acetonitrile molecules on the surface of TiO2 nanoparticles? A quasi-elastic neutron scattering study
Authors: Vaissier Valerie , Sakai Victoria Garcia , Li Xiaoe , Cabral João T. , Nelson Jenny , Barnes Piers R. F. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractMotions of molecules adsorbed to surfaces may control the rate of charge transport within monolayers in systems such as dye sensitized solar cells. We used quasi-elastic neutron scattering (QENS) to evaluate the possible dynamics of two small dye moieties, isonicotinic acid (INA) and bis-isonicotinic acid (BINA), attached to TiO2 nanoparticles via carboxylate groups. The scattering data indicate that moieties are immobile and do not rotate around the anchoring groups on timescales between around 10 ps and a few ns (corresponding to the instrumental range). This gives an upper limit for the rate at which conformational fluctuations can assist charge transport between anchored molecules. Our observations suggest that if the conformation of larger dye molecules varies with time, it does so on longer timescales and/or in parts of the molecule which are not directly connected to the anchoring group. The QENS measurements also indicate that several layers of acetonitrile solvent molecules are immobilized at the interface with the TiO2 on the measurement time scale, in reasonable agreement with recent classical molecular dynamics results.
Artificial Neuron Based on Integrated Semiconductor Quantum Dot Mode-Locked Lasers
Authors: Mesaritakis Charis , Kapsalis Alexandros , Bogris Adonis , Syvridis Dimitris 
Published: December 2016

AbstractNeuro-inspired implementations have attracted strong interest as a power efficient and robust alternative to the digital model of computation with a broad range of applications. Especially, neuro-mimetic systems able to produce and process spike-encoding schemes can offer merits like high noise-resiliency and increased computational efficiency. Towards this direction, integrated photonics can be an auspicious platform due to its multi-GHz bandwidth, its high wall-plug efficiency and the strong similarity of its dynamics under excitation with biological spiking neurons. Here, we propose an integrated all-optical neuron based on an InAs/InGaAs semiconductor quantum-dot passively mode-locked laser. The multi-band emission capabilities of these lasers allows, through waveband switching, the emulation of the excitation and inhibition modes of operation. Frequency-response effects, similar to biological neural circuits, are observed just as in a typical two-section excitable laser. The demonstrated optical building block can pave the way for high-speed photonic integrated systems able to address tasks ranging from pattern recognition to cognitive spectrum management and multi-sensory data processing.
Water soluble organic aerosols in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, USA: composition, sources and optical properties
Authors: Xie Mingjie , Mladenov Natalie , Williams Mark W. , Neff Jason C. , Wasswa Joseph , Hannigan Michael P. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractAtmospheric aerosols have been shown to be an important input of organic carbon and nutrients to alpine watersheds and influence biogeochemical processes in these remote settings. For many remote, high elevation watersheds, direct evidence of the sources of water soluble organic aerosols and their chemical and optical characteristics is lacking. Here, we show that the concentration of water soluble organic carbon (WSOC) in the total suspended particulate (TSP) load at a high elevation site in the Colorado Rocky Mountains was strongly correlated with UV absorbance at 254 nm (Abs254, r = 0.88 p < 0.01) and organic carbon (OC, r = 0.95 p < 0.01), accounting for >90% of OC on average. According to source apportionment analysis, biomass burning had the highest contribution (50.3%) to average WSOC concentration; SOA formation and motor vehicle emissions dominated the contribution to WSOC in the summer. The source apportionment and backward trajectory analysis results supported the notion that both wildfire and Colorado Front Range pollution sources contribute to the summertime OC peaks observed in wet deposition at high elevation sites in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. These findings have important implications for water quality in remote, high-elevation, mountain catchments considered to be our pristine reference sites.
Nucleation of mercury sulfide by dealkylation
Authors: Enescu Mironel , Nagy Kathryn L. , Manceau Alain 
Published: December 2016

AbstractMetal sulfide minerals are assumed to form naturally at ambient conditions via reaction of a metallic element with (poly)sulfide ions, usually produced by microbes in oxygen-depleted environments. Recently, the formation of mercury sulfide (β-HgS) directly from linear Hg(II)-thiolate complexes (Hg(SR)2) in natural organic matter and in cysteine solutions was demonstrated under aerated conditions. Here, a detailed description of this non-sulfidic reaction is provided by computations at a high level of molecular-orbital theory. The HgS stoichiometry is obtained through the cleavage of the S-C bond in one thiolate, transfer of the resulting alkyl group (R’) to another thiolate, and subsequent elimination of a sulfur atom from the second thiolate as a thioether (RSR’). Repetition of this mechanism leads to the formation of RS-(HgS)n-R chains which may self-assemble in parallel arrays to form cinnabar (α-HgS), or more commonly, quickly condense to four-coordinate metacinnabar (β-HgS). The mechanistic pathway is thermodynamically favorable and its predicted kinetics agrees with experiment. The results provide robust theoretical support for the abiotic natural formation of nanoparticulate HgS under oxic conditions and in the absence of a catalyst, and suggest a new route for the (bio)synthesis of HgS nanoparticles with improved technological properties.
Angiopoietin-2, Angiopoietin-1 and subclinical cardiovascular disease in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Tsai Yi-Chun , Lee Chee-Siong , Chiu Yi-Wen , Kuo Hung-Tien , Lee Su-Chu , Hwang Shang-Jyh , Kuo Mei-Chuan , Chen Hung-Chun 
Published: December 2016

AbstractAngiopoietins (Angpt) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) have been associated with cardiovascular disease. The study enrolled 270 pre-dialysis stage 3–5 CKD patients to assess the link between circulating Angpt2, Angpt1 and VEGF-A and subclinical measures of cardiovascular structure and function. Serum markers of angiogenesis were measured using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Cardiac structure and function were examined by echocardiography. Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) was measured by the ankle-brachial index. The adjusted mean of left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was 2.05 in patients of Angpt2 quartile 4 and 1.99 in those of Angpt2 quartile 1 (P = 0.04). Angpt2 was significantly associated with LV hypertrophy (LVH) (Angpt2 quartile 4 compared with Angpt2 quartile 1: adjusted OR: 2.68, 95% CI: 1.15–6.20). Angpt1 was negatively correlated with left atrial diameter (adjusted mean of LAD: 3.59 in Angpt1 quartile 4, 3.92 in Angpt1 quartile 1, P = 0.03). A positive and significant correlation was found between Angpt2 level and baPWV in spearman’s correlation, but not in adjusted model. In conclusion, high Angpt2 and low Angpt1 levels were positively associated with abnormal cardiac structure in stages 3–5 CKD patients, which is compatible with the viewpoint that angiopoietins participates in cardiovascular burdens.
Reversible Self-Actuated Thermo-Responsive Pore Membrane
Authors: Park Younggeun , Gutierrez Maria Paz , Lee Luke P. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractSmart membranes, which can selectively control the transfer of light, air, humidity and temperature, are important to achieve indoor climate regulation. Even though reversible self-actuation of smart membranes is desirable in large-scale, reversible self-regulation remains challenging. Specifically, reversible 100% opening/closing of pore actuation showing accurate responsiveness, reproducibility and structural flexibility, including uniform structure assembly, is currently very difficult. Here, we report a reversible, thermo-responsive self-activated pore membrane that achieves opening and closing of pores. The reversible, self-actuated thermo-responsive pore membrane was fabricated with hybrid materials of poly (N-isopropylacrylamide), (PNIPAM) within polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) to form a multi-dimensional pore array. Using Multiphysics simulation of heat transfer and structural mechanics based on finite element analysis, we demonstrated that pore opening and closing dynamics can be self-activated at environmentally relevant temperatures. Temperature cycle characterizations of the pore structure revealed 100% opening ratio at T = 40 °C and 0% opening ratio at T = 20 °C. The flexibility of the membrane showed an accurate temperature-responsive function at a maximum bending angle of 45°. Addressing the importance of self-regulation, this reversible self-actuated thermo-responsive pore membrane will advance the development of future large-scale smart membranes needed for sustainable indoor climate control.
Chemically modulated graphene quantum dot for tuning the photoluminescence as novel sensory probe
Authors: Hwang Eunhee , Hwang Hee Min , Shin Yonghun , Yoon Yeoheung , Lee Hanleem , Yang Junghee , Bak Sora , Lee Hyoyoung 
Published: December 2016

AbstractA band gap tuning of environmental-friendly graphene quantum dot (GQD) becomes a keen interest for novel applications such as photoluminescence (PL) sensor. Here, for tuning the band gap of GQD, a hexafluorohydroxypropanyl benzene (HFHPB) group acted as a receptor of a chemical warfare agent was chemically attached on the GQD via the diazonium coupling reaction of HFHPB diazonium salt, providing new HFHPB-GQD material. With a help of the electron withdrawing HFHPB group, the energy band gap of the HFHPB-GQD was widened and its PL decay life time decreased. As designed, after addition of dimethyl methyl phosphonate (DMMP), the PL intensity of HFHPB-GQD sensor sharply increased up to approximately 200% through a hydrogen bond with DMMP. The fast response and short recovery time was proven by quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) analysis. This HFHPB-GQD sensor shows highly sensitive to DMMP in comparison with GQD sensor without HFHPB and graphene. In addition, the HFHPB-GQD sensor showed high selectivity only to the phosphonate functional group among many other analytes and also stable enough for real device applications. Thus, the tuning of the band gap of the photoluminescent GQDs may open up new promising strategies for the molecular detection of target substrates.
Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) evolution before and after the vaccination introduction: A large scale epidemiological study
Authors: Franzo Giovanni , Tucciarone Claudia Maria , Cecchinato Mattia , Drigo Michele 
Published: December 2016

AbstractSince their commercialization, vaccines against Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) have been the cornerstone control strategy. Nevertheless, the periodic emergence of new genotype waves and the recent reports of vaccine failure outbreaks have raised the question if widespread vaccination strategies could have driven viral evolution and affected different genotype fitness. To investigate this issue an in-deep analysis, based on a bioinformatics and biostatistics approach, has been implemented. ORF2 sequences from vaccinated and non-vaccinated populations (i.e. domestic pigs before and after vaccine introduction and wild boars) were considered. The action of selective forces on PCV2 strains has been analyzed and compared among groups. Remarkable differences were found in the selective forces acting on viral populations circulating in different “immune environments”. Particularly for PCV2a, a directional selection promoting a change in the viral capsid away from the vaccine specific antigenic determinants has been detected after vaccine introduction. Involved amino acids were previously reported to be part of viral epitopes whose variability is responsible of immune escape. Our findings support a change in PCV2 evolutionary pattern after widespread vaccination introduction and stress once more the compulsoriness of a continuous monitoring of PCV2 epidemiology to promptly act in response to the emergence of possible vaccine-escaping mutants.
The “Intermediate” CD14++CD16+ monocyte subset increases in severe peripheral artery disease in humans
Authors: Wildgruber Moritz , Aschenbrenner Teresa , Wendorff Heiko , Czubba Maria , Glinzer Almut , Haller Bernhard , Schiemann Matthias , Zimmermann Alexander , Berger Hermann , Eckstein Hans-Henning , Meier Reinhard , Wohlgemuth Walter A. , Libby Peter , Zernecke Alma 
Published: December 2016

AbstractMonocytes are key players in atherosclerotic. Human monocytes display a considerable heterogeneity and at least three subsets can be distinguished. While the role of monocyte subset heterogeneity has already been well investigated in coronary artery disease (CAD), the knowledge about monocytes and their heterogeneity in peripheral artery occlusive disease (PAOD) still is limited. Therefore, we aimed to investigate monocyte subset heterogeneity in patients with PAOD. Peripheral blood was obtained from 143 patients suffering from PAOD (Rutherford stage I to VI) and three monocyte subsets were identified by flow cytometry: CD14++CD16− classical monocytes, CD14+CD16++ non-classical monocytes and CD14++CD16+ intermediate monocytes. Additionally the expression of distinct surface markers (CD106, CD162 and myeloperoxidase MPO) was analyzed. Proportions of CD14++CD16+ intermediate monocyte levels were significantly increased in advanced stages of PAOD, while classical and non-classical monocytes displayed no such trend. Moreover, CD162 and MPO expression increased significantly in intermediate monocyte subsets in advanced disease stages. Likewise, increased CD162 and MPO expression was noted in CD14++CD16− classical monocytes. These data suggest substantial dynamics in monocyte subset distributions and phenotypes in different stages of PAOD, which can either serve as biomarkers or as potential therapeutic targets to decrease the inflammatory burden in advanced stages of atherosclerosis.
Predisposing factors for poor outcome of surgery for cervical spondylotic amyotrophy: a multivariate analysis
Authors: Zhang JingTao , Cui Can , Liu Zhao , Tong Tong , Niu RuiJie , Shen Yong 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to characterize risk factors for poor surgical outcome in patients with cervical spondylotic amyotrophy (CSA). We retrospectively reviewed 88 cases of CSA surgery and investigated age, sex, duration of symptoms, atrophy type, preoperative muscle power, signal changes on MRI, anterior horn (AH) or ventral nerve root (VNR) compression, compression levels, surgical approach and postoperative recovery. Fifty (56.8%) patients had good surgical outcome. Logistic regression, with poor outcome as dependent variable, showed independent risks associated with duration of symptoms (OR; 1 for symptom duration less than 3 months versus 3.961 [95% CI; 1.203–13.039, p = 0.024] for symptom duration of 3–6 months versus 18.724 [95% CI; 3.967–88.367, p < 0.001] for symptom duration greater than 6 months), compression type (OR; 1 for VNR versus 4.931 [95% CI; 1.457–16.685, p = 0.010] for AH versus 5.538 [95% CI; 1.170–26.218, p = 0.031] for VNR + AH), and atrophy type (OR; 1 for proximal type versus 6.456 [95% CI; 1.938–21.508, p = 0.002] for distal type). These findings suggest that a long duration of symptoms, AH or both AH and VNR compression, and distal type are risk factors for poor surgical outcome in patients with CSA.
A boy named Sue
Authors: Steels Luc , Loetzsch Martin , Spranger Michael 
Published: December 2016

AbstractOne major lesson learned in the cognitive sciences is that even basic human cognitive capacities are extraordinarily complicated and elusive to mechanistic explanations. This is definitely the case for naming and identity. Nothing seems simpler than using a proper name to refer to a unique individual object in the world. But psychological research has shown that the criteria and mechanisms by which humans establish and use names are unclear and seemingly contradictory. Children only develop the necessary knowledge and skills after years of development and naming degenerates in unusual selective ways with strokes, schizophrenia, or Alzheimer disease. Here we present an operational model of social interaction patterns and cognitive functions to explain how naming can be achieved and acquired. We study the Grounded Naming Game as a particular example of a symbolic interaction that requires naming and present mechanisms that build up and use the semiotic networks necessary for performance in the game. We demonstrate in experiments with autonomous physical robots that the proposed dynamical systems indeed lead to the formation of an effective naming system and that the model hence explains how naming and identity can get socially constructed and shared by a population of embodied agents.
Using work-based and work-applied learning to enhance the intellectual capital of organisations
Authors: Garnett Jonathan , Abraham Selva , Abraham Param 
Published: December 2016

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show how work-based and work-applied learning (WAL) can enhance the intellectual capital of organisations.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws organisational learning- and work-based learning literature and case study illustrations.FindingsTo achieve major strategic change in organisations requires working at senior level within the organisation to develop the capability of the organisation to learn and apply that learning strategically. WAL is explicitly geared to bring about change and enhance the learning capability within the organisation.Research limitations/implicationsThere is a need for further longitudinal studies of organisations that have used the work-based and WAL approaches.Practical implicationsThe conclusions reached have implications for higher education and non-award bearing executive education.Social implicationsThe alignment of individual learning with organisational objectives positions learning as a co-operative part of working life rather than just individual preparation for employment.Originality/valueThe paper positions work-based learning and WAL as appropriate responses to the learning needs of organisations as well as individuals.
Elastic wave‐vector decomposition in heterogeneous anisotropic media
Authors: Sripanich Yanadet , Fomel Sergey , Sun Junzhe , Cheng Jiubing 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACTThe goal of wave‐mode separation and wave‐vector decomposition is to separate a full elastic wavefield into three wavefields with each corresponding to a different wave mode. This allows elastic reverse‐time migration to handle each wave mode independently. Several of the previously proposed methods to accomplish this task require the knowledge of the polarisation vectors of all three wave modes in a given anisotropic medium. We propose a wave‐vector decomposition method where the wavefield is decomposed in the wavenumber domain via the analytical decomposition operator with improved computational efficiency using low‐rank approximations. The method is applicable for general heterogeneous anisotropic media. To apply the proposed method in low‐symmetry anisotropic media such as orthorhombic, monoclinic, and triclinic, we define the two S modes by sorting them based on their phase velocities (S1 and S2), which are defined everywhere except at the singularities. The singularities can be located using an analytical condition derived from the exact phase‐velocity expressions for S waves. This condition defines a weight function, which can be applied to attenuate the planar artefacts caused by the local discontinuity of polarisation vectors at the singularities. The amplitude information lost because of weighting can be recovered using the technique of local signal–noise orthogonalisation. Numerical examples show that the proposed approach provides an effective decomposition method for all wave modes in heterogeneous, strongly anisotropic media.
A New Progressive Patriotism
Authors: Denham John 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe need to hold capital to account and to bend markets to the common good is as powerful as ever, yet it is becoming steadily harder to create an electoral or political majority for such an idea in societies that are fractured and divided. The fundamental bond between voters and parties depends on political identity relationships; old ones are fading, new ones need to be created. The most dynamic politics in advanced capitalist societies are those of nation, people and place. The strategic challenge for the left is to create a new progressive patriotism that can embed radical ideas in a common sense of national purpose.
Large‐Scale Buy‐to‐Rent Investors in the Single‐Family Housing Market: The Emergence of a New Asset Class
Authors: Mills James , Molloy Raven , Zarutskie Rebecca 
Published: December 2016

AbstractIn 2012, several large firms began purchasing single‐family homes, creating large portfolios of rental property, and securitizing these investments in capital markets. We present the first systematic evidence on this new investor activity in order to shed light on the factors that have supported its emergence. Three key factors were the ample supply of property for sale, tight mortgage financing and a decrease in acquisition and managerial costs brought about by technological advances. In addition, we show that buy‐to‐rent investors appear to have supported house prices in the neighborhoods where they concentrated.