bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Simulation relations for fault-tolerance
Authors: Demasi Ramiro , Castro Pablo F. , Maibaum Thomas S. E. , Aguirre Nazareno 
Published: March 2017

Abstract

We present a formal characterization of fault-tolerant behaviors of computing systems via simulation relations. This formalization makes use of variations of standard simulation relations in order to compare the executions of a system that exhibits faults with executions where no faults occur; intuitively, the latter can be understood as a specification of the system and the former as a fault-tolerant implementation. By employing variations of standard simulation algorithms, our characterization enables us to algorithmically check fault-tolerance in polynomial time, i.e., to verify that a system behaves in an acceptable way even subject to the occurrence of faults. Furthermore, the use of simulation relations in this setting allows us to distinguish between the different levels of fault-tolerance exhibited by systems during their execution. We prove that each kind of simulation relation preserves a corresponding class of temporal properties expressed in CTL; more precisely,
masking fault-tolerance
preserves liveness and safety properties,
nonmasking fault-tolerance
preserves liveness properties, while
failsafe fault-tolerance
guarantees the preservation of safety properties. We illustrate the suitability of this formal framework through its application to standard examples of fault-tolerance.
Advancement Flap for Treatment of Complex Cryptoglandular Anal Fistula: Prediction of Therapy Success or Failure Using Anamnestic and Clinical Parameters
Authors: Boenicke Lars , Karsten Eduard , Zirngibl Hubert , Ambe Peter 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundMultiple new procedures for treatment of complex anal fistula have been described in the past decades, but an ideal single technique has yet not been identified. Factors that predict the outcome are required to identify the best procedure for each individual patient. The aim of this study was to find those predictors for advancement flap at midterm follow‐up.MethodsFrom 2012 to 2015 in a tertiary university clinic, all patients who underwent advancement flap for treatment of complex cryptoglandular fistula were prospectively enrolled. Pre‐ and postoperatively standardized anamnestic and clinical examinations were performed. Predictive factors for therapy failure were identified using univariate and multivariate analysis.ResultsOut of 65 patients, 61 (93%) completed all examinations and were included in the study. Therapy failure after a mean follow‐up period of 25 months occurred in total n = 11 patients (18%). There was no significant disturbance of continence among the entire study cohort as shown by the incontinence score (preop 0.34 ± 0.91 pts., postop 0.37 ± 0.97 pts.; p = 0.59). Univariate analysis for risk factors for therapy failure revealed age (p = 0.004), history of surgical abscess drainage (p = 0.04), BMI (p = 0.002), suprasphincteric fistula (p = 0.019) and horseshoe abscess (p = 0.036) as independent parameters for therapy failure. During multivariate analysis, only history of surgical abscess drainage (OR = 8.09, p = 0.048, 95% CI 0.98–64.96), suprasphincteric fistula (OR = 6.83, p = 0.032, 95% CI 1.17–6.83) and BMI (OR = 1.23, p = 0.017, 95% CI 1.03–1.46) were independent parameters for therapy failure.ConclusionAdvancement flap for treatment of complex fistula is effective and has low risk of disturbed continence. BMI, suprasphincteric fistula and history of surgical abscess drainage are predictors for therapy failure.
Earwax as an alternative specimen for forensic analysis
Authors: Shokry Engy , Marques Jair Gonzalez , Ragazzo Paulo César , Pereira Naiara Zedes , Filho Nelson Roberto Antoniosi 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
In this work, we presented, for the first time, earwax as an alternative forensic specimen for detecting 12 neuropsychotic drugs employing liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry in positive and negative ion modes after straightforward extraction with methanol. The method was validated and standard curves were established by external calibration with correlation coefficients >0.99. All precision, accuracy, matrix effects, extraction recoveries, and carryover were within acceptable limits; limits of quantification were sufficiently low to quantify almost all the samples tested. To confirm the feasibility of the study, earwax specimens were collected from actual patients treated with different combinations of the 12 drugs and analyzed by our method; the 12 drugs could be quantified from the earwax specimens of the users successfully, showing usefulness of earwax specimens, because of its noninvasive sampling and the storage of drug(s) for relatively long time together with its being relatively less contaminated by environmental impurities. This study is pioneering; many detailed studies on earwax as an alternative specimen remain to be explored.
Inferior parietal transcranial direct current stimulation with training improves cognition in anomic Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia
Authors: Roncero Carlos , Kniefel Heike , Service Erik , Thiel Alexander , Probst Stephan , Chertkow Howard 
Published: March 2017

AbstractIntroductionWe evaluated whether transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can improve picture‐naming abilities in subjects with anomic Alzheimer or frontotemporal dementias.MethodsUsing a double‐blind crossover design, 10 participants were trained on picture naming over a series of 10 sessions with either 30 minutes of anodal (2 mA) tDCS stimulation to the left inferior parieto‐temporal region (P3) or sham stimulation. We evaluated performance on a trained picture‐naming list, an equivalent untrained list, and additional neuropsychological tasks.ResultsParticipants improved significantly more receiving real stimulation rather than sham stimulation (40% vs. 19%, P < .01), lasting at least 2 weeks after stimulation. Furthermore, these participants showed a small increase for untrained picture‐naming items and digit span when they received real stimulation but a decrease when sham stimulation was received.DiscussiontDCS stimulation has promise as a treatment for anomia in demented individuals and the effect can generalize to unstudied items as well as other cognitive abilities.
Variations in late Quaternary wind intensity from grain-size partitioning of loess deposits in the Nenana River Valley, Alaska
Authors: DiPietro Lyndsay M. , Driese Steven G. , Nelson Tyler W. , Harvill Jane L. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractA high-resolution column of 57 loess samples was collected from the Dry Creek archaeological site in the Nenana River Valley in central Alaska. Numerical grain-size partitioning using a mixed Weibull function was performed on grain-size distributions to obtain a reconstructed record of wind intensity over the last ~15,000 yr. Two grain-size components were identified, one with a mode in the coarse silt range (C1) and the other ranging from medium to very coarse sand (C2). C1 dominates most samples and records regional northerly winds carrying sediment from the Nenana River. These winds were strong during cold intervals, namely, the Carlo Creek glacial readvance (14.2–14 ka), a late Holocene Neoglacial period (4.2–2.7 ka), and recent glacier expansion; weak during the Allerød (14–13.3 ka) and Younger Dryas (12.9–11.7 ka); and variable during the Holocene thermal maximum (11.4–9.4 ka). Deposition of C2 was episodic and represents locally derived sand deposited by southerly katabatic winds from the Alaska Range. These katabatic winds occurred mainly prior to 12 ka and after 4 ka. This study shows that numerical grain-size partitioning is a powerful tool for reconstructing paleoclimate and that it can be successfully applied to Alaskan loess.
Application of Radiocarbon Dating to Forensic Investigation and Evaluation of Formaldehyde Influence on Radiocarbon Age
Authors: Hong Wan , Chung N-E , Park G , Sung K H , Lee J G , Park J-P 
Published: March 2017

AbstractA radiocarbon (14C) dating technique with accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) was applied to estimate the year of death and the year of birth of unidentified human remains. Because many of the samples have been preserved in formaldehyde, it was necessary to evaluate the influence of formaldehyde on carbon ages. Samples intentionally preserved in formaldehyde during the known period were measured, and their Δ14C values were compared with results obtained from fresh samples. The influence of formaldehyde on soft tissue was 14 times larger than that on cortical bone. Unfortunately, an effective method for removing the influence of formaldehyde has not yet been found. 14C ages could be obtained only from the samples not preserved in formaldehyde. The years of birth were determined by the ages of the dentin samples, while the years of death were determined by the ages of the bone and soft tissue samples. Multiple sampling from a body provides an advantage in determination of one of two possible ages of a sample obtained using the bomb peak. Victims of the Korean War were ascertained by the year of death. The year of death and the age at death of unidentified bodies were also determined for forensic investigation.
Integrated metabolism in sponge–microbe symbiosis revealed by genome-centered metatranscriptomics
Authors: Moitinho-Silva Lucas , Díez-Vives Cristina , Batani Giampiero , Esteves Ana I S , Jahn Martin T , Thomas Torsten 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
Despite an increased understanding of functions in sponge microbiomes, the interactions among the symbionts and between symbionts and host are not well characterized. Here we reconstructed the metabolic interactions within the sponge Cymbastela concentrica microbiome in the context of functional features of symbiotic diatoms and the host. Three genome bins (CcPhy, CcNi and CcThau) were recovered from metagenomic data of C. concentrica, belonging to the proteobacterial family Phyllobacteriaceae, the Nitrospira genus and the thaumarchaeal order Nitrosopumilales. Gene expression was estimated by mapping C. concentrica metatranscriptomic reads. Our analyses indicated that CcPhy is heterotrophic, while CcNi and CcThau are chemolithoautotrophs. CcPhy expressed many transporters for the acquisition of dissolved organic compounds, likely available through the sponge’s filtration activity and symbiotic carbon fixation. Coupled nitrification by CcThau and CcNi was reconstructed, supported by the observed close proximity of the cells in fluorescence in situ hybridization. CcPhy facultative anaerobic respiration and assimilation by diatoms may consume the resulting nitrate. Transcriptional analysis of diatom and sponge functions indicated that these organisms are likely sources of organic compounds, for example, creatine/creatinine and dissolved organic carbon, for other members of the symbiosis. Our results suggest that organic nitrogen compounds, for example, creatine, creatinine, urea and cyanate, fuel the nitrogen cycle within the sponge. This study provides an unprecedented view of the metabolic interactions within sponge–microbe symbiosis, bridging the gap between cell- and community-level knowledge.
Biofilm formation enables free-living nitrogen-fixing rhizobacteria to fix nitrogen under aerobic conditions
Authors: Wang Di , Xu Anming , Elmerich Claudine , Ma Luyan Z 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
The multicellular communities of microorganisms known as biofilms are of high significance in agricultural setting, yet it is largely unknown about the biofilm formed by nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Here we report the biofilm formation by Pseudomonas stutzeri A1501, a free-living rhizospheric bacterium, capable of fixing nitrogen under microaerobic and nitrogen-limiting conditions. P. stutzeri A1501 tended to form biofilm in minimal media, especially under nitrogen depletion condition. Under such growth condition, the biofilms formed at the air–liquid interface (termed as pellicles) and the colony biofilms on agar plates exhibited nitrogenase activity in air. The two kinds of biofilms both contained large ovoid shape ‘cells’ that were multiple living bacteria embedded in a sac of extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs). We proposed to name such large ‘cells’ as A1501 cyst. Our results suggest that the EPS, especially exopolysaccharides enabled the encased bacteria to fix nitrogen while grown under aerobic condition. The formation of A1501 cysts was reversible in response to the changes of carbon or nitrogen source status. A1501 cyst formation depended on nitrogen-limiting signaling and the presence of sufficient carbon sources, yet was independent of an active nitrogenase. The pellicles formed by Azospirillum brasilense, another free-living nitrogen-fixing rhizobacterium, which also exhibited nitrogenase activity and contained the large EPS-encapsuled A1501 cyst-like ‘cells’. Our data imply that free-living nitrogen-fixing bacteria could convert the easy-used carbon sources to exopolysaccharides in order to enable nitrogen fixation in a natural aerobic environment.
Environmental fluctuation governs selection for plasticity in biofilm production
Authors: Yan Jing , Nadell Carey D , Bassler Bonnie L 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
Bacteria can grow in a free-swimming state, as planktonic cells, or in surface-attached communities, termed biofilms. The planktonic and biofilm growth modes differ dramatically with respect to spatial constraints, nutrient access, population density and cell–cell interactions. Fitness trade-offs underlie how successfully bacteria compete in each of these environments. Accordingly, some bacteria have evolved to be specialists in biofilm formation, while others specialize in planktonic growth. There are species, however, that possess flexible strategies: they can transition between the molecular programs required for biofilm formation and for planktonic growth. Such flexible strategies often sacrifice competitive ability against specialists in a given habitat. There is little exploration of the ecological conditions favoring the evolution of the flexible biofilm production strategy for bacteria in competition with specialist biofilm producers or specialist non-producers. Here, we study the human pathogen Vibrio cholerae, a flexible biofilm-former, as well as constitutive biofilm-producing and non-producing mutants. We assess the fitness of these strains under biofilm conditions, planktonic conditions and conditions that demand the ability to transition between the two growth modes. We show that, relative to the specialists, the wild type is superior at dispersal from biofilms to the planktonic phase; however, this capability comes at the expense of reduced competitive fitness against constitutive biofilm producers on surfaces. Wild-type V. cholerae can outcompete the constitutive biofilm producers and non-producers if habitat turnover is sufficiently frequent. Thus, selection for phenotypic flexibility in biofilm production depends on the frequency of environmental fluctuations encountered by bacteria.
Light-sensing via hydrogen peroxide and a peroxiredoxin
Authors: Bodvard Kristofer , Peeters Ken , Roger Friederike , Romanov Natalie , Igbaria Aeid , Welkenhuysen Niek , Palais Gaël , Reiter Wolfgang , Toledano Michel B. , Käll Mikael , Molin Mikael 
Published: March 2017

AbstractYeast lacks dedicated photoreceptors; however, blue light still causes pronounced oscillations of the transcription factor Msn2 into and out of the nucleus. Here we show that this poorly understood phenomenon is initiated by a peroxisomal oxidase, which converts light into a hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) signal that is sensed by the peroxiredoxin Tsa1 and transduced to thioredoxin, to counteract PKA-dependent Msn2 phosphorylation. Upon H2O2, the nuclear retention of PKA catalytic subunits, which contributes to delayed Msn2 nuclear concentration, is antagonized in a Tsa1-dependent manner. Conversely, peroxiredoxin hyperoxidation interrupts the H2O2 signal and drives Msn2 oscillations by superimposing on PKA feedback regulation. Our data identify a mechanism by which light could be sensed in all cells lacking dedicated photoreceptors. In particular, the use of H2O2 as a second messenger in signalling is common to Msn2 oscillations and to light-induced entrainment of circadian rhythms and suggests conserved roles for peroxiredoxins in endogenous rhythms.
Lateral orbitofrontal cortex anticipates choices and integrates prior with current information
Authors: Nogueira Ramon , Abolafia Juan M. , Drugowitsch Jan , Balaguer-Ballester Emili , Sanchez-Vives Maria V. , Moreno-Bote Rubén 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAdaptive behavior requires integrating prior with current information to anticipate upcoming events. Brain structures related to this computation should bring relevant signals from the recent past into the present. Here we report that rats can integrate the most recent prior information with sensory information, thereby improving behavior on a perceptual decision-making task with outcome-dependent past trial history. We find that anticipatory signals in the orbitofrontal cortex about upcoming choice increase over time and are even present before stimulus onset. These neuronal signals also represent the stimulus and relevant second-order combinations of past state variables. The encoding of choice, stimulus and second-order past state variables resides, up to movement onset, in overlapping populations. The neuronal representation of choice before stimulus onset and its build-up once the stimulus is presented suggest that orbitofrontal cortex plays a role in transforming immediate prior and stimulus information into choices using a compact state-space representation.
Chasing the thermodynamical noise limit in whispering-gallery-mode resonators for ultrastable laser frequency stabilization
Authors: Lim Jinkang , Savchenkov Anatoliy A. , Dale Elijah , Liang Wei , Eliyahu Danny , Ilchenko Vladimir , Matsko Andrey B. , Maleki Lute , Wong Chee Wei 
Published: March 2017

AbstractUltrastable high-spectral-purity lasers have served as the cornerstone behind optical atomic clocks, quantum measurements, precision optical microwave generation, high-resolution optical spectroscopy, and sensing. Hertz-level lasers stabilized to high-finesse Fabry-Pérot cavities are typically used for these studies, which are large and fragile and remain laboratory instruments. There is a clear demand for rugged miniaturized lasers with stabilities comparable to those of bulk lasers. Over the past decade, ultrahigh-Q optical whispering-gallery-mode resonators have served as a platform for low-noise microlasers but have not yet reached the stabilities defined by their fundamental noise. Here, we show the noise characteristics of whispering-gallery-mode resonators and demonstrate a resonator-stabilized laser at this limit by compensating the intrinsic thermal expansion, allowing a sub-25 Hz linewidth and a 32 Hz Allan deviation. We also reveal the environmental sensitivities of the resonator at the thermodynamical noise limit and long-term frequency drifts governed by random-walk-noise statistics.
TIGAR knockdown radiosensitizes TrxR1-overexpressing glioma in vitro and in vivo via inhibiting Trx1 nuclear transport
Authors: Zhang Yushuo , Chen Fei , Tai Guomei , Wang Jiaojiao , Shang Jun , Zhang Bing , Wang Ping , Huang Baoxing , Du Jie , Yu Jiahua , Zhang Haowen , Liu Fenju 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe up-regulation of thioredoxin reductase-1 (TrxR1) is detected in more than half of gliomas, which is significantly associated with increased malignancy grade and recurrence rate. The biological functions of NADPH-dependent TrxR1 are mainly associated with reduced thioredoxin-1 (Trx1) which plays critical roles in cellular redox signaling and tumour radio-resistance. Our previous work has proved that TP53 induced glycolysis and apoptosis regulator (TIGAR) knockdown could notably radiosensitize glioma cells. However, whether TrxR1-overexpressing glioma cells could be re-radiosensitized by TIGAR silence is still far from clear. In the present study, TrxR1 was stably over-expressed in U-87MG and T98G glioma cells. Both in vitro and in vivo data demonstrated that the radiosensitivity of glioma cells was considerably diminished by TrxR1 overexpression. TIGAR abrogation was able to radiosensitize TrxR1-overexpressing gliomas by inhibiting IR-induced Trx1 nuclear transport. Post-radiotherapy, TIGAR low-expression predicted significant longer survival time for animals suffering from TrxR1-overexpessing xenografts, which suggested that TIGAR abrogation might be a promising strategy for radiosensitizing TrxR1-overexpressing glial tumours.
Circulating tumor cell status monitors the treatment responses in breast cancer patients: a meta-analysis
Authors: Yan Wen-Ting , Cui Xiang , Chen Qing , Li Ya-Fei , Cui You-Hong , Wang Yan , Jiang Jun 
Published: March 2017

AbstractWhether circulating tumor cells (CTCs) can be used as an indicator of treatment response in breast cancer (BC) needs to be clarified. We addressed this issue by a meta-analysis. PubMed, EMBase and Cochrane library databases were searched in June 2016. Effect measures were estimated as pooled risk ratio (RR), odds ratio (OR) or mean difference by fixed- or random-effect models, according to heterogeneity of included studies. In total, 50 studies with 6712 patients were recruited. Overall analysis showed that there was a significant reduction of CTC-positive rate (RR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.61–0.76, P < 0.00001) after treatment. Subgroup analyses revealed that neoadjuvant treatment, adjuvant treatment, metastatic treatment or combination therapy could reduce the CTC-positive rate, but surgery could not; moreover, the reduction was only found in HER2+ or HER2- patients but not in the triple-negative ones. Reduction of CTC-positive rate was associated with lower probability of disease progression (OR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.33–0.89, P = 0.01) and longer overall survival period (mean difference = 11.61 months, 95% CI: 8.63–14.59, P < 0.00001) as well as longer progression-free survival period (mean difference = 5.07 months, 95% CI: 2.70–7.44, P < 0.0001). These results demonstrate that CTC status can serve as an indicator to monitor the effectiveness of treatments and guide subsequent therapies in BC.
Integration of thermocouple microelectrode in the scanning electrochemical microscope at variable temperatures: simultaneous temperature and electrochemical imaging and its kinetic studies
Authors: Pan He , Zhang Hailing , Lai Junhui , Gu Xiaoxin , Sun Jianjun , Tang Jing , Jin Tao 
Published: March 2017

AbstractWe describe herein a method for the simultaneous measurement of temperature and electrochemical signal with a new type of thermocouple microelectrode. The thermocouple microelectrode can be used not only as a thermometer but also as a scanning electrochemical microscope (SECM) tip in the reaction between tip-generated bromine and a heated Cu sample. The influence of temperature on the SECM imaging process and the related kinetic parameters have been studied, such as kinetic constant and activation energy.