bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Settlement Date of Iceland Revisited: Evaluation of 14C Dates from Sites of Early Settlers in Iceland by Bayesian Statistics
Authors: Sveinbjörnsdóttir Árný E , Ramsey Christopher Bronk , Heinemeier Jan 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe settlement time of Iceland has been debated for years as radiocarbon dates of bulk wood samples have been interpreted to set a timing 150–200 yr earlier than indicated by tephrochronology (later than AD 871±2) and the Sagas (AD 874). This early date is also in conflict with the dating results on extensive series of short-lived material such as grain and domestic animal and human bone remains of early settlers. The old-wood effect for the charcoal and bulk wood samples has been suggested to explain this controversy. This study uses a Bayesian model, implemented in the OxCal program, to show that the charcoal data combined with short-lived material (grain/bone) suggest ages anywhere in the interval AD 854–922 (95.4% probability), indicating that the available 14C data cannot be taken as compelling evidence that there was a settlement any earlier than AD 922. The Bayesian model shows that the observed exponential distribution of the excess age of the bulk wood samples is exactly as expected if there was an old-wood effect evident in the samples.
Sialendoscopy-assisted transfacial surgery for the removal of an iatrogenic foreign body in Stensen's duct: a stone and broken wire basket
Authors: Capaccio P , Gaffuri M , Torretta S , Pignataro L 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackground:A foreign body is a rare cause of parotid gland obstructive sialadenitis; intra-oral penetration via Stensen's duct is unusual. The relatively recent introduction of interventional sialendoscopy to treat obstructive sialadenitis has allowed surgeons to adopt a gland-sparing approach by means of miniaturised endoscopes and instruments. However, unusual anatomy or pathological conditions can give rise to a risk of intraductal rupture that may lead to a subsequent iatrogenic foreign body.Case report:This paper describes the case of a patient with a 4 mm stone engaged by a broken wire basket stuck in a secondary branch of Stensen's duct.Results:The iatrogenic foreign body was successfully retrieved by means of sialendoscopy-assisted transfacial surgery.Conclusion:This is the first reported case of an intraductal rupture of a miniaturised device during interventional sialendoscopy successfully resolved by means of combined endoscopy and external surgery. This proved to be an effective method of rescuing a foreign body stuck in Stensen's duct.
Competitive federalism, government's dual role and the power to tax
Authors: VANBERG VIKTOR J. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractTheories of competitive federalism generally focus onexitas the principal mechanism for making governments responsive to the interests of those who are subject to their powers. This paper draws attention to the fact that democratic governments act in two distinguishable roles, as ‘territorial enterprises’ and as ‘club enterprises’. Asterritorial enterprisesthey define and enforce the rules and terms that apply to everybody, whether citizen or alien, who resides and/or operates within their jurisdictional boundaries. Asclub enterprises, they define and enforce the rules and terms ofmembershipin the respective polity. The focus of this paper is on the implications of the fact that ‘exit’ means something different when one looks at governments’ role as territorial enterprises (exit = leaving the territory) in contrast to their role as club enterprises (exit = giving up one's membership status/citizenship).
Financial property rights under colonialism: some counterfactual possibilities
Authors: CHATTERJEE ABHISHEK 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThis article seeks to explain the lack of the development of contemporaneously ‘modern’ money and credit markets in the 18th to 19th century economy of India. Borrowing from the literature on property rights, it demonstrates that the emergence of ‘modern’, and state-connected money markets was the result of a certain kind of power relationship between rulers and financial capital holders where the two were forced to mutually cooperate; financial systems represented the institutionalization of this mutual cooperation. Specific kinds of ‘colonialism’ represent just one special case of a relationship where the latter did not obtain. The article thus proposes a mechanism though which the spread of European capital could have retarded financial market formation in now-developing areas with otherwise considerable concentration of ‘native’ mercantile capital.
Achromatic vector vortex beams from a glass cone
Authors: Radwell N. , Hawley R. D. , Götte J. B. , Franke-Arnold S. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe reflection of light is governed by the laws first described by Augustin-Jean Fresnel: on internal reflection, light acquires a phase shift, which depends on its polarization direction with respect to the plane of incidence. For a conical reflector, the cylindrical symmetry is echoed in an angular variation of this phase shift, allowing us to create light modes with phase and polarization singularities. Here we observe the phase and polarization profiles of light that is back reflected from a solid glass cone and, in the case of circular input light, discover that not only does the beam contain orbital angular momentum but can trivially be converted to a radially polarized beam. Importantly, the Fresnel coefficients are reasonably stable across the visible spectrum, which we demonstrate by measuring white light polarization profiles. This discovery provides a highly cost-effective technique for the generation of broadband orbital angular momentum and radially polarized beams.
Atomically isolated nickel species anchored on graphitized carbon for efficient hydrogen evolution electrocatalysis
Authors: Fan Lili , Liu Peng Fei , Yan Xuecheng , Gu Lin , Yang Zhen Zhong , Yang Hua Gui , Qiu Shilun , Yao Xiangdong 
Published: February 2016

AbstractHydrogen production through electrochemical process is at the heart of key renewable energy technologies including water splitting and hydrogen fuel cells. Despite tremendous efforts, exploring cheap, efficient and durable electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution still remains as a great challenge. Here we synthesize a nickel–carbon-based catalyst, from carbonization of metal-organic frameworks, to replace currently best-known platinum-based materials for electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution. This nickel-carbon-based catalyst can be activated to obtain isolated nickel atoms on the graphitic carbon support when applying electrochemical potential, exhibiting highly efficient hydrogen evolution performance with high exchange current density of 1.2 mA cm−2 and impressive durability. This work may enable new opportunities for designing and tuning properties of electrocatalysts at atomic scale for large-scale water electrolysis.
Giant conductivity switching of LaAlO3/SrTiO3 heterointerfaces governed by surface protonation
Authors: Brown Keith A. , He Shu , Eichelsdoerfer Daniel J. , Huang Mengchen , Levy Ishan , Lee Hyungwoo , Ryu Sangwoo , Irvin Patrick , Mendez-Arroyo Jose , Eom Chang-Beom , Mirkin Chad A. , Levy Jeremy 
Published: February 2016

AbstractComplex-oxide interfaces host a diversity of phenomena not present in traditional semiconductor heterostructures. Despite intense interest, many basic questions remain about the mechanisms that give rise to interfacial conductivity and the role of surface chemistry in dictating these properties. Here we demonstrate a fully reversible >4 order of magnitude conductance change at LaAlO3/SrTiO3 (LAO/STO) interfaces, regulated by LAO surface protonation. Nominally conductive interfaces are rendered insulating by solvent immersion, which deprotonates the hydroxylated LAO surface; interface conductivity is restored by exposure to light, which induces reprotonation via photocatalytic oxidation of adsorbed water. The proposed mechanisms are supported by a coordinated series of electrical measurements, optical/solvent exposures, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. This intimate connection between LAO surface chemistry and LAO/STO interface physics bears far-reaching implications for reconfigurable oxide nanoelectronics and raises the possibility of novel applications in which electronic properties of these materials can be locally tuned using synthetic chemistry.
The diagnostic accuracy of the MTBDRplus and MTBDRsl assays for drug-resistant TB detection when performed on sputum and culture isolates
Authors: Tomasicchio Michele , Theron Grant , Pietersen Elize , Streicher Elizabeth , Stanley-Josephs Danielle , van Helden Paul , Warren Rob , Dheda Keertan 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAlthough molecular tests for drug-resistant TB perform well on culture isolates, their accuracy using clinical samples, particularly from TB and HIV-endemic settings, requires clarification. The MTBDRplus and MTBDRsl line probe assays were evaluated in 181 sputum samples and 270 isolates from patients with culture-confirmed drug-sensitive-TB, MDR-TB, or XDR-TB. Phenotypic culture-based testing was the reference standard. Using sputum, the sensitivities for resistance was 97.7%, 95.4%, 58.9%, 61.6% for rifampicin, isoniazid, ofloxacin and amikacin, respectively, whereas the specificities were 91.8%, 89%, 100% and 100%, respectively. MTBDRsl sensitivity differed in smear-positive vs. smear-negative samples (79.2% vs. 20%, p < 0.0001 for ofloxacin; 72.9% vs. 37%, p = 0.0023 for amikacin) but not by HIV status. If used sequentially, MTBDRplus and MTBDRsl could rule-in XDR-TB in 78.5% (22/28) and 10.5% (2/19) of smear-positive and smear-negative samples, respectively. On culture isolates, the sensitivity for resistance to rifampicin, isoniazid, ofloxacin and amikacin was 95.1%, 96.1%, 72.3% and 76.6%, respectively, whereas the specificities exceeded 96%. Using a sequential testing approach, rapid sputum-based diagnosis of fluoroquinolone or aminoglycoside-resistant TB is feasible only in smear-positive samples, where rule-in value is good. Further investigation is required in samples that test susceptible in order to rule-out second-line drug resistance.
Rapid mixing of viscous liquids by electrical coiling
Authors: Kong Tiantian , Li Jingmei , Liu Zhou , Zhou Zhuolong , Ng Peter Hon Yu , Wang Liqiu , Shum Ho Cheung 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe control for the processing of precursor liquids determines whether the properties and functions of the final material product can be engineered. An inherent challenge of processing viscous liquids arises from their large resistance to deform. Here, we report on the discovery of an electric approach that can significantly contribute to address this challenge. The applied electric force can induce a straight viscous jet to coil and the resulting coiling characteristics are governed by the electric stress. We demonstrate the promising use of electrical coiling in the rapid and efficient mixing of viscous liquids. Remarkably, the degree of mixing can be precisely adjusted by tuning the applied electric stress. Our approach of controlling the coiling electrically has important implications on applications such as dispensing and printing of resins, printing patterned surfaces and scaffolds, processing of food and generating non-woven fabrics.
A herbal formula comprising Rosae Multiflorae Fructus and Lonicerae Japonicae Flos, attenuates collagen-induced arthritis and inhibits TLR4 signalling in rats
Authors: Cheng Brian Chi Yan , Yu Hua , Guo Hui , Su Tao , Fu Xiu-Qiong , Li Ting , Cao Hui-Hui , Tse Anfernee Kai-Wing , Wu Zheng-Zhi , Kwan Hiu-Yee , Yu Zhi-Ling 
Published: February 2016

AbstractRL, a traditional remedy for Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), comprises two edible herbs, Rosae Multiflorae Fructus and Lonicerae Japonicae Flos. We have reported that RL could inhibit the production of inflammatory mediators in immune cells. Here we investigated the effects and the mechanism of action of RL in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats. RL significantly increased food intake and weight gain of CIA rats without any observable adverse effect; ameliorated joint erythema and swelling; inhibited immune cell infiltration, bone erosion and osteophyte formation in joints; reduced joint protein expression levels of TLR4, phospho-TAK1, phospho-NF-κB p65, phospho-c-Jun and phospho-IRF3; lowered levels of inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-17A and MCP-1 in sera and TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β and IL-17A in joints); elevated serum IL-10 level; reinvigorated activities of antioxidant SOD, CAT and GSH-Px in the liver and serum; reduced Th17 cell proportions in splenocytes; inhibited splenocyte proliferation and activation; and lowered serum IgG level. In conclusion, RL at nontoxic doses inhibited TLR4 signaling and potently improved clinical conditions of CIA rats. These findings provide further pharmacological justifications for the traditional use of RL in RA management.
φXANES: In vivo imaging of metal-protein coordination environments
Authors: James Simon A. , Hare Dominic J. , Jenkins Nicole L. , de Jonge Martin D. , Bush Ashley I. , McColl Gawain 
Published: February 2016

AbstractWe have developed an X-ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy method using fluorescence detection for visualizing in vivo coordination environments of metals in biological specimens. This approach, which we term fluorescence imaging XANES (φXANES), allows us to spatially depict metal-protein associations in a native, hydrated state whilst avoiding intrinsic chemical damage from radiation. This method was validated using iron-challenged Caenorhabditis elegans to observe marked alterations in redox environment.
Variation in susceptibility of African Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasites to TEP1 mediated killing in Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes
Authors: Eldering Maarten , Morlais Isabelle , van Gemert Geert-Jan , van de Vegte-Bolmer Marga , Graumans Wouter , Siebelink-Stoter Rianne , Vos Martijn , Abate Luc , Roeffen Will , Bousema Teun , Levashina Elena A. , Sauerwein Robert W. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAnopheles gambiae s.s. mosquitoes are efficient vectors for Plasmodium falciparum, although variation exists in their susceptibility to infection. This variation depends partly on the thioester-containing protein 1 (TEP1) and TEP depletion results in significantly elevated numbers of oocysts in susceptible and resistant mosquitoes. Polymorphism in the Plasmodium gene coding for the surface protein Pfs47 modulates resistance of some parasite laboratory strains to TEP1-mediated killing. Here, we examined resistance of P. falciparum isolates of African origin (NF54, NF165 and NF166) to TEP1-mediated killing in a susceptible Ngousso and a refractory L3–5 strain of A. gambiae. All parasite clones successfully developed in susceptible mosquitoes with limited evidence for an impact of TEP1 on transmission efficiency. In contrast, NF166 and NF165 oocyst densities were strongly reduced in refractory mosquitoes and TEP1 silencing significantly increased oocyst densities. Our results reveal differences between African P. falciparum strains in their capacity to evade TEP1-mediated killing in resistant mosquitoes. There was no significant correlation between Pfs47 genotype and resistance of a given P. falciparum isolate for TEP1 killing. These data suggest that polymorphisms in this locus are not the sole mediators of immune evasion of African malaria parasites.
Reprogramming of Seed Metabolism Facilitates Pre-harvest Sprouting Resistance of Wheat
Authors: Liu Caixiang , Ding Feng , Hao Fuhua , Yu Men , Lei Hehua , Wu Xiangyu , Zhao Zhengxi , Guo Hongxiang , Yin Jun , Wang Yulan , Tang Huiru 
Published: February 2016

AbstractPre-harvest sprouting (PHS) is a worldwide problem for wheat production and transgene antisense-thioredoxin-s (anti-trx-s) facilitates outstanding resistance. To understand the molecular details of PHS resistance, we analyzed the metabonomes of the transgenic and wild-type (control) wheat seeds at various stages using NMR and GC-FID/MS. 60 metabolites were dominant in these seeds including sugars, organic acids, amino acids, choline metabolites and fatty acids. At day-20 post-anthesis, only malate level in transgenic wheat differed significantly from that in controls whereas at day-30 post-anthesis, levels of amino acids and sucrose were significantly different between these two groups. For mature seeds, most metabolites in glycolysis, TCA cycle, choline metabolism, biosynthesis of proteins, nucleotides and fatty acids had significantly lower levels in transgenic seeds than in controls. After 30-days post-harvest ripening, most metabolites in transgenic seeds had higher levels than in controls including amino acids, sugars, organic acids, fatty acids, choline metabolites and NAD+. These indicated that anti-trx-s lowered overall metabolic activities of mature seeds eliminating pre-harvest sprouting potential. Post-harvest ripening reactivated the metabolic activities of transgenic seeds to restore their germination vigor. These findings provided essential molecular phenomic information for PHS resistance of anti-trx-s and a credible strategy for future developing PHS resistant crops.
Paediatric obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) is associated with tonsil colonisation by Streptococcus pyogenes
Authors: Viciani Elisa , Montagnani Francesca , Tavarini Simona , Tordini Giacinta , Maccari Silvia , Morandi Matteo , Faenzi Elisa , Biagini Cesare , Romano Antonio , Salerni Lorenzo , Finco Oretta , Lazzi Stefano , Ruggiero Paolo , De Luca Andrea , Barocchi Michèle A. , Manetti Andrea G. O. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe involvement of pathogenic bacteria in obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) has yet to be elucidated. We investigated the possible role of group A streptococcus (GAS) in OSAS pathogenesis. In 40 tonsillectomized patients affected by OSAS and 80 healthy controls, significant (p < 0.0001) association of GAS with paediatric OSAS was found. Supernatant from streptolysin O (SLO)-producing GAS induced production of cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs) in tonsil mononuclear cells (TMCs). CysLTs-treated TMCs showed significant (p < 0.05) proliferation of CD4+ T, CD19+ and CD19+CD27+CD38+ B lymphocytes. We discovered a SLO-dependent activation of CysLTs production through a pathway involving TOLL-like receptor 4 (TLR4), TIR-domain-containing adapter-inducing interferon-β (TRIF), Myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88), and p38 MAP Kinase. In conclusion, we hypothesise that GAS may contribute to paediatric tonsillar hyperplasia through CysLTs production induced by SLO, and this might explain its association with OSAS.
Soil properties drive a negative correlation between species diversity and genetic diversity in a tropical seasonal rainforest
Authors: Xu Wumei , Liu Lu , He Tianhua , Cao Min , Sha Liqing , Hu Yuehua , Li Qiaoming , Li Jie 
Published: February 2016

AbstractA negative species-genetic diversity correlation (SGDC) could be predicted by the niche variation hypothesis, whereby an increase in species diversity within community reduces the genetic diversity of the co-occurring species because of the reduction in average niche breadth; alternatively, competition could reduce effective population size and therefore genetic diversity of the species within community. We tested these predictions within a 20 ha tropical forest dynamics plot (FDP) in the Xishuangbanna tropical seasonal rainforest. We established 15 plots within the FDP and investigated the soil properties, tree diversity, and genetic diversity of a common tree species Beilschmiedia roxburghiana within each plot. We observed a significant negative correlation between tree diversity and the genetic diversity of B. roxburghiana within the communities. Using structural equation modeling, we further determined that the inter-plot environmental characteristics (soil pH and phosphorus availability) directly affected tree diversity and that the tree diversity within the community determined the genetic diversity of B. roxburghiana. Increased soil pH and phosphorus availability might promote the coexistence of more tree species within community and reduce genetic diversity of B. roxburghiana for the reduced average niche breadth; alternatively, competition could reduce effective population size and therefore genetic diversity of B. roxburghiana within community.
Field-programmable beam reconfiguring based on digitally-controlled coding metasurface
Authors: Wan Xiang , Qi Mei Qing , Chen Tian Yi , Cui Tie Jun 
Published: February 2016

AbstractDigital phase shifters have been applied in traditional phased array antennas to realize beam steering. However, the phase shifter deals with the phase of the induced current; hence, it has to be in the path of each element of the antenna array, making the phased array antennas very expensive. Metamaterials and/or metasurfaces enable the direct modulation of electromagnetic waves by designing subwavelength structures, which opens a new way to control the beam scanning. Here, we present a direct digital mechanism to control the scattered electromagnetic waves using coding metasurface, in which each unit cell loads a pin diode to produce binary coding states of “1” and “0”. Through data lines, the instant communications are established between the coding metasurface and the internal memory of field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA). Thus, we realize the digital modulation of electromagnetic waves, from which we present the field-programmable reflective antenna with good measurement performance. The proposed mechanism and functional device have great application potential in new-concept radar and communication systems.
Exploring the topological sources of robustness against invasion in biological and technological networks
Authors: Alcalde Cuesta Fernando , González Sequeiros Pablo , Lozano Rojo Álvaro 
Published: February 2016

AbstractFor a network, the accomplishment of its functions despite perturbations is called robustness. Although this property has been extensively studied, in most cases, the network is modified by removing nodes. In our approach, it is no longer perturbed by site percolation, but evolves after site invasion. The process transforming resident/healthy nodes into invader/mutant/diseased nodes is described by the Moran model. We explore the sources of robustness (or its counterpart, the propensity to spread favourable innovations) of the US high-voltage power grid network, the Internet2 academic network, and the C. elegans connectome. We compare them to three modular and non-modular benchmark networks, and samples of one thousand random networks with the same degree distribution. It is found that, contrary to what happens with networks of small order, fixation probability and robustness are poorly correlated with most of standard statistics, but they depend strongly on the degree distribution. While community detection techniques are able to detect the existence of a central core in Internet2, they are not effective in detecting hierarchical structures whose topological complexity arises from the repetition of a few rules. Box counting dimension and Rent’s rule are applied to show a subtle trade-off between topological and wiring complexity.