bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gene disruption of dematin causes precipitous loss of erythrocyte membrane stability and severe hemolytic anemia
Authors: Lu Yunzhe , Hanada Toshihiko , Fujiwara Yuko , Nwankwo Jennifer O. , Wieschhaus Adam J. , Hartwig John , Huang Sha , Han Jongyoon , Chishti Athar H. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractDematin is a relatively low abundance actin binding and bundling protein associated with the spectrin–actin junctions of mature erythrocytes. Primary structure of dematin includes a loosely folded core domain and a compact headpiece domain that was originally identified in villin. Dematin’s actin binding properties are regulated by phosphorylation of its headpiece domain by cyclic adenosine monophosphate–dependent protein kinase. Here, we used a novel gene disruption strategy to generate the whole body dematin gene knockout mouse model (FLKO). FLKO mice, while born at a normal Mendelian ratio, developed severe anemia and exhibited profound aberrations of erythrocyte morphology and membrane stability. Having no apparent effect on primitive erythropoiesis, FLKO mice show significant enhancement of erythroblast enucleation during definitive erythropoiesis. Using membrane protein analysis, domain mapping, electron microscopy, and dynamic deformability measurements, we investigated the mechanism of membrane instability in FLKO erythrocytes. Although many membrane and cytoskeletal proteins remained at their normal levels, the major peripheral membrane proteins spectrin, adducin, and actin were greatly reduced in FLKO erythrocytes. Our results demonstrate that dematin plays a critical role in maintaining the fundamental properties of the membrane cytoskeleton complex.
Antimicrobial susceptibility and clarithromycin resistance patterns of Helicobacter pylori clinical isolates in Vietnam
Authors: Quek Camelia , Pham Son T. , Tran Kieu T. , Pham Binh T. , Huynh Loc V. , Luu Ngan B.L. , Le Thao K.T. , Quek Kelly , Pham Van H. 
Published: April 2016

Helicobacter pyloriis a gastric pathogen that causes several gastroduodenal disorders such as peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer. Eradication efforts ofH. pyloriare often hampered by antimicrobial resistance in many countries, including Vietnam. Here, the study aimed to investigate the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance amongH. pyloriclinical isolates across 13 hospitals in Vietnam. The study further evaluated the clarithromycin resistance patterns ofH. pyloristrains. In order to address the study interests, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, epsilometer test and PCR-based sequencing were performed on a total of 193 strains isolated from patients, including 136 children (3–15 years of age) and 57 adults (19–69 years of age). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed that the overall resistance to amoxicillin, clarithromycin, levofloxacin, metronidazole, and tetracycline was 10.4%, 85.5%, 24.4%, 37.8%, and 23.8% respectively. The distribution of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of clarithromycin-resistant strains was 85.5% with MIC >0.5 μg/mL. The majority of the clarithromycin resistant isolates (135 of 165 subjects) have MICs ranging from 2 μg/mL to 16 μg/mL. Furthermore, sequencing detection of mutations in 23S rRNA gene revealed that strains resistant and susceptible to clarithromycin contained both A2143G and T2182C mutations. Of all isolates, eight clarithromycin-resistant isolates (MIC >0.5 μg/mL) had no mutations in the 23S rRNA gene. Collectively, these results demonstrated that a proportion of clarithromycin-resistantH. pyloristrains, which are not related to the 23S rRNA gene mutations, could be potentially related to other mechanisms such as the presence of an efflux pump or polymorphisms in the CYP2C19 gene. Therefore, the present study suggests that providing susceptibility testing prior to treatment or alternative screening strategies for antimicrobial resistance is important for future clinical practice. Further studies on clinical guidelines and treatment efficacy are pivotal for successful eradication ofH. pyloriinfection.
A Note on Symmetry of Solutions for a Class of Singular Semilinear Elliptic Problems
Authors: Trombetta Alessandro 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
We prove symmetry and monotonicity properties for positive solutions of the singular semilinear elliptic equation

-

Δ
⁢
u

=

g
⁢

(
x
)

u
γ

+

h
⁢

(
x
)

⁢
f
⁢

(
u
)

$-\Delta u=\frac{g(x)}{u^{\gamma}}+h(x)f(u)$

in bounded smooth domains with zero Dirichlet boundary conditions. The well-known moving plane method is applied.
Obstacle Problems and Maximal Operators
Authors: Blanc Pablo , Pinasco Juan P. , Rossi Julio D. 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
Fix two differential operators

L
1

${L_{1}}$

and

L
2

${L_{2}}$

, and define a sequence of functions inductively by considering

u
1

${u_{1}}$

as the solution to the Dirichlet problem for an operator

L
1

${L_{1}}$

and then

u
n

${u_{n}}$

as the solution to the obstacle problem for an operator

L
i

${L_{i}}$

(

i
=

1
,
2

${i=1,2}$

alternating them) with obstacle given by the previous term

u

n
-
1

${u_{n-1}}$

in a domain Ω and a fixed boundary datum g on

∂
⁡
Ω

${\partial\Omega}$

. We show that in this way we obtain an increasing sequence that converges uniformly to a viscosity solution to the minimal operator associated with

L
1

${L_{1}}$

and

L
2

${L_{2}}$

, that is, the limit u verifies

min
⁡

{

L
1

⁢
u

,

L
2

⁢
u

}

=
0

${\min\{L_{1}u,L_{2}u\}=0}$

in Ω with

u
=
g

${u=g}$

on

∂
⁡
Ω

${\partial\Omega}$

.
Sensitivity analysis of the optimal exercise boundary of the American put option
Authors: Rehman Nasir , Hussain Sultan , Ul-Haq Wasim 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
We consider the American put problem in a general one-dimensional diffusion model. The risk-free interest rate is constant, and volatility is assumed to be a function of time and stock price.
We use the well-known parabolic obstacle problem and establish the continuity estimate of the optional exercise boundaries of the American put option with respect to the local volatilities, which may be considered as a generalization of the Achdou results [1].
The battleground of metaphors: language debates and symbolic violence in Puerto Rico (1930–1960)
Authors: Valdez Juan R. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractIn Puerto Rico, the defense of Spanish and discussions of bilingualism have been conditioned by the island’s local politics and its relationships with the United States. Previous research has looked at how identity politics and specific political players produced arguments in favor or against various language proposals. Yet, questions regarding the complex ideological nature of the language debate in Puerto Rico remain to be examined with greater focalization and critical scrutiny. To this end and employing an interdisciplinary approach to issues of language and linguistic representation, I explore the ideological complexity of bilingualism in Puerto Rico during several decades from the perspective of the politics of language and by taking into account the phenomenon of symbolic violence. I argue that particular metaphors of language exemplify the link between symbolic and material violence in the context of this society’s struggles for political self-determination.
Pathophysiology and classification of pseudomyxoma peritonei
Authors: Bignell Mark , Carr Norman J. , Mohamed Faheez 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBackground: The term pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) was first described in 1884 and there has been much debate since then over the term. A recent consensus of world experts agreed that PMP should be thought of as a clinical entity characterised by the presence of mucinous ascites, omental cake, peritoneal implants and possibly ovarian involvement. It generally originates from mucinous appendiceal tumours.Content: This review details the clinical presentation of this unusual condition, presents the new classification system and how this relates to outcome. The pathophysiology of this disease is also explored with a special reference to the relationship of the disease to tumour markers.Summary: A classification system has been agreed upon by the leading experts in PMP which is now divided into low and high grade mucinous carcinomatosis peritonei. This distinction correlates with clinical outcome as does the presence of raised tumour markers preoperatively.Outlook: Research needs to be focused on understanding the factors associated with poor prognosis through well designed multi-centred prospective studies. This will allow us to identify patients with bad tumour biology so that targeted treatment based on likely prognosis may then become a reality.
Multilevel Cell Storage and Resistance Variability in Resistive Random Access Memory
Authors: Prakash Amit , Hwang Hyunsang 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
Multilevel per cell (MLC) storage in resistive random access memory (ReRAM) is attractive in achieving high-density and low-cost memory and will be required in future. In this chapter, MLC storage and resistance variability and reliability of multilevel in ReRAM are discussed. Different MLC operation schemes with their physical mechanisms and a comprehensive analysis of resistance variability have been provided. Various factors that can induce variability and their effect on the resistance margin between the multiple resistance levels are assessed. The reliability characteristics and the impact on MLC storage have also been assessed.
On-chip Wide Range Bidirectional Current Sensor for Li-ion Battery Management System
Authors: Lee Tzung-Je , Chen Yen-Ting 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
An on-chip wide range bidirectional current sensor for monitoring Li-ion battery model 18650 is proposed in this paper. In order to detect the bidirectional current, two feedback sensing loops are employed. The feedback sensing loops generate differential sensed current signals. The output summation driver is included to convert the differential current signals to a single-ended output voltage signal and improve the driving ability. The proposed design is implemented using a typical 0.25 μm 1P3M 60V BCD process. The core area is 0.2943 mm × 0.5640 mm. Based on the post layout simulation results, the sensing current is from –1.0 A to +1.0 A. The transimpedance is simulated to be 1.407 V/A. The inaccuracy error is from −0.2010% to 0.1030%. The measurement results reveal that the linear error is −0.390% to 0.215% given a sensing current from −0.8 A to +0.8 A.
Impact-Based Area Allocation for Yield Optimization in Integrated Circuits
Authors: Abraham Billion , Widodo Arif , Chen Poki 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
In analog integrated circuit (IC) layout, area allocation is a very important issue for achieving good mismatch cancellation. However, most IC layout papers focus only on layout strategy to reduce systematic mismatch. In 2006, an outstanding paper presenting area allocation strategy was published to introduce technique for random mismatch reduction. Instead of using general theoretical study to prove the strategy, this research presented close-to-optimum simulations only on case-bycase basis. The impact-based area allocation for yield optimization in integrated circuits is proposed in this chapter. To demonstrate the corresponding strategy, not only a theoretical analysis but also an integral nonlinearity-based yield simulation will be given to derive optimum area allocation for binary weighted current steering digital-to-analog converter (DAC). The result will be concluded to convince IC designers how to allocate area for critical devices in an optimum way.
Tax Return as a Political Statement
Authors: Libman Alexander , Schultz André , Graeber Thomas 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThis paper investigates the drivers of tax honesty of high-ranking politicians and bureaucrats in a developing country with a predatory tax system and an autocratic political regime. We argue that in this environment, high-ranking officials may report their income truthfully in order to send a credible signal of their strength to the political leadership, indicating that they are more costly to fire. This is because, in the setting that we study, tax honesty paradoxically increases the risks for taxpayers, making them more transparent and therefore vulnerable to the attacks of their opponents (especially in law enforcement agencies); only powerful officials can survive these attacks. We test our argument using a unique dataset of the tax returns filed by the Russian regional governors and members of their families for the year 2009.
Ideology and Strategy among Politicians: The Case of Judicial Independence
Authors: Brenner Dror , Cohen Alon 
Published: April 2016

AbstractPoliticians act strategically. In the face of competition they modify their decisions in order to restrict the latitude of their potential successors. On the other hand, politicians have ideological preferences that also affect their decisions. The literature, however, has neglected to fully explore the interaction between these two considerations. This work offers such an analysis, using an empirical investigation of judicial independence as an example. We show that when the interaction between ideological considerations and strategic ones is accounted for, the impact of political competition on the level of judicial independence that politicians prefer – may in fact be opposite to the traditional wisdom.
You Can Take Some of It with You!
Authors: Damelang Andreas , Abraham Martin 
Published: April 2016

Abstract:
This study investigates to what extent skilled immigrants are granted access to the qualified sectors of the German labor market. Vocational certificates are signals which inform the employer about applicants’ occupational skills. In this national framework, applicants who hold foreign certificates obviously face some serious problems: First, for German employers, foreign certificates will generally provide less information on an applicant’s skills and capabilities. Secondly, employers may use a candidate’s country of origin as an index of individual productivity. Based on a factorial survey, we compare the chances of skilled applicants from different countries of origin (Bulgaria, England, France, Portugal, and Turkey) to be invited to an interview for the position of an office management assistant. The results show, as expected, that applicants with German qualifications have a bonus, but that foreign vocational certificates are commonly accepted by German employers; however, they are less highly rated than German degrees. In addition, our results indicate discrimination against non-Western foreign applicants.
Uso del avatar en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje sobre las aplicaciones de las derivadas / Avatar use in the process of learning on applications of derivatives
Authors: Salas Rueda Ricardo Adán , Vázquez Estupiñán José De Jesús , Lugo García José Luis 
Published: April 2016

Hoy en día, las universidades en México están implementando distintos proyectos educativos orientados a mejorar el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje. Por esta razón, los docentes están viviendo una etapa caracterizada por el perfeccionamiento de sus conocimientos, habilidades y actitudes en las áreas pedagógicas y tecnológicas. De hecho, estas instituciones educativas del nivel superior están promoviendo la construcción y utilización de diversas aplicaciones informáticas con el propósito de desarrollar las competencias en los estudiantes. Bajo este panorama, el docente encargado de la asignatura “Matemáticas básicas para los negocios” ha decidido utilizar la tecnología de vanguardia para mejorar las condiciones que prevalecen en el salón de clases a través de la creación del Sistema para la Enseñanza-Aprendizaje de las Matemáticas (SEAM), el cual propone el uso del avatar y la usabilidad como los medios para facilitar la asimilación y reutilización del conocimiento sobre las derivadas. La arquitectura del SEAM está compuesta por la interfaz web y los módulos de adaptación, cuestionario y contenidos audiovisuales. Asimismo, esta investigación evalúa el impacto de este sistema en una universidad ubicada en el sur del Distrito Federal, México por medio del enfoque cuantitativo. Este estudio emplea una muestra de 45 alumnos que utilizan el SEAM durante el curso presencial 2015-2, los cuales son analizados a través de la estadística descriptiva y el método ANOVA. Finalmente, esta investigación propone una alternativa tecnológica para el proceso educativo en el área de las matemáticas.
Intrinsic Cornu Ammonis Area 1 Theta-Nested Gamma Oscillations Induced by Optogenetic Theta Frequency Stimulation
Authors: Butler James L. , Mendonça Philipe R. F. , Robinson Hugh P. C. , Paulsen Ole 
Published: April 2016

Gamma oscillations (30–120 Hz) are thought to be important for various cognitive functions, including perception and working memory, and disruption of these oscillations has been implicated in brain disorders, such as schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease. The cornu ammonis area 1 (CA1) of the hippocampus receives gamma frequency inputs from upstream regions (cornu ammonis area 3 and medial entorhinal cortex) and generates itself a faster gamma oscillation. The exact nature and origin of the intrinsic CA1 gamma oscillation is still under debate. Here, we expressed channelrhodopsin-2 under the CaMKIIα promoter in mice and prepared hippocampal slices to produce a model of intrinsic CA1 gamma oscillations. Sinusoidal optical stimulation of CA1 at theta frequency was found to induce robust theta-nested gamma oscillations with a temporal and spatial profile similar to CA1 gammain vivo. The results suggest the presence of a single gamma rhythm generator with a frequency range of 65–75 Hz at 32°C. Pharmacological analysis found that the oscillations depended on both AMPA and GABAAreceptors. Cell-attached and whole-cell recordings revealed that excitatory neuron firing slightly preceded interneuron firing within each gamma cycle, suggesting that this intrinsic CA1 gamma oscillation is generated with a pyramidal–interneuron circuit mechanism.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThis study demonstrates that the cornu ammonis area 1 (CA1) is capable of generating intrinsic gamma oscillations in response to theta input. This gamma generator is independent of activity in the upstream regions, highlighting that CA1 can produce its own gamma oscillation in addition to inheriting activity from the upstream regions. This supports the theory that gamma oscillations predominantly function to achieve local synchrony, and that a local gamma generated in each area conducts the signal to the downstream region.
Late-Life Environmental Enrichment Induces Acetylation Events and Nuclear Factor κB-Dependent Regulations in the Hippocampus of Aged Rats Showing Improved Plasticity and Learning
Authors: Neidl Romain , Schneider Anne , Bousiges Olivier , Majchrzak Monique , Barbelivien Alexandra , de Vasconcelos Anne Pereira , Dorgans Kevin , Doussau Frédéric , Loeffler Jean-Philippe , Cassel Jean-Christophe , Boutillier Anne-Laurence 
Published: April 2016

Aging weakens memory functions. Exposing healthy rodents or pathological rodent models to environmental enrichment (EE) housing improves their cognitive functions by changing neuronal levels of excitation, cellular signaling, and plasticity, notably in the hippocampus. At the molecular level, brain derived-neurotrophic factor (BDNF) represents an important player that supports EE-associated changes. EE facilitation of learning was also shown to correlate with chromatin acetylation in the hippocampus. It is not known, however, whether such mechanisms are still into play during aging. In this study, we exposed a cohort of aged rats (18-month-old) to either a 6 month period of EE or standard housing conditions and investigated chromatin acetylation-associated events [histone acetyltranferase activity, gene expression, and histone 3 (H3) acetylation] and epigenetic modulation of theBdnfgene under rest conditions and during learning. We show that EE leads to upregulation of acetylation-dependent mechanisms in aged rats, whether at rest or following a learning challenge. We found an increased expression ofBdnfthroughExon-I-dependent transcription, associated with an enrichment of acetylated H3 at several sites ofBdnfpromoter I, more particularly on a proximal nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) site under learning conditions. We further evidenced p65/NF-κB binding to chromatin at promoters of genes important for plasticity and hippocampus-dependent learning (e.g.,Bdnf,CamK2D). Altogether, our findings demonstrate that aged rats respond to a belated period of EE by increasing hippocampal plasticity, together with activating sustained acetylation-associated mechanisms recruiting NF-κB and promoting related gene transcription. These responses are likely to trigger beneficial effects associated with EE during aging.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTAging weakens memory functions. Optimizing the neuronal circuitry required for normal brain function can be achieved by increasing sensory, motor, and cognitive stimuli resulting from interactions with the environment (behavioral therapy). This can be experimentally modeled by exposing rodents to environmental enrichment (EE), as with large cages, numerous and varied toys, and interaction with other rodents. However, EE effects in aged rodents has been poorly studied, and it is not known whether beneficial mechanisms evidenced in the young adults can still be recruited during aging. Our study shows that aged rats respond to a belated period of EE by activating specific epigenetic and transcriptional signaling that promotes gene expression likely to facilitate plasticity and learning behaviors.
Perception of intertexts and identification of the cultural circle in publicistic texts by Rimvydas Valatka
Authors: Valotka Audrius 
Published: April 2016

The article analyses the strategies of employing intertexts –primarily, allusions – in contemporary Lithuanian media. The study relies on the idea that recognition of an allusion in text and its appropriate interpretation shows that both the author and the reader belong to the same cultural circle which can be identified on the basis of age, education, field of interests and other factors. In order to reach her/his audience, a publicist has to write in the language that the audience understands best. Therefore, if a reader fails to recognise allusions or s/he interprets them differently than intended, s/he is not part of the cultural circle.

The selected method of the study was testing respondents in order to determine how effectively allusions are recognised and interpreted by a small yet significant segment of the readership, namely, students aged 18 to 20. The respondents had to identify and interpret allusions in fifty sentences collected from articles by Rimvydas Valatka, a distinguished Lithuanian publicist, whose writings are characteristic of rich rhetorical expression. The results demonstrate that only about one fourth of respondents interpret publicistic allusions adequately:
Adequate interpretation – 27%, unreasonable interpretation – 25%, no interpretation – 48%.
The statistics of the recognition and interpretation of allusions used in the texts fluctuates considerably in different areas of precedent texts: Biblical allusions – 37%, folklore allusions – 32%, historical allusions – 12%, cinematographic allusions – 49%, cultural allusions – 25%, literary allusions – 25%.
It is possible to conclude that numerous intertexts used by Rimvydas Valatka are not targeted at the student-age audience, except for the obvious shift from the Soviet- and Russian-specific items (only 11% of precedent texts that belong to this category were identified by respondents) and that this segment of the readership remains in the periphery of Rimvydas Valatka’s cultural circle.