bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
TOY PIANOS, POOR TOOLS: VIRTUOSITY AND IMAGINATION IN A LIMITED CONTEXT
Authors: Pestova Xenia 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe toy piano is fast becoming a concert instrument in its own right, with its own (growing) body of repertoire that has moved well beyond John Cage's 1948 classic Suite for Toy Piano. There are dedicated musicians specialising in toy piano performance all over the world, and numerous composers producing new works written specifically for the toy piano. This unusual miniature instrument provides a respite from the traditional implications of the grand piano, breaks the ice with audiences and allows pianists to perform in locations that would otherwise be inaccessible. In this article the author introduces the history and mechanism of the instrument, performance considerations, extended techniques and approaches to working with electronics, recent repertoire and suggestions for performers and composers. Discussion is supplemented with musical examples.
Numerical modelling of the cluster targets for their optimization in femtosecond-laser-cluster-driven experiments
Authors: Boldarev A.S. , Faenov A.Y. , Fukuda Y. , Jinno S. , Pikuz T.A. , Kando M. , Kondo K. , Kodama R. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe interaction of femtosecond ultra-intense laser pulses with clusters increases absorption of the incident laser light compared with the interaction with solid targets and leads to enhanced generation of different quantum beams with unique parameters. Future investigations of such interaction urgently need detailed modeling and optimization of cluster parameters, for instance, in order to obtain the clusters with desired size, or some specific spatial configuration of the target etc. A numerical model of gas-cluster targets production by the nozzle flows of gases and binary mixtures is presented. Some previous results of the model utilization are summarized, and some new results are given. Techniques of experimental verification of the numerical results are discussed.
Simulation analysis of zinc ablation process and mass by intense pulsed ion beam irradiation
Authors: Zhang J. , Zhong H.W. , Yu X. , Shen J. , Liang G.Y. , Cui X.J. , Zhang X.F. , Zhang G.L. , Yan S. , Le X.Y. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAs the strong thermal effect in the surface, intense pulsed ion beam (IPIB) has been extensively used in material surface modification. The ablation is an important part in the interaction process between IPIB and material. In order to investigate the ablation mechanism, combined with IPIB dynamic energy spectrum and infrared imaging diagnostic results, a two-dimensional axisymmetric heat conduction model considering the effect of ablated material was constructed to describe the ablation process and calculate the lost mass of the targets. The influences of beam parameters and ablated matter on the ablation rate were discussed. The experimental and simulative results of ablation threshold and mass were compared.
Simulation of femtosecond laser absorption by metallic targets and their thermal evolution
Authors: Suslova A. , Hassanein A. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe interaction of femtosecond laser with initially cold solid metallic targets (Al, Au, Cu, Mo, Ni) was investigated in a wide range of laser intensity with focus on the laser energy absorption efficiency. Our developed simulation code (FEMTO-2D) is based on two-temperature model in two-dimensional configuration, where the temperature-dependent optical and thermodynamic properties of the target material were considered. The role of the collisional processes in the ultrashort pulse laser–matter interaction has been carefully analyzed throughout the process of material transition from the cold solid state into the dense plasma state during the pulse. We have compared the simulation predictions of the laser pulse absorption with temperature-dependent reflectivity and optical penetration depth to the case of constant optical parameters. By considering the effect of the temporal and spatial (radial) distribution of the laser intensity on the light absorption efficiency, we obtained a good agreement between the simulated results and available experimental data. The appropriate model for temperature-dependent optical parameters defining the laser absorption efficiency will allow more accurate simulation of the target thermal response in the applications where it is critical, such as prediction of the material damage threshold, laser ablation threshold, and the ablation profile.
Specific Referential Contexts Shape Efficiency in Second Language Processing: Three Eye-Tracking Experiments With 6- and 10-Year-Old Children in Spanish Immersion Schools
Authors: Lew-Williams Casey 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTEfficiency in real-time language processing generally poses a greater challenge to adults learning a second language (L2) than to children learning a first language (L1). A notoriously difficult aspect of language for L2 learners to master is grammatical gender, and previous research has shown that L2 learners do not exploit cues to grammatical gender in ways that resemble L1 speakers. But it is not clear whether this problem is restricted to grammatical gender or whether it reflects a broader difficulty with processing local relations between words. Moreover, we do not know if immersive L2 environments, relative to typical L2 classrooms, confer advantages in learning regularities between words. In three eye-tracking experiments, 6- and 10-year-old children who were enrolled in Spanish immersion elementary schools listened to sentences with articles that conveyed information about the grammatical gender (Experiment 1), biological gender (Experiment 2), and number of referents in the visual field (Experiment 3). L1 children used articles to guide their attention to target referents in all three experiments. L2 children did not take advantage of articles as cues to grammatical gender, but succeeded in doing so for biological gender and number. Interpretations of these findings focus on how learning experiences interact with the nature of specific referential contexts to shape learners’ efficiency in language processing.
Corrigendum to “Asymptotic prime divisors over complete intersection rings” [Math. Proc. Camb. Phil. Soc. 160 (3) (2016) 423-436]
Authors: GHOSH DIPANKAR , PUTHENPURAKAL TONY J. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThere was a gap in the proof of Theorem 4.1 of [1]. In this corrigendum, we correct the error.
Hide and “sick”: Self-concealment, shame and distress in the setting of psycho-oncology
Authors: Wertheim Reut , Hasson-Ohayon Ilanit , Mashiach-Eizenberg Michal , Pizem Noam , Shacham-Shmueli Einat , Goldzweig Gil 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTObjective:Both trait and contextual self-concealment, as well as shame- and guilt-proneness, have previously been found to be associated with psychological distress. However, findings regarding the associations between these variables among patients with cancer and among the spouses of patients with cancer are limited. The aim of the current study was therefore to investigate the relationship between shame-proneness and psychological distress (anxiety and depression) by examining the mediating role of both trait and contextual self-concealment among patients with cancer and among the spouses of patients with cancer.Method:The current study was part of a large-scale cross-sectional study on self-concealment among patients with cancer and spouses of patients with cancer. It was based on two independent subsamples: patients with cancer and spouses of patients with cancer,who were not dyads. A total of 80 patients with cancer and 80 spouses of (other) patients with cancer completed questionnaires assessing shame- and guilt-proneness, trait and contextual self-concealment, anxiety, and depression.Results:Results indicate that spouses reported both greater shame-proneness and anxiety than did patients (main effect of role). Female participants reported greater shame-proneness, higher levels of contextual self-concealment, and greater depression and anxiety than did male participants (main effect of gender). No group differences (role/gender) were found for guilt-proneness and trait self-concealment. Trait and contextual self-concealment partially mediated the relationship between shame-proneness and distress, pointing out the need to further examine additional mediators.Significance of results:Findings suggest that contextual self-concealment and shame-proneness are important variables to consider when assessing distress in the setting of psycho-oncology. Study results may have significant clinical implications regarding the need to identify patients and spouses who are more prone to shame and self-concealment behavior in order to better tailor interventions for them.
The Patient Dignity Inventory: Just another evaluation tool? Experiences with advanced cancer patients
Authors: Rullán María , Arantzamendi María , Carvajal Ana , Martínez Marina , Saenz de Ormijana Amaia , Centeno Carlos 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTObjective:The Patient Dignity Inventory (PDI) evaluates sources of distress related to the feeling of loss of dignity and was designed for patients at the end of life. The aim of the present work was to generate a better understanding of the experiences of healthcare staff when using the PDI.Method:An exploratory qualitative study is presented about the experience of 4 professionals who applied the PDI to 124 advanced-cancer patients. Our study consisted of an analysis of their experiences, taken from information generated in a focus group. A thematic analysis was performed on the information generated at that meeting by two researchers working independently.Results:The initial experiences with the PDI on the part of the professionals led them to systematically administer the questionnaire as part of an interview instead of having patients fill it out themselves in written form. What started out as an evaluation very often led to a profound conversation on the meaning of life, dignity, and other sensitive, key issues related to the process of the illness.Significance of results:The PDI has intrinsic therapeutic value and is useful in clinical practice, and it is also a way of examining issues related to dignity and the meaning of life within the context of advanced-stage illness. There is a need for studies that examine patient experiences through a PDI-based interview.
Origin of fast ion diffusion in super-ionic conductors
Authors: He Xingfeng , Zhu Yizhou , Mo Yifei 
Published: June 2017

AbstractSuper-ionic conductor materials have great potential to enable novel technologies in energy storage and conversion. However, it is not yet understood why only a few materials can deliver exceptionally higher ionic conductivity than typical solids or how one can design fast ion conductors following simple principles. Using ab initio modelling, here we show that fast diffusion in super-ionic conductors does not occur through isolated ion hopping as is typical in solids, but instead proceeds through concerted migrations of multiple ions with low energy barriers. Furthermore, we elucidate that the low energy barriers of the concerted ionic diffusion are a result of unique mobile ion configurations and strong mobile ion interactions in super-ionic conductors. Our results provide a general framework and universal strategy to design solid materials with fast ionic diffusion.
Growth of organic crystals via attachment and transformation of nanoscopic precursors
Authors: Jiang Yuan , Kellermeier Matthias , Gebauer Denis , Lu Zihao , Rosenberg Rose , Moise Adrian , Przybylski Michael , Cölfen Helmut 
Published: June 2017

AbstractA key requirement for the understanding of crystal growth is to detect how new layers form and grow at the nanoscale. Multistage crystallization pathways involving liquid-like, amorphous or metastable crystalline precursors have been predicted by theoretical work and have been observed experimentally. Nevertheless, there is no clear evidence that any of these precursors can also be relevant for the growth of crystals of organic compounds. Herein, we present a new growth mode for crystals of DL-glutamic acid monohydrate that proceeds through the attachment of preformed nanoscopic species from solution, their subsequent decrease in height at the surface and final transformation into crystalline 2D nuclei that eventually build new molecular layers by further monomer incorporation. This alternative mechanism provides a direct proof for the existence of multistage pathways in the crystallization of molecular compounds and the relevance of precursor units larger than the monomeric constituents in the actual stage of growth.
Analysis of the grape (Vitis vinifera L.) thaumatin-like protein (TLP) gene family and demonstration that TLP29 contributes to disease resistance
Authors: Yan Xiaoxiao , Qiao Hengbo , Zhang Xiuming , Guo Chunlei , Wang Mengnan , Wang Yuejin , Wang Xiping 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThaumatin-like protein (TLP) is present as a large family in plants, and individual members play different roles in various responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. Here we studied the role of 33 putative grape (Vitis vinifera L.) TLP genes (VvTLP) in grape disease resistance. Heat maps analysis compared the expression profiles of 33 genes in disease resistant and susceptible grape species infected with anthracnose (Elsinoe ampelina), powdery mildew (Erysiphe necator) or Botrytis cinerea. Among these 33 genes, the expression level of TLP29 increased following the three pathogens inoculations, and its homolog from the disease resistant Chinese wild grape V. quinquangularis cv. ‘Shang-24’, was focused for functional studies. Over-expression of TLP29 from grape ‘Shang-24’ (VqTLP29) in Arabidopsis thaliana enhanced its resistance to powdery mildew and the bacterium Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000, but decreased resistance to B. cinerea. Moreover, the stomatal closure immunity response to pathogen associated molecular patterns was strengthened in the transgenic lines. A comparison of the expression profiles of various resistance-related genes after infection with different pathogens indicated that VqTLP29 may be involved in the salicylic acid and jasmonic acid/ethylene signaling pathways.
Downregulated USP3 mRNA functions as a competitive endogenous RNA of SMAD4 by sponging miR-224 and promotes metastasis in colorectal cancer
Authors: Wang Zaozao , Yang Jie , Di Jiabo , Cui Ming , Xing Jiadi , Wu Fan , Wu Wei , Yang Hong , Zhang Chenghai , Yao Zhendan , Zhang Nan , Jiang Beihai , Su Xiangqian 
Published: June 2017

AbstractIncreasing evidence shows that competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) can affect the expression of other transcripts by sequestering common microRNAs (miRNAs), and participate in tumourigenesis. As a potent tumour suppressor in colorectal cancer (CRC), SMAD4 is regulated by many miRNAs. However, the regulation of SMAD4 by ceRNAs has never been examined. In the present study, we found that USP3 modulated SMAD4 expression in a miRNA dependent, and protein-coding gene independent manner. USP3 and SMAD4 were directly targeted by miR-224, and overexpression of the USP3 3′UTR could inhibit metastasis caused by the loss of USP3. The correlation of USP3, SMAD4 and miR-224 expression was further verified in CRC specimens. Additionally, the loss of USP3 was associated with distal metastasis and a poor prognosis. Altogether, our study demonstrates USP3 as a bona fide SMAD4 ceRNA. The results from this study may provide new insights into the prevention and treatment of CRC.
Communicative knowledge pervasively influences sensorimotor computations
Authors: Murillo Oosterwijk Anke , de Boer Miriam , Stolk Arjen , Hartmann Frank , Toni Ivan , Verhagen Lennart 
Published: June 2017

AbstractReferential pointing is a characteristically human behavior, which involves moving a finger through space to direct an addressee towards a desired mental state. Planning this type of action requires an interface between sensorimotor and conceptual abilities. A simple interface could supplement spatially-guided motor routines with communicative-ostensive cues. For instance, a pointing finger held still for an extended period of time could aid the addressee’s understanding, without altering the movement’s trajectory. A more complex interface would entail communicative knowledge penetrating the sensorimotor system and directly affecting pointing trajectories. We compare these two possibilities using motion analyses of referential pointing during multi-agent interactions. We observed that communicators produced ostensive cues that were sensitive to the communicative context. Crucially, we also observed pervasive adaptations to the pointing trajectories: they were tailored to the communicative context and to partner-specific information. These findings indicate that human referential pointing is planned and controlled on the basis of partner-specific knowledge, over and above the tagging of motor routines with ostensive cues.
The angular nature of road networks
Authors: Molinero Carlos , Murcio Roberto , Arcaute Elsa 
Published: June 2017

AbstractRoad networks are characterised by several structural and geometrical properties. The topological structure determines partially the hierarchical arrangement of roads, but since these are networks that are spatially constrained, geometrical properties play a fundamental role in determining the network’s behaviour, characterising the influence of each of the street segments on the system. In this work, we apply percolation theory to the UK’s road network using the relative angle between street segments as the occupation probability. The appearance of the spanning cluster is marked by a phase transition, indicating that the system behaves in a critical way. Computing Shannon’s entropy of the cluster sizes, different stages of the percolation process can be discerned, and these indicate that roads integrate to the giant cluster in a hierarchical manner. This is used to construct a hierarchical index that serves to classify roads in terms of their importance. The obtained classification is in very good correspondence with the official designations of roads. This methodology hence provides a framework to consistently extract the main skeleton of an urban system and to further classify each road in terms of its hierarchical importance within the system.
Novel small peptides derived from VEGF125-136: potential drugs for radioactive diagnosis and therapy in A549 tumor-bearing nude mice
Authors: Zhang Xiang , Feng Shibin , Liu Jie , Li Qianwei , Zheng Lei , Xie Laiping , Li Hongmin , Huang Dingde 
Published: June 2017

AbstractVascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) is a critical factor in tumor angiogenesis and has been considered a potential target for receptor-mediated radionuclide imaging and therapy. In this study, we identified two peptides (QKRKRKKSRKKH and RKRKRKKSRYIVLS) derived from VEGF125-136 that displayed high binding affinities to VEGFR and strong inhibition of A549 cell growth. 99mTc- and 188Re-labeled peptides displayed high labeling efficiency and favorable stability in saline and human plasma. At the cellular level, the radiolabeled peptides could bind with A549 cells and be internalized via the VEGFR-1-mediated pathway. 99mTc/188Re-labeled peptide was significantly accumulated at xenograft tumors, as observed with single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) planar imaging. Moreover, 188Re-labeled peptides significantly inhibited tumor growth, prolonged the survival time of the tumor-bearing nude mice and resulted in much more necrotic regions and apoptotic cells in the A549 xenograft tumors. These results demonstrated that these two peptides as candidate drugs for radionuclide imaging and tumor therapy.
Chronic Sleep Restriction Increases Negative Implicit Attitudes Toward Arab Muslims
Authors: Alkozei Anna , Killgore William D. S. , Smith Ryan , Dailey Natalie S. , Bajaj Sahil , Haack Monika 
Published: June 2017

AbstractChronic sleep restriction is a common experience; and while it has negative physiological effects, little is known about how it affects human behavior. To date, no study has investigated whether chronic sleep restriction can influence implicit attitudes (e.g., towards a race). Here, in a randomized, counterbalanced crossover design, we subjected participants to 3 weeks of chronic sleep restriction in the lab (i.e., 3 weekly cycles of 5 nights of 4 hours of sleep per night followed by 2 nights of 8 hours of sleep) and found evidence for an increased negative implicit bias towards Arab Muslims. No indicators of an implicit bias were found in these same individuals when they were rested (during a counterbalanced 3-week period of 8 hours time in bed per night). These findings suggest that chronic sleep restriction may “unmask” implicit racial or ethnic biases that are otherwise inhibited when in a rested state. Because chronic sleep restriction is prevalent among many occupations that routinely interact with ethnic minorities in potentially high-conflict situations (e.g., police officers), it is critical to consider the role that restricted sleep may play in exacerbating negative implicit attitudes and their potential for provoking unintentional and potentially harmful behavioral consequences.
Disruption of the monocarboxylate transporter-4-basigin interaction inhibits the hypoxic response, proliferation, and tumor progression
Authors: Voss Dillon M. , Spina Raffaella , Carter David L. , Lim Kah Suan , Jeffery Constance J. , Bar Eli E. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractWe have previously shown that glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) are enriched in the hypoxic tumor microenvironment, and that monocarboxylate transporter-4 (MCT4) is critical for mediating GSC signaling in hypoxia. Basigin is involved in many physiological functions during early stages of development and in cancer and is required for functional plasma membrane expression of MCT4. We sought to determine if disruption of the MCT-Basigin interaction may be achieved with a small molecule. Using a cell-based drug-screening assay, we identified Acriflavine (ACF), a small molecule that inhibits the binding between Basigin and MCT4. Surface plasmon resonance and cellular thermal-shift-assays confirmed ACF binding to basigin in vitro and in live glioblastoma cells, respectively. ACF significantly inhibited growth and self-renewal potential of several glioblastoma neurosphere lines in vitro, and this activity was further augmented by hypoxia. Finally, treatment of mice bearing GSC-derived xenografts resulted in significant inhibition of tumor progression in early and late-stage disease. ACF treatment inhibited intratumoral expression of VEGF and tumor vascularization. Our work serves as a proof-of-concept as it shows, for the first time, that disruption of MCT binding to their chaperon, Basigin, may be an effective approach to target GSC and to inhibit angiogenesis and tumor progression.