bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An integrated statistical model for enhanced murine cardiomyocyte differentiation via optimized engagement of 3D extracellular matrices
Authors: Jung Jangwook P. , Hu Dongjian , Domian Ibrahim J. , Ogle Brenda M. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe extracellular matrix (ECM) impacts stem cell differentiation, but identifying formulations supportive of differentiation is challenging in 3D models. Prior efforts involving combinatorial ECM arrays seemed intuitively advantageous. We propose an alternative that suggests reducing sample size and technological burden can be beneficial and accessible when coupled to design of experiments approaches. We predict optimized ECM formulations could augment differentiation of cardiomyocytes derived in vitro. We employed native chemical ligation to polymerize 3D poly (ethylene glycol) hydrogels under mild conditions while entrapping various combinations of ECM and murine induced pluripotent stem cells. Systematic optimization for cardiomyocyte differentiation yielded a predicted solution of 61%, 24% and 15% of collagen type I, laminin-111 and fibronectin, respectively. This solution was confirmed by increased numbers of cardiac troponin T, α-myosin heavy chain and α-sarcomeric actinin-expressing cells relative to suboptimum solutions. Cardiomyocytes of composites exhibited connexin43 expression, appropriate contractile kinetics and intracellular calcium handling. Further, adding a modulator of adhesion, thrombospondin-1, abrogated cardiomyocyte differentiation. Thus, the integrated biomaterial platform statistically identified an ECM formulation best supportive of cardiomyocyte differentiation. In future, this formulation could be coupled with biochemical stimulation to improve functional maturation of cardiomyocytes derived in vitro or transplanted in vivo.
G9a orchestrates PCL3 and KDM7A to promote histone H3K27 methylation
Authors: Pan Mei-Ren , Hsu Ming-Chuan , Chen Li-Tzong , Hung Wen-Chun 
Published: December 2015

AbstractMethylation of histone H3-lysine 9 (H3K9) and H3K27 by the methyltransferase G9a and polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) inhibits transcription of target genes. A crosstalk between G9a and PRC2 via direct physical interaction has been shown recently. Here, we demonstrate an alternative mechanism by which G9a promotes H3K27 methylation. Overexpression of G9a increases both H3K9 and H3K27 methylation, reduces E-cadherin expression and induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition in PANC-1 pancreatic cancer cells. Conversely, the depletion of G9a or ectopic expression of methyltransferase-dead G9a in G9a-overexpressing gemcitabine-resistant PANC-1-R cells exhibits opposite effects. G9a promotes H3K27 methylation of the E-cadherin promoter by upregulating PCL3 to increase PRC2 promoter recruitment and by downregulating the H3K27 demethylase KDM7A to silence E-cadherin gene. The depletion of PCL3 or overexpression of KDM7A elevated expression of E-cadherin in PANC-1-R cells while ectopic expression of PCL3 or knockdown of KDM7A downregulated E-cadherin in PANC-1 cells. Collectively, we provide evidence that G9a orchestrates the dynamic balance within histone-modifying enzymes to regulate H3K27 methylation and gene expression.
Ultrasound-aided Multi-parametric Photoacoustic Microscopy of the Mouse Brain
Authors: Ning Bo , Sun Naidi , Cao Rui , Chen Ruimin , Kirk Shung K. , Hossack John A. , Lee Jin-Moo , Zhou Qifa , Hu Song 
Published: December 2015

AbstractHigh-resolution quantitative imaging of cerebral oxygen metabolism in mice is crucial for understanding brain functions and formulating new strategies to treat neurological disorders, but remains a challenge. Here, we report on our newly developed ultrasound-aided multi-parametric photoacoustic microscopy (PAM), which enables simultaneous quantification of the total concentration of hemoglobin (CHb), the oxygen saturation of hemoglobin (sO2) and cerebral blood flow (CBF) at the microscopic level and through the intact mouse skull. The three-dimensional skull and vascular anatomies delineated by the dual-contrast (i.e., ultrasonic and photoacoustic) system provide important guidance for dynamically focused contour scan and vessel orientation-dependent correction of CBF, respectively. Moreover, bi-directional raster scan allows determining the direction of blood flow in individual vessels. Capable of imaging all three hemodynamic parameters at the same spatiotemporal scale, our ultrasound-aided PAM fills a critical gap in preclinical neuroimaging and lays the foundation for high-resolution mapping of the cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2)—a quantitative index of cerebral oxygen metabolism. This technical innovation is expected to shed new light on the mechanism and treatment of a broad spectrum of neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease and ischemic stroke.
The yield of mechanically harvested rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) can be increased by optimum plant density and row spacing
Authors: Kuai Jie , Sun Yingying , Zuo Qingsong , Huang Haidong , Liao Qingxi , Wu Chongyou , Lu Jianwei , Wu Jiangsheng , Zhou Guangsheng 
Published: December 2015

AbstractTo determine the effects of plant density and row spacing on the mechanical harvesting of rapeseed (Brassica napus L.), field experiments were conducted. Higher plant density produced fewer pods and reduced the yield per plant. Wider row spacing at higher plant densities increased seeds per pod and the 1000-seed weight, resulting in a higher yield per plant. The highest yields were achieved at a density of 45 × 104 plants ha−1 (D45) in combination with 15 cm row spacing (R15) because mortality associated with competition increased as both the plant density and row spacing increased. The leaf area index (LAI) and pod area index (PAI) showed similar relations to the yield per hectare and they were positively correlated with the percentage of intercepted light, whereas the radiation use efficiency (RUE) was positively correlated with population biomass. Reduced plant height and increased root/shoot ratios led to a decreased culm lodging index. Improved resistance to pod shattering was also observed as plant density and row spacing increased. The angle of the lowest 5 branches decreased as row spacing increased under D30 and D45. All of these structural changes influenced the mechanical harvesting operations, resulting in the highest yield of mechanically harvesting rapeseed under D45R15.
Power transfer using portable surfaces in capacitively coupled power transfer technology
Authors: Mishra Santanu K. , Adda Ravindranath , Sekhar Saurabh , Joshi Avinash , Rathore Akshay Kumar 
Published: December 2015

Capacitively coupled power transfer (CCPT) uses electrostatic mechanism to deliver power from a stationary transmitter to a mobile receiver. The authors study various aspects of this technology including physical limitations that are encountered to increase power transfer. They characterise the impact of input voltage, dielectric area, and permittivity of the dielectric material in realisation of CCPT system. It is observed that the peak voltage and VA ratings of the capacitors are affected by the choice of the aforementioned parameters. Air as a dielectric medium leads to low power density. A high permittivity material instead of air dielectric can be used to improve power density. This strategy will make the CCPT technology non‐contactless, because a physical contact exists between the transmitter and receiver. However, this contact is different from an ohmic contact. A high power density CCPT system is realised using ceramic dielectric surfaces. Issues encountered in system realization are discussed including automatic resonant frequency tracking. Detailed mathematical models under resonance and off‐resonance operation are proposed. The models are validated using simulations and experimental results. A low cost multilayer ceramic capacitor (MLCC) based high power‐density transfer surface is realised. Results show that 35 W can be easily transferred using a set of 12 mm2 capacitive surfaces and 32 V source.
Ku band ground penetrating radar for asphalt layer measurement
Authors: Olkkonen Martta‐Kaisa 
Published: December 2015

This study presents a new asphalt radar, operating in the band from 13 to 17 GHz, intended for mobile road surveying of road pavement surface layers. A wide frequency band is required since new asphalt overlays are very thin in Finland being less than 50 mm in thickness. Therefore, sufficient spatial resolution of the radar system is required so that the subgrade would not affect the measurement result of the surface course. This study presents new results of the measurement campaign carried out on a newly‐laid highway lane in Finland during summer 2014. The permittivity values on the trial section of the lane varied between 2.1 and 6.4. Two samples were drilled from the road in order to obtain reference permittivity values, measured in a laboratory using a 7 to 17 GHz scanner producing a 2D image of the permittivity. The permittivity values obtained using the scanner varied between 4.3 and 9.5 and they relate to the structural variation of the permittivity with a 5 mm × 5 mm resolution. The results indicate that permittivity values can be used for monitoring the change in asphalt density condition when it is performed as a follow‐up survey.
Montaigne on Curiosity
Authors: Zalloua Zahi 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
Curiosity for Montaigne is an elusive concept. As a Renaissance author, Montaigne inherits a long and multifaceted critical discourse on the question of curiosity. His reflections on this religiously and philosophically loaded term require careful assessment. This chapter first contextualizes Montaigne’s attitude toward curiosity by looking briefly at the mixed reception of curiosity in ancient and medieval discourses before turning to how early modern figures conceived of curiosity as, in large part, a danger to humanist, religious, and/or philosophical ideals of the period. It will then turn to Montaigne’s musings on curiosity, showing how his essaying, or essayistic doing, puts the author paradoxically at odds with his own dismissive remarks, or constative description, of curiosity. The essay form—a form that illustrates and enacts a curious will or “spirited mind”—will also be considered in the discussion of Montaigne’s transvaluation of curiosity.
Montaigne on Love
Authors: Guild Elizabeth 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
Montaigne is often celebrated as an analyst of embodied selves and their uncivilized and civilizing ways; this article focuses on the significance of emotion, specifically love, as much as embodiment, in the distinctive relationships in Montaigne’s writing between knowledge and understanding and between ethics and epistemology. He gives more weight to ancient sources, such as Plato and Aristotle, than to influential Renaissance discourses, such as Neoplatonism; but his understanding of the connections between loving, being loved, knowledge, self-knowledge, and living well seems to have been decisively shaped by his own experience of the love and loss of Étienne de la Boétie. His version of the ancient “paradoxical command” to know and love self puts the relationship between self and other at the heart of his inquiries, passions, and writing, and encompasses a paradoxically creative narcissism as the grounds for both curiosity about, and ethical recognition of, others.
Hanna Pitkin,The Concept of Representation
Authors: Dovi Suzanne 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThis chapter reviews Hanna Pitkin’s seminal book, The Concept of Representation, her most important and lasting contribution to political philosophy. Using Ludwig Wittgenstein’s ordinary-language theory, Pitkin explores the semantic landscape and the etymology of the concept of representation. In particular, she expounds on the meaning of representation by proposing four different views of representation: formalistic representation, descriptive representation, symbolic representation, and substantive representation. This chapter discusses Pitkin’s arguments, with particular emphasis on her assertion that representation is a paradox and that genuine representation respects the autonomy of the represented and the representative. It also considers the limitations of The Concept of Representation, such as its failure to adequately examine the relationship between democracy and representation.
Michael Walzer, Just and Unjust Wars
Authors: Nardin Terry 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
Michael Walzer’s Just and Unjust Wars remains the standard account of just war theory despite the criticism it has received. Much of that criticism denies the political character of just war discourse by substituting general moral principles for principles generated in reflecting on the use of military force. It challenges Walzer’s view of the relationship between morality and politics and his conclusions about the moral standing of states, the moral equality of soldiers, the moral basis of humanitarian intervention, and the limits of morality in emergencies. Instead of providing a foundational argument, the book reconstructs a tradition of discourse that transcends particular contexts because of the range of historical experience on which it draws. The critics raise genuine issues but their objections do not undermine the book’s argument. That argument stands in a complex relationship with political realism, which it rejects in some ways and embraces in others.
Empire and Ethnicity
Authors: Geraci Robert 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
Drawing on a lively recent historiography stimulated by the fall of the Soviet Union, this chapter considers various ways in which Russia/USSR can be regarded as an empire and goes on to explore the relationships between Russians and the myriad other ethnic groups within the Empire’s borders. After showing how those borders expanded and contracted between 1552 and 1991, the chapter discusses the resultant territorial integration and demographic intermingling. The bulk of the chapter concentrates on four fundamental shifts that changed the way Russia’s rulers and elites viewed the Empire’s diversity and rationalized imperial rule between the sixteenth and twentieth centuries. Arguing that authorities viewed the Empire and its population through four successive ideological lenses—Christian, civilizational, nationalist and Marxist—the chapter concludes by suggesting that the post-Soviet Russian Federation remains an empire, or at least that its imperial legacy remains crucial to its identity.
Peter’s Legacy
Authors: Hartley Janet 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
Concentrating on central and local government and on fiscal reform, this chapter argues that although consecutive rulers’ attempts to modernize their state administration were inhibited by the political and social structures they inherited, their efforts were nevertheless sufficiently successful to permit Russia to become the most feared military power in Europe. Paradoxically, this very success militated against root-and-branch change to the system that had served the Tsars so well. Across the century between 1725 and 1825, therefore, Russia continued to adjust its institutional structures without undergoing any fundamental alteration to its political or social order.
Word Order and Information Structure
Authors: Neeleman Ad , van de Koot Hans 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThis chapter is concerned with the question to what extent free word order phenomena are regulated by information-structural (IS) constraints. Progress on this question must combine detailed empirical study with bold theoretical work that aims to test restrictive hypotheses about available syntactic operations, available IS-primitives, and their mapping. The present chapter evaluates four cross-cutting word order generalizations on the basis of a rough classification of syntactic operations and IS-primitives. Operations will be divided into those that are A-related (A-scrambling, passive), those that are A′-related (A′-scrambling), those that involve doubling with a pronoun or clitic, and finally those that involve extraposition, and it is assumed that IS-primitives are restricted to topic, focus, contrast, and givenness. Some discussion is offered of how the four generalizations identified here might emerge as effects of deeper properties of the language faculty or human psychology.
Taxation and Development
Authors: Moore Mick 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThis article explores the impact of taxation on politics and development, especially in developing countries. It begins by explaining the revenues and regimes paradigm, which is based on the notion that state revenue (sources, levels or needs) has a profound influence on politics and governance institutions. In particular, it examines whether and in what ways government revenues shape political institutions and patterns of governance. The article considers a number of critiques and concerns regarding the revenues and regimes paradigm and outlines alternative perspectives. It then asks why governments tax, how they collect taxes, and what determines levels of tax collection. The article concludes by analyzing whether tax-collection performance indicates “state capacity.”
Probiotics for the Prevention of Antibiotic‐Associated Diarrhea in Children
Authors: Szajewska Hania , Canani Roberto Berni , Guarino Alfredo , Hojsak Iva , Indrio Flavia , Kolacek Sanja , Orel Rok , Shamir Raanan , Vandenplas Yvan , van Goudoever Johannes B. , Weizman Zvi ,   ESPGHAN Working Group for Probiotics/Prebiotics
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACTThis article provides recommendations, developed by the Working Group (WG) on Probiotics of the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, for the use of probiotics for the prevention of antibiotic‐associated diarrhea (AAD) in children based on a systematic review of previously completed systematic reviews and of randomized controlled trials published subsequently to these reviews. The use of probiotics for the treatment of AAD is not covered. The recommendations were formulated only if at least 2 randomized controlled trials that used a given probiotic (with strain specification) were available. The quality of evidence (QoE) was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation guidelines. If the use of probiotics for preventing AAD is considered because of the existence of risk factors such as class of antibiotic(s), duration of antibiotic treatment, age, need for hospitalization, comorbidities, or previous episodes of AAD diarrhea, the WG recommends using Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (moderate QoE, strong recommendation) or Saccharomyces boulardii (moderate QoE, strong recommendation). If the use of probiotics for preventing Clostridium difficile‐associated diarrhea is considered, the WG suggests using S boulardii (low QoE, conditional recommendation). Other strains or combinations of strains have been tested, but sufficient evidence is still lacking.
Possible Phenylacetate Hepatotoxicity During 4‐Phenylbutyrate Therapy of Byler Disease
Authors: Shneider Benjamin L. , Morris Amy , Vockley Jerry 
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACTIn vitro studies have suggested that 4‐phenylbutyrate (PBA) may rescue missense mutated proteins that underlie some forms of progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis. Encouraging preliminary responses to 4‐PBA have been reported in liver disease secondary to mutations in ABCB11 and ATP8B1. A 4‐year‐old boy with Byler disease was treated with 4‐PBA in the forms of sodium PBA (5 months) and then glycerol PBA (7 months) as part of expanded access single patient protocols. During this therapy serum total bilirubin fell and his general well‐being was reported to be improved, although total serum bile acids were not reduced. Discontinuation of rifampin therapy, which had been used to treat pruritus, resulted in reversible severe acute liver injury that was potentially the result of phenylacetate toxicity. Interactions between 4‐PBA and cytochrome P450 enzymes should be considered in the use of this agent with special attention to potential phenylacetate toxicity.
Intakes of Micronutrients Are Associated With Early Growth in Extremely Preterm Infants
Authors: Sjöström Elisabeth S. , Öhlund Inger , Ahlsson Fredrik , Domellöf Magnus 
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACTObjectives:The aim of the study was to describe micronutrient intakes and explore possible correlations to growth during the first 70 days of life in extremely preterm infants.Methods:Retrospective population‐based study including extremely preterm infants (<27 weeks) born in Sweden during 2004–2007. Detailed nutritional and growth data were derived from hospital records.Results:Included infants (n = 531) had a mean gestational age of 25 weeks and 2 days and a mean birth weight of 765 g. Estimated and adjusted intakes of calcium, phosphorus magnesium, zinc, copper, selenium, vitamin D, and folate were lower than estimated requirements, whereas intakes of iron, vitamin K, and several water‐soluble vitamins were higher than estimated requirements. High iron intakes were explained by blood transfusions. During the first 70 days of life, taking macronutrient intakes and severity of illness into account, folate intakes were positively associated with weight (P = 0.001) and length gain (P = 0.003) and iron intake was negatively associated with length gain (P = 0.006).Conclusions:Intakes of several micronutrients were inconsistent with recommendations. Even when considering macronutrient intakes and severity of illness, several micronutrients were independent predictors of early growth. Low intake of folate was associated with poor weight and length gain. Furthermore, high iron supply was associated with poor growth in length and head circumference. Optimized early micronutrient supply may improve early growth in extremely preterm infants.
An unusual presentation of leishmaniasis in a human immunodeficiency virus-positive individual
Authors: Roiko Marijo S. , Schmitt Bryan H. , Relich Ryan F. , Meyer Thomas L. , Zhang Shanxiang , Davis Thomas E. 
Published: December 2015

Introduction:
Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by vector-borne protozoa of the genus Leishmania. Cutaneous and mucocutaneous forms result in disfiguration or mutilation, whilst visceral leishmaniasis (VL) affects multiple organs and is fatal if untreated. Notably, Leishmania are capable of establishing a chronic infection, which may reactivate years after initial infection when the host becomes immune-suppressed.

Case Presentation:
A 24-year-old human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive male presented for excision of anal condylomas. At the time of his current condyloma excision, the patient had no additional symptoms or cutaneous findings, but was noted to have been only intermittently compliant with his antiretroviral therapy. Microscopic examination of the haematoxylin and eosin-stained anal condyloma tissue revealed koilocytic change, ulceration and brisk histiocytic inflammation containing numerous small intracellular bodies suggestive of Leishmania amastigotes. A bone marrow biopsy was performed and demonstrated similar intracellular forms. Anal condyloma tissue and bone marrow aspirate were sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Parasitic Diseases Branch for confirmation of Leishmania and speciation. Specific immunohistochemical staining for Leishmania in the tissue section was positive and the species was confirmed as Leishmania donovani by PCR. Subsequently, the patient resumed highly active antiretroviral therapy and received anti-Leishmania therapy.

Conclusion:
Whilst the presentation of VL in HIV-positive patients is often similar to those without HIV, here we describe an unusual initial presentation of leishmaniasis in an HIV-positive patient where the parasite was found in an anal condyloma. VL is a critical diagnosis that should be considered and pursued when leishmaniasis is encountered in seemingly illogical clinical settings.