bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
STAT3 Impairs STAT5 Activation in the Development of IL-9–Secreting T Cells
Authors: Olson Matthew R. , Verdan Felipe Fortino , Hufford Matthew M. , Dent Alexander L. , Kaplan Mark H. 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Th cell subsets develop in response to multiple activating signals, including the cytokine environment. IL-9–secreting T cells develop in response to the combination of IL-4 and TGF-β, although they clearly require other cytokine signals, leading to the activation of transcription factors including STAT5. In Th17 cells, there is a molecular antagonism of STAT5 with STAT3 signaling, although whether this paradigm exists in other Th subsets is not clear. In this paper, we demonstrate that STAT3 attenuates the ability of STAT5 to promote the development of IL-9–secreting T cells. We demonstrate that production of IL-9 is increased in the absence of STAT3 and cytokines that result in a sustained activation of STAT3, including IL-6, have the greatest potency in repressing IL-9 production in a STAT3-dependent manner. Increased IL-9 production in the absence of STAT3 correlates with increased endogenous IL-2 production and STAT5 activation, and blocking IL-2 responses eliminates the difference in IL-9 production between wild-type and STAT3-deficient T cells. Moreover, transduction of developing Th9 cells with a constitutively active STAT5 eliminates the ability of IL-6 to reduce IL-9 production. Thus, STAT3 functions as a negative regulator of IL-9 production through attenuation of STAT5 activation and function.
Volume transport and mixing of the Faroe Bank Channel overflow from one year of moored measurements
Authors: Ullgren Jenny E. , Darelius Elin , Fer Ilker 
Published: March 2016

Abstract. One-year long time series of current velocity and temperature from eight moorings deployed in the Faroe Bank Channel (FBC) are analysed to describe the structure and variability of the dense overflow plume on daily to seasonal timescales. Mooring arrays were deployed in two sections: located 25 km downstream of the main sill, in the channel that geographically confines the overflow plume at both edges (section C), and 60 km further downstream, over the slope (section S). At section C, the average volume transport of overflow waters ( < 3 °C) from the Nordic Seas towards the Iceland Basin was 1.3 ±  0.3 Sv; at section S, transport of modified overflow water ( < 6 °C) was 1.7  ±  0.7 Sv. The volume transport through the slope section was dominated by mesoscale variability at 3–5-day timescales. A simplified view of along-path entrainment of a gravity current may not be accurate for the FBC overflow. As the plume proceeds into the stratified ambient water, there is substantial detrainment from the deeper layer (bounded by the 3 °C isotherm), of comparable magnitude to the entrainment into the interfacial layer (between the 3 and 6 °C isotherms). A time series of gradient Richardson numbers suggests a quiescent plume core capped by turbulent near bottom and interfacial layers in the channel. At section S, in contrast, the entire overflow plume is turbulent. Based on a two-layer heat budget constructed for the overflow, time mean vertical diffusivities across the top of the bottom layer and across the interfacial layer were (30  ±  15) × 10−4 and (120  ±  43) × 10−4  m2 s−1, respectively.
Trace Elements: Are They Important?
Authors: Al Juffairi Noura Yacoob 
Published: March 2016

Our daily food contains:

• 3 – major nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium)
• 6 – minor nutrients (calcium, chloride, magnesium, iron, sodium, sulphur)
• 5 – trace elements as monitored and maintained in agricultural soils (boron, copper, manganese, molybdenum, zinc)
• 3 – trace elements as added at other stages of our nutrition (iodine in table salt; cobalt in salt licks for cattle & sheep; and selenium in fortified chicken feed)
‘Living in Sin’: A Reform Proposal for Financial Relief Following Cohabitation Breakdown
Authors: Tattersall Luke 
Published: March 2016

‘Living in Sin’: A Reform Proposal for Financial Relief Following Cohabitation Breakdown
The number of adults choosing to cohabit has increased by over 67% since 1991. Despite such a dramatic shift in social norms, the law governing financial relief upon relationship breakdown remains inept to handle the significant increase in cohabitants. This article examines how the current system of family trusts constitutes an archaic and inadequate means of dividing cohabitants’ assets. The law of trusts fails to reflect the subtleties of personal relationships, often resulting in financial injustice. The author goes on to consider the notion of common law marriage, highlighting how despite attempts by both the government and policy makers to dispel the concept it nevertheless remains prevalent throughout the United Kingdom. The core counterargument to extending financial relief is that it would undermine the institution of marriage and obscure the boundaries between cohabitant and spouse. This article critically examines this claim, adopting cross-jurisdictional analysis by considering the experiences of Scotland, Ireland and Australia where cohabitants have greater financial rights before concluding that the argument fails to stand up to scrutiny. The author ends by advancing a series of reforms designed to vindicate cohabitants, resulting in a fairer distribution of assets and bringing legal recognition to the United Kingdom’s largest growing family unit.
Effectiveness of Antipseudomonal Antibiotics and Mechanisms of Multidrug Resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: ZOWALATY MOHAMED E. EL , GYETVAI BÉLA 
Published: March 2016

Abstract

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a leading human pathogen that causes serious infections at various tissues and organs leading to life threatening health problems and possible deadly outcomes. Resistance patterns vary widely whether it is from hospitals or community acquired infections. Reporting resistance profiles to a certain antibiotics provide valuable information in a given setting, but may be extrapolated outside the sampling location. In the present study, P. aeruginosa isolates were screened to determine their susceptibilities against anti-pseudomonal antimicrobial agents and possible existing mechanisms of resistance were determined. Eighty-six isolates of P. aeruginosa were recovered. Isolates representing different resistance profiles were screened for the existence of three different resistance mechanisms including drug inactivation due to metallo-β-lactamases, drug impermeability by outer membrane proteins and drug efflux. All tested isolates showed uniform susceptibility (100%, n = 86/86) to piperacillin, meropenem, amikacin, and polymyxin B. A single isolate was found to be imipenem resistant (99%, n = 85/86). The possible mechanisms of resistance of P. aeruginosa to imipenem involve active drug efflux pumps, outer membrane impermeability as well as drug inactivating enzymes. These findings demonstrate the fundamental importance of the in vitro susceptibility testing of antibiotics prior to antipseudomonal therapy and highlight the need for a continuous antimicrobial resistance surveillance programs to monitor the changing resistance patterns so that clinicians and health care officials are updated as to the most effective therapeutic agents to combat the serious outcomes of P. aeruginosa infections.
Biochemical and Molecular Characterization of Carotenogenic Flavobacterial Isolates from Marine Waters
Authors: SOWMYA RAMA , SACHINDRA NAKKARIKE M. 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Carotenoids are known to possess immense nutraceutical properties and microorganisms are continuously being explored as natural source for production of carotenoids. In this study, pigmented bacteria belonging to Flavobacteriaceae family were isolated using kanamycin-containing marine agar and identified using the molecular techniques and their phenotypic characteristics were studied along with their potential to produce carotenoids. Analysis of random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) banding patterns and the fragment size of the bands indicated that the 10 isolates fall under two major groups. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis the isolates were identified as Vitellibacter sp. (3 isolates), Formosa sp. (2 isolates) and Arenibacter sp. (5 isolates). Phenotypically, the isolates showed slight variation from the reported species of these three genera of Flavobacteriaceae. Only the isolates belonging to Vitellibacter and Formosa produced flexirubin, a typical yellow orange pigment produced by most of the organisms of the family Flavobacteriaceae. Vitellibacter sp. and Formosa sp. were found to produce higher amount of carotenoids compared to Arenibacter sp. and zeaxanthin was found to be the major carotenoid produced by these two species. The study indicated that Vitellibacter sp. and Formosa sp. can be exploited for production of carotenoids, particularly zeaxanthin.
Streptococcus anginosus (milleri) Group Strains Isolated in Poland (1996–2012) and their Antibiotic Resistance Patterns
Authors: OBSZAŃSKA KATARZYNA , KERN-ZDANOWICZ IZABELLA , KOZIŃSKA ALEKSANDRA , MACHURA KATARZYNA , STEFANIUK ELŻBIETA , HRYNIEWICZ WALERIA , SITKIEWICZ IZABELA 
Published: March 2016

Abstract

Streptococcus anginosus, Streptococcus intermedius and Streptococcus constellatus form a group of related streptococcal species, namely the Streptococcus Anginosus Group (SAG). The group, previously called “milleri” had been rarely described until 1980/1990 as source of infections. Nowadays SAG bacteria are often described as pathogens causing predominantly purulent infections. The number of infections is highly underestimated, as SAG strains are often classified in the microbiology laboratory as less virulent “viridans streptococci”. Epidemiological situation regarding SAG infections in Poland has been unrecognized, therefore we performed a retrospective analysis of strains isolated between 1996 and 2012. Strains suspected of belonging to SAG were re-identified using an automated biochemical approach (Vitek2) and MALDI-TOF MS. We performed first analysis of antibiotic resistance among SAG strains isolated in Poland using automated methods (Vitek2), disk diffusion tests and E-Tests. We also performed PCR detection of resistance determinants in antibiotic resistant strains. Clonal structure of analyzed strains was evaluated with PFGE and MLVF methods. All three species are difficult to distinguish using automated diagnostic methods and the same is true for automated MIC evaluation. Our analysis revealed SAG strains are rarely isolated in Poland, predominantly from purulent infections. All isolates are very diverse on the genomic level as estimated by PFGE and MLVF analyses. All analyzed strains are sensitive to penicillin, a substantial group of strains is resistant to macrolides and the majority of strains are resistant to tetracycline.
Isolation and Characterization of α-Endosulfan Degrading Bacteria from the Microflora of Cockroaches
Authors: OZDAL MURAT , OZDAL OZLEM GUR , ALGUR OMER FARUK 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Extensive applications of organochlorine pesticides like endosulfan have led to the contamination of soil and environments. Five different bacteria were isolated from cockroaches living in pesticide contaminated environments. According to morphological, physiological, biochemical properties, and total cellular fatty acid profile by Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAMEs), the isolates were identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa G1, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia G2, Bacillus atrophaeus G3, Citrobacter amolonaticus G4 and Acinetobacter lwoffii G5. This is the first study on the bacterial flora of Blatta orientalis evaluated for the biodegradation of α-endosulfan. After 10 days of incubation, the biodegradation yields obtained from P. aeruginosa G1, S. maltophilia G2, B. atrophaeus G3, C. amolonaticus G4 and A. lwoffii G5 were 88.5%, 85.5%, 64.4%, 56.7% and 80.2%, respectively. As a result, these bacterial strains may be utilized for biodegradation of endosulfan polluted soil and environments.
Etiologic Agents and Antifungal Susceptibility of Oral Candidosis from Romanian patients with HIV-infection or type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: MINEA BOGDAN , NASTASA VALENTIN , KOLECKA ANNA , MARES MAGDALENA , MARANGOCI NARCISA , ROSCA IRINA , PINTEALA MARIANA , HANCIANU MONICA , MARES MIHAI 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
This is the first Romanian investigation of oral candidosis in patients suffering of HIV-infection or type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Candida albicans was the dominant species in both types of isolates: n = 14 (46.7%) in T1DM, n = 60 (69.8%) in HIV. The most frequent nonalbicans Candida spp. were Candida kefyr (n = 6; 20%) in T1DM and Candida dubliniensis (n = 8; 9.3%) in HIV. Resistance to fluconazole was detected only in the HIV non-albicans Candida group (n = 8; 9.3%). All isolates were susceptible to VOR. The experimental drug MXP had MIC values equal or close to the ones of VOR. Echinocandin resistance was more frequent than azole resistance.
Molybdenum disulfide / mesoporous carbon nanocomposite as electrode material for supercapasitors
Authors: Shyyko Lyudmyla , Kotsyubynsky Volodymyr , Budzulyak Ivan , Rachiy Bogdan 
Published: March 2016

The article describes the features of MoS2/mesoporous carbon nanocomposite creation and application as an electrode material for hybrid supercapacitors. The combination of these two materials improved the electrochemical characteristics in comparison with molybdenum disulphide or mesoporous carbon on their own; in particular the synergetic effect between them led to the reduction of internal resistance and increase of electric conductivity that are reflected in the maximum power of the capacitor. In spite of a large surface area of the mesoporous carbon obtained from the raw material of plant origin (2200 m2 g–1), the synthesized nanocomposite (430 m2 g–1) has almost twice higher specific capacity (57 Fg–1 and 110 Fg–1, respectively) due to the summary effect of EDL and faradaic processes in the material. The samples were characterized by X-ray difractometry (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), porosimetry, impedance spectroscopy, voltammetry, and chronopotentiometry.
Data aesthetics - between clouds of information and subjective experience
Authors: Bjoernsten Thomas 
Published: March 2016

This article takes it point of departure from a three-year research project entitled “Making sense of data – understanding digital reality through contemporary artistic practices of visualization and sonification”. As the project does, so will this article focus on the analysis of specific practices and artefacts, occupied with exploring digital formats and data through both visualization and sonification strategies (the latter referring to the task of turning data into audible sound), thus, expanding the use of large data sets into the sphere of art and the aesthetic. The article will critically discuss such artistic renderings of what might be termed as ‘Big Data’ and how these various data-translations are presented in the form of artefacts, installations, and performances that establish different aesthetic experiences and effects. A further point developed within the article will be how the examples addressed here diverge according to the data sets used, as something either drawn from large public and (mostly) accessible databases or individually collected data.
Testicular cysts: Management and literature review
Authors: Khorsandi Moez , Lobby Nancy , Harkaway Richard C , Ginsberg Phillip C 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Simple testicular cysts are extremely rare; only 20 cases have been reported in the literature. Sites include the tunica albuginea, tunica vaginalis, and testicular epidermis. Conservative enucleation is an effective treatment for these lesions once ultrasound examination establishes that the mass is cystic. Such Enucleation salvages testicular tissue. In the cases discussed, two patients were initially evaluated for vague testicular discomfort and one patient for male infertility. All were subsequently found to have benign testicular cysts. All the cysts were excised, and all patients remain disease-free. Included is a case series report of simple testicular cysts and a review of the literature.
Complementary resistive switching of annealed Ti/Cu2O/Ti stacks
Authors: Wang Hao-Yu , Jou Shyankay , Huang Bohr-Ran , Song Wan-Jhen , Mao Tzu-Zing 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Ti/Cu2O/Ti stacks with 25-nm-thick Cu2O layers were produced by sputter deposition and lift-off processes utilizing three photolithographic masks. Subsequent annealing of the Ti/Cu2O/Ti stacks at 250 °C in a vacuum induced interfacial reactions between the Ti and Cu2O layers and converted the Ti/Cu2O/Ti stacks to a Ti/TiO
x
/Cu/TiO
x
/Ti structure. This pentalayered stack resembled a pair of antiserial Ti/TiO
x
/Cu and Cu/TiO
x
/Ti resistive switching devices and, therefore, demonstrated complementary resistive switching behaviors.
Oxygen precipitates distributed around random grain boundaries in a cast-grown multicrystalline silicon crystal
Authors: Uno Takumi , Sato Kuniyuki , Ogura Atsushi , Ono Haruhiko 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
We investigated oxygen precipitates and grain boundaries (GBs) in multicrystalline silicon for solar cells. We observed the distribution of GBs on both sides of the specimen by using an electron backscattering pattern to be able to compare it with the distribution of oxygen precipitates revealed by infrared absorption spectroscopy. We precisely examined the relationship between oxygen precipitates and various GBs, which are coincidence site lattice GBs (

) and random GBs, and found that the distribution of oxygen precipitates coincided with that of random GBs. Furthermore, we annealed the specimen in which the oxygen precipitates already existed around the random GBs, and found that the dispersion and coalescence of the precipitates took place.
Theoretical calculation of performance enhancement in lattice-matched SiGeSn/GeSn p-channel tunneling field-effect transistor with type-II staggered tunneling junction
Authors: Wang Hongjuan , Han Genquan , Wang Yibo , Peng Yue , Liu Yan , Zhang Chunfu , Zhang Jincheng , Hu Shengdong , Hao Yue 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
In this work, a lattice-matched SiGeSn/GeSn heterostructure p-channel tunneling field-effect transistor (hetero-PTFET) with a type-II staggered tunneling junction (TJ) is investigated theoretically. Lattice matching and type-II band alignment at the Γ-point is obtained at the SiGeSn/GeSn interface by tuning Sn and Si compositions. A steeper subthreshold swing (SS) and a higher on state current (I
ON) are demonstrated in SiGeSn/GeSn hetero-PTFET than in GeSn homo-PTFET. Si0.31Ge0.49Sn0.20/Ge0.88Sn0.12 hetero-PTFET achieves a 2.3-fold higher I
ON than Ge0.88Sn0.12 homo-PTFET at V
DD of 0.3 V. Hetero-PTFET achieves a more abrupt hole profile and a higher carrier density near TJ than the homo-PTFET, which contributes to the significantly enhanced band-to-band tunneling (BTBT) rate and tunneling current in hetero-PTFET.
Analysis of printed organic MOSFET characteristics with a focus on the temperature dependence
Authors: Zenitani Hiroshi , Maiti Tapas Kumar , Hayashi Takuro , Tanimoto Yuta , Sato Kenshiro , Chen Lei , Kikuchihara Hideyuki , Miura-Mattausch Mitiko , Mattausch Hans Jürgen 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
An experimental and theoretical investigation of the device characteristics of printed organic MOSFETs with a focus on the temperature dependence is reported. In particular, an anomalous behavior of the temperature dependence of the I
ds–V
gs characteristic is observed, which is found to be increased at higher temperature in MOSFETs fabricated with the printing technology. Our analysis suggests that the temperature dependence of the trap density and the carrier transport mechanism are the causes for this anomalous increase at higher temperature. The results obtained with the compact model HiSIM-Organic, developed based on the physics of carrier dynamics in organic materials, confirm these conclusions. Improving stable characteristics in circuit applications are demonstrated to be achievable at higher temperatures, due to these anomalous properties of organic MOSFETs fabricated by applying the printing technology.
Evaluation of the validity of the Psychology Experiment Building Language tests of vigilance, auditory memory, and decision making
Authors: Piper Brian , Mueller Shane T. , Talebzadeh Sara , Ki Min Jung 
Published: March 2016

Background.The Psychology Experimental Building Language (PEBL) test battery (http://pebl.sourceforge.net/) is a popular application for neurobehavioral investigations. This study evaluated the correspondence between the PEBL and the non-PEBL versions of four executive function tests.Methods.In one cohort, young-adults (N= 44) completed both the Conner’s Continuous Performance Test (CCPT) and the PEBL CPT (PCPT) with the order counter-balanced. In a second cohort, participants (N= 47) completed a non-computerized (Wechsler) and a computerized (PEBL) Digit Span (WDS orPDS) both Forward and Backward. Participants also completed the Psychological Assessment Resources or the PEBL versions of the Iowa Gambling Task (PARIGT orPEBLIGT).Results. The between-test correlations were moderately high (reaction timer= 0.78, omission errorsr= 0.65, commission errorsr= 0.66) on the CPT. DS Forward was significantly greater than DS Backward on theWDS (p< .0005) and thePDS (p< .0005). The totalWDS score was moderately correlated with thePDS (r= 0.56). ThePARIGT and thePEBLIGTs showed a very similar pattern for response times across blocks, development of preference for Advantageous over Disadvantageous Decks, and Deck selections. However, the amount of money earned (score–loan) was significantly higher in thePEBLIGT during the last Block.Conclusions. These findings are broadly supportive of the criterion validity of the PEBL measures of sustained attention, short-term memory, and decision making. Select differences between workalike versions of the same test highlight how detailed aspects of implementation may have more important consequences for computerized testing than has been previously acknowledged.
The risk of smoking on multiple sclerosis: a meta-analysis based on 20,626 cases from case-control and cohort studies
Authors: Zhang Peng , Wang Rui , Li Zhijun , Wang Yuhan , Gao Chunshi , Lv Xin , Song Yuanyuan , Li Bo 
Published: March 2016

Background.Multiple sclerosis (MS) has become a disease that represents a tremendous burden on patients, families, and societies. The exact etiology of MS is still unclear, but it is believed that a combination of genetic and environmental factors contribute to this disease. Although some meta-analyses on the association between smoking and MS have been previously published, a number of new studies with larger population data have published since then. Consequently, these additional critical articles need to be taken into consideration.Method.We reviewed articles by searching in PubMed and EMBASE. Both conservative and non-conservative models were used to investigate the association between smoking and the susceptibility to MS. We also explored the effect of smoking on the susceptibility to MS in strata of different genders and smoking habits. The association between passive smoking and MS was also explored.Results.The results of this study suggest that smoking is a risk factor for MS (conservative model: odds ratio (OR) 1.55, 95% CI [1.48–1.62],p< 0.001; non-conservative model: 1.57, 95% CI [1.50–1.64],p< 0.001). Smoking appears to increase the risk of MS more in men than in women and in current smokers more than in past smokers. People who exposed to passive smoking have higher risk of MS than those unexposed.Conclusion.This study demonstrated that exposure to smoking is an important risk factor for MS. People will benefit from smoking cessation, and policymakers should pay attention to the association between smoking and MS.