bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plasma stability theory including the resistive wall effects
Authors: Pustovitov V. D. 
Published: December 2015

Plasma stabilization due to a nearby conducting wall can provide access to better performance in some scenarios in tokamaks. This was proved by experiments with an essential gain in${\it\beta}$and demonstrated as a long-lasting effect at sufficiently fast plasma rotation in the DIII-D tokamak (see, for example, Straitet al.,Nucl. Fusion, vol. 43, 2003, pp. 430–440). The rotational stabilization is the central topic of this review, though eventually the mode rotation gains significance. The analysis is based on the first-principle equations describing the energy balance with dissipation in the resistive wall. The method emphasizes derivation of the dispersion relations for the modes which are faster than the conventional resistive wall modes, but slower than the ideal magnetohydrodynamics modes. Both the standard thin wall and ideal-wall approximations are not valid in this range. Here, these are replaced by an approach incorporating the skin effect in the wall. This new element in the stability theory makes the energy sink a nonlinear function of the complex growth rate. An important consequence is that a mode rotating above a critical level can provide a damping effect sufficient for instability suppression. Estimates are given and applications are discussed.
Narrative competence of Italian–English bilingual children between 5 and 7 years
Authors: ROCH MAJA , FLORIT ELENA , LEVORATO CHIARA 
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACTThe study explored narrative production and comprehension in typically developing Italian–English sequential bilinguals. Thirty 5- to 6-year-olds and 32 6- to 7-year-olds were presented with story telling and retelling tasks, each followed by comprehension questions in Italian (their first language) and English (their second language). The macrostructure of narratives produced was analyzed, considering total amount of relevant information, story complexity, and mental state terms. Comprehension questions focused on implicit story information (i.e., characters’ mental states and goals). The results indicated that (a) older children outperformed younger ones on all measures; (b) an advantage of first language (Italian) over second language (English) emerged for younger children; and (c) comprehension and production were both more accurate in story retelling than in telling. Theoretical and methodological implications of these results are discussed.
Narratives of Russian–German preschool and primary school bilinguals:RasskazandErzaehlung
Authors: GAGARINA NATALIA 
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACTThe goal of this study was to trace the dual language development of the narrative macrostructure in three age groups of Russian–German bilingual children and to compare the performance of simultaneous and sequential bilinguals. Fine-grained analyses of macrostructure included three components: story structure, story complexity, and internal state terms. Oral narratives were elicited via the Multilingual Assessment Instrument for Narratives. Fifty-eight Russian–German speaking bilingual children from three age groups participated: preschoolers (mean age = 45 months) and elementary school pupils (mean age first grade = 84 months, mean age third grade = 111 months); and there were 34 simultaneous and 24 sequential bilinguals. The results showed significant improvement for all three components of macrostructure between the preschool and first-grade period. Additional significant development from first to third graders was found only for story complexity in Russian. This is explained by the Russian curriculum explicitly teaching narrative skills during early literacy training. In the two older groups, simultaneous bilinguals showed advantages over sequential bilinguals, for story complexity only. This finding suggests considering bilingual type when evaluating narrative skills of bilinguals. The results indicate cross-language association of only some components of narrative score across languages. The findings support the examination of various constituents of macrostructure when evaluating its development as well as the progression of narrative skills.
Extending model-mediation method to multi-degree-of-freedom teleoperation systems experiencing time delays in communication
Authors: Uzunoğlu Emre , Dede Mehmet İsmet Can 
Published: December 2015

SUMMARYIn this study, a bilateral teleoperation control algorithm is developed in which the model-mediation method is integrated with an impedance controller. The model-mediation method is also extended to three-degrees-of-freedom teleoperation. The aim of this controller is to compensate for instability issues and excessive forcing applied to the slave environment stemming from time delays in communication. The proposed control method is experimentally tested with two haptic desktop devices. Test results indicate that stability and passivity of the bilateral teleoperation system is preserved under variable time delays in communication. It is also observed that safer interactions of the slave system with its environment can be achieved by utilizing an extended version of the model-mediation method with an impedance controller.
DOES ONE SIZE FIT ALL? COST UTILITY ANALYSES OF ALTERNATIVE MAMMOGRAPHIC FOLLOW-UP SCHEDULES, BY RISK OF RECURRENCE
Authors: Bessen Taryn , Keefe Dorothy M.K. , Karnon Jonathan 
Published: December 2015

Objectives: International guidelines recommend annual mammography after early breast cancer, but there is no randomized controlled trial evidence to support this schedule over any other. Given that not all women have the same risk of recurrence, it is possible that, by defining different risk profiles, we could tailor mammographic schedules that are more effective and efficient.Methods: A discrete event simulation model was developed to describe the progression of early breast cancer after completion of primary treatment. Retrospective data for 1,100 postmenopausal women diagnosed with early breast cancer in South Australia from 2000 to 2008 were used to calibrate the model. Women were divided into four prognostic subgroups based on the Nottingham Prognostic Index of their primary tumor. For each subgroup, we compared the cost-effectiveness of three different mammographic schedules for two different age groups.Results: Annual mammographic follow-up was not cost-effective for most postmenopausal women. Two yearly mammography was cost-effective for all women with excellent prognosis tumors; and for women with good prognosis tumors if high compliance rates can be achieved. Annual mammography for 5 years and 2 yearly surveillance thereafter (a mixed schedule) may be cost-effective for 50- to 69-year-old women with moderate prognosis tumors, and for women aged 70–79 years with poor prognosis tumors. For younger women with poor prognosis tumors, annual mammography is potentially cost-effective.Conclusions: Our results suggest that mammographic follow-up could be tailored according to risk of recurrence. If validated with larger datasets, this could potentially set the stage for personalized mammographic follow-up after breast cancer.
Acceptability and feasibility of the ‘DASH for Asthma’ intervention in a randomized controlled trial pilot study
Authors: Blonstein Andrea C , Lv Nan , Camargo Carlos A , Wilson Sandra R , Buist A Sonia , Rosas Lisa G , Strub Peg , Ma Jun 
Published: December 2015

AbstractObjective‘DASH for Asthma’ (n90) was a 6-month randomized controlled trial that demonstrated potential benefits of a DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) behavioural intervention for improving diet quality and asthma control by comparing intervention to usual care in adults with uncontrolled asthma. The present study examined acceptability and feasibility of the intervention from the perspective of intervention participants and lifestyle coaches.DesignGrounded in Social Cognitive Theory, the 3-month intensive stage, including three individual and eight group sessions, focused on diet modifications and behavioural self-regulation. The 3-month maintenance stage contained telephone consultations. Participants and lifestyle coaches completed surveys including 5-point Likert scales and open-ended questions. We analysed data using descriptive and inductive content analyses.SubjectsForty-six intervention participants (survey response rate was 65–72 %) and two lifestyle coaches.ResultsParticipants and lifestyle coaches were highly satisfied (all mean ratings >4) with individual and group sessions. Participants identified mastery of knowledge and skills (awareness, goal setting, self-monitoring, problem solving), social learning (class members sharing experiences and ideas) and good coaching skills (reflective listening, empathy, motivational counselling) as important contributors to self-efficacy and programme satisfaction. Participants also valued personalized feedback received in individual sessions. Lifestyle coaches viewed participant engagement as a facilitator to effective sessions. Finally, participants and lifestyle coaches identified food tasting as beneficial for observational learning and facilitation of participant engagement. High class attendance and self-monitoring rate also reflected the high engagement among participants.ConclusionsThe DASH behavioural intervention was feasible and highly acceptable to participants with uncontrolled asthma and lifestyle coaches.
Evolutionary roots of the conodonts with increased number of elements in the apparatus
Authors: Dzik Jerzy 
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACTFour kinds of robust elements have been recognised inAmorphognathus quinquiradiatusMoskalenko, 1977 (inKanyginet al. 1977) from the early Late Ordovician of Siberia, indicating that at least 17 elements were present in the apparatus, one of them similar to the P1element of the Early SilurianDistomodus. The new generic nameMoskalenkodusis proposed for these conodonts with a pterospathodontid-like S series element morphology. This implies that the relatedDistomodus,PterospathodusandGamachignathuslineages had a long cryptic evolutionary history, probably ranging back to the early Ordovician, when they split from the lineage ofIcriodella, having a duplicated M location in common. The balognathidPromissum, with a 19-element apparatus, may have shared ancestry withIcriodellain Ordovician high latitudes, withSagittodontina,Lenodus,TrapezognathusandPhragmodusas possible connecting links. The pattern of the unbalanced contribution ofBaltonioduselement types to samples suggests that duplication of M and P2series elements may have been an early event in the evolution of balognathids. The proposed scenario implies a profound transformation of the mouth region in the evolution of conodonts. The probable original state was a chaetognath-like arrangement of coniform elements; all paired and of relatively uniform morphology. This was modified at the origin of protopanderodontids by the introduction of a medial S0element, which resulted in the separation of the exposed unit of M and S series elements from the P series elements hidden in the throat. A rotation of the S series elements to an almost horizontal position in early prioniodontids may have promoted duplication of the M element pair. InGamachignathus,IcriodellaandPterospathoduslineages, these elements are differentiated morphologically. Subsequent anteriorward bending of the P element series caused duplication of the balognathid P2element pair, but they remained undifferentiated, even in the otherwise elaboratePromissum. The whole clade of conodonts with supernumerary element pairs in the apparatus has its roots in high latitudes of the Ordovician.
Mechanisms of assembly and genome packaging in an RNA virus revealed by high-resolution cryo-EM
Authors: Hesketh Emma L. , Meshcheriakova Yulia , Dent Kyle C. , Saxena Pooja , Thompson Rebecca F. , Cockburn Joseph J. , Lomonossoff George P. , Ranson Neil A. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractCowpea mosaic virus is a plant-infecting member of the Picornavirales and is of major interest in the development of biotechnology applications. Despite the availability of >100 crystal structures of Picornavirales capsids, relatively little is known about the mechanisms of capsid assembly and genome encapsidation. Here we have determined cryo-electron microscopy reconstructions for the wild-type virus and an empty virus-like particle, to 3.4 Å and 3.0 Å resolution, respectively, and built de novo atomic models of their capsids. These new structures reveal the C-terminal region of the small coat protein subunit, which is essential for virus assembly and which was missing from previously determined crystal structures, as well as residues that bind to the viral genome. These observations allow us to develop a new model for genome encapsidation and capsid assembly.
Cellobiohydrolase 1 from Trichoderma reesei degrades cellulose in single cellobiose steps
Authors: Brady Sonia K. , Sreelatha Sarangapani , Feng Yinnian , Chundawat Shishir P. S. , Lang Matthew J 
Published: December 2015

AbstractCellobiohydrolase 1 from Trichoderma reesei (TrCel7A) processively hydrolyses cellulose into cellobiose. Although enzymatic techniques have been established as promising tools in biofuel production, a clear understanding of the motor’s mechanistic action has yet to be revealed. Here, we develop an optical tweezers-based single-molecule (SM) motility assay for precision tracking of TrCel7A. Direct observation of motility during degradation reveals processive runs and distinct steps on the scale of 1 nm. Our studies suggest TrCel7A is not mechanically limited, can work against 20 pN loads and speeds up when assisted. Temperature-dependent kinetic studies establish the energy requirements for the fundamental stepping cycle, which likely includes energy from glycosidic bonds and other sources. Through SM measurements of isolated TrCel7A domains, we determine that the catalytic domain alone is sufficient for processive motion, providing insight into TrCel7A’s molecular motility mechanism.
Chronic acidosis in the tumour microenvironment selects for overexpression of LAMP2 in the plasma membrane
Authors: Damaghi Mehdi , Tafreshi Narges K. , Lloyd Mark C. , Sprung Robert , Estrella Veronica , Wojtkowiak Jonathan W. , Morse David L. , Koomen John M. , Bui Marilyn M. , Gatenby Robert A , Gillies Robert J 
Published: December 2015

AbstractEarly cancers are avascular and hence, profoundly acidic. Pre-malignant cells must adapt to acidosis to thrive in this hostile microenvironment. Here, we investigate MCF-7 cells that are adapted to grow in acidic conditions using SILAC proteomics and we reveal a significant upregulation of lysosomal proteins. Prominent among these is LAMP2 that functions to protect lysosomal membranes from acid proteolysis. LAMP2 upregulation by acidosis is confirmed both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we show that the depletion of LAMP2 is sufficient to increase acidosis-mediated toxicity. In breast cancer patient samples, there is a high correlation of LAMP2 mRNA and protein expression with progression. We also observe that LAMP2 is located at the plasma membrane in clinical samples and this redistribution is acid-induced in vitro. Our findings suggest a potential adaptive mechanism, wherein cells chronically exposed to an acidic environment translocate lysosomal proteins to their surface, thus protecting the plasmalemma from acid-induced hydrolysis.
Corresponding morphological and molecular indicators of crude oil toxicity to the developing hearts of mahi mahi
Authors: Edmunds Richard C. , Gill J. A. , Baldwin David H. , Linbo Tiffany L. , French Barbara L. , Brown Tanya L. , Esbaugh Andrew J. , Mager Edward M. , Stieglitz John , Hoenig Ron , Benetti Daniel , Grosell Martin , Scholz Nathaniel L. , Incardona John P. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractCrude oils from distinct geological sources worldwide are toxic to developing fish hearts. When oil spills occur in fish spawning habitats, natural resource injury assessments often rely on conventional morphometric analyses of heart form and function. The extent to which visible indicators correspond to molecular markers for cardiovascular stress is unknown for pelagic predators from the Gulf of Mexico. Here we exposed mahi (Coryphaena hippurus) embryos to field-collected crude oil samples from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster. We compared visible heart defects (edema, abnormal looping, reduced contractility) to changes in expression of cardiac-specific genes that are diagnostic of heart failure in humans or associated with loss-of-function zebrafish cardiac mutants. Mahi exposed to crude oil during embryogenesis displayed typical symptoms of cardiogenic syndrome as larvae. Contractility, looping and circulatory defects were evident, but larval mahi did not exhibit downstream craniofacial and body axis abnormalities. A gradation of oil exposures yielded concentration-responsive changes in morphometric and molecular responses, with relative sensitivity being influenced by age. Our findings suggest that 1) morphometric analyses of cardiac function are more sensitive to proximal effects of crude oil-derived chemicals on the developing heart and 2) molecular indicators reveal a longer-term adverse shift in cardiogenesis trajectory.
Successful treatment of biofilm infections using shock waves combined with antibiotic therapy
Authors: Gnanadhas Divya Prakash , Elango Monalisha , Janardhanraj S. , Srinandan C. S. , Datey Akshay , Strugnell Richard A. , Gopalan Jagadeesh , Chakravortty Dipshikha 
Published: December 2015

AbstractMany bacteria secrete a highly hydrated framework of extracellular polymer matrix on suitable substrates and embed within the matrix to form a biofilm. Bacterial biofilms are observed on many medical devices, endocarditis, periodontitis and lung infections in cystic fibrosis patients. Bacteria in biofilm are protected from antibiotics and >1,000 times of the minimum inhibitory concentration may be required to treat biofilm infections. Here, we demonstrated that shock waves could be used to remove Salmonella, Pseudomonas and Staphylococcus biofilms in urinary catheters. The studies were extended to a Pseudomonas chronic pneumonia lung infection and Staphylococcus skin suture infection model in mice. The biofilm infections in mice, treated with shock waves became susceptible to antibiotics, unlike untreated biofilms. Mice exposed to shock waves responded to ciprofloxacin treatment, while ciprofloxacin alone was ineffective in treating the infection. These results demonstrate for the first time that, shock waves, combined with antibiotic treatment can be used to treat biofilm infection on medical devices as well as in situ infections.
A behavioral defect of temporal association memory in mice that partly lack dopamine reuptake transporter
Authors: Deng Shining , Zhang Lingli , Zhu Tailin , Liu Yan-Mei , Zhang Hailong , Shen Yiping , Li Wei-Guang , Li Fei 
Published: December 2015

AbstractTemporal association memory, like working memory, is a type of episodic memory in which temporally discontinuous elements are associated. However, the mechanisms that govern this association remain incompletely understood. Here, we identify a crucial role of dopaminergic action in temporal association memory. We used hemizygote hyperdopaminergic mutant mice with reduced dopamine transporter (DAT) expression, referred to as DAT+/− mice. We found that mice with this modest dopamine imbalance exhibited significantly impaired trace fear conditioning, which necessitates the association of temporally discontinuous elements and intact delay auditory fear conditioning, which does not. Moreover, the DAT+/− mice displayed substantial impairments in non-matching-to-place spatial working-memory tasks. Interestingly, these temporal association and working memory deficits could be mimicked by a low dose of the dopamine D2 receptor antagonist haloperidol. The shared phenotypes resulting from either the genetic reduction of DAT or the pharmacological inhibition of the D2 receptor collectively indicate that temporal association memory necessitates precise regulation of dopaminergic signaling. The particular defect in temporal association memory due to partial lack of DAT provides mechanistic insights on the understanding of cognitive impairments in multiple neurodevelopmental disorders.
Context-dependent dynamic UV signaling in female threespine sticklebacks
Authors: Hiermes Meike , Bakker Theo C. M. , Mehlis Marion , Rick Ingolf P. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractColor signals, including ultraviolet (UV) signals, are widespread throughout the animal kingdom and color changes can be influenced by reproductive and motivational state. However, studies on dynamic changes of UV signals are scarce. Threespine sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus) that show intraspecific UV communication were used to study dynamic UV signaling in females. Reflectance measurements were taken from the distended abdomen, which serves as signal of female fecundity and readiness to spawn for courting males and the melanized dorsal region. Scans were taken during egg maturation as well as before and after stimulation with a male to investigate context-dependent color changes. We used a physiological model of vision to determine how females might be perceived by conspecifics and quantified chromatic contrasts among both body regions and between body regions and the background for all stages. Females showed a significant increase in abdominal UV intensity during egg maturation and in response to a courting male. Measures of chromatic contrast among body regions (abdomen vs. dorsal region) and against the background (abdomen vs. background) were also increased during egg maturation and in response to the male stimulus (abdomen vs. background). Our results provide evidence for dynamic UV signaling in females in a reproductive context.
Combined DNA, toxicological and heavy metal analyses provides an auditing toolkit to improve pharmacovigilance of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)
Authors: Coghlan Megan L. , Maker Garth , Crighton Elly , Haile James , Murray Dáithí C. , White Nicole E. , Byard Roger W. , Bellgard Matthew I. , Mullaney Ian , Trengove Robert , Allcock Richard J. N. , Nash Christine , Hoban Claire , Jarrett Kevin , Edwards Ross , Musgrave Ian F. , Bunce Michael 
Published: December 2015

AbstractGlobally, there has been an increase in the use of herbal remedies including traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). There is a perception that products are natural, safe and effectively regulated, however, regulatory agencies are hampered by a lack of a toolkit to audit ingredient lists, adulterants and constituent active compounds. Here, for the first time, a multidisciplinary approach to assessing the molecular content of 26 TCMs is described. Next generation DNA sequencing is combined with toxicological and heavy metal screening by separation techniques and mass spectrometry (MS) to provide a comprehensive audit. Genetic analysis revealed that 50% of samples contained DNA of undeclared plant or animal taxa, including an endangered species of Panthera (snow leopard). In 50% of the TCMs, an undeclared pharmaceutical agent was detected including warfarin, dexamethasone, diclofenac, cyproheptadine and paracetamol. Mass spectrometry revealed heavy metals including arsenic, lead and cadmium, one with a level of arsenic >10 times the acceptable limit. The study showed 92% of the TCMs examined were found to have some form of contamination and/or substitution. This study demonstrates that a combination of molecular methodologies can provide an effective means by which to audit complementary and alternative medicines.