bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
LINGUISTIC DIMENSIONS OF L2 ACCENTEDNESS AND COMPREHENSIBILITY VARY ACROSS SPEAKING TASKS
Authors: Crowther Dustin , Trofimovich Pavel , Saito Kazuya , Isaacs Talia 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThis study critically examined the previously reported partial independence between second language (L2) accentedness (degree to which L2 speech differs from the target variety) and comprehensibility (ease of understanding). In prior work, comprehensibility was linked to multiple linguistic dimensions of L2 speech (phonology, fluency, lexis, grammar) whereas accentedness was narrowly associated with L2 phonology. However, these findings stemmed from a single task (picture narrative), suggesting that task type could affect the particular linguistic measures distinguishing comprehensibility from accentedness. To address this limitation, speech ratings of 10 native listeners assessing 60 speakers of L2 English in three tasks (picture narrative, IELTS, TOEFL) were analyzed, targeting two global ratings (accentedness, comprehensibility) and 10 linguistic measures (segmental and word stress accuracy, intonation, rhythm, speech rate, grammatical accuracy and complexity, lexical richness and complexity, discourse richness). Linguistic distinctions between accentedness and comprehensibility were less pronounced in the cognitively complex task (TOEFL), with overlapping sets of phonology, lexis, and grammar variables contributing to listener ratings of accentedness and comprehensibility. This finding points to multifaceted, task-specific relationships between these two constructs.
The psychenet public health intervention for anorexia nervosa: a pre–post-evaluation study in a female patient sample
Authors: Gumz Antje , Weigel Angelika , Wegscheider Karl , Romer Georg , Löwe Bernd 
Published: August 2017

AimThis non-randomized pre–post-intervention study investigated the effect of a systemic public health intervention on the length of time between anorexia nervosa symptom onset and contact with the health care system as well as the initiation of treatment.BackgroundAlthough systemic public health interventions have successfully been implemented in physical and mental health fields, their effect on the early treatment of patients with anorexia nervosa remains unclear.MethodsIn total, 59 anorexia nervosa patients (mean age=21.5 years, SD=7.2) were recruited before a systemic public health intervention, and 18 patients (mean age=22.2 years, SD=8.9) were recruited afterwards. Using validated self-report measures and a semi-structured interview, the duration of untreated anorexia nervosa and the duration until first contact with the health care system were investigated.FindingsAt the beginning of the individual treatment initiation process, participants in both samples most frequently consulted their general practitioner or paediatrician about their eating disorder-related symptoms. Neither the mean duration of untreated anorexia nervosa, that is, the time between illness onset and the initiation of a recommended treatment, nor the duration until first contact with the health care system significantly decreased after the implementation of the systemic public health intervention. The mean duration of untreated anorexia nervosa was 36.5 months (SD=68.2) before the systemic public health intervention and 40.1 months (SD=89.4) after the implementation of the systemic public health intervention. The mean duration until first contact with the health care system was 25.0 months (SD=53.0) before the intervention and 32.8 months (SD=86.5) after the intervention.ConclusionPrimary care providers are crucial to the treatment initiation process and should be involved in future interventions to improve early detection and treatment commencement amongst patients with anorexia nervosa.
Supporting wellbeing in motor neurone disease for patients, carers, social networks, and health professionals: A scoping review and synthesis
Authors: Harris Melanie , Thomas Geoff , Thomas Mary , Cafarella Paul , Stocks Allegra , Greig Julia , McEvoy R. Doug 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACTObjective:Disease management in motor neurone disease (MND) is focused on preserving quality of life. However, the emphasis has so far been on physical symptoms and functioning and not psychosocial wellbeing. MND affects the wellbeing of carers, of family and social network members, and of healthcare providers, as well as of the patients. We therefore aimed to assess and synthesize the knowledge about maximizing MND-related psychosocial wellbeing across all these groups.Method:We used a systematic search and selection process to assess the scope of the literature along with a narrative synthesis of recent high-quality reviews.Results:The original studies were mainly observational studies of patients and, to a lesser extent, of carers. There were few interventional studies, mainly of patients. There were very few studies of any type on wellbeing in their wider social network or in healthcare professionals. All the review literature looked at MND patient or carer wellbeing, with some covering both. No reviews were found of wellbeing in other family members, patients' social networks, or their healthcare professionals. The reviews demonstrated wellbeing problems for patients linked to psychosocial issues. Carer wellbeing is also compromised. Psychotherapies, social supports, improved decision supports, and changes to healthcare delivery are among the suggested strategies for improved patient and carer wellbeing, but no proven interventions were identified for either. Early access to palliative care, also not well-tested but recommended, is poorly implemented.Significance of results:Work on interventions to deal with well-established wellbeing problems for patients and carers is now a research priority. Explicit use of current methods for patient and public involvement and for design and testing of interventions provide a toolkit for this research. Observational research is needed in other groups. There is a potential in considering needs across patients' social networks rather than looking individually at particular groups.
Large-scale comparative metagenomics of Blastocystis, a common member of the human gut microbiome
Authors: Beghini Francesco , Pasolli Edoardo , Truong Tin Duy , Putignani Lorenza , Cacciò Simone M , Segata Nicola 
Published: August 2017

Abstract
The influence of unicellular eukaryotic microorganisms on human gut health and disease is still largely unexplored. Blastocystis spp. commonly colonize the gut, but its clinical significance and ecological role are currently unsettled. We have developed a high-sensitivity bioinformatic pipeline to detect Blastocystis subtypes (STs) from shotgun metagenomics, and applied it to 12 large data sets, comprising 1689 subjects of different geographic origin, disease status and lifestyle. We confirmed and extended previous observations on the high prevalence the microrganism in the population (14.9%), its non-random and ST-specific distribution, and its ability to cause persistent (asymptomatic) colonization. These findings, along with the higher prevalence observed in non-westernized individuals, the lack of positive association with any of the disease considered, and decreased presence in individuals with dysbiosis associated with colorectal cancer and Crohn’s disease, strongly suggest that Blastocystis is a component of the healthy gut microbiome. Further, we found an inverse association between body mass index and Blastocystis, and strong co-occurrence with archaeal organisms (Methanobrevibacter smithii) and several bacterial species. The association of specific microbial community structures with Blastocystis was confirmed by the high predictability (up to 0.91 area under the curve) of the microorganism colonization based on the species-level composition of the microbiome. Finally, we reconstructed and functionally profiled 43 new draft Blastocystis genomes and discovered a higher intra subtype variability of ST1 and ST2 compared with ST3 and ST4. Altogether, we provide an in-depth epidemiologic, ecological, and genomic analysis of Blastocystis, and show how metagenomics can be crucial to advance population genomics of human parasites.
Thermally-drawn fibers with spatially-selective porous domains
Authors: Grena Benjamin , Alayrac Jean-Baptiste , Levy Etgar , Stolyarov Alexander M. , Joannopoulos John D. , Fink Yoel 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe control of mass transport using porous fibers is ubiquitous, with applications ranging from filtration to catalysis. Yet, to date, porous fibers have been made of single materials in simple geometries, with limited function. Here we report the fabrication and characterization of thermally drawn multimaterial fibers encompassing internal porous domains alongside non-porous insulating and conductive materials, in highly controlled device geometries. Our approach utilizes phase separation of a polymer solution during the preform-to-fiber drawing process, generating porosity as the fiber is drawn. Engineering the preform structure grants control over the geometry and materials architecture of the final porous fibers. Electrical conductivity of the selectrolyte-filled porous domains is substantiated through ionic conductivity measurements using electrodes thermally drawn in the cross-section. Pore size tunability between 500 nm–10 µm is established by regulating the phase separation kinetics. We further demonstrate capillary breakup of cylindrical porous structures porous microspheres within the fiber core.
A qualitative study of GP, nurse and practice manager views on using targeted case-finding to identify patients with COPD in primary care
Authors: Summers Rachael H. , Sharmeen Taniya , Lippiett Kate , Gillett Kate , Astles Carla , Vu Linh , Stafford-Watson Mark , Bruton Anne , Thomas Mike , Wilkinson Tom 
Published: August 2017

Abstract‘Finding the missing millions’ with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease became part of the Department of Health strategy for England in 2010. Targeted case-finding within primary care is one potential pro-active strategy, but currently little is known about the views of healthcare professionals on this approach. In this study, 36 healthcare professionals (12 GPs, 14 nurses, and 10 practice managers) from 34 UK practices participated in semi-structured telephone interviews about targeted case-finding. Interviews followed an interview guide, were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, coded and analysed using ‘Framework Approach’. Most of those interviewed practiced opportunistic case-finding. The main perceived barriers to wider case-finding programmes were the resource implications associated with running such programmes and identifying more chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. Financial incentives, support from specialist clinicians, and comprehensive guidance were viewed as facilitators. While targeted case-finding is conceptually accepted by primary care staff, scepticism surrounding (1) the value of identifying those with mild disease and (2) the availability of effective targeted case-finding methods, may lead some to favour an opportunistic approach. Key concerns were a lack of unequivocal evidence for the relative benefits vs. disadvantages of diagnosing patients earlier, and resource constraints in an already over-burdened system. Barriers to practical implementation of case-finding studies may be addressed with financial, human and educational resources, such as additional staff to undertake searches and perform spirometry tests, and practical and educational support from specialist teams.
Comparative genomics of Australian and international isolates of Salmonella Typhimurium: correlation of core genome evolution with CRISPR and prophage profiles
Authors: Fu Songzhe , Hiley Lester , Octavia Sophie , Tanaka Mark M. , Sintchenko Vitali , Lan Ruiting 
Published: August 2017

AbstractSalmonella enterica subsp enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) is a serovar with broad host range. To determine the genomic diversity of S. Typhimurium, we sequenced 39 isolates (37 Australian and 2 UK isolates) representing 14 Repeats Groups (RGs) determined primarily by clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR). Analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) among the 39 isolates yielded an average of 1,232 SNPs per isolate, ranging from 128 SNPs to 11,339 SNPs relative to the reference strain LT2. Phylogenetic analysis of the 39 isolates together with 66 publicly available genomes divided the 105 isolates into five clades and 19 lineages, with the majority of the isolates belonging to clades I and II. The composition of CRISPR profiles correlated well with the lineages, showing progressive deletion and occasional duplication of spacers. Prophage genes contributed nearly a quarter of the S. Typhimurium accessory genome. Prophage profiles were found to be correlated with lineages and CRISPR profiles. Three new variants of HP2-like P2 prophage, several new variants of P22 prophage and a plasmid-like genomic island StmGI_0323 were found. This study presents evidence of horizontal transfer from other serovars or species and provides a broader understanding of the global genomic diversity of S. Typhimurium.
Cell-permeable capsids as universal antigen carrier for the induction of an antigen-specific CD8+ T-cell response
Authors: Akhras Sami , Toda Masako , Boller Klaus , Himmelsbach Kiyoshi , Elgner Fabian , Biehl Marlene , Scheurer Stephan , Gratz Meike , Vieths Stefan , Hildt Eberhard 
Published: August 2017

AbstractVaccine platforms that can be flexibly loaded with antigens can contribute to decrease response time to emerging infections. For many pathogens and chronic infections, induction of a robust cytotoxic T lymphocytes-mediated response is desirable to control infection. Antigen delivery into the cytoplasm of antigen presenting cells favors induction of cytotoxic T cells. By fusion of the cell-permeable translocation motif (TLM)-peptide to the capsid-forming core protein of hepatitis B virus, and by insertion of the strep-tag in the spike tip (a domain that protrudes from the surface of the capsid), cell-permeable carrier capsids were generated that can be flexibly loaded with various antigens. Loading with antigens was demonstrated by electron microscopy, density gradient centrifugation and surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy. Confocal immunofluorescence microscopy showed that cell-permeable carrier capsids mediate transfer of cargo antigen into the cytoplasm. Using cell-permeable carrier capsids loaded with ovalbumin as model antigen, activation of antigen presenting cells and ovalbumin-specific CD8+T-cells, which correlates with enhanced specific killing activity, was found. This demonstrates the capacity of TLM-carrier-capsids to serve as universal antigen carrier to deliver antigens into the cytoplasm of antigen presenting cells, which leads to enhanced MHC class I-mediated presentation and induction of antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes response.
Segregating Top-Down Selective Attention from Response Inhibition in a Spatial Cueing Go/NoGo Task: An ERP and Source Localization Study
Authors: Hong Xiangfei , Wang Yao , Sun Junfeng , Li Chunbo , Tong Shanbao 
Published: August 2017

AbstractSuccessfully inhibiting a prepotent response tendency requires the attentional detection of signals which cue response cancellation. Although neuroimaging studies have identified important roles of stimulus-driven processing in the attentional detection, the effects of top-down control were scarcely investigated. In this study, scalp EEG was recorded from thirty-two participants during a modified Go/NoGo task, in which a spatial-cueing approach was implemented to manipulate top-down selective attention. We observed classical event-related potential components, including N2 and P3, in the attended condition of response inhibition. While in the ignored condition of response inhibition, a smaller P3 was observed and N2 was absent. The correlation between P3 and CNV during the foreperiod suggested an inhibitory role of P3 in both conditions. Furthermore, source analysis suggested that P3 generation was mainly localized to the midcingulate cortex, and the attended condition showed increased activation relative to the ignored condition in several regions, including inferior frontal gyrus, middle frontal gyrus, precentral gyrus, insula and uncus, suggesting that these regions were involved in top-down attentional control rather than inhibitory processing. Taken together, by segregating electrophysiological correlates of top-down selective attention from those of response inhibition, our findings provide new insights in understanding the neural mechanisms of response inhibition.
Graphene/h-BN Heterostructures for Vertical Architecture of RRAM Design
Authors: Huang Yi-Jen , Lee Si-Chen 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe development of RRAM is one of the mainstreams for next generation non-volatile memories to replace the conventional charge-based flash memory. More importantly, the simpler structure of RRAM makes it feasible to be integrated into a passive crossbar array for high-density memory applications. By stacking up the crossbar arrays, the ultra-high density of 3D horizontal RRAM (3D-HRAM) can be realized. However, 3D-HRAM requires critical lithography and other process for every stacked layer, and this fabrication cost overhead increases linearly with the number of stacks. Here, it is demonstrated that the 2D material-based vertical RRAM structure composed of graphene plane electrode/multilayer h-BN insulating dielectric stacked layers, AlOx/TiOx resistive switching layer and ITO pillar electrode exhibits reliable device performance including forming-free, low power consumption (Pset = ~2 μW and Preset = ~0.2 μW), and large memory window (>300). The scanning transmission electron microscopy indicates that the thickness of multilayer h-BN is around 2 nm. Due to the ultrathin-insulating dielectric and naturally high thermal conductivity characteristics of h-BN, the vertical structure combining the graphene plane electrode with multilayer h-BN insulating dielectric can pave the way toward a new area of ultra high-density memory integration in the future.
Human antigen R-regulated CCL20 contributes to osteolytic breast cancer bone metastasis
Authors: Lee Sun Kyoung , Park Kwang-Kyun , Kim Hyun-Jeong , Park Junhee , Son Seung Hwa , Kim Ki Rim , Chung Won-Yoon 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBreast cancer mainly spreads to bone, causing decreased survival of patient. Human antigen R (HuR) and chemokines are important molecules associated with mRNA stability and cell-cell interaction in cancer biology. Here, HuR knockdown inhibited bone metastasis and osteolysis of metastatic breast cancer cells in mice and HuR expression promoted the metastatic ability of cancer cells via CCL20 and GM-CSF. In contrast with the findings for GM-CSF, ELAVL1 and CCL20 expressions were markedly increased in breast tumor tissues and ELAVL1 expression showed a strong positive correlation with CCL20 expression in breast cancer subtypes, particularly the basal-like subtype. Metastasis-free survival and overall survival were decreased in the breast cancer patients with high CCL20 expression. We further confirmed the role of CCL20 in breast cancer bone metastasis. Intraperitoneal administration of anti-CCL20 antibodies inhibited osteolytic breast cancer bone metastasis in mice. Treatment with CCL20 noticeably promoted cell invasion and the secretion of MMP-2/9 in the basal-like triple-negative breast cancer cell lines, not the luminal. Moreover, CCL20 elevated the receptor activator of nuclear factors kappa-B ligand/osteoprotegerin ratio in breast cancer and osteoblastic cells and mediated the crosstalk between these cells. Collectively, HuR-regulated CCL20 may be an attractive therapeutic target for breast cancer bone metastasis.
Towards Noise Simulation in Interacting Nonequilibrium Systems Strongly Coupled to Baths
Authors: Miwa Kuniyuki , Chen Feng , Galperin Michael 
Published: August 2017

AbstractProgress in experimental techniques at nanoscale makes measurements of noise in molecular junctions possible. These data are important source of information not accessible through average flux measurements. The emergence of optoelectronics, the recently shown possibility of strong light-matter couplings, and developments in the field of quantum thermodynamics are making measurements of transport statistics even more important. Theoretical methods for noise evaluation in first principles simulations can be roughly divided into approaches for weak intra-system interactions, and those treating strong interactions for systems weakly coupled to baths. We argue that due to structure of its diagrammatic expansion, and the use of many-body states as a basis of its formulation, the recently introduced nonequilibrium diagrammatic technique for Hubbard Green functions is a relatively inexpensive method suitable for evaluation of noise characteristics in first principles simulations over a wide range of parameters. We illustrate viability of the approach by simulations of noise and noise spectrum within generic models for non-, weakly and strongly interacting systems. Results of the simulations are compared to exact data (where available) and to simulations performed within approaches best suited for each of the three parameter regimes.
Prevalence of Rare Genetic Variations and Their Implications in NGS-data Interpretation
Authors: Cho Yangrae , Lee Chul-Ho , Jeong Eun-Goo , Kim Min-Ho , Hong Jong Hui , Ko Younhee , Lee Bomnun , Yun Gilly , Kim Byong Joon , Jung Jongcheol , Jung Jongsun , Lee Jin-Sung 
Published: August 2017

AbstractNext-generation sequencing (NGS) technology has improved enough to discover mutations associated with genetic diseases. Our study evaluated the feasibility of targeted NGS as a primary screening tool to detect causal variants and subsequently predict genetic diseases. We performed parallel computations on 3.7-megabase-targeted regions to detect disease-causing mutations in 103 participants consisting of 81 patients and 22 controls. Data analysis of the participants took about 6 hours using local databases and 200 nodes of a supercomputer. All variants in the selected genes led on average to 3.6 putative diseases for each patient while variants restricted to disease-causing genes identified the correct disease. Notably, only 12% of predicted causal variants were recorded as causal mutations in public databases: 88% had no or insufficient records. In this study, most genetic diseases were caused by rare mutations and public records were inadequate. Most rare variants, however, were not associated with genetic diseases. These data implied that novel, rare variants should not be ignored but interpreted in conjunction with additional clinical data. This step is needed so appropriate advice can be given to primary doctors and parents, thus fulfilling the purpose of this method as a primary screen for rare genetic diseases.