bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Comparative Study of Generic Visual Components of Two‐Dimensional Versus Three‐Dimensional Laparoscopic Images
Authors: El Boghdady Michael , Ramakrishnan Gobinath , Tang Benjie , Alijani Afshin 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAimsThere is a strong evidence to suggest that 3D imaging improves the laparoscopic task performance when compared against 2D. However, to date, no study has explained why that might be. We identified six generic visual components during laparoscopic imaging and aimed to study each component in both 2D and 3D environments for comparison.MethodsTwenty‐four consented laparoscopic novices performed specific isolated tasks in a laparoscopic Endo Trainer in 2D and 3D separately. The six endpoints were the accuracy in detecting changes in the laparoscopic images in the following components: distance, area, angle, curvature, volume and spatial coordinates. All the components except the spatial coordinates were assessed by creation, measurement and comparison. Each component was analysed between 2D and 3D groups and within each group at different values. Tests of spatial coordinates were video‐recorded and analysed for error number and error types by human reliability analysis technique. Errors types included past‐pointing, not reaching the object and touching the wrong object. The results were statistically analysed with independent T test.ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference between 2D and 3D accuracy in the angle, area, distance and curvature. 3D performed more accurately in comparing volumes (p = 0.05). In spatial coordinates, there were a statistically significant higher number of errors in 2D as compared to 3D (p < 0.001). Past‐pointing and touching the wrong objects were significantly higher in 2D (p < 0.05).ConclusionBetween all the visual components, detecting change in volume and the spatial coordinates showed significant improvement in 3D environment when compared to 2D.
Vocational and academic approaches to maritime education and training (MET): Trends, challenges and opportunities
Authors: Manuel Michael Ekow 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
Traditional seafarer training has always focused on the acquisition and use of practical skills. The prevailing view is that, while this approach addresses a degree of cognitive skills, it focuses on and gives much more emphasis to the acquisition of hands-on practical skills for the performance of specific tasks. On the other hand, academic education has been seen to be much more focused on the development of in-depth analytical and critical thinking skills; cognitive skills that are less reliant on hands-on task-oriented training, but stress critical reading and discussion. The global trend in maritime education and training is increasingly to link an essentially vocational education that provides specific and restricted competence outcomes with more general or deeper academic components leading to an academic qualification. This trend has led to some dilemmas for curriculum development, for training legislation in a global industry, and for achieving desired learning outcomes in a professional setting (in the shipping industry). This paper discusses some of the challenges arising from this trend and the opportunities the trend offers.
Experimental investigation of flow-induced vibration of a rotating circular cylinder
Authors: Wong K. W. L. , Zhao J. , Lo Jacono D. , Thompson M. C. , Sheridan J. 
Published: September 2017

While flow-induced vibration of bluff bodies has been extensively studied over the last half-century, only limited attention has been given to flow-induced vibration of elastically mounted rotating cylinders. Since recent low-Reynolds-number numerical work suggests that rotation can enhance or suppress the natural oscillatory response, the former could find applications in energy harvesting and the latter in vibration control. The present experimental investigation characterises the dynamic response and wake structure of a rotating circular cylinder undergoing vortex-induced vibration at a low mass ratio ($m^{\ast }=5.78$) over the reduced velocity range leading to strong oscillations. The experiments were conducted in a free-surface water channel with the cylinder vertically mounted and attached to a motor that provided constant rotation. Springs and an air-bearing system allow the cylinder to undertake low-damped transverse oscillations. Under cylinder rotation, the normalised frequency response was found to be comparable to that of a freely vibrating non-rotating cylinder. At reduced velocities consistent with the upper branch of a non-rotating transversely oscillating cylinder, the maximum oscillation amplitude increased with non-dimensional rotation rate up to $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}\approx 2$. Beyond this, there was a sharp decrease in amplitude. Notably, this critical value corresponds approximately to the rotation rate at which vortex shedding ceases for a non-oscillating rotating cylinder. Remarkably, at $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}=2$ there was approximately an 80 % increase in the peak amplitude response compared to that of a non-rotating cylinder. The observed amplitude response measured over the Reynolds-number range of ($1100\lesssim Re\lesssim 6300$) is significantly different from numerical predictions and other experimental results recorded at significantly lower Reynolds numbers.
Climatic and in-cave influences on δ18O and δ13C in a stalagmite from northeastern India through the last deglaciation
Authors: Lechleitner Franziska A. , Breitenbach Sebastian F.M. , Cheng Hai , Plessen Birgit , Rehfeld Kira , Goswami Bedartha , Marwan Norbert , Eroglu Deniz , Adkins Jess , Haug Gerald 
Published: September 2017

AbstractNortheastern (NE) India experiences extraordinarily pronounced seasonal climate, governed by the Indian summer monsoon (ISM). The vulnerability of this region to floods and droughts calls for detailed and highly resolved paleoclimate reconstructions to assess the recurrence rate and driving factors of ISM changes. We use stable oxygen and carbon isotope ratios (δ18O and δ13C) from stalagmite MAW-6 from Mawmluh Cave to infer climate and environmental conditions in NE India over the last deglaciation (16–6ka). We interpret stalagmite δ18O as reflecting ISM strength, whereas δ13C appears to be driven by local hydroclimate conditions. Pronounced shifts in ISM strength over the deglaciation are apparent from the δ18O record, similarly to other records from monsoonal Asia. The ISM is weaker during the late glacial (LG) period and the Younger Dryas, and stronger during the Bølling-Allerød and Holocene. Local conditions inferred from the δ13C record appear to have changed less substantially over time, possibly related to the masking effect of changing precipitation seasonality. Time series analysis of the δ18O record reveals more chaotic conditions during the late glacial and higher predictability during the Holocene, likely related to the strengthening of the seasonal recurrence of the ISM with the onset of the Holocene.
Effectiveness of a low support, remotely accessible, cognitive remediation training programme for chronic psychosis: cognitive, functional and cortical outcomes from a single blind randomised controlled trial
Authors: Donohoe G. , Dillon R. , Hargreaves A. , Mothersill O. , Castorina M. , Furey E. , Fagan A. J. , Meaney J. F. , Fitzmaurice B. , Hallahan B. , McDonald C. , Wykes T. , Corvin A. , Robertson I. H. 
Published: September 2017

BackgroundCognitive remediation (CR) training has emerged as a promising approach to improving cognitive deficits in schizophrenia and related psychosis. The limited availability of psychological services for psychosis is a major barrier to accessing this intervention however. This study investigated the effectiveness of a low support, remotely accessible, computerised working memory (WM) training programme in patients with psychosis.MethodsNinety patients were enrolled into a single blind randomised controlled trial of CR. Effectiveness of the intervention was assessed in terms of neuropsychological performance, social and occupational function, and functional MRI 2 weeks post-intervention, with neuropsychological and social function again assessed 3–6 months post-treatment.ResultsPatients who completed the intervention showed significant gains in both neuropsychological function (measured using both untrained WM and episodic task performance, and a measure of performance IQ), and social function at both 2-week follow-up and 3–6-month follow-up timepoints. Furthermore, patients who completed MRI scanning showed improved resting state functional connectivity relative to patients in the placebo condition.ConclusionsCR training has already been shown to improve cognitive and social function in patient with psychosis. This study demonstrates that, at least for some chronic but stable outpatients, a low support treatment was associated with gains that were comparable with those reported for CR delivered entirely on a 1:1 basis. We conclude that CR has potential to be delivered even in services in which psychological supports for patients with psychosis are limited.
Three Theories of the Effects of Language Education Programs: An Empirical Evaluation of Bilingual and English-Only Policies
Authors: MacSwan Jeff , Thompson Marilyn S. , Rolstad Kellie , McAlister Kara , Lobo Gerda 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACTWe empirically evaluated three theoretical models—the threshold hypothesis, transfer theory, and time-on-task theory—for educating English language learners (ELLs), with a focus on the role of language factors in explaining achievement differences among ELLs. Participants were 196 sixth graders with Spanish language backgrounds who started learning English in kindergarten and then were continuously enrolled in a U.S. school. Structural equation modeling was used to estimate the extent to which Spanish and English language and literacy—skills that are emphasized differentially in competing theories for educating ELLs—predict academic achievement assessed in English. Results indicated that Spanish literacy, over and above English language proficiency, was substantially predictive of academic achievement, consistent with the transfer theory. This model was a more focused version of the threshold hypothesis, in that the weaker predictor of Spanish oral language proficiency was excluded. Time-on task theory was not supported.
Further stabilization and even decrease in the prevalence rates of overweight and obesity in German children and adolescents from 2005 to 2015: a cross-sectional and trend analysis
Authors: Keß Annette , Spielau Ulrike , Beger Christoph , Gausche Ruth , Vogel Mandy , Lipek Tobias , Körner Antje , Pfäffle Roland , Kiess Wieland 
Published: September 2017

AbstractObjectiveRecently several industrialized countries reported a stabilization or even a decrease in childhood overweight and obesity prevalence rates. In Germany, this trend started in 2004. The present study therefore aimed to evaluate whether this trend has continued or even leads in a clear direction.Design/Setting/SubjectsBMI (>90th percentile (overweight), >97th percentile (obesity)) from the CrescNet database was analysed in 326 834 children and adolescents according to three age groups (4–7·99, 8–11·99 and 12–16 years), gender and between time points (2005–2015).ResultsTrend analysis from 2005 to 2010 demonstrated that the prevalence of overweight and obesity decreased significantly in boys and girls in the entire group (4–16 years) and in 4–7·99-year-olds. From 2010 to 2015 there was a significant decrease in boys for overweight and obesity in the entire group and for overweight among 8–11·99-year-olds. Within the cross-sectional analysis, prevalence rates for overweight decreased significantly for both genders in the age groups of 4–7·99 and 8–11·99 years (2005 v. 2015). For obesity, prevalence rates showed a significant decrease for boys (2005 v. 2015) and girls (2005 v. 2010) in 4–7·99-year-olds.ConclusionsWe observed a further stabilization of overweight and obesity prevalence rates for all age groups and even a decrease in the rates for the younger ages (4–7·99 years, 8–11·99 years). As other industrialized countries have also reported similar trends, it seems that the epidemic of childhood overweight and obesity is reaching a turning point in the industrial part of the world.
ANGPTL4 mediates the protective role of PPARγ activators in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia
Authors: Liu Lei , Zhuang Xu , Jiang Meng , Guan Fei , Fu Qin , Lin Jianhua 
Published: September 2017

AbstractPeroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) has been shown to be a therapeutic target for preeclampsia (PE). Angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4) is a multifunctional secretory protein involved in regulating lipid metabolism and angiogenesis in various tissues. However, the expression of PPARγ and ANGPTL4 and their interaction in PE remain elusive. Here we showed that PPARγ agonist rosiglitazone upregulated the expression and secretion of ANGPTL4 in a dose-dependent manner in HTR8/SVneo cells, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and placental explants. More importantly, we confirmed that the PPARγ/retinoid X receptor α heterodimer specifically binds to the ANGPTL4 promoter region and enhances its transcriptional activity. In addition, the levels of ANGPTL4 and PPARγ activators in the serum and their expression in placental tissues were significantly reduced in preeclamptic patients compared with normal pregnant subjects. Furthermore, functional studies demonstrated that ANGPTL4 mediates the facilitative effects of the PPARγ agonist on the survival, proliferation, migration and invasion of HTR8/SVneo cells, placental explants outgrowth and angiogenesis in HUVECs. Taken together, our results suggest that ANGPTL4 is a potential target gene for PPARγ and mediates the protective role of PPARγ activators in the pathogenesis of PE.
Inhibition of the deubiquitinase USP5 leads to c-Maf protein degradation and myeloma cell apoptosis
Authors: Wang Siyu , Juan Jiaxiang , Zhang Zubin , Du Yanyun , Xu Yujia , Tong Jiefei , Cao Biyin , Moran Michael F , Zeng Yuanying , Mao Xinliang 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe deubiquitinase USP5 stabilizes c-Maf, a key transcription factor in multiple myeloma (MM), but the mechanisms and significance are unclear. In the present study, USP5 was found to interact with c-Maf and prevented it from degradation by decreasing its polyubiquitination level. Specifically, the 308th and 347th lysine residues in c-Maf were critical for USP5-mediated deubiquitination and stability. There are five key domains in the USP5 protein and subsequent studies revealed that the cryptic ZnF domain and the C-box domain interacted with c-Maf but the UBA1/UBA2 domain partly increased its stability. Notably, MafA and MafB are also members of the c-Maf family, however, USP5 failed to deubiquitinate MafA, suggesting its substrate specificity. In the functional studies, USP5 was found to promoted the transcriptional activity of c-Maf. Consistent with the high level of c-Maf protein in MM cells, USP5 was also highly expressed. When USP5 was knocked down, c-Maf underwent degradation. Interestingly, USP5 silence led to apoptosis of MM cells expressing c-Maf but not MM cells lacking c-Maf, indicating c-Maf is a key factor in USP5-mediated MM cell proliferation and survival. Consistent with this finding, WP1130, an inhibitor of several Dubs including USP5, suppressed the transcriptional activity of c-Maf and induced MM cell apoptosis. When c-Maf was overexpressed, WP1130-induced MM cell apoptosis was abolished. Taken together, these findings suggest that USP5 regulates c-Maf stability and MM cell survival. Targeting the USP5/c-Maf axis could be a potential strategy for MM treatment.
A threefold rise in widespread extreme rain events over central India
Authors: Roxy M. K. , Ghosh Subimal , Pathak Amey , Athulya R. , Mujumdar Milind , Murtugudde Raghu , Terray Pascal , Rajeevan M. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractSocioeconomic challenges continue to mount for half a billion residents of central India because of a decline in the total rainfall and a concurrent rise in the magnitude and frequency of extreme rainfall events. Alongside a weakening monsoon circulation, the locally available moisture and the frequency of moisture-laden depressions from the Bay of Bengal have also declined. Here we show that despite these negative trends, there is a threefold increase in widespread extreme rain events over central India during 1950–2015. The rise in these events is due to an increasing variability of the low-level monsoon westerlies over the Arabian Sea, driving surges of moisture supply, leading to extreme rainfall episodes across the entire central subcontinent. The homogeneity of these severe weather events and their association with the ocean temperatures underscores the potential predictability of these events by two-to-three weeks, which offers hope in mitigating their catastrophic impact on life, agriculture and property.
Printing of small molecular medicines from the vapor phase
Authors: Shalev Olga , Raghavan Shreya , Mazzara J. Maxwell , Senabulya Nancy , Sinko Patrick D. , Fleck Elyse , Rockwell Christopher , Simopoulos Nicholas , Jones Christina M. , Schwendeman Anna , Mehta Geeta , Clarke Roy , Amidon Gregory E. , Shtein Max 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThere is growing need to develop efficient methods for early-stage drug discovery, continuous manufacturing of drug delivery vehicles, and ultra-precise dosing of high potency drugs. Here we demonstrate the use of solvent-free organic vapor jet printing to deposit nanostructured films of small molecular pharmaceutical ingredients, including caffeine, paracetamol, ibuprofen, tamoxifen, BAY 11-7082 and fluorescein, with accuracy on the scale of micrograms per square centimeter, onto glass, Tegaderm, Listerine tabs, and stainless steel microneedles. The printed films exhibit similar crystallographic order and chemistry as the original powders; controlled, order-of-magnitude enhancements of dissolution rate are observed relative to powder-form particles. In vitro treatment of breast and ovarian cancer cell cultures in aqueous media by tamoxifen and BAY 11-7082 films shows similar behavior to drugs pre-dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide. The demonstrated precise printing of medicines as films, without the use of solvents, can accelerate drug screening and enable continuous manufacturing, while enhancing dosage accuracy.
A novel pathogenic single nucleotide germline deletion in APC gene in a four generation Chinese family with familial adenomatous polyposis
Authors: Zhang Zhao , Liang Shengyun , Wang Dan , Liang Shengran , Li Yuwei , Wang Bingjie , jiang Tao , Zhao Guoru , Zhang Xipeng , Banerjee Santasree 
Published: September 2017

AbstractFamilial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is an autosomal dominant precancerous condition which is associated with germline mutations of the APC gene. Clinically, FAP is characterized by the development of multiple colorectal adenomas or polyps which finally result in colorectal cancer by the 40 years age of the patient, if no surgical interventions have been undertaken. In this study, we present a clinical molecular study of a four generation Chinese family with FAP. Diagnosis of FAP was made on the basis of clinical manifestations, family history and medical (colonoscopy and histopathology) records. Genetic screening of the proband and all affected family members were performed by targeted next-generation sequencing and confirmatory Sanger sequencing. Targeted next generation sequencing identified a germline novel heterozygous single nucleotide deletion [c.3418delC; p.Pro1140Leufs*25] in exon18 of APC gene, which segregated with the FAP phenotypes in the proband and in all the affected family members whereas absent in unaffected family members as well as in normal healthy controls of same ethnic origin. Our present study expands the mutational spectrum of APC gene and provides evidence to understand the function of APC gene in FAP.
Combinatorial control of gene expression in Aspergillus niger grown on sugar beet pectin
Authors: Kowalczyk Joanna E. , Lubbers Ronnie J. M. , Peng Mao , Battaglia Evy , Visser Jaap , de Vries Ronald P. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAspergillus niger produces an arsenal of extracellular enzymes that allow synergistic degradation of plant biomass found in its environment. Pectin is a heteropolymer abundantly present in the primary cell wall of plants. The complex structure of pectin requires multiple enzymes to act together. Production of pectinolytic enzymes in A. niger is highly regulated, which allows flexible and efficient capture of nutrients. So far, three transcriptional activators have been linked to regulation of pectin degradation in A. niger. The L-rhamnose-responsive regulator RhaR controls the production of enzymes that degrade rhamnogalacturonan-I. The L-arabinose-responsive regulator AraR controls the production of enzymes that decompose the arabinan and arabinogalactan side chains of rhamnogalacturonan-II. The D-galacturonic acid-responsive regulator GaaR controls the production of enzymes that act on the polygalacturonic acid backbone of pectin. This project aims to better understand how RhaR, AraR and GaaR co-regulate pectin degradation. For that reason, we constructed single, double and triple disruptant strains of these regulators and analyzed their growth phenotype and pectinolytic gene expression in A. niger grown on sugar beet pectin.
C1-Ten is a PTPase of nephrin, regulating podocyte hypertrophy through mTORC1 activation
Authors: Lee Jiyoun , Koh Ara , Jeong Heeyoon , Kim Eui , Ha Tae-Sun , Saleem Moin A. , Ryu Sung Ho 
Published: September 2017

AbstractHypertrophy is a prominent feature of damaged podocytes in diabetic kidney disease (DKD). mTORC1 hyperactivation leads to podocyte hypertrophy, but the detailed mechanism of how mTORC1 activation occurs under pathological conditions is not completely known. Moreover, reduced nephrin tyrosine phosphorylation has been observed in podocytes under pathological conditions, but the molecular mechanism linking nephrin phosphorylation and pathology is unclear so far. In this study, we observed a significant increase in C1-Ten level in diabetic kidney and in high glucose-induced damaged podocytes. C1-Ten acts as a protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTPase) at the nephrin-PI3K binding site and renders PI3K for IRS-1, thereby activating mTORC1. Furthermore, C1-Ten causes podocyte hypertrophy and proteinuria by increasing mTORC1 activity in vitro and in vivo. These findings demonstrate the relationship between nephrin dephosphorylation and the mTORC1 pathway, mediated by C1-Ten PTPase activity. We suggest that C1-Ten contributes to the pathogenesis of DKD by inducing podocyte hypertrophy under high glucose conditions.
Compositionally Graded Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors
Authors: Song Hyun-Cheol , Zhou Jie E. , Maurya Deepam , Yan Yongke , Wang Yu U. , Priya Shashank 
Published: September 2017

AbstractMultilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCC) are widely used in consumer electronics. Here, we provide a transformative method for achieving high dielectric response and tunability over a wide temperature range through design of compositionally graded multilayer (CGML) architecture. Compositionally graded MLCCs were found to exhibit enhanced dielectric tunability (70%) along with small dielectric losses (<2.5%) over the required temperature ranges specified in the standard industrial classifications. The compositional grading resulted in generation of internal bias field which enhanced the tunability due to increased nonlinearity. The electric field tunability of MLCCs provides an important avenue for design of miniature filters and power converters.