bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Speed of coming down from infinity for birth-and-death processes
Authors: Bansaye Vincent , Méléard Sylvie , Richard Mathieu 
Published: January 2017

AbstractWe describe in detail the speed of `coming down from infinity' for birth-and-death processes which eventually become extinct. Under general assumptions on the birth-and-death rates, we firstly determine the behavior of the successive hitting times of large integers. We identify two different regimes depending on whether the mean time for the process to go from n+1 to n is negligible or not compared to the mean time to reach n from ∞. In the first regime, the coming down from infinity is very fast and the convergence is weak. In the second regime, the coming down from infinity is gradual and a law of large numbers and a central limit theorem for the hitting times sequence hold. By an inversion procedure, we deduce that the process is almost surely equivalent to a nonincreasing function when the time goes to 0. Our results are illustrated by several examples including applications to population dynamics and population genetics. The particular case where the death rate varies regularly is studied in detail.
Magnetic Resonance Myelography in Congenital Absence of the Cervical Pedicle
Authors: Alhazmi Rami , Farmer Jean-Pierre , Saint-Martin Christine 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAbsence of the cervical pedicle is a very rare congenital anomaly, easily misrecognized as a unilateral facet dislocation in a setting of acute trauma or a neoplastic process like a nerve sheath tumor. Although correct diagnosis can be achieved on the cervical radiograph and confirmed by the CT, MRI Myelography is clearly of additional value because shows the specific relationship and orientation of the nerve roots. To the best to our knowledge, this is the first description of MR Myelography findings.
The effect of deep brain stimulation on the non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease: a critical review of the current evidence
Authors: Kurtis Mónica M , Rajah Thadshani , Delgado Luisa F , Dafsari Haidar S 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe benefit of deep brain stimulation (DBS) in controlling the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease is well established, however, the impact on the non-motor symptoms (NMS) remains to be elucidated, although the growing investigative efforts are promising. This article reviews the reported data and considers the level of evidence available with regard to the effect of DBS on NMS total burden and on the cognitive, neuropsychiatric, sleep, pain, dysautonomic, and weight domains. Multiple case series suggest that DBS improves the burden of NMS by reducing prevalence, intensity, and non-motor fluctuations. There is level I evidence on the effect of DBS on cognition and mood. Slight cognitive decline has been reported in most class I studies, although the functional effect is probably minimal. Two randomized prospective studies reported no change in depression while improvement of anxiety has been reported by a class I trial. Prospective cohort studies point to improvement of hyperdopaminergic behaviors, such as impulse control disorders, while others report that hypodopaminergic states, like apathy, can appear after DBS. There is only class III evidence supporting the benefit of DBS on other NMS such as nocturnal sleep, pain, dysautonomia (urinary, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and sweating), and weight loss. Although preliminary results are promising, randomized prospectively controlled trials with NMS as primary end points are necessary to further explore the effect of DBS on these often invalidating symptoms and offer conclusions about efficacy.
Plasmonic plano-semi-cylindrical nanocavities with high-efficiency local-field confinement
Authors: Liu Feifei , Zhang Xinping , Fang Xiaohui 
Published: January 2017

AbstractPlasmonic nanocavity arrays were achieved by producing isolated silver semi-cylindrical nanoshells periodically on a continuous planar gold film. Hybridization between localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) in the Ag semi-cylindrical nanoshells (SCNS) and surface plasmon polaritons (SPP) in the gold film was observed as split bonding and anti-bonding resonance modes located at different spectral positions. This led to strong local field enhancement and confinement in the plano-concave nanocavites. Narrow-band optical extinction with an amplitude as high as 1.5 OD, corresponding to 97% reduction in the transmission, was achieved in the visible spectrum. The resonance spectra of this hybrid device can be extended from the visible to the near infrared by adjusting the structural parameters.
Alterations in the brain adenosine metabolism cause behavioral and neurological impairment in ADA-deficient mice and patients
Authors: Sauer Aisha V. , Hernandez Raisa Jofra , Fumagalli Francesca , Bianchi Veronica , Poliani Pietro L. , Dallatomasina Chiara , Riboni Elisa , Politi Letterio S. , Tabucchi Antonella , Carlucci Filippo , Casiraghi Miriam , Carriglio Nicola , Cominelli Manuela , Forcellini Carlo Alberto , Barzaghi Federica , Ferrua Francesca , Minicucci Fabio , Medaglini Stefania , Leocani Letizia , la Marca Giancarlo , Notarangelo Lucia D. , Azzari Chiara , Comi Giancarlo , Baldoli Cristina , Canale Sabrina , Sessa Maria , D’Adamo Patrizia , Aiuti Alessandro 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAdenosine Deaminase (ADA) deficiency is an autosomal recessive variant of severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) caused by systemic accumulation of ADA substrates. Neurological and behavioral abnormalities observed in ADA-SCID patients surviving after stem cell transplantation or gene therapy represent an unresolved enigma in the field. We found significant neurological and cognitive alterations in untreated ADA-SCID patients as well as in two groups of patients after short- and long-term enzyme replacement therapy with PEG-ADA. These included motor dysfunction, EEG alterations, sensorineural hypoacusia, white matter and ventricular alterations in MRI as well as a low mental development index or IQ. Ada-deficient mice were significantly less active and showed anxiety-like behavior. Molecular and metabolic analyses showed that this phenotype coincides with metabolic alterations and aberrant adenosine receptor signaling. PEG-ADA treatment corrected metabolic adenosine-based alterations, but not cellular and signaling defects, indicating an intrinsic nature of the neurological and behavioral phenotype in ADA deficiency.
A reduced mechanical model for cAMP-modulated gating in HCN channels
Authors: Weißgraeber Stephanie , Saponaro Andrea , Thiel Gerhard , Hamacher Kay 
Published: January 2017

AbstractWe developed an in silico mechanical model to analyze the process of cAMP-induced conformational modulations in hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels, which conduct cations across the membrane of mammalian heart and brain cells. The structural analysis reveals a quaternary twist in the cytosolic parts of the four subunits in the channel tetramer. This motion augments the intrinsic dynamics of the very same protein structure. The pronounced differences between the cAMP bound and unbound form include a mutual interaction between the C-linker of the cyclic nucleotide binding domain (CNBD) and the linker between the S4 and S5 transmembrane domain of the channel. This allows a mechanistic annotation of the twisting motion in relation to the allosteric modulation of voltage-dependent gating of this channel by cAMP.
Bacterial community composition in costal dunes of the Mediterranean along a gradient from the sea shore to the inland
Authors: Wasserstrom Haggai , Kublik Susanne , Wasserstrom Rachel , Schulz Stefanie , Schloter Michael , Steinberger Yosef 
Published: January 2017

AbstractSand dunes are unique ecosystems with distinct features which limited the accumulation of biomass. The distance from seashore affects both the physical properties of the sand dunes and the biota living above- and below ground. The goal of the present study was to determine the effects of the distance from shore to inland on soil bacterial community composition during wet and dry season. We studied a chronosequence of sites close to the eastern Mediterranean coast. Bacterial diversity was assessed using directly extracted DNA from soil samples and 16 S ribosomal RNA gene fingerprinting. Our data indicates a significant influence of season and site on bacterial community structure. We showed that during the wet season soil organic matter, pH and salinity strongly influence bacterial community composition, whereas during the dry period bacterial diversity was mainly driven by the shortage of water at all sites. Consequently diversity was lowest during dry season at dunes close to the shore, whereas during the wet season the higher water content and the reduced salinity at the dunes which are more at the inland induced an increase in diversity, which illustrates the pronounced dynamics of microbial communities in soil over a season mainly at inland dunes.
Disrupted global metastability and static and dynamic brain connectivity across individuals in the Alzheimer’s disease continuum
Authors: Córdova-Palomera Aldo , Kaufmann Tobias , Persson Karin , Alnæs Dag , Doan Nhat Trung , Moberget Torgeir , Lund Martina Jonette , Barca Maria Lage , Engvig Andreas , Brækhus Anne , Engedal Knut , Andreassen Ole A. , Selbæk Geir , Westlye Lars T. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAs findings on the neuropathological and behavioral components of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) continue to accrue, converging evidence suggests that macroscale brain functional disruptions may mediate their association. Recent developments on theoretical neuroscience indicate that instantaneous patterns of brain connectivity and metastability may be a key mechanism in neural communication underlying cognitive performance. However, the potential significance of these patterns across the AD spectrum remains virtually unexplored. We assessed the clinical sensitivity of static and dynamic functional brain disruptions across the AD spectrum using resting-state fMRI in a sample consisting of AD patients (n = 80) and subjects with either mild (n = 44) or subjective (n = 26) cognitive impairment (MCI, SCI). Spatial maps constituting the nodes in the functional brain network and their associated time-series were estimated using spatial group independent component analysis and dual regression, and whole-brain oscillatory activity was analyzed both globally (metastability) and locally (static and dynamic connectivity). Instantaneous phase metrics showed functional coupling alterations in AD compared to MCI and SCI, both static (putamen, dorsal and default-mode) and dynamic (temporal, frontal-superior and default-mode), along with decreased global metastability. The results suggest that brains of AD patients display altered oscillatory patterns, in agreement with theoretical premises on cognitive dynamics.
Exocyst subunit SEC3A marks the germination site and is essential for pollen germination in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Li Yan , Tan Xiaoyun , Wang Mengru , Li Bingxuan , Zhao Yanxue , Wu Chengyun , Rui Qingchen , Wang Junxia , Liu Zhongyuan , Bao Yiqun 
Published: January 2017

AbstractArabidopsis exocyst subunit SEC3A has been reported to participate in embryo development. Here we report that SEC3A is involved during pollen germination. A T-DNA insertion in SEC3A leads to an absolute, male-specific transmission defect that can be complemented by the expression of SEC3A coding sequence from the LAT52 promoter or SEC3A genomic DNA. No obvious abnormalities in the microgametogenesis are observed in the sec3a/SEC3A mutant, however, in vitro and in vivo pollen germination are defective. Further studies reveal that the callose, pectin, and cellulose are apparently not deposited at the germination site during pollen germination. SEC3A is expressed ubiquitously, including in pollen grains and pollen tubes. Notably, SEC3A-GFP fusion proteins are specifically recruited to the future pollen germination site. This particular localization pattern is independent of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI-4,5P2), although SEC3-HIS fusion proteins are able to bind to several phosphoinositols in vitro. These results suggest that SEC3A plays an important role in the establishment of the polar site for pollen germination.
Sprayable superhydrophobic nano-chains coating with continuous self-jumping of dew and melting frost
Authors: Wang Shanlin , Zhang Wenwen , Yu Xinquan , Liang Caihua , Zhang Youfa 
Published: January 2017

AbstractSpontaneous movement of condensed matter provides a new insight to efficiently improve condensation heat transfer on superhydrophobic surface. However, very few reports have shown the jumping behaviors on the sprayable superhydrophobic coatings. Here, we developed a sprayable silica nano-porous coating assembled by fluorinated nano-chains to survey the condensates’ dynamics. The dewdrops were continuously removed by self- and/or trigger-propelling motion due to abundant nano-pores from random multilayer stacking of nano-chains. In comparison, the dewdrops just could be slipped under the gravity effect on lack of nano-pores coatings stacked by silica nano-spheres and nano-aggregates. More interestingly, the spontaneous jumping effect also occurred on micro-scale frost crystals under the defrosting process on nano-chains coating surfaces. Different from self-jumping of dewdrops motion, the propelling force of frost crystals were provided by a sudden increase of the pressure under the frost crystal.
Urinary exosome-derived microRNAs reflecting the changes of renal function and histopathology in dogs
Authors: Ichii Osamu , Ohta Hiroshi , Horino Taro , Nakamura Teppei , Hosotani Marina , Mizoguchi Tatsuya , Morishita Keitaro , Nakamura Kensuke , Hoshino Yuki , Takagi Satoshi , Sasaki Noboru , Takiguchi Mitsuyoshi , Sato Ryo , Oyamada Kazuhisa , Kon Yasuhiro 
Published: January 2017

AbstractMicroRNAs act as post-transcriptional regulators, and urinary exosome (UExo)-derived microRNAs may be used as biomarkers. Herein, we screened for UExo-derived microRNAs reflecting kidney disease (KD) status in dogs. Examined dogs were divided into healthy kidney control (HC) and KD groups according to renal dysfunction. We confirmed the appearance of UExo having irregular globe-shapes in a dog by immunoblot detection of the exosome markers, TSG101 and CD9. Based on our previous data using KD model mice and the data obtained herein by next generation sequencing of UExo-derived microRNAs in dogs, miR-26a, miR-146a, miR-486, miR-21a, and miR-10a/b were selected as candidate microRNAs. In particular, UExo-derived miR-26a and miR-10a/b were significantly decreased in KD dogs, and miR-26a levels negatively correlated with deteriorated renal function compared to the other miRNAs. UExo-derived miR-21a levels corrected or not to that of internal control microRNAs in UExo, miR-26a and miR-191, significantly increased with renal dysfunction. In kidney tissues, the decrease of miR-26a and miR-10a/b in the glomerulus and miR-10b in the tubulointerstitium negatively correlated with deteriorated renal function and histopathology. Increased miR-21a in the tubulointerstitium rather than in the glomerulus correlated with deteriorated renal histopathology. In conclusion, microRNAs reflecting the changes in renal function and histopathology in dogs were identified in this study.
Tailoring Mechanically Robust Poly(m-phenylene isophthalamide) Nanofiber/nets for Ultrathin High-Efficiency Air Filter
Authors: Zhang Shichao , Liu Hui , Yin Xia , Li Zhaoling , Yu Jianyong , Ding Bin 
Published: January 2017

AbstractEffective promotion of air filtration applications proposed for fibers requires their real nanoscale diameter, optimized pore structure, and high service strength; however, creating such filter medium has proved to be a tremendous challenge. This study first establishes a strategy to design and fabricate novel poly(m-phenylene isophthalamide) nanofiber/nets (PMIA NF/N) air filter via electrospinning/netting. Our strategy results in generation of a bimodal structure including a scaffold of nanofibers and abundant two-dimensional ultrathin (~20 nm) nanonets to synchronously construct PMIA filters by combining solution optimization, humidity regulation, and additive inspiration. Benefiting from the structural features including the true nanoscale diameter, small pore size, high porosity, and nets bonding contributed by the widely distributed nanonets, our PMIA NF/N filter exhibits the integrated properties of superlight weight (0.365 g m−2), ultrathin thickness (~0.5 μm), and high tensile strength (72.8 MPa) for effective air filtration, achieving the ultra-low penetration air filter level of 99.999% and low pressure drop of 92 Pa for 300–500 nm particles by sieving mechanism. The successful synthesis of PMIA NF/N would not only provide a promising medium for particle filtration, but also develop a versatile platform for exploring the application of nanonets in structural enhancement, separation and purification.
MOF-derived multifractal porous carbon with ultrahigh lithium-ion storage performance
Authors: Li Ang , Tong Yan , Cao Bin , Song Huaihe , Li Zhihong , Chen Xiaohong , Zhou Jisheng , Chen Gen , Luo Hongmei 
Published: January 2017

AbstractPorous carbon is one of the most promising alternatives to traditional graphite materials in lithium-ion batteries. This is not only attributed to its advantages of good safety, stability and electrical conductivity, which are held by all the carbon-based electrodes, but also especially ascribed to its relatively high capacity and excellent cycle stability. Here we report the design and synthesis of a highly porous pure carbon material with multifractal structures. This material is prepared by the vacuum carbonization of a zinc-based metal-organic framework, which demonstrates an ultrahigh lithium storage capacity of 2458 mAh g−1 and a favorable high-rate performance. The associations between the structural features and the lithium storage mechanism are also revealed by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), especially the closed pore effects on lithium-ion storage.
Immunomagnetic separation of tumor initiating cells by screening two surface markers
Authors: Sun Chen , Hsieh Yuan-Pang , Ma Sai , Geng Shuo , Cao Zhenning , Li Liwu , Lu Chang 
Published: January 2017

AbstractIsolating tumor initiating cells (TICs) often requires screening of multiple surface markers, sometimes with opposite preferences. This creates a challenge for using bead-based immunomagnetic separation (IMS) that typically enriches cells based on one abundant marker. Here, we propose a new strategy that allows isolation of CD44+/CD24−TICs by IMS involving both magnetic beads coated by anti-CD44 antibody and nonmagnetic beads coated by anti-CD24 antibody (referred to as two-bead IMS). Cells enriched with our approach showed significant enhancement in TIC marker expression (examined by flow cytometry) and improved tumorsphere formation efficiency. Our method will extend the application of IMS to cell subsets characterized by multiple markers.
A DNA intercalation methodology for an efficient prediction of ligand binding pose and energetics
Authors: Soni Anjali , Khurana Pooja , Singh Tanya , Jayaram B 
Published: January 2017

Abstract

Motivation
Drug intercalation is an important strategy for DNA inhibition which is often employed in cancer chemotherapy. Despite its high significance, the field is characterized by limited success in identification of novel intercalator molecules and lack of automated and dedicated drug–DNA intercalation methodology.

Results
We report here a novel intercalation methodology (christened ‘Intercalate’) for predicting both the structures and energetics of DNA–intercalator complexes, covering the processes of DNA unwinding and (non-covalent) binding. Given a DNA sequence and intercalation site information, Intercalate generates the 3D structure of DNA, creates the intercalation site, performs docking at the intercalation site and evaluates DNA–intercalator binding energy in an automated way. The structures and energetics of the DNA–intercalator complexes produced by Intercalate methodology are seen to be in good agreement with experiment. The dedicated attempt made in developing a drug–DNA intercalation methodology (compatible with its mechanism) with high accuracy should prove useful in the discovery of potential intercalators for their use as anticancers, antibacterials or antivirals.

Availability and Implementation
http://www.scfbio-iitd.res.in/intercalate/

Supplementary information
Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Enzyme Activity, Cold Hardiness, and Supercooling Point in Developmental Stages of Acrosternum arabicum (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)
Authors: Mohammadzadeh Mozhgan , Izadi Hamzeh 
Published: January 2017

AbstractSeveral species of pentatomid bugs feed on pistachio fruits in Iran. Acrosternum arabicum Wagner (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is one of the most important pests of pistachio in Rafsanjan, Iran. This study was carried out to investigate the carbohydrase activities, supercooling points, and cold hardiness profiles of different developmental stages of A. arabicum under laboratory conditions. The midgut amylolytic of A. arabicum showed an optimal pH at 7.0. The highest amylolytic activity was found in the female adults (35.41 ± 0.90 nmol/min/gut). The mean amylolytic activity measured in first instar nymph was 6.75 ± 0.54 nmol/min/gut. Midgut α- and β-glucosidase showed an optimal activity at pH 5 and 7, respectively. These activities increased from first (83 ± 5 and 54 ± 5 nmol/min, respectively) to fifth (881 ± 17 and 237 ± 14 nmol/min, respectively) instar nymphs. The enzyme activities increased in the adults. Midgut α- and β-galactosidase showed an optimal activity at pH 5. α- and β-galactosidase activities were low in the first instar nymphs (73 ± 5 and 21 ± 3 nmol/min, respectively). The level of α- and β-galactosidase activities in the female adults (533 ± 18 and 246 ± 6 nmol/min, respectively) was higher than the nymphs. The lowest super cooling points (−19 and −18.2 °C, respectively) and the highest cold hardiness (22 and 18% following 24 h exposure at − 20 °C, respectively) were recorded for the eggs and adult females.
Richard Tuck, Natural Rights Theories
Authors: Lee Daniel 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
The chapter reconstructs the main arguments of Richard Tuck’s Natural Rights Theories in order to examine Tuck’s claim that a philosophical problem can be “solved historically” by investigating what role a concept, such as natural rights, might have played in various systems of thought. I focus especially on Tuck’s thesis that natural rights originated in the notion of dominium in medieval jurisprudence and theology, contesting the view that natural rights were a specifically modern liberal phenomenon. I also consider Tuck’s treatment of Gerson, Grotius, Selden, Hobbes, and Locke to highlight what he regards as the ambiguous “Janus-faced” character of natural rights, represented in two separate legacies—the “conservative” theory and the “radical” theory of rights. In recovering these diverse languages of rights, Tuck underlines their historically contingent character, while also forcing us to alienate ourselves from something that is all too often taken to be immediately familiar.