bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Complex Learning in Bio-plausible Memristive Networks
Authors: Deng Lei , Li Guoqi , Deng Ning , Wang Dong , Zhang Ziyang , He Wei , Li Huanglong , Pei Jing , Shi Luping 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe emerging memristor-based neuromorphic engineering promises an efficient computing paradigm. However, the lack of both internal dynamics in the previous feedforward memristive networks and efficient learning algorithms in recurrent networks, fundamentally limits the learning ability of existing systems. In this work, we propose a framework to support complex learning functions by introducing dedicated learning algorithms to a bio-plausible recurrent memristive network with internal dynamics. We fabricate iron oxide memristor-based synapses, with well controllable plasticity and a wide dynamic range of excitatory/inhibitory connection weights, to build the network. To adaptively modify the synaptic weights, the comprehensive recursive least-squares (RLS) learning algorithm is introduced. Based on the proposed framework, the learning of various timing patterns and a complex spatiotemporal pattern of human motor is demonstrated. This work paves a new way to explore the brain-inspired complex learning in neuromorphic systems.
Hybrid System for Ex Vivo Hemorheological and Hemodynamic Analysis: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Yeom Eunseop , Jun Kang Yang , Joon Lee Sang 
Published: June 2015

AbstractPrecise measurement of biophysical properties is important to understand the relation between these properties and the outbreak of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). However, a systematic measurement for these biophysical parameters under in vivo conditions is nearly impossible because of complex vessel shape and limited practicality. In vitro measurements can provide more biophysical information, but in vitro exposure changes hemorheological properties. In this study, a hybrid system composed of an ultrasound system and microfluidic device is proposed for monitoring hemorheological and hemodynamic properties under more reasonable experimental conditions. Biophysical properties including RBC aggregation, viscosity, velocity and pressure of blood flows are simultaneously measured under various conditions to demonstrate the feasibility and performance of this measurement system. The proposed technique is applied to a rat extracorporeal loop which connects the aorta and jugular vein directly. As a result, the proposed system is found to measure biophysical parameters reasonably without blood collection from the rat and provided more detailed information. This hybrid system, combining ultrasound imaging and microfluidic techniques to ex vivo animal models, would be useful for monitoring the variations of biophysical properties induced by chemical agents. It can be used to understand the relation between biophysical parameters and CVDs.
Swedish mutant APP-based BACE1 binding site peptide reduces APP β-cleavage and cerebral Aβ levels in Alzheimer’s mice
Authors: Li Song , Hou Huayan , Mori Takashi , Sawmiller Darrell , Smith Adam , Tian Jun , Wang Yanjiang , Giunta Brian , Sanberg Paul R. , Zhang Sheqing , Tan Jun 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBACE1 initiates amyloid-β (Aβ) generation and the resultant cerebral amyloidosis, as a characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Thus, inhibition of BACE1 has been the focus of a large body of research. The most recent clinical trials highlight the difficulty involved in this type of anti-AD therapy as evidenced by side effects likely due to the ubiquitous nature of BACE1, which cleaves multiple substrates. The human Swedish mutant form of amyloid protein precursor (APPswe) has been shown to possess a higher affinity for BACE1 compared to wild-type APP (APPwt). We pursued a new approach wherein harnessing this greater affinity to modulate BACE1 APP processing activity. We found that one peptide derived from APPswe, containing the β-cleavage site, strongly inhibits BACE1 activity and thereby reduces Aβ production. This peptide, termed APPswe BACE1 binding site peptide (APPsweBBP), was further conjugated to the fusion domain of the HIV-1 Tat protein (TAT) at the C-terminus to facilitate its biomembrane-penetrating activity. APPwt and APPswe over-expressing CHO cells treated with this TAT-conjugated peptide resulted in a marked reduction of Aβ and a significant increase of soluble APPα. Intraperitoneal administration of this peptide to 5XFAD mice markedly reduced β-amyloid deposits as well as improved hippocampal-dependent learning and memory.
Screening Mutations of MYBPC3 in 114 Unrelated Patients with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy by Targeted Capture and Next-generation Sequencing
Authors: Liu Xuxia , Jiang Tengyong , Piao Chunmei , Li Xiaoyan , Guo Jun , Zheng Shuai , Zhang Xiaoping , Cai Tao , Du Jie 
Published: June 2015

AbstractHypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a major cause of sudden cardiac death. Mutations in the MYBPC3 gene represent the cause of HCM in ~35% of patients with HCM. However, genetic testing in clinic setting has been limited due to the cost and relatively time-consuming by Sanger sequencing. Here, we developed a HCM Molecular Diagnostic Kit enabling ultra-low-cost targeted gene resequencing in a large cohort and investigated the mutation spectrum of MYBPC3. In a cohort of 114 patients with HCM, a total of 20 different mutations (8 novel and 12 known mutations) of MYBPC3 were identified from 25 patients (21.9%). We demonstrated that the power of targeted resequencing in a cohort of HCM patients and found that MYBPC3 is a common HCM-causing gene in Chinese patients. Phenotype-genotype analyses showed that the patients with double mutations (n = 2) or premature termination codon mutations (n = 12) showed more severe manifestations, compared with patients with missense mutations (n = 11). Particularly, we identified a recurrent truncation mutation (p.Y842X) in four unrelated cases (4/25, 16%), who showed severe phenotypes and suggest that the p.Y842X is a frequent mutation in Chinese HCM patients with severe phenotypes.
Effect of papain-based gel on type I collagen - spectroscopy applied for microstructural analysis
Authors: Júnior Zenildo Santos Silva , Botta Sergio Brossi , Ana Patricia Aparecida , França Cristiane Miranda , Fernandes Kristianne Porta Santos , Mesquita-Ferrari Raquel Agnelli , Deana Alessandro , Bussadori Sandra Kalil 
Published: June 2015

AbstractConsidering the improvement of biomaterials that facilitate atraumatic restorative techniques in dentistry, a papain-based gel can be used in the chemomechanical removal of decayed dental tissue. However, there is no information regarding the influence of this gel on the structure of sound collagen. The aim of the present study was to investigate the adsorption of a papain-based gel (PapacarieTM) to collagen and determine collagen integrity after treatment. A pilot study was first performed with 10 samples of type I collagen membrane obtained from bovine Achilles deep tendon to compare the influence of hydration (Milli-Q water) on infrared bands of collagen. In a further experiment, 10 samples of type I collagen membrane were used to evaluate the effects of PapacarieTM on the collagen microstructure. All analyses were performed using the attenuated total reflectance technique of Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR). The results demonstrated that the application of PapacarieTM does not lead to the degradation of collagen and this product can be safely used in minimally invasive dentistry. As the integrity of sound collagen is preserved after the application of the papain-based gel, this product is indicated for the selective removal of infected dentin, leaving the affected dentin intact and capable of re-mineralization.
Altered baseline brain activity differentiates regional mechanisms subserving biological and psychological alterations in obese men
Authors: Zhang Bin , Tian Derun , Yu Chunshui , Li Meng , Zang Yufeng , Liu Yijun , Walter Martin 
Published: June 2015

AbstractObesity as a chronic disease is a major factor for insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes, which has become a global health problem. In the present study, we used resting state functional MRI to investigate the amplitude of low frequency fluctuations of spontaneous signal during both hunger and satiety states in 20 lean and 20 obese males. We found that, before food intake, obese men had significantly greater baseline activity in the precuneus and lesser activity in dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) relative to lean subjects. Furthermore, after food intake, obese males had significantly lesser activity in dACC than lean males. We further found a significant positive correlation between precuneus activation and hunger ratings before food intake, while dACC activity was negatively correlated with plasma insulin levels before and after food intake. These results indicated that both precuneus and dACC may play an important role in eating behavior. While precuneus rather seemed to mediate subjective satiety, dACC levels rather reflected indirect measures of glucose utilization.
Tribological performance of Graphene/Carbon nanotube hybrid reinforced Al2O3 composites
Authors: Yazdani Bahareh , Xu Fang , Ahmad Iftikhar , Hou Xianghui , Xia Yongde , Zhu Yanqiu 
Published: June 2015

AbstractTribological performance of the hot-pressed pure Al2O3 and its composites containing various hybrid contents of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were investigated under different loading conditions using the ball-on-disc method. Benchmarked against the pure Al2O3, the composite reinforced with a 0.5 wt% GNP exhibited a 23% reduction in the friction coefficient along with a promising 70% wear rate reduction and a hybrid reinforcement consisting of 0.3 wt.% GNPs + 1 wt.% CNTs resulted in even better performance, with a 86% reduction in the wear rate. The extent of damage to the reinforcement phases caused during wear was studied using Raman spectroscopy. The wear mechanisms for the composites were analysed based on the mechanical properties, brittleness index and microstructural characterizations. The excellent coordination between GNPs and CNTs contributed to the excellent wear resistance property in the hybrid GNT-reinforced composites. GNPs played the important role in the formation of a tribofilm on the worn surface by exfoliation; whereas CNTs contributed to the improvement in fracture toughness and prevented the grains from being pulled out during the tribological test.
Evidence for horizontal transfer of mitochondrial DNA to the plastid genome in a bamboo genus
Authors: Ma Peng-Fei , Zhang Yu-Xiao , Guo Zhen-Hua , Li De-Zhu 
Published: June 2015

AbstractIn flowering plants, three genomes (nuclear, mitochondrial and plastid) coexist and intracellular horizontal transfer of DNA is prevalent, especially from the plastid to the mitochondrion genome. However, the plastid genomes are generally conserved in evolution and have long been considered immune to foreign DNA. Recently, the opposite direction of DNA transfer from the mitochondrial to the plastid genome has been reported in two eudicot lineages. Here we sequenced 6 plastid genomes of bamboos, three of which are neotropical woody species and three are herbaceous ones. Several unusual features were found, including the duplication of trnT-GGU and loss of one copy of rps19 due to contraction of inverted repeats (IRs). The most intriguing was the ~2.7 kb insertion in the plastid IR regions in the three herbaceous bamboos. Furthermore, the insertion was documented to be horizontally transferred from the mitochondrial to the plastid genome. Our study provided evidence of the mitochondrial-to-plastid DNA transfer in the monocots, demonstrating again that this rare event does occur in other angiosperm lineages. However, the mechanism underlying the transfer remains obscure and more studies in other plants may elucidate it in the future.
Acoustical and Perceptual Comparison of Noise Reduction and Compression in Hearing Aids
Authors: Brons Inge , Houben Rolph , Dreschler Wouter A. 
Published: June 2015

Purpose
Noise reduction and dynamic-range compression are generally applied together in hearing aids but may have opposite effects on amplification. This study evaluated the acoustical and perceptual effects of separate and combined processing of noise reduction and compression.

Design
Recordings of the output of 4 hearing aids for speech in babble noise at +4 dB signal-to-noise ratio were used in 3 experiments: (a) acoustical measurements to determine the influence of processing on speech and noise levels; (b) perceptual measurements to determine the detectability of processing differences for 16 listeners with hearing impairment; and (c) perceptual measurements to determine the effect of processing on speech intelligibility, noise annoyance, speech naturalness, and overall preference.

Results
Noise reduction and compression processing differed between hearing aids. The combined processing (noise reduction with compression) most strongly reduced noise and speech levels. The combined processing was detectably different between hearing aids, but compression processing alone was not. The combined processing did not influence speech intelligibility. Preference for combined processing was lower than previously observed for noise reduction without compression.

Conclusions
Differences in processing between hearing aids are perceptually salient. The effect of compression should be taken into account during the development and evaluation of hearing aid noise reduction.
Individual olfactory perception reveals meaningful nonolfactory genetic information
Authors: Secundo Lavi , Snitz Kobi , Weissler Kineret , Pinchover Liron , Shoenfeld Yehuda , Loewenthal Ron , Agmon-Levin Nancy , Frumin Idan , Bar-Zvi Dana , Shushan Sagit , Sobel Noam 
Published: June 2015

Significance
Cyrano de Bergerac observed that “a large nose is the mark of a witty, courteous, affable, generous and liberal man.” Here we report that individual noses, not how they look but rather how they function, indeed say a lot about a person. Each person expresses a nearly unique set of different olfactory receptor genes, and therefore may have unique olfactory perception. We developed a highly sensitive perceptual test we call the “olfactory fingerprint” that captures this variability. Individual olfactory fingerprints are therefore mirrors of individual olfactory genomes. We demonstrate that such fingerprints predict genetic features linked to the olfactory system, such as aspects of immune regulation. Thus, a precise measure of olfactory perception reveals meaningful nonolfactory genetic information.
Top-down control of the phase of alpha-band oscillations as a mechanism for temporal prediction
Authors: Samaha Jason , Bauer Phoebe , Cimaroli Sawyer , Postle Bradley R. 
Published: June 2015

Significance
In contrast to canonical, stimulus-driven models of perception, recent proposals argue that perceptual experiences are constructed in an active manner in which top-down influences play a key role. In particular, predictions that the brain makes about the world are incorporated into each perceptual experience. Because forming the appropriate sensory predictions can have a large impact on our visual experiences and visually guided behaviors, a mechanism thought to be disrupted in certain neurological conditions like autism and schizophrenia, an understanding of the neural basis of these predictions is critical. Here, we provide evidence that perceptual expectations about when a stimulus will appear are instantiated in the brain by optimally configuring prestimulus alpha-band oscillations so as to make subsequent processing most efficacious.
The butterfly plant arms-race escalated by gene and genome duplications
Authors: Edger Patrick P. , Heidel-Fischer Hanna M. , Bekaert Michaël , Rota Jadranka , Glöckner Gernot , Platts Adrian E. , Heckel David G. , Der Joshua P. , Wafula Eric K. , Tang Michelle , Hofberger Johannes A. , Smithson Ann , Hall Jocelyn C. , Blanchette Matthieu , Bureau Thomas E. , Wright Stephen I. , dePamphilis Claude W. , Eric Schranz M. , Barker Michael S. , Conant Gavin C. , Wahlberg Niklas , Vogel Heiko , Pires J. Chris , Wheat Christopher W. 
Published: June 2015

Significance
This research uncovers the mechanisms of an ancient arms race between butterflies and plants, seen today in countless gardens as caterpillars of cabbage butterflies that devour cabbage crop varieties. Nearly 90 million years ago, the ancestors of Brassica (mustards, cabbage) and related plants developed a chemical defense called glucosinolates. While very toxic to most insects, humans experience glucosinolates as the sharp taste in wasabi, horseradish and mustard. Here we report that this triggered a chemical arms race that escalated in complexity over time. By investigating the evolutionary histories of these plants and insects, we found that major increases in chemical defense complexity were followed by butterflies evolving countertactics to allow them to continue to attack and feed on the plants.
Swimming muscles power suction feeding in largemouth bass
Authors: Camp Ariel L. , Roberts Thomas J. , Brainerd Elizabeth L. 
Published: June 2015

SignificanceOver one-half of all vertebrate species are ray-finned fishes. Across this extraordinary diversity, the most common feeding mode is suction feeding: rapid expansion of the mouth to suck in water and food. Here, we find that the power required for suction expansion is generated primarily by the axial swimming muscles. Rather than being restricted to the low power capacity of the small cranial muscles, suction-feeding fishes have co-opted the massive swimming muscles for this powerful feeding behavior. Therefore, the evolution of axial muscles in ray-finned fishes should now be considered in the context of feeding as well as locomotion, changing our perspective on musculoskeletal form and function in over 30,000 species.
Antibiotic efficacy is linked to bacterial cellular respiration
Authors: Lobritz Michael A. , Belenky Peter , Porter Caroline B. M. , Gutierrez Arnaud , Yang Jason H. , Schwarz Eric G. , Dwyer Daniel J. , Khalil Ahmad S. , Collins James J. 
Published: June 2015

Significance
The global burden of antibiotic resistance has created a demand to better understand the basic mechanisms of existing antibiotics. Of significant interest is how antibiotics may perturb bacterial metabolism, and how bacterial metabolism may influence antibiotic activity. Here, we study the interaction of bacteriostatic and bactericidal antibiotics, the two major phenotypic drug classes. Interestingly, the two classes differentially perturb bacterial cellular respiration, with major consequences for their intrinsic activity both alone and in combination. Of note, bacteriostatic antibiotics decelerate cellular respiration, generating a metabolic state that is prohibitive to killing. Further, we show that the efficacy of bactericidal drugs can be improved by increasing basal respiration, and we identify a respiration-related drug target that potentiates the activity of bactericidal antibiotics.
Plasma flows and fluctuations with magnetic islands in the edge plasmas of J-TEXT tokamak
Authors: Zhao K.J. , Shi Y.J. , Hahn S.H. , Diamond P.H. , Sun Y. , Cheng J. , Liu H. , Lie N. , Chen Z.P. , Ding Y.H. , Chen Z.Y. , Rao B. , Leconte M. , Bak J.G. , Cheng Z.F. , Gao L. , Zhang X.Q. , Yang Z.J. , Wang N.C. , Wang L. , Jin W. , Yan L.W. , Dong J.Q. , Zhuang G. 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
The first comprehensive measurements of plasma flows and fluctuations nearby static magnetic islands driven by resonant magnetic perturbations are presented. These experiments were performed using multiple Langmuir probe arrays on the edge plasmas of the J-TEXT tokamak. Controlled variations of the island size and location are explored. This study aims to understand the interaction between turbulence and magnetic islands, and to elucidate magnetic island effects on edge turbulence and flow intensity profiles, edge electric fields, and thus confinement regime transitions. Turbulence and low frequency flows (LFFs) all drop inside the magnetic island, but increase at its boundary, as island width increases. The geodesic acoustic mode is damped in most of the edge area with magnetic islands. The sign of the radial electric field changes from negative to positive within the islands. The gradient of turbulent stresses vanishes at the island center, and becomes steeper at the boundaries of the islands. The particle transport induced by the turbulence is reduced inside the magnetic islands. The magnetic island effects on flows and turbulence can lead to an increase in LFFs and enhance Reynolds stresses near the last closed flux surface (LCFS). A stronger radial electric field layer can be formed near the LCFS when magnetic islands are present. The results suggest that magnetic islands can be used as a tool to enhance edge turbulence and flows, edge electric fields, and thus to trigger confinement regime transitions.
Infectious Disease Physician Assessment of Hospital Preparedness for Ebola Virus Disease
Authors: Polgreen Philip M. , Santibanez Scott , Koonin Lisa M. , Rupp Mark E. , Beekmann Susan E. , del Rio Carlos 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
Background.  The first case of Ebola diagnosed in the United States and subsequent cases among 2 healthcare workers caring for that patient highlighted the importance of hospital preparedness in caring for Ebola patients.
Methods.  From October 21, 2014 to November 11, 2014, infectious disease physicians who are part of the Emerging Infections Network (EIN) were surveyed about current Ebola preparedness at their institutions.
Results.  Of 1566 EIN physician members, 869 (55.5%) responded to this survey. Almost all institutions represented in this survey showed a substantial degree of preparation for the management of patients with suspected and confirmed Ebola virus disease. Despite concerns regarding shortages of personal protective equipment, approximately two thirds of all respondents reported that their facilities had sufficient and ready availability of hoods, full body coveralls, and fluid-resistant or impermeable aprons. The majority of respondents indicated preference for transfer of Ebola patients to specialized treatment centers rather than caring for them locally. In general, we found that larger hospitals and teaching hospitals reported higher levels of preparedness.
Conclusions.  Prior to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's plan for a tiered approach that identified specific roles for frontline, assessment, and designated treatment facilities, our query of infectious disease physicians suggested that healthcare facilities across the United States were making preparations for screening, diagnosis, and treatment of Ebola patients. Nevertheless, respondents from some hospitals indicated that they were relatively unprepared.