bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effects of data-driven learning upon vocabulary acquisition for secondary international school students in Vietnam
Authors: Karras Jacob Nolen 
Published: October 2015

AbstractWithin the field of computer assisted language learning (CALL), scant literature exists regarding the effectiveness and practicality for secondary students to utilize data-driven learning (DDL) for vocabulary acquisition. In this study, there were 100 participants, who had a mean age of thirteen years, and were attending an international school in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. This particular milieu unsurprisingly comprised ‘third culture kids’ (TCKs) and ‘cross-cultural kids’ (CCKs). They were assigned to a control and experimental group; both had several intensive weeks of online-dictionary learning training, while the experimental group also experienced intensive DDL training. This was done prior to the start of the eight-week longitudinal study. Major findings included a significant longitudinal main effect for both groups, significantly overall higher results for the experimental group than the control, and a significant difference among subjects’ grade level was discovered. Furthermore, the experimental group exhibited a significantly marked increase in vocabulary results in the later weeks of the experiment. In general, these results show that DDL can be successful in the secondary school English as a foreign language (EFL) context and that it promotes significantly better vocabulary acquisition when used in conjunction with online-dictionary vocabulary learning methods, especially for a sustained longitudinal period of time.
Divided we Stand: Cities, Social Unity and Post-War Reconstruction in Soviet Russia, 1945–1953
Authors: DALE ROBERT 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThis article explores the divisions created by the Great Patriotic War, its aftermath and the reconstruction of Russian cities in the late 1940s and early 1950s. It examines the conflicts created by rebuilding housing, infrastructure, restoring communities and allocating resources in cities where war's painful legacy continued to be felt. The war's impact varied enormously between cities on the frontlines and in the rear. Contrary to official propaganda rebuilding was a protracted process, which created divisions rather than unity.
Cigarettes, dollars and bitcoins – an essay on the ontology of money
Authors: SMIT J. P. , BUEKENS FILIP , DU PLESSIS STAN 
Published: October 2015

AbstractWhat does being money consist in? We argue that something is money if, and only if, it is typically acquired in order to realise the reduction in transaction costs that accrues in virtue of agents coordinating on acquiring the same thing when deciding what thing to acquire in order to exchange. What kinds of things can be money? We argue against the common view that a variety of things (notes, coins, gold, cigarettes, etc.) can be money. All monetary systems are best interpreted as implementing the same basic protocol. Money, i.e. the thing that we coordinate on acquiring in order to lower our transaction costs, is, in all cases, a set of positions on an abstract mathematical object, namely a relative ratio scale. The things that we ordinarily call ‘money’ are merely records of positions on such a scale.
The H1047R point mutation in p110 alpha changes the morphology of human colon HCT116 cancer cells
Authors: Wan G , Pehlke C , Pepermans R , Cannon JL , Lidke D , Rajput A 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe class IA phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3K) is involved in controlling changes in cell morphology, which is a highly coordinated cellular event. This event is powered by actin filament polymerization and remodeling. The gain-of-function mutations in the catalytic subunit of p110α of class IA PI3K, which occur in up to one-third of human colorectal cancers (CRCs), are capable of causing dysregulation of cell signaling and thus may result in the alteration in cell morphology and motility and in turn cause cancer metastasis. In vivo studies have demonstrated that cell lines bearing the H1047R point mutation, the most frequent cancer-specific mutation in the kinase domain of p110α, are more metastatic than cells carrying wild-type p110α. In the current study, we show that the H1047R in p110α of PI3K decreases F-actin polymerization, increases the formation of filopodia and significantly changes the cell morphology in HCT116 cancer cells. The anti-apoptotic protein B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), which is also involved in actin polymerization and cell migration, is downregulated by the H1047R mutation in p110α. Our data suggest that the H1047R mutation in PI3K is responsible for the rearrangement of the cytoskeleton, alteration in cell morphology and enhancing cell motility, and that Bcl-2 may be involved in the H1047R mutation-mediated morphological changes and increased migratory capability.
Spin-current emission governed by nonlinear spin dynamics
Authors: Tashiro Takaharu , Matsuura Saki , Nomura Akiyo , Watanabe Shun , Kang Keehoon , Sirringhaus Henning , Ando Kazuya 
Published: October 2015

AbstractCoupling between conduction electrons and localized magnetization is responsible for a variety of phenomena in spintronic devices. This coupling enables to generate spin currents from dynamical magnetization. Due to the nonlinearity of magnetization dynamics, the spin-current emission through the dynamical spin-exchange coupling offers a route for nonlinear generation of spin currents. Here, we demonstrate spin-current emission governed by nonlinear magnetization dynamics in a metal/magnetic insulator bilayer. The spin-current emission from the magnetic insulator is probed by the inverse spin Hall effect, which demonstrates nontrivial temperature and excitation power dependences of the voltage generation. The experimental results reveal that nonlinear magnetization dynamics and enhanced spin-current emission due to magnon scatterings are triggered by decreasing temperature. This result illustrates the crucial role of the nonlinear magnon interactions in the spin-current emission driven by dynamical magnetization, or nonequilibrium magnons, from magnetic insulators.
EGR1 regulates hepatic clock gene amplitude by activating Per1 transcription
Authors: Tao Weiwei , Wu Jing , Zhang Qian , Lai Shan-Shan , Jiang Shan , Jiang Chen , Xu Ying , Xue Bin , Du Jie , Li Chao-Jun 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe mammalian clock system is composed of a master clock and peripheral clocks. At the molecular level, the rhythm-generating mechanism is controlled by a molecular clock composed of positive and negative feedback loops. However, the underlying mechanisms for molecular clock regulation that affect circadian clock function remain unclear. Here, we show that Egr1 (early growth response 1), an early growth response gene, is expressed in mouse liver in a circadian manner. Consistently, Egr1 is transactivated by the CLOCK/BMAL1 heterodimer through a conserved E-box response element. In hepatocytes, EGR1 regulates the transcription of several core clock genes, including Bmal1, Per1, Per2, Rev-erbα and Rev-erbβ and the rhythm amplitude of their expression is dependent on EGR1’s transcriptional function. Further mechanistic studies indicated that EGR1 binds to the proximal region of the Per1 promoter to activate its transcription directly. When the peripheral clock is altered by light or feeding behavior transposition in Egr1-deficient mice, the expression phase of hepatic clock genes shifts normally, but the amplitude is also altered. Our data reveal a critical role for EGR1 in the regulation of hepatic clock circuitry, which may contribute to the rhythm stability of peripheral clock oscillators.
Alloreactive CD154-expressing T-cell subsets with differential sensitivity to the immunosuppressant, belatacept: potential targets of novel belatacept-based regimens
Authors: Ashokkumar Chethan , Ganguly Bishu , Townsend Robert , White Jaimie , Levy Samantha , Moritz Michael , Mazariegos George , Sun Qing , Sindhi Rakesh 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBelatacept blocks CD28-mediated T-cell costimulation and prevents renal transplant rejection. Understanding T-cell subset sensitivity to belatacept may identify cellular markers for immunosuppression failure to better guide treatment selection. Here, we evaluate the belatacept sensitivity of allo-antigen-specific CD154-expressing-T-cells, whose T-cytotoxic memory (TcM) subset predicts rejection with high sensitivity after non-renal transplantation. The belatacept concentration associated with half-maximal reduction (EC50) of CD154 expression was calculated for 36 T-cell subsets defined by combinations of T-helper (Th), Tc, T-memory and CD28 receptors, following allostimulation of peripheral blood leukocytes from 20 normal healthy subjects. Subsets were ranked by median EC50 and by whether subset EC50 was correlated with and therefore could be represented by the frequency of other subsets. No single subset frequency emerged as the significant correlate of EC50 for a given subset. Most (n = 25) T-cell subsets were sensitive to belatacept. Less sensitive subsets demonstrated a memory phenotype and absence of CD28 receptor. Potential drug-resistance markers for future validation include the low frequency highly differentiated, Th-memory-CD28-negative T-cells with the highest median EC50 and the least differentiated, high-frequency Tc subset, with the most CD28-negative T-cells, the third highest median EC50 and significant correlations with frequencies of the highest number of CD28-negative and memory subsets.
The feasibility of the ACOSOG Z0011 Criteria to Chinese Breast Cancer Patients: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Liu Miao , Wang Shu , Cui Shude , Duan Xuening , Fan Zhimin , Yu Zhigang 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of the Z0011 criteria to Chinese breast cancer patients. An survey about the Z0011 trial was distributed and we collected 658 consecutive patients with axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) after positive sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy from five centers’ databases and grouped them as eligible or ineligible for omitting ALND according to the Z0011 criteria. The eligible group was compared with the cohort included in the Z0011 trial and with the ineligible group. Of the 427 respondants, 106 (24.8%) and 130 (30.4%)would not routinely perform ALND in patients meeting Z0011 criteria before and after learning of the trial results, respectively. Among the 658 patients, 151 (22.9%) were eligible and 507 were ineligible for omitting ALND. The clinicopathologic factors were not statistically different between the eligible group and the Z0011 cohort. Compared with the eligible Group, the ineligible group had significantly more T2 and T3 stage tumors, positive lymph nodes(LNs) and positive non-sentinel lymph nodes (NSLNs) (P < 0.01). The findings suggest good exportability of the Z0011 criteria to Chinese patients omitting ALND, but application of Z0011 as national treatment guideline still needs additional time and effort.
Microscopic Haematuria and Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Stage 3–5 Nondiabetic Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: You-Hsien Lin Hugo , Yen Chun-Yu , Lim Lee-Moay , Hwang Daw-Yang , Tsai Jer-Chia , Hwang Shang-Jyh , Hung Chi-Chih , Chen Hung-Chun 
Published: October 2015

AbstractMicroscopic haematuria is proposed as a prognostic factor for renal outcomes in patients with glomerulonephritis. However, the role of haematuria in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) or heavy proteinuria has not been investigated. We divided 1799 patients with stage 3–5 nondiabetic CKD into 3 groups according to the results from 3 urinalyses: no haematuria (0–2 red blood cells [RBCs]/hpf ≥2 times), mild haematuria (2–5 RBCs/hpf ≥2 times) and moderate haematuria (≥5–10 RBCs/hpf ≥2 times). The estimated glomerular filtration rate was 25.4 mL/min/1.73 m2, with a urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPCR) of 881 mg/g. The hazard ratios (HRs) of mild and moderate haematuria for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) were 1.28 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05–1.56, P = 0.024) and 1.34 (95% CI: 1.03–1.74, P = 0.030), respectively. The HR of moderate haematuria for mortality was 1.56 (95% CI: 1.11–2.20, P = 0.011). According to subgroup analysis, the HR of moderate haematuria for ESRD in patients with a UPCR of <500 mg/g was more prominent than that in patients with a UPCR of ≥500 mg/g. Microscopic haematuria in patients with stage 3–5 nondiabetic CKD is associated with increased risks of ESRD and mortality.
CXCR4-targeted near-infrared imaging allows detection of orthotopic and metastatic human osteosarcoma in a mouse model
Authors: Guan Guofeng , Lu Yao , Zhu Xiaodong , Liu Lijuan , Chen Jie , Ma Qiong , Zhang Yinglong , Wen Yanhua , Yang Lianjia , Liu Tao , Wang Wei , Ran Henry , Qiu Xiuchun , Ke Shi , Zhou Yong 
Published: October 2015

AbstractCXCR4 is expressed at primary and metastatic sites of osteosarcoma. We developed a novel CXCR4-targeted near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent imaging agent (referred to as CXCR4-IR-783). The binding to representative osteosarcoma cells (F5M2 and F4 for high- and low- CXCR4 expression) was examined. CXCR4-IR-783 fluorescence was also examined in a mouse xenograft model of human osteosarcoma using NIR fluorescence microscopy and a Kodakin-vivomultispectral system. Pulmonary metastases in mice bearing osteosarcoma xenografts were detected by micro CT,18F-PET scan and NIR imaging scan. Briefly, the binding of CXCR4-IR-783 was significantly higher in F5M2 than in F4 cells. Intense NIR fluorescence signals were detected in osteosarcoma xenografts, with signal/background ratio at 4.87 in mice bearing the F5M2 cell. At 4 weeks after F5M2 cell inoculation, metastatic lesions in the lungs were detectable using CXCR4-IR-783 and micro-CT scan, but not with18F-FDG PET scan. In conclusion, CXCR4-IR-783 is a promising tool for detection of high CXCR4-expressing osteosarcoma and particularly for its metastatic lesions.
Quantitative assessment of gene expression network module-validation methods
Authors: Li Bing , Zhang Yingying , Yu Yanan , Wang Pengqian , Wang Yongcheng , Wang Zhong , Wang Yongyan 
Published: October 2015

AbstractValidation of pluripotent modules in diverse networks holds enormous potential for systems biology and network pharmacology. An arising challenge is how to assess the accuracy of discovering all potential modules from multi-omic networks and validating their architectural characteristics based on innovative computational methods beyond function enrichment and biological validation. To display the framework progress in this domain, we systematically divided the existing Computational Validation Approaches based on Modular Architecture (CVAMA) into topology-based approaches (TBA) and statistics-based approaches (SBA). We compared the available module validation methods based on 11 gene expression datasets and partially consistent results in the form of homogeneous models were obtained with each individual approach, whereas discrepant contradictory results were found between TBA and SBA. The TBA of the Zsummary value had a higher Validation Success Ratio (VSR) (51%) and a higher Fluctuation Ratio (FR) (80.92%), whereas the SBA of the approximately unbiased (AU) p-value had a lower VSR (12.3%) and a lower FR (45.84%). The Gray area simulated study revealed a consistent result for these two models and indicated a lower Variation Ratio (VR) (8.10%) of TBA at 6 simulated levels. Despite facing many novel challenges and evidence limitations, CVAMA may offer novel insights into modular networks.
Gold nanoparticles assembled with dithiocarbamate-anchored molecular wires
Authors: Reeler Nini E. A. , Lerstrup Knud A. , Somerville Walter , Speder Jozsef , Petersen Søren V. , Laursen Bo W. , Arenz Matthias , Qiu Xiaohui , Vosch Tom , Nørgaard Kasper 
Published: October 2015

AbstractA protocol for the bottom-up self-assembly of nanogaps is developed through molecular linking of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Two π-conjugated oligo(phenylene ethynylene) molecules (OPE) with dithiocarbamate anchoring groups are used as ligands for the AuNPs. OPE-4S with a dithiocarbamate in each end of the molecule and a reference molecule OPE-2S with only a single dithiocarbamate end group. The linking mechanism of OPE-4S is investigated by using a combination of TEM, UV-Vis absorption and surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) as well as studying the effect of varying the OPE-4S to AuNP concentration ratio. UV-Vis absorption confirms the formation of AuNP aggregates by the appearance of an extended plasmon band (EPB) for which the red shift and intensity depend on the OPE-4S:AuNP ratio. SERS confirms the presence of OPE-4S and shows a gradual increase of the signal intensity with increasing OPE-4S:AuNP ratios up to a ratio of about 4000, after which the SERS intensity does not increase significantly. For OPE-2S, no linking is observed below full coverage of the AuNPs indicating that the observed aggregate formation at high OPE-2S:AuNP ratios, above full AuNP coverage, is most likely of a physical nature (van der Waals forces or π-π interactions).
Hollow ZIF-8 Nanoworms from Block Copolymer Templates
Authors: Yu Haizhou , Qiu Xiaoyan , Neelakanda Pradeep , Deng Lin , Khashab Niveen M. , Nunes Suzana P. , Peinemann Klaus-Viktor 
Published: October 2015

AbstractRecently two quite different types of “nano-containers” have been recognized as attractive potential drug carriers; these are wormlike filamenteous micelles (“filomicelles”) on the one hand and metal organic frameworks on the other hand. In this work we combine these two concepts. We report for the first time the manufacturing of metal organic framework nanotubes with a hollow core. These worm-like tubes are about 200 nm thick and several μm long. The preparation is simple: we first produce long and flexible filament-shaped micelles by block copolymer self-assembly. These filomicelles serve as templates to grow a very thin layer of interconnected ZIF-8 crystals on their surface. Finally the block copolymer is removed by solvent extraction and the hollow ZIF-8 nanotubes remain. These ZIF-NTs are surprisingly stable and withstand purification by centrifugation. The synthesis method is straightforward and can easily be applied for other metal organic framework materials. The ZIF-8 NTs exhibit high loading capacity for the model anti cancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) with a pH-triggered release. Hence, a prolonged circulation in the blood stream and a targeted drug release behavior can be expected.
A short treatise concerning a musical approach for the interpretation of gene expression data
Authors: Staege Martin S. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractRecent technical developments allow the genome-wide and near-complete analysis of gene expression in a given sample, e.g. by usage of high-density DNA microarrays or next generation sequencing. The generated data structure is usually multi-dimensional and requires extensive processing not only for analysis but also for presentation of the results. Today, such data are usually presented graphically, e.g. in the form of heat maps. In the present paper, we propose an alternative form of analysis and presentation which is based on the transformation of gene expression data into sounds that are characterized by their frequency (pitch) and tone duration. Using DNA microarray data from a panel of neuroblastoma and Ewing sarcoma cell lines as well as from Hodgkin’s lymphoma cell lines and normal B cells, we demonstrate that this Gene Expression Music Algorithm (GEMusicA) can be used for discrimination between samples with different biology and for the characterization of differentially expressed genes.
Modular Design of the Selectivity Filter Pore Loop in a Novel Family of Prokaryotic ‘Inward Rectifier’ (NirBac) channels
Authors: Zubcevic Lejla , Wang Shizhen , Bavro Vassiliy N. , Lee Sun-Joo , Nichols Colin G. , Tucker Stephen J. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractPotassium channels exhibit a modular design with distinct structural and functional domains; in particular, a highly conserved pore-loop sequence that determines their ionic selectivity. We now report the functional characterisation of a novel group of functionally non-selective members of the prokaryotic ‘inward rectifier’ subfamily of K+ channels. These channels share all the key structural domains of eukaryotic and prokaryotic Kir/KirBac channels, but instead possess unique pore-loop selectivity filter sequences unrelated to any other known ionic selectivity filter. The strikingly unusual architecture of these ‘NirBac’ channels defines a new family of functionally non-selective ion channels and also provides important insights into the modular design of ion channels, as well as the evolution of ionic selectivity within this superfamily of tetrameric cation channels.
Lectin staining and flow cytometry reveals female-induced sperm acrosome reaction and surface carbohydrate reorganization
Authors: Kekäläinen Jukka , Larma Irma , Linden Matthew , Evans Jonathan P. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAll cells are covered by glycans, an individually unique layer of oligo- and polysaccharides that are critical moderators of self-recognition and other cellular-level interactions (e.g. fertilization). The functional similarity between these processes suggests that gamete surface glycans may also have an important, but currently overlooked, role in sexual selection. Here we develop a user-friendly methodological approach designed to facilitate future tests of this possibility. Our proposed method is based on flow cytometric quantification of female-induced sperm acrosome reaction and sperm surface glycan modifications in the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. In this species, as with many other taxa, eggs release water-soluble factors that attract conspecific sperm (chemoattraction) and promote potentially measurable changes in sperm behavior and physiology. We demonstrate that flow cytometry is able to identify sperm from other seawater particles as well as accurately measure both acrosome reaction and structural modifications in sperm glycans. This methodological approach can increase our understanding of chemically-moderated gamete-level interactions and individual-specific gamete recognition in Mytilus sp. and other taxa with similar, easily identifiable acrosome structure. Our approach is also likely to be applicable to several other species, since carbohydrate-mediated cellular-level interactions between gametes are universal among externally and internally fertilizing species.
High nitrogen-containing cotton derived 3D porous carbon frameworks for high-performance supercapacitors
Authors: Fan Li-Zhen , Chen Tian-Tian , Song Wei-Li , Li Xiaogang , Zhang Shichao 
Published: October 2015

AbstractSupercapacitors fabricated by 3D porous carbon frameworks, such as graphene- and carbon nanotube (CNT)-based aerogels, have been highly attractive due to their various advantages. However, their high cost along with insufficient yield has inhibited their large-scale applications. Here we have demonstrated a facile and easily scalable approach for large-scale preparing novel 3D nitrogen-containing porous carbon frameworks using ultralow-cost commercial cotton. Electrochemical performance suggests that the optimal nitrogen-containing cotton-derived carbon frameworks with a high nitrogen content (12.1 mol%) along with low surface area 285 m2g−1present high specific capacities of the 308 and 200 F g−1in KOH electrolyte at current densities of 0.1 and 10 A g−1, respectively, with very limited capacitance loss upon 10,000 cycles in both aqueous and gel electrolytes. Moreover, the electrode exhibits the highest capacitance up to 220 F g−1at 0.1 A g−1and excellent flexibility (with negligible capacitance loss under different bending angles) in the polyvinyl alcohol/KOH gel electrolyte. The observed excellent performance competes well with that found in the electrodes of similar 3D frameworks formed by graphene or CNTs. Therefore, the ultralow-cost and simply strategy here demonstrates great potential for scalable producing high-performance carbon-based supercapacitors in the industry.