bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Real time unsupervised learning of visual stimuli in neuromorphic VLSI systems
Authors: Giulioni Massimiliano , Corradi Federico , Dante Vittorio , del Giudice Paolo 
Published: October 2015

AbstractNeuromorphic chips embody computational principles operating in the nervous system, into microelectronic devices. In this domain it is important to identify computational primitives that theory and experiments suggest as generic and reusable cognitive elements. One such element is provided by attractor dynamics in recurrent networks. Point attractors are equilibrium states of the dynamics (up to fluctuations), determined by the synaptic structure of the network; a ‘basin’ of attraction comprises all initial states leading to a given attractor upon relaxation, hence making attractor dynamics suitable to implement robust associative memory. The initial network state is dictated by the stimulus and relaxation to the attractor state implements the retrieval of the corresponding memorized prototypical pattern. In a previous work we demonstrated that a neuromorphic recurrent network of spiking neurons and suitably chosen, fixed synapses supports attractor dynamics. Here we focus on learning: activating on-chip synaptic plasticity and using a theory-driven strategy for choosing network parameters, we show that autonomous learning, following repeated presentation of simple visual stimuli, shapes a synaptic connectivity supporting stimulus-selective attractors. Associative memory develops on chip as the result of the coupled stimulus-driven neural activity and ensuing synaptic dynamics, with no artificial separation between learning and retrieval phases.
Electrochemical scaffold generates localized, low concentration of hydrogen peroxide that inhibits bacterial pathogens and biofilms
Authors: Sultana Sujala T. , Atci Erhan , Babauta Jerome T. , Mohamed Falghoush Azeza , Snekvik Kevin R. , Call Douglas R. , Beyenal Haluk 
Published: October 2015

AbstractWe hypothesized that low concentrations of H2O2 could be generated through the electrochemical conversion of oxygen by applying an electric potential to a conductive scaffold and produce a low, but constant, concentration of H2O2 that would be sufficient to destroy biofilms. To test our hypothesis we used a multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii strain, because this species is often implicated in difficult-to-treat biofilm infections. We used conductive carbon fabric as the scaffold material (“e-scaffold”). In vitro experiments demonstrated the production of a maximum constant concentration of ~25 μM H2O2 near the e-scaffold surface. An e-scaffold was overlaid onto an existing A. baumannii biofilm and within 24 h there was a ~4-log reduction in viable bacteria with an ~80% decrease in biofilm surface coverage. A similar procedure was used to overlay an e-scaffold onto an existing A. baumannii biofilm that was grown on a porcine explant. After 24 h, there was a ~3-log reduction in viable bacteria from the infected porcine explants with no observable damage to the underlying mammalian tissue based on a viability assay and histology. This research establishes a novel foundation for an alternative antibiotic-free wound dressing to eliminate biofilms.
Efficient amplification of self-gelling polypod-like structured DNA by rolling circle amplification and enzymatic digestion
Authors: Yata Tomoya , Takahashi Yuki , Tan Mengmeng , Hidaka Kumi , Sugiyama Hiroshi , Endo Masayuki , Takakura Yoshinobu , Nishikawa Makiya 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe application of DNA as a functional material such as DNA hydrogel has attracted much attention. Despite an increasing interest, the high cost of DNA synthesis is a limiting factor for its utilization. To reduce the cost, we report here a highly efficient amplification technique for polypod-like structured DNA (polypodna) with adhesive ends that spontaneously forms DNA hydrogel. Two types of polypodna with three (tripodna) and four (tetrapodna) pods were selected and a template oligodeoxynucleotide, containing a tandem sequence of a looped tripodna or tetrapodna, respectively, along with restriction enzyme (TspRI) sites, was designed. The template was circularized using T4 DNA ligase and amplified by rolling circle amplification (RCA). The RCA product was highly viscous and resistant to restriction digestion. Observation under an electron microscope revealed microflower-like structures. These structures were composed of long DNA and magnesium pyrophosphate and their treatment with EDTA followed by restriction digestion with TspRI resulted in numerous copies of polypodna with adhesive ends, which formed a DNA hydrogel. Thus, we believe this technique provides a new approach to produce DNA nanostructures and helps in expanding their practical applications.
Controllable degradation kinetics of POSS nanoparticle-integrated poly(ε-caprolactone urea)urethane elastomers for tissue engineering applications
Authors: Yildirimer Lara , Buanz Asma , Gaisford Simon , Malins Edward L. , Remzi Becer C. , Moiemen Naiem , Reynolds Gary M. , Seifalian Alexander M. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBiodegradable elastomers are a popular choice for tissue engineering scaffolds, particularly in mechanically challenging settings (e.g. the skin). As the optimal rate of scaffold degradation depends on the tissue type to be regenerated, next-generation scaffolds must demonstrate tuneable degradation patterns. Previous investigations mainly focussed on the integration of more or less hydrolysable components to modulate degradation rates. In this study, however, the objective was to develop and synthesize a family of novel biodegradable polyurethanes (PUs) based on a poly(ε-caprolactone urea)urethane backbone integrating polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS-PCLU) with varying amounts of hard segments (24%, 28% and 33% (w/v)) in order to investigate the influence of hard segment chemistry on the degradation rate and profile. PUs lacking POSS nanoparticles served to prove the important function of POSS in maintaining the mechanical structures of the PU scaffolds before, during and after degradation. Mechanical testing of degraded samples revealed hard segment-dependent modulation of the materials’ viscoelastic properties, which was attributable to (i) degradation-induced changes in the PU crystallinity and (ii) either the presence or absence of POSS. In conclusion, this study presents a facile method of controlling degradation profiles of PU scaffolds used in tissue engineering applications.
First-Principles Determination of Ultralow Thermal Conductivity of monolayer WSe2
Authors: Zhou Wu-Xing , Chen Ke-Qiu 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBy using first-principles calculations combined with the phonon Boltzmann transport equation, we systematically investigate the phonon transport of monolayer WSe2. Compared with other 2D materials, the monolayer WSe2 is found to have an ultralow thermal conductivity due to the ultralow Debye frequency and heavy atom mass. The room temperature thermal conductivity for a typical sample size of 1 μm is 3.935  W/m K, which is one order of magnitude lower than that of MoS2. And the room temperature thermal conductivity can be further decreased by about 95% in 10 nm sized samples. Moreover, we also find the ZA phonons have the dominant contribution to the thermal conductivity and the relative contribution is almost 80% at room temperature, which is remarkably higher than that for monolayer MoS2. This is because the ZA phonons have longer lifetime than that of LA and TA phonons in monolayer WSe2.
The no-SCAR (Scarless Cas9 Assisted Recombineering) system for genome editing in Escherichia coli
Authors: Reisch Chris R. , Prather Kristala L. J. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractGenome engineering methods in E. coli allow for easy to perform manipulations of the chromosome in vivo with the assistance of the λ-Red recombinase system. These methods generally rely on the insertion of an antibiotic resistance cassette followed by removal of the same cassette, resulting in a two-step procedure for genomic manipulations. Here we describe a method and plasmid system that can edit the genome of E. coli without chromosomal markers. This system, known as Scarless Cas9 Assisted Recombineering (no-SCAR), uses λ-Red to facilitate genomic integration of donor DNA and double stranded DNA cleavage by Cas9 to counterselect against wild-type cells. We show that point mutations, gene deletions and short sequence insertions were efficiently performed in several genomic loci in a single-step with regards to the chromosome and did not leave behind scar sites. The single-guide RNA encoding plasmid can be easily cured due to its temperature sensitive origin of replication, allowing for iterative chromosomal manipulations of the same strain, as is often required in metabolic engineering. In addition, we demonstrate the ability to efficiently cure the second plasmid in the system by targeting with Cas9, leaving the cells plasmid-free.
Trapping toxins within lipid droplets is a resistance mechanism in fungi
Authors: Chang Wenqiang , Zhang Ming , Zheng Sha , Li Ying , Li Xiaobin , Li Wei , Li Gang , Lin Zhaomin , Xie Zhiyu , Zhao Zuntian , Lou Hongxiang 
Published: October 2015

AbstractLipid droplets (LDs) act as intracellular storage organelles in most types of cells and are principally involved in energy homeostasis and lipid metabolism. However, the role of LDs in resistance to toxins in fungi remains largely unknown. Here, we show that the trapping of endogenous toxins by LDs is a self-resistance mechanism in the toxin producer, while absorbing external lipophilic toxins is a resistance mechanism in the toxin recipient that acts to quench the production of reactive oxygen species. We found that an endolichenic fungus that generates phototoxic perylenequinones (PQs) trapped the PQs inside LDs. Using a model that incorporates the fungicidal action of hypocrellin A (HA), a PQ derivative, we showed that yeast cells escaped killing by trapping toxins inside LDs. Furthermore, LD-deficient mutants were hypersusceptible to HA-mediated phototoxins and other fungicides. Our study identified a previously unrecognised function of LDs in fungi that has implications for our understanding of environmental adaptation strategies for fungi and antifungal drug discovery.
On-chip Extraction of Intracellular Molecules in White Blood Cells from Whole Blood
Authors: Choi Jongchan , Hyun Ji-chul , Yang Sung 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe extraction of virological markers in white blood cells (WBCs) from whole blood—without reagents, electricity, or instruments—is the most important first step for diagnostic testing of infectious diseases in resource-limited settings. Here we develop an integrated microfluidic chip that continuously separates WBCs from whole blood and mechanically ruptures them to extract intracellular proteins and nucleic acids for diagnostic purposes. The integrated chip is assembled with a device that separates WBCs by using differences in blood cell size and a mechanical cell lysis chip with ultra-sharp nanoblade arrays. We demonstrate the performance of the integrated device by quantitatively analyzing the levels of extracted intracellular proteins and genomic DNAs. Our results show that compared with a conventional method, the device yields 120% higher level of total protein amount and similar levels of gDNA (90.3%). To demonstrate its clinical application to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) diagnostics, the developed chip was used to process blood samples containing HIV-infected cells. Based on PCR results, we demonstrate that the chip can extract HIV proviral DNAs from infected cells with a population as low as 102/μl. These findings suggest that the developed device has potential application in point-of-care testing for infectious diseases in developing countries.
The expression and activity of thioredoxin reductase 1 splice variants v1 and v2 regulate the expression of genes associated with differentiation and adhesion
Authors: Nalvarte Ivan , Damdimopoulos Anastasios E. , Rüegg Joëlle , Spyrou Giannis 
Published: October 2015

The mammalian redox-active selenoprotein thioredoxin reductase (TrxR1) is a main player in redox homoeostasis. It transfers electrons from NADPH to a large variety of substrates, particularly to those containing redox-active cysteines. Previously, we reported that the classical form of cytosolic TrxR1 (TXNRD1_v1), when overexpressed in human embryonic kidney cells (HEK-293), prompted the cells to undergo differentiation [Nalvarte et al. (2004) J. Biol. Chem. 279, 54510–54517]. In the present study, we show that several genes associated with differentiation and adhesion are differentially expressed in HEK-293 cells stably overexpressing TXNRD1_v1 compared with cells expressing its splice variant TXNRD1_v2. Overexpression of these two splice forms resulted in distinctive effects on various aspects of cellular functions including gene regulation patterns, alteration of growth rate, migration and morphology and susceptibility to selenium-induced toxicity. Furthermore, differentiation of the neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y induced by all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) increased both TXNRD1_v1 and TXNRD1_v2 expressions along with several of the identified genes associated with differentiation and adhesion. Selenium supplementation in the SH-SY5Y cells also induced a differentiated morphology and changed expression of the adhesion protein fibronectin 1 and the differentiation marker cadherin 11, as well as different temporal expression of the studied TXNRD1 variants. These data suggest that both TXNRD1_v1 and TXNRD1_v2 have distinct roles in differentiation, possibly by altering the expression of the genes associated with differentiation, and further emphasize the importance in distinguishing each unique action of different TrxR1 splice forms, especially when studying the gene silencing or knockout of TrxR1.
Reliability planning of active distribution systems incorporating regulator requirements and network‐reliability equivalents
Authors: Hernando‐Gil Ignacio , Ilie Irinel‐Sorin , Djokic Sasa Z. 
Published: October 2015

This study presents an integrated approach for reliability planning and risk estimation in active distribution systems. By incorporating the use of accurate reliability equivalents for different medium voltage/low voltage networks and load subsectors, a probabilistic methodology is proposed to capture both power quality and reliability aspects in power system planning, which potentially avoids the underestimation of system's performance at bulk supply points. A ‘time to restore supply’ concept, based on security of supply legislation, is introduced to quantify the effect of different network functionalities such as the use of backup supply or automatic/manual reconfiguration schemes. The range of annual reliability indices reported by 14 network operators in the UK is also used for the validation of reliability results, which allows estimating the risk of interruption times above the regulator‐imposed limits. Accordingly, conventional reliability assessment procedures are extended in this study by analysing a meshed urban distribution network through the application of a time‐sequential Monte Carlo simulation. The proposed methodology also acknowledges the use of time‐varying fault probabilities and empirical load profiles for a more realistic estimation of customer interruptions. A decision‐making approach is shown by assessing the impact of several network actions on the accuracy of reliability performance results.
Auxin signaling modules regulate maize inflorescence architecture
Authors: Galli Mary , Liu Qiujie , Moss Britney L. , Malcomber Simon , Li Wei , Gaines Craig , Federici Silvia , Roshkovan Jessica , Meeley Robert , Nemhauser Jennifer L. , Gallavotti Andrea 
Published: October 2015

Significance
Axillary meristems are groups of plant pluripotent stem cells responsible for the formation of secondary axes of growth, such as branches and flowers. A crucial step in the initiation of new axillary meristems is the establishment of boundary domains that allow organ separation and prevent fusion defects during development. This work provides clues on the molecular mechanism by which the plant hormone auxin is involved in the formation of axillary meristems in maize inflorescences. Auxin signaling modules containing the AUXIN/INDOLE-3-ACETIC ACID proteins BARREN INFLORESCENCE1 and BARREN INFLORESCENCE4 and AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR (ARF) transcriptional regulators are involved in the regulation of the boundary basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor BARREN STALK1, suggesting auxin is directly responsible for establishing boundary regions.
Lateral chirality-sorting optical forces
Authors: Hayat Amaury , Mueller J. P. Balthasar , Capasso Federico 
Published: October 2015

SignificanceIn light of the difficulty often associated with sorting and characterizing materials by chirality, new research aimed toward the development of passive optical methods has stirred considerable excitement at the interface of analytical chemistry and physical optics. We describe here a mechanism through which chirality-sorting optical forces emerge through the interaction with the spin-angular momentum of light, a property that the community has recently learned to control with great sophistication using modern nanophotonics. In particular, the forces may be oriented perpendicularly to the propagation direction of evanescent waves, leading to a helicity-dependent lateral deflection of chiral particles in opposite directions. The highly unusual transverse optical force described herein is the strongest of its kind discovered so far to our knowledge.
Taking possession of a heritage: psychologies of the subliminal and their pioneers
Authors: Miranda Punita 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTThis essay explores some of the theoretical repercussions of the debate concerning the growth-oriented dimension of the personality that took place in the late nineteenth-century psychologies of transcendence. 1 The French–Swiss–English–American psychotherapeutic axis, 2 a ‘loose-knit alliance’ of cutting-edge scientists, investigated occult and paranormal phenomena ranging from somnambulism, hypnotic trance states, double consciousness, and multiple personalities to mediumship and pathological schizophrenic fantasies. Their insights into the complex phenomena of psychic dissociation posited a subliminal region that was not only a reservoir of trauma, but also source of a potentiality beyond normal consciousness, a notion which was continued and developed in Jung's psychology.
Comparison of the Josephson Voltage Standards of the PTB and the BIPM (part of the ongoing BIPM key comparison BIPM.EM-K10.b)
Authors: Solve S , Chayramy R , Stock M , Palafox L , Behr R 
Published: October 2015

A comparison of the Josephson array voltage standards of the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM) and the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Braunschweig, Germany, was carried out in October 2014 at the level of 10 V. For this exercise, options A and B of the BIPM.EM-K10.b comparison protocol were applied. Option B required the BIPM to provide a reference voltage for measurement by PTB using its Josephson standard with its own measuring device. Option A required PTB to provide a reference voltage with its Josephson voltage standard for measurement by the BIPM using an analogue nanovoltmeter and associated measurement loop.
The final results were in good agreement within the combined relative standard uncertainty of 3.9 parts in 1011 for the nominal voltage of 10 V.

Main text

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.
The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCEM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Growth, Nutrition, and Cytokine Response of Breast‐fed Infants and Infants Fed Formula With Added Bovine Osteopontin
Authors: Lönnerdal Bo , Kvistgaard Anne S. , Peerson Janet M. , Donovan Sharon M. , Peng Yong‐mei 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTObjectives:Breast milk contains a high concentration of osteopontin (OPN), a protein having multiple functions. In contrast, infant formula is low in OPN. A randomized clinical trial was performed to evaluate effects of adding a highly enriched bovine OPN fraction to formula, and infants whose mothers had already decided not to breast‐feed were recruited. They were fed regular formula (F0) or the same formula with bovine OPN at 65 (F65) or 130 (F130) mg/L (50% and 100% of human milk level, respectively) from 1 to 6 months of age and were compared with a reference group of breast‐fed (BF) infants.Methods:Morbidity was recorded daily and 3‐day dietary records collected monthly. Anthropometry was assessed monthly, and blood samples were taken at 1, 4, and 6 months of age. Hematology and iron status, serum cytokines, plasma amino acids, and blood urea nitrogen were analyzed.Results:Formulas were well tolerated and there were no significant differences in formula intake or growth among the formula‐fed groups. The F130 group had significantly lower plasma threonine than the F0 and F65 groups, and significantly lower plasma branched‐chain amino acids (BCAAs) than the F0 group and, thus, was closer to BF infants. Plasma TNF‐α was higher in formula‐fed infants than in BF infants. Among the formula‐fed groups, the proinflammatory cytokine TNF‐α was significantly lower in the F65 and F130 groups than in the F0 group, suggesting that OPN downregulates inflammatory cytokines and thus affects immune function.Conclusions:Addition of OPN to infant formula changes amino acid metabolism and cytokine responses of FF infants and makes them more similar to BF infants. The lower prevalence of pyrexia in the F130 infants than in F0 infants suggests that adding OPN may confer health benefits.
Comparative Performance of Pediatric Weight Estimation Techniques
Authors: Abdel-Rahman Susan M. , Jacobsen Ryan , Watts Jennifer L. , Doyle Stacy L. , O'Malley Donna M. , Hefner Tiffany D. , Dowd M. Denise 
Published: October 2015

Objective
We compared performance characteristics of 7 weight estimation methods examining predictive performance and human factors errors.

Methods
This was a prospective study of 80 emergency care providers (raters) and 80 children aged 2 months to 16 years. Raters estimated weights in 5 children with the following 7 strategies: visual estimation, Advanced Pediatric Life Support, Luscombe and Owens, Broselow tape, devised weight estimation method, 2D Mercy TAPE (2DT), and 3D Mercy TAPE (3DT). Quantitative errors were determined by checking rater values against values returned with optimal method use.

Results
Four hundred rater-child pairings generated 2800 weight estimates. For all methods, rater-estimated weights were less accurate than weights derived by optimal application. Skill-based, perception, and judgment/decision error were observed. For visual estimation, weights were underestimated in most children. For Advanced Pediatric Life Support/Luscombe and Owens, order of operations markedly impacted errors with 23% of calculations requiring addition first performed incorrectly versus 9% of calculations requiring multiplication first. For Broselow tape, only 63% of cases were eligible for estimation with this device, yet raters assigned a weight in 96% of cases. For Devised Weight Estimation Method, 96% of overweight and 48% of obese children were classified as slim or average. For 2DT/3DT, the 2DT was prone to more errors most commonly use of the wrong side of the device (24%). The impact of rater characteristics on error was most pronounced for methods requiring calculation.

Conclusions
Skill-based, perception, or judgment errors were observed in more than 1 of 20 cases. No singular strategy was used with 100% accuracy.