bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolving Understanding of Antarctic Ice‐Sheet Physics and Ambiguity in Probabilistic Sea‐Level Projections
Authors: Kopp Robert E. , DeConto Robert M. , Bader Daniel A. , Hay Carling C. , Horton Radley M. , Kulp Scott , Oppenheimer Michael , Pollard David , Strauss Benjamin H.
Published: December 2017

Mechanisms such as ice‐shelf hydrofracturing and ice‐cliff collapse may rapidly increase discharge from marine‐based ice sheets. Here, we link a probabilistic framework for sea‐level projections to a small ensemble of Antarctic ice‐sheet (AIS) simulations incorporating these physical processes to explore their influence on global‐mean sea‐level (GMSL) and relative sea‐level (RSL). We compare the new projections to past results using expert assessment and structured expert elicitation about AIS changes. Under high greenhouse gas emissions (Representative Concentration Pathway [RCP] 8.5), median projected 21st century GMSL rise increases from 79 to 146 cm. Without protective measures, revised median RSL projections would by 2100 submerge land currently home to 153 million people, an increase of 44 million. The use of a physical model, rather than simple parameterizations assuming constant acceleration of ice loss, increases forcing sensitivity: overlap between the central 90% of simulations for 2100 for RCP 8.5 (93–243 cm) and RCP 2.6 (26–98 cm) is minimal. By 2300, the gap between median GMSL estimates for RCP 8.5 and RCP 2.6 reaches >10 m, with median RSL projections for RCP 8.5 jeopardizing land now occupied by 950 million people (versus 167 million for RCP 2.6). The minimal correlation between the contribution of AIS to GMSL by 2050 and that in 2100 and beyond implies current sea‐level observations cannot exclude future extreme outcomes. The sensitivity of post‐2050 projections to deeply uncertain physics highlights the need for robust decision and adaptive management frameworks.
Simulation of the Central Indian Ocean Mode in CESM: Implications for the Indian Summer Monsoon System
Authors: Zhou Lei , Murtugudde Raghu , Neale Richard B. , Jochum Markus
Published: December 2017

The simulation of the Indian summer monsoon and its pronounced intraseasonal component in a modern climate model remains a significant challenge. Recently, using observations and reanalysis products, the central Indian Ocean (CIO) mode was found to be a natural mode in the ocean‐atmosphere coupled system and also shown to have a close mechanistic connection with the monsoon intraseasonal oscillation (MISO). In this study, the simulation of the actual CIO mode in historical Community Earth System Model (CESM) outputs is assessed by comparing with observations and reanalysis products. The simulation of the Madden‐Julian Oscillation, a major component of tropical intraseasonal variabilities (ISVs), is satisfactory. However, the CIO mode is not well captured in any of the CESM simulations considered here. The force and response relationship between the atmosphere and the ocean associated with the CIO mode in CESM is opposite to that in nature. The simulated meridional gradient of large‐scale zonal winds is too weak, which precludes the necessary energy conversion from the mean state to the ISVs and cuts off the energy source to MISO in CESM. The inability of CESM to reproduce the CIO mode seen clearly in nature highlights the CIO mode as a new dynamical framework for diagnosing the deficiencies in Indian summer monsoon simulation in climate models. The CIO mode is a coupled metric for evaluating climate models and may be a better indicator of a model's skill to accurately capture the tropical multiscale interactions over subseasonal to interannual timescales.
Extending High‐Order Flux Operators on Spherical Icosahedral Grids and Their Applications in the Framework of a Shallow Water Model
Authors: Zhang Yi
Published: December 2017

This study extends a set of unstructured third/fourth‐order flux operators on spherical icosahedral grids from two perspectives. First, the fifth‐order and sixth‐order flux operators of this kind are further extended, and the nominally second‐order to sixth‐order operators are then compared based on the solid body rotation and deformational flow tests. Results show that increasing the nominal order generally leads to smaller absolute errors. Overall, the standard fifth‐order scheme generates the smallest errors in limited and unlimited tests, although it does not enhance the convergence rate. Even‐order operators show higher limiter sensitivity than the odd‐order operators. Second, a triangular version of these high‐order operators is repurposed for transporting the potential vorticity in a space‐time‐split shallow water framework. Results show that a class of nominally third‐order upwind‐biased operators generates better results than second‐order and fourth‐order counterparts. The increase of the potential enstrophy over time is suppressed owing to the damping effect. The grid‐scale noise in the vorticity is largely alleviated, and the total energy remains conserved. Moreover, models using high‐order operators show smaller numerical errors in the vorticity field because of a more accurate representation of the nonlinear Coriolis term. This improvement is especially evident in the Rossby‐Haurwitz wave test, in which the fluid is highly rotating. Overall, high‐order flux operators with higher damping coefficients, which essentially behave like the Anticipated Potential Vorticity Method, present better results.
Communication Accommodation Theory
Authors: Zhang Yan Bing , Giles Howard
Published: December 2017

In the 40‐plus years since its inception, communication accommodation theory (CAT) has been used in multidisciplinary, multilingual, and multicultural contexts. It has become one of the most influential behavioral theories of communication with its long‐standing empirical foundation and subsequent extensions built in the context of intercultural communication. CAT distinguishes itself from other intercultural theories as it pertains to communication and relates communicative acts to other psycho‐cultural constructs. In particular, CAT offers insights on the influence that individual orientations, cultural norms, and individual and situational factors have on relational, functional, and identity development and negotiations in cross‐cultural adaptation. Actually, CAT is the only communication theory of interpersonal adaptation that has appealed to intercultural dynamics, and its intergroup features make it especially relevant. This entry focuses on CAT's contributions to intercultural communication. CAT's heuristic value, development and major conceptualizations, and connections with models of cultural adaptation are also highlighted.
Boosting Bifunctional Oxygen Electrocatalysis with 3D Graphene Aerogel‐Supported Ni/MnO Particles
Authors: Fu Gengtao , Yan Xiaoxiao , Chen Yifan , Xu Lin , Sun Dongmei , Lee Jong‐Min , Tang Yawen
Published: December 2017

Electrocatalysts for oxygen‐reduction and oxygen‐evolution reactions (ORR and OER) are crucial for metal–air batteries, where more costly Pt‐ and Ir/Ru‐based materials are the benchmark catalysts for ORR and OER, respectively. Herein, for the first time Ni is combined with MnO species, and a 3D porous graphene aerogel‐supported Ni/MnO (Ni–MnO/rGO aerogel) bifunctional catalyst is prepared via a facile and scalable hydrogel route. The synthetic strategy depends on the formation of a graphene oxide (GO) crosslinked poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogel that allows for the efficient capture of highly active Ni/MnO particles after pyrolysis. Remarkably, the resulting Ni–MnO/rGO aerogels exhibit superior bifunctional catalytic performance for both ORR and OER in an alkaline electrolyte, which can compete with the previously reported bifunctional electrocatalysts. The MnO mainly contributes to the high activity for the ORR, while metallic Ni is responsible for the excellent OER activity. Moreover, such bifunctional catalyst can endow the homemade Zn–air battery with better power density, specific capacity, and cycling stability than mixed Pt/C + RuO2 catalysts, demonstrating its potential feasibility in practical application of rechargeable metal–air batteries.
Climate‐Dependent Heat‐Triggered Opening Mechanism of Banksia Seed Pods
Authors: Huss Jessica C. , Schoeppler Vanessa , Merritt David J. , Best Christine , Maire Eric , Adrien Jérôme , Spaeker Oliver , Janssen Nils , Gladisch Johannes , Gierlinger Notburga , Miller Ben P. , Fratzl Peter , Eder Michaela
Published: December 2017

Heat‐triggered fruit opening and delayed release of mature seeds are widespread among plants in fire‐prone ecosystems. Here, the material characteristics of the seed‐containing follicles of Banksia attenuata (Proteaceae), which open in response to heat frequently caused by fire, are investigated. Material analysis reveals that long‐term dimensional stability and opening temperatures of follicles collected across an environmental gradient increase as habitats become drier, hotter, and more fire prone. A gradual increase in the biaxial curvature of the hygroscopic valves provides the follicles in the driest region with the highest flexural rigidity. The irreversible deformation of the valves for opening is enabled via a temperature‐dependent reduction of the elastic modulus of the innermost tissue layer, which then allows releasing the stresses previously generated by shrinkage of the fiber bundles in the adjacent layer during follicle drying. These findings illustrate the level of sophistication by which this species optimizes its fruit opening mechanism over a large distribution range with varying environmental conditions, and may not only have great relevance for developing biomimetic actuators, but also for elucidating the species' capacity to cope with climatic changes.
Heterologous Protein Expression in Pichia pastoris: Latest Research Progress and Applications
Authors: Juturu Veeresh , Wu Jin Chuan
Published: December 2017

Pichia pastoris is a well‐known platform strain for heterologous protein expression. Over the past five years, different strategies to improve the efficiency of recombinant protein expression by this yeast strain have been developed; these include a patent‐free protein expression kit, construction of the P. pastoris CBS7435Ku70 platform strain with its high efficiency in site‐specific recombination of plasmid DNA into the genomic DNA, the design of synthetic promoters and their variants by combining different core promoters with multiple putative transcription factors, the generation of mutant GAP promoter variants with various promoter strengths, codon optimization, engineering the α‐factor signal sequence by replacing the native glutamic acid at the Kex2 cleavage site with the other 19 natural amino acids and the addition of mammalian signal sequence to the yeast signal sequence, and the co‐expression of single chaperones, multiple chaperones or helper proteins that aid in recombinant protein folding. Publically available high‐quality genome data from multiple strains of P. pastoris GS115, DSMZ 70382, and CBS7435 and the continuous development of yeast expression kits have successfully promoted the metabolic engineering of this strain to produce carotenoids, xanthophylls, nootkatone, ricinoleic acid, dammarenediol‐II, and hyaluronic acid. The cell‐surface display of enzymes has obviously increased enzyme stability, and high‐level intracellular expression of acyl‐CoA and ethanol O‐acyltransferase, lipase and d‐amino acid oxidase has opened up applications in whole‐cell biocatalysis for producing flavor molecules and biodiesel, as well as the deracemization of racemic amino acids. High‐level expression of various food‐grade enzymes, cellulases, and hemicellulases for applications in the food, feed and biorefinery industries is in its infancy and needs strengthening.
Covalent Triazine Framework Anchored with Co3O4 Nanoparticles for Efficient Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Chen Sicong , Zhu Yuanzhi , Xu Danyun , Peng Wenchao , Li Yang , Zhang Guoliang , Zhang Fengbao , Fan Xiaobin
Published: December 2017

The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is an important process in energy conversion and storage devices. Great efforts have been focused on developing efficient, durable, and low‐cost non‐Pt catalysts. In this study, a novel hybrid ORR catalyst of Co3O4 and covalent triazine framework (CTF) was prepared through the in‐situ growth of Co3O4 nanoparticles on CTF by using a hydrothermal method. Systematical studies revealed that this hybrid catalyst not only has a synergistic catalytic effect in the ORR, but also has superior stability and better methanol resistance than commercial Pt/C catalysts.
Complete Depolymerization and Repolymerization of a Sugar Poly(orthoester)
Authors: Li Lingyao , Maiti Sampa , Thompson Nicole A. , Milligan Ian J. , Du Wenjun
Published: December 2017

Invited for this month′s cover is the group of Wenjun Du at Central Michigan University. The Cover Picture shows a glycopolymer undergoing a cycle of depolymerization and repolymerization. The Communication itself is available at 10.1002/cssc.201701870.
Adipocytes role in the bone marrow niche
Authors: Guerra Daniel A. P. , Paiva Ana E. , Sena Isadora F. G. , Azevedo Patrick O. , Batista Miguel Luiz , Mintz Akiva , Birbrair Alexander
Published: December 2017

Adipocyte infiltration in the bone marrow follows chemotherapy or irradiation. Previous studies indicate that bone marrow fat cells inhibit hematopoietic stem cell function. Recently, Zhou et al. (2017) using state‐of‐the‐art techniques, including sophisticated Cre/loxP technologies, confocal microscopy, in vivo lineage‐tracing, flow cytometry, and bone marrow transplantation, reveal that adipocytes promote hematopoietic recovery after irradiation. This study challenges the current view of adipocytes as negative regulators of the hematopoietic stem cells niche, and reopens the discussion about adipocytes' roles in the bone marrow. Strikingly, genetic deletion of stem cell factor specifically from adipocytes leads to deficiency in hematopoietic stem cells, and reduces animal survival after myeloablation, The emerging knowledge from this research will be important for the treatment of multiple hematologic disorders. © 2017 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
ICCS/ESCCA Consensus Guidelines to detect GPI‐deficient cells in Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH) and related Disorders Part 3 – Data Analysis, Reporting and Case Studies
Authors: Illingworth Andrea , Marinov Iuri , Sutherland D. Robert , Wagner-Ballon Orianne , DelVecchio Luigi
Published: December 2017

Over the past several years, a diverse group of physicians and other laboratory scientists have developed various recommendations and guidelines regarding best practices for PNH testing. This manuscript is based on these previous recommendations as well as various other relevant publications of experts in the area of PNH testing. The goal is to provide flow cytometry laboratories with an updated consensus approach to analysis and reporting of PNH results and to address the most common analytical challenges for accurate reporting of this rare disease. A comprehensive case library is included in this section. © 2017 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Ecobat: An online resource to facilitate transparent, evidence‐based interpretation of bat activity data
Authors: Lintott Paul R. , Davison Sophie , van Breda John , Kubasiewicz Laura , Dowse David , Daisley Jonathan , Haddy Emily , Mathews Fiona
Published: December 2017

Acoustic surveys of bats are one of the techniques most commonly used by ecological practitioners. The results are used in Ecological Impact Assessments to assess the likely impacts of future developments on species that are widely protected in law, and to monitor developments’ postconstruction. However, there is no standardized methodology for analyzing or interpreting these data, which can make the assessment of the ecological value of a site very subjective. Comparisons of sites and projects are therefore difficult for ecologists and decision‐makers, for example, when trying to identify the best location for a new road based on relative bat activity levels along alternative routes. Here, we present a new web‐based, data‐driven tool, Ecobat, which addresses the need for a more robust way of interpreting ecological data. Ecobat offers users an easy, standardized, and objective method for analyzing bat activity data. It allows ecological practitioners to compare bat activity data at regional and national scales and to generate a numerical indicator of the relative importance of a night's worth of bat activity. The tool is free and open‐source; because the underlying algorithms are already developed, it could easily be expanded to new geographical regions and species. Data donation is required to ensure the robustness of the analyses; we use a positive feedback mechanism to encourage ecological practitioners to share data by providing in return high quality, contextualized data analysis, and graphical visualizations for direct use in ecological reports.
General environmental heterogeneity as the explanation of sexuality? Comparative study shows that ancient asexual taxa are associated with both biotically and abiotically homogeneous environments
Authors: Toman Jan , Flegr Jaroslav
Published: December 2017

Ecological theories of sexual reproduction assume that sexuality is advantageous in certain conditions, for example, in biotically or abiotically more heterogeneous environments. Such theories thus could be tested by comparative studies. However, the published results of these studies are rather unconvincing. Here, we present the results of a new comparative study based exclusively on the ancient asexual clades. The association with biotically or abiotically homogeneous environments in these asexual clades was compared with the same association in their sister, or closely related, sexual clades. Using the conservative definition of ancient asexuals (i.e., age >1 million years), we found eight pairs of taxa of sexual and asexual species, six differing in the heterogeneity of their inhabited environment on the basis of available data. The difference between the environmental type associated with the sexual and asexual species was then compared in an exact binomial test. The results showed that the majority of ancient asexual clades tend to be associated with biotically, abiotically, or both biotically and abiotically more homogeneous environments than their sexual controls. In the exploratory part of the study, we found that the ancient asexuals often have durable resting stages, enabling life in subjectively homogeneous environments, live in the absence of intense biotic interactions, and are very often sedentary, inhabiting benthos, and soil. The consequences of these findings for the ecological theories of sexual reproduction are discussed.
Hybrid CO2 EOR using polymer‐assisted carbonated low salinity waterflood to improve CO2 deliverability and mobility
Authors: Lee Ji Ho , Kim Tae Hong , Lee Kun Sang
Published: December 2017

A hybrid polymer‐assisted carbonated low‐salinity waterflood (PCLSWF) is a low‐salinity waterflood‐based enhanced oil recovery (EOR) co‐injecting CO2 and polymer. In the hybrid process, the low salinity of make‐up brine enhances CO2 deliverability into a reservoir due to the salting‐out phenomenon. This PCLSWF introduces the following synergetic effects: 1) wettability modification; 2) decreasing oil viscosity; 3) increasing brine viscosity. These effects are evaluated in core‐ and pilot‐scaled systems. First, the PCLSWF induces ion‐exchange of Ca2+ and improves wettability following MIE (multi‐components ionic exchange) theory. The wettability modification effect is enhanced in the pilot‐scaled system because the low pH of the PLCSWF dissolves more cemented calcite mineral producing Ca2+ and resulting in more ion‐exchange of Ca2+. Secondly, a lot of dissolved CO2 in brine is transferred into oil, consequently decreasing the viscosity and density of oil. Finally, polymer injection increases the viscosity of the displacing fluid. Although it undergoes mechanical and chemical degradation, it still improves mobility ratio and sweep efficiency. In the pilot‐scaled system, the PCLSWF enhances oil recovery up to 12%, 6%, and 2% over the low salinity waterflood (LSWF), low salinity polymer flood (LSPF), and carbonated low salinity waterflood (CLSWF) respectively. The optimization process maximizes the efficiency of the PCLSWF, and it is recommended that tertiary PCLSWF is deployed following the secondary CLSWF. The optimized injection design of the PCLSWF increases the net present value up to 18% more than the LSWF. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maternal autonomy support and dyadic verbal synchrony during narrative coconstruction: Links with child attachment representations and independent narrative competence
Authors: Kelly Kimberly Reynolds
Published: December 2017

This study investigated the empirical bases for 2 dimensions of narrative coconstruction (autonomy support and verbal synchrony) with 65 mother–child dyads. Links between the 2 narrative dimensions and child narrative competence were tested, and differences in autonomy support and verbal synchrony across attachment groups (child story‐stem measure) were examined. Child independent narratives and mother–child narrative conversations were coded and analysed at the turn‐by‐turn level. Principal components analysis revealed the verbal behaviours that composed autonomy support and verbal synchrony reflected the extent to which mothers supported their children's independent competence and the degree to which interactions were mutually reciprocal and constructive, respectively. As predicted, avoidant and ambivalent dyads differed in terms of autonomy support but were comparable on verbal synchrony, revealing the differential influence of insecure attachment on mother–child narrative coconstruction. As hypothesized, autonomy support was related to child independent narrative competence when narrating collaboratively and alone, and verbal synchrony was related to more child engagement during narrative conversations. Theoretical, methodological, and practical implications are discussed.

Highlights

This study examines autonomy support and verbal synchrony during narrative coconstruction, links to child narrative competence, and differences across attachment groups.

With a microanalytic approach, findings reveal the first empirical evidence of the relation between child attachment representations and maternal autonomy support in narrative conversations.

Results underscore the importance of microanalysis in revealing unique and separate dimensions contributing to the conversation in which the story is constructed and to the story itself.
Systematic Review of Rehabilitation in Focal Dystonias: Classification and Recommendations
Authors: Prudente Cecília N. , Zetterberg Lena , Bring Annika , Bradnam Lynley , Kimberley Teresa J.
Published: December 2017

Background

Rehabilitation interventions are rarely utilized as an alternative or adjunct therapy for focal dystonias. Reasons for limited utilization are unknown, but lack of conclusive evidence of effectiveness is likely a crucial factor.

Methods and Findings

The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the level of evidence for rehabilitation interventions in focal dystonias. Rehabilitation interventions were classified based upon the underlying theoretical basis of different approaches, and the strength of evidence for each category was evaluated to identify gaps in the field. Prospective studies using rehabilitation methods in cervical, hand, and foot dystonia were reviewed. The key elements of treatments tested were identified and studies were grouped into six categories based on the theoretical basis of the intervention: (1) movement practice, (2) training with constraint, (3) sensory reorganization, (4) normalization of muscle activity with external techniques, (5) neuromodulation with training, and (6) compensatory strategies. Quality of the body of evidence ranged from very low‐to‐low according to the grades of recommendation, assessment, development, and evaluation (GRADE). Despite inconclusive evidence for these rehabilitation approaches, data suggest that intensive movement practice and neuromodulation combined with motor training should be further explored.

Conclusions

This systematic review presents a novel approach to classify studies of rehabilitation in focal dystonias based on the theoretical basis of intervention. The proposed classification system will move toward a unified theoretical understanding of rehabilitation interventions in dystonia. Moreover, it will help provide recommendations for clinical applications and future investigations.
Effect of the Pyridine Substituent on the Role of the Phenol Functional Group in [Cu(pOHBz)2(dPy)2] Complexes (pOHBz: p‐Hydroxybenzoate, dPy= 4‐Phenylpyridine, 4‐Benzylpyridine, 3‐Phenylpyridine).
Authors: Sanchez‐Sala Marta , Pons Josefina , Álvarez‐Larena Ángel , Domingo Concepción , Ayllón José A.
Published: December 2017

The crystal structure of three new complexes of stoichiometry [Cu(pOHBz)2(dPy)2] (pOHBz: p‐hydroxybenzoate, dPy= 4‐phenylpyridine, 4‐benzylpyridine, 3‐phenylpyridine) and its comparison with the previously reported [Cu(pOHBz)2(Py)2] (1) indicate that the nature and position of the pyridine substituent determines different roles for the phenol group from the pOHBz ligand and, consequently, the coordination number and geometry of Cu(II) centers. Results herein reported show the versatility of the pOHBz ligand towards the coordination of Cu(II). Different carboxylate bonding modes are also observed: monodentate, bidentate chelating or bidentate bridge. Besides, this governs the different roles of the phenol group of the pOHBz ligand: founding of supramolecular hydrogen‐bond based network or direct bonding to the copper cation, yielding 2D coordination polymers.
Design of cost-effective and efficient fiber-reinforced composite blades for wind turbines
Authors: Rahman Akm Samsur
Published: December 2017

At present day, electricity generation using wind energy is increasing by 20–30% in the rated capacity per year, which is expected to make the worldwide energy balance to 12% by 2020 (Chikhradze et al., 2015). Wind power has an immense potential to meet Nation’s need for greater energy efficiency and more diverse energy portfolio. In 2006, a white house led collaborative approach set a feasibility study to increase wind contribution to total US electricity generation by 20% in 2030 (20% Wind Energy by 2030, 2017). The report suggested increasing the number of turbine installation from 2000 per year to almost 7000 per year. The report also suggested a strong need for enhanced transmission infrastructure, improved reliability and operability of wind systems and reduced dependence on foreign turbines by increasing the manufacturing capacity. Following up with the predecessor, the Obama administration released a clean power plan to boost more renewable energy and less coal derived energy (Mooney, 2015).
Optical coherence tomography indices of structural retinal pathology in schizophrenia
Authors: Silverstein Steven M. , Paterno Danielle , Cherneski Lindsay , Green Stuart
Published: December 2017

Background

Prior optical coherence tomography (OCT) studies of schizophrenia have identified thinning of retinal layers. However, findings have varied across reports, and most studies have had serious methodological limitations. To address unresolved issues, we determined whether: (1) retinal thinning in schizophrenia occurs independently of comorbid medical conditions that affect the retina; (2) thinning is independent of antipsychotic medication dose; (3) optic nerve parameters are abnormal in schizophrenia; and (4) OCT indices are related to visual and cognitive impairments common in schizophrenia.

Methods

A total of 32 people with schizophrenia and 32 matched controls participated. Spectral domain OCT generated data on retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), macula, and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCL-IPL) thickness, in addition to cup volume and the cup-to-disc ratio at the optic nerve head. Subjects with schizophrenia also completed measures of symptoms, visual processing, and IQ.

Results

The groups did not differ on RNFL, macula, or GCL-IPL thickness. However, thinning of these layers was related to the presence of diabetes or hypertension across the sample as a whole. The schizophrenia group demonstrated enlarged cup volume and an enlarged cup-to-disc ratio in both eyes, which were unrelated to medical comorbidity, but were related to increased cognitive symptoms.

Conclusions

Past reports of retinal thinning may be artifacts of medical comorbidity that is over-represented in schizophrenia, or other confounds. However, optic nerve head abnormalities may hold promise as biomarkers of central nervous system abnormality, including cognitive decline, in schizophrenia.
Annual prevalence and economic burden of genital warts in Korea: Health Insurance Review and Assessment (HIRA) service data from 2007 to 2015
Authors: PARK Y. J. , KIM J. M. , LEE B. R. , KIM T. H. , LEE E. G.
Published: December 2017

This study evaluated the annual prevalence of anogenital warts (AGW) caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) and analysed the trend in annual per cent changes (APC) by using national claims data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment of Korea, 2007–2015. We also estimated the socio-economic burden and co-morbidities of AGW. All analyses were performed based on data for primary A63.0, the specific diagnosis code for AGW. The socio-economic cost of AGW was calculated based on the direct medical cost, direct non-medical cost and indirect cost. The overall AGW prevalence and socio-economic burden has increased during the last 9 years. However, the prevalence of AGW differed significantly by sex. The female prevalence increased until 2012, and decreased thereafter (APC + 3·6%). It would fall after the introduction of routine HPV vaccination, principally for females, in Korea. The male prevalence increased continuously over time (APC + 11·6%), especially in those aged 20–49 years. Referring to the increasing AGW prevalence and its disease burden, active HPV infection control surveillance and prevention in males are worth consideration.
Hypoplastic left heart in Turner’s syndrome: a primary indication for transplant?
Authors: Philip Joseph , Gupta Dipankar , Bleiweis Mark S. , Pietra Biagio A. , Vyas Himesh V.
Published: December 2017

Survival for hypoplastic left heart syndrome patients following the Norwood procedure is 71–90%. Mortality in patients with Turner’s syndrome and hypoplastic left heart syndrome after conventional palliation (Norwood operation) has been reported as high as 80%. This questions the approach of traditional staged palliation. Here, we report a patient with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and Turner’s syndrome bridged to orthotopic heart transplantation following a hybrid procedure.
Percutaneous closure of a large patent ductus arteriosus in a preterm newborn weighing 1400 g without using arterial sheath: an innovative technique
Authors: Garg Gaurav , Garg Vishal , Prakash Amit
Published: December 2017

Percutaneous closure of patent ductus arteriosus is well established in infants weighing >5 kg, but data regarding outcome of preterm especially very low birth weight infants is minimal. Although surgical ligation of patent ductus arteriosus is the preferred and well-accepted modality of treatment after failure of drug therapy in preterm infants, it has also got its own demerits in such a small and fragile subset. Device closure in infants weighing <1.5 kg is rarely attempted because of high chances of complications, especially acute arterial injury due to the arterial sheath. We received a 1.4-kg ventilator-dependent infant for closure of large patent ductus arteriosus. Percutaneous closure of patent ductus arteriosus was done successfully and the infant was discharged on room air with a weight of 1.8 kg. We present here an innovative technique in which successful patent ductus arteriosus device closure was done in a 1.4-kg infant without using arterial sheath.
Upregulation of B7-H4 promotes tumor progression of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Xie Nan , Cai Jia-Bin , Zhang Lu , Zhang Peng-Fei , Shen Ying-Hao , Yang Xuan , Lu Jia-Cheng , Gao Dong-Mei , Kang Qiang , Liu Li-Xin , Zhang Chi , Huang Xiao-Yong , Zou Hao , Zhang Xin-Yu , Song Zheng-Ji , Sun Hai-Xiang , Fu Bi-Mang , Ke Ai-Wu , Shi Guo-Ming
Published: December 2017

Recent reports show that B7-H4 is highly expressed in a variety of tumor cells, functions as a negative regulator of T cells and then promotes tumor progression. However, its expression and role in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) remain unclear. In present study, B7-H4 expression in ICC and peritumoral tissues was determined at the level of mRNA and protein, and its bioactivity in ICC cells was studied after modification of B7-H4 expression. Then, the mechanism related to tumor progression induced by B7-H4 expression in ICC cells was explored. Finally, clinical significance of B7-H4 expression in ICC patients was further analyzed. The results showed that B7-H4 expression in ICC was much higher than that in peritumoral tissues at the level of both mRNA and protein. The high level of B7-H4 in ICC cells induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transitions and promoted invasion and metastasis of tumor cells through activation of ERK1/2 signaling. The elevated B7-H4 expression was associated with the downregulated Bax, upregulated Bcl-2 expression, and activation of caspase-3. Clinically, high B7-H4 expression in tumor samples was significantly related to malignant phenotype, such as lymph node metastasis, high tumor stage, and poor differentiation. ICC patients with high expression of B7-H4 had shorter overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival. Moreover, the B7-H4 expression was an independent prognostic factor for predicting OS and tumor recurrence of ICC patients after operation. In conclusion, high expression of B7-H4 promotes tumor progression of ICC and may be a novel therapeutic target for ICC patients.
Experimental evidence supporting a global melt layer at the base of the Earth’s upper mantle
Authors: Freitas D. , Manthilake G. , Schiavi F. , Chantel J. , Bolfan-Casanova N. , Bouhifd M. A. , Andrault D.
Published: December 2017

The low-velocity layer (LVL) atop the 410-km discontinuity has been widely attributed to dehydration melting. In this study, we experimentally reproduced the wadsleyite-to-olivine phase transformation in the upwelling mantle across the 410-km discontinuity and investigated in situ the sound wave velocity during partial melting of hydrous peridotite. Our seismic velocity model indicates that the globally observed negative Vs anomaly (−4%) can be explained by a 0.7% melt fraction in peridotite at the base of the upper mantle. The produced melt is richer in FeO (~33 wt.%) and H2O (~16.5 wt.%) and its density is determined to be 3.56–3.74 g cm−3. The water content of this gravitationally stable melt in the LVL corresponds to a total water content in the mantle transition zone of 0.22 ± 0.02 wt.%. Such values agree with estimations based on magneto-telluric observations.
The evolutionary landscape of chronic lymphocytic leukemia treated with ibrutinib targeted therapy
Authors: Landau Dan A. , Sun Clare , Rosebrock Daniel , Herman Sarah E. M. , Fein Joshua , Sivina Mariela , Underbayev Chingiz , Liu Delong , Hoellenriegel Julia , Ravichandran Sarangan , Farooqui Mohammed Z. H. , Zhang Wandi , Cibulskis Carrie , Zviran Asaf , Neuberg Donna S. , Livitz Dimitri , Bozic Ivana , Leshchiner Ignaty , Getz Gad , Burger Jan A. , Wiestner Adrian , Wu Catherine J.
Published: December 2017

Treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has shifted from chemo-immunotherapy to targeted agents. To define the evolutionary dynamics induced by targeted therapy in CLL, we perform serial exome and transcriptome sequencing for 61 ibrutinib-treated CLLs. Here, we report clonal shifts (change >0.1 in clonal cancer cell fraction, Q < 0.1) in 31% of patients during the first year of therapy, associated with adverse outcome. We also observe transcriptional downregulation of pathways mediating energy metabolism, cell cycle, and B cell receptor signaling. Known and previously undescribed mutations in BTK and PLCG2, or uncommonly, other candidate alterations are present in seventeen subjects at the time of progression. Thus, the frequently observed clonal shifts during the early treatment period and its potential association with adverse outcome may reflect greater evolutionary capacity, heralding the emergence of drug-resistant clones.
A hydrophobic anchor mechanism defines a deacetylase family that suppresses host response against YopJ effectors
Authors: Bürger Marco , Willige Björn C. , Chory Joanne
Published: December 2017

SeveralPseudomonasandXanthomonasspecies are plant pathogens that infect the model organismArabidopsis thalianaand important crops such asBrassica. Resistant plants contain the infection by rapid cell death of the infected area through the hypersensitive response (HR). A family of highly related α/β hydrolases is involved in diverse processes in all domains of life. Functional details of their catalytic machinery, however, remained unclear. We report the crystal structures of α/β hydrolases representing two different clades of the family, including the protein SOBER1, which suppresses AvrBsT-incited HR inArabidopsis. Our results reveal a unique hydrophobic anchor mechanism that defines a previously unknown family of protein deacetylases. Furthermore, this study identifies a lid-loop as general feature for substrate turnover in acyl-protein thioesterases and the described family of deacetylases. Furthermore, we found that SOBER1’s biological function is not restricted toArabidopsis thalianaand not limited to suppress HR induced by AvrBsT.
Beneficial mutation-selection dynamics in finite asexual populations: a free boundary approach
Authors: Roques Lionel , Garnier Jimmy , Martin Guillaume
Published: December 2017

Using a free boundary approach based on an analogy with ice melting models, we propose a deterministic PDE framework to describe the dynamics of fitness distributions in the presence of beneficial mutations with non-epistatic effects on fitness. Contrarily to most approaches based on deterministic models, our framework does not rely on an infinite population size assumption, and successfully captures the transient as well as the long time dynamics of fitness distributions. In particular, consistently with stochastic individual-based approaches or stochastic PDE approaches, it leads to a constant asymptotic rate of adaptation at large times, that most deterministic approaches failed to describe. We derive analytic formulas for the asymptotic rate of adaptation and the full asymptotic distribution of fitness. These formulas depend explicitly on the population size, and are shown to be accurate for a wide range of population sizes and mutation rates, compared to individual-based simulations. Although we were not able to derive an analytic description for the transient dynamics, numerical computations lead to accurate predictions and are computationally efficient compared to stochastic simulations. These computations show that the fitness distribution converges towards a travelling wave with constant speed, and whose profile can be computed analytically.
A Micromagnetic Protocol for Qualitatively Predicting Stochastic Domain Wall Pinning
Authors: Omari K. A. , Hayward T. J.
Published: December 2017

Understanding dynamically-induced stochastic switching effects in soft ferromagnetic nanowires is a critical challenge for realising spintronic devices with deterministic switching behaviour. Here, we present a micromagnetic simulation protocol for qualitatively predicting dynamic stochastic domain wall (DW) pinning/depinning at artificial defect sites in Ni80Fe20 nanowires, and demonstrate its abilities by correlating its predictions with the results of focused magneto-optic Kerr effect measurements. We analyse DW pinning configurations in both thin nanowires (t = 10 nm) and thick nanowires (t = 40 nm) with both single (asymmetric) and double (symmetric) notches, showing how our approach provides understanding of the complex DW-defect interactions at the heart of stochastic pinning behaviours. Key results explained by our model include the total suppression of stochastic pinning at single notches in thick nanowires and the intrinsic stochasticity of pinning at double notches, despite their apparent insensitivity to DW chirality.
Micro-patterned agarose gel devices for single-cell high-throughput microscopy of E. coli cells
Authors: Priest David G. , Tanaka Nobuyuki , Tanaka Yo , Taniguchi Yuichi
Published: December 2017

High-throughput microscopy of bacterial cells elucidated fundamental cellular processes including cellular heterogeneity and cell division homeostasis. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based microfluidic devices provide advantages including precise positioning of cells and throughput, however device fabrication is time-consuming and requires specialised skills. Agarose pads are a popular alternative, however cells often clump together, which hinders single cell quantitation. Here, we imprint agarose pads with micro-patterned ‘capsules’, to trap individual cells and ‘lines’, to direct cellular growth outwards in a straight line. We implement this micro-patterning into multi-pad devices called CapsuleHotel and LineHotel for high-throughput imaging. CapsuleHotel provides ~65,000 capsule structures per mm2 that isolate individual Escherichia coli cells. In contrast, LineHotel provides ~300 line structures per mm that direct growth of micro-colonies. With CapsuleHotel, a quantitative single cell dataset of ~10,000 cells across 24 samples can be acquired and analysed in under 1 hour. LineHotel allows tracking growth of > 10 micro-colonies across 24 samples simultaneously for up to 4 generations. These easy-to-use devices can be provided in kit format, and will accelerate discoveries in diverse fields ranging from microbiology to systems and synthetic biology.
Interaction of local solidification and remelting during dendrite coarsening - modeling and comparison with experiments
Authors: Zhang Qingyu , Fang Hui , Xue Hua , Pan Shiyan , Rettenmayr Markus , Zhu Mingfang
Published: December 2017

The microstructural evolution of dendrite coarsening during isothermal holding is simulated using a quantitative cellular automaton (CA) model involving the mechanisms of both solidification and melting. The present model encompasses the essential aspects of thermodynamics and kinetics, particularly the evolution/influence of composition, temperature, and curvature, leading to valid simulations of simultaneous solidification and melting. Model validation is performed through a comparison of the CA simulations with analytical predictions for a liquid pool migrating in the mushy zone of a SCN–0.3 wt.% ACE alloy due to temperature gradient zone melting. The model is applied to simulate the microstructural evolution of columnar dendrites of a SCN–2.0 wt.% ACE alloy during isothermal holding in a mushy zone. The simulation results are compared with those of a previous CA model that does not include the melting mechanism under otherwise identical conditions. The role of melting for dendrite coarsening is quantified, showing how the melting influences the coarsening process. The present model effectively reproduces the typical dendrite coarsening features as observed in experiments reported in the literature. The simulations reveal how local solidification and melting stimulate each other through the complicated interactions between phase transformation, interface shape variation, and solute diffusion.
Three-Dimensional Bi-Continuous Nanoporous Gold/Nickel Foam Supported MnO2 for High Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Zhao Jie , Zou Xilai , Sun Peng , Cui Guofeng
Published: December 2017

A three-dimensional bi-continuous nanoporous gold (NPG)/nickel foam is developed though the electrodeposition of a gold–tin alloy on Ni foam and subsequent chemical dealloying of tin. The newly-designed 3D metal structure is used to anchor MnO2nanosheets for high-performance supercapacitors. The formed ternary composite electrodes exhibit significantly-enhanced capacitance performance, rate capability, and excellent cycling stability. A specific capacitance of 442 Fg−1is achieved at a scan rate of 5 mV s−1and a relatively high mass loading of 865 μg cm−2. After 2500 cycles, only a 1% decay is found at a scan rate of 50 mV s−1. A high power density of 3513 W kg−1and an energy density of 25.73 Wh kg−1are realized for potential energy storage devices. The results demonstrate that the NPG/nickel foam hybrid structure significantly improves the dispersibility of MnO2and makes it promising for practical energy storage applications.
Ubiquitin Ligase Huwe1 Modulates Spermatogenesis by Regulating Spermatogonial Differentiation and Entry into Meiosis
Authors: Bose Rohini , Sheng Kai , Moawad Adel R. , Manku Gurpreet , O’Flaherty Cristian , Taketo Teruko , Culty Martine , Fok Kin Lam , Wing Simon S.
Published: December 2017

Spermatogenesis consists of a series of highly regulated processes that include mitotic proliferation, meiosis and cellular remodeling. Although alterations in gene expression are well known to modulate spermatogenesis, posttranscriptional mechanisms are less well defined. The ubiquitin proteasome system plays a significant role in protein turnover and may be involved in these posttranscriptional mechanisms. We previously identified ubiquitin ligase Huwe1 in the testis and showed that it can ubiquitinate histones. Since modulation of histones is important at many steps in spermatogenesis, we performed a complete characterization of the functions of Huwe1 in this process by examining the effects of its inactivation in the differentiating spermatogonia, spermatocytes and spermatids. Inactivation of Huwe1 in differentiating spermatogonia led to their depletion and formation of fewer pre-leptotene spermatocytes. The cell degeneration was associated with an accumulation of DNA damage response protein γH2AX, impaired downstream signalling and apoptosis. Inactivation of Huwe1 in spermatocytes indicated that Huwe1 is not essential for meiosis and spermiogenesis, but can result in accumulation of γH2AX. Collectively, these results provide a comprehensive survey of the functions of Huwe1 in spermatogenesis and reveal Huwe1’s critical role as a modulator of the DNA damage response pathway in the earliest steps of spermatogonial differentiation.
Action of lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase on plant tissue is governed by cellular type
Authors: Chabbert Brigitte , Habrant Anouck , Herbaut Mickaël , Foulon Laurence , Aguié-Béghin Véronique , Garajova Sona , Grisel Sacha , Bennati-Granier Chloé , Gimbert-Herpoël Isabelle , Jamme Frédéric , Réfrégiers Matthieu , Sandt Christophe , Berrin Jean-Guy , Paës Gabriel
Published: December 2017

Lignocellulosic biomass bioconversion is hampered by the structural and chemical complexity of the network created by cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. Biological conversion of lignocellulose involves synergistic action of a large array of enzymes including the recently discovered lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) that perform oxidative cleavage of cellulose. Using in situ imaging by synchrotron UV fluorescence, we have shown that the addition of AA9 LPMO (from Podospora anserina) to cellulases cocktail improves the progression of enzymes in delignified Miscanthus x giganteus as observed at tissular levels. In situ chemical monitoring of cell wall modifications performed by synchrotron infrared spectroscopy during enzymatic hydrolysis demonstrated that the boosting effect of the AA9 LPMO was dependent on the cellular type indicating contrasted recalcitrance levels in plant tissues. Our study provides a useful strategy for investigating enzyme dynamics and activity in plant cell wall to improve enzymatic cocktails aimed at expanding lignocelluloses biorefinery.