bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PER UNA MORFOLOGIA DEL POTERE POLITICO
Authors: Frosini Vittorio
Published: May 2019

Introduzione

Seguendo la tendenza piú accreditata nelle indagini condotte sull'esperienza politica contemporanea, Antonio Lombardo ha circoscritto e discusso il tema della ≪ struttura del potere ≫ non in termini di speculazione filosofica (e cioè come se si trattasse di una categoria coscienziale) e nemmeno in termini di rilevazione sociologica (meramente fattuali e pseudo-oggettivi), ma tracciandone il profilo di ≪ teoria generale ≫, ossia come schema interpretativo della realtà. L'uso del termine lessicale ≪ struttura ≫ è ormai da tempo considerato come moneta corrente di scambio linguistico nelle scienze sociali; e sebbene la metodologia dello strutturalismo abbia percorso negli ultimi vent'anni un itinerario, che l'ha portata ad un grado di coscienza scaltrita dei propri limiti e delle proprie ambiguità, sino a cacciarsi nel vicolo cieco dell'analisi pessimistica e denigratoria del Boudon, ci si può servire ancora di quel termine, solo che si faccia salva l'avvertenza, che con esso non ci si riferisce ad una ontologia compositiva dell'esperienza, ma ad una metodologia conoscitiva: ossia ad una ≪ manipolazione ≫ intellettuale dell'esperienza stessa, che si designa con quella formula emblematica. Per ≪ struttura ≫ s'intende dunque la cifra definitoria di un processo produttivo di ≪ modelli ≫, ognuno dei quali può consentire di specificare e condensare certi caratteri della interazione politica, in modo da renderla conoscibile e comunicabile nel discorso politologico. Giacché non esiste una struttura astratta del potere, che venga disoccultata e identificata una volta per tutte; ma esiste bensí un insieme di forme, anzi di situazioni concrete, che servono a definire la pratica dell'azione sociale (comunemente ormai designata come ≪ prassi ≫) e che si presentano continuamente variabili nella vita di relazione. Ogni modello proposto corrisponde ad una cognizione operativa del processo di strutturazione, che avviene nell'esperienza politica; esso opera per mezzo di una organizzazione finalizzata dei dati, che vengono trascelti e trasposti in un quadrante di analisi. L'indagine che ne risulta fornisce gli indici di configurazione di una morfologia del potere (che nel presente contesto s'intende sempre come ≪ politico ≫ per l'economia della ricerca).
L'ALTERNATIVA RISCHIOSA. CONSIDERAZIONI SUL « DIFFICILE GOVERNO »
Authors: Fisichella Domenico
Published: May 2019

Introduzione

Sempre piú frequentemente la scienza politica moderna fa uso — soprattutto in chiave di analisi dello sviluppo — di concetti come ingegneria politica,policy building, e simili. Ritengo si tratti di concetti utili e dotati di una loro validità euristica. Dove, viceversa, non posso seguire certi politologi è nel loro presentare l'ingegneria politica come una novità dei nostri giorni. A costoro è doveroso ricordare che inDie Kultur der Renaissance in Italien, pubblicata nel 1860, Jacob Burckhardt ha riconosciuto all'intelligenza rinascimentale italiana, e a quella fiorentina in particolare, la paternità della categoria concettuale che oggi siamo soliti comprendere sotto l'etichetta di ingegneria politica.
Joint Working Group of Commissions 9 and 46 For Exchange of Equipment
Authors: Mihelson N. N.
Published: May 2019

A Circular Letter was sent to the directors of all astronomical institutes and observatories asking if there is any possibility for loaning some types of astronomical equipment.

Many answers were received up to November 1972, all of them negative. Some observatories have already loaned their excess equipment. Another, recently organized, does not have such equipment.
‘Primacy of the Ear’ – But Whose Ear?: The case for auraldiversity in sonic arts practice and discourse
Authors: Drever John Levack
Published: May 2019

Sixty years on from Pierre Schaeffer’s call for ‘primacy of the ear’ (primauté de l’oreille), this article asks an ostensibly simple question: whose ear/aural perception is being referred to when we talk of and compose under this guiding principle? Is there a tacit preselected audiometric norm or even a pair of golden ears, at its core? The article will problematise the uncompromising modernist notion espoused by Babbitt of a ‘suitably equipped receptor’ (Babbitt 1958), and posit examples of well-known composers whose hearing markedly diverged from the otologically normal, an acoustics standard from which A-weighted decibels is predicated (ISO 226:2003). In conclusion the concept of auraldiverse hearing is proposed and creative strategies that eschew or problematise auraltypical archetypes in sonic arts practice and theory wherever they may lie are encouraged.
To inform or govern? 150 years of the International Review of the Red Cross, 1869–2019
Authors: Palmieri Daniel
Published: May 2019

The International Review of the Red Cross (formerly the Bulletin Internationale des Sociétés de Secours aux Militaires Blessés) is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2019, making it the oldest of the general publications produced by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Originally created as a communication tool for the entire International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the Review rapidly changed its course to become first the primary mouthpiece of the ICRC for many years, and finally an academic journal. This article will retrace the history of this evolution, during which, under cover of humanitarianism, political factors played a significant role.
Prokaryote Communities at Active Chimney andIn SituColonization Devices After a Magmatic Degassing Event (37°N MAR, EMSO‐Azores Deep‐Sea Observatory)
Authors: Rommevaux Céline , Henri Pauline , Degboe Jefferson , Chavagnac Valérie , Lesongeur Françoise , Godfroy Anne , Boulart Cédric , Destrigneville Christine , Castillo Alain
Published: May 2019

The mixing zone between high‐temperature hydrothermal fluids and seawater produces redox gradients, promoting the development of unique ecosystems based on chemotrophy. The structure of microbial communities depends on their environment, which can vary according to space and time. Hydrothermal circulation within the oceanic crust determines the chemical composition and flow of fluids, depending on underground events (earthquakes, volcanic episodes, etc.) and impacts the development of microbial communities. This link between hydrothermal vent communities and deep geological events is the focus of the present study, the first of its kind for slow‐spreading ridge. In this study, we present a unique set of multidisciplinary data collected from 2008 to 2011 on the Eiffel Tower hydrothermal site (Lucky Strike vent field, Mid‐Atlantic Ridge, MAR). We benefit from continuous geophysical monitoring (temperature and seismicity) of the site, annual sampling of hydrothermal fluids (hot and diffuse) for geochemistry analyses, sampling of hydrothermal chimneys, and an in situ microbial colonization experiment over a year for microbial study. The high CO2content and concentrations of major elements (Cl, Ca, and Si) and SO4in the end‐member fluids collected in 2010 indicate that a magmatic degassing occurred between 2009 and 2010 under the Lucky Strike hydrothermal field. This is supported by the large temperature variations observed in March–April 2010. These magmatic CO2inputs seem to have affected microbial communities colonizing the high‐temperature chimney, as well as the basalts in the more diffuse and mixed zone, promoting the development of thermophilic/anaerobicArchaeaandBacteria(Archaeoglobales, Nautiliales, and Nitratiruptoraceae).
Recent Warming of Landfalling Atmospheric Rivers Along the West Coast of the United States
Authors: Gonzales Katerina R. , Swain Daniel L. , Nardi Kyle M. , Barnes Elizabeth A. , Diffenbaugh Noah S.
Published: May 2019

Atmospheric rivers (ARs) often generate extreme precipitation, with AR temperature strongly influencing hydrologic impacts by altering the timing and magnitude of runoff. Long‐term changes in AR temperatures therefore have important implications for regional hydroclimate—especially in locations where a shift to more rain‐dominated AR precipitation could affect flood risk and/or water storage in snowpack. In this study, we provide the first climatology of AR temperature across five U.S. West Coast subregions. We then assess trends in landfalling AR temperatures for each subregion from 1980 to 2016 using three reanalysis products. We find AR warming at seasonal and monthly scales. Cool‐season warming ranges from 0.69 to 1.65 °C over the study period. We detect monthly scale warming of >2 °C, with the most widespread warming occurring in November and March. To understand the causes of AR warming, we quantify the density of AR tracks from genesis to landfall and analyze along‐track AR temperature for each month and landfall region. We investigate three possible influences on AR temperature trends at landfall: along‐track temperatures prior to landfall, background temperatures over the landfall region, and AR temperature over the coastal ocean adjacent to the region of landfall. Generally, AR temperatures at landfall more closely match coastal and background temperature trends than along‐track AR temperature trends. The seasonal asymmetry of the AR warming and the heterogeneity of influences have important implications for regional water storage and flood risk—demonstrating that changes in AR characteristics are complex and may not be directly inferred from changes in the background climate.
Estimation of Surface Heat Fluxes Over the Central Tibetan Plateau using the Maximum Entropy Production Model
Authors: Li Na , Zhao Ping , Wang Jingfeng , Deng Yi
Published: May 2019

Surface heat fluxes over the central Tibetan Plateau have been estimated using the maximum entropy production (MEP) model with the surface energy balance and the observation data from the Third Tibetan Plateau Atmospheric Scientific Experiment (TIPEX‐III). The MEP surface heat fluxes are highly correlated with those of the TIPEX‐III observations. The agreement between the MEP and TIPEX‐III heat fluxes is higher when the observed surface energy balance closure is better. The errors of the MEP heat fluxes are smaller compared to those of the fluxes derived from the bulk transfer method, the Land Data Assimilation Systems, and the Simple Biosphere Model version 2 reported in the previous studies. The values of MEP sensible and latent heat fluxes tend to be less than those of the previous bulk heat fluxes. Thus, the MEP model can reasonably estimate surface heat fluxes over the central Tibetan Plateau.
Influence of Summer Sublimation on δD, δ18O, and δ17O in Precipitation, East Antarctica, and Implications for Climate Reconstruction From Ice Cores
Authors: Pang Hongxi , Hou Shugui , Landais Amaelle , Masson‐Delmotte Valérie , Jouzel Jean , Steen‐Larsen Hans Christian , Risi Camille , Zhang Wangbin , Wu Shuangye , Li Yuansheng , An Chunlei , Wang Yetang , Prie Frederic , Minster Bénédicte , Falourd Sonia , Stenni Barbara , Scarchilli Claudio , Fujita Koji , Grigioni Paolo
Published: May 2019

In central Antarctica, where accumulation rates are very low, summer sublimation of surface snow is a key element of the surface mass balance, but its fingerprint in isotopic composition of water (δD, δ18O, and δ17O) remains unclear. In this study, we examined the influence of summer sublimation on δD, δ18O, and δ17O in precipitation using data sets of isotopic composition of precipitation at various sites on the inland East Antarctica. We found unexpectedly low δ18O values in the summer precipitation, decoupled from surface air temperatures. This feature can be explained by the combined effects of weak or nonexistent temperature inversion and moisture recycling associated with sublimation‐condensation processes in summer. Isotopic fractionation during the moisture‐recycling process also explains the observed high values of d‐excess and 17O‐excess in summer precipitation. Our results suggest that the local cycle of sublimation‐condensation in summer is an important process for the isotopic composition of surface snow, water vapor, and consequently precipitation on inland East Antarctica.
Characterization of Thermospheric Vertical Wind Activity at 225‐ to 295‐km Altitude Using GOCE Data and Validation Against Explorer Missions
Authors: Visser T. , March G. , Doornbos E. N. , de Visser C. C. , Visser P. N. A. M.
Published: May 2019

Recently, the horizontal and vertical cross wind at 225‐ to 295‐km altitude were derived from linear acceleration measurements of the Gravity field and steady‐state Ocean Circulation Explorer satellite. The vertical component of these wind data is compared to wind data derived from the mass spectrometers of the Atmosphere Explorer C and E and Dynamics Explorer 2 satellites. From a statistical analysis of the 120‐s moving‐window standard deviation of the vertical wind (σ(Vz)), no consistent discrepancy is found between the accelerometer‐derived and the mass spectrometer‐derived data. The validated Gravity field and steady‐state Ocean Circulation Explorer data are then used to investigate the influence of several parameters and indices on the vertical wind activity. To this end, the probability distribution of σ(Vz) is plotted after distributing the data over bins of the parameter under investigation. The vertical wind is found to respond strongly to geomagnetic activity at high latitudes, although the response settles around a maximum standard deviation of 50 m/s at an Auroral Electrojet index of 800. The dependence on magnetic local time changes with magnetic latitude, peaking around 4:30 over the polar cap and around 01:30 and 13:30 in the auroral oval. Seasonal effects only become visible at low to middle latitudes, revealing a peak wind variability in both local summer and winter. The vertical wind is not affected by the solar activity level.
Linking the resistome and plasmidome to the microbiome
Authors: Stalder Thibault , Press Maximilian O , Sullivan Shawn , Liachko Ivan , Top Eva M
Published: May 2019

The rapid spread of antibiotic resistance among bacterial pathogens is a serious human health threat. While a range of environments have been identified as reservoirs of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), we lack understanding of the origins of these ARGs and their spread from environment to clinic. This is partly due to our inability to identify the natural bacterial hosts of ARGs and the mobile genetic elements that mediate this spread, such as plasmids and integrons. Here we demonstrate that the in vivo proximity-ligation method Hi-C can reconstruct a known plasmid-host association from a wastewater community, and identify the in situ host range of ARGs, plasmids, and integrons by physically linking them to their host chromosomes. Hi-C detected both previously known and novel associations between ARGs, mobile genetic elements and host genomes, thus validating this method. We showed that IncQ plasmids and class 1 integrons had the broadest host range in this wastewater, and identified bacteria belonging to Moraxellaceae, Bacteroides, and Prevotella, and especially Aeromonadaceae as the most likely reservoirs of ARGs in this community. A better identification of the natural carriers of ARGs will aid the development of strategies to limit resistance spread to pathogens.
Position and orientation of the westerly jet determined Holocene rainfall patterns in China
Authors: Herzschuh Ulrike , Cao Xianyong , Laepple Thomas , Dallmeyer Anne , Telford Richard J. , Ni Jian , Chen Fahu , Kong Zhaochen , Liu Guangxiu , Liu Kam-Biu , Liu Xingqi , Stebich Martina , Tang Lingyu , Tian Fang , Wang Yongbo , Wischnewski Juliane , Xu Qinghai , Yan Shun , Yang Zhenjing , Yu Ge , Zhang Yun , Zhao Yan , Zheng Zhuo
Published: May 2019

Proxy-based reconstructions and modeling of Holocene spatiotemporal precipitation patterns for China and Mongolia have hitherto yielded contradictory results indicating that the basic mechanisms behind the East Asian Summer Monsoon and its interaction with the westerly jet stream remain poorly understood. We present quantitative reconstructions of Holocene precipitation derived from 101 fossil pollen records and analyse them with the help of a minimal empirical model. We show that the westerly jet-stream axis shifted gradually southward and became less tilted since the middle Holocene. This was tracked by the summer monsoon rain band resulting in an early-Holocene precipitation maximum over most of western China, a mid-Holocene maximum in north-central and northeastern China, and a late-Holocene maximum in southeastern China. Our results suggest that a correct simulation of the orientation and position of the westerly jet stream is crucial to the reliable prediction of precipitation patterns in China and Mongolia.
Inter-outbreak stability reflects the size of the susceptible pool and forecasts magnitudes of seasonal epidemics
Authors: Rypdal Martin , Sugihara George
Published: May 2019

For dengue fever and other seasonal epidemics we show how the stability of the preceding inter-outbreak period can predict subsequent total outbreak magnitude, and that a feasible stability metric can be computed from incidence data alone. As an observable of a dynamical system, incidence data contains information about the underlying mechanisms: climatic drivers, changing serotype pools, the ecology of the vector populations, and evolving viral strains. We present mathematical arguments to suggest a connection between stability measured in incidence data during the inter-outbreak period and the size of the effective susceptible population. The method is illustrated with an analysis of dengue incidence in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where forecasts can be made as early as three to four months ahead of an outbreak. These results have immediate significance for public health planning, and can be used in combination with existing forecasting methods and more comprehensive dengue models.
The metabolites NADP+ and NADPH are the targets of the circadian protein Nocturnin (Curled)
Authors: Estrella Michael A. , Du Jin , Chen Li , Rath Sneha , Prangley Eliza , Chitrakar Alisha , Aoki Tsutomu , Schedl Paul , Rabinowitz Joshua , Korennykh Alexei
Published: May 2019

Nocturnin (NOCT) is a rhythmically expressed protein that regulates metabolism under the control of circadian clock. It has been proposed that NOCT deadenylates and regulates metabolic enzyme mRNAs. However, in contrast to other deadenylases, purified NOCT lacks the deadenylase activity. To identify the substrate of NOCT, we conducted a mass spectrometry screen and report that NOCT specifically and directly converts the dinucleotide NADP+ into NAD+ and NADPH into NADH. Further, we demonstrate that the Drosophila NOCT ortholog, Curled, has the same enzymatic activity. We obtained the 2.7 Å crystal structure of the human NOCT•NADPH complex, which revealed that NOCT recognizes the chemically unique ribose-phosphate backbone of the metabolite, placing the 2′-terminal phosphate productively for removal. We provide evidence for NOCT targeting to mitochondria and propose that NADP(H) regulation, which takes place at least in part in mitochondria, establishes the molecular link between circadian clock and metabolism.
A mechanism for reversible mesoscopic aggregation in liquid solutions
Authors: Chan Ho Yin , Lubchenko Vassiliy
Published: May 2019

Solutions of proteins and other molecules exhibit puzzling, mesoscopically sized inclusions of a solute-rich liquid, well outside the region of stability of the solute-rich phase. This mesoscopic size is in conflict with existing views on heterophase fluctuations. Here we systematically work out a microscopic mechanism by which a metastable solute-rich phase can readily nucleate in a liquid solution. A requisite component of the mechanism is that the solute form long-lived complexes with itself or other molecules. After nucleated in this non-classical fashion, individual droplets grow until becoming mechanically unstable because of a concomitant drop in the internal pressure, the drop caused by the metastability of the solute-rich phase. The ensemble of the droplets is steady-state. In a freshly prepared solution, the ensemble is predicted to evolve in a way similar to the conventional Ostwald ripening, during which larger droplets grow at the expense of smaller droplets.
Structural assembly of the tailed bacteriophage ϕ29
Authors: Xu Jingwei , Wang Dianhong , Gui Miao , Xiang Ye
Published: May 2019

The mature virion of the tailed bacteriophage ϕ29 is an ~33 MDa complex that contains more than 450 subunits of seven structural proteins assembling into a prolate head and a short non-contractile tail. Here, we report the near-atomic structures of the ϕ29 pre-genome packaging head (prohead), the mature virion and the genome-emptied virion. Structural comparisons suggest local rotation or oscillation of the head-tail connector upon DNA packaging and release. Termination of the DNA packaging occurs through pressure-dependent correlative positional and conformational changes in the connector. The funnel-shaped tail lower collar attaches the expanded narrow end of the connector and has a 180-Å long, 24-strand β barrel narrow stem tube that undergoes conformational changes upon genome release. The appendages form an interlocked assembly attaching the tail around the collar. The membrane active long loops at the distal end of the tail knob exit during the late stage of infection and form the cone-shaped tip of a largely hydrophobic helix barrel, prepared for membrane penetration.
Natural variation of BSK3 tunes brassinosteroid signaling to regulate root foraging under low nitrogen
Authors: Jia Zhongtao , Giehl Ricardo F. H. , Meyer Rhonda C. , Altmann Thomas , von Wirén Nicolaus
Published: May 2019

Developmental plasticity of root system architecture is crucial for plant performance in nutrient-poor soils. Roots of plants grown under mild nitrogen (N) deficiency show a foraging response characterized by increased root length but mechanisms underlying this developmental plasticity are still elusive. By employing natural variation in Arabidopsis accessions, we show that the brassinosteroid (BR) signaling kinase BSK3 modulates root elongation under mild N deficiency. In particular, a proline to leucine substitution in the predicted kinase domain of BSK3 enhances BR sensitivity and signaling to increase the extent of root elongation. We further show that low N specifically upregulates transcript levels of the BR co-receptorBAK1to activate BR signaling and stimulate root elongation. Altogether, our results uncover a role of BR signaling in root elongation under low N. The BSK3 alleles identified here provide targets for improving root growth of crops growing under limited N conditions.
A double-slit proposal for quantum annealing
Authors: Munoz-Bauza Humberto , Chen Huo , Lidar Daniel
Published: May 2019

We formulate and analyze a double-slit proposal for quantum annealing, which involves observing the probability of finding a two-level system (TLS) undergoing evolution from a transverse to a longitudinal field in the ground state at the final time tf. We demonstrate that for annealing schedules involving two consecutive diabatic transitions, an interference effect is generated akin to a double-slit experiment. The observation of oscillations in the ground state probability as a function of tf (before the adiabatic limit sets in) then constitutes a sensitive test of coherence between energy eigenstates. This is further illustrated by analyzing the effect of coupling the TLS to a thermal bath: increasing either the bath temperature or the coupling strength results in a damping of these oscillations. The theoretical tools we introduce significantly simplify the analysis of the generalized Landau-Zener problem. Furthermore, our analysis connects quantum annealing algorithms exhibiting speedups via the mechanism of coherent diabatic transitions to near-term experiments with quantum annealing hardware.
Association of birth weight with functional ovarian reserve during menacme estimated by serum concentration of anti-Müllerian hormone
Authors: Lima Maria L. S. , Romão Gustavo S. , Bettiol Heloisa , Barbieri Marco Antonio , Ferriani Rui A. , Navarro Paula A.
Published: May 2019

To investigate the relationship of birth weight (BW) of females born at full term with functional ovarian reserve (FOR) during menacme, based on serum level of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), among women who were 34–35 years old. This prospective birth cohort study assessed all women who were born in Ribeirão Preto City, State of São Paulo (Brazil) between June 1, 1978 and May 31, 1979. The primary endpoint was serum AMH, a marker of FOR, and its correlation with the BW of females classified as small for gestational age (SGA), appropriate for gestational age (AGA), and large for gestational (LGA). We included 274 women in this study, 19 were SGA, 238 were AGA, and 17 were LGA. The average of AMH concentration was not significantly different (p = 0.11) among women in the SGA group (2.14 ng/mL), AGA group (2.13 ng/mL), and LGA group (2.57 ng/mL). An analysis of variance indicated that the three groups also had no significant differences in the percentage of women who had adequate AMH levels (1 ng/mL; p = 0.11). There were no significant differences in the serum concentrations of AMH among 34 and 35 year-old women who were born at full term and classified as SGA, AGA, and LGA. Our sample size allowed detection of major differences between these groups (effect size of 0.8). Association of birth weight of females born at full term with functional ovarian reserve during menacme estimated by serum concentration of anti-Müllerian hormone.
Machine-learning Approach for the Development of a Novel Predictive Model for the Diagnosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Sato Masaya , Morimoto Kentaro , Kajihara Shigeki , Tateishi Ryosuke , Shiina Shuichiro , Koike Kazuhiko , Yatomi Yutaka
Published: May 2019

Because of its multifactorial nature, predicting the presence of cancer using a single biomarker is difficult. We aimed to establish a novel machine-learning model for predicting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using real-world data obtained during clinical practice. To establish a predictive model, we developed a machine-learning framework which developed optimized classifiers and their respective hyperparameter, depending on the nature of the data, using a grid-search method. We applied the current framework to 539 and 1043 patients with and without HCC to develop a predictive model for the diagnosis of HCC. Using the optimal hyperparameter, gradient boosting provided the highest predictive accuracy for the presence of HCC (87.34%) and produced an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.940. Using cut-offs of 200 ng/mL for AFP, 40 mAu/mL for DCP, and 15% for AFP-L3, the accuracies of AFP, DCP, and AFP-L3 for predicting HCC were 70.67% (AUC, 0.766), 74.91% (AUC, 0.644), and 71.05% (AUC, 0.683), respectively. A novel predictive model using a machine-learning approach reduced the misclassification rate by about half compared with a single tumor marker. The framework used in the current study can be applied to various kinds of data, thus potentially become a translational mechanism between academic research and clinical practice.
Retinal Oxygen Delivery, Metabolism and Extraction Fraction and Retinal Thickness Immediately Following an Interval of Ophthalmic Vessel Occlusion in Rats
Authors: Blair Norman P. , Tan Michael R. , Felder Anthony E. , Shahidi Mahnaz
Published: May 2019

Limited knowledge is currently available about alterations of retinal blood flow (F), oxygen delivery (DO2), oxygen metabolism (MO2), oxygen extraction fraction (OEF), or thickness after the ophthalmic blood vessels have been closed for a substantial interval and then reopened. We ligated the ophthalmic vessels for 120 minutes in one eye of 17 rats, and measured these variables within 20 minutes after release of the ligature in the 10 rats which had immediate reflow. F, DO2 and MO2 were 5.2 ± 3.1 μL/min, 428 ± 271 nL O2/min, and 234 ± 133 nL O2/min, respectively, that is, to 58%, 46% and 60% of values obtained from normal fellow eyes (P < 0.004). OEF was 0.65 ± 0.23, 148% of normal (P = 0.03). Inner and total retinal thicknesses were 195 ± 24 and 293 ± 20 μm, respectively, 117% and 114% of normal, and inversely related to MO2 (P ≤ 0.02). These results reflect how much energy is available to the retina immediately after an interval of nonperfusion for 120 minutes. Thus, they elucidate aspects of the pathophysiology of nonperfusion retinal injury and may improve therapy in patients with retinal artery or ophthalmic artery obstructions.
240Pu/239Pu and 242Pu/239Pu atom ratios of Japanese monthly atmospheric deposition samples during 1963–1966
Authors: Ohtsuka Yoshihito , Aoyama Michio , Takaku Yuichi , Igarashi Yasuhito , Hattori Michinari , Hirose Katsumi , Hisamatsu Shun’ichi
Published: May 2019

Global fallout plutonium isotopic ratios from the 1960s are important for the use of Pu as environmental tracers. We measured the 240Pu/239Pu and 242Pu/239Pu atomic ratios of monthly atmospheric deposition samples collected in Tokyo and Akita, Japan during March 1963 to May 1966. To our knowledge, our results represent the first data measured for actual atmospheric deposition samples collected continuously during the 1960s. Both atomic ratios increased rapidly from March 1963 to June 1963, followed by a gradual increase until September 1963. Then, both ratios declined with a half-life of approximately 5.6 months. The observed temporal changes of the ratios were likely caused by the upper-stratospheric input of nuclear debris from high-yield atmospheric nuclear weapon testing during 1961–62, followed by its downward transport to the troposphere.
Source attribution of Campylobacter jejuni shows variable importance of chicken and ruminants reservoirs in non-invasive and invasive French clinical isolates
Authors: Berthenet Elvire , Thépault Amandine , Chemaly Marianne , Rivoal Katell , Ducournau Astrid , Buissonnière Alice , Bénéjat Lucie , Bessède Emilie , Mégraud Francis , Sheppard Samuel K. , Lehours Philippe
Published: May 2019

Campylobacter jejuni is the most common cause of bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide. Mainly isolated from stool samples, C. jejuni can also become invasive. C. jejuni belongs to the commensal microbiota of a number of hosts, and infection by this bacterium can sometimes be traced back to exposure to a specific source. Here we genome sequenced 200 clinical isolates (2010–2016) and analyzed them with 701 isolate genomes from human infection, chicken, ruminants and the environment to examine the relative contribution of different reservoirs to non-invasive and invasive infection in France. Host-segregating genetic markers that can discriminate C. jejuni source were used with STRUCTURE software to probabilistically attribute the source of clinical strains. A self-attribution correction step, based upon the accuracy of source apportionment within each potential reservoir, improved attribution accuracy of clinical strains and suggested an important role for ruminant reservoirs in non-invasive infection and a potentially increased contribution of chicken as a source of invasive isolates. Structured sampling of Campylobacter in the clinic and from potential reservoirs provided evidence for variation in the contribution of different infection sources over time and an important role for non-poultry reservoirs in France. This provides a basis for ongoing genomic epidemiology surveillance and targeted interventions.
CTLA-4 Protects against Angiotensin II-Induced Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Formation in Mice
Authors: Amin Hilman Zulkifli , Sasaki Naoto , Yamashita Tomoya , Mizoguchi Taiji , Hayashi Tomohiro , Emoto Takuo , Matsumoto Takuya , Yoshida Naofumi , Tabata Tokiko , Horibe Sayo , Kawauchi Shoji , Rikitake Yoshiyuki , Hirata Ken-ichi
Published: May 2019

Vascular inflammation via T-cell-mediated immune responses has been shown to be critically involved in the pathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). T-cell coinhibitory molecule cytotoxic T-lymphocyte–associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) is known to act as a potent negative regulator of immune responses. However, the role of this molecule in the development of AAA remains completely unknown. We determined the effects of CTLA-4 overexpression on experimental AAA. We continuously infused CTLA-4 transgenic (CTLA-4-Tg)/apolipoprotein E–deficient (Apoe−/−) mice or control Apoe−/− mice fed a high-cholesterol diet with angiotensin II by implanting osmotic mini-pumps and evaluated the development of AAA. Ninety percent of angiotensin II-infused mice developed AAA, with 50% mortality because of aneurysm rupture. Overexpression of CTLA-4 significantly reduced the incidence (66%), mortality (26%), and diameter of AAA. These protective effects were associated with a decreased number of effector CD4+ T cells and the downregulated expression of costimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86, ligands for CTLA-4, on CD11c+ dendritic cells in lymphoid tissues. CTLA-4-Tg/Apoe−/− mice had reduced accumulation of macrophages and CD4+ T cells, leading to attenuated aortic inflammation, preserved vessel integrity, and decreased susceptibility to AAA and aortic rupture. Our findings suggest T-cell coinhibitory molecule CTLA-4 as a novel therapeutic target for AAA.
Systematic evaluation and optimization of the experimental steps in RNA G-quadruplex structure sequencing
Authors: Yeung Pui Yan , Zhao Jieyu , Chow Eugene Yui-Ching , Mou Xi , Hong HuiQi , Chen Leilei , Chan Ting-Fung , Kwok Chun Kit
Published: May 2019

cDNA library preparation is important for many high-throughput sequencing applications, such as RNA G-quadruplex structure sequencing (rG4-seq). A systematic evaluation of the procedures of the experimental pipeline, however, is lacking. Herein, we perform a comprehensive assessment of the 5 key experimental steps involved in the cDNA library preparation of rG4-seq, and identify better reaction conditions and/or enzymes to carry out each of these key steps. Notably, we apply the improved methods to fragmented cellular RNA, and show reduced RNA input requirement, lower transcript abundance variations between biological replicates, as well as lower transcript coverage bias when compared to prior arts. In addition, the time to perform these steps is substantially reduced to hours. Our method and results can be directly applied in protocols that require cDNA library preparation, and provide insights to the further development of simple and efficient cDNA library preparation for different biological applications.
Volumetric assessment of extracranial carotid artery aneurysms
Authors: de Vries E. E. , van Laarhoven C. J. H. C. M. , Kuijf H. J. , Hazenberg C. E. V. B. , van Herwaarden J. A. , Viergever M. A. , de Borst G. J.
Published: May 2019

The extracranial carotid artery aneurysm (ECAA) is a rare pathology for which clinical treatment guidelines are lacking. In general, symptoms or growth of the aneurysm sac are thought to indicate intervention. ECAAs may present in a large variety of shapes and sizes, and conventional diameter measurements fail to indicate geometrical differences. Therefore, we propose a protocol to measure ECAA size by 3D volumetric assessment. The volumes of 40 ECAAs in computed tomography angiography (CTA) images were measured through manual segmentation, by two independent operators. Volumes of the entire internal carotid artery (ICA) and the ECAA were measured separately. Excellent inter- and intraoperator reliability was found for both ICA and ECAA volumes, with all intraclass correlation coefficients above 0.94. Bland-Altman analysis revealed normal differences for both inter- and intraoperator agreement. For all volumes, similarity of the segmentations was excellent. Outliers were explained by presence of intraluminal ECAA thrombus, which hampered identification of the aneurysm outer wall. These results implicate robustness of our protocol, which is designed as a step-up towards (semi)automatic volumetric measurements to monitor patients with ECAA. Future (semi)automatic volumetric assessments are recommended and such techniques can be developed and validated using the proposed protocol and manual reference segmentations.
Potential resistant mutations within HBV reverse transcriptase sequences in nucleos(t)ide analogues-experienced patients with hepatitis B virus infection
Authors: Zhang Xiaoman , Chen Xianli , Wei Meijuan , Zhang Chunyu , Xu Tao , Liu Liguan , Xu Zhengju
Published: May 2019

This study was performed to analyze the potential resistant mutations within HBV reverse transcriptase (RT) sequences against nucleos(t)ide analogues (NA). HBV DNA RT region spanning from amino acid 169 to 250 was amplified and sequenced from 435 HBV patients who experienced NA treatment. Among study’s cohort, genotypes B and C infected patients were 55.9% and 44.1%, respectively. Mutations were recorded in 54.7% (238/435) patients at 22 positions. Genotype C displayed significant higher frequency of potential NA resistant mutations than genotype B (63.0% vs. 48.1%, P = 0.003). Moreover, eight mutation sites, including 180, 181, 191, 200, 202, 221, 229 and 224, in genotype C showed significant higher frequencies than in genotype B. In contrast, mutation at site 236 was more common in genotype B. Notably, 11 mutations at position 169, 202, 250, 173, 180, 200, 207, 214, 237, 242 and 245 coexisted with M204I or V. Substitutions at nine non-classical mutation sites (191, 207, 213, 218, 221, 224, 229, 238 and 242) were detected in patients with virological breakthrough. Particularly, tenofovir (TDF) resistance was observed in one patient undergoing TDF monotherapy and experienced several NA treatment before. These results might provide clinical useful information under antiviral therapy.
Eosinophil extracellular trap formation is closely associated with disease severity in chronic rhinosinusitis regardless of nasal polyp status
Authors: Hwang Chi Sang , Park Sang Chul , Cho Hyung-Ju , Park Dong-Joon , Yoon Joo-Heon , Kim Chang-Hoon
Published: May 2019

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a heterogeneous inflammatory airway disease involving non-eosinophilic and eosinophilic phenotypes, which translate to various endotypes. Activated eosinophils and neutrophils are known to generate extracellular traps consisting of DNA and cytotoxic granule proteins. We sought to investigate the presence of eosinophil and neutrophil extracellular traps (EETs and NETs, respectively) in human CRS tissues and to clarify the associations with their clinical features. Nasal polyp (NP) or ethmoid tissue slides of 43 subjects from endoscopic sinus surgery for CRS were analysed. Quantitative analysis of EETs and NETs was performed by confocal microscopy using immunofluorescent staining. For correlation study, the presence of NPs, number of infiltrating tissue eosinophils, preoperative Lund–Mackay scores, and other comorbidities were analysed. EET formation was observed to varying degrees in all CRS groups and was correlated with the number of tissue eosinophils (r  =  0.83, p  < 0.001) regardless of the presence of NPs. Patients with more EETs demonstrated higher Lund–Mackay scores (r  =  0.51, p  = 0.009), blood eosinophilia (r  =  0.80, p  < 0.001), and decreased olfactory function (r  = −0.65, p  < 0.001). No correlation between the extent of EET formation and the presence of atopy or asthma was apparent. However, none of the CRS groups containing neutrophils formed NETs in this study. Eosinophilic CRS indicates the presence of EETs. Formation of EETs could have a role in clinical decision-making and prediction of treatment outcome of CRS, regardless of NP status.
Retinal Vascular Density as A Novel Biomarker of Acute Renal Injury after Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Alan Guillaume , Guenancia Charles , Arnould Louis , Azemar Arthur , Pitois Stéphane , Maza Maud , Bichat Florence , Zeller Marianne , Gabrielle Pierre-Henri , Bron Alain Marie , Creuzot-Garcher Catherine , Cottin Yves
Published: May 2019

Iodinated contrast agent (ICA)-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) following acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a frequent complication, which may lead to chronic kidney disease and increased mortality. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) of the retina is new tool delivering a rapid and noninvasive assessment of systemic microvascularization, which is potentially involved in the occurrence of ICA-induced AKI. Between October 2016 and March 2017, 452 ACS patients were admitted to our cardiac intensive care unit. OCT-A was performed within 48 h after the ICA injection. Patients with a history of retinal disease were excluded. The patients included were divided into two groups depending on whether or not AKI occurred after injection of ICA, according to KDIGO criteria. Of the 216 patients included, 21 (10%) presented AKI. AKI was significantly associated with age, Mehran score, GRACE score, and NT-proBNP. AKI patients had significantly lower retinal vascular density (RVD)) and had more frequent low RVD (81% vs 45%, P = 0.002). Adding low RVD to the Mehran score and the NT-proBNP, or to the GRACE score and the NT-proBNP, significantly improved their predictive values, suggesting that systemic microvascular involvement remains incompletely addressed by either standard risk scores or factors known to be associated with ICA-induced AKI.
A SERS approach for rapid detection of microRNA-17 in the picomolar range
Authors: Schechinger Monika , Marks Haley , Mabbott Samuel , Choudhury Mahua , Cote' Gerard
Published: May 2019

A SERS sensor was designed as a biomarker based diagnostic tool for preeclampsia with an effective sensing performance.
Fast and accurate decoding of Raman spectra-encoded suspension arrays using deep learning
Authors: Chen Xuejing , Xie Luyuan , He Yonghong , Guan Tian , Zhou Xuesi , Wang Bei , Feng Guangxia , Yu Haihong , Ji Yanhong
Published: May 2019

A deep learning network called “residual neural network” (ResNet) was used to decode Raman spectra-encoded suspension arrays (SAs).
A 1,8-naphthalimide-based fluorescent sensor with high selectivity and sensitivity for Hg2+ in aqueous solution and living cells
Authors: Liu Daying , Zhu Hualing , Shi Jun , Deng Xinxin , Zhang Tingting , Zhao Ye , Qi Pengpeng , Yang Guangming , He Huarui
Published: May 2019

A new 4-amino-1,8-naphthalimide-based fluorescent sensor, with iminodiacetic acid and picolinic acid as receptors, was developed and applied successfully to detect Hg2+ in aqueous solution and living cells.
A split molecular beacon for specific identification of cancer-related single nucleotide polymorphism
Authors: Li Min , Jiang Min , Yang Shu-Lin , Guo Fei-Xia , Wu Bi-Ting , Zhang Meng-Yi , Lu Yu-Tian , Li Feng , Shen Zhi-Fa , Zheng Xiao-Qun
Published: May 2019

A highly selective and sensitive split molecular beacon (SMB)-based SNP genotyping biosensing system was developed by combining the selectivity of ligation detection reaction (LDR) with the efficient signal amplification of target recycling.
A highly selective fluorescent probe for sensitive detection of HAV in water
Authors: Xie Jun , Zhou Peng , Wen Min , Bai Jingyu , Yang Fangming , Duan Chunying
Published: May 2019

Highly specific and sensitive detection of hepatitis A virus (HAV) in water is of great significance for drinking water safety and epidemic control.
Parahydrogen induced hyperpolarization provides a tool for NMR metabolomics at nanomolar concentrations
Authors: Sellies Lisanne , Reile Indrek , Aspers Ruud L. E. G. , Feiters Martin C. , Rutjes Floris P. J. T. , Tessari Marco
Published: May 2019

Sensitivity enhancement by parahydrogen hyperpolarization allows NMR detection and quantification of hundreds of urinary metabolites at down to nanomolar concentrations.
A bicyclization reaction with two molecular allenyl ketones and isocyanides: synthesis of a lactone-containing azaspirocycle derivative
Authors: Yuan Hongdong , Tang Chongrong , Su Shikuan , Cui Lei , Jia Xueshun , Li Chunju , Li Jian
Published: May 2019

A novel bicyclization reaction of two molecular allenyl ketones and isocyanides has been disclosed. This strategy allows for the construction of structurally complex spirocyclic lactam–lactone systems in an efficient manner.
β-Galactosidase instructed supramolecular hydrogelation for selective identification and removal of senescent cells
Authors: Xu Tengyan , Cai Yanbin , Zhong Xinglong , Zhang Le , Zheng Debing , Gao Zhengfeng , Pan Xianmei , Wang Fuqiang , Chen Minsheng , Yang Zhimou
Published: May 2019

We introduced a novel strategy of β-galactosidase instructed supramolecular hydrogelation for selective identification and removal of senescent cells.
Facile difluoromethylation of aliphatic alcohols with an S-(difluoro-methyl)sulfonium salt: reaction, scope and mechanistic study
Authors: Liu Guo-Kai , Li Xin , Qin Wen-Bing , Peng Xiao-Shui , Wong Henry N. C. , Zhang Linxing , Zhang Xinhao
Published: May 2019

Facile difluoromethylation of alcohols is herein described, and the mechanistic study reveals that the difluorocarbene pathway is rational via a five-membered transition state with the participation of water.
Optimizing aromatic oligoamide foldamer side-chains for ribosomal translation initiation
Authors: Tsiamantas Christos , Kwon Sunbum , Douat Céline , Huc Ivan , Suga Hiroaki
Published: May 2019

The tolerance of ribosomal peptide translation for helical foldamers appended as initiators was extended to longer and more rigid structures.
Controllable synthesis of 3D Fe3O4 micro-cubes as anode materials for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Xu Yuan , Zhu Kongjun , Liu Pengcheng , Wang Jing , Yan Kang , Liu Jinsong , Zhang Jie , Li Jun , Yao Zhongran
Published: May 2019

In this study, we adopt a facile two-step annealing strategy to synthesize different structural 3D Fe2O3 micro-cubes and 3D Fe3O4 micro-cubes using Prussian blue (PB) as a precursor.
The hydrogen abstraction reaction H + C2H6 → H2(v,j) + C2H5. Part I. A full-dimensional analytical potential energy surface based on ab initio calculations
Authors: Espinosa-Garcia Joaquin , Garcia-Chamorro Moises , Corchado Jose C.
Published: May 2019

Using as input data high-level structure electronic calculations, a new full-dimensional analytical potential energy surface (PES), named PES-2018, was developed for the title reaction, which is a valence bond/molecular mechanics based surface that depends on a set of adjustable parameters.
Atomistic simulations to study the effect of grain boundaries and hydrogen functionalization on the fracture toughness of bi-crystalline h-BN nanosheets
Authors: Sharma Bharat Bhushan , Parashar Avinash
Published: May 2019

The aim of this research article was to investigate the effect of grain boundaries (GBs), and hydrogen functionalisation on the fracture toughness of bi-crystalline hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) nanosheets.
Pressure induced multi-centre bonding and metal–insulator transition in PtAl2
Authors: Modak P. , Verma Ashok K.
Published: May 2019

An electron localization function showing interstitial charge localization and multi-centre bonding in an insulating Cmcm phase is studied.
Conformational dynamics and allosteric effect modulated by the unique zinc-binding motif in class IIa HDACs
Authors: Liu Huawei , Zhang Fan , Wang Kai , Tang Xiaowen , Wu Ruibo
Published: May 2019

Class IIa histone deacetylases (HDACs) have been considered as potential targets for the treatment of several diseases.
Recent advances in the catalytic hydroboration of carbonyl compounds
Authors: Shegavi Mahadev L. , Bose Shubhankar Kumar
Published: May 2019

The latest development in the catalytic hydroboration of CO groups is summarized in this review. Access to borate ester intermediates provides a pathway to convert them into the corresponding valuable functionalized alcohols.
Chiral tectonics toward square planar tetranuclear Pd(ii) complexes: propagation of axial chirality through a long molecular axis
Authors: Goto Yutaro , Watanabe Yutaka , Noboriguchi Aoki , Yoshida Jun , Mori Shigeki , Sato Hisako
Published: May 2019

Tetranuclear Pd(ii)complexes were synthesized according to the molecular tectonics approach. A focus was how the elongation of a molecular axis affected the chiro-optical properties of a molecule with axial chirality.