bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrability of conformal blocks. Part I. Calogero-Sutherland scattering theory
Authors: Isachenkov Mikhail , Schomerus Volker
Published: August 2018

Abstract

Conformal blocks are the central ingredient of the conformal bootstrap programme. We elaborate on our recent observation that uncovered a relation with wave functions of an integrable Calogero-Sutherland Hamiltonian in order to develop a systematic theory of conformal blocks. Our main goal here is to review central ingredients of the Heckman-Opdam theory for scattering states of Calogero-Sutherland models with special emphasis to the relation with scalar 4-point blocks. We will also discuss a number of direct consequences for conformal blocks, including a new series expansion for blocks of arbitrary complex spin and a complete analysis of their poles and residues. Applications to the Froissart-Gribov formula for conformal field theory, as well as extensions to spinning blocks and defects are briefly discussed before we conclude with an outlook on forthcoming work concerning algebraic consequences of integrability.
An open-label feasibility study of nintedanib combined with docetaxel in Japanese patients with locally advanced or metastatic lung adenocarcinoma after failure of first-line chemotherapy
Authors: Yamamoto Noboru , Kenmotsu Hirotsugu , Goto Koichi , Takeda Koji , Kato Terufumi , Takeda Masayuki , Horinouchi Hidehito , Saito Isao , Sarashina Akiko , Tanaka Tetsuya , Morsli Nassim , Nakagawa Kazuhiko
Published: August 2018

Purpose

This open-label feasibility study assessed the tolerability of nintedanib 200 mg in combination with docetaxel 75 mg/m2 as a starting dose in Japanese patients with a body surface area (BSA) < 1.5 m2 and locally advanced or metastatic lung adenocarcinoma.

Methods

Eligible patients received docetaxel 75 mg/m2 every 21 days and nintedanib administered at 200 mg twice daily (bid), starting on day 2 of each cycle. Treatment was continued until disease progression or undue toxicity. The primary endpoint was the number of patients experiencing dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) in cycle 1 (days 1–21).

Results

Of 10 treated patients, 2 patients (20%) experienced DLTs during cycle 1. These DLTs were grade 3 liver enzyme elevations [alanine aminotransferase (2 patients) and aspartate aminotransferase (2 patients)], and grade 2 hyperbilirubinemia (1 patient). Nine patients met the predefined criteria for nintedanib 200 mg bid plus docetaxel 75 mg/m2 to be considered a tolerable starting dose. All patients experienced ≥ 1 adverse event (AE) during the treatment period (all drug-related), but no patients experienced AEs that led to discontinuation of nintedanib. Of the five serious AEs reported during treatment, none were drug-related. There was no apparent effect of nintedanib on the pharmacokinetics of docetaxel. The objective response and disease control rates were 40 and 70%, respectively.

Conclusion

Nintedanib 200 mg bid plus docetaxel 75 mg/m2 is a tolerable starting dose in Japanese patients with a BSA < 1.5 m2 with locally advanced or metastatic lung adenocarcinoma.

ClinicalTrials.gov number

NCT02300298.
Tricky to track: comparing different tagging methods for tracing beechnut dispersal by small mammals
Authors: Kempter Iris , Nopp‐Mayr Ursula , Hausleithner Christa , Gratzer Georg
Published: August 2018

Seed hoarding animals may distinctly impact individual fitness of plants as well as plant community dynamics in terms of differential seed consumption and seed dispersal. Addressing methodological challenges and constraints in understanding the role of seed dispersal mutualisms, we tested different seed tagging methods for relatively small seeds. We selected two study areas with dense ground vegetation, irregular terrain, and seed predator guilds with comparatively high dispersal and seed removal potential. We tested three different tagging methods, offering untagged and tagged seeds on experimental dishes: (1) wire threads with plastic flags fixed with solvent‐free glue, (2) wire threads with plastic flags twisted around a beechnut, (3) and radio‐transmitters fixed with solvent‐free glue. Seed predators did not show any preferences for tagged or untagged seeds or for a certain tagging method at any point of time. Instead, both tagged seeds and untagged control seeds were removed from the dishes to a high degree (up to 100%) after 25–35 days. In both study areas, seeds with radio‐transmitters experienced longer transport distances with a maximum of nearly 60 m and distances also differed between study areas. In one study area, higher portions of radio‐tagged seeds could be recovered than for the flag‐tagged seeds. Significantly more seeds tagged with radio‐transmitters were cached than expected. Given the advantages and limitations of each approach, a combination of flag‐tagging and radio‐telemetry (not on the same seed) may be the best solution for tracking seed fate in dense vegetation or irregular terrain.
Flow of liquids through paper
Authors: MacDonald Brendan D.
Published: August 2018

The flow of liquids through paper is challenging to model due to the complexity and disordered layout of the fibre matrix. The expanding use and capability of microfluidic paper-based analytical devices ($\unicode[STIX]{x1D707}$PADs) and their requirement for precision has increased the need to accurately predict the flow of liquids through paper. Many studies have developed models and revealed some of the physical mechanisms responsible for the flow behaviour, but we still lack a complete understanding, particularly in relation to how the fluid fills the various voids with a wide range of shapes and sizes in the fibre matrix of paper. In the featured article, Changet al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 845, 2018, 36–50) used a combined experimental and theoretical approach to uncover the importance of the liquid filling the intra-fibre pores, showed that this results in deviation from the flow behaviour predicted by the Lucas–Washburn equation and developed a model which accounts for this effect.
A cavity-by-cavity description of the aeroacoustic instability over a liner with a grazing flow
Authors: Dai Xiwen , Aurégan Yves
Published: August 2018

This paper presents a two-dimensional (2-D) cavity-by-cavity description of a convective instability near a lined wall with low dissipation due to the coupling of hydrodynamic modes with resonance of the wall. For a liner consisting of an array of deep cavities periodically placed along a duct containing a mean shear flow, the acoustic and hydrodynamic disturbances are described by the linearized Euler equations. The Bloch modes and the scattering matrix of periodic cells are used to examine the instability over the liner. The unstable Bloch mode is due to the coupling of a hydrodynamic mode in the shear flow with the cavity resonance. It is demonstrated that even when all the transverse modes are stable in the duct–cavity system, i.e. when the Kelvin–Helmholtz instability of the shear flow over the cavities does not occur, such an instability over the liner can still exist. The unstable Bloch wave, excited by the incident sound wave at the upstream part of the liner, convectively grows along the liner, and regenerates sound near the downstream edge of the liner with a sound level higher than the incident sound level. It is shown that a homogenized approach, where the wall effect is described by a homogeneous impedance, can also explain the unstable behaviour above the liner. It reveals that a small wall resistance and a small and positive reactance are two necessary conditions for such an instability.
Bending Analysis of Stented Coronary Artery: the Interaction Between Stent and Vessel
Authors: Shen X. , Deng Y. Q. , Ji S. , Zhu H. F. , Jiang J. B. , Gu L. X.
Published: August 2018

Vessel flexure can be triggered naturally by surgical operation, heart pulsation and body movement. It may affect the mechanical behavior of the stent and the existence of a stent may in turn cause vessel injury. In the present study, the finite element method is employed to study the interaction between stent and vessel during vessel flexure. Two- and four-link stents made of stainless steel 316L and magnesium alloy WE43 are considered. Results indicate that longitudinal deformation of the stent can be caused by vessel flexure, and the higher levels of stress exist in the link struts. The existence of the stent could induce significant stress concentration and straightened deformation on vessel wall in the course of vessel flexure. Stents with more links or made of harder materials show greater anti-deformation capability, thus inducing a more severe stress concentration and straightened deformation on the vessel wall. The bending direction also affects the mechanical performance of the vessel-stent system. The results obtained could provide useful information for better stent designs and clinical decisions.
The Effect of Manufacturing Parameters and Environmental Factors on Mechanical Properties of Carbon Fiber/Epoxy Composites
Authors: Hsu C. F. , Tsai H. Y. , Chen T. H.
Published: August 2018

In the recent years, the development of wind turbines has been so hectic in Taiwan. The design of the turbine blades directly impacts power effectiveness. In this study, the effects of manufacturing parameters and environmental factors on the mechanical properties of carbon fiber/epoxy composites that are used in turbine blades are discussed. Parameters of the manufacturing process affect the mechanical properties. Carbon composites made by a different numbers of layers are tested on various aspects of performance such as mechanical strength and corrosion resistance.
Chemical taphonomy and preservation modes of Jurassic spinicaudatans from Patagonia: a chemometric approach
Authors: Monferran Mateo D. , D’Angelo José A. , Cabaleri Nora G. , Gallego Oscar F. , Garban Grony
Published: August 2018

Spinicaudatans (‘clam shrimps’) are small branchiopod crustaceans enclosed in a chitinous bivalved carapace that is often the only preserved element in the fossil record. However, few studies have analyzed the preservation of these carapaces, which have been found in continental facies from the Devonian to the present. The aim of this study was to contribute to a better understanding of the chemical preservation of fossil spinicaudatan carapaces, and it focused on spinicaudatan carapaces of the Cañadón Asfalto Formation from the Jurassic of Argentina. Semiquantitative energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS) analysis provided elemental composition data that were interpreted using principal component analysis (PCA). The results showed a complex chemical mode of preservation for spinicaudatan carapaces. In some parts, EDS spectra of the specimens exhibit peaks of calcium, phosphorous, aluminum, and fluorine, representing the retention of original carapace material with some diagenetic recrystallization. Certain zones of the carapace show low-intensity peaks of the elements mentioned, while silicon and oxygen peaks (from the rock matrix) become the dominant spectral signals. These modes of preservation modify the interpretations and observations of the ornamentation of the carapace, which are used as taxonomic features. Our results suggest that specific diagenetic processes play a fundamental role in the preservation of spinicaudatans.
Associations of teat morphometric parameters and subclinical mastitis in riverine buffaloes
Authors: Kaur Gagandeep , Bansal Baljinder Kumar , Singh Raj Sukhbir , Kashyap Neeraj , Sharma Shukriti
Published: August 2018

The possible association between teat morphometric traits and subclinical mastitis (SCM) in dairy buffaloes was studied. Teat morphometric parameters, i.e. teat shape (bottle, conical, cylindrical, and others), teat-end shape (flat, round, and pointed), teat length (TL), teat diameter (TD), and teat-end to floor distance were measured before milking, but after proper milk let-down, in clinically healthy buffaloes (47 Murrah and 34 Nili-Ravi breeds). Subclinical mastitis was defined on the basis of bacteriology and somatic cell count (SCC) of quarter foremilk samples. A high proportion of cylindrical teats (40%) and pointed teat-ends (64·4%) was observed. Hind teats were longer and thicker than fore teats (P < 0·05). A significant breed effect was found with respect to teat shape, length and diameter (P < 0·05). Teats were mostly cylindrical (43·3 vs. 35·4%) and conical (34·2 vs. 30·8%) shaped, smaller (mean 8·2 vs. 9·5 cm) and thinner (mean 3·3 vs. 3·6 cm) in the Murrah breed compared with the Nili-Ravi breed. Teats that had ‘other’ shapes and were longer, wider, and placed closer to the floor were more associated with SCM (P < 0·05). Mean SCC was significantly higher (P < 0·05) in Nili-Ravi buffaloes, teat shapes classified as ‘others’, and quarters with SCM. Teat morphometric traits seem to be associated with indicators of udder health in buffaloes, thus, their inclusion in breeding programmes for selection against undesirable dairy type traits may be of value in reducing susceptibility to intramammary infections in Indian buffaloes.
DGAT1 polymorphism in Riverine buffalo, Swamp buffalo and crossbred buffalo
Authors: Li Jun , Liu Shenhe , Li Zipeng , Zhang Shujun , Hua Guohua , Salzano Angela , Campanile Giuseppe , Gasparrini Bianca , Liang Aixin , Yang Liguo
Published: August 2018

This Research Communication describes the polymorphisms in the coding region of DGAT1 gene in Riverine buffalo, Swamp buffalo and crossbred buffalo, and associations between polymorphisms and milk production performance in Riverine buffalo. Two polymorphisms of DGAT1were identified, located in exon 13 and exon 17, respectively. The distribution of the genotypes of the two SNP loci in different buffalo population varied, especially the polymorphism located in exon 13 which was not found in the Swamp buffalo. Moreover, SNP located in exon 17 was a nonsynonymous switch resulting in the animo acid sequence changed from an arginine (Arg) to a histidine (His) at position 484. Both SNPs were in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, and the polymorphism of g.8330T>C in the exon 13 was significantly associated with peak milk yield, total milk yield and protein percentage. The C variant was associated with an increase in milk yield and peak yield but less in protein percentage compared with the T variant. The polymorphisms of g.9046T>C in exon 17 were significantly associated with fat percentage, in that the buffaloes with TT genotype had a significantly higher fat percentage than those with CC genotype. These findings reveal the difference in the genetic evolution of the DGAT1 between Riverine buffalo and Swamp buffalo, and provide evidence that the DGAT1 gene has potential effects for Riverine buffalo milk production traits, which can be used as a candidate gene for marker-assisted selection in buffalo breeding.
Molecular characteristics and induction profiles of hypoxia-inducible factor-1αand other basic helix–loop–helix and Per–Arnt–Sim domain-containing proteins identified in a carcinogenic liver flukeClonorchis sinensis
Authors: Kim Seon-Hee , Oh Gyu-Seok , Sohn Woon-Mok , Lee Kihyun , Yang Hyun-Jong , Bae Young-An
Published: August 2018

Clonorchis sinensis(C. sinensis), a trematode parasite that invades the hypoxic hepatobiliary tract of vertebrate hosts requires a considerable amount of oxygen for its sexual reproduction and energy metabolism. However, little is known regarding the molecular mechanism ofC. sinensisinvolved in the adaptation to the hypoxic environments. In this study, we investigated the molecular structures and induction patterns of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α) and other basic helix–loop–helix and Per–Arnt–Sim (bHLH–PAS) domain-containing proteins such as HIF-1β, single-minded protein and aryl hydrocarbon receptor, which might prompt adaptive response to hypoxia, inC. sinensis. These proteins possessed various bHLH–PAS family-specific domains. Expression ofC. sinensis HIF-1α(CsHIF-1α) was highly induced in worms which were either exposed to a hypoxic condition or co-incubated with human cholangiocytes. In addition to oxygen, nitric oxide and nitrite affected theCsHIF-1αexpression depending on the surrounding oxygen concentration. Treatment using a prolyl hydroxylase-domain protein inhibitor under 20%-oxygen condition resulted in an increase in the CsHIF-1αlevel. Conversely, the otherbHLH–PASgenes were less responsive to these exogenous stimuli. We suggest that nitrite and nitric oxide, as well as oxygen, coordinately involve in the regulation of HIF-1αexpression to adapt to the hypoxic host environments inC. sinensis.
A systematic review on modelling approaches for economic losses studies caused by parasites and their associated diseases in cattle
Authors: Rashid Muhammad , Rashid Muhammad Imran , Akbar Haroon , Ahmad Liaquat , Hassan Muhammad Adeel , Ashraf Kamran , Saeed Khalid , Gharbi Mohamed
Published: August 2018

Parasites reside inside or outside their hosts and get host nutrition and blood. Here, we have emphasized economic losses in cattle caused by parasitic diseases due to ecto- and endo- parasites (flies, ticks, mites and helminths). We have outlined different methods/models including economic evaluation techniques and dynamic analysis as a major class, used for the calculation of economic losses caused by parasites in cattle. According to already conducted studies, a decrease in production is mentioned in quantity and percentage while financial losses are expressed in the form of account with respect to per head, herd or for the specific study area. The parasites cause the reduced production and financial losses due to control, treatment and mortality costs. We calculated the average decrease in milk production and organ condemnation as 1.16 L animal−1 day−1 and 12.95%, respectively, from overall cattle parasitic infections. Moreover, the average calculated financial and percentage losses were US$ 50.67 animal−1 year−1 and 17.94%, respectively. Economically important parasitic diseases mentioned here are caused by specific spp. of protozoans and helminths according to data collected from the literature. Protozoan diseases include tick-borne diseases, coccidiosis, neosporosis, trypanosomiasis and cryptosporidiosis. Losses due to tick-borne infections were encountered for decreased milk production, mortality, treatment and control. Losses from coccidiosis were due to decreased weight gain, treatment costs and mortality. While abortion losses were encountered in neosporosis. Trypanosomiasis caused losses due to a decrease in milk yield. Moreover, only diagnostic (conventional or molecular techniques) cost was taken into account for cryptosporidiosis. Economically important nematode parasites are Oesophagostomum spp., Cooperia spp., Trichostrongylus spp., Strongyloides spp., Ostertagia spp. and Haemonchus placei. Due to the zoonotic importance of echinococcosis, Echinococcus granulosus is the most economically important cestode parasite. Losses caused by echinococcosis were due to organ condemnation, carcass weight loss and decreases hide value, milk production and fecundity. While, fascioliasis is one of the most economically important trematodal disease, which causes cirrhosis of the liver due to parasite migration, and thus, the organ becomes inedible. So, it would be helpful for farmers and researchers to approach these methods/models for calculation of parasitic losses and should adopt suitable measures to avoid long-term economic losses.
Prenatal intimate partner violence exposure predicts infant biobehavioral regulation: Moderation by the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene
Authors: Martinez-Torteya Cecilia , Figge Caleb J. , Gilchrist Michelle A. , Muzik Maria , King Anthony P. , Sorenson Matthew
Published: August 2018

The ability to regulate stress is a critical developmental milestone of early childhood that involves a set of interconnected behavioral and physiological processes and is influenced by genetic and environmental stimuli. Prenatal exposure to traumatic stress and trauma, including intimate partner violence (IPV), increases risk for offspring biobehavioral regulation problems during childhood and adolescence. Although individual differences in susceptibility to prenatal stress have been largely unexplored, a handful of studies suggest children with specific genetic characteristics are most vulnerable to prenatal stress. We evaluated the brain-derived neurotrophic factor Val66Met gene (BDNF) as a moderator of the effect of prenatal IPV exposure on infant temperamental and cortisol regulation in response to a psychosocial challenge. Ninety-nine mother–infant dyads recruited from the community were assessed when infants (51% female) were 11 to 14 months. Maternal reports of IPV during pregnancy and infant temperament were obtained, and infant saliva was collected for genotyping and to assess cortisol reactivity (before and after the Strange Situation Task). Significant genetic moderation effects were found. Among infants with the BDNF Met allele, prenatal IPV predicted worse temperamental regulation and mobilization of the cortisol response, while controlling for infant postnatal exposure to IPV, other maternal traumatic experiences, and infant sex. However, prenatal IPV exposure was not associated with temperamental or cortisol outcomes among infant carriers of the Val/Val genotype. Findings are discussed in relation to prenatal programming and biological susceptibility to stress.
Prenatal maternal stress, fetal programming, and mechanisms underlying later psychopathology—A global perspective
Authors: Glover Vivette , O'Donnell Kieran J , O'Connor Thomas G , Fisher Jane
Published: August 2018

There is clear evidence that the mother's stress, anxiety, or depression during pregnancy can alter the development of her fetus and her child, with an increased risk for later psychopathology. We are starting to understand some of the underlying mechanisms including the role of the placenta, gene–environment interactions, epigenetics, and specific systems including the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and cytokines. In this review we also consider how these effects may be different, and potentially exacerbated, in different parts of the world. There can be many reasons for elevated prenatal stress, as in communities at war. There may be raised pregnancy-specific anxiety with high levels of maternal and infant death. There can be raised interpersonal violence (in Afghanistan 90.2% of women thought that “wife beating” was justified compared with 2.0% in Argentina). There may be interactions with nutritional deficiencies or with extremes of temperature. Prenatal stress alters the microbiome, and this can differ in different countries. Genetic differences in different ethnic groups may make some more vulnerable or more resilient to the effects of prenatal stress on child neurodevelopment. Most research on these questions has been in predominantly Caucasian samples from high-income countries. It is now time to understand more about prenatal stress and psychopathology, and the role of both social and biological differences, in the rest of the world.
Prenatal stress and the development of psychopathology: Lifestyle behaviors as a fundamental part of the puzzle
Authors: De Weerth Carolina
Published: August 2018

Maternal psychological stress, depression, and anxiety during pregnancy (prenatal stress; PNS) are thought to impact fetal development with long-term effects on offspring outcome. These effects would include physical and mental health, including psychopathology. Maternal sleep, diet, and exercise during pregnancy are lifestyle behaviors that are understudied and often solely included in PNS studies as confounders. However, there are indications that these lifestyle behaviors may actually constitute essential mediators between PNS and fetal programming processes. The goal of this theoretical review was to investigate this idea by looking at the evidence for associations between PNS and sleep, diet, and exercise, and by piecing together the information on potential underlying mechanisms and causal pathways through which these factors may affect the offspring. The analysis of the literature led to the conclusion that sleep, diet, and exercise during pregnancy, may have fundamental roles as mediators between PNS and maternal pregnancy physiology. By integrating these lifestyle behaviors into models of prenatal programming of development, a qualitatively higher and more comprehensive understanding of the prenatal origins of psychopathology can be obtained. The review finalizes by discussing some of the present challenges facing the field of PNS and offspring programming, and offering solutions for future research.
Prenatal depression, fetal neurobehavior, and infant temperament: Novel insights on early neurodevelopment from a socioeconomically disadvantaged Indian cohort
Authors: Fernandes M. , Srinivasan K. , Menezes G. , Ramchandani P. G.
Published: August 2018

This article extends the research focusing on the early origins of psychopathology into the prenatal period, by exploring the association between maternal prenatal depression and offspring (fetal and infant) neurobehavior. The sample is recruited from a rural population in South India where women in the third trimester of pregnancy were assessed for depression and the heart rate responses of their fetuses to extrinsically applied vibroacoustic stimuli were studied. At 2 months postbirth, infant temperament and cortisol responsivity to immunization were assessed. The association between maternal prenatal depression and fetal responsivity to vibroacoustic stimulation, and infant responsivity to immunization, was U shaped with higher levels of responsivity noted in the offspring of mothers with very high and very low depression scores, and lower levels noted in the offspring of mothers with moderate depression scores. Maternal prenatal depression was not associated with infant temperament. The findings highlight the importance of environmental influences in the developmental origins of neurobehavior, suggesting that such differences, not evident at baseline, may emerge upon exposure to stressors. The study also emphasizes the need for further investigation in low- and middle-income contexts by providing preliminary evidence of the differing patterns of association observed between high- and low-income populations.
Outpatient CBT for Underweight Patients with Eating Disorders: Effectiveness Within a National Health Service (NHS) Eating Disorders Service
Authors: Jenkins Paul E. , Morgan Ceri , Houlihan Catherine
Published: August 2018

Background: Underweight eating disorders (EDs) are notoriously difficult to treat, although a growing evidence base suggests that outpatient cognitive behaviour therapy for EDs (CBT-ED) can be effective for a large proportion of individuals. Aims: To investigate the effectiveness of CBT-ED for underweight EDs in a ‘real-world’ settings. Method: Sixty-three adults with underweight EDs (anorexia nervosa or atypical anorexia nervosa) began outpatient CBT-ED in a National Health Service setting. Results: Fifty-four per cent completed treatment, for whom significant changes were observed on measures of ED symptoms, psychological distress and psychosocial impairment. There was also a large effect on body weight at end-of-treatment. Conclusions: The results suggest that good outcomes can be achieved by the majority of those who complete treatment, although treatment non-completion remains a significant barrier to recovery. Future studies should focus on improving treatment retention, as evidence suggests that CBT-ED in ‘real-world’ settings is effective.
A review of literature on parallel constraint solving
Authors: GENT IAN P. , MIGUEL IAN , NIGHTINGALE PETER , MCCREESH CIARAN , PROSSER PATRICK , MOORE NEIL C. A. , UNSWORTH CHRIS
Published: August 2018

As multi-core computing is now standard, it seems irresponsible for constraints researchers to ignore the implications of it. Researchers need to address a number of issues to exploit parallelism, such as: investigating which constraint algorithms are amenable to parallelisation; whether to use shared memory or distributed computation; whether to use static or dynamic decomposition; and how to best exploit portfolios and cooperating search. We review the literature, and see that we can sometimes do quite well, some of the time, on some instances, but we are far from a general solution. Yet there seems to be little overall guidance that can be given on how best to exploit multi-core computers to speed up constraint solving. We hope at least that this survey will provide useful pointers to future researchers wishing to correct this situation.
Palaeoecological perspectives on Holocene environmental change in Scotland
Authors: EDWARDS Kevin J. , BENNETT K. D. , DAVIES Althea L.
Published: August 2018

Palaeoecology has been prominent in studies of environmental change during the Holocene epoch in Scotland. These studies have been dominated by palynology (pollen, spore and related bio-and litho-stratigraphic analyses) as a key approach to multi- and inter-disciplinary investigations of topics such as vegetation, climate and landscape change. This paper highlights some key dimensions of the pollen- and vegetation-based archive, with a focus upon woodland dynamics, blanket peat, human impacts, biodiversity and conservation. Following a brief discussion of chronological, climatic, faunal and landscape contexts, the migration, survival and nature of the woodland cover through time is assessed, emphasising its time-transgressiveness and altitudinal variation. While agriculture led to the demise of woodland in lowland areas of the south and east, the spread of blanket peat was especially a phenomenon of the north and west, including the Western and Northern Isles. Almost a quarter of Scotland is covered by blanket peat and the cause(s) of its spread continue(s) to evoke recourse to climatic, topographic, pedogenic, hydrological, biotic or anthropogenic influences, while we remain insufficiently knowledgeable about the timing of the formation processes. Humans have been implicated in vegetational change throughout the Holocene, with prehistoric woodland removal, woodland management, agricultural impacts arising from arable and pastoral activities, potential heathland development and afforestation. The viability of many current vegetation communities remains a concern, in that Scottish data show reductions in plant diversity over the last 400 years, which recent conservation efforts have yet to reverse. Palaeoecological evidence can be used to test whether conservation baselines and restoration targets are appropriate to longer-term ecosystem variability and can help identify when modern conditions have no past analogues.
Using vaccine Immunostimulation/Immunodynamic modelling methods to inform vaccine dose decision-making
Authors: Rhodes Sophie J. , Guedj Jeremie , Fletcher Helen A. , Lindenstrøm Thomas , Scriba Thomas J. , Evans Thomas G. , Knight Gwenan M. , White Richard G.
Published: August 2018

Unlike drug dose optimisation, mathematical modelling has not been applied to vaccine dose finding. We applied a novel Immunostimulation/Immunodynamic mathematical modelling framework to translate multi-dose TB vaccine immune responses from mice, to predict most immunogenic dose in humans. Data were previously collected on IFN-γ secreting CD4+ T cells over time for novel TB vaccines H56 and H1 adjuvanted with IC31 in mice (1 dose groups (0.1–1.5 and 15 μg H56 + IC31), 45 mice) and humans (1 dose (50 μg H56/H1 + IC31), 18 humans). A two-compartment mathematical model, describing the dynamics of the post-vaccination IFN-γ T cell response, was fitted to mouse and human data, separately, using nonlinear mixed effects methods. We used these fitted models and a vaccine dose allometric scaling assumption, to predict the most immunogenic human dose. Based on the changes in model parameters by mouse H56 + IC31 dose and by varying the H56 dose allometric scaling factor between mouse and humans, we established that, at a late time point (224 days) doses of 0.8–8 μg H56 + IC31 in humans may be the most immunogenic. A 0.8–8 μg of H-series TB vaccines in humans, may be as, or more, immunogenic, as larger doses. The Immunostimulation/Immunodynamic mathematical modelling framework is a novel, and potentially revolutionary tool, to predict most immunogenic vaccine doses, and accelerate vaccine development.
Large T1 contrast enhancement using superparamagnetic nanoparticles in ultra-low field MRI
Authors: Yin Xiaolu , Russek Stephen E. , Zabow Gary , Sun Fan , Mohapatra Jeotikanta , Keenan Kathryn E. , Boss Michael A. , Zeng Hao , Liu J. Ping , Viert Alexandrea , Liou Sy-Hwang , Moreland John
Published: August 2018

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) are widely investigated and utilized as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast and therapy agents due to their large magnetic moments. Local field inhomogeneities caused by these high magnetic moments are used to generate T2 contrast in clinical high-field MRI, resulting in signal loss (darker contrast). Here we present strong T1 contrast enhancement (brighter contrast) from SPIONs (diameters from 11 nm to 22 nm) as observed in the ultra-low field (ULF) MRI at 0.13 mT. We have achieved a high longitudinal relaxivity for 18 nm SPION solutions, r1 = 615 s−1 mM−1, which is two orders of magnitude larger than typical commercial Gd-based T1 contrast agents operating at high fields (1.5 T and 3 T). The significantly enhanced r1 value at ultra-low fields is attributed to the coupling of proton spins with SPION magnetic fluctuations (Brownian and Néel) associated with a low frequency peak in the imaginary part of AC susceptibility (χ”). SPION-based T1-weighted ULF MRI has the advantages of enhanced signal, shorter imaging times, and iron-oxide-based nontoxic biocompatible agents. This approach shows promise to become a functional imaging technique, similar to PET, where low spatial resolution is compensated for by important functional information.
Activations of deep convolutional neural networks are aligned with gamma band activity of human visual cortex
Authors: Kuzovkin Ilya , Vicente Raul , Petton Mathilde , Lachaux Jean-Philippe , Baciu Monica , Kahane Philippe , Rheims Sylvain , Vidal Juan R. , Aru Jaan
Published: August 2018

Recent advances in the field of artificial intelligence have revealed principles about neural processing, in particular about vision. Previous work demonstrated a direct correspondence between the hierarchy of the human visual areas and layers of deep convolutional neural networks (DCNN) trained on visual object recognition. We use DCNN to investigate which frequency bands correlate with feature transformations of increasing complexity along the ventral visual pathway. By capitalizing on intracranial depth recordings from 100 patients we assess the alignment between the DCNN and signals at different frequency bands. We find that gamma activity (30–70 Hz) matches the increasing complexity of visual feature representations in DCNN. These findings show that the activity of the DCNN captures the essential characteristics of biological object recognition not only in space and time, but also in the frequency domain. These results demonstrate the potential that artificial intelligence algorithms have in advancing our understanding of the brain.
Synthesis of new fluorinated proline analogues from polyfluoroalkyl β-ketoacetals and ethyl isocyanoacetate
Authors: Tolmachova Nataliya A. , Kondratov Ivan S. , Dolovanyuk Violetta G. , Pridma Stanislav O. , Chernykh Anton V. , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Haufe Günter
Published: August 2018

New straightforward synthetic approach to hitherto unknown cis-/trans-CF3-prolines and other 3-polyfluoroalkyl proline analogues.
Silicoaluminophosphate-11 (SAPO-11) molecular sieves synthesized via a grinding synthesis method
Authors: Liu Yuxiang , Lyu Yuchao , Zhao Xinxin , Xu Lu , Mintova Svetlana , Yan Zifeng , Liu Xinmei
Published: August 2018

Aluminophosphate molecular sieves with an AEL-type structure and various framework compositions were prepared via a grinding synthesis method (GSM).
Trisiloxane-centred metal–organic frameworks and hydrogen bonded assemblies
Authors: Delmas Luke C. , White Andrew J. P. , Pugh David , Horton Peter N. , Coles Simon J. , Lickiss Paul D. , Davies Robert P.
Published: August 2018

A trisiloxane-centred hexacarboxylic acid linker has been synthesized and used in the preparation of new hybrid MOF materials.
Halogen-bonded cocrystals ofN-salicylidene Schiff bases and iodoperfluorinated benzenes: hydroxyl oxygen as a halogen bond acceptor
Authors: Carletta Andrea , Zbačnik Marija , Vitković Matea , Tumanov Nikolay , Stilinović Vladimir , Wouters Johan , Cinčić Dominik
Published: August 2018

Novel halogen bondedo-hydroxy imine cocrystals with 1,3,5-triiodotrifluoro-benzene and 1,2-, 1,3- and 1,4-diiodotetrafluorobenzene have been synthesized.
Structural evolution in metallomicroemulsions – the effect of increasing alcohol hydrophobicity
Authors: Paul Alison , Fallis Ian A. , Stokes Emily C. , King Stephen M. , Griffiths Peter C.
Published: August 2018

Small-angle neutron scattering and contrast variation has been employed to quantify how a series of alcohols with increasing hydrophobicity exert different abilities to structure a model toluene based metallomicroemulsion – a microemulsion system stabilised with a metallosurfactant.
Triphenylamine-based allylidenemalononitrile chromophores: synthesis, and photophysical and second-order nonlinear optical properties
Authors: Çatal Emine , Keleş Ergin , Seferoğlu Nurgül , Achelle Sylvain , Barsella Alberto , Robin le Guen Françoise , Seferoğlu Zeynel
Published: August 2018

A series of NLO chromophores based on a mono-, di- or tri-substituted triphenylamine core and allylidenemalononitrile fragments has been designed.
Unveiling point defects in titania mesocrystals: a combined EPR and XPS study
Authors: Konstantinova Elizaveta , Minnekhanov Anton , Beltiukov Artemii , Ivanov Vladimir , Sutherland Andrew J. , Boytsova Olga
Published: August 2018

Titania mesocrystals, prepared using a polyethylene template, were studied by a combination of electron microscopy, XPS and EPR techniques.
One-pot synthesis of β-lactams by the Ugi and Michael addition cascade reaction
Authors: Gao Xing , Shan Chunhui , Chen Zhihao , Liu Yan , Zhao Xia , Zhang Ao , Yu Peng , Galons Hervé , Lan Yu , Lu Kui
Published: August 2018

A diversity-oriented synthesis of β-lactams via Ugi/Michael reaction cascades under mild conditions was achieved.
A supramolecular hydrogel prepared from a thymine-containing artificial nucleolipid: study of assembly and lyotropic mesophases
Authors: Zhang Dawei , Liu Qingkun , Visvanathan Rayshan , Tuchband Michael R. , Sheetah Ghadah H. , Fairbanks Benjamin D. , Clark Noel A. , Smalyukh Ivan I. , Bowman Christopher N.
Published: August 2018

Study of assembly and lyotropic mesophases in a supramolecular hydrogel composed of a thymine-containing artificial nucleolipid (TTPC).
Thermodynamic and functional characterization of the periplasmic triheme cytochrome PpcA from Geobacter metallireducens
Authors: Fernandes Tomás M. , Morgado Leonor , Salgueiro Carlos A.
Published: August 2018

The Geobacter metallireducens bacterium can couple the oxidation of a wide range of compounds to the reduction of several extracellular electron acceptors, including pollutants or electrode surfaces for current production in microbial fuel cells. For these reasons, G. metallireducens are of interest for practical biotechnological applications. The use of such electron acceptors relies on a mechanism that permits electrons to be transferred to the cell exterior. The cytochrome PpcA from G. metallireducens is a member of a family composed of five periplasmic triheme cytochromes, which are important to bridge the electron transfer from the cytoplasmic donors to the extracellular acceptors. Using NMR and visible spectroscopic techniques, a detailed thermodynamic characterization of PpcA was obtained, including the determination of the heme reduction potentials and their redox and redox-Bohr interactions. These parameters revealed unique features for PpcA from G. metallireducens compared with other triheme cytochromes from different microorganisms, namely the less negative heme reduction potentials and concomitant functional working potential ranges. It was also shown that the order of oxidation of the hemes is pH-independent, but the protein is designed to couple e−/H+ transfer exclusively at physiological pH.
Single cell protein analysis for systems biology
Authors: Levy Ezra , Slavov Nikolai
Published: August 2018

The cellular abundance of proteins can vary even between isogenic single cells. This variability between single-cell protein levels can have regulatory roles, such as controlling cell fate during apoptosis induction or the proliferation/quiescence decision. Here, we review examples connecting protein levels and their dynamics in single cells to cellular functions. Such findings were made possible by the introduction of antibodies, and subsequently fluorescent proteins, for tracking protein levels in single cells. However, in heterogeneous cell populations, such as tumors or differentiating stem cells, cellular decisions are controlled by hundreds, even thousands of proteins acting in concert. Characterizing such complex systems demands measurements of thousands of proteins across thousands of single cells. This demand has inspired the development of new methods for single-cell protein analysis, and we discuss their trade-offs, with an emphasis on their specificity and coverage. We finish by highlighting the potential of emerging mass-spec methods to enable systems-level measurement of single-cell proteomes with unprecedented coverage and specificity. Combining such methods with methods for quantitating the transcriptomes and metabolomes of single cells will provide essential data for advancing quantitative systems biology.
Simple almost‐optimal Cauchy detector for low‐power sensor node LOS receiver applications
Authors: Beaulieu Norman , Deng Sisi , Gao Yuanxiang
Published: August 2018

Low‐cost, low‐power wireless sensor nodes that operate in Cauchy noise are required for applications that are located near highly trafficked roads, highways, and bridges, where solar or other green power operation is desirable. A novel suboptimal Cauchy detector of notable simplicity, suitable for low‐power sensor nodes, is proposed. The novel suboptimal detector approaches the performance of the optimal detector very closely while surpassing the performance of popular previously published suboptimal Cauchy detectors by 1–4 dB.
Interval voltage control method for transmission systems considering interval uncertainties of renewable power generation and load demand
Authors: Zhang Cong , Chen Haoyong , Liang Zipeng , Mo Weike , Zheng Xiaodong , Hua Dong
Published: August 2018

Renewable energy sources provide an important means of reducing reliance on conventional fuels. However, some renewable energy resources such as wind and solar energies are intermittent, and their uncertainty threatens the operating security of the power grid. To solve this problem, this study proposes the use of intervals to model the power output of renewable energy resources and the power load demand, and accordingly develops an interval voltage control model, i.e. interval reactive power optimisation model. The proposed model considers the control modes of renewable energy power generators and can safeguard the security of power grids by ensuring that the voltages reside within established limits. An adaptive genetic algorithm is employed to solve the proposed model, where a newly developed interval power‐flow (IPF) calculation is used to solve the IPF equations, and penalty functions are applied to express inequality constraints. The proposed method is introduced in detail, and simulation results are presented to demonstrate its performance in comparison with a previously proposed interval voltage control method, as well as its applicability to large systems with various fluctuations of input data. The proposed approach provides robust convergence, obtains lower system power losses, and substantially reduces the computation time.
Design of a distributed non‐linear stabiliser in MG using synergetic control theory
Authors: Hao Ran , Ai Qian , Zhu Yuchao , Jiang Ziqing , Yu Zhiwen
Published: August 2018

Stability of inverter‐dominated microgrids (MGs) faces many challenges such as inertia shortage, mutual interactions among converters and sudden external disturbances. To enhance the stability of MGs, a distributed non‐linear stabiliser is designed in this study based on synergetic control theory. First, inverter interfaces are uniformly modelled as virtual synchronous generators, whose small‐signal stability is then analysed with the state‐space average method. Also, the objective of the following control strategy, i.e. the system unstable domain, is obtained. Second, macro‐variables applicable to droop control are constructed based on the typical dynamic model and then the analytic expression of the controller output could be derived. When external disturbances occur, or droop coefficients with high gains are chosen, power system stability could be guaranteed by adding a non‐linear stabiliser. Finally, taking a 9‐node MG as an example, simulation verifies the feasibility of the proposed strategy in cases of small disturbances, large disturbances and mode transition.
Fast optimal power allocation algorithm for multi‐terminal AC/DC hybrid grids with wind power integration
Authors: Guo Xiaoqian , Lu Zongxiang , Qiao Ying
Published: August 2018

Multi‐terminal alternating current (AC)/direct current (DC) hybrid transmission technology is a promising alternative for the integration and transmission of large‐scale wind power. Optimal power allocation (OPA), to distribute the active power between AC and DC transmission lines in order to minimise transmission power loss, is a significant problem to be solved. A new simplified OPA algorithm for multi‐terminal AC/DC hybrid grids is proposed in this work. The power flow models of the AC grid and DC grid are separately established and linearised, and both AC and DC power losses are formulated in a simplified way. By doing so, the mathematical formula of the total power loss is expressed as a multivariate quadratic function, of which the minimum value can be directly obtained with the derivative method. Simulations based on a four‐terminal AC/DC hybrid grid with wind power integration are carried out by using MATLAB, and the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is validated by case studies.
Enhanced AC voltage and frequency control of offshore MMC station for wind farm connection
Authors: Jing Yiran , Li Rui , Xu Lie , Wang Yi
Published: August 2018

Connecting large offshore wind farms using high‐voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission systems based on the modular multilevel converter (MMC), the offshore alternating current (AC) voltage and frequency are regulated by the offshore MMC station and are important for the stable wind power generation and transmission. This study proposes an enhanced AC voltage and frequency control strategy of the offshore MMC for wind farm integration, where an additional frequency loop is used to improve its AC voltage and frequency controllability. A fault current injection control is also proposed, where the offshore MMC station actively provides fault currents during an offshore AC fault to enable overcurrent protection for the network. To ride‐through onshore AC faults, a direct current (DC) voltage‐dependent AC voltage controller is introduced to actively reduce the offshore AC voltage during an onshore AC fault to alleviate the DC overvoltage of the HVDC system. Simulation results in normal operation and during offshore and onshore faults confirm the feasibility of the proposed control scheme.