bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydraulic and transport parameter assessment using column infiltration experiments
Authors: Younes Anis , Mara Thierry , Fahs Marwan , Grunberger Olivier , Ackerer Philippe
Published: May 2017

Abstract. The quality of statistical calibration of hydraulic and transport soil properties is studied for infiltration experiments in which, over a given period, tracer-contaminated water is injected into an hypothetical column filled with a homogeneous soil. The saturated hydraulic conductivity, the saturated and residual water contents, the Mualem–van Genuchten shape parameters and the longitudinal dispersivity are estimated in a Bayesian framework using the Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampler. The impact of the kind of measurement sets (water content, pressure inside the column, cumulative outflow and outlet solute concentration) and that of the solute injection duration is investigated by analyzing the calibrated model parameters and their confidence intervals for different scenarios. The results show that the injection period has a significant effect on the quality of the estimation, in particular, on the posterior uncertainty range of the parameters. All hydraulic and transport parameters of the investigated soil can be well estimated from the experiment using only the outlet concentration and cumulative outflow, which are measured non-intrusively. An improvement of the identifiability of the hydraulic parameters is observed when the pressure data from measurements taken inside the column are also considered in the inversion.
Effects of uncertainty in soil properties on simulated hydrological states and fluxes at different spatio-temporal scales
Authors: Baroni Gabriele , Zink Matthias , Kumar Rohini , Samaniego Luis , Attinger Sabine
Published: May 2017

Abstract. Soil properties show high heterogeneity at different spatial scales and their correct characterization remains a crucial challenge over large areas. The aim of the study is to quantify the impact of different types of uncertainties that arise from the unresolved soil spatial variability on simulated hydrological states and fluxes. Three perturbation methods are presented for the characterization of uncertainties in soil properties. The methods are applied on the soil map of the upper Neckar catchment (Germany), as an example. The uncertainties are propagated through the distributed mesoscale hydrological model (mHM) to assess the impact on the simulated states and fluxes. The model outputs are analysed by aggregating the results at different spatial and temporal scales. These results show that the impact of the different uncertainties introduced in the original soil map is equivalent when the simulated model outputs are analysed at the model grid resolution (i.e. 500 m). However, several differences are identified by aggregating states and fluxes at different spatial scales (by subcatchments of different sizes or coarsening the grid resolution). Streamflow is only sensitive to the perturbation of long spatial structures while distributed states and fluxes (e.g. soil moisture and groundwater recharge) are only sensitive to the local noise introduced to the original soil properties. A clear identification of the temporal and spatial scale for which finer-resolution soil information is (or is not) relevant is unlikely to be universal. However, the comparison of the impacts on the different hydrological components can be used to prioritize the model improvements in specific applications, either by collecting new measurements or by calibration and data assimilation approaches. In conclusion, the study underlines the importance of a correct characterization of uncertainty in soil properties. With that, soil maps with additional information regarding the unresolved soil spatial variability would provide strong support to hydrological modelling applications.
Trajectory encounter volume as a diagnostic of mixing potential in fluid flows
Authors: Rypina Irina I. , Pratt Lawrence J.
Published: May 2017

Abstract. Fluid parcels can exchange water properties when coming into contact with each other, leading to mixing. The trajectory encounter mass and a related simplified quantity, the encounter volume, are introduced as a measure of the mixing potential of a flow. The encounter volume quantifies the volume of fluid that passes close to a reference trajectory over a finite time interval. Regions characterized by a low encounter volume, such as the cores of coherent eddies, have a low mixing potential, whereas turbulent or chaotic regions characterized by a large encounter volume have a high mixing potential. The encounter volume diagnostic is used to characterize the mixing potential in three flows of increasing complexity: the Duffing oscillator, the Bickley jet and the altimetry-based velocity in the Gulf Stream extension region. An additional example is presented in which the encounter volume is combined with the u∗ approach of Pratt et al. (2016) to characterize the mixing potential for a specific tracer distribution in the Bickley jet flow. Analytical relationships are derived that connect the encounter volume to the shear and strain rates for linear shear and linear strain flows, respectively. It is shown that in both flows the encounter volume is proportional to time.
Wave spectral shapes in the coastal waters based on measured data off Karwar on the western coast of India
Authors: Nair M. Anjali , Kumar V. Sanil
Published: May 2017

Abstract. An understanding of the wave spectral shapes is of primary importance for the design of marine facilities. In this paper, the wave spectra collected from January 2011 to December 2015 in the coastal waters of the eastern Arabian Sea using the moored directional waverider buoy are examined to determine the temporal variations in the wave spectral shape. Over an annual cycle for 31.15 % of the time, the peak frequency is between 0.08 and 0.10 Hz; the significant wave height is also relatively high (∼ 1.55 m) for waves in this class. The slope of the high-frequency tail of the monthly average wave spectra is high during the Indian summer monsoon period (June–September) compared to other months, and it increases with an increase in significant wave height. There is not much interannual variation in the slope for swell-dominated spectra during the monsoon, while in the non-monsoon period when wind-seas have a high level of influence, the slope varies significantly. Since the exponent of the high-frequency part of the wave spectrum is within the range of −4 to −3 during the monsoon period, the Donelan spectrum shows a better fit for the high-frequency part of the wave spectra in monsoon months compared to other months.
Brief communication: Impacts of ocean-wave-induced breakup of Antarctic sea ice via thermodynamics in a stand-alone version of the CICE sea-ice model
Authors: Bennetts Luke G. , O'Farrell Siobhan , Uotila Petteri
Published: May 2017

Abstract. Impacts of wave-induced breakup of Antarctic sea ice on ice concentration and volume are investigated using a modified version of the CICE sea-ice model, run in stand-alone mode from 1979–2010. Model outputs show that during summer wave-induced breakup reduces local ice concentration by up to 0.3–0.4 in a vicinity of the ice edge and total ice volume by up to a factor of 0.1–0.2.
Providing a Model to Predict Future Cash Flow Using Neural Networks on the Pharmaceutical and Chemical Industries of Tehran Stock Market
Authors: Khakrah Kahnamouei Mohammad , Khakrah Kahnamouei Tandis
Published: May 2017

Prediction of cash flows is of great importance for the inter- and extra-organizational users. The most significant objective of financial reporting is the provision of information for the prediction of such cash flows. Some experts and theorists who work on the theoretical foundations of financial reporting and its objectives believe that cash flows can be predicted from the accounting earning and its components. This research proposes a model for forecasting cash flows in firms listed on the Pharmaceutical and Chemical industries of Tehran Stock Exchange using Multi-Layer Perceptron(MLP) and Radius Based Function(RBF) neural networks and compares estimation accuracy of two models using performance criteria. In order to test hypotheses, it was used the data of 29 companies between 2006 and 2015. Findings of research indicated that the Multi-Layer Perceptron network is significantly more accurate than the Radius Based Function network and the three hypotheses were accepted.
The Future of Knowing and Values: Information Technologies and Plato's Critique of Rhetoric
Authors: Levin Susan B.
Published: May 2017

Transhumanism that is centered on artificial intelligence shares core features with large-scale data collection and surveillance that commercial and governmental entities pursue: the idea that knowledge is informational in nature, that technologies are value neutral, and that ethical challenges can be framed in technical-procedural terms. In this article, I am mainly concerned with the latter, society-wide, manifestations of these features. Here, criticisms leading to technical-procedural changes in data practices are of limited use because they foster an illusion of foundational headway while leaving questionable assumptions about knowledge and values intact. Because what is closest is hardest to glean, we may more readily discern these assumptions if we see them operating in a milieu that is at once quite different and strikingly familiar. Ancient rhetoric manifests versions of our three factors. Plato's critique of rhetoric, along with aspects of his philosophical methodology, helps us see why we should contest increasingly prevalent views of knowledge and values—and do so before other constructions become unfathomable.
Suitability of Multiple-choice Questions in Evaluating the Objectives of Academic Educational Process of Accounting Specialization
Authors: ALzoubi Naser Yousef , Assaf Asma Shafe
Published: May 2017

This study attempt to investigate and explore the use of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) at Jordanian public and private universities, from the point view of faculty member who are teaching accounting specialization and use MCQs in examinations of accountancy subjects. The study seeks to identify the extent MCQs can achieve regarding level of knowledge among students, assess the deep understanding and In-depth learning to measure and evaluate the range of learning in subjects of accounting specialization. To achieve the objectives of the study, a questionnaire designed according to the requirements of Ministry of Education in Jordan and the International Accounting Education Standard Board (IAESB).Based on analyzing responses and examining hypotheses, results clarify that MCQs are not enough tools to achieve the educational objectives concerning accounting subjects, in both theoretically and practically aspects. It was clear that there are no significant differences between the opinions of faculty members, neither public nor private universities. The study recommends that there is a need to re-consider the use of MCQs as a tool to evaluate the students’ abilities and skills in subjects of accounting specialization.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Modern Applied Science, Vol. 10, No. 8
Authors: Lee Sunny
Published: May 2017

Reviewer Acknowledgements for Modern Applied Science, Vol. 10, No. 8
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Modern Applied Science, Vol. 11, No. 1
Authors: Lee Sunny
Published: May 2017

Reviewer Acknowledgements for Modern Applied Science, Vol. 11, No. 1
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Modern Applied Science, Vol. 11, No. 2
Authors: Lee Sunny
Published: May 2017

Reviewer Acknowledgements for Modern Applied Science, Vol. 11, No. 2
Evaluation of the Afirma Gene Expression Classifier in Repeat Indeterminate Thyroid Nodules
Authors: Harrison Grant , Sosa Julie Ann , Jiang Xiaoyin
Published: May 2017

Context.—

Molecular testing in indeterminate thyroid nodules is a rapidly evolving field with variable reported outcomes.

Objective.—

To report our experience at a tertiary thyroid referral center with the Afirma Gene Expression Classifier (Veracyte, San Francisco, California) in repeat fine-needle aspirations of thyroid nodules with a previous indeterminate cytologic result.

Design.—

Results of cytopathology and the Afirma test were collected from August 2013 to March 2015, as were diagnoses from surgical resection when performed.

Results.—

One hundred and fifteen thyroid nodules were evaluated by Afirma. The fine-needle aspiration diagnostic categories for these nodules were 100 (87%) Bethesda III, 10 (9%) Bethesda IV, 3 (2%) Bethesda II, 1 (1%) Bethesda V, and 1 (1%) Bethesda I. Afirma results for 52 of the nodules (45%) were benign, 57 (50%) were suspicious, and 6 (5%) specimens yielded no result because of low messenger RNA content. Three of the benign nodules (6%) were treated surgically, and all were benign on final surgical pathology. Forty-six (81%) of the suspicious nodules were treated surgically; final surgical pathology revealed 30 (65%) were benign and 16 (35%) malignant, yielding a positive predictive value of 35%.

Conclusions.—

In our experience, 50% of the indeterminate nodules were classified as suspicious by Afirma, with a 35% rate of malignancy in these nodules at surgical resection, in comparison with a historical rate of malignancy at our institution of 11% for Bethesda III nodules and 23% for Bethesda IV. Our use of Afirma is consistent with prior reports in that it has a low positive predictive value in indeterminate thyroid nodules.
La ruta atlántica (siglos XIII-XIV): análisis de la formación de una ruta comercial
Authors: Rozas Español Ángel
Published: May 2017

El artículo trata sobre la apertura del estrecho de Gibraltar y el establecimiento de una nueva vía de comercio entre el Mediterráneo y el Canal de la Mancha. Es una revisión historiográfica sobre el comercio marítimo en las costas occidentales de Europa entre los siglos XIII y XIV a través de un análisis articulado en torno a medios de transporte, mercados y mercancías. Además, estudia el papel de los operadores en el desarrollo de esta ruta comercial y el impacto de la misma sobre el declive de las Ferias de Champaña y las navegaciones oceánicas.   The article discusses the opening of the Straights of Gibraltar and the  establishment of a new trade route between the Mediterranean and the English Channel. This article re-examines the scholarship on the maritime trade along the Western European coastlines in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries based on an analysis of the means of transportation, markets and goods. Furthermore, this study examines the role of merchants in the development of the trade route and its effects on the decline of the Champagne fairs and oceanic navigation.
Influence of regular soccer or swimming practice on gross motor development in childhood
Authors: Rocha Helena A. , Marinho Daniel A. , Jidovtseff Boris , Silva António J. , Costa Aldo M.
Published: May 2017

The objective of this study was to analyse the changes on gross motor development after five (T5), ten (T10) and 30 (T30) months of swimming or soccer practice. The study sample consists of 33 preschool-aged boys (4.8±0.5 yrs.): 11 soccer practitioners; 11 swimming practitioners; 11 controls (no previous involvement in sports). The Test of Gross Motor Development–Second Edition was used to assess common gross motor skills (locomotion, object control skills). Both experimental groups improved significantly in their gross motor quotient and the standard scores for locomotion and object control skills between T5 and T10. At T10, all soccer practitioners have already reached the maximum descriptive rating for the gross motor quotient. Between T10 and T30, swimming practitioners were able to improve the standard scores for object control skills. Main results showed a positive impact of swimming and soccer participation in motor proficiency.
Adaptation and validation of the Portuguese version of Basic Psychological Needs Exercise Scale (BPNESp) to the sport domain and invariance across football and swimming
Authors: Monteiro Diogo , Marinho Daniel Almeida , Moutão João , Couto Nuno , Antunes Raúl , Cid Luis
Published: May 2017

The purpose of this study was to adapt and validate the Basic Psychological Needs Exercise Scale (BPNESp) to the sport domain, and to measure model invariance across football and swimming. Athletes (n=1382; 623 football, 759 swimming) with an average age of 18.77±SD 7.04 years participated in this study. Results supported the suitability of both the first and second order models, showing that the model was well adjusted to the data. In addition, the model showed the discriminant and convergent validity and composite reliability of the factors, and was invariant between football and swimming (∆CFI≤.01).
Le regard des mères sur les attitudes, les compétences et les connaissances sur le TSA du personnel scolaire qui influencent l’intégration en classe ordinaire de leur enfant présentant un TSA
Authors: Boucher-Gagnon Magalie , des Rivières Catherine
Published: May 2017

À ce jour au Québec, aucune étude n’a porté sur l’expérience des parents concernant l’intégration scolaire en classe ordinaire de leur enfant ayant un TSA. Il s’agit d’une limite importante des connaissances, surtout dans le contexte où le gouvernement souhaite être ouvert à l’expertise des parents. L’objectif de cette étude est donc d’analyser plus en profondeur, à partir des propos de 18 mères, ce qui, selon elles, a influencé le déroulement de l’intégration scolaire de leur enfant présentant un TSA. Les résultats obtenus montrent que les attitudes, les compétences et les connaissances à propos du TSA de la part du personnel scolaire sont déterminantes, selon les mères, dans l’intégration de leur enfant. Les conclusions suggèrent également que, toujours selon les mères, le personnel scolaire a de la difficulté à s’adapter à leur nouvelle réalité d’intégrer des élèves avec des besoins particuliers.
Sentiment de compétence parentale et implication dans la scolarité de l’enfant : approche multidimensionnelle
Authors: Tazouti Youssef , Jarlégan Annette
Published: May 2017

L’objectif de cette recherche est d’examiner l’effet médiateur joué par le sentiment de compétence parentale et par l’implication parentale dans la scolarité de l’enfant entre le niveau d’éducation de la mère et les performances scolaires de l’enfant. En adoptant une approche multi-dimensionnelle, un modèle en pistes causales mets en relation les différentes variables de l’étude. La recherche a porté sur 227 mères et leurs enfants scolarisés en CE1 ou CE2 (deuxième et troisième année de l’enseignement obligatoire) dans 6 écoles différentes. Les résultats confirment partiellement l’hypothèse principale de l’effet médiateur du sentiment de compétence parentale et de l’implication parentale dans la scolarité de l’enfant. En effet, des liens directs et indirects entre le niveau d’éducation de la mère et les performances scolaires de l’enfant ont été observés. Par ailleurs, l’absence liens entre certaines dimensions de l’implication parentale et les performances scolaires de l’enfant sont discutés.
La perception d’enseignantes du primaire quant à l’intégration en classe ordinaire d’élèves présentant un trouble du spectre de l’autisme (TSA)
Authors: Ruel Marie-Pier , Poirier Nathalie , Japel Christa
Published: May 2017

Depuis les 30 dernières années, la tendance est de privilégier l’intégration scolaire d’élèves présentant un trouble du spectre de l’autisme (TSA) en classe ordinaire. Ainsi, un nombre de plus en plus important de cette catégorie d’élèves se retrouve actuellement dans ces classes au Québec, ce qui est susceptible de transformer la réalité de nombreux enseignants. Cette étude décrit la perception d’enseignants de maternelle, du premier et du deuxième cycle du primaire concernant leur expérience d’intégration d’un élève présentant un TSA dans leur classe. Pour ce faire, des entrevues ont été conduites auprès de quatorze enseignantes qui travaillent en contexte d’intégration. Des déterminants du succès de l’intégration des élèves présentant un TSA en ressortent et s’inscrivent à l’intérieur de cinq cibles d’intervention. Ces cibles sont : a) l’adaptation et la diversification de l’enseignement, b) la collaboration entre les membres de l’équipe de travail et avec les parents, c) l’ajout de ressources professionnelles, d) la formation reçue par les enseignants et e) l’implantation de programmes d’aide.
Étude sur des facteurs de médiation entre le rejet maternel et les comportements des enfants
Authors: Dupré Marie-Pier , Vézina-Gagnon Pascale , Daigneault Isabelle
Published: May 2017

Cette étude visait à déterminer si la régulation émotionnelle et l’empathie de l’enfant revêtent une fonction médiatrice entre le rejet maternel et les comportements de l’enfant. Des données ont été recueillies auprès d’un échantillon de 103 dyades mères-enfants (49 garçons et 54 filles âgés de 6 à 13 ans) recrutées dans trois écoles primaires et issues de familles majoritairement francophones. Les enfants et leur mère ont rempli des questionnaires afin de documenter le rejet et l’acceptation maternelle perçus par les enfants, leur régulation émotionnelle, leur empathie et leurs comportements prosociaux et antisociaux. Quatre modèles de médiation ont été testés par l’entremise du programme PROCESS (Hayes, 2013). Une technique de ré-échantillonnage à 10000 itérations a permis de déterminer que le rejet maternel était indirectement lié aux comportements prosociaux et antisociaux des enfants par l’entremise de la manière dont ils gèrent leurs émotions. En revanche, le rejet maternel n’apparaît pas indirectement lié aux comportements des enfants par l’entremise de leur empathie. Des études ultérieures utilisant un échantillon plus large et une mesure plus concrète de l’empathie sont nécessaires.
Confrontation au handicap et évolution de la représentation sociale de l’altérité des collégiens
Authors: Harma Kahina
Published: May 2017

Les frontières entre scolarité classique et spécialisée tendent à s’effacer depuis que la scolarisation des élèves handicapés dans le circuit scolaire ordinaire est posée comme une priorité nationale. Côtoyant quotidiennement des élèves handicapés, les élèves des classes ordinaires sont confrontés à cette forme d’altérité. Ainsi, cette recherche a pour objectif d’étudier la représentation sociale de l’altérité des élèves issus de collèges scolarisant des élèves handicapés et de repérer la place occupée par le handicap. L’évolution de cette représentation en cours d’une année scolaire et l’effet du contact (appartenir à une classe qui scolarise ou non un élève handicapé) ont été particulièrement étudiés. Cinq cent quarante-neuf (549) élèves de 6° et de 5° (10-14 ans) ont répondu au même questionnaire en début et fin d’année scolaire (représentation sociale initiale c. finale). Les résultats montrent que la représentation de l’altérité renvoie à trois grandes catégories : les traits de personnalité ou attributs physiques (46%), les normes sociales (28%) et le handicap (15%). Seul le handicap est un élément central de la représentation en début d’année. Cependant, celui-ci s’accompagne d’autres termes relatifs aux normes sociales en fin d’année (être pauvre et langue parlée). Plus encore, cette évolution dépend du type de contact entretenu avec le handicap (direct ou indirect). Au total, malgré une scolarisation commune des élèves handicapés et non handicapés, il semblerait que le handicap soit toujours considéré comme une caractéristique de l’altérité.
Étude de la fonction médiatrice des comportements maternels dans les programmes d’interventions visant à améliorer le développement socio-affectif et cognitif de l’enfant
Authors: Baudry Claire , Tarabulsy George M. , Pearson Jessica , Roy Fanie
Published: May 2017

Dans les contextes sociaux à risque, quand la sensibilité maternelle fait plus ou moins défaut, le développement de l’enfant pourrait en être affecté. Des études portant sur des programmes d’intervention axés plus spécifiquement sur les interactions mère-enfant ont montré une amélioration de la sensibilité et des comportements maternels de même qu’une amélioration du développement des enfants concernées. Ces études expérimentales concluent à des liens de causalité entre les comportements maternels (CM) et le développement de l’enfant sans toutefois préciser le mécanisme causal qui joue dans ceux-ci. Une hypothèse voudrait qu’un programme d’intervention en faveur des CM rejaillisse sur le développement des enfants, donnant au CM un statut de médiateur entre l’exposition des enfants au programme et l’amélioration de leur développement. Seules cinq études ont précisément porté sur cette fonction de médiateur à titre d’hypothèse. Le présent article examine les études ad hoc, c’est-à-dire qui ont porté sur le lien causal éventuel entre un programme d’intervention centrée sur l’amélioration de CM et les améliorations apparaissant dans le développement de l’enfant. Nos résultats indiqueront que le lien de causalité, souvent présumé, n’est que partiellement vérifiable. À la lumière de ces résultats, des hypothèses alternatives à la fonction médiatrice des comportements maternels seront proposées et d’autres moyens qui pourraient améliorer le développement de l’enfant seront identifiés.
Single-protein detection in crowded molecular environments in cryo-EM images
Authors: Rickgauer J Peter , Grigorieff Nikolaus , Denk Winfried
Published: May 2017

We present an approach to study macromolecular assemblies by detecting component proteins’ characteristic high-resolution projection patterns, calculated from their known 3D structures, in single electron cryo-micrographs. Our method detects single apoferritin molecules in vitreous ice with high specificity and determines their orientation and location precisely. Simulations show that high spatial-frequency information and—in the presence of protein background—a whitening filter are essential for optimal detection, in particular for images taken far from focus. Experimentally, we could detect small viral RNA polymerase molecules, distributed randomly among binding locations, inside rotavirus particles. Based on the currently attainable image quality, we estimate a threshold for detection that is 150 kDa in ice and 300 kDa in 100 nm thick samples of dense biological material.
Immune responsiveness to phytohemagglutinin displays species but not sex differences in three anuran species
Authors: Zhang Zhiqiang , Jin Chenchen , Qu Kangshan , Caviedes-Vidal Enrique
Published: May 2017

Phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-induced skin swelling response is widely used as a rough surrogate of integrative cell-mediated and innate immunity across multiple vertebrate taxa due to its simplification and feasibility. However, little is known whether there are sex and interspecific differences of immune responsiveness to PHA in ectotherms, especially for anurans. Therefore, we studied sex and species differences of PHA response in three anurans, Asiatic toads (Bufo gargarizans), Dark-spotted frogs (Pelophylax nigromaculatus) and Mongolian toads (Pseudepidalea raddei), captured in northern regions of Anhui Province (China). Footpad thickness was measured prior to (0 h) and after (6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h) a PHA injection and normalized against saline injection in the opposite footpad. Body mass was recorded at the beginning (0 h) and end of each assay (72 h). Results showed effects of PHA assay, sex and taxa on body mass. Relative maximum swelling response (PHAmax) ranged from 18.58–29.75%, 9.77 to 20.56% and 21.97 to 31.78% and its occurrence over time was apparent 10.6–19.72 h , 7.74–14.01 h and 17.39–23.94 h postinjection for Asiatic toads, Dark-spotted frogs and Mongolian toads, respectively. Finally, the magnitude or timing of PHAmax in Dark-spotted frogs was significantly thinner and faster than in Mongolian toads, and Asiatic toads had an in-between value, not different from the other two species. The magnitude of PHAmax was significantly positively correlated with the timing of PHAmax considering individuals altogether, but not when analyzed within species. Our results indicate that male and female anuran species respond similarly to PHA antigen stimulation, but the magnitude and timing of PHAmax is species-specific. Briefly, we provide new evidence for the suitability of PHA assay in non-model anuran species with different body sizes, and exhort the need to further investigate the nature of PHA assay at the hematological and histological levels in order to extend its application in ecoimmunological studies of amphibians.
‘Unwilling’versus‘unable’: Tonkean macaques’ understanding of human goal-directed actions
Authors: Canteloup Charlotte , Meunier Hélène
Published: May 2017

The present study investigated the understanding of goal-directed actions in Tonkean macaques (Macaca tonkeana) using the unwillingversusunable paradigm, previously used in several species. Subjects were tested in three experimental conditions that varied according to the goal-directed actions of a human actor. In the “unwilling” condition, the actor was capable of giving the subject food but unwilling to do it; in the “unable” condition, she was willing to give food but was unable to do it because of a physical barrier; and in the “distracted” condition, she was occupied by manipulating a pebble instead of food. We report for the first time that Tonkean macaques, like capuchins, chimpanzees and human infants, behaved differently across these experimental conditions. They attempted to grasp food in the actor’s hand significantly more and displayed more threats in the presence of an unwilling actor rather than an unable or a distracted one. Inversely, they begged significantly more and displayed more frustration behaviors facing a distracted and unable experimenter rather than an unwilling one. These results suggest that Tonkean macaques understand human goal-directed actions by predicting whether they were likely to obtain food merely based on movements, cue and motor intentions reading and understanding of physical constraints.
vConTACT: an iVirus tool to classify double-stranded DNA viruses that infectArchaeaandBacteria
Authors: Bolduc Benjamin , Jang Ho Bin , Doulcier Guilhem , You Zhi-Qiang , Roux Simon , Sullivan Matthew B.
Published: May 2017

Taxonomic classification of archaeal and bacterial viruses is challenging, yet also fundamental for developing a predictive understanding of microbial ecosystems. Recent identification of hundreds of thousands of new viral genomes and genome fragments, whose hosts remain unknown, requires a paradigm shift away from traditional classification approaches and towards the use of genomes for taxonomy. Here we revisited the use of genomes and their protein content as a means for developing a viral taxonomy for bacterial and archaeal viruses. A network-based analytic was evaluated and benchmarked against authority-accepted taxonomic assignments and found to be largely concordant. Exceptions were manually examined and found to represent areas of viral genome ‘sequence space’ that are under-sampled or prone to excessive genetic exchange. While both cases are poorly resolved by genome-based taxonomic approaches, the former will improve as viral sequence space is better sampled and the latter are uncommon. Finally, given the largely robust taxonomic capabilities of this approach, we sought to enable researchers to easily and systematically classify new viruses. Thus, we established a tool, vConTACT, as an app at iVirus, where it operates as a fast, highly scalable, user-friendly app within the free and powerful CyVerse cyberinfrastructure.
Population genetics data help to guide the conservation of palm species with small population sizes and fragmented habitats in Madagascar
Authors: Gardiner Lauren M. , Rakotoarinivo Mijoro , Rajaovelona Landy R. , Clubbe Colin
Published: May 2017

Background

The need to incorporate genetic data into conservation management decisions is increasingly recognised. However, many published studies represent a ‘gold standard’ of sampling, techniques, and analyses. Such rigour is often not possible with limited funding and resourcing available for developing plans for the increasing number of threatened species requiring conservation management. Two endemic palm species of the Itremo Massif in central Madagascar,Dypsis ambositraeandD. decipiens, are known to be threatened with extinction and conservation management for these species is a priority for the newly created protected area in the region.

Methods

The genetic diversity of these two species was studied using the relatively low-cost and rapid AFLP technique. DNA fragments generated using three primer combinations were analysed for 20 and 50 individuals of the two species, respectively, from across their ranges.

Results

Genetic diversity was relatively low for both species. The two sites where the highly restrictedD. ambositraegrows were found to be genetically distinct (although overall heterozygosity was low). Despite having a much wider distribution and relatively large population,D. decipiensdid not show clear geographical nor genetic groupings and had similarly low genetic heterozygosity toD. ambositrae.

Discussion and Recommendations

With so few individuals remaining in the wild and two genetically distinct subpopulations, it is recommended that both sites ofD. ambositraeare conserved and that seed are collected from both forex situconservation and potential future reintroduction. It may be less important to focus resources on conserving or collectingex situmaterial from all sites whereD. decipiensis found, as the genetic diversity represented by each subpopulation is limited and increasing sampling may not protect significantly higher levels of genetic diversity. This study provides data that inform and support conservation decisions taken for both species within this region, and in the management of the newly designated Itremo Massif Protected Area, which covers most of the sites where these two species remain in the wild.
Evaluation of the convection‐resolving climate modeling approach on continental scales
Authors: Leutwyler David , Lüthi Daniel , Ban Nikolina , Fuhrer Oliver , Schär Christoph
Published: May 2017

Convection‐resolving models allow to explicitly resolve deep convection at horizontal grid spacings of O(1 km). On current supercomputers, refining the grid spacing to the kilometer scale is computationally still extremely demanding, and therefore, climate simulations at this resolution have so far largely been limited to subcontinental computational domains. However, new supercomputers that mix conventional multicore CPUs and accelerators possess properties beneficial for climate codes. Exploiting these capabilities allows expansion of the size of the computational domains to continental scales. Here we present such a convection‐resolving climate simulation, using a version of the COSMO model, capable of exploiting GPU accelerators. The simulation has a grid spacing of 2.2 km, 1536 × 1536 × 60 grid points, covers the period 1999–2008, and is driven by the ERA‐Interim reanalysis. An assessment of the 10‐year‐long simulation is conducted using a wide range of data sets, including several rain gauge networks, energy balance stations, and a remotely sensed lightning data set. Substantial improvements are found for the 2 km simulation in terms of the diurnal cycles of precipitation. This confirms results found in studies using smaller computational domains. However, the continental‐scale simulations also reveal deficiencies such as substantial performance differences between regions with and without strong orographic forcing. Analysis of the statistical distribution of updrafts and downdrafts shows an increase of the amplitude in seasons with convection and a pronounced asymmetry between updrafts and downdrafts. Furthermore, the analysis of lightning data shows that the convection‐resolving simulation is able to reproduce important features of the annual cycle of deep convection in Europe.
Imaging the Molecular Motions of Autonomous Repair in a Self‐Healing Polymer
Authors: van der Kooij Hanne M. , Susa Arijana , García Santiago J. , van der Zwaag Sybrand , Sprakel Joris
Published: May 2017

Self‐healing polymers can significantly extend the service life of materials and structures by autonomously repairing damage. Intrinsic healing holds great promise as a design strategy to mitigate the risks of damage by delaying or preventing catastrophic failure. However, experimentally resolving the microscopic mechanisms of intrinsic repair has proven highly challenging. This work demonstrates how optical micromechanical mapping enables the quantitative imaging of these molecular‐scale dynamics with high spatiotemporal resolution. This approach allows disentangling delocalized viscoplastic relaxation and localized cohesion‐restoring rebonding processes that occur simultaneously upon damage to a self‐healing polymer. Moreover, frequency‐ and temperature‐dependent imaging provides a way to pinpoint the repair modes in the relaxation spectrum of the quiescent material. These results give rise to a complete picture of autonomous repair that will guide the rational design of improved self‐healing materials.
Sublethal oligodendrocyte injury: A reversible condition in multiple sclerosis?
Authors: Cui Qiao‐Ling , Khan Damla , Rone Malena , T.S. Rao Vijayaraghava , Johnson Radia Marie , Lin Yun Hsuan , Bilodeau Philippe‐Antoine , Hall Jeffery A. , Rodriguez Moses , Kennedy Timothy E. , Ludwin Samuel K. , Antel Jack P.
Published: May 2017

Objective

Degeneration of oligodendroglial distal processes has been identified as an early event in multiple sclerosis (MS) lesion development. Our objective was to further define the development of the “dying‐back” oligodendrocyte lesion in situ and to model the development and potential reversibility of such responses using dissociated cultures of adult human brain‐derived oligodendrocytes.

Methods

In situ analyses were performed on glutaraldehyde‐fixed thin sections of clinically acute and pathologically active cases of MS. In vitro studies were conducted using adult human brain‐derived oligodendrocytes challenged by metabolic stress conditions (low nutrient/glucose).

Results

In situ analyses indicated a spectrum of myelin changes in the presence of morphologically intact oligodendrocytes; these included degeneration of the inner cytoplasmic tongue with increasing sizes of intramyelinic bleb formation that could result in radial fractures of the myelin sheath. Macrophages with ingested myelin fragments were identified only once the fragmentation was established. In vitro studies indicated that oligodendrocyte process retraction, which was linked to reduced glycolytic respiratory activity, is reversible until a critical time point. Subsequent cell death was not linked to caspase‐3–dependent programs. Gene expression studies conducted at the latest reversible time point revealed reduced expression of pathways associated with cell process outgrowth and myelination, as well as with metabolic activity.

Interpretation

Our findings reveal the potential to protect and possibly restore myelin elaborated by existent oligodendrocytes in early and evolving MS lesions, and suggest the necessity of ongoing studies of the mechanisms underlying subsequent adult human oligodendrocyte cell death. Ann Neurol 2017;81:811–824
Activatable Singlet Oxygen Generation from Lipid Hydroperoxide Nanoparticles for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Zhou Zijian , Song Jibin , Tian Rui , Yang Zhen , Yu Guocan , Lin Lisen , Zhang Guofeng , Fan Wenpei , Zhang Fuwu , Niu Gang , Nie Liming , Chen Xiaoyuan
Published: May 2017

Reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐induced apoptosis is a widely practiced strategy for cancer therapy. Although photodynamic therapy (PDT) takes advantage of the spatial–temporal control of ROS generation, the meticulous participation of light, photosensitizer, and oxygen greatly hinders the broad application of PDT as a first‐line cancer treatment option. An activatable system has been developed that enables tumor‐specific singlet oxygen (1O2) generation for cancer therapy, based on a Fenton‐like reaction between linoleic acid hydroperoxide (LAHP) tethered on iron oxide nanoparticles (IO NPs) and the released iron(II) ions from IO NPs under acidic‐pH condition. The IO‐LAHP NPs are able to induce efficient apoptotic cancer cell death both in vitro and in vivo through tumor‐specific 1O2 generation and subsequent ROS mediated mechanism. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of modulating biochemical reactions as a ROS source to exert cancer death.
Dumbbell‐Shaped Bi‐component Mesoporous Janus Solid Nanoparticles for Biphasic Interface Catalysis
Authors: Yang Tianyu , Wei Lijuan , Jing Lingyan , Liang Jifen , Zhang Xiaoming , Tang Min , Monteiro Michael J. , Chen Ying (Ian) , Wang Yong , Gu Sai , Zhao Dongyuan , Yang Hengquan , Liu Jian , Lu G. Q. Max
Published: May 2017

There is a strong desire to design and synthesize catalysts that assemble at the oil–water interface to improve the efficiency of biphasic reactions. Anisotropic dumbbell‐shaped bi‐component mesoporous carbon–organosilica Janus particles with asymmetric wettability are synthesized through a one‐step compartmentalized growth of a mesoporous organosilica sphere attached to a mesoporous resorcinol–formaldehyde (RF) sphere. A library was prepared of tunable Janus particles possessing diverse hollow structures with various functionalities. As a proof of concept, the Janus particle‐derived catalyst can assemble at the oil–water interface to stabilize Pickering emulsions. Owing to the increased reaction interface area, the Janus catalyst exhibits a more than three‐fold increase in catalytic efficiency compared to the Pt loaded carbon sphere catalyst in aqueous hydrogenation reactions.
Formation Mechanism of NF4+ Salts and Extraordinary Enhancement of the Oxidizing Power of Fluorine by Strong Lewis Acids
Authors: Christe Karl O. , Haiges Ralf , Vasiliu Monica , Dixon David A.
Published: May 2017

Although the existence of the NF4+ cation has been known for 51 years, and its formation mechanism from NF3 , F2 , and a strong Lewis acid in the presence of an activation energy source had been studied extensively, the mechanism had not been established. Experimental evidence had shown that the first step involves the generation of F atoms from F2 , and also that the NF3+ cation is a key intermediate. However, it was not possible to establish whether the second step involved the reaction of a F atom with either NF3 or the Lewis acid (LA). To distinguish between these two alternatives, a computational study of the NF4 , SbF6 , AsF6 , and BF4 radicals was carried out. Whereas the heats of reaction are small and similar for the NF4 and LAF radicals, at the reaction temperatures, only the LAF radicals possess sufficient thermal stability to be viable species. Most importantly, the ability of the LAF radicals to oxidize NF3 to NF3+ demonstrates that they are extraordinary oxidizers. This extraordinary enhancement of the oxidizing power of fluorine with strong Lewis acids had previously not been fully recognized.
Ultraschnelle Schichtablösung von Graphit zu qualitativ hochwertigem Graphen durch Nutzung von Wechselstrom
Authors: Yang Sheng , Ricciardulli Antonio Gaetano , Liu Shaohua , Dong Renhao , Lohe Martin R. , Becker Alfons , Squillaci Marco A. , Samorì Paolo , Müllen Klaus , Feng Xinliang
Published: May 2017

Um die Lücke zwischen Forschung im Labormaßstab und kommerzieller Anwendung zu schließen, ist die Massenproduktion von qualitativ hochwertigem Graphen unerlässlich. Hier wird eine skalierbare Exfolierungsstrategie beschrieben, die zur Herstellung von Graphenplättchen mit hohem Ertrag (75 %, 1–3 Schichten), geringer Defektdichte (C/O‐Verhältnis von 21.2), sehr guter Verarbeitbarkeit in Lösung und hervorragenden elektronischen Eigenschaften (Loch‐Mobilität von 430 cm2 V−1 s−1) führt. Durch die Anwendung von Wechselstrom erfolgt eine gleichzeitige Exfolierung an beiden Graphitelektroden, welche eine hohe Produktionsrate von über 20 g h−1 im Labormaßstab ermöglicht. Als Kathodenmaterial für Lithiumspeicher verfügen mit Graphen ummantelte LiFePO4‐Partikel über eine hohe Kapazität von 167 mAh g−1 bei einer C‐Rate von 1 nach 500 Zyklen.
Betaine Catalysis for Hierarchical Reduction of CO2 with Amines and Hydrosilane To Form Formamides, Aminals, and Methylamines
Authors: Liu Xiao‐Fang , Li Xiao‐Ya , Qiao Chang , Fu Hong‐Chen , He Liang‐Nian
Published: May 2017

An efficient, sustainable organocatalyst, glycine betaine, was developed for the reductive functionalization of CO2 with amines and diphenylsilane. Methylamines and formamides were obtained in high yield by tuning the CO2 pressure and reaction temperature. Based on identification of the key intermediate, that is, the aminal, an alternative mechanism for methylation involving the C0 silyl acetal and aminal is proposed. Furthermore, reducing the CO2 amount afforded aminals with high yield and selectivity. Therefore, betaine catalysis affords products with a diversified energy content that is, formamides, aminals and methylamines, by hierarchical two‐, four‐ and six‐electron reduction, respectively, of CO2 coupled with C−N bond formation.
Chain Multiplication of Fatty Acids to Precise Telechelic Polyethylene
Authors: Witt Timo , Häußler Manuel , Kulpa Stefanie , Mecking Stefan
Published: May 2017

Starting from common monounsaturated fatty acids, a strategy is revealed that provides ultra‐long aliphatic α,ω‐difunctional building blocks by a sequence of two scalable catalytic steps that virtually double the chain length of the starting materials. The central double bond of the α,ω‐dicarboxylic fatty acid self‐metathesis products is shifted selectively to the statistically much‐disfavored α,β‐position in a catalytic dynamic isomerizing crystallization approach. “Chain doubling” by a subsequent catalytic olefin metathesis step, which overcomes the low reactivity of this substrates by using waste internal olefins as recyclable co‐reagents, yields ultra‐long‐chain α,ω‐difunctional building blocks of a precise chain length, as demonstrated up to a C48 chain. The unique nature of these structures is reflected by unrivaled melting points (Tm=120 °C) of aliphatic polyesters generated from these telechelic monomers, and by their self‐assembly to polyethylene‐like single crystals.
A Twisted Nanographene Consisting of 96 Carbon Atoms
Authors: Cheung Kwan Yin , Chan Chi Kit , Liu Zhifeng , Miao Qian
Published: May 2017

Herein we report synthesis, structure and properties of a new type of twisted nanographene, which contains an [8]circulene moiety in a polycyclic framework of 96 sp2 carbon atoms. The key steps in this synthesis are the Diels–Alder reaction of a macrocyclic diyne and the subsequent Scholl reaction forming the [8]circulene moiety. Two incompletely cyclized products were isolated from the Scholl reaction, providing insight into the cyclization of the strained octagon. This nanographene is twisted along two directions with end‐to‐end twists of 142.4° and 140.2° as revealed by X‐ray crystallography, and is flexible at room temperature as found from the computational and experimental studies.
Lithiophilic Sites in Doped Graphene Guide Uniform Lithium Nucleation for Dendrite‐Free Lithium Metal Anodes
Authors: Zhang Rui , Chen Xiao‐Ru , Chen Xiang , Cheng Xin‐Bing , Zhang Xue‐Qiang , Yan Chong , Zhang Qiang
Published: May 2017

Lithium (Li) metal is the most promising electrode for next‐generation rechargeable batteries. However, the challenges induced by Li dendrites on a working Li metal anode hinder the practical applications of Li metal batteries. Herein, nitrogen (N) doped graphene was adopted as the Li plating matrix to regulate Li metal nucleation and suppress dendrite growth. The N‐containing functional groups, such as pyridinic and pyrrolic nitrogen in the N‐doped graphene, are lithiophilic, which guide the metallic Li nucleation causing the metal to distribute uniformly on the anode surface. As a result, the N‐doped graphene modified Li metal anode exhibits a dendrite‐free morphology during repeated Li plating and demonstrates a high Coulombic efficiency of 98 % for near 200 cycles.