bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Precise Method for Analysis of Elemental Distribution Inside Solute Clusters
Authors: Kitayama Takumi , Kozuka Masaya , Aruga Yasuhiro , Ichihara Chikara
Published: March 2019

A procedure to analyze the elemental concentration distribution inside solute clusters after detection of clusters from atom probe tomography data set was proposed. We developed a code which can directly illustrate an average concentration profile inside a cluster even in the case of including various sizes of ellipsoidal clusters. The profile can be with respect to absolute distance and includes errors in each data point. The reliability of the developed code was verified by analyzing an artificial cluster model which has inhomogeneous elemental distribution. It was found that the precise estimation of cluster centroids is important and that the preferable conditions for targeting clusters are a detection efficiency of over 20%, over 30 atoms in a cluster on average, and over 100 atoms for each concentration data point.
Soft Socialism, Hard Realism: Partisan Song, Parody, and Intertextual Listening in Yugoslav Black Wave Film (1968–1972)
Authors: BEARD DANIJELA Š.
Published: March 2019

In this article I examine the use of music in modernist and politically engaged Yugoslav cinema of the 1960s through three groundbreaking black wave films: Želimir Žilnik'sRani radovi(Early Works, 1969), Dušan Makavejev'sWR: Misterije organizma(WR: Mysteries of the Organism, 1971), and Lazar Stojanović’sPlastični isus(Plastic Jesus, 1971). With a specific focus on the use of Partisan songs, I analyse how key political moments are encoded with new levels of meaning in these films, often through parody, irony, and satire. I identify a ‘sonic turn’ within black wave cinema and propose a method of ‘intertextual listening’ to reflect the importance of contextual knowledge in identifying and interpreting the cultural and political baggage trafficked into these movies. I ask how does music shape the discursive strategies and communicative potential of these films, rendering pre-composed music a powerful medium for social and political critique? And in what ways does film music construct the Yugoslav socialist experience more broadly, reflecting how ideals of reform socialism found musical expression in Yugoslavnovi film?
Music for International Solidarity: Performances of Race and Otherness in the German Democratic Republic
Authors: KELLY ELAINE
Published: March 2019

Central to the official identity of the German Democratic Republic (GDR) was the state's positioning of itself as the antifascist and anti-colonial other to West Germany. This claim was supported by the GDR's extensive programme of international solidarity, which was targeted at causes such as the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa. A paradox existed, however, between the vision of a universal proletariat that underpinned the discourse of solidarity and the decidedly more exclusive construct of socialist identity that was fostered in the GDR itself. In this article, I explore some of the processes of othering that were embedded in solidarity narratives by focusing on two quite contrasting musical outputs that were produced in the name of solidarity: the LPKämpfendes Vietnam, which was released on the Amiga record label in 1967, and the Deutsche Staatsoper's 1973 production of Ernst Hermann Meyer's anti-apartheid opera,Reiter der Nacht.
Remembrance of Things Past: Marxism and the Study of Popular Music
Authors: FRITH SIMON
Published: March 2019

This article considers the role of Marxism in the history of popular music studies. Its approach combines the sociology of knowledge with a personal memoir and its argument is that in becoming a field of scholarly interest popular music studies drew from both Marxist theoretical arguments about cultural ideology in the 1950s and 1960s and from rock writers’ arguments about the role of music in shaping socialist bohemianism in the 1960s and 1970s. To take popular music seriously academically meant taking it seriously politically. Once established as an academic subject, however, popular music studies were absorbed into both established music departments and vocational, commercial music courses. Marxist ideas and ideologues were largely irrelevant to the subsequent development of popular music studies as a scholarly field.
On the edges of the law: sex workers’ legal consciousness in England
Authors: Klambauer Eva
Published: March 2019

In England, sex workers are placed at the edges of the law. How the social and legal status of sex workers impacts on their perception of and interaction with the law in a semi-legal setting has not yet been explored. Drawing on fifty-two qualitative interviews with indoor and outdoor sex workers in England, this study investigates their disposition to the law, legality and the state. The commonalities and discrepancies between the experiences of indoor and outdoor sex workers reveal the influence of the combination of legal framework and social status on sex workers’ legal consciousness. This study finds that, even in a setting of semi-legality, sex workers attempt to avoid contact with state authorities. However, this aversion to the current law does not prevent them from making claims for legal change. Surprisingly, indoor and outdoor sex workers hold opposing views on the appropriate level of regulation and state involvement in the sex industry. Remarkably, although outdoor sex workers have more negative experiences with arbitrators of the law, they desire the law's protection. In contrast, indoor sex workers’ main grievance is for sex work to be a legitimate industry that can operate with only minimal state control. These differences in outdoor and indoor workers’ legal claims are explicable by sharp cleavages in social status, vulnerability and degree of criminalisation. These findings demonstrate that intra-group differences in the legal consciousness of marginalised groups are key to understanding the role of social and legal status in shaping legal claims.
A universal treaty for disasters? Remarks on the International Law Commission's Draft Articles on the Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters
Authors: Bartolini Giulio
Published: March 2019

This article analyzes the Draft Articles on the Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters adopted by the International Law Commission in 2016 in light of the recommendation made by the Commission to elaborate a convention on the basis of this project. While the latter proposal is still under evaluation by the United Nations General Assembly, which has recently decided to postpone its decision until 2020, such a potential outcome would represent a significant novelty in the area of disaster law, currently characterized by a fragmented legal framework and the lack of a universal flagship treaty. The Draft Articles thus aim to provide a systematization of the main legal issues relevant in the so-called disaster cycle, with solutions that accommodate the different interests of actors involved in a disaster scenario – namely, the affected State, external assisting actors and disaster victims – using a complex “checks and balances” approach.
Higher preprocedural fibrinogen levels are associated with aneurysm	sac regression after EVAR
Authors: Rašiová Mária , Koščo Martin , Špak Ľubomír , Moščovič Matej , Židzik Jozef , Slabá Eva , Habalová Viera , Farkašová Ľudmila , Hudák Marek , Tkáč Ivan
Published: March 2019

Summary. Background: The aim of our study was to determine the diameter of the aneurysm sac 24 months after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR); to identify factors associated with sac regression, and to determine the impact of sac regression on all-cause mortality during long-term follow-up. Patients and methods: We conducted a retrospective review of prospectively collected data from patients treated with EVAR between January, 2010 and July, 2016. Sac regression was defined as at least 5 mm decrease in aneurysm diameter in relation to the preprocedural diameter seen on computed tomography angiography. Sociodemographic information, comorbidities, treatment, laboratory parameters, selected anatomical and genetic factors were all analysed to determine their impact on sac regression. Results: During the study period, 124 patients with mean age of 71.2 ± 7.2 years met the inclusion criteria. Sac regression was found in 45.2% of patients. Higher preprocedural fibrinogen was found in patients with sac regression in comparison with patients with stable sac or sac expansion (3.84 g/l vs 3.47 g/l; p = 0.028). In multivariate analysis after adjustment for age, hypertension, sex, smoking, dyslipidaemia, volume and percentage of intraluminal thrombus higher fibrinogen was associated with an increased probability of sac regression (OR 2.47; 95% CI 1.29–4.72; p = 0.006). Persistent type II endoleak was associated with significantly lower probability of sac regression in univariate and multivariate analysis after adjustment for age, hypertension, sex, smoking and dyslipidaemia (OR 0.26; 95% CI 0.10–0.66; p = 0.004). Higher age was a significant predictor of sac regression in multivariate analysis after adjustment for hypertension, sex, smoking and dyslipidaemia (OR 1.07; 95% CI 1.02–1.14; p = 0.012). No difference was found between patient subgroups with and without sac regression in all-cause mortality during follow-up. Conclusions: Higher preprocedural fibrinogen, absence of persistent type II endoleak and higher age were predictive factors of aneurysm sac regression post-EVAR.
Acquired arteriovenous fistula of a finger
Authors: Rietig Roderich , Hudak Sarah , Hieronimus Anja , Lehn-Stefan Angela , Balletshofer Bernd , Häring Hans-Ulrich , Syha Roland , Randrianarisoa Elko
Published: March 2019

Summary. Arteriovenous fistulae are defined as congenital or acquired abnormal direct communications between an artery and a vein leading to abnormal blood circulation. This report describes an unusual manifestation of an acquired peripheral arteriovenous fistula with a high shunt volume of 410 ml/min following a fracture of the 5th finger.
Going to Any Lengths: Solving for Fault Size and Fractal Slip for the 2016, Mw 6.2 Central Tottori Earthquake, Japan, Using a Transdimensional Inversion Scheme
Authors: Amey R. M. J. , Hooper A. , Morishita Y.
Published: March 2019

Many earthquake properties, including slip, show self‐similar (fractal) features. We can incorporate self‐similarity into Bayesian slip inversions via von Karman correlation, so that the regularization applied is representative of observed fault features. In von Karman regularization, each slip patch has a relationship to every other patch. This means that von Karman regularization only has meaning when applied to patches that actually slipped; if applied to nonslipping patches, spurious slip can be added to meet the von Karman correlation criteria. Additionally, the fault size, usually chosen in advance, also affects the von Karman correlation lengths meaning that the final slip solution may be biased by initial geometry choices. Here we present a method for solving for the size of the fault plane during the slip inversion process, as well as slip, rake, and a hyperparameter controlling slip variance. We use a transdimensional Bayesian inversion scheme constrained by geodetic surface displacements and regularized using von Karman correlation. We use circular harmonics to solve for the size of the slipping area, to allow for a complex shape that is connected and continuous across the fault. We apply this method to the 2016 Mw 6.2 Central Tottori earthquake, Japan, constrained by interferometric synthetic aperture radar InSAR (Sentinel‐1 and ALOS‐2) and Global Navigation Satellite System data (GNSS). We find an area of slip extending from approximately 2‐ to 10‐km depth, with the slipping area elongated in the downdip direction. In contrast to some seismic studies, we find slip ruptured most of the seismogenic layer.
Explicit Representation of Grazing Activity in a Diagnostic Terrestrial Model: A Data‐Process Combined Scheme
Authors: Chen Yizhao , Ju Weimin , Mu Shaojie , Fei Xinran , Cheng Yuan , Propastin Pavel , Zhou Wei , Liao Cuijuan , Chen Luxiao , Tang Rongjun , Qi Jiaguo , Li Jianlong , Ruan Honghua
Published: March 2019

Grazing activity is a fundamental behavior in pasture ecosystems and, globally, is a major disturbance that leads to destruction of terrestrial biomass. However, its impact on ecosystem C sequestration at large scales is not well understood due to its obvious anthropogenic property. In this study, we proposed a Data‐Process combined Grazing Scheme (DPGS) to quantify the regional grazing impact on ecosystem C sequestration in the typical pasture ecosystem, Temperate Eurasian Steppe. First, a pixel‐based livestock distribution map was generated based on fine‐scale (province/prefecture) inventory data using a resource‐oriented livestock distribution approach. Then the C consumption due to grazing (Closs,graze) was simulated by combining a late version of a remote‐sensing‐based terrestrial model, the Boreal Ecosystem Productivity Simulator and the Shiyomi grazing model. The modeled regional livestock density was evaluated against the Gridded Livestock of the World data set. The DPGS was able to reproduce the spatial distribution of livestock. Because extralarge herbivores (camel and horse) were involved in the calculation, the DPGS predicts higher livestock density than the Gridded Livestock of the World data set over 70% of the region. The modeledCloss,grazeand its seasonal variability were validated against multiple site‐based data sets. The results showed good agreements with the field observations ofCloss,graze. With further tests and data incorporations, this scheme has the potential to produce high‐resolution data sets of livestock distribution andCloss,grazeand become a useful diagnostic instrument for model evaluation, parameterization, and intercomparison.
Project VoiLA: Volatile Recycling in the Lesser Antilles
Authors: Goes Saskia , Collier Jenny , Blundy Jon , Davidson Jon , Harmon Nick , Henstock Tim , Kendall J. , Macpherson Colin , Rietbrock Andreas , Rychert Kate , Prytulak Julie , van Hunen Jeroen , Wilkinson Jamie , Wilson Marjorie
Published: March 2019

Deep water cycle studies have largely focused on subduction of lithosphere formed at fast spreading ridges. However, oceanic plates are more likely to become hydrated as spreading rate decreases.
Advancing environmental exposure assessment science to benefit society
Authors: Caplin Andrew , Ghandehari Masoud , Lim Chris , Glimcher Paul , Thurston George
Published: March 2019

Awareness of the human health impacts of exposure to air pollution is growing rapidly. For example, it has become evident that the adverse health effects of air pollution are more pronounced in disadvantaged populations. Policymakers in many jurisdictions have responded to this evidence by enacting initiatives that lead to lower concentrations of air pollutants, such as urban traffic restrictions. In this review, we focus on the interplay between advances in environmental exposure assessment and developments in policy. We highlight recent progress in the granular measurement of air pollutants and individual-level exposures, and how this has enabled focused local policy actions. Finally, we detail an illustrative study designed to link individual-level health-relevant exposures with economic, behavioral, biological, familial, and environmental variables.
The deubiquitylating enzyme USP15 regulates homologous recombination repair and cancer cell response to PARP inhibitors
Authors: Peng Yihan , Liao Qingchao , Tan Wei , Peng Changmin , Hu Zhaohua , Chen Yali , Li Zhuqing , Li Jing , Zhen Bei , Zhu Wenge , Li Xiangpan , Yao Yi , Song Qibin , Liu Chengsheng , Qi Xiangdong , He Fuchu , Pei Huadong
Published: March 2019

Poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) selectively kill breast and ovarian cancers with defects in homologous recombination (HR) caused by BRCA1/2 mutations. There is also clinical evidence for the utility of PARPi in breast and ovarian cancers without BRCA mutations, but the underlying mechanism is not clear. Here, we report that the deubiquitylating enzyme USP15 affects cancer cell response to PARPi by regulating HR. Mechanistically, USP15 is recruited to DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) by MDC1, which requires the FHA domain of MDC1 and phosphorylated Ser678 of USP15. Subsequently, USP15 deubiquitinates BARD1 BRCT domain, and promotes BARD1-HP1γ interaction, resulting in BRCA1/BARD1 retention at DSBs. USP15 knockout mice exhibit genomic instability in vivo. Furthermore, cancer-associated USP15 mutations, with decreased USP15-BARD1 interaction, increases PARP inhibitor sensitivity in cancer cells. Thus, our results identify a novel regulator of HR, which is a potential biomarker for therapeutic treatment using PARP inhibitors in cancers.
Publisher Correction: Metabolic reprogramming of stromal fibroblasts by melanoma exosome microRNA favours a pre-metastatic microenvironment
Authors: Shu Shin La , Yang Yunchen , Allen Cheryl L. , Maguire Orla , Minderman Hans , Sen Arindam , Ciesielski Michael J. , Collins Katherine A. , Bush Peter J. , Singh Prashant , Wang Xue , Morgan Martin , Qu Jun , Bankert Richard B. , Whiteside Theresa L. , Wu Yun , Ernstoff Marc S.
Published: March 2019

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Developing a novel FRET assay, targeting the binding between Antizyme-AZIN
Authors: Ghalali Aram , Rice James M. , Kusztos Amanda , Jernigan Finith E. , Zetter Bruce R. , Rogers Michael S.
Published: March 2019

Antizyme inhibitor (AZIN) stimulates cell proliferation by binding to and sequestering the cell cycle suppressor antizyme. Despite the important role of the antizyme-AZIN protein-protein interaction (PPI) in cell cycle regulation, there are no assays for directly measuring the binding of AZIN to antizyme that are amenable to high throughput screening. To address this problem, we developed and validated a novel antizyme-AZIN intramolecular FRET sensor using clover and mRuby2 fluorescent proteins. By introducing alanine mutations in the AZIN protein, we used this sensor to probe the PPI for key residues governing the binding interaction. We found that like many PPIs, the energy of the antizyme-AZIN binding interaction is distributed across many amino acid residues; mutation of individual residues did not have a significant effect on disrupting the PPI. We also examined the interaction between Clover-AZIN and antizyme-mRuby2 in cells. Evidence of a direct interaction between Clover-AZIN and antizyme-mRuby2 was observed within cells, validating the use of this FRET sensor for probing intracellular antizyme-AZIN PPI. In conclusion, we have developed and optimized a FRET sensor which can be adapted for high throughput screening of either in vitro or intracellular activity.
Light quality determines primary production in nutrient-poor small lakes
Authors: Tanabe Yukiko , Hori Makoto , Mizuno Akiko N. , Osono Takashi , Uchida Masaki , Kudoh Sakae , Yamamuro Masumi
Published: March 2019

The availability of nutrients for primary producers has long been thought to be the main limiting factor for primary productivity in nutrient-poor lake ecosystems. However, recent studies have indicated that the availability of light energy is also important. On the other hand, the amount of phototroph was reported to decrease in summer in Antarctic lakes, furthermore, the light environment underwater was shown containing high amount of ultraviolet energy in small Antarctic lakes. Here, we hypothesized that primary productivity is limited by not only nutrients and simple light quantity but also light quality in nutrient-poor lakes. Then, we investigate factors influencing primary production by benthic phototrophic communities in shallow nutrient-poor lakes. We examine the relationships between primary production in 17 Antarctic freshwater lakes and nutrient concentrations in lake and benthic water, temperature and light energy. Primary production is decreased by ultraviolet energy reaching the lake bed, showing that production is determined by light quality. We also correlate ultraviolet energy in lake water with the catchment area of each lake. Our results show that the underwater light environment has an important influence on primary production as a key limitation factor and is sensitive to materials in runoff from the surrounding environment for pristine lakes.
Use of FCC-NMRD relaxometry for early detection and characterization of ex-vivo murine breast cancer
Authors: Di Gregorio Enza , Ferrauto Giuseppe , Lanzardo Stefania , Gianolio Eliana , Aime Silvio
Published: March 2019

Breast Cancer is the most diffuse cancer among women and the treatment outcome is largely determined by its early detection. MRI at fixed magnetic field is already widely used for cancer detection. Herein it is shown that the acquisition of proton T1 at different magnetic fields adds further advantages. In fact, Fast Field Cycling Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Dispersion (FFC-NMRD) profiles have been shown to act as a high –sensitivity tool for cancer detection and staging in ex vivo murine breast tissues collected from Balb/NeuT mice. From NMRD profiles it was possible to extract two new cancer biomarkers, namely: (i) the appearance of 14N-quadrupolar peaks (QPs) reporting on tumor onset and (ii) the slope of the NMRD profile reporting on the progression of the tumor. By this approach it was possible to detect the presence of tumor in transgenic NeuT mice at a very early stage (5–7 weeks), when the disease is not yet detectable by using conventional high field (7 T) MRI and only minimal abnormalities are present in histological assays. These results show that, NMRD profiles may represent a useful tool for early breast cancer detection and for getting more insight into an accurate tumor phenotyping, highlighting changes in composition of the mammary gland tissue (lipids/proteins/water) occurring during the development of the neoplasia.
Development of Tungsten Oxide Nanoparticle Modified Carbon Fibre Cloth as Flexible pH Sensor
Authors: Jamal Mamun , Razeeb Kafil M. , Shao Han , Islam Jahidul , Akhter Irani , Furukawa Hidemitsu , Khosla Ajit
Published: March 2019

A reagent-less pH sensor based on disposable and low cost carbon fibre cloth (CFC) is demonstrated for the first time, where tungsten oxide nanoparticles were grown directly onto the CFC substrate. For comparison purpose, tungsten oxide nanoparticle modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was also fabricated as a pH sensor, where hydrothermally synthesized tungsten oxide nanoparticles were drop casted onto the GCE surface. The corresponding equilibrium potential using tungsten oxide/CFC as a pH sensor was measured using open circuit potential (OCP), and was found to be linear over the pH range of 3–10, with a sensitivity of 41.38 mVpH−1, and response time of 150 s. In the case of tungsten oxide/GCE as a pH sensor, square wave voltammetry (SWV) was used to measure the shifts in peak potential and was found to be linear with a pH range of 3–11, and a sensitivity of 60 mVpH−1 with a potential drift of 2.4–5.0% after 3 hour of continuous use. The advantages of tungsten oxide/CFC and tungsten oxide/GCE as pH sensing electrode have been directly compared with the commercial glass probe based electrode, and validated in real un-buffered samples. Thereby, tungsten oxide nanoparticles with good sensitivity and long term stability could be potentially implemented as a low cost and robust pH sensor in numerous applications for the Internet of Things (IoT).
Silencing of maternal hepatic glucocorticoid receptor is essential for normal fetal development in mice
Authors: Quinn Matthew A. , McCalla Amy , He Bo , Xu Xiaojiang , Cidlowski John A.
Published: March 2019

Excessive or chronic stress can lead to a variety of diseases due to aberrant activation of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), a ligand activated transcription factor. Pregnancy represents a particular window of sensitivity in which excessive stress can have adverse outcomes, particularly on the developing fetus. Here we show maternal hepatic stress hormone responsiveness is diminished via epigenetic silencing of the glucocorticoid receptor during pregnancy. Provocatively, reinstallation of GR to hepatocytes during pregnancy by adeno-associated viral transduction dysregulates genes involved in proliferation, resulting in impaired pregnancy-induced hepatomegaly. Disruption of the maternal hepatic adaptation to pregnancy results in in utero growth restriction (IUGR). These data demonstrate pregnancy antagonizes the liver-specific effects of stress hormone signaling in the maternal compartment to ultimately support the healthy development of embryos.
A physiometer for simultaneous measurement of whole blood viscosity and its determinants: hematocrit and red blood cell deformability
Authors: Kim Byung Jun , Lee Ye Sung , Zhbanov Alexander , Yang Sung
Published: March 2019

In this study, a microfluidic-based physiometer capable of measuring the whole blood viscosity, hematocrit, and red blood cell (RBC) deformability on a chip is introduced.
Conundrum of γ glycine nucleation revisited: to stir or not to stir?
Authors: Vesga Maria J. , McKechnie David , Mulheran Paul A. , Johnston Karen , Sefcik Jan
Published: March 2019

Stirring promotes formation of the metastable α glycine polymorph, whereas stable γ glycine forms under quiescent conditions.
Electrochemiluminescence response of a benzouril-constructed electrode to bipyridyl herbicides
Authors: Li Hai-Ling , Qiu Fei , Ge Qing-Mei , Liu Mao , Tao Zhu , Cong Hang
Published: March 2019

An electrochemiluminescence sensor with modification of macrocyclic benzo[6]uril on the surface of a glass carbon electrode was achieved, which has been applied for the quantitative analysis of paraquat and diquat.
Effects of phosphorus impurities on the preparation of α-calcium sulfate hemihydrate from waste phosphogypsum with the salt solution method under atmospheric pressure
Authors: Mi Yang , Chen Deyu , Wang Aiwen
Published: March 2019

Impurity is an important factor that determines the crystallization process of α-calcium sulfate hemihydrate (α-CSH), but the effects of phosphorus impurities in waste phosphogypsum on the α-CSH prepared using the salt solution method are still not well known.
ADS-J1 disaggregates semen-derived amyloid fibrils
Authors: Li Jinqing , Yang Zichao , Liu Han , Qiu Mengjie , Zhang Tingting , Li Wenjuan , Li Zhaofeng , Qi Tao , Qiu Yurong , Li Lin , Zhou Xuefeng , Liu Shuwen , Tan Suiyi
Published: March 2019

Semen-derived amyloid fibrils, comprising SEVI (semen-derived enhancer of viral infection) fibrils and SEM1 fibrils, could remarkably enhance HIV-1 sexual transmission and thus are potential targets for the development of an effective microbicide. Previously, we found that ADS-J1, apart from being an HIV-1 entry inhibitor, could also potently inhibit seminal amyloid fibrillization and block fibril-mediated enhancement of viral infection. However, the remodeling effects of ADS-J1 on mature seminal fibrils were unexplored. Herein, we investigated the capacity of ADS-J1 to disassemble seminal fibrils and the potential mode of action by applying several biophysical and biochemical measurements, combined with molecular dynamic (MD) simulations. We found that ADS-J1 effectively remodeled SEVI, SEM186–107 fibrils and endogenous seminal fibrils. Unlike epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a universal amyloid fibril breaker, ADS-J1 disaggregated SEVI fibrils into monomeric peptides, which was independent of oxidation reaction. MD simulations revealed that ADS-J1 displayed strong binding potency to the full-length PAP248–286 via electrostatic interactions, hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds. ADS-J1 might initially bind to the fibrillar surface and then occupy the amyloid core, which eventually lead to fibril disassembly. Furthermore, the binding of ADS-J1 with PAP248–286 might induce conformational changes of PAP248–286. Disassembled PAP248–286 might not be favorable to re-aggregate into fibrils. ADS-J1 also exerts abilities to remodel a panel of amyloid fibrils, including Aβ1–42, hIAPP1–37 and EP2 fibrils. ADS-J1 displays promising potential to be a combination microbicide and an effective lead-product to treat amyloidogenic diseases.
Plant glutathione biosynthesis revisited: redox-mediated activation of glutamylcysteine ligase does not require homo-dimerization
Authors: Yang Yingxue , Lenherr Esther D. , Gromes Roland , Wang Shanshan , Wirtz Markus , Hell Rüdiger , Peskan-Berghöfer Tanja , Scheffzek Klaus , Rausch Thomas
Published: March 2019

Plant γ-glutamylcysteine ligase (GCL), catalyzing the first and tightly regulated step of glutathione (GSH) biosynthesis, is redox-activated via formation of an intramolecular disulfide bond. In vitro, redox-activation of recombinant GCL protein causes formation of homo-dimers. Here, we have investigated whether dimerization occurs in vivo and if so whether it contributes to redox-activation. FPLC analysis indicated that recombinant redox-activated WT (wild type) AtGCL dissociates into monomers at concentrations below 10−6 M, i.e. below the endogenous AtGCL concentration in plastids, which was estimated to be in the micromolar range. Thus, dimerization of redox-activated GCL is expected to occur in vivo. To determine the possible impact of dimerization on redox-activation, AtGCL mutants were generated in which salt bridges or hydrophobic interactions at the dimer interface were interrupted. WT AtGCL and mutant proteins were analyzed by non-reducing SDS–PAGE to address their redox state and probed by FPLC for dimerization status. Furthermore, their substrate kinetics (KM, Vmax) were compared. The results indicate that dimer formation is not required for redox-mediated enzyme activation. Also, crystal structure analysis confirmed that dimer formation does not affect binding of GSH as competitive inhibitor. Whether dimerization affects other enzyme properties, e.g. GCL stability in vivo, remains to be investigated.
The association of toll-like receptor 4 gene polymorphisms with primary open angle glaucoma susceptibility: a meta-analysis
Authors: Chaiwiang Narttaya , Poyomtip Teera
Published: March 2019

Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and normal tension glaucoma (NTG) cause irreversible blindness while current medications cannot completely inhibit disease progression. An understanding of immunopathogenesis is thus a keystone to develop novel drug targets and genetic markers are still required for early diagnosis. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is an essential player in inflammation in various diseases. However, the TLR4 polymorphisms have not been completely elucidated in both types of glaucoma. The aim of the present study was to identify the association between TLR4 polymorphism and glaucoma (POAG and NTG) via the use of a comprehensive review and meta-analysis. The relevant studies were collected from PubMed, Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), and Web of Science to identify eight included articles, assessed for quality by a modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) for gene association study. A meta-analysis was applied to calculate the pooled odds-ratio and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to evaluate the association between TLR4 polymorphism and glaucoma. The results revealed that TLR4 rs1927911 A/G, rs12377632 C/T, and rs2149356 G/T significantly decrease the risk of POAG and NTG in allele contrast models 0.71-, 0.71-, and 0.67-fold, respectively. Moreover, rs4986790 A/G and rs4986791 C/T showed a stringent association with POAG in allele contrast, heterozygous, recessive, and overdominant models. In conclusion, this meta-analysis represented a significant correlation between TLR4 polymorphisms and both types of glaucoma suggesting that TLR4 might be involved in the pathogenesis of glaucoma and may be applied as a genetic marker for disease screening.
Simultaneous adsorption of Hg2+, Cd2+ and Cu2+ ions from aqueous solution with mesoporous silica/DZ and conditions optimise with experimental design: kinetic and isothermal studies
Authors: Nazerdeylami Samaneh , Zare‐Dorabei Rouholah
Published: March 2019

This study used dithizon (DZ) and mesoporous as a sorbent for simultaneous removal of heavy metal (mercury, cadmium and copper) ions from aqueous solution and real samples. Santa Barbara Amorphous synthesised and characterised by X‐ray diffraction, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller. Heavy metal ions measured by atomic absorption spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Optimised conditions such as pH, removal time, sorbent dosage and concentration analyte with central composite design and obtained 5, 20 min, 20 mg and 25 ppm, respectively. The equilibrium data were fitted to isotherm models such as Langmuir, Freundlich and Tempkin and the results revealed the suitability of the Langmuir model. The maximum adsorption capacities for Hg2+, Cd2+ and Cu2+ ions achieved 25.04, 30.3 and 31.79 mg/g, respectively. Kinetics data fitting to pseudo‐first order, pseudo‐second‐order and Elovich models confirmed the applicability of pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model for the description of the mechanism and adsorption rate. This sorbent could regenerate easily with ethylenediamminetetraacetate solution.
Morphology-assisted galaxy mass-to-light predictions using deep learning
Authors: Dobbels Wouter , Krier Serge , Pirson Stephan , Viaene Sébastien , De Geyter Gert , Salim Samir , Baes Maarten
Published: March 2019

Context. One of the most important properties of a galaxy is the total stellar mass, or equivalently the stellar mass-to-light ratio (M/L). It is not directly observable, but can be estimated from stellar population synthesis. Currently, a galaxy’s M/L is typically estimated from global fluxes. For example, a single global g − i colour correlates well with the stellar M/L. Spectral energy distribution (SED) fitting can make use of all available fluxes and their errors to make a Bayesian estimate of the M/L.

Aims. We want to investigate the possibility of using morphology information to assist predictions of M/L. Our first goal is to develop and train a method that only requires a g-band image and redshift as input. This will allows us to study the correlation between M/L and morphology. Next, we can also include the i-band flux, and determine if morphology provides additional constraints compared to a method that only uses g- and i-band fluxes.

Methods. We used a machine learning pipeline that can be split in two steps. First, we detected morphology features with a convolutional neural network. These are then combined with redshift, pixel size and g-band luminosity features in a gradient boosting machine. Our training target was the M/L acquired from the GALEX-SDSS-WISE Legacy Catalog, which uses global SED fitting and contains galaxies with z ∼ 0.1.

Results. Morphology is a useful attribute when no colour information is available, but can not outperform colour methods on its own. When we combine the morphology features with global g- and i-band luminosities, we find an improved estimate compared to a model which does not make use of morphology.

Conclusions. While our method was trained to reproduce global SED fitted M/L, galaxy morphology gives us an important additional constraint when using one or two bands. Our framework can be extended to other problems to make use of morphological information.
Collimated radiation in SS 433
Authors: Waisberg Idel , Dexter Jason , Olivier-Petrucci Pierre , Dubus Guillaume , Perraut Karine
Published: March 2019

Context. The microquasar SS 433 is well known for its precessing, relativistic, and highly collimated baryonic jets, which manifest in its optical spectrum as pairs of hydrogen and helium emission lines moving with large Doppler shifts. Depending on their heating mechanism, the optical jet bullets may serve as a probe of the collimated radiation coming from the inner region close to the compact object, and which is not directly visible to observers on Earth.

Aims. We aim to better understand the baryonic jet phenomenon in SS 433, in particular the properties of the optical bullets and their interaction with the ionizing collimated radiation.

Methods. The optical interferometer VLTI/GRAVITY has allowed us to spatially resolve the optical jets in SS 433 for the first time. We present here the second such observation taken over three nights in July 2017. In addition, we used the X-shooter spectrograph at VLT to study the optical bullets in SS 433 in detail. Over the full wavelength range 0.3−2.5 μm, we identified up to twenty pairs of jet lines observed simultaneously, which we modeled with the spectral synthesis code Cloudy.

Results. GRAVITY reveals elongated exponential-like radial spatial profiles for the optical jets on scales ≲1−10 mas, suggestive of a heating mechanism acting throughout a long portion of the jet and naturally explained by photoionization by the collimated radiation. We also spatially resolve the movement of the optical bullets for the first time, detecting more extended jet components corresponding to previous ejections. Cloudy photoionization models can explain the spatial intensity profiles measured with GRAVITY and the emission line ratios from X-shooter, and constrain the properties of the optical bullets and the ionizing radiation. We find that the latter must peak in the UV with an isotropic luminosity (as inferred by a face-on observer) ∼1041 erg s−1. Provided that the X-ray spectral energy distribution is sufficiently hard, the collimated X-ray luminosity could still be high enough so that the face-on observer would see SS 433 as ultraluminous X-ray source and it would still be compatible with the H/He/He+ ionization balance of the optical bullets. The kinetic power in the optical jets is constrained to 2−20 × 1038 erg s−1, and the extinction in the optical jets to AV = 6.7 ± 0.1. We suggest there may be substantial AV ≳ 1 and structured circumstellar extinction in SS 433, likely arising from dust formed in equatorial outflows.
Age and growth estimates of the jumbo flying squid (Dosidicus gigas) off Peru
Authors: Goicochea-Vigo Carlos , Morales-Bojórquez Enrique , Zepeda-Benitez Viridiana Y. , Hidalgo-de-la-Toba José Ángel , Aguirre-Villaseñor Hugo , Mostacero-Koc Jorge , Atoche-Suclupe Dennis
Published: March 2019

Mantle length (ML) and age data were analyzed to describe the growth patterns of the flying jumbo squid,Dosidicus gigas, in Peruvian waters. Six non-asymptotic growth models and four asymptotic growth models were fitted. Length-at-age data for males and females were analysed separately to assess the growth pattern. Multi-model inference and Akaike's information criterion were used to identify the best fitting model. For females, the best candidate growth model was the Schnute model withL∞ = 106.96 cm ML (CI 101.23–110.27 cm ML,P < 0.05), age at growth inflection 244.71 days (CI 232.82–284.86 days,P < 0.05), and length at growth inflection 57.26 cm ML (CI 55.42–58.51 cm ML,P < 0.05). The growth pattern in males was best described by a Gompertz growth model withL∞ = 127.58 cm ML (CI 115.27–131.80 cm ML,P < 0.05), t0 = 21.8 (CI 20.06–22.41,P < 0.05), and k = 0.007 (CI 0.006–0.007,P < 0.05). These results contrast with the growth model previously reported forD. gigasin the region, where the growth pattern was identified as non-asymptotic.
Réponses adaptatives des anguilles des régions tempérées à l’hétérogénéité environnementale et effets des pressions anthropiques
Authors: Mateo M. , Tétard S. , Lambert P. , Drouineau H.
Published: March 2019

Le déclin mondial des anguilles tempérées est lié aux effets combinés de multiples pressions anthropiques. Cependant, la complexité du cycle de vie des anguilles et leurs capacités d’adaptation font qu’il est très difficile de connaître le poids relatif de chacune des pressions. Leurs panmixies et les longues dérives larvaires sont des freins aux adaptations locales, cependant on observe des patrons spatiaux de traits d’histoire de vie corrélés aux gradients environnementaux, à l’échelle du bassin versant et de son aire de répartition. Cette étude vise à (i) démontrer si ces patrons spatiaux d’histoire de vie sont le résultat de deux réponses adaptatives : le polymorphisme génétique et la plasticité phénotypique adaptative, et (ii) à réévaluer l’effet des différentes composantes du changement global en prenant en compte ces réponses adaptatives. Dans ce cadre, GenEveel, un modèle d’optimisation individu-centré a été développé et a permis de reproduire les patrons spatiaux observés concernant la longueur à l’argenture, le sex-ratio et la distribution des écotypes. Par la suite, différents types de pressions anthropiques (les pêcheries de civelles et d’anguilles argentées, les obstacles à la migration de montaison et les mortalités dues aux turbines hydroélectriques) ont été intégrés dans le modèle. L’objectif a été d’évaluer leurs impacts sur l’échappement (individus argentés sortant des eaux continentales), à la fois en nombre, mais aussi sur différents attributs comme le sex-ratio, la répartition entre génotypes, la longueur à l’argenture moyenne, et la production globale d’œufs. Les résultats montrent que la pression qui induit la plus forte mortalité directe sur les individus n’a pas forcément la plus forte influence sur la biomasse féconde et n’exerce pas nécessairement la pression sélective la plus forte sur les écotypes.
Shear strengthening of reinforced concrete beams with near surface mounted steel bars
Authors: Thamrin Rendy , Haris Sabril , Haris Zaidir
Published: March 2019

This paper reports on an experimental study examining reinforced concrete beams without stirrups strengthened with Near Surface Mounted (NSM) steel bars. The beams were simply supported and were subjected to four point bending load. Three beams tested were designed as control specimens and the other six beams were strengthened with NSM steel bars. Three ratios of longitudinal reinforcement (1%, 1.4%, and 2.4%) and two types of installation angle (45 and 90 degree) were used as test variables. The test results in terms of graphs of deflection due to shear forces are presented to demonstrate the ability of different longitudinal reinforcement ratios and installation angle to withstand shear forces. The influence of the test variables on the crack patterns was also observed. It was found that NSM steel bars increase the shear strength of reinforced concrete beams without stirrups significantly. However, in the case of higher longitudinal reinforcement ratios the beams failed in brittle mode as indicated by a sudden drop in the shear force-deflection graphs.
Numerical modelling of tsunami bore impact on low-rise residential buildings using SPH
Authors: Pringgana Gede , Adi Susila I Gede
Published: March 2019

The resilience of buildings subject to tsunami bore impact can be improved by reducing tsunami-induced lateral hydrodynamic pressure by allowing part of the tsunami bore to pass through the buildings via openings and break-away walls. This research investigated the reduction of lateral pressure caused by tsunami bore impact on a low-rise residential building with openings proposed as the prototype of tsunami-resistant house. Numerical method using smoothed particle hydrodynamic (SPH)- based software called DualSPHysics was used to create simulation in numerical boundary in the form of a water tank. The tsunami-like bore simulations were generated based on dam-break analogy and were validated against experimental results. Four simulation cases were conducted in this study: Case 1 and Case 2 were dealing with the parameter sensitivity of reservoir height and distance between reservoir and building, while Case 3 and Case 4 were related to the effectiveness of openings and the base elevation of building in reducing wave impact pressures. The numerical modelling results show that the presence of openings and building’s base elevation significantly reduced the lateral hydrodynamic pressures on buildings up to 50% and this could become an effective strategy for improving the resilience of low-rise residential buildings under tsunami bore impact.
Comparison of tensile properties between natural fibres and inorganic fibres for strengthening timber structures
Authors: Ashiqeen Jamaluddin Nor , Sheikh Shujaatullah , Abdul Hanan Umar , Izzah Mokhtar Nur , Abu Hassan Shukur , Yazid Yahya Mohd , Ahmad Yusof , Omar Balqis , Rahman Mohd. Sam Abdul
Published: March 2019

Fibre-reinforced polymers (FRPs) have been successfully applied to the strengthening of reinforced concrete structures and a similar methodology is adopted by researchers in order to strengthen timber structures using synthetic fibres such as carbon, glass or aramid fibres. This paper explores the viability of using fibres from botanical sources for the reinforcement of timber structures. In this study, two natural fibre materials, namely kenaf and ramie, in combination with a polymeric matrix, are tested for their tensile properties in accordance with ASTM D 4018-99. The results indicate that kenaf fibres exhibit average ultimate tensile strength value at rupture of 750 MPa and Young’s modulus of 58 GPa. The test results also show that the corresponding parameters for ramie fibres average at 810 MPa and 36 GPa respectively. These values are closer to those of timber as opposed to analogous values for carbon and glass fibres. The strength and elastic moduli compatibility of both kenaf and ramie fibres with timber and contrast with carbon and glass fibres is further discussed in relation to the viability of using these natural fibres as reinforcement for timber.
Finite element analysis of the effect M/V ratios on punching shear strength of edge slabcolumn connections of flat plate structure
Authors: Sudarsana I Ketut , Gegiranang Wiryadi I Gede , Adi Susila I Gede
Published: March 2019

The occurrence of unbalanced moment in edge slab-column connections of flat plate structure cannot be avoided and increase the slab shear stress around the column. This paper investigates the effect of M/V ratio on punching shear strength of edge column-slab connections using finite element analysis. The Concrete Damage Plasticity (CDP) and truss model in Abaqus were used to model the nonlinear behavior of concrete and reinforcement, respectively. Ten values of the M/V ratio were applied to a subassembly edge connection model which was part of a properly design of a 5 story flat plate structure. The shear strength prediction of ACI 318-14 code on the effect of unbalanced moment in edge column-slab connection was also studied. The analysis results show that the effect of unbalanced moment on shear strength is not significant for M/V ratio less than 0.3. However, for M/V ratio greater than 0.3, the shear strength is reduced in an exponential order. The ACI 318-14 code overestimates prediction on connection’s shear strength for the M/V ratio less than 0.3. The code predictions are in a good agreement with the analysis results for the edge connection with the M/V ratio greater than 0.3.