bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Lewis Base‐Assisted Passivation Strategy Towards Highly Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Yang Guang , Qin Pingli , Fang Guojia , Li Gang
Published: May 2018

Organo‐metal halide hybrid perovskites with mixed cations and halides have become promising photovoltaic materials, showing extraordinary optoelectronic properties and excellent device performance. Herein, an organic semiconducting nonfullerene acceptor (NFA) molecule IT‐M is introduced as Lewis base to improve perovskite interfaces. This facile Lewis base‐assisted strategy effectively enhances the electronic properties of Cs0.05(MA0.17FA0.83)0.95Pb(I0.83Br0.17)3 thin films, passivates the perovskite surface defects and further boosts the performance of perovskite solar cells. With the reduced surface defects, this approach significantly enhances the charge transport properties and boosts the photogenerated photoluminescence lifetime from 1.46 to 2.20 µs. As a result, the n‐i‐p planar perovskite solar cell champion efficiency reaches 20.5% with a high FF of 81%. Moreover, the Lewis base molecule IT‐M can also passivate the under‐coordinated lead ions and enhance the durability of perovskite PbI6 octahedra framework under an ambient environment with thermal stress and humidity. The results provide a simple while highly effective route of fabricating the high performance and stable planar perovskite solar cells.
Two chromatographic methods for the quantitative determination of some pesticides applied for cucumber pests in Egypt
Authors: Abdelfatah Rehab M. , Hegazy Amira M. , Mahmoud Hamada M. , Elsayed Mohamed A.
Published: May 2018

Two novel sensitive and accurate thin‐layer chromatography and high‐performance liquid chromatography methods were used for monitoring the residues of four pesticides: mandipropamid, metalaxyl, thiophenate methyl and carbendazim, which are widely used to eliminate cucumber pests in Egypt. The first method is a thin‐layer chromatography method, using silica gel plates as a stationary phase and hexane/methanol/acetone/glacial acetic acid (7.5:2:0.5:0.1, v/v) as a developing system. The second method is high‐performance liquid chromatography using isocratic elution and a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile/0.02 molar potassium dihydrogen phosphate buffer (25:75, v/v) at a flow rate of 1 mL min−1 with UV detection at 225 nm. All the obtained results were evaluated regarding the agricultural committee of Egypt and showed acceptable pesticides residues.
Extraction of bisphenol A in honey samples using aqueous biphasic systems coupled with high‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Tian Hongzhe , Bai Xuesong , Xu Jing
Published: May 2018

An aqueous biphasic system based on cholinium propanoate and phosphate solution was developed for the fast extraction and determination of bisphenol A in honey samples. The phase diagrams of the aqueous biphasic systems with cholinium propanoate (ionic liquid) and phosphate solutions were investigated, and the biphasic regions of the aqueous biphasic systems decreased with the increase of pH values of the phosphate solutions. The aqueous biphasic system was applied for the analyte extraction. After extraction, the analyte was separated on a C18 column (150 mm × 2.1 mm i. d., 5 μm) using acetonitrile and ammonium acetate as the mobile phase. The parameters, such as the conductivity and viscosity of the ionic liquid solutions, pH values of the phosphate solutions, and extraction efficiency were optimized to achieve the excellent extraction performance. Good linearity was shown for the analyte over the tested concentration range (0.01–10.0 mg/kg) with correlation coefficient higher than 0.991. Three spiked levels (0.01, 0.05, 0.10 mg/kg) were applied for determination of the recoveries of the analyte in honey samples in the range of 78–112% with relative standard deviations of 5.5–10.2%. The limit of detection and limit of quantification for the analyte were 0.003 and 0.01 mg/kg, respectively. The developed method was applied for the determination of the analyte in real samples with high sensitivity.
DNA Groove‐binding Ability of Luminescent Platinum(II) Complexes based on a Family of Tridentate N^N^C Ligands Bearing Differently Substituted Alkyl Tethers
Authors: Hebenbrock Marian , González‐Abradelo Darío , Strassert Cristian A. , Müller Jens
Published: May 2018

A family of luminescent PtIIcomplexes is presented capable of binding DNA duplexes via groove binding. The complexes are based on a tridentate ligand with N^N^C donor functionality bearing a triazole, a pyridine and a phenyl entity. The triazole group is used to attach a series of pendant dodecane tethers with differently charged functional head groups (neutral hydroxyl group, anionic sulfate group, cationic tetraalkylammonium group). The DNA‐binding behavior of the three resulting PtIIcomplexes was characterized by UV/Vis, CD, and luminescence spectroscopy as well as viscosity measurements and computational docking studies. The data clearly indicate groove binding interactions for all three complexes. In addition, a light‐switch effect was observed for the complexes upon the addition of DNA.
Non-interventional study to collect data for the application of lidocaine gel 2% during scaling and root planing and professional mechanical plaque removal
Authors: Petersilka Gregor J. , Arweiler Nicole B. , Otto Joachim , Wittig Tobias
Published: May 2018

Objectives

Evaluation of the safety and efficacy of a topical lidocaine gel 2% (LG) during scaling and root planing (SRP) and professional mechanical plaque removal (PMPR).

Materials and methods

The anesthetic effects as well as unwanted effects of LG prior to or during SRP and PMPR were evaluated in an observational, non-randomized, non-interventional study design. A total of 385 treatments were recorded in 68 study centers all over Germany. Rating of the anesthetic effect of LG by treating personnel and patients using a four-item verbal rating scale (VRS), tolerability, safety (adverse effects), and need for additional local injection anesthesia (ALI).

Results

In SRP as well as in PMPR, application of LG allowed a sufficiently pain-free therapy in more than 90% of the patients as stated on the VRS (SRP: 97.8%, PMPR: 93.75%). Overall, ALI was needed in only 4.23% of the patients treated (SRP: 5.3%, PMPR: 2.62%). One adverse effect occurred within the observation.

Conclusions

Application of LG may offer a safe and effective way to achieve pain-free therapy in periodontal patients.

Clinical relevance

Patient compliance is key to the success of periodontal maintenance therapy. Effective and safe pain control during various kinds of periodontal therapy might increase patient compliance and therefore contribute to the long-term treatment success, among other factors. With regard to the patients observed in this study, 47% had previously received periodontal maintenance therapy and were therefore familiar with the treatment and the associated pain.
The impact of maternal socio-demographic characteristics on breastfeeding knowledge and practices
Authors: Habibi Mouna , Laamiri Fatima Zahra , Aguenaou Hassan , Doukkali Loubna , Mrabet Mustapha , Barkat Amina
Published: May 2018

Background:

Breastfeeding is universally recognized by the World Health Organization as the best way of feeding infants. Therefore, several countries have initiated health promotion interventions to support successful breastfeeding based on the factors influencing breastfeeding outcomes.

Objective:

To examine the association between the knowledge of breastfeeding and maternal socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, and to determine any impact on child nutritional status.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study using both qualitative and quantitative methods was conducted with mothers of infants aged six- to twenty-four months. Data was collected by a semi-structured questionnaire and face-to-face, in-depth interviews with mothers to get an insight into their breastfeeding perceptions and experiences. Educational achievement and occupational class were used as indicators of socio-demographic status. Nutritional status was assessed by anthropometric measurements.

Results:

A significant relationship between exclusive breastfeeding and the mother's education (P < .001) and socio-economic status (P < .001) has been highlighted. A significant link was pointed out between breastfeeding and length-for-age Z score (LAZ) (P < .001), and weight-for-age Z score (WAZ) (P = .005). Moreover, a strong association was found between maternal employment and exclusive breastfeeding (P < .001).

Conclusions:

Our findings shed some light on challenges faced by mothers, as well as an association between socio-demographic characteristics and practices for facilitating exclusive breastfeeding to guide the mothers in breastfeeding management.
Adaptive Preferences Are a Red Herring
Authors: DORSEY DALE
Published: May 2018

Current literature in moral and political philosophy is rife with discussion of adaptive preferences. This is no accident: while preferences are generally thought to play an important role in a number of normative domains (including morality, the personal good, and political justice), adaptive preferences seem exceptions to this general rule—they seem problematic in a way that preference-respecting theories of these domains cannot adequately capture. Thus, adaptive preferences are often taken to be theoretically explanatory: a reason for adjusting our theories of the relevant normative domains. However, as I shall argue here, the relentless focus on the phenomenon of preference adaptation is a mistake. While I do not take a stand on whether typical examples of adaptive preferences are or are not problematic, I argue here that if they are problematic, it cannot be because they are adaptive.
Global Meaning and Rehabilitation in People with Stroke
Authors: Littooij Elsbeth , Dekker Joost , Vloothuis Judith , Widdershoven Guy A. M. , Leget Carlo J. W.
Published: May 2018

A stroke can have implications for all areas of a person's life. In research on adaptation to stroke, finding meaning is associated with better adaptation. This study focuses on one of the driving principles behind meaning-making processes: global meaning. The aim of this study was to explore whether global meaning (i.e., fundamental beliefs and life goals concerning core values, relationships, worldview, identity and inner posture) is associated with processes and outcomes of rehabilitation, as experienced by people with stroke. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted, and analysed using qualitative research methods. Aspects of global meaning were associated with the following elements of process and outcome of rehabilitation: motivation, handling stress and emotions, physical functioning and acceptance. The influence was mostly positive. If rehabilitation professionals took global meaning into account, respondents tended to associate this with better or faster recovery.
Oligopolist Speech and the Public Interest in Pharmaceutical Patent Law Reform
Authors: Dent Chris , Haigh Yvonne
Published: May 2018

Understandings of the public interest underpin many law reform processes. The public interest is not a fully definable term and so reform bodies have to engage with a range of articulations of that interest. The negotiation of the different articulations, however, has not been explored empirically before. This article reports on a study of the claims to the public interest in a public Australian inquiry into potential abuses of the patent system by pharmaceutical companies. More specifically, submissions to the Pharmaceutical Patents Review are analysed and the results show “oligopolistic” tensions between competing views of the public interest—and with these views claiming primacy over more technical understandings of the issues. This lack of a single “public interest” allows dominant players to frame the debate to reflect their interests; and the tension between these players means that the debate, and the underlying problem, has not been subject to a resolution.
Researching Institutional Life in Modern Uganda
Authors: Bruce-Lockhart Katherine , Earle Jonathon L.
Published: May 2018

This introductory article reflects on the trajectories, possibilities, and limitations of studying institutional life in Africa, with a particular emphasis on Uganda. Engaging with some of the central issues articulated in the African Studies Association’s theme for the 2017 Annual Meeting – “Institutions: Creativity and Resilience in Africa” – it considers the category of “institution” and how it has been imagined and contested in Africa’s past and present. The article begins by examining the competing visions of institutions across the continent in the late colonial period. It then moves to a closer consideration of institutions within Uganda’s historiography, while also introducing the articles in this collection and the themes that tie them together. The final two sections turn to the question of sources, illuminating both the possibilities and limitations of recent developments regarding Uganda’s archives. In so doing, this article considers not only the shifting terrain of Uganda’s research landscape, but also explores the ways in which the study of institutional life is animated by deep, longstanding deliberations on questions of community, authority, and reciprocity.
DEGREES OF CATEGORICITY AND SPECTRAL DIMENSION
Authors: BAZHENOV NIKOLAY A. , KALIMULLIN ISKANDER SH. , YAMALEEV MARS M.
Published: May 2018

A Turing degreedis the degree of categoricity of a computable structure${\cal S}$ifdis the least degree capable of computing isomorphisms among arbitrary computable copies of${\cal S}$. A degreedis the strong degree of categoricity of${\cal S}$ifdis the degree of categoricity of${\cal S}$, and there are computable copies${\cal A}$and${\cal B}$of${\cal S}$such that every isomorphism from${\cal A}$onto${\cal B}$computesd. In this paper, we build a c.e. degreedand a computable rigid structure${\cal M}$such thatdis the degree of categoricity of${\cal M}$, butdis not the strong degree of categoricity of${\cal M}$. This solves the open problem of Fokina, Kalimullin, and Miller [13].

For a computable structure${\cal S}$, we introduce the notion of the spectral dimension of${\cal S}$, which gives a quantitative characteristic of the degree of categoricity of${\cal S}$. We prove that for a nonzero natural numberN, there is a computable rigid structure${\cal M}$such that$0\prime$is the degree of categoricity of${\cal M}$, and the spectral dimension of${\cal M}$is equal toN.
What do we know about suicide bombing?
Authors: Ward Veronica
Published: May 2018

In this article, the present status of our knowledge about the phenomenon of “suicide” bombing or “martyrdom” operations is identified. A review of many studies located at different levels of analysis is conducted, followed by an analysis and evaluation of the state of the research at each level. In addition, an exploration of the evolution in the characteristics of this tactic and the differences, if any, between subnational and transnational acts is undertaken. The conclusion identifies what we know and what may be appropriate for future research and public policy initiatives.
Response of Sugarbeets(Beta vulgaris)to Sublethal Rates of 2,4-D
Authors: Schweizer E. E.
Published: May 2018

The herbicide 2,4-D [(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)acetic acid] was applied as sublethal rates to sugarbeets(Beta vulgarisL. ‘Mono Hy D2’) in the field at different growth stages to determine its effect on growth and yield. The greatest reduction in top growth occurred when the highest rate of 2,4-D, 0.07 kg/ha, was applied to the oldest plants (12-leaf stage). All rates of 2,4-D reduced the components of sucrose yield (percentage sucrose, percentage purity, and root weight) to the extent that, together, the three components contributed to a significant reduction in recoverable sucrose. The yields of recoverable sucrose were reduced 6.8, 7.8, and 13.2% by the 0.017, 0.035, and 0.07 kg/ha rates, respectively.
Control of Dodder(Cuscutaspp.) with Pronamide
Authors: Dawson J. H.
Published: May 2018

Wettable powder and granular formulations of pronamide [3,5-dichloro(N-1,1-dimethyl-2-propynyl)benzamide], applied at 1.7 kg/ha to the soil surface or incorporated to depths of 1.3 to 7.5 cm, controlled dodder(Cuscuta indecoraChoisy and C.campestrisYunck.) completely in the greenhouse for periods of 6 to 16 weeks. Seedlings emerged in pronamide-treated soil, but did not elongate normally and did not twine. Pronamide had very little activity as a vapor. In the field, the same rate applied to the soil surface and sprinkler irrigated or mechanically incorporated with the soil usually controlled dodder for about 1 month longer than did the standard herbicide, chlorpropham (isopropylm-chlorocarbanilate) at 6.7 kg/ha. Pronamide at 6.7 kg/ha did not injure established alfalfa(Medicago sativaL.).
Nigerian Weed Species: Intraspecific Competition
Authors: Oladokun M. A. O.
Published: May 2018

Four weed species, eragrostis (Eragrostis tenella Roem. and Schult), cogongrass [Imperata cylindrica (L.) Beauv.], synedrella (Synedrella nodiflora Gaertn.) and tridax (Tridax procumbens L.) were planted at 5, 10, 15, 20 or 25 plants per pot. Competition affected shoot and root dry weights, height, and leaf number of all species and the reproductive characteristics of eragrostis and tridax. The interaction between species and plant density was also highly significant for shoot and root dry weights, height and leaf number. Individual plant height, shoot and root dry weights, leaf and node numbers, percent flowering per pot and the number of inflorescences produced decreased with increase in population density. This reduction was greatest in eragrostis followed by tridax. Synedrella (both disk and ray floret seeds) were least affected. There was no significant difference in the response of plants from disk floret seeds and ray floret seeds of synedrella.
Biological Control Studies on Yellow Nutsedge with Bactra verutana Zeller
Authors: Keeley P. E. , Thullen R. J. , Miller J. H.
Published: May 2018

Studies were conducted on and in the vicinity of the U. S. Cotton Research Station at Shafter, California, to evaluate the prevalence of the insect Bactra verutana Zeller (Olethreutidae) and its potential for injury to yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus L.). Field surveys during August 1966, and August and October 1967 revealed many infested yellow nutsedge plants. Other field studies indicated that the insect may significantly suppress the growth of yellow nutsedge, providing that the insect infestation is early, sufficiently severe, and present on both parent and subsequently emerging vegetative plants. Greenhouse studies further revealed that severely infested plants may survive to produce numerous vegetative plants and tubers. While Bactra verutana Zeller damaged yellow nutsedge plants late in the season, the absence of early infestation limited its usefulness as a biological control agent.
Cameralism, Josephinism, and Enlightenment: The Dynamic of Reform in the Habsburg Monarchy, 1740–92
Authors: Szabo Franz A. J.
Published: May 2018

In his great 1848 historical drama,Ein Bruderzwist im Hause Habsburg, the Austrian playwright Franz Grillparzer has Emperor Matthias utter the words that have often been applied to understanding the whole history of the Habsburg monarchy:Das ist der Fluch von unserm edeln Haus:Auf halben Wegen und zu halber TatMit halben Mitteln zauderhaft zu streben.[That is the curse of our noble house:Striving hesitatingly on half waysto half action with half means.]True as those sentiments may be of many periods in the history of the monarchy, the one period of which it cannotbe said is the second half of eighteenth century. The age of Maria Theresa, Joseph II, and Leopold II was perhaps the greatest era of consistent and committed reform in the four-hundred-year history of the monarchy. What I want to address in this article are some aspects of the dynamic of this reform era, and this falls into two categories. On the one hand, there is the broad energizing or motive force behind the larger development, and on the other, there are the ideas or assumptions that lay behind the policies adopted. As might be evident from the subtitle of my article, I propose to look primarily at the second of these categories. I do so because I think while Habsburg historiography has reached considerable consensus on the first, it has not looked enough on the second as an explanatory hermeneutic.
The City and the Museum: Cracow's Collections and Their Publics in the Long Nineteenth Century
Authors: Prokopovych Markian
Published: May 2018

It is generally acknowledged that museumswere an essential part of the national project in nineteenth- and early-twentieth-century Europe—and some retain this function even today. Classic works in nationalism studies, such as Eric Hobsbawm's, have highlighted the role they played in the birth of modern nations. Subsequent studies that focused on specific national contexts help us better understand the mechanisms by which museums contributed to the invention of national traditions as well as to the formation of historical consciousness, historical memory, and the functioning of modern states. As these and other scholars of museum history also demonstrate, museum founders, directors, curators, and the broader public were driven by agendas and aspirations other than nation-building within these larger processes. Analyzing how these agendas mixed with the aims of the national project in a specific locality in the making of museums can generate new insights into the formation of modern subjectivities in this period.
‘Open water room’ = ‘hot water room’?
Authors: Xu Mingwu , Tian Chuanmao
Published: May 2018

The rupture between China and the former Soviet Union in the 1960s saw English replace Russian to become the most important foreign language in mainland China, and with the implementation of opening-up in the late 1970s, English was used more and more widely, especially in foreign-related public service areas. The use of English in China was accelerated by the 2008 Beijing Olympics and 2010 Shanghai Expo. However, there were various problems with the use of English, notably in bilingual public signs (BISU-CSRC, 2007; Wang & Zhang, 2016) (see Figure 1). As a result, the derogatory word ‘Chinglish’ was invented by Pinkham (2000) as an umbrella term for all kinds of problematic English used by Chinese people. Since 2006, in response to this situation, the provincial and central governments in the country have made great efforts to offer guidelines for the use of English in public signs. For example, on June 20, 2017, the Ministry of Education (MOE), the State Language Commission (SLC) and the Standardization Administration of China (SAC) jointly issued the Guidelines for the Use of English in Public Service Areas (GUEPSA) which came into effect on December 1, 2017.
Risk factors associated with seropositivity to California serogroup viruses in humans and pet dogs, Quebec, Canada
Authors: Rocheleau J. P. , Michel P. , Lindsay L. R. , Drebot M. , Dibernardo A. , Ogden N. H. , Fortin A. , Arsenault J.
Published: May 2018

Jamestown Canyon and snowshoe hare viruses are two emerging human pathogens associated with cases of neuroinvasive disease in North America. This study aimed to identify environmental and individual risk factors for seropositivity to these arboviruses in humans and pet dogs from Québec, Canada, 2012–2014. In humans, areas with moderate densities of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) were associated with higher odds of seropositivity compared with areas with low densities of white-tailed deer (OR 2.50, P = 0.009) and odds of seropositivity were higher in males than in females (OR 2.03, P = 0.016). Among humans reporting more than 10 mosquito bites weekly, the odds of being seropositive were 4.44 times higher (P = 0.004) for people living in hardwood forested areas. Exposure to areas with coniferous forests was identified as the main environmental risk factor for seroconversion in dogs (OR 2.39, P = 0.04). These findings may help target further public health research, diagnostic and surveillance efforts in Canada.
Cognitive remediation in large systems of psychiatric care
Authors: Medalia Alice , Saperstein Alice M. , Erlich Matthew D. , Sederer Lloyd I.
Published: May 2018

Introduction

With the increasing enthusiasm to provide cognitive remediation (CR) as an evidence-based practice, questions arise as to what is involved in implementing CR in a large system of care. This article describes the first statewide implementation of CR in the USA, with the goal of documenting the implementation issues that care providers are likely to face when bringing CR services to their patients.

Methods

In 2014, the New York State Office of Mental Health set up a Cognitive Health Service that could be implemented throughout the state-operated system of care. This service was intended to broadly address cognitive health, to assure that the cognitive deficits commonly associated with psychiatric illnesses are recognized and addressed, and that cognitive health is embedded in the vocabulary of wellness. It involved creating a mechanism to train staff to recognize how cognitive health could be prioritized in treatment planning as well as implementing CR in state-operated adult outpatient psychiatry clinics.

Results

By 2017, CR was available at clinics serving people with serious mental illness in 13 of 16 adult Psychiatric Centers, located in rural and urban settings throughout New York state. The embedded quality assurance program evaluation tools indicated that CR was acceptable, sustainable, and effective.

Conclusions

Cognitive remediation can be feasibly implemented in large systems of care that provide a multilevel system of supports, a training program that educates broadly about cognitive health and specifically about the delivery of CR, and embedded, ongoing program evaluation that is linked to staff supervision.
On the Role of Lower Crust and Midlithosphere Discontinuity for Cratonic Lithosphere Delamination and Recycling
Authors: Wang Zhensheng , Kusky Timothy M. , Capitanio Fabio A.
Published: May 2018

Delamination is an important mechanism of continental lithosphere removal and recycling. It has been invoked as a likely cause for the observed thinning in the eastern North China (North China Craton) and several other cratons, returning thick depleted cratonic roots to the deep mantle. However, how delamination occurred, its lateral extent, and detachment depth of delamination are still debated. Here we test this process by means of 2‐D numerical modeling and find that delamination below lower crustal depths can only initiate near cratonic margins, where thickening‐induced eclogitization can significantly destabilize the lower part of the lithosphere, allowing it to detach and leading to intraplate orogeny. When a weak midlithosphere discontinuity is present, widespread delamination can initiate near cratonic margins and easily propagate to cratonic interiors, yet without obvious intraplate deformation. We illustrate how this delamination mechanism can recycle large volumes of depleted Archean subcontinental lithospheric mantle using numerical models. Our models explain the large‐scale delamination in the North China Craton, where a midlithosphere discontinuity is inferred by geophysical studies and shows that large portions of subcontinental lithospheric mantle can be recycled in the deep mantle potentially affecting mantle heterogeneity.
Evaluating Controls on Nutrient Retention and Export in Wide and Narrow Valley Segments of a Mountain River Corridor
Authors: Wegener Pam , Covino Tim , Rhoades Charles
Published: May 2018

Over the past few decades, nitrate‐nitrogen (NO3‐N) concentrations have increased within streams of the central Rockies, a pattern linked to regional N deposition trends. As NO3‐N concentrations increase, in‐stream biological demand may become saturated and stream N export may increase. In mountain landscapes, streams generally flow through steep, narrow valleys with limited riparian area and strong stream‐hillslope connectivity. Interspersed between the narrow valleys are wide segments where substantial floodplain riparian areas can develop. Here, we coupled measures of stream reach NO3‐N flux balances with nutrient enrichment experiments along two stream reaches of contrasting valley morphology in Rocky Mountain National Park. The stream reaches were (1) a narrow valley segment with limited floodplain riparian area and (2) a longitudinally adjacent (directly downstream) wide valley segment with extensive floodplain riparian area. We found that in‐stream biological uptake of added NO3‐N was limited in both segments, presumably as a consequence of saturating conditions. Assessment of mass flux indicated that the narrow valley segment was a consistent source of water and NO3‐N across flow states, while the wide segment was a sink at high flow and a source at low flow. Due to low in‐stream biological retention, gross gains and losses of water and NO3‐N to and from the stream exerted primary constraint on segment mass balances. Our results suggest that the exchange of water and nutrients between the stream and adjacent landscape can exert strong control on reach‐scale nutrient export, particularly in streams experiencing or approaching N saturation.
A Complete Picture of Southern Ocean Surface Circulation
Authors: Wheeling Kate
Published: May 2018

For the first time, researchers combine estimates of sea surface height and circulation patterns in both ice-covered and ice-free regions of the Southern Ocean.
Underestimated AMOC Variability and Implications for AMV and Predictability in CMIP Models
Authors: Yan Xiaoqin , Zhang Rong , Knutson Thomas R.
Published: May 2018

The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) has profound impacts on various climate phenomena. Using both observations and simulations from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 3 and 5, here we show that most models underestimate the amplitude of low‐frequency AMOC variability. We further show that stronger low‐frequency AMOC variability leads to stronger linkages between the AMOC and key variables associated with the Atlantic multidecadal variability (AMV), and between the subpolar AMV signal and northern hemisphere surface air temperature. Low‐frequency extratropical northern hemisphere surface air temperature variability might increase with the amplitude of low‐frequency AMOC variability. Atlantic decadal predictability is much higher in models with stronger low‐frequency AMOC variability and much lower in models with weaker or without AMOC variability. Our results suggest that simulating realistic low‐frequency AMOC variability is very important, both for simulating realistic linkages between AMOC and AMV‐related variables and for achieving substantially higher Atlantic decadal predictability.
Meridional Overturning Circulation Transport Variability at 34.5°S During 2009–2017: Baroclinic and Barotropic Flows and the Dueling Influence of the Boundaries
Authors: Meinen Christopher S. , Speich Sabrina , Piola Alberto R. , Ansorge Isabelle , Campos Edmo , Kersalé Marion , Terre Thierry , Chidichimo Maria Paz , Lamont Tarron , Sato Olga T. , Perez Renellys C. , Valla Daniel , van den Berg Marcel , Le Hénaff Matthieu , Dong Shenfu , Garzoli Silvia L.
Published: May 2018

Six years of simultaneous moored observations near the western and eastern boundaries of the South Atlantic are combined with satellite winds to produce a daily time series of the basin‐wide meridional overturning circulation (MOC) volume transport at 34.5°S. The results demonstrate that barotropic and baroclinic signals at both boundaries cause significant transport variations, and as such must be concurrently observed. The data, spanning ~20 months during 2009–2010 and ~4 years during 2013–2017, reveal a highly energetic MOC record with a temporal standard deviation of 8.3 Sv, and strong variations at time scales ranging from a few days to years (peak‐to‐peak range = 54.6 Sv). Seasonal transport variations are found to have both semiannual (baroclinic) and annual (Ekman and barotropic) timescales. Interannual MOC variations result from both barotropic and baroclinic changes, with density profile changes at the eastern boundary having the largest impact on the year‐to‐year variations.
Long‐Term Variation in the Mixing Fraction of Tropospheric and Stratospheric Air Masses in the Upper Tropical Tropopause Layer
Authors: Inai Yoichi
Published: May 2018

Observational records of the stratospheric mean age of air (AoA), the average transit time of an air parcel since entering the stratosphere, must reflect changes in the in‐mixing from the extratropical lower stratosphere to the tropical tropopause layer (TTL). Focusing on the mixing fraction of tropospheric and stratospheric air masses in the upper TTL, the impact of mixing processes that occur prior to air masses entering the stratosphere separately from those that occur within the stratosphere is investigated. Using trajectory analysis, the mixing fraction during 1980–2016 is evaluated, and AoA and water vapor mixing ratios in the upper TTL are reconstructed. The interannual variation in the reconstructed water vapor shows good agreement with observations in the tropics. Furthermore, the reconstructed AoA exhibits long‐term variation with a positive trend between 1980 and 1999. To compare the reconstructed AoA with the observed AoA in the midlatitude stratosphere, the transit time spectra are estimated for the 1989–2016 period, and the AoA in the midlatitude stratosphere is estimated by integration of the spectrum together with the AoA in the upper TTL. As a result, although the explicitly calculated transit time shows a clear underestimation compared with previous studies, it is suggested that the “aging” effects are 3.1–4.2 years for transit time in the stratosphere, 0.2–0.7 years for in‐mixing prior to entering the stratosphere, 0.1 years for transit time from the troposphere to upper TTL, and 0.0–1.6 years for subgrid‐scale mixing in the stratosphere.
Formation and radiative forcing of contrail cirrus
Authors: Kärcher Bernd
Published: May 2018

Aircraft-produced contrail cirrus clouds contribute to anthropogenic climate change. Observational data sets and modelling approaches have become available that clarify formation pathways close to the source aircraft and lead to estimates of the global distribution of their microphysical and optical properties. While contrail cirrus enhance the impact of natural clouds on climate, uncertainties remain regarding their properties and lifecycle. Progress in representing aircraft emissions, contrail cirrus and natural cirrus in global climate models together with tighter constraints on the sensitivity of the climate system will help judge efficiencies of and trade-offs between mitigation options.
Molecular mechanism of influenza A NS1-mediated TRIM25 recognition and inhibition
Authors: Koliopoulos Marios G. , Lethier Mathilde , van der Veen Annemarthe G. , Haubrich Kevin , Hennig Janosch , Kowalinski Eva , Stevens Rebecca V. , Martin Stephen R. , Reis e Sousa Caetano , Cusack Stephen , Rittinger Katrin
Published: May 2018

RIG-I is a viral RNA sensor that induces the production of type I interferon (IFN) in response to infection with a variety of viruses. Modification of RIG-I with K63-linked poly-ubiquitin chains, synthesised by TRIM25, is crucial for activation of the RIG-I/MAVS signalling pathway. TRIM25 activity is targeted by influenza A virus non-structural protein 1 (NS1) to suppress IFN production and prevent an efficient host immune response. Here we present structures of the human TRIM25 coiled-coil-PRYSPRY module and of complexes between the TRIM25 coiled-coil domain and NS1. These structures show that binding of NS1 interferes with the correct positioning of the PRYSPRY domain of TRIM25 required for substrate ubiquitination and provide a mechanistic explanation for how NS1 suppresses RIG-I ubiquitination and hence downstream signalling. In contrast, the formation of unanchored K63-linked poly-ubiquitin chains is unchanged by NS1 binding, indicating that RING dimerisation of TRIM25 is not affected by NS1.
Essential Role of Linx/Islr2 in the Development of the Forebrain Anterior Commissure
Authors: Abudureyimu Shaniya , Asai Naoya , Enomoto Atsushi , Weng Liang , Kobayashi Hiroki , Wang Xiaoze , Chen Chen , Mii Shinji , Takahashi Masahide
Published: May 2018

Linx is a member of the leucine-rich repeat and immunoglobulin family of membrane proteins which has critical roles in the development of the peripheral nervous system and forebrain connectivity. A previous study showed that Linx is expressed in projection neurons in the cortex and in cells that comprise the passage to the prethalamus that form the internal capsule, indicating the involvement of Linx in axon guidance and cell-cell communication. In this study, we found that Linx-deficient mice develop severe hydrocephalus and die perinatally by unknown mechanisms. Importantly, mice heterozygous for the linx gene exhibited defects in the development of the anterior commissure in addition to hydrocephalus, indicating haploinsufficiency of the linx gene in forebrain development. In N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells and primary cultured hippocampal neurons, Linx depletion led to impaired neurite extension and an increase in cell body size. Consistent with this, but of unknown significance, we found that Linx interacts with and upregulates the activity of Rho-kinase, a modulator of many cellular processes including cytoskeletal organization. These data suggest a role for Linx in the regulation of complex forebrain connectivity, and future identification of its extracellular ligand(s) will help clarify this function.
Identifying microRNA determinants of human myelopoiesis
Authors: Rajasekhar Megha , Schmitz Ulf , Flamant Stephane , Wong Justin J.-L. , Bailey Charles G. , Ritchie William , Holst Jeff , Rasko John E. J.
Published: May 2018

Myelopoiesis involves differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells to cellular populations that are restricted in their self-renewal capacity, beginning with the common myeloid progenitor (CMP) and leading to mature cells including monocytes and granulocytes. This complex process is regulated by various extracellular and intracellular signals including microRNAs (miRNAs). We characterised the miRNA profile of human CD34+CD38+ myeloid progenitor cells, and mature monocytes and granulocytes isolated from cord blood using TaqMan Low Density Arrays. We identified 19 miRNAs that increased in both cell types relative to the CMP and 27 that decreased. miR-125b and miR-10a were decreased by 10-fold and 100-fold respectively in the mature cells. Using in vitro granulopoietic differentiation of human CD34+ cells we show that decreases in both miR-125b and miR-10a correlate with a loss of CD34 expression and gain of CD11b and CD15 expression. Candidate target mRNAs were identified by co-incident predictions between the miRanda algorithm and genes with increased expression during differentiation. Using luciferase assays we confirmed MCL1 and FUT4 as targets of miR-125b and the transcription factor KLF4 as a target of miR-10a. Together, our data identify miRNAs with differential expression during myeloid development and reveal some relevant miRNA-target pairs that may contribute to physiological differentiation.
Author Correction: The space of genotypes is a network of networks: implications for evolutionary and extinction dynamics
Authors: Yubero Pablo , Manrubia Susanna , Aguirre Jacobo
Published: May 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
Surface Modification of SPIONs in PHBV Microspheres for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Idris Maizlinda I. , Zaloga Jan , Detsch Rainer , Roether Judith A. , Unterweger Harald , Alexiou Christoph , Boccaccini Aldo R.
Published: May 2018

Surface modification of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) has been introduced with lauric acid and oleic acid via co-precipitation and thermal decomposition methods, respectively. This modification is required to increase the stability of SPIONs when incorporated in hydrophobic, biodegradable and biocompatible polymers such as poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV). In this work, the solid-in-oil-in-water (S/O/W) emulsion-solvent extraction/evaporation method was utilized to fabricate magnetic polymer microspheres incorporating SPIONs in PHBV. The prepared magnetic PHBV microspheres exhibited particle sizes <1 µm. The presence of functional groups of lauric acid, oleic acid and iron oxide in the PHBV microspheres was confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was performed to further confirm the success of the combination of modified SPIONs and PHBV. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated that PHBV microspheres were incorporated with SPIONsLauric as compared with SPIONsOleic. This was also proven via magnetic susceptibility measurement as a higher value of this magnetic property was detected for PHBV/SPIONsLauric microspheres. It was revealed that the magnetic PHBV microspheres were non-toxic when assessed with mouse embryotic fibroblast cells (MEF) at different concentrations of microspheres. These results confirmed that the fabricated magnetic PHBV microspheres are potential candidates for use in biomedical applications.
Author Correction: Bacteriological diagnosis of childhood TB: a prospective observational study
Authors: Brent Andrew J. , Mugo Daisy , Musyimi Robert , Mutiso Agnes , Morpeth Susan C. , Levin Michael , Scott J. Anthony G.
Published: May 2018

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.
Acute Physiology and Neurologic Outcomes after Brain Injury in SCOP/PHLPP1 KO Mice
Authors: Jackson Travis C. , Dixon C. Edward , Janesko-Feldman Keri , Vagni Vincent , Kotermanski Shawn E. , Jackson Edwin K. , Kochanek Patrick M.
Published: May 2018

Suprachiasmatic nucleus circadian oscillatory protein (SCOP) (a.k.a. PHLPP1) regulates long-term memory consolidation in the brain. Using a mouse model of controlled cortical impact (CCI) we tested if (1) brain tissue levels of SCOP/PHLPP1 increase after a traumatic brain injury (TBI), and (2) if SCOP/PHLPP1 gene knockout (KO) mice have improved (or worse) neurologic outcomes. Blood chemistry (pH, pCO2, pO2, pSO2, base excess, sodium bicarbonate, and osmolarity) and arterial pressure (MAP) differed in isoflurane anesthetized WT vs. KOs at baseline and up to 1 h post-injury. CCI injury increased cortical/hippocampal SCOP/PHLPP1 levels in WTs 7d and 14d post-injury. Injured KOs had higher brain tissue levels of phosphorylated AKT (pAKT) in cortex (14d post-injury), and higher levels of phosphorylated MEK (pMEK) in hippocampus (7d and 14d post-injury) and in cortex (7d post-injury). Consistent with an important role of SCOP/PHLPP1 on memory function, injured-KOs had near normal performance on the probe trial of the Morris water maze, whereas injured-WTs were impaired. CA1/CA3 hippocampal survival was lower in KOs vs. WTs 24 h post-injury but equivalent by 7d. No difference in 21d cortical lesion volume was detected. SCOP/PHLPP1 overexpression in cultured rat cortical neurons had no effect on 24 h cell death after a mechanical stretch-injury.
Predictors of In-Hospital Mortality among Patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: de Almeida Carlos Podalirio Borges , Ziegelmann Patrícia Klarmann , Couban Rachel , Wang Li , Busse Jason Walter , Silva Denise Rossato
Published: May 2018

Background: There is uncertainty regarding which factors are associated with in-hospital mortality among patients with pulmonary TB (PTB). The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to identify predictors of in-hospital mortality among patients with PTB. Methods: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Global Health, for cohort and case-control studies that reported risk factors for in-hospital mortality in PTB. We pooled all factors that were assessed for an association, and presented relative associations as pooled odds ratios (ORs). Results: We identified 2,969 records, of which we retrieved 51 in full text; 11 cohort studies that evaluated 5,468 patients proved eligible. Moderate quality evidence suggested an association with co-morbid malignancy and in-hospital mortality (OR 1.85; 95% CI 1.01–3.40). Low quality evidence showed no association with positive sputum smear (OR 0.99; 95% CI 0.40–2.48), or male sex (OR 1.09, 95% CI 0.84–1.41), and very low quality evidence showed no association with diabetes mellitus (OR 1.31, 95% IC 0.38–4.46), and previous TB infection (OR 2.66, 95% CI 0.48–14.87). Conclusion: Co-morbid malignancy was associated with increased risk of in-hospital death among pulmonary TB patients. There is insufficient evidence to confirm positive sputum smear, male sex, diabetes mellitus, and previous TB infection as predictors of in-hospital mortality in TB patients.
Sub-paresthesia spinal cord stimulation reverses thermal hyperalgesia and modulates low frequency EEG in a rat model of neuropathic pain
Authors: Koyama Suguru , Xia Jimmy , Leblanc Brian W. , Gu Jianwen Wendy , Saab Carl Y.
Published: May 2018

Paresthesia, a common feature of epidural spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for pain management, presents a challenge to the double-blind study design. Although sub-paresthesia SCS has been shown to be effective in alleviating pain, empirical criteria for sub-paresthesia SCS have not been established and its basic mechanisms of action at supraspinal levels are unknown. We tested our hypothesis that sub-paresthesia SCS attenuates behavioral signs of neuropathic pain in a rat model, and modulates pain-related theta (4–8 Hz) power of the electroencephalogram (EEG), a previously validated correlate of spontaneous pain in rodent models. Results show that sub-paresthesia SCS attenuates thermal hyperalgesia and power amplitude in the 3–4 Hz range, consistent with clinical data showing significant yet modest analgesic effects of sub-paresthesia SCS in humans. Therefore, we present evidence for anti-nociceptive effects of sub-paresthesia SCS in a rat model of neuropathic pain and further validate EEG theta power as a reliable ‘biosignature’ of spontaneous pain.
Matrilysin/MMP-7 Cleavage of Perlecan/HSPG2 Complexed with Semaphorin 3A Supports FAK-Mediated Stromal Invasion by Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Grindel Brian J. , Martinez Jerahme R. , Tellman Tristen V. , Harrington Daniel A. , Zafar Hamim , Nakhleh Luay , Chung Leland W. , Farach-Carson Mary C.
Published: May 2018

Interrupting the interplay between cancer cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) is a strategy to halt tumor progression and stromal invasion. Perlecan/heparan sulfate proteoglycan 2 (HSPG2) is an extracellular proteoglycan that orchestrates tumor angiogenesis, proliferation, differentiation and invasion. Metastatic prostate cancer (PCa) cells degrade perlecan-rich tissue borders to reach bone, including the basement membrane, vasculature, reactive stromal matrix and bone marrow. Domain IV-3, perlecan’s last 7 immunoglobulin repeats, mimics native proteoglycan by promoting tumoroid formation. This is reversed by matrilysin/matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) cleavage to favor cell dispersion and tumoroid dyscohesion. Both perlecan and Domain IV-3 induced a strong focal adhesion kinase (FAK) dephosphorylation/deactivation. MMP-7 cleavage of perlecan reversed this, with FAK in dispersed tumoroids becoming phosphorylated/activated with metastatic phenotype. We demonstrated Domain IV-3 interacts with the axon guidance protein semaphorin 3A (Sema3A) on PCa cells to deactivate pro-metastatic FAK. Sema3A antibody mimicked the Domain IV-3 clustering activity. Direct binding experiments showed Domain IV-3 binds Sema3A. Knockdown of Sema3A prevented Domain IV-3-induced tumoroid formation and Sema3A was sensitive to MMP-7 proteolysis. The perlecan-Sema3A complex abrogates FAK activity and stabilizes PCa cell interactions. MMP-7 expressing cells destroy the complex to initiate metastasis, destroy perlecan-rich borders, and favor invasion and progression to lethal bone disease.