bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cepstrum-based operational modal analysis of wind turbines with and without external flaps
Authors: Sun Xiao , Dai Qingli
Published: December 2018

Operational modal analysis (OMA) cannot be directly applied on an operating wind turbine due to the presence of the harmonics in the output signals. This paper develops a modified cepstral notch lifter to remove harmonics. A combined cepstrum-based OMA is conducted on a wind turbine model taking into account the aero-servo-elastic characteristics to evaluate the applicability and performance of the modified cepstral notch lifter by comparing the modal parameters extracted from the OMA and the ones obtained from a direct linearization eigenvalue analysis. The results show that the modal frequencies can be reasonably estimated. At last, this method is applied on a wind turbine with external flaps to study the flap effects on the structural dynamics of the wind turbine.
Note: A simple feedback control method based on a real time acquisition voltage to avoid second breakdown of PFL
Authors: Qiu Y. F. , Liu J. L. , Yang J. H. , Cheng X. B.
Published: December 2018

To avoid serious damage in the pulse forming line (PFL) caused by repeated breakdown, a simple feedback control method based on a reverse peak voltage of the primary capacitor of the transformer is presented in this paper. The theoretical analysis of the breakdown circuit is carried out. The results indicate that once the breakdown occurs, the reverse peak voltage of the primary capacitor of the transformer increases obviously. A simple comparison function is added in the control system of the accelerator. If the collected reverse peak voltage of the primary capacitor is higher than the reference value, then the accelerator stops working immediately. The experimental result shows that this method can prevent the re-breakdown of the PFL effectively.
Enhanced gate stack stability in GaN transistors with gate dielectric of bilayer SiNx by low pressure chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Huang Tongde , Jiang Huaxing , Bergsten Johan , Lau Kei May , Rorsman Niklas
Published: December 2018

We report enhanced gate stack stability in GaN metal insulator semiconductor high electron mobility transistors (MISHEMTs) by using a bilayer SiNx as the gate dielectric. To obtain the bilayer gate dielectric scheme, a thin Si-rich SiNx interlayer was deposited before a high-resistivity SiNx layer by low pressure chemical vapor deposition. The Si-rich SiNx can effectively suppress the trapping phenomenon at the interface of the dielectric/AlGaN barrier. The upper high-resistivity SiNx layer can greatly block the gate leakage current to enable a large gate swing. Compared with the MISHEMTs using a single Si-rich or high-resistivity SiNx layer, the MISHEMTs with a bilayer gate dielectric take the advantages of both, realizing a gate stack with a stable threshold voltage and low leakage current. These results thus present great potential for developing high-performance GaN MISHEMTs using the bilayer SiNx gate dielectric scheme for highly efficient power applications.
Adaptive robust speed control for continuously variable transmission in wind turbine under grid faults
Authors: Wu Xin , Tian Runhe , Rui Xiaoming
Published: December 2018

For the grid-connected wind turbine, the frequency converter is used to connect the generator and the grid, which makes the power quality weaker than the conventional synchronous generator. To solve such a problem, a continuously variable transmission (CVT) can be connected at the high speed end of the gearbox to obtain the constant speed output at varying wind speeds for the generator. The frequency converter can then be neglected. However, shafts of the CVT suffer the external disturbances caused by grid faults. The speed tracking accuracy of the CVT can be affected seriously. So, this paper presents the adaptive robust speed control (ARSC) for the CVT, which regulates the speed output through the permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM). Model uncertainties of the PMSM, such as the inertia load, friction force, and external disturbances, are considered in the control scheme. The designed controller guarantees high performance and speed tracking accuracy at different wind speeds and simulated grid faults. The experimental results demonstrate the proposed CVT controller at varying wind speeds simulated via the software of FAST and the simulation of grid faults, such as one phase short-circuit and sudden load fluctuation, at a built testbed, which is used to emulate the wind turbine with the CVT. For the comparison, the PID controller for the CVT is then applied in the testbed. The results show that the ARSC method owns better performance and speed tracking accuracy than the PID method. In order to verify the utility scale for the ARSC based CVT, we build a Simulink program for a 1.5 MW wind turbine with the CVT. Simulation results show that the ARSC based CVT still owns high speed tracking accuracy in the large scale wind turbine.
Applicability of the thin-film approximation in terahertz photoconductivity measurements
Authors: Neu Jens , Regan Kevin P. , Swierk John R. , Schmuttenmaer Charles A.
Published: December 2018

Thin mesoporous photoconductive layers are critically important for efficient water-spitting solar cells. A detailed understanding of photoconductivity in these materials can be achieved via terahertz transient absorption measurements. Such measurements are commonly interpreted using the thin-film approximation. We compare this approximation with a numerical solution of the transfer function without approximations using experimental results for thin-film mesoporous tin oxide (SnO2) samples which range in thickness from 3.3 to 12.6 µm. These samples were sensitized with either a ruthenium polypyridyl complex or a porphyrin dye. The two sensitizers have markedly different absorption coefficients, resulting in penetration depths of 15 µm and 1 µm, respectively. The thin-film approximation results are in good agreement with the numerical work-up for the short penetration length dye. For the longer penetration length samples, the thin-film formula fails even for thicknesses of only 3 µm ≈ λ/100. The imaginary part of the conductivity calculated using the thin-film formula was significantly larger in magnitude than the value without approximations. This discrepancy between the commonly used thin-film approximation and the numerical solution demonstrates the need for a careful analysis of the thin-film formula.
Enhancement of damping in FeNiN film due to two-magnon scattering effect
Authors: Zhu Zengtai , Feng Hongmei , Xie Hongkang , Liu Qingfang , Wang Jianbo
Published: December 2018

Ferromagnetic resonance is used to study the damping of FeNiN films prepared by magnetron sputtering technology. The experimental results show that nitrogen doping significantly increases the magnetic damping of the samples, while its effect on the coercivity is negligible. We attribute the enhanced damping to the two-magnon scattering effect, supporting this by the analysis of the angular dependence of the ferromagnetic resonance field. Our study provides a method to adjust the magnetic damping and enriches the understanding of the relationship between the magnetic damping and the doping process.
Terahertz multichannel notch filter consisting of four T-shaped cavities based on parallel-plate waveguide
Authors: Xing Lujing , Cao Qing , Zhang Huifang , Wang Kai
Published: December 2018

We propose herein a terahertz (THz) multichannel notch filter consisting of four T-shaped cavities based on a parallel-plate waveguide (PPWG). For such devices, the resonance frequency depends on the separation b of the PPWG and the width w of the grooves. The full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the resonance peak in the power-transmission spectrum varies with the ratio w/b and the resonance frequency f0. When the ratio increases, the resonance frequency redshifts and the FWHM widens. The successive passage of THz waves through the four PPWG-based T-shaped cavities reveals four resonance frequencies. In other words, the device serves as a tunable monochromatic THz multichannel notch filter. Optimizing the THz multichannel notch filter diminishes the effect of the undesired weak resonant modes and gives a smooth power-transmission spectrum. To better display the multichannel notch filter, the electrical-field distribution at four resonance frequencies are shown. Finally, the optimized THz multichannel notch filter operates not only in the lower THz range but also in the higher THz range. This filter may have potential applications in optical communications and wavelength division multiplexing.
New simulations use disorder to more accurately depict platinum-cobalt thin film interactions
Authors: Liebendorfer Adam
Published: December 2018

Combining disorder calculations with Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interactions provides more accurate simulations, showing robustness for intermixing and potential tunability when introducing other elements.
Seasonal expressions of luteinising hormone receptor, follicle-stimulating hormone receptor and prolactin receptor in the epididymis of the male wild ground squirrel (Spermophilus dauricus)
Authors: Wang Junjie , Liu Qian , Wang Ziyi , Sheng Xia , Zhang Haolin , Han Yingying , Yuan Zhengrong , Weng Qiang
Published: December 2018

Luteinising hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and prolactin (PRL) are pituitary-derived hormones and mediate their functions through LH receptor (LHR), FSH receptor (FSHR) and PRL receptor (PRLR) respectively. This study aimed to investigate the seasonal expression patterns of LHR, FSHR and PRLR in the epididymis of the male wild ground squirrel during the breeding and non-breeding seasons. Histologically, principal cells, basal cells, cilia and mature spermatozoa were found in the lumen of caput, corpus and cauda epididymidis in the breeding season, whereas in the non-breeding season, cilia and basal cells were rarely found and the epididymidal duct was devoid of spermatozoa. Immunohistochemical results showed that LHR, FSHR and PRLR were mainly present in the filamentous cytoplasm layer of epithelial cells of the caput, corpus and cauda epididymidis and FSHR and PRLR displayed stronger staining in the breeding season than in the non-breeding season. Furthermore, the mRNA and protein levels of FSHR and PRLR in all regions of epididymis as well as the levels of LHR in the caput and cauda epididymidis were higher during the breeding season. The protein levels of FSHR, LHR and PRLR were positively correlated with epididymal weight. Together, these results suggest that LHR, FSHR and PRLR may regulate epididymal functional changes in the male wild ground squirrel during its seasonal breeding cycle.
Excitation-multiplexed multicolor superresolution imaging with fm-STORM and fm-DNA-PAINT
Authors: Gómez-García Pablo A. , Garbacik Erik T. , Otterstrom Jason J. , Garcia-Parajo Maria F. , Lakadamyali Melike
Published: December 2018

Recent advancements in single-molecule-based superresolution microscopy have made it possible to visualize biological structures with unprecedented spatial resolution. Determining the spatial coorganization of these structures within cells under physiological and pathological conditions is an important biological goal. This goal has been stymied by the current limitations of carrying out superresolution microscopy in multiple colors. Here, we develop an approach for simultaneous multicolor superresolution imaging which relies solely on fluorophore excitation, rather than fluorescence emission properties. By modulating the intensity of the excitation lasers at different frequencies, we show that the color channel can be determined based on the fluorophore’s response to the modulated excitation. We use this frequency multiplexing to reduce the image acquisition time of multicolor superresolution DNA-PAINT while maintaining all its advantages: minimal color cross-talk, minimal photobleaching, maximal signal throughput, ability to maintain the fluorophore density per imaged color, and ability to use the full camera field of view. We refer to this imaging modality as “frequency multiplexed DNA-PAINT,” or fm-DNA-PAINT for short. We also show that frequency multiplexing is fully compatible with STORM superresolution imaging, which we term fm-STORM. Unlike fm-DNA-PAINT, fm-STORM is prone to color cross-talk. To overcome this caveat, we further develop a machine-learning algorithm to correct for color cross-talk with more than 95% accuracy, without the need for prior information about the imaged structure.
Fipronil pesticide as a suspect in historical mass mortalities of honey bees
Authors: Holder Philippa J. , Jones Ainsley , Tyler Charles R. , Cresswell James E.
Published: December 2018

Mass mortalities of honey bees occurred in France in the 1990s coincident with the introduction of two agricultural insecticides, imidacloprid and fipronil. Imidacloprid, a neonicotinoid, was widely blamed, but the differential potency of imidacloprid and fipronil has been unclear because of uncertainty over their capacity to bioaccumulate during sustained exposure to trace dietary residues and, thereby, cause time-reinforced toxicity (TRT). We experimentally quantified the toxicity of fipronil and imidacloprid to honey bees and incorporated the observed mortality rates into a demographic simulation of a honey bee colony in an environmentally realistic scenario. Additionally, we evaluated two bioassays from new international guidance for agrochemical regulation, which aim to detect TRT. Finally, we used analytical chemistry (GC-MS) to test for bioaccumulation of fipronil. We found in demographic simulations that only fipronil produced mass mortality in honey bees. In the bioassays, only fipronil caused TRT. GC-MS analysis revealed that virtually all of the fipronil ingested by a honey bee in a single meal was present 6 d later, which suggests that bioaccumulation is the basis of TRT in sustained dietary exposures. We therefore postulate that fipronil, not imidacloprid, caused the mass mortalities of honey bees in France during the 1990s because it is lethal to honey bees in even trace doses due to its capacity to bioaccumulate and generate TRT. Our results provide evidence that recently proposed laboratory bioassays can discriminate harmful bioaccumulative substances and, thereby, address evident shortcomings in a regulatory system that had formerly approved fipronil for agricultural use.
Two distinct profiles of fMRI and neurophysiological activity elicited by acetylcholine in visual cortex
Authors: Zaldivar Daniel , Rauch Alexander , Logothetis Nikos K. , Goense Jozien
Published: December 2018

Significance

fMRI changes are typically assumed to be due to changes in neural activity, although whether this remains valid under the influence of neuromodulators is relatively unknown. Here, we found evidence that intracortical acetylcholine elicits distinct profiles of fMRI and electrophysiological activity in visual cortex. Two patterns of cholinergic activity were observed, depending on the distance to the injection site, although neurovascular coupling was preserved. Our results illustrate the effects of neuromodulators on fMRI and electrophysiological responses and show that these depend on neuromodulator concentration and kinetics.
FSIP1 regulates autophagy in breast cancer
Authors: Liu Caigang , Sun Lisha , Yang Jie , Liu Tong , Yang Yongliang , Kim Se-Min , Ou Xunyan , Wang Yining , Sun Li , Zaidi Mone , New Maria I. , Yuen Tony , Guo Qiyong
Published: December 2018

Significance

Fibrous sheath interacting protein 1 (FSIP1) has been identified as a poor prognostic indicator of breast cancer. Here, we report that FSIP1 positively regulates the proliferation and invasion of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells, and its silencing promotes drug resistance by inducing autophagy, by reducing mitochondrial biogenesis, and by enhancing AMP-activated protein kinase activation. Collectively, our findings may aid in the design of therapies for advanced TNBC.
Autocrine regulation of mesenchymal progenitor cell fates orchestrates tooth eruption
Authors: Takahashi Akira , Nagata Mizuki , Gupta Aditi , Matsushita Yuki , Yamaguchi Tetsutaro , Mizuhashi Koji , Maki Koutaro , Ruellas Antonio C. , Cevidanes Lucia S. , Kronenberg Henry M. , Ono Noriaki , Ono Wanida
Published: December 2018

Formation of functional skeletal tissues requires highly organized steps of mesenchymal progenitor cell differentiation. The dental follicle (DF) surrounding the developing tooth harbors mesenchymal progenitor cells for various differentiated cells constituting the tooth root–bone interface and coordinates tooth eruption in a manner dependent on signaling by parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) and the PTH/PTHrP receptor (PPR). However, the identity of mesenchymal progenitor cells in the DF and how they are regulated by PTHrP-PPR signaling remain unknown. Here, we show that the PTHrP-PPR autocrine signal maintains physiological cell fates of DF mesenchymal progenitor cells to establish the functional periodontal attachment apparatus and orchestrates tooth eruption. A single-cell RNA-seq analysis revealed cellular heterogeneity of PTHrP
+
cells, wherein PTHrP
+
DF subpopulations abundantly express PPR. Cell lineage analysis using tamoxifen-inducible
PTHrP-creER
mice revealed that PTHrP
+
DF cells differentiate into cementoblasts on the acellular cementum, periodontal ligament cells, and alveolar cryptal bone osteoblasts during tooth root formation. PPR deficiency induced a cell fate shift of PTHrP
+
DF mesenchymal progenitor cells to nonphysiological cementoblast-like cells precociously forming the cellular cementum on the root surface associated with up-regulation of
Mef2c
and matrix proteins, resulting in loss of the proper periodontal attachment apparatus and primary failure of tooth eruption, closely resembling human genetic conditions caused by PPR mutations. These findings reveal a unique mechanism whereby proper cell fates of mesenchymal progenitor cells are tightly maintained by an autocrine system mediated by PTHrP-PPR signaling to achieve functional formation of skeletal tissues.
Anthropogenic habitat alteration leads to rapid loss of adaptive variation and restoration potential in wild salmon populations
Authors: Thompson Tasha Q. , Bellinger M. Renee , O’Rourke Sean M. , Prince Daniel J. , Stevenson Alexander E. , Rodrigues Antonia T. , Sloat Matthew R. , Speller Camilla F. , Yang Dongya Y. , Butler Virginia L. , Banks Michael A. , Miller Michael R.
Published: December 2018

Significance

Human activities alter and reduce phenotypic variation in many species, but the long-term consequences (e.g., ability of previous variation to reemerge), and thus the need for conservation action, are unclear. Here we show that dramatic, human-induced changes in adult migration characteristics of wild Chinook salmon are explained by rapid evolution at a single locus and can lead to loss of a critical adaptive allele. The decline and loss of this allele will likely hinder current and future restoration efforts, as well as compromise resilience and evolutionary potential. Thus, human-induced phenotypic change can result in rapid loss of important adaptive variation, and conservation action to address human impacts on phenotypic variation will sometimes be necessary to preserve evolutionarily significant biodiversity.
Multiresponsive polymeric microstructures with encoded predetermined and self-regulated deformability
Authors: Yao Yuxing , Waters James T. , Shneidman Anna V. , Cui Jiaxi , Wang Xiaoguang , Mandsberg Nikolaj K. , Li Shucong , Balazs Anna C. , Aizenberg Joanna
Published: December 2018

Significance

The range of allowed deformation modes currently described for the actuation of microstructures is limited. In this work we introduce magnetic-field–guided encoding of highly controlled molecular anisotropy into 3D liquid-crystalline elastomer microstructures capable of displaying unique multiresponsive, shape-changing behaviors. The richness of the predetermined and self-regulated deformations and region-specific motions in these microstructural arrays gives rise to physicochemical insights, as well as potential applications in controlled adhesion, information encryption, soft robotics, and self-regulated light–material interactions.
Structural and effective brain connectivity underlying biological motion detection
Authors: Sokolov Arseny A. , Zeidman Peter , Erb Michael , Ryvlin Philippe , Friston Karl J. , Pavlova Marina A.
Published: December 2018

Significance

Visual perception of body motion is of substantial value for social cognition and everyday life. By using an integrative approach to brain connectivity, the study sheds light on architecture and functional principles of the underlying cerebro-cerebellar network. This circuity is organized in a parallel rather than hierarchical fashion. This may explain why body-language reading is rather resilient to focal brain damage but severely affected in neuropsychiatric conditions with distributed network alterations. Furthermore, visual sensitivity to body motion is best predicted by specific top-down feedback to the early visual cortex, as well as functional communication (effective connectivity) and presence of white-matter pathways between the right fusiform gyrus and superior temporal sulcus. The findings allow better understanding of the social brain.
Altimeter-era emergence of the patterns of forced sea-level rise in climate models and implications for the future
Authors: Fasullo John T. , Nerem R. Steven
Published: December 2018

Significance

Regional patterns of sea-level rise have been observed from satellites since 1993 and are associated with increased coastal impacts in many regions. It is unknown whether such patterns will be transient, arising from natural climate variations, or persistent, driven by external climate forcing. Here, using climate model ensembles, we demonstrate that forced changes are likely to have contributed significantly to observed altimeter-era patterns of rise and that these patterns may persist for decades to come, with increased intensity as climate change progresses.
Climate-induced phenological shifts in a Batesian mimicry complex
Authors: Hassall Christopher , Billington Jac , Sherratt Thomas N.
Published: December 2018

Significance

Climate change can degrade ecological interactions by separating interacting species in space and time, but this is not the case in one of the best-studied examples of mimicry in which hoverflies (mimics) imitate stinging wasps and bees (models). While there is no evidence of the emergence of mimics and models tracking climate change in the same way, historical records suggest that the mimicry complex is undergoing complex shifts in evolutionary pressures under climate change through changes in the relative emergence patterns of model-mimic pairs. This finding is based on the community-level description of mimetic relationships (comparing 2,352 pairs of species) and the most comprehensive demonstration of the importance of phenology for the fitness of mimics, models, and predators.
Mycoplasma promotes malignant transformation in vivo, and its DnaK, a bacterial chaperone protein, has broad oncogenic properties
Authors: Zella Davide , Curreli Sabrina , Benedetti Francesca , Krishnan Selvi , Cocchi Fiorenza , Latinovic Olga S. , Denaro Frank , Romerio Fabio , Djavani Mahmoud , Charurat Man E. , Bryant Joseph L. , Tettelin Hervé , Gallo Robert C.
Published: December 2018

We isolated a strain of human mycoplasma that promotes lymphomagenesis in SCID mice, pointing to a p53-dependent mechanism similar to lymphomagenesis in uninfected p53
−/−
SCID mice. Additionally, mycoplasma infection in vitro reduces p53 activity. Immunoprecipitation of p53 in mycoplasma-infected cells identified several mycoplasma proteins, including DnaK, a member of the Hsp70 chaperon family. We focused on DnaK because of its ability to interact with proteins. We demonstrate that mycoplasma DnaK interacts with and reduces the activities of human proteins involved in critical cellular pathways, including DNA-PK and PARP1, which are required for efficient DNA repair, and binds to USP10 (a key p53 regulator), impairing p53-dependent anticancer functions. This also reduced the efficacy of anticancer drugs that depend on p53 to exert their effect. mycoplasma was detected early in the infected mice, but only low copy numbers of mycoplasma DnaK DNA sequences were found in some primary and secondary tumors, pointing toward a hit-and-run/hide mechanism of transformation. Uninfected bystander cells took up exogenous DnaK, suggesting a possible paracrine function in promoting malignant transformation, over and above cells infected with the mycoplasma. Phylogenetic amino acid analysis shows that other bacteria associated with human cancers have similar DnaKs, consistent with a common mechanism of cellular transformation mediated through disruption of DNA-repair mechanisms, as well as p53 dysregulation, that also results in cancer-drug resistance. This suggests that the oncogenic properties of certain bacteria are DnaK-mediated.
Polysaccharide structure dictates mechanism of adaptive immune response to glycoconjugate vaccines
Authors: Sun Ximei , Stefanetti Giuseppe , Berti Francesco , Kasper Dennis L.
Published: December 2018

Significance

Helper T cell responses to glycoconjugate vaccines are regulated through mechanisms dependent upon the structure of the polysaccharide. We show that three of the four important conjugate vaccines tested induced antibody responses regulated primarily by carbohydrate-recognizing helper T cells. However, the adaptive immune response to meningococcal group C (MenC) conjugate was restricted to peptide-recognizing helper T cells. We show that MenC is degraded to a monomeric sialic acid residue that cannot be recognized by T cell receptor as an independent antigen. The structure of the saccharide constitutes a critical factor in determining the processing and presentation of glycoconjugate vaccines. An understanding of the mechanisms underlying the immune responses to glycoconjugates will be crucial in the production of highly protective knowledge-based vaccines.
Cooperative assembly of a four-molecule signaling complex formed upon T cell antigen receptor activation
Authors: Manna Asit , Zhao Huaying , Wada Junya , Balagopalan Lakshmi , Tagad Harichandra D. , Appella Ettore , Schuck Peter , Samelson Lawrence E.
Published: December 2018

Significance

An early event during cellular activation in many biologic systems is recruitment of the cytosolic enzyme phospholipase-Cγ1 to the plasma membrane where, on activation, it cleaves its lipid substrates into functional second messengers. T cell antigen receptor engagement during the immune response leads to rapid formation of a multiprotein complex that brings phospholipase-Cγ1 to the plasma membrane with three adapter molecules. We reconstituted this quaternary complex in vitro and used biophysical techniques to determine stoichiometry and measure the affinities of the interacting proteins and the energetics of formation. We observe cooperative formation of a circular loop of interactions associated with a significant entropic penalty facilitating reversibility. Such instability might be a target of regulation during T cell activation.
Probing the mechanism of inhibition of amyloid-β(1–42)–induced neurotoxicity by the chaperonin GroEL
Authors: Wälti Marielle A. , Steiner Joseph , Meng Fanjie , Chung Hoi Sung , Louis John M. , Ghirlando Rodolfo , Tugarinov Vitali , Nath Avindra , Clore G. Marius
Published: December 2018

Significance

Chaperones, including the chaperonin Hsp60, facilitate protein folding and prevent protein aggregation, thereby protecting cells from protein misfolding diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, a fatal neurodegenerative condition associated with the accumulation of amyloid-β plaques in the brain. We show that the bacterial homolog of human Hsp60, GroEL, protects neuronal cell cultures against morphological and electrophysiological damage induced by amyloid-β(1–42). Using a range of biophysical techniques, we demonstrate that transient interactions of GroEL with amyloid-β(1–42) monomers slow down the rate of appearance of protofibrils and fibrils, providing a mechanistic basis for the neuroprotective properties of Hsp60.
Educational Lectures Enhance Knowledge about the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Reduce Risky Behavior and Fear among Methadone Maintenance Treatment Patients
Authors: Barak Idan , Adelson Miriam , Sason Anat , Livnat Yuval , Schreiber Shaul , Peles Einat
Published: December 2018

Background

The aim of this study was to characterize human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS)-related knowledge and stigma among methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) patients and evaluate the contribution of an educational lecture in reducing risky behavior and unjustified overprotective behavior due to fear and stigma among MMT patients.

Methods

Patients from an MMT clinic within a tertiary medical center were invited to an educational lecture on HIV/AIDS. Seventy participants (of current 330) were chosen by a random sample (December 2015), plus at-risk patients and HIV patients. Attendee compliance and change in scores of questionnaires on knowledge (modified HIV-K-Q-22) and on sexual and injection behaviors were studied.

Results

Forty-six patients (65.7% compliance) attended the lecture, and their knowledge and behavior scores improved 2 weeks post-lecture (knowledge: from 14.2 ± 3 to 19.0 ± 2.2 [ P < .0005], sexual behavior: from 12.1 ± 2.9 to 8.8 ± 3.0 [ P < .0005], and injection behavior: from 7.3 ± 6.2 to 0.2 ± 1.3 [ P < .0005]). The unjustified fear of proximity to HIV carriers reported by 50% attendees fell to 35% post-lecture. Eight months post-lecture, the scores on knowledge and risky behavior of 21 randomly chosen attendees were still better than pre-lecture scores (knowledge: 15.4 ± 2.3 vs. 17.2 ± 1.8 [paired t test, P = .001], sexual behavior: 13.2 ± 2.3 vs. 9.7 ± 2.9 [ P < .0005], and injection behavior: 9.3 ± 5.6 vs. 2.8 ± 3.1 [ P < .0005]). Drug abuse and treatment adherence were not related to intervention and to risky behavior.

Conclusions

More knowledge, less fear, and less risky behavior immediately and at 8 months post-lecture reflect the success and importance of the educational intervention. Future efforts are needed in order to reduce ignorance and fear associated with HIV/AIDS.
Achievements and lessons learned from the 32-year old Canada-U.S. effort to restore Impaired Beneficial Uses in Great Lakes Areas of Concern
Authors: Hartig J. H. , Krantzberg G. , Munawar M. , Doss M. , Child M. , Kalinauskas R. , Richman L. , Blair C.
Published: December 2018

Since 1985, governments and stakeholders have been developing and implementing remedial action plans to restore beneficial use impairments in polluted areas of the Great Lakes called Areas of Concern. Initially, progress was slow because of severity and geographic extent of the problems, lack of clarity on use of an ecosystem approach, time commitments for effective involvement of stakeholders, evolution of management programs, and need to secure restoration funding. Over time, many of these constraints have been overcome. Presently, as of 2017, seven Areas of Concern have been delisted, two have been designated as Areas of Concern in Recovery, and 18 have implemented all remedial actions deemed necessary for use restoration. Although progress has been made, much remains to be done to restore all impaired uses and delist all Areas of Concern. Notable achievements include: use of an ecosystem approach and requisite governance frameworks, contaminated sediment remediation, habitat rehabilitation, and control of eutrophication. Lessons learned are presented to help complete the cleanup of Areas of concern and help others restore degraded aquatic ecosystems worldwide.
Process is insufficient: a reply to Cote Hampson and McNulty
Authors: Cramer Renée Ann
Published: December 2018

This reply explores the implications raised by a scholarly conversation among the pieces by Cramer, Cote Hampson, and McNulty in this special issue of Global Discourse. Cramer's piece argues that midwives and women living in states where home births are legally attended by Certified Professional Midwives continue to experience confusion about legal status, and chilling social approbation that constrains access to reproductive choice. Cote Hampson argues that women in hierarchical professions in the United States, as typified by academia and the military, often refuse to avail themselves of policies meant to facilitate work-life balance, in large part because they understand accessing maternity leave to be a stereotyped behavior that weakens employers’ perception of them as ideal workers. And, McNulty's research shows that procedural changes meant to facilitate – indeed mandate – women's participation in participatory-budgeting regimes in Peru may increase the presence of women in these meetings, but do not increase their actual, meaningful participation. In light of the findings of all three pieces, that women's access to rights is not meaningfully expanded by procedural changes, this comment asks whether legal venues and procedural changes are the best ways by which women can assert claims to equality, equity, and justice.
Policymaking for gender equality: a reply to Cramer, Cote Hampson, and McNulty
Authors: Feldman Sara
Published: December 2018

This paper is a response to articles by Renée Ann Cramer, Sarah Cote Hampson and Stephanie McNulty. These articles examine the role of stereotypes and culture in perpetuating traditional gender norms and beliefs about women, as well as the limits of laws and policies created with the intention of supporting gender equality. These articles find that in each area of research, policies intended to support women and their specific needs in their professional, governmental, and reproductive lives are failing to promote equality. Each article examines a different area in life that a woman may experience. However, overlapping themes such as culture, masculinity, stereotypes, as well as institutions and limitations in law and policies all contribute to the lack of success in policies regarding gender equality.
Piezocision-assisted orthodontic treatment using CAD/CAM customized orthodontic appliances: a randomized controlled trial in adults
Authors: Charavet Carole , Lecloux Geoffrey , Jackers Nastasia , Albert Adelin , Lambert France
Published: December 2018

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of piezocision (surgical protocol with sutures) in orthodontic treatment using CAD/CAM (computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing) customized orthodontic appliances.

Design

The study is designed as a parallel group, randomized controlled trial (RCT).

Setting

University Hospital.

Ethical approval

The study was approved by the ethic committee of the University Hospital Liege, Belgium.

Subjects and methods

This RCT was conducted on 24 adult patients requiring orthodontic treatment to release mild overcrowding. Patients were all treated with a customized appliance and randomly assigned by means of sealed envelopes containing group codes to either a test group treated with piezocision or a control group without any further treatment. A blinded orthodontist validated appliance removal or further adjustments based on the model study.

Outcome measures

The overall treatment time and the time between archwire changes were recorded. Moreover, clinical and radiological features such as tooth resorption, gingival recessions, and the presence of scars were evaluated.

Results

A total of 24 patients (12 control and 12 test) completed the study. The overall treatment time was significantly shorter in the test group than the control group. Likewise, the time difference between all arch changes was significantly lower when piezocision was performed, except for the first arch at the mandible and the last arches at both maxillae. During the fine-tuning phase, no significant difference was found between the two groups. All periodontal and radiographic parameters remained stable from the start to the end of treatment in both the groups. However, minor scars were found in 66 per cent cases.

Limitations

This trial was a single-centre trial.

Conclusions

Piezocision seems to be an effective method to accelerate orthodontic treatment in cases of mild overcrowding. However, the effect was only observed during the alignment phase and a greater efficiency was found in the maxilla. The technique may be contraindicated in patients with a high smile line since the risk of slight scarring exists.

Registration

ClinicalTrails.gov (Identifier: NCT03406130)
Rational Design and In Vivo Characterization of Vaccine Adjuvants
Authors: Schmidt Signe Tandrup , Pedersen Gabriel Kristian , Christensen Dennis
Published: December 2018

Many different adjuvants are currently being developed for subunit vaccines against a number of pathogens and diseases. Rational design is increasingly used to develop novel vaccine adjuvants, which requires extensive knowledge of, for example, the desired immune responses, target antigen-presenting cell subsets, their localization, and expression of relevant pattern-recognition receptors. The adjuvant mechanism of action and efficacy are usually evaluated in animal models, where mice are by far the most used. In this review, we present methods for assessing adjuvant efficacy and function in animal models: (1) whole-body biodistribution evaluated by using fluorescently and radioactively labeled vaccine components; (2) association and activation of immune cell subsets at the injection site, in the draining lymph node, and the spleen; (4) adaptive immune responses, such as cytotoxic T-lymphocytes, various T-helper cell subsets, and antibody responses, which may be quantitatively evaluated using ELISA, ELISPOT, and immunoplex assays and qualitatively evaluated using flow cytometric and single cell sequencing assays; and (5) effector responses, for example, antigen-specific cytotoxic potential of CD8+ T cells and antibody neutralization assays. While the vaccine-induced immune responses in mice often correlate with the responses induced in humans, there are instances where immune responses detected in mice are not translated to the human situation. We discuss some examples of correlation and discrepancy between mouse and human immune responses and how to understand them.
Is the Affine Space Determined by Its Automorphism Group?
Authors: Kraft Hanspeter , Regeta Andriy , van Santen (born Stampfli) Immanuel
Published: December 2018

In this note we study the problem of characterizing the complex affine space ${\mathbb{A}}^n$ via its automorphism group. We prove the following. Let $X$ be an irreducible quasi-projective $n$-dimensional variety such that $\operatorname{Aut}(X)$ and $\operatorname{Aut}({\mathbb{A}}^n)$ are isomorphic as abstract groups. If $X$ is either quasi-affine and toric or $X$ is smooth with Euler characteristic $\chi (X) \neq 0$ and finite Picard group $\operatorname{Pic}(X)$, then $X$ is isomorphic to ${\mathbb{A}}^n$.

The main ingredient is the following result. Let $X$ be a smooth irreducible quasi-projective variety of dimension $n$ with finite $\operatorname{Pic}(X)$. If $X$ admits a faithful $({\mathbb{Z}} / p {\mathbb{Z}})^n$-action for a prime $p$ and $\chi (X)$ is not divisible by $p$, then the identity component of the centralizer $\operatorname{Cent}_{\operatorname{Aut}(X)}( ({\mathbb{Z}} / p {\mathbb{Z}})^n)$ is a torus.
A revision of the Monodelphis glirina group (Didelphidae: Marmosini), with a description of a new species from Roraima, Brazil
Authors: Pavan Silvia E
Published: December 2018

Short-tailed opossums of the nominotypical subgenus Monodelphis occur throughout most of the cis-Andean lowlands of tropical South America. Among its member species, a monophyletic group that includes M. glirina (Amazonian red-sided opossum), M. sanctaerosae (Santa Rosa short-tailed opossum), and an unnamed taxon, herein referred to as the Monodelphis glirina group, is the focus of this paper. I provide an emended diagnosis for species of the group, information about geographic variation in M. glirina (including M. maraxina [Marajó short-tailed opossum]), and a formal description for the unnamed taxon mentioned above. The new species, known from two savanna localities in northeastern Roraima, is geographically disjunct from its closer relatives, M. glirina and M. sanctaerosae, only known to occur south of the Amazon. The new species differs from other congeneric taxa by a set of morphological characters and by DNA sequences.

Cuícas-de-cauda-curta do subgênero nominotípico Monodelphis ocorrem na maior parte das planícies cis-Andinas da América do Sul tropical. Dentre as espécies membro, o grupo monofilético que inclui M. glirina, M. sanctarosae, e um táxon ainda não descrito, referido como grupo Monodelphis glirina, é o foco do presente estudo. Aqui são fornecidas diagnoses emendadas para as espécies do grupo, informações sobre variação geográfica em M. glirina (incluindo M. maraxina), e descrição formal para o novo táxon mencionado acima. A nova espécie, conhecida de duas localidades de savana no nordeste de Roraima, encontra-se geograficamente disjunta das espécies mais proximamente relacionadas, M. glirina e M. sanctaerosae, somente conhecidas para a porção sul da Amazônia. A nova espécie difere das demais espécies congenéricas por um conjunto de características morfológicas e por sequências de DNA.
An RK/ST C-Terminal Motif is Required for Targeting of OEP7.2 and a Subset of Other Arabidopsis Tail-Anchored Proteins to the Plastid Outer Envelope Membrane
Authors: Teresinski Howard J , Gidda Satinder K , Nguyen Thuy N D , Howard Naomi J Marty , Porter Brittany K , Grimberg Nicholas , Smith Matthew D , Andrews David W , Dyer John M , Mullen Robert T
Published: December 2018

Tail-anchored (TA) proteins are a unique class of integral membrane proteins that possess a single C-terminal transmembrane domain and target post-translationally to the specific organelles at which they function. While significant advances have been made in recent years in elucidating the mechanisms and molecular targeting signals involved in the proper sorting of TA proteins, particularly to the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, relatively little is known about the targeting of TA proteins to the plastid outer envelope. Here we show that several known or predicted plastid TA outer envelope proteins (OEPs) in Arabidopsis possess a C-terminal RK/ST sequence motif that serves as a conserved element of their plastid targeting signal. Evidence for this conclusion comes primarily from experiments with OEP7.2, which is a member of the Arabidopsis 7 kDa OEP family. We confirmed that OEP7.2 is localized to the plastid outer envelope and possesses a TA topology, and its C-terminal sequence (CTS), which includes the RK/ST motif, is essential for proper targeting to plastids. The CTS of OEP7.2 is functionally interchangeable with the CTSs of other TA OEPs that possess similar RK/ST motifs, but not with those that lack the motif. Further, a bioinformatics search based on a consensus sequence led to the identification of several new OEP TA proteins. Collectively, this study provides new insight into the mechanisms of TA protein sorting in plant cells, defines a new targeting signal element for a subset of TA OEPs and expands the number and repertoire of TA proteins at the plastid outer envelope.
Enabling an Evidence-Based Approach to Policing Football in the UK
Authors: Stott Clifford , Pearson Geoff , West Owen
Published: December 2018

Across the last 10 years, the policing of demonstrations in the UK has witnessed substantive change in terms of both statutory guidance and operational practices. With this study, we highlight how the policing of football crowds in the UK has, to date, yet to undergo similar change, despite being covered by the same statutory guidance. On the basis of largely qualitative data and analysis generated through a quasi-ethnographic approach, we explore the dynamics of police football crowd interactions. We identify how current approaches can fail to adequately understand the nature of risk and lead to a disproportionate deployment of resources both of which have the potential to increase rather than reduce the risk of disorder. We propose that forces develop and test innovative approaches to football policing that are engrained in existing public order guidance, but which move away from a reliance upon fixed categories of risk, focus more on the positive human rights of supporters, and prioritize the tactical deployment of bespoke resources to improve dialogue with fans.
Phytobiome and Transcriptional Adaptation ofPopulus deltoidesto Acute Progressive Drought and Cyclic Drought
Authors: Garcia Benjamin J. , Labbé Jessy L. , Jones Piet , Abraham Paul E. , Hodge Ian , Climer Sharlee , Jawdy Sara , Gunter Lee , Tuskan Gerald A. , Yang Xiaohan , Tschaplinski Timothy J. , Jacobson Daniel A.
Published: December 2018

Plant drought stress causes systematic changes to photosynthesis, metabolism, growth, and potentially the phytobiome. Additionally, drought affects plants in both a species-specific and water-deficit-driven manner, causing the response to drought to be dependent both on how drought is being experienced and on any adaptation to prior drought exposure. Thus, understanding the effect of drought on plants requires assessing drought response in multiple conditions, such as progressive acute drought and recurrent cyclic drought, and at different levels of severity. In this study, we have utilized RNA sequencing to identify changes to the plant transcriptome and the phytobiome during both acute progressive drought and cyclic drought at multiple severities. Co-analysis of the plant and phytobiome, utilizing the same RNAseq data, allows for the identification of novel associations that would not be possible otherwise. We have identified that the drought response ranges from increased transcripts related to photosynthesis and metabolic activity in mild acute drought to decreased transcripts related to photosynthesis and metabolic impairment in severe drought. Moreover, while water deficit is a main driver of transcriptional responses in severe drought, there are increases in reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism and photosynthetic transcripts in cyclic severe drought compared with acute severe drought, independent of water deficit. The phytobiome exhibits alternate responses to drought when compared with the transcriptome. Specifically, the phytobiome is affected more by the cyclic or acute nature of the drought rather than the severity of the drought, with the phytobiome having an increase in taxa under cyclic drought that are often reported to have beneficial effects on the plants. Lastly, we have identified associations between taxa in the phytobiome with expression of disease response, ROS metabolism, and photosynthesis transcripts suggesting interplay between the host plant and its phytobiome in response to drought.