bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Moments of Ioffe time parton distribution functions from non-local matrix elements
Authors: Karpie Joseph , Orginos Kostas , Zafeiropoulos Savvas
Published: November 2018

Abstract

We examine the relation of moments of parton distribution functions to matrix elements of non-local operators computed in lattice quantum chromodynamics. We argue that after the continuum limit is taken, these non-local matrix elements give access to moments that are finite and can be matched to those defined in the

$$ \overline{MS} $$

M
S

¯

scheme. We demonstrate this fact with a numerical computation of moments through non-local matrix elements in the quenched approximation and we find that these moments are in agreement with the moments obtained from direct computations of local twist-2 matrix elements in the quenched approximation.
Virtual Reality and Noninvasive Brain Stimulation in Stroke: How Effective Is Their Combination for Upper Limb Motor Improvement?—A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Subramanian Sandeep K. , Prasanna Shreya S.
Published: November 2018

Background

Efforts to augment post‐stroke upper limb (UL) motor improvement include the use of newer interventions such as noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) and task practice in virtual reality environments (VEs). Despite increasing interest in using a combination of these 2 interventions, the effectiveness of this combination to enhance UL motor improvement outcomes has not been examined.

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of a combination of NIBS and task practice in a VE to augment post‐stroke UL motor improvement.

Methods

We conducted a systematic search of the published literature using standard methodology. The Down and Black checklist and the Physiotherapy Evidence Database Research Organization Scale were used to assess study quality. We compared changes in UL impairment and activity levels between active stimulation and sham or other interventions using standardized mean differences and derived a summary effect size.

Results

We retrieved 5 studies that examined the role of a combination of NIBS and task practice in a VE to optimize UL motor improvement. These 5 studies included 3 randomized controlled trials, 1 cross‐sectional study, and 1 crossover study. There was level 1a evidence that the combination was beneficial in subacute stroke. There was level 1b evidence that provision of real stimulation was not superior to sham stimulation in chronic stroke. Effect sizes favoring the combination were moderate for improvements in UL impairment and small for activity levels.

Conclusions

Preliminary evidence supports the effectiveness of this combination in subacute stroke. Emergent questions need to be addressed to derive maximum benefit of this combination to augment post‐stroke UL motor improvement.

Level of Evidence

I
A multilevel approach towards unbiased sampling of random elliptic partial differential equations
Authors: Li Xiaoou , Liu Jingchen , Xu Shun
Published: November 2018

Partial differential equations are powerful tools for used to characterizing various physical systems. In practice, measurement errors are often present and probability models are employed to account for such uncertainties. In this paper we present a Monte Carlo scheme that yields unbiased estimators for expectations of random elliptic partial differential equations. This algorithm combines a multilevel Monte Carlo method (Giles (2008)) and a randomization scheme proposed by Rhee and Glynn (2012), (2013). Furthermore, to obtain an estimator with both finite variance and finite expected computational cost, we employ higher-order approximations.
Dilation volumes of sets of finite perimeter
Authors: Kiderlen Markus , Rataj Jan
Published: November 2018

In this paper we analyze the first-order behavior (that is, the right-sided derivative) of the volume of the dilationA⊕tQastconverges to 0. HereAandQare subsets ofn-dimensional Euclidean space,Ahas finite perimeter, andQis finite. IfQconsists of two points only,nandn+u, say, this derivative coincides up to a sign with the directional derivative of the covariogram ofAin directionu. By known results for the covariogram, this derivative can therefore be expressed by the cosine transform of the surface area measure ofA. We extend this result to finite setsQand use it to determine the derivative of the contact distribution function with finite structuring element of a stationary random set at 0. The proofs are based on an approximation of the indicator function ofAby smooth functions of bounded variation.
Efficient simulation of Brown‒Resnick processes based on variance reduction of Gaussian processes
Authors: Oesting Marco , Strokorb Kirstin
Published: November 2018

Brown‒Resnick processes are max-stable processes that are associated to Gaussian processes. Their simulation is often based on the corresponding spectral representation which is not unique. We study to what extent simulation accuracy and efficiency can be improved by minimizing the maximal variance of the underlying Gaussian process. Such a minimization is a difficult mathematical problem that also depends on the geometry of the simulation domain. We extend Matheron's (1974) seminal contribution in two directions: (i) making his description of a minimal maximal variance explicit for convex variograms on symmetric domains, and (ii) proving that the same strategy also reduces the maximal variance for a huge class of nonconvex variograms representable through a Bernstein function. A simulation study confirms that our noncostly modification can lead to substantial improvements among Gaussian representations. We also compare it with three other established algorithms.
Analysing Payoff Salience in Coalition Allocation: Ministers, Deputy Ministers and Committee Chairs
Authors: Evans Matt
Published: November 2018

Research during the past six decades has found that parties joining coalition governments receive payoffs, in the form of government posts, in proportion to their coalition share. These findings, however, do not indicate which coalition partners receive payoffs that will most enable them to influence their preferred policies. This article joins recent qualitative analyses of coalition allocation and examines payoffs in terms of the salience of positions relative to the policy goals of the parties receiving them. The single-country study of eight Israeli governments from 1992 to 2015 integrates quantitative and qualitative analyses of coalition payoffs. This article contributes to coalition allocation research by expanding the scope of coalition payoffs to include junior ministers and committee chairs, and by distinguishing payoff outcomes for different party families. The results show an edge for formateur parties in obtaining policy-salient ministerial payoffs and an advantage to non-formateurs for policy-salient deputy (junior) minister positions.
Dual-use nano-neurotechnology
Authors: Nixdorff Kathryn , Borisova Tatiana , Komisarenko Serhiy , Dando Malcolm
Published: November 2018

The chemical and biological nonproliferation regime stands at a watershed moment, when failure seems a real possibility. After the unsuccessful outcome of the 2016 Eighth Review Conference, the future of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention is uncertain. As the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) approaches its Fourth Review Conference in 2018, it has almost completed removing the huge stocks of chemical weapons, but it now faces the difficult organizational task of moving its focus to preventing the reemergence of chemical weapons at a time when the international security situation appears to be increasingly more difficult and dangerous. In this article, we assess the current and near-term state (5–10 years) and impact of three related areas of science and technology that could be of dual-use concern: targeted delivery of agents to the central nervous system (CNS), particularly by means of nanotechnology; direct impact of nanomaterials on synaptic functions in the CNS; and neuronal circuits in the brain that might be targeted by those with hostile intent. We attempt to assess the implications of our findings, particularly for the consideration of the problem of state-level interest in so-called nonlethal incapacitating chemical agents for law enforcement at the CWC Review Conference in 2018, but also more generally for the longer-term future of the chemical and biological nonproliferation regime.
Does an increased intake of added sugar affect appetite in overweight or obese adults, when compared with lower intakes? A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Thornhill Kayla , Charlton Karen , Probst Yasmine , Neale Elizabeth
Published: November 2018

Changes in added sugar intake have been associated with corresponding changes in body weight. Potential mechanisms, particularly the impact of added sugar intake on appetite, warrant exploration. A systematic literature review of randomised controlled trials investigated the association between added sugar consumption and appetite in overweight and obese adults. A systematic search of Medline, Cochrane CENTRAL, Web of Science and CINAHL included studies that examined the relationship between added sugar intake and appetite markers, in comparison with a group with lower added sugar intake. A total of twenty-one articles describing nineteen studies were included in the review. The effect of added sugar on appetite was explored separately by reported comparisons of added sugar type and their effect to three study outcomes: energy consumption (n20 comparisons); satiety (n18); and appetite hormones, leptin (n4) or ghrelin (n7). Increased added sugar consumption did not impact subsequent energy intake (n9), nor did it influence satiety (n12) or ghrelin levels (n4). Differences in the total daily energy intake were comparable with the differences in energy values of tested products (n3). Added sugar intake was reported to increase leptin levels (n3). This review did not find a consistent relationship between added sugar intake and appetite measures, which may be partially explained by variations in study methodologies. There is a need for randomised controlled trials examining a range of added sugar sources and doses on appetite in overweight and obese adults to better understand implications for weight gain.
Pheromone emission patterns and courtship sequences across distinct populations withinAnastrepha fraterculus(Diptera-Tephritidae) cryptic species complex
Authors: Roriz A.K.P. , Japyassú H.F. , Cáceres C. , Vera M. Teresa , Joachim-Bravo I.S.
Published: November 2018

Sexual behavioural isolation can result from sexual selection and represents a relevant factor associated with the speciation process. We analysed the pheromone emission pattern and the courtship of males of five different populations of theAnastrepha fraterculuscryptic complex: Brazil (Vacaria, Tucumán and Piracicaba), Colombia and Peru. The time of pheromone emission was recorded in each population every 30 min during the day. The behavioural sequences of courting were video recorded and analysed using EthoSeq software. Males from different populations have showed different period of pheromone emission – Vacaria, Piracicaba and Tucumán executed calling only during the morning, Colombia only in the afternoon and Peru during both periods. The general frequencies of the courtship units of the males were distinct among the populations. Three groups were formed in the classification from the function of 14 behavioural routines: Vacaria, Piracicaba and Tucumán formed a single group (Brazil-1), while Colombia and Peru formed two distinct groups. In the probabilistic trees generated, the behavioural units that most contributed to the occurrence of copulation were distinct among the three groups formed: Brazil-1 (Contact,AlignmentandArrowhead-1); Colombia (Flying,Mobile,ContactandAlignment); Peru (Flying,Arrowhead-1andCalling). Our results indicated differences in sexual behaviour that may explain the behavioural isolation found between the distinct groups in addition with the temporal isolation found between the Brazil-1 and Colombia populations. The evolutionary implications for theA. fraterculuscryptic species complex are discussed.
Encephalitozoon cuniculiandVittaforma corneae(Phylum Microsporidia) inhibit staurosporine-induced apoptosis in human THP-1 macrophagesin vitro
Authors: Sokolova Yuliya Y. , Bowers Lisa C. , Alvarez Xavier , Didier Elizabeth S.
Published: November 2018

Obligately intracellular microsporidia regulate their host cell life cycles, including apoptosis, but this has not been evaluated in phagocytic host cells such as macrophages that can facilitate infection but also can be activated to kill microsporidia. We examined two biologically dissimilar human-infecting microsporidia species,Encephalitozoon cuniculiandVittaforma corneae, for their effects on staurosporine-induced apoptosis in the human macrophage-differentiated cell line, THP1. Apoptosis was measured after exposure of THP-1 cells to live and dead mature organismsviadirect fluorometric measurement of Caspase 3, colorimetric and fluorometric TUNEL assays, and mRNA gene expression profiles using Apoptosis RT2Profiler PCR Array. Both species of microsporidia modulated the intrinsic apoptosis pathway. In particular, liveE. cuniculispores inhibited staurosporine-induced apoptosis as well as suppressed pro-apoptosis genes and upregulated anti-apoptosis genes more broadly thanV. corneae.Exposure to dead spores induced an opposite effect.Vittaforma corneae, however, also induced inflammasome activationviaCaspases 1 and 4. Of the 84 apoptosis-related genes assayed, 42 (i.e. 23 pro-apoptosis, nine anti-apoptosis, and 10 regulatory) genes were more affected including those encoding members of the Bcl2 family, caspases and their regulators, and members of the tumour necrosis factor (TNF)/TNF receptor R superfamily.
Linguistic prescription, ideological structure, and the actuation of linguistic changes: Grammatical gender in French parliamentary debates
Authors: Burnett Heather , Bonami Olivier
Published: November 2018

We present a quantitative study of the linguistic and social factors conditioning the use of grammatical gender with reference to women, focusing on variation in the debates of the French parliament. Two prime ministers of similar political leanings regulated the use of feminine g-gender through identical policies in 1986 and 1998, with no effect on parliamentary speech in the first instance, and dramatic success in the second. We claim that the latter outcome resulted from changes in gender ideologies between these two dates. The 1990s saw the emergence of a new social type for female politicians, which only feminine g-gender can construct. We hypothesize that the 1998 policy was effective because it strengthened existing associations between feminine g-gender and a persona, while the original policy tried to build on ideological structure that was not widespread. We conclude that linguistic prescriptions are only successful if they build on existing ideologies. (Linguistic prescription, gender ideology, grammatical gender, ideological structure)*
Higher-order Rotation Vector Attitude Updating Algorithm
Authors: Wang Maosong , Wu Wenqi , He Xiaofeng , Yang Gongliu , Yu Huapeng
Published: November 2018

Rotation vector-based attitude updating algorithms have been used as the mainstream attitude computation algorithms for many years. The most popular methodology for designing the rotation vector algorithm is by leveraging multiple samples of gyro integrated angular rate measurements. However, it has been pointed out by many researchers that the attitude updating accuracy is limited when using the multiple samples rotation vector algorithms, especially when the platforms work under high rate manoeuvres. The third-, fourth-, fifth- and sixth-order Picard component solutions of the rotation vector differential equation are given in this paper. A new design methodology for rotation vector-based attitude updating algorithms is proposed. Different vibratory dynamics and high rate manoeuvre roller coaster experiments were conducted to validate the effectiveness of the new algorithm. The results demonstrate the high accuracy of the new algorithm compared with conventional coning correction methods. The proposed algorithm can also be used in high accuracy attitude computation of a post-processing system, especially when the output frequency of the gyro is limited.
A new class of costs for optimal transport planning
Authors: ALIBERT J.-J. , BOUCHITTÉ G. , CHAMPION T.
Published: November 2018

We study a class of optimal transport planning problems where the reference cost involves a non-linear functionG(x, p) representing the transport cost between the Dirac measureδxand a target probabilityp. This allows to consider interesting models which favour multi-valued transport maps in contrast with the classical linear case ($G(x,p)=\int c(x,y)dp$) where finding single-valued optimal transport is a key issue. We present an existence result and a general duality principle which apply to many examples. Moreover, under a suitable subadditivity condition, we derive a Kantorovich–Rubinstein version of the dual problem allowing to show existence in some regular cases. We also consider the well studied case of Martingale transport and present some new perspectives for the existence of dual solutions in connection with Γ-convergence theory.
Prevalence and risk factors of sleep apnoea in adult patients with CHD
Authors: Harada Gen , Takeuchi Daiji , Inai Kei , Shinohara Tokuko , Nakanishi Toshio
Published: November 2018

Background

Although sleep apnoea is an important disorder associated with cardiac events, data regarding its prevalence and risk factors in adult patients with CHD are limited.

Methods

In this study, patients underwent a sleep study in the hospital. Indications for admission were classified as heart failure, diagnostic catheterisation, interventional catheterisation, or arrhythmia. The prevalence, characteristics, and risk factors of sleep apnoea using a type 3 portable overnight polygraph in adult patients with CHD were evaluated.

Results

This study comprised 104 patients of median age 36 years with interquartile range of 28–48 years, admitted for heart failure 34% (n = 36), diagnostic catheterisation 26% (n = 27), interventional catheterisation 18% (n = 19), or arrhythmia 22% (n = 23). The prevalence of sleep apnoea, defined as a respiratory disturbance index ≥5, was 63% (n = 63), with a distribution of 37, 16, and 10% for mild (5≤ respiratory disturbance index <15), moderate (15⩽ respiratory disturbance index <30), and severe (respiratory disturbance index ≥30) sleep apnoea, respectively. A large majority of the sleep apnoea cases were categorised as obstructive sleep apnoea (92%, n = 58). The respiratory disturbance index ≥15 group had a significantly higher proportion of male patients and higher body mass index, noradrenaline level, and aortic blood pressure than the group without sleep apnoea (respiratory disturbance index <5). Multi-variable analysis showed that NYHA class ≥II, whose odds ratio 4.36, 95% confidence interval 1.09–20.87, and body mass index ≥25, whose odds ratio 4.29, 95% confidence interval 1.32–15.23, were independent risk factors for a respiratory disturbance index ≥15.

Conclusion

Our results showed a high prevalence of sleep apnoea in adult patients with CHD. Its unique haemodynamics may be associated with a high prevalence of sleep apnoea. Congestive heart failure and being overweight are important risk factors for sleep apnoea. Management of heart failure and general lifestyle improvements are important for controlling sleep apnoea symptoms in these patients.
Teaching Statistics: Going from Scary, Boring, and Useless to, Well, Something Better
Authors: Bailey Michael A.
Published: November 2018

Although research methods and statistics play an increasing role in political science and beyond, students all too often find statistics classes intimidating and boring. This need not be the case, however, because statistics classes provide opportunities to pose and answer questions about which students care. This article highlights four steps to making our methods and statistics classes more engaging and meaningful.
WHEN DOES MONETARY MEASUREMENT MATTER (MOST)?
Authors: El-Shagi Makram
Published: November 2018

It has repeatedly been shown that properly constructed monetary aggregates based on index number theory (such as Divisia money) vastly outperform traditional measures of money (i.e. simple sum money) in empirical models. However, opponents of Divisia frequently claim that Divisia is “too complex” for little gain. And indeed, at first glance it looks as if simple sum and Divisia sum exhibit similar dynamics. In this paper, we want to build deeper understanding of how and when Divisia and simple sum differ empirically using monthly US data from 1990M1 to 2007M12. In particular, we look at how they respond differently to monetary policy shocks, which seems to be the most essential aspect of those differences from the perspective of the policy maker. We use a very rich, fairly agnostic setup that allows us to identify many potential nonlinearities, building on a smoothed local projections approach with automatic selection of the relevant interaction terms. We find, that—while the direction of change is often similar—the precise dynamics differ sharply. In particular in times of economic uncertainty, when the proper assessment of monetary policy is most relevant, those existing differences are drastically augmented.
An investigation of the effect of gold nanoparticles with different concentrations on increasing absorbed dose: an empirical and simulation study
Authors: Hoseinnezhad Masoumeh , Mahdavi Mohammad , Mahdavi Seyyed R. M. , Mahdavizade Mobarake
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine the dose enhancement factor (DEF) of gold nanoparticles in a dosimeter gel and construct percentage depth dose curves, using the Optical CT system and the Monte Carlo simulation model, to determine the effect of increasing the dose caused by increasing the concentration of gold nanoparticles at depths in the gel.

Materials and methods

The Magic-f Gel was made based on the relevant protocol in the physics lab. To determine the amount of the increase in the absorbed dose, the gold nanoparticles were added to the gel and irradiated. An increase in the dose after adding nanoparticles to the gel vials was estimated both with the Optical CT system and by the Monte Carlo simulation method.

Results

Dose enhancement curves for doses of 2, 4 and 6 Gy were prepared for gel vials without adding nanoparticles, and nanoparticle gels at concentrations 0·17, 3 and 6 mM. Also, the DEF was estimated. For the 0·17 mM molar gel, the DEF for 2, 4 and 6 Gy was 0·7, 0·743 and 0·801, respectively. For the 3 mM gel, it was 1·98, 2·5 and 2·2, and for the 6 mM gel, it was 37·4, 4·24 and 4·71, respectively.

Conclusion

The enhancement of the dose after adding gold nanoparticles was confirmed both by experimental data and by simulation data.
Why the Next Song Matters: Streaming, Recommendation, Scarcity
Authors: DROTT ERIC
Published: November 2018

This article explores how human curation and algorithmic recommendation are figured in cloud-based streaming platforms. In promoting their services as alternatives to illicit file-sharing, platforms such as Spotify, Deezer, and Apple Music have long touted the access they provide to a massive database of music. Yet the effectiveness of appeals to musical plenitude have been thrown into doubt, as high rates of user turnover threaten streaming's economic viability. Curation and recommendation have thus been posited as solutions to this problem, as means of producing and reproducing consumer desire. By attending to the fantasies woven around streaming and music recommendation more specifically, this article highlights the peculiar form of subjectivation at work in the way recommendation hails listeners. The normative listener constructed through such modes of hyper-personalized address is ideally one that is as dynamic and adaptive as the algorithmic systems that adjust to their fluctuating needs, dispositions, and desires.
Response of Palmer Amaranth and Sweetpotato to Flumioxazin/Pyroxasulfone
Authors: Beam Shawn C. , Chaudhari Sushila , Jennings Katherine M. , Monks David W. , Meyers Stephen L. , Schultheis Jonathan R. , Waldschmidt Mathew , Main Jeffrey L.
Published: November 2018

Studies were conducted to determine the tolerance of sweetpotato and Palmer amaranth control to a premix of flumioxazin and pyroxasulfone pretransplant (PREtr) followed by (fb) irrigation. Greenhouse studies were conducted in a factorial arrangement of four herbicide rates (flumioxazin/pyroxasulfone PREtr at 105/133 and 57/72 g ai ha–1,S-metolachlor PREtr 803 g ai ha–1, nontreated) by three irrigation timings [2, 5, and 14 d after transplanting (DAP)]. Field studies were conducted in a factorial arrangement of seven herbicide treatments (flumioxazin/pyroxasulfone PREtr at 40/51, 57/72, 63/80, and 105/133 g ha–1, 107 g ha–1flumioxazin PREtr fb 803 g ha–1S-metolachlor 7 to 10 DAP, and season-long weedy and weed-free checks) by three 1.9-cm irrigation timings (0 to 2, 3 to 5, or 14 DAP). In greenhouse studies, flumioxazin/pyroxasulfone reduced sweetpotato vine length and shoot and storage root fresh biomass compared to the nontreated check andS-metolachlor. Irrigation timing had no influence on vine length and root fresh biomass. In field studies, Palmer amaranth control was≥91% season-long regardless of flumioxazin/pyroxasulfone rate or irrigation timing. At 38 DAP, sweetpotato injury was≤37 and≤9% at locations 1 and 2, respectively. Visual estimates of sweetpotato injury from flumioxazin/pyroxasulfone were greater when irrigation timing was delayed 3 to 5 or 14 DAP (22 and 20%, respectively) compared to 0 to 2 DAP (7%) at location 1 but similar at location 2. Irrigation timing did not influence no.1, jumbo, or marketable yields or root length-to-width ratio. With the exception of 105/133 g ha–1, all rates of flumioxazin/pyroxasulfone resulted in marketable sweetpotato yield and root length-to-width ratio similar to flumioxazin fbS-metolachlor or the weed-free checks. In conclusion, flumioxazin/pyroxasulfone PREtr at 40/51, 57/72, and 63/80 g ha–1has potential for use in sweetpotato for Palmer amaranth control without causing significant crop injury and yield reduction.
Kleinkind- und Kindergartenalter
Authors: Petermann Franz
Published: November 2018

Zusammenfassung. Die Kenntnis früher Entwicklungsrisiken und Schutzfaktoren tragen dazu bei, abweichende Entwicklungen in der Kindheit rechtzeitig zu erkennen und Therapieschritte einleiten zu können. Die Ursachen einer abweichenden Entwicklung umfassen sowohl Schwangerschaftsrisiken, frühe Umwelteinflüsse und ungünstige biologische Faktoren als auch sozioökonomische, familiäre und partnerschaftsbezogene Einflüsse. Gut geplante Längsschnittstudien tragen dazu bei, die Startbedingungen von Kleinkindern und ihrer Entwicklung in den ersten Lebensjahren systematisch zu dokumentieren. Längsschnittstudien bilden auch das entscheidende Fundament, um Präventionsmaßnahmen zu begründen und in ihrer Wirksamkeit zu überprüfen.
Three Conceptual Impediments to Developing Scale Theory for Formative	Scales
Authors: Markus Keith A.
Published: November 2018

Abstract. Bollen and colleagues have advocated the use of formative scales despite the fact that formative scales lack an adequate underlying theory to guide development or validation such as that which underlies reflective scales. Three conceptual impediments impede the development of such theory: the redefinition of measurement restricted to the context of model fitting, the inscrutable notion of conceptual unity, and a systematic conflation of item scores with attributes. Setting aside these impediments opens the door to progress in developing the needed theory to support formative scale use. A broader perspective facilitates consideration of standard scale development concerns as applied to formative scales including scale development, item analysis, reliability, and item bias. While formative scales require a different pattern of emphasis, all five of the traditional sources of validity evidence apply to formative scales. Responsible use of formative scales requires greater attention to developing the requisite underlying theory.
Use of Airborne In Situ VOC Measurements to Estimate Transit Time Spectrum: An Observation‐Based Diagnostic of Convective Transport
Authors: Luo Zhengzhao Johnny , Pan Laura L. , Atlas Elliot L. , Chelpon Sofia M. , Honomichl Shawn B. , Apel Eric C. , Hornbrook Rebecca S. , Hall Samuel R.
Published: November 2018

Convective transport from the marine boundary layer to the upper troposphere (UT) is investigated using airborne in situ measurements of chemical species over the tropical western Pacific. Using 42 volatile organic compounds with photochemical lifetimes ranging from shorter than a day to multiple decades, we derive a transit time spectrum G(t) and the associated modal and mean transit times for the UT air mass over the convectively dominant tropical western Pacific region. G(t) describes relative contributions of air masses transported from the marine boundary layer to the UT via all transport paths with different transit times. We further demonstrate that the volatile organic compound‐derived transit time scale is broadly comparable to that estimated from convective mass flux. The observation‐based transit time spectrum not only provides insights into convective transport pathways, but also has the potential to serve as an effective diagnostic for evaluating the representation of convective transport in global models.
Prenatal and early life exposure to air pollution induced hippocampal vascular leakage and impaired neurogenesis in association with behavioral deficits
Authors: Woodward N. C. , Haghani A. , Johnson R. G. , Hsu T. M. , Saffari A. , Sioutas C. , Kanoski S. E. , Finch C. E. , Morgan T. E.
Published: November 2018

Exposure to traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) is associated with a range of neurodevelopmental disorders in human populations. In rodent models, prenatal TRAP exposure increased depressive behaviors and increased brain microglial activity. To identify cellular mechanisms, we examined adult neurogenesis and the blood–brain barrier (BBB) in relation to cognition and motivated behaviors in rats that were exposed to a nano-sized TRAP subfraction from gestation into adulthood. At age 5 months, exposed male rats had 70% fewer newly generated neurons in the dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus. Microglia were activated in DG and CA1 subfields (35% more Iba1). The BBB was altered, with a 75% decrease of the tight junction protein ZO-1 in the CA1 layer, and twofold more iron deposits, a marker of microhemorrhages. The exposed rats had impaired contextual memory (novel object in context), reduced food-seeking behavior, and increased depressive behaviors (forced swim). Deficits of de novo neurogenesis were inversely correlated with depressive behavior, whereas increased microbleeds were inversely correlated with deficits in contextual memory. These findings give the first evidence that prenatal and early life exposure to TRAP impairs adult hippocampal neurogenesis and increases microbleeds in association with behavioral deficits.
Searching for lost nucleotides of the pre-RNA World with a self-refining model of early Earth
Authors: Hud Nicholas V.
Published: November 2018

The nucleotides of RNA appear to be products of evolution. Experimental studies are showing that plausible proto-nucleotides can be formed in simulated early Earth environments. In turn, these results help to clarify the prebiotic processes that give rise to nucleotides.
Sustainable production of highly conductive multilayer graphene ink for wireless connectivity and IoT applications
Authors: Pan Kewen , Fan Yangyang , Leng Ting , Li Jiashen , Xin Zhiying , Zhang Jiawei , Hao Ling , Gallop John , Novoselov Kostya S. , Hu Zhirun
Published: November 2018

Printed electronics offer a breakthrough in the penetration of information technology into everyday life. The possibility of printing electronic circuits will further promote the spread of the Internet of Things applications. Inks based on graphene have a chance to dominate this technology, as they potentially can be low cost and applied directly on materials like textile and paper. Here we report the environmentally sustainable route of production of graphene ink suitable for screen-printing technology. The use of non-toxic solvent Dihydrolevoglucosenone (Cyrene) significantly speeds up and reduces the cost of the liquid phase exfoliation of graphite. Printing with our ink results in very high conductivity (7.13 × 104 S m−1) devices, which allows us to produce wireless connectivity antenna operational from MHz to tens of GHz, which can be used for wireless data communication and energy harvesting, which brings us very close to the ubiquitous use of printed graphene technology for such applications.
Tracking plasma DNA mutation dynamics in estrogen receptor positive metastatic breast cancer with dPCR-SEQ
Authors: Kumar Sunil , Lindsay Daniel , Chen Q. Brent , Garrett Amy L. , Tan Xianming M. , Anders Carey K. , Carey Lisa A. , Gupta Gaorav P.
Published: November 2018

Serial monitoring of plasma DNA mutations in estrogen receptor positive metastatic breast cancer (ER + MBC) holds promise as an early predictor of therapeutic response. Here, we developed dPCR-SEQ, a customized assay that utilizes digital PCR-based target enrichment followed by next-generation sequencing to analyze plasma DNA mutations in ESR1, PIK3CA, and TP53. We validated dPCR-SEQ in a prospective cohort of 58 patients with ER + MBC and demonstrate excellent concordance with hotspot ESR1 mutation abundance measured by conventional digital PCR. The dPCR-SEQ assay revealed ESR1, PIK3CA, and TP53 plasma ctDNA mutations in 55%, 32%, and 32% of the study patients, respectively. We also observed dynamic changes in ESR1, PIK3CA, and TP53 ctDNA mutant allele fraction (MAF) that were frequently discordant between the different genes. Thus, monitoring plasma DNA mutation dynamics using a dPCR-SEQ assay is feasible, accurate, and may be investigated as a biomarker of therapeutic response in ER + MBC.
Intra-amniotic Sildenafil Treatment Modulates Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotype in the Nitrofen Model of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia
Authors: Okolo Frances C. , Zhang Guangfeng , Rhodes Julie , Potoka Douglas A.
Published: November 2018

The etiology of pulmonary vascular abnormalities in CDH is incompletely understood. Studies have demonstrated improvement in pulmonary vasculature with prenatal therapy in animal models. We hypothesize that prenatal sildenafil may attenuate defective pulmonary vascular development via modulation of vSMC phenotype from undifferentiated, proliferative phenotype to differentiated, contractile phenotype. We utilized the nitrofen model of CDH to examine the effect of IA sildenafil on pulmonary vSMC phenotype during lung development. Timed-pregnant CD-1 mice were gavage fed 25 mg nitrofen or olive oil (control) at E8.5 of gestation. Single IA injections of Sildenafil (Revatio; 10 µL of 4 mg/4 ml solution) or dextrose control were performed at E12.5. Mice were sacrificed on various gestational days for embryonic lung harvest. Markers of vSMC development of undifferentiated and differentiated phenotypes were analyzed by immunostaining and western blot. Across all time points in gestation, nitrofen-treated embryonic lungs demonstrated increased vSMC expression of NOTCH3, Hes-5, PDGFR-β, desmin and α-SMA and decreased expression of calponin and SMMHC, compared to oil controls. IA dextrose treatment had no effect on expression levels. However, IA Sildenafil treatment resulted in down-regulation of NOTCH3, Hes-5, PDGFR-β, desmin and α-SMA and upregulation of calponin and SMMHC, comparable to oil controls. In the nitrofen model, vSMC express markers consistent with more undifferentiated proliferative phenotype, resulting in hypermuscularization of intrapulmonary arterioles in CDH. A single dose of IA Sildenafil treatment early in gestation, results in sustained normalization of vSMC phenotype. Pharmacologic modulation of the vSMC phenotype at key gestational points may have therapeutic potential.
Rabi splitting and optical Kerr nonlinearity of quantum dot mediated by Majorana fermions
Authors: Chen Hua-Jun , Wu Hong-Wei
Published: November 2018

Majorana fermions (MFs), due to their significance in fundamental physics and potential applications in topological quantum computation based on solid-state devices, have drawn widespread attention. Here, we design a hybrid semiconductor/superconductor ring (S/SR) device and put forward an optical method for detecting a pair of MFs in the S/SR device with a quantum dot (QD) with the popular optical pump-probe scheme, which is very different from the present electrical method only considering one nearby MF coupled to the QD. The symmetric and unsymmetric Rabi splitting and optical Kerr nonlinear effect of QD mediated by MFs are investigated under uncoupled and coupled majorana modes, respectively. The coherent optical spectra indicate that a pair of MFs coupled to the QD induced remarkable splitting under different parameters regime and the physical origin of these phenomena are elaborated detailedly. Due to QD-MFs coupling, the probe absorption spectra present the phenomenon of Majorana modes induced transparency (MMIT) which will induce remarkable phenomena of slow light. The coherent optical spectra afford a potential supplement for probing MFs and support Majorana fermions-based topological quantum computation.
Antiaromatic character of cycloheptatriene-bis-annelated indenofluorene framework mainly originated from heptafulvene segment
Authors: Yamamoto Keitaro , Ie Yutaka , Tohnai Norimitsu , Kakiuchi Fumitoshi , Aso Yoshio
Published: November 2018

Fully π-conjugated polycyclic hydrocarbons with antiaromatic character have attracted research attention because of their unique properties such as narrow energy gaps, and thus should find application as optical and electronic materials. Although antiaromatic 16π-electron frameworks can be constructed by the incorporation of multiple seven-membered rings in a fused fashion to install methylenecycloheptatriene (heptafulvene) segments, the development of corresponding benzo[1,2:4,5]di[7]annulene (BDA)-containing π-conjugated systems remains challenging due to the difficulty of their molecular design and synthesis. In this study, we develop an unprecedented chemical structure of cycloheptatriene-bis-annelated indenofluorene, which possesses both BDA and indenofluorene frameworks in a fused fashion. Physical measurements and X-ray analyses, along with theoretical calculations, indicated that antiaromaticity appeared in the BDA framework. By using the conjugated polycyclic hydrocarbon possessing both seven-membered and five-membered rings, this study provides fundamental insight into the strong antiaromatic nature of heptafulvene-based BDA framework.
High Abundance of genus Prevotella in the gut of perinatally HIV-infected children is associated with IP-10 levels despite therapy
Authors: Kaur Urvinder S. , Shet Anita , Rajnala Niharika , Gopalan Bindu Parachalil , Moar Preeti , D Himanshu , Singh Balendra Pratap , Chaturvedi Rupesh , Tandon Ravi
Published: November 2018

Perinatal HIV infection is characterized by faster HIV disease progression and higher initial rate of HIV replication compared to adults. While antiretroviral therapy (ART) has greatly reduced HIV replication to undetectable levels, there is persistent elevated inflammation associated with HIV disease progression. Alteration of gut microbiota is associated with increased inflammation in chronic adult HIV infection. Here, we aim to study the gut microbiome and its role in inflammation in treated and untreated HIV-infected children. Examination of fecal microbiota revealed that perinatally infected children living with HIV had significantly higher levels of genus Prevotella that persisted despite ART. These children also had higher levels of soluble CD14 (sCD14), a marker of microbial translocation, and IP-10 despite therapy. The Prevotella positively correlated with IP-10 levels in both treated and untreated HIV-infected children, while genus Prevotella and species Prevotella copri was inversely associated with CD4 count. Relative abundance of genus Prevotella and species Prevotella copri showed positive correlation with sCD14 in ART-suppressed perinatally HIV-infected children. Our study suggests that gut microbiota may serve as one of the driving forces behind the persistent inflammation in children despite ART. Reshaping of microbiota using probiotics may be recommended as an adjunctive therapy along with ART.
An accurate TMT-based approach to quantify and model lysine susceptibility to conjugation via N-hydroxysuccinimide esters in a monoclonal antibody
Authors: Hill Jennifer J. , Tremblay Tammy-Lynn , Corbeil Christopher R. , Purisima Enrico O. , Sulea Traian
Published: November 2018

Conjugation of small molecules to proteins through N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) esters results in a random distribution of small molecules on lysine residues and the protein N-terminus. While mass spectrometry methods have improved characterization of these protein conjugates, it remains a challenge to quantify the occupancy at individual sites of conjugation. Here, we present a method using Tandem Mass Tags (TMT) that enabled the accurate and sensitive quantification of occupancy at individual conjugation sites in the NIST monoclonal antibody. At conjugation levels relevant to antibody drug conjugates in the clinic, site occupancy data was obtained for 37 individual sites, with average site occupancy data across 2 adjacent lysines obtained for an additional 12 sites. Thus, altogether, a measure of site occupancy was obtained for 98% of the available primary amines. We further showed that removal of the Fc-glycan on the NIST mAb increased conjugation at two specific sites in the heavy chain, demonstrating the utility of this method to identify changes in the susceptibility of individual sites to conjugation. This improved site occupancy data allowed calibration of a bi-parametric linear model for predicting the susceptibility of individual lysines to conjugation from 3D-structure based on their solvent exposures and ionization constants. Trained against the experimental data for lysines from the Fab fragment, the model provided accurate predictions of occupancies at lysine sites from the Fc region and the protein N-terminus (R2 = 0.76). This predictive model will enable improved engineering of antibodies for optimal labeling with fluorophores, toxins, or crosslinkers.
Spatial analysis of the geographical distribution of thyroid cancer cases from the first-round thyroid ultrasound examination in Fukushima Prefecture
Authors: Nakaya Tomoki , Takahashi Kunihiko , Takahashi Hideto , Yasumura Seiji , Ohira Tetsuya , Ohto Hitoshi , Ohtsuru Akira , Midorikawa Sanae , Suzuki Shinichi , Shimura Hiroki , Yamashita Shunichi , Tanigawa Koichi , Kamiya Kenji
Published: November 2018

Following the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FNPP) accident on 11 March 2011, there have been concerns regarding the health impacts of the ensuing radioactive environmental contamination, which was spatially heterogeneous. This study aimed to assess the geographical variability of thyroid cancer prevalence among children and adolescents in Fukushima Prefecture. We computed the sex- and age-standardised prevalence ratio using 115 diagnosed or suspected thyroid cancer cases among approximately 300,000 examinees at the first-round ultrasound examination during 2011–2015 from 59 municipalities in the prefecture, under the Fukushima Health Management Survey. We applied flexibly shaped spatial scan statistics and the maximised excess events test on the dataset to detect locally anomalous high-prevalence regions. We also conducted Poisson regression with selected regional indicators. Furthermore, approximately 200 examinees showed positive ultrasound examination results but did not undergo confirmatory testing; thus, we employed simulation-based sensitivity tests to evaluate the possible effect of such undiagnosed cases in the statistical analysis. In conclusion, this study found no significant spatial anomalies/clusters or geographic trends of thyroid cancer prevalence among the ultrasound examinees, indicating that the thyroid cancer cases detected are unlikely to be attributable to regional factors, including radiation exposure resulting from the FNPP accident.
Circulating small non-coding RNAs associated with age, sex, smoking, body mass and physical activity
Authors: Rounge Trine B. , Umu Sinan U. , Keller Andreas , Meese Eckart , Ursin Giske , Tretli Steinar , Lyle Robert , Langseth Hilde
Published: November 2018

Small non-coding RNAs (sncRNA) are regulators of cell functions and circulating sncRNAs from the majority of RNA classes are potential non-invasive biomarkers. Understanding how common traits influence ncRNA expression is essential for assessing their biomarker potential. In this study, we identify associations between sncRNA expression and common traits (sex, age, self-reported smoking, body mass, self-reported physical activity). We used RNAseq data from 526 serum samples from the Janus Serum Bank and traits from health examination surveys. Ageing showed the strongest association with sncRNA expression, both in terms of statistical significance and number of RNAs, regardless of RNA class. piRNAs were abundant in the serum samples and they were associated to sex. Interestingly, smoking cessation generally restored RNA expression to non-smoking levels, although for some sncRNAs smoking-related expression levels persisted. Pathway analysis suggests that smoking-related sncRNAs target the cholinergic synapses and may therefore potentially play a role in smoking addiction. Our results show that common traits influence circulating sncRNA expression. It is clear that sncRNA biomarker analyses should be adjusted for age and sex. In addition, for specific sncRNAs, analyses should also be adjusted for body mass, smoking, physical activity and technical factors.
Sleep deprivation alters the time course but not magnitude of locomotor sensitization to cocaine
Authors: Bjorness Theresa E. , Greene Robert W.
Published: November 2018

Repeated exposure to drugs of abuse progressively increases the response to the same stimuli, a process known as sensitization. Behavioral sensitization to cocaine administration is often measured in non-human subjects via locomotor activity which is easily quantifiable. The effects of four hours of sleep deprivation on repeated cocaine (five daily and one challenge) showed attenuated hyperactivity on the first day only, compared to the non-deprived group. Both groups reached the same final level of sensitization, indicating that sleep deprivation altered the time course, but not magnitude of locomotor sensitization.
Author Correction: Ecological effects of full and partial protection in the crowded Mediterranean Sea: a regional meta-analysis
Authors: Giakoumi Sylvaine , Scianna Claudia , Plass-Johnson Jeremiah , Micheli Fiorenza , Grorud-Colvert Kirsten , Thiriet Pierre , Claudet Joachim , Di Carlo Giuseppe , Di Franco Antonio , Gaines Steven D. , García-Charton José A. , Lubchenco Jane , Reimer Jessica , Sala Enric , Guidetti Paolo
Published: November 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.