bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intergranular coesite and coesite inclusions in dolomite from the Dabie Shan: Constraints on the preservation of coesite in UHP rocks
Authors: Liu Penglei , Massonne Hans‐Joachim , Zhang Junfeng , Wu Yao , Jin Zhenmin
Published: March 2017

Intergranular coesite is extremely rare in, and bears crucial information on the formation and preservation of, ultrahigh‐pressure (UHP) rocks. Here, we report the first occurrence of intergranular coesite in a metasedimentary rock, which occurs in the Ganjialing area in the Dabie Shan, east‐central China, and contains abundant coesite inclusions in both garnet and dolomite. We investigated the content of structural water in these minerals with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Our new results undermine the ubiquity of the “pressure‐vessel” model and highlight the role of reaction kinetics in preserving coesite due to the availability of water in UHP rocks.
Multiword Constructions in the Grammar
Authors: Culicover Peter W. , Jackendoff Ray , Audring Jenny
Published: March 2017

There is ample evidence that speakers’ linguistic knowledge extends well beyond what can be described in terms of rules of compositional interpretation stated over combinations of single words. We explore a range of multiword constructions (MWCs) to get a handle both on the extent of the phenomenon and on the grammatical constraints that may govern it. We consider idioms of various sorts, collocations, compounds, light verbs, syntactic nuts, and assorted other constructions, as well as morphology. Our conclusion is thatMWCs highlight the central role that grammar plays in licensingMWCs in the lexicon and the creation of novelMWCs, and they help to clarify how the lexicon articulates with the rest of the grammar.
Identification of the phosphorylation targets of symbiotic receptor‐like kinases using a high‐throughput multiplexed assay for kinase specificity
Authors: Jayaraman Dhileepkumar , Richards Alicia L. , Westphall Michael S. , Coon Joshua J. , Ané Jean‐Michel
Published: March 2017

Detecting the phosphorylation substrates of multiple kinases in a single experiment is a challenge, and new techniques are being developed to overcome this challenge. Here, we used a multiplexed assay for kinase specificity (MAKS) to identify the substrates directly and to map the phosphorylation site(s) of plant symbiotic receptor‐like kinases. The symbiotic receptor‐like kinases nodulation receptor‐like kinase (NORK) and lysin motif domain‐containing receptor‐like kinase 3 (LYK3) are indispensable for the establishment of root nodule symbiosis. Although some interacting proteins have been identified for these symbiotic receptor‐like kinases, very little is known about their phosphorylation substrates. Using this high‐throughput approach, we identified several other potential phosphorylation targets for both these symbiotic receptor‐like kinases. In particular, we also discovered the phosphorylation of LYK3 by NORK itself, which was also confirmed by pairwise kinase assays. Motif analysis of potential targets for these kinases revealed that the acidic motif xxxsDxxx was common to both of them. In summary, this high‐throughput technique catalogs the potential phosphorylation substrates of multiple kinases in a single efficient experiment, the biological characterization of which should provide a better understanding of phosphorylation signaling cascade in symbiosis.
Using direct antiglobulin test results to reduce unnecessary cold agglutinin testing
Authors: Wilen Craig B. , Booth Garrett S. , Grossman Brenda J. , Lane William J. , Szklarski Penny C. , Jackups Ronald
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

Cold agglutinin disease (CAD) is a rare autoimmune hemolytic anemia mediated by autoantibodies that preferentially react at 4°C. Laboratory testing for cold‐reactive autoantibodies is laborious and may not be ordered judiciously, particularly in patients with a negative direct antiglobulin test (DAT). We sought to determine whether a negative DAT using anti‐human complement (anti‐C3) rules out elevated cold agglutinin (CA) titers and the diagnosis of CAD.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective study of patients with a CA test performed at three major academic medical centers: Barnes‐Jewish Hospital (2003‐2014), Vanderbilt University Medical Center (2007‐2009), and Massachusetts General Hospital (2009‐2014).

RESULTS

This study included 801 patients, of whom 51% (n = 410) had a DAT within the 7 days before CA testing. A total of 98% of patients with a negative DAT using anti‐C3 had a negative CA titer (<64). Only five subjects had a negative DAT using anti‐C3 and an elevated CA titer.

CONCLUSIONS

Overutilization of CA testing could be reduced by establishing laboratory acceptance criteria based on a positive DAT using anti‐C3. Such acceptance criteria would have reduced CA testing by 68% for those with an available DAT result.
Estimation of consistent wet period characteristics for further improvement of water resources studies
Authors: Tarawneh Zeyad
Published: March 2017

This study presents an analysis of consistent wet periods for further improvement of water resources studies. While previous studies have focused on characterizing dry periods, this study uses tree‐ring reconstructed precipitation to detect the occurrence of wet periods of magnitude larger than what can be achieved from the analysis of the historical precipitation records. Tree‐ring reconstructed precipitation for Madaba region in Jordan that began in 1743 was used. The analysis of the historical precipitation indicated the occurrence of short wet periods (1–4 years). The analysis of the 239 years of the reconstructed precipitation indicated the occurrence of long wet periods (7 years), and wet period magnitude of 551 mm, that is 20% larger than the observed from the analysis of historical precipitation. Furthermore, this study presents theoretical formulation that can be used to estimate the expected number of wet events of desired length that could emerge during the operation period of surface resources.
Electrochemical recovery of hydrogen from coal acid mine drainage for the enhancement of sulphate reduction using grass cellulose as carbon source
Authors: Mulopo Jean
Published: March 2017

This paper investigates the generation of hydrogen at the cathode in an electrolytic cell treating acid mine drainage (AMD) and the effect of the generated hydrogen on the biological removal of sulphate using grass cellulose. The performance of the bioreactors was assessed by means of sulphate reduction, chemical oxygen demand (COD), and volatile fatty acid (VFA) utilization. To this end, two batch reactors, A, B were operated similarly with the exception of the addition of hydrogen. Reactor A received no hydrogen to act as a control, while reactor B received hydrogen for the experimental duration. Further experiments were conducted to investigate the feasibility of sulphide oxidation to elemental sulphur using air. The results show that during sulphide oxidation, the sulphate concentration decreased from 364 to 183 mg/L, a decrease of 50% and the concentration of sulphide decreased from 163 to 70 mg/L, a decrease of 57%.
The Effect of Hypnosis on Anxiety in Patients With Cancer: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Chen Pei‐Ying , Liu Ying‐Mei , Chen Mei‐Ling
Published: March 2017

Background

Anxiety is a common form of psychological distress in patients with cancer. One recognized nonpharmacological intervention to reduce anxiety for various populations is hypnotherapy or hypnosis. However, its effect in reducing anxiety in cancer patients has not been systematically evaluated.

Aim

This meta‐analysis was designed to synthesize the immediate and sustained effects of hypnosis on anxiety of cancer patients and to identify moderators for these hypnosis effects.

Methods

Qualified studies including randomized controlled trials (RCT) and pre‐post design studies were identified by searching seven electronic databases: Scopus, Medline Ovidsp, PubMed, PsycInfo–Ovid, Academic Search Premier, CINAHL Plus with FT‐EBSCO, and SDOL. Effect size (Hedges’ g) was computed for each study. Random‐effect modeling was used to combine effect sizes across studies. All statistical analyses were conducted with Comprehensive Meta‐Analysis, version 2 (Biostat, Inc., Englewood, NJ, USA).

Results

Our meta‐analysis of 20 studies found that hypnosis had a significant immediate effect on anxiety in cancer patients (Hedges’ g: 0.70–1.41, p < .01) and the effect was sustained (Hedges’ g: 0.61–2.77, p < .01). The adjusted mean effect size (determined by Duvan and Tweedie's trim‐and‐fill method) was 0.46. RCTs had a significantly higher effect size than non‐RCT studies. Higher mean effect sizes were also found with pediatric study samples, hematological malignancy, studies on procedure‐related stressors, and with mixed‐gender samples. Hypnosis delivered by a therapist was significantly more effective than self‐hypnosis.

Linking Evidence to Action

Hypnosis can reduce anxiety of cancer patients, especially for pediatric cancer patients who experience procedure‐related stress. We recommend therapist‐delivered hypnosis should be preferred until more effective self‐hypnosis strategies are developed.
Rehabilitation programs after the implantation of transfemoral osseointegrated fixations for bone-anchored prostheses: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Vertriest Sofie , Pather Shanthan , Sondergeld Peter , Ramis Mary-Anne , Frossard Laurent
Published: March 2017

Review question:

The primary objective of this scoping review is to characterize rehabilitation programs for individuals with transfemoral amputation following the implantation of screw-type or press-fit osseointegrated fixations for bone-anchored prostheses.

The secondary objective of this review is to describe partial weight bearing exercises including static and dynamic exercises as well as use of walking aids in each rehabilitation program for screw-type and press-fit fixations.

The third objective of this review is to compare key rehabilitation parameters for various partial weight bearing exercises (e.g. type of training prosthesis, loading time and progression, monitoring of loading, loading direction, instructions given to patients and the use of loading regulators) within each program for screw-type and press-fit fixations (intra-variability) and between programs for screw-type and press-fit fixations (inter-variability).

The specific review questions are

What are the intra-variabilities within rehabilitation programs corresponding to the differences in rehabilitation parameters within programs for each screw-type (Q1) and press-fit (Q2) fixations?

What are the inter-variabilities between rehabilitation programs corresponding to the differences in rehabilitation parameters between programs for screw-type and press-fit fixations (Q3)?
Self-Assembled Axisymmetric Microscale Periodic Wrinkles on Elastomer Fibers
Authors: Geng Jian , Taibur Rahman Md. , Panat Rahul , Li Lei
Published: March 2017

In this work, we demonstrate a novel scalable microscale manufacturing technique that uses structural self-assembly to create controlled ring-shaped periodic perturbations in the form of wrinkles on a polymer fiber concentric to the fiber axis. The wrinkles are generated by stretching a soft polymer fiber made of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to strains ranging from 10% to 200%, followed by an ultraviolet (UV)/ozone exposure to create a hard SiOx film over the soft fiber before releasing the fiber strain. We identified the key variables controlling the wavelength of the microscale wrinkles. Possible applications of the method in optical and other devices are discussed.
Salt-Induced Swelling and Volume Phase Transition of Polyelectrolyte Gels
Authors: Yu Yalin , Landis Chad M. , Huang Rui
Published: March 2017

A theoretical model of polyelectrolyte gels is presented to study continuous and discontinuous volume phase transitions induced by changing salt concentration in the external solution. Phase diagrams are constructed in terms of the polymer–solvent interaction parameters, external salt concentration, and concentration of fixed charges. Comparisons with previous experiments for an ionized acrylamide gel in mixed water–acetone solvents are made with good quantitative agreement for a monovalent salt (NaCl) but fair qualitative agreement for a divalent salt (MgCl2), using a simple set of parameters for both cases. The effective polymer–solvent interactions vary with the volume fraction of acetone in the mixed solvent, leading to either continuous or discontinuous volume transitions. The presence of divalent ions (Mg2+) in addition to monovalent ions in the external solution reduces the critical salt concentration for the discontinuous transition by several orders of magnitude. Moreover, a secondary continuous transition is predicted between two highly swollen states for the case of a divalent salt. The present model may be further extended to study volume phase transitions of polyelectrolyte gels in response to other stimuli such as temperature, pH and electrical field.
Path-Following Bifurcation Analysis of Church Bell Dynamics
Authors: Simon Chong Escobar Antonio , Brzeski Piotr , Wiercigroch Marian , Perlikowski Przemyslaw
Published: March 2017

In this paper, we perform a path-following bifurcation analysis of church bell to gain an insight into the governing dynamics of the yoke–bell–clapper system. We use an experimentally validated hybrid dynamical model based on the detailed measurements of a real church bell. Numerical analysis is performed both by a direct numerical integration and a path-following methods using a new numerical toolbox ABESPOL (Chong, 2016, “Numerical Modeling and Stability Analysis of Non-Smooth Dynamical Systems Via ABESPOL,” Ph.D. thesis, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK) based on COCO (Dankowicz and Schilder, Recipes for Continuation (Computational Science and Engineering), Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics, Philadelphia, PA). We constructed one-parameter diagrams that allow to characterize the most common dynamical states and to investigate the mechanisms of their dynamic stability. A novel method allowing to locate the regions in the parameters' space ensuring robustness of bells' effective performance is presented.
Identification of Similar and Complementary Subparts in B-Rep Mechanical Models
Authors: Giannini Franca , Lupinetti Katia , Monti Marina
Published: March 2017

Content-based retrieval is particularly important for exploiting company model databases and online catalogs. To allow the identification of reusable part models possibly fitting with the product under development, methods for the similarity assessment between shapes should be provided in terms of both global and partial shape matching. In this perspective, this paper proposes a method directly working on B-rep models for 3D model retrieval, which does not require any model conversion to triangular meshes and in addition to global and partial matching allows the identification of components that may likely be assembled with a given model.
Residual Stress Distribution in Silicon Wafers Machined by Rotational Grinding
Authors: Zhou Ping , Yan Ying , Huang Ning , Wang Ziguang , Kang Renke , Guo Dongming
Published: March 2017

Subsurface damage (SSD) and grinding damage-induced stress (GDIS) are a focus of attention in the study of grinding mechanisms. Our previous study proposed a load identification method and analyzed the GDIS in a silicon wafer ground (Zhou et al., 2016, “A Load Identification Method for the GDIS Distribution in Silicon Wafers,” Int. J. Mach. Tools Manuf., 107, pp. 1–7.). In this paper, a more concise method for GDIS analysis is proposed. The new method is based on the curvature analysis of the chip deformation, and a deterministic solution of residual stress can be derived out. Relying on the new method, this study investigates the GDIS distribution feature in the silicon wafer ground by a #600 diamond wheel (average grit size 24 μm). The analysis results show that the two principal stresses in the damage layer are closer to each other than that ground by the #3000 diamond wheel (average grit size 4 μm), which indicates that the GDIS distribution feature in a ground silicon wafer is related to the depth of damage layer. Moreover, the GDIS distribution presents a correlation with crystalline orientation. To clarify these results, SSD is observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It is found that the type of defects under the surface is more diversified and irregular than that observed in the silicon surface ground by the #3000 diamond wheel. Additionally, it is found that most cracks initiate and propagate along the slip plane due to the high shear stress and high dislocation density instead of the tensile stress which is recognized as the dominant factor of crack generation in a brittle materials grinding process.
Enhancing Engineering Students' Performance on Design Task: The Box of Parts
Authors: Bairaktarova Diana , Graziano William , Cox Monica
Published: March 2017

Most definitions of engineering give machines and mechanical objects a central role. Engineers are makers and users of mechanical objects in their environment. Research supports the notion that interactions with engineered artifacts enhance engineering learning. This study introduces a task simulating a real-world engineering application and uses this task to examine how aptitudes, interests, and direct manipulation of mechanical objects influence performance. We hypothesized that engineering students would generate better assembly instructions when they had the box of component parts (BOP) than when they had the engineering drawing only. We also hypothesized that student's mechanical aptitude (MA) and interests in things each would interact with experimental condition's impact on performance. First-year engineering students (N = 383) created assembly instructions in a mixed experimental and correlational design. A random half was assigned to create instructions with a drawing only, whereas the other half created with both a drawing and a box of component parts present. Assembly instructions were evaluated by professional engineers blind to experimental conditions. They rated instructions from the BOP group as superior to those coming from the control group. Students with greater mechanical aptitude received better evaluations, but there was no evidence the experimental variable was moderated either by mechanical aptitude or by thing orientation (TO). This study suggests that mechanical objects can enhance engineering instruction, especially when they are aligned with professional practice.
Function Prediction at One Inaccessible Point Using Converging Lines
Authors: Zhang Yiming , Park Chanyoung , Kim Nam H. , Haftka Raphael T.
Published: March 2017

The focus of this paper is a strategy for making a prediction at a point where a function cannot be evaluated. The key idea is to take advantage of the fact that prediction is needed at one point and not in the entire domain. This paper explores the possibility of predicting a multidimensional function using multiple one-dimensional lines converging on the inaccessible point. The multidimensional approximation is thus transformed into several one-dimensional approximations, which provide multiple estimates at the inaccessible point. The Kriging model is adopted in this paper for the one-dimensional approximation, estimating not only the function value but also the uncertainty of the estimate at the inaccessible point. Bayesian inference is then used to combine multiple predictions along lines. We evaluated the numerical performance of the proposed approach using eight-dimensional and 100-dimensional functions in order to illustrate the usefulness of the method for mitigating the curse of dimensionality in surrogate-based predictions. Finally, we applied the method of converging lines to approximate a two-dimensional drag coefficient function. The method of converging lines proved to be more accurate, robust, and reliable than a multidimensional Kriging surrogate for single-point prediction.
The Relationship Between Design Outcomes and Mental States During Ideation
Authors: Hu Wan-Lin , Booth Joran W. , Reid Tahira
Published: March 2017

Using electroencephalography (EEG) to predict design outcomes could be used in many applications as it facilitates the correlation of engagement and cognitive workload with ideation effectiveness. It also establishes a basis for the connection between EEG measurements and common constructs in engineering design research. In this paper, we propose a support vector machine (SVM)-based prediction model for design outcomes using EEG metrics and some demographic factors as predictors. We trained and validated the model with more than 100 concepts, and then evaluated the relationship between EEG data and concept-level measures of novelty, quality, and elaboration. The results characterize the combination of engagement and workload that is correlated with good design outcomes. Findings also suggest that EEG technologies can be used to partially replace or augment traditional ideation metrics and to improve the efficacy of ideation research.
Enhancing Full-Film Lubrication Performance Via Arbitrary Surface Texture Design
Authors: Hoon Lee Yong , Schuh Jonathon K. , Ewoldt Randy H. , Allison James T.
Published: March 2017

Minimizing energy loss and improving system load capacity and compactness are important objectives for fluid power systems. Recent studies reveal that microtextured surfaces can reduce friction in full-film lubrication, and that asymmetric textures can reduce friction and increase normal force simultaneously. As an extension of these previous discoveries, we explore how enhanced texture design can maximize these objectives together. We design surface texture using a set of distinct parameterizations, ranging from simple to complex, to improve performance beyond what is possible for previously investigated texture geometries. Here, we consider a rotational tribo-rheometer configuration with a fixed textured bottom disk and a rotating top flat disk with controlled separation gap. To model Newtonian fluid flow, the Reynolds equation is formulated in cylindrical coordinates and solved using a pseudospectral method. Model assumptions include incompressibility, steady flow, constant viscosity, and a small gap height to disk radius ratio. Multi-objective optimization problems are solved using the epsilon-constraint method along with an interior-point (IP) nonlinear programming algorithm. The trade-off between competing objectives is quantified, revealing mechanisms of performance enhancement. Various geometries are explored and optimized, including symmetric and asymmetric circular dimples, and novel arbitrary continuous texture geometries represented using two-dimensional cubic spline interpolation. Shifting from simple dimpled textures to more general texture geometries resulted in significant simultaneous improvement in both performance metrics for full-film lubrication texture design. An important qualitative result is that textures resembling a spiral blade tend to improve performance for rotating contacts.
High Temperature Fatigue of Welded Joints—Experimental Investigation and Local Analysis of Butt Welded Flat and Cruciform Specimens
Authors: Langschwager Kay , Rudolph Jürgen , Scholz Alfred , Oechsner Matthias
Published: March 2017

Austenitic stainless steel of type X6CrNiNb18-10 exhibits advantageous mechanical and chemical properties and is a common material for numerous applications in the nuclear power plant and chemical industries. Besides the mechanical strain induced by high pressure, the fatigue life in welded pipelines is affected by additional thermomechanical strains due to thermal loading. The welding process mainly determines the geometry and metallurgical constitution of the welded joint. Therefore, the butt welds additionally influence the strain gradient along the component and reduce its lifetime. While the base and weld material are similar, they show different softening and hardening behavior, especially at ambient temperature. Cyclic hardening occurs in the base material, whereas cyclic softening can be observed in the weld material. The hardness distribution along the welded joint reveals no clear differentiation of the base material, the heat affected zone, and the weld material. The attributes of the individual materials cannot be transferred to the welded joint automatically. Thus, the analysis of the interaction between the materials along the welded joint is a main topic of this research. To this end, digital image correlation (DIC) is used for different kinds of specimens and load conditions. The position along the testing area at which fatigue failure occurs depends on the specimen type and the load condition but not on the temperature. Further, isothermal and anisothermal fatigue tests on welded cruciform specimens are presented. The common practice of the effective strain is discussed for the analyzed conditions.
Changes in Joint Contact Mechanics in a Large Quadrupedal Animal Model After Partial Meniscectomy and a Focal Cartilage Injury
Authors: Heckelsmiller David J. , James Rudert M. , Baer Thomas E. , Pedersen Douglas R. , Fredericks Douglas C. , Goetz Jessica E.
Published: March 2017

Acute mechanical damage and the resulting joint contact abnormalities are central to the initiation and progression of post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA). Study of PTOA is typically performed in vivo with replicate animals using artificially induced injury features. The goal of this work was to measure changes in a joint contact stress in the knee of a large quadruped after creation of a clinically realistic overload injury and a focal cartilage defect. Whole-joint overload was achieved by excising a 5-mm wedge of the anterior medial meniscus. Focal cartilage defects were created using a custom pneumatic impact gun specifically developed and mechanically characterized for this work. To evaluate the effect of these injuries on joint contact mechanics, Tekscan (Tekscan, Inc., South Boston, MA) measurements were obtained pre-operatively, postmeniscectomy, and postimpact (1.2-J) in a nonrandomized group of axially loaded cadaveric sheep knees. Postmeniscectomy, peak contact stress in the medial compartment is increased by 71% (p = 0.03) and contact area is decreased by 35% (p = 0.001); the center of pressure (CoP) shifted toward the cruciate ligaments in both the medial (p = 0.004) and lateral (p = 0.03) compartments. The creation of a cartilage defect did not significantly change any aspect of contact mechanics measured in the meniscectomized knee. This work characterizes the mechanical environment present in a quadrupedal animal knee joint after two methods to reproducibly induce joint injury features that lead to PTOA.
Interface Characterization of Al–Cu Microlaminates Fabricated By Electrically Assisted Roll Bonding
Authors: Moradi Marzyeh , Ng Man-Kwan , Lee Taekyung , Cao Jian , Picard Yoosuf N.
Published: March 2017

Interface characteristics of Al/Cu microlaminates fabricated by an electrically assisted roll bonding (EARB) process were studied to understand the underlying physical/chemical phenomena that lead to bond strength enhancement when applying electrical current during deformation. Peel tests were conducted for the Al/Cu roll-bonded laminates produced under 0 A, 50 A, and 150 A applied current. After peel tests using a microtensile machine, the fractured surfaces of both the Al and Cu–sides were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for fractography and SEM-based energy dispersive (EDS) analysis. Results revealed the strong dependence of the fracture path and its morphology on the strength of the bond, which is influenced by various phenomena occurring at the interface during EARB, such as microextrusion through surface microcracks, possible formation of intermetallic components and thermal softening during simultaneous application of strain and high current density.
Why are grizzlies dying on Canada's railway tracks?
Authors: Derworiz Colette
Published: March 2017

Flurry of studies offers ways to keep wildlife safe from speeding trains.
A matter of fact
Authors: Malakoff David
Published: March 2017

Does a postfactual era threaten evidence-based policymaking?
Politics vs. data on needle swaps
Authors: Malakoff David
Published: March 2017

Unfounded worries about promoting drug use undermine needle exchange.
Clear findings, smoggy debate
Authors: Malakoff David
Published: March 2017

Cleaner air healthier air, but debate continues over costs.
A simple recipe for saving lives
Authors: Malakoff David
Published: March 2017

Oral rehydration therapy is a triumph for evidence.
Lifetime of the solar nebula constrained by meteorite paleomagnetism
Authors: Wang Huapei , Weiss Benjamin P. , Bai Xue-Ning , Downey Brynna G. , Wang Jun , Wang Jiajun , Suavet Clément , Fu Roger R. , Zucolotto Maria E.
Published: March 2017

Meteorite magnetism in the early solar system

The young solar system contained a disc of gas and dust within which planet formation occurred. The disc eventually dissipated after the Sun ignited and the planets formed, but exactly when that happened has been difficult to determine. Wang
et al.
measured tiny magnetic fields preserved in angrites, an ancient type of meteorite. They interpret a drop in magnetic field strength about 4 million years after the solar system formed as a sign that the gas had cleared—along with the magnetic field that it carried. The results will enhance our understanding of planet formation, both in our solar system and around other Sun-like stars.

Science
, this issue p.
623
Activity-dependent spatially localized miRNA maturation in neuronal dendrites
Authors: Sambandan Sivakumar , Akbalik Güney , Kochen Lisa , Rinne Jennifer , Kahlstatt Josefine , Glock Caspar , Tushev Georgi , Alvarez-Castelao Beatriz , Heckel Alexander , Schuman Erin M.
Published: March 2017

Intraneuronal control of protein expression

In cells and tissues, mRNA copy numbers far exceed the number of micro RNAs (miRNAs). How then can a miRNA effectively regulate translation of a particular target mRNA? Sambandan
et al.
used high-resolution in situ hybridization to detect precursor miRNA in rat neuronal dendrites. They introduced a fluorescent miRNA maturation reporter into hippocampal neurons and detected activity-dependent maturation of the probe in both the soma and dendrites. This local maturation of the miRNA was indeed associated with a local reduction in protein synthesis. Thus, localized miRNA maturation can modulate target gene expression with local and temporal precision.

Science
, this issue p.
634
Decoupled ecomorphological evolution and diversification in Neogene-Quaternary horses
Authors: Cantalapiedra J. L. , Prado J. L. , Hernández Fernández M. , Alberdi M. T.
Published: March 2017

What drives divergence?

Horse evolution has long been held as a classic example of adaptive radiation. It has
been thought that an increase in the height of cheek teeth opened up new grass
resources, leading to divergence. Cantalapiedra
et al.
, however, found
that although the Equinae have experienced high levels of divergence, these splits do
not appear to have been related initially to specific phenotypic changes. Instead, it
seems that external environmental drivers and patterns of migration and isolation
initiated population divergence, with phenotypic changes emerging once lineages had
begun to divide.

Science
, this issue p.
627
Solving the quantum many-body problem with artificial neural networks
Authors: Carleo Giuseppe , Troyer Matthias
Published: March 2017

Machine learning and quantum physics

Elucidating the behavior of quantum interacting systems of many particles remains one of the biggest challenges in physics. Traditional numerical methods often work well, but some of the most interesting problems leave them stumped. Carleo and Troyer harnessed the power of machine learning to develop a variational approach to the quantum many-body problem (see the Perspective by Hush). The method performed at least as well as state-of-the-art approaches, setting a benchmark for a prototypical two-dimensional problem. With further development, it may well prove a valuable piece in the quantum toolbox.

Science
, this issue p.
602
; see also p.
580
On the deep-mantle origin of the Deccan Traps
Authors: Glišović Petar , Forte Alessandro M.
Published: March 2017

Double trouble for the Deccan Traps

The continental flood basalts in India known as the Deccan Traps formed from a massive outpouring of lava around the time that dinosaurs went extinct. The event dramatically reshaped the landscape and altered the climate. Glišović and Forte used time-reversed convection modeling to reconstruct the origin of this giant magmatic event. They found that two different deep mantle hotspots joined forces about 65 million years ago to produce one of the largest volcanic features on Earth.

Science
, this issue p.
613
Redox-based reagents for chemoselective methionine bioconjugation
Authors: Lin Shixian , Yang Xiaoyu , Jia Shang , Weeks Amy M. , Hornsby Michael , Lee Peter S. , Nichiporuk Rita V. , Iavarone Anthony T. , Wells James A. , Toste F. Dean , Chang Christopher J.
Published: March 2017

Targeting proteins at the other sulfur

As the only amino acid with a thiol (SH) group, cysteine is easily targeted for site-selective protein modifications. Hydrophobic methionine also has sulfur in its side chain, but its capping methyl group has hindered analogous targeting efforts. Lin
et al.
introduce a complementary protocol to tether new substituents exclusively to methionine, even in the presence of cysteine. They used an oxaziridine group as an oxidant to form sulfimide (S=N) linkages. The approach allowed antibody-drug conjugation and chemoproteomic screening for reactive methionine surface residues.

Science
, this issue p.
597
Game changers
Evolution: Climate
North Star Games, 2016.
Catan Scenarios: Oil Springs
Mayfair Games, 2011.
Authors: Chuang Angela
Published: March 2017

A pair of climate-focused expansions promises smart fun for board game enthusiasts
TZAP or not to zap telomeres
Authors: Lossaint Gérald , Lingner Joachim
Published: March 2017

A protein triggers the trimming of overly long chromosomes
M. G. K. Menon (1928–2016)
Authors: Sreekantan Badanaval Venkatasubba , Cowsik Ram
Published: March 2017

A pioneer in particle physics and a great statesman for science in India
Dosage-dependent regulation of
VAV2
expression by steroidogenic factor-1 drives adrenocortical carcinoma cell invasion
Authors: Ruggiero Carmen , Doghman-Bouguerra Mabrouka , Sbiera Silviu , Sbiera Iuliu , Parsons Maddy , Ragazzon Bruno , Morin Aurélie , Robidel Estelle , Favier Judith , Bertherat Jérôme , Fassnacht Martin , Lalli Enzo
Published: March 2017

Inhibiting the guanine nucleotide exchange factor VAV2 may prevent metastatic progression of adrenocortical carcinoma.
Papers of note in
Science
355
(6328)
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: March 2017

This week's articles highlight immune receptors that protect rice from a fungal pathogen without reducing crop yield, an engineered opioid receptor agonist that relieves pain without side effects, structural analysis of a voltage-gated sodium channel, and the biophysics of bacteriorhodopsin folding.
Papers of note in
Science Translational Medicine
9
(379)
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: March 2017

This week’s articles identify a potential marker by which to stratify patients for immunotherapy and the ability of gut microbes to influence host behavior and intestinal function.
UV radiation induces a gene’s dual functionality
Authors: Mushegian Alexandra A.
Published: March 2017

A protein and noncoding RNA encoded by the same gene have opposing roles in the response to UV radiation–induced damage.
Structural Alteration of OmpR as a Source of Ertapenem Resistance in a CTX-M-15-Producing Escherichia coli O25b:H4 Sequence Type 131 Clinical Isolate
Authors: Dupont Hervé , Choinier Pascaline , Roche David , Adiba Sandine , Sookdeb Megan , Branger Catherine , Denamur Erick , Mammeri Hedi
Published: March 2017

In this study, an ertapenem-nonsusceptible
Escherichia coli
isolate was investigated to determine the genetic basis for its carbapenem resistance phenotype. This clinical strain was recovered from a patient that received, 1 year previously, ertapenem to treat a cholangitis due to a carbapenem-susceptible extended-spectrum-β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing
E. coli
isolate. Whole-genome sequencing of these strains was performed using Illumina and single-molecule real-time sequencing technologies. It revealed that they belonged to the ST131 clonal group, had the predicted O25b:H4 serotype, and produced the CTX-M-15 and TEM-1 β-lactamases. One nucleotide substitution was identified between these strains. It affected the
ompR
gene, which codes for a regulatory protein involved in the control of OmpC/OmpF porin expression, creating a Gly-63-Val substitution. The role of OmpR alteration was confirmed by a complementation experiment that fully restored the susceptibility to ertapenem of the clinical isolate. A modeling study showed that the Gly-63-Val change displaced the histidine-kinase phosphorylation site. SDS-PAGE analysis revealed that the ertapenem-nonsusceptible
E. coli
strain had a decreased expression of OmpC/OmpF porins. No significant defect in the growth rate or in the resistance to
Dictyostelium discoideum
amoeba phagocytosis was found in the ertapenem-nonsusceptible
E. coli
isolate compared to its susceptible parental strain. Our report demonstrates for the first time that ertapenem resistance may emerge clinically from ESBL-producing
E. coli
due to mutations that modulate the OmpR activity.
High Prevalence and Predominance of the
aph(2″)-If
Gene Conferring Aminoglycoside Resistance in Campylobacter
Authors: Yao Hong , Liu Dejun , Wang Yang , Zhang Qijing , Shen Zhangqi
Published: March 2017

Campylobacter
is a major foodborne pathogen, and previous studies revealed that
Campylobacter
isolates from food-producing animals are increasingly resistant to gentamicin in China. The molecular epidemiology and genetic mechanisms responsible for gentamicin resistance in China have not been well understood. In this study, 607
Campylobacter
isolates of chicken and swine origins collected in 2014 were analyzed, revealing that 15.6% (25/160) of the
Campylobacter jejuni
isolates and 79.9% (357/447) of the
Campylobacter coli
isolates were resistant to gentamicin. PCR detection of the gentamicin resistance genes indicated that
aph(2″)-If
was more prevalent than the previously identified
aacA/aphD
gene and has become the dominant gentamicin resistance determinant in
Campylobacter
. Transformation and whole-genome sequencing as well as long-range PCR discovered that
aph(2″)-If
was located on a chromosomal segment inserted between two conserved genes, Cj0299 and
panB
. Cloning of
aph(2″)-If
into gentamicin-susceptible
C. jejuni
NCTC 11168 confirmed its function in conferring high-level resistance to gentamicin and kanamycin. Molecular typing by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis suggested that both regional expansion of a particular clone and horizontal transmission were involved in the dissemination of the
aph(2″)-If
gene in
Campylobacter
. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing the high prevalence of a chromosomally encoded
aph(2″)-If
gene in
Campylobacter
. The high prevalence and predominance of this gene might be driven by the use of aminoglycoside antibiotics in food animal production in China and potentially compromise the usefulness of gentamicin as a therapeutic agent for
Campylobacter
-associated systemic infection.
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Minocycline against Acinetobacter baumannii in a Neutropenic Murine Pneumonia Model
Authors: Zhou Jian , Ledesma Kimberly R. , Chang Kai-Tai , Abodakpi Henrietta , Gao Song , Tam Vincent H.
Published: March 2017

Multidrug-resistant (MDR)
Acinetobacter baumannii
is increasingly more prevalent in nosocomial infections. Although
in vitro
susceptibility of
A. baumannii
to minocycline is promising, the
in vivo
efficacy of minocycline has not been well established. In this study, the
in vivo
activity of minocycline was evaluated in a neutropenic murine pneumonia model. Specifically, we investigated the relationship between minocycline exposure and bactericidal activity using five
A. baumannii
isolates with a broad range of susceptibility (MIC ranged from 0.25 mg/liter to 16 mg/liter). The pharmacokinetics of minocycline (single dose of 25 mg/kg of body weight, 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, and a humanized regimen, given intraperitoneally) in serum and epithelial lining fluid (ELF) were characterized. Dose linearity was observed for doses up to 50 mg/kg and pulmonary penetration ratios (area under the concentration-time curve in ELF from 0 to 24 h [AUC
ELF,0–24
]/area under the concentration time curve in serum from 0 to 24 h [AUC
serum,0–24
]) ranged from 2.5 to 2.8. Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamics (PK-PD) index values in ELF for various dose regimens against different
A. baumannii
isolates were calculated. The maximum efficacy at 24 h was approximately 1.5-log-unit reduction of pulmonary bacterial burdens from baseline. The AUC/MIC ratio was the PK-PD index most closely correlating to the bacterial burden (
r
2
= 0.81). The required AUC
ELF,0–24
/MIC for maintaining stasis and achieving 1-log-unit reduction were 140 and 410, respectively. These findings could guide the treatment of infections caused by
A. baumannii
using minocycline in the future. Additional studies to examine resistance development during therapy are warranted.
Impact of High-Level Daptomycin Resistance in the Streptococcus mitis Group on Virulence and Survivability during Daptomycin Treatment in Experimental Infective Endocarditis
Authors: Garcia-de-la-Maria C. , Xiong Y. Q. , Pericas J. M. , Armero Y. , Moreno A. , Mishra N. N. , Rybak M. J. , Tran T. T. , Arias C. A. , Sullam P. M. , Bayer A. S. , Miro J. M.
Published: March 2017

Among the viridans group streptococci, the
Streptococcus mitis
group is the most common cause of infective endocarditis. These bacteria have a propensity to be β-lactam resistant, as well as to rapidly develop high-level and durable resistance to daptomycin (DAP). We compared a parental, daptomycin-susceptible (DAP
s
)
S. mitis/S. oralis
strain and its daptomycin-resistant (DAP
r
) variant in a model of experimental endocarditis in terms of (i) their relative fitness in multiple target organs in this model (vegetations, kidneys, spleen) when animals were challenged individually and in a coinfection strategy and (ii) their survivability during therapy with daptomycin-gentamicin (an
in vitro
combination synergistic against the parental strain). The DAP
r
variant was initially isolated from the cardiac vegetations of animals with experimental endocarditis caused by the parental DAP
s
strain following treatment with daptomycin. The parental strain and the DAP
r
variant were comparably virulent when animals were individually challenged. In contrast, in the coinfection model without daptomycin therapy, at both the 10
6
- and 10
7
-CFU/ml challenge inocula, the parental strain outcompeted the DAP
r
variant in all target organs, especially the kidneys and spleen. When the animals in the coinfection model of endocarditis were treated with DAP-gentamicin, the DAP
s
strain was completely eliminated, while the DAP
r
variant persisted in all target tissues. These data underscore that the acquisition of DAP
r
in
S. mitis/S. oralis
does come at an intrinsic fitness cost, although this resistance phenotype is completely protective against therapy with a potentially synergistic DAP regimen.
Praziquantel for Schistosomiasis: Single-Drug Metabolism Revisited, Mode of Action, and Resistance
Authors: Vale Nuno , Gouveia Maria João , Rinaldi Gabriel , Brindley Paul J. , Gärtner Fátima , Correia da Costa José M.
Published: March 2017

Schistosomiasis, a major neglected tropical disease, affects more than 250 million people worldwide. Treatment of schistosomiasis has relied on the anthelmintic drug praziquantel (PZQ) for more than a generation. PZQ is the drug of choice for the treatment of schistosomiasis; it is effective against all major forms of schistosomiasis, although it is less active against juvenile than mature parasites. A pyrazino-isoquinoline derivative, PZQ is not considered to be toxic and generally causes few or transient, mild side effects. Increasingly, mass drug administration targeting populations in sub-Saharan Africa where schistosomiasis is endemic has led to the appearance of reduced efficacy of PZQ, which portends the selection of drug-resistant forms of these pathogens. The synthesis of improved derivatives of PZQ is attracting attention, e.g., in the (i) synthesis of drug analogues, (ii) rational design of pharmacophores, and (iii) discovery of new compounds from large-scale screening programs. This article reviews reports from the 1970s to the present on the metabolism and mechanism of action of PZQ and its derivatives against schistosomes.
Prophylaxis with Isavuconazole or Posaconazole Protects Immunosuppressed Mice from Pulmonary Mucormycosis
Authors: Gebremariam Teclegiorgis , Alkhazraji Sondus , Baldin Clara , Kovanda Laura , Wiederhold Nathan P. , Ibrahim Ashraf S.
Published: March 2017

We assessed prophylactic or continuous therapy of isavuconazole, posaconazole, or voriconazole in treating pulmonary murine mucormycosis. In the prophylaxis studies, only isavuconazole treatment resulted in significantly improved survival and lowered tissue fungal burden of immunosuppressed mice infected with
Rhizopus delemar.
In the continuous treatment studies, isavuconazole and posaconazole, but not voriconazole, equally prolonged survival time and lowered tissue fungal burden compared to placebo-treated mice. These results support the use of isavuconazole and posaconazole in prophylaxis treatment.
Clinical Response of Tedizolid versus Linezolid in Acute Bacterial Skin and Skin Structure Infections by Severity Measure Using a Pooled Analysis from Two Phase 3 Double-Blind Trials
Authors: Sandison Taylor , De Anda Carisa , Fang Edward , Das Anita F. , Prokocimer Philippe
Published: March 2017

Tedizolid phosphate is approved for the treatment of acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI). In a pooled analysis of 1,333 ABSSSI patients from the ESTABLISH clinical trials, treatment with tedizolid or linezolid demonstrated similar early and posttherapy clinical responses in nonsevere and severe disease, irrespective of the parameters used to measure ABSSSI severity. Shorter 6-day treatment of ABSSSI, including those that were severe, with tedizolid phosphate demonstrated efficacy comparable to that of 10-day treatment with linezolid. (The ESTABLISH studies discussed in this paper have been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under identifiers NCT01170221 and NCT01421511.)