bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How to Host An Effective Data Competition: Statistical Advice for Competition Design and Analysis
Authors: Anderson‐Cook Christine M. , Myers Kary L. , Lu Lu , Fugate Michael L. , Quinlan Kevin R. , Pawley Norma
Published: February 2019

Data competitions rely on real‐time leaderboards to rank competitor entries and stimulate algorithm improvement. While such competitions have become quite popular and prevalent, particularly in supervised learning formats, their implementations by the host are highly variable. Without careful planning, a supervised learning competition is vulnerable to overfitting, where the winning solutions are so closely tuned to the particular set of provided data that they cannot generalize to the underlying problem of interest to the host. This paper outlines some important considerations for strategically designing relevant and informative data sets to maximize the learning outcome from hosting a competition based on our experience. It also describes a postcompetition analysis that enables robust and efficient assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of solutions from different competitors, as well as greater understanding of the regions of the input space that are well‐solved. The postcompetition analysis, which complements the leaderboard, uses exploratory data analysis and generalized linear models (GLMs). The GLMs not only expand the range of results we can explore, they also provide more detailed analysis of individual subquestions including similarities and differences between algorithms across different types of scenarios, universally easy or hard regions of the input space, and different learning objectives. When coupled with a strategically planned data generation approach, the methods provide richer and more informative summaries to enhance the interpretation of results beyond just the rankings on the leaderboard. The methods are illustrated with a recently completed competition to evaluate algorithms capable of detecting, identifying, and locating radioactive materials in an urban environment.
Fabricating Hybrid Microsphere Substrate Based PLGA‐CNT with In Situ Drug Release: Characterization and In Vitro Evaluation
Authors: Jafarbeglou Maryam , Abdouss Majid
Published: February 2019

A drug loaded hard tissue nanocomposite with poly‐lactic‐co‐glycolic acid (PLGA) and multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT's) fabricated using emulsification‐evaporation and subsequent sintering techniques. Desirable strength via presence of optimum amount and good dispersion of carbon nanotubes was achieved. Results show that by adding only 3% MWCNT's, the compressive strength and modulus was significantly increased compared to pure PLGA composite. SEM images showed adequate CNTs attachment and diffusion in the surfaces of nano and microspheres with uniform orientation. FTIR and X‐ray analyses firmly verified ingredients combination in substrates and evidenced drug and CNTs in their structure. This study explains the possibility of fabricating multifunctional, biocompatible, biodegradable nanocomposites as a hard tissue with controlled drug release.
Photodegradation of Malachite Green Catalyzed by Aqueous Iron(III)‐Citrate Complex: Roles of Iron(II) and Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Ou Xiaoxia , Zhang Fengjie , Zhang Chunhua , Zou Xuejun , Bi Xindan , Wang Dongfang , Li Hongcang , Zhang Shiqi
Published: February 2019

In this paper, photodegradation experiments of toxic dye malachite green (MG) by Fe(III), citric acid and their complexes were carried out, and the effects of citrate concentration, Fe(III) concentration, solution pH, and initial dye concentration on MG photodegradation were explored. It was found that the maximum removal efficiency of 95.9% could be achieved after 2 h for MG solution of 20 mg/L containing both 0.1 mM Fe(III) and 1 mM citrate. The MG photodegradation process fitted well with pseudo‐first‐order kinetics, and the observed pseudo‐first‐order reaction rate constant (k) was proportional to citrate concentrations. The photochemically formed Fe(II) and H2O2 showed good correlation with MG photodegradation rate by Fe(III)‐citrate complex. The presence of citrate enhanced the photoformation of Fe(II) and H2O2, and the continuous production of hydroxyl radical (•OH) played an important role in MG photodegradation.
Towards Infrared Electronic Eyes: Flexible Colloidal Quantum Dot Photovoltaic Detectors Enhanced by Resonant Cavity
Authors: Tang Xin , Ackerman Matthew M. , Shen Guohua , Guyot‐Sionnest Philippe
Published: February 2019

Electronic eye cameras are receiving increasing interest due to their unique advantages such as wide field of view, low aberrations, and simple imaging optics compared to conventional planar focal plane arrays. However, the spectral sensing ranges of most electronic eyes are confined to the visible, which is limited by the energy gaps of the sensing materials and by fabrication obstacles. Here, a potential route leading to infrared electronic eyes is demonstrated by exploring flexible colloidal quantum dot (CQD) photovoltaic detectors. Benefitting from their tunable optical response and the ease of fabrication as solution processable materials, mercury telluride (HgTe) CQD detectors with mechanical flexibility, wide spectral sensing range, fast response, and high detectivity are demonstrated. A strategy is provided to further enhance the light absorption in flexible detectors by integrating a Fabry–Perot resonant cavity. Integrated short‐wave IR detectors on flexible substrates have peak D* of 7.5 × 1010 Jones at 2.2 µm at room temperature and promise the development of infrared electronic eyes with high‐resolution imaging capability. Finally, infrared images are captured with the flexible CQD detectors at varying bending conditions, showing a practical approach to sensitive infrared electronic eyes beyond the visible range.
Interaction of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors with dopamine receptors in synaptic plasticity of the mouse insular cortex
Authors: Toyoda Hiroki
Published: February 2019

The insular cortex plays essential roles in nicotine addiction. However, much is still unknown about its cellular and synaptic mechanisms responsible for nicotine addiction. We have previously shown that in layer 5 pyramidal neurons of the mouse insular cortex, activation of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) suppresses synaptic potentiation through enhancing GABAergic synaptic transmission, although it enhances both glutamatergic and GABAergic synaptic transmission. In the present study, we examined whether dopamine receptors might contribute to the nicotine‐induced inhibition of synaptic potentiation. The nicotine‐induced inhibition of synaptic potentiation was decreased in the presence of a D1 dopamine receptor antagonist SCH23390 irrespective of the presence of a D2 dopamine receptor antagonist sulpiride, suggesting that D1 dopamine receptors are involved in nicotine‐induced inhibition. We also investigated how dopamine receptors might contribute to the nAChR‐induced enhancement of glutamatergic and GABAergic synaptic transmission. The nAChR‐induced enhancement of GABAergic synaptic transmission was decreased in the presence of SCH23390 irrespective of the presence of sulpiride, whereas that of glutamatergic synaptic transmission was not altered in the presence of SCH23390 and sulpiride. These results suggest that D1 dopamine receptors are involved in the nAChR‐induced enhancement of GABAergic synaptic transmission while dopamine receptors are not involved in that of glutamatergic synaptic transmission. These observations indicate that the interaction between nAChRs and D1 dopamine receptors plays critical roles in synaptic activities in layer 5 pyramidal neurons of the mouse insular cortex. These insular synaptic changes might be associated with nicotine addiction.
The UN local communities and Indigenous peoples' platform: A traditional ecological knowledge‐based evaluation
Authors: Shawoo Zoha , Thornton Thomas F.
Published: February 2019

This review evaluates the potential of the proposed local communities and Indigenous peoples’ platform to effectively engage traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) for climate policy. Specifically, we assess the platform's potential to enable greater representation and participation of Indigenous peoples (IPs) within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). An analytical framework based on the extensive TEK and environmental management literature is developed, with a set of criteria identified against which to evaluate the platform. We find that although the process of designing the platform appears to be inclusive of Indigenous views, the structure itself does not recognize the roles that unequal power relations and colonialism play in marginalizing IPs. Limited attention is paid to the institutional barriers within the UNFCCC and the drawbacks of pursuing knowledge “integration” as an end in itself. Based on this, recommendations for improving the platform structure are put forward including using a rights‐based framing, giving greater decision‐making power to IPs, and developing mechanisms to ensure the holistic integrity of TEK and build the overall resilience of climate mitigation and adaptation systems.

This article is categorized under:

Social Status of Climate Change Knowledge > Sociology/Anthropology of Climate Knowledge
The Quality of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses in Erectile Dysfunction Treatment and Management Published in the Sexual Medicine Literature
Authors: Greenberg Daniel R. , Richardson Michael T. , Tijerina Jonathan D. , Bass Michelle B. , Eisenberg Michael L.
Published: February 2019

Introduction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common medical condition that requires high-quality evidence to guide clinical practice; however, systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyses (MAs) often vary in quality, raising concerns regarding the validity of their results.

Aim

To perform an objective analysis of SRs and MAs in ED treatment and management and to report on the quality of published literature.

Methods

A comprehensive search in PubMed/MEDLINE and EMBASE of 12 high-impact urology journals was used to identify relevant publications. 2 authors independently performed searches, screened citations for eligibility, extracted data for analysis, and graded methodologic quality using A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) criteria.

Main Outcome Measures

The main outcome was AMSTAR score, which is a validated tool to evaluate the quality of SRs and MAs.

Results

31 publications met inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. The mean AMSTAR score (± SD) among all publications was 6.5 (±2.2) of 11, reflecting “fair to good” quality. 74.2% of systematic reviews and meta-analyses focused on pharmaceutical therapy for ED, with 51.6% studying the effect of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors. Only 1 SR/MA studied intracavernosal injection therapy and vacuum erection devices. No publications studied intraurethral injection therapy or implantable penile prostheses. Although not statistically significant, there has been a trend of increasing quality of SRs/MAs over time (P = .072).

Clinical Implication

The methodologic quality of SRs/MAs should be assessed to ensure high-quality evidence for clinical practice guidelines in ED treatment and management.

Strength & Limitation

The data showed that methodologic quality of SRs/MAs in the treatment and management of ED is increasing over time. 12 high-impact urology journals were included in our search, which may introduce selection bias in our results.

Conclusions

This review highlights a need for increased effort to study second- and third-line treatments for patients who fail oral therapy.
Three ways in which GDPR impacts authentication
Authors: McDowell Brett
Published: February 2019

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has been enforced across the European Union (EU) since late May, and is widely considered the single most significant change to data protection law in two decades, impacting a countless number of organisations across the globe that collect and process information from EU citizens. 1 This very much includes those in charge of online authentication, given the sensitive nature of the data being protected by those authentication systems, and the regulatory consequences of providing inadequate protections for that data.

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is widely considered the most significant change to data protection law in two decades, impacting organisations across the globe.

This includes those in charge of online authentication. Businesses previously focused on implementing informed consent to comply with the GDPR need to also look at implementing stronger authentication that improves their users’ experience while complying with the GDPR's rigorous requirements, explains Brett McDowell of the FIDO Alliance.
Intellectual Property Aspects of Robotics
Authors: BONADIO Enrico , MCDONAGH Luke , ARVIDSSON Christopher
Published: February 2019

The field of robotics is remarkably wide, with many social settings now entailing and increasingly requiring the use of robots to support a variety of human activities. Unsurprisingly, robots’ form and shape, their level of intelligence and intended purpose can vary significantly depending on the relevant industry.1 Domestic robots are already a reality in a growing number of family homes. They include both humanoid robots which support those in need (such as the elderly, people with disabilities or children) and robots for household consumer markets, including domestic vacuum cleaners and grass-trimmers. Humanoid robots only account for a small fraction of the industry, with robotic arms for industrial automation being instead widespread.2
Prevention of hospital-acquired respiratory viral infections: Assessment of a multimodal intervention program
Authors: Mermel Leonard A. , Jefferson Julie A. , Smit Michael A. , Auld Dianne B.
Published: February 2019

A multimodal program focused on preventing nosocomial respiratory viral infections. Definite cases per 1,000 discharges increased 1.3-fold in hospital units screening visitors for respiratory viral symptoms during the 2017–2018 respiratory virus season but not during the 2016–2017 season. Definite cases per 1,000 discharges increased 3.1-fold in hospital units that did not screen visitors either season.
High-intensity pulsed ion beam focusing by its own space charge
Authors: Zhu X.P. , Zhang Q. , Ding L. , Zhang C.C. , Isakova Yu. , Prima A. , Pushkarev A. , Lei M.K.
Published: February 2019

The paper presents the results of a study on propagation and focusing of high-intensity pulsed ion beams, produced by a self-magnetically insulated diode of semi-cylindrical geometry at the TEMP-6 accelerator (120 ns, 200–250 kV). We examined the space-charge neutralization of the beam, the energy density in the focus, the divergence of the beam, and its shot-to-shot displacement in the focal plane. It is found that the concentration of low-energy electrons in the beam is 1.3–1.5 times higher than the concentration of ions. We observed additional ion focusing by its own space charge. With an increase in the density of the net negative (electrons and ions) charge of the beam from 3.6 to 9 µC/cm2, the total divergence (the sum of the beam divergence in the vertical and horizontal planes) decreases from 11.4 to 4.5°. It leads to an increase in the energy density in the focus from 4 up to 10–12 J/cm2. To increase the electrons concentration in the beam, a metal grid installed in the ion beam transport region was used.
Findings from What We Eat in America, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011–2014 support salad consumption as an effective strategy for improving adherence to dietary recommendations
Authors: Sebastian Rhonda S , Wilkinson Enns Cecilia , Goldman Joseph D , Hoy M Katherine , Moshfegh Alanna J
Published: February 2019

Objective

To verify the previously untested assumption that eating more salad enhances vegetable intake and determine if salad consumption is in fact associated with higher vegetable intake and greater adherence to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) recommendations.

Design

Individuals were classified as salad reporters or non-reporters based upon whether they consumed a salad composed primarily of raw vegetables on the intake day. Regression analyses were applied to calculate adjusted estimates of food group intakes and assess the likelihood of meeting Healthy US-Style Food Pattern recommendations by salad reporting status.

Setting

Cross-sectional analysis of data collected in 2011–2014 in What We Eat in America, the dietary intake component of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Participants

US adults (n9678) aged ≥20 years (excluding pregnant and lactating women).

Results

On the intake day, 23 % of adults ate salad. The proportion of individuals reporting salad varied by sex, age, race, income, education and smoking status (P<0·001). Compared with non-reporters, salad reporters consumed significantly larger quantities of vegetables (total, dark green, red/orange and other), which translated into a two- to threefold greater likelihood of meeting recommendations for these food groups. More modest associations were observed between salad consumption and differences in intake and likelihood of meeting recommendations for protein foods (total and seafood), oils and refined grains.

Conclusions

Study results confirm the DGA message that incorporating more salads in the diet is one effective strategy (among others, such as eating more cooked vegetables) to augment vegetable consumption and adherence to dietary recommendations concerning vegetables.
A practical solution to improve the nutritional balance of Korean dine-out menus using linear programming
Authors: Kim Jang Ho , Kim Woo Chang , Kim Jihye
Published: February 2019

Objective

We analysed optimal nutrient levels using linear programming (LP) to reveal nutritional shortcomings of Korean dine-out meals and to stress the importance of fruits and dairy products for maintaining a healthy diet.

Design

LP models that minimize deviation from recommended nutrient values were formulated to analyse deficiency or excess of nutrients under the best situation.

Setting

Korean dine-out menus and nutritional information were taken from the nutrient composition tables for dine-out menus developed by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and the nutrient database from Computerized Analysis Program. Acceptable macronutrient distribution ranges of macronutrients such as carbohydrate, protein and fat, and recommended intake levels for energy, vitamins, minerals and cholesterol, by sex, were based on the Dietary Reference Intake for Koreans aged 30–49 years.

Participants

Optimization was performed on selecting the optimal Korean meal combination.

Results

LP optimization models showed that it is unlikely to satisfy all nutrient recommendations with any combination of dine-out menus. Specifically, meal combinations of Korean dine-out menus had high levels of Na and cholesterol and low levels of vitamins and minerals. Four formulations were considered to compare the effects of controlling Na and including fruit and dairy products. The unbalanced diet was resolved with extra consumption of fruits and dairy products.

Conclusions

The best meal combination in dine-out menus, even though the proportion and pairing of menus may be unrealistic, is not healthy, and thus one should consume fruits and dairy products to maintain a balanced diet.
Obesogenic food consumption among young children: the role of maltreatment
Authors: Jackson Dylan B , Vaughn Michael G
Published: February 2019

Objective

To determine whether children exposed to a greater variety of acts of parent-to-child physical and psychological maltreatment will be at greater risk of consuming obesogenic foods at a higher frequency.

Design

Survey research using a longitudinal panel design.

Setting

In-home interviews with primary caregivers in twenty large US cities.

Participants

A national sample of at-risk children and their families who participated in the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (FFCWS).

Results

Child maltreatment emerged as a statistically significant (P<0·01) and robust predictor of obesogenic food consumption, in both cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses. Child maltreatment also consistently emerged as one of the strongest predictors of obesogenic food consumption in these models. Ancillary analyses indicated that physical maltreatment plays a particularly important role in these associations.

Conclusions

A major implication of the present study is that child maltreatment prevention efforts should be reflected in interventions that seek to diminish unhealthy eating practices among children. Multi-professional teams can work together on obesity prevention not only via education but also by considering the interconnectedness of obesogenic food consumption and experiences of maltreatment.
Connecting genebanks to farmers in East Africa through the distribution of vegetable seed kits
Authors: Stoilova Tsvetelina , van Zonneveld Maarten , Roothaert Ralph , Schreinemachers Pepijn
Published: February 2019

Genebanks explore new partnerships with farmers and other user groups to provide smallholder farmers in Africa better access to crop diversity for improved nutrition, climate change adaptation and agricultural diversification. This paper shows how the World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg) genebank of traditional African vegetables and its partners distributed over 42,000 seed kits containing over 183,000 vegetable seed samples from 2013 to 2017 to smallholder farmers in Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. The seed kits contained seed samples of promising accessions and open-pollinated breeding lines of traditional African vegetables, and to a lower degree of tomato,Capsicumpepper and soybean, usually enough to plant in a home garden. We identified four research questions to better understand the role of vegetable seed kits in strengthening local seed systems, impact on local vegetable diversity, improving human nutrition and supporting climate-resilient agriculture. As formal seed systems expand their reach, the genebank's role to supply vegetable diversity to public and private breeding programmes becomes more important. To optimize supply of vegetable diversity, the WorldVeg genebank of traditional African vegetables continues working with partners in both formal and local seed systems.
Biogeochemical Cycling of Dissolved Zinc in the Western Arctic (Arctic GEOTRACES GN01)
Authors: Jensen L. T. , Wyatt N. J. , Twining B. S. , Rauschenberg S. , Landing W. M. , Sherrell R. M. , Fitzsimmons J. N.
Published: February 2019

The biogeochemical cycling of dissolved zinc (dZn) was investigated in the Western Arctic along the U.S. GEOTRACES GN01 section. Vertical profiles of dZn in the Arctic are strikingly different than the classic “nutrient‐type” profile commonly seen in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, instead exhibiting higher surface concentrations (~1.1 nmol/kg), a shallow subsurface absolute maximum (~4–6 nmol/kg) at 200 m coincident with a macronutrient maximum, and low deep water concentrations (~1.3 nmol/kg) that are homogeneous (sp.) with depth. In contrast to other ocean basins, typical inputs such as rivers, atmospheric inputs, and especially deep remineralization are insignificant in the Arctic. Instead, we demonstrate that dZn distributions in the Arctic are controlled primarily by (1) shelf fluxes following the sediment remineralization of high Zn:C and Zn:Si cells and the seaward advection of those fluxes and (2) mixing of dZn from source waters such as the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans rather than vertical biological regeneration of dZn. This results in both the unique profile shapes and the largely decoupled relationship between dZn and Si found in the Arctic. We found a weak dZn:Si regression in the full water column (0.077 nmol/μmol, r2 = 0.58) that is higher than the global slope (0.059 nmol/μmol, r2 = 0.94) because of the shelf‐derived halocline dZn enrichments. We hypothesize that the decoupling of Zn:Si in Western Arctic deep waters results primarily from a past ventilation event with unique preformed Zn:Si stoichiometries.
Three‐Dimensional Surface Deformation in the 2016 MW7.8 Kaikōura, New Zealand, Earthquake From Optical Image Correlation: Implications for Strain Localization and Long‐Term Evolution of the Pacific‐Australian Plate Boundary
Authors: Zinke Robert , Hollingsworth James , Dolan James F. , Van Dissen Russ
Published: February 2019

We generated dense, high‐resolution 3‐D ground displacement maps for the 2016 MW7.8 Kaikōura, New Zealand earthquake—the most geometrically and kinematically complex rupture yet recorded—from stereo WorldView optical satellite imagery using a new methodology that combines subpixel image correlation with a ray‐tracing approach. Our analysis reveals fundamental new details of near‐field displacement patterns, which cannot easily be obtained through other methods. From our detailed correlation maps, we measured fault slip in 3‐D along 19 faults at 500‐m spacing. Minimum resolvable horizontal slip is ~0.1 m, and vertical is ~0.5 m. Net slip measurements range from <1 to ~12 m. System‐level kinematic analysis shows that slip on faults north of the Hope fault was oriented primarily subparallel to the Pacific‐Australian plate motion direction. In contrast, slip on faults to the south was primarily at high angle to the plate motion and secondarily parallel to plate motion. Fault kinematics are in some locations consistent with long‐term uplift patterns, but inconsistent in others. Deformation within the Seaward Kaikōura Range may indicate an attempt by the plate boundary fault system to geometrically simplify. Comparison of published field measurements along the Kekerengu fault with our correlation‐derived measurements reveals that ~36% of surface displacement was accommodated as distributed off‐fault deformation when considering only field measurements of discrete slip. Comparatively, field measurements that project previously linear features (e.g., fence lines) into the fault over apertures >5–100 m capture nearly all (~90%) of the surface deformation.
Accelerated Fill‐Up of the Arbuckle Group Aquifer and Links to U.S. Midcontinent Seismicity
Authors: Ansari E. , Bidgoli T. S. , Hollenbach A.
Published: February 2019

The Arbuckle Group aquifer is the principal disposal zone for oil and gas field brines and hazardous/nonhazardous wastewater across the U.S. midcontinent and is traditionally viewed as an infinite capacity aquifer. Thousands of wells annually dispose hundreds of millions of barrels of wastewater into the aquifer across Kansas and Oklahoma, but direct links between injection and recent increases in seismicity have been hindered by a lack of pressure data for the Arbuckle Group. Here we present a newly compiled data set for 49 wells across Kansas that provides a unique perspective on the aquifer's performance over two decades. Statistical analysis of falloff test pressures, static fluid levels, and injection volumes shows that Arbuckle pressures and fluid levels are rising, recently at faster rates, likely associated with increased wastewater injection. The new data also suggest that the pressure diffusion, the primary driver of induced seismicity, can reach distances up to 25 km from an injection point and is connected to static fluid level rises. The compiled dataset explains the recent surge in midcontinent seismicity. The data set also suggests that the Arbuckle has finite storage capacity and that wastewater disposal across parts of the midcontinent may soon require alternatives.
Multiple Observations of the Prompt Elastogravity Signals Heralding Direct Seismic Waves
Authors: Vallée Martin , Juhel Kévin
Published: February 2019

The recent first observations of the prompt elastogravity signals (PEGS) induced by the 2011 Mw = 9.1 Tohoku megathrust earthquake generated interest in how these signals might best be observed, especially for lower‐magnitude events. Simulations of these signals preceding the direct P wave, for different depths and focal mechanisms, first reveal that shallow strike‐slip earthquakes offer a better detection potential than subduction megathrust earthquakes. Consistently, clear PEGS are observed at several broadband seismometers during the 2012 Mw = 8.6 Wharton Basin earthquake. Due to their short source durations, large deep earthquakes are then shown to have an even larger detection potential, confirmed by the successful seismological observations for the 2018 Mw = 8.2 Fiji and 1994 Mw = 8.2 Bolivia earthquakes. Detection is even improved when an earthquake is recorded by a number of good‐quality stations, allowing for stacking techniques. Thanks to the deployment of the USArray network across Alaska, the recent 2018 Mw = 7.9 off‐Alaska earthquake (strike slip) is thus observed with an excellent signal‐to‐noise ratio. Array stacking is also shown to reveal the PEGS induced by the large 2010 Mw = 8.8 Maule megathrust earthquake, for which individual observations are impeded by the long‐lasting radiation generated by a distant large earthquake. As a whole, we show new observations and successful modeling of the PEGS for five earthquakes in the 7.9–8.8 magnitude range. These findings demonstrate that, even without considering promising future instruments, the PEGS detection is not restricted to exceptional events, confirming their potential for magnitude and focal mechanism determination within the few minutes following a large earthquake.
Search for Microphysical Signatures of Stochastic Condensation in Marine Boundary Layer Clouds Using Airborne Digital Holography
Authors: Desai N. , Glienke S. , Fugal J. , Shaw R. A.
Published: February 2019

Droplet growth due to stochastic condensation has been considered as one of the mechanisms to cause broadening of cloud droplet size distributions and jump the bottleneck between droplet growth due to diffusion and collision‐coalescence. Digital in‐line holography is used to measure variations in droplet number concentration and droplet size in marine boundary layer clouds. Distributions of phase relaxation times are quite broad for some clouds. Turbulence correlation times are estimated, and the comparison of these with phase relaxation times suggests that clouds exist in both fast and slow microphysical regimes. Presumed signatures of stochastic condensation, such as increasing relative size dispersion and increasing droplet size with decreasing number density, are observed.
Understanding Iodine Chemistry Over the Northern and Equatorial Indian Ocean
Authors: Mahajan Anoop S. , Tinel Liselotte , Sarkar Amit , Chance Rosie , Carpenter Lucy J. , Hulswar Shrivardhan , Mali Prithviraj , Prakash Satya , Vinayachandran P. N.
Published: February 2019

Observations of halogen oxides, ozone, meteorological parameters, and physical and biogeochemical water column measurements were made in the Indian Ocean and its marine boundary layer as a part of the Second International Indian Ocean Expedition (IIOE‐2). The expedition took place on board the oceanographic research vessel Sagar Nidhi during 4–22 December 2015 from Goa, India, to Port Louis, Mauritius. Observations of mixed layer depth, averaged temperature, salinity, and nitrate concentrations were used to calculate predicted iodide concentrations in the seawater. The inorganic iodine ocean‐atmosphere flux (hypoiodous acid [HOI] and molecular iodine [I2]) was computed using the predicted iodide concentrations, measured atmospheric ozone, and wind speed. Iodine oxide (IO) mixing ratios peaked at 0.47 ± 0.29 pptv (parts per trillion by volume) in the remote open ocean environment. The estimated iodide concentrations and HOI and I2 fluxes peaked at 200/500 nM, 410/680 nmol·m−2·day−1, and 20/80 nmol·m−2·day−1, respectively, depending on the parameterization used. The calculated fluxes for HOI and I2 were higher closer to the Indian subcontinent; however, atmospheric IO was only observed above the detection limit in the remote open ocean environment. We use NO2 observations to show that titration of IO by NO2 is the main reason for this result. These observations show that inorganic iodine fluxes and atmospheric IO show similar trends in the Indian Ocean marine boundary layer, but the impact of inorganic iodine emissions on iodine chemistry is buffered in elevated NOx environments, even though the estimated oceanic iodine fluxes are higher.
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol increases striatal glutamate levels in healthy individuals: implications for psychosis
Authors: Colizzi Marco , Weltens Nathalie , McGuire Philip , Lythgoe David , Williams Steve , Van Oudenhove Lukas , Bhattacharyya Sagnik
Published: February 2019

The neurobiological mechanisms underlying the association between cannabis use and acute or long-lasting psychosis are not completely understood. While some evidence suggests altered striatal dopamine may underlie the association, direct evidence that cannabis use affects either acute or chronic striatal dopamine is inconclusive. In contrast, pre-clinical research suggests that cannabis may affect dopamine via modulation of glutamate signaling. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover design was used to investigate whether altered striatal glutamate, as measured using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy, underlies the acute psychotomimetic effects of intravenously administered delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC; 1.19 mg/2 ml), the key psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, in a set of 16 healthy participants (7 males) with modest previous cannabis exposure. Compared to placebo, acute administration of Δ9-THC significantly increased Glutamate (Glu) + Glutamine (Gln) metabolites (Glx) in the left caudate head (P = 0.027). Furthermore, compared to individuals who were not sensitive to the psychotomimetic effects of Δ9-THC, individuals who developed transient psychotic-like symptoms (~70% of the sample) had significantly lower baseline Glx (placebo; P 7= 0.023) and a 2.27-times higher increase following Δ9-THC administration. Lower baseline Glx values (r = −0.55; P = 0.026) and higher previous cannabis exposure (r = 0.52; P = 0.040) were associated with a higher Δ9-THC-induced Glx increase. These results suggest that an increase in striatal glutamate levels may underlie acute cannabis-induced psychosis while lower baseline levels may be a marker of greater sensitivity to its acute psychotomimetic effects and may have important public health implications.
Smac mimetic suppresses tunicamycin-induced apoptosis via resolution of ER stress
Authors: Abhari Behnaz Ahangarian , McCarthy Nicole , Le Berre Marie , Kilcoyne Michelle , Joshi Lokesh , Agostinis Patrizia , Fulda Simone
Published: February 2019

Since Inhibitor of Apoptosis (IAP) proteins have been implicated in cellular adaptation to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, we investigated the regulation of ER stress-induced apoptosis by small-molecule second mitochondria-derived activator of caspase (Smac) mimetics that antagonize IAP proteins. Here, we discover that Smac mimetic suppresses tunicamycin (TM)-induced apoptosis via resolution of the unfolded protein response (UPR) and ER stress. Smac mimetics such as BV6 selectively inhibit apoptosis triggered by pharmacological or genetic inhibition of protein N-glycosylation using TM or knockdown of DPAGT1, the enzyme that catalyzes the first step of protein N-glycosylation. In contrast, BV6 does not rescue cell death induced by other typical ER stressors (i.e., thapsigargin (TG), dithiothreitol, brefeldin A, bortezomib, or 2-deoxyglucose). The protection from TM-triggered apoptosis is found for structurally different Smac mimetics and for genetic knockdown of cellular IAP (cIAP) proteins in several cancer types, underlining the broader relevance. Interestingly, lectin microarray profiling reveals that BV6 counteracts TM-imposed inhibition of protein glycosylation. BV6 consistently abolishes TM-stimulated accumulation of ER stress markers such as glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) and reduces protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase (PERK) phosphorylation and X box-binding protein 1 (XBP1) splicing upon TM treatment. BV6-stimulated activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) contributes to the resolution of ER stress, since NF-κB inhibition by overexpression of dominant-negative IκBα superrepressor counteracts the suppression of TM-stimulated transcriptional activation of CHOP and GRP78 by BV6. Thus, our study is the first to show that Smac mimetic protects from TM-triggered apoptosis by resolving the UPR and ER stress. This provides new insights into the regulation of cellular stress responses by Smac mimetics.
MiR-451a suppressing BAP31 can inhibit proliferation and increase apoptosis through inducing ER stress in colorectal cancer
Authors: Xu Ke , Han Bin , Bai Yang , Ma Xiu-Ying , Ji Zhen-Ni , Xiong Yao , Miao Shi-Kun , Zhang Yuan-Yuan , Zhou Li-Ming
Published: February 2019

The global morbidity and mortality of colorectal cancer (CRC) are ranked the third among gastrointestinal tumors in the world. MiR-451a is associated with several types of cancer, including CRC. However, the roles and mechanisms of miR-451a in CRC have not been elucidated. BAP31 is a predicted target gene of miR-451a in our suppression subtractive hybridization library. Its relationship with miR-451a and function in CRC are unclear. We hypothesized that miR-451a could induce apoptosis through suppressing BAP31 in CRC. Immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR were used to measure BAP31 expressions in CRC tissues and pericarcinous tissues from 57 CRC patients and CRC cell lines. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to detect the binding of miR-451a to BAP31. The expression of BAP31 protein in CRC tissues was significantly higher than that in pericarcinous tissues, which was correlated with distant metastasis and advanced clinical stages of CRC patients. The expression of BAP31 was higher in HCT116, HT29, SW620, and DLD cells than that in the normal colonic epithelial cell line NCM460. The expression of BAP31 was absolutely down-regulated when over-expressing miR-451a in HCT116 and SW620 cells compared with control cells. Mir-451a inhibited the expression of BAP31 by binding to its 5’-UTR. Over-expressing miR-451a or silencing BAP31 suppressed the proliferation and apoptosis of CRC cells by increasing the expressions of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-associated proteins, including GRP78/BIP, BAX, and PERK/elF2α/ATF4/CHOP, which resulted in increased ERS, cytoplasmic calcium ion flowing, and apoptosis of CRC cells. These changes resulting from over-expressing miR-451a were reversed by over-expressing BAP31 with mutated miR-451a-binding sites. Over-expressing miR-451a or silencing BAP31 inhibited tumor growth by inducing ERS. The present study demonstrated that miR-451a can inhibit proliferation and increase apoptosis through inducing ERS by binding to the 5’-UTR of BAP31 in CRC.
Recessive mutations in muscle-specific isoforms of FXR1 cause congenital multi-minicore myopathy
Authors: Estañ María Cristina , Fernández-Núñez Elisa , Zaki Maha S. , Esteban María Isabel , Donkervoort Sandra , Hawkins Cynthia , Caparros-Martin José A. , Saade Dimah , Hu Ying , Bolduc Véronique , Chao Katherine Ru-Yui , Nevado Julián , Lamuedra Ana , Largo Raquel , Herrero-Beaumont Gabriel , Regadera Javier , Hernandez-Chico Concepción , Tizzano Eduardo F. , Martinez-Glez Victor , Carvajal Jaime J. , Zong Ruiting , Nelson David L. , Otaify Ghada A. , Temtamy Samia , Aglan Mona , Issa Mahmoud , Bönnemann Carsten G. , Lapunzina Pablo , Yoon Grace , Ruiz-Perez Victor L.
Published: February 2019

FXR1 is an alternatively spliced gene that encodes RNA binding proteins (FXR1P) involved in muscle development. In contrast to other tissues, cardiac and skeletal muscle express two FXR1P isoforms that incorporate an additional exon-15. We report that recessive mutations in this particular exon of FXR1 cause congenital multi-minicore myopathy in humans and mice. Additionally, we show that while Myf5-dependent depletion of all FXR1P isoforms is neonatal lethal, mice carrying mutations in exon-15 display non-lethal myopathies which vary in severity depending on the specific effect of each mutation on the protein.
Evidence of cooperative effect on the enhanced superconducting transition temperature at the FeSe/SrTiO3 interface
Authors: Song Q. , Yu T. L. , Lou X. , Xie B. P. , Xu H. C. , Wen C. H. P. , Yao Q. , Zhang S. Y. , Zhu X. T. , Guo J. D. , Peng R. , Feng D. L.
Published: February 2019

At the interface between monolayer FeSe films and SrTiO3 substrates the superconducting transition temperature (Tc) is unexpectedly high, triggering a surge of excitement. The mechanism for the Tc enhancement has been the central question, as it may present a new strategy for seeking out higher Tc materials. To reveal this enigmatic mechanism, by combining advances in high quality interface growth, 16O $$\leftrightarrow$$
↔
18O isotope substitution, and extensive data from angle resolved photoemission spectroscopy, we provide striking evidence that the high Tc in FeSe/SrTiO3 is the cooperative effect of the intrinsic pairing mechanism in the FeSe and interactions between the FeSe electrons and SrTiO3 phonons. Furthermore, our results point to the promising prospect that similar cooperation between different Cooper pairing channels may be a general framework to understand and design high-temperature superconductors.
A functional subset of CD8+ T cells during chronic exhaustion is defined by SIRPα expression
Authors: Myers Lara M. , Tal Michal Caspi , Torrez Dulgeroff Laughing Bear , Carmody Aaron B. , Messer Ronald J. , Gulati Gunsagar , Yiu Ying Ying , Staron Matthew M. , Angel Cesar Lopez , Sinha Rahul , Markovic Maxim , Pham Edward A. , Fram Benjamin , Ahmed Aijaz , Newman Aaron M. , Glenn Jeffrey S. , Davis Mark M. , Kaech Susan M. , Weissman Irving L. , Hasenkrug Kim J.
Published: February 2019

Prolonged exposure of CD8+T cells to antigenic stimulation, as in chronic viral infections, leads to a state of diminished function termed exhaustion. We now demonstrate that even during exhaustion there is a subset of functional CD8+T cells defined by surface expression of SIRPα, a protein not previously reported on lymphocytes. On SIRPα+CD8+T cells, expression of co-inhibitory receptors is counterbalanced by expression of co-stimulatory receptors and it is only SIRPα+cells that actively proliferate, transcribe IFNγ and show cytolytic activity. Furthermore, target cells that express the ligand for SIRPα, CD47, are more susceptible to CD8+T cell-killing in vivo. SIRPα+CD8+T cells are evident in mice infected with Friend retrovirus, LCMV Clone 13, and in patients with chronic HCV infections. Furthermore, therapeutic blockade of PD-L1 to reinvigorate CD8+T cells during chronic infection expands the cytotoxic subset of SIRPα+CD8+T cells.
Multimaterial actinic spatial control 3D and 4D printing
Authors: Schwartz J. J. , Boydston A. J.
Published: February 2019

Production of objects with varied mechanical properties is challenging for current manufacturing methods. Additive manufacturing could make these multimaterial objects possible, but methods able to achieve multimaterial control along all three axes of printing are limited. Here we report a multi-wavelength method of vat photopolymerization that provides chemoselective wavelength-control over material composition utilizing multimaterial actinic spatial control (MASC) during additive manufacturing. The multicomponent photoresins include acrylate- and epoxide-based monomers with corresponding radical and cationic initiators. Under long wavelength (visible) irradiation, preferential curing of acrylate components is observed. Under short wavelength (UV) irradiation, a combination of acrylate and epoxide components are incorporated. This enables production of multimaterial parts containing stiff epoxide networks contrasted against soft hydrogels and organogels. Variation in MASC formulation drastically changes the mechanical properties of printed samples. Samples printed using different MASC formulations have spatially-controlled chemical heterogeneity, mechanical anisotropy, and spatially-controlled swelling that facilitates 4D printing.
Copy-choice recombination during mitochondrial L-strand synthesis causes DNA deletions
Authors: Persson Örjan , Muthukumar Yazh , Basu Swaraj , Jenninger Louise , Uhler Jay P. , Berglund Anna-Karin , McFarland Robert , Taylor Robert W. , Gustafsson Claes M. , Larsson Erik , Falkenberg Maria
Published: February 2019

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) deletions are associated with mitochondrial disease, and also accumulate during normal human ageing. The mechanisms underlying mtDNA deletions remain unknown although several models have been proposed. Here we use deep sequencing to characterize abundant mtDNA deletions in patients with mutations in mitochondrial DNA replication factors, and show that these have distinct directionality and repeat characteristics. Furthermore, we recreate the deletion formation process in vitro using only purified mitochondrial proteins and defined DNA templates. Based on our in vivo and in vitro findings, we conclude that mtDNA deletion formation involves copy-choice recombination during replication of the mtDNA light strand.
The Tec kinase ITK is essential for ILC2 survival and epithelial integrity in the intestine
Authors: Cho Hyoung-Soo , Reboldi Andrea , Hall Jason A. , Berg Leslie J.
Published: February 2019

Innate lymphoid cells (ILC) are lymphocytes that lack an antigen-specific receptor and are preferentially localized in non-lymphoid tissues, such as mucosal barriers. In these locations ILC respond to tissue perturbations by producing factors that promote tissue repair and improve barrier integrity. We show that mice lacking the Tec kinase ITK have impaired intestinal tissue integrity, and a reduced ability to restore homeostasis after tissue damage. This defect is associated with a substantial loss of Type 2 ILC (ILC2) in the intestinal lamina propria. Adoptive transfer of bone marrow ILC2 precursors confirms a cell-intrinsic role for ITK. Intestinal ILC2 numbers in Itk-/- mice are restored by the administration of IL-2 complexes, also leading to improved intestinal tissue damage repair. Reduced Bcl-2 expression in intestinal Itk-/- ILC2 is also restored to WT levels after IL-2 complex treatment, indicating a tissue-specific role for ITK in ILC2 survival in the intestine.
Tear resistance of soft collagenous tissues
Authors: Bircher Kevin , Zündel Manuel , Pensalfini Marco , Ehret Alexander E. , Mazza Edoardo
Published: February 2019

Fracture toughness characterizes the ability of a material to maintain a certain level of strength despite the presence of a macroscopic crack. Understanding this tolerance for defects in soft collagenous tissues (SCT) has high relevance for assessing the risks of fracture after cutting, perforation or suturing. Here we investigate the peculiar toughening mechanisms of SCT through dedicated experiments and multi-scale simulations, showing that classical concepts of fracture mechanics are inadequate to quantify and explain the high defect tolerance of these materials. Our results demonstrate that SCT strength is only modestly reduced by defects as large as several millimeters. This defect tolerance is achieved despite a very narrow process zone at the crack tip and even for a network of brittle fibrils. The fracture mechanics concept of tearing energy fails in predicting failure at such defects, and its magnitude is shown to depend on the chemical potential of the liquid environment.