bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protein CoAlation and antioxidant function of coenzyme A in prokaryotic cells
Authors: Tsuchiya Yugo , Zhyvoloup Alexander , Baković Jovana , Thomas Naam , Yu Bess Yi Kun , Das Sayoni , Orengo Christine , Newell Clare , Ward John , Saladino Giorgio , Comitani Federico , Gervasio Francesco L. , Malanchuk Oksana M. , Khoruzhenko Antonina I. , Filonenko Valeriy , Peak-Chew Sew Yeu , Skehel Mark , Gout Ivan
Published: April 2018

In all living organisms, coenzyme A (CoA) is an essential cofactor with a unique design allowing it to function as an acyl group carrier and a carbonyl-activating group in diverse biochemical reactions. It is synthesized in a highly conserved process in prokaryotes and eukaryotes that requires pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), cysteine and ATP. CoA and its thioester derivatives are involved in major metabolic pathways, allosteric interactions and the regulation of gene expression. A novel unconventional function of CoA in redox regulation has been recently discovered in mammalian cells and termed protein CoAlation. Here, we report for the first time that protein CoAlation occurs at a background level in exponentially growing bacteria and is strongly induced in response to oxidizing agents and metabolic stress. Over 12% of Staphylococcus aureus gene products were shown to be CoAlated in response to diamide-induced stress. In vitro CoAlation of S. aureus glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase was found to inhibit its enzymatic activity and to protect the catalytic cysteine 151 from overoxidation by hydrogen peroxide. These findings suggest that in exponentially growing bacteria, CoA functions to generate metabolically active thioesters, while it also has the potential to act as a low-molecular-weight antioxidant in response to oxidative and metabolic stress.
Nucleosome-level 3D organization of the genome
Authors: Ohno Masae , Priest David G. , Taniguchi Yuichi
Published: April 2018

Nucleosomes are the unitary structures of chromosome folding, and their arrangements are intimately coupled to the regulation of genome activities. Conventionally, structural analyses using electron microscopy and X-ray crystallography have been used to study such spatial nucleosome arrangements. In contrast, recent improvements in the resolution of sequencing-based methods allowed investigation of nucleosome arrangements separately at each genomic locus, enabling exploration of gene-dependent regulation mechanisms. Here, we review recent studies on nucleosome folding in chromosomes from these two methodological perspectives: conventional structural analyses and DNA sequencing, and discuss their implications for future research.
Facilitating Postsecondary Transition and Promoting Academic Success Through Language/Literacy-Based Self-Determination Strategies
Authors: Collins Ginger , Wolter Julie A.
Published: April 2018

Purpose

As noted by Powell (2018), speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are an integral part of the overarching curriculum for all students in schools, and this holds true for adolescents who require transition planning. The purpose of this tutorial is to focus on transition planning for secondary school students with a language-based learning disability (LLD) and provide a case illustration for how SLPs may use self-determination strategies to facilitate postsecondary transition while promoting academic success.

Method

As students with LLD enter secondary school, they are expected to write and think at more complex levels than ever before to meet post-graduation workforce demands, yet the provision of needed language–literacy intervention services drastically declines. Teaching students with LLD self-determination skills, such as awareness of their own strengths and limitations, self-advocacy strategies, and self-regulation, is found to be related to positive post-school outcomes and can be readily integrated into transition planning by the SLP.

Conclusion

SLPs may ideally support secondary school student language–literacy needs in transition planning by using self-determination strategies to help access the curriculum and experience postsecondary success.
Readability of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in Adult Audiologic Rehabilitation
Authors: Douglas Alana , Kelly-Campbell Rebecca J.
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the readability of published patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) designed for use in adult audiologic rehabilitation. The readability results were compared with the readability levels recommended for health information by health literacy experts.

Method

Reading grade levels were calculated using the Flesch–Kincaid Grade Level Formula (Flesch, 1948), Gunning Fog Index (Gunning, 1952), Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (McLaughlin, 1969), and FORCAST (Caylor, Sticht, Fox, & Ford, 1973) readability formulas for 10 published PROMs. Descriptive statistics were computed across the different PROM sections: instructions, items, response scale, and overall contents of the measure directed toward respondents.

Results

The majority of the PROM sections exceeded the 6th grade reading level recommended by health literacy experts, regardless of the formula applied. All PROM sections exceeded the 6th grade reading level when calculated according to the FORCAST formula, the most appropriate readability formula for use with a nonnarrative text format, such as PROMs.

Conclusions

When developing or reevaluating PROMs designed for use in adult audiologic rehabilitation, researchers should consider ways to improve the readability of their measure, as poor readability may affect the validity of the empirical data collected using the PROM. Additionally, the adequate readability of audiologic PROMs is required if patient/family-centered care values are to be adhered to within the field of adult audiologic rehabilitation.
Illustrating a Supports-Based Approach Toward Friendship With Autistic Students
Authors: Vidal Verónica , Robertson Scott , DeThorne Laura
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The present clinical focus article describes and illustrates 3 key elements of a supports-based approach to enhancing friendship with autistic students.

Method

In comparison to the predominant skills-based approach, we highlight 3 key elements of a supports-based approach to social interaction for autistic children and youth. We then offer descriptive details of the activity-based music program as an illustrative example of a program that integrated all 3 elements of a supports-based approach. Specifically, we designed an activity-based music program to enhance social interaction among a 7-year-old autistic student and 4 of his nonautistic peers.

Results

We focused on 3 key elements of a supports-based approach for enhancing peer interaction: (a) focusing on participation in a shared activity, (b) encouraging flexible use of multiple communicative resources, and (c) supporting egalitarian interaction.

Conclusion

A supports-based approach presents a theoretically distinct and viable alternative to a skills-based approach in the design of social supports for autistic students and their peers.
Multi‐mode broadband antenna for 2G/3G/LTE/5G wireless communication
Authors: Wu Rui , Chu Qing‐Xin
Published: April 2018

A broadband dual‐polarised antenna for 2G/3G/LTE/5G wireless communication is proposed. A new resonant mode is induced with parasitic resonator loaded inside the loop radiator. Wide impedance bandwidth of 72.2% for VSWR<2 (1.69–3.6 GHz) is achieved with three controllable resonant modes. Stable gain and radiation patterns are obtained over the whole band.
Design of static and dynamic output feedback controllers for a discrete‐time switched non‐linear system with time‐varying delay and parametric uncertainty
Authors: Baleghi Nasrollah Azam , Shafiei Mohammad Hossein
Published: April 2018

This study focuses on the stability analysis and design of output feedback controllers for a non‐linear discrete‐time switched system with uncertain subsystems. The considered system involves time‐varying delay, non‐linear terms, and affine parametric uncertainties. The main goals of this study are first to derive sufficient conditions to guarantee the stability of the unforced switched system and then, to construct two stabilising output feedback controllers (static and dynamic) to stabilise the closed‐loop system with considering arbitrary switching signals. In this regard, based on switched Lyapunov functions, an appropriate Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional is constructed to establish the sufficient conditions; these conditions depend only on the upper bounds of the time‐delay and uncertain parameters. Furthermore, in the proposed method, the admissible bound of time‐delay and the maximum non‐linearity of subsystems could be calculated. Finally, numerical examples are provided to verify the theoretical results.
Observer‐based output feedback control for a boundary controlled fractional reaction diffusion system with spatially‐varying diffusivity
Authors: Chen Juan , Cui Baotong , Chen Yang Quan
Published: April 2018

This study is concerned with observer design and observer‐based output feedback control for a fractional reaction diffusion (FRD) system with a spatially‐varying (non‐constant) diffusion coefficient by the backstepping method. The considered FRD system is endowed with only boundary measurable and actuation available. The contribution of this study is divided into three parts: first is the backstepping‐based observer design for the FRD system with non‐constant diffusivity, second is the output feedback controller generated by the integration of a separately backstepping‐based feedback controller and the proposed observer to stabilise the FRD system with non‐constant diffusivity, and the last is the Mittag–Leffler stability analysis of the observer error and the closed‐loop FRD systems. Specifically, anti‐collocated location of actuator and sensor is considered in the stabilisation problem of this system with Robin boundary condition at and the boundary feedback controller for Dirichlet actuation at . By designing an invertible coordinate transformation to convert the observer error system into a Mittag–Leffler stable target system, the observer gains are obtained. They are used to design the output feedback control law for stabilising the closed‐loop system. Finally, a numerical example is shown to validate the effectiveness of the authors' proposed method.
Perceptual quality evaluation for motion deblurring
Authors: Hu Bo , Li Leida , Qian Jiansheng
Published: April 2018

Motion deblurring has been widely studied. However, the relevant quality evaluation of motion deblurred images remains an open problem. The motion deblurred images are usually contaminated by noise, ringing and residual blur (NRRB) simultaneously. Unfortunately, most of the existing quality metrics are not designed for multiply distorted images, so they are limited in predicting the quality of motion deblurred images. In this study, the authors propose a new quality metric for motion deblurred images by measuring NRRB. For a motion deblurred image, the noise level is first estimated. Then the ringing effect is measured by incorporating visual saliency model to adapt to the characteristic of the human visual system. A reblurring‐based method is proposed to extract similarity features between a motion deblurred image and its re‐blurred version for evaluating the residual blur. Finally, the overall quality score of a motion deblurred image is obtained by pooling the scores of noise, ringing and blur. Experimental results conducted on a motion deblurring database demonstrate that the proposed metric significantly outperforms the existing quality metrics. In addition, the proposed NRRB metric is used for improving the existing general‐purpose no‐reference metrics, and very encouraging results are achieved.
Fuzzy SVPWM‐based inverter control realisation of grid integrated photovoltaic‐wind system with fuzzy particle swarm optimisation maximum power point tracking algorithm for a grid‐connected PV/wind power generation system: hardware implementation
Authors: Priyadarshi Neeraj , Padmanaban Sanjeevikumar , Sagar Bhaskar Mahajan , Blaabjerg Frede , Sharma Amarjeet
Published: April 2018

This research study presents the fuzzy space vector pulse width modulation (FSVPWM) method of current control for three‐phase voltage source inverter. The hybrid fuzzy particle swarm optimisation‐based maximum power point (MPP) tracking algorithm has been employed to obtain high tracking efficiency as well as optimal MPP under adverse operating states. The FSVPWM technique provides less current harmonic content, fixed switching pattern, protection from over current, low switching losses and able to handle the non‐linearities and uncertainties of the photovoltaic‐wind grid integrated system. Grid synchronisation with sinusoidal current injection is achieved using the inverter controller. Fuzzy logic controller‐based SVPWM controller compensates current error and provides DC‐link utilisation with high efficiency. The experimental responses have been validated using MATLAB/Simulink interfaced real‐time dSPACE DS 1104 controller. Irrespective of solar irradiance and wind velocity, the proposed hybrid system obeys MPP accurately with high performance.
Multifeature‐based medical image segmentation
Authors: Kurmi Yashwant , Chaurasia Vijayshri
Published: April 2018

Histopathology image segmentation is an important area in the field of computer aided diagnosis using image processing. This study presents a local feature‐based novel technique for the segmentation of histopathology images. It mainly focuses on a system that segments overlapped nuclei (OLN) without affecting the general non‐OLN segmentation performance. The proposed method suggests a three‐stage system. The initial segmentation is done by using local features for the demarcation of nuclei regions. In the second stage, salient‐based active contour is applied for complete nucleus‐region identification. In the final step, the OLN are identified and segmented using a Gaussian distribution and entropy maximisation. The performance of the proposed segmentation method is evaluated on the basis of precision, recall, accuracy, and ‐score. The proposed method is simulated on animal diagnostics laboratory histopathology image dataset and reported 90.3% average accuracy with average F1‐score 0.937. Simulation results confirm the superiority of the proposed method as compared with the existing state‐of‐art methods.
Anti‐occlusion particle filter object‐tracking method based on feature fusion
Authors: Huan Ruohong , Bao Shenglin , Wang Chu , Pan Yun
Published: April 2018

A new anti‐occlusion particle filter object‐tracking method based on feature fusion is proposed in this study. Colour and local binary pattern features are extracted and additively fused with a deterministic coefficient, which is calculated based on the difference between the object features and the background. An integral cumulative histogram is proposed to reduce the computational cost of feature extraction. A new occlusion determination method is proposed, and corresponding tracking strategies are also put forward for various occlusion conditions; in the case of partial occlusion, block tracking is carried out, and in the case of serious occlusion, the least‐square method is used to predict the object position. Context Aware Vision using Image‐based Active Recognition (CAVIAR) and Video Image Retrieval and Analysis Tool (VIRAT) video libraries are used to validate the method. The experimental results show that the proposed method can describe an object effectively and improve tracking stability and robustness under the occlusion conditions.
Lossless and reversible colour space transformation for Bayer colour filter array images
Authors: Mohammed Shahed K. , Wahid Khan A.
Published: April 2018

We present two variants of a colour space transformation algorithm to encode Bayer colour filter array images that are based on integer coefficients; as a result, the algorithms are fully lossless and reversible in nature. These transformation algorithms are derived using an optimisation model that reduces the spectral redundancy of Bayer colour components, which results in lower prediction error variance and inter‐colour correlation. These methods, known as optimum reversible colour space transform (ORCT‐1 and ORCT‐2), improve the lossless bitrate of low complexity prediction model without using high complexity interpolation and inter‐colour prediction scheme. Extensive experimentation is performed using five sets of test images for different lossless compression algorithms: JPEG‐LS, JPEG‐2000 and JPEG‐XR. Experimental results show that, in all cases, the proposed schemes perform competitively with other methods with lower computational complexity, which makes them suitable for low‐cost imaging applications.
Catching drifting pebbles
Authors: Liu Beibei , Ormel Chris W.
Published: April 2018

Context.Coagulation theory predicts that micron-sized dust grains grow into pebbles, which drift inward towards the star when they reach sizes of mm−cm. When they cross the orbit of a planet, a fraction of these drifting pebbles will be accreted. In the pebble accretion mechanism, the combined effects of the planet’s gravitational attraction and gas drag greatly increase the accretion rate.

Aims.We calculate the pebble accretion efficiencyε2D– the probability that a pebble is accreted by the planet – in the 2D limit (pebbles reside in the midplane). In particular, we investigate the dependence ofε2Don the planet eccentricity and its implications for planet formation models.

Methods.We conduct N-body simulations to calculate the pebble accretion efficiency in both the local frame and the global frame. With the global method we investigate the pebble accretion efficiency when the planet is on an eccentric orbit.

Results.We find that the local and the global methods generally give consistent results. However, the global method becomes more accurate when the planet is more massive than a few Earth masses or when the aerodynamic size (Stokes number) of the pebble is larger than 1. The efficiency increases with the planet’s eccentricity once the relative velocity between the pebble and the planet is determined by the planet’s eccentric velocity. At high eccentricities, however, the relative velocity becomes too high for pebble accretion. The efficiency then drops significantly and the accretion enters the ballistic regime. We present general expressions forε2D. Applying the obtained formula to the formation of a secondary planet, in resonance with an already-formed giant planet, we find that the embryo grows quickly due to its higher eccentricity.

Conclusions.The maximumε2Dfor a planet on an eccentric orbit is several times higher than for a planet on a circular orbit, but this increase gives the planet an important headstart and boosts its following mass growth. The recipe forε2Dthat we have obtained is designed to be implemented into N-body codes to simulate the growth and evolution of planetary systems.
Distribution of Serpens South protostars revealed with ALMA
Authors: Plunkett Adele L. , Fernández-López Manuel , Arce Héctor G. , Busquet Gemma , Mardones Diego , Dunham Michael M.
Published: April 2018

Context. Clusters are common sites of star formation, whose members display varying degrees of mass segregation. The cause may be primordial or dynamical, or a combination both. If mass segregation were to be observed in a very young protostellar cluster, then the primordial case can be assumed more likely for that region.

Aims. We investigated the masses and spatial distributions of pre-stellar and protostellar candidates in the young, low-mass star forming region Serpens South, where active star formation is known to occur along a predominant filamentary structure. Previous observations used to study these distributions have been limited by two important observational factors: (1) sensitivity limits that leave the lowest-mass sources undetected or (2) resolution limits that cannot distinguish binaries and/or cluster members in close proximity.

Methods. Recent millimeter-wavelength interferometry observations can now uncover faint and/or compact sources in order to study a more complete population of protostars, especially in nearby (D < 500 pc) clusters. Here we present ALMA observations of 1 mm (Band 6) continuum in a 3 × 2 arcmin region at the center of Serpens South. Our angular resolution of ~1′′ is equivalent to ~400 au, corresponding to scales of envelopes and/or disks of protostellar sources.

Results. We detect 52 sources with 1 mm continuum, and we measure masses of 0.002–0.9 solar masses corresponding to gas and dust in the disk and/or envelope of the protostellar system. For the deeply embedded (youngest) sources with no IR counterparts, we find evidence of mass segregation and clustering according to: the minimum spanning tree method, distribution of projected separations between unique sources, and concentration of higher-mass sources near to the dense gas at the cluster center.

Conclusions. The mass segregation of the mm sources is likely primordial rather than dynamical given the young age of this cluster, compared with segregation time. This is the first case to show this for mm sources in a low-mass protostellar cluster environment.
The VLT-FLAMES Tarantula Survey
Authors: Dufton P. L. , Thompson A. , Crowther P. A. , Evans C. J. , Schneider F. R. N. , de Koter A. , de Mink S. E. , Garland R. , Langer N. , Lennon D. J. , McEvoy C. M. , Ramírez-Agudelo O. H. , Sana H. , Símon Díaz S. , Taylor W. D. , Vink J. S.
Published: April 2018

Previous analyses of the spectra of OB-type stars in the Magellanic Clouds have identified targets with low projected rotational velocities and relatively high nitrogen abundances; the evolutionary status of these objects remains unclear. The VLT-FLAMES Tarantula Survey obtained spectroscopy for over 800 early-type stars in 30 Doradus of which 434 stars were classified as B-type. We have estimated atmospheric parameters and nitrogen abundances using TLUSTY model atmospheres for 54 B-type targets that appear to be single, have projected rotational velocities, ve sin i ≤ 80 km s−1 and were not classified as supergiants. In addition, nitrogen abundances for 34 similar stars observed in a previous FLAMES survey of the Large Magellanic Cloud have been re-evaluated. For both samples, approximately 75–80% of the targets have nitrogen enhancements of less than 0.3 dex, consistent with them having experienced only small amounts of mixing. However, stars with low projected rotational velocities, ve sini ≤ 40 km s−1 and significant nitrogen enrichments are found in both our samples and simulations imply that these cannot all be rapidly rotating objects observed near pole-on. For example, adopting an enhancement threshold of 0.6 dex, we observed five and four stars in our VFTS and previous FLAMES survey samples, yet stellar evolution models with rotation predict only 1.25 ± 1.11 and 0.26 ± 0.51 based on our sample sizes and random stellar viewing inclinations. The excess of such objects is estimated to be 20–30% of all stars with current rotational velocities of less than 40 km s−1. This would correspond to ~2–4% of the total non-supergiant single B-type sample. Given the relatively large nitrogen enhancement adopted, these estimates constitute lower limits for stars that appear inconsistent with current grids of stellar evolutionary models. Including targets with smaller nitrogen enhancements of greater than 0.2 dex implies larger percentages of targets that are inconsistent with current evolutionary models, viz. ~70% of the stars with rotational velocities less than 40 km s−1 and ~6–8% of the total single stellar population. We consider possible explanations of which the most promising would appear to be breaking due to magnetic fields or stellar mergers with subsequent magnetic braking.
Multi-wavelength campaign on NCG 7469
Authors: Middei R. , Bianchi S. , Cappi M. , Petrucci P.-O. , Ursini F. , Arav N. , Behar E. , Branduardi-Raymont G. , Costantini E. , De Marco B. , Di Gesu L. , Ebrero J. , Kaastra J. , Kaspi S. , Kriss G. A. , Mao J. , Mehdipour M. , Paltani S. , Peretz U. , Ponti G.
Published: April 2018

We conducted a multi-wavelength 6-month campaign to observe the Seyfert Galaxy NGC 7469, using the space-based observatories HST, Swift, XMM-Newton and NuSTAR. We report the results of the spectral analysis of the seven simultaneous XMM-Newton and NuSTAR observations. The source shows significant flux variability within each observation, but the average flux is less variable among the different pointings of our campaign. Our spectral analysis reveals a prominent narrow neutral Fe Kα emission line in all the spectra and weaker contributions from Fe Kβ, neutral Ni Kα, and ionized iron. We find no evidence for variability or relativistic effects acting on the emission lines, which indicates that they originate from distant material. In the joint analysis of XMM-Newton and NuSTAR data, a constant photon index is found (Γ = 1.78 ± 0.02) together with a high energy cut-off Ecut = 170−40+60 keV. Adopting a self-consistent Comptonization model, these values correspond to an average coronal electron temperature of kT = 45−12+15 keV and, assuming a spherical geometry, an optical depth τ = 2.6 ± 0.9. The reflection component is consistent with being constant and the reflection fraction is in the range R = 0.3−0.6. A prominent soft excess dominates the spectra below 4 keV. This is best fit with a second Comptonization component, arising from a warm corona with an average kT = 0.67 ± 0.03 keV and a corresponding optical depth τ = 9.2 ± 0.2.
Fourth-order fractional diffusion model of thermal grooving: integral approach to approximate closed form solution of the Mullins model
Authors: Hristov Jordan
Published: April 2018

A multiple integration technique of the integral-balance method allowing solving high-order subdiffusion diffusion equations is presented in this article. The new method termed multiple-integral balance method (MIM) is based on multiple integration procedures with respect to the space coordinate. MIM is a generalization of the widely applied Heat-balance integral method of Goodman and the double integration method of Volkov. The method is demonstrated by a solution of the linear subdiffusion model of Mullins for thermal grooving by surface diffusion.
Application of Atangana-Baleanu fractional derivative to convection flow of MHD Maxwell fluid in a porous medium over a vertical plate
Authors: Abro K.A. , Khan I. , Tassaddiq A.
Published: April 2018

Atangana-Baleanu fractional derivative has been applied to study heat transfer problem of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) Maxwell fluid over a vertical plate embedded in a porous medium. The analytical solutions have been obtained for temperature distribution and velocity field by employing Laplace transforms technique for both sine and cosine oscillations of the plate. The general solutions have been expressed in terms of Fox-H function satisfying imposed conditions. The results are plotted graphically and discussed for embedded parameters such as magnetic field, Maxwell parameter, porous medium, Prandtl number and fractional parameter.
A different approach to the European option pricing model with new fractional operator
Authors: Yavuz M. , Özdemir N.
Published: April 2018

In this work, we have derived an approximate solution of the fractional Black-Scholes models using an iterative method. The fractional differentiation operator used in this paper is the well-known conformable derivative. Firstly, we redefine the fractional Black-Scholes equation, conformable fractional Adomian decomposition method (CFADM) and conformable fractional modified homotopy perturbation method (CFMHPM). Then, we have solved the fractional Black-Scholes (FBS) and generalized fractional Black-Scholes (GFBS) equations by using the proposed methods, which can analytically solve the fractional partial differential equations (FPDE). In order to show the efficiencies of these methods, we have compared the numerical and exact solutions of these two option pricing problems by using in pricing the actual market data. Also, we have found out that the proposed models are very efficient and powerful techniques in finding approximate solutions of the fractional Black-Scholes models which are considered in conformable sense.
Symmetry analysis and conservation laws of the time fractional Kaup-Kupershmidt equation from capillary gravity waves
Authors: Zhao Zhonglong , Han Bo
Published: April 2018

The Lie symmetry analysis is employed to study the time fractional Kaup-Kupershmidt equation from capillary gravity waves. The Lie point symmetries and the similarity reduction of this equation are obtained. Then we construct the conservation laws by means of Ibragimov’s method.
Discrete breathers dynamic in a model for DNA chain with a finite stacking enthalpy
Authors: Gninzanlong Carlos Lawrence , Ndjomatchoua Frank Thomas , Tchawoua Clément
Published: April 2018

The nonlinear dynamics of a homogeneous DNA chain based on site-dependent finite stacking and pairing enthalpies is studied. A new variant of extended discrete nonlinear Schrödinger equation describing the dynamics of modulated wave is derived. The regions of discrete modulational instability of plane carrier waves are studied, and it appears that these zones depend strongly on the phonon frequency of Fourier's mode. The staggered/unstaggered discrete breather (SDB/USDB) is obtained straightforwardly without the staggering transformation, and it is demonstrated that SDBs are less unstable than USDB. The instability of discrete multi-humped SDB/USDB solution does not depend on the number of peaks of the discrete breather (DB). By using the concept of Peierls-Nabarro energy barrier, it appears that the low-frequency DBs are more mobile.
Modification of YNbO4 and YNbTiO6 photoluminescence by nitrogen doping
Authors: Pei H. , Su L. M. , Cai G. M. , Jin Z. P.
Published: April 2018

Niobates as multifunctional materials were of vital importance in the industry production and daily life. In present work, niobates YNbO4 and YNbTiO6 are investigated as luminescence materials. The compounds have self-activated luminescence, and it is discussed how nitrogen doping affects their electronic structure and optical properties. Various analytical techniques, including x-ray diffraction, nitrogen-content analysis, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, UV-vis absorption spectroscopy and vacuum ultraviolet emission spectroscopy at variable temperature, were used to characterize the structure, composition, crystallinity and optical performance of these niobates. By considering the luminescence mechanisms in YNbO4 and YNbTiO6, the enhanced luminescence obtained upon nitrogen doping is attributed to the presence of oxygen vacancies and nitrogen levels, which changes the band gaps of the materials. Present work demonstrates the use of nitrogen doping for improving the photoluminescence properties of self-activated niobates.
RHEED oscillations in spinel ferrite epitaxial films grown by conventional planar magnetron sputtering
Authors: Ojima T. , Tainosho T. , Sharmin S. , Yanagihara H.
Published: April 2018

Real-time in situ reflection high energy electron diffraction (RHEED) observations of Fe3O4, γ-Fe2O3, and (Co,Fe)3O4 films on MgO(001) substrates grown by a conventional planar magnetron sputtering was studied. The change in periodical intensity of the specular reflection spot in the RHEED images of three different spinel ferrite compounds grown by two different sputtering systems was examined. The oscillation period was found to correspond to the 1/4 unit cell of each spinel ferrite, similar to that observed in molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) and pulsed laser deposition (PLD) experiments. This suggests that the layer-by-layer growth of spinel ferrite (001) films is general in most physical vapor deposition (PVD) processes. The surfaces of the films were as flat as the surface of the substrate, consistent with the observed layer-by-layer growth process. The observed RHEED oscillation indicates that even a conventional sputtering method can be used to control film thickness during atomic layer depositions.
More limbs on the tree: mitogenome characterisation and systematic position of ‘living fossil’ species Neoglyphea inopinata and Laurentaeglyphea neocaledonica (Decapoda : Glypheidea : Glypheidae)
Authors: Tan Mun Hua , Gan Han Ming , Dally Gavin , Horner Suzanne , Moreno Paula A. Rodríguez , Rahman Sadequr , Austin Christopher M.
Published: April 2018

Glypheids first appeared in the Lower Triassic period and were believed to be extinct until specimens of Neoglyphea inopinata Forest & Saint Laurent and Laurentaeglyphea neocaledonica Richer de Forges were described in 1975 and 2006, respectively. The finding of extant species has meant that molecular data can now be used to complement morphological and fossil-based studies to investigate the relationships of Glypheidea within the Decapoda. However, despite several molecular studies, the placement of this infraorder within the decapod phylogenetic tree is not resolved. One limitation is that molecular resources available for glypheids have been limited to a few nuclear and mitochondrial gene fragments. Many of the more recent large-scale studies of decapod phylogeny have used information from complete mitogenomes, but have excluded the infraorder Glypheidea due to the unavailability of complete mitogenome sequences. Using next-generation sequencing, we successfully sequenced and assembled complete mitogenome sequences from museum specimens of N. inopinata and L. neocaledonica, the only two extant species of glypheids. With these sequences, we constructed the first decapod phylogenetic tree based on whole mitogenome sequences that includes Glypheidea as one of 10 decapod infraorders positioned within the suborder Pleocyemata. From this, the Glypheidea appears to be a relatively derived lineage related to the Polychelida and Astacidea. Also in our study, we conducted a survey on currently available decapod mitogenome resources available on National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) and identified infraorders that would benefit from more strategic and expanded taxonomic sampling.
The detection and significance of emerging insecticide resistance in mosquitoes
Authors: Endersby-Harshman Nancy M , Weeks Andrew R , Hoffmann Ary A
Published: April 2018

Mosquito-borne arboviruses are increasing in incidence around the world. Australia enjoys some protection from pests and diseases afforded by its geographic isolation coupled with strict biosecurity control at its borders. However, as the volume of global trade, travel and transport expands, risk of exotic incursions to Australia is increasing. Detection of foreign mosquitoes at airports and seaports around Australia is becoming commonplace. The Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, which has expanded its range throughout Europe and the Americas1, has not become established in mainland Australia, but is encountered as an exotic incursion2. The yellow fever mosquito and dengue vector, Aedes. aegypti, occurs naturally in northern Queensland, but is also captured at Australia’s ports on a recurrent basis as an incursion from overseas3. Although Ae. aegypti is established in Australia, its detection as an incursion is still cause for concern. Apart from the possibility that invasive mosquitoes will carry exotic arboviruses, genetic characteristics of a foreign insect population can be very different from those observed in local mosquitoes, particularly in terms of insecticide resistance. Our recent research has shown that invading mosquitoes from overseas carry insecticide resistance alleles not found in Australia4 and our development of a global genomic database is helping us to pinpoint their source.
Arboviruses in pregnancy: consequences of maternal and fetal infection
Authors: Rawlinson William
Published: April 2018

Epidemics and localised outbreaks of infections due to arthropod borne (arbo) viruses, have been described for hundreds of years. Few viruses to date are known to transmit from mother to fetus, causing either teratogenic effects or fetal demise (see recent reviews Charlier et al.1 and Marinho et al.2). Many arboviruses are zoonotic but there appear to be few parallels between the effect of these viruses following human or animal infection during pregnancy. Higher rates of MTCT (mother to child transmission) may be seen (1) where herd immunity is reduced, either because virus is newly introduced into a population (as occurred in Brazil with ZIKV), or where the virus has only recently become endemic (as occurred with West Nile virus (WNV) in the USA in the 1990s), (2) where the arthropod vector is present, (3) where the vector transmits virus efficiently, and (4) in groups of pregnant women exposed, allowing transmission3.
Combined oral contraceptives promote androgen receptor and oestrogen receptor alpha upregulation in the female prostate (Skene’s paraurethral glands) of adult gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus)
Authors: Pinto Eliana G. , Campos Mônica S. , Falleiros-Júnior Luiz R. , Marques Mara R. , Taboga Sebastião R. , Castro Carlos H. , Biancardi Manoel F. , Santos Fernanda C. A.
Published: April 2018

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of cyproterone acetate (CPA) and ethinyloestradiol (EE) alone or in combination on the female prostate of adult gerbils. Adult females were exposed for 21 days to daily oral doses of CPA (1 mg kg−1), EE (10 µg kg−1) or a combination of CPA and EE. Female prostatic complexes were removed, weighed and subjected to morphological, stereological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural analyses. CPA treatment caused epithelial atrophy and decreased prostate secretory activity. The EE treatment group showed glandular hyperplasia, a high cell-proliferation index and an increase in androgen and oestrogen receptor α (AR and ERα) immunoreactivity. Combined treatment (CPA+EE) caused adverse effects, such as an increase in cell proliferation, higher AR and ERα immunoreactivity, prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, cell degeneration and aging. In conclusion, the CPA-only treatment promoted antiandrogenic effects on the female gerbil prostate, whereas EE-only had a potent oestrogenic activity. However, when combined, EE overlapped the effects of CPA, changing the pattern of glandular hormonal regulation and stimulating the development of prostatic lesions in female gerbils.
A Tale of Two Brazzas: Intertwining (Post-)Colonial Namescapes
Authors: Bigon Liora , Ben Arrous Michel
Published: April 2018

This article brings together and analyzes two toponyms: Brazzaville Street in Holon, Israel, and Quay of Brazza in Bordeaux, France. In the light of historical and contemporary developments at different points of time, geographies and socio-political contexts, the crisscrossing between both Brazza-related toponyms is useful in promoting a critical and more nuanced interpretation of space and nomenclature. In exploring the varied flows of power, ambiguities and tensions behind the two place names, and in bringing the Congo to the fore, the article also relates to geographies beyond Europe. This aspect of spatial intertwining contributes to the de-Eurocentrization of recent place names studies, which tend to be focused on Europe/the West and on nationalistic aspects. In addition, a variety of primary and secondary materials is employed, including visual and archival sources, and fieldwork.
Anti-melanogenic effects of resorcinol are mediated by suppression of cAMP signaling and activation of p38 MAPK signaling
Authors: Kang Mingyeong , Park See-Hyoung , Oh Sae Woong , Lee Seung Eun , Yoo Ju Ah , Nho Youn Hwa , Lee Sukyeon , Han Byung Seok , Cho Jae Youl , Lee Jongsung
Published: April 2018

In this study, we investigated the inhibitory mechanisms of resorcinol in B16F10 mouse melanoma cells. We found that resorcinol reduced both the melanin content and tyrosinase activity in these cells. In addition, resorcinol suppressed the expression of melanogenic gene microphthalmia-associated transcriptional factor (MITF) and its downstream target genes tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein (TRP)-1, and TRP-2. In addition, we found that resorcinol reduced intracellular cAMP levels and protein kinase A (PKA) activity, and increased phosphorylation of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). Resorcinol was also found to directly inhibit tyrosinase activity. However, resorcinol-induced decrease in melanin content, tyrosinase activity, and tyrosinase protein levels were attenuated by SB203580, a p38 MAPK inhibitor. Taken together, these data indicate that anti-melanogenic activity of resorcinol is be mediated through the inhibition of cAMP signaling and activation of p38 MAPK, indicating that resorcinol may be a possible ameliorating agent in the treatment of hyperpigmentation skin disorders.
Inactive Matrix Gla Protein, Arterial Stiffness, and Endothelial Function in African American Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Fain Mary Ellen , Kapuku Gaston K , Paulson William D , Williams Celestine F , Raed Anas , Dong Yanbin , Knapen Marjo H J , Vermeer Cees , Pollock Norman K
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

Matrix Gla protein (MGP) is a vascular calcification inhibitor dependent upon vitamin K for activation. Evidence suggests that elevated plasma inactive MGP levels (desphospho-uncarboxylated MGP, dp-ucMGP; indicating poorer vascular vitamin K status) are associated with greater cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Despite African Americans experiencing highest rates of kidney failure and CVD events, relationships between dp-ucMGP and CVD risk markers have not been examined in this population. We investigated vascular vitamin K status (via plasma dp-ucMGP) between African American hemodialysis (HD) patients and healthy controls, and the associations of dp-ucMGP with arterial stiffness and endothelial function in HD patients only.

METHODS

In 37 African American HD patients and 37 age- and race-matched controls, plasma dp-ucMGP was measured by enzyme immunoassay as a marker of vascular vitamin K status. Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV; arterial stiffness measurement) and brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD; endothelial function measurement) were assessed by applanation tonometry and ultrasound, respectively, in HD patients only.

RESULTS

Mean dp-ucMGP levels were 5.6 times higher in HD patients vs. controls (2,139 ± 1,102 vs. 382 ± 181 pmol/l, P < 0.01). Multiple linear regression, adjusting for age, sex, dialysis vintage, diabetes mellitus, CVD history, body mass index, and blood pressure, revealed that dp-ucMGP was independently related to PWV (standardized β = 0.49) and FMD (standardized β = −0.53) (both P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that the higher plasma dp-ucMGP concentrations found in African American HD patients may be associated with greater arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction.
Gestational Age is Dimensionally Associated with Structural Brain Network Abnormalities Across Development
Authors: Nassar Rula , Kaczkurkin Antonia N , Xia Cedric Huchuan , Sotiras Aristeidis , Pehlivanova Marieta , Moore Tyler M , Garcia de La Garza Angel , Roalf David R , Rosen Adon F G , Lorch Scott A , Ruparel Kosha , Shinohara Russell T , Davatzikos Christos , Gur Ruben C , Gur Raquel E , Satterthwaite Theodore D
Published: April 2018

Prematurity is associated with diverse developmental abnormalities, yet few studies relate cognitive and neurostructural deficits to a dimensional measure of prematurity. Leveraging a large sample of children, adolescents, and young adults (age 8–22 years) studied as part of the Philadelphia Neurodevelopmental Cohort, we examined how variation in gestational age impacted cognition and brain structure later in development. Participants included 72 preterm youth born before 37 weeks’ gestation and 206 youth who were born at term (37 weeks or later). Using a previously-validated factor analysis, cognitive performance was assessed in three domains: (1) executive function and complex reasoning, (2) social cognition, and (3) episodic memory. All participants completed T1-weighted neuroimaging at 3 T to measure brain volume. Structural covariance networks were delineated using non-negative matrix factorization, an advanced multivariate analysis technique. Lower gestational age was associated with both deficits in executive function and reduced volume within 11 of 26 structural covariance networks, which included orbitofrontal, temporal, and parietal cortices as well as subcortical regions including the hippocampus. Notably, the relationship between lower gestational age and executive dysfunction was accounted for in part by structural network deficits. Together, these findings emphasize the durable impact of prematurity on cognition and brain structure, which persists across development.
Study of lymphoedema of non-filarial origin in the northwest region of Cameroon: spatial distribution, profiling of cases and socio-economic aspects of podoconiosis
Authors: Wanji Samuel , Kengne-Ouafo Jonas A , Deribe Kebede , Tembei Ayok M , Njouendou Abdel Jelil , Tayong Dizzel Bita , Sofeu-Feugaing David D , Datchoua-Poutcheu Fabrice R , Cano Jorge , Giorgi Emanuele , Longang-Tchounkeu Yolande F , Enyong Peter A , Newport Melanie J , Davey Gail
Published: April 2018

Background

Although podoconiosis is endemic in Cameroon, little is known about its epidemiology and spatial distribution.

Methods

This cross-sectional, population-based study enrolled all adults (≥15 y) residing in the districts of the northwest region of Cameroon for 10 or more years. Participants were interviewed and had a physical examination. The study outcomes were prevalence estimates of lymphoedema and podoconiosis. House-to-house screening was conducted by Community Health Implementers (CHIs). CHIs registered all individuals with lymphoedema and collected additional individual and household-related information. A panel of experts re-examined and validated all lymphoedema cases registered by CHIs.

Results

Of the 439 781 individuals registered, 214 195 were adults (≥15 y old) and had lived in the districts of the region for more than 10 y. A total of 2143 lymphoedema cases were identified by CHIs, giving a prevalence of lymphoedema of 1.0% (2143/214 195; 95% CI, 0.96–1.04). After review by experts, podoconiosis prevalence in the study area was 0.48% (1049/214 195; 95% CI, 0.46–0.52). The prevalence of podoconiosis varied by health district, from 0.16% in Oku to 1.92% in Bafut (p<0.05). A total of 374 patients were recruited by stratified random sampling from the validated CHIs’ register to assess the clinical features and socio-economic aspects of the disease. Patients reportedly were said to have first noticed swelling at an average age of 41.9±19.1 (range: 6–90 y). Most patients (86.1%; 315/366) complained of their legs suddenly becoming hot, red and painful. The majority (96.5%; 361/374) of the interviewees said they had worn shoes occasionally at some point in their life. The reported mean age at first shoe wearing was 14.2±10.1 (±SD,range 1–77 y). A high proportion (82.8%; 309/374) of the participants wore shoes at the time of interview. Of those wearing shoes, only 21.7% (67/309) were wearing protective shoes.

Conclusion

This study provides an insight into the geographical distribution and epidemiology of podoconiosis in the North West region of Cameroon, yet management is limited. Evidence-informed targeted interventions are needed to manage people with lymphoedema.