bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional Outcome of Open Surgical Release Versus Percutaneous Release of Tennis Elbow.
Authors: Gyawali Bidur , Bhatta Toya Raj , Dawadi Tej Prakash , Shrestha Suman Kumar , RC Dhirga Raj , Pradhan Nabees Man Singh
Published: May 2016

Introduction: Tennis Elbow is a familiar term used to describe myriad of symptoms around the lateral aspect of the elbow. It occurs more frequently in non-athletes than athletes. Tennis elbow has a reported prevalence of 2% in the general population. It is most commonly seen in patients between the ages of 30 and 50 years. Tennis Elbow is considered resistant if it fails to respond to conservative means of treatment for at least six months.Methods: Patients meeting the criteria were divided randomly into two groups of open surgical release and percutaneous release using random number generator software and respective surgery was done. Functional score, time to return to pre-injury status and patient satisfaction were noted at two months and six months follow up.Results: Among 62 patients (34 female, 28 male) enrolled, 32 patients (mean age 42.5 years) were allocated to open group and 30 patients (mean age 44.2 years) were allocated to percutaneous group. At two months follow up, 81% of open group had excellent to good score and 19% of cases had fair score as compared to 90% cases of percutaneous group with excellent to good score and 10%with fair score (p = 0.376). At six months follow up, both open and percutaneous group had 90% excellent to good results and 10% fair results (p = 0.596). The mean time to return to work of open release was 6.03 weeks and percutaneous release was 2.3 weeks (p = 0.0001).Conclusions: Percutaneous release and open surgical release in surgical management of resistant tennis elbow have statistically similar functional outcome. The time to return to work after percutaneous release is significantly earlier.
Large Washing Machines Are Not Used Efficiently in Europe
Authors: Schmitz Angelika , Alborzi Farnaz , Stamminger Rainer
Published: May 2016

Washing machines sold for private households are increasing in capacity. The aim of this study was to assess how these higher capacities are utilised by consumers. A consumer survey was conducted in eleven European countries with more than 5,000 participants who are substantially involved in washing laundry. Questions were asked about their washing machines and washing behaviour. The main outcome is that these new machines are welcomed, but it seems that the consumers are not utilising the larger capacities. This may result in higher energy and water consumption as the new machines are optimised to work most efficiently at maximum load conditions.
Microhardness of decorative gold coatings obtained from gold complex based on mercaptotriazole: Comparison with cyanide
Authors: Dimitrijević Silvana B. , Rajčić-Vujasinović Mirjana M. , Trifunović Dejan D. , Trumić Biserka T. , Stević Zoran M. , Dimitrijević Stevan P.
Published: May 2016

The aim of this work was to investigate the effects of current density, temperature, pH and concentration of ethylhexilsulfonate additive on the microhardness of electrochemically deposited gold decorative coatings obtained from a conventional cyanide electrolyte and gold complex based on mercaptotriazole. Mechanically and chemically prepared brass samples were first nickeled from acidic electrolyte. Nickel was a substrate deposit, and then decorative gold coatings were deposited from two types of electrolytes at different current densities and temperatures. Decorative gold coatings were deposited from auri-mercaptotrizole at different pH values and from electrolyte with and without the ethylhexilsulfonate additive. The microhardness of the gold coating was measured using the Knoop method. The highest values of microhardness were obtained at a current density of 1 A dm−2 at room temperature for both electrolytes. The microhardness of the gold coatings from cyanide electrolytes was HK = 740 MPa, and the coatings obtained from auri-mercaptotriazole HK = 660 MPa. This difference is not relevant for decorative purposes. The highest values of microhardness, HK = 660 MPa, were obtained at pH = 9 from the gold complex based on mercaptotriazole without the additive.
Towards a Better Understanding of Agronomic Efficiency of Nitrogen: Assessment and Improvement Strategies
Authors: Montemurro Francesco , Diacono Mariangela
Published: May 2016

Agronomic N-use efficiency is the basis for economic and environmental efficiency, and an effective agro-ecosystem management practice, improving nutrient use efficiency, is a crucial challenge for a more sustainable production of horticultural, industrial and cereal crops. However, discrepancy between theory and practice still exists, coming from large gaps in knowledge on net-N immobilization/mineralization rates in agro-ecosystems, as well as on the effects of indigenous and applied N to crop response. A more thorough understanding of these topics is essential to improve N management in agricultural systems. To this end, the present Special Issue collects research findings dealing with different aspects of agronomic efficiency of N in different agro-ecosystems, and environmental impact derived from fertilization management practices. In particular, the Special Issue contains selected papers, which concern a wide range of topics, including analyzing tools, options of management, calculation equation and modeling approaches.
Tests and Analysis of the Compressive Performance of an Integrated Masonry Structure of a Brick-Stem-Insulating Layer
Authors: Jia Suizi , Liu Yan , Cao Wanlin , Zhou Zhongyi , Zhang Yuchen
Published: May 2016

This paper proposes, for low buildings, an integrated wall structure of a brick-stem-insulating layer, which plays a major part in both heat preservation and force bearing. The research team has tested the thermal performance of the structure, the results of which are satisfying. To further study the force-bearing performance, the paper carries out compressive tests of specimens of different structural design, with two types of bricks, i.e., clay and recycled concrete bricks; three types of stems, i.e., square-shaped wood, square-shaped steel pipe and circular steel pipe; and one type of insulating layer, i.e., fly ash masonry blocks. Afterward, the force bearing performance, damage that occurred, compressive deformation and ductility of all of the specimens are compared. On the sideline, the structure is applied in the construction of a pilot residence project, yielding favorable outcomes. The results indicate that in comparison with a brick wall with an insulating layer sandwiched in between, the integrated wall structure of bricks and fly ash blocks is a more preferable choice in terms of compressive performance and ductility. The integrated wall structure of brick-stem-fly ash blocks delivers much better performance to this end. Note that regarding the stem’s contribution to compressive strength, circular steel pipe is highest, followed by square-shaped steel pipe and then square-shaped wood. The compressive performance of the sandwiched blocks surpasses that of the two brick wall pieces combined by a large margin.
The Wnt Target Gene L1 in Colon Cancer Invasion and Metastasis
Authors: Haase Gal , Gavert Nancy , Brabletz Thomas , Ben-Ze’ev Avri
Published: May 2016

The Wnt-β-catenin signaling pathway is highly conserved during evolution and determines normal tissue homeostasis. Hyperactivation of Wnt-β-catenin signaling is a characteristic feature of colorectal cancer (CRC) development. β-catenin is a major transducer of the Wnt signal from the cytoplasm into the nucleus where it acts as a co-transcriptional activator of β-catenin-TCF target genes. β-catenin is also required for linking cadherin type cell-cell adhesion receptors to the cytoskeleton, and consequently Wnt-β-catenin signaling is an attractive system for investigating the role of adhesion-mediated signaling in both normal intestinal tissue homeostasis and CRC development. In this review, we summarize our studies on one Wnt-β-catenin target gene, L1, a member of the immunoglobulin-like cell adhesion transmembrane receptor family. We describe the mechanisms of L1-mediated signaling in CRC cells, its exclusive localization in invasive areas of CRC tissue, and its ability to increase cell motility and confer metastasis to the liver. We discuss the activation (by L1) of genes via an ezrin-NF-κB pathway and the induction of genes also found in the intestinal stem cell signature. By studying L1 (adhesion)-mediated signaling, we expect to learn about mechanisms regulating both normal intestinal homeostasis and CRC development.
Attitudes towards Prosthodontic Clinical Decision-Making for Edentulous Patients among South West Deanery Dental Foundation Year One Dentists
Authors: Barber Andrew , Puryer James , Leary Sam , McNally Lisa , O’Sullivan Dominic
Published: May 2016

The aim of this study was to describe Dental Foundation year one dentists’ attitudes towards prosthodontic decision making for edentulous patients, and identify whether there are gender differences in these attitudes. All South West Deanery trainees were invited to take part in the study between May and June 2011 and a previously piloted questionnaire was administered to the trainees by their training programme directors. The questionnaire posed questions based upon a clinical scenario of discussing treatment options with patients. Seventy-two questionnaires were used in the analysis (91% overall response rate). Trainees perceived their own values to be less important than the patient’s values (p < 0.001) in decision making, but similar to the patient’s friend’s/relative’s values (p = 0.1). In addition, the trainees perceived the patient’s values to be less important than their friend’s/relatives (p < 0.001). Sixty-six per cent of trainees acknowledged an influence from their own personal values on their presentation of material to patients who are in the process of choosing among different treatment options, and 87% thought their edentulous patients were satisfied with the decision making process when choosing among different treatment options. Fifty-eight per cent of trainees supported a strategy of negotiation between patients and clinicians (shared decision making). There was no strong evidence to suggest gender had an influence on the attitudes towards decision making. The finding of a consensus towards shared decision making in the attitudes of trainees, and no gender differences is encouraging and is supportive of UK dental schools’ ability to foster ethical and professional values among dentists.
iNUIT: Internet of Things for Urban Innovation
Authors: Carrino Francesco , Mugellini Elena , Abou Khaled Omar , Ouerhani Nabil , Ehrensberger Juergen
Published: May 2016

Internet of Things (IoT) seems a viable way to enable the Smart Cities of the future. iNUIT (Internet of Things for Urban Innovation) is a multi-year research program that aims to create an ecosystem that exploits the variety of data coming from multiple sensors and connected objects installed on the scale of a city, in order to meet specific needs in terms of development of new services (physical security, resource management, etc.). Among the multiple research activities within iNUIT, we present two projects: SmartCrowd and OpEc. SmartCrowd aims at monitoring the crowd’s movement during large events. It focuses on real-time tracking using sensors available in smartphones and on the use of a crowd simulator to detect possible dangerous scenarios. A proof-of-concept of the application has been tested at the Paléo Festival (Switzerland) showing the feasibility of the approach. OpEc (Optimisation de l’Eclairage public) aims at using IoT to implement dynamic street light management and control with the goal of reducing street light energy consumption while guaranteeing the same level of security of traditional illumination. The system has been tested during two months in a street in St-Imier (Switzerland) without interruption, validating its stability and resulting in an overall energy saving of about 56%.
Involvement of CmWRKY10 in Drought Tolerance of Chrysanthemum through the ABA-Signaling Pathway
Authors: Jaffar Muhammad , Song Aiping , Faheem Muhammad , Chen Sumei , Jiang Jiafu , Liu Chen , Fan Qingqing , Chen Fadi
Published: May 2016

Drought is one of the important abiotic factors that adversely affects plant growth and production. The WRKY transcription factor plays a pivotal role in plant growth and development, as well as in the elevation of many abiotic stresses. Among three major groups of the WRKY family, the group IIe WRKY has been the least studied in floral crops. Here, we report functional aspects of group IIe WRKY member, i.e., CmWRKY10 in chrysanthemum involved in drought tolerance. The transactivation assay showed that CmWRKY10 had transcriptional activity in yeast cells and subcellular localization demonstrated that it was localized in nucleus. Our previous study showed that CmWRKY10 could be induced by drought in chrysanthemum. Moreover, the overexpression of CmWRKY10 in transgenic chrysanthemum plants improved tolerance to drought stress compared to wild-type (WT). High expression of DREB1A, DREB2A, CuZnSOD, NCED3A, and NCED3B transcripts in overexpressed plants provided strong evidence that drought tolerance mechanism was associated with abscisic acid (ABA) pathway. In addition, lower accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and higher enzymatic activity of peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase in CmWRKY10 overexpressed lines than that of WT demonstrates its role in drought tolerance. Together, these findings reveal that CmWRKY10 works as a positive regulator in drought stress by regulating stress-related genes.
MicroRNAs in the Evaluation and Potential Treatment of Liver Diseases
Authors: Mahgoub Amar , Steer Clifford
Published: May 2016

Acute and chronic liver disease continue to result in significant morbidity and mortality of patients, along with increasing burden on their families, society and the health care system. This in part is due to increased incidence of liver disease associated factors such as metabolic syndrome; improved survival of patients with chronic predisposing conditions such as HIV; as well as advances in the field of transplantation and associated care leading to improved survival. The fact that one disease can result in different manifestations and outcomes highlights the need for improved understanding of not just genetic phenomenon predisposing to a condition, but additionally the role of epigenetic and environmental factors leading to the phenotype of the disease. It is not surprising that providers continue to face daily challenges pertaining to diagnostic accuracy, prognostication of disease severity, progression, and response to therapies. A number of these challenges can be addressed by incorporating a personalized approach of management to the current paradigm of care. Recent advances in the fields of molecular biology and genetics have paved the way to more accurate, individualized and precise approach to caring for liver disease. The study of microRNAs and their role in both healthy and diseased livers is one example of such advances. As these small, non-coding RNAs work on fine-tuning of cellular activities and organ function in a dynamic and precise fashion, they provide us a golden opportunity to advance the field of hepatology. The study of microRNAs in liver disease promises tremendous improvement in hepatology and is likely to lay the foundation towards a personalized approach in liver disease.
NGO-Ization and Human Rights Law: The CRPD’s Civil Society Mandate
Authors: Meyers Stephen
Published: May 2016

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) is unique among international human rights instruments for including a “civil society mandate”. Within the convention, disabled persons organizations (DPOs) are identified as having the responsibility to “be involved and participate fully in the monitoring process” of the CRPD. In response to this mandate, international funders, NGOs (non-governmental organizations), and networks committed to the CPRD have begun to implement capacity-building programs that target grassroots DPOs with the goal of ensuring they become advocates and monitors of the CRPD. While the goals of these capacity-building programs are admirable, they must be critically assessed. The NGO-ization theory within development studies offers a framework for analyzing the potential unintended consequences of donors providing new funding, NGOs providing training, and global networks integrating local partners. NGO-ization studies have identified how grassroots associations are co-opted by outside actors through formalization and professionalization processes that significantly alter local groups and alienate members, thus making those associations less representative and less responsive to local needs and interests. Human rights scholars and international organizations focused on the CRPD should incorporate an NGO-ization perspective into their research and project-implementation to ensure that grassroots voices are heard and local needs addressed.
Correction: First-Principles Study of Mo Segregation in MoNi(111): Effects of Chemisorbed Atomic Oxygen. Materials 2016, 9, 5
Authors: Yu Yanlin , Xiao Wei , Wang Jianwei , Wang Ligen
Published: May 2016

The authors wish to make the following corrections to this manuscript [1].[...]
A New Perturbation Approach to Optimal Polynomial Regression
Authors: Pakdemirli Mehmet
Published: May 2016

A new approach to polynomial regression is presented using the concepts of orders of magnitudes of perturbations. The data set is normalized with the maximum values of the data first. The polynomial regression of arbitrary order is then applied to the normalized data. Theorems for special properties of the regression coefficients as well as some criteria for determining the optimum degrees of the regression polynomials are posed and proven. The new approach is numerically tested, and the criteria for determining the best degree of the polynomial for regression are discussed.
Ultrasound- and Molecular Sieves-Assisted Synthesis, Molecular Docking and Antifungal Evaluation of 5-(4-(Benzyloxy)-substituted phenyl)-3-((phenylamino)methyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2(3H)-thiones
Authors: Nimbalkar Urja , Tupe Santosh , Seijas Vazquez Julio , Khan Firoz , Sangshetti Jaiprakash , Nikalje Anna
Published: May 2016

A novel series of 5-(4-(benzyloxy)substituted phenyl)-3-((phenyl amino)methyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2(3H)-thione Mannich bases 6a–o were synthesized in good yield from the key compound 5-(4-(benzyloxy)phenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2(3H)-thione by aminomethylation with paraformaldehyde and substituted amines using molecular sieves and sonication as green chemistry tools. The antifungal activity of the new products was evaluated against seven human pathogenic fungal strains, namely, Candida albicans ATCC 24433, Candida albicans ATCC 10231, Candida glabrata NCYC 388, Cryptococcus neoformans ATCC 34664, Cryptococcus neoformans PRL 518, Aspergillus fumigatus NCIM 902 and Aspergillus niger ATCC 10578. The synthesized compounds 6d, 6f, 6g, 6h and 6j exhibited promising antifungal activity against the tested fungal pathogens. In molecular docking studies, derivatives 6c, 6f and 6i showed good binding at the active site of C. albicans cytochrome P450 enzyme lanosterol 14 α-demethylase. The in vitro antifungal activity results and docking studies indicated that the synthesized compounds have potential antifungal activity and can be further optimized as privileged scaffolds to design and develop potent antifungal drugs.
Effect of Geometrical Asymmetry on the Phase Behavior of Rod-Coil Diblock Copolymers
Authors: Yu Jingying , Liu Faqiang , Tang Ping , Qiu Feng , Zhang Hongdong , Yang Yuliang
Published: May 2016

The effect of geometrical asymmetry β (described by the length-diameter ratio of rods) on the rod-coil diblock copolymer phase behavior is studied by implementation of self-consistent field theory (SCFT) in three-dimensional (3D) position space while considering the rod orientation on the spherical surface. The phase diagrams at different geometrical asymmetry show that the aspect ratio of rods β influences not only the order-disorder transition (ODT) but also the order-order transition (OOT). By exploring the phase diagram with interactions between rods and coils plotted against β, the β effect on the phase diagram is similar to the copolymer composition f. This suggests that non-lamellae structures can be obtained by tuning β, besides f. When the rods are slim compared with the isotropic shape of the coil segment (β is relatively large), the phase behavior is quite different from that of coil-coil diblock copolymers. In this case, only hexagonal cylinders with the coil at the convex side of the interface and lamella phases are stable even in the absence of orientational interaction between rods. The phase diagram is no longer symmetrical about the symmetric copolymer composition and cylinder phases occupy the large area of the phase diagram. The ODT is much lower than that of the coil-coil diblock copolymer system and the triple point at which disordered, cylinder and lamella phases coexist in equilibrium is located at rod composition fR = 0.66. In contrast, when the rods are short and stumpy (β is smaller), the stretching entropy cost of coils can be alleviated and the phase behavior is similar to coil-coil diblocks. Therefore, the hexagonal cylinder phase formed by coils is also found beside the former two structures. Moreover, the ODT may even become a little higher than that of the coil-coil diblock copolymers due to the large interfacial area per chain provided by the stumpy rods, thus compensating the stretching entropy loss of the coils.
Cross-Sectional Unification on the Stress-Strain Model of Concrete Subjected to High Passive Confinement by Fiber-Reinforced Polymer
Authors: Cao Yu-Gui , Jiang Cheng , Wu Yu-Fei
Published: May 2016

The stress-strain behavior of concrete can be improved by providing a lateral passive confining pressure, such as fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) wrapping. Many axial stress-strain models have been proposed for FRP-confined concrete columns. However, few models can predict the stress-strain behavior of confined concrete columns with more than two specified cross-sections. A stress-strain model of FRP-confined concrete columns with cross-sectional unification was developed in this paper based on a database from the existing literature that includes circular, square, rectangular and elliptical concrete columns that are highly confined by FRP jackets. Using the database, the existing theoretical models were evaluated. In addition, the ultimate stress and strain models with cross-sectional unification were proposed using two parameters: the cross-sectional aspect ratio and corner radius ratio. The elliptical cross-section can be considered as a rectangular one with a special corner radius for the model calculations. A simple and accurate model of the equivalent corner radius ratio for elliptical columns was proposed. Compared to the other existing models and experimental data, the proposed models show good performance.
Determination of the Optimum Harvest Window for Apples Using the Non-Destructive Biospeckle Method
Authors: Skic Anna , Szymańska-Chargot Monika , Kruk Beata , Chylińska Monika , Pieczywek Piotr , Kurenda Andrzej , Zdunek Artur , Rutkowski Krzysztof
Published: May 2016

Determination of the optimum harvest window plays a key role in the agro-food chain as the quality of fruit depends on the right harvesting time and appropriate storage conditions during the postharvest period. Usually, indices based on destructive measurements are used for this purpose, like the De Jager Index (PFW-1), FARS index and the most popular Streif Index. In this study, we proposed a biospeckle method for the evaluation of the optimum harvest window (OHW) of the “Ligol” and “Szampion” apple cultivars. The experiment involved eight different maturity stages, of which four were followed by long cold storage and shelf life to assist the determination of the optimum harvest window. The biospeckle activity was studied in relation to standard quality attributes (firmness, acidity, starch, soluble solids content, Streif Index) and physiological parameters (respiration and ethylene emission) of both apple cultivars. Changes of biospeckle activity (BA) over time showed moderate relationships with biochemical changes during apple maturation and ripening. The harvest date suggested by the Streif Index and postharvest quality indicators matched with characteristic decrease in BA. The ability of biospeckle method to characterize the biological state of apples was confirmed by significant correlations of BA with firmness, starch index, total soluble solids and Streif Index, as well as good match with changes in carbon dioxide and ethylene emission. However, it should be noted that correlations between variables changing over time are not as meaningful as independent observations. Also, it is a well-known property of the Pearson’s correlation that its value is highly susceptible to outlier data. Due to its non-selective nature the BA reflected only the current biological state of the fruit and could be affected by many other factors. The investigations showed that the optimum harvest window for apples was indicated by the characteristic drop of BA during pre-harvest development. Despite this, at the current state of development the BA method cannot be used as an indicator alone. Due to rather poor results for prediction in OHW the BA measurements should be supported by other destructive methods to compensate its low selectivity.
Enabling UAV Navigation with Sensor and Environmental Uncertainty in Cluttered and GPS-Denied Environments
Authors: Vanegas Fernando , Gonzalez Felipe
Published: May 2016

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) can navigate with low risk in obstacle-free environments using ground control stations that plan a series of GPS waypoints as a path to follow. This GPS waypoint navigation does however become dangerous in environments where the GPS signal is faulty or is only present in some places and when the airspace is filled with obstacles. UAV navigation then becomes challenging because the UAV uses other sensors, which in turn generate uncertainty about its localisation and motion systems, especially if the UAV is a low cost platform. Additional uncertainty affects the mission when the UAV goal location is only partially known and can only be discovered by exploring and detecting a target. This navigation problem is established in this research as a Partially-Observable Markov Decision Process (POMDP), so as to produce a policy that maps a set of motion commands to belief states and observations. The policy is calculated and updated on-line while flying with a newly-developed system for UAV Uncertainty-Based Navigation (UBNAV), to navigate in cluttered and GPS-denied environments using observations and executing motion commands instead of waypoints. Experimental results in both simulation and real flight tests show that the UAV finds a path on-line to a region where it can explore and detect a target without colliding with obstacles. UBNAV provides a new method and an enabling technology for scientists to implement and test UAV navigation missions with uncertainty where targets must be detected using on-line POMDP in real flight scenarios.
Sustainability and Chinese Urban Settlements: Extending the Metabolism Model of Emergy Evaluation
Authors: Gao Lijie , Cui Shenghui , Yang Dewei , Tang Lina , Vause Jonathan , Xiao Lishan , Li Xuanqi , Shi Longyu
Published: May 2016

Anthropogenic activity interacts with urban form and inner metabolic processes, ultimately impacting urban sustainability. China’s cities have experienced many environmental issues and metabolic disturbances since the nation-wide market-oriented “reform and opening-up” policy was adopted in the 1980s. To analyze urban reform policy impacts and metabolism sustainability at a settlement scale, this study provides an integrated analysis to evaluate settlement metabolism and sustainability using a combination of emergy analysis and sustainability indicators based on scrutiny of two typical settlements (one pre- and one post-reform). The results reveal that housing reform policy stimulated better planning and construction, thereby improving built environmental quality, mixed functional land use, and residential livability. The pre-reform work-unit settlements are comparatively denser in per capita area but have less mixed land use. Housing reform has spatially changed the work–housing balance and increased commuting travel demand. However, short commuting distances in pre-reform settlements will not always decrease overall motor vehicle usage. Integrating non-commuting transport with local mixed land-use functional planning is a necessary foundation for sustainable urban design. Functional planning should provide convenient facilities and infrastructure, green space, and a suitable household density, and allow for short travel distances; these characteristics are all present in the post-reform settlement.
Engineering Hepadnaviruses as Reporter-Expressing Vectors: Recent Progress and Future Perspectives
Authors: Bai Weiya , Cui Xiaoxian , Xie Youhua , Liu Jing
Published: May 2016

The Hepadnaviridae family of small, enveloped DNA viruses are characterized by a strict host range and hepatocyte tropism. The prototype hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major human pathogen and constitutes a public health problem, especially in high-incidence areas. Reporter-expressing recombinant viruses are powerful tools in both studies of basic virology and development of antiviral therapeutics. In addition, the highly restricted tropism of HBV for human hepatocytes makes it an ideal tool for hepatocyte-targeting in vivo applications such as liver-specific gene delivery. However, compact genome organization and complex replication mechanisms of hepadnaviruses have made it difficult to engineer replication-competent recombinant viruses that express biologically-relevant cargo genes. This review analyzes difficulties associated with recombinant hepadnavirus vector development, summarizes and compares the progress made in this field both historically and recently, and discusses future perspectives regarding both vector design and application.
The Water-Energy-Food Nexus and the Transboundary Context: Insights from Large Asian Rivers
Authors: Keskinen Marko , Guillaume Joseph , Kattelus Mirja , Porkka Miina , Räsänen Timo , Varis Olli
Published: May 2016

The water-energy-food nexus is a topical subject for research and practice, reflecting the importance of these sectors for humankind and the complexity and magnitude of the challenges they are facing. While the nexus as a concept is not yet mature or fully tested in practice, it has already encouraged a range of approaches in a variety of contexts. This article provides a set of definitions recognizing three perspectives that see the nexus as an analytical tool, governance framework and as an emerging discourse. It discusses the implications that an international transboundary context brings to the nexus and vice versa. Based on a comparative analysis of three Asian regions—Central Asia, South Asia and the Mekong Region—and their related transboundary river basins, we propose that the transboundary context has three major implications: diversity of scales and perspectives, importance of state actors and importance of politics. Similarly, introducing the nexus as an approach in a transboundary context has a potential to provide new resources and approaches, alter existing actor dynamics and portray a richer picture of relationships. Overall, the significance of water-energy-food linkages and their direct impacts on water allocation mean that the nexus has the potential to complement existing approaches also in the transboundary river basins.
Multiplexed shotgun genotyping resolves species relationships within the North American genus Penstemon
Authors: Wessinger Carolyn A. , Freeman Craig C. , Mort Mark E. , Rausher Mark D. , Hileman Lena C.
Published: May 2016

PREMISE OF THE STUDY:

Evolutionary radiations provide opportunities to examine large‐scale patterns in diversification and character evolution, yet are often recalcitrant to phylogenetic resolution due to rapid speciation events. The plant genus Penstemon has been difficult to resolve using Sanger sequence‐based markers, leading to the hypothesis that it represents a recent North American radiation. The current study demonstrates the utility of multiplexed shotgun genotyping (MSG), a style of restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing (RADseq), to infer phylogenetic relationships within a subset of species in this genus and provide insight into evolutionary patterns.

METHODS:

We sampled genomic DNA, primarily from herbarium material, and subjected it to MSG library preparation and Illumina sequencing. The resultant sequencing reads were clustered into homologous loci, aligned, and concatenated into data matrices that differed according to clustering similarity and amount of missing data. We performed phylogenetic analyses on these matrices using maximum likelihood (RAxML) and a species tree approach (SVDquartets).

KEY RESULTS:

MSG data provide a highly resolved estimate of species relationships within Penstemon. While most species relationships were highly supported, the position of certain taxa remains ambiguous, suggesting that increased taxonomic sampling or additional methodologies may be required. The data confirm that evolutionary shifts from hymenopteran‐ to hummingbird‐adapted flowers have occurred independently many times.

CONCLUSIONS:

This study demonstrates that phylogenomic approaches yielding thousands of variable sites can greatly improve species‐level resolution of recent and rapid radiations. Similar to other studies, we found that less conservative similarity and missing data thresholds resulted in more highly supported topologies.
Moss antheridia are desiccation tolerant: Rehydration dynamics influence sperm release in Bryum argenteum
Authors: Stark Lloyd R. , McLetchie D. Nicholas , Greenwood Joshua L. , Eppley Sarah M.
Published: May 2016

PREMISE OF THE STUDY:

Free‐living sperm of mosses are known to be partially desiccation tolerant. We hypothesized that mature moss antheridia should also tolerate desiccation and that rehydration to partial turgor (prehydration) or rehydration to full turgor (rehydration) before immersion in water is required for full recovery from any damaging effects of prior desiccation.

METHODS:

Bryum argenteum (silvery‐thread moss) was grown in continuous culture for several months, produced mature perigonia (clusters of antheridia), and these were subjected to a slow rate of drying (∼36 h from full turgor to desiccation) and equilibration with 50% relative humidity. Perigonia were prehydrated (exposed to a saturated atmosphere) or rehydrated (planted upright in saturated media) for 0, 45, 90, 135, 180, and 1440 min, then immersed in sterile water. Time to first sperm mass release, number of antheridia releasing sperm masses, and the integrity of the first sperm mass released were assessed.

KEY RESULTS:

Rehydration of dried antheridia for at least 3 h before immersion in water resulted in antheridia functioning similar to control undried antheridia. Compared with rehydration, prehydration was not effective in the recovery of antheridia from desiccation.

CONCLUSIONS:

For the first time, moss antheridia are shown to be fully desiccation tolerant at a functional level, capable of releasing fully functional sperm following a slow drying event provided the antheridia are allowed to rehydrate at least 3 h before immersion in water.
Reactions of N,3-diarylpropiolamides with arenes under superelectrophilic activation: synthesis of 4,4-diaryl-3,4-dihydroquinolin-2(1H)-ones and their derivatives
Authors: Gurskaya Larisa Yu , Belyanskaya Diana S , Ryabukhin Dmitry S , Nilov Denis I , Boyarskaya Irina A , Vasilyev Aleksander V
Published: May 2016

The reaction of 3-aryl-N-(aryl)propiolamides with arenes in TfOH at room temperature for 0.5 h led to 4,4-diaryl-3,4-dihydroquinolin-2-(1H)-ones in yields of 44–98%. The obtained dihydroquinolinones were further transformed into the corresponding N-acyl or N-formyl derivatives. For the latter, the superelectrophilic activation of the N-formyl group by TfOH in the reaction with benzene resulted in the formation of N-(diphenylmethyl)-substituted dihydroquinolinones.
IMPACT DETECTIONS OF TEMPORARILY CAPTURED NATURAL SATELLITES
Authors: Clark David L. , Spurný Pavel , Wiegert Paul , Brown Peter , Borovička Jiří , Tagliaferri Ed , Shrbený Lukáš
Published: May 2016

Temporarily captured orbiters (TCOs) are near-Earth objects (NEOs) that make a few orbits of Earth before returning to heliocentric orbits. Only one TCO has been observed to date, 2006 RH120, captured by Earth for one year before escaping. Detailed modeling predicts that capture should occur from the NEO population predominantly through the Sun–Earth L1 and L2 points, with 1% of TCOs impacting Earth and approximately 0.1% of meteoroids being TCOs. Although thousands of meteoroid orbits have been measured, none until now have conclusively exhibited TCO behavior, largely due to difficulties in measuring initial meteoroid speed with sufficient precision. We report on a precise meteor observation of 2014 January 13 with a new generation of all-sky fireball digital camera systems operated in the Czech Republic as part of the European Fireball Network, providing the lowest natural object entry speed observed in decades-long monitoring by networks worldwide. Modeling atmospheric deceleration and fragmentation yields an initial mass of ∼5 kg and diameter of 15 cm, with a maximum Earth-relative velocity just over 11.0 km s−1. Spectral observations prove its natural origin. Back integration across observational uncertainties yields a 92%–98% probability of TCO behavior, with close lunar dynamical interaction. The capture duration varies across observational uncertainties from 48 days to 5+ years. We also report on two low-speed impacts recorded by US Government sensors, and we examine Prairie Network event PN39078 from 1965 with an extremely low entry speed of 10.9 km s−1. In these cases uncertainties in measurement and origin make TCO designation uncertain.
STELLAR MASS–GAS-PHASE METALLICITY RELATION AT 0.5 ≤ z ≤ 0.7: A POWER LAW WITH INCREASING SCATTER TOWARD THE LOW-MASS REGIME
Authors: Guo Yicheng , Koo David C. , Lu Yu , Forbes John C. , Rafelski Marc , Trump Jonathan R. , Amorín Ricardo , Barro Guillermo , Davé Romeel , Faber S. M. , Hathi Nimish P. , Yesuf Hassen , Cooper Michael C. , Dekel Avishai , Guhathakurta Puragra , Kirby Evan N. , Koekemoer Anton M. , Pérez-González Pablo G. , Lin Lihwai , Newman Jeffery A. , Primack Joel R. , Rosario David J. , Willmer Christopher N. A. , Yan Renbin
Published: May 2016

We present the stellar mass (

M

*

)–gas-phase metallicity relation (MZR) and its scatter at intermediate redshifts (

0.5
≤
z
≤
0.7

) for 1381 field galaxies collected from deep spectroscopic surveys. The star formation rate (SFR) and color at a given

M

*

of this magnitude-limited (

R
≲
24

AB) sample are representative of normal star-forming galaxies. For masses below 109

M

⊙

, our sample of 237 galaxies is ∼10 times larger than those in previous studies beyond the local universe. This huge gain in sample size enables superior constraints on the MZR and its scatter in the low-mass regime. We find a power-law MZR at 108

M

⊙

<

M

*

<

10

11

M

⊙

:

12
+
log

(

O

/

H

)

=

(

5.83
±
0.19

)

+

(

0.30
±
0.02

)

log

(

M

*

/

M

⊙

)

. At 109

M

⊙

<

M

*

<

10

10.5

M

⊙

, our MZR shows agreement with others measured at similar redshifts in the literature. Our power-law slope is, however, shallower than the extrapolation of the MZRs of others to masses below 109

M

⊙

. The SFR dependence of the MZR in our sample is weaker than that found for local galaxies (known as the fundamental metallicity relation). Compared to a variety of theoretical models, the slope of our MZR for low-mass galaxies agrees well with predictions incorporating supernova energy-driven winds. Being robust against currently uncertain metallicity calibrations, the scatter of the MZR serves as a powerful diagnostic of the stochastic history of gas accretion, gas recycling, and star formation of low-mass galaxies. Our major result is that the scatter of our MZR increases as

M

*

decreases. Our result implies that either the scatter of the baryonic accretion rate (

σ

M

˙

) or the scatter of the

M

*

–

M

halo

relation (

σ

SHMR

) increases as

M

*

decreases. Moreover, our measure of scatter at

z
=
0.7

appears consistent with that found for local galaxies. This lack of redshift evolution constrains models of galaxy evolution to have both

σ

M

˙

and

σ

SHMR

remain unchanged from

z
=
0.7

to z = 0.
HIGHLY EXCITED H2 IN HERBIG–HARO 7: FORMATION PUMPING IN SHOCKED MOLECULAR GAS?
Authors: Pike R. E. , Geballe T. R. , Burton M. G. , Chrysostomou A.
Published: May 2016

We have obtained K-band spectra at R ∼ 5000 and an angular resolution of 0.″3 of a section of the Herbig–Haro 7 (HH7) bow shock, using the Near-Infrared Integral Field Spectrograph at Gemini North. Present in the portion of the data cube corresponding to the brightest part of the bow shock are emission lines of H2 with upper state energies ranging from ∼6000 K to the dissociation energy of H2, ∼50,000 K. Because of low signal-to-noise ratios, the highest excitation lines cannot be easily seen elsewhere in the observed region. However, excitation temperatures, measured throughout much of the observed region using lines from levels as high as 25,000 K, are a strong function of upper level energy, indicating that the very highest levels are populated throughout. The level populations in the brightest region are well fit by a two-temperature model, with 98.5% of the emitting gas at T = 1800 K and 1.5% at T = 5200 K. The bulk of the H2 line emission in HH7, from the 1800 K gas, has previously been well-modeled by a continuous shock, but the 5200 K cozmponent is inconsistent with standalone standard continuous shock models. We discuss various possible origins for the hot component and suggest that this component is H2 newly reformed on dust grains and then ejected from them, presumably following dissociation of some of the H2 by the shock.
THE ROLE OF SiO AS A TRACER OF PAST STAR FORMATION EVENTS: THE CASE OF THE HIGH-MASS PROTOCLUSTER NGC 2264-C
Authors: López-Sepulcre Ana , Watanabe Yoshimasa , Sakai Nami , Furuya Ryuta , Saruwatari Osamu , Yamamoto Satoshi
Published: May 2016

NGC 2264-C is a high-mass protocluster where several star formation events are known to have occurred. To investigate whether past protostellar activity has left a chemical imprint in this region, we mapped it in SiO(

), which is a shock tracer, and several other molecular lines with the Nobeyama 45 m telescope. Our observations show the presence of a complex network of protostellar outflows. The strongest SiO emission lies beyond a radius of ∼0.1 pc with respect to the center of the clump and is characterized by broad (

km s−1) lines and abundances of

with respect to H2. Interestingly, SiO appears to be relatively depleted (

) within this radius, despite it being affected by molecular outflow activity. We attribute this to the fast condensation of SiO back onto dust grains and/or rapid gas-phase destruction of SiO, which is favored by the high density present in this area (

cm−3). Finally, we identify a peripheral, narrow-line (∼2 km s−1) component where SiO has an abundance of a few times 10−11. After considering different options, we conclude that this weak emission may be tracing protostellar shocks from the star formation episode that preceded the current one, which have decelerated over time and eventually resulted in SiO being largely depleted/destroyed. Alternatively, a population of unresolved, low-mass protostars may be responsible for the narrow SiO emission. High-angular resolution observations are necessary to distinguish between these two possibilities, and thus to understand the role of SiO as a chemical tracer of past star formation episodes in massive protoclusters.
METAL DIFFUSION IN SMOOTHED PARTICLE HYDRODYNAMICS SIMULATIONS OF DWARF GALAXIES
Authors: Williamson David , Martel Hugo , Kawata Daisuke
Published: May 2016

We perform a series of smoothed particle hydrodynamics simulations of isolated dwarf galaxies to compare different metal mixing models. In particular, we examine the role of diffusion in the production of enriched outflows and in determining the metallicity distributions of gas and stars. We investigate different diffusion strengths by changing the pre-factor of the diffusion coefficient, by varying how the diffusion coefficient is calculated from the local velocity distribution, and by varying whether the speed of sound is included as a velocity term. Stronger diffusion produces a tighter [O/Fe]–[Fe/H] distribution in the gas and cuts off the gas metallicity distribution function at lower metallicities. Diffusion suppresses the formation of low-metallicity stars, even with weak diffusion, and also strips metals from enriched outflows. This produces a remarkably tight correlation between “metal mass-loading” (mean metal outflow rate divided by mean metal production rate) and the strength of diffusion, even when the diffusion coefficient is calculated in different ways. The effectiveness of outflows at removing metals from dwarf galaxies and the metal distribution of the gas is thus dependent on the strength of diffusion. By contrast, we show that the metallicities of stars are not strongly dependent on the strength of diffusion, provided that some diffusion is present.
SUBSURFACE CHARACTERIZATION OF 67P/CHURYUMOV–GERASIMENKO’S ABYDOS SITE
Authors: Brugger B. , Mousis O. , Morse A. , Marboeuf U. , Jorda L. , Guilbert-Lepoutre A. , Andrews D. , Barber S. , Lamy P. , Luspay-Kuti A. , Mandt K. , Morgan G. , Sheridan S. , Vernazza P. , Wright I. P.
Published: May 2016

On 2014 November 12, the ESA/Rosetta descent module Philae landed on the Abydos site of comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko. Aboard this module, the Ptolemy mass spectrometer measured a CO/CO2 ratio of 0.07 ± 0.04, which differs substantially from the value obtained in the coma by the Rosetta/ROSINA instrument, suggesting a heterogeneity in the comet nucleus. To understand this difference, we investigated the physicochemical properties of the Abydos subsurface, leading to CO/CO2 ratios close to that observed by Ptolemy at the surface of this region. We used a comet nucleus model that takes into account different water ice phase changes (amorphous ice, crystalline ice, and clathrates) as well as diffusion of molecules throughout the pores of the matrix. The input parameters of the model were optimized for the Abydos site, and the ROSINA CO/CO2 measured ratio is assumed to correspond to the bulk value in the nucleus. We find that all considered structures of water ice are able to reproduce the Ptolemy observation with a time difference not exceeding ∼50 days, i.e., lower than ∼2% on 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko’s orbital period. The suspected heterogeneity of 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko’s nucleus is also found possible only if it is constituted of crystalline ices. If the icy phase is made of amorphous ice or clathrates, the difference between Ptolemy and ROSINA’s measurements would rather originate from the spatial variations in illumination on the nucleus surface. An eventual new measurement of the CO/CO2 ratio at Abydos by Ptolemy could be decisive to distinguish between the three water ice structures.