bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Focused acoustic vortex by an artificial structure with two sets of discrete Archimedean spiral slits
Authors: Chen Di-Chao , Zhou Qin-Xin , Zhu Xing-Feng , Xu Zheng , Wu Da-Jian
Published: August 2019

Focused acoustic vortex (FAV) beams can steadily trap particles in three-dimensions. Previous FAV emitters are mainly based on the active device arrays. Here, we design a passive artificial structure engraved with two sets of discrete Archimedean spiral slits to generate the FAV in water. The acoustic intensity and phase distributions of FAVs are investigated theoretically and demonstrated using the finite element method. The constructive interference between two transmitted acoustic vortices through the inner and outer spiral parts achieves the FAV. It is found that the focal length and depth of the FAV can be modulated by simply changing the initial radius of the Archimedean spiral. Furthermore, we implement the Schlieren imaging experiment to verify the generation of the FAV by the artificial structure. Our design may offer potential applications in particle trapping, biomedical therapy, and medical imaging.
Proof by characters of the orthogonal-orthogonal duality and relations of Casimir invariants
Authors: Neergård K.
Published: August 2019

The theorem of orthogonal-orthogonal duality of Rowe, Repka, and Carvalho is proven by a method based on characters that is very different from theirs and akin to Helmers’s proof from half a century earlier of the analogous symplectic-symplectic duality. I demonstrate how three duality theorems listed by Rowe, Repka, and Carvalho allow very brief derivations of linear relations between the Casimir invariants of the connected representations based on the geometry of their Young diagrams and discuss for which physical systems other than such already considered in the literature an analysis in terms of the orthogonal-orthogonal duality might be useful.
Resonant inelastic X-ray scattering of a Ru photosensitizer: Insights from individual ligands to the electronic structure of the complete molecule
Authors: Temperton Robert H. , Skowron Stephen T. , Handrup Karsten , Gibson Andrew J. , Nicolaou Alessandro , Jaouen Nicolas , Besley Elena , O’Shea James N.
Published: August 2019

N 1s Resonant Inelastic X-ray Scattering (RIXS) was used to probe the molecular electronic structure of the ruthenium photosensitizer complex cis-bis(isothiocyanato) bis(2,2′-bipyridyl-4,4′-dicarboxylato) ruthenium(II), known as “N3.” In order to interpret these data, crystalline powder samples of the bipyridine-dicarboxylic acid ligand (“bi-isonicotinic acid”) and the single ring analog “isonicotinic acid” were studied separately using the same method. Clear evidence for intermolecular hydrogen bonding is observed for each of these crystalline powders, along with clear vibronic coupling features. For bi-isonicotinic acid, these results are compared to those of a physisorbed multilayer, where no hydrogen bonding is observed. The RIXS of the “N3” dye, again prepared as a bulk powder sample, is interpreted in terms of the orbital contributions of the bi-isonicotinic acid and thiocyanate ligands by considering the two different nitrogen species. This allows direct comparison with the isolated ligand molecules where we highlight the impact of the central Ru atom on the electronic structure of the ligand. Further interpretation is provided through complementary resonant photoemission spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations. This combination of techniques allows us to confirm the localization and relative coupling of the frontier orbitals and associated vibrational losses.
A demonstration of consistency between the quantum classical Liouville equation and Berry’s phase and curvature for the case of complex Hamiltonians
Authors: Subotnik Joseph , Miao Gaohan , Bellonzi Nicole , Teh Hung-Hsuan , Dou Wenjie
Published: August 2019

Although the quantum classical Liouville equation (QCLE) arises by cutting off the exact equation of motion for a coupled nuclear-electronic system at order 1 (1 = ℏ0), we show that the QCLE does include Berry’s phase effects and Berry’s forces (which are proportional to a higher order, ℏ = ℏ1). Thus, the fundamental equation underlying mixed quantum-classical dynamics does not need a correction for Berry’s phase effects and is valid for the case of complex (i.e., not just real) Hamiltonians, where exotic features can arise in the course of electronic relaxation. Furthermore, we also show that, even though Tully’s surface hopping model ignores Berry’s phase, Berry’s phase effects are included automatically within Ehrenfest dynamics. These findings should be of great importance if we seek to model coupled nuclear-electronic dynamics for systems with odd numbers of electrons and spin-orbit coupling, where the complex nature of the Hamiltonian is paramount.
Lower olefins from methane: recent advances
Authors: Kolesnichenko Natalya V. , Ezhova Natalya N. , Snatenkova Yulya M.
Published: August 2019

Modern methods for methane conversion to lower olefins having from 2 to 4 carbon atoms per molecule are generalized. Multistage processing of methane into ethylene and propylene via syngas or methyl chloride and methods for direct conversion of CH4 to ethylene are described. Direct conversion of syngas to olefins as well as indirect routes of the process via methanol or dimethyl ether are considered. Particular attention is paid to innovative methods of olefin synthesis. Recent achievements in the design of catalysts and development of new techniques for efficient implementation of oxidative coupling of methane and methanol conversion to olefins are analyzed and systematized. Advances in commercializing these processes are pointed out. Novel catalysts for Fischer – Tropsch synthesis of lower olefins from syngas and for innovative technique using oxide – zeolite hybrid catalytic systems are described. The promise of a new route to lower olefins by methane conversion via dimethyl ether is shown. Prospects for the synthesis of lower olefins via methyl chloride and using non-oxidative coupling of methane are discussed. The most efficient processes used for processing of methane to lower olefins are compared on the basis of degree of conversion of carbonaceous feed, possibility to integrate with available full-scale production, number of reaction stages and thermal load distribution.

The bibliography includes 346 references.
Commuting homogeneous locally nilpotent derivations
Authors: Matveev D. A.
Published: August 2019

Let

be an affine algebraic variety endowed with an action of complexity one of an algebraic torus

. It is well known that homogeneous locally nilpotent derivations on the algebra of regular functions

can be described in terms of proper polyhedral divisors corresponding to the

-variety

. We prove that homogeneous locally nilpotent derivations commute if and only if a certain combinatorial criterion holds. These results are used to describe actions of unipotent groups of dimension two on affine

-varieties.

Bibliography: 10 titles.
What happens in the darkness? Seasonal variations in tropical benthic fish assemblages
Authors: Duarte C. , Espírito-Santo H. M. V. , Zuanon J. , Rapp Py-Daniel L. H. , Deus C. P.
Published: August 2019

Studies of fish assemblages have demonstrated that the main channels of rivers contain ichthyofauna adapted to this environment. However, information regarding the effects of temporal and spatial variations on this ichthyofauna is scarce. Using data from benthic fish assemblages in a major tributary of the Amazon basin collected during two consecutive receding and two rising water seasons, we tested the hypothesis that there are marked variations in community composition between the receding and rising water seasons. An asymmetry in predictability was detected among samples from the receding and rising seasons. Predictability in terms of species composition was higher for receding than rising seasons. The continual disassembly and reassembly cycles (due to dispersal) of local communities across a spatially heterogeneous landscape could explain this difference. Depth and dissolved oxygen affected the distribution of some benthic fish species during the rising seasons. This study highlights the important contribution of marginal wetlands to the benthic ichthyofauna inhabiting the main channel of the Purus River, as well as other major Amazonian rivers.
Predaceous diving beetles (Coleoptera : Dytiscidae) may affect the success of amphibian conservation efforts
Authors: Valdez Jose W.
Published: August 2019

The role of invertebrate predation in shaping vertebrate communities is often overlooked. This is evident with predaceous diving beetles (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae), which are often the top predator in many aquatic freshwater habitats. During weekly monitoring of a reintroduction for an endangered frog, a group of a dozen adult diving beetles were encountered attacking and quickly dismembering and consuming a tadpole. A single adult diving beetle was also discovered burrowing its head inside and consuming a tadpole approximately 3–4 times its size by seemingly piercing its prey to suck out its liquefied remains. This is in contrast with the well known behaviour of adult dytiscids, which involves tearing prey into small pieces with their chewing mouthparts. Although dytiscids are known to occasionally consume vertebrates such as tadpoles, adults are typically considered scavengers, and this communal predatory behaviour and feeding method have not previously been documented. Moreover, over 80% of the tadpoles in the monitored site were found in ponds with no beetles and despite representing only a quarter of all ponds, half of the tadpoles across the landscape were in ponds free of diving beetles, demonstrating a possible influence of diving beetles on tadpoles. These observations may have implications for amphibian conservation since management efforts are not typically concerned with naturally occurring ubiquitous threats such as those from small invertebrate predators, as it has rarely been observed in nature. Although amphibian conservation plans expect some losses from natural predation, diving beetles may affect conservation efforts such as captive breeding and reintroductions with populations where every individual is critical to success.
Ion-Acoustic Rogue Waves in Multi-ion Plasmas*
Authors: Hassan M. , Rahman M. H. , Chowdhury N. A. , Mannan A. , Mamun A. A.
Published: August 2019

The basic properties of nonlinear ion-acoustic (IA) waves (IAWs), particularly finite amplitude IA rogue waves (IARWs) in a plasma medium (containing pair ions, iso-thermal positrons, and non-thermal electrons) are theoretically investigated by deriving the nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLSE). The criteria for the modulational instability of IAWs, and the basic features of finite amplitude IARWs are identified. The modulationally stable and unstable regions are determined by the sign of the ratio of the dispersive coefficient to the nonlinear coefficient of NLSE. The latter is analyzed to obtain the region for the existence of the IARWs, which corresponds to the unstable region. The shape of the profile of the rogue waves depends on the non-thermal parameter α and the ratio of electron temperature to positron temperature. It is found that the increase in the value of the non-thermal parameter enhances both the amplitude and width of IARWs, and that the enhancement of electron (positron) temperature reduces (enhances) the amplitude and width of IARWs. It is worth to mention that our present investigation may be useful for understanding the salient features of IARWs in space (viz., upper region of Titan’s atmosphere, cometary comae, and Earth’s ionosphere, etc.) and laboratory (viz., plasma processing reactor and neutral beam sources, etc.) plasmas.
Spectral Characterization of Couplings in a Mixed Optomechanical Model*
Authors: Zhou Yue-Hui , Zou Fen , Fang Xi-Ming , Huang Jin-Feng , Liao Jie-Qiao
Published: August 2019

We study the spectrum of single-photon emission and scattering in a mixed optomechanical model which consists of both linear and quadratic optomechanical interactions. The spectra are calculated based on the exact long-time solutions of the single-photon emission and scattering processes in this system. We find that there exist some phonon sideband peaks in the spectra and there are some sub peaks around the phonon sideband peaks under proper parameter conditions. The correspondence between the spectral features and the optomechanical interactions is confirmed, and the optomechanical coupling strengths can be inferred by analyzing the resonance peaks and dips in the spectra.
Comparative Study of Light Manipulation in Three-Level Systems Via Spontaneously Generated Coherence and Relative Phase of Laser Fields*
Authors: Bang Nguyen Huy , Anh Le Nguyen Mai , Dung Nguyen Tien , Van Doai Le
Published: August 2019

We present a comparative study of the control of group velocity in three-level atomic systems including Λ-, Ladder-, and V-types via spontaneously generated coherence (SGC) and relative phase of laser fields. In the steady regime, expressions of group index are derived as an analytical function of controllable parameters related to SGC and relative phase. It is shown that the group velocity can be further slowed down or speeded up under SGC in which modifications of group velocity due to the SGC in Λ- and V-systems are stronger than that in Ladder-system. In particular, when interference strength of SGC p increases from 0.7 to 1.0, the light propagation is switched from superluminal to subluminal modes (for Λ- and Ladder-systems) or from subluminal to superluminal modes (for V-system). In the presence of relative phase, the group velocity changes between subluminal and superluminal modes with a period of 2π. In resonant region, the largest positive value of group index reaches at the relative phase φ = π while the largest negative value of group index reaches at φ = 0 and 2π for the Λ- and Ladder-systems, otherwise, for the V-system the largest positive group index occurs at φ = 0 and 2π, and the largest negative group index occurs at φ = π.
Supervised Deep Learning in High Energy Phenomenology: a Mini Review*
Authors: Abdughani Murat , Ren Jie , Wu Lei , Yang Jin-Min , Zhao Jun
Published: August 2019

Deep learning, a branch of machine learning, has been recently applied to high energy experimental and phenomenological studies. In this note we give a brief review on those applications using supervised deep learning. We first describe various learning models and then recapitulate their applications to high energy phenomenological studies. Some detailed applications are delineated in details, including the machine learning scan in the analysis of new physics parameter space, the graph neural networks in the search of top-squark production and in the CP measurement of the top-Higgs coupling at the LHC.
Role of the dressed and bound states on below-threshold harmonic generation of He atom*
Authors: Zhou Jian-Wei , Jiao Zhi-Hong , Li Peng-Cheng , Zhou Xiao-Xin
Published: August 2019

High-order harmonic generation below ionization threshold of He atom in the laser field is investigated by solving the three-dimensional time-dependent Schrödinger equation. An angular momentum-dependent model potential of He atom was used for getting the accurate energy levels of singlet states. The satellite-peak structures of the below-threshold harmonic generation (BTHG) of He are observed. We analyze the emission properties of the BTHG by employing a synchrosqueezing transform technique. We find that the satellite-peak structures have two types related to two kinds of transitions. One is the transition of the dressed states of the excited states, the other is the transition between the excited states and the ground state in the field-free case. Furthermore, our results show that the maximum Stark shift of the 2p state is about

0.9

U

p

(penderomotive energy), and that of the 4p state is about

1.0

U

p

. It indicates that the energy difference between some satellite- and main-peaks of the BTHG can be used to measure the maximum Stark shift of the excited states of He atom in the laser field.
Externalities of clean energy technologies: A study
Authors: Ghosh Biswajit , Panigrahi Chinmoy K , Samanta Sasmita
Published: August 2019

The sustainability of any system can be explained Carnot principle. The manmade devices / systems are consuming natural resources mass, R, combination of air, water and fuel. After proper operations, the devices / systems rejected waste mass, W into the eco-system. Applications of Carnot principle indicated that ecological efficiency (ηEco) in this case is

[
1
−

W
R

]
×
100
%

and if W is not digested or recycled through natural system, then ηEco has a tendency towards zero and will trigger back to the ecological system and raised the question for sustainability of eco-systems. One of the consequences of W on the eco-system is the smog formation at the beginning of winter morning over the urban surroundings. The smog causes major problems in respiration, visibility and ultimately affects mobility. The possible reason behind smog formation is the condensation of gas and particulates at dawn time emitted from burning of bio-mass and fossil fuels. The condensation gets delayed due to the urban heat islanding (UHI) effect generated by the built-in-systems. The condensation diffuses with raise in ambience temperature from sun shine. This paper delves an analysis on the cause and effect of UHI and impact of clean mobility in diffusing the smog effect.
Study on Lighting -Heating-Electricity Coupled Energy Saving Potential for STPV Window in Southwest China
Authors: Tian Hao , Zhang Wei , Xie Lingzhi , Wu Yupeng , Sun Yanyi , Wang Wei , Chen Mo
Published: August 2019

Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) is an important application of solar cells. In this paper, the experiments were conducted to test the performance of photovoltaic panels installed in buildings. The experiments were carried out in Chengdu, Southwest China which located in climate zone of hot summer and cold winter. The real-time power generation, the simultaneous generation of heat and the impact on indoor lighting are important factors for building energy consumption. Two identical rooms were built up as experimental units, and one of which was fitted with amorphous silicon PV windows, and another was fitted with conventical window. According to the test results, it can be seen that, the PV film windows could save the 30% building load on typical sunny days, and provide additional 0.41 kWh/per day.
Study on the flow and heat transfer in a thermal shielding radiator
Authors: Sun Feiyang , Wu Yiqiang , Xie Fubo , Qian Peng , Liu Minghou
Published: August 2019

A thermal shielding radiator, which has an extra cuboid cavity between channels and sealplate, is proposed to achieve a large temperature difference between the hot and cold surfaces and high temperature uniformity on the cold surface. To get uniform distribution of the flow inside each channel, the thermal shielding radiator with different inlet/outlet types (namely C-, Z-, Y- and I-type) are numerically simulated. It is found that I-type has the best performance in velocity uniformity. Due to the cavity, the temperature difference between two sides of the thermal shielding radiator improves significantly. Besides, the mini-channel with equidifferent fin thickness is also proposed, and more uniform flow and the temperature distribution on the cold surface are achieved. Moreover, effect of geometry, operating parameters on the flow and heat transfer performance for both the thermal shielding radiator and the heat radiator are studied and compared.
Solar-air hybrid source heat pump water heater: Performance characterization and comparison analysis
Authors: Cai Jingyong , Ji Jie
Published: August 2019

Heat pump water heater(HPWH) can yield great energy saving for commercial and residential appliance. To enable the HPWH maintain efficient operation under diverse circumstances, the solar-air hybrid source heat pump water heater has been proposed. The configurations of solar-air series type, air-solar series type and solar-air parallel type have been discussed and compared in this paper. The dynamic model has been developed to identify the impacts of solar irradiation and environmental temperature. The results show that the solar-air hybrid source heat pump water heater can guarantee efficient operation under the ambient temperature of 10°C and solar irradiation of 100W/m2, with the average COPs of 2.68 for solar-air series type HPWH, 2.71 for air-solar series type HPWH and 2.69 for solar-air parallel type HPWH. The rise of ambient temperature can improve the evaporating capacity and condensing capacity leading to the increase of power consumption and COP for each type of solar-air hybrid source heat pump water heater. With the rise of solar irradiation, the heat gain at evaporation side increases leading to the rise of condensing capacity and COP. The air-solar series type HPWH can achieve the highest COP under a range of working conditions and solarair parallel type HPWH can provide the highest condensing capacity under lower solar irradiation.
Movable insulation in building integrated semi-transparent photovoltaic thermal (BiSPVT) system
Authors: Mishra G K , Tiwari G N , Bhatti T S
Published: August 2019

The BiSPVT system involves an integration of semi-transparent photovoltaic (SPV) modules with buildings along with the provision of harvesting thermal energy. The system generates electrical and thermal energy for the building as well as provides day-lighting. However, during summer season the production of thermal energy is higher and thermal demand is lesser as compared to winter season. Also, the higher thermal energy production is unfavourable for the generation of electrical energy by SPV modules. The use of movable insulation (MI) on glazed wall can be one of the method to reduce the thermal energy generation. In this paper, a thermal model has been developed for BiSPVT system and the effect of MI on thermal performance of the system is studied. The energy balance equations are obtained for the inclined SPV modules (top), reinforced cement concrete (RCC) floor (bottom), air of room (SPV modules, floor and four brick/glazed side walls). The room temperature and SPV cell temperature are derived as a function of a) climatic parameters (solar irradiance and ambient temperature), b) design parameters and c) heat transfer coefficients by using the energy balance equations. It is found that by using MI with less or no air cavity thickness, the temperature of room has reduced by 1.93°C. However, the effect of MI on SPV cell temperature is marginal. The proposed model can be utilized to evaluate cell and room temperatures for BiSPVT system installed at different places of the world provided solar irradiance and ambient temperature of that place are known.
Integrating Models of Atmospheric Dispersion and Crop-Pest Dynamics: Linking Detection of Local Aphid Infestations to Forecasts of Region-Wide Invasion of Cereal Crops
Authors: Koralewski Tomasz E , Wang Hsiao-Hsuan , Grant William E , Brewer Michael J , Elliott Norman C , Westbrook John K , Szczepaniec Adrianna , Knutson Allen , Giles Kristopher L , Michaud J P
Published: August 2019

Invasive airborne insects pose major challenges in natural resource and agriculture management, as they can rapidly spread over large distances and cross physical boundaries. Field monitoring and local management are important tools to prevent and control infestations but require additional coordination to be operative region-wide. Computational modeling techniques have been effective in simulating local population dynamics and in capturing spread of invasive species on a regional scale. We use an integrated ecological model to simulate local and regional infestation dynamics of sugarcane aphids, Melanaphis sacchari (Zehntner) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), on sorghum, Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench (family Poaceae), in the southern to central Great Plains of the United States. Local dynamics of aphid populations on sorghum are simulated by a spatially explicit, individual-based model, whereas regional aphid migration is simulated by an atmospheric model that computes inert air particle (aphid) transport, dispersion, and deposition. Simulation results indicate timing of initial infestations in the south affects spatiotemporal patterns of infestation throughout the region. Probability of local infestations is a function of both percentage of land occupied by growing sorghum and prevailing winds. Thus, due to availability of sorghum, relatively later dates of initial infestation in the south will probably lead to infestations farther north that become established more quickly following the first appearance of aphids in the south. The model we present, in coordination with field monitoring schemes, could be applied as a forecasting tool in region-wide pest management systems.
Parental responses to increasing levels of handicapping in a burying beetle
Authors: Ratz Tom , Nichol Thomas W , Smiseth Per T
Published: August 2019

Parental care is highly variable, reflecting that parents make flexible decisions about how much care to provide in response to variation in the cost and/or benefit of care. Handicapping has traditionally been used as a tool for increasing the energetic cost of care, thereby inducing a reduction in care by handicapped parents. However, recent evidence shows that handicapped parents sometimes provide more care, suggesting that handicapping can trigger terminal investment. Here, we investigate responses to different levels of handicapping in the burying beetle Nicrophorus vespilloides by comparing handicapped female parents fitted with a wide range of handicaps, as well as control females without a handicap. We found that handicapped females spent more time provisioning food and less time being absent from the crypt than control females, while there was no effect of the level of handicapping among handicapped females. We found no effect of handicapping on larval begging behavior, larval performance (mean larval mass and brood size at dispersal), or female investment in future reproduction (i.e., weight gain while breeding and life span after breeding). Our findings provide no support for the widely held assumption that handicapping simply increases the cost of care. Instead, our results are consistent with the suggestion that handicapping triggers terminal investment by suppressing the condition of parents below the threshold at which terminal investment is triggered.
Cortical Foxp2 Supports Behavioral Flexibility and Developmental Dopamine D1 Receptor Expression
Authors: Co Marissa , Hickey Stephanie L , Kulkarni Ashwinikumar , Harper Matthew , Konopka Genevieve
Published: August 2019

Genetic studies have associated FOXP2 variation with speech and language disorders and other neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) involving pathology of the cortex. In this brain region, FoxP2 is expressed from development into adulthood, but little is known about its downstream molecular and behavioral functions. Here, we characterized cortex-specific Foxp2 conditional knockout mice and found a major deficit in reversal learning, a form of behavioral flexibility. In contrast, they showed normal activity levels, anxiety, and vocalizations, save for a slight decrease in neonatal call loudness. These behavioral phenotypes were accompanied by decreased cortical dopamine D1 receptor (D1R) expression at neonatal and adult stages, while general cortical development remained unaffected. Finally, using single-cell transcriptomics, we identified at least five excitatory and three inhibitory D1R-expressing cell types in neonatal frontal cortex, and we found changes in D1R cell type composition and gene expression upon cortical Foxp2 deletion. Strikingly, these alterations included non-cell-autonomous changes in upper layer neurons and interneurons. Together, these data support a role for Foxp2 in the development of dopamine-modulated cortical circuits and behaviors relevant to NDDs.
Influence of Striatal Dopamine, Cerebral Small Vessel Disease, and Other Risk Factors on Age-Related Parkinsonian Motor Signs
Authors: Rosano Caterina , Metti Andrea L , Rosso Andrea L , Studenski Stephanie , Bohnen Nicolaas I
Published: August 2019

Objective

Parkinsonian motor signs are common and disabling in older adults without Parkinson’s disease (PD), but its risk factors are not completely understood. We assessed the influence of striatal dopamine levels, cerebral small vessel disease, and other factors on age-related parkinsonian motor signs in non-PD adults.

Methods

Striatal dopamine transporter (DAT) binding was quantified via [11C]-CFT positron emission tomography in 87 neurologically intact adults (20–85 years, 57.47% female) with concurrent data on: Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale motor (UPDRSm), white matter hyperintensities (WMH), and other risk factors (grip strength, vibratory sensitivity, cardio- and cerebro-vascular comorbidities). Sex-adjusted nonparametric models first estimated the associations of age, DAT, WMH, and other factors with UPDRSm; next, interactions of age by DAT, WMH, or other factors were tested. To quantify the influence of DAT, WMH, and other risk factors on the main association of age with UPDRSm, multivariable mediation models with bootstrapped confidence intervals (CI) were used.

Results

Older age, lower DAT, higher WMH, and worse risk factors significantly predicted worse UPDRSm (sex-adjusted p < .04 for all). DAT, but not WMH or other factors, positively and significantly interacted with age (p = .02). DAT significantly reduced the age-UPDRSm association by 30% (results of fully adjusted mediation model: indirect effect: 0.027; bootstrapped 95% CI: 0.0007, 0.074).

Conclusions

Striatal dopamine appears to influence to some extent the relationship between age and parkinsonian signs. However, much of the variance of parkinsonian signs appears unexplained. Longitudinal studies to elucidate the multifactorial causes of this common condition of older age are warranted.
Supplementing calcium salts of soybean oil to beef steers early in life to enhance carcass development and quality1
Authors: Schubach Kelsey M , Cooke Reinaldo F , Brandão Alice P , de Sousa Osvaldo A , Schumaher Thiago F , Jump Donald B , Pohler Ky G , Bohnert David W , Marques Rodrigo S
Published: August 2019

This study evaluated the effects of supplementing Ca salts of soybean oil (CSSO) to beef steers at 2 mo of age via creep-feeding, and/or during a 40-d preconditioning period on performance and carcass development responses. A total of 64 steers were enrolled in this study over 2 yr (32 steers per year), with 4 periods each year: creep-feeding (CF; day 0 to 60), preweaning (day 61 to weaning on day 124 and 127 of year 1 and 2, respectively), preconditioning (PC; day 132 to 172 in year 1 and day 135 to 175 of year 2), and feedlot (feedlot arrival to slaughter, day 173 to 378 in year 1 and day 176 to 385 in year 2). On day 0 steers were ranked by body weight (BW) and age (114 ± 4 kg of BW; 66.1 ± 0.9 d of age) and allocated to 1 of 16 pens. Pens were randomly assigned to receive CSSO during CF (80 g/d per steer) and/or PC (150 g/d per steer) in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. During CF and PC, nonsupplemented steers (CON) were provided an isolipidic prilled saturated fat supplement. Steer BW was recorded on day 0, 60, at weaning, and prior to feedlot shipping. Carcass traits were recorded upon slaughter. On day 0, 60, at weaning, prior to feedlot shipping, and during the feedlot period, blood samples were collected and longissimus muscle (LM) biopsies were collected. On day 60, steers that received CSSO during CF had greater (P < 0.01) plasma concentrations of linoleic and ω-6 compared with CON (CF treatment × day; P ≤ 0.05). Steers that received CSSO during PC had greater (P < 0.01) plasma concentrations of linoleic, ω-6, and total fatty acids compared with CON at feedlot shipping (PC treatment × day; P ≤ 0.05). A PC treatment × day interaction was also detected (P = 0.04) for mRNA expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ), which was greater (P = 0.04) at feedlot shipping for steers receiving CSSO during PC. Interactions between CF treatment × day were detected (P ≤ 0.01) for mRNA expression of adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein, fatty acid synthase, PPAR-γ, and stearoyl-CoA desaturase, which were greater (P ≤ 0.02) in the feedlot in steers receiving CSSO during CF. No treatment differences were detected for (P ≥ 0.18) performance or carcass traits, including marbling and backfat thickness. Results from this study suggest that supplementing CSSO to suckled beef steers via creep-feeding upregulated mRNA expression of the adipogenic genes investigated herein later in life. These outcomes, however, were not translated into improved carcass quality.
Glycosylinositol phosphoceramide-specific phospholipase D activity catalyzes transphosphatidylation
Authors: Hasi Rumana Yesmin , Miyagi Makoto , Morito Katsuya , Ishikawa Toshiki , Kawai-Yamada Maki , Imai Hiroyuki , Fukuta Tatsuya , Kogure Kentaro , Kanemaru Kaori , Hayashi Junji , Kawakami Ryushi , Tanaka Tamotsu
Published: August 2019

Glycosylinositol phosphoceramide (GIPC) is the most abundant sphingolipid in plants and fungi. Recently, we detected GIPC-specific phospholipase D (GIPC-PLD) activity in plants. Here, we found that GIPC-PLD activity in young cabbage leaves catalyzes transphosphatidylation. The available alcohol for this reaction is a primary alcohol with a chain length below C4. Neither secondary alcohol, tertiary alcohol, choline, serine nor glycerol serves as an acceptor for transphosphatidylation of GIPC-PLD. We also found that cabbage GIPC-PLD prefers GIPC containing two sugars. Neither inositol phosphoceramide, mannosylinositol phosphoceramide nor GIPC with three sugar chains served as substrate. GIPC-PLD will become a useful catalyst for modification of polar head group of sphingophospholipid.
Ulm Aesthetics
Authors: Holt Matthew
Published: August 2019

In order to contribute to the widening and enriching of the notion of aesthetics as it applies to design and so to the historian’s task in this field, this essay examines the theories of aesthetics promulgated at the Hochschule für Gestaltung at Ulm (1953–1968), still a much-understudied institution. In particular, it will investigate the confluence at that school of semiotics and semantics, information aesthetics, and experimental aesthetics. It looks at the break Ulm made with its predecessor, the Bauhaus, on the role of art and aesthetics in design. That break is seen as result of the HfG’s re-evaluation of the profile and substance of industrial design, a re-evaluation itself contingent on an updated understanding of the contemporary ‘environment’ (Umwelt). The article also examines the key aesthetic theories of the figures who passed through Ulm and shaped its curriculum in order to establish the influence of those figures on the wider history of design.
Pathogenicity of an Indigenous Strain of the Entomopathogenic Fungus Metarhizium anisopliae (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) (MET-GRA4 Strain) as a Potential Biological Control Agent Against the Red Palm Weevil (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae)
Authors: Ishak I , Ng L C , Haris-Hussain M , Jalinas J , Idris A B , Azlina Z , Samsudin A , Wahizatul A A
Published: August 2019

Metarhizium anisopliae Metchnikoff (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) is a fungal pathogen that causes disease in various insect pests, and it can be exploited and developed as a biological control agent to combat the red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Olivier (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae). The study on indigenous isolates is crucial especially for development of bioinsecticides in the future. The M. anisopliae strain called MET-GRA4 was tested for pathogenicity against adult red palm weevil and treated in vitro with different spore viabilities. The isolates exhibited pathogenicity with 100% mortality 21 d postinfection. The median lethal time (LT50) for 85% viable spores was 8.6 d, while 39% viable spores had an LT50 value of 21.37 d, with 92 and 16.6% mycosis, respectively. The species MET-GRA4 strain was molecularly characterized using ITS1 and ITS4 from pure culture (Isolate A), mass-produced spores (Isolate B), and infected red palm weevil cadavers (Isolate C). The DNA sequences obtained matched M. anisopliae sequences, with 99% similarity. This new isolate of M. anisopliae has potential as a targeted bioinsecticide for management of red palm weevil.
Statistical analysis on X-ray flares from the nucleus and HST-1 knot in the M87 jet
Authors: Yang Shenbang , Yan Dahai , Dai Benzhong , Zhang Pengfei , Zhu Qianqian , Wang Jiancheng , Zhang Li
Published: August 2019

The statistical properties of X-ray flares from two separate locations (nucleus and HST-1) in the M87 jet are investigated to reveal the physical origin of the flares. We analyse the archival Chandra data for M87, and identify 14 flares in the nucleus and nine flares in HST-1. The peak intensity (IP) and the flaring duration time (Tfl) for each flare are obtained. It is found that the distributions of both IP and Tfl for the nucleus obey a power law form with a similar index. A similar result is also obtained for HST-1, and no significant inconsistency between the nucleus and HST-1 is found for the indices. Similar to solar X-ray flares, the power-law distributions of the flare event parameters can be well explained by a self-organized criticality system, which are triggered by magnetic reconnection. Our results suggest that the flares from nucleus and HST-1 are possibly triggered by magnetic reconnection process. The consistent indices for the distributions of IP and Tfl in the nucleus and HST-1 indicate that the dimensions of the energy dissipation of the magnetic reconnection are identical in the two regions. A strong correlation between the flares in the two regions also suggests a similar physical origin for the flares.
Ultrasound-Guided Subcostal TAP Block with Depot Steroids in the Management of Chronic Abdominal Pain Secondary to Chronic Pancreatitis: A Three-Year Prospective Audit in 54 Patients
Authors: Niraj Gopinath , Kamel Yehia
Published: August 2019

Background

Chronic pancreatitis is a common cause of recurrent chronic abdominal pain that utilizes significant health care resources. Pain in chronic pancreatitis can be of two types. Visceral pain occurs during ongoing pancreatic inflammation. Once pancreatic inflammation subsides, the pain generator can move to the abdominal wall as a result of viscerosomatic convergence and present as abdominal myofascial pain syndrome. Subcostal transversus abdominis plane block is an abdominal plane block that has been proven effective in upper abdominal pain of somatic origin.

Design

The authors discuss the two distinct types of chronic abdominal pain as a result of pancreatitis and present a prospective audit of a management pathway.

Methods

Over a three-year period, 54 patients with chronic abdominal pain as a result of pancreatitis were prospectively audited at a tertiary care university hospital. Patients were offered bilateral subcostal transversus abdominis plane block with depot steroids as the primary interventional treatment in the pathway.

Results

In patients with myofascial pain secondary to chronic pancreatitis, the block was effective in producing clinically significant pain relief at three months (95%, 20/21) and durable pain relief lasting six months (62%, 13/21). In patients with visceral pain, the block produced a transient benefit lasting two to three weeks in one-third (six of 17).

Conclusions

Subcostal transversus abdominis plane block may be an option in the management of abdominal myofascial pain syndrome secondary to chronic pancreatitis. The block is ineffective in producing clinically significant pain relief in the presence of ongoing pancreatic inflammation.
The innate immune perspective of autoimmune and autoinflammatory conditions
Authors: Frizinsky Shirly , Haj-Yahia Soad , Machnes Maayan Diti , Lifshitz Yulia , Maoz-Segal Ramit , Offengenden Irean , Kidon Mona , Agmon-Levin Nancy
Published: August 2019

Innate immunity is one of two immune defence system arms. It is present at birth and does not require ‘learning’ through exposure to foreign organisms. It activates various mechanisms collectively to eliminate pathogens and hold an infection until the adaptive response are mounted. The innate immune system consists of four elements: the epithelial barrier, cells (e.g. macrophages, NK cells), plasma proteins (e.g. complement) and cytokines. These components act in concert to induce complex processes, as well as recruitment, activation and differentiation of adaptive responses. The innate response is more than just the ‘first line of defence’, as it essentially withholds the vast majority of any intruder, has a complex interplay with the adaptive arm and is crucial for survival of the host. Finally, yet importantly, a myriad of diseases has been linked with innate immune dysregulation. In this mini-review we will shed some light on these conditions, particularly regarding autoinflammatory ones.
Antifungal Potency and Modes of Action of a Novel Olive Tree Defensin Against Closely Related Ascomycete Fungal Pathogens
Authors: Li Hui , Velivelli Siva L. S. , Shah Dilip M.
Published: August 2019

Antimicrobial peptides play a pivotal role in the innate immunity of plants. Defensins are cysteine-rich antifungal peptides with multiple modes of action. A novel Oleaceae-specific defensin gene family has been discovered in the genome sequences of wild and cultivated species of a perennial olive tree, Olea europaea. OefDef1.1, a member of this defensin family, potently inhibits the in-vitro growth of ascomycete fungal pathogens Botrytis cinerea and three Fusarium spp. OefDef1.1 rapidly permeabilizes the plasma membrane of the conidial and germling cells of B. cinerea. Interestingly, it induces reactive oxygen species and translocates to the cytoplasm only in the germlings but not in the conidia. In medium containing a high concentration of Na1+, antifungal activity of OefDef1.1 is significantly reduced. Surprisingly, a chimeric OefDef1.1 peptide containing the γ-core motif of a Medicago truncatula defensin, MtDef4, displays Na1+-tolerant antifungal activity. In a phospholipid-protein overlay assay, the chimeric peptide exhibits stronger binding to its phosphoinositide partners than OefDef1.1 and is also more potent in inhibiting gray mold disease on the surface of Nicotiana benthamiana and lettuce leaves than OefDef1.1. Significant differences are observed among the four ascomycete pathogens in their responses to OefDef1.1 in growth medium with or without the elevated concentration of Na1+. The varied responses of closely related ascomycete pathogens to this defensin have implications for engineering disease resistance in plants.
The gut microbiota modulator berberine ameliorates collagen‐induced arthritis in rats by facilitating the generation of butyrate and adjusting the intestinal hypoxia and nitrate supply
Authors: Yue Mengfan , Tao Yu , Fang Yulai , Lian Xingpan , Zhang Qin , Xia Yufeng , Wei Zhifeng , Dai Yue
Published: August 2019

The commensal microbiota is one of the environmental triggers of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Recent studies have identified the characteristics of the gut microbiota in patients with RA. However, it is still unclear how the microbiota can be modulated to slow down disease progression. In the present study, berberine, a modulator of gut microbiota with substantial anti‐RA effect, was chosen to explore the mechanisms by which the microbiota modulators ameliorate RA. The results showed that oral administration of berberine alleviated collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) in rats in a gut microbiota‐dependent manner. Berberine down‐regulated the diversity and richness of the gut bacteria, reduced the abundance of Prevotella, and elevated the abundance of butyrate‐producing bacteria in CIA rats as determined by the 16S rRNA gene sequence, which might function through limiting the generation of nitrate and stabilizing the physiologic hypoxia in the intestine. Moreover, berberine treatment significantly increased the intestinal butyrate level and promoted the expression and activity of butyryl‐CoA:acetate‐CoA transferase (BUT). The coadministration of a BUT inhibitor largely diminished the adjustment of intestinal environment and the antiarthritic effect of berberine. In conclusion, modulators of the gut microbiota might serve as therapeutic agents for RA by inducing the butyrate generation through promoting the expression and activity of BUT.—Yue, M., Tao, Y., Fang, Y., Lian, X., Zhang, Q., Xia, Y., Wei, Z., Dai, Y. The gut microbiota modulator berberine ameliorates collagen‐induced arthritis in rats by facilitating the generation of butyrate and adjusting the intestinal hypoxia and nitrate supply. FASEB J. 33,12311‐12323 (2019). www.fasebj.org
Rheumatologic and autoimmune manifestations in primary immune deficiency
Authors: Kitcharoensakkul Maleewan , Cooper Megan A.
Published: August 2019

Purpose of review

Here we review the rheumatologic and autoimmune features of primary immune deficiencies with a focus on recently recognized genetic diseases, the spectrum of autoimmunity in PID, and targeted therapies.

Recent findings

Primary immune deficiencies (PIDs) were initially described as genetic diseases of the immune system leading to susceptibility to infection. It is now well recognized that immune dysfunction and dysregulation also cause noninfectious complications including autoimmunity. The increased application of molecular testing for PID has revealed the diversity of clinical disease. Recent discoveries of diseases with prominent autoimmunity include activated phosphoinositide 3-kinase δ syndrome and PIDs caused by gain-of-function in STAT1 and STAT3. Similarly, identification of larger cohorts of patients with molecular diagnoses in more common PIDs, such as common variable immune deficiency (CVID), has led to increased understanding of the range of autoimmunity in PIDs. Understanding the molecular basis of these PIDs has the potential to lead to targeted therapy to treat associated autoimmunity.

Autoimmunity and rheumatologic disease can be presenting symptoms and/or complicating features of primary immunodeficiencies. Evaluation for PIDs in patients who have early-onset, multiple, and/or atypical autoimmunity can enhance diagnosis and therapeutic options.