bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inner and outer star forming regions over the disks of spiral galaxies
Authors: Rodríguez-Baras M. , Díaz A. I. , Rosales-Ortega F. F. , Sánchez S. F.
Published: November 2017

Context. The knowledge of abundance distributions is central to understanding the formation and evolution of galaxies. Most of the relations employed for the derivation of gas abundances have so far been derived from observations of outer disk H ii regions, despite the known differences between inner and outer regions.

Aims. Using integral field spectroscopy (IFS) observations we aim to perform a systematic study and comparison of two inner and outer H ii regions samples. The spatial resolution of the IFS, the number of objects and the homogeneity and coherence of the observations allow a complete characterization of the main observational properties and differences of the regions.

Methods. We analyzed a sample of 725 inner H ii regions and a sample of 671 outer H ii regions, all of them detected and extracted from the observations of a sample of 263 nearby, isolated, spiral galaxies observed by the CALIFA survey.

Results. We find that inner H ii regions show smaller equivalent widths, greater extinction and luminosities, along with greater values of [N ii] λ6583/Hα and [O ii] λ3727/[O iii] λ5007 emission-line ratios, indicating higher metallicities and lower ionization parameters. Inner regions have also redder colors and higher photometric and ionizing masses, although Mion/Mphot is slighty higher for the outer regions.

Conclusions. This work shows important observational differences between inner and outer H ii regions in star forming galaxies not previously studied in detail. These differences indicate that inner regions have more evolved stellar populations and are in a later evolution state with respect to outer regions, which goes in line with the inside-out galaxy formation paradigm.
A temperate exo-Earth around a quiet M dwarf at 3.4 parsec
Authors: Bonfils X. , Astudillo-Defru N. , Díaz R. , Almenara J.-M. , Forveille T. , Bouchy F. , Delfosse X. , Lovis C. , Mayor M. , Murgas F. , Pepe F. , Santos N. C. , Ségransan D. , Udry S. , Wünsche A.
Published: November 2017

The combination of high-contrast imaging and high-dispersion spectroscopy, which has successfully been use to detect the atmosphere of a giant planet, is one of the most promising potential probes of the atmosphere of Earth-size worlds. The forthcoming generation of extremely large telescopes (ELTs) may obtain sufficient contrast with this technique to detect O2 in the atmosphere of those worlds that orbit low-mass M dwarfs. This is strong motivation to carry out a census of planets around cool stars for which habitable zones can be resolved by ELTs, i.e. for M dwarfs within ~5 parsec. Our HARPS survey has been a major contributor to that sample of nearby planets. Here we report on our radial velocity observations of Ross 128 (Proxima Virginis, GJ447, HIP 57548), an M4 dwarf just 3.4 parsec away from our Sun. This source hosts an exo-Earth with a projected mass m sini = 1.35 M⊕ and an orbital period of 9.9 days. Ross 128 b receives less than 1.5 times as much flux as Earth from the Sun and its equilibrium ranges in temperature between 269 K for an Earth-like albedo and 213 K for a Venus-like albedo. Recent studies place it close to the inner edge of the conventional habitable zone. An 80-day long light curve from K2 campaign C01 demonstrates that Ross 128 b does not transit. Together with the All Sky Automated Survey (ASAS) photometry and spectroscopic activity indices, the K2 photometry shows that Ross 128 rotates slowly and has weak magnetic activity. In a habitability context, this makes survival of its atmosphere against erosion more likely. Ross 128 b is the second closest known exo-Earth, after Proxima Centauri b (1.3 parsec), and the closest temperate planet known around a quiet star. The 15 mas planet-star angular separation at maximum elongation will be resolved by ELTs (>3λ∕D) in the optical bands of O2.
Multiple positive solutions for a class of p-Laplacian Neumann problems without growth conditions
Authors: Boscaggin Alberto , Colasuonno Francesca , Noris Benedetta
Published: November 2017

For 1 < p < ∞, we consider the following problem

     −Δpu = f(u),   u > 0 in Ω,   ∂νu = 0 on ∂Ω,

where Ω ⊂ ℝN is either a ball or an annulus. The nonlinearity f is possibly supercritical in the sense of Sobolev embeddings; in particular our assumptions allow to include the prototype nonlinearity f(s) = −sp−1 + sq−1 for every q > p. We use the shooting method to get existence and multiplicity of non-constant radial solutions. With the same technique, we also detect the oscillatory behavior of the solutions around the constant solution u ≡ 1. In particular, we prove a conjecture proposed in [D. Bonheure, B. Noris and T. Weth, Ann. Inst. Henri Poincaré Anal. Non Linéaire 29 (2012) 573−588], that is to say, if p = 2 and f′ (1) > λradk + 1, with λradk + 1 the (k + 1)-th radial eigenvalue of the Neumann Laplacian, there exists a radial solution of the problem having exactly k intersections with u ≡ 1, for a large class of nonlinearities.
Benthic diatom communities in high altitude lakes: a large scale study in the French Alps
Authors: Feret Léa , Bouchez Agnès , Rimet Frédéric
Published: November 2017

Altitude lakes are weakly impacted by human activities. This makes them choice ecosystems to understand how biological communities are impacted by natural factors. This question was addressed to littoral benthic diatoms, a largely used ecological indicator. We wanted to know if benthic diatoms in lakes are more impacted by local varying factors (altitude, lake depth...) or regional varying factors (geology). The study area takes place in the Northern French Alps. Littoral benthic diatoms of 63 natural lakes situated between 1350 and 2700 m · a.s.l. were sampled. Two categories of communities were observed: one of deep and lower altitude lakes and one of higher altitude and shallower lakes. In each category, communities were characterized and were corresponding to particular lake types: lakes dominated by a particular geology, lakes with a water level fluctuation, turbid lakes,... Communities did not show a spatial structure. We observed that local factors were more important than regional factors. Indeed, the study area displayed a mixed geology even at a local level. On another hand, altitude a local varying factor determines freezing period a determining item of high-altitude lake functioning.
Catalytic Direct Nucleophilic Substitution of Primary Morita–Baylis­–Hillman Adducts and Application to the Straightforward Synthesis of Dihydroisoindolones
Authors: Vrancken Emmanuel , Ayadi Marwa , Mpawenayo Pierre , Rezgui Farhat , Leclerc Eric , Campagne Jean-Marc
Published: November 2017

An interesting γ-carbonyl effect permits the dual iron/boron-catalyzed direct nucleophilic substitution of functionalized primary allylic­ alcohols with a large variety of nucleophiles. The resulting substitution products are useful synthetic platforms for heterocycle synthesis, as illustrated in a ready access to tetrahydroisoindol-4-ones.
Thymus Growth and Fetal Immune Responses in Diabetic Pregnancies
Authors: Warncke Katharina , Lickert Ramona , Eitel Stephanie , Gloning Karl-Philipp , Bonifacio Ezio , Sedlmeier Eva-Maria , Becker Petra , Knoop Jan , Beyerlein Andreas , Ziegler Anette-Gabriele
Published: November 2017

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) during pregnancy possibly affects the development of the thymus and the maturation of the immune system in the offspring. The aim of the ImmunDiabRisk study was to investigate thymus growth and maternal and fetal immune responses in pregnancies with and without T1D. The thymus circumferences of the fetuses of pregnant women with T1D (n=49) and without diabetes (n=59) were measured using ultrasound around the 29th gestational week and standardized for gestational age. Simultaneously, the frequencies and total numbers of cell markers were analyzed by flow cytometry in maternal peripheral blood, and at birth in umbilical cord blood. The standardized circumference of the thymus was similar in fetuses of mothers with and without T1D (p=0.26). We observed higher numbers of FOXP3 Tregs, memory Tregs, erythrocytes, and lymphocytes in the cord blood from T1D pregnancies (p=0.01, p=0.002, p=0.002 and p=0.02, respectively). The frequencies of CD4+/CD8+ T cells correlated positively in maternal blood and umbilical cord blood of mother-child pairs, as did the levels of neutrophils (Spearman’s correlation coefficient r=0.43, p=0.02 for CD4+/CD8+ cells; r=0.46, p=0.03 for neutrophils), while no significant correlations were observed between thymus circumference and any cell markers in the child. Parts of the prenatal immune system seem to develop differently in the offspring of mothers with and without T1D. The correlation of Tregs between maternal blood and cord blood may indicate a significant cross-talk between the maternal and fetal immune system.
Assimilation of ocean sea-surface height observations of mesoscale eddies
Authors: Weiss Jeffrey B. , Grooms Ian
Published: November 2017

Mesoscale eddies are one of the dominant sources of variability in the world's oceans. With eddy-resolving global ocean models, it becomes important to assimilate observations of mesoscale eddies to correctly represent the state of the mesoscale. Here, we investigate strategies for assimilating a reduced number of sea-surface height observations by focusing on the coherent mesoscale eddies. The study is carried out in an idealized perfect-model framework using two-layer forced quasigeostrophic dynamics, which captures the dominant dynamics of ocean mesoscale eddies. We study errors in state-estimation as well as error growth in forecasts and find that as fewer observations are assimilated, assimilating at vortex locations results in reduced state estimation and forecast errors.
Pushing configuration-interaction to the limit: Towards massively parallel MCSCF calculations
Authors: Vogiatzis Konstantinos D. , Ma Dongxia , Olsen Jeppe , Gagliardi Laura , de Jong Wibe A.
Published: November 2017

A new large-scale parallel multiconfigurational self-consistent field (MCSCF) implementation in the open-source NWChem computational chemistry code is presented. The generalized active space approach is used to partition large configuration interaction (CI) vectors and generate a sufficient number of batches that can be distributed to the available cores. Massively parallel CI calculations with large active spaces can be performed. The new parallel MCSCF implementation is tested for the chromium trimer and for an active space of 20 electrons in 20 orbitals, which can now routinely be performed. Unprecedented CI calculations with an active space of 22 electrons in 22 orbitals for the pentacene systems were performed and a single CI iteration calculation with an active space of 24 electrons in 24 orbitals for the chromium tetramer was possible. The chromium tetramer corresponds to a CI expansion of one trillion Slater determinants (914 058 513 424) and is the largest conventional CI calculation attempted up to date.
Kinetic investigation of the ion angular distribution in capacitive radio-frequency plasmas
Authors: Shihab Mohammed , Mussenbrock Thomas
Published: November 2017

One of the key parameters in the context of plasma assisted processing in semiconductor fabrication using capacitive radio-frequency plasmas is the ion flux distribution at the substrate. Whereas the ion energy distribution function determines the etching rate and selectivity, the ion angular distribution controls the etching profile. In this contribution, we reveal the effect of the ion flux and the sheath potential on the ion angular distribution and the direct ion heat flux at the bottom of etching profiles in geometrically symmetric plasma reactors. The ion angular distribution and the direct ion heat flux are calculated as a function of the sheath potential, the driving frequency, and the phase shift between the two distinct harmonics of the driving voltage of dual frequency discharges. For this task, self-consistent particle-in-cell simulations subject to Monte Carlo collision are carried out. The results from particle-in-cell simulations which are computationally very expensive are compared and verified with those from the novel ensemble-in-spacetime model. It is confirmed that increasing the voltage of the high-frequency component, the high-frequency component, and/or make a phase shift of π/2 between the dual frequency, narrow the ion angular distribution and increase the direct ion heat flux to the etching profile bottom. In all simulation cases, a correlation between the narrowing of the ion angular distribution and the increase of the sheath potential and the sheath ion flux is found.
Rhenium-doped MoS2 films
Authors: Hallam Toby , Monaghan Scott , Gity Farzan , Ansari Lida , Schmidt Michael , Downing Clive , Cullen Conor P. , Nicolosi Valeria , Hurley Paul K. , Duesberg Georg S.
Published: November 2017

Tailoring the electrical properties of transition metal dichalcogenides by doping is one of the biggest challenges for the application of 2D materials in future electronic devices. Here, we report on a straightforward approach to the n-type doping of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) films with rhenium (Re). High-Resolution Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy and Energy-Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy are used to identify Re in interstitial and lattice sites of the MoS2 structure. Hall-effect measurements confirm the electron donating influence of Re in MoS2, while the nominally undoped films exhibit a net p-type doping. Density functional theory (DFT) modelling indicates that Re on Mo sites is the origin of the n-type doping, whereas S-vacancies have a p-type nature, providing an explanation for the p-type behaviour of nominally undoped MoS2 films.
Air sampling unit for breath analyzers
Authors: Szabra Dariusz , Prokopiuk Artur , Mikołajczyk Janusz , Ligor Tomasz , Buszewski Bogusław , Bielecki Zbigniew
Published: November 2017

The paper presents a portable breath sampling unit (BSU) for human breath analyzers. The developed unit can be used to probe air from the upper airway and alveolar for clinical and science studies. The BSU is able to operate as a patient interface device for most types of breath analyzers. Its main task is to separate and to collect the selected phases of the exhaled air. To monitor the so-called I, II, or III phase and to identify the airflow from the upper and lower parts of the human respiratory system, the unit performs measurements of the exhaled CO2 (ECO2) in the concentration range of 0%–20% (0–150 mm Hg). It can work in both on-line and off-line modes according to American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society standards. A Tedlar bag with a volume of 5 dm3 is mounted as a BSU sample container. This volume allows us to collect ca. 1-25 selected breath phases. At the user panel, each step of the unit operation is visualized by LED indicators. This helps us to regulate the natural breathing cycle of the patient. There is also an operator’s panel to ensure monitoring and configuration setup of the unit parameters. The operation of the breath sampling unit was preliminarily verified using the gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) laboratory setup. At this setup, volatile organic compounds were extracted by solid phase microextraction. The tests were performed by the comparison of GC/MS signals from both exhaled nitric oxide and isoprene analyses for three breath phases. The functionality of the unit was proven because there was an observed increase in the signal level in the case of the III phase (approximately 40%). The described work made it possible to construct a prototype of a very efficient breath sampling unit dedicated to breath sample analyzers.
Aspheric optical surface profiling based on laser scanning and auto-collimation
Authors: Xie Hongbo , Jiang Min , Wang Yao , Pang Xiaotian , Wang Chao , Su Yongpeng , Yang Lei
Published: November 2017

Nowadays the utilization of aspheric lenses has become more and more popular, enabling highly increased degree of freedom for optical design and simultaneously improving the performance of optical systems. Fast and accurate surface profiling of these aspheric components is a real demand in characterization and optimization of the optical systems. In this paper, a novel and simple surface profiler instrument is designed and developed to fulfill the ever increasing need of testing the axially symmetric aspheric surface. The proposed instrument is implemented based on a unique mapping between the position and rotation angle of the reflective mirror in optical path and the coordinate of reflection point on the surface during rapid laser beam scanning. High accuracy of the proposed surface profiling method is ensured by a high-resolution grating guide rail, indexing plate, and position sensitive detector based on laser auto-collimation and beam center-fitting. Testing the meridian line of both convex and concave surfaces has been experimentally demonstrated using the developed instrument. In comparison to tested results from conventional image measuring instruments and coordinate measuring machines, coefficient of determination better than 0.999 99 and RMS less than 1.5 μm have been achieved, which validates the feasibility of this method. Analysis on the systematic error is beneficial to further improve its measurement accuracy. The presented instrument—essentially builds on the geometrical optics technique—provides a powerful tool to measure the aspheric surfaces quickly and accurately with stable structure and simple algorithm.
Stochastic field-line wandering in magnetic turbulence with shear. II. Decorrelation trajectory method
Authors: Negrea M. , Petrisor I. , Shalchi A.
Published: November 2017

We study the diffusion of magnetic field lines in turbulence with magnetic shear. In the first part of the series, we developed a quasi-linear theory for this type of scenario. In this article, we employ the so-called DeCorrelation Trajectory method in order to compute the diffusion coefficients of stochastic magnetic field lines. The magnetic field configuration used here contains fluctuating terms which are described by the dimensionless functions bi(X, Y, Z), i = (x, y) and they are assumed to be Gaussian processes and are perpendicular with respect to the main magnetic field B0. Furthermore, there is also a z-component of the magnetic field depending on radial coordinate x (representing the gradient of the magnetic field) and a poloidal average component. We calculate the diffusion coefficients for magnetic field lines for different values of the magnetic Kubo number K, the dimensionless inhomogeneous magnetic parallel and perpendicular Kubo numbers KB∥, KB⊥, as well as Kav=byavKB∥/KB⊥.
Magnetoplasmonic control of plasmonic vortices
Authors: Maccaferri Nicolò , Gorodetski Yuri , Toma Andrea , Zilio Pierfrancesco , De Angelis Francesco , Garoli Denis
Published: November 2017

We theoretically investigate the generation of far-field propagating optical beams with a desired orbital angular momentum by using an archetypical magnetoplasmonic tip surrounded by a gold spiral slit. The use of a magnetic material can lead to important implications once magneto-optical activity is activated through the application of an external magnetic field. The physical model and the numerical study presented here introduce the concept of magnetically tunable plasmonic vortex lens, namely a magnetoplasmonic vortex lens, which ensures a tunable selectivity in the polarization state of the generated nanostructured beam. The presented system provides a promising platform for a localized excitation of plasmonic vortices followed by their beaming in the far-field with an active modulation of both light's transmission and helicity.
Macromolecules with amphiphilic monomer units at interface of two immiscible liquids
Authors: Glagoleva A. A. , Vasilevskaya V. V.
Published: November 2017

The adsorption of macromolecules with amphiphilic monomer units at the liquid-liquid interface was studied. The amphiphilic structure of monomer units with groups selectively interacting with α and β liquids was described by the A-graft-B dumbbell model. The calculations were performed for the symmetrical interaction of A and B groups with liquids, different selectivity parameters ξ and degree of polymerization N. The simulations indicate a three-step adsorption scenario, including non-adsorbed, weak and strong localization states. It was shown that the adsorption of (A-graft-B)N macromolecules obeys scaling laws developed to describe the adsorption of the alternating (AB)N copolymer at the liquid-liquid interface with critical selectivity parameter ξc of transition into the weak localization state depending on the degree of polymerization as N−1/5; critical selectivity parameter ξ∞ of transition to the strong localization regime non-depending on the degree of polymerization; and relative change of perpendicular Rz radius of gyration varying as a power function of ξN1/5: Rz(ξ)/Rz(0) ∼ (ξN1/5)ρ and ρ = −2ν/(1 − v). Meanwhile, (A-graft-B)N macromolecules have much lower ξc and ξ∞ values and thus are more prospective for practical applications.
Inductive-detection electron-spin resonance spectroscopy with 65 spins/Hz sensitivity
Authors: Probst S. , Bienfait A. , Campagne-Ibarcq P. , Pla J. J. , Albanese B. , Da Silva Barbosa J. F. , Schenkel T. , Vion D. , Esteve D. , Mølmer K. , Morton J. J. L. , Heeres R. , Bertet P.
Published: November 2017

We report electron spin resonance spectroscopy measurements performed at millikelvin temperatures in a custom-built spectrometer comprising a superconducting micro-resonator at 7 GHz and a Josephson parametric amplifier. Owing to the small (∼10−12λ3) magnetic resonator mode volume and to the low noise of the parametric amplifier, the spectrometer's single shot sensitivity reaches 260 ± 40 spins/echo translating into 65±10  spins/Hz for repeated acquisition.
Hole generation associated with intrinsic defects in SOI-based SiGe thin films formed by solid-source molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Satoh Motoki , Arimoto Keisuke , Yamanaka Junji , Sawano Kentarou , Shiraki Yasuhiro , Nakagawa Kiyokazu
Published: November 2017

The electronic properties of SiGe on insulator (SGOI) structure are under intense investigation due to its importance as an electronic material. In the previous investigations, a p-type conduction was observed in SGOI even in the absence of extrinsic chemical acceptors, which is a serious problem for device applications. In this paper, the electrical properties of intrinsic-defect-related acceptor states generated during the SGOI formation are reported. It is found that freeze-out is hard to be achieved even at temperatures below 10 K, which indicates that the Fermi level lies near the valence band at low temperatures. With an aim to annihilate these defects, thermal annealing at 1050 °C for 12 h in N2 ambient was carried out. It was found that the thermal treatment is effective in reducing the densities of the acceptor states and in improving the crystalline quality.
Electrostatic triple root structures: Connections to supersolitons, double layers, and acoustic speed solitons in nonthermal plasmas with negative and positive dust
Authors: Verheest Frank , Olivier Carel P.
Published: November 2017

Large-amplitude dust-acoustic solitons and double layers in a dusty plasma model comprised of nonthermal Cairns electrons and ions, and cold, negative and positive dust grains had earlier been investigated, before newer concepts such as supersolitons, solitons at the acoustic speed, and even acoustic speed supersolitons arose. It turned out that under certain conditions, three distinct roots of the same polarity coalesce into a triple root, so that now a systematic investigation is carried out into the existence domains and properties of triple root solitary structures. From the analysis of the Sagdeev pseudopotentials, it transpires that there is a wide range of compositional parameters and soliton speeds where triple root structures can exist, and these are shown to be intimately connected with double layer and supersoliton ranges. Thus, triple roots are much more common than at first expected, even at the acoustic speed or in the presence of Boltzmann rather than Cairns nonthermal hot species. Once the existence domains are properly established, as many examples can be worked out as one chooses, generating typical soliton or double layer and electric field profiles. A great many combinations of compositional parameters and soliton speeds have been numerically tested, and they all reveal a similar pattern, with quantitative but no inherent qualitative changes.
A higher order system of some coupled nonlinear Schrödinger and Korteweg-de Vries equations
Authors: Álvarez-Caudevilla P. , Colorado Eduardo , Fabelo Rasiel
Published: November 2017

We prove the existence and multiplicity of bound and ground state solutions, under appropriate conditions on the parameters, for a bi-harmonic stationary system coming from a system of coupled nonlinear Schrödinger–Korteweg-de Vries equations. We arrive at that stationary system looking for “standing-traveling” wave solutions. We first show the existence of a semi-trivial solution of the form (0, V2), where V2 is a ground state of Δ2v+λ2v=12|v|v. This semi-trivial solution will have the lowest energy among all the semi-trivial solutions. Moreover, depending on the coupling parameter, this semi-trivial solution will be a strict local minimum or a saddle point. Furthermore we show the existence of a global minimum on the Nehari manifold with energy below the energy of the semi-trivial solution, for some values of the coupling parameter. In addition, by applying the mountain-pass theorem, we find another critical point for certain values of the parameters. All of this is obtained constraining the functionals to the appropriate Nehari manifolds and, in the high-dimensional case, restricted to radial framework. This analysis is supported by some numerical evidence finding the profiles of some solutions.
From micro to macro: assessing implementation of integrated care in Australia
Authors: Angus Lisa , Valentijn Pim P.
Published: November 2017

Many countries and health systems are pursuing integrated care as a means of achieving better outcomes. However, no standard approaches exist for comparing integration approaches across models or settings, and for evaluating whether the key components of integrated care are present in different initiatives. This study sheds light on how integrated care is being implemented in Australia, using a new tool to characterise and compare integration strategies at micro, meso and macro levels. In total, 114 staff from a purposive sample of 38 integrated care projects completed a survey based on the Rainbow Model of Integrated Care. Ten key informants gave follow-up interviews. Participating projects reported using multiple strategies to implement integrated care, but descriptions of implementation were often inconsistent. Micro-level strategies, including clinical–professional service coordination and person-centred care, were most commonly reported. A common vision was often described as an essential foundation for joint work. However, performance feedback appeared under-utilised, as did strategies requiring macro-level action such as data linkages or payment reform. The results suggest that current integrated care efforts are unevenly weighted towards micro-level strategies. Increased attention to macro-level strategies may be warranted in order to accelerate progress and sustain integrated care in Australia.
‘Falls not a priority’: insights on discharging older people, admitted to hospital for a fall, back to the community
Authors: Meyer Claudia , Renehan Emma , Batchelor Frances , Said Catherine , Haines Terry , Elliott Rohan , Goeman Dianne
Published: November 2017

Falls are common among older people and a leading cause of injury-related hospitalisation. The immediate post-hospitalisation period is a risky time for further falls. This paper explores discharge strategies from the perspectives of older people hospitalised for a fall and liaison nurses assisting people to return home. Exploratory mixed methods were used. Semi-structured interviews with older people were conducted regarding their experience of the fall and discharge strategies. Quality of life, falls risk and functional capacity were measured by questionnaire. Liaison nurses were also interviewed. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed. Mixed-method synthesis occurred using role-ordered matrix analysis. Older people (n = 13) and liaison nurses (n = 6) participated. Older persons’ quality of life was average and falls risk high. Thematic analysis revealed three key themes: ‘falls are not a priority’, ‘information not given, or given and not retained’ and ‘reduction in confidence and independence’. Role-ordered matrix analysis identified differences between acute and rehabilitative hospital stays. Older people hospitalised for a fall present a unique opportunity for implementation of falls prevention strategies. However, hospitalisation is often a time of crisis with competing priorities. Timing and relevance are crucial for optimal uptake of falls prevention strategies, with the primary care setting well-placed for their implementation.
Proteinaceous sperm motility inhibitory factor from the female Indian garden lizard Calotes versicolor
Authors: Shankar Goutham , Uppangala Shubhashree , Adiga Satish K. , Willard Belinda , Sagar Bhadravathi K. C. , Titus Ruth S. K. , Marathe Gopal K.
Published: November 2017

Female sperm storage is an intriguing adaptation exhibited by a wide array of both vertebrates and invertebrates. The mechanisms underlying female sperm storage have remained elusive. Using the Indian garden lizard Calotes versicolor as a model organism, we investigated the role of low and high molecular weight factors in this phenomenon. Previously, we demonstrated three distinct phases of the reproductive cycle in this animal with live, motile spermatozoa recovered from the uterovaginal region during the reproductive phase. In the present study, we analysed the uterovaginal contents using sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and identified an abundant protein band corresponding to ~55 kDa regardless of the phase of the reproductive cycle. Analysis of the purified protein by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry suggested a unique protein without any homology to the National Center for Biotechnology Information database. Exogenous addition of this protein to washed spermatozoa derived from the epididymis reversibly inhibited sperm motility in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, suggesting it plays a key role in sperm storage. These studies are likely to offer new avenues to unravel the secrets of female sperm storage seen across the animal taxa and may have novel applications not only in reproductive biology, but also in general cell storage and preserving endangered animal species.
Frequent nonallelic gene conversion on the human lineage and its effect on the divergence of gene duplicates
Authors: Harpak Arbel , Lan Xun , Gao Ziyue , Pritchard Jonathan K.
Published: November 2017

Significance

Nonallelic gene conversion (NAGC) is a driver of more than 20 diseases. It is also thought to drive the “concerted evolution” of gene duplicates because it acts to eliminate any differences that accumulate between them. Despite its importance, the parameters that govern NAGC are not well characterized. We developed statistical tools to study NAGC and its consequences for human gene duplicates. We find that the baseline rate of NAGC in humans is 20 times faster than the point mutation rate. Despite this high rate, NAGC has a surprisingly small effect on the average sequence divergence of human duplicates—and concerted evolution is not as pervasive as previously thought.
Dual function for Tango1 in secretion of bulky cargo and in ER-Golgi morphology
Authors: Ríos-Barrera L. D. , Sigurbjörnsdóttir S. , Baer M. , Leptin M.
Published: November 2017

Significance

Exporting bulky molecules poses challenges for cells, since the membrane vesicles that transport normal-sized molecules may not be sufficiently large. The protein Tango1 allows transport vesicles to grow much larger to accommodate bulky cargo. It has been puzzling why many smaller cargos also fail to be transported when Tango1 is absent. We show that this is because bulky cargos “clog up” the transport system, resulting in a general traffic jam. Once the blocking, large cargo is removed, the jam resulting from missing Tango1 is resolved, and other cellular stress signals also subside. However, structural defects in the transport system remain, showing that these are due to a direct requirement for Tango1, independent of its function in transport as such.
Germline Cas9 expression yields highly efficient genome engineering in a major worldwide disease vector,Aedes aegypti
Authors: Li Ming , Bui Michelle , Yang Ting , Bowman Christian S. , White Bradley J. , Akbari Omar S.
Published: November 2017

Significance

Aedes aegyptiis the principal vector of multiple arboviruses that significantly affect human health, including dengue, chikungunya, and zika. Development of tools for efficient genome engineering in this mosquito will not only lay the foundation for the application of genetic control strategies, but will also accelerate basic research on key biological processes involved in disease transmission. Here, we report the development of a transgenic CRISPR approach for rapid gene disruption in this organism. Given their high editing efficiencies, the Cas9 strains we developed can be used to quickly generate genome modifications, allowing for high-throughput gene targeting, and can possibly facilitate the development of gene drives, thereby accelerating comprehensive functional annotation and development of innovative population control strategies.
Intrusion and extrusion of water in hydrophobic nanopores
Authors: Tinti Antonio , Giacomello Alberto , Grosu Yaroslav , Casciola Carlo Massimo
Published: November 2017

Significance

Molecular springs, constituted by nanoporous materials immersed in a nonwetting liquid, are compact, economical, and efficient means of storing energy, owing to their enormous surface area. Surface energy is accumulated during liquid intrusion inside the pores and released by decreasing liquid pressure and thus triggering confined cavitation. State-of-the-art atomistic simulations shed light on the intrusion and extrusion of water in hydrophobic nanopores, revealing conspicuous deviations from macroscopic theories, which include accelerated cavitation, increased intrusion pressure, and reversible intrusion and extrusion processes. Understanding these nanoscale phenomena is the key to a better design of molecular springs as it allows relating the characteristics of the materials to the overall properties of the devices, e.g., their operational pressure and efficiency.
Structural basis for antibody recognition of the NANP repeats in
Plasmodium falciparum
circumsporozoite protein
Authors: Oyen David , Torres Jonathan L. , Wille-Reece Ulrike , Ockenhouse Christian F. , Emerling Daniel , Glanville Jacob , Volkmuth Wayne , Flores-Garcia Yevel , Zavala Fidel , Ward Andrew B. , King C. Richter , Wilson Ian A.
Published: November 2017

Significance

The
Plasmodium falciparum
circumsporozoite protein (CSP) has been studied for decades as a potential immunogen, but little structural information is available on how antibodies recognize the immunodominant NANP repeats within CSP. The most advanced vaccine candidate is RTS,S, which includes multiple NANP repeats. Here, we analyzed two functional antibodies from an RTS,S trial and determined the number of repeats that interact with the antibody Fab fragments using isothermal titration calorimetry and X-ray crystallography. Using negative-stain electron microscopy, we also established how the antibody binds to the NANP repeat region in a recombinant CSP construct. The structural features outlined here provide a rationale for structure-based immunogen design to improve upon the efficacy of the current RTS,S vaccine.
Mitochondrial inner-membrane protease Yme1 degrades outer-membrane proteins Tom22 and Om45
Authors: Wu Xi , Li Lanlan , Jiang Hui
Published: November 2017

Mitochondria are double-membraned organelles playing essential metabolic and signaling functions. The mitochondrial proteome is under surveillance by two proteolysis systems: the ubiquitin–proteasome system degrades mitochondrial outer-membrane (MOM) proteins, and the AAA proteases maintain the proteostasis of intramitochondrial compartments. We previously identified a Doa1–Cdc48-Ufd1-Npl4 complex that retrogradely translocates ubiquitinated MOM proteins to the cytoplasm for degradation. In this study, we report the unexpected identification of MOM proteins whose degradation requires the Yme1-Mgr1-Mgr3 i-AAA protease complex in mitochondrial inner membrane. Through immunoprecipitation and in vivo site-specific photo–cross-linking experiments, we show that both Yme1 adapters Mgr1 and Mgr3 recognize the intermembrane space (IMS) domains of the MOM substrates and facilitate their recruitment to Yme1 for proteolysis. We also provide evidence that the cytoplasmic domain of substrate can be dislocated into IMS by the ATPase activity of Yme1. Our findings indicate a proteolysis pathway monitoring MOM proteins from the IMS side and suggest that the MOM proteome is surveilled by mitochondrial and cytoplasmic quality control machineries in parallel.
Cusp forms for reductive symmetric spaces of split rank one
Authors: van den Ban Erik , Kuit Job
Published: November 2017

For reductive symmetric spaces

G

/

H

G/H

of split rank one we identify a class of minimal parabolic subgroups for which certain cuspidal integrals of Harish-Chandra–Schwartz functions are absolutely convergent. Using these integrals we introduce a notion of cusp forms and investigate its relation with representations of the discrete series for

G

/

H

G/H

.
Neurons in the Human Left Amygdala Automatically Encode Subjective Value Irrespective of Task
Authors: Mormann F , Bausch M , Knieling S , Fried I
Published: November 2017

The amygdala plays an important role in the computation of internal reward signals. In animals it has been shown to enable a stimulus to indicate the current value of a reinforcer. However, the exact nature of the current value representations in humans remains unknown. Specifically, do neurons of the human amygdala represent current value signals only in tasks requiring valuation? We recorded from 406 neurons in the amygdala, orbitofrontal cortex, parahippocampal cortex, entorhinal cortex, and hippocampus of 6 neurosurgical patients while subjects repeatedly viewed 40 different pictures of sweet or salty “junk food” items in 2 different tasks. Neural activity during stimulus inspection in a valuation task reflected food preferences in the amygdala, orbitofrontal cortex, hippocampus, and entorhinal cortex. Notably, only left amygdala activity represented these food preferences even in a sweet–salty classification task. Valuation signals of the left amygdala thus appear to be stimulus-, not-task driven.
On Borel–de Siebenthal Representations
Authors: Huang Jing-Song , Luan Yongzhi , Sun Binyong
Published: November 2017

Holomorphic representations are lowest weight representations for simple Lie groups of Hermitian type and have been studied extensively. Inspired by the work of Kobayashi on discrete series for indefinite Stiefel manifolds, Gross–Wallach on quaternonic discrete series and their analytic continuation, and Ørsted–Wolf on Borel–de Siebenthal discrete series, we define and study Borel–de Siebenthal representations (also called quasi-holomorphic representations) associated with Borel–de Siebenthal root systems for simple Lie groups of non-Hermitian type.
Lysosome biogenesis regulated by the amino-acid transporter SLC15A4 is critical for functional integrity of mast cells
Authors: Kobayashi Toshihiko , Tsutsui Hidemitsu , Shimabukuro-Demoto Shiho , Yoshida-Sugitani Reiko , Karyu Hitomi , Furuyama-Tanaka Kaori , Ohshima Daisuke , Kato Norihiro , Okamura Tadashi , Toyama-Sorimachi Noriko
Published: November 2017

Mast cells possess specialized lysosomes, so-called secretory granules, which play a key role not only in allergic responses but also in various immune disorders. The molecular mechanisms that control secretory-granule formation are not fully understood. Solute carrier family member 15A4 (SLC15A4) is a lysosome-resident amino-acid/oligopeptide transporter that is preferentially expressed in hematopoietic lineage cells. Here, we demonstrated that SLC15A4 is required for mast-cell secretory-granule homeostasis, and limits mast-cell functions and inflammatory responses by controlling the mTORC1–TFEB signaling axis. In mouse Slc15a4−/− mast cells, diminished mTORC1 activity increased the expression and nuclear translocation of TFEB, a transcription factor, which caused secretory granules to degranulate more potently. This alteration of TFEB function in mast cells strongly affected the FcεRI-mediated responses and IL-33-triggered inflammatory responses both in vitro and in vivo. Our results reveal a close relationship between SLC15A4 and secretory-granule biogenesis that is critical for the functional integrity of mast cells.
Transvenous Curative Embolization of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Mendes George A C , Kalani M Yashar S , Iosif Christina , Lucena Adson F , Carvalho Rui , Saleme Suzana , Mounayer Charbel
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

Curative transvenous embolization is an emerging strategy for treatment of cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs).

OBJECTIVE

To assess contemporary outcomes of transvenous embolization as a stand-alone therapy for cerebral AVMs

METHODS

We prospectively followed 40 patients with 41 AVMs who underwent transvenous endovascular therapy between January 2008 and January 2015. Patient demographics, AVM characteristics, endovascular techniques used, angiographic results, clinical outcomes, and complications were assessed independently.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight of 41 (92.6%) AVMs were anatomically cured. The mean patient age was 37.7 yr (range, 18-69 yr) and 55% were female. Twenty-seven (67.5%) patients presented with hemorrhage. The mean size of the AVM nidus was 2.8 ± 1.2 cm, and low Spetzler-Martin grade AVMs comprised 41.5% of lesions. The majority of patients were treated in 1 session (56%; n = 23). The mean follow-up period was 28.4 (range, 6-106 mo). There was 1 (2.5%) hemorrhagic complication related to microcatheter navigation and 1 (2.5%) venous infarction was observed without clinical consequences. At 6-mo follow-up, 1 (2.5%) patient had significant disability. There were no recurrences during the follow-up period. Overall mortality was 2.5% and procedure-related mortality was 0%.

CONCLUSION

This prospective contemporary series demonstrates a high rate of complete AVM obliteration and excellent functional outcomes in patients with both ruptured and unruptured AVMs treated with transvenous embolization. This approach is promising and warrants further investigation as a treatment for select AVMs
Reaching for Yield in Corporate Bond Mutual Funds
Authors: Choi Jaewon , Kronlund Mathias
Published: November 2017

We examine “reaching for yield” in U.S. corporate bond mutual funds. We define reaching for yield as tilting portfolios toward bonds with yields higher than the benchmarks. We find that funds generate higher returns and attract more inflows when they reach for yield, especially in periods of low-interest rates. Returns for high reaching-for-yield funds nevertheless tend to be negative on a risk-adjusted basis. Funds engage in rank-chasing behavior by reaching for yield, although these incentives are moderated by the illiquid nature of corporate bonds. High reaching-for-yield funds hold less cash and less liquid bonds, exacerbating redemption risks.

Received January 17, 2017; editorial decision September 23, 2017 by Editor Wei Jiang. Authors have furnished an Internet Appendix, which is available on the Oxford University Press Web site next to the link to the final published paper online.
Brain Age in Early Stages of Bipolar Disorders or Schizophrenia
Authors: Hajek Tomas , Franke Katja , Kolenic Marian , Capkova Jana , Matejka Martin , Propper Lukas , Uher Rudolf , Stopkova Pavla , Novak Tomas , Paus Tomas , Kopecek Miloslav , Spaniel Filip , Alda Martin
Published: November 2017

Background

The greater presence of neurodevelopmental antecedants may differentiate schizophrenia from bipolar disorders (BD). Machine learning/pattern recognition allows us to estimate the biological age of the brain from structural magnetic resonance imaging scans (MRI). The discrepancy between brain and chronological age could contribute to early detection and differentiation of BD and schizophrenia.

Methods

We estimated brain age in 2 studies focusing on early stages of schizophrenia or BD. In the first study, we recruited 43 participants with first episode of schizophrenia-spectrum disorders (FES) and 43 controls. In the second study, we included 96 offspring of bipolar parents (48 unaffected, 48 affected) and 60 controls. We used relevance vector regression trained on an independent sample of 504 controls to estimate the brain age of study participants from structural MRI. We calculated the brain-age gap estimate (BrainAGE) score by subtracting the chronological age from the brain age.

Results

Participants with FES had higher BrainAGE scores than controls (F(1, 83) = 8.79, corrected P = .008, Cohen’s d = 0.64). Their brain age was on average 2.64 ± 4.15 years greater than their chronological age (matched t(42) = 4.36, P < .001). In contrast, participants at risk or in the early stages of BD showed comparable BrainAGE scores to controls (F(2,149) = 1.04, corrected P = .70, η2 = 0.01) and comparable brain and chronological age.

Conclusions

Early stages of schizophrenia, but not early stages of BD, were associated with advanced BrainAGE scores. Participants with FES showed neurostructural alterations, which made their brains appear 2.64 years older than their chronological age. BrainAGE scores could aid in early differential diagnosis between BD and schizophrenia.
Fitness, Competitive Ability, and Mutation Stability of Isolates of Colletotrichum acutatum from Strawberry Resistant to QoI Fungicides
Authors: Forcelini Bruna B. , Rebello Carolina S. , Wang Nan-Yi , Peres Natalia A.
Published: November 2017

Quinone-outside inhibitor (QoI) fungicides are used to manage anthracnose of strawberry, caused by Colletotrichum acutatum. However, selection for resistance to QoI fungicides was first reported in 2013 in Florida and, subsequently, in strawberry nurseries and production areas across the United States and Canada. C. acutatum resistance to QoIs is associated with the G143A point mutation in the cytochrome b gene. This mutation is known to be associated with field resistance even at high rates of QoI. In this study, we investigated the relative fitness and competitive ability of QoI-resistant and -sensitive C. acutatum isolates. A fitness comparison did not indicate any difference between resistant and sensitive isolates in aggressiveness, spore production, and mycelial growth at different temperatures. Additionally, in the absence of selection pressure, resistant and sensitive isolates were equally competitive. Cultivation of QoI-resistant and QoI-sensitive isolates for four culture cycles in vitro in the absence of azoxystrobin showed that QoI resistance was stable. The observed lack of fitness penalties and stability of the G143A mutation in QoI-resistant C. acutatum populations suggest that the interruption and further reintroduction of QoI fungicides might not be an option for strawberry nurseries and fruit production areas. Further investigation of alternative chemical and nonchemical C. acutatum control practices, in addition to the integration of multisite fungicides, is needed to reduce the occurrence and distribution of QoI-resistant populations in strawberry fields.