bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brushing with Organized Crime and Democracy: The Art of Making Do in South Asia
Authors: Hoque Ashraf , Michelutti Lucia
Published: October 2018

This article explores the performances of a particular category of young men often derogatively referred to as“chamchas”(sycophants) who are using the art of making do(jugaad)by exploiting and bluffing links with powerful political networks and political parties, as well as friendships with strongmen and their criminal crews. Crucially, the comparative ethnography across India (western Uttar Pradesh) and Bangladesh (Sylhet) introduces readers to the “contact zone” where legality, semi-legality, and organized criminal systems meet. In so doing, the article unravels the working of the democratically elected “Mafia Raj.”
Idolatry, indifference, and the scientific study of religion: two new Humean arguments
Authors: LINFORD DANIEL , MEGILL JASON
Published: October 2018

We utilize contemporary cognitive and social science of religion to defend a controversial thesis: the human cognitive apparatus gratuitously inclines humans to religious activity oriented around entities other than the God of classical theism. Using this thesis, we update and defend two arguments drawn from David Hume: (i)the argument from idolatry, which argues that the God of classical theism does not exist, and (ii)the argument from indifference, which argues that if the God of classical theism exists, God is indifferent to our religious activity.
Acquiring a first language in adolescence: the case of basic word order in American Sign Language
Authors: CHENG Qi , MAYBERRY Rachel I.
Published: October 2018

Previous studies suggest that age of acquisition affects the outcomes of learning, especially at the morphosyntactic level. Unknown is how syntactic development is affected by increased cognitive maturity and delayed language onset. The current paper studied the early syntactic development of adolescent first language learners by examining word order patterns in American Sign Language (ASL). ASL uses a basic Subject–Verb–Object order, but also employs multiple word order variations. Child learners produce variable word order at the initial stage of acquisition, but later primarily produce canonical word order. We asked whether adolescent first language learners acquire ASL word order in a fashion parallel to child learners. We analyzed word order preference in spontaneous language samples from four adolescent L1 learners collected longitudinally from 12 months to six years of ASL exposure. Our results suggest that adolescent L1 learners go through stages similar to child native learners, although this process also appears to be prolonged.
Public health investigation and response to a hepatitis A outbreak from imported scallops consumed raw—Hawaii, 2016
Authors: Viray M. A. , Hofmeister M. G. , Johnston D. I. , Krishnasamy V. P. , Nichols C. , Foster M. A. , Balajadia R. , Wise M. E. , Manuzak A. , Lin Y. , Xia G. , Basler C. , Nsubuga J. , Woods J. , Park S. Y.
Published: October 2018

During the summer of 2016, the Hawaii Department of Health responded to the second-largest domestic foodborne hepatitis A virus (HAV) outbreak in the post-vaccine era. The epidemiological investigation included case finding and investigation, sequencing of RNA positive clinical specimens, product trace-back and virologic testing and sequencing of HAV RNA from the product. Additionally, an online survey open to all Hawaii residents was conducted to estimate baseline commercial food consumption. We identified 292 confirmed HAV cases, of whom 11 (4%) were possible secondary cases. Seventy-four (25%) were hospitalised and there were two deaths. Among all cases, 94% reported eating at Oahu or Kauai Island branches of Restaurant Chain A, with 86% of those cases reporting raw scallop consumption. In contrast, a food consumption survey conducted during the outbreak indicated 25% of Oahu residents patronised Restaurant Chain A in the 7 weeks before the survey. Product trace-back revealed a single distributor that supplied scallops imported from the Philippines to Restaurant Chain A. Recovery, amplification and sequence comparison of HAV recovered from scallops revealed viral sequences matching those from case-patients. Removal of product from implicated restaurants and vaccination of those potentially exposed led to the cessation of the outbreak. This outbreak further highlights the need for improved imported food safety.
Therapie der Psoriasisarthritis unter Berücksichtigung neuer Behandlungsoptionen
Authors: Ryser Christina , Ciurea Adrian
Published: October 2018

Zusammenfassung. Die Psoriasisarthritis wird bei ca. 20–30 % der Patienten mit Psoriasis vulgaris diagnostiziert und weist ein heterogenes Erscheinungsbild auf. Die Therapie richtet sich nach den Manifestationsarten der Arthritis, wobei auch das Ausmass des Hautbefalls in die Therapieentscheidungen miteinfliessen soll. Es existieren verschiedene Klassen von Therapeutika, die gemäss einem Stufenschema eingesetzt werden, das in dieser Arbeit vereinfacht nach den Richtlinien der EULAR und der GRAPPA dargestellt wird. Eventuelle Kontraindikationen ausgehend von Komorbiditäten sollen mitberücksichtigt werden. Neuerdings sind Therapeutika zugelassen, die sich eng an der Pathogenese der Psoriasis und Psoriasisarthritis via IL-23/IL-17-Achse orientieren.
Manure and Mineral Fertilizer Effects on Crop Yield and Soil Carbon Sequestration: A Meta‐Analysis and Modeling Across China
Authors: Jiang Guiying , Zhang Wenju , Xu Minggang , Kuzyakov Yakov , Zhang Xubo , Wang Jinzhou , Di Jiaying , Murphy Daniel V.
Published: October 2018

Manure application to soil has declined globally due to increased availability of mineral fertilizers. However, mineral fertilizer overuse has caused serious consequences for soil quality and the environment. We analyzed the results of 20 long‐term field trials (22–32 years, start year [ranged from 1980 to 1990] to 2012) and combined this with a climate change model and soil organic carbon (SOC) model to quantify the importance of manure and mineral fertilizers for grain yield and SOC sequestration across croplands in China. During the past three decades mineral fertilizers have increased grain yield for 91–184% but had minor impact on SOC sequestration (4–16%). In contrast, manure applied with mineral fertilizer increased grain yield by only 6–19% but strongly raised the SOC content (9–39%) compared with mineral fertilizer. Modeling (to the year 2099) indicated that manure used in combination with mineral fertilizers will increase future C sequestration in soils across China by 2,086 Tg C and by 2,482 Tg C based on current net primary productivity with no climate change and on increased net primary productivity with climate change scenarios, respectively. This corresponds to an additional 43–58% increase in C sequestration compared to mineral fertilizers only. The manure efficiency for C sequestration in soil was about 9.6% of C input and decreased with increasing SOC content. To maintain the current SOC content (i.e., 2010), 11 t·ha−1·year−1 fresh manure or 4.8 t·ha−1·year−1 dry maize straw would be required. We conclude that the regular use of manure with mineral fertilizers is essential for the long‐term dual functions of soil for food production and SOC sequestration.
Asymmetric Changes of ENSO Diversity Modulated by the Cold Tongue Mode Under Recent Global Warming
Authors: Jiang Ning , Zhu Congwen
Published: October 2018

Instead of the La Niña events with no significant change in their surface expressions, the recent increasing frequency of central Pacific El Niño events is suggested to be related to global warming. There is yet no consensus on the impacts of the recent global warming on such asymmetric changes of El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events. Here we show the frequency of the extreme cold/moderate warm events both increases in the central equatorial Pacific over the past decades. We attribute the change of ENSO diversity to the positive cold tongue mode under recent global warming, which gives rise to an intensification, contraction, and westward shift of Walker circulation accompanied by an uplift of the thermocline. Our results propose a unified explanation for the changes of ENSO diversity under the recent global warming, which carries important implications for the relationship between global warming and ENSO.
Observations of Ice Nucleating Particles Over Southern Ocean Waters
Authors: McCluskey C. S. , Hill T. C. J. , Humphries R. S. , Rauker A. M. , Moreau S. , Strutton P. G. , Chambers S. D. , Williams A. G. , McRobert I. , Ward J. , Keywood M. D. , Harnwell J. , Ponsonby W. , Loh Z. M. , Krummel P. B. , Protat A. , Kreidenweis S. M. , DeMott P. J.
Published: October 2018

A likely important feature of the poorly understood aerosol‐cloud interactions over the Southern Ocean (SO) is the dominant role of sea spray aerosol, versus terrestrial aerosol. Ice nucleating particles (INPs), or particles required for heterogeneous ice nucleation, present over the SO have not been studied in several decades. In this study, boundary layer aerosol properties and immersion freezing INP number concentrations (nINPs) were measured during a ship campaign that occurred south of Australia (down to 53°S) in March–April 2016. Ocean surface chlorophyll a concentrations ranged from 0.11 to 1.77 mg/m3, and nINPs were a factor of 100 lower than historical surveys, ranging from 0.38 to 4.6 m−3 at −20 °C. The INP population included organic heat‐stable material, with contributions from heat‐labile material. Lower INP source potentials of SO seawater samples compared to Arctic seawater were consistent with lower ice nucleating site densities in this study compared to north Atlantic air masses.
Balanced Cloud Radiative Effects Across a Range of Dynamical Conditions Over the Tropical West Pacific
Authors: Wall Casey J. , Hartmann Dennis L.
Published: October 2018

Instantaneous relationships between clouds and large‐scale vertical motion are used to study the impact of circulation on the near cancellation of cloud radiative effects that is observed over the tropical west Pacific Ocean. The coverage of deep‐convective clouds increases with stronger upward motion, but the proportion of thick, medium, and thin anvil cloud remains nearly constant. Thus, when averaging over scales larger than individual storms, the top‐of‐atmosphere net radiation is only weakly sensitive to the large‐scale flow. The balance in cloud radiative effects is therefore maintained across a wide range of large‐scale circulations. The ability of the Community Atmosphere Model Version 5 to reproduce the observed cloud‐circulation relationships is investigated. The simulated convective clouds substantially overestimate the proportion of deep and optically thick cloud and underestimate the proportion of anvil cirrus. These results demonstrate that simulating key properties of deep‐convective clouds remains challenging for some state‐of‐the‐art climate models.
The Ice‐Ocean Governor: Ice‐Ocean Stress Feedback Limits Beaufort Gyre Spin‐Up
Authors: Meneghello Gianluca , Marshall John , Campin Jean‐Michel , Doddridge Edward , Timmermans Mary‐Louise
Published: October 2018

The Beaufort Gyre is a key circulation system of the Arctic Ocean and its main reservoir of freshwater. Freshwater storage and release affects Arctic sea ice cover, as well as North Atlantic and global climate. We describe a mechanism that is fundamental to the dynamics of the gyre, namely, the ice‐ocean stress governor. Wind blows over the ice, and the ice drags the ocean. But as the gyre spins up, currents catch the ice up and turn off the surface stress. This governor sets the basic properties of the gyre, such as its depth, freshwater content, and strength. Analytical and numerical modeling is employed to contrast the equilibration processes in an ice‐covered versus ice‐free gyre. We argue that as the Arctic warms, reduced sea ice extent and more mobile ice will result in a deeper and faster Beaufort Gyre, accumulating more freshwater that will be released by Ekman upwelling or baroclinic instability.
Local Time Hemispheric Asymmetry in Nitric Oxide Radiative Emission During Geomagnetic Activity
Authors: Bag Tikemani
Published: October 2018

The nitric oxide (NO) radiative emission at 5.3 μm cools the thermosphere by conversion of solar energy into infrared radiation subsequently exiting thermosphere. It correctly serves as a natural thermostat. The NO 5.3‐μm emission is even more important during geomagnetic storm events due to huge deposition of heat energy and momentum in the Earth's atmosphere. The Thermosphere, Ionosphere, Mesosphere Energetics, and Dynamics‐Sounding of the Atmosphere using Broadband Emission Radiometry observation of NO 5.3‐μm radiative emission is studied between ±55° geographic latitudes during eight geomagnetic storm events. Two events that occurred during 7–12 November 2004 (Dst = −374 nT) and 23–28 August 2005 (Dst = −184 nT) are analyzed in details. The variation of NO emission during other six storms is also presented. The NO volume emission rate (NO VER) shows an enhancement during storm events. The enhanced NO VER illustrates an equatorward movement with descending peak altitude as one moves toward the equator. The NO infrared radiative flux is calculated by integrating NO VER from altitude of 100 to 155 km. A local time hemispheric asymmetry in both NO VER and NO infrared radiative flux is observed during all geomagnetic storm events.
Pitch Angle Scattering of Energetic Electrons by BBFs
Authors: Eshetu W. W. , Lyon J. G. , Hudson M. K. , Wiltberger M. J.
Published: October 2018

Field line curvature scattering by the magnetic field structure associated with bursty bulk flows (BBFs) has been studied, using simulated output fields from the Lyon‐Fedder‐Mobarry global magnetohydrodynamic code for specified solar wind input. There are weak magnetic field strength (B) regions adjacent to BBFs observed in the simulations. We show that these regions can cause strong scattering where the first adiabatic invariant changes by several factors within one equatorial crossing of energetic electrons of a few kiloelectron volts when the BBFs are beyond 10RE geocentric in the tail. Scattering by BBFs decreases as they move toward the Earth or when the electron energy decreases. For radiation belt electrons near or inside geosynchronous orbit we demonstrate that the fields associated with BBFs can cause weak scattering where the fractional change of the first invariant (μ0) within one equatorial crossing is small, but the change due to several crossings can accumulate. For the weak scattering case we developed a method of calculating the pitch angle diffusion coefficient Dαα. Dαα for radiation belt electrons for one particular BBF were calculated as a function of initial energy, equatorial pitch angle, and radial location. These Dαα values were compared to calculated Dαα for a dipole field with no electric field. We further compared Dαα values with that of stretched magnetic fields calculated by Artemyev et al. (2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-31-1485-2013) at r≈7RE. Results show that scattering by BBFs can be comparable to the most highly stretched magnetic field they studied.
Global Maps of Energetic Ions in Saturn's Magnetosphere
Authors: Carbary J. F. , Hamilton D. C. , Mitchell D. G.
Published: October 2018

The Magnetospheric Imaging Instrument/Charge Energy Mass Spectrometer onboard the Cassini spacecraft measured suprathermal H+ and water group (W+) ions during the 13‐year mission from 2004 to 2017. This paper generates statistical maps of pulse height analyzed fluxes for 3.24–3.34 keV H+ and 8.79–9.05 keV W+ from the start of day 2 in 2005 through the end of day 366 in 2016. The fluxes of both H+ and W+ are more intense on the nightside than on the dayside. The dayside magnetodisk thickness of H+ is greater than on the nightside, while the day and night thicknesses are comparable for W+. On both dayside and nightside, fluxes concentrate near the equator and also along the magnetic field lines near and just outside the Rhea L shell (L ≈ 8.75RS, 1RS = 60,268 km). The flux peaks map to the ionosphere well equatorward of the aurora. This intensity peak is near the boundary between where interchange events occur and where tail collapse (reconnection) events occur. The intensity variations can be represented by lognormal distributions in range r for each latitude λ, and the lognormal coefficients can then be fitted in latitude, thus allowing construction of simple models of the H+ and W+ spatial distributions. The models can then be used to estimate the fluxes of low energy suprathermal ions from ~5 to ~21RS on the dayside and ~5 to ~30RS on the nightside in both r and λ, or alternately in ρ and z.
On the Forecast Horizon of Magnetospheric Dynamics: A Scale‐to‐Scale Approach
Authors: Consolini Giuseppe , Alberti Tommaso , De Michelis Paola
Published: October 2018

The Earth's magnetosphere is characterized by a complex dynamics resulting from the interaction of different multiscale processes which can be both directly driven/triggered by the interplanetary magnetic field and the solar wind, and due to internal processes of the magnetosphere. Recently, Alberti et al. (2017, https://doi.org/10.1002/2016JA023175) have shown that the fluctuations at distinct timescales of some geomagnetic indices differently respond to interplanetary changes during geomagnetic storms. In detail, using an information theory based approach it has been shown that geomagnetic indices fluctuations occurring at long timescales (typically longer than 200 min) are correlated with physical quantities characterizing the changes of the interplanetary conditions, while the short timescale ones (typically shorter than 200 min) do not seem to be directly related to the same physical quantities. The aim of this work is to identify the nature and character of the scale‐to‐scale fluctuations of two geomagnetic indices, AE and SYM‐H, capable of monitoring different geomagnetic current systems related to the occurrence of geomagnetic storms and substorms. By applying the theory of dynamical systems, we investigate the scale‐to‐scale correlation dimension D2 and the Kolmogorov entropy K2 showing the occurrence of a topological phase transition phenomenon between long and short‐timescale fluctuations. Furthermore, our results clearly show that the forecast horizon of fluctuations occurring at timescales shorter than 200 min dramatically decreases down to ∼2 min. The consequences of this result in the framework of Space Weather forecasting is briefly outlined and discussed.
Optical prediction of single muscle fiber force production using a combined biomechatronics and second harmonic generation imaging approach
Authors: Schneidereit Dominik , Nübler Stefanie , Prölß Gerhard , Reischl Barbara , Schürmann Sebastian , Müller Oliver J , Friedrich Oliver
Published: October 2018

Skeletal muscle is an archetypal organ whose structure is tuned to match function. The magnitude of order in muscle fibers and myofibrils containing motor protein polymers determines the directed force output of the summed force vectors and, therefore, the muscle’s power performance on the structural level. Structure and function can change dramatically during disease states involving chronic remodeling. Cellular remodeling of the cytoarchitecture has been pursued using noninvasive and label-free multiphoton second harmonic generation (SHG) microscopy. Hereby, structure parameters can be extracted as a measure of myofibrillar order and thus are suggestive of the force output that a remodeled structure can still achieve. However, to date, the parameters have only been an indirect measure, and a precise calibration of optical SHG assessment for an exerted force has been elusive as no technology in existence correlates these factors.  We engineered a novel, automated, high-precision biomechatronics system into a multiphoton microscope allows simultaneous isometric Ca2+-graded force or passive viscoelasticity measurements and SHG recordings. Using this MechaMorph system, we studied force and SHG in single EDL muscle fibers from wt and mdx mice; the latter serves as a model for compromised force and abnormal myofibrillar structure. We present Ca2+-graded isometric force, pCa-force curves, passive viscoelastic parameters and 3D structure in the same fiber for the first time. Furthermore, we provide a direct calibration of isometric force to morphology, which allows noninvasive prediction of the force output of single fibers from only multiphoton images, suggesting a potential application in the diagnosis of myopathies.
Extracting stability increases the SNP heritability of emotional problems in young people
Authors: Cheesman Rosa ,   Major Depressive Disorder Working Group of the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium, Purves Kirstin L. , Pingault Jean-Baptiste , Breen Gerome , Rijsdij k Fruhling , Plomin Robert , Eley Thalia C.
Published: October 2018

Twin studies have shown that emotional problems (anxiety and depression) in childhood and adolescence are moderately heritable (~20–50%). In contrast, DNA-based ‘SNP heritability’ estimates are generally <15% and non-significant. One notable feature of emotional problems is that they can be somewhat transient, but the moderate stability seen across time and across raters is predominantly influenced by stable genetic influences. This suggests that by capturing what is in common across time and across raters, we might be more likely to tap into any underlying genetic vulnerability. We therefore hypothesised that a phenotype capturing the pervasive stability of emotional problems would show higher heritability. We fitted single-factor latent trait models using 12 emotional problems measures across ages 7, 12 and 16, rated by parents, teachers and children themselves in the Twins Early Development Study sample. Twin and SNP heritability estimates for stable emotional problems (N = 6110 pairs and 6110 unrelated individuals, respectively) were compared to those for individual measures. Twin heritability increased from 45% on average for individual measures to 76% (se = 0.023) by focusing on stable trait variance. SNP heritability rose from 5% on average (n.s.) to 14% (se = 0.049; p = 0.002). Heritability was also higher for stable within-rater composites. Polygenic scores for both adult anxiety and depression significantly explained variance in stable emotional problems (0.4%; p = 0.0001). The variance explained was more than in most individual measures. Stable emotional problems also showed significant genetic correlation with adult depression and anxiety (average = 52%). These results demonstrate the value of examining stable emotional problems in gene-finding and prediction studies.
Efferocytosis of apoptotic alveolar epithelial cells is sufficient to initiate lung fibrosis
Authors: Kim Kevin K. , Dotson Megan R. , Agarwal Manisha , Yang Jibing , Bradley Patrick B. , Subbotina Natalia , Osterholzer John J. , Sisson Thomas H.
Published: October 2018

Type II alveolar epithelial cell (AEC) apoptosis is a prominent feature of fibrotic lung diseases and animal models of pulmonary fibrosis. While there is growing recognition of the importance of AEC injury and apoptosis as a causal factor in fibrosis, the underlying mechanisms that link these processes remain unknown. We have previously shown that targeting the type II alveolar epithelium for injury by repetitively administering diphtheria toxin to transgenic mice expressing the diphtheria toxin receptor off of the surfactant protein C promoter (SPC-DTR) develop lung fibrosis, confirming that AEC injury is sufficient to cause fibrosis. In the present study, we find that SPC-DTR mice develop increased activation of caspase 3/7 after initiation of diphtheria toxin treatment consistent with apoptosis within AECs. We also find evidence of efferocytosis, the uptake of apoptotic cells, by alveolar macrophages in this model. To determine the importance of efferocytosis in lung fibrosis, we treated cultured alveolar macrophages with apoptotic type II AECs and found that the uptake induced pro-fibrotic gene expression. We also found that the repetitive intrapulmonary administration of apoptotic type II AEC or MLE-12 cells induces lung fibrosis. Finally, mice lacking a key efferocytosis receptor, CD36, developed attenuated fibrosis in response to apoptotic MLE-12 cells. Collectively, these studies support a novel mechanism linking AEC apoptosis with macrophage pro-fibrotic activation via efferocytosis and reveal previously unrecognized therapeutic targets.
MINA53 deficiency leads to glioblastoma cell apoptosis via inducing DNA replication stress and diminishing DNA damage response
Authors: Xuan Fan , Huang Mengying , Zhao Erhu , Cui Hongjuan
Published: October 2018

MYC-induced nuclear antigen (MINA53) is a JmjC (jumonji C domain)-containing protein, which is highly expressed in many cancers including glioblastoma. We have revealed in our previous report that MINA53 is a poor prognostic indicator for glioblastoma patients, and knockdown of MINA53 could reduce glioblastoma malignancy. In this study, we found that MINA53 knockdown could decrease the DNA replication initiation in glioblastoma cells. Through further investigations, we revealed that MINA53 could regulate the expression of the CDC45-MCM-GINS (CMG) complex genes, which are vital for DNA replication initiation. Knockdown of MINA53 reduced the CMG genes expression and thus induced DNA replication stress and DNA damage. Furthermore, MINA53 knockdown diminished DNA damage response (DDR) by reducing the ATM/ATR-H2AX pathway activity and finally led glioblastoma cells to apoptosis and death. We further applied a genotoxic drug Doxorubicin and found that MINA53 deficiency sensitized glioblastoma cells to Doxorubicin. Our study reveals that MINA53 is involved in DNA replication initiation and DNA damage response, and provides support for MINA53 as a novel and potential therapeutic target for glioblastoma treatment.
Heat stress during grain filling affects activities of enzymes involved in grain protein and starch synthesis in waxy maize
Authors: Yang Huan , Gu Xiaotian , Ding Mengqiu , Lu Weiping , Lu Dalei
Published: October 2018

High temperature (temperature over 35 °C) is an extremely important environmental factor that affects the maize grain quality in Southern China. The effects of heat stress after pollination on grain protein and starch deposition and activities of involved enzymes were studied in a pot trail in 2014 and 2015. Results showed that grain dry weight reductions at maturity were 19.8% and 19.1%, whereas starch contents (mg g−1) were reduced by 3.0% and 3.3%, and starch accumulation (mg grain−1) were reduced 22.2% and 21.8% in 2014 and 2015, respectively. Protein content was decreased by heat stress before 15 DAP and increased thereafter. At maturity, protein contents (mg g−1) were increased by 24.5% and 25.3% in 2014 and 2015, while protein accumulation (mg grain−1) were not affected by heat stress. In response to heat stress, glutamate synthase activity was enhanced by 29.1–82.9% in 2014 and 2.0–141.8% in 2015, whereas glutamine synthetase activity was reduced by 1.9–43.5% in 2014 and 0.1–27.4% in 2015 throughout the grain filling. The activities of sucrose phosphate synthase were decreased by heat stress at 10–25DAP (12.7–32.0%) in 2014 and 15–20 DAP (23.2–27.5%) in 2015, and activities of sucrose synthase were decreased by heat stress at 5–15 DAP (20.0–45.0%) in 2014 and 15 DAP (22.0%) in 2015, repectively. The activities of enyzmes that involved in starch synthessis were all suppressed by heat stress during grain filling, and the reduction of adenosine diphosphate-glucose pyrophosphorylase, soluble starch synthase, and starch branching enzyme were decreased by 21.3–43.1%, 19.1–29.2%, and 7.0–45.6% in 2014 and 1.8–78.5%, 21.4–51.2%, and 11.0–48.0% in 2015, respectively. Conclusively, grain weight and starch deposition were suppressed by heat stress due to the decreased activities of enzymes involved in starch synthesis, and the increased protein content was due to the enhanced activity of glutamate synthase.
Cortactin and fascin-1 regulate extracellular vesicle release by controlling endosomal trafficking or invadopodia formation and function
Authors: Beghein Els , Devriese Delphine , Van Hoey Evy , Gettemans Jan
Published: October 2018

Cancer cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) are increasingly being recognized as genuine invasive structures as they contribute to many aspects of invasion and metastasis. Unfortunately, the mechanisms underlying EV biogenesis or release are still poorly understood. Recent reports however indicate a role of the actin cytoskeleton in this process. In this study, we have exploited thoroughly characterized camelid nanobodies against actin binding proteins cortactin and fascin-1, a branched actin regulator and actin bundler, respectively, in order to assess their roles in EV biogenesis or release. Using this strategy, we demonstrate a role of the cortactin NTA and SH3 domains in EV release. Fascin-1 also regulates EV release, independently of its actin-bundling activity. We show a contribution of these protein domains in endosomal trafficking, a crucial step in EV biogenesis, and we confirm that EVs are preferentially released at invadopodia, the latter being actin-rich invasive cell protrusions in which cortactin and fascin-1 perform essential roles. Accordingly, EVs are enriched with invadopodial proteins such as the matrix metalloproteinase MT1-MMP and exert gelatinolytic activity. Based on our findings, we report that both cortactin and fascin-1 play key roles in EV release by regulating endosomal trafficking or invadopodia formation and function.
Increasing Fracture Toughness and Transmittance of Transparent Ceramics using Functional Low-Thermal Expansion Coatings
Authors: du Merac Marc Rubat , Bram Martin , Malzbender Jürgen , Ziegner Mirko , Rasinski Marcin , Guillon Olivier
Published: October 2018

Transparent polycrystalline ceramics have the potential to enable applications no other materials can, but to do so their strength and toughness must be improved. However, surface strengthening treatments like those used for glasses have so far remained elusive. Here for the first time, we report on engineering unprecedented surface compression, of the magnitude achieved for ion-exchange strengthened glasses (~750 MPa) in transparent ceramics. This was achieved by applying functional, low thermal-expansion yttria coatings onto yttria-stabilized zirconia substrates and thermally treating. In some instances, the treatment more than doubled the fracture toughness while simultaneously increasing light transmittance.
Diet induced obesity is independent of metabolic endotoxemia and TLR4 signalling, but markedly increases hypothalamic expression of the acute phase protein, SerpinA3N
Authors: Dalby Matthew J. , Aviello Gabriella , Ross Alexander W. , Walker Alan W. , Barrett Perry , Morgan Peter J.
Published: October 2018

Hypothalamic inflammation is thought to contribute to obesity. One potential mechanism is via gut microbiota derived bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) entering into the circulation and activation of Toll-like receptor-4. This is called metabolic endotoxemia. Another potential mechanism is systemic inflammation arising from sustained exposure to high-fat diet (HFD) over more than 12 weeks. In this study we show that mice fed HFD over 8 weeks become obese and show elevated plasma LPS binding protein, yet body weight gain and adiposity is not attenuated in mice lacking Tlr4 or its co-receptor Cd14. In addition, caecal microbiota composition remained unchanged by diet. Exposure of mice to HFD over a more prolonged period (20 weeks) to drive systemic inflammation also caused obesity. RNAseq used to assess hypothalamic inflammation in these mice showed increased hypothalamic expression of Serpina3n and Socs3 in response to HFD, with few other genes altered. In situ hybridisation confirmed increased Serpina3n and Socs3 expression in the ARC and DMH at 20-weeks, but also at 8-weeks and increased SerpinA3N protein could be detected as early as 1 week on HFD. Overall these data show lack of hypothalamic inflammation in response to HFD and that metabolic endotoxemia does not link HFD to obesity.
Thermal behavior and microstructures of cathodes for liquid electrolyte-based lithium batteries
Authors: Tsukasaki Hirofumi , Fukuda Wataru , Morimoto Hideyuki , Arai Toshihiro , Mori Shigeo , Hayashi Akitoshi , Tatsumisago Masahiro
Published: October 2018

Lithium-ion batteries are widely used as a power source for portable equipment. However, the use of highly flammable organic solvents in the liquid electrolyte component in these batteries presents a serious safety concern. In this study, the thermal stability of battery cathodes comprising LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 (NMC) and LiPF6-based electrolyte solutions have been investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) methods. Ex situ TEM measurements revealed that significant structural change occurred in the charged NMC composite after heating at a temperature above the exothermal peaks. It was found that LiF nanocrystallites precipitated in LiPF6 and that a number of nanoscale stacking faults developed in the $$R\bar{3}m$$
R

3
¯

m
layered structure of NMC. The results suggested that the decomposition reaction of LiPF6 and the structural change of NMC were directly associated with the exothermic reaction in the liquid electrolyte-based NMC electrode composite.
Comparative genomics of clinical strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated from different geographic sites
Authors: Subedi Dinesh , Vijay Ajay Kumar , Kohli Gurjeet Singh , Rice Scott A. , Willcox Mark
Published: October 2018

The large and complex genome of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which consists of significant portions (up to 20%) of transferable genetic elements contributes to the rapid development of antibiotic resistance. The whole genome sequences of 22 strains isolated from eye and cystic fibrosis patients in Australia and India between 1992 and 2007 were used to compare genomic divergence and phylogenetic relationships as well as genes for antibiotic resistance and virulence factors. Analysis of the pangenome indicated a large variation in the size of accessory genome amongst 22 stains and the size of the accessory genome correlated with number of genomic islands, insertion sequences and prophages. The strains were diverse in terms of sequence type and dissimilar to that of global epidemic P. aeruginosa clones. Of the eye isolates, 62% clustered together within a single lineage. Indian eye isolates possessed genes associated with resistance to aminoglycoside, beta-lactams, sulphonamide, quaternary ammonium compounds, tetracycline, trimethoprims and chloramphenicols. These genes were, however, absent in Australian isolates regardless of source. Overall, our results provide valuable information for understanding the genomic diversity of P. aeruginosa isolated from two different infection types and countries.
3D imaging of sex-sorted bovine spermatozoon locomotion, head spin and flagellum beating
Authors: Daloglu Mustafa Ugur , Lin Francis , Chong Bryan , Chien Daniel , Veli Muhammed , Luo Wei , Ozcan Aydogan
Published: October 2018

With the advent of sperm sex sorting methods and computer-aided sperm analysis platforms, comparative 2D motility studies showed that there is no significant difference in the swimming speeds of X-sorted and Y-sorted sperm cells, clarifying earlier misconceptions. However, other differences in their swimming dynamics might have been undetectable as conventional optical microscopes are limited in revealing the complete 3D motion of free-swimming sperm cells, due to poor depth resolution and the trade-off between field-of-view and spatial resolution. Using a dual-view on-chip holographic microscope, we acquired the full 3D locomotion of 235X-sorted and 289 Y-sorted bovine sperms, precisely revealing their 3D translational head motion and the angular velocity of their head spin as well as the 3D flagellar motion. Our results confirmed that various motility parameters remain similar between X- and Y-sorted sperm populations; however, we found out that there is a statistically significant difference in Y-sorted bovine sperms’ preference for helix-shaped 3D swimming trajectories, also exhibiting an increased linearity compared to X-sorted sperms. Further research on e.g., the differences in the kinematic response of X-sorted and Y-sorted sperm cells to the surrounding chemicals and ions might shed more light on the origins of these results.
Environment-based preference selection promotes cooperation in spatial prisoner’s dilemma game
Authors: Wu Yu’e , Zhang Shuhua , Zhang Zhipeng
Published: October 2018

The impact of environment on individuals is particularly critical. In evolutionary games, adopting the strategy of the neighbor who performs better is nontrivial for the survival and maintenance of cooperation, in that such an action may help the agents to obtain higher benefit and more obvious evolutionary advantages. Inspired by this idea, we investigate the effect of the environment-based preference selection on the evolution of cooperation in spatial prisoner’s dilemma. A simple rule, incorporating individual preference selection via an adjustable parameter α to explore how the selection of the potential strategy sources influences individual behavior traits, is considered. Because social interaction may not be the only way of generating payoffs, we assume that the individual’s income is also affected by the environment. Besides, taking into account individual differences, we introduce the heterogeneity of the environment. Through numerous computing simulations, we find that environment-based preference selection, which accelerates the microscopic organization of cooperator clusters to resist the aggression of defectors, can truly promote cooperation within a large range of parameters. Our study indicates that the combination of heterogeneity and preference selection may be key for the sustainability of cooperation in structured populations.
Smoking aggravates ventricular arrhythmic events in non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy associated with a late gadolinium enhancement in cardiac MRI
Authors: Park Junbeom , Lee Hye-Jeong , Kim Sook Kyoung , Yi Jeong-Eun , Shin Dong Geum , Lee Jung Myung , Kim Yookyung , Kim Young-Jin , Joung Boyoung
Published: October 2018

Smoking is known to increase cardiovascular events, but the association and mechanisms between smoking and ventricular arrhythmic events in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCMP) are unknown. The purpose of this study is to investigate the hypothesis that smoking is associated with sudden cardiac death (SCD) and ventricular arrhythmia in DCMP patients. We enrolled 378 patients who underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) and were diagnosed with DCMP at two general hospitals in Korea. The clinical data and left ventricular late-gadolinium enhancement (LV-LGE) of all patients were analyzed according to being never-smokers or smokers. Smokers were more likely to be male than never-smokers, but there was no other clinical difference between them. Smokers had a greater LV-LGE ratio, and multi-segment involvement of LV-LGEs. Smoking and a low left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction were significant predictors of the presence of LV-LGEs even after adjusting for optimal medical therapy. In addition, smokers had a higher fatal ventricular arrhythmic (FVA; sustained ventricular tachycardia, and ventricular fibrillation) and FVA + SCD, and ex-smokers had a similar FVA to never-smokers during 44.3 ± 36.4 months of follow-up. Finally, smoking independently increased the FVA + SCD even after adjusting for the clinical variables and LV-LGE. Smoking is associated with a multi-segmental involvement of LV-LGE and increased FVA + SCD in DCMP patients when compared to never-smokers.
A complex metal-organic framework catalyst for microwave-assisted radical polymerization
Authors: Nguyen Ha L. , Vu Thanh T. , Nguyen Dinh-Khoi , Trickett Christopher A. , Doan Tan L. H. , Diercks Christian S. , Nguyen Viet Q. , Cordova Kyle E.
Published: October 2018

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as promising materials for use in practical applications of renewable energy, water harvesting, and catalytic transformation. Here we report the design of a highly porous MOF, termed MOF-907. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, in combination with topological deconstruction, revealed a MOF based on trigonal prismatic secondary building units linked together by triangular and linear units to form a previously unseen net (nha) with minimal transitivity, which is rational for these constituent building units. The catalytic properties of MOF-907 for the microwave-assisted radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate were demonstrated. MOF-907 produced a poly methyl methacrylate product in a short reaction time (30 min) with high yield (98%), high molecular weight (20,680 g mol−1), and low polydispersity (1.23).
Exciton dynamics in heterojunction thin-film devices based on exciplex-sensitized triplet–triplet annihilation
Authors: Tierce Nathan T. , Chen Chia-Hsun , Chiu Tien-Lung , Lin Chi-Feng , Bardeen Christopher J. , Lee Jiun-Haw
Published: October 2018

A triplet-diffusion-singlet-blocking layer and fluorescent dopant enhance blue emission due to triplet–triplet annihilation in an organic light emitting diode structure.
Alternating electric field-induced ion current rectification and electroosmotic pump in ultranarrow charged carbon nanocones
Authors: Li Wen , Wang Wensen , Hou Quangang , Yan Youguo , Dai Caili , Zhang Jun
Published: October 2018

Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to study a symmetrical sinusoidal electric field-induced electroosmotic pump in ultranarrow charged carbon nanocone (CNC) channels.
Precise estimation of transfer free energies for ionic species between similar media
Authors: Esposito Carmen , Vitalis Andreas
Published: October 2018

Two-dimensional umbrella sampling is combined with molecular dynamics to calculate correction-free estimates of transfer properties for individual ions.
Ion–peptide interactions between alkali metal ions and a termini-protected dipeptide: modeling a portion of the selectivity filter in K+ channels
Authors: Ishiuchi Shun-ichi , Sasaki Yuta , Lisy James M. , Fujii Masaaki
Published: October 2018

Differentiating K+ and Na+ binding patterns in peptide sequences.
Four-component quinazoline synthesis from simple anilines, aromatic aldehydes and ammonium iodide under metal-free conditions
Authors: Chen Jinjin , Chang Dan , Xiao Fuhong , Deng Guo-Jun
Published: October 2018

Substituted quinazoline derivatives were selectively prepared from anilines, aromatic aldehydes and NH4I under metal-free conditions.
SD-chip enabled quantitative detection of HIV RNA using digital nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (dNASBA)
Authors: Wang Jiasi , Kreutz Jason E. , Thompson Alison M. , Qin Yuling , Sheen Allison M. , Wang Jingang , Wu Li , Xu Shihan , Chang Ming , Raugi Dana N. , Smith Robert A. , Gottlieb Geoffrey S. , Chiu Daniel T.
Published: October 2018

Sensitive and accurate quantification of HIV RNA could be achieved using digital NASBA in an SD-chip.
Growth of a dense gadolinium metal–organic framework on oxide-free silicon for cryogenic local refrigeration
Authors: Lorusso Giulia , Natividad Eva , Evangelisti Marco , Roubeau Olivier
Published: October 2018

Films of gadolinium formate are grown on oxide-free Si with carboxylic-acid terminated monolayers. A single adiabatic demagnetization of the films has the refrigeration potential to cool a 2 μm Si membrane from 5 to below 1 K, making the reported approach an alternative for local cryogenic cooling.
Graphene oxide touches blood: in vivo interactions of bio-coronated 2D materials
Authors: Palmieri V. , Perini G. , De Spirito M. , Papi M.
Published: October 2018

The impact of graphene oxide biomolecular corona on blood components.
The promotional effect of Mn on Fe-based Fischer–Tropsch catalysts for the synthesis of C5+hydrocarbons
Authors: Li Juan , Wu Liangpeng , Zhang Shaohong , Wen Jianbo , Liu Mingwei , Wang Chenguang , Li Xinjun
Published: October 2018

Fe–Mn oxides were prepared for FTS. The Mn amount has a great influence on the morphology and product selectivity.
The effect of side-chain substitution on the aggregation and photovoltaic performance of diketopyrrolopyrrole-alt-dicarboxylic ester bithiophene polymers
Authors: Heuvel Ruurd , Colberts Fallon J. M. , Li Junyu , Wienk Martijn M. , Janssen René A. J.
Published: October 2018

Alternating donor–acceptor polymers of diketopyrrolopyrrole and quaterthiophene with electron-withdrawing ester groups are studied to reduce the photon energy loss in solar cells.
Hydrate-based CO2capture: kinetic improvementviagraphene-carried –SO3−and Ag nanoparticles
Authors: He Yan , Wang Fei
Published: October 2018

Graphene-carried –SO3−and nano-Ag achieved completion of CO2hydrate formation finished within 200–300 min with gas consumption reaching 7.6 mmol gas per mL water.
Thermally driven mesoscale chemomechanical interplay in Li0.5Ni0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2 cathode materials
Authors: Wei Chenxi , Zhang Yan , Lee Sang-Jun , Mu Linqin , Liu Jin , Wang Chenxu , Yang Yang , Doeff Marca , Pianetta Piero , Nordlund Dennis , Du Xi-Wen , Tian Yangchao , Zhao Kejie , Lee Jun-Sik , Lin Feng , Liu Yijin
Published: October 2018

Operando observation of the thermally driven evolution of a charged NMC cathode offers valuable insights relevant to battery performance and safety.
Torque control in constant power region for IPMSM under six‐step voltage operation
Authors: Huang Ming‐Shi , Chen Kuan‐Cheng , Chen Chin‐Hao , Li Zheng‐Feng , Hung Shih‐Wei
Published: October 2018

To increase output torque in the constant power region of interior permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM) for electric vehicle/hybrid electric vehicle applications, a novel torque control based on voltage phase angle control is proposed to provide more accurate torque for the IPMSM. First, the mathematic model of the IPMSM under six‐step voltage operation is derived. Then, the phasor diagram based on the fundamental frequency and ideal condition is used to explain the relation between the torque, power, and voltage phase angle. Moreover, Maxwell 2D simulation for the IPMSM shows the detailed phenomena including generated torque, phase current, and magnetic flux distribution for developing controllers. Hence, the proposed method uses phase voltage advancing angle to yield torque, which consists of a command feed‐forward controller to give a fast dynamic response, a proportional–integral regulator, a high‐resolution voltage angle injection to reduce torque ripple and an efficiency‐based torque estimator to enhance torque accuracy under six‐step voltage operation. Finally, a digital signal processor(DSP)‐based motor drive is built to verify the proposed method using a 6kW/47Nm/1200rpm IPMSM. The experimental results measured by a torque transducer are derived to show that the torque ripple is significantly reduced, torque accuracy is improved, and constant power control achieved is from 1800 to 3600rpm. These results, therefore, confirm the superior performance of the proposed control method.
New sensorless commutation method for BLDC motors based on the line‐to‐line flux linkage theory
Authors: Jafarboland Mehrdad , Silabi Mohammad Hadi Rismani
Published: October 2018

Sensorless brushless DC (BLDC) motor control is one of today's industry's requirements. The quality of this control is strongly dependent on the exact identification of the rotor angle for switching. In this study, a new sensorless BLDC motor control is introduced that could determine the exact time of the commutation. This method is based on the line‐to‐line flux linkage. The unscented Kalman filter method is used to identify the parameters in the proposed method. In comparison with back electromotive force based methods, this approach has advantages such as reduction of torque ripple due to commutation operations and resistance to motor parameters’ changes. The correctness of the method and the performed comparison is proved by the computer simulation and practical results.