bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlations Between Cloud Point and Compositional Properties of Palm Oil and Liquid Fractions from Dry Fractionation
Authors: Danthine S. , Lefébure E. , Blecker C. , Dijckmans P. , Gibon V.
Published: May 2017

Dry fractionation of palm oil can be conducted as a multi‐step process; this gives rise to new softer and harder fractions having multitudes of applications in fat foods. This work focuses on the liquid fractions obtained following a triple‐step fractionation; the cloud point was measured on a set of 125 palm oil, olein, super olein and top olein samples, with the intention to correlate this value to the compositional properties. The Mettler cloud point, the diacylglycerol content, some selected single or groups of triacylglycerols and the iodine value (in total, 11 variables per sample) were measured and entered in a statistical model. A principal component analysis (PCA) was first carried out from which different sub‐groups were highlighted. In each sub‐group, various regressions (simple linear, simple non‐linear and multiple linear) were applied and 28 significant equations were derived. Out of these, one multiple linear regression involving the iodine value, the UUU and PPP contents showed the best correlation with the Mettler cloud point. This equation was selected to predict the cloud point since it was further successfully validated by using a set of 25 other independent samples. A partial least square (PLS) regression was tested and also considered adequate to predict the cloud point.
Laboratory‐Scale Optimization of Roasting Conditions Followed by Aqueous Extraction of Oil from Wild Almond
Authors: Chodar Moghadas Hooman , Rezaei Karamatollah
Published: May 2017

The effects of roasting and aqueous extraction conditions for oil recovery from wild almond were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). Optimum conditions for oil extraction were obtained at 142 °C roasting temperature, 16.5 min roasting time, 5.67 extraction pH and 4.6 h extraction time. Under these conditions, the extraction yield of 34.5% (w/w, based on the original weight of the sample) was obtained, which is equivalent to 80.0% of the total oil in the kernel. This was lower than that obtained by hexane Soxhlet (HS) extraction (43.1%, w/w, considered as 100% of total oil) but higher than that of cold pressing (CP) (18.5%, w/w; i.e., 42.9% of total oil). The refractive indices and saponification values of the oils were not affected by the extraction method. However, fatty acid and tocopherol compositions and DPPH radical scavenging capacities as well as unsaponifiable matter, iodine, peroxide and acid values of the obtained oils were impacted by the extraction method. The results showed that the quality attributes (omega‐6 fatty acid content, peroxide and acid values, total tocopherol contents and antioxidant activity) of the oil obtained by AEP were somewhat similar to those of the oil extracted by CP and much superior to those of the oil obtained by HS.
Compositional Appraisal and Quality Implication of Emiworo Metacarbonate Deposit in Central Nigeria
Authors: Jimoh Onimisi A. , Ariffin Kamar S. , Hussin Hashim B. , Abdulkareem Toyin
Published: May 2017

Metacarbonate deposit occurring in Emiworo area, northcentral Nigeria are low grade marble associated with Proterozoic basement complex rocks. Integrated inorganic geochemical, physical and thermal characteristics of the samples were investigated with the aim of revealing their economic viability. The phase characteristics of the metacarbonate show that dolomite is the dominant phase with calcite and phlogopite as minor phases, while silicates, graphites and pyrites constitute the accessories. Reactivity of the quicklime measured after calcination at different temperatures revealed that only the quicklime produced in 1 hour at 950°C and 1000°C was found to be reactive. Physical properties and comparative data show that the Emiworo marble displays lower water absorption and higher compressive strength, loss on ignition and bulk specific gravity, compared to other metacarbonate rocks occurring in other parts of Nigeria and elsewhere. These attributes makes the deposit suitable for many conventional industrial applications.
Surface Soil Assessment in the Ubhur Area, North of Jeddah, Western Saudi Arabia, Using a Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves Method
Authors: Aldahri Maher , mogren Saad , Abdelrahman Kamal , Zahran Hani , El Hady Sherif , El-Hadidy Mahmoud
Published: May 2017

Ten boreholes drilled in Ubhur area up to the depth of bedrock indicted the shallow depth of bedrock where the average depth ranges between 10 and 15 m. The standard penetration test N-values of these boreholes were measured and averaged. Based on N-values to the depth of bedrock, Ubhur area can be classified as site class C and D. Multichannel analysis of surface waves technique has been applied along seventy six profiles using 24-channel geophone array and 4.5Hz vertical geophones with 1m geophone spacing and sledgehammer and/or weight drop as seismic energy sources. Values of shear wave velocity to 30 m are calculated and then averaged (Vs30) where it ranges between 310.08 m/s and 1139.8 m/s. Therefore, Ubhur area can be classified into site class B, C and D based on site classification of the national earthquake hazards reduction program (NEHRP) recommendations. Accordingly, the greatest part of the study area falls in site class C while class B and D covered limited areas in the western and the eastern parts respectively. Depending on the shallow depth of bedrock in the study area, the Vs30 parameter is not applicable in the study area so the average values of Vs for the soil thickness, excluding the bedrock, have been calculated and mapped for site class C and D only. So Vs30 approach is not applicable for areas with shallow depth of bedrock which gives higher classification.
Assessment of Groundwater Quality Index for Drinking Purpose in the Durg District, Chhattisgarh Using Geographical Information System (GIS) and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) Techniques
Authors: Jhariya D. C. , Kumar Tarun , Dewangan Rakesh , Pal Dharm , Dewangan Pankaj Kumar
Published: May 2017

Present study is carried out to evaluate and characterize groundwater quality using Geographical Information System (GIS) and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) Techniques. In order to ascertain the groundwater quality a detailed survey was carried-out and a total 88 numbers of groundwater samples were collected from different locations of the Durg district. Various physicochemical parameters of collected groundwater samples were analyzed for the periods of 5-years from 2007 to 2011 during pre-monsoon period. Six criteria viz. pH, calcium (Ca++), magnesium (Mg++), chloride (Cl−), nitrate (NO3–) and fluoride (F−) were used for the determination of groundwater quality index. The analytical hierarchical process (AHP) used to determine the weight of various parameters and their classes for identifying the groundwater quality index. Present study is helpful for long-term planning and management of groundwater resources of the study area.
Seismo-Stratigraphic and Structural Interpretation of Seismic Data of Titas Gas Field, Bengal Basin, Bangladesh
Authors: Sultan-Ul-Islam Md. , Islam Md. Aminul , Latif Md. Hasan , Aftabuzzaman Md. , Rahman Syed Mustafizur , Molla Md. Ismail , Shalaby Mohamed Ragab
Published: May 2017

In the present study, seismic interpretation has been carried out over Titas structure of Bengal basin, Bangladesh to figure out its seismo-stratigraphic and structural behavior. Seven well marked reflecting horizons (R-01 to R-07) have been identified within the Neogene sedimentary sequences using 18 seismic sections and well log data. A new seismic stratigraphy of Neogene sequences has been proposed for the Titas structure ruling out the traditional lithostratigraphy. The studied structure has been divided into 3 megasequences (MS1, MS2 and MS3). Reflector R-01 and R-03 represent the tops of the megasequence 2 (MS2) and megasequence 1 (MS1) respectively. These well marked reflectors are correlated with the top of the traditional litho-groups called Tipam and Surma. Reflectors R-02 and R-04 represent acoustic impedance boundaries within MS2 and MS1 due to lithological gradation. However, R-02 and R-04 are not considered as sequence/ formation boundaries because geologically these are not well defined. Reflectors R-05, R-06 and R-07 represent top of the gas-bearing zones A, B and C that belongs to MS1. All these interfaces or reflectors are anti-form with a central long crestal zone. It forms a north-south trending semi-domal sub-surface anticlinal structure having a semi-dome shaped closure. The structure is asymmetric with steeper eastern flank and gentler western flank. The crestal region is essentially plain with discontinuous reflection. The semi-domal nature of the anticline is in contrast to the neighboring narrow anticlines. Structural pattern suggests its development in relation to the NE-SW trending stress field due to convergence of Indian plate with Burmese plate. Structures of the shallower and deeper reflectors are formed at different phases of structural development.
Research diversity in accounting doctoral education: survey results from the German-speaking countries
Authors: Pelger Christoph , Grottke Markus
Published: May 2017

US positivistic accounting research is increasingly perceived as having come to be the point of reference for researchers in other countries, including the German-speaking area where formerly normative research was widespread. In this paper, we present the survey results retrieved from 293 doctoral students in accounting in 2009, a period of transition in which old and new approaches to doctoral education co-existed. Specifically, doctoral students were subject to institutional change in the form of more structured doctoral studies and a focus on internationalisation and attempts to publish in academic journals. We find that at that time there was diversity with regard to both the set of accounting journals considered by doctoral students and the methods employed by the latter in their dissertations. With respect to research methods, we show that factors of the institutional setting reflecting a more structured and international approach to doctoral education are in particular linked to empirical quantitative, and to a lesser extent qualitative, research.
Subacute pneumothorax contralateral to the venous access site associated with atrial lead perforation in a patient who was receiving corticosteroid therapy
Authors: Ishizue Naruya , Kishihara Jun , Niwano Shinichi , Ako Junya
Published: May 2017

Pneumothorax contralateral to the venous access site due to the right atrial lead is an uncommon complication. Concomitant steroid use is known as a risk factor of pacemaker lead perforation. We report a rare case of subacute contralateral pneumothorax due to a screw‐in atrial lead perforation that occurred after dual‐chamber pacemaker implantation in a patient who was receiving steroid therapy. The pneumothorax disappeared, and no recurrence was observed during follow‐up with close observation alone.
MORPHOMETRIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL ATTRIBUTES OF WESTERN STEMMED TRADITION PROJECTILE POINTS REVEALED IN A SECOND ARTIFACT CACHE FROM THE COOPER'S FERRY SITE, IDAHO
Authors: Davis Loren G. , Bean Daniel W. , Nyers Alexander J.
Published: May 2017

In western North America, the Western Stemmed Tradition (WST) is contemporaneous with, but technologically different from, the Clovis Paleoindian Tradition as initially defined from the Great Plains and American Southwest. The foundational principles of WST lithic technology have not been as clearly delineated as those of their fluted and unfluted Paleoindian Tradition technological counterparts, largely due to the paucity of extensive WST lithic assemblages recovered from intact buried contexts. Recent excavations at the Cooper's Ferry site, located in western Idaho, revealed a stratified series of WST components spanning the late Pleistocene to early Holocene periods. The study of these components offers a unique opportunity to evaluate current expectations about WST lithic technology. Here, we describe the discovery, context, and contents of a new cache of 14 WST projectile points from the Cooper's Ferry site that provide clues about WST lithic reduction patterns and the design of early stemmed projectile points. We employ several novel methods of lithic analysis based on three-dimensional digital scanning technology and geometric morphometry and, in doing so, seek to demonstrate new ways of studying stone tools through the use of next-generation methods of lithic analysis applied to exploring the poorly known technological details of the WST.
Non-smooth saddle-node bifurcations II: Dimensions of strange attractors
Authors: FUHRMANN G. , GRÖGER M. , JÄGER T.
Published: May 2017

We study the geometric and topological properties of strange non-chaotic attractors created in non-smooth saddle-node bifurcations of quasiperiodically forced interval maps. By interpreting the attractors as limit objects of the iterates of a continuous curve and controlling the geometry of the latter, we determine their Hausdorff and box-counting dimension and show that these take distinct values. Moreover, the same approach allows us to describe the topological structure of the attractors and to prove their minimality.
The Violence Within: Canadian Modern Statehood and the Pan-territorial Residential School System Ideal
Authors: Murray Karen Bridget
Published: May 2017

Drawing upon Walter Benjamin's “principle of montage,” this article excavates the political salience of what is referred to herein as the residential school system's “pan-territorial ideal.” The pan-territorial ideal materialized in 1930 with the opening of the Shubenacadie Residential School in the Maritimes, the system's final frontier. It was envisioned, forged and secured, in part, with the overt understanding that so called Indian education could be used as a vector of violence to control Indigenous peoples and their lands. This history clashes with dominant narratives that interpret residential school system violence as the product of mismanagement and neglect. From the early days of Confederation to its almost full legal autonomy from Britain in the early twentieth century and beyond, the Dominion's pursuit of the pan-territorial vision involved the selective harnessing of the residential school system as a field of state-sanctioned force to quell Indigenous resistance. In this, residential school violence cannot be reduced to a deviation from the norm. In crucial respects, it was an inherent feature of the system and Canadian modern statehood itself.
Efficient Kriging surrogate modeling approach for system reliability analysis
Authors: Hu Zhen , Nannapaneni Saideep , Mahadevan Sankaran
Published: May 2017

Current limit state surrogate modeling methods for system reliability analysis usually build surrogate models for failure modes individually or build composite limit states. In practical engineering applications, multiple system responses may be obtained from a single setting of inputs. In such cases, building surrogate models individually will ignore the correlation between different system responses and building composite limit states may be computationally expensive because the nonlinearity of composite limit state is usually higher than individual limit states. This paper proposes a new efficient Kriging surrogate modeling approach for system reliability analysis by constructing composite Kriging surrogates through selection of Kriging surrogates constructed individually and Kriging surrogates built based on singular value decomposition. The resulting composite surrogate model will combine the advantages of both types of Kriging surrogate models and thus reduce the number of required training points. A new stopping criterion and a new surrogate model refinement strategy are proposed to further improve the efficiency of this approach. The surrogate models are refined adaptively with high accuracy near the active failure boundary until the proposed new stopping criterion is satisfied. Three numerical examples including a series, a parallel, and a combined system are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Efficient simulation of threshold behavior
Authors: Kohler Dominic , Müller Johannes , Obst Birgit , Wever Utz
Published: May 2017

The paper discusses a new method for the propagation of risk levels. This discretization takes place by considering the phase space of the state and its subdivision into boxes. In each time step, the method computes the probability of the state being in one box. We start with a variety of technical and physical problems by showing how discrete modeling under uncertainties is technically meaningful and often even problem inherent. Then we select the technical problem of contaminant spread in water grids, to which we apply the method of risk-level propagation in depth. Extensions of the method such as modeling of contaminant mixing at junctions in the discretized phase space and the applicability of conservation laws arise naturally along these lines and are discussed in the context of the general theory.
Farewell to antiquarianism. A new ‘grand narrative’ for German-speaking prehistoric archaeology?
Authors: Veit Ulrich
Published: May 2017

I would first like to thank the editors ofArchaeological dialoguesfor inviting me to comment on Kerstin P. Hofmann and Philipp W. Stockhammer's paper on the present situation of archaeological theory in German-speaking prehistoric archaeology (GSA). The message the authors wish to communicate to an international audience is relatively simple and straightforward. GSA, which for a long time seemed ‘generally uninterested in theoretical debates’ (p. 1), has since about the year 2000 radically changed its outlook. This change is seen reflected in a large corpus of theoretically oriented case studies (represented in a list of some four hundred titles added to the paper), that in the eyes of the authors deserves the attention of the international scientific community. This positive development is interpreted as a result both of a growing interest in overarching research questions of cultural studies and of the public funding of large-scale cooperative research projects.
From deconstruction to interpretation
Authors: Kristiansen Kristian
Published: May 2017

Hofmann and Stockhammer provide an exhaustive and informative overview of German-speaking archaeology (GSA) seen through a set of theoretical lenses that, as they readily admit, may leave other equally important trends in the dark. I shall therefore provide a slightly different perspective, and highlight some interpretive trends that received less coverage in their exposition. Again, it is based on my selective reading of German archaeology, which includes only part of the bibliography of Hofmann and Stockhammer, but then some other works as well. In conclusion I shall discuss what I consider one of the major obstacles for GSA to reach theoretical maturity and a wider international impact.
Framing matters
Authors: Bernbeck Reinhard
Published: May 2017

Kerstin Hofmann and Philipp Stockhammer's essay on theory in ‘Beyond antiquarianism’ displays a mood that lacks self-confidence, despite a more optimistic outlook on theoretical reflections in their field than an earlier paper by Ulrike Sommer (2000b). The citations, amounting to 60 per cent of the text, are just an outward sign of that mood. A more revealing element is the essay's framing. Hofmann and Stockhammer do not discuss theory in German-speaking archaeology, as their abbreviation ‘GSA’ seems to imply, but rather restrict themselves to its prehistoric subdivision: the essay is actually only about ‘GSPA’. What are the preconditions for and the consequences of this self-imposed disciplinary (and disciplining) restriction?
The WTO–TRIPS Flexibilities on Public Health: A Critical Appraisal of the East African Community Regional Framework
Authors: SOYEJU OLUFEMI , WABWIRE JOSHUA
Published: May 2017

Over the years, many developing countries have attempted to make policies utilizing the WTO–TRIPS flexibilities to address the public health needs of their populations. A common strategic trend in these policies has been the tendency to attempt to increase access to medicines through price reduction, achieved by weakening patent protection. This paper, using the policy that has recently been adopted by the East African Community (EAC) member states as a case study, demonstrates the inappropriateness of this strategy. The core argument is that weakening patent protection will hinder further research and invention, which are necessary to ensure the availability of medicines. For developing countries, especially those in Africa, such as the EAC member states, the problem is aggravated by the fact that pharmaceuticals, due to commercial considerations, have already ignored investing in developing medicines for diseases predominant in these countries, hence the need to strengthen rather than weaken, patent protection.
‘The Worst Oratorio Ever!’: Colonialist Condescension in the Critical Reception of George Tolhurst’s Ruth (1864)
Authors: Kirby Sarah
Published: May 2017

The oratorio genre was regarded amongst the most edifying and instructive artforms of the Victorian era, and it was to these lofty ideals that George Tolhurst (1827–1877) aspired when composing his 1864 oratorioRuth. The first work of its kind written in the British colony of Victoria, Australia,Ruthreceived an initially favourable local reception; Tolhurst was urged by the Melbourne press to aim higher and present his work to a wider and more discerning audience. Consequently, he took his work to London where it was roundly criticized, widely mocked and eventually dubbed ‘the worst oratorio ever’. It might be assumed that a work so poorly received in the cultural metropolis of London would be, like so much other Victorian music, immediately forgotten. However, through its notoriously bad reception,Ruth– in what Percy Scholes describes as a ‘succès de ridicule’ – found a cult following that has spanned from the nineteenth century to the present day. This article examines the critical reception ofRuththrough the lens of colonial social relations, arguing that the treatment ofRuthin both London and Melbourne is emblematic of broader trends in the nineteenth-century relationship between parent state and settler colony. It also explores the surprising phenomenon of twentieth- and twenty-first-century consumption ofRuthin Britain, questioning whether the legacies of certain Victorian social and cultural prejudices relating to the artistic products of the colonies have been mitigated. Aesthetic and representational decisions made in recent revivals of Ruth suggest that cultural hierarchies forged during the Victorian era continue to be reinforced in the present day.
Application of bivariate negative binomial regression model in analysing insurance count data
Authors: Liu Feng , Pitt David
Published: May 2017

In this paper we analyse insurance claim frequency data using the bivariate negative binomial regression (BNBR) model. We use general insurance data on claims from simple third-party liability insurance and comprehensive insurance. We find that bivariate regression, with its capacity for modelling correlation between the two observed claim counts, provides both a superior fit and out-of-sample prediction compared with the more common practice of fitting univariate negative binomial regression models separately to each claim type. Noting the complexity of BNBR models and their potential for a large number of parameters, we explore the use of model shrinkage methodology, namely the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) and ridge regression. We find that models estimated using shrinkage methods outperform the ordinary likelihood-based models when being used to make predictions out-of-sample. We find that the Lasso performs better than ridge regression as a method of shrinkage.
A 0.4–3-GHz nested bandpass filter and a 1.1–1.7-GHz balun bandpass filter using tunable band-switching technique
Authors: Motoi Keiichi , Oshima Naoki , Kitsunezuka Masaki , Kunihiro Kazuaki
Published: May 2017

This paper presents a second-order tunable single-ended (unbalanced) bandpass filter (BPF) with continuous 0.4–3-GHz coverage and a tunable balun BPF with continuous 1.1–1.7-GHz coverage for software-defined radio transceivers with the use of band-switchable and radio frequency (RF)-micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS)-tuned resonators. The BPFs are realized with two pairs of RF switches for coarse-tuning and RF-MEMS-tunable capacitors for fine-tuning. On the one hand, for the tunable single-ended BPF, a transition between three bands is enabled using two pairs of RF switches. On the other hand, for the tunable balun BPF, a transition between two bands is enabled using one pair of RF switches. Furthermore, the three-band switchable single-ended BPF is constructed in a nested two-filter bank structure for expanding the tuning range without increasing the footprint. In addition, to complement the discrete band gaps, RF-MEMS capacitor-tuned resonators are used, and a continuous tuning range of nearly the entire ultra-high-frequency band is achieved. The filter bank is fabricated on a Duroid substrate with εr = 3.5 and h = 0.787 mm. The filter bank has an insertion loss of 3.2–6.8 dB and a 1-dB bandwidth of 65–450 MHz with a continuous tuning range of 0.4–3 GHz.
Current Postvention Research and Priorities for the Future
Authors: Andriessen Karl , Castelli Dransart Dolores Angela , Cerel Julie , Maple Myfanwy
Published: May 2017

Abstract. Background: Suicide can have a lasting impact on the social life as well as the physical and mental health of the bereaved. Targeted research is needed to better understand the nature of suicide bereavement and the effectiveness of support. Aims: To take stock of ongoing studies, and to inquire about future research priorities regarding suicide bereavement and postvention. Method: In March 2015, an online survey was widely disseminated in the suicidology community. Results: The questionnaire was accessed 77 times, and 22 records were included in the analysis. The respondents provided valuable information regarding current research projects and recommendations for the future. Limitations: Bearing in mind the modest number of replies, all from respondents in Westernized countries, it is not known how representative the findings are. Conclusion: The survey generated three strategies for future postvention research: increase intercultural collaboration, increase theory-driven research, and build bonds between research and practice. Future surveys should include experiences with obtaining research grants and ethical approval for postvention studies.
Investigating the Dynamics of Suicidal Ideation
Authors: Hallensleben Nina , Spangenberg Lena , Forkmann Thomas , Rath Dajana , Hegerl Ulrich , Kersting Anette , Kallert Thomas W. , Glaesmer Heide
Published: May 2017

Abstract. Background: Although the fluctuating nature of suicidal ideation (SI) has been described previously, longitudinal studies investigating the dynamics of SI are scarce. Aim: To demonstrate the fluctuation of SI across 6 days and up to 60 measurement points using smartphone-based ecological momentary assessments (EMA). Method: Twenty inpatients with unipolar depression and current and/or lifetime suicidal ideation rated their momentary SI 10 times per day over a 6-day period. Mean squared successive difference (MSSD) was calculated as a measure of variability. Correlations of MSSD with severity of depression, number of previous depressive episodes, and history of suicidal behavior were examined. Results: Individual trajectories of SI are shown to illustrate fluctuation. MSSD values ranged from 0.2 to 21.7. No significant correlations of MSSD with several clinical parameters were found, but there are hints of associations between fluctuation of SI and severity of depression and suicidality. Limitations: Main limitation of this study is the small sample size leading to low power and probably missing potential effects. Further research with larger samples is necessary to shed light on the dynamics of SI. Conclusion: The results illustrate the dynamic nature and the diversity of trajectories of SI across 6 days in psychiatric inpatients with unipolar depression. Prediction of the fluctuation of SI might be of high clinical relevance. Further research using EMA and sophisticated analyses with larger samples is necessary to shed light on the dynamics of SI.
An Integrated Approach to Bias in the Spanish Version of the General	Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12)
Authors: Benítez Isabel , Van de Vijver Fons , Padilla Jose-Luis
Published: May 2017

Abstract. The aim of the paper is to illustrate a comprehensive approach to bias in an application of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) among native Spanish people and immigrants in Spain. A comprehensive evaluation of bias can detect combined effects of different types of bias and their causes. The GHQ-12, administered as part of the 2006 Spanish National Health Survey, was used for evaluating bias. The entire sample of 1,251 participants was composed of Spanish and immigrants from Morocco, Ecuador, Romania, and Colombia. Construct, method, and items bias were evaluated, using analyses of measurement invariance, response styles, and Differential Item Functioning (DIF), respectively. Integrating the results of the bias analyses, we found that the presence of bias was related to items asking about symptoms, notably dealing with feelings and personal perceptions. Furthermore, colloquialisms in the items led to bias in the comparison of Spanish speakers from Spain and South America (all of whom had Spanish as mother tongue). The comprehensive approach to bias showed the value of examining various forms of bias in an integrated manner.
Ube2D3 and Ube2N are essential for RIG-I-mediated MAVS aggregation in antiviral innate immunity
Authors: Shi Yuheng , Yuan Bofeng , Zhu Wenting , Zhang Rui , Li Lin , Hao Xiaojing , Chen She , Hou Fajian
Published: May 2017

Innate immunity plays a pivotal role in virus infection. RIG-I senses viral RNA and initiates an effective innate immune response for type I interferon production. To transduce RIG-I-mediated antiviral signalling, a mitochondrial protein MAVS forms prion-like aggregates to activate downstream kinases and transcription factors. However, the activation mechanism of RIG-I is incompletely understood. Here we identify two ubiquitin enzymes Ube2D3 and Ube2N through chromatographic purification as activators for RIG-I on virus infection. We show that together with ubiquitin ligase Riplet, Ube2D3 promotes covalent conjugation of polyubiquitin chains to RIG-I, while Ube2N preferentially facilitates production of unanchored polyubiquitin chains. In the presence of these polyubiquitin chains, RIG-I induces MAVS aggregation directly on the mitochondria. Our data thus reveal two essential polyubiquitin-mediated mechanisms underlying the activation of RIG-I and MAVS for triggering innate immune signalling in response to viral infection in cells.
Probing nanoscale oxygen ion motion in memristive systems
Authors: Yang Yuchao , Zhang Xiaoxian , Qin Liang , Zeng Qibin , Qiu Xiaohui , Huang Ru
Published: May 2017

Ion transport is an essential process for various applications including energy storage, sensing, display, memory and so on, however direct visualization of oxygen ion motion has been a challenging task, which lies in the fact that the normally used electron microscopy imaging mainly focuses on the mass attribute of ions. The lack of appropriate understandings and analytic approaches on oxygen ion motion has caused significant difficulties in disclosing the mechanism of oxides-based memristors. Here we show evidence of oxygen ion migration and accumulation in HfO2 by in situ measurements of electrostatic force gradient between the probe and the sample, as systematically verified by the charge duration, oxygen gas eruption and controlled studies utilizing different electrolytes, field directions and environments. At higher voltages, oxygen-deficient nano-filaments are formed, as directly identified employing a CS-corrected transmission electron microscope. This study could provide a generalized approach for probing ion motions at the nanoscale.
CRISPR-Cpf1 assisted genome editing of Corynebacterium glutamicum
Authors: Jiang Yu , Qian Fenghui , Yang Junjie , Liu Yingmiao , Dong Feng , Xu Chongmao , Sun Bingbing , Chen Biao , Xu Xiaoshu , Li Yan , Wang Renxiao , Yang Sheng
Published: May 2017

Corynebacterium glutamicum is an important industrial metabolite producer that is difficult to genetically engineer. Although the Streptococcus pyogenes (Sp) CRISPR-Cas9 system has been adapted for genome editing of multiple bacteria, it cannot be introduced into C. glutamicum. Here we report a Francisella novicida (Fn) CRISPR-Cpf1-based genome-editing method for C. glutamicum. CRISPR-Cpf1, combined with single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) recombineering, precisely introduces small changes into the bacterial genome at efficiencies of 86–100%. Large gene deletions and insertions are also obtained using an all-in-one plasmid consisting of FnCpf1, CRISPR RNA, and homologous arms. The two CRISPR-Cpf1-assisted systems enable N iterative rounds of genome editing in 3N+4 or 3N+2 days. A proof-of-concept, codon saturation mutagenesis at G149 of γ-glutamyl kinase relieves L-proline inhibition using Cpf1-assisted ssDNA recombineering. Thus, CRISPR-Cpf1-based genome editing provides a highly efficient tool for genetic engineering of Corynebacterium and other bacteria that cannot utilize the Sp CRISPR-Cas9 system.
The clinical impact of copy number variants in inherited bone marrow failure syndromes
Authors: Waespe Nicolas , Dhanraj Santhosh , Wahala Manju , Tsangaris Elena , Enbar Tom , Zlateska Bozana , Li Hongbing , Klaassen Robert J. , Fernandez Conrad V. , Cuvelier Geoff D. E. , Wu John K. , Pastore Yves D. , Silva Mariana , Lipton Jeffrey H. , Brossard Joseé , Michon Bruno , Abish Sharon , Steele MacGregor , Sinha Roona , Belletrutti Mark J. , Breakey Vicky R. , Jardine Lawrence , Goodyear Lisa , Kofler Liat , Cada Michaela , Sung Lillian , Shago Mary , Scherer Stephen W. , Dror Yigal
Published: May 2017

Inherited bone marrow failure syndromes comprise a genetically heterogeneous group of diseases with hematopoietic failure and a wide array of physical malformations. Copy number variants were reported in some inherited bone marrow failure syndromes. It is unclear what impact copy number variants play in patients evaluated for a suspected diagnosis of inherited bone marrow failure syndromes. Clinical and genetic data of 323 patients from the Canadian Inherited Marrow Failure Registry from 2001 to 2014, who had a documented genetic work-up, were analyzed. Cases with pathogenic copy number variants (at least 1 kilobasepairs) were compared to cases with other mutations. Genotype-phenotype correlations were performed to assess the impact of copy number variants. Pathogenic nucleotide-level mutations were found in 157 of 303 tested patients (51.8%). Genome-wide copy number variant analysis by single-nucleotide polymorphism arrays or comparative genomic hybridization arrays revealed pathogenic copy number variants in 11 of 67 patients tested (16.4%). In four of these patients, identification of copy number variant was crucial for establishing the correct diagnosis as their clinical presentation was ambiguous. Eight additional patients were identified to harbor pathogenic copy number variants by other methods. Of the 19 patients with pathogenic copy number variants, four had compound-heterozygosity of a copy number variant with a nucleotide-level mutation. Pathogenic copy number variants were associated with more extensive non-hematological organ system involvement (p = 0.0006), developmental delay (p = 0.006) and short stature (p = 0.04) compared to nucleotide-level mutations. In conclusion, a significant proportion of patients with inherited bone marrow failure syndromes harbor pathogenic copy number variants which were associated with a more extensive non-hematological phenotype in this cohort. Patients with a phenotype suggestive of inherited bone marrow failure syndromes but without identification of pathogenic nucleotide-level mutations should undergo specific testing for copy number variants.
The response of a boreal deep-sea sponge holobiont to acute thermal stress
Authors: Strand R. , Whalan S. , Webster N. S. , Kutti T. , Fang J. K. H. , Luter H. M. , Bannister R. J.
Published: May 2017

Effects of elevated seawater temperatures on deep-water benthos has been poorly studied, despite reports of increased seawater temperature (up to 4 °C over 24 hrs) coinciding with mass mortality events of the sponge Geodia barretti at Tisler Reef, Norway. While the mechanisms driving these mortality events are unclear, manipulative laboratory experiments were conducted to quantify the effects of elevated temperature (up to 5 °C, above ambient levels) on the ecophysiology (respiration rate, nutrient uptake, cellular integrity and sponge microbiome) of G. barretti. No visible signs of stress (tissue necrosis or discolouration) were evident across experimental treatments; however, significant interactive effects of time and treatment on respiration, nutrient production and cellular stress were detected. Respiration rates and nitrogen effluxes doubled in responses to elevated temperatures (11 °C & 12 °C) compared to control temperatures (7 °C). Cellular stress, as measured through lysosomal destabilisation, was 2–5 times higher at elevated temperatures than for control temperatures. However, the microbiome of G. barretti remained stable throughout the experiment, irrespective of temperature treatment. Mortality was not evident and respiration rates returned to pre-experimental levels during recovery. These results suggest other environmental processes, either alone or in combination with elevated temperature, contributed to the mortality of G. barretti at Tisler reef.
Everyday cognition scales are related to cognitive function in the early stage of probable Alzheimer’s disease and FDG-PET findings
Authors: Hsu Jung-Lung , Hsu Wen-Chuin , Chang Chiung-Chih , Lin Kun-Ju , Hsiao Ing-Tsung , Fan Yen-Chun , Bai Chyi-Huey
Published: May 2017

We applied the Everyday Cognition (ECog) scale in normal aging adults and patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) to investigate associations between neuropsychological tests and neuroimaging markers. A total of 160 normal aging adults and 40 patients with the early stage of probable AD were included. Neuropsychological performance was assessed using the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease Neuropsychological Assessment Battery (CERAD-NAB). 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) scans were used to measure AD-related hypometabolism. Nonparametric Spearman correlation analysis was used to study associations between ECog and z-transformed total CERAD-NAB scores in both groups. The results revealed a significant correlation between total ECog and CERAD-NAB scores (rho = −0.28, p < 0.01), and category verbal fluency test with the executive domain of the ECog scale (rho = −0.20, p < 0.01). The CERAD-NAB scores were also significantly correlated with AD-related hypometabolism (rho = −0.49, p < 0.01). The memory domain of the ECog scale was significantly correlated with FDG uptake in the angular gyrus and posterior cingulum gyrus (rho = −0.41 and −0.46, P < 0.01). In conclusion, both total and memory domain ECog scores were correlated with the neuropsychological tests and neuroimaging biomarkers.
A nanofabricated, monolithic, path-separated electron interferometer
Authors: Agarwal Akshay , Kim Chung-Soo , Hobbs Richard , Dyck Dirk van , Berggren Karl K.
Published: May 2017

Progress in nanofabrication technology has enabled the development of numerous electron optic elements for enhancing image contrast and manipulating electron wave functions. Here, we describe a modular, self-aligned, amplitude-division electron interferometer in a conventional transmission electron microscope. The interferometer consists of two 45-nm-thick silicon layers separated by 20 μm. This interferometer is fabricated from a single-crystal silicon cantilever on a transmission electron microscope grid by gallium focused-ion-beam milling. Using this interferometer, we obtain interference fringes in a Mach-Zehnder geometry in an unmodified 200 kV transmission electron microscope. The fringes have a period of 0.32 nm, which corresponds to the [1̄1̄1] lattice planes of silicon, and a maximum contrast of 15%. We use convergent-beam electron diffraction to quantify grating alignment and coherence. This design can potentially be scaled to millimeter-scale, and used in electron holography. It could also be applied to perform fundamental physics experiments, such as interaction-free measurement with electrons.
The intestinal tuft cell nanostructure in 3D
Authors: Hoover Ben , Baena Valentina , Kaelberer Melanie M. , Getaneh Feven , Chinchilla Skarleth , Bohórquez Diego V.
Published: May 2017

Once referred to as “peculiar,” tuft cells are enigmatic epithelial cells. Here, we reasoned that future functional studies could be derived from a complete account of the tuft cell ultrastructure. We identified and documented the volumetric ultrastructure at nanometer resolution (4–5 nm/pixel) of specific intestinal tuft cells. The techniques used were Serial Block-Face (SBF) and Automated Tape-collecting Ultra-Microtome (ATUM) Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Our results exposed a short (~15 µm) basal cytoplasmic process devoid of secretory vesicles. Volume rendering of serial sections unveiled several thin cytospinules (~1 µm). These cytospinules project from the tuft cell into the nuclei of neighboring epithelial cells. Volume rendering also revealed within the tuft cell an elegant network of interconnected tubules. The network forms a passage from the base of the microvilli to the rough endoplasmic reticulum. Based on their location and microanatomy, the tuft cells’ cytospinules, and tubular network, might facilitate the exchange of molecular cargo with nuclei of neighboring cells, and the gut lumen.
Biliverdin Reductase inhibitors did not improve severe unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia in vivo
Authors: van Dijk Remco , Aronson Sem J. , de Waart Dirk R. , van de Graaf Stan F. , Duijst Suzanne , Seppen Jurgen , Elferink Ronald Oude , Beuers Ulrich , Bosma Piter J.
Published: May 2017

We aimed to identify potent biliverdin reductase (BVRA) inhibitors as a novel concept for the treatment of severe unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia. 1280 FDA-approved compounds were screened in vitro for their ability to inhibit human and rat BVRA activity ﻿and 2﻿6 compounds were identified as BVRA inhibitors﻿. Montelukast and Disulfiram were sel﻿ected as potentially clinically applicable drug﻿s and tested to reduce serum unconjugated bilirubin (UCB) levels in the Ugt1a1-deficient rat, a model for chronic unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia. Oral administration of Disulfiram was toxic in the Ugt1a1-deficient rat (weight loss, transaminase elevation). Oral Montelukast administration led to low serum concentrations and did not alter serum UCB levels. Intraperitoneal injections of Mont﻿elukast resulted in concentrations up to 110 μmol/L in serum and 400 μmol/L in the liver. Still, serum UCB levels remained unaltered. This first study on biliverdin reductase inhibition as a novel concept for treatment of unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia identified putative in vitro BVRA inhibitors. Montelukast, the clinically most suitable inhibitor, did not result in reduction of serum UCB in the Ugt1a1-deficient rat. The proposed treatment strategy will not result in amelioration of severe unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia in humans without the identification or development of more potent BVRA inhibitors.
Alkali-created rich properties in grapheme nanoribbons: Chemical bondings
Authors: Lin Yu-Tsung , Lin Shih-Yang , Chiu Yu-Huang , Lin Ming-Fa
Published: May 2017

The alkali-adsorbed graphene nanoribbons exhibit the feature-rich electronic and magnetic properties. From the first-principles calculations, there are only few adatom-dominated conduction bands, and the other conduction and valence bands are caused by carbon atoms. A lot of free electrons are revealed in the occupied alkali- and carbon-dependent conduction bands. Energy bands are sensitive to the concentration, distribution and kind of adatom and the edge structure, while the total linear free carrier density only relies on the first one. These mainly arise from a single s − 2p
z
orbital hybridization in the adatom-carbon bond. Specifically, zigzag systems can present the anti-ferromagnetic ordering across two edges, ferromagnetic ordering along one edge and non-magnetism, being reflected in the edge-localized energy bands with or without spin splitting. The diverse energy dispersions contribute many special peaks in density of states. The critical chemical bonding and the distinct spin configuration could be verified from the experimental measurements.
Performances of Kevlar and Polyethylene as radiation shielding on-board the International Space Station in high latitude radiation environment
Authors: Narici Livio , Casolino Marco , Di Fino Luca , Larosa Marianna , Picozza Piergiorgio , Rizzo Alessandro , Zaconte Veronica
Published: May 2017

Passive radiation shielding is a mandatory element in the design of an integrated solution to mitigate the effects of radiation during long deep space voyages for human exploration. Understanding and exploiting the characteristics of materials suitable for radiation shielding in space flights is, therefore, of primary importance. We present here the results of the first space-test on Kevlar and Polyethylene radiation shielding capabilities including direct measurements of the background baseline (no shield). Measurements are performed on-board of the International Space Station (Columbus modulus) during the ALTEA-shield ESA sponsored program. For the first time the shielding capability of such materials has been tested in a radiation environment similar to the deep-space one, thanks to the feature of the ALTEA system, which allows to select only high latitude orbital tracts of the International Space Station. Polyethylene is widely used for radiation shielding in space and therefore it is an excellent benchmark material to be used in comparative investigations. In this work we show that Kevlar has radiation shielding performances comparable to the Polyethylene ones, reaching a dose rate reduction of 32 ± 2% and a dose equivalent rate reduction of 55 ± 4% (for a shield of 10 g/cm2).
Folate Metabolism Regulates Oligodendrocyte Survival and Differentiation by Modulating AMPKα Activity
Authors: Weng Qinjie , Wang Jiajia , Wang Jiaying , Tan Biqin , Wang Jing , Wang Haibo , Zheng Tao , Lu Q. Richard , Yang Bo , He Qiaojun
Published: May 2017

Folate, an essential micronutrient, is a critical cofactor in one-carbon metabolism for many cellular pathways including DNA synthesis, metabolism and maintenance. Folate deficiency has been associated with an increased risk of neurological disease, cancer and cognitive dysfunction. Dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) is a key enzyme to regulate folate metabolism, however folate/DHFR activity in oligodendrocyte development has not been fully understood. Here we show that folate enhances oligodendrocyte maturation both in vitro and in vivo, which is accompanied with upregulation of oligodendrocyte-specific DHFR expression. On the other hand, pharmacological inhibition of DHFR by methotrexate (MTX) causes severe defects in oligodendrocyte survival and differentiation, which could be reversed by folate intake. We further demonstrate that folate activates a metabolic regulator AMPKα to promote oligodendrocyte survival and differentiation. Moreover, activation of AMPKα partially rescues oligodendrocyte defects caused by DHFR-inhibition both in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, these findings identify a previously uncharacterized role of folate/DHFR/AMPKα axis in regulating oligodendrocyte survival and myelination during CNS development.