bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial organization of fish diversity in a species‐rich basin
Authors: Miranda Leandro E. , Killgore Kenneth J. , Slack William T.
Published: December 2018

Many abiotic and biotic environmental characteristics in river basins show spatial gradients from river source to main stem. We examined the spatial organization of fish within the Duck River Basin to document patterns in diversity that could help guide conservation strategies relevant to controlling the detrimental effects of basin development. In all, over 0.33 million fishes representing 145 species and 18 families, including 9 non‐native species, were collected in 207 samples distributed throughout the basin. Main stem sites with large catchment areas supported more fish diversity than smaller sites in tributaries. Moreover, rare species were most common in the main stem and ubiquitous species in tributaries. The spatial organization of species assemblages was mostly nested, as assemblages appeared to disassemble in an upstream direction from main stem sites and confluences. These findings suggest that fish conservation efforts might emphasize main stem segments and confluences that support higher biodiversity including the rare species often most in need of protection. The main stem can support the populations needed to recolonize tributaries and rescue populations that might periodically go extinct after droughts or other major disturbances. In tributaries, conservation of species assemblages may focus on managing between‐patch connectivity via corridor maintenance or creation.
XPS study of silicon spheres as a density standard
Authors: Zhang Lulu , Kuramoto Naoki , Kurokawa Akira , Fujii Kenichi
Published: December 2018

As density is one of the basic physical properties of materials, an accurate density standard is absolutely essential. To determine density with high accuracy and precision, two 1‐kg single‐crystal silicon spheres (NMIJ‐S4 and NMIJ‐S5) are used as the primary standard at the National Metrology Institute of Japan. For the accurate measurement of the mass and volume of the silicon spheres, the effects of the surface layer must be carefully considered. In this work, a surface layer model of NMIJ‐S4 and NMIJ‐S5 was proposed and the thicknesses of each surface layer were determined using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. A detailed uncertainty budget is presented to aid use of the density standard.
An Experimental Study of Public Information in the Asymmetric Partnership Game
Authors: Kloosterman Andrew
Published: December 2018

This article analyzes a laboratory experiment on the novel asymmetric partnership game with public information. In this game, two players jointly work on a project each period that only benefits one of them. The public signals are about who is likely to benefit in the future, and the main treatment variable is the informativeness of these signals. Behavior is shown to be best explained by a modification of the basin of attraction (as introduced in Dal Bó and Fréchette ) to allow for state‐dependent beliefs. The public signals impact choices in the way that this theory predicts, and ultimately there is more effort when signals are more informative. Finally, a new way to investigate strategies in these types of games is considered, and it is shown that different states are used by subjects to use partial effort strategies.
Game theoretical analysis of usable security and privacy
Authors: Justine Cynara , Prasad Rendhir R. , Thomas Ciza
Published: December 2018

Security, privacy, and usability are among the most important concerns in system and application design. Enhanced security, privacy, and usability features in a product definitely lead to remarkable total customer experience. It is commonly seen that developers in their attempt to create usable software, fail to meet the security needs of users, resulting in software security flaws. Security flaws in software may in turn cause inadvertent errors leading to further usability issues. Thus this situation creates a vicious cycle. Hence the need for better usable security and privacy comes into picture. This novel research paper discusses an example system in a hand‐held device ecosystem with focus on banking security, to illustrate the interplay of usability, security, and privacy. Game theory is used to model the situation and analyze the possibility of finding equilibrium for these competing goals. Both coalitional and non‐cooperative game models for analyzing usable security and privacy are proposed and analyzed. This game theoretical analysis of usable security proves that it is possible to optimize usability, security, and privacy and helps to break the popular misconception that it is not possible for these three features to be simultaneously available to the end users.
Feasibility of using seawater to produce ultra‐high ductile cementitious composite for construction without steel reinforcement
Authors: Jiangtao Yu , Keke Liu , Qingfeng Xu , Zhanhong Li , Lijun Ouyang
Published: December 2018

Using seawater as mixing water to produce concrete may lead to excessive chloride content inside cementitious paste. This dramatically increases the risk of steel corrosion in the service life of RC structures. To address this issue, the authors tried to develop cementitious composites with sufficient ductility and strength, making it a structural material free from steel reinforcement, so that seawater can be used freely in mixture. In this article, ultra‐high ductile cementitious composites (UHDCC) were fabricated using 100% natural seawater, sea‐fresh water (50 + 50%) and 100% freshwater, in which the water‐soluble chloride contents reached 0.288, 0.181, and 0.073%, respectively. Mechanical test results indicated that the presence of chloride ions has negligible influence on the strength of single polyethylene fiber and fracture toughness of UHDCC matrix. Also, no significant difference was found existing in tensile strength, tensile strain capacity, and composite bridging capacity of the UHDCCs mixed with seawater or freshwater. Four‐point bending test demonstrated that plain UHDCC beams mixed with seawater, sea‐fresh water or freshwater have the similar load bearing capacity to a reference RC beam having steel reinforcement of 0.57%. Generally, the present experimental study demonstrates that chloride content has negligible influence on the mechanical properties of UHDCC, thus providing a solution for concrete constructions located in coastal areas and isolated islands.
History‐indicated cervical cerclage in management of twin pregnancy
Authors: Rottenstreich A. , Levin G. , Kleinstern G. , Zigron R. , Rottenstreich M. , Elchalal U. , Yagel S.
Published: December 2018

Objective

Cervical cerclage, when performed in twin gestation, has been reported to be associated with poor outcome. However, the role of first‐trimester history‐indicated cerclage among women with a twin pregnancy and a history of preterm birth has not been evaluated. The aim of this study was to assess pregnancy outcomes among women with a twin pregnancy who underwent first‐trimester history‐indicated cervical cerclage compared with outcomes in those managed expectantly.

Methods

This was a retrospective matched case–control study. The study group comprised all women with a twin pregnancy who had undergone first‐trimester history‐indicated cerclage during the period 2006 to 2017 at Hadassah‐Hebrew University Medical Center. A control group of women with a twin pregnancy who were managed expectantly was established by matching age, history of spontaneous preterm birth (20–36 weeks' gestation) and year of delivery. Pregnancy and delivery characteristics and neonatal outcomes were compared between the two groups.

Results

Data from 82 women with a twin gestation were analyzed, of whom 41 underwent first‐trimester history‐indicated cerclage and 41 were matched controls who were managed expectantly. Gestational age at delivery was higher in the cerclage group than in those managed expectantly (median 35 vs 30 weeks; P < 0.0001). Rates of spontaneous preterm birth before 24 weeks (2.4% vs 19.5%; odds ratio (OR), 0.10 (95% CI, 0.01–0.87); P = 0.03), before 28 weeks (12.2% vs 34.1%; OR, 0.27 (95% CI, 0.09–0.84); P = 0.03), before 32 weeks (22.0% vs 56.1%; OR, 0.22 (95% CI, 0.08–0.58); P = 0.003) and before 34 weeks (34.1% vs 82.9%; OR, 0.11 (95% CI, 0.04–0.30); P < 0.0001) were significantly lower in the cerclage group than in the control group. Median birth weight was higher in the cerclage group (2072 g vs 1750 g; P = 0.003), with lower rates of low birth weight (< 2500 g) (65.0% vs 89.4%; P = 0.001) and very low birth weight (< 1500 g) (21.3% vs 37.9%; P = 0.03) than in the group managed expectantly. Rates were also lower in the cerclage group for stillbirth, admission to the neonatal intensive care unit, respiratory distress syndrome, intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, sepsis, neonatal mortality and composite adverse neonatal outcome.

Conclusions

History‐indicated cerclage performed in the first trimester, as compared with expectant management, in women with a twin pregnancy had an overall positive effect on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. These findings suggest the need for adequate randomized trials on cerclage placement in this subset of women. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Implications of scalar and tensor explanations of $$ {\mathrm{R}}_{{\mathrm{D}}^{\left(\ast \right)}} $$
Authors: Feruglio Ferruccio , Paradisi Paride , Sumensari Olcyr
Published: December 2018

Abstract

We investigate the implications of scalar and tensor operators proposed to accommodate the hints of lepton flavor universality violation in charged-current B-meson decays. We show that these scenarios unavoidably induce chirality enhanced contributions to charged lepton magnetic moments and Yukawa couplings. By using an effective field theory approach we quantify in a model independent way the connection of the

$$ {R}_{D^{\left(\ast \right)}} $$

R

D

∗

anomaly with the tau g − 2 and the Higgs decay h → τ τ , which can offer an alternative to test these scenarios. Concrete New Physics models giving rise to our setup will be illustrated.
Thermally modified sterile neutrino portal dark matter and gravitational waves from phase transition: the freeze-in case
Authors: Bian Ligong , Tang Yi-Lei
Published: December 2018

Abstract

We consider the thermal effects into the evaluation of the dark matter production process. With the assistance of the right handed neutrinos, the freeze-in massive particle dark matter production history can be modified by the two-step phase transitions. The kinematic of decay/inverse decay or annihilation processes can be affected by the finite temperature effects as the Universe cools down. The history of the symmetry respected by the model can be revealed by the DM relic abundance evolution processes. The strong first order electroweak phase transition generated gravitational waves can be probed. The number of extra scalars for the Hierarchy problem can be probed through the Higgs off-shell searches at the LHC.
Phase I dose-escalation study of F14512, a polyamine-vectorized topoisomerase II inhibitor, in patients with platinum-refractory or resistant ovarian cancer
Authors: Leary Alexandra , Le Tourneau Christophe , Varga Andrea , Sablin Marie-Paule , Gomez-Roca Carlos , Guilbaud Nicolas , Petain Aurelie , Pavlyuk Mariya , Delord Jean-Pierre
Published: December 2018

Purpose To determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of F14512, a topoisomerase II inhibitor designed to target cancer cells through the polyamine transport system, (three-hour daily infusion given for 3 consecutive days every 3 weeks) in platinum-refractory or resistant ovarian cancer. Other objectives were safety, pharmacokinetics (PK), PK/pharmacodynamics relationship, and efficacy. Methods This was an open-label, dose-escalation, multicenter phase I study. Results Eleven patients were enrolled and were treated at dose levels (DLs) of 10 and 5 mg/m2/day. All patients received the 3 injections per cycle as per study protocol (median, 1 cycle (Ferlay et al. Int J Cancer 136:E359–386, 2015; Siegel et al. CA Cancer J Clin 65:5–29, 2015; Oronsky et al. Med Oncol 34:103, 2017; Barret et al. Cancer Res 68:9845–9853, 2008; Ballot et al. Apoptosis 17:364–376, 2012; Brel et al. Biochem Pharmacol 82:1843–1852, 2011; Gentry et al. Biochemistry 50:3240–3249, 2011; Kruczynski et al. Investig New Drugs 29:9–21, 2011; Chelouah et al. PLoS One 6:e23597, 2011)) with no dose reductions. At DL 10 mg/m2/day, 6 dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) were reported (3/4 evaluable patients: 2 grade 3 febrile neutropenia, 1 grade 4 neutropenia lasting at least 7 days, 1 grade 3 nausea, 1 decreased appetite, and 1 grade 3 asthenia). At dose 5 mg/m2/day, 2 DLTs were reported (2/6 treated patients: 2 grade 3 febrile neutropenia). Both DLs were defined as MTD. Stable disease was reported as best overall response in 2 (40%) patients having both received 9 cycles, one at each DL. 90.9% of patients experienced grade 4 neutropenia, but for only one (9.1%) it was reported as a serious adverse event. Conclusion Although there was some encouraging efficacy signal, grade 4 neutropenia led to complications and it was
decided to stop the study. A DL below 5 mg/m2/day was not tested as this would not allow reaching the minimum serum concentration needed for the pharmacological activity of the drug.
Perspectives on ethnic and racial disparities in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias: Update and areas of immediate need
Authors: Babulal Ganesh M. , Quiroz Yakeel T. , Albensi Benedict C. , Arenaza‐Urquijo Eider , Astell Arlene J. , Babiloni Claudio , Bahar‐Fuchs Alex , Bell Joanne , Bowman Gene L. , Brickman Adam M. , Chételat Gaël , Ciro Carrie , Cohen Ann D. , Dilworth‐Anderson Peggye , Dodge Hiroko H. , Dreux Simone , Edland Steven , Esbensen Anna , Evered Lisbeth , Ewers Michael , Fargo Keith N. , Fortea Juan , Gonzalez Hector , Gustafson Deborah R. , Head Elizabeth , Hendrix James A. , Hofer Scott M. , Johnson Leigh A. , Jutten Roos , Kilborn Kerry , Lanctôt Krista L. , Manly Jennifer J. , Martins Ralph N. , Mielke Michelle M. , Morris Martha Clare , Murray Melissa E. , Oh Esther S. , Parra Mario A. , Rissman Robert A. , Roe Catherine M. , Santos Octavio A. , Scarmeas Nikolaos , Schneider Lon S. , Schupf Nicole , Sikkes Sietske , Snyder Heather M. , Sohrabi Hamid R. , Stern Yaakov , Strydom Andre , Tang Yi , Terrera Graciela Muniz , Teunissen Charlotte , Melo van Lent Debora , Weinborn Michael , Wesselman Linda , Wilcock Donna M. , Zetterberg Henrik , O'Bryant Sid E. ,   on behalf of the International Society to Advance Alzheimer's Research and Treatment, Alzheimer's Association
Published: December 2018

Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRDs) are a global crisis facing the aging population and society as a whole. With the numbers of people with ADRDs predicted to rise dramatically across the world, the scientific community can no longer neglect the need for research focusing on ADRDs among underrepresented ethnoracial diverse groups. The Alzheimer's Association International Society to Advance Alzheimer's Research and Treatment (ISTAART; alz.org/ISTAART) comprises a number of professional interest areas (PIAs), each focusing on a major scientific area associated with ADRDs. We leverage the expertise of the existing international cadre of ISTAART scientists and experts to synthesize a cross‐PIA white paper that provides both a concise “state‐of‐the‐science” report of ethnoracial factors across PIA foci and updated recommendations to address immediate needs to advance ADRD science across ethnoracial populations.
On the Maximization of Joint Velocities and Generalized Reactions in the Workspace and Singularity Analysis of Parallel Mechanisms
Authors: Laryushkin Pavel , Glazunov Victor , Erastova Ksenia
Published: December 2018

An approach for calculating the maximum possible absolute values of joint velocities or generalized reactions in a leg of a parallel mechanism has been considered in this paper. The Jacobian analysis and the Screw theory-based methods have been used to acquire the result. These values are calculated for the “worst” directions of the external load or end-effector’s velocity for each leg. The feasibility of using these parameters as the measures of closeness to different types of parallel mechanism singularity is discussed. Further, how this approach is related to the state-of-the-art methods has been illustrated. The key aspect of the discussed approach is that the normalization of vectors or screws is carried out separately for angular and linear components. One possible advantage of such an approach is that it deals only with the kinematic and statics of the mechanism while still providing physically meaningful and practically applicable measures. Case studies of a 3-Degrees Of Freedom translational parallel mechanism and a planar parallel mechanism are presented for illustration and comparison.
Depletion and Traveling Ionospheric Disturbances Generated by Two Launches of China's Long March 4B Rocket
Authors: Liu Haitao , Ding Feng , Yue Xinan , Zhao Biqiang , Song Qian , Wan Weixing , Ning Baiqi , Zhang Keke
Published: December 2018

Using total electron content (TEC) data from 902 global navigation satellite system stations over China, we analyzed the ionospheric responses following two similar launches of the Long March 4B from Taiyuan, China, that is, China‐Brazil Earth Resources Satellite 3 launched on 9 December 2013 and China‐Brazil Earth Resources Satellite 4 launched on 7 December 2014. By adopting a method that can detect TEC depletion effectively, filtered TEC series, and built two‐dimensional disturbances map, we found that the ionospheric disturbances of these two launches were almost the same. We identified three types of disturbances following both launches: depletions, shock wave‐related traveling ionospheric disturbances (TIDs), and acoustic wave‐related circle TIDs. The buildup time of depletion was influenced by the amount of exhaust expelled into the ionosphere with an amplitude of ∼12 TEC unit (TECU; 1 TECU = 1016 el/m2). After the electron depletion was formed, it drifted westward for approximately 300 km. The shock wave‐related TIDs can only be observed near the trajectory and reflect the acceleration of the rockets with an amplitude of ∼0.6 TECU. The acoustic wave‐related circle TIDs were observed at the southeast of the launch site. From our observations, this type of TID includes three groups of wave trains, and the speed and period are ∼900 m/s and ∼3.8 min, respectively. The amplitudes of the three groups of TIDs are ∼0.065, ∼0.045, and ∼0.02 TECU.
The Role of Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback in Pediatric Chronic Pain Rehabilitation: A Case Series Design
Authors: Fahrenkamp Amy , Benore Ethan
Published: December 2018

Biofeedback is 1 form of complementary therapy commonly used to treat pediatric chronic pain. Given the limited research in biofeedback treatment outcomes with youth experiencing chronic pain, the present study sought to initially examine the potential for heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback to support self-regulation training for adolescents participating in a chronic pain rehabilitation program. Using a case series design, this study examined changes in HRV and respiration rate for 4 adolescents with chronic pain. Adolescents completed an initial assessment followed by 3–4 biofeedback training sessions. The Nexus 10 biofeedback system (BioTrace+ software) was used to obtain respiration rate and HRV low-frequency percentage. Visual inspection of plotted graphs from adolescents’ HRV biofeedback training demonstrated (a) improved cardiopulmonary functioning across sessions during active training, (b) changed cardiopulmonary functioning across sessions during baseline assessment, and (c) improved functioning without active feedback, suggesting self-regulation of cardiopulmonary functioning. Adolescents using a brief protocol of HRV biofeedback training demonstrated expected changes in cardiopulmonary functioning and self-regulation. Similar to findings in adults, HRV biofeedback yields promise as an intervention to treat children with chronic pain and comorbid symptoms. However, because this is an initial study, additional research with more rigorous methodology is needed to further support the benefit of HRV biofeedback in modifying physiological awareness and self-regulation and the connection of this self-regulation with clinical outcomes. Future clinical research should build on these initial findings to develop and test biofeedback protocols to treat chronic pain in children.

Implications for Impact Statement

Findings from this case series design showed initial benefits in increasing adolescents’ physiological self-regulation skills. Providers may draw clinical applications from these self-regulation techniques within and outside of a biofeedback context to teach increased awareness, control, and generalization of self-regulatory skills to cope with negative experiences.
IgSF9b regulates anxiety behaviors through effects on centromedial amygdala inhibitory synapses
Authors: Babaev Olga , Cruces-Solis Hugo , Piletti Chatain Carolina , Hammer Matthieu , Wenger Sally , Ali Heba , Karalis Nikolaos , de Hoz Livia , Schlüter Oliver M. , Yanagawa Yuchio , Ehrenreich Hannelore , Taschenberger Holger , Brose Nils , Krueger-Burg Dilja
Published: December 2018

Abnormalities in synaptic inhibition play a critical role in psychiatric disorders, and accordingly, it is essential to understand the molecular mechanisms linking components of the inhibitory postsynapse to psychiatrically relevant neural circuits and behaviors. Here we study the role of IgSF9b, an adhesion protein that has been associated with affective disorders, in the amygdala anxiety circuitry. We show that deletion of IgSF9b normalizes anxiety-related behaviors and neural processing in mice lacking the synapse organizer Neuroligin-2 (Nlgn2), which was proposed to complex with IgSF9b. This normalization occurs through differential effects of Nlgn2 and IgSF9b at inhibitory synapses in the basal and centromedial amygdala (CeM), respectively. Moreover, deletion of IgSF9b in the CeM of adult Nlgn2 knockout mice has a prominent anxiolytic effect. Our data place IgSF9b as a key regulator of inhibition in the amygdala and indicate that IgSF9b-expressing synapses in the CeM may represent a target for anxiolytic therapies.
Murine hematopoietic stem cell activity is derived from pre-circulation embryos but not yolk sacs
Authors: Ganuza Miguel , Chabot Ashley , Tang Xing , Bi Wenjian , Natarajan Sivaraman , Carter Robert , Gawad Charles , Kang Guolian , Cheng Yong , McKinney-Freeman Shannon
Published: December 2018

The embryonic site of definitive hematopoietic stem cell (dHSC) origination has been debated for decades. Although an intra-embryonic origin is well supported, the yolk sac (YS) contribution to adult hematopoiesis remains controversial. The same developmental origin makes it difficult to identify specific markers that discern between an intraembryonic versus YS-origin using a lineage trace approach. Additionally, the highly migratory nature of blood cells and the inability of pre-circulatory embryonic cells (i.e., 5–7 somite pairs (sp)) to robustly engraft in transplantation, even after culture, has precluded scientists from properly answering these questions. Here we report robust, multi-lineage and serially transplantable dHSC activity from cultured 2–7sp murine embryonic explants (Em-Ex). dHSC are undetectable in 2–7sp YS explants. Additionally, the engraftment from Em-Ex is confined to an emerging CD31+CD45+c-Kit+CD41−population. In sum, our work supports a model in which the embryo, not the YS, is the major source of lifelong definitive hematopoiesis.
Author Correction: Pan-cancer analysis of homozygous deletions in primary tumours uncovers rare tumour suppressors
Authors: Cheng Jiqiu , Demeulemeester Jonas , Wedge David C. , Vollan Hans Kristian M. , Pitt Jason J. , Russnes Hege G. , Pandey Bina P. , Nilsen Gro , Nord Silje , Bignell Graham R. , White Kevin P. , Børresen-Dale Anne-Lise , Campbell Peter J. , Kristensen Vessela N. , Stratton Michael R. , Lingjærde Ole Christian , Moreau Yves , Van Loo Peter
Published: December 2018

The original version of this Article contained an error in the author affiliations. The affiliation of Kevin P. White with Tempus Labs, Inc., Chicago, IL, USA was inadvertently omitted.This has now been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.
The ASCIZ-DYNLL1 axis promotes 53BP1-dependent non-homologous end joining and PARP inhibitor sensitivity
Authors: Becker Jordan R. , Cuella-Martin Raquel , Barazas Marco , Liu Rui , Oliveira Catarina , Oliver Antony W. , Bilham Kirstin , Holt Abbey B. , Blackford Andrew N. , Heierhorst Jörg , Jonkers Jos , Rottenberg Sven , Chapman J. Ross
Published: December 2018

53BP1 controls a specialized non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) pathway that is essential for adaptive immunity, yet oncogenic in BRCA1 mutant cancers. Intra-chromosomal DNA double-strand break (DSB) joining events during immunoglobulin class switch recombination (CSR) require 53BP1. However, in BRCA1 mutant cells, 53BP1 blocks homologous recombination (HR) and promotes toxic NHEJ, resulting in genomic instability. Here, we identify the protein dimerization hub—DYNLL1—as an organizer of multimeric 53BP1 complexes. DYNLL1 binding stimulates 53BP1 oligomerization, and promotes 53BP1’s recruitment to, and interaction with, DSB-associated chromatin. Consequently, DYNLL1 regulates 53BP1-dependent NHEJ: CSR is compromised upon deletion of Dynll1 or its transcriptional regulator Asciz, or by mutation of DYNLL1 binding motifs in 53BP1; furthermore, Brca1 mutant cells and tumours are rendered resistant to poly-ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitor treatments upon deletion of Dynll1 or Asciz. Thus, our results reveal a mechanism that regulates 53BP1-dependent NHEJ and the therapeutic response of BRCA1-deficient cancers.
Publisher Correction: Probing molecule-like isolated octahedra via phase stabilization of zero-dimensional cesium lead halide nanocrystals
Authors: Arunkumar Paulraj , Cho Han Bin , Gil Kyeong Hun , Unithrattil Sanjith , Kim Yoon Hwa , Im Won Bin
Published: December 2018

The original version of this Article contained an error in the title, which incorrectly read ‘Probing molecule-like isolated octahedra via—phase stabilization of zero-dimensional cesium lead halide nanocrystals.’ The correct version states ‘via phase stabilization’ in place of ‘via—phase stabilization’. This has been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.
Distribution and correlation between phylogeny and functional traits of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.)-nodulating microsymbionts from Ghana and South Africa
Authors: Mohammed Mustapha , Jaiswal Sanjay K. , Dakora Felix D.
Published: December 2018

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) is indigenous to Africa, and highly valued for its N2-fixing trait and the nutritional attributes of its grain and leaves. The species’ ability to establish effective symbiosis with diverse rhizobial populations gives it survival and growth advantage in N-limited environments. To explore the functional diversity and phylogenetic positions of rhizobia nodulating cowpea in Africa, nodules were collected from various cowpea varieties grown in soils from the Guinea savanna and Sudano-sahelian agroecologies of Northern Ghana, and from the lowveld and middleveld areas of Mpumalanga Province in South Africa. Box-PCR profiling and multilocus sequence analysis revealed the presence of diverse microsymbionts responsible for cowpea nodulation across the study sites. BOX-PCR amplifications yielded variable band sizes, ranging from 618 bp to 5354 bp, which placed the isolates in six major clusters (Cluster A–F). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA, atpD, glnII, gyrB, rpoB, nifH and nodC genes revealed the presence of diverse Bradyrhizobium sp. closely related to Bradyrhizobium daqingense, Bradyrhizobium subterraneum, Bradyrhizobium yuanmingense, Bradyrhizobium embrapense, Bradyrhizobium pachyrhizi, Bradyrhizobium elkanii and novel Bradyrhizobium species in the soils studied, a finding that could be attributed to the unique edapho-climatic conditions of the contrasting environments. The test isolates exhibited distinct symbiotic efficiencies, and also induced variable (p ≤ 0.001) photosynthetic rates, leaf transpiration, total chlorophyll and shoot biomass accumulation on cowpea (their homologous host). Canonical correspondence analysis showed that the distribution of these microsymbionts was influenced by the concentrations of macro- and micronutrients in soils. The pairwise genetic distances derived from phylogenies and nodule functioning showed significant (p < 0.05) correlation, which suggests that local environmental factors played a major role in the cowpea-Bradyrhizobium symbiosis.
Cochlear Implantation in Postlingually Deaf Adults is Time-sensitive Towards Positive Outcome: Prediction using Advanced Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Kim Hosung , Kang Woo Seok , Park Hong Ju , Lee Jee Yeon , Park Jun Woo , Kim Yehree , Seo Ji Won , Kwak Min Young , Kang Byung Chul , Yang Chan Joo , Duffy Ben A. , Cho Young Sang , Lee Sang-Youp , Suh Myung Whan , Moon Il Joon , Ahn Joong Ho , Cho Yang-Sun , Oh Seung Ha , Chung Jong Woo
Published: December 2018

Given our aging society and the prevalence of age-related hearing loss that often develops during adulthood, hearing loss is a common public health issue affecting almost all older adults. Moderate-to-moderately severe hearing loss can usually be corrected with hearing aids; however, severe-to-profound hearing loss often requires a cochlear implant (CI). However, post-operative CI results vary, and the performance of the previous prediction models is limited, indicating that a new approach is needed. For postlingually deaf adults (n de120) who received CI with full insertion, we predicted CI outcomes using a Random-Forest Regression (RFR) model and investigated the effect of preoperative factors on CI outcomes. Postoperative word recognition scores (WRS) served as the dependent variable to predict. Predictors included duration of deafness (DoD), age at CI operation (ageCI), duration of hearing-aid use (DoHA), preoperative hearing threshold and sentence recognition score. Prediction accuracy was evaluated using mean absolute error (MAE) and Pearson’s correlation coefficient r between the true WRS and predicted WRS. The fitting using a linear model resulted in prediction of WRS with r = 0.7 and MAE = 15.6 ± 9. RFR outperformed the linear model (r = 0.96, MAE = 6.1 ± 4.7, p < 0.00001). Cross-hospital data validation showed reliable performance using RFR (r = 0.91, MAE = 9.6 ± 5.2). The contribution of DoD to prediction was the highest (MAE increase when omitted: 14.8), followed by ageCI (8.9) and DoHA (7.5). After CI, patients with DoD < 10 years presented better WRSs and smaller variations (p < 0.01) than those with longer DoD. Better WRS was also explained by younger age at CI and longer-term DoHA. Machine learning demonstrated a robust prediction performance for CI outcomes in postlingually deaf adults across different institutes, providing a reference value for counseling patients considering CI. Health care providers should be aware that the patients with severe-to-profound hearing loss who cannot have benefit from hearing aids need to proceed with CI as soon as possible and should continue using hearing aids until after CI operation.
Induction of Human T-cell and Cytokine Responses Following Vaccination with a Novel Influenza Vaccine
Authors: Skibinski David A. G. , Jones Leigh Ann , Zhu Yuan O. , Xue Lin Wu , Au Bijin , Lee Bernett , Naim Ahmad Nazri Mohamed , Lee Audrey , Kaliaperumal Nivashini , Low Jenny G. H. , Lee Lawrence S. , Poidinger Michael , Saudan Philippe , Bachmann Martin , Ooi Eng Eong , Hanson Brendon J. , Novotny-Diermayr Veronica , Matter Alex , Fairhurst Anna-Marie , Hibberd Martin L. , Connolly John E.
Published: December 2018

Cell mediated immunity plays a vital role in defense against influenza infection in humans. Less is known about the role of vaccine-induced cell mediated immunity and the cytokine responses elicited. We measured CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell reactivity in human subjects following vaccination with licensed trivalent influenza vaccine and a novel virus-like particle based vaccine. We detected influenza-specific CD4+ T-cell responses following vaccination with the licensed trivalent influenza vaccine and found that these correlated with antibody measurements. Administration of the novel virus-like particle based vaccine elicited influenza-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses and the induction of the cytokines IFN-γ, IL-17A, IL17F, IL-5, IL-13, IL-9, IL-10 and IL-21. Pre-existing cytokine responses influenced the profile of the cytokine response elicited by vaccination. In a subset of individuals the VLP vaccine changed pre-vaccination production of type 2 cytokines such as IL-5 and IL-13 to a post-vaccination type 1 cytokine signature characterized by IFN-γ. A transcriptional signature to vaccination was found to correlate with antibody titer, IFN-γ production by T-cells and expression of a putative RNA helicase, DDX17, on the surface of immune cells.
Different pro-angiogenic potential of γ-irradiated PBMC-derived secretome and its subfractions
Authors: Wagner Tanja , Traxler Denise , Simader Elisabeth , Beer Lucian , Narzt Marie-Sophie , Gruber Florian , Madlener Sibylle , Laggner Maria , Erb Michael , Vorstandlechner Vera , Gugerell Alfred , Radtke Christine , Gnecchi Massimiliano , Peterbauer Anja , Gschwandtner Maria , Tschachler Erwin , Keibl Claudia , Slezak Paul , Ankersmit Hendrik J. , Mildner Michael
Published: December 2018

Secretomes from various cell sources exert strong regenerative activities on numerous organs, including the skin. Although secretomes consist of many diverse components, a growing body of evidence suggests that small extracellular vesicles (EVs) account for their regenerative capacity. We previously demonstrated that the secretome of γ-irradiated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) exhibits wound healing capacity. Therefore, we sought to dissect the molecular composition of EVs present in the secretome and compared wound healing-related activities of these EVs to other subfractions of the secretome and the fully supplemented secretome (MNCaposec). Compared to EVs derived from non-irradiated PBMCs, γ-irradiation significantly increased the size and number and changed the composition of released EVs. Detailed characterization of the molecular components of EVs, i.e. miRNA, proteins, and lipids, derived from irradiated PBMCs revealed a strong association with regenerative processes. Reporter gene assays and aortic ring sprouting assays revealed diminished activity of the subfractions compared to MNCaposec. In addition, we showed that MNCaposec accelerated wound closure in a diabetic mouse model. Taken together, our results suggest that secretome-based wound healing represents a promising new therapeutic avenue, and strongly recommend using the complete secretome instead of purified subfractions, such as EVs, to exploit its full regenerative capacity.
Intracellular albumin overload elicits endoplasmic reticulum stress and PKC-delta/p38 MAPK pathway activation to induce podocyte apoptosis
Authors: Gonçalves Guilherme Lopes , Costa-Pessoa Juliana Martins , Thieme Karina , Lins Bruna Bezerra , Oliveira-Souza Maria
Published: December 2018

Podocyte injury is closely related to proteinuria and the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Currently, there is no conclusive understanding about the mechanisms involved in albumin overload and podocyte apoptosis response. In this study, we sought to explore the ways by which intracellular albumin can mediate podocyte apoptosis. Here, immortalized mouse podocytes were treated with bovine serum albumin (BSA) at different times and concentrations, in the presence or absence of SB203580 (0.1 µM, inhibitor of mitogen-activated-protein kinase – p38MAPK). Using immunofluorescence images, flow cytometry and immunoblotting, we observed a time-dependent intracellular accumulation of fluorescent albumin-FITC-BSA, followed by concentration-and time-dependent effect of intracellular albumin overload on podocyte apoptosis, which was mediated by increased expression of the chaperone glucose-regulated-protein 78 (GRP 78) and phosphorylated inositol-requiring enzyme 1 alpha (pIRE1-α), as well as protein kinase C delta (PKC-δ), p38MAPK and cleaved caspase 12 expression. SB203580 prevented the cleavage of caspase 12 and the albumin-mediated podocyte apoptosis. These results suggest that intracellular albumin overload is associated with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and upregulation of PKC-δ/p38MAPK/caspase 12 pathway, which may be a target for future therapeutic of albumin-induced podocyte apoptosis.
Heavy carbon nanodots 2: plasmon amplification in Quanta Plate™ wells and the correlation with the synchronous scattering spectrum
Authors: Knoblauch Rachael , Ra Estelle , Geddes Chris D.
Published: December 2018

Metal-enhanced fluorescence and phosphorescence from carbon nanodots on silver Quanta Plates™ are reported, with values correlating to silver synchronous scattering spectra.
Enhancing the activity of oxygen-evolution and chlorine-evolution electrocatalysts by atomic layer deposition of TiO2
Authors: Finke Cody E. , Omelchenko Stefan T. , Jasper Justin T. , Lichterman Michael F. , Read Carlos G. , Lewis Nathan S. , Hoffmann Michael R.
Published: December 2018

Atomic layer deposition of TiO2 may be used to tune the catalytic activity of three metal oxide catalysts for two reactions.
Copper affects the binding of HIF-1α to the critical motifs of its target genes
Authors: Wu Zhijuan , Zhang Wenjing , Kang Y. James
Published: December 2018

Copper regulates the target gene selection of HIF-1α under hypoxic conditions by affecting HIF-1α-DNA binding patterns across the genome.
An ESIPT based chromogenic and fluorescent ratiometric probe for Zn2+ with imaging in live cells and tissues
Authors: Gharami Saswati , Aich Krishnendu , Sarkar Deblina , Ghosh Paramita , Murmu Nabendu , Mondal Tapan Kumar
Published: December 2018

A benzothiazole based fluorescent probe for selective and efficient detection of Zn2+ showing potential application in human breast cancer cells.
Highly coke resistant Mg–Ni/Al2O3 catalyst prepared via a novel magnesiothermic reduction for methane reforming catalysis with CO2: the unique role of Al–Ni intermetallics
Authors: Feng Xiaoqian , Liu Jing , Zhang Peng , Zhang Qing , Xu Luyang , Zhao Liping , Song Xuefeng , Gao Lian
Published: December 2018

Magnesiothermic method was used to synthesize Mg–Ni/Al2O3 catalysts and Al–Ni intermetallics were found effective in coking resistance in DRM for the first time.
Resistive switching of the HfOx/HfO2 bilayer heterostructure and its transmission characteristics as a synapse
Authors: Tan Tingting , Du Yihang , Cao Ai , Sun Yaling , Zhang Hua , Zha Gangqiang
Published: December 2018

In this work, HfOx/HfO2 homo-bilayer structure based resistive random access memory devices were fabricated, and the resistive switching characteristics of the devices were investigated.
Synthesis of a biodegradable interpenetrating polymer network of Av-cl-poly(AA-ipn-AAm) for malachite green dye removal: kinetics and thermodynamic studies
Authors: Kumar Vaneet , Rehani Vishal , Kaith Balbir Singh , Saruchi Saruchi
Published: December 2018

This paper deals with the synthesis of a biodegradable interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) from the natural polysaccharide aloe vera (Av), acrylamide (AAm) and acrylic acid (AA), and its evaluation as a dye removal device.
Luminescence properties of ZnGa2O4:Cr3+,Bi3+ nanophosphors for thermometry applications
Authors: Glais E. , Pellerin M. , Castaing V. , Alloyeau D. , Touati N. , Viana B. , Chanéac C.
Published: December 2018

Luminescence properties of chromium(iii) and bismuth(iii) co-doped ZnGa2O4 nanoparticles are investigated for thermometry applications.
Influence of the acidity of solid catalyst HSO3-ZSM-5 on the hydrolysis of pretreated corncob
Authors: Chung Nguyen Hoang , Dien Le Quang , Cuong Thai Dinh , Van Lieu Nguyen , Hoang Phan Huy
Published: December 2018

The influence of acidity of HSO3-ZSM-5 zeolite on biomass hydrolysis was investigated.
Investigation of the dynamic changes in the chemical constituents of Chinese “Laba” garlic during traditional processing
Authors: Liu Jian , Guo Wei , Yang Minli , Liu Lixia , Huang Shengxiong , Tao Liang , Zhang Feng , Liu Yongsheng
Published: December 2018

In this study, the whole chemical constituents influencing colour, flavor and physiological function of “Laba” garlic during traditional processing have been investigated.
Modeling the mechanosensitivity of fast-crawling cells on cyclically stretched substrates
Authors: Molina John J. , Yamamoto Ryoichi
Published: December 2018

We use a phase-field model to study the mechanosensitive response of fast-crawling cells over cyclically stretched substrates. We show that an asymmetry in the adhesion dynamics during loading/unloading can be used to selectively align the cells.
Flower-like gold nanoparticles for enhanced photothermal anticancer therapy by the delivery of pooled siRNA to inhibit heat shock stress response
Authors: Liu Yanan , Xu Meng , Zhao Yingyu , Chen Xu , Zhu Xufeng , Wei Chunfang , Zhao Shuang , Liu Jie , Qin Xiuying
Published: December 2018

Surface modified gold nanoflowers were employed as synergistic therapeutics for photothermal ablation and gene silencing.
Development of biomimetic trilayer fibrous membranes for guided bone regeneration
Authors: Sun Fuhua , Chen Jie , Jin Shue , Wang Jian , Man Yi , Li Jidong , Zou Qin , Li Yubao , Zuo Yi
Published: December 2018

The development of three-dimensional scaffolds with multifunctional properties by mimicking the trilayer structure of natural periosteum for bone-guided regeneration.
Reactive oxygen species mediated theranostics using a Fenton reaction activable lipo-polymersome
Authors: You Chaoqun , Gao Zhiguo , Wu Hongshuai , Sun Kai , Ning Like , Lin Fan , Sun Baiwang , Wang Fei
Published: December 2018

A succinic peroxide-filled Fenton reaction activable Pt/Fe3O4@SP-PLGA lipo-polymersome displays ROS mediated chemodynamic therapy (CDT).
Molecular tracers of radiative feedback in Orion (OMC-1)
Authors: Goicoechea Javier R. , Santa-Maria Miriam G. , Bron Emeric , Teyssier David , Marcelino Nuria , Cernicharo José , Cuadrado Sara
Published: December 2018

Young massive stars regulate the physical conditions, ionization, and fate of their natal molecular cloud and surroundings. It is important to find tracers that quantify the stellar feedback processes that take place on different spatial scales. We present ~85 arcmin2 velocity-resolved maps of several submillimeter molecular lines, taken with Herschel/HIFI, toward the closest high-mass star-forming region, the Orion molecular cloud 1 core (OMC-1). The observed rotational lines include probes of warm and dense molecular gas that are difficult, if not impossible, to detect from ground-based telescopes: CH+ (J = 1–0), CO (J = 10–9), HCO+ (J = 6–5), HCN (J = 6–5), and CH (N, J = 1, 3/2–1, 1/2). These lines trace an extended but thin layer (AV ≃ 3–6 mag or ~1016 cm) of molecular gas at high thermal pressure, Pth = nH ⋅ Tk ≈ 107–109 cm−3 K, associated with the far-ultraviolet (FUV) irradiated surface of OMC-1. The intense FUV radiation field – emerging from massive stars in the Trapezium cluster – heats, compresses, and photoevaporates the cloud edge. It also triggers the formation of specific reactive molecules such as CH+. We find that the CH+ (J = 1–0) emission spatially correlates with the flux of FUV photons impinging the cloud: G0 from ~103 to ~105. This relationship is supported by constant-pressure photodissociation region (PDR) models in the parameter space Pth∕G0 ≈ [5 × 103 − 8 × 104] cm−3 K where many observed PDRs seem to lie. The CH+ (J = 1–0) emission also correlates with the extended infrared emission from vibrationally excited H2 (v ≥ 1), and with that of [C II] 158 μm and CO J = 10–9, all emerging from FUV-irradiated gas. These spatial correlations link the presence of CH+ to the availability of C+ ions and of FUV-pumped H2 (v ≥ 1) molecules. We conclude that the parsec-scale CH+ emission and narrow-line (Δv ≃ 3 km s−1) mid-J CO emission arises from extended PDR gas and not from fast shocks. PDR line tracers are the smoking gun of the stellar feedback from young massive stars. The PDR cloud surface component in OMC-1, with a mass density of 120–240 M⊙ pc−2, represents ~5–10% of the total gas mass; however, it dominates the emitted line luminosity, the average CO J = 10–9 surface luminosity in the mapped region being ~35 times brighter than that of CO J = 2–1. These results provide insights into the source of submillimeter CH+ and mid-J CO emission from distant star-forming galaxies.
Magnetorheological damper behaviour in accordance with flow mode
Authors: Berasategui Joanes , Gomez Ainara , Martinez-Agirre Manex , Elejabarrieta Maria Jesus , Bou-Ali M. Mounir
Published: December 2018

The objective of this article is to determine the optimal flow mode in an MR damper to maximize its performance. Flow mode is one of the main design issues in an MR damper, as it determines the velocity profile and the pressure drop across the gap. In this research, two MR dampers were designed and manufactured with two flow modes: valve and mixed. The response of these two dampers was compared experimentally. Additionally, the experimental tests were correlated by theoretical results that were obtained considering the rheological behaviour of the MR fluid, the shear stress distribution in the gap, and the damper movement. Interestingly, the obtained results suggest that flow mode is not a significant parameter for determining the behaviour of a MR damper.
Influence of Size and Construction Schedule of Massive Concrete Structures on Its Temperature Regime
Authors: Aniskin Nikolay , Nguyen Trong Chuc , Hoang Quoc Long
Published: December 2018

Cracking is an important problem in the process of building a concrete massive structure. The overwhelming majority of cracks occurring in the concrete are usually caused by temperature effects. Because of this, it is essential to control and regulate temperature, it is necessary to prevent cracking. The formation of the temperature regime of a massive structure is affected by a large number of factors: its size; cement consumption and its maximum heat release; temperature of the concrete to be laid; ambient temperature, etc. In this paper, we consider the influence of the size and construction schedule of a massive concrete structure on its temperature regime. Using the computer program Midas civil 2011, the temperature regime was calculated, maximum temperatures were obtained in massive concrete and massive concrete columns with different sizes. The analysis of possible fracture for different values of the factors are considered.