bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intratumor genetic heterogeneity in squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity
Authors: Zandberg Dan P. , Tallon Luke J. , Nagaraj Sushma , Sadzewicz Lisa K. , Zhang Yuji , Strome Maxwell B. , Zhao Xuechu E. , Vavikolanu Kranthi , Zhang Xiaoyu , Papadimitriou John C. , Hubbard Fleesie A. , Bentzen Søren M. , Strome Scott E. , Fraser Claire M.
Published: March 2019

Background

We sought to evaluate intratumor heterogeneity in squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity (OCC) and specifically determine the effect of physical separation and histologic differentiation within the same tumor.

Methods

We performed whole exome sequencing on five biopsy sites—two from well‐differentiated, two from poorly differentiated regions, and one from normal parenchyma—from five primary OCC specimens.

Results

We found high levels of intratumor heterogeneity and, in four primary tumors, identified only 0 to 2 identical mutations in all subsites. We found that the heterogeneity inversely correlated with physical separation and that pairs of well‐differentiated samples were more similar to each other than analogous poorly differentiated specimens. Only TP53 mutations, but not other purported “driver mutations” in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, were found in multiple biopsy sites.

Conclusion

These data highlight the challenges to characterization of the mutational landscape of OCC with single site biopsy and have implications for personalized medicine.
Leukocytosis and neutrophilia as independent prognostic immunological biomarkers for clinical outcome in the CAO/ARO/AIO‐04 randomized phase 3 rectal cancer trial
Authors: Diefenhardt Markus , Hofheinz Ralf‐Dieter , Martin Daniel , Beißbarth Tim , Arnold Dirk , Hartmann Arndt , von der Grün Jens , Grützmann Robert , Liersch Torsten , Ströbel Philipp , Grabenbauer Gerhard G. , Rieger Michael , Fietkau Rainer , Graeven Ullrich , Weitz Jürgen , Folprecht Gunar , Ghadimi Michael , Rödel Franz , Rödel Claus , Fokas Emmanouil ,   on behalf of the German Rectal Cancer Study Group
Published: March 2019

Peripheral blood leukocytosis and neutrophilia reflect cancer inflammation and have been proposed as prognostic immunological biomarkers in various malignancies. However, previous studies were limited by their retrospective nature and small patient numbers. Baseline peripheral blood leukocytes, neutrophils, hemoglobin, platelets, lactate dehydrogenase and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) were correlated with clinicopathologic characteristics, and clinical outcome in 1236 patients with rectal cancer treated with 5‐FU‐based preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) alone or with oxaliplatin followed by surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy within the CAO/ARO/AIO‐04 randomized phase 3 trial. Multivariable analyses were performed using Cox regression models. After a median follow‐up of 50 months, baseline leukocytosis remained an independent adverse prognostic factor for disease‐free survival (DFS; HR 1.457; 95% CI 1.163–1.825; p = 0.001), distant metastasis (HR 1.696; 95% CI 1.266–2.273; p < 0.001) and overall survival (OS; HR 1.716; 95% CI 1.264–2.329; p = 0.001) in multivariable analysis. Similar significant findings were observed for neutrophilia and high CEA levels. Conversely, treatment‐induced leukopenia correlated with favorable DFS (p = 0.037), distant metastasis (p = 0.028) and OS (p = 0.012). Intriguingly, addition of oxaliplatin to 5‐FU CRT resulted in a significant DFS improvement only in patients with neutrophilia and leukocytosis (p = 0.028 and p = 0.002). Our findings have important clinical implications and provide high‐level evidence on the adverse prognostic role of leukocytes and neutrophils, and the impact of chemotherapy in the context of these biomarkers. These data could help guide patient stratification and should be further validated within prospective studies.
Automatic and label‐free identification of blood vessels in gliomas using the combination of multiphoton microscopy and image analysis
Authors: Fang Na , Wu Zanyi , Wang Xingfu , Kang Dezhi , Li Lianhuang , Chen Yupeng , Zheng Xianying , Cai Shanshan , Liu Xueyong , Chen Zhida , Tu Haohua , Lin Yuanxiang , Chen Jianxin
Published: March 2019

Currently, the targeted treatment of tumor based on the tumor microenvironment is newly developed. Blood vessels are the key parts in the tumor microenvironment, which is taken as a new visible target for tumor therapy. Multiphoton microscopy (MPM), based on the second harmonic generation and two‐photon excited fluorescence, is available to make the label‐free analysis on the blood vessels in human gliomas. MPM can reveal the vascular morphological characteristics in gliomas, including vascular malformation, intense vascular proliferation, perivascular collagen deposition, perivascular lymphocytes aggregation and microvascular proliferation. In addition, the image analysis algorithms were developed to automatically calculate the perivascular collagen content, vascular cavity area, lumen area, wall area and vessel number. Thus, the vascular morphology, the perivascular collagen deposition and intense vascular proliferation degree can be further quantitatively characterized. Compared with the pathological analysis, the combination of MPM and image analysis has potential advantages in making a quantitative and qualitative analyzing on vascular morphology in glioma microenvironment. As micro‐endoscope and two‐photon fiberscope are technologically improved, this combined method will be a useful imaging way to make the real‐time research on the targeting tumor microenvironment in gliomas.
A Simple and Convenient Method for the Synthesis of Aryl‐14H‐dibenzo[a,j]xanthenes by Using Dipyridine Copper Chloride as Lewis Acid Catalyst
Authors: Madhav J. Venu , Kumar V. Naveen , Someshwar P. , Rajitha B.
Published: March 2019

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Convenient and facile synthesis of aryl‐14H‐dibenzo[a,j]xanthenes is described through a one pot condensation of β‐naphthol and aryl aldehydes in the presence of dipyridine copper chloride as the Lewis acid catalyst under solvent free conditions.
Synthesis of 4,8‐Substitiutednaphtho[2,1‐b]thiophene Threading Intercalators
Authors: Badr Sahar , El-Kerdawy Mohamed M. , Tanious Farial A. , Wilson W. David , Boykin David W.
Published: March 2019

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Eight 4,8‐substitiutednaphtho[2,1‐b]thiophenes with cationic containing side chains were synthesized as potential threading intercalators and their DNA binding affinity was evaluated. The key step in the synthesis of these systems was oxidative‐photocyclizatJon of α‐(2‐thienyl)‐β‐(4‐methoxycarbonylphenyl) acrylic acid. Various N ,N‐dimethylaminoalkylammes were coupled With naphtho[2,1‐b]thiophene 4,8‐dicarboxylic acid to yield the title compounds.
In situ ionic liquid dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction combined with ultra high performance liquid chromatography for determination of neonicotinoid insecticides in honey samples
Authors: Yang Chong , Ran Lu , Xu Meilin , Ren Dabing , Yi Lunzhao
Published: March 2019

An efficient in situ ionic liquid dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction followed by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography was developed to determine four neonicotinoid insecticides in wild and commercial honey samples. In this method, a hydrophobic ionic liquid 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate, formed by in situ reaction between potassium hexafluorophosphate and 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bromide in sample solution, was used as the extraction solvent. In comparison with the traditional dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction method, the developed method required no dispersive solvent. To achieve high extraction efficiency and enrichment factor, the effects of various experimental parameters were studied in detail. Under the optimized conditions, the limits of detection and quantification were in the ranges of 0.30–0.62 and 1.20–2.50 μg/L, respectively. The method showed high enrichment factors (74–115) with the recoveries between 81.0 and 103.4%. The proposed method was finally applied to different wild and commercial honey samples.
MTHFR C677T polymorphism analysis: A simple, effective restriction enzyme‐based method improving previous protocols
Authors: Antonaros Francesca , Olivucci Giulia , Cicchini Elena , Ramacieri Giuseppe , Pelleri Maria Chiara , Vitale Lorenza , Strippoli Pierluigi , Locatelli Chiara , Cocchi Guido , Piovesan Allison , Caracausi Maria
Published: March 2019

Background

5,10‐Methylentetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism is one of the most studied genetic variations in the human genome. Polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) is one of the most used techniques to characterize the point mutations in genomic sequences because of its suitability and low cost. The most widely used method for the MTHFR C677T polymorphism characterization was developed by Frosst et al. (1995) but appears to have some technical limitations. The aim of this study was to propose a novel PCR‐RFLP method for the detection of this polymorphism.

Methods

In order to retrieve all published articles possibly describing any PCR‐RFLP methods useful to analyze MTHFR C677T polymorphism, we performed systematic queries on PubMed, using a combination of Boolean operators (AND/OR) and MeSH terms. Amplify software was used in order to design a new primer pair following the optimal standard criteria. Primer‐BLAST software was used to check primer pair's biological specificity.

Results

The analysis of previous literature showed that PCR‐RFLP method remains the most used technique. None of the 108 primer pairs described was ideal with regard to main accepted primer pair biochemical technical parameters. The new primer pair amplifies a DNA‐fragment of 513 base pair (bp) that, in the presence of the polymorphism, is cut by Hinf I enzyme in two pieces of 146 bp and 367 bp and clearly visible on 2% agarose gel. The level of expertise and the materials required are minimal and the protocol takes one day to carry out.

Conclusion

Our original PCR‐RFLP strategy, specifically designed to make the analysis optimal with respect to PCR primers and gel analysis, fits the ideal criteria compared to the widely used strategy by Frosst et al (1995) as well as any other PCR‐RFLP strategies proposed for MTHFR C677T polymorphism genotyping to date.
Parametric topology optimization with multiresolution finite element models
Authors: Keshavarzzadeh Vahid , Kirby Robert M. , Narayan Akil
Published: March 2019

We present a methodical procedure for topology optimization under uncertainty with multiresolution finite element (FE) models. We use our framework in a bifidelity setting where a coarse and a fine mesh corresponding to low‐ and high‐resolution models are available. The inexpensive low‐resolution model is used to explore the parameter space and approximate the parameterized high‐resolution model and its sensitivity, where parameters are considered in both structural load and stiffness. We provide error bounds for bifidelity FE approximations and their sensitivities and conduct numerical studies to verify these theoretical estimates. We demonstrate our approach on benchmark compliance minimization problems, where we show significant reduction in computational cost for expensive problems such as topology optimization under manufacturing variability, reliability‐based topology optimization, and three‐dimensional topology optimization while generating almost identical designs to those obtained with a single‐resolution mesh. We also compute the parametric von Mises stress for the generated designs via our bifidelity FE approximation and compare them with standard Monte Carlo simulations. The implementation of our algorithm, which extends the well‐known 88‐line topology optimization code in MATLAB, is provided.
New data on non‐human primates from the ancient Near East: The recent discovery of a rhesus macaque burial at Shahr‐i Sokhta (Iran)
Authors: Minniti Claudia , Sajjadi Seyed Mansour Seyed
Published: March 2019

Shahr‐i Sokhta (Iran) was an important urban settlement in the Near East between the end of the fourth millennium and the beginning of the second millennium BC. It entertained trade and cultural relations with ancient sites and cultures on the Indus Plain, southern shores of the Persian Gulf and of the Oman Sea, Southwest Iran, and Central Asia. The recent discovery of a rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) burial in the cemetery of site shed new light on the exploitation of monkeys in antiquity. A young rhesus macaque—around 5 years old at death—was buried in the necropolis according to the same funerary practices used for human infants. The monkey was buried in a simple pit, together with an unpainted pear‐shaped beaker. Both its femurs were pathological, due to a sort of dystrophic calcification of the tendon or muscle insertion, that may suggest the macaque was kept in captivity and died due to physical stress. No non‐human primate species is native of Iran; rhesus macaques inhabit parts of southern and south‐eastern regions of Central Asia. A possible provenance from the Indus valley of the macaque found at Shahr‐i Sokhta can be hypothesized. Although findings of monkey remains are rare, iconographic and written sources widely testify that non‐human primates were imported to the Near East in the fourth‐to‐second millennium BC as luxury animals and symbols of power, often as gifts for the elite. This discovery represents one of the earliest examples of monkeys being kept as pets.
Titanium exposure and human health
Authors: Tibau Anita V. , Grube Blanche D. , Velez Braulio J. , Vega Victor M. , Mutter Joachim
Published: March 2019

Historically, titanium (Ti) has maintained the reputation of being an inert and relatively biocompatible metal, suitable for use in both medical and dental prosthesis. There are many published articles supporting these views, but there is recent scientific evidence that Ti, or its corrosive by‐products, may cause harmful reactions in humans. It is important for all medical and dental professionals to understand the implications, complexities, and all potential pathways of exposure to this metal. These exposures are not only from the environment but also through various commonly used products in medicine that are often completely overlooked. These external (intermittent) and internal (constant) exposures have an impact on whole‐body health. This review examines possible harmful effects, risks, and often ignored potential complications of Ti exposure to human health.
Metabolomics of sorghum roots during nitrogen stress reveals compromised metabolic capacity for salicylic acid biosynthesis
Authors: Sheflin Amy M. , Chiniquy Dawn , Yuan Chaohui , Goren Emily , Kumar Indrajit , Braud Max , Brutnell Thomas , Eveland Andrea L. , Tringe Susannah , Liu Peng , Kresovich Stephen , Marsh Ellen L. , Schachtman Daniel P. , Prenni Jessica E.
Published: March 2019

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench) is the fifth most productive cereal crop worldwide with some hybrids having high biomass yield traits making it promising for sustainable, economical biofuel production. To maximize biofuel feedstock yields, a more complete understanding of metabolic responses to low nitrogen (N) will be useful for incorporation in crop improvement efforts. In this study, 10 diverse sorghum entries (including inbreds and hybrids) were field‐grown under low and full N conditions and roots were sampled at two time points for metabolomics and 16S amplicon sequencing. Roots of plants grown under low N showed altered metabolic profiles at both sampling dates including metabolites important in N storage and synthesis of aromatic amino acids. Complementary investigation of the rhizosphere microbiome revealed dominance by a single operational taxonomic unit (OTU) in an early sampling that was taxonomically assigned to the genus Pseudomonas. Abundance of this Pseudomonas OTU was significantly greater under low N in July and was decreased dramatically in September. Correlation of Pseudomonas abundance with root metabolites revealed a strong negative association with the defense hormone salicylic acid (SA) under full N but not under low N, suggesting reduced defense response. Roots from plants with N stress also contained reduced phenylalanine, a precursor for SA, providing further evidence for compromised metabolic capacity for defense response under low N conditions. Our findings suggest that interactions between biotic and abiotic stresses may affect metabolic capacity for plant defense and need to be concurrently prioritized as breeding programs become established for biofuels production on marginal soils.
Effect of crosslinking on the properties of partially fluorinated anion exchange membranes
Authors: Koronka Daniel , Mahmoud Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed , Miyatake Kenji
Published: March 2019

A series of crosslinked, ammonium‐functionalized, and partially fluorinated copolymers have been prepared and evaluated as anion exchange membranes. In order to investigate the effect of crosslinking on the membrane properties, precursor copolymers containing chloromethyl groups were crosslinked with various aliphatic diamines followed by quaternization with monoamines. Crosslinking was effective in lowering water absorbability at no expense of high hydroxide ion conductivity of the membranes. By tuning the degree of crosslinking (20 mol %) and crosslinker chain length (C6 and C8), the highest ion conductivity of 73 mS/cm (at 80°C in water) was achieved. Furthermore, alkaline stability of the membranes was also improved by the crosslinking; the remaining ion conductivity after the stability test (in 1 M potassium hydroxide at 80°C) was 8.2 mS/cm (after 1000 h) for the C6 crosslinked membrane and 1 mS/cm (after 500 h) for the uncrosslinked membrane, respectively. The ammonium groups attached with the crosslinkers seemed more alkaline stable than the uncrosslinked benzyltrimethylammonium groups, while the polymer main chain was intact under the harsh alkaline conditions. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 1059–1069
Dye‐Sensitized Core/Shell Upconversion Nanoparticles for Detecting Nitrites in Plant Cells
Authors: Hu Junshan , Zhan Shiping , Fu Hao , Nie Guozheng , Hu Shigang , Wu Shaobing , Shi Lichun , Wu Xiaofeng , Liu Yunxin
Published: March 2019

A fluorescent nanoprobe is reported for rapid detection of nitrites (NO2−) in plant cells. The probe is fabricated by linking neutral reds (NR) to the surface of upconversion fluorescent core/shell nanocrystalline with the bridging of polyethylene glycol (PEG) molecules. The fluorescence of upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) is stored by NR through fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) under 980 nm excitation that can be released by further linking to NO2−. It is observed that the intensity rate of green to red emission of NR‐modified UCNPs changes linearly with increasing the amount of NO2−. So that concentration of NO2− can be accordingly addressed. Worth mentioning is that, comparing with bare core upconversion nanoparticles (NPs), core/shell UCNPs can greatly reduce the surface quenching of the fluorescence induced by solvents instead of NR and thus leading to the enhancement of signal‐to‐noise ratios. Moreover, excitation of core/shell UCNPs requires only a much lower power (0.06 W cm−2) than bare cores which is beneficial to reducing the decomposition of NR to stabilize the FRET processes. Under the optimum conditions, the detection limit of nitrite in plant cells was 0.1 µg mL−1.
Hydrolysis of homocysteine thiolactone results in the formation of Protein‐Cys‐S‐S‐homocysteinylation
Authors: Silla Yumnam , Varshney Swati , Ray Arjun , Basak Trayambak , Zinellu Angelo , Sabareesh Varatharajan , Carru Ciriaco , Sengupta Shantanu
Published: March 2019

An increased level of homocysteine, a reactive thiol amino acid, is associated with several complex disorders and is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. A majority (>80%) of circulating homocysteine is protein bound. Homocysteine exclusively binds to protein cysteine residues via thiol disulfide exchange reaction, the mechanism of which has been reported. In contrast, homocysteine thiolactone, the cyclic thioester of homocysteine, is believed to exclusively bind to the primary amine group of lysine residue leading to N‐homocysteinylation of proteins and hence studies on binding of homocysteine thiolactone to proteins thus far have only focused on N‐homocysteinylation. Although it is known that homocysteine thiolactone can hydrolyze to homocysteine at physiological pH, surprisingly the extent of S‐homocysteinylation during the exposure of homocysteine thiolactone with proteins has never been looked into. In this study, we clearly show that the hydrolysis of homocysteine thiolactone is pH dependent, and at physiological pH, 1 mM homocysteine thiolactone is hydrolysed to ~0.71 mM homocysteine within 24 h. Using albumin, we also show that incubation of HTL with albumin leads to a greater proportion of S‐homocysteinylation (0.41 mol/mol of albumin) than N‐homocysteinylation (0.14 mol/mol of albumin). S‐homocysteinylation at Cys34 of HSA on treatment with homocysteine thiolactone was confirmed using LC‐MS. Further, contrary to earlier reports, our results indicate that there is no cross talk between the cysteine attached to Cys34 of albumin and homocysteine attached to lysine residues.
Root‐associated microbes in sustainable agriculture: models, metabolites and mechanisms
Authors: Thomashow Linda S , Kwak Youn‐Sig , Weller David M
Published: March 2019

Since the discovery of penicillin in 1928 and throughout the ‘age of antibiotics’ from the 1940s until the 1980s, the detection of novel antibiotics was restricted by lack of knowledge about the distribution and ecology of antibiotic producers in nature. The discovery that a phenazine compound produced by Pseudomonas bacteria could suppress soilborne plant pathogens, and its recovery from rhizosphere soil in 1990, provided the first incontrovertible evidence that natural metabolites could control plant pathogens in the environment and opened a new era in biological control by root‐associated rhizobacteria. More recently, the advent of genomics, the availability of highly sensitive bioanalytical instrumentation, and the discovery of protective endophytes have accelerated progress toward overcoming many of the impediments that until now have limited the exploitation of beneficial plant‐associated microbes to enhance agricultural sustainability. Here, we present key developments that have established the importance of these microbes in the control of pathogens, discuss concepts resulting from the exploration of classical model systems, and highlight advances emerging from ongoing investigations. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Advanced energy‐based analyses of trusses employing hybrid metaheuristics
Authors: Bekdaş Gebrail , Kayabekir Aylin Ece , Nigdeli Sinan Melih , Toklu Yusuf Cengiz
Published: March 2019

Total potential optimization using metaheuristic algorithm (TPO/MA) is an alternative method in structural analyses, and it is a black‐box application for nonlinear analyses. In the study, an advanced TPO/MA using hybridization of several metaheuristic algorithms is investigated to solve large‐scale structural analyses problems. The new generation algorithms considered in the study are flower pollination algorithm (FPA), teaching learning‐based optimization, and Jaya algorithm (JA). Also, the proposed methods are compared with methodologies using classic and previously used algorithms such as differential evaluation, particle swarm optimization, and harmony search. Numerical investigations were carried out for structures with four to 150 degrees of freedoms (design variables). It has been seen that in several runs, JA gets trapped into local solutions. For that reason, four different hybrid algorithms using fundamentals of JA and phases of other algorithms, namely, JA using Lévy flights, JA using Lévy flights and linear distribution, JA with consequent student phase, and JA with probabilistic student phase (JA1SP), are developed. It is observed that among the variants tried, JA1SP is seen to be more effective on approaching to the global optimum without getting trapped in a local solution.
On the use and misuse of climate change projections in international development
Authors: Nissan Hannah , Goddard Lisa , de Perez Erin Coughlan , Furlow John , Baethgen Walter , Thomson Madeleine C. , Mason Simon J.
Published: March 2019

Climate resilience is increasingly prioritized by international development agencies and national governments. However, current approaches to informing communities of future climate risk are problematic. The predominant focus on end‐of‐century projections neglects more pressing development concerns, which relate to the management of shorter‐term risks and climate variability, and constitutes a substantial opportunity cost for the limited financial and human resources available to tackle development challenges. When a long‐term view genuinely is relevant to decision‐making, much of the information available is not fit for purpose. Climate model projections are able to capture many aspects of the climate system and so can be relied upon to guide mitigation plans and broad adaptation strategies, but the use of these models to guide local, practical adaptation actions is unwarranted. Climate models are unable to represent future conditions at the degree of spatial, temporal, and probabilistic precision with which projections are often provided, which gives a false impression of confidence to users of climate change information. In this article, we outline these issues, review their history, and provide a set of practical steps for both the development and climate scientist communities to consider. Solutions to mobilize the best available science include a focus on decision‐relevant timescales, an increased role for model evaluation and expert judgment and the integration of climate variability into climate change services.

This article is categorized under:

Climate and Development > Knowledge and Action in Development
Pen portraits of Presidents – Sir Basil John Mason, CB, DSc, FRS
Authors: Folland Chris K. , Mitchell John F. B.
Published: March 2019

We present a short biography of Sir John Mason, part of Weather's series of pen portraits of Past Presidents of the Royal Meteorological Society. This biography is longer than a normal pen portrait to reflect Sir John Mason's exceptional and wide‐ranging achievements and to show how he contributed to the debate about climate change. We include a discussion of his early years, particularly his pioneering work in cloud physics. We particularly review the key activities of the Met Office with which he was closely involved in his years as Director General, followed by his activities after retirement and his main awards.
On abstract Hilfer fractional integrodifferential equations with boundary conditions
Authors: Thabet Sabri T.M. , Ahmad Bashir , Agarwal Ravi P.
Published: March 2019

In this paper, we study a Cauchy-type problem for Hilfer fractional integrodifferential equations with boundary conditions. The existence of solutions for the given problem is proved by applying measure of noncompactness technique in an abstract weighted space. Moreover, we use generalized Gronwall inequality with singularity to establish continuous dependence and uniqueness of ϵ-approximate solutions.
Peripheral milling-induced residual stress and its effect on tensile–tensile fatigue life of aeronautic titanium alloy Ti–6Al–4V
Authors: Yang Dong , Xiao Xiao , Liu Yulei , Sun Jing
Published: March 2019

The special application environment puts forward the higher requirement of reliability of parts made from titanium alloy Ti–6Al–4V, which is closely related to the machining-induced residual stress. For the fact of the non-linear distribution of residual stress beneath the machined surface, distribution of peripheral milling-induced residual stress and its effect on fatigue performance of titanium alloy Ti–6Al–4V are still confusing. In the present study, residual stress profile induced by peripheral milling of Ti–6Al–4V is first studied. And then, energy criteria are proposed to characterise the whole state of the residual stress field. Finally, the effects of residual stress profile and surface energy on tensile–tensile fatigue performance of titanium alloy Ti–6Al–4V are discussed. The conclusions were drawn that the variation trend of surface residual stress (σr,Sur), maximum compressive residual stress (σC,ax), location (hr0) and response depth (hry) of residual stress profile with cutting parameters showed a similar pattern for both measure directions those parallel (σ1) and perpendicular (σ3) to the cutting direction. Cutting speed and feed rate have a main effect on surface residual stress, and the depth of cut has little effect on all the four key factors of residual stress profile. With the increase of cutting speed and feed rate, machining-induced surface energy tends to become larger. But increasing the depth of cut caused the strain energy stored in unit time to decrease. Furthermore, the effect of depth of cut on surface energy was weakened when the value of cutting depth becomes larger. Both the surface compressive residual stress and the maximum compressive residual stress are beneficial for prolonging the fatigue life, while large value of machining-induced surface energy leads to a decrease of fatigue life. Analysis of variance result shows that maximum residual compressive stress has a greater impact on fatigue life than other residual stress factors.
Maser radiation from collisionless shocks: application to astrophysical jets
Authors: Speirs D. C. , Ronald K. , Phelps A. D. R. , Koepke M. E. , Cairns R. A. , Rigby A. , Cruz F. , Trines R. M. G. M. , Bamford R. , J. Kellett B. , Albertazzi B. , Cross J. E. , Fraschetti F. , Graham P. , Kozlowski P. M. , Kuramitsu Y. , Miniati F. , Morita T. , Oliver M. , Reville B. , Sakawa Y. , Sarkar S. , Spindloe C. , Koenig M. , Silva L. O. , Lamb D. Q. , Tzeferacos P. , Lebedev S. , Gregori G. , Bingham R.
Published: March 2019

This paper describes a model of electron energization and cyclotron-maser emission applicable to astrophysical magnetized collisionless shocks. It is motivated by the work of Begelman, Ergun and Rees [Astrophys. J. 625, 51 (2005)] who argued that the cyclotron-maser instability occurs in localized magnetized collisionless shocks such as those expected in blazar jets. We report on recent research carried out to investigate electron acceleration at collisionless shocks and maser radiation associated with the accelerated electrons. We describe how electrons accelerated by lower-hybrid waves at collisionless shocks generate cyclotron-maser radiation when the accelerated electrons move into regions of stronger magnetic fields. The electrons are accelerated along the magnetic field and magnetically compressed leading to the formation of an electron velocity distribution having a horseshoe shape due to conservation of the electron magnetic moment. Under certain conditions the horseshoe electron velocity distribution function is unstable to the cyclotron-maser instability [Bingham and Cairns, Phys. Plasmas 7, 3089 (2000); Melrose, Rev. Mod. Plasma Phys. 1, 5 (2017)].
UNSOUND INFERENCES MAKE PROOFS SHORTER
Authors: AGUILERA JUAN P. , BAAZ MATTHIAS
Published: March 2019

We give examples of calculi that extend Gentzen’s sequent calculusLKby unsound quantifier inferences in such a way that (i) derivations lead only to true sequents, and (ii) proofs therein are nonelementarily shorter thanLK-proofs.
WOODIN FOR STRONG COMPACTNESS CARDINALS
Authors: DIMOPOULOS STAMATIS
Published: March 2019

Woodin and Vopěnka cardinals are established notions in the large cardinal hierarchy and it is known that Vopěnka cardinals are the Woodin analogue for supercompactness. Here we give the definition of Woodin for strong compactness cardinals, the Woodinised version of strong compactness, and we prove an analogue of Magidor’s identity crisis theorem for the first strongly compact cardinal.
Overcoming the Limits of Legal Opportunity Structures: LGBT Rights’ Divergent Paths in Costa Rica and Colombia
Authors: Wilson Bruce M. , Gianella-Malca Camila
Published: March 2019

Costa Rica and Colombia, two of the earliest Latin American countries to protect many LGBT rights, attempted to amplify those rights and litigate same-sex marriage (SSM) in mid-2000s; however, these attempts sparked a major anti-LGBT backlash by religious and conservative organizations. Yet a decade later, Colombia legalized SSM while Costa Rica still lacks the right to SSM. Using a most-similar systems comparative case study, this study engages the judicial politics literature to explain this divergent outcome. It details how courts, while staying receptive to many individual LGBT rights claims, deferred SSM legalization to popularly elected branches. In spite of the lack of legislative success in both countries, in Colombia a new litigation strategy harnessed that deference to craft a litigated route to legalized SSM. In Costa Rica, the courts’ lack of conditions or deadlines has left SSM foundering in the congress.
Making National Participatory Institutions Work: Bureaucrats, Activists, and AIDS Policy in Brazil
Authors: Rich Jessica A. J.
Published: March 2019

What are the conditions under which participatory institutions increase the voice of marginalized groups in policymaking? Existing studies of local participatory institutions highlight the role of leftist politicians and a strong civil society in determining outcomes, yet they fail to explain significant variation among participatory institutions at the national level. Examining the case of Brazil’s AIDS policy sector, this article argues that to fully understand the dynamics of national participatory governance, we must consider the role of bureaucrats. As studies of state-society synergy have shown, bureaucrats may seek outside political support from civil society when other actors inside the state prevent them from advancing their policy preferences. National bureaucrats may create new participatory institutions, and even help civil society delegates coordinate their engagement in such institutions, as strategies to strengthen their policy alliances with civil society.
On non-autonomously forced Burgers equation with periodic and Dirichlet boundary conditions
Authors: Kalita Piotr , Zgliczyński Piotr
Published: March 2019

We study the non-autonomously forced Burgers equation
$$u_t(x,t) + u(x,t)u_x(x,t)-u_{xx}(x,t) = f(x,t)$$
on the space interval (0, 1) with two sets of the boundary conditions: the Dirichlet and periodic ones. For both situations we prove that there exists the unique H1 bounded trajectory of this equation defined for all t ∈ ℝ. Moreover we demonstrate that this trajectory attracts all trajectories both in pullback and forward sense. We also prove that for the Dirichlet case this attraction is exponential.
In the Shadow of the Mushroom Cloud: Nuclear Testing, Radioactive Fallout, and Damage to U.S. Agriculture, 1945 to 1970
Authors: Meyers Keith
Published: March 2019

In the 1950s the United States conducted scores of atmospheric nuclear tests at the Nevada Test Site. This article studies the effects of radioactive fallout from nuclear tests on agriculture in regions hundreds of miles from the NTS. While research has shown that this radioactive material posed a health risk near the NTS, little is known about the direct economic effects nuclear testing may have had. I find that fallout from nuclear tests adversely affected U.S. agricultural production, and this result suggests that nuclear testing had a much broader economic and environmental impact than previously thought.
Stock Return Asymmetry: Beyond Skewness
Authors: Jiang Lei , Wu Ke , Zhou Guofu , Zhu Yifeng
Published: March 2019

In this article, we propose two asymmetry measures for stock returns. Unlike the popular skewness measure, our measures are based on the distribution function of the data rather than just the third central moment. We present empirical evidence that the greater upside asymmetries calculated using our new measures imply lower average returns in the cross section of stocks. In contrast, when using the skewness measure, the relationship between asymmetry and returns is inconclusive.
Abnormal dynamic functional network connectivity in unmedicated bipolar and major depressive disorders based on the triple-network model
Authors: Wang Junjing , Wang Ying , Huang Huiyuan , Jia Yanbin , Zheng Senning , Zhong Shuming , Chen Guanmao , Huang Li , Huang Ruiwang
Published: March 2019

Background

Previous studies have analyzed brain functional connectivity to reveal the neural physiopathology of bipolar disorder (BD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) based on the triple-network model [involving the salience network, default mode network (DMN), and central executive network (CEN)]. However, most studies assumed that the brain intrinsic fluctuations throughout the entire scan are static. Thus, we aimed to reveal the dynamic functional network connectivity (dFNC) in the triple networks of BD and MDD.

Methods

We collected resting state fMRI data from 51 unmedicated depressed BD II patients, 51 unmedicated depressed MDD patients, and 52 healthy controls. We analyzed the dFNC by using an independent component analysis, sliding window correlation and k-means clustering, and used the parameters of dFNC state properties and dFNC variability for group comparisons.

Results

The dFNC within the triple networks could be clustered into four configuration states, three of them showing dense connections (States 1, 2, and 4) and the other one showing sparse connections (State 3). Both BD and MDD patients spent more time in State 3 and showed decreased dFNC variability between posterior DMN and right CEN (rCEN) compared with controls. The MDD patients showed specific decreased dFNC variability between anterior DMN and rCEN compared with controls.

Conclusions

This study revealed more common but less specific dFNC alterations within the triple networks in unmedicated depressed BD II and MDD patients, which indicated their decreased information processing and communication ability and may help us to understand their abnormal affective and cognitive functions clinically.
Metabolic dysfunctions in the kynurenine pathway, noradrenergic and purine metabolism in schizophrenia and bipolar disorders
Authors: Steen Nils Eiel , Dieset Ingrid , Hope Sigrun , Vedal Trude S.J. , Smeland Olav B. , Matson Wayne , Kaddurah-Daouk Rima , Agartz Ingrid , Melle Ingrid , Djurovic Srdjan , Jönsson Erik G. , Bogdanov Mikhail , Andreassen Ole A.
Published: March 2019

Background

We aimed at exploring potential pathophysiological processes across psychotic disorders, applying metabolomics in a large and well-characterized sample of patients and healthy controls.

Methods

Patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorders (N = 212) and healthy controls (N = 68) had blood sampling with subsequent metabolomics analyses using electrochemical coulometric array detection. Concentrations of 52 metabolites including tyrosine, tryptophan and purine pathways were compared between patients and controls while controlling for demographic and clinical characteristics. Significant findings were further tested in medication-free subsamples.

Results

Significantly decreased plasma concentrations in patients compared to healthy controls were found for 3-hydroxykynurenine (3OHKY, p = 0.0008), xanthurenic acid (XANU, p = 1.5×10−5), vanillylmandelic acid (VMA, p = 4.5×10−5) and metanephrine (MN, p = 0.0001). Plasma concentration of xanthine (XAN) was increased in the patient group (p = 3.5×10−5). Differences of 3OHKY, XANU, VMA and XAN were replicated across schizophrenia spectrum disorders and bipolar disorders subsamples of medication-free individuals.

Conclusions

Although prone to residual confounding, the present results suggest the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism, noradrenergic and purinergic system dysfunction as trait factors in schizophrenia spectrum and bipolar disorders. Of special interest is XANU, a metabolite previously not found to be associated with bipolar disorders.
Relationship quality and functional limitations among older adults with cardiovascular disease in the United States of America
Authors: Yu Yan-Liang , Zhang Zhenmei
Published: March 2019

Substantial research shows that cardiovascular disease is a major cause of disability in the United States of America (USA) and worldwide. Despite the well-documented significance of intimate partnerships for cardiovascular health and disease management, how relationship quality contributes to the functional health of older adults diagnosed with cardiovascular disease is much less understood than mental health and mortality risk. Informed by the disablement process model and the lifecourse perspective, this study examines the association between relationship quality and functional limitations among partnered older adults aged 50 years and older diagnosed with cardiovascular disease in the USA. Data are from the Health and Retirement Study, 2006–2012 (N = 1,355). Multi-level linear regression analyses show that baseline negative relationship quality is significantly associated with increased functional limitations over the two- and four-year follow-ups. Additionally, the link between negative relationship quality and functional limitations is stronger among older adults with lower household income over a two-year span, compared to their higher-income counterparts, suggesting that these older adults are doubly disadvantaged by higher relationship strains and limited economic resources. Our findings demonstrate the significance of relationship quality for the functional health of older adults with cardiovascular disease and shed light on the importance of marriage/partnerships as an important social context for a critical stage in the disablement process (i.e. functional limitations).
Recalculation of the Solvency II transitional measures on technical provisions
Authors: Cooke J. , Scott A. , Smith D. , Rogan A. , Cooper R. , Morgan S. , Plotnek A. , Kenyon N. , Bhalla S.
Published: March 2019

Solvency II came into force on 1 January 2016 and included a transitional measure on technical provisions (“TMTP”) designed to help smooth in the capital impact of Solvency II over a 16-year period. The working party’s view is that the main intention of the TMTP is to mitigate the impact of the introduction of the risk margin, which significantly increases the technical provisions of firms, relative to their Solvency I Pillar 2 liabilities.

The majority of firms who hold a TMTP have now had at least one recalculation approved by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA); or are in the process of applying for a recalculation. Despite this large number of approved recalculations, there remains significant uncertainty in the industry around the approach and triggers for recalculation.

This paper considers aspects of TMTP recalculation for regulated UK life firms, for example practicalities of the calculation, asset and liability considerations, and communications/announcements.

In this paper, we outline the need for pragmatism when considering the approach to recalculation of a measure originally intended to serve as the bridge between two regimes. We call for an allowance for doing what is sensible in a principles-based regime balancing what might be more theoretically correct with what is practical and possible to support effective management of the business.
Preplant and Residual Herbicide Application Timings for Weed Control in No-Till Soybean
Authors: Vollmer Kurt M. , VanGessel Mark J. , Johnson Quintin R. , Scott Barbara A.
Published: March 2019

Timely herbicide applications for no-till soybean can be challenging given the diverse communities of both winter and summer annual weeds that are often present. Research was conducted to compare various approaches for nonselective and preplant weed control for no-till soybean. Nonselective herbicide application timings of fall (with and without a residual herbicide) followed by early-spring (4 wk before planting), late-spring (1 to 2 wk before planting), or sequential-spring applications (4 wk before planting and at planting) were compared. Spring applications also included a residual herbicide. For consistent control of winter annual weeds, two herbicide applications were needed, either a fall application followed by a spring application or sequential-spring applications. When a fall herbicide application did not include a residual herbicide, greater winter annual weed control resulted from early- or sequential-spring treatments. However, application timings that effectively controlled winter annual weeds did not effectively control summer annual weeds that have a prolonged emergence period. Palmer amaranth and large crabgrass control at 4 wk after planting was better when the spring residual treatment (chlorimuron plus metribuzin) was applied 1 to 2 wk before planting or at planting, compared with 4 wk before planting. Results indicate that in order to optimize control, herbicide application programs in soybean should coincide with seasonal growth cycles of winter and summer annual weeds.
Robust Regional Warming Amplifications Directly Following the Anthropogenic Emission
Authors: Xie Yongkun , Huang Jianping , Ming Yi
Published: March 2019

Amplified regional warming suggests that some regions suffer more from global warming. However, present knowledge is still not enough to understand this paramount aspect of global warming. By using climate model simulations, we first highlight that regional warming amplifications directly following anthropogenic emission would torment many undeveloped countries. Then, we find that cloud has the largest contribution to polar amplification, rather than the frequently blamed sea ice decline. The summertime sea ice decline plays the second role in generating strong wintertime polar amplification via lagged energy release. Our findings also propose that heat uptake by the deeper ocean greatly favors the terrestrial amplification. Additionally, the cloud also shows its importance in helping dryland amplification. Our findings suggest that these robust regional warming amplifications are very likely inevitable under anthropogenic emission, therefore strictest global mitigation is required to prevent unacceptable warming over the high risk regions.