bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ErbB4 deletion in noradrenergic neurons in the locus coeruleus induces mania-like behavior via elevated catecholamines
Authors: Cao Shu-Xia , Zhang Ying , Hu Xing-Yue , Hong Bin , Sun Peng , He Hai-Yang , Geng Hong-Yan , Bao Ai-Min , Duan Shu-Min , Yang Jian-Ming , Gao Tian-Ming , Lian Hong , Li Xiao-Ming
Published: September 2018

Dysfunction of the noradrenergic (NE) neurons is implicated in the pathogenesis of bipolar disorder (BPD). ErbB4 is highly expressed in NE neurons, and its genetic variation has been linked to BPD; however, how ErbB4 regulates NE neuronal function and contributes to BPD pathogenesis is unclear. Here we find that conditional deletion of ErbB4 in locus coeruleus (LC) NE neurons increases neuronal spontaneous firing through NMDA receptor hyperfunction, and elevates catecholamines in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Furthermore, Erbb4-deficient mice present mania-like behaviors, including hyperactivity, reduced anxiety and depression, and increased sucrose preference. These behaviors are completely rescued by the anti-manic drug lithium or antagonists of catecholaminergic receptors. Our study demonstrates the critical role of ErbB4 signaling in regulating LC-NE neuronal function, reinforcing the view that dysfunction of the NE system may contribute to the pathogenesis of mania-associated disorder.
Intermingling of History and Politics in The God of Small Things
Authors: Momen Sarker Md. Abdul , Rahman Md. Mominur
Published: September 2018

Suzanna Arundhati Roy is a post-modern sub-continental writer famous for her first novel The God of Small Things. This novel tells us the story of Ammu who is the mother of Rahel and Estha. Through the story of Ammu, the novel depicts the socio-political condition of Kerala from the late 1960s and early 1990s. The novel is about Indian culture and Hinduism is the main religion of India. One of the protagonists of this novel, Velutha, is from a low-caste community representing the dalit caste. Apart from those, between the late 1960s and early 1990s, a lot of movements took place in the history of Kerala. The Naxalites Movement is imperative amid them. Kerala is the place where communism was established for the first time in the history of the world through democratic election. Some vital issues of feminism have been brought into focus through the portrayal of the character, Ammu. In a word, this paper tends to show how Arundhati Roy has successfully manifested the multifarious as well as simultaneous influences of politics in the context of history and how those affected the lives of the marginalized. Overall, it would minutely show how historical incidents and political ups and downs go hand in hand during the political upheavals of a state.
Living in the Borderlands: A Postcolonial Reading of Nerdeen Abu-Nab’ah’s Oh, Allah, I Delivered a Female Child
Authors: Neimneh Shadi S. , B. Al-Sheik Hasan Abdullah , F. Al-Badarneh Abdullah , Badran Asma H.
Published: September 2018

Within a postcolonial theoretical framework, this article highlights the political struggles and cultural displacement of Palestinians using a recent novel published in 2013 and entitled   (Oh, Allah, I Delivered a Female Child) by  (Nerdeen Abu-Nab’ah). It investigates the meaning of living in the borderlands and the effects of double consciousness on the main characters/narrators: Abbas, his brother Abu-Raja, and his daughter, Miriam, who visits Gaza strip in Palestine for the first time in her life. The analysis shows that Abu-Nab’ah strongly believes in such idea as the borderlands being the place most Palestinians inhabit physically and symbolically inside and outside their homeland because of the oppression and discrimination they face. The article examines the complicated interrelationships among ideas of dislocation/exile, the (in)visible borderlands, and double consciousness by applying the theories of Gloria Anzaldúa, W.E.B. Du Bois, and Homi Bhabha. Moreover, it interrogates the role of memory in reconstructing a national story about resistance and exile while simultaneously endorsing the role of women in documenting national loss and revolution. The result is a tale of cultural resistance against dislocation and exile and an articulation of the predicament of being a stranger within one’s country and abroad.
Microstructure and Properties of Diamond/SiC Composites Via Hot Molding Forming and CVI Densifying
Authors: Chen Chao , Liu Yongsheng , Wang Chenhao , Nan Beiya , Zhao Zhifeng , Cheng Laifei , Zhang Litong
Published: September 2018

In order to improve the mechanical properties and thermal conductivity, diamond/SiC composites are fabricated using hot molding forming and chemical vapor infiltration (CVI) densifying. The effects of diamond particle size and grain gradation (maximum particle size of 50–500 µm) on microstructure, mechanical properties, and thermophysical properties of diamond/SiC composites are investigated. The results indicate that the thermal conductivity of composites can be obviously enhanced and the maximum value is 257 W · m−1 · K−1 using large diamond particle size and grain gradation. The value is 2.22 times higher than that of the diamond/SiC composites prepared using tape‐casting and CVI process (116 W · m−1 · K−1). The maximal density, flexural strength, and fracture toughness are found to be 3.16 g cm−3, 248.33 MPa, and 4.65 MPa.m1/2, respectively. The fracture mechanism of the composites is transferred from diamond particles’ trans‐granular fracture to interfacial debonding due to stronger combination between the diamond and the CVI‐SiC matrix. Furthermore, JD50 sample has the highest flexural strength (248.33 MPa), fracture toughness (4.65 MPa · m1/2), and equivalent CTE (4.0 × 10−6 K−1) compared with other samples. Additionally, its thermal conductivity is also relatively high, making it a suitable high thermal conductivity material.
Electrophilic Bromolactonization of Cyclopropyl Diesters Using Lewis Basic Chalcogenide Catalysts
Authors: Gieuw Matthew H. , Leung Vincent Ming‐Yau , Ke Zhihai , Yeung Ying‐Yeung
Published: September 2018

An efficient and regioselective electrophilic bromolactonization of cyclopropylmethyl diesters using triphenylphosphine sulfide (Ph3PS) or diphenyl selenide (Ph2Se) as the Lewis basic chalcogenide catalyst has been developed. It was observed that Ph3PS favored the formation of anti‐diastereomer and yielded the multi‐functional γ‐lactones. Interestingly, the diastereoselectivity was reversed when using Ph2Se as a catalyst where the syn‐product instead of the anti‐product was favored.

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Autotransporter‐Mediated Display of a Naïve Affibody Library on the Outer Membrane of Escherichia coli
Authors: Andersson Ken G. , Persson Jonas , Ståhl Stefan , Löfblom John
Published: September 2018

Development of new affinity proteins using combinatorial protein engineering is today established for generation of monoclonal antibodies and also essential for discovery of binders that are based on non‐immunoglobulin proteins. Phage display is most frequently used, but yeast display is becoming increasingly popular, partly due to the option of utilizing fluorescence‐activated cell sorting (FACS) for isolation of new candidates. Escherichia coli has several valuable properties for library applications and in particular the high transformation efficiency. The use of various autotransporters and intimins for secretion and anchoring on the outer membrane have shown promising results and particularly for directed evolution of different enzymes. Here, the authors report on display of a large naïve affibody library on the outer membrane of E. coli using the autotransporter Adhesin Involved in Diffuse Adherence (AIDA‐I). The expression cassette is first engineered by removing non‐essential sequences, followed by introduction of an affibody library, comprising more than 109 variants, into the new display vector. The quality of the library and general performance of the method is assessed by FACS against five different targets, which resulted in a panel of binders with down to nanomolar affinities, suggesting that the method has potential as a complement to phage display for generation of affibody molecules.
Recovery of Furfural and Acetic Acid from Wood Hydrolysates in Biotechnological Downstream Processing
Authors: Galeotti Nadia , Jirasek Fabian , Burger Jakob , Hasse Hans
Published: September 2018

Wood hydrolysates contain sugars that can be used as feedstock in fermentation processes. For that purpose, the hydrolysate must be concentrated and inhibitors that harm fermentation must be removed. Herein, the integration of these tasks with the recovery of inhibitors is studied. The wood hydrolysate is represented as a mixture of water, xylose, acetic acid, and furfural. Acetic acid and furfural are two frequently occurring inhibitors and valuable chemicals, and thus, their recovery is studied. Furfural is recovered from the vapors by heteroazeotropic distillation. It is shown that this can be achieved without additional energy. The recovery of acetic acid by distillation is also possible, but not attractive. The new process is simulated by using a thermodynamic model based on experimental data.
Structure‐Controllable Binary Nanoporous‐Silicon/Antimony Alloy as Anode for High‐Performance Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Yuan Chao , Liu Shuai , Yang Yinghui , Yu Mengchun , Tian Yuan , Wang Junzhang , Bian Xiufang
Published: September 2018

A binary nanoporous‐SixSb alloy is prepared successfully as electrode for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) by a one‐step chemical dealloying method. The sample morphology can be controlled by adjusting the content of Al and the molar ratio of Si and Sb in the alloy precursors. Structural and morphological characterizations reveal the presence of uniformly‐distributed nanopores which can effectively accommodate the volume change and provide massive diffusion channels for Li‐ions during charging/discharging. Electrochemical experiments show that the nanoporous Si15Sb15 (np‐Si15Sb15) anode can deliver excellent performance with a specific capacity of 647.40 mAh g−1 after 90 cycles at a current density of 100 mA g−1. This simple approach may be further extended to the design of novel nanoporous materials, providing a guideline for mass production of high‐performance electrochemical energy storage devices.
Formation of a Flower‐Like Co−Mo−S on Reduced Graphene Oxide Composite on Nickel Foam with Enhanced Electrochemical Capacitive Properties
Authors: Yang Jing , Xuan Haicheng , Yang Guohui , Liang Ting , Han Xiaokun , Gao Jinhong , Xu Yuekui , Xie Zhigao , Han Peide , Wang Dunhui , Du Youwei
Published: September 2018

Transition metal sulfides have attracted considerable attention due to their excellent electrochemical performance for supercapacitors. Herein, we prepared a Co3S4/CoMo2S4 (Co−Mo−S) composite on reduced graphene oxide/Ni foam (RGO/NF) with unique flower‐like morphology through a carefully time‐controlled sulfurization process. It was found that the vulcanization time has a great influence on the morphology and electrochemical properties of the composites. After 3 hours of vulcanization, the as‐prepared Co3S4/CoMo2S4@RGO/NF electrode exhibited a superior specific capacitance of 2530.4 F  g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1, as well as excellent cycling stability with 78.8 % retention of the initial capacitance even after 6,000 cycles at a current density of 10 A g−1. An asymmetric device was assembled employing the Co3S4/CoMo2S4@RGO/NF composite as a positive electrode and activated carbon (AC) as a negative electrode. The device delivered a maximum energy density of 59.0 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 640 W kg−1 and a high cycling performance (90.7 % capacitance retention after 6,000 cycles). These results demonstrate the promising potential of Co−Mo−S@RGO/NF as binder‐free, high‐performance electrode in renewable energy storage systems.
Integration of Results from the Energy System Development Plan into Life Cycle Assessment
Authors: Thonemann Nils , Maga Daniel , Petermann Cornelia
Published: September 2018

Decarbonization of electricity generation is crucial especially for energy‐intensive technologies such as steel mill gas‐based methanol production. The Energy System Development Plan is able to forecast the contribution of electricity producers to the power mix in a quarter‐hourly resolution. Integration of this forecasts in life cycle assessment enables to prospectively assess the impact on climate change of steel mill gas‐based methanol production. The analysis shows that if using power in hours with a high share of renewable energy, the global warming impact of steel mill gas‐based methanol production can be lowered.
MetScore: Site of Metabolism Prediction Beyond Cytochrome P450 Enzymes
Authors: Finkelmann Arndt R. , Goldmann Daria , Schneider Gisbert , Göller Andreas H.
Published: September 2018

The metabolism of xenobiotics by humans and other organisms is a complex process involving numerous enzymes that catalyze phase I (functionalization) and phase II (conjugation) reactions. Herein we introduce MetScore, a machine learning model that can predict both phase I and phase II reaction sites of drugs in a single prediction run. We developed cheminformatics workflows to filter and process reactions to obtain suitable phase I and phase II data sets for model training. Employing a recently developed molecular representation based on quantum chemical partial charges, we constructed random forest machine learning models for phase I and phase II reactions. After combining these models with our previous cytochrome P450 model and calibrating the combination against Bayer in‐house data, we obtained the MetScore model that shows good performance, with Matthews correlation coefficients of 0.61 and 0.76 for diverse phase I and phase II reaction types, respectively. We validated its potential applicability to lead optimization campaigns for a new and independent data set compiled from recent publications. The results of this study demonstrate the usefulness of quantum‐chemistry‐derived molecular representations for reactivity prediction.
An interior design exhibition: An assessment of color scheme preferences and the emotional states of students
Authors: Uluçay Nilay Özsavaş
Published: September 2018

Color is an essential factor for perceiving objects and their interaction. There are many alternatives to color selection in interior design. Colors can be selected according to a user, physical characteristics of the space or a concept. In this context, research has been conducted on the interior color scheme preferences and emotional states with university students. It contains the findings obtained during an interior design exhibition, which was organized at the interior design department of the university. This exhibition was organized for sampling interior color information, selection methods, and using forms. For the exhibition, to be able to observe the changes in the perception of space and the effects of the color, the visuals were arranged according to different color selection methods in the same space. A survey was conducted during the exhibition to examine color scheme preferences and the relation with emotional states of students on interior designs. In the survey, students were asked whether they would prefer or not each interior space and which emotional state is expressed for each visual separately. The statistical analysis was made, and according to the answers given in the survey, comparative results appeared. It is concluded that the students who participate in the survey have meaningful relationships on the spatial color preferences, and differences are determined in emotional states.
In vitro evaluation of anti‐fibrotic effects of select cytokines for vocal fold scar treatment
Authors: Chen Hongyu , Erndt‐Marino Josh , Diaz‐Rodriguez Patricia , Kulwatno Jonathan , Jimenez‐Vergara Andrea C. , Thibeault Susan L , Hahn Mariah S.
Published: September 2018

Scarring of the vocal fold lamina propria (LP) can cause considerable voice disorders due to reduced pliability in scar tissue, attributed in part to abnormal extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition produced by the fibrotic vocal fold fibroblast (fVFF). Cytokines with anti‐fibrotic potential have been investigated to limit abnormal LP ECM, but are limited by the need for repeat injections. Moreover, the potentially significant role played by activated macrophages (AMOs) is usually not considered even though the interaction between AMO and fibrotic fibroblasts is known to regulate scar formation across different tissues. AMO are also regulated by cytokines that are used for LP scar removal, but little is known about AMO behaviors in response to these cytokines within the context of LP scar. In the present study, we evaluated anti‐fibrotic effects of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) in a 3D, in vitro fVFF‐AMO co‐culture system using poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) hydrogels. Data from all cytokines was synthesized into a heat‐map that enabled assessment of specific associations between AMO and fVFF phenotypes. Cumulatively, our results indicated that both HGF and IL‐10 are potentially anti‐fibrotic (reduction in fibrotic markers and enhancement in normal, anti‐fibrotic VFF markers), while IL‐6 displays more complex, marker specific effects. Possible associations between AMO and fVFF phenotypes were found and may highlight a potential desirable macrophage phenotype. These data support the therapeutic potential of HGF and IL‐10 for LP scar treatment, and shed light on future strategies aimed at targeting specific AMO phenotypes. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 1056–1067, 2019.
Implementing safety hotlines: Stamford Health's experience and future opportunities
Authors: Cardiello Ruth , Johnston Sally , Kiely Sharon
Published: September 2018

Improving safety event reporting has been a focus of increased study. Improved opportunities for patient and family safety event reporting have been described in the literature. Consistent with the organization's patient‐centered care philosophy, we launched a safety hotline at Stamford Health. This article describes the process of implementation, vendor selection, understanding initial results, and areas for further study.
Fostering medical students’ lifelong learning skills with a dashboard, coaching and learning planning
Authors: Hauer Karen E. , Iverson Nicholas , Quach Alekist , Yuan Patrick , Kaner Stephanie , Boscardin Christy
Published: September 2018

Introduction To develop lifelong learning skills, students need feedback, access to performance data, and coaching. A new medical curriculum incorporated infrastructural supports based on self-regulated learning theory and the Master Adaptive Learner framework to engage students in reflection and learning planning. This study examines students’ experience with a performance dashboard, longitudinal coaching, and structured time for goal-setting.

Methods Focus groups with first-year medical students explored performance dashboard usage, coaching and learning planning. We analyzed findings using thematic analysis. Results informed development of a 29-item survey rated strongly disagree (1) to strongly agree (5) to investigate experience with the dashboard, coaching and learning goals program. The survey was distributed to one first-year medical student class. We performed descriptive statistics and factor analysis.

Results In three focus groups with 21 participants, students endorsed using the dashboard to access performance information but had trouble interpreting and integrating information. They valued coaches as sources of advice but varied in their perceptions of the value of discussing learning planning. Of 152 students, 114 (75%) completed the survey. Exploratory factor analysis yielded 5 factors explaining 57% of the variance: learning goals development (α = 0.88; mean 3.25 (standard deviation 0.91)), dashboard usage (α = 0.82; 3.36 (0.64)), coaching (α = 0.71; 3.72 (0.64)), employment of learning strategies (α = 0.81; 3.67 (0.79)), and reflection (α = 0.63; 3.68 (0.64)).

Discussion The student performance dashboard provides efficient feedback access, yet students’ use of this information to guide learning is variable.
Abnormal Integrity of White Matter Tracts in Acute Lacunar Stroke Patients
Authors: Zhu Yifei , He Yana , von Deneen Karen M. , Zhang Ming
Published: September 2018

Background/Study Concept: Acute lacunar stroke (Als) plays a role in death/disability worldwide. Aphasia refers to chronic difficulty with communication in >20% of patients post stroke. We describe pathophysiological features of white matter (WM) abnormalities and their relationship between WM changes and aphasia quotient (AQ) scores in Als.

Methods: Diffusion tensor imaging data were acquired in 37 Als patients and 28 healthy controls. Tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) and correlation analyses were used.

Results: Consistent with the hypothesis, Als had decreased fractional anisotropy (FA) and increased mean diffusivity, axial diffusivity and radial diffusivity in the genu, body and splenium of the corpus callosum (CC), superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF) and corona radiata in the bilateral hemisphere. Reduced FA of SLF was correlated with AQ scores in Als patients.

Conclusion: It is hoped that TBSS could shed new insights into aphasia mechanisms in Als to help promote aging-related disease studies.
Veterans’ stories of the British campaign in Greece (1941)
Authors: Hassiotis Loukianos
Published: September 2018

At the beginning of 1941 Britain decided to provide military aid to Greece, which was facing an ongoing war against Italy and was expecting a German invasion. This article discusses the impressions and experiences of the British soldiers who took part in the campaign, using their letters, diaries and their – mostly unpublished – reminiscences. It examines their perception of Greece and its inhabitants, as well of their fellow allies and their enemies; their venture in military operations, or captivity; and their daily routine. Furthermore, it comments on their retrospective assessments of the campaign.
Reprioritizing the Human Factor in Building Gulf Cities
Authors: Al Mogren Faisal bin Ayyaf
Published: September 2018

Until relatively recently, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), a regional intergovernmental political and economic union consisting of the Arab states of the Arabian Gulf (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE), was predominantly a nonurban region. Most of its inhabitants were nomadic Bedouins who were constantly traveling in search of scarce water resources, traders who were always between destinations, and a smaller number of agriculturalists and fishermen. A small minority constructed and occupied several residential agglomerations, compact and confined, consistent with the limited economic and social needs of people at that time. This trend remained true until the 1950s, when larger social, economic, and political shifts dramatically and permanently changed the landscape of the region. The major trigger was the exploration of oil, leading to economic wealth, in addition to other factors, including globalization, aspirations for modernity, and technological advancements, especially those enabling water provision. In the context of a harsh natural setting, this meant that urbanity would become the new favored form of living. What followed was rapid urbanization, mostly machine-like, with little regard for humans living in the newly formed cities. In Saudi Arabia, for example, urban residents made up only 10 percent of the total population in 1950. By 2005, this figure skyrocketed to 85 percent (Figure 1). The present-day urban scene in the Gulf is globally unique in many respects. Not only did the process of city building occur in a short period of time, but the intensity and scale have been largely unprecedented. About 80 percent of the region's population now lives in urban areas, making the Gulf one of the most urbanized regions in the world. In Kuwait, for example, 99 percent of the population occupies only 8 percent of the country's land area. In Qatar, the capital city of Doha alone is home to about 55 percent of the country's total population. The physical characteristics of this urbanism are also unique. It resulted in an urban form mostly characterized by suburban-like downtowns and low densities in expanding territories.
“Those were the hungry years”: A glimpse of Coastal Afro-Balochi
Authors: KORN AGNES , NOURZAEI MARYAM
Published: September 2018

The aim of the present paper is to describe the morphosyntactic properties of Iranian Coastal Balochi as spoken by the Afro-Balochi community. The Afro-Baloch have completely switched to Balochi and there are no traces of African languages in their speech. However, in comparison with other Balochi dialects of Iran on the one hand, and with Coastal Balochi dialects of Pakistan on other, Afro-Balochi shows archaic characteristics, particularly in its case system, in the demonstrative pronouns and in the alignment features. This might be due to the persisting social segregation of the Afro-Baloch and their limited access to education and media, resulting in reduced contact with the languages and dialects outside of their community.
A comparison of verb and noun retrieval in Mandarin–English bilinguals with English-speaking monolinguals
Authors: LI RAN , FAROQI-SHAH YASMEEN , WANG MIN
Published: September 2018

The finding that noun production is slower and less accurate in bilinguals compared to monolinguals is well replicated, but not well understood. This study examined the two prominent theoretical accounts for this bilingual effect: weaker links and cross-language interference. Highly proficient Mandarin–English bilinguals and English-speaking monolinguals named pictures in which the effects of grammatical class, word frequency and translatability were examined. While bilinguals were slower overall than monolinguals in both L1 and L2, the magnitude of this bilingual effect was smaller for verbs than for nouns. Bilinguals showed a larger production advantage for high vs. low frequency words in their L2 relative to monolinguals and their L1. Bilinguals also showed an advantage for words with greater translatability, which did not differ across grammatical categories. The findings lend partial support to the weaker links account, and reveal cross-language facilitation rather than interference.
Laboratory astrochemistry: catalytic reactions of organic molecules over olivine-type silicates and SiC
Authors: Li Qian , Liu B. S. , Sarre P. J. , Cheung A. S-C.
Published: September 2018

A series of catalytic reactions has been performed in our laboratory using olivine-type silicates (OTS) and SiC as catalysts for the conversion of carbon-containing molecules (such as acetylene, CO and methanol) to small organic molecules (C2H4, C3H3, CH3O) and also polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Experimentally, small-to-medium-sized gas-phase compounds such as PAHs, reaction intermediates and hydrocarbon compounds were detected in situ using the time-of-light mass-spectrometry technique. Solid deposition on the catalyst surface was examined by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and thermo-gravimetric analysis techniques. Our laboratory results show that the conversion of acetylene to PAHs, the CO disproportionation reaction for producing CO2 and carbon deposition (graphitic and carbon nanostructures), and also the transformation of methanol to hydrocarbon compounds can easily be achieved with OTS as a catalyst. Furthermore, the conversion of acetylene to PAHs could also be achieved by SiC as the catalyst. It is proposed that these catalytic reactions mimic similar chemical processes in circumstellar envelopes (CSEs).
Photodissociation processes of Bisanthenquinone cation
Authors: Chen Tao , Zhen Junfeng , Wang Ying , Linnartz Harold , Tielens Alexander G. G. M.
Published: September 2018

A systematic study, using ion trap time-of-flight mass spectrometry, is presented for the photo-dissociation processes of Bisanthenquinone (Bq) cations, C28H12O2+, a ketone substituted Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH). The Bq cation fragments through sequential loss of the two neutral carbonyl (CO) units upon laser (626nm) irradiation, resulting in a PAH-like derivative C26H12+. Upon further irradiation, C26H12+ exhibits both stepwise dehydrogenation and C2/C2H2 loss fragmentation channels. Quantum chemistry calculations reveal a detailed picture for the first CO-loss, which involves a transition state with a barrier of ∼ 3.4 eV, which is lower than the energy required for the lowest H-loss pathway (∼ 5.0 eV). The barrier for the second CO-loss is higher (∼ 4.9 eV). The subsequent loss of this unit changes the Bq geometry from a planar to a bent one. It is concluded that the photodissociation mechanism of the substituted PAH cations studied here is site selective in the substituted subunit. This work also shows that an acetone substituted PAH cation is not photo-stable upon irradiation.
Destruction of C2H4O2 isomers in ice-phase by X-rays: Implication on the abundance of acetic acid and methyl formate in the interstellar medium
Authors: Rachid Marina G. , Faquine K. , Pilling S.
Published: September 2018

C2H4O2 isomers, methyl formate (HCOOCH3), acetic acid (CH3COOH) and glycoaldehyde (HOCH2CHO), have been detected in a lot of sources in ISM. However, their abundances are very different, with methyl formate much more abundant than the other two isomers. This fact may be related to the different destruction by ionizing radiation of these molecules. The goal of this work is experimentally study the photodissociation processes of methyl formate and acetic acid ices when exposed to broadband soft X-ray from 6 up to 2000 eV. The experiments were performed coupled to the SGM beamline in the Brazilian Synchrotron Light Source (LNLS/CNPEM) at Campinas, Brazil. The simulated astrophysical ices (12K) were monitored throughout the experiment using infrared vibrational spectroscopy. The analysis of processed ices allowed the determination of the effective destruction cross sections of the parent molecules as well as the effective formation cross section of daughter molecular species. The relative abundance between acetic acid and methyl formate (NCH3COOH/NHCOOCH3) in different astronomical scenarios and their column density evolution in the presence of X-rays were calculated and our results suggests that such radiation field can be one of the factors that explain the difference in the isomers C2H4O2 abundances. We also quantified the daugther species after the establishment of a chemical equilibrium in the samples.
Measuring Success: Improving Assessments of Aggregate Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Goals
Authors: Jeffery M. Louise , Gütschow Johannes , Rocha Marcia R. , Gieseke Robert
Published: September 2018

Long‐term success of the Paris Agreement will depend on the effectiveness of the instruments that it sets in place. Key among these are the nationally determined contributions (NDCs), which elaborate country‐specific goals for mitigating and adapting to climate change. One role of the academic community and civil society in supporting the Paris Agreement is to assess the consistency between the near‐term action under NDCs and the agreement's long‐term goals, thereby providing insight into the chances of long‐term success. Here we assess the strengths and weaknesses of current methods to estimate the effectiveness of the mitigation component of NDCs and identify the scientific and political advances that could be made to improve confidence in evaluating NDCs against the long‐term goals. Specifically, we highlight (1) the influence of post‐2030 assumptions on estimated 21st century warming, (2) uncertainties arising from the lack of published integrated assessment modeling scenarios with long‐term, moderate effort reflecting a continuation of the current political situation, and (3) challenges in using a carbon budget approach. We further identify aspects that can be improved in the coming years: clearer communication regarding the meaning, likelihood, and timeframe of NDC consistent warming estimates; additional modeling of long‐term, moderate action scenarios; and the identification of metrics for assessing progress that are not based solely on emissions, such as infrastructure investment, energy demand, or installed power capacity.
An Extended Semianalytical Approach for Thermoelasticity of Monoclinic Crystals: Application to Diopside
Authors: Zou Fan , Wu Zhongqing , Wang Wenzhong , Wentzcovitch Renata M.
Published: September 2018

Here we extend a semianalytical method to compute thermoelastic properties of materials (Wu & Wentzcovitch, ) to monoclinic systems and apply it to diopside (MgCaSi2O6), a mineral with monoclinic symmetry and an end‐member of clinopyroxene. Using ab initio results for structural and vibrational properties, we obtain the density, the elastic tensor, single crystal elastic anisotropies, and seismic wave velocities of diopside over a wide pressure and temperature range. Our results agree well with previous available experimental results. Compared with other minerals in the upper mantle, clinopyroxene has the lowest P wave velocity (VP) and S wave velocity (VS) at depths greater than 240 km. Combining our results with elastic properties of other major upper‐mantle minerals obtained by previous studies, we estimate the density and wave velocity profiles of a pyrolitic mantle in the depth range of 220–400 km, where pyroxene is gradually dissolved into garnet. The obtained profiles agree well with seismic models (PREM and AK135) supporting the notion of a pyrolitic upper mantle.
One‐Dimensional Turbulence‐Ecosystem Model Reveals the Triggers of the Spring Bloom in Mesoscale Eddies
Authors: Maúre E. R. , Ishizaka J. , Aiki H. , Mino Y. , Yoshie N. , Goes J. I. , Gomes H. R. , Tomita H.
Published: September 2018

A lower trophic ecosystem model coupled with a one‐dimensional physical turbulence closure model was applied to study phytoplankton dynamics and spring bloom initiation in mesoscale anticyclonic eddies (AEs) and cyclonic eddies (CEs). The model simulated ecosystem dynamics between nutrient‐phytoplankton‐zooplankton‐detritus in AEs and CEs, while the physical model provided the seasonal cycle of convective turbulent mixing. The study was motivated by earlier work based on satellite and ship observations, which showed earlier initiation of the spring blooms in CEs with shallow mixed‐layer depths than in AEs with deeper mixed‐layer depths. The model results supported the hypothesis that mixed‐layer depths in eddies play an important role in the dynamics of the spring bloom initiation. Model results revealed that in AEs convective mixing causes light limitation for phytoplankton growth due to deep winter mixing, and the bloom initiation is delayed until relaxation of turbulent convective mixing. Conversely, in the shallow mixed‐layer CEs, blooms initiate before the end of convective mixing due to early improvement in light conditions following the increase in solar radiation. Furthermore, the model showed that the relaxation in zooplankton grazing for the deep mixing contributed to weak winter phytoplankton accumulation in AE, while winter phytoplankton accumulation was faster in the shallow mixed‐layer CE. Overall, the initiation mechanism and the dynamics of the spring phytoplankton blooms are different for AEs and CEs. Therefore, we suggest that, in many parts of the global ocean, eddies play an important role regulating the dynamics of phytoplankton blooms.
The Contribution of Local Wind and Ocean Circulation to the Interannual Variability in Coastal Upwelling Intensity in the Northern South China Sea
Authors: Shu Yeqiang , Wang Dongxiao , Feng Ming , Geng Binxu , Chen Ju , Yao Jinglong , Xie Qiang , Liu Qin‐Yan
Published: September 2018

Using in situ data, satellite observations, and model outputs, we analyzed the interannual variability in coastal upwelling intensity in the northern South China Sea. Comparing coastal upwelling observed from three cruises during the summers of 2008 and 2016, we found that coastal upwelling was stronger during 2016 compared to 2008, although the local upwelling favorable wind was stronger in 2008. The stronger near‐bottom cross‐shelf current and shallower thermocline in the slope resulted in stronger upwelling intensity during the summer of 2016. The topographic position index (TPI), which is defined by the sea surface temperature difference between one center cell and its neighbors, was used to quantify the interannual variability in upwelling. Stronger (weaker) upwelling intensity occurred during the summers of 2007, 2008, 2011, 2015, and 2016 (2004, 2009, 2012, and 2014) when the local wind was more favorable (less favorable) to coastal upwelling. The correlation coefficient between the area‐weighted TPI and alongshore wind speed was −0.60, thereby confirming that local wind is the primary dynamical factor controlling the interannual variability in upwelling intensity. The correlation coefficient between the area‐weighted TPI and the eastward boundary current transport averaged between the 75‐ and 100‐m isobaths on the shelf was −0.42, indicating that the interannual variability in large‐scale circulation in the northern South China Sea also contributes to the interannual variability in upwelling intensity. The anomalously shallow thermocline in the summer of 2016 was likely associated with the strong 2015–2016 El Niño event through planetary wave propagations.
Deep Unsaturated Zone Contributions to Carbon Cycling in Semiarid Environments
Authors: Wan Jiamin , Tokunaga Tetsu K. , Dong Wenming , Williams Kenneth H. , Kim Yongman , Conrad Mark E. , Bill Markus , Riley William J. , Hubbard Susan S.
Published: September 2018

Understanding terrestrial carbon cycling has relied primarily on studies of topsoils that are typically characterized to depths shallower than 0.5 m. At a semiarid site instrumented down to 7 m, we measured seasonal‐ and depth‐resolved carbon inventories and fluxes and groundwater and unsaturated zone flow rates. Measurements showed that ~30% of the CO2efflux to the atmosphere (60% in winter) originates from below 1 m, contrary to predictions of less than 1% by Earth System Model land modules. Respiration from deeper roots and deeper microbial communities is supported by favorable subsurface temperatures, moisture, and oxygen availability. Below 1 m, dissolved organic carbon fluxes from the overlying soil and C from deep roots and exudates are expected to be important in sustaining microbial respiration. Because these conditions are characteristic of semiarid climate regions, we contend that Earth System Model land modules should incorporate such deeper soil processes to improve CO2flux predictions.
Mitochondrial DNA 3243A>T mutation in a patient with MELAS syndrome
Authors: Ikeda Takahiro , Osaka Hitoshi , Shimbo Hiroko , Tajika Makiko , Yamazaki Masayo , Ueda Ayako , Murayama Kei , Yamagata Takanori
Published: September 2018

Approximately 80% of cases of mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) harbor a heteroplasmic m.3243A>G transition in the tRNALeu (UUR) (MTTL1) gene. We report a MELAS case with a rare heteroplasmic m.3243A>T mutation found by direct sequencing of MTTL1. This mutation has been previously reported in 5 cases, of which 2 cases had the MELAS phenotype. Our case also strengthens the hypothesis that the m.3243A>T mutation can cause the MELAS phenotype.
Small membranous proteins of the TorE/NapE family, crutches for cognate respiratory systems in Proteobacteria
Authors: Lemaire Olivier N. , Infossi Pascale , Ali Chaouche Amine , Espinosa Leon , Leimkühler Silke , Giudici-Orticoni Marie-Thérèse , Méjean Vincent , Iobbi-Nivol Chantal
Published: September 2018

In this report, we investigate small proteins involved in bacterial alternative respiratory systems that improve the enzymatic efficiency through better anchorage and multimerization of membrane components. Using the small protein TorE of the respiratory TMAO reductase system as a model, we discovered that TorE is part of a subfamily of small proteins that are present in proteobacteria in which they play a similar role for bacterial respiratory systems. We reveal by microscopy that, in Shewanella oneidensis MR1, alternative respiratory systems are evenly distributed in the membrane contrary to what has been described for Escherichia coli. Thus, the better efficiency of the respiratory systems observed in the presence of the small proteins is not due to a specific localization in the membrane, but rather to the formation of membranous complexes formed by TorE homologs with their c-type cytochrome partner protein. By an in vivo approach combining Clear Native electrophoresis and fluorescent translational fusions, we determined the 4:4 stoichiometry of the complexes. In addition, mild solubilization of the cytochrome indicates that the presence of the small protein reinforces its anchoring to the membrane. Therefore, assembly of the complex induced by this small protein improves the efficiency of the respiratory system.
Two-wavelength infrared responsive hydrogel actuators containing rare-earth photothermal conversion particles
Authors: Watanabe Satoshi , Era Hiroshi , Kunitake Masashi
Published: September 2018

Two-wavelength infrared responsive soft actuators composed of rare-earth-oxide particles composited in a thermoresponsive hydrogel have been constructed. Because Nd2O3 and Yb2O3 particles possess independent narrow infrared adsorption at 808 and 980 nm, respectively, the vicinity of the particles in the gel can be individually heated by irradiation at each adsorption wavelength, inducing a local volume phase transition. The wavelength-selective volume phase transition can be controlled based on the combination of the particles incorporated in the gels and the wavelength of the irradiation laser at the optimized water temperature. Only the alternatively correct combinations successfully induced selective local clouding at the irradiation spots in the gel sheets. The original transparency of the gel was immediately recovered by turning off the light. Furthermore, rod-shaped block gels with Nd2O3 and Yb2O3 particles separately arranged on the left and right sides at the bottom of the rods were prepared to demonstrate wavelength-selective bending motion. The correct light combination caused reversible bending motion of only the side of the rod gel with the corresponding adsorbed particles.
The critical role of amygdala subnuclei in nociceptive and depressive-like behaviors in peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Seno Midiã D. J. , Assis Danielle V. , Gouveia Flávia , Antunes Geiza F. , Kuroki Mayra , Oliveira Caroline C. , Santos Lennon C. T. , Pagano Rosana L. , Martinez Raquel C. R.
Published: September 2018

The amygdala is an important component of the limbic system that participates in the control of the pain response and modulates the affective-motivational aspect of pain. Neuropathic pain is a serious public health problem and has a strong affective-motivational component that makes it difficult to treat. The central (CeA), basolateral (BLA) and lateral (LA) nuclei of the amygdala are involved in the processing and regulation of chronic pain. However, the roles of these nuclei in the maintenance of neuropathic pain, anxiety and depression remain unclear. Thus, the main objective of this study was to investigate the role of amygdala subnuclei in the modulation of neuropathic pain, including the affective-motivational axis, in an experimental model of peripheral neuropathy. The specific goals were as follows: (1) To evaluate the nociceptive responses and the patterns of activation of the CeA, BLA and LA in neuropathic rats; and (2) To evaluate the effect of inactivating the amygdala nuclei on the nociceptive response, anxiety and depressive behaviors, motor activity, and plasma stress hormones in animals with neuropathic pain. Thus, mechanical hyperalgesia and allodynia, and the pattern of c-Fos staining in the amygdala subnuclei were evaluated in rats with chronic constriction of the sciatic nerve, as well as sham-operated and naïve rats. Once the amygdala subnuclei involved in neuropathic pain response were defined, those subnuclei were pharmacological inactivated. The effect of muscimol inactivation on the nociceptive response (hyperalgesia and allodynia), anxiety (elevated plus-maze), depressive-like behavior (forced swim test), motor activity (open field), and plasma stress hormone levels (corticosterone and adrenocorticotropic hormone) were evaluated in sham-operated and neuropathic animals. The results showed that the anterior and posterior portions of the BLA and the central portion of the CeA are involved in controlling neuropathic pain. The inactivation of these nuclei reversed hyperalgesia, allodynia and depressive-like behavior in animals with peripheral neuropathy. Taken together, our findings improve our understanding of the neurocircuitry involved in persistent pain and the roles of specific amygdala subnuclei in the modulation of neuropathic pain, including the neurocircuitry that processes the affective-motivational component of pain.
Scientific process skills test development within the topic “Matter and its Nature” and the predictive effect of different variables on 7th and 8th grade students’ scientific process skill levels
Authors: Tosun Cemal
Published: September 2018

The aim of this study was to develop a Scientific Process Skills Test (SPST) in the context of “Matter and its Nature”. It was investigated whether there was a predictive effect of demographical features and participating out-of-school learning opportunities across the 7th and 8th grade students’ Scientific Process Skill (SPS) levels. Quantitative research methods were used in this study. Data were collected from 289 middle school students for the validity and reliability of the test. The SPST consisted of 30 items and entailed three sub-dimensions (“basic scientific process skills, causal scientific process skills and experimental scientific process skills). The reliability coefficient of the test was calculated using the KR-20 formula and was found to be 0.84. The SPST was applied to 472 middle school students with the aim of determining whether there is a predictive effect of gender, grade level, school location, parent's education level and participation in out-of-school learning opportunities across the 7th and 8th grade students’ SPS levels. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to determine the effects of demographical features and out-of-school learning opportunities on students’ SPS levels. As a result, it was determined that the grade level, gender or mother's education level were important predictor variables that affect middle school students’ SPS levels. It was also determined that out-of-school learning opportunities such as participating in science fairs, designing projects or reading scientific journals had an important predictive effect on students’ SPS levels.
Critical role of {002} preferred orientation on electronic band structure of electrodeposited monoclinic WO3 thin films
Authors: Kwong Wai Ling , Koshy Pramod , Hart Judy N. , Xu Wanqiang , Sorrell Charles C.
Published: September 2018

Decoupled effects of crystallographic {002} orientation and oxygen vacancies on the electronic band structure of monoclinic WO3 films.