bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of MALT1 Decreases Neuroinflammation and Pathogenicity of Virulent Rabies Virus in Mice
Authors: Kip E. , Staal J. , Tima H. G. , Verstrepen L. , Romano M. , Lemeire K. , Suin V. , Hamouda A. , Baens M. , Libert C. , Kalai M. , Van Gucht S. , Beyaert R.
Published: August 2018

Rabies virus is a neurotropic RNA virus that causes encephalitis and still poses an enormous challenge to animal and public health. Efforts to establish reliable therapeutic strategies have been unsuccessful and are hampered by gaps in the understanding of virus pathogenicity. MALT1 is an intracellular protease that mediates the activation of several innate and adaptive immune cells in response to multiple receptors, and therapeutic MALT1 targeting is believed to be a valid approach for autoimmunity and MALT1-addicted cancers. Here, we study the impact of MALT1 deficiency on brain inflammation and disease development in response to infection of mice with the highly virulent CVS-11 rabies virus. We demonstrate that pharmacological or genetic MALT1 inhibition decreases neuroinflammation and extends the survival of CVS-11-infected mice, providing new insights in the biology of MALT1 and rabies virus infection.
Influenza A Virus M2 Protein Apical Targeting Is Required for Efficient Virus Replication
Authors: Wohlgemuth Nicholas , Lane Andrew P. , Pekosz Andrew
Published: August 2018

Influenza A virus assembly and particle release occur at the apical membrane of polarized epithelial cells. The integral membrane proteins encoded by the virus, HA, NA, and M2, are all targeted to the apical membrane and believed to recruit the other structural proteins to sites of virus assembly. By targeting M2 to the basolateral or endoplasmic reticulum membranes, influenza A virus replication was significantly reduced. Basolateral targeting of M2 reduced the infectious virus titers with minimal effects on virus particle release, while targeting to the endoplasmic reticulum resulted in reduced infectious and total virus particle release. Therefore, altering the expression and the intracellular targeting of M2 has major effects on virus replication.
The Eukaryotic Host Factor 14-3-3 Inactivates Adenylate Cyclase Toxins of Bordetella bronchiseptica and B. parapertussis, but Not B. pertussis
Authors: Fukui-Miyazaki Aya , Toshima Hirono , Hiramatsu Yukihiro , Okada Keisuke , Nakamura Keiji , Ishigaki Keisuke , Shinzawa Naoaki , Abe Hiroyuki , Horiguchi Yasuhiko
Published: August 2018

Bordetella pertussis,Bordetella bronchiseptica, andBordetella parapertussisshare highly homologous virulence factors and commonly cause respiratory infections in mammals; however, their host specificities and disease severities differ, and the reasons for this remain largely unknown. Adenylate cyclase toxin (CyaA) is a homologous virulence factor that is thought to play crucial roles inBordetellainfections. We herein demonstrate that CyaAs function as virulence factors differently betweenB. bronchiseptica/B. parapertussisandB. pertussis.B.bronchisepticaCyaA bound to target cells, and its enzyme domain was translocated into the cytosol similarly toB.pertussisCyaA. The hemolytic activity ofB.bronchisepticaCyaA on sheep erythrocytes was also preserved. However, in nucleated target cells,B.bronchisepticaCyaA was phosphorylated at Ser375, which constitutes a motif (RSXpSXP [pS is phosphoserine]) recognized by the host factor 14-3-3, resulting in the abrogation of adenylate cyclase activity. Consequently, the cytotoxic effects ofB.bronchisepticaCyaA based on its enzyme activity were markedly attenuated.B.parapertussisCyaA carries the 14-3-3 motif, indicating that its intracellular enzyme activity is abrogated similarly toB.bronchisepticaCyaA; however,B.pertussisCyaA has Phe375instead of Ser, and thus, was not affected by 14-3-3. In addition,B.pertussisCyaA impaired the barrier function of epithelial cells, whereasB.bronchisepticaCyaA did not. Rat infection experiments suggested that functional differences in CyaA are related to differences in pathogenicity betweenB. bronchiseptica/B.parapertussisandB. pertussis.

IMPORTANCEBordetella pertussis,B. bronchiseptica, andB. parapertussisare bacterial respiratory pathogens that are genetically close to each other and produce many homologous virulence factors; however, their host specificities and disease severities differ, and the reasons for this remain unknown. Previous studies attempted to explain these differences by the distinct virulence factors produced by eachBordetellaspecies. In contrast, we indicated functional differences in adenylate cyclase toxin, a homologous virulence factor ofBordetella. The toxins ofB. bronchisepticaand presumablyB. parapertussiswere inactivated by the host factor 14-3-3 after phosphorylation in target cells, whereas theB. pertussistoxin was not inactivated because of the lack of the phosphorylation site. This is the first study to show that 14-3-3 inactivates the virulence factors of pathogens. The present results suggest that pathogenic differences inBordetellaare attributed to the different activities of adenylate cyclase toxins.
Minimal disseminated disease evaluation and outcome in trilateral retinoblastoma
Authors: Torbidoni Ana V , Sampor Claudia , Laurent Viviana E , Aschero Rosario , Iyer Saipriya , Rossi Jorge , Alderete Daniel , Alonso Daniel F , Szijan Irene , Chantada Guillermo L
Published: August 2018

Trilateral retinoblastoma (TRb) presents a management challenge, since intracranial tumours are seldom times resectable and quickly disseminate. However, there are no risk factors to predict the final outcome in each patient.

Objective

To evaluate minimal disseminated disease (MDD) in the bone marrow (BM) and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) at diagnosis and during follow-up and reviewing its potential impact in the outcome of patients with TRb.

Methods and analysis

We evaluated MDD in five patients with TRb, detecting the mRNA of CRX and/or GD2, in samples from BM and CSF, obtained at diagnosis, follow-up and relapse.

Results

Treatment involved intensive systemic chemotherapy in four patients, one did not receive this treatment and died of progression of the disease. Two patients underwent stem cell rescue. Three patients had leptomeningeal relapse and died. One patient remains disease-free for 84 months. RB1 mutations were identified in the five patients, all of them were null mutations. At diagnosis, one patient had tumour cells in the CSF, and none had the BM involved. Only one case of four presented MDD during follow-up in the CSF, without concomitant detection in the BM. On leptomeningeal relapse, no case had MDD in the BM. In all these cases, cells in the CSF were positive for GD2 and/or CRX.

Conclusion

CSF dissemination always concluded in the death of the patient, without concomitant systemic dissemination denoting the importance of increasing treatment directed to the CSF compartment. The MDD presence could indicate a forthcoming relapse.
The dynamic behaviors of nodes driving the structural balance for complex dynamical networks via adaptive decentralized control
Authors: Gao Zilin , Wang Yinhe , Zhang Lili , Huang Yuanyuan , Wang Wenli
Published: August 2018

The structural balance based on the triads structure is used to describe the evolution of the relationships in a social network of humans or animals, where the social network can be abstracted into a complex dynamical network which is composed of the nodes subsystem (NS) and the connection relationships subsystem (CS) coupled with each other. Similar to the synchronization or stabilization in NS with the help of CS, structural balance may be arrived at in CS with the help of NS. In this paper, the CS is described by the Riccati linear matrix differential equation with dynamical coupling term, only including the internal states of the NS. We mainly focus on the dynamic behaviors of NS which can lead to the structural balance in CS. It has been proved under some mathematical conditions that if the NS converges to some nonzero constant targets via the adaptive decentralized control scheme for each node, then the CS will asymptotically track a certain structural balance via the effective coupling. Such a result can be used as a specific explanation for the relationship between the structural balance and the dynamic changes of the nodes’ states. Finally, the simulation example is given to show the validity of the method in this paper.
Simulation of structural characteristics of Mullite melt at high pressure
Authors: Lan Mai Thi , Iitaka Toshiaki , Hong Nguyen Van
Published: August 2018

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation is applied to investigate the structural characteristics of Al2O3–SiO2 system with the Al2O3 content at 60 mol.% (Mullite — 3Al2O[Formula: see text]2SiO2). MD models containing 5250 atoms in cubic box with periodic boundary conditions are constructed at 3500 K in 0–100 GPa pressure range. The Born–Mayer–Huggins potential is applied in this study. Based on the cluster analyzes and MD data visualization technique, the structural characteristics of Mullite melt, such as the short-range and intermediate-range order, the local environments of oxygen and network structure will be clarified. Under compression, the Al–O bonds are broken, leading to incorporation of Al atoms into Si–O subnet through both nonbridging oxygen (NBO) and bridging oxygen (BO), forming –Al–O–Si-network (Al–O–Si, Si–O–Al2, Si2–O–Al, Si–O–Al3, Si2–O–Al2 and Si3–O–Al). The degree of polymerization (DOP) of the silica network and alumina network increase with pressure and the DOP of SiOx-network is lower than that of AlO[Formula: see text]-network under compression. The statistics of corner, edge and face-sharing bonds between two adjacent TO[Formula: see text] units (T is Si, Al; x = 3–7) as well as characteristics of all type OT[Formula: see text] linkages (y = 2–6) are investigated in detail. Structural and compositional heterogeneities are clarified via analysis of structure and size distribution of TO[Formula: see text]-clusters.
The parameter space and third law of thermodynamics for the Borges–Roditi, Abe and Sharma–Mittal entropies
Authors: Canturk Bilal , Oikonomou Thomas , Baris Bagci G.
Published: August 2018

In order to investigate the role of the parameter space on the third law of thermodynamics, we have checked the validity intervals of the Borges–Roditi, Abe and Sharma–Mittal entropies in the framework of the third law of thermodynamics. The two-parameter Borges–Roditi entropy conforms to the third law for a [Formula: see text] 1, 0 [Formula: see text] b [Formula: see text] 1 or b [Formula: see text] 1, 0 [Formula: see text] a [Formula: see text] 1 due to its a [Formula: see text] b symmetry, while the Abe entropy satisfies the third law in the interval [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] 1 or [Formula: see text]. Since the validity interval of the single-parameter Abe entropy can be fully recovered from the two-parameter Borges–Roditi entropy, we note that the third law is immune to the reduction of the parameters in this particular case. The Sharma–Mittal entropy, in this same context, is valid in the interval 0 [Formula: see text] q [Formula: see text] 1, whereas its second parameter r can take any real values without restriction. The interval 0 [Formula: see text] q [Formula: see text] 1 is the intersection of the Sharma–Mittal entropy with its reduced expressions, i.e., the Tsallis and Rényi entropies from the third law perspective. This implies that the additional parameter r of the Sharma–Mittal entropy indeed renders it more generalized compared to the one-parameter Rényi and Tsallis entropies when validated by the third law of thermodynamics. Therefore, based on these observations, we deduce that an additional parameter can extend the interval of validity of the third law for a particular generalized entropy only when this additional parameter is not confined by reduction to some other generalized entropy definitions. We also check our theoretical results by using the one-dimensional Ising model with periodic boundary conditions under zero external field.
Vibration Frequency Analysis of Beam–Ring Structure for Circular Deployable Truss Antenna
Authors: Wu R. Q. , Zhang W. , Behdinan K.
Published: August 2018

The circular truss antenna of the large aperture is considered to be a flexible structure which may cause vibration in space and may affect its performance. The frequency analysis of the circular truss antenna is an important problem for understanding its vibration mechanism. In this paper, we investigate the frequency characteristics of a beam–ring structure which is proposed for the first time to model the circular truss antenna in the case of the antenna expended and locked. Based on describing the displacements of the beam–ring system in detail, the kinetic energy and potential energy are calculated. The partial differential governing equations of motion and boundary conditions for the beam–ring structure are derived by Hamilton principle. From the linear parts of the governing equations of motion and the corresponding boundary conditions, the linear frequencies of the beam–ring structure are theoretically obtained. The effects of the physical parameters on the frequency characteristics of the beam–ring structure are studied, which are further verified by the numerical results. The finding phenomena of this paper are helpful for designing and controlling the beam–ring structure such as the circular truss antenna.
Graphene Quantum Dots-Coated Bismuth Nanoparticles for Improved CT Imaging and Photothermal Performance
Authors: Badrigilan Samireh , Shaabani Behrouz , Aghaji Nahideh Ghareh , Mesbahi Asghar
Published: August 2018

By integrating high-performance CT imaging and photothermal therapy (PTT) into one nanoprobe, an effective theranostic can be achieved for clinical cancer treatment. In this study, the graphene quantum dots (GQDs)-coated bismuth (Bi) nanoparticle (NP) as a theranostic nanoprobe is synthesized and its capabilities for computed tomography (CT) imaging and PTT are investigated. Such nanotheranostic exhibits good physiological dispersity with satisfactory blood compatibility and cytotoxicity. Most importantly, the GQDs-Bi NPs offer strong and steady absorbance profile in NIR region with excellent photostability, which can remarkably convert photo-to-thermal with the photothermal efficiency of 30.0%. Thanks to the powerful PTT effect, co-delivery of GQDs-Bi NPs/NIR laser can effectively induce HeLa cells death in vitro. Cooperatively, NPs hold X-ray attenuation coefficient for high-contrast CT imaging with the corresponding CT improvement efficacy as high as 32.7[Formula: see text]HU[Formula: see text]mg[Formula: see text]. The obtained results highlight the potential of GQDs-Bi NPs as a successful theranostic nanoagent for CT imaging and cancer photothermal therapy.
Catenary image denoising method using lifting wavelet-based contourlet transform with cycle shift-invariance
Authors: Wu Changdong , Jiang Hua
Published: August 2018

In the catenary status detection system based on the image processing, quality of the captured catenary image is critical. In order to obtain a high quality image for further analysis, this paper proposes a new catenary image denoising method based on lifting wavelet-based contourlet transform with cycle shift-invariance (LWBCTCS). In this method, the lifting wavelet is first constructed based on wavelet transform (WT). Then, to decrease the redundancy of contourlet transform (CT), the lifting wavelet-based contourlet transform (LWBCT) is built by using the lifting wavelet to replace the Laplacian pyramid (LP) transform of CT. Finally, the LWBCT with the cycle shift-invariance (LWBCTCS) algorithm is combined to reduce the pseudo-Gibbs phenomena of LWBCT. The proposed method not only has the virtues of multi-scale and multi-direction, but also reduces the visual artifacts in the denoised image. The results of comparative experiments with captured catenary image show that the proposed method can achieve satisfactory denoising performance, in particular, for catenary image with abundant texture and detail outline information. It not only eliminates noise but also preserves the textures and details simultaneously. Besides, comprehensive consideration of the denoising performance shows that the proposed algorithm in terms of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) and mean squared error (MSE) is stable than those conventional denoising algorithms, including WT, CT, curvelet transform (CV) and BLS-GSM methods. The visual quality as well as quantitative metrics is superior than those conventional denoising methods.
Bangladesh: Southern Branch of the Silk Road
Authors: Baaquie Belal Ehsan , Roehner Bertrand M , Wang Qing-hai
Published: August 2018

Over the last few years, a number of archaeological discoveries have been made that have raised questions and opened up possibly new understanding of the ancient history of Bangladesh. The findings at Wari–Bateshwar point to the possibility of a city-based civilization in the Ganges–Brahmaputra delta dating back to 4,000 BC. Another new discovery, which is being actively studied, is the possible existence of a branch of the Silk Road going through Bangladesh. A theoretical framework is required to guide an investigation as well as to acquire and interpret data. This paper explores a framework based on the existence of a southern branch of the Silk Road going through Bangladesh; and then goes on to study the impact that the existence of this route could have had on the history of Bangladesh and, in particular, on the advent of Islam.
Icaritin Provokes Serum Thrombopoietin and Downregulates Thrombopoietin/MPL of the Bone Marrow in a Mouse Model of Immune Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Zhang Ke , Dai Zhenfeng , Liu Runzhe , Tian Fang , Liu Xi , Sun Yi , Zhao Xin , Pu Xiaoping
Published: August 2018

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a common acquired autoimmune disease, and thrombopoietin (TPO) is an important cytokine that regulates the production of megakaryocytes and platelets. We have identified a biologically active component, icaritin, from a Chinese herba epimedii extract. Icaritin promotes platelet production and regulates T cell polarization, but its mechanism is not clear. In this study, the BALB/c mouse model of ITP was established by injection of an antiplatelet antibody every other day for seven total times. The antiplatelet sera were derived from guinea pigs immunized with the platelets of BALB/c mice. Mice with ITP were treated with icaritin at low, moderate, or high doses of 4.73, 9.45, and 18.90 mg/kg, respectively, for fourteen consecutive days. The present study shows that icaritin can significantly increase peripheral blood platelet counts and thrombocytocrit, increase the TPO level in serum, attenuate splenomegaly, and reduce the abnormal proliferation of megakaryocytes in the spleen and bone marrow. Icaritin can also downregulate the expression of bone marrow TPO, myeloproliferative leukemia virus oncogene (MPL), and p-Stat3. Our results suggest that icaritin can significantly improve the health of mice with ITP via possible downregulation of p-Stat3 expression in the JAK2/Stat3 phosphorylation signaling pathway and regulation of bone marrow TPO/MPL metabolism.
Hydrogen Sulfide and Hydrogen Sulfide-Synthesizing Enzymes Are Altered in a Case of Oral Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma
Authors: Dongsoo Kim , Chen Jie , Wei Eric , Ansari Junaid , Meram Andrew , Patel Stavan , Ghali Ghali , Kevil Christopher , Shackelford Rodney E.
Published: August 2018

Adenoid cystic carcinomas (ACC) constitute 1% of all head and neck malignancies and are very rare in the oral cavity. With < 60 oral ACCs described, their pathobiology is incompletely understood. Here, we report a case of oral cavity ACC in a 54-year-old woman. Since recent studies have demonstrated that several human tumors overexpress the hydrogen sulfide (H2S)-synthesizing enzymes cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS), cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE), and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3-MST), and also show dysregulated H2S levels, we examined these biomarkers in the oral ACC and compared the results to those of adjacent benign oral epithelium. Western blotting was used to compare the protein expression of CBS, CSE, 3-MST, nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase, and mitoNEET in ACC and adjacent benign oral mucosae. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to quantify the differences in tissue H2S concentrations between the two biopsy types. We found that all the proteins examined here were increased in the ACC compared to adjacent benign oral mucosae. Interestingly, H2S concentrations were decreased approximately 30% in ACC compared to benign mucosae. Thus, in one example of this rare tumor type, the enzymes that synthesize H2S are increased, while tissue H2S levels are lower than those found in adjacent benign oral mucosae. Although limited to a single rare tumor type, to our knowledge this is the second time H2S concentrations have been directly quantified inside a human tumor. Last, our results may indicate that alterations in H2S synthesis and metabolism may be important in the pathobiology of ACC.
Effect of Strict Volume Control on Renal Progression and Mortality in Non-Dialysis-Dependent Chronic Kidney Disease Patients: A Prospective Interventional Study
Authors: Esmeray Kubra , Dizdar Oguzhan Sıtkı , Erdem Selahattin , Gunal Ali İhsan
Published: August 2018

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of volume status on the progressions of renal disease in normovolemic and hypervolemic patients with advanced non-dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease (CKD) who were apparently normovolemic in conventional physical exam­ination. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective interventional study performed in a group of stage 3–5 CKD patients followed up for 1 year. Three measurements were made for volume and renal status for every patient. The fluid status was assessed by a bioimpedance spectroscopy method. A blood pressure (BP) value > 130/80 mm Hg prompted the initiation or dose increment of diuretic treatment in normovolemic patients. Result: Forty-eight patients (48%) were hypervolemic. At the end of the 1-year follow-up, hypervolemic patients were found to have a significantly lower estimated glomerular filtration rate and higher systolic BP compared to baseline. Hypervolemia was associated with an increased incidence of death. Conclusion: We have shown that maintenance of normovolemia with diuretic therapy in normovolemic patients was able to slow down and even improve the progression of renal disease. Volume overload leads to an increased risk for dialysis initiation and a decrease in renal function in advanced CKD. Volume overload exhibits a stronger association with mortality in CKD patients.
Learning Data Manifolds with a Cutting Plane Method
Authors: Chung SueYeon , Cohen Uri , Sompolinsky Haim , Lee Daniel D.
Published: August 2018

We consider the problem of classifying data manifolds where each manifold represents invariances that are parameterized by continuous degrees of freedom. Conventional data augmentation methods rely on sampling large numbers of training examples from these manifolds. Instead, we propose an iterative algorithm, [Formula: see text], based on a cutting plane approach that efficiently solves a quadratic semi-infinite programming problem to find the maximum margin solution. We provide a proof of convergence as well as a polynomial bound on the number of iterations required for a desired tolerance in the objective function. The efficiency and performance of [Formula: see text] are demonstrated in high-dimensional simulations and on image manifolds generated from the ImageNet data set. Our results indicate that [Formula: see text] is able to rapidly learn good classifiers and shows superior generalization performance compared with conventional maximum margin methods using data augmentation methods.
The Wicked Priest’s Day of Atonement Assault Revisited
Authors: Tropper Amram
Published: August 2018

Pesher Habakkuk tells an enigmatic story about the Wicked Priest who caused the Righteous Teacher and his followers to stumble one Day of Atonement. Shortly after the pesher was discovered, Shemaryahu Talmon offered an interpretation of this story that most scholars have accepted. According to Talmon, the Wicked Priest’s opposition to unsanctioned calendars prompted him to prevent the Righteous Teacher and his followers from observing the Day of Atonement on its rightful day in their dissident calendar. Though widely accepted, I maintain that this calendrical interpretation finds little support in the pesher and, therefore, its broad appeal is puzzling. Furthermore, I propose that Talmon’s calendrical interpretation and its popularity are highly indebted to a famous rabbinic story of a calendrical dispute. In the hopes of illuminating the pesher’s cryptic account, modern scholars retrojected a rabbinic plot into the pesher’s narrative, thereby remaking the pesher in the image of the rabbis.
Abner of Burgos: The Missing Link between Nasir al-Din al-Tusi and Nicolaus Copernicus?
Authors: Nosonovsky Michael
Published: August 2018

The geometrical theorem known as the ‘Tusi couple’ was first discovered by Persian astronomer Nasir al-Din al-Tusi (1201–1274). The Tusi couple was believed to be discovered for Europeans by Nicolaus Copernicus (1473–1543) and it played an important role in the development of his planetary system. It has been suggested by Willy Hartner, that Copernicus borrowed it from al-Tusi, however, a particular way of transmission is not known. In this article I show that Spanish-Jewish author Abner of Burgos (1270–1340) was familiar with the Tusi couple and followed Tusi’s notation in his diagrams. This may provide a missing link in the transmission of the Muslim astronomic knowledge to Europe and advance our understanding of the European Renaissance as a multicultural phenomenon.
Human Mobility and Climate Change
Authors: Dawson Grant , Laut Rachel
Published: August 2018

Climate change will have distinct impacts on various regions and populations. In this context, human mobility can be an empowered adaptation strategy or an unwelcome necessity for survival with a high human cost. Existing legal frameworks were not created with a view to addressing human mobility in this context; there is presently scarce political will to develop new, bespoke legal mechanisms. The insufficiency of legal frameworks, coupled with increasing recognition that attempts to mitigate global warming will not be sufficient to prevent massive human movements, have driven the development of an adaptive approach. This article explores this development, first analyzing the conceptualization of human mobility in the context of climate change. The shift in focus from a rights-based to an adaptive approach is then discussed through an examination of the underpinnings of each approach. The article concludes with a consideration of the way forward, given the existing political landscape.
A key to species of the leafhopper genus Tambocerus (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae, Deltocephalinae) with description of a new species from Pakistan
Authors: NAVEED HASSAN , ZHANG YALIN
Published: August 2018

The leafhopper genus Tambocerus Zhang & Webb is reported from Pakistan for the first time with the description of a new species, Tambocerus bulbulus sp. nov. A species checklist with distribution summary and a key to species for males are provided.
Ophichthus johnmccoskeri sp. nov. (Anguilliformes: Ophichthidae): a new snake eel from Indian waters, Bay of Bengal
Authors: MOHAPATRA ANIL , RAY DIPANJAN , MOHANTY SWARUP R. , MISHRA SUBHRENDU SEKHAR
Published: August 2018

A new species of snake eel (Anguilliformes: Ophichthidae: Ophichthinae), Ophichthus johnmccoskeri sp. nov., is described from three specimens collected from the northern part of the Bay of Bengal, India. Ophichthus johnmccoskeri sp. nov. is distinguished from its congeners by having the dorsal-fin origin well behind the pectoral-fin tips, by tooth pattern (lower jaw with a single row anteriorly followed by biserial teeth on anterior sides and tri-serial teeth posteriorly), and vertebral count (24 predorsal, 51–52 preanal, and 156–158 total).The new species has a single barbel between the anterior and posterior nostrils; vomerine teeth biserial anteriorly, multi to triserial and biserial medially and in a single row posteriorly; maxillary teeth biserial anteriorly and triserial posteriorly; tip of the lower jaw toothless; and tail length 1.6 times in total length.
Review of the leafhopper tribe Macrostelini Kirkaldy (Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae) in Pakistan with description of a new species
Authors: NAVEED HASSAN , ZHANG YALIN
Published: August 2018

The leafhopper tribe Macrostelini is reviewed for Pakistan with description of a new species Macrosteles parafalcatus sp. nov. and a new record Balclutha pararubrostriata n. rec. to Pakistan described and illustrated. Keys are given to distinguish the macrosteline genera and species recorded from Pakistan.
The Community Foehn Classification Experiment
Authors: Mayr Georg j. , Plavcan David , Armi Laurence , Elvidge Andrew , Grisogono Branko , Horvath Kristian , Jackson Peter , Neururer Alfred , Seibert Petra , Steenburgh James W. , Stiperski Ivana , Sturman Andrew , Večenaj Željko , Vergeiner Johannes , Vosper Simon , Zängl Günther
Published: August 2018

Strong winds crossing elevated terrain and descending to its lee occur over mountainous areas worldwide. Winds fulfilling these two criteria are called foehn in this paper although different names exist depending on the region, the sign of the temperature change at onset, and the depth of the overflowing layer. These winds affect the local weather and climate and impact society. Classification is difficult because other wind systems might be superimposed on them or share some characteristics. Additionally, no unanimously agreed-upon name, definition, nor indications for such winds exist. The most trusted classifications have been performed by human experts. A classification experiment for different foehn locations in the Alps and different classifier groups addressed hitherto unanswered questions about the uncertainty of these classifications, their reproducibility, and dependence on the level of expertise. One group consisted of mountain meteorology experts, the other two of master’s degree students who had taken mountain meteorology courses, and a further two of objective algorithms. Sixty periods of 48 h were classified for foehn–no foehn conditions at five Alpine foehn locations. The intra-human-classifier detection varies by about 10 percentage points (interquartile range). Experts and students are nearly indistinguishable. The algorithms are in the range of human classifications. One difficult case appeared twice in order to examine the reproducibility of classified foehn duration, which turned out to be 50% or less. The classification dataset can now serve as a test bed for automatic classification algorithms, which—if successful—eliminate the drawbacks of manual classifications: lack of scalability and reproducibility.
Ultrafine Particles in the Lower Troposphere: Major Sources, Invisible Plumes, and Meteorological Transport Processes
Authors: Junkermann Wolfgang , Hacker Jorg M.
Published: August 2018

Ultrafine particles (UFPs) are distributed highly unevenly in the lower troposphere. Although these UFPs are positively detectable and have been studied for more than a century, their three-dimensional distribution, formation, and budget in the atmosphere remain largely uncertain, despite their obvious climate relevance. This is due to their short lifetime and the fact that they are invisible to the human eye and to remote sensing techniques. From the moment of their emission or generation, their spatial distribution is a result of meteorological processes, regional-scale transport, local thermal convection, and rapid loss by interaction with clouds as cloud condensation nuclei. Here, we report about three-dimensional airborne in situ studies aimed at investigating UFP sources, distribution, and behavior on different spatial and temporal scales. We identified fossil fuel–burning power stations, refineries, and smelters as major anthropogenic UFP sources. On a regional scale, their emissions are significantly higher than urban emissions. Particle emissions from such power stations are released typically at altitudes between 200 and 300 m AGL. Detailed in situ measurements of particle concentration and related parameters, together with meteorological measurements and analyses, enable reliable source attribution even over several hundred kilometers downwind from the emitter. Comprehensive meteorological analysis is required to understand the highly variable 3D concentration patterns generated by advective transport and thermal convection. Knowledge of primary emission strength, together with size distributions and atmospheric 3D transport of UFPs derived from airborne measurements, makes it possible to estimate the aerosols’ impact on meteorology, hydrological cycles, and climate.
Snowmelt Events in Autumn Can Reduce or Cancel the Soil Warming Effect of Snow–Vegetation Interactions in the Arctic
Authors: Barrere Mathieu , Domine Florent , Belke-Brea Maria , Sarrazin Denis
Published: August 2018

The warming-induced growth of vegetation in the Arctic is responsible for various climate feedbacks. Snow–vegetation interactions are currently thought to increase the snow-insulating capacity in the Arctic and thus to limit soil winter cooling. Here, we focus on autumn and early winter processes to evaluate the impact of the presence of erect shrubs and small trees on soil temperature and freezing. We use snow height and thermal conductivity data monitored near Umiujaq, a low-Arctic site in northern Quebec, Canada (56°N, 76°W), to estimate the snow thermal insulance in different vegetation covers. We furthermore conducted a field campaign in autumn 2015. Results show that the occurrence of melting at the beginning of the snow season counteracted the soil warming effect of snow–vegetation interactions. Refrozen layers on the surface prevented wind drift and the preferential accumulation of snow in shrubs or trees. Snowmelt was more intense in high vegetation covers, where the formation of refrozen layers of high thermal conductivity at the base of the snowpack facilitated the release of soil heat, accelerating its cooling. Consequently, the soil was not necessarily the warmest under high vegetation covers as long as melting events occurred. We conclude that under conditions where melting events become more frequent in autumn, as expected under climate warming, conditions become more favorable to maintain a negative feedback among the growth of erect vegetation, snow, and soil temperature in the Arctic, rather than a positive feedback as described under colder climates.
Surfzone State Estimation, with Applications to Quadcopter-Based Remote Sensing Data
Authors: Wilson Gregory , Berezhnoy Stephen
Published: August 2018

A one-dimensional variational data assimilation (1DVar) method is presented based on the depth- and time-averaged alongshore-uniform surfzone wave and current equations, for simultaneous estimation of three uncertain variables: bathymetry, incident wave boundary conditions, and bed roughness. The method is validated using twin tests and in situ field observations, and its results are shown to be comparable to those of an existing ensemble-based bathymetry inversion technique. Unlike existing techniques, the ability to simultaneously estimate boundary conditions and bed roughness along with bathymetry also means the 1DVar method can produce full state estimates without the requirement for additional supporting measurements (e.g., direct measurements of the incident waves). A proof-of-concept field application is shown using observations collected from an unmanned quadcopter sensor package that measures surfzone wave height from a fixed-beam lidar range finder, and time-averaged longshore current from particle image velocimetry of drifting surface foam.
Cultural and Religious Diversity in Hospice and Palliative Care: A Qualitative Cross-Country Comparative Analysis of the Challenges of Health-Care Professionals
Authors: Pentaris Panagiotis , Thomsen Louise L.
Published: August 2018

Research has abundantly demonstrated a strong relationship between culture, religion, and the experiences of death, dying, and bereavement. Consequently, cultural competence and a religiously sensitive practice have become highly relevant to social policies and professional practice. However, our current knowledge of culturally competent and religiously sensitive end-of-life care is primarily context specific, with little space for generalizability. This article reports on findings from a qualitative comparative analysis of two nation-specific studies that examined religious literacy and cultural competency, respectively, among palliative-care professionals, drawing on similarities and attempting to identify further applicability of nation-centered knowledge. The study recognized six practice-based approaches in palliative and hospice care, when responding to cultural and religious or nonreligious identities of services users. These approaches intersect with each other via three organizational layers identified in the study: foundations, culture, and professionals. Each identified practice-based approach seems to be incomplete when working with individuals for whom religion, belief, and cultural identities are important. Change in practice is possible if all three organizational layers are considered simultaneously, while further research will shed more light about the benefits and challenges of each approach.
The Ending Effect in Investment Decisions: The Motivational Need for an Emotionally Rewarding Ending
Authors: Xing Cai , Meng Yuqi , Isaacowitz Derek M. , Wen Yue , Lin Zhongxin
Published: August 2018

The present study examined the power of endings on risky decision making. With four experiments, the changes in the individuals’ risk-taking tendencies were examined as the end of an investment decision task approached; the role of motivational shift toward emotional satisfaction in the ending effect was also explored. As predicted, participants who knew they were working on the last round of an investment task were more risk seeking than those who did not know (i.e., ending effect, Experiment 1). Experiments 2 through 4 examined the motivational mechanism of the ending effect. The results supported the notion that the motivation to pursue an emotionally rewarding ending leads to the ending effect. The present research complements existing motivational accounts of risk taking and suggests a new research direction of integrating factors associated with time perception of an approaching ending into existing models of risky decision making.
Large-Scale Innovative Projects as Temporary Trading Zones: Toward an Interlanguage Theory
Authors: Lenfle Sylvain , Söderlund Jonas
Published: August 2018

Large-scale innovative projects (LSIPs) play a central role in arranging for exploratory and strategic opportunity seeking that transcends organizational and disciplinary boundaries. This paper outlines a theory that addresses the two most salient characteristics of such organizations: their extreme task uniqueness and high degree of interdisciplinarity. Drawing on the work of Peter Galison and the case of the Radiation Laboratory project, we introduce the notion of LSIPs as ‘temporary trading zones’ and posit the centrality of ‘interlanguage creation’ for coordinating such projects. We demonstrate that LSIPs foster and, indeed, practically necessitate the creation of an interlanguage via interaction among three core elements: linguistic representations, project management tools and material representations. Summarizing our observations, we propose a process model of interlanguage creation in LSIPs; this model identifies five critical developmental phases that reveal how the three core elements interact to create an interlanguage.
Single- vs. double-dose gadolinium contrast in delayed gadolinium-enhanced MRI of cartilage (dGEMRIC) in knee osteoarthritis: is dose reduction possible on 3-T MRI?
Authors: Hangaard Stine , Gade Jesper Sörensson , Hansen Philip , Damm Nybing Janus , Gudbergsen Henrik , Bliddal Henning , Boesen Mikael
Published: August 2018

Background

Reduction in gadolinium (Gd) contrast agents is wanted due to the uncertainty of the potential side effects.

Purpose

To investigate whether it is possible to reduce the contrast dose from conventional double dose to single dose when increasing the field strength from 1.5-T to 3-T for separating early cartilage degeneration from healthy cartilage, assessed by delayed gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of cartilage (dGEMRIC).

Material and Methods

Nine patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA), Kellgren–Lawrence grade (KLG) 1–4, were recruited from an ongoing weight loss cohort study. dGEMRIC was performed at 3-T using single (0.1 mmoI/kg) and double (0.2 mmoI/kg) doses of intravenous (i.v.) Gd-DTPA2-. Regions of interest (ROls) were drawn around the posterior weight-bearing femoral knee cartilage in lateral and medial compartments. In five medial compartments ROIs could not be drawn due to severe degeneration of cartilage. T1-relaxation times were compared to previously published values from 1.5-T and to non-contrast values from 3-T.

Results

Mean dGEMRIC T1-relaxation time in the lateral compartment was 769 ms for single dose vs. 561 ms for double dose ( P < 0.0001); and 685 ms for single dose vs. 454 ms for double dose ( P = 0.004) in the medial compartment.

Conclusion

We found a dose-response relationship between single and double doses of Gd-DTPA2- using 3-T in knee OA patients, similar to the findings at 1.5-T. Compared to the T1-relaxation time at 3-T without contrast (1240 ms), this further separation between OA and normal cartilage indicates that “single dose” dGEMRIC could be sufficient for cartilage health assessment at 3-T.
High Resolution Modeling and Modeling of Connections in Pony-Truss Bridges
Authors: Butler Martin A. , Swanson James A. , Rassati Gian A. , Dues Eric F.
Published: August 2018

Pony-truss bridges are usually modeled using simplifying assumptions, such as pinned connections and analyzing the trusses separately from the rest of the structure. Pony-truss bridges are also generally designated as possessing many Fracture Critical Members (FCM), a characteristic that requires more rigorous inspections. Eliminating or reducing the number of FCM is desirable as it reduces inspection costs. A high-resolution model of a pony-truss bridge was assembled in ABAQUS CAE that explicitly models the behavior of the gusset plates in the connections and the angles in the framed stringer connections. This model indicated alternative load paths that are potential sources of redundancy useful for retrofit or reclassification of bridges with FCM designation. Higher-resolution models of framed stringer connections were also made in ABAQUS CAE using solid elements explicitly modeling the bolted connections. The connections were loaded in tension; what the stringers must hold if they supply an alternative load path for the truss in the event of fracture in the bottom chord. The primary objective of the work described is to provide high-resolution finite element analysis results that can be used to create general behavior for lower-resolution finite element models used in fracture critical analyses to reclassify FCM as non-fracture critical. The results of high-resolution modeling reveal the behavior that is necessary to include in these lower-resolution models, as well as potential alternative load paths. Lower-resolution models are assembled in SAP2000 and matched to the higher-resolution models.
A Modeling Analysis of Impact from E-Hailing Service on Non-Work Travel Mode in Shanghai, China
Authors: Zhong Jiayu , Ye Xin , Wang Ke , Li Dongjin
Published: August 2018

With the rapid development of mobility services, e-hailing service have been highly prevalent and e-hailing travel has become a part of daily life in many cities in China. At the same time, travelers’ mode choice behaviors have been influenced to some degree by different factors, and in this paper, a web-based retrospective survey initially conducted in Shanghai, China is used to analyze the extent to which various factors are influencing mode choice behaviors. Then, a multinomial-logit-based mode choice model is developed to incorporate the e-hailing auto mode as a new travel mode for non-work trips. The developed model can help to identify influential factors and quantify their impact on mode choice probabilities. The developed model involves a variety of explanatory variables including e-hailing/taxi fare, bus travel time, rail station access/egress distance, trip distance, car in-vehicle travel time as well as travelers’ socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, etc. The model indicates that the e-hailing fare, travel companions and some travelers’ characteristics (e.g., age, income, etc.) are significant factors influencing the choice of e-hailing mode. The alternative-specific constant in the e-hailing utility equation is adjusted to match the observed market share of the e-hailing mode. Based on the developed model, elasticities of LOS attributes are computed and discussed. The research methods used in this paper have the potential to be applied to investigate travel behavior changes under the influence of emerging travel modes. The research findings can aid in evaluating policies to manage e-hailing services and improve their levels of services.
Developing a Pre-Task Safety Briefing Tool for Kentucky Maintenance Personnel
Authors: Al-Shabbani Zamaan , Sturgill Roy , Dadi Gabriel B.
Published: August 2018

The dangerous work environment in the construction industry and the inherent high risks associated with its work make it the focus of safety training and regulations. Highway construction and maintenance has unique hazards but seemingly less directly applicable safety standards, regulations, and programs. Department of Transportation (DOT) employees working in highway maintenance are exposed to a variety of unique hazards specifically associated with their work and not relating to the adjacent traffic. Highway site safety does not receive sufficient attention in terms of safety research and programs. As part of the efforts of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) to improve safety for their employees, this paper describes the data-driven design of a pre-task safety briefing tool. By analyzing previous incident data of KYTC maintenance workers and identifying frequent hazards present within their typical work operations and the reasons behind such hazards, the final product of this study is a tool that is relatable and relevant to KYTC maintenance workers. The tool presents these hazards along with the associated reasons and the appropriate safety practices to avoid or mitigate the associated risk. The data analysis of this study highlighted that human factors and ergonomics play a significant role in the injuries related to the subject population, yet there is little guidance or standards for addressing these factors. The goal of this safety tool is to improve the safety performance of KYTC maintenance crews by increasing workers’ safety awareness.
On modeling thin inclusions in elastic bodies with a damage parameter
Authors: Khludnev A. M.
Published: August 2018

In this paper, we analyze equilibrium problems for 2D elastic bodies with two thin inclusions in the presence of damage. A delamination of the inclusions from the matrix is assumed, thus forming a crack between the elastic body and the inclusions. Nonlinear boundary conditions at the crack faces are considered to prevent a mutual penetration between the faces. Weak and strong formulations of the problems are discussed. The paper provides an asymptotic analysis with respect to the damage parameter. An optimal control problem is analyzed with a cost functional to be equal to the derivative of the energy functional with respect to the crack length, and the damage parameter being a control function.