bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Navigating cognition: Spatial codes for human thinking
Authors: Bellmund Jacob L. S. , Gärdenfors Peter , Moser Edvard I. , Doeller Christian F.
Published: November 2018

A framework for cognitive spaces

Ever since Tolman's proposal of cognitive maps in the 1940s, the question of how spatial representations support flexible behavior has been a contentious topic. Bellmund
et al.
review and combine concepts from cognitive science and philosophy with findings from neurophysiology of spatial navigation in rodents to propose a framework for cognitive neuroscience. They argue that spatial-processing principles in the hippocampalentorhinal region provide a geometric code to map information domains of cognitive spaces for high-level cognition and discuss recent evidence for this proposal.

Science
, this issue p.
eaat6766
Ultralow-loading platinum-cobalt fuel cell catalysts derived from imidazolate frameworks
Authors: Chong Lina , Wen Jianguo , Kubal Joseph , Sen Fatih G. , Zou Jianxin , Greeley Jeffery , Chan Maria , Barkholtz Heather , Ding Wenjiang , Liu Di-Jia
Published: November 2018

Combine and conquer

Platinum (Pt)–group metals, which are scarce and expensive, are used for the demanding oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in hydrogen fuel cells. One competing approach for reducing their use is to create nanoparticles with earth-abundant metals to increase their activity and surface area; another is to replace them with metals such as cobalt (Co) in carbide or nitride sites. Chong
et al.
thermally activated a Co metal-organic framework compound to create ORR-active Co sites and then grew PtCo alloy nanoparticles on this substrate. The resulting catalyst had high activity and durability, despite its relatively low Pt content.

Science
, this issue p.
1276
Pesticide affects social behavior of bees
Authors: Raine Nigel E.
Published: November 2018

Neonicotinoid exposure impairs the social dynamics of bumblebees inside the nest
The EcoCyc Database
Authors: Karp Peter D. , Ong Wai Kit , Paley Suzanne , Billington Richard , Caspi Ron , Fulcher Carol , Kothari Anamika , Krummenacker Markus , Latendresse Mario , Midford Peter E. , Subhraveti Pallavi , Gama-Castro Socorro , Muñiz-Rascado Luis , Bonavides-Martinez César , Santos-Zavaleta Alberto , Mackie Amanda , Collado-Vides Julio , Keseler Ingrid M. , Paulsen Ian
Published: November 2018

EcoCyc is a bioinformatics database available at
EcoCyc.org
that describes the genome and the biochemical machinery of
Escherichia coli
K-12 MG1655. The long-term goal of the project is to describe the complete molecular catalog of the
E. coli
cell, as well as the functions of each of its molecular parts, to facilitate a system-level understanding of
E. coli
. EcoCyc is an electronic reference source for
E. coli
biologists and for biologists who work with related microorganisms. The database includes information pages on each
E. coli
gene product, metabolite, reaction, operon, and metabolic pathway. The database also includes information on
E. coli
gene essentiality and on nutrient conditions that do or do not support the growth of
E. coli
. The website and downloadable software contain tools for analysis of high-throughput data sets. In addition, a steady-state metabolic flux model is generated from each new version of EcoCyc and can be executed via EcoCyc.org. The model can predict metabolic flux rates, nutrient uptake rates, and growth rates for different gene knockouts and nutrient conditions. This review outlines the data content of EcoCyc and of the procedures by which this content is generated.
Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus Leader Protease Cleaves G3BP1 and G3BP2 and Inhibits Stress Granule Formation
Authors: Visser Linda J. , Medina Gisselle N. , Rabouw Huib H. , de Groot Raoul J. , Langereis Martijn A. , de los Santos Teresa , van Kuppeveld Frank J. M.
Published: November 2018

The picornavirus foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) is a notorious animal pathogen that puts a major economic burden on the global livestock industry. Outbreaks have significant consequences for animal health and product safety. Like many other viruses, FMDV must manipulate antiviral host responses to establish infection. Upon infection, viral double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is detected, which results in the activation of the RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR)-mediated stress response, leading to a stop in cellular and viral translation and the formation of stress granules (SG), which are thought to have antiviral properties. Here, we show that FMDV can suppress SG formation via its leader protease (L
pro
). Simultaneously, we observed that L
pro
can cleave the SG scaffolding proteins G3BP1 and G3BP2. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of the antiviral host response evasion strategies of FMDV may help to develop countermeasures to control FMDV infections in the future.
Sensitivity to Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies of Recently Transmitted HIV-1 Clade CRF02_AG Viruses with a Focus on Evolution over Time
Authors: Stefic Karl , Bouvin-Pley Mélanie , Essat Asma , Visdeloup Clara , Moreau Alain , Goujard Cécile , Chaix Marie-Laure , Braibant Martine , Meyer Laurence , Barin Francis
Published: November 2018

Major progress occurred during the last decade leading to the isolation of human monoclonal antibodies, termed broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) due to their capacity to neutralize various strains of HIV-1. Several clinical trials are under way in order to evaluate their efficacy in preventive or therapeutic strategies. However, no single bnAb is active against 100% of strains. It is important to gather data on the sensitivity to neutralizing antibodies of all genotypes, especially those more widespread in regions where the prevalence of HIV-1 infection is high. Here, we assembled a large panel of clade CRF02_AG viruses, the most frequent genotype circulating in West Africa and the second most frequent found in several European countries. We evaluated their sensitivities to bnAbs, including those most advanced in clinical trials, and looked for the best combinations. In addition, we observed a trend toward increased resistance to bnAbs over the course of the epidemic.
Development of a Primary Human Cell Model for the Study of Human Cytomegalovirus Replication and Spread within Salivary Epithelium
Authors: Morrison Kristen M. , Beucler Matthew J. , Campbell Emily O. , White Margaret A. , Boody Rachel E. , Wilson Keith C. , Miller William E.
Published: November 2018

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infects the majority of the world’s population, and although it typically establishes a quiescent infection with little to no disease in most individuals, the virus is responsible for a variety of devastating sequelae in immunocompromised adults and in developing fetuses. Therefore, identifying the viral properties essential for replication, spread, and horizontal transmission is an important area of medical science. Our studies use novel human salivary gland-derived cellular models to investigate the molecular details by which HCMV replicates in salivary epithelial cells and provide insight into the mechanisms by which the virus persists in the salivary epithelium, where it gains access to fluids centrally important for horizontal transmission.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Phenol-Degrading Bacterium
Cupriavidus
sp. Strain P-10, Isolated from Trichloroethene-Contaminated Aquifer Soil
Authors: Suzuki Kenshi , Aziz Fatma A. A. , Honjo Masahiro , Nishimura Tomoka , Masuda Kensei , Minoura Ayaka , Kudo Yuki , Moriuchi Ryota , Dohra Hideo , Tashiro Yosuke , Futamata Hiroyuki
Published: November 2018

A batch culture was enriched on phenol with trichloroethene-contaminated aquifer soil as an inoculum.
Cupriavidus
sp.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Potato Virus T
from Bolivia, Obtained from a 33-Year-Old Sample
Authors: Adams Ian P. , Abad Jorge , Fribourg Cesar E. , Boonham Neil , Jones Roger A. C.
Published: November 2018

We present the complete genomic sequence of a
Potato virus T
(PVT) isolate originally obtained from a Bolivian potato sample collected in 1976, and we compare it with the genome of the PVT type isolate from Peru. There is an 81% nucleotide identity between the two genomes of this Andean potato virus.
Draft Genome Sequence of Lactobacillus fermentum Lf2, an Exopolysaccharide-Producing Strain Isolated from Argentine Cheese
Authors: Harris Hugh M. B. , Ale Elisa C. , Reinheimer Jorge A. , Binetti Ana G. , O’Toole Paul W.
Published: November 2018

Lactobacillus fermentum
Lf2, an Argentine cheese isolate, can produce high concentrations of exopolysaccharides (EPS). These EPS were shown to improve the texture and rheology of yogurt, as well as to play a protective role in mice exposed to
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium.
Sequence Analysis of a Hybrid HK022/λ Bacteriophage and the Precise Identification of the λ
b515
and λ
b519
Deletion Endpoints
Authors: King Rodney A. , Perez Meghan T.
Published: November 2018

Bacteriophage O276 is a laboratory-generated hybrid that carries the immunity region of bacteriophage HK022 and all remaining genes from phage λ. Its construction was instrumental in the discovery of RNA-mediated antitermination, an intriguing alternative to the protein-mediated mechanism of transcription antitermination found in most lambdoid phages.
Complete Genome Sequence of Megasphaera stantonii AJH120
T
, Isolated from a Chicken Cecum
Authors: Maki Joel J. , Looft Torey
Published: November 2018

A novel bacterium,
Megasphaera stantonii
(strain AJH120
T
), was isolated from the cecum of a chicken during a screen for microorganisms using a brain heart infusion (BHI) medium. PacBio and Illumina MiSeq sequencing technologies were used to produce a single contiguous chromosome.
Draft Genome Sequence of Bacillus thuringiensis Strain m401, Isolated from Honey in Argentina
Authors: Abrahamovich Eliana , Franco Mario E. E. , López Ana C. , Alippi Adriana M. , Balatti Pedro A.
Published: November 2018

We report here the 6,092,003-bp draft genome sequence of
Bacillus thuringiensis
strain m401, a tetracycline-resistant isolate recovered from honey. The isolate contained three plasmids of 8,307 bp, 9,934 bp, and 69,561 bp and a tetracycline resistance gene with high homology to
tet45
in a contig of 236,180 bp.
Draft Genome Sequence of Bifidobacterium bifidum Strain ICIS-310, Isolated from the Feces of a Healthy 5-Year-Old Child from Orenburg, Russia
Authors: Andryuschenko Sergey V. , Ivanova Elena V. , Perunova Natalia B. , Zdvizhkova Irina A. , Bekpergenova Anastasiya V. , Bukharin Oleg V.
Published: November 2018

This report describes the draft genome sequence of
Bifidobacterium bifidum
strain ICIS-310, isolated from the feces of a healthy 5-year-old child from Orenburg, Russia. The size of the genome was 2,219,632 bp (62.4% G+C content).
Fecal Metagenome Sequences from Lactating Dairy Cows Shedding Escherichia coli O157:H7
Authors: Salaheen Serajus , Kim Seon Woo , Karns Jeffrey S. , Haley Bradd J. , Van Kessel Jo Ann S.
Published: November 2018

Cattle are primary reservoirs of
Escherichia coli
O157:H7, a causative agent of severe human infections. To facilitate analyses of the communities in which this pathogen is found, we sequenced the fecal metagenomes of 10 dairy cows shedding
E. coli
O157:H7 and added them to the public domain.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Industrially Significant Bacterium Bacillus amyloliquefaciens NRRL 942
Authors: Meier Matthew J. , Dodge Annette , Beaudette Lee A.
Published: November 2018

Bacillus amyloliquefaciens
NRRL 942 is a Gram-positive bacterium with several potential industrial uses. We have sequenced the whole genome of this organism to assist in understanding the biological mechanisms that might modulate human health or environmental risk in the event of its release into the environment.
Molecular evidence for natural hybridization betweenLigularia nelumbifoliaandCremanthodium stenoglossum(Asteraceae, Senecioneae)
Authors: Ning Huai , Pan Yue-Zhi , Gong Xun
Published: November 2018

Natural hybridization occurred frequently in the sunflower family. To date, however, no study on natural hybridization involving in Ligularia and Cremanthodium has been reported. Here, we presented the molecular evidence for natural hybridization between Ligularia nelumbifolia (Bureau & Franch.) Hand.-Mazz. and Cremanthodium stenoglossum Ling & S.W.Liu. Four nuclear DNA regions were sequenced to test the natural hybridization hypothesis, and three chloroplast DNA regions were sequenced to determine the direction of hybridization. Analyses of the investigated DNA data suggested that all of the putative hybrid individuals were derived from hybridization between L. nelumbifolia and C. stenoglossum and that bidirectional hybridization occurred. Moreover, sympatric Ligularia tsangchanensis (Franch.) Hand.-Mazz. and Ligularia virgaurea (Maxim.) Mattf. ex Rehder & Kobuski were not apparently involved in the hybridization. Although NewHybrids analysis showed that all the putative hybrid individuals were F1class, a low frequency of backcrossing to C. stenoglossum might exist in the hybrid swarm. In such a case, hybrids might serve as a bridge facilitating gene flow between L. nelumbifolia and C. stenoglossum, and hybrid speciation is unlikely to happen for these hybrid individuals without asexual reproduction. Given the poorly resolved phylogenetic relationship between Ligularia and Cremanthodium, the occurrence of natural hybridization between L. nelumbifolia and C. stenoglossum might provide new insights into the recircumscription and redelimitation of these two genera.
Testing Rensch’s rule in Acanthoscelides macrophthalmus, a seed-feeding beetle infesting Leucaena leucocephala plants
Authors: Rossi M.N. , Haga E.B.
Published: November 2018

Rensch’s rule states that males vary more in size than females when body size increases. The main cause of Rensch’s rule has been credited to sexual selection. However, different degrees of plasticity between the sexes have also been proven to be useful for describing variations in sexual size dimorphism, particularly within an intraspecific context. For insects, in general, this rule has rarely been tested within species. Here, we tested whether Acanthoscelides macrophthalmus (Schaeffer, 1907) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae) followed Rensch’s rule when individuals emerged from seeds immediately after fruit collection and when they were reared for one generation, by measuring three morphological traits. Rensch’s rule was not followed for any of the morphological traits. Variations in body size were similar in males and females for bruchines that first emerged from seeds and for those that were reared for one generation. These findings suggest that environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity, and seasonality) are unlikely to drive differential plasticity in males and females of this seed-feeding beetle. It is possible that changes in the body size of A. macrophthalmus have a genetic basis. However, regardless of whether variations in body size have a genetic basis, our findings provide no support for Rensch’s rule.
Buckling Analysis of Nanobeams Based on Nonlocal Timoshenko Beam Model by the Method of Initial Values
Authors: Demirkan Erol , Artan Reha
Published: November 2018

Investigated herein is the buckling of nanobeams based on a nonlocal Timoshenko beam model by the method of initial values within the framework of nonlocal elasticity. Since the nonlocal Timoshenko beam theory is of higher order than the nonlocal Euler–Bernoulli beam theory, it is known to be superior in predicting the small-scale effect. The buckling determinants and critical loads for bars with various kinds of supports are presented. The Carry-Over matrix (Transverse Matrix) is presented and the priorities of the method of initial values are depicted. To the best of the researchers’ knowledge, this is the first work that investigates the buckling of nonlocal Timoshenko beam with the method of initial values.
Empirical Evaluations on Momentum Effects of Taiwan Index Futures via Stop-Loss and Stop-Profit Mechanisms
Authors: Wu Mu-En , Chung Wei-Ho
Published: November 2018

The Efficient-Market Hypothesis (EMH) is one of the important theories in financial markets. Under this hypothesis, developing a robust profitable strategy is infeasible because the market price fluctuates immediately following any new information and is thus unpredictable. However, many empirical studies have shown that certain trading strategies in the financial markets are profitable, and the Momentum Strategy is one of the major strategies among them. With four momentum strategies, this paper uses the real-world data points (intra-day data of one-minute time frame) for back-testing the Taiwan Stock Exchange Capitalization Weighted Stock Index Futures (TAIEX Futures) during the period from January 04, 2010 to March 25, 2015. Numerical comparisons among the four strategies reveal that there exist market inefficiencies in Taiwan stock market. We verified the momentum effect of Taiwan Index Futures market through different stop-loss and stop-profit mechanisms. In conclusion, the management of stop-loss and stop-profit is crucial in the profit/loss of the trading strategy. The technique can be applied to many trading methodologies in improving the quality of strategies. Money management provides another path for strategy planning other than purely focusing on the technical mechanisms.
Investigation of Resistance, Perception and Attitudes of Employees against Change in Information Systems Using Change Management Approach: A Study in a University Hospital
Authors: Ileri Yusuf Yalcin , Arik Ozer
Published: November 2018

The need for change in the rapidly developing health sector is essential for the provision of quality health care services. In this study, the technological change experienced in the process of transition from the old hospital information management system used in a university hospital to the new hospital information management system was discussed and employees’ resistance, perceptions and attitudes to change have been examined through a change management approach. In this study, we aimed to examine the level of usage of the change management tools and change management phases in a university hospital through a change management approach in the transition phase to the new HIS. We also aim to discuss faced problems encountered in the change process, help to create consciousness for management of change, examine behavioural reasons of resistance of healthcare professionals and present our experiences and propose solutions in the view of adoption and acceptance management tools against change in Hospital Information Systems (HIS) for healthcare managers. In the research, it has been observed that in the transition to the new information system, the change management tools are applied partially whereas change management phases have been implemented to a large extent. University hospital employees are resistant to Hospital Information Management System replacement. The most resistant groups are doctors and nurses and the least resistant employees are administrative staff. The rise in hospital revenues following the change is noteworthy.
A New Associative Classification Algorithm for Predicting Groundwater Locations
Authors: Aburub Faisal , Hadi Wa’el
Published: November 2018

In this paper, we study the problem of predicting new locations of groundwater in Jordan through the application of a proposed new method, Groundwater Prediction using Associative Classification (GwPAC). We identify features that differentiate locations of groundwater wells according to whether or not they contain water. In addition, we survey intelligent-based methods related to groundwater exploration and management. Three experimental analyses were conducted with the objective to evaluate the capability of data mining algorithms using real groundwater data from the Ministry of Water and Irrigation. In the first experiment, we investigated the performance of GwPAC against three well-known associative classification algorithms, namely CBA, CMAR and FACA. Furthermore, three rule-based algorithms — C4.5, Random Forest and PBC4cip — were investigated in the second experiment; further, so as to generalise the capability of using data mining for solving the groundwater detection problem, four benchmark algorithms — SVMs, NB, KNN and ANNs — were evaluated in the third experiment. From all the experiments, the results indicated that all considered data mining algorithms predict locations of groundwater with acceptable classification rate (all classification accuracies [Formula: see text]%), and can be useful methods when seeking to address the problem of exploring new groundwater locations.
Problems and Approaches in the Management of Intellectual Capital in Religious Organisations: An Issue of Complexity
Authors: Freeburg Darin
Published: November 2018

The current research uncovers problems with a religious organisation’s Intellectual Capital (IC), and the approaches organisational leaders take to overcome these problems. It is situated as an issue of complexity, in which there are varying levels in both problem and approach. This is outlined according to David Snowden’s Cynefin model. It is suggested that complex IC problems require complex IC approaches, while simple problems can make use of simple approaches. Two case studies with churches in the American South were used. Focus groups with these churches identified IC assets of strategic importance, problems, approaches, and current success. Surveys were distributed to church attendees to identify levels of vitality — a well-established measure of success in churches that aligns closely with the areas of IC. Analysis showed that when the complexity of approaches matched the complexity of the identified IC problems, churches were more optimistic about their ability to extract value from these assets. This led to increased efforts to realise that value, and members were more likely to agree that this value was present in the church. Mismatches were associated with chaos, decreased perception of church vitality and movement away from the mission. This research adds to existing research on IC complexity, operationalises problems and liabilities in these assets, and provides insight into a unique organisational setting for IC research.
MoS2/Montmorillonite Nanocomposite: Preparation, Tribological Properties, and Inner Synergistic Lubrication
Authors: Cheng Lehua , Hu Enzhu , Chao Xianquan , Zhu Renfa , Hu Kunhong , Hu Xianguo
Published: November 2018

A nano-MoS2/montmorillonite K-10 (K10) composite was prepared and characterized. The composite contains two types of 2H-MoS2 nanoparticles. One is the hollow spherical MoS2 with a size range of 75[Formula: see text]nm, and the other is the spherical nano cluster of MoS2 with a size range of 30[Formula: see text]nm. The two kinds of nano-MoS2 were formed via assembly of numerous MoS2 nano-platelets with a size of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]nm. A tribological comparison was then made among nano-MoS2/K10, K10, nano-MoS2 and a mechanical mixture of K10 and nano-MoS2. K10 reduced the wear but slightly increased the friction. Nano-MoS2 remarkably reduced both friction and wear. The mechanical mixture demonstrated better wear resistance than nano-MoS2, indicating a synergistic anti-wear effect of nano-MoS2 and K10. The synergistic effect was reinforced using nano-MoS2/K10 instead of the mechanical mixture. A part of the MoS2 in the contact region always lubricated the friction pair, and the rest formed a tribofilm. K10 segregated the friction pair to alleviate the ablation wear but magnified the abrasive wear. S-MoS2 protects K10 and they together function as both a lubricant and an isolating agent to reduce the ablation and abrasive wear.
Metric-like space and Suzuki type common fixed point results with (W.C.C) condition
Authors: Panwar Anju , Anita
Published: November 2018

The (W.C.C) condition was developed by K.P.R. Rao et al. in 2013 which established common fixed point results in partial metric spaces. By using Hausdorff metric-like space, we obtain Suzuki type common fixed point theorems for hybrid pair of maps in metric-like spaces. We observe different conditions about maps to obtain a fixed point. In addition, as consequence of our main result, we study the existence of a common solution for a class of functional equations originating in dynamic programming.
Second centralizers in the semigroup of injective transformations
Authors: Konieczny Janusz
Published: November 2018

For an element [Formula: see text] of a semigroup [Formula: see text], denote by [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively, the first and second centralizers of [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text]. Let [Formula: see text] be an arbitrary set and let [Formula: see text] be the semigroup of all injective mappings from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text]. For an arbitrary [Formula: see text], we characterize the elements of [Formula: see text], show that [Formula: see text] is a direct product of finite cyclic groups and the infinite cyclic monoid, and determine Green’s relations in [Formula: see text]. We also describe those [Formula: see text] for which [Formula: see text], which will provide a class of maximal commutative subsemigroups of [Formula: see text].
Existence results for positive solutions to iterative systems of four-point fractional-order boundary value problems in a Banach space
Authors: Prasad Kapula Rajendra , Krushna Boddu Muralee Bala , Wesen L. T.
Published: November 2018

We investigate the eigenvalue intervals of [Formula: see text] for which the iterative system of four-point fractional-order boundary value problem has at least one positive solution by utilizing Guo–Krasnosel’skii fixed point theorem under suitable conditions. The obtained results in the paper are illustrated with an example for their feasibility.
Bipolar resistive switching characteristics of samarium oxide solid electrolyte thin films for non-volatile memory applications
Authors: Ji Mei , Wu Yangjiang , Zhang Zhengzhong , Wang Ya , Liu Hao
Published: November 2018

In this paper, we report the bipolar resistive switching behaviors in Ag/Sm2O3/Pt structures where the Sm2O3 thin films act as solid electrolyte layer of electrochemical metallization memory (ECM) devices. The memory devices show reproducible and stable bipolar resistive switching over 1000 cycles with a resistance ratio (high-resistance state to low-resistance state) of over 4 orders of magnitude and stable retention for over 104[Formula: see text]s at room temperature. Moreover, the benefits of high yield and multilevel storage possibility make the device promising in the next generation non-volatile memory application.
Note on p-competition graphs of spiders
Authors: Nakada Kyohei , Ogawa Kenjiro , Tagusari Satoshi , Tsuchiya Morimasa
Published: November 2018

The [Formula: see text]-competition graph [Formula: see text] of a digraph [Formula: see text] is a graph with [Formula: see text], where for distinct vertices [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] if and only if there exist distinct [Formula: see text] vertices [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] are arcs of the digraph [Formula: see text] for each [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we show that spiders [Formula: see text] are [Formula: see text]-competition graphs, where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is even.
A note on the relationship between graph energy and determinant of adjacency matrix
Authors: Milovanović Igor Ž. , Milovanović Emina I. , Matejić Marjan M. , Ali Akbar
Published: November 2018

Let [Formula: see text] be a simple graph of order [Formula: see text], without isolated vertices. Denote by [Formula: see text] the adjacency matrix of [Formula: see text]. Eigenvalues of the matrix [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], form the spectrum of the graph [Formula: see text]. An important spectrum-based invariant is the graph energy, defined as [Formula: see text]. The determinant of the matrix [Formula: see text] can be calculated as [Formula: see text]. Recently, Altindag and Bozkurt [Lower bounds for the energy of (bipartite) graphs, MATCH Commun. Math. Comput. Chem. 77 (2017) 9–14] improved some well-known bounds on the graph energy. In this paper, several inequalities involving the graph invariants [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are derived. Consequently, all the bounds established in the aforementioned paper are improved.
Molecular trees with the sixth, seventh and eighth minimal irregularity values
Authors: Ashrafi Ali Reza , Ghalavand Ali , Ali Akbar
Published: November 2018

The irregularity of a graph [Formula: see text] is defined as [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] denotes the degree of a vertex [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is the edge set of [Formula: see text]. From the class of all [Formula: see text]-vertex (molecular) trees, graphs with the first five minimal [Formula: see text]-values have already been characterized in the literature. The main purpose of this paper is to determine the graphs with the sixth, seventh and eighth minimal [Formula: see text]-values among all the members of the aforementioned class for [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively.
Structure, dielectric properties of low-temperature-sintering BaTiO3-based glass–ceramics for energy storage
Authors: Wang Tong , Wang Yuanhao , Yang Haibo , Lin Ying , Kong Luo , Gao Shuya , Wang Fen
Published: November 2018

The 0.85BaTiO3–0.15Bi(Mg[Formula: see text]Nb[Formula: see text])O3 (BTBMN) ceramics with low-melting-temperature B2O3–Na2B4O7–Na2SiO3 (BNN) glass addition were prepared by the solid state method. The composition of the glass–ceramics was BTBMN–[Formula: see text] wt.% BNN ([Formula: see text], 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, 15; abbreviated as BG). The sintering characteristics, phase structure, microstructure, dielectric properties and energy storage properties were systematically investigated. The sintering temperature of BTBMN ceramics was greatly reduced by the addition of BNN glass. The second-phase BaTi(BO[Formula: see text] was observed in the BG system until the glass content reached 15[Formula: see text]wt.%. The addition of BNN glass significantly reduces the grain size of BTBMN ceramics. With the increase of BNN glass content, dielectric constant of BG glass–ceramics at 1[Formula: see text]kHz gradually decreased, the maximum dielectric constant ([Formula: see text] of BG glass–ceramics gradually decreased, while the temperature corresponding to the maximum dielectric constant ([Formula: see text] increased, the ferroelectric relaxation behavior decreased and the temperature stability of the dielectric constant gradually improved. As the BNN glass content increased, the breakdown electric field strength (BDS) of BG glass–ceramics increased first and then decreased, and the polarization values reduced gradually, while the trend of energy storage performance is similar to BDS. When the BNN glass content was 3[Formula: see text]wt.%, the energy storage properties of the BG glass–ceramics were optimal, and a recoverable energy storage density ([Formula: see text]) of 1.26[Formula: see text]J/cm3 and an energy storage efficiency ([Formula: see text]) of 80.9% were obtained at the electric field strength of 220[Formula: see text]kV/cm. The results showed that BG glass–ceramics were promising for energy storage capacitors.
Strategic Responses of Advanced Economies to the Belt and Road Initiative
Authors: Young Jason
Published: November 2018

Responses to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) have been mixed. Many commentators have welcomed the opportunity for infrastructure development and projects to build economic, political and social connectivity across the region. Others have been openly critical or slow to formulate a clear position. In general, advanced economies have responded less positively than developing economies. This paper employs a constructivist approach to interpret responses to the BRI in advanced economies through analysis of commentary in the United States, the European Union, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. It identifies a diversity of responses within and among these economies and a strong ideational coherence in the frameworks used to assess the BRI. It is concluded that the reception of Chinese-promoted concepts in international affairs, like the BRI, remains challenging due to the dominance of liberal and realist assessments and the accompanying political values. This suggests a need for greater intellectual engagement and more substantial feedback between China and the advanced economies, so as to open the way for a long overdue regional conversation on how development is conceptualized and co-created in a region with diverse approaches to regional economic policy.
Unpublished manuscripts of Archibald Geikie
Authors: Betterton John
Published: November 2018

Fourteen previously unpublished manuscripts by Archibald Geikie are reproduced here for the first time in approximate date order. The earliest identified manuscripts date from 1847: ‘Fable One’ and ‘Frogs Desiring a King’. Geikie was only 12 years old when he wrote these compositions. Others are dated 1852, 1853 and 1857 and were all written early in Geikie's life and are very important for understanding his intellectual development at that time.
A prediction–evaluation approach to the full-scale emplacement experiment (FE) in Mont Terri
Authors: Papafotiou A. , Senger R. , Li C. , Singh A. , Garitte B. , Müller H. , Marschall P.
Published: November 2018

A prediction–evaluation approach is developed to assess the propagation of parameter, conceptual and scenario uncertainties in the estimated near-field temperatures of the full-scale emplacement experiment at the Mont Terri rock laboratory. The uncertainty assessment is performed using a three-dimensional thermo-hydraulic numerical model of the full-scale emplacement experiment that represents the emplaced materials and surrounding Opalinus Clay and accounts for heat generation at the heaters. The propagation of parametric uncertainties is assessed using a first-order second-moment method supplemented by Monte Carlo simulations sampling the uncertain parameter space. The risk of uncertain parameters resulting in the failure of the maximum temperature criteria is evaluated with a first-order reliability method. Conceptual and scenario uncertainties are evaluated with deterministic simulation variants. After the conclusion of predictive modelling, a mid-term evaluation of the temperature predictions is performed through a comparison with measurements after 2.5 years of heating. The comparison indicates that the best estimates of temperature agree well with the measurements and that the 95% error bands assessed with parametric uncertainty envelope the measured values in almost all locations. Additional comparison with the measured degree of water saturation and the relative humidity is performed to assess the hydraulic behaviour and set the ground for the long-term evaluation, which will include predictions of the near-field pore pressures.
Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells accelerate diabetic wound healing in a similar fashion as bone marrow-derived cells
Authors: Guo Jianming , Hu Haidi , Gorecka Jolanta , Bai Hualong , He Hao , Assi Roland , Isaji Toshihiko , Wang Tun , Setia Ocean , Lopes Lara , Gu Yongquan , Dardik Alan
Published: November 2018

We have previously shown that bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC) accelerate wound healing in a diabetic mouse model. In this study, we hypothesized that adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSC), cells of greater translational potential to human therapy, improve diabetic wound healing to a similar extent as BMSC. In vitro, the characterization and function of murine ADSC and BMSC as well as human diabetic and nondiabetic ADSC were evaluated by flow cytometry, cell viability, and VEGF expression. In vivo, biomimetic collagen scaffolds containing murine ADSC or BMSC were used to treat splinted full-thickness excisional back wounds on diabetic C57BL/6 mice, and human healthy and diabetic ADSC were used to treat back wounds on nude mice. Wound healing was evaluated by wound area, local VEGF-A expression, and count of CD31-positive cells. Delivery of murine ADSC or BMSC accelerated wound healing in diabetic mice to a similar extent, compared with acellular controls ( P < 0.0001). Histological analysis showed similarly increased cellular proliferation ( P < 0.0001), VEGF-A expression ( P = 0.0002), endothelial cell density ( P < 0.0001), numbers of macrophages ( P < 0.0001), and smooth muscle cells ( P < 0.0001) with ADSC and BMSC treatment, compared with controls. Cell survival and migration of ADSC and BMSC within the scaffolds were similar ( P = 0.781). Notch signaling was upregulated to a similar degree by both ADSC and BMSC. Diabetic and nondiabetic human ADSC expressed similar levels of VEGF-A ( P = 0.836) in vitro, as well as in scaffolds ( P = 1.000). Delivery of human diabetic and nondiabetic ADSC enhanced wound healing to a similar extent in a nude mouse wound model. Murine ADSC and BMSC delivered in a biomimetic-collagen scaffold are equivalent at enhancing diabetic wound healing. Human diabetic ADSC are not inferior to nondiabetic ADSC at accelerating wound healing in a nude mouse model. This data suggests that ADSC are a reasonable choice to evaluate for translational therapy in the treatment of human diabetic wounds.
Multivalent activation of GLP-1 and sulfonylurea receptors modulates β-cell second-messenger signaling and insulin secretion
Authors: Hart Nathaniel J. , Weber Craig , Papas Klearchos K. , Limesand Sean W. , Vagner Josef , Lynch Ronald M.
Published: November 2018

Linking two pharmacophores that bind different cell surface receptors into a single molecule can enhance cell-targeting specificity to cells that express the complementary receptor pair. In this report, we developed and tested a synthetic multivalent ligand consisting of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) linked to glibenclamide (Glb) (GLP-1/Glb) for signaling efficacy in β-cells. Expression of receptors for these ligands, as a combination, is relatively specific to the β-cell in the pancreas. The multivalent GLP-1/Glb increased both intracellular cAMP and Ca2+, although Ca2+ responses were significantly depressed compared with the monomeric Glb. Moreover, GLP-1/Glb increased glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in a dose-dependent manner. However, unlike the combined monomers, GLP-1/Glb did not augment insulin secretion at nonstimulatory glucose concentrations in INS 832/13 β-cells or human islets of Langerhans. These data suggest that linking two binding elements, such as GLP-1 and Glb, into a single bivalent ligand can provide a unique functional agent targeted to β-cells.
Zinc ameliorates intestinal barrier dysfunctions in shigellosis by reinstating claudin-2 and -4 on the membranes
Authors: Sarkar Paramita , Saha Tultul , Sheikh Irshad Ali , Chakraborty Subhra , Aoun Joydeep , Chakrabarti Manoj Kumar , Rajendran Vazhaikkurichi M. , Ameen Nadia A. , Dutta Shanta , Hoque Kazi Mirajul
Published: November 2018

Whether zinc (Zn2+) regulates barrier functions by modulating tight-junction (TJ) proteins when pathogens such as Shigella alter epithelial permeability is still unresolved. We investigated the potential benefits of Zn2+ in restoring impaired barrier function in vivo in Shigella-infected mouse tissue and in vitro in T84 cell monolayers. Basolateral Shigella infection triggered a time-dependent decrease in transepithelial resistance followed by an increase in paracellular permeability of FITC-labeled dextran and altered ion selectivity. This led to ion and water loss into the intestinal lumen. Immunofluorescence studies revealed redistribution of claudin-2 and -4 to an intracellular location and accumulation of these proteins in the cytoplasm following infection. Zn2+ ameliorated this perturbed barrier by redistribution of claudin-2 and -4 back to the plasma membrane and by modulating the phosphorylation state of TJ proteins t hough extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 dependency. Zn2+ prevents elevation of IL-6 and IL-8. Mice challenged with Shigella showed that oral Zn2+supplementation diminished diverse pathophysiological symptoms of shigellosis. Claudin-2 and -4 were susceptible to Shigella infection, resulting in altered barrier function and increased levels of IL-6 and IL-8. Zn2+ supplementation ameliorated this barrier dysfunction, and the inflammatory response involving ERK-mediated change of phosphorylation status for claudin-2 and -4. Thus, Zn2+ may have potential therapeutic value in inflammatory diarrhea and shigellosis.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our study addresses whether Zn2+ could be an alternative strategy to reduce Shigella-induced inflammatory response and epithelial barrier dysfunction. We have defined a mechanism in terms of intracellular signaling pathways and tight-junction protein expression by Zn2+. Claudin-2 and -4 are susceptible to Shigella infection, whereas in the presence of Zn2+ they are resistant to infection-related barrier dysfunction involving ERK-mediated change of phosphorylation status of claudins.
HDAC2 attenuates airway inflammation by suppressing IL-17A production in HDM-challenged mice
Authors: Lai Tianwen , Wu Mindan , Zhang Chao , Che Luanqing , Xu Feng , Wang Yong , Wu Yanping , Xuan Nanxia , Cao Chao , Du Xufei , Wu Bin , Li Wen , Ying Songmin , Shen Huahao , Chen Zhihua
Published: November 2018

Histone deacetylase (HDAC)2 is expressed in airway epithelium and plays a pivotal role in inflammatory cells. However, the role of HDAC2 in allergic airway inflammation remains poorly understood. In the present study, we determined the role of HDAC2 in airway inflammation using in vivo models of house dust mite (HDM)-induced allergic inflammation and in vitro cultures of human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells exposed to HDM, IL-17A, or both. We observed that HDM-challenged Hdac2+/− mice exhibited substantially enhanced infiltration of inflammatory cells. Higher levels of T helper 2 cytokines and IL-17A expression were found in lung tissues of HDM-challenged Hdac2+/− mice. Interestingly, IL-17A deletion or anti-IL-17A treatment reversed the enhanced airway inflammation induced by HDAC2 impairment. In vitro, HDM and IL-17A synergistically decreased HDAC2 expression in HBE cells. HDAC2 gene silencing further enhanced HDM- and/or IL-17A-induced inflammatory cytokines in HBE cells. HDAC2 overexpresion or blocking IL-17A gene expression restored the enhanced inflammatory cytokines. Collectively, these results support a protective role of HDAC2 in HDM-induced airway inflammation by suppressing IL-17A production and might suggest that activation of HDAC2 and/or inhibition of IL-17A production could prevent the development of allergic airway inflammation.
Sex-specific airway hyperreactivity and sex-specific transcriptome remodeling in neonatal piglets challenged with intra-airway acid
Authors: Reznikov Leah R. , Liao Yan Shin J. , Gu Tongjun , Davis Katelyn M. , Kuan Shin Ping , Atanasova Kalina R. , Dadural Joshua S. , Collins Emily N. , Guevara Maria V. , Vogt Kevin
Published: November 2018

Acute airway acidification is a potent stimulus of sensory nerves and occurs commonly with gastroesophageal reflux disease, cystic fibrosis, and asthma. In infants and adults, airway acidification can acutely precipitate asthma-like symptoms, and treatment-resistant asthma can be associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease. Airway protective behaviors, such as mucus secretion and airway smooth muscle contraction, are often exaggerated in asthma. These behaviors are manifested through activation of neural circuits. In some populations, the neural response to acid might be particularly important. For example, the immune response in infants is relatively immature compared with adults. Infants also have a high frequency of gastroesophageal reflux. Thus, in the current study, we compared the transcriptomes of an airway-nervous system circuit (e.g., tracheal epithelia, nodose ganglia, and brain stem) in neonatal piglets challenged with intra-airway acid. We hypothesized that the identification of parallel changes in the transcriptomes of two neutrally connected tissues might reveal the circuit response, and, hence, molecules important for the manifestation of asthma-like features. Intra-airway acid induced airway hyperreactivity and airway obstruction in male piglets. In contrast, female piglets displayed airway obstruction without airway hyperreactivity. Pairwise comparisons revealed parallel changes in genes directly implicated in airway hyperreactivity ( scn10a) in male acid-challenged piglets, whereas acid-challenged females exhibited parallel changes in genes associated with mild asthma ( stat 1 and isg15). These findings reveal sex-specific responses to acute airway acidification and highlight distinct molecules within a neural circuit that might be critical for the manifestation of asthma-like symptoms in pediatric populations.
Could nanotechnology make vitamin E therapeutically effective?
Authors: Tamura Tetsuya , Otulakowski Gail , Kavanagh Brian P.
Published: November 2018

Vitamin E (VitE) has important antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and is necessary for normal physiological function. α-Tocopherol (α-T), the predominant form of VitE in human tissues, has been extensively studied. Other VitE forms, particularly γ-tocopherol (γ-T), are also potent bioactive molecules. The effects are complex, involving both reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, but trials of VitE have been generally negative. We propose that a nanoparticle approach to delivery of VitE might provide effective delivery and therapeutic effect.
Neurons in ventral tegmental area tonically inhibit sympathetic outflow to brown adipose tissue: possible mediation of thermogenic signals from lateral habenula
Authors: Brizuela Mariana , Swoap Steven J. , Ang James , Blessing William W. , Ootsuka Youichirou
Published: November 2018

The lateral habenula (LHb), a nucleus involved in the response to salient, especially adverse, environmental events, is implicated in brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis caused by these events. LHb-elicited thermogenesis involves a neural pathway to the lower brain stem sympathetic control center in the medullary raphé. There are no direct connections from the LHb to the medullary raphé. LHb-mediated behavioral responses involve inhibitory control over the dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), mediated via an excitatory drive from the LHb to GABAergic neurons in the tail of the VTA. We hypothesized that inhibition of the VTA is also involved in LHb-mediated BAT thermogenesis. To test this hypothesis, inhibition of neurons in the VTA with muscimol increased BAT sympathetic nerve discharge by 22.0 ± 9.2 dBμV ( n = 24, P < 0.0001) and BAT temperature by 1.2 ± 0.1°C ( P < 0.001). This response was abolished by inhibition of the medullary raphé neurons with muscimol. BAT thermogenesis initiated with focal injections of bicuculline in the LHb was reversed by subsequent blockade of GABAAreceptors in the VTA with bicuculline. These results suggest that, at least in anesthetized rats, neurons in the VTA tonically inhibit BAT thermogenesis via a link, presently unknown, to the medullary raphé. Removal of this VTA-initiated inhibition is an important mechanism whereby LHb neurons activate BAT thermogenesis.