bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Species‐level predation network uncovers high prey specificity in a Neotropical army ant community
Authors: Hoenle Philipp O. , Blüthgen Nico , Brückner Adrian , Kronauer Daniel J.C. , Fiala Brigitte , Donoso David A. , Smith M. Alex , Ospina Jara Bryan , von Beeren Christoph
Published: May 2019

Army ants are among the top arthropod predators and considered keystone species in tropical ecosystems. During daily mass raids with many thousand workers, army ants hunt live prey, likely exerting strong top‐down control on prey species. Many tropical sites exhibit a high army ant species diversity (>20 species), suggesting that sympatric species partition the available prey niches. However, whether and to what extent this is achieved has not been intensively studied yet. We therefore conducted a large‐scale diet survey of a community of surface‐raiding army ants at La Selva Biological Station in Costa Rica. We systematically collected 3,262 prey items from eleven army ant species (genera Eciton, Nomamyrmex and Neivamyrmex). Prey items were classified as ant prey or non‐ant prey. The prey nearly exclusively consisted of other ants (98%), and most booty was ant brood (87%). Using morphological characters and DNA barcoding, we identified a total of 1,103 ant prey specimens to the species level. One hundred twenty‐nine ant species were detected among the army ant prey, representing about 30% of the known local ant diversity. Using weighted bipartite network analyses, we show that prey specialization in army ants is unexpectedly high and prey niche overlap very small. Besides food niche differentiation, we uncovered a spatiotemporal niche differentiation in army ant raid activity. We discuss competition‐driven multidimensional niche differentiation and predator–prey arms races as possible mechanisms underlying prey specialization in army ants. By combining systematic prey sampling with species‐level prey identification and network analyses, our integrative approach can guide future research by portraying how predator–prey interactions in complex communities can be reliably studied, even in cases where morphological prey identification is infeasible.
Arabidopsis ubiquitin‐specific proteases UBP12 and UBP13 shape ORE1 levels during leaf senescence induced by nitrogen deficiency
Authors: Park Su‐Hyun , Jeong Jin Seo , Seo Jun Sung , Park Bong Soo , Chua Nam‐Hai
Published: May 2019

Nitrogen deficiency (−N) in plants triggers leaf senescence which is regulated by the transcription factor ORE1. Little is known about post‐translational regulation of ORE1 in this process. Here, we show that UBP12/UBP13 (ubiquitin‐specific protease 12/13) antagonize the action of NLA (nitrogen limitation adaptation) E3 ligase to maintain ORE1 homeostasis.

In vitro pull‐down and in vivo co‐immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated specific binding between UBP12/UBP13 and ORE1. We further analyzed in various genotypes total Chl content and expression levels of senescence‐related genes under −N conditions. We found that UBP12/UBP13 can deubiquitinate polyubiquitinated ORE1 in vitro and increase the stability of ORE1 in vivo in MG132/cycloheximide‐chase experiments.

Plants overexpressing UBP12/UBP13 display accelerated leaf senescence which is reversed by the ore1 mutation. By contrast, the senescence phenotype of plants overexpressing ORE1 is exacerbated by UBP12/UBP13 overexpression. The expression of senescence‐related genes tracks the senescence phenotype. ORE1 protein levels can be elevated by UBP12/UBP13 overexpression but decreased in ubp12‐2w/13‐3.

In conclusion, UBP12/UBP13 deubiquitinate ORE1 to stabilize this transcription factor and promote its activity as a positive regulator for leaf senescence under −N conditions. Our study shows that UBP12/UBP13 counteracts the effect of NLA E3 ligase to accelerate leaf senescence under nitrogen starvation.
Effect of lead design and pacing vector on electrical parameters of quadripolar coronary sinus leads: The RALLY‐X4 study
Authors: Burri Haran , Schrage Max Olaf , Morani Giovanni , Sakata Yasushi , Hermida Jean‐Sylvain , Solimene Francesco , Rauwolf Thomas , Kayser Torsten , Pakarinen Sami , Biffi Mauro
Published: May 2019

Background

Various lead designs have been developed to accommodate different coronary sinus anatomies. Our objectives were to compare electrical parameters of straight and spiral left ventricular leads, to evaluate capture thresholds and impedances using different pacing vectors, and to study evolution of thresholds over time.

Methods

The RALLY‐X4 study enrolled patients implanted with a lead from the Acuity X4 family (straight, spiral short, or spiral long). Electrical parameters (including capture thresholds from all 17 vectors) were measured at baseline and follow‐up.

Results

Data from 795 patients who were successfully implanted were analyzed. Straight and spiral leads had similar proportions of patients with thresholds <2.5 V/0.4 ms using the distal electrode (61‐65% of patients) or from at least one of the proximal (E2‐E4) electrodes (81‐83% of patients). Unipolar vectors had significantly lower thresholds and impedances than bipolar vectors, with similar measurements compared to extended bipolar configurations. Capture thresholds increased with more proximal electrodes for all leads. Over a mean follow‐up of 1 year, a slight decrease in capture thresholds was observed.

Conclusion

Straight and spiral quadripolar leads allow to obtain clinically acceptable capture thresholds from at least one of the proximal electrodes in >80% of patients. Pacing vectors significantly affect electrical parameters, with higher thresholds in more proximal electrodes and lower thresholds with unipolar and extended bipolar configurations. Capture thresholds slightly decreased over a mean follow‐up of 1 year.
Clash of the climates: Examining the paradoxical effects of climates for promotion and prevention
Authors: Beus Jeremy M. , Lucianetti Lorenzo , Arthur Winfred
Published: May 2019

Organizations often communicate seemingly paradoxical strategic imperatives to their employees that reflect a focus on promotion (take risks) and prevention (be prudent), as outlined by regulatory focus theory. When consistently emphasized and reinforced in an organization, these strategic inclinations can emerge as divergent climates for promotion and prevention that cloud the organization's perceived identity and reduce collective organizational commitment among employees. With a coherent organizational identity acting as both a sensemaking tool and a means of potential self‐enhancement for employees, we use social identity theory to hypothesize that similarly emphasized promotion and prevention climates are negatively related to employees’ collective organizational commitment and indirectly, negatively related to organizational productivity. We test our hypotheses in a sample of 107 manufacturing organizations, using polynomial regression with response surface analysis to examine how similarly emphasized promotion and prevention climates relate to collective commitment and organizational productivity. Our analyses reveal that as organization‐level promotion and prevention climate scores became more similar, collective organizational commitment decreases. Furthermore, we find that similarly emphasized promotion and prevention climates are negatively related to organizational productivity via collective commitment. We reconcile these findings with the organizational paradox and ambidexterity literatures and implicate promising avenues for future research.
Immunohistochemical and qPCR determination of the expression and serum level of anti‐Müllerian hormone in pre‐pubertal, intact and ovarian remnant syndrome detected bitches
Authors: Karakas Alkan Kubra , Ceylan Ahmet , Alkan Hasan , Ozen Dogukan , Bayraktaroglu Alev Gurol , Kaymaz Mustafa
Published: May 2019

The aim of this study was to determine the serum concentrations, ovarian presence and expression of anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) in pre‐pubertal, bitches with signs of ovarian remnant syndrome (ORS) and intact bitches. In addition, we aimed to verify the suitability of serum AMH concentrations for diagnostic purposes in sterilized bitches and/or in suspected cases of ORS in the field of veterinary medicine. For this purpose, 36 healthy female dogs divided into six groups: proestrus, oestrus, dioestrus, anoestrus, pre‐pubertal and ORS. Serum AMH concentrations were determined by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay, and ovarian presence and distribution of AMH was confirmed by immunohistochemical and qPCR techniques. According to the results of qPCR, while the expression values of AMH were at the highest concentrations in the proestrus and oestrus, there was a statistically significant decrease in these values at the later stages of the cycle (p < 0.05). According to hormone analysis, the serum AMH values of the ORS group had decreased significantly compared with the proestrus and oestrus (p < 0.05). Although serum AMH levels of ORS group were increased compared with anestrus and pre‐pubertal groups, this increase was statistically non‐significant (p > 0.05). Immunohistochemically, AMH expression was first observed in the granulosa cells of primordial follicles in folliculogenesis. Expression values were the highest in the proestrous and oestrus groups, but values from bitches in later stages of the cycle were statistically significant decrease in comparison with these groups (p < 0.05). As a result, AMH concentration and expression were found to be higher in proestrus and oestrus than in other periods (p < 0.05). In addition, the measurable level of AMH concentration in bitches with ORS is an indication that it can be used in the diagnosis of ORS.
Perceived Ideological Distance and Trust in Congress
Authors: Kirkland Justin H. , Banda Kevin K.
Published: May 2019

Objectives

We evaluate whether citizens’ trust in Congress is influenced by perceptions of ideological distance between themselves and their representatives. We argue that citizens view members as the “face” of Congress, and thus trust the institution more when the face of that institution is more ideologically proximal to themselves.

Methods

We test our hypotheses using responses to survey questions regarding both trust in Congress and perceptions of ideological distance between respondents and members of Congress in the 2008 and 2016 Cooperative Congressional Election Study. We then pair these observational survey data with a survey experiment administered by Qualtrics in 2016.

Results

Ordinal logistic regressions from our survey data evince strong empirical support for our arguments, showing that as perceived ideological distance between a respondent and her member of Congress increases, trust in Congress as a whole declines. These observational analyses are corroborated by our survey experiment, which again shows that as perceptions of ideological distance increase, trust in legislatures declines.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that a lack of faith in legislative institutions is often the result of a failure of representation. One way to restore Americans’ trust in Congress is for members to demonstrate more fidelity to the ideological leanings of their constituents.
Characterizing red blood cell age exposure in massive transfusion therapy: the scalar age of blood index (SBI)
Authors: DeSantis Stacia M. , Brown Derek W. , Jones Allison R. , Yamal Jose‐Miguel , Pittet Jean‐Francois , Patel Rakesh P. , Wade Charles E. , Holcomb John B. , Wang Henry ,   On Behalf of the PROPPR Study Group
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

The mortality of trauma patients requiring massive transfusion to treat hemorrhagic shock approaches 17% at 24 hours and 26% at 30 days. The use of stored RBCs is limited to less than 42 days, so older RBCs are delivered first to rapidly bleeding trauma patients. Patients who receive a greater quantity of older RBCs may have a higher risk for mortality.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Characterizing blood age exposure requires accounting for the age of each RBC unit and the quantity of transfused units. To address this challenge, a novel Scalar Age of Blood Index (SBI) that represents the relative distribution of RBCs received is introduced and applied to a secondary analysis of the Pragmatic, Randomized Optimal Platelet and Plasma Ratios (PROPPR) randomized controlled trial (NCT01545232, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01545232). The effect of the SBI is assessed on the primary PROPPR outcome, 24‐hour and 30‐day mortality.

RESULTS

The distributions of blood storage ages successfully maps to a parameter (SBI) that fully defines the blood age curve for each patient. SBI was a significant predictor of 24‐hour and 30‐day mortality in an adjusted model that had strong predictive ability (odds ratio, 1.15 [1.01‐1.29], p = 0.029, C‐statistic, 0.81; odds ratio, 1.14 [1.02‐1.28], p = 0.019, C‐statistic, 0.88, respectively).

CONCLUSION

SBI is a simple scalar metric of blood age that accounts for the relative distribution of RBCs among age categories. Transfusion of older RBCs is associated with 24‐hour and 30‐day mortality, after adjustment for total units and clinical covariates.
Industrial Robot Accuracy Degradation Monitoring and Quick Health Assessment
Authors: Qiao Guixiu , Weiss Brian A.
Published: May 2019

Robot accuracy degradation sensing, monitoring, and assessment are critical activities in many industrial robot applications, especially when it comes to the high accuracy operations which may include welding, material removal, robotic drilling, and robot riveting. The degradation of robot tool center accuracy can increase the likelihood of unexpected shutdowns and decrease manufacturing quality and production efficiency. The development of monitoring, diagnostic and prognostic (collectively known as prognostics and health management (PHM)) technologies can aid manufacturers in maintaining the performance of robot systems. PHM can provide the techniques and tools to support the specification of a robot’s present and future health state and optimization of maintenance strategies. This paper presents the robotic PHM research and the development of a quick health assessment at the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The research effort includes the advanced sensing development to measure the robot tool center position and orientation; a test method to generate a robot motion plan; an advanced robot error model that handles the geometric/nongeometric errors and the uncertainties of the measurement system, and algorithms to process measured data to assess the robot’s accuracy degradation. The algorithm has no concept of the traditional derivative or gradient for algorithm converging. A use case is presented to demonstrate the feasibility of the methodology.
A Stand-Alone Hybrid Photovoltaic, Fuel Cell, and Battery System: Case Studies in Jordan
Authors: Qandil Mohammad D. , Abbas Ahmad I. , Qandil Hassan D. , Al-Haddad Muhannad R. , Amano Ryoichi S.
Published: May 2019

The main purpose of this study is to investigate the feasibility of using a hybrid photovoltaic (PV), fuel cell (FC), and battery system to power different load cases, which are intended to be used at the Al-Zarqa governorate in Jordan. All aspects related to the potentials of solar energy in the Al-Hashemeya area were studied. The irradiation levels were carefully identified and analyzed and found to range between 4.1 and 7.6 kWh/m2/day; these values represented an excellent opportunity for the photovoltaic solar system. homer (Hybrid Optimization model for Multiple Energy Resources) software is used as an optimization and sizing tool to discuss several renewable and nonrenewable energy sources, energy storage methods, and their applicability regarding cost and performance. Different scenarios with photovoltaic slope, diesel price, and fuel cell cost were done. A remote residential building, school, and factory having an energy consumption of 31 kWh/day with a peak of 5.3 kW, 529 kWh/day with a maximum of 123 kW and 608 kWh/day with a maximum of 67 kW, respectively, were considered as the case studies' loads. It was found that the PV-diesel generator system with battery is the most suitable solution at present for the residential building case, while the PV-FC-diesel generator-electrolyzer hybrid system with battery suites best both the school and factory cases. The load profile for each case was found to have a substantial effect on how the system's power produced a scheme. For the residential building, PV panels contributed by about 75% of the total power production, the contribution increased for the school case study to 96% and dropped for the factory case to almost 50%.
Soccer Clubs as Media Organizations: A Case Study of Benfica TV and PSG TV
Authors: Borges Fernando
Published: May 2019

The sport/media complex is a very dynamic system in which actors are constantly negotiating positions and power relations. Historically, sport organizations and media companies have had a symbiotic relationship, and the boundaries between them have been fluid. First, media companies acted as sport organizations’ storytellers, but after the digital revolution, it became easier for sport organizations to enter the media market. Concerned with revenues, soccer clubs decided to take responsibility for exploring their image and promoting intellectual property. Initially advancing with marketing and public relations departments, they later created television or other media channels. The creation of club-owned media established an environment where a soccer club can act as a media organization. This case study is based on an examination of Benfica TV, in Portugal, and PSG TV, in France, to seek to understand their motivations and to assess the existence of a similar business model or motivation. An ethnographic-interview methodology was used in an attempt to understand the inner parts of the clubs that are frequently restricted.
Final fate of a Leidenfrost droplet: Explosion or takeoff
Authors: Lyu Sijia , Mathai Varghese , Wang Yujie , Sobac Benjamin , Colinet Pierre , Lohse Detlef , Sun Chao
Published: May 2019

Evaporating Leidenfrost drops either “take-flight” or “crash-explode”; the amount of dirt they carry governs their final fate.
Is your immune system over the hill?
Authors: Henrickson Sarah E.
Published: May 2019

Longitudinal study of immune function yields cytometric and transcriptomic measures of immune age.
Worldwide Epidemiology ofSalmonellaSerovars in Animal-Based Foods: a Meta-analysis
Authors: Ferrari Rafaela G. , Rosario Denes K. A. , Cunha-Neto Adelino , Mano Sérgio B. , Figueiredo Eduardo E. S. , Conte-Junior Carlos A.
Published: May 2019

Salmonellosis is caused bySalmonellaspp. and is the third leading cause of death among food-transmitted diseases. This pathogen is commonly disseminated in domestic and wild animals, and the infection’s symptoms are characterized by acute fever, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. The animals are the primary source of salmonellae, and animal-based foods are the main transmission route to humans. Therefore, data collected from these sources could contribute to future global interventions for effective control and surveillance ofSalmonellaalong the food chain. In light of this, the importance of our research is in identifying the prevalence ofSalmonellaserovars in four animal-based food matrices (pork, poultry, beef, and seafood) and to evaluate the importance that each matrix has as the primary source of this pathogen to humans.
Single-Cell Virus Sequencing of Influenza Infections That Trigger Innate Immunity
Authors: Russell Alistair B. , Elshina Elizaveta , Kowalsky Jacob R. , te Velthuis Aartjan J. W. , Bloom Jesse D.
Published: May 2019

Because influenza virus has a high mutation rate, many cells are infected by mutated virions. But so far, it has been impossible to fully characterize the sequence of the virion infecting any given cell, since conventional techniques such as flow cytometry and single-cell transcriptome sequencing (scRNA-seq) only detect if a protein or transcript is present, not its sequence. Here we develop a new approach that uses long-read PacBio sequencing to determine the sequences of virions infecting single cells. We show that viral genetic variation explains some but not all of the cell-to-cell variability in viral gene expression and innate immune induction. Overall, our study provides the first complete picture of how viral mutations affect the course of infection in single cells.
Pulmonary hypertension in patients with a subaortic right ventricle: prevalence, impact and management
Authors: Van De Bruaene Alexander , Toh Norihisa , Hickey Edward J , Benson Lee , Horlick Eric , Granton John T , Williams William G , Roche S Lucy
Published: May 2019

Objective

This study sought to determine the prevalence, predictors, prognostic relevance and evolution of pulmonary hypertension (PH) (mean pulmonary artery pressure ≥25 mm Hg) in adult patients with a subaortic right ventricle (RV) in a biventricular circulation (2V-RV).

Methods

We analysed retrospective data from patients with 2V-RV undergoing cardiac catheterisation in our centre between 2000 and 2018. Echocardiographic assessment of subpulmonary ventricular pressures (left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP)), age and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) were assessed as PH screening tools. Kaplan-Meier curves examined time to a composite outcome of death, transplant or ventricular assist device (VAD). Data from repeat catheterisations were analysed to evaluate PH changes over time, including the effects of therapy.

Results

A total of 141 patients (median age 39 (IQR 33–45) years, 68% men) underwent 191 cardiac catheterisations. At baseline, 55% had PH (isolated postcapillary 24%, combined precapillary and postcapillary 26% and precapillary 5%). BNP (area under the curve 0.80; 95% CI 0.72 to 0.88; p<0.0001), but not age at catheterisation or echocardiographic estimates of LVSP were associated with the presence of PH. The absence of PH and BNP <100 pg/mL discriminated a subgroup at very low risk during short-term (2.5 (1.3–3.9) years) follow-up (p<0.0001). Diuretics, milrinone and VAD improved haemodynamics over time.

Conclusion

PH is prevalent in patients with 2V-RV even when asymptomatic. It is difficult to identify by echocardiography and most importantly, is strongly associated with adverse outcomes. PH affects prognosis and transplant options for this patient group and yet is often amenable to treatment. Awareness of these results ought to lower the threshold for invasive haemodynamic assessment and may change the management of failing patients with 2V-RV.
Stroke-independent contribution of atrial fibrillation to dementia: a meta-analysis
Authors: Saglietto Andrea , Matta Mario , Gaita Fiorenzo , Jacobs Victoria , Bunch Thomas Jared , Anselmino Matteo
Published: May 2019

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with an increased risk of dementia. It is presently unknown to what extent AF contributes to dementia onset independently from prevalent and incident cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs)/transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs).

Methods

MEDLINE/PubMed and Embase databases were searched for prospective observational results, which produced risk estimates for dementia in AF patients, adjusted for prevalent and incident CVAs/TIAs.

Results

Five prospective observational studies were included, comprising 61 008 patients, having a median follow-up of 12.5 years. Meta-analysis of observational results indicates an increased risk of dementia in AF, adjusted for cerebrovascular clinical events (HR 1.28, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.41, I2=0%). Funnel plot analysis did not reveal a statistically significant asymmetry. Meta-regression analysis did not indicate statistically significant associations between baseline study-level covariates and risk estimates.

Conclusion

AF confers a nearly 30% increased risk of dementia, independently from CVAs/TIAs. Screening for AF and subsequent optimised management to lower risk of cranial injury could help in preventing dementia, a condition characterised by high social and healthcare costs.
Diaphragmatic lesions and fatal haemorrhage in Texel sheep
Authors: Waine Katie , Strugnell Benjamin William , Howie Fiona , Swinson Vanessa , Millar Mick
Published: May 2019

Twelve Texel sheep were found to have diaphragmatic lesions, with or without thoracic haemorrhage, at postmortem examination over a period of two‐and‐a‐half years. Presenting clinical signs ranged from general malaise or mild respiratory stertor, to severe acute respiratory distress or sudden death. Gross postmortem findings included focal areas of diaphragmatic haemorrhage, diaphragmatic musculature necrosis or diaphragmatic rupture with herniation of abdominal viscera into the thoracic cavity. In some cases, acute severe fatal haemorrhage from either thoracic vessels or the diaphragmatic lesions was observed. Histopathology confirmed an acute event leading to the sudden death of affected animals, but also suggested a pre‐existing chronic degenerative lesion of unknown aetiology affecting the diaphragmatic muscle. This case report suggests diaphragmatic lesions, with or without fatal thoracic haemorrhage, as a differential for respiratory distress or sudden death in young Texel sheep.
Prevalence of antibody seroconversion toToxoplasma gondiiin uveitis and non‐uveitis dogs
Authors: Kosec Goran , Hacin Biljana , Sansom Philip G , Weaver Gereth , Dewhurst Emma , Carter James W
Published: May 2019

Objectives

To evaluate the prevalence of seroconversion toToxoplasma gondiiin dogs with uveitis and dogs without uveitis.

Methods

In total, 135 dogs were evaluated: 51 dogs were diagnosed with uveitis, and 84 dogs were without uveitis. Latex agglutination tests were performed on all sera, and the results were evaluated.

Results

Overall, 7.8 and 6.0 per cent of sera were positive for the presence of anti‐T gondiiantibodies (dilution ≥1:64) in the groups with uveitis and non‐uveitis dogs, respectively. The frequency distribution of variables (positive and negative results in the uveitis and the non‐uveitis group of dogs) was tested with Fisher's exact test. There was no statistically significant difference between groups (P=0.73).

Clinical significance

These findings suggest that evidence of exposure toT gondiiwas not significantly different between uveitis and non‐uveitis groups of dogs and that the possible association between exposure toT gondiiand canine uveitis requires further investigation. This study is the first to report the seroprevalence of anti‐T gondiiantibodies in dogs in the UK population and the first to report the seroprevalence of anti‐T gondiiantibodies in dogs with uveitis.
The relationship between carrier mobility and bicrystalline grains boundary of rutile TiO2 film
Authors: He Yanfei , Zhang Xin , Liu Yuanbing , Liu Hao , Zhang Yi , Li Guozeng , Wang Zehui , Lin Yutao , Wang Hualin , Tao Hualong , Liu Chaoqian , Jiang Weiwei , Wang Nan , Liu Shimin , Cui Yunxian , Ding Wanyu , Liu Jindong
Published: May 2019

The rutile titanium dioxide (TiO2) has attracted enormous interest in sensor field owing to its stability at high temperature. But less is known about electron transfer efficiency of rutile TiO2, which is mainly influenced by the electron mobility. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between carrier mobility and bicrystalline grains boundary of rutile TiO2 film. In this study, TiO2 film was deposited by the direct current pulsed magnetron sputtering technology with sputtering power from 150 to 900 W. Then the TiO2 films were annealed at [Formula: see text] in air atmosphere. By this way, the rutile TiO2 films were obtained. Special attention was paid to the carrier mobility of rutile TiO2 films. The Hall measurement results showed that with the increase of sputtering power from 150 to 900 W, the carrier mobility of rutile TiO2 films increased from 0.75 to [Formula: see text], gradually. Taking the TEM and SAED results together, our data indicated that the carrier mobility of rutile TiO2 film was influenced by the bicrystalline grains boundary. The large angle bicrystalline grain boundary seriously deteriorates the carrier mobility of rutile TiO2 film. On the contrary, the low angle bicrystalline grain boundary has little influence on the carrier mobility of rutile TiO2 film.
Geometric and physical characteristics of mixed super quasi-Einstein manifolds
Authors: Fu Fengyun , Han Yanling , Zhao Peibiao
Published: May 2019

The authors consider a mixed super quasi-Einstein manifold, which is conducive to understanding deeply the global characteristics of the universe including its topology. Firstly, the existence of such manifolds is ensured by an interesting example. Then, the authors determine the curvature characterizations of a class of mixed super quasi-Einstein manifolds. Finally, the present paper depicts a [Formula: see text]-conservative characteristic of mixed super quasi-Einstein manifolds associated with a recurrent generator.
Synthesis of Photoluminescent Core–Shell-Structured Carbon dots@silica Nanocomposite Fingermark Powders for Latent Fingermarks Visualization
Authors: Chen Hong Yu , Liu Li
Published: May 2019

To obtain solid-state photoluminescent core–shell-structured carbon dots@silica (C-dots@SiO2) nanocomposites, the C-dots were synthesized by microwave irradiation and were dispersed in SiO2through sol–gel technique. Then, the excellent fluorescent property with excitation-independent feature and the core–shell structure of C-dots@SiO2nanocomposites were successfully characterized through the fluorescence spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible absorption spectroscopy (UV-Vis), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The as-prepared C-dots@SiO2powder was mixed with reduced iron powder and then applied to latent fingermark detection. The latent fingermarks on several surfaces labeled with C-dots@SiO2fingermark powders emitted blue fluorescence under 365[Formula: see text]nm UV light and exhibited high contrast between the background and the ridges. Additionally, the C-dots@SiO2fingermark powder as a fluorescent label for enhancing latent fingermarks demonstrated greater advantages as compared to the conventional fluorescent fingermark powder especially for latent fingermark deposited on porous surfaces.
Synthesis and Activation of Pt–Cu Alloy Nanocrystals with Controlled Structure and Exposed Facets for Ethylene Glycol Oxidation
Authors: Zhou Yunong , Hu Chao , Zhang Weidong , Chen Hong , Yu Gang
Published: May 2019

The ability to control the shape, structure and faceting characteristics of bimetallic alloy nanocrystals (NCs) has been vital for designing a catalyst with excellent activity and durability in fuel cells. However, it has remained a significant challenge to synthesize platinum–copper (Pt–Cu) alloy NCs with controlled structure and exposed facets. Herein, Pt–Cu alloy NCs with different shapes, structures and facets were synthesized via a one-step direct chemical co-reduction method employing various glucose concentrations. The results showed that the prepared Pt–Cu alloy NCs exhibited very interesting facet-dependent electrocatalytic properties for ethylene glycol oxidation. In comparison with other prepared Pt–Cu alloy NCs and commercial Pt/C, Pt–Cu alloy NPs with (111)-dominant facets showed higher electrocatalytic activity and durability for ethylene glycol oxidation. Alloy NPs showing prominent electrocatalytic performance were attributed to the predominant (111) facets on NP surfaces serving as catalytic active sites, in addition to added Cu providing unique electronic and synergistic effects. The present work highlighted that these NPs with (111)-dominant facets were indeed promising candidates as electrocatalysts with excellent activity and superior durability.
Fabrication of Hierarchical N-doped Carbon Nanotubes for CO2 Adsorption
Authors: Wang Hongning , Xu Chao , Zhou Yongsheng , Zhao Wenpu , Zhong Jing , Huang Weiqiu , Chen Ruoyu
Published: May 2019

Hierarchical N-doped carbon nanotubes (NCTs) with controllable aspect ratios were developed for CO2 adsorption. In this work, NCTs were synthesized by coating different amounts of 3-aminophenol/formaldehyde resin (APF) on the outer layer of silica nanotubes, carbonizing in N2 at 700∘C and removing the silica and Ni template by hydrofluoric acid etching. The obtained NCTs were activated by K2CO3. After activation, micropores on the activated N-doped carbon nanotubes (ANCTs) were enriched, the micro-surface area and pore volume of ANCT-1.0 reached 1195[Formula: see text]m2[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text] and 0.45[Formula: see text]cm3[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text], respectively, and the corresponding adsorption capacity increased by 50% (4.50[Formula: see text]mmol[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text] at 0∘C and 1 bar). Moreover, ANCT-1.0 maintained a high stability throughout consecutive adsorption–desorption cycles. The advantages of hierarchical N-doped carbon nanotubes, including their meso–microporous structures, high geometric aspect ratio and good stability, make them valuable and promising materials to capture carbon dioxide.
A study on the effects of diffusion of information on epidemic spread
Authors: Gündüç Semra
Published: May 2019

In this work, the spread of a contagious disease on a society where the individuals may take precautions is modeled. The primary assumption is that the infected individuals transmit the infection to the susceptible members of the community through direct contact interactions. In the meantime, the susceptibles gather information from the adjacent sites which may lead to taking precautions. The SIR model is used for the diffusion of infection while the Bass equation models the information diffusion. The sociological classification of the individuals indicates that a small percentage of the population takes action immediately after being informed, while the majority expects to see some real advantage of taking action. The individuals are assumed to take two different precautions. The precursory measures are getting vaccinated or trying to avoid direct contact with the neighbors. A weighted average of states of the neighbors leads to the choice of action.

The fully connected and scale-free Networks are employed as the underlying network of interactions. The comparison between the simple contagion diffusion and the diffusion of infection in a responsive society showed that a very limited precaution makes a considerable difference in the speed and the size of the spread of illness. Particularly, highly connected hub nodes play an essential role in the reduction of the spread of disease.
Four-Channel 3D Around View Monitoring Algorithm Using Hemispherical Projection Model
Authors: Kim Jung-Hwan , Lim Joonhong
Published: May 2019

Most current vehicle black boxes provide a bird’s-eye view of 2D type. This viewpoint has a limited viewing angle which makes it difficult to conduct an accident investigation, parking and awareness of space. To solve these problems, we propose the 3D Around View Monitoring (AVM) algorithm using image composition which combines planar and hemispherical projection method. The experimental results indicate that the proposed method overcome the 2D AVM disadvantages and may be useful for accurate accident investigation, autonomous driving system and other system.
End-to-End Learning of Semantic Grid Estimation Deep Neural Network with Occupancy Grids
Authors: Erkent Özgür , Wolf Christian , Laugier Christian
Published: May 2019

We propose semantic grid, a spatial 2D map of the environment around an autonomous vehicle consisting of cells which represent the semantic information of the corresponding region such as car, road, vegetation, bikes, etc. It consists of an integration of an occupancy grid, which computes the grid states with a Bayesian filter approach, and semantic segmentation information from monocular RGB images, which is obtained with a deep neural network. The network fuses the information and can be trained in an end-to-end manner. The output of the neural network is refined with a conditional random field. The proposed method is tested in various datasets (KITTI dataset, Inria-Chroma dataset and SYNTHIA) and different deep neural network architectures are compared.
Structure and kinematics of the Central Sivas Basin (Turkey): salt deposition and tectonics in an evolving fold-and-thrust belt
Authors: Legeay Etienne , Ringenbach Jean-Claude , Kergaravat Charlie , Pichat Alexandre , Mohn Geoffroy , Vergés Jaume , Kavak Kaan Sevki , Callot Jean-Paul
Published: May 2019

The Sivas Basin in central-eastern Anatolia is a north-verging salt-bearing fold-and-thrust belt including synorogenic salt tectonics. It formed between the northern leading edge of the Taurides platform and the Kırşehir block since Late Cretaceous time. We have constructed five regional cross-sections supported by field data and 2D seismic to constrain the structure of the basin and its evolution. The area is divided into three tectonic domains from south to north: (1) a Maastrichtian to Eocene north-verging fold-and-thrust belt, which terminates by a regional Eocene evaporitic level; (2) an Oligo-Miocene salt domain which contains two generations of minibasins separated by a salt canopy, forming a salt-and-thrust belt; and (3) a late Miocene to present day foreland basin. The cross-sections show the along-strike variations and the increasing shortening in the fold-and-thrust belt from west (
c.
15 km) to east (
c.
25 km). The thick salt allows for the intracutaneous propagation of the fold-and-thrust belt below a domain of salt withdrawal minibasins, decoupled as the initial salt thickness increases. In that case, the salt domain is thrusted both frontward and backward. Efficient exhumation followed by erosion of the fold-and-thrust resulted in synorogenic salt tectonics in the foreland and thus increased the mechanical resistance between them.
Petrogenesis of leucogranites in collisional orogens
Authors: Nabelek Peter I.
Published: May 2019

Leucogranites are a characteristic feature of collisional orogens. Their generation is intimately related to crustal thickening and the active deformation and metamorphism of metapelites. Data from Proterozoic to present day orogenic belts show that collisional leucogranites (CLGs) are peraluminous, with muscovite, biotite and tourmaline as characteristic minerals. Isotopic ratios uniquely identify the metapelitic sequences in which CLGs occur as sources. Organic material in pelitic sources results in
f
O
2
in CLGs that is usually below the fayalite–magnetite–quartz buffer. Most CLGs form under vapour-poor conditions with melting involving a peritectic breakdown of muscovite. The low concentrations of Mg, Fe and Ti that characterize CLGs are largely related to biotite–melt equilibria in the source rocks. Concentrations of Zr, Th and rare earth elements are lower than expected from zircon and monazite saturation models because these minerals often remain enclosed in residual biotite during melting. Melting involving muscovite may limit the temperatures achieved in the source regions. A lack of nearby mantle heat sources in thick collisional orogens has led to thermal models for the generation of CLGs that involve flux melting, or large amounts of radiogenic heat generation, or decompression melting or shear heating, the last one emphasizing the link of leucogranites and their sources to crustal-scale shear zone systems.
An Overview of Emerging Video Coding Standards
Authors: Zhang Ticao , Mao Shiwen
Published: May 2019

Today's popular video coding standards, such as H.264/AVC, are widely used to encode video into bit streams for storage and transmission. With the explosive growth of various video applications, H.264/AVC may not fully satisfy their requirements anymore. There is an increasing demand for high compression efficiency and low complexity video coding standards. In this article, we provide an overview of existing and emerging video coding standards. We review the timeline of the development of the popular H.26X family video coding standards, and introduce several emerging video coding standards such as AV1, VP9 and VVC. As for future video coding, considering the success of machine learning in various fields and hardware acceleration, we conclude this article with a discussion of several future trends in video coding.
Escaping Oz: Autonomy in Socially Assistive Robotics
Authors: Clabaugh Caitlyn , Matarić Maja
Published: May 2019

The field of socially assistive robotics (SAR) aims to supplement the efforts of clinicians, therapists, educators, and caregivers through individualized, socially mediated interventions with robots. SAR is faced with the interdisciplinary challenge to balance sensitive domain needs with current technical limitations. Many researchers in SAR and the broader human–robot interaction community overcome technical barriers by using a Wizard of Oz approach, or teleoperation of the robot or aspects of the interaction. Although Wizard of Oz is a well-established practice, it becomes intractable in critical SAR domains that require long-term, situated support, such as aging in place and special needs education. In this article, we define a set of autonomy-centric design properties for SAR interventions based on concepts from artificial intelligence and robotics. These properties structure a systematic review of the last decade of autonomous SAR research. From the review, we draw and discuss common computational methods, engineering practices, and design patterns that enable autonomy in SAR.
A Century of Robotic Hands
Authors: Piazza C. , Grioli G. , Catalano M.G. , Bicchi A.
Published: May 2019

This article reports on the state of the art of artificial hands, discussing some of the field's most important trends and suggesting directions for future research. We review and group the most important application domains of robotic hands, extracting the set of requirements that ultimately led to the use of simplified actuation schemes and soft materials and structures—two themes that clearly emerge from our examination of developments over the past century. We provide a comprehensive analysis of novel technologies for the design of joints, transmissions, and actuators that enabled these trends. We conclude by discussing some important new perspectives generated by simpler and softer hands and their interaction with other aspects of hand design and robotics in general.
APC/C-CDH1–Regulated IDH3β Coordinates with the Cell Cycle to Promote Cell Proliferation
Authors: Wu Qingnan , Zhang Weimin , Xue Liyan , Wang Yan , Fu Ming , Ma Liying , Song Yongmei , Zhan Qi-Min
Published: May 2019

Metabolic activities are often accompanied by cell-cycle progression, yet known connections between these two processes remain limited. Here, we identified the isocitrate dehydrogenase 3β (IDH3β) as a novel substrate of anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C)-CDH1 and an important regulator of the cell cycle. In esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), IDH3β was posttranslationally upregulated in late G1 phase, and overexpression of IDH3β accelerated G1–S transition, contributing to the promotion of cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. α-Ketoglutarate (α-KG), a crucial metabolite in tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, was dependent on IDH3β level and partially accounted for IDH3β-mediated cell growth. IDH3β expression increased PFKFB3 protein levels and enhanced glucose uptake, and high expression of IDH3β correlated with poor survival in patients with ESCC, suggesting a potential application of IDH3β in prognosis. Overall, our results highlight a new molecular connection between cell-cycle regulation and the TCA cycle in ESCC.

Significance:

These findings show that IDH3β is an APC/C-CDH1 substrate and is expressed in a cell-cycle–dependent manner, highlighting novel molecular cross-talk between the TCA cycle and cell cycle in cancer cells.
Prognostic Impact of Natural Killer Cell Count in Follicular Lymphoma and Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma Patients Treated with Immunochemotherapy
Authors: Klanova Magdalena , Oestergaard Mikkel Z. , Trněný Marek , Hiddemann Wolfgang , Marcus Robert , Sehn Laurie H. , Vitolo Umberto , Bazeos Alexandra , Goede Valentin , Zeuner Harald , Knapp Andrea , Sahin Deniz , Spielewoy Nathalie , Bolen Christopher R. , Cardona Andres , Klein Christian , Venstrom Jeffrey M. , Nielsen Tina , Fingerle-Rowson Günter
Published: May 2019

Purpose:

Natural killer (NK) cells are key effector cells for anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies (mAb), such as obinutuzumab and rituximab. We assessed whether low pretreatment NK-cell count (NKCC) in peripheral blood or tumor tissue was associated with worse outcome in patients receiving antibody-based therapy.

Patients and Methods:

Baseline peripheral blood NKCC was assessed by flow cytometry (CD3−CD56+ and/or CD16+ cells) in 1,064 of 1,202 patients with follicular lymphoma treated with obinutuzumab or rituximab plus chemotherapy in the phase III GALLIUM trial (NCT01332968) and 1,287 of 1,418 patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) treated with obinutuzumab or rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (G-CHOP or R-CHOP) in the phase III GOYA trial (NCT01287741). The prognostic value of tumor NK-cell gene expression, as assessed by whole-transcriptome gene expression using TruSeq RNA sequencing, was also analyzed. The association of baseline variables, such as treatment arm, was evaluated using multivariate Cox regression models using a stepwise approach.

Results:

In this exploratory analysis, low baseline peripheral blood NKCC was associated with shorter progression-free survival (PFS) in both follicular lymphoma [hazard ratio (HR), 1.48; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.02–2.14; P = 0.04] and DLBCL (HR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.01–1.83; P = 0.04), and overall survival in follicular lymphoma (HR, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.26–3.86; P = 0.0058). Low tumor NK-cell gene expression was associated with shorter PFS in G-CHOP–treated patients with DLBCL (HR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.22–3.15; P < 0.01).

Conclusions:

These findings indicate that the number of NK cells in peripheral blood may affect the outcome of patients with B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma receiving anti-CD20–based immunochemotherapy.