bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An ensemble model for engineered systems prognostics combining health index synthesis approach and particle filtering
Authors: Yongxiang Li , Jianming Shi , Gong Wang , Mengying Zhang
Published: October 2017

Prognostics, in other words, remaining useful life (RUL) estimation is a core task of prognostics and health management (PHM). Reliable RUL predictions can reduce maintenance costs, improve production efficiency, and avoid unexpected downtime. Lots of models for RUL predictions have been proposed; however, noise and the nonlinear nature of degradation phenomena often leads to poor prognostics results, and the acquired engineered system data are usually subject to a high level of uncertainty. This makes the RUL estimation models less than satisfactory. Accurate RUL estimation and prediction not only rely on an accurate model but also depend on the adjustments of model parameters to track the variation. In this paper, an ensemble model combining the health index synthesis (HIS) approach and improved particle filtering (PF) is introduced. HIS approach was used to obtain the synthesized health index (SHI) for an engineered system with multiple sensors, which indicated the system's degradation model, while the improved PF approach was used to adjust the parameters of the degradation model obtained from the HIS approach and optimized the RUL estimation results. The performance of the prognostics approach introduced in this paper was demonstrated by using turbofan engine degradation data sets, which was supplied by NASA Ames, and results were compared with several usually used methods.
Effects of Ta3N5 Morphology and Composition on the Performance of Si‐Ta3N­5 Photoanodes
Authors: Narkeviciute Ieva , Jaramillo Thomas F.
Published: October 2017

The use of thin Ta3N5 films in tandem Si‐Ta3N5 photoelectrochemical (PEC) devices motivates understanding of the surface Ta3N­5 properties, as they may have a strong effect on the device performance. The bulk and surface properties can change as a function of nitridation temperature; thus its effect is studied, ranging from 700 to 1000 °C, on the PEC performance, morphology, and composition of thin (10 nm) Ta3N5 films deposited on planar and nanostructured Si substrates. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), scanning Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) are employed to gain fundamental understanding in the differences of the Ta­3N5 films. By controlling Ta3N­5 morphology and composition with nitridation temperature, it is determined that Ta3N5 with high crystallinity and surface N/Ta ratio, synthesized at 800 °C, yields the highest PEC performance with the earliest photocurrent onset and highest photocurrent. Samples nitrided at 700 °C have lower crystallinity and that likely leads to lower performance. For samples nitrided at temperatures above 800 °C, the N/Ta ratio decreases forming chemically reduced tantalum nitride phases, as well as N‐deficient and correspondingly O‐rich morphological domains that can adversely affect the PEC performance as hole‐blocking layers or O trap‐mediated recombination centers at the surface of Ta3N5.
Aceclofenac‐Loaded Plantago ovata F. Husk Mucilage‐Zn+2‐Pectinate Controlled‐Release Matrices
Authors: Guru Pravat Ranjan , Bera Hriday , Das Mukti Prasad , Hasnain M. Saquib , Nayak Amit Kumar
Published: October 2017

The current study is aimed at developing Plantago ovata F. husk mucilage (PHM)‐blended Zn2+‐crosslinked low methoxyl (LM) pectinate (PHM‐Zn2+‐LM‐pectinate) controlled‐release matrices containing aceclofenac (ACF) for the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in patients with an outright zinc deficiency. The ACF‐encapsulated hydrogel matrices are accomplished by ionic gelation using ZnSO4 as a crosslinker. The matrix diameter ranges from 1.39 ± 0.14 to 1.62 ± 0.16 mm. These formulations demonstrate excellent drug encapsulation efficiency (DEE, 63.80 ± 1.73–90.56 ± 2.72%) and controlled drug‐release behavior over a prolonged period of time (Q10 h, 51.42 ± 3.10 to 92.60 ± 2.38%). The drug‐elution patterns of different matrices are best‐fitted by a zero‐order kinetic model with a case‐II‐transport‐driven mechanism. The matrices also depict pH‐dependent swelling and degradation properties. In addition, the composites are characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform IR (FTIR), and powder X‐ray diffraction (P‐XRD) analyses. Thus, the newly developed PHM‐Zn+2‐LM‐pectinate matrices could be appropriate for controlled ACF delivery along with Zn supplementation in the effective treatment of RA.
Performance evaluation of innovative hybrid rebar coupler in reinforced concrete beams subjected to monotonic loading
Authors: Chidambaram Rajendran Siva , Agarwal Pankaj
Published: October 2017

This paper presents the outcome of an experimental study on the performance of mechanical rebar coupler (MRC) in broken reinforcement connection over the conventional technique. An in‐house‐made hybrid MRC is introduced to connect broken rebars ranging from 10 to 16 mm in diameter. A detailed experimental program is conducted to explore the influence of MRC with filler as a broken rebar connector. Four types of reinforced concrete (RC) beams with different reinforcement configurations are used with and without MRC at tension zone. RC beams with and without MRC are used and tested under monotonic loading. Rebar connector in different locations is used to examine the load distribution behavior of the connector. The effectiveness of rebar connector is investigated using the uni‐axial tensile test of rebar with MRC, load–deflection behavior, energy dissipation, stiffness behavior, and failure pattern of RC beams and is compared with conventional specimens. The significant enhancement in post‐yield behavior and energy dissipation of RC beam specimen with rebar connector authenticates the effectiveness of employed technique in structural engineering work.
Epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX)
Authors: Salen Gerald , Steiner Robert D.
Published: October 2017

Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder of bile acid synthesis caused by mutations in the cytochrome P450 CYP27A1 gene that result in production of a defective sterol 27‐hydroxylase enzyme. CTX is associated with abnormally high levels of cholestanol in the blood and accumulation of cholestanol and cholesterol in the brain, tendon xanthomas, and bile. Hallmark clinical manifestations of CTX include chronic diarrhea, bilateral cataracts, tendon xanthomas, and neurologic dysfunction. Although CTX is a rare disorder, it is thought to be underdiagnosed, as presenting signs and symptoms may be nonspecific with significant overlap with other more common conditions. There is marked variability in signs and symptoms, severity, and age of onset between patients. The disease course is progressive and potentially debilitating or fatal, particularly with respect to neurologic presentations that can include intellectual disability, autism, behavioral and psychiatric problems, and dementia, among others. Treatment with chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA; chenodiol) is the current standard of care. CDCA can help restore normal sterol, bile acid, bile alcohol, and cholestanol levels. CDCA also appears to be generally effective in preventing adverse clinical manifestations of the disease from occurring or progressing if administered early enough. Improved screening and awareness of the condition may help facilitate early diagnosis and treatment.
South Africa's Economic Transformation since 1994: What Influence has the National Democratic Revolution (NDR) Had?
Authors: Mosala S. J. , Venter J. C. M. , Bain E. G.
Published: October 2017

When the African National Congress (ANC) became the democratic government of South Africa in 1994, it faced the challenge of transforming the economy. How this was to be done, however, revolved around two divergent views of the National Democratic Revolution (NDR) which forms the underlying ideology or glue that binds together the Tripartite Alliance comprising the ANC, the South African Communist Party (SACP) and the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), the largest workers’ union in the country. Transformation could be achieved either radically through measures such as nationalisation where political control would be transposed into economic power, or via a more liberal route involving the promotion of macro-economic development and the growth of company earnings. This article investigates how the ANC government has sought to bring about the much-needed transformation by providing summary analyses of the following macro-economic policies: the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP), the Growth, Employment and Redistribution (GEAR) strategy, the Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative - South Africa (ASGISA), the New Growth Path (NGP) and the National Development Plan (NDP). Evidence suggests that while the NDR promised radical results, the economic transformation that has been taking place in South Africa since 1994 has been driven largely by neo-liberal principles. This is in contrast to what the ANC claims in various policy documents and what various scholars, such as Jeffery (2010:5) and Venter (2012), have also claimed. As South Africa's economic fortunes have declined in recent years in the face of mounting external pressures and internal policy uncertainty, this deviation from the original ideology and plan is causing significant discord in the country.
Erratum to: An approach to the research on ion and water properties in the interphase between the plasma membrane and bulk extracellular solution
Authors: Hibino Hiroshi , Takai Madoka , Noguchi Hidenori , Sawamura Seishiro , Takahashi Yasufumi , Sakai Hideki , Shiku Hitoshi
Published: October 2017

The article An approach to the research on ion and water properties in the interphase between the plasma membrane and bulk extracellular solution, written by Hiroshi Hibino, Madoka Takai, Hidenori Noguchi, Seishiro Sawamura, Yasufumi Takahashi, Hideki Sakai and Hitoshi Shiku, was originally published Online First without open access.
Entrepreneurial orientation and international performance: The moderating role of cultural intelligence
Authors: Şahin Faruk , Gürbüz Sai̇t
Published: October 2017

Although the characteristics of top managers is an important factor associated with competitive advantage, and managerial resources are recognized as a firm’s major resource, there is limited research concerning the role of top manager’s capabilities in the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and international performance. Based on the upper echelons perspective and resource-based view, the present study aimed to analyze top manager’s cultural intelligence as an internal contingency of the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and international performance. The study’s theoretically derived research model was tested using survey data obtained from 206 small- and medium-sized enterprises. The findings suggested that the extent to entrepreneurial orientation was related to a firm’s international performance was contingent on the level of three dimensions of cultural intelligence (metacognitive, cognitive, and motivational). Furthermore, as the level of all four cultural intelligence dimensions of top managers increased, the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and international performance increased in strength. The implications of the present findings for future research and practice were discussed.
Assessment of glacial-earthquake source parameters
Authors: VEITCH STEPHEN A. , NETTLES MEREDITH
Published: October 2017

Glacial earthquakes are slow earthquakes of magnitude M~5 associated with major calving events at near-grounded marine-terminating glaciers. These globally detectable earthquakes provide information on the grounding state of outlet glaciers and the timing of large calving events. Seismic source modeling of glacial earthquakes provides information on the size and orientation of forces associated with calving events. We compare force orientations estimated using a centroid-single-force technique with the calving-front orientations of the source glaciers at or near the time of earthquake occurrence. We consider earthquakes recorded at four glaciers in Greenland – Kangerdlugssuaq Glacier, Helheim Glacier, Kong Oscar Glacier, and Jakobshavn Isbræ – between 1999 and 2010. We find that the estimated earthquake force orientations accurately represent the orientation of the calving front at the time of the earthquake, and that seismogenic calving events are produced by a preferred section of the calving front, which may change with time. We also find that estimated earthquake locations vary in a manner consistent with changes in calving-front position, though with large scatter. We conclude that changes in glacial-earthquake source parameters reflect true changes in the geometry of the source glaciers, providing a means for identifying changes in glacier geometry and dynamics that complements traditional remote-sensing techniques.
Sea-ice thickness in the coastal northeastern Chukchi Sea from moored ice-profiling sonar
Authors: FUKAMACHI YASUSHI , SIMIZU DAISUKE , OHSHIMA KAY I. , EICKEN HAJO , MAHONEY ANDREW R. , IWAMOTO KATSUSHI , MORIYA ERIKA , NIHASHI SOHEY
Published: October 2017

Time series ice-draft data were obtained from moored ice-profiling sonar (IPS), in the coastal northeastern Chukchi Sea during 2009/10. Time series data show seasonal growth of sea-ice draft, occasionally interrupted by coastal polynya. The sea-ice draft distribution indicates a slightly lower abundance of thick, deformed ice compared with the eastern Beaufort Sea. In January, a rapid increase in the abundance of thick ice coincided with a period of minimal drift indicating compaction again the coast and dynamical thickening. The overall mean draft and corresponding derived thickness are 1.27 and 1.38 m, respectively. The evolution of modal ice thickness observed can be explained mostly by thermodynamic growth. The derived ice thicknesses are used to estimate heat losses based on ERA-interim data. Heat losses from the raw, 1 s IPS data are ~50 and 100% greater than those calculated using IPS data averaged over spatial scales of ~20 and 100 km, respectively. This finding demonstrates the importance of subgrid-scale ice-thickness distribution for heat-loss calculation. The heat-loss estimate based on thin ice data derived from AMSR-E data corresponds well with that from the 1 s observed ice-thickness data, validating heat-loss estimates from the AMSR-E thin ice-thickness algorithm.
Spatial and temporal variations of the surface albedo and other factors influencing Urumqi Glacier No. 1 in Tien Shan, China
Authors: YUE XIAOYING , ZHAO JUN , LI ZHONGQIN , ZHANG MINGJUN , FAN JIN , WANG LIN , WANG PUYU
Published: October 2017

Glacier albedo controls the surface energy budget, the variability of which affects the glacier surface melt rate and, in turn, impacts the mass balance of the glacier. During 2013 and 2014, spatial and temporal variations of albedo were investigated using 18 Landsat images of Urumqi Glacier No. 1. Factors influencing these spatiotemporal profiles were analyzed. An established retrieval process, including geolocation, radiometric calibration, atmospheric, topographic, and anisotropic correction and narrow- to broadband conversion, was applied for the first time to Landsat-8 images. Differences between Landsat image derived albedo values and albedo values measured using a handheld spectroradiometer ranged from −0.024 to 0.049. Spatial and temporal variations of surface albedo were significant, especially in the ablation area. The variability of the values of ice albedo ranged from 0.06 to 0.44 due to topographic effects and light-absorbing impurities. The results suggest that this retrieval method can be used to investigate the spatial and temporal variability of surface albedo from Landsat-8 images on mountain glaciers. Moreover, as constant albedo values for ice and snow cannot be assumed, the distribution of albedo was not completely dependent on altitude under conditions of more intense ablation, and by reason of light-absorbing impurities during the melt season.
239,240Pu and 236U records of an ice core from the eastern Tien Shan (Central Asia)
Authors: WANG CHAOMIN , HOU SHUGUI , PANG HONGXI , LIU YAPING , GÄGGELER HEINZ WALTER , CHRISTL MARCUS , SYNAL HANS-ARNO
Published: October 2017

Radioisotopes (239Pu, 240Pu, 236U) formed during atmospheric nuclear weapons testing (NWT) can be used for dating and therefore be applied as markers of the beginning of the Anthropocene Epoch. Moreover, 240Pu/239Pu ratios enable source identification (general fallout, local emission sources). Ice core segments from a 57.6 m ice core to bedrock from eastern Tien Shan, China were selected for 239,240Pu and 236U analyses by using compact low-energy accelerator mass spectrometry. The observed 240Pu/239Pu atom ratios were 0.18 ± 0.02, with one exception, indicating global fallout. No evidence for emissions from the nearby local sources Lop Nor was observed. The total deposition rates during NWT for 239Pu and 240Pu amount to 1.55 × 109 atoms·cm−2 and 3.1 × 108 atoms·cm−2, respectively. With the higher undisturbed fallout of 239Pu compared with values reported for glaciers from European Alps at Col du Dome and Colle Gnifetti as well as from the polar region, the eastern Tien Shan glacier would be an ideal site for defining the start of the Anthropocene. 236U is a rather new environmental tracer, while little is known about its global fallout from NWT. The observed deposition flux of 236U during NWT amounts to 3.5 × 108 atoms·cm−2 at the drill site. The average 236U/239Pu ratio of 0.27 ± 0.09 is in good agreement with literature values from global fallout.
PERROS PREHISTÓRICOS EN EL ESTE DE URUGUAY: CONTEXTOS E IMPLICACIONES CULTURALES
Authors: López Mazz José M. , Moreno Federica , Bracco Roberto , González Roberto
Published: October 2017

En este trabajo se presenta información arqueológica sobre cinco perros domésticos (Canis lupus familiaris) recuperados en sitios prehistóricos de las tierras bajas del sudeste uruguayo. La presencia del perro en el registro arqueológico está asociada a la actividad de grupos de cazadores-recolectores especializados, con horticultura, adaptados a las condiciones cambiantes de los ecosistemas inundables durante el Holoceno tardío (ca. 3000 años aP). Tres de los cinco ejemplares reportados aquí se recuperaron en montículos con enterramientos humanos. Este trabajo permite comenzar a discutir el rol económico, social y simbólico-ritual de estos animales en estas sociedades.
Beyond the wall: street art in the fight against the Camorra
Authors: Palermo Luca
Published: October 2017

The attempt to halt the remorseless spread of organised crime in the Italian South should not just be an issue for the judges, investigating magistrates and forces of order; every citizen should feel that they are an integral part of a wind of change, coming from below, that can have a decisive impact on local society. Starting from this premise, art and culture, adopting an approach of participation and involvement, can play a primary role in processes of renewal. In various areas within the provinces of Naples and Caserta, carefully researched works of street art, with the direct involvement of the local population, have provided the means for intervention in decaying and marginal environments where organised crime seemed to be so well entrenched as to be ineradicable. This article presents four case studies, analysing their assumptions, methodology and objectives.
Getting into the Groove: Exploring the Relationship between Grooved Ware and Developed Passage Tombs in Ireland c. 3000–2700 cal bc
Authors: Carlin Neil
Published: October 2017

This paper examines the relationship between the use of late Irish passage tombs and the development of the British and Irish Grooved Ware complex, including its Orcadian origins. The architectural forms of these passage tombs and their associated material culture, symbolic repertoires, and depositional practices in Ireland and Orkney indicate sustained connections between people in these places. It is argued that these interactions strongly influenced the development of Grooved Ware and its associated material culture in Orkney and beyond. The results of recent dating programmes are synthesised, and the character of depositional practices from 3300 to 2700 calbcare reassessed to highlight continuities in traditions of practice and representation. Together, these indicate that the adoption of Grooved Ware in Ireland did not herald an era of large-scale social transformation and that the primary use of late passage tombs did not suddenly cease at the end of the 4th millenniumbc. Instead they continued as foci for largely unchanged forms of ceremonial activity until 2450 calbcas part of a series of ongoing social and cultural shifts in people’s material culture and practices. It is argued that the current periodisation of the late 4th–3rd millenniabcin Ireland unduly emphasises a disjuncture between the Irish Middle and Late Neolithic. An alternative view of social and cultural change that refocuses attention on social agency is proposed.
ITERATED LOGARITHM SPEED OF RETURN TIMES
Authors: PAWELEC ŁUKASZ
Published: October 2017

In a general setting of an ergodic dynamical system, we give a more accurate calculation of the speed of the recurrence of a point to itself (or to a fixed point). Precisely, we show that for a certain $\unicode[STIX]{x1D709}$ depending on the dimension of the space, $\liminf _{n\rightarrow +\infty }(n\log \log n)^{\unicode[STIX]{x1D709}}d(T^{n}x,x)=0$ almost everywhere and $\liminf _{n\rightarrow +\infty }(n\log \log n)^{\unicode[STIX]{x1D709}}d(T^{n}x,y)=0$ for almost all $x$ and $y$. This is done by assuming the exponential decay of correlations and making a weak assumption on the invariant measure.
SOME NEW LOWER BOUNDS FOR THE KIRCHHOFF INDEX OF A GRAPH
Authors: MILOVANOVIĆ I. , MATEJIĆ M. , GLOGIĆ E. , MILOVANOVIĆ E.
Published: October 2017

Let$G$be a simple connected graph with$n$vertices and$m$edges and$d_{1}\geq d_{2}\geq \cdots \geq d_{n}>0$its sequence of vertex degrees. If$\unicode[STIX]{x1D707}_{1}\geq \unicode[STIX]{x1D707}_{2}\geq \cdots \geq \unicode[STIX]{x1D707}_{n-1}>\unicode[STIX]{x1D707}_{n}=0$are the Laplacian eigenvalues of$G$, then the Kirchhoff index of$G$is$\mathit{Kf}(G)=n\sum _{i=1}^{n-1}\unicode[STIX]{x1D707}_{i}^{-1}$. We prove some new lower bounds for$\mathit{Kf}(G)$in terms of some of the parameters$\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E5}=d_{1}$,$\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E5}_{2}=d_{2}$,$\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E5}_{3}=d_{3}$,$\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FF}=d_{n}$,$\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FF}_{2}=d_{n-1}$and the topological index$\mathit{NK}=\prod _{i=1}^{n}d_{i}$.
NOTE ON LEHMER–PIERCE SEQUENCES WITH THE SAME PRIME DIVISORS
Authors: SKAŁBA M.
Published: October 2017

Let $a_{1},a_{2},\ldots ,a_{m}$ and $b_{1},b_{2},\ldots ,b_{l}$ be two sequences of pairwise distinct positive integers greater than $1$. Assume also that none of the above numbers is a perfect power. If for each positive integer $n$ and prime number $p$ the number $\prod _{i=1}^{m}(1-a_{i}^{n})$ is divisible by $p$ if and only if the number $\prod _{j=1}^{l}(1-b_{j}^{n})$ is divisible by $p$, then $m=l$ and $\{a_{1},a_{2},\ldots ,a_{m}\}=\{b_{1},b_{2},\ldots ,b_{l}\}$.
ON FUNCTIONS ATTRACTING POSITIVE ENTROPY
Authors: LORANTY ANNA , PAWLAK RYSZARD J.
Published: October 2017

We examine dynamical systems which are ‘nonchaotic’ on a big (in the sense of Lebesgue measure) set in each neighbourhood of a fixed point $x_{0}$, that is, the entropy of this system is zero on a set for which $x_{0}$ is a density point. Considerations connected with this family of functions are linked with functions attracting positive entropy at $x_{0}$, that is, each mapping sufficiently close to the function has positive entropy on each neighbourhood of $x_{0}$.
ITÔ’S THEOREM AND MONOMIAL BRAUER CHARACTERS II
Authors: CHEN XIAOYOU , LEWIS MARK L.
Published: October 2017

Let $G$ be a finite solvable group and let $p$ be a prime. We prove that the intersection of the kernels of irreducible monomial $p$-Brauer characters of $G$ with degrees divisible by $p$ is $p$-closed.
Connectivity, Clientelism and Public Provision
Authors: Shami Mahvish
Published: October 2017

In many developing countries the rural poor often depend on patrons to act as brokers in order to get public provision from the government. The broker facilitates provision in return for securing peasants’ votes for politicians. Yet, low bargaining power of peasants allows patrons to appropriate public resources for themselves. I propose increasing peasants’ bargaining power by connecting them to markets outside their village. Making use of a natural experiment found in the construction of a motorway in Pakistan, I find public provision to be significantly higher in connected villages when compared to those which are isolated. Moreover, I find that the beneficial impact of connectivity is felt most strongly by the lower classes, who are most vulnerable to exploitation when isolated.
Leverage Effect, Volatility Feedback, and Self-Exciting Market Disruptions
Authors: Carr Peter , Wu Liuren
Published: October 2017

Equity index volatility variation and its interaction with the index return can come from three distinct channels. First, index volatility increases with the market’s aggregate financial leverage. Second, positive shocks to systematic risk increase the cost of capital and reduce the valuation of future cash flows, generating a negative correlation between the index return and its volatility, regardless of financial leverage. Finally, large negative market disruptions show self-exciting behaviors. This article proposes a model that incorporates all three channels and examines their relative contribution to index option pricing and stock option pricing for different types of companies.
Nematode assemblages associated with the parthenogenetic lizard Ameivula nativo in six restinga areas along the eastern coast of Brazil
Authors: Menezes V.A. , Mascarenhas J.C. , Vrcibradic D. , Rocha C.F.D.
Published: October 2017

We surveyed the nematode assemblages associated with populations of the parthenogenetic whiptail lizard Ameivula nativo from six coastal restinga areas in eastern Brazil: Setiba, Comboios and Guriri (State of Espirito Santo) and Guaratiba, Prado and Maraú (State of Bahia). A total of five nematode species (Physaloptera retusa, Physalopteroides venancioi, Skrjabinelazia intermedia, Subulura lacertilia and Parapharyngodon sp.) were recorded from the six different populations of A. nativo. There was considerable variation in overall prevalence of infection (1–42%) among study sites, but geographical distance among areas did not influence similarity in the composition of nematode assemblages. Overall intensity of infection was not affected by lizard body size and did not seem to affect host body condition, based on pooled data of all populations. The studied populations of the unisexual A. nativo had relatively low prevalences and intensities of infection compared to some bisexual congeners and to sympatric lizards from other families for which such data are available. We believe that the low richness of the nematode fauna associated with A. nativo, both locally and regionally, may reflect its narrow geographic distribution and the low diversity of habitats it occupies.
Description of a new species Fuhrmannetta jurubatensis n. sp. (Cestoda, Davaineidae) from Cerradomys goytaca Tavares, Pessôa & Gonçalves, 2011 (Rodentia, Cricetidae)
Authors: Oliveira L.C. , Oliveira F.C.R. , Ederli N.B.
Published: October 2017

A new species of cestode of the genus Fuhrmannetta found in the small intestine of Cerradomys goytaca is described herein, named Fuhrmannetta jurubatensis n. sp. Rodents were collected from the sand-plains areas of the northern coast of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Morphological analyses were conducted by light and scanning electron microscopy. From the morphological analysis and a comparison with the known species of the genus, F. jurubatensis n. sp. can be identified by a combination of morphological and morphometrical characteristics, including strobila length, number and length of rostellar hooks, position of the genital pore and the number of eggs per uterine capsule.
Is mesocardia with left-sided caval vein draining to coronary sinus a contraindication for a percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation? A case description
Authors: Kantzis Marinos , Happel Christoph M. , Haas Nikolaus A.
Published: October 2017

Introduction

Although the right jugular vein approach for percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation is well described, there are no reports that describe a percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation through a left superior caval vein to coronary sinus pathway.

Case

A 14-year-old female with tetralogy of Fallot, mesocardia, left superior caval vein draining into the coronary sinus, and hemiazygos continuation of the inferior caval vein underwent ventricular septal defect closure, with homograft insertion from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery, patch augmentation of the left pulmonary artery, and creation of an atrial communication. Thereafter followed numerous catheterisations and interventions with stent implantation for stenosis of the left pulmonary artery and the homograft, as did device closure of the atrial communication. When she was a 12-year-old, the indications for a percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation were fulfilled and she underwent implantation of a 22 mm Melody® valve through the left superior caval vein. The extra-stiff exchange wire was pre-formed into a “U-spiral”-type configuration, according to the underlying anatomy, in order to provide a smooth route for the delivery of stents, to create the landing zone, and for the implantation of the Melody “ensemble”. The procedure was performed under deep sedation according to our standard protocol. The duration of the procedure was 172 min and the radiation time was 24.9 min.

Conclusion

On the basis of this unique experience, percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation is safe and feasible even in patients with unusual anatomy. Crucial is the “U-spiral” shaped configuration of the guide wire.
HUMANISM AND THE ENDS OF EMPIRE, 1945–1960
Authors: KLIGER GILI
Published: October 2017

This article situates francophone anticolonial thinkers—including Aimé Césaire, Léopold Sédar Senghor, and Frantz Fanon—within the “humanism debate” in postwar French thought. Drawing on their poetry, prose, speeches, and interviews, this article reconstructs their critique of the humanist tradition that had identified the capacity for reason as the essence of “man.” It then traces their dialogue with approaches to this critique, including existentialism, phenomenology, and surrealism, that circulated in the metropole. The particular ways in which anticolonial thinkers built upon such approaches merit our attention because they force us to revise our understanding of the politics motivating the turn to so-called “antihumanism” in the 1960s. Drawing on recent studies that have highlighted proposals for federalist alternatives to empire entertained prior to national independence, this article suggests that the “federalist imagination” helped to inspire the distinctive mode of criticism developed by certain anticolonial thinkers and taken up by later scholars.
Harninkontinenz beim Mann – Ursachen, Diagnostik und Therapie
Authors: Reitz André , Bauer Stephan , Hüsch Tanja , Haferkamp Axel
Published: October 2017

Zusammenfassung. Dieser Übersichtsartikel beleuchtet den aktuellen Kenntnisstand zur Ätiologie, Diagnostik und Therapie der Harninkontinenz des Mannes. In der Ätiologie der Harninkontinenz beim Mann spielt die radikale Prostatektomie eine herausragende Rolle, aber auch das benigne Prostatasyndrom, neurologische Erkrankungen oder metabolische Störungen können zu einer Harninkontinenz beim Mann führen. In der Diagnostik ist neben der Basisdiagnostik eine qualifizierte urodynamische Beurteilung unabdingbar, um die zugrunde liegenden pathophysiologischen Mechanismen aufzudecken und Chancen und Risiken der verfügbaren Therapie- bzw. Operationstechniken abschätzen zu können. Die Primärtherapie der Harninkontinenz beim Mann ist konservativ und schliesst eine qualifizierte Beckenboden- und Sphinktertherapie einschliesslich Biofeedback ein. Die Auswahl der operativen Techniken unterliegt dem Ausmass der Inkontinenz, den individuellen Gegebenheiten des Patienten, der Patientenpräferenz, der Expertise des Operateurs und einzelnen Kontraindikationen für bestimmte Verfahren. Auch ein längeres Intervall nach radikaler Prostatektomie oder ein Tumorprogress sind keine Ausschlusskriterien für eine operative Therapie. Der oft hohe Leidensdruck und das breite Spektrum von in geübten Händen wenig invasiven Operationstechniken rechtfertigen eine breite Indikationsstellung für eine prothetische Versorgung.
Muskelschmerzen nach Elektromyostimulationstraining
Authors: Herzog Aline , Büchele Fabian , Keller Dagmar I.
Published: October 2017

Zusammenfassung. Wir sahen zwei Patienten mit Rhabdomyolyse nach Elektromyostimulationstraining (EMS) ohne weitere Komplikationen wie z.B. einer akuten Niereninsuffizienz. Die erhöhten Transaminasenwerte wurden bei negativen leberspezifischen Parametern im Rahmen der Rhabdomyolyse interpretiert. Es ist bisher unklar, warum einzelne Personen auf EMS mit einer Rhabdomyolyse reagieren. Möglich sind genetische Faktoren, die mit einer erhöhten Suszeptibilität gegenüber hoher muskulärer Belastung oder dem EMS im Speziellen einhergehen könnten.
What Causes Ecological Shifts?
Authors: Wheeling Kate
Published: October 2017

A new information-processing framework helps researchers tease out the factors driving ecological shifts over short timescales.
Transcription factor Foxo1 is essential for IL-9 induction in T helper cells
Authors: Malik Sakshi , Sadhu Srikanth , Elesela Srikanth , Pandey Ramendra Pati , Chawla Amanpreet Singh , Sharma Deepak , Panda Lipsa , Rathore Deepak , Ghosh Balram , Ahuja Vineet , Awasthi Amit
Published: October 2017

Interleukin 9 (IL-9)-producing helper T (Th9) cells have a crucial function in allergic inflammation, autoimmunity, immunity to extracellular pathogens and anti-tumor immune responses. In addition to Th9, Th2, Th17 and Foxp3+regulatory T (Treg) cells produce IL-9. A transcription factor that is critical for IL-9 induction in Th2, Th9 and Th17 cells has not been identified. Here we show that the forkhead family transcription factor Foxo1 is required for IL-9 induction in Th9 and Th17 cells. We further show that inhibition of AKT enhances IL-9 induction in Th9 cells while it reciprocally regulates IL-9 and IL-17 in Th17 cells via Foxo1. Mechanistically, Foxo1 binds and transactivates IL-9 and IRF4 promoters in Th9, Th17 and iTreg cells. Furthermore, loss of Foxo1 attenuates IL-9 in mouse and human Th9 and Th17 cells, and ameliorates allergic inflammation in asthma. Our findings thus identify that Foxo1 is essential for IL-9 induction in Th9 and Th17 cells.
The chromosomal organization of horizontal gene transfer in bacteria
Authors: Oliveira Pedro H. , Touchon Marie , Cury Jean , Rocha Eduardo P. C.
Published: October 2017

Bacterial adaptation is accelerated by the acquisition of novel traits through horizontal gene transfer, but the integration of these genes affects genome organization. We found that transferred genes are concentrated in only ~1% of the chromosomal regions (hotspots) in 80 bacterial species. This concentration increases with genome size and with the rate of transfer. Hotspots diversify by rapid gene turnover; their chromosomal distribution depends on local contexts (neighboring core genes), and content in mobile genetic elements. Hotspots concentrate most changes in gene repertoires, reduce the trade-off between genome diversification and organization, and should be treasure troves of strain-specific adaptive genes. Most mobile genetic elements and antibiotic resistance genes are in hotspots, but many hotspots lack recognizable mobile genetic elements and exhibit frequent homologous recombination at flanking core genes. Overrepresentation of hotspots with fewer mobile genetic elements in naturally transformable bacteria suggests that homologous recombination and horizontal gene transfer are tightly linked in genome evolution.
Structural basis for IL-1α recognition by a modified DNA aptamer that specifically inhibits IL-1α signaling
Authors: Ren Xiaoming , Gelinas Amy D. , von Carlowitz Ira , Janjic Nebojsa , Pyle Anna Marie
Published: October 2017

IL-1α is an essential cytokine that contributes to inflammatory responses and is implicated in various forms of pathogenesis and cancer. Here we report a naphthyl modified DNA aptamer that specifically binds IL-1α and inhibits its signaling pathway. By solving the crystal structure of the IL-1α/aptamer, we provide a high-resolution structure of this critical cytokine and we reveal its functional interaction interface with high-affinity ligands. The non-helical aptamer, which represents a highly compact nucleic acid structure, contains a wealth of new conformational features, including an unknown form of G-quadruplex. The IL-1α/aptamer interface is composed of unusual polar and hydrophobic elements, along with an elaborate hydrogen bonding network that is mediated by sodium ion. IL-1α uses the same interface to interact with both the aptamer and its cognate receptor IL-1RI, thereby suggesting a novel route to immunomodulatory therapeutics.
Alveolar macrophages are critical for broadly-reactive antibody-mediated protection against influenza A virus in mice
Authors: He Wenqian , Chen Chi-Jene , Mullarkey Caitlin E. , Hamilton Jennifer R. , Wong Christine K. , Leon Paul E. , Uccellini Melissa B. , Chromikova Veronika , Henry Carole , Hoffman Kevin W. , Lim Jean K. , Wilson Patrick C. , Miller Matthew S. , Krammer Florian , Palese Peter , Tan Gene S.
Published: October 2017

The aim of candidate universal influenza vaccines is to provide broad protection against influenza A and B viruses. Studies have demonstrated that broadly reactive antibodies require Fc–Fc gamma receptor interactions for optimal protection; however, the innate effector cells responsible for mediating this protection remain largely unknown. Here, we examine the roles of alveolar macrophages, natural killer cells, and neutrophils in antibody-mediated protection. We demonstrate that alveolar macrophages play a dominant role in conferring protection provided by both broadly neutralizing and non-neutralizing antibodies in mice. Our data also reveal the potential mechanisms by which alveolar macrophages mediate protection in vivo, namely antibody-induced inflammation and antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis. This study highlights the importance of innate effector cells in establishing a broad-spectrum antiviral state, as well as providing a better understanding of how multiple arms of the immune system cooperate to achieve an optimal antiviral response following influenza virus infection or immunization.
Mid-infrared dispersive wave generation in gas-filled photonic crystal fibre by transient ionization-driven changes in dispersion
Authors: Köttig F. , Novoa D. , Tani F. , Günendi M. C. , Cassataro M. , Travers J. C. , Russell P. St.J.
Published: October 2017

Gas-filled hollow-core photonic crystal fibre is being used to generate ever wider supercontinuum spectra, in particular via dispersive wave emission in the deep and vacuum ultraviolet, with a multitude of applications. Dispersive waves are the result of nonlinear transfer of energy from a self-compressed soliton, a process that relies crucially on phase-matching. It was recently predicted that, in the strong-field regime, the additional transient anomalous dispersion introduced by gas ionization would allow phase-matched dispersive wave generation in the mid-infrared—something that is forbidden in the absence of free electrons. Here we report the experimental observation of such mid-infrared dispersive waves, embedded in a 4.7-octave-wide supercontinuum that uniquely reaches simultaneously to the vacuum ultraviolet, with up to 1.7 W of total average power.
D-serine released by astrocytes in brainstem regulates breathing response to CO2 levels
Authors: Beltrán-Castillo S. , Olivares M. J. , Contreras R. A. , Zúñiga G. , Llona I. , von Bernhardi R. , Eugenín J. L.
Published: October 2017

Central chemoreception is essential for adjusting breathing to physiological demands, and for maintaining CO2 and pH homeostasis in the brain. CO2-induced ATP release from brainstem astrocytes stimulates breathing. NMDA receptor (NMDAR) antagonism reduces the CO2-induced hyperventilation by unknown mechanisms. Here we show that astrocytes in the mouse caudal medullary brainstem can synthesize, store, and release d-serine, an agonist for the glycine-binding site of the NMDAR, in response to elevated CO2 levels. We show that systemic and raphe nucleus d-serine administration to awake, unrestrained mice increases the respiratory frequency. Application of d-serine to brainstem slices also increases respiratory frequency, which was prevented by NMDAR blockade. Inhibition of d-serine synthesis, enzymatic degradation of d-serine, or the sodium fluoroacetate-induced impairment of astrocyte functions decrease the basal respiratory frequency and the CO2-induced respiratory response in vivo and in vitro. Our findings suggest that astrocytic release of d-serine may account for the glutamatergic contribution to central chemoreception.
Nonvolatile nuclear spin memory enables sensor-unlimited nanoscale spectroscopy of small spin clusters
Authors: Pfender Matthias , Aslam Nabeel , Sumiya Hitoshi , Onoda Shinobu , Neumann Philipp , Isoya Junichi , Meriles Carlos A. , Wrachtrup Jörg
Published: October 2017

In nanoscale metrology, dissipation of the sensor limits its performance. Strong dissipation has a negative impact on sensitivity, and sensor–target interaction even causes relaxation or dephasing of the latter. The weak dissipation of nitrogen-vacancy (NV) sensors in room temperature diamond enables detection of individual target nuclear spins, yet limits the spectral resolution of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to several hundred Hertz, which typically prevents molecular recognition. Here, we use the NV intrinsic nuclear spin as a nonvolatile classical memory to store NMR information, while suppressing sensor back-action on the target using controlled decoupling of sensor, memory, and target. We demonstrate memory lifetimes up to 4 min and apply measurement and decoupling protocols, which exploit such memories efficiently. Our universal NV-based sensor device records single-spin NMR spectra with 13 Hz resolution at room temperature.
Coherent optomechanical state transfer between disparate mechanical resonators
Authors: Weaver Matthew J. , Buters Frank , Luna Fernando , Eerkens Hedwig , Heeck Kier , de Man Sven , Bouwmeester Dirk
Published: October 2017

Systems of coupled mechanical resonators are useful for quantum information processing and fundamental tests of physics. Direct coupling is only possible with resonators of very similar frequency, but by using an intermediary optical mode, non-degenerate modes can interact and be independently controlled in a single optical cavity. Here we demonstrate coherent optomechanical state swapping between two spatially and frequency separated resonators with a mass ratio of 4. We find that, by using two laser beams far detuned from an optical cavity resonance, efficient state transfer is possible. Although the demonstration is classical, the same technique can be used to generate entanglement between oscillators in the quantum regime.
Atmospheric observations show accurate reporting and little growth in India’s methane emissions
Authors: Ganesan Anita L. , Rigby Matt , Lunt Mark F. , Parker Robert J. , Boesch Hartmut , Goulding N. , Umezawa Taku , Zahn Andreas , Chatterjee Abhijit , Prinn Ronald G. , Tiwari Yogesh K. , van der Schoot Marcel , Krummel Paul B.
Published: October 2017

Changes in tropical wetland, ruminant or rice emissions are thought to have played a role in recent variations in atmospheric methane (CH4) concentrations. India has the world’s largest ruminant population and produces ~ 20% of the world’s rice. Therefore, changes in these sources could have significant implications for global warming. Here, we infer India’s CH4 emissions for the period 2010–2015 using a combination of satellite, surface and aircraft data. We apply a high-resolution atmospheric transport model to simulate data from these platforms to infer fluxes at sub-national scales and to quantify changes in rice emissions. We find that average emissions over this period are 22.0 (19.6–24.3) Tg yr−1, which is consistent with the emissions reported by India to the United Framework Convention on Climate Change. Annual emissions have not changed significantly (0.2 ± 0.7 Tg yr−1) between 2010 and 2015, suggesting that major CH4 sources did not change appreciably. These findings are in contrast to another major economy, China, which has shown significant growth in recent years due to increasing fossil fuel emissions. However, the trend in a global emission inventory has been overestimated for China due to incorrect rate of fossil fuel growth. Here, we find growth has been overestimated in India but likely due to ruminant and waste sectors.
Oligomerization-primed coiled-coil domain interaction with Ubc13 confers processivity to TRAF6 ubiquitin ligase activity
Authors: Hu Lin , Xu Jiafeng , Xie Xiaomei , Zhou Yiwen , Tao Panfeng , Li Haidong , Han Xu , Wang Chong , Liu Jian , Xu Pinglong , Neculai Dante , Xia Zongping
Published: October 2017

Ubiquitin ligase TRAF6, together with ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme Ubc13/Uev1, catalyzes processive assembly of unanchored K63-linked polyubiquitin chains for TAK1 activation in the IL-1R/TLR pathways. However, what domain and how it functions to enable TRAF6’s processivity are largely uncharacterized. Here, we find TRAF6 coiled-coil (CC) domain is crucial to enable its processivity. The CC domain mediates TRAF6 oligomerization to ensure efficient long polyubiquitin chain assembly. Mutating or deleting the CC domain impairs TRAF6 oligomerization and processive polyubiquitin chain assembly. Fusion of the CC domain to the E3 ubiquitin ligase CHIP/STUB1 renders the latter capable of NF-κB activation. Moreover, the CC domain, after oligomerization, interacts with Ubc13/Ub~Ubc13, which further contributes to TRAF6 processivity. Point mutations within the CC domain that weaken TRAF6 interaction with Ubc13/Ub~Ubc13 diminish TRAF6 processivity. Our results reveal that the CC oligomerization primes its interaction with Ubc13/Ub~Ubc13 to confer processivity to TRAF6 ubiquitin ligase activity.
High-performance MnO2-deposited graphene/activated carbon film electrodes for flexible solid-state supercapacitor
Authors: Xu Lanshu , Jia Mengying , Li Yue , Jin Xiaojuan , Zhang Fan
Published: October 2017

High theoretical capacitance of MnO2 nanoparticles were successfully electrodeposited on the conductive graphene/activated carbon (GN/AC) composite film, and the urchin type MnO2 microspheres were controlled by adjusting the electro-deposition reaction times. The GN/AC/MnO2-1200s composite electrodes exhibited a maximum specific capacitance of 1231 mF/cm2 (MnO2 loading mass of 7.65 mg/cm2 and the mass specific capacitance of 123 F/g) at a current density of 0.5 mA/cm2. The assembled flexible solid-state symmetric supercapacitor had a good mechanical flexibility (about 88.6% of its original capacitance after 500 bending times) and prominent cycling stability (about 82.8% retention in capacitance over 10000 cycles). More importantly, the device could possess a maximum energy density of 0.27 mW h/cm3 and a maximum power density of 0.02 W/cm3. These results well demonstrate a great potential for applications of GN/AC/MnO2 composite electrodes in flexible energy storage devices.