bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Viscous effects on the fundamental solution to ship waves
Authors: Liang Hui , Chen Xiaobo
Published: October 2019

The fundamental solution to steady ship waves accounting for viscous effects (the viscous-ship-wave Green function) is investigated within the framework of the weakly damped free-surface flow theory. An explicit expression of the viscous-ship-wave Green function is firstly derived, and an accurate and efficient technique is described to evaluate the Green function via decomposing the free-surface term into the local-flow component and wave component. To delve into the physical features of the viscous-ship-wave Green function, the asymptotic approximations in the far field due to Kelvin, Havelock and Peters are presented for the flow-field point located inside, at and outside the Kelvin wedge. In addition, uniform approximations to the wave component based on the Chester–Friedman–Ursell (CFU) approximation and the Kelvin–Havelock–Peters (KHP) approximation are carried out. Both numerical evaluation and asymptotic approximations show that the singular behaviour is eliminated and the divergent waves associated with large wavenumbers leading to rapid oscillations are severely damped when viscous effects are accounted for. In addition, viscous effects also alter the apparent wake angle associated with the wave pattern created by a high-speed translating source, and the apparent wake angle is dependent on both $\mathscr{U}^{-1}$ and $\mathscr{U}^{-2}$, where $\mathscr{U}$ is the translating speed of the source.
Liquid jet primary breakup in a turbulent cross-airflow at low Weber number
Authors: Broumand M. , Birouk M. , Mahmoodi J. S. Vahid
Published: October 2019

The influence of turbulence characteristics of a cross-airflow including its velocity fluctuations and integral length and time scales on the primary breakup regime, trajectory and breakup height and time of a transversely injected liquid jet was investigated experimentally. Turbulence intensity of the incoming airflow was varied from $u_{rms}/u_{g}=1.5\,\%$ to 5.5 % (where $u_{g}$ is cross-airflow streamwise mean velocity and $u_{rms}$ is the r.m.s. of the corresponding cross-airflow streamwise mean velocity fluctuation) by placing at the inlet of the test section a perforated plate/grid with a solidity ratio of $S=50\,\%$. Over the range of gas Weber number, $3.1<We_{g}<7.14$, the ensuing liquid jet exhibited more fluctuations and late breakup transitional behaviour under turbulent airflow conditions than in a uniform cross-airflow. Proper orthogonal decomposition of the liquid jet dynamics revealed that the use of grid caused a rise in the wavelength of travelling waves along the liquid jet, which hindered the transition of the liquid jet primary breakup regime from enhanced capillary breakup to the bag breakup mode. The quantitative results demonstrated that, at a constant airflow mean velocity, turbulent cross-airflow caused the liquid jet to bend earlier compared with its uniform counterpart. A power-law empirical correlation was proposed for the prediction of the liquid jet trajectory which takes into account the effect of turbulent Reynolds number. The liquid jet breakup height (in the $y$-axis direction) normalized by the jet diameter, and accordingly the liquid jet breakup time normalized by the airflow integral time scale, were found to decrease with increasing the airflow turbulence intensity. Two power-law empirical correlations were proposed to predict the liquid jet breakup height and time.
A martingale approach for asset allocation with derivative security and hidden economic risk
Authors: Siu Tak Kuen , Zhu Jinxia , Yang Hailiang
Published: October 2019

Asset allocation with a derivative security is studied in a hidden, Markovian regime-switching, economy using filtering theory and the martingale approach. A generalized delta-hedged ratio and a generalized elasticity of an option are introduced to accommodate the presence of the information state process and the derivative security. Malliavin calculus is applied to derive a solution for a general utility function which includes an exponential utility, a power utility, and a logarithmic utility. A compact solution is obtained for a logarithmic utility. Some economic implications of the solutions are discussed.
Approximate lumpability for Markovian agent-based models using local symmetries
Authors: KhudaBukhsh Wasiur R. , Auddy Arnab , Disser Yann , Koeppl Heinz
Published: October 2019

We study a Markovian agent-based model (MABM) in this paper. Each agent is endowed with a local state that changes over time as the agent interacts with its neighbours. The neighbourhood structure is given by a graph. Recently, Simon, Taylor, and Kiss [40] used the automorphisms of the underlying graph to generate a lumpable partition of the joint state space, ensuring Markovianness of the lumped process for binary dynamics. However, many large random graphs tend to become asymmetric, rendering the automorphism-based lumping approach ineffective as a tool of model reduction. In order to mitigate this problem, we propose a lumping method based on a notion of local symmetry, which compares only local neighbourhoods of vertices. Since local symmetry only ensures approximate lumpability, we quantify the approximation error by means of the Kullback–Leibler divergence rate between the original Markov chain and aliftedMarkov chain. We prove the approximation error decreases monotonically. The connections to fibrations of graphs are also discussed.
Degree correlations in scale-free random graph models
Authors: Stegehuis Clara
Published: October 2019

We study the average nearest-neighbour degree a(k) of vertices with degree k. In many real-world networks with power-law degree distribution, a(k) falls off with k, a property ascribed to the constraint that any two vertices are connected by at most one edge. We show that a(k) indeed decays with k in three simple random graph models with power-law degrees: the erased configuration model, the rank-1 inhomogeneous random graph, and the hyperbolic random graph. We find that in the large-network limit for all three null models, a(k) starts to decay beyond $n^{(\tau-2)/(\tau-1)}$ and then settles on a power law $a(k)\sim k^{\tau-3}$, with $\tau$ the degree exponent.
On the equivalence of mixed and behavior strategies in finitely additive decision problems
Authors: Flesch János , Vermeulen Dries , Zseleva Anna
Published: October 2019

We consider decision problems with arbitrary action spaces, deterministic transitions, and infinite time horizon. In the usual setup when probability measures are countably additive, a general version of Kuhn’s theorem implies under fairly general conditions that for every mixed strategy of the decision maker there exists an equivalent behavior strategy. We examine to what extent this remains valid when probability measures are only assumed to be finitely additive. Under the classical approach of Dubins and Savage (2014), we prove the following statements: (1) If the action space is finite, every mixed strategy has an equivalent behavior strategy. (2) Even if the action space is infinite, at least one optimal mixed strategy has an equivalent behavior strategy. The approach by Dubins and Savage turns out to be essentially maximal: these two statements are no longer valid if we take any extension of their approach that considers all singleton plays.
Conditional tail independence in Archimedean copula models
Authors: Falk Michael , Padoan Simone A. , Wisheckel Florian
Published: October 2019

Consider a random vector
$\textbf{U}$
whose distribution function coincides in its upper tail with that of an Archimedean copula. We report the fact that the conditional distribution of
$\textbf{U}$
, conditional on one of its components, has under a mild condition on the generator function independent upper tails, no matter what the unconditional tail behavior is. This finding is extended to Archimax copulas.
Geographic distribution and abundance of the Afrotropical subterranean scale insectStictococcus vayssierei(Hemiptera: Stictococcidae), a pest of root and tuber crops in the Congo basin
Authors: Doumtsop Armand R. P. F. , Hanna Rachid , Tindo Maurice , Tata-Hangy Willy K. , Fotso Apollin K. , Fiaboe Komi K. M. , Fomena Abraham , Kemga Adolph , Normark Benjamin B.
Published: October 2019

Stictococcus vayssiereiis a major pest of root and tuber crops in central Africa. However, data on its ecology are lacking. Here we provide an updated estimate of its distribution with the aim of facilitating the sustainable control of its populations. Surveys conducted in nine countries encompassing 13 ecological regions around the Congo basin showed that African root and tuber scale was present in Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and Uganda. It was not found on the sites surveyed in Chad and Nigeria. The pest occurred in the forest and the forest-savannah mosaic as well as in the savannah where it was never recorded before. However, prevalence was higher in the forest (43.1%) where cassava was the most infested crop, compared to the savannah (9.2%) where aroids (cocoyam and taro) were the most infested crops. In the forest habitat, the pest was prevalent in all but two ecological regions: the Congolian swamp forests and the Southern Congolian forest-savanna mosaic. In the savannah habitat, it was restricted to the moist savannah highlands and absent from dry savannahs. The scale was not observed below 277 m asl. Where present, the scale was frequently (87.1% of the sites) attended by the antAnoplolepis tenella. High densities (>1000 scales per plant) were recorded along the Cameroon–Gabon border. Good regulatory measures within and between countries are required to control the exchange of plant materials and limit its spread. The study provides information for niche modeling and risk mapping.
INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIANS AND GERMAN ANTHROPOLOGY IN THE ERA OF ‘DECOLONIZATION’
Authors: FITZPATRICK MATTHEW P.
Published: October 2019

Decolonizing history and anthropology is often presented as a theoretical enterprise, through which a more rigorous and inclusive framing of historical precepts will deliver a clearer and less Eurocentric understanding of the past. Yet it is arguably necessary to decouple decolonization from the broader practices of anti-Eurocentric historiography. Via an empirical assessment of the legacy of Hermann Klaatsch, a German anthropologist working on the colonial frontier, this article examines the possibilities and limitations of a decolonizing approach to settler colonial history. The article reflects upon its own study of colonial anthropology and the historical complexity of the repatriation of Indigenous human remains, and suggests that not all anti-Eurocentric interrogations of the colonial past are synonymous with decolonization.
On the deletion of word-final schwa in Southern French
Authors: Eychenne Julien
Published: October 2019

Although a growing body of literature in formal phonology has espoused the view that phonological knowledge is gradient and probabilistic, this perspective remains somewhat controversial. This paper provides further empirical support for this strand of work: it offers an analysis of the gradient deletion of word-final schwa in Southern French, using a corpus containing 7787 data points obtained from 45 subjects spread over three dialectal areas (the Basque Country, Languedoc and Provence). In addition to confirming or nuancing previous findings about the role of several phonological and non-phonological variables, the study demonstrates the influence of lexical frequency, grammatical category, sonority and the feature specification of the consonant before schwa.
The Role of Dialect Experience in Topic-Based Shifts in Speech Production
Authors: Walker Abby
Published: October 2019

An individual's language can change in the moment due to the topic of conversation and over time because of regional mobility. This paper investigates the relationship between these two types of shifts by asking whether speakers with substantial second dialect exposure change their pronunciation more when the topic changes in a regionally meaningful way compared to speakers with less exposure. Specifically, topic-based shifts on three phonological variables that differ between British and US English are investigated in native speakers of both dialects as a function of the migrant status of the speaker. Experience matters in that speakers only shift between variants in their repertoire, and expatriates have acquired some second dialect features that nonmigrants do not have. However, it does not appear that more exposure to, or increasedratesof usage of a variant leads to more topic-based shifting toward that variant. These findings, interpreted within the existing literature, suggest that topic-based shifts are driven primarily by stereotypical sociolinguistic representations.
Mass transport in Fokker–Planck equations with tilted periodic potential
Authors: HERRMANN MICHAEL , NIETHAMMER BARBARA
Published: October 2019

We consider Fokker–Planck equations with tilted periodic potential in the subcritical regime and characterise the spatio-temporal dynamics of the partial masses in the limit of vanishing diffusion. Our convergence proof relies on suitably defined substitute masses and bounds the approximation error using the energy-dissipation relation of the underlying Wasserstein gradient structure. In the appendix, we also discuss the case of an asymmetric double-well potential and derive the corresponding limit dynamics in an elementary way.
Contributions of declarative and procedural memory to accuracy and automatization during second language practice
Authors: Pili-Moss Diana , Brill-Schuetz Katherine A. , Faretta-Stutenberg Mandy , Morgan-Short Kara
Published: October 2019

Extending previous research that has examined the relationship between long-term memory and second language (L2) development with a primary focus on accuracy in L2 outcomes, the current study explores the relationship between declarative and procedural memory and accuracy and automatization during L2 practice. Adult English native speakers had learned an artificial language over two weeks (Morgan-Short, Faretta-Stutenberg, Brill-Schuetz, Carpenter & Wong, 2014), producing four sessions of practice data that had not been analyzed previously. Mixed-effects models analyses revealed that declarative memory was positively related to accuracy during comprehension practice. No other relationships were evidenced for accuracy. For automatization, measured by the coefficient of variation (Segalowitz, 2010), the model revealed a positive relationship with procedural memory that became stronger over practice for learners with higher declarative memory but weaker for learners with lower declarative memory. These results provide further insight into the role that long-term memory plays during L2 development.
Palliative care knowledge, information sources, and beliefs: Results of a national survey of adults in the USA
Authors: Adjei Boakye Eric , Mohammed Kahee A. , Osazuwa-Peters Nosayaba , Lee Min Jee , Slomer Lauren , Emuze Damilola , Jenkins Wiley D.
Published: October 2019

Objective

Despite its established benefits, palliative care (PC) is not well known among patients and family/caregivers. From a nationally representative survey, we sought to assess the following associated with PC: knowledge, knowledge sources, and beliefs.

Methods

Data were drawn from the Health Information National Trends Study (HINTS 5 Cycle 2), a cross-sectional, survey of non-institutionalized adults aged 18+ years in the USA. Data were weighted and assessed by proportional comparison and multivariable logistic regression.

Results

A total of 3504 respondents were identified, and approximately 29% knew about PC. In the adjusted model, less PC knowledge was associated with: lower age (those aged <50), male gender, lower education (<high school graduation or high school graduate), and non-internet users. A little over half (55%) of respondents accessed healthcare providers first for PC information, and 80% considered providers the most trusted source of PC information. Most of the participants strongly/somewhat agreed that the goal of PC is to help friends and family cope with a patient's illness (90.6%), offer social and emotional support (93.4%), and manage pain and other physical symptoms (95.1%). Similarly, a majority (83.3%) strongly/somewhat agreed that it is a doctor's obligation to inform all patients with cancer about the option of PC.

Significance of results

PC knowledge was generally low (1-in-3 respondents knew of PC), with significant differences according to age, gender, education, and internet use. These data provide a baseline from which PC education policies and interventions may be measured.
Konservative Therapie von Tendinopathien der Achillessehne in der Sportmedizin
Authors: Gaehwiler Roman , Weisskopf Lukas , Hirschmüller Anja
Published: October 2019

Zusammenfassung. Aufgrund ihrer zentralen Bedeutung in der Kraftübertagung repräsentiert die Achillessehne in der Sportmedizin eine Prädilektionsstelle akuter sowie degenerativer Verletzungen. Speziell Laufsportarten sind von entsprechenden Pathologien betroffen. Konsekutiv sind eine sportartspezifische Diagnostik sowie Therapieplanung elementar, um eine individualisierte Rehabilitation garantieren zu können. Diesbezüglich gilt es jedoch einige anatomische, diagnostische und therapeutische Besonderheiten der Achillessehne zu beachten. Therapeutisch stehen dabei «in» sowie «out of season» entsprechende Physio- und Stosswellentherapieoptionen im Zentrum. Supportiv können im Einzelfall diverse peritendinöse Infiltrationstechniken evaluiert werden. In diesem Review liegt der Fokus auf der konservativen Therapie von Insertions- und «Midportion»-Tendinopathien der Achillessehne. Auf die nicht-operativen Optionen der Achillessehnenruptur wird ebenfalls eingegangen. Dieser konzise Überblick soll den klinisch tätigen Sportmediziner mit dem relevanten Basiswissen ausstatten.
Impfungen in der Schwangerschaft
Authors: Stahel Michèle
Published: October 2019

Zusammenfassung. Impfungen vor und während der Schwangerschaft kommt eine wichtige Bedeutung zu. Viele Probleme könnten bei konsequenter Impfstrategie verhindert werden. Zwei Impfungen werden zurzeit routinemässig in jeder Schwangerschaft empfohlen. Einerseits die saisonale Grippeimpfung, die vor allem die Mutter vor der Influenza-Infektion während der Schwangerschaft schützen soll, da Schwangere häufiger schwere Verläufe oder Komplikationen aufweisen, und andererseits die Pertussisimpfung, die dem Neugeborenen in den ersten Lebenswochen nachweislich einen Schutz gibt.
Efficacy of Electric Field Models in Reproducing Observed Ring Current Ion Spectra During Two Geomagnetic Storms
Authors: Menz A.M. , Kistler L.M. , Mouikis C.G. , Matsui H. , Spence H.E. , Thaller S.A. , Wygant J.R.
Published: October 2019

We use the UNH‐IMEF, Weimer 1996, https://doi.org/10.1029/96GL02255 and Volland‐Stern electric field models along with a dipole magnetic field to calculate drift paths for particles that reach the Van Allen Probes' orbit for two inbound passes during two large geomagnetic storms. We compare the particle access in the models with the observed particle access using both realistic and enhanced solar wind model parameters. To test the accuracy of the drift paths, we estimate the H+ charge exchange loss along these drift paths. While increasing the strength of the model electric field drives particles further inward, improving agreement, energy‐dependent cutoffs in the spectra do not agree, indicating that potential patterns for highly disturbed times are inaccurate. While none of the models were able to reproduce the observed features of the more dawnward pass during the 17 March 2013 storm, the UNH‐IMEF model with enhanced inputs was able to adequately reproduce the access, charge exchange loss, and H+ particle pressure during the 17 March 2015 storm.
Theoretical Time Evolution of Numerical Errors When Using Floating Point Numbers in Shallow‐Water Models
Authors: Yamaura Tsuyoshi , Nishizawa Seiya , Tomita Hirofumi
Published: October 2019

We carried out a theoretical investigation of the impact of the numerical errors caused by using floating point numbers (FPNs) in simulations, such as rounding errors. Under the presupposition that model variables can be written as the linear sum of the true value and the numerical error, equations governing the time evolution of numerical errors due to FPNs (FPN errors) are obtained by considering the total errors of the results of simulations of shallow‐water models and estimating the errors incurred by using FPNs with varying precision. We can use the time evolution equations to estimate the behavior of the FPN errors, then confirm these estimations by carrying out numerical simulations. In a geostrophic wind balance state, the FPN error oscillates and gradually increases in proportion to the square root of the number of time steps, like a random walk. We found that the error introduced by using FPNs can be considered as stochastic forcing. In a state of barotropic instability, the FPN error initially evolves as stochastic forcing, as in the case of the geostrophic wind balance state. However, it then begins to increase exponentially, like a barotropic instability wave. These numerical results are obtained by using a staggered‐grid arrangement and stable time‐integration method to retain near‐neutral numerical stability in the simulations. The FPN error tends to behave as theoretically predicted if the numerical stability is close to neutral.
“Hot” electrons in metallic nanostructures—non-thermal carriers or heating?
Authors: Dubi Yonatan , Sivan Yonatan
Published: October 2019

Understanding the interplay between illumination and the electron distribution in metallic nanostructures is a crucial step towards developing applications such as plasmonic photocatalysis for green fuels, nanoscale photodetection and more. Elucidating this interplay is challenging, as it requires taking into account all channels of energy flow in the electronic system. Here, we develop such a theory, which is based on a coupled Boltzmann-heat equations and requires only energy conservation and basic thermodynamics, where the electron distribution, and the electron and phonon (lattice) temperatures are determined uniquely. Applying this theory to realistic illuminated nanoparticle systems, we find that the electron and phonon temperatures are similar, thus justifying the (classical) single-temperature models. We show that while the fraction of high-energy “hot” carriers compared to thermalized carriers grows substantially with illumination intensity, it remains extremely small (on the order of 10−8). Importantly, most of the absorbed illumination power goes into heating rather than generating hot carriers, thus rendering plasmonic hot carrier generation extremely inefficient. Our formulation allows for the first time a unique quantitative comparison of theory and measurements of steady-state electron distributions in metallic nanostructures.
Reassessing the pathogenicity of c.2858G>T(p.(G953V)) in COL4A5 Gene: report of 19 Chinese families
Authors: Zhang Yanqin , Ding Jie , Wang Suxia , Zhang Hongwen , Zhong Xuhui , Liu Xiaoyu , Xu Ke , Wang Fang
Published: October 2019

X-linked Alport syndrome (XLAS) is an inherited renal disease caused by mutations inCOL4A5gene. The c.2858G>T(p.(G953V)) inCOL4A5gene (rs78972735) has been considered pathogenic previously. However, there are conflicting interpretations of its pathogenicity recently. Here we presented 19 Chinese families, out of which 36 individuals (18 probands and 18 family members) carried the c.2858G>T(p.(G953V)) inCOL4A5gene. The clinical manifestations and genetic findings of them were analyzed. We found there were no clinical features of Alport syndrome not only in six probands with c.2858G>T(p.(G953V)) inCOL4A5plus pathogenic variants in other genes (e.g.,WT1,ADCK4,NPHP1,TRPC6,COL4A4,andPAX2) but also in another six probands with only the c.2858G>T(p.(G953V)) variant. The other six probands with a combination of c.2858G>T(p.(G953V)) and another pathogenic variant inCOL4A5had XLAS. Eleven family members (11/18, nine females and two males) who had only the c.2858G>T(p.(G953V)) variant were asymptomatic. These two males (at age of 42 and 35 years) had normal result of urine analysis and no more clinical traits of Alport syndrome. We conclude c.2858G>T(p.(G953V)) inCOL4A5gene is not a pathogenic variant for XLAS. Individuals should not be diagnosed as XLAS only based on the detection of c.2858G>T(p.(G953V)) inCOL4A5gene.
Synthesis of clathrate cerium superhydride CeH9 at 80-100 GPa with atomic hydrogen sublattice
Authors: Salke Nilesh P. , Davari Esfahani M. Mahdi , Zhang Youjun , Kruglov Ivan A. , Zhou Jianshi , Wang Yaguo , Greenberg Eran , Prakapenka Vitali B. , Liu Jin , Oganov Artem R. , Lin Jung-Fu
Published: October 2019

Hydrogen-rich superhydrides are believed to be very promising high-Tc superconductors. Recent experiments discovered superhydrides at very high pressures, e.g. FeH5 at 130 GPa and LaH10 at 170 GPa. With the motivation of discovering new hydrogen-rich high-Tc superconductors at lowest possible pressure, here we report the prediction and experimental synthesis of cerium superhydride CeH9 at 80–100 GPa in the laser-heated diamond anvil cell coupled with synchrotron X-ray diffraction. Ab initio calculations were carried out to evaluate the detailed chemistry of the Ce-H system and to understand the structure, stability and superconductivity of CeH9. CeH9 crystallizes in a P63/mmc clathrate structure with a very dense 3-dimensional atomic hydrogen sublattice at 100 GPa. These findings shed a significant light on the search for superhydrides in close similarity with atomic hydrogen within a feasible pressure range. Discovery of superhydride CeH9 provides a practical platform to further investigate and understand conventional superconductivity in hydrogen rich superhydrides.
Glycan-mediated enhancement of reovirus receptor binding
Authors: Koehler Melanie , Aravamudhan Pavithra , Guzman-Cardozo Camila , Dumitru Andra C. , Yang Jinsung , Gargiulo Serena , Soumillion Patrice , Dermody Terence S. , Alsteens David
Published: October 2019

Viral infection is an intricate process that requires the concerted action of both viral and host cell components. Entry of viruses into cells is initiated by interactions between viral proteins and their cell surface receptors. Despite recent progress, the molecular mechanisms underlying the multistep reovirus entry process are poorly understood. Using atomic force microscopy, we investigated how the reovirus σ1 attachment protein binds to both α-linked sialic acid (α-SA) and JAM-A cell-surface receptors. We discovered that initial σ1 binding to α-SA favors a strong multivalent anchorage to JAM-A. The enhanced JAM-A binding by virions following α-SA engagement is comparable to JAM-A binding by infectious subvirion particles (ISVPs) in the absence of α-SA. Since ISVPs have an extended σ1 conformer, this finding suggests that α-SA binding triggers a conformational change in σ1. These results provide new insights into the function of viral attachment proteins in the initiation of infection and open new avenues for the use of reoviruses as oncolytic agents.
Framework engineering to produce dominant T cell receptors with enhanced antigen-specific function
Authors: Thomas Sharyn , Mohammed Fiyaz , Reijmers Rogier M. , Woolston Annemarie , Stauss Theresa , Kennedy Alan , Stirling David , Holler Angelika , Green Louisa , Jones David , Matthews Katherine K. , Price David A. , Chain Benjamin M. , Heemskerk Mirjam H. M. , Morris Emma C. , Willcox Benjamin E. , Stauss Hans J.
Published: October 2019

TCR-gene-transfer is an efficient strategy to produce therapeutic T cells of defined antigen specificity. However, there are substantial variations in the cell surface expression levels of human TCRs, which can impair the function of engineered T cells. Here we demonstrate that substitutions of 3 amino acid residues in the framework of the TCR variable domains consistently increase the expression of human TCRs on the surface of engineered T cells.The modified TCRs mediate enhanced T cell proliferation, cytokine production and cytotoxicity, while reducing the peptide concentration required for triggering effector function up to 3000-fold. Adoptive transfer experiments in mice show that modified TCRs control tumor growth more efficiently than wild-type TCRs. Our data indicate that simple variable domain modifications at a distance from the antigen-binding loops lead to increased TCR expression and improved effector function. This finding provides a generic platform to optimize the efficacy of TCR gene therapy in humans.
Transcriptome-wide association study of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder identifies associated genes and phenotypes
Authors: Liao Calwing , Laporte Alexandre D. , Spiegelman Dan , Akçimen Fulya , Joober Ridha , Dion Patrick A. , Rouleau Guy A.
Published: October 2019

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental psychiatric disorder. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified several loci associated with ADHD. However, understanding the biological relevance of these genetic loci has proven to be difficult. Here, we conduct an ADHD transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS) consisting of 19,099 cases and 34,194 controls and identify 9 transcriptome-wide significant hits, of which 6 genes were not implicated in the original GWAS. We demonstrate that two of the previous GWAS hits can be largely explained by expression regulation. Probabilistic causal fine-mapping of TWAS signals prioritizes KAT2B with a posterior probability of 0.467 in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and TMEM161B with a posterior probability of 0.838 in the amygdala. Furthermore, pathway enrichment identifies dopaminergic and norepinephrine pathways, which are highly relevant for ADHD. Overall, our findings highlight the power of TWAS to identify and prioritize putatively causal genes.
Selective crack suppression during deformation in metal films on polymer substrates using electron beam irradiation
Authors: Lee So-Yeon , Park Kyung Ryoul , Kang Sung-gyu , Lee Ji-Hoon , Jeon Eun-chae , Shim Cheol-Hwee , Ahn Jae-Pyoung , Kim Dong-Ik , Han Heung Nam , Joo Young-Chang , Kim Changsoon , Choi In-Suk
Published: October 2019

While cracks are usually considered detrimental, crack generation can be harnessed for various applications, for example in ceramic materials, via directing crack propagation and crack opening. Here, we find that electron beam irradiation prompts a crack suppression phenomenon in a copper (Cu) thin film on a polyimide substrate, allowing for the control of crack formation in terms of both location and shape. Under tensile strain, cracks form on the unirradiated region of the Cu film whereas cracks are prevented on the irradiated region. We attribute this to the enhancement of the adhesion at the Cu–polyimide interface by electrons transmitted through the Cu film. Finally, we selectively form conductive regions in a Cu film on a polyimide substrate under tension and fabricate a strain-responsive organic light-emitting device.
Sleep quality, duration, and consistency are associated with better academic performance in college students
Authors: Okano Kana , Kaczmarzyk Jakub R. , Dave Neha , Gabrieli John D. E. , Grossman Jeffrey C.
Published: October 2019

Although numerous survey studies have reported connections between sleep and cognitive function, there remains a lack of quantitative data using objective measures to directly assess the association between sleep and academic performance. In this study, wearable activity trackers were distributed to 100 students in an introductory college chemistry class (88 of whom completed the study), allowing for multiple sleep measures to be correlated with in-class performance on quizzes and midterm examinations. Overall, better quality, longer duration, and greater consistency of sleep correlated with better grades. However, there was no relation between sleep measures on the single night before a test and test performance; instead, sleep duration and quality for the month and the week before a test correlated with better grades. Sleep measures accounted for nearly 25% of the variance in academic performance. These findings provide quantitative, objective evidence that better quality, longer duration, and greater consistency of sleep are strongly associated with better academic performance in college. Gender differences are discussed.
Competitive Interactions between PIRT, the Cold Sensing Ion Channel TRPM8, and PIP2 Suggest a Mechanism for Regulation
Authors: Sisco Nicholas J. , Helsell Cole V. M. , Van Horn Wade D.
Published: October 2019

TRPM8 is a member of the transient receptor potential ion channel family where it functions as a cold and pain sensor in humans and other higher organisms. Previous studies show that TRPM8 requires the signaling phosphoinositide lipid PIP2 to function. TRPM8 function is further regulated by other diverse mechanisms, including the small modulatory membrane protein PIRT (phosphoinositide regulator of TRP). Like TRPM8, PIRT also binds PIP2 and behavioral studies have shown that PIRT is required for normal TRPM8-mediated cold-sensing. To better understand the molecular mechanism of PIRT regulation of TRPM8, solution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was used to assign the backbone resonances of full-length human PIRT and investigate the direct binding of PIRT to PIP2 and the human TRPM8 S1-S4 transmembrane domain. Microscale thermophoresis (MST) binding studies validate the NMR results and identify a competitive PIRT interaction between PIP2 and the TRPM8 S1-S4 domain. Computational PIP2 docking to a human TRPM8 comparative model was performed to help localize where PIRT may bind TRPM8. Taken together, our data suggest a mechanism where TRPM8, PIRT, and PIP2 form a regulatory complex and PIRT modulation of TRPM8 arises, at least in part, by regulating local concentrations of PIP2 accessible to TRPM8.
Climate change, range shifts, and the disruption of a pollinator-plant complex
Authors: Gómez-Ruiz Emma P. , Lacher Thomas E.
Published: October 2019

Climate change has significant impacts on the distribution of species and alters ecological processes that result from species interactions. There is concern that such distribution shifts will affect animal-plant pollination networks. We modelled the potential future (2050 and 2070) distribution of an endangered migratory bat species (Leptonycteris nivalis) and the plants they pollinate (Agavespp) during their annual migration from central Mexico to the southern United States. Our models show that the overlap between theAgaveand the endangered pollinating bat will be reduced by at least 75%. The reduction of suitable areas forAgavespecies will restrict the foraging resources available for the endangered bat, threatening the survival of its populations and the maintenance of their pollination service. The potential extinction of the batL. nivaliswill likely have negative effects on the sexual reproduction and genetic variability ofAgaveplants increasing their vulnerability to future environmental changes.
Effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on rice-herbivore interactions are soil-dependent
Authors: Bernaola Lina , Stout Michael J.
Published: October 2019

The effect of soil type on establishment of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, and their effects on plant growth and resistance to rice pests are poorly understood. We investigated the effects of inoculation with AM fungi on rice plants in two different unsterilized field soils under greenhouse and field conditions in two consecutive years in Louisiana, United States. We tested whether inoculation with AM fungi in the two soils changed plant biomass, nutrient concentration, resistance to pests, and yields. Inoculation with a commercial formulation of AM fungi increased root colonization by fungi in all soils, regardless of soil P availability; it also increased densities of root-feeding rice water weevil larvae and growth of leaf-feeding fall armyworm larvae, but these effects were soil-dependent. Inoculation with AM fungi had no effect on N and P concentrations or rice yields. The effect on plant biomass was also soil-dependent. Our study provides evidence for the first time that inoculation with AM fungi can increase colonization of roots of rice plants, but the effects of colonization on resistance to pests and plant biomass appear to be soil dependent. Moreover, the increased susceptibility to pests of rice colonized by AM fungi does not appear to be related to nutrient concentrations.
Bactericera cockerelli resistance in the wild tomato Solanum habrochaites is polygenic and influenced by the presence of Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum
Authors: Avila Carlos A. , Marconi Thiago G. , Viloria Zenaida , Kurpis Julianna , Del Rio Sonia Y.
Published: October 2019

The tomato-potato psyllid (TPP), Bactericera cockerelli, is a vector for the phloem-limited bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum (Lso), the causative agent of economically important diseases including tomato vein-greening and potato zebra chip. Here, we screened 11 wild tomato relatives for TPP resistance as potential resources for tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) cultivar development. Six accessions with strong TPP resistance (survival <10%) were identified within S. habrochaites, S. pennelli, S. huaylasense, S. chmielewskii, S. corneliomulleri, and S. galapagense. Two S. pennelli and S. corneliomulleri accessions also showed resistance to Lso. We evaluated recombinant inbred lines (RILs) carrying resistance from S. habrochaites accession LA1777 in the S. lycopersicum background and identified major quantitative trait loci (QTLs) responsible for adult TPP mortality and fecundity in several RILs carrying insertions in different chromosomes, indicating the polygenic nature of these traits. Analysis of a major resistance QTL in RIL LA3952 on chromosome 8 revealed that the presence of Lso is required to increase adult TPP mortality. By contrast, the reduced TPP oviposition trait in LA3952 is independent of Lso. Therefore, resistance traits are available in wild-tomato species, although their complex inheritance and modes of action require further characterisation to optimise their utilisation for tomato improvement.
Diversity of vaginal microbiome and metabolome during genital infections
Authors: Ceccarani Camilla , Foschi Claudio , Parolin Carola , D’Antuono Antonietta , Gaspari Valeria , Consolandi Clarissa , Laghi Luca , Camboni Tania , Vitali Beatrice , Severgnini Marco , Marangoni Antonella
Published: October 2019

We characterized the vaginal ecosystem during common infections of the female genital tract, as vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC, n = 18) and Chlamydia trachomatis infection (CT, n = 20), recruiting healthy (HC, n = 21) and bacterial vaginosis-affected (BV, n = 20) women as references of eubiosis and dysbiosis. The profiles of the vaginal microbiome and metabolome were studied in 79 reproductive-aged women, by means of next generation sequencing and proton based-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Lactobacillus genus was profoundly depleted in all the genital infections herein considered, and species-level analysis revealed that healthy vaginal microbiome was dominated by L. crispatus. In the shift from HC to CT, VVC, and BV, L. crispatus was progressively replaced by L. iners. CT infection and VVC, as well as BV condition, were mainly characterised by anaerobe genera, e.g. Gardnerella, Prevotella, Megasphaera, Roseburia and Atopobium. The changes in the bacterial communities occurring during the genital infections resulted in significant alterations in the vaginal metabolites composition, being the decrease of lactate a common marker of all the pathological conditions. In conclusion, according to the taxonomic and metabolomics analysis, we found that each of the four conditions is characterized by a peculiar vaginal microbiome/metabolome fingerprint.
Realization of broadband negative refraction in visible range using vertically stacked hyperbolic metamaterials
Authors: Bang Sanghun , So Sunae , Rho Junsuk
Published: October 2019

Negative refraction has generated much interest recently with its unprecedented optical phenomenon. However, a broadband negative refraction has been challenging because they mainly involve optical resonances. This paper reports the realization of broadband negative refraction in the visible spectrum by using vertically-stacked metal-dielectric multilayer structures. Such structure exploits the characteristics of the constituent metal and dielectric materials, and does not require resonance to achieve negative refraction. Broadband negative refraction (wavelength 270–1300 nm) is numerically demonstrated. Compared to conventional horizontally-stacked multilayer structures, the vertically-stacked multilayer structure has a broader range of working wavelength in the visible range, with higher transmittance. We also report a variety of material combinations with broad working wavelength. The broadband negative refraction metamaterial provides an effective way to manipulate light and may have applications in super-resolution imaging, and invisibility cloaks.
A Systematic Review of Technical Parameters for MR of the Small Bowel in non-IBD Conditions over the Last Ten Years
Authors: Lu Jingyu , Zhou Ziling , Morelli John N. , Yu Hao , Luo Yan , Hu Xuemei , Li Zhen , Hu Daoyu , Shen Yaqi
Published: October 2019

Technical guidelines for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the small bowel (SB) in the setting of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) were detailed in a 2017 consensus issued by European Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology (ESGAR) and European Society of Pediatric Radiology (ESPR); however, MRI for non-IBD conditions was not addressed. Hence, we performed a systematic review collecting researches on SB MRI for non-IBDs. The literatures were then divided into morphologic group and functional group. Information about the MRI techniques, gastrointestinal preparation, and details of cine-MRI protocols was extracted. We found that a 1.5 T MRI system, prone positioning, and MR enterography were frequently utilized in clinical practice. Gadolinium contrast sequences were routinely implemented, while diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) was much less performed. The gastrointestinal preparation varied throughout the studies. No uniform protocols for cine imaging could be established. SB MRI examinations for non-IBDs are far from standardized, especially for functional studies. Recommendations for standard parameters in cine-MRI sequences are difficult to make due to lack of evidentiary support. MRI investigations in non-IBD conditions are needed and the standardization of non-IBD imaging in clinical practice is required.
Split application of reduced nitrogen rate improves nitrogen uptake and use efficiency in sweetpotato
Authors: Du Xiangbei , Xi Min , Kong Lingcong
Published: October 2019

Splitting nitrogen (N) application is beneficial for enhancing sweetpotato growth and promoting optimum yields under reduced N rates; however, studies concerning how split N can affect sweetpotato N dynamics and utilization are limited. Field experiments were conducted from 2015 to 2016 to determine how split N application affects sweetpotato N uptake and N use efficiency (NUE) under a reduced N rate. Two cultivars (Xushu 22 and Shangshu 19) were planted under four N treatments, a conventional basal application of 100 kg N ha−1 (100:0), a basal application of 80 kg N ha−1 (80:0), two equal split applications of 80 kg N ha−1 (basal and 35 days after transplanting, 40:40) and a N omission treatment (N0). Data from two years revealed that sweetpotato yields decreased at a reduced 20% N rate with a basal application (80:0); however, the reduced 20% N rate with a split application (40:40) significantly increased the yield by 16.6–19.0%. Although the 80:0 treatment decreased sweetpotato N uptake, the 40:40 treatment increased the N uptake by increasing the N uptake rate and prolonging the duration of the fast N uptake phase. In comparison to the basal application, the split N application used N more efficiently, showing consistently higher levels of agronomic use efficiency, recovery efficiency, physiological efficiency and partial factor productivity. NUEs under split N improved due to increased N uptake during the middle and late growth stages and a higher N partition ratio to the storage root. The above results indicate that split N application provides better N for crop developmental stages and is recommended as an alternative approach to simultaneously increasing storage root yield and NUE under a reduced N rate in sweetpotato production in China.
The spread of presaccadic attention depends on the spatial configuration of the visual scene
Authors: Szinte Martin , Puntiroli Michael , Deubel Heiner
Published: October 2019

When preparing a saccade, attentional resources are focused at the saccade target and its immediate vicinity. Here we show that this does not hold true when saccades are prepared toward a recently extinguished target. We obtained detailed maps of orientation sensitivity when participants prepared a saccade toward a target that either remained on the screen or disappeared before the eyes moved. We found that attention was mainly focused on the immediate surround of the visible target and spread to more peripheral locations as a function of the distance from the cue and the delay between the target’s disappearance and the saccade. Interestingly, this spread was not accompanied with a spread of the saccade endpoint. These results suggest that presaccadic attention and saccade programming are two distinct processes that can be dissociated as a function of their interaction with the spatial configuration of the visual scene.
CD98hc (SLC3A2) sustains amino acid and nucleotide availability for cell cycle progression
Authors: Cano-Crespo Sara , Chillarón Josep , Junza Alexandra , Fernández-Miranda Gonzalo , García Judit , Polte Christine , R. de la Ballina Laura , Ignatova Zoya , Yanes Óscar , Zorzano Antonio , Stephan-Otto Attolini Camille , Palacín Manuel
Published: October 2019

CD98 heavy chain (CD98hc) forms heteromeric amino acid (AA) transporters by interacting with different light chains. Cancer cells overexpress CD98hc-transporters in order to meet their increased nutritional and antioxidant demands, since they provide branched-chain AA (BCAA) and aromatic AA (AAA) availability while protecting cells from oxidative stress. Here we show that BCAA and AAA shortage phenocopies the inhibition of mTORC1 signalling, protein synthesis and cell proliferation caused by CD98hc ablation. Furthermore, our data indicate that CD98hc sustains glucose uptake and glycolysis, and, as a consequence, the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP). Thus, loss of CD98hc triggers a dramatic reduction in the nucleotide pool, which leads to replicative stress in these cells, as evidenced by the enhanced DNA Damage Response (DDR), S-phase delay and diminished rate of mitosis, all recovered by nucleoside supplementation. In addition, proper BCAA and AAA availability sustains the expression of the enzyme ribonucleotide reductase. In this regard, BCAA and AAA shortage results in decreased content of deoxynucleotides that triggers replicative stress, also recovered by nucleoside supplementation. On the basis of our findings, we conclude that CD98hc plays a central role in AA and glucose cellular nutrition, redox homeostasis and nucleotide availability, all key for cell proliferation.