bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New flickermeter sensitive to high‐frequency interharmonics and robust to fundamental frequency deviations of the power system
Authors: Akkaya Sıtkı , Salor Özgül
Published: March 2019

In this study, a new flickermeter sensitive to high‐frequency interharmonics and robust to fundamental frequency variations is proposed, implemented and tested. The standard IEC flickermeter, proposed in the 61000‐4‐15 IEC Standard, considers only the interharmonics around the fundamental frequency and ignores the effect of high‐frequency interharmonics on the voltage peak fluctuation. However, high‐frequency interharmonics have been shown to have significant effect on the flicker in the literature. This work combines the effect of both low‐ and high‐frequency interharmonics on flicker, based on a voltage‐peak‐detection flickermeter algorithm. Using a spectral correction procedure applied during the flicker computation, the proposed flickermeter becomes also robust to fundamental frequency variations existing in power systems. The accuracy of the proposed flickermeter has been tested and proved by synthetic voltage data including fundamental frequency variations, harmonics and interharmonics around the fundamental as well as those at higher frequencies. The results obtained with field data obtained from electricity transmission network changes as whether considering flicker effects of high‐frequency interharmonics or not. In high‐frequency mode, including the effect of high‐frequency interharmonics, the proposed method yields higher flicker values compared to the IEC flickermeter. In low‐frequency mode, excluding them, both IEC flickermeter and the proposed flickermeter yield close flicker.
The disasters queue with working breakdowns and impatient customers
Authors: Zhang Mian , Gao Shan
Published: March 2019

We consider theM/M/1 queue with disasters and impatient customers. Disasters only occur when the main server being busy, it not only removes out all present customers from the system, but also breaks the main server down. When the main server is down, it is sent for repair. The substitute server serves the customers at a slow rate(working breakdown service) until the main server is repaired. The customers become impatient due to the working breakdown. The system size distribution is derived. We also obtain the mean queue length of the model and mean sojourn time of a tagged customer. Finally, some performance measures and numerical examples are presented.
Balintgruppenleitung – Altes und Neues
Authors: Neumeier Rainald
Published: March 2019

Der Teilnehmerkreis von Balint-Gruppen und die Rahmenbedingungen ärztlicher Arbeit zeigen teilweise erhebliche Veränderungen. Das macht neben Vertrautem auch neue Perspektiven zur Fallarbeit und neue Umgangsweisen mit dem Widerstand in Gruppen erforderlich. Dies beinhaltet auch die Beachtung institutioneller Einflüsse. Die vorliegende Arbeit setzt sich mit verschiedenen Aspekten der Gruppenleitung in modernen Balint-Gruppen sowie den daraus folgenden Implikationen für die Ausbildung von Balint-Gruppenleitern auseinander.
Schöne neue Pflegewelt
Authors: Regitz Christine , Krupka Daniel
Published: March 2019

Eine digitalisierte Pflege kann die Arbeitsbedingungen optimieren und den Beruf
auch für neue Zielgruppen öffnen. Dafür braucht es eine durchdachte
Weiterbildung, die Führungskräften und Pflegenden einschlägiges IT-Know-how
vermittelt.
Im Werben um Pflegekräfte
Authors: Steinbrück Jana
Published: March 2019

Algorithmen, die Kandidaten selektieren? Chat-Bots, die die
Bewerber-Kommunikation übernehmen? Recruiting 4.0 – dies ist für Krankenhäuser
eine weit entfernte Welt. Trotzdem müssen sich die handelnden Akteure mit der
Digitalisierung, veränderten Bewerbererwartungen, E-Recruiting und
online-Jobbörsen auseinandersetzen.
A Concise Enantioselective Synthesis of (S)-Preclamol via Asymmetric Catalytic Negishi Cross-Coupling Reaction
Authors: Zhou Yun , Liu Chunxiao , Wang Lifeng , Han Leng , Hou Shicong , Bian Qinghua , Zhong Jiangchun
Published: March 2019

A novel, concise, and efficient enantioselective synthesis of (S)-preclamol (87% ee, 51% total yield) has been developed. The key steps of this synthetic approach included cobalt-catalyzed asymmetric catalytic cross-coupling of α-bromo ester with arylzinc and the reduction of chiral ester to diol with a tertiary carbon atom. Moreover, it was demonstrated that our enantioselective Negishi cross-coupling was a powerful tool to construct stereogenic benzylmethyl center in chiral drugs on a gram scale.
Preoperative MRI Evaluation of Relationship between Trigeminal Nerve and Superior Petrosal Vein: Its Role in Treating Trigeminal Neuralgia
Authors: Xiong Nan-Xiang , Zhou Xiao , Yang Bo , Wang Lei , Fu Peng , Yu Hua , Wang Qiangping , Abdelmaksoud Ahmed , Yuan Ye , Liu Weichao , Huang Yizhi , Budrytė Kamilė , Huang Tao , Zheng Xiaoliang
Published: March 2019

Objective To assess the value of high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of the trigeminal nerve and the superior petrosal vein (SPV) in visualizing their anatomical relationship in patients with trigeminal neuralgia (TN).

Patients and Methods This study included 97 patients with primary TN who underwent preoperative 3D constructive interference in steady state (CISS) MRI. Image analysis was performed by an independent observer blinded to the operative findings and then compared with surgical data. The 3D reconstruction was assessed dynamically using MIMICS software (Materialise Inc., Leuven, Belgium).

Results The 3D relationship between visible structures seen on MRI was consistent with the intraoperative findings in all patients. All cases were divided into three groups by the degree of trigeminal nerve encroachment by SPV. Statistical analysis revealed that the distance from the SPV to the trigeminal nerve was significantly different among the three groups. The diameter of the SPV also differed among the three groups.

Conclusion Preoperative 3D imaging provides reliable and detailed information about the intraoperative anatomical relationship between the trigeminal nerve and the SPV. This evaluation is useful for preoperative planning.
Correlation of Cervical Cancer Mortality with Fertility, Access to Health Care and Socioeconomic Indicators
Authors: Vale Diama Bhadra , Sauvaget Catherine , Murillo Raul , Muwonge Richard , Zeferino Luiz Carlos , Sankaranarayanan Rengaswamy
Published: March 2019

Objective The present study aimed to examine which development indicators are correlated with cervical cancer (CC) mortality rates in Brazil.

Methods This was an ecological study that correlated mortality rates and indicators, such as human development index (HDI), gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, illiteracy rate, fertility rate, screening coverage, proportion of private health insurance use, density of physicians, and density of radiotherapy centers. The mortality rates were obtained from the Brazilian national registry, while the indicators were based on official reports from the Ministry of Health. Univariate and multivariate linear regression was used.

Results Among the states of Brazil, the average age-specific CC mortality rate from 2008 to 2012 varied from 4.6 to 22.9 per 100,000 women/year. In the univariate analysis, HDI, proportion of private health insurance use, density of physicians, and density of radiotherapy centers were inversely correlated with the mortality rates. Fertility rate was positively correlated with the mortality rates. In the multivariate analysis, only fertility rate was significantly associated with the CC mortality rate (coefficient of correlation: 9.38; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.16–13.59).

Conclusion A decrease in the fertility rate, as expected when the level of development of the regions increases, is related to a decrease in the mortality rate of CC. The results of the present study can help to better monitor the quality assessment of CC programs both among and within countries.
Novel HIVEP2 Variant p.Q1248* is Associated with Developmental Delay: A Case Report
Authors: Jain Angita , Atwal Paldeep S.
Published: March 2019

In this report, we describe a 5-year-old boy with global developmental delay who presented for medical genetic evaluation. We performed whole exome sequencing that revealed the involvement of a heterogenous variant p.Gln1248Ter (CAG > TAG): c.3742 C > T inherited de novo in exon 5 of HIVEP2 (human immunodeficiency virus type I enhancer binding protein 2; NM_006734.3). The gene variant p.Q1248* is interpreted to be associated as a cause of the intellectual disability. We review pathomechanisms of HIVEP2 and discuss the reasoning behind the pathogenicity of this novel variant. To the best of our knowledge, this the first reported case that demonstrates the p.Q1248* variant as pathogenic.
Preoperative Evaluation of the Effects of Sigmoid Sinus Ligation with both Endovascular and Open-Field Occlusion Tests before Removal of Petroclival Tumors
Authors: Shitara Satoshi , Inoue Takuro , Tanaka Toshiki , Hirai Hisao , Fukushima Takanori
Published: March 2019

Background Surgery for petroclival tumors is very challenging for neurosurgeons because the position of the tumor in relation to the brainstem, cranial nerves, and posterior fossa vessels greatly restricts the surgical field. Some papers have described using sigmoid sinus ligation to open the surgical field; however, pre- and intraoperative evaluations of the safety of ligation have been limited, despite the risk of complications from venous insufficiency. Here, we describe our method of preoperatively evaluating the potential safety of a retrolabyrinthine transsigmoid approach with nondominant ipsilateral sigmoid sinus ligation (RLTSwSSL).

Methods A retrospective review was conducted on petroclival tumors treated over a 5-year period with RLTSwSSL after evaluation with both an endovascular balloon occlusion test (BOT) and an open-field sinus clipping occlusion test (COT). Changes in pressure of < 10 mm Hg and the absence of neurodegeneration during the tests indicated that it would be safe to proceed with permanent ligation.

Results Four patients with large petroclival tumors underwent surgery via RLTSwSSL after detailed preoperative evaluations with both BOT and COT. All patients had uneventful courses of recovery without developing any complications derived from venous insufficiency.

Conclusion In our case series, we have described a protocol for using both BOT and COT to evaluate the likely outcomes after sigmoid sinus ligation and thereby to improve safety. Further studies are needed to establish definite criteria for both occlusion tests that will ensure good outcomes.
Bifurcation analysis of a network-based SIR epidemic model with saturated treatment function
Authors: Li Chun-Hsien , Yousef A. M.
Published: March 2019

In this paper, we present a study on a network-based susceptible-infected-recovered (SIR) epidemic model with a saturated treatment function. It is well known that treatment can have a specific effect on the spread of epidemics, and due to the limited resources of treatment, the number of patients during severe disease outbreaks who need to be treated may exceed the treatment capacity. Consequently, the number of patients who receive treatment will reach a saturation level. Thus, we incorporated a saturated treatment function into the model to characterize such a phenomenon. The dynamics of the present model is discussed in this paper. We first obtained a threshold value R0, which determines the stability of a disease-free equilibrium. Furthermore, we investigated the bifurcation behavior at R0=1. More specifically, we derived a condition that determines the direction of bifurcation at R0=1. If the direction is backward, then a stable disease-free equilibrium concurrently exists with a stable endemic equilibrium even though R0<1. Therefore, in this case, R0<1 is not sufficient to eradicate the disease from the population. However, if the direction is forward, we find that for a range of parameters, multiple equilibria could exist to the left and right of R0=1. In this case, the initial infectious invasion must be controlled to a lower level so that the disease dies out or approaches a lower endemic steady state.
Temperature dependent Hall effect in InAsSb with a 0.11 eV 77 K-bandgap
Authors: Svensson S. P. , Beck W. A. , Sarney W. L. , Donetsky D. , Suchalkin S. , Belenky G.
Published: March 2019

InAsSb is the only direct-bandgap III–V compound semiconductor alloy that absorbs and emits light over the entire long-wavelength infrared band (8–12 micron). We measured its free electron concentration and mobility as a function of temperature in materials with a 77 K-bandgap of 0.11 eV and compared the results with those of the II–VI compound, HgCdTe. The intrinsic electron concentration exhibits an expected freeze-out, which can be described with Fermi statistical electron and hole distributions, taking into account the non-parabolicity of the conduction band and the temperature dependence of the bandgap. Using known values for the electron mass, the heavy hole mass is estimated to be 0.4m0. The background concentration is n-type and is caused by a donor resonant with the conduction band of ∼8.7 meV above its bottom. The electron mobility exhibits a noticeably different behavior compared with HgCdTe. Between room temperature and ∼77 K, the InAsSb mobility is significantly higher, indicating a difference in phonon scattering, while at lower temperatures where alloy and impurity scattering dominate, the mobility of the unoptimized InAsSb is lower.
Valley current and spin-valley filter in topological domain wall
Authors: Sun Yanmei , Zhao Hui , Yu Zhi-Ming , Pan Hui
Published: March 2019

The gapless edge states with a certain spin and valley index can be realized in topological domain walls. In this work, we study various domain walls thoroughly and demonstrate that multiple kinds of edge states with a perfect spin and valley polarization can be realized, leading to the possibility of establishing spin filters and spin-valley filters. Moreover, the spin and valley index of the edge states can be tuned by an external electric field. We also investigate the finite size effect on the edge states when two domain walls approach each other. Generally, the finite size effect can cause the hybridization of edge states and open a gap. We find that the evolutions of the bandgap as a function of the finite size effect for different topological edge states are distinguished from each other.
Shear-wave generation from cavitation in soft solids
Authors: Rapet J. , Tagawa Y. , Ohl C. D.
Published: March 2019

The formation and dynamics of cavities in liquids lead to focusing of kinetic energy and emission of longitudinal stress waves during the cavity collapse. Here, we report that cavitation in elastic solids may additionally emit shear waves that could affect soft tissues in human bodies/brains. During the collapse of the cavity close to an air-solid boundary, the cavity moves away from the boundary and forms a directed jet flow, which confines shear stresses in a volume between the bubble and the free boundary. Elastographic imaging and high-speed imaging resolve this process and reveal the origin of a shear wave in this region. Additionally, the gelatin surface deforms and a conical crack evolves. We speculate that tissue fracture observed in medical therapy may be linked to the non-spherical cavitation bubble collapse.
Johann-type laboratory-scale x-ray absorption spectrometer with versatile detection modes
Authors: Honkanen Ari-Pekka , Ollikkala Sami , Ahopelto Taru , Kallio Antti-Jussi , Blomberg Merja , Huotari Simo
Published: March 2019

We present a low-cost laboratory X-ray absorption spectrometer that uses a conventional X-ray tube source and bent Johann-type crystal monochromators. The instrument is designed for X-ray absorption spectroscopy studies in the 4–20 keV range which covers most K edges of 3d transition metals and L edges of 5d transition metals and actinides. The energy resolution is typically in the range of 1–5 eV at 10 keV depending on the crystal analyser and the Bragg angle. Measurements can be performed in transmission, fluorescence, and imaging modes. Due to its simple and modular design, the spectrometer can be modified to accommodate additional equipment and complex sample environments required for in situ studies. A showcase of various applications is presented.
Farming Meat Goats
Authors: Vincent Barbara
Published: March 2019

Goat meat is growing in popularity and is becoming an important export industry. It offers many opportunities for large- and small-scale farmers who need to diversify or seek alternative enterprises. This book deals specifically with the production of goats for meat and addresses all aspects of the industry that the producer is likely to encounter. It covers selecting and preparing a property, choosing the breeding stock, breeding, health care and nutrition, drought feeding, condition scoring and marketing.
One of the key benefits of Farming Meat Goats is that it will allow farmers to produce animals to specification for targeted markets in Australia and overseas including: butchers; supermarkets; restaurants; on-farm live sales; sales to abattoirs that specialise in Halal kills; and breeding stock either as replacements, or for improved herd genetics.
Horse Safe
Authors: Myers Jane
Published: March 2019

Horse riding is widely enjoyed as a professional sport or a hobby by riders of all ages. It is also acknowledged as being potentially dangerous, yet many of these dangers can be avoided and the severity of accidents drastically reduced if safe practices and risk management are employed. Horse Safe covers safety around horses in detail and aims to raise awareness of what can happen.
Beginning with an explanation of horses’ natural behavioural characteristics, such as herd behaviour, intelligence and body language, the author then presents the more human aspects of horse safety – safety equipment and how it should be maintained, the working environment, systems for safe horse management, safe riding, training for safe horses, and transporting horses safely. The book concludes with a chapter on how to reduce the risks when buying a horse and how to avoid potential pitfalls.
Written by Jane Myers, a leading expert, and endorsed by the Association for Horsemanship, Safety and Education (AHSE), Horse Safe is highly practical and is invaluable for riders of all disciplines and skill levels.
Supplementary Feeding of Sheep and Beef Cattle
Authors: Hinton David G
Published: March 2019

This practical guide is a tool designed for graziers to use in their day-to-day decision-making about livestock nutritional needs, feeding options, condition and health.
Pasture supplements are expensive and should not be wasted, yet under-nutrition has an even greater economic effect resulting from low conception and progeny survival rates, poor growth rates, failure to meet market targets and tender fleeces in sheep. Supplementary Feeding of Sheep and Beef Cattle shows how to get the nutritional balance right and avoid costly repercussions from incorrect or inadequate feeding.
The key topics covered will be particularly useful in drought situations, but also in seasonal pasture shortages, when the nutrient value of pastures is low. Practical tables and worksheets are provided as key tools, enabling livestock producers to make timely and cost-effective decisions about supplementary feeding.
Running a Small Beef Herd
Authors: Baker Fiona
Published: March 2019

Running a Small Beef Herd provides an introduction to beef production for those about to enter the industry and is an ongoing reference for anyone managing a small herd of beef cattle on their property. Fundamental considerations such as the economics of beef production, the selection of a suitable beef enterprise to match a particular property and level of experience are covered. It considers various systems suitable for a small beef operation: steer fattening, cow and calf systems, foster calves and multiple suckling, and lot feeding.
Running a Small Beef Herd offers practical advice on buying cattle, marketing methods for particular types of cattle and specifications for markets. Cattle handling, necessary husbandry practices such as castration and vaccination, herd health, reproductive management, nutrition and carrying capacity are also explored.
This updated edition expands on the systems of beef production, breeds, breed management, supplementary feeding, drought management, ear tagging requirements and soil health and fertility.
Business Management for Tropical Dairy Farmers
Authors: Moran John
Published: March 2019

Most countries in South-East Asia have established smallholder dairy farming industries through social welfare and rural development programs to provide a regular cash flow for poorly resourced farmers. These farms are now being treated as accepted rural industries and require a more business-minded approach based on changes to farm profitability.
Business Management for Tropical Dairy Farmers gives smallholder dairy farmers the business management skills they will need to remain sustainable. Drawing on detailed financial analyses of smallholders in countries such as Pakistan, Thailand and Malaysia, it shows how to budget cash inputs to match cash outflows during different seasons of the year, and how to invest wisely in improving cattle housing and feeding systems.
If farmers make greater use of formats and structures for farm costs and returns, it will increase their awareness of the relative importance of all their financial inputs in terms of cost of production per kilogram of milk produced on the farm. It will also allow them to make more meaningful and timely decisions by correctly costing planned changes to their routine farming practices.
The book will also be of use to support organisations to more clearly define the key drivers of profit on smallholder farms, and to government departments and national dairy organisations to routinely evaluate and update their industry policies.
Characterisation and source apportionment of atmospheric organic and elemental carbon in an urban–rural fringe area of Taiyuan, China
Authors: Mu Ling , Tian Mei , Zheng Lirong , Li Xuemei , Jing Danhua
Published: March 2019

Environmental contextCarbonaceous aerosols are major components of atmospheric fine-particulate material. We studied the characteristics and sources of carbonaceous aerosols in the urban–rural fringe area of Taiyuan, China, and found that pollutant levels were generally higher than in similar areas of northern China, and that vehicle emissions were the dominant source. The study highlights the importance of source analysis to help control pollution from particulate matter in the ambient air.
AbstractThe concentrations of organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC) in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) were measured in 2017 at an urban–rural fringe area of Taiyuan. The annual average concentrations of PM2.5, OC and EC were 143±56, 13±8 and 10±6μgm−3 respectively, which were higher than those in most northern suburban and rural areas in China. Long-range transport and local resuspended dust caused by strong winds during the spring contributed strongly to PM2.5 mass concentrations. The OC and EC concentrations exhibited strong seasonal variations, with higher values in winter and spring, while poor correlations between OC and EC indicated the complexity of aerosol particle sources in winter and spring. Absolute principal component analysis (APCA) using eight carbon fractions was applied to determine the source contributions of total carbon (TC) in PM2.5. During winter, 61% of TC was attributed to mixed sources from coal combustion, biomass combustion and secondary organic carbon (SOC) formation, 23% to vehicle emissions, and 10% to regional origins. During spring, 57% of TC was attributed to vehicle exhaust, 18% to regional transport and SOC formation, and 13% to biomass burning. Comparative studies of hazy and non-hazy periods revealed the significance of SOC formation during hazy days.
The mucin-selective protease StcE enables molecular and functional analysis of human cancer-associated mucins
Authors: Malaker Stacy A. , Pedram Kayvon , Ferracane Michael J. , Bensing Barbara A. , Krishnan Venkatesh , Pett Christian , Yu Jin , Woods Elliot C. , Kramer Jessica R. , Westerlind Ulrika , Dorigo Oliver , Bertozzi Carolyn R.
Published: March 2019

Significance

Mucin-domain glycoproteins are found in nearly every tissue of the human body, and are important in biological processes ranging from embryogenesis to cancer. Because there are few tools to study mucin domains, their biological functions at the molecular scale remain unclear. Here, we help address a hurdle to the study of mucin-domain glycoproteins by characterizing a bacterial protease with selectivity for mucins. This mucinase selectively removes native mucins from cell surfaces and cuts them into fragments amenable to analysis.
Effect of deforestation on access to clean drinking water
Authors: Mapulanga Annie Mwayi , Naito Hisahiro
Published: March 2019

Using satellite data on deforestation and weather in Malawi and linking those datasets with household survey datasets, we estimate the causal effect of deforestation on access to clean drinking water. In the existing literature on forest science and hydrology, the consensus is that deforestation increases water yield. In this study, we directly examine the causal effect of deforestation on households’ access to clean drinking water. Results of the two-stage least-squares (2SLS) with cluster and time fixed-effect estimations illustrate strong empirical evidence that deforestation decreases access to clean drinking water. Falsification tests show that the possibility of our instrumental variable picking up an unobserved time trend is very unlikely. We find that a 1.0-percentage-point increase in deforestation decreases access to clean drinking water by 0.93 percentage points. With this estimated impact, deforestation in the last decade in Malawi (14%) has had the same magnitude of effect on access to clean drinking water as that of a 9% decrease in rainfall.
Dual actions of group BStreptococcuscapsular sialic acid provide resistance to platelet-mediated antimicrobial killing
Authors: Uchiyama Satoshi , Sun Josh , Fukahori Kyoko , Ando Nao , Wu Mengyou , Schwarz Flavio , Siddiqui Shoib S. , Varki Ajit , Marth Jamey D. , Nizet Victor
Published: March 2019

Significance

Platelets have an important role in blood clotting, but also function in immune responses, including the release of antimicrobial peptides that eliminate pathogens such asStaphylococcus aureus. Here we observe that group BStreptococcus(GBS), a leading cause of sepsis and meningitis in human newborns, is not killed by platelets. The key to GBS platelet resistance is a polysaccharide capsule that coats the bacterial surface and contains sialic acid (Sia), a common sugar present on all human cells. GBS Sia blocks platelet-derived antimicrobial factors, and also engages an inhibitory receptor (Siglec-9) on the platelet surface to block platelet activation. Platelet resistance is a novel consequence of GBS “molecular mimicry” of its host and contributes to its propensity to produce bloodstream infection.
Using massive online choice experiments to measure changes in well-being
Authors: Brynjolfsson Erik , Collis Avinash , Eggers Felix
Published: March 2019

Significance

Gross domestic product (GDP) measures production and is not meant to measure well-being. While many people nonetheless use GDP as a proxy for well-being, consumer surplus is a better measure of consumer well-being. This is increasingly true in the digital economy where many digital goods have zero price and as a result the welfare gains from these goods are not reflected in GDP or productivity statistics. We propose a way of directly measuring consumer well-being using massive online choice experiments. We find that digital goods generate a large amount of consumer welfare that is currently not captured in GDP. For example, the median Facebook user needed a compensation of around $48 to give it up for a month.
Macroevolutionary diversification rates show time dependency
Authors: Henao Diaz L. Francisco , Harmon Luke J. , Sugawara Mauro T. C. , Miller Eliot T. , Pennell Matthew W.
Published: March 2019

Significance

Some branches of the tree of life are incredibly diverse, while others are represented by only a few living species. Ultimately, this difference reflects the balance of the formation and the extinction of species. Countless explanations have been proposed for why the rates of these two processes vary between lineages, including aspects of the organisms themselves and the environments they live in. Here we reveal that a substantial amount of variation in these rates is associated with a simple factor: time. Younger groups appear to accumulate diversity at much faster rates than older groups. This time scaling of macroevolutionary rates suggests that there may be hidden generalities governing the diversification of life on Earth.
DNA nanostructures coordinate gene silencing in mature plants
Authors: Zhang Huan , Demirer Gozde S. , Zhang Honglu , Ye Tianzheng , Goh Natalie S. , Aditham Abhishek J. , Cunningham Francis J. , Fan Chunhai , Landry Markita P.
Published: March 2019

Significance

Plant bioengineering will be necessary to sustain plant biology and agriculture, where the delivery of biomolecules such as DNA, RNA, or proteins to plant cells is at the crux of plant biotechnology. Here, we show that DNA nanostructures can internalize into plant cells and deliver siRNA to mature plant tissues without external aid. Furthermore, we demonstrate that nanostructure size, shape, compactness, and stiffness affect both nanostructure internalization into plant cells and subsequent gene silencing efficiency. Interestingly, we also find that the siRNA attachment locus affects the endogenous plant gene silencing pathway. Our work demonstrates programmable delivery of biomolecules to plants and details the figures of merit for future implementation of DNA nanostructures in agriculture.
Airborne host–plant manipulation by whiteflies via an inducible blend of plant volatiles
Authors: Zhang Peng-Jun , Wei Jia-Ning , Zhao Chan , Zhang Ya-Fen , Li Chuan-You , Liu Shu-Sheng , Dicke Marcel , Yu Xiao-Ping , Turlings Ted C. J.
Published: March 2019

Significance

Plants respond to herbivory and pathogenic infection with the synthesis of various defense compounds, including volatile compounds that are emitted into the environment. These volatiles can be perceived by neighboring plants and “prime” them for an attack by the specific attacker. We found that whitefly-infested tomato plants release volatiles that prime a defense against pathogens in neighboring plants, which goes at the cost of defenses against insect herbivores, making the neighboring plants more suitable for whitefly development. This apparent ability of whiteflies to manipulate plant defense responses through induced volatile emissions could explain the rapid spread of this invasive pest, and a good understanding of the mechanisms that are involved may lead to novel pest control strategies.
Feed-forward information and zero-lag synchronization in the sensory thalamocortical circuit are modulated during stimulus perception
Authors: Tauste Campo Adrià , Vázquez Yuriria , Álvarez Manuel , Zainos Antonio , Rossi-Pool Román , Deco Gustavo , Romo Ranulfo
Published: March 2019

Significance

The direction of information flow between brain circuits may be key in cognitive functions. We addressed this problem by evaluating a directional correlation measure between simultaneously recorded neurons from somatosensory thalamus (ventral posterolateral nucleus, VPL) and somatosensory cortex (S1) sharing the same cutaneous receptive field while monkeys judged presence or absence of tactile stimuli. During stimulus presence, feed-forward (VPL → S1) information increased as a function of stimulus amplitude, while feed-back (S1 → VPL) information was unaffected. Simultaneously, zero-lag interaction emerged with increasing stimulus amplitude, contributing to thalamocortical synchronization. Furthermore, VPL → S1 information decreased during error trials. Also, both VPL → S1 and zero-lag interactions decreased when monkeys were not required to report stimulus presence. Thus, directional and coordinated information in the thalamocortical circuit is associated with stimulus perception.
Effects of fossil fuel and total anthropogenic emission removal on public health and climate
Authors: Lelieveld J. , Klingmüller K. , Pozzer A. , Burnett R. T. , Haines A. , Ramanathan V.
Published: March 2019

Significance

We assessed the effects of air pollution and greenhouse gases on public health, climate, and the hydrologic cycle. We combined a global atmospheric chemistry–climate model with air pollution exposure functions, based on an unmatched large number of cohort studies in many countries. We find that fossil-fuel-related emissions account for about 65% of the excess mortality rate attributable to air pollution, and 70% of the climate cooling by anthropogenic aerosols. We conclude that to save millions of lives and restore aerosol-perturbed rainfall patterns, while limiting global warming to 2 °C, a rapid phaseout of fossil-fuel-related emissions and major reductions of other anthropogenic sources are needed.
Histone H2AX promotes neuronal health by controlling mitochondrial homeostasis
Authors: Weyemi Urbain , Paul Bindu D. , Bhattacharya Deeya , Malla Adarsha P. , Boufraqech Myriem , Harraz Maged M. , Bonner William M. , Snyder Solomon H.
Published: March 2019

Significance

Histone H2AX elicits proper DNA repair through its phosphorylation by ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) kinase. While ATM senses reactive oxygen species, the role of H2AX in the maintenance of redox homeostasis remains unknown. Here we establish that H2AX deletion leads to impairment of mitochondrial function and repression of the mitochondrial biogenesis gene PGC-1α. Restoring PGC-1α abrogates mitochondrial deficits and mitigates cell death. This study unveils a role for H2AX in mitochondrial homeostasis associated with neuroprotection.
Cascading trend of Early Paleozoic marine radiations paused by Late Ordovician extinctions
Authors: Rasmussen Christian M. Ø. , Kröger Björn , Nielsen Morten L. , Colmenar Jorge
Published: March 2019

The greatest relative changes in marine biodiversity accumulation occurred during the Early Paleozoic. The precision of temporal constraints on these changes is crude, hampering our understanding of their timing, duration, and links to causal mechanisms. We match fossil occurrence data to their lithostratigraphical ranges in the Paleobiology Database and correlate this inferred taxon range to a constructed set of biostratigraphically defined high-resolution time slices. In addition, we apply capture–recapture modeling approaches to calculate a biodiversity curve that also considers taphonomy and sampling biases with four times better resolution of previous estimates. Our method reveals a stepwise biodiversity increase with distinct Cambrian and Ordovician radiation events that are clearly separated by a 50-million-year-long period of slow biodiversity accumulation. The Ordovician Radiation is confined to a 15-million-year phase after which the Late Ordovician extinctions lowered generic richness and further delayed a biodiversity rebound by at least 35 million years. Based on a first-differences approach on potential abiotic drivers controlling richness, we find an overall correlation with oxygen levels, with temperature also exhibiting a coordinated trend once equatorial sea surface temperatures fell to present-day levels during the Middle Ordovician Darriwilian Age. Contrary to the traditional view of the Late Ordovician extinctions, our study suggests a protracted crisis interval linked to intense volcanism during the middle Late Ordovician Katian Age. As richness levels did not return to prior levels during the Silurian—a time of continental amalgamation—we further argue that plate tectonics exerted an overarching control on biodiversity accumulation.
A specific amino acid motif ofHLA-DRB1mediates risk and interacts with smoking history in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Hollenbach Jill A. , Norman Paul J. , Creary Lisa E. , Damotte Vincent , Montero-Martin Gonzalo , Caillier Stacy , Anderson Kirsten M. , Misra Maneesh K. , Nemat-Gorgani Neda , Osoegawa Kazutoyo , Santaniello Adam , Renschen Adam , Marin Wesley M. , Dandekar Ravi , Parham Peter , Tanner Caroline M. , Hauser Stephen L. , Fernandez-Viña Marcelo , Oksenberg Jorge R.
Published: March 2019

Significance

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic, progressive neurodegenerative disease with both familial and sporadic forms and a clear genetic component. In addition, underlying immunoregulatory dysfunction and inflammatory processes have been implicated in PD pathogenesis. In this study, deep sequencing ofHLAgenes, which encode highly variable cell surface immune receptors, reveals specific variants conferring either risk or protection in PD. Because a history of cigarette smoking is known to be protective in PD, we analyzed the interaction of these genetic variants with smoking history in PD patients and healthy controls and found that the genetic effects are modified by history of cigarette smoking. These results provide a molecular model that explains the unique epidemiology of smoking in PD.
Toward understanding the impact of artificial intelligence on labor
Authors: Frank Morgan R. , Autor David , Bessen James E. , Brynjolfsson Erik , Cebrian Manuel , Deming David J. , Feldman Maryann , Groh Matthew , Lobo José , Moro Esteban , Wang Dashun , Youn Hyejin , Rahwan Iyad
Published: March 2019

Rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and automation technologies have the potential to significantly disrupt labor markets. While AI and automation can augment the productivity of some workers, they can replace the work done by others and will likely transform almost all occupations at least to some degree. Rising automation is happening in a period of growing economic inequality, raising fears of mass technological unemployment and a renewed call for policy efforts to address the consequences of technological change. In this paper we discuss the barriers that inhibit scientists from measuring the effects of AI and automation on the future of work. These barriers include the lack of high-quality data about the nature of work (e.g., the dynamic requirements of occupations), lack of empirically informed models of key microlevel processes (e.g., skill substitution and human–machine complementarity), and insufficient understanding of how cognitive technologies interact with broader economic dynamics and institutional mechanisms (e.g., urban migration and international trade policy). Overcoming these barriers requires improvements in the longitudinal and spatial resolution of data, as well as refinements to data on workplace skills. These improvements will enable multidisciplinary research to quantitatively monitor and predict the complex evolution of work in tandem with technological progress. Finally, given the fundamental uncertainty in predicting technological change, we recommend developing a decision framework that focuses on resilience to unexpected scenarios in addition to general equilibrium behavior.
Growth hormone acts on liver to stimulate autophagy, support glucose production, and preserve blood glucose in chronically starved mice
Authors: Fang Fei , Shi Xuanming , Brown Michael S. , Goldstein Joseph L. , Liang Guosheng
Published: March 2019

Significance

Nine million people starve to death annually. To understand starvation, we created a mouse model in which the mice receive a daily meal that contains 40% of normal calories. They consume each meal within 1 hour and fast for 23 hours. Normal mice maintain viable levels of blood glucose by increasing hepatic glucose production. Gluconeogenesis requires elevated plasma growth hormone (GH) and is accompanied by hepatic autophagy. GH-deficient mice become hypoglycemic, owing to decreased autophagy and glucose production. Here we show that mice lacking the liver GH receptor have reduced autophagy and become hypoglycemic. These data demonstrate that GH acts through its receptor in the liver to induce autophagy and enhance glucose production, maintaining blood glucose during famine.
Recursive embedding of viewpoints, irregularity, and the role for a flexible framework
Authors: van Duijn Max , Verhagen Arie
Published: March 2019

This paper discusses several conventional perspective operators at the lexical, grammatical, and narrative levels. When combined with each other and with particular contexts, these operators can amount to unexpected viewpoints arrangements. Traditional conceptualisations in terms of viewpoint embedding and the regular shifting from one viewpoint to the other are argued to be insufficient for describing these arrangements in all their nuances and details.

We present an analysis of three cases in which viewpoints of speaker, addressee, and third parties are mutually coordinated: (i) global and local perspective structure in Nabokov’s novelLolita, (ii) postposed reporting constructions in Dutch, and (iii) the Russian apprehensive construction, which has a seemingly redundant negation marker in the subordinate clause. For each of these three cases, we discuss how traditional conceptualisations fall short. We discuss an alternative model of viewpoint construction which allows for the conceptual juxtaposition and mixing of different and simultaneously activated viewpoints.
Poly(L-lysine)-poly(ethylene glycol) layers with different structure and their influence on silica suspension stability
Authors: Wiśniewska Małgorzata , Ostolska Iwona
Published: March 2019

The effects of the structure of di- and triblock copolymers of poly(L-lysine) – LYS with poly(ethylene glycol) – PEG as well as the length of nonionic fragment in the LYS-PEG macromolecule on the copolymer chains conformation in the adsorption layer formed on the colloidal silica (SiO2) surface were examined. Spectrophotometry and turbidimetry were applied for the determination of copolymer adsorbed amounts and stability coefficients of silica aqueous suspensions. The electrokinetic parameters such as solid surface charge density and zeta potential were also estimated. The adsorption of LYS-PEG was proved to be the highest at pH 10 whereas the lowest adsorption on the solid surface was found for the triblock copolymer with long fragments of LYS at the same pH value.
Enhancement of mechanical properties of a soft magnetic Fe-based metallic glass
Authors: Hasani Saeed , Ansariniya Mahsa , Seifoddini Amir
Published: March 2019

In this study, the effect of non-isothermal partial crystallisation on microstructure, and mechanical and magnetic properties of (Fe0.9Ni0.1)77Mo5P9C7.5B1.5 BMG was investigated. Microstructural characterisations revealed that there was a phase separation in the as-cast BMG. Formation of nano-crystalline phases first occurred in the separated amorphous phase during initial stages of crystallisation process and then continued in the matrix phase. The nanocrystalline/amorphous matrix composite exhibited higher mechanical and magnetic properties compared to those of the as-cast BMG.
Lillian Fritz-Laylin: Keeping up to speed with evolutionary cell biology
Authors: O’Donnell Marie Anne
Published: March 2019

Fritz-Laylin studies the evolution of complex protein networks associated with cell movement.
On the effective action in presence of local non-linear constraints
Authors: Rançon Adam , Balog Ivan
Published: March 2019

The conditions for the existence of the effective action in statistical field theory, the Legendre transform of the cumulant generating function, in presence of non-linear local constraints are discussed. This problem is of importance for non-perturbative approaches, such as the functional renormalization group. We show that the Legendre transform exists as long as the non-linear constraints do not imply linear constraints on the microscopic fields. We discuss how to handle the case of effectively linear constraints and we naturally obtain that the second derivative of the effective action is the Moore–Penrose pseudo-inverse of the correlation function. We illustrate our discussion with toy-models, and show that the correct counting of degrees of freedom in non-linearly constrained statistical field theories can be rather counter-intuitive.
Satire and Journalism
Authors: Peifer Jason , Lee Taeyoung
Published: March 2019

Satire represents a form of public discourse that invites critical judgment of some sociopolitical folly, absurdity, or contradiction. Through devices like exaggeration, irony, and imitation, a satirical text aspires to cut through spin, deception, and misrepresentation in order to spotlight a given state of affairs as they are or could be. That is, satire is propelled by an impulse to elucidate; to highlight some truth. In many respects, journalism’s normative aspirations are similar to that of satire. Journalism’s guiding principles are commonly discussed in light of a central mission to seek and report the best obtainable version of the truth. Though satirical and journalistic endeavors are often carried out with contrasting tones of sobriety, both forms of discourse exhibit idealism in offering unblinking assessments of social realities. Accordingly, it is hardly surprising that satire and journalism have an extensive history of interplay, dating back to some of the earliest venues of modern journalism. Given satire’s penchant to freely draw from the conventions and norms of a wide range of cultural practices in its pursuit of mounting social critiques, it follows that satire would frequently leverage the tools of journalism for its purposes. The journalism profession has long laid claim to privileged legitimacy in the public sphere, positioning itself as a voice of authority in interpreting public affairs events and issues. Journalism’s traditional (though certainly not uncontested) position of privilege has proven useful to satirists. Likewise, satire’s entertaining and attention-getting qualities have long enticed news media actors.

Academic scholarship centered on the interplay of satire and journalism emanates from a variety of research orientations, employs a diversity of methods, and focuses on a wide range of topics and cultural contexts. The bulk of this body of research highlights satirical work that draws from journalism-based conventions and practices (for example, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart), but pockets of scholarship also consider conventional journalism’s engagement with satire. Still other scholars focus more on how the convergences of journalism and satire spawn hybrid forms of discourse that contribute to public culture in meaningful ways. Building on the insights afforded by these diverse lines of research, future satire–journalism scholarship would be well served by continuing to draw from across these multifaceted research streams.