bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel structure of microneedle arrays for the transdermal drug delivery applications
Authors: Miki Hirofumi , Nishikata Ryota , Minehira Koji , Tsuchitani Shigeki
Published: July 2018

Microneedle (MN) arrays can increase the number of compounds amenable to transdermal drug delivery systems by penetrating the skin's protective stratum corneum. However, the dosage is extremely limited especially in the coating‐type MN because of its small surface area. We proposed and fabricated a novel structure of an MN array device having a flexible large area and strong MN arrays where island‐like firm foundations were arranged on a flexible substrate and dense MN arrays were arranged on these foundations. Structural analysis was performed using COMSOL Multiphysics, and a prototype was realized by applying MEMS (Micro Electronic Mechanical Systems) technology and casting mold method using biocompatible and low‐cost gelatin and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as the MN array material. © 2018 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Analysis of the long‐time climate data series for Turin and assessment of the city's urban heat island
Authors: Garzena Diego , Acquaotta Fiorella , Fratianni Simona
Published: July 2018

In this article, we study the historical temperature and precipitation series for Turin and investigate the origins and effects of the city's urban heat island. The data under study are part of some of the longest meteorological data series for the whole of Italy. The findings detailed here are the result of historical research and the retrieval of data regarding climate parameters and associated metadata. We performed quality control assessments and used a homogenisation process to remove possible errors which may have occurred in the recording of the data. We also analysed changes and trends in climate and climatic index data for a 147‐year period (1870–2016), and compared thermometric data from four rural stations with the Turin series to evaluate the urban heat island effect. Finally, we assessed a number of empirical models based on the number of inhabitants, the extent of urban growth and the increase in private and public transport usage in Turin to identify the urban heat island's evolution.
Higher order couple stress theory of plates and shells
Authors: Zozulya V. V.
Published: July 2018

New higher order models of the couple stress plates and shells have been developed here. The 3‐D equations of the linear couple stress elasticity have been presented in an orthogonal system of coordinates. For the creation of 2‐D models of plates and shells the curvilinear system of coordinates related to the middle surface of the shell has been used along with a special hypothesis based on assumptions that consider the fact that the considered plates and shells are thin. Higher order theory is based on the expansion of the 3‐D equations of the linear couple stress theory of elasticity into Fourier series in terms of Legendre polynomials. The stress and strain tensors, as well as vectors of displacements and rotation have been expanded into Fourier series in terms of Legendre polynomials with respect to thickness. Thereby, all equations of the linear couple stress theory of elasticity (including generalized Hooke's law) have been transformed to the corresponding equations for the Legendre polynomials coefficients. Then, in the same way as in the classical theory of elasticity, a system of differential equations in terms of displacements with boundary conditions for the Legendre polynomials coefficients has been obtained. All equations for higher order theory of the couple stress plates in Cartesian and polar coordinates as well as for cylindrical and spherical shells in coordinates related to the shells geometry have been developed and presented here in detail. The obtained equations can be used for calculating the stress‐strain and for modelling thin walled structures in macro, micro and nano scale when considering micropolar couple stress and rotation effects.
Stability aspects in strain gradient theory of thermoelasticity with mass diffusion
Authors: Aouadi Moncef , Dhaba Amr Ramadan El , Ghaleb Ahmed F.
Published: July 2018

This article is concerned with a strain gradient theory for thermoelastic diffusion materials. The work is motivated by the recent interest in the study of gradient theories and increasing use of materials which possess thermal and mass diffusion variations. First, we establish the basic equations of the nonlinear strain gradient theory for thermoelastic diffusion materials. Then, we deduce the constitutive equations for isotropic chiral thermoelastic diffusion materials. With the help of the semigroup theory of linear operators, we prove the well‐posedness of the problem and the asymptotic behavior of the solutions. The exponential stability is proved for the one‐dimensional problem by a spectral method.
K → ππ and K − π matrix elements of the chromomagnetic operators from Dual QCD
Authors: Buras Andrzej J. , Gérard Jean-Marc
Published: July 2018

Abstract

We perform for the first time a direct calculation of on-shell K → ππ hadronic matrix elements of chromomagnetic operators (CMO) in the Standard Model and beyond. To this end, we use the successful Dual QCD (DQCD) approach in which we also consider off-shell K − π matrix elements that allow the comparison with lattice QCD calculations presented recently by the ETM collaboration. Working in the SU(3) chiral limit, we find for the single B parameter B
CMO = 0.33. Using the numerical results provided by the ETM collaboration we argue that only small corrections beyond that limit are to be expected. Our results are relevant for new physics scenarios in the context of the emerging ε′/ε anomaly strongly indicated within DQCD and supported by RBC-UKQCD lattice collaboration.
Genesis of the Sulfide Hosted Refractory Gold Occurrences within the Carbonaceous Metasedimentary Units of the Dalma Volcano-sedimentary Basin, North Singbhum Mobile Belt, Eastern India
Authors: Khatun Mousoma , Singh Sahendra
Published: July 2018

Paleo-Mesoproterozoic (1.0-2.4 Ga) north Singhbhum mobile belt (NSMB) is one of the prominent polymetallic mineral belt within the Singhbhum crustal province of eastern India lying between Chotanagpur gneissic complex (CGC) in the north and the Archaean Singhbhum craton (>2.4 Ga) in the south. The study area is located along the northern fringe of Dalma volcano-sedimentary basin. Lithological variations, structure, metamorphism and tectonic setting indicate good prospect for regional gold exploration within this area. Extensive work by Geological Survey of India (GSI) within this basin reveals gold occurrences with its concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 4 ppm within the carbonaceous cherty quartzite. Gold mineralization within the area has been reported to be associated with quartz ± quartz carbonate vein either as disseminated gold or as refractory gold within the sulfides. A detailed study on the occurrence of refractory gold associated with carbonaceous cherty quartzite has not been carried out by any of the previous workers. The present work report the occurrence of refractory gold associated with sulfides within the carbonaceous host rocks. Detailed petrographic studies of the carbonaceous host rock reveal the presence of sulfides such as pyrrhotite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, arsenopyrite. EPMA studies of the host rocks indicate the presence of invisible gold within the sulfides varying in concentration from 100 to 1000 ppm. Total organic carbon (TOC), high resolution X-ray diffraction (HR-XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) analysis show the presence of organic carbon within the samples. Presence of organic carbon facilitates reducing environment required for gold mineralization within carbonaceous host rock in the study area.
A Reappraisal of Stratigraphy of Bagh Group of Rocks in Dhar District, Madhya Pradesh with an Outline of Origin of Nodularity of Nodular Limestone Formation
Authors: Ruidas Dhiren Kumar , Paul Sharmistha , Gangopadhyay Tapas Kumar
Published: July 2018

Upper Cretaceous Bagh Group of rocks in M.P. have been studied by many workers. Several stratigraphic successions have been proposed. It has resulted in controversies in terms of applicability, absence of characterization of contact surfaces, no mention of locality names where characteristic features are well visible. Hence a new stratigraphic succession has been proposed. Besides, the entire area is characterized by different types of nodularity at least in the lower part of carbonates. This worldwide unique characteristic has not been resolved earlier. The present authors have tried to explain the origin of this nodularity on the basis of adequate field evidences and came to the conclusion that overburden mechanical compaction produced by Lametas and Deccan Trap and subsequent chemical compaction are the ultimate cause of nodularity in the carbonates. Later entire area was reactivated and churned by Thallassinoid burrow producing organism, the presence of which bears testimony.
Geophysical Log-based Coal Characterization of Middle Permian Barakar Formation from North Karanpura Coal Field, India
Authors: Dey Joyjit , Sen Souvik , Bhattacharjee Surjyendu
Published: July 2018

North Karanpura coal field is the western most marginal coal bearing segment of east-west trending Damodar valley basin. It consists of middle Permian Barakar Formation with sandstone, siltstone, coal and shale being the dominant lithofacies, deposited in a fluvial meandering environment, giving rise to repetitive fining upwards cycles. Study of geophysical logs, the drilled core holes were used to identify lithofacies, correlate coal seams with split-merge behavior; which has been used to understand lateral and vertical facies disposition. Geophysical logs have been employed to compute various coal assay parameters – ash, fixed carbon, moisture, volatile content, cleat porosity, vitrinite reflectance seam wise. Study of log based coal assay parameters, calibrated with lab based values depicts lateral coal quality variation, i.e. decreasing ash content, higher fixed carbon from east to west, which can be a great proxy for future development of field or mine planning.
Global Attenuation Relationship for Estimating Peak Ground Acceleration
Authors: Shiuly Amit
Published: July 2018

Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA) is a very important ground motion parameter which is used to define the degree of ground shaking during an earthquake. It is also very helpful for designing earthquake resistant structure. The PGA can be estimated by attenuation relationships using magnitude, distance, source type etc of a ground motion. In the past, several researchers have developed over 450 attenuation relationships for predicting PGA for a specific region. In the present study an attempt has been made to develop an attenuation relationship on the basis of these available previous relationships in rock site which will be applicable for any region of the world. In the present study, PGA has been expressed as a function of moment magnitude and hypo-central distance in rock site. Chi-square test have also been performed with available earthquake data in American and Indian region for verifying the accuracy of the generated attenuation relationship. Using multiple regression and Genetic Algorithm (GA) the attenuation relationship equations have also been generated. These equations will be very helpful for performing seismic hazard analysis and predicting earthquake force in any region of the world.
Assessment of Land-use and Land-cover Change and its Impact on Groundwater Quality Using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques in Raipur City, Chhattisgarh, India
Authors: Khan Rubia , Jhariya D. C.
Published: July 2018

Monitoring of land use and land cover change (LULC) is essential for water conservation and management. In this study, an attempt has been made to understand the impact of LULC change on groundwater quality. In the present study LULC map of the study area prepared using satellite image of year 1999 and 2016 which are visually interpreted with help of ERDAS IMAGINE and ArcGIS software. In this study different image interpretation elements like tone, texture, size, pattern and association were used and verified with field check and total eight LULC classes were recognized such as settlement, road, cultivation, industry, drainage, lake, open land and vegetation. Comparison of LULC of year 1999 and year 2016 indicates that the settlement (net increases 16.2%), road (net increases 0.8%), open land (net increases 14.8%) and industry (net increases 3.1%) area has expanded. In the study area groundwater pollution is mainly associated with LULC change and as well as poor waste management practices. Obtained result has been validated with nitrate concentration and found 73.33% accuracy reflecting that, applied techniques has produced significantly reliable results.
Groundwater Quality assessment using Water Quality Index (WQI) in parts of Varanasi District, Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Chaurasia Abhishek Kumar , Pandey H. K. , Tiwari S. K. , Prakash Ram , Pandey Prashant , Ram Arjun
Published: July 2018

The water quality index (WQI) is an important tool to determine the drinking water quality in urban, rural and industrial area. WQI is defined as an index reflecting the composite influence of different water quality parameters which is considered and taken for calculation of water quality index. In the present study, sixteen groundwater samples were collected from the southern portion of the Varanasi district, Uttar Pradesh, India, during the pre monsoon period of May, 2015. The twenty two water quality parameters have been considered for the calculation of water quality index viz. pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total hardness (TH), total dissolved solid (TDS), alkalinity, sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), nitrates (NO3"), bicarbonate HCO3–, chlorides (Cl–), sulphates(SO4–), fluorides (F–), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd). The Bureau of Indian Standard (BIS, 2012) has been considered to assess the suitability of groundwater for drinking purposes and for the calculation of WQI. Correlation study between various physicochemical properties also reveals significant negative relationships. The current study shows that ~20% area is falling under the non suitable for drinking water category and rest is falling under good, moderate, poor, very poor as per the WQI classification. The present study is helpful in proper planning and management of available water resource for drinking purpose.
Value of schizophrenia treatment II: Decision modelling for developing early detection and early intervention services in the Czech Republic
Authors: Winkler Petr , Broulíková Hana Marie , Kondrátová Lucie , Knapp Martin , Arteel Paul , Boyer Patrice , Galderisi Silvana , Karkkainen Hikka , Ieven Aagje , Mohr Pavel , Wasserman Danuta , Park A-La , Tinelli Michella , Gaebel Wolfgang
Published: July 2018

Background:

Positive findings on early detection and early intervention services have been consistently reported from many different countries. The aim of this study, conducted within the European Brain Council project “The Value of Treatment”, was to estimate costs and the potential cost- savings associated with adopting these services within the context of the Czech mental health care reform.

Methods:

Czech epidemiological data, probabilities derived from meta-analyses, and data on costs of mental health services in the Czech Republic were used to populate a decision analytical model. From the health care and societal perspectives, costs associated with health care services and productivity lost were taken into account. One-way sensitivity analyses were conducted to explore the uncertainty around the key parameters.

Results:

It was estimated that annual costs associated with care as usual for people with the first episode of psychosis were as high as 46 million Euro in the Czech Republic 2016. These annual costs could be reduced by 25% if ED services were adopted, 33% if EI services were adopted, and 40% if both, ED and EI services, were adopted in the country. Cost-savings would be generated due to decreased hospitalisations and better employment outcomes in people with psychoses.

Conclusions:

Adopting early detection and early intervention services in mental health systems based on psychiatric hospitals and with limited access to acute and community care could generate considerable cost- savings. Although the results of this modelling study needs to be taken with caution, early detection and early intervention services are recommended for multi-centre pilot testing accompanied by full economic evaluation in the region of Central and Eastern Europe.
Retracted: Test‐Retest Reliability of Dynamic Balance Performance‐Based Measures Among Adults With a Unilateral Lower‐Limb Amputation
Authors: Cardoso Jefferson R. , Beisheim Emma H. , Horne John R. , Sions J. Megan
Published: July 2018

Cardoso JR, Beisheim EH, Horne JR, Sions JM. Test‐retest reliability of dynamic balance performance‐based measures among adults with a unilateral lower‐limb amputation. PM R, 2019;11:243–251. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmrj.2018.07.005.

The above article, published online on 7 March 2019 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been retracted by agreement between the authors, the journal Editor in Chief, Janna Friedly, and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. The retraction has been agreed due to calculation errors which render the study's results inaccurate.
Making IT better: how biometrics can cure healthcare
Authors: Cidon Dan
Published: July 2018

As health organisations battle fraud, data theft and cyber-attacks that cost millions of dollars and threaten their ability to provide quality patient care, biometric technology is poised to gain greater traction across this industry – helping hospitals and other health-related organisations to protect patient data, prevent fraud, improve their patient-matching abilities and safeguard their reputations. This article examines the current and likely future impact of biometric systems on healthcare security and patient identification, focusing on the US market.
DDoS attacks: past, present and future
Authors: Chadd Anthony
Published: July 2018

Recently, US web-based hosting service GitHub was hit by the largest distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack in history. It was subjected to a colossal 1.35Tbps flood of traffic: unknown hackers attempted to take the platform offline, resulting in major websites across large portions of the US being out of action for a number of hours.

DDoS attacks have reached new levels in the past year, advancing in both style and severity, with recent trends indicating we can expect to see more of the same in 2018.

To stand a chance at winning in the cyberwar, organisations should place as much emphasis on cyber-security as they do on any other part of their business. Failure to give cyber-security the attention it deserves will not only leave businesses at risk of being the next victim of a DDoS attack, but also exposes them to wider knock-on reputational and financial damage, says Anthony Chadd of Neustar.
Flow-induced vibration of D-section cylinders: an afterbody is not essential for vortex-induced vibration
Authors: Zhao J. , Hourigan K. , Thompson M. C.
Published: July 2018

While it has been known that an afterbody (i.e. the structural part of a bluff body downstream of the flow separation points) plays an important role affecting the wake characteristics and even may change the nature of the flow-induced vibration (FIV) of a structure, the question of whether an afterbody is essential for the occurrence of one particular common form of FIV, namely vortex-induced vibration (VIV), still remains. This has motivated the present study to experimentally investigate the FIV of an elastically mounted forward- or backward-facing D-section (closed semicircular) cylinder over the reduced velocity range$2.3\leqslant U^{\ast }\leqslant 20$, where$U^{\ast }=U/(f_{nw}D)$. Here,$U$is the free-stream velocity,$D$the cylinder diameter and$f_{nw}$the natural frequency of the system in quiescent fluid (water). The normal orientation with the body’s flat surface facing upstream is known to be subject to another common form of FIV, galloping, while the reverse D-section with the body’s curved surface facing upstream, due to the lack of an afterbody, has previously been reported to be immune to VIV. The fluid–structure system was modelled on a low-friction air-bearing system in conjunction with a recirculating water channel facility to achieve a low mass ratio (defined as the ratio of the total oscillating mass to that of the displaced fluid mass). Interestingly, through a careful overall examination of the dynamic responses, including the vibration amplitude and frequency, fluid forces and phases, our new findings showed that the D-section exhibits a VIV-dominated response for$U^{\ast }<10$, galloping-dominated response for$U^{\ast }>12.5$, and a transition regime with a VIV–galloping interaction in between. Also observed for the first time were interesting wake modes associated with these response regimes. However, in contrast to previous studies at high Reynolds number (defined by$Re=UD/\unicode[STIX]{x1D708}$, with$\unicode[STIX]{x1D708}$the kinematic viscosity), which have showed that the D-section was subject to ‘hard’ galloping that required a substantial initial amplitude to trigger, it was observed in the present study that the D-section can gallop softly from rest. Surprisingly, on the other hand, it was found that the reverse D-section exhibits pure VIV features. Remarkable similarities were observed in a direct comparison with a circular cylinder of the same mass ratio, in terms of the onset$U^{\ast }$of significant vibration, the peak amplitude (only approximately 6 % less than that of the circular cylinder), and also the fluid forces and phases. Of most significance, this study shows that an afterbody is not essential for VIV at low mass and damping ratios.
Wealth in Fiction: Capitalism, Animism, and Ben Okri’sThe Famished RoadTrilogy
Authors: Fyfe Alexander
Published: July 2018

This article proposes the concept of noncapitalist wealth as a line of inquiry into the relations among capitalism, animism, and literary production. I begin by discussing the methodological implications of Harry Garuba’s influential essay on “animist materialism” and suggest that Garuba’s operating theory of capital means that his method ultimately leads to a mode of reading that understands animism as bearing primarily uponrepresentationrather than on literaryproduction. The result is a mode of reading that lacks sensitivity to the implications of the influence of specific animisms on individual texts. Eschewing an encompassing theory of animism’s relation to literary production, I propose the concept of noncapitalist wealth, derived in part from Karl Marx and anthropologists such as Jane I. Guyer, as a potential avenue of inquiry within the debate around literary animisms. I offer a reading of Ben Okri’sThe Famished Roadtrilogy (1990–1998) to demonstrate the ways in which an operating concept of wealth, combined with a sensitivity to contemporary forms of capitalism, can help to reveal the political dimension of some literary texts.
Silicon-mediated and constitutive resistance to Rhopalosiphum maidis (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in corn hybrids
Authors: Boer C.A. , Sampaio M.V. , Pereira H.S.
Published: July 2018

The corn leaf aphid, Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is an important pest of corn, but no corn genotypes resistant to R. maidis are commercially available. Although the ability of silicon to induce plant resistance against some insects is known, the effect of silicon on R. maidis and in corn hybrids with different levels of constitutive resistance is still unknown. This study sought to determine the constitutive resistance of corn hybrids to R. maidis and silicon resistance induction in hybrids with different degrees of constitutive resistance. Field experiments with natural infestations of aphids were conducted in three locations in Brazil (Patos de Minas, Araguari, and Tupaciguara). Greenhouse trials were also used to evaluate the effect of varietal resistance on aphid population growth and identify resistant and susceptible genotypes. Aphid resistance induced by silicon was determined with resistant and susceptible corn hybrids. In the field, the corn hybrids BM8850, AS1625PRO, and DKB310PRO had the greatest proportion of plants infested by R. maidis in all three localities. The hybrids P30F53H, STATUS VIP, BM9288, DAS2B587HX, DKB175PRO, AS1633PRO, and DKB390PRO2 were the least infested in Patos de Minas and Araguari, and P30F53H was the least infested in Tupaciguara. When antibiosis effects were evaluated by aphid population growth, the hybrids AG7088PRO3 and DKB310PRO2 were susceptible, while P30F53YH was resistant. When natural aphid infestation was evaluated, wherein the effects of antibiosis and non-preference could not be discriminated, soil applications of silicon-induced resistance to R. maidis in both susceptible and constitutively resistant corn hybrids.
With One Voice: Elements of Acclamation in Early Jewish Liturgical Poetry
Authors: Lieber Laura S.
Published: July 2018

In this essay, the Rosh Hashanah Shofar service poems by the Jewish poet Yose ben Yose (fourth or fifth century CE, Land of Israel) are read through the lens of the Late Antique practice of acclamation. Yose's surviving body of works is limited, but he was influential within the Jewish tradition, and his poems have long been noted for their use of formal features such as fixed-word repetitions and refrains—features which align not only with poetic norms from the biblical period to Late Antiquity but also with the practice of acclamation. Jews attended (and performed in) the theater and games; they were familiar with rhetorical and oratorical training and related literary norms; and they were integrated socially, commercially, and politically into diverse and varied communities. The affinity of Jewish liturgical poetry from antiquity for other forms of poetic composition reflects Jews’ general embeddedness in Late Ancient culture. Reading Yose's poetry as shaped by the conventions of acclamation highlights how Yose and his congregants were not only distinctly Jewish but also thoroughly Roman.
First molecular identification of Strongyloides fuelleborni in long-tailed macaques in Thailand and Lao People's Democratic Republic reveals considerable genetic diversity
Authors: Thanchomnang T. , Intapan P.M. , Sanpool O. , Rodpai R. , Sadaow L. , Phosuk I. , Somboonpatarakun C. , Laymanivong S. , Tourtip S. , Maleewong W.
Published: July 2018

Strongyloides fuelleborni is a soil-transmitted nematode parasite of non-human primates. The worm is prevalent also in human populations in Africa and South-East Asia. In this study, we amplified and sequenced a portion of the 18S ribosomal RNA gene (rRNA) and of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene of Strongyloides adult males recovered from faecal samples from long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) in Thailand and Lao PDR. The prevalence in Thailand was 31.1% (55/177) and in Lao PDR it was 62.1% (41/66), with an overall prevalence of 39.5% (96/243). All 18S rRNA sequences that we obtained (n = 96) showed 100% identity with published S. fuelleborni sequences. The 96 cox1 sequences that we obtained represented 32 new haplotypes. When included with the 17 previously known haplotypes from S. fuelleborni, the cox1 sequences fell into four clusters, which had clear geographical structure. This is the first molecular confirmation of S. fuelleborni in long-tailed macaques in Thailand and Lao PDR. Clearly, awareness needs to be raised of the zoonotic potential of S. fuelleborni. A monitoring programme should be organized, taking into account the role of reservoir hosts (i.e. monkeys) in the natural background of human strongyloidiasis caused by S. fuelleborni.
RETHINKING L2 MOTIVATION RESEARCH
Authors: Papi Mostafa , Bondarenko Anna Vitalyevna , Mansouri Soheil , Feng Liying , Jiang Chen
Published: July 2018

The present study proposed and tested a revision of the self-guides outlined in the L2 motivational self system (Dörnyei, 2005, 2009). Covering the previous conceptualization and measurement issues, ideal L2 self and ought-to L2 self were bifurcated by own and other standpoints, and reoperationalized based on the fundamental tenets of self-discrepancy theory (Higgins, 1987) and regulatory focus theory (Higgins, 1997). Confirmatory factor analysis supported the fitness of the model and its superiority over three alternative models based on data collected from 257 international students learning English as a second language at a major North American university. Multiple regression results showed that ought L2 self/own was the strongest predictor of motivated behavior. Ideal L2 self/own, ought L2 self/other, and ideal L2 self/other were the next predictors in order of strength. Furthermore, ideal L2 self/own predicted an eager strategic inclination in L2 behavior, whereas ought L2 self/own predicted a vigilant strategic inclination, supporting the core principle of the regulatory focus theory that individuals with different regulatory orientations pursue their goals in qualitatively different manners.
Effect of Metarhizium anisopliae (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) on food consumption and mortality in the Mexican fruit fly, Anastrepha ludens (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Toledo-Hernández Ricardo Alberto , Toledo Jorge , Sánchez Daniel
Published: July 2018

Anastrepha ludens(Loew) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is an important pest of mango and citrus in Mexico. Here, we report the effect of the entomopathogenic fungusMetarhizium anisopliae(Metsch.) Sorokin strain MAAP1 on mortality and food consumption inA. ludensadults. Experiments were carried out under laboratory conditions at 26 ± 2 °C, 60 ± 5% RH and 12:12 photoperiod. To assess pathogenicity and sublethal effects, we sprayed flies with 1 × 109conidia/ml and 1 × 106conidia/ml solutions, respectively. Food consumption was measured by providing known amounts of food through capillary tubes to caged flies. We found thatM. anisopliaewas highly virulent toA. ludens, causing 92.3 ± 0.62% mortality at day 13 post-exposure. Interestingly, food consumption reduced by 17% in flies exposed to the fungus. These results support the implementation ofM. anisopliaewithin current strategies used for the integrated pest management ofA. ludens.
Strong Dependence of Extreme Convective Precipitation Intensities on Gauge Network Density
Authors: Schroeer Katharina , Kirchengast Gottfried , O Sungmin
Published: July 2018

Extreme convective precipitation on subhourly scales is notoriously misrepresented in rain gauge‐based observations, but uncertainties are weakly quantified at the 1 to 30 km scale. We employ a unique observing network, the high‐density WegenerNet and surrounding operational rain gauge network in southeastern Austria, to sample convective precipitation extremes at these scales. By systematically constructing lower‐density networks, we explore how estimated maximum area precipitation depends on observing station density. Using subhourly to hourly temporal resolution, we find a d−0.5(±0.1) power law decay of the event maximum area precipitation over distances d from 1 to 30 km, showing that operational gauge networks underrate extreme convective precipitation falling over small areas. Furthermore, extremes at point scale are found underestimated by operational networks by about 20%. We consider the dependencies representative for short‐duration convective events over similar regions at midlatitudes and the results valuable for high‐resolution climate model evaluation.
On the Ocean Wave Attenuation Rate in Grease‐Pancake Ice, a Comparison of Viscous Layer Propagation Models With Field Data
Authors: De Santi Francesca , De Carolis Giacomo , Olla Piero , Doble Martin , Cheng Sukun , Shen Hayley H. , Wadhams Peter , Thomson Jim
Published: July 2018

The ability of viscous layer models to describe the attenuation of waves propagating in grease‐pancake ice covered ocean is investigated. In particular, the Keller's model (Keller, ; https://doi.org/10.1029/97JC02966), the two‐layer viscous model (De Carolis & Desiderio, ; https://doi.org/10.1016/S0375-9601(02)01503-7) and the close‐packing model (De Santi & Olla, ; arXiv:1512.05631) are extensively validated by using wave attenuation data collected during two different field campaigns (Weddell Sea, Antarctica, April 2000; western Arctic Ocean, autumn 2015). We use these data to inspect the performance of the three models by minimizing the differences between the measured and model wave attenuation; the retrieved ice thickness is then compared with measured data. The three models allow to fit the observation data but with important differences in the three cases. The close‐packing model shows good agreement with the data for values of the ice viscosity comparable to those of grease ice in laboratory experiments. For thin ice, the Keller's model performance is similar to that of the close‐packing model, while for thick ice much larger values of the ice viscosity are required, which reflects the different ability of the two models to take into account the effect of pancakes. The improvement of performance over the Keller's model achieved by the two‐layer viscous model is minimal, which reflects the marginal role in the dynamics of a finite eddy viscosity in the ice‐free layer. A good ice thickness retrieval can be obtained by considering the ice layer as the only source in the wave dynamics, so that the wind input can be disregarded.
Polyaniline-intercalated manganese dioxide nanolayers as a high-performance cathode material for an aqueous zinc-ion battery
Authors: Huang Jianhang , Wang Zhuo , Hou Mengyan , Dong Xiaoli , Liu Yao , Wang Yonggang , Xia Yongyao
Published: July 2018

Rechargeable zinc–manganese dioxide batteries that use mild aqueous electrolytes are attracting extensive attention due to high energy density and environmental friendliness. Unfortunately, manganese dioxide suffers from substantial phase changes (e.g., from initial α-, β-, or γ-phase to a layered structure and subsequent structural collapse) during cycling, leading to very poor stability at high charge/discharge depth. Herein, cyclability is improved by the design of a polyaniline-intercalated layered manganese dioxide, in which the polymer-strengthened layered structure and nanoscale size of manganese dioxide serves to eliminate phase changes and facilitate charge storage. Accordingly, an unprecedented stability of 200 cycles with at a high capacity of 280 mA h g−1 (i.e., 90% utilization of the theoretical capacity of manganese dioxide) is achieved, as well as a long-term stability of 5000 cycles at a  utilization of 40%. The encouraging performance sheds light on the design of advanced cathodes for aqueous zinc-ion batteries.
Digital acoustofluidics enables contactless and programmable liquid handling
Authors: Zhang Steven Peiran , Lata James , Chen Chuyi , Mai John , Guo Feng , Tian Zhenhua , Ren Liqiang , Mao Zhangming , Huang Po-Hsun , Li Peng , Yang Shujie , Huang Tony Jun
Published: July 2018

For decades, scientists have pursued the goal of performing automated reactions in a compact fluid processor with minimal human intervention. Most advanced fluidic handling technologies (e.g., microfluidic chips and micro-well plates) lack fluid rewritability, and the associated benefits of multi-path routing and re-programmability, due to surface-adsorption-induced contamination on contacting structures. This limits their processing speed and the complexity of reaction test matrices. We present a contactless droplet transport and processing technique called digital acoustofluidics which dynamically manipulates droplets with volumes from 1 nL to 100 µL along any planar axis via acoustic-streaming-induced hydrodynamic traps, all in a contamination-free (lower than 10−10% diffusion into the fluorinated carrier oil layer) and biocompatible (99.2% cell viability) manner. Hence, digital acoustofluidics can execute reactions on overlapping, non-contaminated, fluidic paths and can scale to perform massive interaction matrices within a single device.
High sensitivity organic inorganic hybrid X-ray detectors with direct transduction and broadband response
Authors: Thirimanne H. M. , Jayawardena K. D. G. I. , Parnell A. J. , Bandara R. M. I. , Karalasingam A. , Pani S. , Huerdler J. E. , Lidzey D. G. , Tedde S. F. , Nisbet A. , Mills C. A. , Silva S. R. P.
Published: July 2018

X-ray detectors are critical to healthcare diagnostics, cancer therapy and homeland security, with many potential uses limited by system cost and/or detector dimensions. Current X-ray detector sensitivities are limited by the bulk X-ray attenuation of the materials and consequently necessitate thick crystals (~1 mm–1 cm), resulting in rigid structures, high operational voltages and high cost. Here we present a disruptive, flexible, low cost, broadband, and high sensitivity direct X-ray transduction technology produced by embedding high atomic number bismuth oxide nanoparticles in an organic bulk heterojunction. These hybrid detectors demonstrate sensitivities of 1712 µC mGy−1 cm−3 for “soft” X-rays and ~30 and 58 µC mGy−1 cm−3 under 6 and 15 MV “hard” X-rays generated from a medical linear accelerator; strongly competing with the current solid state detectors, all achieved at low bias voltages (−10 V) and low power, enabling detector operation powered by coin cell batteries.
Topical ferumoxytol nanoparticles disrupt biofilms and prevent tooth decay in vivo via intrinsic catalytic activity
Authors: Liu Yuan , Naha Pratap C. , Hwang Geelsu , Kim Dongyeop , Huang Yue , Simon-Soro Aurea , Jung Hoi-In , Ren Zhi , Li Yong , Gubara Sarah , Alawi Faizan , Zero Domenick , Hara Anderson T. , Cormode David P. , Koo Hyun
Published: July 2018

Ferumoxytol is a nanoparticle formulation approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for systemic use to treat iron deficiency. Here, we show that, in addition, ferumoxytol disrupts intractable oral biofilms and prevents tooth decay (dental caries) via intrinsic peroxidase-like activity. Ferumoxytol binds within the biofilm ultrastructure and generates free radicals from hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), causing in situ bacterial death via cell membrane disruption and extracellular polymeric substances matrix degradation. In combination with low concentrations of H2O2, ferumoxytol inhibits biofilm accumulation on natural teeth in a human-derived ex vivo biofilm model, and prevents acid damage of the mineralized tissue. Topical oral treatment with ferumoxytol and H2O2 suppresses the development of dental caries in vivo, preventing the onset of severe tooth decay (cavities) in a rodent model of the disease. Microbiome and histological analyses show no adverse effects on oral microbiota diversity, and gingival and mucosal tissues. Our results reveal a new biomedical application for ferumoxytol as topical treatment of a prevalent and costly biofilm-induced oral disease.
Sensitive and powerful single-cell RNA sequencing using mcSCRB-seq
Authors: Bagnoli Johannes W. , Ziegenhain Christoph , Janjic Aleksandar , Wange Lucas E. , Vieth Beate , Parekh Swati , Geuder Johanna , Hellmann Ines , Enard Wolfgang
Published: July 2018

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has emerged as a central genome-wide method to characterize cellular identities and processes. Consequently, improving its sensitivity, flexibility, and cost-efficiency can advance many research questions. Among the flexible plate-based methods, single-cell RNA barcoding and sequencing (SCRB-seq) is highly sensitive and efficient. Here, we systematically evaluate experimental conditions of this protocol and find that adding polyethylene glycol considerably increases sensitivity by enhancing cDNA synthesis. Furthermore, using Terra polymerase increases efficiency due to a more even cDNA amplification that requires less sequencing of libraries. We combined these and other improvements to develop a scRNA-seq library protocol we call molecular crowding SCRB-seq (mcSCRB-seq), which we show to be one of the most sensitive, efficient, and flexible scRNA-seq methods to date.
A mosquito salivary gland protein partially inhibits Plasmodium sporozoite cell traversal and transmission
Authors: Schleicher Tyler R. , Yang Jing , Freudzon Marianna , Rembisz Alison , Craft Samuel , Hamilton Madeleine , Graham Morven , Mlambo Godfree , Tripathi Abhai K. , Li Yue , Cresswell Peter , Sinnis Photini , Dimopoulos George , Fikrig Erol
Published: July 2018

The key step during the initiation of malaria is for motilePlasmodiumparasites to exit the host dermis and infect the liver. During transmission, the parasites in the form of sporozoites, are injected together with mosquito saliva into the skin. However, the contribution of vector saliva to sporozoite activity during the establishment of the initial infection of the liver is poorly understood. Here we identify a vector protein by mass spectrometry, with similarity to the human gamma interferon inducible thiol reductase (GILT), that is associated with saliva sporozoites of infectedAnophelesmosquitoes and has a negative impact on the speed and cell traversal activity ofPlasmodium. This protein, referred to as mosquito GILT (mosGILT) represents an example of a protein found in mosquito saliva that may negatively influence sporozoite movement in the host and could lead to new approaches to prevent malaria.
A review of asthma care in 50 general practices in Bedfordshire, United Kingdom
Authors: Levy Mark L , Garnett Fiona , Kuku Adedayo , Pertsovskaya Inna , McKnight Eddie , Haughney John
Published: July 2018

The United Kingdom (UK) National Review of Asthma Deaths (NRAD) (2011–2014) identified a number of contributory risk factors which had not previously been recognized by those caring for people with asthma. Only one of the 19 NRAD recommendations has so far been implemented nationally, and that only partially, and as yet systems are not in place to identify patients at risk of attacks and dying from asthma. In 2015/2016 Bedfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) in England, UK, initiated a quality asthma audit of people with asthma to identify some of the risk factors identified in the NRAD report with the aim of optimizing patient care. Fifty (89%) of the General Practices caring for 415,152 patients (27,587 diagnosed with asthma (prevalence 7%; range 4–12%)), participated and the results identified a wide variation in process of care and presence of risk factors including: excess short acting reliever and insufficient preventer prescriptions, failure to issue personal asthma action plans, and to perform annual reviews or check inhaler technique. Identification of these patients involved high-intensity input by trained asthma nurses using sophisticated data extraction software. GP computer systems used in primary care currently do not have the functionally, without the need for manual audit, to implement the NRAD recommendations, starting with the identification of patients at risk. Modifications to existing systems within both primary and secondary care are required in order to prevent unnecessary deaths related to asthma. There is a pressing need to move towards a more pro-active model of care.
Publisher Correction: The Neurocognitive Architecture of Individual Differences in Math Anxiety in Typical Children
Authors: Hartwright Charlotte E. , Looi Chung Yen , Sella Francesco , Inuggi Alberto , Santos Flávia Heloísa , González-Salinas Carmen , García Santos Jose M. , Kadosh Roi Cohen , Fuentes Luis J.
Published: July 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Author Correction: Region and species dependent mechanical properties of adolescent and young adult brain tissue
Authors: MacManus David B. , Pierrat Baptiste , Murphy Jeremiah G. , Gilchrist Michael D.
Published: July 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Differential regulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway by hepatitis C virus recombinants expressing core from various genotypes
Authors: Aicher Stephanie , Kakkanas Athanasios , Cohen Lisette , Blumen Brigitte , Oprisan Gabriela , Njouom Richard , Meurs Eliane F. , Mavromara Penelope , Martin Annette
Published: July 2018

Clinical studies have suggested association of some hepatitis C virus (HCV) subtypes or isolates with progression toward hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCV core protein has been reported to interfere with host Wnt/β-catenin pathway, a cell fate-determining pathway, which plays a major role in HCC. Here, we investigated the impact of HCV core genetic variability in the dysregulation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway. We used both transient expression of core proteins from clinical isolates of HCV subtypes 1a (Cambodia), 4a (Romania) and 4f (Cameroon) and infection systems based on a set of engineered intergenotypic recombinant viruses encoding core from these various clinical strains. We found that TCF transcription factor-dependent reporter activity was upregulated by core in a strain-specific manner. We documented core sequence-specific transcriptional upregulation of several β-catenin downstream target genes associated with cell proliferation and malignant transformation, fibrogenesis or fat accumulation. The extent of β-catenin nuclear translocation varied in accordance with β-catenin downstream gene upregulation in infected cells. Pairwise comparisons of subgenotypic core recombinants and mutated core variants unveiled the critical role of core residues 64 and 71 in these dysregulations. In conclusion, this work identified natural core polymorphisms involved in HCV strain-specific activation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway in relevant infection systems.
Isosteviol Derivative Inhibits Osteoclast Differentiation and Ameliorates Ovariectomy-Induced Osteoporosis
Authors: Tzeng Huey-En , Huang Po-Hao , Tsai Chun-Hao , Tsay Gregory J , Lee Yi-Ju , Huang Tsurng-Juhn , Lin Tzu-Hung , Chiu Ying-Ming , Wu Yi-Ying
Published: July 2018

NC-8 (ent-16-oxobeyeran-19-N-methylureido) is an isosteviol-derived analogue with multiple biological effects, including anti-inflammation and anti-bacterial activities and inhibition of HBV viral surface antigen gene expression. In this study, we explored the effects of NC-8 on the formation of osteoclasts from RAW 264.7 cells. We found that NC-8 exerts the novel effect of inhibiting osteoclast-like cell formation. Our experiments showed that RANKL-induced ERK, p38, and JNK phosphorylation were inhibited by NC-8. An ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis animal model was used to examine the protective effects of oral treatment with NC-8. Serum analysis was used to examine markers of osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and renal and hepatic function in rats. Micro CT scanning and histological analysis were used to measure bone loss in ovariectomized rats. Oral administration of NC-8 effectively decreased excess bone resorption and significantly antagonized trabecular bone loss in ovariectomized rats. Serum analysis of C-terminal telopeptide of type-I collagen, an osteoclast marker, also showed that NC-8 administration inhibited excess bone resorption. Furthermore, serum analysis showed that renal and liver function were not affected by these doses of NC-8 during long-term treatment. Our results demonstrate that NC-8 inhibits osteoclast differentiation and effectively ameliorates ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis.