bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Capacity configuration optimisation for stand‐alone micro‐grid based on an improved binary bat algorithm
Authors: Sheng Siqing , Zhang Jingjing
Published: November 2017

Capacity configuration optimisation (CCO) for stand‐alone micro‐grid has become an urgent issue that needs to be addressed effectively, which is of great significance for saving operational costs, raising renewable energy source utilisation ratio and improving reliability of power supply in island. This study proposes a CCO model for stand‐alone wind–PV–diesel–battery micro‐grid based on an improved binary bat algorithm (BBA). CCO is formulated as a multi‐objective integer programming problem with three conflictive objective functions (i.e. economic, reliability, and environmental criteria) and various non‐linear constraints. Aiming at the local optimal problem caused by directly applying continuous optimisation algorithm into integer programming model, an improved BBA (IBBA) is proposed to solve this problem, which adopts mutation, crossover, and selection operations from differential evolution to improve the global searching ability of standard BBA. Finally, a simulation case is conducted to verify feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method, in which IBBA is compared with genetic algorithm and particle swarm optimisation. The simulation results indicate that IBBA shows better performance in terms of both the solution quality and convergence speed.
Distribution voltage control utilising the reactive power capabilities of wind generators
Authors: Danzerl Daniel , Gill Simon , Anaya‐Lara Olimpo
Published: November 2017

Voltage rise issues have become a major limiting factor to greater penetration of wind generators in weak distribution networks. A complete decentralised approach to voltage control (VC) that fully utilises the reactive power capabilities of distribution wind generators is an emerging technology and one that has not yet been investigated extensively. This study explores the potentials of modern wind turbine technology integration to address the problem. It assesses such potentials on a realistic 289‐node UK generic 11 kV distribution network using time‐series optimal power flow simulations under constraint conditions. This study examines the power factor control and VC modes of operation of typical generators and proposes practical techniques that enhance greater connection capacities. The study successfully reveals that, operating the wind generators within a flexible reactive power capability limits effectively mitigates the voltage rise problem and maximises generation levels.
Paleoenvironmental evolution of the southern Neuquèn basin (Argentina) during the Tithonian-Berriasian (Vaca Muerta and Picún Leufú Formations): a multi-proxy approach
Authors: Krim Nesma , Bonnel Cédric , Tribovillard Nicolas , Imbert Patrice , Aubourg Charles , Riboulleau Armelle , Bout-Roumazeilles Viviane , Hoareau Guilhem , Fasentieux Bertrand
Published: November 2017

The Tithonian-Berriasian interval in the southern part of the Neuquén Basin is represented by the Vaca Muerta and the Picún Leufú Formations. Facies analysis and correlation of the Vaca Muerta Formation and the lower part of the Picún Leufú Formation in the Picún Leufú Anticline allow us to characterize the evolution of successive facies belts representing siliciclastic shelf and mixed ramp environments. Shoreface and offshore facies are developed on the siliciclastic shelf in the western and southern parts of the Picún Leufú Anticline. The offshore transition domain is characterized by storm beds and slump features, whereas the offshore domain corresponds to black to grey shales and turbidites. The mixed siliciclastic-carbonate ramp is characterized by the development of a lagoon and high-energy shoal in the proximal part of the inner ramp, whereas the distal part comprises a tidal complex. The mid-ramp zone is characterized by storm influence and the outer ramp by fine-grained deposits. Two major transgressive-regressive sequences and five high-frequency transgressive-regressive sequences are recognized. The high-frequency transgressive-regressive sequences make up three progradational sequences, an aggradational-progradational sequence and an aggradational sequence. The geochemical characteristics and clay mineralogy of the Tithonian-Berriasian interval in the southern Neuquén Basin indicate that (1) climate played a key role in the evolution of the sedimentary environment, (2) a “normal marine” depositional environment with oxic sea water and sediment pore waters, rapidly changing to suboxic conditions at shallow depth below the seabed and (3) the occurrence of episodically restricted water-mass circulation at the onset of deposition of the Vaca Muerta Formation.
Measurements of surface velocity and level fluctuation in an actual continuous wide slab casting mold
Authors: Ren Lei , Zhang Lifeng , Wang Qiangqiang
Published: November 2017

In the current work, a kind of nailboard made of three rows of nails was designed to simultaneously measure the surface velocities and level fluctuations of the loose side, the center plane and the fixed side in an actual continuous wide slab casting mold. Seven nailboard dipping experiments were conducted to obtain both the transient and time-averaged behaviors near the meniscus. The distribution of disturbed oscillation marks (OMs) on the surface of corresponding slabs (in common with nailboard experiments strand) was systematically studied. In order to investigate the relationship between disturbed OMs and entrapment of inclusions or slag to the solidified shell, samples were taken at 10 locations on one relevant slab, and they were polished 2 mm each time. Inclusions larger than 10 µm were analyzed using the optical microscope. The level fluctuates with the continuous casting processing. The level positions on the fixed side and loose side may not be consistent. Surface level near the submerged entry nozzle (SEN) and the narrow face fluctuates on a higher position, while on the region between the SEN and the narrow face, the level fluctuates on a lower position. Time-history of the level fluctuation on the loose side and the centerline is synchronous, while the flow fluctuates in another pace on the fixed side. Root-mean-square (RMS) value of level fluctuation varies along the mold width. There are peak values at the locations near the SEN and narrow face, where slag entrapment may be induced. The OMs are more likely to be disturbed at the middle and 1/4 location in mold width. There is a big difference in entrapment of inclusions at the solidified shell between loose side and fixed side. On the fixed side, the distribution of number density of inclusions is in agreement with number distribution of disturbed OMs on meniscus, while more inclusions were entrapped at narrow faces on the loose side.
Postoperative Cochlear Obliteration after Retrosigmoid Approach in Patients with Vestibular Schwannoma
Authors: Hedjrat Alireza , Schwager Konrad , Hofmann Erich , Behr Robert
Published: November 2017

Objective Vestibular schwannomas (VSNs) account for the vast majority of lesions located in the cerebellopontine angle (CPA). The goals of VSN surgery are possible total tumor removal, intact facial nerve function, and preservation of cochlear nerve function. In cases of pre- or postoperative deafness, restoration of hearing with auditory brainstem implant (ABI) or cochlear implant (CI) is a promising treatment option with normally better results in CI than in ABI. The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate cochlear ossification or obliteration secondary to a retrosigmoid approach, which is important for later CI, especially in single-sided deafness.

Materials and Methods We retrospectively reviewed data from our suboccipital retrosigmoid operation database for the period from January 2008 to February 2015. A total of 65 patients with VSN could be analyzed retrospectively. The patient's data (age, gender, side of operation, tumor entities, and the duration of follow-up) were evaluated. The most recent T2-weigted MRI exams were taken into account for the evaluation of cochlea. To compare left and right sides, the coronal reformatted images were reconstructed in a symmetrical way.

Results Twenty-two out of 65 (33%) patients had cochlear obliteration in our survey. The cochlear obliteration was more common in females (44 vs. 20% in males). The median follow-up was 28 months. The size and the intrameatal extension of tumors could not be considered as factors influencing the cochlear obliteration rate.

According to our survey, 33% of suboccipital approaches manifested cochlear obliteration to some extent. It was more common in females. The intrameatal extension of tumors played statistically no role in the occurrence of postoperative cochlear obliteration. Whether the prohibition of cochlear ossification can be best achieved by retrosigmoid approaches, compared to other approaches to the CPA, or not could be a subject of future studies.
Warum und wie sollte ich Frailty erfassen? – ein Ansatz für die Anästhesieambulanz
Authors: Birkelbach Oliver , Mörgeli Rudolf , Balzer Felix , Olbert Maria , Treskatsch Sascha , Kiefmann Rainer , Müller-Werdan Ursula , Reisshauer Anett , Schwedtke Christine , Neuner Bruno , Spies Claudia
Published: November 2017

Frailty (Gebrechlichkeit) ist eine Einschränkung der physiologischen Reserve bei älteren Patienten mit schwerwiegenden individuellen und sozioökonomischen Folgen. Multiple Aspekte der Patientenbehandlung sowie das Outcome werden durch Frailty nachhaltig beeinflusst. Obwohl mehr als 60 Messinstrumente existieren, sind die Erfassung und Berücksichtigung funktioneller Assessments in der klinischen Routine unzureichend umgesetzt. Das interdisziplinäre und interprofessionelle Verständnis, warum und wie Frailty beurteilt werden sollte, ist die Grundlage für die dauerhafte Implementierung. Der Artikel zeigt die Auswirkungen von Frailty und Vorteile einer Früherkennung auf und gibt einen Überblick über die wichtigsten Instrumente, die in der Frailty-Erkennung und -Bewertung verwendet werden können. Die frühe präoperative Detektion bietet ein vielfältiges Optimierungspotenzial für die peri- und intraoperative Versorgung. Verschiedene Frailty-Assessment-Tools körperlicher, kognitiver und psychosozialer Domänen werden vorgestellt und diskutiert. Frailty-Assessments variieren immens in Bezug auf die erforderliche Zeit, die Ausrüstung und das Fachwissen zur Durchführung. Wir empfehlen mindestens einen Test für die einzelnen Dimensionen von Frailty, um ein holistisches Bild der geriatrischen Patienten zu erhalten. Die Bewertung von Frailty sollte übergreifend in die interdisziplinären Strukturen der klinischen Routine implementiert werden, um die Patientensicherheit sowie das kurz- und langfristige Outcome zu verbessern.
Transient Severe Respiratory Motion Artifacts After Application of Gadoxetate Disodium: What We Currently Know
Authors: Well Lennart , Weinrich Julius , Adam Gerhard , Bannas Peter
Published: November 2017

Background Gadoxetate disodium is an intracellular contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the liver. Recent publications revealed that injection of gadoxetate disodium can lead to imaging artifacts due to transient severe motion (TSM) in the arterial phase of contrast-enhanced liver MRI. In this review we present and discuss published frequencies of TSM, contrast injection and image acquisition protocols, potential risk factors, and proposed strategies to avoid or minimize the effects of TSM.

Method Two reviewers independently searched the PubMed search engine for “transient severe motion artifact” and related terms. Reference lists of retrieved articles were also searched. The two reviewers selected in consensus nine studies that reported both frequencies of TSM and potential risk factors. Study data were extracted by both reviewers, and disagreement was resolved by consensus.

Results and Conclusion TSM is caused by impaired breath-hold ability after gadoxetate disodium injection and occurs in 5 – 22 % of patients. The dose of applied contrast agent, repeated exposure to gadoxetate disodium, high BMI and pulmonary disease have been described as potential risk factors for TSM. However, there are only few concordant results on this topic and the pathophysiology of TSM has not been identified. Proposed strategies for the prevention of TSM are slow injection rates and low doses of diluted gadoxetate disodium. Accelerated and free-breathing MRI sequence protocols and breath-hold training may minimize the effects of TSM. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these strategies and to identify the underlying mechanism of TSM.

Key Points 

Citation Format
Study of surface wettability effect on cavitation inception by implementation of the lattice Boltzmann method
Authors: Ezzatneshan Eslam
Published: November 2017

Cavitating flow through the orifice is numerically solved by implementation of the lattice Boltzmann method. The pseudo-potential single-component multiphase Shan-Chen model is used to resolve inter-particle interactions and phase change between the liquid and its vapor. The effect of surface wettability on the cavity formation and shape is studied by imposing an appropriate wall boundary condition for the contact angle between the liquid-vapor interface and the solid surface. Efficiency of the numerical approach presented is examined by computing the cavitation inception, growth, and collapse for internal cavitating flows over a sack-wall obstacle placed inside a channel and through a convergent-divergent nozzle section. The results obtained demonstrate that hydrophobic walls act as surface nuclei and contribute to the process of cavitation inception even at high cavitation numbers. In contrast, the solid wall with hydrophilic properties shows no contribution to the onset of cavitation in the geometries studied. High values for the flow velocity corresponding to low cavitation numbers are needed to observe the cavitation inception over the geometries studied with the hydrophilic solid wall. The study shows that the present computational technique based on the implementation of the lattice Boltzmann method with the Shan-Chen model employed is robust and efficient to predict the cavitation phenomena by considering surface wettability effects and also accurate enough for computing the cavitating flow properties at different conditions.
Focused conformational sampling in proteins
Authors: Bacci Marco , Langini Cassiano , Vymětal Jiří , Caflisch Amedeo , Vitalis Andreas
Published: November 2017

A detailed understanding of the conformational dynamics of biological molecules is difficult to obtain by experimental techniques due to resolution limitations in both time and space. Computer simulations avoid these in theory but are often too short to sample rare events reliably. Here we show that the progress index-guided sampling (PIGS) protocol can be used to enhance the sampling of rare events in selected parts of biomolecules without perturbing the remainder of the system. The method is very easy to use as it only requires as essential input a set of several features representing the parts of interest sufficiently. In this feature space, new states are discovered by spontaneous fluctuations alone and in unsupervised fashion. Because there are no energetic biases acting on phase space variables or projections thereof, the trajectories PIGS generates can be analyzed directly in the framework of transition networks. We demonstrate the possibility and usefulness of such focused explorations of biomolecules with two loops that are part of the binding sites of bromodomains, a family of epigenetic “reader” modules. This real-life application uncovers states that are structurally and kinetically far away from the initial crystallographic structures and are also metastable. Representative conformations are intended to be used in future high-throughput virtual screening campaigns.
NO2 gas sensor based on hydrogenated graphene
Authors: Park Sungjin , Park Minji , Kim Sunghyun , Yi Sum-Gyun , Kim Myeongjin , Son Jangyup , Cha Jongin , Hong Jongill , Yoo Kyung-Hwa
Published: November 2017

We investigated the relationship between defects in graphene and NO2 gas sensitivity of graphene-based gas sensors. Defects were introduced by hydrogen plasma or ultraviolet (UV)/ozone treatment. As the defect concentration increased, the sensitivity was enhanced, and sub-ppb level detection limit was achieved. UV irradiation was used for recovery at room temperature. However, defects generated by ozone treatment, like graphene oxide, were reduced back to graphene by UV irradiation, so the ozone-treated graphene sensor was not stable over time. In contrast, the response of the hydrogenated graphene sensor was very repeatable because defects generated by hydrogenation was stable enough not to be dehydrogenated by UV irradiation. These results demonstrate that the hydrogenated graphene sensor is a highly sensitive and stable NO2 sensor at room temperature.
Two-phase thermodynamic model for computing entropies of liquids reanalyzed
Authors: Sun Tao , Xian Jiawei , Zhang Huai , Zhang Zhigang , Zhang Yigang
Published: November 2017

The two-phase thermodynamic (2PT) model [S.-T. Lin et al., J. Chem. Phys. 119, 11792–11805 (2003)] provides a promising paradigm to efficiently determine the ionic entropies of liquids from molecular dynamics. In this model, the vibrational density of states (VDoS) of a liquid is decomposed into a diffusive gas-like component and a vibrational solid-like component. By treating the diffusive component as hard sphere (HS) gas and the vibrational component as harmonic oscillators, the ionic entropy of the liquid is determined. Here we examine three issues crucial for practical implementations of the 2PT model: (i) the mismatch between the VDoS of the liquid system and that of the HS gas; (ii) the excess entropy of the HS gas; (iii) the partition of the gas-like and solid-like components. Some of these issues have not been addressed before, yet they profoundly change the entropy predicted from the model. Based on these findings, a revised 2PT formalism is proposed and successfully tested in systems with Lennard-Jones potentials as well as many-atom potentials of liquid metals. Aside from being capable of performing quick entropy estimations for a wide range of systems, the formalism also supports fine-tuning to accurately determine entropies at specific thermal states.
A comparison study of exploding a Cu wire in air, water, and solid powders
Authors: Han Ruoyu , Wu Jiawei , Ding Weidong , Zhou Haibin , Qiu Aici , Wang Yanan
Published: November 2017

In this paper, an experimental study on exploding a copper wire in air, water, incombustible powders, and energetic materials is performed. We examined the effects of the surrounding media on the explosion process and its related phenomena. Experiments were first carried out with copper wire explosions driven by microsecond timescale pulsed currents in air, water, and the half-half case. Then, the copper wires were exploded in air, water, SiO2 powders, quartz sand, NaCl powders, and energetic-material cylinders, respectively. Our experimental results indicated that the explosion process was significantly influenced by the surrounding media, resulting in noticeable differences in energy deposition, optical emission, and shock waves. In particular, incombustible powders could throttle the current flow completely when a fine wire was adopted. We also found that an air or incombustible-powder layer could drastically attenuate the shock wave generated by a wire explosion. As for energetic-material loads, obvious discrepancies were found in voltage/current waveforms from vaporization when compared with a wire explosion in air/water, which meant the metal vapor/liquid drops play a significant role in the ignition process.
Noise spectra in balanced optical detectors based on transimpedance amplifiers
Authors: Masalov A. V. , Kuzhamuratov A. , Lvovsky A. I.
Published: November 2017

We present a thorough theoretical analysis and experimental study of the shot and electronic noise spectra of a balanced optical detector based on an operational amplifier connected in a transimpedance scheme. We identify and quantify the primary parameters responsible for the limitations of the circuit, in particular, the bandwidth and shot-to-electronic noise clearance. We find that the shot noise spectrum can be made consistent with the second-order Butterworth filter, while the electronic noise grows linearly with the second power of the frequency. Good agreement between the theory and experiment is observed; however, the capacitances of the operational amplifier input and the photodiodes appear significantly higher than those specified in manufacturers’ datasheets. This observation is confirmed by independent tests.
Semiconductor sharpeners providing a subnanosecond voltage rise time of GW-range pulses
Authors: Gusev A. I. , Pedos M. S. , Rukin S. N. , Timoshenkov S. P. , Tsyranov S. N.
Published: November 2017

The article describes semiconductor sharpeners providing a subnanosecond voltage rise time of GW-range pulses. The sharpeners are made as stacks of series-connected dynistor structures built into an oil-filled coaxial line with 48 Ω wave impedance at the place of an inner conductor. Two sequential sections of pulse sharpening are used. An input voltage pulse has the amplitude of 540 kV with the rise time of ∼1.2 ns at 0.2–0.9 level from the amplitude and voltage rise rate of ∼0.3 MV/ns. After pulse propagation through the sharpening sections, its rise time is reduced down to 360 ps, and the voltage rise rate is increased up to ∼0.95 MV/ns. Peak power of the sharpened pulse is within the range of 4.5–5.5 GW. The sharpeners are tested at a pulse repetition frequency of up to 1 kHz. Sharpener operation is studied by numerical simulation methods. Experimental waveforms of output pulses and the corresponding calculated voltage-time dependences are in statistical agreement.
Epitaxial growth and characterization of CuGa2O4 films by laser molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Wei Hongling , Chen Zhengwei , Wu Zhenping , Cui Wei , Huang Yuanqi , Tang Weihua
Published: November 2017

Ga2O3 with a wide bandgap of ∼ 4.9 eV can crystalize in five crystalline phases. Among those phases, the most stable monoclinic β-Ga2O3 has been studied most, however, it is hard to find materials lattice matching with β-Ga2O3 to grown epitaxial thin films for optoelectronic applications. In this work, CuGa2O4 bulk were prepared by solid state reaction as target, and the films were deposited on sapphire substrates by laser molecular beam epitaxy (L-MBE) at different substrate temperatures. The influences of substrate temperature on structural and optical properties have been systematically investigated by means of X-ray diffraction, Transmission electron microscope and UV-vis absorption spectra. High quality cubic structure and [111] oriented CuGa2O4 film can be obtained at substrate temperature of 750 °C. It’s also demonstrated that the CuGa2O4 film has a bandgap of ∼ 4.4 eV and a best crystal quality at 750 °C, suggesting that CuGa2O4 film is a promising candidate for applications in ultraviolet optoelectronic devices.
Control of electrical turbulence by periodic excitation of cardiac tissue
Authors: Buran Pavel , Bär Markus , Alonso Sergio , Niedermayer Thomas
Published: November 2017

Electrical turbulence in cardiac tissue is associated with arrhythmias such as life-threatening ventricular fibrillation. Recent experimental studies have shown that a sequence of low-energy electrical far-field pulses is able to terminate fibrillation more gently than a single high-energy pulse which causes severe side effects. During this low-energy antifibrillation pacing (LEAP), only tissue near sufficiently large conduction heterogeneities, such as large coronary arteries, is activated. In order to optimize LEAP, we performed extensive simulations of cardiac tissue perforated by blood vessels, employing two alternative cellular models that exhibit electrical turbulence at a similar length scale. Moreover, the scale of blood vessels in our two-dimensional simulations was chosen such that the threshold for single pulse defibrillation matches experimental values. For each of the 100 initial conditions, we tested different electrical field strengths, pulse shapes, numbers of pulses, and periods between the pulses. LEAP is successful for both models, albeit with substantial differences. One model exhibits a spectrum of chaotic activity featuring a narrow peak around a dominant frequency. In this case, the optimal period between low-energy pulses matches this frequency and LEAP greatly reduces the required energy for successful defibrillation. For pulses with larger energies, the system is perturbed such that underdrive pacing becomes advantageous. The spectrum of the second model features a broader peak, resulting in a less pronounced optimal pacing period and a decreased energy reduction. In both cases, pacing with five or six pulses which are separated by the dominant period maximizes the energy reduction.
Rapid detection of cardiac troponin I using antibody-immobilized gate-pulsed AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistor structures
Authors: Yang Jiancheng , Carey Patrick , Ren Fan , Wang Yu-Lin , Good Michael L. , Jang Soohwan , Mastro Michael A. , Pearton S. J.
Published: November 2017

We report a comparison of two different approaches to detecting cardiac troponin I (cTnI) using antibody-functionalized AlGaN/GaN High Electron Mobility Transistors (HEMTs). If the solution containing the biomarker has high ionic strength, there can be difficulty in detection due to charge-screening effects. To overcome this, in the first approach, we used a recently developed method involving pulsed biases applied between a separate functionalized electrode and the gate of the HEMT. The resulting electrical double layer produces charge changes which are correlated with the concentration of the cTnI biomarker. The second approach fabricates the sensing area on a glass slide, and the pulsed gate signal is externally connected to the nitride HEMT. This produces a larger integrated change in charge and can be used over a broader range of concentrations without suffering from charge-screening effects. Both approaches can detect cTnI at levels down to 0.01 ng/ml. The glass slide approach is attractive for inexpensive cartridge-type sensors.
Weaner survival is heritable in Australian Merinos and current breeding objectives are potentially leading to a decline in survival
Authors: Walkom S. F. , Thompson A. N. , Bowen E. , Brown D. J.
Published: November 2017

There is little evidence to show that mortality rates during the period after weaning are improving over time in Australian sheep. The average mortality rate of Merino lambs during the post-weaning period has been estimated to be 5.2%. The present study explored the potential for producers to breed for improved survival rates during the post-weaning period and the potential impact this would have on key production traits. A total of 122526 weaner survival (mortality) records were obtained from 18 Merino flocks, between 1989 and 2014, encompassing a wide variety of Australian Merino sheep types and production systems. The heritability of weaner survival from a sire model was estimated to be 0.07 ± 0.01 and was significantly greater than zero. The survival of lambs post-weaning was significantly influenced by weaning weight, with higher survival rates observed in the heavier lambs. The phenotypic relationship with weight indicates that selection for heavier weaning and post-weaning weights, and in turn larger growth rates, will improve survival rates. There is genetic variation in weaner survival not explained by the relationship with weaning weight. Weight-corrected weaner survival was antagonistically genetically correlated with fleece weight. Due to these antagonistic genetic relationships selection based on popular MERINOSELECT indexes is leading to a very small reduction in the survival rate of lambs after weaning through to the post-weaning stage. To prevent a decline in weaner survival, producers are advised to record weaner survival and include it in their breeding objective.
Wetter subtropics in a warmer world: Contrasting past and future hydrological cycles
Authors: Burls Natalie J. , Fedorov Alexey V.
Published: November 2017

Significance

The subsiding flow of the atmospheric Hadley circulation controls dry conditions over vast subtropical bands where the main arid regions of the globe reside. In the context of future changes in the atmospheric hydrological cycle, understanding precipitation changes in the subtropics is of particular importance given the scarcity of water resources in these locations. A major puzzle arises when contrasting the drier conditions in the subtropics predicted by climate models under global warming scenarios against the wetter conditions seen in reconstructions of past warm climates, including the warm, ∼400 ppm CO
2
, Pliocene. Our modeling results address this puzzle and highlight the importance of correctly predicting how the meridional temperature gradient between the tropics and the subtropics will change with global warming.
Molecular basis of selective resistance of the bumblebee BiNav1 sodium channel to tau-fluvalinate
Authors: Wu Shaoying , Nomura Yoshiko , Du Yuzhe , Zhorov Boris S. , Dong Ke
Published: November 2017

Significance

Voltage-gated sodium channels are targeted by pyrethroids, which make up one of the largest classes of insecticides used globally for controlling human disease vectors and agricultural pests. Various pyrethroids can exhibit widely different toxicities on insect species. Most notably, bees are highly sensitive to most pyrethroids, but are resistant to tau-fluvalinate, a highly selective pyrethroid used to control varroa mites in beehives worldwide. However, the mechanism underlying bumblebee resistance to tau-fluvalinate remains elusive. Using mutagenesis, computer modeling of pyrethroid-receptor sites, and phylogenetic clues of sodium channel sequences, we uncovered bee-specific sodium channel residues that underlie species-specific pyrethroid selectivity. This finding could spur future development of a new generation of safer pyrethroids that selectively target pests, but not beneficial species.
Trunk neural crest origin of dermal denticles in a cartilaginous fish
Authors: Gillis J. Andrew , Alsema Els C. , Criswell Katharine E.
Published: November 2017

Significance

The earliest mineralized skeleton of vertebrates was the dermal skeleton: superficial armor of tooth-like skeletal units composed of dentine and basal bone of attachment. Remnants of this dentinous armor have been retained as teeth in the head of all jawed vertebrates and as dermal denticles in the skin of cartilaginous fishes (sharks and skates). Cranial neural crest cells (NCCs) give rise to dentine-secreting odontoblasts of teeth. However, trunk NCCs are regarded as nonskeletogenic, raising questions about the embryonic origin of postcranial denticles in cartilaginous fishes. Here, we show that trunk NCCs give rise to trunk denticle odontoblasts in the skate,
Leucoraja erinacea
. This finding expands the repertoire of trunk NCC fates, highlighting the primitive skeletogenic potential of this cell population.
Censorship in English-Arabic subtitling
Authors: Thawabteh Mohammad Ahmad
Published: November 2017

This article draws on three American movies to illustrate censorship in English-Arabic subtitling. The paper argues that in translating languages of little cultural affinity, censorship serves as a remedy that can narrow the potential cultural gap. However, the paper shows that the films have been exposed to excessive censorship in the Arabic subtitles, although not in the original film. Therefore, the subtitles, usually viewed as a verbal-visual channel, work to restrict the flow of communication, depriving the target audience of much information existing in the Source Language (SL) dialogue. The fact that the shots help us understand what is being said is not fully taken into consideration by the satellite channels. The study finally reveals that two major strategies are employed in the translation, namely the omission of obscene utterances in the SL and the rendition of the SL obscenity into a less offensive equivalent in the Target Language (TL).
Nationalism, public opinion, and dispute resolution
Authors: Wiegand Krista E. , Choi Ajin
Published: November 2017

For several decades South Koreans have rallied around the Dokdo/Takeshima islets, small rocky outcroppings in the East Sea/Sea of Japan. There have been significant mobilization efforts by the Korean government, opposition parties, media, and civic groups that stir up a strong level of nationalism in South Korea. Why is public opinion about Dokdo, as the islets are named by Koreans, so fierce in South Korea despite the fact that South Korea has maintained effective control of the islets for over 50 years? How can public opinion and territorial nationalism affect dispute resolution? In this research project, we argue that domestic mobilization, stalwart public opinion, and strong territorial nationalism exist primarily because the islets symbolize other salient issues disputed with Japan and such issue linkage makes the territorial dispute difficult to resolve.
“Leave no one behind”
Authors: McEntee-Atalianis Lisa J.
Published: November 2017

In September 2015 the United Nations (UN) adopted 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) offering an internationally agreed blueprint for economic, environmental and social development. However those most in need and specifically targeted by the SDGs face significant barriers in accessing information and knowledge about the goals and sustainability in a language or medium that can be understood. Drawing on previous research on the UN’s language policy and practice (McEntee-Atalianis, 2006,2015,2016) and analyses of recent UN reports and resolutions on multilingualism, information policy and practice and the SDGs, this article examines the current status of multilingualism and information transfer within the Organisation. Significant linguistic and digital barriers are identified. It is argued that the UN must plan in more linguistically plural and inclusive ways by developing atri-sectoral communication network strategyinvolving civil society, public and private sectors in order to facilitate knowledge transfer and participation, thereby ensuring that no one is left behind.
Receptor-mediated Drp1 oligomerization on endoplasmic reticulum
Authors: Ji Wei-Ke , Chakrabarti Rajarshi , Fan Xintao , Schoenfeld Lori , Strack Stefan , Higgs Henry N.
Published: November 2017

Drp1 is a dynamin guanosine triphosphatase important for mitochondrial and peroxisomal division. Drp1 oligomerization and mitochondrial recruitment are regulated by multiple factors, including interaction with mitochondrial receptors such as Mff, MiD49, MiD51, and Fis. In addition, both endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and actin filaments play positive roles in mitochondrial division, but mechanisms for their roles are poorly defined. Here, we find that a population of Drp1 oligomers is associated with ER in mammalian cells and is distinct from mitochondrial or peroxisomal Drp1 populations. Subpopulations of Mff and Fis1, which are tail-anchored proteins, also localize to ER. Drp1 oligomers assemble on ER, from which they can transfer to mitochondria. Suppression of Mff or inhibition of actin polymerization through the formin INF2 significantly reduces all Drp1 oligomer populations (mitochondrial, peroxisomal, and ER bound) and mitochondrial division, whereas Mff targeting to ER has a stimulatory effect on division. Our results suggest that ER can function as a platform for Drp1 oligomerization, and that ER-associated Drp1 contributes to mitochondrial division.
Leukemia-specific delivery of mutant NOTCH1 targeted therapy
Authors: Roti Giovanni , Qi Jun , Kitara Samuel , Sanchez-Martin Marta , Saur Conway Amy , Varca Anthony C. , Su Angela , Wu Lei , Kung Andrew L. , Ferrando Adolfo A. , Bradner James E. , Stegmaier Kimberly
Published: November 2017

On-target drug delivery remains a challenge in cancer precision medicine; it is difficult to deliver a targeted therapy to cancer cells without incurring toxicity to normal tissues. The SERCA (sarco-endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase) inhibitor thapsigargin inhibits mutant NOTCH1 receptors compared with wild type in T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), but its administration is predicted to be toxic in humans. Leveraging the addiction of ALL to folic acid, we conjugated folate to an alcohol derivative of thapsigargin via a cleavable ester linkage. JQ-FT is recognized by folate receptors on the plasma membrane and delivered into leukemia cells as a potent antileukemic agent. In mechanistic and translational models of T-ALL, we demonstrate NOTCH1 inhibition in vitro and in vivo. These proof-of-concept studies support the further optimization of this first-in-class NOTCH1 inhibitor with dual selectivity: leukemia over normal cells and NOTCH1 mutants over wild-type receptors. Furthermore, tumor-specific disruption of Notch signaling may overcome legitimate concerns associated with the tumor suppressor function of nontargeted Notch pathway inhibitors.
Maternal IgG immune complexes induce food allergen–specific tolerance in offspring
Authors: Ohsaki Asa , Venturelli Nicholas , Buccigrosso Tess M. , Osganian Stavroula K. , Lee John , Blumberg Richard S. , Oyoshi Michiko K.
Published: November 2017

The role of maternal immune responses in tolerance induction is poorly understood. To study whether maternal allergen sensitization affects offspring susceptibility to food allergy, we epicutaneously sensitized female mice with ovalbumin (OVA) followed by epicutaneous sensitization and oral challenge of their offspring with OVA. Maternal OVA sensitization prevented food anaphylaxis, OVA-specific IgE production, and intestinal mast cell expansion in offspring. This protection was mediated by neonatal crystallizable fragment receptor (FcRn)–dependent transfer of maternal IgG and OVA immune complexes (IgG-IC) via breast milk and induction of allergen-specific regulatory T (T reg) cells in offspring. Breastfeeding by OVA-sensitized mothers or maternal supplementation with IgG-IC was sufficient to induce neonatal tolerance. FcRn-dependent antigen presentation by CD11c+ dendritic cells (DCs) in offspring was required for oral tolerance. Human breast milk containing OVA-IgG-IC induced tolerance in humanized FcRn mice. Collectively, we demonstrate that interactions of maternal IgG-IC and offspring FcRn are critical for induction of T reg cell responses and control of food-specific tolerance in neonates.
Deterministic quantum annealing expectation-maximization algorithm
Authors: Miyahara Hideyuki , Tsumura Koji , Sughiyama Yuki
Published: November 2017

Maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) is one of the most important methods in machine learning, and the expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm is often used to obtain maximum likelihood estimates. However, EM heavily depends on initial configurations and fails to find the global optimum. On the other hand, in the field of physics, quantum annealing (QA) was proposed as a novel optimization approach. Motivated by QA, we propose a quantum annealing extension of EM, which we call the deterministic quantum annealing expectation-maximization (DQAEM) algorithm. We also discuss its advantage in terms of the path integral formulation. Furthermore, by employing numerical simulations, we illustrate how DQAEM works in MLE and show that DQAEM moderate the problem of local optima in EM.
Long-Term Improvement in Aortic Pulse Wave Velocity After Weight Loss Can Be Predicted by White Adipose Tissue Factors
Authors: Bäckdahl Jesper , Andersson Daniel P , Eriksson-Hogling Daniel , Caidahl Kenneth , Thorell Anders , Mileti Enrichetta , Daub Carsten O , Arner Peter , Rydén Mikael
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

Arterial stiffness, measured by pulse wave velocity (PWV), is linked to obesity, cardiovascular disease, and all-cause mortality. Short-term weight loss improves PWV, but the long-term effects are unknown. We investigated the effect of pronounced long-term weight loss on PWV and whether anthropometric/metabolic parameters and/or white adipose tissue (WAT) phenotype could predict this change in PWV.

METHODS

Eighty-two obese subjects were examined before and 2 years after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Analyses included anthropometrics, routine clinical chemistry, and hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp. Arterial stiffness was measured as aortic PWV (aPWV) using the Arteriograph device. WAT mass and distribution were assessed by dual-X-ray absorptiometry. Baseline visceral and subcutaneous WAT samples were obtained to measure adipocyte cell size. Transcriptomic profiling of subcutaneous WAT was performed in a subset of subjects (n = 30).

RESULTS

At the 2-year follow-up, there were significant decreases in body mass index (39.4 ± 3.5 kg/m2 vs. 26.6 ± 3.4 kg/m2; P < 0.0001) and aPWV (7.8 ± 1.5 m/s vs. 7.2 ± 1.4 m/s; P = 0.006). Multiple regression analyses showed that baseline subcutaneous adipocyte volume was associated with a reduction in aPWV (P = 0.014), after adjusting for confounders. Expression analyses of 52 genes implicated in arterial stiffness showed that only one, COL4A1, independently predicted improvements in aPWV after adjusting for confounders (P = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

Bariatric surgery leads to long-term reduction in aPWV. This improvement can be independently predicted by subcutaneous adipocyte volume and WAT COL4A1 expression, which suggests that subcutaneous WAT has a role in regulating aPWV.

CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION

Trial Number NCT01727245 (clinicaltrials.gov)
Two Ways to Kill a Patient
Authors: Bronner Ben
Published: November 2017

According to the Standard View, a doctor who withdraws life-sustaining treatment does not kill the patient but rather allows the patient to die—an important distinction, according to some. I argue that killing (and causing death) can be understood in either of two ways, and given the relevant understanding, the Standard View is insulated from typical criticisms. I conclude by noting several problems for the Standard View that remain to be fully addressed.
Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Cummings Jeffrey L. , Pillai Jagan A.
Published: November 2017

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) are growing in frequency and represent a major threat to public health. Advances in scientific progress have made it clear that NDDs share many underlying processes, including shared intracellular mechanisms such as protein misfolding and aggregation, cell-to-cell prion-like spread, growth factor signaling abnormalities, RNA and DNA disturbances, glial cell changes, and neuronal loss. Transmitter deficits are shared across many types of disorders. Means of studying NDDs with human iPS cells and transgenic models are similar. The progression of NDDs through asymptomatic, prodromal, and manifest stages is shared across disorders. Clinical features of NDDs, including cognitive impairment, disease progression, age-related effects, terminal stages, neuropsychiatric manifestations, and functional disorders and disability, have many common elements. Clinical trials, biomarkers, brain imaging, and regulatory aspects of NDD can share information across NDDs. Disease-modifying and transmitter-based therapeutic interventions, clinical trials, and regulatory approaches to treatments for NDDs are also similar.
Neuroinflammation and Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Jay Taylor R. , Bemiller Shane M. , Neilson Lee E. , Cheng-Hathaway Paul J. , Lamb Bruce T.
Published: November 2017

Neuroinflammation has long been associated with many neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). Immune-related genetic and environmental risk factors have recently been identified for NDDs, suggesting that neuroinflammation can play an active role in modifying NDD pathologies. Immune cells that underlie this neuroinflammatory response can have both beneficial and detrimental roles in NDDs. These cells can engage in clearance of debris and provide important survival factors to neighboring neurons. However, these cells can also release inflammatory molecules that promote oxidative stress and excitotoxic damage in surrounding neurons, and aberrantly clear healthy cells and structures from the brain. In turn, the cells within the brain play important roles in determining the phenotype and function of these immune cells, and changes in the interaction among these cells in the context of disease can lead to detrimental immune cell activation. There has been recent interest in developing inflammation-related biomarkers to help diagnose NDDs and immune-targeted therapeutics.
Prion Paradigm of Human Neurodegenerative Diseases Caused by Protein Misfolding
Authors: Safar Jiri G.
Published: November 2017

Data accumulated from different laboratories argue that a growing number of proteins causing neurodegeneration share certain characteristics with prions. Prion-like particles were produced from synthetic amyloid beta (Aβ‎) peptides of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), from recombinant α‎-synuclein linked to Parkinson’s disease (PD), and from recombinant tau associated with frontotemporal dementias (FTD). Evidence from human prions reveals that variable disease phenotypes, rates of propagation, and targeting of different brain structures are determined by distinct conformers (strains) of pathogenic prion protein. Recent progress in the development of advanced biophysical tools identified the structural characteristics of Aβ‎ in the brain cortex of phenotypically diverse AD patients and thus allowed an investigation of the prion paradigm of AD. The findings of distinctly structured strains of human brain Aβ‎, forming a unique spectrum of oligomeric particles in the cortex of rapidly progressive cases, implicates these structures in variable rates of propagation in the brain.
Not of Woman Born
Authors: de Melo-Martín Inmaculada
Published: November 2017

This chapter calls attention to the absence of a gendered analysis in mainstream defenses of reprogenetics and points out the problematic aspects of these gender-neutral evaluations. Such analyses simply conceal the differential burdens that these technologies impose on men’s and women’s bodies. They also mask the unequal effects that reproductive decisions have on men’s and women’s lives and that also overburden women. Finally, gender-neutral evaluations of reprogenetics are likely to further injustices against women.
Instrumentation for MEG and EEG
Authors: Hari Riitta , Puce Aina
Published: November 2017

This chapter examines the characteristics of instrumentation needed to perform MEG and EEG recordings, and some practicalities of the recordings. It introduces MEG sensors (SQUIDs), EEG electrodes, and the internationally accepted standard electrode position systems. For EEG, the effects of different reference electrodes are compared. Important characteristics of amplifiers for EEG and MEG recordings are presented. Shielding against external artifacts, and the nature of specialized shielded rooms and their use is described. The special requirements for sensory stimulators and monitoring devices for use in the MEG/EEG environment are also examined. Finally, future developments in EEG and MEG systems are explored.
Somatosensory Responses
Authors: Hari Riitta , Puce Aina
Published: November 2017

After a peripheral somatosensory stimulus, such as a touch to the finger, a compound action potential volley begins to travel along the peripheral nerve, first to the spinal cord, and then onward to the thalamus and somatosensory cortex. Both transient and steady-state somatosensory evoked responses can be followed with MEG and EEG from the periphery (e.g. fingers and wrist) to elbow, trunk, vertebral processes, and primary and second somatosensory cortices. Somatosensory stimulation can include small electric pulses applied to peripheral nerves and tactile and vibratory stimulation delivered to the skin. Evoked responses to noxious laser-heat stimuli can be used to study brain mechanisms of acute pain.