bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shigella Phages Isolated during a Dysentery Outbreak Reveal Uncommon Structures and Broad Species Diversity
Authors: Doore Sarah M. , Schrad Jason R. , Dean William F. , Dover John A. , Parent Kristin N.
Published: February 2018

In 2016, Michigan experienced the largest outbreak of shigellosis, a type of bacillary dysentery caused by
Shigella
spp., since 1988. Following this outbreak, we isolated 16 novel
Shigella
-infecting bacteriophages (viruses that infect bacteria) from environmental water sources. Most well-known bacteriophages infect the common laboratory species
Escherichia coli
and
Salmonella enterica
, and these phages have built the foundation of molecular and bacteriophage biology. Until now, comparatively few bacteriophages were known to infect
Shigella
spp., which are close relatives of
E. coli
. We present a comprehensive analysis of these phages' host ranges, genomes, and structures, revealing genome sizes and capsid properties that are shared by very few previously described phages. After sequencing, a majority of the
Shigella
phages were found to have genomes of an uncommon size, shared by only 2% of all reported phage genomes. To investigate the structural implications of this unusual genome size, we used cryo-electron microscopy to resolve their capsid structures. We determined that these bacteriophage capsids have similarly uncommon geometry. Only two other viruses with this capsid structure have been described. Since most well-known bacteriophages infect
Escherichia
or
Salmonella
, our understanding of bacteriophages has been limited to a subset of well-described systems. Continuing to isolate phages using nontraditional strains of bacteria can fill gaps that currently exist in bacteriophage biology. In addition, the prevalence of
Shigella
phages during a shigellosis outbreak may suggest a potential impact of human health epidemics on local microbial communities.

IMPORTANCE
Shigella
spp. bacteria are causative agents of dysentery and affect more than 164 million people worldwide every year. Despite the need to combat antibiotic-resistant
Shigella
strains, relatively few
Shigella
-infecting bacteriophages have been described. By specifically looking for
Shigella
-infecting phages, this work has identified new isolates that (i) may be useful to combat
Shigella
infections and (ii) fill gaps in our knowledge of bacteriophage biology. The rare qualities of these new isolates emphasize the importance of isolating phages on “nontraditional” laboratory strains of bacteria to more fully understand both the basic biology and diversity of bacteriophages.
Induction of Genotype Cross-Reactive, Hepatitis C Virus-Specific, Cell-Mediated Immunity in DNA-Vaccinated Mice
Authors: Wijesundara Danushka K. , Gummow Jason , Li Yanrui , Yu Wenbo , Quah Benjamin J. , Ranasinghe Charani , Torresi Joseph , Gowans Eric J. , Grubor-Bauk Branka
Published: February 2018

A universal hepatitis C virus (HCV) vaccine should elicit multiantigenic, multigenotypic responses, which are more likely to protect against challenge with the range of genotypes and subtypes circulating in the community. A vaccine cocktail and vaccines encoding consensus HCV sequences are attractive approaches to achieve this goal. Consequently, in a series of mouse vaccination studies, we compared the immunogenicity of a DNA vaccine encoding a consensus HCV nonstructural 5B (NS5B) protein to that of a cocktail of DNA plasmids encoding the genotype 1b (Gt1b) and Gt3a NS5B proteins. To complement this study, we assessed responses to a multiantigenic cocktail regimen by comparing a DNA vaccine cocktail encoding Gt1b and Gt3a NS3, NS4, and NS5B proteins to a single-genotype NS3/4/5B DNA vaccine. To thoroughly evaluate
in vivo
cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) and T helper (Th) cell responses against Gt1b and Gt3a HCV peptide-pulsed target cells, we exploited a novel fluorescent-target array (FTA). FTA and enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot (ELISpot) analyses collectively indicated that the cocktail regimens elicited higher responses to Gt1b and Gt3a NS5B proteins than those with the consensus vaccine, while the multiantigenic DNA cocktail significantly increased the responses to NS3 and NS5B compared to those elicited by the single-genotype vaccines. Thus, a DNA cocktail vaccination regimen is more effective than a consensus vaccine or a monovalent vaccine at increasing the breadth of multigenotypic T cell responses, which has implications for the development of vaccines for communities where multiple HCV genotypes circulate.

IMPORTANCE
Despite the development of highly effective direct-acting antivirals (DAA), infections with hepatitis C virus (HCV) continue, particularly in countries where the supply of DAA is limited. Furthermore, patients who eliminate the virus as a result of DAA therapy can still be reinfected. Thus, a vaccine for HCV is urgently required, but the heterogeneity of HCV strains makes the development of a universal vaccine difficult. To address this, we developed a novel cytolytic DNA vaccine which elicits robust cell-mediated immunity (CMI) to the nonstructural (NS) proteins in vaccinated animals. We compared the immune responses against genotypes 1 and 3 that were elicited by a consensus DNA vaccine or a DNA vaccine cocktail and showed that the cocktail induced higher levels of CMI to the NS proteins of both genotypes. This study suggests that a universal HCV vaccine can most readily be achieved by use of a DNA vaccine cocktail.
Colocalization and Disposition of Cellulosomes in
Clostridium clariflavum
as Revealed by Correlative Superresolution Imaging
Authors: Artzi Lior , Dadosh Tali , Milrot Elad , Moraïs Sarah , Levin-Zaidman Smadar , Morag Ely , Bayer Edward A.
Published: February 2018

Cellulosomes are multienzyme complexes produced by anaerobic, cellulolytic bacteria for highly efficient breakdown of plant cell wall polysaccharides.
Clostridium clariflavum
is an anaerobic, thermophilic bacterium that produces the largest assembled cellulosome complex in nature to date, comprising three types of scaffoldins: a primary scaffoldin, ScaA; an adaptor scaffoldin, ScaB; and a cell surface anchoring scaffoldin, ScaC. This complex can contain 160 polysaccharide-degrading enzymes. In previous studies, we proposed potential types of cellulosome assemblies in
C. clariflavum
and demonstrated that these complexes are released into the extracellular medium. In the present study, we explored the disposition of the highly structured, four-tiered cell-anchored cellulosome complex of this bacterium. Four separate, integral cellulosome components were subjected to immunolabeling: ScaA, ScaB, ScaC, and the cellulosome’s most prominent enzyme, GH48. Imaging of the cells by correlating scanning electron microscopy and three-dimensional (3D) superresolution fluorescence microscopy revealed that some of the protuberance-like structures on the cell surface represent cellulosomes and that the components are highly colocalized and organized by a defined hierarchy on the cell surface. The display of the cellulosome on the cell surface was found to differ between cells grown on soluble or insoluble substrates. Cell growth on microcrystalline cellulose and wheat straw exhibited dramatic enhancement in the amount of cellulosomes displayed on the bacterial cell surface.

IMPORTANCE
Conversion of plant biomass into soluble sugars is of high interest for production of fermentable industrial materials, such as biofuels. Biofuels are a very attractive alternative to fossil fuels, both for recycling of agricultural wastes and as a source of sustainable energy. Cellulosomes are among the most efficient enzymatic degraders of biomass known to date, due to the incorporation of a multiplicity of enzymes into a potent, multifunctional nanomachine. The intimate association with the bacterial cell surface is inherent in its efficient action on lignocellulosic substrates, although this property has not been properly addressed experimentally. The dramatic increase in cellulosome performance on recalcitrant feedstocks is critical for the design of cost-effective processes for efficient biomass degradation.
Nef Secretion into Extracellular Vesicles or Exosomes Is Conserved across Human and Simian Immunodeficiency Viruses
Authors: McNamara Ryan P. , Costantini Lindsey M. , Myers T. Alix , Schouest Blake , Maness Nicholas J. , Griffith Jack D. , Damania Blossom A. , MacLean Andrew G. , Dittmer Dirk P.
Published: February 2018

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) or exosomes have been implicated in the pathophysiology of infections and cancer. The negative regulatory factor (Nef) encoded by simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) plays a critical role in the progression to AIDS and impairs endosomal trafficking. Whether HIV-1 Nef can be loaded into EVs has been the subject of controversy, and nothing is known about the connection between SIV Nef and EVs. We find that both SIV and HIV-1 Nef proteins are present in affinity-purified EVs derived from cultured cells, as well as in EVs from SIV-infected macaques. Nef-positive EVs were functional, i.e., capable of membrane fusion and depositing their content into recipient cells. The EVs were able to transfer Nef into recipient cells. This suggests that Nef readily enters the exosome biogenesis pathway, whereas HIV virions are assembled at the plasma membrane. It suggests a novel mechanism by which lentiviruses can influence uninfected and uninfectable, i.e., CD4-negative, cells.

IMPORTANCE
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) transfer biologically active materials from one cell to another, either within the adjacent microenvironment or further removed. EVs also package viral RNAs, microRNAs, and proteins, which contributes to the pathophysiology of infection. In this report, we show that both human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) incorporate the virus-encoded Nef protein into EVs, including EVs circulating in the blood of SIV-infected macaques and that this presents a novel mechanism of Nef transfer to naive and even otherwise non-infectable cells. Nef is dispensable for viral replication but essential for AIDS progression
in vivo
. Demonstrating that Nef incorporation into EVs is conserved across species implicates EVs as novel mediators of the pathophysiology of HIV. It could help explain the biological effects that HIV has on CD4-negative cells and EVs could become biomarkers of disease progression.
Determining entire mean first-passage time for Cayley networks
Authors: Wang Xiaoqian , Dai Meifeng , Chen Yufei , Zong Yue , Sun Yu , Su Weiyi
Published: February 2018

In this paper, we consider the entire mean first-passage time (EMFPT) with random walks for Cayley networks. We use Laplacian spectra to calculate the EMFPT. Firstly, we calculate the constant term and monomial coefficient of characteristic polynomial. By using the Vieta theorem, we then obtain the sum of reciprocals of all nonzero eigenvalues of Laplacian matrix. Finally, we obtain the scaling of the EMFPT for Cayley networks by using the relationship between the sum of reciprocals of all nonzero eigenvalues of Laplacian matrix and the EMFPT. We expect that our method can be adapted to other types of self-similar networks, such as vicsek networks, polymer networks.
LPA-CBD an improved label propagation algorithm based on community belonging degree for community detection
Authors: Gui Chun , Zhang Ruisheng , Zhao Zhili , Wei Jiaxuan , Hu Rongjing
Published: February 2018

In order to deal with stochasticity in center node selection and instability in community detection of label propagation algorithm, this paper proposes an improved label propagation algorithm named label propagation algorithm based on community belonging degree (LPA-CBD) that employs community belonging degree to determine the number and the center of community. The general process of LPA-CBD is that the initial community is identified by the nodes with the maximum degree, and then it is optimized or expanded by community belonging degree. After getting the rough structure of network community, the remaining nodes are labeled by using label propagation algorithm. The experimental results on 10 real-world networks and three synthetic networks show that LPA-CBD achieves reasonable community number, better algorithm accuracy and higher modularity compared with other four prominent algorithms. Moreover, the proposed algorithm not only has lower algorithm complexity and higher community detection quality, but also improves the stability of the original label propagation algorithm.
Effect of boundary heat flux on columnar formation in binary alloys: A phase-field study
Authors: Du Lifei , Zhang Peng , Yang Shaomei , Chen Jie , Du Huiling
Published: February 2018

A non-isothermal phase-field model was employed to simulate the columnar formation during rapid solidification in binary Ni–Cu alloy. Heat flux at different boundaries was applied to investigate the temperature gradient effect on the morphology, concentration and temperature distributions during directional solidifications. With the heat flux input/extraction from boundaries, coupling with latent heat release and initial temperature gradient, temperature distributions are significantly changed, leading to solute diffusion changes during the phase-transition. Thus, irregular columnar structures are formed during the directional solidification, and the concentration distribution in solid columnar arms could also be changed due to the different growing speeds and temperature distributions at the solid–liquid interfaces. Therefore, applying specific heat conditions at the solidifying boundaries could be an efficient way to control the microstructure during solidifications.
On Hochschild cohomology ring and integral cohomology ring for the semidihedral group
Authors: Hayami Takao
Published: February 2018

We will determine the ring structure of the Hochschild cohomology [Formula: see text] of the integral group ring of the semidihedral group [Formula: see text] of order [Formula: see text] for arbitrary integer [Formula: see text] by giving the precise description of the integral cohomology ring [Formula: see text] and by using a method similar to [T. Hayami, Hochschild cohomology ring of the integral group ring of the semidihedral [Formula: see text]-group, Algebra Colloq. 18 (2011) 241–258].
Static–Dynamic Relationship for Flexural Free Vibration of Extensible Beams
Authors: Chen Zhenyu , Lim C. W.
Published: February 2018

This technical note presents a static–dynamic relationship for the flexural free vibration analysis of beams in tension with some specific boundary conditions. It is shown to be possible that a free vibration system can be solved via a static analysis approach to determine the natural frequencies of the beam with tension forces. The key idea of this study is to substitute the real natural frequency parameters with zero or negative elastic foundation stiffness, thereby allowing one to obtain the natural frequencies by analyzing the case with negative foundation elastic constant. This static approach for vibration problems can be extended for more complicated engineering structural systems.
Generalized centralizer rings of a finite group whose characters are the k-characters
Authors: Rode Emma L.
Published: February 2018

For a finite group [Formula: see text], the [Formula: see text]-characters are class function on subsets of [Formula: see text] called the [Formula: see text]-classes of [Formula: see text]. For a finite group [Formula: see text], the [Formula: see text]-class sums form a basis for a subring of [Formula: see text] which we call the [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text]-ring of [Formula: see text], and we think of these rings as generalized centralizer rings. We show that [Formula: see text]-characters and extended [Formula: see text]-characters occur naturally as characters of the [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text]-ring and that [Formula: see text]-characters occur naturally as characters of the [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text]-ring.
Δ-Extension of rings and invariance properties of ring extension under group action
Authors: Kumar Rahul , Gaur Atul
Published: February 2018

Let [Formula: see text] be commutative rings with identity such that [Formula: see text]. A ring extension [Formula: see text] is called a [Formula: see text]-extension of rings if [Formula: see text] is a subring of [Formula: see text] for each pair of subrings [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] containing [Formula: see text]. In this paper, a characterization of integrally closed [Formula: see text]-extension of rings is given. The equivalence of [Formula: see text]-extension of rings and [Formula: see text]-extension of rings is established for an integrally closed extension of a local ring. Over a finite dimensional, integrally closed extension of local rings, the equivalence of [Formula: see text]-extensions of rings, FIP, and FCP is shown. Let [Formula: see text] be a subring of [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] is invariant under action by [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is a subgroup of the automorphism group of [Formula: see text]. If [Formula: see text] is a [Formula: see text]-extension of rings, then [Formula: see text] is a [Formula: see text]-extension of rings under some conditions. Many such [Formula: see text]-invariant properties are also discussed.
Global strong solution for viscous incompressible heat conducting Navier–Stokes flows with density-dependent viscosity
Authors: Zhong Xin
Published: February 2018

We study an initial boundary value problem for the nonhomogeneous heat conducting fluids with non-negative density. First of all, we show that for the initial density allowing vacuum, the strong solution exists globally if the gradient of viscosity satisfies [Formula: see text]. Then, under certain smallness condition, we prove that there exists a unique global strong solution to the 2D viscous nonhomogeneous heat conducting Navier–Stokes flows with variable viscosity. Our method relies upon the delicate energy estimates and regularity properties of Stokes system and elliptic equation.
Boosted neural networks scoring functions for accurate ligand docking and ranking
Authors: Ashtawy Hossam M. , Mahapatra Nihar R.
Published: February 2018

Predicting the native poses of ligands correctly is one of the most important steps towards successful structure-based drug design. Binding affinities (BAs) estimated by traditional scoring functions (SFs) are typically used to score and rank-order poses to select the most promising conformation. This BA-based approach is widely applied and some success has been reported, but it is inconsistent and still far from perfect. The main reason for this is that SFs are trained on experimental BA values of only native poses found in co-crystallized structures of protein-ligand complexes (PLCs). However, during docking, they are needed to discriminate between native and decoy poses, a task for which they have not been specifically designed. To overcome this limitation, we propose to build task-specific SFs that model binding affinities (scoring task) as well as conformations (docking task) using the root mean square deviation (RMSD) of a ligand pose from the native pose. Our models are based on boosted ensembles of neural networks and other state-of-the-art machine learning (ML) algorithms in conjunction with multi-perspective interaction modeling techniques for accurate characterization of PLCs.

We assess the docking and scoring/ranking accuracies of the proposed ML SFs as well as three conventional SFs in the context of the 2014 CSAR benchmark exercise that encompasses three high-quality protein systems and a diverse set of drug-like molecules. Our proposed docking-specific SFs provide a substantial improvement in the docking task. We find that RMSD-based SFs for BsN, an ensemble neural networks (NN) model based on boosting, and six other ML models provide more than 120% improvement, on average, over their BA-based counterparts. In terms of scoring/ranking accuracy, we find that the approach of using RMSD-based BsN to select the top ligand pose followed by applying BA-based BsN to rank ligands using predicted BA scores leads to consistent and correctly ranked ligands for the two protein targets Spleen Tyrosine Kinase (SYK) and tRNA (m1G37) methyltransferase (TrmD). In addition, the ensemble NN SF BsN is at least 250% more accurate than a single neural network (SNN) model. We further find that ensemble models based on NNs surpass SFs based on other state-of-the-art ML algorithms such as BRT, RF, SVM, and [Formula: see text]NN. Finally, our RF model fitted to PLCs characterized by multiple sets of descriptors from four different sources (X-Score, AffiScore, RF-Score, and GOLD) substantially outperforms the SF RF-Score that uses only one set of features, underlining the value of multi-perspective modeling.
Generalized holographic dark energy and bouncing cosmology in Gauss–Bonnet gravity
Authors: Makarenko Andrey N. , Myagky Alexander N.
Published: February 2018

We found out that [Formula: see text] gravity theory can be rewritten in the holographic language at the level of background equivalence. The examples of the bouncing cosmological models in [Formula: see text] gravity are considered in details.
Photophysics and NLO properties of Ga(III) and In(III) phthalocyaninates bearing diethyleneglycol chains
Authors: Managa Muthumuni , Khene Samson , Britton Jonathan , Martynov Alexander G. , Gorbunova Yulia G. , Tsivadze Aslan Yu. , Nyokong Tebello
Published: February 2018

This work reports on synthesis and characterizations of Ga(III) and In(III) complexes, formed by 2,3-bis[2[Formula: see text]-(2[Formula: see text]-hydroxyethoxy)ethoxy]-9,10,16,17,23,24-hexa-[Formula: see text]-butoxy phthalocyanine (1H2) coordinating acetatoindium(III) (1InOAc) and hydroxogallium(III) (1GaOH) Photophysical properties of hydroxogallium(III) phthalocyaninate 1GaOH and acetatoindium(III) phthalocyaninate 1InOAc were studied by UV-vis, fluorescence spectroscopy and time-resolved methods. The nonlinear absorption of the complexes was studied using the Z-scan technique at 532 nm and 10 ns pulse in DMSO and in thin films formed by composite with poly(bisphenol A carbonate) — PBC. The magnitude of absorption coefficients and other nonlinear optical parameters estimated in this work showed that complex 1InOAc exhibited the strongest nonlinear optical behavior in comparison with 1GaOH in solution and a reverse tendency when embedded in PBC thin films. DFT calculations were used to rationalize these results.
A genetic classification of caves and its application in eastern Austria
Authors: Oberender P. , Plan L.
Published: February 2018

Based on existing classifications of caves that often involve descriptive terms, a classification is presented that is based purely on genetic processes. An attribute key is developed that allows the classification of caves by means of cave maps, photographs and reports. This method is applied to a dataset of 6007 caves in a study area in eastern Austria. The area comprises diverse geological units of the Eastern Alps and the southern Bohemian Massif. A total of 94% of the caves could be classified with the surprising result that mechanical weathering and erosion caves are almost as common as solution caves even though the vast majority of caves are developed in carbonate rocks. Field checks confirmed the result and showed that the error is acceptable. The classified caves can also be used as indicator of natural phenomena like gravitational mass movements or vulnerable karst areas by decision-makers non-specialized in cave genesis.
New insights into salt tectonics in the northern Dutch offshore: a framework for hydrocarbon exploration
Authors: van Winden Matthijs , de Jager Jan , Jaarsma Bastiaan , Bouroullec Renaud
Published: February 2018

The northern Dutch offshore is an area that has seen less hydrocarbon exploration activity than other areas of The Netherlands. Acquisition of a new regional 3D seismic dataset allowed further testing and re-evaluation of established geological concepts in this area. It is recognized that the presence and movement of Upper Permian Zechstein evaporites had a major impact on depositional patterns in Mesozoic sediments, structural development and hydrocarbon migration. As such, this study looks specifically at the role of salt tectonics in tectonosedimentary development. To assess this salt tectonic evolution within its structural context, a restoration of the Step Graben and Dutch Central Graben was performed. It follows that depositional patterns are closely linked to the nature of salt structure movement and the timing of regional tectonism. For example, during Late Triassic rifting, salt pillows developed and sedimentation focused away from salt structures into depocentres along regional fault trends. Restoration results show that this interplay between salt movement and tectonism is needed to accommodate the sedimentation patterns associated with the formation of the Step Graben and Central Graben during the Triassic and Jurassic, and later during Late Cretaceous and Cenozoic inversion tectonics.
Haptics: The Present and Future of Artificial Touch Sensation
Authors: Culbertson Heather , Schorr Samuel B. , Okamura Allison M.
Published: February 2018

This article reviews the technology behind creating artificial touch sensations and the relevant aspects of human touch. We focus on the design and control of haptic devices and discuss the best practices for generating distinct and effective touch sensations. Artificial haptic sensations can present information to users, help them complete a task, augment or replace the other senses, and add immersiveness and realism to virtual interactions. We examine these applications in the context of different haptic feedback modalities and the forms that haptic devices can take. We discuss the prior work, limitations, and design considerations of each feedback modality and individual haptic technology. We also address the need to consider the neuroscience and perception behind the human sense of touch in the design and control of haptic devices.
Slow Photoelectron Velocity-Map Imaging of Cryogenically Cooled Anions
Authors: Weichman Marissa L. , Neumark Daniel M.
Published: February 2018

Slow photoelectron velocity-map imaging spectroscopy of cryogenically cooled anions (cryo-SEVI) is a powerful technique for elucidating the vibrational and electronic structure of neutral radicals, clusters, and reaction transition states. SEVI is a high-resolution variant of anion photoelectron spectroscopy based on photoelectron imaging that yields spectra with energy resolution as high as 1–2 cm−1. The preparation of cryogenically cold anions largely eliminates hot bands and dramatically narrows the rotational envelopes of spectral features, enabling the acquisition of well-resolved photoelectron spectra for complex and spectroscopically challenging species. We review the basis and history of the SEVI method, including recent experimental developments that have improved its resolution and versatility. We then survey recent SEVI studies to demonstrate the utility of this technique in the spectroscopy of aromatic radicals, metal and metal oxide clusters, nonadiabatic interactions between excited states of small molecules, and transition states of benchmark bimolecular reactions.
Graph Theory and Ion and Molecular Aggregation in Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Choi Jun-Ho , Lee Hochan , Choi Hyung Ran , Cho Minhaeng
Published: February 2018

In molecular and cellular biology, dissolved ions and molecules have decisive effects on chemical and biological reactions, conformational stabilities, and functions of small to large biomolecules. Despite major efforts, the current state of understanding of the effects of specific ions, osmolytes, and bioprotecting sugars on the structure and dynamics of water H-bonding networks and proteins is not yet satisfactory. Recently, to gain deeper insight into this subject, we studied various aggregation processes of ions and molecules in high-concentration salt, osmolyte, and sugar solutions with time-resolved vibrational spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulation methods. It turns out that ions (or solute molecules) have a strong propensity to self-assemble into large and polydisperse aggregates that affect both local and long-range water H-bonding structures. In particular, we have shown that graph-theoretical approaches can be used to elucidate morphological characteristics of large aggregates in various aqueous salt, osmolyte, and sugar solutions. When ion and molecular aggregates in such aqueous solutions are treated as graphs, a variety of graph-theoretical properties, such as graph spectrum, degree distribution, clustering coefficient, minimum path length, and graph entropy, can be directly calculated by considering an ensemble of configurations taken from molecular dynamics trajectories. Here we show percolating behavior exhibited by ion and molecular aggregates upon increase in solute concentration in high solute concentrations and discuss compelling evidence of the isomorphic relation between percolation transitions of ion and molecular aggregates and water H-bonding networks. We anticipate that the combination of graph theory and molecular dynamics simulation methods will be of exceptional use in achieving a deeper understanding of the fundamental physical chemistry of dissolution and in describing the interplay between the self-aggregation of solute molecules and the structure and dynamics of water.
Politics and Political Science
Authors: Jervis Robert
Published: February 2018

Throughout my life, politics and political science have been intertwined. I handed out leaflets for Adlai Stevenson at age 12, participated in protests at Oberlin and Berkeley, and, as I developed professional expertise, worked with national security agencies. Conflict has been a continuing interest, particularly whether situations are best analyzed as a security dilemma or aggression. In exploring this question, I was drawn into both political psychology and signaling, although the two are very different. I have continued to work on each and occasionally try to bring them together. My thinking about strategic interaction led to a book-length exploration of system effects, a way of thinking that I believe is still insufficiently appreciated in the discipline and among policy makers. My research continues to be stimulated by both developments in the discipline and unfolding international politics.
High Sensitivity Refractive Index Sensor by D-Shaped Fibers and Titanium Dioxide Nanofilm
Authors: Tien Chuen-Lin , Lin Hong-Yi , Su Shu-Hui
Published: February 2018

This paper presents a high sensitivity liquid refractive index (RI) sensor based on lossy mode resonance (LMR) effect. The D-shaped fibers coated with nanosized titanium dioxide (TiO2) thin film as a sensing head were submerged into different refractive index solutions. The variations in the optical spectrum of the proposed RI sensor with different refractive index solutions were measured. The LMR resonance peaks were used to determine the wavelength shifts with different refractive index solutions. The results show that the optical spectrum peaks shifted towards the longer wavelength side with increasing the refractive index. For the proposed fiber sensing head with a polishing residual thickness of 72 μm, the maximum shift of the absorption peak was 264 nm. The sensitivity of the proposed RI sensor was 4122 nm/RIU for the refractive index range from 1.333 to 1.398.
DEM Investigation of Particle-Scale Mechanical Properties of Frozen Soil Based on the Nonlinear Microcontact Model Incorporating Rolling Resistance
Authors: An Lingshi , Ling Xianzhang , Geng Yongchang , Li Qionglin , Zhang Feng
Published: February 2018

Although frozen soil is in nature the discrete material, it is generally treated as the continuum material. The mechanical properties of frozen soil are so complex to describe adequately by conventional continuum mechanics method. In this study, the nonlinear microcontact model incorporating rolling resistance is proposed to investigate the particle-scale mechanical properties of frozen soil. The failure mechanism of frozen soil is explicated based on the evolution of contact force chains and propagation of microcracks. In addition, the effects of contact stiffness ratio and friction coefficient on stress-strain curve and energy evolution are evaluated. The results show that the nonlinear microcontact model incorporating rolling resistance can better describe the experimental data. At a higher axial strain, the contact force chains near shear band which can give rise to the soil arch effect rotate away from the shear band inclination but not so much as to become perpendicular to it. The propagation of microcracks can be divided into two phases. The stress-strain curve is strongly influenced by contact stiffness ratio. In addition, friction coefficient does not significantly affect the initial tangential modulus. Compared with frictional coefficient, the effect of contact stiffness ratio on stress-strain curve and energy evolution is greater.
The Quantization of a Kerr-AdS Black Hole
Authors: Gerhardt Claus
Published: February 2018

We apply our model of quantum gravity to a Kerr-AdS space-time of dimension2m+1,m≥2, where all rotational parameters are equal, resulting in a wave equation in a quantum space-time which has a sequence of solutions that can be expressed as a product of stationary and temporal eigenfunctions. The stationary eigenfunctions can be interpreted as radiation and the temporal ones as gravitational waves. The event horizon corresponds in the quantum model to a Cauchy hypersurface that can be crossed by causal curves in both directions such that the information paradox does not occur. We also prove that the Kerr-AdS space-time can be maximally extended by replacing in a generalized Boyer-Lindquist coordinate system thervariable byρ=r2such that the extended space-time has a timelike curvature singularity inρ=-a2.
Combined Location-Inventory Optimization of Deteriorating Products Supply Chain Based on CQMIP under Stochastic Environment
Authors: Wang Yong Ming , Yin Hong Li
Published: February 2018

The design and optimization of combined location-inventory model for deteriorating products are a main focus in supply chain management. There were many combined location-inventory design models in this field, but these models are under the assumptions of adequate capacity facilities, invariable lead time, unique product, and uncorrelated retailer’s demands. These assumptions have a big gap in the practical situation. In this paper, we design a combined location-inventory model for deteriorating products under capacitated facilities, stochastic lead time, multiple products, and correlated retailers’ stochastic demands assumptions. These constraints are near to actual supply chain circumstance. The problem is modeled as conic quadratic mix-integer programming (CQMIP) to minimize the total expected cost. We explain how to formulate these problems as conic quadratic mixed-integer problems, and in order to obtain better computational results we use extended cover cuts. Simultaneously we compare our method with the previous Lagrange methods; the result is that the new CQMIP method can get better solution.
Cardiac Progenitor Cells in Basic Biology and Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Witman Nevin , Sahara Makoto
Published: February 2018

Major cardiovascular events including myocardial infarction (MI) continue to dominate morbidity rates in the developed world. Although multiple device therapies and various pharmacological agents have been shown to improve patient care and reduce mortality rates, clinicians and researchers alike still lack a true panacea to regenerate damaged cardiac tissue. Over the previous two to three decades, cardiovascular stem cell therapies have held great promise. Several stem cell-based approaches have now been shown to improve ventricular function and are documented in preclinical animal models as well as phase I and phase II clinical trials. More recently, the cardiac progenitor cell has begun to gain momentum as an ideal candidate for stem cell therapy in heart disease. Here, we will highlight the most recent advances in cardiac stem/progenitor cell biology in regard to both the basics and applied settings.
Experimental Study of the Ultrasonic Vibration‐Assisted Abrasive Waterjet Micromachining the Quartz Glass
Authors: Hou Rongguo , Wang Tao , Lv Zhe , Liu Yuanyong
Published: February 2018

The ultrasonic vibration is used to enhance the capability of the abrasive water micromachining glass. And, the ultrasonic vibration is activated on the abrasive waterjet nozzle. The quality of the flow is improved, and the velocity of the abrasive is increased because of the addition of the ultrasonic energy. The relevant experimental results indicate that the erosion depth and the material volume removal of the glass are obviously increased when ultrasonic vibration is working. As for the influence of process parameters on the material removal of the glass such as vibration amplitude, system pressure, distance of the standoff, and abrasive size, the experimental results indicate that the system pressure and vibration contribute greatly to the glass material removal. Also, the erosion depth and the volume of material removal are increased with the increase in the vibration amplitude and system pressure. There are some uplifts found at the edge of erosion pit. Then, it can be inferred that the plastic method is an important material removal method during the machining process of ultrasonic vibration‐assisted abrasive waterjet.
Characterization of Urban Particulate Matter by Diffusive Gradients in Thin Film Technique
Authors: Dufka Michaela , Dočekal Bohumil
Published: February 2018

A diffusive gradient in thin films (DGT) technique was employed in characterization of the particulate matter related to the urban area suffering from heavy traffic. Kinetics of mobilization metals fluxes from the metal-contaminated particulate matter was investigated. To monitor responses of the particulate matter sample, DGT probes of various thickness of diffusion layer were deployed in aqueous model suspensions of the particulate matter for different time periods. Particulate matter samples and exposed DGT resin gels were decomposed in a mixture of nitric and hydrochloric acid in a microwave pressurized PTFE-lined system. Total content of some traffic-related elements (Cd, Co, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pb, Pd, Pt, Rh, Sb, and V) was determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. DGT measurements revealed that two metals pools associated with particles could be recognized, which can be characterized as high soluble fraction and almost insoluble fraction. DGT-measured metal fluxes from the labile pool showed significant difference in mobilization and resupply fluxes of individual selected elements, which might reflect the origin of selected metals and their speciation in particulate matter. The DGT technique can be applied as a useful tool for characterization of metals mobilization from the particulate matter.
БІОЕТИЧНІ ЗАСАДИ ФОРМУВАННЯВЗАЄМИН МЕДИЧНОГО ПРАЦІВНИКА І ПАЦІЄНТА
Authors: Boyeva O. I.
Published: February 2018

Проблема стосунків між медичним працівником і пацієнтом дуже актуальна в медичній етиці. Медичні працівники і пацієнти контактують щодня. Медичний працівник повинен не лише сумлінно виконувати свої обов'язки щодо хворого, але й боротися за фізичну досконалість і психічне здоров'я людей, проводити профілактичну та освітню роботу, зберігати лікарську таємницю, надавати медичну допомогу хворому незалежно від його національної та расової належності, політичних і релігійних переконань тощо.
ВИЗНАЧЕННЯ СТАНУ ФІЗИЧНОГО ТА ПСИХОЛОГІЧНОГО СТАНУ ЗДОРОВ’Я СТУДЕНТІВ БЕРДЯНСЬКОГО МЕДИЧНОГО КОЛЕДЖУ.
Authors: Chernyavska L. I. , Krynytska I. Ya.
Published: February 2018

Визначено і порівняно стан фізичного здоров’я студентів трьох років навчання шляхом визначення стану серцево-судинної системи і психо-емоційного стану здоров’я студентів першого року навчання щодо адаптації у новому навчальному закладі, до нових умов життя.
ЗДОРОВ’Я МОЛОДІ – ПРІОРІТЕТНА ЗАДАЧА ЗБЕРЕЖЕННЯ ГЕНОФОНДУ НАРОДУ УКРАЇНИ.
Authors: Andreeva O. M.
Published: February 2018

У статті висвітлено проблему збереження і зміцнення здоров’я населення України, визначено фактори впливу на громадське здоров’я, освіту, спрямовану на правильний спосіб життя, харчування, відмову від шкідливих звичок.
ПРОФІЛАКТИЧНА РОБОТА МЕДИЧНОЇ СЕСТРИ – ПОТРЕБА ЧИ НЕОБХІДНІСТЬ ДЛЯ СУЧАСНОЇ ЛЮДИНИ
Authors: Hildina E. M. , Terenda N. O.
Published: February 2018

Проведене дослідження виявило потребу в наданні інформації щодо профілактики неінфекційних захворювань медичними працівниками середньої ланки. Частіше пацієнти хочуть отримувати її у вигляді індивідуальних або групових занять та на інтерактивних тренінгах.
Self-Knowledge and Its Limits
Authors: Schwenkler John
Published: February 2018

A philosophical account of self-knowledge should offer more than an epistemological explanation of first-personal privilege. It should also address the many cases where the first-person perspective is not so privileged, and account for the importance of self-knowledge to a person’s social and psychological well-being. Quassim Cassam’s Self-Knowledge for Humans and John Doris’s Talking to Our Selves both emphasize the importance of these latter tasks, but neither author is wholly successful: Cassam’s argument rests on a gross distortion of the “Rationalist” picture he sets up as a foil, and Doris’s on a skeptical argument that stands in some questionable company.
Advancing Clean Technology Entrepreneurship in the Middle East and North African (mena) Region: Law, Education and Policy Imperatives
Authors: Tok Mohammed Evren , Olawuyi Damilola S. , D’Alessandro Cristina
Published: February 2018

Two of the key priorities of the Arab world in the coming years are to develop and deploy clean technologies (cleantech) needed to combat the adverse effects of climate change in the region; and to diversify domestic economies to become low carbon economies with greater prospects for green jobs. However, despite broad political discussions of these policy goals, several countries in the Middle East and North African (mena) region continue to lag in terms of the level and adequacy of entrepreneurial cleantech start-up activities. For mena countries to bridge current gaps in entrepreneurial cleantech capital, entrepreneurship education and training is critical.

This article investigates the ethical and contextual basis of cleantech entrepreneurship in the mena region. Focusing on clean technology businesses, given their national and global economic and environmental role in future low-carbon societies and economies, the article then investigates the principal causes of the limited development of cleantech entrepreneurship in the mena region. The Qatari example offers original insights on clean technology joint ventures, startups, and projects. The results indicate the need for mena countries to mainstream and integrate entrepreneurial education and training into national action plans and policies on low carbon development, in order to promote local capacity and awareness on cleantech entrepreneurship.
The subfamily Cratocentrinae (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae): reappraisal of their morphological characters and review of the West Palaearctic species, with the description of two new species
Authors: ABUL-SOOD MEDHAT I. , GADALLAH NEVEEN S. , HOSSNI MOHAMMED T. , DELVARE GÉRARD
Published: February 2018

The Cratocentrinae (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae) of the West Palaearctic region are reviewed. A reappraisal of the morphological characters used for their recognition and phylogeny is provided as is a key to separate the genera and species of the region. Their distribution in the West Palaearctic is updated and the subfamily is reported for the first time in Europe. Cratocentrus inermus Delvare sp. nov. and Philocentrus papillus Abul-Sood & Gadallah sp. nov. are described. A neotype is designated for Philocentrus argenteopilosus (Cameron), which is revalidated and transferred to Philocentrus comb. nov. & stat rev.
Additions to the Tanaidomorpha (Crustacea: Tanaidacea) from mud volcanoes and coral mounds of the Gulf of Cadiz and Horseshoe Continental Rise
Authors: ESQUETE PATRICIA , CUNHA MARINA R.
Published: February 2018

The Tanaidacea collection from various research cruises carried out in the Gulf of Cadiz and Horseshoe Continental Rise between 2004 and 2012 yielded four species new to science that are described herein. Two belong to genera recorded for the first time since the original descriptions of their type species: Cetiopyge, described from the Gulf of Mexico and Gamboa from shallow waters of Macaronesia. The other two belong to the genera Collettea and Paragathotanais, both with a worldwide distribution. Additionally, specimens of Tumidochelia uncinata are described and illustrated to complete previous descriptions. Identification keys to all known genera of Nototanaidae, and the Eastern Atlantic species of Paragathotanais and Collettea are provided. This works raises the number of tanaidacean species known from the deep-sea habitats in the study region to a total of 22.
A new species of Cryptonympha Lugo-Ortiz & McCafferty (Ephemeroptera, Baetidae) from Cerro Duida (Venezuela)
Authors: DERKA TOMÁŠ , NIETO CAROLINA
Published: February 2018

The genus Cryptonympha includes three species: C. copiosa Lugo-Ortiz & McCafferty, 1998; C. dasilvai Salles & Francischetti, 2004 and C. genevievae Thomas, Manchon & Glémet, 2013, known only from the nymphal stage. A description of the nymph of a fourth representative, Cryptonympha tracheata sp. n. is provided here, based on material collected in a blackwater stream on the slopes of the Cerro Duida mountain in south-western Venezuela. The nymph of the new species can be easily distinguished from the other species of the genus by very long tracheal gills II–VII, 2.5 times the length of each tergum, gill I small, nearly half length of gill IV and by posterior margin of terga with rounded spines. A complete description of the new species and a key for nymphs of all known Cryptonympha species are provided.
Polo Beyris: A Forgotten Internment Camp in France, 1939–47
Authors: Guse John C.
Published: February 2018

Polo Beyris is a virtually unexplored example of internment under French and German authorities. From 1939 to 1947 the camp of Polo Beyris in Bayonne held successively: Spanish Civil War refugees, French colonial prisoners of war, suspected ‘collaborators’ and German prisoners of war. Despite having up to 8600 prisoners at one time, the large camp and its numerous satellite work detachments were literally ‘forgotten’ for decades. Although similar to other camps in its improvised nature, wretched living conditions, lack of food and constant movement of prisoners, Polo Beyris was also unique: located in a dense urban area, within the wartime Occupied Zone and close to the Spanish frontier. Its civil and military administrators were faced with constantly changing, and often chaotic, political and military circumstances. Not a waystation in the Holocaust, Polo Beyris has been lost from the sight of historians. It provides an additional dimension to the complex history of internment in twentieth century France.
Hitler's Worldview and the Interwar Kulturkampf
Authors: H. Weir Todd
Published: February 2018

This conceptual historical investigation of Adolf Hitler's use of the term ‘worldview’ ( Weltanschauung) opens new perspectives on the debate over the relationship of religion and National Socialism. Most studies of Hitler's worldview have focused on the genealogy of his beliefs, an approach that has led to an anachronistic understanding of worldview. By contrast, this article reveals that Hitler's own usage of the term ‘worldview’ was decisively shaped by the German culture wars that preceded his entrance into politics in 1919. The article shows how the varying Nazi religious policies, from supporting ‘positive Christianity’ during the Weimar Republic to suppressing elements within the churches once taking power, continued to be framed by the dynamics of the culture wars.