bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of the source gap on transmission efficiency of a quadrupole mass spectrometer
Authors: Antony Joseph Mariya J. , McIntosh David G. , Gibson J. Raymond , Taylor Stephen
Published: February 2018

Rationale

Recent trends towards miniature and portable quadrupole mass spectrometry (QMS) entail challenges in instrumental sensitivity, which is influenced by 3D fringe field effects on ion transmission in the Quadrupole Mass Filter (QMF). The relationship of these effects with the gap from the ion source to the QMF entrance (source gap) is significant and little explored. We examine transmission characteristics experimentally and use the results to test the predictive accuracy of a recently developed 3D QMF simulation model. The model is then applied to directly investigate optimal transmission m/z ranges across multiple source gaps.

Methods

A portable single filter quadrupole mass spectrometer is used to analyse transmission characteristics across a range of common gases. We use an experimental approach originally proposed by Ehlert, enhanced with a novel method for absolute calibration of the transmission curve. Custom QMF simulation software employs the boundary element method (BEM) to compute accurate 3D electric fields. This is used to study the effects of the source gap on transmission efficiency.

Results

Experimental findings confirm a centrally peaked transmission curve; simulations correctly predict the optimal transmission location (in m/z) and percentage, and extend the experimental trend. We compare several methods for determining fringe field length, demonstrating how the size of the physical source gap influences both the length and the intensity of the fringe field at the QMF entrance. A complex relationship with ion transmission is revealed in which different source gaps promote optimal transmission at differing m/z ranges.

Conclusions

The presented results map the relationship between the source gap and transmission efficiency for the given instrument, using a simulation method transferrable to other setups. This is of importance to miniature and portable quadrupole mass spectrometers design for specific applications, for the first time enabling the source gap to be tailored for optimal transmission in the desired mass range.
Quantification of volatile compounds released by roasted coffee by selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry
Authors: Dryahina Kseniya , Smith David , Španěl Patrik
Published: February 2018

Rationale

The major objective of this exploratory study was to implement selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry, SIFT‐MS, as a method for the on‐line quantification of the volatile organic compounds, VOCs, in the headspace of the ground roasted coffee.

Methods

The optimal precursor ions and characteristic analyte ions were selected for real‐time SIFT‐MS quantification of those VOCs that are the most abundant in the headspace or known to contribute to aroma. NO+ reagent ion reactions were exploited for most of the VOC analyses. VOC identifications were confirmed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, GC/MS, coupled with solid‐phase microextraction, SPME.

Results

Thirty‐one VOCs were quantified, including several alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, esters and some heterocyclic compounds. Variations in the concentrations of each VOC in the seven regional coffees were typically less than a factor of 2, yet concentrations patterns characteristic of the different regional coffees were revealed by heat map and principal component analyses. The coefficient of variation in the concentrations across the seven coffees was typically below 24% except for furfural, furan, methylfuran and guaiacol.

Conclusions

The SIFT‐MS analytical method can be used to quantify in real time the most important odoriferous VOCs in ground coffee headspace to sufficient precision to reveal some differences in concentration patterns for coffee produced in different countries.
Diel activity and foraging mode of juvenile Arctic charr in fluctuating water flow
Authors: Larranaga N. , Valdimarsson S.K. , Linnansaari T. , Steingrímsson S.Ó.
Published: February 2018

Streams fluctuate in water flow because of natural (e.g., rain) and human‐induced events (e.g., hydropeaking). Magnitude, frequency, and predictability of these events can have drastic consequences for fish populations. We studied how rapid modifications of water flow affect diel activity and foraging mode of juvenile Arctic charr Salvelinus alpinus in stream enclosures exposed to either stable (intermediate) or fluctuating (low vs. high) water flow. Under stable conditions, Arctic charr showed limited activity (9.4%). In fluctuating water flow, charr increased activity during low flow periods, especially during the first hours after the flow decreased, but ceased activity almost completely at high flow. Charr were mostly nocturnal, and more nocturnal at low than intermediate water flow. Fish were more mobile and swam faster during prey search and attacked prey at longer distances at low water flow. Activity and foraging mode differed between the first and second day after reduced water flow, suggesting that Arctic charr require time to adjust their foraging behaviour. This study demonstrates the importance of behavioural flexibility for population ecology in fluctuating environments such as regulated rivers.
Exploring practices of science coordinators participating in targeted professional development
Authors: Whitworth Brooke A. , Maeng Jennifer L. , Bell Randy L.
Published: February 2018

This study describes how district science coordinators supported teachers and implemented professional development in their districts following participation in the Science Coordinator Academy. This qualitative descriptive case study comprised three district science coordinators from three districts in a mid‐Atlantic state, as well as principals and teachers from those districts. Data sources, including observations, surveys, artifacts, and interviews, were analyzed using the framework method (Gale, Heath, Cameron, Rashid, & Redwood, 2013). District context, science coordinator background, and collaboration were salient factors that influenced coordinator practices and coordinators’ abilities to impact teacher change. We hypothesize that the development of a coaching relationship, facilitating collaboration among teachers, utilizing the characteristics of effective professional development, and promoting reflection through modeling and feedback may be the most important reflection‐growth model of instructional leadership (Blase & Blase, 1999) practices for science coordinators to enact when working with teachers.
Recent Advances in Black‐Phosphorus‐Based Photonics and Optoelectronics Devices
Authors: Debnath Pulak Chandra , Park Kichul , Song Yong‐Won
Published: February 2018

In the recent past, 2D black phosphorus (BP) has been intensively studied and examined due to its unique electronic, photonic, and mechanical properties. The tunable and moderate direct bandgap and the high carrier mobility of BP provide enormous potential in electronic and optoelectronic applications. In addition, the unique intrinsic anisotropic characteristics resulting from the puckered structure yield remarkable optical, electronic, transport, mechanical, and thermal characteristics that can be utilized for designing new devices. Significant efforts have been directed toward the synthesis, basic understanding, and applications of BP in the fields of nanoelectronics, ultrafast optics, nanophotonics, and optoelectronics. Here, the current development of electronic, photonic, optoelectronic, and optical devices based on BP is summarized, along with the recent advances in investigating its electronic, optical, and mechanical properties, which form the foundation for next‐generation chip‐scale integrated devices. In addition, a comprehensive discussion on the requirements for forthcoming studies to upgrade well‐systemized fabrication techniques toward large‐area, high‐yield, and perfectly shielded BP‐film production for the development of reliable devices in optoelectronic applications and other areas is provided. Finally, some existing challenges in implementing BP‐based optoelectronic and photonic devices are addressed and the prospects for future BP‐related research are discussed.
Transmembrane domain dependent inhibitory function of FcγRIIB
Authors: Wang Junyi , Li Zongyu , Xu Liling , Yang Hengwen , Liu Wanli
Published: March 2018

FcγRIIB, the only inhibitory IgG Fc receptor, functions to suppress the hyper-activation of immune cells. Numerous studies have illustrated its inhibitory function through the ITIM motif in the cytoplasmic tail of FcγRIIB. However, later studies revealed that in addition to the ITIM, the transmembrane (TM) domain of FcγRIIB is also indispensable for its inhibitory function. Indeed, recent epidemiological studies revealed that a non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism (rs1050501) within the TM domain of FcγRIIB, responsible for the I232T substitution, is associated with the susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In this review, we will summarize these epidemiological and functional studies of FcγRIIB-I232T in the past few years, and will further discuss the mechanisms accounting for the functional loss of FcγRIIB-I232T. Our review will help the reader gain a deeper understanding of the importance of the TM domain in mediating the inhibitory function of FcγRIIB and may provide insights to a new therapeutic target for the associated diseases.
The Influence of Treatment Timing and Shrub Size on Chinese Privet (Ligustrum sinense) Control with Cut Stump Herbicide Treatments in the Southeastern United States
Authors: Enloe Stephen F. , O’Sullivan Sarah E. , Loewenstein Nancy J. , Brantley Eve , Lauer Dwight K.
Published: March 2018

Since its introduction to the United States in 1852, Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinenseLour.) has spread throughout the Southeast, invading many natural areas. Manual control by cutting or shredding is one of the most common strategies many land managers employ. However, rapid sprouting from the root collar and lateral roots commonly results in poor control. Cutting followed by either glyphosate or triclopyr application to the stumps is generally effective, but the efficacy of these herbicides in relation to treatment timing andL. sinenseroot collar diameter has not been evaluated. The objective of this experiment was to determine the effectiveness of glyphosate and triclopyr cut stump treatments compared with cutting alone at spring and fall timings across a range ofL. sinensesize classes. Studies were conducted at two locations in Auburn, AL. Treatments included cut stump+no herbicide, cut stump+ glyphosate (120 g L−1), or cut stump+triclopyr (90 g L−1). Treatments were applied to at least 50 experimental units each at April and November timings. Root collar diameter was recorded for each stem, stems were cut 2.5 cm above the ground, and herbicide treatments were applied within 30 s.Ligustrum sinensemortality and sprouting were quantified 6, 12, and 18 mo after treatment. Both glyphosate and triclopyr amine were very effective in controllingL. sinenseat both spring and fall timings. However, glyphosate provided slightly better results than triclopyr when lateral sprouting was included. Application timing also was significant, with a lower percentage of sprouting following November treatments than April treatments. Stem size influenced treatment success, as larger stumps tended to sprout more than smaller stumps. These results indicateL. sinensecan be controlled with cut stump herbicide treatment using either glyphosate or triclopyr with spring or fall timings at concentrations much lower than typically used.
Unsteady Stokes flow near boundaries: the point-particle approximation and the method of reflections
Authors: Simha A. , Mo J. , Morrison P. J.
Published: March 2018

Problems of particle dynamics involving unsteady Stokes flows in confined geometries are typically harder to solve than their steady counterparts. Approximation techniques are often the only resort. Felderhof (see e.g. J. Phys. Chem. B, vol. 109 (45), 2005, pp. 21406–21412; J. Fluid Mech., vol. 637, 2009, pp. 285–303) has developed a point-particle approximation framework to solve such problems, especially in the context of Brownian motion. Despite excellent agreement with past experiments, this framework produces unsteady drag coefficients that depend on particle density. This is inconsistent, since the problem can be formulated mathematically without any reference to the particle’s density. We address this inconsistency in our work. Upon implementing our modifications, the framework passes consistency checks that it previously failed. Further, it is not obvious that such an approximation should work for short-time-scale motion. We investigate its validity by deriving it from a general formalism based on integral equations through a series of systematic approximations. We also compare results from the point-particle framework against a calculation performed using the method of reflections, for the specific case of a sphere near a full-slip plane boundary. We find from our analysis that the reasons for the success of the point-particle approximation are subtle and have to do with the nature of the unsteady Oseen tensor. Finally, we provide numerical predictions for Brownian motion near a full-slip and a no-slip plane wall based on the point-particle approximation as used by Felderhof, our modified point-particle approximation and the method of reflections. We show that our modifications to Felderhof’s framework would become significant for systems of metallic nanoparticles in liquids.
DISTRIBUTION OF ACCUMULATION POINTS OF ROOTS FOR TYPE (n - 1, 1) COXETER GROUPS
Authors: HIGASHITANI AKIHIRO , MINEYAMA RYOSUKE , NAKASHIMA NORIHIRO
Published: March 2018

In this paper, we investigate the set of accumulation points of normalized roots of infinite Coxeter groups for certain class of their action. Concretely, we prove the conjecture proposed in [6, Section 3.2] in the case where the equipped Coxeter matrices are of type
$(n-1,1)$
, where
$n$
is the rank. Moreover, we obtain that the set of such accumulation points coincides with the closure of the orbit of one point of normalized limit roots. In addition, in order to prove our main results, we also investigate some properties on fixed points of the action.
Platforms, Portfolios, Policy: How Audience Costs Affect Social Welfare Policy in Multiparty Cabinets
Authors: Alexiadou Despina , Hoepfner Danial
Published: February 2018

When and why do electoral commitments enhance parties’ ability to implement their preferred policy in multiparty governments? We propose an audience costs theory whereby strong platform commitments enhance parties’ negotiating positions in multiparty cabinets but only when they are on a salient policy issue for core voters and the party controls the policy-relevant portfolio. Utilizing new data on portfolio allocations in eight parliamentary democracies over 40 years, we show that absent a strong platform commitment, control of the portfolio of social affairs by social democrats, alone, is not associated with changes in welfare generosity. Notably, our findings are independent of party size and hold in most multiparty legislative systems not dominated by three parties.
8. Retrospect of Mental Philosophy (Periodical Literature.)
Authors: Costelloe B. F. C.
Published: February 2018

The first number for the year is not remarkable for any paper of striking value. Readers of the Journal will be chiefly attracted by the long and clearly written resumé of Dr. Hughlings Jackson's recent studies “On Affections of Speech from Disease of the Brain,” which is contributed by Mr. James Sully. He remarks on the great value of Dr. Jackson's attempts to classify the different forms of aphasia under the three main heads or stages of—(1) Defect of Speech, in which the patient has a full vocabulary, but confuses words; (2) Loss of Speech, in which the patient is practically speechless, and his pantomimic power is impaired as well; and (3) Loss of Language, in which, besides being speechless, he has altogether lost the power of pantomime, and even his faculty of emotional language is deeply involved in the wreck. All these states or stages again are, properly speaking, to be distinguished altogether from affections of speech in the way of loss of articulation (owing to paralysis of the tongue, &c.), or loss of vocalisation (owing to disease of the larynx); whereas the three degrees or stages of aphasia proper are due to a deep-seated and severe disorganisation of the brain. The main interest of the theory lies in the ingenious and carefully-argued analysis of the symptoms, by which Dr. Jackson arrives at the theory that as the process of destruction goes on, the superior “layers” or strata of speech fail first—those namely which involve the ordinary power of adapting sounds to the circumstances of the moment as they arise; after them fail the “more highly organized utterances” those, namely, which have in any way become automatic, such as “come on,” “wo! wo!” and even “yes” and “no,” which stand on the border-line between emotional and intellectual language; next fails the power of adapting other than vocal signs to convey an intended meaning, which is called, rather clumsily, “pantomimic propositionising;” and last of all dies out the power of uttering sounds or making signs expressive merely of emotion—a power which, of course, is not true speech at all.
Cases contributed
Authors: Savage Geo. H.
Published: February 2018

Cases in which a delusion is caught by one patient from another are sufficiently rare to be worth recording.
The West Riding Lunatic Asylum Medical Reports
Authors: Browne J. C.
Published: February 2018

Although it would be untrue to say that this is a valuable contribution to science, yet that it is an important addition to medical literature no one will deny. In it we see fresh evidence of the fact that asylum physicians are becoming more and more alive to the necessity for asserting themselves, and showing themselves in their true colours. If they do nothing else they will furnish an excellent answer to certain disappointed men who, having failed to establish themselves in practice, have assumed the dignity of censors of their medical brethren. Judging all men by their own standard, they have not failed to single out asylum physicians as an object of attack, and have charged them with all the sins of incompetence, negligence, and ignorance. For nearly a year these unfortunate men could hardly take up a medical paper without seeing a violent attack on the manner in which they performed their duties, and not only did the medical journals assail them, but also a certain portion of the daily press, taking its cue from these writers, heaped on abuse and censure until the most impartial reader began to think that the asylum doctors must be a set of the most unmitigated ruffians under the sun. Of the unfairness of this we will say nothing now; we hope that a more generous spirit will prevail in future, and that physicians in asylums will rather be encouraged to do well than violently abused for occasionally making those mistakes to which all human beings are liable.
A New View of Causation
Authors: Barrett Thomas Squire
Published: February 2018

Were we to express honestly the feeling which a perusal of Mr. Barrett's book has occasioned, it would be a feeling of surprise that he should have made a book out of so little matter. It contains 213 pages, of which only 42 are devoted to the exposition of the new view, the rest of the volume consisting of extracts from different authors who have written upon causation, and of a long index printed in large type. Besides the index, there is a syllabus of contents occupying many pages, and there is a list of the principal works which the author has read or consulted. The type is large, and the text runs as a narrow strip down the page between meadows of margin. By these means, with the help of blank leaves and blank pages, and a very liberal distribution of blank spaces, wherever it was possible to interpolate one, the book has been manufactured. It is a pity that the author did not content himself, at any rate for the present, by putting forth his views in the more fitting form of an article in some journal.
4. Clinical Psychiatry
Authors: Cole Sydney J. , Gifford John , Phillips Norman R.
Published: February 2018

General Paralysis and Heredity [Ueber die Rolle der Erblichkeit bei der Paralyse]. (Arb. für Psychiat., München, Bd. ii, February, 1921.) Meggendorfer, F.
FISCAL AUSTERITY MEASURES: SPENDING CUTS VS. TAX INCREASES
Authors: Glomm Gerhard , Jung Juergen , Tran Chung
Published: March 2018

We formulate an overlapping-generations model with household heterogeneity and productive and nonproductive government programs to study the macroeconomic and intergenerational welfare effects of risk premium shocks and government debt reductions. We demonstrate that in a small open economy with a high level of debt, a small increase in the risk premium of the interest rate leads to a substantial contraction in output and negative welfare effects. We then quantify the effects of reducing the debt-to-gross-domestic-product ratio using a wide range of fiscal austerity measures. Our results indicate trade-offs between short-run contractions and long-run expansions in aggregate output. In the short run, spending-based austerity reforms are worse than tax-based reforms in terms of lost income. However, in the long run, spending-based reforms produce higher output than tax-based reforms. In addition, welfare effects vary significantly across generations, skill groups, and working sectors. The current old and middle-aged generations experience welfare losses, whereas future generations are beneficiaries of the reforms.
Disease-associated missense mutations in GluN2B subunit alter NMDA receptor ligand binding and ion channel properties
Authors: Fedele Laura , Newcombe Joseph , Topf Maya , Gibb Alasdair , Harvey Robert J. , Smart Trevor G.
Published: February 2018

Genetic and bioinformatic analyses have identified missense mutations in GRIN2B encoding the NMDA receptor GluN2B subunit in autism, intellectual disability, Lennox Gastaut and West Syndromes. Here, we investigated several such mutations using a near-complete, hybrid 3D model of the human NMDAR and studied their consequences with kinetic modelling and electrophysiology. The mutants revealed reductions in glutamate potency; increased receptor desensitisation; and ablation of voltage-dependent Mg2+ block. In addition, we provide new views on Mg2+ and NMDA channel blocker binding sites. We demonstrate that these mutants have significant impact on excitatory transmission in developing neurons, revealing profound changes that could underlie their associated neurological disorders. Of note, the NMDAR channel mutant GluN2BV618G unusually allowed Mg2+ permeation, whereas nearby N615I reduced Ca2+ permeability. By identifying the binding site for an NMDAR antagonist that is used in the clinic to rescue gain-of-function phenotypes, we show that drug binding may be modified by some GluN2B disease-causing mutations.
The viscosity of atmospherically relevant organic particles
Authors: Reid Jonathan P. , Bertram Allan K. , Topping David O. , Laskin Alexander , Martin Scot T. , Petters Markus D. , Pope Francis D. , Rovelli Grazia
Published: February 2018

The importance of organic aerosol particles in the environment has been long established, influencing cloud formation and lifetime, absorbing and scattering sunlight, affecting atmospheric composition and impacting on human health. Conventionally, ambient organic particles were considered to exist as liquids. Recent observations in field measurements and studies in the laboratory suggest that they may instead exist as highly viscous semi-solids or amorphous glassy solids under certain conditions, with important implications for atmospheric chemistry, climate and air quality. This review explores our understanding of aerosol particle phase, particularly as identified by measurements of the viscosity of organic particles, and the atmospheric implications of phase state.
Toward a universal decoder of linguistic meaning from brain activation
Authors: Pereira Francisco , Lou Bin , Pritchett Brianna , Ritter Samuel , Gershman Samuel J. , Kanwisher Nancy , Botvinick Matthew , Fedorenko Evelina
Published: February 2018

Prior work decoding linguistic meaning from imaging data has been largely limited to concrete nouns, using similar stimuli for training and testing, from a relatively small number of semantic categories. Here we present a new approach for building a brain decoding system in which words and sentences are represented as vectors in a semantic space constructed from massive text corpora. By efficiently sampling this space to select training stimuli shown to subjects, we maximize the ability to generalize to new meanings from limited imaging data. To validate this approach, we train the system on imaging data of individual concepts, and show it can decode semantic vector representations from imaging data of sentences about a wide variety of both concrete and abstract topics from two separate datasets. These decoded representations are sufficiently detailed to distinguish even semantically similar sentences, and to capture the similarity structure of meaning relationships between sentences.
Inverted valley polarization in optically excited transition metal dichalcogenides
Authors: Berghäuser Gunnar , Bernal-Villamil Ivan , Schmidt Robert , Schneider Robert , Niehues Iris , Erhart Paul , Michaelis de Vasconcellos Steffen , Bratschitsch Rudolf , Knorr Andreas , Malic Ermin
Published: February 2018

Large spin–orbit coupling in combination with circular dichroism allows access to spin-polarized and valley-polarized states in a controlled way in transition metal dichalcogenides. The promising application in spin-valleytronics devices requires a thorough understanding of intervalley coupling mechanisms, which determine the lifetime of spin and valley polarizations. Here we present a joint theory–experiment study shedding light on the Dexter-like intervalley coupling. We reveal that this mechanism couples A and B excitonic states in different valleys, giving rise to an efficient intervalley transfer of coherent exciton populations. We demonstrate that the valley polarization vanishes and is even inverted for A excitons, when the B exciton is resonantly excited and vice versa. Our theoretical findings are supported by energy-resolved and valley-resolved pump-probe experiments and also provide an explanation for the recently measured up-conversion in photoluminescence. The gained insights might help to develop strategies to overcome the intrinsic limit for spin and valley polarizations.
Saccade-synchronized rapid attention shifts in macaque visual cortical area MT
Authors: Yao Tao , Treue Stefan , Krishna B. Suresh
Published: February 2018

While making saccadic eye-movements to scan a visual scene, humans and monkeys are able to keep track of relevant visual stimuli by maintaining spatial attention on them. This ability requires a shift of attentional modulation from the neuronal population representing the relevant stimulus pre-saccadically to the one representing it post-saccadically. For optimal performance, this trans-saccadic attention shift should be rapid and saccade-synchronized. Whether this is so is not known. We trained two rhesus monkeys to make saccades while maintaining covert attention at a fixed spatial location. We show that the trans-saccadic attention shift in cortical visual medial temporal (MT) area is well synchronized to saccades. Attentional modulation crosses over from the pre-saccadic to the post-saccadic neuronal representation by about 50 ms after a saccade. Taking response latency into account, the trans-saccadic attention shift is well timed to maintain spatial attention on relevant stimuli, so that they can be optimally tracked and processed across saccades.
Context-dependent interactions and the regulation of species richness in freshwater fish
Authors: MacDougall Andrew S. , Harvey Eric , McCune Jenny L. , Nilsson Karin A. , Bennett Joseph , Firn Jennifer , Bartley Timothy , Grace James B. , Kelly Jocelyn , Tunney Tyler D. , McMeans Bailey , Matsuzaki Shin-Ichiro S. , Kadoya Taku , Esch Ellen , Cazelles Kevin , Lester Nigel , McCann Kevin S.
Published: February 2018

Species richness is regulated by a complex network of scale-dependent processes. This complexity can obscure the influence of limiting species interactions, making it difficult to determine if abiotic or biotic drivers are more predominant regulators of richness. Using integrative modeling of freshwater fish richness from 721 lakes along an 11o latitudinal gradient, we find negative interactions to be a relatively minor independent predictor of species richness in lakes despite the widespread presence of predators. Instead, interaction effects, when detectable among major functional groups and 231 species pairs, were strong, often positive, but contextually dependent on environment. These results are consistent with the idea that negative interactions internally structure lake communities but do not consistently ‘scale-up’ to regulate richness independently of the environment. The importance of environment for interaction outcomes and its role in the regulation of species richness highlights the potential sensitivity of fish communities to the environmental changes affecting lakes globally.
Stirring does not make populations well mixed
Authors: Herrerías-Azcué Francisco , Pérez-Muñuzuri Vicente , Galla Tobias
Published: February 2018

In evolutionary dynamics, the notion of a ‘well-mixed’ population is usually associated with all-to-all interactions at all times. This assumption simplifies the mathematics of evolutionary processes, and makes analytical solutions possible. At the same time the term ‘well-mixed’ suggests that this situation can be achieved by physically stirring the population. Using simulations of populations in chaotic flows, we show that in most cases this is not true: conventional well-mixed theories do not predict fixation probabilities correctly, regardless of how fast or thorough the stirring is. We propose a new analytical description in the fast-flow limit. This approach is valid for processes with global and local selection, and accurately predicts the suppression of selection as competition becomes more local. It provides a modelling tool for biological or social systems with individuals in motion.
Rice intermediate filament, OsIF, stabilizes photosynthetic machinery and yield under salinity and heat stress
Authors: Soda Neelam , Gupta Brijesh K. , Anwar Khalid , Sharan Ashutosh , Govindjee  , Singla-Pareek Sneh L. , Pareek Ashwani
Published: February 2018

Cytoskeleton plays a vital role in stress tolerance; however, involvement of intermediate filaments (IFs) in such a response remains elusive in crop plants. This study provides clear evidence about the unique involvement of IFs in cellular protection against abiotic stress in rice. Transcript abundance of Oryza sativa intermediate filament (OsIF) encoding gene showed 2–10 fold up-regulation under different abiotic stress. Overexpression of OsIF in transgenic rice enhanced tolerance to salinity and heat stress, while its knock-down (KD) rendered plants more sensitive thereby indicating the role of IFs in promoting survival under stress. Seeds of OsIF overexpression rice germinated normally in the presence of high salt, showed better growth, maintained chloroplast ultrastructure and favourable K+/Na+ ratio than the wild type (WT) and KD plants. Analysis of photosynthesis and chlorophyll a fluorescence data suggested better performance of both photosystem I and II in the OsIF overexpression rice under salinity stress as compared to the WT and KD. Under salinity and high temperature stress, OsIF overexpressing plants could maintain significantly high yield, while the WT and KD plants could not. Further, metabolite profiling revealed a 2–4 fold higher accumulation of proline and trehalose in OsIF overexpressing rice than WT, under salinity stress.
Author Correction: Immune-checkpoint protein VISTA critically regulates the IL-23/IL-17 inflammatory axis
Authors: Li Na , Xu Wenwen , Yuan Ying , Ayithan Natarajan , Imai Yasutomo , Wu Xuesong , Miller Halli , Olson Michael , Feng Yunfeng , Huang Yina H. , Jo Turk Mary , Hwang Samuel T. , Malarkannan Subramaniam , Wang Li
Published: February 2018

A correction has been published and is linked to the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
1H NMR-based metabolomics reveals the effect of maternal habitual dietary patterns on human amniotic fluid profile
Authors: Fotiou Maria , Fotakis Charalambos , Tsakoumaki Foteini , Athanasiadou Elpiniki , Kyrkou Charikleia , Dimitropoulou Aristea , Tsiaka Thalia , Chatziioannou Anastasia Chrysovalantou , Sarafidis Kosmas , Menexes George , Theodoridis Georgios , Biliaderis Costas G. , Zoumpoulakis Panagiotis , Athanasiadis Apostolos P. , Michaelidou Alexandra-Maria
Published: February 2018

Maternal diet may influence offspring’s health, even within well-nourished populations. Amniotic fluid (AF) provides a rational compartment for studies on fetal metabolism. Evidence in animal models indicates that maternal diet affects AF metabolic profile; however, data from human studies are scarce. Therefore, we have explored whether AF content may be influenced by maternal diet, using a validated food-frequency questionnaire and implementing NMR-based metabolomics. Sixty-five AF specimens, from women undergoing second-trimester amniocentesis for prenatal diagnosis, were analysed. Complementary, maternal serum and urine samples were profiled. Hierarchical cluster analysis identified 2 dietary patterns, cluster 1 (C1, n = 33) and cluster 2 (C2, n = 32). C1 was characterized by significantly higher percentages of energy derived from refined cereals, yellow cheese, red meat, poultry, and “ready-to-eat” foods, while C2 by higher (P < 0.05) whole cereals, vegetables, fruits, legumes, and nuts. 1H NMR spectra allowed the identification of metabolites associated with these dietary patterns; glucose, alanine, tyrosine, valine, citrate, cis-acotinate, and formate were the key discriminatory metabolites elevated in C1 AF specimens. This is the first evidence to suggest that the composition of AF is influenced by maternal habitual dietary patterns. Our results highlight the need to broaden the knowledge on the importance of maternal nutrition during pregnancy.
High-Throughput Sequencing and Linkage Mapping of a Clownfish Genome Provide Insights on the Distribution of Molecular Players Involved in Sex Change
Authors: Casas Laura , Saenz-Agudelo Pablo , Irigoien Xabier
Published: February 2018

Clownfishes are an excellent model system for investigating the genetic mechanism governing hermaphroditism and socially-controlled sex change in their natural environment because they are broadly distributed and strongly site-attached. Genomic tools, such as genetic linkage maps, allow fine-mapping of loci involved in molecular pathways underlying these reproductive processes. In this study, a high-density genetic map ofAmphiprion bicinctuswas constructed with 3146 RAD markers in a full-sib family organized in 24 robust linkage groups which correspond to the haploid chromosome number of the species. The length of the map was 4294.71 cM, with an average marker interval of 1.38 cM. The clownfish linkage map showed various levels of conserved synteny and collinearity with the genomes of Asian and European seabass, Nile tilapia and stickleback. The map provided a platform to investigate the genomic position of genes with differential expression during sex change inA. bicinctus. This study aims to bridge the gap of genome-scale information for this iconic group of species to facilitate the study of the main gene regulatory networks governing social sex change and gonadal restructuring in protandrous hermaphrodites.
Tadpoles respond to background colour under threat
Authors: Eterovick Paula Cabral , Mendes Izabela Santos , Kloh Jéssica Stephanie , Pinheiro Luan Tavares , Václav Amadeus Bicalho Horta Portela , Santos Thiago , Gontijo Ana Sofia Buza
Published: February 2018

The ability to respond to background colour is an important feature of species that might benefit from background matching camouflage. Tadpole colour patterns vary and could be associated with several functions, including defense. Because tadpoles are exposed to a wide array of visually oriented predators, they represent good models to study defensive colouration and associated behaviours. We tested whether a potentially disruptively camouflaged tadpole with a dark body crossed by yellow bars (Ololygon machadoi) is able to respond differently to matching light and dark natural background colours and an artificial blue contrasting background. We used a syntopic contrasting black tadpole (Bokermannohyla martinsi) as a control, expecting it not to respond to background colour in search for camouflage. Ololygon machadoi tadpoles chose light over blue backgrounds under threat, as expected, however they did not show preferential use of dark vs. blue backgrounds. Bokermannohyla martinsi did not respond to any combination of background colours. Our results suggest that O. machadoi tadpoles are able to respond to background colour, and may favor matching backgrounds under some circumstances. The potentially disruptive colouration of O. machadoi tadpoles may increase their repertoire of escape strategies, background matching being one of the options to escape predation.
Emergency department visits and unanticipated readmissions after liver transplantation: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Oh Seung-Young , Lee Jeong Moo , Lee Hannah , Jung Chul-Woo , Yi Nam-Joon , Lee Kwang-Woong , Suh Kyung-Suk , Ryu Ho Geol
Published: February 2018

Improved survival after LT are likely to result in increased healthcare resource utilization. The pattern and risk factors of emergency department (ED) visits and unanticipated readmissions, associated cost, and predictors of healthcare resource utilization after liver transplantation (LT) patients who received LT between 2011 and 2014 were analyzed. A total of 430 LT recipients were enrolled and the 1 year all-cause mortality was 1.4%. ED visits occurred in 53% (229/430) and unanticipated readmissions occurred at least once in 58.6% (252/430) of the patients. Overall risk factors for ED visits after LT included emergency operation [OR 1.56 (95%CI 1.02–2.37), p = 0.038] and warm ischemic time of >15 minutes [OR 2.36 (95%CI 1.25–4.47), p = 0.015]. Risk factors for readmissions after LT included greater estimated blood loss during LT [OR 1.09 (95%CI 1.02–1.17), p = 0.012], warm ischemic time of >15 minutes [OR 1.98 (95%CI 1.04–3.78), p = 0.038], and hospital length of stay of >2 weeks.
Chemical & Nano-mechanical Study of Artificial Human Enamel Subsurface Lesions
Authors: Al-Obaidi R. , Salehi H. , Desoutter A. , Bonnet L. , Etienne P. , Terrer E. , Jacquot B. , Levallois B. , Tassery H. , Cuisinier F. J. G.
Published: February 2018

White lesions represent an early phase of caries formation. 20 human sound premolars were subjected to pH cycling procedure to induce subsurface lesions (SLs) in vitro. In addition, 2 teeth with naturally developed white spot lesions (WSLs) were used as references. All specimens characterized by confocal Raman microscopy being used for the first time in examining white & subsurface lesions and providing a high resolution chemical and morphological map based on phosphate peak intensity alterations at 960 cm−1. Nanoindentation technique was used to measure Hardness (H) and Young’s modulus (E) of enamel. Phosphate map of examined samples exhibited presence of intact surface layer (ISL) followed by severe depletion in (PO43−) peak in the area corresponding to the body of the lesion. In all examined groups, the mechanical properties of enamel were decreased in lesion area and found to be inversely related to penetration depth of indenter owing to enamel hierarchical structure. By combining the above two techniques, we linked mechanical properties of enamel to its chemical composition and ensured that the two methods are highly sensitive to detect small changes in enamel composition. Further work is required to bring these two excellent tools to clinical application to perceive carious lesions at an early stage of development.
Reflections on the CLIVAR Early Career Scientists Symposium 2016
Authors: Swart Neil C. , Busecke Julius , Langendijk Gaby , Reed Kevin A. , Kang Sarah M. , Behrens Erik , Frassoni Ariane , Baker Noel C. , Durgadoo Jonathan V. , Dike Victor N. , Nath Debashis
Published: February 2018

We present a summary report of the CLIVAR Early Career Scientists Symposium, a three-day event associated with the CLIVAR Open Science Conference held in Qingdao, China during September 2016. The Symposium aimed to capture the ideas of early career researchers on pressing science priorities, imminent challenges, and emerging opportunities to help guide the future evolution of CLIVAR. We identified the need for improving process-based understanding and predictability of regional climate variability and change, moving toward seamless predictions, and improving and expanding global observations. We emphasize the need for increasingly open science, including universal access to data, code, and publications as well as opportunities for international cooperation and exchange. As the next generation of climate scientists, we are dedicated to overcome the challenges outlined in this summary and are looking forward to advancing CLIVAR’s mission and activities.
The protective effect of polyunsaturated fatty acid intake during pregnancy against embryotoxicity of sodium valproate in mice
Authors: Li Kelei , Li Jiaomei , Gu Jiaojiao , Guo Xiaofei , Gao Tianlin , Li Duo
Published: February 2018

Polyunsaturated fatty acid intake during pregnancy protects against embryotoxicity of sodium valproate.
Cytidine-stabilized copper nanoclusters as a fluorescent probe for sensing of copper ions and hemin
Authors: Wang Yong , Chen Tianxia , Zhang Zhengtao , Ni Yongnian
Published: February 2018

A sensitive and selective fluorescence “turn on–off” strategy for simultaneous detection of Cu2+and hemin was proposed on the basis of the formation of fluorescent CuNCs and the inner filter effect of hemin on the fluorescence of the CuNCs.
High and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid-coated gold nanobipyramids for photothermal therapy
Authors: Zhao Shuang , Tian Ying , Liu Wenfei , Su Yunyan , Zhang Yunlei , Teng Zhaogang , Zhao Ying , Wang Shouju , Lu Guangming , Yu Zhenghong
Published: February 2018

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer. Hyaluronic acid (HA) could bind CD44 receptors, which are overexpressed on the surface of TNBC cells. Upon 808 nm laser irradiation, the GBPs@HA showed high therapeutic efficacy in vivo.
Synergetic effects of bimetals in modified beta zeolite for lactic acid synthesis from biomass-derived carbohydrates
Authors: Xia Meng , Dong Wenjie , Gu Minyan , Chang Cheng , Shen Zheng , Zhang Yalei
Published: February 2018

An experimental study was carried out to convert carbohydrates using bimetal modified beta zeolite to obtain a maximum yield of lactic acid.
DNA damage photo-induced by chloroharmine isomers: hydrolysisversusoxidation of nucleobases
Authors: Yañuk Juan G. , Denofrio M. Paula , Rasse-Suriani Federico A. O. , Villarruel Fernando D. , Fassetta Federico , García Einschlag Fernando S. , Erra-Balsells Rosa , Epe Bernd , Cabrerizo Franco M.
Published: February 2018

Photo-excited chloroharmines selectively induce different types of DNA damage, depending on the relative position of the chlorine atom in the β-carboline ring.
One-step pathway to selenoisobenzofuran-1(3H)-imine derivatives through highly selective selenocyclization of olefinic amides with benzeneselenyl chloride
Authors: Li Xiwang , He Pei , Zhou Hai-Bing , Dong Chune
Published: March 2018

A 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane catalyzed selenocyclization of olefinic amides to form various benzeneselenyl substituted isobenzofuran-1(3H)-imine derivatives was achieved under mild reaction conditions.
Facile synthesis of optically active helical poly(phenyl isocyanide) brushes on a silicon surface and their chiral resolution ability
Authors: Chu Ben-Fa , Chu Jia-Hong , Zhao Song-Qing , Liu Na , Wu Zong-Quan
Published: February 2018

Optically active helical poly(phenyl isocyanide) brushes grafted on a silicon surface were prepared and their chiral resolution ability was investigated.
Performance of a zeolite modified withN,N-dimethyl dehydroabietylamine oxide (DAAO) for adsorption of humic acid assessed in batch and fixed bed columns
Authors: Liu Shaogang , Zhang Wenzhen , Tan Xuecai , Zhao Fang , Huang Wanting , Du Hanchun , Goodman Bernard A. , Lei Fuhou , Diao Kaisheng
Published: February 2018

Factors that affect adsorption of a synthetic humic acid (HA) on a zeolite modified with the surfactantN,N-dimethyl dehydroabietylamine oxide (DAAO) (SMZ) were investigated in batch and fixed bed column experiments.
Tailored metastable Ce–Zr oxides with highly distorted lattice oxygen for accelerating redox cycles
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Yu Jiafeng , Zhang Jixin , Ge Qingjie , Xu Hengyong , Dallmann Felix , Dittmeyer Roland , Sun Jian
Published: February 2018

Oxygen release in redox cycles is enhanced due to the formation of disordered lattice oxygen in the quenching process.
Phosphatase of regenerating liver maintains cellular magnesium homeostasis
Authors: Yoshida Atsushi , Funato Yosuke , Miki Hiroaki
Published: February 2018

Phosphatase of regenerating liver (PRL) is highly expressed in malignant cancers and promotes cancer progression. Recent studies have suggested its functional relationship with Mg2+, but the importance and molecular details of this relationship remain unknown. Here, we report that PRL expression is regulated by Mg2+ and PRL protects cells from apoptosis under Mg2+-depleted conditions. When cultured cells were subjected to Mg2+ depletion, endogenous PRL protein levels increased significantly. siRNA-mediated knockdown of endogenous PRL did not significantly affect cell proliferation under normal culture conditions, but it increased cell death after Mg2+ depletion. Imaging analyses with a fluorescent probe for Mg2+ showed that PRL knockdown severely reduced intracellular Mg2+ levels, indicating a role for PRL in maintaining intracellular Mg2+. We also examined the mechanism of augmented expression of PRL proteins and found that PRL mRNA transcription was stimulated by Mg2+ depletion. A series of analyses revealed the activation and the crucial importance of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 in this process. Collectively, these results implicate PRL in maintaining cellular Mg2+ homeostasis.
Structure of the plant photosystem I
Authors: Caspy Ido , Nelson Nathan
Published: February 2018

Plant photosystem I (PSI) is one of the most intricate membrane complexes in nature. It comprises two complexes, a reaction center and light-harvesting complex (LHC), which together form the PSI–LHC supercomplex. The crystal structure of plant PSI was solved with two distinct crystal forms. The first, crystallized at pH 6.5, exhibited P21 symmetry; the second, crystallized at pH 8.5, exhibited P212121 symmetry. The surfaces involved in binding plastocyanin and ferredoxin are identical in both forms. The crystal structure at 2.6 Å resolution revealed 16 subunits, 45 transmembrane helices, and 232 prosthetic groups, including 143 chlorophyll a, 13 chlorophyll b, 27 β-carotene, 7 lutein, 2 xanthophyll, 1 zeaxanthin, 20 monogalactosyl diglyceride, 7 phosphatidyl diglyceride, 5 digalactosyl diglyceride, 2 calcium ions, 2 phylloquinone, and 3 iron sulfur clusters. The model reveals detailed interactions, providing mechanisms for excitation energy transfer and its modulation in one of nature's most efficient photochemical machine.