bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Socio-Environmental Vulnerability Mapping for Environmental and Flood Resilience Assessment: The Case of Ageing and Poverty in the City of Wrocław, Poland
Authors: Szewrański Szymon , Świąder Małgorzata , Kazak Jan K. , Tokarczyk-Dorociak Katarzyna , van Hoof Joost
Published: August 2018

The phenomena of urbanization and climate change interact with the growing number of older people living in cities. One of the effects of climate change is an increased riverine flooding hazard, and when floods occur this has a severe impact on human lives and comes with vast economic losses. Flood resilience management procedures should be supported by a combination of complex social and environmental vulnerability assessments. Therefore, new methodologies and tools should be developed for this purpose. One way to achieve such inclusive procedures is by incorporating a social vulnerability evaluation methodology for environmental and flood resilience assessment. These are illustrated for application in the Polish city of Wrocław. Socio-environmental vulnerability mapping, based on spatial analyses using the poverty risk index, data on the ageing population, as well as the distribution of the areas vulnerable to floods, was conducted with use of a location intelligence system combining Geographic Information System (GIS) and Business Intelligence (BI) tools. The new methodology allows for the identification of areas populated by social groups that are particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of flooding. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2018;14:592–597. © 2018 SETAC

Key Points

The socio-environmental vulnerability mapping (based on the calculation of the poverty risk index, distribution of the areas vulnerable to floods, and demographic pattern information) can be used within the framework of EA. Socio-environmental vulnerability mapping within an analytical work flow was carried out with the use of a location intelligence system combining Geographic Information System (GIS) and Business Intelligence (BI) software.
Advancing Alternatives Assessment for Safer Chemical Substitution: A Research and Practice Agenda
Authors: Tickner Joel , Jacobs Molly , Malloy Tim , Buck Topher , Stone Alex , Blake Ann , Edwards Sally
Published: August 2018

Alternatives assessment has emerged as a science policy field that supports the evaluation and adoption of safer chemistries in manufacturing processes and consumer products. The recent surge in the development and practice of alternatives assessment has revealed notable methodological challenges. Spurred by this need, we convened an informal community of practice comprising industry experts, academics, and scientists within government and nongovernmental organizations to prioritize a research and practice agenda for the next 5 years that, if implemented, would significantly advance the field of alternatives assessment. With input from over 40 experts, the agenda outlines specific needs to advance methods, tools, and guidance in 5 critical areas: hazard assessment, comparative exposure characterization, life cycle considerations, decision making, and professional practice. Fifteen research and practice needs were identified, ranging from relatively simple efforts to define a minimum hazard data set to the development of more complex performance and decision-analytic methods and data integration tools. Some research needs involve adapting existing approaches to the alternatives assessment context, while others will require the development of entirely new methods and tools. The proposed research and practice agenda is ambitious. Implementing it will require expanding the current network of researchers from academia, government, and industry, as well as increased funding for methodological, application, and evaluation research. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2018;00:000–000. © 2018 SETAC
Professional Development of Student Engineers Using Design Thinking
Authors: Hahn Heidi Ann , Meirose Lia C. , Turman Haley B. , Lawdensky Valerie J. , Mohr Hannah D. , Zimmerman Sandra J.
Published: August 2018

Future Female Leaders in Engineering (FFLIE) Program participants at Los Alamos National Laboratory were tasked to provide a design solution that would help the Bradbury Science Museum meet its educational outreach mission, using the principles and practices of Design Thinking (DT). The DT project aimed to improve the students’ skills in the areas of project planning, problem definition, qualitative data collection and organization, problem solving, and product life cycle planning to prepare them for leadership roles on future technical projects. The instructional content used in the program is summarized at the outset of each section of the paper. How the students implemented the phases of Design Thinking and the resulting products are also described, using excerpts from the final project report they prepared. Throughout the project, the design team learned how to effectively brainstorm, communicate with others, gather needed information through interviews, analyze the information, and work as a team to finalize ideas. Prototyping and testing showed that the design solution they proposed is feasible and should help students in the targeted grade levels develop an interest in science.
Application of the Model Based Systems Engineering Approach for Modern Warship Design
Authors: Manfredi Massimiliano , Tirone Lucio
Published: August 2018

Modern surface combatants (hereafter considered as “systems‐of‐interest”) must accomplish a wide variety of missions, ranging from merely military, patrolling and constabulary roles to civil defense ones: the operational scenarios are much more complex than just a few years ago, and require that the whole warship is defined through deep configuration analyses, capable of simulating the effective theatres and leading towards the definition of the best fit for purpose solutions.

This paper describes the Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) approach employed by Fincantieri for the definition and analysis of the whole warship level architecture, starting from mission analyses, and generating NATO Architecture Framework (NAF) based engineering views to describe the response provided by the system‐of‐interest, represented – in this specific case – by the new first line Anti‐Submarine Warfare (ASW) surface combat units for Royal Australian Navy's (RAN) SEA5000 program. Many benefits derive from the implementation of the MBSE/NAF approach (such as the continuous traceability among the different domains of the architecture, the optimization of communications between customer and supplier, and a solid support for the verification of the Whole Warship performance), as discussed in the following chapters, and summarized in the conclusions.

The system offered to RAN strictly derives from a consolidated system of success, which is currently employed by the Italian Navy (Marina Militare Italiana – MMI) in inter‐forces NATO missions: Fincantieri has in fact identified the Italian FREMM (European Multi‐Mission Frigate; Italian: FRegata Europea Multi‐Missione) ASW class frigate as the optimal reference ship, which can be suitably tuned to achieve the goals intended by the customer in the new operational environment.
SE Technical Leadership ‐ A Model Based Framework
Authors: Garcia Emmanuelle , Kafle Subash , Tirone Lucio , Sahoo Udit Kumar , Boichon Lilian
Published: August 2018

Systems engineering technical experience in conjunction with leadership skills have been considered as recipe for successful systems’ developments (Williams & Reyes, 2012). A technical leader shall be able to easily link up technical engineering professionals and management teams. Competencies such as strategic thinker, systems thinker, effective communicator, team members’ success enabler, project vision holder are necessary for someone to play a technical leader role. This paper attempts to introduce a model based systems engineering framework to define and articulate technical leader competencies. As a work product from the second cohort of the INCOSE Technical Leadership Institute (TLI), this paper leverages the technical leadership mind‐map developed by the first cohort of the TLI.
Discovering Career Patterns in Systems Engineering
Authors: Luna Sergio , Partacz Matthew , Hutchison Nicole
Published: August 2018

Systems Engineering is a discipline where multiple roads merge. Individuals from different backgrounds and career starting points become systems engineers either by education or practice, however, their paths cross when implementing similar practices which are those of Systems Engineering. The Helix project seeks to understand what makes systems engineers effective and why. In order to achieve this objective, the team reviewed information from 364 systems engineers, peers of systems engineers and their leaders and managers. The data consists of more than 6000 pages of interview transcripts, 270 hours of audio, systems engineers’ resumes and curricula vitae (CVs). With such extensive data available, the team relied on statistical analysis and text mining techniques to discover patterns related to the growth and development of systems engineers in their careers. This article presents preliminary findings on Systems Engineering career paths, primarily focusing on position and education.
Systems Engineering Quick Check
Authors: Schulze Sven‐Olaf , Steffen Daniel
Published: August 2018

It is not possible to make a clear statement whether the ongoing globalisation in the context of system development holds more opportunities or more risks for companies. However, it is undisputed in this context that the system development projects have become and will continue to gain immense complexity in the context of increasing economic interdependencies. Considering the possibilities of the Internet of Things with the multitude of networked, autonomous systems, it quickly becomes clear that the complexity of system development will take on even greater dimensions in the future. The companies have recognized that they can only rise to this challenge with Systems Engineering and that they only can survive on the market of “Systems‐of‐Systems” by applying interdisciplinary development methods. For this reason the “SE Quick Check” was developed, a pragmatic instrument with which product development in companies can be analysed and tailored in order to lay the foundation for the introduction or targeted optimization of individually coordinated Systems Engineering. As shown in a variety of applications in companies, the approach can be used to determine an SE maturity level and an individual SE target in the shortest possible time. Based on this, measures can be defined and implemented directly to achieve the SE target image.
Communicating Requirements – Effectively!
Authors: Wheatcraft Louis S. , Ryan Michael J.
Published: August 2018

Requirements are the language we use to communicate stakeholder needs for a system of interest to developers, designers, builders, coders, testers, and other stakeholders. Increasingly, there is debate about which means (form and media) of communications is best for communicating requirements and sets of requirements. As part of this debate, one means of communication (such as diagrams, use cases, or text‐based) is often advocated (with a lot of passion in many cases) over the other means of communication. Which side is taken in the debate depends on the specific idea or concept being communicated together with the domain, culture, people, and processes used within the specific organization. Consequently, there is no single “best” means of communication that applies to all the various types of requirements. Each means of communication has its strengths and weaknesses depending on which message is being communicated, who the sender is, who the receiver is, the needs of the receiver, and the filters used by both the sender to encode the message and the receiver who must decode the message. This paper goes back to the basics of communication theory to address this debate and concludes that, while each means of communication has value, no single means is sufficient to clearly, completely, and consistently communicate all of the various types and categories of requirements. Each of the means advocated represent a visualization (graphic or text) of the system from a perspective based on the intent of the message being communicated. With this viewpoint, rather than focusing on a single type of visualization, a set of visualizations is needed to effectively communicate requirements. This set of visualizations needs to be based on an underlying, integrated data and information model of the system of interest.
Setting Priorities: Demonstrating Stakeholder Value Networks in SysML
Authors: Sease Matthew , Smith Brian , Selva Daniel , Hummell James
Published: August 2018

Graph theory is used across systems science and engineering to obtain insights about the structure of complex systems. For example, in Stakeholder Value Networks (SVN), graphs are used to model stakeholders and their value exchanges. Centrality measures can thus be used to help the systems engineer prioritize among stakeholder needs. SVN have documented utility across multiple applications. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate a relatively simple technique to codify an SVN within a Systems Modeling Language (SysML) based tool. Such a technique enables the prioritization of stakeholders to permeate the entire system model.

The authors constructed a SysML model of a fictitious enterprise to demonstrate the SVN method. Stereotypes and tag values were used to visualize the data created during the SVN analysis. The output of the SVN was propagated to additional system elements such as Stakeholder Needs, System Goals and System Functions. These were created by stereotyping standard SysML elements. In addition to integrating SVN with SysML, the authors show how the SVN can provide input for a trade‐off analysis.
The Fundamental Nature of Resilience of Engineered Systems
Authors: Ferris Timothy L.J. , Specking Eric , Jackson Scott , Parnell Gregory , Pohl Edward
Published: August 2018

We take the position that an engineered system is a means to enable user capability that provides value to stakeholders and address the question of the fundamental nature of resilience of engineered systems. Therefore, resilience is concerned with the behavior of the system in the face of a disruption, in particular emphasizing the management, through system design of the system behavior and operational capability under disruptive conditions, which include adverse events outside the operational envelope of the system and conditions in which parts of the system have been damaged. We provide a definition of engineered resilience and show an approach to measure engineered resilience. By taking a philosophical approach to the understanding of resilience, we are able to show where resilience fits in the overall task of engineering systems and how this view provides coherence across the various aspects of resilience which is not otherwise provided.
Systemic Intervention for Complex System Governance
Authors: Keating Charles B. , Katina Polinpapilinho F. , Bradley Joseph M. , Jaradat Ra'ed , Hodge Richard
Published: August 2018

Complex System Governance (CSG) is an emerging field with potential to enhance capabilities for design, execution, and evolution of complex systems. CSG offers a theoretically grounded, model informed, and methodologically driven approach to more effectively deal with complex systems and their problems. However, initial CSG applications have identified multiple impediments to systemic intervention to deploy this new and novel field. In this paper we examine the nature, implications, and response strategies to more effectively deploy systemic intervention in support of CSG. Following a brief introduction to CSG, four primary objectives are pursued, including: (1) identification of major forms of systemic intervention for complex systems in general and a corresponding classification schema, (2) presentation of a dynamic and tailored approach (CSG‐Entry) to improve prospects for introductory systemic intervention for CSG, (3) results from an initial application of CSG‐Entry in a field setting, and (4) suggestion of lessons learned from initial applications of CSG‐Entry in relationship to systemic intervention. The paper concludes with examination of future development directions for systemic intervention to advance CSG performance.
Difficulty scoring system in laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy
Authors: Ohtsuka Takao , Ban Daisuke , Nakamura Yoshiharu , Nagakawa Yuichi , Tanabe Minoru , Gotoh Yoshitaka , Velasquez Vittoria Vanessa D. M. , Nakata Kohei , Sahara Yatsuka , Takaori Kyoichi , Honda Goro , Misawa Takeyuki , Kawai Manabu , Yamaue Hiroki , Morikawa Takanori , Kuroki Tamotsu , Mou Yiping , Lee Woo‐Jung , Shrikhande Shailesh V. , Tang Chung Ngai , Conrad Claudius , Han Ho‐Seong , Palanivelu Chinnusamy , Asbun Horacio J. , Kooby David A. , Wakabayashi Go , Takada Tadahiro , Yamamoto Masakazu , Nakamura Masafumi
Published: August 2018

Background

Several factors affect the level of difficulty of laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP). The purpose of this study was to develop a difficulty scoring (DS) system to quantify the degree of difficulty in LDP.

Methods

We collected clinical data for 80 patients who underwent LDP. A 10‐level difficulty index was developed and subcategorized into a three‐level difficulty index; 1–3 as low, 4–6 as intermediate, and 7–10 as high index. The automatic linear modeling (LINEAR) statistical tool was used to identify factors that significantly increase level of difficulty in LDP.

Results

The operator's 10‐level DS concordance between the 10‐level DS by the reviewers, LINEAR index DS, and clinical index DS systems were analyzed, and the weighted Cohen's kappa statistic were at 0.869, 0.729, and 0.648, respectively, showing good to excellent inter‐rater agreement. We identified five factors significantly affecting level of difficulty in LDP; type of operation, resection line, proximity of tumor to major vessel, tumor extension to peripancreatic tissue, and left‐sided portal hypertension/splenomegaly.

Conclusions

This novel DS for LDP adequately quantified the degree of difficulty, and can be useful for selecting patients for LDP, in conjunction with fitness for surgery and prognosis.
NCOR1—a new player on the field of T cell development
Authors: Müller Lena , Hainberger Daniela , Stolz Valentina , Ellmeier Wilfried
Published: August 2018

Nuclear receptor corepressor 1 (NCOR1) is a transcriptional corepressor that links chromatin-modifying enzymes with gene-specific transcription factors. Although identified more than 20 years ago as a corepressor of nuclear receptors, the role of NCOR1 in T cells remained only poorly understood. However, recent studies indicate that the survival of developing thymocytes is regulated by NCOR1, revealing an essential role for NCOR1 in the T cell lineage. In this review, we will briefly summarize basic facts about NCOR1 structure and functions. We will further summarize studies demonstrating an essential role for NCOR1 in controlling positive and negative selection of thymocytes during T cell development. Finally, we will discuss similarities and differences between the phenotypes of mice with a T cell-specific deletion of NCOR1 or histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3), because HDAC3 is the predominant member of the HDAC family that interacts with NCOR1 corepressor complexes. With this review we aim to introduce NCOR1 as a new player in the team of transcriptional coregulators that control T cell development and thus the generation of the peripheral T cell pool.

Review on the role of the transcriptional corepressor NCOR1 during T cell development.
Impacts of climate change on agrometeorological indices at winter wheat overwintering stage in northern China during 2021–2050
Authors: Hao Zhixin , Geng Xiu , Wang Fang , Zheng Jingyun
Published: August 2018

Climate change has a significant impact on agrometeorological conditions. We analysed the winter wheat overwintering indices for the northern winter wheat production areas of China (NWPA), which include the percentage of extreme low‐temperature (daily minimum temperature ≤−22 °C) years, the first day of the overwintering period (FDO), sowing date (SD) and precipitation before winter (PBW). Then, we compared the differences of the four indices between the forecast period 2021–2050 and the baseline period 1961–1990 under the RCP4.5 scenario, which were based on the 0.5° × 0.5° grid daily meteorological data output provided by the Inter‐Sectoral Impact Model Intercomparison Project. The results showed that the occurrence of extreme cold winters decreases the NWPA, which will result in the northern boundary of winter wheat moving north by 1–2 latitudes and in an increase in the potentially safe overwintering areas by 8.5%. The FDO will be delayed in 2021–2050 by an average of 7.7 days. Climate warming will change the meteorological conditions for winter wheat overwintering in the Huang‐Huai winter wheat area, especially near the southern boundary of the winter wheat planting area, and the areas and years with no obvious overwintering periods will experience an increase by 50% and 56%, respectively. The SD will be postponed by 8.6–9.0 days. The PBW will decrease as the accumulated temperature increases, especially in the Huang‐Huai winter wheat area. In the future, the possible northern boundary for winter wheat planting may move northward, and the northernmost tip may reach 46°N. South of the Huang‐Huai region, winter wheat planting may change from a semi‐winter to a spring variety. These findings will provide a reference for generating wheat planting and management strategies in China.
Quantifying the economic impact of soil constraints on Australian agriculture: A case‐study of wheat
Authors: Orton Thomas G. , Mallawaarachchi Thilak , Pringle Matthew J. , Menzies Neal W. , Dalal Ram C. , Kopittke Peter M. , Searle Ross , Hochman Zvi , Dang Yash P.
Published: August 2018

Soil sodicity, acidity, and salinity are important soil constraints to wheat production in many cropping regions across Australia, and the Australian agricultural industry needs accurate information on their economic impacts to guide investment decisions on remediation and minimize productivity losses. We present a modelling framework that maps the effects of soil constraints on wheat yield, quantifying forfeited wheat yields due to specific soil constraints at a broad spatial scale and assessing the economic benefit of managing these constraints. Of the three soil constraints considered (sodicity, acidity, and salinity), sodicity caused the largest magnitude of yield gaps across most of the wheat‐cropping areas of Australia, with an average yield gap of 0.13 t ha−1yr−1. Yield gaps due to acidity were more concentrated spatially in the high‐rainfall regions of Western Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales, and averaged 0.04 t ha−1yr−1 across the wheat‐cropping areas of Australia, whereas the yield gap due to salinity was estimated to be 0.02 t ha−1yr−1. The lost opportunity associated with soil sodicity for wheat production was estimated to be worth A$1,300 million per annum, for soil acidity, A$400 million per annum, and for salinity, A$200 million per annum. The results of this work should prove useful to guide national investment decisions on the allocation of resources and to target areas where more detailed information would be required in order to reduce the yield gap associated with soil constraints on wheat yields in Australia.
The Effect of Salinity on the Survival and Growth of Anderson's Salamander Ambystoma andersoni Larvae
Authors: Ahumada-García Alejandra , Martínez-Palacios Carlos A , Martínez-Chávez C Cristian , Ríos-Durán M Gisela , Navarrete-Ramírez Pamela , Ross Lindsay G
Published: August 2018

Eggs and larvae of axolotls are susceptible to fungal infections in culture, producing high mortalities that could be prevented by the use of saline media. Newly hatched larvae of Anderson's salamander Ambystoma andersoni were exposed to seven salinities (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30‰) to observe the effect on survival. Newly hatched larvae did not tolerate more than 10‰ salinity during short-term exposure. Survival and growth of newly hatched larvae were then assessed at 0, 5, and 10‰ over a 6-week period. Larval survival and growth were greater at 5‰ than in the 0‰ control. Survival, growth, and proximate composition of 60-d-old juveniles were compared between 0‰ and 5‰. The 60-d-old juveniles performed better in 0‰, and there was no significant difference in proximate analysis between treatments. This work shows that salinity can be used to improve survival and growth in Anderson's salamander larvae, as they can tolerate up to 10‰ immediately after hatching, and 2-month-old larvae survive and grow well in salinities of up to 5‰.
tert‐Butyl Hydroperoxide Promoted Pd‐catalyzed Homocoupling of Arylboronic Acids
Authors: Xu Xing , Gao Shanshan , Chen Weidong , Gao Zhanghua , Luo Junfei
Published: August 2018

tert‐Butyl hydroperoxide was found to be an efficient oxidant for the Pd‐catalyzed homo‐coupling of arylboronic acids. The reaction conditions are extremely green and mild: very low catalyst loading, in air, in water, at room temperature, short reaction time and without any additive such as base or ligand. The method is highly functional group tolerant, allowing a variety of arylboronic acids to transform into the corresponding biaryls in good to excellent yields.
A second look at string-inspired models for proton-proton scattering via Pomeron exchange
Authors: Hu Ziyi , Maddock Brian , Mann Nelia
Published: August 2018

Abstract

We re-examine a string dual model for elastic proton-proton scattering via Pomeron exchange. We argue that the method of “Reggeizing” a propagator to take into account an entire trajectory of exchanged particles can be generalized, in particular by modifying the value of a mass-shell parameter in the model. We then fit the generalized model to scattering data at largesand smallt. The fitting results are inconclusive, but suggest that a better fit might be obtained by allowing the mass-shell parameter to vary. The model fits the data equally well (roughly) for a wide range of values of the mass-shell parameter, but the other fitting parameters (the slope and intercept of the Regge trajectory, and the coupling constant and dipole mass from the proton-proton-glueball coupling) are then inconsistent with what we expect. On the other hand, using the traditional method of Reggeization generates a weaker fit, but the other parameters obtain more physically reasonable values. In analyzing the fitting results, we also found that our model is more consistent with the$$ \sqrt{s}=1800 $$s=1800GeV data coming from the E710 experiment than that coming from the CDF experiment, and that our model has the greatest discrepancy with the data in the range 0.5 GeV2<|t|<0.6 GeV2, suggesting that the transition from soft Pomeron to hard Pomeron may occur closer tot= −0.5 GeV2rather thant= −0.6 GeV2as previously thought.
Soft charges and electric-magnetic duality
Authors: Hosseinzadeh V. , Seraj A. , Sheikh-Jabbari M. M.
Published: August 2018

Abstract

The main focus of this work is to study magnetic soft charges of the four dimensional Maxwell theory. Imposing appropriate asymptotic falloff conditions, we compute the electric and magnetic soft charges and their algebra both at spatial and at null infinity. While the commutator of two electric or two magnetic soft charges vanish, the electric and magnetic soft charges satisfy a complex U(1) current algebra. This current algebra through Sugawara construction yields two U(1) Kac-Moody algebras. We repeat the charge analysis in the electric-magnetic duality-symmetric Maxwell theory and construct the duality-symmetric phase space where the electric and magnetic soft charges generate the respective boundary gauge transformations. We show that the generator of the electric-magnetic duality and the electric and magnetic soft charges form infinite copies of iso(2) algebra. Moreover, we study the algebra of charges associated with the global Poincaré symmetry of the background Minkowski spacetime and the soft charges. We discuss physical meaning and implication of our charges and their algebra.
Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies‐associated glomerulonephritis: From bench to bedside
Authors: Chen Yong‐Xi , Chen Xiao‐Nong
Published: August 2018

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA)‐associated vasculitis (AAV) is a group of autoimmune disorders that predominantly affects small vessels. The onset of the disease is closely associated with ANCA. Renal involvement, also known as ANCA‐associated glomerulonephritis (AGN), is one of the most common manifestations of AAV. In this mini‐review, we described the clinical and pathological features of AGN. We then focused on recent studies on the mechanism of acute kidney lesions, including fibrinoid necrosis and crescent formation. Following the basic aspects of kidney injury in AGN, we demonstrated the clinical importance of kidney injury in determining the outcome of patients with AGN. The prognostic value of the 2010 Histopathological Classification of AGN and validating studies were summarized. Finally, treatment and novel therapeutic strategies were introduced addressing the importance of optimizing management of this patient population.
The Mopra Southern Galactic Plane CO Survey—Data Release 3
Authors: Braiding Catherine , Wong G. F. , Maxted N. I. , Romano D. , Burton M. G. , Blackwell R. , Filipović M. D. , Freeman M. S. R. , Indermuehle B. , Lau J. , Rebolledo D. , Rowell G. , Snoswell C. , Tothill N. F. H. , Voisin F. , de Wilt P.
Published: August 2018

We present observations of 50 deg2of the Mopra carbon monoxide (CO) survey of the Southern Galactic Plane, covering Galactic longitudesl= 300–350° and latitudes |b| ⩽ 0.5°. These data have been taken at 0.6 arcmin spatial resolution and 0.1 km s−1spectral resolution, providing an unprecedented view of the molecular clouds and gas of the Southern Galactic Plane in the 109–115 GHzJ= 1–0 transitions of12CO,13CO, C18O, and C17O.

We present a series of velocity-integrated maps, spectra, and position-velocity plots that illustrate Galactic arm structures and trace masses on the order of ~106M⊙deg−2, and include a preliminary catalogue of C18O clumps located betweenl= 330–340°. Together with the information about the noise statistics of the survey, these data can be retrieved from the Mopra CO website and the PASA data store.
DETERMINING CROSSING NUMBERS OF GRAPHS OF ORDER SIX USING CYCLIC PERMUTATIONS
Authors: STAŠ MICHAL
Published: August 2018

We extend known results concerning crossing numbers by giving the crossing number of the join product$G+D_{n}$, where the connected graph$G$consists of one$4$-cycle and of two leaves incident with the same vertex of the$4$-cycle, and$D_{n}$consists of$n$isolated vertices. The proofs are done with the help of software that generates all cyclic permutations for a given number$k$and creates a graph for calculating the distances between all$(k-1)!$vertices of the graph.
Day centres for older people: a systematically conducted scoping review of literature about their benefits, purposes and how they are perceived
Authors: Orellana Katharine , Manthorpe Jill , Tinker Anthea
Published: August 2018

With a policy shift towards personalisation of adult social care in England, much attention has focused on individualised support for older people with care needs. This article reports the findings of a scoping review of United Kingdom (UK) and non-UK literature, published in English from 2005 to 2017, about day centres for older people without dementia and highlights the gaps in evidence. This review, undertaken to inform new empirical research, covered the perceptions, benefits and purposes of day centres. Searches, undertaken in October/November 2014 and updated in August 2017, of electronic databases, libraries, websites, research repositories and journals, identified 77 relevant papers, mostly non-UK. Day centres were found to play a variety of roles for individuals and in care systems. The largest body of evidence concerned social and preventive outcomes. Centre attendance and participation in interventions within them impacted positively on older people's mental health, social contacts, physical function and quality of life. Evidence about outcomes is mainly non-UK. Day centres for older people without dementia are under-researched generally, particularly in the UK. In addition to not being studied as whole services, there are considerable evidence gaps about how day centres are perceived, their outcomes, what they offer, to whom and their wider stakeholders, including family carers, volunteers, staff and professionals who are funding, recommending or referring older people to them.
Factor H binding proteins protect division septa on encapsulated Streptococcus pneumoniae against complement C3b deposition and amplification
Authors: Pathak Anuj , Bergstrand Jan , Sender Vicky , Spelmink Laura , Aschtgen Marie-Stephanie , Muschiol Sandra , Widengren Jerker , Henriques-Normark Birgitta
Published: August 2018

Streptococcus pneumoniae evades C3-mediated opsonization and effector functions by expressing an immuno-protective polysaccharide capsule and Factor H (FH)-binding proteins. Here we use super-resolution microscopy, mutants and functional analysis to show how these two defense mechanisms are functionally and spatially coordinated on the bacterial cell surface. We show that the pneumococcal capsule is less abundant at the cell wall septum, providing C3/C3b entry to underlying nucleophilic targets. Evasion of C3b deposition at division septa and lateral amplification underneath the capsule requires localization of the FH-binding protein PspC at division sites. Most pneumococcal strains have one PspC protein, but successful lineages in colonization and disease may have two, PspC1 and PspC2, that we show affect virulence differently. We find that spatial localization of these FH-recruiting proteins relative to division septa and capsular layer is instrumental for pneumococci to resist complement-mediated opsonophagocytosis, formation of membrane-attack complexes, and for the function as adhesins.
Comparison of atomic scale dynamics for the middle and late transition metal nanocatalysts
Authors: Cao Kecheng , Zoberbier Thilo , Biskupek Johannes , Botos Akos , McSweeney Robert L. , Kurtoglu Abdullah , Stoppiello Craig T. , Markevich Alexander V. , Besley Elena , Chamberlain Thomas W. , Kaiser Ute , Khlobystov Andrei N.
Published: August 2018

Catalysis of chemical reactions by nanosized clusters of transition metals holds the key to the provision of sustainable energy and materials. However, the atomistic behaviour of nanocatalysts still remains largely unknown due to uncertainties associated with the highly labile metal nanoclusters changing their structure during the reaction. In this study, we reveal and explore reactions of nm-sized clusters of 14 technologically important metals in carbon nano test tubes using time-series imaging by atomically-resolved transmission electron microscopy (TEM), employing the electron beam simultaneously as an imaging tool and stimulus of the reactions. Defect formation in nanotubes and growth of new structures promoted by metal nanoclusters enable the ranking of the different metals both in order of their bonding with carbon and their catalytic activity, showing significant variation across the Periodic Table of Elements. Metal nanoclusters exhibit complex dynamics shedding light on atomistic workings of nanocatalysts, with key features mirroring heterogeneous catalysis.
Causal decomposition in the mutual causation system
Authors: Yang Albert C. , Peng Chung-Kang , Huang Norden E.
Published: August 2018

Inference of causality in time series has been principally based on the prediction paradigm. Nonetheless, the predictive causality approach may underestimate the simultaneous and reciprocal nature of causal interactions observed in real-world phenomena. Here, we present a causal-decomposition approach that is not based on prediction, but based on the covariation of cause and effect: cause is that which put, the effect follows; and removed, the effect is removed. Using empirical mode decomposition, we show that causal interaction is encoded in instantaneous phase dependency at a specific time scale, and this phase dependency is diminished when the causal-related intrinsic component is removed from the effect. Furthermore, we demonstrate the generic applicability of our method to both stochastic and deterministic systems, and show the consistency of causal-decomposition method compared to existing methods, and finally uncover the key mode of causal interactions in both modelled and actual predator–prey systems.
Measurement of complex optical susceptibility for individual carbon nanotubes by elliptically polarized light excitation
Authors: Yao Fengrui , Liu Can , Chen Cheng , Zhang Shuchen , Zhao Qiuchen , Xiao Fajun , Wu Muhong , Li Jiaming , Gao Peng , Zhao Jianlin , Bai Xuedong , Maruyama Shigeo , Yu Dapeng , Wang Enge , Sun Zhipei , Zhang Jin , Wang Feng , Liu Kaihui
Published: August 2018

The complex optical susceptibility is the most fundamental parameter characterizing light-matter interactions and determining optical applications in any material. In one-dimensional (1D) materials, all conventional techniques to measure the complex susceptibility become invalid. Here we report a methodology to measure the complex optical susceptibility of individual 1D materials by an elliptical-polarization-based optical homodyne detection. This method is based on the accurate manipulation of interference between incident left- (right-) handed elliptically polarized light and the scattering light, which results in the opposite (same) contribution of the real and imaginary susceptibility in two sets of spectra. We successfully demonstrate its application in determining complex susceptibility of individual chirality-defined carbon nanotubes in a broad optical spectral range (1.6–2.7 eV) and under different environments (suspended and in device). This full characterization of the complex optical responses should accelerate applications of various 1D nanomaterials in future photonic, optoelectronic, photovoltaic, and bio-imaging devices.
Temporal and spatial order of photoreceptor and glia projections into optic lobe in Drosophila
Authors: Chang Yen-Ching , Tsao Chia-Kang , Sun Y. Henry
Published: August 2018

Photoreceptor (PR) axons project from the retina to the optic lobe in brain and form a precise retinotopic map in the Drosophila visual system. Yet the role of retinal basal glia in the retinotopic map formation is not previously known. We examined the formation of the retinotopic map by marking single PR pairs and following their axonal projections. In addition to confirming previous studies that the spatial information is preserved from the retina to the optic stalk and then to the optic lamina, we found that the young PR R3/4 axons transiently overshoot and then retract to their final destination, the lamina plexus. We then examined the process of wrapping glia (WG) membrane extension in the eye disc and showed that the WG membrane extensions also follow the retinotopic map. We show that the WG is important for the proper spatial distribution of PR axons in the optic stalk and lamina, suggesting an active role of wrapping glia in the retinotopic map formation.
Expression profiling of peripheral blood miRNA using RNAseq technology in dairy cows with Escherichia coli-induced mastitis
Authors: Luoreng Zhuo-Ma , Wang Xing-Ping , Mei Chu-Gang , Zan Lin-Sen
Published: August 2018

E. coli is the main causative agent of mastitis in dairy cows, but the mechanism of molecular regulation underlying the occurrence and development of mastitis has not yet been fully elucidated. In this study, an E. coli-induced mastitis model was created and RNASeq technology was used to measure the miRNA expression profiles at different times post-infection (0, 1, 3, 5, 7 dpi), as well as to screen for differentially expressed miRNA. The results show detection of 2416 miRNAs, including 628 known miRNAs and 1788 newly discovered miRNAs. A total of 200 differentially expressed miRNAs were found at different time points. Bioinformatics analysis showed that these differentially expressed miRNAs may regulate the occurrence and development of mastitis in dairy cows through seven signal transduction pathways, namely cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, MAPK signaling pathway, chemokine signaling pathway, leukocyte transendothelial migration, T cell receptor signaling pathway, Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, and cell adhesion molecules. In addition, bta-miR-200a, bta-miR-205, bta-miR-122, bta-miR-182 and the newly discovered conservative_15_7229 might be involved in immune process in late stage of E. coli-induced mastitis. The results of this study lay the foundation for molecular network analysis of mastitis and molecular breeding of dairy cows.
Transcriptomic Analysis of Aedes aegypti in Response to Mosquitocidal Bacillus thuringiensis LLP29 Toxin
Authors: Batool Khadija , Alam Intikhab , Wu Songqing , Liu Wencheng , Zhao Guohui , Chen Mingfeng , Wang Junxiang , Xu Jin , Huang Tianpei , Pan Xiaohong , Yu Xiaoqiang , Guan Xiong , Xu Lei , Zhang Lingling
Published: August 2018

Globally, Aedes aegypti is one of the most dangerous mosquitoes that plays a crucial role as a vector for human diseases, such as yellow fever, dengue, and chikungunya. To identify (1) transcriptomic basis of midgut (2) key genes that are involved in the toxicity process by a comparative transcriptomic analysis between the control and Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxin (LLP29 proteins)-treated groups. Next-generation sequencing technology was used to sequence the midgut transcriptome of A. aegypti. A total of 17130 unigenes, including 574 new unigenes, were identified containing 16358 (95.49%) unigenes that were functionally annotated. According to differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis, 557 DEGs were annotated, including 226 upregulated and 231 downregulated unigenes in the Bt toxin-treated group. A total of 442 DEGs were functionally annotated; among these, 33 were specific to multidrug resistance, 6 were immune-system-related (Lectin, Defensin, Lysozyme), 28 were related to putative proteases, 7 were lipase-related, 8 were related to phosphatases, and 30 were related to other transporters. In addition, the relative expression of 28 DEGs was further confirmed through quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction. The results provide a transcriptomic basis for the identification and functional authentication of DEGs in A. aegypti.
Multilayer Optimization for the Quantum Internet
Authors: Gyongyosi Laszlo , Imre Sandor
Published: August 2018

We define a multilayer optimization method for the quantum Internet. Multilayer optimization integrates separate procedures for the optimization of the quantum layer and the classical layer of the quantum Internet. The multilayer optimization procedure defines advanced techniques for the optimization of the layers. The optimization of the quantum layer covers the minimization of total usage time of quantum memories in the quantum nodes, the maximization of the entanglement throughput over the entangled links, and the reduction of the number of entangled links between the arbitrary source and target quantum nodes. The objective of the optimization of the classical layer is the cost minimization of any auxiliary classical communications. The multilayer optimization framework provides a practically implementable tool for quantum network communications, or long-distance quantum communications.
Functional improvement in chronic human spinal cord injury: Four years after acidic fibroblast growth factor
Authors: Ko Chin-Chu , Tu Tsung-Hsi , Wu Jau-Ching , Huang Wen-Cheng , Tsai Yun-An , Huang Shih-Fong , Huang Hsueh-Chen , Cheng Henrich
Published: August 2018

Few treatments have proven effective for patients with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF) in human SCI. This was an open-label prospective clinical trial of aFGF with an extended follow-up to 48 months. All patients were treated with aFGF 3 times, including once directly applied to the injured spinal cord during neurolysis surgery, and twice via lumbar punctures at 3- and 6-months post-operation. Every patient was evaluated with standardized measurements of neurological functions. The trial initially enrolled 60 patients (30 cervical and 30 thoracolumbar SCI), but only 46 (21 cervical- and 25 thoracolumbar-SCI) completed the follow-up. The ASIA impairment scales, motor, pin prick, light touch, and FIM motor subtotal scores were all improved in both groups, except that the ASIA scores of light touch only demonstrated tendency of increase in the cervical-SCI group. All patients had a decrease in dependence, and there were no major adverse events or other oncological problems throughout the follow-up. At 48 months, the study demonstrated that aFGF was safe, feasible, and could yield modest functional improvement in chronic SCI patients. Further randomized control investigations are warranted for validation of its optimal dosage.
Perception of an ambiguous figure is affected by own-age social biases
Authors: Nicholls Michael E. R. , Churches Owen , Loetscher Tobias
Published: August 2018

Although the perception of faces depends on low-level neuronal processes, it is also affected by high-level social processes. Faces from a social in-group, such as people of a similar age, receive more in-depth processing and are processed holistically. To explore whether own-age biases affect subconscious face perception, we presented participants with the young/old lady ambiguous figure. Mechanical Turk was used to sample participants of varying ages from the USA. Results demonstrated that younger and older participants estimated the age of the image as younger and older, respectively. This own-age effect ties in with socio-cultural practices, which are less inclusive towards the elderly. Participants were not aware the study was related to ageing and the stimulus was shown briefly. The results therefore demonstrate that high-level social group processes have a subconscious effect on the early stages of face processing. A neural feedback model is used to explain this interaction.
Deciphering local complex order by HAADF in a disordered mixed polyanion iron oxide: Sr4Fe2[Fe0.5(SO4)0.25(CO3)0.25]O7.25
Authors: Gonano Bruno , Bréard Yohann , Pelloquin Denis , Caignaert Vincent , Pérez Olivier , Pautrat Alain , Bazin Philippe , Suard Emmanuelle , Boullay Philippe
Published: August 2018

Compound Sr4Fe2.5O7.25(SO4)0.25(CO3)0.25 shows a complex local order between polyanions which has been highlighted by means of neutron diffraction and HAADF.
Lanthanide(iii) complexes of monophosphinate/monophosphonate DOTA-analogues: effects of the substituents on the formation rate and radiolabelling yield
Authors: Procházková Soňa , Kubíček Vojtěch , Kotek Jan , Vágner Adrienn , Notni Johannes , Hermann Petr
Published: August 2018

Highly acidic additional coordinating groups in the pendant arms increase the radiolabelling yield of DOTA-like complexes.
Giant magnetic anisotropy of a two-dimensional metal–dicyanoanthracene framework
Authors: Zhang Yun , Wei Zhao , Zhang Meiguang , Gu Xiao , Huang Li
Published: August 2018

A huge MAE up to 180 meV is found in a 2D Ir–DCA framework with the easy axis perpendicular to the sheet.
Constant-rate dissolution of InAs nanowires in radiolytic water observed by in situ liquid cell TEM
Authors: Sun Mei , Li Xing , Tang Zhiqiang , Wei Xianlong , Chen Qing
Published: August 2018

A constant dissolution rate of 1D nanowires is first observed by in situ liquid cell TEM.
Pseudocapacitive behavior of the Fe2O3 anode and its contribution to high reversible capacity in lithium ion batteries
Authors: Xiang Yimo , Yang Zhigao , Wang Shengping , Hossain Md. Shahriar A. , Yu Jingxian , Kumar Nanjundan Ashok , Yamauchi Yusuke
Published: August 2018

Pseudocapacitance, which is the storage of charge based on continuous and fast reversible redox reactions at the surface of the electrodes, is commonly observed in transition metal oxide based LIB anodes.