bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robust nonadiabatic T2 preparation using universal parallel‐transmit kT‐point pulses for 3D FLAIR imaging at 7 T
Authors: Gras Vincent , Pracht Eberhard D. , Mauconduit Franck , Le Bihan Denis , Stöcker Tony , Boulant Nicolas
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The fluid attenuated inversion recovery sequence is a pillar technique to detect brain lesions in MRI. At ultrahigh field, the lengthening of T1 often advocates a T2‐weighting preparation module to regain signal and contrast between tissues, which can be affected by transmit RF field inhomogeneity. In this note, we report an extension of a previous fluid attenuated inversion recovery study that now incorporates the T2 preparation with parallel transmission calibration‐free universal pulses to mitigate the problem.

Methods

The preparation consisted of a 90°‐τ‐180°‐τ‐90° module to implement an effective inversion in the CSF and a saturation in the brain tissues. Care was taken for the pulses to have the desired phase relationship in every voxel by appropriate pulse design. The RF pulse design made use of the kT‐point parametrization and was based on a database of 20 B1+ and ΔB0 maps previously acquired on different subjects at 7 T. Simulations and experiments on 5 volunteers, not contained in the database, were performed for validation.

Results

Simulations reported very good inversion efficiency for the preparation module with 8% variation, with respectively 4 and 6 times less power and specific absorption rate than for the adiabatic version. Experiments revealed fluid attenuated inversion recovery images free of B1+ artifacts.

Conclusion

This work contributes further to the panel of 3D sequences validated and now available with universal pulses at 7 T. The drop in power and specific absorption rate demand compared with adiabatic pulses in the T2 preparation leads to more freedom for the design of the readout train.
Toward direct MRI of neuro‐electro‐magnetic oscillations in the human brain
Authors: Truong Trong‐Kha , Roberts Kenneth C. , Woldorff Marty G. , Song Allen W.
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Neuroimaging techniques are widely used to investigate the function of the human brain, but none are currently able to accurately localize neuronal activity with both high spatial and temporal specificity. Here, a new in vivo MRI acquisition and analysis technique based on the spin‐lock mechanism is developed to noninvasively image local magnetic field oscillations resulting from neuroelectric activity in specifiable frequency bands.

Methods

Simulations, phantom experiments, and in vivo experiments using an eyes‐open/eyes‐closed task in 8 healthy volunteers were performed to demonstrate its sensitivity and specificity for detecting oscillatory neuroelectric activity in the alpha‐band (8‐12 Hz). A comprehensive postprocessing procedure was designed to enhance the neuroelectric signal, while minimizing any residual hemodynamic and physiological confounds.

Results

The phantom results show that this technique can detect 0.06‐nT magnetic field oscillations, while the in vivo results demonstrate that it can image task‐based modulations of neuroelectric oscillatory activity in the alpha‐band. Multiple control experiments and a comparison with conventional BOLD functional MRI suggest that the activation was likely not due to any residual hemodynamic or physiological confounds.

Conclusion

These initial results provide evidence suggesting that this new technique has the potential to noninvasively and directly image neuroelectric activity in the human brain in vivo. With further development, this approach offers the promise of being able to do so with a combination of spatial and temporal specificity that is beyond what can be achieved with existing neuroimaging methods, which can advance our ability to study the functions and dysfunctions of the human brain.
Differential age‐, gender‐, and side‐dependency of vagus, spinal accessory, and phrenic nerve calibers detected with precise ultrasonography measures
Authors: Walter Uwe , Tsiberidou Panagiota
Published: January 2019

Introduction: The standard ultrasonographic measurement tools (trace, ellipse) of cross‐sectional areas (CSAs) of very small nerves typically yield rough measures in full square millimeters. Methods: In 70 volunteers, the elliptically shaped CSAs of mid‐cervical vagus, accessory, and phrenic nerves were estimated with three methods: 2 on‐board tools (area tracing, ellipse fitting) and an off‐line calculation of the CSA after on‐board measuring of its long‐axis and short‐axis diameters both displayed with 1‐2 digits following the decimal point. Results: CSA measures of all mid‐cervical nerves obtained with the precise approach were smaller than the two standard measures (each P < 0.001). Larger CSA of right compared to left vagus nerve was detected with all methods. However, decrease of accessory and phrenic nerve CSAs with increasing age and larger size of vagus nerve CSA in women vs. men were evident only with precise measures. Discussion: Small nerve CSA should preferably be estimated with precise measures. Muscle Nerve 59:486–491, 2019
Superconvergence analysis of finite element method for Poisson–Nernst–Planck equations
Authors: Shi Dongyang , Yang Huaijun
Published: January 2019

This article concerns with the superconvergence analysis of bilinear finite element method (FEM) for nonlinear Poisson–Nernst–Planck (PNP) equations. By employing high accuracy integral identities together with mean value technique, the superclose estimates in H1‐norm are derived for the semi‐discrete and the backward Euler fully‐discrete schemes, which improve the suboptimal error estimate in L2‐norm in the previous literature. Furthermore, the global superconvergence results in H1‐norm are obtained through interpolation postprocessing approach. Finally, a numerical example is provided to confirm the theoretical analysis.
Stearic acid as interface modifier and lubricant agent of the system: Polypropylene/calcium carbonate nanoparticles
Authors: Hernández Yarazett , Lozano Tomas , Morales‐Cepeda Ana B. , Navarro‐Pardo Fabiola , Ángeles Maricela E. , Morales‐Zamudio Luisiana , Melo‐Banda José A. , Sánchez‐Valdes Sául , Martínez‐Colunga Guillermo , Rodríguez Francisco
Published: January 2019

The toughness and the rheology of polypropylene (PP)‐calcium carbonate (CaCO3) nanocompounds using stearic acid as an interface modifier were studied in this work. Compounding of the nanocomposites was carried out with a twin‐screw extruder. The benchmark samples (untreated) and stearic acid‐treated CaCO3 nanoparticles were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The nanocompounds were characterized by impact test, tensile test, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), rheological analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The elongation‐at‐break and impact resistance were increased in nanocompounds with interface modifier (stearic acid in hopper of the extruder). Nanocompounds with stearic acid showed the best dispersion state. Stearic acid helps to reduce complex viscosity acting as a lubricant, reducing frictional forces between nanoparticles of calcium carbonate (NCC) and PP chains. Nanocompounds with better dispersion state had crystallization temperatures very similar to the PP homopolymer. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:E279–E285, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
26.1%‐efficient POLO‐IBC cells: Quantification of electrical and optical loss mechanisms
Authors: Hollemann Christina , Haase Felix , Schäfer Sören , Krügener Jan , Brendel Rolf , Peibst Robby
Published: January 2019

We present experimental results for interdigitated back contacted (IBC) solar cells with passivating POLO contacts for both polarities with a nominal intrinsic poly‐Si region between them. We reach efficiencies of 26.1% and 24.9% on a 1.3 Ω cm and 80 Ω cm p‐type FZ wafer and 24.6% on a 2 Ω cm n‐type Cz wafer, respectively. The initially measured implied efficiency potentials of the cells after passivating the surfaces are very similar, namely, 26.8%, 26.8%, and 26.4%, respectively. We attribute the difference between the efficiency potential and the final current‐voltage measurement to degradation, perimeter, and series and shunt resistance losses, which we quantify by lifetime measurements. With these measurements in combination with a finite element simulation, we determine the surface recombination velocity in the nominal intrinsic poly‐Si region to be in the range from 13 to 21 cm s−1. Using the same approach, we analyze the increase of the front surface recombination velocity during cell processing from 2 to 10 cm s−1 for the 1.3 Ω cm and from 0.5 to 2.3 cm s−1 for the 80 Ω cm. This leads to the fact that cells fabricated on lowly doped bulk material are more vulnerable to a process‐induced degradation of the surface passivation quality. We further determine the theoretical limits of the cells by firstly idealizing the recombination (28% for 1.3 Ω cm and 28.2% for 80 Ω cm) and secondly also idealizing the optics of the solar cells (29.4% and 29.5%).
Household incense burning and children's respiratory health: A cohort study in Hong Kong
Authors: Zhang Zilong , Tan Lixing , Huss Anke , Guo Cui , Brook Jeffrey R. , Tse Lap‐ah , Lao Xiang Q.
Published: January 2019

Background

Incense burning is an important source of indoor air pollution in many Asian regions. We investigated the associations between household incense burning and lung function, lung function growth and respiratory diseases and symptoms in primary school children in Hong Kong.

Methods

A total of 4041 children (mean age: 9.1 years) were recruited from 27 primary schools in Hong Kong. Information on incense burning and medical history of respiratory diseases and symptoms was collected by questionnaire. Spirometry tests were performed to measure the children‘s lung function. A follow‐up study was carried out after 1‐year interval. Linear and logistic regression models were used to investigate the associations between incense burning, lung function, and lung function growth, and respiratory diseases and symptoms, respectively.

Results

At baseline, incense burning was associated with 48.6 mL/min [95% confidence interval (CI): −96.7, −0.5] lower maximum mid‐expiratory flow (MMEF) in boys. In follow‐up, incense burning was associated with reduced peak expiratory flow (PEF) growth in all participants. We also found that incense burning was associated with increased prevalence of bronchitis [odds ratio (OR) = 1.39, 95%CI: 1.11, 1.72] and bronchiolitis (OR = 1.72, 95%CI: 1.14, 2.56). Incense burning was also associated with higher prevalence of pneumonia (OR = 2.79, 95%CI: 1.10, 6.87) and wheezing (OR = 1.49, 95%CI: 1.08, 2.05) in boys, but not in girls.

Conclusions

We found that incense burning may adversely affect children‘s respiratory health. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
A review of non‐cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis in children with a focus on the role of long‐term treatment with macrolides
Authors: El Boustany Patricia , Gachelin Elsa , Colomban Cécile , Cernoia Julie , Sudour Patrick , Carsin Ania , Dubus Jean‐Christophe
Published: January 2019

Bronchiectasis is a rare chronic airway disease arising from several respiratory and systemic diseases. The grade of evidence for specific treatment of childhood bronchiectasis unrelated to cystic fibrosis (CF) is low with very few randomized controlled trials. Treatment has been based mainly on evidence from studies in adults with non‐cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis and patients with cystic fibrosis. Recently, long‐term treatment with macrolides has been proposed. These molecules offer the advantage of anti‐inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties in addition to their antibacterial properties. A total of three randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled trials conducted in adults showed that macrolides taken for 6‐12 months led to a significant reduction in exacerbation rates. Only one long‐term, randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial was conducted in the pediatric population. It showed that azithromycin administered weekly for up to 24 months reduced pulmonary exacerbations. Further randomized controlled studies are needed to determine the optimal dose and duration of treatment with macrolides. The clinical profile of children who would benefit from this treatment also needs to be determined.
Crystal structure and calcium‐induced conformational changes of diacylglycerol kinase α EF‐hand domains
Authors: Takahashi Daisuke , Suzuki Kano , Sakamoto Taiichi , Iwamoto Takeo , Murata Takeshi , Sakane Fumio
Published: January 2019

Diacylglycerol kinases (DGKs) are multi‐domain lipid kinases that phosphorylate diacylglycerol into phosphatidic acid, modulating the levels of these key signaling lipids. Recently, increasing attention has been paid to DGKα isozyme as a potential target for cancer immunotherapy. We have previously shown that DGKα is positively regulated by Ca2+ binding to its N‐terminal EF‐hand domains (DGKα‐EF). However, little progress has been made for the structural biology of mammalian DGKs and the molecular mechanism underlying the Ca2+‐triggered activation remains unclear. Here we report the first crystal structure of Ca2+‐bound DGKα‐EF and analyze the structural changes upon binding to Ca2+. DGKα‐EF adopts a canonical EF‐hand fold, but unexpectedly, has an additional α‐helix (often called a ligand mimic [LM] helix), which is packed into the hydrophobic core. Biophysical and biochemical analyses reveal that DGKα‐EF adopts a protease‐susceptible “open” conformation without Ca2+ that tends to form a dimer. Cooperative binding of two Ca2+ ions dissociates the dimer into a well‐folded monomer, which resists to proteolysis. Taken together, our results provide experimental evidence that Ca2+ binding induces substantial conformational changes in DGKα‐EF, which likely regulates intra‐molecular interactions responsible for the activation of DGKα and suggest a possible role of the LM helix for the Ca2+‐induced conformational changes.

Significance statement

Diacylglycerol kinases (DGKs), which modulates the levels of two lipid second messengers, diacylglycerol and phosphatidic acid, is still structurally enigmatic enzymes since its first identification in 1959. We here present the first crystal structure of EF‐hand domains of diacylglycerol kinase α in its Ca2+ bound form and characterize Ca2+‐induced conformational changes, which likely regulates intra‐molecular interactions. Our study paves the way for future studies to understand the structural basis of DGK isozymes.
Robotic weeders can improve weed control options for specialty crops
Authors: Fennimore Steven A , Cutulle Matthew
Published: January 2019

Specialty crop herbicides are not a priority for the agrochemical industry, and many of these crops do not have access to effective herbicides. High‐value fruit and vegetable crops represent small markets and high potential liability in the case of herbicide‐induced crop damage. Meanwhile, conventional and organic specialty crop producers are experiencing labor shortages and higher manual weeding costs. Robotic weeders are promising new weed control tools for specialty crops, because they are cheaper to develop and, with fewer environmental and human health risks, are less regulated than herbicides. Now is the time for greater investment in robotic weeders as new herbicides are expensive to develop and few in number, organic crops need better weed control technology and governments are demanding reduced use of pesticides. Public funding of fundamental research on robotic weeder technology can help improve weed and crop recognition, weed control actuators, and expansion of weed science curricula to train students in this technology. Robotic weeders can expand the array of tools available to specialty crop growers. However, the development of robotic weeders will require a broader recognition that these tools are a viable path to create new weed control tools for specialty crops. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Association of zein nanoparticles with botanical compounds for effective pest control systems
Authors: de Oliveira Jhones L , Campos Estefânia V R , Germano‐Costa Taís , Lima Renata , Vechia Jaqueline Franciosi Della , Soares Sidneia Terezinha , de Andrade Daniel Junior , Gonçalves Kelly Cristina , do Nascimento Joacir , Polanczyk Ricardo Antonio , Fraceto Leonardo Fernandes
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

Botanical compounds from plant species are known to have pesticidal activity and have been used in integrated pest management programs. The varied spectrum of the pesticidal action of these compounds can also avoid selection of resistance in pest populations. In this study, mixtures of the botanical compounds geraniol, eugenol and cinnamaldehyde were encapsulated in zein nanoparticles to improve their stability and efficiency. Biological effects of the nano‐scale formulations of the botanical compounds were evaluated against two agricultural pests: the two‐spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) and the soybean looper (Chrysodeixis includes).

RESULTS

The formulations were stable over time (120 days) with a high encapsulation efficiency (>90%). Nanoencapsulation also provided protection against degradation of the compounds during storage and led to a decrease in toxicity to non‐target organisms. The release of the compounds (especially eugenol and cinnamaldehyde) from the nanoparticles was directly influenced by temperature, and the main mechanism of release was through a diffusion‐based process. Nanoencapsulated compounds also showed superior efficiency compared to the emulsified compounds in terms of repellency and insecticidal activity.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study indicate that the convergence of botanical compounds with nano‐scale formulation has the potential to improve efficacy for their sustainable use in integrated pest management in agriculture. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Downregulation of carboxylesterase contributes to cyflumetofen resistance in Tetranychus cinnabarinus (Boisduval)
Authors: Wei Peng , Chen Ming , Nan Can , Feng Kaiyang , Shen Guangmao , Cheng Jiqiang , He Lin
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

Increased expression or point mutations of carboxyl/cholinesterases (CCEs) have been involved in many cases of insecticide and acaricide resistance. However, it has been only rarely documented that downregulation of CCE genes is associated with resistance, although many insecticides and acaricides need hydrolytic activation in vivo. Previously, expression analysis of a laboratory‐selected cyflumetofen‐resistant strain of Tetranychus cinnabarinus indicated that resistance was associated with increased expression of a CCE gene of TcCCE04, but also the downregulation of two CCE genes, TcCCE12 and TcCCE23.

RESULTS

Synergism experiments revealed the importance of ester hydrolysis in cyflumetofen toxicity, because treatment with S,S,S‐tributylphosphorotrithioate (DEF) caused strong inhibition of cyflumetofen hydrolysis, in both the susceptible and resistant strains. Moreover, silencing expression of TcCCE12 and TcCCE23 via RNAi further decreased the susceptibility of mites to cyflumetofen significantly, suggesting that downregulated CCE genes could be involved in cyflumetofen resistance. In addition, it was shown that recombinant TcCCE12 protein could hydrolyze cyflumetofen effectively.

CONCLUSION

Decreased esterase activity via downregulation of specific CCE genes most likely contributes to cyflumetofen resistance by decreased activation of cyflumetofen to its active metabolite. Mixtures of cyflumetofen and esterase‐inhibition acaricides (e.g. organophosphates or carbamates) should be avoided in field applications. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Adolescent neighbourhood context and transition to parenthood: A longitudinal study
Authors: Malmberg Bo , Andersson Eva K.
Published: January 2019

This paper investigates effects of neighbourhood context on first birth timing in Sweden. Analyses are on the basis of Swedish population registers and innovative methods for the construction of individualised neighbourhoods of varying sizes and a traditional measure using defined areas. The 1980 Swedish birth cohort is followed from age 13 to 36, with neighbourhood characteristics observed at age 15 to define the contexts in which the young adults were socialised and first exposed to socioeconomic opportunities for higher education and early adult careers. Young adults who lived in elite (education and income) neighbourhoods or neighbourhoods with a high proportion of foreign born were slower to have their first child in comparison with those who lived in a less socioeconomically advantaged neighbourhoods. Neighbourhoods with high levels of social assistance, as well as those with a high proportion of single‐family housing had earlier births. Although the preponderance of the first evidence is consistent with a pathway from neighbourhoods to individual attainments and delayed childbearing, the availability of affordable family‐friendly housing appears to provide opportunities for earlier transitions to parenthood.
Does turmeric/curcumin supplementation improve serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease? A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Goodarzi Reza , Sabzian Kamran , Shishehbor Farideh , Mansoori Anahita
Published: January 2019

We performed a meta‐analysis to evaluate the efficacy of turmeric/curcumin supplementation on serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We searched PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, ISI Web of Science, and Google Scholar up to November 20, 2018. Studies that examined the effect of turmeric/curcumin on serum concentrations of ALT and AST among patients with NAFLD were included. The mean difference and standard deviation (SD) of changes in ALT and AST between intervention and control groups were used as effect size for the meta‐analysis. A total of six randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were eligible for meta‐analysis. Results from pooled analysis revealed that turmeric/curcumin supplementation reduced ALT (MD: −7.31 UL/L, 95% CI [−13.16, −1.47],p = 0.014) and AST (MD: −4.68 UL/L, 95% CI [−8.75 −0.60],p = 0.026). When RCTs stratified on the basis of their treatment duration, the significant reduction in serum concentrations of ALT and AST was observed only in studies lasting less than 12 weeks. This review suggests that turmeric/curcumin might have a favorable effect on serum concentrations of ALT and AST in patients with NAFLD. However, further clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings.
Optimization of an urban monitoring network for emergency response applications: An approach for characterizing the source of hazardous releases
Authors: Ngae Pierre , Kouichi Hamza , Kumar Pramod , Feiz Amir‐Ali , Chpoun Amer
Published: January 2019

The aim of this study is to optimize sensor networks for fast deployment in order to reconstruct an unknown source of intentional or accidental release in local urban topography. In such emergency circumstances, only the meteorological conditions are available in real time and the network deployed must be efficient enough regardless of a source's position and intensity. To determine the optimal positions to be instrumented by the sensors, an adequate cost function is defined based on the renormalization inversion method. This function, named the entropic criterion, quantifies the amount of information contained in a network of the sensors to estimate the intensity and the location of an unknown source. The optimal design is approached as combinatorial optimization (NP‐Hard) and a stochastic algorithm (simulated annealing, SA) is employed to solve this problem. The computation is performed by coupling the CFD adjoint fields in an urban environment, the renormalization algorithm and the SA. The optimization is evaluated with 20 trials of the Mock Urban Setting Test (MUST) tracer field experiment for the reconstruction of a continuous point release in an idealized urban geometry using optimal networks of sizes 10 and 13 sensors. The process is achieved successfully and the results showed that the reduction of an original network of 40 sensors to one third (13) and one quarter (10) does not degrade the performance of this network. Also, a comparison of the optimal design efficiency based on apriori information and without apriori information about the source showed that the present entropic criterion leads to network design and performance that can accurately retrieve an unknown emission source in an urban environment.
Sliding mode PI control with backstepping approach for MIMO nonlinear cross‐coupled tank systems
Authors: Aksu Inayet Ozge , Coban Ramazan
Published: January 2019

The control of tank systems in industrial applications is an important issue for monitoring the chemical processes involved in the manufacture and delivery of product. The most important reason to control the tank systems is to keep the liquid level in the tanks constant and at the desired level for a specified period of time. In this study, the sliding mode control (SMC) with a repetitive approach called backstepping that is insensitive to uncertainties in system parameters and input disturbances is proposed and experimentally applied to a quadruple, cross‐coupled, uncertain, nonlinear, and multiple‐input/multiple‐output tank system. A proportional‐integral (PI) control is used to reduce the steady‐state error caused by the parameter variations and external noises. The traditional way of introducing PI usually leads to sliding surfaces. In this paper, the PI action is introduced to the control signal. The proposed backstepping sliding mode PI control (BSMPIC) is applied to such a complex tank system for the first time. The experimental results are compared with those of the SMC, sliding mode PI control, and backstepping sliding mode control to see the effect of the proposed BSMPIC on the system. As a result of the comparison, it is observed that less overshoot and tracking error, better tracking performance, and faster rise time in the transient regime is obtained by the BSMPIC.
Highly Conductive Ti3C2Tx MXene Hybrid Fibers for Flexible and Elastic Fiber‐Shaped Supercapacitors
Authors: Zhang Jizhen , Seyedin Shayan , Qin Si , Wang Zhiyu , Moradi Sepehr , Yang Fangli , Lynch Peter A. , Yang Wenrong , Liu Jingquan , Wang Xungai , Razal Joselito M.
Published: January 2019

Fiber‐shaped supercapacitors (FSCs) are promising energy storage solutions for powering miniaturized or wearable electronics. However, the scalable fabrication of fiber electrodes with high electrical conductivity and excellent energy storage performance for use in FSCs remains a challenge. Here, an easily scalable one‐step wet‐spinning approach is reported to fabricate highly conductive fibers using hybrid formulations of Ti3C2Tx MXene nanosheets and poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate. This approach produces fibers with a record conductivity of ≈1489 S cm−1, which is about five times higher than other reported Ti3C2Tx MXene‐based fibers (up to ≈290 S cm−1). The hybrid fiber at ≈70 wt% MXene shows a high volumetric capacitance (≈614.5 F cm−3 at 5 mV s−1) and an excellent rate performance (≈375.2 F cm−3 at 1000 mV s−1). When assembled into a free‐standing FSC, the energy and power densities of the device reach ≈7.13 Wh cm−3 and ≈8249 mW cm−3, respectively. The excellent strength and flexibility of the hybrid fibers allow them to be wrapped on a silicone elastomer fiber to achieve an elastic FSC with 96% capacitance retention when cyclically stretched to 100% strain. This work demonstrates the potential of MXene‐based fiber electrodes and their scalable production for fiber‐based energy storage applications.
Investigation of the efficacy of the GnRH agonist deslorelin in mitigating intraspecific aggression in captive male Amur leopards (Panthera pardus orientalis)
Authors: Harley Jessica J. , Power Aisling , Stack John D.
Published: January 2019

Housing bachelor groups is a necessary aspect of the care and husbandry of non‐breeding individuals in zoological collections. Intraspecific aggressive behaviors may occur in this setting despite management strategies designed to mitigate these behaviors. Androgens (including testosterone) are associated with aggression in male species and interventional techniques to alter the animals’ physiology to modify aggressive behavior are sometimes required. When agonistic behavior and physical aggression in two mature male Amur leopards housed together at Tayto Park escalated, despite all strategic management involvements, further intervention to moderate aggression was required. The gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist, deslorelin, has been found to be effective in reducing androgens in domestic and non‐domestic carnivores. We hypothesized that deslorelin's suppressive effect on hypothalamic‐pituitary‐gonadal axis would mitigate intraspecific aggression in two male intact leopards. Behavioral observations were carried out pre‐ and post‐implant implantation of 9.4 mg deslorelin implant. The frequency of agonistic/aggressive behaviors for both leopards declined significantly (p < 0.05), as did marking behaviors post‐implantation (p < 0.001). The insertion of deslorelin implants in two male intact leopards demonstrating increased frequency and severity of aggressive behaviors resulted in a reduction of the frequency of these behaviors. Deslorelin implantation should be considered for management of interspecific aggression of intact male leopards in bachelor groups.
The order p8 mesonic chiral Lagrangian
Authors: Bijnens Johan , Hermansson-Truedsson Nils , Wang Si
Published: January 2019

Abstract

We derive the chiral Lagrangian at next-to-next-to-next-to-leading order (NNNLO) for a general number N

f
of light quark flavours as well as for N

f
= 2, 3. We enumerate the contact terms separately. We also discuss the cases where some of the external fields are not included. An example of a choice of Lagrangian is given in the supplementary material.
Classical Yang-Baxter equation from β-supergravity
Authors: Bakhmatov Ilya , Musaev Edvard T.
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Yang-Baxter deformations of superstring σ-models have recently inspired a supergravity solution generating technique. Using the open/closed string map and a Killing bi-vector as a deformation parameter, new solutions can be built, such that the (generalised) supergravity field equations were conjectured to always reduce to the classical Yang-Baxter equation (CYBE) [1]. In this work we provide a proof of this conjecture, using a systematic approach based on the so-called β-supergravity, which is a dynamical theory for the field β

mn
instead of the NSNS 2-form b

mn
.
How and Where to Find NPS Users: a Comparison of Methods in a Cross-National Survey Among Three Groups of Current Users of New Psychoactive Substances in Europe
Authors: Korf Dirk , Benschop Annemieke , Werse Bernd , Kamphausen Gerrit , Felvinczi Katalin , Dąbrowska Katarzyna , Hernriques Susana , Nabben Ton , Wieczorek Łukasz , Bujalski Michał , Kalo Zsusza , Hearne Evelyn , Van Hout Marie Claire
Published: January 2019

Use of new psychoactive substances (NPS) across Europe remains a public health challenge. The study describes potentials and limitations of methods in a transnational survey of recent marginalised, nightlife and online community NPS users in Germany, Hungary, Ireland, the Netherlands, Poland and Portugal (n = 3023). In terms of demographic profile, drug use history and type of NPS, different methods reached different segments of the NPS-using population. Last year use of different NPS varied across countries and groups. Respondents used NPS in a variety of settings, with public spaces most common in the marginalised group. The study suggests that prevalence rates can reveal a picture of the NPS market that significantly deviates from what law enforcement seizures indicate. Outreach in nightlife settings and peer education are recommended to inform users about health risks and to improve access to drug services and care.
High‐throughput quantification of microbial birth and death dynamics using fluorescence microscopy
Authors: Hart Samuel F. M. , Skelding David , Waite Adam J. , Burton Justin C. , Shou Wenying
Published: January 2019

Background

Microbes live in dynamic environments where nutrient concentrations fluctuate. Quantifying fitness in terms of birth rate and death rate in a wide range of environments is critical for understanding microbial evolution and ecology.

Methods

Here, using high‐throughput time‐lapse microscopy, we have quantified how Saccharomyces cerevisiae mutants incapable of synthesizing an essential metabolite (auxotrophs) grow or die in various concentrations of the required metabolite. We establish that cells normally expressing fluorescent proteins lose fluorescence upon death and that the total fluorescence in an imaging frame is proportional to the number of live cells even when cells form multiple layers. We validate our microscopy approach of measuring birth and death rates using flow cytometry, cell counting, and chemostat culturing.

Results

For lysine‐requiring cells, very low concentrations of lysine are not detectably consumed and do not support cell birth, but delay the onset of death phase and reduce the death rate compared to no lysine. In contrast, in low hypoxanthine, hypoxanthine‐requiring cells can produce new cells, yet also die faster than in the absence of hypoxanthine. For both strains, birth rates under various metabolite concentrations are better described by the sigmoidal‐shaped Moser model than the well‐known Monod model, while death rates can vary with metabolite concentration and time.

Conclusions

Our work reveals how time‐lapse microscopy can be used to discover non‐intuitive microbial birth and death dynamics and to quantify growth rates in many environments.
The Hell-Bound Bandwagon: Train Rooftop Riding in Lagos Metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: Olojede Olorunfemi Ayodeji
Published: January 2019

Media reports on train mishaps and havocs emanating from rooftop riding abound; however, there has been very limited effort on the empirical investigation of why daredevils embark on this utter suicide mission. Besides, studies that rigorously examined profiles of the perpetrators of the dastardly act are hard to come by in the literature of railway transport. Against this background, this study examined the menace of train rooftop riding in Lagos Metropolis, Nigeria, with a view to evolving a policy response that could curtail the life-threatening nuisance. Towards achieving this aim, specific objectives were formulated. These were to examine the socioeconomic characteristics of train rooftop riders in Lagos Metropolis, determine the motivations for train rooftop riding in the study area, assess the efforts made by the authorities to discourage train rooftop riding in the study area, and proffer policy recommendations towards engendering a safe rail transport milieu. Data were obtained through participant observation, interview and questionnaire administration. The respondents comprised 64 conveniently sampled rooftop riders, 183 law-abiding passengers of three Diesel Multiple Units and three Mass Transit Trains selected using multistage sampling, and the 113 staff members of the Nigerian Railway Corporation consisting of 20 engineers, 79 conductors and 14 ticket vendors. The study found that train rooftop riding had defied all the measures taken against it in the study area. It characterized most trips but was prevalent at the morning and evening peak periods (35.2% and 59.2%, respectively). All the rooftop riders were middle-aged men. None of them admitted to ever falling off before; however, 28 (43.8%) admitted to being scared of falling off, while 40 (62.5%) boasted they could not possibly fall off. Two categories of motivations for rooftop riding were found: ‘perceived’ and ‘real’. Smoking (47.0%), substance abuse (23.0%) and criminal tendencies (19.7%) were among the perceived motivations, while space inadequacy (37.5%), queue avoidance (50.0%) and adventure (34.4%) were among the real motivations. Given an overall improvement in the railway services, 28 (43.8%) would stop, 18 (28.1%) would not stop, and 18 (28.1%) were unsure they would stop rooftop riding. The study concluded that the menace of train rooftop riding was undesirable. Consequently, practical policy recommendations were proffered towards curbing the menace.
A framework for a systems design approach to complex societal problems
Authors: da Costa Junior Jairo , Diehl Jan Carel , Snelders Dirk
Published: January 2019

Societal problems concern the complexity of technical, organisational, social, and political issues. The enormous negative impacts of these problems and the inability of problem solvers to deal with high levels of complexity cannot be overcome without a paradigm shift in how we understand and engage with such issues. Two domains have been helpful in bringing about such a shift: Systems Thinking and Design. Although these domains express mutual interest in social–technical systems and complex problem solving, in the literature there are few attempts of bringing the compatibility between them to the attention of designers. This paper aims to contribute to this endeavour by uncovering the role of integrating systems thinking for design, and by providing an overview of the emerging field of systems-oriented design approaches. An extensive literature review outlines significant aspects underlying systems thinking to support its use and further development in design. This paper provides a conceptual framework structured in five clusters: mindset, methodology set, knowledge set, skill set and tool set. The framework is meant to assist designers in integrating systems thinking into design and thereby enable them to better handle complex societal problems.
Codimension two spacelike submanifolds of the Lorentz-Minkowski spacetime into the light cone
Authors: Alías Luis J. , Cánovas Verónica L. , Rigoli Marco
Published: January 2019

Following an original idea of Palmas, Palomo and Romero, recently developed in [12], we study codimension two spacelike submanifolds contained in the light cone of the Lorentz-Minkowski spacetime through an approach which allows us to compute their extrinsic and intrinsic geometries in terms of a single function u. As the first application of our approach, we classify the totally umbilical ones. For codimension two compact spacelike submanifolds into the light cone, we show that they are conformally diffeomorphic to the round sphere and that they are given by an explicit embedding written in terms of u. In the last part of the paper, we consider the case where the submanifold is (marginally, weakly) trapped. In particular, we derive some non-existence results for weakly trapped submanifolds into the light cone.
Estimation of Evapotranspiration of Amazon Rainforest Using the Maximum Entropy Production Method
Authors: Xu Donghui , Agee Elizabeth , Wang Jingfeng , Ivanov Valeriy Y.
Published: January 2019

Energy budget of Amazonian forests has a large influence on regional and global climate, but relevant data are scarce. A novel energy partition method based on the maximum entropy production (MEP) theory is applied to simulate evapotranspiration in Amazonia. Using site‐level eddy flux data, the MEP method shows high skill at the hourly, daily, and monthly scales. Consistent performance under different levels of land surface dryness is revealed, hinting that drought signal is appropriately resolved. The site‐level MEP‐based estimates outperform the estimates of the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer evapotranspiration product, which is commonly used for large‐scale assessments. At the Amazon basin scale, the two series yield similar averages but exhibit spatial differences. The parameter parsimony and demonstrated skill of the MEP method make it an attractive approach for environments with diverse strategies of water flux control.
Global Distribution of the Oceanic Bottom Mixed Layer Thickness
Authors: Huang Peng‐Qi , Cen Xian‐Rong , Lu Yuan‐Zheng , Guo Shuang‐Xi , Zhou Sheng‐Qi
Published: January 2019

The ocean bottom is the Earth's least explored region, and the bottom mixed layer (BML) is the pathway for communication between the ocean interior and the ocean floor. In this study, we used full‐depth conductivity‐temperature‐depth profiles archived by the World Ocean Circulation Experiment Program to obtain the first approximation of the global distribution of the oceanic BML thickness,HBML, by applying an integrated method (Huang, Cen, et al., 2018,https://doi.orag/10.1175/jtech-d-18-0016.1). We found that the medianHBMLvalues were 40, 42, and 64 m in the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans, respectively, and 47 m globally. Statistically, the peak values for the medianHBMLwere around 20°N or 20°S, and it had weak dependence on the buoyancy frequency, where a thinHBMLcorresponded to strong stratification. In addition, the medianHBMLbecame thicker with the ocean depth (D), according toHBML = 26.34 + 0.85e(D/1271.8).
Northern Hemisphere Monsoon Response to Mid‐Holocene Orbital Forcing and Greenhouse Gas‐Induced Global Warming
Authors: D'Agostino Roberta , Bader Jürgen , Bordoni Simona , Ferreira David , Jungclaus Johann
Published: January 2019

Precipitation and circulation patterns of Northern Hemisphere monsoons are investigated in Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 simulations for mid‐Holocene and future climate scenario rcp8.5. Although both climates exhibit Northern Hemisphere warming and enhanced interhemispheric thermal contrast in boreal summer, changes in the spatial extent and rainfall intensity in future climate are smaller than in mid‐Holocene for all Northern Hemisphere monsoons except the Indian monsoon. A decomposition of the moisture budget in thermodynamic and dynamic contributions suggests that under future global warming, the weaker response of the African, Indian, and North American monsoons results from a compensation between both components. The dynamic component, primarily constrained by changes in net energy input over land, determines instead most of the mid‐Holocene land monsoonal rainfall response.
Metal coordination polymer induced perylene probe excimer fluorescence and its application in acetylcholinesterase sensing and alpha-fetoprotein immunoassay
Authors: Li Yongxin , Yin Shuhan , Hou Jiaze , Meng Lianjie , Gao Mengjin , Sun Yuchu , Zhang Chengzu , Bai Sheng , Ren Jia , Yu Cong
Published: January 2019

Perylene probe excimer fluorescence based acetylcholinesterase sensing and alpha-fetoprotein immunoassay.
In situ colorimetric detection of glyphosate on plant tissues using cysteamine-modified gold nanoparticles
Authors: Tu Qin , Yang Tianxi , Qu Yanqi , Gao Siyue , Zhang Zhiyun , Zhang Qingmiao , Wang Yilei , Wang Jinyi , He Lili
Published: January 2019

A simple, rapid and fieldable colorimetric method for detecting pesticides on plant tissues in situ has been developed.
Highly crystalline ramsdellite as a cathode material for near-neutral aqueous MnO2/Zn batteries
Authors: Stoševski Ivan , Bonakdarpour Arman , Cuadra Faye , Wilkinson David P.
Published: January 2019

Highly crystalline ramsdellite MnO2 was tested as a battery cathode material in aqueous Zn-salt (ZnSO4 and Zn(CF3SO3)2) based electrolytes for the first time. The aqueous MnO2/Zn cell has shown excellent performance and reversibility, retaining 65% of its initial capacity for more than 1000 cycles.
Emission wavelength dependence on the rISC rate in TADF compounds with large conformational disorder
Authors: Serevičius Tomas , Skaisgiris Rokas , Dodonova Jelena , Jagintavičius Laimis , Bucevičius Jonas , Kazlauskas Karolis , Juršėnas Saulius , Tumkevičius Sigitas
Published: January 2019

TADF compounds with flexible molecular core show large conformational disorder and emission wavelength instability in solid films.
Improving the cyclability and capacity of Li–O2 batteries via low rate pre-activation
Authors: Luo Zhihong , Zhu Guangbin , Guo Lulu , Li Fujie , Li Yibing , Fu Meng , Cao Yuan-Cheng , Li Ya-Li , Luo Kun
Published: January 2019

The cycle life and capacity of Li–O2 batteries were significantly enhanced by low rate pre-activation, in association with reconstructed homogeneous and compact SEI layers on the Li anode.
Bubble-template synthesis of WO3·0.5H2O hollow spheres as a high-activity catalyst for catalytic oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde
Authors: Wang Huixiang , Ren Xiaobo , Liu Zhong , Jiang Dong , Lv Baoliang
Published: January 2019

Well-shaped WO3·0.5H2O hollow spheres are successfully prepared by a facile bubble-template method and they show high activity in catalytic oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde.
The structural determination and skeletal ring modes of tetrahydropyran
Authors: Gruet Sébastien , Pirali Olivier , Steber Amanda L. , Schnell Melanie
Published: January 2019

A high-resolution molecular spectroscopy study was carried out on the cyclic ether tetrahydropyran (THP), one of the smallest molecules composed of a pyranose ring.
A density functional theory study of the hydrogenation and reduction of the thio-spinel Fe3S4{111} surface
Authors: Roldan Alberto , de Leeuw Nora H.
Published: January 2019

Greigite shows promise as a reduction catalyst and it is, therefore, essential to understand its surface chemistry under reducing conditions.
Determination of band edges and their influences on photocatalytic reduction of nitrobenzene by bulk and exfoliated g-C3N4
Authors: Challagulla Swapna , Payra Soumitra , Chakraborty Chanchal , Roy Sounak
Published: January 2019

Thermally and chemically exfoliated bulk g-C3N4, due to differences in structure, morphology and band position, show different reaction mechanisms for nitrobenzene photoreduction.
Doping strategy to boost electromagnetic property and gigahertz tunable electromagnetic attenuation of hetero-structured manganese dioxide
Authors: He Gaihua , Duan Yuping , Song Lulu , Zhang Xuefeng
Published: January 2019

A facile and simple chemical route has been used to synthesize novel three-dimensional (3D) architectures of nickel-doped ε-MnO2 without the addition of any surfactant or organic template.
Nucleobase-mediated synthesis of nitrogen-doped carbon nanozymes as efficient peroxidase mimics
Authors: Lin Shichao , Zhang Yihong , Cao Wen , Wang Xiaoyu , Qin Li , Zhou Min , Wei Hui
Published: January 2019

Direct pyrolysis of nucleobases makes highly active nitrogen-doped carbon nanozymes.
K-doped FeOOH/Fe3O4 nanoparticles grown on a stainless steel substrate with superior and increasing specific capacity
Authors: Luo Haiqiang , Tao‡ Keyu , Gong Yun
Published: January 2019

K-doped FeOOH/Fe3O4 nanoparticles grown on stainless steel demonstrated a superior specific capacity of 396 mA h g−1 at 1 A g−1 with an increasing capacity during charge–discharge cycles.
Comparison of analysis of asbestos fibres in drinking water using phase contrast microscopy and micro-FTIR spectrometry with scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy
Authors: Li Jie , Li Hongyan , Zheng Bei , Yu Zhiyong
Published: January 2019

PCM combined micro-FTIR for asbestos analysis in drinking water was proposed.
Sequential catalysis enables enhanced C–C coupling towards multi-carbon alkenes and alcohols in carbon dioxide reduction: a study on bifunctional Cu/Au electrocatalysts
Authors: Gao Jing , Ren Dan , Guo Xueyi , Zakeeruddin Shaik Mohammed , Grätzel Michael
Published: January 2019

We employed the concept of sequential catalysis to design CuAu bifunctional catalysts for the selective and scalable reduction of CO2 to ethylene and ethanol.
Identification and availability of peptides from lactoferrin in the gastrointestinal tract of mice
Authors: Fan Fengjiao , Shi Pujie , Chen Hui , Tu Maolin , Wang Zhenyu , Lu Weihong , Du Ming
Published: January 2019

The metabolic fate of lactoferrin in vivo.