bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mode Shape Analysis of EV-Bus Chassis with Reverse Engineering Method
Authors: Nazaruddin N , Syehan A , Heryana G , Adhitya M , Sumarsono D A
Published: November 2019

Universitas Indonesia has developed several electric vehicles, one of which is an electric bus. In order to fulfill the local content of this vehicle, reverse engineering of the R260 ladder frame type chassis is carried out. In this paper, to fulfill the local content, we used material of the ladder frame is type SS400 from PT. Krakatau Steel. After the model was created successfully with finite element software, a dynamic analysis was carried out by taking the 5 lowest frequencies from the simulation results. Loading is carried out evenly over the two main beam ladder frames totaling 14, 200 kg. The support placed in the mounting position of the front and rear wheel leaf springs. The distance of the front overhang is 2380 mm, the wheelbase is 6000 mm, and the rear overhang is 3290 mm. The resulting approach is carried out assuming a three-beam and two-overhang beam model. The five lowest frequencies are 11, 798 Hz, 21, 009 Hz, 23, 876 Hz, 30.84 Hz, and 36, 473 Hz, respectively.
Design and Performance Analysis of Brushless Direct Current (BLDC) Motor Controller for Electric Scooter
Authors: Yuniarto M N , Rijanto Estiko , Mukhlisin Agus
Published: November 2019

Electric vehicle is an alternative to substitute internal combustion engine when fuel availability is difficult to obtain. Electric energy can be obtained from renewable energy and non-renewable energy. Electric vehicles like electric scooters consist of many parts. The parts used in an electric scooter have requirements such as reliability, safety, good performance, and high efficiency. Brushless direct current (BLDC) motor controller is one of the main components in the electric scooter. This paper presents a design and performance test of the BLDC motor controller. The controller uses PID current control with six step commutation in a trapezoidal control. The motor current ripple is eliminated by using a digital isolator. Tests were carried out using an Eddy Current Dynamometer. The results show that the current ripple is sucessfuly reduced which makes the controller suitable for electric scooter applications.
Design and Performance Analysis of Brushless DC Motor Cooling System for Low-Cost Manufacturing Process
Authors: Uta Nugraha Yoga , Cahyadi Arief , Raharjo Juniono , Nur Yuniarto M , Wikarta Alief
Published: November 2019

Thermal analysis on BLDC Motors is very important to be learned in order to obtain a low-cost motor design and have a high level of efficiency. The design of the existing motor cooling system uses a complex design that must use sophisticated machining tools and spend a lot of money in the manufacturing process. The purpose of this paper is to get the geometry of the cooling system on BLDC motor with simple manufacturing process thus saving the cost of production. The expected cooling system design is a simple geometry so that manufacturing can be done using 3-axis CNC machining. Design of cooling system using water-jacket with an additional cover. On this study, Author modeled the motor with Ansys Maxwell to obtain the heat source parameters of the motor geometry. Software Fluent is involved to perform the temperature simulation on the motor using the designed cooling system then validated with an experiment. Thermal analysis of this study compares motor performance with the use of water and oil. The flow rate compared to the radiator power efficiency.
Development and application of a biomass burner using nyamplung seed cake as feedstock for pyrolysis process
Authors: Syamsiro M , Putra N A , Winarno J , Ika S R
Published: November 2019

The main issue in running the pyrolysis plant for waste plastics and waste tire is how to operate the plant efficiently with the minimum energy required for heating the reactor. Therefore, the alternative heating source for the pyrolysis reactor should be applied to reduce the energy cost. Development of a novel biomass burner has been successfully fabricated, tested and applied for pyrolysis system. The experiments have been conducted to study the effect of air supply and fuel on the combustion performance of the burner. The results show that the thermal efficiency of the burner was higher by utilizing nyamplung seed cake as a feedstock compared to wood pellet. However, the maximum flame temperature of nyamplung seed cake was lower than that of wood pellet. This is due to the lower density of nyamplung seed cake compared to wood pellet which was lowering the combustion rate in the burner. The increase of the air supply generates the increase of the maximum flame temperature and the decrease of thermal efficiency. Moreover, the higher air supply the higher the flame length would be in which it will be one of the important parameters when designing larger scale of biomass burner and the pyrolysis reactor.
The Potential of Hydroelectric Power of Kawiwi River in Ratahan District, North Sulawesi, Indonesia
Authors: Maluegha B L , Punuhsingon C S C , Soplanit G D
Published: November 2019

This research was aimed at calculating the hydro energy potential for generating electricity from Kawiwi river in Ratahan District, North Sulawesi, Indonesia. The required data were the estimation of daily electrical loads of the buildings around Kawiwi river and the monthly average flow velocity of the river in a year. Data of electrical loads were obtained from questionnaires given to the people who is living by the river. Meanwhile, the data of the monthly average flow velocity for June, July and August 2019 were directly measured, and for other months were estimated based on monthly average rainfall in South East Minahasa regency, where Ratahan district is located. The monthly average flow velocity of Sungai Kawiwi are as follows: Januari 1.35 m/s, February 2.45 m/s, March 2.12 m/s, April 2.69 m/s, May 1.10, June 0.76 m/s, July 0.70 m/s, August 0, 60 m/s, September 0, 16 m/s, October 0, 96 m/s, November 1, 17 m/s, and December 2.20 m/s. The data, then, were analyzed by using HOMER 2.68 Beta with an assumption that the electricity produced from Kawiwi river was generated by Darrieus Hydro Turbine, a kinetic turbine. By HOMER’s calculation, it was found that the electricity produced from Kawiwi river was 16.880 kWh/year.
Corrosion Resistance of Sn-Zn Coated on Low Carbon Steel Material in Wet Gas Pipeline
Authors: Hadi Wijaya Roni , Soegijono Bambang
Published: November 2019

Low carbon steel pipeline material is usually to transport wet gas. The presence of water in gas may lead corrosion and leakage. To enhance corrosion resistance of this material, we investigated electrodeposited of Sn-Zn on various composition Zn. Microstructure, structure, thermal properties and corrosion behaviour were analysed with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Potentiodynamic Polarization. Electrodeposited Sn-Zn with smallest Zn content shows highest corrosion rate. With various composition, XRD pattern shows tetragonal crystal structure. The various Zn content have changed the melting point and the enthalpy. Electrodeposited Sn-Zn on low carbon steel pipeline material enhance the corrosion resistance.
Effect of Solution Heat Treatment of Aluminum Alloy 4032 on the Structure and Corrosion Resistance in 3,5% and 10,5% NaCl Solution
Authors: Nur Cahyo Fadli , Soegijono Bambang
Published: November 2019

Aluminum Alloy 4032 is usually used as a material for making engine pistons, which has a composition of Aluminum (Al), 21%wt Silicon (Si), 0.82%wt Nickel (Ni) and 0.67%wt Copper (Cu). The alloy is known to have mild properties and should have good corrosion resistance. Heat treatment was carried out with the aim of the enhancement of the corrosion resistance. The solution heat treatment process was performed at 510°C for 2 hours and then quenching to room temperature in water media. Some of the material were also performed an aging process at 171°C with varying duration of time and then cooling to room temperature. Corrosion resistance testing was carried out by electrochemical testing using 3.5% wt and 10.5% wt NaCl solution. The structure before and after heat treatment were characterized by using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) were analyzed. The results of the characterization indicate that the heat treatment on the Alloy is affected by solution heat treatment and the aging process.
The Effect of Copper on Corrosion Resistance and Structure of Al-8%wt Si Alloys for Engine Block Application
Authors: Aji Setiady Adina , Soegijono Bambang
Published: November 2019

Al-Si Alloys are mostly used in an application for the engine block. An experimental investigation was carried out to understand the corrosion resistance of alloys with various Copper (Cu) content in Al-Si alloys. The corrosion properties of Aluminium alloys (Al-Si-0wt%Cu, Al-Si-2wt%Cu, Al-Si-5wt%Cu, and Al-Si-9wt%Cu) were investigated. X-ray diffraction and Electrochemical test were performed to investigate the structure of each sample, and corrosion resistance in 3.5%wt and 7%wt NaCl solution, and coolant water were used to understand the corrosion rate of Al-Si alloys. X-ray diffraction shows a different diffraction pattern from one sample to another. The effect of Copper addition shows marks different in corrosion resistance and structure of this alloy.
Analysis of the electrodeposition process of Fe–Mn films from sulfate electrolytes
Authors: Barreiros Pollyana P , Pires Manoel J M
Published: November 2019

Fe–Mn alloys with different composition and structure have great importance in a wide range of applications, which requires a detailed knowledge of a variety of production methods. In the present work, Fe–Mn thin films were electrochemically deposited from sulfate aqueous solutions under different conditions on Cu substrates. The effects of several applied potentials for deposition, concentrations of reagents and speed of rotation of the electrode were investigated. Chronoamperometry tests were performed and the curves obtained were analyzed through the models for nucleation and growth from Scharifker et al and from Isaev et al considering apparent diffusion coefficient for the deposition of the alloy. The approach with both these models point to a process close to the instantaneous nucleation limit. Globally, the results indicate a mixed transport-kinetic control for most of the conditions, but a behavior with characteristics of diffusion controlled growth can be established for specific conditions of speed of rotation and concentrations. Koutechký-Levich analysis has been applied to current-potential curves at the rotating-disk electrode providing the determination of the apparent diffusion coefficients and heterogeneous rate constants for electron transfer. Fe is preferentially deposited with a much higher rate of reduction than Mn in the employed solutions. The whole deposition process is very sensitive to the presence of (NH4)2SO4, which affects also the quality of the deposits. The samples were further characterized by scanning electron microscopy and x-ray dispersive energy spectroscopy.
First-principles study of defects in blue phosphorene
Authors: Wang Chao , You Yizhou , Choi Jin-Ho
Published: November 2019

Using first-principles density functional theory calculations, we investigate the energetics and electronic properties of Stone Wales and vacancy defects in blue phosphorene. Among these defects, the Stone Wales defect has the lowest formation energy of 1.49 eV. Single and double vacancy defects have much larger formation energies (2.35 ∼ 2.90 eV). All the defects induce mid-gap bands that are relatively flat, which indicates the localized nature of the defect states. Our spin-polarized calculations further show that a single vacancy defect exhibits local magnetic moments (1.0 μ

B
), which can be attributed to the existence of an unpaired electron. Besides, we propose new types of defects with irregular buckling configurations. These new defects have even lower formation energies (1.01 and 1.30 eV). The present work may serve as an important guidance for designing and defect engineering of blue phosphorene-based devices.
Fast and efficient approach to synthesis of ultra-fine TiC powder
Authors: Yang Chang-Jiang
Published: November 2019

A fast and large scalable process to produce TiC powder was obtained using a horizontal rotary ball mill within 60 min via a mechanically induced self-propagating reaction (MSR). The as-synthesized TiC particles have well-defined crystals structure and the median diameter of ∼1 μm with less impurity due to short duration of milling. The mechanism for the acceleration of MSR was investigated in detail. The graphene nano-platelets are exfoliated from graphite by ultra-high-energy of the horizontal rotary ball mill after less than 30 min of milling, which plays a crucial role in formation of leaf-like nanoplatelets with Ti lamella by ball collision. At the same time, the ultra-high-energy of ball milling can boost self-prorogating reaction in a short duration of milling.
Complex-k modes of plasmonic chain waveguides
Authors: Yan M
Published: November 2019

Nanoparticle chain waveguide based on negative-epsilon material is investigated through a generic 3D finite-element Bloch-mode solver which derives complex propagation constant (k). Our study starts from waveguides made of non-dispersive material, which not only singles out ‘waveguide dispersion’ but also motivates search of new materials to achieve guidance at unconventional wavelengths. Performances of gold or silver chain waveguides are then evaluated; a concise comparison of these two types of chain waveguides has been previously missing. Beyond these singly-plasmonic chain waveguides, we examine a hetero-plasmonic chain system with interlacing gold and silver particles, inspired by a recent proposal; the claimed enhanced energy transfer between gold particles appears to be a one-sided view of its hybridized waveguiding behavior—energy transfer between silver particles worsens. Enabled by the versatile numerical method, we also discuss effects of inter-particle spacing, background medium, and presence of a substrate. Our extensive analyses show that the general route for reducing propagation loss of e.g. a gold chain waveguide is to lower chain-mode frequency with a proper geometry (e.g. smaller particle spacing) and background material setting (e.g. high-permittivity background or even foreign nanoparticles). In addition, the possibility of building mid-infrared chain waveguides using doped silicon is commented based on numerical simulation.
7. Federalism in the world
Authors: Rozell Mark J. , Wilcox Clyde
Published: November 2019

The US government is the oldest continuing operating federal system, in part because of its relatively high degree of stability and respect for the rule of law. But does that make the US system a model for other nation-states to emulate? “Federalism in the world” compares and contrasts the federal systems of six countries—Switzerland, Canada, Brazil, Australia, India, and Nigeria—to better recognize the strengths and weaknesses of the US system. The idiosyncratic elements of each nation’s federalism are a function of the social, economic, and political forces that contest politics; the nature of the ethnic, linguistic, political, and other cleavages; and decisions made by leaders in the past.
Species and classification
Authors: Okasha Samir
Published: November 2019

‘Species and classification’ first considers the species problem and the biological species concept. It then discusses phylogenetic systematics, which involves the organization of species into higher taxa. Classification in science raises a deep philosophical issue as all objects can in principle be classified in more than one way. Is there a ‘correct’ way to assign organisms to species, and species to higher taxa? Classification of organisms was traditionally done using the Linnaean system, which served biologists well for years, and elements of it are still used today. However, the rise of evolutionary biology has led to fundamental changes in both the theory and practice of biological classification.
3. Electricity systems
Authors: Jenkins Nick
Published: November 2019

‘Electricity systems’ explains that the two essential functions of an electricity system are to take power from the generators and distribute it to consumers, and to balance the supply and demand of electrical energy. A secondary objective is to control the voltage but this is easier and cheaper to accomplish. The conventional structure of a modern electricity supply system and what should be considered in its design and operation is discussed before considering contemporary developments in electricity generation, transmission, and distribution. All aspects of the electricity system are entering a period of great change, especially in the distribution networks with rapidly increasing distributed generation.
4. Nuclear power
Authors: Jenkins Nick
Published: November 2019

Of all the sources of energy used for electricity generation, nuclear power is the most contentious with strong opinions both favouring and opposing its use. Some well-known environmentalists consider that the use of nuclear power is essential to limit climate change, while expressing reservations over its environmental impacts. ‘Nuclear power’ explains that there are two mechanisms by which nuclear energy could be used to create heat and so generate power; nuclear fission and fusion. Nuclear power reactors create heat, which is used to make steam that is then passed through a turbine to generate electricity. The nuclear fuel cycle is described along with the different generations of nuclear reactors.
Introduction
Authors: Jenkins Nick
Published: November 2019

The Introduction outlines the structure of this VSI, which starts with a review of basic ideas and well-established energy systems before moving on to consider how a future energy system might be configured. Energy systems provide the solid, liquid, and gaseous fuels as well as electricity that we use in buildings, industry, transport, and agriculture. They are essential for modern life, but energy systems are changing at a pace not seen since electricity began to be distributed widely more than 100 years ago. The radical changes in both the supply and use of energy are being driven by the needs of modern society, environmental concerns, and rapid developments in technology.
3. Measurement and prediction
Authors: Bowers David George , Roberts Emyr Martyn
Published: November 2019

‘Measurement and prediction’ outlines the ways in which tides and tidal currents can be measured, and considers the standard method of analysing tidal data using a curve-fitting procedure known as harmonic analysis. Tides, unusually for natural events, can be forecast with great accuracy for years in advance. The ability to do this and make people safer at sea is probably the greatest practical success story of the science of physical oceanography. There are two aspects of the problem to be considered: the rise and fall of the level of the sea, which we shall call the tide; and the horizontal flow of the water, called tidal streams or currents.
4. The tide in shelf seas
Authors: Bowers David George , Roberts Emyr Martyn
Published: November 2019

‘The tide in shelf seas’ describes progressive waves, standing waves, and what happens when a shelf sea is in resonance, using the example of the Gulf of St Vincent off the south Australian coast. It also considers the effect of Earth rotation and tides in shallow water, where the rare feature is double high water or double low water. The great ocean basins are bordered by shallow seas lying on the continental shelves. Shelf seas are generally less than 200 metres deep and vary in width from almost nothing to hundreds of kilometres. It is in these shallow seas and the rivers that flow into them that the most spectacular tides are found.
8. New frontiers
Authors: Bowers David George , Roberts Emyr Martyn
Published: November 2019

‘New frontiers’ considers where the future lies for tidal studies. On our own planet there are discoveries to be made in difficult-to-reach places such as deep-sea ecosystems. The interaction between tides and sunlight in shallow water has been barely explored. Innovative computer models allow us to reproduce the tide in the early ocean. Tidal forces are not confined to Earth. Tidal flexing of the icy moons of Jupiter appears to have created a liquid water ocean on Europa. It is possible that this ocean has the right conditions for life, and space probes planned for the next few years will be able to test this possibility.
Echoes
Authors: Doyle William
Published: November 2019

‘Echoes’ examines the legacy of the French Revolution in the Western world through the lens of late 18th-century and 19th-century literature and culture. It considers writing by Edmund Burke and Thomas Carlyle, but it is Charles Dickens’s A Tale of Two Cities (1859) that offers the most influential image that posterity has of the French Revolution. It took as its main theme the contrast between violent Paris and tranquil London. The images of this book define the French Revolution for many, and were reinforced elsewhere, for example in The Scarlet Pimpernel (1905). Despite enjoying all the romance of the French Revolution in books and plays, did people really know what caused it?
How it happened
Authors: Doyle William
Published: November 2019

Just before the monarchy collapsed into bankruptcy, a hailstorm swept across France, bringing with it agricultural and economic disaster. The political storm that was about to break would take place against a background of economic crisis. ‘How it happened’ examines the events that led up to the storming of the Bastille and beyond. There were three issues that polarized France at this time: war, religion, and the monarchy. How did the polarization of these three issues lead to the terror? What caused Louis XVI to flee? Why did it go wrong and what were the ramifications of his attempt to leave France? How did Napoleon ‘save’ France from slipping deeper into chaos?
What it ended
Authors: Doyle William
Published: November 2019

The French Revolution began as a destructive force. The revolutionaries wanted to abolish anything associated with the old order. ‘What it ended’ describes how the French Revolution had begun as an attack on despotism, aristocracy, old-style corporatism, and privilege. It provided an opportunity to dispense with the old and replace with new. However, although the Revolution symbolized the assertion of political will against the constraints of history, circumstance, and vested interest, the revolutionaries soon realized that will alone is not enough to destroy the old. The old fought back. But these attempts were always problematic as concerns with the old regime remained. No true restoration was ever possible.
What it started
Authors: Doyle William
Published: November 2019

The Revolution began as an assertion of national sovereignty. Nations were the new supreme source of authority in human affairs. ‘What it started’ considers the effects of the French Revolution over the 19th century. A new principle of political legitimacy began, and the sovereignty of nations achieved successful acceptance throughout the Western world. In the 20th century, it would be used to expel Europeans from overseas colonies. What part did the Revolution play in defining a ‘nation’ in 19th-century terms? What significance did popular power have? Can there ever be a true revolution without terror? The legacy of the French Revolution in the 19th century was momentous, yet always partial and often paradoxical.
Where it stands
Authors: Doyle William
Published: November 2019

The historian François Furet proclaimed in 1978, at the start of a much celebrated essay, that ‘The French Revolution is finished’. He meant the Revolution ought to be the subject for detached historical enquiry. ‘Where it stands’ examines what ended the French Revolution, the legacy it left behind, and various interpretations of its legacy, both within France and worldwide. The history of the Revolution, in France at least, has been more a matter of commemoration than scholarly analysis. The bicentenary in 1989 released a torrent of vituperative publishing, most of it denouncing one aspect or another of the Revolution and its legacy.
Patient-controlled variable dosing of levodopa for Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Roycroft Matthew , Abdelhafiz Ahmed H , Rose Joanne
Published: November 2019

Medication for idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (PD) is for symptomatic relief, and typically, patients are advised to take their medication at agreed regular times. Here, we present a lady with moderate PD and superimposed anxiety for whom this management strategy did not work well as it increased her anxiety significantly around dosing times. She was switched to an PRN regime and although taking the same total dose of levodopa with similar symptom control was overall much happier. Although there are sound reasons behind regular dosing of levodopa (its short duration of action and relationship of clinical response to plasma concentration), a holistic co-created management plan against classical advice but taking into account the psychological burden of disease and medication may in many cases be more appropriate.
In silicoprediction of host–pathogen protein interactions in melioidosis pathogenBurkholderia pseudomalleiand human reveals novel virulence factors and their targets
Authors: Loaiza Cristian D , Duhan Naveen , Lister Matthew , Kaundal Rakesh
Published: November 2019

The aerobic, Gram-negative motile bacillus, Burkholderia pseudomallei is a facultative intracellular bacterium causing melioidosis, a critical disease of public health importance, which is widely endemic in the tropics and subtropical regions of the world. Melioidosis is associated with high case fatality rates in animals and humans; even with treatment, its mortality is 20–50%. It also infects plants and is designated as a biothreat agent. B. pseudomallei is pathogenic due to its ability to invade, resist factors in serum and survive intracellularly. Despite its importance, to date only a few effector proteins have been functionally characterized, and there is not much information regarding the host–pathogen protein–protein interactions (PPI) of this system, which are important to studying infection mechanisms and thereby develop prevention measures. We explored two computational approaches, the homology-based interolog and the domain-based method, to predict genome-scale host–pathogen interactions (HPIs) between two different strains of B. pseudomallei (prototypical, and highly virulent) and human. In total, 76 335 common HPIs (between the two strains) were predicted involving 8264 human and 1753 B. pseudomallei proteins. Among the unique PPIs, 14 131 non-redundant HPIs were found to be unique between the prototypical strain and human, compared to 3043 non-redundant HPIs between the highly virulent strain and human. The protein hubs analysis showed that most B. pseudomallei proteins formed a hub with human dnaK complex proteins associated with tuberculosis, a disease similar in symptoms to melioidosis. In addition, drug-binding and carbohydrate-binding mechanisms were found overrepresented within the host–pathogen network, and metabolic pathways were frequently activated according to the pathway enrichment. Subcellular localization analysis showed that most of the pathogen proteins are targeting human proteins inside cytoplasm and nucleus. We also discovered the host targets of the drug-related pathogen proteins and proteins that form T3SS and T6SS in B. pseudomallei. Additionally, a comparison between the unique PPI patterns present in the prototypical and highly virulent strains was performed. The current study is the first report on developing a genome-scale host–pathogen protein interaction networks between the human and B. pseudomallei, a critical biothreat agent. We have identified novel virulence factors and their interacting partners in the human proteome. These PPIs can be further validated by high-throughput experiments and may give new insights on how B. pseudomallei interacts with its host, which will help medical researchers in developing better prevention measures.
Simulated maternal stress reduces offspring aerobic swimming performance in Pacific salmon
Authors: Banet Amanda I , Healy Stephen J , Eliason Erika J , Roualdes Edward A , Patterson David A , Hinch Scott G
Published: November 2019

Pacific salmon routinely encounter stressors during their upriver spawning migration, which have the potential to influence offspring through hormonally-mediated maternal effects. To disentangle genetic vs. hormonal effects on offspring swimming performance, we collected gametes from three species of Pacific salmon (Chinook, pink and sockeye) at the end of migration and exposed a subset of eggs from each female to cortisol baths to simulate high levels of maternal stress. Fertilised eggs were reared to fry and put through a series of aerobic swim trials. Results show that exposure to cortisol early in development reduces maximum oxygen consumption while swimming, and decreases aerobic scope in all three species. Resting oxygen consumption did not differ between cortisol and control treatment groups. We also examined several metrics that could influence aerobic performance, and found no differences between treatment groups in haematocrit%, haemoglobin concentration, heart mass, citrate synthase activity or lactate dehydrogenase activity. Though it was not the focus of this study, an interesting discovery was that pink salmon had a higher MO2max and aerobic scope relative to the other species, which was supported by a greater haematocrit, haemoglobin, a larger heart and higher CS activity. Some management and conservation practices for Pacific salmon focus efforts primarily on facilitating adult spawning. However, if deleterious effects of maternal stress acquired prior to spawning persist into the next generation, consideration will need to be given to sub-lethal effects that could be imparted onto offspring from maternal stress.
Variation in Wing Load of Female Spruce Budworms (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) During the Course of an Outbreak: Evidence for Phenotypic Response to Habitat Deterioration in Collapsing Populations
Authors: Rhainds Marc
Published: November 2019

Reproduction in female spruce budworms, Choristoneura fumiferana, entails sedentary oviposition early in life (gravid females with their heavy abdomen full of eggs are unable to sustain flight), followed by short- and long-range dispersal by females that have laid a portion of their eggs. Body size measurements (wing surface area and dry weight) of gravid females, spent females at death (after all eggs are laid), and inflight females captured at light traps were collected at one location (forest stands near Fredericton in New Brunswick) over multiple years, from the outbreak stage (1976–1979: peak budworm abundance) to late declining phase with collapsing populations (1988–1989, following near two-fold magnitude of decline in adult density after 1987). For both demographic phases, females rarely flew until having laid at least 40% of their eggs, in contradiction to the hypothesis that females in defoliated forest stands can fly upon emergence due to their light-weight abdomen. As expected, the weight and fecundity of females in 1988–1989 was significantly lower than early on; in terms of body size (wing surface area), however, females were larger in late outbreak phase. These trends suggest that females have evolved morphological adaptation to further dispersal from deteriorated habitats.
Impact of Combined Lifestyle Factors on All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality and Life Expectancy in Chinese: The Singapore Chinese Health Study
Authors: Pan Xiong-Fei , Li Yanping , Franco Oscar H , Yuan Jian-Min , Pan An , Koh Woon-Puay
Published: November 2019

Background

To examine the impact of combined lifestyle factors on premature mortality and life expectancy in Chinese adults.

Methods

A total of 44,052 Chinese adults aged 45–74 years free of cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer, and diabetes were followed from recruitment (1993–1998) to the end of 2016 in the Singapore Chinese Health Study. A composite score (0–5 scale) was calculated based on five baseline healthy lifestyle factors including healthy diet, nonsmoking status, light to moderate alcohol drinking, being physically active and optimal body mass index. Mortality cases were identified through linkage with the nationwide death registry.

Results

Adopting five healthy versus none was associated with a lower risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality, and the hazard ratio (95% confidence interval [CI]) was 0.38 (0.29, 0.51) for all-cause mortality, 0.26 (0.13, 0.52) for CVD mortality, and 0.59 (0.37, 0.92) for cancer mortality. Nonadherence to 4–5 healthy lifestyle factors accounted for 34.9% (95% CI = 29.2, 40.2) in population attributable fraction for all-cause mortality, 35.1% (23.7, 44.9) for CVD mortality, and 18.0% (6.5, 28.0) for cancer mortality. Conversely, adherence to 4–5 healthy lifestyle factors versus none could achieve a gain of 8.1 years in women and 6.6 years in men for the life expectancy at 50 years.

Conclusions

A healthier lifestyle is associated with a substantially reduced risk of mortality and a longer life expectancy in the Chinese population. Our findings highlight the necessity of coordinated actions targeting combined lifestyle factors in reducing the overall burden of diseases and premature deaths.
Transpersonal Genetic Effects Among Older U.S. Couples: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Das Aniruddha
Published: November 2019

Background

Emerging social genetics research suggests one’s genes may influence not just one’s own outcomes but also those of close social alters. Health implications, particularly in late life, remain underexplored. Using combined genetic and survey data, this study examined such transpersonal genetic associations among older U.S. couples.

Method

Data were from married or cohabiting couples in the 2006–2016 waves of the Health and Retirement Study, nationally representative of U.S. adults over 50. Measures included a polygenic score for educational attainment, and self-rated health. Analysis was through parallel process latent growth models.

Results

Women’s and men’s genetic scores for education had transpersonal linkages with their partner’s health. Such associations were solely with life-course variations and not late-life change in outcomes. Moreover, they were indirect, mediated by educational attainment itself. Evidence also emerged for individual-level genetic effects mediated by the partner’s education.

Discussion

In addition to the subject-specific linkages emphasized in extant genetics literature, relational contexts involve multiple transpersonal genetic associations. These appear to have consequences for a partner’s and one’s own health. Life-course theory indicates that a person is never not embedded in such contexts, suggesting that these patterns may be widespread. Research is needed on their implications for the life-course and gene–environment correlation literature.
Imaging 3-D faults using diffractions with modified dip-angle gathers
Authors: Li Zhengwei , Zhang Jianfeng
Published: November 2019

Accurate identification of the locations and orientations of small-scale faults plays an important role in seismic interpretation. We have developed a 3-D migration scheme that can image small-scale faults using diffractions in time. This provides a resolution beyond the classical Rayleigh limit of half a wavelength in detecting faults. The scheme images weak diffractions by building a modified dip-angle gather, which is obtained by replacing the two dip angles dimensions of the conventional 2-D dip-angle gather with tangents of the dip angles. We build the modified 2-D dip-angle gathers by calculating the tangents of dip angles following 3-D prestack time migration (PSTM). In the resulting modified 2-D dip-angle gathers, the Fresnel zone related to the specular reflection exhibits an ellipse. Comparing with the conventional 2-D dip-angle gather, diffraction event related a fault exhibits a straight cylinder shape with phase-reversal across a line related the orientation of the fault. As a result, we can not only mute the Fresnel zones related to reflections, correct phase for edge diffractions and obtain the image of faults, but also detect the orientations of 3-D faults using the modified dip-angle gathers. Like the conventional dip-angle gathers, the modified dip-angle gathers can also be used to image diffractions resulting from other sources. 3-D Field data tests demonstrate the validity of the proposed diffraction imaging scheme.
Human Gut Microbiome Transplantation in Ileitis Prone Mice: A Tool for the Functional Characterization of the Microbiota in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients
Authors: Basson Abigail R , Gomez-Nguyen Adrian , Menghini Paola , Buttó Ludovica F , Di Martino Luca , Aladyshkina Natalia , Osme Abdullah , Lasalla Alexandria , Fischer Derek , Ezeji Jessica C , Erkkila Hailey L , Brennan Connery J , Lam Minh , Rodriguez-Palacios Alexander , Cominelli Fabio
Published: November 2019

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a lifelong digestive disease characterized by periods of severe inflammation and remission. To our knowledge, this is the first study showing a variable effect on ileitis severity from human gut microbiota isolated from IBD donors in remission and that of healthy controls in a mouse model of IBD.

Methods

We conducted a series of single-donor intensive and nonintensive fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) experiments using feces from IBD patients in remission and healthy non-IBD controls (N = 9 donors) in a mouse model of Crohn’s disease (CD)-like ileitis that develops ileitis in germ-free (GF) conditions (SAMP1/YitFC; N = 96 mice).

Results

Engraftment studies demonstrated that the microbiome of IBD in remission could have variable effects on the ileum of CD-prone mice (pro-inflammatory, nonmodulatory, or anti-inflammatory), depending on the human donor. Fecal microbiota transplantation achieved a 95% ± 0.03 genus-level engraftment of human gut taxa in mice, as confirmed at the operational taxonomic unit level. In most donors, microbiome colonization abundance patterns remained consistent over 60 days. Microbiome-based metabolic predictions of GF mice with Crohn’s or ileitic-mouse donor microbiota indicate that chronic amino/fatty acid (valine, leucine, isoleucine, histidine; linoleic; P < 1e-15) alterations (and not bacterial virulence markers; P > 0.37) precede severe ileitis in mice, supporting their potential use as predictors/biomarkers in human CD.

Conclusion

The gut microbiome of IBD remission patients is not necessarily innocuous. Characterizing the inflammatory potential of each microbiota in IBD patients using mice may help identify the patients’ best anti-inflammatory fecal sample for future use as an anti-inflammatory microbial autograft during disease flare-ups.
The JAK-Inhibitor Tofacitinib Rescues Human Intestinal Epithelial Cells and Colonoids from Cytokine-Induced Barrier Dysfunction
Authors: Sayoc-Becerra Anica , Krishnan Moorthy , Fan Shujun , Jimenez Jossue , Hernandez Rebecca , Gibson Kyle , Preciado Reyna , Butt Grant , McCole Declan F
Published: November 2019

Background

Alterations to epithelial tight junctions can compromise the ability of the epithelium to act as a barrier between luminal contents and the underlying tissues, thereby increasing intestinal permeability, an early critical event in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Tofacitinib (Xeljanz), an orally administered pan-Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, was recently approved for the treatment of moderate to severe ulcerative colitis. Nevertheless, the effects of tofacitinib on intestinal epithelial cell functions are largely unknown. The aim of this study was to determine if JAK inhibition by tofacitinib can rescue cytokine-induced barrier dysfunction in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs).

Methods

T84 IECs were used to evaluate the effects of tofacitinib on JAK-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) activation, barrier permeability, and expression and localization of tight junction proteins. The impact of tofacitinib on claudin-2 promoter activity was assessed in HT-29 IECs. Tofacitinib rescue of barrier function was also tested in human colonic stem cell-derived organoids.

Results

Pretreatment with tofacitinib prevented IFN-γ-induced decreases in transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) and increases in 4 kDa FITC-dextran permeability (FD4), partly due to claudin-2 transcriptional regulation and restriction of ZO-1 rearrangement at tight junctions. Although tofacitinib administered after IFN-γ challenge only partially normalized TER and claudin-2 levels, FD4 permeability and ZO-1 localization were fully recovered. The IFN-γ-induced FD4 permeability in primary human colonoids was fully rescued by tofacitinib.

Conclusions

These data suggest differential therapeutic efficacy of tofacitinib in the rescue of pore vs leak-tight junction barrier defects and indicate a potential contribution of improved epithelial barrier function to the beneficial effects of tofacitinib in IBD patients.
A Specific Mutation in Muc2 Determines Early Dysbiosis in Colitis-Prone Winnie Mice
Authors: Liso Marina , De Santis Stefania , Verna Giulio , Dicarlo Manuela , Calasso Maria , Santino Angelo , Gigante Isabella , Eri Rajaraman , Raveenthiraraj Sathuwarman , Sobolewski Anastasia , Palmitessa Valeria , Lippolis Antonio , Mastronardi Mauro , Armentano Raffaele , Serino Grazia , De Angelis Maria , Chieppa Marcello
Published: November 2019

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), is a multifactorial disorder characterized by chronic inflammation and altered gut barrier function. Dysbiosis, a condition defined by dysregulation of the gut microbiome, has been reported in patients with IBD and in experimental models of colitis. Although several factors have been implicated in directly affecting gut microbial composition, the genetic determinants impacting intestinal dysbiosis in IBD remain relatively unknown.

Methods

We compared the microbiome of normal, uninflamed wild-type (WT) mice with that of a murine model of UC (ie, Winnie strain). Winnie mice possess a missense mutation in Muc2 that manifests in altered mucus production as early as 4 weeks of age, with ensuing colonic inflammation. To better address the potential role of mutant Muc2 in promoting dysbiosis in Winnie mice, we evaluated homozygous mutant mice (Winnie-/-) with their WT littermates that, after weaning from common mothers, were caged separately according to genotype. Histologic and inflammatory status were assessed over time, along with changes in their respective microbiome compositions.

Results

Dysbiosis in Winnie mice was already established at 4 weeks of age, before histologic evidence of gut inflammatory changes, in which microbial communities diverged from that derived from their mothers. Furthermore, dysbiosis persisted until 12 weeks of age, with peak differences in microbiome composition observed between Winnie and WT mice at 8 weeks of age. The relative abundance of Bacteroidetes was greater in Winnie compared with WT mice. Verrucomicrobia was detected at the highest relative levels in 4-week-old Winnie mice; in particular, Akkermansia muciniphila was among the most abundant species found at 4 weeks of age.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that mutant genetic determinants involved in the complex regulation of intestinal homeostasis, such as that observed in Winnie mice, are able to promote early gut dysbiosis that is independent from maternal microbial transfer, including breastfeeding. Our data provide evidence for intestinal dysbiosis attributed to a Muc2-driven mucus defect that leads to colonic inflammation and may represent an important target for the design of future interventional studies.
Great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis) predation on juvenile down-migrating trout (Salmo trutta) in a lowland stream
Authors: Källo Kristi , Baktoft Henrik , Jepsen Niels , Aarestrup Kim
Published: November 2019

Since in 1980s, the number of great cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis) has increased all over its European distribution area. This has led to conflicts between bird conservation and fisheries. Mariager fjord in Denmark is an important feeding and transition area for a large population of migrating seatrout (Salmo trutta), but it also provides resting and breeding places for cormorants. Thus, juvenile anadromous salmonids migrating from the river to the sea may be exposed to high predation risk during a critical and vulnerable time in their development. A total of 31 123 down-migrating wild seatrout were tagged with Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tags in 2008, 2009, 2015, and 2016 in river Villestrup, the main tributary flowing into Mariager fjord. Tagged fish were measured and grouped by their developmental stage as parr, pre-smolt, or smolt. To quantify cormorant predation, nearby cormorant colonies and roosting sites were repeatedly scanned for PIT tags with a manual antenna to record tags from predated fish. Minimum predation rate was 27% but varied among years. Body length of the fish and predation risk were negatively correlated and the latter was dependent on the group of the fish. This study demonstrates a potential negative effect of predation by great cormorants on an important population of wild trout.
Topological structure of solution sets for control problems governed by semilinear fractional impulsive evolution equations with nonlocal conditions
Authors: Jiang Yi-rong , Zhang Qiong-fen , Song Qi-qing
Published: November 2019

This article investigates the topological structural of the mild solution set for a control problem monitored by semilinear fractional impulsive evolution equations with nonlocal conditions. The $R_{\delta }$-property of the mild solution set is obtained by applying the measure of noncompactness and a fixed point theorem of condensing maps and a fixed point theorem of nonconvex valued maps. Then this result is applied to prove that the presented control problem has a reachable invariant set under nonlinear perturbations. The obtained results are also applied to characterize the approximate controllability of the presented control problem.
Total and Unbound Bictegravir Concentrations and Viral Suppression in Cerebrospinal Fluid of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Patients (Spanish HIV/AIDS Research Network, PreEC/RIS 56)
Authors: Tiraboschi Juan , Imaz Arkaitz , Khoo Saye , Niubo Jordi , Prieto Paula , Saumoy Maria , Penchala Sujan Dilly , Garcia Benito , Padilla Cristina , Videla Sebastian , Podzamczer Daniel
Published: November 2019

We determined total and unbound concentrations of bictegravir (BIC) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in 15 asymptomatic, virologically suppressed patients. The median plasma and CSF total BIC concentrations were 1837.1 ng/mL (interquartile range [IQR], 1237.2–2586.7) and 6.9 (IQR, 4.8–10.9), respectively. Median unbound BIC concentration was 2.48 ng/mL (IQR, 1.6–3.7). Total and unbound BIC CSF concentrations were above the half-maximal effective concentration value in all patients, and all subjects had human immunodeficiency virus viral suppression in plasma and CSF. Bictegravir may contribute to inhibit viral replication in this compartment.