bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differentiation of Human Tonsil-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Schwann-Like Cells Improves Neuromuscular Function in a Mouse Model of Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Type 1A
Authors: Park Saeyoung , Jung Namhee , Myung Seoha , Choi Yoonyoung , Chung Ki Wha , Choi Byung-Ok , Jung Sung-Chul
Published: August 2018

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A (CMT1A) is the most common inherited motor and sensory neuropathy, and is caused by duplication of PMP22, alterations of which are a characteristic feature of demyelination. The clinical phenotype of CMT1A is determined by the degree of axonal loss, and patients suffer from progressive muscle weakness and impaired sensation. Therefore, we investigated the potential of Schwann-like cells differentiated from human tonsil-derived stem cells (T-MSCs) for use in neuromuscular regeneration in trembler-J (Tr-J) mice, a model of CMT1A. After differentiation, we confirmed the increased expression of Schwann cell (SC) markers, including glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR), S100 calcium-binding protein B (S100B), glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which suggests the differentiation of T-MSCs into SCs (T-MSC-SCs). To test their functional efficiency, the T-MSC-SCs were transplanted into the caudal thigh muscle of Tr-J mice. Recipients’ improved locomotive activity on a rotarod test, and their sciatic function index, which suggests that transplanted T-MSC-SCs ameliorated demyelination and atrophy of nerve and muscle in Tr-J mice. Histological and molecular analyses showed the possibility of in situ remyelination by T-MSC-SCs transplantation. These findings demonstrate that the transplantation of heterologous T-MSC-SCs induced neuromuscular regeneration in mice and suggest they could be useful for the therapeutic treatment of patients with CMT1A disease.
The Tiny Drosophila Melanogaster for the Biggest Answers in Huntington’s Disease
Authors: Rosas-Arellano Abraham , Estrada-Mondragón Argel , Piña Ricardo , Mantellero Carola , Castro Maite
Published: August 2018

The average life expectancy for humans has increased over the last years. However, the quality of the later stages of life is low and is considered a public health issue of global importance. Late adulthood and the transition into the later stage of life occasionally leads to neurodegenerative diseases that selectively affect different types of neurons and brain regions, producing motor dysfunctions, cognitive impairment, and psychiatric disorders that are progressive, irreversible, without remission periods, and incurable. Huntington’s disease (HD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder. In the 25 years since the mutation of the huntingtin (HTT) gene was identified as the molecule responsible for this neural disorder, a variety of animal models, including the fruit fly, have been used to study the disease. Here, we review recent research that used Drosophila as an experimental tool for improving knowledge about the molecular and cellular mechanisms underpinning HD.
Photothermally Triggered Endosomal Escape and Its Influence on Transfection Efficiency of Gold-Functionalized JetPEI/pDNA Nanoparticles
Authors: Vermeulen Lotte M. P. , Fraire Juan C. , Raes Laurens , De Meester Ellen , De Keulenaer Sarah , Van Nieuwerburgh Filip , De Smedt Stefaan , Remaut Katrien , Braeckmans Kevin
Published: August 2018

Plasmonic nanoparticles for drug delivery have attracted increasing interest over the last few years. Their localized surface plasmon resonance causes photothermal effects on laser irradiation, which allows for delivering drugs in a spatio-temporally controlled manner. Here, we explore the use of gold nanoparticles (AuNP) as carriers for pDNA in combination with pulsed laser irradiation to induce endosomal escape, which is currently considered to be one of the major bottlenecks in macromolecular drug delivery on the intracellular level. In particular, we evaluate nanocomplexes composed of JetPEI (polyethylenimine)pDNA and 10 nm AuNP, which do not exhibit endosomal escape by themselves. After incubating HeLa cells with these complexes, we evaluated endosomal escape and transfection efficiency using low- and high-energy laser pulses. At low laser energy heat is produced by the nanocomplexes, while, at higher laser energy, explosive vapour nanobubbles (VNB) are formed. We investigated the ability of heat transfer and VNB formation to induce endosomal escape and we examine the integrity of pDNA cargo after inducing both photothermal effects. We conclude that JetPEI/pDNA/AuNP complexes are unable to induce meaningful transfection efficiencies because laser treatment causes either dysfunctionality of the cargo when VNB are formed or forms too small pores in the endosomal membrane to allow pDNA to escape in case of heating. We conclude that laser-induced VNB is the most suitable to induce effective pDNA endosomal escape, but a different nanocomplex structure will be required to keep the pDNA intact.
Assessment of Genetic Diversity, Population Structure, and Evolutionary Relationship of Uncharacterized Genes in a Novel Germplasm Collection of Diploid and Allotetraploid Gossypium Accessions Using EST and Genomic SSR Markers
Authors: Ditta Allah , Zhou Zhongli , Cai Xiaoyan , Wang Xingxing , Okubazghi Kiflom Weldu , Shehzad Muhammad , Xu Yanchao , Hou Yuqing , Sajid Iqbal Muhammad , Khan Muhammad Kashif Riaz , Wang Kunbo , Liu Fang
Published: August 2018

This study evaluated the genetic diversity and population structures in a novel cotton germplasm collection comprising 132 diploids, including Glossypium klotzschianum and allotetraploid cotton accessions, including Glossypium barbadense, Glossypium darwinii, Glossypium tomentosum, Glossypium ekmanianum, and Glossypium stephensii, from Santa Cruz, Isabella, San Cristobal, Hawaiian, Dominican Republic, and Wake Atoll islands. A total of 111 expressed sequence tag (EST) and genomic simple sequence repeat (gSSR) markers produced 382 polymorphic loci with an average of 3.44 polymorphic alleles per SSR marker. Polymorphism information content values counted 0.08 to 0.82 with an average of 0.56. Analysis of a genetic distance matrix revealed values of 0.003 to 0.53 with an average of 0.33 in the wild cotton collection. Phylogenetic analysis supported the subgroups identified by STRUCTURE and corresponds well with the results of principal coordinate analysis with a cumulative variation of 45.65%. A total of 123 unique alleles were observed among all accessions and 31 identified only in G. ekmanianum. Analysis of molecular variance revealed highly significant variation between the six groups identified by structure analysis with 49% of the total variation and 51% of the variation was due to diversity within the groups. The highest genetic differentiation among tetraploid populations was observed between accessions from the Hawaiian and Santa Cruz regions with a pairwise FST of 0.752 (p < 0.001). DUF819 containing an uncharacterized gene named yjcL linked to genomic markers has been found to be highly related to tryptophan-aspartic acid (W-D) repeats in a superfamily of genes. The RNA sequence expression data of the yjcL-linked gene Gh_A09G2500 was found to be upregulated under drought and salt stress conditions. The existence of genetic diversity, characterization of genes and variation in novel germplasm collection will be a landmark addition to the genetic study of cotton germplasm.
A Class of Rate-Independent Lower-Order Gradient Plasticity Theories: Implementation and Application to Disc Torsion Problem
Authors: Perdahcıoğlu Emin Semih , Soyarslan Celal , Aşık Emin Erkan , Van den Boogaard Ton , Bargmann Swantje
Published: August 2018

As the characteristic scale of products and production processes decreases, the plasticity phenomena observed start to deviate from those evidenced at the macroscale. The current research aims at investigating this gap using a lower-order gradient enhanced approach both using phenomenological continuum level as well as crystal plasticity models. In the phenomenological approach, a physically based hardening model relates the flow stress to the density of dislocations where it is assumed that the sources of immobile dislocations are both statistically stored (SSDs) as well as geometrically necessary dislocations (GNDs). In the crystal plasticity model, the evolution of the critical resolved shear stress is also defined based on the total number of dislocations. The GNDs are similarly incorporated in the hardening based on projecting the plastic strain gradients through the Burgers tensor on slip systems. A rate-independent formulation is considered that eliminates any artificial inhomogeneous hardening behavior due to numerical stabilization. The behavior of both models is compared in simulations focusing on the effect of structurally imposed gradients versus the inherent gradients arising in crystal plasticity simulations.
Investigations on the Electrochemical Atomic Layer Growth of Bi2Se3 and the Surface Limited Deposition of Bismuth at the Silver Electrode
Authors: Giurlani Walter , Giaccherini Andrea , Calisi Nicola , Zangari Giovanni , Salvietti Emanuele , Passaponti Maurizio , Caporali Stefano , Innocenti Massimo
Published: August 2018

The Electrochemical Atomic Layer Deposition (E-ALD) technique is used for the deposition of ultrathin films of bismuth (Bi) compounds. Exploiting the E-ALD, it was possible to obtain highly controlled nanostructured depositions as needed, for the application of these materials for novel electronics (topological insulators), thermoelectrics and opto-electronics applications. Electrochemical studies have been conducted to determine the Underpotential Deposition (UPD) of Bi on selenium (Se) to obtain the Bi2Se3 compound on the Ag (111) electrode. Verifying the composition with X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) showed that, after the first monolayer, the deposition of Se stopped. Thicker deposits were synthesized exploiting a time-controlled deposition of massive Se. We then investigated the optimal conditions to deposit a single monolayer of metallic Bi directly on the Ag.
Almond Shell as a Microporous Carbon Source for Sustainable Cathodes in Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Benítez Almudena , González-Tejero Marcos , Caballero Álvaro , Morales Julián
Published: August 2018

A microporous carbon derived from biomass (almond shells) and activated with phosphoric acid was analysed as a cathodic matrix in Li–S batteries. By studying the parameters of the carbonization process of this biomass residue, certain conditions were determined to obtain a high surface area of carbon (967 m2 g−1) and high porosity (0.49 cm3 g−1). This carbon was capable of accommodating up to 60% by weight of sulfur, infiltrated by the disulphide method. The C–S composite released an initial specific capacity of 915 mAh g−1 in the Li–S cell at a current density of 100 mA g−1 with a high retention capacity of 760 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles and a coulombic efficiency close to 100%. The good performance of the composite was also observed under higher current rates (up to 1000 mA g−1). The overall electrochemical behaviour of this microporous carbon acting as a sulfur host reinforces the possibility of using biomass residues as sustainable sources of materials for energy storage.
Assessment of the Potential Economic Impact of the Use of AM Technologies in the Cost Levels of Manufacturing and Stocking of Spare Part Products
Authors: Minguella-Canela Joaquim , Morales Planas Sergio , Gomà Ayats Joan Ramon , De los Santos López M. Antonia
Published: August 2018

Additive manufacturing (AM) technologies are appropriate manufacturing technologies to produce low rotation products of high added value. Products in the spare parts business usually have discontinuous demand levels of reduced numbers of parts. Indeed, spare parts inventories handle myriad of products that require big immobilized investments while having an intrinsic risk of no-use (for example due to obsolescence or spoilage). Based on these issues, the present work analyses the fundamental cost factors in a real case study of a company dedicated to the supply of spare parts for fluid conduction systems. Real inventory data is assessed to determine the product taxonomy and its associated costs. A representative product of the stock is analyzed in detail on original manufacturing costs, in AM costs and then redesigned with topological optimization to reduce the AM cost levels (via design for additive manufacturing). A general equation for cost assessment is formulated. Given the specific data collected from the company, the parameters in this general equation are calculated. Finally, the general equation and the product cost reduction achieved are used to explore the potential economic impact of the use of AM technologies in the cost levels of manufacturing and stocking of spare part products.
Osteogenic Potential of Graphene in Bone Tissue Engineering Scaffolds
Authors: Prasadh Somasundaram , Suresh Santhosh , Wong Raymond
Published: August 2018

Scaffolds are physical substrates for cell attachments, proliferation, and differentiation, ultimately leading to tissue regeneration. Current literature validates tissue engineering as an emerging tool for bone regeneration. Three-dimensionally printed natural and synthetic biomaterials have been traditionally used for tissue engineering. In recent times, graphene and its derivatives are potentially employed for constructing bone tissue engineering scaffolds because of their osteogenic and regenerative properties. Graphene is a synthetic atomic layer of graphite with SP2 bonded carbon atoms that are arranged in a honeycomb lattice structure. Graphene can be combined with natural and synthetic biomaterials to enhance the osteogenic potential and mechanical strength of tissue engineering scaffolds. The objective of this review is to focus on the most recent studies that attempted to explore the salient features of graphene and its derivatives. Perhaps, a thorough understanding of the material science can potentiate researchers to use this novel substitute to enhance the osteogenic and biological properties of scaffold materials that are routinely used for bone tissue engineering.
Dielectric Properties and Switching Processes of Barium Titanate–Barium Zirconate Ferroelectric Superlattices
Authors: Sidorkin Alexander , Nesterenko Lolita , Gagou Yaovi , Saint-Gregoire Pierre , Vorotnikov Eugeniy , Popravko Nadezhda
Published: August 2018

This article is devoted to the investigation of the dielectric and repolarization properties of barium zirconate and barium titanate BaZrO3/BaTiO3 superlattices with a period of 13.322 nm on a monocrystal magnesium oxide (MgO) substrate. Synthesized superlattices demonstrated a ferroelectric phase transition at a temperature of approximately 393 °C, which is far higher than the Curie temperature of BaTiO3 thin films and bulk samples. The dielectric permittivity of the superlattice reached more than 104 at maximum. As the electric field frequency increased, the dielectric constant of the studied superlattice decreased over the entire study temperature range, but position of the maximum dielectric constant remained the same with changing frequency. The temperature dependence of the inverse dielectric permittivity 1/ε(T) for the studied samples shows that, in the investigated superlattice, both Curie–Weiss law and the law of “two” were followed. Additionally, the ε(T) dependences showed practically no temperature hysteresis with heating and cooling. Samples of synthesized superlattices had a relatively small internal bias field, which was directed from the superlattice towards the substrate.
Effect of Electromagnetic Stirring on the Microstructure and Properties of Fe-Cr-Co Steel
Authors: Zhang Lin , Hou Yuhang , Guo Xiao , Xiang Zhaolong , Wang Engang
Published: August 2018

High chromium steel has been synthesized by an induction furnace adopting electromagnetic stirring (EMS). Varying amounts of cobalt was added to obtain 3, 6, and 12% Co in the steel. The melt was allowed to solidify with or without EMS in a rotary magnetic field. The effects of the varying cobalt content and the stirring have been characterized by the microstructural evolution and the consequent improvement in mechanical properties. The application of a rotary EMS during solidification has shown a significant effect on the grain refining, the reduction of element segregation, the promotion of eutectic volume fraction, and the consequent improvement of mechanical properties, including hardness and high-temperature strength. The formation mechanism of the eutectic structure and the precipitation of M7C3 and M23C6 carbides was discussed according to the calculated phase diagram. The increment of cobalt content improved the eutectic volume fraction. Cobalt addition also enhanced the hardness and the yield tensile strength, provided that the ingot structure was homogenized by the EMS.
Current Screening Methodologies in Drug Discovery for Selected Human Diseases
Authors: Lage Olga Maria , Ramos María C. , Calisto Rita , Almeida Eduarda , Vasconcelos Vitor , Vicente Francisca
Published: August 2018

The increase of many deadly diseases like infections by multidrug-resistant bacteria implies re-inventing the wheel on drug discovery. A better comprehension of the metabolisms and regulation of diseases, the increase in knowledge based on the study of disease-born microorganisms’ genomes, the development of more representative disease models and improvement of techniques, technologies, and computation applied to biology are advances that will foster drug discovery in upcoming years. In this paper, several aspects of current methodologies for drug discovery of antibacterial and antifungals, anti-tropical diseases, antibiofilm and antiquorum sensing, anticancer and neuroprotectors are considered. For drug discovery, two different complementary approaches can be applied: classical pharmacology, also known as phenotypic drug discovery, which is the historical basis of drug discovery, and reverse pharmacology, also designated target-based drug discovery. Screening methods based on phenotypic drug discovery have been used to discover new natural products mainly from terrestrial origin. Examples of the discovery of marine natural products are provided. A section on future trends provides a comprehensive overview on recent advances that will foster the pharmaceutical industry.
Array of Resonant Electromechanical Nanosystems: A Technological Breakthrough for Uncooled Infrared Imaging
Authors: Duraffourg Laurent , Laurent Ludovic , Moulet Jean-Sébastien , Arcamone Julien , Yon Jean-Jacques
Published: August 2018

Microbolometers arethe most common uncooled infrared techniques that allow 50 mK-temperature resolution to be achieved on-scene. However, this approach struggles with both self-heating, which is inherent to the resistive readout principle, and 1/f noise. We present an alternative approach that consists of using micro/nanoresonators vibrating according to a torsional mode, and whose resonant frequency changes with the incident IR-radiation. Dense arrays of such electromechanical structures were fabricated with a 12 µm pitch at low temperature, allowing their integration on complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) circuits according to a post-processing method. H-shape pixels with 9 µm-long nanorods and a cross-section of 250 nm × 30 nm were fabricated to provide large thermal responses, whose experimental measurements reached up to 1024 Hz/nW. These electromechanical resonators featured a noise equivalent power of 140 pW for a response time of less than 1 ms. To our knowledge, these performances are unrivaled with such small dimensions. We also showed that a temperature sensitivity of 20 mK within a 100 ms integration time is conceivable at a 12 µm pitch by co-integrating the resonators with their readout electronics, and suggesting a new readout scheme. This sensitivity could be reached short-term by depositing on top of the nanorods a vanadium oxide layer that had a phase-transition that could possibly enhance the thermal response by one order of magnitude.
Tetragonia tetragonoides (Pall.) Kuntze (New Zealand Spinach) Prevents Obesity and Hyperuricemia in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice
Authors: Lee Young-Sil , Kim Seung-Hyung , Yuk Heung Joo , Lee Geung-Joo , Kim Dong-Seon
Published: August 2018

Tetragonia tetragonoides (Pall.) Kuntze, called New Zealand spinach (NZS), is an edible plant used in salad in Western countries and has been used to treat gastrointestinal diseases in traditional medicine. We examined the anti-obesity and anti-hyperuricemic effects of NZS and the underlying mechanisms in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. Mice were fed a normal-fat diet (NFD); high-fat diet (HFD); HFD with 75, 150, or 300 mg/kg NZS extract; or 245 mg/kg Garcinia cambogia (GC) extract. NZS decreased body weight gain, total white adipose tissue (WAT), liver weight, and size of adipocytes and improved hepatic and plasma lipid profiles. With NZS, the plasma levels of the leptin and uric acid were significantly decreased while the levels of the adiponectin were increased. Furthermore, NZS decreased the expression levels of adipogenesis-related genes and xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR), which is involved in uric acid production, while increasing that of proteins associated with fatty acid oxidation. UPLC analysis revealed that NZS contained 6-methoxykaempferol-3-O-β-d-glucosyl(1′′′→2′′)-β-d-glucopyranoside, 6-methoxykaempferol-3-O-β-d-glucosyl(1′′′→2′′)-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(6′′′′-caffeoyl)-7-O-β-d-glucopyranoside, and 6,4′-dimethoxykaempferol-3-O-β-d-glucosyl(1′′′→2′′)-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(6′′′′-caffeoyl)-7-O-β-d-glucopyranoside. These results suggest that NZS exerts anti-obesity, anti-hyperlipidemia, and anti-hyperuricemic effects in HFD-induced obese mice, which are partly explained by regulation of lipid-metabolism-related genes and proteins and decreased expression of XOR.
Responsive Protein Hydrogels Assembled from Spider Silk Carboxyl-Terminal Domain and Resilin Copolymers
Authors: Luo Fang , Qian Zhi-Gang , Xia Xiao-Xia
Published: August 2018

Responsive protein hydrogels are known to respond to target external stimuli that cause changes in their properties, attracting considerable attention for diverse applications. Here we report the design and recombinant biosynthesis of protein copolymers via genetic fusion of repeating units of resilin with spider silk carboxyl-terminal (CT) domain. The resulting copolymers were thermoresponsive in aqueous solutions, and formed reversible hydrogels at low temperatures and irreversible hydrogels at high temperatures within minutes, a peculiar dual thermogelation feature endowed by the CT domain. The incorporation of resilin blocks upshifted the temperature range of reversible gelation and hydrogel stiffness, whereas the temperature of irreversible gelation was differentially affected by the length of the resilin blocks. In addition, sodium chloride and potassium phosphate at moderate concentrations downregulated both the reversible and irreversible gelation temperatures and hydrogel mechanical properties, proving the salts as another level of control over dual thermogelation. Surprisingly, the copolymers were prone to gelate at body temperature in a time-dependent manner, and the resulting hydrogels were pH-responsive to release a highly polar model drug in vitro. The newly developed resilin-CT copolymers and the multistimuli-responsive hydrogels may be potentially useful in biomedicine, such as for drug delivery.
A New Method for Mapping Aquatic Vegetation Especially Underwater Vegetation in Lake Ulansuhai Using GF-1 Satellite Data
Authors: Chen Qi , Yu Ruihong , Hao Yanling , Wu Linhui , Zhang Wenxing , Zhang Qi , Bu Xunan
Published: August 2018

It is difficult to accurately identify and extract bodies of water and underwater vegetation from satellite images using conventional vegetation indices, as the strong absorption of water weakens the spectral feature of high near-infrared (NIR) reflected by underwater vegetation in shallow lakes. This study used the shallow Lake Ulansuhai in the semi-arid region of China as a research site, and proposes a new concave–convex decision function to detect submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) and identify bodies of water using Gao Fen 1 (GF-1) multi-spectral satellite images with a resolution of 16 meters acquired in July and August 2015. At the same time, emergent vegetation, “Huangtai algae bloom”, and SAV were classified simultaneously by a decision tree method. Through investigation and verification by field samples, classification accuracy in July and August was 92.17% and 91.79%, respectively, demonstrating that GF-1 data with four-day short revisit period and high spatial resolution can meet the standards of accuracy required by aquatic vegetation extraction. The results indicated that the concave–convex decision function is superior to traditional classification methods in distinguishing water and SAV, thus significantly improving SAV classification accuracy. The concave–convex decision function can be applied to waters with SAV coverage greater than 40% above 0.3 m and SAV coverage 40% above 0.1 m under 1.5 m transparency, which can provide new methods for the accurate extraction of SAV in other regions.
Biosensors for the Detection of Interaction between Legionella pneumophila Collagen-Like Protein and Glycosaminoglycans
Authors: Su Han , Li Shaopei , Terebiznik Mauricio , Guyard Cyril , Kerman Kagan
Published: August 2018

The adhesin Legionella collagen-like (Lcl) protein can bind to extracellular matrix components and mediate the binding of Legionella pneumophila to host cells. In this study, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based biosensors were employed to characterize these interactions between glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and the adhesin Lcl protein. Fucoidan displayed a high affinity (KD 18 nM) for Lcl protein. Chondroitin sulfate A and dermatan sulfate differ in the position of a carboxyl group replacing D-glucuronate with D-iduronate. Our results indicated that the presence of D-iduronate in dermatan sulfate strongly hindered its interaction with Lcl. These biophysical studies provided valuable information in our understanding of adhesin-ligand interactions related to Legionella pneumophila infections.
Centimeter-Level Orbit Determination for TG02 Spacelab Using Onboard GNSS Data
Authors: Li Kai , Zhou Xuhua , Wang Wenbin , Gao Yang , Zhao Gang , Tao Enzhe , Xu Kexin
Published: August 2018

Tiangong-2, the second Chinese manned spacecraft, was launched into low Earth orbit on 15 September 2016. The dual-frequency geodetic GNSS receiver equipped on it is supporting a number of scientific experiments in orbit. This paper uses the onboard GNSS data from 3–31 December 2016 (in the attitude mode of three-axis Earth-pointing stabilization) to analyze the data quantity, as well as the code multipath error. Then, the dynamic and reduced-dynamic methods are adopted to perform the post Precise Orbit Determination (POD) based on the carrier phase measurements, respectively. After that, the orbit accuracy is evaluated using a number of tests, which include the analysis of observation residuals, Overlapping Orbit Differences (OODs), orbit comparison between dynamic and reduced-dynamic and Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) validation. The results show that: (1) the average Root Mean Square (RMS) of the on-board GNSS phase fitting residuals is 8.8 mm; (2) regarding the OODs determined by the reduced-dynamic method, the average RMS in radial (R), along-track (T) and cross-track (N) directions is 0.43 cm, 1.34 cm and 0.39 cm, respectively, and there are no obvious system errors; (3) the orbit accuracy of TG02 determined by the reduced-dynamic method is comparable to that of the dynamic method, and the average RMS of their differences in R, T, N and 3D directions is 3.05 cm, 3.60 cm, 2.52 cm and 5.40 cm, respectively; (4) SLR data are used to validate the reduced-dynamic orbits, and the average RMS along the station-satellite direction is 1.94 cm. It can be seen that both of these two methods can meet the demands of 3D centimeter-level orbit determination for TG02.
Machine Learning in Agriculture: A Review
Authors: Liakos Konstantinos , Busato Patrizia , Moshou Dimitrios , Pearson Simon , Bochtis Dionysis
Published: August 2018

Machine learning has emerged with big data technologies and high-performance computing to create new opportunities for data intensive science in the multi-disciplinary agri-technologies domain. In this paper, we present a comprehensive review of research dedicated to applications of machine learning in agricultural production systems. The works analyzed were categorized in (a) crop management, including applications on yield prediction, disease detection, weed detection crop quality, and species recognition; (b) livestock management, including applications on animal welfare and livestock production; (c) water management; and (d) soil management. The filtering and classification of the presented articles demonstrate how agriculture will benefit from machine learning technologies. By applying machine learning to sensor data, farm management systems are evolving into real time artificial intelligence enabled programs that provide rich recommendations and insights for farmer decision support and action.
Metal Mining’s Environmental Pressures: A Review and Updated Estimates on CO2 Emissions, Water Use, and Land Requirements
Authors: Tost Michael , Bayer Benjamin , Hitch Michael , Lutter Stephan , Moser Peter , Feiel Susanne
Published: August 2018

The significant increase in metal mining and the inevitability of the continuation of this trend suggests that environmental pressures, as well as related impacts, have become an issue of global relevance. Yet the scale of the impact remains, to a large extent, unknown. This paper examines the mining sector’s demands on CO2 emissions, water use, as well as demands on land use focusing on four principal metals: iron, aluminium (i.e., bauxite ore), copper, and gold. These materials represent a large proportion of all metallic materials mined in terms of crude tonnage and economic value. This paper examines how the main providers of mining data, the United Nations, government sources of some main metal producing and consuming countries, the scientific literature, and company reports report environmental pressures in these three areas. The authors conclude that, in the global context, the pressure brought about by metal mining is relatively low. The data on this subject are still very limited and there are significant gaps in consistency on criteria such as boundary descriptions, input parameter definitions, and allocation method descriptions as well as a lack of commodity and/or site specific reporting of environmental data at a company level.
Community Food Growing in Parks? Assessing the Acceptability and Feasibility in Sheffield, UK
Authors: Nam Jinvo , Dempsey Nicola
Published: August 2018

Urbanisation brings with it increased pressure on land and land uses, particularly green spaces. There has been considerable interest in community food growing in green spaces as part of a wide trend for gardening in the UK, which has been found to bring social, health, and well-being benefits. Such activity tends to take place in community-managed gardens and allotments. In light of the context of austerity within which local authority parks departments currently operate, this study tested the acceptability and feasibility of parks as a potential urban setting for Community Food Growing (CFG) in Sheffield, UK. Employing a combination of resident questionnaires and interviews with community groups and professionals, the study results showed localised differences in the acceptability and feasibility of CFG. Residents’ propensity to want to get involved in CFG differed by age and household composition, which, if acted on across the city, could significantly change the demographic make-up of parks-based community groups in the city. Barriers to CFG in parks were described by community groups and park managers as security and vandalism, need for resources, and undue pressure on the local authority as land-owner. We discuss the emergent questions around who is best placed to manage urban parks, particularly when the public sector is subject to stringent austerity budget measures. The paper concludes with commentary and recommendations about the importance of governance arrangements if CFG is to be included as part of the activities supported and managed in urban parks.
Structure and Analysis of R1 and R2 Pyocin Receptor-Binding Fibers
Authors: Buth Sergey A. , Shneider Mikhail M. , Scholl Dean , Leiman Petr G.
Published: August 2018

The R-type pyocins are high-molecular weight bacteriocins produced by some strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to specifically kill other strains of the same species. Structurally, the R-type pyocins are similar to “simple” contractile tails, such as those of phage P2 and Mu. The pyocin recognizes and binds to its target with the help of fibers that emanate from the baseplate structure at one end of the particle. Subsequently, the pyocin contracts its sheath and drives the rigid tube through the host cell envelope. This causes depolarization of the cytoplasmic membrane and cell death. The host cell surface-binding fiber is ~340 Å-long and is attached to the baseplate with its N-terminal domain. Here, we report the crystal structures of C-terminal fragments of the R1 and R2 pyocin fibers that comprise the distal, receptor-binding part of the protein. Both proteins are ~240 Å-long homotrimers in which slender rod-like domains are interspersed with more globular domains—two tandem knob domains in the N-terminal part of the fragment and a lectin-like domain at its C-terminus. The putative substrate binding sites are separated by about 100 Å, suggesting that binding of the fiber to the cell surface causes the fiber to adopt a certain orientation relative to the baseplate and this then triggers sheath contraction.
Low Water Productivity for Rice in Bihar, India—A Critical Analysis
Authors: Najmuddin Omaid , Rasul Golam , Hussain Abid , Molden David , Wahid Shahriar , Debnath Bijan
Published: August 2018

Rice is the most important crop for food security and livelihoods of the rural population in Bihar, India. In spite of good soil and water resources, rice water productivity (WP) is very low in Bihar. Trends in WP and key factors influencing WP over 20 years (1991–2010) in 11 Bihar districts were analysed using panel data to help elucidate reasons for low WP values. The annual average rice yield of 938 kg/ha, WP of 0.22 kg/m3, and marginal physical productivity (MPP) of 249 g/m3 are very low in Bihar compared to both the national average for India and other rice growing areas in the world. Rice WP and MPP were higher for the garma (dry) season than for the kharif (monsoon) season. Temporal analysis showed that WP was slowly declining in most districts, while spatial analysis showed a significant variation in WP across the districts. Regression analysis showed that the availability of irrigation facilities, occurrence of flood and drought, and cropping intensity had significant influence on rice WP. Causes for temporal and spatial changes in WP are highlighted and actions to improve rice WP in Bihar are suggested.
A Test of MONDian Gravity in ∼300 Pressure-supported Elliptical Galaxies from the MaNGA Survey
Authors: Durazo R. , Hernandez X. , Cervantes Sodi B. , Sanchez S. F.
Published: August 2018

Pressure-supported systems modeled under Modified Newtonian dynamics (MOND)ian extended gravity are expected to show an outer flattening in their velocity dispersion profiles. A characteristic scaling between the amplitude of the asymptotic velocity dispersion and the radius at which the flattening occurs is also expected. By comprehensively analyzing the dynamical behavior of ∼300 extremely low-rotating elliptical galaxies from the Mapping Nearby Galaxies at APO (MaNGA) survey, we show this type of pressure-supported system to be consistent with MONDian expectations, for a range of central velocity dispersion values of 60 km s−1 < σ
central < 280 km s−1 and asymptotic velocity dispersion values of

. We find that a universal velocity dispersion profile accurately describes the studied systems; the predicted kinematics of extended gravity are verified for all well-observed galaxies.
A Subarcsecond ALMA Molecular Line Imaging Survey of the Circumbinary, Protoplanetary Disk Orbiting V4046 Sgr
Authors: Kastner Joel H. , Qi C. , Dickson-Vandervelde D. A. , Hily-Blant P. , Forveille T. , Andrews S. , Gorti U. , Öberg K. , Wilner D.
Published: August 2018

We present a suite of Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) interferometric molecular line and continuum images that elucidate, on linear size scales of ∼30–40 au, the chemical structure of the nearby, evolved, protoplanetary disk orbiting the close binary system V4046 Sgr. The observations were undertaken in the 1.1–1.4 mm wavelength range (ALMA Bands 6 and 7) with antenna configurations involving maximum baselines of several hundred meters, yielding subarcsecond-resolution images in more than a dozen molecular species and isotopologues. Isotopologues of CO and HCN display centrally peaked morphologies of integrated emission-line intensity, whereas the line emission from complex nitrile group molecules (HC3N, CH3CN), deuterated molecules (DCN, DCO+), hydrocarbons (as traced by C2H), and potential CO ice line tracers (N2H+, and H2CO) appears as a sequence of sharp and diffuse rings. The dimensions and morphologies of HC3N and CH3CN emission are suggestive of photodesorption of organic ices from the surfaces of dust grains, while the sequence of increasing radius of peak intensity represented by DCN (smallest), DCO+, N2H+, and H2CO (largest) is qualitatively consistent with the expected decline of midplane gas temperature with increasing disk radius. Empirical modeling indicates that the sharp-edged C2H emission ring lies at relatively deep disk layers, leaving open the question of the origin of C2H abundance enhancements in evolved disks. This study of the “molecular anatomy” of V4046 Sgr should serve as motivation for additional subarcsecond ALMA molecular line imaging surveys of nearby, evolved protoplanetary disks aimed at addressing major uncertainties in protoplanetary disk physical and chemical structure and molecular production pathways.
Inside a Beehive: The Multiple Merging Processes in the Galaxy Cluster Abell 2142*
Authors: Liu 刘 Ang 昂 , Yu 余 Heng 恒 , Diaferio Antonaldo , Tozzi Paolo , Hwang Ho Seong , Umetsu Keiichi , Okabe Nobuhiro , Yang 杨里 Li-Lan 岚
Published: August 2018

To investigate the dynamics of the galaxy cluster A2142, we compile an extended catalog of 2239 spectroscopic redshifts of sources, including 237 newly measured redshifts, within 30 arcmin from the cluster center. With the σ-plateau algorithm from the caustic method, we identify 868 members and a number of substructures in the galaxy distribution both in the outskirts, out to ∼3.5 Mpc from the cluster center, and in the central region. In the outskirts, one substructure overlaps a falling clump of gas previously identified in the X-ray band. These substructures suggest the presence of multiple minor mergers, which are responsible for the complex dynamics of A2142, and the absence of recent or ongoing major mergers. We show that the distribution of the galaxies in the cluster core and in several substructures is consistent with the mass distribution inferred from the weak-lensing signal. Moreover, we use spatially resolved X-ray spectroscopy to measure the redshift of different regions of the intracluster medium within ∼3 arcmin from the cluster center. We find a ring of gas near the two X-ray cold fronts identified in previous analyses and measure a velocity of this ring of 810 ± 330 km s−1 larger than the cluster mean velocity. Our analysis suggests the presence of another ring surrounding the core, whose velocity is 660 ± 300 km s−1 larger than the cluster velocity. These X-ray features are not associated with any optical substructures, and support the core-sloshing scenario suggested in previous work.
New records of a critically endangered shrew from Mexican cloud forests (Soricidae, Cryptotis nelsoni) and prospects for future field research
Authors: Guevara Lázaro , Sánchez-Cordero Víctor
Published: August 2018

The Nelson´s small-eared shrew, Cryptotis nelsoni (Merriam, 1895), is a critically endangered species, endemic to cloud forests in Los Tuxtlas, a mountain range along the Gulf of Mexico coast. This species is only known from the type locality and its surroundings. Here we present new records that extend its distribution approximately 7 km southeast of the type locality and report more specimens near to the type locality. We also identified climatically suitable areas for C. nelsoni using ecological niche modelling and investigated the sampling bias to identify poorly sampled areas in Los Tuxtlas. We suggest that the scarcity of records in other areas with suitable climatic conditions throughout Los Tuxtlas is a consequence of incomplete surveys. We strongly highlight the importance of continuing surveying this critically endangered shrew using more efficient sampling techniques to better understand its current distribution and conservation status. Despite all known localities occurring inside Los Tuxtlas Biosphere Reserve, deforestation and climate change still pose current and future threats to this species.
Two new species of the family Nippobodidae (Acari, Oribatida), including a description of the leg-folding process
Authors: Fernandez Nestor , Theron Pieter , Leiva Sergio
Published: August 2018

Nippobodespanemorfissp. n.andLeobodestrypasissp. n.are described by means of optical and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and compared to other congeners. The leg-folding process is described and illustrated.

Nippobodespanemorfissp. n.is characterised by interlocking, double hook-shaped, posterior prodorsal condyle and anterior zone humeral apophysis; posterior prodorsal depression present. Tutorium a large lamina defining a pocket-shaped structure; bothridial opening ovoid, situated at the bottom of a U-shaped structure; deep, rounded-ovoid anterior notogastral depression present; ten pairs of notogastral setae;csetae looped, dentate, sharply tipped. Marginal setaeh3,p3on large promontories, followed by deep V-shaped incision; notogaster completely surrounded by circumgastric depression; lateral genital zone with locking structure constituted by longitudinal cuticular elevation, with promontories and a parallel furrow involved in the leg-folding process; genital plate smaller than anal plate.

Leobodestrypasissp. n.is characterised by: the presence of posterior prodorsal depression and anterior notogastral depression; bridge-shaped anterior prodorsal condyles; heart-shaped frontal prodorsal orifice; ten pairs of notogastral setae; posterior prodorsal condyle and humeral condyle interlocked, forming double hook-like structure; circumgastric furrow surrounding entire notogaster; setaelp, h2, h1situated on shallow medial furrow; notogastral setaelm,lp,h1,h2medially aligned;p1, p2, p3, h3marginally situated. Legs I-IV, tutorium, pedotectum I, and pedotectum II involved in leg folding which is inferred to be a protection mechanism.
On the Rationality of Team Reasoning and Some of its Normative Implications
Authors: Hédoin Cyril
Published: August 2018

Les théories du raisonnement collectif en théorie des jeux se fondent sur le postulat que les agents peuvent adopter diverses formes de raisonnement au-delà du seul raisonnement en termes de meilleure réponse. Ils peuvent en particulier faire des choix sur la base de préférences collectives et/ou en tant que participants à une pratique mutuellement bénéfique. Cet article s’intéresse à la manière dont on peut rendre compte de la rationalité de l’engagement à raisonner collectivement dans un problème de décision stratégique. On s’intéresse plus particulièrement au problème de rationalité qui est sous-jacent au fait de faire un choix sur la base d’un raisonnement collectif, plutôt qu’au travers d’une autre forme de raisonnement. On défend l’idée que l’adoption d’un raisonnement collectif dans certains contextes peut s’interpréter comme un engagement qui peut s’évaluer sur le plan de la rationalité du point de vue subjectif de l’agent. Cela requiert de faire une distinction entre les préférences, renvoyant aux intérêts individuels, et les valeurs, que l’on associe à l’ensemble des motivations et raisons d’agir. Cette manière d’appréhender la rationalité du raisonnement collectif a des implications normatives significatives, en particulier concernant la pertinence de l’économie du bien-être.
Team Reasoning as a Guide to Coordination
Authors: Lahno Amrei , Lahno Bernd
Published: August 2018

Une difficulté de la théorie du choix rationnel standard est qu’il n’est pas possible d’expliquer la sélection d’équilibre dans de simples jeux de coordination. Dans cet article nous analysons et discutons le concept de solution associé à la théorie de raisonnement en équipe (TR) utilisé pour résoudre les problèmes de coordination. Nous considérons en particulier le caractère opportuniste des choix guidés par le TR, ainsi que les restrictions que le TR impose en matière d’utilisation de l’information privée. Nous présentons les résultats d’une expérience en laboratoire dans laquelle les équipes ont la possibilité de se coordonner en suivant un schéma de comportement particulier dans une séquence de jeux Hi-Lo. Une modification dans le jeu donne alors l’opportunité pour les joueurs d’augmenter le gain collectif s’ils dévient du schéma de comportement. Nos observations remettent considérablement en cause l’hypothèse d’un raisonnement en équipe opportuniste comme guide à la coordination. À l’inverse des prédictions de la théorie du raisonnement en équipe, les individus tendent à poursuivre le schéma de comportement passé. Par ailleurs, nous observons que les comportements individuels sont au moins partiellement déterminés par de l’information privée qui n’est pas accessible à l’ensemble des membres de l’équipe. Des théories alternatives de choix, en particulier le modèle de hiérarchie cognitive, pourraient être plus adaptées pour expliquer la rigidité des comportements observés.
Optimisation of Engineering Systems With the Bees Algorithm
Authors: Pham Duc T , Baronti Luca , Zhang Biao , Castellani Marco
Published: August 2018

This article describes the Bees Algorithm in standard formulation and presents two applications to real-world continuous optimisation engineering problems. In the first case, the Bees Algorithm is employed to train three artificial neural networks (ANNs) to model the inverse kinematics of the joints of a three-link manipulator. In the second case, the Bees Algorithm is used to optimise the parameters of a linear model used to approximate the torque output for an electro-hydraulic load system. In both cases, the Bees Algorithm outperformed the state-of-the-art in the literature, proving to be an effective optimisation technique for engineering systems.