bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of wall roughness on bubble drag reduction in Taylor–Couette turbulence
Authors: Verschoof Ruben A. , Bakhuis Dennis , Bullee Pim A. , Huisman Sander G. , Sun Chao , Lohse Detlef
Published: July 2018

We experimentally study the influence of wall roughness on bubble drag reduction in turbulent Taylor–Couette flow, i.e. the flow between two concentric, independently rotating cylinders. We measure the drag in the system for the cases with and without air, and add roughness by installing transverse ribs on either one or both of the cylinders. For the smooth-wall case (no ribs) and the case of ribs on the inner cylinder only, we observe strong drag reduction up to DR$=33\,\%$ and DR$=23\,\%$, respectively, for a void fraction of $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}=6\,\%$. However, with ribs mounted on both cylinders or on the outer cylinder only, the drag reduction is weak, less than DR$=11\,\%$, and thus quite close to the trivial effect of reduced effective density. Flow visualizations show that stable turbulent Taylor vortices – large-scale vortical structures – are induced in these two cases, i.e. the cases with ribs on the outer cylinder. These strong secondary flows move the bubbles away from the boundary layer, making the bubbles less effective than what had previously been observed for the smooth-wall case. Measurements with counter-rotating smooth cylinders, a regime in which pronounced Taylor rolls are also induced, confirm that it is really the Taylor vortices that weaken the bubble drag reduction mechanism. Our findings show that, although bubble drag reduction can indeed be effective for smooth walls, its effect can be spoiled by e.g. biofouling and omnipresent wall roughness, as the roughness can induce strong secondary flows.
Social norms and the law in responding to infanticide
Authors: Brennan Karen
Published: July 2018

During the early and middle decades of the twentieth century, a number of jurisdictions introduced specific laws to deal with the crime of infanticide, following the English approach to this offence which allowed for a reduced conviction and flexible sentence in cases where women killed their babies aged under 12 months whilst in a mentally disturbed state. Taking the Irish experience, this paper explores the role of social norms in the criminal justice response to infanticide. It is argued that, irrespective of the existing legal framework in place, implicit shared social norms about the ‘appropriate’ outcome in cases where women killed their babies played a crucial part in how this crime has been dealt with by the courts. The criminal justice response will be assessed against shifting legal and social environments, in particular, the enactment of a specific Infanticide Act in 1949, and Ireland's transition from a conservative to a liberal society during the last decades of the twentieth century. In particular, the role of social norms in the interpretation of the medical rationale for this law is explored, and the impact of Ireland's social and cultural liberalisation on the criminal justice response to infanticide is examined.
White matter lesions in magnetic resonance imaging of the brain in 56 patients with visual vertigo
Authors: Dimitriadis P A , Saad M , Igra M S , Mandavia R , Bowes C , Hoggard N , Ray J
Published: July 2018

Background

Visual vertigo is defined as a condition in which there is worsening or triggering of vestibular symptoms in certain visual environments. Previous studies have associated visual vertigo with an increased prevalence of underlying white matter lesions on brain imaging.

Method

This study evaluated the magnetic resonance imaging scans of the brain from a cohort of patients with visual vertigo, and compared the outcomes to an age- and gender-matched group of healthy volunteers.

Results and conclusion

White matter lesions were observed in 17.9 per cent of the patient group and in 16.3 per cent of the control group. The prevalence of white matter lesions in the patient group was not too different to that expected based on age.
A TEST FOR WEAK STATIONARITY IN THE SPECTRAL DOMAIN
Authors: Hidalgo Javier , Souza Pedro C. L.
Published: July 2018

We examine a test for weak stationarity against alternatives that covers both local-stationarity and break point models. A key feature of the test is that its asymptotic distribution is a functional of the standard Brownian bridge sheet in [0,1]2, so that it does not depend on any unknown quantity. The test has nontrivial power against local alternatives converging to the null hypothesis at a T−1/2 rate, where T is the sample size. We also examine an easy-to-implement bootstrap analogue and present the finite sample performance in a Monte Carlo experiment. Finally, we implement the methodology to assess the stability of inflation dynamics in the United States and on a set of neuroscience tremor data.
Stabilizing Forests and Communities: Accommodative Buffering within China's Collective Forest Tenure Reform
Authors: Zinda John Aloysius , Zhang Zhiming
Published: July 2018

China's recent collective forest tenure reform is intended to clarify and certify forest rights, and thereby promote market circulation of forestland, encourage forestry production and safeguard conservation. Central policy statements prioritize parcelling tenure among households to promote efficient management. This study examines how participants experienced the programme in communities in north-west Yunnan. In the study area, rather than individualizing tenure, forestry agencies compelled communities to re-collectivize forests. Nonetheless, residents persist in using household forests despite restrictions. Local officials tacitly sanction these activities. In mountain hinterlands, forest tenure reform has been focused on “stabilizing” forests and communities. Rather than forcibly impose tenure designs, authorities perform what we call accommodative buffering. A set of formal institutions, rules and mappings enables projects like forest ecological compensation payments to go forward. However, state agents at local and higher levels tolerate informal practices that contain the trouble that poorly fitted formal institutions might cause. While potentially more resilient than by-the-book enforcement, these arrangements could leave residents vulnerable to political shifts that require a demonstration of policy adherence.
F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positive emission tomography/CT imaging for left ventricular assist device-associated infections in children
Authors: Absi Mohammed , Bocchini Claire , Price Jack F. , Adachi Iki
Published: July 2018

Left ventricular assist device implantation is an important therapeutic option for children with end-stage heart failure. However, device-related complications such as infection may occur while the patient is supported. Device-associated infection can be life-threatening, and early detection is critical. F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography and CT is a highly sensitive imaging modality for the detection of an inflammatory response and is useful to evaluate the response to antibiotic therapy. We present two case reports of a left ventricular assist device-associated infection detected by F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography and CT in children.
External auditory meatus involvement in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Lee Dai Wee , Ho Gwo Fuang
Published: July 2018

Background

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma with local extension to the external auditory meatus is rarely reported.

Case presentation

We present two cases of nasopharyngeal carcinoma with invasion to the external auditory meatus. First case at initial presentation; and the second at disease recurrence. Both patients presented with unilateral otologic symptoms corresponding to the affected site; as well as being heavily node positive. Otoscopic examination and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission topography demonstrated the involvement of external auditory meatus.

Conclusions

These two cases highlight the need of careful otoscopic examination and functional imaging to diagnose such cases.
The “Radiating Effects” of the ECtHR on Social Mobilizations Around Religion and Education in Europe: An Analytical Frame
Authors: Fokas Effie , Anagnostou Dia
Published: July 2018

A growing non-legal scholarship explores the domestic implementation of international court judgments in national law and policy. Yet little attention has been paid to the indirect effects of European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) case law: namely, the ways in which its judgments may raise public consciousness, change how social actors articulate their claims, and/or prompt mobilization among civil society actors. This paper conceptualizes the significance of the indirect effects of ECtHR judgments in the domain of religion and education. Drawing on a constitutive approach to the law it explains the potential impact of such indirect effects. Second, it presents analytical concepts such as legal mobilization, which underpin the country-based case studies included in this symposium. Third, it provides an overview of the ECtHR religion and education-related case law which sets the stage for examining the nature and effects of the shadow of that case law in different country contexts.
The neurocranium of the Lower Carboniferous sharkTristychius arcuatus(Agassiz, )
Authors: Coates Michael I. , Tietjen Kristen
Published: July 2018

Tristychius arcuatus, from the late Viséan of Scotland, is known from numerous ironstone nodule-encased specimens. These are reinvestigated using computerised tomography (CT) scanning and 3-D digital reconstruction methods. CT scans of the neurocranium (braincase) corroborate many features of the existing reconstruction, but also reveal new details of the gross proportions, the external morphology and, for the first time, features of the internal morphology, including the otic skeletal labyrinth. The unusual position of the articulation for the palatoquadrate on the ventral surface of the postorbital process is confirmed, but the area for the hyoid articulation is relocated posteriorly and the configuration of nerve foramina within the orbit is changed. A preliminary phylogenetic hypothesis is offered, suggesting a place forTristychiuswithin a sequence of early branching events in the elasmobranch lineage. In this,Tristychiusis not resolved as a hybodontid, but is instead a stem elasmobranch possibly related to genera such asAcronemus, and exemplifying anatomical conditions close to the base of the Euselachii. As such, the neurocranium ofTristychiusoffers important insight into a defining feature of these early members of the anatomically advanced elasmobranchs: the origin of specialised phonoreception.
“Racialized Terrorism” in the American South: Do Completed Lynchings Tell an Accurate Story?
Authors: Tolnay Stewart E. , Beck E. M.
Published: July 2018

Past empirical research into the history of racially motivated mob violence in the American South has relied almost exclusively on the record of completed lynchings. In this article, we propose that a better definition of “racialized terrorism” would also include the record of lynching threats. Using a newly available confirmed inventory of lynching threats for 11 Southern states from 1880 to 1929, we demonstrate that the total quantum of racialized terrorism nearly doubles when completed lynchings and lynching threats are combined, with some states and decades affected more than others. Parallel analyses suggest that previous conclusions regarding important environmental predictors of Southern mob violence, such as agricultural specialty, political party strength, and racial population composition, are robust to an expansion of racialized terrorism to include threatened lynchings. However, sufficient differences are found between the predictors of completed and threatened lynchings to suggest the need for future researchers to consider broadening the measurement of racialized terrorism.
Closing Remarks—A Twin Research Legacy
Authors: Segal Nancy L.
Published: July 2018

Like families, professors transmit bits of wisdom to their students, not just by what they say but what they do. Colleagues share methods and data, but more importantly, ideas and visions. Irving I. Gottesman was unique in this respect, both brilliant in his field and wise when it came to teaching, guiding, and supporting. His academic pedigree extends across many generations and will for generations to come.
Cross‐Phase Determination of Ultralow Frequency Wave Harmonic Frequencies and Their Associated Plasma Mass Density Distributions
Authors: Wharton S. J. , Wright D. M. , Yeoman T. K. , James M. K. , Sandhu J. K.
Published: July 2018

Latitudinally spaced ground‐based magnetometers can be used to estimate the eigenfrequencies of magnetic field lines using the cross‐phase technique. These eigenfrequencies can be used with a magnetic field model and an assumed plasma mass density distribution to determine the plasma mass density in the magnetosphere. Automating this process can be difficult, and so far, it has not been possible to distinguish between the different harmonics. Misidentification of the harmonic mode will lead to incorrect estimations of the plasma mass density. We have developed an algorithm capable of identifying multiple harmonics in cross‐phase spectrograms, using International Monitor for Auroral Geomagnetic Effects magnetometers. Knowledge of multiple harmonics allows the distribution of plasma mass density to be estimated instead of assumed. A statistical study was performed that showed clear common bands of eigenfrequencies, interpreted as different harmonics. These eigenfrequencies were lowest in the early afternoon and at higher latitudes. There was also a greater occurrence of measurements in the dayside. We then modeled the plasma mass density distribution with a power law characterized by the exponent p and compared the model eigenfrequencies to the data. This suggested that the even modes did not form during the interval of this study. Examination of the harmonic spacing and the high occurrence of the third harmonic supported this suggestion. We attribute the absence of the even modes to the driving mechanisms. Finally, we show that an equatorial bulge in plasma mass density was not present in our study.
Local and Global Sensitivity Analysis of Cr (VI) Geogenic Leakage Under Uncertain Environmental Conditions
Authors: Ceriotti G. , Guadagnini L. , Porta G. , Guadagnini A.
Published: July 2018

We focus on the joint application of local and global sensitivity analyses to characterize propagation of model parameter uncertainties to outputs of subsurface water geochemical models. The latter typically involve uncertain inputs, including environmental conditions, mineral rock composition, and flow/transport features. In this context, implementation of sensitivity analysis techniques enables us to grasp the relative role of each model input. Here we focus on the application of several sensitivity approaches to the assessment of Cr (VI) geogenic leakage due to water‐rock interactions. We specifically target the impact of uncertain environmental conditions on the chemical composition of spring waters following water transfer through a host rock system with given mineral composition. We employ a reaction path modeling approach and represent uncertainties of environmental conditions through three parameters, that is, oxygen fugacity (fO2), CO2 fugacity (fCO2), and temperature, which we consider as random quantities. We consider three diverse methodologies, that is, (a) the Scatter Plots sensitivity analysis, (b) the Distributed Evaluation of Local Sensitivity Analysis, and (c) a moment‐based global sensitivity analysis. Our results suggest that (a) the relative importance of a given model parameter in driving the uncertainty of the spring water composition may display remarkable variations across the sampled parameter space and (b) parameter ranking through sensitivity metrics for geochemical applications in subsurface water resources requires a joint assessment of local and global sensitivity.
Multiple stable states in microbial communities explained by the stable marriage problem
Authors: Goyal Akshit , Dubinkina Veronika , Maslov Sergei
Published: July 2018

Experimental studies of microbial communities routinely reveal that they have multiple stable states. While each of these states is generally resilient, certain perturbations such as antibiotics, probiotics, and diet shifts, result in transitions to other states. Can we reliably both predict such stable states as well as direct and control transitions between them? Here we present a new conceptual model—inspired by the stable marriage problem in game theory and economics—in which microbial communities naturally exhibit multiple stable states, each state with a different species’ abundance profile. Our model’s core ingredient is that microbes utilize nutrients one at a time while competing with each other. Using only two ranked tables, one with microbes’ nutrient preferences and one with their competitive abilities, we can determine all possible stable states as well as predict inter-state transitions, triggered by the removal or addition of a specific nutrient or microbe. Further, using an example of seven Bacteroides species common to the human gut utilizing nine polysaccharides, we predict that mutual complementarity in nutrient preferences enables these species to coexist at high abundances.
BAP31, a newly defined cancer/testis antigen, regulates proliferation, migration, and invasion to promote cervical cancer progression
Authors: Dang Erle , Yang Shuya , Song Chaojun , Jiang Dongbo , Li Zichao , Fan Wei , Sun Yuanjie , Tao Liang , Wang Jing , Liu Tingting , Zhang Chunmei , Jin Boquan , Wang Jian , Yang Kun
Published: July 2018

Malignant tumors typically undergo an atavistic regression characterized by the overexpression of embryonic genes and proto-oncogenes, including a variety of cancer/testis antigens (CTAs) that are testis-derived and are not expressed or expressed in trace amounts in somatic tissues. Based on this theory, we established a new method to identify unknown CTAs, the spermatogenic cells-specific monoclonal antibody-defined cancer/testis antigen (SADA) method. Using the SADA method, we identified BAP31 as a novel CTA and confirmed that BAP31 expression is associated with progression and metastasis of several cancers, particularly in cervical cancer. We found that BAP31 was significantly upregulated in stage I, II, and III cervical cancer patients and highly correlated with poor clinic outcomes. We further demonstrated that BAP31 regulates cervical cancer cell proliferation by arresting the cell cycle at the G0/G1 stage and that depletion of BAP31 inhibits hyper-proliferation. Moreover, depletion of BAP31 inhibits cervical cancer cell invasion and migration by regulating the expression and subcellular localization of Drebrin, M-RIP, SPECC1L, and Nexilin, and then affect the cytoskeleton assemblage. Finally, the depletion of BAP31 prevents cervical cancer progression and metastasis in vivo. These findings provide a new method for identifying novel CTAs as well as mechanistic insights into how BAP31 regulates cervical cancer hyper-proliferation and metastasis.
Structure of the intact 14-subunit human cytochrome c oxidase
Authors: Zong Shuai , Wu Meng , Gu Jinke , Liu Tianya , Guo Runyu , Yang Maojun
Published: July 2018

Respiration is one of the most basic features of living organisms, and the electron transport chain complexes are probably the most complicated protein system in mitochondria. Complex-IV is the terminal enzyme of the electron transport chain, existing either as randomly scattered complexes or as a component of supercomplexes. NDUFA4 was previously assumed as a subunit of complex-I, but recent biochemical data suggested it may be a subunit of complex-IV. However, no structural evidence supporting this notion was available till now. Here we obtained the 3.3 Å resolution structure of complex-IV derived from the human supercomplex I1III2IV1 and assigned the NDUFA4 subunit into complex-IV. Intriguingly, NDUFA4 lies exactly at the dimeric interface observed in previously reported crystal structures of complex-IV homodimer which would preclude complex-IV dimerization. Combining previous structural and biochemical data shown by us and other groups, we propose that the intact complex-IV is a monomer containing 14 subunits.
Rapid tremor migration and pore-pressure waves in subduction zones
Authors: Cruz-Atienza Víctor M. , Villafuerte Carlos , Bhat Harsha S.
Published: July 2018

Rapid tremor migration (RTM) in subduction zones is a manifestation of complex fault-zone processes on the plate interface. Recent observations have revealed a large diversity of RTM patterns that are always associated with aseismic, shear strain at the interface. Small unstable asperities embedded in the stable shear zone are thus believed to originate tremor radiation during migration. Tectonic tremors have been recognized to occur where overpressured fluids exist. Spatial variations of fluid pressure may lead to non-linear diffusion processes with potentially large implications in tremor generation. Here, we show that pore-pressure waves are likely to exist in the plate interface, propagating with speeds and pathways similar to RTMs observed in different subduction zones including Guerrero, Mexico, where we introduce new high-resolution tremor locations and a RTM source physical model. These waves may explain the whole hierarchy of RTM patterns by producing transient reductions of the fault strength and thus secondary slip fronts triggering tremor during slow earthquakes.
Targeting stromal remodeling and cancer stem cell plasticity overcomes chemoresistance in triple negative breast cancer
Authors: Cazet Aurélie S. , Hui Mun N. , Elsworth Benjamin L. , Wu Sunny Z. , Roden Daniel , Chan Chia-Ling , Skhinas Joanna N. , Collot Raphaël , Yang Jessica , Harvey Kate , Johan M. Zahied , Cooper Caroline , Nair Radhika , Herrmann David , McFarland Andrea , Deng Niantao , Ruiz-Borrego Manuel , Rojo Federico , Trigo José M. , Bezares Susana , Caballero Rosalía , Lim Elgene , Timpson Paul , O’Toole Sandra , Watkins D. Neil , Cox Thomas R. , Samuel Michael S. , Martín Miguel , Swarbrick Alexander
Published: July 2018

The cellular and molecular basis of stromal cell recruitment, activation and crosstalk in carcinomas is poorly understood, limiting the development of targeted anti-stromal therapies. In mouse models of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), Hedgehog ligand produced by neoplastic cells reprograms cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) to provide a supportive niche for the acquisition of a chemo-resistant, cancer stem cell (CSC) phenotype via FGF5 expression and production of fibrillar collagen. Stromal treatment of patient-derived xenografts with smoothened inhibitors (SMOi) downregulates CSC markers expression and sensitizes tumors to docetaxel, leading to markedly improved survival and reduced metastatic burden. In the phase I clinical trial EDALINE, 3 of 12 patients with metastatic TNBC derived clinical benefit from combination therapy with the SMOi Sonidegib and docetaxel chemotherapy, with one patient experiencing a complete response. These studies identify Hedgehog signaling to CAFs as a novel mediator of CSC plasticity and an exciting new therapeutic target in TNBC.
Artificial water channels—deconvolution of natural Aquaporins through synthetic design
Authors: Kocsis Istvan , Sun Zhanhu , Legrand Yves Marie , Barboiu Mihail
Published: July 2018

Artificial Water Channels (AWCs) have been developed during the last decade with the hope to construct artificial analogues of Aquaporin (AQP) proteins. Their osmotic water permeability are in the range of natural transporters, making them suitable candidates that can potentially transport water at lower energy and operating cost. Compared to AQPs, AWCs would have several potential advantages, such as improved stability, simple and scalable fabrication and higher functional density when confined in 2D membrane arrays. The first knowledge gap between AWCs and AQPs is in the mimicry of the complete set of functionality, in terms of obtaining systems capable of simultaneous water permeation and salt rejection, while not forfeiting the advantage of simplicity. Despite incipient developments, major problems still remain unsolved, such as their up-scaling preparation procedures from laboratory studies to square meters needed for large industrial membrane applications. However, the flow of structural information from molecular level through nanoscale dimensions, towards highly ordered ultradense macroscopic arrays of AWCs is conceptually possible. Successfully transitioning from synthetic molecules to functional channels and materials could lead to a new generation of membranes for water purification. Moving AWCs into products in the commercial arena is now the main objective of research in this new-born field.
Author Correction: Proteomics Studies on the three Larval Stages of Development and Metamorphosis of Babylonia areolata
Authors: Shen Minghui , Di Guilan , Li Min , Fu Jingqiang , Dai Qi , Miao Xiulian , Huang Miaoqin , You Weiwei , Ke Caihuan
Published: July 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Rational quantum secret sharing
Authors: Qin Huawang , Tang Wallace K. S. , Tso Raylin
Published: July 2018

The traditional quantum secret sharing does not succeed in the presence of rational participants. A rational participant’s motivation is to maximize his utility, and will try to get the secret alone. Therefore, in the reconstruction, no rational participant will send his share to others. To tackle with this problem, we propose a rational quantum secret sharing scheme in this paper. We adopt the game theory to analyze the behavior of rational participants and design a protocol to prevent them from deviating from the protocol. As proved, the rational participants can gain their maximal utilities when they perform the protocol faithfully, and the Nash equilibrium of the protocol is achieved. Compared to the traditional quantum secret sharing schemes, our scheme is fairer and more robust in practice.
Author Correction: Evolution of extrema features reveals optimal stimuli for biological state transitions
Authors: Chang Joshua , Paydarfar David
Published: July 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
Effect of Comorbidity On Unplanned Readmissions After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (From The Nationwide Readmission Database)
Authors: Kwok Chun Shing , Martinez Sara C. , Pancholy Samir , Ahmed Waqar , al-Shaibi Khaled , Potts Jessica , Mohamed Mohamed , Kontopantelis Evangelos , Curzen Nick , Mamas Mamas A.
Published: July 2018

It is unclear how comorbidity influences rates and causes of unplanned readmissions following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We analyzed patients in the Nationwide Readmission Database who were admitted to hospital between 2010 and 2014. The comorbidity burden as defined by the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Primary outcomes were 30-day readmission rates and causes of readmission according to comorbidity burden. A total of 2,294,346 PCI procedures were included the analysis. The patients in CCI = 0, 1, 2 and ≥3 were 842,272(36.7%), 701,476(30.6%), 347,537(15.1%) and 403,061(17.6%), respectively. 219,227(9.6%) had an unplanned readmission within 30 days and rates by CCI group were 6.6%, 8.6%, 11.4% and 15.9% for CCI groups 0, 1, 2 and ≥3, respectively. The CCI score was also associated with greater cost (cost of index PCI for not readmitted vs readmitted was CCI = 0 $21,257 vs $19,764 and CCI ≥ 3 $26,736 vs $27,723). Compared to patients with CCI = 0, greater CCI score was associated with greater independent odds of readmission (CCI = 1 OR 1.25(1.22–1.28), p < 0.001, CCI ≥ 3 OR 2.08(2.03–2.14), p < 0.001). Rates of non-cardiac causes for readmissions increased with increasing CCI group from 49.4% in CCI = 0 to 57.1% in CCI ≥ 3. Rates of early unplanned readmission increase with greater comorbidity burden and non-cardiac readmissions are higher among more comorbid patients.
Acoustic spin Hall-like effect in hyperbolic metamaterials controlled by the helical wave
Authors: Ju Fangfang , Cheng Ying , Liu Xiaojun
Published: July 2018

Because of the spin-less nature of sound, acoustic helical wave with different helical directions can be taken as a “spin-like” degree of freedom. In this Letter, we examine the pseudospin-orbit coupling effect in acoustics when an acoustic helical wave emitter interacts with the acoustic hyperbolic metamaterial (AHMM). The acoustic helical wave emitter is situated at the boundary of the AHMM, which gives rise to the unidirectional excitation with the trajectory controlled by the helical directions, and hence the acoustic spin Hall-like effect (ASHE) is observed. The ASHE is further demonstrated for the string-type and the membrane-type AHMM based on the hyperbolic dispersion. The reported ASHE paves a new way to exploiting signal routing and unidirectional excitation controlled by the helical directions of the acoustic helical wave.
DNA Flow cytometric analysis of the human testicular tissues to investigate the status of spermatogenesis in azoospermic patients
Authors: Baksi Arka , Vasan S. S. , Dighe Rajan R.
Published: July 2018

A single, rapid and reproducible diagnostic test to predict the type of azoospermia and outcome of sperm retrieval is not yet available. So the feasibility of employing DNA flow cytometry for rapid investigation of the status of spermatogenesis in the patients with azoospermia was investigated. Testicular biopsies of 44 patients with azoospermia undergoing sperm-retrieval surgery and 4 controls were analyzed by flow cytometry to ascertain their testicular germ-cell patterns. The observed germ-cell pattern was further confirmed by RT-PCR analysis of the cell-specific markers and histology for some patients. The patients with Obstructive Azoospermia (OA) exhibited normal spermatogenesis similar to the control fertile patients showing the presence of diploid, double-diploid and haploid cells. The non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) patients exhibited disrupted spermatogenesis with arrest at the pre-meiotic (only diploid cells present) or meiotic (diploid and double-diploid cells present) stages. The germ-cell pattern, as ascertained by flow cytometry, provided a clear picture of the intra-testicular spermatogenesis and the presence of spermatozoa in the patients’ testes, which was prognostic of their sperm-retrieval. DNA flow cytometry test to ascertain the testicular germ-cell pattern is simple in execution, analysis and interpretation, requires small amount of tissue and provides quantitative data about the status of spermatogenesis in patients. This test would allow comparable analysis of the status of spermatogenesis in patients across clinics and may form the basis for deciding future treatment and intervention strategies.
Trichoplax genomes reveal profound admixture and suggest stable wild populations without bisexual reproduction
Authors: Kamm Kai , Osigus Hans-Jürgen , Stadler Peter F. , DeSalle Rob , Schierwater Bernd
Published: July 2018

The phylum Placozoa officially consists of only a single described species, Trichoplax adhaerens, although several lineages can be separated by molecular markers, geographical distributions and environmental demands. The placozoan 16S haplotype H2 (Trichoplax sp. H2) is the most robust and cosmopolitan lineage of placozoans found to date. In this study, its genome was found to be distinct but highly related to the Trichoplax adhaerens reference genome, for remarkably unique reasons. The pattern of variation and allele distribution between the two lineages suggests that both originate from a single interbreeding event in the wild, dating back at least several decades ago, and both seem not to have engaged in sexual reproduction since. We conclude that populations of certain placozoan haplotypes remain stable for long periods without bisexual reproduction. Furthermore, allelic variation within and between the two Trichoplax lineages indicates that successful bisexual reproduction between related placozoan lineages might serve to either counter accumulated negative somatic mutations or to cope with changing environmental conditions. On the other hand, enrichment of neutral or beneficial somatic mutations by vegetative reproduction, combined with rare sexual reproduction, could instantaneously boost genetic variation, generating novel ecotypes and eventually species.
The role of metallothionein in a dinitrofluorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis-like murine model
Authors: Guo Jin-Zhu , Wang Wen-Hui , Li Lin-Feng , Yang Shao-Min , Wang Jing
Published: July 2018

Atopic dermatitis (AD), one of the most common chronic eczematous skin disorders, is associated with cutaneous hyperactivity as a response to environmental triggers. Metallothionein (MT) plays a constitutive defensive role in the response to noxious stimuli. However, the role of MT in AD development is unclear. Using an AD-like murine model created by the topical application of 2.4-dinitrofluorobenzene, we studied the dynamic pattern of MT expression on AD development. AD-like lesions were evaluated based on the development of erythema, edema, exfoliation, scaling, increased thickness, and increased weight of lesional skin. These characteristics of AD-like lesions and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) expression peaked at Day 1 of the establishment of our model and gradually alleviated over time. The MT expression in lesional skin was increased and peaked at Day 3. By immunostaining, increased expression of MT was translocated from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. MT-1/2 knockout (MT−/−) mice and wild type (MT+/+) mice were also used to evaluate the role of MT on AD.MT−/− mice had greater edema scores, thickness, lesional skin weight, as well as more CD4+ T cells, TSLP, superoxide dismutase, and NDUFAF1. These results suggest that MT may play a protective role against AD development, and that antioxidant and nuclear protective mechanisms may be involved.
FliL association with flagellar stator in the sodium-driven Vibrio motor characterized by the fluorescent microscopy
Authors: Lin Tsai-Shun , Zhu Shiwei , Kojima Seiji , Homma Michio , Lo Chien-Jung
Published: July 2018

Bacterial flagellar motor (BFM) is a protein complex used for bacterial motility and chemotaxis that involves in energy transformation, torque generation and switching. FliL is a single-transmembrane protein associated with flagellar motor function. We performed biochemical and biophysical approaches to investigate the functional roles of FliL associated with stator-units. Firstly, we found the periplasmic region of FliL is crucial for its polar localization. Also, the plug mutation in stator-unit affected the polar localization of FliL implying the activation of stator-unit is important for FliL recruitment. Secondly, we applied single-molecule fluorescent microscopy to study the role of FliL in stator-unit assembly. Using molecular counting by photobleaching, we found the stoichiometry of stator-unit and FliL protein would be 1:1 in a functional motor. Moreover, the turnover time of stator-units are slightly increased in the absence of FliL. By further investigation of protein dynamics on membrane, we found the diffusions of stator-units and FliL are independent. Surprisingly, the FliL diffusion rate without stator-units is unexpectedly slow indicating a protein-complex forming event. Our results suggest that FliL plays a supporting role to the stator in the BFM.
Mortality and years of life lost due to breast cancer attributable to physical inactivity in the Brazilian female population (1990–2015)
Authors: Silva Diego Augusto Santos , Tremblay Mark Stephen , Souza Maria de Fatima Marinho de , Guerra Maximiliano Ribeiro , Mooney Meghan , Naghavi Mohsen , Malta Deborah Carvalho
Published: July 2018

The aims of this study were as follows: to estimate the mortality and years of life lost, assessed by disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), due to breast cancer attributable to physical inactivity in Brazilian women; to compare the estimates attributable to physical inactivity and to other modifiable risk factors; and to analyse the temporal evolution of these estimates within Brazilian states over 25 years (1990–2015), compared with global estimates. Databases from the Global Burden of Disease Study for Brazil, Brazilian states, and other parts of the world were used. Physical inactivity has contributed to a substantial number of deaths (1990: 875; 2015: 2,075) and DALYs (1990: 28,089; 2015: 60,585) due to breast cancer in Brazil. Physical inactivity was responsible for more deaths and DALYs (~12.0%) due to breast cancer than other modifiable risk factors (~5.0%). The Brazilian states with better socioeconomic indicators had higher age-standardized rates of mortality and morbidity due to breast cancer attributable to physical inactivity. From 1990 to 2015, mortality due to breast cancer attributable to physical inactivity increased in Brazil (0.77%; 95%U.I.: 0.27–1.47) and decreased (−2.84%; 95%U.I.: −4.35 – −0.10) around the world. These findings support the promotion of physical activity in the Brazilian female population to prevent and manage breast cancer.
Influence of centrally mediated symptoms on functional outcomes after carpal tunnel release
Authors: Roh Young Hak , Kim Sangwoo , Gong Hyun Sik , Baek Goo Hyun
Published: July 2018

Patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) often show bilaterally increased pain sensitivity and widespread symptoms. We evaluated the influence of centrally mediated symptoms on functional outcomes of carpal tunnel release (CTR). A total of 120 patients with surgically treated CTS were enrolled. Centrally mediated symptoms were preoperatively measured by administering a self-reported central sensitization inventory (CSI) questionnaire and peripheral sensitization was measured by assessing patient’s pressure pain thresholds (PPT) in the forearm. Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaires (BCTQ) were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively at 3 and 12 months. CSI scores slightly correlated with symptom duration and moderately correlated with preoperative BCTQ scores, while PPT slightly correlated with the BCTQ scores. At 3 months, BCTQ symptom and function scores moderately correlated with lower PPTs and higher CSI scores. At 12 months, only severe electrophysiological grade was associated with BCTQ function scores. Multivariable analysis revealed that preoperative PPT, CSI, and female gender were associated with BCTQ scores at 3 months; these factors failed to be associated for 12-month outcomes. Centrally mediated symptoms measured by CSI and peripheral sensitization measured by PPTs correlated with symptom severity and duration. They were associated with poorer functional outcomes after CTR up to 3 months. However, they did not show persistent effects in the long term.
Onion-like networks are both robust and resilient
Authors: Hayashi Yukio , Uchiyama Naoya
Published: July 2018

Tolerant connectivity and flow transmission within capacity are crucial functions as network. However, the threats to malicious attacks based on intelligent node selections and rapid breakdown by cascading overload failures increase more and more with large blackout or congestion in our contemporary networking systems and societies. It has been recently suggested that interwoven loops protect the network functions from such damages, but it is a computationally intractable combinatorial problem to maximize a set of necessary nodes for loops in order to improve the robustness. We propose a new method by enhancing loops in the incremental growth for constructing onion-like networks with positive degree-degree correlations, whose topological structure has the optimal tolerance of connectivity against attacks in the state-of-the-art. Moreover, we find out that onion-like networks acquire adaptive capacity in resilience by a change of routing policy for flow control to absorb cascading overload failures triggered by a single attack and simultaneous multi-attacks. The inhibitory effect is stronger than that in scale-free networks found in many real systems.
Liquid-interface-assisted synthesis of covalent-organic and metal-organic two-dimensional crystalline polymers
Authors: Wang Lihuan , Sahabudeen Hafeesudeen , Zhang Tao , Dong Renhao
Published: July 2018

The development of synthetic two-dimensional crystalline polymers (2DCPs), such as 2D covalent-organic polymers and 2D metal-organic polymers, is receiving increasing attention due to their intriguing chemistry and unique properties, as well as potential role in wide ranging applications, such as electronics, sensing, catalysis, separation, and energy storage and conversion. Complementary to the top-down exfoliation towards the preparation of 2DCPs, bottom-up interface-assisted synthesis is advantageous in the 2D dynamic arrangement of the molecules or precursors, offering the chance to generate ultra-thin structures with large lateral sizes. This article provides guidelines on the preparation of free-standing, single-layer, or multi-layer 2DCPs via liquid-interface-assisted synthesis, mainly involving polymerization at the air–water and liquid–liquid interfaces, as well as the Langmuir-Blodgett method. Insight into the advantages and challenges of synthesis strategies and chemistry methodologies are provided for the future development of interfacial synthesis of 2DCPs with diverse structural and functional control.
Multiscale framework for simulation-guided growth of 2D materials
Authors: Momeni Kasra , Ji Yanzhou , Zhang Kehao , Robinson Joshua A. , Chen Long-Qing
Published: July 2018

Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is a powerful technique for synthesizing monolayer materials such as transition metal dichalcogenides. It has advantages over exfoliation techniques, including higher purity and the ability to control the chemistry of the products. However, controllable and reproducible synthesis of 2D materials using CVD is a challenge because of the complex growth process and its sensitivity to subtle changes in growth conditions, making it difficult to extend conclusions obtained in one CVD chamber to another. Here, we developed a multiscale model linking CVD control parameters to the morphology, size, and distribution of synthesized 2D materials. Its capabilities are experimentally validated via the systematic growth of MoS2. In particular, we coupled the reactor-scale governing heat and mass transport equations with the mesoscale phase-field equations for the growth morphology considering the variation of edge energies with the precursor concentration within the growth chamber. The predicted spatial distributions of 2D islands are statistically analyzed, and experiments are then performed to validate the predicted island morphology and distributions. It is shown that the model can be employed to predict and control the morphology and characteristics of synthesized 2D materials.
Responsive behavior of a branched-chain polymer network: a molecular dynamics study
Authors: Pannuzzo Martina , Tilton Robert D. , Deserno Markus
Published: July 2018

Networks consisting of branched polymers can be swollen by tuning side chain solubility, grafting density, and topology, which in turn affects the location, sharpness, and dynamic range of the collapse transition.
Rapid and sensitive detection of nodularin-R in water by a label-free BLI aptasensor
Authors: Ouyang Shengqun , Hu Bo , Zhou Rong , Liu Dejing , Peng Dingfa , Li Zhengang , Li Zhen , Jiao Binghua , Wang Lianghua
Published: July 2018

A novel label-free BLI aptasensor was developed for the rapid and sensitive detection of nodularin-R in water.
Precise determination of the orientation of the transition dipole moment in a Bodipy derivative by analysis of the magnetophotoselection effect
Authors: Toffoletti Antonio , Wang Zhijia , Zhao Jianzhang , Tommasini Matteo , Barbon Antonio
Published: July 2018

Precise determination, in isotropic samples, of the electronic transition dipole moment orientation in the molecular frame by exploiting magnetophotoselection effects.
Hydrogen bond induced enhancement of Fermi resonances in N–H⋯N hydrogen bonded complexes of anilines
Authors: Mishra Saurabh , Kuo Jer-Lai , Patwari G. Naresh
Published: July 2018

Enhancement of Fermi resonance intensities due to the formation of N–H⋯N hydrogen bonding of anilines with alkyl amines is analyzed using a two-state deperturbation model.
Theoretical study of the adsorption of hydrogen on cobalt clusters
Authors: García-Díez Kevin , Fernández-Fernández Julio , Alonso Julio A. , López María J.
Published: July 2018

The concerted roles of dissociative and molecular adsorption of H2 on cobalt clusters yields a very high hydrogen adsorption capacity.
Thermochemistry of the smallest QOOH radical from the roaming fragmentation of energy selected methyl hydroperoxide ions
Authors: Covert Kyle J. , Voronova Krisztina , Torma Krisztián G. , Bodi Andras , Zádor Judit , Sztáray Bálint
Published: July 2018

PEPICO spectroscopy and quantum-chemical calculations, including BOMD simulations, reveal the importance of dynamic effects in methyl hydroperoxide dissociative photoionization.
Robustness of surface activity electronic structure-based descriptors of transition metals
Authors: Vega Lorena , Martínez Biel , Viñes Francesc , Illas Francesc
Published: July 2018

The d-band centre comes back from the dead being the most consistent of the main electronic descriptors, due to its excellent transferability between five density functionals. The robustness previously observed for bulk is here evaluated for transition metal surfaces and if large surface states are not involved, a direct relation with the coordination number is disclosed.
Effective modulation of intramolecular ferromagnetic interaction of diradicals by functionalization of cross-conjugated coupler
Authors: Burnea Francis Kirby B. , Ko Kyoung Chul , Lee Jin Yong
Published: July 2018

We first reveal the possible control of spin coupling strength and LUMO energy by substituents in cross-conjugated benzobisoxazole based diradicals.
A difunctional azido-cobalt(ii) coordination polymer exhibiting slow magnetic relaxation behaviour and high-energy characteristics with good thermostability and insensitivity
Authors: Ma Xiaohui , Liu Yaru , Song Weiming , Wang Zheng , Liu Xiangyu , Xie Gang , Chen Sanping , Gao Shengli
Published: July 2018

As a difunctional material, an azido-Co(ii) coordination polymer with a high-nitrogen content exhibits both molecule-based magnetic behaviour and high-energy performance with superior thermostability and insensitivity.
Tunable and ultra-stable UV light-switchable fluorescent composites for information hiding and storage
Authors: Li Mengxiao , Feng Yu , Tian Qingyong , Yao Weijing , Liu Li , Li Xuan , Wang Huanjun , Wu Wei
Published: July 2018

Different information could be hidden and read under 365 nm and 254 nm light excitation, respectively. Moreover, the hidden information still can be identified after being exposed to an ambient environment for as long as 90 days.
A Cu(ii) metallocycle for the reversible self-assembly of coordination-driven polyrotaxane-like architectures
Authors: Truccolo Giada , Tessari Zeno , Tessarolo Jacopo , Quici Silvio , Armelao Lidia , Rancan Marzio
Published: July 2018

A copper metallocycle serves as a platform for the reversible self-assembly of coordination-driven polyrotaxanes.
High-performance all-solid-state Li–Se batteries induced by sulfide electrolytes
Authors: Li Xiaona , Liang Jianwen , Li Xia , Wang Changhong , Luo Jing , Li Ruying , Sun Xueliang
Published: July 2018

All-solid-state Li–Se batteries are a promising high-energy storage system and provide new insights into solid-state electrode/electrolyte interfacial chemistry.
Training fully connected networks with resistive memories: impact of device failures
Authors: Romero Louis P. , Ambrogio Stefano , Giordano Massimo , Cristiano Giorgio , Bodini Martina , Narayanan Pritish , Tsai Hsinyu , Shelby Robert M. , Burr Geoffrey W.
Published: July 2018

This paper explores the impact of device failures, NVM conductances that may contribute read current but which cannot be programmed, on DNN training and test accuracy.