bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kinematic study on a self-propelled bionic underwater robot with undulation and jet propulsion modes
Authors: Xie Ou , Zhu Qixin , Shen Lin , Ren Kun
Published: July 2018

This paper proposed a novel type of bionic underwater robot (BUR). The undulation and jet propulsion modes on the self-propelled BUR were combined, and the kinematic characteristics of the two propulsion modes were thoroughly compared. First, the prototype and swimming strategy of the BUR were presented, and a dynamic model of the BUR was established based on several assumptions. Then, a central pattern generator (CPG) model allowing free adjustment of frequency and amplitude was employed to achieve the undulation propulsion of carangiform fish and the jet propulsion of jellyfish. Also, the kinematic characteristics of the two propulsion modes were investigated through experiments under different caudal fin actuation parameters. The experimental results indicate that the developed prototype can realize the undulation and jet propulsion by the means of the coordinated movement of the multi-caudal fins. By adjusting the CPG parameters, the BUR can switch the propulsion mode smoothly. Furthermore, the propulsion velocity of the BUR initially increased rapidly with the frequency and then slowed down when the frequency was greater than 0.8 Hz in both propulsion modes. The undulation propulsion velocity increased with the amplitude in the measurement ranges, however, the jet propulsion velocity initially increased quickly with the amplitude and then kept constant and even decreased when the amplitude was greater than 11 cm. Under the same caudal fin actuation parameters, the average velocity in undulation propulsion mode was higher than that in jet propulsion mode.
COSTS OF HOME-BASED TELEMEDICINE PROGRAMS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Authors: Michaud Tzeyu L. , Zhou Junmin , McCarthy Molly A. , Siahpush Mohammad , Su Dejun
Published: July 2018

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to systematically investigate existing literature on the costs of home-based telemedicine programs, and to further summarize how the costs of these telemedicine programs vary by equipment and services provided.

Methods:

We undertook a systematic review of related literature by searching electronic bibliographic databases and identifying studies published from January 1, 2000, to November 30, 2017. The search was restricted to studies published in English, results from adult patients, and evaluation of home telemedicine programs implemented in the United States. Summarized telemedicine costs per unit of outcome measures were reported.

Results:

Twelve studies were eligible for our review. The overall annual cost of providing home-based telemedicine varied substantially depending on specific chronic conditions, ranging from USD1,352 for heart failure to USD206,718 for congestive heart failure (CHF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and diabetes as a whole. The estimated cost per-patient-visit ranged from USD24 for cancer to USD39 for CHF, COPD, or chronic wound care.

Conclusions:

The costs of home-based telemedicine programs varied substantially by program components, disease type, equipment used, and services provided. All the selected studies indicated that home telemedicine programs reduced care costs, although detailed cost data were either incomplete or not presented in detail. A comprehensive analysis of the cost of home-based telemedicine programs and their determinants is still required before the cost efficiency of these programs can be better understood, which becomes crucial for these programs to be more widely adopted and reimbursed.
Pollination syndromes and interaction networks in hummingbird assemblages in El Triunfo Biosphere Reserve, Chiapas, Mexico
Authors: Partida-Lara Ruth , Enríquez Paula L. , Vázquez-Pérez José Raúl , de Bonilla Esteban Pineda-Diez , Martínez-Ico Miguel , Rangel-Salazar José L.
Published: July 2018

Plant–animal mutualistic interactions through ecological network systems and the environmental conditions in which they occur, allow us to understand patterns of species composition and the structure and dynamics of communities. We evaluated whether flower morphologies with different pollination syndromes (ornithophilous and non-ornithophilous) are used by hummingbirds and whether these characteristics affect the structure (core-peripheral species) of hummingbird networks. Observations were made in flowering patches, where plant–hummingbird interactions were recorded at three altitudes (300–2500 m) during three seasons (dry, rainy and post-rainy) from 2015 to 2016 at El Triunfo Biosphere Reserve, Chiapas, Mexico. We recorded 15 hummingbird species interacting with 58 plant species, and the greatest number of interacting hummingbird species (11; 14) and plant species (28; 40) were found at middle altitudes and during the dry season, respectively. In all study sites, most of the plant species visited by hummingbirds had an ornithophilous syndrome (67%) at high altitudes (22 plant species) and during the dry season (26 plant species), but more individual hummingbirds visited non-ornithophilous plant species. The hummingbird species at high altitudes exhibited the greatest level of specialization towards plants (H2′ = 0.74), but the networks of plant-hummingbird interactions were generalist (H2′ = 0.25); i.e. visiting plants with both syndromes, at low altitudes. The core generalist hummingbird species remained constant with altitude and season, but the core generalist plant species varied between different altitudes and seasons according to the phenology of the species.
Vulnerability and policy responses in the face of natural resource discoveries and climate change: introduction
Authors: Cockburn John , Henseler Martin , Maisonnave Hélène , Tiberti Luca
Published: July 2018

This special issue contributes to the natural resource economics literature by shining a light on the specific challenges and opportunities faced by developing countries that have recently become dependent on natural resources or are particularly exposed to climate change. It is composed of five studies on countries from all regions of the developing world, involving a variety of natural resources and policy issues. Four of the five studies illustrate how computable general equilibrium models are particularly well-suited, despite their relatively limited past use, to the analysis of natural resources. All five studies are led by researchers based in these countries, providing unique insights into the specific local context. The studies underscore the extreme vulnerability that the introduction of significant natural resource revenues and climate change can create in developing countries. They also show how the choice of appropriate policies to avoid the resource curse varies according to country-specific economic conditions.
A planning study to optimise a simultaneously integrated boost treatment of larynx cancer with seven intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) beams
Authors: Erraoudi M. , Youssoufi M. A. , Bentayeb F. , Malisan M. R.
Published: July 2018

Background

Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is one of the most reported techniques for head and neck cancer treatment, as it allows a good coverage of the planning target volume (PTV) while sparing the surrounding organs at risk (OAR) better than conventional conformal radiotherapy. The objective of this work is to optimise an IMRT technique for the simultaneously integrated boost (SIB) treatment of larynx cancer delivering a total dose of 69·96 Gy to the boost volume and 54·45 Gy to the elective volume in 33 fractions.

Methods

Three IMRT techniques, each using seven equally spaced beams, were planned for a sample of 10 patients. The first two techniques (IMRT-0 and IMRT-26) differ only for the starting angle of the seven beams, whereas the third (IMRT-CT) combines both these techniques by delivering IMRT-0 in the first half of treatment, and IMRT-26 in the second half, thus taking advantage of using 14 beams in total while using seven at a time only. The planning results were compared according to the dose coverage, homogeneity and conformity of the two PTVs, as well as to the dose to OARs, that is, spinal cord, parotids, mandible, brainstem and healthy tissue (defined as the body volume minus the sum of PTVs).

Results

Basically the PTV coverage resulted acceptable and comparable with all the three techniques. Concerning OARs, statistically better results are obtained in IMRT-CT when compared with IMRT-26 and IMRT-0.

Conclusion

The IMRT-CT technique, combining two different seven-beam setups, delivered in two treatment phases, improves dose distribution without increasing delivery time.
State of advance care planning research: A descriptive overview of systematic reviews
Authors: Jimenez Geronimo , Tan Woan Shin , Virk Amrit K. , Low Chan Kee , Car Josip , Ho Andy Hau Yan
Published: July 2018

Objective

To provide an overview of the current state of research of advance care planning (ACP), highlighting most studied topics, publication time, quality of studies and reported outcomes, and to identify gaps to improve ACP receptivity, utilization, implementation, and outcomes.

Method

Cochrane methodology for conducting overviews of systematic reviews. Study quality was assessed using a modified version of the Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews tool. The following databases were searched from inception to April 2017: MEDLINE, EBM Reviews, Cochrane Reviews, CINAHL, Global Health, PsycINFO, and EMBASE. Searches were supplemented with gray literature and manual searches.

Result

Eighty systematic reviews, covering 1,662 single articles, show that ACP-related research focuses on nine main topics: (1) ACP as part of end-of-life or palliative care interventions, (2) care decision-making; (3) communication strategies; (4) factors influencing ACP implementation; (5) ACP for specific patient groups, (6) ACP effectiveness; (7) ACP experiences; (8) ACP cost; and (9) ACP outcome measures. The majority of this research was published since 2014, its quality ranges from moderate to low, and reports on documentation, concordance, preferences, and resource utilization outcomes.

Significance of results

Despite the surge of ACP research, there are major knowledge gaps about ACP initiation, timeliness, optimal content, and impact because of the low quality and fragmentation of the available evidence. Research has mostly focused on discrete aspects within ACP instead of using a holistic evaluative approach that takes into account its intricate working mechanisms, the effects of systems and contexts, and the impacts on multilevel stakeholders. Higher quality studies and innovative interventions are needed to develop effective ACP programs and address research gaps.
Optimal proportional reinsurance with common shock dependence to minimise the probability of drawdown
Authors: Han Xia , Liang Zhibin , Zhang Caibin
Published: July 2018

In this paper, we study the optimal proportional reinsurance problem in a risk model with two dependent classes of insurance business, where the two claim number processes are correlated through a common shock component, and the criterion is to minimise the probability of drawdown, namely, the probability that the value of the surplus process reaches some fixed proportion of its maximum value to date. By the method of maximising the ratio of drift of a diffusion divided to its volatility squared, and the technique of stochastic control theory and the corresponding Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equation, we investigate the optimisation problem in two different cases. Furthermore, we constrain the reinsurance proportion in the interval [0,1] for each case, and derive the explicit expressions of the optimal proportional reinsurance strategy and the minimum probability of drawdown. Finally, some numerical examples are presented to show the impact of model parameters on the optimal results.
Sleep duration and risk of all-cause mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: García-Perdomo H. A. , Zapata-Copete J. , Rojas-Cerón C. A.
Published: July 2018

Aims

To determine the association between the sleep duration and the risk of all-cause mortality in adults.

Methods

A search strategy was conducted in the MEDLINE, CENTRAL, EMBASE and LILACS databases. Searches were also conducted in other databases and unpublished literature. Cohort studies were included without language, time or setting restrictions. The risk of bias was evaluated with a modified Cochrane Collaboration's tool. An analysis of random effects was conducted. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. The measure of the effect was the risk difference (RD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). The planned comparisons were 7–9 h of sleep v. <7 h and the same reference v. >9 h.

Results

Thirty-nine studies were included in our qualitative analysis, regarding the quantitative analysis, 19 studies were included in <7 v. 7–9 h analysis, and 18 studies in the >9 v. 7–9 h. A low risk of bias was shown for most of the study items. The overall RD for all-cause mortality was 0.09 (95% CI 0.07–0.11) favouring the >9 h group compared with our reference. In contrast, no differences were found between the <7 h and the reference sleep duration groups (RD 0.00, 95% CI 0.00–0.01).

Conclusion

We found a probable association of long sleep duration and higher mortality; however, it could reflect an underlying systemic or neurological disease that cause sleep fragmentation, deterioration in quality and micro-awakenings.
Contributions of Psychosocial Factors and Physical Activity to Successful Aging
Authors: Gutiérrez Melchor , Tomás José Manuel , Calatayud Pablo
Published: July 2018

The aim of this study was twofold: (a) To validate a successful aging model in a Spanish older adult’s sample, and (b) to predict successful aging from psychosocial factors and physical activity. Participants were 725 Spanish older people, of whom 478 were women and 247 men, aged between 55 and 100 years. Of these, 501 were physically active and 197 persons did not practice physical activity. The sample was collected in three areas: Sport centers, day centers and public areas of several Spanish towns. Factorial validity of the Successful Aging Inventory was studied by confirmatory factor analysis, and four multiple regressions to predict each of the dimensions of successful aging (functional performance, intrapsychic factors, gerotranscendence, and spirituality) were estimated. The model of successful aging in Spanish elderly through the Successful Aging Inventory was adequate. The four multiple regressions predicted highly successful aging, with effect sizes of:R2= .037 for spirituality; .267 for functional performance; .531 for intrapsychic factors; and .356 for gerotrascendece. A main conclusion derived from the results is that older people who do exercise achieve better aging. Another point is that aspects of health and life satisfaction are directly related to better aging while social aspects influence indirectly.
The Time Course of Response Activation with Dangerous Objects
Authors: Zhao Liang
Published: July 2018

The action property of an object appears to function as an intrinsic part of its mental representation. This phenomenon has been demonstrated in cases where although the grasp response evoked by a visual object is irrelevant to a participant’s task it still appears to be encoded. This is an affordance effect. Recent findings have shown that dangerous objects can modulate the motor system by evoking aversive affordances. However, the way the time course of response activation generated by the dangerous object develops remains unclear. To investigate this process, we used a priming paradigm that varied the stimulus-onset asynchrony (SOA) between a prime and a target. Participants were asked to judge a symbol after presentation of a dangerous object. Results showed a significant congruency effect between the affordance of the ignored object and the requisite response when the SOA was 800 and 1,200 ms, (t(29) = 4.13, p < .001; t(29) = 2.56, p < .05, respectively). However, with briefer SOAs (0 and 400 ms), this congruency effect was not observed (ps > .10). Results indicate the time course of response activation with a dangerous object are relatively long-lasting.
The Prayuth Regime: Embedded Military and Hierarchical Capitalism in Thailand
Authors: Kongkirati Prajak , Kanchoochat Veerayooth
Published: July 2018

This paper explores the Prayuth regime, which began with a military coup in May 2014. Politically, we indicate how the junta has embedded its power in ways different from the past. It does not pursue a power-sharing governance as in the Prem and Surayud governments, but tries to militarise the cabinet, parliament, and even state-owned enterprises. The new constitution is designed to institutionalise the power of the military and the traditional elite vis-à-vis the electoral forces. Ironically, however, the junta's rule by military decree and discretionary power have weakened the bureaucratic polity, rather than strengthening it. Economically, the Prayuth regime forms a partnership with a group of Sino-Thai conglomerates to establish the Pracharath scheme, with an aim to differentiate its grass-roots development policy from Thaksin's populism (Prachaniyom). Nonetheless, it has become a platform through which the giant firms perform the leading role of ‘Big Brother’ in supervising small businesses in their sectors. Pracharath therefore reflects the collective endeavours of the conglomerates to replace competitive markets with hierarchy, rather than encouraging local firms to catch-up with them.
Tablet-Based Working Memory Assessment in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Oesterlen Eva , Eichner Markus , Gade Miriam , Seitz-Stein Katja
Published: July 2018

Abstract. Working memory (WM) is a key predictor of academic success. Therefore, standardized tools for measuring WM are of critical importance. So far, WM tests in the German-speaking research community require one-to-one instruction, making WM assessment time- and resource-consuming. To ease assessment of WM, a tablet-based, group-administrable application for German-speaking children and adolescents was developed. The aim of the current study was to investigate the applicability, reliability, and validity of the word span, Corsi block, and word span backward tasks of the newly designed application for use with primary and secondary school children. The results indicated good internal consistency and satisfactory test–retest reliability for all three tasks. In addition, the results provide some indication of content and concurrent validity. We conclude that the application is a promising tool for the assessment of WM and has the potential for resource-saving collection of developmental data in large-scale studies.
Larger Submicron Particles for Emissions With Residential Burning in Wintertime San Joaquin Valley (Fresno) than for Vehicle Combustion in Summertime South Coast Air Basin (Fontana)
Authors: Betha Raghu , Russell Lynn M. , Chen Chia‐Li , Liu Jun , Price Derek J. , Sanchez Kevin J. , Chen Sijie , Lee Alex K. Y. , Collier Sonya C. , Zhang Qi , Zhang Xiaolu , Cappa Christopher D.
Published: July 2018

Size‐resolved composition of atmospheric aerosol particles during winter (19 December 2014 to 13 January 2015) in the San Joaquin Valley at Fresno and during summer (4 to 28 July 2015) in the Southern California Air Basin at Fontana were measured by aerosol mass spectrometer, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, single particle soot photometer, and scanning electrical mobility sizer. The Fresno study had low‐fog and high‐fog winter conditions, and residential burning was a frequent contributor to evening emissions. Fireworks during Fourth of July celebrations characterized the start of the Fontana study; the remaining days were categorized as nonfirework days and were mostly affected by traffic emissions. Fresno had particle distributions with number mode diameters of 70–150 nm, and Fontana had 30–50‐nm diameters. The nonrefractory organic mass mode diameters were also larger at Fresno (250–380 nm in dry mobility diameter) than at Fontana (130–150 nm, 280 nm in dry mobility diameter) as were refractory black carbon particles (Fresno: 80–180 nm; Fontana: 80–100 nm in dry volume equivalent diameter). The size dependence of organic contributions to particle mass indicated that condensation or other surface‐limited processes contributed oxidized organic fractions to aerosol mass in Fontana but that volume‐limited aqueous reactions produced organic mass on both low‐fog and high‐fog days in Fresno. Linear regression analysis of organic aerosol sources with size‐resolved particle volume at different times of day also showed that residential burning‐related particles increased from 70–160 nm in the evening (18:00 to 23:59) to 150–260 nm at night (00:00 to 05:59) on low‐fog days.
The Mars 2020 Candidate Landing Sites: A Magnetic Field Perspective
Authors: Mittelholz Anna , Morschhauser Achim , Johnson Catherine L. , Langlais Benoit , Lillis Robert J. , Vervelidou Foteini , Weiss Benjamin P.
Published: July 2018

We present an analysis of the remaining three candidate landing sites for Mars 2020, Columbia Hills (CH), Northeast Syrtis (NES) and Jezero (JE) from the perspective of understanding Mars' crustal magnetic field. We identify how the different sites can address each of six community‐defined paleomagnetic science objectives for Mars return samples. These objectives include understanding the early dynamo field and its variability, identification of magnetic minerals that carry magnetization in the samples, and characterization of any thermal and chemical alteration of samples. Satellite data have provided global and regional constraints on crustal magnetization, indicating strong magnetizations at CH and weak to no magnetization at JE and NES. However, the primary paleomagnetic interest—understanding the early dynamo—requires ground truth from a landing site at which pre‐Noachian and Early Noachian deposits are accessible. This requirement is most likely met by the site NES, which contains meggabreccia deposits, and it is therefore the highest priority landing site for magnetic field investigations. Importantly, a sample return mission has never been done, and so any of the three landing sites will provide critical, new data that will contribute to understanding the history of Mars' magnetic field and crustal mineralogy and, in turn, yield constraints on the planet's evolution.
Can Rogue Waves Be Predicted Using Characteristic Wave Parameters?
Authors: Cattrell A. D. , Srokosz M. , Moat B. I. , Marsh R.
Published: July 2018

Rogue waves are ocean surface waves larger than the surrounding sea that can pose a danger to ships and offshore structures. They are often deemed unpredictable without complex measurement of the wavefield and computationally intensive calculation, which is infeasible in most applications; consequently, there a need for fast predictors. Here we collate, quality control, and analyze the largest data set of single‐point field measurements from surface following wave buoys to search for predictors of rogue wave occurrence. We find that analysis of the sea state parameters in bulk yields no predictors, as the subset of seas containing rogue waves sits within the set of seas without. However, spectral bandwidth parameters of rogue seas display different probability distributions to normal seas, but these parameters are rarely provided in wave forecasts. When location is accounted for, trends can be identified in the occurrence of rogue waves as a function of the average sea state characteristics at that location. These trends follow a power law relationship with the characteristic sea state parameters: mean significant wave height and mean zero upcrossing wave period. We find that frequency of occurrence of rogue waves and their generating mechanism is not spatially uniform, and each location is likely to have its own unique sensitivities, which increase in the coastal seas. We conclude that forecastable predictors of rogue wave occurrence will need to be location specific and reflective of their generation mechanism. Therefore, given location and a sufficiently long historical record of sea state characteristics, the likelihood of occurrence can be obtained for mariners and offshore operators.
Late Pliocene Monsoonal Rainfall Gradients in Western China Recorded by the Eolian Deposits From the Linxia Basin, NE Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Zan Jinbo , Fang Xiaomin , Li Xiaojing , Zhang Weilin , Yan Maodu , Shen Miaomiao
Published: July 2018

Loess and red clay sediments from the Chinese Loess Plateau (CLP) contain a wealth of information about variations in the Asian monsoon and the aridification history of the Asian interior. However, relatively little is known about late Pliocene palaeoenvironmental evolution and the variations in the gradients of monsoonal rainfall in the western part of the CLP, due to the poor exposure of pre‐Quaternary eolian deposits and uncertainties in the interpretation of paleoclimatic proxies in most parts of the region. To address these issues, we conducted a detailed rock magnetic investigation of newly drilled eolian sequences (spanning 3.7–2.4 Ma) from the Linxia Basin, NE Tibetan Plateau. Our results demonstrate that pedogenically formed fine magnetic grains are responsible for the magnetic enhancement of loess‐red clay sediments from the basin. Spatially, a clear decrease in magnetic susceptibility and its frequency dependence is observed between the central and western CLP, indicating that the East Asian summer monsoon already exerted a major influence on the amount and distribution of late Pliocene rainfall in the Linxia Basin. After evaluating the validity of magneto‐climofunctions, we attempt to reconstruct late Pliocene‐early Pleistocene monsoonal precipitation in the NE margin of the Tibetan Plateau. The results demonstrate that the difference in late Pliocene monsoonal rainfall between the study area and Chaona in the central CLP was about 300–400 mm. This value is higher than that of the present day, indicating a steepened gradient in monsoonal rainfall between the central and western CLP during the late Pliocene.
Tailoring spin mixtures by ion-enhanced Maxwell magnetic coupling in color-tunable organic electroluminescent devices
Authors: Xu Junwei , Cui Yue , Smith Gregory M. , Li Peiyun , Dun Chaochao , Shao Linqi , Guo Yang , Wang Hongzhi , Chen Yonghua , Carroll David L.
Published: July 2018

In this work, we show that the spin dynamics of excitons can be dramatically altered by Maxwell magnetic field coupling, together with an ion-enhanced, low-internal-splitting-energy organic semiconducting emitter. By employing a unique, alternating current (AC)-driven organic electroluminescent (OEL) device architecture that optimizes this magnetic field coupling, almost complete control over the singlet-to-triplet ratio (from fluorescent to phosphorescent emission in a single device) is realized. We attribute this spin population control to magnetically sensitive polaron–spin pair intersystem crossings (ISCs) that can be directly manipulated through external driving conditions. As an illustration of the utility of this approach to spin-tailoring, we demonstrate a simple hybrid (double-layer) fluorescence–phosphorescence (F–P) device using a polyfluorene-based emitter with a strong external Zeeman effect and ion-induced long carrier diffusion. Remarkable control over de-excitation pathways is achieved by controlling the device-driving frequency, resulting in complete emission blue–red color tunability. Picosecond photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy directly confirms that this color control derives from the magnetic manipulation of the singlet-to-triplet ratios. These results may pave the way to far more exotic organic devices with magnetic-field-coupled organic systems that are poised to usher in an era of dynamic spintronics at room temperature.
Correction: Effects of immune suppression for transplantation on inflammatory colorectal cancer progression
Authors: Angriman Imerio , Furian Lucrezia , Scarpa Melania , Fassan Matteo , Morgan Susan , Porzionato Andrea , Kotsafti Andromachi , Saadeh Luca , Silvestre Cristina , De Caro Raffaele , Carraro Amedeo , Tedeschi Umberto , Bardini Romeo , Rigotti Paolo , Rugge Massimo , Castoro Carlo , Castagliuolo Ignazio , Scarpa Marco
Published: July 2018

At the time of publication, the html version of this paper contained an error; the authors Imerio Angriman and Lucrezia Furian were not tagged as equally contributing authors. This has now been fixed in the html version of the paper, the PDF was correct at the time of publication.
GABRA2 rs279858-linked variants are associated with disrupted structural connectome of reward circuits in heroin abusers
Authors: Sun Yan , Zhang Yang , Zhang Dai , Chang Suhua , Jing Rixing , Yue Weihua , Lu Lin , Chen Dong , Sun Yankun , Fan Yong , Shi Jie
Published: July 2018

The reward system plays a vital role in drug addiction. The purpose of this study is to investigate the structural connectivity characteristics and driving-control subnetwork patterns of reward circuits in heroin abusers and assess the genetic modulation on the reward network. We first defined the reward network based on systematic literature review, and built the reward network based on diffusion tensor imaging data of 78 heroin abusers (HAs) and 79 healthy controls (HCs) using structural connectomics. Then we assessed genetic factors that might modulate changes in the reward network by performing imaging-genetic screening for 22 addiction-related polymorphisms. The genetic association was validated by performing genetic associations (1032 HAs and 2863 HCs) and expanded-variant analysis. Finally, we estimated the association between these genetic variations, reward network, and clinical performance. We found that HAs had widespread deficiencies in the structural connectivity of the reward circuit (center in VTA-linked connections), which correlated with cognition deficiency. The disruptions synchronously were shown on the reward driving system and reward control system. GABRA2 rs279858-linked variants might be a key genetic modulator for heroin vulnerability by affecting the connections of reward network and cognition. The role of the reward network connections that mediates the effects of rs279858 on cognition would be disrupted by heroin addiction. These findings provide new insights into the neurocircuitry and genetic mechanisms of addiction.
Non plasmonic semiconductor quantum SERS probe as a pathway for in vitro cancer detection
Authors: Haldavnekar Rupa , Venkatakrishnan Krishnan , Tan Bo
Published: July 2018

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-based cancer diagnostics is an important analytical tool in early detection of cancer. Current work in SERS focuses on plasmonic nanomaterials that suffer from coagulation, selectivity, and adverse biocompatibility when used in vitro, limiting this research to stand-alone biomolecule sensing. Here we introduce a label-free, biocompatible, ZnO-based, 3D semiconductor quantum probe as a pathway for in vitro diagnosis of cancer. By reducing size of the probes to quantum scale, we observed a unique phenomenon of exponential increase in the SERS enhancement up to ~106 at nanomolar concentration. The quantum probes are decorated on a nano-dendrite platform functionalized for cell adhesion, proliferation, and label-free application. The quantum probes demonstrate discrimination of cancerous and non-cancerous cells along with biomolecular sensing of DNA, RNA, proteins and lipids in vitro. The limit of detection is up to a single-cell-level detection.
Direct imaging of structural changes induced by ionic liquid gating leading to engineered three-dimensional meso-structures
Authors: Cui Bin , Werner Peter , Ma Tianping , Zhong Xiaoyan , Wang Zechao , Taylor James Mark , Zhuang Yuechen , Parkin Stuart S. P.
Published: July 2018

The controlled transformation of materials, both their structure and their physical properties, is key to many devices. Ionic liquid gating can induce the transformation of thin-film materials over long distances from the gated surface. Thus, the mechanism underlying this process is of considerable interest. Here we directly image, using in situ, real-time, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, the reversible transformation between the oxygen vacancy ordered phase brownmillerite SrCoO2.5 and the oxygen ordered phase perovskite SrCoO3. We show that the phase transformation boundary moves at a velocity that is highly anisotropic, traveling at speeds ~30 times faster laterally than through the thickness of the film. Taking advantage of this anisotropy, we show that three-dimensional metallic structures such as cylinders and rings can be realized. Our results provide a roadmap to the construction of complex meso-structures from their exterior surfaces.
In situ formation of catalytically active graphene in ethylene photo-epoxidation
Authors: Zhang Xueqiang , Kumari Gayatri , Heo Jaeyoung , Jain Prashant K.
Published: July 2018

Ethylene epoxidation is used to produce 2 × 107 ton per year of ethylene oxide, a major feedstock for commodity chemicals and plastics. While high pressures and temperatures are required for the reaction, plasmonic photoexcitation of the Ag catalyst enables epoxidation at near-ambient conditions. Here, we use surface-enhanced Raman scattering to monitor the plasmon excitation-assisted reaction on individual sites of a Ag nanoparticle catalyst. We uncover an unconventional mechanism, wherein the primary step is the photosynthesis of graphene on the Ag surface. Epoxidation of ethylene is then promoted by this photogenerated graphene. Density functional theory simulations point to edge defects on the graphene as the sites for epoxidation. Guided by this insight, we synthesize a composite graphene/Ag/α-Al2O3 catalyst, which accomplishes ethylene photo-epoxidation under ambient conditions at which the conventional Ag/α-Al2O3 catalyst shows negligible activity. Our finding of in situ photogeneration of catalytically active graphene may apply to other photocatalytic hydrocarbon transformations.
Viral regulation of host cell biology by hijacking of the nucleolar DNA-damage response
Authors: Rawlinson Stephen M. , Zhao Tianyue , Rozario Ashley M. , Rootes Christina L. , McMillan Paul J. , Purcell Anthony W. , Woon Amanda , Marsh Glenn A. , Lieu Kim G. , Wang Lin-Fa , Netter Hans J. , Bell Toby D. M. , Stewart Cameron R. , Moseley Gregory W.
Published: July 2018

Recent studies indicate that nucleoli play critical roles in the DNA-damage response (DDR) via interaction of DDR machinery including NBS1 with nucleolar Treacle protein, a key mediator of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) transcription and processing. Here, using proteomics, confocal and single molecule super-resolution imaging, and infection under biosafety level-4 containment, we show that this nucleolar DDR pathway is targeted by infectious pathogens. We find that the matrix proteins of Hendra virus and Nipah virus, highly pathogenic viruses of the Henipavirus genus in the order Mononegavirales, interact with Treacle and inhibit its function, thereby silencing rRNA biogenesis, consistent with mimicking NBS1–Treacle interaction during a DDR. Furthermore, inhibition of Treacle expression/function enhances henipavirus production. These data identify a mechanism for viral modulation of host cells by appropriating the nucleolar DDR and represent, to our knowledge, the first direct intranucleolar function for proteins of any mononegavirus.
The chimeric TAC receptor co-opts the T cell receptor yielding robust anti-tumor activity without toxicity
Authors: Helsen Christopher W. , Hammill Joanne A. , Lau Vivian W. C. , Mwawasi Kenneth A. , Afsahi Arya , Bezverbnaya Ksenia , Newhook Lisa , Hayes Danielle L. , Aarts Craig , Bojovic Bojana , Denisova Galina F. , Kwiecien Jacek M. , Brain Ian , Derocher Heather , Milne Katy , Nelson Brad H. , Bramson Jonathan L.
Published: July 2018

Engineering T cells with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) is an effective method for directing T cells to attack tumors, but may cause adverse side effects such as the potentially lethal cytokine release syndrome. Here the authors show that the T cell antigen coupler (TAC), a chimeric receptor that co-opts the endogenous TCR, induces more efficient anti-tumor responses and reduced toxicity when compared with past-generation CARs. TAC-engineered T cells induce robust and antigen-specific cytokine production and cytotoxicity in vitro, and strong anti-tumor activity in a variety of xenograft models including solid and liquid tumors. In a solid tumor model, TAC-T cells outperform CD28-based CAR-T cells with increased anti-tumor efficacy, reduced toxicity, and faster tumor infiltration. Intratumoral TAC-T cells are enriched for Ki-67+CD8+T cells, demonstrating local expansion. These results indicate that TAC-T cells may have a superior therapeutic index relative to CAR-T cells.
Discovering privileged topologies of molecular knots with self-assembling models
Authors: Marenda Mattia , Orlandini Enzo , Micheletti Cristian
Published: July 2018

Despite the several available strategies to build complex supramolecular constructs, only a handful of different molecular knots have been synthesised so far. Here, in response to the quest for further designable topologies, we use Monte Carlo sampling and molecular dynamics simulations, informed by general principles of supramolecular assembly, as a discovery tool for thermodynamically and kinetically accessible knot types made of helical templates. By combining this approach with the exhaustive enumeration of molecular braiding patterns applicable to more general template geometries, we find that only few selected shapes have the closed, symmetric and quasi-planar character typical of synthetic knots. The corresponding collection of admissible topologies is extremely restricted. It covers all known molecular knots but it especially includes a limited set of novel complex ones that have not yet been obtained experimentally, such as 10124 and 15n41185, making them privileged targets for future self-assembling experiments.
Dynamic contrast enhancement and flexible odor codes
Authors: Nizampatnam Srinath , Saha Debajit , Chandak Rishabh , Raman Baranidharan
Published: July 2018

Sensory stimuli evoke spiking activities patterned across neurons and time that are hypothesized to encode information about their identity. Since the same stimulus can be encountered in a multitude of ways, how stable or flexible are these stimulus-evoked responses? Here we examine this issue in the locust olfactory system. In the antennal lobe, we find that both spatial and temporal features of odor-evoked responses vary in a stimulus-history dependent manner. The response variations are not random, but allow the antennal lobe circuit to enhance the uniqueness of the current stimulus. Nevertheless, information about the odorant identity is conf ounded due to this contrast enhancement computation. Notably, predictions from a linear logical classifier (OR-of-ANDs) that can decode information distributed in flexible subsets of neurons match results from behavioral experiments. In sum, our results suggest that a trade-off between stability and flexibility in sensory coding can be achieved using a simple computational logic.
Illness uncertainty, anxiety and depression in Chinese patients with glaucoma or cataract
Authors: Zhang Dandan , Fan Zhigang , Gao Xinbo , Huang Wenmin , Yang Qiongman , Li Zhongwen , Lin Mingkai , Xiao Huiming , Ge Jian
Published: July 2018

This study evaluated illness uncertainty, anxiety and depression among glaucoma patients and cataract patients in China. 263 patients with primary glaucoma and 100 patients with age-related cataract were recruited sequentially from Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center between October 2013 and March 2016. All the participants completed questionnaires for socio-demographic information, Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale (MUIS) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). 25 of the 263 glaucoma patients and 21 of the100 cataract patients finished two copies of the same questionnaires before and after surgery. Statistics were analyzed using SPSS17.0 software. We observed that glaucoma patients had higher MUIS and HADS score than did cataract patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated risk factors for illness uncertainty, anxiety and depression for glaucoma patients were high HADS score, poor visual acuity (VA) in the better eye and education level respectively. Risk factors for the same parameters of cataract patients were high HADS-A score, poor VA in the better eye and high illness uncertainty respectively. Scores of MUIS and HADS both decreased after surgery, but the change in HADS score among glaucoma patients was not significant. Clinical workers should take these factors into account to improve therapy, especially for glaucoma patients who undergo surgery.
AAV9-mediated Rbm24 overexpression induces fibrosis in the mouse heart
Authors: van den Hoogenhof Maarten M. G. , van der Made Ingeborg , de Groot Nina E. , Damanafshan Amin , van Amersfoorth Shirley C. M. , Zentilin Lorena , Giacca Mauro , Pinto Yigal M. , Creemers Esther E.
Published: July 2018

The RNA-binding protein Rbm24 has recently been identified as a pivotal splicing factor in the developing heart. Loss of Rbm24 in mice disrupts cardiac development by governing a large number of muscle-specific splicing events. Since Rbm24 knockout mice are embryonically lethal, the role of Rbm24 in the adult heart remained unexplored. Here, we used adeno-associated viruses (AAV9) to investigate the effect of increased Rbm24 levels in adult mouse heart. Using high-resolution microarrays, we found 893 differentially expressed genes and 1102 differential splicing events in 714 genes in hearts overexpressing Rbm24. We found splicing differences in cardiac genes, such as PDZ and Lim domain 5, Phospholamban, and Titin, but did not find splicing differences in previously identified embryonic splicing targets of Rbm24, such as skNAC, αNAC, and Coro6. Gene ontology enrichment analysis demonstrated increased expression of extracellular matrix (ECM)-related and immune response genes. Moreover, we found increased expression of Tgfβ-signaling genes, suggesting enhanced Tgfβ-signaling in these hearts. Ultimately, this increased activation of cardiac fibroblasts, as evidenced by robust expression of Periostin in the heart, and induced extensive cardiac fibrosis. These results indicate that Rbm24 may function as a regulator of cardiac fibrosis, potentially through the regulation of TgfβR1 and TgfβR2 expression.
Fine-scale processes shape ecosystem service provision by an Amazonian hyperdominant tree species
Authors: Thomas Evert , Atkinson Rachel , Kettle Chris
Published: July 2018

Conspecific distance and density-dependence is a key driver of tree diversity in natural forests, but the extent to which this process may influence ecosystem service provision is largely unknown. Drawing on a dataset of >135,000 trees from the Peruvian Amazon, we assessed its manifestation in biomass accumulation and seed production of Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa) which plays a keystone role in carbon sequestration and NTFP harvesting in Amazonia. For the first time, we find both negative and positive effects of conspecific proximity on seed production and above ground biomass at small and large nearest neighbour distances, respectively. Plausible explanations for negative effects at small distances are fine-scale genetic structuring and competition for shared resources, whereas positive effects at large distances are likely due to increasing pollen limitation and suboptimal growth conditions. Finally, findings suggest that most field plots in Amazonia used for estimating carbon storage are too small to account for distance and density-dependent effects and hence may be inadequate for measuring species-centric ecosystem services.
Shear Deformation Dissipates Energy in Biofilaments
Authors: Maghsoodi Ameneh , Perkins Noel
Published: July 2018

Thermally fluctuating biofilaments possessing porous structures or viscoelastic properties exhibit energy losses from internal friction as well as external friction from drag. Prior models for internal friction account for energy dissipation solely from the dynamic bending of filaments. In this paper, we present a new energy dissipation model that captures the important effects of dynamic shear in addition to bending. Importantly, we highlight that shear-induced friction plays a major role in energy dissipation for shorter filaments and for shorter wavelengths (larger wavenumbers). The new model exhibits coupled shear-bending energy relaxation on two distinct time scales in lieu of a single time scale predicted by bending alone. We employ this model to interpret results from prior experiments on the internal friction of thermally fluctuating chromosomes and the drag-induced friction of thermally fluctuating microtubules. The examples confirm the energy relaxation on two time scales associated with internal friction and on two length scales associated with external friction. Overall, this new model that accounts for shear deformation yields superior estimates of energy dissipation for fluctuating biofilaments.
CINDY2011/DYNAMO Madden-Julian oscillation successfully reproduced in global cloud/cloud-system resolving simulations despite weak tropical wavelet power
Authors: Miyakawa Tomoki , Kikuchi Kazuyoshi
Published: July 2018

The role of tropical atmospheric waves in the propagation mechanism of the Madden-Julian oscillation (MJO), a huge eastward-propagating atmospheric pulse that dominates intraseasonal variation of the tropics and affects the entire globe, has been long discussed but remains unclear. An MJO event observed in a major field campaign is reproduced using a front-running global cloud/cloud-system resolving model with 3.5 km, 7 km, and 14 km meshes. The eastward-migration speed of the MJO convective envelope in the 3.5 km and 14 km simulations agree well with observation, despite weak Kelvin wave signal power calculated by applying a combined Fourier-wavelet transform method. Our results suggest that the eastward propagation of this MJO event was principally controlled by an MJO-scale energy balance, and not by dynamical interaction of embedded tropical waves. The eastward propagation is delayed in the 7 km simulation, which features the highest surface latent heat flux to the west of the convective envelope center. This latent heat flux appears to be caused by prolonged existence of westward-migrating Rossby wave-like cyclonic disturbances near the equator; the embedded waves may not be part of the essential mechanism for the MJO eastward propagation, but can affect it by altering the energy balance.
Structure and nucleic acid binding properties of KOW domains 4 and 6–7 of human transcription elongation factor DSIF
Authors: Zuber Philipp K. , Hahn Lukas , Reinl Anne , Schweimer Kristian , Knauer Stefan H. , Gottesman Max E. , Rösch Paul , Wöhrl Birgitta M.
Published: July 2018

The human transcription elongation factor DSIF is highly conserved throughout all kingdoms of life and plays multiple roles during transcription. DSIF is a heterodimer, consisting of Spt4 and Spt5 that interacts with RNA polymerase II (RNAP II). DSIF binds to the elongation complex and induces promoter-proximal pausing of RNAP II. Human Spt5 consists of a NusG N-terminal (NGN) domain motif, which is followed by several KOW domains. We determined the solution structures of the human Spt5 KOW4 and the C-terminal domain by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. In addition to the typical KOW fold, the solution structure of KOW4 revealed an N-terminal four-stranded β-sheet, previously designated as the KOW3-KOW4 linker. In solution, the C-terminus of Spt5 consists of two β-barrel folds typical for KOW domains, designated KOW6 and KOW7. We also analysed the nucleic acid and RNAP II binding properties of the KOW domains. KOW4 variants interacted with nucleic acids, preferentially single stranded RNA, whereas no nucleic acid binding could be detected for KOW6-7. Weak binding of KOW4 to the RNAP II stalk, which is comprised of Rpb4/7, was also detected, consistent with transient interactions between Spt5 and these RNAP II subunits.