bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of RRA heat treatment on the exfoliation corrosion (EXCO), intergranular corrosion (IGC), and electrical conductivity of AA7075 alloy
Authors: Özer Gökhan , Karaaslan Ahmet
Published: September 2018

The corrosion sensitivity of the AA7075 alloy is related to the distribution, size, continuous, or discontinuous network structure and electrochemical behavior of the grain boundary precipitates. In addition, changes in electrical conductivity affect corrosion resistance. In this study, the effects of RRA processes applied to AA7075 alloy at a different time and temperature on exfoliation corrosion (EXCO) and intergranular corrosion (IGC) were investigated due to grain boundary morphology and electrical conductivity changes of the alloy. The EXCO solution was prepared in accordance with ASTM G34‐01 standard and the samples were kept in the solution for 48 h. The IGC solution was prepared according to the ASTM G110‐92 standard and the samples were immersed in the solution for 24 h to measure the sensitivity of the alloy to EXCO and IGC, using stereo microscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM) images, and transmission electron microscope (TEM). As a result of the findings, it was determined that RRA processes increase the EXCO and IGC resistances according to the T651 condition by changing the electrical conductivity and grain boundary structure in the AA7075 alloy.
Special properties of the stationary solution for two‐dimensional singularly perturbed parabolic problem, stability, and attraction domain
Authors: Beloshapko Vera
Published: September 2018

We consider a singularly perturbed elliptic Dirichlet problem in the case of a degenerate equation's multiple root. The existence of problem solution is proved. A complete asymptotic expansion of the solution is constructed and justified. It has distinctive features. The boundary layer becomes a three‐zone layer with different solution behavior in each of three zones. The solution of elliptic problem considered is a stationary solution of the corresponding parabolic problem. Asymptotic stability of this solution is proved and its attraction domain is found. We have considered the extended version of concept of stationary solution attraction domain.
Mode feedback control strategy for continuous‐time Markovian jump linear systems with controllable mode transition rate matrix
Authors: Chen Wei , Zhu Jin
Published: September 2018

This paper investigates mode feedback control strategy for continuous‐time Markovian jump linear systems with controllable mode transition rate matrix (MTRM). Based on the fact that system stability as well as its performance is dependent on MTRM, a mode feedback controller is proposed to perform control on MTRM such that system stability is achieved. Meanwhile, this strategy can help to improve system performance since it can adjust the occurrence probability of each subsystem. Firstly, taking into account that MTRM will totally determine system stability in absence of state feedback controller, the existence and restrictions on mode feedback controller are discussed where two cases are included. Then, based on a quadratic stabilization cost function that is a combination of state cost and control cost, a feasible solution of mode feedback control strategy is then obtained with its detailed algorithm given. Simulation results including comparisons with current state feedback mechanism are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed strategy.
The epidemic of abnormal copy number variant cases missed because of reliance upon noninvasive prenatal screening
Authors: Evans Mark I. , Andriole Stephanie , Curtis Jenifer , Evans Shara M. , Kessler Alan A. , Rubenstein Andrew F.
Published: September 2018

Objective

To assess the implications of increasing utilization of noninvasive prenatal screening (NIPS), which may reach 50% with the concomitant decrease in diagnostic procedures (DPs) for its impact on detection of chromosomal abnormalities.

Methods

We studied our program's statistics over 5 years for DPs and utilization of array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH). We then modeled the implications in our program if DP had not fallen and nationally of a 50% DP and aCGH testing rate using well‐vetted expectations for the diagnosis of abnormal copy number variants (CNVs).

Results

Our DP fell 40% from 2013‐2017. Utilization of aCGH for DP nearly tripled. We detected 28 abnormal CNVs. If DP had not fallen, we likely would have detected 60. With 4 million US births per year, 2 million DPs would detect 30 000 abnormal CNVs and 4000 standard aneuploidies. At a 1/500 complication—pregnancy loss rate, the detection/complication ratio is 8.5/1.

Conclusions

Noninvasive prenatal screening has significantly changed the practice of prenatal screening. However, while increasing the detection of Down syndrome, the concomitant decrease in DP and lack of aCGH results in missing many more abnormalities than the increase in Down syndrome and complications of DP combined. From a public health perspective, such represents a missed opportunity for overall health care delivery.
On the description of the environment polarization response to electronic transitions
Authors: Guido Ciro A. , Caprasecca Stefano
Published: September 2018

This paper addresses the issue of accurately describing the structures and properties of electronically excited systems embedded in an environment, through multiscale approaches combining quantum‐mechanical (QM) and polarizable classical representations of the system and environment, respectively. Such approaches represent an efficient strategy and allow to effectively study the excited states of molecular systems in the condensed phase, still maintaining the computational efficiency and the physical reliability of the ground‐state calculations. The most important theoretical and computational aspects of the coupling between the QM system and the polarizable environment are presented and discussed. Even if these approaches already reached an evident degree of maturity, they can still be subject to further development, in order to achieve their full potential. This perspective presents an overview of the state of the art of these strategies, showing the fields of applicability and indicating the current limitations, which need to be overcome in future developments.
Comparative degradation between heavy and light crude oil mediated by nitrogen‐induced cell‐surface hydrophobicity
Authors: Kok Kee Wong , Hamzah Ainon
Published: September 2018

A bacterial strain UKMP‐10M2 isolated from a Malaysian petroleum refinery was able to degrade 84% of heavy Khafji sour crude and 68% of light Tapis sweet crude within seven days. Analysis of gas chromatography‐flame ionization detector chromatograms show the strain UKMP‐10M2 degraded up to 90% pristane and 50% phytane in heavy crude, but significantly lower pristane (50%) and phytane (30%) were degraded from the light crude. A mixture of aliphatic hexadecane and three‐ring phenanthrene better supported the growth of isolate UKMP‐10M2 compared to using phenanthrene alone, suggesting cometabolism influenced how crude oil with different individual hydrocarbon contents affected the degradation. Peptone as the source of nitrogen increases the emulsifying index in UKMP‐10M2 exposed to heavy Khafji sour crude 20% higher than in light Tapis sweet crude. However, BATH assay showed the same nitrogen source increases bacterial cell surface hydrophobicity of UKMP‐10M2 up to 14% higher in light Tapis crude oil compared to heavy Khafji. This study suggest the nitrogen source plays a decisive role in elevating UKMP‐10M2 bacterial cells hydrophobicity, and in correlation with types of crude oil. Phylogenetic tree analysis based on 16S rDNA sequence results identified the strain to be Rhodococcus ruber.
Application of X‐ray fluorescence holography to the analysis of the interior and surface of an yttrium oxide thin film
Authors: Stellhorn Jens R. , Hosokawa Shinya , Happo Naohisa , Tajiri Hiroo , Matsushita Tomohiro , Kaminaga Kenichi , Fukumura Tomoteru , Hasegawa Tetsuya , Kimura Koji , Hayashi Kouichi
Published: September 2018

We report on the characterization of a thin film of yttrium oxide by X‐ray fluorescence holography. The sample has a layered structure with an YO base layer and an oxidized Y2O3 surface. Both layers are clearly observed in the atomic image reconstructions, and their local structure is analyzed. We show that by using incident energies close to the absorption edge of the fluorescing atom, it becomes possible to observe the thin surface layer clearly, even next to a base layer containing the same fluorescing element.
Measuring the human right to water: An assessment of compliance indicators
Authors: Schiff Jennifer
Published: September 2018

According to the United Nations, over a billion people lack access to clean drinking water. As a call to action regarding deficient water availability, the UN has recognized formally the prescriptive norm of a “human right to water” within treaty legislation for over a decade. The right to water requires states to ensure that water is available, accessible, safe, affordable, and acceptable, but little consensus exists regarding the conditions that constitute adequate compliance with this norm. In general, structural, process, and outcome indicators are considered to be the benchmark of right to water compliance, but these terms remain ambiguously defined on the international level, which leaves states without a specific national roadmap for compliance. This analysis attempts to clarify the confusion surrounding right to water indicators by (a) explaining the historical context behind the creation of each distinct type of indicator for water access, (b) reviewing the salient literature on human rights compliance, and (c) reflecting critically on the utility of the existing indicator matrix. Ultimately, the evidence suggests that structural, process, and outcome indicators are necessary, but insufficient on their own to determine whether a state has complied with its human right to water obligations. As an alternative, a move to integrate the existing indicator categories in order to evaluate a state's capacity to provide the human right to water may serve as a more effective tool assessing how able states are to provide a right domestically to which they may have agreed internationally.

This article is categorized under:

Human Water > Rights to Water

Human Water > Methods

Engineering Water > Planning Water
D-branes in λ-deformations
Authors: Driezen Sibylle , Sevrin Alexander , Thompson Daniel C.
Published: September 2018

Abstract

We show that the geometric interpretation of D-branes in WZW models as twisted conjugacy classes persists in the λ-deformed theory. We obtain such configurations by demanding that a monodromy matrix constructed from the Lax connection of the λ-deformed theory continues to produce conserved charges in the presence of boundaries. In this way the D-brane configurations obtained correspond to “integrable” boundary configurations. We illustrate this with examples based on SU(2) and SL(2, ℝ), and comment on the relation of these D-branes to both non-Abelian T-duality and Poisson-Lie T-duality. We show that the D2 supported by D0 charge in the λ-deformed theory map, under analytic continuation together with Poisson-Lie T-duality, to D3 branes in the η-deformation of the principal chiral model.
Combined effect of boundary layer formation and surface smoothing on friction and wear rate of lubricated point contacts during normal running-in processes
Authors: Zhang Yazhao , Kovalev Alexander , Meng Yonggang
Published: September 2018

The combined effect of boundary layer formation and surface smoothing on friction and wear rate of metallic surfaces under lubricated point contact condition was investigated. The double trend of friction coefficient variations was revealed during running-in and sub-running-in processes. The evolution of surface topography was measured on-site using white-light interference profilometer and analyzed using bearing area curves. Comprehensive theoretical equations that explicitly express the contributions of boundary friction, adhesive friction and wear have been derived, and results obtained by these equations were compared with experimental observations. It is concluded that the theoretical models are quantitatively adequate to describe the combined effect of surface smoothing due to mechanical wear and formation of boundary films on the changes in friction and wear rate during normal running-in processes.
Robust optimal usage modeling of product systems for environmental sustainability
Authors: Ma Jungmok
Published: September 2018

Proper modeling of the usage phase in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is not only critical due to its high impact among life cycle phases but also challenging due to high variations and uncertainty. Furthermore, when multiple products can be utilized, the optimal product usage should be considered together. The robust optimal usage modeling is proposed in this paper as the framework of usage modeling for LCA with consideration of the uncertainty and optimal usage. The proposed method seeks to optimal product usage in order to minimize the environmental impact of the usage phase under uncertainty. Numerical examples demonstrate the application of the robust optimal usage modeling and the difference from the previous approaches.

Highlights The robust optimal usage modeling is proposed for the usage modeling of LCA. The proposed model seeks to sustainable product usage under uncertainty. Numerical examples demonstrate the difference from the previous approaches.
Amyloid‐associated increases in longitudinal report of subjective cognitive complaints
Authors: Amariglio Rebecca E. , Buckley Rachel F. , Mormino Elizabeth C. , Marshall Gad A. , Johnson Keith A. , Rentz Dorene M. , Sperling Reisa A.
Published: September 2018

Introduction

To investigate whether baseline subjective cognitive complaints (SCCs) predict longitudinal decline on neuropsychological testing and whether SCC increases longitudinally, in the setting of high levels of amyloid burden.

Methods

Two hundred seventy‐nine clinically normal older participants (mean age = 73.7 ± 6.1 years) from the Harvard Aging Brain Study, a cohort of community‐dwelling individuals, were followed longitudinally (4.27 ± 1.35 years) with annual subjective memory questionnaires and neuropsychological assessment. 11C Pittsburgh compound‐B positron emission tomography was used to measure cortical amyloid and to classify status (Aβ+/Aβ−) at baseline.

Results

Higher baseline SCC predicted more rapid cognitive decline on neuropsychological measures among those with elevated amyloid (t = −2.18, P < .0001). In addition, longitudinal report of SCC significantly increased over time, with SCC progression most pronounced among Aβ+ individuals (t = 2.24, P = .0005).

Discussion

SCC may inform risk for future cognitive decline and track progression of self‐perceived decline, particularly in those along the AD trajectory, providing potentially important indicators of clinical meaningfulness in AD prevention trials.
PORTRAITS OF A PARTHIAN KING: ROCK-RELIEFS AND THE MOUNTAIN FORTRESSES OF RABANA-MERQULY IN IRAQI KURDISTAN
Authors: Brown Michael , Miglus Peter , Rasheed Kamal , Ahmad Mustafa
Published: September 2018

This article presents detailed illustrations of two rock-reliefs from the neighbouring sites Rabana and Merquly, located on the flanks of Mt. Piramagrun in Iraqi Kurdistan. Both matching sculptures are aligned with perimeter fortifications that enclose substantial architectural remains. Based on numismatic parallels, supported by archaeological evidence, it is proposed that these depictions of near life-size figures represent an anonymous Arsacid King of Kings from the early first millennium (c.a.d.50-150), who was credited with construction of the mountain fortresses. Rabana and Merquly together form an important landscape of settlement on the north-western frontier of the Parthian Empire.
The surgical management of bilateral facial paralysis: case report
Authors: Hardy A , Muzaffar J , Kumar R , Irving R
Published: September 2018

Background

Unilateral total facial palsy is a debilitating condition that can affect an individual's physical, social and emotional wellbeing. When this occurs bilaterally, the severity of impact is extreme, with significant cosmetic disfigurement and functional morbidity. A variety of facial reanimation techniques have been used for unilateral facial weakness of varying House–Brackmann grades, and these are also applicable in bilateral cases. In bilateral cases, it is difficult to gauge successful improvement in comparison to the contralateral side, which also is afflicted.

Case report

This paper presents our experience with a bilateral facial paralysis patient who had a complex otological history. The patient, who presented with bilateral debilitating grade VI facial palsy, achieved a good result from bilateral facial reanimation with sequential hypoglossal–facial anastomosis. This is considered a reasonable option in cases of bilateral facial paralysis.
Compensation or Social Investment? Revisiting the Link between Globalisation and Popular Demand for the Welfare State
Authors: BUSEMEYER MARIUS R. , GARRITZMANN JULIAN L.
Published: September 2018

The debate on effects of globalisation on welfare states is extensive. Often couched in terms of a battle between the compensation and the efficiency theses, the scholarly literature has provided contradictory arguments and findings. This article contributes to the scholarly debate by exploring in greater detail the micro-level foundations of compensation theory. More specifically, we distinguish between individual policy preferences for compensatory social policies (unemployment insurance) and human capital-focused social investment policies (education), and expect globalisation to mainly affect demand for educational investment. A multi-level analysis of International Social Survey Programme (ISSP) survey data provides empirical support for this hypothesis. This finding provides an important revision and extension of the classical analytical perspective of compensation theory, because it shows that citizens value the social investment function of the welfare state above and beyond simple compensation via social transfers. This might be particularly relevant in today's skill-centred knowledge economies.
Das illegal organisierte Glücksspiel in der Schweiz: Eine explorative Studie
Authors: Lischer Suzanne , Gebhard Oriana
Published: September 2018

Zusammenfassung. Zielsetzung: Die glücksspielbedingten Probleme, welche sich für die Betroffenen aus der Teilnahme an illegalen Glücksspielen ergeben, wurden bisher nur am Rande erforscht. Um einen Überblick über das Problemfeld zu gewinnen, wurde eine explorative Untersuchung durchgeführt. Methodik: Folgenden Fragestellungen wurde nachgegangen: (1) Wie wird der illegale Glücksspielmarkt aus Sicht der Betroffenen wahrgenommen? (2) Welche individuellen Gründe liegen der Teilnahme an illegalen Glücksspielen zugrunde? (3) Welche glücksspielbedingten Probleme nehmen Betroffene subjektiv wahr? (4) Wie schätzen Fachpersonen aus der Suchthilfe die glücksspielbedingten Probleme von Betroffenen ein? Mit 18 Personen, welche an illegalen Glücksspielen teilnehmen oder teilgenommen haben, wurden problemzentrierte Interviews durchgeführt. Zudem wurden 36 Fachpersonen aus der Suchthilfe schriftlich befragt. Ergebnisse: Die Ergebnisse lassen vermuten, dass es in der Schweiz ein leicht zugängliches illegales Glücksspielangebot gibt. Die Gründe für die Teilnahme an illegalen Glücksspielen sind vielfältig. Die Betroffenen berichten von fehlenden Jugend- und Spielschutzmaßnahmen, der Vergabe von Krediten und persönlichen Verstrickungen zwischen teilnehmenden Personen und Anbietern. Die Schilderungen decken sich mit den Einschätzungen der Fachpersonen. Schlussfolgerung: Das Ausmaß des illegalen Glücksspiels sowie die spezifischen Probleme, welche für die Betroffenen aus der Spielteilnahme resultieren, sollten in epidemiologischen Studien untersucht werden.
How Hot Is Europa? Now There’s a Map for That
Authors: Cartier Kimberly
Published: September 2018

The new global map of Europa’s surface heat also highlighted one spot on the moon that is inexplicably cold.
Speed dependent descending control of freezing behavior in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Zacarias Ricardo , Namiki Shigehiro , Card Gwyneth M. , Vasconcelos Maria Luisa , Moita Marta A.
Published: September 2018

The most fundamental choice an animal has to make when it detects a threat is whether to freeze, reducing its chances of being noticed, or to flee to safety. Here we show that Drosophila melanogaster exposed to looming stimuli in a confined arena either freeze or flee. The probability of freezing versus fleeing is modulated by the fly’s walking speed at the time of threat, demonstrating that freeze/flee decisions depend on behavioral state. We describe a pair of descending neurons crucially implicated in freezing. Genetic silencing of DNp09 descending neurons disrupts freezing yet does not prevent fleeing. Optogenetic activation of both DNp09 neurons induces running and freezing in a state-dependent manner. Our findings establish walking speed as a key factor in defensive response choices and reveal a pair of descending neurons as a critical component in the circuitry mediating selection and execution of freezing or fleeing behaviors.
STAT3-coordinated migration facilitates the dissemination of diffuse large B-cell lymphomas
Authors: Pan Yi-Ru , Chen Chih-Cheng , Chan Yu-Tien , Wang Hsiao-Jung , Chien Fan-Tso , Chen Yeng-Long , Liu Jing-Lan , Yang Muh-Hwa
Published: September 2018

The motile characteristics and mechanisms that drive the dissemination of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) are elusive. Here, we show that DLBCL initiates dissemination through activating STAT3-mediated amoeboid migration. Mechanistically, STAT3 activates RHOH transcription, which competes with the RhoGDP dissociation inhibitor RhoGDIγ to activate RhoA. In addition, activated STAT3 regulates microtubule dynamics and releases ARHGEF2 to activate RhoA. Both the JAK inhibitor ruxolitinib and the microtubule stabilizer Taxol suppress DLBCL cell dissemination in vivo. A clinical DLBCL sample analysis shows that STAT3-driven amoeboid movement is particularly important for the transition from stage I to stage II. This study elucidates the mechanism of DLBCL dissemination and progression and highlights the potential of combating advanced DLBCL with a JAK/STAT inhibitor or microtubule stabilizer to reduce DLBCL motility; these findings may have a great impact on the development of patient-tailored treatments for DLBCL.
Seismic imaging and petrology explain highly explosive eruptions of Merapi Volcano, Indonesia
Authors: Widiyantoro S. , Ramdhan M. , Métaxian J.-P. , Cummins P. R. , Martel C. , Erdmann S. , Nugraha A. D. , Budi-Santoso A. , Laurin A. , Fahmi A. A.
Published: September 2018

Our seismic tomographic images characterize, for the first time, spatial and volumetric details of the subvertical magma plumbing system of Merapi Volcano. We present P- and S-wave arrival time data, which were collected in a dense seismic network, known as DOMERAPI, installed around the volcano for 18 months. The P- and S-wave arrival time data with similar path coverage reveal a high Vp/Vs structure extending from a depth of ≥20 km below mean sea level (MSL) up to the summit of the volcano. Combined with results of petrological studies, our seismic tomography data allow us to propose: (1) the existence of a shallow zone of intense fluid percolation, directly below the summit of the volcano; (2) a main, pre-eruptive magma reservoir at ≥ 10 to 20 km below MSL that is orders of magnitude larger than erupted magma volumes; (3) a deep magma reservoir at MOHO depth which supplies the main reservoir; and (4) an extensive, subvertical fluid-magma-transfer zone from the mantle to the surface. Such high-resolution spatial constraints on the volcano plumbing system as shown are an important advance in our ability to forecast and to mitigate the hazard potential of Merapi’s future eruptions.
Prenatal testosterone does not explain sex differences in spatial ability
Authors: Toivainen Teemu , Pannini Giulia , Papageorgiou Kostas A. , Malanchini Margherita , Rimfeld Kaili , Shakeshaft Nicholas , Kovas Yulia
Published: September 2018

The most consistent sex differences in cognition are found for spatial ability, in which males, on average, outperform females. Utilizing a twin design, two studies have shown that females with male co-twins perform better than females with female co-twins on a mental rotation task. According to the Twin Testosterone Transfer hypothesis (TTT) this advantage is due to in-uterine transmission of testosterone from males to females. The present study tested the TTT across 14 different spatial ability measures, including mental rotation tasks, in a large sample of 19–21-year-old twins. Males performed significantly better than females on all spatial tasks, with effect sizes ranging from η2 = 0.02 to η2 = 0.16. Females with a male co-twin outperformed females with a female co-twin in two of the tasks. The effect sizes for both differences were negligible (η2 < 0.02). Contrary to the previous studies, our results gave no indication that prenatally transferred testosterone, from a male to a female twin, influences sex differences in spatial ability.
A power-free, parallel loading microfluidic reactor array for biochemical screening
Authors: Liu Yanwu , Li Gang
Published: September 2018

This paper presents a power-free, self-contained microfluidic device in which a number of nanoliter-sized droplets can be parallelly and accurately metered and mixed for high-throughput analysis and/or portable systems. In this system, the absorption of air by pre-degassed PDMS and the change of capillary force due to sudden narrowing of the channel cross-section provide the mechanism for actuating, metering and mixing the flow of fluid in the microfluidic channels and chambers. With an array of channels and capillary valves combined with an array of pre-degassed PDMS pump chambers, the device can perform multiple liquid dispensing and mixing in parallel, and its performance and reproducibility are also evaluated. As a practical application, the proposed device is used to screen crystallization conditions of lysozyme. This device needs neither external power nor complex instruments for fluid handling. Thus, it offers an easy-to-use, inexpensive and power-free way to perform multiple nanoliter-volume distinct reactions in parallel format and should be ideally suitable for individual laboratories for various applications such as enzyme assay, protein crystallization, drug discovery, and combinatorial chemistry.
The lineage-specific, intrinsically disordered N-terminal extension of monothiol glutaredoxin 1 from trypanosomes contains a regulatory region
Authors: Sturlese Mattia , Manta Bruno , Bertarello Andrea , Bonilla Mariana , Lelli Moreno , Zambelli Barbara , Grunberg Karin , Mammi Stefano , Comini Marcelo A. , Bellanda Massimo
Published: September 2018

Glutaredoxins (Grx) are small proteins conserved throughout all the kingdoms of life that are engaged in a wide variety of biological processes and share a common thioredoxin-fold. Among them, class II Grx are redox-inactive proteins involved in iron-sulfur (FeS) metabolism. They contain a single thiol group in their active site and use low molecular mass thiols such as glutathione as ligand for binding FeS-clusters. In this study, we investigated molecular aspects of 1CGrx1 from the pathogenic parasite Trypanosoma brucei brucei, a mitochondrial class II Grx that fulfills an indispensable role in vivo. Mitochondrial 1CGrx1 from trypanosomes differs from orthologues in several features including the presence of a parasite-specific N-terminal extension (NTE) whose role has yet to be elucidated. Previously we have solved the structure of a truncated form of 1CGrx1 containing only the conserved glutaredoxin domain but lacking the NTE. Our aim here is to investigate the effect of the NTE on the conformation of the protein. We therefore solved the NMR structure of the full-length protein, which reveals subtle but significant differences with the structure of the NTE-less form. By means of different experimental approaches, the NTE proved to be intrinsically disordered and not involved in the non-redox dependent protein dimerization, as previously suggested. Interestingly, the portion comprising residues 65–76 of the NTE modulates the conformational dynamics of the glutathione-binding pocket, which may play a role in iron-sulfur cluster assembly and delivery. Furthermore, we disclosed that the class II-strictly conserved loop that precedes the active site is critical for stabilizing the protein structure. So far, this represents the first communication of a Grx containing an intrinsically disordered region that defines a new protein subgroup within class II Grx.
MIgGGly (mouse IgG glycosylation analysis) - a high-throughput method for studying Fc-linked IgG N-glycosylation in mice with nanoUPLC-ESI-MS
Authors: Zaytseva Olga O. , Jansen Bas C. , Hanić Maja , Mrčela Mia , Razdorov Genadij , Stojković Ranko , Erhardt Julija , Brizić Ilija , Jonjić Stipan , Pezer Marija , Lauc Gordan
Published: September 2018

Immunoglobulin G (IgG) N-glycosylation is crucial for its effector functions. It is a complex trait, and large sample sets are needed to discover multiple genetic factors that underlie it. While in humans such high-throughput studies of IgG N-glycans became usual, only one has been carried out in mice. Here we describe and validate a method for the relative quantification of IgG Fc-linked N-glycans in a subclass-specific manner using nano-reverse phase liquid chromatography coupled with mass-spectrometry (nanoRP-LC-MS) applied to murine IgG. High-throughput data processing is ensured by the LaCyTools software. We have shown that IgG isolation procedure is the main source of technical variation in the current protocol. The major glycoforms were quantified reliably with coefficients of variation below 6% for all the analytes with relative abundances above 5%. We have applied our method to a sample set of 3 inbred strains: BALB/c, C57BL/6 and C3H and observed differences in subclass-specific and strain-specific N-glycosylation of IgG, suggesting a significant genetic component in the regulation of Fc-linked IgG N-glycosylation.
Atomistic Peptide Folding Simulations Reveal Interplay of Entropy and Long-Range Interactions in Folding Cooperativity
Authors: Chen Jianlin , Liu Xiaorong , Chen Jianhan
Published: September 2018

Understanding how proteins fold has remained a problem of great interest in biophysical research. Atomistic computer simulations using physics-based force fields can provide important insights on the interplay of different interactions and energetics and their roles in governing the folding thermodynamics and mechanism. In particular, generalized Born (GB)-based implicit solvent force fields can be optimized to provide an appropriate balance between solvation and intramolecular interactions and successfully recapitulate experimental conformational equilibria for a set of helical and β-hairpin peptides. Here, we further demonstrate that key thermodynamic properties and their temperature dependence obtained from replica exchange molecular dynamics simulations of these peptides are in quantitative agreement with experimental results. Useful lessons can be learned on how the interplay of entropy and sequentially long-range interactions governs the mechanism and cooperativity of folding. These results highlight the great potential of high-quality implicit solvent force fields for studying protein folding and large-scale conformational transitions.
Curcumin alleviates postprandial glycaemic response in healthy subjects: A cross-over, randomized controlled study
Authors: Thota Rohith N. , Dias Cintia B. , Abbott Kylie A. , Acharya Shamasunder H. , Garg Manohar L.
Published: September 2018

In the current study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of a single dose of curcumin and/or fish oil on postprandial glycaemic parameters in healthy individuals. This was a randomised, placebo-controlled and crossover study. Sixteen (n = 16) volunteers were randomised to receive placebo, curcumin (180 mg) tablets, fish oil (1.2 g long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids) capsules and curcumin + fish oil prior to a standard meal on 4 test days separated by a week. Blood glucose, serum insulin and triglycerides were measured at intervals between 0–120 min. Difference between the treatments was measured using two-way repeated measures analysis of variance and pair-wise comparisons using Wilcoxon signed-rank or paired t-test as appropriate. Postprandial glucose concentrations were significantly lower in the curcumin (60.6%, P = 0.0007) and curcumin + fishoil group (51%, P = 0.002) groups at 60 min from baseline. Compared with placebo, area under the curve (AUC) for change in blood glucose concentration was reduced by curcumin (36%, P = 0.003) and curcumin + fishoil (30%, 0.004), but not fish oil alone (p = 0.105). Both curcumin (P = 0.01) and curcumin + fishoil (P = 0.03) treatments significantly lowered postprandial insulin (AUC) by 26% in comparison with placebo. Curcumin, but not fish oil, reduces postprandial glycaemic response and insulin demand for glucose control.
Both trait-neutrality and filtering effects are validated by the vegetation patterns detected in the functional recovery of sand grasslands
Authors: Török P. , Matus G. , Tóth E. , Papp M. , Kelemen A. , Sonkoly J. , Tóthmérész B.
Published: September 2018

Neutral theory of species assembly means that species assembly is governed by stochastic dispersal processes and fluctuations in established populations. An alternative theory suggests that assembly is strongly determined by functional trait filtering governed by abiotic and biotic filtering selecting species from the local species pool. To test these assumptions, in the current paper we analysed vegetation changes in the first 12 years of succession after heavy goose grazing on acidic sand. With trait-based analyses using permanent plots we addressed the following hypotheses: (i) High fluctuations in the trait values are typical in the first years; later a temporally divergent change in the trait patterns of sites with different vertical position became characteristic. (ii) In the functional diversity of regenerative and vegetative traits we expected different temporal patterns. We confirmed the first hypothesis, as in the first few years most traits displayed high fluctuations with no clear patterns. Our findings weakly supported the second hypothesis; while there were distinct patterns detected in the functional richness of traits, functional divergence and evenness displayed no clear distinctive patterns. We can conclude that both trait neutrality and filtering effects operate in the vegetation changes of the first period of secondary succession.
Absorption, metabolism, distribution and faecal excretion of B-type procyanidin oligomers in mice after a single oral administration of black soybean seed coat extract
Authors: Wang Liuqing , Yamashita Yoko , Komeda Shingo , Saito Akiko , Ashida Hitoshi
Published: September 2018

The bioavailablity of (−)-epicatechin, procyanidin B2, procyanidin C1 and cinnamtannin A2 was elucidated.
Gold-catalyzed conversion of lignin to low molecular weight aromatics
Authors: Song Yang , Mobley Justin K. , Motagamwala Ali Hussain , Isaacs Mark , Dumesic James A. , Ralph John , Lee Adam F. , Wilson Karen , Crocker Mark
Published: September 2018

Gold nanoparticles supported on lithium–aluminum layered double hydroxide function as a heterogeneous catalyst for oxidative depolymerization of lignin to low molecular weight aromatics under mild conditions.
Structure-switching M3L2 Ir(iii) coordination cages with photo-isomerising azo-aromatic linkers
Authors: Oldknow Samuel , Martir Diego Rota , Pritchard Victoria E. , Blitz Mark A. , Fishwick Colin W. G. , Zysman-Colman Eli , Hardie Michaele J.
Published: September 2018

Deep-blue luminescent [{Ir(C^N)2}3(L)2]3+ coordination cages with structurally integral pyridyl-azo-phenyl groups can be reversibly photo-isomerised with no compositional change.
Subcritical transition to turbulence in accretion disc boundary layer
Authors: Zhuravlev V. V. , Razdoburdin D. N.
Published: September 2018

Context. Enhanced angular momentum transfer through the boundary layer near the surface of weakly magnetised accreting star is required in order to explain the observed accretion timescales in low-mass X-ray binaries, cataclysmic variables, or young stars with massive protoplanetary discs. The accretion disc boundary layer is locally represented by incompressible homogeneous and boundless flow of the cyclonic type, which is linearly stable. Its non-linear instability at the shear rates of the order of the rotational frequency remains an issue.

Aims. We put forward a conjecture that hydrodynamical subcritical turbulence in such a flow is sustained by the non-linear feedback from essentially three-dimensional vortices, which are generated by quasi-two-dimensional trailing shearing spirals grown to high amplitude via the swing amplification. We refer to those three-dimensional vortices as cross-rolls, since they are aligned in the shearwise direction in contrast to streamwise rolls generated by the anti-lift-up mechanism in rotating shear flow on the Rayleigh line.

Methods. Transient growth of cross-rolls is studied analytically and further confronted with direct numerical simulations (DNS) of the dynamics of non-linear perturbations in the shearing box approximation.

Results. A substantial decrease of transition Reynolds number RT is revealed as one changes a cubic box to a tall box. DNS performed in a tall box show that RT as a function of shear rate accords with the line of constant maximum transient growth of cross-rolls. The transition in the tall box has been observed until the shear rate is three times higher than the rotational frequency, when RT ∼ 50 000.

Conclusions. Assuming that the cross-rolls are also responsible for turbulence in the Keplerian flow, we estimate R
T ≲ 108 in this case. Our results imply that non-linear stability of Keplerian flow should be verified by extending turbulent solutions found in the cyclonic regime across the solid-body line rather than entering a quasi-Keplerian regime from the side of the Rayleigh line. The most favourable shear rate to test the existence of turbulence in the quasi-Keplerian regime may be sub-Keplerian and equal approximately to 1/2.
A rule-based heuristic algorithm for on-line order batching and scheduling in an order picking warehouse with multiple pickers
Authors: Alipour Mehrdad , Zare Mehrjedrdi Yahia , Mostafaeipour Ali
Published: September 2018

In manual order picking systems, orders received from internal or external customers are collected by pickers that walk or ride through the warehouse. Generally, orders are grouped into several sub sets, i.e. batches to reduce picking time and cost. This paper considers the on-line order batching problem (OOBP) in an order picking warehouse with multiple pickers in which the maximum completion time of all batches (customer orders) has to be minimized. At first, a mathematical model is introduced for the off-line version of the problem. Then the on-line version of the problem is considered in which customer orders become available dynamically over time. Since the proposed model is NP-hard, a rule-based heuristic algorithm was proposed to solve the on-line problem. The main contributions of the present work is to propose a mathematical model for the off-line order batching problem with multiple pickers considering makespan minimization and to present a novel heuristic algorithm for solving the on-line version of the problem. To validate the proposed algorithm, it is proved that its competitive rate is equal to 2. Finally, the solution algorithm is evaluated through a series of experiments and the most appropriate routing, batching and selection policies are introduced.
Duration of a ”Brown-Like” Phenotype of White Adipose Tissue Induced by the β3 Agonist CL-316,243
Authors: Danysz Wojciech , Jinlai Kang , Li Fugang
Published: September 2018

“Browning” i. e. the transformation of white adipose tissue into brown-like adipose tissue could induce efficient burning of excess fat reserves via induction of non-shivering thermogenesis. For example, activation of ß3 adrenergic receptors has been show to induce such changes, however, it is still not clear, how long after termination of such a treatment, beneficial effects might be maintained. To address this question, we treated rats s.c. for 2 weeks with the ß3 agonist CL-316,243 at 1 mg/kg and assessed interscapular brown fat and inguinal white fat pads weight, UCP-1 (a marker for the brown-like fat phenotype) using immunohistochemistry and H&E staining, at different intervals after treatment termination.

One 1 day after the treatment cessation there was a decrease of inguinal white fat pad weight and increase of interscapular fat pad. This change vanished at 7 days for inguinal pad and at 14 days for interscapular pad. Histological analysis of interscapular pads showed increased UCP-1 staining and brown-like morphology in H&E staining slices at 1 day, but not other time points. In case of inguinal pad there were brown-like features in H&E slices at 1 day and less after 7 days, but absent at 14 days. UCP-1 staining was only detected 1 day after the treatment.

In conclusion, the present results indicate that browning-like changes of white fat may be short lasting after treatment termination and could require maintenance treatment of inductor to achieve desired therapeutic effect. This might be a serious shortcoming of potential therapeutic use.
The Needs of Women and Healthcare Providers regarding Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Information, Resources, and Education: A Systematic Search and Narrative Review
Authors: Tassone Eliza , Teede Helena , Dokras Anuja , Garad Rhonda , Gibson-Helm Melanie
Published: September 2018

This article aims to identify and summarize the information, resource, and education needs of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and their healthcare providers. A systematic search of peer-reviewed, primary research literature was conducted. A total of 4,230 articles were identified, duplicates were removed, as well as the title and abstract of 2,819 studies and the full texts of 123 studies were screened against predetermined inclusion criteria. Findings from 35 included studies are described narratively. Main outcome measures include women's perceived needs for, and experiences of, PCOS care and information; healthcare providers' delivery of PCOS care and information; and healthcare providers' perceived needs for PCOS information, education programs, or professional development. There is a wealth of literature informing how PCOS information, education, and resources can better meet the needs of women, and about the role women expect healthcare providers to play in providing information within optimal PCOS care. However, few studies evaluate how well existing resources meet women's diverse needs. There is growing indirect evidence about the information and education needed by healthcare providers to provide best-practice PCOS care. However, little research has directly investigated healthcare providers' information needs or efficacy of PCOS-specific educational programs for healthcare providers. PCOS resources for women should be comprehensive, evidence-based, include the bio-psychosocial dimensions of the condition, and available through a variety of modes. The range of healthcare providers that women may seek care from need resources to support consistent use of the recommended diagnostic criteria, effective recommendation of lifestyle management, and early detection and treatment of symptoms and complications.
Economic crisis and mental health – findings from low- and middle income countries
Authors: Koesters M. , Weinmann S.
Published: September 2018

Background: There is consistent evidence of an inverse relationship between poverty and mental health. However, the influence of economic crises on mental health is not well studied and there are very few data particularly from low- and middle income countries (LAMICs). This review discusses theories and views on the impact of economic crises on mental health in LAMICs and reports the results of two empirical studies. Result: It appears that relative deprivation and the social and psychological meaning of deep changes in the economic situation of a person, a family or a group, have a greater effect on mental health than just material circumstances and unemployment.
Economic crisis and mental health – findings from Spain
Authors: Masedo Gutierrez A. I. , Moreno-Küstner B.
Published: September 2018

Objective: Recent studies have begun to look at the impact of the economic crisis on mental health. This paper tries to summarize the most important findings with regard to effects of the economic crisis on mental health in Spain on the basis of a comprehensive literature review. Results: Most of the studies agree on the negative consequences on mental health of the Spanish economic crisis. A decrease in self-perceived mental health, an increase of depression and anxiety and an increase in consumption of antidepressant and anxiolytic drugs is observed during the economic crisis. The consequences of the economic crisis differ by sub-groups. Empirical Spanish studies have shown different effects of the recession on mental health depending of individuals’ socioeconomic position and educational level. Among immigrants and especially men, unemployed people and low-salary employees, the prevalence of poor mental health was higher after the economic crisis. Higher levels of education act as a protective factor against the deterioration of mental health following the economic crisis. Conclusion: The economic crisis has had negative effects on mental health in Spain, and further studies in this area could help provide useful information with a view to improving the mental health status of the Spanish population.
Ohne Evidenzbasierung: Vier Tipps zur Behandlung von Menschen mit depressiven Erkrankungen
Authors: Hegerl U.
Published: September 2018

Vier bei der Behandlung von Patienten mit depressiven Störungen hilfreiche praktische Vorgehensweisen werden vorgestellt. 1) Für die Vermittlung eines Krankheitskonzeptes, das psychosoziale und neurobiologische Aspekte in ein komplementäres Verhältnis bringt, wird das Bild einer Medaille mit zwei Seiten empfohlen. 2) Die Bedeutung der semantischen Unterscheidung zwischen Müdigkeit im Sinne von Schläfrigkeit versus Müdigkeit im Sinne von Erschöpfung mit Ein- und Durchschlafstörungen sowie von Antriebsarmut versus Antriebshemmung wird dargelegt. 3) Die mögliche depressiogene Wirkung des Schlafes und sich daraus ergebende Konsequenzen für das Selbstmanagement der Patienten werden diskutiert. 4) Die Geschwindigkeit des Krankheitsbeginns einer depressiven Episode als wichtiger klinischer Hinweis auf eine mögliche, bisher unentdeckte Bipolarität wird dargestellt.
Schematherapie bei Persönlichkeitsstörungen
Authors: Erkens N. , Faßbinder E. , Schaich A.
Published: September 2018

Die Schematherapie (ST) wurde ursprünglich von Jeffrey Young entwickelt um Patienten mit chronischen psychischen Störungen zu helfen, die von klassischer kognitiver Verhaltenstherapie nicht ausreichend profitierten. Mittlerweile zählt ST zu den wichtigsten evidenzbasierten Therapiemethoden für Patienten mit Persönlichkeitsstörungen. Dieser Artikel bietet einen kurzen Überblick über die Theorie der ST und die aktuelle Forschungslage. Außerdem werden Techniken und Besonderheiten der ST an Hand eines Fallbeispiels erläutert.