bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tissue‐specific hormone profiles from woody poplar roots under bending stress
Authors: De Zio Elena , Trupiano Dalila , Karady Michal , Antoniadi Ioanna , Montagnoli Antonio , Terzaghi Mattia , Chiatante Donato , Ljung Karin , Scippa Gabriella S.
Published: September 2018

Mechanical forces induced by bending are able to trigger an asymmetrical response in Populus nigra L. woody taproots. This response includes the recruitment of new lateral roots on the convex side and the deposition of reaction wood (RW) on the opposite concave side. Since these responses seem to be induced by asymmetric activity and differentiation of cambium cells, we investigated, in the present work, how mechanical forces could influence the activation of specific phytohormone signaling pathways on the two sides of the vascular cambium. Thus, distinctive tissues were isolated from convex and concave sides of bent poplar root using cryosectioning. Successively, the isolated tissues, represented by the cambial zone, and the developing phloem and xylem, were analyzed using liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry to profile auxins, abscisic acid (ABA), cytokinins (CKs) and their metabolites. The auxin gradient on the concave side, with the IAA maximum localized in the cambium and decreasing level toward the developing phloem and xylem, suggests a pivotal role of IAA in the control of cambial growth rate, xylem differentiation and RW production. The IAA differences between the two bent root sides could be at the basis of the strictly unidirectional RW production. The higher levels of ABA and all CKs metabolites on the concave side support their involvement in RW production, whereby ABA could mediate the adaptation to the deforming conditions generated by bending, while CKs could act in synergy with IAA in controlling cell differentiation and meristem size.
Histochemistry of the zona pellucida of the ovary of a species with natural polyovulation: Lagostomus maximus (Rodentia, Hystricomorpha, Chinchillidae)
Authors: Acuña Francisco , Tano de la Hoz María F. , Díaz Alcira O. , Portiansky Enrique L. , Barbeito Claudio G. , Flamini Mirta A.
Published: September 2018

Contents

This study reports the histochemistry and the distribution of glycoconjugates (GCs) in the zona pellucida (ZP) of preantral, secondary, tertiary, polyovulatory and atretic follicles of ovaries from non‐pregnant (NPr) and pregnant (Pr) females of Lagostomus maximus. GCs were studied using histochemical and lectin histochemical methods. The viscacha ZP was positive to all the histochemical techniques. In addition, it was observed that the intensity of staining of the ZP was constant in the different follicular stages between both female groups. The lectin histochemical study revealed that ZP was positive for certain lectins (WGA, RCA‐I and CON‐A) and that the labelling did not vary between the different follicular stages, but between the two groups of females. By using both histochemical techniques, it was established that the GCs present in the ZP label the complexity of the area. These results allow us to increase our knowledge on the biology of the viscacha's ovary, particularly contributing to the study of polyovulation.
Bacteriology and clinical outcomes of patients with culture‐positive pleural infection in Western Australia: A 6‐year analysis
Authors: Brims Fraser , Popowicz Natalia , Rosenstengel Andrew , Hart Julie , Yogendran Arthee , Read Catherine A. , Lee Felicity , Shrestha Ranjan , Franke Alexander , Lewis Joshua R. , Kay Ian , Waterer Grant , Lee Y.C. Gary
Published: September 2018

Background and objective

Pleural infection is a clinical challenge; its microbiology can be complex. Epidemiological and outcome data of pleural infection in adult Australians are lacking. We describe the bacteriology and clinical outcomes of Australian adults with culture‐positive pleural infection (CPPI) over a 6‐year period.

Methods

Cases with CPPI were identified through Western Australian public hospitals electronic record. Culture isolates, admission dates, vital status, co‐morbidities, radiology, blood and pleural fluid tests were extracted.

Results

In total, 601 cases (71.4% males; median age: 63 years (IQR: 50–74); median hospital stay 13 days) involving 894 bacterial isolates were identified. Hospital‐acquired (HA)‐CPPI was defined in 398 (66.2%) cases, community‐acquired (CA)‐CPPI in 164 (27.3%) cases and the remaining classified as oesophageal rupture/leak. Co‐morbidities, most frequently cancer, were common (65.2%). Radiological evidence of pneumonia was present in only 43.8% of CA‐CPPI and 27.3% of HA‐CPPI. Of the 153 different bacterial strains cultured, Streptococcus species (32.9%) especially viridans streptococci group were most common in CA‐CPPI, whereas HA‐CPPI was most often associated with Staphylococcus aureus (11.6%) and Gram‐negative (31.9%) infections. Mortality was high during hospitalization (CA‐CPPI 13.4% vs HA‐CPPI 16.6%; P = 0.417) and at 1 year (CA‐CPPI 32.4% vs HA‐CPPI 45.5%; P = 0.006).

Conclusion

This is the first large multicentre epidemiological study of pleural infection in Australian adults and includes the largest cohort of HA‐CPPI published to date. CPPI is caused by a diverse range of organisms which vary between CA and HA sources. CPPI is a poor prognostic indicator both in the short term and in the subsequent 12 months.
Fluid Inclusions and Stable Isotopic Characteristics of the Yaoling Tungsten Deposit in South China: Metallogenetic Constraints
Authors: Yang Feng , Zhai Wei , Sun Xiaoming , Klemd Reiner , Sun Yanyan , Wu Yunshan , Hua Renmin , Zheng Siqi
Published: September 2018

The Yaoling tungsten deposit is a typical wolframite quartz vein‐type tungsten deposit in the South China metallogenic province. The wolframite‐bearing quartz veins mainly occur in Cambrian to Ordovician host rocks or in Mesozoic granitic rocks and are controlled by the west‐north‐west trending extensional faults. The ore mineralization mainly comprises wolframite and variable amounts of molybdenite, chalcopyrite, pyrite, fluorite, and tourmaline. Hydrothermal alteration is well developed at the Yaoling tungsten deposit, including greisenization, silicification, fluoritization, and tourmalinization. Three types of primary/pseudosecondary fluid inclusions have been identified in vein quartz, which is intimately intergrown with wolframite. These include two‐phase liquid‐rich aqueous inclusions (type I), two‐ or three‐phase CO2‐rich inclusions (type II), and type III daughter mineral‐bearing multiphase high‐salinity aqueous inclusions. Microthermometric measurements reveal consistent moderate homogenization temperatures (peak values from 200 to 280°C), and low to high salinities (1.3–39 wt % NaCl equiv.) for the type I, type II, and type III inclusions, where the CO2‐rich type II inclusions display trace amounts of CH4 and N2. The ore‐forming fluids are far more saline than those of other tungsten deposits reported in South China. The estimated maximum trapping pressure of the ore‐forming fluids is about 1230–1760 bar, corresponding to a lithostatic depth of 4.0–5.8 km. The δDH2O isotopic compositions of the inclusion fluid ranges from −66.7 to −47.8‰, with δ18OH2O values between 1.63 and 4.17‰, δ13C values of −6.5–0.8‰, and δ34S values between −1.98 and 1.92‰, with an average of −0.07‰. The stable isotope data imply that the ore‐forming fluids of the Yaoling tungsten deposit were mainly derived from crustal magmatic fluids with some involvement of meteoric water. Fluid immiscibility and fluid–rock interaction are thought to have been the main mechanisms for tungsten precipitation at Yaoling.
Tracking the isostatic and eustatic signals in an end Ordovician–early Silurian deglacial sedimentary record (Algeria – Libya border)
Authors: Girard Flavia , Deschamps Rémy , Ghienne Jean‐François , Roussé Stéphane , Rubino Jean‐Loup
Published: September 2018

To elucidate the signature of isostatic and eustatic signals during a deglaciation period in pre‐Pleistocene times is made difficult because very little dating can be done, and also because glacial erosion surfaces, subaerial unconformities and subsequent regressive or transgressive marine ravinement surfaces tend to amalgamate or erode the deglacial deposits. How and in what way can the rebound be interpreted from the stratigraphic record? This study proposes to examine deglacial deposits from Late‐Ordovician to Silurian outcrops at the Algeria–Libya border, in order to define the glacio–isostatic rebound and relative sea‐level changes during a deglaciation period. The studied succession developed at the edge and over a positive palaeo‐relief inherited from a prograding proglacial delta that forms a depocentre of glaciogenic deposits. The succession is divided into five subzones, which depend on the topography of this depocentre. Six facies associations were determined: restricted marine (Facies Association 1); tidal channels (Facies Association 2); tidal sand dunes (Facies Association 3); foreshore to upper shoreface (Facies Association 4); lower shoreface (Facies Association 5); and offshore shales (Facies Association 6). Stratigraphic correlations over the subzones support the understanding of the depositional chronology and associated sea‐level changes. Deepest marine domains record a forced regression of 40 m of sea‐level fall resulting from an uplift caused by a glacio‐isostatic rebound that outpaces the early transgression. The rebound is interpreted to result in a multi‐type surface, which is interpreted as a regressive surface of marine erosion in initially marine domains and as a subaerial unconformity surface in an initially subaerial domain. The transgressive deposits have developed above this surface, during the progressive flooding of the palaeo‐relief. Sedimentology and high‐resolution sequence stratigraphy allowed the delineation of a deglacial sequence and associated sea‐level changes curve for the studied succession. Estimates suggest a relatively short (<10 kyr) duration for the glacio‐isostatic uplift and a subsequent longer duration transgression (4 to 5 Myr).
Hyper‐planning Jakarta: The Great Garuda and planning the global spectacle
Authors: Wade Matt
Published: September 2018

After a major flood in Jakarta in 2007, the government of Indonesia partnered with a consortium of Dutch engineers and designers to produce a solution. In 2013, this consortium proposed a plan for the Great Garuda, a megaproject that combined a deep seawall and private real estate, both in an archipelago of reclaimed islands that would be shaped like the mythical garuda eagle, Indonesia's national symbol. Despite a range of infeasibilities and opposition, the Great Garuda became the most prominent vision for the city's future. This article argues that the promotion of the Great Garuda was a process of ‘hyper‐planning’, which projected the city as a national triumph and a global spectacle. The plan served the political objective of creating the mere possibility of a ‘new Jakarta’ apart from the perceived chaos of the current capital. Further, the plan functioned as a performative object through its iconic imagery and its circulations. The process of hyper‐planning simultaneously projected a future of urban success, but also displaced the contingencies of the future to the private sector, beyond the purview of the state.
Constructing animal species as social problems
Authors: Best Joel
Published: September 2018

Animal species are constructed as social problems in four ways: as pests that threaten people or their social arrangements; as endangered species whose survival is threatened; as invasive species that pose a threat to some new environment; and as deviants that misbehave. The rise of the animal rights movement has made the process of constructing species as social problems more contentious. Debates over these issues involve some combination of three sorts of actors: stakeholders claiming that a species poses a threat; counterclaimsmakers arguing that the species deserves protection; and animal management officials who must mediate these disputes. Identifying such patterns across case studies offers a basis for developing a more elaborate theory of social problems construction.
On the thoracic anatomy of the MadagascanHeterogyrus millotiand the phylogeny of Gyrinidae (Coleoptera)
Authors: Beutel Rolf G. , Yan Evgeny , Yavorskaya Margarita , Büsse Sebastian , Gorb Stanislav N. , Wipfler Benjamin
Published: September 2018

Gyrinidae is a group of beetles with a unique specialization of swimming on the water surface.Heterogyrus millotiLegros (Heterogyrinae) from Madagascar is a species with various preserved plesiomorphic features. The information on the morphology and biology was very limited until recently, and the thoracic anatomy remained largely unknown. Consequently, the aim of the present study is to describe external and internal thoracic features ofHeterogyrusLegros in detail and to interprete them with respect to their phylogenetic and functional significance, with a special focus on the unusual flight apparatus of Gyrinidae. Characters documented with innovative techniques are compared to conditions found in other gyrinid genera and other groups of Adephaga, including characters of other body parts and larvae. A data matrix with 144 characters of adults, larvae and eggs was compiled and analysed cladistically. Gyrinidae excludingSpanglerogyrusFolkers (Heterogyrinae + Gyrininae) is supported by many apomorphies, mainly by a unique locomotor apparatus with paddle‐like middle and hind legs. The results confirmHeterogyrusas the earliest diverging branch in Gyrinidae exceptSpanglerogyrus, implying a sister‐group relationship between this genus and Gyrininae, a clade comprising Gyrinini, Dineutini and Orectochilini. The presence of an opening between the mesanepisternum and elytra, reduction of the lateral metafurcal arms, loss of the metathoracic M. furcacoxalis lateralis, and modifications of the head, including the dorsal shift of the upper subcomponent of the compound eyes, are synapomorphies of the three tribes. The monophyly of Gyrinini is moderately well‐supported, whereas Orectochilini is strongly supported by different characters including a highly simplified but functioning flight apparatus. A clade comprising Orectochilini and the dineutine genera is suggested by synapomorphies of adults and larvae. The monophyly of Dineutini was supported in a recent study, but not by the characters analysed here. Features of adults, larvae and eggs indicate that Gyrinidae are the sister group to the remaining adephagan families, as suggested in some earlier morphology‐based studies and recent analyses of large molecular datasets.
Vitamin D deficiency and infection risk in kidney transplant recipients: A single‐center cohort study
Authors: Fernández‐Ruiz Mario , Corbella Laura , Morales‐Cartagena Alejandra , González Esther , Polanco Natalia , Ruiz‐Merlo Tamara , Parra Patricia , Silva Jose T. , López‐Medrano Francisco , San Juan Rafael , Aramendi Mercedes , Andrés Amado , Aguado José María
Published: September 2018

Background

Recent studies have reported an increased susceptibility to infection among vitamin D‐deficient kidney transplant (KT) recipients, although methodological concerns remain.

Methods

Serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels were measured in 246 KT recipients at post‐transplant months 1, 3, 6 and 12. Vitamin D status was analysed in terms of deficiency (Endocrine Society [<20 ng/mL] and Institute of Medicine [IoM, <12 ng/mL] criteria) and as a continuous variable. Cox models for overall, bacterial and opportunistic infection were adjusted for nutritional status and immunosuppression‐related covariates.

Results

Median serum 25(OH)D increased from month 1 (10.5 ng/mL) to month 6 (16.3 ng/mL; P‐value = 0.001). Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency at month 1 ranged from 87.0% to 61.0% (depending on the diagnostic criteria) and significantly decreased over the next months. After adjustment for age and nutritional status, vitamin D deficiency (serum 25(OH)D < 12 ng/mL) at month 1 was an independent risk factor for overall (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.70; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08‐2.69; P‐value = 0.023) and opportunistic infection (HR: 4.05; 95% CI: 1.57‐10.46; P‐value = 0.004), but not for bacterial infection. A protective effect for overall (adjusted HR: 0.76; 95% CI: 0.63‐0.93; P‐value = 0.007) and opportunistic infection (adjusted HR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.45‐0.86; P‐value = 0.004) was observed when 25(OH)D levels were analyzed per one‐quartile increases.

Conclusions

Vitamin D status influences the risk of infection among KT recipients, with the association being particularly evident for opportunistic events and mainly restricted to the early post‐transplant period.
Sorption of malachite green (a cationic dye) and heavy metals by dead biomass of Phormidesmis molle (cyanobacteria)‐dominated mat
Authors: Rai Jyoti , Kumar Dhananjay , Gaur J.P.
Published: September 2018

The test mat biomass rapidly sorbed malachite green (MG; a cationic dye) and heavy metals from mono‐component, binary and ternary systems. In mono‐component system, the sorption of Cu, Cd and MG increased when pH was increased from 3 to 4. However, in binary and ternary systems sorption of metals and MG were not substantially influenced by pH within the range 3–5. The presence of Cu or MG in binary or ternary systems reduced the sorption of each other from the solution. However, Cd enhanced the sorption of MG from binary solution and vice versa. Moreover, the ability of mat biomass to rapidly sorb metal ions and malachite green from mono‐component, binary and ternary systems, together with easy harvesting of biomass due to self‐immobilized nature, make it a suitable sorbent for the treatment of wastewaters that concomitantly bear the both heavy metals and dyes as pollutants.
Performance of Priestley–Taylor model for estimating evaporation with and without snow coverage over a temperate meadow in Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: Chen NiNa , Zhang YuShu , Jin ChangJie , Wang AnZhi , Guan DeXin , Mi Na , Zhou Bin
Published: September 2018

To promote the awareness of Priestley–Taylor (PT) model and extend the knowledge of hydrological model under snow, performance of PT model was illustrated by comparing with eddy covariance (EC) measurements over a temperate meadow. The results showed that the mean half‐hourly averages and directly calculated daily value of PT parameter α is 0.47 ± 0.27 and 0.51 ± 0.32, respectively. Vapour pressure deficit VPD is the mainly factor influences α in the snow‐covered period, while soil moisture in the snow‐free period. PT method underestimated evaporation in the whole study period and showed remarkable difference in different phases. It performed best in the snow‐melting phase, better in the presnow phase, worse in the fresh snow phase and worst in the snow‐melted phase. These studies indicated that PT model could be used to estimate evaporation over temperate meadow in dormant season, but utility of a variable PT parameter α during different phases should be considered.
Combined adult neurogenesis and BDNF mimic exercise effects on cognition in an Alzheimer’s mouse model
Authors: Choi Se Hoon , Bylykbashi Enjana , Chatila Zena K. , Lee Star W. , Pulli Benjamin , Clemenson Gregory D. , Kim Eunhee , Rompala Alexander , Oram Mary K. , Asselin Caroline , Aronson Jenna , Zhang Can , Miller Sean J. , Lesinski Andrea , Chen John W. , Kim Doo Yeon , van Praag Henriette , Spiegelman Bruce M. , Gage Fred H. , Tanzi Rudolph E.
Published: September 2018

Adult neurogenesis and Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology destroys neurons and synapses in the brain, leading to dementia. The brain generates new neurons throughout life in the hippocampus, a process called adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN). Choi
et al.
found that blocking AHN exacerbated cognitive impairment in an AD mouse model (see the Perspective by Spires-Jones and Ritchie). Inducing neurogenesis alone did not improve cognition in AD mice, whereas inducing neurogenesis while simultaneously ameliorating the neuronal environment via exercise did. The use of genetic or pharmacological treatments that simultaneously induced neurogenesis and increased levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mimicked the benefits of exercise on cognition. Thus, inducing both neurogenesis and providing BDNF may be useful as an AD therapeutic.

Science
, this issue p.
eaan8821
; see also p.
975
Zeolitic imidazolate framework membranes made by ligand-induced permselectivation
Authors: Ma Xiaoli , Kumar Prashant , Mittal Nitish , Khlyustova Alexandra , Daoutidis Prodromos , Mkhoyan K. Andre , Tsapatsis Michael
Published: September 2018

The makings of permeable membranes

A challenge in making membranes is finding ways to control the pore structure during the fabrication process or through postfabrication treatment. The deposition of a zeolitic imidazolate framework material called ZIF-8 onto an alumina support gives a dense, impermeable material. However, when Ma
et al.
exposed this material to vapors of 2-methylimidazole, it transformed into a porous material able to separate propylene from propane.

Science
, this issue p.
1008
The Ly6/uPAR protein Bouncer is necessary and sufficient for species-specific fertilization
Authors: Herberg Sarah , Gert Krista R. , Schleiffer Alexander , Pauli Andrea
Published: September 2018

Bouncer keeps fertilization specific

Fertilization needs to be highly efficient while remaining species-specific. However, despite decades of research, it is still unclear how these two requirements are met. Herberg
et al.
report the discovery of the Ly6/uPAR-type protein Bouncer as a species-specific fertilization factor in zebrafish (see the Perspective by Lehmann). Bouncer localizes to the egg membrane and is required for sperm entry. Remarkably, expression of Bouncer from another fish species (medaka) in zebrafish allowed for cross-species fertilization.

Science
, this issue p.
1029
; see also p.
974
Bovine Staphylococcus aureus Superantigens Stimulate the Entire T Cell Repertoire of Cattle
Authors: Wilson Gillian J. , Tuffs Stephen W. , Wee Bryan A. , Seo Keun Seok , Park Nogi , Connelley Timothy , Guinane Caitriona M. , Morrison W. Ivan , Fitzgerald J. Ross
Published: September 2018

Superantigens (SAgs) represent a diverse family of bacterial toxins that induce Vβ-specific T cell proliferation associated with an array of important diseases in humans and animals, including mastitis of dairy cows. However, an understanding of the diversity and distribution of SAg genes among bovine
Staphylococcus aureus
strains and their role in the pathogenesis of mastitis is lacking.
Potent Neutralizing Human Monoclonal Antibodies Preferentially Target Mature Dengue Virus Particles: Implication for Novel Strategy for Dengue Vaccine
Authors: Tsai Wen-Yang , Chen Hui-Ling , Tsai Jih-Jin , Dejnirattisai Wanwisa , Jumnainsong Amonrat , Mongkolsapaya Juthathip , Screaton Gavin , Crowe James E. , Wang Wei-Kung
Published: September 2018

With an estimated 390 million infections per year, the four serotypes of dengue virus (DENV) cause the most important mosquito-borne viral disease in humans. The dengue vaccine Dengvaxia was licensed; however, its low efficacy among dengue-naive individuals and increased risk of causing severe dengue in children highlight the need for a better understanding of the role of human antibodies in immunity against DENV. DENV suspensions contain mature, immature, and partially immature particles. We investigated the binding of 22 human monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to the DENV envelope protein on particles with different maturation states. Potently neutralizing MAbs had higher relative maximum binding and avidity to mature particles than weakly neutralizing MAbs. This was supported by analysis of MAb repertoires and polyclonal sera from patients with primary DENV infection. Together, these findings suggest that mature particles may be the optimal form of presentation of the envelope protein to induce more potent neutralizing antibodies against DENV.
Persistent Replication of HIV, Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), and HBV Results in Distinct Gene Expression Profiles by Human NK Cells
Authors: Boeijen Lauke L. , Hou Jun , de Groen Rik A. , Verbon Annelies , Boonstra André
Published: September 2018

Three viruses exist that can result in persistently high viral loads in immunocompetent humans: human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus, and hepatitis B virus. In the last decades, by using flow cytometry and
in vitro
assays on NK cells from patients with these types of infections, several impairments have been established, particularly during and possibly contributing to HIV viremia. However, the background of NK cell impairments in viremic patients is not well understood. In this study, we describe the NK cell transcriptomes of patients with high viral loads of different etiologies. We clearly demonstrate distinctive NK cell gene signatures with regard to interferon-stimulated gene induction and the expression of genes coding for activation markers or proteins involved in cytotoxic action, as well immunological genes. This study provides important details necessary to uncover the origin of functional and phenotypical differences between viremic patients and healthy subjects and provides many leads that can be confirmed using future
in vitro
manipulation experiments.
How to do it: the clinicopathological conference
Authors: Davenport Richard John
Published: September 2018

The prime purpose of the clinicopathological conference (CPC) is education, delivered ideally in an entertaining and engaging manner. This article tackles both how to organise a CPC (more challenging than it might appear) and how to survive as a CPC discussant (always challenging). The patient at the heart of the CPC will have had a challenging and difficult illness. The reanalysis of the clinical presentation by the discussant, a re-exploration of their clinical journey, is the key to the educational value of the CPC rather than the ultimate diagnosis. A well-delivered CPC is the pinnacle of educational events in neurology, and this article highlights some useful tips on both sides of the divide.
The influence of preceding activity and muscle length on voluntary and electrically evoked contractions
Authors: Debenham Mathew I.B. , Power Geoffrey A.
Published: September 2018

Muscle length and preceding activity independently influence rate of torque development (RTD) and electromechanical delay (EMD), but it is unclear whether these parameters interact to optimize RTD and EMD. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of muscle length and preceding activity on RTD and EMD during voluntary and electrically stimulated (e-stim) contractions. Participants (n = 17, males, 24 ± 3 years) performed isometric knee extensions on a dynamometer. Explosive maximal contractions were performed at 2 knee angles (35° and 100° referenced to a 0° straight leg) without preceding activity (unloaded, UNL) and with preceding activities of 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) torque. Absolute and normalized voluntary RTD were slowed with preceding activities ≥40% MVC for long muscle lengths and all preceding activities for short muscle lengths compared with UNL (p < 0.001). Absolute and normalized e-stim RTD were slower with preceding activities ≥40% MVC compared with UNL (p < 0.001) for both muscle lengths. Normalized RTD was faster at short muscle lengths than at long muscle lengths (p < 0.001) for e-stim (∼50%) and voluntary (∼32%) UNL contractions, but this effect was not present for absolute RTD. Muscle length did not affect EMD (p > 0.05). EMD was shorter at 80% MVC compared with UNL (∼35%; p < 0.001) for both muscle lengths during voluntary but not e-stim contractions. While RTD is limited by preceding activity at both muscle lengths, long muscle lengths require greater preceding activity to limit RTD than short muscle lengths, which indicates long muscle lengths may offer a “protective effect” for RTD against preceding activity.
Thaw slump activity measured using stationary cameras in time-lapse and Structure-from-Motion photogrammetry
Authors: Armstrong Lindsay , Lacelle Denis , Fraser Robert H. , Kokelj Steve , Knudby Anders
Published: September 2018

Thaw slumps are one of the most dynamic features in permafrost terrain. Improved temporal and spatial resolution monitoring of slump activity is required to better characterize their dynamics over the thaw season. We assess how a ground-based stationary camera array in a time-lapse configuration can be integrated with unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based surveys and Structure-from-Motion processing to monitor the activity of thaw slumps at high temporal and spatial resolutions. We successfully constructed point-clouds and digital surface models of the headwall area of a thaw slump at 6- to 13-day intervals over the summer, significantly improving the decadal to annual temporal resolution of previous studies. The successfully modeled headwall portion of the slump revealed that headwall retreat rates were significantly correlated with mean daily air temperature, thawing degree-days, and average net short-wave radiation and suggest a two-phased slump activity. The main challenges were related to strong JPEG image compression, drifting camera clocks, and highly dynamic nature of the feature. Combined with annual UAV-based surveys, the proposed methodology can address temporal gaps in our understanding of factors driving thaw slump activity. Such insight could help predict how slumps could modify their behavior under changing climate.
Discrete-time quantum walks generated by aperiodic fractal sequence of space coin operators
Authors: Andrade R. F. S. , Souza A. M. C.
Published: September 2018

Properties of one-dimensional discrete-time quantum walks (DTQWs) are sensitive to the presence of inhomogeneities in the substrate, which can be generated by defining position-dependent coin operators. Deterministic aperiodic sequences of two or more symbols provide ideal environments where these properties can be explored in a controlled way. Based on an exhaustive numerical study, this work discusses a two-coin model resulting from the construction rules that lead to the usual fractal Cantor set. Although the fraction of the less frequent coin [Formula: see text] as the size of the chain is increased, it leaves peculiar properties in the walker dynamics. They are characterized by the wave function, from which results for the probability distribution and its variance, as well as the entanglement entropy, were obtained. A number of results for different choices of the two coins are presented. The entanglement entropy has shown to be very sensitive to uncovering subtle quantum effects present in the model.
Molecular dynamics simulations of water permeation across a combined nanochannel
Authors: Meng Xianwen
Published: September 2018

The effect of a combined nanochannel structure on the permeation of water molecules across a nanochannel is studied by molecular dynamics simulations. The simulation results show that a combined structure has an effect on enhancing water permeation ability. We obtain a maximal enhancement ratio which can reach a value of 4.381 without changing the entrance radius of the nanochannel. First, we find that the enhancement behavior of water molecules across a combined nanochannel is related to the radius ratio and the radius of the entrance pore. These simulation results will be beneficial for understanding the effect of a combined nanochannel structure on water transfer ability.
Topology Optimization of Micro-Structured Materials Featured with the Specific Mechanical Properties
Authors: Gao Jie , Li Hao , Luo Zhen , Gao Liang , Li Peigen
Published: September 2018

Micro-structured materials consisting of an array of microstructures are engineered to provide the specific material properties. This present work investigates the design of cellular materials under the framework of level set, so as to optimize the topologies and shapes of these porous material microstructures. Firstly, the energy-based homogenization method (EBHM) is applied to evaluate the material effective properties based on the topology of the material cell, where the effective elasticity property is evaluated by the average stress and strain theorems. Secondly, a parametric level set method (PLSM) is employed to optimize the microstructural topology until the specific mechanical properties can be achieved, including the maximum bulk modulus, the maximum shear modulus and their combinations, as well as the negative Poisson’s ratio (NPR). The complicated topological shape optimization of the material microstructure has been equivalent to evolve the sizes of the expansion coefficients in the interpolation of the level set function. Finally, several numerical examples are fully discussed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the developed method. A series of new and interesting material cells with the specific mechanical properties can be found.
RDF Data Storage and Query Processing Schemes
Authors: Wylot Marcin , Hauswirth Manfred , Cudré-Mauroux Philippe , Sakr Sherif
Published: September 2018

The Resource Description Framework (RDF) represents a main ingredient and data representation format for Linked Data and the Semantic Web. It supports a generic graph-based data model and data representation format for describing things, including their relationships with other things. As the size of RDF datasets is growing fast, RDF data management systems must be able to cope with growing amounts of data. Even though physically handling RDF data using a relational table is possible, querying a giant triple table becomes very expensive because of the multiple nested joins required for answering graph queries. In addition, the heterogeneity of RDF Data poses entirely new challenges to database systems. This article provides a comprehensive study of the state of the art in handling and querying RDF data. In particular, we focus on data storage techniques, indexing strategies, and query execution mechanisms. Moreover, we provide a classification of existing systems and approaches. We also provide an overview of the various benchmarking efforts in this context and discuss some of the open problems in this domain.
Holistic Cyber-Physical Management for Dependable Wireless Control Systems
Authors: Ma Yehan , Gunatilaka Dolvara , Li Bo , Gonzalez Humberto , Lu Chenyang
Published: September 2018

Wireless sensor-actuator networks (WSANs) are gaining momentum in industrial process automation as a communication infrastructure for lowering deployment and maintenance costs. In traditional wireless control systems, the plant controller and the network manager operate in isolation, which ignores the significant influence of network reliability on plant control performance. To enhance the dependability of industrial wireless control, we propose a holistic cyber-physical management framework that employs runtime coordination between the plant control and network management. Our design includes a holistic controller that generates actuation signals to physical plants and reconfigures the WSAN to maintain the desired control performance while saving wireless resources. As a concrete example of holistic control, we design a holistic manager that dynamically reconfigures the number of transmissions in the WSAN based on online observations of physical and cyber variables. We have implemented the holistic management framework in the wireless cyber-physicalsimulator (WCPS). A systematic case study is presented based on two five-state plants and a load positioning system using a 16-node WSAN. Simulation results show that the holistic management design has significantly enhanced the dependability of the system against both wireless interferences and physical disturbances, while effectively reducing the number of wireless transmissions.
The narrative and hypertext workshop series and the value of workshops to research communities
Authors: Hargood Charlie
Published: September 2018

Narrative and Hypertext (NHT) is the longest running workshop series at ACM Hypertext, and as it enters its 8th year we reflect on the value of workshops to research communities, and how they enable dissemination and discussion in a different, but equally valuable, form to conferences. We look at NHT as a case study, and how through providing a publication venue for new ideas and early work alongside a substantial platform for key discussions it has supported it's community.
An Overview of 3GPP Exposed Services for IoT Service Platforms
Authors: Starsinic Michael , Seed Dale , Wang Chonggang
Published: September 2018

Besides providing IP-based data pipes to cellular devices, the 3GPP Core Network consists of a rich set of network services and capabilities, such as charging, mobility management, session management, policy enforcement, control plane messaging, reachability management, and control of deep sleep modes. This article presents an overview the 3GPP SCEF Northbound API Interface (T8) standard, which has been specified in 3GPP Release 15 to expose some of the internal network services and capabilities. We first give an overview of the history of the Service Capability Exposure Function (SCEF) API exposing function, then provide an overview of the services and capabilities that are exposed by the Northbound APIs along with examples of how the APIs may be used by a services platform.
A rotating light cycle promotes weight gain and hepatic lipid storage in mice
Authors: Christie Stewart , Vincent Andrew D. , Li Hui , Frisby Claudine L. , Kentish Stephen J. , O’Rielly Rebecca , Wittert Gary A. , Page Amanda J.
Published: September 2018

Processes involved in regulation of energy balance and intermediary metabolism are aligned to the light-dark cycle. Shift-work and high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity disrupt circadian rhythmicity and are associated with increased risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. This study aimed to determine the effect of simulating shift work on hepatic lipid accumulation in lean and HFD mice. C57BL/6 mice fed a standard laboratory diet (SLD) or HFD for 4 wk were further allocated to a normal light (NL) cycle (lights on: 0600–1800) or rotating light (RL) cycle [3 days NL and 4 days reversed (lights on: 1800–0600) repeated] for 8 wk. Tissue was collected every 3 h beginning at 0600. HFD mice gained more weight than SLD mice, and RL mice gained more weight than NL mice. SLD-NL and HFD-NL mice, but not RL mice, were more active, had higher respiratory quotients, and consumed/expended more energy during the dark phase compared with the light phase. Blood glucose and plasma cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations were elevated in HFD and SLD-RL compared with SLD-NL mice. Hepatic glycogen was elevated in HFD compared with SLD mice. Hepatic triglycerides were elevated in SLD-RL and HFD mice compared with SLD-NL. Circadian rhythmicity of hepatic acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACACA) mRNA was phase shifted in SLD-RL and HFD-NL and lost in HFD-RL mice. Hepatic ACACA protein was reduced in SLD-RL and HFD mice compared with SLD-NL mice. Hepatic adipose triglyceride lipase was elevated in HFD-NL compared with SLD-NL but lower in RL mice compared with NL mice irrespective of diet. In conclusion, an RL cycle model of shift work promotes weight gain and hepatic lipid storage even in lean conditions.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY In this publication we describe the effects of a rotating light cycle model of shift work in lean and high-fat diet-induced obese mice on body mass, diurnal patterns of energy intake and expenditure, and hepatic lipid storage. The data indicate that modeling shift work, via a rotating light cycle, promotes weight gain and hepatic lipid accumulation even in mice on a standard laboratory diet.
High molecular weight hyaluronan ameliorates allergic inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness in the mouse
Authors: Johnson Collin G. , Stober Vandy P. , Cyphert-Daly Jaime M. , Trempus Carol S. , Flake Gordon P. , Cali Valbona , Ahmad Israr , Midura Ronald J. , Aronica Mark A. , Matalon Sadis , Garantziotis Stavros
Published: September 2018

Allergic asthma is a major cause of morbidity in both pediatric and adult patients. Recent research has highlighted the role of hyaluronan (HA), an extracellular matrix glycosaminoglycan, in asthma pathogenesis. Experimental allergic airway inflammation and clinical asthma are associated with an increase of shorter fragments of HA (sHA), which complex with inter-α-inhibitor heavy chains (HCs) and induce inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). Importantly, the effects of sHA can be antagonized by the physiological counterpart high molecular weight HA (HMWHA). We used a mouse model of house dust mite-induced allergic airway inflammation and demonstrated that instilled HMWHA ameliorated allergic airway inflammation and AHR, even when given after the establishment of allergic sensitization and after challenge exposures. Furthermore, instilled HMWHA reduced the development of HA-HC complexes and the activation of Rho-associated, coiled-coil containing protein kinase 2. We conclude that airway application of HMWHA is a potential treatment for allergic airway inflammation.
Effects of testosterone and progressive resistance exercise on vascular function in older men
Authors: Hildreth Kerry L. , Schwartz Robert S. , Vande Griend Joseph , Kohrt Wendy M. , Blatchford Patrick J. , Moreau Kerrie L.
Published: September 2018

The cardiovascular effects of testosterone (T) are controversial. Low T has been associated with accelerated vascular aging, characterized by large elastic artery stiffening (decreased compliance), intimal-medial thickening (IMT), and endothelial dysfunction. Endurance exercise improves vascular function, but resistance training may increase arterial stiffness. We sought to determine whether T supplementation improved markers of vascular aging in men with low–normal T and whether T supplementation prevented arterial stiffness with resistance exercise. We studied 160 community-dwelling older men (66 ± 5 yr) with low–normal baseline total T levels (200–350 ng/dl). Participants were randomized to transdermal T gel targeting either a lower (400–550 ng/dl) or higher (600–1,000 ng/dl) T range or to placebo gel and to either progressive resistance training (PRT) or to no exercise for 12 mo. Carotid artery stiffness (arterial compliance) and carotid IMT were measured at baseline, 6 mo, and 12 mo. Endothelial function (brachial artery flow-mediated dilation) was measured in a subset ( n = 86). Changes in carotid artery compliance, IMT, and endothelial function with either the lower or higher range of T supplementation were not different from placebo at 6 or 12 mo. There were no differences between PRT and no PRT groups, alone or with T supplementation, in changes in any of the vascular measures at either time point. Supplementation of T and PRT in older men with low–normal levels do not appear to improve or harm vascular function.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Increased promotion and prescription of testosterone (T) to aging men has raised concerns about potential adverse cardiovascular effects. We show that in older men with T levels in the low–normal range, 12 mo of T supplementation with or without resistance exercise did not improve or harm vascular function.
Effect of Variation of Hard Segment Content and Graphene-Based Nanofiller Concentration on Morphological, Thermal, and Mechanical Properties of Polyurethane Nanocomposites
Authors: Strankowski Michał
Published: September 2018

This study describes the development of a new class of high-performance polyurethane elastomer nanocomposites containing reduced graphene oxide (RGO) or graphene nanoplatelets (GNP). Two types of polyurethane elastomers with different contents of hard segments (HS) were used as a polymer matrix. The developed nanocomposites were characterized by thermal analysis (DSC, TG), dynamic mechanical testing (DMA), hardness testing, mechanical properties, rheology, FTIR spectroscopy, XRD, and microscopy investigation (TEM, SEM). Morphological investigation confirmed better compatibility of RGO with the polyurethane (PU) matrix compared to GNP. Both applied nanofillers influenced melting and crystallization of the PU matrix. The nonlinear viscoelastic behavior of the nanocomposites (Payne effect) was studied, and the results were compared with theoretical predictions.
Degeneracy Resolution Capabilities of NOνA and DUNE in the Presence of Light Sterile Neutrino
Authors: Chatla Akshay , Rudrabhatla Sahithi , Bambah Bindu A.
Published: September 2018

We investigate the implications of a sterile neutrino on the physics potential of the proposed experiment DUNE and future runs of NOνA using latest NOνA results. Using combined analysis of the disappearance and appearance data, NOνA reported preferred solutions at normal hierarchy (NH) with two degenerate best-fit points: one in the lower octant (LO) and δ13 = 1.48π and the other in higher octant (HO) and δ13 = 0.74π. Another solution of inverted hierarchy (IH), which is 0.46σ away from best fit, was also reported. We discuss chances of resolving these degeneracies in the presence of sterile neutrino.
Very Rare Liver Neoplasm: Lymphoepithelioma-Like (LEL) Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Filotico Marcello , Moretti Valentina , Floccari Federica , D’Amuri Alessandro
Published: September 2018

A case of lymphoepithelioma-like (LEL) hepatobiliary carcinoma is reported. To date, only 89 cases of this rare neoplasm have been reported, with both hepatocellular and cholangiocellular histotype. The case reported here could be classified as LEL mixed hepatobiliary carcinoma (Hepato-Cholangio), a histotype not reported so far in the LEL variant.
Investigation on Derailment of Empty Wagons of Long Freight Train during Dynamic Braking
Authors: Ge Xin , Wang Kaiyun , Guo Lirong , Yang Min , Lv Kaikai , Zhai Wanming
Published: September 2018

The derailments of empty wagons of long freight trains frequently occurred around the world, which caused tremendous losses every year. Aiming at an actual derailment of empty wagons on straight line during dynamic braking, the field investigation was conducted to find the reasons of the accident. According to the investigation results, the large coupler yaw angle and coupler force, the special connection mode by drawbars, as well as the poor conditions of wheel treads and flanges were supposed to be responsible for the accident. The simulaiton model composed of 3 C80‐type gondolas, and two RFC‐type drawbars is established, the accuracy of which is validated by the field experimental test. When the wheel‐rail friction coefficient is set to be 0.7 and the coupler forces are set to be 350 kN with a coupler yaw angle of 7 degrees, the simulation results are consistent with the field investigation results. Simulation results indicate that the coupler yaw angle, coupler force, and wheel‐rail friction coefficient have significant influences on the derailment. The increasing coupler yaw angle and coupler force will increase the risk of derailment. For the wagon units adopting the drawbars, the riskiest wagon changes from the middle wagon to the front one as the lateral components of the coupler forces increase. A large wheel‐rail friction coefficient can raise the risk of derailment. However, an overlarge friction coefficient will decrease the derailment risk. According to the field investigation and simulation results, the wheel‐rail friction coefficients should be limited below 0.5 to ensure the running safety of empty wagons. Besides, the operations of the train should be optimized to avoid large coupler yaw angle and coupler force.