bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Synthetic Route to Synthesize Li and 1,2‐Diaminopropane‐Intercalated Iron‐Based Superconductor with Tc=37 K
Authors: Xu Han‐Shu , Wang Xiao‐Xiong , Tang Lu‐Lu , Yang Kai‐Ping , Yang Dong , Long Yun‐Ze , Tang Kai‐Bin
Published: July 2018

By using a two‐step method, we successfully synthesized the FeSe‐based superconductor Lix(C3H10N2)yFe2Se2 with Tc=37 K. Magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal a considerable superconducting shielding fraction of approximately 90% at 2 K in the zero‐field‐cooling (ZFC) process, which indicates that the as‐synthesized sample undergoes a bulk superconducting transition. We have also studied the effect of atmospheric exposure in Lix(C3H10N2)yFe2Se2. It has been found that the sample‘s superconductivity was maintained in air for several hours, indicating that the sample has a certain degree of air stability. Moreover, a clear magnetoresistance (MR) was observed at low temperatures down to 50 K and in high magnetic fields up to 9 T.
Offset‐free model predictive control of diesel engine by combined design of disturbance model and observer
Authors: Yu Ge , Ogai Harutoshi , Deng Haoyang
Published: July 2018

The diesel engine is a typical multi‐input multi‐output system with strong couplings, actuator constraints, and fast dynamics. The control objective is to operate the engine to meet driver's speed demand and reduce exhaust emissions of nitrogen oxides during transient processes. Interactions between the actuators and nonlinear behavior of the system make the problem difficult to handle using classical control design methods. Therefore, we propose an offset‐free model predictive control system in this paper. It is based on the combined design integrating the disturbance model and the state observer. Furthermore, the method of reduced‐order design for H∞ problem is addressed. The proposed approach has low computation requirement and is suitable for implementation in the engine control unit on board. The application of this system in a continuous working process by using dSPACE MicroAutoBox verifies its feasibility and effectiveness for achieving precise reference tracking of engine speed and reducing emissions. © 2018 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Spin-four $$ \mathcal{N}=7 $$ W-supergravity: S-fold and double copy construction
Authors: Ferrara Sergio , Lüst Dieter
Published: July 2018

Abstract

In the present investigation we consider the possibility of having new massive, higher spin W-supergravity theories, which do not exist as four-dimensional perturbative models. These theories are based on a double copy construction of two supersymmetric field theories, where at least one factor is given by a

$$ \mathcal{N}=3 $$

N
=
3

field theory, which is a non-perturbative S-fold of

$$ \mathcal{N}=4 $$

N
=
4

super Yang-Mills theory. In this way, we can obtain as S-folds a new

$$ \mathcal{N}=7 $$

N
=
7

(corresponding to 28 supercharges) W-supergravity and its

$$ \mathcal{N}=7 $$

N
=
7

W-superstring counterpart, which both do not exist as four-dimensional perturbative models with an (effective) Langrangian description. The resulting field resp. string theory does not contain any massless states, but instead a massive higher spin-four supermultiplet of the

$$ \mathcal{N}=7 $$

N
=
7

supersymmetry algebra. Furthermore we also construct a four-dimensional heterotic S-fold with

$$ \mathcal{N}=3 $$

N
=
3

supersymmetry. It again does not exist as perturbative heterotic string model and can be considered as the heterotic counterpart of the

$$ \mathcal{N}=3 $$

N
=
3

superconformal field theories, which were previously constructed in the context of type I orientfold models.
Seesaw mechanism in magnetic compactifications
Authors: Ishida Makoto , Nishiwaki Kenji , Tatsuta Yoshiyuki
Published: July 2018

Abstract

In this paper, we explore a new avenue to a natural explanation of the observed tiny neutrino masses with a dynamical realization of the three-generation structure in the neutrino sector. Under the magnetized background based onT2/Z2, matter consists of multiply-degenerated zero modes and the whole intergenerational structure is dynamically determined. In this sense, we can conclude that our scenario is favored by minimality, where no degree of freedom remains to deform the intergenerational structure by hand freely. Under the consideration of brane-localized Majorana-type mass terms for an SU(2)Lsinglet neutrino, it is sufficient to introduce one Higgs doublet for reproducing the observed neutrino data. In all reasonable flux configurations with three right-handed neutrinos, phenomenologically acceptable parameter configurations are found.
Temporal changes in the relationship between tree‐ring growth and net primary production in northern Japan: a novel approach to the estimation of seasonal photosynthate allocation to the stem
Authors: Koide Dai , Ito Akihiko
Published: July 2018

Tree‐ring (TR) observations provide important data on long‐term forest dynamics and their underlying ecophysiological mechanisms. To elucidate the seasonal link between photosynthetic carbon acquisition and TR growth, we analyzed the correlation between observed TR data (carbon sink) and model‐estimated net primary production (NPP; carbon source). Temporal trends of the TR–NPP correlation over the last century were also analyzed to identify influences of past climate changes. We used TR data from Picea glehnii at seven sites on Hokkaido Island, Japan, which were obtained from the International Tree‐Ring Data Bank. At each site, NPP was estimated using the Vegetation Integrative Simulator for Trace gases model, which was driven by long‐term (1900–2010) meteorological data. Site‐mean tree‐ring width index (TRWI) chronologies were analyzed to reveal any relationship with the current or previous year's annual or monthly NPP. We found moderate to strong correlations between TRWIs and model‐estimated monthly NPP from April to June, especially in June of the current year, but no clear spatial trend was observed. During the twentieth century, the TRWI–NPP correlation increased for February, March, April, and July NPP of the current year and for October NPP of the previous year. Ecophysiologically, the period from April to June corresponds to the season when tree cambial cells are formed in the study area. Our findings suggest that photosynthate produced during this cambial growth season is allocated to stem growth and that this source allocation season has become longer due to past environmental changes.
Correction to: A Comparative Study of Feature Selection Methods for Stress Hotspot Classification in Materials
Authors: Mangal Ankita , Holm Elizabeth A.
Published: July 2018

The formatting of Table 2, column 1 did not match the descriptions in the text and table footer. The original article has been corrected.
The pregnancy outcomes in patients with stage 3–4 chronic kidney disease and the effects of pregnancy in the long-term kidney function
Authors: He Yingdong , Liu Jing , Cai Qingqing , Lv Jicheng , Yu Feng , Chen Qian , Zhao Minghui
Published: July 2018

Objective

To investigate the pregnancy outcomes for patients with stage 3–4 chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the effects of pregnancy on kidney function.

Methods

Clinical data of pregnant women with CKD in the Peking University First Hospital between January 1st 2005 and October 1st 2016 were retrospectively analysed. The pregnancy outcomes of patients with different stages of CKD were compared. Patients with stage 3–4 CKD were followed up by telephone interview, and non-pregnant patients with stage 3–4 CKD were selected using the propensity score method to analyse the effects of pregnancy on kidney function.

Results

A total of 293 women with 300 pregnancies met the study criteria. There were 30 cases of stage 3–4 CKD. The incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes of patients with stage 3–4 CKD was significantly higher than that with stage 1 CKD. The mean postpartum follow-up time of pregnant patients with CKD was 49.0 ± 33.1 months. A total of 26 cases of stage 3–4 CKD were followed up. During the follow-up period, 8 patients progressed to ESRD. A total of 28 non-pregnant patients with stage 3–4 CKD were selected as the control group. The results of multivariate analysis revealed that pregnancy did not increase the risk of deterioration of kidney function.

Conclusion

Patients with stage 3–4 CKD in early pregnancy had a significantly increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Pregnancy itself did not seem to accelerate kidney disease progression in patients with stage 3–4 CKD.
Basic Seismic Response Capability of Hospitals in Lima, Peru
Authors: Liguori Nicola , Tarque Nicola , Bambaren Celso , Santa-Cruz Sandra , Palomino Juan , Laterza Michelangelo
Published: July 2018

Objective

The objective of the study was to research the basic seismic response capability (BSRC) of hospitals in Lima Metropolitana. A large number of wounded could be registered in case of an earthquake; therefore, operational hospitals are necessary to cure the injured. The study focused on the operational performance of the hospitals, autonomies of essential resources such as power, water, medical gases, and medicine, in addition to the availability of emergency communication system and ambulances.

Methods

Data by a probabilistic seismic risk analysis have been used to assess the operational level of the hospitals. Subsequently, availability of an essential resource has been combined with the immediately operational hospitals to evaluate the BSRC of the health facilities.

Results

Forty-one of Lima’s hospitals have been analyzed for a seismic event with 72-100 years of a return period. Three hospitals (7.3%) were capable to work in a self-sufficient manner for 72 hours, another three (7.3%) for 24 hours, and one (2.4%) for 12 hours.

Conclusion

Results showed a low performance of the hospitals in case of an earthquake. The issue is due to the high seismic vulnerability of the existing structures. Given the importance of Lima city in Peru, structural and nonstructural retrofitting plans should be implemented to improve the preparedness of the health system in case of an emergency. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2019;13:138–143)
Computational modelling and analysis of haemodynamics in a simple model of aortic stenosis
Authors: Zhu Chi , Seo Jung-Hee , Mittal Rajat
Published: July 2018

In a study motivated by considerations associated with heart murmurs and cardiac auscultation, numerical simulations are used to analyse the haemodynamics in a simple model of an aorta with an aortic stenosis. The aorta is modelled as a curved pipe with a$180^{\circ }$turn, and three different stenoses with area reductions of 50 %, 62.5 % and 75 % are examined. A uniform steady inlet velocity with a Reynolds number of 2000 is used for all of the cases and direct numerical simulation is employed to resolve the dynamics of the flow. The poststenotic flow is dominated by the jet that originates from the stenosis as well as the secondary flow induced by the curvature, and both contribute significantly to the flow turbulence. On the anterior surface of the modelled aorta, the location with maximum pressure fluctuation, which may be considered as the source location for the murmurs, is found to be located around$60^{\circ }$along the aortic arch, and this location is relatively insensitive to the severity of the stenosis. For all three cases, this high-intensity wall pressure fluctuation includes contributions from both the jet and the secondary flow. Spectral analysis shows that for all three stenoses, the Strouhal number of the vortex shedding of the jet shear layer is close to 0.93, which is higher than the shedding frequency of a corresponding free jet or a jet confined in a straight pipe. This frequency also appears in the pressure spectra at the location postulated as the source of the murmurs, in the form of a ‘break frequency.’ The implications of these findings for cardiac auscultation-based diagnosis of aortic stenosis are also discussed.
Resolving the internal and basal geometry of ice masses using imaging phase-sensitive radar
Authors: YOUNG TUN JAN , SCHROEDER DUSTIN M. , CHRISTOFFERSEN POUL , LOK LAI BUN , NICHOLLS KEITH W. , BRENNAN PAUL V. , DOYLE SAMUEL H. , HUBBARD BRYN , HUBBARD ALUN
Published: July 2018

The phase-sensitive radio-echo sounder (pRES) is a powerful new instrument that can measure the depth of internal layers and the glacier bed to millimetre accuracy. We use a stationary 16-antenna pRES array on Store Glacier in West Greenland to measure the three-dimensional orientation of dipping internal reflectors, extending the capabilities of pRES beyond conventional depth sounding. This novel technique portrays the effectiveness of pRES in deriving the orientation of dipping internal layers that may complement profiles obtained through other geophysical surveying methods. Deriving ice vertical strain rates from changes in layer depth as measured by a sequence of pRES observations assumes that the internal reflections come from vertically beneath the antenna. By revealing the orientation of internal reflectors and the potential deviation from nadir of their associated reflections, the use of an antenna array can correct this assumption. While the array configuration was able to resolve the geometry of englacial layers, the same configuration could not be used to accurately image the glacier bed. Here, we use simulations of the performance of different array geometries to identify configurations that can be tailored to study different types of basal geometry for future deployments.
New Discoveries Relating to the Planning of the Antonine Wall in Scotland
Authors: Poulter John
Published: July 2018

The importance of long-distance alignments in Roman surveying is increasingly being recognised. It has now been discovered that they were used in setting out the central sectors of the Antonine Wall, but — in contrast to Hadrian's Wall — it appears that they were employed to determine the locations of the military installations along the Wall rather than the line of its rampart and ditch. It also appears that the enigmatic enclosures and expansions which are attached to the rear of the rampart of the Wall only seem to occur in connection with these alignments. A careful analysis of possible explanations indicates that the Romans may initially have sought to set up a two-level alarm system across the central sectors of the Antonine Wall, the possible impacts of which upon the planning and design of the Wall are examined. The Supplementary Material available online (https://doi.org/10.1017/S0068113X18000284) contains a table of inter-visabilities between known military installations, and OS grid references for the installations.
Fuelwood source substitution, gender, and shadow prices in western Kenya
Authors: Murphy David M. A. , Berazneva Julia , Lee David R.
Published: July 2018

Fuelwood scarcity creates a widespread environmental problem that places a major burden on women and children in the rural areas of developing countries. Consequently, many governments, donors and non-governmental organizations have encouraged on-farm fuelwood production and agroforestry practices. Whether, however, fuelwood from different sources can be easily substituted is an important empirical question as the degree of substitutability can depend on local markets and households' resource endowments and incomes. In this paper, we examine the substitution between three fuelwood sources among rural households in western Kenya: fuelwood collected off-farm, fuelwood produced on-farm, and that which is purchased. Using household-specific shadow prices for fuelwood and male and female wages, we find that strict gender divisions in household labor result in limited substitution between fuelwood sources. Among the implications are that programs and policies promoting agroforestry will have limited success without first addressing the structural differences in labor markets.
The nature of first and second language processing: The role of cognitive control and L2 proficiency during text-level comprehension
Authors: PÉREZ ANA , HANSEN LAURA , BAJO TERESA
Published: July 2018

Text comprehension relies on high-level cognitive processes as it is the ability to revise an erroneous inference. Recent models of language processing hold that native language processing is proactive in nature (highly predictive), whereas processing seems to be weaker in the second language. However, if a prediction fails because unexpected information is encountered, reactive processing is needed to revise previous information. Twenty-four highly proficient late bilinguals were presented with narratives in L1-English and L2-Spanish. Each text demanded the revision of an initial predictive inference. Reading times and N400 amplitude suggested inferential revision is less efficient in the L2 compared to the L1. Importantly, these effects were modulated by individual differences in cognitive control and L2 proficiency. More efficient L1 comprehension was related to a balance between proactive and reactive control and lower L2 proficiency, whereas more native-like L2 comprehension was associated with a strong proactive control and higher L2 proficiency.
Meeting the Mineral Needs of the United States
Authors: Lederer Graham , McCullough Erin
Published: July 2018

A recent report points out where the United States is most dependent on mineral imports and highlights some ways for reducing this dependence.
What Did Really Improve Our Mesoscale Hydrological Model? A Multidimensional Analysis Based on Real Observations
Authors: Francke Till , Baroni Gabriele , Brosinsky Arlena , Foerster Saskia , López‐Tarazón José A. , Sommerer Erik , Bronstert Axel
Published: July 2018

Modelers can improve a model by addressing the causes for the model errors (data errors and structural errors). This leads to implementing model enhancements (MEs), for example, meteorological data based on more monitoring stations, improved calibration data, and/or modifications in process formulations. However, deciding on which MEs to implement remains a matter of expert knowledge. After implementing multiple MEs, any improvement in model performance is not easily attributed, especially when considering different objectives or aspects of this improvement (e.g., better dynamics vs. reduced bias). We present an approach for comparing the effect of multiple MEs based on real observations and considering multiple objectives (MMEMO). A stepwise selection approach and structured plots help to address the multidimensionality of the problem. Tailored analyses allow a differentiated view on the effect of MEs and their interactions. MMEMO is applied to a case study employing the mesoscale hydro‐sedimentological model WASA‐SED for the Mediterranean‐mountainous Isábena catchment, northeast Spain. The investigated seven MEs show diverse effects: some MEs (e.g., rainfall data) cause improvements for most objectives, while other MEs (e.g., land use data) only affect a few objectives or even decrease model performance. Interaction of MEs was observed for roughly half of the MEs, confirming the need to address them in the analysis. Calibration and increasing the temporal resolution showed by far stronger impact than any of the other MEs. The proposed framework can be adopted in other studies to analyze the effect of MEs and, thus, facilitate the identification and implementation of the most promising MEs for comparable cases.
Boosting third-harmonic generation by a mirror-enhanced anapole resonator
Authors: Xu Lei , Rahmani Mohsen , Zangeneh Kamali Khosro , Lamprianidis Aristeidis , Ghirardini Lavinia , Sautter Jürgen , Camacho-Morales Rocio , Chen Haitao , Parry Matthew , Staude Isabelle , Zhang Guoquan , Neshev Dragomir , Miroshnichenko Andrey E.
Published: July 2018

We demonstrate that a dielectric anapole resonator on a metallic mirror can enhance the third harmonic emission by two orders of magnitude compared to a typical anapole resonator on an insulator substrate. By employing a gold mirror under a silicon nanodisk, we introduce a novel characteristic of the anapole mode through the spatial overlap of resonantly excited Cartesian electric and toroidal dipole modes. This is a remarkable improvement on the early demonstrations of the anapole mode in which the electric and toroidal modes interfere off-resonantly. Therefore, our system produces a significant near-field enhancement, facilitating the nonlinear process. Moreover, the mirror surface boosts the nonlinear emission via the free-charge oscillations within the interface, equivalent to producing a mirror image of the nonlinear source and the pump beneath the interface. We found that these improvements result in an extremely high experimentally obtained efficiency of 0.01%.
The effects of Jerusalem artichoke and fermented soybean powder mixture supplementation on blood glucose and oxidative stress in subjects with prediabetes or newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes
Authors: Ahn Hyeon Yeong , Kim Minjoo , Seo Cho Rong , Yoo Hye Jin , Lee Sang-Hyun , Lee Jong Ho
Published: July 2018

Background/Objectives

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementation with a Jerusalem artichoke and fermented soybean powder mixture on blood glucose and oxidative stress levels.

Subjects/Methods

This randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study was conducted on 60 subjects with impaired fasting glucose (IFG), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), or newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes. The subjects were randomly assigned to either a group that ingested 40 g of a Jerusalem artichoke and fermented soybean powder mixture (19.45 g each) daily or a group that received a placebo for 12 weeks. Paired t-test and independent t-test were performed for comparisons within groups and between groups, respectively.

Results

Supplementation with the Jerusalem artichoke and fermented soybean powder mixture reduced the levels of fasting glucose (p < 0.001) and FFAs (p = 0.034), glucose at 60 min (p = 0.004), glucose (p = 0.006) areas under the response curve (AUC), homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (p = 0.018), and the urinary 8-epi-prostaglandin F2α (8-epi-PGF2α) level (p = 0.028). The changes (Δ) in urinary 8-epi-PGF2α, glucose at 60 min, 120 min, and AUC, FFAs at 0 min and AUC were significantly different between the two groups. In addition, Δ glucose at 120 min (r = 0.472, p = 0.027) and the Δ glucose AUC (r = 0.572, p = 0.005) were positively correlated with △ plasma malondialdehyde in the test group.

Conclusions

The consumption of a Jerusalem artichoke and fermented soybean powder mixture for 12 weeks was effective for reducing postprandial glucose and oxidative stress level, particularly 8-epi-PGF2α, in subjects with IFG, IGT, or newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes.
Neuropil contraction in relation to Complement C4 gene copy numbers in independent cohorts of adolescent-onset and young adult-onset schizophrenia patients–a pilot study
Authors: Prasad Konasale M. , Chowdari Kodavali V. , D’Aiuto Leonardo A. , Iyengar Satish , Stanley Jeffrey A. , Nimgaonkar Vishwajit L.
Published: July 2018

A recent report suggestedComplement 4 (C4A)gene copy numbers (GCN) as risk factors for schizophrenia. Rodent model showed association ofC4with synaptic pruning suggesting its pathophysiological significance (Sekar, A. et al. (2016)). We, therefore, predicted thatC4AGCN would be positively correlated with neuropil contraction in the human brain among schizophrenia patients showing more prominent correlations in ventral regions among young adults and dorsal regions among adolescents since neuromaturation progresses dorsoventrally. Whole-brain, multi-voxel, in vivo phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P MRS) assessed neuropil changes by estimating levels of membrane phospholipid (MPL) precursors and catabolites. Increased MPL catabolites and/or decreased MPL precursors indexed neuropil contraction. Digital droplet PCR-based assay was used to estimateC4AandC4BGCN. We evaluated two independent cohorts (young adult-onset early-course schizophrenia (YASZ = 15) and adolescent-onset schizophrenia (AOSZ = 12) patients), and controls matched for each group,n = 22 and 15, respectively. Separate forward stepwise linear regression models with Akaike information Criterion were built for MPL catabolites and precursors.YASZ cohort:Consistent with the rodent model (Sekar, A. et al. 2016)),C4AGCN positively correlated with neuropil contraction (increased pruning/decreased formation) in the inferior frontal cortex and inferior parietal lobule.AOSZ cohort: C4AGCN positively correlated with neuropil contraction in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and thalamus. Exploratory analysis ofC4BGCN showed positive correlation with neuropil contraction in the cerebellum and superior temporal gyrus among YASZ while AOSZ showed neuropil contraction in the prefrontal and subcortical structures. Thus,C4A and C4BGCN are associated with neuropil contraction in regions often associated with schizophrenia, and may be neuromaturationally dependent.
Correction: Superoxide drives progression of Parkin/PINK1-dependent mitophagy following translocation of Parkin to mitochondria
Authors: Xiao Bin , Deng Xiao , Lim Grace GY , Xie Shaoping , Zhou Zhi Dong , Lim Kah-Leong , Tan Eng-King
Published: July 2018

The PDF and HTML versions of the article have been updated to include the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License information.
Widespread anti-CRISPR proteins in virulent bacteriophages inhibit a range of Cas9 proteins
Authors: Hynes Alexander P. , Rousseau Geneviève M. , Agudelo Daniel , Goulet Adeline , Amigues Beatrice , Loehr Jeremy , Romero Dennis A. , Fremaux Christophe , Horvath Philippe , Doyon Yannick , Cambillau Christian , Moineau Sylvain
Published: July 2018

CRISPR-Cas systems are bacterial anti-viral systems, and bacterial viruses (bacteriophages, phages) can carry anti-CRISPR (Acr) proteins to evade that immunity. Acrs can also fine-tune the activity of CRISPR-based genome-editing tools. While Acrs are prevalent in phages capable of lying dormant in a CRISPR-carrying host, their orthologs have been observed only infrequently in virulent phages. Here we identify AcrIIA6, an Acr encoded in 33% of virulent Streptococcus thermophilus phage genomes. The X-ray structure of AcrIIA6 displays some features unique to this Acr family. We compare the activity of AcrIIA6 to those of other Acrs, including AcrIIA5 (also from S. thermophilus phages), and characterize their effectiveness against a range of CRISPR-Cas systems. Finally, we demonstrate that both Acr families from S. thermophilus phages inhibit Cas9-mediated genome editing of human cells.
Electrically driven three-dimensional solitary waves as director bullets in nematic liquid crystals
Authors: Li Bing-Xiang , Borshch Volodymyr , Xiao Rui-Lin , Paladugu Sathyanarayana , Turiv Taras , Shiyanovskii Sergij V. , Lavrentovich Oleg D.
Published: July 2018

Electric field-induced collective reorientation of nematic molecules is of importance for fundamental science and practical applications. This reorientation is either homogeneous over the area of electrodes, as in displays, or periodically modulated, as in electroconvection. The question is whether spatially localized three-dimensional solitary waves of molecular reorientation could be created. Here we demonstrate that the electric field can produce particle-like propagating solitary waves representing self-trapped “bullets” of oscillating molecular director. These director bullets lack fore-aft symmetry and move with very high speed perpendicularly to the electric field and to the initial alignment direction. The bullets are true solitons that preserve spatially confined shapes and survive collisions. The solitons are topologically equivalent to the uniform state and have no static analogs, thus exhibiting a particle–wave duality. Their shape, speed, and interactions depend strongly on the material parameters, which opens the door for a broad range of future studies.
Author Correction: Subgenual anterior cingulate cortex controls sadness-induced modulations of cognitive and emotional network hubs
Authors: Ramirez-Mahaluf Juan P. , Perramon Joan , Otal Begonya , Villoslada Pablo , Compte Albert
Published: July 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
Author Correction: Interaction between von Hippel-Lindau Protein and Fatty Acid Synthase Modulates Hypoxia Target Gene Expression
Authors: Sun Wendi , Kato Hiroyuki , Kitajima Shojiro , Lee Kian Leong , Gradin Katarina , Okamoto Takashi , Poellinger Lorenz
Published: July 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Broadband Bending of Flexural Waves: Acoustic Shapes and Patterns
Authors: Darabi Amir , Zareei Ahmad , Alam Mohammad-Reza , Leamy Michael J.
Published: July 2018

Directing and controlling flexural waves in thin plates along a curved trajectory over a broad frequency range is a significant challenge that has various applications in imaging, cloaking, wave focusing, and wireless power transfer circumventing obstacles. To date, all studies appeared controlling elastic waves in structures using periodic arrays of inclusions where these structures are narrowband either because scattering is efficient over a small frequency range, or the arrangements exploit Bragg scattering bandgaps, which themselves are narrowband. Here, we design and experimentally test a wave-bending structure in a thin plate by smoothly varying the plate’s rigidity (and thus its phase velocity). The proposed structures are (i) broadband, since the approach is frequency-independent and does not require bandgaps, and (ii) capable of bending elastic waves along convex trajectories with an arbitrary curvature.
Gut Bacterial Microbiota and its Resistome Rapidly Recover to Basal State Levels after Short-term Amoxicillin-Clavulanic Acid Treatment in Healthy Adults
Authors: MacPherson Chad W. , Mathieu Olivier , Tremblay Julien , Champagne Julie , Nantel André , Girard Stéphanie-Anne , Tompkins Thomas A.
Published: July 2018

Clinical effects of antimicrobials and probiotics in combination have been reported, however, little is known about their impact on gut microbiota and its resistome. In this study 16S rRNA gene amplicon, shotgun metagenomics sequencing and antibiotic resistance (ABR) microarray were used on fecal samples of 70 healthy participants, taken at four time points in probiotic (Lactobacillus rhamnosus R0011 and Lactobacillus helveticus R0052) and placebo groups to profile the gut bacterial microbiota and its resistome following administration of amoxicillin-clavulanic acid for one week. Significant shifts in microbiota family composition caused by the antimicrobial in both groups that included decreases in the proportion of Lachnospiraceae, Coriobacteriaceae and unidentified Clostridiales; and notable increases for the proportion of Enterobacteriaceae, Bacteroidaceae and Porphyromonadaceae compared to baseline levels. Resistome showed a corresponding enrichment of ABR genes compared to baseline from such classes as aminoglycosides and beta-lactams that were linked, by in silico inference, to the enrichment of the family Enterobacteriaceae. Despite perturbations caused by short-term antibiotic treatment, both gut microbiota and resistome showed prompt recovery to baseline levels one week after cessation of the antimicrobial. This rapid recovery may be explained by the hypothesis of community resilience.
Visible–Near-Infrared Spectroscopy can predict Mass Transport of Dissolved Chemicals through Intact Soil
Authors: Katuwal Sheela , Knadel Maria , Moldrup Per , Norgaard Trine , Greve Mogens H. , de Jonge Lis W.
Published: July 2018

The intensification of agricultural production to meet the growing demand for agricultural commodities is increasing the use of chemicals. The ability of soils to transport dissolved chemicals depends on both the soil’s texture and structure. Assessment of the transport of dissolved chemicals (solutes) through soils is performed using breakthrough curves (BTCs) where the application of a solute at one site and its appearance over time at another are recorded. Obtaining BTCs from laboratory studies is extremely expensive and time- and labour-consuming. Visible–near-infrared (vis–NIR) spectroscopy is well recognized for its measurement speed and for its low data acquisition cost and can be used for quantitative estimation of basic soil properties such as clay and organic matter. In this study, for the first time ever, vis–NIR spectroscopy was used to predict dissolved chemical breakthrough curves obtained from tritium transport experiments on a large variety of intact soil columns. Averaged across the field, BTCs were estimated with a high degree of accuracy. So, with vis-NIR spectroscopy, the mass transport of dissolved chemicals can be measured, paving the way for next-generation measurements and monitoring of dissolved chemical transport by spectroscopy.
Ultra-lightweight superconducting wire based on Mg, B, Ti and Al
Authors: Kováč P. , Hušek I. , Rosová A. , Kulich M. , Kováč J. , Melišek T. , Kopera L. , Balog M. , Krížik P.
Published: July 2018

Actually, MgB2 is the lightest superconducting compound. Its connection with lightweight metals like Ti (as barrier) and Al (as outer sheath) would result in a superconducting wire with the minimal mass. However, pure Al is mechanically soft metal to be used in drawn or rolled composite wires, especially if applied for the outer sheath, where it cannot provide the required densification of the boron powder inside. This study reports on a lightweight MgB2 wire sheathed with aluminum stabilized by nano-sized γ-Al2O3 particles (named HITEMAL) and protected against the reaction with magnesium by Ti diffusion barrier. Electrical and mechanical properties of single-core MgB2/Ti/HITEMAL wire made by internal magnesium diffusion (IMD) into boron were studied at low temperatures. It was found that the ultra-lightweight MgB2 wire exhibited high critical current densities and also tolerances to mechanical stress. This predetermines the potential use of such lightweight superconducting wires for aviation and space applications, and for powerful offshore wind generators, where reducing the mass of the system is required.
Landscape limits gene flow and drives population structure in Agassiz’s desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii)
Authors: Sánchez-Ramírez Santiago , Rico Yessica , Berry Kristin H. , Edwards Taylor , Karl Alice E. , Henen Brian T. , Murphy Robert W.
Published: July 2018

Distance, environmental heterogeneity and local adaptation can strongly influence population structure and connectivity. Understanding how these factors shape the genomic landscape of threatened species is a major goal in conservation genomics and wildlife management. Herein, we use thousands (6,859) of single nucleotide polymorphism markers and spatial data from hundreds of individuals (n = 646) to re-evaluate the population structure of Agassiz’s desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii). Analyses resolve from 4 to 8 spatially well-defined clusters across the range. Western, central, and southern populations within the Western Mojave recovery unit are consistent throughout, while analyses sometimes merge other recovery units depending on the level of clustering. Causal modeling consistently associates genetic connectivity with least-cost distance, based on multiple landscape features associated with tortoise habitat, better than geographic distance. Some features include elevation, soil depth, rock volume, precipitation, and vegetation coverage, suggesting that physical, climatic, and biotic landscape features have played a strong evolutionary role restricting gene flow between populations. Further, 12 highly differentiated outlier loci have associated functions that may be involved with neurogenesis, wound healing, lipid metabolism, and possibly vitellogenesis. Together, these findings have important implications for recovery programs, such as translocations, population augmentation, reproduction in captivity and the identification of ecologically important genes, opening new venues for conservation genomics in desert tortoises.
Species Richness, Molecular Taxonomy and Biogeography of the Radicine Pond Snails (Gastropoda: Lymnaeidae) in the Old World
Authors: Aksenova Olga V. , Bolotov Ivan N. , Gofarov Mikhail Yu. , Kondakov Alexander V. , Vinarski Maxim V. , Bespalaya Yulia V. , Kolosova Yulia S. , Palatov Dmitry M. , Sokolova Svetlana E. , Spitsyn Vitaly M. , Tomilova Alena A. , Travina Oksana V. , Vikhrev Ilya V.
Published: July 2018

The radicine pond snails represent a species-rich and widely distributed group, many species of which are key vectors of human and animal trematodoses. Here we clarify the taxonomy, distribution and evolutionary biogeography of the radicine lymnaeids in the Old World based on the most comprehensive multi-locus molecular dataset sampled to date. We show that the subfamily Amphipepleinae is monophyletic and contains at least ten genus-level clades:RadixMontfort, 1810,AmpullaceanaServain, 1881,PeregrianaServain, 1881,TibetoradixBolotov, Vinarski & Aksenovagen.nov.,KamtschaticanaKruglov & Starobogatov, 1984,OrientogalbaKruglov & Starobogatov, 1985,CerasinaKobelt, 1881,MyxasG. B. Sowerby I, 1822,BullastraBergh, 1901, andAustropepleaCotton, 1942. With respect to our phylogeny, species-delimitation model and morphological data, the Old World fauna includes 35 biological species of radicines. Tibet and Eastern Europe harbor the richest faunas, while East Asia and Africa appear to be the most species-poor areas. The radicine clade could have originated near the Cretaceous – Paleocene boundary. The Miocene great lakes in Eurasia seems to be the most important evolutionary hotspots shaping spatial patterns of recent species richness. Finally, we present the first DNA barcode reference library for the reliable molecular identification of species within this group.
Gonadal steroid levels in rock pigeon eggs do not represent adequately maternal allocation
Authors: Kumar Neeraj , van Faassen Martijn , de Vries Bonnie , Kema Ido , Gahr Manfred , Groothuis Ton G. G.
Published: July 2018

Maternal hormones deposited in the egg can provide a powerful model for the study of maternal effects. The differential amount of maternal hormones in the yolk of freshly laid eggs is assumed to represent differential maternal allocation. However, some evidence suggests that these amounts do not reflect maternal allocation that in fact takes place before ovulation. We compared the amounts of a wide array of gonadal steroids and their metabolites in the yolk of pre-ovulatory follicles with those of freshly laid eggs of rock pigeons using mass spectrometry. We found that between the follicle and egg stages the levels of progesterone increase whereas androstenedione and testosterone decrease in which the strength of decrease was dependent on the laying order of the egg. For conjugated estrone the change between follicle and egg differed in direction for first and second laying position yielding a significant interaction effect. For conjugated testosterone the interaction did not reach but was close to significance. This extremely early steroid metabolism was not due to maternal enzymes in the yolk as indicated by incubation of pre-ovulatory yolks treated with proteinase-K, a protein digesting enzyme. The results have significant consequences for the functional and evolutionary interpretation as well as experimental manipulation of hormone-mediated maternal effects.
Structural determinants of the catalytic mechanism of Plasmodium CCT, a key enzyme of malaria lipid biosynthesis
Authors: Guca Ewelina , Nagy Gergely N. , Hajdú Fanni , Marton Lívia , Izrael Richard , Hoh François , Yang Yinshan , Vial Henri , Vértessy Beata G. , Guichou Jean-François , Cerdan Rachel
Published: July 2018

The development of the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, in the human erythrocyte, relies on phospholipid metabolism to fulfil the massive need for membrane biogenesis. Phosphatidylcholine (PC) is the most abundant phospholipid in Plasmodium membranes. PC biosynthesis is mainly ensured by the de novo Kennedy pathway that is considered as an antimalarial drug target. The CTP:phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase (CCT) catalyses the rate-limiting step of the Kennedy pathway. Here we report a series of structural snapshots of the PfCCT catalytic domain in its free, substrate- and product-complexed states that demonstrate the conformational changes during the catalytic mechanism. Structural data show the ligand-dependent conformational variations of a flexible lysine. Combined kinetic and ligand-binding analyses confirm the catalytic roles of this lysine and of two threonine residues of the helix αE. Finally, we assessed the variations in active site residues between Plasmodium and mammalian CCT which could be exploited for future antimalarial drug design.
Metabolomic analysis of mouse prefrontal cortex reveals upregulated analytes during wakefulness compared to sleep
Authors: Bourdon Allen K. , Spano Giovanna Maria , Marshall William , Bellesi Michele , Tononi Giulio , Serra Pier Andrea , Baghdoyan Helen A. , Lydic Ralph , Campagna Shawn R. , Cirelli Chiara
Published: July 2018

By identifying endogenous molecules in brain extracellular fluid metabolomics can provide insight into the regulatory mechanisms and functions of sleep. Here we studied how the cortical metabolome changes during sleep, sleep deprivation and spontaneous wakefulness. Mice were implanted with electrodes for chronic sleep/wake recording and with microdialysis probes targeting prefrontal and primary motor cortex. Metabolites were measured using ultra performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry. Sleep/wake changes in metabolites were evaluated using partial least squares discriminant analysis, linear mixed effects model analysis of variance, and machine-learning algorithms. More than 30 known metabolites were reliably detected in most samples. When used by a logistic regression classifier, the profile of these metabolites across sleep, spontaneous wake, and enforced wake was sufficient to assign mice to their correct experimental group (pair-wise) in 80–100% of cases. Eleven of these metabolites showed significantly higher levels in awake than in sleeping mice. Some changes extend previous findings (glutamate, homovanillic acid, lactate, pyruvate, tryptophan, uridine), while others are novel (D-gluconate, N-acetyl-beta-alanine, N-acetylglutamine, orotate, succinate/methylmalonate). The upregulation of the de novo pyrimidine pathway, gluconate shunt and aerobic glycolysis may reflect a wake-dependent need to promote the synthesis of many essential components, from nucleic acids to synaptic membranes.
The histone chaperone NAP1L3 is required for haematopoietic stem cell maintenance and differentiation
Authors: Heshmati Yaser , Kharazi Shabnam , Türköz Gözde , Chang David , Kamali Dolatabadi Esmat , Boström Johan , Krstic Aleksandra , Boukoura Theodora , Wagner Emma , Kadri Nadir , Månsson Robert , Altun Mikael , Qian Hong , Walfridsson Julian
Published: July 2018

Nucleosome assembly proteins (NAPs) are histone chaperones with an important role in chromatin structure and epigenetic regulation of gene expression. We find that high gene expression levels of mouse Nap1l3 are restricted to haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in mice. Importantly, with shRNA or CRISPR-Cas9 mediated loss of function of mouse Nap1l3 and with overexpression of the gene, the number of colony-forming cells and myeloid progenitor cells in vitro are reduced. This manifests as a striking decrease in the number of HSCs, which reduces their reconstituting activities in vivo. Downregulation of human NAP1L3 in umbilical cord blood (UCB) HSCs impairs the maintenance and proliferation of HSCs both in vitro and in vivo. NAP1L3 downregulation in UCB HSCs causes an arrest in the G0 phase of cell cycle progression and induces gene expression signatures that significantly correlate with downregulation of gene sets involved in cell cycle regulation, including E2F and MYC target genes. Moreover, we demonstrate that HOXA3 and HOXA5 genes are markedly upregulated when NAP1L3 is suppressed in UCB HSCs. Taken together, our findings establish an important role for NAP1L3 in HSC homeostasis and haematopoietic differentiation.
The effect of pulsatile motion and cardiac-gating on reconstruction and diffusion tensor properties of the corticospinal tract
Authors: Bopp Miriam H. A. , Yang Jia , Nimsky Christopher , Carl Barbara
Published: July 2018

Pulsatile motion occurs in the cardiac systolic period and leads to significantly larger displacement of water molecules as it is observed during diffusion weighted image acquisition. Obvious pulsatile motion arises in the brain stem and basal ganglia and might affect the corticospinal tract. So far there is no consensus on the real effect of pulsatile motion on diffusion properties, diffusion tensor parameters and fiber tractography and on the role of cardiac-gating to overcome these effects. The present study aimed at detecting effects of pulsatile motion on imaging properties and reconstruction of the corticospinal tract. Non-gated and cardiac-gated data of 22 healthy subjects was acquired using clinical standard protocols and analysed with regard to effects on signal intensities, diffusion tensor properties and tractography results concerning the corticospinal tract. Analyses resulted in obvious effects of pulsatile motion on signal intensities, especially alterations in diffusion tensor properties, compensated by the application of cardiac-gating, whereas no effect on fiber tract volume was seen. Therefore, pulsatile motion and cardiac-gating should be kept in mind as critical aspects when analysing and interpreting diffusion tensor properties within the human brain, but are of minor interest when considering fiber tractography of the corticospinal tract.
Neutrophils enhance early Trypanosoma brucei infection onset
Authors: Caljon Guy , Mabille Dorien , Stijlemans Benoît , De Trez Carl , Mazzone Massimiliano , Tacchini-Cottier Fabienne , Malissen Marie , A. Van Ginderachter Jo , Magez Stefan , De Baetselier Patrick , Van Den Abbeele Jan
Published: July 2018

In this study, Trypanosoma brucei was naturally transmitted to mice through the bites of infected Glossina morsitans tsetse flies. Neutrophils were recruited rapidly to the bite site, whereas monocytes were attracted more gradually. Expression of inflammatory cytokines (il1b, il6), il10 and neutrophil chemokines (cxcl1, cxcl5) was transiently up-regulated at the site of parasite inoculation. Then, a second influx of neutrophils occurred that coincided with the previously described parasite retention and expansion in the ear dermis. Congenital and experimental neutropenia models, combined with bioluminescent imaging, indicate that neutrophils do not significantly contribute to dermal parasite control and elicit higher systemic parasitemia levels during the infection onset. Engulfment of parasites by neutrophils in the skin was rarely observed and was restricted to parasites with reduced motility/viability, whereas live parasites escaped phagocytosis. To our knowledge, this study represents the first description of a trypanosome infection promoting role of early innate immunological reactions following an infective tsetse fly bite. Our data indicate that the trypanosome is not hindered in its early development and benefits from the host innate responses with the neutrophils being important regulators of the early infection, as already demonstrated for the sand fly transmitted Leishmania parasite.