bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analytic results for the planar double box integral relevant to top-pair production with a closed top loop
Authors: Adams Luise , Chaubey Ekta , Weinzierl Stefan
Published: November 2018

Abstract

In this article we give the details on the analytic calculation of the master integrals for the planar double box integral relevant to top-pair production with a closed top loop. We show that these integrals can be computed systematically to all order in the dimensional regularisation parameterε. This is done by transforming the system of differential equations into a form linear inε, where theε0-part is a strictly lower triangular matrix. Explicit results in terms of iterated integrals are presented for the terms relevant to NNLO calculations.
In‐Country Training by the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons: An Initiative that has Aided Surgeon Retention and Distribution in Ghana
Authors: Gyedu Adam , Debrah Sam , Agbedinu Kwabena , Goodman Stephanie K. , Plange‐Rhule Jacob , Donkor Peter , Mock Charles
Published: November 2018

Background

Prior to 2003, production of new surgeons in Ghana was limited. In 2003, the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons (GCPS) initiated the first wholly in‐country training and credentialing of surgeons. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of in‐country training of surgeons in Ghana.

Methods

We interviewed 117 (80%) of the 146 surgeons trained through the GCPS from inception through 2016. We gathered data on type of training, practice location, clinical workload, and administrative and teaching roles. Operations were categorized into those deemed essential (most cost‐effective, highest population impact) by the World Bank’s Disease Control Priorities project versus other.

Results

In‐country retention was 87–97%. A little more than half (56%) were working in the two largest cities and 44% were working in higher need areas. Twenty‐two (19%) were the first surgeon to have worked at their current hospital. The surgeons performed a mean of 13 operations per week (seven electives, six emergencies). 35% of elective and 77% of emergency operations were in the essential category. Most (79%) surgeons were engaged in training/teaching; 46% were engaged in research; and 33% held an administrative office.

Conclusions

In‐country surgical training has led to high retention and wide geographic distribution, including high need areas. The in‐country trained surgeons are playing key roles in clinical practice, training, and administration. These data provide support for investments in similar efforts in other low‐ and middle‐income countries.
Internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy for chronic health conditions: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mehta Swati , Peynenburg Vanessa A. , Hadjistavropoulos Heather D.
Published: November 2018

This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effectiveness of internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy (ICBT) on anxiety and depression among persons with chronic health conditions. A systematic database search was conducted of MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycInfo, EMBASE, and Cochrane for relevant studies published from 1990 to September 2018. A study was included if the following criteria were met: (1) randomized controlled trial involving an ICBT intervention; (2) participants experienced a chronic health condition; (3) participants ≥ 18 years of age; and (4) effects of ICBT on anxiety and/or depression were reported. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool was used to assess the risk of bias on the included studies. Pooled analysis was conducted on the primary and condition specific secondary outcomes. Twenty-five studies met inclusion criteria and investigated the following chronic health conditions: tinnitus (n = 6), fibromyalgia (n = 3), pain (n = 7), rheumatoid arthritis (n = 3), cardiovascular disease (n = 2), diabetes (n = 1), cancer (n = 1), heterogeneous chronic disease population (n = 1), and spinal cord injury (n = 1). Pooled analysis demonstrated small effects of ICBT in improving anxiety and depression. Moderate effects of therapist-guided approach were seen for depression and anxiety outcomes; while, self-guided approaches resulted in small effects for depression and moderate effects in anxiety outcomes. ICBT shows promise as an alternative to traditional face-to-face interventions among persons with chronic health conditions. Future research on long-term effects of ICBT for individuals with chronic health conditions is needed.

Trial RegistrationPROSPERO registration number: CRD42018087292.
Improvement in Residents’ Attitudes Toward Individuals with Substance Use Disorders Following an Online Training Module on Stigma
Authors: Avery Jonathan , Knoepflmacher Daniel , Mauer Elizabeth , Kast Kristopher A. , Greiner Miranda , Avery Joseph , Penzner Julie B.
Published: November 2018

Background

Resident physicians have been shown to possess negative attitudes toward individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs), even if the residents believe they have adequate knowledge and skills to care for these patients. Residents’ negative attitudes may have an adverse impact on patient engagement, treatment, and outcomes.

Questions/Purposes

The goal of this study was to examine the impact of an online training module on residents’ attitudes toward people with SUDs. We hypothesized that residents who received the educational intervention would show improved attitudes toward people with alcohol and opioid use disorders.

Methods

A web-based questionnaire, including demographic information and the Medical Condition Regard Scale (MCRS) about individuals with alcohol and opioid use disorders, was sent to internal medicine and psychiatry residents before and 6 months after they took an online training module on stigma toward individuals with SUDs.

Results

A total of 46 residents completed the initial questionnaire and 29 completed the follow-up questionnaire 6 months later. Attitudes toward individuals with SUDs, as reflected by an increase in MCRS scores, were improved 6 months after the online training module.

Conclusion

Residents’ attitudes toward individuals with SUDs improved after taking an online training module. This is encouraging, as studies have shown that attitudes toward individuals with SUDs tend to decline during residency training and negatively affect patient care. Larger studies are needed to determine if such online modules can improve attitudes of other groups of clinicians, result in sustained change over time, and improve patient outcomes.
Zebra Crossings
Authors: Shaw Michael , Nowicki Andrew
Published: November 2018

It is suggested that the debate on Empirical Generalisation versus Marketing Management can be considered in terms of correspondence theory versus coherence theory. A critical theory response to the paper in question is moderated by an epistemological discussion giving rise to the useful notion of bridging via localized conceptual pontoons. This is followed by a marketing practice orientated response which straddles Empirical Generalisation and Marketing Management and makes some useful observations. High Involvement Products and Services (HIPS) are put forward as examples of areas where Empirical Generalisation may be less useful than Marketing Management. Finally, it is acknowledged that while proponents of Empirical Generalisation has finally declared their hand, it might be time for adherents of Marketing Management to respond in kind so that a useful discussion develops which improves marketing as a discipline and practice.
Can Thyroid Ultrasonography Predict Substernal Extension or Tracheal Compression in Goiters?
Authors: Ziai Hedyeh , Lebo Nicole L. , Kielar Ania Z. , Odell Michael J.
Published: November 2018

Purpose

To determine whether an ultrasonography (US)-defined thyroid volume can accurately predict substernal extension or tracheal narrowing.

Methods

After research ethics approval, we identified patients with thyroid nodules investigated with both US and computed tomography (CT). Reviewers assigned scores for both substernal extension and tracheal compression on CT using pre-established classification systems. Statistical analysis with receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to find the US-determined thyroid volume thresholds that correlated with each substernal extension and tracheal compression.

Results

This study included 120 patients (mean age 63.4 years; SD ± 15.9; 67% female). Thirty-five patients (29%) had substernal extension. The mean US total thyroid gland volume in patients with and without substernal extension were 92.4 and 37.6 cm3, respectively ( P < .001). 86% of patients with substernal extension had tracheal narrowing vs. 27% of patients without substernal extension ( P < .0001). A cutoff dominant gland volume of ≥37.5 cm3 showed 83% sensitivity and 79% specificity for substernal extension (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.84). A total thyroid gland volume threshold of ≥37.8 cm3 showed 89% sensitivity and 87% specificity for any degree of tracheal narrowing (AUC = 0.90).

Conclusions

This study suggests that US volumes may be used as a predictor to identify those patients with thyroid enlargement who are most at risk of substernal extension and tracheal compression and who may benefit from preoperative CT imaging for optimal surgical and anesthetic planning.
Integration Techniques for Micro/Nanostructure-Based Large-Area Electronics
Authors: García Núñez Carlos , Liu Fengyuan , Xu Sheng , Dahiya Ravinder
Published: November 2018

Advanced nanostructured materials such as organic and inorganic micro/nanostructures are excellent building blocks for electronics, optoelectronics, sensing, and photovoltaics because of their high-crystallinity, long aspect-ratio, high surface-to-volume ratio, and low dimensionality. However, their assembly over large areas and integration in functional circuits are a matter of intensive investigation. This Element provides detailed description of various technologies to realize micro/nanostructures based large-area electronics (LAE) devices on rigid or flexible/stretchable substrates. The first section of this Element provides an introduction to the state-of-the-art integration techniques used to fabricate LAE devices based on different kind of micro/nanostructures. The second section describes inorganic and organic micro/nanostructures, including most common and promising synthesis procedures. In the third section,different techniques are explained that have great potential for integration of micro/nanostructures over large areas. Finally, the fourth section summarizes important remarks about LAE devices based on micro/nanostructures, and future directions.
Image-guided transnasal endoscopic fine needle aspiration or biopsy of parapharyngeal space tumours
Authors: Abbas J R , Abbas J R , Hamlett K E L , de Carpentier J
Published: November 2018

Background

Parapharyngeal space biopsy is an important investigation in the management of parapharyngeal space tumours. These tumours are relatively rare and the surgeon is often faced with a wide range of differential diagnoses. There are several ways to access the parapharyngeal space, with varying degrees of associated morbidity.

Methods

This paper describes a seldom used, but a simple and safe, image-guided endoscopic approach to parapharyngeal space biopsy that enables tissue to be obtained transnasally. The procedure is conducted under general anaesthesia using computed tomography image guidance via the LandmarX system, with transnasal access to the parapharyngeal space achieved using a sampling needle.

Results

This procedure is relatively simple, safe and reproducible. It is a less invasive approach to parapharyngeal space biopsy, and one which has been successfully used by the senior author for years without any significant morbidity.

Conclusion

Transnasal image-guided endoscopic aspiration or biopsy of the parapharyngeal space is a novel technique that has not been previously described.
Reassessing the Role of the Indo‐Pacific in the Ocean's Global Overturning Circulation
Authors: Newsom Emily R. , Thompson Andrew F.
Published: November 2018

Surface buoyancy fluxes in the Southern and North Atlantic Oceans are presumed to disproportionately influence the ocean's residual global overturning circulation (GOC) with respect to those in the Indo‐Pacific. Here, this assumption is challenged through an assessment of global buoyancy transport in the Community Earth System Model 1.0, which reveals that the steady state GOC is equally constrained by surface buoyancy flux everywhere. Further, an unacknowledged aspect of the GOC is demonstrated: it transports buoyancy from where it is gained at the surface, predominately in the Indo‐Pacific, to where it is lost, predominately in the Atlantic and Southern Oceans. This global buoyancy transport requires zonal structure in the GOC, linking the Atlantic and Indo‐Pacific within the Southern Ocean, asymmetry and interbasin coupling absent from many conceptual descriptions of overturning dynamics. These results compel a more nuanced appreciation for an Indo‐Pacific influence in GOC evolution.
The Transition From Eruption Column to Umbrella Cloud
Authors: Devenish B. J. , Cerminara M.
Published: November 2018

We present a coflowing integral plume model for the transition from an eruption column to an umbrella cloud. This transition occurs above the level of neutral buoyancy where the rising plume is surrounded by a descending annulus. We model this transition by extending the coflowing integral plume model of Bloomfield and Kerr (2000,https://doi.org/10.1029/2018JB015841), which was originally developed for Boussinesq fountains, to volcanic plumes. In addition to the transition region, the new model includes the part of the eruption column below the level of neutral buoyancy. The eruption column and the transition to an umbrella cloud are treated as a continuous process from the vent upward. Equations for the variation with height of the mass, momentum, enthalpy, and moisture fluxes are presented for both the upward and downward plumes. The interaction between the upward and downward plumes is accounted for by two entrainment relations: from the upward to the downward plume and vice versa; entrainment from the environment into the downward plume (or the upward plume in the absence of a downward plume) is also accounted for. The model is applied to the two eruptions considered by Costa et al. (2016,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2016.01.017) for the volcanic‐plume intercomparison study. Profiles of the mass and momentum fluxes are compared with those from an equivalent large‐eddy simulation. The new model captures the order of magnitude of the fluxes, the relative magnitudes of the upward and downward fluxes and aspects of the profiles' shape. In particular, the upward plume reaches a maximum before decreasing toward the top of the plume consistent with the large‐eddy simulation plume.
Sensitivity Studies of the Red Sea Eddies Using Adjoint Method
Authors: Zhan Peng , Gopalakrishnan Ganesh , Subramanian Aneesh C. , Guo Daquan , Hoteit Ibrahim
Published: November 2018

Adjoint sensitivity analysis is applied to a set of eddies in the Red Sea using a high‐resolution Massachusetts Institute of Technology general circulation model and its adjoint model. Previous studies have reported several eddy events in the Red Sea, namely, a dipole captured on 17 August 2001 in the southern Red Sea, a cyclonic eddy in November 2011 in the northern Red Sea, and an anticyclonic eddy in April 2010 in the central Red Sea. Sensitivity analysis is applied here to investigate the governing factors that control the intensity and evolution of these eddies. The eddies are first reproduced by running the Massachusetts Institute of Technology general circulation model forward and their sensitivities to external atmospheric forcing and previous model states are then computed using the adjoint model. In the experiments, (relative) surface vorticity (curl of horizontal velocity) is defined as the objective function. The contributions of forcings and model states are quantified and investigated. The sensitivities to external forcings are distinct in different eddy events. The dipole in the central Red Sea is dominantly sensitive to the cross‐basin eastward wind jet. The anticyclonic eddy in the central Red Sea is most sensitive to the along‐basin wind stress. The cyclonic eddy in the northern Red Sea is sensitive to the net heat flux and to surface elevation perturbations even from the remote southern Red Sea, which is attributed to the propagation of baroclinic Kelvin waves along the coast. Analysis of the sensitivity to model state variables suggests that these eddies are also modulated by the boundary currents and the temperature profile distributions.
Aquifer Recharge Using a Vadose Zone Infiltration Well
Authors: Liang Xiuyu , Zhan Hongbin , Zhang You‐Kuan
Published: November 2018

Vadose zone infiltration well (VZW) is an important method to implement managed aquifer recharge (MAR) when groundwater table is relatively deep or sufficiently permeable soils at ground and/or sizable land areas for surface infiltration systems are not available. However, the theoretical model for this kind of artificial recharge has rarely been developed. A mathematical model for the coupled unsaturated‐saturated flow process induced by a VZW is presented in this study with the purpose of understanding the overall hydrodynamics of unsaturated flow and recharge efficiency. Semianalytical solutions for hydraulic heads and recharge rate are derived using Laplace‐Hankel transforms. The solutions are tested using a finite‐element numerical solution built with COMSOL. The performance and capacity of VZW are assessed for different unsaturated zone parameters and well structures. For the case of an unsaturated zone with a small storage capacity, a greater proportion of injected water will be stored in the saturated zone, thus is a favored situation for the implement of MAR using VZWs. Both anisotropy and infiltration well structures have nonnegligible effects on the recharge rate of the saturated zone at early times but have negligible influence at later times. The proposed semianalytical solutions can be used to estimate unsaturated parameters and can also be used to assess the effectiveness of VZWs for the purpose of MAR.
Mental Health Literacy: A Review of What It Is and Why It Matters
Authors: Furnham Adrian , Swami Viren
Published: November 2018

An increasing number of scholarly works have attempted to understand the reasons for poor rates of help-seeking for symptoms of mental health disorders all around the world. One particular body of work has focused on “mental health literacy” (MHL), defined as knowledge about mental health disorders that is associated with their recognition, management, and prevention. In this article, we report a nonsystematic review of studies on MHL, to give nonexpert academics, policymakers, and practitioners an understanding of the field. We find that studies consistently show that the general public have relatively poor recognition of the symptoms of mental health disorders and appear to emphasize self-help over traditional medical treatments. In addition, we find that there are age, gender, educational, urban−rural, and cross-cultural differences in MHL, which may differentially affect rates of help-seeking in different contexts. Implications and future directions for research are considered in conclusion.
Sex Differences in Alcohol-Related Problems Among a Sample of HIV-Positive Nigerians
Authors: Koyejo Olajumoke M. , Kliewer Wendy , Gbiri Caleb A. O. , Svikis Dace S.
Published: November 2018

Although alcohol use is common among persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), and heavy drinking is more common worldwide in males than females, studies of sex differences in risk for development of symptoms of alcohol dependence have yielded mixed results. In Nigeria, there is a paucity of data on sex differences in alcohol-related problems among PLWHA. This has hindered our ability to tailor treatment to best meet the needs of PLWHA. To address this gap, the present study examined alcohol use patterns and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV (DSM-IV)-related symptoms in a sample of 331 HIV and AIDS patients (64.4% female; Mage= 38.1 years, SD = 9.1 years) recruited from Lagos State University Teaching Hospital Ikeja. The World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview (WHO-CIDI), Version 7.0, was administered to assess alcohol use and DSM-IV-related symptoms. Based on responses to the interview, patients were classified as having or not having complication(s) or symptom(s). Logistic regressions adjusting for age and marital status revealed that women were at lower risk than men for alcohol-related problems. Symptoms of craving and tolerance did not differ across sex. Study findings support the need for policy to be geared toward sex-specific prevention and harm-reduction approaches among HIV-positive individuals.
Sensitization of glioblastoma cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis by IAP- and Bcl-2 antagonism
Authors: Lincoln Frank A. , Imig Dirke , Boccellato Chiara , Juric Viktorija , Noonan Janis , Kontermann Roland E. , Allgöwer Frank , Murphy Brona M. , Rehm Markus
Published: November 2018

Due to the lack of effective treatments for glioblastoma (GBM), we here studied the responsiveness of GBM cell lines to the combination of death ligand, TRAIL and the IAP antagonist, TL32711 (Birinapant). Responses were highly heterogeneous, with synergistic apoptosis as well as treatment resistance observed. Caspase-8 and Bid, together with caspase-3, form a nonlinear signalling hub that efficiently induced apoptosis in responder cell lines. Cells resistant to TRAIL/TL32711 expressed low amounts of procaspase-8 and Bid and poorly activated caspase-3. We therefore hypothesised that improving caspase-8 activation or sensitising mitochondria to truncated Bid (tBid) could convert non-responder GBM cell lines to responders. Mathematical simulations of both strategies predicted mitochondrial sensitization to tBid would outperform enhancing caspase-8 activation. Indeed, antagonising Bcl-2 by ABT-199 allowed TRAIL/TL32711 response synergies to manifest in otherwise TRAIL resistant cell lines. These findings were further corroborated in experiments with a translationally relevant hexavalent TRAIL variant. Our study therefore demonstrates that a high caspase-8/Bid signature is associated with synergistic TRAIL/TL32711-induced apoptosis in GBM cells and outlines Bcl-2 antagonism as a highly potent intervention to sensitize highly TRAIL-resistant GBM cells to TRAIL/TL32711 combination treatment.
Kauniolide synthase is a P450 with unusual hydroxylation and cyclization-elimination activity
Authors: Liu Qing , Beyraghdar Kashkooli Arman , Manzano David , Pateraki Irini , Richard Lea , Kolkman Pim , Lucas Maria Fátima , Guallar Victor , de Vos Ric C.H. , Franssen Maurice C. R. , van der Krol Alexander , Bouwmeester Harro
Published: November 2018

Guaianolides are an important class of sesquiterpene lactones with unique biological and pharmaceutical properties. They have been postulated to be derived from germacranolides, but for years no progress has been made in the elucidation of their biosynthesis that requires an unknown cyclization mechanism. Here we demonstrate the isolation and characterization of a cytochrome P450 from feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium), kauniolide synthase. Kauniolide synthase catalyses the formation of the guaianolide kauniolide from the germacranolide substrate costunolide. Unlike most cytochrome P450s, kauniolide synthase combines stereoselective hydroxylation of costunolide at the C3 position, with water elimination, cyclization and regioselective deprotonation. This unique mechanism of action is supported by in silico modelling and docking experiments. The full kauniolide biosynthesis pathway is reconstructed in the heterologous hosts Nicotiana benthamiana and yeast, paving the way for biotechnological production of guaianolide-type sesquiterpene lactones.
Systems glycomics of adult zebrafish identifies organ-specific sialylation and glycosylation patterns
Authors: Yamakawa Nao , Vanbeselaere Jorick , Chang Lan-Yi , Yu Shin-Yi , Ducrocq Lucie , Harduin-Lepers Anne , Kurata Junichi , Aoki-Kinoshita Kiyoko F. , Sato Chihiro , Khoo Kay-Hooi , Kitajima Ken , Guerardel Yann
Published: November 2018

The emergence of zebrafish Danio rerio as a versatile model organism provides the unique opportunity to monitor the functions of glycosylation throughout vertebrate embryogenesis, providing insights into human diseases caused by glycosylation defects. Using a combination of chemical modifications, enzymatic digestion and mass spectrometry analyses, we establish here the precise glycomic profiles of eight individual zebrafish organs and demonstrate that the protein glycosylation and glycosphingolipid expression patterns exhibits exquisite specificity. Concomitant expression screening of a wide array of enzymes involved in the synthesis and transfer of sialic acids shows that the presence of organ-specific sialylation motifs correlates with the localized activity of the corresponding glycan biosynthesis pathways. These findings provide a basis for the rational design of zebrafish lines expressing desired glycosylation profiles.
Design and application of volatilizable solid additives in non-fullerene organic solar cells
Authors: Yu Runnan , Yao Huifeng , Hong Ling , Qin Yunpeng , Zhu Jie , Cui Yong , Li Sunsun , Hou Jianhui
Published: November 2018

Most of the high-performance organic solar cells are fabricated with the assistance of high-boiling-point solvent additives to optimize their charge transport properties; this has adverse effects on the OSCs’ stability and reproducibility in large-scale production. Here, we design volatilizable solid additives by considering the molecular structure feature of an acceptor–donor–acceptor-type non-fullerene acceptor. The application of solid additives can enhance the intermolecular π–π stacking of the non-fullerene acceptor and thus facilitate the charge transport properties in the active layers, leading to improved efficiencies of OSCs. Importantly, devices fabricated using volatilizable solid additives exhibit higher stability and reproducibility when compared with the OSCs processed with solvent additives. Our results not only demonstrate an approach of applying volatilizable solid additives to benefit the large-scale production of OSCs but also provide a potential direction for designing specific solid additives for different active layers.
Dynamic control of proinflammatory cytokines Il-1β and Tnf-α by macrophages in zebrafish spinal cord regeneration
Authors: Tsarouchas Themistoklis M. , Wehner Daniel , Cavone Leonardo , Munir Tahimina , Keatinge Marcus , Lambertus Marvin , Underhill Anna , Barrett Thomas , Kassapis Elias , Ogryzko Nikolay , Feng Yi , van Ham Tjakko J. , Becker Thomas , Becker Catherina G.
Published: November 2018

Spinal cord injury leads to a massive response of innate immune cells in non-regenerating mammals, but also in successfully regenerating zebrafish. However, the role of the immune response in successful regeneration is poorly defined. Here we show that inhibiting inflammation reduces and promoting it accelerates axonal regeneration in spinal-lesioned zebrafish larvae. Mutant analyses show that peripheral macrophages, but not neutrophils or microglia, are necessary for repair. Macrophage-less irf8 mutants show prolonged inflammation with elevated levels of Tnf-α and Il-1β. Inhibiting Tnf-α does not rescue axonal growth in irf8 mutants, but impairs it in wildtype animals, indicating a pro-regenerative role of Tnf-α. In contrast, decreasing Il-1β levels or number of Il-1β+ neutrophils rescue functional regeneration in irf8 mutants. However, during early regeneration, interference with Il-1β function impairs regeneration in irf8 and wildtype animals. Hence, inflammation is dynamically controlled by macrophages to promote functional spinal cord regeneration in zebrafish.
Biological plausibility and stochasticity in scalable VO2 active memristor neurons
Authors: Yi Wei , Tsang Kenneth K. , Lam Stephen K. , Bai Xiwei , Crowell Jack A. , Flores Elias A.
Published: November 2018

Neuromorphic networks of artificial neurons and synapses can solve computationally hard problems with energy efficiencies unattainable for von Neumann architectures. For image processing, silicon neuromorphic processors outperform graphic processing units in energy efficiency by a large margin, but deliver much lower chip-scale throughput. The performance-efficiency dilemma for silicon processors may not be overcome by Moore’s law scaling of silicon transistors. Scalable and biomimetic active memristor neurons and passive memristor synapses form a self-sufficient basis for a transistorless neural network. However, previous demonstrations of memristor neurons only showed simple integrate-and-fire behaviors and did not reveal the rich dynamics and computational complexity of biological neurons. Here we report that neurons built with nanoscale vanadium dioxide active memristors possess all three classes of excitability and most of the known biological neuronal dynamics, and are intrinsically stochastic. With the favorable size and power scaling, there is a path toward an all-memristor neuromorphic cortical computer.
Chiral domain wall motion in unit-cell thick perpendicularly magnetized Heusler films prepared by chemical templating
Authors: Filippou Panagiotis Ch. , Jeong Jaewoo , Ferrante Yari , Yang See-Hun , Topuria Teya , Samant Mahesh G. , Parkin Stuart S. P.
Published: November 2018

Heusler alloys are a large family of compounds with complex and tunable magnetic properties, intimately connected to the atomic scale ordering of their constituent elements. We show that using a chemical templating technique of atomically ordered X′Z′ (X′ = Co; Z′ = Al, Ga, Ge, Sn) underlayers, we can achieve near bulk-like magnetic properties in tetragonally distorted Heusler films, even at room temperature. Excellent perpendicular magnetic anisotropy is found in ferrimagnetic X3Z (X = Mn; Z = Ge, Sn, Sb) films, just 1 or 2 unit-cells thick. Racetracks formed from these films sustain current-induced domain wall motion with velocities of more than 120 m s−1, at current densities up to six times lower than conventional ferromagnetic materials. We find evidence for a significant bulk chiral Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya exchange interaction, whose field strength can be systematically tuned by an order of magnitude. Our work is an important step towards practical applications of Heusler compounds for spintronic technologies.
BMI1 enables interspecies chimerism with human pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Huang Ke , Zhu Yanling , Ma Yanlin , Zhao Bentian , Fan Nana , Li Yuhang , Song Hong , Chu Shilong , Ouyang Zhen , Zhang Quanjun , Xing Qi , Lai Chengdan , Li Nan , Zhang Tian , Gu Jiaming , Kang Baoqiang , Shan Yongli , Lai Keyu , Huang Wenhao , Mai Yuchan , Wang Qing , Li Jinbing , Lin Aiping , Zhang Yanqi , Zhong Xiaofen , Liao Baojian , Lai Liangxue , Chen Jiekai , Pei Duanqing , Pan Guangjin
Published: November 2018

Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) exhibit very limited contribution to interspecies chimeras. One explanation is that the conventional hPSCs are in a primed state and so unable  to form chimeras in pre-implantation embryos. Here, we show that the conventional hPSCs undergo rapid apoptosis when injected into mouse pre-implantation embryos. While, forced-expression of BMI1, a polycomb factor in hPSCs overcomes the apoptosis and enables hPSCs to integrate into mouse pre-implantation embryos and subsequently contribute to chimeras with both embryonic and extra-embryonic tissues. In addition, BMI1 also enables hPSCs to integrate into pre-implantation embryos of other species, such as rabbit and pig. Notably, BMI1 high expression and anti-apoptosis are also indicators for naïve hPSCs to form chimera in mouse embryos. Together, our findings reveal that the apoptosis is an initial barrier in interspecies chimerism using hPSCs and provide a rational to improve it.
Thermostable virus portal proteins as reprogrammable adapters for solid-state nanopore sensors
Authors: Cressiot Benjamin , Greive Sandra J. , Mojtabavi Mehrnaz , Antson Alfred A. , Wanunu Meni
Published: November 2018

Nanopore-based sensors are advancing the sensitivity and selectivity of single-molecule detection in molecular medicine and biotechnology. Current electrical sensing devices are based on either membrane protein pores supported in planar lipid bilayers or solid-state (SS) pores fabricated in thin metallic membranes. While both types of nanosensors have been used in a variety of applications, each has inherent disadvantages that limit its use. Hybrid nanopores, consisting of a protein pore supported within a SS membrane, combine the robust nature of SS membranes with the precise and simple engineering of protein nanopores. We demonstrate here a novel lipid-free hybrid nanopore comprising a natural DNA pore from a thermostable virus, electrokinetically inserted into a larger nanopore supported in a silicon nitride membrane. The hybrid pore is stable and easy to fabricate, and, most importantly, exhibits low peripheral leakage allowing sensing and discrimination among different types of biomolecules.
Signature of quantum Griffiths singularity state in a layered quasi-one-dimensional superconductor
Authors: Zhang Enze , Zhi Jinhua , Zou Yi-Chao , Ye Zefang , Ai Linfeng , Shi Jiacheng , Huang Ce , Liu Shanshan , Lin Zehao , Zheng Xinyuan , Kang Ning , Xu Hongqi , Wang Wei , He Liang , Zou Jin , Liu Jinyu , Mao Zhiqiang , Xiu Faxian
Published: November 2018

Quantum Griffiths singularity was theoretically proposed to interpret the phenomenon of divergent dynamical exponent in quantum phase transitions. It has been discovered experimentally in three-dimensional (3D) magnetic metal systems and two-dimensional (2D) superconductors. But, whether this state exists in lower dimensional systems remains elusive. Here, we report the signature of quantum Griffiths singularity state in quasi-one-dimensional (1D) Ta2PdS5 nanowires. The superconducting critical field shows a strong anisotropic behavior and a violation of the Pauli limit in a parallel magnetic field configuration. Current-voltage measurements exhibit hysteresis loops and a series of multiple voltage steps in transition to the normal state, indicating a quasi-1D nature of the superconductivity. Surprisingly, the nanowire undergoes a superconductor-metal transition when the magnetic field increases. Upon approaching the zero-temperature quantum critical point, the system uncovers the signature of the quantum Griffiths singularity state arising from enhanced quenched disorders, where the dynamical critical exponent becomes diverging rather than being constant.
A retrieval-specific mechanism of adaptive forgetting in the mammalian brain
Authors: Bekinschtein Pedro , Weisstaub Noelia V. , Gallo Francisco , Renner Maria , Anderson Michael C.
Published: November 2018

Forgetting is a ubiquitous phenomenon that is actively promoted in many species. How and whether organisms’ behavioral goals drive which memories are actively forgotten is unknown. Here we show that processes essential to controlling goal-directed behavior trigger active forgetting of distracting memories that interfere with behavioral goals. When rats need to retrieve particular memories to guide exploration, it reduces later retention of other memories encoded in that environment. As with humans, this retrieval-induced forgetting is competition-dependent, cue-independent and reliant on prefrontal control: Silencing the medial prefrontal cortex with muscimol abolishes the effect. cFos imaging reveals that prefrontal control demands decline over repeated retrievals as competing memories are forgotten successfully, revealing a key adaptive benefit of forgetting. Occurring in 88% of the rats studied, this finding establishes a robust model of how adaptive forgetting harmonizes memory with behavioral demands, permitting isolation of its circuit, cellular and molecular mechanisms.
Dissipative shock waves generated by a quantum-mechanical piston
Authors: Mossman Maren E. , Hoefer Mark A. , Julien Keith , Kevrekidis P. G. , Engels P.
Published: November 2018

The piston shock problem is a prototypical example of strongly nonlinear fluid flow that enables the experimental exploration of fluid dynamics in extreme regimes. Here we investigate this problem for a nominally dissipationless, superfluid Bose-Einstein condensate and observe rich dynamics including the formation of a plateau region, a non-expanding shock front, and rarefaction waves. Many aspects of the observed dynamics follow predictions of classical dissipative—rather than superfluid dispersive—shock theory. The emergence of dissipative-like dynamics is attributed to the decay of large amplitude excitations at the shock front into turbulent vortex excitations, which allow us to invoke an eddy viscosity hypothesis. Our experimental observations are accompanied by numerical simulations of the mean-field, Gross-Pitaevskii equation that exhibit quantitative agreement with no fitting parameters. This work provides an avenue for the investigation of quantum shock waves and turbulence in channel geometries, which are currently the focus of intense research efforts.
Symmetry breakdown of electron emission in extreme ultraviolet photoionization of argon
Authors: Ilchen M. , Hartmann G. , Gryzlova E. V. , Achner A. , Allaria E. , Beckmann A. , Braune M. , Buck J. , Callegari C. , Coffee R. N. , Cucini R. , Danailov M. , De Fanis A. , Demidovich A. , Ferrari E. , Finetti P. , Glaser L. , Knie A. , Lindahl A. O. , Plekan O. , Mahne N. , Mazza T. , Raimondi L. , Roussel E. , Scholz F. , Seltmann J. , Shevchuk I. , Svetina C. , Walter P. , Zangrando M. , Viefhaus J. , Grum-Grzhimailo A. N. , Meyer M.
Published: November 2018

Short wavelength free-electron lasers (FELs), providing pulses of ultrahigh photon intensity, have revolutionized spectroscopy on ionic targets. Their exceptional photon flux enables multiple photon absorptions within a single femtosecond pulse, which in turn allows for deep insights into the photoionization process itself as well as into evolving ionic states of a target. Here we employ ultraintense pulses from the FEL FERMI to spectroscopically investigate the sequential emission of electrons from gaseous, atomic argon in the neutral as well as the ionic ground state. A pronounced forward-backward symmetry breaking of the angularly resolved emission patterns with respect to the light propagation direction is experimentally observed and theoretically explained for the region of the Cooper minimum, where the asymmetry of electron emission is strongly enhanced. These findings aim to originate a better understanding of the fundamentals of photon momentum transfer in ionic matter.
Author Correction: Pan-cancer deconvolution of tumour composition using DNA methylation
Authors: Chakravarthy Ankur , Furness Andrew , Joshi Kroopa , Ghorani Ehsan , Ford Kirsty , Ward Matthew J. , King Emma V. , Lechner Matt , Marafioti Teresa , Quezada Sergio A. , Thomas Gareth J. , Feber Andrew , Fenton Tim R.
Published: November 2018

The original version of this Article contained an error in Figure 4. In panel a, the colour code for hot and cold clusters was inadvertently inverted. In the correct version of panel a, the hot clusters are blue and the cold clusters are yellow. This error has now been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.
Author Correction: A mixed antagonistic/synergistic miRNA repression model enables accurate predictions of multi-input miRNA sensor activity
Authors: Gam Jeremy J. , Babb Jonathan , Weiss Ron
Published: November 2018

In the originally published version of this Article, financial support was not fully acknowledged. The PDF and HTML versions of the Article have now been corrected to include support from the National Science Foundation (NSF), award number 1745645.
Publisher Correction: Notch1 regulates the initiation of metastasis and self-renewal of Group 3 medulloblastoma
Authors: Kahn Suzana A. , Wang Xin , Nitta Ryan T. , Gholamin Sharareh , Theruvath Johanna , Hutter Gregor , Azad Tej D. , Wadi Lina , Bolin Sara , Ramaswamy Vijay , Esparza Rogelio , Liu Kun-Wei , Edwards Michael , Swartling Fredrik J. , Sahoo Debashis , Li Gordon , Wechsler-Reya Robert J. , Reimand Jüri , Cho Yoon-Jae , Taylor Michael D. , Weissman Irving L. , Mitra Siddhartha S. , Cheshier Samuel H.
Published: November 2018

The original version of this Article omitted Suzana A. Kahn, Siddhartha S. Mitra & Samuel H. Cheshier as jointly supervising authors. This has now been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.
A study of fractal dimension as a quality indicator of hairtail (Trichiurus haumela) samples during frozen storage
Authors: Luan Lanlan , Sun Yeshun , Chen Shiguo , Wu Chunhua , Hu Yaqin
Published: November 2018

Hairtail fish samples were stored at different freezing temperatures of −5 °C, −20 °C, −40 °C and −80 °C. To establish an effective quality evaluation approach for hairtail samples during frozen storage, fractal dimension was used to observe the porous microstructure that resulted from the ice crystal formation in frozen hairtail meat. The results showed that the initial value of fractal dimension of all the samples was 1.968. After frozen storage, the fractal dimension of samples at −5 °C, −20 °C, −40 °C and −80 °C decreased to 1.539, 1.682, 1.856 and 1.896, respectively. Traditional quality indicators such as water activity, color and textural properties (i.e., hardness, springiness and chewiness) also exhibited a similar decreasing trend, and the rate of change decreased with a decrease in storage temperature. The relationships were analyzed, and these traditional quality indicators were correlated with the fractal dimension with determined correlation coefficients within ±0.900. Moreover, based on the fractal dimension model, the first-order kinetic equation of fractal dimension variation during storage was$${{\bf{d}}}_{{\bf{t}}}={\bf{1.968}}\,{{\bf{e}}}^{{\boldsymbol{-}}{\bf{0.928}}{\bf{t}}{{\bf{e}}}^{{\boldsymbol{-}}{\bf{1431.396}}/{\bf{T}}}}$$dt=1.968e−0.928te−1431.396/T, which can be used to predict the shelf life of preserved hairtails at different storage temperatures. The results demonstrated fractal dimension was a novel and feasible method to evaluate the quality of hairtails in frozen storage.
Sensory prediction errors, not performance errors, update memories in visuomotor adaptation
Authors: Lee Kangwoo , Oh Youngmin , Izawa Jun , Schweighofer Nicolas
Published: November 2018

Sensory prediction errors are thought to update memories in motor adaptation, but the role of performance errors is largely unknown. To dissociate these errors, we manipulated visual feedback during fast shooting movements under visuomotor rotation. Participants were instructed to strategically correct for performance errors by shooting to a neighboring target in one of four conditions: following the movement onset, the main target, the neighboring target, both targets, or none of the targets disappeared. Participants in all conditions experienced a drift away from the main target following the strategy. In conditions where the main target was shown, participants often tried to minimize performance errors caused by the drift by generating corrective movements. However, despite differences in performance during adaptation between conditions, memory decay in a delayed washout block was indistinguishable between conditions. Our results thus suggest that, in visuomotor adaptation, sensory predictions errors, but not performance errors, update the slow, temporally stable, component of motor memory.
High energy oxidation and organosolv solubilization for high yield isolation of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) from Eucalyptus hardwood
Authors: Zhang Renli , Liu Yun
Published: November 2018

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) have been widely used as responsive materials, chiral templates, and tough nano-composites due to its unparalleled properties. Acid and enzyme hydrolyses are extensively employed to prepare CNC. These traditional approaches exhibit inherent limitations of corrosion hazards, time-consuming process, and/or low yield. Herein, irradiation oxidation and organosolv solubilization are conducted to cause rapid degradation with simultaneous crystallization of cellulose to achieve approx. 87% yield of CNC. The morphology, spectroscopic, and stability properties of the as-prepared CNC are characterized through UV-vis spectroscopy, zetal potential, XRD, TEM, DLS, GPC, FT-IR and TGA techniques. The resultant CNC suspension presents unique property with high stability after 9 months storage at 4 °C. Moreover, CNC liquid crystal phase is successfully generated by addition of anions or cations solution to the CNC aqueous dispersion without stirring. The innovative approach in this work opens an avenue to obtain CNC directly from lignocellulosic biomass through irradiation oxidation and organosolv solubilization without acid hydrolysis and washing procedure.
MRI-guided intrathecal transplantation of hydrogel-embedded glial progenitors in large animals
Authors: Malysz-Cymborska Izabela , Golubczyk Dominika , Kalkowski Lukasz , Burczyk Adam , Janowski Miroslaw , Holak Piotr , Olbrych Katarzyna , Sanford Joanna , Stachowiak Kalina , Milewska Kamila , Gorecki Przemysław , Adamiak Zbigniew , Maksymowicz Wojciech , Walczak Piotr
Published: November 2018

Disseminated diseases of the central nervous system such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) require that therapeutic agents are delivered and distributed broadly. Intrathecal route is attractive in that respect, but to date there was no methodology available allowing for optimization of this technique to assure safety and efficacy in a clinically relevant setting. Here, we report on interventional, MRI-guided approach for delivery of hydrogel-embedded glial progenitor cells facilitating cell placement over extended surface of the spinal cord in pigs and in naturally occurring ALS-like disease in dogs. Glial progenitors used as therapeutic agent were embedded in injectable hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel to support their survival and prevent sedimentation or removal. Intrathecal space was reached through lumbar puncture and the catheter was advanced under X-ray guidance to the cervical part of the spine. Animals were then transferred to MRI suite for MRI-guided injection. Interventional and follow-up MRI as well as histopathology demonstrated successful and predictable placement of embedded cells and safety of the procedure.
Effects of CRISPR/Cas9 dosage on TICAM1 and RBL gene mutation rate, embryonic development, hatchability and fry survival in channel catfish
Authors: Elaswad Ahmed , Khalil Karim , Ye Zhi , Liu Zhanjiang , Liu Shikai , Peatman Eric , Odin Ramjie , Vo Khoi , Drescher David , Gosh Kamal , Qin Guyu , Bugg William , Backenstose Nathan , Dunham Rex
Published: November 2018

The current study was conducted to assess the effects of microinjection of different dosages of guide RNA (gRNA)/Cas9 protein on the mutation rate, embryo survival, embryonic development, hatchability and early fry survival in channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus. Guide RNAs targeting two of the channel catfish immune-related genes, toll/interleukin 1 receptor domain-containing adapter molecule (TICAM 1) and rhamnose binding lectin (RBL) genes, were designed and prepared. Three dosages of gRNA/Cas9 protein (low, 2.5 ng gRNA/7.5 ng Cas9, medium, 5 ng gRNA/15 ng Cas9 and high, 7.5 ng gRNA/22.5 ng Cas9) were microinjected into the yolk of one-cell embryos. Mutation rate increased with higher dosages (p < 0.05). Higher dosages increased the mutation frequency in individual embryos where biallelic mutations were detected. For both genes, microinjection procedures increased the embryo mortality (p < 0.05). Increasing the dosage of gRNA/Cas9 protein increased the embryo mortality and reduced the hatching percent (p < 0.05). Embryonic development was delayed when gRNAs targeting RBL gene were injected. Means of fry survival time were similar for different dosages (p > 0.05). The current results lay the foundations for designing gene editing experiments in channel catfish and can be used as a guide for other fish species.