bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of different levels of bacterial probiotic on broilers performance
Authors: Abdollahi M. R. , Kamyab A. , Bazzazzadekan A. , Nik-Khah A. , Shahneh A. Z.
Published: June 2019

The microbial populations in the gastrointestinal tracts of poultry play a key role in normal digestive processes and in maintaining animal health. Disease- and stress-induced changes in the physicochemical environment in the gastrointestinal tract, or simple changes in feed management practices can significantly influence the microbial populations and their effects on animal performance and health. In the last five decades, increased knowledge of the factors that influence the activities of microorganisms in the alimentary tract has helped to define the critical role of these symbiotic organisms. Probiotics, competitive exclusion and direct-fed microbial feed supplements can be used as a strategic tool for managing these microbial populations. The aim of this trial was study of effect of different levels of bacterial probiotic on broilers performance and some of blood factors.
Genetic disorders in dogs
Authors: Sampson J.
Published: June 2019

There has been a shift over the last few years in the profile of diseases that veterinarians encounter in the dog. Improvements and developments in antibiotics, antihelminthics and more effective vaccines have controlled many of the infectious diseases that have caused problems in the past. As a result, there has been a relative increase in diseases that have a genetic basis.
Emerging animal welfare standards: science, values and public trust
Authors: Fraser D.
Published: June 2019

During the last decade, many of the developed countries have seen a rapid move toward explicit farm animal welfare standards. Three historical developments during the last half century have contributed to this move: (1) the emergence of intensive animal production systems developed on the principle of maximizing production efficiency, (2) the perception (sometimes justified, sometimes not) that animal production is becoming an industrial, technological activity substantially controlled by corporate owners, and (3) a rapid increase in humanitarian attitudes toward animals.
Reducing methane production from ruminants – a practical approach
Authors: O’Mara F.P. , Lovett D.K.
Published: June 2019

Although methane production from enteric fermentation in ruminants has been studied for many years, it is only recently that research has focused on reducing methane production in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Many new and novel strategies are being researched, but this paper focuses on mitigation strategies that could currently be implemented from the knowledge already available.
Prevalence of suicide attempts in individuals with schizophrenia: a meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: Lu Li , Dong Min , Zhang Ling , Zhu Xiao-Min , Ungvari Gabor S. , Ng Chee H. , Wang Gang , Xiang Yu-Tao
Published: June 2019

Aims

Suicide attempt is an important indicator of suicide and potential future mortality. However, the prevalence of suicide attempts has been inconsistent across studies. This meta-analysis aimed to examine the prevalence of suicide attempts in individuals with schizophrenia and associated correlates.

Methods

Relevant publications in Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed, Web of science and Cochrane were systematically searched. Data on the prevalence of suicide attempts in individuals with schizophrenia were pooled using a random-effects model.

Results

Thirty-five studies with 16 747 individuals with schizophrenia were included. The pooled lifetime prevalence of suicide attempts was 26.8% (95% CI 22.1–31.9%;I2= 97.0%), while the 1-year prevalence, 1-month prevalence and the prevalence of suicide attempts from illness onset were 3.0% (95% CI 2.3–3.7%;I2= 95.6%), 2.7% (95% CI 2.1–3.4%;I2= 78.5%) and 45.9% (95% CI 42.1–49.9%;I2= 0), respectively. Earlier age of onset (Q= 4.38,p= 0.04), high-income countries (Q= 53.29,p< 0.001), North America and Europe and Central Asia (Q= 32.83,p< 0.001) were significantly associated with a higher prevalence of suicide attempts.

Conclusions

Suicide attempts are common in individuals with schizophrenia, especially those with an early age of onset and living in high-income countries and regions. Regular screening and effective preventive measures should be implemented as part of the clinical care.
The Sun Behind the Clouds? Enforcement of Renewable Energy Awards in the EU
Authors: López-Rodríguez Ana Mercedes
Published: June 2019

A number of European Union (EU) countries have undertaken thorough reforms in the renewable energy sector over the past years. The regulatory changes have triggered a wave of claims from low-carbon investors asserting that the reforms have diminished or exhausted the economic viability of their investments. Unlike local investors, who typically take legal action before domestic courts, foreign investors have filed arbitration claims in accordance with the Energy Charter Treaty, notably against Spain, Italy, Bulgaria, and the Czech Republic, resulting in several awards of damages. However, recent developments in EU state aid law seem to restrict the ability of investors to obtain compensation. This article argues that such developments may undermine renewable energy policy, because arbitration enhances the regulatory stability and predictability which low-carbon investments require only if arbitral awards can be enforced effectively. The article examines the different scenarios that may arise out of the interplay between EU law and investment arbitration in the EU and concludes that the European Commission's arguable redrawing of the boundaries of state aid rules to encompass investment arbitration, combined with the EU's general quest to replace investment arbitration with alternative mechanisms of adjudication, may jeopardize climate change mitigation policies.
“Or a Treaty of the United States”: Treaties and the Alien Tort Statute After Kiobel
Authors: Watson Geoffrey R.
Published: June 2019

The decision in Kiobel v. Royal Dutch Petroleum Co. left open a number of questions about the scope of the Alien Tort Statute (ATS). One such question is the extent to which Kiobel ‘s holding on extraterritoriality applies to the oft-neglected final words of the ATS: “The district courts shall have original jurisdiction of any civil action by an alien for a tort only, committed in violation of the law of nations or a treaty of the United States.”What if one such treaty obliged the United States to provide a civil forum for litigation ofhumanrights violations that occurred abroad and did not involve piracy?
Corporations and Transnational Litigation: Comparing Kiobel with the Jurisprudence of English Courts
Authors: Sanger Andrew
Published: June 2019

As a result of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Kiobel v. Royal Dutch Petroleum Co., claims brought under the Alien Tort Statute (ATS) must “touch and concern the territory of the United States … with sufficient force” for federal courts to recognize a federal common law cause of action for violations of international law.
Precambrian Biochemical Evolution
Authors: Schopf J. William
Published: June 2019

It has become rather widely accepted in recent years that (1) during the geologic past, the Earth's atmosphere evolved from an initial “oxygen deficient” to a later “oxygen-rich” state; that (2) this change was a result chiefly of the cumulative effects of O2-producing “green plant-type” (including cyanobacterial) photosynthesis; and that (3) the transition occurred during the Precambrian, with stable oxygenic conditions having probably become established during the Early Proterozoic (viz., 2.5 to 1.7 Ga). Lines of evidence in support of these suppositions have been drawn from paleobiology, geology, mineralogy, isotopic and organic geochemistry, and comparative planetology – data well familiar to many paleontologists (for detailed discussion including a reference list of some 1,700 entries, see articles in Schopf, 1983). In addition, however, and although it is perhaps not widely recognized, it is of interest to note that the occurrence of such a transition seems also reflected by the nature and structure of the metabolic and biosynthetic pathways of extant living systems. To a paleontologist, this observation should not be surprising. Just as comparative studies of the embryology and structural adult anatomy of extant organisms can provide reliable evidence of phylogenetic relationships, comparative studies of biochemistry –in this case, of evolutionarily conservative, widespread, biochemical pathways – can similarly provide evidence of evolutionary derivation. And just as the structural morphology of currently living systems is a product of, having been influenced by, environments inhabited by evolutionary precursors (e.g., the limb structure of both aquatic and flying mammals reflecting derivation from lineages earlier adapted to the land environment), metabolic and biosynthetic pathways, especially required pathways involved in processes or producing products fundamental to survival, can be expected to provide evidence of past environmental conditions.
Isopycnal Processes Allow for Summertime Heterotrophy Despite Net Oxygen Accumulation in the Lower Euphotic Zone of the Western North Atlantic Subtropical Gyre
Authors: Chen Haidi , McKinley Galen A.
Published: June 2019

In the oligotrophic subtropical gyre of the North Atlantic, the processes that allow for an imbalance between annual biological productivity and organic carbon export have been sought for decades. We use biogeochemical data from profiling floats and 26‐year bottle samples off Bermuda to provide the first evidence for a mechanism that allows for heterotrophy in the presence of oxygen accumulation in the lower euphotic zone (50–100 m) during the stratified season. After the spring bloom, surface waters that are enriched in oxygen and organic matter, but low in nitrate, are subducted and transported along the seasonal isopycnals that progressively displace downward. Due exclusively to this downward displacement, a positive 50‐ to 100‐m depth‐integrated O2 anomaly appears (1,688 ± 545 mmol O2/m2) from mid‐May to mid‐October. Neglecting this effect of isopycnal displacement would suggest an excess of biological productivity over remineralization at 50–100 m (344 ± 330 mmol O2/m2). Yet, when these changes are differenced, significant along‐isopycnal oxygen consumption (−1,344 ± 537 mmol O2/m2) is identified. After accounting for mixing, net biological‐driven oxygen consumption is still found (−827 ± 509 mmol O2/m2), which indicates heterotrophy. Remineralization of sinking and suspended organic matters at 50–100 m could support 90 ± 67% of the heterotrophic demand. Our analysis also shows that the spread in the biological‐driven oxygen sink is linked to the strength of isopycnal displacement that modulates the supply of nutrients and organic matters. This along‐isopycnal transport and heterotrophy in the lower euphotic zone reduces carbon export at 100 m and helps to resolve previously noted imbalances between surface biological productivity and total organic carbon export.
Future Hydroclimatic Impacts on Africa: Beyond the Paris Agreement
Authors: Piemontese Luigi , Fetzer Ingo , Rockström Johan , Jaramillo Fernando
Published: June 2019

Projections of global warming in Africa are generally associated with increasing aridity and decreasing water availability. However, most freshwater assessments focus on single hydroclimatic indicators (e.g., runoff, precipitation, or aridity), lacking analysis on combined changes in evaporative demand, and water availability on land. There remains a high degree of uncertainty over water implications at the basin scale, in particular for the most water‐consuming sector—food production. Using the Budyko framework, we perform an assessment of future hydroclimatic change for the 50 largest African basins, finding a consistent pattern of change in four distinct regions across the two main emission scenarios corresponding to the Paris Agreement, and the business as usual. Although the Paris Agreement is likely to lead to less intense changes when compared to the business as usual, both scenarios show the same pattern of hydroclimatic shifts, suggesting a potential roadmap for hydroclimatic adaptation. We discuss the social‐ecological implications of the projected hydroclimatic shifts in the four regions and argue that climate policies need to be complemented by soil and water conservation practices to make the best use of future water resources.
Concurrent 2018 Hot Extremes Across Northern Hemisphere Due to Human‐Induced Climate Change
Authors: Vogel M. M. , Zscheischler J. , Wartenburger R. , Dee D. , Seneviratne S. I.
Published: June 2019

Extremely high temperatures pose an immediate threat to humans and ecosystems. In recent years, many regions on land and in the ocean experienced heat waves with devastating impacts that would have been highly unlikely without human‐induced climate change. Impacts are particularly severe when heat waves occur in regions with high exposure of people or crops. The recent 2018 spring‐to‐summer season was characterized by several major heat and dry extremes. On daily average between May and July 2018 about 22% of the populated and agricultural areas north of 30° latitude experienced concurrent hot temperature extremes. Events of this type were unprecedented prior to 2010, while similar conditions were experienced in the 2010 and 2012 boreal summers. Earth System Model simulations of present‐day climate, that is, at around +1 °C global warming, also display an increase of concurrent heat extremes. Based on Earth System Model simulations, we show that it is virtually certain (using Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change calibrated uncertainty language) that the 2018 north hemispheric concurrent heat events would not have occurred without human‐induced climate change. Our results further reveal that the average high‐exposure area projected to experience concurrent warm and hot spells in the Northern Hemisphere increases by about 16% per additional +1 °C of global warming. A strong reduction in fossil fuel emissions is paramount to reduce the risks of unprecedented global‐scale heat wave impacts.
Variations in Creep Along One of Earth’s Most Active Faults
Authors: Cook Terri
Published: June 2019

Satellite-based radar images of motion along Turkey’s North Anatolian Fault are helping scientists understand when, where, and how creep occurs and its implications for seismic hazard.
Grid‐ Versus Station‐Based Postprocessing of Ensemble Temperature Forecasts
Authors: Feldmann Kira , Richardson David S. , Gneiting Tilmann
Published: June 2019

Statistical postprocessing aims to improve ensemble model output by delivering calibrated predictive distributions. To train and assess these methods, it is crucial to choose appropriate verification data. Reanalyses cover the entire globe on the same spatiotemporal scale as the forecasting model, while observation stations are scattered across planet Earth. Here we compare the benefits of postprocessing with gridded analyses against postprocessing at observation sites. In a case study, we apply local Ensemble Model Output Statistics to 2‐m temperature forecasts by the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts ensemble system. Our evaluation period ranges from November 2016 to December 2017. Postprocessing yields improvements over the raw ensemble at all lead times. The relative improvement achieved by postprocessing is greater when trained and verified against station observations.
Constraining Absolute Plate Motions Since the Triassic
Authors: Tetley Michael G. , Williams Simon E. , Gurnis Michael , Flament Nicolas , Müller R. Dietmar
Published: June 2019

The absolute motion of tectonic plates since Pangea can be derived from observations of hotspot trails, paleomagnetism, or seismic tomography. However, fitting observations is typically carried out in isolation without consideration for the fit to unused data or whether the resulting plate motions are geodynamically plausible. Through the joint evaluation of global hotspot track observations (for times <80 Ma), first‐order estimates of net lithospheric rotation (NLR), and parameter estimation for paleo–trench migration (TM), we present a suite of geodynamically consistent, data‐optimized global absolute reference frames from 220 Ma to the present. Each absolute plate motion (APM) model was evaluated against six published APM models, together incorporating the full range of primary data constraints. Model performance for published and new models was quantified through a standard statistical analyses using three key diagnostic global metrics: root‐mean square plate velocities, NLR characteristics, and TM behavior. Additionally, models were assessed for consistency with published global paleomagnetic data and for ages <80 Ma for predicted relative hotspot motion, track geometry, and time dependence. Optimized APM models demonstrated significantly improved global fit with geological and geophysical observations while performing consistently with geodynamic constraints. Critically, APM models derived by limiting average rates of NLR to ~0.05°/Myr and absolute TM velocities to ~27‐mm/year fit geological observations including hotspot tracks. This suggests that this range of NLR and TM estimates may be appropriate for Earth over the last 220 Myr, providing a key step toward the practical integration of numerical geodynamics into plate tectonic reconstructions.
Seismic and Microseismic Signatures of Fluids in Rocks: Bridging the Scale Gap
Authors: Sarout J. , David C. , Pimienta L.
Published: June 2019

The aim of this collection is to record a snapshot of our current state of understanding of the impact of fluids on the evolution and monitorability of subsurface rock formations during anthropogenic fluid injection/withdrawal operations, accounting for scale and frequency effects. In this introduction we provide a summary of the key challenges and findings reported in these 23 articles. This suite of articles addresses a variety of issues related to the impact of fluids on subsurface rocks, which can be grouped in three themes: (i) impact of fluids on wave velocity and attenuation/dispersion (five articles); (ii) fluids, fractures, and seismicity (nine articles); and (iii) dynamic fluid injection and substitution (nine articles).
Impact of Aquarius and SMAP Satellite Sea Surface Salinity Observations on Coupled El Niño/Southern Oscillation Forecasts
Authors: Hackert Eric C. , Kovach Robin M. , Busalacchi Antonio J. , Ballabrera‐Poy Joaquim
Published: June 2019

This study demonstrates the positive impact of including gridded Aquarius and Soil Moisture, Active/Passive (SMAP) sea surface salinity (SSS) into initialization of intermediate complexity coupled model forecasts for the tropical Indo‐Pacific. An experiment that assimilates conventional ocean observations serves as the control. In a separate experiment, Aquarius and SMAP satellite SSS are additionally assimilated into the coupled model initialization. Analysis of the initialization differences with the control indicates that SSS assimilation causes a freshening and shallowing of the mixed layer depth near the equator and enhanced Kelvin wave amplitude. For each month from September 2011 to September 2017, 12‐month‐coupled ENSO forecasts are initialized from both the control and satellite SSS assimilation experiments. The experiment assimilating Aquarius and SMAP SSS significantly outperforms the control relative to observed NINO3.4 sea surface temperature anomalies. This work highlights the potential importance of inclusion of satellite SSS for improving the initialization of operational ENSO coupled forecasts.
Factors Affecting the Variability of Maximum Potential Intensity (MPI) of Tropical Cyclones Over the North Atlantic
Authors: Xu Jing , Wang Yuqing , Yang Chi
Published: June 2019

Contributions of atmospheric factors to the variability of the calculated theoretical maximum potential intensity (MPI) of tropical cyclones (TCs) over the North Atlantic are explored using the 6‐hourly atmospheric reanalysis and TC best track data from 1980 to 2015. The results show that for a given sea surface temperature (SST), the calculated theoretical MPI between the medians of top 10% and bottom 10% samples can vary by as large as 10–15 m/s, which accounts for 20–25% of the median of the MPI. It is shown that the drier (moister) and colder (warmer) environment favors higher (lower) MPI, and the TC‐MPI is more sensitive to atmospheric temperature at lower SSTs but more sensitive to atmospheric humidity at higher SSTs. Results from sensitivity experiments show that the tropospheric temperature and humidity profiles and the outflow layer temperature are all responsible for the MPI variability, but their relative importance vary with SST. The atmospheric humidity accounts for 12–13 (7–11) m/s at SSTs over (below) 28 °C, the tropospheric temperature accounts for about 7–12 (5–6) m/s at SSTs below (above) 28 °C, and the outflow temperature accounts for 7–8 m/s almost independent of SST. These results strongly suggest that the modulation of MPI by synoptic variability needs to be considered when MPI is calculated and used as a predictor/parameter in operational TC intensity prediction schemes, especially for strong TCs. Some other implications of the results are also discussed.
Influence of Spatial Resolution on Snow Cover Dynamics for a Coastal and Mountainous Region at High Latitudes (Norway)
Authors: Magnusson Jan , Eisner Stephanie , Huang Shaochun , Lussana Cristian , Mazzotti Giulia , Essery Richard , Saloranta Tuomo , Beldring Stein
Published: June 2019

Climate models show that global warming will disproportionately influence high‐latitude regions and indicate drastic changes in, among others, seasonal snow cover. However, current continental and global simulations covering these regions are often run at coarse grid resolutions, potentially introducing large errors in computed fluxes and states. To quantify some of these errors, we have assessed the sensitivity of an energy‐balance snow model to changes in grid resolution using a multiparametrization framework for the spatial domain of mainland Norway. The framework has allowed us to systematically test how different parametrizations, describing a set of processes, influence the discrepancy, here termed the scale error, between the coarser (5 to 50‐km) and finest (1‐km) resolution. The simulations were set up such that liquid and solid precipitation was identical between the different resolutions, and differences between the simulations arise mainly during the ablation period. The analysis presented in this study focuses on evaluating the scale error for several variables relevant for hydrological and land surface modelling, such as snow water equivalent and turbulent heat exchanges. The analysis reveals that the choice of method for routing liquid water through the snowpack influences the scale error most for snow water equivalent, followed by the type of parametrizations used for computing turbulent heat fluxes and albedo. For turbulent heat exchanges, the scale error is mainly influenced by model assumptions related to atmospheric stability. Finally, regions with strong meteorological and topographic variability show larger scale errors than more homogenous regions.
Reporting guidelines on remotely collected electronic mood data in mood disorder (eMOOD)—recommendations
Authors: Faurholt-Jepsen Maria , Geddes John R. , Goodwin Guy M. , Bauer Michael , Duffy Anne , Vedel Kessing Lars , Saunders Kate
Published: June 2019

Prospective monitoring of mood was started by Kraepelin who made and recorded frequent observations of his patients. During the last decade, the number of research studies using remotely collected electronic mood data has increased markedly. However, standardized measures and methods to collect, analyze and report electronic mood data are lacking. To get better understanding of the nature, correlates and implications of mood and mood instability, and to standardize this process, we propose guidelines for reporting of electronic mood data (eMOOD). This paper provides an overview of remotely collected electronic mood data in mood disorders and discusses why standardized reporting is necessary to evaluate and inform mood research in Psychiatry. Adherence to these guidelines will improve interpretation, reproducibility and future meta-analyses of mood monitoring in mood disorder research.
Cardiac structure and function in patients with schizophrenia taking antipsychotic drugs: an MRI study
Authors: Pillinger Toby , Osimo Emanuele F. , de Marvao Antonio , Berry Ms Alaine , Whitehurst Thomas , Statton Ben , Quinlan Marina , Brugger Stefan , Vazir Ali , Cook Stuart A. , O’Regan Declan P. , Howes Oliver D.
Published: June 2019

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of excess mortality in schizophrenia. Preclinical evidence shows antipsychotics can cause myocardial fibrosis and myocardial inflammation in murine models, but it is not known if this is the case in patients. We therefore set out to determine if there is evidence of cardiac fibrosis and/or inflammation using cardiac MRI in medicated patients with schizophrenia compared with matched healthy controls. Thirty-one participants (14 patients and 17 controls) underwent cardiac MRI assessing myocardial markers of fibrosis/inflammation, indexed by native myocardial T1 time, and cardiac structure (left ventricular (LV) mass) and function (left/right ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes, stroke volumes, and ejection fractions). Participants were physically fit, and matched for age, gender, smoking, blood pressure, BMI, HbA1c, ethnicity, and physical activity. Compared with controls, native myocardial T1 was significantly longer in patients with schizophrenia (effect size, d = 0.89; p = 0.02). Patients had significantly lower LV mass, and lower left/right ventricular end-diastolic and stroke volumes (effect sizes, d = 0.86–1.08; all p-values < 0.05). There were no significant differences in left/right end-systolic volumes and ejection fractions between groups (p > 0.05). These results suggest an early diffuse fibro-inflammatory myocardial process in patients that is independent of established CVD-risk factors and could contribute to the excess cardiovascular mortality associated with schizophrenia. Future studies are required to determine if this is due to antipsychotic treatment or is intrinsic to schizophrenia.
Construction of JRG (Japanese reference genome) with single-molecule real-time sequencing
Authors: Nagasaki Masao , Kuroki Yoko , Shibata Tomoko F. , Katsuoka Fumiki , Mimori Takahiro , Kawai Yosuke , Minegishi Naoko , Hozawa Atsushi , Kuriyama Shinichi , Suzuki Yoichi , Kawame Hiroshi , Nagami Fuji , Takai-Igarashi Takako , Ogishima Soichi , Kojima Kaname , Misawa Kazuharu , Tanabe Osamu , Fuse Nobuo , Tanaka Hiroshi , Yaegashi Nobuo , Kinoshita Kengo , Kure Shiego , Yasuda Jun , Yamamoto Masayuki
Published: June 2019

In recent genome analyses, population-specific reference panels have indicated important. However, reference panels based on short-read sequencing data do not sufficiently cover long insertions. Therefore, the nature of long insertions has not been well documented. Here, we assembled a Japanese genome using single-molecule real-time sequencing data and characterized insertions found in the assembled genome. We identified 3691 insertions ranging from 100 bps to ~10,000 bps in the assembled genome relative to the international reference sequence (GRCh38). To validate and characterize these insertions, we mapped short-reads from 1070 Japanese individuals and 728 individuals from eight other populations to insertions integrated into GRCh38. With this result, we constructed JRGv1 (Japanese Reference Genome version 1) by integrating the 903 verified insertions, totaling 1,086,173 bases, shared by at least two Japanese individuals into GRCh38. We also constructed decoyJRGv1 by concatenating 3559 verified insertions, totaling 2,536,870 bases, shared by at least two Japanese individuals or by six other assemblies. This assembly improved the alignment ratio by 0.4% on average. These results demonstrate the importance of refining the reference assembly and creating a population-specific reference genome. JRGv1 and decoyJRGv1 are available at the JRG website.
Tomographic near-eye displays
Authors: Lee Seungjae , Jo Youngjin , Yoo Dongheon , Cho Jaebum , Lee Dukho , Lee Byoungho
Published: June 2019

The ultimate 3D displays should provide both psychological and physiological cues for depth recognition. However, it has been challenging to satisfy the essential features without making sacrifices in the resolution, frame rate, and eye box. Here, we present a tomographic near-eye display that supports a wide depth of field, quasi-continuous accommodation, omni-directional motion parallax, preserved resolution, full frame, and moderate field of view within a sufficient eye box. The tomographic display consists of focus-tunable optics, a display panel, and a fast spatially adjustable backlight. The synchronization of the focus-tunable optics and the backlight enables the display panel to express the depth information. We implement a benchtop prototype near-eye display, which is the most promising application of tomographic displays. We conclude with a detailed analysis and thorough discussion of the display's optimal volumetric reconstruction. of tomographic displays.
Comparative analysis of mRNA and protein degradation in prostate tissues indicates high stability of proteins
Authors: Shao Wenguang , Guo Tiannan , Toussaint Nora C. , Xue Peng , Wagner Ulrich , Li Li , Charmpi Konstantina , Zhu Yi , Wu Jianmin , Buljan Marija , Sun Rui , Rutishauser Dorothea , Hermanns Thomas , Fankhauser Christian Daniel , Poyet Cedric , Ljubicic Jelena , Rupp Niels , Rüschoff Jan H. , Zhong Qing , Beyer Andreas , Ji Jiafu , Collins Ben C. , Liu Yansheng , Rätsch Gunnar , Wild Peter J. , Aebersold Ruedi
Published: June 2019

Deterioration of biomolecules in clinical tissues is an inevitable pre-analytical process, which affects molecular measurements and thus potentially confounds conclusions from cohort analyses. Here, we investigate the degradation of mRNA and protein in 68 pairs of adjacent prostate tissue samples using RNA-Seq and SWATH mass spectrometry, respectively. To objectively quantify the extent of protein degradation, we develop a numerical score, the Proteome Integrity Number (PIN), that faithfully measures the degree of protein degradation. Our results indicate that protein degradation only affects 5.9% of the samples tested and shows negligible correlation with mRNA degradation in the adjacent samples. These findings are confirmed by independent analyses on additional clinical sample cohorts and across different mass spectrometric methods. Overall, the data show that the majority of samples tested are not compromised by protein degradation, and establish the PIN score as a generic and accurate indicator of sample quality for proteomic analyses.
All-polymer particulate slurry batteries
Authors: Yan Wen , Wang Caixing , Tian Jiaqi , Zhu Guoyin , Ma Lianbo , Wang Yanrong , Chen Renpeng , Hu Yi , Wang Lei , Chen Tao , Ma Jing , Jin Zhong
Published: June 2019

Redox flow batteries are promising for large-scale energy storage, but some long-standing problems such as safety issues, system cost and cycling stability must be resolved. Here we demonstrate a type of redox flow battery that is based on all-polymer particulate slurry electrolytes. Micro-sized and uniformly dispersed all-polymer particulate suspensions are utilized as redox-active materials in redox flow batteries, breaking through the solubility limit and facilitating the application of insoluble redox-active materials. Expensive ion-exchange membranes are replaced by commercial dialysis membranes, which can simultaneously realize the rapid shuttling of H+ ions and cut off the migration of redox-active particulates across the separator via size exclusion. In result, the all-polymer particulate slurry redox flow batteries exhibit a highly reversible multi-electron redox process, rapid electrochemical kinetics and ultra-stable long-term cycling capability.
Selective pressures during chronic infection drive microbial competition and cooperation
Authors: Baishya Jiwasmika , Wakeman Catherine A.
Published: June 2019

Chronic infections often contain complex mixtures of pathogenic and commensal microorganisms ranging from aerobic and anaerobic bacteria to fungi and viruses. The microbial communities present in infected tissues are not passively co-existing but rather actively interacting with each other via a spectrum of competitive and/or cooperative mechanisms. Competition versus cooperation in these microbial interactions can be driven by both the composition of the microbial community as well as the presence of host defense strategies. These interactions are typically mediated via the production of secreted molecules. In this review, we will explore the possibility that microorganisms competing for nutrients at the host–pathogen interface can evolve seemingly cooperative mechanisms by controlling the production of subsets of secreted virulence factors. We will also address interspecies versus intraspecies utilization of community resources and discuss the impact that this phenomenon might have on co-evolution at the host–pathogen interface.
Binary-phase acoustic passive logic gates
Authors: Wang Yin , Xia Jian-ping , Sun Hong-xiang , Yuan Shou-qi , Liu Xiao-jun
Published: June 2019

The recent rapid development of acoustic logic devices has opened up the possibilities of sound computing and information processing. However, simultaneous realization of acoustic logic devices with subwavelength size, broad bandwidth and passive structure still poses a great challenge. To overcome it, we propose a subwavelength acoustic logic gate which consists of binary-phase passive unit cells placed into a multi-port waveguide. Based on the phase manipulations of the unit cells, we experimentally and numerically realize three basic logic gates OR, NOT and AND, and a composite logic gate XOR with a uniform threshold of 0.4 Pa based on linear acoustic interferences. More importantly, We also design a composite logic gate XNOR by a four-port waveguide, and composite logic gates NOR and NAND and a logic operation A⊙(B+C) based on two logic gates. We demonstrate a 0.6λ-length, 0.3λ-width, and 0.2-fractional bandwidth acoustic logic gate constructed by passive structures, which may lead to important advances in various applications, such as acoustic computing, acoustic information processing and integrated acoustics.
Photomagnetic effects in metal-free liquid crystals
Authors: Akita Takuya , Sugiyama Yuki , Yamazaki Taira , Nakagami Sho , Kiyohara Daichi , Uchida Yoshiaki , Nishiyama Norikazu
Published: June 2019

Metal-free liquid-crystalline (LC) materials consisting of a LC nitroxide radical compound exhibit light-induced reversible switching of the magnetic properties as a new photomagnetic effect. This behavior is based on the abrupt change of magnetic properties at the phase transition directly from a chiral smectic C phase to an isotropic liquid (Iso) phase. The origin of the abrupt change is probably the difference in the inhomogeneity of the intermolecular magnetic interactions between LC and Iso phases. To our knowledge, there are no existing reports on a material showing the reversible and quick phase transitions with the large difference of the inhomogeneity. Here we show a relatively simple way to design a compound to enlarge the difference between LC and Iso phases and to make the response quick and reversible. In addition, the presented analysis method that mines Gaussian components from electron paramagnetic resonance spectra enables us to precisely evaluate magnetic properties in condensed phases.
Illuminating the dark side of indoor oxidants
Authors: Young Cora J. , Zhou Shan , Siegel Jeffrey A. , Kahan Tara F.
Published: June 2019

A review of the current understanding of oxidants and their precursors in indoor environments.
Ultra-programmable buckling-driven soft cellular mechanisms
Authors: Janbaz S. , Bobbert F. S. L. , Mirzaali M. J. , Zadpoor A. A.
Published: June 2019

We harnessed buckling which was once considered the epitome of design failure to develop mechanical metamaterials for soft robotic applications.
Recent advances in functional nanomaterials for photoacoustic imaging of glioma
Authors: Gao Duyang , Hu Dehong , Liu Xin , Sheng Zonghai , Zheng Hairong
Published: June 2019

Recent advances in functional nanomaterials for photoacoustic imaging of glioma are summarized, and the current challenges and perspectives are discussed.
Research progress in the development of organic small molecule fluorescent probes for detecting H2O2
Authors: Liu Yuanyuan , Jiao Chunpeng , Lu Wenjuan , Zhang Pingping , Wang Yanfeng
Published: June 2019

This review mainly summarized and introduced five types of H2O2-specific fluorescent probes in probes treasury based on their response group and discussed the molecular mechanism, current situation and prospects of H2O2 fluorescent probes.
Merging of a chemical reaction with microbial metabolismviainverse phase transfer catalysis for efficient production of redMonascuspigments
Authors: Gu Bin , Xie Haisheng , Zhang Xuehong , Wang Zhilong
Published: June 2019

Cascade reactions,i.e., biosynthesis of OMPs and chemical modification of hydrophobic OMPs with water-soluble MSG, are carried out successfully by IPTC.
Mutualistic benefit in the self-sorted co-aggregates of peri-naphthoindigo and a 4-amino-1,8-naphthalimide derivative
Authors: Das Rashmi Jyoti , Mahata Kingsuk
Published: June 2019

Social benefit was observed at the molecular level via photoluminescence enhancement for all the participating components of a self-sorted co-aggregate of PNI and a naphthalimide derivative.
Widely tunable persistent micelle templates via homopolymer swelling
Authors: Sarkar Amrita , Thyagarajan Akshay , Cole August , Stefik Morgan
Published: June 2019

Like an etch-a-sketch, swollen persistent micelle templates enable wide-spanning and independent tuning of both pore and wall dimensions.
Healable and shape-memory dual functional polymers for reliable and multipurpose mechanical energy harvesting devices
Authors: Xu Wei , Wong Man-Chung , Guo Qiongyu , Jia Tiezheng , Hao Jianhua
Published: June 2019

A healable and shape-memory dual-functional polymer (HSP) with remarkably improved mechanical strength and stimuli responses is designed for the fabrication of a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) with superior reliability and versatility.
A 3D ordered hierarchically porous non-carbon electrode for highly effective and efficient capacitive deionization
Authors: Wu Yuchen , Jiang Gaopeng , Liu Guihua , Lui Gregory , Cano Zachary Paul , Li Qian , Zhang Zhen , Yu Aiping , Zhang Zisheng , Chen Zhongwei
Published: June 2019

A nanoengineered 3D hierarchical ordered porous titanium nitride electrode is applied as an effective and efficient non-carbon electrode to deliver outstanding salt adsorption capacity and record-breaking salt adsorption rate in a capacitive deionization cell.
Advances in heart regeneration based on cardiomyocyte proliferation and regenerative potential of binucleated cardiomyocytes and polyploidization
Authors: Leone Marina , Engel Felix B.
Published: June 2019

One great achievement in medical practice is the reduction in acute mortality of myocardial infarction due to identifying risk factors, antiplatelet therapy, optimized hospitalization and acute percutaneous coronary intervention. Yet, the prevalence of heart failure is increasing presenting a major socio-economic burden. Thus, there is a great need for novel therapies that can reverse damage inflicted to the heart. In recent years, data have accumulated suggesting that induction of cardiomyocyte proliferation might be a future option for cardiac regeneration. Here, we review the relevant literature since September 2015 concluding that it remains a challenge to verify that a therapy induces indeed cardiomyocyte proliferation. Most importantly, it is unclear that the detected increase in cardiomyocyte cell cycle activity is required for an associated improved function. In addition, we review the literature regarding the evidence that binucleated and polyploid mononucleated cardiomyocytes can divide, and put this in context to other cell types. Our analysis shows that there is significant evidence that binucleated cardiomyocytes can divide. Yet, it remains elusive whether also polyploid mononucleated cardiomyocytes can divide, how efficient proliferation of binucleated cardiomyocytes can be induced, what mechanism regulates cell cycle progression in these cells, and what fate and physiological properties the daughter cells have. In summary, we propose to standardize and independently validate cardiac regeneration studies, encourage the field to study the proliferative potential of binucleated and polyploid mononucleated cardiomyocytes, and to determine whether induction of polyploidization can enhance cardiac function post-injury.
High boost‐ratio bidirectional converter for interfacing low‐voltage battery energy storage system to a DC bus
Authors: Muchina Eliud G. , Masike Lebogang , Njoroge Gitau Michael
Published: June 2019

Supply and demand mismatches in renewable energy systems are addressed by integrating battery banks. Selecting battery bank terminal voltage to match DC‐bus voltage (350–450 V for single‐phase AC loads), necessitates employing battery banks with long‐string connections along with their attendant shortcomings. To employ short‐string battery banks, high‐boost‐ratio bidirectional interfaces are required between the DC‐bus and battery bank. Current literature lacks a single source where high‐boost‐ratio converters’ are categorised and their strengths and weaknesses identified. Comprehensive literature review is hence carried out to determine attributes of various high‐boost‐ratio DC–DC converters and also categorise them. The key attributes of a topology to interface battery storage to a DC‐bus are determined. Based on these a bidirectional tapped‐inductor boost converter emerges as the best candidate. Moreover, in order to regulate output voltage, voltage‐gain versus duty‐ratio characteristics should not be very steep. Since battery terminal voltage varies with state‐of‐charge, closed‐loop control is necessary. Converter's small‐signal transfer‐functions are derived and a two‐loop controller to regulate output voltage and inductor current while allowing bidirectional power flow designed. A novel bidirectional passive lossless snubber circuit is employed to clamp the voltage spikes across the active switches, without altering the normal operation of the converter.
Flexible topology converter used in photovoltaic micro‐inverter for higher weighted‐efficiency
Authors: Kan Jiarong , Wu Yunya , Tang Yu , Xie Shaojun
Published: June 2019

This study proposes a pre‐stage flexible DC–DC converter (PFDDC) for PV micro‐inverter. The PFDDC can be operated in different modes automatically, i.e. the improved full‐bridge mode when the output power is higher than the threshold value or in the improved two‐transistor forward mode when the output power is lower than the threshold value. The operational principles of the PFDDC in different modes are analysed. The design of the key parameters, such as the turns ratio of transformer and buffering inductance, is presented at first. Then the loss analysis of the PFDDC in different modes is used to determine the threshold power, based on which a switch control strategy according to the threshold power value is proposed. Integration of two operational modes in a single PFDDC can effectively increase the weighted efficiency of the PV micro‐inverter to easily satisfy the mandatory efficiency requirement in Europe and USA. Experimental results are presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed PFDDC.
Adaptive position alignment for wireless charging system with mutual inductance estimation and P&O algorithms employ only primary‐side electrical parameters
Authors: Li Zhenjie , Dong Shuai , Song Kai , Zhu Chunbo , Zhang Qian , Huang Xiaohua
Published: June 2019

Position alignment between the transmitter and the receiver is vital for wireless charging system (WCS) because misalignment influences system efficiency, power transfer capability, and magnetic field distribution. Based on the primary‐side electrical parameters, the mutual inductance estimation and perturbation and observation (P&O) algorithms are proposed to achieve the adaptive position alignment for the inductor‐capacitor‐inductor‐series (LCL‐S) compensated WCS through the movable transmitter. Based on the relationship between primary‐side active power and mutual inductance, the feedback impedance theory and quadrature transformation (QT) algorithms are proposed to estimate the mutual inductance. Combined with the misalignment characteristic of circular magnetic coupler, the position alignment that is achieved by P&O algorithm and estimated mutual inductance. The simulation and experimental results verify the following conclusions: The mutual inductance estimation is suitable for different magnetic coupler and compensation topologies, and the accuracy of the estimated mutual inductance is suitable for practical applications. Compared with traditional active power method, the QT algorithm that calculates is more suitable for WCS that features high operating frequency. Combined with the proposed algorithms, high‐system performance and fully automatic charging are ensured by the adaptive position alignment method.
Improved capacitor voltage balancing control for multimode operation of modular multilevel converter with integrated battery energy storage system
Authors: Wang Zhe , Lin Hua , Ma Yajun
Published: June 2019

Modular multilevel converter with integrated battery energy storage system (MMC‐BESS) has been proposed for energy storage requirements in high‐voltage applications with large‐scale renewable energy resources. The MMC‐BESS is essentially a three‐port converter which can transfer energy between any two of the ac port, dc port, and BESS, constituting multimode operation of the system. Different from conventional MMCs, the state‐of‐charge (SOC) inconsistency among batteries would magnify the submodule capacitor voltage unbalance issue in the MMC‐BESS. In this study, an improved capacitor voltage balancing method applicable for multimode operation of MMC‐BESS is proposed by adjusting ac and dc modulation indexes simultaneously. After that, the ratio of ac and dc modulation indexes is optimised to enhance the tolerance of unbalanced power among SMs within phase arm, greatly improving the SOC equalisation rate. Based on the proposed capacitor voltage balancing method, the control structure is given and the dynamic model is conducted for the analytic design of the closed‐loop controller. Finally, the simulations and experimental results validate the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed control strategy.