bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abbruch der alten Rheinbrücke Wiesbaden‐Schierstein
Authors: Springer Johannes , Jünger Ulrich , Kina Sven
Published: August 2019

Zum Zeitpunkt ihrer Eröffnung Anfang der Sechzigerjahre war die Schiersteiner Brücke eine der am weitesten gespannten Stahlbalkenbrücken weltweit. Der Abbruch einer solchen Großbrücke ist eine besondere Herausforderung. In diesem Beitrag werden der Abbruch der 205 m weit gespannten Strombrücke sowie der Verbundbrücken der Schiersteiner Rheinbrücke beschrieben. Neben einer Beschreibung der alten Brückenkonstruktion von 1962 wird detailliert auf die Planung des Abbruchs und die Abbruchstatik für die Strombrücken und die Verbundbrücken des Brückenzugs eingegangen und es werden grundsätzliche Punkte zum Abbruch von Stahlbrücken zusammengetragen.
Schwingungsbasiertes Spannungsidentifikationsverfahren f ür fachwerkartige Eisen‐ und Stahlkonstruktionen
Authors: Häßler Mai , Zabel Volkmar , Lorenz Werner
Published: August 2019

Die Tragfähigkeitsbeurteilung einer bestehenden fachwerkartigen Eisen‐ und Stahlkonstruktion ist wesentlich von den vorhandenen Stabnormalkräften und den daraus resultierenden Spannungen abhängig. Liegen ausreichend Informationen zum Tragwerk und den äußeren Einwirkungen vor, können die Stabnormalkräfte im Fachwerk in Form einer statischen Berechnung ermittelt werden. Allerdings lässt sich der Spannungszustand für historische Konstruktionen aufgrund von Unschärfen bei der Überführung in ein statisches Modell meist nur ungenau bestimmen. Als Alternative zur statischen Berechnung können zerstörungsfreie messgestützte Verfahren verwendet werden. Das hierfür neu entwickelte Verfahren basiert auf Schwingungsmessungen und der Finite‐ElementeModellkalibrierung. Die Stabkräfte der Zugglieder im Fachwerk lassen sich anhand eines analytisch basierten Algorithmus unter Verwendung eines Vergleichs zwischen numerisch berechneten und experimentell ermittelten Eigenfrequenzen und Eigenschwingformen am Gesamttragwerk sowie ausgewählten Einzelstäben bestimmen. Für die getesteten Tragsysteme zeigte sich unter verschieden hohen Beanspruchungen eine sehr gute Übereinstimmung zwischen den im Versuch aufgebrachten und den mithilfe des entwickelten Verfahrens identifizierten Stabnormalkräften. Ferner werden im Beitrag Empfehlungen zur Erstellung eines Messkonzepts sowie Entwicklung von Bemessungsstrategien für In‐situ‐Untersuchungen und die Zustandsbewertung bestehender Stahlfachwerke angegeben.
Genetically Encoded Membranes for Bottom‐Up Biology
Authors: Vogele Kilian , Pirzer Tobias , Simmel Friedrich C.
Published: August 2019

The creation of self‐replicating cell‐mimicking systems – artificial cells – is one of the major goals of bottom‐up synthetic biology. An essential aspect of such systems is the realization of membranous compartments which can grow and divide in synchrony with the internal dynamics of the cells. Amphiphiles capable of forming membranes may be either externally provided to feed the growing compartments, or generated in situ through chemical processes. In the context of autonomously self‐replicating systems, genetically encoded membranes are of particular interest. Herein, we discuss typical approaches taken for the creation of cell‐like microcompartments via self‐assembly of amphiphiles. We specifically address some of the challenges associated with the generation of phospholipid or peptide‐based membranes via genetic and enzymatic processes.
A multi‐character analysis of Struthiopteris leads to the rescue of Spicantopsis (Blechnaceae, Polypodiopsida)
Authors: Molino Sonia , Gabriel y Galán Jose María , Sessa Emily B. , Wasowicz Pawel
Published: August 2019

The family Blechnaceae is a moderately sized leptosporangiate fern lineage, with 24 genera and around 250 species. Struthiopteris accommodates small to medium‐sized, dimorphic, pinnate species. It is composed of six northern species: S. spicant is distributed in western parts of Europe and North America; S. fallax is endemic to Iceland; S. niponica, S. amabilis and S. castanea are endemic to Japan, and S. hancockii occurs in Japan and Taiwan. Due to the lack of a global review and to its highly interesting geographical distribution, this genus merits further study to clarify its taxonomy, species relationships, and distributional pattern. The present study aims to achieve the following goals: (a) identify and describe morphological characters supporting the taxonomy of Struthiopteris; (b) reconstruct a complete phylogeny for the genus; (c) study the biogeographical history of Struthiopteris at a global scale. The morphological study involved the observation of characters ranging from rhizome scales to spores over 164 individuals. Phylogenies were constructed applying ML and BI techniques over 51 newly produced sequences of three chloroplast markers (rbcL, trnL‐trnF, psbA‐trnH), using the species Blechnidium melanopus and Brainea insignis as closest relatives. For the molecular dating and historical biogeography analyses, we estimated and compared ancestral ranges under several models. Most of the morphological characters led us to discern two groups of species: the S. spicant group (S. spicant, S. fallax, and S. castanea) and the S. niponica group (the remaining species). In our molecular phylogeny, the supposed sister genus Blechnidium always appeared as nested within Struthiopteris, rendering this genus non‐monophyletic. The two groups identified by the morphology appeared as monophyletic clades within Struthiopteris, with the clade S. spicant more closely related to Blechnidium than to the clade S. niponica. For all these reasons, we propose to rescue the now‐disused genus Spicantopsis for the species belonging to the S. niponica group: indeed, this genus was created c. 100 years ago to reunite the same species S. amabilis, S. niponica, and S. hancockii. Our results suggest that all members of this group of genera (Blechnidium, Struthiopteris, Spicantopsis) emerged in East Asia about 85 mya, at a time when Japan was still part of the mainland. It appears that, for most of their history, the members of these genera have been confined to East Asia, with one dispersal to the Americas by an ancestor within Struthiopteris s.str., and additional dispersals to India and the Philippines by Blechnidium melanopus.
Genetic and morphological data reveal new insights into the taxonomy ofCampanula versicolors.l. (Campanulaceae)
Authors: Janković Ivana , Satovic Zlatko , Liber Zlatko , Kuzmanović Nevena , Di Pietro Romeo , Radosavljević Ivan , Nikolov Zoran , Lakušić Dmitar
Published: August 2019

Campanula versicoloris a constituent of theCampanula pyramidaliscomplex, distributed in the central and southern Balkan Peninsula with a small disjunct range in SE Italy. The taxonomy of the broadly definedC. versicolorwas controversial in the past due to high morphological variability of the populations across the range. We used microsatellite DNA data along with morphometric analyses on an extensive population sampling covering the entire range to reconstruct the relationships among populations of the intricateC. versicolors.l. Based on the results three distinct entities can be distinguished, circumscribed here on the subspecies level, with newly established combinations:C. versicolorsubsp.versicolor,C. versicolorsubsp.korabensisandC. versicolorsubsp.tenorei. We propose a new taxonomic treatment ofC. versicolors.l. with description, distribution and habitat data for each of the subspecies and a key for their identification.
Engaging Vocabulary Units: A Flexible Instructional Model
Authors: Manyak Patrick C. , Latka Michelle K.
Published: August 2019

Drawing on research‐informed principles for primary‐grade vocabulary instruction, the authors developed a series of engaging vocabulary units for a first‐grade class. The units, focused on the explicit teaching of target words and the efficient highlighting of larger sets of semantically related words, involved five complementary elements: reading aloud, explicit teaching of word meanings, rich discussion, independent extension activities, and informal assessment. These elements were implemented within whole‐class, small‐group, and independent center structures, worked synergistically to support students’ word learning, and promoted active student engagement. The authors describe three of the vocabulary units, present data used to document student learning, and discuss implications from the project for teachers searching for feasible, flexible ways to implement rich vocabulary instruction within densely packed daily schedules.
Prediction of odor complaints at a large composite reservoir in a highly urbanized area: A machine learning approach
Authors: Mulrow John , Kshetry Nina , Brose Dominic A. , Kumar Kuldip , Jain Darshan , Shah Mohil , Kunetz Thomas E. , Varshney Lav R.
Published: August 2019

Odorous compound emissions and odor complaints from the public are rising concerns for agricultural, industrial, and water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs) near urban areas. Many facilities are deploying sensors that measure malodorous compounds and other factors related to odor creation and dispersion. Focusing on the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago's (MWRDGCs) Thornton Composite Reservoir (7.9 billion gallon capacity), we used meteorological, operational, and H2S sensor data to train a 3‐day advance‐warning predictor of local odor complaints, so as to implement targeted odor prevention measures. Using a machine learning approach, we bypassed difficulties in modeling both physical dispersion and human perception of odors. Utilizing random forest algorithms with varied settings and input attributes, we find that a small network of H2S sensors, meteorological data, and operational data are able to predict odor complaints three days in advance with greater than 60% accuracy and less than 25% false‐positive rates, exceeding MWRDGC’s standards required for full‐scale deployment.

Practitioner points

A random forest algorithm trained on H2S, weather, and operations data successfully predicted odor complaints surrounding a large composite reservoir.

Thirty‐two data attribute combinations were tested. It was found that H2S sensor data alone are insufficient for predicting odor complaints.

The best predictor was a Random Forest Classifier trained on weather, operational, and H2S readings from the reservoir corner locations.

This study demonstrates odor complaint prediction capability utilizing a limited set of data sources and open‐source machine learning techniques.

Given a small network of H2S sensors and organized data management, WRRFs and similar facilities can conduct advance‐warning odor complaint prediction.
The Power of Dialogue and Conversation in Higher Education
Authors: Roper Larry D.
Published: August 2019

This chapter provides a general overview of dialogue and the potential dialogue holds for enhancing leadership education. The chapter discusses the value of dialogue and its important principles, process requirements, and human considerations.
Story Circles, Changing Culture, and Deepening Leadership
Authors: Martinez Charlene C.
Published: August 2019

This chapter amplifies student leader voices as they reflect on their involvement and growth as facilitators and participants of story circles, a structure and process for individuals to use empathy, the arts, and social imagination to support dialogue and change in local communities.
Asymmetric shockwave collisions in AdS5
Authors: Waeber Sebastian , Rabenstein Andreas , Schäfer Andreas , Yaffe Laurence G.
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Collisions of asymmetric planar shocks in maximally supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory are studied via their dual gravitational formulation in asymptotically anti-de Sitter spacetime. The post-collision hydrodynamic flow is found to be very well described by appropriate means of the results of symmetric shock collisions. This study extends, to asymmetric collisions, previous work of Chesler, Kilbertus, and van der Schee examining the special case of symmetric collisions [1]. Given the universal description of hydrodynamic flow produced by asymmetric planar collisions one can model, quantitatively, non-planar, non-central collisions of highly Lorentz contracted projectiles without the need for computing, holographically, collisions of finite size projectiles with very large aspect ratios. This paper also contains a pedagogical description of the computational methods and software used to compute shockwave collisions using pseudo-spectral methods, supplementing the earlier overview of Chesler and Yaffe [2].
The covariance of chiral fermions theory
Authors: Andrzejewski K. , Brihaye Y. , Gonera C. , Gonera J. , Kosinski P. , Maslanka P.
Published: August 2019

Abstract

The quasiclassical theory of massless chiral fermions is considered. The effective action is derived using time-dependent variational principle which provides a clear interpretation of relevant canonical variables. As a result their transformation properties under the action of Lorentz group are derived from first principles.
Three-dimensional finite temperature Z2 gauge theory with tensor network scheme
Authors: Kuramashi Yoshinobu , Yoshimura Yusuke
Published: August 2019

Abstract

We apply a tensor network scheme to finite temperature Z2 gauge theory in 2+1 dimensions. Finite size scaling analysis with the spatial extension up to N

σ
= 4096 at the temporal extension of N

τ
= 2, 3, 5 allows us to determine the transition temperature and the critical exponent ν at high level of precision, which shows the consistency with the Svetitsky-Yaffe conjecture.
Moving Upstream: The Effect of Tobacco Clean Air Restrictions on Educational Inequalities in Smoking Among Young Adults
Authors: Hernandez Elaine M. , Vuolo Mike , Frizzell Laura C. , Kelly Brian C.
Published: August 2019

Education affords a range of direct and indirect benefits that promote longer and healthier lives and stratify health lifestyles. We use tobacco clean air policies to examine whether policies that apply universally—interventions that bypass individuals’ unequal access and ability to employ flexible resources to avoid health hazards—have an effect on educational inequalities in health behaviors. We test theoretically informed but competing hypotheses that these policies either amplify or attenuate the association between education and smoking behavior. Our results provide evidence that interventions that move upstream to apply universally regardless of individual educational attainment—here, tobacco clean air policies—are particularly effective among young adults with the lowest levels of parental or individual educational attainment. These findings provide important evidence that upstream approaches may disrupt persistent educational inequalities in health behaviors. In doing so, they provide opportunities to intervene on behaviors in early adulthood that contribute to disparities in morbidity and mortality later in the life course. These findings also help assuage concerns that tobacco clean air policies increase educational inequalities in smoking by stigmatizing those with the fewest resources.
Frequency and longitudinal clinical outcomes of Alzheimer's AT(N) biomarker profiles: A longitudinal study
Authors: Yu Jin‐Tai , Li Jie‐Qiong , Suckling John , Feng Lei , Pan An , Wang Yan‐Jiang , Song Bo , Zhu Shan‐Liang , Li De‐Hu , Wang Hui‐Fu , Tan Chen‐Chen , Dong Qiang , Tan Lan , Mok Vincent , Aisen Paul S. , Weiner Michael M. ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: August 2019

Introduction

We aimed to estimate the frequency of each AT(N) (β‐amyloid deposition [A], pathologic tau [T], and neurodegeneration [N]) profile in different clinical diagnosis groups and to describe the longitudinal change in clinical outcomes of individuals in each group.

Methods

Longitudinal change in clinical outcomes and conversion risk of AT(N) profiles are assessed using linear mixed‐effects models and multivariate Cox proportional‐hazard models, respectively.

Results

Participants with A+T+N+ showed faster clinical progression than those with A−T−N− and A+T±N−. Compared with A−T−N−, participants with A+T+N± had an increased risk of conversion from cognitively normal (CN) to incident prodromal stage of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and from MCI to AD dementia. A+T+N+ showed an increased conversion risk when compared with A+T±N−.

Discussion

The 2018 research framework may provide prognostic information of clinical change and progression. It may also be useful for targeted recruitment of participants with AD into clinical trials.
The structure of a turbulent line fountain
Authors: Hunt Gary R. , Debugne Antoine L. R. , Ciriello Francesco
Published: August 2019

Line fountains form when heavy miscible fluid is ejected steadily upwards as a jet from a high-aspect-ratio rectangular slot, of length $L$ and half-width $b_{0}$, into lighter quiescent surroundings. Viewed along the slot from one end, previous observations reveal that the ejected fluid mixes with the environment and reaches a peak height before partially collapsing back downward under gravity to form a fountain whose top thereafter fluctuates vertically about a mean height. While the motion as perceived from this single view has provided insights that have successfully guided theoretical predictions for the initial rise height, until now a wider understanding of line fountains, and corresponding predictive capability, has been limited to this single prediction due to a lack of any other observational data. Indeed, the general behaviour of line fountains, including the structure internally and along the spanwise length $L$ of the slot, has not been reported previously. To address this, flow visualisations and comprehensive measurements of saline fountains in an aqueous environment are presented here that reveal their complex overall structure and behaviours. After establishing the uniformity of the source conditions from slots of aspect ratio $600:1$ and $300:1$, we first show that double-averaged (spanwise and time) rise heights $\overline{\overline{z}}_{v}/b_{0}$ scale on $Fr_{0}^{4/3}$, $Fr_{0}$ being the source Froude number, with vertical fluctuations being circa 20 % of these heights. Then, simultaneously interrogating the flow as viewed from above and from the side onto the spanwise dimension, we identify three distinct patterns of behaviour. Instrumental to distinguishing these behaviours were the contrasting signatures we observed in the time series of rise height departures from the mean which led us to the following classification: (i) non-uniform flapping for $0.05\lesssim \overline{\overline{z}}_{v}/L\lesssim 0.30$, in which the lateral motion of the fountain takes the form of an oscillatory wave with a wavelength of $2L/3$ (approx.); (ii) uniform flapping for $0.30\lesssim \overline{\overline{z}}_{v}/L\lesssim 0.45$, in which the entire fountain sways to the left and then to the right side of the slot; and (iii) disorganised flapping for $\overline{\overline{z}}_{v}/L\gtrsim 0.45$. Regarding the internal structure, we show that unlike a classic round fountain, eddying structures comparable in scale with the rise height form towards the top of the fountain, and the counterflow forms predominantly to one side of the jet. We then identify the single dominant mechanism driving the flapping motions, successfully linking the wave-like behaviour observed along the span to the internal structure and vertical oscillations. Quantifying the oscillatory motions, both the vertical and flapping frequencies scale as $Fr_{0}^{-2}$, and we demonstrate and explain a robust coupling between these frequencies that follows a ratio of 2:1.
Entrepreneurship, Strategy, and Business Philanthropy: Cotton Textiles in the British Industrial Revolution
Authors: Shepherd Alice , Toms Steven
Published: August 2019

The article analyzes the relationship between entrepreneurial philanthropy and the competitive process. Competitive conditions interacted significantly with entrepreneurial responses to ethical problems posed by the rapid emergence of factory production following the British Industrial Revolution. Entrepreneurs’ attitudes toward regulation and the labor process are used to identify the major differences and similarities in competitive behavior. These variations are explored using nineteenth-century case studies highlighting examples of philanthropy and competitive behavior. The analysis leads to a typology showing that entrepreneurial philanthropic behavior is conditioned by business strategy variables: specifically, combinations of technological and labor resources controlled by individual entrepreneurs and their businesses.
Climate Change Could Threaten Your Cuppa
Authors: Derouin Sarah
Published: August 2019

The effects of climate change, including warmer temperatures and variable rainfall, may threaten the tea plantations of Sri Lanka within the next 30 to 50 years.
Widespread Contamination Found in Northwest India’s Groundwater
Authors: Morton Mary
Published: August 2019

Naturally occurring contaminants and man-made pollution in drinking water supply may be harmful to human health.
Greenland Ice Sheet Beats All-Time 1-Day Melt Record
Authors: Duncombe Jenessa
Published: August 2019

More ice melted from the ice sheet on 1 August 2019 than any other day on record.
Inferring broken detailed balance in the absence of observable currents
Authors: Martínez Ignacio A. , Bisker Gili , Horowitz Jordan M. , Parrondo Juan M. R.
Published: August 2019

Identifying dissipation is essential for understanding the physical mechanisms underlying nonequilibrium processes. In living systems, for example, the dissipation is directly related to the hydrolysis of fuel molecules such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Nevertheless, detecting broken time-reversal symmetry, which is the hallmark of dissipative processes, remains a challenge in the absence of observable directed motion, flows, or fluxes. Furthermore, quantifying the entropy production in a complex system requires detailed information about its dynamics and internal degrees of freedom. Here we introduce a novel approach to detect time irreversibility and estimate the entropy production from time-series measurements, even in the absence of observable currents. We apply our technique to two different physical systems, namely, a partially hidden network and a molecular motor. Our method does not require complete information about the system dynamics and thus provides a new tool for studying nonequilibrium phenomena.
Action boosts episodic memory encoding in humans via engagement of a noradrenergic system
Authors: Yebra Mar , Galarza-Vallejo Ana , Soto-Leon Vanesa , Gonzalez-Rosa Javier J. , de Berker Archy O. , Bestmann Sven , Oliviero Antonio , Kroes Marijn C. W. , Strange Bryan A.
Published: August 2019

We are constantly interacting with our environment whilst we encode memories. However, how actions influence memory formation remains poorly understood. Goal-directed movement engages the locus coeruleus (LC), the main source of noradrenaline in the brain. Noradrenaline is also known to enhance episodic encoding, suggesting that action could improve memory via LC engagement. Here we demonstrate, across seven experiments, that action (Go-response) enhances episodic encoding for stimuli unrelated to the action itself, compared to action inhibition (NoGo). Functional magnetic resonance imaging, and pupil diameter as a proxy measure for LC-noradrenaline transmission, indicate increased encoding-related LC activity during action. A final experiment, replicated in two independent samples, confirmed a novel prediction derived from these data that emotionally aversive stimuli, which recruit the noradrenergic system, modulate the mnemonic advantage conferred by Go-responses relative to neutral stimuli. We therefore provide converging evidence that action boosts episodic memory encoding via a noradrenergic mechanism.
Histone chaperone exploits intrinsic disorder to switch acetylation specificity
Authors: Danilenko Nataliya , Lercher Lukas , Kirkpatrick John , Gabel Frank , Codutti Luca , Carlomagno Teresa
Published: August 2019

Histones, the principal protein components of chromatin, contain long disordered sequences, which are extensively post-translationally modified. Although histone chaperones are known to control both the activity and specificity of histone-modifying enzymes, the mechanisms promoting modification of highly disordered substrates, such as lysine-acetylation within the N-terminal tail of histone H3, are not understood. Here, to understand how histone chaperones Asf1 and Vps75 together promote H3 K9-acetylation, we establish the solution structural model of the acetyltransferase Rtt109 in complex with Asf1 and Vps75 and the histone dimer H3:H4. We show that Vps75 promotes K9-acetylation by engaging the H3 N-terminal tail in fuzzy electrostatic interactions with its disordered C-terminal domain, thereby confining the H3 tail to a wide central cavity faced by the Rtt109 active site. These fuzzy interactions between disordered domains achieve localization of lysine residues in the H3 tail to the catalytic site with minimal loss of entropy, and may represent a common mechanism of enzymatic reactions involving highly disordered substrates.
Subseafloor life and its biogeochemical impacts
Authors: D’Hondt Steven , Pockalny Robert , Fulfer Victoria M. , Spivack Arthur J.
Published: August 2019

Subseafloor microbial activities are central to Earth’s biogeochemical cycles. They control Earth’s surface oxidation and major aspects of ocean chemistry. They affect climate on long timescales and play major roles in forming and destroying economic resources. In this review, we evaluate present understanding of subseafloor microbes and their activities, identify research gaps, and recommend approaches to filling those gaps. Our synthesis suggests that chemical diffusion rates and reaction affinities play a primary role in controlling rates of subseafloor activities. Fundamental aspects of subseafloor communities, including features that enable their persistence at low catabolic rates for millions of years, remain unknown.
Understanding hydrogen-bonding structures of molecular crystals via electron and NMR nanocrystallography
Authors: Guzmán-Afonso Candelaria , Hong You-lee , Colaux Henri , Iijima Hirofumi , Saitow Akihiro , Fukumura Takuma , Aoyama Yoshitaka , Motoki Souhei , Oikawa Tetsuo , Yamazaki Toshio , Yonekura Koji , Nishiyama Yusuke
Published: August 2019

Understanding hydrogen-bonding networks in nanocrystals and microcrystals that are too small for X-ray diffractometry is a challenge. Although electron diffraction (ED) or electron 3D crystallography are applicable to determining the structures of such nanocrystals owing to their strong scattering power, these techniques still lead to ambiguities in the hydrogen atom positions and misassignments of atoms with similar atomic numbers such as carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen. Here, we propose a technique combining ED, solid-state NMR (SSNMR), and first-principles quantum calculations to overcome these limitations. The rotational ED method is first used to determine the positions of the non-hydrogen atoms, and SSNMR is then applied to ascertain the hydrogen atom positions and assign the carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen atoms via the NMR signals for 1H, 13C, 14N, and 15N with the aid of quantum computations. This approach elucidates the hydrogen-bonding networks in l-histidine and cimetidine form B whose structure was previously unknown.
Programmable four-photon graph states on a silicon chip
Authors: Adcock Jeremy C. , Vigliar Caterina , Santagati Raffaele , Silverstone Joshua W. , Thompson Mark G.
Published: August 2019

Future quantum computers require a scalable architecture on a scalable technology—one that supports millions of high-performance components. Measurement-based protocols, using graph states, represent the state of the art in architectures for optical quantum computing. Silicon photonics technology offers enormous scale and proven quantum optical functionality. Here we produce and encode photonic graph states on a mass-manufactured chip, using four on-chip-generated photons. We programmably generate all types of four-photon graph state, implementing a basic measurement-based protocol, and measure high-visibility heralded interference of the chip’s four photons. We develop a model of the device and bound the dominant sources of error using Bayesian inference. The combination of measurement-based quantum computation, silicon photonics technology, and on-chip multi-pair sources will be a useful one for future scalable quantum information processing with photons.
A putative enoyl-CoA hydratase contributes to biofilm formation and the antibiotic tolerance of Achromobacter xylosoxidans
Authors: Cameron Lydia C. , Bonis Benjamin , Phan Chi Q. , Kent Leslie A. , Lee Alysha K. , Hunter Ryan C.
Published: August 2019

Achromobacter xylosoxidans has attracted increasing attention as an emerging pathogen in patients with cystic fibrosis. Intrinsic resistance to several classes of antimicrobials and the ability to form robust biofilms in vivo contribute to the clinical manifestations of persistent A. xylosoxidans infection. Still, much of A. xylosoxidans biofilm formation remains uncharacterized due to the scarcity of existing genetic tools. Here we demonstrate a promising genetic system for use in A. xylosoxidans; generating a transposon mutant library which was then used to identify genes involved in biofilm development in vitro. We further described the effects of one of the genes found in the mutagenesis screen, encoding a putative enoyl-CoA hydratase, on biofilm structure and tolerance to antimicrobials. Through additional analysis, we find that a fatty acid signaling compound is essential to A. xylosoxidans biofilm ultrastructure and maintenance. This work describes methods for the genetic manipulation of A. xylosoxidans and demonstrated their use to improve our understanding of A. xylosoxidans pathophysiology.
Field testing of a lightweight, inexpensive, and customisable 3D-printed mosquito light trap in the UK
Authors: Hoshi Tomonori , Brugman Victor A. , Sato Shigeharu , Ant Thomas , Tojo Bumpei , Masuda Gaku , Kaneko Satoshi , Moji Kazuhiko , Medlock Jolyon M. , Logan James G.
Published: August 2019

Mosquito surveillance is a fundamental component of planning and evaluating vector control programmes. However, logistical and cost barriers can hinder the implementation of surveillance, particularly in vector-borne disease-endemic areas and in outbreak scenarios in remote areas where the need is often most urgent. The increasing availability and reduced cost of 3D printing technology offers an innovative approach to overcoming these challenges. In this study, we assessed the field performance of a novel, lightweight 3D-printed mosquito light trap baited with carbon dioxide (CO2) in comparison with two gold-standard traps, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) light trap baited with CO2, and the BG Sentinel 2 trap with BG-Lure and CO2. Traps were run for 12 nights in a Latin square design at Rainham Marshes, Essex, UK in September 2018. The 3D-printed trap showed equivalent catch rates to the two commercially available traps. The 3D-printed trap designs are distributed free of charge in this article with the aim of assisting entomological field studies across the world.
Biological and environmental drivers of trophic ecology in marine fishes - a global perspective
Authors: Hayden B. , Palomares M. L. D. , Smith B. E. , Poelen J. H.
Published: August 2019

Dietary niche width and trophic position are key functional traits describing a consumer’s trophic ecology and the role it plays in a community. However, our understanding of the environmental and biological drivers of both traits is predominantly derived from theory or geographically restricted studies and lacks a broad empirical evaluation. We calculated the dietary niche width and trophic position of 2,938 marine fishes and examined the relationship of both traits with species’ maximum length and geographic range, in addition to species richness, productivity, seasonality and water temperature within their geographic range. We used Generalized Additive Models to assess these relationships across seven distinct marine habitat types. Fishes in reef associated habitats typically had a smaller dietary niche width and foraged at a lower trophic position than those in pelagic or demersal regions. Species richness was negatively related to dietary niche width in each habitat. Species range and maximum length both displayed positive associations with dietary niche width. Trophic position was primarily related to species maximum length but also displayed a non-linear relationship with dietary niche width, whereby species of an intermediate trophic position (3–4) had a higher dietary niche width than obligate herbivores or piscivores. Our results indicate that trophic ecology of fishes is driven by several interlinked factors. Although size is a strong predictor of trophic position and the diversity of preys a species can consume, dietary niche width of fishes is also related to prey and competitor richness suggesting that, at a local level, consumer trophic ecology is determined by a trade-off between environmental drivers and biological traits.
The core microbiome of sessile ciliate Stentor coeruleus is not shaped by the environment
Authors: Lanzoni Olivia , Plotnikov Andrey , Khlopko Yuri , Munz Giulio , Petroni Giulio , Potekhin Alexey
Published: August 2019

Microbiomes of multicellular organisms are one of the hottest topics in microbiology and physiology, while only few studies addressed bacterial communities associated with protists. Protists are widespread in all environments and can be colonized by plethora of different bacteria, including also human pathogens. The aim of this study was to characterize the prokaryotic community associated with the sessile ciliate Stentor coeruleus. 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding was performed on single cells of S. coeruleus and on their environment, water from the sewage stream. Our results showed that the prokaryotic community composition differed significantly between Stentor cells and their environment. The core microbiome common for all ciliate specimens analyzed could be defined, and it was composed mainly by representatives of bacterial genera which include also potential human pathogens and commensals, such as Neisseria, Streptococcus, Capnocytophaga, Porphyromonas. Numerous 16S rRNA gene contigs belonged to endosymbiont “Candidatus Megaira polyxenophila”. Our data suggest that each ciliate cell can be considered as an ecological microniche harboring diverse prokaryotic organisms. Possible benefits for persistence and transmission in nature for bacteria associated with protists are discussed. Our results support the hypothesis that ciliates attract potentially pathogenic bacteria and play the role of natural reservoirs for them.
Machine Learning Allows Calibration Models to Predict Trace Element Concentration in Soils with Generalized LIBS Spectra
Authors: Sun Chen , Tian Ye , Gao Liang , Niu Yishuai , Zhang Tianlong , Li Hua , Zhang Yuqing , Yue Zengqi , Delepine-Gilon Nicole , Yu Jin
Published: August 2019

Determination of trace elements in soils with laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy is significantly affected by the matrix effect, due to large variations in chemical composition and physical property of different soils. Spectroscopic data treatment with univariate models often leads to poor analytical performances. We have developed in this work a multivariate model using machine learning algorithms based on a back-propagation neural network (BPNN). Beyond the classical chemometry approach, machine learning, with tremendous progresses the last years especially for image processing, is offering an ensemble of powerful and constantly renewed algorithms and tools efficient for the different steps in the construction of a spectroscopic data treatment model, including feature selection and neural network training. Considering the matrix effect as the focus of this work, we have developed the concept of generalized spectrum, where the information about the soil matrix is explicitly included in the input vector of the model as an additional dimension. After a brief presentation of the experimental procedure and the results of regression with a univariate model, the development of the multivariate model will be described in detail together with its analytical performances, showing average relative errors of calibration (REC) and of prediction (REP) within the range of 5–6%.
Serum amino acid concentrations and clinical outcomes in smokers: SPIROMICS metabolomics study
Authors: Labaki Wassim W. , Gu Tian , Murray Susan , Curtis Jeffrey L. , Yeomans Larisa , Bowler Russell P. , Barr R. Graham , Comellas Alejandro P. , Hansel Nadia N. , Cooper Christopher B. , Barjaktarevic Igor , Kanner Richard E. , Paine Robert , McDonald Merry-Lynn N. , Krishnan Jerry A. , Peters Stephen P. , Woodruff Prescott G. , O’Neal Wanda K. , Diao Wenqi , He Bei , Martinez Fernando J. , Standiford Theodore J. , Stringer Kathleen A. , Han MeiLan K.
Published: August 2019

Metabolomics is an emerging science that can inform pathogenic mechanisms behind clinical phenotypes in COPD. We aimed to understand disturbances in the serum metabolome associated with respiratory outcomes in ever-smokers from the SPIROMICS cohort. We measured 27 serum metabolites, mostly amino acids, by1H-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy in 157 white ever-smokers with and without COPD. We tested the association between log-transformed metabolite concentrations and one-year incidence of respiratory exacerbations after adjusting for age, sex, current smoking, body mass index, diabetes, inhaled or oral corticosteroid use, study site and clinical predictors of exacerbations, including FEV1% predicted and history of exacerbations. The mean age of participants was 53.7 years and 58% had COPD. Lower concentrations of serum amino acids were independently associated with 1-year incidence of respiratory exacerbations, including tryptophan (β = −4.1, 95% CI [−7.0; −1.1], p = 0.007) and the branched-chain amino acids (leucine: β = −6.0, 95% CI [−9.5; −2.4], p = 0.001; isoleucine: β = −5.2, 95% CI [−8.6; −1.8], p = 0.003; valine: β = −4.1, 95% CI [−6.9; −1.4], p = 0.003). Tryptophan concentration was inversely associated with the blood neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (p = 0.03) and the BODE index (p = 0.03). Reduced serum amino acid concentrations in ever-smokers with and without COPD are associated with an increased incidence of respiratory exacerbations.
Estimating ruminal crude protein degradation from beef cattle feedstuff
Authors: Liu Chang , Li Deyong , Chen Wanbao , Li Yan , Wu Hao , Meng Qingxiang , Zhou Zhenming
Published: August 2019

We estimated ruminal crude protein degradation of twelve feedstuffs commonly used in China using in vitro and in vivo methods. The in vivo net protein utilization (NPU) levels of corn, sorghum, barley, wheat, Chinese wild rye grass, corn stalk, rice straw, soybean straw, soybean meal, distillers’ dried grains with solubles (DDGS), Brewers’ spent grains, and sunflower meal were 52.57, 49.68, 65.38, 72.58, 82.41, 72.26, 68.57, 76.95, 54.75, 56.27, 29.03 and 41.88%, respectively. The linear regression between NH3-N incorporated into microbial proteins and gas production after incubation (6, 12, and 24 h) was significant (r = 0.9948 and P < 0.001, r = 0.9874 and P < 0.01, and r = 0.9912 and P < 0.01, respectively). Based on the linear regression equations, we estimated in vitro protein degradability (IVPD) and generated the regression equations between IVPD and NPU. The linear regression equations between IVPD and NPU after 6 h incubation in the energy, protein, and roughage feed groups were Y = 0.5633X + 33.20 (R2 = 0.8517, P < 0.05), Y = 0.8482X+ 34.81 (R2 = 0.8650, P < 0.05), and Y = 1.6295X − 17.70 (R2 = 0.909, P < 0.05), respectively. The in vitro gas production method is useful for the determination of protein degradation in feedstuffs.
Comprehensive Proteomic Analysis Reveals Intermediate Stage of Non-Lesional Psoriatic Skin and Points out the Importance of Proteins Outside this Trend
Authors: Szél Edit , Bozó Renáta , Hunyadi-Gulyás Éva , Manczinger Máté , Szabó Kornélia , Kemény Lajos , Bata-Csörgő Zsuzsanna , Groma Gergely
Published: August 2019

To better understand the pathomechanism of psoriasis, a comparative proteomic analysis was performed with non-lesional and lesional skin from psoriasis patients and skin from healthy individuals. Strikingly, 79.9% of the proteins that were differentially expressed in lesional and healthy skin exhibited expression levels in non-lesional skin that were within twofold of the levels observed in healthy and lesional skin, suggesting that non-lesional skin represents an intermediate stage. Proteins outside this trend were categorized into three groups: I. proteins in non-lesional skin exhibiting expression similar to lesional skin, which might be predisposing factors (i.e., CSE1L, GART, MYO18A and UGDH); II. proteins that were differentially expressed in non-lesional and lesional skin but not in healthy and lesional skin, which might be non-lesional characteristic alteration (i.e., CHCHD6, CHMP5, FLOT2, ITGA7, LEMD2, NOP56, PLVAP and RRAS); and III. proteins with contrasting differential expression in non-lesional and lesional skin compared to healthy skin, which might contribute to maintaining the non-lesional state (i.e., ITGA7, ITGA8, PLVAP, PSAPL1, SMARCA5 and XP32). Finally, proteins differentially expressed in lesions may indicate increased sensitivity to stimuli, peripheral nervous system alterations, furthermore MYBBP1A and PRKDC were identified as potential regulators of key pathomechanisms, including stress and immune response, proliferation and differentiation.
Urinary miRNA-27b-3p and miRNA-1228-3p correlate with the progression of Kidney Fibrosis in Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Conserva Francesca , Barozzino Mariagrazia , Pesce Francesco , Divella Chiara , Oranger Annarita , Papale Massimo , Sallustio Fabio , Simone Simona , Laviola Luigi , Giorgino Francesco , Gallone Anna , Pontrelli Paola , Gesualdo Loreto
Published: August 2019

Diabetic Nephropathy (DN) is a chronic complication of diabetes and the primary cause of end stage renal disease. Differential diagnosis for DN requires invasive histological investigation, thus there is need for non-invasive biomarkers to discriminate among different histological lesions in diabetic patients. With the aim to identify a pattern of differentially expressed miRNAs in kidney biopsies of DN patients, we assayed miRNA expression in kidney biopsies from DN patients, diabetic patients with membranous nephropathy and patients with normal histology. Nine miRNAs were differentially expressed among the three groups, and 2 miRNAs (miR-27b-3p and miR-1228-3p) showed interaction with an ubiquitin-conjugating E2 enzyme variant (UBE2v1). UBE2v1 mediates the formation of lysine 63-linked ubiquitin chains, a mechanism we previously showed as involved in DN kidney fibrosis. Both miRNAs were validated as down-regulated in biopsies and urines of DN patients, possibly affected by DNA methylation. Interestingly, the urinary levels of both miRNAs could also discriminate among different degrees of renal fibrosis. Finally, we showed that the combined urinary expression of both miRNAs was also able to discriminate DN patients from other glomerulonephritides in diabetic patients. In conclusion we identified two miRNAs potentially useful as candidate biomarkers of tubular-interstitial fibrosis in diabetic patients with DN.
Thermostability as a highly dependent prion strain feature
Authors: Marín-Moreno Alba , Aguilar-Calvo Patricia , Moudjou Mohammed , Espinosa Juan Carlos , Béringue Vincent , Torres Juan María
Published: August 2019

Prion diseases are caused by the conversion of physiological PrPC into the pathogenic misfolded protein PrPSc, conferring new properties to PrPSc that vary upon prion strains. In this work, we analyze the thermostability of three prion strains (BSE, RML and 22L) that were heated at 98 °C for 2 hours. PrPSc resistance to proteinase K (PrPres), residual infectivity by mouse bioassay and in vitro templating activity by protein misfolding cyclic amplification (PMCA) were studied. Heated strains showed a huge loss of PrPres and a radically different infectivity loss: RML was the most thermolabile strain (6 to 7 log10 infectivity loss), followed by 22L (5 log10) while BSE was the most thermostable strain with low or null infectivity reduction showing a clear dissociation between PrPres and infectivity. These results indicate that thermostability is a strain-specific feature, measurable by PMCA and mouse bioassay, and a great tool to distinguish prion strains.
Population genetics of ectoparasitic mites suggest arms race with honeybee hosts
Authors: Beaurepaire Alexis L. , Moro Arrigo , Mondet Fanny , Le Conte Yves , Neumann Peter , Locke Barbara
Published: August 2019

The ectoparasitic mite, Varroa destructor, is the most severe biotic threat to honeybees (Apis mellifera) globally, usually causing colony death within a few years without treatments. While it is known that a few A. mellifera populations survive mite infestations by means of natural selection, the possible role of mite adaptations remains unclear. To investigate potential changes in mite populations in response to host adaptations, the genetic structure of V. destructor in the mite-resistant A. mellifera population on Gotland, Sweden, was studied. Spatio-temporal genetic changes were assessed by comparing mites collected in these colonies, as well as from neighboring mite-susceptible colonies, in historic (2009) and current (2017/2018) samples. The results show significant changes in the genetic structure of the mite populations during the time frame of this study. These changes were more pronounced in the V. destructor population infesting the mite-resistant honeybee colonies than in the mite-susceptible colonies. These results suggest that V. destructor populations are reciprocating, in a coevolutionary arms race, to the selection pressure induced by their honeybee host. Our data reveal exciting new insights into host-parasite interactions between A. mellifera and its major parasite.
A Design of Experiments (DoE) Approach Accelerates the Optimization of Copper-Mediated 18F-Fluorination Reactions of Arylstannanes
Authors: Bowden Gregory D. , Pichler Bernd J. , Maurer Andreas
Published: August 2019

Recent advancements in 18F radiochemistry, such as the advent of copper-mediated radiofluorination (CMRF) chemistry, have provided unprecedented access to novel chemically diverse PET probes; however, these multicomponent reactions have come with a new set of complex optimization problems. Design of experiments (DoE) is a statistical approach to process optimization that is used across a variety of industries. It possesses a number of advantages over the traditionally employed “one variable at a time” (OVAT) approach, such as increased experimental efficiency as well as an ability to resolve factor interactions and provide detailed maps of a process’s behavior. Here we demonstrate the utility of DoE to the development and optimization of new radiochemical methodologies and novel PET tracer synthesis. Using DoE to construct experimentally efficient factor screening and optimization studies, we were able to identify critical factors and model their behavior with more than two-fold greater experimental efficiency than the traditional OVAT approach. Additionally, the use of DoE allowed us to glean new insights into the behavior of the CMRF of a number of arylstannane precursors. This information has guided our decision-making efforts while developing efficient reaction conditions that suit the unique process requirements of 18F PET tracer synthesis.