bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Al substitution effects on phase stabilities and magnetic properties of tetragonal Mn3Ge
Authors: Okada Hironari , Shoji Yudai
Published: March 2019

We have investigated Al substitution effects on phase stabilities and magnetic properties of Mn3Ge with tetragonal D022 structure. The lattice constant a is expanded, and the c is contracted by substituting Al for Ge. Consequently, the unit cell volume slightly increases with the increasing Al content, although Al atom has smaller ionic radius than Ge atom. These composition dependencies of the structural parameters are influenced by the number of the valence electrons rather than the ionic radius. Thermal stability of the D022 structure is enhanced by the Al substitution. The magnetic curves of the Al-substituted system mostly unchanged, suggesting that the structural properties such as the unit cell volume and the atomic distance between the Mn atoms play an important role for the magnetic properties of the alloy.
Control of asymmetric flow over a blunt-nosed slender body
Authors: Qi Zhongyang , Wang Yankui
Published: March 2019

An innovative control device for the asymmetric flows over a blunt-nosed slender body is studied at a high angle of attack (α = 50°). The control device is composed of a micro-particle and a blowing device. Experimental tests are conducted to study the control of asymmetric flow. Particle-image velocimetry, surface oil-flow visualizations, and pressure scanning are used to present the vortical structures, flow separations, and pressure distributions. A blow hole with a diameter of db = 0.005D and a particle with a diameter of dp = 0.006D are placed on both sides of the nose as the micro-blowing perturbation and micro-particle perturbation (MPP), respectively, to control the behavior of the asymmetric vortices. The blowing coefficient (Cμ) through the blow hole is 0–9.42 × 10−5. Results show that a certain and predictable pattern of asymmetric flow is first presented at Cμ = 0, owing to the certain location of MPP on the nose. Subsequently, as Cμ increases, the asymmetric flow is changed into symmetrical first and then into the opposite asymmetric flow pattern. As a result, the corresponding side-force is changed into zero and then the opposite direction. These results indicate that the pattern of asymmetric vortices and their corresponding side-forces are easily managed by changing the blowing coefficient. The evolutions of associated pressure distributions, flow separations, and vortical structures with the increase in blowing coefficient are presented in detail.
Brownian dynamics of a neutral protein moving through a nanopore in an electrically biased membrane
Authors: Wells Craig C. , Melnikov Dmitriy V. , Gracheva Maria E.
Published: March 2019

The ability to separate proteins is desirable for many fields of study, and nanoporous membranes may offer a method for rapid protein filtration at high throughput volume, provided there is an understanding of the protein dynamics involved. In this work, we use Brownian dynamics simulations to study the motion of coarse-grained proteins insulin and ubiquitin in an electrically biased membrane. In our model, the protein is subjected to various biases applied to the silicon membrane equipped with a nanopore of different radii. The time each protein takes to find a cylindrical nanopore embedded in a thin silicon membrane, attempt to translocate it (waiting time), and successfully translocate it in a single attempt (translocation time) is calculated. We observe insulin finding the nanopore and translocating it faster than the electrically neutral ubiquitin due to insulin’s slightly smaller size and net negative charge. While ubiquitin’s dynamics is also affected by the size of the pore, surprisingly, its translocation process is also noticeably changed by the membrane bias. By investigating the protein’s multipole moments, we demonstrate that this behavior is largely due to the protein’s dipole and quadrupole interactions with the membrane potential.
Optical imaging and spectroscopy of SnO2-rhodamine 6G composite's desiccation patterns
Authors: Issac Abey , Sumesh Sofin R. G. , Al Ghafri Dana Salim Humood , Al Alawi Mariam Hamed Rashid , Abou-Zied Osama K.
Published: March 2019

In this study, we produced self-assembly structures (desiccation patterns) in the drying sessile drops of SnO2-R6G colloidal suspension that have functional applications. Colloidal suspensions of SnO2 nanoparticles were synthesized using the sol-gel method and, subsequently, R6G molecules were added into the suspension. Centimeter-sized honeycomb- or tree-like self-assembled structures of the nanoparticle-dye composite are formed from the evaporating droplets on a flat glass surface. The usual “coffee ring” effect observed in the case of drying of a sessile drop of dye solution is inhibited this way, which is desirable in many applications. The structures were investigated using optical microscopy and spectroscopy. The resemblance between transmission and fluorescence images illustrates the feasibility of organizing dye molecules in a specific way using self-assembled nanoparticles as a template. However, dye fluorescence from the self-assembly is very weak, which might be due to photoinduced interfacial electron transfer from the excited dye molecules to the nanoparticles.
Chemical and hydrodynamic alignment of an enzyme
Authors: Adeleke-Larodo T. , Agudo-Canalejo J. , Golestanian R.
Published: March 2019

Motivated by the implications of the complex and dynamic modular geometry of an enzyme on its motion, we investigate the effect of combining long-range internal and external hydrodynamic interactions due to thermal fluctuations with short-range surface interactions. An asymmetric dumbbell consisting of two unequal subunits, in a nonuniform suspension of a solute with which it interacts via hydrodynamic interactions as well as non-contact surface interactions, is shown to have two alignment mechanisms due to the two types of interactions. In addition to alignment, the chemical gradient results in a drift velocity that is modified by hydrodynamic interactions between the constituents of the enzyme.
Determine turntable coordinate system considering its non-orthogonality
Authors: Guo Xiaoting , Tang Jun , Li Jie , Wang Chenguang , Shen Chong , Liu Jun
Published: March 2019

In industrial measurement and laboratory research, many measured objects are placed on the three-axis turntable. In this paper, we propose a fast and practical method to determine the turntable coordinate system with the aid of spatial coordinate of point cloud data. By sphere fitting, plane fitting, and point projection, the scattered point cloud data are combined together to obtain initial direction vectors. Considering the non-orthogonality of turntable, the least two pairs of skew lines are used to compute the approximate turntable center. And the intersection angles and distances between each axis are given to judge the degree of non-orthogonality. Then, based on the approximate sphere center and the initial rotation vectors, the direction vectors are, respectively, optimized in a predefined order. An experimental system is set up to validate the proposed method. Attitude parameters computed by spatial point coordinates before and after turntable calibration are employed to give the quantitative evaluation results. And the total attitude errors in three axes motion forms all reduce, which demonstrates the effectiveness and practicality of the proposed method.
Observing microscopic transitions from macroscopic bursts: Instability-mediated resetting in the incoherent regime of the D-dimensional generalized Kuramoto model
Authors: Chandra Sarthak , Ott Edward
Published: March 2019

This paper considers a recently introduced D-dimensional generalized Kuramoto model for many (N≫1) interacting agents, in which the agent states are D-dimensional unit vectors. It was previously shown that, for even (but not odd) D, similar to the original Kuramoto model (D=2), there exists a continuous dynamical phase transition from incoherence to coherence of the time asymptotic attracting state (time t→∞) as the coupling parameter K increases through a critical value which we denote Kc(+)>0. We consider this transition from the point of view of the stability of an incoherent state, where an incoherent state is defined as one for which the N→∞ distribution function is time-independent and the macroscopic order parameter is zero. In contrast with D=2, for even D>2, there is an infinity of possible incoherent equilibria, each of which becomes unstable with increasing K at a different point K=Kc. Although there are incoherent equilibria for which Kc=Kc(+), there are also incoherent equilibria with a range of possible Kc values below Kc(+), (Kc(+)/2)≤Kc<Kc(+). How can the possible instability of incoherent states arising at K=KcKc(+)? We find, for a given incoherent equilibrium, that, if K is rapidly increased from K<Kc to Kc<K<Kc(+), due to the instability, a short, macroscopic burst of coherence is observed, in which the coherence initially grows exponentially, but then reaches a maximum, past which it decays back into incoherence. Furthermore, after this decay, we observe that the equilibrium has been reset to a new equilibrium whose Kc value exceeds that of the increased K. Thus, this process, which we call “Instability-Mediated Resetting,” leads to an increase in the effective Kc with continuously increasing K, until the equilibrium has been effectively set to one for which Kc≈Kc(+). Thus, instability-mediated resetting leads to a unique critical point of the t→∞ time asymptotic state (K=Kc(+)) in spite of the existence of an infinity of possible pretransition incoherent states.
Quantum-enhanced noise radar
Authors: Chang C. W. Sandbo , Vadiraj A. M. , Bourassa J. , Balaji B. , Wilson C. M.
Published: March 2019

We propose a protocol for quantum illumination: a quantum-enhanced noise radar. A two-mode squeezed state, which exhibits continuous-variable entanglement between so-called signal and idler beams, is used as input to the radar system. Compared to existing proposals for quantum illumination, our protocol does not require joint measurement of the signal and idler beams. This greatly enhances the practicality of the system by, for instance, eliminating the need for a quantum memory to store the idler. We perform a proof-of-principle experiment in the microwave regime, directly comparing the performance of a two-mode squeezed source to an ideal classical noise source that saturates the classical bound for correlation. We find that, even in the presence of significant added noise and loss, the quantum source outperforms the classical source by as much as an order of magnitude.
Impacts of stopper type and material on the broadband characteristics and performance of energy harvesters
Authors: Zhou K. , Dai H. L. , Abdelkefi A. , Zhou H. Y. , Ni Q.
Published: March 2019

Exploiting nonlinear impact force induced by a stopper has been widely proposed to broaden the bandwidth of energy harvesters from mechanical vibrations, but the previous studies just directly employed the stopper and did not consider the effect of inherent factors of the stopper like its type and material. This letter devotes to efficiently utilize the stopper to broaden the resonance region of the energy harvester mainly from perspective of stopper type and material. Four stopper types are taken into account including the stopper with rigid and soft materials and the spring stopper. Experimental results show that two sides followed stopper type can greatly increase the bandwidth which is much better than other considered types. Importantly, using the stopper with soft materials or the spring stopper is followed by a wider resonance region and a higher output voltage of the energy harvester compared to that with rigid materials. Moreover, agreements between theoretical predictions and experimental measurements indicate the feasibility of using the trilinear spring model to describe the nonlinear impact force which is determined by stopper type and material. The present study delivers to essentially improve the output performance of energy harvesters by selecting the efficient stopper.
The chemical space of B, N-substituted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: Combinatorial enumeration and high-throughput first-principles modeling
Authors: Chakraborty Sabyasachi , Kayastha Prakriti , Ramakrishnan Raghunathan
Published: March 2019

Combinatorial introduction of heteroatoms in the two-dimensional framework of aromatic hydrocarbons opens up possibilities to design compound libraries exhibiting desirable photovoltaic and photochemical properties. Exhaustive enumeration and first-principles characterization of this chemical space provide indispensable insights for rational compound design strategies. Here, for the smallest seventy-seven Kekulean-benzenoid polycyclic systems, we reveal combinatorial substitution of C atom pairs with the isosteric and isoelectronic B, N pairs to result in 7 453 041 547 842 (7.4 tera) unique molecules. We present comprehensive frequency distributions of this chemical space, analyze trends, and discuss a symmetry-controlled selectivity manifestable in synthesis product yield. Furthermore, by performing high-throughput ab initio density functional theory calculations of over thirty-three thousand (33k) representative molecules, we discuss quantitative trends in the structural stability and inter-property relationships across heteroarenes. Our results indicate a significant fraction of the 33k molecules to be electronically active in the 1.5–2.5 eV region, encompassing the most intense region of the solar spectrum, indicating their suitability as potential light-harvesting molecular components in photo-catalyzed solar cells.
Soil carbon and nitrogen eroded after severe wildfire and erosion mitigation treatments
Authors: Pierson Derek N. , Robichaud Peter R. , Rhoades Charles C. , Brown Robert E.
Published: March 2019

Erosion of soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) following severe wildfire may have deleterious effects on downstream resources and ecosystem recovery. Although C and N losses in combustion and runoff have been studied extensively, soil C and N transported by post-fire erosion has rarely been quantified in burned landscapes. To better understand the magnitude and temporal pattern of these losses, we analysed the C and N content of sediment collected in severely burned hillslopes and catchments across the western USA over the first 4 post-fire years. We also compared soil C and N losses from areas receiving common erosion-mitigation treatments and untreated, burned areas. The concentrations of C and N in the eroded material (0.23–0.98gCkg−1 and 0.01–0.04gNkg−1) were similar to those of mineral soils rather than organic soil horizons or combusted vegetation. Losses of eroded soil C and N were highly variable across sites, and were highest the first 2 years after fire. Cumulative erosional losses from untreated, burned areas ranged from 73 to 2253kgCha−1 and from 3.3 to 110kgNha−1 over 4 post-fire years. Post-fire erosion-mitigation treatments reduced C and N losses by up to 75% compared with untreated areas. Losses in post-fire erosion are estimated to be <10% of the total soil C and N combusted during severe wildfire and <10% of post-fire soil C and N stocks remaining in the upper 20cm of mineral soil. Although loss of soil C and N in post-fire erosion is unlikely to impair the productivity of recovering vegetation, export of C and N may influence downstream water quality and aquatic ecosystems.
A new modification effect of eutectic Si in selective laser melted AlSi10Mg
Authors: Sun Jing , Qiu Lianfang , Wang Fei , Yang Yang , Guo Lijie
Published: March 2019

A distinct modification of eutectic Si was observed in the selective laser melted AlSi10Mg. The eutectic Si particles were modified substantially and demonstrated a nanoscale size, a fibrous morphology with obvious ‘necking effect’. The modification mechanism and the influence of heat treatment on eutectic Si growth were explored. It was suspected that Si experienced the necking effect under a tensile environment due to the large temperature gradient and α-Al erosion during the SLM process. Upon heat treatment, the Si particles were spheroidised and distributed homogeneously. Under the synergistic action of Si crystal fragmentation and the continuous precipitation of saturated Si from the Al matrix, the coarsened and spheroidised eutectic Si were distributed homogeneously in the Al matrix.
Indirect clinical markers for the detection of anabolic steroid abuse beyond the conventional doping control in athletes
Authors: Christou Georgios A. , Christou Maria A. , Žiberna Lovro , Christou Konstantinos A.
Published: March 2019

Growing analytical challenges have arisen for the detection of misuse of androgenic anabolic steroids (AAS) in athletes the last years. Therefore, consideration of additional indirect markers can substantially aid the efforts to detect AAS abuse in athletes. Moreover, this approach can also help physicians to suspect AAS abuse when treating athletes. Laboratory markers highly indicative of AAS abuse in athletes include the considerable downregulation of high density lipoprotein‐cholesterol, elevation of haematocrit or serum γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase levels and for males reduced serum levels of both luteinizing hormone and follicle‐stimulating hormone. Moreover, physical signs suggestive of current AAS abuse are hypertension, apparent changes in behaviour making the athlete more irritable and aggressive and the sudden appearance of acne vulgaris in an adult athlete with no recent history of acne, while testicular atrophy and gynecomastia raise suspicion of current or past AAS abuse in male athletes.
Targeting VE-PTP phosphatase protects the kidney from diabetic injury
Authors: Carota Isabel A. , Kenig-Kozlovsky Yael , Onay Tuncer , Scott Rizaldy , Thomson Benjamin R. , Souma Tomokazu , Bartlett Christina S. , Li Yanyang , Procissi Daniele , Ramirez Veronica , Yamaguchi Shinji , Tarjus Antoine , Tanna Christine E. , Li Chengjin , Eremina Vera , Vestweber Dietmar , Oladipupo Sunday S. , Breyer Matthew D. , Quaggin Susan E.
Published: March 2019

Diabetic nephropathy is a leading cause of end-stage kidney failure. Reduced angiopoietin-TIE2 receptor tyrosine kinase signaling in the vasculature leads to increased vascular permeability, inflammation, and endothelial cell loss and is associated with the development of diabetic complications. Here, we identified a mechanism to explain how TIE2 signaling is attenuated in diabetic animals. Expression of vascular endothelial protein tyrosine phosphatase VE-PTP (also known as PTPRB), which dephosphorylates TIE2, is robustly up-regulated in the renal microvasculature of diabetic rodents, thereby reducing TIE2 activity. Increased VE-PTP expression was dependent on hypoxia-inducible factor transcriptional activity in vivo. Genetic deletion of VE-PTP restored TIE2 activity independent of ligand availability and protected kidney structure and function in a mouse model of severe diabetic nephropathy. Mechanistically, inhibition of VE-PTP activated endothelial nitric oxide synthase and led to nuclear exclusion of the FOXO1 transcription factor, reducing expression of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic gene targets. In sum, we identify inhibition of VE-PTP as a promising therapeutic target to protect the kidney from diabetic injury.
STING-mediated disruption of calcium homeostasis chronically activates ER stress and primes T cell death
Authors: Wu Jianjun , Chen Yu-Ju , Dobbs Nicole , Sakai Tomomi , Liou Jen , Miner Jonathan J. , Yan Nan
Published: March 2019

STING gain-of-function mutations cause lung disease and T cell cytopenia through unknown mechanisms. Here, we found that these mutants induce chronic activation of ER stress and unfolded protein response (UPR), leading to T cell death by apoptosis in the StingN153S/+ mouse and in human T cells. Mechanistically, STING-N154S disrupts calcium homeostasis in T cells, thus intrinsically primes T cells to become hyperresponsive to T cell receptor signaling–induced ER stress and the UPR, leading to cell death. This intrinsic priming effect is mediated through a novel region of STING that we name “the UPR motif,” which is distinct from known domains required for type I IFN signaling. Pharmacological inhibition of ER stress prevented StingN153S/+ T cell death in vivo. By crossing StingN153S/+ to the OT-1 mouse, we fully restored CD8+ T cells and drastically ameliorated STING-associated lung disease. Together, our data uncover a critical IFN-independent function of STING that regulates calcium homeostasis, ER stress, and T cell survival.
Iron overload and liver cancer
Authors: Molina-Sánchez Pedro , Lujambio Amaia
Published: March 2019

In this issue of JEM, Muto et al. (https://doi.org/10.1084/jem.20180900) generate a novel mouse model of liver cancer induced by iron overload by deleting the iron-sensing ubiquitin ligase FBXL5 specifically in hepatocytes and exposure to a chemical carcinogen.
Pull-in Instability Analysis of Nanoelectromechanical Rectangular Plates Including the Intermolecular, Hydrostatic, and Thermal Actuations Using an Analytical Solution Methodology
Authors: Samadani F. , Ansari R. , Hosseini K. , Zabihi A.
Published: March 2019

The current paper presents a thorough study on the pull-in instability of nanoelectromechanical rectangular plates under intermolecular, hydrostatic, and thermal actuations. Based on the Kirchhoff theory along with Eringenʼs nonlocal elasticity theory, a nonclassical model is developed. Using the Galerkin method (GM), the governing equation which is a nonlinear partial differential equation (NLPDE) of the fourth order is converted to a nonlinear ordinary differential equation (NLODE) in the time domain. Then, the reduced NLODE is solved analytically by means of the homotopy analysis method. At the end, the effects of model parameters as well as the nonlocal parameter on the deflection, nonlinear frequency, and dynamic pull-in voltage are explored.
Solving inverse electromagnetic scattering problems via domain derivatives†
Authors: Hagemann Felix , Arens Tilo , Betcke Timo , Hettlich Frank
Published: March 2019

We employ domain derivatives to solve inverse electromagnetic scattering problems for perfect conducting or for penetrable obstacles. Using a variational approach, the derivative of the scattered field with respect to boundary variations is characterized as the solution of a boundary value problem of the same type as the original scattering problem. The inverse scattering problem of reconstructing the scatterer from far field measurements for a single incident field can thus be solved via a regularized iterative Newton scheme. Both the original forward problem and the problem characterizing the domain derivative are formulated as boundary integral equations and we carefully describe how these formulations are obtained in the case of Lipschitz domains. The integral equations are solved using the boundary element library Bempp. A number of numerical examples of shape reconstructions are presented.
Ultrasonic welding for the rapid integration of fluidic connectors into microfluidic chips
Authors: Finkbeiner Tim , Soergel Hannah L , Koschitzky Moritz P , Ahrens Ralf , Guber Andreas E
Published: March 2019

We introduce a variety of biocompatible fluidic connectors that can be integrated into microfluidic chips by ultrasonic welding. Commercially available barbed fittings and dispensing needles with Luer lock fittings were integrated between two chip components ensuring a fluidic in-plane contact. In addition, straight Luer lock fittings in combination with ultrasonic hot embossing, 3D printed thermoplastic connectors with Luer lock and barbed fittings were integrated out-of-plane. The integration was successful without clogging any fluidic channels.

Depending on the connector type, the pressure tightness differs. Dispensing needles showed the lowest pressure tightness of only 1.14 bar. However, all other connector types were pressure tight to at least 3.75 bar.

The main advantage of the integration technique of ultrasonic welding is the rapid implementation of individual connectors adapted to the required situation—for prototypes as well as for large-scale production. Moreover, multiple connectors can be integrated simultaneously in just one single step. This provides a user-friendly and stable connection of commonly used connector types such as barbed or Luer lock fittings for microfluidic applications.
Adaptive incremental stippling for sample distribution in spatially adaptive PIV image analysis
Authors: Edwards M , Theunissen R
Published: March 2019

Adaptive sampling strategies in PIV have been shown to efficiently combine the need for limited user-dependence with increased performances in terms of spatial resolution and computational effort, thus rendering such approaches of great interest. The allocation of correlation windows across the spatial image domain is dependent on the interpretation of an underlying objective function, and the distribution of windows accordingly. It is important that such allocation is computationally efficient, robust to changing objective functions and conditions, and conducive to high quality sampling. In this paper, an alternative sample distribution method, based on adaptive incremental stippling, is presented and shown to combine the speed of PDF-based methods with the quality of ‘ideal’ spring-force methods. Case-dependent parameter tuning is no longer necessary, thus improving robustness. In addition, an algorithm to adaptively size initial correlation windows is proposed to further minimise user dependence.
Eilenberg-Watts calculus for finite categories and a bimodule Radford 𝑆⁴ theorem
Authors: Fuchs Jürgen , Schaumann Gregor , Schweigert Christoph
Published: March 2019

We obtain Morita invariant versions of Eilenberg-Watts type theorems, relating Deligne products of finite linear categories to categories of left exact as well as of right exact functors. This makes it possible to switch between different functor categories as well as Deligne products, which is often very convenient. For instance, we can show that applying the equivalence from left exact to right exact functors to the identity functor, regarded as a left exact functor, gives a Nakayama functor. The equivalences of categories we exhibit are compatible with the structure of module categories over finite tensor categories. This leads to a generalization of Radford’s

S
4

S^4

-theorem to bimodule categories. We also explain the relation of our construction to relative Serre functors on module categories that are constructed via inner Hom functors.
The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network: risk reduction and management of delirium
Authors: Davis Daniel , Searle Samuel D , Tsui Alex
Published: March 2019

Clinical and research interest in delirium has been rising over the last 15 years. The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) publication on delirium is a state-of-the-art synthesis of the field, and the first UK guideline since 2010.

There is new guidance around delirium detection, particularly in recommending the 4 ‘A’s Test (4AT). The 4AT has the advantage of being brief, embeds and operationalises cognitive testing, and is scalable with little training. The guidelines highlight the importance of non-pharmacological management for all hospital presentations involving the spectrum of cognitive disorders (delirium, dementia but at risk of delirium, delirium superimposed on dementia). Pharmacotherapy has a minimal role, but specific indications (e.g. intractable distress) are discussed.

Advances in delirium research, education and policy, have come together with steady changes in the sociocultural context in which healthcare systems look after older people with cognitive impairment. However, there remains a gap between desired and actual clinical practice, one which might be bridged by re-engaging with compassionate, patient-centred care. In this respect, these SIGN guidelines offer a key resource.
No immediate or future extra costs of raising a virulent brood parasite chick
Authors: Samaš Peter , Grim Tomáš , Jelínek Václav , Abraham Marek M , Šulc Michal , Honza Marcel
Published: March 2019

Parental care is an adaptive behavior increasing the survival of a young. Virulent brood parasites, like the common cuckoo Cuculus canorus, avoid the parental care and leave the care for their nestlings to hosts. Although raising a cuckoo is always costly because it kills host’s progeny, to date it is not known whether raising of a brood parasite itself represents any extra cost affecting host’s fitness, that is, a cost above the baseline levels of care that are expended on raising the host own young anyway. We quantified costs of rearing a cuckoo nestling in the most frequent host, the reed warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus. We measured changes in the host physical (body mass) and physiological conditions (stress levels quantified via heterophils/lymphocytes ratio) within the 1 breeding attempt (immediate cost) and retrapped some of these adults in the next breeding season to estimate return rates as a measure of their survival (future cost). In contrast to universal claims in the literature, raising a cuckoo nestling did not entail any extra immediate or future costs for hosts above natural costs of care for own offsprings. This counterintuitive result might partly reconcile theoretical expectations in the hosts with surprisingly low levels of counter-defences, including the reed warbler. Unexpectedly low raising costs of parasitism may also help explain a long-term maintenance of some host–parasite systems.
Functional diversity in biters: the evolutionary morphology of the oral jaw system in pacus, piranhas and relatives (Teleostei: Serrasalmidae)
Authors: Huby Alessia , Lowie Aurélien , Herrel Anthony , Vigouroux Régis , Frédérich Bruno , Raick Xavier , Kurchevski Gregório , Godinho Alexandre Lima , Parmentier Eric
Published: March 2019

Serrasalmid fishes form a highly specialized group of biters that show a large trophic diversity, ranging from pacus able to crush seeds to piranhas capable of cutting flesh. Their oral jaw system has been hypothesized to be forceful, but variation in bite performance and morphology with respect to diet has not previously been investigated. We tested whether herbivorous species have higher bite forces, larger jaw muscles and more robust jaws than carnivorous species. We measured in vivo and theoretical bite forces in 27 serrasalmid species. We compared the size of the adductor mandibulae muscle, the jaw mechanical advantages, the type of jaw occlusion, and the size and shape of the lower jaw. We also examined the association between bite performance and functional morphological traits of the oral jaw system. Contrary to our predictions, carnivorous piranhas deliver stronger bites than their herbivorous counterparts. The size of the adductor mandibulae muscle varies with bite force and muscles are larger in carnivorous species. Our study highlights an underestimated level of functional morphological diversity in a fish group of exclusive biters. We provide evidence that the trophic specialization towards carnivory in piranhas results from changes in the configuration of the adductor mandibulae muscle and the lower jaw shape, which have major effects on bite performance and bite strategy.
Conceptualising Work-Related Moral Suffering—Exploring and Refining the Concept of Moral Distress in the Context of Social Work
Authors: Mänttäri-van der Kuip Maija
Published: March 2019

In the nursing literature, work-related suffering due to restricted moral agency is commonly considered under the concept of moral distress. This concept has resonated strongly amongst nursing scholars since the 1980s and has recently gained ground amongst social work scholars as well. However, the research on moral distress suffers from inadequate conceptual clarity; this has led to multiple and disparate ways of empirically studying the phenomenon. This article examines the conceptualisations of moral distress applied in the nursing and social work literature and identifies and discusses the challenges and potential problems related to them. The article sheds light on the complex, dynamic and relative nature of the phenomenon, which has not been sufficiently acknowledged in the existing empirical literature. Despite its complexities and defects, as highlighted in this article, the concept of moral distress can serve as an important tool for understanding and analysing experiences of moral suffering in front line social work. However, defining this experience in all its complexity and devising a valid instrument to measure it remain a major challenge.
A Phase 2 Study Evaluating the Safety, Tolerability, and Immunogenicity of Two 3-Dose Regimens of a Clostridium difficile Vaccine in Healthy US Adults Aged 65 to 85 Years
Authors: Kitchin Nicholas , Remich Shon A , Peterson James , Peng Yahong , Gruber William C , Jansen Kathrin U , Pride Michael W , Anderson Annaliesa S , Knirsch Charles , Webber Chris
Published: March 2019

Background

Clostridium difficile causes toxin-mediated nosocomial diarrhea and community-acquired infections; no preventive vaccine is licensed. In this phase 2 study, we explored safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity in older US adults of an investigational bivalent C. difficile vaccine that contains equal dosages of genetically and chemically detoxified toxins A and B.

Methods

Conducted from July 2015 through March 2017, 855 healthy adults aged 65–85 years from 15 US centers were randomized 3:3:1 to receive vaccine (100 or 200 μg) or placebo at 0, 1, and 6 months (month regimen) or 1, 8, and 30 days (day regimen). Serum toxin A– and B–specific neutralizing antibodies were measured. Participant-reported local reactions (LRs) and systemic events (SEs), adverse events (AEs), serious AEs, newly diagnosed chronic medical conditions, and immediate AEs were recorded.

Results

The 200-μg dose level elicited higher immune responses than the 100-µg dose level across regimens. Compared with the day regimen, the month regimen induced stronger and more persistent immune responses that remained elevated 12 months after dose 3. Responses peaked at month 7 (month regimen) and day 37 (day regimen). LRs (primarily injection site pain) were more frequent in vaccine recipients than controls; SE frequency was similar across groups. More related AEs were reported in the day regimen group than the month regimen group.

Conclusions

The C. difficile vaccine was safe, well tolerated, and immunogenic in healthy US adults aged 65–85 years. Immune responses were particularly robust in the 200-μg month regimen group. These results support continued vaccine development.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT02561195.
A Two-Step Knowledge Extraction Framework for Improving Disease Diagnosis
Authors: Sarkar Bikash Kanti
Published: March 2019

In the last decades, various methodologies have been proposed by the researchers for developing effective disease diagnosis support systems (DDSSs). The present research proposes a two-step framework in which an entropy-based feature-selection approach is introduced in the first step and a rule-base hybrid model using Perfect Rule Induction by Sequential Method (PRISM) is explored in the subsequent step for effective diagnosis of diseases. The suggested feature-selection technique is validated using five state-of-the-art classifiers namely C4.5 (a decision tree-based classifier), naïve Bayes (NB), Repeated Incremental Pruning to Produce Error Reduction (RIPPER), neural network (NN) and support vector machine (SVM) over fourteen benchmark diseases that are very common and the leading causes of deaths. Next, on the basis of top three performance metrics, viz., prediction accuracy, sensitivity and false positive rate, the performance of the hybrid model over the datasets is compared with its base learner: PRISM, two other competent learners namely C4.5 and NN, and some specialized models. The empirical outcomes positively demonstrate that the hybrid model with application of feature-selection method is a generic model and effective in diagnosing diseases. More importantly, the model not only is able to produce good results but also to elucidate its knowledge in understandable: IF-THEN form (convenient for medical practitioners).
Social Network Characteristics and Their Associations With Stress in Older Adults: Closure and Balance in a Population-Based Sample
Authors: Ellwardt Lea , Wittek Rafael P M , Hawkley Louise C , Cacioppo John T
Published: March 2019

Objectives

Integration into social networks reduces stress during adverse life events and improves coping with disability in late life. The aim was to investigate whether social network closure (frequent contact among ties) and balance (positive contact among ties) are associated with perceived stress. We expect lowest stress for older adults with highly closed and balanced networks.

Method

Panel data on self-reported egocentric networks stem from the population-based Chicago Health, Aging, and Social Relations Study. Five waves were collected between 2002 and 2006, with 708 observations from 160 participants aged 50–68 years at baseline. Data include information on the participants’ social relationships, that is, interaction frequency and relationship quality, for ego–alter ties and alter–alter ties, and participants’ perceived stress. The analytical strategy used fixed- and random-effects models.

Results

Participants reporting the highest number of balanced relationships (positive ties among alters) experience least stress. This effect holds independently of sociodemographic confounders, loneliness, and network size.

Discussion

The absence of a stress-reducing effect from network closure suggests that balance matters more. Future research would benefit from considering balance when examining the characteristics of social networks that impinge on mental health outcomes in older adults.
Aging in Different Welfare Contexts: A Comparative Perspective on Later-Life Employment and Health
Authors: Madero-Cabib Ignacio , Corna Laurie , Baumann Isabel
Published: March 2019

Objective

We adopt a cross-national comparative perspective to assess the labor market experiences of older adults in the years leading up to and beyond the full pension age (FPA) and their association with health in diverse welfare state contexts.

Method

We work with a harmonized pooled-country data set of 12 nations to model individuals’ employment trajectories during the 10 years surrounding gender- and country-specific FPAs over the same chronological period (2004 to 2014/2015) using sequence analysis. We then analyze these trajectories’ relationships with self-rated health and chronic conditions across different welfare state contexts.

Results

We find five types of later-life employment trajectories: early retirement, conventional retirement, predominantly part-time, not in the labor market, and partial retirement. Among other findings, our analyses indicate that early retirement is associated with positive health outcomes in social-democratic and corporatist countries but not in liberal and liberal-corporatist countries. For people in the not in the labor market trajectory, poor self-rated health is more frequent in liberal and southern, and less frequent in corporatist countries.

Discussion

The research findings illustrate the importance of both generous public benefits in old age and later-life employment trajectories for older individuals’ health.
Children’s Privacy: The Role of Parental Control and Consent
Authors: Gligorijević Jelena
Published: March 2019

Protecting children’s informational privacy has never been more difficult. To what extent does it depend upon parental control and consent, and how is this factor incorporated into the law seeking to protect children’s informational privacy? This article addresses these questions, considering the relevant jurisprudence of the English courts, in particular under the tort of misuse of private information, and the relevant jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights. In this article I argue that the relevant jurisprudence in both jurisdictions reveals a doctrine that prioritises parental control and consent, above the harm of intrusion to the child. This risks laying a legal terrain that does not accommodate the protection and vindication of children’s informational privacy rights when they conflict with the wishes of, or are not actively protected by, that child’s parents.
Bloom-Type Inequality for Bi-Parameter Singular Integrals: Efficient Proof and Iterated Commutators
Authors: Li Kangwei , Martikainen Henri , Vuorinen Emil
Published: March 2019

Utilising some recent ideas from our bilinear bi-parameter theory, we give an efficient proof of a two-weight Bloom-type inequality for iterated commutators of linear bi-parameter singular integrals. We prove that if $T$ is a bi-parameter singular integral satisfying the assumptions of the bi-parameter representation theorem, then $$\begin{equation*} \| [b_k,\cdots[b_2, [b_1, T]]\cdots]\|_{L^p(\mu) \to L^p(\lambda)} \lesssim_{[\mu]_{A_p}, [\lambda]_{A_p}} \prod_{i=1}^k\|b_i\|_{\operatorname{bmo}(\nu^{\theta_i})}, \end{equation*}$$where $p \in (1,\infty )$, $\theta _i \in [0,1]$, $\sum _{i=1}^k\theta _i=1$, $\mu , \lambda \in A_p$, $\nu := \mu ^{1/p}\lambda ^{-1/p}$. Here $A_p$ stands for the bi-parameter weights in ${\mathbb{R}}^n \times{\mathbb{R}}^m$, and $\operatorname{bmo}(\nu )$ is a suitable weighted little BMO space. We also simplify the proof of the known 1st order case.
Molecular mechanisms underlying prostaglandin E2-exacerbated inflammation and immune diseases
Authors: Tsuge Kyoshiro , Inazumi Tomoaki , Shimamoto Akira , Sugimoto Yukihiko
Published: March 2019

Prostaglandins (PGs) are the major lipid mediators in animals and which are biosynthesized from arachidonic acid by the cyclooxygenases (COX-1 or COX-2) as the rate-limiting enzymes. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), which is the most abundantly detected PG in various tissues, exerts versatile physiological and pathological actions via four receptor subtypes (EP1–4). Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin and indomethacin, exert potent anti-inflammatory actions by the inhibition of COX activity and the resulting suppression of PG production. Therefore, PGE2 has been shown to exacerbate several inflammatory responses and immune diseases. Recently, studies using mice deficient in each PG receptor subtype have clarified the detailed mechanisms underlying PGE2-associated inflammation and autoimmune diseases involving each EP receptor. Here, we review the recent advances in our understanding of the roles of PGE2 receptors in the progression of acute and chronic inflammation and autoimmune diseases. PGE2 induces acute inflammation through mast cell activation via the EP3 receptor. PGE2 also induces chronic inflammation and various autoimmune diseases through T helper 1 (Th1)-cell differentiation, Th17-cell proliferation and IL-22 production from Th22 cells via the EP2 and EP4 receptors. The possibility of EP receptor-targeted drug development for the treatment of immune diseases is also discussed.
Monitoring the Evolution of Resistance in Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to the Cry1F Protein in Argentina
Authors: Vassallo Carlos N , Figueroa Bunge Florencia , Signorini Ana M , Valverde-Garcia Pablo , Rule Dwain , Babcock Jonathan
Published: March 2019

Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most important and widely cultivated crops in Argentina. Fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), is a common maize pest capable of causing significant yield losses and is most destructive in late-planted maize in subtropical regions, going through five to six generations per growing season. The Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) trait Herculex I Insect Protection technology by Dow AgroSciences and Pioneer Hi-Bred (HX I, event DAS-Ø15Ø7-1), expressing Cry1F protein, was launched in the 2005–2006 season in Argentina and was widely adopted because of the high level of efficacy against S. frugiperda, as well as other pests such as Diatraea saccharalis (J.C. Fabricius). However, increased late-season plantings, limited adoption of refuge, and properties of S. frugiperda biology (high number of generations and migratory behavior) have led to high S. frugiperda exposure to Cry1F and resistance selection pressure. Field efficacy monitoring has been conducted throughout the main maize production areas in Argentina from 2009 to 2016. Laboratory monitoring has been conducted throughout the same areas from 2010 to 2015. Here, we describe changes in field efficacy of HX I and the results of laboratory-based susceptibility monitoring conducted using purified Cry1F protein. Increases in larval survival and crop damage were evident throughout the 2012–2016 period and spanned the majority of maize production areas in Argentina. Over the same period, random larval collections showed increasing survivorship on diet containing purified Cry1F protein. These field and laboratory studies confirmed that resistance to Cry1F has developed and is now widely distributed in S. frugiperda populations in Argentina.
Situations of Risk and Humanitarian Emergencies
Authors: Motz Stephanie
Published: March 2019

This chapter examines Article 11 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Article 11 CRPD is a unique human right, which for the first time creates obligations in situations of risk, including humanitarian emergencies and natural disasters, and permits of no derogation in times of emergency. Since the adoption of Article 11, important policy developments have taken place regarding persons with disabilities in situations of conflict or disaster. For instance, persons with disabilities have been expressly referred to in the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–30, the Charter on Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Humanitarian Action, the Sphere Handbook, and the Code of Conduct for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and NGOs in Disaster Relief.
Liberty and Security of the Person
Authors: Perlin Michael , Szeli Eva
Published: March 2019

This chapter examines Article 14 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which deals with the fundamental right to liberty and security. It traces the legislative history of Article 14 and, in an analysis of its provisions and interpretations, seeks to understand its application in light of these complexities. The right to liberty of person and the right to security of person have been described as two aspects of the same right, physical liberty being the substantive aspect and security the means of protection or the procedural aspect. The ‘liberty and security’ clause of this article empowers the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities ‘to question governments on a broad range of potential violations, including civil commitment proceedings, compulsory medical treatment, and conditions inside medical and detention facilities’.
Living Independently and Being Included in the Community
Authors: Fiala-Butora János , Rimmerman Arie , Gur Ayelet
Published: March 2019

This chapter examines Article 19 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). ‘Living independently and being included in the community’, is one of the most important rights in the CRPD, since choice, freedom, and inclusion are considered as prerequisites for exercising all other rights. To facilitate such autonomy and participation, it requires ratifying states to ensure that people with disabilities have the opportunity to choose where and with whom they live; and that they have access to the range of services necessary to support community living and to prevent isolation or segregation. Living independently does not mean living alone; rather, it means exercising freedom of choice and control over decisions affecting one’s life with the same level of independence and interdependence within society on an equal basis with other.