bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AN ESTIMATED DSGE MODEL WITH LEARNING BASED ON TERM STRUCTURE INFORMATION
Authors: Aguilar Pablo , Vázquez Jesús
Published: October 2019

Agents can learn from financial markets to predict macroeconomic outcomes, and learning dynamics can feed back into both the macroeconomy and financial markets. This paper builds on the adaptive learning (AL) model of [Slobodyan, S. and R. Wouters (2012a) American Economic Journal: Macroeconomics 4, 65–101.] by introducing the term structure of interest rates. This extension enables term structure information to fully characterize agents’ expectations in real time. This feature addresses an imperfect information issue neglected in the related AL literature. The term structure of interest rates results in a strong channel of persistence driven by multi-period forecasting. Including the term structure in the AL model results in a model fit similar to that obtained in the rational expectation (RE) version of the model, but it greatly reduces the importance of other endogenous sources of aggregate persistence such as price and wage stickiness and the elasticity of the cost of adjusting capital. The model estimated also shows that term premium innovations are a major source of persistent fluctuations in nominal variables under AL. This stands in sharp contrast to the lack of transmission of term premium shocks to the macroeconomy under REs.
Research Note: Reflections on Methods from an Interdisciplinary Research Project in Global Environmental Law
Authors: Parks Louisa , Morgera Elisa
Published: October 2019

This research note reflects on the methods (as distinct from methodology) used in a five-year interdisciplinary and multi-site research project in global environmental law, and their links to questions of research ethics. We highlight the iterative processes that proved necessary to compare five case studies on local communities engaged in varied discussions on fair and equitable benefit sharing in different regions of the world and their implications for international environmental law. The note recommends explicit reflection on research methods and ethics to acknowledge and address power relationships in global environmental law research.
The Atlantic Subtropical Cells Inferred from Observations
Authors: Tuchen Franz Philip , Lübbecke Joke F. , Schmidtko Sunke , Hummels Rebecca , Böning Claus W.
Published: October 2019

The Atlantic Subtropical Cells (STCs) are shallow wind‐driven overturning circulations connecting the tropical upwelling areas to the subtropical subduction regions. In both hemispheres, they are characterized by equatorward transport at thermocline level, upwelling at the equator, and poleward Ekman transport in the surface layer. This study uses recent data from Argo floats complemented by ship sections at the western boundary as well as reanalysis products to estimate the meridional water mass transports and to investigate the vertical and horizontal structure of the STCs from an observational perspective. The seasonally varying depth of meridional velocity reversal is used as the interface between the surface poleward flow and the thermocline equatorward flow. The latter is bounded by the 26.0 kg m−3 isopycnal at depth. We find that the thermocline layer convergence is dominated by the southern hemisphere water mass transport (9.0 ± 1.1 Sv from the southern hemisphere compared to 2.9 ± 1.3 Sv from the northern hemisphere) and that this transport is mostly confined to the western boundary. Compared to the asymmetric convergence at thermocline level, the wind‐driven Ekman divergence in the surface layer is more symmetric, being 20.4 ± 3.1 Sv between 10°N and 10°S. The net poleward transports (Ekman minus geostrophy) in the surface layer concur with values derived from reanalysis data (5.5 ± 0.8 Sv at 10°S and 6.4 ± 1.4 Sv at 10°N). A diapycnal transport of about 3 Sv across the 26.0 kg m−3 isopycnal is required in order to maintain the mass balance of the STC circulation.
Comparisons of Ocean Radiative Transfer Models With SMAP and AMSR2 Observations
Authors: Kilic Lise , Prigent Catherine , Boutin Jacqueline , Meissner Thomas , English Stephen , Yueh Simon
Published: October 2019

The sea surface temperature (SST), ocean wind speed (OWS), and sea surface salinity (SSS) are fundamental variables for understanding, monitoring, and predicting the state of the ocean and atmosphere. The analysis of these ocean parameters from passive microwave satellite measurements requires a Radiative Transfer Model (RTM). In this study, we compare three ocean RTMs from 1.4 to 89 GHz. A data set of satellite observations from Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) and Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer‐2 (AMSR2) collocated with surface and atmospheric parameters from ECMWF ERA‐Interim and Mercator reanalysis has been developed. The selected ocean RTMs are as follows: LOCEAN a physical model with parameters adjusted to L band measurements, FASTEM (FAST microwave Emissivity Model) a fast parameterized model, and RSS (Remote Sensing Systems) an empirical model fitting satellite observations. Global systematic errors between simulations and observations tend to increase with frequency and are generally higher at horizontal than at vertical polarizations. Then, the analysis focuses on the accuracy of the RTMs as a function of the key ocean variables, SST, SSS, and OWS. Major discrepancies are found at frequencies above 1.4 GHz, for OWS higher than 7 m/s, with the LOCEAN and the FASTEM models, with differences strongly increasing with increasing OWS. Cold SSTs are identified as a source of disagreement between the simulations and the observations, regardless of the model. This is a critical issue, especially at 6 GHz, which is the key channel for the SST analysis from satellite. The present study is the first step toward the development of a new physically based community model.
Smart metasurface with self-adaptively reprogrammable functions
Authors: Ma Qian , Bai Guo Dong , Jing Hong Bo , Yang Cheng , Li Lianlin , Cui Tie Jun
Published: October 2019

Intelligence at either the material or metamaterial level is a goal that researchers have been pursuing. From passive to active, metasurfaces have been developed to be programmable to dynamically and arbitrarily manipulate electromagnetic (EM) wavefields. However, the programmable metasurfaces require manual control to switch among different functionalities. Here, we put forth a smart metasurface that has self-adaptively reprogrammable functionalities without human participation. The smart metasurface is capable of sensing ambient environments by integrating an additional sensor(s) and can adaptively adjust its EM operational functionality through an unmanned sensing feedback system. As an illustrative example, we experimentally develop a motion-sensitive smart metasurface integrated with a three-axis gyroscope, which can adjust self-adaptively the EM radiation beams via different rotations of the metasurface. We develop an online feedback algorithm as the control software to make the smart metasurface achieve single-beam and multibeam steering and other dynamic reactions adaptively. The proposed metasurface is extendable to other physical sensors to detect the humidity, temperature, illuminating light, and so on. Our strategy will open up a new avenue for future unmanned devices that are consistent with the ambient environment.
Jagged1-mediated myeloid Notch1 signaling activates HSF1/Snail and controls NLRP3 inflammasome activation in liver inflammatory injury
Authors: Jin Yuting , Li Changyong , Xu Dongwei , Zhu Jianjun , Wei Song , Zhong Andrew , Sheng Mingwei , Duarte Sergio , Coito Ana J. , Busuttil Ronald W. , Xia Qiang , Kupiec-Weglinski Jerzy W. , Ke Bibo
Published: October 2019

Notch signaling plays important roles in the regulation of immune cell functioning during the inflammatory response. Activation of the innate immune signaling receptor NLRP3 promotes inflammation in injured tissue. However, it remains unknown whether Jagged1 (JAG1)-mediated myeloid Notch1 signaling regulates NLRP3 function in acute liver injury. Here, we report that myeloid Notch1 signaling regulates the NLRP3-driven inflammatory response in ischemia/reperfusion (IR)-induced liver injury. In a mouse model of liver IR injury, Notch1-proficient (Notch1FL/FL) mice receiving recombinant JAG1 showed a reduction in IR-induced liver injury and increased Notch intracellular domain (NICD) and heat shock transcription factor 1 (HSF1) expression, whereas myeloid-specific Notch1 knockout (Notch1M-KO) aggravated hepatocellular damage even with concomitant JAG1 treatment. Compared to JAG1-treated Notch1FL/FL controls, Notch1M-KO mice showed diminished HSF1 and Snail activity but augmented NLRP3/caspase-1 activity in ischemic liver. The disruption of HSF1 reduced Snail activation and enhanced NLRP3 activation, while the adoptive transfer of HSF1-expressing macrophages to Notch1M-KO mice augmented Snail activation and mitigated IR-triggered liver inflammation. Moreover, the knockdown of Snail in JAG1-treated Notch1FL/FL livers worsened hepatocellular functioning, reduced TRX1 expression and increased TXNIP/NLRP3 expression. Ablation of myeloid Notch1 or Snail increased ASK1 activation and hepatocellular apoptosis, whereas the activation of Snail increased TRX1 expression and reduced TXNIP, NLRP3/caspase-1, and ROS production. Our findings demonstrated that JAG1-mediated myeloid Notch1 signaling promotes HSF1 and Snail activation, which in turn inhibits NLRP3 function and hepatocellular apoptosis leading to the alleviation of IR-induced liver injury. Hence, the Notch1/HSF1/Snail signaling axis represents a novel regulator of and a potential therapeutic target for liver inflammatory injury.
GWAS for systemic sclerosis identifies multiple risk loci and highlights fibrotic and vasculopathy pathways
Authors: López-Isac Elena , Acosta-Herrera Marialbert , Kerick Martin , Assassi Shervin , Satpathy Ansuman T. , Granja Jeffrey , Mumbach Maxwell R. , Beretta Lorenzo , Simeón Carmen P. , Carreira Patricia , Ortego-Centeno Norberto , Castellvi Ivan , Bossini-Castillo Lara , Carmona F. David , Orozco Gisela , Hunzelmann Nicolas , Distler Jörg H. W. , Franke Andre , Lunardi Claudio , Moroncini Gianluca , Gabrielli Armando , de Vries-Bouwstra Jeska , Wijmenga Cisca , Koeleman Bobby P. C. , Nordin Annika , Padyukov Leonid , Hoffmann-Vold Anna-Maria , Lie Benedicte ,   European Scleroderma Group†, Ríos R. , Callejas J. L. , Vargas-Hitos J. A. , García-Portales R. , Camps M. T. , Fernández-Nebro A. , González-Escribano M. F. , García-Hernández F. J. , Castillo M. J. , Aguirre M. A. , Gómez-Gracia I. , Fernández-Gutiérrez B. , Rodríguez-Rodríguez L. , García de la Peña P. , Vicente E. , Andreu J. L. , Fernández de Castro M , López-Longo F. J. , Martínez L. , Fonollosa  , Guillén A. , Espinosa G. , Tolosa C. , Pros A. , Rodríguez-Carballeira M. , Narváez F. J. , Rubio-Rivas M. , Ortiz-Santamaría  , Madroñero A. B. , González-Gay M. A. , Díaz B. , Trapiella L. , Sousa A. , Egurbide M. V. , Fanlo-Mateo P. , Sáez-Comet L. , Díaz F. , Hernández  , Beltrán E. , Román-Ivorra J. A. , Grau E. , Alegre-Sancho J. J. , Freire M. , Blanco-García F. J. , Oreiro N. , Witte T. , Kreuter A. , Riemekasten G. , Airó P. , Magro C. , Voskuyl A. E. , Vonk M. C. , Hesselstrand R. , Proudman Susanna , Stevens Wendy , Nikpour Mandana ,   Australian Scleroderma Interest Group (ASIG), Zochling J. , Sahhar J. , Roddy J. , Nash P. , Tymms K. , Rischmueller M. , Lester S. , Vyse Timothy , Herrick Ariane L. , Worthington Jane , Denton Christopher P. , Allanore Yannick , Brown Matthew A. , Radstake Timothy R. D. J. , Fonseca Carmen , Chang Howard Y. , Mayes Maureen D. , Martin Javier
Published: October 2019

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease that shows one of the highest mortality rates among rheumatic diseases. We perform a large genome-wide association study (GWAS), and meta-analysis with previous GWASs, in 26,679 individuals and identify 27 independent genome-wide associated signals, including 13 new risk loci. The novel associations nearly double the number of genome-wide hits reported for SSc thus far. We define 95% credible sets of less than 5 likely causal variants in 12 loci. Additionally, we identify specific SSc subtype-associated signals. Functional analysis of high-priority variants shows the potential function of SSc signals, with the identification of 43 robust target genes through HiChIP. Our results point towards molecular pathways potentially involved in vasculopathy and fibrosis, two main hallmarks in SSc, and highlight the spectrum of critical cell types for the disease. This work supports a better understanding of the genetic basis of SSc and provides directions for future functional experiments.
Reversing the charge transfer between platinum and sulfur-doped carbon support for electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Yan Qiang-Qiang , Wu Dao-Xiong , Chu Sheng-Qi , Chen Zhi-Qin , Lin Yue , Chen Ming-Xi , Zhang Jing , Wu Xiao-Jun , Liang Hai-Wei
Published: October 2019

Metal–support interaction is of great significance for catalysis as it can induce charge transfer between metal and support, tame electronic structure of supported metals, impact adsorption energy of reaction intermediates, and eventually change the catalytic performance. Here, we report the metal size-dependent charge transfer reversal, that is, electrons transfer from platinum single atoms to sulfur-doped carbons and the carbon supports conversely donate electrons to Pt when their size is expanded to ~1.5 nm cluster. The electron-enriched Pt nanoclusters are far more active than electron-deficient Pt single atoms for catalyzing hydrogen evolution reaction, exhibiting only 11 mV overpotential at 10 mA cm−2 and a high mass activity of 26.1 A mg−1 at 20 mV, which is 38 times greater than that of commercial Pt/C. Our work manifests that the manipulation of metal size-dependent charge transfer between metal and support opens new avenues for developing high-active catalysts.
Molecular architecture of softwood revealed by solid-state NMR
Authors: Terrett Oliver M. , Lyczakowski Jan J. , Yu Li , Iuga Dinu , Franks W. Trent , Brown Steven P. , Dupree Ray , Dupree Paul
Published: October 2019

Economically important softwood from conifers is mainly composed of the polysaccharides cellulose, galactoglucomannan and xylan, and the phenolic polymer, lignin. The interactions between these polymers lead to wood mechanical strength and must be overcome in biorefining. Here, we use13C multidimensional solid-state NMR to analyse the polymer interactions in never-dried cell walls of the softwood, spruce. In contrast to some earlier softwood cell wall models, most of the xylan binds to cellulose in the two-fold screw conformation. Moreover, galactoglucomannan alters its conformation by intimately binding to the surface of cellulose microfibrils in a semi-crystalline fashion. Some galactoglucomannan and xylan bind to the same cellulose microfibrils, and lignin is associated with both of these cellulose-bound polysaccharides. We propose a model of softwood molecular architecture which explains the origin of the different cellulose environments observed in the NMR experiments. Our model will assist strategies for improving wood usage in a sustainable bioeconomy.
Co-expression of synaptic genes in the sponge Amphimedon queenslandica uncovers ancient neural submodules
Authors: Wong Eunice , Mölter Jan , Anggono Victor , Degnan Sandie M. , Degnan Bernard M.
Published: October 2019

The synapse is a complex cellular module crucial to the functioning of neurons. It evolved largely through the exaptation of pre-existing smaller submodules, each of which are comprised of ancient sets of proteins that are conserved in modern animals and other eukaryotes. Although these ancient submodules themselves have non-neural roles, it has been hypothesized that they may mediate environmental sensing behaviors in aneural animals, such as sponges. Here we identify orthologues in the sponge Amphimedon queenslandica of genes encoding synaptic submodules in neural animals, and analyse their cell-type specific and developmental expression to determine their potential to be co-regulated. We find that genes comprising certain synaptic submodules, including those involved in vesicle trafficking, calcium-regulation and scaffolding of postsynaptic receptor clusters, are co-expressed in adult choanocytes and during metamorphosis. Although these submodules may contribute to sensory roles in this cell type and this life cycle stage, total synaptic gene co-expression profiles do not support the existence of a functional synapse in A. queenslandica. The lack of evidence for the co-regulation of genes necessary for pre- and post-synaptic functioning in A. queenslandica suggests that sponges, and perhaps the last common ancestor of sponges and other extant animals, had the ability to promulgate sensory inputs without complete synapse-like functionalities. The differential co-expression of multiple synaptic submodule genes in sponge choanocytes, which have sensory and feeding roles, however, is consistent with the metazoan ancestor minimally being able to undergo exo- and endocytosis in a controlled and localized manner.
High temporal resolution of leaf area data improves empirical estimation of grain yield
Authors: Waldner François , Horan Heidi , Chen Yang , Hochman Zvi
Published: October 2019

Empirical yield estimation from satellite data has long lacked suitable combinations of spatial and temporal resolutions. Consequently, the selection of metrics,i.e., temporal descriptors that predict grain yield, has likely been driven by practicality and data availability rather than by systematic targetting of critically sensitive periods as suggested by knowledge of crop physiology. The current trend towards hyper-temporal data raises two questions: How does temporality affect the accuracy of empirical models? Which metrics achieve optimal performance? We followed anin silicoapproach based on crop modelling which can generate any observation frequency, explore a range of growing conditions and reduce the cost of measuring yieldsin situ. We simulated wheat crops across Australia and regressed six types of metrics derived from the resulting time series of Leaf Area Index (LAI) against wheat yields. Empirical models using advanced LAI metrics achieved national relevance and, contrary to simple metrics, did not benefit from the addition of weather information. This suggests that they already integrate most climatic effects on yield. Simple metrics remained the best choice when LAI data are sparse. As we progress into a data-rich era, our results support a shift towards metrics that truly harness the temporal dimension of LAI data.
Identification and evolution of glucosinolate sulfatases in a specialist flea beetle
Authors: Ahn Seung-Joon , Betzin Franziska , Gikonyo Matilda W. , Yang Zhi-Ling , Köllner Tobias G. , Beran Franziska
Published: October 2019

Glucosinolates, a characteristic group of specialized metabolites found in Brassicales plants, are converted to toxic isothiocyanates upon herbivory. Several insect herbivores, including the cabbage stem flea beetle (Psylliodes chrysocephala), prevent glucosinolate activation by forming desulfo-glucosinolates. Here we investigated the molecular basis of glucosinolate desulfation in P. chrysocephala, an important pest of oilseed rape. Enzyme activity assays with crude beetle protein extracts revealed that glucosinolate sulfatase (GSS) activity is associated with the gut membrane and has narrow substrate specificity towards the benzenic glucosinolate sinalbin. In agreement with GSS activity localization in vivo, we identified six genes encoding arylsulfatase-like enzymes with a predicted C-terminal transmembrane domain, of which five showed GSS activity upon heterologous expression in insect cells. PcGSS1 and PcGSS2 used sinalbin and indol-3-ylmethyl glucosinolate as substrates, respectively, whereas PcGSS3, PcGSS4, and PcGSS5 showed weak activity in enzyme assays. RNAi-mediated knock-down of PcGSS1 and PcGSS2 expression in adult beetles confirmed their function in vivo. In a phylogenetic analysis of coleopteran and lepidopteran arylsulfatases, the P. chrysocephala GSSs formed a cluster within a coleopteran-specific sulfatase clade distant from the previously identified GSSs of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, suggesting an independent evolution of GSS activity in ermine moths and flea beetles.
Optimal crosstalk suppression in multicore fibers
Authors: Jaramillo Ávila B. , Torres J. M. , León-Montiel R. de J. , Rodríguez-Lara B. M.
Published: October 2019

We study propagation in a cyclic symmetric multicore fiber where the core radii randomly fluctuate along the propagation direction. We propose a hybrid analytic-numerical method to optimize the amplitude and frequency of the fluctuations that suppress power transfer between outer and inner cores. This framework allows us to analytically find noise amplitude parameters that optimally suppress crosstalk. Our predictions are confirmed by numerical experiments using finite difference beam propagation methods for realistic C-band fibers. The analytic part of our method is general, provides the optimum fluctuation amplitude independent of the array geometry, as long as normal modes can be calculated. It works for both correlated and uncorrelated fluctuations allowing its use for any given optical system described by coupled mode theory.
Reticular Dysgenesis and Mitochondriopathy Induced by Adenylate Kinase 2 Deficiency with Atypical Presentation
Authors: Ghaloul-Gonzalez Lina , Mohsen Al-Walid , Karunanidhi Anuradha , Seminotti Bianca , Chong Hey , Madan-Khetarpal Suneeta , Sebastian Jessica , Vockley Catherine Walsh , Reyes-Múgica Miguel , Vander Lugt Mark T. , Vockley Jerry
Published: October 2019

Reticular dysgenesis is an autosomal recessive form of severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) that usually manifests in newborns. It is a unique example of an immune deficiency that is linked to dysfunctional mitochondrial energy metabolism and caused by adenylate kinase 2 (AK2) deficiency. It is characterized by an early differentiation arrest in the myeloid lineage, impaired lymphoid maturation, and sensorineural hearing loss. In this study, a novel AK2 homozygous mutation, c.622 T > C [p.Ser208Pro], was identified in an Old Order Amish patient through whole exome sequencing. Functional studies showed that the patient’s cells have no detectable AK2 protein, as well as low oxygen consumption rate (OCR), extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) and proton production rate (PPR). An increased production of reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial membrane permeability, and mitochondrial mass, and decreased ATP production, were also observed. The results confirm the pathogenicity of the AK2 mutation and demonstrate that reticular dysgenesis should be considered in Amish individuals presenting with immune deficiency. We also describe other pathophysiological aspects of AK2 deficiency not previously reported.
Real time study of grain enlargement in zirconium under room-temperature compression across the α to ω phase transition
Authors: Popov Dmitry , Velisavljevic Nenad , Liu Wenjun , Hrubiak Rostislav , Park Changyong , Shen Guoyin
Published: October 2019

We report a synchrotron Laue diffraction study on the microstructure evolution in zirconium (Zr) as it undergoes a pressure-driven structural phase transformation, using a recently developed real time scanning x-ray microscopy technique. Time resolved characterizations of microstructure under high pressure show that Zr exhibits a grain enlargement across the α-Zr to ω-Zr structural phase transition at room-temperature, with nucleation and growth of ω-Zr crystals observed from initially a nano-crystalline aggregate of α-Zr. The observed grain enlargement is unusual since the enlargement processes typically require substantially high temperature to overcome the activation barriers for forming and moving of grain boundaries. Possible mechanisms for the grain enlargement are discussed.
Effect of shell structure of Ti-immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography core-shell magnetic particles for phosphopeptide enrichment
Authors: Capriotti Anna Laura , Antonelli Michela , Antonioli Diego , Cavaliere Chiara , Chiarcos Riccardo , Gianotti Valentina , Piovesana Susy , Sparnacci Katia , Laus Michele , Laganà Aldo
Published: October 2019

Magnetic materials in sample preparation for shotgun phosphoproteomics offer several advantages over conventional systems, as the enrichment can be achieved directly in solution, but they still suffer from some drawbacks, due to limited stability and selectivity, which is supposed to be affected by the hydrophilicity of the polymeric supports used for cation immobilization. The paper describes the development of an improved magnetic material with increased stability, thanks to a two-step covering of the magnetic core, for the enrichment of phosphopeptides in biological samples. Four materials were prepared featuring a polymeric shell with tunable hydrophilicity, obtained by “grafting from” polymerization of glycidyl methacrylate with 0–8.3% of polyethylene glycol methacrylate (PEGMA), the latter used to modulate the hydrophilicity of the material surface. Finally, the materials were functionalized with iminodiacetic acid for Ti4+ ion immobilization. The materials were analyzed for their composition by a combination of CHN elemental analysis and thermogravimetric analysis, also hyphenated to gas chromatography and mass spectrometric detection. Surface characteristics were evaluated by water contact angle measurements, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry. These materials were applied to the enrichment of phosphopeptides from yeast protein digests. Peptides were identified by proteomics techniques using nano-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry and bioinformatics. Qualitatively the peptides identified by the four systems were comparable, with 1606–1693 phosphopeptide identifications and a selectivity of 47–54% for all materials. The physico-chemical features of the identified peptides were also the same for the four materials. In particular, the grand average of hydropathy index values indicated that the enriched phosphopeptides were hydrophilic (ca. 90%), and only some co-enriched non-phosphorylated peptides were hydrophobic (21–28%), regardless of the material used for enrichment. Peptides had a pI ≤ 7, which indicated a well-known bias for acidic peptides binding, attributed to the interaction with the metal center itself. The results indicated that the enrichment of phosphopeptides and the co-enrichment of non-phosphorylated peptides is mainly driven by interactions with Ti4+ and does not depend on the amount of PEGMA chains in the polymer shell.
Phonon laser in a cavity magnomechanical system
Authors: Ding Ming-Song , Zheng Li , Li Chong
Published: October 2019

Using phonons to simulate an optical two-level laser action has been the focus of research. We theoretically study phonon laser in a cavity magnomechanical system, which consist of a microwave cavity, a sphere of magnetic material and a uniform external bias magnetic field. This system can realize the phonon-magnon coupling and the cavity photon-magnon coupling via magnetostrictive interaction and magnetic dipole interaction respectively, the magnons are driven directly by a strong microwave field simultaneously. Frist, the intensity of driving magnetic field which can reach the threshold condition of phonon laser is given. Then, we demonstrate that the adjustable external magnetic field can be used as a good control method to the phonon laser. Compared with phonon laser in optomechanical systems, our scheme brings a new degree of freedom of manipulation. Finally, with the experimentally feasible parameters, threshold power in our scheme is close to the case of optomechanical systems. Our study may inspire the field of magnetically controlled phonon lasers.
Inflammation Mediates Body Weight and Ageing Effects on Psychomotor Slowing
Authors: Balter Leonie J. T. , Higgs Suzanne , Aldred Sarah , Bosch Jos A. , Raymond Jane E.
Published: October 2019

Inflammation (immune system activation) affects neuronal function and may have consequences for the efficiency and speed of functional brain processes. Indeed, unusually slow psychomotor speed, a measure predictive of behavioural performance and health outcomes, is found with obesity and ageing, two conditions also associated with chronic inflammation. Yet whether inflammation is the mediating factor remains unclear. Here, we assessed inflammation by indexing interleukin-6 level in blood and measured psychomotor speed as well as indices of selective visual attention in young (mean = 26 years) or old (mean = 71 years) adults (N = 83) who were either lean or currently significantly overweight (mean body mass index = 22.4 and 33.8, respectively). Inflammation was positively and significantly correlated with psychomotor speed, age, and body mass index but not with attention measures. Using mediation analyses we show for the first time that inflammation fully accounts for the significant psychomotor slowing found in those with high BMI. Moreover, we further show that age-related psychomotor slowing is partially mediated by inflammation. These findings support the proposal that reducing inflammation may mitigate weight- and age-related cognitive decline and thereby improve performance on daily tasks and health outcomes more generally.
Mitochondria damaged by Oxygen Glucose Deprivation can be Restored through Activation of the PI3K/Akt Pathway and Inhibition of Calcium Influx by Amlodipine Camsylate
Authors: Park Hyun-Hee , Han Myung-Hoon , Choi Hojin , Lee Young Joo , Kim Jae Min , Cheong Jin Hwan , Ryu Je Il , Lee Kyu-Yong , Koh Seong-Ho
Published: October 2019

Amlodipine, a L-type calcium channel blocker, has been reported to have a neuroprotective effect in brain ischemia. Mitochondrial calcium overload leads to apoptosis of cells in neurologic diseases. We evaluated the neuroprotective effects of amlodipine camsylate (AC) on neural stem cells (NSCs) injured by oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD) with a focus on mitochondrial structure and function. NSCs were isolated from rodent embryonic brains. Effects of AC on cell viability, proliferation, level of free radicals, and expression of intracellular signaling proteins were assessed in OGD-injured NSCs. We also investigated the effect of AC on mitochondrial structure in NSCs under OGD by transmission electron microscopy. AC increased the viability and proliferation of NSCs. This beneficial effect of AC was achieved by strong protection of mitochondria. AC markedly enhanced the expression of mitochondrial biogenesis-related proteins and mitochondrial anti-apoptosis proteins. Together, our results indicate that AC protects OGD-injured NSCs by protecting mitochondrial structure and function. The results of the present study provide insight into the mechanisms underlying the protective effects of AC on NSCs.
Optimal Inhibition of Choroidal Neovascularization by scAAV2 with VMD2 Promoter-driven Active Rap1a in the RPE
Authors: Wang Haibo , Kunz Eric , Stoddard Gregory J. , Hauswirth William W. , Hartnett M. Elizabeth
Published: October 2019

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a multifactorial chronic disease that requires long term treatment. Gene therapy is being considered as a promising tool to treat AMD. We found that increased activation of Rap1a in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) reduces oxidative signaling to maintain barrier integrity of the RPE and resist neural sensory retinal angiogenesis from choroidal endothelial cell invasion. To optimally deliver constitutively active Rap1a (CARap1a) into the RPE of wild type mice, self-complementary AAV2 (scAAV2) vectors driven by two different promoters, RPE65 or VMD2, were generated and tested for optimal active Rap1a expression and inhibition of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) induced by laser injury. scAAV2-VMD2, but not scAAV2-RPE65, specifically and efficiently transduced the RPE to increase active Rap1a protein in the RPE. Mice with increased Rap1a from the scAAV2-VMD2-CARap1a had a significant reduction in CNV compared to controls. Increased active Rap1a in the RPE in vivo or in vitro inhibited inflammatory and angiogenic signaling determined by decreased activation of NF-κB and expression of VEGF without causing increased cell death or autophagy measured by increased LCA3/B. Our study provides a potential future strategy to deliver active Rap1a to the RPE in order to protect against both atrophic and neovascular AMD.
Internet addiction and functional brain networks: task-related fMRI study
Authors: Darnai Gergely , Perlaki Gábor , Zsidó András N. , Inhóf Orsolya , Orsi Gergely , Horváth Réka , Nagy Szilvia Anett , Lábadi Beatrix , Tényi Dalma , Kovács Norbert , Dóczi Tamás , Demetrovics Zsolt , Janszky József
Published: October 2019

A common brain-related feature of addictions is the altered function of higher-order brain networks. Growing evidence suggests that Internet-related addictions are also associated with breakdown of functional brain networks. Taking into consideration the limited number of studies used in previous studies in Internet addiction (IA), our aim was to investigate the functional correlates of IA in the default mode network (DMN) and in the inhibitory control network (ICN). To observe these relationships, task-related fMRI responses to verbal Stroop and non-verbal Stroop-like tasks were measured in 60 healthy university students. The Problematic Internet Use Questionnaire (PIUQ) was used to assess IA. We found significant deactivations in areas related to the DMN (precuneus, posterior cingulate gyrus) and these areas were negatively correlated with PIUQ during incongruent stimuli. In Stroop task the incongruent_minus_congruent contrast showed positive correlation with PIUQ in areas related to the ICN (left inferior frontal gyrus, left frontal pole, left central opercular, left frontal opercular, left frontal orbital and left insular cortex). Altered DMN might explain some comorbid symptoms and might predict treatment outcomes, while altered ICN may be the reason for having difficulties in stopping and controlling overuse.
Analysis of Arabidopsis thaliana Redox Gene Network Indicates Evolutionary Expansion of Class III Peroxidase in Plants
Authors: Oliveira Raffael Azevedo de Carvalho , de Andrade Abraão Silveira , Imparato Danilo Oliveira , de Lima Juliana Gabriela Silva , de Almeida Ricardo Victor Machado , Lima João Paulo Matos Santos , Pasquali Matheus Augusto de Bittencourt , Dalmolin Rodrigo Juliani Siqueira
Published: October 2019

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are byproducts of aerobic metabolism and may cause oxidative damage to biomolecules. Plants have a complex redox system, involving enzymatic and non-enzymatic compounds. The evolutionary origin of enzymatic antioxidant defense in plants is yet unclear. Here, we describe the redox gene network for A. thaliana and investigate the evolutionary origin of this network. We gathered from public repositories 246 A. thaliana genes directly involved with ROS metabolism and proposed an A. thaliana redox gene network. Using orthology information of 238 Eukaryotes from STRINGdb, we inferred the evolutionary root of each gene to reconstruct the evolutionary history of A. thaliana antioxidant gene network. We found two interconnected clusters: one formed by SOD-related, Thiol-redox, peroxidases, and other oxido-reductase; and the other formed entirely by class III peroxidases. Each cluster emerged in different periods of evolution: the cluster formed by SOD-related, Thiol-redox, peroxidases, and other oxido-reductase emerged before opisthokonta-plant divergence; the cluster composed by class III peroxidases emerged after opisthokonta-plant divergence and therefore contained the most recent network components. According to our results, class III peroxidases are in expansion throughout plant evolution, with new orthologs emerging in each evaluated plant clade divergence.
Hepatic Stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 deficiency-mediated activation of mTORC1- PGC-1α axis regulates ER stress during high-carbohydrate feeding
Authors: Aljohani Ahmed , Khan Mohammad Imran , Syed Deeba N. , Abram Bonneville , Lewis Sarah , Neill Lucas O’ , Mukhtar Hasan , Ntambi James M.
Published: October 2019

Stearoyl CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) is a key enzyme in lipogenesis as it catalyzes the synthesis of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), mainly oleate (18:1n9) and palmitoleate (16:1n7) from saturated fatty acids (SFA), stearate (18:0) and palmitate (16:0), respectively. Studies on SCD1 deficiency in mouse models demonstrated beneficial metabolic phenotypes such as reduced adiposity and improved glucose tolerance. Even though, SCD1 represents a potential target to resolve obesity related metabolic diseases; SCD1 deficiency causes endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and activates unfolded protein response (UPR). The induction of ER stress in response to SCD1 deficiency is governed by the cofactor, PGC-1α. However, the mechanism by which SCD1 deficiency increases PGC-1α and subsequently induces ER stress still remains elusive. The present study demonstrates that despite reduced lipogenesis, liver specific SCD1 deficiency activates the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) along with induction of PGC-1α and ER stress. Further, mTORC1 inhibition attenuates SCD1 deficiency-mediated induction of both PGC-1α and ER stress. Similar observations were seen by restoring endogenously synthesized oleate, but not palmitoleate, suggesting a clear mTORC1-mediated regulation of ER stress during SCD1 deficiency. Overall, our results suggest a model whereby maintaining adequate levels of hepatic oleate is required to suppress mTORC1-mediated ER stress. In addition, the activation of mTORC1 by SCD1 deficiency reveals an important function of fatty acids in regulating different cellular processes through mTORC1 signaling.
Author Correction: BiFC-based visualisation system reveals cell fusion morphology and heterokaryon incompatibility in the filamentous fungus Aspergillus oryzae
Authors: Okabe Tomoya , Katayama Takuya , Mo Taoning , Mori Noriko , Jin Feng Jie , Fujii Ikuo , Iwashita Kazuhiro , Kitamoto Katsuhiko , Maruyama Jun-ichi
Published: October 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
A versatile mono-quaternary ammonium salt as a mesoporogen for the synthesis of hierarchical zeolites
Authors: Bolshakov Aleksei , van Hoof Arno J. F. , Mezari Brahim , Kosinov Nikolay , Hensen Emiel
Published: October 2019

Here we report a versatile method to synthesize hierarchically porous zeolites with FER, CHA and MFI topologies by using inexpensive mono-quaternary ammonium N-cetyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium (C16NMP) bromide as a mesoporogen.
Mononuclear and trinuclear DyIII SMMs with Schiff-base ligands modified by nitro-groups: first triangular complex with a N–N pathway
Authors: Cheng Li-Wei , Zhang Chi-Lung , Wei Jun-Yu , Lin Po-Heng
Published: October 2019

Three DyIII SMMs were obtained with Schiff-base ligands containing nitro-groups. The triangular complex supported by the cis–trans form of the hnc3− ligand displayed the first air-stable triangular complex with a N–N pathway.
Correction: Luminescent Nd2S3 thin films: a new chemical vapour deposition route towards rare-earth sulphides
Authors: Cwik Stefan , Beer Sebastian M. J. , Schmidt Marcel , Gerhardt Nils C. , de los Arcos Teresa , Rogalla Detlef , Weßing Jana , Giner Ignacio , Hofmann Martin , Grundmeier Guido , Wieck Andreas D. , Devi Anjana
Published: October 2019

Correction for ‘Luminescent Nd2S3 thin films: a new chemical vapour deposition route towards rare-earth sulphides’ by Stefan Cwik et al., Dalton Trans., 2019, 48, 2926–2938.
Progress in supercapacitors: roles of two dimensional nanotubular materials
Authors: Panda Pritam Kumar , Grigoriev Anton , Mishra Yogendra Kumar , Ahuja Rajeev
Published: October 2019

Overcoming the global energy crisis due to vast economic expansion with the advent of human reliance on energy-consuming labor-saving devices necessitates the demand for next-generation technologies in the form of cleaner energy storage devices.
Quantification of blood–brain barrier transport and neuronal toxicity of unlabelled multiwalled carbon nanotubes as a function of surface charge
Authors: Gonzalez-Carter Daniel , Goode Angela E. , Kiryushko Darya , Masuda Seigo , Hu Sheng , Lopes-Rodrigues Rosalia , Dexter David T. , Shaffer Milo S. P. , Porter Alexandra E.
Published: October 2019

Directly and accurately characterizing the transport of nanoparticles across the blood–brain barrier will greatly advance the delivery of therapies against brain disorders.
Thermally reduced fluorographenes as efficient electrode materials for supercapacitors
Authors: Petr Martin , Jakubec Petr , Ranc Václav , Šedajová Veronika , Langer Rostislav , Medveď Miroslav , Błoński Piotr , Kašlík Josef , Kupka Vojtěch , Otyepka Michal , Zbořil Radek
Published: October 2019

There is an urgent need for a simple and up-scalable method for the preparation of supercapacitor electrode materials due to increasing global energy consumption worldwide.
Electronic and optical properties of BxCyNz hybrid α-graphynes
Authors: Freitas A. , Machado L. D. , Bezerra C. G. , Tromer R. M. , Azevedo S.
Published: October 2019

Hybrid graphynes composed of boron, carbon, and nitrogen are investigated using DFT calculations. The proposed materials are semiconductors and strongly absorb infrared light.
Hybrid catalysts based on N-heterocyclic carbene anchored on hierarchical zeolites
Authors: Gianotti Enrica , Miletto Ivana , Ivaldi Chiara , Paul Geo , Marchese Leonardo , Meazza Marta , Rios Ramon , Raja Robert
Published: October 2019

N-heterocyclic carbene has been grafted on hierarchical HZSM-5 and SAPO-5 to obtain hybrid catalysts, that are active in the benzoin condensation reaction.
Superconducting properties and non-isothermal crystallization kinetics of a Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ (Bi2212) superconductor prepared by the Pechini sol–gel method
Authors: Zhao Xingming , Wang Tianlin , Hong Songchol , Sun Dalu , Wang Nan , Chae Guksong , Qi Yang
Published: October 2019

Bi2212 superconductors with crystallization treatments at different temperatures were prepared by the Pechini sol–gel method, and their structural, thermal and transport properties were investigated.
Carbon nanofibers@NiSe core/sheath nanostructures as efficient electrocatalysts for integrating highly selective methanol conversion and less-energy intensive hydrogen production
Authors: Zhao Bin , Liu Jian-Wen , Yin Ya-Ru , Wu Dan , Luo Jing-Li , Fu Xian-Zhu
Published: October 2019

In situ synthesized carbon nanofibers@NiSe core/sheath nanostructures act as robust and stable electrocatalysts for highly selective methanol conversion to value-added formate and boosting hydrogen production with less energy consumption.
Recent developments of photoelectrochemical biosensors for food analysis
Authors: Ge Lan , Liu Qian , Hao Nan , Kun Wang
Published: October 2019

Recent developments of photoelectrochemical biosensors for food analysis are summarized and the future prospects in this field are discussed.
Revealing the relationship between the Au decoration method and the enhanced acetone sensing performance of a mesoporous In2O3-based gas sensor
Authors: Wang Yinglin , Cheng Pengfei , Li Xu , Wang Chen , Feng Changhao , Lu Geyu
Published: October 2019

The best acetone sensing performance was achieved in the In2O3 sample with the Au doping method.
On feasibility of longitudinal characterisation of photonic structures via transverse excitation of whispering gallery modes
Authors: Bukshtab M.
Published: October 2019

Remote side excitation of whispering gallery modes (WGMs) in a photonic crystal fibre reveals longitudinal properties of its intra structure usually requiring a long propagation length and endface access. By tuning the excitation to maxima of observed morphology resonances, initiating axially expanding WGMs in the fibre cladding and in its microstructure, characteristic spectral windows resembling ones at the fibre longitudinal transmission are observed. This outcome opens up possibilities of remote characterisation of rotationally‐symmetric photonic structures in situ and in locations only assessable via side excitation using external light beams.
Invertierte in vitro konfokale Mikroskopie bei mykotischer Keratitis mit Hornhaut-Endothel-Epithel-Dekompensation
Authors: Daas Loay , Seitz Berthold , Zimpfer Annette , Bischoff Mona , Viestenz Arne
Published: October 2019

Die Sensitivität der konfokalen Mikroskopie liegt zwischen 80 und 90% und damit über der Sensitivität der Erregeridentifizierung mittels Kultur. Typischerweise kann mittels in vivo konfokaler Mikroskopie bereits am Tag der Aufnahme eine mykotische Keratitis nicht invasiv und atraumatisch diagnostiziert werden. Wir stellen eine Patientin vor mit einem Hornhautulkus im Bereich des Transplantats, ausgeprägter Hornhaut-Endothel-Epithel-Dekompensation (HEED) und retrokornealen Pilzzapfen bei Zustand nach Re-Keratoplastik vor 5 Jahren bei chronischer Transplantatabstoßungsreaktion wegen HEED bei Fuchsʼscher Endotheldystrophie. Klinisch bestand der Verdacht auf eine mykotische Keratitis. Die konventionelle en face konfokale Mikroskopie zeigte initial keine Pilzhyphen. Aufgrund des ausgeprägten Hornhautödems konnten wir erst nach einer Re-Re-Keratoplastik mittels der invertierten in vitro konfokalen Mikroskopie die Pilzhyphen im hinteren Hornhautstroma am Operationstag nachweisen. Die Histologie bestätigte die Diagnose der Keratomykose.
Evaluation der automatisierten Messung von ischämischen Veränderungen der Makula bei diabetischer Makulopathie
Authors: Enders Christian , Baeurle Franziska , Lang Gabriele E. , Dreyhaupt Jens , Trick Simon , Lang Gerhard K. , Werner Jens Ulrich
Published: October 2019

Zielsetzung Vergleich der automatisierten mit der manuellen Ausmessung der fovealen avaskulären Zone in der optischen Kohärenztomografie-Angiografie (OCTA) bei Patienten mit diabetischer Retinopathie (DR).

Material und Methoden Konsekutiv untersuchte Patienten mit nicht proliferativer DR wurden in diese Studie aufgenommen. Alle Patienten erhielten eine OCTA, wobei ein 3 × 3-mm-Scan der Makula mit dem Zeiss OCT CIRRUS 5000 mit dem AngioPlex-Modul aufgenommen wurde. Die Größe der fovealen avaskulären Zone (FAZ) wurde manuell sowie mithilfe der automatisierten Ausmessung Metrix ermittelt und zwischen den beiden Messmethoden verglichen. Zusätzlich wurde der in Metrix ermittelte Zirkularitätsindex mit dem Umfang und der Fläche der FAZ auf Korrelationen untersucht.

Ergebnisse 34 Augen von 28 Patienten mit nicht proliferativer diabetischer Retinopathie mit einem Durchschnittsalter von 63 Jahren wurden eingeschlossen. Die mittlere Größe der fovealen avaskulären Zone betrug 0,34 ± 0,12 mm2 (0,08 – 0,65 mm2) bei der manuellen Auswertung und 0,23 ± 0,11 mm2 (Bereich 0,03 – 0,49 mm2) in Metrix. Der Zirkularitätsindex in Metrix betrug im Mittel 0,58 und zeigte eine statistisch signifikante Korrelation mit dem Umfang der manuell gemessenen FAZ.

Schlussfolgerung Es zeigte sich eine gute Übereinstimmung für die Größe der FAZ in beiden Messmethoden. Die automatisierte Messung mit Metrix kann bei einem Großteil der Patienten sowohl anhand der berechneten Fläche als auch des Umfangs und des Zirkularitätsindexes Veränderungen der FAZ zuverlässig darstellen.
Chancen von künstlicher Intelligenz und Big Data für die Diagnostik und Behandlung der altersabhängigen Makuladegeneration
Authors: Treder Maximilian , Eter Nicole
Published: October 2019

Die altersabhängige Makuladegeneration (AMD) ist der führende Grund für Erblindung in der westlichen Welt. Für die neovaskuläre Verlaufsform steht mit der intravitrealen Anti-VEGF-Injektion (VEGF: vascular endothelial growth factor) eine wirksame Therapie zur Verfügung. In den letzten Jahren haben die multimodale Bildgebung und die standardisierte elektronische Patientendokumentation geholfen, die Diagnostik und das Management der AMD-Patienten zu verbessern. Mit dem Aufkommen der künstlichen Intelligenz und Big Data ergeben sich in diesem Zusammenhang viele Chancen für die Zukunft. Dieser Artikel soll einen Überblick über mögliche Anwendungen geben.