bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impairment on the lateral mobility induced by structural changes underlies the functional deficiency of the lupus-associated polymorphism FcγRIIB-T232
Authors: Xu Liling , Xia Mengdie , Guo Jun , Sun Xiaolin , Li Hua , Xu Chenguang , Gu Xiaomei , Zhang Haowen , Yi Junyang , Fang Yan , Xie Hengyi , Wang Jing , Shen Zhixun , Xue Boxin , Sun Yujie , Meckel Tobias , Chen Ying-Hua , Hu Zhibin , Li Zhanguo , Xu Chenqi , Gong Haipeng , Liu Wanli
Published: October 2016

FcγRIIB functions to suppress the activation of immune cells. A single-nucleotide polymorphism in the transmembrane (TM) domain of FcγRIIB, FcγRIIB-T232, is associated with lupus. In this study, we investigated the pathogenic mechanism of FcγRIIB-T232 at both functional and structural levels. Our results showed that FcγRIIB-T232 exhibited significantly reduced lateral mobility compared with FcγRIIB-I232 and was significantly less enriched into the microclusters of immune complexes (ICs) after stimulation. However, if sufficient responding time is given for FcγRIIB-T232 to diffuse and interact with the ICs, FcγRIIB-T232 can restore its inhibitory function. Moreover, substituting the FcγRIIB-T232 TM domain with that of a fast floating CD86 molecule restored both the rapid mobility and the inhibitory function, which further corroborated the importance of fast mobility for FcγRIIB to function. Mechanistically, the crippled lateral mobility of FcγRIIB-T232 can be explained by the structural changes of the TM domain. Both atomistic simulations and nuclear magnetic resonance measurement indicated that the TM helix of FcγRIIB-T232 exhibited a more inclined orientation than that of FcγRIIB-I232, thus resulting in a longer region embedded in the membrane. Therefore, we conclude that the single-residue polymorphism T232 enforces the inclination of the TM domain and thereby reduces the lateral mobility and inhibitory functions of FcγRIIB.
Alcohol modulation of BK channel gating depends on β subunit composition
Authors: Kuntamallappanavar Guruprasad , Dopico Alex M.
Published: October 2016

In most mammalian tissues, Ca2+i/voltage-gated, large conductance K+ (BK) channels consist of channel-forming slo1 and auxiliary (β1–β4) subunits. When Ca2+i (3–20 µM) reaches the vicinity of BK channels and increases their activity at physiological voltages, β1- and β4-containing BK channels are, respectively, inhibited and potentiated by intoxicating levels of ethanol (50 mM). Previous studies using different slo1s, lipid environments, and Ca2+i concentrations—all determinants of the BK response to ethanol—made it impossible to determine the specific contribution of β subunits to ethanol action on BK activity. Furthermore, these studies measured ethanol action on ionic current under a limited range of stimuli, rendering no information on the gating processes targeted by alcohol and their regulation by βs. Here, we used identical experimental conditions to obtain single-channel and macroscopic currents of the same slo1 channel (“cbv1” from rat cerebral artery myocytes) in the presence and absence of 50 mM ethanol. First, we assessed the role five different β subunits (1,2,2-IR, 3-variant d, and 4) in ethanol action on channel function. Thus, two phenotypes were identified: (1) ethanol potentiated cbv1-, cbv1+β3-, and cbv1+β4-mediated currents at low Ca2+i while inhibiting current at high Ca2+i, the potentiation–inhibition crossover occurring at 20 µM Ca2+i; (2) for cbv1+β1, cbv1+wt β2, and cbv1+β2-IR, this crossover was shifted to ∼3 µM Ca2+i. Second, applying Horrigan–Aldrich gating analysis on both phenotypes, we show that ethanol fails to modify intrinsic gating and the voltage-dependent parameters under examination. For cbv1, however, ethanol (a) drastically increases the channel’s apparent Ca2+ affinity (nine-times decrease in Kd) and (b) very mildly decreases allosteric coupling between Ca2+ binding and channel opening (C). The decreased Kd leads to increased channel activity. For cbv1+β1, ethanol (a) also decreases Kd, yet this decrease (two times) is much smaller than that of cbv1; (b) reduces C; and (c) decreases coupling between Ca2+ binding and voltage sensing (parameter E). Decreased allosteric coupling leads to diminished BK activity. Thus, we have identified critical gating modifications that lead to the differential actions of ethanol on slo1 with and without different β subunits.
Generic base change, Artin’s comparison theorem, and the decomposition theorem for complex Artin stacks
Authors: Sun Shenghao
Published: October 2016

We prove the generic base change theorem for stacks and give an exposition on the lisse-analytic topos of complex analytic stacks, proving some comparison theorems between various derived categories of complex analytic stacks. This enables us to deduce the decomposition theorem for perverse sheaves on complex Artin stacks with affine stabilizers from the case over finite fields.
Nuclear envelope rupture drives genome instability in cancer
Authors: Lim Sanghee , Quinton Ryan J. , Ganem Neil J.
Published: October 2016

The nuclear envelope, composed of two lipid bilayers and numerous accessory proteins, has evolved to house the genetic material of all eukaryotic cells. In so doing, the nuclear envelope provides a physical barrier between chromosomes and the cytoplasm. Once believed to be highly stable, recent studies demonstrate that the nuclear envelope is prone to rupture. These rupture events expose chromosomal DNA to the cytoplasmic environment and have the capacity to promote DNA damage. Thus nuclear rupture may be an unappreciated mechanism of mutagenesis.
Fungal Microbiota Profile in Newly Diagnosed Treatment-naïve Children with Crohn’s Disease
Authors: El Mouzan Mohammad , Wang Feng , Al Mofarreh Mohammad , Menon Rajita , Al Barrag Ahmad , Korolev Kirill S. , Al Sarkhy Ahmad , Al Asmi Mona , Hamed Yassin , Saeed Anjum , Dowd Scot E. , Assiri Asaad , Winter Harland
Published: October 2016

Background and Aims:

Although increasing evidence suggests a role for fungi in inflammatory bowel disease [IBD], data are scarce and mostly from adults. Our aim was to define the characteristics of fungal microbiota in newly diagnosed treatment-naïve children with Crohn’s disease [CD].

Methods:

The children referred for colonoscopy were prospectively enrolled in the study at King Khalid University Hospital, King Saud University, and Al Mofarreh Polyclinics in Riyadh. Tissue and stool samples were collected and frozen till sequencing analysis. The children with confirmed CD diagnosis were designated as cases and the others as non- IBD controls; 78 samples were collected from 35 children [15 CD and 20 controls]. Statistical analysis was performed to investigate CD associations and diversity.

Results:

CD-associated fungi varied with the level of phylogenetic tree. There was no significant difference in abundance between normal and inflamed mucosa. Significantly abundant CD-associated taxa included Psathyrellaceae [p = 0.01], Cortinariaceae [p = 0.04], Psathyrella [p = 0.003], and Gymnopilus [p = 0.03]. Monilinia was significantly depleted [p = 0.03], whereas other depleted taxa, although not statistically significant, included Leotiomycetes [p = 0.06], Helotiales [p = 0.08], and Sclerotiniaceae [p = 0.07]. There was no significant difference in fungal diversity between CD and controls.

Conclusions:

We report highly significant fungal dysbiosis in newly diagnosed treatment-naïve CD children. Depleted and more abundant taxa suggest anti-inflammatory and pro-inflamatory potentials, respectively. Further studies with larger sample size and including functional analysis are needed to clarify the significance of the fungal community in the pathogenesis of CD.
The role of α4 integrin in Theiler’s murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV)-induced demyelinating disease: an infectious animal model for multiple sclerosis (MS)
Authors: Hirano Yuta , Kobayashi Kunitoshi , Tomiki Hiroki , Inaba Yuhji , Ichikawa Motoki , Kim Byung S. , Koh Chang-Sung
Published: October 2016

Natalizumab, which is an antibody against α4 integrin, has been used for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). In the present study, we investigated both the role of α4 integrin and the therapeutic effect of HCA3551, a newly synthesized orally active small-molecule α4 integrin antagonist, in the development of TMEV-induced demyelinating disease (TMEV-IDD). The mRNA levels of α4 integrins were significantly up-regulated in the CNS of mice with TMEV-IDD as compared with naïve mice (*p<0.05). HCA3551 treatment in the effector phase significantly suppressed both the clinical and histological development of TMEV-IDD. The number of infiltrating mononuclear inflammatory cells in the CNS was significantly decreased in the mice treated with HCA3551 (**p<0.01). The labeling indices for CD68 antigen and the absolute cell numbers of TNF-α-producing CD4+ T cells and IFN-γ-producing CD8+ T cells were significantly decreased in the CNS of mice treated with HCA3551 (*p<0.05). HCA3551 treatment in the effector phase might inhibit the binding of α4 integrin to VCAM-1, thereby decreasing the number of MNCs in the CNS.
Structural properties of the solar flare-producing coronal current system developed in an emerging magnetic flux tube
Authors: Magara Tetsuya
Published: October 2016

The activity of a magnetic structure formed in the solar corona depends on a coronal current system developed in the structure, which determines how an electric current flows in the corona. To investigate structural properties of the coronal current system responsible for producing a solar flare, we perform magnetohydrodynamic simulation of an emerging magnetic flux tube which forms a coronal magnetic structure. Investigation using fractal dimensional analysis and electric current streamlines reveals that the flare-producing coronal current system relies on a specific coronal current structure of two-dimensional spatiality, which has a sub-region where a nearly anti-parallel magnetic field configuration is spontaneously generated. We discuss the role of this locally generated anti-parallel magnetic field configuration in causing the reconnection of a three-dimensional magnetic field, which is a possible mechanism for producing a flare. We also discuss how the twist of a magnetic flux tube affects structural properties of a coronal current system, showing how much volume current flux is carried into the corona by an emerging flux tube. This gives a way to evaluate the activity of a coronal magnetic structure.
Syntheses, structures and properties of two new isostructural zinc(II) complexes based on 1-[(benzotriazol-1-yl)methyl]-1H-imidazole
Authors: Liu Chun-Li , Wei Xu , Huang Qiu-Ying , Meng Xiang-Ru
Published: October 2016

Due to their strong coordination ability and the diversities of their coordination modes, N-heterocyclic organic compounds are used extensively as ligands for the construction of complexes with fascinating structures and potential applications in many fields. Two new complexes, namely bis{1-[(benzotriazol-1-yl)methyl]-1H-imidazole-κN3}dibromidozinc(II), [ZnBr2(C10H9N5)2], (I), and bis{1-[(benzotriazol-1-yl)methyl]-1H-imidazole-κN3}diiodidozinc(II), [ZnI2(C10H9N5)2], (II), have been synthesized by reaction of the unsymmetrical N-heterocyclic ligand 1-[(benzotriazol-1-yl)methyl]-1H-imidazole (bmi) with Zn(acetate)2in the presence of KBr or KI. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis shows that both complexes exhibit a mononuclear structure, in which the bmi ligands coordinate to the central metal ion in a monodentate mode. In the solid state, both complexes possess a three-dimensional network formed by hydrogen bonds and π–π interactions. In addition, the IR spectroscopic properties, PXRD patterns and fluorescence properties of both complexes have been investigated.
Disclosure quality and earnings management: evidence from Jordan
Authors: Alzoubi Ebraheem Saleem Salem
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to extend previous research by empirically investigating the effect of the disclosure quality (DQ) on the magnitude of the earnings management (EM) among Jordanian companies listed in Amman Stock Exchange.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses the cross-sectional version of the modified Jones model, where discretionary accruals are used for the EM proxy. Generalized least square regression is used to examine the influence of the DQ on EM for a sample of 86 industrial companies in the period of the years from 2007 to 2010.

Findings

The result produces evidence on the negative association between DQ and EM. The result also evidences the view that as the level of the disclosure is high, the magnitude of the EM reduces and, in turn, increases the financial reporting quality.

Originality/value

As there are relatively few researches conducted in this area specifically among Jordanian firms, the study broadens the scope by providing empirical evidence of the relationship between DQ and EM. This paper is the first empirical study to investigate the impact of the DQ on EM among Jordanian companies.
A place to call home: perspectives on offender community reintegration
Authors: Tarpey Emma , Friend Hannah
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore offenders’ experiences of community reintegration facilitated by a supported housing scheme.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were derived from five semi-structured interviews with prolific offenders who were participating in a UK “north west housing association” scheme; a community reintegration programme for offenders released from prison.

Findings

Thematic analysis demonstrated four predominant themes, these were: “the decision to change”, “self-fulfilment”, “a place to call home” and “a suitable support system”. The themes are discussed in relation to the Good Lives Model.

Practical implications

Participation in the housing scheme was a key component of the reintegration process, which positively facilitated lifestyle change.

Originality/value

This research considers the often “unheard” perspectives of prolific offenders and highlights the significant role of community housing schemes in supporting successful community reintegration.
Females who sexually offend
Authors: Ireland Carol , Ozanne Rebecca , Ireland Jane
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider the current knowledge in regard to females who engage in sexually harmful behaviour (HSB).

Design/methodology/approach

This is a brief paper, reviewing current literature.

Findings

This paper argues the continual limitations in fully understanding this population. However, it suggests the importance of progressing to discuss patterns of offending as opposed to typologies.

Practical implications

This argues the importance of effective formulation and consideration of patterns when understanding HSB in females.

Originality/value

This is a current brief review of the literature, summarising key thinking in this area, and some suggested ways forward for further progression.
Primary person-based crime prevention: an Australian case study
Authors: Birch Philip
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider primary prevention from the perspective of person-based crime prevention. This crime prevention measure is illustrated by an Australian case study. The report also recognises the integral role the community plays in the delivery of primary person-based crime prevention.

Design/methodology/approach

This short paper adopts a case study approach.

Findings

The paper illustrates the purpose and achievements of primary person-based crime prevention, including the success it has in reducing crime and improving feelings of safety in the community. The important role of community members and their contribution to this crime prevention method is offered.

Practical implications

The practical implications this paper offers are to ensure community members are involved in the delivery of primary person-based crime prevention, to explicitly measure the contribution community members make to primary person-based crime prevention initiatives, to explicitly measure the contribution primary person-based crime prevention makes to the reduction of crime, and to build on the known success of primary person-based crime prevention through the implementation of more initiatives within this area of crime prevention.

Originality/value

Primary person-based crime prevention can be overlooked in favour of primary place-based crime prevention. This short paper offers an insight into an overlooked aspect of crime prevention.
Sensitivity of UK butterflies to local climatic extremes: which life stages are most at risk?
Authors: McDermott Long Osgur , Warren Rachel , Price Jeff , Brereton Tom M. , Botham Marc S. , Franco Aldina M. A.
Published: October 2016

There is growing recognition as to the importance of extreme climatic events (ECEs) in determining changes in species populations. In fact, it is often the extent of climate variability that determines a population's ability to persist at a given site.

This study examined the impact of ECEs on the resident UK butterfly species (n = 41) over a 37‐year period. The study investigated the sensitivity of butterflies to four extremes (drought, extreme precipitation, extreme heat and extreme cold), identified at the site level, across each species' life stages. Variations in the vulnerability of butterflies at the site level were also compared based on three life‐history traits (voltinism, habitat requirement and range).

This is the first study to examine the effects of ECEs at the site level across all life stages of a butterfly, identifying sensitive life stages and unravelling the role life‐history traits play in species sensitivity to ECEs.

Butterfly population changes were found to be primarily driven by temperature extremes. Extreme heat was detrimental during overwintering periods and beneficial during adult periods and extreme cold had opposite impacts on both of these life stages. Previously undocumented detrimental effects were identified for extreme precipitation during the pupal life stage for univoltine species. Generalists were found to have significantly more negative associations with ECEs than specialists.

With future projections of warmer, wetter winters and more severe weather events, UK butterflies could come under severe pressure given the findings of this study.
Modernist Ideas and Local Reception: The company towns of Piazzola sul Brenta and Borgonyà, 1895–1930
Authors: Visentin Francesco
Published: October 2016

Utopianism, paternalism and the myth of progress were the ideological foundations underpinning company towns. These communities, which sprang up towards the end of the nineteenth century, were dependent on a single company for all or most of the functions and services necessary for town life. This article explores aspects of company town life as variously implemented and received depending on cultural and geographical contexts. In particular, this article examines the emergence of two company towns established during the same period but in two distinct geographical contexts: Piazzola sul Brenta in the Veneto (Italy) and Borgonyà in Catalonia (Spain). While development of these two company towns relied on the same ideals of social and technological progress, the visions of their respective companies, their locations and broader topographical circumstances differed significantly. These new towns are examined through key factors reflecting their owners' and planners' faith in social and technological progress, such as the harnessing of water power, the construction of railways and moral paternalism. These features are analysed by reflecting on the meaning of space in specific contexts. Piazzola sul Brenta and Borgonyà were experimental spaces that their designers and owners used to achieve ephemeral social, political and cultural goals, allowing me to examine both the ways and the spaces in which knowledge and ideas were received, and how different types of knowledge and ideas were transformed and realized.
Short‐ and long‐term outcomes of elderly patients undergoing liver resection for colorectal liver metastasis
Authors: Gandy Robert C. , Stavrakis Timothy , Haghighi Koroush S.
Published: October 2016

Background

Metastatic colorectal cancer is a disease of advancing age. Increased life expectancy has dramatically increased the number of older patients being assessed for hepatectomy. The objective of the study is to assess the safety and survival of hepatic resection in older patients, with colorectal liver metastases (CLM) and compare that with younger patients.

Methods

All patients undergoing hepatic resection of CLM were included. Patients were divided in groups, less than 75 and 75 and over. Prospectively collected data on patient demographics and post‐operative complications were retrospectively analysed. Overall survival was calculated in both groups.

Results

Twenty‐nine patients over the age of 75 underwent hepatic resection for CLM. A total of 158 patients under the age of 75 underwent resection. Overall, 66% of patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and 64% underwent major resection. Ninety‐day mortality was 1 out of 29 and 1 out of 158, respectively (P = 0.15). Overall complication rate was low, 4 out of 29 and 26 out of 158 (P = 0.45). Median length of stay was similar in the older population, 8.5 versus 8 days (P = 0.65). Overall 5‐year survival was 58% in the over 75 group and 56% in the under 75 group (P = 0.31).

Conclusion

Hepatic resection for CLM can be achieved safely in patients over the age of 75 and with equivalent short‐ and long‐term outcomes.
Friends with Benefits: How Political Connections Help to Sustain Private Enterprise Growth in China
Authors: Kung James Kai‐sing , Ma Chicheng
Published: October 2016

By analysing data from a survey of 511 Chinese private enterprises, we find that their owners respond to government discrimination by developing political connections with government officials. A one‐standard‐deviation increase in the insecurity of property rights has the effect of increasing the number of ‘friends’ in the government by a substantial 22%. These ‘friends’ significantly help to mitigate by half the negative effect arising from the difficulties of obtaining land and excessive regulations on enterprise growth. This explains why an institutional environment of weak property rights has not stopped private enterprises in China from developing rapidly.
Tau imaging with [18F]THK‐5351 in progressive supranuclear palsy
Authors: Ishiki A. , Harada R. , Okamura N. , Tomita N. , Rowe C. C. , Villemagne V. L. , Yanai K. , Kudo Y. , Arai H. , Furumoto S. , Tashiro M. , Furukawa K.
Published: October 2016

Background and purpose

Visualization of pathogenic protein aggregates is crucial to elucidate pathomechanisms and to make an accurate diagnosis in many neurodegenerative conditions. Aggregates of the microtubule‐binding protein, tau, are one of the most important pathogenic molecules in neurodegenerative disorders. Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is characterized by the deposition of tau proteins in some specific area such as the basal ganglia and brainstem. We tried to detect tau lesions in the brains of living patients with PSP with a novel positron emission tomography (PET) tracer, [18F]THK‐5351, which we have recently developed.

Methods

Paraffin‐embedded brain sections of the patients with PSP were used for autoradiography with [3H]THK‐5351 and immunohistochemistry. Nine healthy controls, 13 patients with Alzheimer's disease and three patients with PSP participated in this PET study with [18F]THK‐5351. To detect amyloid‐β deposition, PET imaging with Pittsburgh compound B was also performed.

Results

Autoradiography in the brain sections of patients with PSP demonstrated [3H]THK‐5351 binding to tau deposits with a high selectivity. Although patients with PSP exhibited no remarkable [18F]THK‐5351 retention in the temporal cortex, significantly higher tracer retention was observed in the globus pallidus and midbrain. In contrast, amyloid imaging with Pittsburgh compound B showed no remarkable accumulation in the cerebral cortex of PSP.

Conclusions

We conclude that [18F]THK‐5351 PET can potentially be used to detect the regional brain distribution of tau lesions in PSP, thereby facilitating the differential diagnosis of neurodegenerative disorders associated with tau protein.
Right insular cortex involvement is consistently associated with death after ischaemic stroke
Authors: Sposato L. A. , Hachinski V.
Published: October 2016

Click here to view the accompanying paper in this issue.
“WHICH Headache to Investigate, WHEN, and HOW?”
Authors: Ravishankar K.
Published: October 2016

Premise

Headache is a common problem in medical practice. The International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD‐3 beta)1 divides all headaches into two broad categories. Most headaches seen in practice belong to the category of primary headaches, where there is no underlying structural cause identifiable. Less than 10% headaches in practice belong to the category of secondary headaches where there is an underlying condition, that can sometimes be ominous and life‐threatening.

Problem

Fear of missing a treatable serious secondary headache disorder is the most important reason why we need to investigate headache patients.

There is no dilemma in investigating the patient when the clinical presentation is straightforward but when the headache presents differently or with ‘red flags,’ it can sometimes be quite challenging to order the right investigation and rapidly arrive at the right diagnosis.

Potential solutions

This article looks at some of the elusive headache scenarios and outlines an approach that addresses the issue of ‘appropriate’ investigation in the headache patient. With advancing technology and increasing expertise, the author feels it is time now to do away with the practice of ordering an exhaustive battery of tests in all headache patients. With experience, clinicians can learn to choose tests judiciously and order specific tests based on a working diagnosis. As the title suggests, knowing ‘WHEN to order WHAT test in WHICH headache patient? ’ forms the theme of this article.
An Ideal Solid Solution Model for C–S–H
Authors: Bullard Jeffrey W. , Scherer George W.
Published: October 2016

A model for an ideal solid solution, developed by Nourtier‐Mazauric et al. [Oil & Gas Sci. Tech. Rev. IFP, 60 [2] (2005) 401], is applied to calcium–silicate–hydrate (C–S–H). Fitting the model to solubility data reported in the literature for C–S–H yields reasonable values for the compositions of the end‐members of the solid solution and for their equilibrium constants. This model will be useful in models of hydration kinetics of tricalcium silicate because it is easier to implement than other solid solution models, it clearly identifies the driving force for growth of the most favorable C–S–H composition, and it still allows the model to accurately capture variations in C–S–H composition as the aqueous solution changes significantly at early hydration times.
Broadband NIR photoelectronic performance for sunlight‐induced photocurrent from (NaYF4:Yb‐Er)/BiOI hybrid films
Authors: Jia Hong , Chen Zhi , Chen Ping , Xu Cheng , Liu Chang , Zhao Zhiguo , Liu Xiaofeng , Qiu Jianrong
Published: October 2016

The fabrication and near‐infrared optoelectronic performance of the (NaYF4:Yb‐Er)/BiOI upconversion phosphor/semiconductor hybrid films are reported. The composite films were fabricated by a simple electro‐deposition and successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method. We observed efficient upconversion emissions in the film of NaYF4:Yb‐Er upon irradiation by near‐infrared part of simulated sunlight, and the UC emission is drastically quenched in the composite film (NaYF4:Yb‐Er)/BiOI. More importantly, this composite film displays unusual negative photoresponse to near‐infrared part of simulated sunlight when used in a standard electrochemical cell where the composite film serves as the photoanode. This result may pave the way for potential application of this hybrid films for the development of novel photovoltaic and infrared optoelectronic devices.
Charge distribution in nano‐scale grains of magnesium aluminate spinel
Authors: Halabi Mahdi , Ezersky Vladimir , Kohn Amit , Hayun Shmuel
Published: October 2016

Charge distribution in magnesium aluminate spinel (MAS) results in the formation of a space‐charge region that plays a critical role in assigning functional properties. Significant theoretical advances explaining this phenomenon have been accomplished, even though quantitative experimental support from nano‐scale granular MAS is only indirect. In this work, the electrostatic potential distribution in nano‐scale grains of nonstoichiometric MAS (MgO·0.95Al2O3 and MgO·1.07Al2O3) was measured by off‐axis electron holography (OAEH) and compared to the distribution of cations and defects in this material as measured by electron energy‐loss spectroscopy (EELS). In this manner, we studied the roles of composition, grain size, and applied electric field (EF) on the formation of a space‐charge region. We quantitatively demonstrated that regardless of grain size, the vicinity of MgO·0.95Al2O3 grain boundaries presented an excess of Mg+2 cations, whereas the vicinity of MgO·1.07Al2O3 grain boundaries included an excess of Al+3 cations. The degree of structural disorder (ie, the inversion parameter, i) indicated that as‐synthesized MAS were significantly disordered (i between 0.37 and 0.41), with values decreasing toward equilibrium ordering values following annealing (i between 0.27 and 0.31). The application of an external ~150 V/cm EF during annealing further enhanced lattice ordering (i between 0.16 and 0.19). Such variations in the distribution of cations and defects should determine the space‐charged potential (SCP). However, using these measurements to calculate the SCP was not possible due to the wide range of values reported for formation energies of defects (0.82‐8.78 eV). Consequently, we correlated local ionic ordering with electrostatic potential in nonstoichiometric MAS. The magnitudes of the SCP in both MgO·0.95Al2O3 and MgO·1.07Al2O3 decreased following annealing from −3.4 ± 0.3 V and 2.0 ± 0.2 V to −2.0 ± 0.2 V and 1.6 ± 0.1 V, respectively.
Flash‐sintering of magnesium aluminate spinel (MgAl2O4) ceramics
Authors: Yoshida Hidehiro , Biswas Papiya , Johnson Roy , Mohan Mantravadi Krishna
Published: October 2016

The sintering behavior of commercially available MgAl2O4 spinel was investigated under DC electric field in a range of 0 and 1000 V/cm. Flash‐sintering results in densification close to theoretical density at 1410°C under the DC field of 1000 V/cm, in comparison to the higher sintering temperature of 1650°C in case of conventional sintering. It was observed that the fields less than 750 V/cm had no significant effect on the densification behavior. An abrupt increase in power dissipation was observed corresponding to the occurrence of the flash event. A significant enhancement in grain size was observed in case of flash‐sintered dense spinel samples. The gradual increase in the specimen conductivity observed in the electric field‐assisted sintering (FAST) regime led to Joule heating within the specimen. The increased specimen temperature triggered further increment of current and Joule heating, resulting in the immediate densification.
Effects of heating rate, quartz particle size, viscosity, and form of glass additives on high‐level waste melter feed volume expansion
Authors: Lee SeungMin , VanderVeer Bradley J. , Hrma Pavel , Hilliard Zachary J. , Heilman‐Moore Jayven S. , Bonham Charles C. , Pokorny Richard , Dixon Derek R. , Schweiger Michael J. , Kruger Albert A.
Published: October 2016

Nuclear waste can be vitrified by mixing it with glass‐forming and ‐modifying additives. The resulting feed is charged into an electric glass melter. To comprehend melting behavior of a high‐alumina melter feed, we monitored the volume expansion of pellets in response to heating at different heating rates. The feeds were prepared with different particle sizes of quartz (the major additive component) and with varied silica‐to‐fluxes ratio to investigate the glass melt viscosity effects. Also, we used additional melter feeds with additives premelted into glass frit. The volume of pellets was nearly constant at temperatures <600°C. After a short period of volume shrinkage at ~600°C‐700°C, foam generation produced massive volume expansion. The low heat conductivity of foam hinders the transfer of heat from molten glass to the reacting feed. The extent of foaming increased with faster heating and higher melt viscosity, and decreased with increasing size of quartz particles and fritting of the additives. Volume expansion data are needed for the mathematical modeling of the cold cap.
Pathogenesis of central and complex sleep apnoea
Authors: Orr Jeremy E. , Malhotra Atul , Sands Scott A.
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACT

Central sleep apnoea (CSA) – the temporary absence or diminution of ventilatory effort during sleep – is seen in a variety of forms including periodic breathing in infancy and healthy adults at altitude and Cheyne–Stokes respiration in heart failure. In most circumstances, the cyclic absence of effort is paradoxically a consequence of hypersensitive ventilatory chemoreflex responses to oppose changes in airflow, that is elevated loop gain, leading to overshoot/undershoot ventilatory oscillations. Considerable evidence illustrates overlap between CSA and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), including elevated loop gain in patients with OSA and the presence of pharyngeal narrowing during central apnoeas. Indeed, treatment of OSA, whether via continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), tracheostomy or oral appliances, can reveal CSA, an occurrence referred to as complex sleep apnoea. Factors influencing loop gain include increased chemosensitivity (increased controller gain), reduced damping of blood gas levels (increased plant gain) and increased lung to chemoreceptor circulatory delay. Sleep–wake transitions and pharyngeal dilator muscle responses effectively raise the controller gain and therefore also contribute to total loop gain and overall instability. In some circumstances, for example apnoea of infancy and central congenital hypoventilation syndrome, central apnoeas are the consequence of ventilatory depression and defective ventilatory responses, that is low loop gain. The efficacy of available treatments for CSA can be explained in terms of their effects on loop gain, for example CPAP improves lung volume (plant gain), stimulants reduce the alveolar‐inspired PCO2
difference and supplemental oxygen lowers chemosensitivity. Understanding the magnitude of loop gain and the mechanisms contributing to instability may facilitate personalized interventions for CSA.
Phylogeny, classification and divergence times of pygmy leaf‐mining moths (Lepidoptera: Nepticulidae): the earliest lepidopteran radiation on Angiosperms?
Authors: DOORENWEERD CAMIEL , VAN NIEUKERKEN ERIK J. , HOARE ROBERT J. B.
Published: October 2016

Nepticulidae represent one of the early diverging Lepidoptera lineages, and the family currently comprises over 850 described species. The larvae of the vast majority of the species are leaf miners on Angiosperms and highly monophagous, which has led to persistent ideas on coevolution with their plant hosts. We present here a molecular phylogeny based on eight gene fragments from 355 species, representing 20 out of 22 extant Nepticulidae genera. Using two fossil calibration points, we performed molecular dating to place the origin of the family in the Early Cretaceous, before the main Angiosperm diversification. Based on our results we propose a new classification, abandoning all ranks between family and genus, as well as subgenera to allow for a stable classification. The position of Enteucha Meyrick within Nepticulidae remains somewhat ambiguous, and the species‐rich cosmopolitan genus Stigmella Schrank, with nearly half of all described Nepticulidae, requires further study. Ectoedemia Busck, Zimmermannia Hering, Acalyptris Meyrick, Etainia Beirne, Parafomoria Borkowski, Muhabbetana Koçak & Kemal and Fomoria Beirne appear to have diversified in a relatively short evolutionary period, leading to short branches in the molecular phylogeny and unclear suprageneric relations. Otherwise support values throughout the phylogeny are mostly high and the species groups, genera and higher clades are discussed in respect of their supporting morphological and life‐history characters. Wing venation characters are confirmed to be mostly reliable and relevant for Nepticulidae classification, but some other previously used characters require reinterpretation. The species groups of most genera are recovered, but only partly so in the large genus Stigmella. The molecular dating results are compared with existing knowledge on the timing of the Angiosperm radiation and reveal that the diversification of Nepticulidae could largely have been contemporaneous with their hosts, although some of the genera restricted to a single plant family appear to have begun to diversify before their hosts.
Perceptual Pragmatism and the Naturalized Ontology of Color
Authors: Chirimuuta Mazviita
Published: October 2016

This paper considers whether there can be any such thing as a naturalized metaphysics of color—any distillation of the commitments of perceptual science with regard to color ontology. I first make some observations about the kinds of philosophical commitments that sometimes bubble to the surface in the psychology and neuroscience of color. Unsurprisingly, because of the range of opinions expressed, an ontology of color cannot simply be read off from scientists’ definitions and theoretical statements. I next consider two alternative routes. First, conceptual pluralism inspired by Mark Wilson's analysis of scientific representation. I argue that these findings leave the prospects for a naturalized color ontology rather dim. Second, I outline a naturalized epistemology of perception. I ask how the correctness and informativeness of perceptual states is understood by contemporary perceptual science. I argue that the detectionist ideal of correspondence should be replaced by the pragmatic ideal of usefulness. I argue that this result has significant implications for the metaphysics of color.
Phenomenal Intentionality and Color Experience
Authors: Matey Jennifer
Published: October 2016

Phenomenal intentionality is a view about the representational content of conscious experiences that grounds the content of experiences in their phenomenal character. The view is motivated by evidence from introspection, as well as theoretical considerations and intuitions. This paper discusses one potential problem with the view. The view has difficulty accounting for the intentionality of color experiences. Versions of the view either fail to count things as part of the content of color experience that should be counted, resulting in verdicts that some color experiences are inaccurate which should not be, or they admit properties as part of their contents that ought not to be admitted, resulting in color experiences being considered to be accurate when they ought not to be considered so. This is a problem because color predicates are usefully employed in sciences such as biology, cognitive science, and engineering. They are used in generalizations that take the form of laws governing the presence and behavior of properties. Scientific practice relies on the assumption that the laws governing how entities behave employ terms that refer to actual properties that entities really have. We should therefore assume that there is some consistent set of properties to which our color terms refer.
External Public Debt, Trade Linkages and Contagion During the Eurozone Crisis
Authors: Cutrini Eleonora , Galeazzi Giorgio
Published: October 2016

Against the backdrop of the contagion literature, the paper analyses the impact of financial and trade linkages on sovereign bond spreads in the Eurozone crisis. Using quarterly data for a sample of EMU countries during the period 2000–13, we estimate fixed‐effect panel models with Driscoll and Kraay standard errors that are robust to general forms of spatial and temporal dependence. Our main results can be summarised as follows: first, we suggest that the ‘sudden stop’ of capital inflow towards the peripheral sovereign debt triggered a re‐segmentation of financial markets and economic systems along national borders, with negative implications for risk‐sharing and the efficient allocation of capital. The ‘home bias’ effect – that is the increase in the share of sovereign debt held by domestic banks – worsened the country‐specific risk because the twin crisis (sovereign and banking) began to be conceived as more closely intertwined within countries than before. Second, the structure of international trade helps to account for the geographic scope of contagion, even after controlling for macroeconomic and fiscal vulnerabilities. Finally, the ‘substitution effect’ of public debt securities of stand‐alone emerging countries has affected more the sovereign spreads in the core than in the periphery.
GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY-MASS SPECTROMETRY (GC-MS) ANALYSIS OF PHYTOCHEMICALS OF FIRST GENERATION GAMMA-IRRADIATED TYPHONIUM FLAGELLIFORME LODD. MUTANTS
Authors: Sianipar Nesti Fronika , Purnamaningsih Ragapadmi , Darwati Ireng , Laurent Danny
Published: October 2016

Rodent tuber (Typhonium flagelliforme Lodd.) is an Indonesian herbal plant from Araceae family which is highly potential against several types of cancer. However, anticancer compound of rodent tuber is currently unknown. Rodent tuber has a low genetic diversity due to conventional vegetative propagation. In vitro propagation combined with gamma-irradiation of rodent tuber’s calli had been performed to increase the genetic diversity of rodent tuber. The mutant plants had been acclimatised and analysed with RAPD molecular markers, but the phytochemical constituents of these mutants have never been investigated. This research utilised gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analytical method to identify and measure the relative abundances of major phytochemical constituents of rodent tuber control and mutant plants. GC-MS analysis successfully showed phytochemical constituents of the ethanol extract of rodent tuber plants. Shoots and tubers of mutant clones had at least 8 anticancer compounds whose quantities were higher than control plants. Shoots and tubers of mutant clones also contained new anticancer compounds which were not found in control plants. Shoots of mutant clones contained new anticancer compounds such as 7-pentadecyne, β-sitosterol, hexadecanoic acid methyl ester, cis-vaccenic acid, ergost-5-en-3-ol (campesterol). Tubers of mutant clones contained new anticancer compounds such as β-sitosterol, ethyl palmitate, hexadecanoic acid ethyl ester, vitamin E (alpha tocopherol), ergost-5-en-3-ol (campesterol). Rodent tuber mutant clones are therefore very potential to be developed as anticancer drugs.
MULTI UNITS OF SINGLE PHASE DISTRIBUTED GENERATION COMBINED WITH BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE FOR PHASE POWER BALANCING IN DISTRIBUTION NETWORK
Authors: Amirullah Amirullah , Ashari Mochamad , Penangsan Ontoseno , Soeprijanto Adi
Published: October 2016

Randomly installed distributed generators (DGs) in households may cause unbalanced line current in a distribution network. This research presents a battery energy system for balancing of line current in a distribution network involving multi units of single phase photovoltaic (PV) distributed generators (DGs). In this paper, the PV generators were simulated consisting of a buck-boost DC/DC converter and single phase DC/AC inverter. It was connected to the distribution line through the low voltage 220 volt 50 Hz. The proposed phase balancing system uses battery energy storage and three single phase bidirectional inverters. The inverter is capable of injecting current or absorbing power from the line to the battery. This inverter operation is arranged to balance each distribution line separately, as well as to improve other power quality parameters, such as voltage and current harmonics. Simulation results show that the system was capable of improving the unbalanced line current from 15.59 % to 11, 48 % and unbalanced line voltage from 1.76 % to 0.58 %. The system was able for increasing current harmonics from 0.98 % to 1.03% and voltage harmonics from 38.96% to 39.08%.
Catalytic wet peroxide oxidation of phenol over ZnFe2O4 nano spinel
Authors: Hosseini S.A. , Farhadi Kh. , Siahkamari S. , Azizi B.
Published: October 2016

The catalytic wet peroxide oxidation of phenol was investigated over ZnFe2O4 nano spinels under different conditions designed by the experimental design. ZnFe2O4 nano oxide was synthesized by the sol-gel combustion method and characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscope techniques. The mean particle size was determined to be around 80–90 nm. The experiments were designed by the Box–Behnken type of response surface methodology by considering four process variables: CH2O2 (mol L−1), ZnFe2O4 amount (g), temperature (°C), and reaction time (min). The optimum condition for the degradation of the phenol was predicted by the response surface methodology. The optimal conditions for phenol degradation were at 0.144 M, 0.156 g, 70 °C, and 300 min of peroxide concentration, catalyst amount, temperature, and reaction time, respectively. The predicted response under these conditions was 99%, whereas the experimental test of predicted condition led to 97% degradation of phenol. Pareto analysis predicted that the order of relative importance of model terms is as follows: reaction temperature (29%) > catalyst amount – reaction temperature (19%) > reaction temperature – reaction time (14%) > reaction time (10.9%) > catalyst amount (9.8%). The study revealed that zinc ferrite nano spinels could be promising for removal of pollutants by the catalytic wet peroxide oxidation process.
Probing the structural features that influence the mesomorphic properties of substituted dibenz[a,c]anthracenes
Authors: Paquette Joseph A. , Psutka Katie M. , Yardley Colin J. , Maly Kenneth E.
Published: October 2016

We report the synthesis and mesophase characterization of a series of novel hexaalkoxydibenzanthracenes to probe the effect of side-chain length variation and substituents on the mesophase temperature range. A series of hexaalkoxydibenz[a,c]anthracenes (2a–2i) with varying chain lengths were prepared by Suzuki coupling of the appropriate boronate ester with the corresponding dialkoxydibromonaphthalenes, followed by oxidative cyclization. Compounds 2a–2i were also brominated in the 10 and 13 positions to yield the corresponding dibromo series, 4a–4i. While none of the compounds, 2a–2i, exhibited columnar mesophases, all of the compounds in series 4a–4i did exhibit columnar phases over broad temperature ranges. To further investigate the effect of substituents on the mesomorphic properties of hexaalkoxydibenzanthracenes, we also prepared iodo-substituted 8, nitro-substituted 9, and amino-substituted 10. A comparison of the mesophase temperature range with previously reported compounds 3–7 shows that electron-withdrawing groups promote the formation of stable mesophases. However, our results also suggest that the substituents affect mesophase stability by participating in intermolecular contacts within the columnar stacks of the mesophase.
Recommender systems — beyond matrix completion
Authors: Jannach Dietmar , Resnick Paul , Tuzhilin Alexander , Zanker Markus
Published: October 2016

The future success of these systems depends on more than a Netflix challenge.
Time to reinspect the foundations?
Authors: Copeland Jack , Dresner Eli , Proudfoot Diane , Shagrir Oron
Published: October 2016

Questioning if computer science is outgrowing its traditional foundations.
Sex as an algorithm
Authors: Livnat Adi , Papadimitriou Christos
Published: October 2016

Looking at the mysteries of evolution from a computer science point of view yields some unexpected insights.
Pushing on string
Authors: Florêncio Dinei , Herley Cormac , Van Oorschot Paul C.
Published: October 2016

Enterprises that impose stringent password-composition policies appear to suffer the same fate as those that do not.