bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fault Slip and GPS Velocities Across the Shan Plateau Define a Curved Southwestward Crustal Motion Around the Eastern Himalayan Syntaxis
Authors: Shi Xuhua , Wang Yu , Sieh Kerry , Weldon Ray , Feng Lujia , Chan Chung‐Han , Liu‐Zeng Jing
Published: March 2018

Characterizing the 700 km wide system of active faults on the Shan Plateau, southeast of the eastern Himalayan syntaxis, is critical to understanding the geodynamics and seismic hazard of the large region that straddles neighboring China, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. Here we evaluate the fault styles and slip rates over multi‐timescales, reanalyze previously published short‐term Global Positioning System (GPS) velocities, and evaluate slip‐rate gradients to interpret the regional kinematics and geodynamics that drive the crustal motion. Relative to the Sunda plate, GPS velocities across the Shan Plateau define a broad arcuate tongue‐like crustal motion with a progressively northwestward increase in sinistral shear over a distance of ~700 km followed by a decrease over the final ~100 km to the syntaxis. The cumulative GPS slip rate across the entire sinistral‐slip fault system on the Shan Plateau is ~12 mm/year. Our observations of the fault geometry, slip rates, and arcuate southwesterly directed tongue‐like patterns of GPS velocities across the region suggest that the fault kinematics is characterized by a regional southwestward distributed shear across the Shan Plateau, compared to more block‐like rotation and indentation north of the Red River fault. The fault geometry, kinematics, and regional GPS velocities are difficult to reconcile with regional bookshelf faulting between the Red River and Sagaing faults or localized lower crustal channel flows beneath this region. The crustal motion and fault kinematics can be driven by a combination of basal traction of a clockwise, southwestward asthenospheric flow around the eastern Himalayan syntaxis and gravitation or shear‐driven indentation from north of the Shan Plateau.
Does Extreme El Niño Have a Different Effect on the Stratosphere in Boreal Winter Than Its Moderate Counterpart?
Authors: Zhou Xin , Li Jianping , Xie Fei , Chen Quanliang , Ding Ruiqiang , Zhang Wenxia , Li Yang
Published: March 2018

A robust impact of El Niño on the Northern Hemisphere (NH) polar stratosphere has been demonstrated by previous studies, although whether this applies to extreme El Niño is uncertain. The time evolution of the response of the NH stratospheric vortex to extreme El Niño, compared with that to moderate eastern Pacific El Niño, is addressed by means of composite analysis using the National Centers for Environmental Prediction/Department of Energy reanalysis data set from 1980 to 2016. Lead‐lag analysis indicates that the El Niño signal actually leads the stratospheric response by ~2 months. Considering the time lag, the signal of December‐January‐February El Niño in the NH stratospheric vortex should mature in the February‐March‐April season (late winter/early spring). The patterns of circulation and temperature for late winter/early spring during extreme and moderate El Niño events are significant, exhibiting similar structure. The results are confirmed with the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model version 4 model, which is forced with observed SSTs of extreme and moderate El Niño in winter (December‐January‐February) to analyze the day‐to‐day propagation of their signals. Note that the magnitudes of the stratospheric responses are much larger in the case of extreme El Niño, as stronger upward propagation of planetary waves leads to a weaker northern polar vortex than during moderate El Niño events.
The Relationship Between Anomalous Presummer Extreme Rainfall Over South China and Synoptic Disturbances
Authors: Huang Ling , Luo Yali , Zhang Da‐Lin
Published: March 2018

A spectral analysis of daily rainfall data has been performed to investigate extreme rainfall events in south China during the presummer rainy seasons between 1998 and 2015 (excluding 1999, 2006, 2011, and 2014). The results reveal a dominant frequency mode at the synoptic scale with pronounced positive rainfall anomalies. By analyzing the synoptic‐scale bandpass‐filtered anomalous circulations, 24 extreme rainfall episodes (defined as those with a daily rainfall amount in the top 5%) are categorized into “cyclone” (15) and “trough” (8) types, with the remaining events as an “anticyclone” type, according to the primary anomalous weather system contributing to each extreme rainfall episode. The 15 cyclone‐type episodes are further separated into (11) lower‐ and (4) upper‐tropospheric migratory anomalies. An analysis of their anomalous fields shows that both types could be traced back to the generation of cyclonic anomalies downstream of the Tibetan Plateau, except for two episodes of lower‐tropospheric migratory anomalies originating over the South China Sea. However, a lower‐tropospheric cyclonic anomaly appears during all phases in the former type, but only in the wettest phase in the latter type, with its peak disturbance occurring immediately beneath an upper‐level warm anomaly. The production of extreme rainfall in the trough‐type episodes is closely related to a deep trough anomaly extending from an intense cyclonic anomaly over north China, which in turn could be traced back to a midlatitude Rossby wave train passing by the Tibetan Plateau. The results have important implications for understanding the origin, structure, and evolution of synoptic disturbances associated with the presummer extreme rainfall in south China.
Forecasting Responses of a Northern Peatland Carbon Cycle to Elevated CO2 and a Gradient of Experimental Warming
Authors: Jiang Jiang , Huang Yuanyuan , Ma Shuang , Stacy Mark , Shi Zheng , Ricciuto Daniel M. , Hanson Paul J. , Luo Yiqi
Published: March 2018

The ability to forecast ecological carbon cycling is imperative to land management in a world where past carbon fluxes are no longer a clear guide in the Anthropocene. However, carbon‐flux forecasting has not been practiced routinely like numerical weather prediction. This study explored (1) the relative contributions of model forcing data and parameters to uncertainty in forecasting flux‐ versus pool‐based carbon cycle variables and (2) the time points when temperature and CO2 treatments may cause statistically detectable differences in those variables. We developed an online forecasting workflow (Ecological Platform for Assimilation of Data (EcoPAD)), which facilitates iterative data‐model integration. EcoPAD automates data transfer from sensor networks, data assimilation, and ecological forecasting. We used the Spruce and Peatland Responses Under Changing Experiments data collected from 2011 to 2014 to constrain the parameters in the Terrestrial Ecosystem Model, forecast carbon cycle responses to elevated CO2 and a gradient of warming from 2015 to 2024, and specify uncertainties in the model output. Our results showed that data assimilation substantially reduces forecasting uncertainties. Interestingly, we found that the stochasticity of future external forcing contributed more to the uncertainty of forecasting future dynamics of C flux‐related variables than model parameters. However, the parameter uncertainty primarily contributes to the uncertainty in forecasting C pool‐related response variables. Given the uncertainties in forecasting carbon fluxes and pools, our analysis showed that statistically different responses of fast‐turnover pools to various CO2 and warming treatments were observed sooner than slow‐turnover pools. Our study has identified the sources of uncertainties in model prediction and thus leads to improve ecological carbon cycling forecasts in the future.
Spatiotemporal Variability in Lake‐Atmosphere Net CO2 Exchange in the Littoral Zone of an Oligotrophic Lake
Authors: Spafford Lynsay , Risk David
Published: March 2018

Lakes may function as either sinks or sources of CO2. Their response to climate change is uncertain, as we lack continuous data of lake CO2 efflux and its drivers. This is especially true in the littoral zone of lakes, which can be very dynamic from the continuous injection and remobilization of terrestrial nutrients. This study used high‐frequency measurements of CO2 exchange during the ice‐free season by prototype low‐power floating forced diffusion autochambers. We quantified the net surface flux of CO2 across a transect of the littoral zone of a small deep oligotrophic lake in eastern Nova Scotia, Canada, and examined potential drivers. The littoral zone was a net source for CO2, on average emitting 0.171 ± 0.023 μmol CO2 · m−2 · s−1, but we did observe significant temporal variation across diel and seasonal periods, as well as with distance from shore. While no pelagic environmental driver appeared to explain this variability in CO2 exchange, our study suggests that factors that vary on a fine spatial scale within the littoral zone may effectively regulate CO2 exchange. If environmental drivers of pelagic CO2 exchange are unrelated to CO2 exchange in the littoral zone, this may have large implications for current mechanistic understandings of lake carbon dynamics and for upscalings of fluxes. This work shows the spatial and temporal variability of littoral CO2 efflux, as well as the utility of low‐power forced diffusion automated chambers for observing lake‐atmosphere net CO2 exchange.
Experimental Demonstration of In‐Place Calibration for Time Domain Microwave Imaging System
Authors: Kwon S. , Son S. , Lee K.
Published: March 2018

In this study, the experimental demonstration of in‐place calibration was conducted using the developed time domain measurement system. Experiments were conducted using three calibration methods—in‐place calibration and two existing calibrations, that is, array rotation and differential calibration. The in‐place calibration uses dual receivers located at an equal distance from the transmitter. The received signals at the dual receivers contain similar unwanted signals, that is, the directly received signal and antenna coupling. In contrast to the simulations, the antennas are not perfectly matched and there might be unexpected environmental errors. Thus, we experimented with the developed experimental system to demonstrate the proposed method. The possible problems with low signal‐to‐noise ratio and clock jitter, which may exist in time domain systems, were rectified by averaging repeatedly measured signals. The tumor was successfully detected using the three calibration methods according to the experimental results. The cross correlation was calculated using the reconstructed image of the ideal differential calibration for a quantitative comparison between the existing rotation calibration and the proposed in‐place calibration. The mean value of cross correlation between the in‐place calibration and ideal differential calibration was 0.80, and the mean value of cross correlation of the rotation calibration was 0.55. Furthermore, the results of simulation were compared with the experimental results to verify the in‐place calibration method. A quantitative analysis was also performed, and the experimental results show a tendency similar to the simulation.
Wireless Sensor Network for Radiometric Detection and Assessment of Partial Discharge in High‐Voltage Equipment
Authors: Upton D. W. , Saeed B. I. , Mather P. J. , Lazaridis P. I. , Vieira M. F. Q. , Atkinson R. C. , Tachtatzis C. , Garcia M. S. , Judd M. D. , Glover I. A.
Published: March 2018

Monitoring of partial discharge (PD) activity within high‐voltage electrical environments is increasingly used for the assessment of insulation condition. Traditional measurement techniques employ technologies that either require off‐line installation or have high power consumption and are hence costly. A wireless sensor network is proposed that utilizes only received signal strength to locate areas of PD activity within a high‐voltage electricity substation. The network comprises low‐power and low‐cost radiometric sensor nodes which receive the radiation propagated from a source of PD. Results are reported from several empirical tests performed within a large indoor environment and a substation environment using a network of nine sensor nodes. A portable PD source emulator was placed at multiple locations within the network. Signal strength measured by the nodes is reported via WirelessHART to a data collection hub where it is processed using a location algorithm. The results obtained place the measured location within 2 m of the actual source location.
Evaluation of the Sq Magnetic Field Variation Calculated by GAIA
Authors: Fujita Shigeru , Murata Yuka , Fujii Ikuko , Miyoshi Yasunobu , Shinagawa Hiroyuki , Jin Hidekatsu , Fujiwara Hitoshi
Published: March 2018

Magnetic variations calculated by the Ground‐to‐topside model of Atmosphere and Ionosphere for Aeronomy (GAIA) are compared with those observed at global magnetic observatory network in geomagnetic calm days in order to evaluate accuracy of the ionospheric current system calculated by GAIA. The calculated Y component magnetic variations can reproduce more than 50% of the observed variations at more than half observatories treated. In particular, GAIA can reproduce more than 75% of the observed Y component variations in the equinox, whereas there is tendency of low correlation of the waveform between the calculated and observed variations in the winter season. Next, GAIA reproduces so well of the X component variations at the low‐latitude observatories. Low correlation between the calculated and observed X component variations at middle‐latitude observatories seems to be caused by inaccurate determination of the position of the ionospheric Sq current vortex. Last, although the calculated Z component variations do not so well reproduce the observed ones compared with other component, GAIA can reproduce more than 50% of the observed Z component variation at about half observatories in general. Calculated amplitude of the horizontal magnetic variations (X and Y components) exhibit smaller than the observed one whereas that of the vertical variation (Z component) is larger than the observed one. This tendency is roughly explained by the induction effect of the Earth that is not considered in GAIA. Thus, GAIA considerably well reproduces the pure ionospheric current system that is not affected by the solid Earth.
Spatial and Temporal Variations in the Moment Tensor Solutions of the 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake Aftershocks and Their Tectonic Implications
Authors: Lin X. , Dreger D. , Ge H. , Xu P. , Wu M. , Chiang A. , Zhao G. , Yuan H.
Published: March 2018

Following the mainshock of the 2008 M8 Wenchuan Earthquake, there were more than 300 ML ≥ 4.0 aftershocks that occurred between 12 May 2008 and 8 September 2010. We analyzed the broadband waveforms for these events and found 160 events with sufficient signal‐to‐noise levels to invert for seismic moment tensors. Considering the length of the activated fault and the distances to the recording stations, four velocity models were employed to account for variability in crustal structure. The moment tensor solutions show considerable variations with a mixture of mainly reverse and strike‐slip mechanisms and a small number of normal events and ambiguous events. We analyzed the spatial and temporal distribution of the aftershocks and their mechanism types to characterize the structure and the deformation occurring in the Longmen Shan fold and thrust belt. Our results suggest that the stress is very complex at the Longmen Shan fault zone. The moment tensors have both a spatial segmentation with two major categories of the moment tensor of thrust and strike slip; and a temporal pattern that the majority of the aftershocks gradually migrated to thrust‐type events. The variability of aftershock mechanisms is a strong indication of significant tectonic release and stress reorganization that activated numerous small faults in the system.
Tritium Records to Trace Stratospheric Moisture Inputs in Antarctica
Authors: Fourré E. , Landais A. , Cauquoin A. , Jean‐Baptiste P. , Lipenkov V. , Petit J.‐R.
Published: March 2018

Better assessing the dynamic of stratosphere‐troposphere exchange is a key point to improve our understanding of the climate dynamic in the East Antarctica Plateau, a region where stratospheric inputs are expected to be important. Although tritium (3H or T), a nuclide naturally produced mainly in the stratosphere and rapidly entering the water cycle as HTO, seems a first‐rate tracer to study these processes, tritium data are very sparse in this region. We present the first high‐resolution measurements of tritium concentration over the last 50 years in three snow pits drilled at the Vostok station. Natural variability of the tritium records reveals two prominent frequencies, one at about 10 years (to be related to the solar Schwabe cycles) and the other one at a shorter periodicity: despite dating uncertainty at this short scale, a good correlation is observed between 3H and Na+ and an anticorrelation between 3H and δ18O measured on an individual pit. The outputs from the LMDZ Atmospheric General Circulation Model including stable water isotopes and tritium show the same 3H‐δ18O anticorrelation and allow further investigation on the associated mechanism. At the interannual scale, the modeled 3H variability matches well with the Southern Annular Mode index. At the seasonal scale, we show that modeled stratospheric tritium inputs in the troposphere are favored in winter cold and dry conditions.
S
ebaldella
Authors: Eisenberg Tobias , Glaeser Stefanie P. , Blom Jochen , Kämpfer Peter
Published: March 2018

Se.bal.del'la. N.L. dim. ending ‐
ella
; N.L. fem. dim. n.
Sebaldella
named after the French microbiologist Madeleine Sebald, who first described the organism.

Fusobacteria / Fusobacteriia / Fusobacteriales / Leptotrichiaceae / Sebaldella

Rods. Nonspore‐forming. Nonmotile. Gram‐stain‐negative. Anaerobic. Acid is produced from glucose
and some other sugars. The
major end products of glucose fermentation are acetic and lactic acids
; formic acid may also be produced. Hexose monophosphate shunt enzymes, glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase, and 6‐phosphogluconate dehydrogenase are absent. Glutamate dehydrogenase and malate dehydrogenase are absent. Nonhydroxylated and 3‐hydroxylated long‐chain fatty acids are present. The fatty acids are primarily of the straight‐chain saturated and monounsaturated types. Menaquinones are absent.

DNA G
+
C content (mol%)
: 33.4–33.5 (derived from genomic data).

Type species
:
Sebaldella termitidis
(Sebald 1962) Collins and Shah 1986, 349
VP
(
Sphaerophorus siccus
var.
termitidis
Sebald 1962, 124;
Bacteroides termitidis
Holdeman and Moore 1970, 33).
Eperythrozoon
Authors: Brown Daniel R. , Tasker Séverine , Messick Joanne B. , Neimark Harold
Published: March 2018

Ep.e.ry.thro.zo'on. Gr. pref.epion; Gr. adj.erythrosred; Gr. neut. n.zoonliving being, animal; N.L. neut. n.Eperythrozoon(presumably intended to mean) animals on red (blood cells).

Tenericutes / Mollicutes / Mycoplasmatales / incertae Sedis ‐ Family II / Eperythrozoon

The taxonomy and nomenclature of hemotropic bacteria first assigned in 1928 to the genusEperythrozoonare matters of current controversy. It is now undisputed that, on the basis of their lack of a cell wall, small (typically 350–500 nm in diameter) cell size, low (27–34 mol%) G + C content, use of the codon UGA to encode tryptophan, regular association with vertebrate hosts, and 16S rRNA gene sequences most similar (80–84%) to species in genusMycoplasma, these organisms are properly affiliated with the orderMycoplasmatales. However, the proposed transfers ofEperythrozoonandHaemobartonellaspecies to genusMycoplasmawere opposed on the grounds that the degree of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity is insufficient. The alternative of situating them in a new genus in familyMycoplasmataceaewould regrettably compound polyphyly within genusMycoplasmaon no other basis than a capacity to adhere to the surface of erythrocytesin vivo. A second alternative, transfer of the nomenclatural type speciesEperythrozoon coccoidesto the genusMycoplasma, is complicated by priority becauseEperythrozoonpredatesMycoplasma. However, the third alternative of uniting the genera by transferring all mycoplasmas to the genusEperythrozoonis completely unjustifiable considering the biological characteristics of the nonhemotropic majority ofMycoplasmaspecies. A provisional placement of the formerEperythrozoonspecies in the genusMycoplasmahas nevertheless been embraced by specialists in the molecular biology and clinical pathogenicity of these and similar hemotropic organisms.

Type species:Eperythrozoon coccoidesSchilling 1928, 1854.

DNA G+C content (mol%): 27–34.
Robust optimization in lung treatment plans accounting for geometric uncertainty
Authors: Zhang Xin , Rong Yi , Morrill Steven , Fang Jian , Narayanasamy Ganesh , Galhardo Edvaldo , Maraboyina Sanjay , Croft Christopher , xia Fen , Penagaricano Jose
Published: March 2018

Robust optimization generates scenario‐based plans by a minimax optimization method to find optimal scenario for the trade‐off between target coverage robustness and organ‐at‐risk (OAR) sparing. In this study, 20 lung cancer patients with tumors located at various anatomical regions within the lungs were selected and robust optimization photon treatment plans including intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans were generated. The plan robustness was analyzed using perturbed doses with setup error boundary of ±3 mm in anterior/posterior (AP), ±3 mm in left/right (LR), and ±5 mm in inferior/superior (IS) directions from isocenter. Perturbed doses for D99, D98, and D95 were computed from six shifted isocenter plans to evaluate plan robustness. Dosimetric study was performed to compare the internal target volume‐based robust optimization plans (ITV‐IMRT and ITV‐VMAT) and conventional PTV margin‐based plans (PTV‐IMRT and PTV‐VMAT). The dosimetric comparison parameters were: ITV target mean dose (Dmean), R95(D95/Dprescription), Paddick's conformity index (CI), homogeneity index (HI), monitor unit (MU), and OAR doses including lung (Dmean, V20 Gy and V15 Gy), chest wall, heart, esophagus, and maximum cord doses. A comparison of optimization results showed the robust optimization plan had better ITV dose coverage, better CI, worse HI, and lower OAR doses than conventional PTV margin‐based plans. Plan robustness evaluation showed that the perturbed doses of D99, D98, and D95 were all satisfied at least 99% of the ITV to received 95% of prescription doses. It was also observed that PTV margin‐based plans had higher MU than robust optimization plans. The results also showed robust optimization can generate plans that offer increased OAR sparing, especially for normal lungs and OARs near or abutting the target. Weak correlation was found between normal lung dose and target size, and no other correlation was observed in this study.
Development of clinically relevant QA procedures for the BrainLab ExacTrac imaging system
Authors: Iftimia Ileana , Halvorsen Per H.
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The aim of this study was to develop Quality Assurance procedures for the BrainLab ExacTrac (ET) imaging system following the TG 142 recommendations for planar kV imaging systems.

Materials and Methods

A custom‐designed 3D printed holder was used to position the Standard Imaging QCkV‐1 phantom at isocenter, facing the ET X ray tubes. The linac's light field (collimator at 45⁰) was used to position the phantom holder. The ET images were exported to ARIA where geometric distortion was checked. The DICOM images were analyzed in the PIPSpro software. The following parameters were recorded (technique 80 kV/2mAs): spatial resolution (Modulated Transfer Function (MTF) F50/F40/F30), contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR), and noise. A baseline was generated for future image analysis. Beam quality and exposure were measured using the Unfors R/F detector. Using a rod holder, the detector was placed at isocenter, facing each ET X‐ray tube. The measurements were performed for all preset protocols ranging from cranial low (80 kV/6.3 mAs) to abdomen high (145 kV/25 mAs). The total exposure was converted to dose.

Results and Discussion

The image quality parameters were close for the two tubes. A common baseline was therefore generated. The average baseline values (both tubes, both images/tube) were 1.06/1.18/1.30, 1.32, and 67.3 for the MTF F50/F40/F30, noise, and CNR respectively. The procedure described here was used for another 24 sets. Using a positioning template and 3D printed phantom holder, experimental reproducibility has been acceptably high. The measured phantom dimensions were within 1 mm from the nominal values. The measured kV values were within 2% of the nominal values. The exposure values for the two tubes were comparable. The range of total measured dose was 0.099 mGy (cranial low) to 1.353 mGy (abdomen high).

Conclusions

A reliable process has been implemented for QA of the ET imaging system by characterizing the system's performance at isocenter, consistent with clinical conventions.
CSF/serum matrix metallopeptidase‐9 ratio discriminates neuro Behçet from multiple sclerosis
Authors: Aldinucci Alessandra , Bonechi Elena , Biagioli Tiziana , Repice Anna M. , D'Elios Mario M. , Emmi Lorenzo , Emmi Giacomo , Silvestri Elena , Barilaro Alessandro , Ballerini Clara
Published: March 2018

In neuro Behçet disease with multiple sclerosis‐like features, diagnosis could be challenging. Here, we studied the cerebrospinal fluid and serum inflammatory profile of 11 neuro Behçet and 21 relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis patients. Between the soluble factors analyzed (MMP9, TNFα, IL6, CXCL13, CXCL10, CXCL8, IFNγ, IL10, IL17, IL23, and others) we found MMP9 increased in neuro Behçet serum compared to multiple sclerosis and decreased in cerebrospinal fluid. Furthermore, neuro Behçet analysis of circulating natural killer CD56DIM subset suggests their potential involvement in increased MMP9 production. We believe that these findings may have a translational utility in clinical practice.
Myelin protein zero mutations and the unfolded protein response in Charcot Marie Tooth disease type 1B
Authors: Bai Yunhong , Wu Xingyao , Brennan Kathryn M. , Wang David S. , D'Antonio Maurizio , Moran John , Svaren John , Shy Michael E.
Published: March 2018

Objective

To determine the prevalence of MPZ mutations that cause Charcot Marie Tooth neuropathy type 1B (CMT1B) and activate the unfolded protein Response (UPR).

Background

CMT1B is caused by >200 heterozygous mutations in MPZ, the major protein in peripheral nerve myelin. Mutations Ser63del MPZ and Arg98Cys MPZ cause the mutant protein to be retained in the ER and activate the generally adaptive UPR. Treatments that modulate UPR activation have improved cellular and rodent models of CMT1B raising the possibility that other MPZ mutations that activate the UPR would also respond favorably to similar treatment. The prevalence of MPZ mutations that activate the UPR is unknown.

Methods

We developed a dual luciferase reporter assay of Xbp1 splicing using stably transfected RT4 Schwann cells to assay the ability of cDNA constructs bearing 46 distinct MPZ mutations to activate the UPR. Constructs also carried an HA tag to permit detection of ER retention of mutant proteins. UPR activation and ER retention were correlated with clinical phenotypes.

Results

Eighteen mutations demonstrated ER retention and UPR activation to a similar degree as Ser63del and Arg98Cys MPZ. Thirty‐five of the mutations activated the UPR > 1.5 fold compared to that of wild‐type MPZ. Correlation was high between firefly and Nano‐luciferase reporters and between both reporters and ER localization. UPR activity did not correlate with clinical onset or severity.

Conclusion

Many CMT1B causing mutations activate the UPR and may be susceptible to therapeutic efforts to facilitate UPR function.
Nickel Catalyzed Ipso‐hydroxylation and Subsequent Cross Dehydrogenative Coupling of Arylboronic Acids with Tertiary Amines: A Facile Access to α‐phenolated Tertiary Amines
Authors: Kumar Promod , Kumar Sharma Anup , Singh Rahul , Guntreddi Tirumaleswararao , Nand Singh Krishna
Published: March 2018

A straightforward and new approach has been developed for the α‐functionalization of tertiary amines via sequential oxidative hydoxylation and cross‐dehydrogenative coupling (CDC) of arylboronic acids with tertiary amines to afford α‐phenolated tertiary amines. The results demonstrate an easy arylation of C(sp3)−H bond in the presence of an inexpensive and readily available nickel metal salt.

magnified image
Rapid Formation of Fluoren‐9‐ones via Palladium‐Catalyzed External Carbon Monoxide‐Free Carbonylation
Authors: Konishi Hideyuki , Futamata Suguru , Wang Xi , Manabe Kei
Published: March 2018

A Pd‐catalyzed carbonylation reaction for the synthesis of fluoren‐9‐ones from 2‐halogenated biphenyls using phenyl formate as a carbon monoxide surrogate was achieved. The combined use of cesium carbonate and o‐anisic acid resulted in a remarkable rate enhancement, where the reaction was complete within 3 min in some cases. Mechanistic studies indicated that the turnover‐limiting step of the reaction was the C−H bond‐cleaving step or the oxidative addition step, depending on the substrate used.

magnified image
Nanofabricated Ultraflexible Electrode Arrays for High‐Density Intracortical Recording
Authors: Wei Xiaoling , Luan Lan , Zhao Zhengtuo , Li Xue , Zhu Hanlin , Potnis Ojas , Xie Chong
Published: March 2018

Understanding brain functions at the circuit level requires time‐resolved simultaneous measurement of a large number of densely distributed neurons, which remains a great challenge for current neural technologies. In particular, penetrating neural electrodes allow for recording from individual neurons at high temporal resolution, but often have larger dimensions than the biological matrix, which induces significant damage to brain tissues and therefore precludes the high implant density that is necessary for mapping large neuronal populations with full coverage. Here, it is demonstrated that nanofabricated ultraflexible electrode arrays with cross‐sectional areas as small as sub‐10 µm2 can overcome this physical limitation. In a mouse model, it is shown that these electrodes record action potentials with high signal‐to‐noise ratio; their dense arrays allow spatial oversampling; and their multiprobe implantation allows for interprobe spacing at 60 µm without eliciting chronic neuronal degeneration. These results present the possibility of minimizing tissue displacement by implanted ultraflexible electrodes for scalable, high‐density electrophysiological recording that is capable of complete neuronal circuitry mapping over chronic time scales.
Vessel‐associated cells in angiosperm xylem: Highly specialized living cells at the symplast–apoplast boundary
Authors: Morris Hugh , Plavcová Lenka , Gorai Mustapha , Klepsch Matthias M. , Kotowska Martyna , Jochen Schenk H. , Jansen Steven
Published: March 2018

Background

Vessel‐associated cells (VACs) are highly specialized, living parenchyma cells that are in direct contact with water‐conducting, dead vessels. The contact may be sparse or in large tight groups of parenchyma that completely surrounds vessels. VACs differ from vessel distant parenchyma in physiology, anatomy, and function and have half‐bordered pits at the vessel‐parenchyma juncture. The distinct anatomy of VACs is related to the exchange of substances to and from the water‐transport system, with the cells long thought to be involved in water transport in woody angiosperms, but where direct experimental evidence is lacking.

Scope

This review focuses on our current knowledge of VACs regarding anatomy and function, including hydraulic capacitance, storage of nonstructural carbohydrates, symplastic and apoplastic interactions, defense against pathogens and frost, osmoregulation, and the novel hypothesis of surfactant production. Based on microscopy, we visually represent how VACs vary in dimensions and general appearance between species, with special attention to the protoplast, amorphous layer, and the vessel‐parenchyma pit membrane.

Conclusions

An understanding of the relationship between VACs and vessels is crucial to tackling questions related to how water is transported over long distances in xylem, as well as defense against pathogens. New avenues of research show how parenchyma‐vessel contact is related to vessel diameter and a new hypothesis may explain how surfactants arising from VAC can allow water to travel under negative pressure. We also reinforce the message of connectivity between VAC and other cells between xylem and phloem.
Cytotoxic Oligomers and Fibrils Trapped in a Gel‐like State of α‐Synuclein Assemblies
Authors: Kumar Rakesh , Das Subhadeep , Mohite Ganesh M. , Rout Saroj K. , Halder Saayak , Jha Narendra Nath , Ray Soumik , Mehra Surabhi , Agarwal Vipin , Maji Samir K.
Published: March 2018

α‐Synuclein (α‐Syn) aggregation is associated with Parkinson's disease (PD) pathogenesis. In PD, the role of oligomers versus fibrils in neuronal cell death is debatable, but recent studies suggest oligomers are a proximate neurotoxin. Herein, we show that soluble α‐Syn monomers undergo a transformation from a solution to a gel state on incubation at high concentration. Detailed characterization of the gel showed the coexistence of monomers, oligomers, and short fibrils. In vitro, the gel was highly cytotoxic to human neuroblastoma cells. The individual constituents of the gel are short‐lived species but toxic to the cells. They comprise a structurally heterogeneous population of α‐helical and β‐sheet‐rich oligomers and short fibrils with the cross‐β motif. Given the recent evidence of the gel‐like state of the protein associated with neurodegenerative diseases, the gel state of α‐Syn in this study represents a mechanistic and structural model for the in vivo toxicity of α‐Syn in PD.
Effect of electrospinning processing variables on polyacrylonitrile nanoyarns
Authors: Levitt Ariana S. , Vallett Richard , Dion Genevieve , Schauer Caroline L.
Published: March 2018

With recent developments in the field of smart textiles, researchers have been working toward fabricating architectures of nanofibers, known as nanoyarns, which mimic the geometry of a conventional yarn. In doing so, one can leverage the unique properties of nanoscale fibers, including high surface‐to‐volume ratio and tunable porosity, for the development of smart garments. In the last 5 years, researchers have produced nanoyarns from a limited number of polymers, including polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and poly(vinylidene fluoride) and its co‐polymers. However, to our knowledge, there has been little research on the solution properties and electrospinning parameters needed to fabricate these higher‐order architectures from nonwoven mats. In this work, a modified electrospinning setup, enclosed in a humidity‐controlled chamber, was developed to fabricate nanoyarns for integration into knitted textiles. We fabricated nanofibers and nanoyarns from PAN/DMF solutions and conducted a systematic study to analyze the effect of solution conductivity, viscosity, and electrospinning parameters (applied voltage, collector distance, and humidity) on fiber and yarn fabrication and morphology. Polymer concentration had a significant effect on fibrous cone and yarn fabrication. Low polymer concentrations resulted in poor cone formation, whereas high concentration resulted in dense cones that were difficult to draw into nanoyarns. Overall, the matrix of electrospinning parameters that resulted in the formation of homogenous nanofiber mats was larger than that of nanoyarn formation. Nanoyarn formation required higher polymer concentration and/or applied voltage than nonwoven mat formation. The influence of these parameters on nanoyarn formation and fiber diameter can be used to expand the library of spinnable nanoyarns and optimize their properties for specific applications. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46404.
Thermomechanically stable dielectric composites based on poly(ether ketone) and BaTiO3 with improved electromagnetic shielding properties in X‐band
Authors: Chauhan Sampat Singh , Verma Pawan , Malik Rajender Singh , Choudhary Veena
Published: March 2018

High‐performance barium titanate (BaTiO3) filled poly(ether ketone) (PEK) composites were prepared by melt compounding with an aim to investigate the effect of BaTiO3 on thermal, thermomechanical, dielectric, and electromagnetic interference shielding behavior of PEK. The content of BaTiO3 in the PEK matrix was varied from 0 to 18 vol %. Scanning electron microscopy studies shows that BaTiO3 particles were uniformly distributed in the PEK matrix up to 13 vol % loading followed by the formation of agglomerates at higher loading (18 vol %). Rockwell hardness increased up to 13 vol % loading followed by a decrease at 18 vol % loading. Dynamic mechanical analysis revealed that storage modulus increases with increase in BaTiO3 loading with a maximum value of 3192 MPa at 13 vol % compared to 2099 MPa for neat PEK. Dielectric constant of composites measured in the frequency range of 8.2–12.4 GHz increased approximately three times upon incorporation of 18 vol % of BaTiO3. This increment in dielectric constant is reflected in improved electromagnetic shielding properties as loading of dielectric filler (BaTiO3) increases. Total shielding effectiveness of −11 dB (∼92% attenuation) at loading of 18 vol % BaTiO3 justifies the use of these composites for suppression of EM radiations. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46413.
Two‐Level Games and Australia's Defence Procurement: The Case of Land‐Based Anti‐ship Missiles
Authors: Raymond Gregory Vincent
Published: March 2018

As a country largely free of the corruption that bedevils the defence procurement of many of Australia's Asian neighbours, it is generally assumed that Australia's national security interests, together with value for money, are the paramount criteria for Australia's defence procurement. This is an assumption, however, that deserves critical interrogation, particularly with respect to the influence that domestic politics can have on strategic decisions. This article investigates the Australian government's 2016 decision to acquire land‐based anti‐ship missiles. To do so, it adapts Putnam's two‐level game to a defence policy context, enabling the incorporation of both realist and domestic political factors, including the influence of interest groups. I find a plausible case that the influence of the resources sector and constituents of Australia's northwest, as well as the corporate interests of the Australian army in asserting a greater role in Australian defence strategy, may have been significant in the decision.
Onset patterns in autism: Variation across informants, methods, and timing
Authors: Ozonoff Sally , Gangi Devon , Hanzel Elise P. , Hill Alesha , Hill Monique M. , Miller Meghan , Schwichtenberg A.J. , Steinfeld Mary Beth , Parikh Chandni , Iosif Ana‐Maria
Published: March 2018

While previous studies suggested that regressive forms of onset were not common in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), more recent investigations suggest that the rates are quite high and may be under‐reported using certain methods. The current study undertook a systematic investigation of how rates of regression differed by measurement method. Infants with (n = 147) and without a family history of ASD (n = 83) were seen prospectively for up to 7 visits in the first three years of life. Reports of symptom onset were collected using four measures that systematically varied the informant (examiner vs. parent), the decision type (categorical [regression absent or present] vs. dimensional [frequency of social behaviors]), and the timing of the assessment (retrospective vs. prospective). Latent class growth models were used to classify individual trajectories to see whether regressive onset patterns were infrequent or widespread within the ASD group. A majority of the sample was classified as having a regressive onset using either examiner (88%) or parent (69%) prospective dimensional ratings. Rates of regression were much lower using retrospective or categorical measures (from 29 to 47%). Agreement among different measurement methods was low. Declining trajectories of development, consistent with a regressive onset pattern, are common in children with ASD and may be more the rule than the exception. The accuracy of widely used methods of measuring onset is questionable and the present findings argue against their widespread use. Autism Res 2018, 11: 788–797. © 2018 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

This study examines different ways of measuring the onset of symptoms in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The present findings suggest that declining developmental skills, consistent with a regressive onset pattern, are common in children with ASD and may be more the rule than the exception. The results question the accuracy of widely used methods of measuring symptom onset and argue against their widespread use.
Does the hormone “endogenous ouabain” exist in the human circulation?
Authors: Kaaja Risto J. , Nicholls M. Gary
Published: March 2018

Studies in the early 1990s suggested that a hormone identical to ouabain or an isomer of ouabain is secreted by the adrenal glands into the circulation and plays a role in the regulation of arterial pressure and cardiac and renal function. This hormone, known as endogenous ouabain (EO), was claimed to contribute to the pathophysiology of a number of disorders including heart failure, renal failure, pregnancy‐induced, and essential hypertension. However, some research groups have been unable to confirm the presence of EO in the human circulation and the issue remains in dispute. In that the implications are of considerable importance to clinicians who, like the authors, lack biochemical expertise, it would be useful if the dispute could be addressed by disinterested scientists with long‐standing and acknowledged expertise in analytical chemistry who could opine as to whether the evidence is, or is not, sufficient to state categorically that EO does (or does not) exist in the circulation in man. This brief review does not present new data but, rather, recommends that adjudication is needed regarding this important issue. © 2018 BioFactors, 44(3):219–221, 2018
Geographical discrimination of Glechomae Herba based on fifteen phenolic constituents determined by LC–MS/MS method combined with chemometric methods
Authors: Tan Ting , Zhang Jing , Xu Xu , Huang Wen‐Ping , Luo Yun
Published: March 2018

Glechomae Herba (GH) is rich in bioactive phenolic constituents and is widely used for treatment of cholelithiasis, urolithiasis and dropsy. The simultaneous determination of phenolic constituents in GH from different geographical origins is significant for authentication and quality control purposes. In this study, we developed a strategy integrating targeted analysis and chemometric methods for quality evaluation and discrimination of GH from different geographical origins. Firstly, an accurate and reliable liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method was developed for simultaneous quantification of 15 phenolic constituents in GH from different geographical origins. The established method was well validated in terms of desirable specificity, linearity, precision and accuracy. Secondly, the quantitative data were subjected to principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis. Thirdly, a heatmap visualization was employed for clarifying the distribution of 15 phenolic compounds in GH from different geographical origins. These results indicated that GH samples from Shandong province obviously differ from those from other provinces in the content of bioactive phenolic constituents. Collectively, the proposed platform might be a suitable tool for quality evaluation and discrimination of GH from different geographical origins, providing promising perspectives in tracking the formulation processes of traditional Chinese medicine products.
The Role of External Acidity of Hierarchical ZSM‐5 Zeolites in n‐Heptane Catalytic Cracking
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxiao , Cheng Dang‐guo , Chen Fengqiu , Zhan Xiaoli
Published: March 2018

The hierarchical ZSM‐5 zeolite, which contains mesopores in addition to intrinsic micropores, is expected to enhance the bulky molecular diffusion and accessibility of acid sites. These sites, distributed in the internal surface (micropore) or external environment (including external surface and mesopore walls), play different roles in chemical reactions. To explore the effect of internal/external acidity on the reaction, in this study, a series of hierarchical ZSM‐5 zeolites with similar pore structures but different external acid properties were synthesized. Tartaric acid was employed to poison the acidic sites in the external environment selectively and extract Al from the framework. The catalytic cracking of n‐heptane (the main compound of naphtha) was chosen as a model reaction. The results show that elimination of external active sites tends to reduce the coke formation. The more external acid sites are selectively eliminated, the better catalytic performance can be achieved because of suppressing the bimolecular reactions of ethylene and propylene.
Frequency Analysis of Low and High Flows in Trend
Authors: Güçlü Yavuz Selim
Published: March 2018

Hydrological variables are under the effect of the climate change impacts, and therefore, this study concentrates on the frequency analyses of low and high flows depending on the duration, leading to a new approach. The durations are selected as month, season, 6‐month, and year coupled with the return periods 2‐, 5‐, 10‐, 20‐, 50‐, 100‐, 200‐, and 500‐years. The frequencies are equivalent to the reverse of these return periods. Increasing and decreasing trends are identified within the low and high flows, and the necessary graphs are presented. Similar to intensity‐duration‐frequency (IDF) curves, the proposed frequency‐flow‐duration curves are obtained instead of flow‐duration‐frequency (QDF) curves. The curves present important inputs for many hydrological events including flood forecasting, dam reservoir calculations, urban drainage design evaluations, transportation network planning, availability of agricultural land, groundwater recharge, etc. Furthermore, the flow values that may appear over n‐year frequency on the curves are calculated by taking into consideration the Gamma cumulative probability distribution function. For the study area with applications Görele River, Turkey, flow measurements are used and the necessary conclusions are derived. As a result, the comparison for high and low values separately present significant information so that monotonically decreasing trend are generally observed for high values (wet periods) and non‐monotonically increasing trend for low values (drought periods).
Corticofugal circuits: Communication lines from the cortex to the rest of the brain
Authors: Usrey W. Martin , Sherman S. Murray
Published: March 2018

Pyramidal cells in cortical Layers 5 and 6 are the only cells in the cerebral cortex with axons that leave the cortex to influence the thalamus. Layer 6 cells provide modulatory feedback input to all thalamic nuclei. Layer 5 cells provide driving input to higher‐order thalamic nuclei and do not innervate first‐order nuclei, which get their driving inputs from subcortical sources. Higher‐order nuclei innervated by Layer 5 cells thus seem to be involved with cortico‐thalamo‐cortical communication. The Layer 5 axons branch to also target additional subcortical structures that mediate interactions with the external environment. These corticofugal pathways represent the only means by which the cortex influences the rest of the neuraxis and thus are essential for proper cortical function and species survival. Here we review current understanding of the corticofugal pathways from Layers 5 and 6 and speculate on their functional contributions to neural processing and behavior.