bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Staphylococcus aureusSecreted Toxins and Extracellular Enzymes
Authors: Tam Kayan , Torres Victor J.
Published: March 2019

Staphylococcus aureusis a formidable pathogen capable of causing infections in different sites of the body in a variety of vertebrate animals, including humans and livestock. A major contribution to the success ofS. aureusas a pathogen is the plethora of virulence factors that manipulate the host’s innate and adaptive immune responses. Many of these immune modulating virulence factors are secreted toxins, cofactors for activating host zymogens, and exoenzymes. Secreted toxins such as pore-forming toxins and superantigens are highly inflammatory and can cause leukocyte cell death by cytolysis and clonal deletion, respectively. Coagulases and staphylokinases are cofactors that hijack the host’s coagulation system. Exoenzymes, including nucleases and proteases, cleave and inactivate various immune defense and surveillance molecules, such as complement factors, antimicrobial peptides, and surface receptors that are important for leukocyte chemotaxis. Additionally, some of these secreted toxins and exoenzymes can cause disruption of endothelial and epithelial barriers through cell lysis and cleavage of junction proteins. A unique feature when examining the repertoire ofS. aureussecreted virulence factors is the apparent functional redundancy exhibited by the majority of the toxins and exoenzymes. However, closer examination of each virulence factor revealed that each has unique properties that have important functional consequences. This chapter provides a brief overview of our current understanding of the major secreted virulence factors critical forS. aureuspathogenesis.
Patient centred care for multimorbidity improves patient experience, but quality of life is unchanged
Authors: Cook Rob , Lamont Tara , Taft Rachel
Published: March 2019

The study

A patient-centred intervention to improve the management of multimorbidity in general practice: the 3D RCT.

Salisbury C, Man M-S, Chaplin K, et al.

Published in Health Serv Deliv Res 2019;7(5).  

This study was funded by the National Institute for Health Research Health Services and Delivery Programme (project number 12/130/15).

To read the full NIHR Signal, go to: https://discover.dc.nihr.ac.uk/content/signal-000658/patient-centred-care-for-multimorbidity-improves-patient-experience-but-quality-of-life-is-unchanged
Long-term effects of high-intensity resistance and endurance exercise on plasma leptin and ghrelin in overweight individuals: the RESOLVE Study
Authors: Tremblay Angelo , Dutheil Frédéric , Drapeau Vicky , Metz Lore , Lesour Bruno , Chapier Robert , Pereira Bruno , Verney Julien , Baker Julien S. , Vinet Agnes , Walther Guillaume , Obert Philippe , Courteix Daniel , Thivel David
Published: March 2019

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of high-intensity resistance and endurance exercise on body composition and plasma leptin and ghrelin concentrations in overweight individuals. One hundred participants were randomly assigned to 3 exercise interventions: high-resistance–low-aerobic exercise (Re), low-resistance–high-aerobic exercise (rE), low-resistance–low-aerobic exercise (re). Interventions began with 3 weeks of residential supervision (phase 1) after which participants had to manage the physical activity programs individually (phase 2). Body composition and plasma variables were measured at baseline and after phase 1 as well as after 3, 6, and 12 months. Significant decreases in body weight and fat were observed after phase 1 (p < 0.001) and continued at a lower rate for up to 3 months and then remained stable for the rest of the protocol. Once a body weight plateau was reached, body fat loss after the Re and rE conditions exceeded the fat loss observed in the re condition by 1.5–2 kg (p < 0.05). Leptin was significantly decreased after day 21 and month 3 (p < 0.001) and remained stable for the rest of the study. Ghrelin was significantly increased after day 21 and month 3 (p < 0.001) and returned to a level comparable to baseline between month 6 and 12 when body weight and fat had reached a plateau. In conclusion, this study reinforces the idea that an increase in exercise intensity may accentuate body fat loss before the occurrence of a body weight plateau. Resistance to further fat loss was accompanied by a decrease in plasma leptin and an increase in plasma ghrelin.
Modeling bicyclist injury severity in bicycle–motor vehicle crashes that occurred in urban and rural areas: a mixed logit analysis
Authors: Lin Zijing , Fan Wei (David)
Published: March 2019

The purpose of this paper is to identify and compare the contributing factors to bicyclist injury severity in urban and rural areas. Two mixed logit models are developed for both the urban and rural areas separately to identify factors that significantly contribute to the injury severity outcome of bicyclists resulting from bicycle–motor vehicle crashes. Data collected from 2007 to 2014 in North Carolina are utilized for the model development. The model estimation results show that factors including bicyclist age from 25 to 54, driver age under 25, vehicle speed, and divided road are found to significantly affect the injury severity outcome of bicyclists in bicycle–motor vehicle crashes in rural areas only. In contrast, factors including drivers age over 60, van, single unit truck, head-on crash, motorist overtaking bicyclist, two-way roadway, road condition, and crash time are found to have a significant impact on the injury severity of bicyclists in urban areas only.
Multiresolution community detection in weighted complex networks
Authors: Long Hao , Liu Xiao-Wei
Published: March 2019

The community is the dominant structure that exhibits different features and multifold functions of complex networks from different levels; accordingly, multiresolution community detection is of critical importance in network science. In this paper, inspired by the ideas of the network flow, we propose an intensity-based community detection algorithm, i.e. ICDA, to detect multiresolution communities in weighted networks. First, the edge intensity is defined to quantify the relationship between each pair of connected nodes, and the vertices connected by the edges with higher intensities are denoted as core nodes, while the others are denoted as marginal nodes. Second, by applying the expansion strategy, the algorithm merges the closely connected core nodes as the initial communities and attaches marginal nodes to the nearest initial communities. To guarantee a higher internal density for the ultimate communities, the captured communities are further adjusted according to their densities. Experimental results of real and synthetic networks illustrate that our approach has higher performance and better accuracy. Meanwhile, a multiresolution investigation of some real networks shows that the algorithm can provide hierarchical details of complex networks with different thresholds.
Possible bilepton resonances in like-sign pairs
Authors: Corianò Claudio , Frampton Paul H.
Published: March 2019

We consider pair production of bileptons Y[Formula: see text]Y[Formula: see text] at the LHC for the presently accumulated integrated luminosity of 150/fb. It is shown that the entire mass range 800 GeV [Formula: see text]M(Y) [Formula: see text] 2000 GeV can be successfully searched. A bilepton resonance will have an exceptionally large ratio of signal to background because the Standard Model prediction is so infinitesimal. A 5[Formula: see text] discovery is quite feasible.
Mathematical models for phase transitions in biogels
Authors: Bilge Ayse Humeyra , Ogrenci Arif Selcuk , Pekcan Onder
Published: March 2019

It has been shown that reversible and irreversible phase transitions of biogels can be represented by epidemic models. The irreversible chemical sol–gel transitions are modeled by the Susceptible-Exposed-Infected-Removed (SEIR) or Susceptible-Infected-Removed (SIR) epidemic systems whereas reversible physical gels are modeled by a modification of the Susceptible-Infected-Susceptible (SIS) system. Measured sol–gel and gel–sol transition data have been fitted to the solutions of the epidemic models, either by solving the differential equations directly (SIR and SEIR models) or by nonlinear regression (SIS model). The gel point is represented as the “critical point of sigmoid,” defined as the limit point of the locations of the extreme values of its derivatives. Then, the parameters of the sigmoidal curve representing the gelation process are used to predict the gel point and its relative position with respect to the transition point, that is, the maximum of the first derivative with respect to time. For chemical gels, the gel point is always located before the maximum of the first derivative and moves backward in time as the strength of the activation increases. For physical gels, the critical point for the sol–gel transition occurs before the maximum of the first derivative with respect to time, that is, it is located at the right of this maximum with respect to temperature. For gel–sol transitions, the critical point is close to the transition point; the critical point occurs after the maximum of the first derivative for low concentrations whereas the critical point occurs after the maximum of the first derivative for higher concentrations.
Combinatorial Detection Algorithm for Copy Number Variations Using High-throughput Sequencing Reads
Authors: Yang Hai , Zhu Daming
Published: March 2019

Copy number variation (CNV) is a prevalent kind of genetic structural variation which leads to an abnormal number of copies of large genomic regions, such as gain or loss of DNA segments larger than 1[Formula: see text]kb. CNV exists not only in human genome but also in plant genome. Current researches have testified that CNV is associated with many complex diseases. In this paper, guanine-cytosine (GC) bias, mappability and their effect on read depth signals in sequencing data are discussed first. Subsequently, a new correction method for GC bias and an improved combinatorial detection algorithm for CNV using high-throughput sequencing reads based on hidden Markov model (CNV-HMM) are proposed. The corrected read depth signals have lower correlation with GC content, mappability of reads and the width of analysis window. Then we create a hidden Markov model which maps the reads onto the reference genome and records the unmapped reads. The unmapped reads are counted and normalized. The CNV-HMM detects the abnormal signal of read count and gains the candidate CNVs using the expectation maximization (EM) algorithm. Finally, we filter the candidate CNVs using split reads to promote the performance of our algorithm. The experiment result indicates that the CNV-HMM algorithm has higher accuracy and sensitivity for CNVs detection than most current detection algorithms.
Network Intrusion Feature Map Node Equalization Algorithm Based on Modified Variable Step-Size Constant Modulus
Authors: Lu Jiazhong , Liu Xiaolei , Hu Teng , Zhang Jianwei , Zhang Xiaosong
Published: March 2019

When the network is subject to intrusion and attack, the node output channel equalization will be affected, resulting in bit error and distortion in the output of network transmission symbols. In order to improve the anti-attack ability and equalization of network node, a network intrusion feature map node equalization algorithm based on modified variable step-size constant modulus blind equalization algorithm (MISO-VSS-MCMA) is proposed. In this algorithm, the node transmission channel model after network intrusion is constructed, and sequential processing is performed to intruded nodes with the variable structure feedback link control method. With diversity spread spectrum technology, the channel loss after network intrusion is compensated and the network intrusion map feature is extracted. According to the extracted feature amount, channel equalization processing is performed for the cost function with the MISO-VSS-MCMA method to reduce the damage of network intrusion to the channel. Simulation results show that in node transmission channel equalization after network intrusion, this algorithm can reduce the error bit rate of signal transmission in network, and provide a good ability of correcting phase deflection in the output constellation, thus avoiding the error bit distortion and channel damage caused by network intrusion to the signal with a good equalization effect. This algorithm provides stronger convergence and map concentration, which demonstrates that its anti-interference and signal recovery capabilities are better, so it improves the anti-attack ability of the network.
Support Vector Machine Optimized Using the Improved Fish Swarm Optimization Algorithm and Its Application to Face Recognition
Authors: Zhu Wenqiu , Bao Haixing , Zeng Zhigao , Wen Zhiqiang , Zhu Yanhui , Xiang Huazheng
Published: March 2019

Support vector machine (SVM) is always used for face recognition. However, kernel function selection is a key problem for SVM. This paper tries to make some contributions to this problem with focus on optimizing the parameters in the selected kernel function to improve the accuracy of classification and recognition of SVM. Firstly, an improved artificial fish swarm optimization algorithm (IAFSA) is proposed to optimize the parameters in SVM. In the improved version of artificial fish swarm optimization algorithm, the visual distance and the step size of artificial fish are adjusted adaptively. In the early stage of convergence, artificial fish are widely distributed, and the visual distance and step size take larger values to accelerate the convergence of the algorithm. In the later stage of convergence, artificial fish gathered gradually, and the visual distance and the step size were given small values to prevent oscillation. Then the optimized SVM is used to recognize face images. Simultaneously, in order to improve the accuracy rate of face recognition, an improved local binary pattern (ILBP) is proposed to extract features of face images. Numerical results show the advantage of our new algorithm over a range of existing algorithms.
Virtual Seifert surfaces
Authors: Chrisman Micah
Published: March 2019

A virtual knot that has a homologically trivial representative [Formula: see text] in a thickened surface [Formula: see text] is said to be an almost classical (AC) knot. [Formula: see text] then bounds a Seifert surface [Formula: see text]. Seifert surfaces of AC knots are useful for computing concordance invariants and slice obstructions. However, Seifert surfaces in [Formula: see text] are difficult to construct. Here, we introduce virtual Seifert surfaces of AC knots. These are planar figures representing [Formula: see text]. An algorithm for constructing a virtual Seifert surface from a Gauss diagram is given. This is applied to computing signatures and Alexander polynomials of AC knots. A canonical genus of AC knots is also studied. It is shown to be distinct from the virtual canonical genus of Stoimenow–Tchernov–Vdovina.
Elastic Critical Moment of Lateral-Distortional Buckling of Steel-Concrete Composite Beams under Uniform Hogging Moment
Authors: Dias João Victor Fragoso , Oliveira Janaina Pena Soares , Calenzani Adenilcia Fernanda Grobério , Fakury Ricardo Hallal
Published: March 2019

Great attention has been given in the last few years to steel–concrete composite beams due to the gains in strength that can be obtained with the small cost of installing a shear connection between the steel profile and the concrete slab. In continuous and semicontinuous composite beams close to the internal supports, hogging bending moments are developed and the compressed bottom flange may buckle laterally in an unstable way known as the lateral-distortional buckling, characterized by a horizontal displacement and twist of the bottom flange with an out-of-plane distortion of the web. In the literature, several formulations were proposed to determine the critical moment for this type of buckling. Among them, some of the most relevant are presented by [K. Roik, G. Hanswille and J. Kina, Solution for the lateral torsional buckling problem of composite beams (in German), Stahlbau 59 (1990)] and [G. Hanswille, J. Lindner and D. Munich, Lateral torsional buckling of composite beams (in German), Stahlbau 67 (1998)]. In the present work, a new procedure is developed to determine the elastic critical moment of lateral–distortional buckling of composite beams under uniform hogging moment. To assess and calibrate this procedure, 7[Formula: see text]772 numerical models were analyzed by the finite element code ANSYS and the results were compared with the ones obtained from the new proposed formulas. The procedure presented excellent agreement with the numerical results, with an average deviation of 2.33% from the computational simulations. The formulations of [K. Roik, G. Hanswille and J. Kina, Solution for the lateral torsional buckling problem of composite beams (in German), Stahlbau 59 (1990)] and [G. Hanswille, J. Lindner and D. Munich, Lateral torsional buckling of composite beams (in German), Stahlbau 67 (1998)] did not lead to such satisfactory results, presenting an average deviation of 12.41% and 16.51%, respectively.
I-Reversible rings
Authors: Khurana Anjana , Khurana Dinesh
Published: March 2019

We study rings in which [Formula: see text] nonzero idempotent implies [Formula: see text] is also an idempotent. We call such rings i-reversible. Besides studying the basic properties of i-reversible rings, we characterize i-reversible triangular matrix rings, i-reversible matrix rings over commutative rings and i-reversible exchange rings.
The Analyses of Vehicle-to-Pedestrian Accidents by Integrating Rigid-Body Simulation and Robust Optimization Techniques
Authors: Wang Xinghua , Peng Yong , Yu Weifeng , Xie Pengpeng , Zhang Honghao , Hu Lin , Quan Yuan
Published: March 2019

The objective of this study is to propose an approach for improving the efficiency of accident reconstruction and obtaining the probabilistic distribution of pre-impact parameters through integrating numerical simulation and robust optimization techniques. First, the ranges and probabilistic distribution of collision parameters are determined by investigators. Then, the optimal Latin hypercube design is used to generate sample points in predefined design space and corresponding responses are obtained by PC-Crash. The radial basis functions method is used to construct the surrogate models, accuracy evaluation is conducted using the cross-validation method. Finally, a robust optimization is completed to obtain the probabilistic distribution of collision parameters. Furthermore, a real-world vehicle-to-pedestrian accident is reconstructed to specifically explain and validate the method. The results show that the numerical simulation coupled with robust optimization technique is an effective means of obtaining the probabilistic distribution of pre-impact inputs. The proposed approach will help the traffic accident to scientifically conduct the traffic accident identification.
A note on F-planar mappings of manifolds with non-symmetric linear connection
Authors: Petrović Miloš Z. , Stanković Mića S.
Published: March 2019

Following the basic facts of [Formula: see text]-planar mappings introduced by Mikeš and Sinyukov and further developed by Hinterleitner and Mikeš, we consider the notions of an [Formula: see text]-planar curve and an [Formula: see text]-planar mapping, but in case of manifolds endowed with a non-symmetric linear connection and an affinor structure. Consequently, we investigate infinitesimal [Formula: see text]-planar and particularly geodesic transformations of manifolds with non-symmetric linear connection and find necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of these transformations.
The Nature of Popular Protest and the Employment of Repressive State Capacity in China
Authors: WANG SHINN-SHYR , WANG HSIN-HSIEN , TZENG WEI-FENG
Published: March 2019

While China’s economic reforms have produced undeniably positive outcomes, a rapid increase in popular protests has become most striking in recent years. As protests grow steadily in both scale and frequency, the government continues to tout social stability as the chief concern of China today. These mounting tensions reflect a direct clash of horns between the maintenance of stability and the public’s desire to exercise their rights, frequently culminating in acts of repression by the Chinese state in order to quell the unrest. This raises an important question: how can the relationship between repression and popular protest in China be characterized? More specifically, which precise circumstances of popular protest elicit the employment of China’s repressive state capacity? Taking into account both theoretical perspectives and empirical analysis, this paper attempts to elucidate the issue by first collating a large body of data to clarify the precise characteristics of popular protest, then undertaking quantitative analysis to identify which factors trigger the mobilization of China’s machinery of repression. Furthermore, this study identifies that in recent years, the use of state repression has risen in parallel with an increasing emphasis on the principle of “maintaining social stability” in China.
Analytical Piezoelasticity Solution for Natural Frequencies of Levy-Type Piezolaminated Plates
Authors: Behera Susanta , Kumari Poonam
Published: March 2019

First time, an analytical solution based on three-dimensional (3D) piezoelasticity is developed for the free vibration analysis of Levy-type piezolaminated plates using 3D extended Kantorovich method (EKM). Extended Hamilton principle (which is extended from elastic to piezoelectric case) is further extended to the dynamic version of mixed form containing contributions from the electrical terms. Multi-term multi-field extended Kantorovich method in conjunction with Fourier series (along [Formula: see text]-direction) is employed to obtain two sets of first-order homogeneous ordinary differential equations (8[Formula: see text] along [Formula: see text]- and [Formula: see text]-axes). A robust algorithm is designed (Fortran Code) to extract the natural frequencies and mode shapes of Levy-type piezolaminated plates. The accuracy and efficacy of this technique are verified thoroughly by comparing it with the existing results in the literature and with the 3D finite element (FE) solutions. Numerical results are presented for single-layer piezoelectric and smart sandwich plates considering five different boundary support conditions, three aspect ratios (length to thickness ratio) and electric open and close circuit conditions. The present results shall be used as a benchmark to assess various two-dimensional (2D) and 3D numerical solutions (e.g., FEM, DQM, etc.).
Assessment Method for Inelastic Higher Mode Effects in Outrigger Braced Tall Building Under Seismic Loads
Authors: Herath Nilupa , Mendis Priyan
Published: March 2019

Outrigger system is a more popular structural system in tall buildings and higher mode participation in such buildings is an important aspect in design. During severe earthquake impacts, buildings undergo inelastic deformations, and this can lead to lengthening of modal periods of the building. Since higher mode effects have a significant impact on the overall behavior in tall buildings, the impact due to lengthening of modal periods needs to be addressed in the design. In this study, a simple assessment method is presented to quantify the effect of higher mode response on the behavior of outrigger braced buildings under seismic loads. The method comprises of simplifying the building to vertical cantilever with lateral degrees of freedom equal to number of stories and rotational springs with equivalent spring stiffness at corresponding outrigger locations. A pin-based structure was assumed to limit the first mode response to represent the transition from elastic to inelastic status of the building. The proposed method is capable of estimating the inelastic lengthened periods for higher modes and their responses in outrigger braced tall buildings. The developed method was applied to a case study outrigger braced tall building and reasonable results are predicted.
On the Dynamic Response of Imperfection Sensitive Higher Order Functionally Graded Plates with Random System Parameters
Authors: Shakir Mohammed , Talha Mohammad
Published: March 2019

This paper presents the influence of various random system parameters on dynamics response of imperfection sensitive higher order shear deformable functionally graded material (FGM) plates. Young’s moduli, Poisson’s ratio and volume fraction index are considered as random system parameters. The material properties of the FGM plates are assumed to vary along the thickness direction using simple power-law distribution in terms of the volume fraction of the constituents. The plate kinematics is based on Reddy’s higher order shear deformation theory. Finite element method (FEM) is employed in conjunction with first-order perturbation technique (FOPT) and Newmark integration scheme to explore the influence of different system parameters, like volume fraction indices, aspect ratio, material uncertainties, and imperfection amplitude on the dynamic responses of the FGM plates.
Visco-Elastic Analysis on the Effect of Flexible Layer on Mechanical Behavior of Tunnels
Authors: Wu Kui , Shao Zhushan
Published: March 2019

Installing flexible layer is one kind of supporting techniques to deal with the large deformation in tunnels excavated in viscoelastic rocks. The role of flexible layer is to absorb rock deformation due to rock rheology. For further understanding the effect of flexible layer on mechanical behavior of tunnels, a three-layered model is established to study the mechanical behavior of tunnel where flexible layer is installed between surrounding rock and primary support. Visco-elastic analytical solutions for displacements and interaction forces in the rock/flexible layer interface and in the flexible layer/primary support interface are provided. Numerical calculation by use of finite element software Abaqus is carried out to verify the effectiveness and reliability of theoretical analysis. It could be found that flexible layer has a good ability to absorb rock deformation. Compared with rigid support structure, pressure and displacement of primary support in tunnels employing flexible layer could achieve a good improvement. This improvement is dramatically affected by the thickness and deformability of reserved flexible layer.
Synthesis of Flower-Like Mesoporous γ-AlOOH and γ-Al2O3 Nanoarchitectures via an Ionic Liquid-Assisted Hydrothermal Route
Authors: Kim Tong Il , Yun Hak Sung , Jon Yung , Han Gwang Bok , Chae Sung Il , An Ryong Nam
Published: March 2019

In this work, flower-like [Formula: see text]-AlOOH and [Formula: see text]-Al2O3 nanoarchitectures with excellent surface and mesoporous properties were successfully synthesized in ionic liquid-assisted hydrothermal reaction system. The as-prepared suprastructures were characterized by several techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and nitrogen adsorption/desorption measurement. The formation mechanism of flower-like [Formula: see text]-AlOOH mesoporous crystallites by ionic liquid-assisted hydrothermal process was proposed and discussed. Flower-like [Formula: see text]-Al2O3 nanostructures were obtained by calcining the as-prepared [Formula: see text]-AlOOH at 600∘C for 2[Formula: see text]h, preserving the same morphology.
Preparation and Adsorption Properties of the Graphene Modified by Magnetic Nanoparticles
Authors: Chen Yinling , He Lijun
Published: March 2019

In this work, we used the modified Hummers method to synthesize graphene oxide, and the redox reaction of FeCl[Formula: see text]H2O with the carboxyl group on the surface of acidified graphene was carried out to prepare magnetic nanoparticles modified on the surface of graphene (magnetic graphene nanocomposite). X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM) and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller measurement (BET) analyses were used to characterize the nanocomposite properties. SEM and TEM images of the nanocomposite show that the magnetic nanoparticles are distributed on both sides of the graphene, and the magnetic nanoparticles diameter is between 100 and 150[Formula: see text]nm. The XRD pattern indicates that the magnetic nanoparticles are Fe3O4 nanoparticles. Based on the VSM, the nanocomposite exhibits a saturation magnetization value of 14.94[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]. By BET measurement, the specific surface area of the nanocomposite is 26.54[Formula: see text]m[Formula: see text], and the surface of the nanocomposite is highly porous. In the experiment of dyes adsorption, the adsorption efficiency in the solution was close to 100%. It can be applied in biomedical and environmental fields such as water purification owing to its high surface, magnetic attraction properties and good adsorption efficiency.
MOKE Magnetometer Studies of Evaporated Ni and Ni/Cu Thin Films onto Different Substrates
Authors: Kerkache L. , Layadi A. , Hemmous M. , Guittoum A. , Mebarki M. , Tiercelin N. , Klimov A. , Preobrazhensky V. , Pernod P.
Published: March 2019

The Magneto-Optic Kerr Effect (MOKE) technique has been used to investigate the magnetic properties of Ni thin films, with thickness [Formula: see text] ranging from 9 to 163[Formula: see text]nm, evaporated onto several substrates (glass, Si (111), mica and Cu) with and without an evaporated Cu underlayer. The MOKE observations were correlated with the surface morphology inferred from Scanning Electron Microscope images and with the structural properties (grain size and strain). Some interesting behaviors of the coercive field (with values in the 2 to 151 Oe range), the squareness (between 0.1 and 0.91) and the saturation field (25–320 Oe) are observed as a function of [Formula: see text], the substrate and the Cu underlayer. A thickness-dependent stress-induced anisotropy is found in these films. The differences between the present MOKE results and the ones obtained from the Vibrating Sample magnetometer (VSM) are highlighted. The former describe the surface magnetism of these systems, while the latter are attributed to the whole volume of the sample.
Bouncing Forward After Irma and Maria: Acknowledging Colonialism, Problematizing Resilience and Thinking Climate Justice
Authors: Moulton Alex A. , Machado Mario R.
Published: March 2019

The 2017 hurricane season caused widespread devastation across Central America, the Caribbean and the South-Eastern United States. Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria were among the most intense Atlantic hurricanes and the costliest for the Circum-Caribbean region. For the small islands of the Caribbean, the hurricanes highlighted the acute vulnerability to climate change. The scale of physical ruin and level of social dislocation, however, do not just reflect the outcomes of a natural hazard. Continued structural dependency and outright entanglement in colonial relationships complicated recovery and coordination of aid to affected communities across the region. We argue that the experiences and outcomes of hazards like Harvey, Irma and Maria therefore invite examinations of persisting colonial power dynamics in discussions of climate hazard. Using Foucauldian theory for such an examination, we problematize simply championing resilience, without noting the possibilities for its use as a biopolitical regime of governing life. Such an appraisal, we suggest, might clarify a path toward reparations and climate change justice.
Petrography and geochemistry of tourmaline breccia in the Longtoushan Au deposit, South China: genesis and its exploration significance
Authors: Zhang Mingji , Zhang Dehui , Zhao Bo , Wu Mingqian , Bao Bo , Liu Yingkang , Huang Chong
Published: March 2019

The Longtoushan Au deposit, located in the Qin-Hang Metallogenic Belt, South China, is a breccia-hosted epithermal Au deposit. It is characterized by the distinctive occurrence of magmatic-hydrothermal tourmaline-cemented breccia. Tourmaline-group minerals have an extensive range of chemical composition that could reflect their host environments, including some of economic interest. To investigate the potential of tourmaline as a geochemical indicator for ore exploration, chemical and boron isotope compositions of tourmaline from the Longtoushan Au deposit have been determined. Tourmaline mainly occurs as orbicular aggregates, clusters and veinlets in rhyolite porphyries, granite porphyries and in spatially associated hydrothermal breccias (Au-mineralized and Au-barren). Three types of tourmaline (I, II and III) are recognized at Longtoushan, most of which being alkali-deficient schorl-dravites. The pre-ore Tourmaline I in the rhyolite porphyry is Fe-rich schorl, contrasting with the dravitic ore-stage Tourmaline II in the mineralized breccia and Tourmaline III in the granite porphyry. Locally, Tourmaline II shows concentric zoning which correlates with core-rim chemical variations (higher Fe, Al in the rim than in the core). Tourmalines from Longtoushan are characterized by a dominant MgFe
-1
exchange vector and have relatively low Na contents (avg. 0.66 apfu; formula normalized on 15 total cations), indicating they possibly crystallized in reduced fluids of low-salinity. The δ
11
B values of tourmalines from this study fall in a narrow range of −14.5 to −10.2‰, indicating dominant magmatic-hydrothermal fluids of continent crust origin. The results suggest that tourmaline from Longtoushan may originate from boron-rich vapor fluids unmixed from felsic magmas. Tourmaline breccia was likely formed by hydraulic fracturing, with open spaces infilled by boron-rich boiling fluids released from the magma. The fluid boiling process during brecciation would be critical for Au-bearing pyrite precipitation, which could compete with coexisting tourmaline for Fe, leaving tourmaline Fe-depleted. We propose that the Fe-poor dravitic tourmaline in the hydrothermal breccia could be used as prospecting guide at the Longtoushan Au deposit.

Supplementary material:
major element and boron isotope composition analyses of tourmaline are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.4468808
A Classical Sequent Calculus with Dependent Types
Authors: Miquey Étienne
Published: March 2019

Dependent types are a key feature of the proof assistants based on the Curry-Howard isomorphism. It is well known that this correspondence can be extended to classical logic by enriching the language of proofs with control operators. However, they are known to misbehave in the presence of dependent types, unless dependencies are restricted to values. Moreover, while sequent calculi naturally support continuation-passing-style interpretations, there is no such presentation of a language with dependent types. The main achievement of this article is to give a sequent calculus presentation of a call-by-value language with a control operator and dependent types, and to justify its soundness through a continuation-passing-style translation.

We start from the call-by-value version of the
λμ˜μ
-calculus. We design a minimal language with a value restriction and a type system that includes a list of explicit dependencies to maintain type safety. We then show how to relax the value restriction and introduce delimited continuations to directly prove the consistency by means of a continuation-passing-style translation. Finally, we relate our calculus to a similar system by Lepigre and present a methodology to transfer properties from this system to our own.
Probabilistic Termination by Monadic Affine Sized Typing
Authors: Lago Ugo Dal , Grellois Charles
Published: March 2019

We introduce a system of monadic affine sized types, which substantially generalizes usual sized types and allows in this way to capture probabilistic higher-order programs that terminate almost surely. Going beyond plain, strong normalization without losing soundness turns out to be a hard task, which cannot be accomplished without a richer, quantitative notion of types, but also without imposing some affinity constraints. The proposed type system is powerful enough to type classic examples of probabilistically terminating programs such as random walks. The way typable programs are proved to be almost surely terminating is based on reducibility but requires a substantial adaptation of the technique.
Gene expression variability: the other dimension in transcriptome analysis
Authors: de Jong Tristan V. , Moshkin Yuri M. , Guryev Victor
Published: March 2019

Transcriptome sequencing is a powerful technique to study molecular changes that underlie the differences in physiological conditions and disease progression. A typical question that is posed in such studies is finding genes with significant changes between sample groups. In this respect expression variability is regarded as a nuisance factor that is primarily of technical origin and complicates the data analysis. However, it is becoming apparent that the biological variation in gene expression might be an important molecular phenotype that can affect physiological parameters. In this review we explore the recent literature on technical and biological variability in gene expression, sources of expression variability, (epi-)genetic hallmarks, and evolutionary constraints in genes with robust and variable gene expression. We provide an overview of recent findings on effects of external cues, such as diet and aging, on expression variability and on other biological phenomena that can be linked to it. We discuss metrics and tools that were developed for quantification of expression variability and highlight the importance of future studies in this direction. To assist the adoption of expression variability analysis, we also provide a detailed description and computer code, which can easily be utilized by other researchers. We also provide a reanalysis of recently published data to highlight the value of the analysis method.
SWI/SNF-Compromised Cancers Are Susceptible to Bromodomain Inhibitors
Authors: Shorstova Tatiana , Marques Maud , Su Jie , Johnston Jake , Kleinman Claudia L. , Hamel Nancy , Huang Sidong , Alaoui-Jamali Moulay A. , Foulkes William D. , Witcher Michael
Published: March 2019

The antitumor activity of bromodomain and extraterminal motif protein inhibitors (BETi) has been demonstrated across numerous types of cancer. As such, these inhibitors are currently undergoing widespread clinical evaluation. However, predictive biomarkers allowing the stratification of tumors into responders and nonresponders to BETi are lacking. Here, we showed significant antiproliferative effects of low dosage BETi in vitro and in vivo against aggressive ovarian and lung cancer models lacking SMARCA4 and SMARCA2, key components of SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complexes. Restoration of SMARCA4 or SMARCA2 promoted resistance to BETi in these models and, conversely, knockdown of SMARCA4 sensitized resistant cells to BETi. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that exposure to BETi potently downregulated a network of genes involved in receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling in SMARCA4/A2-deficient cells, including the oncogenic RTK HER3. Repression of signaling downstream of HER3 was found to be an important determinant of response to BETi in SMARCA4/A2-deficient cells. Overall, we propose that BETi represent a rational therapeutic strategy in poor-prognosis, SMARCA4/A2-deficient cancers.

Significance:

These findings address an unmet clinical need by identifying loss of SMARCA4/A2 as biomarkers of hypersensitivity to BETi.
AQP4 Aggregation State Is a Determinant for Glioma Cell Fate
Authors: Simone Laura , Pisani Francesco , Mola Maria G. , De Bellis Manuela , Merla Giuseppe , Micale Lucia , Frigeri Antonio , Vescovi Angelo L. , Svelto Maria , Nicchia Grazia P.
Published: March 2019

The glial water channel protein aquaporin-4 (AQP4) forms heterotetramers in the plasma membrane made of the M23-AQP4 and M1-AQP4 isoforms. The isoform ratio controls AQP4 aggregation into supramolecular structures called orthogonal arrays of particles (AQP4-OAP). The role of AQP4 aggregation into OAP in malignant gliomas is still unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that AQP4 aggregation/disaggregation into OAP influences the biology of glioma cells. Selective expression of the OAP-forming isoform M23-AQP4 (AQP4-OAP) triggered cell shape changes in glioma cells associated with alterations to the F-actin cytoskeleton that affected apoptosis. By contrast, expression of M1-AQP4 (AQP4-tetramers), which is unable to aggregate into OAP, ameliorated glioma cell invasiveness, improved cell migration, and increased methalloproteinase-9 activity. Two prolines (254 and 296) at the C-terminus tail were shown to be important in mediating the relationship between the actin cytoskeleton and AQP4-OAP and AQP4-tetramers. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that AQP4 aggregation state might be an important determinant in orienting glioma cells to persist or perish. AQP4 disaggregation may potentiate invasiveness potential, whereas AQP4 aggregation may activate the apoptotic path. This study shows a new perspective on the role of AQP4 in brain tumors not necessarily associated with edema formation but with AQP4 aggregation/disaggregation dynamics and their link with the actin cytoskeleton.

Significance:

This study demonstrates how AQP4 aggregation influences plasma membrane dynamics to alter cell proliferation, invasiveness, migration, and apoptotic potential in glioma cells.
Combined Menin and EGFR Inhibitors Synergize to Suppress Colorectal Cancer via EGFR-Independent and Calcium-Mediated Repression of SKP2 Transcription
Authors: Katona Bryson W. , Glynn Rebecca A. , Paulosky Kayla E. , Feng Zijie , Davis Caroline I. , Ma Jian , Berry Corbett T. , Szigety Katherine M. , Matkar Smita , Liu Yuanyuan , Wang Haoren , Wu Yuan , He Xin , Freedman Bruce D. , Brady Donita C. , Hua Xianxin
Published: March 2019

Menin is a nuclear epigenetic regulator that can both promote and suppress tumor growth in a highly tissue-specific manner. The role of menin in colorectal cancer, however, remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that menin was overexpressed in colorectal cancer and that inhibition of menin synergized with small-molecule inhibitors of EGFR (iEGFR) to suppress colorectal cancer cells and tumor xenografts in vivo in an EGFR-independent manner. Mechanistically, menin bound the promoter of SKP2, a pro-oncogenic gene crucial for colorectal cancer growth, and promoted its expression. Moreover, the iEGFR gefitinib activated endoplasmic reticulum calcium channel inositol trisphosphate receptor 3 (IP3R3)–mediated release of calcium, which directly bound menin. Combined inhibition of menin and iEGFR-induced calcium release synergistically suppressed menin-mediated expression of SKP2 and growth of colorectal cancer. Together, these findings uncover a molecular convergence of menin and the iEGFR-induced, IP3R3-mediated calcium release on SKP2 transcription and reveal opportunities to enhance iEGFR efficacy to improve treatments for colorectal cancer.

Significance:

Menin acts as a calcium-responsive regulator of SKP2 expression, and small molecule EGFR inhibitors, which induce calcium release, synergize with Menin inhibition to reduce SKP2 expression and suppress colorectal cancer.
Impact of MRI Selection on Triage of Endovascular Therapy in Acute Ischemic Stroke: The MRI in Acute Management of Ischemic Stroke (MIAMIS) Registry
Authors: Atchaneeyasakul Kunakorn , Shang Ty , Haussen Diogo , Ortiz Gustavo , Yavagal Dileep
Published: March 2019

Background: The recently published multicenter randomized DAWN trial confirmed greater outcome benefit of endovascular therapy (ET) for anterior circulation large vessel occlusion ischemic stroke from 6 to 24 h from symptom onset compared to medical management in patients selected by advanced imaging with MRI or perfusion CT to identify mismatch between clinical deficit and infarct volume, which represents salvageable penumbra. The debate of CT over MRI is usually the potentially increase time consumption and the difficulty in establishing an adequate standardized workflow utilizing MRI during the hyperacute phase. Purpose: While CT-based selection of patients is the current standard of care, we sought to determine the time impact of the alternative approach of MRI selection in the 0–12 h window. Methods: In the MRI in Acute Management of Ischemic Stroke (MIAMIS) registry, we retrospectively analyzed 89 consecutive patients from January 2008 to January 2010 who presented with acute stroke symptoms with a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score ≥5 or aphasia within 0–12 h from symptom onset. The presence of penumbra was determined by MR perfusion-diffusion mismatch or clinical diffusion mismatch. Patients were stratified based on the presence of mismatch and clinical outcomes in patients who received ET. Imaging times were recorded. Results: The MRI turnaround time was 95.5 ± 48.5 min. The total MRI time was 27.7 ± 12.8 min. Seventeen (19.1%) patients were found to have nonvascular etiology. Mismatch was found in 35 (48.6%) patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Patients with nonvascular etiology were younger (55.7 vs. 65.6 years, p < 0.02), without any vessel occlusion or mismatch noticed in this group. We dichotomized the 39 AIS patients with vessel occlusion into two subgroups: these with mismatch and these without. Patients without mismatch were older (76.7 vs. 64.4 years, p < 0.05), more likely to have congestive heart failure (71.4 vs. 22%, p < 0.03), a higher total serum cholesterol level (196 vs. 156 mg/dL, p < 0.04), and medium to large lesions on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) (85.7 vs. 37.5%, p < 0.04). Conclusions: Multimodality MRI screening for AIS symptoms for ET is feasible. Optimizing each center’s protocol and the utilization of MRI with DWI only may be a time-saving alternative.
Vitamin D Ameliorates Angiotensin II-Induced Human Endothelial Progenitor Cell Injury via the PPAR-γ/HO-1 Pathway
Authors: Xu Wei , Hu Xiao , Qi Xi , Zhu Rui , Li Chen , Zhu Yanjing , Yin Shuai , Cheng Liming , Zhu Rongrong
Published: March 2019

Vitamin D has an important protective effect on chronic inflammatory disease. Angiotensin II (AngII) triggers vascular damage and plays a key role in vascular diseases via several mechanisms, including inflammation. Conversely, vitamin D has been shown to have an important protective effect on chronic inflammation. There is evidence showing that vitamin D can reverse the effects of AngII, but the molecular mechanisms by which this occurs are not known. Our results demonstrate that vitamin D improved the viability, migration ability, and tube formation of AngII-pretreated endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and inhibited the apoptosis of EPCs induced by AngII. Vitamin D also reversed reactive oxygen species production, vascular inflammatory cytokine generation, and nuclear factor kappa-B activation in EPCs induced by AngII. Furthermore, EPC pretreatment with GW9662 (the antagonist for PPAR-γ) or siHO-1 decreased the protective effect of vitamin D on AngII-induced EPC injury. Overall, our data indicate that vitamin D ameliorated AngII-induced abnormal EPC injury by decreasing oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokine levels. These findings also suggest that vitamin D protected EPCs from AngII-induced vascular injury via the activation of the PPAR-γ/HO-1 signaling pathway.