bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Observed and model‐simulated thermodynamic processes associated with urban heavy rainfall events over Bangalore, India
Authors: Ajilesh P. , Rakesh V. , Sahoo Sanjeeb K. , Himesh S.
Published: October 2019

A total of 32 rainfall events spanning the period from 2012 to 2014 over the urban Indian city of Bangalore were simulated using the Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) model. Model simulations were carried out with a four‐nested domain initialized with Global Forecast System (GFS) data and the forecast was generated on an hourly basis. The forecasted rainfall at hobli level (Bangalore has 34 hobli divisions with an area of each hobli of the order of about 10 km2) was evaluated in terms of its intensity and pattern of spatial distribution by comparing it with corresponding rain‐gauge observations. Also, the rainfall forecast skill of the model was evaluated statistically by computing root mean square error, bias and mean absolute error. Thermodynamic variables such as equivalent potential temperature, convective available potential energy (CAPE), convective inhibition (CIN), K index (KI), lifted index (LI) and total totals index (TTI) were also derived from the simulated model parameters for all the events and then verified against corresponding observations. The results showed that the WRF model could simulate the rainfall events and associated thermodynamic features qualitatively; however, there were few hoblis where the relative errors in the forecast were > 100%. The forecast errors were relatively lower for cases during the southwest monsoon season compared with other seasons. It was found that the model underestimated thermodynamic indices such as CAPE, dew point depression and the simulated LI were positive; these were indicative of the model's limitation in simulating intense convection and a possible reason for underpredicted rainfall simulations.
Study of the electromagnetic wave propagation in realistic plasma
Authors: Ouyang Wenchong , Liu Yanming , Deng Weifeng , Zhang Zheng , Zhao Chengwei
Published: October 2019

A self‐consistent calculation model combining flow field and electromagnetic wave propagation is presented. The hypersonic flow field around the RAMC‐II vehicle at different reentry heights is numerically solved using a computational fluid dynamics technique with a two‐dimensional model, and then perform self‐consistent calculations in conjunction with electromagnetic wave propagation models. The dependence of wave frequency, polarization mode, incident angle, and plasma collision frequency on the wave propagation is presented. Electromagnetic wave propagation characteristics have been investigated experimentally with shock tube, and the experimental results are consistent with the simulation results. Conclusions in this article can be the foundation to study the interactions between the electromagnetic wave and the realistic reentry plasma sheath.
Elevated Whole‐Blood Manganese Levels in Adult Patients Prescribed “Manganese‐Free” Home Parenteral Nutrition
Authors: Kirk Colette , Gemmell Lisa , Lamb Christopher A. , Thompson Nick P. , Mountford Christopher G. , Toole Barry J.
Published: October 2019

Background

Manganese toxicity can occur as a complication of home parenteral nutrition (HPN). Patients can present with Parkinson disease–like symptoms. Preparations of trace elements (TEs) in parenteral nutrition (PN) generally provide amounts in excess of requirements. Our previous review observed 60% of adult HPN patients had high whole‐blood manganese levels. Multi‐TE (MTE) solutions were subsequently removed from all HPN formulations in January 2015. The aim of this evaluation was to determine whole‐blood concentrations of manganese in adult patients receiving HPN to establish whether levels are now maintained within the normal reference range.

Methods

A retrospective review of whole‐blood manganese levels in all patients receiving HPN between January 2018 and January 2019 from 1 hospital site was carried out.

Results

100 patients were included in the review (59 female and 41 male). Normal whole‐blood manganese levels (73–219 nmol/L) were observed in 70% of patients and elevated levels (>219 nmol/L) in 30% of patients. In the patients with elevated levels, 57% had not received manganese supplementation for at least 1 year prior to manganese being measured. Markers of cholestasis were similar between the 2 groups.

Conclusions

Incidence of elevated whole‐blood manganese concentrations in patients receiving HPN decreased from 60% to 30% upon discontinued use of an MTE solution. Elevated levels remain a concern despite patients being prescribed “manganese‐free” PN. Patients receive this TE in amounts adequate to meet requirements through contamination and dietary intake alone, suggesting additional parenteral supplementation of manganese is not required.
A convected particle least square interpolation material point method
Authors: Tran Quoc Anh , Sołowski Wojciech , Berzins Martin , Guilkey James
Published: October 2019

Applying the convected particle domain interpolation (CPDI) to the material point method has many advantages over the original material point method, including significantly improved accuracy. However, in the large deformation regime, the CPDI still may not retain the expected convergence rate. The paper proposes an enhanced CPDI formulation based on least square reconstruction technique. The convected particle least square interpolation (CPLS) material point method assumes the velocity field inside the material point domain as nonconstant. This velocity field in the material point domain is mapped to the background grid nodes with a moving least squares reconstruction. In this paper, we apply the improved moving least squares method to avoid the instability of the conventional moving least squares method due to a singular matrix. The proposed algorithm can improve convergence rate, as illustrated by numerical examples using the method of manufactured solutions.
Construction of Recycling Photocatalytic Gels for the Disinfection of Pathogens and Degradation of Organic Pollutants
Authors: Liu Jinpeng , Zhu Nali , Xu Haiming , Bai Jinwu , Shao Chaofeng , Ju Meiting , Yu Qilin , Liu Lu
Published: October 2019

Bismuth oxybromide (BiOBr) nanosheets are exciting photocatalysts for microbial disinfection and organic dye degradation. However, it remains a great challenge to easily recycle these nanomaterials and improve their photocatalytic ability. Herein, we constructed a novel photocatalytic BiOBr@PAG gel containing BiOBr nanosheets and polyacrylamide gel (PAG), based on peroxydisulfate‐induced polymerization reaction. The photocatalytic gel had equally distribution of BiOBr nanosheets on the surface, and could be easily recycled from water. More strikingly, the gel could also rapidly kill all tested pathogenic bacteria (i. e., Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus) under irradiation. Its disinfection activity is attributed to remarkable intracellular ROS production and oxidative cell damage. Furthermore, the gel had higher photocatalytic activity than BiOBr nanosheets alone during degradation of organic dyes. This study developed a novel strategy for preparation of easy‐recycling and high‐efficiency photocatalytic systems for practical application in environmental treatment and medicinal disinfection.
Is the causal relation between foreign direct investment, trade, and economic growth complement or substitute? The case of African countries
Authors: Akadiri Ada Chigozie , Gungor Hasan , Akadiri Seyi Saint , Bamidele‐Sadiq Mojibola
Published: October 2019

This study examines causal nexus between foreign direct investment (FDI) and economic growth for 25 African countries within a model that also takes into consideration trade openness using more recent panel data set over the period 1980–2018. We used panel bootstrapping cointegration techniques that account for cross‐sectional dependence to test whether there is a long‐run cointegration relationship or not. The Granger causality approach is employed to conduct predictive analysis among the panel series. Our findings indicate the presence of a long‐run equilibrium nexus between the variables, and we found a bidirectional causality between foreign direct investment, trade openness, and economic growth. This study provides an insight for governments and policymakers in this region to restructure FDI and trade policies in such a way that its positive spillover would spread across the rural areas and local firms, thereby leading to an all‐inclusive sustainable economic growth and development of African countries in the long run.
Perceived public condemnation and avoidance intentions: The mediating role of moral outrage
Authors: Shah Zakir , Chu Jianxun , Qaisar Sara , Hassan Zameer , Ghani Usman
Published: October 2019

The effects of intrapersonal emotion on consumers' behavior have long been studied, but the effects of interpersonal emotions on public's intentions remain poorly understood. People often get angry when they observe injustice with others but not themselves. Drawing on emotions as social information theory, we investigated how perceived public condemnation (knowledge that other also condemn a particular norm violation by an organization) affects the moral outrage of public and their future intentions toward the organization. A quantitative study was empirically examined through a sample of 107 users of a leading riding service in Pakistan. Data were analyzed through statistical tools (IBM SPSS & AMOS 21). Finding shows that perceived public condemnation was positively correlated with moral outrage and avoidance intentions of individuals. However, moral outrage mediates the association between perceived public condemnation and avoidance intentions of the public. The implications highlight the importance of a community's social norms and values to gauge the organization's reputation in people's eyes.
Contraction and capillary flow of a carbon black filled rubber compound
Authors: Stieger Sebastian , Kerschbaumer Roman Christopher , Mitsoulis Evan , Fasching Michael , Berger‐Weber Gerald Roman , Friesenbichler Walter , Sunder Joachim
Published: October 2019

Highly filled rubber compounds exhibit a unique rheological behavior, which is affected by its filler–filler and filler–matrix interactions leading to pronounced nonlinear viscoelasticity. The necessity to consider these characteristics in rheological testing and modeling, adds further complexity providing universally valid numerical descriptions. In the present study, the pressure driven contraction and capillary flow of a carbon black filled hydrogenated acrylonitrile–butadiene rubber compound is studied both experimentally and numerically. Rheological testing indicates no pronounced slippage at the wall but a shear sensitive plug flow at the centerline. The viscoelastic Kaye‐Bernstein–Kearsley–Zapas/Wagner, the viscoplastic Herschel–Bulkley and the viscous power‐law models are used in computational fluid dynamic simulations aiming to predict measured pressure drops in an orifice and various capillary dies. Viscoelastic modeling is found of particular importance describing contraction flow dominated areas, whereas viscous models are able to predict pressure drops of capillary flows well. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 60:32–43, 2020. © 2019 The Authors. Polymer Engineering & Science published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Society of Plastics Engineers.
Triphenylamine dibenzofulvene–derived dopant‐free hole transporting layer induces micrometer‐sized perovskite grains for highly efficient near 20% for p‐i‐n perovskite solar cells
Authors: Chen Yung‐Chung , Li Yan‐Heng , Chung Chung‐Lin , Hsu Hsiang‐Lin , Chen Chih‐Ping
Published: October 2019

This paper discusses a series of triphenylamine dibenzofulvene–based hole transporting materials (HTMs) featuring different numbers of MeO groups (none for YC‐1, four for YC‐2, and six for YC‐3) and their use in p‐i‐n perovskite solar cells (PSCs). We investigated the optoelectronic properties of these HTMs and found that the PSC devices incorporating YC‐1 as HTMs exhibited power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 15.78 ± 0.61%, which outperformed the corresponding PEDOT:PSS‐based device (12.80 ± 1.31%) under similar testing conditions. We then employed YC‐1 for the interfacial modified layer of a NiOx‐derived PSC having the structure ITO/NiOx/YC‐1/CH3NH3PbI3/PC61BM/bathocuproine/Ag. The presence of YC‐1 promoted the growth of micrometer‐sized grains of perovskite and induced a lower content of grain boundary defects, both of which improved the carrier extraction. Thereby, compared with conventional NiOx device, we observed a great increase in the PCE, from 17.16 ± 0.68% to 18.81 ± 0.42%, with a champion cell displaying a PCE of 19.37% (with negligible hysteresis). The corresponded device exhibited a stabilized efficiency of approximately 19% after storage in the dark at 25°C under argon for over 1000 hours. This study suggests a new approach for designing the high‐performance stable p‐i‐n PSCs.
Effectiveness of Dextrose Prolotherapy for Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Catapano Michael , Zhang Kailia , Mittal Nimish , Sangha Harpreet , Onishi Kentaro , de SA Darren
Published: October 2019

Objective

To systematically review and evaluate the efficacy and complication profile of prolotherapy using hyperosmolar dextrose solution injection for rotator cuff tendinopathy.

Literature Survey

MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (from inception to 1 July, 2019).

Methodology

A comprehensive search was completed to identify randomized controlled trials addressing prolotherapy using hyperosmolar dextrose solution for rotator cuff tendinopathy. Two reviewers independently screened the titles, abstracts, and full texts, and then extracted data from eligible studies. All reported outcome measures and complications were analyzed descriptively.

Synthesis

Five studies satisfied inclusion criteria. Included studies analyzed a total of 272 participants with a final follow‐up ranging from 6 weeks to 12 months. Prolotherapy differed greatly among studies. Two studies used a multisite enthesis injection protocol while the other three used ultrasound‐guided protocols. Two of the studies used an intrasubstance supraspinatus injection and three used a supraspinatus enthesis injection. Control groups consisted of nonoperative rehabilitation including physical therapy and medical management in three studies, supraspinatus saline enthesis injection in one study, and corticosteroid injection in one study. There was statistically significant improvement in pain intensity with multisite injection protocols compared to physical therapy and medical management in both studies. Ultrasound‐guided supraspinatus injection trials did not find any statistically significant difference in pain intensity, range of motion, strength, function, or ultrasound characteristics compared to controls of enthesis saline injection or corticosteroid. The complication rate was low, with only 6/272 participants experiencing adverse events consisting of transient increase in pain for 1 to 2 days postintervention.

Conclusions

Prolotherapy with hyperosmolar dextrose solution is a potentially effective adjuvant intervention to physical therapy for patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy ranging from tendinosis to partial‐thickness and small full‐thickness tears. Further studies are necessary to determine effects in subpopulations as well as optimal technique including dextrose concentration, volume, and location.
IDDomainSpotter: Compositional bias reveals domains in long disordered protein regions—Insights from transcription factors
Authors: Millard Peter S. , Bugge Katrine , Marabini Riccardo , Boomsma Wouter , Burow Meike , Kragelund Birthe B.
Published: October 2019

Protein domains constitute regions of distinct structural properties and molecular functions that are retained when removed from the rest of the protein. However, due to the lack of tertiary structure, the identification of domains has been largely neglected for long (>50 residues) intrinsically disordered regions. Here we present a sequence‐based approach to assess and visualize domain organization in long intrinsically disordered regions based on compositional sequence biases. An online tool to find putative intrinsically disordered domains (IDDomainSpotter) in any protein sequence or sequence alignment using any particular sequence trait is available at http://www.bio.ku.dk/sbinlab/IDDomainSpotter. Using this tool, we have identified a putative domain enriched in hydrophilic and disorder‐promoting residues (Pro, Ser, and Thr) and depleted in positive charges (Arg and Lys) bordering the folded DNA‐binding domains of several transcription factors (p53, GCR, NAC46, MYB28, and MYB29). This domain, from two different MYB transcription factors, was characterized biophysically to determine its properties. Our analyses show the domain to be extended, dynamic and highly disordered. It connects the DNA‐binding domain to other disordered domains and is present and conserved in several transcription factors from different families and domains of life. This example illustrates the potential of IDDomainSpotter to predict, from sequence alone, putative domains of functional interest in otherwise uncharacterized disordered proteins.
DISOselect: Disorder predictor selection at the protein level
Authors: Katuwawala Akila , Oldfield Christopher J. , Kurgan Lukasz
Published: October 2019

The intense interest in the intrinsically disordered proteins in the life science community, together with the remarkable advancements in predictive technologies, have given rise to the development of a large number of computational predictors of intrinsic disorder from protein sequence. While the growing number of predictors is a positive trend, we have observed a considerable difference in predictive quality among predictors for individual proteins. Furthermore, variable predictor performance is often inconsistent between predictors for different proteins, and the predictor that shows the best predictive performance depends on the unique properties of each protein sequence. We propose a computational approach, DISOselect, to estimate the predictive performance of 12 selected predictors for individual proteins based on their unique sequence‐derived properties. This estimation informs the users about the expected predictive quality for a selected disorder predictor and can be used to recommend methods that are likely to provide the best quality predictions. Our solution does not depend on the results of any disorder predictor; the estimations are made based solely on the protein sequence. Our solution significantly improves predictive performance, as judged with a test set of 1,000 proteins, when compared to other alternatives. We have empirically shown that by using the recommended methods the overall predictive performance for a given set of proteins can be improved by a statistically significant margin. DISOselect is freely available for non‐commercial users through the webserver at http://biomine.cs.vcu.edu/servers/DISOselect/.
A computational method for design of connected catalytic networks in proteins
Authors: Weitzner Brian D. , Kipnis Yakov , Daniel A. Gerard , Hilvert Donald , Baker David
Published: October 2019

Computational design of new active sites has generally proceeded by geometrically defining interactions between the reaction transition state(s) and surrounding side‐chain functional groups which maximize transition‐state stabilization, and then searching for sites in protein scaffolds where the specified side‐chain–transition‐state interactions can be realized. A limitation of this approach is that the interactions between the side chains themselves are not constrained. An extensive connected hydrogen bond network involving the catalytic residues was observed in a designed retroaldolase following directed evolution. Such connected networks could increase catalytic activity by preorganizing active site residues in catalytically competent orientations, and enabling concerted interactions between side chains during catalysis, for example, proton shuffling. We developed a method for designing active sites in which the catalytic side chains, in addition to making interactions with the transition state, are also involved in extensive hydrogen bond networks. Because of the added constraint of hydrogen‐bond connectivity between the catalytic side chains, to find solutions, a wider range of interactions between these side chains and the transition state must be considered. Our new method starts from a ChemDraw‐like two‐dimensional representation of the transition state with hydrogen‐bond donors, acceptors, and covalent interaction sites indicated, and all placements of side‐chain functional groups that make the indicated interactions with the transition state, and are fully connected in a single hydrogen‐bond network are systematically enumerated. The RosettaMatch method can then be used to identify realizations of these fully‐connected active sites in protein scaffolds. The method generates many fully‐connected active site solutions for a set of model reactions that are promising starting points for the design of fully‐preorganized enzyme catalysts.
Nitrogen‐Doped Porous Graphene‐Based Aerogels toward Efficient Heavy Metal Ion Adsorption and Supercapacitor Applications
Authors: Xie Zikai , Zhu Jiayi , Bi Yutie , Ren Hongbo , Chen Xuecheng , Yu Huiyuan
Published: October 2019

Graphene‐based aerogels with different chitosan contents are selectively prepared by the hydrothermal reaction. It is found that with increasing chitosan content, the density of graphene‐based aerogels decreases and their specific surface area enhances gradually. With the optimized mass ratio of chitosan to graphene oxide (4:1), its density and specific surface area are 11.0 mg cm−3 and 616 m2 g−1, respectively. Due to the well‐dispersed functional groups grafted on graphene and strong coordination ability to heavy metal ions, its saturated adsorption capacities for Cu2+ and Pb2+ are as high as 342.4 and 945.1 mg g−1, respectively. After carbonization at 900 °C, the nitrogen element is incorporated into the skeleton of aerogels, and the resulting nitrogen‐doped graphene‐based aerogels show excellent electrochemical performance in supercapacitor applications. The present method paves the way for the synthesis of heteroatom‐doped graphene‐based aerogels for multifunctional special applications.
Mesoporous Materials–Based Electrochemical Biosensors from Enzymatic to Nonenzymatic
Authors: Yang Xuanyu , Qiu Pengpeng , Yang Jianping , Fan Yuchi , Wang Lianjun , Jiang Wan , Cheng Xiaowei , Deng Yonghui , Luo Wei
Published: October 2019

Mesoporous materials have drawn more and more attention in the field of biosensors due to their high surface areas, large pore volumes, tunable pore sizes, as well as abundant frameworks. In this review, the progress on mesoporous materials–based biosensors from enzymatic to nonenzymatic are highlighted. First, recent advances on the application of mesoporous materials as supports to stabilize enzymes in enzymatic biosensing technology are summarized. Special emphasis is placed on the effect of pore size, pore structure, and surface functional groups of the support on the immobilization efficiency of enzymes and the biosensing performance. Then, the development of a nonenzymatic strategy that uses the intrinsic property of mesoporous materials (carbon, silica, metals, and composites) to mimic the behavior of enzymes for electrochemical sensing of some biomolecules is discussed. Finally, the challenges and perspective on the future development of biosensors based on mesoporous materials are proposed.
Enhancing Automated Reaction Discovery with Boxed Molecular Dynamics in Energy Space
Authors: Jara‐Toro Rafael A. , Pino Gustavo A. , Glowacki David R. , Shannon Robin J. , Martínez‐Núñez Emilio
Published: October 2019

The rare event acceleration method “Boxed Molecular Dynamics in Energy space” (BXDE) is interfaced in the present work with the automated reaction discovery method AutoMeKin. To test the efficiency of the combined AutoMeKin‐BXDE procedure, the ozonolysis of α‐pinene is studied in comparison with standard AutoMeKin. AutoMeKin‐BXDE locates intermediates and transition states that are more densely connected with each other and approximately 50 kcal/mol more stable than those found with standard AutoMeKin. Other than the different density of edges between the nodes, both networks are scale‐free and display small‐world properties, mimicking the network of organic chemistry. Finally, while AutoMeKin‐BXDE finds more transition states than those previously reported for O3+α‐pinene, the standard procedure fails to locate some of the previously published reaction pathways using the same simulation time of 2.5 ns. In summary, the mixed procedure is very promising and clearly outperforms the standard simulation algorithms implemented in AutoMeKin. BXDE will be available in the next release of AutoMekin.
Gas exchange in streams and rivers
Authors: Hall Robert O. , Ulseth Amber J.
Published: October 2019

Gas exchange across the air–water boundary of streams and rivers is a globally large biogeochemical flux. Gas exchange depends on the solubility of the gas of interest, the gas concentrations of the air and water, and the gas exchange velocity (k), usually normalized to a Schmidt number of 600, referred to as k600. Gas exchange velocity is of intense research interest because it is problematic to estimate, is highly spatially variable, and has high prediction error. Theory dictates that molecular diffusivity and turbulence drives variation in k600 in flowing waters. We measure k600 via several methods from direct measures, gas tracer experiments, to modeling of diel changes in dissolved gas concentrations. Many estimates of k600 show that surface turbulence explains variation in k600 leading to predictive models based upon geomorphic and hydraulic variables. These variables include stream channel slope and stream flow velocity, the product of which, is proportional to the energy dissipation rate in streams and rivers. These empirical models provide understanding of the controls on k600, yet high residual variation in k600 show that these simple models are insufficient for predicting individual locations. The most appropriate method to estimate gas exchange depends on the scientific question along with the characteristics of the study sites. We provide a decision tree for selecting the best method to estimate k600 for individual river reaches to scaling to river networks.

This article is categorized under:

Water and Life > Nature of Freshwater Ecosystems

Science of Water > Water Quality

Water and Life > Methods
Manufacturing Coherence: How American Textbooks Incorporate Diverse Perspectives on the Origins of the Cold War
Authors: Fischer Eva
Published: October 2019

Fischer uses three US textbooks, each published by one of the major American textbook publishers between 2007 and 2012, to examine how they present the origins of the Cold War. The chapter explores whether these textbooks incorporate revisionist and post-revisionist interpretations of the issue or if they prioritise traditionalist frameworks. Fischer identifies progressive echoes in these textbooks which question ‘master narratives’ and ambivalence over the roles of the USA and the USSR in the Cold War in order to understand how these are perceived today. The chapter explores how different publishers do this through not only the language they employ, but also through the physical layout of each page, which emphasises and relegates different elements.
The Emergence of a Multipolar World: Decentring the Cold War in Chinese History Textbooks
Authors: Dyson Lisa
Published: October 2019

Lisa Dyson examines in her chapter how the authors of Chinese history textbooks integrate China’s changing stance and significant, if secondary, role in the Cold War into their narrative of the period. She examines the complex conditions under which Chinese textbooks are developed and the practical and political constraints authors face, coupled with the rapid development of the country in recent years with its growing global influence.
Images and Imaginings of the Cold War – with a Focus on the Swiss View
Authors: Furrer Markus
Published: October 2019

In this chapter, Furrer explores how history teaching can be affected by and can actually make use of the tendency to conceptualise the past via visual thinking, especially in regards to the Cold War, a period with which one particularly associates certain historical images. Furrer analyses Swiss textbooks aimed at students in secondary levels in order to understand how the authors of history textbooks currently use historical images and to what extent they are aware of the potency of the visual image in teaching, as well as its drawbacks. The Cold War, he argues, provides a unique challenge for the teacher, but images can be extremely useful to them, especially when they encourage their students to deconstruct these images.
Demonstration of the event identification capabilities of the NEXT-White detector
Authors:   The NEXT collaboration, Ferrario P. , Benlloch-Rodríguez J. M. , Díaz López G. , Hernando Morata J. A. , Kekic M. , Renner J. , Usón A. , Gómez-Cadenas J. J. , Adams C. , Álvarez V. , Arazi L. , Arnquist I. J. , Azevedo C. D. R , Bailey K. , Ballester F. , Borges F. I. G. M. , Byrnes N. , Cárcel S. , Carrión J. V. , Cebrían S. , Church E. , Conde C. A. N. , Contreras T. , Díaz J. , Diesburg M. , Escada J. , Esteve R. , Felkai R. , Fernandes A. F. M. , Fernandes L. M. P. , Ferreira A. L. , Freitas E. D. C. , Generowicz J. , Ghosh S. , Goldschmidt A. , González-Díaz D. , Guenette R. , Gutíerrez R. M. , Haefner J. , Hafidi K. , Hauptman J. , Henriques C. A. O. , Herrero P. , Herrero V. , Ifergan Y. , Johnston S. , Jones B. J. P. , Labarga L. , Laing A. , Lebrun P. , López-March N. , Losada M. , Mano R. D. P. , Martín-Albo J. , Martínez A. , Martínez-Lema G. , McDonald A. D. , Monrabal F. , Monteiro C. M. B. , Mora F. J. , Muñoz Vidal J. , Novella P. , Nygren D. R. , Palmeiro B. , Para A. , Pérez J. , Psihas F. , Querol M. , Repond J. , Riordan S. , Ripoll L. , Rodríguez García Y. , Rodríguez J. , Rogers L. , Romeo B. , Romo-Luque C. , Santos F. P. , dos Santos J. M. F. , Simón A. , Sofka C. , Sorel M. , Stiegler T. , Toledo J. F. , Torrent J. , Veloso J. F. C. A. , Webb R. , Weiss-Babai R. , White J. T. , Woodruff K. , Yahlali N.
Published: October 2019

Abstract

In experiments searching for neutrinoless double-beta decay, the possibility of identifying the two emitted electrons is a powerful tool in rejecting background events and therefore improving the overall sensitivity of the experiment. In this paper we present the first measurement of the efficiency of a cut based on the different event signatures of double and single electron tracks, using the data of the NEXT-White detector, the first detector of the NEXT experiment operating underground. Using a 228Th calibration source to produce signal-like and background-like events with energies near 1.6 MeV, a signal efficiency of 71.6 ± 1.5 stat
± 0.3 sys% for a background acceptance of 20.6 ± 0.4 stat
± 0.3 sys% is found, in good agreement with Monte Carlo simulations. An extrapolation to the energy region of the neutrinoless double beta decay by means of Monte Carlo simulations is also carried out, and the results obtained show an improvement in background rejection over those obtained at lower energies.
Transcendental structure of multiloop massless correlators and anomalous dimensions
Authors: Baikov P.A. , Chetyrkin K.G.
Published: October 2019

Abstract

We give a short account of recent advances in our understanding of theπ- dependent terms in massless (Euclidean) 2-point functions as well as in generic anomalous dimensions (ADs) andβ-functions. We extend the considerations of [1] by two more loops, that is for the case of 6- and 7-loop correlators and 7- and 8-loop renormalization group (RG) functions. Our predictions for the (π-dependent terms) of the 7-loop RG functions for the case of theO(n) 𝜙4theory are in full agreement with the recent results from [2]. All available 7- and 8-loop results for QCD and the scalarO(n)ϕ4theory obtained within the largeNfapproach to the quantum field theory (see, e.g. [3]) are also in full agreement with our results.
Degenerations of K3, orientifolds and exotic branes
Authors: Chaemjumrus N. , Hull C.M.
Published: October 2019

Abstract

A recently constructed limit of K3 has a long neck consisting of segments, each of which is a nilfold fibred over a line, that are joined together with Kaluza-Klein monopoles. The neck is capped at either end by a Tian-Yau space, which is non-compact, hyperkähler and asymptotic to a nilfold fibred over a line. We show that the type IIA string on this degeneration of K3 is dual to the type I′ string, with the Kaluza-Klein monopoles dual to the D8-branes and the Tian-Yau spaces providing a geometric dual to the O8 orientifold planes. At strong coupling, each O8-plane can emit a D8-brane to give an O8
∗
plane, so that there can be up to 18 D8-branes in the type I′ string. In the IIA dual, this phenomenon occurs at weak coupling and there can be up to 18 Kaluza-Klein monopoles in the dual geometry. We consider further duals in which the Kaluza-Klein monopoles are dualised to NS5-branes or exotic branes. A 3-torus with H -flux can be realised in string theory as an NS5-brane wrapped on T
3, with the 3-torus fibred over a line. T-dualising gives a 4-dimensional hyperk¨ahler manifold which is a nilfold fibred over a line, which can be viewed as a Kaluza-Klein monopole wrapped on T
2. Further T-dualities then give non-geometric spaces fibred over a line and can be regarded as wrapped exotic branes. These are all domain wall configurations, dual to the D8-brane. Type I′ string theory is the natural home for D8-branes, and we dualise this to find string theory homes for each of these branes. The Kaluza-Klein monopoles arise in the IIA string on the degenerate K3. T-duals of this give exotic branes on non-geometric spaces.
Holographic conformal transition and light scalars
Authors: Pomarol Alex , Pujolas Oriol , Salas Lindber
Published: October 2019

Abstract

We present an holographic approach to strongly-coupled theories close to the conformal to non-conformal transition, trying to understand the presence of light scalars as recent lattice simulations seem to suggest. We find that the dilaton is always the lightest resonance, although not parametrically lighter than the others. We provide a simple analytic formula for the dilaton mass that allows us to understand this behavior. The pattern of the meson mass spectrum, as we get close to the conformal transition, is found to be quite similar to that in lattice simulations. We provide further predictions from holography that can be checked in the future. These five-dimensional models can also implement new solutions to the hierarchy problem, having implications for searches at the LHC and cosmology.
Tet3 regulates cellular identity and DNA methylation in neural progenitor cells
Authors: Santiago Mafalda , Antunes Claudia , Guedes Marta , Iacovino Michelina , Kyba Michael , Reik Wolf , Sousa Nuno , Pinto Luísa , Branco Miguel R. , Marques C. Joana
Published: October 2019

TET enzymes oxidize 5-methylcytosine (5mC) into 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), a process thought to be intermediary in an active DNA demethylation mechanism. Notably, 5hmC is highly abundant in the brain and in neuronal cells. Here, we interrogated the function of Tet3 in neural precursor cells (NPCs), using a stable and inducible knockdown system and an in vitro neural differentiation protocol. We show that Tet3 is upregulated during neural differentiation, whereas Tet1 is downregulated. Surprisingly, Tet3 knockdown led to a de-repression of pluripotency-associated genes such as Oct4, Nanog or Tcl1, with concomitant hypomethylation. Moreover, in Tet3 knockdown NPCs, we observed the appearance of OCT4-positive cells forming cellular aggregates, suggesting de-differentiation of the cells. Notably, Tet3 KD led to a genome-scale loss of DNA methylation and hypermethylation of a smaller number of CpGs that are located at neurogenesis-related genes and at imprinting control regions (ICRs) of Peg10, Zrsr1 and Mcts2 imprinted genes. Overall, our results suggest that TET3 is necessary to maintain silencing of pluripotency genes and consequently neural stem cell identity, possibly through regulation of DNA methylation levels in neural precursor cells.
Mild steel welding is associated with alterations in circulating levels of cancer-related proteins
Authors: Gliga Anda R. , Taj Tahir , Hedmer Maria , Assarsson Eva , Rylander Lars , Albin Maria , Broberg Karin
Published: October 2019

Welding fumes were recently classified as carcinogenic to humans and worldwide millions work as welders or perform welding operations. The purpose of this study was to identify new biomarkers of welding-induced carcinogenesis. We evaluated a panel of 91 putative cancer-related proteins in serum in a cohort of welders working with mild steel (n = 77) and controls (n = 94) from southern Sweden sampled on two occasions 6-year apart using a longitudinal analysis (linear mixed models). The significant results from the longitudinal analysis were tested for reproducibility in welders (n = 88) and controls (n = 69) sampled once during the same sampling period as timepoint 1 or timepoint 2 (linear regression models), i.e., in a cross-sectional setting. The models were adjusted for age, body-mass index, and use of snus. All study participants were non-smokers at recruitment. Exposure to welding fumes was assessed using questionnaires and respirable dust measurement in the breathing zone that was adjusted for personal respiratory protection equipment. The median respirable dust in welders was 0.7 (0.2–4.2) and 0.5 (0.1–1.9) mg/m3 at the first and second timepoints, respectively. We identified 14 cancer-related proteins that were differentially expressed in welders versus controls in the longitudinal analysis, out of which three were also differentially expressed in the cross-sectional analysis (cross-sectional group). Namely, syndecan 1 (SDC1), folate receptor 1 (FOLR1), and secreted protein acidic and cysteine rich (SPARC) were downregulated, in welders compared with controls. In addition, FOLR1 was negatively associated with years welding. Disease and function analysis indicated that the top proteins are related to lung cancer as well as cell invasion and migration. Our study indicates that moderate exposure to welding fumes is associated with changes in circulating levels of putative cancer-related proteins, out of which FOLR1 showed a clear dose–response relationship. It is, however, unclear to which extent these changes are adaptive or potential early biomarkers of cancer.
Chemical profiles of birch and alder bark by ambient mass spectrometry
Authors: Räsänen Riikka-Marjaana , Hieta Juha-Pekka , Immanen Juha , Nieminen Kaisa , Haavikko Raisa , Yli-Kauhaluoma Jari , Kauppila Tiina J.
Published: October 2019

Desorption atmospheric pressure photoionization (DAPPI) is an ambient mass spectrometry (MS) technique that allows the analysis of both polar and nonpolar compounds directly from the surfaces of various sample types. Here, DAPPI was used to study the chemical profiles in different parts of birch and alder tree barks. Four distinct fractions of Betula pendula (silver birch) bark were collected from three different developmental stages of the stem, after which the chemical profiles of the different tissue types were measured. Of special interest were triterpenoids, a class of important defensive substances, which are found in the bark of the silver birch. Additionally, the chemical profiles of lenticels and the surrounding surfaces in the phellem of B. pendula (silver birch), Alnus glutinosa (black alder), and Alnus incana (gray alder) were screened with DAPPI. Another ambient MS technique, laser ablation atmospheric pressure photoionization (LAAPPI), was further used for the mass spectrometry imaging of lenticels on the B. pendula phellem. All the studied birch bark fractions showed individual chemical profiles in DAPPI. The mass spectra from the young apical stem and the transition zone resembled each other more than the mature stem. Instead, the phellem was found to contain a high amount of triterpenoids in all the developmental stages of the stem. The most intense peaks in the DAPPI mass spectra of the birch bark fractions were those of betulin and lupeol. Betulinic and betulonic acid peaks were intense as well, and these compounds were detected especially in the lenticels of the tree samples.
The IPD Project: a centralised resource for the study of polymorphism in genes of the immune system
Authors: Maccari Giuseppe , Robinson James , Hammond John A. , Marsh Steven G. E.
Published: October 2019

The Immuno Polymorphism Database (IPD), https://www.ebi.ac.uk/ipd/, is a set of specialist databases that enable the study of polymorphic genes which function as part of the vertebrate immune system. The major focus is on the hyperpolymorphic major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes and the killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) genes, by providing the official repository and primary source of sequence data. Databases are centred around humans as well as animals important for food security, for companionship and as disease models. The IPD project works with specialist groups or nomenclature committees who provide and manually curate individual sections before they are submitted for online publication. To reflect the recent advance of allele sequencing technologies and the increasing demands of novel tools for the analysis of genomic variation, the IPD project is undergoing a progressive redesign and reorganisation. In this review, recent updates and future developments are discussed, with a focus on the core concepts to better future-proof the project.
A microbial expression system for high-level production of scFv HIV-neutralizing antibody fragments in Escherichia coli
Authors: Petrus Marloes L. C. , Kiefer Lukas A. , Puri Pranav , Heemskerk Evert , Seaman Michael S. , Barouch Dan H. , Arias Sagrario , van Wezel Gilles P. , Havenga Menzo
Published: October 2019

Monoclonal antibodies (mABs) are of great biopharmaceutical importance for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. However, their production in mammalian expression hosts usually requires extensive production times and is expensive. Escherichia coli has become a new platform for production of functional small antibody fragment variants. In this study, we have used a rhamnose-inducible expression system that allows precise control of protein expression levels. The system was first evaluated for the cytoplasmic production of super folder green fluorescence protein (sfGFP) in various production platforms and then for the periplasmic production of the anti-HIV single-chain variable antibody fragment (scFv) of PGT135. Anti-HIV broadly neutralizing antibodies, like PGT135, have potential for clinical use to prevent HIV transmission, to promote immune responses and to eradicate infected cells. Different concentrations of L-rhamnose resulted in the controlled production of both sfGFP and scFv PGT135 antibody. In addition, by optimizing the culture conditions, the amount of scFv PGT135 antibody that was expressed soluble or as inclusions bodies could be modulated. The proteins were produced in batch bioreactors, with yields of 4.9 g/L for sfGFP and 0.8 g/L for scFv. The functionality of the purified antibodies was demonstrated by their ability to neutralize a panel of different HIV variants in vitro. We expect that this expression system will prove very useful for the development of a more cost-effective production process for proteins and antibody fragments in microbial cells.
Evolutionary dynamics of competing phenotype-structured populations in periodically fluctuating environments
Authors: Ardaševa Aleksandra , Gatenby Robert A. , Anderson Alexander R. A. , Byrne Helen M. , Maini Philip K. , Lorenzi Tommaso
Published: October 2019

Living species, ranging from bacteria to animals, exist in environmental conditions that exhibit spatial and temporal heterogeneity which requires them to adapt. Risk-spreading through spontaneous phenotypic variations is a known concept in ecology, which is used to explain how species may survive when faced with the evolutionary risks associated with temporally varying environments. In order to support a deeper understanding of the adaptive role of spontaneous phenotypic variations in fluctuating environments, we consider a system of non-local partial differential equations modelling the evolutionary dynamics of two competing phenotype-structured populations in the presence of periodically oscillating nutrient levels. The two populations undergo heritable, spontaneous phenotypic variations at different rates. The phenotypic state of each individual is represented by a continuous variable, and the phenotypic landscape of the populations evolves in time due to variations in the nutrient level. Exploiting the analytical tractability of our model, we study the long-time behaviour of the solutions to obtain a detailed mathematical depiction of the evolutionary dynamics. The results suggest that when nutrient levels undergo small and slow oscillations, it is evolutionarily more convenient to rarely undergo spontaneous phenotypic variations. Conversely, under relatively large and fast periodic oscillations in the nutrient levels, which bring about alternating cycles of starvation and nutrient abundance, higher rates of spontaneous phenotypic variations confer a competitive advantage. We discuss the implications of our results in the context of cancer metabolism.
Poly-glycine–alanine exacerbates C9orf72 repeat expansion-mediated DNA damage via sequestration of phosphorylated ATM and loss of nuclear hnRNPA3
Authors:   German Consortium for Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration, Nihei Yoshihiro ,   Bavarian Brain Banking Alliance, Mori Kohji , Werner Georg , Arzberger Thomas , Zhou Qihui , Khosravi Barham , Japtok Julia , Hermann Andreas , Sommacal Andreas , Weber Markus , Kamp Frits , Nuscher Brigitte , Edbauer Dieter , Haass Christian
Published: October 2019

Repeat expansion in C9orf72 causes amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal lobar degeneration. Expanded sense and antisense repeat RNA transcripts in C9orf72 are translated into five dipeptide-repeat proteins (DPRs) in an AUG-independent manner. We previously identified the heterogeneous ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) A3 as an interactor of the sense repeat RNA that reduces its translation into DPRs. Furthermore, we found that hnRNPA3 is depleted from the nucleus and partially mislocalized to cytoplasmic poly-GA inclusions in C9orf72 patients, suggesting that poly-GA sequesters hnRNPA3 within the cytoplasm. We now demonstrate that hnRNPA3 also binds to the antisense repeat RNA. Both DPR production and deposition from sense and antisense RNA repeats are increased upon hnRNPA3 reduction. All DPRs induced DNA double strand breaks (DSB), which was further enhanced upon reduction of hnRNPA3. Poly-glycine–arginine and poly-proline-arginine increased foci formed by phosphorylated Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated (pATM), a major sensor of DSBs, whereas poly-glycine–alanine (poly-GA) evoked a reduction of pATM foci. In dentate gyri of C9orf72 patients, lower nuclear hnRNPA3 levels were associated with increased DNA damage. Moreover, enhanced poly-GA deposition correlated with reduced pATM foci. Since cytoplasmic pATM deposits partially colocalized with poly-GA deposits, these results suggest that poly-GA, the most frequent DPR observed in C9orf72 patients, differentially causes DNA damage and that poly-GA selectively sequesters pATM in the cytoplasm inhibiting its recruitment to sites of DNA damage. Thus, mislocalization of nuclear hnRNPA3 caused by poly-GA leads to increased poly-GA production, which partially depletes pATM, and consequently enhances DSB.