bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Technological disruption in foreign language teaching: The rise of simultaneous machine translation
Authors: Crossley Scott A.
Published: September 2018

The fear of technology replacing jobs can be traced back to Aristotle, who, before great technological advances existed, ventured that machines may one day end the need for human labor (Campa 2014). In the current era, there is overwhelming evidence of technological unemployment. This evidence comes in the form of jobs that were once common, but have largely been replaced by technology such as switchboard operators, travel agents, booth cashiers, bank tellers, and typists. These jobs still exist, but their numbers have declined sharply because they were easily replaced by technology. Statistical models indicate future job losses in these areas will continue with booth cashiers at an 84% risk of losing their jobs, travel agents at a 10% risk, and typists at an 81% risk (Frey & Osborne 2013). These, generally, entry level positions do not require specialized training or advanced degrees, which may explain some of the job losses. However, current trends indicate that training and advanced degrees do not necessarily offer protection against technological unemployment, with most analysts predicting that technology will soon replace lawyers (Markoff 2011), pharmacy technicians, and accountants (Frey & Osborne 2013). Unemployment in career sectors such as these will have adverse effects not only on the workers, but also on the systems that support them. When the need for lawyers, pharmacists, and accountants collapses, what will happen to law schools, colleges of pharmacy, and accounting departments that train specialists in these fields? What will happen to the support systems that depend on these jobs or the scholars that move these fields forward through research activities?
Language learning in a study-abroad context: Research agenda
Authors: Taguchi Naoko , Collentine Joseph
Published: September 2018

Isabelli-García, Bown, Plew & Dewey (forthcoming) presented the ‘state of the art’ in research on language learning abroad. Beginning with Carroll's (1967) claim that ‘time spent abroad is one of the most potent variables’ predicting second language (L2) abilities (p. 137), the scope of study-abroad research has grown multifold in guiding theoretical frameworks, empirical methods, and objects of examination. A half-century of work surveyed in Isabelli-García et al.’s review reveals diverse goals of investigation, ranging from studies focusing on documenting learning outcomes, to studies aiming to unveil the process and nature of learning in a study-abroad context.
Generating real-time trajectories for a planar biped robot crossing a wide ditch with landing uncertainties
Authors: Janardhan V. , Prasanth Kumar R.
Published: September 2018

Ditch crossing is one of the essential capabilities required for a biped robot in disaster management and search and rescue operations. Present work focuses on crossing a wide ditch with landing uncertainties by an under-actuated planar biped robot with five degrees of freedom. We consider a ditch as wide for a robot when the ankle to ankle stretch required to cross it is at least equal to the leg length of the robot. Since locomotion in uncertain environments requires real-time planning, in this paper, we present a new approach for generating real-time joint trajectories using control constraints not explicitly dependent on time, considering impact, dynamic balance, and friction. As part of the approach, we introduce a novel concept called thepoint of feasibilityfor bringing the biped robot to complete rest at the end of ditch crossing. We present a study on the influence of initial posture on landing impact and net energy consumption. Through simulations, we found the best initial postures to efficiently cross a wide ditch of width 1.05 m, with less impact and without singularities. Finally, we demonstrate the advantage of the proposed approach to cross a wide ditch when the surface friction is not same on both sides of the ditch.
More than Peripheral: How Provinces Influence China's Foreign Policy
Authors: Wong Audrye
Published: September 2018

Most analyses of China's foreign and security policies treat China as a unitary actor, assuming a cohesive grand strategy articulated by Beijing. I challenge this conventional wisdom, showing how Chinese provinces can affect the formulation and implementation of foreign policy. This contributes to existing research on the role of subnational actors in China, which has focused on how they shape domestic and economic policies. Using Hainan and Yunnan as case studies, I identify three mechanisms of provincial influence – trailblazing, carpetbagging, and resisting – and illustrate them with examples of key provincial policies. This analysis provides a more nuanced argument than is commonly found in international relations for the motivations behind evolving and increasingly activist Chinese foreign policy. It also has important policy implications for understanding and responding to Chinese behaviour, in the South China Sea and beyond.
Subsistence Hunting with Mixed-Breed Dogs Reduces Hunting Pressure on Sensitive Amazonian Game Species in Protected Areas
Authors: Constantino Pedro de Araujo Lima
Published: September 2018

Hunting is a major threat to wildlife, and the use of dogs for subsistence hunting may significantly impact wildlife. I assessed the impacts of hunting with dogs by comparing the assemblages of species hunted by the Huni Kuin with and without dogs in indigenous lands in southwestern Brazilian Amazonia. I also assessed whether Huni Kuin agreements on hunting with dogs can be effective for conservation. Huni Kuin hunters with dogs rely on a different assemblage of prey than those without dogs; the former strategy targets mainly fast-reproducing, resilient species, whereas the latter method kills several sensitive or threatened species. Hunting with dogs is also limited to disturbed mixed landscapes near villages because the dogs are used to protect crops and are not allowed into forests in order to prevent them from becoming lost. Additionally, compared to hunting without dogs, hunting with dogs results in an equivalent amount of meat with the use of less effort and ammunition. Moreover, hunting with dogs is not associated with an increase in the distance of prey from villages. Therefore, there is no conservation-related reason to prohibit hunting with mixed-breed dogs in subsistence communities. Nevertheless, community agreements mediate local conflicts caused by the social inequalities related to hunting with dogs.
FLORA AND FLORISTIC AFFINITIES OF THE CERRADOS OF MARANHÃO STATE, BRAZIL
Authors: Silva-Moraes H. G. , Cordeiro I. , Figueiredo N.
Published: September 2018

Cerrado vegetation is the main formation covering c.60% of the land surface of Maranhão, Brazil, with cerradão being the dominant physiognomy. To characterise the cerrado flora in Maranhão, 12 localities were selected across its distribution in the northeastern, central, southern and southeastern regions of the state. A total of 150 angiosperm species were identified, distributed across 105 genera and 43 families. Twelve are new occurrences in Maranhão, and of these, four are also new records for Northeast Brazil. Two distinct floristic regions were recognised: the cerrados of the northeastern and central regions, and the cerrados of the southern region. Three subgroups were recognised in the southern region: cerrados of the highest altitudes, medium-altitude cerrados and cerrados of variable altitudes. Floristic comparisons with the Brazilian cerrados suggest that the medium-altitude southern cerrados of Maranhão are similar to those of the central region of Brazil, whereas the northeastern, central and southern highest-altitude regions form a distinct floristic group.
Sex differences in relation patterns between health-related quality of life of older adults and its correlates: a population-based cross-sectional study in Madeira, Portugal
Authors: Gouveia Bruna R. , Ihle Andreas , Kliegel Matthias , Freitas Duarte L. , Gouveia Élvio R.
Published: September 2018

A population-based cross-sectional study aimed to examine sex differences in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of older adults, and investigate whether the relation patterns between HRQoL and its correlates differed between sexes. A stratified proportional and representative sample included 802 volunteers, aged 60–79. HRQoL (36-item Short Form Health Survey), functional fitness (Senior Fitness Test), physical activity (PA) (Baecke questionnaire), demographic information and health features (questionnaires) were assessed. Men showed significantly higher HRQoL (P<0.001). Body mass index, body strength, aerobic endurance, PA, depressive symptoms, falls, and living alone were significantly related to HRQoL. With sex as moderator, these relations were not significant, except for PA (β=0.12, P=0.004). A significant interaction of sex with PA on HRQoL (β=0.08, P=0.037) was found, indicating that this relation was higher in men. A similar relation pattern was found for HRQoL physical component. HRQoL and its correlates differed between sexes, demanding a sex specific approach to promote HRQoL.
Who Represents the Needs of Domestic Violence Survivors in State Welfare Policy?
Authors: Whitesell Anne
Published: September 2018

A large percentage of women receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) — known colloquially as welfare—have experienced domestic violence in their lives, with studies reporting that upwards of 50% of welfare recipients have been abused at some point. Receiving TANF benefits can provide the financial stability that is necessary for a woman to leave an abusive relationship, though some TANF provisions, such as child support reporting requirements, may also put victims of domestic violence at risk. Under TANF, states may adopt the Family Violence Option and waive many program requirements, including time limits, work requirements, and child support reporting requirements, for victims of domestic violence. Given the importance of TANF for those trying to leave, or who have left, abusive situations, this article asks: Who represents the interests of these women in the states? To answer this question, I employ a mixed methods approach, combining a quantitative analysis of the diversity of interest groups in the states with a case study of Connecticut and New Jersey. I find that feminist and domestic violence organizations do not consistently have a significant effect on the adoption of policy accommodations for survivors, but these groups are speaking out.
Clutter removal for measuring low-frequency narrow-band antenna using spectral estimation
Authors: Hu C. F. , Li N. J.
Published: September 2018

The measurement accuracy of low-frequency narrow-band antenna is heavily influenced by its environment, which is also difficult to remove the clutter with a time gating. This paper proposes a method to improve the measurement accuracy of low-frequency narrow-band antenna using signal processing technique. The method is to predict the unknown value out of received original signal with an auto-regressive model (AR model) based on modern spectral estimation theory, and the parameters in AR model are calculated by maximum entropy spectral estimation algorithm. Thus, a wideband signal compared with the original band is obtained, and then the time-domain resolution is enhanced. The time gating is more exactly to separate the antenna radiation signal from multipath signals. The simulation and experimental results show that about 50% extended data for each ends of original band can be obtained after spectral extrapolation, and the time-domain resolution after extrapolation is twice than the original narrow-band signal, and the influence of measurement environment can be eliminated effectively. The method can be used to improve accuracy in actual antenna measurement.
Impact of Nealley’s Sprangletop on Rough Rice Yield
Authors: Webster Eric P. , Bergeron Eric A. , Blouin David C. , McKnight Benjamin M. , Osterholt Matthew J.
Published: September 2018

Two field studies were conducted in Louisiana to determine the impact of Nealley’s sprangletop on rough rice yield under multiple environments in 2014, 2015, and 2016. The first study evaluated optimal timings of Nealley’s sprangletop removal for optimizing rough rice yields. The second study evaluated the impact of Nealley’s sprangletop densities on rough rice yield. Nealley’s sprangletop was removed with applications of fenoxaprop at 122 g ai ha–1at 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 d after emergence (DAE). Nealley’s sprangletop removal at 7 and 14 DAE resulted in higher rough rice yields of 7,880 and 6,960 kg ha–1, respectively, when compared with the rice from the season-long Nealley’s sprangletop competition with a 6,040 kg ha-1yield. Delaying herbicide application from 7 DAE to 42 DAE resulted in a yield loss of 1,740 kg ha–1. Over the 35-d delay in application, rough rice yield loss from Nealley’s sprangletop interference was equivalent to 50 kg ha–1d–1. Nealley’s sprangletop densities were established at 1, 3, 7, 13, and 26 plants m–2by transplanting Nealley’s sprangletop when rice reached the one- to two-leaf stage. At Nealley’s sprangletop densities of 1 to 26 plants m–2, rough rice yields were reduced 10 to 270 kg ha–1, compared with the rice from weed-free plots. Based on regression analysis, Nealley’s sprangletop densities of 1, 35, 70, and 450 plants m–2reduced rough rice yield 0.14%, 5%, 10%, and 50%, respectively.
First Balanced Cross Section Across the Taurides Fold‐Thrust Belt: Geological Constraints on the Subduction History of the Antalya Slab in Southern Anatolia
Authors: McPhee Peter J. , Altıner Demir , van Hinsbergen Douwe J. J.
Published: September 2018

Eastern Mediterranean subduction accommodated Africa‐Eurasia convergence since Mesozoic time and produced multiple subducted slab fragments in the mantle below Anatolia. These included the north dipping Cyprus and ENE‐dipping Antalya slabs, which are currently separated by an upper mantle slab gap. Segmentation of these slabs, and associated mantle flow, may have contributed to <8 Ma uplift of the Central Anatolian Plateau. The western Central Taurides fold‐thrust belt in southern Turkey is in the upper plate above the Antalya slab and contains a geological record of its subduction. We present the first orogen‐scale balanced cross section of the Taurides and find that it formed in two stages: (1) Cretaceous to middle Eocene thrusting resulted in a minimum of 73‐km shortening, and (2) Mio‐Pliocene thrusting resulted in a minimum of 17.5‐km shortening. Eocene shortening accounts for only ~5 Myr of Africa‐Eurasia plate convergence. It is unlikely that >400 km of post to middle Eocene plate convergence was accommodated between the Taurides and its Beydağları platform foreland and instead must have been accommodated south of Beydağları. The associated southward plate boundary jump separated the Antalya slab from the African plate and the Cyprus slab. The isolated Antalya slab was left in an intraplate setting and is probably still attached to Beydağları today. We suggest the continental composition of the Antalya slab may have prevented its detachment. Finally, the gap between the Antalya and Cyprus slabs existed since at least Eocene time; their decoupling likely did not contribute to late Neogene Central Anatolian Plateau uplift.
Net Value of Wetland Ecosystem Services in China
Authors: Cao Shixiong , Zhang Junze , Su Wei
Published: September 2018

Wetlands generate a wide range of ecosystem services that support human well‐being and socioeconomic development. However, calculation of the value of these services generally fails to account for their costs. In order to understand the difference between the value and the net value of ecosystem services (VES and NES, respectively), we used government statistics and data from published papers about the values and costs of wetland services to calculate their NES in mainland China. After accounting for the opportunity costs, investment in wetland conservation and protection, and management to prevent natural disasters, the NES of China's wetlands totaled 828.1 × 109 RMB in 2014, which is 36.4% less than the VES of 1,301.9 × 109 RMB calculated using the traditional approach. From 1952 to 2014, the NES of wetlands across the country (adjusted for inflation) decreased from 2,215.9 × 109 RMB to 828.1 × 109 RMB. Accounting for the costs to determine the net value of ecosystem services will provide a better foundation to support land planning and utilization.
Updated Iberian Archeomagnetic Catalogue: New Full Vector Paleosecular Variation Curve for the Last Three Millennia
Authors: Molina‐Cardín A. , Campuzano S. A. , Osete M. L. , Rivero‐Montero M. , Pavón‐Carrasco F. J. , Palencia‐Ortas A. , Martín‐Hernández F. , Gómez‐Paccard M. , Chauvin A. , Guerrero‐Suárez S. , Pérez‐Fuentes J. C. , McIntosh G. , Catanzariti G. , Sastre Blanco J. C. , Larrazabal J. , Fernández Martínez V. M. , Álvarez Sanchís J. R. , Rodríguez‐Hernández J. , Martín Viso I. , Garcia i Rubert D.
Published: September 2018

In this work, we present 16 directional and 27 intensity high‐quality values from Iberia. Moreover, we have updated the Iberian archeomagnetic catalogue published more than 10 years ago with a considerable increase in the database. This has led to a notable improvement of both temporal and spatial data distribution. A full vector paleosecular variation curve from 1000 BC to 1900 AD has been developed using high‐quality data within a radius of 900 km from Madrid. A hierarchical bootstrap method has been followed for the computation of the curves. The most remarkable feature of the new curves is a notable intensity maximum of about 80 μT around 600 BC, which has not been previously reported for the Iberian Peninsula. We have also analyzed the evolution of the paleofield in Europe for the last three thousand years and conclude that the high maximum intensity values observed around 600 BC in the Iberian Peninsula could respond to the same feature as the Levantine Iron Age Anomaly, after travelling westward through Europe.
Towards an Unstaggered Finite‐Volume Dynamical Core With a Fast Riemann Solver: 1‐D Linearized Analysis of Dissipation, Dispersion, and Noise Control
Authors: Chen Xi , Lin Shiann‐Jiann , Harris Lucas M.
Published: September 2018

Many computational fluid dynamics codes use Riemann solvers on an unstaggered grid for finite volume methods, but this approach is computationally expensive compared to existing atmospheric dynamical cores equipped with hyper‐diffusion or other similar relatively simple diffusion forms. We present a simplified Low Mach number Approximate Riemann Solver (LMARS), made computationally efficient through assumptions appropriate for atmospheric flows: low Mach number, weak discontinuities, and locally uniform sound speed. This work will examine the dissipative and dispersive properties of LMARS using Von Neumann linearized analysis to the one‐dimensional linearized shallow water equations. We extend these analyses to higher‐order methods by numerically solving the Fourier‐transformed equations. It is found that the pros and cons due to grid staggering choices diminish with high‐order schemes. The linearized analysis is limited to modal, smooth solutions using simple numerical schemes, and cannot analyze solutions with discontinuities. To address this problem, this work presents a new idealized test of a discontinuous wave packet, a single Fourier mode modulated by a discontinuous square wave. The experiments include studies of well‐resolved and (near) grid‐scale wave profiles, as well as the representation of discontinuous features and the results are validated against the Von Neumann analysis. We find the higher‐order LMARS produces much less numerical noise than do inviscid unstaggered and especially staggered schemes while retaining accuracy for better‐resolved modes.
A 1.9‐Ga Mélange Along the Northern Margin of the North China Craton: Implications for the Assembly of Columbia Supercontinent
Authors: Wu Chen , Zhou Zhiguang , Zuza Andrew V. , Wang Guosheng , Liu Changfeng , Jiang Tian
Published: September 2018

The involvement and location of the Neoarchean‐Paleoproterozoic North China craton in the supercontinent Columbia remains enigmatic, and the tectonic history along its margins impacts our understanding of connections between North China and other continents. Here we present structural observations from a Paleoproterozoic mélange that is located along its northern margin and that we refer to as the Bayan Obo mélange. It is composed of a structurally complex tectonic mixture of metapelites and metasedimentary rocks mixed with exotic blocks of ultramafic‐mafic rocks, metabasalts, metacarbonate and alkaline rocks, and tonalite‐trondhjemite gneisses. New zircon geochronology of the various constituent blocks suggest that it formed, and was subsequently deformed, at ca. 1.9 Ga. The oldest intramélange blocks are 2.45‐ to 2.54‐Ga tonalite‐trondhjemite‐granodiorite rocks and granitoids that signify the stabilization of the northern North China in the Neoarchean‐Paleoproterozoic. A ca. 2.45‐Ga plagiogranite block probably originated by partial melting of the older tonalite‐trondhjemite‐granodiorite rocks. We suggest that this mélange formed in a sedimentary setting near the subduction trench, on the basis of mixing of upper and lower plate volcanic rocks and textural relationships. The Bayan Obo mélange thus represents one of the oldest documented sedimentary mélanges on Earth, yet its fundamental characteristics strongly resemble Phanerozoic subduction complexes. Based on similar ages and styles of deformation, this zone may represent the ca. 1.9‐Ga collisional zone between North China and the southwestern margin of the Siberia craton. In this context, the North China craton became an integral component of the supercontinent Columbia starting at ca. 1.9 Ga.
METRNL attenuates lipid-induced inflammation and insulin resistance via AMPK or PPARδ-dependent pathways in skeletal muscle of mice
Authors: Jung Tae Woo , Lee Sung Hoon , Kim Hyoung-Chun , Bang Joon Seok , Abd El-Aty A. M. , Hacımüftüoğlu Ahmet , Shin Yong Kyoo , Jeong Ji Hoon
Published: September 2018

Physical activity has many beneficial effects on metabolic disorders, such as obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes. Meteorin-like protein (METRNL), a novel secreted protein homologous to the neurotrophin Metrn, is induced after exercise in the skeletal muscle. Herein, we investigated the effects of METRNL on lipid-mediated inflammation and insulin resistance in skeletal muscle via AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) or peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor δ (PPARδ). Treatment with METRNL suppressed inflammatory markers, such as nuclear factor κB (NFκB) nuclear translocation, inhibitory κBα (IκBα) phosphorylation, interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression, and pro-inflammatory cytokines (such as TNFα and MCP-1). METRNL treatment also attenuated the impaired insulin response both in palmitate-treated differentiated C2C12 cells and the skeletal muscle of high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. Furthermore, METRNL administration rescued glucose intolerance and reduced HFD-induced body weight gain in mice; however, METRNL did not affect calorie intake. METRNL treatment increased AMPK phosphorylation and PPARδ expression both in differentiated C2C12 cells and mouse skeletal muscle. siRNA-mediated suppression of AMPK and PPARδ abrogated the suppressive effects of METRNL on palmitate-induced inflammation and insulin resistance. Moreover, METRNL augmented the mRNA expression of fatty acid oxidation-associated genes, such as carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1), acyl-CoA oxidase (ACO), and fatty acid binding protein 3 (FABP3). siRNAs for AMPK and PPARδ reversed these changes. In the current study, we report for the first time that METRNL alleviates inflammation and insulin resistance and induces fatty acid oxidation through AMPK or PPARδ-dependent signaling in skeletal muscle.
Exceptional thermoelectric properties of flexible organic−inorganic hybrids with monodispersed and periodic nanophase
Authors: Wang Liming , Zhang Zimeng , Liu Yuchen , Wang Biran , Fang Lei , Qiu Jingjing , Zhang Kun , Wang Shiren
Published: September 2018

Flexible organic−inorganic hybrids are promising thermoelectric materials to recycle waste heat in versatile formats. However, current organic/inorganic hybrids suffer from inferior thermoelectric properties due to aggregate nanostructures. Here we demonstrate flexible organic−inorganic hybrids where size-tunable Bi2Te3 nanoparticles are discontinuously monodispersed in the continuous conductive polymer phase, completely distinct from traditional bi-continuous hybrids. Periodic nanofillers significantly scatter phonons while continuous conducting polymer phase provides favored electronic transport, resulting in ultrahigh power factor of ~1350 μW m−1 K−2 and ultralow in-plane thermal conductivity of ~0.7 W m−1 K−1. Consequently, figure-of-merit (ZT) of 0.58 is obtained at room temperature, outperforming all reported organic materials and organic−inorganic hybrids. Thermoelectric properties of as-fabricated hybrids show negligible change for bending 100 cycles, indicating superior mechanical flexibility. These findings provide significant scientific foundation for shaping flexible thermoelectric functionality via synergistic integration of organic and inorganic components.
Zigzag carbon as efficient and stable oxygen reduction electrocatalyst for proton exchange membrane fuel cells
Authors: Xue Longfei , Li Yongcheng , Liu Xiaofang , Liu Qingtao , Shang Jiaxiang , Duan Huiping , Dai Liming , Shui Jianglan
Published: September 2018

Non-precious-metal or metal-free catalysts with stability are desirable but challenging for proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Here we partially unzip a multiwall carbon nanotube to synthesize zigzag-edged graphene nanoribbons with a carbon nanotube backbone for electrocatalysis of oxygen reduction in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Zigzag carbon exhibits a peak areal power density of 0.161 W cm−2 and a peak mass power density of 520 W g−1, superior to most non-precious-metal electrocatalysts. Notably, the stability of zigzag carbon is improved in comparison with a representative iron-nitrogen-carbon catalyst in a fuel cell with hydrogen/oxygen gases at 0.5 V. Density functional theory calculation coupled with experimentation reveal that a zigzag carbon atom is the most active site for oxygen reduction among several types of carbon defects on graphene nanoribbons in acid electrolyte. This work demonstrates that zigzag carbon is a promising electrocatalyst for low-cost and durable proton exchange membrane fuel cells.
The human gut pan-microbiome presents a compositional core formed by discrete phylogenetic units
Authors: Aguirre de Cárcer Daniel
Published: September 2018

The complex community of microbes living in the human gut plays an important role in host wellbeing. However, defining a ‘healthy’ gut microbiome in terms of composition has remained an elusive task, despite its anticipated medical and scientific importance. In this regard, a central question has been if there is a ‘core’ microbiome consisting of bacterial groups common to all healthy humans. Recent studies have been able to define a compositional core in human gut microbiome datasets in terms of taxonomic assignments. However, the description of the core microbiome in terms of taxonomic assignments may not be adequate when considering subsequent analyses and applications. Through the implementation of a dynamic clustering approach in the meta-analyisis of comprehensive 16S rRNA marker gene datasets, this study found that the human gut pan-microbiome presents a preeminent compositional core comprised of discrete units of varying phylogenetic depth present in all individuals studied. Since both microbial traits and ecological coherence show signs of phylogenetic conservation, this outcome provides a new conceptual framework in the study of the ecosystem, as well as important practical considerations which should be taken into account in future research.
Better than DEET Repellent Compounds Derived from Coconut Oil
Authors: Zhu Junwei J. , Cermak Steven C. , Kenar James A. , Brewer Gary , Haynes Kenneth F. , Boxler Dave , Baker Paul D. , Wang Desen , Wang Changlu , Li Andrew Y. , Xue Rui-de , Shen Yuan , Wang Fei , Agramonte Natasha M. , Bernier Ulrich R. , de Oliveira Filho Jaires G. , Borges Ligia M. F. , Friesen Kristina , Taylor David B.
Published: September 2018

Hematophagous arthropods are capable of transmitting human and animal pathogens worldwide. Vector-borne diseases account for 17% of all infectious diseases resulting in 700,000 human deaths annually. Repellents are a primary tool for reducing the impact of biting arthropods on humans and animals. N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET), the most effective and long-lasting repellent currently available commercially, has long been considered the gold standard in insect repellents, but with reported human health issues, particularly for infants and pregnant women. In the present study, we report fatty acids derived from coconut oil which are novel, inexpensive and highly efficacious repellant compounds. These coconut fatty acids are active against a broad array of blood-sucking arthropods including biting flies, ticks, bed bugs and mosquitoes. The medium-chain length fatty acids from C8:0 to C12:0 were found to exhibit the predominant repellent activity. In laboratory bioassays, these fatty acids repelled biting flies and bed bugs for two weeks after application, and ticks for one week. Repellency was stronger and with longer residual activity than that of DEET. In addition, repellency was also found against mosquitoes. An aqueous starch-based formulation containing natural coconut fatty acids was also prepared and shown to protect pastured cattle from biting flies up to 96-hours in the hot summer, which, to our knowledge, is the longest protection provided by a natural repellent product studied to date.
Multi-unit relations among neural, self-report, and behavioral correlates of emotion regulation in comorbid depression and obesity
Authors: Pines Adam R. , Sacchet Matthew D. , Kullar Monica , Ma Jun , Williams Leanne M.
Published: September 2018

Depression is a leading cause of disability and is commonly comorbid with obesity. Emotion regulation is impaired in both depression and obesity. In this study, we aimed to explicate multi-unit relations among brain connectivity, behavior, and self-reported trait measures related to emotion regulation in a comorbid depressed and obese sample (N = 77). Brain connectivity was quantified as fractional anisotropy (FA) of the uncinate fasciculi, a white matter tract implicated in emotion regulation and in depression. Use of emotion regulation strategies was assessed using the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ). We additionally measured reaction times to identifying negative emotions, a behavioral index of depression-related emotion processing biases. We found that greater right uncinate fasciculus FA was related to greater usage of suppression (r = 0.27, p = 0.022), and to faster reaction times to identifying negative emotions, particularly sadness (r = −0.30, p = 0.010) and fear (r = −0.35, p = 0.003). These findings suggest that FA of the right uncinate fasciculus corresponds to maladaptive emotion regulation strategies and emotion processing biases that are relevant to co-occurring depression and obesity. Interventions that consider these multi-unit associations may prove to be useful for subtyping and improving clinical outcomes for comorbid depression and obesity.
Effects of ocean warming and coral bleaching on aerosol emissions in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Authors: Jackson Rebecca , Gabric Albert , Cropp Roger
Published: September 2018

It is proposed that emissions of volatile sulfur compounds by coral reefs contribute to the formation of a biologically-derived feedback on sea surface temperature (SST) through the formation of marine biogenic aerosol (MBA). The direction and strength of this feedback remains uncertain and constitutes a fundamental constraint on predicting the ability of corals to cope with future ocean warming. We investigate the effects of elevated SST and irradiance on satellite-derived fine-mode aerosol optical depth (AOD) throughout the Great Barrier Reef, Australia (GBR) over an 18-year time period. AOD is positively correlated with SST and irradiance and increases two-fold during spring and summer with high frequency variability. As the influence of non-biogenic and distant aerosol sources are found to be negligible, the results support recent findings that the 2,300 km stretch of coral reefs can be a substantial source of biogenic aerosol and thus, influence local ocean albedo. Importantly however, a tipping point in the coral stress response is identified, whereby thermal stress reaches a point that exceeds the capacity of corals to influence local atmospheric properties. Beyond this point, corals may become more susceptible to permanent damage with increasing stress, with potential implications for mass coral bleaching events.
A mussel-inspired chimeric protein as a novel facile antifouling coating
Authors: Qi Haishan , Zheng Weiwei , Zhou Xiao , Zhang Chen , Zhang Lei
Published: September 2018

A mussel-inspired chimeric protein as a multifunctional coating was engineered, which can anchor onto various substrates readily and exhibits superior antifouling properties.
Hydrogen peroxide productionviaa redox reaction ofN,N′-dimethyl-2,6-diaza-9,10-anthraquinonediium by addition of bisulfite
Authors: Kolesnichenko Igor V. , Escamilla P. Rogelio , Michael Jason A. , Lynch Vincent M. , Vanden Bout David A. , Anslyn Eric V.
Published: September 2018

We demonstrate that bisulfite can be used for reduction of a highly electrophilic anthraquinone derivative,N,N′-dimethyl-2,6-diaza-9,10-anthraquinonediium (DAAQ), and subsequent autoxidation generates an equivalent of hydrogen peroxide.
Controllable conversion of liquid silicon from high-density to low-density towards amorphous silicon nanospheres on a wafer scale
Authors: Liu Qiang , Qi Ruifeng , Song Shuang , Yan Zhihui , Huang Qingsong
Published: September 2018

Hydrogen pressure plays a key role in keeping silicon in low-density liquid, benefiting the formation of amorphous silicon spheres.
Multiple binding modes of a moderate ice-binding protein from a polar microalga
Authors: Kondo Hidemasa , Mochizuki Kenji , Bayer-Giraldi Maddalena
Published: September 2018

These polar microalgal proteins have multiple ice-binding sites and attach to the faces of ice crystals using different modes.
Fractional deviations in precursor stoichiometry dictate the properties, performance and stability of perovskite photovoltaic devices
Authors: Fassl Paul , Lami Vincent , Bausch Alexandra , Wang Zhiping , Klug Matthew T. , Snaith Henry J. , Vaynzof Yana
Published: September 2018

Reproducibility issues of perovskite materials and devices stem from their extreme sensitivity to fractional, quite possibly unintentional, deviations in the precursor solution stoichiometry.
Single-platform ‘multi-omic’ profiling: unified mass spectrometry and computational workflows for integrative proteomics–metabolomics analysis
Authors: Blum Benjamin C. , Mousavi Fatemeh , Emili Andrew
Published: September 2018

Advances in instrumentation and analysis tools are permitting evermore comprehensive interrogation of diverse biomolecules and allowing investigators to move from linear signaling cascades to network models, which more accurately reflect the molecular basis of biological systems and processes.
Metal- and base-free synthesis of functionalized α,α-difluoroimines via electrophilic fluorination of N-substituted enamines
Authors: Li Fangyi , Qiu Changfu , Yin Guangwei , Wang Chunhua , Li Zheng
Published: September 2018

A metal- and base-free synthesis of functionalized α,α-difluoroimines is presented. The reaction features mild condition, high E/Z control and broad functional group tolerance. The utility of the products was demonstrated through valuable synthetic transformations.
Sialylated variants of lacto-N-tetraose exhibit antimicrobial activity against Group BStreptococcus
Authors: Craft Kelly M. , Thomas Harrison C. , Townsend Steven D.
Published: September 2018

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) possess antimicrobial activity against a number of bacterial pathogens.
Efficient synthesis of tetrazole hemiaminal silyl ethers via three-component hemiaminal silylation
Authors: Xie Ming-Sheng , Cheng Xuan , Chen Yang-Guang , Wu Xiao-Xia , Qu Gui-Rong , Guo Hai-Ming
Published: September 2018

An efficient synthesis of 2,5-disubstituted tetrazoles was developed via three-component hemiaminal silylation of 5-substituted tetrazoles, aldehydes, and silyl triflates.
Hydrogen bonding directed co-assembly of polyoxometalates and polymers to core–shell nanoparticles
Authors: Zhou Jing , Hu Jie , Li Mu , Li Hui , Wang Weiyu , Liu Yuzi , Winans Randall E. , Li Tao , Liu Tianbo , Yin Panchao
Published: September 2018

A general strategy has been developed to co-assemble polyoxometalates and polymers into core–shell hybrid nanoparticles via hydrogen bonding interaction.
Influence of molecular weight on molecular dynamics and dynamic rheology of polypropylene glycol filled with silica
Authors: Ma Furui , Xu Bei , Song Yihu , Zheng Qiang
Published: September 2018

The mobile phase exhibits an abnormal “more fragile” to “stronger” transition with increasing molecular weight of polypropylene glycol in nanocomposites at high silica loadings, which significantly lowers the degrees of reinforcement and thinning.
One-pot synthesis of cup-like ZSM-5 zeolite and its excellent oxidative desulfurization performance
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Zhang Wei , Zhang Ju , Dong Zhao , Zhang Xiongfu , Ding Shujiang
Published: September 2018

One-pot synthesis of small size cup-like hollow ZSM-5 single crystals and their oxidative desulfurization performance.
Redox-triggered cascade dearomative cyclizations enabled by hexafluoroisopropanol
Authors: Li Shuai-Shuai , Lv Xintong , Ren Didi , Shao Chang-Lun , Liu Qing , Xiao Jian
Published: September 2018

Aromatization as the driving force to initiate hydride transfer addressed the drawbacks of hydride transfer-involved reactions.
An Aβ42 variant that inhibits intra- and extracellular amyloid aggregation and enhances cell viability
Authors: Oren Ofek , Banerjee Victor , Taube Ran , Papo Niv
Published: September 2018

Aggregation and accumulation of the 42-residue amyloid β peptide (Aβ42) in the extracellular matrix and within neuronal cells is considered a major cause of neuronal cell cytotoxicity and death in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. Therefore, molecules that bind to Aβ42 and prevent its aggregation are therapeutically promising as AD treatment. Here, we show that a non-self-aggregating Aβ42 variant carrying two surface mutations, F19S and L34P (Aβ42DM), inhibits wild-type Aβ42 aggregation and significantly reduces Aβ42-mediated cell cytotoxicity. In addition, Aβ42DM inhibits the uptake and internalization of extracellularly added pre-formed Aβ42 aggregates into cells. This was the case in both neuronal and non-neuronal cells co-expressing Aβ42 and Aβ42DM or following pre-treatment of cells with extracellular soluble forms of the two peptides, even at high Aβ42 to Aβ42DM molar ratios. In cells, Aβ42DM associates with Aβ42, while in vitro, the two soluble recombinant peptides exhibit nano-molar binding affinity. Importantly, Aβ42DM potently suppresses Aβ42 amyloid aggregation in vitro, as demonstrated by thioflavin T fluorescence and transmission electron microscopy for detecting amyloid fibrils. Overall, we present a new approach for inhibiting Aβ42 fibril formation both within and outside cells. Accordingly, Aβ42DM should be evaluated in vivo for potential use as a therapeutic lead for treating AD.
Nature‐inspired optimisation algorithms assisted realisation of green communication via CR: a comparison study
Authors: Kaur Avneet , Sharma Surbhi , Mishra Amit
Published: September 2018

Cognitive radio (CR) technology enables adaptation of transmission parameters according to the operating environment and different quality of service (QoS) requirements. This feature can be applied to realise green radios as recent research trends are focused on improving the energy efficiency of wireless communication systems. A power amplifier (PA) is found to consume a major portion of energy in radio‐frequency circuits for medium‐ and long‐range transmissions. Thus, minimising PA power consumption is one of the major challenges to realise green radios. In this study, mathematical formulation of total system power consumption at CR transmitter with Class B PA is shown and its optimisation is done by parameter reconfiguration for data transmission scenario employing recently proposed nature‐inspired optimisation techniques. Performance of ant lion optimiser, grasshopper optimisation algorithm, Grey wolf optimiser, Moth‐flame optimisation and Whale optimisation algorithm (WOA) is compared for solving this problem in terms of different performance metrics. Simulation results show the effectiveness of WOA in minimising the system power consumption by parameter adaptation in multicarrier CR system while satisfying different QoS constraints.
Distributed Lyapunov‐based model predictive control for collision avoidance of multi‐agent formation
Authors: Guo Yaohua , Zhou Jun , Liu Yingying
Published: September 2018

This study addresses the problem of distributed formation control for a multi‐agent system with collision avoidance between agents and with obstacles, in the presence of various constraints. The authors proposed solution incorporates a control Lyapunov function (CLF) into a distributed model predictive control scheme, which inherits the strong stability property of the CLF and optimises the formation performance. For each agent, the formation tracking objective is formulated through the CLF, while the collision avoidance objective being explicitly considered as constraints. A relaxation parameter is introduced into the CLF condition to make the trade‐off between the two conflicting objectives. The terminal constraint is constructed based on the concept of velocity obstacle, which characterises the set of states that lead to collisions. They show that the terminal constraint together with the relaxed CLF‐based constraint guarantees the recursive feasibility and stability of the multi‐agent system for almost any prediction horizon. Furthermore, the theoretical effectiveness and advantageous implementation properties are demonstrated through simulation for multi‐agent formation control with several obstacles.
The ALMA Frontier Fields Survey
Authors: Muñoz Arancibia A. M. , González-López J. , Ibar E. , Bauer F. E. , Carrasco M. , Laporte N. , Anguita T. , Aravena M. , Barrientos F. , Bouwens R. J. , Demarco R. , Infante L. , Kneissl R. , Nagar N. , Padilla N. , Romero-Cañizales C. , Troncoso P. , Zitrin A.
Published: September 2018

Context. Characterizing the number counts of faint (i.e., sub-mJy and especially sub-100 μJy), dusty star-forming galaxies is currently a challenge even for deep, high-resolution observations in the FIR-to-mm regime. They are predicted to account for approximately half of the total extragalactic background light at those wavelengths. Searching for dusty star-forming galaxies behind massive galaxy clusters benefits from strong lensing, enhancing their measured emission while increasing spatial resolution. Derived number counts depend, however, on mass reconstruction models that properly constrain these clusters.

Aims. We aim to estimate the 1.1 mm number counts along the line of sight of three galaxy clusters, Abell 2744, MACS J0416.1–2403, and MACS J1149.5+2223, which are part of the ALMA Frontier Fields Survey. We have performed detailed simulations to correct these counts for lensing effects, probing down to the sub-mJy flux density level.

Methods. We created a source catalog based on ALMA 1.1 mm continuum detections. We used several publicly available lensing models for the galaxy clusters to derive the intrinsic flux densities of these sources. We performed Monte Carlo simulations of the number counts for a detailed treatment of the uncertainties in the magnifications and adopted source redshifts.

Results. We estimate lensing-corrected number counts at 1.1 mm using source detections down to S/N = 4.5. In each cluster field, we find an overall agreement among the number counts derived for the different lens models, despite their systematic variations regarding source magnifications and effective areas. Combining all cluster fields, our number counts span ∼2.5 dex in demagnified flux density, from several mJy down to tens of μJy. Both our differential and cumulative number counts are consistent with recent estimates from deep ALMA observations at a 3σ level. Below ≈0.1 mJy, however, our cumulative counts are lower by ≈1 dex, suggesting a flattening in the number counts.

Conclusions. We derive 1.1 mm number counts around three well-studied galaxy clusters following a statistical approach. In our deepest ALMA mosaic, we estimate number counts for intrinsic flux densities ≈4 times fainter than the rms level. This highlights the potential of probing the sub-10 μJy population in larger samples of galaxy cluster fields with deeper ALMA observations.
The spiral potential of the Milky Way
Authors: Grosbøl P. , Carraro G.
Published: September 2018

Context. The location of young sources in the Galaxy suggests a four-armed spiral structure, whereas tangential points of spiral arms observed in the integrated light at infrared and radio wavelengths indicate that only two arms are massive.

Aims. Variable extinction in the Galactic plane and high light-to-mass ratios of young sources make it difficult to judge the total mass associated with the arms outlined by such tracers. The current objective is to estimate the mass associated with the Sagittarius arm by means of the kinematics of the stars across it.

Methods. Spectra of 1726 candidate B- and A-type stars within 3◦ of the Galactic center (GC) were obtained with the FLAMES instrument at the VLT with a resolution of ≈6000 in the spectral range of 396–457 nm. Radial velocities were derived by least-squares fits of the spectra to synthetic ones. The final sample was limited to 1507 stars with either Gaia DR2 parallaxes or main-sequence B-type stars having reliable spectroscopic distances.

Results. The solar peculiar motion in the direction of the GC relative to the local standard of rest (LSR) was estimated to U⊙ = 10.7 ± 1.3kms−1. The variation in the median radial velocity relative to the LSR as a function of distance from the sun shows a gradual increase from slightly negative values near the sun to almost 5 km s−1 at a distance of around 4 kpc. A sinusoidal function with an amplitude of 3.4 ± 1.3kms−1 and a maximum at 4.0 ± 0.6 kpc inside the sun is the best fit to the data. A positive median radial velocity relative to the LSR around 1.8 kpc, the expected distance to the Sagittarius arm, can be excluded at a 99% level of confidence. A marginal peak detected at this distance may be associated with stellar streams in the star-forming regions, but it is too narrow to be associated with a major arm feature.

Conclusions. A comparison with test-particle simulations in a fixed galactic potential with an imposed spiral pattern shows the best agreement with a two-armed spiral potential having the Scutum–Crux arm as the next major inner arm. A relative radial forcing dFr ≈ 1.5% and a pattern speed in the range of 20–30 km s−1 kpc−1 yield the best fit. The lack of a positive velocity perturbation in the region around the Sagittarius arm excludes it from being a major arm. Thus, the main spiral potential of the Galaxy is two-armed, while the Sagittarius arm is an inter-arm feature with only a small mass perturbation associated with it.