bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fast Batch Alignment of Single Cell Transcriptomes Unifies Multiple Mouse Cell Atlases into an Integrated Landscape
Authors: Park Jong-Eun , Polański Krzysztof , Meyer Kerstin , Teichmann Sarah A.
Published: August 2018

Increasing numbers of large scale single cell RNA-Seq projects are leading to a data explosion, which can only be fully exploited through data integration. Therefore, efficient computational tools for combining diverse datasets are crucial for biology in the single cell genomics era. A number of methods have been developed to assist data integration by removing technical batch effects, but most are computationally intensive. To overcome the challenge of enormous datasets, we have developed BBKNN, an extremely fast graph-based data integration method. We illustrate the power of BBKNN for dimensionalityreduced visualisation and clustering in multiple biological scenarios, including a massive integrative study over several murine atlases. BBKNN successfully connects cell populations across experimentally heterogeneous mouse scRNA-Seq datasets, which reveals global markers of cell type and organspecificity and provides the foundation for inferring the underlying transcription factor network. BBKNN is available athttps://github.com/Teichlab/bbknn.
ENIGMA: An Enterotype-Like Unigram Mixture Model for Microbial Association Analysis
Authors: Abe Ko , Hirayama Masaaki , Ohno Kinji , Shimamura Teppei
Published: August 2018

Background

One of the major challenges in microbial studies is to discover associations between microbial communities and a specific disease. A specialized feature of microbiome count data is that intestinal bacterial communities have clusters reffered as enterotype characterized by differences in specific bacterial taxa, which makes it difficult to analyze these data under health and disease conditions. Traditional probabilistic modeling cannot distinguish dysbiosis of interest with the individual differences.

Results

We propose a new probabilistic model, called ENIGMA (Enterotype-like uNIGram mixture model for Microbial Association analysis), to address these problems. ENIGMA enables us to simultaneously estimate enterotype-like clusters characterized by the abundances of signature bacterial genera and environmental effects associated with the disease.

Conclusion

We illustrate the performance of the proposed method both through the simulation and clinical data analysis. ENIGMA is implemented with R and is available from GitHub (https://github.com/abikoushi/enigma).
Expected differences in diversity and rarity between communities containing sexually versus asexually reproducing taxa
Authors: Herren Cristina M.
Published: August 2018

Recent studies evaluating the community structures of microorganisms and macro-organisms have found greater diversity and rarity within micro-scale communities, compared to macro-scale communities. However, reproductive method has been a confounding factor in these comparisons; the microbes considered generally reproduce asexually, while the macro-organisms considered generally reproduce sexually. Sexual reproduction imposes the constraint of mate finding, which can have significant demographic consequences by depressing birth rates at low population sizes. Here, I examine theoretically how the effects of mate finding in sexual populations translate to the emergent community properties of diversity, rarity, and dominance. Using continuous-time Markov chain models, I compare communities with and without constraints of mate limitation. In mate-limited sexual populations, the decreased growth rates at low population densities translates to a much higher extinction rate. In communities consisting of sexually reproducing taxa, the increased extinction rate due to mate limitation decreases expected diversity. Furthermore, mate limitation has a disproportionately strong effect on taxa with low population density, leading to fewer rare taxa. These shifts in community structure mirror recent empirical studies of micro versus macro communities, indicating that reproductive method may contribute to observed differences in emergent properties between communities at these two scales.
A better way to define and describe Morlet wavelets for time-frequency analysis
Authors: Cohen Michael X
Published: August 2018

Morlet wavelets are frequently used for time-frequency analysis of non-stationary time series data, such as neuroelectrical signals recorded from the brain. The crucial parameter of Morlet wavelets is the width of the Gaussian that tapers the sine wave. This width parameter controls the trade-off between temporal precision and frequency precision. It is typically defined as the “number of cycles,” but this parameter is opaque, and often leads to uncertainty and suboptimal analysis choices, as well as being difficult to interpret and evaluate. The purpose of this paper is to present alternative formulations of Morlet wavelets in time and in frequency that allow parameterizing the wavelets directly in terms of the desired temporal and spectral smoothing (as full-width at half-maximum). This formulation provides clarity on an important data analysis parameter, and should facilitate proper analyses, reporting, and interpretation of results. MATLAB code is provided.
RNAi screen inTriboliumreveals involvement of F-BAR proteins in myoblast fusion and visceral muscle morphogenesis in insects
Authors: Schultheis Dorothea , Schwirz Jonas , Frasch Manfred
Published: August 2018

In a large-scale RNAi screen inTribolium castaneumfor genes with knock-down phenotypes in the larval somatic musculature, one recurring phenotype was the appearance of larval muscle fibers that were significantly thinner than those in control animals. Several of the genes producing this knock-down phenotype corresponded to orthologs ofDrosophilagenes that are known to participate in myoblast fusion, particularly via their effects on actin polymerization. A new gene previously not implicated in myoblast fusion but displaying a similar thin-muscle knock-down phenotype was theTriboliumortholog ofNostrin, which encodes an F-BAR and SH3 domain protein. Our genetic studies ofNostrinandCip4, a gene encoding a structurally related protein, inDrosophilashow that the encoded F-BAR proteins jointly contribute to efficient myoblast fusion during larval muscle development. Together with the F-Bar protein Syndapin they are also required for normal embryonic midgut morphogenesis. In addition,Cip4is required together withNostrinduring the profound remodeling of the midgut visceral musculature during metamorphosis. We propose that these F-Bar proteins help govern proper morphogenesis particularly of the longitudinal midgut muscles during metamorphosis.
Plug-and-Play Metabolic Transducers Expand the Chemical Detection Space of Cell-Free Biosensors
Authors: Voyvodic Peter L , Pandi Amir , Koch Mathilde , Faulon Jean-Loup , Bonnet Jerome
Published: August 2018

Cell-free transcription-translation systems have great potential for biosensing, yet the range of detectable chemicals is limited. Here we provide a framework to expand the range of molecules detectable by cell-free biosensors by combining synthetic metabolic cascades with transcription factor-based networks. These hybrid cell-free biosensors are highly-sensitive and have a fast response and high-dynamic range. This work provides a foundation to engineer modular cell-free biosensors tailored for many applications.
Molecular and crystal structure of methyl 4-methyl-2,2-dioxo-1H-2λ6,1-benzothiazine-3-carboxylate
Authors: Shishkina Svitlana , Ukrainets Igor , Hamza Ganna , Grinevich Lina
Published: August 2018

The title compound, C11H11NO4S, possesses weak analgesic properties and is a source compound for the synthesis of highly active analgesic and anti-inflammatory compounds. The benzothiazine ring adopts a conformation intermediate between twist-boat and sofa. The ester substituent is turned towards the endocyclic double bond because of steric repulsion. In the crystal, the molecules form columns along the [001] direction, bound by N—H...O hydrogen bonds and stacking interactions.
A structural study of 2,4-dimethylaniline derivatives
Authors: Penner Samuel C. , Kalvandi Maryam , Ritch Jamie S.
Published: August 2018

Crystallographic studies of nitrogen-containing small molecules aid in the elucidation of their structure–activity relationships and modes of aggregation. In this study, two previously synthesized molecules are crystallographically characterized for the first time. Reaction of 2,4-dimethylaniline with N-bromosuccinimide affords the ortho-brominated derivative 2-bromo-4,6-dimethylaniline (1; C8H10BrN), which sublimates in vacuo to afford crystals featuring hydrogen-bonded chains as well as Type I halogen–halogen interactions. Conversely, alkylation of two equivalents of 2,4-dimethylaniline with 1,2-dibromoethane affords a separable mixture of N,N′-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)piperazine (2; C20H26N2), which was crystallographically characterized, as well as N,N′-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)ethylenediamine (3).
One-pot synthesis of (1RS,21SR)-diethyl 2-[23-amino-22-ethoxycarbonyl-8,11,14-trioxa-25-azatetracyclo[19.3.1.02,7.015,20]pentacosa-2,4,6,15(20),16,18,22-heptaen-25-yl]but-2-endioate
Authors: Tran Thi Thanh Van , Le Tuan Anh , Truong Hong Hieu , Dao Thi Nhung , Soldatenkov Anatoly T. , Khrustalev Victor N
Published: August 2018

The title compound, C30H34N2O9 (4), is a product of the Michael reaction of azacrown ether with dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate modified by an addition of NH3 (aq.) at 298 K. The aza-14-crown-4-ether ring adopts a bowl conformation. The dihedral angle between the planes of the benzene rings fused to the aza-14-crown-4-ether moiety is 8.65 (5)°. The tetrahydropyridine ring has a boat conformation. The molecular conformation is supported by one N—H...O and two C—H...O intramolecular hydrogen bonds. Both heterocyclic and amino N atoms have essentially planar configurations (sums of the bond angles are 359.35 and 358.00°). Compound 4 crystallizes as a racemate consisting of enantiomeric pairs of the 1R,21S diastereomer. In the crystal, molecules of 4 are connected by N—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming chains along [100]. According to the PASS program (computer prediction of biological activities), compound 4 may exhibit antiallergic (72% probability) and antiasthmatic (67%) activity, as well as be a membrane permeability inhibitor (65%).
N′-[1-(Pyrazin-2-yl)ethylidene]pyrazine-2-carbohydrazide
Authors: Wang Zhaodong
Published: August 2018

The title compoud, C11H10N6O, was synthesized by the condensation reaction of pyrazine-2-carbohydrazide with 2-acetylpyrazine in ethanol. The dihedral angle between the pyrazine rings is 4.7 (3)°. In the crystal, aromatic π–π stacking [centroid–centroid separations = 3.606 (5) and 3.671 (5) Å] connect the molecules into stacks propagating in the [010] direction. A weak C—H...N interaction is also observed. The crystal studied was refined as a two-component twin.
Hierarchical paradigm for automated optimal design of dual-band wearable antenna with simplified human body models
Authors: Januszkiewicz Lukasz , Di Barba Paolo , Hausman Slawomir
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop a method to reduce the computation time necessary for the automated optimal design of dual-band wearable antennas. In particular, the authors investigated if this can be achieved by the use of a hierarchical optimization paradigm combined with a simplified human body model. The geometry of the antenna under consideration is described via eight geometrical parameters which are automatically adjusted with the use of an evolutionary algorithm to improve the impedance matching of an antenna located in the proximity of a human body. Specifically, the antennas were designed to operate in the ISM band which covers two frequency ranges: 2.4-2.5 GHz and 5.7-5.9 GHz.

Design/methodology/approach

During the studies on the automated design of wearable antennas using evolutionary computing, the authors observed that not all design parameters exhibit equal influence on the objective function. Therefore, it was hypothesized that to reduce the computation effort, the design parameters can be activated sequentially based on their influence. Accordingly, the authors’ computer code has been modified to include this feature.

Findings

The authors’ novel hierarchical multi-parameter optimization method was able to converge to a better solution within a shorter time compared to an equivalent method not exploiting automatic activation of an increasing number of design parameters. Considering a significant computational cost involved in the calculation of the objective function, this exhibits a convincing advantage of their hierarchical approach, at least for the considered class of antennas.

Research limitations/implications

The described method has been developed for the design of single- or dual-band wearable antennas. Its application to other classes of antennas and antenna environments may require some adjustments of the objective functions or parameter values of the evolutionary algorithm. It follows from the well-recognized fact that all optimization methods are to some extent application-specific.

Practical implications

Computation load involved in the automated design and optimization can be significantly reduced compared to the non-hierarchical approach with a heterogeneous human body model.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the described application of hierarchical paradigm to the optimization of wearable antennas is fully original, as well as is its combination with simplified body models.
Fractional derivatives and the laws of electrical engineering
Authors: Sikora Ryszard , Pawłowski Stanislaw
Published: August 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate the possibilities of fractional calculus application in electrical circuits and magnetic field theories.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis of mathematical notation is used for physical phenomena description. The analysis aims to challenge or prove the correctness of applied notation.

Findings

Fractional calculus is sometimes applied correctly and sometimes erroneously in electrical engineering.

Originality/value

This paper provides guidelines regarding correct application of fractional calculus in description of electrical circuits’ phenomena. It can also inspire researchers to find new applications for fractional calculus in the future.
Parameter identification of Jiles–Atherton model using the chaotic optimization method
Authors: Rubežić Vesna , Lazović Luka , Jovanović Ana
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a chaotic optimization method for identifying the parameters of the Jiles–Atherton (J-A) hysteresis model.

Design/methodology/approach

The J-A model has five parameters which are assigned with physical meaning and whose determination is demanding. To determine these parameters, the fitness function, which represents the difference between the measured and the modeled hysteresis loop, is formed. Optimal parameter values are the values that minimize the fitness function.

Findings

The parameters of J-A model for three magnetic materials are determined. The model with the optimal parameters is validated using measured data and comparison with particle swarm optimization algorithm, genetic algorithm, pattern search and simulated annealing algorithm. The results show that the proposed method provides better agreement between measured and modeled hysteresis loop than other methods used for comparison. The proposed method is also suitable for simultaneous optimization of multiple hysteresis loops.

Originality/value

Chaotic optimization method is implemented for the first time for J-A model parameter identification. Numerical comparisons with results obtained with other optimization algorithms demonstrate that this method is a suitable alternative in parameters identification of J-A hysteresis model. Furthermore, this method is easy to implement and set up.
Calculation approach of reluctance in the magnetic circuit of transformer employed to convert into equivalent electric circuit
Authors: Wang Yingying , Yuan Jiansheng
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The theoretical method of converting the magnetic circuit into an electric circuit is mature, but the way to determine the inductances in the electric circuit is not reliable, especially for the core working in saturation status, and it is impossible to determine the inductances by the transformer terminal measurements, as the measurement information is not enough to determine a number of inductances. This paper aims to propose an approach of calculating the reluctances.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, an approach of calculating the reluctances is proposed based on the numerical simulation of magnetic field in transformer with different values of current excitation. The reluctance of a core segment or air region as a branch of magnetic circuit is obtained by the magnetic energy and magnetic flux. By this way, all the reluctances as function of flux can be determined, and then the inductances can be determined. The reluctances and equivalent electric circuit of three-phase integrative transformer is determined, and its validation is proved in the paper.

Findings

The single phase example shows that the proposed method has a good performances on analysis of the inrush current in deep saturation. The peak value of the inrush current derived from the proposed approach matches well with the results obtained by coupled circuit-FEM analysis, and the difference is about 4.8 per cent. For studies on dual models of single phase transformers, the leakage inductances have important effects on the peak value of the inrush current. The reluctances of three-phase transformer are calculated, and the equivalent circuit simulation results are slightly smaller than the coupled circuit-FEM simulation results.

Originality/value

Approach of calculating the reluctances based on the numerical simulation of magnetic field in transformer is proposed. The magnetic core and air space are divided into several segments, and the reluctance for each segment is calculated based on the energy in the region and the flux of the cross-sectional area. By applying various excitation currents, all the reluctances as function of flux can be determined, and then all the non-linear inductances including the non-linear leakage inductances are obtained. The proposed approach is reliable to determine a number of inductances in the dual electric circuit, especially for deep saturation status.
Experimental study on prestressed concrete hollow slabs in service strengthened with prestressed CFRP plates
Authors: Wang Jiawei , Jia Yanmin , Zhang Guanhua , Han Jigang , Liu Jinliang
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Most existing studies are confined to model beam tests, which cannot reflect the actual strengthening effects provided by prestressed carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) plates to existing bridges. Hence, the actual capacity for strengthening existing bridges with prestressed CFRP plates is becoming an important concern for researchers. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Static load tests of in-service prestressed concrete hollow slabs before and after strengthening are conducted. Based on the results of the tests, the failure characteristics, failure mechanism and bending performance of the slabs are compared and analyzed. Nonlinear finite element method is also used to calculate the flexural strength of the strengthened beams prestressed with CFRP plates.

Findings

Test results show that prestressed CFRP plate strengthening technology changes the failure mode of hollow slabs, delays the development of deflection and cracks, raises cracking and ultimate load-carrying capacity and remarkably improves mechanical behavior of the slab. In addition, the nonlinear finite element analyses are in good agreement with the test results.

Originality/value

Strengthening with prestressed CFRP plates has greater advantages compared to traditional CFRP plate strengthening technology and improves active material utilization. The presented finite element method can be applied in the flexural response calculations of strengthened beams prestressed with CFRP plates. The research results provide technical basis for maintenance and reinforcement design of existing bridges.
Analytical and numerical study of the serviceability performance of partial composite steel-FRP beams
Authors: Sweedan Amr M.I. , Rojob Hothifa N. , El-Sawy Khaled M.
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a closed-form analytical solution to evaluate the nominal moment capacity and associated deflections of steel-FRP beam systems. The proposed solution takes into consideration the partial composite behavior resulting from the interfacial contact and slip between the subcomponents of the system.

Design/methodology/approach

The partial composite action theory was used to develop an elastic analytical solution for the deflection of simply supported composite steel-FRP beams subjected to a mid-span point load. The solution takes into consideration the partial composite behavior of the system that arises from the interlayer slip at the steel-FRP interface.

Findings

The developed analytical model is used to predict the nominal moment capacity of the composite beam and the load value at the onset of yielding in the steel subcomponent of the section. The distribution of shear forces induced in the steel fasteners due to the interfacial slip is also obtained analytically. A comparative study is conducted by comparing the analytical results to their counterparts resulting from finite element modeling of the composite steel-FRP system. The agreement between analytical results and finite element predictions validates the accuracy of the derived analytical solution for partial composite steel-FRP beams.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed solution applies only to the FRP strips and 6 mm steel bolts used in the study.

Originality/value

Recent studies revealed a promising efficiency of using mechanically fastened hybrid FRP sheets in strengthening steel beams. A major advantage of this technique is the ductile behavior of the steel-FRP system. The current paper introduces a closed-form analytical solution to evaluate the nominal moment capacity and associated deflections of steel-FRP beam systems. Forces developed at the steel-FRP interface due to the relative slip between both components are considered in the proposed analytical solution.
Bidding for UK city of culture
Authors: Cunningham Isaac , Platt Louise
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The UK city of culture (UKCoC) scheme developed out of Liverpool’s year as European Capital of Culture in 2008 and is synonymous with urban renewal. The purpose of this paper is to examine the challenges of bidding for this scheme.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted semi-structured telephone interviews with bid team members from four out of the five short-listed cities for the 2021 award. Respondents were situated across the country and, at the time, finalising their Stage 2 bids. Thematic analysis was conducted to analyse the responses.

Findings

The UKCoC scheme is a top-down scheme which is delivered “in place”. The danger of the top-down vision is that local people cannot often conceptualise what it might mean within the context of their own locality. The findings here suggest that bid team members are attempting to do this despite obvious time pressures. The research presented here suggests that cities are reconciling the top-down, criteria-led nature of the scheme with a real reflection on how to make that work for their locality which is distinctive.

Social implications

The UKCoC scheme has proved to galvanise communities to reflect on the nature of their places and think about what makes them unique in comparison to the other bidding cities. The bidding teams acknowledge the challenges of bidding but there is a sense that competing is worth the investment.

Originality/value

This paper offers a unique insight into a recent competitive placemaking scheme and reflects on how placemaking can potentially be reconciled as both top-down and place-based.
Social internet of vehicles: an epistemological and systematic perspective
Authors: Kehal Mounir , Zhang Zuopeng (Justin)
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Building upon Internet of Things (IoT), Internet of Vehicles (IoV) and Social Internet of Things (SIoT), Social Internet of Vehicles (SIoV) is the latest development in the field. SIoV allows vehicles to socialize among themselves and share information of common interests. The increasing popularity of the SIoV concept demands more research to explore its great potential. However, very few studies have systemically investigated this concept to provide a comprehensive view for readers. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper discusses the perspectives of the utilizations and limitations of SIoV, setting forward a systematic and epistemological framework.

Findings

The authors summarize the benefits of SIoV from four information-management perspectives: safety management, traffic control and convenience, productivity improvement and commercialization and exploring the factors inhibiting the development of SIoV from the following seven aspects: standardization, adaptability, scalability, infrastructure, lack of application, privacy and security.

Originality/value

The paper lays a solid foundation for researchers to find possible solutions to address the challenges to SIoV and provides valuable insights for practitioners who are interested in adopting SIoV initiatives.
Commentary: Response to Foreman's commentary on detecting unmet mental health needs in preschool children (2018)
Authors: Barger Brian , Rice Catherine , Roach Andrew
Published: August 2018

In this response, we build on insights from Dr. David Foreman's commentary on our recent article “Socio‐emotional Surveillance in Preschoolers: Monitoring and Screening Best Identify Children Who Need Mental Health Treatment.” In particular, we build on Foreman's insights that underidentification is likely related to clinician error, measurement error, and population properties by also including the role of community systems within which children are identified. We also provide frameworks for considering screening tools and developmental monitoring processes to help direct future research on this important topic.
Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of 2‐(4‐(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)pyridine derivatives as GPR119 agonists
Authors: Zhou Ying , Zhu Xiaoyun , Zhang Leilei , Tang Chunlei , Feng Bainian
Published: August 2018

This study describes the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of a series of novel small molecule GPR119 agonists with improved potency and moderate physiochemical characteristics. Among them, the most promising compounds 19 and 20 were obtained with EC50 values of 75 and 25 nM, respectively, in vitro cAMP assays and effectively decreased blood glucose excursion in oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) of normal mice. Furthermore, in OGTT with type 2 diabetic mice induced by streptozotocin and high‐fat diet, compound 19 also showed significant reduction in blood glucose level compared to vehicle control group, which demonstrated an attractive in vitro and in vivo profile for further development.
The activity and action mechanism of novel short selective LL‐37‐derived anticancer peptides against clinical isolates of Escherichia coli
Authors: Aghazadeh Hossein , Memariani Hamed , Ranjbar Reza , Pooshang Bagheri Kamran
Published: August 2018

Human cathelicidin LL‐37 has recently attracted interest as a potential therapeutic agent, mostly because of its ability to kill a wide variety of pathogens and cancer cells. In this study, we aimed to investigate the antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity of previously designed LL‐37 anticancer derivatives (i.e., P7, P22, and P38). Calcein release assay and field emission‐scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) were performed to elucidate the possible mechanism of action of P38, the peptide with the highest bactericidal activity. In silico analysis demonstrated the amphipathic alpha‐helical structure for three peptides. Antibacterial activity of P38 against multidrug‐resistant (MDR) clinical isolates of Escherichia coli was higher than that of P7 and P22. P38 caused no hemolysis or cytotoxicity. Treating calcein‐loaded E. coli with 4× MIC of P38 resulted in more than 96% leakage of calcein. Noticeably, FE‐SEM revealed that P38 killed E. coli by disrupting the bacterial membrane. Molecular docking studies showed that P38 had a much higher affinity for the outer membrane of Gram‐negative bacteria compared with both P22 and P7. Owing to the bactericidal activity of P38 against MDR E. coli isolates and its negligible cytotoxicity, P38 has the potential for further studies in a mouse model of infectious disease.
The importance of spatial scale in habitat selection by European beaver
Authors: Zwolicki Adrian , Pudełko Rafał , Moskal Katarzyna , Świderska Joanna , Saath Szymon , Weydmann Agata
Published: August 2018

We evaluated habitat selection by European beaver Castor fiber L. across a spatial gradient from local (within the family territory) to a broad, ecoregional scale. Based on aerial photography, we assessed the habitat composition of 150 beaver territories along the main water bodies of the Vistula River delta (northern Poland) and compared these data with 183 randomly selected sites not occupied by the species. The beavers preferred habitats with high availability of woody plants, including shrubs, and avoided anthropogenically modified habitats, such as arable lands. Within a single family territory, we observed decreasing woody plant cover with increasing distance from a colony centre, which suggests that beaver habitat preferences depend on the assessment of both the abundance and spatial distribution of preferred habitat elements. We tested the importance of spatial scale in beaver habitat selection with principal coordinates of neighbour matrices analysis, which showed that the geographical scale explained 46.7% of the variation in habitat composition, while the local beaver density explained only 10.3% of this variability. We found two main spatial gradients that were related to the broad spatial scale: first, the most important gradient was related to the largest distances between beaver sites and was independent of woody plant cover and the local beaver site density. The second most important gradient appeared more locally and was associated with these variables. Our results indicate that European beaver habitat selection was affected by different scale‐related phenomena related 1) to central place foraging behaviour, which resulted in the clumped distribution of woody plants within the territory, and 2) local population density and woody plant cover. Finally, 3) habitat selection occurs independently across the largest spatial scale studied (e.g. between watersheds), which was probably due to the limited natal dispersal range of the animals.
Global patterns in helminth host specificity: phylogenetic and functional diversity of regional host species pools matter
Authors: Wells Konstans , Gibson David I. , Clark Nicholas J.
Published: August 2018

Host specificity has a major influence on a parasite's ability to shift between human and animal host species. Yet there is a dearth of quantitative approaches to explore variation in host specificity across biogeographical scales, particularly in response to the varying community compositions of potential hosts. We built a global dataset of intermediate host associations for nine of the world's most widespread helminth parasites (all of which infect humans). Using hierarchical models, we asked if realised parasite host specificity varied in response to regional variation in the phylogenetic and functional diversities of potential host species. Parasites were recorded in 4–10 zoogeographical regions, with some showing considerable geographical variation in observed versus expected host specificity. Parasites generally exhibited the lowest phylogenetic host specificity in regions with the greatest variation in prospective host phylogenetic diversity, namely the Neotropical, Saharo‐Arabian and Australian regions. Globally, we uncovered notable variation in parasite host shifting potential. Observed host assemblages for Hydatigera taeniaeformis and Hymenolepis diminuta were less phylogenetically diverse than expected, suggesting limited potential to spillover into unrelated hosts. Host assemblages for Echinococcus granulosus, Mesocestoides lineatus and Trichinella spiralis were less functionally diverse than expected, suggesting limited potential to shift across host ecological niches. By contrast, Hyd. taeniaeformis infected a higher functional diversity of hosts than expected, indicating strong potential to shift across hosts with different ecological niches. We show that the realised phylogenetic and functional diversities of infected hosts are determined by biogeographical gradients in prospective host species pools. These findings emphasise the need to account for underlying species diversity when assessing parasite host specificity. Our framework to identify variation in realised host specificity is broadly applicable to other host–parasite systems and will provide key insights into parasite invasion potential at regional and global scales.
Local production of prolactin in lesions may play a pathogenic role in psoriatic patients and imiquimod‐induced psoriasis‐like mouse model
Authors: Yang Hui , Li Xia , Xue Feng , Xia Qunli , Zhao Xin , Wang Dixin , Chen Lihong , Cao Hua , Xu Han , Shen Xiaoyan , Yuan Weiru , Zhao Xiaoqing , Shi Ruofei , Zheng Jie
Published: August 2018

Human prolactin (PRL) is a well‐known hormone for pituitary of lactation and reproduction, but it also has immunostimulatory effect in some inflammatory or autoimmune diseases including psoriasis, which has not been well elucidated. This study aimed to determine the relationship between PRL and psoriasis through clinical case‐control studies, and explore the function of PRL in the pathogenesis of imiquimod (IMQ)‐induced psoriasis‐like mouse model. Serum from patients with psoriasis vulgaris (PsV), patients with erythrodermic psoriasis, and healthy controls (HCs) were collected for PRL test. Skin biopsies were collected for PRL, PRL receptors (PRLRs), cytokines mRNA level determination, PRL immunohistochemistry and PRL Western blotting. Mice were divided into four groups (each n = 6): control group (CON), IMQ group, anti‐PRL group and solvent group. Anti‐PRL group and solvent group mice were treated with PRL antagonist (cabergoline) and the solvent (0.25% methylcellulose) separately. The serum PRL level of PsV patients was significantly higher than that of HCs (P < 0.001). Compared with HCs, the mRNA levels of PRL and Th1/Th17 cytokines in skin lesions increased significantly (P < 0.05), and the PRL protein level was also significantly elevated in the epidermis and dermis of PsV patients. In IMQ‐induced psoriasis‐like mouse model, the mRNA and protein levels of PRL in skin lesions were significantly higher than CON group (P < 0.01). Comparing to solvent group, serum PRL level and PRL, cytokines mRNA levels in skin lesions all decreased significantly and the skin inflammatory condition was also alleviated obviously in anti‐PRL group. This study suggests that local production of PRL is the main resource of PRL in skin lesions and may play an important role in skin inflammatory of psoriasis.
Optimization thermophysical properties of TiO2 alloying Sm3TaO7 ceramics as promising thermal barrier coatings
Authors: Chen Lin , Wu Peng , Feng Jing
Published: August 2018

TiO2 alloying effect is applied to optimize the thermophysical properties of fluorite‐type Sm3TaO7 ceramics synthesized via solid‐state reaction, and the influence of TiO2 alloying effect on the optical properties and elastic modulus is determined. According to the decreasing unit cell volume calculated by the X‐ray diffraction and the broadening Raman peak, Ti4+ substitutes the same number of Sm3+ and Ta5+ ions of Sm3TaO7 ceramics at the same time. As Ti4+ substitutes Sm3+ and Ta5+ ions, the band gap of TiO2‐Sm3TaO7 ceramics decreases from 4.71 to 4.11 eV. The phase transition of Sm3TaO7 ceramics is eliminated by TiO2 alloying effect and the coefficient of thermal expansion is increased. Via TiO2 alloying effect, two different phonon scattering mechanisms: (a) the misfit of atomic weight and ionic radius among Ti4+, Sm3+, and Ta5+ ions; (b) the rattling Ti4+ ions are introduced in Sm3TaO7 ceramics. The lowest thermal conductivity of TiO2‐Sm3TaO7 ceramics reaches 1.37 W K−1 m−1 (800°C, 9 mol% TiO2‐Sm3TaO7), which is much lower than 7YSZ and Sm2Zr2O7 ceramics. Accordingly, it is believed that TiO2‐Sm3TaO7 ceramics are promising thermal barrier coatings.
Help‐seeking experiences of older adults with a diagnosis of moderate depression
Authors: Polacsek Meg , Boardman Gayelene H. , McCann Terence V.
Published: August 2018

Depression is the most prevalent mental illness among older adults. However, help‐seeking by older adults is frequently delayed, resulting in longer duration of untreated symptoms, poorer health outcomes, and consequent higher healthcare use. Early help‐seeking and access to appropriate support benefits individuals, while providing better outcomes from health systems constrained by limited resources. The aim of this study, which is abstracted from a larger study, was to identify the factors that inhibited and enabled formal help‐seeking in older adults with a diagnosis of moderate depression. Corbin and Strauss’ approach to grounded theory informed data collection and analysis. Two themes and related subthemes concerning help‐seeking barriers and facilitators were abstracted from the data. Help‐seeking barriers were attributable to stigma, self‐motivation, accessing formal support, ageism, and difficulty obtaining an initial diagnosis. Help‐seeking facilitators were accepting personal responsibility, mental health literacy, therapeutic alliances, and informal support. Findings have implications for the role of mental health nurses, who are well‐placed to provide support to community‐based older adults with depression. More broadly, mental health nurses and other clinicians should seek to reduce help‐seeking barriers and implement ways to facilitate help‐seeking in this cohort.
Strategies and practices for suppressing abnormal grain growth during liquid phase sintering
Authors: Fisher John G. , Kang Suk‐Joong L.
Published: August 2018

Abnormal grain growth (AGG), where a small number of grains grow to sizes much larger than the neighboring matrix grains, is a frequent occurrence in liquid phase sintering of ceramics and cermets. As AGG can be detrimental to the material properties, a considerable amount of research on the nature, causes and suppression of AGG has been carried out. In this review, we outline the mixed control theory of grain growth and the principle of microstructural evolution that have been developed by Kang and coworkers over the last two decades. The theory and the principle, which are based on theories of crystal growth from a liquid, state that grain growth behavior is controlled by the nature of the solid‐liquid interfaces, either atomically rough (macroscopically rounded) or smooth (macroscopically faceted). For grains with atomically rough solid‐liquid interfaces, growth is controlled by diffusion of solute through the liquid phase and normal grain growth always occurs. For grains with faceted solid‐liquid interfaces (or a mixture of rough and faceted interfaces), growth is interface reaction‐controlled and diffusion‐controlled below and above a critical driving force for growth, respectively. Depending on the relative values of the critical driving force for growth Δgc and the maximum driving force for the largest grain in the system Δgmax, pseudo‐normal, abnormal, and stagnant grain growth can take place. Based on this theory and principle, we present strategies for suppressing AGG by adjusting Δgc and Δgmax to avoid AGG and examples of the successful use of these strategies.
Synthesis, structure, and luminescence of Eu3+‐activated La4Ti3O12nanoparticles with layered perovskite structure
Authors: Zhang Suyin , Zhang Pengyue , Liu Xin , Yang Zhexi , Huang Yanlin , Seo Hyo Jin
Published: August 2018

La4‐4xEu4xTi3O12(x= 0.01‐0.15) nanoparticles were synthesized via the polymerizable complex method. The X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD) measurements and Rietveld refinements verified that all the samples crystallized in a pure trigonal perovskite structure. La4Ti3O12has band energy of 3.88eV, which can be greatly narrowed by Eu3+‐doping. This benefits the red‐shift of the optical absorption fromUV‐ to near‐UVwavelength region. La4Ti3O12has the self‐activated luminescence at room temperature with a broadband centered at 520 nm. La4‐4xEu4xTi3O12(x= 0.01‐0.15) phosphors present red‐emitting luminescence with the strongest5D0→7F2transition at 613 nm. The energy transfer was discussed on the doping concentration. Importantly, the phosphors present dominant absorption in near‐UVregion (395 nm). An experimental red‐emitting lamp was fabricated using a 395 nmLED‐chip in combination with the single phosphor of La4‐4xEu4xTi3O12(x= 0.1). The results indicate that La4‐4xEu4xTi3O12could be a promising candidate used in solid‐state lighting and display under nearUV‐light.
Bidirectional Relations Between Parenting and Behavior Problems From Age 8 to 13 in Nine Countries
Authors: Lansford Jennifer E. , Rothenberg W. Andrew , Jensen Todd M. , Lippold Melissa A. , Bacchini Dario , Bornstein Marc H. , Chang Lei , Deater‐Deckard Kirby , Di Giunta Laura , Dodge Kenneth A. , Malone Patrick S. , Oburu Paul , Pastorelli Concetta , Skinner Ann T. , Sorbring Emma , Steinberg Laurence , Tapanya Sombat , Uribe Tirado Liliana Maria , Alampay Liane Peña , Al‐Hassan Suha M.
Published: August 2018

This study used data from 12 cultural groups in nine countries (China, Colombia, Italy, Jordan, Kenya, Philippines, Sweden, Thailand, and the United States; N = 1,298) to understand the cross‐cultural generalizability of how parental warmth and control are bidirectionally related to externalizing and internalizing behaviors from childhood to early adolescence. Mothers, fathers, and children completed measures when children were ages 8–13. Multiple‐group autoregressive, cross‐lagged structural equation models revealed that child effects rather than parent effects may better characterize how warmth and control are related to child externalizing and internalizing behaviors over time, and that parent effects may be more characteristic of relations between parental warmth and control and child externalizing and internalizing behavior during childhood than early adolescence.
Parenting Practices in Diverse Family Structures: Examination of Adolescents’ Development and Adjustment
Authors: Murry Velma McBride , Lippold Melissa A.
Published: August 2018

This article explored the implications of diverse family structures on adolescents’ adjustment, with an emphasis on whether and, if so, how diverse family structures influence and predict developmental outcomes. Family relationships within the family unit are a stronger predictor of adolescents’ development than the particular family structure. Transitions in families that result in notable reductions in effective parenting practices and economic well‐being will negatively affect youth, regardless of family structure. Family processes that promote optimal growth and development among youth in traditional two‐parent, heterosexual households work similarly for those growing up in nontraditional family structures. A conceptual model to advance this field of research is offered, and implications for research and policy are discussed.
Expression of TGFBR1, TGFBR2, TGFBR3, ACVR1B and ACVR2B is altered in ovaries of cows with cystic ovarian disease
Authors: Matiller Valentina , Hein Gustavo J. , Stassi Antonela F. , Angeli Emmanuel , Belotti Eduardo M. , Ortega Hugo H. , Rey Florencia , Salvetti Natalia R.
Published: August 2018

Contents

The objective of this study was to examine the expression of transforming growth factor beta receptor (TGFBR)1, TGFBR2, TGFBR3, activin receptor (ACVR)1B and ACVR2B in ovaries of cows with cystic ovarian disease (COD). The expression of the selected receptors was determined by immunohistochemistry in sections of ovaries from cows with ACTH‐induced and spontaneous COD. Expression of TGFBR1 and TGFBR3 was higher in granulosa cells of cysts from cows with spontaneous COD than in tertiary follicles from the control group. Additionally, TGFBR3 expression was higher in granulosa cells of cysts from cows with ACTH‐induced COD than in those from the control group and lower in theca cells of spontaneous and ACTH‐induced cysts than in tertiary control follicles. There were no changes in the expression of TGFBR2. ACVR1B expression was higher in granulosa cells of tertiary follicles of cows with spontaneous COD than in the control group, whereas ACVR2B expression was higher in cysts of the spontaneous COD group than in tertiary follicles from the control group. The alterations here detected, together with the altered expression of the ligands previously reported, indicate alterations in the response of the ligands in the target cells, modifying their actions at cellular level.
Beyond traditional ecological restoration on the Colorado Plateau
Authors: Winkler Daniel E. , Backer Dana M. , Belnap Jayne , Bradford John B. , Butterfield Bradley J. , Copeland Stella M. , Duniway Michael C. , Faist Akasha M. , Fick Stephen E. , Jensen Scott L. , Kramer Andrea T. , Mann Rebecca , Massatti Robert T. , McCormick Molly L. , Munson Seth M. , Olwell Peggy , Parr Steve D. , Pfennigwerth Alix A. , Pilmanis Adrienne M. , Richardson Bryce A. , Samuel Ella , See Kathy , Young Kristina E. , Reed Sasha C.
Published: August 2018

The Colorado Plateau is one of North America's five major deserts, encompassing 340,000 km2 of the western United States, and offering many opportunities for restoration relevant to researchers and land managers in drylands around the globe. The Colorado Plateau is comprised of vast tracts of public land managed by local, state, and federal agencies that oversee a wide range of activities (e.g., mineral and energy extraction, livestock grazing, and recreation). About 75% of the Plateau is managed by federal and tribal agencies and tens of millions of people visit the Plateau's public lands each year. However, even in the face of this diverse use, our knowledge of effective ways to restore Plateau ecosystems remains relatively poor. Further, the multiple agencies on the Plateau have mandates that differ greatly in allowable practices, restoration needs, and desired outcomes. The Colorado Plateau is also expected to undergo ecosystem shifts in the face of climate change, further complicating management decisions and potentially limiting some options while creating others. Here, we explore the current state of Colorado Plateau restoration science and underscore key challenges and opportunities for improving our capacity to maintain the myriad of services provided by these desert ecosystems. We highlight past research efforts and future needs related to restoration concepts, including consideration and design of novel ecosystems, mitigation for and adaptation to climate change, use of genetically diverse seed adapted for current and future conditions, and the value of strong multi‐agency and stakeholder collaborations in restoring systems on the Colorado Plateau and beyond.