bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic thresholds and performance of noninvasive fibrosis scores are limited by age in patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Wang Wentao , Zhao Xueqi , Li Guiping , Wang Lin , Chen Yizhi , Ma Ke , Chen Guang , Chen Tao , Han Meifang , Ning Qin , Zhao Xiping
Published: February 2019

Aim

We aimed at investigating the effects of age on the predictive performances of noninvasive fibrosis scores for significant fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB).

Methods

A total of 496 CHB patients who underwent liver biopsy were stratified into four age groups: ≤30, 31 to 40, 41 to 50, and ≥51 years. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to evaluate the diagnostic performance of aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI), fibrosis score‐4 (Fib‐4) and γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase to platelet ratio (GPR) in different age groups.

Results

The extent of fibrosis significantly increased with age, and the percentage of significant fibrosis (≥F2) was 21.3%, 29.0%, 38.5%, and 46.1%, respectively. All three scores displayed a moderate accuracy to diagnose significant fibrosis in overall patients. However, for patients with age ≤30 years, APRI, Fib‐4, and GPR performed poorly with the AUROC of 0.567, 0.627 and 0.596, respectively. Furthermore, using the established cut‐off values—1.45 for Fib‐4, the sensitivity for significant fibrosis increased with age, from 14.8%, 38.1%, 74.5% to 97.87% in above age groups, respectively. To improve the diagnostic accuracy for significant fibrosis, the proposed low and high cut‐off points for Fib‐4 were 0.41 and 1.15 in ≤30 years, 0.8 and 1.59 in 31 to 40 years, 1.17 and 1.94 in 41 to 50 years, 1.76 and 3.10 in ≥ 51 years, respectively.

Conclusions

Age may influence the diagnostic thresholds and performance of APRI, Fib‐4, and GPR for significant fibrosis in patients with CHB. In particular, these scores performed poorly for identifying significant fibrosis in younger patients (≤30 years).
A novel SIW based dual‐band power divider using double‐circular complementary split ring resonators
Authors: Duraisamy Tharani , Barik Rusan Kumar , Sholampettai Subramanian Karthikeyan , Kamatchi Selvajyothi
Published: February 2019

This article presents a novel design of substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) dual‐band power divider loaded with double‐circular complementary split‐ring resonators (CSRRs). The double‐circular CSRRs are etched on the top layer of the proposed structure to obtain the dual‐band characteristic. The proposed geometry provides a passband frequency below the cut‐off frequency of the SIW due to the electric dipole nature of the CSRRs. By changing the dimensions of the CSRRs, various passband characteristics are studied. To validate the design idea, a compact dual band power divider with equal power division operating at 8.4 and 11.7 GHz is designed, fabricated, and tested. A good steadiness is found between simulated and tested results. The proposed idea provides features of compact size, dual‐band operation, and good isolation. The size of the fabricated prototype excluding microstrip transition is 0.473λ
g × 0.284λ
g, where λ
g is the guided wave length at the center frequency of first band.
Turnover intention and job fit among nurses in Ghana: Does psychological climate matter?
Authors: Atitsogbui Julius , Amponsah‐Tawiah Kwesi
Published: February 2019

Aim

The study examined the relationship between turnover intention and job fit among Registered Nurses in Ghana. Further analysis was done to explore how nurses' psychological climate has an impact on the relationship between job fit and turnover intention.

Design

The study adopted the quantitative research approach and the cross‐sectional survey design in collecting data on the variables of interest.

Methods

Purposive sampling was used to select the eight hospitals from both the public and the private sectors. In all, 322 Registered Nurses participated in the study and the data were analysed using simple and hierarchical multiple regression.

Results

The results of the study showed no statistically significant relationship between nurses' turnover intention and job fit. However, psychological climate was found to fully mediate the relationship between turnover intention and job fit among the participants studied. Finally, the finding adds to theory by proposing a review and an extension of the Attraction‐Selection‐Attrition theory by Schneider (Personnel Psychology, 40, 1987, 437)
Experiences of specially trained personnel of group education for patients with type 2 diabetes—A lifeworld approach
Authors: Andersson Susanne , Berglund Mia , Vestman Caroline , Kjellsdotter Anna
Published: February 2019

Aim

To describe how the group education process for people with type 2 diabetes is experienced by diabetes nurses and dietitians who support the patients’ learning, in a primary care setting.

Design

The project took place at two primary care settings in the south of Sweden.

Methods

Data collected from focus‐group interviews and reflection notes were subjected to phenomenological analysis.

Results

The specially trained personnel experienced that group education made it possible for the patients to learn through reflection concerning their own and others’ experiences. Furthermore, group education entailed increased knowledge for the trained personnel. When the patients were challenged to make changes in their lives with the illness, the personnel experienced that both patients and personnel supported each other. The study concludes that the trained personnel person‐centred approach, with help of the didactic model, get tools to support patients learning.
Building a framework for the evaluation of knowledge translation for the Canadian Network for Observational Drug Effect Studies
Authors: Sketris Ingrid S. , Carter Nancy , Traynor Robyn L. , Watts Dorian , Kelly Kim ,   On behalf of the following contributing members of the CNODES Knowledge Translation Team: Pierre Ernst, JM Gamble, Brenda Hemmelgarn, Colleen Metge, Michael Paterson, Robert Platt W. and Gary Teare
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The Canadian Network for Observational Drug Effect Studies (CNODES), a network of pharmacoepidemiologists and other researchers from seven provincial sites, provides evidence on the benefits and risks of drugs used by Canadians. The Knowledge Translation Team, one of CNODES' four main teams, evaluates the impact of its efforts using an iterative and emergent approach. This article shares key lessons from early evaluation phases, including identifying stakeholders and their evaluation needs, choosing evaluation theories and approaches, and developing evaluation questions, designs, and methods appropriate for the CNODES context.

Methods

Stakeholder analysis was conducted using documentary analysis to determine key contextual factors and research evidence needs of decision maker partners and other stakeholders. Selected theories and frameworks from the evaluation and knowledge translation literature informed decisions about evaluation design and implementation. A developmental approach to evaluation was deemed appropriate due to the innovative, complex, and ever‐changing context.

Results

A theory of change, logic model, and potential evaluation questions were developed, informed by the stakeholder analysis. Early indicators of program impact (citation metrics, alternative metrics) have been documented; efforts to collect data on additional indicators are ongoing.

Conclusion

A flexible, iterative, and emergent evaluation approach allows the Knowledge Translation Team to apply lessons learned from completed projects to ongoing research projects, adapt its approaches based on stakeholder needs, document successes, and be accountable to funders/stakeholders. This evaluation approach may be useful for other international pharmacoepidemiology research networks planning and implementing evaluations of similarly complex, multistakeholder initiatives that are subject to constant change.
CYP4BN6 and CYP6BQ11 mediate insecticide susceptibility and their expression is regulated by Latrophilin in Tribolium castaneum
Authors: Xiong Wenfeng , Gao Shanshan , Mao Jinjuan , Wei Luting , Xie Jia , Liu Juanjuan , Bi Jingxiu , Song Xiaowen , Li Bin
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

Many insect cytochrome P450 proteins (CYPs) are involved in the metabolic detoxification of exogenous compounds such as plant toxins and insecticides. Tribolium castaneum, the red flour beetle, is a major agricultural pest that damages stored grains and cereal products. With the completion of the sequencing of its genome, two T. castaneum species‐specific CYP genes, CYP4BN6, and CYP6BQ11, were identified. However, it is unknown whether the functions of most CYPs are shared by TcCYP4BN6 and TcCYP6BQ11, and the upstream regulatory mechanism of these two CYPs remains elusive.

RESULTS

QRT‐PCR analysis indicated that TcCYP4BN6 and TcCYP6BQ11 were both most highly expressed at the late pupal stage and were mainly observed in the head and gut, respectively, of adults. Moreover, the transcripts of these two CYPs were significantly induced by dichlorvos and carbofuran, and RNA interference (RNAi) targeting of each of them enhanced the susceptibility of beetles to these two insecticides. Intriguingly, knockdown of the latrophilin (lph) gene, which has been reported to be related to the insecticide susceptibility, reduced the expression of TcCYP4BN6 and TcCYP6BQ11 after insecticide treatment, suggesting that these two CYP genes are regulated by lph to participate in insecticide susceptibility in T. castaneum.

CONCLUSION

These results shed new light on the function and mechanism of CYP genes associated with insecticide susceptibility and could facilitate research on appropriate and sustainable pest control management. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Ionotronic Neuromorphic Devices for Bionic Neural Network Applications
Authors: Yu Fei , Zhu Li Qiang
Published: February 2019

The von Neumann bottleneck constrains developments of conventional artificial intelligences (AIs) toward portable, energy efficient, and truly brain‐like systems. Biological synapses connecting neurons deliver neural action potentials by regulating neurotransmitters between presynaptic and postsynaptic membranes. In a similar way, ionotronic transistors and memristors transmit electronic signals through the migration of ionic species in dielectric and resistive switching electrolyte under external electrical field. Thus, utilizing ionotronic devices to emulate synapses and building bionic neural networks opens up a brand‐new path to realize hardware‐based AI. Moreover, it would allow the fabrication of an artificial perception learning system to mimic the human perception system with multi‐sensory learning abilities. This review presents ionotronic devices for neuromorphic engineering applications. The operation mechanisms and brain‐inspired synaptic responses and neural functions are discussed. At last, outlooks for ionotronic devices to construct bionic neural networks are provided.
Nontrivial Attractors of the Perturbed Nonlinear Schrödinger Equation: Applications to Associative Memory and Pattern Recognition
Authors: Cherny Valentin V. , Byrnes Tim , Pyrkov Alexey N.
Published: February 2019

Computers are dynamical systems that carry out information processing through their change of state with time. For instance, neural networks such as Hopfield's associative memory are dissipative dynamical systems in a finite dimensional configuration space with attractors that represent stored patterns. In particular, dissipative dynamical systems with an infinite dimensional configuration space are of broad interest and have the possibility to store and restore complex and strongly distorted data structures. In this work, the nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLSE) with a dissipative perturbation which creates a frictional force acting on soliton is considered. It is shown that the control of the perturbative term allows one to decrease the velocity of soliton to zero and conserve a positive value of its amplitude. The existence of such a frictional force would suggest that the perturbation makes the zero‐velocity solitonic solution of non‐zero amplitude into an attractor for all evolution trajectories whose initial conditions are moving solitons. This allows a way to store information in the infinite dimensional dynamical system governed by NLSE using principles which are completely analogous to that of Hopfield's associative memory. This approach can be realized with solitons in Bose–Einstein condensates and nonlinear optical systems.
Research on active steering control strategy based on sideslip angle estimation for a steering‐by‐wire forklift
Authors: Zhang Xu , Xiao Benxian
Published: February 2019

Taking the TFC35 electric forklift as the research object, we analyze the movements and forces of the forklift in three directions: yaw, lateral movement, and roll. Combined with the load transfer formula of the forklift and the nonlinear and linear tire model, the formula for lateral force of the four tires of forklift is deduced, and the nonlinear and linear three‐degree‐of‐freedom (3DOF) forklift dynamics model is established. Because the sideslip angle of the forklift is not easy to measure directly, based on the linear 3DOF forklift model, we take the yaw rate and lateral angle as the observation variables and consider the influence of model error. An adaptive Kalman filter is designed to estimate the sideslip angle of the forklift. In order to improve the accuracy of estimation, an online optimization strategy of the adaptive Kalman filter based on genetic algorithm with an adaptive factor is proposed. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed method. In combination with the forklift reference model, the rear wheel angle of the forklift is corrected by comprehensive proportional feedback of yaw rate and the sideslip angle, and the active steering system for a steering‐by‐wire forklift is designed. Simulation and test results show that the control strategy of forklift's active steering system can improve its driving stability and handling performance. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Electromagnetic design and optimization of dual‐stator brushless doubly‐fed wind power generator with cage‐barrier rotor
Authors: Liu Hao , Zhang Yue , Jin Shi , Zhang Fengge , Nian Heng , Zhang He
Published: February 2019

This paper explores the feasibility of an intuitive solution torque density for the existing brushless doubly‐fed generator by dual‐stator and cage‐barrier rotor structure, so as to better adapt to the offshore wind power generation. The torque density of electrical machine is related to the key design parameters, such as the machine main dimensions, slot‐pole combinations, coupling between stator and rotor, and nonmagnetic ring thickness. According to working principles and design requirements of electrical machine, the dual‐stator brushless doubly‐fed wind power generator (DSBDFWPG) with cage‐barrier rotor is designed, and the key parameters relating to torque density are analyzed and discussed. Meanwhile, the main parameters of electrical machine are optimized by Taguchi method, such as air‐gap length and nonmagnetic ring thickness. On this basis, the performance parameters of DSBDFWPG are analyzed by finite element method, which is verified by experimental tests. Through analysis of the results, not only the design requirements are satisfied by the DSBDFWPG, but also the correctness and rationality of machine design method can also be verified. Finally, the torque density and other aspects of designed DSBDFWPG are compared with dual‐stator brushless doubly‐fed induction generator, doubly‐fed induction generator, asynchronous machine, and brushless doubly‐fed generator; it demonstrates the torque density improvement of the studied machine with its significance and value.
Synthesis, Structural Characterization, and Theoretical Studies of Silver(I) Complexes of Dihydrobis(2‐mercapto‐benzothiazolyl) Borate
Authors: Gomosta Suman , Ramalakshmi Rongala , Arivazhagan Chinnappa , Haridas Anagha , Raghavendra Beesam , Maheswari Kuppaiyandi , Roisnel Thierry , Ghosh Sundargopal
Published: February 2019

The complexes [Ag{κ3‐S,S′,H‐H2B(mbz)2}(PR3)]x, (1: x = 2, R = Ph; 2: x = 1, R = Cy) (mbz = 2‐mercaptobenzothiazolyl) and amidine based dihydro(2‐mercaptobenzo‐thiazolyl) borates, [HN=C(Ph)–NH(R)–H2B(mbz)] (3: R = 2,6‐diisopropylphenyl and 4: R = Ph) were synthesized and characterized by various spectroscopic methods and single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography. Complex [Ag{κ3‐S,S′,H‐H2B(mbz)2}(PPh3)]2 (1) has a dimeric structure in its crystalline state, in which central silver(I) atoms adopt a distorted trigonal bipyramid arrangement. In contrast, complex [Ag{κ3‐S,S′,H‐H2B(mbz)2}(PCy3)] (2) has a monomeric structure in its crystalline state, in which the central silver(I) atoms adopt a distorted trigonal planar arrangement. Infrared spectroscopy was utilized as a tool for investigating the presence of M···H–B interactions. In addition, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were used to analyse the B–H···[M] bonding interaction in the metal borate complexes.
Multi-GGS Groups have the Congruence Subgroup Property
Authors: Garrido Alejandra , Uria–Albizuri Jone
Published: February 2019

We generalize the result about the congruence subgroup property for GGS groups in [3] to the family of multi-GGS groups; that is, all multi-GGS groups except the one defined by the constant vector have the congruence subgroup property. New arguments are provided to produce this more general proof.
CENTRALIZERS OF p-SUBGROUPS IN SIMPLE LOCALLY FINITE GROUPS
Authors: ERSOY KIVANÇ
Published: February 2019

In Ersoy et al. [J. Algebra481 (2017), 1–11], we have proved that if G is a locally finite group with an elementary abelian p-subgroup A of order strictly greater than p2 such that CG(A) is Chernikov and for every non-identity α ∈ A the centralizer CG(α) does not involve an infinite simple group, then G is almost locally soluble. This result is a consequence of another result proved in Ersoy et al. [J. Algebra481 (2017), 1–11], namely: if G is a simple locally finite group with an elementary abelian group A of automorphisms acting on it such that the order of A is greater than p2, the centralizer CG(A) is Chernikov and for every non-identity α ∈ A the set of fixed points CG(α) does not involve an infinite simple groups then G is finite. In this paper, we improve this result about simple locally finite groups: Indeed, suppose that G is a simple locally finite group, consider a finite non-abelian subgroup P of automorphisms of exponent p such that the centralizer CG(P) is Chernikov and for every non-identity α ∈ P the set of fixed points CG(α) does not involve an infinite simple group. We prove that if Aut(G) has such a subgroup, then G ≅PSLp(k) where char k ≠ p and P has a subgroup Q of order p2 such that CG(P) = Q.
Leviticus, Deuteronomy and Henry VIII
Authors: HADWIN J. F.
Published: February 2019

This paper re-examines three of the major arguments on the validity of Henry VIII's first marriage, suggesting that, though the king misplayed his cards, he held a much better hand than his contemporary or modern critics have allowed. With a better presentation of his cause, an unbiased court might well have concluded that, on canonical principles and precedents, the union with Katherine should not have been permitted.Unfortunately for Henry, however, even such a favourable verdict could have failed to free him from his Spanish consort.
Rhinological interventions for obstructive sleep apnoea – a systematic review and descriptive meta-analysis
Authors: Sharma S , Wormald J C R , Fishman J M , Andrews P , Kotecha B T
Published: February 2019

Objectives

Obstructive sleep apnoea is a common chronic sleep disorder characterised by collapse of the upper airway during sleep. The nasal airway forms a significant part of the upper airway and any obstruction is thought to have an impact on obstructive sleep apnoea. A systematic review was performed to determine the role of rhinological surgical interventions in the management of obstructive sleep apnoea.

Methods

A systematic review of current literature was undertaken; studies were included if they involved comparison of a non-surgical and/or non-rhinological surgical intervention with a rhinological surgical intervention for treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea.

Results

Sixteen studies met the selection criteria. The pooled data suggest that there are reductions in the apnoea/hypopnea index and respiratory disturbance index following nasal surgery. However, the current body of studies is too heterogeneous for statistically significant meta-analysis to be conducted.

Conclusion

Nasal surgery may have limited benefit for a subset of patients based on current evidence.
A novel computed tomography guided, transcutaneous approach to treat refractory autophony in patients with a patulous Eustachian tube – a case series
Authors: Alli A , Shukla R , Cook J-L , Waddell A
Published: February 2019

Background

Patulous Eustachian tube is a benign but notoriously difficult condition to treat successfully. Symptoms include autophony of voice and breathing, and aural fullness.

Methods

This paper presents a series of 8 patients (12 ears) for whom a novel computed tomography guided injection of silicone elastomer suspension implant (Vox) was used to treat patulous Eustachian tube. This is the largest and only series in the current literature using this technique.

Results

The combined complete and partial symptom resolution rate was 91 per cent. Complications related to the procedure are described. The pros and cons of this novel approach are also discussed in relation to traditional endoscopic transnasal techniques.

Conclusion

Computed tomography guided injection of Vox for the treatment of patulous Eustachian tube is suggested to be a feasible alternative to endoscopic transnasal approaches, particularly for refractory cases.
Bare die connections via aerosol jet technology for millimeter wave applications
Authors: Röhrl Franz Xaver , Jakob Johannes , Bogner Werner , Weigel Robert , Zorn Stefan
Published: February 2019

This paper presents a comparison of chip connections using aerosol jet (AJ) and bond technology on low-cost printed circuit board (PCB) substrates. First, the behavior of the used gap filler material and the used silver ink for AJ technology on PCBs are characterized. In addition to comparing the radio frequency (RF) performance (DC to 67 GHz) of the two technologies, the mechanical stability is also compared. While the AJ technology transitions score above all for their RF performance and the lower requirements (surface finish, pad size, and adhesion) on the PCB, the bonding technology has clear advantages, especially with a different coefficient of thermal expansion values of the substrates to be connected. Finally, the measurement results of a complete package are shown, whereby the chip connection is realized once by means of AJ and once by bonding wires.
History‐Dependent Threshold for Motion Revealed by Continuous Bedload Transport Measurements in a Steep Mountain Stream
Authors: Masteller Claire C. , Finnegan Noah J. , Turowski Jens M. , Yager Elowyn M. , Rickenmann Dieter
Published: February 2019

To explore the causes of history‐dependent sediment transport in rivers, we use a 19‐year record of coarse sediment transport from a steep channel in Switzerland. We observe a strong dependence of the threshold for sediment motion (τc) on the magnitude of previous flows for prior shear stresses ranging from 104 to 340 Pa, resulting in seasonally increasing τc for 10 of 19 years. This stabilization occurs with and without measureable bedload transport, suggesting that small‐scale riverbed rearrangement increases τc. Following large transport events (>340 Pa), this history dependence is disrupted. Bedload tracers suggest that significant reorganization of the bed erases memory of previous flows. We suggest that the magnitude of past flows controls the organization of the bed, which then modifies τc, paralleling the evolution of granular media under shear. Our results support the use of a state function to better predict variability in bedload sediment transport rates.
Mechanisms of Northward Propagation of Boreal Summer Intraseasonal Oscillation Revealed by Climate Model Experiments
Authors: Yang Young‐Min , Wang Bin , Lee June‐Yi
Published: February 2019

Northward propagation of the boreal summer intraseasonal oscillation (ISO) has profound impacts on Northern Hemisphere extreme weather events. This study aims to test the hypotheses proposed in the previous studies to explain northward propagation of the ISO by drastically changing the climatological mean states through lowering the Tibetan Plateau (TP) with a fully coupled Earth system model, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology Earth System Model version 3.0. The model reproduces realistic ISO over South Asia and the northern Indian Ocean. The results show that ISO northward propagations significantly weaken with decreased elevation of the TP. Lowering the TP reduces the vertical shear of the mean monsoon circulation over the northern Indian Ocean. The reduced vertical shear deteriorates the generation of positive vorticity anomalies and boundary layer moisture convergence to the north of ISO precipitation center, thereby weakening northward propagation of the ISO. On the other hand, the boundary layer moisture advection and air‐sea interaction do not change appreciably when the TP elevation is reduced. These results suggest that the mean state vertical shear is most critical for the ISO northward propagation.
Diurnally Migrating Lunar Water: Evidence From Ultraviolet Data
Authors: Hendrix Amanda R. , Hurley Dana M. , Farrell William M. , Greenhagen Benjamin T. , Hayne Paul O. , Retherford Kurt D. , Vilas Faith , Cahill Joshua T. S. , Poston Michael J. , Liu Yang
Published: February 2019

Data from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Lyman Alpha Mapping Project and Diviner are consistent with surface water on the Moon varying in abundance with both terrain type and local time/temperature. A thermal desorption model including latitudinally varying desorption activation energy reproduces the observations. We interpret the observed variability in spectral slopes as water molecules in the uppermost lunar regolith (<1% of a monolayer) thermally adsorbing and desorbing from grains depending upon the local temperature and availability of chemisorption sites. The Lyman Alpha Mapping Project data also demonstrate that in the Earth's magnetotail, where the solar wind source of protons is absent, a decrease in H2O on the surface is not observed. This rules out a steady state process involving a prompt solar wind source and favors a migration mechanism for the distribution of adsorbed water on the Moon.
Shear Wave Splitting Discloses Two Episodes of Collision‐Related Convergence in Western North America
Authors: Wu Lei , Gu Yu J. , Chen Yunfeng , Liang Huaying
Published: February 2019

Seismic anisotropy imposes first‐order constraints on the strain history of crust and upper mantle rocks. In this study, we analyze the mantle seismic anisotropy of the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin using a new shear wave spitting data set consisting of 1,333 teleseismic arrivals from 82 seismic stations. The resulting 332 high‐quality measurements yield a regional mean apparent splitting time (i.e., the magnitude of anisotropy) of 1.1 ± 0.3 s and an average fast orientation (i.e., the direction of anisotropy) of 54.6° ± 17.2°, which favor a two‐layer anisotropic model based on the 90° back azimuthal periodicity in both parameters. The northeast trending fast orientations dominate the lower layer at lithospheric depths and are approximately parallel to the present‐day absolute plate motions (APMs; i.e., <35°) due to the active asthenospheric flow. On the other hand, deviations from the APMs along the Canadian Rocky Mountain foothills could reflect disrupted mantle flow surrounding a southwestward migrating cratonic lithosphere. Also revealed are two elongated upper‐layer anisotropic anomalies in the lithosphere that are spatially correlated with Moho depths. Their characteristics suggest frozen‐in anisotropy imprinted along two convergent boundaries: (1) the Paleoproterozoic Snowbird Tectonic Zone that separates northeast (north) from northwest (south) fast directions and (2) the foothills of the Rocky Mountains that exhibit northeast trending orientations consistent with those of the APMs, maximum crustal stress, and electromagnetic anisotropy. Compressions associated with the Cordilleran orogenesis could be responsible for the spatial changes in the shear wave anisotropy from the foothills to the cratonic interior.
Electron Intensity Measurements by the Cluster/RAPID/IES Instrument in Earth's Radiation Belts and Ring Current
Authors: Smirnov A. G. , Kronberg E. A. , Latallerie F. , Daly P. W. , Aseev N. , Shprits Y. Y. , Kellerman A. , Kasahara S. , Turner D. , Taylor M. G. G. T.
Published: February 2019

The Cluster mission, launched in 2000, has produced a large database of electron flux intensity measurements in the Earth's magnetosphere by the Research with Adaptive Particle Imaging Detector (RAPID)/Imaging Electron Spectrometer (IES) instrument. However, due to background contamination of the data with high‐energy electrons (>400 keV) and inner zone protons (230–630 keV) in the radiation belts and ring current, the data have been rarely used for inner‐magnetospheric science. The current paper presents two algorithms for background correction. The first algorithm is based on the empirical contamination percentages by both protons and electrons. The second algorithm uses simultaneous proton observations. The efficiencies of these algorithms are demonstrated by comparison of the corrected Cluster/RAPID/IES data with Van Allen Probes/Magnetic Electron Ion Spectrometer measurements for 2012–2015. Both techniques improved the IES electron data in the radiation belts and ring current, as the yearly averaged flux intensities of the two missions show the ratio of measurements close to 1. We demonstrate a scientific application of the corrected IES electron data analyzing its evolution during solar cycle. Spin‐averaged yearly mean IES electron intensities in the outer belt for energies 40–400 keV at L‐shells between 4 and 6 showed high positive correlation with auroral electrojet index and solar wind dynamic pressure during 2001–2016. The relationship between solar wind dynamic pressure and IES electron measurements in the outer radiation belt was derived as a uniform linear‐logarithmic equation.
On the Generation of Probabilistic Forecasts From Deterministic Models
Authors: Camporeale E. , Chu X. , Agapitov O. V. , Bortnik J.
Published: February 2019

Most of the methods that produce space weather forecasts are based on deterministic models. In order to generate a probabilistic forecast, a model needs to be run several times sampling the input parameter space, in order to generate an ensemble from which the distribution of outputs can be inferred. However, ensemble simulations are costly and often preclude the possibility of real‐time forecasting. We introduce a simple and robust method to generate uncertainties from deterministic models, that does not require ensemble simulations. The method is based on the simple consideration that a probabilistic forecast needs to be both accurate and well calibrated (reliable). We argue that these two requirements are equally important, and we introduce the Accuracy‐Reliability cost function that quantitatively measures the trade‐off between accuracy and reliability. We then define the optimal uncertainties as the standard deviation of the Gaussian distribution that minimizes the cost function. We demonstrate that this simple strategy, implemented here by means of a deep neural network, produces accurate and well‐calibrated forecasts, showing examples both on synthetic and real‐world space weather data.
Major Late Cretaceous Mass Flows in Central Turkey Recording the Disruption of the Mesozoic Continental Margin
Authors: Okay Aral I. , Altıner Demir , Kylander‐Clark Andrew R. C.
Published: February 2019

The newly recognized Upper Cretaceous (~87 Ma) olistostrome belt in central Turkey west of Ankara extends for more than 112 km subparallel to the Izmir‐Ankara suture with a width of 10 km. The Alacaatlı Olistostromes are stratigraphically underlain by a Triassic basement, and are up to 2 km thick. Over 80% of the blocks in the olistostromes consist of pelagic limestones, which reach up to 300 m in size; other blocks include basalt, chert, serpentinite, tuff, and sandstone. The limestone blocks are Jurassic and Cretaceous in age with micropaleontology documenting the presence of Callovian‐Oxfordian, Tithonian, Berriasian, Aptian, Albian, Cenomanian, and Turonian stages. The flows are separated by intrabasinal sediments of shale, siltstone, and volcaniclastic sandstone with Albian (108–101 Ma) detrital zircons. The olistostromes show minor tectonic deformation, and are unconformably overlain by Santonian pelagic limestones. The deposition of the Alacaatlı Olistostromes was followed by arc magmatism, which started in the Campanian (~78 Ma) after a period of shortening and uplift, and the region became a fore‐arc basin with deposition of shale and volcaniclastic sandstone with Campanian (78–72 Ma) detrital zircons. A number of peculiar features of these olistostromes including rapid uplift and erosion before the creation of a deep, short‐lived (89–86 Ma) ephemeral basin, dominance of deep marine limestone blocks, and inception of arc magmatism approximately 9 Myr after their deposition indicate a major tectonic event involving the disruption of the continental margin prior to the onset of arc magmatism. This event is interpreted as a change from transform margin to subduction.
Neogene Expansion of the Qilian Shan, North Tibet: Implications for the Dynamic Evolution of the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Pang Jianzhang , Yu Jingxing , Zheng Dewen , Wang Weitao , Ma Yan , Wang Yizhou , Li Chaopeng , Li Youjuan , Wang Ying
Published: February 2019

The Qilian Shan, at the northeastern frontier of the Tibetan Plateau, is a key area for studying the expansion mechanism of the Tibetan Plateau. Although previous thermochronology and paleomagnetic studies indicate Neogene northward expansion of the northern Qilian Shan, there is a distinct temporal gap in knowledge relative to the tectonic history of the southern Qilian Shan. This has hindered a complete understanding of the Cenozoic deformation pattern of the entire Qilian Shan. To study the growth history of the southern Qilian Shan, apatite fission track (AFT) data have been acquired from Zongwulong Shan and the Huaitoutala section. AFT thermal history modeling from the former shows a rapid cooling episode occurred at ~18–11 Ma, which is interpreted as marking the onset of intensive exhumation in the southern Qilian Shan. Within the Huaitoutala section, detrital grain up‐section shows progressively decreasing peak AFT ages followed by an age increase from midsection, implying that a sediment‐recycling event occurred at approximately 7 ± 2 Ma. Together with a shift in paleocurrent directions, this change marks the onset of Late Miocene deformation of the northern Qaidam Basin. Combined with previous studies on the deformation time of the Qilian Shan, our findings suggest that both the northern and southern Qilian Shan region grew outward synchronously in opposite directions during the Neogene. This resulted in the formation of a flower structure, which had an important impact on the deformation pattern of north Tibet. The synchronous outward expansion may have been triggered by the removal of mantle beneath north Tibet.
Functional characterization of a putative DNA methyltransferase, EadM, in Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. glycines by proteomic and phenotypic analyses
Authors: Park Hye-Jee , Jung Boknam , Lee Jungkwan , Han Sang-Wook
Published: February 2019

Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. glycines (Xag) is a phytopathogenic bacterium causing bacterial pustule disease in soybean. Functions of DNA methyltransferases have been characterized in animal pathogenic bacteria, but are poorly understood in plant pathogens. Here, we report that functions of a putative DNA methyltransferase, EadM, in Xag. An EadM-overexpressing strain, Xag(EadM), was less virulent than the wild-type carrying an empty vector, Xag(EV). Interestingly, the viable cell numbers of Xag(EadM) were much lower (10-fold) than those of Xag(EV) at the same optical density. Comparative proteomic analysis revealed that proteins involved in cell wall/membrane/envelope and iron-transport were more abundant. Based on proteomic analysis we carried out diverse phenotypic assays. Scanning electron microscopy revealed abnormal bacterial envelopes in Xag(EadM). Additionally, Xag(EadM) showed decreased stress tolerance against ciprofloxacin and sorbitol, but enhanced resistance to desiccation. Exopolysaccharide production in Xag(EadM) was also decreased. Production of siderophores, which are iron-chelators, was much higher in Xag(EadM). As in Xag, Escherichia coli expressing EadM showed significantly reduced (1000-fold) viable cell numbers at the same optical density. Thus, EadM is associated with virulence, envelope biogenesis, stress tolerance, exopolysaccharide production, and siderophore production. Our results provide valuable and fundamental information regarding DNA methyltransferase functions and their related cellular mechanisms in plant pathogenic bacteria.
A comparison of species specific sensitivities to changing light and carbonate chemistry in calcifying marine phytoplankton
Authors: Gafar Natasha A. , Eyre Bradley D. , Schulz Kai G.
Published: February 2019

Coccolithophores are unicellular marine phytoplankton and important contributors to global carbon cycling. Most work on coccolithophore sensitivity to climate change has been on the small, abundant bloom-forming species Emiliania huxleyi and Gephyrocapsa oceanica. However, large coccolithophore species can be major contributors to coccolithophore community production even in low abundances. Here we fit an analytical equation, accounting for simultaneous changes in CO2 and light intensity, to rates of photosynthesis, calcification and growth in Scyphosphaera apsteinii. Comparison of responses to G. oceanica and E. huxleyi revealed S. apsteinii is a low-light adapted species and, in contrast, becomes more sensitive to changing environmental conditions when exposed to unfavourable CO2 or light. Additionally, all three species decreased their light requirement for optimal growth as CO2 levels increased. Our analysis suggests that this is driven by a drop in maximum rates and, in G. oceanica, increased substrate uptake efficiency. Increasing light intensity resulted in a higher proportion of muroliths (plate-shaped) to lopadoliths (vase shaped) and liths became richer in calcium carbonate as calcification rates increased. Light and CO2 driven changes in response sensitivity and maximum rates are likely to considerably alter coccolithophore community structure and productivity under future climate conditions.
Anti-inflammatory effect of afatinib (an EGFR-TKI) on OGD-induced neuroinflammation
Authors: Chen Yen-Ju , Hsu Chia-Chi , Shiao Young-Ji , Wang Hsiang-Tsui , Lo Yu-Li , Lin A. M. Y.
Published: February 2019

Activated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has been proposed in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases. In the present study, the anti-inflammatory effect of afatinib, an EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKIs) was investigated using CTX-TNA2 cells and primary cultured astrocytes subjected to oxygen/glucose deprivation (OGD). We found that OGD induced EGFR phosphorylation and activated subsequent signaling pathways, including phosphorylation of AKT and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK). Afatinib blocked OGD-induced phosphorylation of EGFR, AKT and ERK. At the same time, afatinib attenuated OGD-induced elevations in glial fibrillary acidic protein (a biomarker of activated astrocytes) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression (a cell proliferating biomarker) as well as hypoxia-induced migratory ability. Furthermore, afatinib decreased OGD-induced increases in cyclooxygenase-II and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression of the treated astrocytes as well as NO content in the culture medium. Moreover, afatinib attenuated OGD-induced caspase 1 activation (a biomarker of inflammasome activation) and interleukin-1β levels (a pro-inflammatory cytokine). Collectively, afatinib could block OGD-induced EGFR activation and its downstream signaling pathways in astrocytes. Moreover, afatinib attenuated OGD-induced astrocyte activation, proliferation and inflammasome activation. These data support the involvement of EGFR activation in neuroinflammation. Furthermore, EGFR-TKIs may be promising in inhibiting neuroinflammation in the CNS neurodegenerative diseases.
Similarities between action potentials and acoustic pulses in a van der Waals fluid
Authors: Mussel Matan , Schneider Matthias F.
Published: February 2019

An action potential is typically described as a purely electrical change that propagates along the membrane of excitable cells. However, recent experiments have demonstrated that non-linear acoustic pulses that propagate along lipid interfaces and traverse the melting transition, share many similar properties with action potentials. Despite the striking experimental similarities, a comprehensive theoretical study of acoustic pulses in lipid systems is still lacking. Here we demonstrate that an idealized description of an interface near phase transition captures many properties of acoustic pulses in lipid monolayers, as well as action potentials in living cells. The possibility that action potentials may better be described as acoustic pulses in soft interfaces near phase transition is illustrated by the following similar properties: correspondence of time and velocity scales, qualitative pulse shape, sigmoidal response to stimulation amplitude (an ‘all-or-none’ behavior), appearance in multiple observables (particularly, an adiabatic change of temperature), excitation by many types of stimulations, as well as annihilation upon collision. An implication of this work is that crucial functional information of the cell may be overlooked by focusing only on electrical measurements.
In-situ four-tip STM investigation of the transition from 2D to 3D charge transport in SrTiO3
Authors: Leis Arthur , Rodenbücher Christian , Szot Krzysztof , Cherepanov Vasily , Tautz F. Stefan , Voigtländer Bert
Published: February 2019

The electrical properties of SrTiO3(100) single crystals were investigated in-situ at different stages of thermal reduction by means of a 4-tip STM. Using the tips of the STM as electrical probes, distance-dependent four-point measurements were performed at the surface of the crystal at room temperature after reduction by thermal treatment. For annealing temperatures T ≤ 700 °C, charge transport is confined to a surface region <3 μm below the surface. For reduction at T ≥ 900 °C a transition from a conducting 2D sheet with insulating bulk to a system with dominant 3D bulk conductivity is found. At an intermediate reduction temperature of T = 800 °C, a regime with mixed 2D/3D contributions is observed in the distance-dependent resistance measurements. Describing the depth-dependent conductivity with an analytical N-layer model, this regime of mixed 2D/3D conductivity is evaluated quantitatively under the assumption of an exponentially decaying conductivity profile, correlated with the previously observed depth-dependent dislocation density in the sample. A non-monotonous temperature dependence of the 3D conductivity in the respective conducting layer is found and possible underlying mechanisms are discussed, particularly with regard to non-intrinsic material properties depending on details of the sample preparation.
Single Cell Profiling Reveals PTEN Overexpression in Influenza-Specific B cells in Aging HIV-infected individuals on Anti-retroviral Therapy
Authors: de Armas Lesley R. , Pallikkuth Suresh , Pan Li , Rinaldi Stefano , Cotugno Nicola , Andrews Sarah , Pahwa Rajendra , McDermott Adrian B. , Palma Paolo , Pahwa Savita
Published: February 2019

Memory B cells (MBC) respond to secondary antigen challenge to protect against infection and to boost immunity following vaccinations. Despite effective treatment, chronic HIV infection disturbs MBCs by reducing numbers and altering functionality due to hyper-activation and increased apoptosis leading to suboptimal antibody responses against common infectious agents. We used single cell gene expression analysis to evaluate antigen-specific memory B cells in peripheral blood of virally-suppressed HIV-infected individuals and healthy controls stratified by serum H1N1 antibody response 3 weeks post-administration of the seasonal trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine. We used a fluorescent probe to isolate influenza H1N1-specific B cells and a multiplexed and targeted RT-PCR approach to measure expression levels of 96 genes involved in B cell activation and function. Gene profiling revealed a 4-gene predictive signature containing the phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K) inhibitor,PTEN, for identifying antigen-specific MBC from HIV-infected individuals compared to healthy controls. Gene co-expression analysis showed that in addition to overexpression ofPTEN, there was increased co-expression of type I interferon-associated genes withPTENon single cell level in HIV compared to controls. This study highlights the persistent defects in MBC from HIV-infected individuals and points to the PI3K signaling pathway as a target for potential immune intervention.
Heat flow due to time-delayed feedback
Authors: Loos Sarah A. M. , Klapp Sabine H. L.
Published: February 2019

Many stochastic systems in biology, physics and technology involve discrete time delays in the underlying equations of motion, stemming, e. g., from finite signal transmission times, or a time lag between signal detection and adaption of an apparatus. From a mathematical perspective, delayed systems represent a special class of non-Markovian processes with delta-peaked memory kernels. It is well established that delays can induce intriguing behaviour, such as spontaneous oscillations, or resonance phenomena resulting from the interplay between delay and noise. However, the thermodynamics of delayed stochastic systems is still widely unexplored. This is especially true for continuous systems governed by nonlinear forces, which are omnipresent in realistic situations. We here present an analytical approach for the net steady-state heat rate in classical overdamped systems subject to time-delayed feedback. We show that the feedback inevitably leads to a finite heat flow even for vanishingly small delay times, and detect the nontrivial interplay of noise and delay as the underlying reason. To illustrate this point, and to provide an understanding of the heat flow at small delay times below the velocity-relaxation timescale, we compare with the case of underdamped motion where the phenomenon of “entropy pumping” has already been established. Application to an exemplary (overdamped) bistable system reveals that the feedback induces heating as well as cooling regimes and leads to a maximum of the medium entropy production at coherence resonance conditions. These observations are, in principle, measurable in experiments involving colloidal suspensions.