bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Play in(g) international theory
Authors: Hirst Aggie
Published: June 2019

While the study of games and gaming has increased in International Relations in recent years, a corresponding exploration of play has yet to be developed in the field. While play features in several key areas – including game theory, videogames and popular culture, and pedagogical role-plays and simulations – little work has been done to analyse its presence in, and potentials for, the discipline. The aim of this article is to introduce the study of play to IR. It does this by demonstrating that play is political, and that it is at work across the global arena. Drawing on the deconstructive tradition associated with Jacques Derrida, its core contribution is a theorisation of play. The central argument developed is that play is (auto)deconstructive. By this I mean (1) that play precipitates an unravelling of any attempt at its conceptualisation, and (2) that this illustrates the value of a deconstructive approach to international theory. This claim is substantiated through an analysis of four key binary oppositions derived from Johan Huizinga'sHomo Ludens. Having shown how play powerfully deconstructs its own conceptual foundations, I argue that a playful approach offers a robust challenge to entrenched assumptions in international theory.
Asymptotic Regulation of Dynamically Positioned Vessels with Unknown Dynamics and External Disturbances
Authors: Hu Xin , Du Jialu , Li Jian , Sun Yuqing
Published: June 2019

A robust adaptive nonlinear asymptotic regulating control law is designed for dynamically positioned vessels exposed to unknown time-varying external disturbances incorporating Fuzzy Logic Systems (FLSs), projection operators, and the “robustifying” term into the vectorial backstepping technique. The FLSs approximate the vessel unknown dynamics and the update laws based on the online projection operators update the fuzzy weight vectors. The robustifying term handles the external disturbances and the fuzzy approximation errors. The designed Dynamic Positioning (DP) control law achieves asymptotic regulation of the vessel's position and heading and makes the other signals in the DP closed-loop control system of vessels be uniformly ultimately bounded. Simulations based on the Marine System Simulator toolbox validate the designed DP control law.
AccessVOR: A Semantically Enriched Voronoï-Based Approach for Navigation Assistance of Wheelchair Users in Indoor Environments
Authors: Yaagoubi Reda , Miky Yehia , El Shouny Ahmed
Published: June 2019

People with physical disabilities often face many challenges due to the non-compliance of public buildings to accessibility standards. Hence, it is necessary to provide them with relevant information about the quality of access associated with the environment they plan to visit. In this paper, we propose ‘AccessVOR’ (Accessibility assessment based on VORonoï Diagram), a novel approach that aims to automatically generate an indoor navigation network and to assess its accessibility for people moving with wheelchairs based on the American with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG). A semantically enriched spatial database is developed based on ADAAG and the Indoor Geography Markup Language (IndoorGML) standard. A Three-Dimensional (3D) navigation-graph is then generated from the various components of an indoor environment using a Voronoï Diagram. The semantics of ADAAG allow assessing the accessibility of each segment of this navigation graph. Next, a navigation cost is allocated to this graph based on the accessibility of each segment of the network graph for navigation purposes.
Melanopsin and calbindin immunoreactivity in the inner retina of humans and marmosets
Authors: Chandra Ashleigh J. , Lee Sammy C.S. , Grünert Ulrike
Published: June 2019

In primate retina, the calcium-binding protein calbindin is expressed by a variety of neurons including cones, bipolar cells, and amacrine cells but it is not known which type(s) of cell express calbindin in the ganglion cell layer. The present study aimed to identify calbindin-positive cell type(s) in the amacrine and ganglion cell layer of human and marmoset retina using immunohistochemical markers for ganglion cells (RBPMS and melanopsin) and cholinergic amacrine (ChAT) cells. Intracellular injections following immunolabeling was used to reveal the morphology of calbindin-positive cells. In human retina, calbindin-labeled cells in the ganglion cell layer were identified as inner and outer stratifying melanopsin-expressing ganglion cells, and ON ChAT (starburst amacrine) cells. In marmoset, calbindin immunoreactivity in the ganglion cell layer was absent from ganglion cells but present in ON ChAT cells. In the inner nuclear layer of human retina, calbindin was found in melanopsin-expressing displaced ganglion cells and in at least two populations of amacrine cells including about a quarter of the OFF ChAT cells. In marmoset, a very low proportion of OFF ChAT cells was calbindin-positive. These results suggest that in both species there may be two types of OFF ChAT cells. Consistent with previous studies, the ratio of ON to OFF ChAT cells was about 70 to 30 in human and 30 to 70 in marmoset. Our results show that there are species-related differences between different primates with respect to the expression of calbindin.
Archaeologist, Collector and Antiquities Agent: The Activities of Captain Robert Mignan of the Bombay European Regiment during the Early Nineteenth Century
Authors: MERCER MALCOLM
Published: June 2019

The ancient site of Babylon has long attracted the interest of European visitors. With the expansion of British geopolitical interests into the Middle East and India during the eighteenth century those in the service of the East India Company were afforded new opportunities to examine and explore regional antiquities. The historiography of archaeological exploration has traditionally focused on the contributions of key Orientalists such as Claudius James Rich and Paul Émile Botta. This has been at the expense of other equally significant individuals who also undertook a range of supporting scholarly, archaeological and museological activities. This article will redress that balance by considering the work of one of these unsung heroes of the East India Company, Captain Robert Mignan.
Application of the Maximum Flow–Minimum Cut Algorithm to Segmentation and Clustering of Materials Datasets
Authors: Brust Alexander F. , Payton Eric J. , Hobbs Toren J. , Niezgoda Stephen R.
Published: June 2019

Problems involving image segmentation, atomic cluster identification, segmentation of microstructure constituents in images and austenite reconstruction have seen various approaches attempt to solve them with mixed results. No single computational technique has been able to effectively tackle these problems due to the vast differences between them. We propose the application of graph cutting as a versatile technique that can provide solutions to numerous materials data analysis problems. This can be attributed to its configuration flexibility coupled with the ability to handle noisy experimental data. Implementation of aBayesian statisticalapproach allows for thepriorinformation, based on experimental results and already ingrained within nodes, to drive the expected solutions. This way, nodes within the graph can be grouped together with similar, neighboring nodes that are then assigned to a specific system with respect to calculated likelihoods. Associating probabilities with potential solutions and states of the system allows for quantitative, stochastic analysis. The promising, robust results for each problem indicate the potential usefulness of the technique so long as a network of nodes can be effectively established within the model system.
Image-based Characterization of 3D Collagen Networks and the Effect of Embedded Cells
Authors: Olivares Vanesa , Cóndor Mar , Del Amo Cristina , Asín Jesús , Borau Carlos , García-Aznar José Manuel
Published: June 2019

Collagen microstructure is closely related to the mechanical properties of tissues and affects cell migration through the extracellular matrix. To study these structures, three-dimensional (3D)in vitrocollagen-based gels are often used, attempting to mimic the natural environment of cells. Some key parameters of the microstructure of these gels are fiber orientation, fiber length, or pore size, which define the mechanical properties of the network and therefore condition cell behavior. In the present study, an automated tool to reconstruct 3D collagen networks is used to extract the aforementioned parameters of gels of different collagen concentration and determine how their microstructure is affected by the presence of cells. Two different experiments are presented to test the functionality of the method: first, collagen gels are embedded within a microfluidic device and collagen fibers are imaged by using confocal fluorescence microscopy; second, collagen gels are directly polymerized in a cell culture dish and collagen fibers are imaged by confocal reflection microscopy. Finally, we investigate and compare the collagen microstructure far from and in the vicinities of MDA-MB 23 cells, finding that cell activity during migration was able to strongly modify the orientation of the collagen fibers and the porosity-related values.
Growth of Molybdenum Trioxide Nanoribbons on Oriented Ag and Au Nanostructures: A Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) Study
Authors: Maiti Paramita , Mitra Arijit , Juluri R. R. , Rath Ashutosh , Satyam Parlapalli V
Published: June 2019

We report the growth of molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) nanoribbons (NRs) on epitaxial Ag and oriented Au nanostructures (NSs) using an ultra-high vacuum (UHV)-molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) technique at different substrate temperatures. An approximately 2 nm silver (Ag) film has been deposited at different growth temperatures (using UHV-MBE) on cleaned Si(100), Si(110), and Si(111) substrates. For faceted Au NSs, an approximately 50 nm Au film has been deposited (using high-vacuum thermal evaporation) on a Si(100) substrate with a native oxide layer at the interface and the sample was annealed in low vacuum (≈10−2) and at high temperature (≈975°C). Scanning electron microscopy measurements were performed to determine the morphology of MoO3/Ag and MoO3/Au composite films. From energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy elemental mapping and line scans it is found that faceted Au NSs are more favorable for the growth of MoO3 NRs than epitaxial Ag microstructures.
Dust Storm Outbreak in Central Asia After ~3.5 kyr BP
Authors: Han Wenxia , Lü Shuang , Appel Erwin , Berger André , Madsen David , Vandenberghe Jef , Yu Lupeng , Han Yongxiang , Yang Yibo , Zhang Tao , Teng Xiaohua , Fang Xiaomin
Published: June 2019

The evolution and driving factors underlying dust activity in central Asia remain controversial, particularly in its effects on downwind regions. We present a Holocene dust storm activity record retrieved from the Tarim Basin (TB) and perform linear and nonlinear analyses on dust records from the TB and the Greenland areas. The results indicate a similar response of dust activities to total solar irradiance in both areas, and an outbreak of dust storms in the TB at ~3.5 kyr BP. We suggest that decreasing temperature in high northern latitudes, aided by solar activity change, reached a critical threshold near ~3.5 kyr BP. The resulting steepening of the meridional temperature gradient would have facilitated strengthening and southward shift of the Northern Hemisphere westerly jet, leading to the outbreak of dust storms through intensification of low level wind intensity and prolonged spring conditions in the Asian interior.
The Evolution of a Pitch‐Angle “Bite‐Out” Scattering Signature Caused by EMIC Wave Activity: A Case Study
Authors: Bingley L. , Angelopoulos V. , Sibeck D. , Zhang X. , Halford A.
Published: June 2019

Electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves are understood to be one of the dominant drivers of relativistic electron loss from Earth's radiation belts. Theory predicts that the associated gyroresonant wave‐particle interaction results in a distinct energy‐dependent “bite‐out” signature in the normalized flux distribution of electrons as they are scattered into the loss cone. We identify such signatures along with the responsible EMIC waves captured in situ by the Van Allen Probes on 15–16 February 2017. Using the cold plasma approximation, we predict the pitch‐angle cutoffs for the scattering signature for the captured EMIC wave and find it in good agreement with the observed electron bite‐out scattering signature. Employing the close conjunction between the Van Allen Probes and THEMIS during this time, we explore the temporal and spatial evolution of the scattering signature, as well as the surrounding wave activity, and find that the scattering signature formed during continued wave activity over a period less than a day. These results are consistent with wave‐particle interaction theory and support the hypothesis that EMIC waves are an important mechanism for rapid relativistic electron loss from the radiation belts.
Statistic and Isotopic Characterization of Deep‐Sea Sediments in the Western North Pacific Ocean: Implications for Genesis of the Sediment Extremely Enriched in Rare Earth Elements
Authors: Yasukawa Kazutaka , Ohta Junichiro , Miyazaki Takashi , Vaglarov Bogdan Stefanov , Chang Qing , Ueki Kenta , Toyama Chiaki , Kimura Jun‐Ichi , Tanaka Erika , Nakamura Kentaro , Fujinaga Koichiro , Iijima Koichi , Iwamori Hikaru , Kato Yasuhiro
Published: June 2019

A certain type of deep‐sea sediment exhibits very high content of rare earth elements and yttrium (REY) and is therefore expected to serve as a novel resource for these industrially essential metals. In this paper, we statistically analyzed the bulk chemical composition of deep‐sea sediments collected from the western North Pacific Ocean. By applying independent component analysis to the multielemental data set, we extracted three independent components (ICs) that can be interpreted as the influence of Mn‐oxides (IC1), REY‐enriched biogenic calcium phosphate (IC2), and possibly a diagenetic effect involving Cu enrichment (IC3) on bulk sediment geochemistry. Subsequently, we selected representative samples based on the independent component analysis result, and implemented Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic analyses of bulk sediments. The results indicate that the extremely REY‐rich mud characterized by IC2 inherits the geochemical signature of deep Pacific seawater, whereas the non‐REY‐rich mud with less diagenetic alterations, characterized by IC3, implies an influence of terrigenous dust probably from the Taklimakan desert–Chinese loess plateau. IC1 may reflect the variation in sedimentation rates. Characteristic downhole variations of IC1 and IC3 scores imply the presence of hiatus and/or erosion of the sediment column across the REY content peak. The putative cause is an enhanced bottom current, which can physically separate coarse biogenic calcium phosphate grains with very high REY content and thus produce an extremely REY‐enriched sediment layer.
A New High‐Resolution Magnetic Scanner for Sedimentary Sections
Authors: Demory F. , Uehara M. , Quesnel Y. , Rochette P. , Romey C. , Tachikawa K. , Garcia M. , Borschneck D. , Pignol L. , Bard E. , Andrieu‐Ponel V.
Published: June 2019

We developed a fully automated magnetic field scanner dedicated to uniaxial magnetic field measurements to determine remanent magnetization intensities and their variations in sedimentary U‐channels. A fluxgate magnetometer located as close as possible to the sedimentary section is used to perform uniaxial measurements of magnetic fields generated by the isothermal remanent magnetization of the sediment. This artificial magnetization, which is known to be a powerful proxy in environmental magnetism, is produced perpendicular to the U‐channel long axis, and parallel to the fluxgate axis, using a Halbach cylinder prior to the measurement. The present magnetic scanner offers a maximal spatial resolution of 5.8 mm for point sources. A spatial resolution of 14 mm is obtained for U‐channel samples. The magnetic scanner presents a reliable magnetic field range over about 3 orders of magnitude allowing measurement of magnetizations that saturate the Superconducting Rock Magnetometer in its classical configuration. The estimation of remanent magnetization intensities along the U‐channel is based on a modeling approach that uses successive uniformly magnetized prisms. In lacustrine laminated sections, comparison between modeling results based on prisms of a constant thickness, on prisms determined from sedimentary facies, and on prisms determined from X‐ray fluorescence data helps to understand the detrital versus diagenetic history of the sedimentary succession.
Laboratory Measurement of Large‐Amplitude Whistler Pulses Generated by Fast Magnetic Reconnection
Authors: Haw Magnus A. , Seo Byonghoon , Bellan Paul M.
Published: June 2019

We present observations of large‐amplitude (δB/B∼ 0.01) oblique whistler wave pulses generated by a spontaneous, 3‐D localized magnetic reconnection event in the Caltech jet experiment. The wave pulses are measured more than 50 ion skin depths from the reconnection location by a tetrahedron array of three‐axis B‐dot probes that mimic the pyramid flight formations of the Cluster and Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission spacecraft. Measurements of background parameters, wave polarization, and wave dispersion confirm that the pulses are whistler modes. These results demonstrate that localized impulsive reconnection events can generate large‐amplitude, oblique whistler wave pulses that propagate far outside the reconnection region. This provides a new pathway for the generation of magnetospheric whistler pulses and may help explain relativistic particle acceleration in phenomena such as solar flares that incorporate 3‐D localized impulsive magnetic reconnection.
Intensification of the Pre‐Meiyu Rainband in the Late 21st Century
Authors: Chiang John C. H. , Fischer Johannes , Kong Wenwen , Herman Michael J.
Published: June 2019

Increased atmospheric moisture content and changing land‐ocean thermal contrasts are usually implicated in the East Asian summer rainfall response to global warming. We highlight an additional influence whereby increased meridional stationary eddy circulation downstream of the Tibetan Plateau drives a stronger moisture flux convergence over southeastern China, intensifying the early summer rainband. This effect occurs robustly across the Community Earth System Model large ensemble Representative Control Pathway 8.5 simulations, and only for its pre‐Meiyu stage (mid‐May through late June). The westerly jet impinging on the Plateau is also enhanced, suggesting an orographic influence on the westerlies as the root cause. The increased westerlies result from warmer tropical tropospheric temperatures that enhance the meridional temperature gradient at the latitudes of the Plateau. Our results highlight the potential role of the westerlies in altering the East Asian early summer monsoon rainfall in the late 21st century.
New Estimates of Aerosol Direct Radiative Effects and Forcing From A‐Train Satellite Observations
Authors: Matus Alexander V. , L'Ecuyer Tristan S. , Henderson David S.
Published: June 2019

Aerosol direct radiative effects are assessed using multi‐sensor observations from the A‐Train satellite constellation. By leveraging vertical cloud and aerosol information from CloudSat and CALIPSO, this study reports new global estimates of aerosol radiative effects and the component owing to anthropogenic aerosols. We estimate that the global mean aerosol direct radiative effect is −2.40 W/m2 with an error of ± 0.6 W/m2 owing to uncertainties in aerosol type classification and optical depth retrievals. Anthropogenic direct radiative forcing is assessed using new observation‐based aerosol radiative kernels. Anthropogenic aerosols are found to account for 21% of the global radiative effect, or −0.50 ± 0.3 W/m2, mainly from sulfate pollution (−0.54 W/m2) partially offset by absorption from smoke (0.03 W/m2). Uncertainty estimates effectively rule out the possibility that anthropogenic aerosols warm the planet, although strong positive forcing is observed locally where anthropogenic aerosols reside above clouds and bright surfaces.
Biological profile of monocyte-derived macrophages in coronary heart disease patients: implications for plaque morphology
Authors: Eligini Sonia , Cosentino Nicola , Fiorelli Susanna , Fabbiocchi Franco , Niccoli Giampaolo , Refaat Hesham , Camera Marina , Calligaris Giuseppe , De Martini Stefano , Bonomi Alice , Veglia Fabrizio , Fracassi Francesco , Crea Filippo , Marenzi Giancarlo , Tremoli Elena
Published: June 2019

The prevalence of a macrophage phenotype in atherosclerotic plaque may drive its progression and/or instability. Macrophages from coronary plaques are not available, and monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) are usually considered as a surrogate. We compared the MDM profile obtained from coronary artery disease (CAD) patients and healthy subjects, and we evaluated the association between CAD MDM profile and in vivo coronary plaque characteristics assessed by optical coherence tomography (OCT). At morphological analysis, MDMs of CAD patients had a higher prevalence of round than spindle cells, whereas in healthy subjects the prevalence of the two morphotypes was similar. Compared to healthy subjects, MDMs of CAD patients had reduced efferocytosis, lower transglutaminase-2, CD206 and CD163 receptor levels, and higher tissue factor (TF) levels. At OCT, patients with a higher prevalence of round MDMs showed more frequently a lipid-rich plaque, a thin-cap fibroatheroma, a greater intra-plaque macrophage accumulation, and a ruptured plaque. The MDM efferocytosis correlated with minimal lumen area, and TF levels in MDMs correlated with the presence of ruptured plaque. MDMs obtained from CAD patients are characterized by a morpho-phenotypic heterogeneity with a prevalence of round cells, showing pro-inflammatory and pro-thrombotic properties. The MDM profile allows identifying CAD patients at high risk.
Environmental Dust Particles Repelling from A Hydrophobic Surface under Electrostatic Influence
Authors: Yilbas B. S. , Al-Qahtani Hussain , Al-Sharafi Abdullah , Bahattab Saeed , Hassan Ghassan , Al-Aqeeli N. , Kassas M.
Published: June 2019

Environmental dust particles repelling from a hydrophobic surface under the electrostatic influence are considered and the dynamics of the dust particles are analyzed incorporating the high speed camera. The velocity of the repelled dust particles are formulated using the force balance incorporating the forces associated with the electrostatic repulsion, particle adhesion, particle drag, and the inflight particles interaction under the charge influence. The functionalized silica particles are deposited on the glass surface towards achieving a hydrophobic wetting state on the surface. An electronic circuitry is designed and built while generating the electrostatic effect, in the pulse form, on the dust particles located on the surface of the hydrophobic plate. Findings revealed that functionalized silica particles deposited surface results in hydrophobic wetting state with contact angle in the order of 158° ± 2° and contact angle hysteresis of 2° ± 1°. The electrostatic impulsive force generated on the plate surface enables to repel most of the sizes of the dust particles; however, some of the small dust particles remain as the residues on the surface after the electrostatic influence. The dust particle velocity predicted from the analytical formulation agrees with that obtained from the high speed camera data. The pinning force of the small size particles (0.6 µm≤), due to adhesion on the surface, is found to be larger than the average size particles (∼1.2 µm), which in turn, suppresses these particles repelling from the surface under the electrostatic influence. The residues of the dust particles on the as received glass surface after dust repelling are more than those residues on the hydrophobic surface. This behavior is associated with the dust particles adhesion on the surface. Consequently, hydrophobic wetting state on the plate surface improves the dust particle repelling from the surface.
Water dynamics in MCF-7 breast cancer cells: a neutron scattering descriptive study
Authors: Martins Murillo L. , Dinitzen Alexander B. , Mamontov Eugene , Rudić Svemir , Pereira José E. M. , Hartmann-Petersen Rasmus , Herwig Kenneth W. , Bordallo Heloisa N.
Published: June 2019

Water mobility in cancer cells could be a powerful parameter to predict the progression or remission of tumors. In the present descriptive work, new insight into this concept was achieved by combining neutron scattering and thermal analyses. The results provide the first step to untangle the role played by water dynamics in breast cancer cells (MCF-7) after treatment with a chemotherapy drug. By thermal analyses, the cells were probed as micrometric reservoirs of bulk-like and confined water populations. Under this perspective we showed that the drug clearly alters the properties of the confined water. We have independently validated this idea by accessing the cellular water dynamics using inelastic neutron scattering. Finally, analysis of the quasi-elastic neutron scattering data allows us to hypothesize that, in this particular cell line, diffusion increases in the intracellular water in response to the action of the drug on the nanosecond timescale.
Controlled Sonication as a Route to in-situ Graphene Flake Size Control
Authors: Turner Piers , Hodnett Mark , Dorey Robert , Carey J. David
Published: June 2019

Ultrasonication is widely used to exfoliate two dimensional (2D) van der Waals layered materials such as graphene. Its fundamental mechanism, inertial cavitation, is poorly understood and often ignored in ultrasonication strategies resulting in low exfoliation rates, low material yields and wide flake size distributions, making the graphene dispersions produced by ultrasonication less economically viable. Here we report that few-layer graphene yields of up to 18% in three hours can be achieved by optimising inertial cavitation dose during ultrasonication. We demonstrate that inertial cavitation preferentially exfoliates larger flakes and that the graphene exfoliation rate and flake dimensions are strongly correlated with, and therefore can be controlled by, inertial cavitation dose. Furthermore, inertial cavitation is shown to preferentially exfoliate larger graphene flakes which causes the exfoliation rate to decrease as a function of sonication time. This study demonstrates that measurement and control of inertial cavitation is critical in optimising the high yield sonication-assisted aqueous liquid phase exfoliation of size-selected nanomaterials. Future development of this method should lead to the development of high volume flow cell production of 2D van der Waals layered nanomaterials.
First Documented Pathologies in Tenontosaurus tilletti with Comments on Infection in Non-Avian Dinosaurs
Authors: Hunt T. C. , Peterson J. E. , Frederickson J. A. , Cohen J. E. , Berry J. L.
Published: June 2019

In 2001, a nearly complete sub-adult Tenontosaurus tilletti was collected from the Antlers Formation (Aptian-Albian) of southeastern Oklahoma. Beyond its exceptional preservation, computed tomography (CT) and physical examination revealed this specimen has five pathological elements with four of the pathologies a result of trauma. Left pedal phalanx I-1 and left dorsal rib 10 are both fractured with extensive callus formation in the later stages of healing. Left dorsal rib 7 (L7) and right dorsal rib 10 (R10) exhibit impacted fractures compressed 26 mm and 24 mm, respectively. The fracture morphologies in L7 and R10 indicate this animal suffered a strong compressive force coincident with the long axis of the ribs. All three rib pathologies and the pathological left phalanx I-1 are consistent with injuries sustained in a fall. However, it is clear from the healing exhibited by these fractures that this individual survived the fall. In addition to traumatic fractures, left dorsal rib 10 and possibly left phalanx I-1 have a morphology consistent with post-traumatic infection in the form of osteomyelitis. The CT scans of left metacarpal IV revealed the presence of an abscess within the medullary cavity consistent with a subacute form of hematogenous osteomyelitis termed a Brodie abscess. This is only the second reported Brodie abscess in non-avian dinosaurs and the first documented occurrence in herbivorous dinosaurs. The presence of a Brodie abscess, known only in mammalian pathological literature, suggest mammalian descriptors for bone infection may be applicable to non-avian dinosaurs.
Assessment of low-coverage nanopore long read sequencing for SNP genotyping in doubled haploid canola (Brassica napus L.)
Authors: Malmberg M. M. , Spangenberg G. C. , Daetwyler H. D. , Cogan N. O. I.
Published: June 2019

Despite the high accuracy of short read sequencing (SRS), there are still issues with attaining accurate single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotypes at low sequencing coverage and in highly duplicated genomes due to misalignment. Long read sequencing (LRS) systems, including the Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) minION, have become popular options for de novo genome assembly and structural variant characterisation. The current high error rate often requires substantial post-sequencing correction and would appear to prevent the adoption of this system for SNP genotyping, but nanopore sequencing errors are largely random. Using low coverage ONT minION sequencing for genotyping of pre-validated SNP loci was examined in 9 canola doubled haploids. The minION genotypes were compared to the Illumina sequences to determine the extent and nature of genotype discrepancies between the two systems. The significant increase in read length improved alignment to the genome and the absence of classical SRS biases results in a more even representation of the genome. Sequencing errors are present, primarily in the form of heterozygous genotypes, which can be removed in completely homozygous backgrounds but requires more advanced bioinformatics in heterozygous genomes. Developments in this technology are promising for routine genotyping in the future.
Neonatal oral fluid as a transmission route for bifidobacteria to the infant gut immediately after birth
Authors: Toda Kazuya , Hisata Ken , Satoh Takumi , Katsumata Noriko , Odamaki Toshitaka , Mitsuyama Eri , Katayama Takane , Kuhara Tetsuya , Aisaka Kohzo , Shimizu Toshiaki , Xiao Jin-zhong
Published: June 2019

Bifidobacteria are one of the most abundant bacterial groups in the infant gut microbiota and are closely associated with infant health and can potentially affect health in later life. However, the details regarding the source of bifidobacteria have yet to be completely elucidated. This study aimed to assess neonatal oral fluid (OF) as a transmission route for bifidobacteria to the infant gut during delivery. Neonatal OF and infant feces (IF) were collected immediately and one month after birth from 15 healthy vaginally delivered newborns.Bifidobacteriumstrains were isolated from OF and IF samples, and the similarity of strains between the OF-IF pairs was evaluated based on the average nucleotide identity (ANI) value. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing results revealed the presence of Bifidobacteriaceae at >1% relative abundance in all OF samples.Bifidobacteriumstrains were isolated from OF (9/15) and IF (11/15) samples, and those sharing high genomic homology (ANI values >99.5%) between the neonatal OF and IF samples were present in one-third of the OF-IF pairs. The results of this study indicate that viable bifidobacteria are present in neonatal OF and that OF at birth is a possible transmission route of bifidobacteria to the infant gut.
Combined network analysis and machine learning allows the prediction of metabolic pathways from tomato metabolomics data
Authors: Toubiana David , Puzis Rami , Wen Lingling , Sikron Noga , Kurmanbayeva Assylay , Soltabayeva Aigerim , del Mar Rubio Wilhelmi Maria , Sade Nir , Fait Aaron , Sagi Moshe , Blumwald Eduardo , Elovici Yuval
Published: June 2019

The identification and understanding of metabolic pathways is a key aspect in crop improvement and drug design. The common approach for their detection is based on gene annotation and ontology. Correlation-based network analysis, where metabolites are arranged into network formation, is used as a complentary tool. Here, we demonstrate the detection of metabolic pathways based on correlation-based network analysis combined with machine-learning techniques. Metabolites of known tomato pathways, non-tomato pathways, and random sets of metabolites were mapped as subgraphs onto metabolite correlation networks of the tomato pericarp. Network features were computed for each subgraph, generating a machine-learning model. The model predicted the presence of the β-alanine-degradation-I, tryptophan-degradation-VII-via-indole-3-pyruvate (yet unknown to plants), the β-alanine-biosynthesis-III, and the melibiose-degradation pathway, although melibiose was not part of the networks. In vivo assays validated the presence of the melibiose-degradation pathway. For the remaining pathways only some of the genes encoding regulatory enzymes were detected.
Computational polymorph screening reveals late-appearing and poorly-soluble form of rotigotine
Authors: Mortazavi Majid , Hoja Johannes , Aerts Luc , Quéré Luc , van de Streek Jacco , Neumann Marcus A. , Tkatchenko Alexandre
Published: June 2019

The active pharmaceutical ingredient rotigotine—a dopamine agonist for the treatment of Parkinson’s and restless leg diseases—was known to exist in only one polymorphic form since 1985. In 2008, the appearance of a thermodynamically more stable and significantly less soluble polymorph led to a massive batch recall followed by economic and public health implications. Here, we carry out state-of-the-art computational crystal structure prediction, revealing the late-appearing polymorph without using any prior information. In addition, we predict a third crystalline form of rotigotine having thermodynamic stability between forms I and II. We provide quantitative description of the relative stability and solubility of the rotigotine polymorphs. Our study offers new insights into a challenging polymorphic system and highlights the robustness of contemporary computational crystal structure prediction during pharmaceutical development.
Biomarkers for Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Velarde Amalia Tejeda , Heras Silvia Medina , Villar Guimerans Luisa María
Published: June 2019

A biomarker is “a defined characteristic that is measured as an indicator of normal biological processes, pathogenic processes, or responses to an exposure or intervention, including therapeutic interventions”. Biomarkers can include molecular, histologic, radiographic, or physiologic characteristics. Biomarkers in multiple sclerosis are crucial and could help in diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring of treatment. This chapter describes multiple sclerosis biomarkers used in clinical practice as well as relevant potential biomarkers.
Experimental In Vivo Models for Drug Discovery in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Mestre Leyre , Guaza Carmen
Published: June 2019

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common chronic demyelinating inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Although it is a pathology only described in humans, there are several well-established animal models that are postulated as fundamental tools not only for elucidating the origin of the pathology (unknown to date), but also to develop new therapeutic drugs to slow down the disease progression. The main models of MS are classified according to the hypothetical origin of the pathology in “immune-mediated”, “virus-induced” and “toxin-induced” models. The experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is the best characterized immune-mediated model to explore different aspects of autoimmunity in MS pathology. Regarding the virus-induced model, Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus-induced demyelinating disease (TMEV-IDD) allows not only the study of a large part of the histopathological and clinical signs, but also takes into account the hypothesis that viral infections would trigger an autoimmune disease. Toxin-induced models such as ethidium bromide, lysolecithin or cuprizone are useful for the evaluation of demyelination/remyelination processes. Throughout this chapter we will address the above experimental models from the perspective of the etiopathogenesis of MS and for the development of new potential therapeutic drugs.
Progressive Multiple Sclerosis: Drug Discovery
Authors: Alshehri Ebtesam , Cohen Jeffery A.
Published: June 2019

The disease-modifying therapies approved to treat relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) are less effective in patients with progressive disease, with benefit largely limited to patients with recent inflammatory disease activity. Novel treatment approaches such as neuroprotective agents and repair-promoting strategies are needed to treat progressive disease, which appears to result from more compartmentalized inflammation, diffuse tissue damage, and neurodegeneration. The development of effective therapeutic strategies for progressive MS will require sensitive methods to quantify disability and detect ongoing worsening or improvement and better understanding of the pathogenesis of progression.
B Cell-based Therapies for Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Osherov Michael , Milo Ron
Published: June 2019

The traditional view of multiple sclerosis (MS) as a T cell mediated autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) has evolved into a concept of an immune-mediated disease where complex bi-directional interactions between T cells, B cells and myeloid cells underlie and shape CNS-directed autoimmunity. B cells are now recognized as major contributors to the pathogenesis of MS, largely due to increased understanding of their biology and the profound anti-inflammatory effects demonstrated by B cell depletion in MS. In this chapter we discuss the fundamental roles B cells play in the pathogenesis of MS and review current and future therapeutic strategies targeting B cells in MS, including B cell depletion with various monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against the B cell surface markers CD20 and CD19, anti-B cell cytokine therapies, blocking Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) in B cells, and various immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive effects exerted on B cells by virtually all other approved therapies for MS.
Non-coding RNA and Multiple Sclerosis: New Targets for Drug Discovery
Authors: Osorio-Querejeta Iñaki , Muñoz-Culla Maider , Otaegui David
Published: June 2019

Non-coding RNA (ncRNA) have been described to take part in several molecular pathways regulating cell functions. Hence, they have been postulated as possible therapeutic targets and mediators in several diseases. Regarding multiple sclerosis, they have been described to be involved in the regulation of the immune response and in remyelination. In this chapter, the role of ncRNA in inflammation and remyelination will be addressed, focusing on their therapeutic potential for multiple sclerosis.
Theoretical study of vesicle shapes driven by coupling curved proteins and active cytoskeletal forces
Authors: Fošnarič Miha , Penič Samo , Iglič Aleš , Kralj-Iglič Veronika , Drab Mitja , Gov Nir S.
Published: June 2019

Simulations show that active protrusive forces induced by curved membrane proteins enhance their aggregation and drive a transition to flat pancake-shaped vesicles. This transition resembles the sheet-like protrusions (lamellipodia) of cells.
Anin cellulo-activated multicolor cell labeling approach used to image dying cell clearance
Authors: Shi Yilong , Zhu Rui , Xue Zhongwei , Han Jiahuai , Han Shoufa
Published: June 2019

Dying cell clearance is critical for myriad biological processes such as tissue homeostasis.
A nuclear-targeted titanium dioxide radiosensitizer for cell cycle regulation and enhanced radiotherapy
Authors: Pan Wei , Gong Shaohua , Wang Jianbo , Yu Longhai , Chen Yuanyuan , Li Na , Tang Bo
Published: June 2019

A nuclear-targeted titanium dioxide radiosensitizer was developed to regulate the cell cycle and enhance the radiation effect.
Upconversion metal (Zr, Hf, and Ta) oxide aerogels
Authors: Kiselev Grigorii O. , Kiseleva Aleksandra P. , Ilatovskii Daniil A. , Koshevaya Ekaterina D. , Nazarovskaia Daria A. , Gets Dmitry S. , Vinogradov Vladimir V. , Krivoshapkin Pavel V. , Krivoshapkina Elena F.
Published: June 2019

We report here a new feasible approach to produce upconversion luminescent metal oxide aerogels with high textural characteristics. Monolithic aerogels show upconversion luminescence converting near-infra red excitation into visible light emission.
Iterative synthetic strategies and gene deletant experiments enable the first identification of polysulfides in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Pilkington Lisa I. , Deed Rebecca C. , Parish-Virtue Katie , Huang Chien-Wei , Walker Michelle E. , Jiranek Vladimir , Barker David , Fedrizzi Bruno
Published: June 2019

Polysulfides, potential signalling molecules, were synthesised and then found and explored for the first time in yeast.
Quantitative investigation of the formation and growth of palladium fractal nanocrystals by liquid-cell transmission electron microscopy
Authors: Jin Biao , Liu Zhaoming , Tang Ruikang , Jin Chuanhong
Published: June 2019

Liquid-cell transmission electron microscopy reveals the early formation stage of fractal nanocrystals and the effects of supersaturation on their growth dynamics.
Adjustable chiral self-sorting and self-discriminating behaviour between diamond-like Tröger's base-linked cryptands
Authors: Chen Yuan , Qian Cheng , Zhao Qian , Cheng Ming , Dong Xinran , Zhao Yue , Jiang Juli , Wang Leyong
Published: June 2019

Adjustable chiral self-sorting and self-discriminating behaviour between diamond-like Tröger's base-linked cryptands was reported, which could be regulated by external stimuli easily.
Cellular target identification of Withangulatin A using fluorescent analogues and subsequent chemical proteomics
Authors: Zhu Tianyu , Chen Chen , Wang Sisi , Zhang Yi , Zhu Dongrong , Li Lingnan , Luo Jianguang , Kong Lingyi
Published: June 2019

Find the target of Withangulatin A with the combination of fluorescent probes and chemical proteomics.
Robust organohydrogel with flexibility and conductivity across the freezing and boiling temperatures of water
Authors: Lou Dongyang , Wang Congsen , He Zhiyong , Sun Xiaoyi , Luo Jiasheng , Li Juan
Published: June 2019

A new solvent system (an ethylene glycol solution of LiCl) is designed to prepare a robust organohydrogel with high flexibility and conductivity across a wide temperature range.
Suppressing the compositional non-uniformity of AlGaN grown on a HVPE-AlN template with large macro-steps
Authors: Jiang Ke , Sun Xiaojuan , Ben Jianwei , Shi Zhiming , Jia Yuping , Wu You , Kai Cuihong , Wang Yong , Li Dabing
Published: June 2019

The compositional non-uniformity in AlGaN grown on HVPE-AlN with large macro-steps was effectively suppressed by metallization pretreatment using mixed metal–organic flows.
Improving the accuracy of solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance chemical shift prediction with a simple molecular correction
Authors: Dračínský Martin , Unzueta Pablo , Beran Gregory J. O.
Published: June 2019

A simple molecular correction improves significantly the accuracy of predictions of solid-state NMR chemical shifts.
On the magnetosensitivity of lipid peroxidation: two- versus three-radical dynamics
Authors: Sampson Chris , Keens Robert H. , Kattnig Daniel R.
Published: June 2019

The electron–electron dipolar coupling of more than two radicals provides a new mechanism for the magnetosensitivity of lipid autoxidation.
A new way of studying chemical reactions: a hand-in-hand URVA and QTAIM approach
Authors: Nanayakkara Sadisha , Kraka Elfi
Published: June 2019

The first combined quantum chemical energy-electron density description of bond breaking/forming events using URVA and QTAIM.
Magnetic properties and oxygen migration induced resistive switching effect in Y substituted multiferroic bismuth ferrite
Authors: Jena A. K. , Satapathy S. , Mohanty J.
Published: June 2019

Low field magnetic saturation and forming-free resistive switching behavior in non-magnetic modified room temperature multiferroic BiFeO3 thin film.
Mixed precious-group metal–organic frameworks: a case study of the HKUST-1 analogue [RuxRh3−x(BTC)2]
Authors: Heinz Werner R. , Kratky Tim , Drees Markus , Wimmer Andreas , Tomanec Ondřej , Günther Sebastian , Schuster Michael , Fischer Roland A.
Published: June 2019

Mixed precious-group metal–organic frameworks [RuxRh3−x(BTC)2] of the HKUST-1-type were synthesized and characterized (PXRD, BET, IR, Raman, XPS, TGA, SS-UV/VIS, EA, and HR-TEM).
High refractive index La-rich lanthanum borate glasses composed of isolated BO3 units
Authors: Masuno Atsunobu , Iwata Takashi , Yanaba Yutaka , Sasaki Shunta , Inoue Hiroyuki , Watanabe Yasuhiro
Published: June 2019

The simple environment around the B atom in high refractive index La-rich La2O3–B2O3 glasses caused wide transmittance in the IR region.
Cs2CdV2O6Cl2 and Cs3CdV4O12Br: two new non-centrosymmetric oxyhalides containing d0 and d10 cations and exhibiting second harmonic generation activity
Authors: Li Yanjun , Zhang Dan , Liu Lili , Zhang Weiguo , Zhang Jiang , Cong Ye , Li Xuanke , Halasyamani P. Shiv
Published: June 2019

Two new non-centrosymmetric oxyhalides containing d0 and d10 cations and exhibiting strong second harmonic generation activity.
Spontaneous open-circuit voltage gain of fully fabricated organic solar cells caused by elimination of interfacial energy disorder
Authors: Sun Rui , Deng Dan , Guo Jing , Wu Qiang , Guo Jie , Shi Mumin , Shi Kui , Wang Tao , Xue Longjian , Wei Zhixiang , Min Jie
Published: June 2019

The investigation of the surface energy parameters of photovoltaic materials highlights the wetting coefficient as a dominant dynamic for spontaneous Voc gain.
Comparability of long-term temporal trends of POPs from co-located active and passive air monitoring networks in Europe
Authors: Kalina Jiří , White Kevin B. , Scheringer Martin , Přibylová Petra , Kukučka Petr , Audy Ondřej , Klánová Jana
Published: June 2019

Atmospheric concentrations and temporal trends of PCB 28 measured by co-located active (green) and passive (red) air sampling at the Birkenes monitoring station in Norway from 2004–2018.
Production of a renewable 1,3-diene containing a functional group from a furfural–acetone adduct in a fixed-bed reactor
Authors: Qi Yanlong , Liu Shijun , Cui Long , Dai Quanquan , He Jianyun , Dong Wei , Bai Chenxi
Published: June 2019

A renewable functionalized 1,3-diene containing a furan group is firstly produced from furfural and acetone by an alternative approach.
Rapid classification of plastic bottles by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) coupled with partial least squares discrimination analysis based on spectral windows (SW-PLS-DA)
Authors: Liu Ke , Tian Di , Deng Xinxin , Wang Hongxia , Yang Guang
Published: June 2019

With the increasingly extensive use of plastic bottles, the recycling and reuse of plastics continue to raise additional concerns.
Optimization of lithium isotope analysis in geological materials by quadrupole ICP-MS
Authors: Liu Xiao-Ming , Li Wenshuai
Published: June 2019

This study develops and optimizes a new method to measure lithium isotope ratios using a single collector quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (Q-ICP-MS) operated under hot plasma (1550 W) conditions.
Chiral biomineralized structures and their biomimetic synthesis
Authors: Jiang Wenge , Yi Xing , McKee Marc D.
Published: June 2019

Chiral biominerals found in Nature are described, together with how biomimetic chiral mineral structure can be induced by chiral molecules.