bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Propagation regimes of buoyancy-driven hydraulic fractures with solidification
Authors: Dontsov E. V.
Published: May 2016

This study investigates the propagation of a semi-infinite buoyancy-driven hydraulic fracture in situations when the fluid is able to solidify along the crack walls. Such problems occur when hot magma ascends from a chamber due to buoyancy forces and solidifies by interacting with colder rock. In the model, the solidification rate is calculated assuming a one-dimensional heat transfer problem, in which case it becomes mathematically equivalent to Carter’s leak-off model, which is commonly used to describe the fluid leak-off from a hydraulic fracture into a porous rock formation. In order to construct a mathematical model for a buoyancy-driven hydraulic fracture with solidification, the aforementioned thermal problem is combined with (i) linear plane-strain elasticity to ensure equilibrium of the rock surrounding the fracture, (ii) linear elastic fracture mechanics to determine the fracture propagation, (iii) lubrication theory to capture the viscous fluid flow inside the crack and to account for the effect of buoyancy, and (iv) volume balance of the magma. To address the problem, the governing equations are first rewritten in terms of one integral equation with a non-singular kernel, which significantly simplifies the analysis and the procedure for obtaining a numerical solution. The latter solution is shown to obey a multiscale behaviour near the fracture tip that is fully resolved by the numerical scheme. In order to understand the structure of the solution and to quantify the regimes of propagation (and the associated transitions), a thorough analysis of the problem has been performed. Finally, the developments are applied to investigate the non-steady propagation of a buoyancy-driven fracture that is fed by a constant flux.
Capillary breakup of a liquid bridge: identifying regimes and transitions
Authors: Li Yuan , Sprittles James E.
Published: May 2016

Computations of the breakup of a liquid bridge are used to establish the limits of applicability of similarity solutions derived for different breakup regimes. These regimes are based on particular viscous–inertial balances, that is, different limits of the Ohnesorge number $Oh$. To accurately establish the transitions between regimes, the minimum bridge radius is resolved through four orders of magnitude using a purpose-built multiscale finite element method. This allows us to construct a quantitative phase diagram for the breakup phenomenon which includes the appearance of a recently discovered low-$Oh$ viscous regime. The method used to quantify the accuracy of the similarity solutions allows us to identify a number of previously unobserved features of the breakup, most notably an oscillatory convergence towards the viscous–inertial similarity solution. Finally, we discuss how the new findings open up a number of challenges for both theoretical and experimental analysis.
CHARACTERIZATION OF
Authors: SÁEZ MERITXELL
Published: May 2016

In this paper a new geometric characterization of the $n$th symmetric product of a curve is given. Specifically, we assume that there exists a chain of smooth subvarieties $V_{i}$ of dimension $i$, such that $V_{i}$ is an ample divisor in $V_{i+1}$ and its intersection product with $V_{1}$ is one; that the Albanese dimension of $V_{2}$ is $2$ and the genus of $V_{1}$ is equal to the irregularity of the variety. We prove that in this case the variety is isomorphic to the symmetric product of a curve.
Effects of breast-feeding compared with formula-feeding on preterm infant body composition: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Huang Pan , Zhou Jianghua , Yin Yanan , Jing Wenjuan , Luo Biru , Wang Jiang
Published: May 2016

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the effect of breast-feeding and formula-feeding on body composition of preterm infants. We searched the literature using PubMed, Cochrane Central Library Issue, Ovid (Medline), Embase and other resources such as Google Scholar, electronic databases and bibliographies of relevant articles; two reviewers collected and extracted data independently. All the authors assessed risk of bias independently using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS). A fixed-effects meta-analysis was undertaken with RevMan 5 software (The Cochrane Collaboration) using the inverse variance method (P≥0·05;χ2test). In contrast, a random-effects meta-analysis was carried out. Altogether, 630 articles were identified using search strategy, and the references within retrieved articles were also assessed. A total of six studies were included in this systematic review. In formula-fed infants, fat mass was higher at term (mean difference 0·24 (95 % CI 0·17, 0·31) kg), fat-free mass was higher at 36 weeks of gestational (mean difference 0·12 (95 % CI 0·04, 0·21) kg) and the percentage of fat mass was higher at 36 weeks of gestation (mean difference 3·70 (95 % CI 1·81, 5·59) kg) compared with breast-fed infants. Compared with breast-feeding, formula-feeding is associated with altered body composition from birth to term in preterm infants. The effects of formula-feeding on preterm infant body composition from term to 12-month corrected age are inconclusive in our study. Well-designed studies are required in the future to explore the effects of formula-feeding compared with breast-feeding.
Did They Mind the Gap? Voter/Party Ideological Proximity between the BQ, the NDP and Quebec Voters, 2006–2011
Authors: Gauvin Jean-Philippe , Chhim Chris , Medeiros Mike
Published: May 2016

The 2011 Canadian federal election results changed the face of federal politics in Quebec. In a sudden and spectacular reversal of electoral fortunes, BQ support crumbled while that of the NDP surged. While most commentators focused exclusively on the 2011 election itself to explain what had happened, we offer an interpretation that takes a longitudinal approach. Using data from the Canadian Election Study and political party manifestos from 2006 to 2011, we propose a three-dimensional proximity model of voter/party congruence to explore the evolution of the ideological stances of Quebec voters and parties. Empirical results suggest these ideological distances between the NDP and Quebec voters decreased over time, whereas the BQ has distanced itself from voters. Furthermore, ideological distances between party and voters are a significant predictor of vote.
REVERSE EMULATION AND THE CULT OF JAPANESE EFFICIENCY IN EDWARDIAN BRITAIN
Authors: TONOOKA CHIKA
Published: May 2016

This article considers a particular moment in world history when an instant of epoch-making triumph in the non-West – Japan's defeat of Russia in 1905 – coincided with a period of intense national anxiety in Britain in the wake of the South African War (1899–1902). One outcome of this historical intersection was the emergence in Britain of a euphoric ‘cult of Japan’ that saw many Edwardians, obsessed with the idea of ‘efficiency’, deploy Japan as both a referent for British shortcomings and a model for reform. The article asks why proponents of ‘efficiency’ – most of them ardent imperialists – deemed it acceptable, even strategically advantageous, in such domestic debates to draw upon examples from Japan – an ‘Oriental’ race and former protégé – in apparent contradiction of Western supremacism. The article contends that Britain's emulative attitudes were underpinned by an emergent plural conception of ‘civilization’, which appraised Japan's attainment of civilization as consistent with Western standards whilst at the same time recognizing elements of Japanese particularity – an outlook that justified reciprocal learning.
POTENTIAL CONTRIBUTION OF ADULT POPULATIONS TO THE MAINTENANCE OF SCHISTOSOMIASIS AND SOIL-TRANSMITTED HELMINTH INFECTIONS IN THE SIAVONGA AND MAZABUKA DISTRICTS OF ZAMBIA
Authors: Halwindi Hikabasa , Magnussen Pascal , Olsen Annette , Lisulo Malimba
Published: May 2016

A majority of Zambian children live in impoverished communities that lack safe water and proper sanitation, exposing them to urogenital and intestinal helminths. Efforts to mitigate this plight have been implemented through mass drug administration aimed at deworming school-age and under-five children against schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths. However, the disease status of adults living in the same communities as the treated children remains unknown. The aim of this study was to describe the potential contribution of infected adult populations to the transmission of these infections in southern Zambia. A cross-sectional study was conducted in April and May 2013 as part of baseline survey for a larger study in Mazabuka and Siavonga Districts. Stool and urine samples of 2829 adults from five catchment areas were collected and processed using Kato-Katz and urine filtration methods, respectively. Adults from Siavonga had a 13.9% combined prevalence ofSchistosoma haematobiumandS. mansoni, and 12.1% combined prevalence ofAscaris lumbricoidesand hookworm. There was noS. mansoniin Mazabuka, and only a 5.3% prevalence ofS. haematobiumand 7.4% combined prevalence ofA. lumbricoidesand hookworm. Additionally, noTrichuris trichiurainfections were observed in the two districts. Despite most of these infections being categorized as light intensity, heavy infection intensities were also found for all four parasite species. If this infected adult population is left untreated, the possibility of it acting as a reservoir of infections and ultimately transmitting the infections to treated children remains. Therefore, there is need to consider alternative treatment strategies that incorporate adults, thereby reducing the risk of contaminating the environment and perpetuating transmission to children.
Human infection withStrongyloides stercoralisand other related Strongyloides species
Authors: NUTMAN THOMAS B.
Published: May 2016

The majority of the 30–100 million people infected withStrongyloides stercoralis, a soil transmitted intestinal nematode, have subclinical (or asymptomatic) infections. These infections are commonly chronic and longstanding because of the autoinfective process associated with its unique life cycle. A change in immune status can increase parasite numbers, leading to hyperinfection syndrome, dissemination, and death if unrecognized. Corticosteroid use and HTLV-1 infection are most commonly associated with the hyperinfection syndrome.Strongyloidesadult parasites reside in the small intestine and induce immune responses both local and systemic that remain poorly characterized. Definitive diagnosis ofS. stercoralisinfection is based on stool examinations for larvae, but newer diagnostics – including new immunoassays and molecular tests – will assume primacy in the next few years. Although good treatment options exist for infection and control of this infection might be possible,S. stercoralisremains largely neglected.
Absolute continuity of complex Bernoulli convolutions
Authors: SHMERKIN PABLO , SOLOMYAK BORIS
Published: May 2016

We prove that complex Bernoulli convolutions are absolutely continuous in the supercritical parameter region, outside of an exceptional set of parameters of zero Hausdorff dimension. Similar results are also obtained in the biased case, and for other parametrised families of self-similar sets and measures in the complex plane, extending earlier results.
Webs and the Plebański equation
Authors: KRYŃSKI WOJCIECH
Published: May 2016

We consider 3-webs, hyper-para-complex structures and integrable Segre structures on manifolds of even dimension and generalise the second heavenly Plebański equation in the context of higher-dimensional hyper-para-complex structures. We also characterise the Segre structures admitting a compatible hyper-para-complex structure in terms of systems of ordinary differential equations.
Mappings of Lp-integrable distortion: regularity of the inverse
Authors: Onninen Jani , Tengvall Ville
Published: May 2016

Let be an open set in ℝn and suppose that is a Sobolev homeomorphism. We study the regularity of f–1 under the Lp-integrability assumption on the distortion function Kf. First, if is the unit ball and p > n – 1, then the optimal local modulus of continuity of f–1 is attained by a radially symmetric mapping. We show that this is not the case when p ⩽ n – 1 and n ⩾ 3, and answer a question raised by S. Hencl and P. Koskela. Second, we obtain the optimal integrability results for ∣Df–1∣ in terms of the Lp-integrability assumptions of Kf.
Pairs of positive periodic solutions of nonlinear ODEs with indefinite weight: a topological degree approach for the super–sublinear case
Authors: Boscaggin Alberto , Feltrin Guglielmo , Zanolin Fabio
Published: May 2016

We study the periodic and Neumann boundary-value problems associated with the second-order nonlinear differential equation

where is a sublinear function at infinity having superlinear growth at zero. We prove the existence of two positive solutions when

and λ > 0 is sufficiently large. Our approach is based on Mawhin's coincidence degree theory and index computations.
Assessment of antibodies against surface and outer membrane proteins of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Lyme borreliosis and tick-borne encephalitis paediatric patients
Authors: KRBKOVÁ L. , HOMOLA L. , HLAVÁČOVÁ A. , MIKOLÁŠEK P. , BEDNÁŘOVÁ J. , ČERMÁKOVÁ Z.
Published: May 2016

To examine evidence of positive antibodies against immunogenic proteins of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in patients with other tick-borne infections and to diagnose possible co-infections, 412 serum specimens were tested by immunoblotting using three specific Anaplasma antigens: surface proteins p44 and Asp62 and outer membrane protein A (OmpA). In total, 284 serum samples from children with Lyme borreliosis and 12 serum samples from children with tick-borne encephalitis were tested. Sera from patients with viral aseptic meningitis (n = 47) and from blood donors (n = 69) were used as controls. Among all serum specimens from patients with tick-borne infections submitted for this study, six samples (2·0%) showed positive IgM reactions and seven samples (2·4%) were IgG positive for A. phagocytophilum by immunoblot. Borderline reactivity was found in 30 samples (10·14%) for IgM and 36 samples (12·2%) for IgG. The difference between patients and blood donors was statistically significant for IgM (P = 0·006) and for IgG (P = 0·0007) antibodies. A statistically significant result was obtained for IgG (P = 0·02) but not for IgM between patients and children with aseptic meningitis. Immunoblot using three specific antigens provides novel information about the positivity of antibodies to A. phagocytophilum in children with other tick-borne infections. Taking into account clinical and laboratory findings of children despite antibody positivity, no case of human granulocytic anaplasmosis was demonstrated.
Wintering waterbirds in the middle and lower Yangtze River floodplain: changes in abundance and distribution
Authors: WANG WENJUAN , FRASER JAMES D. , CHEN JIAKUAN
Published: May 2016

The middle and lower Yangtze River floodplain is a globally important wintering area for waterbirds in the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. Ornithologists have reported on wintering waterbirds in the floodplain since the 1950s. However, an integrated analysis of the long-term changes in waterbird diversity is not available. Here, we synthesise existing information on changes in wintering waterbird abundance and distribution in the floodplain, summarise possible influencing factors and propose some priorities for further research. Waterbird richness and abundance have declined over the past 60 years. Declining trends have been observed in a number of areas and species. Nevertheless, a few areas and species showed different trends. In addition, waterbirds have become more concentrated in a few suitable areas such as Poyang Lake and Dongting Lake. Land reclamation, hunting, dam operation and extensive aquaculture are probably the four major threats to wintering waterbirds, while establishment of nature reserves is beneficial to waterbird conservation. Our study suggests that waterbirds in the floodplain are vulnerable, and that effective conservation measures are needed to protect and restore the waterbird diversity of this area.
FETAL AND MATERNAL CONSEQUENCES OF PREGNANCIES CONCEIVED USING ART
Authors: AIKEN CATHERINE E. M. , BROCKELSBY JEREMY C.
Published: May 2016

Artificial reproductive technology (ART) was first introduced to clinical practice in the late 1970s1 and has subsequently resulted in approximately 5 million births worldwide2. Globally, the rates of assisted conceptions continue to rise3. In 2011, approximately 1.5% of all pregnancies in the US were conceived using ART4. Since its introduction, much interest has been generated regarding the effects of ART on the developing fetus and potential adverse impacts on the health of the mother. In particular, early studies suggested an increase in fetal genetic and structural anomalies, and a high risk of perinatal complications. As experience with pregnancies conceived using ART has increased worldwide and more data regarding the outcomes of ART-conceived pregnancies have been reported, many of the initial worries have been shown to be unfounded. However, concern still exists regarding whether any adverse fetal and maternal outcomes result from the use of this technology. Many studies have reported higher risks of fetal complications following the use of ART including an increase in perinatal mortality, even in singleton pregnancies5,6. However, interpretation of these data are far from simple and it is important to consider that observations of higher rates of complications do not equate to a causal relationship between adverse pregnancy outcomes and the use of ART7. There are multiple confounding factors that may account for these associations, many of which are difficult to control for in large-scale studies.
The impact of a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages according to socio-economic position: a systematic review of the evidence
Authors: Backholer Kathryn , Sarink Danja , Beauchamp Alison , Keating Catherine , Loh Venurs , Ball Kylie , Martin Jane , Peeters Anna
Published: May 2016

Objective

A tax on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) has been proposed to address population weight gain but the effect across socio-economic position (SEP) is unclear. The current study aimed to clarify the differential impact(s) of SSB taxes on beverage purchases and consumption, weight outcomes and the amount paid in SSB taxes according to SEP.

Design

Databases (OVID and EMBASE) and grey literature were systematically searched in June 2015 to identify studies that examined effects of an SSB price increase on beverage purchases or consumption, weight outcomes or the amount paid in tax across SEP, within high-income countries.

Results

Of the eleven included articles, three study types were identified: (i) those that examined the association between variation in SSB taxes and SSB consumption and/or body weight (n 3); (ii) price elasticity estimation of SSB demand (n 1); and (iii) modelling of hypothetical SSB taxes by combining price elasticity estimates with population SEP-specific beverage consumption, energy intake or body weight (n 7). Few studies statistically tested differences in outcomes between SEP groups. Nevertheless, of the seven studies that reported on changes in weight outcomes for the total population following an increase in SSB price, all reported either similar reductions in weight across SEP groups or greater reductions for lower compared with higher SEP groups. All studies that examined the average household amount paid in tax (n 5) reported that an SSB tax would be regressive, but with small differences between higher- and lower-income households (0·10–1·0 % and 0·03 %–0·60 % of annual household income paid in SSB tax for low- and high-income households, respectively).

Conclusions

Based on the available evidence, a tax on SSB will deliver similar population weight benefits across socio-economic strata or greater benefits for lower SEP groups. An SSB tax is shown to be consistently financially regressive, but to a small degree.
Can a dietary quality score derived from a short-form FFQ assess dietary quality in UK adult population surveys?
Authors: Cleghorn Christine L , Harrison Roger A , Ransley Joan K , Wilkinson Shan , Thomas James , Cade Janet E
Published: May 2016

Objective

To devise a measure of diet quality from a short-form FFQ (SFFFQ) for population surveys. To validate the SFFFQ against an extensive FFQ and a 24 h diet recall.

Design

Population-based cross-sectional survey.

Setting

East Leeds and Bolton in Northern England.

Subjects

Adults (n1999) were randomly selected from lists of those registered with a general practitioner in the study areas, contacted by mail and asked to complete the SFFFQ. Responders were sent a longer FFQ to complete and asked if they would take part in a telephone-based 24 h diet recall.

Results

Results from 826 people completing the SFFFQ, 705 completing the FFQ and forty-seven completing the diet recall were included in the analyses. The dietary quality score (DQS), based on fruit, vegetable, oily fish, non-milk extrinsic sugar and fat intakes, showed significant agreement between the SFFFQ and the FFQ (κ=0·38,P<0·001). The DQS for the SFFFQ and the diet recall did not show significant agreement (κ=0·04,P=0·312). A number of single items on the SFFFQ predicted a ‘healthy’ DQS when calculated from the FFQ. The odds of having a healthy diet were increased by 27 % (95 % CI 9, 49 %,P<0·001) for an increase in fruit of 1 portion/d and decreased by 67 % (95 % CI 47, 79 %,P<0·001) for an increase in crisps of 1 portion/d.

Conclusions

The SFFFQ has been shown to be an effective method of assessing diet quality. It provides an important method for determining variations in diet quality within and across different populations.
Protective lifestyle behaviours and depression in middle-aged Irish men and women: a secondary analysis
Authors: Maher Gillian M , Perry Catherine P , Perry Ivan J , Harrington Janas M
Published: May 2016

Objective

To examine the association between protective lifestyle behaviours (PLB) and depression in middle-aged Irish adults.

Design

Secondary analysis of a cross-sectional study. PLB (non-smoker, moderate alcohol, physical activity, adequate fruit and vegetable intake) were assessed using a general health and lifestyle questionnaire and a validated FFQ. Depression was assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. A score of 15–21 indicates mild/moderate depression and a score of 22 or more indicates a possibility of major depression. Binary logistic regression was used to examine the association between PLB and depression.

Setting

Livinghealth Clinic, Mitchelstown, North Cork, Republic of Ireland.

Subjects

Men and women aged 50–69 years were selected at random from a list of patients registered at the clinic (n 2047, 67 % response rate).

Results

Over 8 % of participants engaged in zero or one PLB, 24 % and 39 % had two and three PLB respectively, while 28 % had four PLB. Those who practised three/four PLB were significantly more likely to be female, have a higher level of education and were categorised as having no depressive symptoms. Engaging in zero or one PLB was significantly associated with an increased odds of depression compared with four PLB. Results remained significant after adjusting for several confounders, including age, gender, education and BMI (OR=2·2; 95 % CI 1·2, 4·0; P for trend=0·001).

Conclusions

While causal inference cannot be established in a cross-sectional study, the findings suggest that healthy behaviours may play a vital role in the promotion of positive mental health or, at a minimum, are associated with lower levels of depression.
The Sustainability of the Youth Foyer Model: A Comparison of the UK and Australia
Authors: Steen Adam , MacKenzie David
Published: May 2016

The youth foyer model was designed to provide a package of support, including accommodation to homeless or at-risk young people, based on participation in education, training and/or employment as a supported transition to independent living and a sustainable livelihood. Commencing in the early 1990s, the UK has developed a large number of foyers while Australia is a relative newcomer to this kind of supportive youth housing. Unlike in the UK, existing and proposed Australian foyer income generated from current benefits and subsidies is not sufficient to cover the cost of support. We highlight the need for an extensible source of funding specifically for supportive housing for homeless and at-risk youth in order to ensure the financial sustainability and therefore replicability of the foyer model in Australia. We also discuss some issues relating to the translation of the model from one national context to another.
THE POST-HEIDEGGERIAN AGE
Authors: LEBOVIC NITZAN
Published: May 2016

What is it in the drama of Heidegger's existential query that keeps us so busy, nearly a century since its introduction into the philosophical discourse? Is it its darkness? Or is it the absolute demand for a dangerous “opening to the world” while shutting down any possibility for self-disclosure? Or maybe, just maybe, it is Heidegger's critical self-reflection, a stance as remarkable as his refusal to take responsibility and practice self-restraint when considering his own biased views and complacency with the Nazi regime?
‘Learning again and again to pray’: Anglican Forms of Daily Prayer, 1979–2014
Authors: Burns Stephen
Published: May 2016

The 2014 publication of the Episcopal Church’s resource for daily prayer,Daily Prayer for All Seasons, invites reflection on recent developments in provision for everyday services around the Anglican Communion. Not only is the new resource considerably different from the material it complements in theBook of Common Prayer 1979, it also represents a departure from a certain commonality that has emerged in material from around the Communion since 1979. While this article does not map those developments in detail, it does chart some of the shifts occurring in various provinces and relates that survey to current discussions about ‘Anglican identity and liturgical diversity’. The article serves both as an introduction toDaily Prayer for All Seasonsand as a wider reflection on Anglican forms of everyday services in the period from 1979–2014.
CPW-fed slotted CANTOR Set fractal antenna for WiMAX and WLAN applications
Authors: Reha Abdelati , El Amri Abdelkebir , Benhmammouch Othmane , Oulad Said Ahmed , El Ouadih Abdelhakim , Bouchouirbat Marouane
Published: May 2016

This paper presents the behavior of three iterations of a coplanar waveguide fed CANTOR Set fractal antenna. This kind of antennas allows having a broadband behavior and important gains. Also, the setup of slots allows having more lower resonant frequencies and therefore designing miniaturized antennas with good performances. The proposed antennas are suitable for 2.5/3.3/5/5.5 GHz worldwide interoperability for microwave access and for 2.4–2.5/4.9–5.9 GHz wireless local area networks applications. The simulations were performed in FEKO 6.3. The measurements were performed with Vector Network Analyzer HP 8719C.
Description of production system and on-farm phenotypic characterization of Central Highland and Woyto-Guji goat breeds in Ethiopia
Authors: Zergaw Netsanet , Dessie Tadelle , Kebede Kefelegn
Published: May 2016

The study examines phenotypic characterization of Central Highland and Woyto-Guji goat breeds at Meta Robi and Konso districts of Ethiopia. Purposive and random sampling techniques were employed to select sample villages and respondent. For administration of semi-structured questionnaire and phenotypic characterization, a total of 240 households and 601 adult animals, respectively, were selected. The average goat flock size (31.25 ± 22.46) owned per household of Konso was significantly (P< 0.01) higher than Meta Robi (12.73 ± 8). In Konso, natural pasture was the most frequently mentioned feed source during wet season, while hay was the most important feed source during dry season. On the other hand, in Meta Robi, natural pasture was the most frequently mentioned feed source during wet and dry seasons. Coat colour type, horn shape, ear orientation, wattle and beard were found to differ highly significantly (P< 0.001) among the two goat breeds. Goat breed had a significant effect (P< 0.001) on body weight and other body measurements except pelvic width (P> 0.05). The least-square means of body weight, body length, height at wither, chest girth, chest width, ramp length, horn length, ear length and pelvic width of Central Highland female goats were 29.5 ± 0.2 kg, 62.2 ± 0.2 cm, 67.5 ± 0.2 cm, 72.9 ± 0.2 cm, 13.4 ± 0.1 cm, 19.7 ± 0.1 cm, 12.8 ± 0.2 cm, 14.6 ± 0.1 cm and 13.5 ± 0.1 cm, respectively. The corresponding values for Woyto-Guji female goats were 24.8 ± 0.3 kg, 57.4 ± 0.2 cm, 61.9 ± 0.2 cm, 68.3 ± 0.2 cm, 12.1 ± 0.1 cm, 17.3 ± 0.1 cm, 10 ± 0.2 cm, 13 ± 0.1 cm and 13.4 ± 0.1 cm, respectively. The observed variations in production system and morphological traits among the sample populations coupled with their adaptive traits would indeed justify the need for designing breed improvement programme for both breeds.
Giant edge state splitting at atomically precise graphene zigzag edges
Authors: Wang Shiyong , Talirz Leopold , Pignedoli Carlo A. , Feng Xinliang , Müllen Klaus , Fasel Roman , Ruffieux Pascal
Published: May 2016

Zigzag edges of graphene nanostructures host localized electronic states that are predicted to be spin-polarized. However, these edge states are highly susceptible to edge roughness and interaction with a supporting substrate, complicating the study of their intrinsic electronic and magnetic structure. Here, we focus on atomically precise graphene nanoribbons whose two short zigzag edges host exactly one localized electron each. Using the tip of a scanning tunnelling microscope, the graphene nanoribbons are transferred from the metallic growth substrate onto insulating islands of NaCl in order to decouple their electronic structure from the metal. The absence of charge transfer and hybridization with the substrate is confirmed by scanning tunnelling spectroscopy, which reveals a pair of occupied/unoccupied edge states. Their large energy splitting of 1.9 eV is in accordance with ab initio many-body perturbation theory calculations and reflects the dominant role of electron–electron interactions in these localized states.
Data-driven magnetohydrodynamic modelling of a flux-emerging active region leading to solar eruption
Authors: Jiang Chaowei , Wu S. T. , Feng Xuesheng , Hu Qiang
Published: May 2016

Solar eruptions are well-recognized as major drivers of space weather but what causes them remains an open question. Here we show how an eruption is initiated in a non-potential magnetic flux-emerging region using magnetohydrodynamic modelling driven directly by solar magnetograms. Our model simulates the coronal magnetic field following a long-duration quasi-static evolution to its fast eruption. The field morphology resembles a set of extreme ultraviolet images for the whole process. Study of the magnetic field suggests that in this event, the key transition from the pre-eruptive to eruptive state is due to the establishment of a positive feedback between the upward expansion of internal stressed magnetic arcades of new emergence and an external magnetic reconnection which triggers the eruption. Such a nearly realistic simulation of a solar eruption from origin to onset can provide important insight into its cause, and also has the potential for improving space weather modelling.
The elongation factor Spt5 facilitates transcription initiation for rapid induction of inflammatory-response genes
Authors: Diamant Gil , Bahat Anat , Dikstein Rivka
Published: May 2016

A subset of inflammatory-response NF-κB target genes is activated immediately following pro-inflammatory signal. Here we followed the kinetics of primary transcript accumulation after NF-κB activation when the elongation factor Spt5 is knocked down. While elongation rate is unchanged, the transcript synthesis at the 5′-end and at the earliest time points is delayed and reduced, suggesting an unexpected role in early transcription. Investigating the underlying mechanism reveals that the induced TFIID–promoter association is practically abolished by Spt5 depletion. This effect is associated with a decrease in promoter-proximal H3K4me3 and H4K5Ac histone modifications that are differentially required for rapid transcriptional induction. In contrast, the displacement of TFIIE and Mediator, which occurs during promoter escape, is attenuated in the absence of Spt5. Our findings are consistent with a central role of Spt5 in maintenance of TFIID–promoter association and promoter escape to support rapid transcriptional induction and re-initiation of inflammatory-response genes.
The fast-recycling receptor Megalin defines the apical recycling pathway of epithelial cells
Authors: Perez Bay Andres E. , Schreiner Ryan , Benedicto Ignacio , Paz Marzolo Maria , Banfelder Jason , Weinstein Alan M. , Rodriguez-Boulan Enrique J.
Published: May 2016

The basolateral recycling and transcytotic pathways of epithelial cells were previously defined using markers such as transferrin (TfR) and polymeric IgA (pIgR) receptors. In contrast, our knowledge of the apical recycling pathway remains fragmentary. Here we utilize quantitative live-imaging and mathematical modelling to outline the recycling pathway of Megalin (LRP-2), an apical receptor with key developmental and renal functions, in MDCK cells. We show that, like TfR, Megalin is a long-lived and fast-recycling receptor. Megalin enters polarized MDCK cells through segregated apical sorting endosomes and subsequently intersects the TfR and pIgR pathways at a perinuclear Rab11-negative compartment termed common recycling endosomes (CRE). Whereas TfR recycles to the basolateral membrane from CRE, Megalin, like pIgR, traffics to subapical Rab11-positive apical recycling endosomes (ARE) and reaches the apical membrane in a microtubule- and Rab11-dependent manner. Hence, Megalin defines the apical recycling pathway of epithelia, with CRE as its apical sorting station.
Light-activated photocurrent degradation and self-healing in perovskite solar cells
Authors: Nie Wanyi , Blancon Jean-Christophe , Neukirch Amanda J. , Appavoo Kannatassen , Tsai Hsinhan , Chhowalla Manish , Alam Muhammad A. , Sfeir Matthew Y. , Katan Claudine , Even Jacky , Tretiak Sergei , Crochet Jared J. , Gupta Gautam , Mohite Aditya D.
Published: May 2016

Solution-processed organometallic perovskite solar cells have emerged as one of the most promising thin-film photovoltaic technology. However, a key challenge is their lack of stability over prolonged solar irradiation. Few studies have investigated the effect of light soaking on hybrid perovskites and have attributed the degradation in the optoelectronic properties to photochemical or field-assisted ion migration. Here we show that the slow photocurrent degradation in thin-film photovoltaic devices is due to the formation of light-activated meta-stable deep-level trap states. However, the devices can self-heal completely by resting them in the dark for <1 min or the degradation can be completely prevented by operating the devices at 0 °C. We investigate several physical mechanisms to explain the microscopic origin for the formation of these trap states, among which the creation of small polaronic states involving localized cooperative lattice strain and molecular orientations emerges as a credible microscopic mechanism requiring further detailed studies.
Correction: Corrigendum: From the Au nano-clusters to the nanoparticles on 4H-SiC (0001)
Authors: Li Ming-Yu , Zhang Quanzhen , Pandey Puran , Sui Mao , Kim Eun-Soo , Lee Jihoon
Published: May 2016

Scientific Reports 5: Article number: 13954; Published online: 10 September 2015; Updated: 16 May 2016 In the original version of this Article, the deposition thickness of Au ‘10 nm’ was incorrectly written as ‘8 nm’. As a result, In the Abstract, “With the relatively high DAs (8 and 15 nm), depending on the AT variation, the surface morphology drastically evolve in two distinctive phases, i.
Identification of rs671, a common variant of ALDH2, as a gout susceptibility locus
Authors: Sakiyama Masayuki , Matsuo Hirotaka , Nakaoka Hirofumi , Yamamoto Ken , Nakayama Akiyoshi , Nakamura Takahiro , Kawai Sayo , Okada Rieko , Ooyama Hiroshi , Shimizu Toru , Shinomiya Nariyoshi
Published: May 2016

Gout is a common disease resulting from hyperuricemia. Recently, a genome-wide association study identified an association between gout and a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs2188380, located on an intergenic region between MYL2 and CUX2 on chromosome 12. However, other genes around rs2188380 could possibly be gout susceptibility genes. Therefore, we performed a fine-mapping study of the MYL2-CUX2 region. From 8,595 SNPs in the MYL2-CUX2 region, 9 tag SNPs were selected and genotyping of 1,048 male gout patients and 1,334 male controls was performed by TaqMan method. Eight SNPs showed significant associations with gout after Bonferroni correction. rs671 (Glu504Lys) of ALDH2 had the most significant association with gout (P = 1.7 × 10−18, odds ratio = 0.53). After adjustment for rs671, the other 8 SNPs no longer showed a significant association with gout, while the significant association of rs671 remained. rs671 has been reportedly associated with alcohol drinking behavior and it is well-known that alcohol drinking elevates serum uric acid levels. These data suggest that rs671, a common functional SNP of ALDH2, is a genuine gout-associated SNP in the MYL2-CUX2 locus and that “A” allele (Lys) of rs671 plays a protective role in the development of gout.
Wideband Scattering Diffusion by using Diffraction of Periodic Surfaces and Optimized Unit Cell Geometries
Authors: Costa Filippo , Monorchio Agostino , Manara Giuliano
Published: May 2016

A methodology to obtain wideband scattering diffusion based on periodic artificial surfaces is presented. The proposed surfaces provide scattering towards multiple propagation directions across an extremely wide frequency band. They comprise unit cells with an optimized geometry and arranged in a periodic lattice characterized by a repetition period larger than one wavelength which induces the excitation of multiple Floquet harmonics. The geometry of the elementary unit cell is optimized in order to minimize the reflection coefficient of the fundamental Floquet harmonic over a wide frequency band. The optimization of FSS geometry is performed through a genetic algorithm in conjunction with periodic Method of Moments. The design method is verified through full-wave simulations and measurements. The proposed solution guarantees very good performance in terms of bandwidth-thickness ratio and removes the need of a high-resolution printing process.
Deciphering the relationship among phosphate dynamics, electron-dense body and lipid accumulation in the green alga Parachlorella kessleri
Authors: Ota Shuhei , Yoshihara Mai , Yamazaki Tomokazu , Takeshita Tsuyoshi , Hirata Aiko , Konomi Mami , Oshima Kenshiro , Hattori Masahira , Bišová Kateřina , Zachleder Vilém , Kawano Shigeyuki
Published: May 2016

Phosphorus is an essential element for life on earth and is also important for modern agriculture, which is dependent on inorganic fertilizers from phosphate rock. Polyphosphate is a biological polymer of phosphate residues, which is accumulated in organisms during the biological wastewater treatment process to enhance biological phosphorus removal. Here, we investigated the relationship between polyphosphate accumulation and electron-dense bodies in the green alga Parachlorella kessleri. Under sulfur-depleted conditions, in which some symporter genes were upregulated, while others were downregulated, total phosphate accumulation increased in the early stage of culture compared to that under sulfur-replete conditions. The P signal was detected only in dense bodies by energy dispersive X-ray analysis. Transmission electron microscopy revealed marked ultrastructural variations in dense bodies with and without polyphosphate. Our findings suggest that the dense body is a site of polyphosphate accumulation and P. kessleri has potential as a phosphate-accumulating organism.
Transporter protein and drug-conjugated gold nanoparticles capable of bypassing the blood-brain barrier
Authors: Zhang Yanhua , Walker Janelle Buttry , Minic Zeljka , Liu Fangchao , Goshgarian Harry , Mao Guangzhao
Published: May 2016

Drug delivery to the central nervous system (CNS) is challenging due to the inability of many drugs to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Here, we show that wheat germ agglutinin horse radish peroxidase (WGA-HRP) chemically conjugated to gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) can be transported to the spinal cord and brainstem following intramuscular injection into the diaphragm of rats. We synthesized and determined the size and chemical composition of a three-part nanoconjugate consisting of WGA-HRP, AuNPs and drugs for the treatment of diaphragm paralysis associated with high cervical spinal cord injury (SCI). Upon injection into the diaphragm muscle of rats, we show that the nanoconjugate is capable of delivering the drug at a much lower dose than the unconjugated drug injected systemically to effectively induce respiratory recovery in rats following SCI. This study not only demonstrates a promising strategy to deliver drugs to the CNS bypassing the BBB but also contributes a potential nanotherapy for the treatment of respiratory muscle paralysis resulted from cervical SCI.
Confined SnO2 quantum-dot clusters in graphene sheets as high-performance anodes for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Zhu Chengling , Zhu Shenmin , Zhang Kai , Hui Zeyu , Pan Hui , Chen Zhixin , Li Yao , Zhang Di , Wang Da-Wei
Published: May 2016

Construction of metal oxide nanoparticles as anodes is of special interest for next-generation lithium-ion batteries. The main challenge lies in their rapid capacity fading caused by the structural degradation and instability of solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer during charge/discharge process. Herein, we address these problems by constructing a novel-structured SnO2-based anode. The novel structure consists of mesoporous clusters of SnO2 quantum dots (SnO2 QDs), which are wrapped with reduced graphene oxide (RGO) sheets. The mesopores inside the clusters provide enough room for the expansion and contraction of SnO2 QDs during charge/discharge process while the integral structure of the clusters can be maintained. The wrapping RGO sheets act as electrolyte barrier and conductive reinforcement. When used as an anode, the resultant composite (MQDC-SnO2/RGO) shows an extremely high reversible capacity of 924 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at 100 mA g−1, superior capacity retention (96%), and outstanding rate performance (505 mAh g−1 after 1000 cycles at 1000 mA g−1). Importantly, the materials can be easily scaled up under mild conditions. Our findings pave a new way for the development of metal oxide towards enhanced lithium storage performance.
Phosphoprotein network analysis of white adipose tissues unveils deregulated pathways in response to high-fat diet
Authors: Alli Shaik Asfa , Qiu Beiying , Wee Sheena , Choi Hyungwon , Gunaratne Jayantha , Tergaonkar Vinay
Published: May 2016

Despite efforts in the last decade, signaling aberrations associated with obesity remain poorly understood. To dissect molecular mechanisms that define this complex metabolic disorder, we carried out global phosphoproteomic analysis of white adipose tissue (WAT) from mice fed on low-fat diet (LFD) and high-fat diet (HFD). We quantified phosphorylation levels on 7696 peptides, and found significant differential phosphorylation levels in 282 phosphosites from 191 proteins, including various insulin-responsive proteins and metabolic enzymes involved in lipid homeostasis in response to high-fat feeding. Kinase-substrate prediction and integrated network analysis of the altered phosphoproteins revealed underlying signaling modulations during HFD-induced obesity, and suggested deregulation of lipogenic and lipolytic pathways. Mutation of the differentially-regulated novel phosphosite on cytoplasmic acetyl-coA forming enzyme ACSS2 (S263A) upon HFD-induced obesity led to accumulation of serum triglycerides and reduced insulin-responsive AKT phosphorylation as compared to wild type ACSS2, thus highlighting its role in obesity. Altogether, our study presents a comprehensive map of adipose tissue phosphoproteome in obesity and reveals many previously unknown candidate phosphorylation sites for future functional investigation.
Targeting multiple response regulators of Mycobacterium tuberculosis augments the host immune response to infection
Authors: Banerjee Srijon Kaushik , Kumar Manish , Alokam Reshma , Sharma Arun Kumar , Chatterjee Ayan , Kumar Ranjeet , Sahu Sanjaya Kumar , Jana Kuladip , Singh Ramandeep , Yogeeswari Perumal , Sriram Dharmarajan , Basu Joyoti , Kundu Manikuntala
Published: May 2016

The genome of M. tuberculosis (Mtb) encodes eleven paired two component systems (TCSs) consisting of a sensor kinase (SK) and a response regulator (RR). The SKs sense environmental signals triggering RR-dependent gene expression pathways that enable the bacterium to adapt in the host milieu. We demonstrate that a conserved motif present in the C-terminal domain regulates the DNA binding functions of the OmpR family of Mtb RRs. Molecular docking studies against this motif helped to identify two molecules with a thiazolidine scaffold capable of targeting multiple RRs and modulating their regulons to attenuate bacterial replication in macrophages. The changes in the bacterial transcriptome extended to an altered immune response with increased autophagy and NO production, leading to compromised survival of Mtb in macrophages. Our findings underscore the promise of targeting multiple RRs as a novel yet unexplored approach for development of new anti-mycobacterial agents particularly against drug-resistant Mtb.
A single exercise bout enhances the manufacture of viral-specific T-cells from healthy donors: implications for allogeneic adoptive transfer immunotherapy
Authors: Spielmann Guillaume , Bollard Catherine M. , Kunz Hawley , Hanley Patrick J. , Simpson Richard J.
Published: May 2016

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infections remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The adoptive transfer of donor-derived viral-specific cytotoxic T-cells (VSTs) is an effective treatment for controlling CMV and EBV infections after HSCT; however, new practical methods are required to augment the ex vivo manufacture of multi-VSTs from healthy donors. This study investigated the effects of a single exercise bout on the ex vivo manufacture of multi-VSTs. PBMCs isolated from healthy CMV/EBV seropositive participants before (PRE) and immediately after (POST) 30-minutes of cycling exercise were stimulated with CMV (pp65 and IE1) and EBV (LMP2A and BMLF1) peptides and expanded over 8 days. The number (fold difference from PRE) of T-cells specific for CMV pp65 (2.6), EBV LMP2A (2.5) and EBV BMLF1 (4.4) was greater among the VSTs expanded POST. VSTs expanded PRE and POST had similar phenotype characteristics and were equally capable of MHC-restricted killing of autologous target cells. We conclude that a single exercise bout enhances the manufacture of multi-VSTs from healthy donors without altering their phenotype or function and may serve as a simple and economical adjuvant to boost the production of multi-VSTs for allogeneic adoptive transfer immunotherapy.