bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Japan’s Rejuvenation and the US-China Divide
Authors: Teo Victor
Published: April 2019

Japan’s normalization and rejuvenation currently hinges on the strengthening of the US-Japan security alliance, the revision of the constitution, and socializing Japanese society to reframe their historical perspective and social norms away from pacifism to support Japan’s military reorientation. Tokyo faces resistance and inertia from the nation’s pacifist traditions and democratic culture that prevents the revision of the constitution or the sustained support of JSDF deployments abroad. Externally, Japan risks falling into the trap of being chain-ganged right into the center of a hegemonic struggle between the US and China. Using Southeast Asia as a case study, the chapter argues that Japan should rise above the hegemonic contention and help Southeast Asia develop, paving the way for a renewed engagement with its neighbors. In doing so, Japan can secure the necessary political support and respect for its forthcoming rejuvenation as a global power.
Peacekeepers But Not Quite Peacebuilders: Japan’s Evolving Role in the Middle East Peace Process
Authors: Teo Victor
Published: April 2019

Even though the rejuvenation of Japan calls for a greater role for Japan in international affairs, the extent to which Japan is able to do this in the Middle East is still relatively constrained. Japan seems to be focused on the traditional dimensions of “peacekeeping,” with its efforts concentrated on traditional elements of military support and humanitarian intervention. This kind of single-minded focus, however, appears to stymie the realization of a bigger potential role Japan could be well equipped to play. The chapter raises the question as to why Japan is unable or unwilling to play a greater role in the mediation of the Arab-Israeli conflict, given that Japan’s national interests are closely tied to the Middle East. This chapter explores and assesses past and recent Japanese efforts, particularly since Prime Minister Abe came to power, to become a dominant political power in its own right as a peacemaker.
Heavy Higgs as a portal to the supersymmetric electroweak sector
Authors: Gori Stefania , Liu Zhen , Shakya Bibhushan
Published: April 2019

Abstract

The electroweak sector of the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model (MSSM) — neutralinos, charginos and sleptons — remains relatively weakly constrained at the LHC due in part to the small production cross sections of these particles. In this paper, we study the prospects of searching for decays of heavy Higgs bosons into these superpartners at the high luminosity LHC. In addition to the kinematic handles offered by the presence of a resonant particle in the production chain, heavy Higgs decays can be the dominant production mode of these superpartners, making it possible to extend coverage to otherwise inaccessible regions of the supersymmetry and heavy Higgs parameter space. We illustrate our ideas with detailed collider analyses of two specific topologies: we propose search strategies for heavy Higgs decay to a pair of neutralinos, which can probe heavy Higgs bosons up to 1 TeV in the intermediate tan β(∼2 − 8) region, where standard heavy Higgs searches have no reach. Similarly, we show that targeted searches for heavy Higgs decays into staus can probe stau masses up to several hundred GeV. We also provide a general overview of additional decay channels that might be accessible at the high luminosity LHC. This motivates a broader program for LHC heavy Higgs searches.
Fakeons and the classicization of quantum gravity: the FLRW metric
Authors: Anselmi Damiano
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Under certain assumptions, it is possible to make sense of higher derivative theories by quantizing the unwanted degrees of freedom as fakeons, which are later projected away. Then the true classical limit is obtained by classicizing the quantum theory. Since quantum field theory is formulated perturbatively, the classicization is also perturbative. After deriving a number of properties in a general setting, we consider the theory of quantum gravity that emerges from the fakeon idea and study its classicization, focusing on the FLRW metric. We point out cases where the fakeon projection can be handled exactly, which include radiation, the vacuum energy density and the combination of the two, and cases where it cannot, which include dust. Generically, the classical limit shares many features with the quantum theory it comes from, including the impossibility to write down complete, “exact” field equations, to the extent that asymptotic series and nonperturbative effects come into play.
Stable N-acetyltransferase Mpr1 improves ethanol productivity in the sake yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Ohashi Masataka , Nasuno Ryo , Watanabe Daisuke , Takagi Hiroshi
Published: April 2019

N-Acetyltransferase Mpr1 was originally discovered as an enzyme that detoxifies l-azetidine-2-carboxylate through its N-acetylation in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae Σ1278b. Mpr1 protects yeast cells from oxidative stresses possibly by activating a novel l-arginine biosynthesis. We recently constructed a stable variant of Mpr1 (N203K) by a rational design based on the structure of the wild-type Mpr1 (WT). Here, we examined the effects of N203K on ethanol fermentation of the sake yeast S. cerevisiae strain lacking the MPR1 gene. When N203K was expressed in the diploid Japanese sake strain, its fermentation performance was improved compared to WT. In a laboratory-scale brewing, a sake strain expressing N203K produced more ethanol than WT. N203K also affected the contents of flavor compounds and organic acids. These results suggest that the stable Mpr1 variant contributes to the construction of new industrial yeast strains with improved fermentation ability and diversity of taste and flavor.
Approximative K-atomic decompositions and frames in Banach spaces
Authors: Jahan Shah
Published: April 2019

L. Gǎvruţa (2012) introduced a special kind of frames, named K-frames, where K is an operator, in Hilbert spaces, which is significant in frame theory and has many applications. In this paper, first of all, we have introduced the notion of approximative K-atomic decomposition in Banach spaces. We gave two characterizations regarding the existence of approximative K-atomic decompositions in Banach spaces. Also some results on the existence of approximative K-atomic decompositions are obtained. We discuss several methods to construct approximative K-atomic decomposition for Banach Spaces. Further, approximative d-frame and approximative d-Bessel sequence are introduced and studied. Two necessary conditions are given under which an approximative d-Bessel sequence and approximative d-frame give rise to a bounded operator with respect to which there is an approximative K-atomic decomposition. Example and counter example are provided to support our concept. Finally, a possible application is given.
Semantic Awareness for Skeptical Pragmatic Invariantism
Authors: Kyriacou Christos
Published: April 2019

An argument often leveled against skeptical invariantism (SI) is – what we may call – ‘the argument from semantic awareness’. Roughly, the argument suggests that ordinary agents are not aware of the meaning of ‘know’ that SI proposes. Given that the semantic intuitions of ordinary agents are generally reliable, this implies that SI is implausible as a theory of ‘know’. Therefore, SI should be rejected. In this paper, I focus on the stronger extant formulation of the argument and explore how SI could, in principle, be rendered coherent with the argument (even if SI is not to be considered overall plausible). To this effect, I suggest an overlookedsemantically externalistmodel of meaning and semantic awareness of ‘know’ that renders SI coherent with ‘the argument from semantic awareness’. The goal of the paper is modest. It is not to defend, let alone vindicate SI, but to indicate that SI is coherent with ‘the argument from semantic awareness’ in light of an externalist account of meaning and semantic awareness. I demur about the matter of the overall plausibility of SI.
Effect of Calsporin® (Bacillus subtilisC-3102) addition to the diet on faecal quality and nutrient digestibility in healthy adult dogs
Authors: Schauf S. , Nakamura N. , Castrillo C.
Published: April 2019

This study evaluated the effect ofBacillus subtilisC-3102 (Calsporin®) addition to the diet on faecal characteristics and nutrient digestibility in healthy adult dogs. Sixteen Beagles received either a low-energy control diet (CON; 3.35 Mcal metabolisable energy (ME)/kg with 21.8, 27.9, and 50.3% ME as protein, fat, and nitrogen-free extractives (NFE), respectively) or the same diet supplemented withBacillus subtilisat 1 × 109CFU/kg diet as probiotic (PRO) for four weeks in a parallel design (eight dogs per diet). In the prior two weeks, all dogs received a high-energy diet (Advance Medium Adult, Affinity Petcare®, 3.81 Mcal ME/kg ME with 24.8, 41.2, and 34% ME protein, fat, and NFE, respectively). Faecal consistency, dry matter (DM), pH, and NH3were analysed on fresh samples collected at the start and weekly throughout the study. Additional samples were collected for the determination of lactate and short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) on days 0 and 21. In week four, a five–day total faecal collection was conducted in six dogs from each diet for the determination of nutrient apparent digestibility. Dogs fed the PRO diet had more firm faeces (P = 0.011) than control dogs and a higher faecal DM content in the first two weeks (P < 0.05). Feeding the PRO diet resulted in a decline in NH3over four weeks (P = 0.05) and in faecal pH in the first two weeks (P < 0.05) alongside an increase in SCFA content (P = 0.044), mainly acetate (P = 0.024). Faecal lactate did not differ between diets (P > 0.10). Dogs fed the PRO diet showed a higher apparent digestibility of fat (P = 0.031) and NFE (P = 0.038) compared to control dogs. Dog food supplementation with Calsporin®at 1 × 109CFU/kg improved faecal quality, enhanced fat and carbohydrate digestibility, and contributed to the gut health of dogs by reducing gut ammonia and increasing SCFA content.
Evolution of elliptic synthetic jets at low Reynolds number
Authors: Shi Xu-Dong , Feng Li-Hao , Wang Jin-Jun
Published: April 2019

The influence of the nozzle aspect ratio ($AR=1$, 2 and 4), stroke length ($L_{0}=1.85$, 3.7 and 5.55) and Reynolds number ($Re=79$, 158, 316 and 632) on the behaviour of elliptic synthetic jets is studied experimentally. Laser-induced fluorescence and two-dimensional and stereoscopic particle image velocimetry are used to analyse the vortex dynamics and evolution mechanism. It is found that the fluid elements around the major axis of an elliptic vortex ring move downstream faster and tend to approach the centreline, while the fluid elements around the minor axis move downstream at a slower speed and away from the centreline, thereby resulting in the occurrence of the well-known axis-switching phenomenon for elliptic synthetic jets. During this process, a pair of arc-like vortices forms ahead of the primary vortex ring, and they are constituted by streamwise vortices in the leg part and spanwise vortices in the head part; two pairs of streamwise vortices form from the inside of the primary vortex ring and develop in the tails. The streamwise vortices are pushed away progressively from the centreline by the synthetic jet vortex rings that are formed during the subsequent periods. These additional vortical structures for non-circular synthetic jets show regular and periodic characteristics, which are quite different from the previous findings for non-circular jets. Their mutual interaction with the vortex ring causes significant changes in the topology of elliptic synthetic jets, which further results in the variation of the statistical characteristics. Increasing the aspect ratio, stroke length and Reynolds number will make the evolution of the synthetic jet become more unstable and complex. In addition, the entrainment rate of an elliptical synthetic jet is larger than that of a circular synthetic jet and it increases with the nozzle aspect ratio ($AR\leqslant 4$) and Reynolds number. It is indicated that the formation of streamwise vortices could enhance the entrainment rate. This finding provides substantial evidence for the potential application of elliptic synthetic jets for effective flow control.
A TAIL CONE VERSION OF THE HALPERN–LÄUCHLI THEOREM AT A LARGE CARDINAL
Authors: ZHANG JING
Published: April 2019

The classical Halpern–Läuchli theorem states that for any finite coloring of a finite product of finitely branching perfect trees of height ω, there exist strong subtrees sharing the same level set such that tuples in the product of the strong subtrees consisting of elements lying on the same level get the same color. Relative to large cardinals, we establish the consistency of a tail cone version of the Halpern–Läuchli theorem at a large cardinal (see Theorem 3.1), which, roughly speaking, deals with many colorings simultaneously and diagonally. Among other applications, we generalize a polarized partition relation on rational numbers due to Laver and Galvin to one on linear orders of larger saturation.
SOLVABLE CROSSED PRODUCT ALGEBRAS REVISITED
Authors: BROWN CHRISTIAN , PUMPLÜN SUSANNE
Published: April 2019

For any central simple algebra over a field F which contains a maximal subfield M with non-trivial automorphism group G = AutF(M), G is solvable if and only if the algebra contains a finite chain of subalgebras which are generalized cyclic algebras over their centers (field extensions of F) satisfying certain conditions. These subalgebras are related to a normal subseries of G. A crossed product algebra F is hence solvable if and only if it can be constructed out of such a finite chain of subalgebras. This result was stated for division crossed product algebras by Petit and overlaps with a similar result by Albert which, however, was not explicitly stated in these terms. In particular, every solvable crossed product division algebra is a generalized cyclic algebra over F.
Addressing Health System Values in Health Technology Assessment: The Use of Evidence-Informed Deliberative Processes
Authors: Oortwijn Wija , Klein Philip
Published: April 2019

Health technology assessment (HTA) is increasingly used around the globe to inform resource allocation decisions. Furthermore, the importance of using explicit and transparent criteria for coverage decision making in line with health system values has been acknowledged. However, the values of a health system are often not explicitly taken into account in the HTA process. This situation influences the allocation of scarce resources and could lead to a discord between the HTA outcome and the values of the health system. We describe how evidence-informed deliberative processes (EDPs) can help to improve this situation. EDPs are integrating two theoretical frameworks; multi-criteria decision-analysis and accountability for reasonableness. Through the use of EDPs, HTA agencies can ensure that health system values are more explicitly and consistently taken into account in the HTA process, enhancing the legitimacy of coverage decisions.
Schauder estimates for fully nonlinear elliptic difference operators
Authors: Kuo Hung-Ju , Trudinger Neil S.
Published: April 2019

In this paper, we are concerned with discrete Schauder estimates for solutions of fully nonlinear elliptic difference equations. Our estimates are discrete versions of second derivative Hölder estimates of Evans, Krylov and Safonov for fully nonlinear elliptic partial differential equations. They extend previous results of Holtby for the special case of functions of pure second-order differences on cubic meshes. As with Holtby's work, the fundamental ingredients are the pointwise estimates of Kuo-Trudinger for linear difference schemes on general meshes.
Half-eigenvalues of elliptic operators
Authors: Rynne Bryan P.
Published: April 2019

Suppose that L is a second-order self-adjoint elliptic partial differential operator on a bounded domain Ω ⊂ Rn, n ≥ 2, and a, b ∈ L∞(Ω). If the equation Lu = au+ − bu− + λu (where λ ∈ R and u±(x) = max{±u(x), 0}) has a non-trivial solution u, then λ is said to be a half-eigenvalue of (L; a, b). In this paper, we obtain some general properties of the half-eigenvalues of (L; a, b) and also show that, generically, the half-eigenvalues are ‘simple’.

We also consider the semilinear problem

where f : Ω × R → R is a Carathéodory function such that, for a.e. x ∈ Ω,

and we relate the solvability properties of this problem to the location of the half-eigenvalues of (L; a, b).
Mineral analysis of river sand around Mt. Tsukuba for provenance estimation of Atamadai type pottery (2500–1500 BC) from Hinoki site (Tochigi, Japan)
Authors: Ichikawa S. , Sakito Y. , Kurisaki T.
Published: April 2019

A total of 77 pottery shards originating from the Middle Jomon period (2500–1500 BC) were excavated from the Hinoki site in Tochigi, Japan. Fifty-five of those were Atamadai type pottery, which might contain some temper fragments from the manufacturing process. The pottery shards were analyzed by X-ray diffractometry (XRD). The mineral analyses were compared with the river sands around Mt. Tsukuba to demonstrate the temper's origin of the Atamadai type pottery. Their XRD profiles revealed the following solid solutions which could be fingerprint minerals: biotite for the temper and plagioclase, and hornblende for the clay and temper. These minerals might indicate the origin of each sample because their d-spacings depended on the solid solution composition reflecting their geological characteristics.
Evidence of a care home effect on antibiotic prescribing for those that transition into a care home: a national data linkage study
Authors: Patterson L. , Maguire A. , Cardwell C. , Kee F. , Hughes C. , Geoghegan L. , Doherty L. , Dolan M. , Verlander N. Q. , O'Reilly D.
Published: April 2019

We compared antibiotic prescribing to older people in different settings to inform antibiotic stewardship interventions. We used data linkage to stratify individuals aged 65 years and over in Northern Ireland, 1st January 2012–31st December 2013, by residence: community dwelling, care home dwelling or ‘transitioned’ if admitted to a care home. The odds of being prescribed an antibiotic by residence were analysed using logistic regression, adjusting for patient demographics and selected medication use (proxy for co-morbidities). Trends in monthly antibiotic prescribing were examined in the 6 months pre- and post-admission to the care home. The odds of being prescribed at least one antibiotic were twofold higher in care homes compared with community dwellers (adjusted odds ratio 2.05, 95% CI 1.93–2.17). There was a proportionate increase of 51.5% in the percentage prescribed an antibiotic on admission, with a monthly average of 23% receiving an antibiotic in the 6 months post admission. While clinical need likely accounts for some of the observed antibiotic prescribing in care homes we cannot rule out more liberal prescribing, given the twofold difference between care home residents and their community dwelling peers having accounted for co-morbidities. The appropriateness of antibiotic prescribing in the care home setting should be examined.
Learning to “Play the Game as Men Do”: How the General Federation of Women’s Clubs Brought Political Science to Women
Authors: Yanus Alixandra B.
Published: April 2019

Much has been written about efforts to expand women’s social, cultural, and political representation, roles, and opportunities. However, as political scientists, we have done little to document the early history of incorporating women into the discipline. This article illustrates how the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) established the study of politics as an acceptable course of baccalaureate study for women: first, by crafting a model curriculum; second, by advocating for the creation of endowed chairs in political science at women’s colleges; and, third, by publishing in scholarly outlets. The GFWC’s efforts can be viewed as the first steps to the incorporation of women into the discipline—a question that continues to be the subject of much analysis and consternation by professional associations and the academic community.
PLURIPOLAR SETS, REAL SUBMANIFOLDS AND PSEUDOHOLOMORPHIC DISCS
Authors: SUKHOV ALEXANDRE
Published: April 2019

We prove that a compact subset of full measure on a generic submanifold of an almost complex manifold is not a pluripolar set. Several related results on boundary behavior of plurisubharmonic functions are established. Our approach is based on gluing a family of complex discs to a generic manifold along a boundary arc and could admit further applications.
Dimensionale Vergleiche im Studium? Ein generalisiertes I/E-Modell zur Ausbildung fachbezogener Selbstkonzepte im Studium der Psychologie
Authors: Wolff Fabian , Helm Friederike , Preckel Franzis , Möller Jens
Published: April 2019

Zusammenfassung. In dieser Studie wird ein Modell zur Struktur und Genese fachbezogener Selbstkonzepte im Psychologiestudium entwickelt und anhand einer Stichprobe aus 170 Studierenden überprüft. In zwei generalisierten I/E-Modellen mit den Grundlagenfächern einerseits und den Anwendungsfächern andererseits werden die Effekte der fachbezogenen Leistungen auf die fachbezogenen Selbstkonzepte in denselben Fächern (soziale Vergleiche) und in den anderen Fächern (dimensionale Vergleiche) geschätzt. Außerdem wird getestet, inwiefern die Selbstkonzepte in den Grundlagenfächern Effekte auf die Selbstkonzepte in den Anwendungsfächern aufweisen. Sowohl für die Grundlagen- als auch für die Anwendungsfächer zeigen sich positive soziale Vergleichseffekte. Negative dimensionale Vergleichseffekte zeigen sich im I/E-Modell mit den Anwendungsfächern, jedoch kaum im I/E-Modell mit den Grundlagenfächern. Darüber hinaus zeigen sich positive Effekte von den Selbstkonzepten in den Grundlagenfächern auf die Selbstkonzepte in inhaltlich verwandten Anwendungsfächern. Die Ergebnisse werden unter anderem im Hinblick auf die Förderung fachbezogener Selbstkonzepte im Psychologiestudium diskutiert.
Automatic Waveform Classification and Arrival Picking Based on Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Chen Yangkang , Zhang Guoyin , Bai Min , Zu Shaohuan , Guan Zhe , Zhang Mi
Published: April 2019

Automatic waveform classification and arrival picking methods are widely studied to reduce or replace the manual works. Machine learning based methods, especially neural networks, and clustering based methods have shown great potentials in previous studies. However, most of the existing methods are sensitive to noise. The convolution neural networks (CNNs), developed from the traditional neural networks, have been successfully applied in many different fields, but are rarely studied in seismic waveform classification. In this paper, we propose a novel antinoise CNN architecture for waveform classification and also propose to combine k‐means clustering (KC) with CNN classification to pick arrivals (CNN‐KC). Seismic data are sampled to 1‐D vectors using a specific time window. Using the trained CNN classifier, these 1‐D vectors are classified into two categories: waveform and nonwaveform. With the constraint of the first waveform, CNN‐KC can pick the arrival more accurately. We also apply the proposed methods to the synthetic microseismic data with different noise levels and the actual field microseismic data to test their robustness. CNNs perform much better than the traditional multilayer perceptron on the waveform classification of the noisy microseismic data. Based on the analysis of the CNN internal architecture, we also conclude that the main reason that CNN is insensitive to noise is the convolution and pooling layers which behave like smooth operation in some ways. The final results show that the CNN and CNN‐KC are effective and robust methods for waveform classification and arrival picking.
A Diagenesis Model for Geomechanical Simulations: Formulation and Implications for Pore Pressure and Development of Geological Structures
Authors: Obradors‐Prats J. , Rouainia M. , Aplin A. C. , Crook A. J. L.
Published: April 2019

Forward basin modeling is routinely used in many geological applications, with the critical limitation that chemical diagenetic reactions are often neglected or poorly represented. Here, a new, temperature‐dependent, kinetic diagenesis model is formulated and implemented within a hydromechanical framework. The model simulates the macroscopic effects of diagenesis on (1) porosity loss, (2) sediment strength, (3) sediment stiffness and compressibility, (4) change in elastic properties, (5) increase in tensile strength due to cementation, and (6) overpressure generation. A brief overview of the main diagenetic reactions relevant to basin modeling is presented and the model calibration procedure is demonstrated using published data for the Kimmeridge Clay Formation. The calibrated model is used to show the implications of diagenesis on prediction of overpressure development and structural deformation. The incorporation of diagenesis in a uniaxial burial model results in an increase in overpressure of up to 9 MPa due to both stress‐independent porosity loss and overpressure generated by disequilibrium compaction caused by a reduction in permeability. Finally, a compressional model is used to show that the incorporation of diagenesis within geomechanical models allows the transition from ductile to brittle behavior to be captured due to the increase in strength that results in an overconsolidated stress state. This is illustrated by comparison of the present‐day structures predicted by a geomechanical‐only model, where a ductile fold forms, and a geomechanical model accounting for diagenesis in which a brittle thrust structure is predicted.
Heterogeneous Influence of Glacier Morphology on the Mass Balance Variability in High Mountain Asia
Authors: Brun F. , Wagnon P. , Berthier E. , Jomelli V. , Maharjan S. B. , Shrestha F. , Kraaijenbrink P. D. A.
Published: April 2019

We investigate the control of the morphological variables on the 2000–2016 glacier‐wide mass balances of 6,470 individual glaciers of High Mountain Asia. We separate the data set into 12 regions assumed to be climatically homogeneous. We find that the slope of the glacier tongue, mean glacier elevation, percentage of supraglacial debris cover, and avalanche contributing area all together explain a maximum of 48% and a minimum of 8% of the glacier‐wide mass balance variability, within a given region. The best predictors of the glacier‐wide mass balance are the slope of the glacier tongue and the mean glacier elevation for most regions, with the notable exception of the inner Tibetan Plateau. Glacier‐wide mass balances do not differ significantly between debris‐free and debris‐covered glaciers in 7 of the 12 regions analyzed. Lake‐terminating glaciers have more negative mass balances than the regional averages, the influence of lakes being stronger on small glaciers than on large glaciers.
Parametric Sensitivity of the Formation of Reversed Electron Energy Spectrum Caused by Plasmaspheric Hiss
Authors: Ni Binbin , Huang He , Zhang Wenxun , Gu Xudong , Zhao Hong , Li Xinlin , Baker Daniel , Fu Song , Xiang Zheng , Cao Xing
Published: April 2019

Scattering by plasmaspheric hiss is responsible for the newly reported reversed energy spectra with abundant high‐energy but fewer low‐energy electrons between hundreds of kiloelectronvolts and ~2 MeV in the inner magnetosphere. To deepen our understanding of the contributions of plasmaspheric hiss to the formation of reversed electron energy spectrum, we conduct a detailed theoretical parametric analysis through numerical simulations to explore the sensitivity of hiss‐induced reversed electron energy spectrum to ambient magnetic field, plasma density, and hiss wave distribution properties. Given L‐shell, variations of ambient plasma density and wave frequency spectrum contribute importantly to the formation of reversed electron energy spectrum, while variations of background magnetic field (which usually shows small changes in the plasmasphere) and wave normal angle distribution play a less effective role. Our study suggests that the reversed electron energy spectrum has important implications for unveiling the sophisticated energy‐dependent nature of wave‐particle interactions and energetic particle dynamics in geospace.
Evolution in Seismic Properties During Low and Intermediate Water Saturation: Competing Mechanisms During Water Imbibition?
Authors: Pimienta L. , David C. , Sarout J. , Perrot X. , Dautriat J. , Barnes C.
Published: April 2019

Despite the efforts reported in the literature to explain contrasting experimental observations, the evolution of seismic attributes (velocity and attenuation) of rocks across the saturation range remains ill understood. In a comparative study, we monitored the evolution of ultrasonic P wave attributes in a porous sandstone subjected to two experiments of moisture adsorption and water spontaneous imbibition. Both experiments highlighted a significant (i.e., by 1 order of magnitude) and similar drop in P waves amplitudes, although the maximum saturations reached in each experiment is very different (i.e., about 2% vs. 70%). However, only moisture adsorption leads to a dramatic elastic softening (velocity reduction). This difference might be explained by the coupling between two competing physical mechanisms taking place during water imbibition, namely, elastic softening driven by water adsorption at the grain contact and elastic stiffening driven by full saturation of the grain contacts, at the ultrasonic frequency of the measurement.
Structural Characteristics of the Nankai Trough Shallow Plate Boundary Inferred From Shallow Very Low Frequency Earthquakes
Authors: Takemura Shunsuke , Matsuzawa Takanori , Noda Akemi , Tonegawa Takashi , Asano Youichi , Kimura Takeshi , Shiomi Katsuhiko
Published: April 2019

The spatial distributions of shallow slow earthquakes are related to stress accumulation and structural characteristics of the shallow plate boundary, which are important for understanding megathrust earthquakes. To investigate spatiotemporal variation of shallow very low frequency earthquake (SVLFE) activity along the Nankai Trough, we conducted centroid moment tensor inversion method incorporating effects of offshore heterogeneous structures. By applying centroid moment tensor method into long‐term onshore seismograms, we obtained spatiotemporal variation of SVLFE activity occurred from June 2003 to May 2018. We find that SVLFE activities are related to the spatial variations of the slip‐deficit rate and pore fluid around the Philippine Sea plate boundary. SVLFEs are effectively activated by mechanical weakening due to rich pore fluid in areas surrounding strongly locked zones. Our results imply that spatial variations of long‐term SVLFE activity provide information on tectonic environments, which could constrain the rupture behavior of shallow plate boundaries during future megathrust earthquakes.
A Multi‐GNSS, Multifrequency, and Near‐Real‐Time Ionospheric TEC Monitoring System for South America
Authors: Mendoza L. P. O. , Meza A. M. , Aragón Paz J. M.
Published: April 2019

Taking advantage of the public Global Navigational Satellite Systems (GNSS) infrastructure in South America, an operational monitoring system for the total electron content (TEC) in the ionosphere has been developed. It incorporates data in near real time, from more than 90 GNSS satellites tracked by more than 200 ground stations. In turn, the system produces every 15 min a snapshot, that is a map, of the current state of the regional ionosphere, which is immediately available online. These maps could be employed, for example, to augment positioning with single‐frequency GNSS receivers. They could also be combined with similar products in order to obtain weighted and reliable regional TEC maps, even in near real time. Most importantly, these products could be employed as data input in space environment forecasting and nowcasting models, given their very short latency of just a few minutes. In order to assess the response of the whole system to severe geomagnetic disturbances, the performance of the whole monitoring system during an actual geomagnetic storm has been investigated. The results suggest that the near‐real‐time system should be quite capable to monitor the regional TEC at a high temporal rate even under such conditions.
Current status of autologous stem cell transplantation for multiple myeloma
Authors: Al Hamed Rama , Bazarbachi Abdul Hamid , Malard Florent , Harousseau Jean-Luc , Mohty Mohamad
Published: April 2019

More than 30 years after its introduction, autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) remains the standard of care for young patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. Not only did the arrival of novel agents such as immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs), proteasome inhibitors (PI) and monoclonal antibodies not replace ASCT, instead they solidified its central role as standard of care. Novel agent use is now inarguably essential in induction, maintenance, and possibly consolidation. In light of these new advancements, new challenges arise in deciding on optimal practice. Who is most suited to undergo ASCT? Is there an age threshold that should not be surpassed? Should transplantation be embarked on early or is it reasonable to delay it? What are the optimal induction, consolidation, and maintenance therapies? What is the role of tandem transplantation in the era of novel agents and where do patient-specific cytogenetics come into the equation when deciding on treatment? These are some of the questions addressed in this review which we will attempt to answer with the latest currently available data.
ILC3 function as a double-edged sword in inflammatory bowel diseases
Authors: Zeng Boning , Shi Shengnan , Ashworth Gareth , Dong Changjiang , Liu Jing , Xing Feiyue
Published: April 2019

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), composed mainly of Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), are strongly implicated in the development of intestinal inflammation lesions. Its exact etiology and pathogenesis are still undetermined. Recently accumulating evidence supports that group 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3) are responsible for gastrointestinal mucosal homeostasis through moderate generation of IL-22, IL-17, and GM-CSF in the physiological state. ILC3 contribute to the progression and aggravation of IBD while both IL-22 and IL-17, along with IFN-γ, are overexpressed by the dysregulation of NCR− ILC3 or NCR+ ILC3 function and the bias of NCR+ ILC3 towards ILC1 as well as regulatory ILC dysfunction in the pathological state. Herein, we feature the group 3 innate lymphoid cells’ development, biological function, maintenance of gut homeostasis, mediation of IBD occurrence, and potential application to IBD therapy.
RdDM-independent de novo and heterochromatin DNA methylation by plant CMT and DNMT3 orthologs
Authors: Yaari Rafael , Katz Aviva , Domb Katherine , Harris Keith D. , Zemach Assaf , Ohad Nir
Published: April 2019

To properly regulate the genome, cytosine methylation is established by animal DNA methyltransferase 3 s (DNMT3s). While altered DNMT3 homologs, Domains rearranged methyltransferases (DRMs), have been shown to establish methylation via the RNA directed DNA methylation (RdDM) pathway, the role of true-plant DNMT3 orthologs remains elusive. Here, we profile de novo (RPS transgene) and genomic methylation in the basal plant, Physcomitrella patens, mutated in each of its PpDNMTs. We show that PpDNMT3b mediates CG and CHH de novo methylation, independently of PpDRMs. Complementary de novo CHG methylation is specifically mediated by the CHROMOMETHYLASE, PpCMT. Intragenomically, PpDNMT3b functions preferentially within heterochromatin and is affected by PpCMT. In comparison, PpDRMs target active-euchromatic transposons. Overall, our data resolve how DNA methylation in plants can be established in heterochromatin independently of RdDM; suggest that DRMs have emerged to target euchromatin; and link DNMT3 loss in angiosperms to the initiation of heterochromatic CHH methylation by CMT2.
Radical-mediated C-S bond cleavage in C2 sulfonate degradation by anaerobic bacteria
Authors: Xing Meining , Wei Yifeng , Zhou Yan , Zhang Jun , Lin Lianyun , Hu Yiling , Hua Gaoqun , N. Nanjaraj Urs Ankanahalli , Liu Dazhi , Wang Feifei , Guo Cuixia , Tong Yang , Li Mengya , Liu Yanhong , Ang Ee Lui , Zhao Huimin , Yuchi Zhiguang , Zhang Yan
Published: April 2019

Bacterial degradation of organosulfonates plays an important role in sulfur recycling, and has been extensively studied. However, this process in anaerobic bacteria especially gut bacteria is little known despite of its potential significant impact on human health with the production of toxic H2S. Here, we describe the structural and biochemical characterization of an oxygen-sensitive enzyme that catalyzes the radical-mediated C-S bond cleavage of isethionate to form sulfite and acetaldehyde. We demonstrate its involvement in pathways that enables C2 sulfonates to be used as terminal electron acceptors for anaerobic respiration in sulfate- and sulfite-reducing bacteria. Furthermore, it plays a key role in converting bile salt-derived taurine into H2S in the disease-associated gut bacterium Bilophila wadsworthia. The enzymes and transporters in these anaerobic pathways expand our understanding of microbial sulfur metabolism, and help deciphering the complex web of microbial pathways involved in the transformation of sulfur compounds in the gut.
TMCO1-mediated Ca2+ leak underlies osteoblast functions via CaMKII signaling
Authors: Li Jianwei , Liu Caizhi , Li Yuheng , Zheng Qiaoxia , Xu Youjia , Liu Beibei , Sun Weijia , Li Yuan , Ji Shuhui , Liu Mingwei , Zhang Jing , Zhao Dingsheng , Du Ruikai , Liu Zizhong , Zhong Guohui , Sun Cuiwei , Wang Yanqing , Song Jinping , Zhang Shu , Qin Jun , Ling Shukuan , Wang Xianhua , Li Yingxian
Published: April 2019

Transmembrane and coiled-coil domains 1 (TMCO1) is a recently identified Ca2+ leak channel in the endoplasmic reticulum. TMCO1 dysfunction in humans is associated with dysmorphism, mental retardation, glaucoma and the occurrence of cancer. Here we show an essential role of TMCO1 in osteogenesis mediated by local Ca2+/CaMKII signaling in osteoblasts. TMCO1 levels were significantly decreased in bone from both osteoporosis patients and bone-loss mouse models. Tmco1−/− mice exhibited loss of bone mass and altered microarchitecture characteristic of osteoporosis. In the absence of TMCO1, decreased HDAC4 phosphorylation resulted in nuclear enrichment of HADC4, which leads to deacetylation and degradation of RUNX2, the master regulator of osteogenesis. We further demonstrate that TMCO1-mediated Ca2+ leak provides local Ca2+ signals to activate the CaMKII-HDAC4-RUNX2 signaling axis. The establishment of TMCO1 as a pivotal player in osteogenesis uncovers a novel potential therapeutic target for ameliorating osteoporosis.
Publisher Correction: Past and future spread of the arbovirus vectors Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus
Authors: Kraemer Moritz U. G. , Reiner Robert C. , Brady Oliver J. , Messina Jane P. , Gilbert Marius , Pigott David M. , Yi Dingdong , Johnson Kimberly , Earl Lucas , Marczak Laurie B. , Shirude Shreya , Weaver Nicole Davis , Bisanzio Donal , Perkins T. Alex , Lai Shengjie , Lu Xin , Jones Peter , Coelho Giovanini E. , Carvalho Roberta G. , Van Bortel Wim , Marsboom Cedric , Hendrickx Guy , Schaffner Francis , Moore Chester G. , Nax Heinrich H. , Bengtsson Linus , Wetter Erik , Tatem Andrew J. , Brownstein John S. , Smith David L. , Lambrechts Louis , Cauchemez Simon , Linard Catherine , Faria Nuno R. , Pybus Oliver G. , Scott Thomas W. , Liu Qiyong , Yu Hongjie , Wint G. R. William , Hay Simon I. , Golding Nick
Published: April 2019

This Article was mistakenly not made Open Access when originally published; this has now been amended, and information about the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License has been added into the ‘Additional information’ section.
Discovery and genetic characterization of diverse smacoviruses in Zambian non-human primates
Authors: Anindita Paulina D. , Sasaki Michihito , Gonzalez Gabriel , Phongphaew Wallaya , Carr Michael , Hang’ombe Bernard M. , Mweene Aaron S. , Ito Kimihito , Orba Yasuko , Sawa Hirofumi
Published: April 2019

The Smacoviridae has recently been classified as a family of small circular single-stranded DNA viruses. An increasing number of smacovirus genomes have been identified exclusively in faecal matter of various vertebrate species and from insect body parts. However, the genetic diversity and host range of smacoviruses remains to be fully elucidated. Herein, we report the genetic characterization of eleven circular replication-associated protein (Rep) encoding single-stranded (CRESS) DNA viruses detected in the faeces of Zambian non-human primates. Based on pairwise genome-wide and amino acid identities with reference smacovirus species, ten of the identified CRESS DNA viruses are assigned to the genera Porprismacovirus and Huchismacovirus of the family Smacoviridae, which bidirectionally encode two major open reading frames (ORFs): Rep and capsid protein (CP) characteristic of a type IV genome organization. The remaining unclassified CRESS DNA virus was related to smacoviruses but possessed a genome harbouring a unidirectionally oriented CP and Rep, assigned as a type V genome organization. Moreover, phylogenetic and recombination analyses provided evidence for recombination events encompassing the 3′-end of the Rep ORF in the unclassified CRESS DNA virus. Our findings increase the knowledge of the known genetic diversity of smacoviruses and highlight African non-human primates as carrier animals.
Linking morphological and molecular taxonomy for the identification of poultry house, soil, and nest dwelling mites in the Western Palearctic
Authors: Young Monica R. , Moraza María L. , Ueckermann Eddie , Heylen Dieter , Baardsen Lisa F. , Lima-Barbero Jose Francisco , Gal Shira , Gavish-Regev Efrat , Gottlieb Yuval , Roy Lise , Recht Eitan , El Adouzi Marine , Palevsky Eric
Published: April 2019

Because of its ability to expedite specimen identification and species delineation, the barcode index number (BIN) system presents a powerful tool to characterize hyperdiverse invertebrate groups such as the Acari (mites). However, the congruence between BINs and morphologically recognized species has seen limited testing in this taxon. We therefore apply this method towards the development of a barcode reference library for soil, poultry litter, and nest dwelling mites in the Western Palearctic. Through analysis of over 600 specimens, we provide DNA barcode coverage for 35 described species and 70 molecular taxonomic units (BINs). Nearly 80% of the species were accurately identified through this method, but just 60% perfectly matched (1:1) with BINs. High intraspecific divergences were found in 34% of the species examined and likely reflect cryptic diversity, highlighting the need for revision in these taxa. These findings provide a valuable resource for integrative pest management, but also highlight the importance of integrating morphological and molecular methods for fine-scale taxonomic resolution in poorly-known invertebrate lineages.
Inheritance patterns of the transcriptome in hybrid chickens and their parents revealed by expression analysis
Authors: Gu Hongchang , Qi Xin , Jia Yaxiong , Zhang Zebin , Nie Changsheng , Li Xinghua , Li Junying , Jiang Zhihua , Wang Qiong , Qu Lujiang
Published: April 2019

Although many phenotypic traits of chickens have been well documented, the genetic patterns of gene expression levels in chickens remain to be determined. In the present study, we crossed two chicken breeds, White Leghorn (WL) and Cornish (Cor), which have been selected for egg and meat production, respectively, for a few hundred years. We evaluated transcriptome abundance in the brain, muscle, and liver from the day-old progenies of pure-bred WL and Cor, and the hybrids of these two breeds, by RNA-Seq in order to determine the inheritance patterns of gene expression. Comparison among expression levels in the different groups revealed that most of the genes showed conserved expression patterns in all three examined tissues and that brain had the highest number of conserved genes, which indicates that conserved genes are predominantly important compared to others. On the basis of allelic expression analysis, in addition to the conserved genes, we identified the extensive presence of additive, dominant (Cor dominant and WL dominant), over-dominant, and under-dominant genes in all three tissues in hybrids. Our study is the first to provide an overview of inheritance patterns of the transcriptome in layers and broilers, and we also provide insights into the genetics of chickens at the gene expression level.
Imaging and mechanical characterization of different junctions in spider orb webs
Authors: Greco Gabriele , Pantano Maria F. , Mazzolai Barbara , Pugno Nicola M.
Published: April 2019

Spider silk and spider orb webs are among the most studied biological materials and structures owing to their outstanding mechanical properties. A key feature that contributes significantly to the robustness and capability to absorb high kinetic energy of spider webs is the presence of junctions connecting different silk threads. Surprisingly, in spite of their fundamental function, the mechanics of spider web junctions have never been reported. Herein, through mechanical characterization and imaging, we show for the first time that spider orb webs host two different types of junction, produced by different silk glands, which have different morphology, and load bearing capability. These differences can be explained in view of the different roles they play in the web, i.e. allowing for a localized damage control or anchoring the whole structure to the surrounding environment.
Brain-transportable dipeptides across the blood-brain barrier in mice
Authors: Tanaka Mitsuru , Dohgu Shinya , Komabayashi Genki , Kiyohara Hayato , Takata Fuyuko , Kataoka Yasufumi , Nirasawa Takashi , Maebuchi Motohiro , Matsui Toshiro
Published: April 2019

Apart from nutrients required for the brain, there has been no report that naturally occurring peptides can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The aim of this study was to identify the BBB-transportable peptides using in situ mouse perfusion experiments. Based on the structural features of Gly-N-methylated Gly (Gly-Sar), a reported BBB-transportable compound, 18 dipeptides were synthesized, and were perfused in the mouse brain for two minutes. Among the synthesized dipeptides, Gly-Sar, Gly-Pro, and Tyr-Pro were transported across the BBB with Ki values of 7.60 ± 1.29, 3.49 ± 0.66, and 3.53 ± 0.74 µL/g·min, respectively, and accumulated in the mouse brain parenchyma. Additionally, using MALDI-MS/MS imaging analysis of Tyr-Pro-perfused brain, we provide evidence for Tyr-Pro accumulation in the hippocampus, hypothalamus, striatum, cerebral cortex, and cerebellum of mouse brain.