bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shorter telomeres precede population extinction in wild lizards
Authors: Dupoué Andréaz , Rutschmann Alexis , Le Galliard Jean François , Clobert Jean , Angelier Frédéric , Marciau Coline , Ruault Stéphanie , Miles Donald , Meylan Sandrine
Published: November 2017

Identifying the early warning signals of catastrophic extinctions has recently become a central focus for ecologists, but species’ functional responses to environmental changes remain an untapped source for the sharpening of such warning signals. Telomere length (TL) analysis represents a promising molecular tool with which to raise the alarm regarding early population decline, since telomere attrition is associated with aging processes and accelerates after a recurrent exposure to environmental stressors. In the southern margin of their range, populations of the common lizard (Zootoca vivipara) recently became extinct at lowest elevations due to changes in climate conditions. However, the proximal signals involved in these demographic declines are still unknown. Here, we sampled 100 yearling lizards from 10 natural populations (n = 10 per population) along an extinction risk gradient. Relative lizard abundance dramatically dropped over 12 years in low-altitude populations characterized by warmer ambient temperatures and higher body growth of lizards early in life. A non-linear relationship was found between TL and population extinction risk, with shorter telomeres in populations facing high risk of extinction when compared to non-threatened ones. Our results identify TL as a promising biomarker and imply that population extinctions might be preceded by a loop of physiological aging.
A general and efficient approach for tuning the crystal morphology of classical MOFs
Authors: Guo Changyan , Zhang Yonghong , Guo Yuan , Zhang Liugen , Zhang Yi , Wang Jide
Published: November 2017

The size/morphology-controlled synthesis of classical MOFs with 2-methylimidazole (2-MI) as a coordination modulator.
Enantioselective total synthesis of (−)-kainic acid and (+)-acromelic acid C via Rh(i)-catalyzed asymmetric enyne cycloisomerization
Authors: Lei Honghui , Xin Shan , Qiu Yifan , Zhang Xumu
Published: November 2017

A diversity-oriented synthetic strategy for the enantioselective synthesis of (−)-kainic acid and (+)-acromelic acid C is presented.
Understanding the fast crystallization kinetics of In–Sb–Te by using ultrafast calorimetry
Authors: Mu Sen , Chen Yimin , Pan Hongbo , Wang Guoxiang , Wang Junqiang , Wang Rongping , Shen Xiang , Dai Shixun , Xu Tiefeng , Nie Qiuhua
Published: November 2017

The crystal growth rates of supercooled liquids In–Sb–Te can be well characterized by ultrafast DSC, and it benefits to the optimization for phase-change materials.
Binding energies of hydrated cobalt(ii) by collision-induced dissociation and theoretical studies: evidence for a new critical size
Authors: Coates Rebecca A. , Armentrout P. B.
Published: November 2017

Thermochemical determination of Co2+(H2O)x, where x = 4–11, hydration energies by guided ion beam tandem mass spectrometry and using quantum chemical calculations.
Termination of Ge surfaces with ultrathin GeS and GeS2 layers via solid-state sulfurization
Authors: Chen Hui , Keiser Courtney , Du Shixuan , Gao Hong-Jun , Sutter Peter , Sutter Eli
Published: November 2017

Thermally activated solid-state reactions of germanium with sulfur give rise to passivating germanium sulfide surface layers.
Unusual response to environmental polarity in a nonlinear-optical benzylidene-type chromophore containing a 1,3-bis(dicyanomethylidene)indane acceptor fragment
Authors: Traskovskis Kaspars , Bundulis Arturs , Mihailovs Igors
Published: November 2017

The torsion angle between the planes of donor and acceptor fragments in 1,3-bis(dicyanomethylidene)indane based benzylidene increases with the surrounding medium polarity.
Organic semiconductor crystals
Authors: Wang Chengliang , Dong Huanli , Jiang Lang , Hu Wenping
Published: November 2017

A comprehensive overview of organic semiconductor crystals is provided, including the physicochemical features, the control of crystallization and the device physics.
AMF-responsive doxorubicin loaded β-cyclodextrin-decorated superparamagnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Santos Evelyn C. da S. , Watanabe Amanda , Vargas Maria D. , Tanaka Marcelo N. , Garcia Flavio , Ronconi Célia M.
Published: November 2017

An alternating magnetic field (AMF)-responsive controlled release system has been developed by the binding of mono-6-deoxy-6-(p-tolylsulfonyl)-β-cyclodextrin (βCD-Ts) onto amine-modified superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MNP-NH2), resulting in a MNP-βCD nanocarrier.
Effect of alkyl chain and linking units on mesophase transitions and molecular order of rod-like thiophene mesogens:13C NMR investigation
Authors: Santhosh Kumar Reddy Y. , Lobo Nitin P. , Narasimhaswamy T.
Published: November 2017

This study provides insight into the influence of alkyl chains and linking units on the mesophase properties of thiophene-based mesogens and on the orientational constraints of the core and terminal alkyl chain.
Homo-endotaxial one-dimensional Si nanostructures
Authors: Song Jiaming , Hudak Bethany M. , Sims Hunter , Sharma Yogesh , Ward T. Zac , Pantelides Sokrates T. , Lupini Andrew R. , Snijders Paul C.
Published: November 2017

Homo-endotaxial 1D Si nanostructure with a higher conductance than the surrounding area.
Extra green light induced ZnO ultraviolet lasing enhancement assisted by Au surface plasmons
Authors: Qin F. F. , Xu C. X. , Zhu Q. X. , Lu J. F. , You D. T. , Xu W. , Zhu Z. , Manohari A. G. , Chen F.
Published: November 2017

A hybrid Au/ZnO microcavity was constructed and made the optical properties of the microcavity improve under single and multi-laser beam excitation because of LSP induced electron transfer. Utilizing this mechanism, we realized an even further improvement of the tunable lasing behavior through extra green light excitation.
Video‐based road traffic monitoring and prediction using dynamic Bayesian networks
Authors: Chaudhary Shraddha , Indu Sreedevi , Chaudhury Santanu
Published: November 2017

The varied road conditions, chaotic and unstructured traffic, lack of lane discipline and wide variety of vehicles in countries like India, Pakistan and so on pose a need for a novel traffic monitoring system. In this study, the authors propose a novel camera‐based traffic monitoring and prediction scheme without identifying or tracking vehicles. Spatial interest points (SIPs) and spatio‐temporal interest points (STIPs) are extracted from the video stream of road traffic. SIP represents the number of vehicles and STIP represents the number of moving vehicles. The distributions of these features are then classified using Gaussian mixture model. In the proposed method, they learn the road state pattern using dynamic Bayesian network and predict the future road traffic state within a specific time delay. The predicted road state information can be used for traffic planning. The proposed method is computationally light, yet very powerful and efficient. The algorithm is tested for different weather conditions as well. They have validated their algorithm using Synchro Studio simulator and got 95.7% as average accuracy and on real‐time video we got an accuracy of 84%.
Proposing a non‐linear microwave ring resonator for efficient multi‐tone generation
Authors: Nooramin Amir S. , Bahramimanesh Mohammad H. , Shahabadi Mahmoud
Published: November 2017

This research proposes a microstrip non‐linear ring resonator (MNLRR) as a frequency comb generator. Due to multiple circulations of waves along the ring, they interact with the non‐linear components several times; thus, in comparison with a microstrip non‐linear transmission line with the same number of non‐linear components, the MNLRR achieves a higher harmonic‐conversion‐efficiency. Furthermore, we distinguish three regimes of multi‐tone generation for the proposed MNLRR. In the first regime of operation, generation of harmonics at integer multiples of the excitation frequency is observed. In the second regime, one recognises generation of spectral lines at the resonance frequencies of MNLRR in addition to degenerate four‐wave mixing tones. Furthermore, we have shown that integer multiples of these spectral components are also excited. In the third regime, we encounter the generation of frequency components whose frequencies are input‐power dependent. According to our measurement results, a higher level of excitation power is required for this regime. Here, the number of components increases while their spacing reduces by growing power level.
Research on penetration of distributed generation considering fluctuation and load frequency characteristics
Authors: Li Jianfang , Song Xiaohui , Gao Fei , Zhao Shanshan , Zhang Yu
Published: November 2017

The high penetration rate of distributed generation brings a great impact to the security of the distributed network, and research on the penetration of distributed generation has significance on the planning and operation of the distributed network as well as the application of distributed generation. The calculation model of penetration of distributed generation is established under frequency stability constraints, considering the fluctuation characteristics of distributed generation and load requirement, and load frequency characteristics. The boundary of penetration of distributed generation under a different level of fluctuation, power‐frequency characteristics and reserve capacity is defined. The effectiveness and accuracy of the model are verified by an example, providing a feasible solution for the large‐scale access of distributed generation in the distribution network.
Droop control strategy of the AC/DC hybrid micro‐grid based on quasi‐PR control
Authors: Yang Dechang , Xu Zixiao , Li Weilin , Bu Fanbin
Published: November 2017

With the developments of renewable energies and integrations of new loads into distribution system, the hybrid of AC and DC has been becoming the typical existing form of the micro‐grid. Studying on the droop control strategy will be very important for improving the safe and economic operation of micro‐grid. Therefore, this study aims at thoroughly analysing a novel droop control strategy of the hybrid AC/DC micro‐grid. First of all, the analysis model of the hybrid AC/DC micro‐grid is built by connecting the traditional AC and DC micro‐grid. Next, the typical droop control strategy of AC and DC micro‐grid is introduced, respectively. Then, the voltage outer loop of quasi‐proportional resonance (PR) control strategy and its optimal parameters are presented based on the analysis of the voltage–current double‐loop control strategy. Finally, the simulation model of AC/DC micro‐grid in Matlab/Simulink is utilised to compare the performances of the Proportional Integral (PI) and quasi‐PR droop control strategies. The results show that the proposed quasi‐PR has better performances in control accuracy and harmonic suppression.
A multi-instrument non-parametric reconstruction of the electron pressure profile in the galaxy cluster CLJ1226.9+3332
Authors: Romero C. , McWilliam M. , Macías-Pérez J.-F. , Adam R. , Ade P. , André P. , Aussel H. , Beelen A. , Benoît A. , Bideaud A. , Billot N. , Bourrion O. , Calvo M. , Catalano A. , Coiffard G. , Comis B. , de Petris M. , Désert F.-X. , Doyle S. , Goupy J. , Kramer C. , Lagache G. , Leclercq S. , Lestrade J.-F. , Mauskopf P. , Mayet F. , Monfardini A. , Pascale E. , Perotto L. , Pisano G. , Ponthieu N. , Revéret V. , Ritacco A. , Roussel H. , Ruppin F. , Schuster K. , Sievers A. , Triqueneaux S. , Tucker C. , Zylka R.
Published: November 2017

Context. In the past decade, sensitive, resolved Sunyaev-Zel’dovich (SZ) studies of galaxy clusters have become common. Whereas many previous SZ studies have parameterized the pressure profiles of galaxy clusters, non-parametric reconstructions will provide insights into the thermodynamic state of the intracluster medium.

Aim. We seek to recover the non-parametric pressure profiles of the high redshift (z = 0.89) galaxy cluster CLJ 1226.9+3332 as inferred from SZ data from the MUSTANG, NIKA, Bolocam, and Planck instruments, which all probe different angular scales.

Methods. Our non-parametric algorithm makes use of logarithmic interpolation, which under the assumption of ellipsoidal symmetry is analytically integrable. For MUSTANG, NIKA, and Bolocam we derive a non-parametric pressure profile independently and find good agreement among the instruments. In particular, we find that the non-parametric profiles are consistent with a fitted generalized Navaro-Frenk-White (gNFW) profile. Given the ability of Planck to constrain the total signal, we include a prior on the integrated Compton Y parameter as determined by Planck.

Results. For a given instrument, constraints on the pressure profile diminish rapidly beyond the field of view. The overlap in spatial scales probed by these four datasets is therefore critical in checking for consistency between instruments. By using multiple instruments, our analysis of CLJ 1226.9+3332 covers a large radial range, from the central regions to the cluster outskirts: 0.05 R500 < r < 1.1 R500. This is a wider range of spatial scales than is typically recovered by SZ instruments. Similar analyses will be possible with the new generation of SZ instruments such as NIKA2 and MUSTANG2.
Polycyclic alpine orogeny in the Rhodope metamorphic complex: the record in migmatites from the Nestos shear zone (N. Greece)
Authors: Gautier Pierre , Bosse Valérie , Cherneva Zlatka , Didier Amélie , Gerdjikov Ianko , Tiepolo Massimo
Published: November 2017

The Rhodope Metamorphic Complex (RMC) is a high-grade crystalline massif located at the northern margin of the Aegean region. Numerous scenarios have been proposed for the evolution of the RMC during Alpine times. A debated issue is whether there has been a single protracted orogenic cycle since around the mid-Mesozoic or whether Alpine orogeny involved distinct episodes of subduction and crustal accretion. We describe a key outcrop located on the Nestos Shear Zone (NSZ), a major NNE-dipping top-to-SW shear zone characterized by an inverted metamorphic sequence. Structural and petrological data document the existence of two anatectic events. The first event, best preserved in decametric structural lenses, is pre-kinematic with respect to top-to-SW shearing and involved high-temperature “dry” melting. Zircon and monazite LA-ICPMS U-Th-Pb data indicate that this event occurred at ∼140 Ma. The second event is syn-kinematic with respect to top-to-SW shearing and involved lower-temperature water-assisted melting. Zircon and rutile LA-ICPMS U-Pb data indicate that this second event occurred at ∼40 Ma. During ongoing top-to-SW shearing and as late as ∼36 Ma, the rocks from the outcrop were at higher temperatures than the peak temperatures experienced by lower levels of the NSZ. This confirms the existence of the inverted metamorphic sequence and demonstrates that the NSZ was a major thrust at 36–40 Ma. The ∼100 Myr time laps between the two anatectic events encompasses the period from ∼115 to ∼70 Ma characterized by a gap in the geochronological record on the scale of the RMC (the Eastern Rhodope excluded). This ∼45 Myr gap likely reflects a period of tectonic quiescence between the mid-Mesozoic orogen and the Cenozoic one, attesting for polycyclic Alpine orogeny in the RMC. Unlike assumed in several geodynamic scenarios, the Alpine evolution of the RMC did not consist of a single orogenic cycle of Mesozoic age followed by Cenozoic crustal-scale extension triggered by mantle delamination. Polycyclic orogeny has resulted in a two-loop P-T-t path for the hangingwall unit of the NSZ. The Cenozoic P-T paths of this unit and the footwall unit merged while both units were being exhumed, a feature attributed to syn-thrusting extensional spreading of the main mass of the hangingwall unit above the NSZ.
Die Blutdruckmessung
Authors: Sengebusch Jürgen , Herzog Michael
Published: November 2017

Wie man bei dieser Untersuchung vorgeht und Fehlerquellen vermeidet.
Auf der sicheren Seite
Authors: Kämper Siegfried
Published: November 2017

Die Dokumentation aller Medizinprodukte in der Praxis muss in zwei Geräteverzeichnissen erfolgen: dem Medizinproduktebuch oder dem Bestandsverzeichnis. Gebrauchtgeräte können eine sinnvolle Lösung sein, um Investitionskosten zu senken. Das gilt jedoch nur, wenn die Geräte alle wichtigen Sicherheitsrichtlinien erfüllen. Für viele Geräte sind Sicherheitstechnische oder Messtechnische Kontrolle und E-Check vorgeschrieben. Dabei müssen die Fristen genau eingehalten und dokumentiert werden.
Automatic tuning of the switching frequency for efficiency maximization in an ESS-PV hybrid PCS
Authors: Han Sangtaek , Prykhodko Stanislav , Park Jungpil
Published: November 2017

An automatic switching frequency tuning algorithm (ASTA) for a real-time condition is proposed. The primary aim is to maximize the power efficiency of a power electronic system. The power loss of a hard-switched power converter is determined by the power loss in power semiconductor devices, magnetic devices, capacitors, etc. Switching frequency of a power converter is one of the parameters which influence the power loss. The parameters which determine the maximum-efficiency point can vary with the ageing of devices and the change in environmental conditions. In this paper, a PWM-carrier frequency is utilized for efficiency maximization of a power conversion system. By varying the PWM-carrier frequency from the minimum to maximum value to search for the switching frequency associated with the point of maximum efficiency, this algorithm is designed for a hybrid-energy power conversion system which consists of DC/DC converters and a DC/AC inverter. For the realization of this algorithm, real-time power metering for efficiency calculations is realized by software, which requires no cost increase as the method shares the voltage-and-current sensing circuits with the converter control unit. The metering algorithm has tolerance of less than 1% over a wide load range. The experimental results present efficiency data captured during the operation of the ASTA algorithm in wide ranges of switching frequencies.
Synthesis of MeSAPO-11 zeolites from attapulgite for dehydration of carbohydrates to HMF
Authors: Zheng Jingjing , Chen Jingjing , Shao Hui , Wang Jun , Sun Xueni
Published: November 2017

MeSAPO-11 molecular sieves were synthesized from attapulgite by the hydrothermal method with the addition of fluorine for the dehydration of carbohydrates to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), where cheap attapulgite served as the single Si and Me and partial Al sources. The results showed that MeSAPO-11 (Si/Al molar ratio = 0.25) had an outstanding catalytic performance, where a HMF yield of 78.2% was obtained at 170 °C within 1.5 h. XRD, SEM, and UV-Vis experiments were conducted to study the morphologies and the structure of MeSAPO-11 molecular sieves. Research results indicated that MeSAPO-11(0.25) had higher acidity and better catalytic performance due to more surface acidic sites.
Dimension towers of SICs. I. Aligned SICs and embedded tight frames
Authors: Appleby Marcus , Bengtsson Ingemar , Dumitru Irina , Flammia Steven
Published: November 2017

Algebraic number theory relates SIC-POVMs in dimension d > 3 to those in dimension d(d − 2). We define a SIC in dimension d(d − 2) to be aligned to a SIC in dimension d if and only if the squares of the overlap phases in dimension d appear as a subset of the overlap phases in dimension d(d − 2) in a specified way. We give 19 (mostly numerical) examples of aligned SICs. We conjecture that given any SIC in dimension d, there exists an aligned SIC in dimension d(d − 2). In all our examples, the aligned SIC has lower dimensional equiangular tight frames embedded in it. If d is odd so that a natural tensor product structure exists, we prove that the individual vectors in the aligned SIC have a very special entanglement structure, and the existence of the embedded tight frames follows as a theorem. If d − 2 is an odd prime number, we prove that a complete set of mutually unbiased bases can be obtained by reducing an aligned SIC to this dimension.
Wide-band microwave absorption by in situ tailoring morphology and optimized N-doping in nano-SiC
Authors: Hua An , Wei Feng , Pan Desheng , Yang Liang , Feng Yang , Li Mingze , Wang Yu , An Jing , Geng Dianyu , Liu Hongyang , Wang Zhenhua , Liu Wei , Ma Song , He Jun , Zhang Zhidong
Published: November 2017

SiC has amazing electromagnetic wave absorption properties based on its excellent dielectric properties. The optimized N-doping nano-SiC with in-situ tailored morphology by a facile one-step synthesis strategy is presented. By using a new N source and gas catalyst, acetonitrile (C2H3N) was exploited to synthesize N-doped nano-SiC with an evolution of morphology from spherical to nanoflake. The surface area of the nanoflake SiC is significantly expanded to support more quantity and types of electric dipoles. Combining the optimized N concentration doping, the complex dielectric and microwave absorption properties of the tailored nano-SiC are clearly improved in the 2–18 GHz range when compared to previously reported SiC and N-doped SiC nanoparticles. The higher ε″ and tan δ values are attributed to fortified polarization relaxation by optimized N-doping and novel nanoflake morphology. A wideband reflection loss exceeding –10 dB (90% microwave absorption) reached 4.1 GHz with an absorber thickness of 1.58 mm. A minimum value of −42 dB at 8 GHz was also achieved. The mechanism of dielectric loss of nanoflake N-doped SiC is discussed in detail.
Thermodynamic framework for information in nanoscale systems with memory
Authors: Arias-Gonzalez J. Ricardo
Published: November 2017

Information is represented by linear strings of symbols with memory that carry errors as a result of their stochastic nature. Proofreading and edition are assumed to improve certainty although such processes may not be effective. Here, we develop a thermodynamic theory for material chains made up of nanoscopic subunits with symbolic meaning in the presence of memory. This framework is based on the characterization of single sequences of symbols constructed under a protocol and is used to derive the behavior of ensembles of sequences similarly constructed. We then analyze the role of proofreading and edition in the presence of memory finding conditions to make revision an effective process, namely, to decrease the entropy of the chain. Finally, we apply our formalism to DNA replication and RNA transcription finding that Watson and Crick hybridization energies with which nucleotides are branched to the template strand during the copying process are optimal to regulate the fidelity in proofreading. These results are important in applications of information theory to a variety of solid-state physical systems and other biomolecular processes.
Introduction to Focus Issue: Time-delay dynamics
Authors: Erneux Thomas , Javaloyes Julien , Wolfrum Matthias , Yanchuk Serhiy
Published: November 2017

The field of dynamical systems with time delay is an active research area that connects practically all scientific disciplines including mathematics, physics, engineering, biology, neuroscience, physiology, economics, and many others. This Focus Issue brings together contributions from both experimental and theoretical groups and emphasizes a large variety of applications. In particular, lasers and optoelectronic oscillators subject to time-delayed feedbacks have been explored by several authors for their specific dynamical output, but also because they are ideal test-beds for experimental studies of delay induced phenomena. Topics include the control of cavity solitons, as light spots in spatially extended systems, new devices for chaos communication or random number generation, higher order locking phenomena between delay and laser oscillation period, and systematic bifurcation studies of mode-locked laser systems. Moreover, two original theoretical approaches are explored for the so-called Low Frequency Fluctuations, a particular chaotical regime in laser output which has attracted a lot of interest for more than 30 years. Current hot problems such as the synchronization properties of networks of delay-coupled units, novel stabilization techniques, and the large delay limit of a delay differential equation are also addressed in this special issue. In addition, analytical and numerical tools for bifurcation problems with or without noise and two reviews on concrete questions are proposed. The first review deals with the rich dynamics of simple delay climate models for El Nino Southern Oscillations, and the second review concentrates on neuromorphic photonic circuits where optical elements are used to emulate spiking neurons. Finally, two interesting biological problems are considered in this Focus Issue, namely, multi-strain epidemic models and the interaction of glucose and insulin for more effective treatment.
Internal resistance of a tree-based power source
Authors: Hao Zhibin , Li Wenbin , Kan Jiangming , Zhang Junguo , Wang Guozhu
Published: November 2017

A standing tree and its surrounding soil form a renewable energy generator, which is expected to provide a brand-new power supply scheme for low-power electrical equipment in forestry. However, parameters of this power source are unclear, which has caused great difficulties in its applications. Relevant literatures mainly focus on the voltage generation and variations. The internal resistance of the tree-base power source has not yet been intensively studied in relevant literatures. However, the internal resistance of a power source is also an important parameter to be considered during energy harvesting and utilization. This study aimed to preliminarily ascertain the characteristics of the internal resistance of this energy generator and to provide a reference for applied research. A measurement of the internal resistance was conducted on a poplar tree for more than one year. The results show that the internal resistance of the tree-based power source in this study was large, typically in the range of 1 kΩ–5 kΩ. The level of the internal resistance exhibited remarkable seasonal rhythmicity in the period of the test. Moreover, periodic circadian changes of the internal resistance level were observed in spring and summer. Based on the findings, a proposal for utilizing the tree-based energy is proposed. In addition, the valuable prospect of the power source is forecasted.
Pure connection formulation, twistors, and the chase for a twistor action for general relativity
Authors: Herfray Yannick
Published: November 2017

This paper establishes the relation between traditional results from the (Euclidean) twistor theory and chiral formulations of general relativity (GR), especially the pure connection formulation. Starting from an SU(2)-connection only, we show how to construct natural complex data on twistor space, mainly an almost Hermitian structure and a connection on some complex line bundle. Only when this almost Hermitian structure is integrable is the connection related to an anti-self-dual-Einstein metric and makes contact with the usual results. This leads to a new proof of the non-linear graviton theorem. Finally, we discuss what new strategies this “connection approach” to twistors suggests for constructing a twistor action for gravity. In Appendix A, we also review all known chiral Lagrangians for GR.
Nanocapillary feeds ions directly into vacuum for mass spectrometry
Authors: Majors J. H.
Published: November 2017

Nanopores enable ion transfer from liquid directly into high vacuum for mass spectrometry, a big step towards single protein sequencing by one-at-a-time amino acid identification from nanocapillaries.
Soil organic carbon saturation deficit under primary agricultural managements across major croplands in China
Authors: Di Jiaying , Feng Wenting , Zhang Wenju , Cai Andong , Xu Minggang
Published: November 2017

Introduction:
To generate information for the effective management of soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration in Chinese croplands, we compared the additional organic carbon (C) that can be stabilized by fine soil particles (<20 μm) with typical fertilization practices across soil types and climate zones. Using data from 30 long-term experimental study sites across the major agricultural zones in China, we estimated stable SOC saturation deficit (SOC
deficit
) under no fertilization (CK), chemical fertilization (CF), straw plus CF (S + CF), and manure plus CF (M + CF). Stable SOC
deficit
was defined as the difference between potential and current SOC stabilized by fine soil particles.
Outcomes:
Stable SOC
deficit
values varied from 51% to 82%. Soils dominated by 2:1 clay minerals showed larger stable SOC
deficit
than soils dominated by 1:1 clay minerals under each treatment. For soils dominated by 2:1 clay minerals, stable SOC
deficit
was significantly lower under M + CF (69%) than under CK, CF, and S + CF (78–82%) treatments, and it increased with increasing mean annual temperature (<10°C). In soils dominated by 1:1 clay minerals, stable SOC
deficit
was considerably lower in paddy and paddy-upland than in upland soils, suggesting that paddies effectively stabilize C inputs.
Discussion:
Agricultural soils in China have considerable C sequestration potential, despite decades of fertilization practices. To manage soil C sequestration and model soil C dynamics effectively, factors such as soil mineral types, fertilization, and cropland use should be considered.
Conclusion:
Our results demonstrated that manure addition was the best fertilization method for improving soil fertility, whereas straw return in Chinese croplands should take into account climate mitigation in future.
Cumulative human impacts in the Bering Strait Region
Authors: Afflerbach Jamie C. , Yocum Dan , Halpern Benjamin S.
Published: November 2017

Introduction:
Human impacts on Arctic marine ecosystems are increasing in extent and intensity as sea ice shrinks and utilization of marine resources expands. The effects of climate change are being felt across the arctic while stressors such as commercial fishing and shipping continue to grow as the Arctic becomes more accessible. Given these emerging changes, there is need for an assessment of the current cumulative impact of human activities to better anticipate and manage for a changing Arctic. Cumulative human impacts (CHI) assessments have been widely applied around the world in a variety of ecosystem types but have yet to incorporate temporal dynamics of individual stressors. Such dynamics are fundamental to Arctic ecosystems.

Outcomes:
Here, we present the first CHI assessment of an Arctic ecosystem to incorporate sea ice as a habitat and assess impact seasonality, using the Bering Strait Region (BSR) as a case study. We find that cumulative impacts differ seasonally, with lower impacts in winter and higher impacts in summer months. Large portions of the BSR have significantly different impacts within each season when compared to a mean annual cumulative impact map. Cumulative impacts also have great spatial variability, with Russian waters between 2.38 and 3.63 times as impacted as US waters.

Conclusion:
This assessment of seasonal and spatial cumulative impacts provides an understanding of the current reality in the BSR and can be used to support development and evaluation of future management scenarios that address expected impacts from climate change and increasing interest in the Arctic.
Evaporation and CO
2
fluxes in a coastal reef: an eddy covariance approach
Authors: Rey-Sánchez A. Camilo , Bohrer Gil , Morin Timothy H. , Shlomo Dekel , Mirfenderesgi Golnazalsadat , Gildor Hezi , Genin Amatzia
Published: November 2017

Introduction:
We conducted season-long observations of evaporation and carbon flux at the Gulf of Aqaba coast, northern Red Sea. We used the eddy-covariance method with a two-tower setup to measure evaporation rates over land and sea and the advection between them. Using a three-dimensional mass balance approach, we calculated total evaporation as the sum of two main components in our site: horizontal advection and turbulent vertical flux, with half-hourly change of water vapor storage and horizontal flux divergence found to be negligible.

Outcomes:
Average evaporation rates were 11.4 [mm/day] from April through May (early summer) and 10.5 [mm/day] from June through August (summer). The coastal reef was a CO
2
sink over the period of measurements, significantly higher in June through August than in April through May. The main environmental drivers of CO
2
flux were humidity, water temperature, sensible heat flux, and wind speed.

Discussion:
The rates of evaporation near the shore were considerably higher than values reported in other studies typically used to represent the mean for the whole Gulf area. We found that evaporation rates computed by common bulk models approximate the mean values of evaporation but have poor representativeness of the intra-daily temporal variation of evaporation. There was a significant correlation between CO
2
flux and evaporation attributed to common environmental drivers of gas diffusion, turbulent fluxes, and horizontal transport.

Conclusion:
We conclude that observations of fluxes in coastal waters need to use at least a two-tower system to account for the effect of horizontal advection on the total flux.
The new face of JEM
Authors: Nathan Carl , Nussenzweig Michel , Pulvirenti Teodoro
Published: November 2017

We are excited to introduce a new design for JEM.
MOSAIC: a chemical-genetic interaction data repository and web resource for exploring chemical modes of action
Authors: Nelson Justin , Simpkins Scott W , Safizadeh Hamid , Li Sheena C , Piotrowski Jeff S , Hirano Hiroyuki , Yashiroda Yoko , Osada Hiroyuki , Yoshida Minoru , Boone Charles , Myers Chad L
Published: November 2017

Chemical-genomic approaches that map interactions between small molecules and genetic perturbations offer a promising strategy for functional annotation of uncharacterized bioactive compounds. We recently developed a new high-throughput platform for mapping chemical-genetic (CG) interactions in yeast that can be scaled to screen large compound collections, and we applied this system to generate CG interaction profiles for more than 13 000 compounds. When integrated with the existing global yeast genetic interaction network, CG interaction profiles can enable mode-of-action prediction for previously uncharacterized compounds as well as discover unexpected secondary effects for known drugs. To facilitate future analysis of these valuable data, we developed a public database and web interface named MOSAIC. The website provides a convenient interface for querying compounds, bioprocesses (Gene Ontology terms) and genes for CG information including direct CG interactions, bioprocesses and gene-level target predictions. MOSAIC also provides access to chemical structure information of screened molecules, chemical-genomic profiles and the ability to search for compounds sharing structural and functional similarity. This resource will be of interest to chemical biologists for discovering new small molecule probes with specific modes-of-action as well as computational biologists interested in analysing CG interaction networks.

Availability and implementation

MOSAIC is available at http://mosaic.cs.umn.edu.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Chondrosarcoma of the cervical spine
Authors: Gietzen Lindsay , Pokorski Philip
Published: November 2017

This case report describes the diagnosis, surgical treatment, and management of a patient with low-grade chondrosarcoma of the cervical spine that initially presented as myositis ossificans. Chondrosarcoma is rare in the cervical spine and in this patient, may have been the result of an injury from a motor vehicle crash. The management of this patient has been unusual in that a complete excision was not performed because the patient refused standard treatment.
Temperature management for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest
Authors: Coppler Patrick J. , Dezfulian Cameron , Elmer Jonathan , Rittenberger Jon C.
Published: November 2017

More than 300,000 Americans suffer a cardiac arrest outside of the hospital each year and even among those who are successfully resuscitated and survive to hospital admission, outcomes remain poor. Temperature management (previously known as therapeutic hypothermia) is the only intervention that has been reproducibly demonstrated to ameliorate the neurologic injury that follows cardiac arrest. The results of a recent large randomized controlled trial have highlighted the uncertainty about temperature management strategies following cardiac arrest. This article reviews the issues and recommendations.
Musculoskeletal development in patients with Down syndrome
Authors: Dupre Corey , Weidman-Evans Emily
Published: November 2017

Down syndrome is a chromosomal aneuploidy that results in disruptions in multiple body systems, including musculoskeletal function. Early intervention to focus on bone mineral density, gait correction, agility, balance, and muscle strength is imperative in order for patients to achieve maximum potential.
Is nonmetastatic cutaneous melanoma predictable through genomic biomarkers?
Authors: Branca Mattia , Orso Samuel , Molinari Roberto C. , Xu Haotian , Guerrier Stéphane , Zhang Yuming , Mili Nabil
Published: November 2017

Cutaneous melanoma is a highly aggressive skin cancer whose treatment and prognosis are critically affected by the presence of metastasis. In this study, we address the following issue: which gene transcripts and what kind of interactions between them can allow to predict nonmetastatic from metastatic melanomas with a high level of accuracy? We carry out a meta-analysis on the first gene expression set of the Leeds melanoma cohort, as made available online on 11 May 2016 through the ArrayExpress platform with MicroArray Gene Expression number 4725. According to the authors, primary melanoma mRNA expression was measured in 204 tumours using an illumina DASL HT12 4 whole-genome array. The tumour transcripts were selected through a recently proposed predictive-based regression algorithm for gene-network selection. A set of 64 equivalent models, each including only two gene transcripts, were each sufficient to accurately classify primary tumours into metastatic and nonmetastatic melanomas. The sensitivity and specificity of the genomic-based models were, respectively, 4% (95% confidence interval: 0.11–21.95%) and 99% (95% confidence interval: 96.96–99.99%). The very high specificity coupled with a significantly large positive likelihood ratio leads to a conclusive increase in the likelihood of disease when these biomarkers are present in the primary tumour. In conjunction with other highly sensitive methods, this approach can aspire to be part of the future standard diagnosis methods for the screening of metastatic cutaneous melanoma. The small dimension of the selected transcripts models enables easy handling of large-scale genomic testing procedures. Moreover, some of the selected transcripts have an understandable link with what is known about cutaneous melanoma oncogenesis, opening a window on the molecular pathways underlying the metastatic process of this disease.
Cochlear Implant Insertion Axis Into the Basal Turn: A Critical Factor in Electrode Array Translocation
Authors: Torres Renato , Drouillard Mylène , De Seta Daniele , Bensimon Jean-Loup , Ferrary Evelyne , Sterkers Olivier , Bernardeschi Daniele , Nguyen Yann
Published: November 2017

Hypothesis:

An inappropriate insertion axis leads to intracochlear trauma during cochlear implantation (CI).

Background:

Few studies assessed the relationship between the insertion axis and the electrode scalar location.

Methods:

Preimplantation cone-beam CT (CBCT) was performed on 12 human temporal bones. In five temporal bones, an optimal insertion axis was planned, due to the impossibility to attain the ST centerline from the posterior tympanotomy, because of facial canal position. In the seven other temporal bones, an inaccurate insertion axis was intentionally planned (optimal axis+15 degrees). Automated CI array insertion according to the planned axis was performed with a motorized insertion tool driven by a navigated robot-based arm. The cochlea and basilar membrane were segmented from the preimplantation CBCT and the array segmented from the postimplantation CBCT to construct a merged final three-dimensional (3D) model. Microscopical and 3D analysis were performed to determine the intracochlear trauma at the level of each electrode.

Results:

A good agreement was observed in determining electrode position between microscopic analysis and the 3D model (Cohen's kappa k = 0.67). The angle of approach to the ST centerline was associated with the number of electrodes inserted into the ST (r = −0.65, p = 0.02, [95% CI −0.90 to −0.11] Spearman's rank correlation).

Conclusion:

A 3D reconstruction model was effective in determining the array position in the cochlea scalae. Our data indicate that the angle of approach to the ST centerline is a critical factor in intracochlear trauma. Additional studies should be conducted to assess the importance of the insertion axis with other array designs.
Anterior Skull Base Tumors: The Role of Transfacial Approaches in the Endoscopic Era
Authors: Dini Leandro Infantini , Isolan Gustavo Rassier , Flores Evelise , Lombardo Eduardo Madruga , Heitz Cláiton
Published: November 2017

The basis of craniofacial tumor surgery is complete surgical extirpation, preferably en bloc or with free borders. Craniofacial techniques are the gold standard and primary strategies in the treatment of anterior skull base tumors. In the last decade, the reports favoring results of endoscopic techniques have increased. One could conclude that the classical transfacial approaches might become useless, but, in fact, there is little research comparing these techniques.

In this article, the authors present their experience with combined craniofacial resection of anterior craniofacial skull base tumors in 9 consecutive patients between January 2013 and July 2015. This article aims to review some of the traditional transfacial approaches, illustrating them with this series of surgical patients. Benefits and drawbacks of these approaches are discussed.
An invasive herbivore structures plant competitive dynamics
Authors: Wong Lydia , Grainger Tess Nahanni , Start Denon , Gilbert Benjamin
Published: November 2017

Species interactions are central to our understanding of ecological communities, but may change rapidly with the introduction of invasive species. Invasive species can alter species interactions and community dynamics directly by having larger detrimental effects on some species than others, or indirectly by changing the ways in which native species compete among themselves. We tested the direct and indirect effects of an invasive aphid herbivore on a native aphid species and two host milkweed species. The invasive aphid caused a 10-fold decrease in native aphid populations, and a 30% increase in plant mortality (direct effects). The invasive aphid also increased the strength of interspecific competition between the two native plant hosts (indirect effects). By investigating the role that indirect effects play in shaping species interactions in native communities, our study highlights an understudied component of species invasions.
Identifying spatio-temporal dynamics of Ebola in Sierra Leone using virus genomes
Authors: Gustafson Kyle B. , Proctor Joshua L.
Published: November 2017

Containing the recent West African outbreak of Ebola virus (EBOV) required the deployment of substantial global resources. Despite recent progress in analysing and modelling EBOV epidemiological data, a complete characterization of the spatio-temporal spread of Ebola cases remains a challenge. In this work, we offer a novel perspective on the EBOV epidemic in Sierra Leone that uses individual virus genome sequences to inform population-level, spatial models. Calibrated to phylogenetic linkages of virus genomes, these spatial models provide unique insight into the
disease mobility
of EBOV in Sierra Leone without the need for human mobility data. Consistent with other investigations, our results show that the spread of EBOV during the beginning and middle portions of the epidemic strongly depended on the size of and distance between populations. Our phylodynamic analysis also revealed a change in model preference towards a spatial model with power-law characteristics in the latter portion of the epidemic, correlated with the timing of major intervention campaigns. More generally, we believe this framework, pairing molecular diagnostics with a dynamic model selection procedure, has the potential to be a powerful forecasting tool along with offering operationally relevant guidance for surveillance and sampling strategies during an epidemic.
Uncovering a reconstructive solid–solid phase transition in a metal–organic framework
Authors: Longley L. , Li N. , Wei F. , Bennett T. D.
Published: November 2017

A nanoporous three-dimensional metal–organic framework (MOF), ZnPurBr undergoes a transition to a previously unreported high-temperature phase, ZnPurBr-ht. The transition, which proceeds without mass loss, is uncovered through the use of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The new crystal structure was solved using single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and the mechanical properties of both phases investigated by nanoindentation and density functional theory. The anisotropy of the calculated Young's moduli showed good agreement with the crystallographic alignment of the stiff purinate organic linker. The results provide a prototypical example of the importance of the use of DSC in the MOF field, where its use is not currently standard in characterization.
Jellyfish on the menu: mtDNA assay reveals scyphozoan predation in the Irish Sea
Authors: Lamb Philip D. , Hunter Ewan , Pinnegar John K. , Creer Simon , Davies Richard G. , Taylor Martin I.
Published: November 2017

Localized outbreaks of jellyfish, known as blooms, cause a variety of adverse ecological and economic effects. However, fundamental aspects of their ecology remain unknown. Notably, there is scant information on the role jellyfish occupy in food webs: in many ecosystems, few or no predators are known. To identify jellyfish consumers in the Irish Sea, we conducted a molecular gut content assessment of 50 potential predators using cnidarian-specific mtDNA primers and sequencing. We show that jellyfish predation may be more common than previously acknowledged: uncovering many previously unknown jellyfish predators. A substantial proportion of herring and whiting were found to have consumed jellyfish. Rare ingestion was also detected in a variety of other species. Given the phenology of jellyfish in the region, we suggest that the predation was probably targeting juvenile stages of the jellyfish life cycle.
Rolling resistance of shallow granular deformation
Authors: Burns Keaton J. , Balmforth Neil J. , Hewitt Ian J.
Published: November 2017

Experiments are conducted to measure the resistance experienced by light cylinders rolling over flat beds of granular media. Sand and glass spheres are used for the beds. The trajectories of the rolling cylinders are determined through optical tracking, and velocity and acceleration data are inferred through fits to these trajectories. The rolling resistance is dominated by a velocity-independent component, but a velocity-dependent drag exceeding the expected strength of air drag is also observed. The results are compared to a theoretical model based on a cohesionless Mohr–Coulomb rheology for a granular medium in the presence of gravity. The model idealizes the flow pattern underneath the rolling cylinder as a plastically deforming zone in front of a rigidly rotating plug attached to the cylinder, as proposed previously for cylinders rolling on perfectly cohesive plastic media. The leading-order, rate-independent rolling resistance observed experimentally is well reproduced by the model predictions.