bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional and construction indicator for the briquetting process of lignocellulosic materials
Authors: Talaśka Krzysztof , Wojtkowiak Dominik , Malujda Ireneusz , Kukla Mateusz , Wałęsa Krzysztof
Published: January 2019

The study presents the possibility to measure the torque and axial force of the working system of the screw compactor machine with open working chamber. Attention was drawn to the relationship between the two parameters and the geometric properties of the working system and the thermomechanical properties of the compacted materials. A functional construction coefficient was proposed and defined to bound together the value of torque and axial force. Its usability was demonstrated for identifying the parameters of compaction process together with its applicability for controlling these types of processes.
Testing of a force sensor used to measure the briquetting process parameters of lignocellulosic materials
Authors: Talaśka Krzysztof , Wojtkowiak Dominik , Malujda Ireneusz , Wałęsa Krzysztof
Published: January 2019

The study presents a control and measurement system for the drive parameters of screw compactor machine with open working chamber for shredded materials. The study demonstrates the construction and working principle of the force sensor for measuring the axial force at the compacting screw. The calibration method for the measuring system was presented together with example measurement results for compaction of broken up rye straw, oat straw and hay. The study results were analyzed for feasibility of use for the compaction of materials with specific thermomechanical properties. The conclusion presents the possible forms of application of the established solution in mass production.
Testing of a torque sensor used to measure the parameters of the briquetting process of lignocellulosic materials
Authors: Talaśka Krzysztof , Wojtkowiak Dominik , Malujda Ireneusz , Wałęsa Krzysztof
Published: January 2019

The study presents a control and measurement system for the drive parameters of screw compactor machine with open working chamber for shredded materials. The study demonstrates the construction and working principle of the torque sensor for measuring the torque of the motor driving the compacting screw. The calibration method for the measuring system was presented together with example measurement results for compaction of broken up rye straw, oat straw and hay. The study results were analyzed for feasibility of use for the compaction of materials with specific thermomechanical properties. The conclusion presents the possible forms of application of the established solution in mass production.
Influence of the face surface shape of the piston on the limit value of compaction stress in the process of dry ice agglomeration
Authors: Górecki Jan , Malujda Ireneusz , Wilczyński Dominik , Wojtkowiak Dominik
Published: January 2019

This paper presents the results of research on improving the efficiency of the mechanical agglomeration through describing the influence of the shape of the piston pressure face on the limit force value. The focus of this study is the geometrical parameters which are describing the shape of the piston pressure face. Where these parameters influence on the value of the limit stress in the process of mechanical agglomeration of crystallized carbon dioxide. The first part of the paper proposes a model describing the influence of the geometric parameters of the piston pressure face on the value of axial force during the subsequent compression phase of the process. The research part of the paper presents the empirical research results to verify the proposed model. The results of the work will be used to determine the influence of the described geometrical parameters of the dry ice residue on the axial force value. The derived mathematical model will be used for defining the design requirements as the starting point for the design and building of dry ice compression and granulation machines.
Tests of mechanical properties of semicrystalline and amorphous polymeric materials produced by 3D printing
Authors: Sikora Piotr , Gnatowski Adam , Gołębski Rafał
Published: January 2019

The article presents the results of tests of physical properties of samples from semi-crystalline and amorphous polymeric materials produced using 3D printing. Samples were produced using 3D printing technology on the SIGNAL -ATMAT printer. The following polymeric materials were used to make the samples: TPU thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, ABS acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer, Laywood, PET ethylene terephthalate, PLA poly (lactic acid). The materials were tested for their mechanical properties. The hardness was determined by the Shore method and the ball-pressing method. The tensile strength also was determined. The research samples were subjected to visual analysis on a Keyence microscope to analyze the breakthrough site.
Design and manufacture of artificial organs made of polymers
Authors: Macko Marek , Szczepański Zbigniew , Mikołajewski Dariusz , Nowak Joanna , Mikołajewska Emilia , Furtak Jacek , Listopadzki Sławomir
Published: January 2019

New technologies such as 3D printing and reverse engineering are becoming increasingly popular, including in medical applications. The paper presents possible ways to use 3D printing in the area of increasing the level of medical training specialists in their daily clinical practice and in the selection of the appropriate scenario before a real surgical operation. Descriptions of the projects carried out with the surgeons aimed at achieving the aforementioned goals were presented. The presented concepts are relatively new solutions, but their further development may lead to the extension of the field of application of these techniques in medicine, among others in relation to other specialties.
Preparation and properties of new elastomeric systems containing alternative fillers
Authors: Ondrušová Darina , Labaj Ivan , Pajtášová Mariana , Vršková Juliana
Published: January 2019

The present paper deals with a preparation of new elastomeric compounds containing two kinds of alternative additives based on wastes from glass production and energetics. Named alternative fillers were mixed into rubber compounds asa replacement of commonly used fillers – carbon black and silica. Rheological properties, vulcanization characteristics as well as hardness and rebound resilience of vulcanizates, which are important parameters for their industrial application, have been studied in the new prepared elastomeric systems. The resulting vulcanizates containing alternative fillers exhibit improved properties, in particular low rolling resistance and high rebound resilience, while maintaining optimal hardness values. Used raw material substitution can also bring significant environmental and economic effects.
Dirofilaria and Wolbachia in mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in central European Russia and on the Black Sea coast
Authors: Shaikevich Elena , Bogacheva Anna , Ganushkina Ludmila
Published: January 2019

Dirofilariasis is endemic in Russia, as well as in many other European countries. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of mosquitoes to transfer Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens in regions with temperate and subtropical climates. The possible impact of the symbiotic bacterium Wolbachia on Dirofilaria transmission was also investigated. 5333 female mosquitoes were collected at 11 points in central European Russia and on the Black Sea coast during the period 2013–2017. Out of 20 mosquito species examined, 14 were infected with D. repens and 13 with D. immitis. Both species of Dirofilaria were found in different climatic regions. The total Dirofilaria spp. estimated infection rate (EIR) in the central part of Russia varied from 3.1% to 3.7% and, in the southern region, from 1.1% to 3.0%. The highest estimated infection rate was found in Anopheles messeae, the lowest in Culex pipiens. The greatest epidemiological danger was represented by Aedes aegypti, Ae. geniculatus, An. messeae and Ae. communis. Six out of 20 mosquito species were infected with Wolbachia. Pools of Aedes albopictus, Cx. pipiens and Coquillettidia richiardii were simultaneously infected with Dirofilaria and Wolbachia. After checking mosquitoes individually, it was found that there was no development of Dirofilaria to the infective larval stage in specimens infected with Wolbachia. Twenty-two Dirofilaria-infective pools were Wolbachia-free and only two mosquito pools were Wolbachia-infected. The potential for transmission of Dirofilaria in mosquito species naturally uninfected with the symbiotic bacterium Wolbachia is higher than in species infected with the bacterium.
Strain and property tuning of the 3D framed epitaxial nanocomposite thin films via interlayer thickness variation
Authors: Sun X. , Li Q. , Huang J. , Jian J. , Lu P. , Zhang X. , MacManus-Driscoll J. L. , Wang H.
Published: January 2019

This work demonstrates the growth of three-dimensional (3D) ZnO-framed La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 (LSMO)-ZnO heteroepitaxial thin films in a vertically aligned nanocomposite (VAN) form on SrTiO3 (STO) substrates. Such 3D framed structures are formed by interlayering pure ZnO layers in LSMO-ZnO VAN thin films to thus achieve a ZnO-framed nanocomposite structure. Tailoring the thickness of the ZnO interlayer enables fine-tuning of the overall strain state of the two phases and thus leads to the tuning of the physical properties, such as the metal-insulator transition temperature, and magnetotransport properties. The optimum thickness of the ZnO interlayer is determined to be ∼2 nm to obtain a maximum magnetoresistance of 31% by a combined strain tuning and magnetoresistance tunneling effect. This work demonstrates effective strain tuning using the 3D framed design and provides a comprehensive perspective on the strain- and property-tuning using 3D nanocomposite frameworks.
Temperature dependent Raman of BiTe nanotubes
Authors: Zhou Fang , Zhao Yujing , Zhou Weichang , Tang Dongsheng
Published: January 2019

BiTe has been widely used as thermoelectric material. Here the BiTe nanotubes were synthesized by solvothermal method for the first time. The BiTe nanotubes were characterized via scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) as well as transmission electron microscope (TEM), indicating the high crystal qualities of as-prepared products. The lattice dynamics of BiTe nanotubes was further studied via the micro-Raman scattering spectra in the temperature range of 103-593 K. Both the peak position and mode width of 2Ag1, 1Eg1 exhibit an obvious change with decreased temperature. All the Eg1, A1g1, Eg2, A1g2 modes have ultralow temperature coefficients of 1.85 × 10−5, 1.98 × 10−4, 1.09 × 10−4, 2.34 × 10−4 cm−1/K, respectively, which should be beneficial for obtaining high figure of merit (ZT) and confirm the outstanding thermoelectric performance of BiTe nanotubes.
A versatile lattice Boltzmann model for immiscible ternary fluid flows
Authors: Yu Yuan , Liu Haihu , Liang Dong , Zhang Yonghao
Published: January 2019

We propose a lattice Boltzmann color-gradient model for immiscible ternary fluid flows, which is applicable to the fluids with a full range of interfacial tensions, especially in near-critical and critical states. An interfacial force for N-phase systems is derived and then introduced into the model using a body force scheme, which helps reduce spurious velocities. A generalized recoloring algorithm is applied to produce phase segregation and ensure immiscibility of three different fluids, where an enhanced form of segregation parameters is derived by considering the existence of Neumann’s triangle and the effect of the equilibrium contact angle in a three-phase junction. The proposed model is first validated by two typical examples, namely, the Young-Laplace test for a compound droplet and the spreading of a droplet between two stratified fluids. It is then used to study the structure and stability of double droplets in a static matrix. Consistent with the theoretical stability diagram, seven possible equilibrium morphologies are successfully reproduced by adjusting the interfacial tension ratio. By simulating near-critical and critical states of double droplets where the outcomes are very sensitive to the model accuracy, we show that the present model is advantageous to three-phase flow simulations and allows for accurate simulation of near-critical and critical states. Finally, we investigate the influence of interfacial tension ratio on the behavior of a compound droplet in a three-dimensional shear flow, and four different deformation and breakup modes are observed.
Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and finite element analysis modeling of a 4-electrode humidity sensor for natural gas transportation pipelines
Authors: Hall Derek M. , Duffy Timothy , Ziomek-Moroz Margaret , Lvov Serguei N.
Published: January 2019

Reliable corrosion monitoring of natural gas transmission lines is a major tool providing a foundation for safe management of natural gas infrastructures. Through the development of membrane-based electrochemical sensors which are able to function in low-conductivity gas environments, corrosion monitoring practices can be further strengthened by real-time monitoring of key risk factors such as relative humidity and corrosion rates of corrodible structures. In this work, we demonstrate and validate how a 4-electrode conductivity sensor can provide a means to monitor relative humidity in gases via electrochemical impedance spectroscopy through finite element analysis (FEA). For a relative humidity range of 5%–55%, the impedance response varied from 1 kΩ to 66 kΩ, showing a high sensitivity for gas humidity. To confirm that the measured impedance values reliably interpreted relative humidity, it was found that precise estimation of the sensor’s cell constant was needed. FEA was used to assess how the cell constant depended on the electrode geometry, membrane geometry, and electrode placement within the sensor. Through this approach, assumptions about the characteristic area and length were validated using electrolyte equipotential and current density vector mapping. This reduced possible cell constant uncertainties by 70%. With a cell constant of 14.84 cm−1, obtained via FEA, membrane conductivity values were in good agreement with published data.
Direct imaging of moisture effects during slow dynamic nonlinearity
Authors: Bittner J. A. , Popovics J. S.
Published: January 2019

Transient hysteretic dynamic behaviors, commonly known as slow dynamics, have been observed to exist in many materials, but a physical cause for the phenomena remains elusive. These dynamic behaviors obfuscate an array of physical measurements associated with oil exploration, structural health assessment, and seismic analysis. In this work, a modified resonant ultrasound spectroscopy (RUS) measurement configuration is coupled with an environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) to study the behavior of a porous solid material at the micro-scale before and after mechanical resonance excitation. The experiment was carried out in two steps: a validation of the modified RUS configuration was performed, and then ESEM images were collected before and after mechanical vibration excitation was applied to the sample. The validation results demonstrate that RUS vibration responses displayed nonlinear transient hysteretic behavior consistent with slow dynamics within the region of vibration energy studied. The ESEM images of the material in different water-based moisture conditions reveal that dynamically enabled moisture transport occurs within a pore with a size of tens of microns. The results show that pore moisture migrates out of, and back in to, the pores in response to mechanical vibration, which is coincident with observed transient hysteretic softening and recovery behaviors associated with slow dynamics.
Investigation and modeling of optics damage in high-power laser systems caused by light backscattered in plasma at the target
Authors: Chapman T. , Michel P. , Di Nicola J.-M. G. , Berger R. L. , Whitman P. K. , Moody J. D. , Manes K. R. , Spaeth M. L. , Belyaev M. A. , Thomas C. A. , MacGowan B. J.
Published: January 2019

High-power laser facilities may be restricted in operations by the risk of damage to optics due to the backscattering of laser light from the intended target. A portion of this backscattered light can re-enter the beam line and at sufficient fluence may damage (burn) optical apparatus. Here, the observed cumulative burn pattern on mirrors at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) due to stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) at the target is explained using detailed simulations. Our methodology involves using a measurement of a phase plate profile installed at the NIF to provide the laser input to a three-dimensional simulation of laser-plasma interaction in a target typical of that fielded at the NIF. Light scattered by SBS at the target is then followed back to the final aperture of the beam line, back through the phase plate, and to a mirror where damage typically occurs. We find that mirror damage patterns are largely dictated by the phase imprint of the phase plate on the returning SBS light. Our simulations show that the instantaneous SBS signal at the mirror varies on a picosecond time scale and is also highly modulated in space. Temporal averaging of the simulated SBS light pattern on the mirror reveals a pattern in close agreement with the experimentally observed damage. Understanding these burn patterns (distribution, modulation depth) may lead to future phase plate designs that limit damage throughout the optics assembly of high-powered laser facilities.
On the reduction and rectification of thermal conduction using phononic crystals with pacman-shaped holes
Authors: Gluchko Sergei , Anufriev Roman , Yanagisawa Ryoto , Volz Sebastian , Nomura Masahiro
Published: January 2019

We measure the thermal conductivity of silicon phononic crystals with asymmetric holes at room and liquid helium temperatures and study the effect of thermal rectification, phonon boundary scattering, neck transmission, and hole positioning. Also, we compare the influence of asymmetric holes on thermal conductivity reduction with the one of conventional circular holes. This reduction is almost 40% larger in the case of pacman shaped holes as compared with circular ones for the same parameters of phononic crystals. Our experimental results can be used to significantly improve the efficiency of thermoelectric devices by using pacman-shaped holes in phononic crystals.
Entangled photon pair generation from an InP membrane micro-ring resonator
Authors: Kumar Rakesh Ranjan , Raevskaia Marina , Pogoretskii Vadim , Jiao Yuqing , Tsang Hon Ki
Published: January 2019

We performed quantum interference measurements using photon pairs generated via cavity enhanced spontaneous four-wave mixing in an indium phosphide membrane micro-ring resonator which was optically pumped by a continuous-wave laser. The internal generation rate was estimated to be as high as 70 kHz at a coupled input power of 0.022 mW, and a two-photon quantum interference raw visibility of 78.4 ± 2% was observed.
Spot and diffuse mode of cathode attachments in a magnetically rotating arc plasma generator at atmospheric pressure
Authors: Wang Cheng , Sun Qiang , Sun Lu , Lu Zhongshan , Xia Weiluo , Xia Weidong
Published: January 2019

Adjusting the strength of an axial magnetic field is an effective method to control the cathode attachment. In this paper, a magnetically rotating arc plasma generator is constructed to study the cathode attachment modes under different magnetic fields. Two cathode attachment modes are observed: a spot mode and a diffuse mode. Images of cathode attachments, temperature distribution of the cathode surface, and arc voltage characteristics correlating to different cathode attachment modes are investigated. Results show that the spot mode is favored by the low magnetic field. With an increase in the magnetic field, the cathode attachment region expands gradually, until the spot mode evolutes to the diffuse mode. The diffuse mode is associated with a significantly increased arc voltage, indicating that the transition is an abrupt process rather than a gradual process. For the diffuse mode, the cathode end has a higher average and lower peak temperature, but there exists varying temperature distribution on the cathode end, such as the ring-shaped high temperature region. Additionally, a two-dimensional coupled model is applied to qualitatively discuss the effect of magnetic field on the cathode attachment modes. Simulation results reveal that energy flux to the cathode surface increases with the increase of the magnetic field, and the major increment is thermal conduction heating from the arc column to the cathode surface, which possibly arises from the axial compression of arc plasma. Thus, the diffuse mode tends to always operate in the large magnetic field.
Resistive detection of the Néel temperature of Cr2O3 thin films
Authors: Iino Tatsuya , Moriyama Takahiro , Iwaki Hiroyuki , Aono Hikaru , Shiratsuchi Yu , Ono Teruo
Published: January 2019

Although bulk magnetic properties of various antiferromagnets have been vigorously studied since long ago, their properties in the form of thin films, which are more relevant to antiferromagnetic spintronic devices, have not been investigated as much. In this work, we characterized the Néel temperature of Cr2O3 thin films by investigating the temperature dependence of the spin Hall magnetoresistance in Cr2O3/Pt bilayers. A precise determination of the Néel temperature was made possible by carefully designing the direction of the magnetic anisotropy in Cr2O3. The results provide a reliable way to determine the Néel temperature of antiferromagnetic thin films.
Renewable p-xylene production by co-catalytic pyrolysis of cellulose and methanol
Authors: Tang Chi , Zhu Li-juan , Fan Ming-hui , Li Quan-xin
Published: January 2019

This work developed a one-step process for renewable p-xylene production by co-catalytic fast pyrolysis (co-CFP) of cellulose and methanol over the different metal oxides modified ZSM5 catalysts. It has been proven that La2O3-modified ZSM5(80) catalyst was an effective one for the production of bio-based p-xylene. The selectivity and yield of p-xylene strongly depended on the acidity of the catalysts, reaction temperature, and methanol content. The highest p-xylene yield of 14.5 C-mol% with a p-xylene/xylenes ratio of 86.8% was obtained by the co-CFP of cellulose with 33wt% methanol over 20%La2O3-ZSM5(80) catalyst. The deactivation of the catalysts during the catalytic pyrolysis process was investigated in detail. The reaction pathway for the formation of p-xylene from cellulose was proposed based on the analysis of products and the characterization of catalysts.
“Dry” NiCo2O4 nanorods for electrochemical non-enzymatic glucose sensing
Authors: Sun Feng-chao , Zhang Jing-tong , Ren Hao , Wang Shu-tao , Zhou Yan , Zhang Jun
Published: January 2019

A rod-like NiCo2O4 modified glassy carbon electrode was fabricated and used for non-enzymatic glucose sensing. The NiCo2O4 was prepared by a facile hydrothermal reaction and subsequently treated in a commercial microwave oven to eliminate the residual water introduced during the hydrothermal procedure. Structural analysis showed that there was no significant structural alteration before and after microwave treatment. The elimination of water residuals was confirmed by the stoichiometric ratio change by using element analysis. The microwave treated NiCo2O4 (M-NiCo2O4) showed excellent performance as a glucose sensor (sensitivity 431.29 µA·mmol/L−1·cm−2). The sensing performance decreases dramatically by soaking the M-NiCo2O4 in water. This result indicates that the introduction of residual water during hydrothermal process strongly affects the electrochemical performance and microwave pre-treatment is crucial for better sensory performance.
Ability of sulfur-oxidising bacteria to hasten degradation of ground rubber particles in soil for release of zinc as a fertiliser to correct deficiency in wheat
Authors: Asadollahzadeh M. J. , Khoshgoftarmanesh A. H. , Chaney R. L.
Published: January 2019

Previous research has shown that ground rubber from tyres can be used to supply fertiliser zinc (Zn) for prevention of Zn-deficiency in crops, and that inoculation of the ground rubber with several bacterial species hastens the release of Zn to the soil. We evaluated the ability of several microbial combinations to speed the release of Zn from ground rubber and to decrease soil pH to favour phytoavailability of Zn to crops. In a batch experiment, treatment combinations of two rates of ground crumb rubber (nil or 300mg kg–1, equal to 0 or 3.4mg Zn kg–1) and 24 bacterial inoculants were incorporated into a Zn-deficient calcareous soil. In a pot experiment, two wheat cultivars were grown on the soil without or with ground rubber amendment or with equivalent Zn from ZnSO4 (15mg kg–1) in combination with two selected microbial treatments. All microbial treatments significantly decreased soil pH at week 3, most notably the inoculant comprising Rhodococcus erythropolis and Acinetobacter calcoaceticus (RA)+Pseudomonas putida P41 (P1)+mixed Thiobacillus spp. (Mt). In the presence of tyre rubber, soil pH at week 10 was still significantly lower than the initial value, and soil DTPA-extractable Zn concentration increased until week 6 and then remained unchanged or slightly reduced at week 10. The greatest increase in DTPA-Zn concentration occurred with the RA inoculation. Microbial inoculation treatments were classified by cluster analysis into eight groups based on soil pH and concentrations of iron (Fe) and Zn. Group 8 produced the lowest pH and highest concentrations of DTPA-Fe ( average 6.92mg kg–1) and DTPA-Zn (average 2.67mg kg–1). Inoculations with RA and with RA+P1+T. thioparus were the most effective in hastening an increase in DTPA-extractable Zn and significantly enhanced Zn uptake by wheat plants, whereas inoculations with P. putida P168 and with RA+P2+Mt were most effective in decreasing soil pH and increasing plant Fe concentration.
Environmental factors influencing guanaco distribution and abundance in central Patagonia, Argentina
Authors: Pedrana Julieta , Travaini Alejandro , Zanón Juan Ignacio , Zapata Sonia Cristina , Rodríguez Alejandro , Bustamante Javier
Published: January 2019

Context The guanaco is the largest wild herbivore inhabiting the Patagonian steppes. Since the end of the 19th Century, it has suffered a progressive decline in numbers owing to poaching and unregulated hunting because of on an assumed competition with sheep. Unfortunately, there has never been a management program for guanaco populations in Argentine Patagonia. Consequently, the guanaco is still considered a pest species by ranchers and has never been considered profitable in the range management model implemented in Patagonia. Aims The present article updates the distribution limits of guanaco and estimate its abundance across Chubut, a large province of Patagonia, Argentina. The relative effects of several environmental and anthropogenic factors on guanaco distribution are also assessed. Methods Road surveys (7010km) and species distribution modelling were used to build a habitat suitability model and a distribution map. A distance sampling method was used to estimate guanaco population densities and size. The survey effort required to monitor population trends in this region was also calculated. Key results According to the best habitat suitability model, guanaco distribution decreased with altitude and primary productivity, as measured by Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and increased with the distance to the nearest urban centre and oil field. Guanaco distribution showed a clear geographical pattern in Chubut, with low to medium occurrence probability towards the west and higher values towards the east. Guanaco population size was estimated as 657304 individuals (95% CI 457437 to 944059), with a mean density of 2.97 guanacos km–2. Finally, through simulations of guanaco monitoring, it was estimated that an annual survey effort of 10 to thirty 30-km road transects is needed to detect with confidence a significant population decrease or increase over the next 6 or 10 years. Conclusions The habitat suitability map presented herein highlights areas with high guanaco densities in Chubut, where it would be possible to identify ranches suitable for performing profitable herding and shearing experiences. Implications The maps of guanaco distribution and density, as well as the survey effort required to monitor population trends, may be used to inform decisions concerning the sustainable use of this species.
Reflections on an interdisciplinary collaboration to inform public understanding of climate change, mitigation, and impacts
Authors: Bruine de Bruin Wändi , Morgan M. Granger
Published: January 2019

We describe two interdisciplinary projects in which natural scientists and engineers, as well as psychologists and other behavioral scientists, worked together to better communicate about climate change, including mitigation and impacts. One project focused on understanding and informing public perceptions of an emerging technology to capture and sequester carbon dioxide from coal-fired power plants, as well as other low-carbon electricity-generation technologies. A second project focused on public understanding about carbon dioxide’s residence time in the atmosphere. In both projects, we applied the mental-models approach, which aims to design effective communications by using insights from interdisciplinary teams of experts and mental models elicited from intended audience members. In addition to summarizing our findings, we discuss the process of interdisciplinary collaboration that we pursued in framing and completing both projects. We conclude by describing what we think we have learned about the conditions that supported our ongoing interdisciplinary collaborations.
Promises and perils of gene drives: Navigating the communication of complex, post-normal science
Authors: Brossard Dominique , Belluck Pam , Gould Fred , Wirz Christopher D.
Published: January 2019

In November of 2017, an interdisciplinary panel discussed the complexities of gene drive applications as part of the third Sackler Colloquium on “The Science of Science Communication.” The panel brought together a social scientist, life scientist, and journalist to discuss the issue from each of their unique perspectives. This paper builds on the ideas and conversations from the session to provide a more nuanced discussion about the context surrounding responsible communication and decision-making for cases of post-normal science. Deciding to use gene drives to control and suppress pests will involve more than a technical assessment of the risks involved, and responsible decision-making regarding their use will require concerted efforts from multiple actors. We provide a review of gene drives and their potential applications, as well as the role of journalists in communicating the extent of uncertainties around specific projects. We also discuss the roles of public opinion and online environments in public engagement with scientific processes. We conclude with specific recommendations about how to address current challenges and foster more effective communication and decision-making for complex, post-normal issues, such as gene drives.
A collaborative multiyear, multimodel assessment of seasonal influenza forecasting in the United States
Authors: Reich Nicholas G. , Brooks Logan C. , Fox Spencer J. , Kandula Sasikiran , McGowan Craig J. , Moore Evan , Osthus Dave , Ray Evan L. , Tushar Abhinav , Yamana Teresa K. , Biggerstaff Matthew , Johansson Michael A. , Rosenfeld Roni , Shaman Jeffrey
Published: January 2019

Influenza infects an estimated 9–35 million individuals each year in the United States and is a contributing cause for between 12,000 and 56,000 deaths annually. Seasonal outbreaks of influenza are common in temperate regions of the world, with highest incidence typically occurring in colder and drier months of the year. Real-time forecasts of influenza transmission can inform public health response to outbreaks. We present the results of a multiinstitution collaborative effort to standardize the collection and evaluation of forecasting models for influenza in the United States for the 2010/2011 through 2016/2017 influenza seasons. For these seven seasons, we assembled weekly real-time forecasts of seven targets of public health interest from 22 different models. We compared forecast accuracy of each model relative to a historical baseline seasonal average. Across all regions of the United States, over half of the models showed consistently better performance than the historical baseline when forecasting incidence of influenza-like illness 1 wk, 2 wk, and 3 wk ahead of available data and when forecasting the timing and magnitude of the seasonal peak. In some regions, delays in data reporting were strongly and negatively associated with forecast accuracy. More timely reporting and an improved overall accessibility to novel and traditional data sources are needed to improve forecasting accuracy and its integration with real-time public health decision making.
Four decades of Antarctic Ice Sheet mass balance from 1979–2017
Authors: Rignot Eric , Mouginot Jérémie , Scheuchl Bernd , van den Broeke Michiel , van Wessem Melchior J. , Morlighem Mathieu
Published: January 2019

We use updated drainage inventory, ice thickness, and ice velocity data to calculate the grounding line ice discharge of 176 basins draining the Antarctic Ice Sheet from 1979 to 2017. We compare the results with a surface mass balance model to deduce the ice sheet mass balance. The total mass loss increased from 40±9 Gt/y in 1979–1990 to 50±14 Gt/y in 1989–2000, 166±18 Gt/y in 1999–2009, and 252±26 Gt/y in 2009–2017. In 2009–2017, the mass loss was dominated by the Amundsen/Bellingshausen Sea sectors, in West Antarctica (159±8 Gt/y), Wilkes Land, in East Antarctica (51±13 Gt/y), and West and Northeast Peninsula (42±5 Gt/y). The contribution to sea-level rise from Antarctica averaged 3.6±0.5 mm per decade with a cumulative 14.0±2.0 mm since 1979, including 6.9±0.6 mm from West Antarctica, 4.4±0.9 mm from East Antarctica, and 2.5±0.4 mm from the Peninsula (i.e., East Antarctica is a major participant in the mass loss). During the entire period, the mass loss concentrated in areas closest to warm, salty, subsurface, circumpolar deep water (CDW), that is, consistent with enhanced polar westerlies pushing CDW toward Antarctica to melt its floating ice shelves, destabilize the glaciers, and raise sea level.
Structural basis of a potent human monoclonal antibody against Zika virus targeting a quaternary epitope
Authors: Long Feng , Doyle Michael , Fernandez Estefania , Miller Andrew S. , Klose Thomas , Sevvana Madhumati , Bryan Aubrey , Davidson Edgar , Doranz Benjamin J. , Kuhn Richard J. , Diamond Michael S. , Crowe James E. , Rossmann Michael G.
Published: January 2019

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a major human pathogen and member of the
Flavivirus
genus in the Flaviviridae family. In contrast to most other insect-transmitted flaviviruses, ZIKV also can be transmitted sexually and from mother to fetus in humans. During recent outbreaks, ZIKV infections have been linked to microcephaly, congenital disease, and Guillain-Barré syndrome. Neutralizing antibodies have potential as therapeutic agents. We report here a 4-Å-resolution cryo-electron microscopy structure of the ZIKV virion in complex with Fab fragments of the potently neutralizing human monoclonal antibody ZIKV-195. The footprint of the ZIKV-195 Fab fragment expands across two adjacent envelope (E) protein protomers. ZIKV neutralization by this antibody is presumably accomplished by cross-linking the E proteins, which likely prevents formation of E protein trimers required for fusion of the viral and cellular membranes. A single dose of ZIKV-195 administered 5 days after virus inoculation showed marked protection against lethality in a stringent mouse model of infection.
Human cytomegalovirus G protein-coupled receptor US28 promotes latency by attenuating c-fos
Authors: Krishna Benjamin A. , Humby Monica S. , Miller William E. , O’Connor Christine M.
Published: January 2019

Significance

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a widespread pathogen that remains with an individual for life in a quiescent/latent state, posing little threat to an otherwise healthy person. However, when an individual’s immune system is severely compromised, HCMV can reactivate to its active/lytic state, resulting in viral spread and disease that is often fatal. The biological mechanisms underlying HCMV latency and reactivation remain poorly understood. Herein we show that the viral-encoded G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)US28aids in the establishment and the maintenance of viral latency. Furthermore, we find that US28 modulates host-cell proteins to suppress viral processes associated with active/lytic replication, thereby promoting latent infection. This work provides the mechanism by which HCMV modulates the host-cell environment to its advantage.
Evolutionary history of Polyneoptera and its implications for our understanding of early winged insects
Authors: Wipfler Benjamin , Letsch Harald , Frandsen Paul B. , Kapli Paschalia , Mayer Christoph , Bartel Daniela , Buckley Thomas R. , Donath Alexander , Edgerly-Rooks Janice S. , Fujita Mari , Liu Shanlin , Machida Ryuichiro , Mashimo Yuta , Misof Bernhard , Niehuis Oliver , Peters Ralph S. , Petersen Malte , Podsiadlowski Lars , Schütte Kai , Shimizu Shota , Uchifune Toshiki , Wilbrandt Jeanne , Yan Evgeny , Zhou Xin , Simon Sabrina
Published: January 2019

Polyneoptera represents one of the major lineages of winged insects, comprising around 40,000 extant species in 10 traditional orders, including grasshoppers, roaches, and stoneflies. Many important aspects of polyneopteran evolution, such as their phylogenetic relationships, changes in their external appearance, their habitat preferences, and social behavior, are unresolved and are a major enigma in entomology. These ambiguities also have direct consequences for our understanding of the evolution of winged insects in general; for example, with respect to the ancestral habitats of adults and juveniles. We addressed these issues with a large-scale phylogenomic analysis and used the reconstructed phylogenetic relationships to trace the evolution of 112 characters associated with the external appearance and the lifestyle of winged insects. Our inferences suggest that the last common ancestors of Polyneoptera and of the winged insects were terrestrial throughout their lives, implying that wings did not evolve in an aquatic environment. The appearance of the first polyneopteran insect was mainly characterized by ancestral traits such as long segmented abdominal appendages and biting mouthparts held below the head capsule. This ancestor lived in association with the ground, which led to various specializations including hardened forewings and unique tarsal attachment structures. However, within Polyneoptera, several groups switched separately to a life on plants. In contrast to a previous hypothesis, we found that social behavior was not part of the polyneopteran ground plan. In other traits, such as the biting mouthparts, Polyneoptera shows a high degree of evolutionary conservatism unique among the major lineages of winged insects.
Dendritic cells mature to resist lamin degradation and herpes virus release
Authors: Niedergang Florence
Published: January 2019

Herpes simplex viruses bud into the nuclear membrane of infected cells. Turan et al. (2019. J. Cell Biol. https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201801151) demonstrate that mature dendritic cells control the peripheral location of lysosomes, reducing autophagic degradation of lamins and inhibiting viral release.
Combined impacts of prolonged drought and warming on plant size and foliar chemistry
Authors: Orians Colin M , Schweiger Rabea , Dukes Jeffrey S , Scott Eric R , Müller Caroline
Published: January 2019

Background and Aims

Future shifts in precipitation regimes and temperature are expected to affect plant traits dramatically. To date, many studies have explored the effects of acute stresses, but few have investigated the consequences of prolonged shifts in climatic conditions on plant growth and chemistry.

Methods

Plant size and metabolite profiles were assessed on naturally occurring Plantago lanceolata plants growing under different precipitation (ambient, 50 % less than ambient = drought) and temperature (ambient, +0.8, +2.4 and +4.0 °C above ambient) treatments at the Boston Area Climate Experiment (constructed in 2007).

Key Results

The analysis of primary and secondary metabolites revealed pronounced effects of drought, and a precipitation × temperature interaction. Strikingly, the effects of precipitation were minimal at the two lower temperatures but marked at the two higher temperatures. Compared with the ambient condition, plants in the drought plots had lower concentrations of foliar nitrogen, amino acids and most sugars, and higher concentrations of sorbitol, citrate and malate, common stress-induced metabolites. This pattern was especially evident at high temperatures. Moreover, drought-exposed plants showed lower concentrations of catalpol, an iridoid glycoside.

Conclusions

While the effect of warming on the metabolite profiles was less pronounced, differences were marked when combined with drought. Given the interactive effect of environmental variables on leaf chemistry, and the fact that woody and herbaceous plants seem to differ in their responses to temperature and precipitation, future studies should account for the direct and indirect effects of the community response to multifactorial field conditions.
METACLUSTER—an R package for context-specific expression analysis of metabolic gene clusters
Authors: Banf Michael , Zhao Kangmei , Rhee Seung Y
Published: January 2019

Plants and microbes produce numerous compounds to cope with their environments but the biosynthetic pathways for most of these compounds have yet to be elucidated. Some biosynthetic pathways are encoded by enzymes collocated in the chromosome. To facilitate a more comprehensive condition and tissue-specific expression analysis of metabolic gene clusters, we developed METACLUSTER, a probabilistic framework for characterizing metabolic gene clusters using context-specific gene expression information.

Availability and implementation

METACLUSTER is freely available at https://github.com/mbanf/METACLUSTER.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Glycocalyx Breakdown Is Associated With Severe Disease and Fatal Outcome in Plasmodium falciparum Malaria
Authors: Yeo Tsin W , Weinberg J Brice , Lampah Daniel A , Kenangalem Enny , Bush Peggy , Chen Youwei , Price Richard N , Young Sarah , Zhang Hao Y , Millington David , Granger Donald L , Anstey Nicholas M
Published: January 2019

Background

Interactions between the endothelium and infected erythrocytes play a major role in the pathogenesis of falciparum malaria, with microvascular dysfunction and parasite sequestration associated with worsening outcomes. The glycocalyx is a carbohydrate-rich layer that lines the endothelium, with multiple roles in vascular homeostasis. The role of the glycocalyx in falciparum malaria and the association with disease severity has not been investigated.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled Indonesian inpatients (aged ≥18 years) with severe (SM) or moderately severe (MSM) falciparum malaria, as defined by World Health Organization criteria, and healthy controls (HCs). On enrollment, blood and urine samples were collected concurrently with measurements of vascular nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. Urine was assayed for glycocalyx breakdown products (glycosaminoglycans) using a dimethylmethylene blue (GAG-DMMB) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GAG-MS) assay.

Results

A total of 129 patients (SM = 43, MSM = 57, HC=29) were recruited. GAG-DMMB and GAG-MS (g/mol creatinine) were increased in SM (mean, 95% confidence interval: 3.98, 2.44–5.53 and 6.82, 5.19–8.44) compared to MSM patients (1.78, 1.27–2.29 and 4.87, 4.27–5.46) and HCs (0.22, 0.06–0.37 and 1.24, 0.89–1.59; P < 0.001). In SM patients, GAG-DMMB and GAG-MS were increased in those with a fatal outcome (n = 3; median, interquartile range: 6.72, 3.80–27.87 and 12.15, 7.88–17.20) compared to survivors (n = 39; 3.10, 0.46–4.5 and 4.64, 2.02–15.20; P = 0.03). Glycocalyx degradation was significantly associated with parasite biomass in both MSM (r = 0.48, GAG-DMMB and r = 0.43, GAG-MS; P < 0.001) and SM patients (r = 0.47, P = 0.002 and r = 0.33, P = 0.04) and inversely associated with endothelial NO bioavailability.

Conclusions

Increased endothelial glycocalyx breakdown is associated with severe disease and a fatal outcome in adults with falciparum malaria.
The cost implication of primary prevention in the HOPE 3 trial
Authors: Lamy Andre , Lonn Eva , Tong Wesley , Swaminathan Balakumar , Jung Hyejung , Gafni Amiram , Bosch Jackie , Yusuf Salim
Published: January 2019

Aims

The Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation-3 (HOPE-3) found that rosuvastatin alone or with candesartan and hydrochlorothiazide (HCT) (in a subgroup with hypertension) significantly lowered cardiovascular events compared with placebo in 12 705 individuals from 21 countries at intermediate risk and without cardiovascular disease. We assessed the costs implications of implementation in primary prevention in countries at different economic levels.

Methods and results

Hospitalizations, procedures, study and non-study medications were documented. We applied country-specific costs to the healthcare resources consumed for each patient. We calculated the average cost per patient in US dollars for the duration of the study (5.6 years). Sensitivity analyses were also performed with cheapest equivalent substitutes. The combination of rosuvastatin with candesartan/HCT reduced total costs and was a cost-saving strategy in United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia. In contrast, the treatments were more expensive in developing countries even when cheapest equivalent substitutes were used. After adjustment for gross domestic product (GDP), the costs of cheapest equivalent substitutes in proportion to the health care costs were higher in developing countries in comparison to developed countries.

Conclusion

Rosuvastatin and candesartan/HCT in primary prevention is a cost-saving approach in developed countries, but not in developing countries as both drugs and their cheapest equivalent substitutes are relatively more expensive despite adjustment by GDP. Reductions in costs of these drugs in developing countries are essential to make statins and blood pressure lowering drugs affordable and ensure their use.

Clinical trial registration

HOPE-3 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00468923.
Searching for Thomas Nashe in Dido, Queen of Carthage
Authors: Freebury-Jones Darren , Dahl Marcus
Published: January 2019

The title page of the 1594 Quarto text of Dido, Queen of Carthage assigns the play to two authors: Christopher Marlowe and Thomas Nashe. Some scholars, such as J. P. Collier, F. G. Fleay, Alexander Grosart, Tucker Brooke, and Thomas Merriam, have argued that Marlowe and Nashe co-authored the play, or that Nashe added significant material to Marlowe’s text. This article assesses the internal evidence for Nashe’s hand in the play by examining its prosody, vocabulary, phraseology, rhyming habits, and stage directions in comparison to works ascribed to Nashe and Marlowe. The article also explores different modes of collaboration, such as the possibility that Nashe helped to plot, revise, or edit the play.