bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zebra pattern in decametric radio emission of Jupiter
Authors: Panchenko M. , Rošker S. , Rucker H. O. , Brazhenko A. , Zarka P. , Litvinenko G. , Shaposhnikov V. E. , Konovalenko A. A. , Melnik V. , Franzuzenko A. V. , Schiemel J.
Published: October 2017

We report the systematic analysis of zebra-like fine spectral structures in decametric frequency range of Jovian radio emission. Observations were performed by the large ground-based radio telescope URAN-2 during three observation campaigns between, Sep., 2012, and May, 2015. In total, 51 zebra pattern (ZP) events were detected. These rare fine radio features are observed in frequency range from 12.5 to 29.7 MHz as quasi-harmonically related bands of enhanced brightness. ZPs are strongly polarized radio emission with a duration from 20 s to 290 s and flux densities ~105−106 Jy (normalized to 1 AU), that is, 1–2 orders lower than for Io-decametric radio emission (DAM). Occurrence of the events does not depend on the position of Io satellite but is strongly controlled by the Jovian central meridian longitude (CML). ZPs are mainly detected in two active sectors of Jovian CMLs: 100∘ to 160∘ for Northern sources (right-handed polarized) and 300∘ and 60∘ (via 360∘) for the Southern sources (left-handed). The frequency interval between neighboring stripes is from 0.26 to 1.5 MHz and in most cases this interval increases with frequency. We discussed the double plasma resonance with electrons or ions as a possible source of the ZPs. The performed analysis of the observations allows us to conclude that the observed ZPs are a new type of narrow band spectral structures in the Jovian DAM.
Extension of the Modified Julia Olefination on Carboxylic Acid Derivatives: Scope and Applications
Authors: Gueyrard David
Published: October 2017

This account relates our work in the field of modified Julia olefination to extend this very useful olefination method to carboxylic acid derivatives. Since our preliminary results on lactones in 2005, the reaction has been extended to a large range of derivatives (lactams, imides and anhydrides) through an intra- or intermolecular process leading to a great variety of structures (enol ethers, enamides and exo enol esters). This article will also focus on the application of this methodology for the preparation of biologically interesting compounds and/or total syntheses of natural products such as C-disaccharide, bistramide A, jaspine B and maculalactone B.

1 Introduction

2 Modified Julia Olefination on Lactones

2.1 Methylene Enol Ether Synthesis

2.2 Substituted Enol Ether Synthesis

2.3 Monofluorinated Enol Ether Synthesis

2.4 Difluorinated Enol Ether Synthesis

3 Applications

3.1 Spiroketal Synthesis

3.2 Spirocompound Synthesis

3.3 Pseudodisaccharide Synthesis

3.4 Total Synthesis of Jaspine B

4 Modified Julia Olefination on Other Carboxylic Acid Derivatives

4.1 Lactam Olefination and Spiroaminal Synthesis

4.2 Bicyclic Enamide Synthesis by Intramolecular Modified Julia Olefination on Imides

4.3 Modified Julia Olefination on Anhydrides

5 Conclusion
Investigational Medical Therapies for Endometriosis: Current Data and Future Trends
Authors: Zhang Ran , Lebovic Dan , Kavoussi Shahryar
Published: October 2017

Current mainstays of medical therapy for endometriosis preclude fertility or may have unwanted side effects. Therefore, research has been underway to find alternatives to current options which may be applied to future medical treatment. The focus of this review is that of investigational hormonal and nonhormonal medical therapies based on in vitro and in vivo animal models of endometriosis as well as in human endometrial and endometriotic cells in vitro. Assessment of the safety and efficacy of such novel medical treatments have been, and continue to be, necessary prior to clinical trials.
Choosing wisely? Multiple Sclerosis and Laboratory Screening for Autoimmune Differential Diagnoses
Authors: Becker Jana , Geffken Mareike , Diehl Rolf , Berlit Peter , Krämer Markus
Published: October 2017

Background A variety of diseases can mimic the presentation of multiple sclerosis (MS). Diagnosing MS requires the exclusion of conditions considered in the differential diagnosis of MS. The guidelines of the German Society of Neurology (DGN) recommend analyzing 13 mandatory and 9 optional laboratory parameters. The mandatory recommendations include antinuclear antibodies (ANA) as well as antibodies against double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA Abs)).

Methods In a cohort of MS outpatients, those patient records were analyzed in which test results for all or at least some of the recommended laboratory parameters were available. In addition to these laboratory parameters, MRI data, family history, clinical presentation, evoked potentials, and CSF findings were analyzed. Furthermore, a questionnaire was used to prospectively collect information about rheumatological symptoms relevant to the differential diagnosis of MS.

Results In 197 of the included 554 patients, at least some of the recommended differential diagnostic laboratory parameters were available. In 59.4% of these patients, ANA titers ≥ 1:80 were detected. Neither ANA nor ANCA nor anti-dsDNA abs were able to distinguish between MS and non-MS. In 124 MS patients, 54.8% had positive ANA titers ≥1:80. MS patients with these titers suffered more frequently from autoimmune diseases and were more likely to have a family history of MS. Of the remaining 73 patients without MS, 67.1% were ANA positive. In this patient population, the ANA-positive patients were more frequently diagnosed with psychiatric diseases. In the prospectively surveyed MS patients with an ANA titer >1:160, no rheumatologic disease was diagnosed during the average follow-up period of 1.9 years.

Conclusion In line with the "Choosing Wisely" recommendations of the American College of Rheumatology, mandatory laboratory screening appears to offer no benefit to the initial diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, unless a specific differential diagnosis is to be excluded.
Facile Synthesis and Characterization of L-Aspartic Acid Coated Iron Oxide Magnetic Nanoparticles (IONPs) For Biomedical Applications
Authors: Salehiabar Marziyeh , Nosrati Hamed , Davaran Soodabeh , Danafar Hossein , Manjili Hamidreza
Published: October 2017

Natural L-aspartic acid coated iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (Asp@IONPs) were prepared by a one pot, in-situ and green co–precipitation method in an aqueous medium. Functionalized iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (IONPs) were characterized by Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. Cellular toxicity of IONPs was also investigated on HEK-293 cell lines. The results showed that the zeta potential of Asp@IONPs was about −21.1 mV and the average size was 17.80±3.09 nm. Cell toxicity results show that as prepared IONPs are biocompatible. Asp@IONPs show the possibility of using these nanoparticles in the development of in vitro and in vivo biomedical fields due to do not possess a toxic effect, good ζ-potential and related small and narrow size distribution.
Drones, Swarms and Becoming-Insect: Feminist Utopias and Posthuman Politics
Authors: Wilcox Lauren
Published: October 2017

Insects and ‘the swarm’ as metaphors and objects of research have inspired works in the genres of science fiction and horror; social and political theorists; and the development of war-fighting technologies such as ‘drone swarms’, which function as robot/insect hybrids. Contemporary developments suggest that the future of warfare will not be ‘robots’ as technological, individualised substitutions for idealised (masculine) warfighters, but warfighters understood as swarms: insect metaphors for non-centrally organised problem-solvers that will become technologies of racialisation. As such, contemporary feminist analysis requires an analysis of the politics of life and death in the insect and the swarm, which, following Braidotti (2002), cannot be assumed to be a mere metaphor or representation of political life, but an animating materialist logic. The swarm is not only a metaphor but also a central mode of biopolitical and necropolitical war, with the ‘terrorist’ enemy represented as swarmlike as well. In analysing the relations of assemblage and antagonism in the war ontologies of the drone swarm, I seek inspiration from what Hayles (1999, p. 47) describes as a double vision that ‘looks simultaneously at the power of simulation and at the materialities that produce it’. I discuss various representations and manifestations of swarms and insect life in science/speculative fiction, from various presentations of the ‘Borg’ in Star Trek (1987–1994, 1995–2001, 1996), Alien (1979) and The Fly (1958, 1986) to more positive representations of the ‘becoming-insect’ as possible feminist Utopia in Gilman's Herland (2015 [1915]) and Tiptree's Houston, Houston, Do You Read? (1989 [1976]). Posthuman warfare also contains the possibilities of both appropriating and rewriting antagonisms of masculine and feminine in the embodiment of the subject of war in the swarm. This piece seeks to analyse new ways of feminist theorising of the relations of power and violence in the embodiment of war as the swarm.
Nature of the guest-host interactions for dibromine in the T, P, and H clathrate cages
Authors: Batista-Romero Fidel A. , Pajón-Suárez Pedro , Roncero Octavio , Hernández-Lamoneda Ramón
Published: October 2017

The guest-host intermolecular potentials for the ground states of Br2 in the tetrakaidecahedral (T), pentakaidecahedral (P), and hexakaidecahedral clathrate (H) cages have been calculated using ab initio local correlation methods. Applying the local correlation energy partitioning analysis together with first-order symmetry adapted perturbation theory, we obtain a detailed understanding of the nature of the interactions. In particular, the debated question concerning the possible presence of halogen bonding (XB) is carefully analyzed. In the case of the T cage, given its smaller size, the Br–O distance is too short leading to a larger exchange-repulsion for XB orientations which therefore do not represent minima. For the other two cages, the Br–O distance is too large leading to little orbital overlap effects and thus weaker donor-acceptor interactions; however, these orientations coincide with the global minima.
Improved performance of photoconductive gain hybrid UV detector by trap state engineering of ZnO nanoparticles
Authors: Azadinia M. , Fathollahi M. R. , Mosadegh M. , Boroumand F. A. , Mohajerani E.
Published: October 2017

With the purpose of examining the impact of donor polymer on the performance of nanocomposite photodetectors (PDs) and to better understand the underlying physics, different wide-bandgap semiconducting polymers, poly(N-vinylcarbazole), poly(9, 9-di-n-octylfluorenyl-2, 7-diyl) , and [9,9′-dioctyl-fluorene-2,7-diyl]-copoly[diphenyl-p-tolyl-amine-4,4′-diyl] (BFE), are mixed with ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) to fabricate hybrid UV PDs. Three different polymer matrix nanocomposites were investigated that differ in the electron-trap depth in the nanocomposite and also the carrier tunneling energy at the interface. All the fabricated PDs exhibit strong photoconductive gain characteristics which can be attributed to trapped electron accumulation and band bending at the cathode interface. Experimental results show that the manipulation of the photoactive nanocomposite improves the PD properties simultaneously, namely, the external quantum efficiency (EQE, ∼104%), the maximum detectivity (D*, ∼1013 Jones), and the linear dynamic range (LDR, ∼85 dB). In addition, the gain bandwidth product of the device improves more than 50 times. Furthermore, the effect of the photogenerated carrier profile within the active layer is investigated experimentally by changing the direction of the incident light using a transparent cathode. Interestingly, under illumination through the Al cathode, faster photocurrent response, wider spectral range toward the deep UV region, and higher EQE in relatively low voltages are observed. These considerations might provide a general strategy to fabricate low-cost photoconductive PDs with a reasonably good combination of gain, response speed, LDR, and selectivity.
Nucleation and growth of copper selective-area atomic layer deposition on palladium nanostructures
Authors: Qi J. , Zimmerman D. T. , Weisel G. J. , Willis B. G.
Published: October 2017

The nucleation and growth of copper atomic layer deposition (ALD) on palladium have been investigated for applications in nanoscale devices. Palladium nanostructures were fabricated by electron beam lithography and range in size from 250 nm to 5 μm, prepared on oxidized silicon wafers. Copper ALD using Cu(thd)2(s) and H2(g) as reactants was carried out to selectively deposit copper on palladium seeded regions to the exclusion of surrounding oxide surfaces. Nuclei sizes and densities have been quantified by scanning electron microscopy for different growth conditions. It is found that growth occurs via island growth at temperatures of 150-190 °C and alloy growth at temperatures above 210 °C. In the lower temperature window, nucleation density increases with decreasing temperature, reaching a maximum of 4.8 ± 0.2 × 109/cm2 at 150 °C, but growth is too slow for significant deposition at the lowest temperatures. At higher temperatures, individual nuclei cannot be quantified due to extensive mixing of copper and palladium layers. For the lower temperatures where nuclei can be quantified, rates of nucleation and growth are enhanced at high H2 partial pressures. At the smallest length scales, conformality of the deposited over-layers is limited by a finite nuclei density and evolving grain structure that cause distortion of the original nanostructure shape during growth.
A cryogenic thermal source for detector array characterization
Authors: Chuss David T. , Rostem Karwan , Wollack Edward J. , Berman Leah , Colazo Felipe , DeGeorge Martin , Helson Kyle , Sagliocca Marco
Published: October 2017

We describe the design, fabrication, and validation of a cryogenically compatible quasioptical thermal source for characterization of detector arrays. The source is constructed using a graphite-loaded epoxy mixture that is molded into a tiled pyramidal structure. The mold is fabricated using a hardened steel template produced via a wire electron discharge machining process. The absorptive mixture is bonded to a copper backplate enabling thermalization of the entire structure and measurement of the source temperature. Measurements indicate that the reflectance of the source is <0.001 across a spectral band extending from 75 to 330 GHz.
Resolving alternating stress gradients and dislocation densities across AlxGa1-xN multilayer structures on Si(111)
Authors: Reisinger M. , Tomberger M. , Zechner J. , Daumiller I. , Sartory B. , Ecker W. , Keckes J. , Lechner R. T.
Published: October 2017

Gradients of residual stresses and crystal qualities across a 2 μm thick AlN/Al0.32Ga0.68N/GaN/Al0.17Ga0.83N multilayer stack deposited on Si (111) were evaluated by combining the following techniques: High-resolution X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy, and ion beam layer removal method (ILR) with 100 nm depth resolution. ILR reveals the alternating stress profiles, which are related to sublayer dislocation-density gradients. The laboratory XRD confirms the derived mean stress values, the presence of stress gradients within the sublayers, and decreasing average sublayer threading dislocation-densities across the heterostructure. Additionally, the decreasing dislocation-densities within the individual sublayers are visualized by STEM. The documented stepwise improved crystal quality enables the formation of a highly tensile stressed 20 nm thick Al0.17Ga0.83N top barrier layer, resulting in a pseudomorphic GaN/Al0.17Ga0.83N interface.
Phase formation and strain relaxation of Ga2O3 on c-plane and a-plane sapphire substrates as studied by synchrotron-based x-ray diffraction
Authors: Cheng Zongzhe , Hanke Michael , Vogt Patrick , Bierwagen Oliver , Trampert Achim
Published: October 2017

Heteroepitaxial Ga2O3 was deposited on c-plane and a-plane oriented sapphire by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy and probed by ex-situ and in-situ synchrotron-based x-ray diffraction. The investigation on c-plane sapphire determined a critical thickness of around 33 Å, at which the monoclinic β-phase forms on top of the hexagonal α-phase. A 143 Å thick single phase α-Ga2O3 was observed on a-plane sapphire, much thicker than the α-Ga2O3 on c-plane sapphire. The α-Ga2O3 relaxed very fast in the first 30 Å in both out-of-plane and in-plane directions as measured by the in-situ study.
Anomalous thermal anisotropy of two-dimensional nanoplates of vertically grown MoS2
Authors: Li Xiuqiang , Liu Yueyang , Zheng Qinghui , Yan Xuejun , Yang Xin , Lv Guangxin , Xu Ning , Wang Yuxi , Lu Minghui , Chen Keqiu , Zhu Jia
Published: October 2017

Heat flow control plays a significant role in thermal management and energy conversion processes. Recently, two dimensional (2D) materials with unique anisotropic thermal properties are attracting a lot of attention, as promising building blocks for molding the heat flow. Originated from its crystal structure, in most if not all the 2D materials, the thermal conductivity along the Z direction (kz) is much lower than x-y plane thermal conductivity (kxy). In this work, we demonstrate that 2D nanoplates of vertically grown molybdenum disulfide (VG MoS2) can have anomalous thermal anisotropy, in which kxy (about 0.83 W/m K at 300 K) is ∼1 order of magnitude lower than kz (about 9.2 W/m K at 300 K). Lattice dynamics analysis reveals that this anomalous thermal anisotropy can be attributed to the anisotropic phonon dispersion relations and the anisotropic phonon group velocities along different directions. The low kxy can be attributed to the weak phonon coupling near the x-y plane interfaces. It is expected that this 2D nanoplates of VG MoS2 with anomalous thermal anisotropy and low kxy can serve as a complementary building block for device designs and advanced heat flow control.
Stretchable conductors by kirigami patterning of aramid-silver nanocomposites with zero conductance gradient
Authors: Lyu Jing , Hammig Mark D. , Liu Lehao , Xu Lizhi , Chi Hang , Uher Ctirad , Li Tiehu , Kotov Nicholas A.
Published: October 2017

Materials that are both stretchable and electrically conductive enable a broad spectrum of applications in sensing, actuating, electronics, optics and energy storage. The materials engineering concept of stretchable conductors is primarily based on combining nanowires, nanoribbons, nanoparticles, or nanocarbons with rubbery polymers to obtain composites with different abilities to transport charge and alter their nanoscale organization under strain. Although some of these composites reveal remarkably interesting multiscale reconfigurability and self-assembly phenomena, decreasing conductance with increased strain has restricted their widespread implementation. In a broader physical sense, the dependence of conductance on stress is undesirable because it requires a correlated change of electrical inputs. In this paper, we describe highly conductive and deformable sheets with a conductivity as high as 230 000 S cm−1, composed of silver nanoparticles, infiltrated within a porous aramid nanofiber (ANF) matrix. By forming a kirigami pattern, consisting of a regularized network of notches cut within the films, their ultimate tensile strain is improved from ∼2% to beyond 100%. The use of ANFs derived from well-known ultrastrong Kevlar™ fibers imparts high mechanical performance to the base composite. Importantly, the conductance of the films remains constant, even under large deformation resulting in a material with a zero conductance gradient. Unlike other nanocomposites for which strain and conductance are strongly coupled, the kirigami nanocomposite provides a pathway to demanding applications for flexible and stretchable electronics with power/voltage being unaffected by the deformation mode and temperature.
Dynamic evolution of vortex solitons for coupled Bose-Einstein condensates in harmonic potential trap
Authors: Wang Ying , Yang Yang , He Siqing , Wang Wei
Published: October 2017

We studied the evolution of vortex solitons in two-component coupled Bose-Einstein condensates trapped in a harmonic potential. Using a two-dimensional coupled Gross-Pitaevskii equation model and a variational method, we theoretically derived the vortex soliton solution. Under an appropriate parametric setting, the derived vortex soliton radius was found to oscillate periodically. The derived quasi-stable states with typical nonlinear features are pictorially demonstrated and can be used to guide relevant experimental observations of vortex soliton phenomena in coupled ultracold atomic systems.
Upper limit for power conversion in magnetoelectric gyrators
Authors: Zhuang X. , Leung C. M. , Sreenivasulu G. , Gao M. , Zhang J. , Srinivasan G. , Li J. , Viehland D.
Published: October 2017

We characterized the magnetomechanical conversion abilities of Ni-Zn ferrite, cobalt ferrite, and Metglas by constructing a magnetic power path with two winding coils. We found that under high power drive, a portion of the mechanical power re-transformed to the magnetic form and was captured by the receiver coil, which resulted in a decrease in the magnetomechanical conversion ability of the coil-magnetostriction structure. This presents an upper limit of the power conversion characteristics of magnetoelectric gyrators. Furthermore, the efficiency of a Metglas/Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 gyrator was characterized by varying the values of the resistive load, magnetic bias, and power density. The maximum measured efficiency for the power transferred across an optimal resistor load was greater than 90% under low drive conditions and 89% with a power density of up to 30 W/in.3
Study on laser-irradiated Au plasmas by detailed configuration accounting atomic physics
Authors: Lan Ke , Qiao Xiumei , Song Peng , Zheng Wudi , Qing Bo , Zhang Jiyan
Published: October 2017

We coupled the one-dimensional multi-group radiation hydrodynamic code RDMG with the MBDCA atomic physics package, which uses the Matrix-Block Method to solve the coupled rate equations of the Detailed Configuration Accounting (DCA) non-LTE model, and applied the coupled code RDMG-MBDCA with different flux limiters fe to simulate a laser-irradiated CH-tamped Au disk experiment at the SGII laser facility. From our simulations, we found that a higher fe leads to faster laser ablation, earlier x-ray breakout time with a higher maximum x-ray flux, and an x-ray spectrum with a higher intensity. However, for the same fe, the simulation from RDMG with the DCA model shows a slower electron thermal conduction between the laser absorption region and the electron thermal conduction than that with the average-atom model. From our investigation, we can say that it is the lower ionization from DCA in the electron thermal conduction region which causes the slower electron thermal conduction between the two regions. The electron thermal conduction from DCA can be increased remarkably when the atomic processes of dielectronic capture and auto-ionization are turned off in simulation. This indicates that the atomic transition rate coefficients are important in determining the heat conduction and the plasma status for laser generated plasmas.
Valence and conduction band offsets of β-Ga2O3/AlN heterojunction
Authors: Sun Haiding , Torres Castanedo C. G. , Liu Kaikai , Li Kuang-Hui , Guo Wenzhe , Lin Ronghui , Liu Xinwei , Li Jingtao , Li Xiaohang
Published: October 2017

Both β-Ga2O3 and wurtzite AlN have wide bandgaps of 4.5–4.9 and 6.1 eV, respectively. We calculated the in-plane lattice mismatch between the (−201) plane of β-Ga2O3 and the (0002) plane of AlN, which was found to be 2.4%. This is the smallest mismatch between β-Ga2O3 and binary III-nitrides which is beneficial for the formation of a high quality β-Ga2O3/AlN heterojunction. However, the valence and conduction band offsets (VBO and CBO) at the β-Ga2O3/AlN heterojunction have not yet been identified. In this study, a very thin (less than 2 nm) β-Ga2O3 layer was deposited on an AlN/sapphire template to form the heterojunction by pulsed laser deposition. High-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed the core-level (CL) binding energies of Ga 3d and Al 2p with respect to the valence band maximum in individual β-Ga2O3 and AlN layers, respectively. The separation between Ga 3d and Al 2p CLs at the β-Ga2O3/AlN interface was also measured. Eventually, the VBO was found to be −0.55 ± 0.05 eV. Consequently, a staggered-gap (type II) heterojunction with a CBO of −1.75 ± 0.05 eV was determined. The identification of the band alignment of the β-Ga2O3/AlN heterojunction could facilitate the design of optical and electronic devices based on these and related alloys.
Evidence for soil carbon enhancement through deeper mouldboard ploughing at pasture renovation on a Typic Fragiaqualf
Authors: Pereira R. Calvelo , Hedley M. J. , Arbestain M. Camps , Bishop P. , Enongene K. E. , Otene I. J. J.
Published: October 2017

Permanent pastures require periodic renewal (cultivation and resowing) to maintain their productive potential, which involves a short-term carbon (C) loss. Normal cultivation (ploughing or discing) often involves only the top 10–15 cm, or less, of pasture soils. A regrassing field trial with ryegrass plus white clover swards was established in 2011 to assess the effect of deeper ploughing (25 cm) on C storage in an imperfectly drained soil (Tokomaru silt loam). The site was core sampled (0–30 cm depth) 2 and 4 years (i.e. in 2013 and 2015 respectively) after cultivation and regrassing (soil inversion treatment) to assess changes in soil C content at different depths. At both times, an adjacent uncultivated ryegrass paddock (undisturbed pasture treatment) under similar grazing intensity was also sampled and C stocks were compared. Profiles of cultivated soils (soil inversion) showed higher (P < 0.01) C stocks than the adjacent permanent pasture at the nominal 15–25 and 25–30 cm depths and significantly lower (P < 0.01) C stocks in the topsoil (nominal 0–5 cm depth) for both years sampled (2013, 2015). These findings imply that the differences (inversion – pasture) were consistent 4 years after cultivation and deep ploughing at pasture renewal had resulted in an overall increase in soil C mass to approximately 30 cm of ~18% (13.9 Mg C ha–1; equivalent soil mass 3701 Mg soil ha–1) compared with not undertaking the regrassing. This gain in soil C may be temporary, but in a period of 4 years it has significantly increased the net residence time of C in soil related to soil inversion.
Targeting autophagy inhibits melanoma growth by enhancing NK cells infiltration in a CCL5-dependent manner
Authors: Mgrditchian Takouhie , Arakelian Tsolere , Paggetti Jérôme , Noman Muhammad Zaeem , Viry Elodie , Moussay Etienne , Van Moer Kris , Kreis Stephanie , Guerin Coralie , Buart Stephanie , Robert Caroline , Borg Christophe , Vielh Philippe , Chouaib Salem , Berchem Guy , Janji Bassam
Published: October 2017

Significance

The failure in achieving a durable clinical immune response against cancer cells depends on the ability of cancer cells to establish a microenvironment that prevent cytotoxic immune cells to infiltrate tumors and kill cancer cells. Therefore, the key approach to achieving successful antitumor immune response is to harness strategies allowing the reorientation of immune cells to the tumor. Herein we reveal that inhibiting autophagy induces a massive infiltration of natural killer immune cells into the tumor bed, and a subsequent dramatic decrease in the tumor volume of melanomas. These results highlight the role of targeting autophagy in breaking the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment barrier, thus allowing the infiltration of natural killer cells into the tumor to kill cancer cells.
Trigger loop dynamics can explain stimulation of intrinsic termination by bacterial RNA polymerase without terminator hairpin contact
Authors: Ray-Soni Ananya , Mooney Rachel A. , Landick Robert
Published: October 2017

Significance

RNA polymerase (RNAP), like many cellular processors of information in DNA and RNA, is a complex macromolecular machine whose multiple structural modules and domains undergo poorly understood conformational changes that mediate information processing. We investigated the role of one such mobile module, the polymorphous trigger loop (TL) of RNAP, in intrinsic transcription termination by bacterial RNAP. The TL folds into a helical hairpin to promote RNA synthesis, but also is proposed to aid termination. By separating effects of the TL and of TL variants on termination from effects on RNA synthesis, we established that TL flexibility, not the helical hairpin conformation, facilitates rearrangements of RNAP leading to termination. Our results illustrate how kinetic assays can help dissect complex macromolecular machines.
PTIP chromatin regulator controls development and activation of B cell subsets to license humoral immunity in mice
Authors: Su Dan , Vanhee Stijn , Soria Rebeca , Gyllenbäck Elin Jaensson , Starnes Linda M. , Højfeldt Martina Kubec , Pedersen Gabriel K. , Yuan Joan , Daniel Jeremy A.
Published: October 2017

Significance

To provide optimal host defense, the full spectrum of antibody-based immunity requires natural antibodies and immunization-induced antigen-specific antibodies. Here we show that the PTIP (Pax transactivation domain-interacting protein) chromatin regulator is induced by B cell activation to potentiate the establishment of steady-state and postimmune serum antibody levels. It does so by promoting activation-associated proliferation and differentiation of all the major B cell subsets, at least in part, through regulating the NF-κB pathway. With the genetic basis still unknown for a majority of patients with common variable immunodeficiency, further work investigating how PTIP controls cell signaling may generate valuable new insight for human health and disease.
CRISPR-Cas9–mediated saturated mutagenesis screen predicts clinical drug resistance with improved accuracy
Authors: Ma Leyuan , Boucher Jeffrey I. , Paulsen Janet , Matuszewski Sebastian , Eide Christopher A. , Ou Jianhong , Eickelberg Garrett , Press Richard D. , Zhu Lihua Julie , Druker Brian J. , Branford Susan , Wolfe Scot A. , Jensen Jeffrey D. , Schiffer Celia A. , Green Michael R. , Bolon Daniel N.
Published: October 2017

Significance

Many therapeutic strategies are hampered by the development of drug resistance. High-throughput random mutagenesis screens represent a promising approach for identifying mutations that lead to drug resistance, but have often identified more resistant mutations than are observed in patients, raising questions of their clinical significance. We developed an improved high-throughput mutagenesis screening approach that uses CRISPR-Cas9–based genome editing to generate comprehensive libraries of point mutations at a defined genomic location and systematically study their effect on cell growth. As proof-of-concept, we show our approach accurately predicts the clinical prevalence of drug-resistant mutations in the oncogene
BCR-ABL
. Our approach can be broadly applied to a variety of oncogenes and represents a new strategy for evaluating resistance susceptibility during drug development.
Hedgehog signaling regulates ciliary localization of mouse odorant receptors
Authors: Maurya Devendra Kumar , Bohm Staffan , Alenius Mattias
Published: October 2017

Significance

Cells communicate with each other via signaling molecules that bind to surface receptors of responding cells. One example is Hedgehog (Hh) signaling, which is known for its regulatory role of tissue development and maintenance. Here we identify a Hh function, which is to regulate the sense of smell. Hh signaling modulates odorant responsiveness by regulating the accumulation of odorant receptors (ORs) in the olfactory ciliary compartment, which is where odorant detection is initiated. Since the mechanism appears evolutionarily conserved, even though the structures of ORs are not, the results open for the interesting possibility that Hh signaling may regulate protein transport and stimuli responsiveness also in other types of neurons.
Favorable outcome of experimental islet xenotransplantation without immunosuppression in a nonhuman primate model of diabetes
Authors: Ludwig Barbara , Ludwig Stefan , Steffen Anja , Knauf Yvonne , Zimerman Baruch , Heinke Sophie , Lehmann Susann , Schubert Undine , Schmid Janine , Bleyer Martina , Schönmann Uwe , Colton Clark K. , Bonifacio Ezio , Solimena Michele , Reichel Andreas , Schally Andrew V. , Rotem Avi , Barkai Uriel , Grinberg-Rashi Helena , Kaup Franz-Josef , Avni Yuval , Jones Peter , Bornstein Stefan R.
Published: October 2017

Significance

Diabetes mellitus type 1 is an autoimmune disease that results in irreversible destruction of insulin-producing beta cells. Substantial advances have been made in beta cell replacement therapies during the last decades. However, lack of eligible donor organs and the need for chronic immunosuppression to prevent rejection critically limit widespread application of these strategies. In this manuscript, we present an experimental study using a bioartificial pancreas device for the transplantation of xenogeneic islet without affecting the immune system in nonhuman primates. We could demonstrate stable graft function and adequate glucose-regulated insulin secretion without the need for immunosuppressive medication. This strategy opens up new avenues for more widespread and safe application of various cell-based therapies.
Growth patterns for shape-shifting elastic bilayers
Authors: van Rees Wim M. , Vouga Etienne , Mahadevan L.
Published: October 2017

Significance

Many biological forms, such as leaves, flowers, and faces, are shaped by complex growth patterns. How can we prescribe the rules of growth on a simple surface so that it will morph into a flower or a face? Here, we solve this inverse problem of designing the growth patterns for an anisotropically growing elastic bilayer structure and prove that it can be used to achieve any target surface shape from any reference shape. We demonstrate the applicability of this result via the computational design of growth patterns for animal, vegetable, and mineral surfaces—a face, a flower, and a canyon. Our solution provides algorithms for engineering complex functional shapes in tissues, and actuation systems in soft robotics, and elsewhere.
Extensive flagellar remodeling during the complex life cycle of
Paratrypanosoma
, an early-branching trypanosomatid
Authors: Skalický Tomáš , Dobáková Eva , Wheeler Richard J. , Tesařová Martina , Flegontov Pavel , Jirsová Dagmar , Votýpka Jan , Yurchenko Vyacheslav , Ayala Francisco J. , Lukeš Julius
Published: October 2017

Significance

Kinetoplastids are a group of protists with unique morphology and molecular features. Many have developed a parasitic lifestyle and are economically and medically important causative agents of serious crop, animal, and human diseases. Evolutionarily,
Paratrypanosoma confusum
sits between parasitic trypanosomatids and free-living bodonids and therefore is uniquely informative for study of the emergence of parasitism. It is morphologically very flexible, as it forms three distinct life stages that can be studied separately. Particularly interesting is the haptomonad stage in which it rebuilds its flagellum into an extensive adhesive plaque. As an adaptation to parasitism,
Paratrypanosoma
lost a plethora of enzymes involved in breakdown of macromolecules and the capacity of receptor-mediated endocytosis but has gained surface proteins and membrane transporters to obtain nutrients from the host.
Descriptive and diachronic aspects of the Old Irish quotative marker ol
Authors: García Castillero Carlos
Published: October 2017

The most frequent strategy of direct reported speech in Old Irish (OIr) is characterized by the use of a constituent which is known in this paper as Reported Speaker, which consists of the element ol introducing the noun or the tonic pronoun referring to the person whose words are quoted. This paper offers a formal and pragmatic description of the Old Irish Reported Speaker, paying special attention to its basically nominal character and to its frequent coreferential association with first-person referents in the quote. The OIr quotative marker ol is diachronically explained as a further use of the OIr multifunctional element ol, which is essentially a preposition (‘beyond’) secondarily used as the marker of the NP standard of comparison and as a clausal connective.
Managing transcreation projects
Authors: Pedersen Daniel
Published: October 2017

This paper investigates the translation spaces of a very specific translation practice, namely transcreation. In a marketing context, transcreation is usually concerned with the adaptation of advertising material into several different languages or for different markets. The paper is based on an ethnographic field study carried out at a marketing implementation agency in London, during which a group of transcreation managers was followed over a period of four weeks. The study relies mainly on observations of the interactions between the employees of the above-mentioned agency and their partners as well as on the researcher’s own participation in some of the agency’s work-related activities. As an activity, transcreation often involves two or more writers. These writers are most likely to be physically separated, but as the data from this study show, a transcreation agency can serve as a case for joint, situated efforts.
Improvement of toughness of high chromium white cast iron: Duplex ferritic-austenitic matrix
Authors: Jena P. S. M. , Rai Rajesh Kumar , Sahu J. K.
Published: October 2017

It is attempted to enhance the impact toughness of industrially used high chromium white cast iron (WCI) without sacrificing wear resistance. The microstructure is engineered by cyclic annealing to obtain features such as duplex grain matrix, where austenite envelops ferrite grain, refined M7C3 carbide. The newly cast and heat-treated alloy shows remarkable impact toughness i.e. 13J with improved wear resistance. The fracture micro-mechanism is studied through extensive scanning electron microscopy and it is ascertained that enhanced impact toughness results from crack arrest at duplex grain boundaries. A few other toughness enhancing features are also discussed. The results are compared with standard ASTM grade Class-III high chromium WCI and are found to be encouraging.
Novel steroidal saponins from Dioscorea esculenta (Togedokoro)
Authors: Lee Hyoung Jae , Watanabe Bunta , Nakayasu Masaru , Onjo Michio , Sugimoto Yukihiro , Mizutani Masaharu
Published: October 2017

Fifteen steroidal saponins 1–15, which include 4 furostanol glycosides 1–3 and 15, and 11 spirostanol glycosides 4–14, were isolated from the tubers and leaves of lesser yam (Dioscorea esculenta, Togedokoro). Their structures were identified by nuclear magnetic resonance and liquid chromatography mass spectroscopy. Four steroidal saponins 9, 11, 14, and 15 were found to be novel compounds.
‘Being green is worthless if others are not’: the effect of descriptive norms on pro-environmental behaviour is mediated by outcome expectancy / ‘Ser verde no vale de nada si los demás no lo son’: el efecto de las normas descriptivas sobre el comportamiento proambiental está mediado por la expectativa de resultado
Authors: Moussaoui Lisa S. , Desrichard Olivier
Published: October 2017

Descriptive norm effect has been explained in terms of either normative or informative social influence. This research investigates another possible mechanism in the case of collective goals. Because changing one’s behaviour — e.g., to protect the environment — will be effective only if other people also change their behaviour, their number will influence the outcome expectancy for that behaviour. Hence, we postulated that the effect of descriptive norm on adoption of a pro-environmental behaviour is mediated by outcome expectancy. Two studies showed that outcome expectancy mediated the effect of descriptive norm on intention to buy an energy-efficient refrigerator only in the case of a collective goal (vs. an individual goal) (Study 1, N = 787), and that the effect of descriptive norm on intention (with respect to a collective goal) can be reversed if an optimal uptake rate is mentioned, this interaction being mediated by outcome expectancy (Study 2, N = 400). These results suggest that the effect of descriptive norm, classically found in studies of pro-environmental behaviours, occurs because it gives people a sense that their action will have an impact.
Identification of the Optimal Protocol for Automated Office Blood Pressure Measurement Among Patients With Treated Hypertension
Authors: Moore Myles N , Schultz Martin G , Nelson Mark R , Black J Andrew , Dwyer Nathan B , Hoban Ella , Jose Matthew D , Kosmala Wojciech , Przewlocka-Kosmala Monika , Zachwyc Jowita , Otahal Petr , Picone Dean S , Roberts-Thomson Philip , Veloudi Panagiota , Sharman James E
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

Automated office blood pressure (AOBP) involving repeated, unobserved blood pressure (BP) readings during one clinic visit is recommended for in-office diagnosis and assessment of hypertension. However, the optimal AOBP protocol to determine BP control in the least amount of time with the fewest BP readings is yet to be determined and was the aim of this study.

METHODS

One hundred and eighty-nine patients (mean age 62.8 ± 12.1 years; 50.3% female) with treated hypertension referred to specialist clinics at 2 sites underwent AOBP in a quiet room alone. Eight BP measurements were taken starting immediately after sitting and then at 2-minute intervals (15 minutes total). The optimal AOBP protocol was defined by the smallest mean difference and highest intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) compared with daytime ambulatory BP (ABP). The same BP device (Mobil-o-graph, IEM) was used for both AOBP and daytime ABP.

RESULTS

Average 15-minute AOBP and daytime ABP were 134 ± 22/82 ± 13 and 137 ± 17/83 ± 11 mm Hg, respectively. The optimal AOBP protocol was derived within a total duration of 6 minutes from the average of 2 measures started after 2 and 4 minutes of seated rest (systolic BP: mean difference (95% confidence interval) 0.004(−2.21, 2.21) mm Hg, P = 1.0; ICC = 0.81; diastolic BP: mean difference 0.37(−0.90, 1.63) mm Hg, P = 0.57; ICC = 0.86). AOBP measures taken after 8 minutes tended to underestimate daytime ABP (whether as a single BP or the average of more than 1 BP reading).

CONCLUSIONS

Only 2 AOBP readings taken over 6 minutes (excluding an initial reading immediately after sitting) may be needed to be comparable with daytime ABP.
Gromov–Witten Theory of $\text{K3} \times {\mathbb{P}}^1$ and Quasi-Jacobi Forms
Authors: Oberdieck Georg
Published: October 2017

Let $S$ be a K3 surface with primitive curve class $\beta$. We solve the relative Gromov–Witten theory of $S \times {\mathbb{P}}^1$ in classes $(\beta,1)$ and $(\beta,2)$. The generating series are quasi-Jacobi forms and equal to a corresponding series of genus $0$ Gromov–Witten invariants on the Hilbert scheme of points of $S$. This proves a special case of a conjecture of Pandharipande and the author. The new geometric input of the paper is a genus bound for hyperelliptic curves on K3 surfaces proven by Ciliberto and Knutsen. By exploiting various formal properties we find that a key generating series is determined by the very first few coefficients. Let $E$ be an elliptic curve. As collorary of our computations, we prove that Gromov–Witten invariants of $S \times E$ in classes $(\beta,1)$ and $(\beta,2)$ are coefficients of the reciprocal of the Igusa cusp form. We also calculate several linear Hodge integrals on the moduli space of stable maps to a K3 surface and the Gromov–Witten invariants of an abelian threefold in classes of type $(1,1,d)$.
Internet Addiction
Authors: Bleakley Amy , Park Sunhee , Romer Daniel
Published: October 2017

This chapter reviews various conceptualizations of problematic Internet use and Internet addiction, patterns of use, and related therapeutic interventions. Youth are vulnerable to engaging in problematic Internet behavior. The term “Internet addiction” is often used to describe extreme instances of such behavior, but there is a lack of consensus on its definition and assessment. This chapter presents survey data from a sample of 629 U.S. adolescents that was used to examine various social, parental, and health-related correlates of problematic Internet use. Findings indicated that heavy Internet use was associated with increased stress and socializing with friends, and negatively related to parental monitoring and participating in sports and other extracurricular activities. Although correlational, these data indicate that youth who engage in problematic Internet use have a less favorable home and school environment.
Introduction
Authors: Freitag Lisa
Published: October 2017

This introduction recognizes a new category of children with special needs, based on their need for increased parental caregiving, rather than any particular diagnosis or level of disability. These children are united by their need for extreme care. It suggests that ethical consideration of these children based on the best interest standard fails to take into account the possibility of undue parental burden of care. It proposes that new methods for evaluating parental duties are required. The book will use a framework provided by Joan Tronto’s phases of care for analysis of parent narratives. Specifically, it will examine Tronto’s virtues of care—attentiveness, responsibility, competence, and responsiveness—as they are enacted by parents raising children with special needs.
Hard Labor
Authors: Freitag Lisa
Published: October 2017

Much of the research on parent caregivers examines only the physical or emotional state of the caregiver, reporting such problems as depression, stress, and poor health. Some more recent studies from the nursing and ethics literature, done mostly with families of children who are living at home and dependent on medical technology, also begin to uncover ethical concerns. This chapter outlines the tasks involved in extreme caregiving, dealing with the most well-researched ones: the physical and financial burdens of care, social isolation, and the need to maintain positivity and advocate for the child’s inclusion. Correlating existing studies with statements made by parents in narrative form, it becomes clear that issues raised by researchers are mirrored by parents. In addition, parent narratives reveal deeper concerns that researchers have not uncovered and begin to offer some explanation behind the problems that have been reported.
Environmental Health Science
Authors: Lippmann Morton , Schlesinger Richard B.
Published: October 2017

This book provides a broad, in-depth primer on chemicals in the total environment, covering the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere. It defines the terminology used in environmental health science related to chemicals, describes the sources of chemical agents in the environment, how they disperse and transform as they travel throughout the environment, their effects on environmental quality and human health, how levels and exposures are monitored and quantified, the technology for control of chemical pollutants, how environmental standards and guidelines are developed, and procedures for human health risk assessment and risk management. It can serve as a textbook for courses taken by advanced undergraduate or graduate university students and may also be a useful reference for practitioners working in environmental and public health areas.