bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coda
Authors: Shachar Ayelet
Published: September 2018

The ‘selling of citizenship’ is indicative of larger and deeper transformations of our conception of political membership. Globally, it exacerbates inequality by securing privileged access to membership for the super-rich. Domestically, it runs the risk of straining civic bonds and democratic solidarity. Taken together, these developments reveal whom the contemporary market-friendly state prioritizes in the admission line and whom it most covets as future citizens.
Citizenship Without Magic
Authors: Harder Lois
Published: September 2018

I share Costica Dumbrava’s critique of ius sanguinis citizenship, and ultimately what is, I think, his rejection of birth as the basis for political membership generally. Of course, there are issues of practicality – of the world as we find it – that might limit whether and how one would advance the abolishment of birthright citizenship in light of specific political dynamics. But it is precisely those practicalities, and the near unthinkability of alternatives to birth-based citizenship that demand our interrogation of birthright in the first instance. As Joseph Carens has argued with respect to his advocacy of open borders, ‘even if we must take deeply rooted social arrangements as givens for purposes of immediate action in a particular context, we should never forget about our assessment of their fundamental character. Otherwise we wind up legitimating what should only be endured’.
The Janus-Face of Ius Sanguinis: Protecting Migrant Children and Expanding Ethnic Nations
Authors: Decimo Francesca
Published: September 2018

Costica Dumbrava’s proposal for abandoning ius sanguinis is timely and bold. My intuition is to reject his suggestion that children’s citizenship might be disconnected from that of their parents, but to join his advocacy for a radical rethinking of the ius sanguinis principle with a view towards eliminating it once and for all. These are rather contrasting stances in relation to the same principle. My contribution aims to resolve the apparent contradiction.
Learning from Naturalisation Debates: The Right to an Appropriate Citizenship at Birth
Authors: Swider Katja , Vlieks Caia
Published: September 2018

Citizenship has a political and a legal dimension. In his opening contribution, Costica Dumbrava only marginally addresses the legal dimension of citizenship, acknowledging its importance, but suggesting that it is replaceable with alternative arrangements, such as a universal status for children. But in reality much legal baggage is attached to citizenship, and one cannot simply shake it off, even if this appears normatively attractive. The whole human rights movement can be seen as an effort to separate access to legal rights from possessing a status of political membership, and this attempt has not reached its goal (yet). Citizenship is still the ‘right to have rights’. Avoidance of statelessness is therefore not just a legal whim; it is a human rights failsafe mechanism.
Cloud Communities: The Dawn of Global Citizenship?
Authors: Orgad Liav
Published: September 2018

This kickoff contribution argues that new conceptions of global citizenship are needed today and that new digital technologies might make them viable. Blockchain technology could provide, first, every person with a unique and internationally recognized and self-sovereign legal persona that could also serve to provide individuals globally with an equal voice in international affairs. Second, blockchain technology also permits individuals or international organisations to form cloud communities in cyberspace whose aim is political decision-making and in which individuals take part in a process of governance and the creation of law.
Citizenship Forecast: Partly Cloudy with Chances of Algorithms
Authors: Dumbrava Costica
Published: September 2018

Exercising citizenship has always involved some forms of technology, from voting pebbles in Ancient Greece to ballot boxes and electoral districting algorithms in modern representative democracies. However, the high levels of sophistication and, ultimately, opaqueness of technologies such as blockchain must be a real concern should we decide to entrust these technologies with the role of embodying democratic self-government. We are asked to take for granted the promises of new digital technologies and are kindly invited to take our places in shiny new cloud communities. However, we rarely understand how these technologies work, who designs and oversees them and whether we would be able to dispense of them if we find them wanting.
A Brave New Dawn? Digital Cakes, Cloudy Governance and Citizenship á la Carte
Authors: Džankić Jelena
Published: September 2018

In his kick-off contribution Orgad notes that the future of citizenship is dynamic and multi-layered. Yet so is the present, and so has been its past. The key question is whether we are ready to embrace a new approach to citizenship, based on ‘smart contracts’ operating in cyberspace and regulating needs of individuals, just as a business model would do. Even if digital technologies bring along numerous benefits we have to recognise that their á la carte approach is hardly conducive to the creation of a community of shared values among members. That is, it is hardly conducive to citizenship.
Cloud Communities and the Materiality of the Digital
Authors: Milan Stefania
Published: September 2018

Is the internet free of geography and/or materiality? Can we rely (exclusively) on technology such as the blockchain to solve the socio-political problems of our society? This contribution takes a sociological perspective to reflect on the possibilities and the constraints of technology, exploring the materiality of the cloud and the challenges of tech-enabled self-governance.
The Future of Citizenship: Global and Digital – A Rejoinder
Authors: Orgad Liav
Published: September 2018

We can construct theoretical models of digital citizenship but, as this debate has shown, there are plenty of uncertainties – political, technological, and psychological ones – before it can become actually operative. I agree with Milan that ‘much work is needed … before we can proclaim the blockchain revolution.’ In particular, I share the concern about global inequality generated by ideas of cloud communities due to lack of internet access (Dzankic, Ypi, Kochenov) – this gap, however, has tremendously (and rapidly) narrowed and in 104 states more than 80 per cent of the youth population (aged 15–24) are now online. The situation will further improve if a right to internet access is universally recognised. And I cannot but share Bauböck’s worries about the tyranny of the majority in the cloud – addressing it is a matter of constitutional design of voting mechanisms (note, however, that there will be judicial review, decisions that require supermajority, and perhaps even veto rights in the digital world as well). Discussing these (and others) concerns will keep theorists and policy makers busy in the years to come. While the focus of this debate is on global citizenship and virtual communities, I see it as a broader invitation to reflect on the nexus between new technologies and the future of citizenship.
Construction and Characterization of Transportable Calibration Pads for Calibration of Portable and Airborne Gamma Ray Spectrometers in India
Authors: Sharma Pravin Kumar , Johri Nalin Kumar , Raut Gagan Behari , Rangaswamy G. , Pandey Brahma Kishore , Chaturvedi Anand Kumar
Published: September 2018

Ground and airborne gamma ray spectrometers are routinely used in uranium exploration for search of deposits and lithological mapping. These systems are calibrated using standard concrete calibration pads which are constructed with known concentrations of K, U and Th and simulate the infinite source geometry for gamma ray survey instruments. In India Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research, a constituent of Department of Atomic Energy created such calibration facility at Nagpur civil Airport in 1984 and maintained it till date. The cost of maintaining these old pads is very high, therefore we have constructed new transportable calibration pads which are much smaller in size (1m x 1m x 30cm) and also transportable to field areas. Five pads namely Background pad, potassium pad, uranium pad, thorium pad and composite pad have been constructed. These are made of concrete spiked with pre determined concentrations of radio-elements uranium, thorium and potassium. These transportable calibration pads are 750kg in weight and are mounted on a trolley. This has eliminated the need for large standard calibration pads, which needed an airport with very high land leasing costs and thereby reducing the maintenance cost significantly. A very distinctive feature of designed transportable pads as compared to pads worldwide, is the achievement of high density and high compressive strength. This high density has resulted in higher sensitivity thereby improving the statistical accuracy of calibration. This has also resulted in reducing the fluctuations in calibration due to moisture in field condition. Another distinctive feature is the achievement of higher potassium concentration > 8.0% in potassium pad. Creation of this new calibration facility has resulted in substantial savings to government exchequer by eliminating the need of the airport. This has enabled calibration in the field areas with easy transportability and thereby reducing the downtime of the survey operations in uranium exploration. This paper describes the design and fabrication of transportable calibration pads in India.
Flood Frequency Analysis of Betwa River, Madhya Pradesh India
Authors: Pandey H. K. , Dwivedi Shivam , Kumar Kamlesh
Published: September 2018

Flood is common phenomena worldwide since time immemorial. Recently the change in climatic parameters has drastically affected the pattern and magnitude of flood. India being one of the tropical country face flood and drought situations every year, therefore it needs accurate assessment and forecast of flood for proper management of natural resources.

An attempt has been made through the present study which consists frequency analysis on maximum daily discharge data in Betwa river at Basoda, Mohana and Shahijina gauging stations in Madhya Pradesh state using Gumbel’s Extreme value distribution and Log Pearson Type-3 distribution for 20 years period (1993-2012).

The result shows that Log Pearson Type-3 distribution is better suited for Betwa basin. The results can be used by civil engineers for deciding the dimensions of hydraulic structures such as spillways, dams, bridges etc. Floods are forecasted for the different return periods for Betwa river.
Morphotectonic Appraisal of Yamuna River Basin in Headwater Region: A Relative Active Tectonics Purview
Authors: Dubey R. K. , Satyam Gyan Prakash
Published: September 2018

In the present paper integrated appraisals of landform evolution and their geomorphic features, drainage networks across the upper part of Yamuna river basin have been attempted by using various geomorphic indices such as watershed, drainage density (D), drainage texture, stream-gradient index (SL), hypsometric integral (HI), drainage basin asymmetry (AF), mountain front sinuosity (Smf), sinuosity index (SI), valley floor height and width ratio (Vf) and data of historical earthquakes in characterizing the basin in view of relative index of active tectonics (RIAT) on DEM in geographic information systems (GIS) environment to assess the influence of recent tectonics on geomorphologic growth of the basin.

The substantiated RIAT classes through some field observations and corroborated by recent seismicity reveal the recent activation of Yamuna tear faults in the basin with delineation of four RIAT classes such as class-1 (inactive 9.8% of the area), class-2 (low active; 16.40% of the area), class-3 (moderately active; 42.38% of the area) and class-4 (very active; 31.62%). The results suggest that the Himalayan frontal thrust (HFT) and Yamuna tear (YT) located in the basin is morphogenic in nature and got activated several times as evidenced by number of seismic activities in the basin and adjoining regions. The incision, and sharp turning of rivers, crenulations and warping of cross beddings/laminations and silt/clay beds and lenses, megascopic and mesoscopic faulting in sediment sequences suggest a very active nature of the HFT and YT till date in association with three prolific microseismogenic weak zones These active discontinuities appear to support the formation and development of different deformational features in sediment sequences which may be indirectly related to subduction and underthrusting of Indian plate under Eurasian plate below the Himalayan mountain chain.
Single nucleotide polymorphism array analysis uncovers a large, novel duplication in Xq13.1 in a floppy infant syndrome patient
Authors: Liu Min , Wang Yuhuan , Yang Sijia , Wei He , Tuo Miao , Chang Fei , Wang Yuhui
Published: September 2018

Objective

To identify candidate genes for the clinical diagnosis of floppy infant syndrome (FIS) using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array in a specific FIS family.

Methods

SNP array analysis of the whole chromosome copy number was performed in the proband (III1). Multiple polymerase chain reaction (PCR) combined with denaturing high‐performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC) was used to validate the array data.

Results

A large 5.818182 Mb duplication (Xq13.1: 67987646–73805828), which encompasses 66 known genes, was found in III1. The start and end points of the duplication were confirmed with an SNP array. Duplicated genes with potential roles in central and/or peripheral nervous system development (HDAC8, PHKA1, TAF1, DLG3, KIF4A, IGBP1, PJA1, and SLC16A2) were confirmed by multiple PCR‐DHPLC in III1. The patient's mother and grandmother carry duplications in these eight genes, but only on one X chromosome, while the patient's aunt does not carry any of the duplications.

Conclusion

Based on the location of the eight candidate genes in Xq13.1, the large duplication found by SNP array does indeed exist and is predicted to be both novel and pathogenic. Moreover, we recommend SNP array as the first option for genetic diagnosis of both large‐scale and rare/complicated diseases, such as FIS.
Sexual Quality of Life and Association With HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections Among a Cohort of Heterosexual Couples in Kenya
Authors: Mehta Supriya D. , Nordgren Rachel K. , Agingu Walter , Otieno Fredrick , Odongo Winnie , Odhiambo Finch , Bailey Robert C.
Published: September 2018

Introduction

Sexual quality of life (SQoL) is a critical component of sexual health and is understudied in Sub-Saharan African settings with endemic HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI).

Aim

We sought to assess SQoL among heterosexual couples in Kisumu, Kenya, and how this was associated with HIV status, STIs, and sexual practices.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study of community-recruited couples. SQoL, HIV status, herpes simplex virus (HSV)-2 status, bacterial vaginosis (BV), sexual practices, and sociodemographics were measured at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Multivariable linear regression with random intercept was fitted separately for females and males, accounting for partner characteristics.

Main Outcome Measure

SQoL was assessed with an 18-item female and 11-item male survey.

Results

From April 2014 through July 2016, 252 couples were enrolled, and followed up through September 2017. At baseline, women were median age 23 years, 10% HIV positive, 53% HSV-2 seropositive, and 22% with BV. At baseline men were median age 26 years, 12% HIV positive, 47% HSV-2 seropositive, and 56% circumcised. Mean SQoL was higher for men (88) than women (78), with consistent scores over time. In multivariable analysis (P < .05 each), SQoL Questionnaire—Female (SQoL-F) score was reduced with: male partner report that sex felt rougher than he would have liked (9.5-point decrease), female HSV-2 seropositivity (5.15-point decrease), female reported having dry vaginal sex (5.27-point decrease); among women with BV, SQoL-F score declined with recent sexual activity (8.27-point decrease) and increasing age (0.75-point decrease per 1 year increase in age). Age and recent sex did not affect SQoL-F for women without BV. SQoL Questionnaire—Male score was decreased 4.99 points if male was employed, 4.52 points if male reported multiple recent sex partners, and 29.5 points for HIV positive men whose female partner reported having sex when not in the mood. Men’s SQoL increased by 0.84 points for each 1-U increase in female partner body mass index and 17.6 points for HIV positive men whose female partner reported recent sex with him.

Clinical Implications

Within sexual partnerships, men had greater SQoL than women, and the adverse impact of BV and STIs on SQoL was greater for women than men.

Strength & Limitations

Research is needed to ensure relevant domains are measured in settings where measure of SQoL has not been validated, along with robust measures of physiologic and psychologic correlates.

Conclusion

More attention to SQoL as an outcome may strengthen interventions aimed at preventing HIV and STIs and improving sexual health holistically.
Plato: The Statesman
Authors: Plato
Published: September 2018

The Statesman is Plato's neglected political work, but it is crucial for an understanding of the development of his political thinking. In its presentation of the statesman's expertise, The Statesman modifies, as well as defending in original ways, this central theme of the Republic. This new translation makes the dialogue accessible to students of political thought and the introduction outlines the philosophical and historical background necessary for a political theory readership.
Meta-analysis across Cohorts for Heart and Aging Research in Genomic Epidemiology (CHARGE) consortium provides evidence for an association of serum vitamin D with pulmonary function
Authors: Xu Jiayi , Bartz Traci M. , Chittoor Geetha , Eiriksdottir Gudny , Manichaikul Ani W. , Sun Fangui , Terzikhan Natalie , Zhou Xia , Booth Sarah L. , Brusselle Guy G. , de Boer Ian H. , Fornage Myriam , Frazier-Wood Alexis C. , Graff Mariaelisa , Gudnason Vilmundur , Harris Tamara B. , Hofman Albert , Hou Ruixue , Houston Denise K. , Jacobs David R. , Kritchevsky Stephen B. , Latourelle Jeanne , Lemaitre Rozenn N. , Lutsey Pamela L. , O’Connor George , Oelsner Elizabeth C. , Pankow James S. , Psaty Bruce M. , Rohde Rebecca R. , Rich Stephen S. , Rotter Jerome I. , Smith Lewis J. , Stricker Bruno H. , Voruganti V. Saroja , Wang Thomas J. , Zillikens M. Carola , Barr R. Graham , Dupuis Josée , Gharib Sina A. , Lahousse Lies , London Stephanie J. , North Kari E. , Smith Albert V. , Steffen Lyn M. , Hancock Dana B. , Cassano Patricia A.
Published: September 2018

The role that vitamin D plays in pulmonary function remains uncertain. Epidemiological studies reported mixed findings for serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D)–pulmonary function association. We conducted the largest cross-sectional meta-analysis of the 25(OH)D–pulmonary function association to date, based on nine European ancestry (EA) cohorts (n 22 838) and five African ancestry (AA) cohorts (n 4290) in the Cohorts for Heart and Aging Research in Genomic Epidemiology Consortium. Data were analysed using linear models by cohort and ancestry. Effect modification by smoking status (current/former/never) was tested. Results were combined using fixed-effects meta-analysis. Mean serum 25(OH)D was 68 (sd 29) nmol/l for EA and 49 (sd 21) nmol/l for AA. For each 1 nmol/l higher 25(OH)D, forced expiratory volume in the 1st second (FEV1) was higher by 1·1 ml in EA (95 % CI 0·9, 1·3; P<0·0001) and 1·8 ml (95 % CI 1·1, 2·5; P<0·0001) in AA (Prace difference=0·06), and forced vital capacity (FVC) was higher by 1·3 ml in EA (95 % CI 1·0, 1·6; P<0·0001) and 1·5 ml (95 % CI 0·8, 2·3; P=0·0001) in AA (Prace difference=0·56). Among EA, the 25(OH)D–FVC association was stronger in smokers: per 1 nmol/l higher 25(OH)D, FVC was higher by 1·7 ml (95 % CI 1·1, 2·3) for current smokers and 1·7 ml (95 % CI 1·2, 2·1) for former smokers, compared with 0·8 ml (95 % CI 0·4, 1·2) for never smokers. In summary, the 25(OH)D associations with FEV1 and FVC were positive in both ancestries. In EA, a stronger association was observed for smokers compared with never smokers, which supports the importance of vitamin D in vulnerable populations.
DIFFERENTIAL GRADED ENDOMORPHISM ALGEBRAS, COHOMOLOGY RINGS AND DERIVED EQUIVALENCES
Authors: PAN SHENGYONG , PENG ZHEN , ZHANG JIE
Published: September 2018

In this paper, we will consider derived equivalences for differential graded endomorphism algebras by Keller's approaches. First, we construct derived equivalences of differential graded algebras which are endomorphism algebras of the objects from a triangle in the homotopy category of differential graded algebras. We also obtain derived equivalences of differential graded endomorphism algebras from a standard derived equivalence of finite dimensional algebras. Moreover, under some conditions, the cohomology rings of these differential graded endomorphism algebras are also derived equivalent. Then we give an affirmative answer to a problem of Dugas (A construction of derived equivalent pairs of symmetric algebras, Proc. Amer. Math. Soc. 143 (2015), 2281–2300) in some special case.
Invasive slug Meghimatium pictum (Stoliczka, 1873) infected by Angiostrongylus costaricensis Morera & Céspedes, 1971, and the possible risk of human infection associated with grape consumption
Authors: Rodriguez R. , Sandri A.S.S. , Porto S.M. , Osório J.B. , Muller C.A. , Cognato B.B. , Casagrande M.F. , Graeff-Teixeira C. , Gomes S.R. , Morassutti A.L.
Published: September 2018

Many molluscs may be infected with angiostrongylid larvae. Following the histopathological diagnosis of abdominal angiostrongyliasis in a grape farmer from southern Brazil, molluscs in the area were investigated. During a nocturnal search, 245 specimens of slugs were collected and identified as the invasive Chinese slug Meghimatium pictum. Angiostrongylus costaricensis worms were recovered from mice that were experimentally infected with larvae obtained from 11 (4.5%) of the molluscs. This study presents the first report of M. pictum being identified as an intermediate host for A. costaricensis. Most of the slugs were collected from grape plants, which suggests that transmission may be associated with grape consumption.
Revolutionary songs in a gentrifying city: stylistic change and the economics of salvage in southern Mexico
Authors: Green Andrew
Published: September 2018

This article explores the case of a musician performing pro-Zapatista revolutionary songs in a restaurant in a city in southern Mexico which has undergone rapid gentrification since the turn of the century. It highlights the particular set of constraints on, and possibilities for, musical creativity that emerged in an urban setting in which space was increasingly ordered around the accumulation of rents. Exploring relationships between commercial strategy and musical detail, it examines tensions arising around the performance of a revolutionary body of song in such a setting. To conclude, and drawing on the recent work of Anna Tsing, it introduces the notion of musical ‘salvage’ to make sense of the relationship between protest and commerce. Recognizing the incompleteness of revolutionary songs’ translation into the rapidly gentrifying context of San Cristóbal, it is argued here, may help to underline performer agency and creativity.
An acoustic study of lexical stress contrastivity in children with and without autism spectrum disorders
Authors: ARCIULI Joanne , BAILEY Benjamin
Published: September 2018

In this exploratory study, we examined stress contrastivity within real word productions elicited via picture naming in 20 children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and 20 typical peers group-wise matched on age and vocabulary. Targets had a dominant pattern of lexical stress beginning with a strong–weak pattern (SW: ‘caterpillar’, ‘butterfly’) or a non-dominant pattern of lexical stress beginning with a weak–strong pattern (WS: ‘tomato’, ‘potato’). Children produced each target twice (n = 320 productions). Acoustic measures were made for the duration, fundamental frequency, and intensity of the first two vowels for each word production. For vowel duration and fundamental frequency, children with ASD and typical peers produced a similar magnitude of stress contrastivity for SW and WS words. However, there was a significant group difference in the way contrastivity in intensity was realised for WS words whereby children with ASD produced less stress contrastivity than typical peers. Bayesian analyses were in line with our interpretation of our frequentist analyses.
The importance of accounting for testing and positivity in surveillance by time and place: an illustration from HIV surveillance in Japan
Authors: Kato H. , Kanou K. , Arima Y. , Ando F. , Matsuoka S. , Yoshimura K. , Matano T. , Matsui T. , Sunagawa T. , Oishi K.
Published: September 2018

The number of tests performed is an important surveillance indicator. We illustrate this point using HIV surveillance data, focusing on Tokyo and Okinawa, two prefectures with high HIV notification rates in Japan. Restricting to data reported from local public health centres and affiliate centres where testing data are accessible, we assessed HIV surveillance data during 2007–2014, based on the annual HIV notification rate (per 100 000 population), HIV testing rate (per 100 000 population) and proportion testing HIV-positive (positivity). Nationally, testing activity and positivity showed an inverse relationship; in 2008, the testing rate peaked, but positivity was lowest. While notification rates were higher for Tokyo (median = 0.98, range = 0.89–1.33) than Okinawa (median = 0.61, range = 0.42–1.09), Okinawa had slightly higher testing rates (median = 187, range = 158–274) relative to Tokyo (median = 172, range = 163–210). Positivity was substantially lower in Okinawa (median = 0.34%, range = 0.24–0.45%) compared with Tokyo (median = 0.57%, range = 0.46–0.67%). Relative to the national testing rate (median = 85, range = 80–115) and positivity (median = 0.34%, range = 0.28–0.36%), Tokyo had higher positivity, despite more testing. In 2014 in Okinawa, all three indicators increased, providing a strong reason to be concerned as positivity increased despite more testing. Together with other information, accounting for testing and positivity improve interpretation of surveillance data to guide public health assessments.
Recommendations from the Association for European Paediatric and Congenital Cardiology for clinical training in paediatric heart failure and transplantation
Authors: Reinhardt Zdenka , Hansmann Georg , O’Sullivan John , Murtuza Bari , Köstenberger Martin , Schranz Dietmar , Bonnet Damien , Burch Michael
Published: September 2018

Advanced medical and surgical treatment of heart failure and management of patients following heart transplantation is an emerging area. Treatment options at various levels are becoming available in an increasing number of countries. This rapidly evolving field involves a complex multi-disciplinary approach with a number of complementary medical and surgical strategies, including pharmacotherapy, structural cardiac interventions, electrophysiological optimisation, mechanical circulatory support, and heart transplantation. Furthermore, the importance of psycho-social support and care of patients and their families cannot be overstated. The aforementioned challenges and dynamics of new developments require guidance for core and advanced medical training in heart failure and transplantation. The Association for European Paediatric and Congenital Cardiology working group “pulmonary hypertension, heart failure and transplantation” has produced this document as an expert consensus statement; however, all recommendations must be considered and applied in the context of the local and national infrastructure and legal regulations.
A modified Fresnel-based algorithm for 3D microwave imaging of metal objects
Authors: Zamiri Farshad , Nabavi Abdolreza
Published: September 2018

Microwave holography technique reconstructs a target image using recorded amplitudes and phases of the signals reflected from the target with Fast Fourier Transform (FFT)-based algorithms. The reconstruction algorithms have two or more steps of two- and three-dimensional Fourier transforms, which have a high computational load. In this paper, by neglecting the impact of target depth on image reconstruction, an efficient Fresnel-based algorithm is proposed, involving only one-step FFT for both single- and multi-frequency microwave imaging. Numerous tests have been performed to show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm including planar and non-planar targets, using the raw data gathered by means of a scanner operating in X-band. Finally, a low-cost and high-speed hardware architecture based on fixed-point arithmetic is introduced which reconstructs the planar targets. This pipeline architecture was tested on field programmable gate arrays operating at 200 MHz clock frequency, which illustrates more than 30 times improvement in computation time compared with a computer.
Climatic Responses to Future Trans‐Arctic Shipping
Authors: Stephenson Scott R. , Wang Wenshan , Zender Charles S. , Wang Hailong , Davis Steven J. , Rasch Philip J.
Published: September 2018

As global temperatures increase, sea ice loss will increasingly enable commercial shipping traffic to cross the Arctic Ocean, where the ships' gas and particulate emissions may have strong regional effects. Here we investigate impacts of shipping emissions on Arctic climate using a fully coupled Earth system model (CESM 1.2.2) and a suite of newly developed projections of 21st‐century trans‐Arctic shipping emissions. We find that trans‐Arctic shipping will reduce Arctic warming by nearly 1 °C by 2099, due to sulfate‐driven liquid water cloud formation. Cloud fraction and liquid water path exhibit significant positive trends, cooling the lower atmosphere and surface. Positive feedbacks from sea ice growth‐induced albedo increases and decreased downwelling longwave radiation due to reduced water vapor content amplify the cooling relative to the shipping‐free Arctic. Our findings thus point to the complexity in Arctic climate responses to increased shipping traffic, justifying further study and policy considerations as trade routes open.
A high throughput screen for next-generation leads targeting malaria parasite transmission
Authors: Delves Michael J. , Miguel-Blanco Celia , Matthews Holly , Molina Irene , Ruecker Andrea , Yahiya Sabrina , Straschil Ursula , Abraham Matthew , León María Luisa , Fischer Oliver J. , Rueda-Zubiaurre Ainoa , Brandt Jochen R. , Cortés Álvaro , Barnard Anna , Fuchter Matthew J. , Calderón Félix , Winzeler Elizabeth A. , Sinden Robert E. , Herreros Esperanza , Gamo Francisco J. , Baum Jake
Published: September 2018

Spread of parasite resistance to artemisinin threatens current frontline antimalarial therapies, highlighting the need for new drugs with alternative modes of action. Since only 0.2–1% of asexual parasites differentiate into sexual, transmission-competent forms, targeting this natural bottleneck provides a tangible route to interrupt disease transmission and mitigate resistance selection. Here we present a high-throughput screen of gametogenesis against a ~70,000 compound diversity library, identifying seventeen drug-like molecules that target transmission. Hit molecules possess varied activity profiles including male-specific, dual acting male–female and dual-asexual-sexual, with one promising N-((4-hydroxychroman-4-yl)methyl)-sulphonamide scaffold found to have sub-micromolar activity in vitro and in vivo efficacy. Development of leads with modes of action focussed on the sexual stages of malaria parasite development provide a previously unexplored base from which future therapeutics can be developed, capable of preventing parasite transmission through the population.
Control of coordinatively unsaturated Zr sites in ZrO2 for efficient C–H bond activation
Authors: Zhang Yaoyuan , Zhao Yun , Otroshchenko Tatiana , Lund Henrik , Pohl Marga-Martina , Rodemerck Uwe , Linke David , Jiao Haijun , Jiang Guiyuan , Kondratenko Evgenii V.
Published: September 2018

Due to the complexity of heterogeneous catalysts, identification of active sites and the ways for their experimental design are not inherently straightforward but important for tailored catalyst preparation. The present study reveals the active sites for efficient C–H bond activation in C1–C4alkanes over ZrO2free of any metals or metal oxides usually catalysing this reaction. Quantum chemical calculations suggest that two Zr cations located at an oxygen vacancy are responsible for the homolytic C–H bond dissociation. This pathway differs from that reported for other metal oxides used for alkane activation, where metal cation and neighbouring lattice oxygen form the active site. The concentration of anion vacancies in ZrO2can be controlled through adjusting the crystallite size. Accordingly designed ZrO2shows industrially relevant activity and durability in non-oxidative propane dehydrogenation and performs superior to state-of-the-art catalysts possessing Pt, CrOx, GaOxor VOxspecies.
In-situ cross-linking strategy for efficient and operationally stable methylammoniun lead iodide solar cells
Authors: Li Xiaodong , Zhang Wenxiao , Wang Ying-Chiao , Zhang Wenjun , Wang Hai-Qiao , Fang Junfeng
Published: September 2018

Long-term operational stability is the foremost issue delaying the commercialization of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Here we demonstrate an in-situ cross-linking strategy for operationally stable inverted MAPbI3 PSCs through the incorporation of a cross-linkable organic small molecule additive trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMTA) into perovskite films. TMTA can chemically anchor to grain boundaries and then in-situ cross-link to a robust continuous network polymer after thermal treatment, thus enhancing the thermal, water-resisting and light-resisting properties of organic/perovskite films. As a result, the cross-linked PSCs exhibit 590-fold improvement in operational stability, retaining nearly 80% of their initial efficiency after continuous power output for 400 h at maximum power point under full-sun AM 1.5 G illumination of Xenon lamp without any UV-filter. In addition, under moisture or thermal (85 °C) conditions, cross-linked TMTA-based PSCs also show excellent stability with over 90% of their initial or post burn-in efficiency after aging for over 1000 h.
Water printing of ferroelectric polarization
Authors: Tian Yu , Wei Lanying , Zhang Qinghua , Huang Houbing , Zhang Yuelin , Zhou Hua , Ma Fengjie , Gu Lin , Meng Sheng , Chen Long-Qing , Nan Ce-Wen , Zhang Jinxing
Published: September 2018

Ferroelectrics, which generate a switchable electric field across the solid–liquid interface, may provide a platform to control chemical reactions (physical properties) using physical fields (chemical stimuli). However, it is challenging to in-situ control such polarization-induced interfacial chemical structure and electric field. Here, we report that construction of chemical bonds at the surface of ferroelectric BiFeO3 in aqueous solution leads to a reversible bulk polarization switching. Combining piezoresponse (electrostatic) force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning transmission electron microscopy, first-principles calculations and phase-field simulations, we discover that the reversible polarization switching is ascribed to the sufficient formation of polarization-selective chemical bonds at its surface, which decreases the interfacial chemical energy. Therefore, the bulk electrostatic energy can be effectively tuned by H+/OH− concentration. This water-induced ferroelectric switching allows us to construct large-scale type-printing of polarization using green energy and opens up new opportunities for sensing, high-efficient catalysis, and data storage.
Toward high-fidelity coherent electron spin transport in a GaAs double quantum dot
Authors: Zhao Xinyu , Hu Xuedong
Published: September 2018

In this paper, we investigate how to achieve high-fidelity electron spin transport in a GaAs double quantum dot. Our study examines fidelity loss in spin transport from multiple perspectives. We first study incoherent fidelity loss due to hyperfine and spin-orbit interaction. We calculate fidelity loss due to the random Overhauser field from hyperfine interaction, and spin relaxation rate due to spin-orbit interaction in a wide range of experimental parameters with a focus on the occurrence of spin hot spots. A safe parameter regime is identified in order to avoid these spin hot spots. We then analyze systematic errors due to non-adiabatic transitions in the Landau-Zener process of sweeping the interdot detuning, and propose a scheme to take advantage of possible Landau-Zener-Stückelberg interference to achieve high-fidelity spin transport at a higher speed. At last, we study another systematic error caused by the correction to the electron g-factor from the double dot potential, which can lead to a notable phase error. In all, our results should provide a useful guidance for future experiments on coherent electron spin transport.
Synthesis, oligonucleotide incorporation and fluorescence properties in DNA of a bicyclic thymine analogue
Authors: Lawson Christopher P. , Füchtbauer Anders F. , Wranne Moa S. , Giraud Tristan , Floyd Thomas , Dumat Blaise , Andersen Nicolai K. , H. El-Sagheer Afaf , Brown Tom , Gradén Henrik , Wilhelmsson L. Marcus , Grøtli Morten
Published: September 2018

Fluorescent base analogues (FBAs) have emerged as a powerful class of molecular reporters of location and environment for nucleic acids. In our overall mission to develop bright and useful FBAs for all natural nucleobases, herein we describe the synthesis and thorough characterization of bicyclic thymidine (bT), both as a monomer and when incorporated into DNA. We have developed a robust synthetic route for the preparation of the bT DNA monomer and the corresponding protected phosphoramidite for solid-phase DNA synthesis. The bT deoxyribonucleoside has a brightness value of 790 M−1cm−1 in water, which is comparable or higher than most fluorescent thymine analogues reported. When incorporated into DNA, bT pairs selectively with adenine without perturbing the B-form structure, keeping the melting thermodynamics of the B-form duplex DNA virtually unchanged. As for most fluorescent base analogues, the emission of bT is reduced inside DNA (4.5- and 13-fold in single- and double-stranded DNA, respectively). Overall, these properties make bT an interesting thymine analogue for studying DNA and an excellent starting point for the development of brighter bT derivatives.
Residence time of singlet oxygen in membranes
Authors: Sokolov V. S. , Batishchev O. V. , Akimov S. A. , Galimzyanov T. R. , Konstantinova A. N. , Malingriaux E. , Gorbunova Y. G. , Knyazev D. G. , Pohl P.
Published: September 2018

Photodynamic therapy uses photosensitizers (PS) to kill cancer cells by generating reactive oxygen species – like singlet oxygen (SO) - upon illumination with visible light. PS membrane anchoring augments local SO concentration, which in turn increases photodynamic efficiency. The latter may suffer from SO’s escape into the aqueous solution or premature quenching. Here we determined the time constants of SO escape and quenching by target molecules to be in the nanosecond range, the former being threefold longer. We confined PS and dipolar target molecules either to different membrane monolayers or to the same leaflet and assessed their abundance by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy or membrane surface potential measurements. The rate at which the contribution of the dipolar target molecules to membrane dipole potential vanished, served as a measure of the photo-oxidation rate. The solution of the reaction–diffusion equations did not indicate diffusional rate limitations. Nevertheless, reducing the PS-target distance increased photodynamic efficiency by preventing other SO susceptible moieties from protecting the target. Importantly, our analytical model revealed a fourfold difference between SO generation rates per molecule of the two used PSs. Such analysis of PS quantum yield in a membrane environment may help in designing better PSs.
Hmga2 is dispensable for pancreatic cancer development, metastasis, and therapy resistance
Authors: Chiou Shin-Heng , Dorsch Madeleine , Kusch Eva , Naranjo Santiago , Kozak Margaret M. , Koong Albert C. , Winslow Monte M. , Grüner Barbara M.
Published: September 2018

Expression of the chromatin-associated protein HMGA2 correlates with progression, metastasis and therapy resistance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Hmga2 has also been identified as a marker of a transient subpopulation of PDAC cells that has increased metastatic ability. Here, we characterize the requirement for Hmga2 during growth, dissemination, and metastasis of PDAC in vivo using conditional inactivation of Hmga2 in well-established autochthonous mouse models of PDAC. Overall survival, primary tumour burden, presence of disseminated tumour cells in the peritoneal cavity or circulating tumour cells in the blood, and presence and number of metastases were not significantly different between mice with Hmga2-wildtype or Hmga2-deficient tumours. Treatment of mice with Hmga2-wildtype and Hmga2-deficient tumours with gemcitabine did not uncover a significant impact of Hmga2-deficiency on gemcitabine sensitivity. Hmga1 and Hmga2 overlap in their expression in both human and murine PDAC, however knockdown of Hmga1 in Hmga2-deficient cancer cells also did not decrease metastatic ability. Thus, Hmga2 remains a prognostic marker which identifies a metastatic cancer cell state in primary PDAC, however Hmga2 has limited if any direct functional impact on PDAC progression and therapy resistance.
Features and Associated Factors of the Behavioral Development of 24-month-old Children in Rural China: Follow-up Evaluation of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Yang Xue , Yin Zhaoyang , Cheng Yue , Yang Wenfang , Zhu Zhonghai , Zhang Min , Li Danyang , Liu Danli , Yan Hong , Zeng Lingxia
Published: September 2018

The aim of this study was to assess the risk factors associated with the behavioral development among 24-month-old children in rural northwestern China. A total of 657 children whose mothers had participated in a double-blinded, randomized, controlled trial of antenatal micronutrient supplementation in western China were followed until 24 months of age. Their mental, psychomotor, and behavioral development were assessed by the Bayley Scales of Infant Development. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine the factors associated with infant behavioral development. Six behavioral factors of infants were presented: activity, social adaptability, reactivity, endurance, concentration, and motor coordination. Further analysis demonstrated that maternal malnutrition, exposure to risk factors during pregnancy, and adverse birth outcomes negatively affected the behavioral development of children at 24 months, which is a common co-occurrence with cognitive and emotional problems. These results suggest that strategies to improve infant behavioral development should consider the maternal pregnancy status.
Differential Proteome Analysis of Human Neuroblastoma Xenograft Primary Tumors and Matched Spontaneous Distant Metastases
Authors: Hänel Lorena , Gosau Tobias , Maar Hanna , Valentiner Ursula , Schumacher Udo , Riecken Kristoffer , Windhorst Sabine , Hansen Nils-Owe , Heikaus Laura , Wurlitzer Marcus , Nolte Ingo , Schlüter Hartmut , Lange Tobias
Published: September 2018

Metastasis formation is the major cause for cancer-related deaths and the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study we describe spontaneous metastasis xenograft mouse models of human neuroblastoma used for unbiased identification of metastasis-related proteins by applying an infrared laser (IR) for sampling primary tumor and metastatic tissues, followed by mass spectrometric proteome analysis. IR aerosol samples were obtained from ovarian and liver metastases, which were indicated by bioluminescence imaging (BLI), and matched subcutaneous primary tumors. Corresponding histology proved the human origin of metastatic lesions. Ovarian metastases were commonly larger than liver metastases indicating differential outgrowth capacities. Among ~1,900 proteins identified at each of the three sites, 55 proteins were differentially regulated in ovarian metastases while 312 proteins were regulated in liver metastases. There was an overlap of 21 and 7 proteins up- and down-regulated at both metastatic sites, respectively, most of which were so far not related to metastasis such as LYPLA2, EIF4B, DPY30, LGALS7, PRPH, and NEFM. Moreover, we established in vitro sublines from primary tumor and metastases and demonstrate differences in cellular protrusions, migratory/invasive potential and glycosylation. Summarized, this work identified several novel putative drivers of metastasis formation that are tempting candidates for future functional studies.
Adjusting risk-taking to the annual cycle of long-distance migratory birds
Authors: Mikula Peter , Díaz Mario , Albrecht Tomáš , Jokimäki Jukka , Kaisanlahti-Jokimäki Marja-Liisa , Kroitero Gal , Møller Anders Pape , Tryjanowski Piotr , Yosef Reuven , Hromada Martin
Published: September 2018

Life-history theory predicts that current behaviour affects future reproduction, implying that animals should optimise their escape strategies to reflect fitness costs and benefits of premature escape. Both costs and benefits of escape may change temporally with important consequences for the evolution of escape strategies. Moreover, escape strategies of species may differ according to their positions on slow–fast pace of life gradients. We studied risk-taking in long-distance migratory animals, waders (Charadriiformes), during the annual cycle, i.e., breeding in Europe, stopover in the Middle East and wintering in tropical Africa. Phylogenetically informed comparative analyses revealed that risk-taking (measured as flight initiation distance, FID) changed significantly over the year, being lowest during breeding and peaking at stopover sites. Similarly, relationships between risk-taking and life-history traits changed among stages of the annual cycle. While risk-taking significantly decreased with increasing body mass during breeding, risk-taking–body mass relationship became marginally significant in winter and disappeared during migration. The positive trend of risk-taking along slow–fast pace of life gradient measured as adult survival was only found during breeding. The season-dependent relationships between risk-taking and life history traits suggest that migrating animals respond to fluctuating environments by adopting behavioural plasticity.