bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Settling of cohesive sediment: particle-resolved simulations
Authors: Vowinckel B. , Withers J. , Luzzatto-Fegiz Paolo , Meiburg E.
Published: November 2018

We develop a physical and computational model for performing fully coupled, grain-resolved direct numerical simulations of cohesive sediment, based on the immersed boundary method. The model distributes the cohesive forces over a thin shell surrounding each particle, thereby allowing for the spatial and temporal resolution of the cohesive forces during particle–particle interactions. The influence of the cohesive forces is captured by a single dimensionless parameter in the form of a cohesion number, which represents the ratio of cohesive and gravitational forces acting on a particle. We test and validate the cohesive force model for binary particle interactions in the drafting–kissing–tumbling (DKT) configuration. Cohesive sediment grains can remain attached to each other during the tumbling phase following the initial collision, thereby giving rise to the formation of flocs. The DKT simulations demonstrate that cohesive particle pairs settle in a preferred orientation, with particles of very different sizes preferentially aligning themselves in the vertical direction, so that the smaller particle is drafted in the wake of the larger one. This preferred orientation of cohesive particle pairs is found to remain influential for systems of higher complexity. To this end, we perform large simulations of 1261 polydisperse settling particles starting from rest. These simulations reproduce several earlier experimental observations by other authors, such as the accelerated settling of sand and silt particles due to particle bonding, the stratification of cohesive sediment deposits, and the consolidation process of the deposit. They identify three characteristic phases of the polydisperse settling process, viz. (i) initial stir-up phase with limited flocculation, (ii) enhanced settling phase characterized by increased flocculation, and (iii) consolidation phase. The simulations demonstrate that cohesive forces accelerate the overall settling process primarily because smaller grains attach to larger ones and settle in their wakes. For the present cohesive number values, we observe that settling can be accelerated by up to 29 %. We propose physically based parametrization of classical hindered settling functions introduced by earlier authors, in order to account for cohesive forces. An investigation of the energy budget shows that, even though the work of the collision forces is much smaller than that of the hydrodynamic drag forces, it can substantially modify the relevant energy conversion processes.
Characterization of wind-shear effects on entrainment in a convective boundary layer
Authors: Haghshenas Armin , Mellado Juan Pedro
Published: November 2018

Direct numerical simulations are used to characterize wind-shear effects on entrainment in a barotropic convective boundary layer (CBL) that grows into a linearly stratified atmosphere. We consider weakly to strongly unstable conditions $-z_{enc}/L_{Ob}\gtrsim 4$, where $z_{enc}$ is the encroachment CBL depth and $L_{Ob}$ is the Obukhov length. Dimensional analysis allows us to characterize such a sheared CBL by a normalized CBL depth, a Froude number and a Reynolds number. The first two non-dimensional quantities embed the dependence of the system on time, on the surface buoyancy flux, and on the buoyancy stratification and wind velocity in the free atmosphere. We show that the dependence of entrainment-zone properties on these two non-dimensional quantities can be expressed in terms of just one independent variable, the ratio between a shear scale $(\unicode[STIX]{x0394}z_{i})_{s}\equiv \sqrt{1/3}\unicode[STIX]{x0394}u/N_{0}$ and a convective scale $(\unicode[STIX]{x0394}z_{i})_{c}\equiv 0.25z_{enc}$, where $\unicode[STIX]{x0394}u$ is the velocity increment across the entrainment zone, and $N_{0}$ is the buoyancy frequency of the free atmosphere. Here $(\unicode[STIX]{x0394}z_{i})_{s}$ and $(\unicode[STIX]{x0394}z_{i})_{c}$ represent the entrainment-zone thickness in the limits of weak convective instability (strong wind) and strong convective instability (weak wind), respectively. We derive scaling laws for the CBL depth, the entrainment-zone thickness, the mean entrainment velocity and the entrainment-flux ratio as functions of $(\unicode[STIX]{x0394}z_{i})_{s}/(\unicode[STIX]{x0394}z_{i})_{c}$. These scaling laws can also be expressed as functions of only a Richardson number $(N_{0}z_{enc}/\unicode[STIX]{x0394}u)^{2}$, but not in terms of only the stability parameter $-z_{enc}/L_{Ob}$.
Automotive international trade networks: A comparative analysis over the last two decades
Authors: GORGONI SARA , AMIGHINI ALESSIA , SMITH MATTHEW
Published: November 2018

This paper explores the structural changes in the international organization of automotive production since the early 1990s. We apply descriptive network measures to international trade data for the period 1993–2013 for three automotive component groups with different technological intensity, with the aim of understanding (1) how the automotive international trade network has changed since the beginning of the 1990s; (2) whether regionalization has increased over time; (3) how the role that rising powers play within and between regions interacts with regionalization patterns. Our findings suggest that the structure of trade has changed significantly over the last two decades in all components. The network for electric and electrical parts and engines has evolved to become more hierarchical, with a cohesive core tied to hangers-on in the periphery, while the opposite has happened for rubber and metal. Regionalization patterns also show important differences across components. Finally, we have found an apparent association between the strengthening of regionalization patterns and the role played by traditional players and rising powers.
High dosage of zinc modulates T-cells in a time-dependent manner within porcine gut-associated lymphatic tissue
Authors: Kreuzer-Redmer Susanne , Arends Danny , Schulte Jasper N. , Karweina Diana , Korkuc Paula , Wöltje Nadine , Hesse Deike , Pieper Robert , Gerdts Volker , Zentek Jürgen , Meurens Francois , Brockmann Gudrun A.
Published: November 2018

Zn serves as a powerful feed additive to reduce post-weaning diarrhoea in pigs. However, the mechanisms responsible for Zn-associated effects on the adaptive immune responses following feeding of a very high dosage of Zn remain elusive. In this study, we examined the T-cell response in gut-associated lymphatic tissues of seventy-two weaned piglets. Piglets received diets with 57 mg Zn/kg (low Zn concentration, LZn), 164 mg Zn/kg (medium Zn concentration, MZn) or 2425 mg Zn/kg (high Zn concentration, HZn) mg Zn/kg feed for 1, 2 or 4 weeks. We observed that feeding the HZn diet for 1 week increased the level of activated T-helper cells (CD4+ and CD8αdim) compared with feeding MZn and LZn (P<0·05). In addition, we observed higher transcript amounts of interferon γ and T-box 21 (TBET) in the HZn group compared with the MZn and LZn groups (P<0·05). A gene set enrichment analysis revealed an over-representation of genes associated with ‘cytokine signalling in immune system’. Remarkably, feeding of a very high Zn dosage led to a switch in the immune response after 2 weeks. We detected higher relative cell counts of CD4+CD25high regulatory T-helper cells (P<0·05) and a higher expression of forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) transcripts (P<0·05). After 4 weeks of feeding a high-dosage Zn diet, the relative CD4+ T-cell count (P<0·05) and the relative CD8β+ T-cell count (P<0·1) were reduced compared with the MZn group. We hypothesise that after 1 week the cellular T-helper 1 response is switched on and after 2 weeks it is switched off, leading to decreased numbers of T-cells.
Translation as destruction: Kezilahabi's adaptation of Heidegger's “Being”
Authors: Rettová Alena
Published: November 2018

Tanzanian novelist and philosopher Euphrase Kezilahabi strives to “dismantle the resemblance of language to the world” (1985: 216) through challenging the fundamental philosophical dichotomy of subject and object. The result of this dismantling will be a new “language whose foundation is Being” (Kezilahabi 1991: 69; lugha ambayo msingi wake ni kuwako). This is an expression of a new relationship between humanity and Being built on a holistic epistemology of experience and embodiment. Through “kuwako”, Kezilahabi expresses in Swahili the Heideggerian concept of Sein (Being). His adherence to Heidegger, however, puts him at risk of compromising the very foundation of his own philosophy: his continued critique of essentialism. This article argues that Kezilahabi salvages his concept of “kuwako” from these essentialist pitfalls precisely through his declared “destructive rather than deconstructive stand vis-à-vis the Western philosophy of value and representation” (Kezilahabi 1985: 4). The destruction is implemented on the thematic level: a phase of “vurumai” (chaos) which destroys previous traditions of philosophy is staged in Nagona. However, translation is an even more powerful device to carry out this destruction: “kuwako” is not an innocent reiteration but a radical reformulation of Heidegger's central philosophical concept, decisively informed by Kezilahabi's lifelong propensity for existentialism.
Africanizing classical European playwrights (Shakespeare and Molière)
Authors: Le Lay Maëline
Published: November 2018

This article analyses Shakespeare and Molière's enduring appeal in various African countries and the diversity of their plays’ adaptations. The starting point is the discrepancy between the two playwrights, Shakespeare in Africa being an artistic phenomenon (a controversial one in some quarters), while the adaptation of Molière remains mainly the domain of school curricula. This article will first provide a historical overview of activities related to the introduction of Shakespeare and Molière's works in Africa. Second, it will set out to analyse the varied adaptation and “Africanization” of both playwrights’ work. It will shed light on the political and scholarly disputes over the incorporation of these authors in school curricula after independence and examine the ways in which these classical European texts were domesticated in Africa.
FORMALISING ARISTOCRATIC POWER IN ROYALACTAIN LATE TWELFTH- AND EARLY THIRTEENTH-CENTURY FRANCE AND SCOTLAND
Authors: Taylor Alice
Published: November 2018

Our understanding of the development of secular institutional governments in Europe during the central Middle Ages has long been shaped by an implicit or explicit opposition between royal and lay aristocratic power. That is to say, the growth of public, institutional and/or bureaucratic central authorities involved the decline and/or exclusion of noble aristocratic power, which thus necessarily operated in a zero-sum game. While much research has shown that this conflict-driven narrative is problematic, it remains in our understanding as a rather shadowy but still powerful causal force of governmental development during this period. This paper compares the changing conceptualisation of the relationship between royal and aristocratic power in the French and Scottish kingdoms to demonstrate, first, how narratives built at the periphery of Europe have important contributions and challenges to make to those formed from the core areas of Europe and, second, that state formation did not involve a decline in aristocratic power. Instead, the evidence from royalactain both kingdoms shows that aristocratic power was formalised at a central level, and then built into the forms of government which were emerging in very different ways in both kingdoms in the late twelfth and early thirteenth centuries. Set in broader perspective, this suggests that governmental development involved an intensification of existing structures of elite power, not a diminution.
THE TROUBLES WITH A LOWER CASE t: UNDERGRADUATES AND BELFAST'S DIFFICULT HISTORY
Authors: O'Connell Sean
Published: November 2018

This paper explores the risks and rewards involved in directing undergraduate students engaged on an oral history project in Belfast. It advocates the role of oral history as a tool through which to encourage students’ engagement with research-led teaching to produce reflective assignments on the nature of historical evidence, particularly autobiographical memory. The particular challenges of conducting oral history in a city beset by ethno-sectarian divisions are discussed. This factor has ensured that the historiography of Belfast has focused extensively on conflict and violence. The city's social history is poorly understood, but employing oral history enables the exploration of issues that take undergraduate historians beyond the Troubles as a starting point. This project probed what is called the troubles with a lower case t, via an analysis of deindustrialisation and urban redevelopment in Sailortown (Belfast's dockland district). It provided evidence with which to offer a new assessment on existing historiographical discussions about working-class nostalgic memory and urban social change, one that supports those scholars that problematize attempts to categorise such memory. The testimony also differed in significant ways from previous oral history research on post-war Northern Ireland.
Widow-right in Durham, England (1349–1660)
Authors: Larson Peter L.
Published: November 2018

A customary tenant's widow in County Durham had a right to his holdings for her life, and did not forfeit the lands for remarriage or fornication in contrast to customs found elsewhere in England. In this case study of three neighbouring villages, more than 80 per cent of widows with the option exercised this right, and did so consistently over three centuries. The persistence of this pattern indicates that widows as tenants were common and capable of cultivating or managing holdings. It suggests complex interconnections of gender with local social and economic structures, which include marriage, migration, and household formation.
The rise of the land market in medieval south-west Finland
Authors: Kallioinen Mika
Published: November 2018

This article aims to explain how the market for land functioned in medieval south-west Finland. The data show that in medieval times land was increasingly treated as something to be transferred in return for ready money, albeit within the limits set by the interests of the family. The land market was open to large segments of society, suggesting that barriers to entry were low. It was characterised by strong vertical integration, although asymmetric, as the majority of the transactions took place between participants from different social groups. The article will also consider the high degree of geographical integration in the land market.
An Intellectual Confession from a Member of the “Non-White” IR Community: A Friendly Reply to David Lake’s “White Man’s IR”
Authors: Eun Yong-Soo
Published: November 2018

David Lake wrote that International Relations (IR)1 will be a more diverse and better field of study if we embrace varied “life experiences and intuitions,” especially those of “marginalized” scholars, about politics and how the world works. Although concurring with his admonition, I also believe that his call for “greater diversity” in IR and his approach to realizing it need to be subject to critical scrutiny, being reconsidered in terms of reflexivity—more specifically, self-reflection by “marginalized” scholars. For this reason, as a “non-white” scholar working in a “non-Western” (or, in Lake’s words, “underrepresented”) IR community, I want to make my own confession to better understand what is at stake in promoting diversity in the academy from a different angle.
Rechtschreibung von Konsonantenclustern und morphologische Bewusstheit bei Grundschüler_innen
Authors: Klassert Annegret , Bormann Sarah , Festman Julia , Gerth Sabrina
Published: November 2018

Zusammenfassung. Die vorliegenden Studien untersuchen die Entwicklung der Rechtschreibfähigkeit für finale Konsonantencluster im Deutschen und die ihr zugrundeliegenden Strategien bei Erst- bis Drittklässler_innen (N = 209). Dazu wurde der Einfluss der morphologischen Komplexität (poly- vs. monomorphematische Cluster) auf die Rechtschreibung qualitativ und quantitativ analysiert, sowie mit einer Messung zur morphologischen Bewusstheit korreliert. Von der ersten Klasse an zeigt sich eine hohe Korrektheit in der Schreibung und somit eine sprachspezifisch schnelle Entwicklung der alphabetischen Rechtschreibstrategie für finale Konsonantencluster. Der Einfluss morphologischer Verarbeitungsprozesse wurde allerdings erst für die Drittklässler_innen gefunden. Obwohl bereits die Erstklässler_innen gut entwickelte morphologische Bewusstheit zeigten, scheinen sie noch nicht in der Lage zu sein, diese bei der Rechtschreibung anzuwenden. Die Ergebnisse werden im Kontrast zu den umfangreicher vorliegenden Befunden für die englische Sprache diskutiert.
Weiterbildungsbeteiligung Älterer aus Perspektive der Erwartungs-Wert-Theorie
Authors: Gorges Julia
Published: November 2018

Zusammenfassung. Weiterbildungsbeteiligung kann zum Erhalt von Lebensqualität gerade im höheren Lebensalter beitragen. Die Weiterbildungsbeteiligung geht jedoch ab einem Alter von 55 Jahren deutlich zurück und ist – u. a. aufgrund unterschiedlicher Gelegenheitsstrukturen – stark vom Bildungsniveau abhängig. Der vorliegende Beitrag geht mit Rückgriff auf das Erwartungs-Wert-Modell von Eccles der Frage nach, welche Rolle weiterbildungsbezogene Wertüberzeugungen für die (retrospektiv erfasste) Beteiligung von 55 – 80-Jährigen an nonformaler und informeller Weiterbildung spielen und inwiefern affektive Erinnerungen an die Schulzeit – im Einklang mit dem Modell – Vorläufer von Wertüberzeugungen sind. Datengrundlage (N = 2225) bildet eine Substichprobe der EdAge-Studie von Tippelt, Schmidt, Schnurr, Sinner und Theissen (2009) . Die Auswertung erfolgte mithilfe von Strukturgleichungsmodellen. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass weiterbildungsbezogene Wertüberzeugungen nur von positiven und nicht von negativen affektiven Erinnerungen vorhergesagt werden. Wertüberzeugungen sind wiederum ein Prädiktor von nonformaler und informeller Weiterbildungsbeteiligung, und zwar bei Kontrolle der Erwerbstätigkeit. Das Bildungsniveau moderiert den Einfluss motivationaler Faktoren auf nonformale Weiterbildungsbeteiligung: Die Effekte fallen bei höherem Bildungsniveau schwächer aus. Davon abweichend bleibt der Effekt von Wertüberzeugungen auf informelle Weiterbildungsbeteiligung nahezu unverändert. Auch bei Älteren und unter Kontrolle des Einflusses beruflicher Rahmenbedingungen scheinen demnach das sozio-kulturelle Umfeld und seine Gelegenheitsstrukturen noch einen großen Anteil an der Weiterbildungsbeteiligung in nonformalen Kontexten zu haben. Demgegenüber erscheint die Beteiligung an informeller Weiterbildung eher von der individuellen Motivation abzuhängen. Die Befunde werden vor dem Hintergrund der Erwartungs-Wert-Theorie sowie praktischer Implikationen diskutiert.
How Did Life Recover After Earth’s Worst-Ever Mass Extinction?
Authors: Joel Lucas
Published: November 2018

Ocean animals at the top of the food chain recovered first after a cataclysm at the end of the Permian period. The extinction was triggered by events resembling the changes brewing in today's oceans.
Homotaurine, a safe blood-brain barrier permeable GABAA-R-specific agonist, ameliorates disease in mouse models of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Tian Jide , Dang Hoa , Wallner Martin , Olsen Richard , Kaufman Daniel L.
Published: November 2018

There is a need for treatments that can safely promote regulatory lymphocyte responses. T cells express GABA receptors (GABAA-Rs) and GABA administration can inhibit Th1-mediated processes such as type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis in mouse models. Whether GABAA-R agonists can also inhibit Th17-driven processes such as experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a model of multiple sclerosis (MS), is an open question. GABA does not pass through the blood-brain barrier (BBB) making it ill-suited to inhibit the spreading of autoreactivity within the CNS. Homotaurine is a BBB-permeable amino acid that antagonizes amyloid fibril formation and was found to be safe but ineffective in long-term Alzheimer’s disease clinical trials. Homotaurine also acts as GABAA-R agonist with better pharmacokinetics than that of GABA. Working with both monophasic and relapsing-remitting mouse models of EAE, we show that oral administration of homotaurine can (1) enhance CD8+CD122+PD-1+and CD4+Foxp3+Treg, but not Breg, responses, (2) inhibit autoreactive Th17 and Th1 responses, and (3) effectively ameliorate ongoing disease. These observations demonstrate the potential of BBB-permeable GABAA-R agonists as a new class of treatment to enhance CD8+and CD4+Treg responses and limit Th17 and Th1-medaited inflammation in the CNS.
Changes in long non-coding RNA expression profiles related to the antagonistic effects of Escherichia coli F17 on lamb spleens
Authors: Jin Chengyan , Bao Jianjun , Wang Yue , Chen Weihao , Wu Tianyi , Wang Lihong , Lv Xiaoyang , Gao Wen , Wang Buzhong , Zhu Guoqiang , Dai Guojun , Sun Wei
Published: November 2018

Sheep colibacillosis is one of the most common bacterial diseases found at large-scale sheep farms. The aim of this study was to employ RNA-seq to screen differentially expressed (DE) long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that impart antagonistic or sensitive effects on Escherichia coli F17. In this study, individuals who had antagonistic or sensitive responses to E. coli F17 were identified by feeding E. coli F17 strains to Hu lambs. The sensitive group had higher levels of intestinal bacteria than that in the antagonistic group (P < 0.05), the jejunum showed various levels of mucosal tissue damage and had a dark colour, and disintegration of part of the small intestinal villi was observed. Totals of 34 DE lncRNAs and 703 DE mRNAs in two groups were identified. qRT-PCR results for 12 randomly selected DE lncRNAs and DE mRNAs were consistent with the RNA-seq data. Gene Ontology (GO), KEGG Pathway enrichment and lncRNA-mRNA interaction analyses identified 6 co-expressed genes, namely, MYO1G, TIMM29, CARM1, ADGRB1, SEPT4, and DESI2. This is the first study that has performed expression profiling of lncRNAs in the spleen of antagonistic and sensitive lambs. The identification of DE lncRNAs can facilitate investigations into the molecular mechanism underlying resistance to diarrhoea in sheep.
Positional Patterns Among the Auriculotemporal Nerve, Superficial Temporal Artery, and Superficial Temporal Vein for use in Decompression Treatments for Migraine
Authors: Lee Hyung-Jin , Choi You-Jin , Lee Kang-Woo , Kim Hee-Jin
Published: November 2018

This study aimed to clarify intersection patterns and points among the superficial temporal artery (STA), superficial temporal vein (STV), and auriculotemporal nerve (ATN) based on surface anatomical landmarks to provide useful anatomical information for surgical decompression treatments of migraine headaches in Asians. Thirty-eight hemifaces were dissected. The positional patterns among the ATN, STA, and STV were divided into three morphological types. In type I, the ATN ran toward the temporal region and superficially intersected the STA and STV (n = 32, 84.2%). In type II, the ATN ran toward the temporal region and deeply intersected the STA and STV (n = 4, 10.5%). In type III, the ATN ran toward the temporal region and deeply intersected the STV alone (n = 2, 5.3%). The intersection points of types II and III were 10.3 ± 5.6 mm (mean ± SD) and 10.4 ± 6.1 mm anterior and 42.1 ± 21.6 mm and 41.4 ± 18.7 mm superior to the tragus, respectively. The ATN superficially intersected the STA and STV in all the Korean cadaver, while the ATN deeply intersected the STA and STV in 15% of the Thai cadavers. The pattern of the ATN deeply intersecting the STA and STV was less common in present Asian populations than in previously-reported Caucasian populations, implying that migraine headaches (resulting from the STA and STV compressing the ATN) are less common in Asians.
The conserved mosaic prophage protein paratox inhibits the natural competence regulator ComR in Streptococcus
Authors: Mashburn-Warren Lauren , Goodman Steven D. , Federle Michael J. , Prehna Gerd
Published: November 2018

Horizontal gene transfer is an important means of bacterial evolution. This includes natural genetic transformation, where bacterial cells become “competent” and DNA is acquired from the extracellular environment. Natural competence in many species of Streptococcus, is regulated by quorum sensing via the ComRS receptor-signal pair. The ComR-XIP (mature ComS peptide) complex induces expression of the alternative sigma factor SigX, which targets RNA polymerase to CIN-box promoters to activate genes involved in DNA uptake and recombination. In addition, the widely distributed Streptococcus prophage gene paratox (prx) also contains a CIN-box, and here we demonstrate it to be transcriptionally activated by XIP. In vitro experiments demonstrate that Prx binds ComR directly and prevents the ComR-XIP complex from interacting with DNA. Mutations of prx in vivo caused increased expression of the late competence gene ssb when induced with XIP as compared to wild-type, and Prx orthologues are able to inhibit ComR activation by XIP in a reporter strain which lacks an endogenous prx. Additionally, an X-ray crystal structure of Prx reveals a unique fold that implies a novel molecular mechanism to inhibit ComR. Overall, our results suggest Prx functions to inhibit the acquisition of new DNA by Streptococcus.
A rapamycin derivative, biolimus, preferentially activates autophagy in vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Kim Yerin , Park Jun Kyu , Seo Jun-Hyuk , Ryu Hyun-Seung , Lim Kyung Seob , Jeong Myung Ho , Kang Dong Hoon , Kang Sang Won
Published: November 2018

Although rapamycin is a well-known conformational inhibitor of mTORC1, it is now widely used for treating arterial restenosis. Various rapamycin analogues (rapalogue) have been made for applying to drug-eluting stents. Here we show that two major rapalogues, everolimus and biolimus, exert a differential effect on the mTORC1-mediated signaling pathways in vascular smooth muscle cells. In balloon-injured carotid arteries, both rapalogues strongly inhibit neointimal hyperplasia. Signaling pathway analyses reveal that everolimus exert cytotoxicity by increasing cellular reactive oxygen species and consequently reduce energy metabolism. By contrast, biolimus confers a preferential induction of autophagy by more strongly activating major autophagy regulator, ULK1, in vascular smooth muscle cells than everolimus does. As a consequence, the implantation of biolimus-eluting stent reduces endothelial loss, which in turn reduces inflammation, in porcine coronary arteries. Thus, this study reveals that a chemical derivatization can cause a change among mTORC1-dependent signaling pathways in vascular smooth muscle cells, thereby enabling to elicit a differential efficacy on arterial restenosis.
Impact of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease on long-term cardiovascular events and death in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Viglino Damien , Plazanet Anais , Bailly Sebastien , Benmerad Meriem , Jullian-Desayes Ingrid , Tamisier Renaud , Leroy Vincent , Zarski Jean-Pierre , Maignan Maxime , Joyeux-Faure Marie , Pépin Jean-Louis
Published: November 2018

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) both independently increase cardiovascular risk. We hypothesized that NAFLD might increase the incidence of cardiovascular disease and death in COPD patients. The relationship between NAFLD, incident cardiovascular events, and death was assessed in a prospective cohort of COPD patients with 5-year follow-up. Noninvasive algorithms combining biological parameters (FibroMax®) were used to evaluate steatosis, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and liver fibrosis. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were used to assess the hazard for composite outcome at the endpoint (death or cardiovascular event) for each liver pathology. In 111 COPD patients, 75% exhibited liver damage with a prevalence of steatosis, NASH and fibrosis of 41%, 37% and 61%, respectively. During 5-year follow-up, 31 experienced at least one cardiovascular event and 7 died. In univariate analysis, patients with liver fibrosis had more cardiovascular events and higher mortality (Hazard ratio [95% CI]: 2.75 [1.26; 6.03]) than those with no fibrosis; this remained significant in multivariate analysis (Hazard ratio [95% CI]: 2.94 [1.18; 7.33]). We also found that steatosis and NASH were not associated with increased cardiovascular events or mortality. To conclude, early assessment of liver damage might participate to improve cardiovascular outcomes in COPD patients.
EPR spectroscopy in the study of 2D graphene-based nanomaterials and nanographites
Authors: Barbon Antonio
Published: November 2018

Graphene-based nanomaterials and nanographites represent 2D and 3D materials, where the transition from one type of materials to the other is without clear boundary. In this type of materials, where the leitmotif is represented by the presence of single or multi-stacked graphene layers, EPR spectroscopy has been fruitfully employed for structural characterization, as well as for the quantification of paramagnetic defects and for the study of magnetic properties. In this type of carbon-based materials, a fundamental role is played by two main actors: (a) conduction electrons, belonging to the extended π-system, and (b) edge states: electrons described by wavefunctions of limited extension associated to zigzag termination of the graphenic layers. A strong interaction exists between conduction and localized electrons, and in the presence of other minor paramagnetic contributions like other types of defects (crystal vacancies), or so-called molecular states (very small graphenic fragments), a vast spectrum of magnetic responses is obtained from the materials, from a ferromagnetic to an antiferromagnetic behavior. In this Chapter, methodological and introductory Sections are followed by a list of examples which highlight the use of EPR in this field.
Transition metal-coordinated graphitic carbon nitride dots as a sensitive and facile fluorescent probe for β-amyloid peptide detection
Authors: Zhang Yin , Meng Si , Ding Jinhua , Peng Qiwen , Yu Yanyan
Published: November 2018

Herein, we developed a sensitive graphitic carbon nitride quantum dot (gCNQD)-based fluorescent strategy for β-amyloid peptide monomer (Aβ) determination down to the ng mL−1 level for the first time.
Metal-assisted selective recognition of biothiols by a synthetic receptor array
Authors: Liu Yang , Duan Yaokai , Gill Adam D. , Perez Lizeth , Jiang Qiaoshi , Hooley Richard J. , Zhong Wenwan
Published: November 2018

A synergistic combination of a deep cavitand host, fluorophore guests and transition metal ions can be used to sense small molecule thiols of biological interest with good efficiency and selectivity in complex aqueous media.
Ultrastable g-C3N4 assemblies with high quantum yield and reversible photoluminescence
Authors: Jiang Zhixiang , Zhang Xiao , Wang Junpeng , Chen Ling , Chen Hsueh-Shih , Yang Ping
Published: November 2018

Ultrastable g-C3N4 assemblies consisting of amorphous/crystalline nanosheets with high quantum yields up to 78% were prepared for the first time. A reversible photoluminescence was observed from green to blue once the pH was adjusted. These assemblies exhibit high stability in PL devices.
Catalyst and additive-free regioselective oxidative C–H thio/selenocyanation of arenes and heteroarenes with elemental sulfur/selenium and TMSCN
Authors: Feng Chengtao , Peng Ya , Ding Guangrong , Li Xiangxiao , Cui Chang , Yan Yizhe
Published: November 2018

Elemental sulfur/selenium and TMSCN act as a novel combined thio/selenocyanation source for direct oxidative C–H thio/selenocyanation of (hetero)arenes under catalyst-free and additive-free conditions.
Nitrosonium ion catalysis: aerobic, metal-free cross-dehydrogenative carbon–heteroatom bond formation
Authors: Bering Luis , D’Ottavio Laura , Sirvinskaite Giedre , Antonchick Andrey P.
Published: November 2018

Catalytic cross-dehydrogenative coupling of heteroarenes with thiophenols and phenothiazines has been developed under mild and environmentally benign reaction conditions.
Correction: Sterol-modified PEG lipids: alteration of the bilayer anchoring moiety has an unexpected effect on liposome circulation
Authors: Dolor Aaron , Kierstead Paul , Dai Zhipeng , Szoka Francis C.
Published: November 2018

Correction for ‘Sterol-modified PEG lipids: alteration of the bilayer anchoring moiety has an unexpected effect on liposome circulation’ by Aaron Dolor et al., Chem. Commun., 2018, 54, 11949–11952.
Rapid room temperature conversion of hydroxy double salt to MOF-505 for CO2 capture
Authors: Chen Yongwei , Wu Houxiao , Xiao Qiangqiang , Lv Daofei , Li Feier , Li Zhong , Xia Qibin
Published: November 2018

Given the fact that solvothermal synthesis is the most common synthetic method to obtain metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) on a gram scale, it still remains a great challenge to produce MOFs in a scalable and sustainable synthetic process.
Nucleation and growth of gold nanoparticles initiated by nanosecond and femtosecond laser irradiation of aqueous [AuCl4]−
Authors: Rodrigues Collin J. , Bobb Julian A. , John Mallory G. , Fisenko Sergey P. , El-Shall M. Samy , Tibbetts Katharine Moore
Published: November 2018

Irradiation of aqueous [AuCl4]− with 532 nm, 8 ns pulses produces uniform 5 nm Au nanoparticles through surface plasmon-mediated photothermal autocatalytic growth, in contrast to the large polydisperse particles formed with 800 nm, 30 fs pulses.
An organometallic half-sandwich supramolecular complex {K(18-Crown-6)(ηn-C6H5B(C6H5)3)} (n = 1–6) exhibiting a reversible breaking-symmetry phase transition and switchable dielectric behaviour
Authors: Yuan Guo-Jun , Shao Dong-Sheng , Yao Zhi-Yuan , Liu Wen-Long , Ren Xiao-Ming
Published: November 2018

An organometallic supramolecular crystal of {K(18-crown-6)(ηn-C6H5B(C6H5)3)} (n = 1–6) has a half-sandwich structure and exhibits a reversible breaking-symmetry phase transition and switchable dielectric behavior.
Solution processing of V2VI3chalcogenides with a deep eutectic solvent for enhanced visible-light-driven hydrogen production
Authors: Wang Jinfang , Mou Hongyu , Li Rong , Li Yan , Wang Debao , Xue Zhimin , Mu Tiancheng
Published: November 2018

A solution processing strategy for V2VI3chalcogenides with a deep eutectic solvent for visible light photocatalytic hydrogen evolution is described here.
Preparation and characterization of pineapple leaf cellulose nanocrystal reinforced gelatin bio-nanocomposite with antibacterial banana leaf extract for application in food packaging
Authors: Sasikala M. , Umapathy M. J.
Published: November 2018

Studies on cellulose nanocrystal reinforced gelatin-based bio-nanocomposite infused with banana leaf extract for applications in food packaging.
The aromaticity of verdazyl radicals and their closed-shell charged species
Authors: Valiev Rashid R. , Drozdova Anna K. , Petunin Pavel V. , Postnikov Pavel S. , Trusova Marina E. , Cherepanov Victor N. , Sundholm Dage
Published: November 2018

The aromaticity of fourteen 3-oxo-verdazyl (1–8) and Kuhn verdazyl (9–14) radicals with different substituents has been investigated computationally using the gauge-including magnetically induced current-density (GIMIC) method.
Poly(HPMA)-DTPA/DOTA-Gd conjugates for magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Xu Weibing , Long Haitao , Xu Xinxin , Fu Guorui , Pu Lumei , Ding Lan
Published: November 2018

Poly(HPMA)-DTPA/DOTA-Gd conjugates were fabricated, and the cytotoxicity, hemocompatibility andT1relaxivity property were evaluated.
One-pot synthesis of novel functionalized benzodiazepines via three-component or domino reactions
Authors: Sun Yue-Wei , Wang Lan-Zhi
Published: November 2018

A simple and highly efficient protocol for the one-pot synthesis of novel benzodiazepines, which fused tricyclic or tetracyclic systems containing aryl, carboxyl, ester and acyl groups, was developed. Libraries of 40 new compounds were successfully synthesized via three-component or domino reactions by using a mild catalyst (γ-Fe2O3@SiO2/CeCl3) in good to excellent yields (82–97%).
Information transmission by Marangoni-driven relaxation oscillations at droplets
Authors: Mokbel Marcel , Schwarzenberger Karin , Aland Sebastian , Eckert Kerstin
Published: November 2018

Via ensemble interaction, Marangoni flow transports a signal in the form of relaxation oscillations along a chain of sub-mm droplets.
Solution structure of TbCentrin4 from Trypanosoma brucei and its interactions with Ca2+ and other centrins
Authors: Shan Fangzhen , Ye Kaiqin , Zhang Jiahai , Liao Shanhui , Zhang Xuecheng , Xu Chao , Tu Xiaoming
Published: November 2018

Centrin is a conserved calcium-binding protein that plays an important role in diverse cellular biological processes such as ciliogenesis, gene expression, DNA repair and signal transduction. In Trypanosoma brucei, TbCentrin4 is mainly localized in basal bodies and bi-lobe structure, and is involved in the processes coordinating karyokinesis and cytokinesis. In the present study, we solved the solution structure of TbCentrin4 using NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) spectroscopy. TbCentrin4 contains four EF-hand motifs consisting of eight α-helices. Isothermal titration calorimetry experiment showed that TbCentrin4 has a strong Ca2+ binding ability. NMR chemical shift perturbation indicated that TbCentrin4 binds to Ca2+ through its C-terminal domain composed of EF-hand 3 and 4. Meanwhile, we revealed that TbCentrin4 undergoes a conformational change and self-assembly induced by high concentration of Ca2+. Intriguingly, localization of TbCentrin4 was dispersed or disappeared from basal bodies and the bi-lobe structure when the cells were treated with Ca2+in vivo, implying the influence of Ca2+ on the cellular functions of TbCentrin4. Besides, we observed the interactions between TbCentrin4 and other Tbcentrins and revealed that the interactions are Ca2+ dependent. Our findings provide a structural basis for better understanding the biological functions of TbCentrin4 in the relevant cellular processes.
TRIM59 knockdown inhibits cell proliferation by down-regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in neuroblastoma
Authors: Chen Gang , Chen Weicheng , Ye Ming , Tan Weiqiang , Jia Bing
Published: November 2018

Neuroblastoma is the most common tumor in children, with a very poor prognosis. It is urgent to identify novel biomarkers to treat neuroblastoma, together with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Human tripartite motif 59 (TRIM59), a member of the TRIM family, has been reported to participate in several human tumors. However, the exact role of TRIM59 in neuroblastoma is unknown. In the present study, real-time PCR and Western blot were used to measure mRNA and protein levels of TRIM59 in four neuroblastoma cell lines and in neuroblastoma tissues. Lentiviruses targeting TRIM59 were used to up/down-regulate TRIM59 expression levels. Cell Counting Kit-8 and Annexin-V/PI were used to analyze cell proliferation and apoptosis in neuroblastoma cell lines. Our data showed that TRIM59 knockdown inhibits cell proliferation while inducing apoptosis in SH-SY5Y and SK-N-SH neuroblastoma cell lines. TRIM59 knockdown up-regulated expression of Bax and Bim and down-regulated levels of Survivin, β-catenin, and c-myc. Interestingly, the inhibition of cell proliferation caused by TRIM59 knockdown could be blocked by LiCl, which is an agonist of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. In contrast, TRIM59 overexpression could increase cell proliferation, up-regulate Survivin, β-catenin and c-myc, down-regulate Bax and Bim, and these effects could be blocked by XAV939, which is an inhibitor of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. In addition, TRIM59 was up-regulated and positively related with β-catenin in neuroblastoma tissues. In conclusion, TRIM59 was up-regulated in neuroblastoma, and TRIM59 knockdown inhibited cell proliferation by down-regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in neuroblastoma.
Atherosclerotic plaque instability in carotid arteries: miR-200c as a promising biomarker
Authors: Magenta Alessandra , Sileno Sara , D’Agostino Marco , Persiani Francesca , Beji Sara , Paolini Alessandra , Camilli Daniele , Platone Alessandro , Capogrossi Maurizio C. , Furgiuele Sergio
Published: November 2018

Early recognition of vulnerable carotid plaques could help in identifying patients at high stroke risk, who may benefit from earlier revascularisation. Nowadays, different biomarkers of plaque instability have been unravelled, among these miRNAs are promising tools for the diagnosis and treatment of atherosclerosis. Inflammation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and endothelial dysfunction play a key role in unstable plaques genesis. We showed that miR-200c induces endothelial dysfunction, ROS production and a positive mechanism among miR-200c and miR-33a/b, two miRNAs involved in atherosclerosis progression. The goal of the present study was to determine whether miR-200c could be an atherosclerosis biomarker. Carotid plaques of patients that underwent carotid endarterectomy (CEA) were assayed for miR-200c expression. miR-200c was up-regulated in carotid plaques (n=22) and its expression was higher in unstable (n=12) compared with stable (n=10) plaques. miR-200c positively correlated with instability biomarkers (i.e. monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, cicloxigenase-2 (COX2), interleukin 6 (IL6), metalloproteinase (MMP) 1 (MMP1), 9 (MMP9)) and miR-33a/b. Moreover, miR-200c negatively correlated with stability biomarkers (i.e. zinc finger E-box binding homoeobox 1 (ZEB1), endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS), forkhead boxO1 (FOXO1) and Sirtuin1 (SIRT1)) (stable plaques = 15, unstable plaques = 15). Circulating miR-200c was up-regulated before CEA in 24 patients, correlated with miR-33a/b and decreased 1 day after CEA. Interestingly, 1 month after CEA, circulating miR-200c is low in patients with stable plaques (n=11) and increased to control levels, in patients with unstable plaques (n=13). Further studies are needed to establish whether miR-200c represents a circulating biomarker of plaque instability. Our results show that miR-200c is an atherosclerotic plaque progression biomarker and suggest that it may be clinically useful to identify patients at high embolic risk.
Fast approach for efficient vehicle counting
Authors: Abdelwahab M.A.
Published: November 2018

Systems for counting vehicles should be fast enough to be implemented in real‐time situations. Most of the related work uses two stages for vehicle counting, vehicle detection and tracking, which increase the computational complexity. In this Letter, a fast and efficient approach for vehicle counting is proposed, where there is no need for the vehicle tracking step. A background model is created only for a narrow region, a line, in the video frames. The moving vehicles are detected as foreground objects while passing this narrow region. Morphological processes are applied to the extracted objects to enhance them and decrease the effects of vehicle occlusions. Finally, an efficient counting vehicles method is introduced employing only the extracted detection information. The experimental results performed on diverse videos show that the proposed method is fast and accurate. The average execution time per frame is 7.78 ms.
Efficient multi‐objective particle swarm optimisation based ranking system for cloud service selection
Authors: Varapravathu Kunhambu Dileep , Siva Balan Rathnamani Vijayalakshmi
Published: November 2018

Cloud computing knowledge achieves the prominent role in elaborating the systems and distributing the applications throughout the internet. Currently, in a cloud computing environment, expedient service selection is essential, since cloud users dependably have assorted sorts of applications with various quality necessities. The cloud service ranking has four phases: receiving user's requirement, estimating the quality of service (QoS) attributes by monitoring, selecting candidate services and service ranking. Previously, a cloud service ranking based on QoS attributes employs both essential and non‐essential requirements and both objective and subjective assessments. Existing cloud service ranking system experiences multifaceted nature issues. In order to overcome these issues the authors’ proposed technique is introduced. Their system comprises of three stages which are screening, optimal pseudo services and clustering process. In the Screening, the appropriate candidate's services are selected. In the wake of screening, candidate's services are optimally chosen to utilisean enhanced multi‐objective particle swarm optimisation algorithm. Finally, for the purpose of ranking the selected candidate's services are clustered by hierarchical clustering algorithm and pick the best services. The proposed technique is actualised in JAVA with CloudSim.
Chromospheric observations and magnetic configuration of a supergranular structure
Authors: Robustini Carolina , Esteban Pozuelo Sara , Leenaarts Jorrit , de la Cruz Rodríguez Jaime
Published: November 2018

Context.Unipolar magnetic regions are often associated with supergranular cells. The chromosphere above these regions is regulated by the magnetic field, but the field structure is poorly known. In unipolar regions, the fibrillar arrangement does not always coincide with magnetic field lines, and polarimetric observations are needed to establish the chromospheric magnetic topology.

Aims.In an active region close to the limb, we observed a unipolar annular network of supergranular size. This supergranular structure harbours a radial distribution of the fibrils converging towards its centre. We aim to improve the description of this structure by determining the magnetic field configuration and the line-of-sight velocity distribution in both the photosphere and the chromosphere.

Methods.We observed the supergranular structure at different heights by taking data in the Fe I6301–6302 Å, Hα, Ca II8542 Å, and the Ca IIH&K spectral lines with the CRisp Imaging SpectroPolarimeter (CRISP) and CHROMospheric Imaging Spectrometer (CHROMIS) at the Swedish 1-m Solar Telescope. We performed Milne-Eddington inversions of the spectropolarimetric data of Fe I6301–6302 Å and applied the weak field approximation to Ca II8542 Å data to retrieve the magnetic field in the photosphere and chromosphere. We used photospheric magnetograms of CRISP, Hinode Solar Optical Telescope spectropolarimeter, and Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager to calculate the magnetic flux. We investigated the velocity distribution using the line-of-sight velocities computed from the Milne-Eddington inversion and from the Doppler shift of theK3feature in the Ca IIK spectral line. To describe the typical spectral profiles characterising the chromosphere above the inner region of the supergranular structure, we performed aK-mean clustering of the spectra in Ca IIK.

Results.The photospheric magnetic flux shows that the supergranular boundary has an excess of positive polarity and the whole structure is not balanced. The magnetic field vector at chromospheric heights, retrieved by the weak field approximation, indicates that the field lines within the supergranular cell tend to point inwards, and might form a canopy above the unipolar region. In the centre of the supergranular cell hosting the unipolar region, we observe a persistent chromospheric brightening coinciding with a strong gradient in the line-of-sight velocity.