bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Dynamic Kinetic Model for Methanol to Light Olefins Reactions over a Nanohierarchical SAPO‐34 Catalyst: Catalyst Synthesis, Model Presentation, and Validation at the Bench Scale
Authors: Azarhoosh Mohammad Javad , Halladj Rouein , Askari Sima
Published: January 2018

This study includes three main parts: synthesizing the hierarchical silicoaluminophosphate (SAPO‐34) catalyst, evaluating the performance of this modified catalyst in the methanol to light olefins (MTO) process, and providing a new dynamic kinetic model for the modified catalyst. At first, a carbon nanotube (CNT) was used as a mesopore template in the sonochemical synthesis of SAPO‐34 hierarchical catalyst. By comparing the performance of this hierarchical catalyst and the common catalyst in the MTO process, it is observed that better performance is obtained on a modified catalysts for a longer period of time. Then, nine process tests were performed in differential fixed bed reactors at different temperatures and space velocities to obtain the kinetic model of the desired catalyst in the MTO process. Finally, the dynamic kinetic model of the modified SAPO‐34 catalyst was considered for main reactions in the MTO process. In this model, the rate equations were assumed elementary and lumped, and the decreasing of the catalyst activity over time on stream was also considered. The reactions constant and catalyst activity coefficient for different reactions were obtained by simultaneous connection of the code related to the reactor model and the genetic algorithm and genetic programming codes. The results obtained from the kinetic model were consistent with the experimental results.
Seawater DIC analysis: The effects of blanks and long‐term storage on measurements of concentration and stable isotope composition
Authors: Olack Gerard A. , Colman Albert S. , Pfister Catherine A. , Wootton J. Timothy
Published: January 2018

Dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) concentration and stable isotope composition measurements (δ13C) are central to the study of biological and chemical processes in the ocean. We examined a small volume (1 mL) method using continuous‐flow isotope ratio mass spectrometry (CF‐IRMS) for making both measurements in a single sample run. Prior exploration of this approach has yielded variable results. Effects of concentration, isotopic composition, storage time, and the gas used to flush the sample tubes were tested using standard solutions. Multiple isotopic composition standards permitted calculation of an apparent blank that develops due to slow rates of gas exchange through the septum. A blank correction is applied to the δ13C measurements, giving precision and accuracy better than 0.1‰ after 6 months of storage and ∼ 0.2‰ after 18 months of storage. CF‐IRMS concentration measurements on field samples collected near Tatoosh Island, off the Pacific coast of Washington, U.S.A., were compared to independent measurements (Dickson, CDQC Laboratory, UCSD) on the same water, the latter approach involving collection of 500 mL of seawater fixed with mercuric chloride. Concentration measurements by CF‐IRMS on seawater samples (precision ∼ 1–2%) are correctable to the Dickson results, though scatter in this relation exceeds analytical precision. The DIC and δ13C measurements on coastal seawater, in conjunction with salinity measurements, indicated strong effects of biological activity on carbon dynamics relative to possible effects of mixing water masses. In sum, this small volume methodology has application to field situations and laboratory experiments where larger volumes are logistically challenging and storage space is limited.
Characterizing estuarine salinity patterns with event duration and frequency of reoccurrence approaches
Authors: Johns Norman D. , Heger Nancy A.
Published: January 2018

Salinity is widely recognized as a dominant environmental variable in estuarine systems. However, drawing clear causal relationships between salinity and estuarine floral or faunal patterns of abundance, population status, or vigor is often confounded by the great spatial and temporal variation exhibited by salinity. Averages, or other statistics, over monthly, seasonal, or longer periods are often used, but may fail to capture patterns of ecological significance. This study introduces a novel approach to characterize estuarine salinity based on deriving events of specific magnitude and duration from a long‐term record; events that are also amenable to analysis of the frequency that they reoccur. With sufficient point data for salinity over the spatial domain of an estuary, these variables can be mapped and contoured to reveal spatial patterns of potential ecological significance. Model‐predicted salinity for a large estuary system of the Texas coast was used to develop and test these new techniques. While this system has great variation in salinity, both temporally and spatially, we find that this variability can be characterized into well‐defined and reoccurring salinity‐based events. Furthermore, the frequency of reoccurrence of those events over a long‐term record reveals patterns not captured by more common techniques such as averaging over similar time frames. These novel techniques provide an integrated spatial‐temporal approach to salinity pattern portrayal which may be useful for examining short‐term (daily–monthly) estuary processes and longer‐term (yearly–decadal) limits to estuary species distributions and habitat composition.
Another Digital Divide? Evidence That Elimination of Paper Voting Could Lead to Digital Disenfranchisement
Authors: Goodman Nicole , McGregor Michael , Couture Jérôme , Breux Sandra
Published: January 2018

Internet voting is currently used in binding elections in 10 countries, and is being considered in many others. In almost all instances where it has been implemented, it is offered as a complementary method of voting; often with the aim to make voting easier and thereby improve turnout. In many municipalities in Canada, however, the adoption of online voting has meant the simultaneous elimination of paper ballots. Drawing on data from a large survey of paper and Internet voters in the 2014 municipal elections in the province of Ontario, Canada, this article examines the effects of eliminating paper ballots on electors based on their digital literacy. We show that digital access and literacy are strongly related to voting method when paper ballots are an option. When paper ballots are unavailable, however, the voting population is made up of more technologically savvy electors, though this effect is delayed and does not occur in the first election without paper ballots. We interpret this finding to indicate that the elimination of paper ballots can disenfranchise those on the wrong side of the digital divide.
Translational Systems Pharmacology‐Based Predictive Assessment of Drug‐Induced Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Messinis Dimitris E. , Melas Ioannis N. , Hur Junguk , Varshney Navya , Alexopoulos Leonidas G. , Bai Jane P.F.
Published: January 2018

Drug‐induced cardiomyopathy contributes to drug attrition. We compared two pipelines of predictive modeling: (1) applying elastic net (EN) to differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of drugs; (2) applying integer linear programming (ILP) to construct each drug's signaling pathway starting from its targets to downstream proteins, to transcription factors, and to its DEGs in human cardiomyocytes, and then subjecting the genes/proteins in the drugs' signaling networks to EN regression. We classified 31 drugs with availability of DEGs into 13 toxic and 18 nontoxic drugs based on a clinical cardiomyopathy incidence cutoff of 0.1%. The ILP‐augmented modeling increased prediction accuracy from 79% to 88% (sensitivity: 88%; specificity: 89%) under leave‐one‐out cross validation. The ILP‐constructed signaling networks of drugs were better predictors than DEGs. Per literature, the microRNAs that reportedly regulate expression of our six top predictors are of diagnostic value for natural heart failure or doxorubicin‐induced cardiomyopathy. This translational predictive modeling might uncover potential biomarkers.
Engineering Low‐Frequency Dielectric Function with Metamaterial Plasmonic Structures
Authors: Wu Xueyuan , Naughton Michael J. , Kempa Krzysztof
Published: January 2018

Metamaterial plasmonic composites offer remarkable flexibility in controlling effective dielectric properties of matter. These composites rely on trapped plasmonic resonances in metallic micro‐ or nano‐structures. Such composites can have very large and/or small effective dielectric functions at various frequencies, depending on the composite design. In the electronics industry, there is a need for so‐called high‐k materials, which have large (and largely real, to minimize losses) low frequency dielectric function. In this Letter, metamaterial plasmonic composites with inductive elements are demonstrated to function as effective high‐k materials, without heavy metal loading, confirming an earlier theoretical study. Moreover, embedding the high‐k structures in dielectric or semiconducting matrices can address the parallel need for low leakage current devices.
Was university liable for campus safety officer's actions involving a student's false arrest?
Authors: Gelpi Aileen
Published: January 2018

While Butler University Police Officer Anthony Rivera was on foot patrol in the early morning hours of April 18, 2015, he overheard a noisy altercation between a male and a female nearby.
Learn what it takes to become a college president
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: January 2018

Frank D. Sánchez, Ph.D., first entertained the idea of becoming a college president midway through his initial VP of student affairs position. The success the college had improving student retention and graduation rates prompted him to begin contemplating the role of college president. But it wasn't until a later student affairs post that the idea actually developed into “a more serious consideration,” he recalled.
Thermal and Fluid‐Dynamic Optimization of a Five Strand Asymmetric Delta Shaped Billet Caster Tundish
Authors: Delgado Ramirez Omar Sinhue , Torres‐Alonso Enrique , Ramos Banderas José Ángel , Arreola Villa Sixtos Antonio , Hernández Bocanegra Constantin Alberto , Téllez Martínez Jorge Sergio
Published: January 2018

In this work, the multiphase mathematical simulation (steel‐slag‐air) is performed in order to optimize the fluid dynamics and the homogenization temperature in an asymmetric delta‐type billet caster tundish. The performance of the tundish emulates, when a change of ladle occurs, for which are considered the losses of heat through its frontiers as well as the temperature drop of the steel at the input by means of a user defined function (UDF). Also, a comparison is made for the removal of non‐metallic inclusions using standard entrapment conditions at the steel‐slag interface, as well as a user‐defined function (UDF). This UDF takes into account the multiphase interaction with the critical velocity of the particles that approach this interface. For this analysis, it is necessary to determine the opening area of the slag layer. The results of the model for the temperature drop are validated by means of experimental measurements in plant, which show a good correspondence in the obtained data. Finally, the proposed design of flow modifiers favorably influences the fluid dynamics pattern, allowing a better thermal homogenization, and a substantial cleaning of the steel at its output from the tundish.
Dietary Fiber, Gastric Emptying, and Carbohydrate Digestion: A Mini‐Review
Authors: Qi Xin , Al‐Ghazzewi Farage H. , Tester Richard F.
Published: January 2018

There are many checks and balances in the body that regulate the recovery of energy from sugars and starches in the presence of non‐starch polysaccharides. This mini‐review seeks to consider those factors, pertaining to the presence of dietary fiber that may interact with starch digestion and the absorption of sugars in the diet. Biochemical, nutritional and physiological aspects are considered. The influences of fiber in the diet are multifunctional and the layers of interaction within the stomach and small intestine are considered.
Periodic and fragment models based on the local correlation approach
Authors: Usvyat Denis , Maschio Lorenzo , Schütz Martin
Published: January 2018

A rigorous treatment of dynamical electron correlation in crystalline solids is one of the main challenges in today's materials quantum chemistry and theoretical solid state physics. In this study, we address this problem by using the local correlation approach and exploring a variety of methods, ranging from the full periodic treatment through embedded fragments to finite clusters. Apart from the computational advantages, the direct‐space local representation for the occupied space allows one to partition the system into fragments and thus forms a natural basis for a hierarchy of embedding models. Furthermore, a subset of localized orbitals in a cluster or a fragment can be chosen to mimic the unit cell of the reference periodic system. Introduction of such subsets allows one to define a formal quantity “the correlation energy per unit cell”, which is directly related to the correlation energy per unit cell in the crystal. The orbital pairs, where neither of the two localized orbital indices belongs to the “unit cell” do not explicitly contribute to the “energy per cell”: Their role is to provide correlated embedding via the couplings in the amplitude equations. The periodic, fragment and finite‐cluster approaches can be combined in a form of high precision computational protocols, where progressively higher‐level corrections are evaluated using lower‐level embedding models. We apply these techniques to investigate the importance of Coulomb screening in dispersively interacting systems on the examples of the phosphorene bilayer and the adsorption of water on 2D silica.

This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Computational Materials Science

Electronic Structure Theory > Ab Initio Electronic Structure Methods

Software > Quantum Chemistry
Fetal severe aortic regurgitation due to absence of left coronary leaflet of aortic valve
Authors: Singh U. P. , Kaur Ladbans , Preet Meetan
Published: January 2018

Congenital absence of aortic valve cusps is a rare congenital heart malformation, which is commonly associated with other cardiac defects. Isolated absence of aortic valve or one leaflet is extremely rare and has not been described antenatally. We present the first case of a fetus with isolated congenital severe aortic regurgitation from absent aortic cusp and pathological specimen of this rare entity. On fetal echocardiography at 19 weeks of gestation, there were dilated aortic root and severe aortic regurgitation causing ‘to and fro’ colour flow signals across left ventricular outflow. This caused severe LV systolic dysfunction, significant ventricular dyssynchrony and cardiomegaly. On fetal autopsy, aortic root was dilated. Left coronary cusp was absent while other cusps showed mild thickening. Left ventricle was dilated and hypertrophied. Pulmonary valve leaflets were normal.
McLaughlin artroscópico modificado no tratamento de luxação glenoumeral posterior – nota técnica
Authors: Torres Tiago , Lima Sara , Gutierre Manuel
Published: January 2018

A luxação do ombro posterior traumática é de difícil diagnóstico e tratamento. Há séries que descrevem que 60%-80% dessas luxações não são diagnosticadas numa primeira ida ao serviço de urgência. Desse modo, casos de luxações com vários dias e por vezes semanas são frequentes, o que sempre torna o tratamento mais complexo. As luxações posteriores são geralmente acompanhadas por uma fratura de impressão na superfície anterior da cabeça umeral, conhecida como lesão de Hill-Sachs reversa. Esse defeito ósseo pode “encravar” na borda glenoidal posterior e levar a instabilidade recorrente e destruição progressiva da articulação. Os autores descrevem um procedimento de McLaughlin artroscópico modificado, que permite o preenchimento do defeito ósseo com o terço superior do tendão subescapular, evita a recorrência da instabilidade posterior. Associadamente, fez-se uma reparação da lesão de Bankart posterior e uma tenodese da longa porção do tendão bicipital. Essa técnica, além de reparar a lesão condrolabral posterior, cria um efeito de remplissage anterior, o que torna a reparação mais forte, é um ótimo procedimento no tratamento definitivo da luxação posterior recidivante. É um procedimento inteiramente feito por via artroscópica, não apresenta as desvantagens dos procedimentos abertos.
Petrogenesis of composite dikes in granitoids of western Transbaikalia
Authors: Burmakina G.N. , Tsygankov A.A. , Khubanov V.B.
Published: January 2018

The performed studies have revealed two varieties of composite dikes differing in morphology and internal structure depending on (1) the proportions of salic and basic components and (2) the rheologic state of the host environment. The latter can be both a solid substrate with open fractures and a melt at different stages of crystallization. The evaluated isotopic age of dikes in the Shaluta massif, 290.8 ± 2.7 Ma and 283.4 ± 3.4 Ma, is correlated with the time of the pluton formation. The age of the composite dike breaking through the metamorphic deposits on the eastern shore of Lake Baikal is 284.10 ± 0.96 Ma. The mass formation of composite dikes in western Transbaikalia is correlated with the Late Paleozoic magmatism, which resulted in one of the Earth’s largest granitoid provinces. The intrusion of dikes was not a single-stage event; it lasted at least 10–12 Myr and was apparently related to the repeated intrusion of large volumes of salic magmas and the formation of granitoid plutons. Early Mesozoic composite dikes associated with alkali-granitoid plutons of the Late Kunalei igneous complex (230–210 Ma) are much scarcer. Basic magmas of the composite dikes were generated at depths greater than 75 km as a result of the melting of a modified (enriched in crustal components) mantle source. Salic components of the dikes, independently of their geologic position, are generally similar in composition to the granitoids of the plutonic facies, and the differences are apparently due to hybridization proceeding at great depths.

© 2018, V.S. Sobolev IGM, Siberian Branch of the RAS. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
An Update on Fatalities Due to Venomous and Nonvenomous Animals in the United States (2008–2015)
Authors: Forrester Jared A. , Weiser Thomas G. , Forrester Joseph D.
Published: January 2018

Introduction

To review recent (2008–2015) United States mortality data from deaths caused by nonvenomous and venomous animals and compare with historical data.

Methods

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research database was queried to return all animal-related fatalities between 2008 and 2015. Mortality frequencies for animal-related fatalities were calculated using the estimated 2011 United States population. Inclusion criteria included all mortalities that were a consequence of bite, contact, attack, or envenomation (International Classification of Diseases 10th revision codes W53–W59 and X20–X29).

Results

There were 1610 animal-related fatalities, with the majority from nonvenomous animals (2.8 deaths per 10 million persons). The largest proportion of animal-related fatalities was due to “other mammals,” largely composed of horses and cattle. Deaths attributable to Hymenoptera (hornets, wasps, and bees) account for 29.7% of the overall animal-related fatalities and have been steady over the last 20 years. Dog-related fatality frequencies are stable, although the fatality frequency of 4.6 deaths per 10 million persons among children 4 years of age or younger was nearly 4-fold greater than in the other age groups.

Conclusions

Appropriate education and prevention measures aimed at decreasing injury from animals should be directed at the high-risk groups of agricultural workers and young children with dogs. Public policy and treatment pricing should align to ensure adequate available medication for those at risk of anaphylaxis from stings from Hymenoptera.
ON THE EVALUATION OF MULTIVARIATE COMPOUND DISTRIBUTIONS WITH CONTINUOUS SEVERITY DISTRIBUTIONS AND SARMANOV'S COUNTING DISTRIBUTION
Authors: Tamraz Maissa , Vernic Raluca
Published: January 2018

In this paper, we present closed-type formulas for some multivariate compound distributions with multivariate Sarmanov counting distribution and independent Erlang distributed claim sizes. Further on, we also consider a type-II Pareto dependency between the claim sizes of a certain type. The resulting densities rely on the special hypergeometric function, which has the advantage of being implemented in the usual software. We numerically illustrate the applicability and efficiency of such formulas by evaluating a bivariate cumulative distribution function, which is also compared with the similar function obtained by the classical recursion-discretization approach.
Geology of the Groningen field – an overview
Authors: de Jager Jan , Visser Clemens
Published: January 2018

After more than half a century of production and with some 350 wells, the Groningen gas field must be one of the best-studied gas fields in the world. Initially, it was considered to be relatively simple and behaving like one big tank. Now that it is entering a phase of declining production it has become clear that many subtleties are not fully understood yet. Prediction and management of subsidence and induced earth tremors require a detailed understanding of the field geology. In addition, an optimum gas recovery is only possible if details of, for example, reservoir quality distribution and faulting, that did not appear relevant before, are well understood.

The large Groningen field comprises a structurally high block during much of its history, probably already from Devonian times onwards. The desert sandstones of the Rotliegend reservoir exhibit a strong south-to-north proximal–distal relationship. Whilst diagenesis has in many fields led to deterioration of reservoir properties, this effect is small in the Groningen field. The field is dipping to the north, and bounded by a series of normal faults in the west, south and east. Almost all faults are normal extensional faults, but locally inverse reactivation has led to small pop-up structures. Reactivation of older faults must have resulted in oblique movements along most faults.

The challenges for future development of the Groningen field are immense. Managing the risks associated with induced seismicity and recovery of the remaining gas will continue to require an increasingly detailed knowledge and understanding of its geology.
Introduction to the Groningen static reservoir model
Authors: Visser Clemens A. , Solano Viota Jose L.
Published: January 2018

The assessment of the seismic hazard and risk associated with the extraction of gas from the Groningen field involves a chain of modelling efforts. The first step is a description of the 3D distribution of reservoir properties in the reservoir – the static reservoir model – and is the subject of this paper. Consecutive steps in the chain of models are described elsewhere in this volume. The construction of a static reservoir model is not strictly a scientific endeavour, but many of the applied modelling techniques are underpinned by extensive scientific research. This paper aims to give a general introduction to the approach followed by NAM to build static models for the Groningen field. More detailed accounts of the applied modelling techniques, the assessment of associated uncertainties or the usage of multiple modelling scenarios are beyond the scope of the current paper, but are referenced in the text.
Developing fragility and consequence models for buildings in the Groningen field
Authors: Crowley Helen , Pinho Rui , Polidoro Barbara , van Elk Jan
Published: January 2018

This paper describes the ongoing experimental and analytical activities that are being carried out to develop fatality and consequence models for the estimation of ‘Inside Local Personal Risk’ (ILPR) of buildings within the Groningen field. ILPR is defined as the annual probability of fatality for a hypothetical person who is continuously present without protection inside a building. In order to be able to estimate this risk metric, a robust estimate of the probability of collapse of structural and non-structural elements within a building is needed, as these have been found to be the greatest drivers of fatality risk.

To estimate the collapse potential of buildings in Groningen, structural numerical models of a number of representative case studies have been developed and calibrated throughin situand laboratory testing on materials, connections, structural components and even full-scale buildings. These numerical models are then subjected to increased levels of ground shaking to estimate the probability of collapse, and the associated consequences are estimated from the observed collapse mechanisms.
Genetic diversity of Blastocystis in non-primate animals
Authors: Betts Emma L. , Gentekaki Eleni , Thomasz Adele , Breakell Vicki , Carpenter Angus I. , Tsaousis Anastasios D.
Published: January 2018

Blastocystis is an anaerobic protist, commonly inhabiting the intestinal tract of both humans and other animals. Blastocystis is extremely diverse comprising 17 genetically distinct subtypes in mammals and birds. Pathogenicity of this enteric microbe is currently disputed and knowledge regarding its distribution, diversity and zoonotic potential is fragmentary. Most research has focused on Blastocystis from primates, while sampling from other animals remains limited. Herein, we investigated the prevalence and distribution of Blastocystis in animals held within a conservation park in South East England. A total of 118 samples were collected from 27 vertebrate species. The barcoding region of the small-subunit ribosomal RNA was used for molecular identification and subtyping. Forty one per cent of the species were sequence positive for Blastocystis indicating a high prevalence and wide distribution among the animals in the park. Six subtypes were identified, one of which is potentially novel. Moreover, the majority of animals were asymptomatic carriers, suggesting that Blastocystis is not pathogenic in animals. This study provides a thorough investigation of Blastocystis prevalence within a wildlife park in the UK and can be used as a platform for further investigations on the distribution of other eukaryotic gut microbes.
OFFICIAL BOLIVIAN TRADE STATISTICS (1910-1949): LANDLOCKNESS AND THE LIMITS OF A STANDARD ACCURACY APPROACH
Authors: Peres-Cajías José Alejandro , Carreras-Marín Anna
Published: January 2018

This paper aims to evaluate the accuracy of official Bolivian foreign trade statistics. Results show large discrepancies between Bolivian records and those of its main trade partners during the First World War. Whereas the gap decreased thereafter, it stayed particularly high in the case of exports. This seems to be explained by mistakes in the geographical assignment by the trade partners rather than by an overvaluation of official Bolivian figures. This suggests that landlockness may have had a significant negative effect on the accuracy of trade statistics from the, a priori, more reliable countries. The study also helps to revisit the debate concerning the effect that tin exploitation had on the rest of the Bolivian economy during the first half of the 20th century.
Efficiency relationship between initiation of HNS-IV and nanosecond pulsed laser-driven flyer plates of layered structure
Authors: Guo Wei , Wu Lizhi , He Nianbai , Chen Shaojie , Zhang Wei , Shen Ruiqi , Ye Yinghua
Published: January 2018

Three types of multilayer flyer energy conversion elements (MFECEs) through integrating different laser pulse absorption/ablation layer of nano-film materials into a laser-driven flyer plates between thermal barrier of alumina and transparent substrate have been investigated in this study. The relationships among the velocity of flyer plates, initiation performance of hexanitrostilbene (HNS-IV), and initiation energy were analyzed, comparing with single-layer Al flyer plate. The photonics Doppler velocimetry and James criterion were utilized in the experiments to characterize the velocity of flyer plates and shock initiation of laser-driven flyer detonator, respectively. The surface reflectivity measurements of the Al, C/Al and Mg/Al layers were performed using laser reflectivity. HNS-IV without initiation was analyzed by scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive spectrometer. Caused by aluminum/alumina/aluminum (Al/Al2O3/Al) flyer plate, the residual fragments were found in the pit on the surface of charge. The results obtained were shows that three types of multilayer flyer plates can initiate HNS-IV successfully under the lower laser pulse energy, although all four kinds of flyer plates have successfully initiated HNS-IV with laser pulse energy in the range of 53.80–166.80 mJ. Changing the ablation layer structure and adding thermal insulation layer to the multilayer flyer plates, reduces the shock initiation laser pulse energy of HNS-IV to 53.80 mJ. The laser-driven flyer detonator has significant advantages in providing safety and reliability, especially in a strong electromagnetic environment. The MFECEs of laser-driven flyer detonator exhibited a high level of integration and proved to have promoted laser-driven energy coupling rate, which can significantly be used to improve the performance of the laser-driven flyer detonator in military and civilian applications.
Separating Common from Unique Variance Within Emotional Distress: An Examination of Reliability and Relations to Worry
Authors: Marshall Andrew J. , Evanovich Emma K. , David Sarah Jo , Mumma Gregory H.
Published: January 2018

Background: High comorbidity rates among emotional disorders have led researchers to examine transdiagnostic factors that may contribute to shared psychopathology. Bifactor models provide a unique method for examining transdiagnostic variables by modelling the common and unique factors within measures. Previous findings suggest that the bifactor model of the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS) may provide a method for examining transdiagnostic factors within emotional disorders. Aims: This study aimed to replicate the bifactor model of the DASS, a multidimensional measure of psychological distress, within a US adult sample and provide initial estimates of the reliability of the general and domain-specific factors. Furthermore, this study hypothesized that Worry, a theorized transdiagnostic variable, would show stronger relations to general emotional distress than domain-specific subscales. Method: Confirmatory factor analysis was used to evaluate the bifactor model structure of the DASS in 456 US adult participants (279 females and 177 males, mean age 35.9 years) recruited online. Results: The DASS bifactor model fitted well (CFI = 0.98; RMSEA = 0.05). The General Emotional Distress factor accounted for most of the reliable variance in item scores. Domain-specific subscales accounted for modest portions of reliable variance in items after accounting for the general scale. Finally, structural equation modelling indicated that Worry was strongly predicted by the General Emotional Distress factor. Conclusions: The DASS bifactor model is generalizable to a US community sample and General Emotional Distress, but not domain-specific factors, strongly predict the transdiagnostic variable Worry.
Missing Effect of Party Cues in Japan: Evidence from a Survey Experiment
Authors: KOBAYASHI TETSURO , YOKOYAMA TOMOYA
Published: January 2018

For voters with bounded rationality to emulate the formation of policy preferences under full information, party cues provide effective heuristics. Although the effect of party cuing has been robustly established in US-centered studies, the literature indicates that the characteristics of modern US politics, such as political polarization, magnify the effect of party cues. Therefore, the effect of party cues has been subject to only lenient empirical scrutiny, as empirical evidence exists primarily for the US. The present study aims to test the generalizability of the effect of party cues by focusing on Japan, where the ideological positions of parties have become increasingly vague. Furthermore, in light of the fact that the media system in Japan is more stable and ideologically polarized than its party system, we also test whether press cues (i.e. newspaper names) serve as substitutes for party cues. A survey experiment demonstrates that the effects of party and press cues in Japan are muted, and therefore these two types of cues do not serve as effective shortcuts in forming policy preferences. These results indicate that issue voting based on cognitive heuristics is difficult under an unstable multiparty system. Therefore, the extant literature on party cues that presupposes the US-style party system cannot be easily generalized to other political contexts.
Oil Crimes, National Security, and the Nigerian State, 1999–2015
Authors: EZIRIM GERALD EKENEDIRICHUKWU
Published: January 2018

The discovery of oil in commercial quantity in Nigeria in 1956 ushered in a period characterized by endemic crises of oil rents management and corporate insecurity. From 1999, democratic renewal, backed by excess oil rents returns, made the popular democratic control of oil wealth critical. The consequent rentier management of oil wealth, excluding the citizens and their huge expectations occasioned threats to national security, thus punctuating limited democratic control of oil wealth, or lack of it. Employing the ex-post-facto research design, primary data for the study were generated from focus group discussions with experts in the oil sector, while other sources were from observations of the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Customs Service, Nigerian Police, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, National Bureau of Statistics, and the Central Bank of Nigeria. Logical induction was used to analyze the data. Anchored on a frustration-aggression conceptual and theoretical framework, the study found that deprivation of oil benefits to Nigerian citizens manifested in illegal oil bunkering, pipeline vandalization, cross-border smuggling of petroleum products, attacks on oil installations, kidnapping, and piracy, with attendant threats to national security.
Susceptibility of three orthopteran species to infection by Metarhizium acridum (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae)
Authors: Schmidt Francisco Guilherme Vergolino , Conceição Pâmela de Jesus , Benito Norton Polo , Lopes Rogerio Biaggioni
Published: January 2018

Outbreaks of three orthopteran species—Tropidacris collaris(Stoll),Cornops frenatum frenatum(Marschall) andParascopas obesus(Giglio-Tos)—occurred in three different regions of Brazil during the summers of 2012 and 2013. Insects were observed causing severe damage in commercial crops and subsistence farming areas. In this study, the three species were shown to be susceptible to infection with an oil-based formulation of the fungusMetarhizium acridumunder laboratory conditions. In this article, we briefly discuss insect mortality levels for each species and behavioural response to infection. This is the first report of the pathogenicity of the entomopathogenic fungusM. acridumtoP. obesus,C. f. frenatumandT. collaris.
Publisher Correction: Spermine synthase deficiency causes lysosomal dysfunction and oxidative stress in models of Snyder-Robinson syndrome
Authors: Li Chong , Brazill Jennifer M. , Liu Sha , Bello Christofer , Zhu Yi , Morimoto Marie , Cascio Lauren , Pauly Rini , Diaz-Perez Zoraida , Malicdan May Christine V. , Wang Hongbo , Boccuto Luigi , Schwartz Charles E. , Gahl William A. , Boerkoel Cornelius F. , Zhai R. Grace
Published: January 2018

The originally published version of this Article contained errors in Figure 1. In panel c, the grey shading denoting evolutionary conservation and the arrowheads indicating amino acids affected in Snyder-Robinson syndrome were displaced relative to the sequence. These errors have now been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the manuscript.
Active and dynamic mitochondrial S-depalmitoylation revealed by targeted fluorescent probes
Authors: Kathayat Rahul S. , Cao Yang , Elvira Pablo D. , Sandoz Patrick A. , Zaballa María-Eugenia , Springer Maya Z. , Drake Lauren E. , Macleod Kay F. , van der Goot F. Gisou , Dickinson Bryan C.
Published: January 2018

The reversible modification of cysteine residues by thioester formation with palmitate (S-palmitoylation) is an abundant lipid post-translational modification (PTM) in mammalian systems. S-palmitoylation has been observed on mitochondrial proteins, providing an intriguing potential connection between metabolic lipids and mitochondrial regulation. However, it is unknown whether and/or how mitochondrial S-palmitoylation is regulated. Here we report the development of mitoDPPs, targeted fluorescent probes that measure the activity levels of “erasers” of S-palmitoylation, acyl-protein thioesterases (APTs), within mitochondria of live cells. Using mitoDPPs, we discover active S-depalmitoylation in mitochondria, in part mediated by APT1, an S-depalmitoylase previously thought to reside in the cytosol and on the Golgi apparatus. We also find that perturbation of long-chain acyl-CoA cytoplasm and mitochondrial regulatory proteins, respectively, results in selective responses from cytosolic and mitochondrial S-depalmitoylases. Altogether, this work reveals that mitochondrial S-palmitoylation is actively regulated by “eraser” enzymes that respond to alterations in mitochondrial lipid homeostasis.
A mouse model of autism implicates endosome pH in the regulation of presynaptic calcium entry
Authors: Ullman Julie C. , Yang Jing , Sullivan Michael , Bendor Jacob , Levy Jonathan , Pham Ellen , Silm Katlin , Seifikar Helia , Sohal Vikaas S. , Nicoll Roger A. , Edwards Robert H.
Published: January 2018

Psychoactive compounds such as chloroquine and amphetamine act by dissipating the pH gradient across intracellular membranes, but the physiological mechanisms that normally regulate organelle pH remain poorly understood. Interestingly, recent human genetic studies have implicated the endosomal Na+/H+ exchanger NHE9 in both autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Plasma membrane NHEs regulate cytosolic pH, but the role of intracellular isoforms has remained unclear. We now find that inactivation of NHE9 in mice reproduces behavioral features of ASD including impaired social interaction, repetitive behaviors, and altered sensory processing. Physiological characterization reveals hyperacidic endosomes, a cell-autonomous defect in glutamate receptor expression and impaired neurotransmitter release due to a defect in presynaptic Ca2+ entry. Acute inhibition of synaptic vesicle acidification rescues release but without affecting the primary defect due to loss of NHE9.
Similar neural responses predict friendship
Authors: Parkinson Carolyn , Kleinbaum Adam M. , Wheatley Thalia
Published: January 2018

Human social networks are overwhelmingly homophilous: individuals tend to befriend others who are similar to them in terms of a range of physical attributes (e.g., age, gender). Do similarities among friends reflect deeper similarities in how we perceive, interpret, and respond to the world? To test whether friendship, and more generally, social network proximity, is associated with increased similarity of real-time mental responding, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging to scan subjects’ brains during free viewing of naturalistic movies. Here we show evidence for neural homophily: neural responses when viewing audiovisual movies are exceptionally similar among friends, and that similarity decreases with increasing distance in a real-world social network. These results suggest that we are exceptionally similar to our friends in how we perceive and respond to the world around us, which has implications for interpersonal influence and attraction.
First experimental observations on melting and chemical modification of volcanic ash during lightning interaction
Authors: Mueller S. P. , Helo C. , Keller F. , Taddeucci J. , Castro J. M.
Published: January 2018

Electrification in volcanic ash plumes often leads to syn-eruptive lightning discharges. High temperatures in and around lightning plasma channels have the potential to chemically alter, re-melt, and possibly volatilize ash fragments in the eruption cloud. In this study, we experimentally simulate temperature conditions of volcanic lightning in the laboratory, and systematically investigate the effects of rapid melting on the morphology and chemical composition of ash. Samples of different size and composition are ejected towards an artificially generated electrical arc. Post-experiment ash morphologies include fully melted spheres, partially melted particles, agglomerates, and vesiculated particles. High-speed imaging reveals various processes occurring during the short lightning-ash interactions, such as particle melting and rounding, foaming, and explosive particle fragmentation. Chemical analyses of the flash-melted particles reveal considerable bulk loss of Cl, S, P and Na through thermal vaporization. Element distribution patterns suggest convection as a key process of element transport from the interior of the melt droplet to rim where volatiles are lost. Modeling the degree of sodium loss delivers maximum melt temperatures between 3290 and 3490 K. Our results imply that natural lighting strikes may be an important agent of syn-eruptive morphological and chemical processing of volcanic ash.
Deletion of DGCR8 in VSMCs of adult mice results in loss of vascular reactivity, reduced blood pressure and neointima formation
Authors: Zou Yanan , Chen Zixuan , Jennings Brett L. , Zhao Guannan , Gu Qingqing , Bhattacharya Anindya , Cui Yan , Yu Bo , Malik Kafait U. , Yue Junming
Published: January 2018

DiGeorge syndrome chromosomal region 8 (DGCR8), a double-stranded-RNA-binding protein, participates in the miRNA biogenesis pathway and contributes to miRNA maturation by interacting with the RNAase III enzyme Drosha in cell nuclei. To investigate the role of DGCR8 in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) at the postnatal stages, we generated tamoxifen-inducible VSMC specific knockout (iKO) mice by crossing DGCR8loxp/loxp with VSMC specific tamoxifen-inducible Cre transgenic mice SMA-Cre-ERT2. DGCR8iKO mice display reduced body weight one month following tamoxifen treatment and died around 3 months. Blood pressure and vascular reactivity were significantly reduced in DGCR8iKO mice compared to control. Furthermore, loss of DGCR8 in VSMCs inhibited cell proliferation, migration and neointima formation. VSMC differentiation marker genes, including SMA and SM22, were downregulated in DGCR8 iKO mice. The majority of miRNAs were downregulated in DGCR8iKO mice. Disruption of the DGCR8-mediated miRNA biogenesis pathway attenuated multiple signaling pathways including ERK1/2 and AKT. Our results demonstrate that the DGCR8-mediated miRNA pathway is required for maintaining blood pressure, vascular reactivity and vascular wall remodeling at the postnatal stages.
Antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects of ellagic acid in liver and brain of rats treated by D-galactose
Authors: Chen Peng , Chen Fuchao , Zhou Benhong
Published: January 2018

Accumulating evidence has suggested that oxidative stress and apoptosis are involved in the ageing process. D-galactose (gal) has been reported to cause symptoms of ageing in rats, accompanied by liver and brain injuries. Our study aimed to investigate the potential antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects of ellagic acid and to explore how these effects act on rats in a D-gal-induced ageing model. Ageing was induced by subcutaneous injection of D-gal (100 mg/kg/d for 8 weeks). Ellagic acid was simultaneously administered to the D-gal-induced ageing rats once daily by intragastric gavage. Finally, the mental condition, body weight, organ index, levels of inflammatory cytokines, antioxidative enzymes, and liver function, as well as the expression of pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins, were monitored. Our results showed that ellagic acid could improve the mental condition, body weight, organ index and significantly decrease the levels of inflammatory cytokines, normalize the activities of antioxidative enzymes, and modulate the expression of apoptotic protein in ageing rats. In conclusion, the results of this study illustrate that ellagic acid was suitable for the treatment of some ageing-associated problems, such as oxidative stress, and had beneficial effects for age-associated diseases.
A specialized fungal parasite (Massospora cicadina) hijacks the sexual signals of periodical cicadas (Hemiptera: Cicadidae: Magicicada)
Authors: Cooley John R. , Marshall David C. , Hill Kathy B. R.
Published: January 2018

Male periodical cicadas (Magicicada spp.) infected with conidiospore-producing (“Stage I”) infections of the entomopathogenic fungus Massospora cicadina exhibit precisely timed wing-flick signaling behavior normally seen only in sexually receptive female cicadas. Male wing-flicks attract copulation attempts from conspecific males in the chorus; close contact apparently spreads the infective conidiospores. In contrast, males with “Stage II” infections that produce resting spores that wait for the next cicada generation do not produce female-specific signals. We propose that these complex fungus-induced behavioral changes, which resemble apparently independently derived changes in other cicada-Massospora systems, represent a fungus “extended phenotype” that hijacks cicadas, turning them into vehicles for fungus transmission at the expense of the cicadas’ own interests.
Copper(I)-binding properties of de-coppering drugs for the treatment of Wilson disease. α-Lipoic acid as a potential anti-copper agent
Authors: Smirnova Julia , Kabin Ekaterina , Järving Ivar , Bragina Olga , Tõugu Vello , Plitz Thomas , Palumaa Peep
Published: January 2018

Wilson disease is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder caused by loss-of-function mutations in the P-type copper ATPase, ATP7B, which leads to toxic accumulation of copper mainly in the liver and brain. Wilson disease is treatable, primarily by copper-chelation therapy, which promotes copper excretion. Although several de-coppering drugs are currently available, their Cu(I)-binding affinities have not been quantitatively characterized. Here we determined the Cu(I)-binding affinities of five major de-coppering drugs – D-penicillamine, trientine, 2,3-dimercapto-1-propanol, meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinate and tetrathiomolybdate – by exploring their ability to extract Cu(I) ions from two Cu(I)-binding proteins, the copper chaperone for cytochrome c oxidase, Cox17, and metallothionein. We report that the Cu(I)-binding affinity of these drugs varies by four orders of magnitude and correlates positively with the number of sulfur atoms in the drug molecule and negatively with the number of atoms separating two SH groups. Based on the analysis of structure-activity relationship and determined Cu(I)-binding affinity, we hypothesize that the endogenous biologically active substance, α-lipoic acid, may be suitable for the treatment of Wilson disease. Our hypothesis is supported by cell culture experiments where α-lipoic acid protected hepatic cells from copper toxicity. These results provide a basis for elaboration of new generation drugs that may provide better therapeutic outcomes.