bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Externally-Triggered Activation and Inhibition of Optical Pulsating Regimes in Quantum-Dot Mode-locked Lasers
Authors: Robertson Joshua , Ackemann Thorsten , Lester Luke F. , Hurtado Antonio 
Published: August 2018

AbstractControlled generation and inhibition of externally-triggered picosecond optical pulsating regimes are demonstrated experimentally in a quantum dot mode locked laser (QDMLL) subject to external injection of an amplitude modulated optical signal. This approach also allows full control and repeatability of the time windows of generated picosecond optical pulses; hence permitting to define precisely their temporal duration (from <1 ns spans) and repetition frequency (from sub-Hz to at least hundreds of MHz). The use of a monolithic QDMLL, operating at 1300 nm, provides a system with a very small footprint that is fully compatible with optical telecommunication networks. This offers excellent prospects for use in applications requiring the delivery of ultrashort optical pulses at precise time instants and at tunable rates, such as optical imaging, time-of-flight diagnostics and optical communication systems.
Drug treatment efficiency depends on the initial state of activation in nonlinear pathways
Authors: Doldán-Martelli Victoria , Míguez David G. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAn accurate prediction of the outcome of a given drug treatment requires quantitative values for all parameters and concentrations involved as well as a detailed characterization of the network of interactions where the target molecule is embedded. Here, we present a high-throughput in silico screening of all potential networks of three interacting nodes to study the effect of the initial conditions of the network in the efficiency of drug inhibition. Our study shows that most network topologies can induce multiple dose-response curves, where the treatment has an enhanced, reduced or even no effect depending on the initial conditions. The type of dual response observed depends on how the potential bistable regimes interplay with the inhibition of one of the nodes inside a nonlinear pathway architecture. We propose that this dependence of the strength of the drug on the initial state of activation of the pathway may be affecting the outcome and the reproducibility of drug studies and clinical trials.
Regional variations in stiffness in live mouse brain tissue determined by depth-controlled indentation mapping
Authors: Antonovaite Nelda , Beekmans Steven V. , Hol Elly M. , Wadman Wytse J. , Iannuzzi Davide 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe mechanical properties of brain tissue play a pivotal role in neurodevelopment and neurological disorders. Yet, at present, there is no consensus on how the different structural parts of the tissue contribute to its stiffness variations. Here, we have gathered depth-controlled indentation viscoelasticity maps of the hippocampus of acute horizontal live mouse brain slices. Our results confirm the highly viscoelestic nature of brain tissue. We further show that the mechanical properties are non-uniform and at least related to differences in morphological composition. Interestingly, areas with higher nuclear density appear to be softer than areas with lower nuclear density.
No time at the end of the tunnel
Authors: Sokolovski D. , Akhmatskaya E. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractModern atto-second experiments seek to provide an insight into a long standing question: “how much time does a tunnelling particle spend in the barrier?” Traditionally, quantum theory relates this duration to the delay with which the particle emerges from the barrier. The link between these two times is self-evident in classical mechanics, but may or may not exist in the quantum case. Here we show that it does not, and give a detailed explanation why. The tunnelling process does not lend itself to classical analogies, and its duration cannot, in general, be guessed by observing the behaviour of the transmitted particle.
Enantioselective Cobalt-catalysed Transformations
Authors: Pellissier Hélène 
Published: August 2018

With a foreword from leading organic chemist Professor Paul Wender, this book collects the major developments reported in the past thirty years in the field of enantioselective reactions promoted by chiral cobalt catalysts, illustrating the power of these green catalysts to provide all types of organic reactions from the basic to completely novel methodologies.
The search for new methodologies to prepare optically pure products is one of the most active areas of research in organic synthesis. Of the methods available for preparing chiral compounds, catalytic asymmetric synthesis has attracted the most attention. In particular, asymmetric transition-metal catalysis is a powerful tool for performing reactions in a highly enantioselective fashion. Efforts to develop new asymmetric transformations have previously focused on the use of rare metals such as titanium, palladium, iridium and gold. However, the ever-growing need for environmentally friendly catalytic processes has prompted chemists to focus on the more abundant and less toxic first-row transition metals, such as cobalt, to develop new catalytic systems.
The ability of cobalt catalysts to adopt unexpected reaction pathways has led to an impressive number of enantioselective cobalt-promoted transformations being developed over the past three decades. These have included the synthesis of many different types of products, often under relatively mild conditions and with remarkable enantioselectivities. This book is a useful reference resource for chemists, both academic and industrial, working in organic synthesis and interested in greener or more economical catalytic alternatives.
Detection of spatially structured scattering polarization of Sr I 4607.3 Å with the Fast Solar Polarimeter
Authors: Zeuner F. , Feller A. , Iglesias F. A. , Solanki S. K. 
Published: August 2018

Context. Scattering polarization in the Sr I 4607.3 Å line observed with high resolution is an important diagnostic of the Sun’s atmosphere and magnetism at small spatial scales. Investigating the scattering polarization altered by the Hanle effect is key to constraining the role of small-scale magnetic activity in solar atmospheric activity and energy balance. At present, spatially resolved observations of this diagnostic are rare and have not been reported as close to the disk center as for μ = 0.6.
Aims. Our aim is to measure the scattering polarization in the Sr I line at μ = 0.6 and to identify the spatial fluctuations with a statistical approach.
Methods. Using the Fast Solar Polarimeter (FSP) mounted on the TESOS filtergraph at the German Vacuum Tower Telescope (VTT) in Tenerife, Spain, we measured both the spatially resolved full Stokes parameters of the Sr I line at μ = 0.6 and the center-to-limb variation of the spatially averaged Stokes parameters.
Results. We find that the center-to-limb variation of the scattering polarization in the Sr I line measured with FSP is consistent with previous measurements. A statistical analysis of Stokes Q/I (i.e., the linear polarization component parallel to the solar limb), sampled with 0.16″ pixel−1 in the line core of Sr I reveals that the signal strength is inversely correlated with the intensity in the continuum. We find stronger linear polarimetric signals corresponding to dark areas in the Stokes I continuum image (intergranular lanes). In contrast, independent measurements at μ = 0.3 show a positive correlation of Q/I with respect to the continuum intensity. We estimate that the subregion diameter responsible for the excess Q/I signal is on the order of 0.5″–1″.
Conclusions. The presented observations and the statistical analysis of Q/I signals at μ = 0.6 complement reported scattering polarization observations as well as simulations. The FSP has proven to be a suitable instrument to measure spatially resolved scattering polarization signals. In the future, a systematic center-to-limb series of observations with subgranular spatial resolution and increased polarimetric sensitivity (<10−3) compared to that in the present study is needed in order to investigate the change in trend with μ that the comparison of our results with the literature suggests.
Steps to improve gender diversity in coastal geoscience and engineering
Authors: Vila-Concejo Ana , Gallop Shari L. , Hamylton Sarah M. , Esteves Luciana S. , Bryan Karin R. , Delgado-Fernandez Irene , Guisado-Pintado Emilia , Joshi Siddhi , da Silva Graziela Miot , Ruiz de Alegria-Arzaburu Amaia , Power Hannah E. , Senechal Nadia , Splinter Kristen 
Published: August 2018

AbstractRobust data are the base of effective gender diversity policy. Evidence shows that gender inequality is still pervasive in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Coastal geoscience and engineering (CGE) encompasses professionals working on coastal processes, integrating expertise across physics, geomorphology, engineering, planning and management. The article presents novel results of gender inequality and experiences of gender bias in CGE, and proposes practical steps to address it. It analyses the gender representation in 9 societies, 25 journals, and 10 conferences in CGE and establishes that women represent 30% of the international CGE community, yet there is under-representation in prestige roles such as journal editorial board members (15% women) and conference organisers (18% women). The data show that female underrepresentation is less prominent when the path to prestige roles is clearly outlined and candidates can self-nominate or volunteer instead of the traditional invitation-only pathway. By analysing the views of 314 survey respondents (34% male, 65% female, and 1% ‘‘other’’), we show that 81% perceive the lack of female role models as a key hurdle for gender equity, and a significantly larger proportion of females (47%) felt held back in their careers due to their gender in comparison with males (9%). The lack of women in prestige roles and senior positions contributes to 81% of survey respondents perceiving the lack of female role models in CGE as a key hurdle for gender equality. While it is clear that having more women as role models is important, this is not enough to effect change. Here seven practical steps towards achieving gender equity in CGE are presented: (1) Advocate for more women in prestige roles; (2) Promote high-achieving females; (3) Create awareness of gender bias; (4) Speak up; (5) Get better support for return to work; (6) Redefine success; and, (7) Encourage more women to enter the discipline at a young age. Some of these steps can be successfully implemented immediately (steps 1–4), while others need institutional engagement and represent major societal overhauls. In any case, these seven practical steps require actions that can start immediately.
Opportunistic Measurement of Skeletal Muscle Size and Muscle Attenuation on Computed Tomography Predicts 1-Year Mortality in Medicare Patients
Authors: Lenchik Leon , Lenoir Kristin M , Tan Josh , Boutin Robert D , Callahan Kathryn E , Kritchevsky Stephen B , Wells Brian J 
Published: August 2018

Abstract

Background
Opportunistic assessment of sarcopenia on CT examinations is becoming increasingly common. This study aimed to determine relationships between CT-measured skeletal muscle size and attenuation with 1-year risk of mortality in older adults enrolled in a Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP).

Methods
Relationships between skeletal muscle metrics and all-cause mortality were determined in 436 participants (52% women, mean age 75 years) who had abdominopelvic CT examinations. On CT images, skeletal muscles were segmented at the level of L3 using two methods: (a) all muscles with a threshold of −29 to +150 Hounsfield units (HU), using a dedicated segmentation software, (b) left psoas muscle using a free-hand region of interest tool on a clinical workstation. Muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) and muscle attenuation were measured. Cox regression models were fit to determine the associations between muscle metrics and mortality, adjusting for age, sex, race, smoking status, cancer diagnosis, and Charlson comorbidity index.

Results
Within 1 year of follow-up, 20.6% (90/436) participants died. In the fully-adjusted model, higher muscle index and muscle attenuation were associated with lower risk of mortality. A one-unit standard deviation (SD) increase was associated with a HR = 0.69 (95% CI = 0.49, 0.96; p = .03) for total muscle index, HR = 0.67 (95% CI = 0.49, 0.90; p < .01) for psoas muscle index, HR = 0.54 (95% CI = 0.40, 0.74; p < .01) for total muscle attenuation, and HR = 0.79 (95% CI = 0.66, 0.95; p = .01) for psoas muscle attenuation.

Conclusion
In older adults, higher skeletal muscle index and muscle attenuation on abdominopelvic CT examinations were associated with better survival, after adjusting for multiple risk factors.
Pine-Hardwood Mixtures—A New Concept in Regeneration
Authors: Phillips Douglas R. , Abercrombie James A. 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
Spring felling of standing residuals left after a commercial clearcut, controlled burning the following summer, and hand planting of approximately 450 pine seedlings per acre can produce productive pine-hardwood mixtures on many medium sites in the Southeast. Stand establishment costs are approximately one-half that for conventional pine plantations using intensive site-preparation techniques. These stands have the potential to enhance wildlife, increase forest diversity, improve visual attractiveness, and provide good overall productivity. Early growth of individual pine trees on three study sites was approximately equal to that of pines growing in pure pine plantations of the same age. After 4 growing seasons, 304 to 414 free-to-grow shortleaf pines (Pinus echinata Mill.) per acre in the study stands averaged 7.9 to 9.3 feet in total height. Oaks (Quercus L. spp.), the predominant hardwood component of the stands, averaged 4.8 to 6.4 feet in total height after 4 years. If correctly applied, this new regeneration technique has the potential to bring many thousands of acres under management that presently are left unattended following harvest. South. J. Appl. For. 11(4):192-197.
Mettl14 is required for mouse postimplantation development by facilitating epiblast maturation
Authors: Meng Tie-Gang , Lu Xukun , Guo Lei , Hou Guan-Mei , Ma Xue-Shan , Li Qian-Nan , Huang Lin , Fan Li-Hua , Zhao Zheng-Hui , Ou Xiang-Hong , Yang Ying-Chun Ou , Schatten Heide , Li Lei , Wang Zhen-Bo , Sun Qing-Yuan 
Published: August 2018

ABSTRACTN6‐methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent and reversible internal modification of mammalian messenger and noncoding RNAs mediated by specific m6A writer, reader, and eraser proteins. As an m6A writer, the methyltransferase‐like 3‐methyltransferase–like 14 (METTL14)–Wilms tumor 1–associated protein complex dynamically regulates m6A modification and plays important roles in diverse biologic processes. However, our knowledge about the complete functions of this RNA methyltransferase complex, the contributions of each component to the methylation, and their effects on different biologic pathways are still limited. By using both in vivo and in vitro models, we here report that METTL14 is indispensable for postimplantation embryonic development by facilitating the conversion from naive to primed state of the epiblast. Depletion of Mettl14 leads to conspicuous embryonic growth retardation from embryonic d 6.5, mainly as a result of resistance to differentiation, which further leads to embryonic lethality early in gestation. Our data highlight the critical function of METTL14 as an m6A modification regulator in orchestrating early mouse embryogenesis.—Meng, T.‐G., Lu, X., Guo, L., Hou, G.‐M., Ma, X.‐S., Li, Q.‐N., Huang, L., Fan, L.‐H., Zhao, Z.‐H, Ou, X.‐H., OuYang, Y.‐C., Schatten, H., Li, L., Wang, Z.‐B., Sun, Q.‐Y. Mettl14 is required for mouse postimplantation development by facilitating epiblast maturation. FASEB J. 33, 1179–1187 (2019). www.fasebj.org
Mortality attributable to seasonal influenza in Greece, 2013-2017: variation by type and age, and a possible harvesting effect
Authors: Lytras Theodore , Pantavou Katerina , Mouratidou Elisavet , Tsiodras Sotirios 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDEstimating the contribution of influenza to excess mortality in the population presents substantial methodological challenges. We combined environmental, epidemiological and laboratory surveillance data to estimate influenza-attributable mortality in Greece, over four seasons (2013-2014 to 2017-2018), specifically addressing the lag dimension and the confounding effect of temperature.METHODSAssociations of influenza type-specific incidence proxies and of daily mean temperature with mortality were estimated with a distributed-lag non-linear model with 30 days of maximum lag, separately for each age group. Total and weekly deaths attributable to influenza and cold temperatures were calculated.RESULTSOverall influenza-attributable mortality was 23.6 deaths per 100,000 population (95%CI: 17.8, 29.2), and varied greatly between seasons, by influenza type and by age group, with the vast majority occurring in persons 65 years or older. Most deaths were attributable to A/H3N2, followed by type B influenza. During periods of A/H1N1 circulation, weekly attributable mortality to this subtype among older people increased rapidly in the first half, but then fell to zero and even negative, suggesting a mortality displacement (harvesting) effect. Mortality attributable to non-optimum temperatures was much higher than that attributable to influenza.CONCLUSIONSStudies of influenza-attributable mortality need to take distributed-lag effects into account, stratify by age group and adjust for circulating influenza types and daily mean temperatures, in order to produce reliable estimates. Our approach is useful and readily applicable in the context of influenza surveillance.
The Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor 5 Negative Allosteric Modulator Fenobam: Pharmacokinetics, Side Effects, and Analgesic Effects in Healthy Human Subjects
Authors: Cavallone Laura F. , Montana Michael C. , Frey Karen , Kallogjeri Dorina , Wages James M. , Rodebaugh Thomas. , Doshi Tina , Kharasch Evan D. , Gereau Robert W. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractMetabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGlu5) has been shown to modulate nociception in animals, but no mGlu5 antagonists have been developed commercially as analgesics. The mGlu5 antagonist fenobam [N-(3-chlorophenyl)-N’-(4,5-dihydro-1-methyl-4-oxo-1H-imidazole-2-yl)urea] was originally evaluated for development as a non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic. Fenobam is analgesic in numerous mouse pain models, acting exclusively via mGlu5 blockade. Furthermore, fenobam showed no signs of analgesic tolerance with up to two weeks of daily dosing in mice. Analgesic effects of fenobam in humans have not been reported. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate fenobam pharmacokinetics and analgesic effects in humans. We first evaluated single-dose oral fenobam disposition in a parallel-group dose-escalation study in healthy volunteers. A second investigation tested the analgesic effects of fenobam in an established experimental human pain model of cutaneous sensitization utilizing capsaicin cream and heat, in a double-blind placebo-controlled study. The primary outcome measure was the area of hyperalgesia and allodynia around the area applied with heat/capsaicin. Secondary outcome measures included nociception, measured as pain rating on a visual analog scale, heat-pain detection threshold, and effects on cognition and mood. Fenobam plasma exposures showed considerable inter-individual variability, and were not linear with dose. Fenobam reduced sensitization vs placebo at a single time-point (peak plasma concentration); we found no other difference between fenobam and placebo. Our results suggest highly variable fenobam disposition, and minimal analgesic effects at the dose tested. We suggest that future studies testing analgesic effects of mGlu5 blockade are warranted, but such studies should employ molecules with improved pharmacokinetic profiles.
Biological control protects tropical forests
Authors: Wyckhuys K.A.G. , Hughes A.C. , Buamas C. , Johnson A.C. , Vasseur L. , Reymondin L. , Deguine J.P. , Sheil D. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBiological control of invasive species can restore crop yields, and thus ease land pressure and contribute to forest conservation. In this study, we show how biological control against the mealybug Phenacoccus manihoti (Hemiptera) slowed deforestation across Southeast Asia. In Thailand, the newly-arrived mealybug caused an 18% decline in cassava yields over 2009-2010, a shortfall in national production and an escalation in the price of cassava products. This spurred an expansion of cassava cropping in neighboring countries from 713,000 ha in 2009 to >1 million ha by 2011: satellite imagery reveal 388%, 330%, 185% and 608% increases in peak deforestation rates in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Viet Nam focused in cassava crop expansion areas. Following release of the host-specific natural enemy Anagyrus lopezi (Hymenoptera) in 2010, mealybug outbreaks were reduced, cropping area contracted and associated deforestation slowed by 31-94% in individual countries. When used with due caution and according to current guidelines, biological control offers broad benefits for people and the environment.
Forecasting the global extent of invasion of the cereal pest Spodoptera frugiperda, the fall armyworm
Authors: Early Regan , González-Moreno Pablo , Murphy Sean T. , Day Roger 
Published: August 2018

AbstractFall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, is a crop pest native to the Americas, which has invaded and spread throughout sub-Saharan Africa within two years. Recent estimates of 20-50% maize yield loss in Africa suggest severe damage to livelihoods. Fall armyworm is still infilling its potential range in Africa, and could spread to other continents. In order to understand fall armyworm’s year-round, global, potential distribution, we used evidence of the effects of temperature and precipitation on fall armyworm life-history, combined with data on native and African distributions to construct Species Distribution Models (SDMs). Fall armyworm has only invaded areas that have a climate similar to the native distribution, validating the use of climatic SDMs. The strongest climatic limits on fall armyworm’s year-round distribution are the coldest annual temperature and the amount of rain in the wet season. Much of sub-Saharan Africa can host year-round fall armyworm populations, but the likelihoods of colonising North Africa and seasonal migrations into Europe are hard to predict. South and Southeast Asia and Australia have climate that would permit fall armyworm to invade. Current trade and transportation routes reveal Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, and Thailand face high threat of fall armyworm invasions originating from Africa.