bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rate of β‐amyloid accumulation varies with baseline amyloid burden: Implications for anti‐amyloid drug trials
Authors: Guo Tengfei , Dukart Juergen , Brendel Matthias , Rominger Axel , Grimmer Timo , Yakushev Igor ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: July 2018

AbstractIntroductionThis study examined a longitudinal trajectory of β‐amyloid (Aβ) accumulation at the predementia stage of Alzheimer's disease in the context of clinical trials.MethodsAnalyzed were baseline (BL) and 2 years' follow‐up 18F‐florbetapir positron emission tomography data of 246 Aβ‐positive subjects with normal cognition and mild cognitive impairment. We studied the relationship between annual accumulation rates of 18F‐florbetapir and BL standard uptake value ratios in whole gray matter (SUVRGM).ResultsSubjects with BL SUVRGM of 0.56 to 0.92 (n = 134) appeared to accumulate Aβ approximately 1.5 times faster than remaining subjects. In subjects with SUVRGM above 0.95, most regions with the highest annual accumulation rate were outside the established set of Alzheimer's disease typical regions.ConclusionThere are global and regional variations in annual accumulation rate at the predementia stage of Alzheimer's disease. When taken into account, the sample size in anti‐amyloid trials can be substantially reduced. Critically, treated and placebo groups should be matched for BL SUVRGM.
Anticipating innovations in structural biology
Authors: Berman Helen M. , Lawson Catherine L. , Vallat Brinda , Gabanyi Margaret J. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIn this review, we describe how the interplay among science, technology and community interests contributed to the evolution of four structural biology data resources. We present the method by which data deposited by scientists are prepared for worldwide distribution, and argue that data archiving in a trusted repository must be an integral part of any scientific investigation.
Neo-extractivist controversies in Bolivia: indigenous perspectives on global norms
Authors: Eichler Jessika 
Published: July 2018

AbstractEver since Evo Morales Ayma became Bolivia's first indigenous president in 2006 and the promulgation of a human-rights-enhancing Constitution (2009) thereafter, indigenous peoples’ rights were gradually recognised. Yet, with the increasing demand for natural resources, indigenous communities have been adversely affected by the state's neo-extractivist policies. While global indigenous rights norms protect their fundamental rights, legal-implementation processes in the country's lowlands reveal dilemmas in terms of the value of laws in practice as well as its reinterpretation on the ground. Namely, in the communities, different positions and camps have emerged in terms of the role and functions of participatory rights. Despite the potential of the latter in strengthening collective-rights regimes and self-determination, community leaders, advisers and other members report how such processes fracture and weaken decision-making mechanisms and human rights claims.
Depiction and analysis of a modified H-shaped double-negative meta atom for satellite communication
Authors: Alam Md. Jubaer , Faruque Mohammad Rashed Iqbal , Azim Rezaul , Islam Mohammad Tariqul 
Published: July 2018

AbstractA modified H-shaped metamaterial is imparted in this paper that has a multiple band coverage for reflection and transmission coefficient. The proposed structure exhibits triple band coverage for the permittivity and permeability. Two split ring resonators (SRR) are connected with the substantial H-shaped structure. The 12 × 12 mm2 structure has been printed on FR-4 and a correlation is made between the basic unit-cell and array structures. A comparison is made among 1 × 2, 2 × 2, and 4 × 4 array structures with 1 × 2, 2 × 2, and 4 × 4 unit-cell configurations to validate the performance of the proposed metamaterial. A great transmission coefficient having a band of 13 GHz with a 500 MHz band gap in the middle is demonstrated for all of these configurations. The effective parameters of the resonators cover C, X, and Ku bands independently with double-negative phenomena at X and Ku bands with a frequency range of about 2.5 GHz. The reflection and transmission coefficients of the unit cell are obtained by CST microwave studio. Having an auspicious design and wide range double-negative characteristics, this structure can be applied to satellite communication.
Scientific Validity of Proposed Public Education Materials for Balanced Treatment of Creationism and Evolution in Elementary Science Classrooms of Alabama
Authors: Brande Scott 
Published: July 2018

The political fight for the inclusion of “scientific creationism” in public school curricula has generated reactions of scientists from many disciplines, who nearly unanimously dismiss this material as unfit for science teaching. Because some “creationist” materials were written specifically for science classes, such as general science, biology, and geological modules, they should be evaluated prior to use for scientific content and accuracy. Should these materials fail to conform with the body of generally accepted, modern scientific knowledge, then they do not belong in the science classrooms of our public schools.I have examined several of the books written by “creationists” for public school science classes, and evaluated them for bias and distortion in their treatment of scientific facts, hypotheses and conclusions. All of the materials I examined exhibit statements of distortion and bias.In addition to unsatisfactory scientific content, I have also noted a degree of dogmatism. This is curious because one of the objections of the “scientific creationists” to current content in public school science classrooms is the teaching of modern science in dogmatic fashion: for example, Darwinian evolution is taught as dogma, in conjunction with no other alternatives (i.e. “scientific creationism”).These materials proposed for the public school science classroom do not belong there, because they do not teach modern science. The lack of scientific validity of “science creationist” literature should be emphasized in debate and discussion at especially the local level.
Zur prognostischen Güte von Zulassungskriterien im Psychologiestudium für Studienerfolgsindikatoren
Authors: Janke Stefan , Dickhäuser Oliver 
Published: July 2018

Zusammenfassung. Grundständige Bachelorprogramme im Fach Psychologie unterliegen deutschlandweit Zulassungsbeschränkungen. Um geeignete Bewerberinnen und Bewerber auszuwählen, verwenden Universitäten innerhalb des jeweiligen gesetzlichen Rahmens eine Vielzahl an Zulassungskriterien. Anhand von Zulassungsdaten einer deutschen Universität (N = 10.‍‍605 Bewerberinnen und Bewerber aus fünf Kohorten) untersuchten wir die prognostische Güte von Zulassungskriterien (Note der Hochschulzugangsberechtigung [HZB], einschlägige Einzelnoten sowie praktische Erfahrungen) für Studienerfolgsindikatoren (Note in der ersten Statistikklausur, Abschlussnote und Studiendauer). Pfadanalysen zeigten, dass die durchschnittliche Note der HZB positiv prädiktiv für die durch Noten operationalisierten Studienerfolgsindikatoren war. Die Einzelnoten aus den Fächern Mathematik und Englisch im Abitur zeigten genauso wenig inkrementelle Vorhersagekraft wie einschlägige praktische Erfahrung. Gesetzeskonforme Veränderungen in der Gewichtung der Kriterien zugunsten der HZB verbesserten die Gesamtprognosegüte. Hinsichtlich der Studiendauer erwiesen sich die vier betrachteten Zulassungskriterien als nicht prädiktiv. Der Beitrag illustriert den Nutzen evidenzbasierten Handelns bei der Studienzulassung und diskutiert gleichzeitig Grenzen eines solchen Vorgehens in den verschiedenen Bundesländern.
Characteristics of Thunderstorm Structure and Lightning Activity Causing Negative and Positive Sprites
Authors: Yang Jing , Liu Ningyu , Sato Mitsuteru , Lu Gaopeng , Wang Yu , Feng Guili 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThis paper reports observation of five sprites captured over a mesoscale convective system in a 15‐min window. One of them (11:49 hr sprite) was preceded by a negative cloud‐to‐ground with peak current of −40.9 kA that was detected both by the local lightning detection network (sprite time delay <70–90 ms) and the extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic field data. Another sprite (11:46 hr sprite) was preceded by a negative stroke (sprite time delay <10 ms) with peak current of −106.6 kA but the ELF signal of the stroke could not be recognized. In addition, no positive strokes were recorded 1.5 min before the 11:46 hr sprite. The rest of the sprites were confirmed as positive both by the local lightning detection network and the ELF magnetic field data. The negative sprite occurred during strong convection, indicated by the increase of the area of the thundercloud with radar echo top of 8–11, 9–11, and 6–12 km. The strong convection and large wind shear in the thunderstorm middle and upper region provide favorable conditions to produce the parent cloud‐to‐ground lightning discharges of the negative sprites.
Understanding Global Model Systematic Shortwave Radiation Errors in Subtropical Marine Boundary Layer Cloud Regimes
Authors: Ahlgrimm Maike , Forbes Richard M. , Hogan Robin J. , Sandu Irina 
Published: July 2018

AbstractGlobal numerical weather prediction and climate models are subject to long‐standing systematic shortwave radiation errors due to deficiencies in the representation of boundary layer clouds over the ocean. In the subtropics, clouds are typically too reflective in the cumulus regime and not reflective enough in the stratocumulus regime. Potential sources of error include cloud cover, liquid water path, effective radius, and subgrid heterogeneity, but diagnosing the absolute contributions of each to the radiation bias is hampered by uncertainties and sometimes contradictory information from different observational products. This paper draws on a set of ship‐based observations of boundary layer clouds obtained during the ARM MAGIC campaign along a northeast Pacific Ocean transect, crossing both stratocumulus and shallow cumulus cloud regimes. The surface‐based observations of cloud properties are compared with various satellite products, taking account of the diurnal cycle, to provide an improved quantitative assessment of the deficiencies in the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts global numerical weather prediction model. A series of off‐line radiation calculations are then performed to assess the impact on the shortwave radiation bias of correcting each of the model's deficiencies in cloud characteristics along the transect. A reduction in the bias is achieved by improving the agreement between modeled and observed in‐cloud liquid water path frequency distributions. In the cumulus regime, this is accomplished primarily by reducing the all‐sky water path, while for the stratocumulus regime, an underestimate of cloud cover and liquid water and an overestimate in effective radius and subgrid heterogeneity all contribute to a lack of reflected shortwave radiation.
Single cell transcriptome profiling of retinal ganglion cells identifies cellular subtypes
Authors: Rheaume Bruce A. , Jereen Amyeo , Bolisetty Mohan , Sajid Muhammad S. , Yang Yue , Renna Kathleen , Sun Lili , Robson Paul , Trakhtenberg Ephraim F. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractRetinal ganglion cells (RGCs) convey the major output of information collected from the eye to the brain. Thirty subtypes of RGCs have been identified to date. Here, we analyze 6225 RGCs (average of 5000 genes per cell) from right and left eyes by single-cell RNA-seq and classify them into 40 subtypes using clustering algorithms. We identify additional subtypes and markers, as well as transcription factors predicted to cooperate in specifying RGC subtypes. Zic1, a marker of the right eye-enriched subtype, is validated by immunostaining in situ. Runx1 and Fst, the markers of other subtypes, are validated in purified RGCs by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and immunostaining. We show the extent of gene expression variability needed for subtype segregation, and we show a hierarchy in diversification from a cell-type population to subtypes. Finally, we present a website for comparing the gene expression of RGC subtypes.
Catalyst-TiO(OH)2 could drastically reduce the energy consumption of CO2 capture
Authors: Lai Qinghua , Toan Sam , Assiri Mohammed A. , Cheng Huaigang , Russell Armistead G. , Adidharma Hertanto , Radosz Maciej , Fan Maohong 
Published: July 2018

AbstractImplementing Paris Climate Accord is inhibited by the high energy consumption of the state-of-the-art CO2 capture technologies due to the notoriously slow kinetics in CO2 desorption step of CO2 capture. To address the challenge, here we report that nanostructured TiO(OH)2 as a catalyst is capable of drastically increasing the rates of CO2 desorption from spent monoethanolamine (MEA) by over 4500%. This discovery makes CO2 capture successful at much lower temperatures, which not only dramatically reduces energy consumption but also amine losses and prevents emission of carcinogenic amine-decomposition byproducts. The catalytic effect of TiO(OH)2 is observed with Raman characterization. The stabilities of the catalyst and MEA are confirmed with 50 cyclic CO2 sorption and sorption. A possible mechanism is proposed for the TiO(OH)2-catalyzed CO2 capture. TiO(OH)2 could be a key to the future success of Paris Climat e Accord.
Adding chemically selective subtraction to multi-material 3D additive manufacturing
Authors: Gräfe David , Wickberg Andreas , Zieger Markus Michael , Wegener Martin , Blasco Eva , Barner-Kowollik Christopher 
Published: July 2018

AbstractExisting photoresists for 3D laser lithography that can be removed after development in a subtractive manner typically suffer from harsh cleavage conditions. Here, we report chemoselectively cleavable photoresists for 3D laser lithography based on silane crosslinkers, allowing the targeted degradation of 3D printed microstructures under mild conditions. Three bifunctional silane crosslinkers carrying various substitutions on the silicon atom are synthesized. The photoresists are prepared by mixing these silane crosslinkers with pentaerythritol triacrylate and a two-photon photoinitiator. The presence of pentaerythritol triacrylate significantly enhances the direct laser written structures with regard to resolution, while the microstructures remain cleavable. For the targeted cleavage of the fabricated 3D microstructures, simply a methanol solution including inorganic salts is required, highlighting the mild cleavage conditions. Critically, the photoresists can be cleaved selectively, which enables the sequential degradation of direct laser written structures and allows for subtractive manufacturing at the micro- and nanoscale.
Self-healing and superstretchable conductors from hierarchical nanowire assemblies
Authors: Song Pin , Qin Haili , Gao Huai-Ling , Cong Huai-Ping , Yu Shu-Hong 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIt is still a great challenge to improve deformability and fatigue-resistance of stretchable conductors when maintaining their high-level conductivity for practical use. Herein, a high-performance stretchable conductor with hierarchically ternary network and self-healing capability is demonstrated through in situ polymerizing N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) on well-defined sulfur-containing molecule-modified Ag nanowire (AgNW) aerogel framework. Owing to hierarchical architecture from nanoscale to microscale and further to macroscale and strong interactions of polymer chains and AgNWs, the composite exhibits good conductivity of 93 S cm−1, excellent electromechanical stability up to superhigh tensile strain of 800% and strong fatigue-resistant ability through well accommodating the applied deformations and sharing external force in the network. Furthermore, the composite delivers a fast and strong healing capability induced by reversible Ag–S bonds, which enables the healed conductor to hold an impressive electromechanical property. These prominent demonstrations confirm this material as top performer for use as flexible, stretchable electronic devices.
A protonic biotransducer controlling mitochondrial ATP synthesis
Authors: Zhang Z. , Kashiwagi H. , Kimura S. , Kong S. , Ohta Y. , Miyake T. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIn nature, protons (H+) play an important role in biological activities such as in mitochondrial ATP synthesis, which is driven by a H+ gradient across the inner membrane, or in the activation of acid sensing ion channels in neuron cells. Bioprotonic devices directly interface with the H+ concentration (pH) to facilitate engineered interactions with these biochemical processes. Here we develop a H+ biotransducer that changes the pH in a mitochondrial matrix by controlling the flow of H+ between a conductive polymer of sulfonated polyaniline and solution. We have successfully modulated the rate of ATP synthesis in mitochondria by altering the solution pH. Our H+ biotransducer provides a new way to monitor and modulate pH dependent biological functions at the interface between the electronic devices and biological materials.
Biogenic silica-based microparticles obtained as a sub-product of the nanocellulose extraction process from pineapple peels
Authors: Corrales-Ureña Yendry R. , Villalobos-Bermúdez Carlos , Pereira Reinaldo , Camacho Melissa , Estrada Eugenia , Argüello-Miranda Orlando , Vega-Baudrit Jose R. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractSilica in plant tissues has been suggested as a component for enhancing mechanical properties, and as a physical barrier. Pineapples present in their shell and bracts rosette-like microparticles that could be associated to biogenic silica. In this study, we show for the first time that silica-based microparticles are co-purified during the extraction process of nanocellulose from pineapple (Ananas comosus). This shows that vegetable biomass could be an underappreciated source, not only for nanocellulose, but also for a highly valuable sub-product, like 10 µm biogenic rosette-like silica-based microparticles. The recovery yield obtained was 7.2 wt.%; based on the dried initial solid. Due to their size and morphology, the microparticles have potential applications as reinforcement in adhesives, polymer composites, in the biomedical field, and even as a source of silica for fertilizers.
Insects with similar social complexity show convergent patterns of adaptive molecular evolution
Authors: Dogantzis Kathleen A. , Harpur Brock A. , Rodrigues André , Beani Laura , Toth Amy L. , Zayed Amro 
Published: July 2018

AbstractEusociality has independently evolved multiple times in the hymenoptera, but the patterns of adaptive molecular evolution underlying the evolution and elaboration of eusociality remain uncertain. Here, we performed a population genomics study of primitively eusocialPolistes(paper wasps), and compared their patterns of molecular evolution to two social bees;Bombus(bumblebees), andApis(honey bees). This species triad allowed us to study molecular evolution across a gradient of social complexity (Polistes < Bombus < Apis) and compare species pairs that have similar (i.e.PolistesandBombus) or different (i.e.PolistesandApis) life histories, while controlling for phylogenetic distance. We found that regulatory genes have high levels of positive selection inPolistes; consistent with the prediction that adaptive changes in gene regulation are important during early stages of social evolution.PolistesandBombusexhibit greater similarity in patterns of adaptive evolution including greater overlap of genes experiencing positive selection, and greater positive selection on queen-biased genes. Our findings suggest that either adaptive evolution of a few key genes underlie the evolution of simpler forms of eusociality, or that the initial stages of social evolution lead to selection on a few key traits orchestrated by orthologous genes and networks.
Hydrothermal chimneys host habitat-specific microbial communities: analogues for studying the possible impact of mining seafloor massive sulfide deposits
Authors: Han Yuchen , Gonnella Giorgio , Adam Nicole , Schippers Axel , Burkhardt Lia , Kurtz Stefan , Schwarz-Schampera Ulrich , Franke Henrike , Perner Mirjam 
Published: July 2018

AbstractTo assess the risk that mining of seafloor massive sulfides (SMS) from extinct hydrothermal vent environments has for changing the ecosystem irreversibly, we sampled SMS analogous habitats from the Kairei and the Pelagia vent fields along the Indian Ridge. In total 19.8 million 16S rRNA tags from 14 different sites were analyzed and the microbial communities were compared with each other and with publicly available data sets from other marine environments. The chimneys appear to provide habitats for microorganisms that are not found or only detectable in very low numbers in other marine habitats. The chimneys also host rare organisms and may function as a vital part of the ocean’s seed bank. Many of the reads from active and inactive chimney samples were clustered into OTUs, with low or no resemblance to known species. Since we are unaware of the chemical reactions catalyzed by these unknown organisms, the impact of this diversity loss and bio-geo-coupling is hard to predict. Given that chimney structures can be considered SMS analogues, removal of sulfide deposits from the seafloor in the Kairei and Pelagia fields will most likely alter microbial compositions and affect element cycling in the benthic regions and probably beyond.
Extracellular DNA release from the genome-reduced pathogen Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae is essential for biofilm formation on abiotic surfaces
Authors: Raymond Benjamin B. A. , Jenkins Cheryl , Turnbull Lynne , Whitchurch Cynthia B. , Djordjevic Steven P. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractMycoplasma hyopneumoniaeis an economically devastating, globally disseminated pathogen that can maintain a chronic infectious state within its host, swine. Here, we depict the events underpinningM.hyopneumoniaebiofilm formation on an abiotic surface and demonstrate for the first time, biofilms forming on porcine epithelial cell monolayers and in the lungs of pigs, experimentally infected withM.hyopneumoniae. Nuclease treatment prevents biofilms forming on glass but not on porcine epithelial cells indicating that extracellular DNA (eDNA), which localises at the base of biofilms, is critical in the formation of these structures on abiotic surfaces. Subpopulations ofM.hyopneumoniaecells, denoted by their ability to take up the dye TOTO-1 and release eDNA, were identified. A visually distinct sub-population of pleomorphic cells, that we refer to here as large cell variants (LCVs), rapidly transition from phase dark to translucent “ghost” cells. The translucent cells accumulate the membrane-impermeable dye TOTO-1, forming readily discernible membrane breaches immediately prior to lysis and the possible release of eDNA and other intracellular content (public goods) into the extracellular environment. Our novel observations expand knowledge of the lifestyles adopted by this wall-less, genome-reduced pathogen and provide further insights to its survival within farm environments and swine.