bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bi-Abundance Ionisation Structure of the Wolf–Rayet Planetary Nebula PB 8
Authors: Danehkar A. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe planetary nebula PB 8 around a [WN/WC]-hybrid central star is one of planetary nebulae with moderate abundance discrepancy factors (ADFs ~ 2–3), which could be an indication of a tiny fraction of metal-rich inclusions embedded in the nebula (bi-abundance). In this work, we have constructed photoionisation models to reproduce the optical and infrared observations of the planetary nebula PB 8 using a non-LTE stellar model atmosphere ionising source. A chemically homogeneous model initially used cannot predict the optical recombination lines. However, a bi-abundance model provides a better fit to most of the observed optical recombination lines from N and O ions. The metal-rich inclusions in the bi-abundance model occupy 5.6% of the total volume of the nebula, and are roughly 1.7 times cooler and denser than the mean values of the surrounding nebula. The N/H and O/H abundance ratios in the metal-rich inclusions are ~1.0 and 1.7 dex larger than the diffuse warm nebula, respectively. To reproduce the Spitzer spectral energy distribution of PB 8, dust grains with a dust-to-gas ratio of 0.01 (by mass) were also included. It is found that the presence of metal-rich inclusions can explain the heavy element optical recombination lines, while a dual-dust chemistry with different grain species and discrete grain sizes likely produces the infrared continuum of this planetary nebula. This study demonstrates that the bi-abundance hypothesis, which was examined in a few planetary nebulae with large abundance discrepancies (ADFs > 10), could also be applied to those typical planetary nebulae with moderate abundance discrepancies.
APPRAISAL OF MAJOR DETERMINANTS OF RICE PRODUCTION AND FARMERS’ CHOICE OF RICE IDEOTYPES IN SOUTH SUDAN: IMPLICATIONS FOR BREEDING AND POLICY INTERVENTIONS
Authors: MOGGA M. , SIBIYA J. , SHIMELIS H. , LAMO J. , OCHANDA N. 
Published: January 2018

SUMMARYRice (Oryza sativa L.) is an important staple crop in South Sudan. Current rice consumption in the country is approximately 23,000 mg year−1 of which more than 75% is imported. We investigated farmers’ perceived rice production and productivity constraints and choice of rice ideotypes across rainfed and irrigated rice agro-ecologies in South Sudan to guide breeding and policy interventions. Data were gathered through participatory rural approaches and a formal structured survey involving 136 rice farmers from major rice growing areas of South Sudan. Farmers generally cultivated old rice varieties with low yields varying from 0.4 to 1.6 mg ha−1. Pair-wise ranking based on respondents score indicated yield, early maturity, cooking and eating quality, nutritional importance and drought tolerance as the most desirable traits of rice ideotypes. Further, imported rice varieties were best ranked for their sweet and appealing taste, rich aroma, grain shape and size, swelling capacity and non-stickiness during cooking. Major perceived constraints to rice production were unreliable rainfall, poor access to credit facilities, poor soil and water management practices, poor rice storage facilities, inadequate and poor processing machines as well as limited technical skills in rice production. The results show a need for integration of farmers’ and stakeholders’ preferences in variety development process and the desirability of releasing site-specific rice cultivars given the differences in bio-physical, socio-cultural and farmers preferences across major rice growing areas of South Sudan.
WEED SPECIES ASSOCIATION IN ARABLE FIELDS: OLD APPROACH, NEW APPLICATION
Authors: CONCENÇO G. , ANDRES A. , SCHREIBER F. , MOISINHO I. S. , CORADINI M. C. , MARTINS M. B. 
Published: January 2018

SUMMARYWe aimed to assess the potential of the characterization of association among weed species as a tool to understand weed occurrence for further supporting long-term management programs. After a sequence of summer crops, which included irrigated rice and sorghum, the experimental area was submitted to subsoiling, limestone was applied, and ryegrass was planted in the winter season. Six months later, an ACCase-inhibitor herbicide was used to select only non-grassweed species. Field survey was carried out on 100 quadrats with 0.5-m width that were randomly sampled. Plant species were organized in 2 × 2 contingency tables. The results of the calculated chi-squares were compared to the respective tables, and results were presented as a paired chi-square matrix. The species–area curve was also obtained. The relative occurrence of species was determined by its frequency and presented as a wordcloud. The network analysis was obtained by using the Fruchterman–Reingold layout. The hypothesis of plant association aiming survival in arable fields was validated. The methodology of plant association based on the chi-square test was applicable to arable fields, where weed species (usually competitor plant types) occur in clusters. From a practical point of view, preference should be given to herbicides that are efficient on most species within a given cluster.
Effective interaction of electrons in the field of two strong laser waves with phase shifts allowance
Authors: Starodub S. S. , Roshchupkin S. P. , Dubov V. V. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe phase shift's influence of two strong-pulsed laser waves on effective interaction of electrons was studied. Considerable amplification of electron repulsion in the certain range of phase shifts and wave intensities is shown. That leads to electron scatter on greater distances than without an external field. The value of the distance can be greater on 2–3 order of magnitude. Considerable influence of the phase shift of pulses of waves on the possibility of effective attraction of electrons is also shown.
A review of Solvency II: Has it met its objectives?
Authors: Rae R. A. , Barrett A. , Brooks D. , Chotai M. A. , Pelkiewicz A. J. , Wang C. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractSolvency II is currently one of the most sophisticated insurance regulatory regimes in the world. It is built around the principles of market consistency and embedding strong risk management and governance within insurance companies. For business with long-term guarantees, the original basis produced outcomes that were unacceptable to the member states. The original design was amended through Omnibus II. The working party has looked back at the outcome of the final regulation and comments on how well Solvency II has fared, principally from a UK perspective, relative to its initial goals of improved consumer protection, harmonisation, effective risk management and financial stability. We review Pillar 1’s market consistent valuation (including the risk margin and transitional measures) as well as the capital requirements (including internal models). We look at the impact this has on asset and liability management, pro-cyclicality and product design. We look at Pillars 2 and 3 in respect of the Own Risk and Solvency Assessment, liquidity and disclosure. Finally, we stand back and look at harmonisation and the implications of Brexit. In summary we conclude that Solvency II represents a huge improvement over Solvency I although it has not fully achieved the goals it aspired to. There are acknowledged shortfalls and imperfections where adjustments to Solvency II are likely. There remain other concerns around pro-cyclicality, and the appropriateness of market consistency is still open to criticism. It is hoped that the paper and the discussion that goes with it provide an insight into where Solvency II has taken European Insurance regulation and the directions in which it could evolve.
Trade Gains from Legal Rulings in the WTO Dispute Settlement System
Authors: SHIN WONKYU , AHN DUKGEUN 
Published: January 2018

AbstractUsing bilateral trade data on WTO disputes from 1995 to 2010 within the framework of multilateral trade, this paper empirically investigates whether legally winning a WTO dispute leads to actual trade gains. This study helps to illuminate the efficacy of the WTO dispute settlement system and to understand the role of the system as an institutional device for promoting multilateral trade liberalization. Assessing differential effects of the WTO dispute settlement rulings and the legal status of participants, this paper examines how trade gains are created and distributed among WTO members. Our empirical findings suggest that winning a legal dispute contributes to multilateral trade liberalization, not merely by rectifying trade problems for prevailing complainants but more so by providing better market access for all WTO members. This result reaffirms that the WTO dispute settlement system fulfills its purpose as a regulatory instrument for promoting multilateralism and market competition.
Rising inequality and the implications for the future of private insurance in Canada
Authors: Stabile Mark , Isabelle Maripier 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIncome and wealth inequality have risen in Canada since its low point in the 1980s. Over that same period we have also seen an increase in the amount that Canadians spend on privately financed health care, both directly and through private health insurance. This paper will explore the relationship between these two trends using both comparative data across jurisdictions and household-level data within Canada. The starting hypothesis is that the greater the level of inequality the more difficult it becomes for publicly provided insurance to satisfy the median voter. Thus, we should expect increased pressure to access privately financed alternatives as inequality increases. In the light of these implications, the paper considers the implications for the future of private insurance in Canada.
Generating kidney tissue from pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Little MH 
Published: January 2018

AbstractWith the isolation of human pluripotent stem cells came the possibility of generating specific cell types for regenerative medicine. This has required the development of protocols for directed differentiation into many distinct cell types. One of the more complicated tissue types to recreate is the kidney. Here we review recent progress towards the recreation of not only specific kidney cell types but complex kidney organoids, models of the developing human organ, in vitro. We will also discuss potential short and long term applications of these approaches.
Mesenchymal stem cells to treat diabetic neuropathy: a long and strenuous way from bench to the clinic
Authors: Zhou J Y , Zhang Z , Qian G S 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAs one of the most common complications of diabetes, diabetic neuropathy often causes foot ulcers and even limb amputations. Inspite of continuous development in antidiabetic drugs, there is still no efficient therapy to cure diabetic neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy shows declined vascularity in peripheral nerves and lack of angiogenic and neurotrophic factors. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been indicated as a novel emerging regenerative therapy for diabetic neuropathy because of their multipotency. We will briefly review the pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathy, characteristic of MSCs, effects of MSC therapies for diabetic neuropathy and its related mechanisms. In order to treat diabetic neuropathy, neurotrophic or angiogenic factors in the form of protein or gene therapy are delivered to diabetic neuropathy, but therapeutic efficiencies are very modest if not ineffective. MSC treatment reverses manifestations of diabetic neuropathy. MSCs have an important role to repair tissue and to lower blood glucose level. MSCs even paracrinely secrete neurotrophic factors, angiogenic factors, cytokines, and immunomodulatory substances to ameliorate diabetic neuropathy. There are still several challenges in the clinical translation of MSC therapy, such as safety, optimal dose of administration, optimal mode of cell delivery, issues of MSC heterogeneity, clinically meaningful engraftment, autologous or allogeneic approach, challenges with cell manufacture, and further mechanisms.
Single-cell measurement of ammonium and bicarbonate uptake within a photosymbiotic bioeroding sponge
Authors: Achlatis Michelle , Pernice Mathieu , Green Kathryn , Guagliardo Paul , Kilburn Matthew R , Hoegh-Guldberg Ove , Dove Sophie 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
Some of the most aggressive coral-excavating sponges host intracellular dinoflagellates from the genus Symbiodinium, which are hypothesized to provide the sponges with autotrophic energy that powers bioerosion. Investigations of the contribution of Symbiodinium to host metabolism and particularly inorganic nutrient recycling are complicated, however, by the presence of alternative prokaryotic candidates for this role. Here, novel methods are used to study nutrient assimilation and transfer within and between the outer-layer cells of the Indopacific bioeroding sponge Cliona orientalis. Combining stable isotope labelling, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS), we visualize and measure metabolic activity at the individual cell level, tracking the fate of 15N-ammonium and 13C-bicarbonate within the intact holobiont. We found strong uptake of both inorganic sources (especially 13C-bicarbonate) by Symbiodinium cells. Labelled organic nutrients were translocated from Symbiodinium to the Symbiodinium-hosting sponge cells within 6 h, and occasionally to other sponge cells within 3 days. By contrast, prokaryotic symbionts were not observed to participate in inorganic nutrient assimilation in the outer layers of the sponge. Our findings strongly support the metabolic interaction between the sponge and dinoflagellates, shedding light on the ecological advantages and adaptive capacity of photosymbiotic bioeroding sponges in oligotrophic marine habitats.
Immunological consequences of kidney cell death
Authors: Sarhan Maysa , von Mässenhausen Anne , Hugo Christian , Oberbauer Rainer , Linkermann Andreas 
Published: January 2018

AbstractDeath of renal cells is central to the pathophysiology of acute tubular necrosis, autoimmunity, necrotizing glomerulonephritis, cystic kidney disease, urosepsis, delayed graft function and transplant rejection. By means of regulated necrosis, immunogenic damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and highly reactive organelles such as lysosomes, peroxisomes and mitochondria are released from the dying cells, thereby causing an overwhelming immunologic response. The rupture of the plasma membrane exhibits the “point of no return” for the immunogenicity of regulated cell death, explaining why apoptosis, a highly organized cell death subroutine with long-lasting plasma membrane integrity, elicits hardly any immune response. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent necrotic type cell death, results in the release of DAMPs and large amounts of lipid peroxides. In contrast, anti-inflammatory cytokines are actively released from cells that die by necroptosis, limiting the DAMP-induced immune response to a surrounding microenvironment, whereas at the same time, inflammasome-associated caspases drive maturation of intracellularly expressed interleukin-1β (IL-1β). In a distinct setting, additionally interleukin-18 (IL-18) is expressed during pyroptosis, initiated by gasdermin-mediated plasma membrane rupture. As all of these pathways are druggable, we provide an overview of regulated necrosis in kidney diseases with a focus on immunogenicity and potential therapeutic interventions.
Cell death-based treatment of lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Denisenko Tatiana V. , Budkevich Inna N. , Zhivotovsky Boris 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe most common type of lung cancer is adenocarcinoma (ADC), comprising around 40% of all lung cancer cases. In spite of achievements in understanding the pathogenesis of this disease and the development of new approaches in its treatment, unfortunately, lung ADC is still one of the most aggressive and rapidly fatal tumor types with overall survival less than 5 years. Lung ADC is often diagnosed at advanced stages involving disseminated metastatic tumors. This is particularly important for the successful development of new approaches in cancer therapy. The high resistance of lung ADC to conventional radiotherapies and chemotherapies represents a major challenge for treatment effectiveness. Here we discuss recent advances in understanding the molecular pathways driving tumor progression and related targeted therapies in lung ADCs. In addition, the cell death mechanisms induced by different treatment strategies and their contribution to therapy resistance are analyzed. The focus is on approaches to overcoming drug resistance in order to improve future treatment decisions.
Hexokinase-2 depletion inhibits glycolysis and induces oxidative phosphorylation in hepatocellular carcinoma and sensitizes to metformin
Authors: DeWaal Dannielle , Nogueira Veronique , Terry Alexander R. , Patra Krushna C. , Jeon Sang-Min , Guzman Grace , Au Jennifer , Long Christopher P. , Antoniewicz Maciek R. , Hay Nissim 
Published: January 2018

AbstractHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells are metabolically distinct from normal hepatocytes by expressing the high-affinity hexokinase (HK2) and suppressing glucokinase (GCK). This is exploited to selectively target HCC. Hepatic HK2 deletion inhibits tumor incidence in a mouse model of hepatocarcinogenesis. Silencing HK2 in human HCC cells inhibits tumorigenesis and increases cell death, which cannot be restored by GCK or mitochondrial binding deficient HK2. Upon HK2 silencing, glucose flux to pyruvate and lactate is inhibited, but TCA fluxes are maintained. Serine uptake and glycine secretion are elevated suggesting increased requirement for one-carbon contribution. Consistently, vulnerability to serine depletion increases. The decrease in glycolysis is coupled to elevated oxidative phosphorylation, which is diminished by metformin, further increasing cell death and inhibiting tumor growth. Neither HK2 silencing nor metformin alone inhibits mTORC1, but their combination inhibits mTORC1 in an AMPK-independent and REDD1-dependent mechanism. Finally, HK2 silencing synergizes with sorafenib to inhibit tumor growth.
Large magneto-thermopower in MnGe with topological spin texture
Authors: Fujishiro Y. , Kanazawa N. , Shimojima T. , Nakamura A. , Ishizaka K. , Koretsune T. , Arita R. , Miyake A. , Mitamura H. , Akiba K. , Tokunaga M. , Shiogai J. , Kimura S. , Awaji S. , Tsukazaki A. , Kikkawa A. , Taguchi Y. , Tokura Y. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractQuantum states characterized by nontrivial topology produce interesting electrodynamics and versatile electronic functionalities. One source for such remarkable phenomena is emergent electromagnetic field, which is the outcome of interplay between topological spin structures with scalar spin chirality and conduction electrons. However, it has scarcely been exploited for emergent function related to heat-electricity conversion. Here we report an unusually enhanced thermopower by application of magnetic field in MnGe hosting topological spin textures. By considering all conceivable origins through quantitative investigations of electronic structures and properties, a possible origin of large magneto-thermopower is assigned to the strong energy dependence of charge-transport lifetime caused by unconventional carrier scattering via the dynamics of emergent magnetic field. Furthermore, high-magnetic-field measurements corroborate the presence of residual magnetic fluctuations even in the nominally ferromagnetic region, leading to a subsisting behavior of field-enhanced thermopower. The present finding may pave a way for thermoelectric function of topological magnets.
Nucleotide resolution mapping of influenza A virus nucleoprotein-RNA interactions reveals RNA features required for replication
Authors: Williams Graham D. , Townsend Dana , Wylie Kristine M. , Kim Preston J. , Amarasinghe Gaya K. , Kutluay Sebla B. , Boon Adrianus C. M. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractInfluenza A virus nucleoprotein (NP) association with viral RNA (vRNA) is essential for packaging, but the pattern of NP binding to vRNA is unclear. Here we applied photoactivatable ribonucleoside enhanced cross-linking and immunoprecipitation (PAR-CLIP) to assess the native-state of NP–vRNA interactions in infected human cells. NP binds short fragments of RNA (~12 nucleotides) non-uniformly and without apparent sequence specificity. Moreover, NP binding is reduced at specific locations within the viral genome, including regions previously identified as required for viral genome segment packaging. Synonymous mutations designed to alter the predicted RNA structures in these low-NP-binding regions impact genome packaging and result in virus attenuation, whereas control mutations or mutagenesis of NP-bound regions have no effect. Finally, we demonstrate that the sequence conservation of low-NP-binding regions is required in multiple genome segments for propagation of diverse mammalian and avian IAV in host cells.
Directing lateral growth of lithium dendrites in micro-compartmented anode arrays for safe lithium metal batteries
Authors: Zou Peichao , Wang Yang , Chiang Sum-Wai , Wang Xuanyu , Kang Feiyu , Yang Cheng 
Published: January 2018

AbstractUncontrolled growth of lithium dendrites during cycling has remained a challenging issue for lithium metal batteries. Thus far, various approaches have been proposed to delay or suppress dendrite growth, yet little attention has been paid to the solutions that can make batteries keep working when lithium dendrites are already extensively present. Here we develop an industry-adoptable technology to laterally direct the growth of lithium dendrites, where all dendrites are retained inside the compartmented copper current collector in a given limited cycling capacity. This featured electrode layout renders superior cycling stability (e.g., smoothly running for over 150 cycles at 0.5 mA cm−2). Numerical simulations indicate that reduced dendritic stress and damage to the separator are achieved when the battery is abusively running over the ceiling capacity to generate protrusions. This study may contribute to a deeper comprehension of metal dendrites and provide a significant step towards ultimate safe batteries.
Asymmetric photocurrent extraction in semitransparent laminated flexible organic solar cells
Authors: Bergqvist Jonas , Österberg Thomas , Melianas Armantas , Ever Aguirre Luis , Tang Zheng , Cai Wanzhu , Ma Zaifei , Kemerink Martijn , Gedefaw Desta , Andersson Mats R. , Inganäs Olle 
Published: January 2018

AbstractScalable production methods and low-cost materials with low embodied energy are key to success for organic solar cells. PEDOT(PSS) electrodes meet these criteria and allow for low-cost and all solution-processed solar cells. However, such devices are prone to shunting. In this work we introduce a roll-to-roll lamination method to construct semitransparent solar cells with a PEDOT(PSS) anode and an polyethyleneimine (PEI) modified PEDOT(PSS) cathode. We use the polymer:PCBM active layer coated on the electrodes as the lamination adhesive. Our lamination method efficiently eliminates any shunting. Extended exposure to ambient degrades the laminated devices, which manifests in a significantly reduced photocurrent extraction when the device is illuminated through the anode, despite the fact that the PEDOT(PSS) electrodes are optically equivalent. We show that degradation-induced electron traps lead to increased trap-assisted recombination at the anode side of the device. By limiting the exposure time to ambient during production, degradation is significantly reduced. We show that lamination using the active layer as the adhesive can result in device performance equal to that of conventional sequential coating.