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W2053163695
|
Nicotine dependence, “background” and cue-induced craving and smoking in the laboratory
|
Nicotine dependence has been associated with higher "background" craving and smoking, independent of situational cues. Due in part to conceptual and methodological differences across past studies, the relationship between dependence and cue-reactivity (CR; e.g., cue-induced craving and smoking) remains unclear.207 daily smokers completed six pictorial CR sessions (smoking, negative affect, positive affect, alcohol, smoking prohibitions, and neutral). Individuals rated craving before (background craving) and after cues, and could smoke following cue exposure. Session videos were coded to assess smoking. Participants completed four nicotine dependence measures. Regression models assessed the relationship of dependence to cue-independent (i.e., pre-cue) and cue-specific (i.e., pre-post cue change for each cue, relative to neutral) craving and smoking (likelihood of smoking, latency to smoke, puff count).Dependence was associated with background craving and smoking, but did not predict change in craving across the entire sample for any cue. Among alcohol drinkers, dependence was associated with greater increases in craving following the alcohol cue. Only one dependence measure (Wisconsin Inventory of Smoking Dependence Motives) was consistently associated with smoking reactivity (higher likelihood of smoking, shorter latency to smoke, greater puff count) in response to cues.While related to cue-independent background craving and smoking, dependence is not strongly associated with laboratory cue-induced craving under conditions of minimal deprivation. Dependence measures that incorporate situational influences on smoking correlate with greater cue-provoked smoking. This may suggest independent roles for CR and traditional dependence as determinants of smoking, and highlights the importance of assessing behavioral CR outcomes.
|
[
"The Human Mind and Its Complexity",
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases"
] |
10.1016/j.evolhumbehav.2017.11.005
|
Cultural differences in preferences for facial coloration
|
Effects of facial coloration on facial attractiveness judgments are hypothesized to be “universal” (i. e. , similar across cultures). Cross-cultural similarity in facial color preferences is a critical piece of evidence for this hypothesis. However, only two studies have directly compared facial color preferences in two cultures. Both of those studies reported that White UK and Black African participants showed similar preferences for facial coloration. By contrast with the cross-cultural similarity reported in those studies, here we show cultural differences in the effects of facial coloration on Chinese and White UK participants’ facial attractiveness judgments. While Chinese participants preferred faces with decreased yellowness to faces with increased yellowness, White UK participants preferred faces with increased yellowness to faces with decreased yellowness. Chinese participants also demonstrated weaker preferences for facial redness and stronger preferences for facial lightness than did White UK participants. These results suggest that preferences for facial coloration are not universal.
|
[
"The Human Mind and Its Complexity",
"The Social World and Its Interactions",
"Studies of Cultures and Arts"
] |
10.1080/17470919.2016.1247012
|
As Tears Go By Baby Tears Trigger More Brain Activity Than Adult Tears In Nulliparous Women
|
The current functional magnetic resonance imaging study examines brain activity during the perception of infant and adult tears. Infant tears evoke stronger responses in the visual cortex than adult tears, indicating that infant tears are highly salient. In addition, our study shows that infant tears uniquely activate somatosensory pain regions, which could stimulate actions directed at the elimination of the source of pain. Shedding tears may be a strong means to elicit the parent’s sharing of the infant’s feelings, thereby strengthening caregiver-infant bonding and securing infant survival.
|
[
"Neuroscience and Disorders of the Nervous System",
"The Human Mind and Its Complexity"
] |
W2009872566
|
Genomic characterisation of a lentogenic Newcastle disease virus strain HX01 isolated from sick pigs in China
|
This paper describes the complete genome sequence of HX01, an isolate of the Newcastle disease virus (NDV) collected from a swine disease outbreak. The genome is 15,186 nt long and consists of six genes in the order of 3'-NP-P-M-F-HN-L-5'. This genome has the same length as the old NDV genotypes (I-IV), whereas the new NDV genotypes (V-IX) are 15,192 nt long. Compared with the genomic sequences of the reference NDV strains, the HX01 genome is highly similar to the genome of other NDV strains. However, some unique features of the HN gene were found in HX01. HX01 possesses the motif (112)G-R-Q-G-R-L(117) at the fusion protein cleavage site, which is typical of lentogenic strains. Pathogenicity tests based on the mean death time and the intracerebral pathogenicity index also revealed the isolate's lentogenic character. Phylogenetic analysis based on the variable region of the F gene (nt 47-420) revealed that HX01 was clustered to genotype II within class II NDV. Genetically, HX01 has a high similarity with the La Sota vaccine strain based on the single gene or complete genomic but is far different from the prevalent genotype VIId NDV which circulates in fowls and waterfowls in mainland China.
|
[
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Integrative Biology: from Genes and Genomes to Systems",
"Immunity, Infection and Immunotherapy"
] |
10.1146/annurev-genet-112618-043527
|
Liquid–Liquid Phase Separation in Disease
|
We have made rapid progress in recent years in identifying the genetic causes of many human diseases. However, despite this recent progress, our mechanistic understanding of these diseases is often incomplete. This is a problem because it limits our ability to develop effective disease treatments. To overcome this limitation, we need new concepts to describe and comprehend the complex mechanisms underlying human diseases. Condensate formation by phase separation emerges as a new principle to explain the organization of living cells. In this review, we present emerging evidence that aberrant forms of condensates are associated with many human diseases, including cancer, neurodegeneration, and infectious diseases. We examine disease mechanisms driven by aberrant condensates, and we point out opportunities for therapeutic interventions. We conclude that phase separation provides a useful new framework to understand and fight some of the most severe human diseases.
|
[
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Cell Biology, Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration",
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases",
"Neuroscience and Disorders of the Nervous System"
] |
W2213095554
|
ANALYSES STATISTIQUE ET GEOSTATISTIQUE DE LA FRACTURATION EXTRAITE DE L’IMAGERIE ASAR ENVISAT DU SUD-EST DE LA CÔTE D’IVOIRE
|
The fracturing contributes incontestably to the formation of aquifer in crystalline and cristallophyllien bedrock. Its characterization is therefore inescapable for a better knowledge of fractured aquifers. The aim of this study is to characterize the fracturing of the southeast of Cote d'Ivoire through statistical and geostatistical methods from ASAR ENVISAT pictures. This fracturing map constitutes the important numerical support from which statistical and geostatistical processing are made. Fractures statistical analysis showed some heterogeneity of the fracturing.It also proved that most abundant fractures oriented (N120-130, N110-120, N150-160) are longest. The lengths of fractures are better adjusted to the power law while spacings of fractures are satisfactorily adjusted to the exponential law. Geostatistical analysis showed that the variograms of fracturing are better adjusted to exponential model. Global fracturing variogram and N-S family fracturing variogram are structured. They are characterized by a reach, a sill and a nugget effect. The fracturing density in accumulated lengths is therefore similar to a regionalized variable. The major fracturing variogram shows a pure nugget effect. The nugget effect is due to the combined result of micro-regionalization and measurement error.
|
[
"Mathematics",
"Earth System Science"
] |
W175984675
|
[The treatment of chronic polypous rhinosinusitis in the postoperative period with low doses of clarithromycin].
|
The aim of this work was to study efficacy and safety of long-term low-dose clarithromycin therapy of chronic polypous rhinosinusitis during 6 months after endoscopic polyposinusotomy. 112 patients aged 25-65 yr were randomized in groups 7 days after surgery. Those in group 1 (n=66) received topic corticosteroid treatment in combination with clarithromycin (250 mg/day for 3 mo). The use of clarithromycin significantly decreased the number of clinical symptoms and improved quality of life. CT examination showed significant reduction in the frequency of relapses, episodes of acute respiratory viral infections, and their bacterial complications. All these effects persisted for 3 mo after withdrawal of clarithromycin.
|
[
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases",
"Immunity, Infection and Immunotherapy"
] |
10.1111/j.1751-908X.2011.00105.x
|
Determination of Precise and Accurate <sup>51</sup>V/<sup>50</sup>V Isotope Ratios by Multi-Collector ICP-MS, Part 2: Isotopic Composition of Six Reference Materials plus the Allende Chondrite and Verification Tests
|
We present the first measurements of vanadium (V) stable isotopes for six reference materials - USGS PCC-1, BHVO-2, BCR-2, BIR-1a, GSP-2 and AGV-2 - plus the widely available carbonaceous chondrite Allende. We present standard addition and matrix spiking tests to assess the robustness and reproducibility of our data. Standard addition utilised an enriched 50V solution designated VISSOX (Vanadium Isotope Standard Solution OXford). We further assessed the veracity of the method by spiking collected sample matrices with the same amount of a V standard solution, whose isotopic composition was defined as 0‰. Standard addition and matrix spiking tests recorded no appreciable artificial isotope fractionation. We estimate that the best currently attainable long-term reproducibility of stable 51V/50V isotope measurements in complex matrices is 0. 15‰, which is in the same order as the reproducibility achievable with standard solutions. Finally, a large range of ∼ 1. 2‰ in stable V isotopic composition was documented, with ∼ 0. 5‰ of that variation in high temperature igneous materials alone. The range and resolving power of V stable isotopes, with respect to igneous material, compared favourably with the magnitude of fractionation reported for other non-traditional stable isotope systems, which bodes well for the utility of this new system.
|
[
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences",
"Earth System Science"
] |
10.1029/2006JD007977
|
New Parameterization Of Sulfuric Acid Ammonia Water Ternary Nucleation Rates At Tropospheric Conditions
|
[1] Recently, the classical theory of sulfuric acid-ammonia-water (H2SO4-NH3-H2O) nucleation was reinvestigated by including the effect of stable ammonium bisulfate formation into calculations. The predicted nucleation rates lowered by many orders of magnitude, bringing them close to agreement with the available experiments on H2SO4-NH3-H2O nucleation. However, because of complex thermodynamics involved, the theoretical calculations of nucleation rates are computationally demanding, and sometimes the theory breaks down at specific concentrations and temperatures. Here we present parameterized equations of ternary H2SO4-NH3-H2O nucleation rates, critical cluster sizes, and critical cluster compositions. Our parameterizations reduce the computing time of these values by a factor of 10 5 compared with the calculations with the full thermodynamic model. Also, our parameterizations provide reliable estimates for ternary nucleation rates in cases when the full theory fails in isolated points of the parameter space. The parameterized nucleation rates are accurate to one order of magnitude in nucleation rate. Because of their computational efficiency, our parameterizations are particularly suitable for large-scale models of atmosphere. They are valid for temperatures above 235 K, sulfuric acid concentrations 5 � 10 4 –10 9 cm � 3 , ammonia mixing ratios 0. 1–1000 ppt, relative humidities 5%–95%, and nucleation rates over 10 � 5 cm � 3 s � 1 . At these conditions, no significant nucleation occurs above 295 K.
|
[
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences",
"Earth System Science"
] |
10.1080/01411594.2010.548755
|
Investigation Of Magnetic Field Effect On Surface And Finite Site Free Energy In One Dimensional Ising Model Of Nanosystems
|
We investigate a one-dimensional (1-D) Ising model for finite-site systems. The finite-site free energy and the surface free energy are calculated via the transfer matrix method. We show that, at high magnetic fields, the surface free energy has an asymptotic limit. The absolute surface energy increases when the value of f (the ratio of magnetic field to nearest-neighbor interactions) increases, and for f ≥ 10 approaches a constant value. For the values of f ≥ 0. 2, the finite-site free energy also increases, but slowly. The thermodynamic limit in which physical properties approach the bulk value is also explored.
|
[
"Condensed Matter Physics",
"Mathematics"
] |
interreg_3810
|
Urban sustainable development SOLutions Valuing Entreprenership
|
The implementation of the United Nations ‘Sustainable Development Goals’ in urban areas is of crucial importance to make our cities sustainable, livable and resilient over the long term. Vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystems can bring a valuable contribution in designing innovative solutions that have a positive impact against the negative effects of climate change. To ensure potential entrepreneurs, especially young people, can turn ideas into actual businesses, an enabling ecosystem, supported by public authorities, is needed. U-SOLVE intends to enhance support to young entrepreneurs in urban areas with focus on the environment and sustainable development. The project will create experimental pathways for place-based strategies, suitable for the Mediterranean countries, where the entrepreneurial energy is oriented towards sustainable and integrated territorial development.
|
[
"Human Mobility, Environment, and Space",
"Individuals, Markets and Organisations",
"Environmental Biology, Ecology and Evolution"
] |
623134
|
Demonstration and commercialisation of the aorta-innovation
|
Alginor’s green innovation, AORTA, increases the utilisation ratio of seaweeds from approximately 15 and up to 100% without using formaldehyde and other harmful chemicals. The company’s harvesting method, Hypomar, interferes minimally with the seabed and surrounding marine life during harvesting. Combined, this leads to total utilisation of the raw material, zero waste and emissions, and a 12-product portfolio of established and novel high-quality ingredients, e.g. alginate, fucoidan, native cellulose and polyphenols, for sale to seven global market segments, including pharmaceutical and nutraceutical companies. The main objective of the DACOTA proposal is to demonstrate and commercialise the AORTA technology on an industrial scale, including the extraction and production of Alginor’s 12-product portfolio. This objective will be achieved by completing the two following intermediate objectives;
1) Completing designs for the API demonstrator biorefinery and demonstrator harvesting vessel, each with an annual capacity of 10,000 tonnes of wet raw material; and
2) the construction of the API demonstrator biorefinery and the construction/acquisition of a demonstrator harvesting vessel
Objective 1 will be completed during the grant part of the project and has a total CAPEX of €2,5 million, and includes first draft, complete construction drawings, equipment lists, subcontractors, overview of GMP requirements and necessary standards, and product data sheets.
Objective 2 will be completed during the equity part of the project and includes ordering equipment, installation and commissioning of equipment, demonstrator construction and market deployment. Objective 2 has a total CAPEX of €31.06 million, whereas €15 million is provided by the EIC, €5.57 million is provided by Alginor’s investors through private placements, and the remaining €10.49 million is provided by different loans.
Total CAPEX is €33.56 million.
|
[
"Products and Processes Engineering",
"Biotechnology and Biosystems Engineering"
] |
10.3390/rs11060677
|
Improving an Extreme Rainfall Detection System with GPM IMERG data
|
Many studies have shown a growing trend in terms of frequency and severity of extreme events. As never before, having tools capable to monitor the amount of rain that reaches the Earth’s surface has become a key point for the identification of areas potentially affected by floods. In order to guarantee an almost global spatial coverage, NASA Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) IMERG products proved to be the most appropriate source of information for precipitation retrievement by satellite. This study is aimed at defining the IMERG accuracy in representing extreme rainfall events for varying time aggregation intervals. This is performed by comparing the IMERG data with the rain gauge ones. The outcomes demonstrate that precipitation satellite data guarantee good results when the rainfall aggregation interval is equal to or greater than 12 h. More specifically, a 24-h aggregation interval ensures a probability of detection (defined as the number of hits divided by the total number of observed events) greater than 80%. The outcomes of this analysis supported the development of the updated version of the ITHACA Extreme Rainfall Detection System (ERDS: erds. ithacaweb. org). This system is now able to provide near real-time alerts about extreme rainfall events using a threshold methodology based on the mean annual precipitation.
|
[
"Earth System Science",
"Systems and Communication Engineering"
] |
10.1016/j.it.2015.10.006
|
The Multi-Modal Immune Pathogenesis of Atopic Eczema
|
Atopic eczema (AE) is one of the most common inflammatory diseases, often constituting a lifelong burden for afflicted individuals. Recent findings have provided new insights into the pathogenesis of AE, revealing contributions of genetics, skin microbiota, and both innate and adaptive immunity in disease onset and progression. We review these findings here, assembling contributing factors conceptually into four modules that can interact in various ways to ultimately lead to epidermal barrier impairment, unchecked type 2 immunity, and chronic disease. We present this modular framework as a basis for understanding the varied presentations of AE, and in this context we propose a diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm aimed at the precise stratification of AE patients and the implementation of individualized medicine in AE standard of care.
|
[
"Immunity, Infection and Immunotherapy",
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases"
] |
10.1016/j.tig.2019.02.003
|
A Snapshot on the Cis Chromatin Response to DNA Double-Strand Breaks
|
In eukaryotes, detection and repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) operate within chromatin, an incredibly complex structure that tightly packages and regulates DNA metabolism. Chromatin participates in the repair of these lesions at multiple steps, from detection to genomic sequence recovery and chromatin is itself extensively modified during the repair process. In recent years, new methodologies and dedicated techniques have expanded the experimental toolbox, opening up a new era granting the high-resolution analysis of chromatin modifications at annotated DSBs in a genome-wide manner. A complex picture is starting to emerge whereby chromatin is altered at various scales around DSBs, in a manner that relates to the repair pathway used, hence defining a ‘repair histone code’. Here, we review the recent advances regarding our knowledge of the chromatin landscape induced in cis around DSBs, with an emphasis on histone post-translational modifications and histone variants.
|
[
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Integrative Biology: from Genes and Genomes to Systems"
] |
10.1016/j.ceb.2017.06.004
|
Biomechanics of cell rearrangements in Drosophila
|
To acquire their adequate size and shape, living tissues grow and substantially deform as they develop. To do so, the cells making up the tissue can grow and deform as well, but they can also divide, intercalate and die. Among those cell behaviors, cell intercalation, also named cell rearrangement, is a major contributor to the morphogenesis of many cohesive tissues since it enables tissues to drastically deform as they develop while keeping their cohesiveness and avoiding extreme deformation of their cells. Here we review the mechanical principles and biological regulations at play during cell rearrangements in Drosophila tissues by first describing them in other cellular materials and by categorizing them. We then briefly discuss their quantifications and their interplay with other cell processes.
|
[
"Cell Biology, Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration",
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions"
] |
10.1186/1752-0509-5-111
|
Negative auto-regulation increases the input dynamic-range of the arabinose system of Escherichia coli
|
Abstract
Background
Gene regulation networks are made of recurring regulatory patterns, called network motifs. One of the most common network motifs is negative auto-regulation, in which a transcription factor represses its own production. Negative auto-regulation has several potential functions: it can shorten the response time (time to reach halfway to steady-state), stabilize expression against noise, and linearize the gene's input-output response curve. This latter function of negative auto-regulation, which increases the range of input signals over which downstream genes respond, has been studied by theory and synthetic gene circuits. Here we ask whether negative auto-regulation preserves this function also in the context of a natural system, where it is embedded within many additional interactions. To address this, we studied the negative auto-regulation motif in the arabinose utilization system of Escherichia coli, in which negative auto-regulation is part of a complex regulatory network. Results
We find that when negative auto-regulation is disrupted by placing the regulator araC under constitutive expression, the input dynamic range of the arabinose system is reduced by 10-fold. The apparent Hill coefficient of the induction curve changes from about n = 1 with negative auto-regulation, to about n = 2 when it is disrupted. We present a mathematical model that describes how negative auto-regulation can increase input dynamic-range, by coupling the transcription factor protein level to the input signal. Conclusions
Here we demonstrate that the negative auto-regulation motif in the native arabinose system of Escherichia coli increases the range of arabinose signals over which the system can respond. In this way, negative auto-regulation may help to increase the input dynamic-range while maintaining the specificity of cooperative regulatory systems. This function may contribute to explaining the common occurrence of negative auto-regulation in biological systems.
|
[
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Integrative Biology: from Genes and Genomes to Systems"
] |
10.1093/bioinformatics/bty341
|
High precision in protein contact prediction using fully convolutional neural networks and minimal sequence features
|
Motivation: In addition to substitution frequency data from protein sequence alignments, many stateof- the-art methods for contact prediction rely on additional sources of information, or features, of protein sequences in order to predict residue-residue contacts, such as solvent accessibility, predicted secondary structure, and scores from other contact prediction methods. It is unclear how much of this information is needed to achieve state-of-the-art results. Here, we show that using deep neural network models, simple alignment statistics contain sufficient information to achieve state-of-the-art precision. Our prediction method, DeepCov, uses fully convolutional neural networks operating on amino-acid pair frequency or covariance data derived directly fromsequence alignments, without using global statisticalmethods such as sparse inverse covariance or pseudolikelihood estimation. Results: Comparisons against CCMpred and MetaPSICOV2 show that using pairwise covariance data calculated from raw alignments as input allows us to match or exceed the performance of both of these methods. Almost all of the achieved precision is obtained when considering relatively local windows (around 15 residues) around any member of a given residue pairing; larger window sizes have comparable performance. Assessment on a set of shallow sequence alignments (fewer than 160 effective sequences) indicates that the new method is substantially more precise than CCMpred and MetaPSICOV2 in this regime, suggesting that improved precision is attainable on smaller sequence families. Overall, the performance of DeepCov is competitive with the state of the art, and our results demonstrate that global models, which employ features from all parts of the input alignment when predicting individual contacts, are not strictly needed in order to attain precise contact predictions.
|
[
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Computer Science and Informatics"
] |
10.1016/j.crma.2017.11.016
|
A note on weighted bounds for rough singular integrals
|
We show that the L2(w) operator norm of the composition M∘TΩ, where M is the maximal operator and TΩ is a rough homogeneous singular integral with angular part Ω∈L∞(Sn−1), depends quadratically on [w]A2, and that this dependence is sharp.
|
[
"Mathematics"
] |
Q4424492
|
Apoyo al mantenimiento de la actividad económica de la empresa ZAKŁAD SERVICE BUDOWLANY Wojtulewicz MAREK en una situación de disminución significativa del volumen de negocios debido a la COVID-19.
|
Apoyo al mantenimiento de la actividad económica de la empresa ZAKŁAD SERVICE BUDOWLANY Wojtulewicz MAREK en una situación de disminución significativa del volumen de negocios debido a la COVID-19.
|
[
"Individuals, Markets and Organisations"
] |
10.1111/febs.13907
|
Transglutaminase 2 strongly binds to an extracellular matrix component other than fibronectin via its second C-terminal beta-barrel domain
|
Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is a ubiquitous crosslinking enzyme present in both intra- and extracellular in many cell types and tissues. TG2 is upregulated upon cellular stress or injury, and extracellular TG2 is implicated in several human diseases, including celiac disease. However, incomplete knowledge about extracellular TG2 biology limits our understanding of how TG2 is involved in disease. Here, we demonstrate that binding of TG2 to the ECM of small intestinal tissue sections is the sum of binding to fibronectin (FN) via its N-terminal domain and binding to an abundant, novel extracellular matrix (ECM) interaction partner via its second C-terminal beta-barrel domain. The latter interaction dominates and gives rise to the characteristic reticular staining pattern of extracellular TG2. Of relevance for celiac disease, we show that self-multimerized TG2 does not efficiently deposit in the intestinal ECM, and TG2 complexes may thus become free-floating antigens in tissues in contrast to monomeric TG2 that would readily become sequestered by the ECM. Upon injection of monoclonal antibody targeting the FN-binding site, we observe antibody deposition on extracellular TG2 in cryosections, suggesting that the FN-binding site of TG2 is exposed in vivo. This would explain how and why celiac autoantibodies recognizing the FN-binding site of TG2 can bind TG2 in vitro, in situ as well as in vivo.
|
[
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Cell Biology, Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration",
"Physiology in Health, Disease and Ageing"
] |
2714369
|
Endosomal control of local protein synthesis in axons
|
Neurons are morphologically complex cells that rely on highly compartmentalized signaling to coordinate cellular functions. The endocytic pathway is a crucial trafficking route by which neurons integrate, spatially process and transfer information. Endosomal trafficking in axons and dendrites ensures that required molecules and signaling complexes are present where and when they are functionally needed thus fulfilling essential roles in neuronal physiology. Our recent work has revealed the presence of mRNAs and ribosomes on endosomes in axons, raising the exciting possibility that these motile organelles also directly modulate the local proteome by controlling de novo protein synthesis. However, the mechanisms by which endosomes regulate mRNA translation in neurons is unknown. Moreover, the roles of endosome-mediated control of protein synthesis in neuronal development and function have not been investigated. Here, we propose to bridge this knowledge gap by elucidating links between the endocytic pathway and local protein synthesis in neurons, focusing on their functional relationship in axons. By combining genome-wide analysis, genetic tools, state-of-the-art imaging techniques and the use of Xenopus and mouse vertebrate models, we plan to address the following fundamental questions: (i) What are the mRNAs associated with endosomes and does endosomal trafficking regulate their axonal localization? (ii) Does the endocytic pathway mediate the selective translation of axonal mRNAs in response to extracellular factors? (iii) What are the endosome-associated RNA-binding proteins, and what is the effect of perturbing these associations on axonal development and maintenance in vivo? (iv) Does impaired endosomal regulation of axonal mRNA localization and translation cause axonopathies? Answering these questions will set strong foundations for this new area of research and can provide a new angle in our comprehension of neuropathies in need of novel therapeutic strategies.
|
[
"Neuroscience and Disorders of the Nervous System",
"Cell Biology, Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration"
] |
10.1021/acs.chemmater.7b00128
|
Dynamic Coordination Chemistry Enables Free Directional Printing of Biopolymer Hydrogel
|
Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a promising technology to develop customized biomaterials in regenerative medicine. However, for the majority of printable biomaterials (bioinks) there is always a compromise between excellent printability of fluids and good mechanical properties of solids. Three-dimensional printing of soft materials based on the transition from a fluid to gel state is challenging because of the difficulties to control such transition as well as to maintain uniform conditions three-dimensionally. To solve these challenges, a facile chemical strategy for the development of a novel hydrogel bioink with shear-thinning and self-healing properties based on dynamic metal-ligand coordination bonds is presented. The noncovalent cross-linking allows easy extrusion of the bioink from a reservoir without changing of its bulk mechanical properties. The soft hydrogel can avoid deformation and collapse using omnidirectional embedding of the printable hydrogel into a support gel bath sharing the same cross-linking chemistry. After combination with photoinitiated covalent cross-linking, it enables manufacturing of hydrogel structures with complex shapes and precise location of chemically attached ligands. Living cells can be entrapped in the new printable hydrogel and survive the following in situ photo-cross-linking. The presented printable hydrogel material expands the existing tool-box of bioinks for generation of in vitro 3D tissue-like structures and direct in vivo 3D printing.
|
[
"Materials Engineering",
"Cell Biology, Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration",
"Synthetic Chemistry and Materials",
"Products and Processes Engineering"
] |
175790
|
Multi-Conceptual design of fire barrier: a systemic approach
|
The development of science and technology provides the availability of sophisticated products but concurrently, increases the use of combustible materials, in particular organic materials. Those materials are easily flammable and must be flame retarded to make them safer. In case of fire, people must be protected by materials confining and stopping fire. It is one of the goals of the FireBar-Concept project to design materials and assembly of materials exhibiting low flammability, protecting substrates and limiting fire spread.
The objective of FireBar-Concept is to make a fire barrier formed at the right time, at the right location and reacting accordingly against thermal constraint (fire scenario). This fire barrier can be developed in several ways according to the chemical nature of the material and/or of its formulation:
- Heat barrier formed by inherently flame retarded materials (e.g. mineral fibers, ceramic …) and exhibiting low thermal conductivity (note the assembly of those materials can also provide low thermal conductivity controlling porosity and its distribution)
- Evolution of reactive radicals poisoning the flame and forming a protective ‘umbrella’ avoiding the combustion of the material
- Additives promoting charring of the materials and forming an expanding carbonaceous protective coating or barrier (intumescence)
- Additives forming a physical barrier limiting mass transfer of the degradation products to the flame
The FireBar-Concept project is multidisciplinary and it requires expertise in material science, chemical engineering, chemistry, thermal science and physics. The approach is to make 5 actions linked together by transverse developments (3) according to this scheme: (i) fundamentals of fire barrier, (ii) multi-material and combination of concepts, (iii) modeling and numerical simulation, (iv) design and development of experimental protocols and (v) optimization of the systems.
|
[
"Materials Engineering",
"Synthetic Chemistry and Materials",
"Products and Processes Engineering"
] |
220619
|
Safe maritime operations under extreme conditions: the arctic case
|
Maritime traffic in the Arctic region is rapidly increasing. But there has been a huge increase in marine casualties in this region due to its extremely harsh environment and the severe safety challenges for ships’ navigation teams.
SEDNA will develop an innovative and integrated risk-based approach to safe Arctic navigation, ship design and operation, to enable European maritime interests to confidently fully embrace the Arctic’s significant and growing shipping opportunities, while safeguarding its natural environment.
More specifically SEDNA will create and demonstrate the improved safety outcomes of:
1. The Safe Arctic Bridge, a human-centered operational environment for the ice-going ship bridge using augmented reality technology to provide improved situational awareness and decision making whilst enabling integration with new key information layers developed by the project using innovative big data management techniques.
2. Integrated dynamic meteorological and oceanographic data with real time ship monitoring and ice movement predictions to provide reliable decision making for safe and efficient Arctic voyage optimisation.
3. Anti-icing engineering solutions, using nature inspired approaches, to prevent ice formation on vessels, eliminating ice as a ship stability and working-environment hazard.
4. Risk-based design framework to ensure that vessel design is connected to all key hazards of ship operation in the Arctic. The holistic treatment of the ship design, operating regime and environment will improve safety and minimise impact over the entire life cycle.
5. A CEN Workshop Agreement on a process to systematically address safety during bunkering of methanol as a marine fuel along with safety zone guidance for three bunkering concepts: Truck to Ship, Shore to Ship and Ship to Ship.
To maximise impact, SEDNA will provide formal inputs to international regulatory regimes regarding regulation adaptation requirements for its safety solutions.
|
[
"Earth System Science",
"Products and Processes Engineering",
"Systems and Communication Engineering",
"Materials Engineering"
] |
10.1080/19336918.2016.1173800
|
Single Cell Rigidity Sensing A Complex Relationship Between Focal Adhesion Dynamics And Large Scale Actin Cytoskeleton Remodeling
|
Many physiological and pathological processes involve tissue cells sensing the rigidity of their environment. In general, tissue cells have been shown to react to the stiffness of their environment by regulating their level of contractility, and in turn applying traction forces on their environment to probe it. This mechanosensitive process can direct early cell adhesion, cell migration and even cell differentiation. These processes require the integration of signals over time and multiple length scales. Multiple strategies have been developed to understand force- and rigidity-sensing mechanisms and much effort has been concentrated on the study of cell adhesion complexes, such as focal adhesions, and cell cytoskeletons. Here, we review the major biophysical methods used for measuring cell-traction forces as well as the mechanosensitive processes that drive cellular responses to matrix rigidity on 2-dimensional substrates.
|
[
"Cell Biology, Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration",
"Condensed Matter Physics",
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences"
] |
10.1111/1574-6976.12059
|
Chlamydial Metabolism Revisited Interspecies Metabolic Variability And Developmental Stage Specific Physiologic Activities
|
Chlamydiae are a group of obligate intracellular bacteria comprising important human and animal pathogens as well as symbionts of ubiquitous protists. They are characterized by a developmental cycle including two main morphologically and physiologically distinct stages, the replicating reticulate body and the infectious nondividing elementary body. In this review, we reconstruct the history of studies that have led to our current perception of chlamydial physiology, focusing on their energy and central carbon metabolism. We then compare the metabolic capabilities of pathogenic and environmental chlamydiae highlighting interspecies variability among the metabolically more flexible environmental strains. We discuss recent findings suggesting that chlamydiae may not live as energy parasites throughout the developmental cycle and that elementary bodies are not metabolically inert but exhibit metabolic activity under appropriate axenic conditions. The observed host-free metabolic activity of elementary bodies may reflect adequate recapitulation of the intracellular environment, but there is evidence that this activity is biologically relevant and required for extracellular survival and maintenance of infectivity. The recent discoveries call for a reconsideration of chlamydial metabolism and future in-depth analyses to better understand how species- and stage-specific differences in chlamydial physiology may affect virulence, tissue tropism, and host adaptation.
|
[
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Integrative Biology: from Genes and Genomes to Systems",
"Immunity, Infection and Immunotherapy"
] |
GB 0000481 W
|
PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF TERT-BUTYL (E)-(6-[2- [4-(4-FLUOROPHENYL) -6-ISOPROPYL-2-[ METHYL (METHYLSULFONYL) AMINO] PYRIMIDIN-5-YL] VINYL](4R, 6S)-2,2-DIMETHYL [1,3]DIOXAN-4-YL) ACETATE
|
The invention concerns a process for the manufacture of <u>tert</u>-butyl (E)-(6-[2- 4-(4-fluorophenyl) -6-isopropyl-2-[ methyl (met hylsulfonyl) amino] pyrimidin-5-yl] vinyl}-(4R, 6S)-2,2-dimethyl [1,3-dioxan-4-yl) acetate, the novel starting material used in said process and the use of the process in the manufacture of a pharmaceutical.
|
[
"Synthetic Chemistry and Materials",
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences",
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases"
] |
10.1083/jcb.201205149
|
Nucleotide excision repair-initiating proteins bind to oxidative DNA lesions in vivo
|
Base excision repair (BER) is the main repair pathway to eliminate abundant oxidative DNA lesions such as 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine. Recent data suggest that the key transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair factor (TC-NER) Cockayne syndrome group B (CSB) and the global genome NER-initiating factor XPC are implicated in the protection of cells against oxidative DNA damages. Our novel live-cell imaging approach revealed a strong and very rapid recruitment of XPC an CSB to sites of oxidative DNA lesions in living cells. The absence of detectable accumulation of downstrea NER factors at the site of local oxidative DNA damage provide the first in vivo indication of the involvement of CSB and XPC in the repair of oxidative DNA lesions independent of the remainder of the NER reaction. Interestingly, CSB exhibited different and transcription-dependent kinetics in the two compartments studied (nucleolus and nucleoplasm), suggesting a direct transcription-dependent involvement of CSB in the repair of oxidative lesions associated with different RNA polymerases but not involving other NER proteins.
|
[
"Cell Biology, Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration",
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions"
] |
10.1073/pnas.1406797111
|
Development of an antibody-based, modular biosensor for <sup>129</sup>Xe NMR molecular imaging of cells at nanomolar concentrations
|
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is seriously limited when aiming for visualization of targeted contrast agents. Images are reconstructed from the weak diamagnetic properties of the sample and require an abundant molecule like water as the reporter. Micromolar to millimolar concentrations of conventional contrast agents are needed to generate image contrast, thus excluding many molecular markers as potential targets. To address this limitation, we developed and characterized a functional xenon NMR biosensor that can identify a specific cell surface marker by targeted 129Xe MRI. Cells expressing the cell surface protein CD14 can be spatially distinguished from control cells with incorporation of as little as 20 nM of the xenon MRI readout unit, cryptophane-A. Cryptophane-A serves as a chemical host for hyperpolarized nuclei and facilitates the sensitivity enhancement achieved by xenon MRI. Although this paper describes the application of a CD14-specific biosensor, the construct has been designed in a versatile, modular fashion. This allows for quick and easy adaptation of the biosensor to any cell surface target for which there is a specific antibody. In addition, the modular design facilitates the creation of a multifunctional probe that incorporates readout modules for different detection methods, such as fluorescence, to complement the primary MRI readout. This modular antibody-based approach not only offers a practical technique with which to screen targets, but one which can be readily applied as the xenon MRI field moves closer to molecular imaging applications in vivo.
|
[
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences",
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases"
] |
10.1190/segam2018-2998342.1
|
Marchenko method for monitoring induced seismicity with virtual receivers
|
The Marchenko method can be used to retrieve Green's functions (including multiple scattering) between virtual sources in the subsurface and physical receivers at the surface or virtual receivers in the subsurface. Here we discuss a variant of the Marchenko method which retrieves the response between physical sources and virtual receivers in the subsurface. We discuss the theory and illustrate it with numerical examples. The main application of the proposed method is monitoring of induced seismicity with virtual receivers in the subsurface.
|
[
"Mathematics",
"Earth System Science"
] |
185605
|
Empowering expectations for health and disease: development of a pioneering training tool
|
Expectations about health and disease are known to directly affect health and treatment outcomes. In the EXPECT-HEALTH project, my research group is unravelling the central mechanisms of how expectations affect immune and endocrine responses and related health outcomes, through the use of pioneering multidisciplinary methods in healthy and clinical populations. Ultimate goal of gaining this knowledge is to apply it in innovative therapeutic interventions.
In order to reach this goal, an innovative multimodal training tool based on the dual expectancy learning approach (including implicit and explicit processes) proposed in the EXPECT-HEAL-TH project will be developed and brought to the pre-demonstration phase, making optimal use of new technology including implicit and explicit methods in the area of eHealth and serious gaming. I propose this proof of concept, termed TRAIN-HEAL-TH, to facilitate the design and development process in 4 stages: 1) development of innovative training tools, 2) usability and functionality testing of multimodal training tools, 3) pilot feasibility testing of multimodal training tools in relevant target populations and improving training tools based on pilot testing, and 4) evaluation of potential commercialisation opportunities.
This interdisciplinary, cross-boundary project aims to design a training tool that can be applied in healthy as well as clinical populations. The development process, including potential professional commercialisation opportunities, will be facilitated and evaluated in this study using state of the art knowledge within the field of eHealth and serious gaming. The project will result in a multimodal training tool that may be tailored to individual target populations for disease prevention and improvement of health outcomes. For the first time, the theoretical underpinnings of EXPECT-HEAL-TH are translated into innovative therapeutic tools that have potential for a broad range of societal and economic benefits.
|
[
"Physiology in Health, Disease and Ageing",
"Immunity, Infection and Immunotherapy",
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases"
] |
10.1088/1367-2630/17/9/093045
|
Unphysical And Physical Solutions In Many Body Theories From Weak To Strong Correlation
|
Many-body theory is largely based on self-consistent equations that are constructed in terms of the physical quantity of interest itself, for example the density. Therefore, the calculation of important properties such as total energies or photoemission spectra requires the solution of nonlinear equations that have unphysical and physical solutions. In this work we show in which circumstances one runs into an unphysical solution, and we indicate how one can overcome this problem. Moreover, we solve the puzzle of when and why the interacting Green's function does not unambiguously determine the underlying system, given in terms of its potential, or non-interacting Green's function. Our results are general since they originate from the fundamental structure of the equations. The absorption spectrum of lithium fluoride is shown as one illustration, and observations in the literature for some widely used models are explained by our approach. Our findings apply to both the weak and strong-correlation regimes. For the strong-correlation regime we show that one cannot use the expressions that are obtained from standard perturbation theory, and we suggest a different approach that is exact in the limit of strong interaction.
|
[
"Condensed Matter Physics",
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences",
"Mathematics"
] |
10.1080/23743603.2020.1756242
|
Identifying The Domains Of Ideological Similarities And Differences In Attitudes
|
Liberals and conservatives disagree, but are there some domains where we are more or less likely to observe ideological differences? To map the types of attitudes where we may be more or less likel. . .
|
[
"The Social World and Its Interactions",
"The Human Mind and Its Complexity"
] |
10.1177/0959683616650268
|
Between China And South Asia A Middle Asian Corridor Of Crop Dispersal And Agricultural Innovation In The Bronze Age
|
The period from the late third millennium BC to the start of the first millennium AD witnesses the first steps towards food globalization in which a significant number of important crops and animals, independently domesticated within China, India, Africa and West Asia, traversed Central Asia greatly increasing Eurasian agricultural diversity. This paper utilizes an archaeobotanical database (AsCAD), to explore evidence for these crop translocations along southern and northern routes of interaction between east and west. To begin, crop translocations from the Near East across India and Central Asia are examined for wheat (Triticum aestivum) and barley (Hordeum vulgare) from the eighth to the second millennia BC when they reach China. The case of pulses and flax (Linum usitatissimum) that only complete this journey in Han times (206 BC–AD 220), often never fully adopted, is also addressed. The discussion then turns to the Chinese millets, Panicum miliaceum and Setaria italica, peaches (Amygdalus persica) and apricots (Armeniaca vulgaris), tracing their movement from the fifth millennium to the second millennium BC when the Panicum miliaceum reaches Europe and Setaria italica Northern India, with peaches and apricots present in Kashmir and Swat. Finally, the translocation of japonica rice from China to India that gave rise to indica rice is considered, possibly dating to the second millennium BC. The routes these crops travelled include those to the north via the Inner Asia Mountain Corridor, across Middle Asia, where there is good evidence for wheat, barley and the Chinese millets. The case for japonica rice, apricots and peaches is less clear, and the northern route is contrasted with that through northeast India, Tibet and west China. Not all these journeys were synchronous, and this paper highlights the selective long-distance transport of crops as an alternative to demic-diffusion of farmers with a defined crop package.
|
[
"The Study of the Human Past",
"Environmental Biology, Ecology and Evolution"
] |
10.1021/acs.est.6b00789
|
Surface Partitioning in Organic-Inorganic Mixtures Contributes to the Size-Dependence of the Phase-State of Atmospheric Nanoparticles
|
Atmospheric particulate matter is one of the main factors governing the Earth's radiative budget, but its exact effects on the global climate are still uncertain. Knowledge on the molecular-scale surface phenomena as well as interactions between atmospheric organic and inorganic compounds is necessary for understanding the role of airborne nanoparticles in the Earth system. In this work, surface composition of aqueous model systems containing succinic acid and sodium chloride or ammonium sulfate is determined using a novel approach combining X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, surface tension measurements and thermodynamic modeling. It is shown that succinic acid molecules are accumulated in the surface, yielding a 10-fold surface concentration as compared with the bulk for saturated succinic acid solutions. Inorganic salts further enhance this enrichment due to competition for hydration in the bulk. The surface compositions for various mixtures are parametrized to yield generalizable results and used to explain changes in surface tension. The enhanced surface partitioning implies an increased maximum solubility of organic compounds in atmospheric nanoparticles. The results can explain observations of size-dependent phase-state of atmospheric nanoparticles, suggesting that these particles can display drastically different behavior than predicted by bulk properties only.
|
[
"Earth System Science",
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences",
"Condensed Matter Physics"
] |
10.1016/j.compchemeng.2016.03.023
|
Graphical processing unit (GPU) acceleration for numerical solution of population balance models using high resolution finite volume algorithm
|
Population balance modeling is a widely used approach to describe crystallization processes. It can be extended to multivariate cases where more internal coordinates i. e. , particle properties such as multiple characteristic sizes, composition, purity, etc. can be used. The current study presents highly efficient fully discretized parallel implementation of the high resolution finite volume technique implemented on graphical processing units (GPUs) for the solution of single- and multi-dimensional population balance models (PBMs). The proposed GPU-PBM is implemented using CUDA C++ code for GPU calculations and provides a generic Matlab interface for easy application for scientific computing. The case studies demonstrate that the code running on the GPU is between 2–40 times faster than the compiled C++ code and 50–250 times faster than the standard MatLab implementation. This significant improvement in computational time enables the application of model-based control approaches in real time even in case of multidimensional population balance models.
|
[
"Computer Science and Informatics",
"Products and Processes Engineering",
"Mathematics"
] |
10.1007/978-3-319-75810-7_6
|
Bottom Up Fabrication Of Atomically Precise Graphene Nanoribbons
|
Graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) make up an extremely interesting class of materials. On the one hand GNRs share many of the superlative properties of graphene, while on the other hand they display an exceptional degree of tunability of their optoelectronic properties. The presence or absence of correlated low-dimensional magnetism, or of a widely tunable band gap, is determined by the boundary conditions imposed by the width, crystallographic symmetry and edge structure of the nanoribbons. In combination with additional controllable parameters like the presence of heteroatoms, tailored strain, or the formation of heterostructures, the possibilities to shape the electronic properties of GNRs according to our needs are fantastic. However, to really benefit from that tunability and harness the opportunities offered by GNRs, atomic precision is strictly required in their synthesis. This can be achieved through an on-surface synthesis approach, in which one lets appropriately designed precursor molecules to react in a selective way that ends up forming GNRs. In this chapter we review the structure-property relations inherent to GNRs, the synthesis approach and the ways in which the varied properties of the resulting ribbons have been probed, finalizing with selected examples of demonstrated GNR applications.
|
[
"Condensed Matter Physics",
"Materials Engineering"
] |
DE 2004002842 W
|
MODULAR ELEMENT SYSTEM, MODULAR ELEMENTS OF A SYSTEM OF THIS TYPE AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING FRAMED PLANAR ELEMENTS FOR SUSPENDED FAÇADES, FAÇADE CLADDING, GLASS ROOFS, CONSERVATORIES. NOISE BARRIERS, EXHIBITION CONSTRUCTIONS, CARPORTS OR SIMILAR
|
The invention relates to a modular element system comprising post sections (70), retaining sections (16) and framed planar elements (20, 22), said retaining sections being square hollow sections with a rectangular cross-section and cavities (56) for receiving retaining elements (54), which can be used to fix the framed planar elements (20, 22) to the retaining sections. In a preferred embodiment, the respective post sections are configured from a number of sectional strips, have a cavity (82) with a U-shaped cross-section and a chamber (80) with a rectangular cross-section. The system is also provided with intermediate sections (84) comprising a respective cavity (44) with an essentially U-shaped cross-section. The U-shaped cross-sectional cavity (82) of the post sections is configured to receive the intermediate sections (84) and the U-shaped cross-sectional cavity of the intermediate sections is configured to receive the retaining sections (16).
|
[
"Products and Processes Engineering",
"Materials Engineering"
] |
W2124300950
|
Ordination as a tool to characterize soil particle size distribution, applied to an elevation gradient at the north slope of the Middle Kunlun Mountains
|
article i nfo Soil particle-size distribution (PSD) is one of the most fundamental physical attributes of soil due to its strong influence on other soil properties related to water movement, productivity, and soil erosion. Characterizing variation of PSD in soils is an important issue in environmental research. Using ordination methods to characterize particle size distributions (PSDs) on a small-scale is very limited. In this paper, we selected the Cele River Basin on the north slope of the Middle Kunlun Mountains as a study area and investigated vegetation and soil conditions from 1960 to 4070 m a.s.l. Soil particle-size distributions obtained by laser diffractometry were used as a source data matrix. The Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) ordination was applied to analyse the variation characteristics of PSDs and the relationships between PSDs and environmental factors. Moreover, single fractal dimensions were calculated to support the interpretation of the ordination results. Our results indicate that a differentiation of 16 particle fractions can sufficiently characterize the PSDs in CCA biplots. Elevation has the greatest effect on PSDs: the soil fine fractions increase gradually with increasing elevation. In addition, soil pH, water and total salt content are significantly correlated with PSDs. CCA ordination biplots show that soil and vegetation patterns correspond with one another, indicating a tight link between soil PSDs and plant communities on a small scale in arid regions. The results of fractal dimensions analysis were rather similar to CCA ordination results, but they yielded less detailed information about PSDs. Our study shows that ordination methods can be beneficially used in research into PSDs and, combined with fractal measures, can provide comprehensive information about PSDs.
|
[
"Earth System Science",
"Environmental Biology, Ecology and Evolution"
] |
10.1088/0022-3727/44/46/464009
|
Atomic Magnetism Revealed By Spin Resolved Scanning Tunnelling Spectroscopy
|
This review focuses on recent advances in the magnetic imaging of atoms adsorbed on a nonmagnetic solid surface (adatoms) by means of spin-resolved scanning tunnelling spectroscopy (SP-STS). Magnetic field dependent spectroscopy using magnetically stable spin-polarized tips has been pushed to enable magnetometry on the single atomic-spin limit. We give a detailed review of the technique for the example of Co adatoms on Pt(1 1 1). We discuss the issues concerning the basic magnetic properties of individual adatoms as well as concerning their substrate mediated interactions that have been addressed.
|
[
"Condensed Matter Physics",
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences"
] |
10.1109/SEAMS.2017.15
|
Hadoop Benchmark Rapid Prototyping And Evaluation Of Self Adaptive Behaviors In Hadoop Clusters
|
Optimizing Hadoop executions has attracted a lot of research contributions in particular in the domain of self-adaptive software systems. However, these research efforts are often hindered by the complexity of Hadoop operation and the difficulty to reproduce experimental evaluations that makes it hard to compare different approaches to one another. To address this limitation, we propose a research acceleration platform for rapid prototyping and evaluation of self-adaptive behavior in Hadoop clusters. Essentially, it provides automated approach to provision reproducible Hadoop environments and execute acknowledged benchmarks. It is based on the state-of-the-art container technology that supports both distributed configurations as well as standalone single-host setups. We demonstrate the approach on a complete implementation of a concrete Hadoop self-adaptive case study. The artifact is available at: https://github. com/Spirals-Team/ hadoop-benchmark/raw/SEAMS17/artifact. zip.
|
[
"Computer Science and Informatics",
"Systems and Communication Engineering"
] |
10.1038/s41598-019-42825-3
|
Interaction of RNA viruses of the natural virome with the African malaria vector, Anopheles coluzzii
|
Mosquitoes are colonized by a little-studied natural virome. Like the bacterial microbiome, the virome also probably influences the biology and immunity of mosquito vector populations, but tractable experimental models are lacking. We recently discovered two novel viruses in the virome of wild Anopheles and in colonies of the malaria vector Anopheles coluzzii: Anopheles C virus and Anopheles cypovirus. Here, we describe biological interactions between these two viruses and An. coluzzii mosquitoes. Viral abundance varies reproducibly during mosquito development. DNA forms of these viruses were not detected, and thus viral persistence is likely based on vertical transmission of RNA genomes. At least Anopheles C virus is vertically transmitted by an intraembryonic route. Relative abundance of the two viruses is inversely correlated in individual mosquitoes. One possible mechanism for this could be interactions with host immunity, and functional genomic analysis indicated differential influence of at least the Toll and JAK/STAT immune signaling pathways upon the viruses. The nonrandom distributions and interactions with host immunity suggest that these and other members of the natural virome may constitute a source of unrecognized heterogeneity in mosquito vector populations.
|
[
"Immunity, Infection and Immunotherapy",
"Environmental Biology, Ecology and Evolution"
] |
10.1002/adma.201804792
|
Understanding Detrimental and Beneficial Grain Boundary Effects in Halide Perovskites
|
Grain boundaries play a key role in the performance of thin-film optoelectronic devices and yet their effect in halide perovskite materials is still not understood. The biggest factor limiting progress is the inability to identify grain boundaries. Noncrystallographic techniques can misidentify grain boundaries, leading to conflicting literature reports about their influence; however, the gold standard – electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) – destroys halide perovskite thin films. Here, this problem is solved by using a solid-state EBSD detector with 6000 times higher sensitivity than the traditional phosphor screen and camera. Correlating true grain size with photoluminescence lifetime, carrier diffusion length, and mobility shows that grain boundaries are not benign but have a recombination velocity of 1670 cm s−1, comparable to that of crystalline silicon. Amorphous grain boundaries are also observed that give rise to locally brighter photoluminescence intensity and longer lifetimes. This anomalous grain boundary character offers a possible explanation for the mysteriously long lifetime and record efficiency achieved in small grain halide perovskite thin films. It also suggests a new approach for passivating grain boundaries, independent of surface passivation, to lead to even better performance in optoelectronic devices.
|
[
"Condensed Matter Physics",
"Materials Engineering",
"Synthetic Chemistry and Materials"
] |
US 2005/0025544 W
|
INSPECTION SYSTEM OF STRUCTURES AND EQUIPMENT AND RELATED METHOD THEREOF
|
An inspection system and method for use in conjunction with a movably mounted platform to perform inspections of a generally upright standing structures or underground/subsurface structure. In order to perform these inspections, a technician or user can mount an interface member and the detector on the platform and/or interface member. The platform can be moved along the length of the structure while the inspector/detector module captures data regarding the structure. This data can be transmitted to a destination where it can be recorded and/or analyzed by the technician or given user. A given destination(s) may be local such as at the structure or proximal to the structure, or may be remote from the structure such as short to long distance communication. A controller/processor (e.g., computer program product) is configured having a number of crack or flaw detection algorithms for assessing the status of such cracks or flaws on the structure.
|
[
"Products and Processes Engineering",
"Systems and Communication Engineering"
] |
10.1101/lm.2167511
|
Contributions of area Te2 to rat recognition memory
|
Ablations and local intracerebral infusions were used to determine the role of rat temporal association cortex (area Te2) in object recognition memory, so that this role might be compared with that of the adjacent perirhinal cortex (PRH). Bilateral lesions of Te2 impaired recognition memory measured by preferential exploration of a novel rather than a familiar object at delays ≥20 min but not after a 5-min delay. Local infusion bilaterally into Te2 of (1) CNQX to block AMPA/kainate receptors or (2) lidocaine to block axonal transmission or (3) AP5, an NMDA receptor antagonist, impaired recognition memory after a 24-h but not a 20-min delay. In PRH all these manipulations impair recognition memory after a 20-min as well as a 24-h delay. UBP302, a GluK1 kainate receptor antagonist, impaired recognition memory after a 24-h but not a 20-min delay, contrasting with its action in PRH where it impairs only shorter-term (20 min) recognition memory. Also in contrast to PRH, infusion of the muscarinic receptor antagonist scopolamine was without effect. The Te2 impairments could not readily be ascribed to perceptual deficits. Hence, Te2 is essential for object recognition memory at delays >5 or 20 min. Thus, at long delays both area Te2 and PRH are necessary for object recognition memory.
|
[
"Neuroscience and Disorders of the Nervous System"
] |
EP 20855309 A
|
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETECTING FAULT-INDUCING CLIENT USING FAULT-CORRESPONDING EDGE SERVER GROUPING
|
Provided is a client terminal access control method, and the method includes: allocating a communication process of a first client group comprising a plurality of client terminals to an edge server; when a failure occurs in an operation of the edge server, allocating a communication process of a second client group comprising at least one client terminal belonging to the first client group to a failure-handling edge server; and determining whether a failure occurs in an operation of the failure-handling edge serve.
|
[
"Systems and Communication Engineering",
"Computer Science and Informatics"
] |
10.1074/mcp.O115.056515
|
Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues (FFPE) as a robust source for the profiling of native and protease-generated protein amino termini
|
Dysregulated proteolysis represents a hallmark of numerous diseases. In recent years, increasing number of studies has begun looking at the protein termini in hope to unveil the physiological and pathological functions of proteases in clinical research. However, the availability of cryopreserved tissue specimens is often limited. Alternatively, formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues offer an invaluable resource for clinical research. Pathologically relevant tissues are often stored as FFPE, which represent the most abundant resource of archived human specimens. In this study, we established a robust workflow to investigate native and protease-generated protein N termini from FFPE specimens. We demonstrate comparable N-terminomes of cryopreserved and formalin-fixed tissue, thereby showing that formalin fixation/paraffin embedment does not proteolytically damage proteins. Accordingly, FFPE specimens are fully amenable to N-terminal analysis. Moreover, we demonstrate feasibility of FFPE-degradomics in a quantitative N-terminomic study of FFPE liver specimens from cathepsin L deficient or wild-type mice. Using a machine learning approach in combination with the previously determined cathepsin L specificity, we successfully identify a number of potential cathepsin L cleavage sites. Our study establishes FFPE specimens as a valuable alternative to cryopreserved tissues for degradomic studies.
|
[
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Integrative Biology: from Genes and Genomes to Systems",
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases"
] |
W4312195584
|
Morphologic and genetic characterization of<i>Pterygodermatites</i>(<i>Mesopectines</i>)<i>valladaresi</i>n. sp. (Nematoda, Rictulariidae), a parasite of the mouse<i>Mus musculus</i>(Rodentia, Muridae) from the Canary Islands (Spain)
|
A new rictulariid nematode Pterygodermatites (Mesopectines) valladaresi n. sp., parasite of the house mouse Mus musculus (Rodentia: Muridae) in the Canary Islands (Spain) is described by means of light and scanning electron microscopy. The new species belongs to the subgenus Mesopectines characterized by a more or less dorsal orientation of the buccal capsule, the presence of three oesophageal teeth, the morphology of the oral denticles and the Spirurida type of arrangement of caudal papillae in males. The most discriminant characteristics between the new species and the existing species in the subgenus Mesopectines are (a) the number of cuticular projection pairs (62-64), (b) the size of right and left spicules (respectively, 62-90 µm and 123-139 µm), (c) the number of midventral fans in males (3-4), (d) the number of prevulvar/total cuticular projection pairs (38-42/63-71), (e) the posterior differentiation of combs into spines in relation to the position of the vulva and (f) the anterior position of the vulva in relation to the oesophagus-intestine junction in females. Parasitized hosts and geographical distribution are also useful criteria to distinguish P. (Me.) valladaresi n. sp. from the remaining species of the subgenus. In addition, the cox1 sequence of the new species is provided and compared with available data of related species.Caractérisation morphologique et génétique de Pterygodermatites (Mesopectines) valladaresi n. sp. (Nematoda, Rictulariidae), un parasite de la souris Mus musculus (Rodentia, Muridae) des îles Canaries (Espagne).Un nouveau nématode rictulaire, Pterygodermatites (Mesopectines) valladaresi n. sp., parasite de la souris domestique Mus musculus (Rodentia, Muridae) aux îles Canaries (Espagne) est décrit par microscopie optique et électronique à balayage. La nouvelle espèce appartient au sous-genre Mesopectines caractérisé par une orientation plus ou moins dorsale de la capsule buccale, la présence de trois dents œsophagiennes, la morphologie des denticules buccaux et le type Spirurida d'arrangement des papilles caudales chez les mâles. Les caractéristiques les plus discriminantes entre la nouvelle espèce et les espèces existantes du sous-genre Mesopectines sont (a) le nombre de paires de projections cuticulaires (62–64), (b) la taille des spicules droit et gauche (respectivement, 62–90 µm et 123–139 µm), (c) le nombre de bourrelets cuticulaires médio-ventraux chez les mâles (3–4), (d) le nombre de peignes prévulvaires par rapport au nombre total de peignes (38–42/63–71), (e) la transformation en épines des peignes après la vulve et (f) la position antérieure de la vulve par rapport à la jonction œsophage-intestin chez les femelles. Les hôtes parasités et la répartition géographique sont également des critères utiles pour distinguer P. (Me.) valladaresi n. sp. des autres espèces du sous-genre. De plus, la séquence du cox1 de la nouvelle espèce est fournie et comparée aux données disponibles sur les espèces apparentées.
|
[
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Integrative Biology: from Genes and Genomes to Systems"
] |
W2610876956
|
Enhancing English-Japanese Translation Using Syntactic Pattern Recognition Methods
|
In this paper, we present a novel approach to Machine Translation (MT) using syntactic Pattern Recognition (PR) methods. Our aim is to evaluate the possibility of using syntactic PR techniques in this mature field, and to identify any potential benefits that can be gleaned by such an approach. To make use of syntactic PR techniques, we propose a system that performs string-matching to pair English sentence structures to Japanese (The specific languages, namely English and Japanese, were chosen because their sentence structures are completely dissimilar. This, however, proves the point that such syntactic methods will be applicable for other pairs of languages too.) structures – as opposed to matching strings in and of themselves, and to thus facilitate translation between the languages. In order to process the sentence structures of either language as a string, we have created a representation that replaces the tokens of a sentence with their respective Part-of-Speech tags. Further, to perform the actual string-matching operation, we make use of the OptPR algorithm, a syntactic award-winning PR scheme that has been proven to achieve optimal accuracy, and that also attains the information theoretic bound. Through our experiments, we show that our implementation obtains superior results to that of a standard statistical MT system on our data set. Our results provide the additional guarantee of generating a known sentence structure in the target language. With further research, this system could be expanded to have a more complete coverage of the languages worked with. The incorporation of such PR techniques in MT, in general, and the OptPR algorithm, in particular, are both pioneering.
|
[
"Computer Science and Informatics"
] |
10.1109/LSP.2014.2314613
|
Can A Single Image Denoising Neural Network Handle All Levels Of Gaussian Noise
|
A recently introduced set of deep neural networks designed for the image denoising task achieves state-of-the-art performance. However, they are specialized networks in that each of them can handle just one noise level fixed in their respective training process. In this letter, by investigating the distribution invariance of the natural image patches with respect to linear transforms, we show how to make a single existing deep neural network work well across all levels of Gaussian noise, thereby allowing to significantly reduce the training time for a general-purpose neural network powered denoising algorithm.
|
[
"Computer Science and Informatics"
] |
10.1091/mbc.E17-09-0555
|
Respiratory chain supercomplexes associate with the cysteine desulfurase complex of the iron-sulfur cluster assembly machinery
|
Mitochondria are the powerhouses of eukaryotic cells. The activity of the respiratory chain complexes generates a proton gradient across the inner membrane, which is used by the F1FO-ATP synthase to produce ATP for cellular metabolism. In baker's yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the cytochrome bc1 complex (complex III) and cytochrome c oxidase (complex IV) associate in respiratory chain supercomplexes. Iron-sulfur clusters (ISC) form reactive centers of respiratory chain complexes. The assembly of ISC occurs in the mitochondrial matrix and is essential for cell viability. The cysteine desulfurase Nfs1 provides sulfur for ISC assembly and forms with partner proteins the ISC-biogenesis desulfurase complex (ISD complex). Here, we report an unexpected interaction of the active ISD complex with the cytochrome bc1 complex and cytochrome c oxidase. The individual deletion of complex III or complex IV blocks the association of the ISD complex with respiratory chain components. We conclude that the ISD complex binds selectively to respiratory chain supercomplexes. We propose that this molecular link contributes to coordination of iron-sulfur cluster formation with respiratory activity.
|
[
"Cell Biology, Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration",
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions"
] |
DE 0000924 W
|
STEAM GENERATOR
|
The invention relates to a steam generator for obtaining superheated steam from heated gases. The aim of the invention is to improve the heat transfer and to reduce the space needed for construction. To this end, thermoconducting structural bodies (4) are arranged in a pressure pipe (1). Said structural bodies (4) are connected to one another and to the wall in a thermoconducting manner. Structural bodies (10) which are flown through by a superheated gas are melt on the outer wall of the pressure pipe.
|
[
"Products and Processes Engineering",
"Materials Engineering"
] |
10.1093/nar/gks968
|
X-inactivation: Quantitative predictions of protein interactions in the Xist network
|
The transcriptional silencing of one of the female X-chromosomes is a finely regulated process that requires accumulation in cis of the long non-coding RNA X-inactive-specific transcript (Xist) followed by a series of epigenetic modifications. Little is known about the molecular machinery regulating initiation and maintenance of chromosomal silencing. Here, we introduce a new version of our algorithm catRAPID to investigate Xist associations with a number of proteins involved in epigenetic regulation, nuclear scaffolding, transcription and splicing processes. Our method correctly identifies binding regions and affinities of protein interactions, providing a powerful theoretical framework for the study of X-chromosome inactivation and other events mediated by ribonucleoprotein associations.
|
[
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Integrative Biology: from Genes and Genomes to Systems",
"Computer Science and Informatics"
] |
10.3847/1538-4357/835/2/278
|
Physical Properties Of Molecular Clouds At 2 Pc Resolution In The Low Metallicity Dwarf Galaxy Ngc 6822 And The Milky Way
|
We present the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array survey of CO(2-1) emission from the 1/5 solar metallicity, Local Group dwarf galaxy NGC 6822. We achieve high (0\buildrel{\prime\prime}\over{. } 9≈ 2 pc) spatial resolution while covering a large area: four 250 pc × 250 pc regions that encompass ˜ 2/3 of NGC 6822's star formation. In these regions, we resolve ˜ 150 compact CO clumps that have small radii (˜2-3 pc), narrow line width (˜ 1 km s-1), and low filling factor across the galaxy. This is consistent with other recent studies of low-metallicity galaxies, but here shown with a 15× larger sample. At parsec scales, CO emission correlates with 8 μ {{m}} emission better than with 24 μ {{m}} emission and anticorrelates with Hα, so that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon emission may be an effective tracer of molecular gas at low metallicity. The properties of the CO clumps resemble those of similar-size structures in Galactic clouds except of slightly lower surface brightness and with CO-to-H2 ratio ˜1-2× the Galactic value. The clumps exist inside larger atomic-molecular complexes with masses typical for giant molecular clouds. Using dust to trace H2 for the entire complex, we find the CO-to-H2 ratio to be ˜ 20{--}25× the Galactic value, but with strong dependence on spatial scale and variations between complexes that may track their evolutionary state. The H2-to-H I ratio is low globally and only mildly above unity within the complexes. The ratio of star formation rate to H2 is ˜ 3{--}5× higher in the complexes than in massive disk galaxies, but after accounting for the bias from targeting star-forming regions, we conclude that the global molecular gas depletion time may be as long as in massive disk galaxies.
|
[
"Universe Sciences"
] |
W2050402969
|
The effects of simulated microgravity on the seminiferous tubules of rats
|
Abstract Space flight has been shown to have many adverse effects on various systems throughout the body. Because the opportunity to place research animals on board a Space Shuttle or the International Space Station is infrequent, various techniques have been designed to simulate the effects of microgravity in Earth based laboratories. A commonly used technique is known as antiorthostatic suspension, also often referred to as hind limb suspension. In this technique the hind portion of the animal is raised so that its hind limbs are non-weight bearing. This places the animal in roughly a 30° head down tilt position. This results in cephalic fluid shifts similar to those seen in actual space flight. This technique has also been shown to mimic other physiological parameters that are affected during space flight. This study examined testicular tissue from rats subjected to a 7 day antiorthostatic suspension. This tissue was acquired through a tissue sharing program and some of the experimental animals were injected with Interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) which was hoped to ameliorate some of the effects of antiorthostatic suspension. The injection of IL-1ra was not expected to have any effect on testicular tissue, however this tissue was included in the morphological and statistical analysis to conduct a more complete study. All tissues were embedded in paraffin, sectioned, and stained using standard H&E staining. The tissue was then qualitatively ranked according to the “health” of the seminiferous tubules. Our findings indicate that 7 days of antiorthostatic suspension had adverse effects on the tissue that comprises the walls of the seminiferous tubules. It has long been known that antiorthostatic suspension has deleterious effects on testicular tissue, however this research indicates that these effects occur much faster than indicated by previous researchers. This is a significant finding because it indicates that meaningful earth based studies in this area can be carried out in a shorter time span. This could result in more studies per year as well as saving money by avoiding longer than necessary animal suspensions. This is especially important as we enter an era when, without Space Shuttle, flight opportunities will become scarce. These antiorthostatic suspension studies indicate that space flight, even short duration spaceflight, may have harmful effects on the seminiferous tubules and blood-testis barrier of astronauts.
|
[
"Physiology in Health, Disease and Ageing",
"Cell Biology, Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration",
"Universe Sciences"
] |
10.1093/mnras/stz2733
|
Molecules in the Cep E-mm jet: evidence for shock-driven photochemistry?
|
ABSTRACT The chemical composition of protostellar jets and its origin are still badly understood. More observational constraints are needed to make progress. With that objective, we have carried out a systematic search for molecular species in the jet of Cep E-mm, a template for intermediate-mass Class 0 protostars, associated with a luminous, high-velocity outflow. We made use of an unbiased spectral line survey in the range 72–350 GHz obtained with the IRAM 30-m telescope, complementary observations of the CO J = 3–2 transition with the JCMT, and observations at 1 arcsec angular resolution of the CO J = 2–1 transition with the IRAM Plateau de Bure Interferometer. In addition to CO, we have detected rotational transitions from SiO, SO, H2CO, CS, HCO+, and HCN. A strong chemical differentiation is observed in the southern and northern lobes of the jet. Radiative transfer analysis in the large velocity gradient approximation yields typical molecular abundances of the order of 10−8 for all molecular species other than CO. Overall, the jets exhibit an unusual chemical composition, as CS, SO, and H2CO are found to be the most abundant species, with a typical abundance of (3–4)× 10−8. The transverse size of the CO jet emission estimated from interferometric observations is about 1000 au, suggesting that we are detecting emission from a turbulent layer of gas entrained by the jet in its propagation and not the jet itself. We propose that some molecular species could be the signatures of the specific photochemistry driven by the UV radiation field generated in the turbulent envelope.
|
[
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences",
"Universe Sciences"
] |
W2054888818
|
Forebrain circuits and control of feeding by learned cues
|
Professor Richard F. Thompson and his highly influential work on the brain substrates of associative learning and memory have critically shaped my research interests and scientific approach. I am tremendously grateful and thank Professor Thompson for the support and influence on my research and career. The focus of my research program is on associative learning and its role in the control of fundamental, motivated behaviors. My long-term research goal is to understand how learning enables environmental cues to control feeding behavior. We use a combination of behavioral studies and neural systems analysis approach in two well-defined rodent models to study how learned cues are integrated with homeostatic signals within functional forebrain networks, and how these networks are modulated by experience. Here, I will provide an overview of the two behavioral models and the critical neural network components mapped thus far, which include areas in the forebrain, the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, critical for associative learning and decision-making, and the lateral hypothalamus, which is an integrator for feeding, reward and motivation.
|
[
"Neuroscience and Disorders of the Nervous System",
"Physiology in Health, Disease and Ageing"
] |
10.1103/PhysRevD.89.103530
|
Effective field theory of cosmic acceleration: An implementation in CAMB
|
We implement the effective field theory (EFT) approach to dark energy and modified gravity in the public Einstein-Boltzmann solver CAMB. The resulting code, which we dub EFTCAMB, is a powerful and versatile tool that can be used for several objectives. It can be employed to evolve the full dynamics of linear scalar perturbations of a broad range of single field dark energy and modified gravity model, once the model of interest is mapped into the EFT formalism. It offers a numerical implementation of EFT as a model-independent framework to test gravity on cosmological scales. EFTCAMB has a built-in check for the fulfillment of general stability conditions such as the absence of ghost and superluminal propagation of perturbations. It handles phantom-divide crossing models and does not contain any quasistatic approximation, but rather evolves the full dynamics of perturbations on linear scales. As we will show, the latter is an important feature in view of the accuracy and scale range of upcoming surveys. We show the reliability and applicability of our code by evolving the dynamics of linear perturbations and extracting predictions for power spectra in several models. In particular we perform a thorough analysis of f(R) theories, comparing our outputs with those of an existing code for ΛCDM backgrounds, and finding an agreement that can reach 0. 1% for models with a Compton wavelength consistent with current cosmological data. We then showcase the flexibility of our code studying two different scenarios. First we produce new results for designer f(R) models with a time-varying dark energy equation of state. Second, we extract predictions for linear observables in some parametrized EFT models with a phantom-divide crossing equation of state for dark energy.
|
[
"Universe Sciences",
"Fundamental Constituents of Matter"
] |
10.1016/j.jcis.2014.04.058
|
Adsorption and nanowear properties of bovine submaxillary mucin films on solid surfaces: Influence of solution pH and substrate hydrophobicity
|
The adsorption and mechanical stability of bovine submaxillary mucins (BSM) films at solid-liquid interfaces were studied with respect to both substrate hydrophobicity and solution pH. Dynamic light scattering revealed a single peak distribution in neutral aqueous solution (pH 7. 4) and a small fraction with enhanced aggregation was observed in acidic solution (pH 3. 8). Both substrate hydrophobicity and solution pH were found to affect the spontaneous adsorption of BSM onto solid surfaces; BSM adsorbed more onto hydrophobic surfaces than hydrophilic ones, and adsorbed more at pH 3. 8 than at pH 7. 4. Thus, the highest "dry" adsorbed mass was observed for hydrophobic surfaces in pH 3. 8 solution. However, a highest "wet" adsorbed mass, i. e. which includes the solvent coupled to the film, was observed for hydrophobic surfaces at pH 7. 4. The mechanical stability of the films was studied at the nanoscale with an atomic force microscope operated in the friction force spectroscopy mode. Results revealed that BSM films formed on hydrophobic substrates were stronger than those formed on hydrophilic ones. Moreover, the film stability also depended on the ambient pH and stronger films were formed at acidic conditions, i. e. close to the BSM isoelectric point.
|
[
"Condensed Matter Physics",
"Materials Engineering"
] |
10.1525/hsns.2014.44.5.470
|
A Most Active Customer
|
After World War II had ended, Italy, not unlike other developed countries, held the ambition to establish an atomic energy program. The Peace Treaty of 1947 forbade its administration from seeking to acquire atomic weaponry, but in 1952 a national research committee was set up to explore the peaceful uses of atomic energy, in particular with regard to building nuclear reactors. One of the committee’s goals was to use nuclear power to make the country less reliant on foreign energy provisions. Yet, this paper reveals that the atomic energy project resulted in actually increasing Italy’s dependence on overseas assistance. I explain the reasons for this outcome by looking at the unfolding of U. S. –Italy relations and the offers of collaboration in the atomic energy field put forth by the U. S. State Department and the U. S. Atomic Energy Commission. I argue that these offers undermined plans to shape the nuclear program as its Italian architects had envisioned, caused them to reconsider the goal of self-sufficiency in energy provisioning, and reconfigured the project to be amenable to the security and economic priorities of the U. S. administration. In this way, I conclude, the path for the Italian project to “de-develop” was set.
|
[
"The Study of the Human Past",
"Institutions, Governance and Legal Systems"
] |
US 2011/0054439 W
|
TOILET INSTALLATION GUIDE
|
Implementations of a toilet installation guide and methods for installing a toilet. Implementations of toilet installation guides may include a shaft including a bolt receiving portion configured to receive a portion of a bolt and align a length of the shaft with a length of the bolt, a taper configured to be passed through the installation hole of the toilet while lowering the toilet toward the floor, and a visual aid configured to be seen through a toilet installation hole as an installer attempts to lower the toilet onto the floor over the bolt. In implementations the shaft may selectively couple to and decouple from the bolt with threads located on an inner wall of a cylindrical opening in the shaft. In implementations the toilet installation guide may be configured to be installed and uninstalled by hand, before and after lowering the toilet to the floor, respectively, to be reused.
|
[
"Products and Processes Engineering"
] |
10.7900/jot.20181apr19.2188
|
Permutative representations of the 2-adic ring C*-algebra
|
The notion of permutative representation is generalized to the 2- adic ring C*-algebra Q2. Permutative representations of Q2 are then investigated with a particular focus on the inclusion of the Cuntz algebra O2 ⊂ Q2. Notably, every permutative representation of O2 is shown to extend automatically to a permutative representation of Q2 provided that an extension whatever exists. Moreover, all permutative extensions of a given representation of O2 are proved to be unitarily equivalent to one another. Irreducible permutative representations of Q2 are classified in terms of irreducible permutative representations of the Cuntz algebra. Apart from the canonical representation of Q2, every irreducible representation of Q2 is the unique extension of an irreducible permutative representation of O2. Furthermore, a permutative representation of Q2 will decompose into a direct sum of irreducible permutative subrepresentations if and only if it restricts to O2 as a regular representation in the sense of Bratteli-Jorgensen. As a result, a vast class of pure states of O2 is shown to enjoy the unique pure extension property with respect to the inclusion O2 ⊂ Q2.
|
[
"Mathematics"
] |
10.1038/s41467-018-05855-5
|
Conditional control of fluorescent protein degradation by an auxin-dependent nanobody
|
The conditional and reversible depletion of proteins by auxin-mediated degradation is a powerful tool to investigate protein functions in cells and whole organisms. However, its wider applications require fusing the auxin-inducible degron (AID) to individual target proteins. Thus, establishing the auxin system for multiple proteins can be challenging. Another approach for directed protein degradation are anti-GFP nanobodies, which can be applied to GFP stock collections that are readily available in different experimental models. Here, we combine the advantages of auxin and nanobody-based degradation technologies creating an AID-nanobody to degrade GFP-tagged proteins at different cellular structures in a conditional and reversible manner in human cells. We demonstrate efficient and reversible inactivation of the anaphase promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) and thus provide new means to study the functions of this essential ubiquitin E3 ligase. Further, we establish auxin degradation in a vertebrate model organism by employing AID-nanobodies in zebrafish.
|
[
"Cell Biology, Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration",
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions"
] |
10.1016/j.neuron.2018.03.032
|
Dunce Phosphodiesterase Acts as a Checkpoint for Drosophila Long-Term Memory in a Pair of Serotonergic Neurons
|
A key function of the brain is to filter essential information and store it in the form of stable, long-term memory (LTM). We demonstrate here that the Dunce (Dnc) phosphodiesterase, an important enzyme that degrades cAMP, acts as a molecular switch that controls LTM formation in Drosophila. We show that, during LTM formation, Dnc is inhibited in the SPN, a pair of newly characterized serotonergic neurons, which stimulates the cAMP/PKA pathway. As a consequence, the SPN activates downstream dopaminergic neurons, opening the gate for LTM formation in the olfactory memory center, the mushroom body. Strikingly, transient inhibition of Dnc in the SPN by RNAi was sufficient to induce LTM formation with a training protocol that normally generates only short-lived memory. Thus, Dnc activity in the SPN acts as a memory checkpoint to guarantee that only the most relevant learned experiences are consolidated into stable memory. Long-term memory is executed only for selected experiences through regulatory mechanisms that are poorly characterized. Scheunemann et al. identify the phosphodiesterase Dunce acting in a pair of serotonergic neurons as a default inhibitor of long-term memory formation in Drosophila.
|
[
"Neuroscience and Disorders of the Nervous System",
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions"
] |
US 201414565483 A
|
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ABSTRACTING TELEPHONY FUNCTIONS
|
A method and apparatus for abstracting telephony functions is disclosed. An apparatus that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a terminal device having a User Interface (UI) element that presents a plurality of Graphical User Interface (GUI) elements that abstract a corresponding plurality of telephony functions, and a telephony element that initiates a telephony process in response to a selection by an end user of the terminal device of two or more of the plurality of GUI elements to form a combined telephony function. Additional embodiments are disclosed.
|
[
"Systems and Communication Engineering",
"Computer Science and Informatics"
] |
10.1093/mnras/stz3434
|
Dust masses and grain size distributions of a sample of Galactic pulsar wind nebulae
|
ABSTRACT
We calculate dust spectral energy distributions (SEDs) for a range of grain sizes and compositions, using physical properties appropriate for five pulsar wind nebulae (PWNe) from which dust emission associated with the ejecta has been detected. By fitting the observed dust SED with our models, with the number of grains of different sizes as the free parameters, we are able to determine the grain size distribution and total dust mass in each PWN. We find that all five PWNe require large ($\ge 0. 1 \, {\rm \mu m}$) grains to make up the majority of the dust mass, with strong evidence for the presence of micron-sized or larger grains. Only two PWNe contain non-negligible quantities of small ($\lt 0. 01 \, {\rm \mu m}$) grains. The size distributions are generally well-represented by broken power laws, although our uncertainties are too large to rule out alternative shapes. We find a total dust mass of $0. 02\rm {-}0. 28 \, {\rm M}_\odot$ for the Crab Nebula, depending on the composition and distance from the synchrotron source, in agreement with recent estimates. For three objects in our sample, the PWN synchrotron luminosity is insufficient to power the observed dust emission, and additional collisional heating is required, either from warm, dense gas as found in the Crab Nebula, or higher temperature shocked material. For G54. 1+0. 3, the dust is heated by nearby OB stars rather than the PWN. Inferred dust masses vary significantly depending on the details of the assumed heating mechanism, but in all cases large mass fractions of micron-sized grains are required.
|
[
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences",
"Universe Sciences"
] |
10.3390/ma9090786
|
Imperfection sensitivity of nonlinear vibration of curved single-walled carbon nanotubes based on nonlocal timoshenko beam theory
|
Imperfection sensitivity of large amplitude vibration of curved single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) is considered in this study. The SWCNT is modeled as a Timoshenko nano-beam and its curved shape is included as an initial geometric imperfection term in the displacement field. Geometric nonlinearities of von Kármán type and nonlocal elasticity theory of Eringen are employed to derive governing equations of motion. Spatial discretization of governing equations and associated boundary conditions is performed using differential quadrature (DQ) method and the corresponding nonlinear eigenvalue problem is iteratively solved. Effects of amplitude and location of the geometric imperfection, and the nonlocal small-scale parameter on the nonlinear frequency for various boundary conditions are investigated. The results show that the geometric imperfection and non-locality play a significant role in the nonlinear vibration characteristics of curved SWCNTs.
|
[
"Condensed Matter Physics",
"Materials Engineering"
] |
W2069276116
|
US inflation dynamics on long-range data
|
In this article, we evaluate inflation persistence in the United States using long-range monthly and annual data. The importance of inflation persistence is crucial to policy authorities and market participants, since the level of inflation persistence provides an indication on the susceptibility of the economy to exogenous shocks. Departing from classic econometric approaches found in the relevant literature, we evaluate inflation persistence through the nonparametric Hurst exponent within both a global and a rolling window framework. Moreover, we expand our analysis to detect the potential existence of chaos in the data generating process, in order to enhance the robustness of our conclusions. Overall, we find that inflation persistence is high from 1775 to 2013 for the annual data-set and from February 1876 to May 2014 in monthly frequency, respectively. Especially from the monthly data-set, the rolling window approach allows us to derive that inflation persistence has reached to historically high leve...
|
[
"Individuals, Markets and Organisations",
"Mathematics"
] |
10.1109/LSP.2012.2185695
|
Is Uniqueness Lost For Under Sampled Continuous Time Auto Regressive Processes
|
We consider the problem of sampling continuous-time auto-regressive processes on a uniform grid. We investigate whether a given sampled process originates from a single continuous-time model, and address this uniqueness problem by introducing an alternative description of poles in the complex plane. We then utilize Kronecker's approximation theorem and prove that the set of non-unique continuous-time AR(2) models has Lebesgue measure zero in this plane. This is a key aspect in current estimation algorithms that use sampled data, as it allows one to remove the sampling rate constraint that is imposed currently.
|
[
"Mathematics",
"Computer Science and Informatics"
] |
677713
|
Cellular Dynamics of Intestinal Antibody-Mediated Immune Response
|
Vaccination is widely used to prevent human diseases by inducing the formation of cellular and antibody-mediated immune responses for induction of long lasting immunological memory. Although most studies focus on immune responses elicited against injected immunizations, the simplest delivery of a vaccine regimen is by oral administration. The cellular and molecular components of the antibody immune response in peripheral lymph nodes in response to immunization are well described, however, much less is known about the dynamics of immune cells in gut associate lymphoid tissues (GALT) and adjust intestinal mucosal tissues. In the proposed research plan I will implicate intravital in vivo imaging for analysis of the cellular component of the antibody immune response in intestinal tissues. My goals are: 1. To track germinal center (GC) T cells for prolong time periods in peripheral lymph nodes and GALT and determine if they enter the memory compartment. For this purpose I will develop a new photoactivation method for permanently labeling immune cells and fate tracing of their daughter cells. 2. To examine T-B interactions and their regulation by intraceullar signaling pathways in GALT and to determine where and when class switch recombination to IgA takes place. For this purpose I will use intravital imaging of fluorescent reporter mice. 3. I will analyze the dynamics of plasma cell migration from Peyer’s patches to the mucosa by implementing state of the art photoactivation and imaging techniques that allow prolonged cell tracking. I will also use photoactivation approaches for sorting plasma cells from specific intestinal layers and perform gene expression analysis. 4. I will develop a new method to study dynamics and fate of B cells specific for commensal microbes in the GC, memory and plasma cell compartments. This research plan will extend our knowledge of the antibody immune response in intestinal tissues towards the future design of improved oral vaccinations.
|
[
"Immunity, Infection and Immunotherapy",
"Cell Biology, Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration",
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions"
] |
10.1145/2882903.2882927
|
A Fast Randomized Algorithm For Multi Objective Query Optimization
|
Query plans are compared according to multiple cost metrics in multi-objective query optimization. The goal is to find the set of Pareto plans realizing optimal cost tradeoffs for a given query. So far, only algorithms with exponential complexity in the number of query tables have been proposed for multi-objective query optimization. In this work, we present the first algorithm with polynomial complexity in the query size. Our algorithm is randomized and iterative. It improves query plans via a multi-objective version of hill climbing that applies multiple transformations in each climbing step for maximal efficiency. Based on a locally optimal plan, we approximate the Pareto plan set within the restricted space of plans with similar join orders. We maintain a cache of Pareto-optimal plans for each potentially useful intermediate result to share partial plans that were discovered in different iterations. We show that each iteration of our algorithm performs in expected polynomial time based on an analysis of the expected path length between a random plan and local optima reached by hill climbing. We experimentally show that our algorithm can optimize queries with hundreds of tables and outperforms other randomized algorithms such as the NSGA-II genetic algorithm over a wide range of scenarios.
|
[
"Computer Science and Informatics"
] |
10.1007/s00466-016-1329-4
|
On stochastic FEM based computational homogenization of magneto-active heterogeneous materials with random microstructure
|
In the current work we apply the stochastic version of the FEM to the homogenization of magneto-elastic heterogeneous materials with random microstructure. The main aim of this study is to capture accurately the discontinuities appearing at matrix-inclusion interfaces. We demonstrate and compare three different techniques proposed in the literature for the purely mechanical problem, i. e. global, local and enriched stochastic basis functions. Moreover, we demonstrate the implementation of the isoparametric concept in the enlarged physical-stochastic product space. The Gauss integration rule in this multidimensional space is discussed. In order to design a realistic stochastic Representative Volume Element we analyze actual scans obtained by electron microscopy and provide numerical studies of the micro particle distribution. The SFEM framework described in our previous work (Pivovarov and Steinmann in Comput Mech 57(1): 123–147, 2016) is extended to the case of the magneto-elastic materials. To this end, the magneto-elastic energy function is used, and the corresponding hyper-tensors of the magneto-elastic problem are introduced. In order to estimate the methods’ accuracy we performed a set of simulations for elastic and magneto-elastic problems using three different SFEM modifications. All results are compared with “brute-force” Monte-Carlo simulations used as reference solution.
|
[
"Condensed Matter Physics",
"Mathematics",
"Materials Engineering",
"Computer Science and Informatics"
] |
10.1002/icd.1847
|
Measuring epistemic curiosity in young children
|
Epistemic curiosity (EC) is the desire to obtain new knowledge capable of either producing positive experiences of intellectual interest (I-type) or of reducing undesirable conditions of informational deprivation (D-type). Although researchers acknowledge that there are individual differences in young children's epistemic curiosity, there are no existing measures to assess the I- and D-type constructs of EC in early childhood. The aim of this study was to develop and validate parent-report scales that reliably assessed early expressions of I- and D- type EC in young children. To develop the I/D-Young Children (I/D-YC) scales, 16 potential items were administered to 316 parents of children aged 3 to 8. These items were adaptations of an existing adult self-report measure of EC as well as newly developed items. Confirmatory factor analyses demonstrated that a 10-item 2-factor (5 I-type, 5 D-type) model had the best fit. Construct validity analyses and psychometric data indicated that our newly developed I/D-YC scales are valid and reliable measures of individual differences in early expressions of I- and D-type EC.
|
[
"The Human Mind and Its Complexity"
] |
10.1038/s41396-018-0270-2
|
Soil exchange rates of COS and CO <sup>18</sup> O differ with the diversity of microbial communities and their carbonic anhydrase enzymes
|
Differentiating the contributions of photosynthesis and respiration to the global carbon cycle is critical for improving predictive climate models. Carbonic anhydrase (CA) activity in leaves is responsible for the largest biosphere-atmosphere trace gas fluxes of carbonyl sulfide (COS) and the oxygen-18 isotopologue of carbon dioxide (CO 18 O) that both reflect gross photosynthetic rates. However, CA activity also occurs in soils and will be a source of uncertainty in the use of COS and CO 18 O as carbon cycle tracers until process-based constraints are improved. In this study, we measured COS and CO 18 O exchange rates and estimated the corresponding CA activity in soils from a range of biomes and land use types. Soil CA activity was not uniform for COS and CO 2 , and patterns of divergence were related to microbial community composition and CA gene expression patterns. In some cases, the same microbial taxa and CA classes catalyzed both COS and CO 2 reactions in soil, but in other cases the specificity towards the two substrates differed markedly. CA activity for COS was related to fungal taxa and β-D-CA expression, whereas CA activity for CO 2 was related to algal and bacterial taxa and α-CA expression. This study integrates gas exchange measurements, enzyme activity models, and characterization of soil taxonomic and genetic diversity to build connections between CA activity and the soil microbiome. Importantly, our results identify kinetic parameters to represent soil CA activity during application of COS and CO 18 O as carbon cycle tracers.
|
[
"Earth System Science",
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Environmental Biology, Ecology and Evolution"
] |
W1972265204
|
Phase prodromale du trouble bipolaire
|
The prodromal phase is generally described as a subsyndromal stage preceding the disease onset. The characterization of such phase found its main purpose in secondary prevention. Up to now, clinical research relating to this topic in mental health has primarily focus on schizophrenic disorders. Over the last years, some studies have applied similar methods in order to characterize a preclinical phase in bipolar disorders. In spite of the fact that this strategy appears less adequate in bipolar disorders, these studies have demonstrated the existence of prodromal signs in a majority of patients. However, these features appear for the moment neither sufficiently characteristic, nor sufficiently specific to allow the construction of suitable assessment instruments, or to suggest precise guidelines in the management of these subjects. Also, these prodromal features show considerable overlap with other psychiatric disorders, especially attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and schizophrenia Interestingly, a limited number of studies have looked at the number of patients considered in a prodromal phase of schizophrenia which later developed a bipolar disorder and reported substantial proportions of subjects in this case, further highlighting the obvious bias in favor of schizophrenia in the actual prevention politics. In order to identify potential candidates at a prodromal phase of bipolar disorders that could benefit from early intervention, studies have relied on both high genetic risk and symptoms at the boundary of the actual classification. However, even within such approach, pharmacological treatments have not proven obvious advantage in terms of prevention. It is suggested that adopting a more longitudinal vision of the disease and, given the mean age of onset of bipolar disorder and a fortiori of its prodromal phase, a more developmental perspective of individuals, could help lowering the confusion in this field ; Also, given the considerable overlap in prodromal features between different psychiatric disorders, early detection programs could benefit from implementing approach open to multiple diseases assessment, rather than hyper-specialization in a specific disorder.
|
[
"Neuroscience and Disorders of the Nervous System",
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases",
"The Human Mind and Its Complexity"
] |
W2151415631
|
Considerations on the poor discriminatory power of the FRANCE-2 risk score
|
To the Editor, The developers1 of the first rigorous predictive model for mortality after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) have overcome the limitations of the previous surgical scores. While EuroSCORE I is an old and redundant model based on data of 1995 and derived from a highly heterogeneous patient group with different operations, techniques and demographics, this predictive model is based on new results of a remarkably homogeneous population (72.4% >80 years of age and all treated with TAVI procedures).1 Moreover, while EuroSCORE II developers included variables that were not significantly associated with the event by multivariate regression and did not analyse some important variables, …
|
[
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases",
"Physiology in Health, Disease and Ageing"
] |
3735480
|
Virtual try-ons of garments enabling novel human fashion interactions
|
The primary objective of eTryOn is to revolutionize the interaction between users (i.e. fashion designers and consumers) and fashion items, by researching and developing technologies that allow virtual tryons of garments. In this direction, the main research, innovation and technological endeavours of eTryOn are to develop technology for: a) generating personal photorealistic 3D avatars of the user, b) automatically simulating the interaction between 3D user avatars and digital garments (i.e. size fitting and visualization of interactions during body movements), and c) extracting fashion insights from user preference data and generating fashion recommendations. By combining the high-quality experience offered by photorealistic personal avatars, their natural interaction with virtual garments, and the accurate fashion insights/recommendations with the use of interactive technologies like Virtual/Augmented reality, eTryOn provides future interactive solutions for Human Fashion Interaction. More specifically, three interactive solutions will be developed: i) Creative fashion app: a VR application targeting fashion designers, facilitating them throughout the creative process of garment design by offering realistic fitting of the digital garments on photorealistic 3D avatars, ii) Social fashion app: a mobile application for social media users (e.g. influencers), allowing them to virtually change their outfit in an image/video by selecting from a pool of digital garments and then upload it to social media, and iii) ecommerce fashion app: a mobile-based AR magic mirror enabling virtual tryons of garments during online shopping that aims to recreate at home the experience of buying clothes from a physical store.
|
[
"Computer Science and Informatics",
"Systems and Communication Engineering"
] |
CA 2011000461 W
|
OPTICALLY VARIABLE DEVICES, THEIR PRODUCTION AND USE
|
Security documents often incorporate optically variable devices to prevent or hinder counterfeiters. Disclosed herein are layered optically variable devices such as colour-shift foils that employ a piezoelectric layer, and methods for their production and use. Such devices afford new techniques for a user of a security document to check quickly and easily whether the security document is a legitimate document or a counterfeit copy by placing an electrical potential difference across the security document.
|
[
"Systems and Communication Engineering",
"Materials Engineering"
] |
10.1111/jeb.13007
|
Fight or flight? – Flight increases immune gene expression but does not help to fight an infection
|
Flight represents a key trait in most insects, being energetically extremely demanding, yet often necessary for foraging and reproduction. Additionally, dispersal via flight is especially important for species living in fragmented landscapes. Even though, based on life-history theory, a negative relationship may be expected between flight and immunity, a number of previous studies have indicated flight to induce an increased immune response. In this study, we assessed whether induced immunity (i. e. immune gene expression) in response to 15-min forced flight treatment impacts individual survival of bacterial infection in the Glanville fritillary butterfly (Melitaea cinxia). We were able to confirm previous findings of flight-induced immune gene expression, but still observed substantially stronger effects on both gene expression levels and life span due to bacterial infection compared to flight treatment. Even though gene expression levels of some immunity-related genes were elevated due to flight, these individuals did not show increased survival of bacterial infection, indicating that flight-induced immune activation does not completely protect them from the negative effects of bacterial infection. Finally, an interaction between flight and immune treatment indicated a potential trade-off: flight treatment increased immune gene expression in naïve individuals only, whereas in infected individuals no increase in immune gene expression was induced by flight. Our results suggest that the up-regulation of immune genes upon flight is based on a general stress response rather than reflecting an adaptive response to cope with potential infections during flight or in new habitats.
|
[
"Immunity, Infection and Immunotherapy",
"Environmental Biology, Ecology and Evolution"
] |
10.1145/2579821
|
Partial Observation Stochastic Games How To Win When Belief Fails
|
In two-player finite-state stochastic games of partial observation on graphs, in every state of the graph, the players simultaneously choose an action, and their joint actions determine a probability distribution over the successor states. The game is played for infinitely many rounds and thus the players construct an infinite path in the graph. We consider reachability objectives where the first player tries to ensure a target state to be visited almost-surely (i. e. , with probability 1) or positively (i. e. , with positive probability), no matter the strategy of the second player. We classify such games according to the information and to the power of randomization available to the players. On the basis of information, the game can be one-sided with either (a) player 1, or (b) player 2 having partial observation (and the other player has perfect observation), or two-sided with (c) both players having partial observation. On the basis of randomization, (a) the players may not be allowed to use randomization (pure strategies), or (b) they may choose a probability distribution over actions but the actual random choice is external and not visible to the player (actions invisible), or (c) they may use full randomization. Our main results for pure strategies are as follows: (1) For one-sided games with player 2 having perfect observation we show that (in contrast to full randomized strategies) belief-based (subset-construction based) strategies are not sufficient, and we present an exponential upper bound on memory both for almost-sure and positive winning strategies; we show that the problem of deciding the existence of almost-sure and positive winning strategies for player 1 is EXPTIME-complete and present symbolic algorithms that avoid the explicit exponential construction. (2) For one-sided games with player 1 having perfect observation we show that nonelementary memory is both necessary and sufficient for both almost-sure and positive winning strategies. (3) We show that for the general (two-sided) case finite-memory strategies are sufficient for both positive and almost-sure winning, and at least nonelementary memory is required. We establish the equivalence of the almost-sure winning problems for pure strategies and for randomized strategies with actions invisible. Our equivalence result exhibit serious flaws in previous results of the literature: we show a nonelementary memory lower bound for almost-sure winning whereas an exponential upper bound was previously claimed.
|
[
"Computer Science and Informatics",
"Mathematics"
] |
10.1016/j.aim.2019.02.024
|
Quantum Grothendieck ring isomorphisms, cluster algebras and Kazhdan-Lusztig algorithm
|
We establish ring isomorphisms between quantum Grothendieck rings of certain remarkable monoidal categories C Q,B n and C Q,A 2n−1 of finite-dimensional representations of quantum affine algebras of types B n(1) and A 2n−1(1) , respectively. Our proof relies in part on the corresponding quantum cluster algebra structures. Moreover, we prove that our isomorphisms specialize at t=1 to the isomorphisms of (classical) Grothendieck rings obtained recently by Kashiwara, Kim and Oh by other methods. As a consequence, we prove a conjecture formulated by the first author in 2002: the multiplicities of simple modules in standard modules in C Q,B n are given by the specialization of certain analogues of Kazhdan-Lusztig polynomials and the coefficients of these polynomials are positive.
|
[
"Mathematics"
] |
10.3390/ijgi8040193
|
Fusion of Multi-Sensor-Derived Heights and OSM-Derived Building Footprints for Urban 3D Reconstruction
|
So-called prismatic 3D building models, following the level-of-detail (LOD) 1 of the OGC City Geography Markup Language (CityGML) standard, are usually generated automatically by combining building footprints with height values. Typically, high-resolution digital elevation models (DEMs) or dense LiDAR point clouds are used to generate these building models. However, high-resolution LiDAR data are usually not available with extensive coverage, whereas globally available DEM data are often not detailed and accurate enough to provide sufficient input to the modeling of individual buildings. Therefore, this paper investigates the possibility of generating LOD1 building models from both volunteered geographic information (VGI) in the form of OpenStreetMap data and remote sensing-derived geodata improved by multi-sensor and multi-modal DEM fusion techniques or produced by synthetic aperture radar (SAR)-optical stereogrammetry. The results of this study show several things: First, it can be seen that the height information resulting from data fusion is of higher quality than the original data sources. Secondly, the study confirms that simple, prismatic building models can be reconstructed by combining OpenStreetMap building footprints and easily accessible, remote sensing-derived geodata, indicating the potential of application on extensive areas. The building models were created under the assumption of flat terrain at a constant height, which is valid in the selected study area.
|
[
"Computer Science and Informatics",
"Earth System Science"
] |
10.1145/3012430.3012635
|
From Syllables Lines And Stanzas To Linked Open Data Standardization Interoperability And Multilingual Challenges For Digital Humanities
|
This proposal presents the challenges and first results of POSTDATA ERC Starting Grant project, which aims at bridging the digital gap among traditional poetry collections and the growing world of data. It is focused on poetry analysis, classification and publication, applying Digital Humanities methods of academic analysis in order to look for standardization. The context of the project is the corpora of European poetry, with a special focus on poetic materials from different languages and literary traditions. Interoperability problems between the different poetry collections are solved by using semantic web technologies to link and publish literary datasets in a structured way in the linked data cloud. This paper will present the current situation in the field of digital humanities analyzing poetry as the "study case" and the application of different technologies used in the field of digital humanities to provide new and innovative results. It will also introduce LINDH, the Digital Humanities Innovation Lab at UNED, a pioneer Digital Humanities center in Spain and its role as a facilitator of different technologies to be applied to the study of traditional humanistic problems with the most updates technologies in the field.
|
[
"Computer Science and Informatics",
"Texts and Concepts"
] |
647311
|
Solution Processed Next Generation Photovoltaics
|
The profound advantages of printed photovoltaics (PVs), such as their light weight, mechanical flexibility in addition to the small energy demand, and low cost equipment requirements for roll-to-roll mass production, characterise them as a dominant candidate source for future electrical power. Over the last few years, the discovery of novel solution processed electronic materials and device structures boosted PV power conversion efficiency values. Despite that, power conversion efficiency is not a 'stand-alone' product development target for next generation PVs. Lifetime, cost, flexibility and non-toxicity have to be equally considered, regarding the technological progress of solution processed PVs. The ambit of the Sol-Pro research programme is to re-design solution processed PV components relevant to the above product development targets. Based on this, processing specifications as a function of the electronic material properties will be established and provide valuable input for flexible PV applications. Adjusting the material characteristics and device design is crucial to achieve the proposed high performance PV targets. As a consequence, a number of high-level objectives concerning processing/materials/electrodes/interfaces, relevant to product development targets of next generation solution processed PVs, are aimed for within the proposed ERC programme.
|
[
"Synthetic Chemistry and Materials",
"Materials Engineering",
"Products and Processes Engineering"
] |
10.1016/j.aim.2019.04.055
|
Bombieri-Vinogradov for multiplicative functions, and beyond the x <sup>1/2</sup> -barrier
|
Part-and-parcel of the study of “multiplicative number theory” is the study of the distribution of multiplicative functions in arithmetic progressions. Although appropriate analogies to the Bombieri-Vingradov Theorem have been proved for particular examples of multiplicative functions, there has not previously been headway on a general theory; seemingly none of the different proofs of the Bombieri-Vingradov Theorem for primes adapt well to this situation. In this article we find out why such a result has been so elusive, and discover what can be proved along these lines and develop some limitations. For a fixed residue class a we extend such averages out to moduli [Formula Presented].
|
[
"Mathematics"
] |
10.1007/978-3-319-07557-0_5
|
Centrality Of Trees For Capacitated K Center
|
We consider the capacitated k-center problem. In this problem we are given a finite set of locations in a metric space and each location has an associated non-negative integer capacity. The goal is to choose (open) k locations (called centers) and assign each location to an open center to minimize the maximum, over all locations, of the distance of the location to its assigned center. The number of locations assigned to a center cannot exceed the center’s capacity. The uncapacitated k-center problem has a simple tight 2-approximation from the 80’s. In contrast, the first constant factor approximation for the capacitated problem was obtained only recently by Cygan, Hajiaghayi and Khuller who gave an intricate LP-rounding algorithm that achieves an approximation guarantee in the hundreds. In this paper we give a simple algorithm with a clean analysis and prove an approximation guarantee of 9. It uses the standard LP relaxation and comes close to settling the integrality gap (after necessary preprocessing), which is narrowed down to either 7,8 or 9. The algorithm proceeds by first reducing to special tree instances, and then uses our best-possible algorithm to solve such instances. Our concept of tree instances is versatile and applies to natural variants of the capacitated k-center problem for which we also obtain improved algorithms. Finally, we give evidence to show that more powerful preprocessing could lead to better algorithms, by giving an approximation algorithm that beats the integrality gap for instances where all non-zero capacities are the same.
|
[
"Mathematics",
"Computer Science and Informatics"
] |
W2084465289
|
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for the Treatment of Pharmacoresistant Nondelusional Auditory Verbal Hallucinations in Dementia
|
Auditory verbal hallucinations (AVHs) are known as a core symptom of schizophrenia, but also occur in a number of other conditions, not least in neurodegenerative disorders such as dementia. In the last decades, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) emerged as a valuable therapeutic approach towards several neurological and psychiatric diseases, including AVHs. Herein we report a case of a seventy-six-years-old woman with vascular-degenerative brain disease, complaining of threatening AVHs. The patient was treated with a high-frequency temporoparietal (T3P3) rTMS protocol for fifteen days. A considerable reduction of AVHs in frequency and content (no more threatening) was observed. Although further research is needed, this seems an encouraging result.
|
[
"Neuroscience and Disorders of the Nervous System",
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases"
] |
interreg_3290
|
cross-border system for safety in the sea against the risks of navigation and the protection of the marine environment
|
This project addresses the common challenge of navigational safety and quality of the transboundary marine environment. The project's overall objective is to reduce the risks associated with navigation accidents and their consequences on human life, goods and the environment. It will achieve its goals by creating a coordinated system of governance tools, highly technologically innovative surveillance methods and new safety services at sea. The project intends to launch shared strategic planning activities which will identify navigational safety solutions in high-risk marine areas of the cooperation area by setting up a joint monitoring plan and another joint plan for navigation and pilotage safety. The project provides for investments to improve the coverage of monitoring networks, increase the effectiveness of risk reduction forecasting systems, provide safety at sea and environmental protection services and establish data sharing and interoperability. The main actors and recipients will be the Public Administrations and their agencies, research centres, citizens, private economic operators and environmental associations. The integrated cross-border approach concerns many aspects: the integration of data monitoring and sharing networks and systems, the implementation of reduced uncertainty forecast models and the demonstration of piloting and emergency management services. Communication initiatives will include raising the awareness of the targets involved as far as the integrated management of safety at sea and training maritime personnel and stakeholders. The innovative aspect concerns both the method and the tools: coordination of governance tools, technologically advanced surveillance methods and new safety services at sea.
|
[
"Earth System Science",
"Products and Processes Engineering",
"Systems and Communication Engineering"
] |
US 2004/0019531 W
|
MPTENS AS MODIFIERS OF THE PTEN/IGF PATHWAY AND METHODS OF USE
|
Human MPTEN genes are identified as modulators of the PTEN/IGF pathway, and thus are therapeutic targets for disorders associated with defective PTEN/IGF function. Methods for identifying modulators of PTEN/IGF, comprising screening for agents that modulate the activity of MPTEN are provided.
|
[
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases"
] |
10.1080/13510347.2016.1223630
|
From The Web To The Streets Internet And Protests Under Authoritarian Regimes
|
ABSTRACTThis article systematically investigates the relationship between internet use and protests in authoritarian states and democracies. It argues that unlike in democracies, internet use has facilitated the occurrence of protests in authoritarian regimes, developing a theoretical rationale for this claim and substantiating it with robust empirical evidence. The article argues that whereas information could already flow relatively freely in democracies, the use of the internet has increased access to information in authoritarian regimes despite authoritarian attempts to control cyberspace. The article suggests this increased access to information positively affects protesting in authoritarian states via four complementary causal pathways: (1) by reducing the communication costs for oppositional movements; (2) by instigating attitudinal change; (3) decreasing the informational uncertainty for potential protesters; and (4) through the mobilizing effect of the spread of dramatic videos and images. These . . .
|
[
"The Social World and Its Interactions",
"Institutions, Governance and Legal Systems"
] |
645560
|
Spatial patterns in savannas may increase ecosystem resilience and reverse biome transitions
|
Savannas occupy about one-eighth of the land surface worldwide but the vegetation distribution in this biome is not properly understood. Furthermore, land use and climate change are propelling shifts in vegetation characteristics and their spatial distribution. Also, at the savanna-forest boundary, where the two biomes are known to exist as alternative states for same climatic conditions, the importance of spatial heterogeneity has been recognized but not well understood. This project will study how the dynamic interaction of vegetation with its environment leads to spatial organization of vegetation in the savannas including at the savanna-forest transition zone. Motivated by recent findings, it will further explore the significance of these patterned structures in increasing ecosystem resilience and reversing transition of ecosystem states. The research will use multidisciplinary knowledge from ecology and applied mathematics. The fellow, Mr. Swarnendu Banerjee, being from a mathematical background but with experience in ecological modelling has the most appropriate foundations to carry out the proposed research. This project will aptly complement his skills by training him in tropical ecology, spatial modelling and state-of-the-art mathematical methods, which will help him grow as an independent scientist in the field. During this project, he will also develop his transferrable skills in terms of writing and communication, project management, language acquisition and networking. The research that will be carried out will provide fundamental insights into the savanna dynamics potentially opening up novel avenues in savanna conservation research. The results generated from the project will be disseminated to the scientific community via scientific conferences and journal publications. Various means like popular science articles, animated videos and social media platforms will be used to communicate the ideas to the general public.
|
[
"Environmental Biology, Ecology and Evolution",
"Earth System Science"
] |
10.1109/ISIT.2015.7282522
|
Subspace Polynomials And Cyclic Subspace Codes
|
Subspace codes have received an increasing interest recently due to their application in error-correction for random network coding. In particular, cyclic subspace codes are possible candidates for large codes with efficient encoding and decoding algorithms. In this paper we consider such cyclic codes. We provide constructions of optimal cyclic codes for which their codewords do not have full length orbits. We further introduce a new way to represent subspace codes by a class of polynomials called subspace polynomials. We present some constructions of such codes which are cyclic and analyze their parameters.
|
[
"Mathematics",
"Computer Science and Informatics"
] |
10.1111/j.1474-9726.2012.00835.x
|
Epigenetic variation during the adult lifespan: Cross-sectional and longitudinal data on monozygotic twin pairs
|
The accumulation of epigenetic changes was proposed to contribute to the age-related increase in the risk of most common diseases. In this study on 230 monozygotic twin pairs (MZ pairs), aged 18-89years, we investigated the occurrence of epigenetic changes over the adult lifespan. Using mass spectrometry, we investigated variation in global (LINE1) DNA methylation and in DNA methylation at INS, KCNQ1OT1, IGF2, GNASAS, ABCA1, LEP, and CRH, candidate loci for common diseases. Except for KCNQ1OT1, interindividual variation in locus-specific DNA methylation was larger in old individuals than in young individuals, ranging from 1. 2-fold larger at ABCA1 (P=0. 010) to 1. 6-fold larger at INS (P=3. 7×10 -07). Similarly, there was more within-MZ-pair discordance in old as compared with young MZ pairs, except for GNASAS, ranging from an 8% increase in discordance each decade at CRH (P=8. 9×10 -06) to a 16% increase each decade at LEP (P=2. 0×10 -08). Still, old MZ pairs with strikingly similar DNA methylation were also observed at these loci. After 10-year follow-up in elderly twins, the variation in DNA methylation showed a similar pattern of change as observed cross-sectionally. The age-related increase in methylation variation was generally attributable to unique environmental factors, except for CRH, for which familial factors may play a more important role. In conclusion, sustained epigenetic differences arise from early adulthood to old age and contribute to an increasing discordance of MZ twins during aging.
|
[
"Integrative Biology: from Genes and Genomes to Systems",
"Physiology in Health, Disease and Ageing"
] |
10.1111/nph.13973
|
A symbiosis-dedicated SYNTAXIN OF PLANTS 13II isoform controls the formation of a stable host-microbe interface in symbiosis
|
Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and rhizobium bacteria are accommodated in specialized membrane compartments that form a host-microbe interface. To better understand how these interfaces are made, we studied the regulation of exocytosis during interface formation. We used a phylogenetic approach to identify target soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor-attachment protein receptors (t-SNAREs) that are dedicated to symbiosis and used cell-specific expression analysis together with protein localization to identify t-SNAREs that are present on the host-microbe interface in Medicago truncatula. We investigated the role of these t-SNAREs during the formation of a host-microbe interface. We showed that multiple syntaxins are present on the peri-arbuscular membrane. From these, we identified SYNTAXIN OF PLANTS 13II (SYP13II) as a t-SNARE that is essential for the formation of a stable symbiotic interface in both AM and rhizobium symbiosis. In most dicot plants, the SYP13II transcript is alternatively spliced, resulting in two isoforms, SYP13IIα and SYP13IIβ. These splice-forms differentially mark functional and degrading arbuscule branches. Our results show that vesicle traffic to the symbiotic interface is specialized and required for its maintenance. Alternative splicing of SYP13II allows plants to replace a t-SNARE involved in traffic to the plasma membrane with a t-SNARE that is more stringent in its localization to functional arbuscules.
|
[
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Cell Biology, Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration",
"Environmental Biology, Ecology and Evolution"
] |
10.1523/JNEUROSCI.4279-14.2015
|
Friend Or Foe Perceptual Categorization Across Species
|
Categorization refers to the ability to reduce the potentially unlimited number of objects an animal might encounter to a smaller number of discrete groups, or categories. Animals adaptively form categories to exploit similarities and differences between objects that aid communication, prediction,
|
[
"The Human Mind and Its Complexity",
"Neuroscience and Disorders of the Nervous System",
"Environmental Biology, Ecology and Evolution"
] |
10.5194/tc-9-1633-2015
|
Retrieving the paleoclimatic signal from the deeper part of the EPICA Dome C ice core
|
Abstract. An important share of paleoclimatic information is buried within the lowermost layers of deep ice cores. Because improving our records further back in time is one of the main challenges in the near future, it is essential to judge how deep these records remain unaltered, since the proximity of the bedrock is likely to interfere both with the recorded temporal sequence and the ice properties. In this paper, we present a multiparametric study (δD-δ18Oice, δ18Oatm, total air content, CO2, CH4, N2O, dust, high-resolution chemistry, ice texture) of the bottom 60 m of the EPICA (European Project for Ice Coring in Antarctica) Dome C ice core from central Antarctica. These bottom layers were subdivided into two distinct facies: the lower 12 m showing visible solid inclusions (basal dispersed ice facies) and the upper 48 m, which we will refer to as the "basal clean ice facies". Some of the data are consistent with a pristine paleoclimatic signal, others show clear anomalies. It is demonstrated that neither large-scale bottom refreezing of subglacial water, nor mixing (be it internal or with a local basal end term from a previous/initial ice sheet configuration) can explain the observed bottom-ice properties. We focus on the high-resolution chemical profiles and on the available remote sensing data on the subglacial topography of the site to propose a mechanism by which relative stretching of the bottom-ice sheet layers is made possible, due to the progressively confining effect of subglacial valley sides. This stress field change, combined with bottom-ice temperature close to the pressure melting point, induces accelerated migration recrystallization, which results in spatial chemical sorting of the impurities, depending on their state (dissolved vs. solid) and if they are involved or not in salt formation. This chemical sorting effect is responsible for the progressive build-up of the visible solid aggregates that therefore mainly originate "from within", and not from incorporation processes of debris from the ice sheet's substrate. We further discuss how the proposed mechanism is compatible with the other ice properties described. We conclude that the paleoclimatic signal is only marginally affected in terms of global ice properties at the bottom of EPICA Dome C, but that the timescale was considerably distorted by mechanical stretching of MIS20 due to the increasing influence of the subglacial topography, a process that might have started well above the bottom ice. A clear paleoclimatic signal can therefore not be inferred from the deeper part of the EPICA Dome C ice core. Our work suggests that the existence of a flat monotonic ice–bedrock interface, extending for several times the ice thickness, would be a crucial factor in choosing a future "oldest ice" drilling location in Antarctica.
|
[
"Earth System Science",
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences"
] |
173072
|
Role of technologies in an energy efficient economy – model-based analysis of policy measures and transformation pathways to a sustainable energy system
|
REEEM aims to gain a clear and comprehensive understanding of the system-wide implications of energy strategies in support of transitions to a competitive low-carbon EU society. Comprehensive technology impact assessments will target the full integration from demand to supply and from the individual to the entire system. It will further address its trade-offs across society, environment and economy along the whole transition pathway. The strong integration of stakeholder involvement will be a key aspect of the proposal. The assessments performed within REEEM will focus on integrated pathways, which will be clustered and categorised around two focal points: the four integrated challenges of the Integrated Roadmap of the Strategic Energy Technology (SET)-Plan and the five dimensions of the Energy Union. Case studies will further serve to investigate details and highlight issues that cannot be resolved at a European level. A range of outputs will target the specific needs of various stakeholder groups and serve to broaden the knowledge base. These include, among others, Policy Briefs, Integrated Impact Reports, Case Study reports and Focus Reports on economy, society and environment. A focus on technology research, development and innovation will be included through the development of Technology Roadmaps with assessments of the Innovation Readiness Level of technologies. Further, a set of enabling tools will help to disseminate and actively engage stakeholders, including a Stakeholder Interaction Portal, a Pathways Diagnostic Tool and an Energy System Learning Simulation. Access to all work developed and transparency in the process will be guiding principles within this project exhibited by, for example, providing open access to a Pathways Database.
|
[
"Products and Processes Engineering",
"Earth System Science",
"Computer Science and Informatics",
"Individuals, Markets and Organisations",
"Institutions, Governance and Legal Systems"
] |
801965
|
The gut microbiota and its systemic effects on metabolism and atherosclerotic disease
|
Atherosclerosis is the main pathological mechanism causing myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke. Evidence has mounted about the association between the gut microbiota and cardiovascular disease, but whether the associations are causal is largely unknown. For optimal prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, there is an urgent need to determine whether there are any true effects that might be targeted by interventions. The overall goal of this project is to assess causality between gut microbiota and atherosclerotic disease and to provide easily accessible biomarkers for an atherosclerosis-enhancing gut microbiota. To this end, the research program has three main objectives:
1.) Identification of gut microbiota characteristics associated with atherosclerosis measured by coronary computed tomography angiography and high-resolution carotid ultrasound in a population-based sample of 10,000 individuals and through prospective follow-up for myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke. The microbiota will be characterized by next-generation sequencing techniques in faecal samples.
2.) Identification of plasma biomarkers associated with an atherosclerosis- enhancing microbiota using comprehensive metabolomics profiling of 800 named metabolites in plasma from 800 individuals with replication in additional 800 individuals
3.) Clarification of the causal effects of gut microbiota characteristics on atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction and stroke by development of novel genetic instruments and applying Mendelian Randomization analysis
I have access to unique study materials and documented experience of successful projects using large scale -omics data and state-of-the-art epidemiological methodologies. My project is expected to lead to the identification of characteristics of an atherosclerosis-enhancing gut microbiota and associated plasma biomarkers that may open up new avenues for effective prevention of atherosclerotic disease.
|
[
"Physiology in Health, Disease and Ageing",
"Integrative Biology: from Genes and Genomes to Systems",
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases"
] |
10.1007/s00208-018-1640-9
|
Limited range multilinear extrapolation with applications to the bilinear Hilbert transform
|
We prove a limited range, off-diagonal extrapolation theorem that generalizes a number of results in the theory of Rubio de Francia extrapolation, and use this to prove a limited range, multilinear extrapolation theorem. We give two applications of this result to the bilinear Hilbert transform. First, we give sufficient conditions on a pair of weights w1,w2 for the bilinear Hilbert transform to satisfy weighted norm inequalities of the form (Formula presented. ),where w= w1w2 and 1p=1p1+1p2<32. This improves the recent results of Culiuc et al. by increasing the families of weights for which this inequality holds and by pushing the lower bound on p from 1 down to 23, the critical index from the unweighted theory of the bilinear Hilbert transform. Second, as an easy consequence of our method we obtain that the bilinear Hilbert transform satisfies some vector-valued inequalities with Muckenhoupt weights. This reproves and generalizes some of the vector-valued estimates obtained by Benea and Muscalu in the unweighted case. We also generalize recent results of Carando, et al. on Marcinkiewicz-Zygmund estimates for multilinear Calderón-Zygmund operators.
|
[
"Mathematics"
] |
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