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interreg_502
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Bio-agricultural management and control
|
The European Union identifies as a priority the growth of eco-compatible agriculture in the framework of promoting sustainable development. As regards rural development the CAP (Common Agricultural Policy) focuses on the development of organic agriculture. Regional Plans for Rural Development follow in the same direction, through the adoption of the so-called Agro-Environmental Measures: several farms in Friuli Venezia Giulia have taken part in one or more actions envisaged in the Agro-Environmental Measures, thus entering a system that leads to the certification of regional integrated productions. Similarly, in the past few years Slovenia too has engaged in experimental alternative production techniques, based on organic agriculture. In this context, cross-border cooperation represents an important element to tackle the issues related to vocational training. In this sense, the project is based on the fact that the Italian side suffers from an evident lack of professionalism and upgrading in the specific field of eco-compatible agriculture, while on the Slovenian side the need exists to bridge the gap towards the farming, agricultural and food standards required by the EU in the framework of the enlargement. Additionally, in both areas the degree of info-telematic technology adopted in farming management is extremely low. In this sense, the project intends to launch a training programme aimed at improving the professional skills of farming experts in supporting farms that adopt eco-compatible methods (with reference to integrated and organic agriculture), also through the creation of networks of Italian and Slovenian farms.
|
[
"Environmental Biology, Ecology and Evolution",
"Human Mobility, Environment, and Space",
"Institutions, Governance and Legal Systems"
] |
10.16997/wpcc.313
|
Do not harm in private chat apps: Ethical issues for research on and with WhatsApp
|
WhatsApp has remained under the radar for it is scarcely accessible to overt scholarly scrutiny. Encrypted chat apps allow for a certain degree of perceived secrecy. Yet the high frequency of civic engagement makes ethnographic research a time-consuming exercise. This article investigates how digital ethnography inside WhatsApp groups requires up-to-date, innovative ethical guidelines. We suggest a two-pronged approach. On the one hand, we should rethink and update 'known' ways of doing ethics, undertaking at least three conceptual operations: going back to the basics, positing as central the notion of 'do not harm', which allows to re-centre the user within the research process; avoid reducing research ethics to a one-stop checklist, to privilege instead a recursive, iterative and dialogic process able to engage research subjects; moving past the consent form as the sole and merely regulatory moment of the researcher-research subject relationship. On the other hand, while thinking through innovative ways of considering ethics in chat app research, we ought to take infrastructure seriously, both the site of research and the research ecosystem; embrace transparency and avoid by all means covert bypasses; and guarantee full anonymisation to our research subjects.
|
[
"The Social World and Its Interactions",
"Computer Science and Informatics"
] |
10.1007/JHEP06(2016)134
|
Drude In D Major
|
We study holographic momentum relaxation in the limit of a large number of spacetime dimensions D. For an axion model we find that momentum conservation is restored as D becomes large. To compensate we scale the strength of the sources with D so that momentum is relaxed even at infinite D. We analytically obtain the quasi-normal modes which control electric and heat transport, and give their frequencies in a 1/D expansion. We also obtain the AC thermal conductivity as an expansion in 1/D, which at leading order takes Drude form. To order 1/D our analytical result provides a reasonable approximation to the AC conductivity even at D = 4, establishing large D as a practical method in this context. As a further application, we discuss the signature of the transition from coherent to incoherent behaviour known to exist in the system for finite D.
|
[
"Condensed Matter Physics",
"Fundamental Constituents of Matter"
] |
10.1083/jcb.201006159
|
Making heads or tails of phospholipids in mitochondria
|
Mitochondria are dynamic organelles whose functional integrity requires a coordinated supply of proteins and phospholipids. Defined functions of specific phospholipids, like the mitochondrial signature lipid cardiolipin, are emerging in diverse processes, ranging from protein biogenesis and energy production to membrane fusion and apoptosis. The accumulation of phospholipids within mitochondria depends on interorganellar lipid transport between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria as well as intramitochondrial lipid trafficking. The discovery of proteins that regulate mitochondrial membrane lipid composition and of a multiprotein complex tethering ER to mitochondrial membranes has unveiled novel mechanisms of mitochondrial membrane biogenesis.
|
[
"Cell Biology, Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration",
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions"
] |
864174
|
Musical and Poetic Creativity for A Unique Moment in the Western Christian Liturgy, c.1000-1500
|
BENEDICAMUS pursues a transformative focus on creative practices surrounding a particular moment in the Western Christian liturgy: the exclamation Benedicamus Domino (“Let us Bless the Lord”), which sounded in song several times a day from c.1000 to 1500. This moment was granted special musical licence c.1000: singers of plainchant melodies could choose to reprise a favourite tune from the Church music for the day, re-texting it with the words Benedicamus Domino. In consequence, Benedicamus Domino enjoyed unprecedented longevity and significance as a focus of compositional interest, prompting some of the earliest experiments in multi-voiced polyphonic composition c.1100, as well as a lasting tradition of popular, devotional carols in the 1300s and 1400s. Histories of music have principally told the stories of particular composers, genres, institutions, or geographical centres. BENEDICAMUS undertakes the first longue durée study of musical and poetic responses to an exceptional liturgical moment, using this innovative perspective to work productively across established historiographical and disciplinary boundaries. Encompassing half a millennium of musical and ritual activity, hundreds of musical compositions, poetic texts, and manuscript sources, it offers pan-European perspectives on a chronologically and geographically diverse range of musical and poetic genres never before considered in conjunction. It develops new methods of music analysis to uncover traces of ad hoc or improvisatory performative practices that were not explicitly recorded in writing, forging interdisciplinary contexts for thinking about artistic creativity and experimentation in a time-period where these concepts have been little studied. BENEDICAMUS engages with the beginnings of musical and poetic genres and techniques that were crucial in shaping practices still current today, and reflects on music’s enduringly complex relationship with spirituality, ritual, and the sacred.
|
[
"The Study of the Human Past",
"Texts and Concepts"
] |
10.1007/s00221-014-4183-7
|
The uses and interpretations of the motor-evoked potential for understanding behaviour
|
The motor-evoked potential (MEP) elicited in peripheral muscles by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) over human motor cortex is one of the hallmark measures for non-invasive quantification of cortical and spinal excitability in cognitive and clinical neuroscience. In the present article, we distinguish three main uses for MEPs in studies of behaviour: for understanding execution and performance of actions, as markers of physiological change in the motor system, and as read-out of upstream processes influencing the motor system. Common to all three approaches is the assumption that different experimental manipulations act on the balance of excitatory and inhibitory pre-synaptic (inter)neurons at the stimulation site; this in turn contributes to levels of (post-synaptic) excitability of cortico-spinal output projections, which ultimately determines the size of MEPs recorded from peripheral muscles. We discuss the types of inference one can draw from human MEP measures given that the detailed physiological underpinnings of MEPs elicited by TMS are complex and remain incompletely understood. Awareness of the different mechanistic assumptions underlying different uses of MEPs can help inform both study design and interpretation of results obtained from human MEP studies of behaviour.
|
[
"Neuroscience and Disorders of the Nervous System",
"Physiology in Health, Disease and Ageing"
] |
EP 90402007 A
|
Device for restricting the oil flow in a rotating shaft.
|
Dispositif (28) de limitation de débit d'un lubrifiant au travers d'un passage axial (18) d'un arbre (10) en rotation, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend un organe (36) formant cloison transversale, fixé dans ledit passage axial et présentant une face interne (40) tournée vers le passage (18) et une face externe (38) tournée vers une source (24) de lubrifiant, une cavité (42) dans ladite cloison (36), au moins un orifice d'entrée (44) entre la face externe (38) et la cavité (42), au moins un orifice d'évacuation (46) entre la face externe (38) et la cavité (42) et situé à une première distance de l'axe (X-X) de l'arbre (10), et au moins un orifice de sortie (48) entre la face interne (40) et la cavité (42) et situé à une seconde distance de l'axe (X-X) de l'arbre (10) supérieure à la première distance, l'orifice de sortie (48) ayant une section prédéterminée.
|
[
"Products and Processes Engineering",
"Materials Engineering"
] |
10.1016/j.dsr.2014.10.001
|
Oxygen distribution and aerobic respiration in the north and south eastern tropical Pacific oxygen minimum zones
|
Highly sensitive STOX O2 sensors were used for determination of in situ O2 distribution in the eastern tropical north and south Pacific oxygen minimum zones (ETN/SP OMZs), as well as for laboratory determination of O2 uptake rates of water masses at various depths within these OMZs. Oxygen was generally below the detection limit (few nmolL-1) in the core of both OMZs, suggesting the presence of vast volumes of functionally anoxic waters in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Oxygen was often not detectable in the deep secondary chlorophyll maximum found at some locations, but other secondary maxima contained up to ~0. 4μmolL-1. Directly measured respiration rates were high in surface and subsurface oxic layers of the coastal waters, reaching values up to 85nmolL-1 O2h-1. Substantially lower values were found at the depths of the upper oxycline, where values varied from 2 to 33nmolL-1 O2h-1. Where secondary chlorophyll maxima were found the rates were higher than in the oxic water just above. Incubation times longer than 20h, in the all-glass containers, resulted in highly increased respiration rates. Addition of amino acids to the water from the upper oxycline did not lead to a significant initial rise in respiration rate within the first 20h, indicating that the measurement of respiration rates in oligotrophic Ocean water may not be severely affected by low levels of organic contamination during sampling. Our measurements indicate that aerobic metabolism proceeds efficiently at extremely low oxygen concentrations with apparent half-saturation concentrations (Km values) ranging from about 10 to about 200nmolL-1.
|
[
"Earth System Science",
"Environmental Biology, Ecology and Evolution",
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences"
] |
10.1088/0953-8984/23/21/215004
|
The Autocorrelation Function For Island Areas On Self Affine Surfaces
|
The spatial distribution of regions that lie above contours of constant height through a self-affine surface is studied as a function of the Hurst exponent H. If the surface represents a landscape, these regions correspond to islands. When the surface represents the height difference for contacting surfaces, the regions correspond to mechanical contacts in the common bearing area model. The autocorrelation function C(Δr) is defined as the probability that points separated by Δr are both within islands. The scaling of C has important implications for the stiffness and conductance of mechanical contacts. We find that its Fourier transform C(q) scales as a power of the wavevector magnitude q: [Formula: see text] with μ = 2 + H rather than the value μ = 2 + 2H reported previously. An analytic argument for μ = 2 + H is presented using the distribution of areas contained in disconnected islands.
|
[
"Condensed Matter Physics",
"Mathematics"
] |
10.1093/neuonc/noy007
|
The aberrant splicing of BAF45d links splicing regulation and transcription in glioblastoma
|
Background Glioblastoma, the most aggressive primary brain tumor, is genetically heterogeneous. Alternative splicing (AS) plays a key role in numerous pathologies, including cancer. The objectives of our study were to determine whether aberrant AS could play a role in the malignant phenotype of glioma and to understand the mechanism underlying its aberrant regulation. Methods We obtained surgical samples from patients with glioblastoma who underwent 5-aminolevulinic fluorescence-guided surgery. Biopsies were taken from the tumor center as well as from adjacent normal-appearing tissue. We used a global splicing array to identify candidate genes aberrantly spliced in these glioblastoma samples. Mechanistic and functional studies were performed to elucidate the role of our top candidate splice variant, BAF45d, in glioblastoma. Results BAF45d is part of the switch/sucrose nonfermentable complex and plays a key role in the development of the CNS. The BAF45d/6A isoform is present in 85% of over 200 glioma samples that have been analyzed and contributes to the malignant glioma phenotype through the maintenance of an undifferentiated cellular state. We demonstrate that BAF45d splicing is mediated by polypyrimidine tract-binding protein 1 (PTBP1) and that BAF45d regulates PTBP1, uncovering a reciprocal interplay between RNA splicing regulation and transcription. Conclusions Our data indicate that AS is a mechanism that contributes to the malignant phenotype of glioblastoma. Understanding the consequences of this biological process will uncover new therapeutic targets for this devastating disease.
|
[
"Cell Biology, Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration",
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Physiology in Health, Disease and Ageing"
] |
10.1287/mnsc.2019.3356
|
Creating Platforms by Hosting Rivals
|
We explore conditions under which a multiproduct firm can profitably turn itself into a platform by “hosting rivals,” that is, by inviting rivals to sell products or services on top of its core product. Hosting eliminates the additional shopping costs to consumers of buying a specialist rival’s competing version of the multiproduct firm’s noncore product. On the one hand, this makes it easier for the rival to compete on the noncore product. On the other hand, hosting turns the rival from a pure competitor into a complementor: the value added by its product now helps raise consumer demand for the multiproduct firm’s core product. As a result, hosting can be both unilaterally profitable for the multiproduct firm and jointly profitable for both firms. This paper was accepted by Joshua Gans, business strategy.
|
[
"Individuals, Markets and Organisations"
] |
10.1364/OL.41.001110
|
40 Ghz Pulse Source Based On Xpm Induced Focusing In Normally Dispersive Optical Fibers
|
We theoretically and experimentally investigate the design of a high-repetition rate source delivering well-separated picosecond pulses thanks to the nonlinear compression of a dual-frequency beat signal within a cavity-less normally dispersive fiber-based setup. This system is well described by a set of two coupled NLS equations for which the usual normally dispersive defocusing regime is turned in a focusing temporal lens through a degenerated cross-phase modulation effect. More precisely, the temporal compression of the initial beating is performed by the combined effects of normal GVD and XPM-induced nonlinear phase shift yield by an intense beat-signal on its weak out-of-phase replica copropagating with orthogonal polarizations. This adiabatic reshaping process allows us to generate a 40GHz well-separated 3. 3ps pulse train at 1550nm in a 5km long normally dispersive fiber.
|
[
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences",
"Systems and Communication Engineering"
] |
W1983610078
|
Experiences of the Relatives of Patients Undergoing Cranial Surgery for a Brain Tumor
|
The functional changes that develop because of neurological sequelae in patients with a brain tumor have a negative effect on daily activities and self-care. This situation in turn has a negative effect on the lives of the patients' relatives and increases their work load. We interviewed 10 relatives of patients who had undergone cranial surgery for a brain tumor as part of a descriptive qualitative study and asked them to describe their experiences during the perioperative period and home care. The data obtained from the patients' relatives were evaluated using Colaizzi's analysis method and divided into three categories and eight themes: (a) personal feelings (first reactions, decision for surgery, first meeting with the patient after surgery, ambiguity), (b) management of the changes (management of the side effects of the tumor, management of role and behavioral changes, management of care at home, social support), and (c) need for knowledge about managing the disease process. We found that brain tumor surgery can be more frightening for patients and their relatives than other surgical interventions. Also, because the patient requires prolonged postoperative care, the patient's family plays an important role at every stage of the patient's treatment and care.
|
[
"Neuroscience and Disorders of the Nervous System",
"Physiology in Health, Disease and Ageing",
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases"
] |
10.1088/1475-7516/2019/05/048
|
Measuring The Homogeneity Of The Universe Using Polarization Drift
|
We propose a method to probe the homogeneity of a general universe, without assuming symmetry. We show that isotropy can be tested at remote locations on the past lightcone by comparing the line-of-sight and transverse expansion rates, using the time dependence of the polarization of Cosmic Microwave Background photons that have been inverse-Compton scattered by the hot gas in massive clusters of galaxies. This probes a combination of remote transverse and parallel components of the expansion rate of the metric, and we may use radial baryon acoustic oscillations or cosmic clocks to measure the parallel expansion rate. Thus we can test remote isotropy, which is a key requirement of a homogeneous universe. We provide explicit formulas that connect observables and properties of the metric.
|
[
"Universe Sciences"
] |
10.1364/OE.19.011759
|
Under Filling Trapping Objectives Optimizes The Use Of The Available Laser Power In Optical Tweezers
|
For optical tweezers, especially when used in biological studies, optimizing the trapping efficiency reduces photo damage or enables the generation of larger trapping forces. One important, yet not-well understood, tuning parameter is how much the laser beam needs to be expanded before coupling it into the trapping objective. Here, we measured the trap stiffness for 0. 5–2 μm-diameter microspheres for various beam expansions. We show that the highest overall trapping efficiency is achieved by slightly under-filling a high-numerical aperture objective when using microspheres with a diameter corresponding to about the trapping-laser wavelength in the medium. The optimal filling ratio for the lateral direction depended on the microsphere size, whereas for the axial direction it was nearly independent. Our findings are in agreement with Mie theory calculations and suggest that apart from the choice of the optimal microsphere size, slightly under-filling the objective is key for the optimal performance of an optical trap.
|
[
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences",
"Condensed Matter Physics"
] |
10.1016/j.psyneuen.2015.10.017
|
Stress influences environmental donation behavior in men
|
Stress has been found to have both positive and negative effects on prosocial behavior, suggesting the involvement of moderating factors such as context and underlying motives. In the present study, we investigated the conditions under which acute stress leads to an increase vs. decrease in environmental donation behavior as an indicator of prosocial behavior. In particular, we examined whether the effects of stress depended on preexisting pro-environmental orientation and stage of the donation decision (whether or not to donate vs. the amount to be donated). Male participants with either high (N = 40) or low (N = 39) pro-environmental orientation were randomly assigned to a social stress test or a control condition. Salivary cortisol was assessed repeatedly before and after stress induction. At the end of the experiment, all subjects were presented with an opportunity to donate a portion of their monetary compensation to a climate protection foundation. We found that stress significantly increased donation frequency, but only in subjects with low pro-environmental orientation. Congruously, their decision to donate was positively associated with cortisol response to the stress test and the emotion regulation strategy mood repair, as well as accompanied by an increase in subjective calmness. In contrast, among the participants who decided to donate, stress significantly reduced the donated amount of money, regardless of pro-environmental orientation. In conclusion, our findings suggest that acute stress might generally activate more self-serving motivations, such as making oneself feel better and securing one's own material interests. Importantly, however, a strong pro-environmental orientation partially prevented these effects.
|
[
"The Social World and Its Interactions",
"The Human Mind and Its Complexity"
] |
10.4204/EPTCS.251.34
|
Condorcet S Principle And The Preference Reversal Paradox
|
We prove that every Condorcet-consistent voting rule can be manipulated by a voter who completely reverses their preference ranking, assuming that there are at least 4 alternatives. This corrects an error and improves a result of [Sanver, M. R. and Zwicker, W. S. (2009). One-way monotonicity as a form of strategy-proofness. Int J Game Theory 38(4), 553-574. ] For the case of precisely 4 alternatives, we exactly characterise the number of voters for which this impossibility result can be proven. We also show analogues of our result for irresolute voting rules. We then leverage our result to state a strong form of the Gibbard-Satterthwaite Theorem.
|
[
"Mathematics",
"Individuals, Markets and Organisations"
] |
10.3389/fneur.2013.00101
|
Comparison of functional recovery of manual dexterity after unilateral spinal cord lesion or motor cortex lesion in adult macaque monkeys
|
In relation to mechanisms involved in functional recovery of manual dexterity from cervical cord injury or from motor cortical injury, our goal was to determine whether the movements that characterize post-lesion functional recovery are comparable to original movement patterns or do monkeys adopt distinct strategies to compensate the deficits depending on the type of lesion? To this aim, data derived from earlier studies, using a skilled finger task (the modified Brinkman board from which pellets are retrieved from vertical or horizontal slots), in spinal cord and motor cortex injured monkeys were analyzed and compared. Twelve adult macaque monkeys were subjected to a hemi-section of the cervical cord (n = 6) or to a unilateral excitotoxic lesion of the hand representation in the primary motor cortex (n = 6). In addition, in each subgroup, one half of monkeys (n = 3) were treated for 30 days with a function blocking antibody against the neurite growth inhibitory protein Nogo-A, while the other half (n = 3) represented control animals. The motor deficits, and the extent and time course of functional recovery were assessed. For some of the parameters investigated (wrist angle for horizontal slots and movement types distribution for vertical slots after cervical injury; movement types distribution for horizontal slots after motor cortex lesion), post-lesion restoration of the original movement patterns ("true" recovery) led to a quantitatively better functional recovery. In the motor cortex lesion groups, pharmacological reversible inactivation experiments showed that the peri-lesion territory of the primary motor cortex or re-arranged, spared domain of the lesion zone, played a major role in the functional recovery, together with the ipsilesional intact premotor cortex.
|
[
"Neuroscience and Disorders of the Nervous System",
"Cell Biology, Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration"
] |
10.1093/rfs/hhq062
|
Reward for luck in a dynamic agency model
|
This article studies a continuous time principal-agent problem of a firm whose cash flows are determined by the manager's unobserved effort. The firm's cash flows are further subject to persistent and publicly observable shocks that are beyond the manager's control. While standard contracting models predict that compensation should optimally filter out these shocks, empirical evidence suggests otherwise. In line with this evidence, our model predicts that the manager is "rewarded for luck. "
|
[
"Individuals, Markets and Organisations"
] |
EP 08253342 A
|
Motor controller of air conditioner and method of the motor controller
|
The present invention relates to a motor controller for an air conditioner and a motor control method. The motor controller including a converter converting AC utility power into DC power and an inverter having a plurality of switching elements, the inverter receiving the DC power, converting the received DC power into AC power by switching operations of the switching elements, and supplies the AC power to a motor, the motor controller further including: a current detector detecting a current flowing in the motor controller; a temperature detector detecting a temperature in the motor controller or a temperature ambient to the motor controller; and a controller calculating a loading based on at least one of room temperature, setup temperature, and inner unit capacity and setting up a final target frequency for driving the motor based on the calculated loading and at least one of the detected current and the detected temperature. The motor controller for the air conditioner and the motor control method determines a target frequency considering a current and a temperature, to reduce power consumption and protect circuit elements.
|
[
"Systems and Communication Engineering",
"Products and Processes Engineering"
] |
10.1016/j.neuroscience.2017.04.005
|
Impact of thalamocortical input on barrel cortex development
|
The development of cortical maps requires the balanced interaction between genetically determined programs and input/activity-dependent signals generated spontaneously or triggered from the environment. The somatosensory pathway of mice provides an excellent scenario to study cortical map development because of its highly organized cytoarchitecture, known as the barrel field. This precise organization makes evident even small alterations in the cortical map layout. In this review, we will specially focus on the thalamic factors that control barrel field development. We will summarize the role of thalamic input integration and identity, neurotransmission and spontaneous activity in cortical map formation and early cross-modal plasticity.
|
[
"Neuroscience and Disorders of the Nervous System",
"Cell Biology, Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration"
] |
10.3791/57312
|
In Vivo Imaging Of Muscle Tendon Morphogenesis In Drosophila Pupae
|
Muscles together with tendons and the skeleton enable animals including humans to move their body parts. Muscle morphogenesis is highly conserved from animals to humans. Therefore, the powerful Drosophila model system can be used to study concepts of muscle-tendon development that can also be applied to human muscle biology. Here, we describe in detail how morphogenesis of the adult muscle-tendon system can be easily imaged in living, developing Drosophila pupae. Hence, the method allows investigating proteins, cells and tissues in their physiological environment. In addition to a step-by-step protocol with helpful tips, we provide a comprehensive overview of fluorescently tagged marker proteins that are suitable for studying the muscle-tendon system. To highlight the versatile applications of the protocol, we show example movies ranging from visualization of long-term morphogenetic events - occurring on the time scale of hours and days - to visualization of short-term dynamic processes like muscle twitching occurring on time scale of seconds. Taken together, this protocol should enable the reader to design and perform live-imaging experiments for investigating muscle-tendon morphogenesis in the intact organism.
|
[
"Cell Biology, Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration",
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions"
] |
10.1186/s13068-018-1082-3
|
Efficient whole cell biocatalyst for formate-based hydrogen production
|
Background: Molecular hydrogen (H2) is an attractive future energy carrier to replace fossil fuels. Biologically and sustainably produced H2 could contribute significantly to the future energy mix. However, biological H2 production methods are faced with multiple barriers including substrate cost, low production rates, and low yields. The C1 compound formate is a promising substrate for biological H2 production, as it can be produced itself from various sources including electrochemical reduction of CO2 or from synthesis gas. Many microbes that can produce H2 from formate have been isolated; however, in most cases H2 production rates cannot compete with other H2 production methods. Results: We established a formate-based H2 production method utilizing the acetogenic bacterium Acetobacterium woodii. This organism can use formate as sole energy and carbon source and possesses a novel enzyme complex, the hydrogen-dependent CO2 reductase that catalyzes oxidation of formate to H2 and CO2. Cell suspensions reached specific formate-dependent H2 production rates of 71 mmol g protein-1 h-1 (30. 5 mmol g CDW-1 h-1) and maximum volumetric H2 evolution rates of 79 mmol L-1 h-1. Using growing cells in a two-step closed batch fermentation, specific H2 production rates reached 66 mmol g CDW-1 h-1 with a volumetric H2 evolution rate of 7. 9 mmol L-1 h-1. Acetate was the major side product that decreased the H2 yield. We demonstrate that inhibition of the energy metabolism by addition of a sodium ionophore is suitable to completely abolish acetate formation. Under these conditions, yields up to 1 mol H2 per mol formate were achieved. The same ionophore can be used in cultures utilizing formate as specific switch from a growing phase to a H2 production phase. Conclusions: Acetobacterium woodii reached one of the highest formate-dependent specific H2 productivity rates at ambient temperatures reported so far for an organism without genetic modification and converted the substrate exclusively to H2. This makes this organism a very promising candidate for sustainable H2 production and, because of the reversibility of the A. woodii enzyme, also a candidate for reversible H2 storage.
|
[
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Biotechnology and Biosystems Engineering"
] |
10.1002/eji.201545487
|
Cross-regulation between cytokine and microRNA pathways in T cells
|
microRNA (miRNA) mediated regulation of protein expression has emerged as an important mechanism in T-cell physiology, from development and survival to activation, proliferation, and differentiation. One of the major classes of proteins involved in these processes are cytokines, which are both key input signals and major products of T-cell function. Here, we summarize the current data on the molecular cross-talk between cytokines and miRNAs: how cytokines regulate miRNA expression, and how specific miRNAs control cytokine production in T cells. We also describe the inflammatory consequences of deregulating the miRNA/cytokine axis in mice and humans. We believe this topical area will have key implications for immune modulation and treatment of autoimmune pathology.
|
[
"Immunity, Infection and Immunotherapy",
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions"
] |
W1942545547
|
A TRANSLATION ANALYSIS OF IDIOMATIC EXPRESSIONS IN CHOCOLAT BY JOANNE HARRIS AND ITS TRANSLATION BY IBNU SETIAWAN
|
This study is intended to analyze the translation strategies used by the translator in translating the idiomatic expressions; and the degree of meaning equivalence of the translation of idiomatic expressions in Chocolat by Joanne Harris and into Chocolat by Ibnu Setiawan.
This study uses descriptive quantitative and qualitative research with a content analysis method. The percentages were used to strengthen the findings. Meanwhile the presentation of discussion was presented in a descriptive way. In this research, the data were collected, measured, and analyzed by doing some steps. To ensure the trustworthiness of the study, the data were deeply observed detail, by applying theories from experts of translation and examining both the process and the product of the research for constituency.
The findings of the study show that most of the idiomatic expressions occurring in the novel are translated using paraphrase strategy (70.67%). In other word, translation by paraphrasing is the most common way of translating idiomatic expressions in the novel Chocolat. It happens when an exact match cannot be found in the target language text. It is considered easier for the translator to translate the idiomatic expression by its meaning than translate it into idiom in the TL text, because of the difference of culture and linguistics background between the SL and TL text. On the contrary, the least strategy used is translation by omission (1.78%). In terms of meaning equivalence, the translation of idiomatic expressions has higher percentages of equivalence degree indicated by frequency of equivalent meaning (85.56%) compared to non-equivalent one (14.44%). In short, the translator has successfully transferred the meanings of the source text as equivalent as possible and the translation can meet the readers’ need for equivalent translation.
|
[
"Texts and Concepts"
] |
10.1089/ars.2014.6238
|
NOX4 in Mitochondria: Yeast Two-Hybrid-Based Interaction with Complex i Without Relevance for Basal Reactive Oxygen Species?
|
NADPH oxidases (NOXs) represent the only known dedicated source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and thus a prime therapeutic target. Type 4 NOX is unique as it produces H2O2, is constitutively active, and has been suggested to localize to cardiac mitochondria, thus possibly linking mitochondrial and NOX-derived ROS formation. The aim of this study was to identify NOX4-binding proteins and examine the possible physiological localization of NOX4 to mitochondria and its impact on mitochondrial ROS formation. We here provide evidence that NOX4 can, in principle, enter protein-protein interactions with mitochondrial complex I NADH dehydrogenase subunits, 1 and 4L. However, under physiological conditions, NOX4 protein was neither detectable in the kidney nor in cardiomyocyte mitochondria. The NOX inhibitor, GKT136901, slightly reduced ROS formation in cardiomyocyte mitochondria, but this effect was observed in both wild-type and Nox4-/- mice. NOX4 may thus associate with mitochondrial complex I proteins, but in cardiac and renal mitochondria under basal conditions, expression is beyond our detection limits and does not contribute to ROS formation. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 23, 1106-1112.
|
[
"Physiology in Health, Disease and Ageing",
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions"
] |
10.1186/s12942-019-0179-7
|
Access to and availability of exercise facilities in Madrid: An equity perspective
|
Background: Identifying socioeconomic determinants that are associated with access to and availability of exercise facilities is fundamental to supporting physical activity engagement in urban populations, which in turn, may reduce health inequities. This study analysed the relationship between area-level socioeconomic status (SES) and access to, and availability of, exercise facilities in Madrid, Spain. Methods: Area-level SES was measured using a composite index based on seven sociodemographic indicators. Exercise facilities were geocoded using Google Maps and classified into four types: public, private, low-cost and sessional. Accessibility was operationalized as the street network distance to the nearest exercise facility from each of the 125,427 residential building entrances (i. e. portals) in Madrid. Availability was defined as the count of exercise facilities in a 1000 m street network buffer around each portal. We used a multilevel linear regression and a zero inflated Poisson regression analyses to assess the association between area-level SES and exercise facility accessibility and availability. Results: Lower SES areas had a lower average distance to the closest facility, especially for public and low-cost facilities. Higher SES areas had higher availability of exercise facilities, especially for private and seasonal facilities. Conclusion: Public and low-cost exercise facilities were more proximate in low SES areas, but the overall number of facilities was lower in these areas compared with higher SES areas. Increasing the number of exercise facilities in lower SES areas may be an intervention to improve health equity.
|
[
"Human Mobility, Environment, and Space",
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases",
"The Social World and Its Interactions"
] |
W154222689
|
The Offshore Resources Scheduling Problem: Detailing a Constraint Programming Approach
|
The development of maritime oil wells depends on the availability of specialized fleet capable of performing the required activities. In addition, the exploitation of each well can only start when it is connected through pipes to a producing unit. The Offshore Resources Scheduling Problem (ORSP) combines such restrictions with the aim to prioritize development projects of higher return in oil production. In this work, an extended description of the ORSP is tackled with Constraint Programming (CP). Such extension refers to the customization of pipes and to the scheduling of fleet maintenance periods. The use of CP is due to the noted ability of the technique to model and solve large and complex scheduling problems. For the type of scenarios faced by Petrobras, the reported approach was able to quickly deliver good-quality solutions.KeywordsSchedulingTime-interval VariablesWell Developments
|
[
"Products and Processes Engineering",
"Computer Science and Informatics"
] |
10.1038/s41598-017-00132-9
|
Comparative genomics reveals contraction in olfactory receptor genes in bats
|
Gene loss and gain during genome evolution are thought to play important roles in adaptive phenotypic diversification. Among mammals, bats possess the smallest genomes and have evolved the unique abilities of powered flight and laryngeal echolocation. To investigate whether gene family evolution has contributed to the genome downsizing and phenotypic diversification in this group, we performed comparative evolutionary analyses of complete proteome data for eight bat species, including echolocating and nonecholocating forms, together with the proteomes of 12 other laurasiatherian mammals. Our analyses revealed extensive gene loss in the most recent ancestor of bats, and also of carnivores (both >1, 000 genes), although this gene contraction did not appear to correlate with the reduction in genome size in bats. Comparisons of highly dynamic families suggested that expansion and contraction affected genes with similar functions (immunity, response to stimulus) in all laurasiatherian lineages. However, the magnitude and direction of these changes varied greatly among groups. In particular, our results showed contraction of the Olfactory Receptor (OR) gene repertoire in the last common ancestor of all bats, as well as that of the echolocating species studied. In contrast, non-echolocating fruit bats showed evidence of expansion in ORs, supporting a "trade-off" between sensory modalities.
|
[
"Integrative Biology: from Genes and Genomes to Systems",
"Environmental Biology, Ecology and Evolution",
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions"
] |
10.1088/0957-4484/24/9/095201
|
Electron-induced limitation of surface plasmon propagation in silver nanowires
|
Plasmonic circuitry is considered as a promising solution-effective technology for miniaturizing and integrating the next generation of optical nano-devices. A key element is the shared metal network between electrical and optical information enabling an efficient hetero-integration of an electronic control layer and a plasmonic data link. Here, we investigate to what extent surface plasmons and current-carrying electrons interfere in such a shared circuitry. By synchronously recording surface plasmon propagation and electrical output characteristics of individual chemically-synthesized silver nanowires we determine the limiting factors hindering the co-propagation of an electrical current and a surface plasmon in these nanoscale circuits.
|
[
"Condensed Matter Physics",
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences",
"Systems and Communication Engineering"
] |
682540
|
Translational and Transdisciplinary research in Modeling Infectious Diseases
|
TransMID focuses on the development of novel methods to estimate key epidemiological parameters from both serological and social contact data, with the aim to significantly expand the range of public health questions that can be adequately addressed using such data. Using new statistical and mathematical theory and newly collected as well as readily available serological and social contact data (mainly from Europe), fundamental mathematical and epidemiological challenges as outlined in the following work packages will be addressed: (a) frequency and density dependent mass action relating potential effective contacts to transmission dynamics in (sub)populations of different sizes with an empirical assessment using readily available contact data, (b) behavioural and temporal variations in contact patterns and their impact on the dynamics of infectious diseases, (c) close contact household networks and the assumption of homogeneous mixing within households, (d) estimating parameters from multivariate and serial cross-sectional serological data taking temporal effects and heterogeneity in acquisition into account in combination with the use of social contact data, and (e) finally the design of sero- and social contact surveys with specific focus on serial cross-sectional surveys. TransMID is transdisciplinary in nature with applications on diseases of major public health interest, such as pertussis, cytomegalovirus and measles. Translational methodology is placed at the heart of TransMID resulting in the development of a unifying methodology for other diseases and settings. The development of a toolbox and accompanying software allow easy and effective application of these fundamentally improved techniques on many infectious diseases and in different geographic contexts, which should maximize TransMID’s impact on public health in Europe and beyond.
|
[
"Mathematics",
"Immunity, Infection and Immunotherapy",
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases"
] |
MX 2021007513 A
|
QUINT-FOCAL DIFFRACTIVE INTRAOCULAR LENS.
|
A diffractive quint focal intraocular lens includes a base optic and a diffractive element. The base optic has a base curvature that corresponds to a base power. The diffractive element provides constructive interference in at least five consecutive diffractive orders to create a set of five focal points for vision from near to distance. The constructive interference provides for a near focal point at the highest diffractive order of the five consecutive diffractive orders, a distance focal point at the lowest diffractive order, and three intermediate diffractive orders between the highest and lowest diffractive orders to provide continuity of vision from near to distance with an extended intermediate, an intermediate, and an extended near focal points. The multifocal intraocular lens (i) provides a diffraction efficiency of -100%, (ii) creates almost no positive optical disturbance, (iii) may also reduce longitudinal chromatic aberration.
|
[
"Products and Processes Engineering",
"Materials Engineering",
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases"
] |
10.1021/acscentsci.9b00800
|
Carbons with Regular Pore Geometry Yield Fundamental Insights into Supercapacitor Charge Storage
|
We conduct molecular dynamics simulations of electrical double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) using a library of ordered, porous carbon electrode materials called zeolite templated carbons (ZTCs). The well-defined pore shapes of the ZTCs enable us to determine the influence of pore geometry on both charging dynamics and charge storage mechanisms in EDLCs, also referred to as supercapacitors. We show that charging dynamics are negatively correlated with the pore-limiting diameter of the electrode material and display signatures of both progressive charging and ion trapping. However, the equilibrium capacitance, unlike charging dynamics, is not strongly correlated to commonly used, purely geometric descriptors such as pore size. Instead, we find a strong correlation of capacitance to the charge compensation per carbon (CCpC), a descriptor we define in this work as the average charge of the electrode atoms within the coordination shell of a counterion. A high CCpC indicates efficient charge storage, as the strong partial charges of the electrode are able to screen counterion charge, enabling higher ion loading and thus more charge storage within the electrode at a fixed applied voltage. We determine that adsorption sites with a high CCpC tend to be found within pockets with a smaller radius of curvature, where the counterions are able to minimize their distance with multiple points on the electrode surface, and therefore induce stronger local partial charges.
|
[
"Condensed Matter Physics",
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences",
"Synthetic Chemistry and Materials"
] |
10.7150/thno.23853
|
Image-guided surgery using near-infrared Turn-ON fluorescent nanoprobes for precise detection of tumor margins
|
Complete tumor removal during surgery has a great impact on patient survival. To that end, the surgeon should detect the tumor, remove it and validate that there are no residual cancer cells left behind. Residual cells at the incision margin of the tissue removed during surgery are associated with tumor recurrence and poor prognosis for the patient. In order to remove the tumor tissue completely with minimal collateral damage to healthy tissue, there is a need for diagnostic tools that will differentiate between the tumor and its normal surroundings. Methods: We designed, synthesized and characterized three novel polymeric Turn-ON probes that will be activated at the tumor site by cysteine cathepsins that are highly expressed in multiple tumor types. Utilizing orthotopic breast cancer and melanoma models, which spontaneously metastasize to the brain, we studied the kinetics of our polymeric Turn-ON nano-probes. Results: To date, numerous low molecular weight cathepsin-sensitive substrates have been reported, however, most of them suffer from rapid clearance and reduced signal shortly after administration. Here, we show an improved tumor-to-background ratio upon activation of our Turn-ON probes by cathepsins. The signal obtained from the tumor was stable and delineated the tumor boundaries during the whole surgical procedure, enabling accurate resection. Conclusions: Our findings show that the control groups of tumor-bearing mice, which underwent either standard surgery under white light only or under the fluorescence guidance of the commercially-available imaging agents ProSense® 680 or 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA), survived for less time and suffered from tumor recurrence earlier than the group that underwent image-guided surgery (IGS) using our Turn-ON probes. Our "smart" polymeric probes can potentially assist surgeons' decision in real-time during surgery regarding the tumor margins needed to be removed, leading to improved patient outcome.
|
[
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases",
"Synthetic Chemistry and Materials"
] |
10.1073/pnas.1413271112
|
Revealing bacterial targets of growth inhibitors encoded by bacteriophage T7
|
Today's arsenal of antibiotics is ineffective against some emerging strains of antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Novel inhibitors of bacterial growth therefore need to be found. The target of such bacterialgrowth inhibitors must be identified, and one way to achieve this is by locating mutations that suppress their inhibitory effect. Here, we identified five growth inhibitors encoded by T7 bacteriophage. High-throughput sequencing of genomic DNA of resistant bacterial mutants evolving against three of these inhibitors revealed unique mutations in three specific genes. We found that a nonessential host gene, ppiB, is required for growth inhibition by one bacteriophage inhibitor and another nonessential gene, pcnB, is required for growth inhibition by a different inhibitor. Notably, we found a previously unidentified growth inhibitor, gene product (Gp) 0. 6, that interacts with the essential cytoskeleton protein MreB and inhibits its function. We further identified mutations in two distinct regions in the mreB gene that overcome this inhibition. Bacterial two-hybrid assay and accumulation of Gp0. 6 only in MreB-expressing bacteria confirmed interaction of MreB and Gp0. 6. Expression of Gp0. 6 resulted in lemon-shaped bacteria followed by cell lysis, as previously reported for MreB inhibitors. The described approach may be extended for the identification of new growth inhibitors and their targets across bacterial species and in higher organisms.
|
[
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Integrative Biology: from Genes and Genomes to Systems",
"Immunity, Infection and Immunotherapy"
] |
10.1016/j.jaci.2010.04.021
|
The role of viruses in acute exacerbations of asthma
|
Viral respiratory infections are the most common cause of an acute asthma exacerbation in both children and adults and represent a significant global health burden. An increasing body of evidence supports the hypothesis that these infections cause a greater degree of morbidity in asthmatic subjects than in the healthy population, emphasizing a discrepancy in the antiviral response of asthmatics. In this review we discuss why such a discrepancy might exist, examining the role of the bronchial epithelium as well as the main inflammatory cells, mediators, and molecular pathways that are involved in the immune response. In addition, the potential impact of virus-induced asthma exacerbations on airway remodelling is reviewed and we explore which therapeutic options might be of benefit in preventing the deterioration of asthma control seen following viral infection.
|
[
"Physiology in Health, Disease and Ageing",
"Immunity, Infection and Immunotherapy"
] |
10.1016/j.neuroimage.2015.05.031
|
Human aging alters the neural computation and representation of space
|
The hippocampus and striatum are core neural circuits involved in spatial learning and memory. Although both neural systems support spatial navigation, experimental and theoretical evidence indicate that they play different roles. In particular, whereas hippocampal place cells generate allocentric neural representations of space that are sensitive to geometric information, striatum-dependent learning is influenced by local landmarks. How human aging affects these different neural representations, however, is still not well understood. In this paper, we combined virtual reality, computational modeling, and neuroimaging to investigate the effects of age upon the neural computation and representation of space in humans. We manipulated the geometry and local landmarks of a virtual environment and examined the effects on memory performance and brain activity during spatial learning. In younger adults, both behavior and brain activity in the medial-temporal lobe were consistent with predictions of a computational model of hippocampus-dependent boundary processing. In contrast, older adults' behavior and medial-temporal lobe activity were primarily influenced by local cue information, and spatial learning was more associated with activity in the caudate nucleus rather than the hippocampus. Together these results point to altered spatial representations and information processing in the hippocampal-striatal circuitry with advancing adult age, which may contribute to spatial learning and memory deficits associated with normal and pathological aging.
|
[
"Neuroscience and Disorders of the Nervous System",
"Physiology in Health, Disease and Ageing"
] |
TW 112102310 A
|
Mosquito noise filtering
|
In one aspect, a method to reduce compression artefacts, includes generating a first set of weights based on pixel value differences, producing a soft binned histogram from values in a neighborhood of pixels, generating an adapted histogram from the soft binned histogram using interpolation, generating occurrence density weights from the adapted histogram, combining the first set of weights and the occurrence density weights, filtering pixel values a bilateral filter using the combined weights, mixing the filtered pixel values and original pixel values, and outputting the mix of filtered pixel values and original pixel values.
|
[
"Computer Science and Informatics",
"Systems and Communication Engineering"
] |
851054
|
Early embryonic events, life-long consequences: DNA methylation dynamics in mammalian development
|
Immediately after fertilization, mammalian genomes undergo a dramatic reshaping of the epigenome as the embryo transitions from the zygote into the pluripotent cells primed for lineage commitment. This is best exemplified by DNA methylation reprogramming, as the gametic patterns are largely erased, and the embryonic genome undergoes a wave of de novo DNA methylation. Moreover, once DNA methylation patterns are established, mechanisms faithfully maintain the mark across cell division. Thus, there is latent potential for DNA methylation deposited in the early embryo to exhibit a lifelong effect.
DNA methylation is a modification that is typically associated with gene repression at repetitive elements and at a minority of protein coding genes. I previously described the regulation of the Zdbf2 gene in mice, which is programmed during the de novo DNA methylation program. Challenging the paradigm, in this case DNA methylation is required for activation of a gene via antagonism of the polycomb-group of silencing proteins. If the DNA methylation fails to occur, the gene stays silent throughout life, resulting in a reduced growth phenotype.
For my proposed research I will utilize both a cell-based system that recapitulates these early embryonic events as well as an in vivo mouse model to investigate the extent and mechanisms of non-canonical DNA methylation functions. I plan to use a combinatorial approach of genomics, genetics, and proteomics in order to ascertain novel insights into DNA methylation-based regulation. Furthermore, I plan to employ precision epigenome editing tools to address the locus-specific impact of DNA methylation. Ultimately, I strive to gain a clear understanding of the profound epigenetic consequences of DNA methylation on this window of development, which occurs in the first week of mouse embryogenesis, and the second of human, but the repercussions of which can ripple throughout life.
|
[
"Integrative Biology: from Genes and Genomes to Systems",
"Cell Biology, Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration",
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions"
] |
10.1038/s41559-017-0193
|
Phylogenetic rooting using minimal ancestor deviation
|
Ancestor-descendent relations play a cardinal role in evolutionary theory. Those relations are determined by rooting phylogenetic trees. Existing rooting methods are hampered by evolutionary rate heterogeneity or the unavailability of auxiliary phylogenetic information. Here we present a rooting approach, the minimal ancestor deviation (MAD) method, which accommodates heterotachy by using all pairwise topological and metric information in unrooted trees. We demonstrate the performance of the method, in comparison to existing rooting methods, by the analysis of phylogenies from eukaryotes and prokaryotes. MAD correctly recovers the known root of eukaryotes and uncovers evidence for the origin of cyanobacteria in the ocean. MAD is more robust and consistent than existing methods, provides measures of the root inference quality and is applicable to any tree with branch lengths.
|
[
"Mathematics",
"Environmental Biology, Ecology and Evolution",
"Integrative Biology: from Genes and Genomes to Systems"
] |
10.1016/j.ceb.2017.10.003
|
Mechanical cell competition
|
Maintenance of tissue organization is crucial to ensure normal organ function and organism viability. Tissues are loaded with the ability to sense the available space, measuring cell density and adapting their behaviour accordingly. To keep homeostasis, compression pressure generated by local cell density increment triggers cell elimination. During mechanical cell competition, winner cells compress the neighbouring cells, promoting tissue crowding, which leads to cell elimination. Thus, the hypersensitivity to crowding may confer a loser status, whereas resistance to mechanical-induced elimination may favour a winner status. Here we analyse the emerging field of mechanical cell competition, describing the mechanotransducers implicated in cell elimination. Furthermore, we highlight the dual role of mechanical cell competition (MCC) as tumour suppression or expansion mechanisms.
|
[
"Cell Biology, Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration",
"Physiology in Health, Disease and Ageing"
] |
10.1242/dev.173328
|
Molecular signatures identify immature mesenchymal progenitors in early mouse limb buds that respond differentially to morphogen signaling
|
The key molecular interactions governing vertebrate limb bud development are a paradigm to study the mechanisms controlling progenitor cell proliferation and specification during vertebrate organogenesis. However, little is known about the cellular heterogeneity of the mesenchymal progenitors in early limb buds that ultimately contribute to the chondrogenic condensations prefiguring the skeleton. We combined flow cytometric and transcriptome analyses to identify the molecular signatures of several distinct mesenchymal progenitor cell populations present in early mouse forelimb buds. In particular, JAGGED1 (JAG1)-positive cells located in the posterior-distal mesenchyme were identified as the most immature limb bud mesenchymal progenitors (LMPs), which critically depend on SHH and FGF signaling in culture. The analysis of Gremlin1 (Grem1)-deficient forelimb buds showed that JAG1-expressing LMPs are protected from apoptosis by GREM1-mediated BMP antagonism. At the same stage, the osteo-chondrogenic progenitors (OCPs) located in the core mesenchyme are already actively responding to BMP signaling. This analysis sheds light on the cellular heterogeneity of the early mouse limb bud mesenchyme and the distinct response of LMPs and OCPs to morphogen signaling.
|
[
"Cell Biology, Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration",
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions"
] |
10.1111/mec.12209
|
Diversity and evolutionary patterns of bacterial gut associates of corbiculate bees
|
The animal gut is a habitat for diverse communities of microorganisms (microbiota). Honeybees and bumblebees have recently been shown to harbour a distinct and species poor microbiota, which may confer protection against parasites. Here, we investigate diversity, host specificity and transmission mode of two of the most common, yet poorly known, gut bacteria of honeybees and bumblebees: Snodgrassella alvi (Betaproteobacteria) and Gilliamella apicola (Gammaproteobacteria). We analysed 16S rRNA gene sequences of these bacteria from diverse bee host species across most of the honeybee and bumblebee phylogenetic diversity from North America, Europe and Asia. These focal bacteria were present in 92% of bumblebee species and all honeybee species but were found to be absent in the two related corbiculate bee tribes, the stingless bees (Meliponini) and orchid bees (Euglossini). Both Snodgrassella alvi and Gilliamella apicola phylogenies show significant topological congruence with the phylogeny of their bee hosts, albeit with a considerable degree of putative host switches. Furthermore, we found that phylogenetic distances between Gilliamella apicola samples correlated with the geographical distance between sampling locations. This tentatively suggests that the environmental transmission rate, as set by geographical distance, affects the distribution of G. apicola infections. We show experimentally that both bacterial taxa can be vertically transmitted from the mother colony to daughter queens, and social contact with nest mates after emergence from the pupa greatly facilitates this transmission. Therefore, sociality may play an important role in vertical transmission and opens up the potential for co-evolution or at least a close association of gut bacteria with their hosts.
|
[
"Environmental Biology, Ecology and Evolution",
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Integrative Biology: from Genes and Genomes to Systems"
] |
337591
|
Exoplanets in Transit and their Atmosphere
|
Since the discoveries of giant planets outside our Solar System, over 800 extra-solar planets have been detected and several thousands candidates are awaiting confirmation. They have revolutionized planetary science, by placing our once unique solar system into context. The subset of extrasolar planets that transit their parent star have had most impact on our understanding of their planetary structure and atmospheric physics: they are the only ones for which one can simultaneously measure mass and radius, and therefore infer internal composition. The few that transit a host star bright enough for detailed spectroscopic follow-up provide, in addition, observational information on the composition and physics of extrasolar planetary atmospheres.
Much interest is now focused on finding and characterizing terrestrial mass planets, ideally in the habitable zone of their host stars. The present ERC project offers a novel method to dramatically improve the precision of both the detection and the characterization of exoplanets. The method makes use of multi-object spectrographs to add spectroscopic resolution on traditional differential photometry. This enables the fine correction of the atmospheric variations that would otherwise hinder ground-based observations.
We propose to setup small-size telescopes equipped with a multi-object near-IR spectrograph and observe 800 M dwarfs. This will be the most sensitive survey for Earth-size planets transiting bright nearby stars. It shall yield dozens exo-Earths amenable to atmospheric characterization, including several habitable exo-Earths.
To perform their atmospheric characterization, we also propose to apply the technique of differential spectro-photometry with multi-object spectrographs available on large telescopes. Our observations will represent a step forward in transmission spectroscopy and prepare for the identification of bio-markers in exo-Earth atmospheres with the future ELTs.
|
[
"Universe Sciences",
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences"
] |
10.1128/AEM.02927-16
|
An Effective Counterselection System For Listeria Monocytogenes And Its Use To Characterize The Monocin Genomic Region Of Strain 10403S
|
Construction of Listeria monocytogenes mutants by allelic exchange has been laborious and time-consuming due to lack of proficient selection markers for the final recombination event, that is, a marker conveying substance sensitivity to the bacteria bearing it, enabling the exclusion of merodiploids and selection for plasmid loss. In order to address this issue, we engineered a counterselection marker based on a mutated phenylalanyl-tRNA synthetase gene (pheS*). This mutation renders the phenylalanine-binding site of the enzyme more promiscuous and allows the binding of the toxic p-chloro-phenylalanine analog (p-Cl-phe) as a substrate. When pheS* is introduced into L. monocytogenes and highly expressed under control of a constitutively active promoter, the bacteria become sensitive to p-Cl-phe supplemented in the medium. This enabled us to utilize pheS* as a negative selection marker and generate a novel, efficient suicide vector for allelic exchange in L. monocytogenes We used this vector to investigate the monocin genomic region in L. monocytogenes strain 10403S by constructing deletion mutants of the region. We have found this region to be active and to cause bacterial lysis upon mitomycin C treatment. The future applications of such an effective counterselection system, which does not require any background genomic alterations, are vast, as it can be modularly used in various selection systems (e. g. , genetic screens). We expect this counterselection marker to be a valuable genetic tool in research on L. monocytogenesIMPORTANCEL. monocytogenes is an opportunistic intracellular pathogen and a widely studied model organism. An efficient counterselection marker is a long-standing need in Listeria research for improving the ability to design and perform various genetic manipulations and screening systems for different purposes. We report the construction and utilization of an efficient suicide vector for allelic exchange which can be conjugated, leaves no marker in the bacterial chromosome, and does not require the use of sometimes leaky inducible promoters. This highly efficient genome editing tool for L. monocytogenes will allow for rapid sequential mutagenesis, introduction of point mutations, and design of screening systems. We anticipate that it will be extensively used by the research community and yield novel insights into the diverse fields studied using this model organism.
|
[
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Integrative Biology: from Genes and Genomes to Systems",
"Biotechnology and Biosystems Engineering"
] |
637049
|
Psychiatric ratings using intermediate stratified markers 2
|
The current nosology of neuropsychiatric disorders provides a pragmatic approach to diagnosis and treatment choice but lacks reference to quantitative biological underpinnings of disease. This weakness impedes innovative drug development. To test whether a quantitative biological approach to the understanding and classification of neuropsychiatric disorders is both feasible and useful the PRISM 1 consortium was formed by academics, SMEs, patient organizations, regulators, ECNP, and EFPIA partners. PRISM 1 has now successfully identified quantitative biological parameters related to diagnosis (Schizophrenia (SZ) and Alzheimer Disease (AD)) as well as to social functioning irrespective of diagnosis. From the relationships between social function, neuroimaging, and cognitive endpoints a new neurobiological framework has emerged now needing further validation. Genetic studies of social functioning outcomes revealed known and novel loci for this phenotype. In addition, a preclinical test battery was developed, based on homologs of the clinical paradigms, to allow effective back-translation and a deepening of our neurobiological knowledge. Finally, a novel digital tool for assessing social function provided a novel, objective characterization that transcended the initial diagnostic classification and the digital readouts were associated with other study parameters. To build on outcomes of PRISM 1, PRISM 2 has three objectives. First, to determine the reproducibility of the transdiagnostic and pathophysiological relationship between DMN integrity and social dysfunction in SZ and AD that emerged from PRISM 1 and determine its potential to generalise to Major Depressive Disorders. Second, to test the causality between the quantitative variation in DMN integrity and social dysfunction. Third, to translate and communicate project results to the benefit of stakeholders, such as regulators, patients and their families, and health care providers.
|
[
"Neuroscience and Disorders of the Nervous System",
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases",
"Integrative Biology: from Genes and Genomes to Systems",
"The Human Mind and Its Complexity"
] |
10.1111/gbi.12148
|
Early evolution of large micro-organisms with cytological complexity revealed by microanalyses of 3.4 Ga organic-walled microfossils
|
The Strelley Pool Formation (SPF) is widely distributed in the East Pilbara Terrane (EPT) of the Pilbara Craton, Western Australia, and represents a Paleoarchean shallow-water to subaerial environment. It was deposited ~3. 4 billion years ago and displays well-documented carbonate stromatolites. Diverse putative microfossils (SPF microfossils) were recently reported from several localities in the East Strelley, Panorama, Warralong, and Goldsworthy greenstone belts. Thus, the SPF provides unparalleled opportunities to gain insights into a shallow-water to subaerial ecosystem on the early Earth. Our new micro- to nanoscale ultrastructural and microchemical studies of the SPF microfossils show that large (20-70 μm) lenticular organic-walled flanged microfossils retain their structural integrity, morphology, and chain-like arrangements after acid (HF-HCl) extraction (palynology). Scanning and transmitted electron microscopy of extracted microfossils revealed that the central lenticular body is either alveolar or hollow, and the wall is continuous with the surrounding smooth to reticulated discoidal flange. These features demonstrate the evolution of large micro-organisms able to form an acid-resistant recalcitrant envelope or cell wall with complex morphology and to form colonial chains in the Paleoarchean era. This study provides evidence of the evolution of very early and remarkable biological innovations, well before the presumed late emergence of complex cells.
|
[
"Earth System Science",
"Environmental Biology, Ecology and Evolution",
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions"
] |
W3103298159
|
Scalar perturbations of a single-horizon regular black hole
|
We investigate the massless scalar field perturbations, including the quasinormal mode spectrum and the ringdown waveform, of a regular black hole spacetime that was derived via the Loop Quantum Gravity inspired polymer quantization of spherical $4$D black holes. In contrast to most, if not all, of the other regular black holes considered in the literature, the resulting nonsingular spacetime has a single bifurcative horizon and hence no mass inflation. In the interior, the areal radius decreases to a minimum given by the Polymerization constant, $k$, and then re-expands into a Kantowski-Sachs universe. We find indications that this black hole model is stable against small scalar perturbations. We also show that an increase in the magnitude of $k$ will decrease the height of the QNM potential and gives oscillations with lower frequency and less damping.
|
[
"Fundamental Constituents of Matter",
"Universe Sciences"
] |
10.1002/qj.3094
|
Stochastic representations of model uncertainties at ECMWF: state of the art and future vision
|
Members in ensemble forecasts differ due to the representations of initial uncertainties and model uncertainties. The inclusion of stochastic schemes to represent model uncertainties has improved the probabilistic skill of the ECMWF ensemble by increasing reliability and reducing the error of the ensemble mean. Recent progress, challenges and future directions regarding stochastic representations of model uncertainties at ECMWF are described in this article. The coming years are likely to see a further increase in the use of ensemble methods in forecasts and assimilation. This will put increasing demands on the methods used to perturb the forecast model. An area that is receiving greater attention than 5–10 years ago is the physical consistency of the perturbations. Other areas where future efforts will be directed are the expansion of uncertainty representations to the dynamical core and other components of the Earth system, as well as the overall computational efficiency of representing model uncertainty.
|
[
"Earth System Science",
"Computer Science and Informatics",
"Systems and Communication Engineering"
] |
10.1002/anie.201906359
|
A Karplus Equation for the Conformational Analysis of Organic Molecular Crystals
|
Vicinal scalar couplings (3J) are extensively used for the conformational analysis of organic compounds in the liquid state through empirical Karplus equations. In contrast, there are no examples of such use for the structural investigation of solids. With the support of first principles calculations, we demonstrate here that 13C-13C 3J coupling constants (3JCC) measured on a series of isotopically enriched solid amino acids and sugars can be related to dihedral angles by a simple Karplus-like relationship, and we provide a parameterized Karplus function for the conformational analysis of organic molecular crystals. Under the experimental conditions discussed, torsional angles can be estimated from the experimental 3JCC values with an accuracy of 10° using this function. These results open new perspectives towards the use of 3JCC as a new analytical tool that could considerably simplify structure determination of functional organic solids.
|
[
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences",
"Condensed Matter Physics"
] |
10.1016/j.actbio.2015.12.030
|
Arrays of 3D double-network hydrogels for the high-throughput discovery of materials with enhanced physical and biological properties
|
Synthetic hydrogels are attractive biomaterials due to their similarity to natural tissues and their chemical tunability, which can impart abilities to respond to environmental cues, e. g. temperature, pH and light. The mechanical properties of hydrogels can be enhanced by the generation of a double-network. Here, we report the development of an array platform that allows the macroscopic synthesis of up to 80 single- and double-network hydrogels on a single microscope slide. This new platform allows for the screening of hydrogels as 3D features in a high-throughput format with the added dimension of significant control over the compressive and tensile properties of the materials, thus widening their potential application. The platform is adaptable to allow different hydrogels to be generated, with the potential ability to tune and alter the first and second network, and represents an exciting tool in material and biomaterial discovery.
|
[
"Materials Engineering",
"Synthetic Chemistry and Materials"
] |
10.1088/1475-7516/2016/05/061
|
New Quasidilaton Theory In Partially Constrained Vielbein Formalism
|
In this work we study the partially constrained vielbein formulation of the new quasidilaton theory of massive gravity, where the quasidilaton field couples to both physical and fiducial metrics simultaneously via a composite effective metric and Lorentz violation is introduced by a constraint on the vielbein. This formalism improves the new quasidila- ton model since the Boulware-Deser ghost is removed fully non-linearly at all scales. This also yields crucial implications in the cosmological applications. We derive the governing cosmological background evolution and study the stability of the attractor solution.
|
[
"Fundamental Constituents of Matter",
"Universe Sciences"
] |
10.1098/rspb.2014.1016
|
Individual-level personality influences social foraging and collective behaviour in wild birds
|
There is increasing evidence that animal groups can maintain coordinated behaviour and make collective decisions based on simple interaction rules. Effective collective action may be further facilitated by individual variation within groups, particularly through leader-follower polymorphisms. Recent studies have suggested that individual-level personality traits influence the degree to which individuals use social information, are attracted to conspecifics, or act as leaders/followers. However, evidence is equivocal and largely limited to laboratory studies. We use an automated data-collection system to conduct an experiment testing the relationship between personality and collective decision-making in the wild. First, we report that foraging flocks of great tits (Parus major) show strikingly synchronous behaviour. A predictive model of collective decision-making replicates patterns well, suggesting simple interaction rules are sufficient to explain the observed social behaviour. Second, within groups, individuals with more reactive personalities behave more collectively, moving to within-flock areas of higher density. By contrast, proactive individuals tend to move to and feed at spatial periphery of flocks. Finally, comparing alternative simulations of flocking with empirical data, we demonstrate that variation in personality promotes within-patch movement while maintaining group cohesion. Our results illustrate the importance of incorporating individual variability in models of social behaviour.
|
[
"Environmental Biology, Ecology and Evolution",
"Computer Science and Informatics"
] |
10.5194/tc-12-3293-2018
|
Carbonaceous material export from Siberian permafrost tracked across the Arctic Shelf using Raman spectroscopy
|
Warming-induced erosion of permafrost from Eastern Siberia mobilises large amounts of organic carbon and delivers it to the East Siberian Arctic Shelf (ESAS). In this study Raman spectroscopy of carbonaceous material (CM) was used to characterise, identify and track the most recalcitrant fraction of the organic load: 1463 spectra were obtained from surface sediments collected across the ESAS and automatically analysed for their Raman peaks. Spectra were classified by their peak areas and widths into disordered, intermediate, mildly graphitised and highly graphitised groups and the distribution of these classes was investigated across the shelf. Disordered CM was most prevalent in a permafrost core from Kurungnakh Island and from areas known to have high rates of coastal erosion. Sediments from outflows of the Indigirka and Kolyma rivers were generally enriched in intermediate CM. These different sediment sources were identified and distinguished along an E-W transect using their Raman spectra, showing that sediment is not homogenised on the ESAS. Distal samples, from the ESAS slope, contained greater amounts of highly graphitised CM compared to the rest of the shelf, attributable to degradation or, more likely, winnowing processes offshore. The presence of all four spectral classes in distal sediments demonstrates that CM degrades much more slowly than lipid biomarkers and other traditional tracers of terrestrial organic matter and shows that alongside degradation of the more labile organic matter component there is also conservative transport of carbon across the shelf toward the deep ocean. Thus, carbon cycle calculations must consider the nature as well as the amount of carbon liberated from thawing permafrost and other erosional settings.
|
[
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences",
"Earth System Science"
] |
172954
|
Innovative 5-part haematology analyser for near-patient diagnostics
|
The INNOHEM project will develop and validate the first Complete Blood cell Count (CBC) haematology analyser including 5-part differential and reticulocytes (5-part analyser) for the decentralized, low-volume testing haematology market. Today, CBC tests are performed using either 3-part or 5-part analysers. The latter are growing in importance worldwide as they are able to provide much more detailed information about the medical condition of the patient. However, 5-part analysers are currently designed entirely for the high-volume testing market with complex, centralized laboratories equipped with large sample automation devices. Recognising market niche and a strong business opportunity, Boule will create a revolutionary point-of-care analyser that will provide reliable 5-part haematology results from a finger-stick blood sample. The new system will disrupt the existing marketplace by redefining the segment for the commercial application of 5-part analysers (from high-volume centralized testing to low-volume near-patient testing).
The key need of physicians is the access to an easy-to-deploy analyser for 5-part CBC testing. The analyser should be designed for easy operation in smaller laboratory settings. The users’ needs will be met by creating a user-friendly diagnostic device that allows for low-volume, decentralized and near-patient testing. The Phase 1 project will develop a strategic business plan for the commercialisation of the new product. The Phase 2 project will validate the new diagnostic device. The EU added value will be generated by allowing physicians to make a rapid health assessment of the patient locally and take improved decisions concerning further diagnostic measures or immediate treatment strategy. This will ultimately lead to more personalized and cost-efficient approaches to healthcare on the EU level.
|
[
"Products and Processes Engineering",
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases"
] |
10.1007/s00220-014-2095-9
|
On the Ginzburg–Landau Functional in the Surface Superconductivity Regime
|
We present new estimates on the two-dimensional Ginzburg–Landau energy of a type-II superconductor in an applied magnetic field varying between the second and third critical fields. In this regime, superconductivity is restricted to a thin layer along the boundary of the sample. We provide new energy lower bounds, proving that the Ginzburg–Landau energy is determined to leading order by the minimization of a simplified 1D functional in the direction perpendicular to the boundary. Estimates relating the density of the Ginzburg–Landau order parameter to that of the 1D problem follow. In the particular case of a disc sample, a refinement of our method leads to a pointwise estimate on the Ginzburg–Landau order parameter, thereby proving a strong form of uniformity of the surface superconductivity layer, which is related to a conjecture by Xing-Bin Pan.
|
[
"Condensed Matter Physics",
"Mathematics"
] |
W980708197
|
Economical analysis of saturation mutagenesis experiments
|
Saturation mutagenesis is a powerful technique for engineering proteins, metabolic pathways and genomes. In spite of its numerous applications, creating high-quality saturation mutagenesis libraries remains a challenge, as various experimental parameters influence in a complex manner the resulting diversity. We explore from the economical perspective various aspects of saturation mutagenesis library preparation: We introduce a cheaper and faster control for assessing library quality based on liquid media; analyze the role of primer purity and supplier in libraries with and without redundancy; compare library quality, yield, randomization efficiency, and annealing bias using traditional and emergent randomization schemes based on mixtures of mutagenic primers; and establish a methodology for choosing the most cost-effective randomization scheme given the screening costs and other experimental parameters. We show that by carefully considering these parameters, laboratory expenses can be significantly reduced.
|
[
"Individuals, Markets and Organisations",
"Biotechnology and Biosystems Engineering",
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions"
] |
947978
|
Spanning Subgraphs in Graphs
|
Graph Theory is a highly active area of Combinatorics with strong links to fields such as Optimisation and Theoretical Computer Science. A fundamental meta-problem in Graph Theory is the following: given a graph H, what conditions guarantee that another graph G contains a copy of H as a subgraph? This is particularly important when H is spanning, i.e. where G and H have the same number of vertices.
This project will address a range of exciting and challenging extremal and probabilistic problems on spanning subgraphs in graphs, in the following two interrelated areas:
1. Spanning subgraphs in random graphs: A key aim of Probabilistic Combinatorics is to determine the density threshold for the appearance of different subgraphs in random graphs. This is particularly difficult when the subgraph is spanning, where the known results and techniques are typically highly specific. This project will lead to a unified paradigm for studying thresholds of spanning subgraphs by introducing and developing a new coupling technique. This will provide an excellent platform to study the Kahn-Kalai conjecture, a bold general conjecture on appearance thresholds, and problems including hitting-time conjectures and universality problems.
2. Spanning subgraphs in coloured graphs: Many different combinatorial problems are expressible using edge coloured graphs, including Latin square problems dating back to Euler. My objectives here concern long-standing problems on spanning trees, cycles and matchings, and, through this, the resolution of several famous labelling and packing problems.
In preliminary work I have developed techniques to study these problems, techniques which will have a far reaching impact, and certainly lead to further applications, e.g. with hypergraphs and resilience problems. The objectives represent a carefully selected range of related major outstanding problems, whose solution would mark truly significant progress in the field.
|
[
"Mathematics",
"Computer Science and Informatics"
] |
Q4298401
|
Community Areas of Sustainable Care And Dementia Excellence in Europe
|
To develop a financially sustainable approach to elderly/dementia care (EDC) that can be replicated across the 2Seas area & potentially further across Europe. Uniquely this will be tested via existing state owned buildings. The facilities created will provide short term respite & longer term care & will fully engage with the local community. They will also be the basis for a cascade of shared learning & cross border excellence in dementia care for the future. The approach will have wide applicability & play a significant role in addressing the increasing demand. The outcome will be a step change improvement in EDC in the 2Seas area allowing PLWD to stay in their homes for as long as possible. CASCADE will recognise that dementia is long term and that a person's needs on day one of diagnosis will be very different to their needs 20 years later and it will create a model that provides appropriate care at every point on the continuum.
|
[
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases",
"Physiology in Health, Disease and Ageing",
"Neuroscience and Disorders of the Nervous System"
] |
10.1038/s41598-018-38213-y
|
Malleability of the self: electrophysiological correlates of the enfacement illusion
|
Self-face representation is fundamentally important for self-identity and self-consciousness. Given its role in preserving identity over time, self-face processing is considered as a robust and stable process. Yet, recent studies indicate that simple psychophysics manipulations may change how we process our own face. Specifically, experiencing tactile facial stimulation while seeing similar synchronous stimuli delivered to the face of another individual seen as in a mirror, induces ‘enfacement’ illusion, i. e. the subjective experience of ownership of the other’s face and a bias in attributing to the self, facial features of the other person. Here we recorded visual Event-Related Potentials elicited by the presentation of self, other and morphed faces during a self-other discrimination task performed immediately after participants received synchronous and control asynchronous Interpersonal Multisensory Stimulation (IMS). We found that self-face presentation after synchronous as compared to asynchronous stimulation significantly reduced the late positive potential (LPP; 450–750 ms), a reliable electrophysiological marker of self-identification processes. Additionally, enfacement cancelled out the differences in LPP amplitudes produced by self- and other-face during the control condition. These findings represent the first direct neurophysiological evidence that enfacement may affect self-face processing and pave the way to novel paradigms for exploring defective self-representation and self-other interactions.
|
[
"Neuroscience and Disorders of the Nervous System",
"The Human Mind and Its Complexity"
] |
10.1051/0004-6361/201526530
|
Cut Off Period For Slow Magnetoacoustic Waves In Coronal Plasma Structures
|
Context. There is abundant observational evidence of longitudinal compressive waves in plasma structures of the solar corona, which are confidently interpreted in terms of slow magnetoacoustic waves. The uses of coronal slow waves in plasma diagnostics, as well as analysis of their possible contribution to coronal heating and the solar wind acceleration, require detailed theoretical modelling. Aims. We investigate the effects of obliqueness, magnetic field, and non-uniformity of the medium on the evolution of long-wavelength slow magnetoacoustic waves guided by field-aligned plasma non-uniformities, also called tube waves. Special attention is paid to the cut-off effect due to the gravity stratification of the coronal plasma. Methods. We study the behaviour of linear tube waves in a vertical untwisted straight field-aligned isothermal plasma cylinder. We apply the thin flux tube approximation, taking into account effects of stratification caused by gravity. The dispersion due to the finite radius of the flux tube is neglected. We analyse the behaviour of the cut-off period for an exponentially divergent magnetic flux tube filled in with a stratified plasma. The results obtained are compared with the known cases of the constant Alfven speed and the pure acoustic wave. Results. We derive the wave equation for tube waves and reduce it to the form of the Klein–Gordon equation with varying coefficients, which explicitly contains the cut-off frequency. The cut-off period is found to vary with height, decreasing significantly in the low-beta plasma and in the plasma with the beta of the order of unity. The depressions in the cut-off period profiles can affect the propagation of longitudinal waves along coronal plasma structures towards the higher corona and can form coronal resonators.
|
[
"Universe Sciences",
"Fundamental Constituents of Matter"
] |
W2016221630
|
Vibration signal analysis system based on hybrid programming of Delphi and Matlab
|
A vibration signal analysis system introduced by this paper adopts hybrid programming of Matlab and Delphi, using data file for agency to achieve data communication. The procedure of signal analysis system is written and turned into the independent executable file under the environment of Matlab, which is called under the environment of Delphi. The system combined programming languages of matlab and delphi with comprehensive utilization of powerful numerical calculation processing function of matlab and system exploitation capability of Delphi, which shortens the period of developing system software greatly, saves development costs of exploitation and fully embodies the advantages of the system.
|
[
"Computer Science and Informatics",
"Systems and Communication Engineering"
] |
10.1002/evan.21508
|
Tropical forests and the genus Homo
|
Tropical forests constitute some of the most diverse and complex terrestrial ecosystems on the planet. From the Miocene onward, they have acted as a backdrop to the ongoing evolution of our closest living relatives, the great apes, and provided the cradle for the emergence of early hominins, who retained arboreal physiological adaptations at least into the Late Pliocene. There also now exists growing evidence, from the Late Pleistocene onward, for tool-assisted intensification of tropical forest occupation and resource extraction by our own species, Homo sapiens. However, between the Late Pliocene and Late Pleistocene there is an apparent gap in clear and convincing evidence for the use of tropical forests by hominins, including early members of our own genus. In discussions of Late Pliocene and Early Pleistocene hominin evolution, including the emergence and later expansion of Homo species across the globe, tropical forest adaptations tend to be eclipsed by open, savanna environments. Thus far, it is not clear whether this Early-Middle Pleistocene lacuna in Homo-rainforest interaction is real and representative of an adaptive shift with the emergence of our species or if it is simply reflective of preservation bias.
|
[
"The Study of the Human Past",
"Environmental Biology, Ecology and Evolution"
] |
10.5194/gmd-11-4515-2018
|
Evaluation of Monte Carlo tools for high-energy atmospheric physics II: relativistic runaway electron avalanches
|
Abstract. The emerging field of high-energy atmospheric physics studies how high-energy
particles are produced in thunderstorms, in the form of terrestrial γ-ray
flashes and γ-ray glows (also referred to as thunderstorm ground
enhancements). Understanding these phenomena requires appropriate models of
the interaction of electrons, positrons and photons with air molecules and
electric fields. We investigated the results of three codes used in the
community – Geant4, GRanada Relativistic Runaway simulator (GRRR) and Runaway
Electron Avalanche Model (REAM) – to simulate relativistic runaway electron
avalanches (RREAs). This work continues the study of
Rutjes et al. (2016), now also including the effects of uniform
electric fields, up to the classical breakdown field, which is about
3. 0 MV m−1 at standard temperature and pressure. We first present our theoretical description of the RREA process, which is
based on and incremented over previous published works. This analysis confirmed
that the avalanche is mainly driven by electric fields and the ionisation and
scattering processes determining the minimum energy of electrons that can run away,
which was found to be above ≈10 keV for any fields up to the
classical breakdown field. To investigate this point further, we then evaluated the probability to
produce a RREA as a function of the initial electron energy and of the
magnitude of the electric field. We found that the stepping methodology in
the particle simulation has to be set up very carefully in Geant4. For
example, a too-large step size can lead to an avalanche probability reduced
by a factor of 10 or to a 40 % overestimation of the average electron
energy. When properly set up, both Geant4 models show an overall good
agreement (within ≈10 %) with REAM and GRRR. Furthermore, the
probability that particles below 10 keV accelerate and participate in the
high-energy radiation is found to be negligible for electric fields below the
classical breakdown value. The added value of accurately tracking low-energy
particles (<10 keV) is minor and mainly visible for fields above
2 MV m−1. In a second simulation set-up, we compared the physical characteristics of
the avalanches produced by the four models: avalanche (time and length)
scales, convergence time to a self-similar state and energy spectra of
photons and electrons. The two Geant4 models and REAM showed good agreement
on all parameters we tested. GRRR was also found to be consistent with the
other codes, except for the electron energy spectra. That is probably because
GRRR does not include straggling for the radiative and ionisation energy
losses; hence, implementing these two processes is of primary importance to
produce accurate RREA spectra. Including precise modelling of the
interactions of particles below 10 keV (e. g. by taking into account
molecular binding energy of secondary electrons for impact ionisation) also
produced only small differences in the recorded spectra.
|
[
"Fundamental Constituents of Matter",
"Earth System Science",
"Computer Science and Informatics"
] |
W2057194677
|
Indian Ocean maritime security: energy, environmental and climate challenges
|
For a comprehensive and meaningful understanding, the maritime-related security challenges facing the Indian Ocean littoral states need to be looked at broadly. Non-traditional security issues – from energy security and climate security to transnational terrorism and environmental degradation – are as important as traditional maritime security issues such as freedom of navigation, security of sea-lanes, maritime boundary and domain security, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and challenges to law and order (including piracy and sea robbery, criminal activities like drug, people and arms smuggling, illicit, unreported and unregulated fishing, illegal immigration, and maritime terrorism). The non-traditional issues extend to the maritime aspects of economic security, food security, environmental security and human security.
|
[
"Environmental Biology, Ecology and Evolution",
"Earth System Science"
] |
W2293925958
|
Usability of production systems for discharge letters
|
At the end of an inpatient stay, the hospital physician produces a discharge letter intended for the General Practitioner in order to ensure the continuity of care between hospital and general practice. The French National Health Authority recommends (i) that the discharge letter should reach its addressee within 8 days and (ii) that it includes the information necessary to guarantee the quality of continued care. In order to achieve these goals, the discharge letter process is increasingly computerized. However, the usability of the technologies employed to produce the discharge letter may impair their impact; therefore it is important to evaluate the usability of those technologies to interpret their impact (or absence thereof) on performance and quality. This paper reports on the usability evaluation of two digital audio recorders. These technologies are different in terms of available features and material (wired connection vs. mobile). Three evaluation methods have been used: heuristic evaluation, user testing, and direct observation of usage in the hospital wards. Data are analyzed so as to identify usability flaws in the recorders and to highlight the consequences of these flaws on the user and on the work system. Our results show that the most important consequences are an increase in the production duration of a letter and in the risk of patient misidentification.
|
[
"Computer Science and Informatics",
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases"
] |
W2922120245
|
The Effect of Autologous Protein Solution on the Inflammatory Cascade in Stimulated Equine Chondrocytes
|
Cartilage injury occurs commonly in equine athletes, often precipitating posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA). Orthobiologics such as autologous conditioned serum (ACS) and autologous protein solution (APS) may be useful in decreasing posttraumatic inflammation, thereby preventing PTOA. The objective of this study was to quantify cytokine concentrations in ACS and APS and evaluate the protective effects of ACS and APS on inflamed chondrocytes cultured in vitro. We hypothesized that the combination of platelet-derived growth factors (PDGF) and anti-inflammatory cytokines present in APS would be superior in decreasing the inflammatory and catabolic cascade in inflamed chondrocytes when compared to ACS in which platelets are excluded from the preparation. Chondrocytes were isolated from the cartilage of femoral trochlear ridges of 6 horses and cultured in 12-well transwell plates. Treatment groups included: (1) control, (2) APS (Pro-Stride; Owl Manor), and (3) ACS (IRAP II; Arthrex). Each group was unstimulated or stimulated with IL-1β and TNF-α for 48 h. The concentration of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, MMP-3, MMP-13, and IL-10 was quantified using a fluorescent bead-based multiplex assay. IL-1Ra concentration was quantified using ELISA. APS and ACS both had significantly increased concentrations of IL-1Ra without a concurrent increase in IL-1β concentration. After 48 h of culture, media from chondrocytes treated with APS contained significantly increased concentrations of IL-1Ra and IL-10. APS-treated cultures had increased concentrations of IL-6. Overall, APS effectively concentrated IL-1Ra without an incubation period and media from APS-treated chondrocytes had increased concentrations of chondroprotective (IL-1Ra and IL-10) and modulatory (IL-6) cytokines, which may be beneficial in the treatment of inflammatory conditions such as PTOA.
|
[
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Physiology in Health, Disease and Ageing",
"Cell Biology, Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration"
] |
10.1140/epjc/s10052-014-3174-y
|
Squark and gluino production cross sections in TeV
|
We present state-of-the-art cross section predictions for the production of supersymmetric squarks and gluinos at the upcoming LHC run with a centre-of-mass energy of and TeV, and at potential future colliders operating at and TeV. The results are based on calculations which include the resummation of soft-gluon emission at next-to-leading logarithmic accuracy, matched to next-to-leading order supersymmetric QCD corrections. Furthermore, we provide an estimate of the theoretical uncertainty due to the variation of the renormalisation and factorisation scales and the parton distribution functions.
|
[
"Fundamental Constituents of Matter"
] |
221962
|
The unknown science: understanding the epistemology of logic through practice
|
We take ourselves to know certain logical claims, for example that no contradictions are true. However, we currently fail to have an adequate account of how we possess logical knowledge. Historical attempts to explain this knowledge, such as appeals to intuition, have been found to be ultimately unsatisfactory, either because they are metaphysically obscure or fail to explain logical disagreements. Yet, it is imperative that we have a complete understanding of logical knowledge. While we use logic to form beliefs in all areas of life, such as when testing scientific theories and engaging in rational debate, we now have many competing logics at our disposal to do so, all of which lead us to reasoning differently in certain situations. So, in order to ensure we reason correctly, it is paramount that we choose the right logic. Yet, in order to make these choices, we require suitable criteria to adjudicate between the logics, which can only be developed with a full understanding of what constitutes logical evidence. Without an account of logical evidence, we lack the resources to make principled and holistic decisions about the correct logic to use. EpiLog solves these problems, by: i) Advancing a theory of logical epistemology, called 'logical abductivism', which proposes that, contrary to historical consensus, we come to know logical truths similarly to how scientists know truths about the world; and, ii) Developing a set of criteria for the logical community to use to successfully adjudicate between competing logics. To support its findings, EpiLog uses a practice-based approach, inferring from logicians’ practice the underlying methods through which we gain logical knowledge. While this approach has been successful in elucidating how we gain empirical knowledge in the sciences, it has yet to be used in the study of logic. Consequently, EpiLog addresses an important gap in the literature, transferring techniques from methodological studies of the sciences to logic.
|
[
"Mathematics",
"Texts and Concepts"
] |
10.1016/j.jconrel.2012.04.008
|
Virus-mediated gene delivery for human gene therapy
|
After over 20 years from the first application of gene transfer in humans, gene therapy is now a mature discipline, which has progressively overcome several of the hurdles that prevented clinical success in the early stages of application. So far, the vast majority of gene therapy clinical trials have exploited viral vectors as very efficient nucleic acid delivery vehicles both in vivo and ex vivo. Here we summarize the current status of viral gene transfer for clinical applications, with special emphasis on the molecular properties of the major classes of viral vectors and the information so far obtained from gene therapy clinical trials.
|
[
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases",
"Biotechnology and Biosystems Engineering"
] |
W1986579256
|
Tyrosinase as a multifunctional reporter gene for Photoacoustic/MRI/PET triple modality molecular imaging
|
Development of reporter genes for multimodality molecular imaging is highly important. In contrast to the conventional strategies which have focused on fusing several reporter genes together to serve as multimodal reporters, human tyrosinase (TYR)--the key enzyme in melanin production--was evaluated in this study as a stand-alone reporter gene for in vitro and in vivo photoacoustic imaging (PAI), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET). Human breast cancer cells MCF-7 transfected with a plasmid that encodes TYR (named as MCF-7-TYR) and non-transfected MCF-7 cells were used as positive and negative controls, respectively. Melanin targeted N-(2-(diethylamino)ethyl)-18F-5-fluoropicolinamide was used as a PET reporter probe. In vivo PAI/MRI/PET imaging studies showed that MCF-7-TYR tumors achieved significant higher signals and tumor-to-background contrasts than those of MCF-7 tumor. Our study demonstrates that TYR gene can be utilized as a multifunctional reporter gene for PAI/MRI/PET both in vitro and in vivo.
|
[
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases",
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences"
] |
10.1016/j.cell.2014.07.044
|
Molecular architecture of the 40S · eIF1 · eIF3 translation initiation complex
|
Eukaryotic translation initiation requires the recruitment of the large, multiprotein eIF3 complex to the 40S ribosomal subunit. We present X-ray structures of all major components of the minimal, six-subunit Saccharomyces cerevisiae eIF3 core. These structures, together with electron microscopy reconstructions, cross-linking coupled to mass spectrometry, and integrative structure modeling, allowed us to position and orient all eIF3 components on the 40SâeIF1 complex, revealing an extended, modular arrangement of eIF3 subunits. Yeast eIF3 engages 40S in a clamp-like manner, fully encircling 40S to position key initiation factors on opposite ends of the mRNA channel, providing a platform for the recruitment, assembly, and regulation of the translation initiation machinery. The structures of eIF3 components reported here also have implications for understanding the architecture of the mammalian 43S preinitiation complex and the complex of eIF3, 40S, and the hepatitis C internal ribosomal entry site RNA.
|
[
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences"
] |
175138
|
Transforming digital in-content advertising to deliver global scale
|
Today, digital advertising is dominated by big, US-driven companies like Google and Facebook, who provide the majority of the ads we see online. The old dominant concept has been to sell and show static banner ads in a fixed location, separated from Publisher digital content. The problem with this approach is that ads are placed where they are usually ignored and, being mostly poorly targeted, are not adding value to end users. The next generation concept in digital advertising will be in-content advertising, where advertising is turned into a service in order to enhance the end user experience. It means that advertisements are placed dynamically inside the actual content of the Publisher digital property and served in the right context for the right audience as identified by behavioral data. In-content advertising unites programmatic advertising technology with real-time bidding and performance based advertising.
Kiosked launched its innovative in-content advertising platform in 2014, generating significant interest from publishers, advertisers and investors. Kiosked has grown over a 9 month period in a highly competitive marketplace to serve over 250 million people with more than 3 billion ads on a monthly basis. Growth continues, however, the current manual sales process has been identified as a limiting factor to growth; the next innovation is to enable a data driven automated online marketing and sales service. In this project, the Kiosked platform will be developed into a fully automated, end-to-end service, thereby allowing any digital publisher to onboard the service at any time. Data drives Programmatic advertising and effective advertising performance delivering enhanced end-user experience. This project enables Kiosked to efficiently connect Publishers’ audience with programmatic advertising buyers delivering greater data driven value and granting Kiosked the ability to scale globally into one of the world’s biggest players in digital advertising.
|
[
"Computer Science and Informatics",
"Individuals, Markets and Organisations"
] |
10.1137/140972652
|
Endemic Bubbles Generated By Delayed Behavioral Response Global Stability And Bifurcation Switches In An Sis Model
|
During infectious disease outbreaks, people may reduce their contact numbers or take other precautions to prevent transmission. The change in their behavior can be directly or indirectly triggered by the density of infected individuals in the population. In this paper, we investigate an SIS (susceptible-infected-susceptible) model where the transmission rate is a decreasing function of the prevalence of the disease (determined by a reduction function $h$), with the assumption that such a change in the transmission rate occurs with some time delay. We prove that if the basic reproduction number $R_0$ is less than one, then the disease-free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable, while for $R_0>1$ a unique endemic equilibrium exists and the disease uniformly persists, regardless of the delay or the specific form of $h$. However, characterized by the shape of the response function $h$, various dynamics are possible if $R_0>1$. Roughly speaking, if $h$ is decreasing slowly (weak response), then the end. . .
|
[
"Mathematics",
"Immunity, Infection and Immunotherapy"
] |
10.1038/sdata.2018.58
|
Data descriptor: Tundra landform and vegetation productivity trend maps for the arctic coastal plain of Northern Alaska
|
Arctic tundra landscapes are composed of a complex mosaic of patterned ground features, varying in soil moisture, vegetation composition, and surface hydrology over small spatial scales (10-100 m). The importance of microtopography and associated geomorphic landforms in influencing ecosystem structure and function is well founded, however, spatial data products describing local to regional scale distribution of patterned ground or polygonal tundra geomorphology are largely unavailable. Thus, our understanding of local impacts on regional scale processes (e. g. , carbon dynamics) may be limited. We produced two key spatiotemporal datasets spanning the Arctic Coastal Plain of northern Alaska (~60,000 km2) to evaluate climate-geomorphological controls on arctic tundra productivity change, using (1) a novel 30 m classification of polygonal tundra geomorphology and (2) decadal-trends in surface greenness using the Landsat archive (1999-2014). These datasets can be easily integrated and adapted in an array of local to regional applications such as (1) upscaling plot-level measurements (e. g. , carbon/energy fluxes), (2) mapping of soils, vegetation, or permafrost, and/or (3) initializing ecosystem biogeochemistry, hydrology, and/or habitat modeling.
|
[
"Earth System Science",
"Environmental Biology, Ecology and Evolution"
] |
10.1163/21540993-00801004
|
The ʿAjamization Of Islam In Ethiopia Through Esoteric Textual Manifestations In Two Collections Of Ethiopian Arabic Manuscripts
|
While the word ʿAjamī traditionally refers to texts in many languages written with the modified Arabic script, the meaning has been expanded in the concept of ʿAjamization used in this volume. ʿAjamization is construed in this article, as it is operationalized in the volume, to refer to the various tangible and subtle enrichments of Islam, its culture, and its written and artistic traditions in Africa. 1 In this sense, it is not only the modification (enrichment) of the Arabic script that defines ʿAjamization, but also other features such as the content and the aesthetics of the texts. This paper focuses on the cultural dimension of ʿAjamization in two collections of Ethiopian Islamic texts written in Arabic. 2 These texts encompass magic-related materials, including theurgic texts and invocations to jinn. 3 I will examine these texts to ascertain whether they reflect a local cosmology, even if they are not written in ʿAjamī but in Arabic. 4
|
[
"The Study of the Human Past",
"Texts and Concepts"
] |
10.1145/1985394.1985399
|
Evaluating The Compatibility Of Conversational Service Interactions
|
Service-oriented systems live in an open world, one in which their functionality and quality of service depend on how the services they interact with evolve. System adaptation has been indicated as a way to cope with the evolution these partner services may have. When a partner does not behave as expected, in an adaptable system we can substitute it with an alternative compatible one. Finding a compatible alternative, however, is a difficult task if we consider conversational services that impose a specific interaction protocol and specific data-types. In this paper we introduce Interaction Sequence Charts (ISC) as an effective notation for describing the interactions a service has with its partners, and an algorithm that uses these charts to establish a "degree of compatibility" between interacting services. The algorithm considers both interaction protocol requirements and datatype similarity, for which fuzzy techniques are adopted. The expressive power of ISC is validated by using it to describe the complex behaviour that can be defined using BPEL 2. 0, while the algorithm is validated on an example in the field of Tele-Radiology, and shown to be advantageous in practice.
|
[
"Computer Science and Informatics",
"Systems and Communication Engineering"
] |
2727088
|
Integration of paper-based nucleic acid testing methods into microfluidic devices for improved biosensing applications
|
Twelve-member IPANEMA consortium implements competences of participating academic & industry beneficiaries and 3rd country partners to 1) create a knowledge/experience-sharing network of scientists, entrepreneurs & end-users in the multidisciplinary field of biosensors for POCT (point-of care testing); 2) develop innovative bottom-up approaches for fabrication of low-cost POCT devices & implementation of paper-based nucleic acid testing (NAT); 3) pursue applications in 3 important industry sectors – healthcare, agrifood & environmental monitoring. Research & Innovation (R&I) activities will be focused on developing low-cost paper-based isothermal NATs, their integration into microfluidic devices and optimization for use in a) tissue engineering b) agrifood (poultry/plant/fungal) pathogen detection c) detection of toxigenic freshwater Cyanobacteria causing harmful algal blooms. Secondments & trainings will enable researchers to acquire both technical & soft skills needed for converting scientific knowledge & ideas into products & services. Strong involvement of 5 SME partners from France, Serbia, Israel, Portugal & US contributing their proprietary knowledge on revolutionary novel materials for microfluidic devices & DNA extraction kits, domain expertise in agrifood sector, unique portable sensing systems & handheld devices for isoNAT quantification, will help researchers focus their efforts on development of innovative products for real-life use. Several transducing methods (colorimetric, fluorescence, SPR, electrochemical, microwave & magnetic) and smartphone-based read-out methods will be investigated for POCT use. Renowned beneficiaries including academic INRA, WUR, INESC & BIOS together with 3rd country partners: Columbia University, Prokhorov General Physics Institute and Xi'an Jiaotong University, will provide transfer of cutting-edge knowledge and technical expertise in effect yielding good basis for long term collaboration and joint R&I projects.
|
[
"Biotechnology and Biosystems Engineering",
"Products and Processes Engineering",
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases",
"Environmental Biology, Ecology and Evolution",
"Synthetic Chemistry and Materials",
"Systems and Communication Engineering"
] |
10.1109/ICASSP.2017.7952214
|
Audio Source Separation Based On Convolutive Transfer Function And Frequency Domain Lasso Optimization
|
This paper addresses the problem of under-determined convolutive audio source separation in a semi-oracle configuration where the mixing filters are assumed to be known. We propose a separation procedure based on the convolutive transfer function (CTF), which is a more appropriate model for strongly reverberant signals than the widely-used multiplicative transfer function approximation. In the short-time Fourier transform domain, source signals are estimated by minimizing the mixture fitting cost using Lasso optimization, with a l 1 -norm regularization to exploit the spectral sparsity of source signals. Experiments show that the proposed method achieves satisfactory performance on highly reverberant speech mixtures, with a much lower computational cost compared to time-domain dual techniques.
|
[
"Computer Science and Informatics",
"Systems and Communication Engineering"
] |
W60672428
|
The effect of potential large-scale bioreactor environmental heterogeneities during fed-batch culture on the performance of an industrially-relevant GS-CHO cell culture, producing an IgG antibody
|
This study aimed to study the effect of potential large-scale bioreactor environmental heterogeneities during fed-batch culture on the performance of an industrially-relevant GS-CHO cell culture, producing an IgG antibody. Heterogeneity was created by a two-compartment scale-down model, using a well-mixed stirred tank reactor (STR) and plug flow reactor (PFR). A peristaltic pump was used to continuously circulate cell culture from the STR through the PFR. Standard culture parameters were measured and flow cytometry was used to indicate cell viability and mode of cell death.
The results essentially fell into two categories: those without circulation and those with it. In all cases with recirculation, whether nutrients and alkali were added into the STR or the PFR, significantly decreased culture duration (\(\sim\)48 hours shorter) and antibody titre (\(\sim\)20% decrease) were found compared to those experiments without circulation.
It was impossible to conclude anything concerning the impact of bioreactor heterogeneities. Nevertheless, damage associated with peristaltic pumping has relevance to the many aspects of cell culture processes that require transfer of cells in suspension. The 'squeezing' motion of peristaltic pumps may impose sufficient mechanical stress to have decreased cell culture performance. The high biocompatibility of the materials used suggests long-term incompatibility is less likely.
|
[
"Biotechnology and Biosystems Engineering",
"Products and Processes Engineering",
"Cell Biology, Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration"
] |
10.1093/eurheartj/ehq433
|
Capillary enlargement, not sprouting angiogenesis, determines beneficial therapeutic effects and side effects of angiogenic gene therapy
|
AimsCurrently, it is still unclear which mechanisms drive metabolic benefits after angiogenic gene therapy. The side-effect profile of efficient angiogenic gene therapy is also currently incompletely understood. In this study, the effects of increasing doses of adenoviral (Ad) vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) were evaluated on vascular growth, metabolic benefits, and systemic side effects. Methods and resultsAdenoviral vascular endothelial growth factor-A or AdLacZ control was injected intramuscularly (10 9-10 11 vp/mL) or intra-arterially (5 × 10 11 vp/mL) into rabbit (n=102) hindlimb muscles and examined 6 or 14 days later. Blood flow, tissue oedema, metabolic benefits, and the structure of angiogenic vessels were assessed using ultrasound imaging, modified Miles assay, arterial blood gas and metabolite analyses, and light and confocal microscopy, respectively. Safety analyses included cardiac ultrasound, electrocardiograms, and blood and tissue samples. Sprouting angiogenesis was already induced with low AdVEGF-A concentrations, whereas higher concentrations were needed to reach efficient capillary enlargement and increases in target muscle perfusion. Interestingly, metabolic benefits, such as improved aerobic energy metabolism and decreased metabolic acidosis during exercise, after AdVEGF-A administration were highly correlated to the level of capillary enlargement but not to sprouting angiogenesis. Several systemic dose-dependent side effects, including transient increases in liver, kidney, and pancreatic enzymes, and signs of cardiac effects were observed. ConclusionEfficient capillary enlargement leading to significant increases in tissue perfusion is needed to gain metabolic benefits after angiogenic gene therapy. However, the risk of systemic side effects can increase as the efficiency of angiogenic gene therapy is improved. Importantly, the unstable wall structure of the newly formed vessels seems not to compromise the metabolic benefits.
|
[
"Physiology in Health, Disease and Ageing",
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases"
] |
882930
|
Improving local energy and climate policy through quality management and certification
|
Climate change is a global problem and to solve it, we need to start on local level. To effectively implement energy and climate policies, concerted and strong action is needed. Municipalities often have ambitious goals and political will, but lack the harmonized, interdepartmental and long-term structures to successfully implement their climate and energy strategies and thus reach their goal.
This is the starting point for the project, which focuses on capacity building in municipalities. By introducing the quality management and certification programme European Energy Award (eea) in Belgium, Croatia, Greece and Poland, the project aims at setting up the necessary structures in municipalities. During the project, 30 pilot municipalities will further develop and implement their climate and energy strategy by using the eea standards and criteria catalogue. External advisors will guide and monitor the continuous progress. Its certification will ensure that municipalities implement their climate and energy plans to high quality standards. The certification process is ongoing and ensures that municipal climate action progress. Their experiences and successes will pave the way for more municipalities in the target regions to join the eea.
IMPLEMENT’s objective is to set up the necessary structures for a long-term roll-out of the eea in the partner countries. Partners will translate and adapt all eea tools to national context, receive adequate training to become skilled eea advisors, able to advice and guide pilot municipalities through the eea process. The consortium together with regional authorities will develop, based on experience exchange with eea expert regions, feasibility studies and business plans, tailor-made support schemes for the participating countries.
|
[
"Earth System Science",
"Human Mobility, Environment, and Space",
"Institutions, Governance and Legal Systems"
] |
interreg_2295
|
Generation in motion
|
Stura and Ubaye Valley have always been at the heart of a movement of economic migrations: on the Italian side, people moved toward France to find a summer job and from France, itinerant traders were coming in Italy.
From this observation, starts the idea of the project: rebuilt the former road of migration, developing a physical and intellectual path dedicated to walkers and bikers, which will allow to link Caraglio and Barcelonnette. This road integrates paths of outdoor migration movements with break moments in cultural and environmental emblematic places of the territory, where we can find places to eat and animations.
The path creates the occasion to think about migration thematic, considered as a movement toward the discovery of a characteristic place, of a memory, but also as a comeback movement to the mountain, for young people who want to take up the challenge and undertake new professions in the field of tourism, handcraft, conservation of the environmental heritage and cultural.
This discovery path allow the promotion of tourism over the territoryof Stura and Ubaye Valley, and to generate in the same time un local, concrete and sustainable development.
|
[
"Human Mobility, Environment, and Space",
"The Study of the Human Past"
] |
10.1103/PhysRevX.2.011009
|
First-order 0-π quantum phase transition in the kondo regime of a superconducting carbon-nanotube quantum dot
|
We study a carbon-nanotube quantum dot embedded in a superconducting-quantum-interference-device loop in order to investigate the competition of strong electron correlations with a proximity effect. Depending on whether local pairing or local magnetism prevails, a superconducting quantum dot will exhibit a positive or a negative supercurrent, referred to as a 0 or π Josephson junction, respectively. In the regime of a strong Coulomb blockade, the 0-to-π transition is typically controlled by a change in the discrete charge state of the dot, from even to odd. In contrast, at a larger tunneling amplitude, the Kondo effect develops for an odd-charge (magnetic) dot in the normal state, and quenches magnetism. In this situation, we find that a first-order 0-to-π quantum phase transition can be triggered at a fixed valence when superconductivity is brought in, due to the competition of the superconducting gap and the Kondo temperature. The superconducting-quantum-interference-device geometry together with the tunability of our device allows the exploration of the associated phase diagram predicted by recent theories. We also report on the observation of anharmonic behavior of the current-phase relation in the transition regime, which we associate with the two accessible superconducting states. Our results finally demonstrate that the spin-singlet nature of the Kondo state helps to enhance the stability of the 0 phase far from the mixed-valence regime in odd-charge superconducting quantum dots.
|
[
"Condensed Matter Physics",
"Fundamental Constituents of Matter"
] |
10.3934/dcdss.2013.6.439
|
Well-posedness of an extended model for water-ice phase transitions
|
We propose an improved model explaining the occurrence of high stresses due to the difference in specific volumes during phase transitions between water and ice. The unknowns of the resulting evolution problem are the absolute temperature, the volume increment, and the liquid fraction. The main novelty here consists in including the dependence of the specific heat and of the speed of sound upon the phase. These additional nonlinearities bring new mathematical dificulties which require new estimation techniques based on Moser iteration. We establish the existence of a global solution to the corresponding initial-boundary value problem, as well as lower and upper bounds for the absolute temperature. Assuming constant heat conductivity, we also prove uniqueness and continuous data dependence of the solution.
|
[
"Condensed Matter Physics",
"Mathematics"
] |
10.1016/j.cobeha.2016.02.028
|
Multiple channels of visual time perception
|
The proposal that the processing of visual time might rely on a network of distributed mechanisms that are vision-specific and timescale-specific stands in contrast to the classical view of time perception as the product of a single supramodal clock. Evidence showing that some of these mechanisms have a sensory component that can be locally adapted is at odds with another traditional assumption, namely that time is completely divorced from space. Recent evidence suggests that multiple timing mechanisms exist across and within sensory modalities and that they operate in various neural regions. The current review summarizes this evidence and frames it into the broader scope of models for time perception in the visual domain.
|
[
"Neuroscience and Disorders of the Nervous System",
"The Human Mind and Its Complexity"
] |
10.1364/CLEO_SI.2017.SM1M.4
|
All Optically Induced Quasi Phase Matching In Sin Waveguides For Second Harmonic Generation Enhancement
|
We report more than 30dB second harmonic generation enhancement in SiN waveguide by all-optical writing of a persistent χ(2) grating. Phase matching peaks are observed for different writing wavelengths.
|
[
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences",
"Systems and Communication Engineering"
] |
W4300496180
|
Envelhecimento saudável com vitalidade positiva: uma revisão de literatura integrativa
|
Um breve contexto: O envelhecimento é um processo biológico, natural e comum aos seres vivos. Isso inclui certas mudanças fisiológicas. O advento da globalização possibilitou o aumento da expectativa de vida, neste cenário retratamos o aumento da população idosa, onde o envelhecimento populacional acarreta uma maior carga de doenças na população,o sobrecarregando os serviços de saúde pública. Dessa forma, a questão norteadora deste estudo é: Como reduzir as consequências do processo de envelhecimento permitindo aos idosos melhorar sua qualidade de vida? Sendo assim, o trabalho optou por estudos seletivos aos aspectos nutricionais, a prática regular de exercícios físicos e a plasticidade neuronal. Objetivo Geral: Analisar por meio das evidências científicas, três importantes fatores que ajudam a alcançar na conquista de um envelhecimento bem-sucedido, cuja tríade: envelhecimento, saúde e longevidade são as principais causas de sofrimento desde a antiguidade. Metodologia: Para este estudo, foi realizada uma revisão integrativa da literatura utilizando as bases de dados do PubMed, Scientific Electronic Library Online (Scielo), da Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS) e livros de referência na área de nutrição, com pesquisas publicadas no período de 2014 a 2021. Principais Resultados: Foram encontrados 431 artigos, 418 descartados e selecionados 13 para a elaboração desse estudo, que identificou fatores que interferem na qualidade de vida dos idosos, dentre eles uma alimentação equilibrada e balanceada associada à prática regular de exercícios físicos aeróbicos. Conclusão: Há necessidade de desenvolver políticas públicas acessíveis que disponham incentivar os idosos a ter estilos de vida mais saudáveis, promover a saúde e o bem-estar, prevenir doenças crônicas não transmissíveis e aliviar os serviços públicos de saúde.
|
[
"Physiology in Health, Disease and Ageing",
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases"
] |
218360
|
Bringing to market an open source cfd framework as a fully automated simulation service with high performance computing cloud-based access
|
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) uses numerical analysis and algorithms to predict flow with a computer. CFD analyses not only fluid flow behaviour, but also mass, phase change, chemical reactions, mechanical movement, the transfer of heat, and stress/deformation of related solid structures. Rapid progress over the past two decades in computational power, comprehensive physical models, and advances in numerical methods has made it possible for engineers to use CFD simulations routinely in a wide range of industrial, environmental and biomedical applications across various industries including aerospace, automotive, chemical engineering, healthcare, and more. It is increasingly used to complement or replace wind tunnel simulations in the automobile and aerospace sectors. The many applications for CFD all create great value in terms of increased product performance and time to market.
However, CFD simulation requires specialized engineers performing manual preparation and post-production tasks, expensive CFD software licenses and intensive computing resources that small and medium size enterprises cannot afford. Likewise, many sectors that could benefit from CFD simulation to simulate heat and cooling airflow for energy optimization (like architecture and construction) find CFD costs prohibitive. Many large enterprises, like our client Thule, have to turn to expensive consulting services rather than investing in in-house CFD solutions.
Adaptive Simulations has developed a breakthrough simulation-as-a-service solution which automates CFD simulation and drives costs down by 70%. Our innovation will democratise CFD for the Industry 4.0 revolution.
This phase 1 project will validate the technical and commercial feasibility of fully automated flow simulations as a service, continuing our customer development to date. We will recruit organisations willing to trial the solution in phase 2 ahead of large-scale deployment across a range of sectors and users.
|
[
"Products and Processes Engineering",
"Computer Science and Informatics"
] |
W1627932336
|
Distraction produces over-additive increases in the degree to which alcohol impairs driving performance
|
Research indicates that alcohol intoxication and increased demands on drivers' attention from distractions (e.g., passengers and cell phones) contribute to poor driving performance and increased rates of traffic accidents and fatalities.The present study examined the separate and combined effects of alcohol and distraction on simulated driving performance at blood alcohol concentrations (BrACs) below the legal driving limit in the USA (i.e., 0.08 %).Fifty healthy adult drivers (36 men and 14 women) were tested in a driving simulator following a 0.65-g/kg dose of alcohol and a placebo. Drivers completed two drive tests: a distracted drive, which included a two-choice detection task, and an undistracted control drive. Multiple indicators of driving performance, such as drive speed, within-lane deviation, steering rate, and lane exceedances were measured.Alcohol and distraction each impaired measures of driving performance. Moreover, the magnitude of alcohol impairment was increased by at least twofold when tested under the distracting versus the undistracted condition.The findings highlight the need for a clearer understanding of how common distractions impact intoxicated drivers, especially at BrACs that are currently legal for driving in the USA.
|
[
"The Human Mind and Its Complexity",
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases"
] |
W2011432545
|
Hydrogen production by oxidative steam reforming of methanol over Ni/CeO2–ZrO2 catalysts
|
Abstract Single ZrO 2 and mixed CeO 2 –ZrO 2 oxides with different CeO 2 /ZrO 2 ratios were prepared by the sol–gel method and the CeO 2 by precipitation. The prepared support were impregnated with an aqueous solution of NiCl 2 ·6H 2 O at an appropriate concentration to yield 3 wt.% of nickel respectively in the catalysts. Catalytic materials were characterized by BET (N 2 adsorption–desorption), SEM-EDS, XRD and TPR. The oxidative steam reforming of methanol (OSRM) reaction was investigated on these catalysts for H 2 production as a function of temperature. Depending of the CeO 2 /ZrO 2 ratio; the catalysts composition has a significant influence on the surface area (BET), reduction properties and methanol conversion. XRD patterns of the Ni-base catalysts showed well defined diffraction peaks of the metallic Ni except on the Ni/CeO 2 catalyst, suggesting that on this sample all of the active phase was highly dispersed. Ni/Ceria-rich catalysts were vastly active for OSRM, giving a total CH 3 OH conversion at 325 °C with GHSV = 0.3 × 10 5 h −1 . They also showed close selectivity toward H 2 , with high selectivity to CO 2 in all range of temperatures, this suggests that the reverse WGS reaction does not occur on these samples. It seems that the nickel is the phase mainly responsible of hydrogen production although the CeO 2 /ZrO 2 support reduces the CO formation.
|
[
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences",
"Synthetic Chemistry and Materials",
"Materials Engineering"
] |
10.1016/j.tcb.2012.10.012
|
Resurrecting remnants: The lives of post-mitotic midbodies
|
Around a century ago, the midbody (MB) was described as a structural assembly within the intercellular bridge during cytokinesis that served to connect the two future daughter cells. The MB has become the focus of intense investigation through the identification of a growing number of diverse cellular and molecular pathways that localize to the MB and contribute to its cytokinetic functions, ranging from selective vesicle trafficking and regulated microtubule (MT), actin, and endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) filament assembly and disassembly to post-translational modification, such as ubiquitination. More recent studies have revealed new and unexpected functions of MBs in post-mitotic cells. In this review, we provide a historical perspective, discuss exciting new roles for MBs beyond their cytokinetic function, and speculate on their potential contributions to pluripotency.
|
[
"Cell Biology, Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration",
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions"
] |
10.1152/jn.00112.2017
|
Task-dependent vestibular feedback responses in reaching
|
When reaching for an earth-fixed object during self-rotation, the motor system should appropriately integrate vestibular signals and sensory predictions to compensate for the intervening motion and its induced inertial forces. While it is well established that this integration occurs rapidly, it is unknown whether vestibular feedback is specifically processed dependent on the behavioral goal. Here, we studied whether vestibular signals evoke fixed responses with the aim to preserve the hand trajectory in space or are processed more flexibly, correcting trajectories only in task-relevant spatial dimensions. We used galvanic vestibular stimulation to perturb reaching movements toward a narrow or a wide target. Results show that the same vestibular stimulation led to smaller trajectory corrections to the wide than the narrow target. We interpret this reduced compensation as a task-dependent modulation of vestibular feedback responses, tuned to minimally intervene with the task-irrelevant dimension of the reach. These task-dependent vestibular feedback corrections are in accordance with a central prediction of optimal feedback control theory and mirror the sophistication seen in feedback responses to mechanical and visual perturbations of the upper limb. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Correcting limb movements for external perturbations is a hallmark of flexible sensorimotor behavior. While visual and mechanical perturbations are corrected in a task-dependent manner, it is unclear whether a vestibular perturbation, naturally arising when the body moves, is selectively processed in reach control. We show, using galvanic vestibular stimulation, that reach corrections to vestibular perturbations are task dependent, consistent with a prediction of optimal feedback control theory.
|
[
"Neuroscience and Disorders of the Nervous System",
"Physiology in Health, Disease and Ageing"
] |
10.1016/j.celrep.2018.11.076
|
An Integrative Study of Protein-RNA Condensates Identifies Scaffolding RNAs and Reveals Players in Fragile X-Associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome
|
Recent evidence indicates that specific RNAs promote the formation of ribonucleoprotein condensates by acting as scaffolds for RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). We systematically investigated RNA-RBP interaction networks to understand ribonucleoprotein assembly. We found that highly contacted RNAs are structured, have long UTRs, and contain nucleotide repeat expansions. Among the RNAs with such properties, we identified the FMR1 3′ UTR that harbors CGG expansions implicated in fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS). We studied FMR1 binding partners in silico and in vitro and prioritized the splicing regulator TRA2A for further characterization. In a FXTAS cellular model, we validated the TRA2A-FMR1 interaction and investigated implications of its sequestration at both transcriptomic and post-transcriptomic levels. We found that TRA2A co-aggregates with FMR1 in a FXTAS mouse model and in post-mortem human samples. Our integrative study identifies key components of ribonucleoprotein aggregates, providing links to neurodegenerative disease and allowing the discovery of therapeutic targets.
|
[
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Neuroscience and Disorders of the Nervous System",
"Integrative Biology: from Genes and Genomes to Systems"
] |
10.1017/apr.2016.62
|
On the evolution of topology in dynamic clique complexes
|
AbstractWe consider a time varying analogue of the Erdős–Rényi graph and study the topological variations of its associated clique complex. The dynamics of the graph are stationary and are determined by the edges, which evolve independently as continuous-time Markov chains. Our main result is that when the edge inclusion probability is of the form p=nα, where n is the number of vertices and α∈(-1/k, -1/(k + 1)), then the process of the normalised kth Betti number of these dynamic clique complexes converges weakly to the Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process as n→∞.
|
[
"Mathematics",
"Computer Science and Informatics"
] |
10.1002/jccs.201500132
|
Alternative Representations of the Correlation Energy in Density-Functional Theory: A Kinetic-Energy Based Adiabatic Connection
|
The adiabatic-connection framework has been widely used to explore the properties of the correlation energy in density-functional theory. The integrand in this formula may be expressed in terms of the electron-electron interactions directly, involving intrinsically two-particle expectation values. Alternatively, it may be expressed in terms of the kinetic energy, involving only one-particle quantities. In this work, we explore this alternative representation for the correlation energy and highlight some of its potential for the construction of new density functional approximations. The kinetic-energy based integrand is effective in concentrating static correlation effects to the low interaction strength regime and approaches zero asymptotically, offering interesting new possibilities for modeling the correlation energy in density-functional theory.
|
[
"Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences",
"Mathematics"
] |
10.1111/mec.14056
|
Plasmid and clonal interference during post horizontal gene transfer evolution
|
Plasmids are nucleic acid molecules that can drive their own replication in a living cell. They can be transmitted horizontally and can thrive in the host cell to high-copy numbers. Plasmid replication and gene expression consume cellular resources and cells carrying plasmids incur fitness costs. But many plasmids carry genes that can be beneficial under certain conditions, allowing the cell to endure in the presence of antibiotics, toxins, competitors or parasites. Horizontal transfer of plasmid-encoded genes can thus instantaneously confer differential adaptation to local or transient selection conditions. This conflict between cellular fitness and plasmid spread sets the scene for multilevel selection processes. We have engineered a system to study the short-term evolutionary impact of different synonymous versions of a plasmid-encoded antibiotic resistance gene. Applying experimental evolution under different selection conditions and deep sequencing allowed us to show rapid local adaptation to the presence of antibiotic and to the specific version of the resistance gene transferred. We describe the presence of clonal interference at two different levels: at the within-cell level, because a single cell can carry several plasmids, and at the between-cell level, because a bacterial population may contain several clones carrying different plasmids and displaying different fitness in the presence/absence of antibiotic. Understanding the within-cell and between-cell dynamics of plasmids after horizontal gene transfer is essential to unravel the dense network of mobile elements underlying the worldwide threat to public health of antibiotic resistance.
|
[
"Molecules of Life: Biological Mechanisms, Structures and Functions",
"Environmental Biology, Ecology and Evolution",
"Integrative Biology: from Genes and Genomes to Systems"
] |
US 201113637133 A
|
NOVEL COMPRESSION TEXTILES
|
The present invention relates to a compression textile, e.g. a compression bandage or garment, which comprises at least one chitosan-containing fibre. The compression textile is suitable for medical applications, but also for non-medical applications in the field of wellness and sport.
|
[
"Materials Engineering",
"Products and Processes Engineering"
] |
W1969218657
|
Migration of the chest tube into the esophagus in a case of Boerhaave’s syndrome
|
Boerhaave's syndrome is the spontaneous transmural rupture of the esophagus. Patients can have a variety of manifestations. Boerhaave's syndrome has to be considered in acutely ill patients with no other explanations for their illness. Computed tomography scan of the chest is emerging as a useful tool for the evaluation of these patients. Surgical repair is the standard of care. Adequate drainage of the pleural fluid is necessary to prevent pulmonary complications. Esophageal perforation should be considered whenever thoracostomy tube drainage assumes an enteric character. When inserting the chest tube for draining pleural fluid, the trochar should not be used because of potential injury to the already perforated esophagus. Posterior placement of the chest tube should be avoided because the tube may migrate into the perforated esophagus. Because of the high incidence of mortality, prompt suspicion, diagnosis, and management are warranted. A careful history, detailed review of the imaging, and a high index of suspicion are key for prompt diagnosis.
|
[
"Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases",
"Physiology in Health, Disease and Ageing"
] |
646623
|
Neutrinos and the origin of the cosmic rays
|
The discovery of cosmic neutrinos is one of the major breakthroughs in science in the year 2013. These neutrinos are expected to point back to the origin of the cosmic rays, which are produced in the most powerful accelerators in the universe. In order to solve the puzzle where the highest energetic neutrinos and cosmic rays come from, the key information could be the composition of the observed cosmic ray flux. The question critical for the future development of high-energy astrophysics is especially how heavier nuclei can be accelerated and escape from the sources, such as gamma-ray bursts or active galactic nuclei, without disintegration, or what the consequences for the neutrino fluxes and cosmic ray compositions at the sources are. Neutrinos, on the other hand, may be good for surprises, such as new physics only detectable at extreme energies, distances, or densities. In addition, the possibility to measure neutrino properties in neutrino telescopes has been emerging, either using astrophysical or atmospheric neutrino fluxes, which means that the border line between neutrino physics and astrophysics applications in these experiments fades.
The key idea of this proposal is therefore to combine the expertise from astrophysics and particle physics in a multi-disciplinary working group 1) to study the effect of heavy nuclei on the source fluxes from multiple messengers, such as a neutrinos, cosmic rays, and gamma-rays, using efficient descriptions for the radiation processes and particle interactions, and 2) to optimize future experiment infrastructure in ice and sea water for both astro- and particle physics applications. The key goals are to eventually identify the origin of the cosmic rays and cosmic neutrinos, and to solve the open questions in particle physics, such as neutrino mass hierarchy and leptonic CP violation.
|
[
"Fundamental Constituents of Matter",
"Universe Sciences"
] |
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