bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alcohol consumption and risk of gastric cardia adenocarcinoma and gastric noncardia adenocarcinoma: A 16‐year prospective analysis from the NIH‐AARP diet and health cohort
Authors: Wang ShaoMing , Freedman Neal D. , Loftfield Erikka , Hua Xing , Abnet Christian C.
Published: July 2018

The role of alcoholic beverages in the etiology of gastric cancer is unclear. Recent summaries showed a positive association between higher alcohol intake and gastric cancer risk, but the magnitude of association is small, there is moderate heterogeneity among studies, and most cases were from Asian populations. We prospectively investigated the associations of alcohol consumption with gastric cardia adenocarcinoma (GCA) and gastric noncardia adenocarcinoma (GNCA) in 490,605 adults, aged 50–71 years at baseline who participated in the NIH‐AARP diet and health study. Alcohol consumption in the past year was assessed at baseline by questionnaire and defined as total grams of ethanol intake per day or as a categorical variable: nondrinker, up to or including one drink per day, one to three drinks per day and greater than three drinks per day. We used multivariable‐adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression to calculate the hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associations between alcohol intake and risk of gastric adenocarcinomas. Through 2011, 662 incident cases of GCA and 713 of GNCA occurred. We found no association between higher alcohol consumption and GCA or GNCA, when examined as total alcoholic beverage intake or individual beverage types of beer, wine and liquor. Furthermore, we observed no association by stratum of sex, ethnic group, educational level or smoking status. We did, however, observe lower risk of GNCA among participants who drank up to one drink per day (HR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.67–0.97) compared to nondrinkers. In conclusion, alcohol consumption was not associated with increased risk of GCA or GNCA in this large U.S. cohort.
Pharmacy access to medical abortion from trained providers and post‐abortion contraception in Nepal
Authors: Puri Mahesh C. , Harper Cynthia C. , Maharjan Dev , Blum Maya , Rocca Corinne H.
Published: July 2018

Objective

To examine whether auxiliary nurse‐midwife provision of medical abortion in pharmacies was associated with reduced post‐abortion contraceptive use in Nepal.

Methods

The present prospective observational study compared contraceptive use among women aged 16–45 years and up to 63 days of pregnancy, who presented at one of six privately‐owned pharmacies or six public health facilities in the Chitwan and Jhapa districts of Nepal for medical abortion between October 16, 2014, and September 1, 2015. Participants obtained medical abortions per Nepali protocol and completed a follow‐up visit and interview at 14–21 days. Effective contraceptive use was compared between abortion care settings using multivariable mixed effects logistic regression.

Results

Of 605 participants, 600 completed follow‐up at 14–21 days; 474 (79.0%) were using a contraceptive method, most commonly pills (180 [30.0%]) and injectables (175 [29.2%]), followed by condoms (82 [13.7%]), long‐acting reversible methods (33 [5.5%]), and sterilization (4 [0.7%]). Receipt of care from a private pharmacy was not associated with a difference in the use of hormonal or long‐acting methods (adjusted odd ratio 0.89, 95% confidence interval 0.60–1.33).

Conclusion

Medical abortion provision from pharmacies by qualified providers can provide women with necessary induced‐abortion care while not compromising longer‐term pregnancy prevention.
In vitro evaluation of biomarkers of nephrotoxicity through gene expression using gentamicin
Authors: Campos Maria A. A. , de Almeida Leonardo A. , Grossi Marina F. , Tagliati Carlos A.
Published: July 2018

Acute renal failure is one of the most frequent effects observed after taking medicine. Such situations have been tardily discovered, given that existing methods for assessing toxicity are not predictive. In this light, the present work evaluated the effects of gentamicin, a form of nephrotoxic drug, on HK‐2 and HEK‐293 cells. By using MTT (3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide) and flow cytometry, both cells demonstrated that cytotoxicity occurs in a dose‐dependent manner through the processes of apoptosis and cell necrosis. Gene expression analysis showed a relative increase of expression for genes related to cell processes and classic biomarkers, such as TP53, CASP3, CASP8, CASP9, ICAM‐1, EXOC3, KIM‐1, and CST3. A decrease in expression for genes BCL2L1 and EGF was observed. This study, therefore, indicates that, when the methods are used together, gene expression analysis is able to evaluate the nephrotoxic potential of a substance.
MIF‐173G/C (rs755622) polymorphism as a risk factor for acute lymphoblastic leukemia development in children
Authors: Sharaf‐Eldein Mohamed , Elghannam Doaa , Abdel‐Malak Camelia
Published: July 2018

Background

Macrophage inhibitory factor (MIF) is a pro‐inflammatory cytokine modulating monocyte motility and a pleiotropic regulator of different biological and cellular processes. The MIF‐173G/C (rs755622) polymorphism is found in the promoter region and affects its activity. The present study investigated the MIF polymorphism as a risk factor for the development of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in Egyptian children.

Methods

We analyzed the MIF‐173G/C (rs755622) polymorphism in 180 ALL cases and 150 healthy control children by amplification of the gene using a polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction endonuclease digestion and running on an agarose gel for visualization of the product.

Results

We found a significant incidence of the homozygous polymorphic (CC) genotype and the combined polymorphic genotypes (GC + CC) in ALL patients compared to healthy controls (p = 0.001 and p = 0.007, respectively), whereas the wild‐type genotype (GG) was more common in healthy controls (p = 0.006). Multivariate logistic regression analysis adjustment for MIF different genotypes and other potential risk factors such as age, sex and parental smoking indicated that the CC genotype is the only significant risk factor for the test (p = 0.02). We also noted that, by increasing the C‐allele representation within the gene [GC, CC], there was an increase in total leukocytic count (p = 0.09 and p = 0.001, respectively) that may reflect the bad prognostic impact of the polymorphic allele, although further studies are needed.

Conclusions

The results of the present study indicate that the MIF‐173G/C (rs755622) polymorphism is a risk factor for childhood ALL development with respect to both homozygous and combined polymorphic genotypes. In addition, the increased leukocytic count in synchronization with the increased representation of the polymorphic C‐allele may reflect its bad prognostic impact.
Physicochemical Compatibility of Amiodarone with Parenteral Nutrition
Authors: Mediavilla Marta M. , Molina Andrea , Navarro Lorena , Grau Laura , Pujol M. Dolors , Cardenete Joana , Cardona Daniel , Riera Pau
Published: July 2018

Background

Y‐site administration of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and drugs is frequently required in the intensive care setting. Amiodarone is commonly administered by continuous intravenous infusion and subject to be co‐administered via a Y‐site with TPN. The aim of this study is to determine the physicochemical stability of amiodarone Y‐site administered with TPN.

Methods

Two standard TPN and 2 amiodarone solutions were designed. The 2 TPN differed in the lipid source (Lipofundin MCT/LCT® 20% or SMOFlipid® 20%). The 2 amiodarone solutions were prepared at different concentrations (900 mg and 1200 mg in 250 mL of dextrose 5% in water). Each TPN and amiodarone solutions ran at a rate that simulated a 24‐hour Y‐site infusion to obtain different admixture samples. Each sample was then visually examined and further tested to determine the mean lipid droplet size distribution by dynamic light scattering and amiodarone concentrations by HPLC.

Results

No alterations were detected by visual inspection. Average droplet size remained below 500 nm (252.5 ± 5.9 nm for Lipofundin MCT/LCT® TPN and 327.7 ± 14.4 nm for SMOFlipid® TPN). For the samples obtained after running 900 mg and 1200 mg amiodarone solutions with TPN, the concentrations observed at 24 hours were 0.4491 ± 0.0111 mg/mL and 0.5773 ± 0.0214 mg/mL, respectively. These results represent approximately 100% of the zero‐time concentrations and are within ±15% of the predicted values. No degradation products were observed in the chromatograms.

Conclusion

Amiodarone is physicochemically compatible with standard TPN via a Y‐site administration at the tested amiodarone concentrations.
Human Milk Fortification with Bovine Colostrum Is Superior to Formula‐Based Fortifiers to Prevent Gut Dysfunction, Necrotizing Enterocolitis, and Systemic Infection in Preterm Pigs
Authors: Sun Jing , Li Yanqi , Pan Xiaoyu , Nguyen Duc Ninh , Brunse Anders , Bojesen Anders M. , Rudloff Silvia , Mortensen Martin S. , Burrin Douglas G. , Sangild Per T.
Published: July 2018

Background

Fortification of donor human milk (DHM) is required for optimal growth of very preterm infants, but there are concerns of more gut dysfunction and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) when using formula‐based fortifiers (FFs), especially soon after birth. Intact bovine colostrum (BC) is rich in nutrients and bioactive factors, and protects against NEC in preterm pigs. We hypothesized that fortification of DHM with BC is superior to FFs to prevent gut dysfunction and infections when provided shortly after preterm birth.

Methods

Two FF products, Enfamil (ENF; intact protein, vegetable oil) and PreNAN+Nutrilon (NAN; extensively hydrolyzed protein, maltodextrin), were compared with BC as fortifier to DHM fed to preterm pigs for 5 days.

Results

Relative to the DHM+BC group, DHM+FF groups had higher diarrhea score and lower hexose uptake and lactase activity, and specifically the DHM+NAN group showed higher gut permeability, NEC score, more mucosa‐adherent bacteria with altered gut microbiota structure (ie, lower diversity, increased Enterococcus, decreased Staphylococcus abundance). Both DHM+FF groups showed higher expression of intestinal cytokine and inflammation‐related genes, more gut‐derived bacteria in the bone marrow, lower density of mucin‐containing goblet cells, and slightly higher colon lactate, stomach pH and acetate, and blood neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte levels than the DHM+BC group.

Conclusions

Used as a fortifier to DHM, BC is superior to FFs to support gut function, nutrient absorption, and bacterial defense mechanisms in preterm pigs. It is important to optimize the composition of nutrient fortifiers for preterm infants fed human milk.
Elastin‐based polymer: synthesis, characterization and examination of its miscibility characteristics with poly(vinyl alcohol) and electrospinning of the miscible blends
Authors: Siddamallappa Nanjundaswamy Gumatapura , Basavaraju Mahesh , Dase Gowda Channe Gowda
Published: July 2018

Miscibility is an important factor for peptide‐based polymer blends for employment in the pharmaceutical, drug delivery and biomedical fields. The current study presents the synthesis of a repeating sequence of elastin, poly(GVGIP), characterized using1H NMR and13C NMR spectroscopy, and an investigation of its miscibility characteristics with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) over a broad range of composition in solid and solution phase using various analytical techniques. The miscibility behaviour of the blend solutions was established quantitatively by the analysis of various parameters of simple viscometric measurements. The results confirmed the miscibility of the blends containing up to 50% of the polypeptide. Further, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated the existence of intermolecular hydrogen bonding between the two polymers in the blends. Scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction revealed the change in surface morphology and crystallinity for blend films. Differential scanning calorimetry demonstrated a single glass transition temperature of the blend films. Interestingly, long, thin nanofibre meshes were also successfully prepared through electrospinning of poly(GVGIP)/PVA blends from aqueous solutions at a very low concentration (5 wt%). © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Tongue Cancer Patients Can be Distinguished from Healthy Controls by Specific N‐Glycopeptides Found in Serum
Authors: Saraswat Mayank , Mäkitie Antti , Tohmola Tiialotta , Dickinson Amy , Saraswat Shruti , Joenväärä Sakari , Renkonen Suvi
Published: July 2018

Purpose

There are no blood biomarkers to detect early‐stage oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) prior to clinical signs. Most OSCC incidence is associated with significant morbidity and poor survival. The authors aimed to use mass‐spectrometry (MS) technology to find specific N‐glycopeptides potentially serving as serum biomarkers for preclinical OSCC screening.

Experimental design

Serum samples from 14 patients treated for OSCC (stage I or stage IV) with 12 age‐ and sex‐matched controls are collected. Quantitative label‐free N‐glycoproteomics is performed, with MS/MS analysis of the statistically significantly different N‐glycopeptides.

Results

Combined with a database search using web‐based software (GlycopeptideID), MS/MS provided detailed N‐glycopeptide information, including glycosylation site, glycan composition, and proposed structures. Thirty‐eight tryptic N‐glycopeptides are identified, having 19 unique N‐glycosylation sites representing 14 glycoproteins. OSCC patients, including stage I tumors, can be differentiated from healthy controls based on the expression levels of these glycoforms. N‐glycopeptides of IgG1, IgG4, haptoglobin, and transferrin have statistically significant different abundances between cases and controls.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

The authors are the first to suggest specific N‐glycopeptides to serve as potential serum biomarkers to detect preclinical OSCC in patients. These N‐glycopeptides are the lead candidates for validation as future diagnostic modalities of OSCC as early as stage I.
Enhanced Thermoelectric Performance in Mg2Si by Functionalized Co‐Doping
Authors: Mitra Kunal , Goyal Gagan K. , Rathore Ekashmi , Biswas Kanishka , Vitta Satish , Mahapatra Suddhasatta , Dasgupta Titas
Published: July 2018

Mg2Si specimens doped with Bi, Al, and Se are synthesized via induction melting followed by rapid compaction using an induction assisted hot‐uniaxial press. Phase formation, dopant solubility, and microstructure are studied using X‐Ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Results indicate the presence of the dopants to varying extent in the Mg2Si matrix, which is reflected in the lattice parameter and charge carrier concentration values. Temperature dependent thermoelectric properties are measured between room temperature and 673 K. Se is observed to enhance the density of states (DOS) effective mass (), while Al increased the carrier mobility (μ). Best thermoelectric performance are obtained for co‐doped Bi,Se and Bi,Al compositions with ≈20% increase in engineering figure of merit, (ΔT = 350 K) compared to only Bi doped specimen. This enhancement can be explained from the observed electronic (increased due to Se incorporation) and microstructural (μ increase in Al containing compositions due to lower grain boundary magnesium oxide layer)characteristics of the specimens. Also, grain boundary accumulation (of Bi) is observed in Bi doped samples which results in a lowering of the lattice thermal conductivity, .
Analysis of observed rapid increases in surface wind speed
Authors: Ruff Florian , Ólafsson Haraldur
Published: July 2018

A database of 21 million hourly observations from 200 weather stations in Iceland within the period from January 1993 until March 2017 is explored to assess rapid increases of wind speed. In the summer, strong winds are more frequent in the afternoon than at night, while rapid increases in wind speed are slightly more frequent at night. Westerly winds have a relatively high frequency of rapid increases in wind speed, while easterly winds have a relatively low frequency of rapid increases in wind speed. This can be explained by the form and tracks of cyclones. Rapid increases in wind speed are particularly frequent in northern Iceland. They occur in winds blowing from the central highlands and typically in stably stratified air masses. Analysis of winds at individual stations reveals a large impact of topography and that the wind direction distribution for strong wind events may be quite different from the wind direction distribution for rapid increases in wind speed. However, a simple and general connection between the height and distance to nearby mountains and the frequency of rapid increases in wind speed has not been found. At stations with a high frequency of rapid increases in wind speed, downslope flow is a very important contributor, while gap and corner winds are not.
Al‐Doped FeVO4 Nanoparticles for Vapour Phase Methylation of Phenol
Authors: Braganza Celia F. , Salker Arun V.
Published: July 2018

Al substituted FeVO4 catalysts were prepared by co‐precipitation method. The catalysts were characterized by X‐Ray Diffraction, Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller surface area analysis, Thermo gravimetric–Differential thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The Al content increased the acidic character of the catalyst. The catalytic activity was evaluated for methylation of phenol and showed high activity and selectivity. 2% Al promoted FeVO4, caused the conversion of phenol and selectivity towards 2,6‐xylenol to reach 98% and 94% respectively. The catalyst has good stability, TOS studies and characterization of spent catalyst was done.
Mutual Composition Transformations Among 2D/3D Organolead Halide Perovskites and Mechanisms Behind
Authors: Wang Jiandong , Yao Xiang , Xiao Wen‐Jing , Wang Shuhui , Xu Guiying , Chen Xue‐Qiang , Wu Si‐Cheng , Visoly‐Fisher Iris , Katz Eugene A. , Li Yaowen , Lin Jian , Li Wei‐Shi , Li Yongfang
Published: July 2018

Post‐deposition processing of organolead halide films, by exposure to alkyl amine vapor and composition transformation, is an attractive approach for the formation of high‐quality and large‐scale perovskite films of desired compositions. However, the generalization of such composition transformation requires further understanding of the mechanism of the process. In this work MAPbI3, BA2PbI4, and OA2PbI4 (MA+: CH3NH3+, BA+: C4H9NH3+, and OA+: C8H17NH3+) are chosen as typical representatives of 3D and 2D organolead halide perovskites, and their transformations are systematically studied. It is found that the transformation can universally take place among these organolead iodides, irrespective of either from 3D to 2D or from 2D to 3D form. The important intermediates in these transformations have been identified to be alkyl amine‐bound lead iodides of well‐defined chemical composition and crystalline nature in solid state. Furthermore, such intermediates have unexpected good solubility in alcohol, enabling the use of ethanol as a processing solvent for fabrication of high‐quality perovskite films and solar cells. The so‐prepared perovskite solar cells display an average power conversion efficiency of 14.08% with the best one of 15.79%. These findings not only gain new insights on perovskite transformation mechanism, but also lead to developing an environmentally benign processing method for perovskite films and devices.
Advances in Selective Carbon‐Heteroatom Coupling Reactions
Authors: Zeng Qingle , Zhang Li , Zhou Yue
Published: July 2018

Most of compounds containing more than one reactive groups may produce several byproducts during the coupling process. Selective carbon‐heteroatom coupling reactions, which have merits of high synthetic efficiency and step economy, are the best choice to resolve the problem. Although they have made great progress, they deserve further exploration. This review discusses their recent advances and intend to inspire the research in the future. It is organized on the basis of selective carbon‐heteroatom coupling reaction types, including selective C−N and C−N, C−N and C−O, C−O and C−O, C−C and C−N coupling reactions.
Precise predictions for electroweakino-pair production in association with a jet at the LHC
Authors: Baglio Julien , Jäger Barbara , Kesenheimer Matthias
Published: July 2018

Abstract

We present the full NLO SUSY-QCD corrections to the pair production of neutralinos and charginos at the LHC in association with a jet and their matching to partonshower programs in the framework of the POWHEG-BOX package. The code we have developed provides a SUSY Les Houches Accord interface for setting electroweak and supersymmetric input parameters. Decays of the neutralinos and charginos and parton-shower effects can be simulated with multi-purpose programs such as PYTHIA. The capabilities of the code are illustrated by phenomenological results for a parameter point in the framework of pMSSM10, compatible with present experimental limits on supersymmetry. We find that NLO-QCD corrections as well as parton-shower effects are of primary importance for the appropriate description of jet distributions.
An S4 × SU(5) SUSY GUT of flavour in 6d
Authors: de Anda Francisco J. , King Stephen F.
Published: July 2018

Abstract

We propose a 6d model with a SUSY SU(5) gauge symmetry. After compactification, it explains the origin of the S
4 Family Symmetry with CSD3 vacuum alignment, as well as SU(5) breaking with doublet-triplet splitting. The model naturally accounts for all quark and lepton (including neutrino) masses and mixings, incorporating the highly predictive Littlest Seesaw structure. It spontaneously breaks CP symmetry, resulting in successful CP violation in the quark and lepton sectors, while solving the Strong CP problem. It also explains the Baryon Asymmetry of the Universe (BAU) through leptogenesis, with the leptogenesis phase directly linked to the Dirac and Majorana phases.
Signals of the electroweak phase transition at colliders and gravitational wave observatories
Authors: Chala Mikael , Krause Claudius , Nardini Germano
Published: July 2018

Abstract

If the electroweak phase transition (EWPT) is of strongly first order due to higher dimensional operators, the scale of new physics generating them is at the TeV scale or below. In this case the effective-field theory (EFT) neglecting operators of dimension higher than six may overlook terms that are relevant for the EWPT analysis. In this article we study the EWPT in the EFT to dimension eight. We estimate the reach of the future gravitational wave observatory LISA for probing the region in which the EWPT is strongly first order and compare it with the capabilities of the Higgs measurements via double-Higgs production at current and future colliders. We also match different UV models to the previously mentioned dimension-eight EFT and demonstrate that, from the top-down point of view, the double-Higgs production is not the best signal to explore these scenarios.
Multi-particle amplitudes from the four-point correlator in planar $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 4 SYM
Authors: Heslop Paul , Tran Vuong-Viet
Published: July 2018

Abstract

A non-trivial consequence of the super-correlator/super-amplitude duality is that the integrand of the four-point correlation function of stress-tensor multiplets in planar

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 4 super Yang-Mills contains a certain combination of n-point amplitude integrands for any n. This combination is the sum of products of all helicity super-amplitudes with their corresponding helicity conjugates. The four-point correlator itself is described by a single scalar function whose loop level integrands possess a hidden permutation symmetry facilitating its computation up to ten loops. We discover that assuming Yangian symmetry and an appropriate basis of planar dual conformal integrands it is possible to disentangle the contributions from the individual amplitudes from this combination. We test this up to seven points and up to two loops. This suggests that any scattering amplitude for any n, with any helicity structure and at any loop order may be extractable from the four-point correlator.
Observational signatures from horizonless black shells imitating rotating black holes
Authors: Danielsson Ulf H. , Giri Suvendu
Published: July 2018

Abstract

In arXiv:1705.10172 it was proposed that string theory replaces Schwarzschild black holes with horizonless thin shells with an AdS interior. In this paper we extend the analysis to slowly rotating black holes, solving the Israel-Lanczos-Sen junction conditions for a rotating shell composed of stringy matter to determine the metric. Outside of the shell we find a vacuum solution that differs from Kerr with a 32% larger quadrupole moment. We discuss the observational consequences and explore the possibility to distinguish between a black shell and a black hole. Promising methods include imaging of the black hole at the center of the Milky Way using the Event Horizon Telescope, precision measurements of stars in close orbits around the central black hole, and future observations of colliding super massive black holes using the space based gravitational wave observatory LISA.
Promoting academic engagement: university context and individual characteristics
Authors: Zhao Zhiyan , Broström Anders , Cai Jianfeng
Published: July 2018

This paper aims to explore the impact of organizational context on individuals’ industry activities in Chinese universities. Academic engagement, which includes collaborative research, contract research, consulting and other informal outreach activities, is posited as being jointly determined by organizational and individual level factors. Based on 564 Chinese scientists’ survey responses, our results show that scientists perceiving their university as having a strong entrepreneurial mission or supportive policy context are more active in academic engagement. This relationship is, however, moderated by individual-level factors. Specifically, entrepreneurially oriented university missions and supportive policy are more strongly associated with intra-individual differences in academic engagement for junior scientists, and for scientists with established personal networks to industry. Our analysis also shows that several individual-level predictors of academic engagement identified in studies set in Europe and the US carry over to the Chinese context.
Identification and Analysis of Human Sex-Biased MicroRNAs
Authors: Cui Chunmei , Yang Weili , Shi Jiangcheng , Zhou Yong , Yang Jichun , Cui Qinghua , Zhou Yuan
Published: July 2018

Sex differences are widely observed under various circumstances ranging from physiological processes to therapeutic responses, and a myriad of sex-biased genes have been identified. In recent years, transcriptomic datasets of microRNAs (miRNAs), an important class of non-coding RNAs, become increasingly accessible. However, comprehensive analysis of sex difference in miRNA expression has not been performed. Here, we identified the differentially-expressed miRNAs between males and females by examining the transcriptomic datasets available in public databases and conducted a systemic analysis of their biological characteristics. Consequently, we identified 73 female-biased miRNAs (FmiRs) and 163 male-biased miRNAs (MmiRs) across four tissues including brain, colorectal mucosa, peripheral blood, and cord blood. Our results suggest that compared to FmiRs, MmiRs tend to be clustered in the human genome and exhibit higher evolutionary rate, higher expression tissue specificity, and lower disease spectrum width. In addition, functional enrichment analysis of miRNAs show that FmiR genes are significantly associated with metabolism process and cell cycle process, whereas MmiR genes tend to be enriched for functions like histone modification and circadian rhythm. In all, the identification and analysis of sex-biased miRNAs together could provide new insights into the biological differences between females and males and facilitate the exploration of sex-biased disease susceptibility and therapy.
Bomb-pulse Radiocarbon Dating of Modern Paintings on Canvas
Authors: Brock Fiona , Eastaugh Nicholas , Ford Thierry , Townsend Joyce H
Published: July 2018

Radiocarbon (14C) dating has previously been applied to modern paintings on canvas from the 20th century to identify potential modern forgeries, and dates indicate a time lag of several years between the harvesting of plant fibers for making canvas, and completion of a painting. This study investigated both the length of this time lag and the potential of 14C dating to inform about an individual artist’s mode of working (for example long-term storage or reuse of canvases, or extended reworking on a single canvas) and/or to establish a chronology for a corpus of work. Two pre-bomb and 16 post-bomb artworks by 17 mid-20th-century Scandinavian artists were 14C dated. The majority of post-bomb samples indicated a time lag of 2–5 years between the harvesting of the plants and completion of a painting, but some samples recorded lags of up to 10 years, and others produced much earlier results, potentially indicating the use of much older canvases or challenges removing contamination prior to dating. The importance of thorough pre-screening of canvas samples for both synthetic fibers and contaminants prior to dating, and selection of the most suitable calibration curve, are highlighted.
Geochronology of early Mesozoic diabase units in southwestern China: metallogenic and tectonic implications
Authors: QIU LIANG , YANG WEN-XIN , YAN DAN-PING , WELLS MICHAEL L. , QIU JUN-TING , GAO TIAN , DONG JIAN-MENG , ZHANG LIANGLIANG , WANG FANG-YUE
Published: July 2018

Two phases of diabase-sill-forming magmatism are recorded within the Badu anticline where magmas were emplaced into upper Palaeozoic carbonates and clastic rocks of the Youjiang fold-and-thrust belt in the SW South China Block, China. Zircons from these diabase units yield weighted mean U–Pb ages of 249.2±2.0 Ma and 187.1±3.3 Ma, and magmatic oxygen fugacity values from ‒20 to ‒6 (average of ‒12, equating to FMQ +5) and ‒20 to ‒10 (average of ‒15, equating to FMQ +2), respectively. These data indicate that the sills were emplaced during Early Triassic and Early Jurassic times. The discovery ofc. 250 Ma mafic magmatism in this area was probably related to post-flood-basalt extension associated with the Emeishan mantle plume or rollback of the subducting Palaeo-Tethys slab. Thec. 190 Ma diabase sills indicate that the southwestern South China Block records Early Jurassic mafic magmatism and lithospheric extension that was likely associated with a transition from post-collisional to within-plate tectonic regimes. The emplacement of diabase intrusions at depth may have driven hydrothermal systems, enabling the mobilization of elements from sedimentary rocks and causing the formation of a giant epigenetic metallogenic domain. The results indicate that high-oxygen-fugacity materials within basement rocks caused crustal contamination of the magmas, contributing to the wide range of oxygen fugacity conditions recorded by the Au-bearing Badu diabase. In addition, data from inherited xenocrystic zircons within the Badu diabase and detrital zircons from basement rocks suggest that the Neoproterozoic Jiangshao suture extends to the south of the Badu anticline.
Trends in prescription of cardiovascular drugs to children in relation to prevalence of CHD from 1999 to 2016
Authors: Poulsen Christian B. , Damkjær Mads
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Owing to massive improvements in the diagnostics and surgery of children with CHD, fatality has decreased substantially. As more children with CHD survive from infancy into later childhood, more will need medication for chronic heart failure. However, surprisingly little is actually known about which drugs are being used to treat children with CHD, and whether prescription rates and CHD prevalence have changed over time.

Objective

The objective of this study was to assess the total prescription of cardiovascular drugs to children during an 18-year period and to assess concomitant CHD prevalence.

Methods

All prescription data of cardiovascular drugs to children aged 0–19 years were extracted from publicly available databases in Norway and Denmark from 1999 to 2016. This was coupled with data on CHD prevalence and birth rates.

Results

The number of defined daily doses of cardiovascular drugs prescribed to children doubled in the study period. This was because of an increased use of beta blockers, angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers, and anti-arrhythmic agents. The use of some classes of drugs was significantly reduced over time. The prevalence of CHD remained constant in both countries – 80 per 10,000 births.

Conclusion

We show that there is an increase in the overall prescription of cardiovascular drugs to children. Beta blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme/angiotensin receptor blockers, and anti-arrhythmics account for the largest increase. Birth rates decreased or remained constant together with CHD prevalence, suggesting that the increased use of cardiovascular drugs reflected increased prescription per patient, rather than more patients receiving a constant amount of drugs.
Successful preoperative bridge with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in three neonates with D-transposition of the great vessels and pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Said Ahmed S. , McBride Mary E. , Gazit Avihu Z.
Published: July 2018

Pulmonary hypertension with transposition of the great arteries is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. At the worst end of the spectrum are patients who undergo extracorporeal support perioperatively. We describe our experience with three patients who received preoperative extracorporeal support and separated from cardiopulmonary bypass successfully on conventional postoperative care, with no significant deficits on follow-up.
The perceived influence of cost-offset community-supported agriculture on food access among low-income families
Authors: White Michelle J , Jilcott Pitts Stephanie B , McGuirt Jared T , Hanson Karla L , Morgan Emily H , Kolodinsky Jane , Wang Weiwei , Sitaker Marilyn , Ammerman Alice S , Seguin Rebecca A
Published: July 2018

Objective

To examine perspectives on food access among low-income families participating in a cost-offset community-supported agriculture (CO-CSA) programme.

Design

Farm Fresh Foods for Healthy Kids (F3HK) is a multicentre randomized intervention trial assessing the effect of CO-CSA on dietary intake and quality among children from low-income families. Focus groups were conducted at the end of the first CO-CSA season. Participants were interviewed about programme experiences, framed by five dimensions of food access: availability, accessibility, affordability, acceptability and accommodation. Transcribed data were coded on these dimensions plus emergent themes.

Setting

Nine communities in the US states of New York, North Carolina, Washington and Vermont.

Subjects

Fifty-three F3HK adults with children.

Results

CSA models were structured by partner farms. Produce quantity was abundant; however, availability was enhanced for participants who were able to select their own produce items. Flexible CSA pick-up times and locations made produce pick-up more accessible. Despite being affordable to most, payment timing was a barrier for some. Unfamiliar foods and quick spoilage hindered acceptability through challenging meal planning, despite accommodations that included preparation advice.

Conclusions

Although CO-CSA may facilitate increased access to fruits and vegetables for low-income families, perceptions of positive diet change may be limited by the ability to incorporate share pick-up into regular travel patterns and meal planning. Food waste concerns may be particularly acute for families with constrained resources. Future research should examine whether CO-CSA with flexible logistics and produce self-selection are sustainable for low-income families and CSA farms.
Assessing the Presence of Discontinuities in the Ocean Color Satellite Record and Their Effects on Chlorophyll Trends and Their Uncertainties
Authors: Hammond Matthew L. , Beaulieu Claudie , Henson Stephanie A. , Sahu Sujit K.
Published: July 2018

Ocean color sensors are crucial for understanding global phytoplankton dynamics. However, the limited life spans of sensors make multisensor data sets necessary for estimating long‐term trends. Discontinuities may be introduced when merging data between sensors, potentially affecting trend estimates and their uncertainties. We use a Bayesian spatiotemporal model to investigate the presence of discontinuities and their impacts on estimated chlorophyll trends. The discontinuities considered are the introduction of Medium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer, Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer‐Aqua, and Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite and the termination of Sea‐Viewing Wide Field‐of‐View Sensor. Discontinuities are detected in ~70% of regions, affecting trend estimates (~60% of regions have statistically different trends) and potentially even biasing trend estimates (opposite sign in ~13% of regions). Considering a single discontinuity increases trend uncertainty by an average of 0.20%/year (0.59%/year for two discontinuities). This difference in trend magnitude and uncertainty highlights the importance of minimizing discontinuities in multisensor records and taking into account discontinuities when analyzing trends.
On the Use of StorAge Selection Functions to Assess Time‐Variant Travel Times in Lakes
Authors: Smith A. A. , Tetzlaff D. , Soulsby C.
Published: July 2018

Lakes can store water for long periods of time, which influences the transport of water and hydrologic tracers and changes catchment transit times downstream. However, the impact that the transit time of lakes has on catchment transit times has received little attention to date. We derived water and isotope mass balances for two lakes and examine the use of time‐variant transit time solutions with StorAge Selection functions to estimate the water ages of evaporation and lake outflows. We used the convolution of the StorAge Selection function transit time estimations with inflow transit times to estimate the transit times downstream of each lake. The lakes exhibited contrasting storage effects for discharge; with direct storage effects (newest water exiting during low flow) for a larger lake fed by a small catchment, and inverse storage effects (newest water exiting during high flow) for a smaller lake with a large catchment. The water and isotope mass balance yielded estimates of daily and annual evaporation fluxes, which were similar between the two lakes. The proposed framework is an effective tool to identify the effects of precipitation, surface inflow, and evaporation on the transit times for relatively small, shallow lakes, using a combination of water and isotope mass balance methods.
Ursula B. Marvin (1921–2018)
Authors: Wood John
Published: July 2018

This bold mineralogist and feminist bucked norms that deemed geology unsuited for women. She contributed to meteoritics, science history, and petrology, including the analysis of Apollo Moon rocks.
Methane Ebullition From Subtropical Peat: Testing an Ebullition Model Reveals the Importance of Pore Structure
Authors: Wright William , Ramirez Jorge A. , Comas Xavier
Published: July 2018

The role of subtropical peatlands as a source for methane gas is not well understood, partly due to uncertainties surrounding environmental controls on gas ebullition patterns. Past studies have pointed to an array of environmental factors controlling ebullition, although we have found that ebullition patterns can be replicated by a model considering only physical parameters of the peat matrix. Here we tested a computer model for gas ebullition and storage against a natural system for the first time, using a suite of field measurements in the Florida Everglades. Modeled ebullition showed patterns similar to those observed in the field in terms of frequency distribution and magnitude, specifically from areas of higher density peat fabric. These results suggest that the internal structure of the peat soil is an important control on spatial and temporal patterns of ebullition in the Everglades and should be considered when investigating environmental controls on ebullition patterns.
A Probabilistic Approach to Injection‐Induced Seismicity Assessment in the Presence and Absence of Flow Boundaries
Authors: Hosseini S. M. , Goebel T. H. W. , Jha B. , Aminzadeh F.
Published: July 2018

Induced seismicity models that do not account for the effects of flow boundary conditions and uncertainty in initial stresses on the seismicity rate fail to predict the seismicity observed in real‐world injection sites. We present a model for the probabilistic assessment of induced seismicity that incorporates in situ stresses, pressure, and reservoir boundary conditions. The model considers a randomly distributed network of faults undergoing frictional failure due to pressure‐induced effective stresses. A semianalytical method is used to capture the effect of flow boundary conditions on pressure and seismicity rate based on pressure diffusion and Mohr‐Coulomb failure. We compare the model predictions with induced seismicity observations in Paradox Valley and German Continental Deep Drilling Program. We demonstrate that differences in the flow boundary conditions can drastically change the seismic response to injection. The strongest difference is observed for a closed boundary reservoir for which the induced seismicity rate increases exponentially.
Coastal Sulfur Plumes off Peru During El Niño, La Niña, and Neutral Phases
Authors: Ohde T.
Published: July 2018

For the first time, the impact of the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on the surface sulfur plumes off the Peruvian upwelling system has been studied. The investigations demonstrated a strong correlation between the ENSO and the sulfur plumes in the coastal areas of Callao and Pisco. During the El Niño phases, the sulfur plumes disappeared almost completely because of equatorial remotely forced oxygenation episodes. The La Niña events were associated with strong oxygen deficiency over the Peruvian shelf, supporting the formation of hydrogen sulfide and, consequently, the occurrence of sulfur plumes. This impact was smaller at Callao, because the La Niña phases in this coastal area were interrupted by weak oxygenation events. During the neutral phases, oxygen‐poor waters were also present in the Peruvian shelf areas, promoting the large size of sulfur plumes. However, they were not forced by the remotely driven processes resulting from ENSO phenomena.
In Situ Observations of Phase Changes in Shock Compressed Forsterite
Authors: Newman M. G. , Kraus R. G. , Akin M. C. , Bernier J. V. , Dillman A. M. , Homel M. A. , Lee S. , Lind J. , Mosenfelder J. L. , Pagan D. C. , Sinclair N. W. , Asimow P. D.
Published: July 2018

Shockwave data on mineral‐forming compounds such as Mg2SiO4 are essential for understanding the interiors of Earth and other planets, but correct interpretation of these data depends on knowing the phase assemblage being probed at high pressure. Hence, direct observations of the phase or phases making up the measured states along the forsterite Hugoniot are essential to assess whether kinetic factors inhibit the achievement of the expected equilibrium, phase‐separated assemblage. Previous shock recovery experiments on forsterite, which has orthorhombic space group Pbnm, show discrepant results as to whether forsterite undergoes segregation into its equilibrium phase assemblage of compositionally distinct structures upon shock compression. Here we present the results of plate impact experiments on polycrystalline forsterite conducted at the Dynamic Compression Sector of the Advanced Photon Source. In situ X‐ray diffraction measurements were used to probe the crystal structure(s) in the shock state and to investigate potential decomposition into periclase and bridgmanite. In contrast to previous interpretations of the forsterite shock Hugoniot, we find that forsterite does not decompose but instead reaches the forsterite III structure, which is a metastable structure of Mg2SiO4 with orthorhombic space group Cmc21.
Meridional Shift of the Oyashio Extension Front in the Past 36 Years
Authors: Wu Baolan , Lin Xiaopei , Qiu Bo
Published: July 2018

The meridional shift of Oyashio Extension (OE) front in the past 36 years was analyzed by using the high‐resolution Optimum Interpolation SST data. The annual mean OE front has moved northward in its eastern part (between 157°E and 172°E) by 0.018°/year but no obvious poleward shift in the western OE front (between 145°E and 157°E). It is shown that the trade wind became stronger and broader, and the whole wind field moved northward in the past 36 years, shifting the zero wind stress curl line (or the zero Sverdrup streamline) and the eastern OE front northward. The above mechanism is confirmed by a 1.5‐layer reduced‐gravity model simulation as well as the altimetry data. Meanwhile, the local Ekman heat transport anomaly due to the wind field changes is found to be one of the contributors to the northward shift of the eastern OE front. However, both wind stress curl and local Ekman heat transport anomalies do not favor northward shift of the western OE front.
Detection of Intraseasonal Oscillations in SMAP Salinity in the Bay of Bengal
Authors: Subrahmanyam Bulusu , Trott Corinne B. , Murty V. S. N.
Published: July 2018

Analysis of Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) mission derived sea surface salinity (SSS) during April 2015 to December 2017 in the Bay of Bengal (BoB) shows first revelation of new insight of existence of 30‐ to 90‐day and 10‐ to 20‐day period Intraseasonal Oscillations (ISOs) in SSS—all phase‐locked during August–December. The seasonal SMAP SSS anomaly (SSSA) minimum (−0.5 to −1.0 practical salinity unit, psu) occurs in October and exhibits year‐to‐year variation, while SSSA maximum (0.5 psu) occurs in June during 2015–2017. Interestingly, these ISOs encompass the negative phase of seasonal SSSA minimum (August–December) in a year and are related to seasonal variations in river discharge and surface freshwater flux (precipitation and evaporation), that in turn are impacted by the climatic events. Wavelet analysis reveals larger amplitude (−0.2 to 0.35 psu) 30‐ to 90‐day ISO in northern BoB during August–November. The northward propagation of the SSS ISOs would modulate the postmonsoon air‐sea interactions across the BoB.
Monsoonal Forcing of European Ice‐Sheet Dynamics During the Late Quaternary
Authors: Kaboth‐Bahr Stefanie , Bahr André , Zeeden Christian , Toucanne Samuel , Eynaud Frédérique , Jiménez‐Espejo Francisco , Röhl Ursula , Friedrich Oliver , Pross Jörg , Löwemark Ludvig , Lourens Lucas J.
Published: July 2018

The dynamics of Northern Hemisphere ice sheets during Late Quaternary glacials have yet been dominantly examined from a Laurentide Ice Sheet perspective, which helped shaping the idea of moisture‐starved glacials and small‐scale ice volume variability. However, the waxing and waning of the European Ice Sheet (EIS) casts doubt on this perception. Understanding EIS dynamics under glacial boundary conditions is crucial because its meltwater pulses influence global climate by weakening deepwater formation in the North Atlantic Ocean. Here we show that the advection of subtropical water toward the continental margin of western Europe lead to enhanced moisture availability on the continent and fueled the growth of EIS lobes during glacials. This warm‐water pooling was caused by monsoonally paced enhanced Mediterranean Outflow Water (MOW) entrainment that dragged subtropical surface waters toward the European margin. This mechanism presents a yet unrecognized marine‐terrestrial pathway that allows low‐latitude forcing to shape high‐latitude glaciations.