bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chitosan Nanocapsules for pH‐Triggered Dual Release Based on Corrosion Inhibitors as Model Study
Authors: Pitakchatwong Chutamart , Schlegel Isabel , Landfester Katharina , Crespy Daniel , Chirachanchai Suwabun
Published: June 2018

Chitosan (CS) is known for its uniqueness in terms of containing reactive functional groups, i.e., amino and hydroxyl groups, along the chain which offer the noncovalent bonds and chemical modifications. At pH 3 in emulsion system, the CS chains are under charge‐charge repulsive force, leading the polysaccharide chains to align as the hollow nanospheres and at that time, the crosslink leads to the nanocapsules. The CS nanocapsules allow the model cargos, i.e., corrosion inhibitors, entrapment not only via the noncovalent bond based on the weak interaction in the core for 2‐mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT) cargo but also via the chemical bonds based on the amino group remaining on CS structure to result in either amide or Schiff base linkage in case of 3‐nitrosalicylic acid (3NiSA) cargo. The release studies indicate that CS nanocapsules can release two cargoes upon pH change due to the acidic/basic‐triggered cleavage of bonds between cargoes and nanocapsules. Once corrosion occurs, resulting in variation of the local pH value, the CS nanocapsules release MBT in fast and 3NiSA in a slow, sustained manner. The efficiency of the approach is demonstrated using the nanocapsules for hindering the corrosion of copper as measured by electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance.
Casticin prevents DSS induced ulcerative colitis in mice through inhibitions of NF‐κB pathway and ROS signaling
Authors: Ma Jiamei , Yin Ganghui , Lu Zibin , Xie Pei , Zhou Hongling , Liu Junshan , Yu Linzhong
Published: June 2018

Casticin, a compound purified from the Chinese herb Viticis Fructus, has been proven effective in preventing tumor progression in previous studies. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a common inflammatory bowel disease that affects millions of people worldwide, but no effective and safe drugs are available. In this study, we aimed to study how did casticin affect UC by evaluating its effects on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)‐induced colitis in mice. Our data suggested that casticin attenuated body weight loss, colon length shortening, and pathological damage in the colon of DSS‐treated mice. Casticin decreased reactive oxygen species level and chemocytokines (IL‐1β, IL‐6, TNF‐α) productions in colon tissue. The decreased reactive oxygen species level and suppressed proinflammatory cytokines productions were also confirmed in casticin‐treated LPS‐stimulated RAW264.7 cells and hydrogen peroxide‐treated CACO‐2 cells in vitro. Mechanistically, casticin treatment prevented the profound activation of AKT signaling caused by DSS administration. And casticin inhibited the productions of proinflammatory chemocytokines through downregulating AKT/NF‐κB pathway in macrophages. Meanwhile, data revealed that casticin increased expressions of endogenous antioxidants peroxiredoxin 3 and MnSOD were through activation in FOXO3α signaling by downregulating AKT signaling in colon epithelium cells. Our findings demonstrated that casticin alleviated DSS‐induced UC by increasing the antioxidant enzyme peroxiredoxin 3 and MnSOD expressions, and decreasing the production of proinflammatory chemocytokines through inhibition of AKT signaling.
Coadministration of ginger extract–Lactobacillus acidophilus (cobiotic) reduces gut inflammation and oxidative stress via downregulation of COX‐2, i‐NOS, and c‐Myc
Authors: Deol Parneet Kaur , Khare Pragyanshu , Bishnoi Mahendra , Kondepudi Kanthi Kiran , Kaur Indu Pal
Published: June 2018

Aim of the study was to evaluate a combination of ginger extract (GE; antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory) and Lactobacillus acidophilus (LAB; probiotic), in DMH‐DSS‐induced inflammation‐driven colon cancer, in Wistar rats. Effect of varying GE concentration on growth of LAB was assessed in vitro. Colonic histology and permeability, oxidative stress, serum proinflammatory cytokines, expression of selected genes, gut bacteria, and SCFA determination of gut content was monitored after treatment with agents alone or in combination, postdisease induction. Significant increase in LAB CFU was observed following 48 and 96 hr of incubation with GE; 0.4% w/v GE showed the best results and was used in the cobiotic. Cobiotic administration significantly reversed the DMH‐DSS‐induced colonic histological alterations. Significant (p < .05) reduction in lipid peroxidation and increase in antioxidant levels (catalase and SOD) was observed in cobiotic group, whereas individual agents did not show any effect. Restoration of colonic permeability, decrease in serum inflammatory burden, and downregulation of COX‐2, iNOS, and c‐Myc expression on treatment with cobiotic was significantly (p < .05) better than individual agents. Neither LAB nor cobiotic administration produced any change in gut bacteria nor SCFA levels, probably due to loss of LAB viability under adverse gut conditions. Study concludes that presented cobiotic has a promising therapeutic potential, which can be improved by a smartly designed formulation.
Interaction of olanzapine and propranolol
Authors: Lam Y. W. Francis
Published: June 2018

It is well‐known that atypical antipsychotics increase the risk of several metabolic conditions, such as glucose intolerance and diabetes, weight gain, and hyperlipidemia. As with other psychotropic medications, concurrent use of atypical antipsychotics with some drugs used to treat comorbid medical conditions can also lead to drug‐drug interactions. The following report described a drug interaction with olanzapine that resulted in the occurrence of sleepwalking.
Preliminary studies on potential remediation of acid mine drainage‐impacted soils by amendment with drinking‐water treatment residuals
Authors: RoyChowdhury Abhishek , Sarkar Dibyendu , Datta Rupali
Published: June 2018

Mining operations result in a wide range of environmental impacts: acid mine drainage (AMD) and acid sulfate soils being among the most common. Due to their acidic pH and high soluble metal concentrations, both AMD and acid sulfate soils can severely damage the local ecosystems. Proper post‐mining management practices are necessary to control AMD‐related environmental issues. Current AMD‐impacted soil treatment technologies are rather expensive and typically not environmentally sustainable. We conducted a 60‐day bench‐scale study to evaluate the potential of a cost‐effective and environment‐friendly technology in treating AMD‐impacted soils. The metal binding and acid‐neutralizing capacity of an industrial by‐product, drinking water treatment residuals (WTRs) were used for AMD remediation. Two types of locally generated WTRs, an aluminum‐based WTR (Al‐WTR) and a lime‐based WTR (Ca‐WTR) were used. Highly acidic AMD‐impacted soil containing very high concentrations of metals and metalloids, such as iron, nickel, and arsenic, was collected from the Tab‐Simco coal mine in Carbondale, Illinois. Soil amendment using a 1:1 Al‐ and Ca‐WTR mix, applied at 5 and 10 percent rates significantly lowered the soluble and exchangeable fractions of metals in the AMD‐impacted soil, thus lowering potential metal toxicity. Soil pH increased from an extremely acidic 2.69 to a near‐neutral 6.86 standard units over the 60‐day study period. Results from this preliminary study suggest the possibility of a successful scale‐up of this innovative, cost‐effective, and environmentally sustainable technology for remediating AMD‐impacted acid sulfate soils.
Selective Deposition of Ag3PO4 on Specific Facet of BiVO4 Nanoplate for Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Performance
Authors: Gao Bin , Wang Tao , Fan Xiaoli , Gong Hao , Meng Xianguang , Li Peng , Feng Yaya , Huang Xianli , He Jianping , Ye Jinhua
Published: June 2018

The modification of semiconductor photoanode is a reliable approach to enhance its water oxidation property. In this study, a BiVO4 nanoplate array photoanode is prepared via hydrothermal method, and the BiVO4/Ag3PO4 heterojunction is constructed on electron‐dominant crystal faces and hole‐dominant crystal faces of BiVO4 via different deposition methods, respectively. The hole‐dominant crystal face is in favor of the transfer and reaction of holes, while the electron‐dominant face is benefit for electrons. Compared with pristine BiVO4 photoanode, the performance of heterojunction photoanode based on the hole‐dominant crystal face exhibits a significant increase, while that of electron‐dominant face only shows a slight increase. It is demonstrated that the heterojunction on the hole‐dominant face exhibits better performance, which is because the hole‐dominant face can facilitate the separation of photo‐generated holes and electrons more effectively than the electron‐dominant face. This approach provides a new strategy to reasonably fabricate efficient heterojunction on photoanodes.
Analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by capillary electrochromatography by using capillary columns packed with polycyclic‐aromatic‐hydrocarbon‐specific particles
Authors: Wu Jiabei , Sun Jiannan , Cheng Heyong , Liu Jinhua , Wang Yuanchao
Published: June 2018

As a result of their carcinogenic, teratogenic and mutagenic properties, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are considered as priority pollutants by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in environment draws extensive attention in the analytical community. The diversity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in terms of chemical structures and properties leads to the requirement for highly efficient separation technologies. This study describes the usage of polycyclic‐aromatic‐hydrocarbon‐specific particles as a stationary phase for the separation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by capillary electrochromatography. A comparison of the separations of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons performed on capillary columns packed with polycyclic‐aromatic‐hydrocarbon‐specific particles and C18 silica microspheres indicated that polycyclic‐aromatic‐hydrocarbon‐specific particles showed a wider distribution and larger gap in chromatographic retention factor (0.6–41.8) toward polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons than C18 (2.0–14.2). As a result, resolutions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on columns packed with polycyclic‐aromatic‐hydrocarbon‐specific particles (1.2–9.9) were significantly superior over those on C18‐packed capillary columns (0.5–6.3). A mobile phase of 20 mM Tris (pH 8.5)/acetonitrile (15:85 v/v) was optimized for the rapid separation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons at a pressurized flow rate of 0.2 mL min−1 under an applied voltage of –16 kV. Limits of detection of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were obtained in the range 0.020–0.89 mg L−1 with good precisions (intracolumn reproducibilities of 0.2–1.9% for retention time, 1.4–4.2% for peak height and 1.4–4.4% for peak area, and intracolumn reproducibilities of 2.6–4.2% for retention time, 3.4–7.2% for peak height and 6.9–9.7% for peak area). The proposed method was employed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons analysis in fresh water with good recovery (87.6–112.4%), where polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in all water samples were present at levels below the detection limits.
Failure to detect amphetamine‐induced dopamine release in the cortex with [11C]FLB 457 positron emission tomography (PET): Methodological considerations
Authors: Gertler Joshua , Tollefson Savannah , Jordan Rehima , Himes Michael L. , Mason N. Scott , Frankle W. Gordon , Narendran Rajesh
Published: June 2018

Studies in nonhuman primates and humans have demonstrated that amphetamine‐induced dopamine release in the cortex can be measured with [11C]FLB 457 and PET imaging. This technique has been successfully used in recent clinical studies to show decreased dopamine transmission in the prefrontal cortex in schizophrenia and alcohol dependence. Here, we present data from a cohort of twelve healthy controls in whom an oral amphetamine challenge (0.5 mg kg−1) did not lead to a significant reduction in [11C]FLB 457 BPND (i.e., binding potential relative to non‐displaceable uptake). Two factors that likely contributed to the inability to displace [11C]FLB 457 BPND in this cohort relative to successful cohorts are: (a) the acquisition of the baseline and post‐amphetamine scans on different days as opposed to the same day and (b) the initiation of the post‐amphetamine [11C]FLB 457 scan at ∼5 hours as opposed to ∼3 hours following oral amphetamine. Furthermore, we show [11C]FLB 457 reproducibility data from a legacy dataset to support greater variability in cortical BPND when the test and retest scans are acquired on different days as compared to the same day. These results highlight the methodological challenges that continue to plague the field with respect to imaging dopamine release in the cortex.
Debye mass in de Sitter space
Authors: Popov Fedor K.
Published: June 2018

Abstract

We calculate the one-loop contributions to the polarization operator for scalar quantum electrodynamics in different external electromagnetic and gravitational fields. In the case of gravity, de Sitter space and its different patches were considered. It is shown that the Debye mass appears only in the case of alpha-vacuum in the Expanding Poincare Patch. It can be shown either by direct computations or by using analytical and causal properties of the de Sitter space. Also, the case of constant electric field is considered and the Debye mass is calculated.
Preliminary Report of Percutaneous Cholecystostomy as Diagnosis and Treatment of Biliary Tract Trauma
Authors: Cazauran Jean‐Baptiste , Muller Arnaud , Hengy Baptiste , Valette Pierre‐Jean , Gruner Laurent , Monneuse Olivier
Published: June 2018

Background

Biliary leak following severe blunt liver injuries is a complex problem becoming more frequent with improvements in non‐operative management. Standard treatment requires main bile duct drainage usually performed by endoscopic sphincterotomy and stent placement. We report our experience with cholecystostomy as a first minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic approach.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients with post‐traumatic biliary leak between 2006 and 2015. In the first period (2006–2010), biliary fistula was managed using perihepatic drainage and endoscopic, percutaneous or surgical main bile duct drainage. After 2010, cholecystostomy as an initial minimally invasive approach was performed.

Results

Of 341 patients with blunt liver injury, 18 had a post‐traumatic biliary leak. Ten patients received standard treatment and eight patients underwent cholecystostomy. The cholecystostomy (62.5%) and the standard treatment (80%) groups presented similar success rates as the first biliary drainage procedure (p = 0.41). Cholecystostomy presented no severe complications and resulted, when successful, in a bile flow rate inversion between the perihepatic drains and the gallbladder drain within a median [IQR] 4 days [1–7]. The median time for bile leak resolution was 26 days in the cholecystostomy group and 39 days in the standard treatment group (p = 0.09). No significant difference was found considering median duration of hospital stay (54 and 74 days, respectively, p = 0.37) or resuscitation stay (17.5 and 19.5 days, p = 0.59).

Conclusion

Cholecystostomy in non‐operative management of biliary fistula after blunt liver injury could be an effective, simple and safe first‐line procedure in the diagnostic and therapeutic approach of post‐traumatic biliary tract injuries.
Surgeon‐Performed Ultrasound in Diagnosing Acute Cholecystitis and Appendicitis
Authors: Gustafsson Camilla , Lindelius Anna , Törngren Staffan , Järnbert‐Pettersson Hans , Sondén Anders
Published: June 2018

Background

The use of ultrasound (US) outside the radiology department has increased the last decades, but large studies assessing the quality of bedside US are still lacking. This study evaluates surgeon‐performed US (SPUS) and radiologist‐performed US (RPUS) with respect to biliary disease and appendicitis.

Methods

Between October 2011 and November 2012, 300 adult patients, with a referral for an abdominal US, were prospectively enrolled in the study and examined by a radiologist as well as a surgeon. The surgeons had undergone a 4‐week‐long US education. US findings of the surgeon and of the radiologist were compared to final diagnosis, set by an independent external observer going through each patient’s chart.

Results

Among 183 patients with suspected biliary disease, 74 had gallstones and 21 had acute cholecystitis. SPUS and RPUS diagnosed gallstones with a sensitivity of 87.1 versus 97.3%. Specificity was 96.0 versus 98.9%, and the accuracy 92.3 versus 98.2%. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for acute cholecystitis by SPUS and RPUS were: 60.0 versus 80.0%, 98.6 versus 97.8% and 93.9 versus 95.6%, respectively. Among 58 patients with suspected appendicitis, 15 had the disease. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for appendicitis by SPUS and RPUS were: 53.3 versus 73.3%, 89.7 versus 93.3% and 77.3 versus 86.7%, respectively.

Conclusion

SPUS is reliable in diagnosing gallstones. Diagnosing cholecystitis and appendicitis with US is more challenging for both surgeons and radiologists.

Trial registration number

The study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov. Registration number: NCT02469935.
Different Asian Monsoon Rainfall Responses to Idealized Orography Sensitivity Experiments in the HadGEM3-GA6 and FGOALS-FAMIL Global Climate Models
Authors: Wong Kai Chi , Liu Senfeng , Turner Andrew G. , Schiemann Reinhard K.
Published: June 2018

Recent work has shown the dominance of the Himalaya in supporting the Indian summer monsoon (ISM), perhaps by surface sensible heating along its southern slope and by mechanical blocking acting to separate moist tropical flow from drier midlatitude air. Previous studies have also shown that Indian summer rainfall is largely unaffected in sensitivity experiments that remove only the Tibetan Plateau. However, given the large biases in simulating the monsoon in CMIP5 models, such results may be model dependent. This study investigates the impact of orographic forcing from the Tibetan Plateau, Himalaya and Iranian Plateau on the ISM and East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) in the UK Met Office’s HadGEM3-GA6 and China’s Institute of Atmospheric Physics FGOALS-FAMIL global climate models. The models chosen feature oppositesigned biases in their simulation of the ISM rainfall and circulation climatology.

The changes to ISM and EASM circulation across the sensitivity experiments are similar in both models and consistent with previous studies. However, considerable differences exist in the rainfall responses over India and China, and in the detailed aspects such as onset and retreat dates. In particular, the models show opposing changes in Indian monsoon rainfall when the Himalaya and Tibetan Plateau orography are removed. Our results show that a multi-model approach, as suggested in the forthcoming Global Monsoon Model Intercomparison Project (GMMIP) associated with CMIP6, is needed to clarify the impact of orographic forcing on the Asian monsoon and to fully understand the implications of model systematic error.
Further-Adjusted Long-Term Temperature Series in China Based on MASH
Authors: Li Zhen , Yan Zhongwei , Cao Lijuan , Jones Phil D.
Published: June 2018

A set of homogenized monthly mean surface air temperature (SAT) series at 32 stations in China back to the 19th century had previously been developed based on the RHtest method by Cao et al., but some inhomogeneities remained in the dataset. The present study produces a further-adjusted and updated dataset based on the Multiple Analysis of Series for Homogenization (MASH) method. The MASH procedure detects 33 monthly temperature records as erroneous outliers and 152 meaningful break points in the monthly SAT series since 1924 at 28 stations. The inhomogeneous parts are then adjusted relative to the latest homogeneous part of the series. The new data show significant warming trends during 1924–2016 at all the stations, ranging from 0.48 to 3.57°C (100 yr)−1, with a regional mean trend of 1.65°C (100 yr)−1; whereas, the previous results ranged from a slight cooling at two stations to considerable warming, up to 4.5°C (100 yr)−1. It is suggested that the further-adjusted data are a better representation of the large-scale pattern of climate change in the region for the past century. The new data are available online at https://doi.org/www.dx.doi.org/10.11922/sciencedb.516.
Early experience outcome of a reinforced Bioscaffold in inguinal hernia repair: A case series
Authors: Ferzoco Stephen J.
Published: June 2018

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Chronic Postoperative Inguinal Pain (CPIP) represents one of the most frequent and dreaded causes of inguinal hernia complications. We evaluated the role of a novel Reinforced BioScaffold (RBS) in inguinal hernia repair to help reduce the incidence of CPIP.

Methods:

Data from thirty-one consecutive patients who had an inguinal hernia repaired using OviTex RBS was collected. All hernias were repaired using an open Lichtenstein technique with the RBS sutured in place using prolene suture.

Results:

There were no reported recurrences during the postoperative period. Similarly there were no postoperative complications (seromas or hematomas) that required surgical intervention and no reported surgical site infections (SSI) during the 30 days postoperatively. There was no reported incidence of Chronic Postoperative Inguinal Pain (CPIP). Finally, no RBS required explantation for infection, chronic pain, meshoma or any other reason.

Conclusion:

No patients reported any postoperative pain that was disabling or lasted beyond three months. No patients required a narcotic pain medications refill. RBS represent a novel hernia mesh that may minimize the inflammatory response seen in synthetic hernia mesh patients and thus may lead to less postoperative pain. To confirm these results, as well as evaluate the effect of RBS on late-onset CPIP, a larger prospective series should be studied with longer follow-up.

Highlights:
Development of novel polymorphic microsatellite markers in the invasive plant shortawn foxtail (Alopecurus aequalis Sobol.)
Authors: Zhao Ning , Yan Yanyan , Liu Weitang , Wang Jinxin
Published: June 2018

Shortawn foxtail (Alopecurus aequalis Sobol.) is an invasive and highly troublesome weed species originating from North America that has become widespread across China. Since its proliferation seriously threatens crop production worldwide, understanding its genetic diversity is critical for developing a forecasting system for integrated pest management plans. To accelerate the application of molecular markers in A. aequalis, this study aimed to develop a set of expressed sequence tag-simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers using previous high-throughput sequencing data. In this study, a total of 1411 SSR loci were identified from 95,479 unigenes. Tri-nucleotide repeat motifs were the most abundant type with a frequency of 66.27%, followed by di- (24.95%) and tetra-nucleotide (8.78%). Among the loci, 584 primer pairs were successfully designed for marker development. Subsequently, a subset of 36 primer pairs was randomly selected and synthesized, of which 12 (33.33%) pairs successfully revealed abundant allelic polymorphism. Additionally, to investigate their utility, the genotypes of 160 individuals from 20 natural populations representing diverse wild genotypes of A. aequalis were analysed by using these 12 polymorphic markers. These novel SSR markers developed here are reliable and useful for genetic analysis on this invasive plant and will greatly enrich its genetic resource.
Future Changes of the Monsoon Trough: Sensitivity to Sea Surface Temperature Gradient and Implications for Tropical Cyclone Activity
Authors: Wang Chao , Wu Liguang
Published: June 2018

Most tropical cyclones (TCs) in the western North Pacific basin form, intensify, and move in the monsoon trough (MT), and its future changes have significant implications for TC activity. In this study, future changes in MT and its possible impacts on TC activity are investigated by using outputs from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) and a downscaling system. The reliability of CMIP5 models is first examined by using their historical runs. Based on the constructed ensemble of 17 models with relatively high skill, the MT is found to intensify and extend eastward in the warming scenarios. This is also true for the ensemble mean of all of 36 available models. However, considerable intermodel uncertainty exists in the projection, which is related to the diversity in the projected sea surface temperature (SST) gradient over the equatorial North Pacific. The diversity in the SST pattern can generate different configurations of large‐scale circulations, and thus acts as an important source of uncertainty in projecting the TC activity in warming scenarios. The impacts of the MT change on TC activity are further explored by using a downscaling system. It is found that the intensification and eastward migration of the MT tend to shift TC formation locations eastward, increase TC influences in subtropical Asia, and decrease TC influences in south Asia. In addition, TCs intensify by a rate of 8.3% and 26.2% in terms of lifetime peak intensity and intense TC number for 1 K SST warming over the western North Pacific.
After a Glacier Retreats, Plants Thrive Thanks to Phosphorus
Authors: Kornei Katherine
Published: June 2018

Grasses, small flowers, and mosses colonize glacial till in the Peruvian Andes when researchers apply a phosphorus fertilizer, an ecological surprise with implications for carbon sequestration.
Statistical Classification of Self‐Organized Snow Surfaces
Authors: Kochanski K. , Anderson R. S. , Tucker G. E.
Published: June 2018

Wind‐swept snow self‐organizes into bedforms. These bedforms affect local and global energy fluxes but have not been incorporated into Earth system models because the conditions governing their development are not well understood. To address this difficulty, we created statistical classifiers, drawn from 736 hr of time‐lapse footage in the Colorado Front Range, that predict bedform presence as a function of wind speed and time since snowfall. These classifiers provide the first quantitative predictions of bedform and sastrugi presence in varying weather conditions. We find that the likelihood that a snow surface is covered by bedforms increases with time since snowfall and with wind speed and that the likelihood that a surface is covered by sastrugi increases with time and with the highest wind speeds. Our observations will be useful to Earth system modelers and represent a new step toward understanding self‐organized processes that ornament 8% of the surface of the planet.
A Link Between CMIP5 Phytoplankton Phenology and Sea Ice in the Atlantic Southern Ocean
Authors: Hague Mark , Vichi Marcello
Published: June 2018

Earth system models from the Climate Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 (CMIP5) are strongly biased in Southern Ocean phytoplankton phenology, especially in the marginal ice zone. In this study we describe the mechanisms driving CMIP5 models to misrepresent seasonal primary production in the Atlantic marginal ice zone during late winter. We link subsurface light availability during this period to simulated early growth, arguing that a combination of ice cover and deep winter mixing prevent biomass accumulation in the real ocean, while in models this combination of factors is not present. Furthermore, we find a statistically significant correlation across the model ensemble between vertical stratification and the location of the ice edge; whereby the more equatorward the ice edge is, the closer to the surface stratification occurs. We argue that models may be grouped according to how strongly they express two major controls on their phenology, namely, the location of the ice edge and the degree of stratification present in the water column in late winter. We find that models with small biases in just one of these controls (but large biases in the other) are able to simulate bloom initiation close to observations, while models with significant biases in both controls initiate growth 2–4 months early.
Enceladus Auroral Hiss Emissions During Cassini's Grand Finale
Authors: Sulaiman A. H. , Kurth W. S. , Hospodarsky G. B. , Averkamp T. F. , Ye S.‐Y. , Menietti J. D. , Farrell W. M. , Gurnett D. A. , Persoon A. M. , Dougherty M. K. , Hunt G. J.
Published: June 2018

Cassini's Radio and Plasma Wave Science (RPWS) instrument detected intense auroral hiss emissions during one of its perikrone passes of the Grand Finale orbits. The emissions were detected when Cassini traversed a flux tube connected to Enceladus' orbit (L‐shell = 4) and at a time when both the spacecraft and the icy moon were in similar longitudes. Previous observations of auroral hiss related to Enceladus were made only during close flybys and here we present the first observation of such emissions close to Saturn. Further, ray‐tracing analysis shows the source location at a latitude of 63°, in excellent agreement with earlier UVIS observations of Enceladus' auroral footprint by Pryor et al. (2011, https://doi.org/10.1038/nature09928). The detection has been afforded exclusively by the Grand Finale phase, which enabled sampling of Enceladus' high‐latitude flux tube near Saturn. This result provides new insight into the spatial extent of the electrodynamic interaction between Saturn and Enceladus.
The Search for Activity on Dione and Tethys WithCassiniVIMS and UVIS
Authors: Buratti B. J. , Hansen C. J. , Hendrix A. R. , Esposito L. W. , Mosher J. A. , Brown R. H. , Clark R. N. , Baines K. H. , Nicholson P. D.
Published: June 2018

During theCassinimission the Saturnian moons Dione and Tethys showed intriguing and multiple clues suggesting residual geologic activity that might be detectable as an atmosphere, plume, or even heat signature. These clues included an atmospheric aura around Dione, injection of particles into Saturn's magnetosphere, mysterious red streaks on Tethys, and possible cryovolcanic features on Dione. A concerted effort that was strengthened in the latter stages of the mission included the acquisition of stellar occulations by the Ultraviolet Imaging Spectrograph (UVIS) of both Dione and Tethys and high solar phase observations of Dione by the Visible Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (VIMS) to detect forward scattering from grains in a plume. Analysis of these observations shows no evidence for even a low level of activity on either moon. In addition, infrared images at 2.65 μm obtained throughout the mission were scrutinized for the reappearance of an atmosphere‐like aura, with negative results.
Large-scale mapping of cortical alterations in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome: Convergence with idiopathic psychosis and effects of deletion size
Authors: Sun Daqiang , Ching Christopher R. K. , Lin Amy , Forsyth Jennifer K. , Kushan Leila , Vajdi Ariana , Jalbrzikowski Maria , Hansen Laura , Villalon-Reina Julio E. , Qu Xiaoping , Jonas Rachel K. , van Amelsvoort Therese , Bakker Geor , Kates Wendy R. , Antshel Kevin M. , Fremont Wanda , Campbell Linda E. , McCabe Kathryn L. , Daly Eileen , Gudbrandsen Maria , Murphy Clodagh M. , Murphy Declan , Craig Michael , Vorstman Jacob , Fiksinski Ania , Koops Sanne , Ruparel Kosha , Roalf David R. , Gur Raquel E. , Schmitt J. Eric , Simon Tony J. , Goodrich-Hunsaker Naomi J. , Durdle Courtney A. , Bassett Anne S. , Chow Eva W. C. , Butcher Nancy J. , Vila-Rodriguez Fidel , Doherty Joanne , Cunningham Adam , van den Bree Marianne B.M. , Linden David E. J. , Moss Hayley , Owen Michael J. , Murphy Kieran C. , McDonald-McGinn Donna M. , Emanuel Beverly , van Erp Theo G. M. , Turner Jessica A. , Thompson Paul M. , Bearden Carrie E.
Published: June 2018

The 22q11.2 deletion (22q11DS) is a common chromosomal microdeletion and a potent risk factor for psychotic illness. Prior studies reported widespread cortical changes in 22q11DS, but were generally underpowered to characterize neuroanatomic abnormalities associated with psychosis in 22q11DS, and/or neuroanatomic effects of variability in deletion size. To address these issues, we developed the ENIGMA (Enhancing Neuro Imaging Genetics Through Meta-Analysis) 22q11.2 Working Group, representing the largest analysis of brain structural alterations in 22q11DS to date. The imaging data were collected from 10 centers worldwide, including 474 subjects with 22q11DS (age = 18.2 ± 8.6; 46.9% female) and 315 typically developing, matched controls (age = 18.0 ± 9.2; 45.9% female). Compared to controls, 22q11DS individuals showed thicker cortical gray matter overall (left/right hemispheres: Cohen’s d = 0.61/0.65), but focal thickness reduction in temporal and cingulate cortex. Cortical surface area (SA), however, showed pervasive reductions in 22q11DS (left/right hemispheres: d = −1.01/−1.02). 22q11DS cases vs. controls were classified with 93.8% accuracy based on these neuroanatomic patterns. Comparison of 22q11DS-psychosis to idiopathic schizophrenia (ENIGMA-Schizophrenia Working Group) revealed significant convergence of affected brain regions, particularly in fronto-temporal cortex. Finally, cortical SA was significantly greater in 22q11DS cases with smaller 1.5 Mb deletions, relative to those with typical 3 Mb deletions. We found a robust neuroanatomic signature of 22q11DS, and the first evidence that deletion size impacts brain structure. Psychotic illness in this highly penetrant deletion was associated with similar neuroanatomic abnormalities to idiopathic schizophrenia. These consistent cross-site findings highlight the homogeneity of this single genetic etiology, and support the suitability of 22q11DS as a biological model of schizophrenia.
Identification of an immune gene expression signature associated with favorable clinical features in Treg-enriched patient tumor samples
Authors: Givechian Kevin B. , Wnuk Kamil , Garner Chad , Benz Stephen , Garban Hermes , Rabizadeh Shahrooz , Niazi Kayvan , Soon-Shiong Patrick
Published: June 2018

Immune heterogeneity within the tumor microenvironment undoubtedly adds several layers of complexity to our understanding of drug sensitivity and patient prognosis across various cancer types. Within the tumor microenvironment, immunogenicity is a favorable clinical feature in part driven by the antitumor activity of CD8+ T cells. However, tumors often inhibit this antitumor activity by exploiting the suppressive function of regulatory T cells (Tregs), thus suppressing the adaptive immune response. Despite the seemingly intuitive immunosuppressive biology of Tregs, prognostic studies have produced contradictory results regarding the relationship between Treg enrichment and survival. We therefore analyzed RNA-seq data of Treg-enriched tumor samples to derive a pan-cancer gene signature able to help reconcile the inconsistent results of Treg studies, by better understanding the variable clinical association of Tregs across alternative tumor contexts. We show that increased expression of a 32-gene signature in Treg-enriched tumor samples (n = 135) is able to distinguish a cohort of patients associated with chemosensitivity and overall survival. This cohort is also enriched for CD8+ T cell abundance, as well as the antitumor M1 macrophage subtype. With a subsequent validation in a larger TCGA pool of Treg-enriched patients (n = 626), our results reveal a gene signature able to produce unsupervised clusters of Treg-enriched patients, with one cluster of patients uniquely representative of an immunogenic tumor microenvironment. Ultimately, these results support the proposed gene signature as a putative biomarker to identify certain Treg-enriched patients with immunogenic tumors that are more likely to be associated with features of favorable clinical outcome.
Interleukin-10 polymorphisms affect the key periodontal pathogens in Chinese periodontitis patients
Authors: Geng Ying , Li Lu , Wang Xiaoqian , He Fanzhen , Zhou Yi , Yang Mifang , Xu Yan
Published: June 2018

Interleukin-10 (IL-10) polymorphisms have been shown to affect IL-10 production. This study investigated the influences of IL-10 polymorphisms on the susceptibility to chronic periodontitis (CP) and aggressive periodontitis (AP), and their possible role in the quantity of subgingival bacteriaAggregatibacter ActinomycetemcomitansandPorphyromonas gingivalis. 92 CP patients, 83 AP patients and 91 periodontal healthy controls were recruited. Serum IL-10 concentration was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Gene polymorphisms were determined by multiplex SNaPshot technique. Bacteria were quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction with TaqMan MGB probes. Taking into account age, gender and periodontal status, IL-10-592 AA, -819 TT and ATA/ATA genotype occurred more frequently in patients with CP than in healthy controls. In CP cases, higher quantity of subgingivalA.actinomycetemcomitansand lower serum IL-10 levels could be detected in homozygous ATA/ATA carriers. These findings indicate that variants in IL-10 promoter gene were not only associated with predisposition to chronic periodontitis but also affected the subgingival number ofA. Actinomycetemcomitansin a Chinese Han population.
Thermal Studies of Nanoporous Si Films with Pitches on the Order of 100 nm —Comparison between Different Pore-Drilling Techniques
Authors: Hao Qing , Xu Dongchao , Zhao Hongbo , Xiao Yue , Medina Fabian Javier
Published: June 2018

In recent years, nanoporous Si films have been widely studied for thermoelectric applications due to the low cost and earth abundance of Si. Despite many encouraging results, inconsistency still exists among experimental and theoretical studies of reduced lattice thermal conductivity for varied nanoporous patterns. In addition, divergence can also be found among reported data, due to the difference in sample preparation and measurement setups. In this work, systematic measurements are carried out on nanoporous Si thin films with pore pitches on the order of 100 nm, where pores are drilled either by dry etching or a focused ion beam. In addition to thermal conductivity measurements, the specific heat of the nanoporous films is simultaneously measured and agrees with the estimation using bulk values, indicating a negligible change in the phonon dispersion. Without considering coherent phonon transport, the measured thermal conductivity values agree with predictions by frequency-dependent phonon Monte Carlo simulations assuming diffusive pore-edge phonon scattering. In Monte Carlo simulations, an expanded effective pore diameter is used to account for the amorphization and oxidation on real pore edges.
Dietary Intake of Curcumin Improves eIF2 Signaling and Reduces Lipid Levels in the White Adipose Tissue of Obese Mice
Authors: Kobori Masuko , Takahashi Yumiko , Takeda Hiroaki , Takahashi Masatomo , Izumi Yoshihiro , Akimoto Yukari , Sakurai Mutsumi , Oike Hideaki , Nakagawa Toshiyuki , Itoh Masanori , Bamba Takeshi , Kimura Toshiyuki
Published: June 2018

White adipose tissue (eWAT) plays a crucial role in preventing metabolic syndrome. We aimed to investigate WAT distribution and gene expression and lipidomic profiles in epididymal WAT (eWAT) in diet-induced obese mice, reflecting a Western-style diet of humans to elucidate the bioactive properties of the dietary antioxidant curcumin in preventing lifestyle-related diseases. For 16 weeks, we fed C57BL/6J mice with a control diet, a high-fat, high-sucrose and high-cholesterol Western diet or Western diet supplemented with 0.1% (w/w) curcumin. Although the dietary intake of curcumin did not affect eWAT weight or plasma lipid levels, it reduced lipid peroxidation markers’ levels in eWAT. Curcumin accumulated in eWAT and changed gene expressions related to eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 (eIF2) signalling. Curcumin suppressed eIF2α phosphorylation, which is induced by endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, macrophage accumulation and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 and leptin expression, whereas it’s anti-inflammatory effect was inadequate to decrease TNF-α and IFN-γ levels. Lipidomic and gene expression analysis revealed that curcumin decreased some diacylglycerols (DAGs) and DAG-derived glycerophospholipids levels by suppressing the glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase 1 and adipose triglyceride lipase expression, which are associated with lipogenesis and lipolysis, respectively. Presumably, these intertwined effects contribute to metabolic syndrome prevention by dietary modification.
Long-term outcomes of kidney transplant recipients with end-stage kidney disease attributed to presumed/advanced glomerulonephritis or unknown cause
Authors: Lim Wai H. , Wong Germaine , McDonald Stephen P. , Chakera Aron , Luxton Grant , Isbel Nicole M. , Pilmore Helen L. , Barbour Tom , Hughes Peter , Chadban Steven J.
Published: June 2018

People with biopsy-proven glomerulonephritis (GN) as their cause of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) who undergo kidney transplantation incur significant risk of recurrent GN-related graft failure, but the risk in recipients with ESKD where GN was suspected but not biopsy proven (presumed/advanced GN) and when the cause of ESKD is unknown remains uncertain. Using the Australia and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant registry, we examined the associations between primary kidney transplant recipients whose ESKD was attributed to: 1) commonly-recurring GN (i.e. IgA nephropathy, membranoproliferative GN, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and membranous GN), 2) presumed/advanced GN, and 3) cause of ESKD unknown (uESKD) and GN-related graft failure using adjusted competing risk models. Of 5258 recipients followed for a median of 8 years, 3539 (67.3%) had commonly-recurring GN, 1195 (22.7%) presumed/advanced GN, and 524 (10.0%) uESKD. Compared to recipients with commonly-recurring GN, recipients with presumed/advanced GN or uESKD experienced a low incidence of GN-related graft failure (<1%) and a lower hazard of GN-related graft failure (adjusted sub-distribution hazard ratio [HR] 0.28 [95%CI 0.15-0.54,p < 0.001] and 0.20 [95%CI 0.06-0.64,p = 0.007], respectively). People with ESKD attributed to either presumed/advanced GN or unknown cause face a very low risk of graft failure secondary to GN recurrence after transplantation.
Thermally Introduced Bismuth Clustering in Ga(P,Bi) Layers under Group V Stabilised Conditions Investigated by Atomic Resolution In Situ (S)TEM
Authors: Straubinger R. , Widemann M. , Belz J. , Nattermann L. , Beyer A. , Volz K.
Published: June 2018

We report the formation of Bi clusters in Ga(P1-x,Bix) layers during an in situ (scanning) transmission electron microscopy ((S)TEM) annealing investigation. The non-destructive temperature regime in dependence on the tertiarybutylphosphine (TBP) pressure in the in situ cell was investigated to ensure that the results are not distorted by any destructive behaviour of the crystal during the thermal treatment. The following annealing series of the Ga(P92.6Bi7.4) and Ga(P96.4Bi3.6) layers reveals that the threshold temperature at which the Bi clustering takes place is 600 °C in the Ga(P92.6Bi7.4) layer. Further thermal treatments up to 750 °C show a relationship between the Bi fraction in the Ga(P1-x,Bix) layer and the initial temperature at which the Bi clustering takes place. Finally, we investigate one Bi cluster at atomic resolution conditions. In these conditions, we found that the Bi cluster crystallized in a rhombohedral phase, aligning with its {101} planes parallel to the Ga(P,Bi) {202} planes.
Applying machine learning techniques to predict the properties of energetic materials
Authors: Elton Daniel C. , Boukouvalas Zois , Butrico Mark S. , Fuge Mark D. , Chung Peter W.
Published: June 2018

We present a proof of concept that machine learning techniques can be used to predict the properties of CNOHF energetic molecules from their molecular structures. We focus on a small but diverse dataset consisting of 109 molecular structures spread across ten compound classes. Up until now, candidate molecules for energetic materials have been screened using predictions from expensive quantum simulations and thermochemical codes. We present a comprehensive comparison of machine learning models and several molecular featurization methods - sum over bonds, custom descriptors, Coulomb matrices, Bag of Bonds, and fingerprints. The best featurization was sum over bonds (bond counting), and the best model was kernel ridge regression. Despite having a small data set, we obtain acceptable errors and Pearson correlations for the prediction of detonation pressure, detonation velocity, explosive energy, heat of formation, density, and other properties out of sample. By including another dataset with ≈300 additional molecules in our training we show how the error can be pushed lower, although the convergence with number of molecules is slow. Our work paves the way for future applications of machine learning in this domain, including automated lead generation and interpreting machine learning models to obtain novel chemical insights.
The containment of potential outbreaks triggered by imported Chikungunya cases in Italy: a cost utility epidemiological assessment of vector control measures
Authors: Trentini F. , Poletti P. , Baldacchino F. , Drago A. , Montarsi F. , Capelli G. , Rizzoli A. , Rosà R. , Rizzo C. , Merler S. , Melegaro A.
Published: June 2018

The arrival of infected travelers from endemic regions can trigger sustained autochthonous transmission of mosquito-borne pathogens in Europe. In 2007 a Chikungunya outbreak was observed in central Italy, mostly affecting two villages characterised by a high density of Aedes albopictus. The outbreak was mitigated through intervention strategies reducing the mosquito abundance. Ten years later, in 2017, sustained Chikungunya transmission was documented in both central and southern Italy. The proposed analysis identifies suitable reactive measures for the containment and mitigation of future epidemics by combining epidemiological modeling with a health economic approach, considering different arrival times of imported infections and possible delays in the notification of cases. Obtained estimates suggest that, if the first notification will occur in the middle of the mosquito breeding season, the combination of larvicides, adulticides and breeding sites removal represents the optimal strategy. In particular, we found that interventions implemented in 2007 were cost-effective, with about 3200 prevented cases, 1450 DALYs averted and €13.5 M saved. Moreover, larvicides are proven to be more cost beneficial in early summer and warmer seasons, while adulticides should be preferred in autumn and colder seasons. Our results provide useful indications supporting urgent decision-making of public health authorities in response to emerging mosquito-borne epidemics.
Predicting resistance of clinical Abl mutations to targeted kinase inhibitors using alchemical free-energy calculations
Authors: Hauser Kevin , Negron Christopher , Albanese Steven K. , Ray Soumya , Steinbrecher Thomas , Abel Robert , Chodera John D. , Wang Lingle
Published: June 2018

The therapeutic effect of targeted kinase inhibitors can be significantly reduced by intrinsic or acquired resistance mutations that modulate the affinity of the drug for the kinase. In cancer, the majority of missense mutations are rare, making it difficult to predict their impact on inhibitor affinity. We examine the potential for alchemical free-energy calculations to predict how kinase mutations modulate inhibitor affinities to Abl, a major target in chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). These calculations have useful accuracy in predicting resistance for eight FDA-approved kinase inhibitors across 144 clinically identified point mutations, with a root mean square error in binding free-energy changes of $$1.1_{0.9}^{1.3}$$
1
.

1

0.9

1.3

kcal mol−1 (95% confidence interval) and correctly classifying mutations as resistant or susceptible with $$88_{82}^{93}$$
8

8

82

93

% accuracy. This benchmark establishes the potential for physical modeling to collaboratively support the assessment and anticipation of patient mutations to affect drug potency in clinical applications.