bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are EEP Events Important for the Tertiary Ozone Maximum?
Authors: Zawedde Annet Eva , Nesse Tyssøy Hilde , Stadsnes Johan , Sandanger Marit Irene
Published: June 2019

Energetic particle precipitation (EPP) increases the production of odd hydrogen (HOX) species in the mesosphere, which catalytically destroy ozone (O3) in sunlight. Hence, the EPP‐HOX impact on the tertiary O3 maximum (TOM) depends on a complex geometry of a geographic‐oriented TOM, geomagnetic‐oriented auroral zone, producing short‐lived HOX species, and a destruction process depending on the solar zenith angle (SZA). Particle observations from the Medium Energy Proton and Electron Detectors telescopes aboard the Polar Orbiting Environmental Satellites, and hydroxyl (OH) and O3 mixing ratios from Aura microwave limb sounder (MLS) are used to investigate the potential limitations of using the MLS observations to study EPP‐OH impact on the TOM in the Northern Hemisphere. Our results show limited overlap between the auroral zone and the TOM at twilight conditions. A composite analysis indicates O3 mixing ratio decrease over the auroral zone lagged by ∼1 day compared to the maximum energetic electron precipitation (EEP)‐OH impact. Hence, MLS is predominantly observing a lagged and lower estimate of the response of O3 to EEP‐OH at SZA > 95°. The EEP impact region within the TOM is smaller than the overlap region, strongly modulated by the background atmospheric dynamics. The results, although limited by the satellites viewing conditions, imply that the importance of EEP upon O3 mixing ratio is strongly influenced by the background atmosphere, both in terms of chemistry and dynamics. Multisatellite observations at different solar local times are required to separate the direct from the lagged EEP‐OH impact on O3.
Retrieval of Tropospheric Refractivity Profiles Using Slant Tropospheric Delays Derived From a Single Ground‐Based Global Navigation Satellite System Station
Authors: Xia Pengfei , Ye Shirong , Guo Min , Jiang Weiping , Xu Caijun
Published: June 2019

The Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) has proved to be a powerful tool for applications in meteorology. In this study, we propose a novel slant tropospheric delay (STD) model to obtain the vertical distribution of atmospheric refractivity based on a single ground‐based GNSS receiver. The new model is used to convert the STD into a function of the vertical gradient of temperature, and it is divided into two layers (above and below the tropopause) for integration. The optical vertical gradient of temperature can be estimated according to the STD obtained from the GNSS observations from a higher satellite elevation angle. The distribution of atmospheric refractivity can then be derived from the vertical gradient of temperature and the surface atmospheric refractivity. Moreover, to further improve the accuracy of the STD model‐derived atmospheric refractivity, we correct it using a “theoretical retrieval” method based on the STDs obtained at a lower elevation angle. The optical ranges of theoretical retrieval are obtained above and below 5 km. Finally, a search is performed for the value of atmospheric refractivity that best fits the model equations, and this value is taken as the final inversion result. Data collected from eight GNSS stations and nearby radiosonde stations in 2016 were used to verify the new method. Using the radiosonde‐derived values as a reference, the accuracy of the STD model‐derived atmospheric refractivity was improved by 13.4% compared with the traditional technique. In addition, again using the radiosonde‐derived values as a reference, the accuracy of the atmospheric refractivity derived with the optically corrected method was improved by 20.4% compared with the uncorrected STD model.
Triple Oxygen and Clumped Isotope Compositions of CO2 in the Middle Troposphere
Authors: Laskar Amzad H. , Mahata Sasadhar , Bhattacharya Sourendra K. , Liang Mao‐Chang
Published: June 2019

We report the oxygen isotopic anomaly (Δ17O) and clumped isotopic composition (Δ47) of CO2 sampled from the middle troposphere (~10 km above ground) during two CARIBIC (Civil Aircraft for the Regular Investigation of the atmosphere Based on an Instrument Container) flights in summer and winter seasons: one from Düsseldorf to Isla Margarita on 11 August 2001 and the other from Puerto Plata to Munich on 21 February 2002. The mid‐tropospheric Δ17O values were higher than the near‐surface values by 0.051 ± 0.010 ‰, indicating enhanced stratospheric influence. The Δ47 values were also higher by 0.160 ± 0.015 ‰ compared to that from the lower troposphere. Stratospheric influence is supported by the observed correlations of the Δ17O values with the mixing ratios of N2O, O3, and 14CO, which carry stratospheric signatures. The increase in the anomaly in the free troposphere represents a balance between the stratosphere‐troposphere exchange fluxes and biogeochemical/hydrospheric isotopic resetting rates at the Earth surface. Using a simple two box model with the free tropospheric Δ17O values, an average surface exchange rate of CO2 between 327 and 772 PgC/year is inferred, giving a CO2 turnover time of 1.4 to 2.8 years in the atmosphere. The present estimates are based on a rather small set of free tropospheric data and have relatively large uncertainties, but they agree with the existing model and proxy‐based estimates.
The Tropical Atmosphere’s Balancing Act
Authors: Underwood Emily
Published: June 2019

A new study finds that the tropical atmosphere maintains radiative-convective equilibrium as a whole, but not at smaller scales.
House Hearing Focuses on Why Biodiversity Matters
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: June 2019

In the wake of a dire report on global threats to biodiversity, experts explain why the issue is so urgent, not just to the environment and to threatened species but also to people.
Ice and Permafrost Effects on Delta Morphology and Channel Dynamics
Authors: Lauzon Rebecca , Piliouras Anastasia , Rowland Joel C.
Published: June 2019

Arctic regions are changing rapidly as permafrost thaws and sea ice retreats. These changes directly affect Arctic river deltas, but how permafrost and ice alter delta hydrology and sediment transport are not well researched. This knowledge gap limits our ability to forecast how these systems will respond to continued warming. We adapt the reduced complexity model of delta morphodynamics DeltaRCM to investigate the influences of permafrost and landfast ice on delta morphology and channel dynamics. We find that ice cover and permafrost decrease channel mobility, increase shoreline roughness, and route and deposit more sediment offshore. Ice cover also enhances overbank deposition, increasing subaerial delta elevations. Our modeling suggests that permafrost and ice loss in a warming climate could lead to less overbank and offshore deposition and more dynamic and spatially distributed fluxes of water and sediment across Arctic river deltas.
Squeezing Marsquakes Out of Groundwater
Authors: Manga Michael , Zhai Guang , Wang Chi‐Yuen
Published: June 2019

Pore pressure in aquifers confined below a cryosphere will increase as Mars cools and the cryosphere thickens. Increased pore pressure decreases the effective stress and hence promotes seismicity. We calculate the rate of pore pressure change from cooling of Mars's interior and the modulation of pore pressure from solar and Phobos tides and barometric loading. Using the time‐varying pressure and tidal stresses, we compute Coulomb stress changes and the expected seismicity rate from a rate‐and‐state friction model. Seismicity rate will vary by several tens of percent to 2 orders of magnitude if the mean pore pressure is within 0.2 and 0.01 MPa of lithostatic, respectively. Seismic events promoted by high pore pressure may be tremor‐like. Documenting (or not) tidally modulated shallow seismicity would provide evidence for (or against) water‐filled confined aquifers, that pore pressure is high, and that the state of stress is close to failure—with implications for processes that can deliver water to the Martian surface.
Decadal Modulation of ENSO Spring Persistence Barrier by Thermal Damping Processes in the Observation
Authors: Fang Xiang‐Hui , Zheng Fei , Liu Zheng‐Yu , Zhu Jiang
Published: June 2019

The spring persistence barrier remains a critical challenge for the prediction of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) because it severely limits the potential ability of ENSO forecast across the boreal spring. Our observational analysis shows that the spring persistence barrier exhibited a significant decadal modulation in the last half century. Further analysis shows that this decadal modulation is caused by the decadal variation in spring ENSO stability, which, in turn, is dominated by the thermal damping feedback of the sea surface temperature (SST) through latent heat flux and shortwave radiation flux. The change of the thermal damping feedback is associated with the background mean SST, with a cooler SST corresponding to a greater ENSO instability and a severer spring persistence barrier and vice versa.
Multidecadal Change of the Mindanao Current: Is There a Robust Trend?
Authors: Duan Jing , Li Yuanlong , Wang Fan , Chen Zhaohui
Published: June 2019

Ten ocean state estimate products are analyzed to quantify the multidecadal change of the Mindanao Current (MC). These data sets suggest multidecadal trends of the MC transport since 1961, 1980, and 1993 are weak (‐0.3 Sv, +0.7 Sv, and +2.1 Sv, respectively; 1 Sv ≡ 106 m3/s) and not robust with respect to the large spread of different data sets. The primary cause is the discrepancies in different wind data sets, and change of the North Equatorial Current's bifurcation latitude also acts to attenuate the MC change. The bifurcation latitude shifts southward (northward) under enhanced (weakened) northeasterly trade winds and feeds less (more) water to the MC. Experimental simulations of a reduced‐gravity model forced by reanalysis and model‐projected wind trends suggest an asymmetry of the MC's response to wind forcing. Anomalous westerly winds in the western Pacific can dramatically enhance the MC through spinning up the cyclonic local recirculation.
Survey of Saturn Whistler Mode Hiss Intensity
Authors: Menietti J. D. , Averkamp T. F. , Kurth W. S.
Published: June 2019

We have conducted an extensive survey of whistler mode hiss emission at Saturn using nearly the complete data set from the Cassini Radio and Plasma Wave Science investigation. We distinguish the hiss emission by frequency and intensity threshold criteria. The survey includes all longitudes and latitudes >25° for r < 10 RS, limited to the availability of plasma density data. The results indicate that hiss intensity is highest at high latitude, and the level of intensity is larger than chorus by at least an order of magnitude. After a rapid increase in intensity starting near L = 13, the hiss intensity remains relatively constant extending to L > 100. The intensity of the hiss as a function of frequency has a shallow peak near 35 Hz but remains always in the range ~5 × 10−5 nT2 < I < ~10−3 nT2. These survey results will be important in modeling the scattering interactions of whistler mode emissions with electrons in the Saturn magnetosphere. Based on recent particle and field observations, sources of Saturn hiss occur on and near the footprints of field‐aligned currents, plasma injections, and reconnected field lines.
Solar Wind Ion Entry Into the Magnetosphere During Northward IMF
Authors: Sorathia K. A. , Merkin V. G. , Ukhorskiy A. Y. , Allen R. C. , Nykyri K. , Wing S.
Published: June 2019

Extended periods of northward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) lead to the formation of a cold, dense plasma sheet due to the entry of solar wind plasma into the magnetosphere. Identifying the paths that the solar wind takes to enter the magnetosphere, and their relative importance has remained elusive. Any theoretical model of entry must satisfy observational constraints, such as the overall entry rate and the dawn‐dusk asymmetry observed in the cold, dense plasma sheet. We model, using a combination of global magnetohydrodynamic and test particle simulations, solar wind ion entry into the magnetosphere during northward IMF and compare entry facilitated by the Kelvin‐Helmholtz instability to cusp reconnection. For Kelvin‐Helmholtz entry we reproduce transport rates inferred from observation and kinetic modeling and find that intravortex reconnection creates buoyant flux tubes, which provides, through interchange instability, a mechanism of filling the central plasma sheet with cold magnetosheath plasma. For cusp entry we show that an intrinsic dawn‐dusk asymmetry is created during entry that is the result of alignment of the westward ion drift with the dawnward electric field typically observed during northward IMF. We show that both entry mechanisms provide comparable mass but affect entering plasma differently. The flank‐entering plasma is cold and dawn‐dusk symmetric, whereas the cusp‐entering plasma is accelerated and preferentially deflected toward dawn. The combined effect of these entry mechanisms results in a plasma sheet population that exhibits dawn‐dusk asymmetry in the manner that is seen in nature: a two‐component (hot and cold) dusk flank and hotter, broadly peaked dawn population.
Dynamics of Microscale Precursors During Brittle Compressive Failure in Carrara Marble
Authors: Kandula Neelima , Cordonnier Benoît , Boller Elodie , Weiss Jérôme , Dysthe Dag Kristian , Renard François
Published: June 2019

Microscale heterogeneities influence failure mechanisms in the crust. To track the microstructural changes in rock samples when loaded until failure, we employed a novel experimental technique that couples dynamic X‐ray microtomography imaging with a triaxial deformation apparatus. We studied the brittle failure of Carrara marble under triaxial compression. Dynamic tomographic data revealed the spatial organization of microfractures and damage increments characterizing the precursory activity toward catastrophic failure. We quantified the emergence of scaling relationships between microstructural parameters, including total damage volume, incremental damage volume, the largest connected microfracture, and the applied differential stress. The total volume of microfractures accumulated from the beginning of the experiment as well as the incremental damage showed power law increase. The growth of the largest connected microfracture was related to differential stress as a power law with divergence at failure. The microfracture volume increments were distributed according to a power law with an upper cutoff that itself spanned the entire volume toward failure. These characteristic features of brittle failure in Carrara marble under compression are in agreement with theoretical models that consider failure as a critical phase transition. We also observed that, very close to failure, several power law relationships broke down, which we interpret to be related to the coalescence of the largest microfractures in a finite size volume. Scaling laws and associated exponents computed from our data are compared with predictions made from theoretical and numerical models. Our results show that precursors of macroscopic brittle failure in Carrara marble follow predictable trends.
A Detailed Earthquake Catalog for the San Jacinto Fault‐Zone Region in Southern California
Authors: White Malcolm C. A. , Ben‐Zion Yehuda , Vernon Frank L.
Published: June 2019

We develop an automated processing procedure to derive a new catalog of earthquake locations, magnitudes, and potencies and analyze 9 years of data between 2008 and 2016 in the San Jacinto fault‐zone region. Our procedure accounts for detailed 3‐D velocity structure using a probabilistic global‐search location inversion and obtains high‐precision relative event locations using differential travel times measured by cross‐correlating waveforms. The obtained catalog illuminates spatiotemporal seismicity patterns in the fault zone with observations for 108,800 earthquakes in the magnitude range −1.8 to 5.4. Inside a focus region consisting of an 80‐km by 50‐km rectangle oriented parallel to the main fault trace, we estimate a 99% detection rate of earthquakes with magnitude 0.6 and greater and detect and locate about 60% more events than those present in the Southern California Seismic Network catalog. The results provide the most complete catalog available for the focused study region during the analyzed period and include both deeper events and very shallow patches of seismicity not present in the regional catalog. The seismicity exhibits a variety of complex patterns that contain important information on deformation processes in the region. The fraction of event pairs with waveforms having cross‐correlation coefficients ≥0.95 is only about 3%, indicating diverse processes operating in the fault zone.
Correction: GWAS on family history of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Marioni Riccardo E. , Harris Sarah E. , Zhang Qian , McRae Allan F. , Hagenaars Saskia P. , Hill W. David , Davies Gail , Ritchie Craig W. , Gale Catharine R. , Starr John M. , Goate Alison M. , Porteous David J. , Yang Jian , Evans Kathryn L. , Deary Ian J. , Wray Naomi R. , Visscher Peter M.
Published: June 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Silencing of microRNA-708 promotes cell growth and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition by activating the SPHK2/AKT/β-catenin pathway in glioma
Authors: Chen Yan , Deng Xubin , Chen Weiquan , Shi Pengwei , Lian Mei , Wang Hongxiao , Wang Kewan , Qian Dadi , Xiao Dong , Long Hao
Published: June 2019

Aberrant microRNA-708 (miR-708) expression is frequently reported in cancer studies; however, its role in glioma has not been examined in detail. We investigated miR-708 function in glioma and revealed that miR-708 expression was significantly down-regulated in glioma tissues and cell lines. Restoration of miR-708 inhibited glioma cell growth and invasion both in vitro and in vivo. The oncogene SPHK2 (sphingosine kinase 2) was identified as a downstream target of miR-708 using luciferase and western blot assays. miR-708 inhibited AKT/β-catenin signaling, which is activated by SPHK2. In addition, we revealed that miR-708 was transcriptionally repressed by EZH2 (enhancer of zeste homolog 2)-induced histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation and promoter methylation. In summary, our findings revealed that miR-708 is a glioma tumor suppressor and suggest that miR-708 is a potential therapeutic target for glioma patients.
Brushing up functional materials
Authors: Ma Shuanhong , Zhang Xiaoqin , Yu Bo , Zhou Feng
Published: June 2019

Surface-grafting polymer brushes (SPB), which are used in a versatile technique to easily realize surface modifications, can be commonly used to change the inherent surface physical/chemical properties of materials. In particular, producing functional polymer brushes with well-defined chemical configurations, densities, architectures, and thicknesses on a material surface has become increasingly important in many fields. Achieving such goals is highly dependent on the progress of novel surface-grafting strategies, which are commonly based on surface-initiated polymerization (SIP) methods. On the other hand, practical applications have been given more attention since the SPB technique enables the engineering of materials with diverse functions. This review reports some new grafting strategies for generating polymer brush layers and then systematically summarizes research advances in the application of polymer brush-modified materials in multiple fields. Correspondingly, some necessary challenges of the SPB technique are unreservedly pointed out, with consideration given to its real applications in the future. The aim of this article is to tell readers how to engineer functional materials through SPB techniques and what can be done with polymer brushes in the future.
Limitations in predicting radiation-induced pharmaceutical instability during long-duration spaceflight
Authors: Blue Rebecca S. , Chancellor Jeffery C. , Antonsen Erik L. , Bayuse Tina M. , Daniels Vernie R. , Wotring Virginia E.
Published: June 2019

As human spaceflight seeks to expand beyond low-Earth orbit, NASA and its international partners face numerous challenges related to ensuring the safety of their astronauts, including the need to provide a safe and effective pharmacy for long-duration spaceflight. Historical missions have relied upon frequent resupply of onboard pharmaceuticals; as a result, there has been little study into the effects of long-term exposure of pharmaceuticals to the space environment. Of particular concern are the long-term effects of space radiation on drug stability, especially as missions venture away from the protective proximity of the Earth. Here we highlight the risk of space radiation to pharmaceuticals during exploration spaceflight, identifying the limitations of current understanding. We further seek to identify ways in which these limitations could be addressed through dedicated research efforts aimed toward the rapid development of an effective pharmacy for future spaceflight endeavors.
Systematic assessment of antibody selectivity in plasma based on a resource of enrichment profiles
Authors: Fredolini Claudia , Byström Sanna , Sanchez-Rivera Laura , Ioannou Marina , Tamburro Davide , Pontén Fredrik , Branca Rui M. , Nilsson Peter , Lehtiö Janne , Schwenk Jochen M.
Published: June 2019

There is a strong need for procedures that enable context and application dependent validation of antibodies. Here, we applied a magnetic bead assisted workflow and immunoprecipitation mass spectrometry (IP-MS/MS) to assess antibody selectivity for the detection of proteins in human plasma. A resource was built on 414 IP experiments using 157 antibodies (targeting 120 unique proteins) in assays with heat-treated or untreated EDTA plasma. For each protein we determined their antibody related degrees of enrichment using z-scores and their frequencies of identification across all IP assays. Out of 1,313 unique endogenous proteins, 426 proteins (33%) were detected in >20% of IPs, and these background components were mainly comprised of proteins from the complement system. For 45% (70/157) of the tested antibodies, the expected target proteins were enriched (z-score ≥ 3). Among these 70 antibodies, 59 (84%) co-enriched other proteins beside the intended target and mainly due to sequence homology or protein abundance. We also detected protein interactions in plasma, and for IGFBP2 confirmed these using several antibodies and sandwich immunoassays. The protein enrichment data with plasma provide a very useful and yet lacking resource for the assessment of antibody selectivity. Our insights will contribute to a more informed use of affinity reagents for plasma proteomics assays.
Publisher Correction: Discovery and genetic characterization of diverse smacoviruses in Zambian non-human primates
Authors: Anindita Paulina D. , Sasaki Michihito , Gonzalez Gabriel , Phongphaew Wallaya , Carr Michael , Hang’ombe Bernard M. , Mweene Aaron S. , Ito Kimihito , Orba Yasuko , Sawa Hirofumi
Published: June 2019

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Developing a codon optimization method for improved expression of recombinant proteins in actinobacteria
Authors: Saito Yutaka , Kitagawa Wataru , Kumagai Toshitaka , Tajima Naoyuki , Nishimiya Yoshiyuki , Tamano Koichi , Yasutake Yoshiaki , Tamura Tomohiro , Kameda Tomoshi
Published: June 2019

Codon optimization by synonymous substitution is widely used for recombinant protein expression. Recent studies have investigated sequence features for codon optimization based on large-scale expression analyses. However, these studies have been limited to common host organisms such as Escherichia coli. Here, we develop a codon optimization method for Rhodococcus erythropolis, a gram-positive GC-rich actinobacterium attracting attention as an alternative host organism. We evaluate the recombinant protein expression of 204 genes in R. erythropolis with the same plasmid vector. The statistical analysis of these expression data reveals that the mRNA folding energy at 5’ regions as well as the codon frequency are important sequence features for codon optimization. Intriguingly, other sequence features such as the codon repetition rate show a different tendency from the previous study on E. coli. We optimize the coding sequences of 12 genes regarding these sequence features, and confirm that 9 of them (75%) achieve increased expression levels compared with wild-type sequences. Especially, for 5 genes whose expression levels for wild-type sequences are small or not detectable, all of them are improved by optimized sequences. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of our codon optimization method in R. erythropolis, and possibly in other actinobacteria.
Zika Virus Associated Pathology and Antigen Presence in the Testicle in the Absence of Sexual Transmission During Subacute to Chronic Infection in a Mouse Model
Authors: Clancy Chad S. , Van Wettere Arnaud J. , Morrey John D. , Julander Justin G.
Published: June 2019

Zika virus (ZIKV) is an arboviral infection that has been shown to be sexually transmitted. The study outlined herein aims to determine if accessory sex glands and epididymal epithelial cells are sources of viral persistence in subacute and chronic ZIKV infection, and if infection of these organs is important in sexual transmission during long-term (chronic) infection. Male interferon type I receptor knockout (Ifnar−/−) mice were challenged with ZIKV and reproductive tissues were harvested 14 and 35 days post infection (DPI) for inoculation studies and 14, 35 and 70 DPI for histopathology. Artificial insemination fluid derived from epididymal flush and seminal plasma from the prostate and seminal vesicle was obtained from ZIKV inoculated and sham-infected males. Naïve interferon type I and II receptor knockout (AG129) female mice were pre-treated with progesterone and inoculated intravaginally with artificial insemination fluid from ZIKV-infected males. ZIKV RNA was detected in the artificial insemination fluid generated from epididymal flush or seminal plasma from ZIKV infected males at 14 and 35 DPI. ZIKV antigens were only detected in seminiferous tubules at 14 DPI. Epididymal epithelial cells did not show ZIKV antigen immunoreactivity at 14, 35 or 70 DPI. Severe fibrosing orchitis (end stage orchitis) was observed at 35 and 70 DPI. Mild inflammation and peri-tubular fibrosis were observed in the epididymis following clearance of virus. Viral RNA was not detected by PCR in whole blood samples of females from any intravaginal experimental group and only detected in 20% of subcutaneously inoculated animals (derived from 1 experimentally infected male) at 35 DPI. While ZIKV RNA and antigens can be detected in the male reproductive tract at 14 DPI and RNA can also be detected at 35 DPI, intravaginal inoculation of artificial insemination fluid from these time-points failed to result in viremia in naïve females inoculated intravaginally. These studies support the hypothesis that epididymal epithelial cells are critical to sexual transmission in immunocompromised mice. Additionally, acute but not chronic male reproductive tract infection with ZIKV results in infectious virus capable of being sexually transmitted in mice.
Association of maternal folate intake during pregnancy with infant asthma risk
Authors: Li Weijian , Xu Bo , Cao Yuepeng , Shao Yang , Wu Wanke , Zhou Jun , Tan Xiaofang , Wu Xiaoli , Kong Jing , Hu Chen , Xie Kaipeng , Wu Jiangping
Published: June 2019

Several studies assessed the association of maternal folate intake with infant asthma risk, but the findings are controversial. We performed a meta-analysis to clarify the association between maternal folate intake and infant asthma risk. PubMed and SCOPUS databases were searched for related studies published until August 2018. Fixed-effects models were applied to pool relative risks (RRs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) due to the low heterogeneity. We also adopted generalized least-squares trend (GLST) estimation for the dose-response analysis. In our study, a total of 10 studies with maternal folate intake and 5 studies with blood folate concentration were included. We found that maternal folate intake during pregnancy was significantly related to the risk of infant asthma (RR = 1.11; 95% CI = 1.06–1.17). Similar results were found for geographic region from Europe (RR = 1.08; 95% CI = 1.01–1.16) and North America (RR = 1.20; 95% CI = 1.11–1.30) in subgroup analyses. Meanwhile, the dose-response analysis showed a linear relationship between maternal folic acid intake during pregnancy and infant asthma risk. This meta-analysis indicates that maternal folate intake during pregnancy could increase infant asthma risk. Therefore, the adverse effect of folic acid on infant asthma should not be ignored when it is supplemented during pregnancy to prevent birth defects.
Histopathological factors help to predict lymph node metastases more efficiently than extra-nodal recurrences in submucosa invading pT1 colorectal cancer
Authors: Barel Fanny , Cariou Mélanie , Saliou Philippe , Kermarrec Tiphaine , Auffret Anaïs , Samaison Laura , Bourhis Amélie , Badic Bogdan , Jézéquel Julien , Cholet Franck , Bail Jean-Pierre , Marcorelles Pascale , Nousbaum Jean-Baptiste , Robaszkiewicz Michel , Doucet Laurent , Uguen Arnaud
Published: June 2019

The therapeutic management of patients with endoscopic resection of colorectal cancer invading the submucosa (i.e. pT1 CRC) depends on the balance between the risk of cancer relapse and the risk of surgery-related morbidity and mortality. The aim of our study was to report on the histopathological risk factors predicting lymph node metastases and recurrences in an exhaustive case series comprising every pT1 CRC (of adenocarcinoma subtype only) diagnosed in Finistère (France) during 5-years. For 312 patients with at least 46 months follow-up included in the digestive cancers registry database, histopathological factors required for risk stratification in pT1 CRC were reviewed. Patients were treated by endoscopic resection only (51 cases), surgery only (138 cases), endoscopic resection followed by surgery (102 cases) or transanal resection (21 cases). Lymph node metastases were diagnosed in 19 patients whereas 15 patients had an extra-nodal recurrence (7 local recurrences only, 4 distant metastases only and 4 combining local and distant recurrences). Four patients with distant metastases died of their cancer. Poor tumor differentiation, vascular invasion and high grade tumor budding on HES slides were notably identified as strong risk-factors of lymph node metastases but the prediction of extra-nodal recurrences (local, distant and sometimes fatal) was less obvious, albeit it was more frequent in patients treated by transanal resection than with other treatment strategies. Beyond good performances in predicting lymph node metastases and guiding therapeutic decision in patients with pT1 CRC, our study points that extra-nodal recurrence of cancer is more difficult to predict and requires further investigations.
On the magneto-structural role of the coordinating anion in oxamato-bridged copper(ii) derivatives
Authors: Simões Tatiana R. G. , Marinho Maria Vanda , Pasán Jorge , Stumpf Humberto O. , Moliner Nicolás , Lloret Francesc , Julve Miguel
Published: June 2019

Herein we present the self-assembly of the [Cu(opba)]2− and [Cu(dmphen)]2+ building blocks in the presence of thiocyanate (1), chloride (2), bromide (3) and dicyanamide (4) anions.
Clues to membrane fouling hidden within the microbial communities of membrane bioreactors
Authors: Weerasekara Nuwan Asanka , Woo Sung-Geun , Criddle Craig , Iqbal Tahir , Lee Kibaek , Park Yeong-Jun , Shin Jae-Ho , Choo Kwang-Ho
Published: June 2019

Membrane bioreactors (MBRs), operated under the same conditions, encountered different fouling patterns. The MBR with severer membrane fouling had a relatively high abundance of specific bacteria groups.
Synthesis of fluorenyl alcohols via cooperative palladium/norbornene catalysis
Authors: Casnati Alessandra , Fontana Marco , Motti Elena , Della Ca’ Nicola
Published: June 2019

Catalytic synthesis of fluorenols by synchronization of two stoichiometric reactions: (a) Pd(ii)-mediated oxidation of alcohols to ketones and (b) Pd(0)/norbornene-catalyzed reaction of aryl iodides with ortho-bromoacetophenones.
A simple route towards the synthesis of 1,4,5-trisubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles from primary amines and 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds under metal-free conditions
Authors: Guo Ningxin , Liu Xiufen , Xu Hongyan , Zhou Xi , Zhao Huaiqing
Published: June 2019

A metal-free protocol for the synthesis of fully substituted 1,2,3-triazoles in a one-step reaction from easily available primary amines, 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds and tosyl azide was developed under air.
The direct-writing of low cost paper based flexible electrodes and touch pad devices using silver nano-ink and ZnO nanoparticles
Authors: Shrivas Kamlesh , Ghosale Archana , Kant Tushar , Bajpai P. K. , Shankar Ravi
Published: June 2019

We report a novel and simple approach for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles capped with inositol (Ag NPs/Ino) by the reduction of silver salt with ascorbic acid under basic conditions.
One-step electrodeposition of cerium-doped nickel hydroxide nanosheets for effective oxygen generation
Authors: Fang Gang , Cai Jinhua , Huang Zhipeng , Zhang Chi
Published: June 2019

Cerium doping is effective approach to promoting performance of nickel hydroxide in oxygen evolution reaction.
Switchable dielectrophoresis of defect-free droplets in an anisotropic liquid crystal medium
Authors: Lee Bomi , Lee Jun-Seo , Song Jang-Kun
Published: June 2019

Switchable dielectrophoresis (SDEP) wherein actuation direction is controllable has been demonstrated using a defect-free droplet in an anisotropic nematic medium.
Interfacial engineering and optical coupling for multicolored semitransparent inverted organic photovoltaics with a record efficiency of over 12%
Authors: Bai Yiming , Zhao Chunyan , Chen Xiaohan , Zhang Shuai , Zhang Shaoqing , Hayat Tasawar , Alsaedi Ahmed , Tan Zhan'ao , Hou Jianhui , Li Yongfang
Published: June 2019

Guided by finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) and optical transfer matrix formalism (TMF) simulation, the contradiction between PCE and AVT was solved, and multicolored ST-OSCs with record high efficiency were achieved.
Multifunctional nanopatterned porous bismuth ferrite thin films
Authors: Castro Alichandra , Martins Manuel A. , Ferreira Liliana P. , Godinho Margarida , Vilarinho Paula M. , Ferreira Paula
Published: June 2019

Nanopatterned porous thin films of bismuth ferrite (BiFeO3) with porosity perpendicular to the plane are prepared by an evaporation-induced self-assembly methodology using nitrate metal salts and a commercial block copolymer as a structure-directing agent.
Tetragonal BaTiO3 nanowires: a template-free salt-flux-assisted synthesis and its piezoelectric response based on mechanical energy harvesting
Authors: Charoonsuk Thitirat , Sriphan Saichon , Nawanil Chanisa , Chanlek Narong , Vittayakorn Wanwilai , Vittayakorn Naratip
Published: June 2019

This research successfully demonstrated a facile, effective and scalable preparation of BaTiO3 nanowires (BT-NWs) via the template-free salt flux assisted method. High-performance lead-free flexible piezoelectric nanogenerator using BT-NWs was proposed in this work.
Morusin alleviates mycoplasma pneumonia via the inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin and NF-κB signaling
Authors: Chen Cunrong , Wang Jingjing , Chen Jianfei , Zhou Lili , Wang Hui , Chen Junnian , Xu Zhihui , Zhu Shuaijun , Liu Wei , Yu Ranjie , Lu Junli , Luo Haoteng , Chen Min , Chen Weiwen
Published: June 2019

Morusin has been traditionally used for the treatment of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP), but the underlying mechanism remains elusive. The present study aimed to explore the mechanism by which morusin achieves efficacy on mycoplasma pneumonia. Mycoplasma pneumonia model was established in BALB/c mouse and the effects of morusin were evaluated in the model. Compared with the model group, DNA amount of M. pneumoniae decreased by 24.6 ± 3.14% and 47.6 ± 6.78% in low morusin (20 mg/kg) and high morusin (50 mg/kg) groups, respectively (P<0.05). Moreover, morusin treatment led to decreased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor α and increased level of anti-inflammatory IL-10 in mice lung tissue. Furthermore, morusin treatment inhibited the activation of Wnt/β-catenin and NF-κB pathways in mice lung tissue. Taken together, our results suggest that morusin relieves mycoplasma pneumonia via the inhibition of the activation of Wnt/β-catenin and NF-κB pathways, and is a potential natural agent for the treatment of mycoplasma pneumonia.
Anti-aging effects exerted by Tetramethylpyrazine enhances self-renewal and neuronal differentiation of rat bMSCs by suppressing NF-kB signaling
Authors: Song Xiaoqing , Dai Jin , Li Huaguang , Li Yuemeng , Hao Weixiao , Zhang Yu , Zhang Yuping , Su Lining , Wei Huiping
Published: June 2019

In order to improve the therapeutic effects of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based therapies for a number of intractable neurological disorders, a more favorable strategy to regulate the outcome of bone marrow MSCs (bMSCs) was examined in the present study. In view of the wide range of neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects, Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP), a biologically active alkaloid isolated from the herbal medicine Ligusticum wallichii, was used. It was revealed that treatment with 30–50 mg/l TMP for 4 days significantly increased cell viability, alleviated senescence by suppressing NF-κB signaling, and promoted bMSC proliferation by regulating the cell cycle. In addition, 40–50 mg/l TMP treatment may facilitate the neuronal differentiation of bMSCs, verified in the present study by presentation of neuronal morphology and expression of neuronal markers: microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP-2) and neuron-specific enolase (NSE). The quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) revealed that TMP treatment may promote the expression of neurogenin 1 (Ngn1), neuronal differentiation 1 (NeuroD) and mammalian achaete–scute homolog 1 (Mash1). In conclusion, 4 days of 40–50 mg/l TMP treatment may significantly delay bMSC senescence by suppressing NF-κB signaling, and enhancing the self-renewal ability of bMSCs, and their potential for neuronal differentiation.
Prediction error expansion‐based reversible data hiding in encrypted images with public key cryptosystem
Authors: Shah Mohsin , Zhang Weiming , Hu Honggang , Dong Xiaojuan , Yu Nenghai
Published: June 2019

Advances in signal processing in the encrypted domain and cloud computing have given rise to privacy‐preserving technologies. In recent years, reversible data hiding in encrypted images (RDH‐EI) has received attention from the research community because additional data can be embedded into an encrypted image without accessing its original content, and the encrypted image can be losslessly recovered after extracting the embedded data. Although the recent development of RDH‐EI compatible with homomorphic public key cryptosystems has intensified research interest, most of the existing mature RDH schemes cannot be transplanted to the encrypted domain due to the limitations of the underlying cryptosystems. In this paper, prediction error expansion based RDH‐ED using probabilistic and homomorphic properties of the Paillier cryptosystem is presented. This work implements non‐integer mean value computation in the encrypted domain without any interactive protocol between the content owner and the cloud server. This work presents mathematical detail of pixel prediction (mean), prediction error, error expansion and data embedding in the encrypted domain and data extraction and content recovery in the plain domain. Experimental results from standard test images reveal that the proposed scheme outperforms other state‐of‐the‐art encrypted domain schemes.
Model to evaluate the system‐wide impact of residential and commercial photovoltaic and storage units intended for self‐consumption
Authors: Martín Sebastián , Pérez‐Ruiz Juan , López‐Pérez Pablo
Published: June 2019

This study presents a model to analyse the effect of an increasing level of residential and commercial photovoltaic and storage devices, intended for self‐consumption, on a power system. A whole year is focused and modelled through a set of selected representative days. A 24‐h two‐stage stochastic unit commitment is solved for each representative day and expected results are weighted to achieve annual expected results. This optimisation problem includes appropriate representation of the day‐ahead and on‐line operations and an adequate representation of the uncertainty associated with renewable sources and demand. The main contributions are: (i) the definition of a single model in which customers are price‐makers and large‐scale and customers’ installations are appropriately modelled, therefore bridging the current macroscopic and microscopic modelling approaches, and (ii) the division of customers into four non‐overlapping groups, which allows a sensitivity analysis of the effect of each group. Five main results are focused: net demand, CO2 emissions, load factors, system operation cost, and customer savings. The model is applied to a case study based on the Spanish power system to show the model capability to quantify the effect of an increasing level of these promising technologies on a power system.
Design and evaluation of SiC multichip power module with low and symmetrical inductance
Authors: Weihua Shao , Ran Li , Zheng Zeng , Xiaoling Li , Mawby Philip
Published: June 2019

Compared to silicon devices, silicon carbide (SiC) devices have much lower Coss and Qg; they can switch at much higher speed, SiC power modules are thus more sensitive to stray parameters. Large stray inductance may result in high voltage spikes and cause severe electro‐magnetic interference (EMI) issues; unbalanced stray inductance may contribute to uneven current sharing between parallel devices. Low and symmetrical inductance is a necessity to fully utilise the superior characteristics of SiC devices. This paper first studies the current sharing and voltage spike mechanisms of multichip power modules (MCPMs). Stray inductance distribution, current sharing as well as voltage spikes under different direct bonded copper (DBC) layout conditions are investigated using finite element modelling software. A round symmetrical DBC layout is then proposed. Compared with conventional ones, the proposed structure is symmetrical in stray inductance distribution; thus improving the consistency among chips. To reduce the total equivalent stray inductance and tackle the voltage spike problem, this study further presents an improved 3D structure on the basis of the round symmetrical DBC. The stray inductance extraction and double pulse simulation results verify the effectiveness of the improved 3D structure in current sharing as well as voltage spike reduction.
Technical risk synthesis and mitigation strategies of distributed energy resources integration with wireless sensor networks and internet of things – review
Authors: Payne Emmanuel K. , Wang Qian , Shulin Lu , Wu Licheng
Published: June 2019

As electrical power operations tend to be smart grid with strong penetration of renewable energy resources, the evolution of operational technology brings on board another dimension of vulnerabilities with the participation of cyber‐physical systems (CPSs). Thus, it becomes essential to perform technical risk assessment and CPS prognosis to envisage the integrity of the system's operational resilience. The communication network elements such as cyber signal transmission, wireless sensor networks (WSNs) and the internet of things (IoTs) converges as a superhighway hub. This seeks to improve on network operations for efficient power delivery of distributed energy resources (DERs) integration grid. It then demands system configuration to be firewalled to avoid operational intrusions and malfunctions. The paper examines the technical threats involved in the paradigm of schemes and mitigation strategies. The areas of study are the vulnerabilities of the DERs integration with CPS, WSNs and IoTs layers. The risk aversion strategies of DERs integration with CPS are also discussed. The study aims to ascertain the intrusion level and responses of the integrated DERs grid in terms of power management. The paper's objective is to present an overview of current developments in the integrated cyber‐power systems evolution and the implementation strategies with DERs.
Circumbinary discs with radiative cooling and embedded planets
Authors: Kley Wilhelm , Thun Daniel , Penzlin Anna B. T.
Published: June 2019

Context. As of today, ten circumbinary planets orbiting solar type main sequence stars have been discovered. Nearly all orbit around the central binary very closely to the region of instability where it is difficult to form them in situ. Hence, it is assumed that they formed further out and then migrated to their observed position, which is determined by binary, disc and planet properties.

Aims. We extend previous studies to a more realistic thermal disc structure and determine what parameter influence the final parking location of a planet around a binary star.

Methods. We performed two-dimensional numerical simulations of viscous accretion discs around a central binary. These simulations include viscous heating and radiative cooling from the disc surfaces. We vary the binary eccentricity as well as disc viscosity and mass.

Results. Concerning the disc evolution, we find that it can take well over 100 000 binary orbits until an equilibrium state is reached. As seen previously, we find that the central cavity opened by the binary becomes eccentric and precesses slowly in a prograde sense. Embedded planets migrate to the inner edge of the disc. In cases of lower disc viscosity they migrate further in maintaining a circular orbit, while for high viscosity they are parked further out on an eccentric orbit.

Conclusions. Discs around binary stars are eccentric, and precess very slowly around the binary. The final location of an embedded planet is linked to its ability to open a gap in the disc. Gap-opening planets separate inner from outer disc, preventing eccentricity excitation in the latter and making it more circular. This allows embedded planets to migrate closer to the binary, in agreement with the observations. The necessary conditions for gap opening and the final planet position depend on the planet mass and disc viscosity.