bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resolution Enhancement in SEA XLOC for Heteronuclear NMR Long‐Range Correlation
Authors: Gyöngyösi Tamás , Kövér Katalin E. , Sørensen Ole W.
Published: June 2019

It is shown how the resolution in SEA XLOC NMR spectra for distinguishing between heteronuclear two‐ and three‐bond correlations for all 13C multiplicities can be improved by a modified experiment delivering absorptive profiles in the indirect dimension. The method is demonstrated with applications to ibuprofen and strychnine.
Outcome and prognostic factors in pediatric malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors: An analysis of the European Pediatric Soft Tissue Sarcoma Group (EpSSG) NRSTS‐2005 prospective study
Authors: van Noesel Max M. , Orbach Daniel , Brennan Bernadette , Kelsey Anna , Zanetti Ilaria , de Salvo Gian Luca , Gaze Mark N. , Craigie Ross J. , McHugh Kieran , Francotte Nadine , Collini Paola , Bisogno Gianni , Casanova Michela , Ferrari Andrea
Published: June 2019

Background

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) are rare tumors of childhood. The role of standard chemotherapy in unresectable MPNST is still unclear. We report the outcome and prognostic factors in the EpSSG risk‐adapted prospective study for localized pediatric MPNST.

Methods

Patients were stratified into four treatment groups defined by surgical resection, tumor size, and tumor grade (G): (a) surgery‐only group—resected tumors G1; (b) adjuvant radiotherapy group—R0/R1, G2 tumors; (c) adjuvant chemotherapy group—R0/R1, G3 tumors; and (d) neoadjuvant chemotherapy group—R2 resected tumors and/or nodal involvement. Chemotherapy consisted of four courses of ifosfamide‐doxorubicin and two courses of ifosfamide concomitant with radiotherapy (50.4‐54 Gy).

Results

Overall, the study included 51 patients. The 5‐year event‐free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) were 52.9% (95% confidence interval, 38.1‐65.8) and 62.1% (46.7‐74.3), respectively. The 5‐year EFS was 92% (56.6‐98.9) for treatment group 1 (N = 13), 33% (0.9‐77.4) for treatment group 2 (N = 4), 29% (4.1‐61.2) for treatment group 3 (N = 7), and 42% (23.1‐60.1) for treatment group 4 (N = 27). Response rate to chemotherapy (partial response + complete response) in patients with measurable disease was 46%. The presence of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1; 51% of patients) was an independent poor prognostic factor for OS and EFS.

Conclusion

The outcome for patients with resectable MPNST was excellent. Standard ifosfamide‐doxorubicin for unresectable MPNST rendered the best reported outcome. Children with NF1 disease seem to have worse prognosis.
Toward triplet disilavinylidenes: A Hammett electronic survey for substituent effects on singlet‐triplet energy gaps of silylenes by DFT
Authors: Ayoubi‐Chianeh Mojgan , Kassaee Mohamad Z.
Published: June 2019

To reach for novel triplet silylenes, para‐ and meta‐R‐1,1‐diphenyldisilavinylidenes with various electron donating and withdrawing groups (EDGs and EWGs, respectively) are compared and contrasted using the B3LYP/6‐311++g** method, where para silylenes consist of 1H,
, 3OH,
, 5F, 6Cl,
, 8CHO,
, and
, whereas their meta isomers are
, 3′OH,
, 5′F, 6′Cl,
, 8′CHO,
, and
. The overall trend for triplet tendency of the latter group based on their singlet‐triplet energy gap (ΔEs‐t) is 3′OH > 
 > 1H > 
 > 
 > 8′CHO > 5′F > 6′Cl > 
 > 
while that for the former, para series is
 > 
 > 3OH > 
 > 5F > 6Cl > 1H > 
 > 8CHO >
. Plotting disilavinylidenes ΔEs‐t, against their corresponding Hammett substituent constants (σp or σm) shows rather significant ρ factors of −2.07 and −1.42 with good correlations of R2 = 0.98 and 0.63, respectively. The negative sign of the ρ indicates that the more EDGs have higher impacts on stabilizing or reaching for the triplet ground states, displaying
and
as two silylenes with triplet ground states. The EWGs increase electrophilicity (ω) making
(7.62 eV) the most electrophilic. In contrast, EDGs increase nucleophilicity (N) showing
(5.03 eV) as the most nucleophilic silylene. Moreover,
shows the highest proton affinity (PA = 388.13 kcal/mol), chemical potential (μ = −3.67 eV), energy of HOMO (EHOMO = −4.46 eV), dipole moment (5.44 debye), and the lowest band gap (ΔEH‐L = −1.59 eV), and electrophilicity (ω = 4.24 eV), with the lowest NBO charge on divalent Si atom (+0.129) among the scrutinized species.
Whole Genome Sequencing of Single Circulating Tumor Cells Isolated by Applying a Pulsed Laser to Cell‐Capturing Microstructures
Authors: Kim Okju , Lee Daewon , Chungwon Lee Amos , Lee Yongju , Bae Hyung Jong , Lee Han‐Byoel , Kim Ryong Nam , Han Wonshik , Kwon Sunghoon
Published: June 2019

Single cell analysis of heterogeneous circulating tumor cells (CTCs), by which the genomic profiles of rare single CTCs are connected to the clinical status of cancer patients, is crucial for understanding cancer metastasis and the clinical impact on patients. However, the heterogeneity in genotypes and phenotypes and rarity of CTCs have limited extensive single CTC genome research, further hindering clinical investigation. Despite recent efforts to build platforms that separate CTCs, the investigation on CTCs is difficult due to the lack of a retrieval process at the single cell level. In this study, laser‐induced isolation of microstructures on an optomechanically‐transferrable‐chip and sequencing (LIMO‐seq) is applied for whole genome sequencing of single CTCs. Also, the whole genome sequences and the molecular profiles of the isolated single cells from the whole blood of a breast cancer patient are analyzed.
$$ H\to b\overline{b}j $$ at next-to-next-to-leading order accuracy
Authors: Mondini Roberto , Williams Ciaran
Published: June 2019

Abstract

We present the calculation of the decay

$$ H\to b\overline{b}j $$

H
→
b

b
¯

j

at next-to-next-to-leading order (NNLO) accuracy in QCD. We treat the bottom quarks as massless with a non-zero Higgs Yukawa coupling y

b
. We consider contributions in which the Higgs boson couples directly to bottom quarks, i.e. our predictions are accurate to order

$$ \mathcal{O}\left({\alpha}_s^3{y}_b^2\right) $$

O

α
s
3

y
b
2

. We calculate the various components needed to construct the NNLO contribution, including an independent calculation of the two-loop amplitudes. We compare our results for the two-loop amplitudes to an existing calculation finding agreement. We present additional checks on our two-loop expression using the known infrared factorization properties as the emitted gluon becomes soft or collinear. We use our results to construct a Monte Carlo implementation of

$$ H\to b\overline{b}j $$

H
→
b

b
¯

j

and present jet rates and differential distributions in the Higgs rest frame using the Durham jet algorithm.
Multicenter Investigation of Fungal Infections of Inflatable Penile Prostheses
Authors: Gross Martin S. , Reinstatler Lael , Henry Gerard D. , Honig Stanton C. , Stahl Peter J. , Burnett Arthur L. , Maria Pedro P. , Bennett Nelson E. , Kava Bruce R. , Kohler Tobias S. , Beilan Jonathan A. , Carrion Rafael E. , Munarriz Ricardo M.
Published: June 2019

Background

Fungal infections of inflatable penile prostheses (IPPs) are inadequately understood in the literature.

Aim

To review a multi-institution database of IPP infections to examine for common patient and surgical factors related to IPP fungal infections.

Methods

This is a retrospective Institutional Review Board–approved analysis of 217 patients at 26 institutions who underwent salvage or device explant between 2001 and 2018. Patient data were compiled after an extensive record review.

Outcomes

26 patients (12%) with fungal infections were identified.

Results

23 of 26 patients (83%) with a fungal IPP infection were either diabetic or overweight. 15 patients had undergone primary IPP implantation, and the other 11 had previously undergone an average of 1.7 IPP-related surgeries (range 1–3; median 2). The average age at implantation was 63 years (range 31–92; median 63). 18 of the 26 patients with fungal infection had diabetes (69%), with a mean hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) value of 8.4 (range 5.8–13.3; median 7.5). Twenty-two patients (85%) were overweight or obese. The mean body mass index for all patients was 30.1 kg/m2 (range 23.7–45 kg/m2; median 28.4 kg/m2), and that for diabetic patients was 30.8 kg/m2 (range 24.1–45 kg/m2, median 29.7 kg/m2). Ninety-one percent of implants were placed with intravenous antibiotics, consistent with current American Urological Association guidelines: an aminoglycoside plus first- or second-generation cephalosporin or vancomycin or ampicillin/sulbactam or piperacillin/tazobactam. 65% (17 of 26) of infected IPPs had only fungal growth in culture. No patient had concomitant immunosuppressive disease or recent antibiotic exposure before IPP implantation.

Clinical Implications

More than two-thirds of the fungal infections occurred in diabetic patients and 85% occurred in overweight or obese patients, suggesting that antifungal prophylaxis may be appropriate in these patients.

Strengths & Limitations

This is the largest series of fungal infections reported to date in the penile prosthesis literature. The overall number of such cases, however, remains small.

Conclusion

Fungal infections represent 12% of all penile prosthesis infections in our series and were seen mostly in diabetic or overweight patients, who may benefit from antifungal prophylaxis.
Sexual Dysfunction and Reproductive Concerns in Young Men Diagnosed With Testicular Cancer: An Observational Study
Authors: Ljungman L. , Eriksson L.E. , Flynn K.E. , Gorman J.R. , Ståhl O. , Weinfurt K. , Wiklander M. , Lampic C. , Wettergren L.
Published: June 2019

Introduction

The survival rates for testicular cancer are excellent; still, there is a lack of knowledge regarding important survivorship issues, such as sexual dysfunction and reproductive concerns.

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and predictors of sexual dysfunction and reproductive concerns and the potential association between these issues in young men ∼2 years after a diagnosis of testicular cancer.

Methods

Data were collected from 111 men (response rate = 50%) diagnosed with testicular cancer at age 16–39. Patients were identified via the Swedish National Quality Registry for Testicular Cancer and approached with a survey, including standardized measures of sexual function, reproductive concerns, body image, and health-related quality of life. The survey was sent to participants approximately 2 years after their cancer diagnosis. Clinical variables were collected from the registry. Predictors were identified by multivariable linear regression analyses.

Main Outcome Measures

The main outcomes were sexual function, assessed with the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Sexual Function and Satisfaction measure version 2.0, and reproductive concerns, assessed with the Reproductive Concerns After Cancer scale.

Results

Sexual dysfunction was reported by 26% of men, and a high level of reproductive concerns was reported by 28%. Lower satisfaction with sex life was associated with older age (β = −0.41), negative body image (β = −0.42), not having a partner (β = 4.8), and dissatisfaction with sex life before cancer (β = 8.31). Negative body image was associated with reproductive concerns in the dimensions of fertility potential (β = 0.06), partner disclosure (β = 0.08), and child’s health (β = 0.07), whereas having had fertility preservation predicted higher levels of concerns with regard to personal health (β = 0.52) and achieving pregnancy (β = 0.53). Clinical variables did not predict either sexual function or reproductive concerns.

Clinical Implications

Our results show that the majority of young men diagnosed with testicular cancer do not report sexual dysfunction or reproductive concerns 2 years after diagnosis. A sizeable minority, however, does report dysfunction or reproductive concerns, which should be recognized in the follow-up care of this population.

Strengths & Limitations

A strength of the study is the use of high-quality registry data and validated instruments. The lack of Swedish norms for sexual function and reproductive concerns is a possible limitation.

Conclusion

A subgroup of young men treated for testicular cancer report sexual dysfunction or reproductive concerns approximately 2 years after diagnosis. Factors associated with these issues seem to mainly be psychological, rather than medical, nature.
ON VARIETIES WITH TRIVIAL TANGENT BUNDLE IN CHARACTERISTIC
Authors: JOSHI KIRTI
Published: June 2019

In this article, I give a crystalline characterization of abelian varieties amongst the class of smooth projective varieties with trivial tangent bundles in characteristic $p>0$. Using my characterization, I show that a smooth, projective, ordinary variety with trivial tangent bundle is an abelian variety if and only if its second crystalline cohomology is torsion-free. I also show that a conjecture of KeZheng Li about smooth projective varieties with trivial tangent bundles in characteristic $p>0$ is true for smooth projective surfaces. I give a new proof of a result by Li and prove a refinement of it. Based on my characterization of abelian varieties, I propose modifications of Li’s conjecture, which I expect to be true.
Salvage pulmonary thromboembolectomy for massive pulmonary embolism in a child presented with syncope and subsequent cardiac arrest
Authors: Ak Koray , Birkan Yasar , Akalın Figen , Günay Deniz
Published: June 2019

Pulmonary embolism is frequently under-recognised in children and, therefore, a high index of suspicion should be exerted on patients with exertional dyspnoea, presyncope/syncope and unexplained cardiopulmonary arrest. We discuss a 10-year-old previously healthy girl who presented with syncope and subsequent cardiac arrest related to massive pulmonary embolism and was salvaged successfully by emergent pulmonary embolectomy.
Constrictive pericarditis following necrotising pneumococcal pneumonia in an immunocompetent child
Authors: Yubbu Putri , Kaur Jasvinder , Jamaluddin Johan Aref
Published: June 2019

Purulent pericarditis leading to constrictive pericarditis is a rare but serious complication following invasive pneumococcal infection. Early recognition of this complication is crucial to prevent mortality. Here, we report a previously healthy child who developed constrictive pericarditis due to purulent pericarditis following necrotising pneumococcal pneumonia, which is not common in this current antibiotic and pneumococcal vaccine era. The child was successfully treated with pericardiectomy.
Access to primary health care among women: the role of Ghana’s community-based health planning and services policy
Authors: Braimah Joseph Asumah , Sano Yujiro , Atuoye Kilian Nasung , Luginaah Isaac
Published: June 2019

Background:

Ghana in 1999 adopted the Community-based Health Planning and Service (CHPS) policy to enhance access to primary health care (PHC) service. After two decades of implementation, there remains a considerable proportion of the country’s population, especially women who lack access to basic health care services.

Aim:

The aim of this paper is to understand the contribution of Ghana’s CHPS policy to women’s access to PHC services in the Upper West Region (UWR) of Ghana.

Methods:

A logistic regression technique was employed to analyse cross-sectional data collected among women (805) from the UWR.

Findings:

We found that women who resided in CHPS zones (OR = 1.612;P ≤0.01) were more likely to have access to health care compared with their counterparts who resided in non-CHPS zones. Also, rural-urban residence, distance to health facility, household wealth status and marital status predicted access to health care among women in the region. Our findings underscore the need to expand the CHPS policy to cover many areas in the country, especially rural communities and other deprived localities in urban settings.
Field evaluation of preemergence and postemergence herbicides for control of protoporphyrinogen oxidase-resistant Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Watson)
Authors: Houston Michael M , Norsworthy Jason K , Barber Tom , Brabham Chad
Published: June 2019

Palmer amaranth accessions resistant to protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO), 5-enolpyruvyl-shikimate-3-phosphate synthase, and acetolactate synthase (ALS)-inhibitor herbicides are widespread in the Midsouth, making control difficult. Field experiments were conducted in Marion and Crawfordsville, AR, in 2016 and 2017 to assess PRE and POST herbicides labeled for use in corn, cotton, or soybean for control of multiresistant Palmer amaranth. Accessions at both locations were resistant to glyphosate and ALS inhibitors and segregating for both the R128 and ΔG210 PPO resistance mechanisms. Of the 15 herbicide treatments tested, only atrazine (1,120 g ai ha−1), pyroxasulfone (149 g ha−1), and flumioxazin (144 g ha−1) provided 85% or greater Palmer amaranth control 14 days after treatment (DAT). Visible control ratings at 35 DAT declined sharply, with no treatment providing more than 84% control, suggesting POST applications should be made no later than 28 DAT. Glufosinate (594 and 818 g ha−1), dicamba (560 g ae ha−1), 2,4-D plus glyphosate (784 g ae ha−1 plus 834 g ae ha−1), and paraquat (700 g ha−1) applied POST to 7- to 10-cm plants reduced Palmer amaranth density 83% or more 14 DAT. Both glyphosate (1,266 g ha−1) and pyrithiobac sodium (73 g ha−1) provided less than 7% Palmer amaranth control. Although flumioxazin alone at a labeled rate controlled Palmer amaranth 82% in the PRE experiment, PPO inhibitors by themselves applied POST provided no more than 37% control at 14 DAT. Effective foliar herbicides applied POST, including residual herbicides, should be made when Palmer amaranth are less than 10-cm tall for optimal control of these multiresistant Palmer amaranth accessions.
Theoretical Predictability Limits of Spatially Anisotropic Multifractal Processes: Implications for Weather Prediction
Authors: Ramanathan Arun , Satyanarayana A.N.V. , Mandal M.
Published: June 2019

A correlation spectrum‐based approach is used to express the theoretical predictability limits of multifractal processes as an analytical function of their anisotropy parameters. This spatially anisotropic power law function is then used to investigate the general impact of anisotropy on the predictability of atmospheric fields in the weather regime. The investigation reveals that (i) vertical stratification of a field increases and decreases its super and subsphero‐scale predictability limits, respectively; (ii) trivial horizontal anisotropy slightly improves predictability at all scales; and (iii) horizontal anisotropy together with vertical stratification significantly enhances its predictability over almost the entire scale range. Applying these general results to the case of horizontal wind fields suggests that the interplay between spatial‐anisotropy and atmospheric predictability could account for improvements in forecast skill, commonly observed during the occurrence of rotating thunderstorms and breaks in the Indian summer monsoon.
Late Jurassic‐Early Cretaceous Deformation in the Western Yanshan Fold‐Thrust Belt: Insights From Syntectonic Sedimentation in the Chicheng Basin, North China
Authors: Lin Chengfa , Liu Shaofeng , Shi Xiaofei , Zhuang Qitian
Published: June 2019

The Yanshan fold‐thrust belt is a significant intraplate deformation belt along the northern margin of North China Craton and records multiple phases of deformation during the Mesozoic. However, the specific tectonic evolution of the Yanshan belt during the Mesozoic has long been debated. In particular, many arguments exit regarding whether a contractional or extensional context dominated the Yanshan belt in the Late Jurassic‐Early Cretaceous. One reason for this argument is the poor understanding of the tectono‐sedimentary relationship preserved in the sedimentary records. A lack of evidence of syntectonic sediments makes it more difficult to reconstruct this relationship. The Chicheng basin in the western Yanshan belt contains complete Upper Jurassic‐Lower Cretaceous succession and is bounded by marginal faults. New regional geological mapping, detailed sedimentary facies analysis, and recognition of two growth strata packages help reconstruct the tectono‐sedimentary relationship in the Chicheng basin. Additionally, zircon U‐Pb dating provides constraints on the timing of the deformation. Our results suggest that the dynamic sediment dispersal system in the Chicheng basin during the Late Jurassic‐Early Cretaceous were controlled by two phases of thrusting, including the activities of the Shangyi‐Pingquan fault during 162–147 Ma, and the Fengning‐Longhua fault during 140–135 Ma. Therefore, we propose that the western Yanshan belt was in a contractional context during the Late Jurassic‐Early Cretaceous. Our findings indicate that the tectonic setting of the Yanshan belt experienced a prominent transition from E‐W trending structures to NE‐SW trending structures and that this transition was probably related to subduction of the Paleo‐Pacific plate beneath the East Asian continent.
Planning an International Magma Observatory
Authors: Eichelberger John
Published: June 2019

A planned project will drill into a magma reservoir in Iceland that has never erupted to the surface, giving scientists a fresh look at Earth’s underground “plumbing.”
On Deriving Gravity Wave Characteristics in the Daytime Upper Atmosphere Using Radio Technique
Authors: Mandal Subir , Pallamraju Duggirala , Karan Deepak K. , Phadke Kedar A. , Singh Ravindra P. , Suryawanshi Pradip
Published: June 2019

The importance of neutral wave dynamics in the understanding of the upper atmospheric processes is well known. Conventionally, optical methods are used to derive information on the neutral wave dynamics by obtaining gravity wave (GW) characteristics. Optical measurement techniques use airglow emissions as tracers to obtain such information that correspond to altitudes from where the emissions emanate. However, in this paper, we describe a method using radio wave measurement technique (digisonde) to obtain information on the neutral GW behavior. It involves monitoring of variations in the heights of isoelectron densities as a function of time, and their phase shifts, if any, to derive vertical propagation speeds and scale sizes of GWs. The daytime values of GW time periods, vertical phase speeds, and vertical scale sizes obtained for the duration of 16–21 May 2015 are in the range of 1.47 ± 0.05 to 2.64 ± 0.07 hr, 30.06 ± 4.35 to 45.69 ± 11.84 m/s, and 183.21 ± 39.23 to 393.07 ± 66.38 km, respectively. Further, we have used the GW dispersion relation to make a first‐order estimation of the horizontal scale sizes. This method of deriving neutral GW characteristics through radio measurement technique is effective for the daytime conditions and opens up new possibilities of investigations of the wave dynamical behavior in the upper atmosphere during all weather conditions.
Highly Relativistic Electron Flux Enhancement During the Weak Geomagnetic Storm of April–May 2017
Authors: Katsavrias Ch. , Sandberg I. , Li W. , Podladchikova O. , Daglis I.A. , Papadimitriou C. , Tsironis C. , Aminalragia‐Giamini S.
Published: June 2019

We report observations of energetic electron flux and phase space density to show that a relatively weak magnetic storm with Sym‐Hmin≈−50 nT, resulted in a relativistic and ultrarelativistic electron enhancement of two orders of magnitude similar to the St. Patrick's event of 2015, an extreme storm with Sym‐Hmin≈−235 nT. This enhancement appeared at energies up to ≈10 MeV, lasted for at least 24 days, and was not recorded in geosynchronous orbit where most space weather alert data are collected. By combined analysis of phase space density radial profiles and Fokker‐Planck simulation, we show that the enhancement of relativistic and ultrarelativistic electrons is caused by different mechanisms: first, chorus waves during the intense substorm injections of 21–25 April accelerate the seed electron population to relativistic energies and redistribute them while inward diffusion driven by Pc5 Ultra‐Low Frequency (ULF) waves further accelerates them to ultrarelativistic energies.
Diagnosing Observed Stratospheric Water Vapor Relationships to the Cold Point Tropical Tropopause
Authors: Randel William , Park Mijeong
Published: June 2019

Dehydration at the tropical cold point tropopause primarily controls the entry value of water vapor to the stratosphere, with additional (uncertain) contributions from subtropical monsoonal circulations and extreme deep convection. Here we quantify the links of observed stratospheric water vapor with near‐equatorial cold point temperature (TCP), based on interannual variations of monthly zonal averages over the period 1993–2017. Water vapor observations are from combined Halogen Occultation Experiment and Aura Microwave Limb Sounder satellite measurements, and cold point temperatures are from high quality radiosondes and GPS satellite data. Interannual water vapor anomalies are highly correlated with TCP, and coherent patterns can be traced in space and time away from the tropical tropopause to quantify transport in the Brewer‐Dobson circulation, including diagnosing seasonal changes in circulation. Lagged regressions with TCP are used to reconstruct water vapor variations directly tied to the cold point, and these reconstructions account for a majority of the observed interannual water vapor variability in the lower to middle stratosphere over most of the globe. Small systematic differences from observed water vapor can identify processes not tied to zonal average TCP, and/or possible uncertainties in the satellite measurements.
A Randomized Trait Community Clustering approach to unveil consistent environmental thresholds in community assembly
Authors: Triadó-Margarit Xavier , Capitán José A , Menéndez-Serra Mateu , Ortiz-Álvarez Rüdiger , Ontiveros Vicente J , Casamayor Emilio O , Alonso David
Published: June 2019

Similarities and differences of phenotypes within local co-occurring species hold the key to inferring the contribution of stochastic or deterministic processes in community assembly. Developing both phylogenetic-based and trait-based quantitative methods to unravel these processes is a major aim in community ecology. We developed a trait-based approach that: (i) assesses if a community trait clustering pattern is related to increasing environmental constraints along a gradient; and (ii) determines quantitative thresholds for an environmental variable along a gradient to interpret changes in prevailing community assembly drivers. We used a regional set of natural shallow saline ponds covering a wide salinity gradient (0.1–40% w/v). We identify a consistent discrete salinity threshold (ca. 5%) for microbial community assembly drivers. Above 5% salinity a strong environmental filtering prevailed as an assembly force, whereas a combination of biotic and abiotic factors dominated at lower salinities. This method provides a conceptual approach to identify consistent environmental thresholds in community assembly and enables quantitative predictions for the ecological impact of environmental changes.
In situ transformation of ethoxylate and glycol surfactants by shale-colonizing microorganisms during hydraulic fracturing
Authors: Evans Morgan V , Getzinger Gordon , Luek Jenna L , Hanson Andrea J , McLaughlin Molly C , Blotevogel Jens , Welch Susan A , Nicora Carrie D , Purvine Samuel O , Xu Chengdong , Cole David R , Darrah Thomas H , Hoyt David W , Metz Thomas O , Lee Ferguson P , Lipton Mary S , Wilkins Michael J , Mouser Paula J
Published: June 2019

In the last decade, extensive application of hydraulic fracturing technologies to unconventional low-permeability hydrocarbon-rich formations has significantly increased natural-gas production in the United States and abroad. The injection of surface-sourced fluids to generate fractures in the deep subsurface introduces microbial cells and substrates to low-permeability rock. A subset of injected organic additives has been investigated for their ability to support biological growth in shale microbial community members; however, to date, little is known on how complex xenobiotic organic compounds undergo biotransformations in this deep rock ecosystem. Here, high-resolution chemical, metagenomic, and proteomic analyses reveal that widely-used surfactants are degraded by the shale-associated taxa Halanaerobium, both in situ and under laboratory conditions. These halotolerant bacteria exhibit surfactant substrate specificities, preferring polymeric propoxylated glycols (PPGs) and longer alkyl polyethoxylates (AEOs) over polyethylene glycols (PEGs) and shorter AEOs. Enzymatic transformation occurs through repeated terminal-end polyglycol chain shortening during co-metabolic growth through the methylglyoxal bypass. This work provides the first evidence that shale microorganisms can transform xenobiotic surfactants in fracture fluid formulations, potentially affecting the efficiency of hydrocarbon recovery, and demonstrating an important association between injected substrates and microbial growth in an engineered subsurface ecosystem.
A rapid smartphone-based lactate dehydrogenase test for neonatal diagnostics at the point of care
Authors: Halvorsen Cecilia Pegelow , Olson Linus , Araújo Ana Catarina , Karlsson Mathias , Nguyễn Trang Thị , Khu Dung T. K. , Le Ha T. T. , Nguyễn Hoa T. B. , Winbladh Birger , Russom Aman
Published: June 2019

There is a growing recognition of the importance of point-of-care tests (POCTs) for detecting critical neonatal illnesses to reduce the mortality rate in newborns, especially in low-income countries, which account for 98 percent of reported neonatal deaths. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is a marker of cellular damage as a result of hypoxia-ischemia in affected organs. Here, we describe and test a POC LDH test direct from whole blood to provide early indication of serious illness in the neonate. The sample-in-result-out POC platform is specifically designed to meet the needs at resource-limited settings. Plasma is separated from whole blood on filter paper with dried-down reagents for colorimetric reaction, combined with software for analysis using a smartphone. The method was clinically tested in newborns in two different settings. In a clinical cohort of newborns of Stockholm (n = 62) and Hanoi (n = 26), the value of R using Pearson’s correlation test was 0.91 (p < 0.01) and the R2 = 0.83 between the two methods. The mean LDH (±SD) for the reference method vs. the POC-LDH was 551 (±280) U/L and 552 (±249) U/L respectively, indicating the clinical value of LDH values measured in minutes with the POC was comparable with standardized laboratory analyses.
Bipolar electrode-electrochemiluminescence (ECL) biosensor based on a hybridization chain reaction
Authors: Wu Meisheng , Xu Ning , Qiao Jingtang , Chen Jinghan , Jin Longsheng
Published: June 2019

An electrochemiluminescence (ECL) closed bipolar electrode (BPE) chip was designed based on a hybridization chain reaction (HCR)-induced amplification strategy.
Viscosity-sensitive thiolated gold nanoclusters with diffusion-controlled emission for intracellular viscosity imaging
Authors: Pan Saifei , Zhou Jin , Liu Weidong , Ye Yuxin , Chen Guilin , Xu Jing , Qian Zhaosheng , Chen Jianrong , Feng Hui
Published: June 2019

A unique diffusion-controlled emission behavior of gold nanoclusters was reported and further used in real-time monitoring and imaging of intracellular viscosity variation.
A class of metal diboride electrocatalysts synthesized by a molten salt-assisted reaction for the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Guo Feifan , Wu Yuanyuan , Ai Xuan , Chen Hui , Li Guo-Dong , Chen Wei , Zou Xiaoxin
Published: June 2019

A family of metallic diborides are synthesizedviaa molten salt-assisted method and their activity trend toward the HER is investigated.
Transition metal-mediated reductive coupling of diazoesters
Authors: Grass Amanda , Stoian Sebastian A. , Lord Richard L. , Groysman Stanislav
Published: June 2019

The first transition-metal mediated reductive coupling of diazoesters is reported. The reaction proceeds via a κ2-coordinated intermediate, featuring significant radical character on the terminal nitrogen.
Structure and white LED properties of Ce-doped YAG-Al2O3eutectics grown by the micro-pulling-down method
Authors: Song Qingsong , Xu Xiaodong , Liu Jian , Bu Xiangshai , Li Dongzhen , Liu Peng , Wang Yinzhen , Xu Jun , Lebbou Kheirreddine
Published: June 2019

A series of Ce-doped YAG-Al2O3eutectics were grown by the micro-pulling-down (μ-PD) method for the purpose of high power white light emitting diodes.
Monte-Carlo simulation combined with density functional theory to investigate the equilibrium thermodynamics of electrode materials: lithium titanates as model compounds
Authors: Ozaki Hiroyuki , Tada Kohei , Kiyobayashi Tetsu
Published: June 2019

The present study proposes a method to describe the equilibrium thermodynamics of a model electrode material, LTO, based on the Monte-Carlo simulation (MC), for which the energetic parameters are determined by the density functional theory (DFT).
Revealing the distinct mechanistic binding and activity of 5-(1-(3,5-dichloropyridin-4-yl)ethoxy)-3-(5-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)-1H-indazole enantiomers against FGFR1
Authors: Farrokhzadeh Abdolkarim , Akher Farideh Badichi , Olotu Fisayo A. , Soliman Mahmoud E. S. , Van Heerden Fanie R.
Published: June 2019

The concept of chirality has become prominent over the years, particularly with regards to the design of therapeutic molecules.
Edge-modulated dual spin-filter effect in zigzag-shaped buckling Ag2S nanoribbons
Authors: Li Jian-Hua , Guo Yan-Dong , Zeng Hong-Li , Mou Xin-Yi , Yan Xiao-Hong
Published: June 2019

By constructing Ag2S nanoribbons with different edges, a dual spin-filter effect could be realized, where the direction of the spin-filter can be switched by the edge morphology. Moreover, such a phenomenon is robust to the width of the ribbon and strain.
Visible-light-induced deoxygenative C2-sulfonylation of quinoline N-oxides with sulfinic acids
Authors: Xie Long-Yong , Fang Tai-Gang , Tan Jia-Xi , Zhang Bo , Cao Zhong , Yang Li-Hua , He Wei-Min
Published: June 2019

The first example of direct synthesis of 2-sulfonylquinolines through visible-light-induced deoxygenative C2-sulfonylation of quinoline N-oxides with organic dye as the catalyst and ambient air as the sole oxidant was developed.
Efficient microbial synthesis of key steroidal intermediates from bio-renewable phytosterols by genetically modified Mycobacterium fortuitum strains
Authors: Liu Na , Feng Jinhui , Zhang Rui , Chen Xi , Li Xuemei , Yao Peiyuan , Wu Qiaqing , Ma Yanhe , Zhu Dunming
Published: June 2019

Two genetically modified strains of Mycobacterium fortuitum ATCC 6841 were created and applied to the transformation of phytosterols into HIP and HIL in high yields with no detectable by-products.
Designing novel perovskite-type strontium stannate (SrSnO3) and its potential as an electrode material for the enhanced sensing of anti-inflammatory drug mesalamine in biological samples
Authors: Muthukutty Balamurugan , Karthik Raj , Chen Shen-Ming , Abinaya Manickavasagan
Published: June 2019

The enhanced electrocatalytic activity of an electrode developed with a perovskite-type inorganic material is witnessed very often because of its unique properties.
A facile, solid-state reaction assisted synthesis of a berry-like NaNbO3perovskite structure for binder-free, highly selective sensing of dopamine in blood samples
Authors: Durai Lignesh , Badhulika Sushmee
Published: June 2019

Synthesis and fabrication of a berry-like NaNbO3perovskite-based modified GCE sensor for the highly selective sensing of dopamine.
Investigating the effect of ligand and cation on the properties of metal fluorinated acetylacetonate based magnetic ionic liquids
Authors: Farooq Muhammad Qamar , Chand Deepak , Odugbesi Gabriel A. , Varona Marcelino , Mudryk Yaroslav , Anderson Jared L.
Published: June 2019

The effect of chemical structure on various physiochemical properties including thermal stability, solvent miscibility, magnetic susceptibility and viscosity is studied for acetylacetone based magnetic ionic liquids.
The cubane paradigm in bioactive molecule discovery: further scope, limitations and the cyclooctatetraene complement
Authors: Houston Sevan D. , Fahrenhorst-Jones Tyler , Xing Hui , Chalmers Benjamin A. , Sykes Melissa L. , Stok Jeanette E. , Farfan Soto Clementina , Burns Jed M. , Bernhardt Paul V. , De Voss James J. , Boyle Glen M. , Smith Maree T. , Tsanaktsidis John , Savage G. Paul , Avery Vicky M. , Williams Craig M.
Published: June 2019

Trials and tribulations of the cubane paradigm in biomolecule discovery highlight synthetic limitations, culminating in a continuing guide for practitioners, which includes cyclooctatetraene.
Stereoselective deconjugation of macrocyclic α,β-unsaturated esters by sequential amidation and olefin transposition: application to enantioselective phase-transfer catalysis
Authors: Homberg Alexandre , Hrdina Radim , Vishe Mahesh , Guénée Laure , Lacour Jérôme
Published: June 2019

The stereoselective synthesis of chiral macrocycles bearing two aliphatic amide functional groups is reported.
High power mechanical energy harvester based on exfoliated black phosphorous–polymer composite and its multiple applications
Authors: Singh Sachin Kumar , Muduli Subas , Dhakras Dipti , Pandey Richa , Babar Rohit , Singh Ankur , Kabra Dinesh , Kabir Mukul , Boomishankar Ramamoorthy , Ogale Satishchandra
Published: June 2019

A uniformly dense dispersion of few layer BP (FLBP) nanosheets in PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) matrix is shown to exhibit a remarkably strong mechanical energy harvesting effect with highest peak-to-peak voltage output of about 350 V.
From observing to predicting single-cell structure and function with high-throughput/high-content microscopy
Authors: Chessel Anatole , Carazo Salas Rafael E.
Published: June 2019

In the past 15 years, cell-based microscopy has evolved its focus from observing cell function to aiming to predict it. In particular—powered by breakthroughs in computer vision, large-scale image analysis and machine learning—high-throughput and high-content microscopy imaging have enabled to uniquely harness single-cell information to systematically discover and annotate genes and regulatory pathways, uncover systems-level interactions and causal links between cellular processes, and begin to clarify and predict causal cellular behaviour and decision making. Here we review these developments, discuss emerging trends in the field, and describe how single-cell ‘omics and single-cell microscopy are imminently in an intersecting trajectory. The marriage of these two fields will make possible an unprecedented understanding of cell and tissue behaviour and function.
Gaia kinematics reveal a complex lopsided and twisted Galactic disc warp
Authors: Romero-Gómez M. , Mateu C. , Aguilar L. , Figueras F. , Castro-Ginard A.
Published: June 2019

Context. There are few warp kinematic models of the Galaxy able to characterise both structure and kinematics, since these require high accuracy at large distances. These models are necessary to shed light on the lopsidedness of the warp and the twisting of the line-of-nodes of the stellar warp already seen in gas and dust.

Aims. We use the vertical information coming from the Gaia Data Release 2 astrometric data up to G = 20 mag to characterise the structure of the Galactic warp, the related vertical motions, and the dependency of Galactic warp on age.

Methods. We analyse two populations up to Galactocentric distances of 16 kpc: a young bright sample mainly formed by OB stars and an older one of red giant branch (RGB) stars. We use two methods (the pole count maps of great circle bands and Galactic longitude – proper motion in latitude lines) based on the Gaia observables, together with 2D projections of the positions and proper motions in the Galactic plane.

Results. This work confirms the age dependency of the Galactic warp, both in position and kinematics, the height of the Galactic warp being of the order of 0.2 kpc for the OB sample and 1.0 kpc for the RGB at a Galactocentric distance of 14 kpc. Both methods find that the onset radius of the warp is 12 ∼ 13 kpc for the OB sample and 10 ∼ 11 kpc for the RGB. From the RGB sample, we find from Galactocentric distances larger than 10 kpc that the line-of-nodes twists away from the Sun-anticentre line towards Galactic azimuths ≈180−200° increasing with radius, though possibly influenced by extinction. Also, the RGB sample reveals a slightly lopsided stellar warp with ≈250 pc difference between the up and down sides. The line of maximum of proper motions in latitude is systematically offset from the line-of-nodes estimated from the spatial data, which our warp models predict as a kinematic signature of lopsidedness. We also show a prominent wave-like pattern of a bending mode different in the OB and RGB samples. Both positions and kinematics also reveal substructures that might not be related to the large-scale Galactic warp or to the bending mode.

Conclusions. Gaia Data Release 2 data reveals a high degree of complexity in terms of both position and velocity that triggers the need for complex kinematic models flexible enough to combine both wave-like patterns and an S-shaped lopsided warp.
La fabuleuse histoire du sourire
Authors: Choukroun Marc-Gérald
Published: June 2019

Introduction : L’étude de l’histoire du sourire nous permet de découvrir pourquoi et comment les dents sont apparues dans le portrait moderne. Nous avons décidé de nommer ce nouveau sourire le « sourire dents blanches », en référence à l’impact social qui lui est intimement lié. Alors que certains professionnels admettent communément que l’absence des dents est liée au manque d’hygiène, l’histoire du sourire met en évidence une dimension bien plus humaine : la sexualité. Matériels et méthodes : À travers l’histoire de l’art, l’auteur retrace l’histoire du sourire. Conclusion : De la pudeur au glamour, en passant par la pornographie, le sourire a fini par marquer profondément l’espace contemporain.
Lʹanalyse Raman des objets et œuvres d’art
Authors: Colomban Philippe
Published: June 2019

Notre expérience de l’art passe en grande partie par la vision. Comme les spectroscopies optiques prolongent notre perception du monde extérieur, elles sont particulièrement efficaces pour compléter l’analyse visuelle des oeuvres faites d’assemblages de matières colorées. Aussi ces spectroscopies en particulier la diffusion inélastique (effet Raman, méthode non-invasive et mobile), sont de plus en plus utilisées pour étudier notre héritage culturel. Nous présentons un résumé de l’état de l’art et quelques perspectives.
Sustainable Carbene Transfer Reactions with Iron and Light
Authors: Empel Claire , Koenigs Rene M.
Published: June 2019

Carbenes are versatile, highly reactive intermediates with great importance in chemistry. We recently reported on our findings on safe and scalable applications of hazardous diazoacetonitrile using cheap and commercially available iron catalysts in efficient carbene transfer reactions, ranging from cyclopropanation towards C–H functionalization reactions for the synthesis of biologically important building blocks. More lately, we uncovered the reactivity of diazoalkanes under photochemical conditions using visible light and were able to demonstrate a variety of different, metal-free carbene transfer reactions, which now open up new sustainable ways for the construction of small functional molecules.

1 Introduction

2 Iron-Catalyzed Carbene Transfer Reactions of Diazoacetonitrile

3 Metal-free Carbene Transfer Reaction with Visible Light

4 Summary
Competing Endogenous RNAs in Hepatocellular Carcinoma—The Pinnacle of Rivalry
Authors: Afify Abdelrahman Yousry , Ibrahim Salma Abdulmaqsoud , Aldamsisi Mennah Hisham , Zaghloul Mai Saad , El-Ekiaby Nada , Abdelaziz Ahmed Ihab
Published: June 2019

The role of noncoding transcripts in gene expression is nowadays acknowledged to keep various diseases at bay—despite being referred to as “junk” DNA several years ago. Believed to be at the heart of multiple regulatory pathways, microRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) involved in posttranscriptional gene regulation. Recently, the discovery of ncRNAs that compete for shared miRNA pools has dimmed the light on the solo performance of miRNAs in genomic regulation. Indeed, several studies describe RNAs such as long noncoding RNAs, mRNAs, circular RNAs, pseudogenes, and viral RNAs as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) that sequester miRNAs, allowing for de-repression of downstream miRNA targets. Such integration between coding and noncoding transcripts forms complex ceRNA networks that when dysregulated lead to several diseases such as hepatocellular carcinoma. Here, the authors review perturbed ceRNA networks in hepatocellular carcinoma, describe the role of each in tumorigenesis, and discuss their various clinical implications.
A Study of Variations in Radial Wrist Extensors
Authors: Michael Stelin Agnes , Lakshmi Gaddam Vijaya
Published: June 2019

Background and Aim Supernumerary muscles and tendons from extensor carpi radialis longus (ECRL) and extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) are sometimes encountered during hand surgery. They include accessory muscles like extensor carpi radialis intermedius (ECRI), intertendinous slips (ITS) between the two muscles, or simple birfurcated tendons. Awareness of these variations is crucial for preoperative planning for tendoplasty. This study was conducted with the aim of studying their prevalence since there is limited literature on its variations.

Materials and Methods The study was carried out on 80 free upper limbs from the human cadavers, in the Anatomy Department of Pushpagiri Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Thiruvalla, Kerala. The radial carpal extensors were studied in detail. The length and width of the accessory muscles and tendons were measured. The percentage of different variations was also calculated.

Results ITS from ECRL were seen in 20 of the limbs. ECRI was identified in 7 cases. Bifurcated tendon from ECRB was observed in two limbs. Absent ECRB was also noted in a specimen. In one specimen, ECRL and ECRB fused to form a single muscle and tendon, that later split into two for insertion into second and third metacarpal. The proximal attachment of both radial extensors was normal in all cases.

Conclusion A total of 37.5% of variations was observed, among which supernumerary tendons accounted for 35%. Knowledge of these variations is essential in planning for tendon grafting and finger deformity correction surgeries.
Anatomical and Morphometric Study of Optic Foramen in North Indian Population
Authors: Kumar Ajay , Tripathi Alok , Jain Shilpi , Khare Satyam , Kaushik Ram Kumar , Kausar Hina , Arora Saurabh
Published: June 2019

Introduction Optic canal connects orbit to middle cranial fossa. Optic nerve and ophthalmic artery pass through this canal. The aim of the present study is to make morphometric and anatomical observations of endocranial opening of optic canal.

Materials and Methods The observations were conducted on 30 dry adult human skulls. The observations were made on shape, margins, confluence, septations, dimensions, and distance of optic foramen from apex of petrous temporal bone.

Result and Statistical Analysis On morphometric observation, transverse diameter (TD) was 6.00 mm and 6.15 mm on the left and the right side, respectively. The vertical diameter (VD) was 5.14 mm on the left side and 4.82 mm on the right side. The distance of optic foramen to apex of petrous temporal bone was 21.84 mm on the left side and 21.90 mm on the right side. The mean, standard deviation, range, and p value were measured by using SPSS software version 19.00.

Conclusion In the present study we attempt to provide a comprehensive anatomical and morphometric data of optic foramen that may help ophthalmologists and neurosurgeons during surgery.