bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alleviated Double ITCZ Problem in the NCAR CESM1: A New Cloud Scheme and the Working Mechanisms
Authors: Qin Yi , Lin Yanluan
Published: September 2018

Simulation of tropical precipitation in global climate models remains a challenge, in which double Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) bias is a prominent manifest. Compared with the original cloud scheme, a new diagnostic statistical cloud macrophysics scheme alleviates the spurious southern ITCZ bias associated with warm sea surface temperature (SST) bias over the central Pacific in the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Community Earth System Model, version 1 (CESM1). Owing to the reduced net surface shortwave radiation associated with the increased low cloud fraction and liquid water path over the southeastern Pacific Ocean, the new scheme reduced local SST and further suppressed convection and precipitation. Stronger Walker circulation and enhanced tropical easterlies lead to increased tropical ocean zonal currents, which further lead to reduced SST in the central Pacific due to increased oceanic cold advection. As a result, over the central Pacific, SST cooling suppresses precipitation and alleviates the double ITCZ bias. The study suggests that low clouds over subtropical eastern ocean regions can impact tropical circulation and precipitation via a strong coupling with SST and ocean dynamics.
Adverse Events and Acute Chronic Liver Failure in Patients With Cirrhosis Undergoing Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography: A Multicenter Matched-Cohort Study
Authors: Leal Carles , Prado Veronica , Colan Juan , Chavez-Rivera Karina , Sendino Oriol , Blasi Anabel , Roura Pere , Juanola Adria , Rodriguez de Miguel Cristina , Pavesi Marco , Gomez Cristina , Guarner Carlos , Guarner-Argente Carlos , Fernández Javier , Cardenas Andres
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUND:

Data on the outcome of adverse events (AEs) and the risk of developing acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) after ERCP in patients with cirrhosis are unknown. We examined the incidence and risk factors of post-ERCP AEs in patients with cirrhosis and the appearance of ACLF after ERCP.

METHODS:

In this multicenter, retrospective, matched-cohort study, we evaluated ERCPs performed from January 2002 to 2015. A group of patients with cirrhosis with non-ERCP interventions and one without interventions was also analyzed for the development of ACLF.

RESULTS:

A total of 441 ERCPs were analyzed; 158 in patients with cirrhosis (cases) and 283 in patients without cirrhosis (controls). The overall rate of AEs after all ERCPs was significantly higher in cases compared to controls (17% vs 9.5, p = 0.02). Cholangitis developed more in cases compared to controls (6.3% vs 1.8%; p = 0.01). In a subanalysis of those with sphincterotomy, the rate of bleeding was higher in those with cirrhosis (9.4% vs 3.4%; p = 0.03). Logistic regression identified cirrhosis (OR, 2.48; 95% CI, 1.36–4.53; p = 0.003) and sphincterotomy (OR, 2.66; 95% CI, 1.23–5.72; p = 0.01) as risk factors of AEs. A total of 18/158 (11.4%) cases developed ACLF after ERCP. ACLF occurred in 7/27 cases with post-ERCP AEs and in 11/131 without post-ERCP AEs (25.9% vs 8.3%; p = 0.01). A total of 3.2% (13/406) patients without interventions developed ACLF compared to 17.5% (102/580) who developed ACLF after non-ERCP interventions. Patients with decompensated cirrhosis at ERCP had a higher risk of developing ACLF (17% vs 6.8%; p = 0.04). Patients with a MELD score ≥ 15 were 3.1 times more likely (95% CI: 1.14–8.6; p = 0.027) to develop ACLF after ERCP.

CONCLUSIONS:

The rate of AEs after ERCP is higher in patients with cirrhosis compared to the non-cirrhotic population. The incidence of ACLF is higher in those with AEs after ERCP compared to those without AEs, especially cholangitis. The development of ACLF is common after ERCP and other invasive procedures. ACLF can be precipitated by numerous factors which include preceding events before the procedure, including manipulation of the bile duct, and AEs after an ERCP.
Effect of Antidepressants and Psychological Therapies in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ford Alexander C. , Lacy Brian E. , Harris Lucinda A. , Quigley Eamonn M.M. , Moayyedi Paul
Published: September 2018

OBJECTIVES:

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic functional bowel disorder that is thought to be due to a disorder of brain–gut function. Drugs acting centrally, such as antidepressants, and psychological therapies may, therefore, be effective.

METHODS:

We updated a previous systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychINFO, and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register were searched (up to July 2017). Trials recruiting adults with IBS, which compared antidepressants versus placebo, or psychological therapies versus control therapy or “usual management” were eligible. Dichotomous symptom data were pooled to obtain a relative risk (RR) of remaining symptomatic after therapy, with a 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS:

The search strategy identified 5316 citations. Fifty-three RCTs, reported in 51 separate articles, were eligible for inclusion: 17 compared antidepressants with placebo, 35 compared psychological therapies with control therapy or “usual management”, and one compared both psychological therapy and antidepressants with placebo. Four of the trials of psychological therapies, and one of the RCTs of antidepressants, were identified since our previous meta-analysis. The RR of IBS symptoms not improving with antidepressants versus placebo was 0.66 (95% CI 0.57–0.76), with similar treatment effects for both tricyclic antidepressants and SSRIs, although with heterogeneity between RCTs of the latter (I
2 = 49%, P = 0.07). The RR of symptoms not improving with psychological therapies was 0.69 (95% CI 0.62–0.76). Cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation therapy, multi-component psychological therapy, hypnotherapy, and dynamic psychotherapy were all beneficial when data from two or more RCTs were pooled. There was significant heterogeneity between studies (I
2 = 69%, P < 0.001) and significant funnel plot asymmetry. There were also issues regarding trial design, including lack of blinding.

CONCLUSIONS:

Antidepressants are efficacious in reducing symptoms in IBS patients. Psychological therapies also appear to be effective treatments for IBS, although there are limitations in the quality of the evidence, and treatment effects may be overestimated as a result.
Highly efficient genome editing by CRISPR-Cpf1 using CRISPR RNA with a uridinylate-rich 3′-overhang
Authors: Bin Moon Su , Lee Jeong Mi , Kang Jeong Gu , Lee Nan-Ee , Ha Dae-In , Kim Do Yon , Kim Sun Hee , Yoo Kwangsun , Kim Daesik , Ko Jeong-Heon , Kim Yong-Sam
Published: September 2018

Genome editing has been harnessed through the development of CRISPR system, and the CRISPR from Prevotella and Francisella 1 (Cpf1) system has emerged as a promising alternative to CRISPR-Cas9 for use in various circumstances. Despite the inherent multiple advantages of Cpf1 over Cas9, the adoption of Cpf1 has been unsatisfactory because of target-dependent insufficient indel efficiencies. Here, we report an engineered CRISPR RNA (crRNA) for highly efficient genome editing by Cpf1, which includes a 20-base target-complementary sequence and a uridinylate-rich 3′-overhang. When the crRNA is transcriptionally produced, crRNA with a 20-base target-complementary sequence plus a U4AU4 3′-overhang is the optimal configuration. U-rich crRNA also maximizes the utility of the AsCpf1 mutants and multiplexing genome editing using mRNA as the source of multiple crRNAs. Furthermore, U-rich crRNA enables a highly safe and specific genome editing using Cpf1 in human cells, contributing to the enhancement of a genome-editing toolbox.
Microstructure design using graphs
Authors: Du Pengfei , Zebrowski Adrian , Zola Jaroslaw , Ganapathysubramanian Baskar , Wodo Olga
Published: September 2018

Thin films with tailored microstructures are an emerging class of materials with applications such as battery electrodes, organic electronics, and biosensors. Such thin film devices typically exhibit a multi-phase microstructure that is confined, and show large anisotropy. Current approaches to microstructure design focus on optimizing bulk properties, by tuning features that are statistically averaged over a representative volume. Here, we report a tool for morphogenesis posed as a graph-based optimization problem that evolves microstructures recognizing confinement and anisotropy constraints. We illustrate the approach by designing optimized morphologies for photovoltaic applications, and evolve an initial morphology into an optimized morphology exhibiting substantially improved short circuit current (68% improvement over a conventional bulk-heterojunction morphology). We show optimized morphologies across a range of thicknesses exhibiting self-similar behavior. Results suggest that thicker films (250 nm) can be used to harvest more incident energy. Our graph based morphogenesis is broadly applicable to microstructure-sensitive design of batteries, biosensors and related applications.
Robust increase of leaf size by Arabidopsis thaliana GRF3-like transcription factors under different growth conditions
Authors: Beltramino Matías , Ercoli María Florencia , Debernardi Juan Manuel , Goldy Camila , Rojas Arantxa M. L. , Nota Florencia , Alvarez María Elena , Vercruyssen Liesbeth , Inzé Dirk , Palatnik Javier F. , Rodriguez Ramiro E.
Published: September 2018

An increase in crop yield is essential to reassure food security to meet the accelerating global demand. Several genetic modifications can increase organ size, which in turn might boost crop yield. Still, only in a few cases their performance has been evaluated under stress conditions. MicroRNA miR396 repress the expression of GROWTH-REGULATING FACTOR (GRF) genes that codes for transcription factors that promote organ growth. Here, we show that both Arabidopsis thaliana At-GRF2 and At-GRF3 genes resistant to miR396 activity (rGRF2 and rGRF3) increased organ size, but only rGRF3 can produce this effect without causing morphological defects. Furthermore, introduction of At-rGRF3 in Brassica oleracea can increase organ size, and when At-rGRF3 homologs from soybean and rice are introduced in Arabidopsis, leaf size is also increased. This suggests that regulation of GRF3 activity by miR396 is important for organ growth in a broad range of species. Plants harboring rGRF3 have larger leaves also under drought stress, a condition that stimulates miR396 accumulation. These plants also showed an increase in the resistance to virulent bacteria, suggesting that the size increment promoted by rGRF3 occurs without an obvious cost on plant defenses. Our findings indicate that rGRF3 can increase plant organ size under both normal and stress conditions and is a valuable tool for biotechnological applications.
Implementation of an efficient linear-optical quantum router
Authors: Bartkiewicz Karol , Černoch Antonín , Lemr Karel
Published: September 2018

For several decades, scientists have been aware of significant benefits allowing quantum information processing technologies to surpass their classical counterparts. Recent technological development allows these benefits to be tested experimentally and in some cases also implemented in practical devices. So far the majority of experimental quantum networks was limited to peer-to-peer communications between two parties. Practical implementation of quantum communications networks, however, needs to address the problem of scalability to serve large numbers of users. Similarly to classical computer networks, their quantum counterparts would require routing protocols to direct the signal from its source to destination. Devices implementing these routing protocols are called quantum routers and have recently been subject of an intense research. In this paper, we report on experimental implementation of a linear-optical quantum router. Our device allows single-photon polarization-encoded qubits to be routed coherently into two spatial output modes depending on the state of two identical control qubits. The polarization qubit state of the routed photon is maintained during the routing operation. The success probability of our scheme can be increased up to 25% making it the most efficient linear-optical quantum router developed to this date.
Planar coil-based contact-mode magnetic stimulation: synaptic responses in hippocampal slices and thermal considerations
Authors: Park Hee-Jin , Kang Heekyung , Jo Jihoon , Chung Euiheon , Kim Sohee
Published: September 2018

Implantable magnetic stimulation is an emerging type of neuromodulation using coils that are small enough to be implanted in the brain. A major advantage of this method is that stimulation performance could be sustained even though the coil is encapsulated by gliosis due to foreign body reactions. Magnetic fields can induce indirect electric fields and currents in neurons. Compared to transcranial magnetic stimulation, the coil size used in implantable magnetic stimulation can be greatly reduced. However, the size reduction is accompanied by an increase in coil resistance. Hence, the coil could potentially damage neurons from the excess heat generated. Therefore, it is necessary to study the stimulation performance and possible thermal damage by implantable magnetic stimulation. Here, we devised contact-mode magnetic stimulation (CMS), wherein magnetic stimulation was applied to hippocampal slices through a customized planar-type coil underneath the slice in the contact mode. With acute hippocampal slices, we investigated the synaptic responses to examine the field excitatory postsynaptic responses of CMS and the temperature rise during CMS. A long-lasting synaptic depression was exhibited in the CA1 stratum radiatum after CMS, while the temperature remained in a safe range so as not to seriously affect the neural responses.
A Transfer Learning Approach for Microstructure Reconstruction and Structure-property Predictions
Authors: Li Xiaolin , Zhang Yichi , Zhao He , Burkhart Craig , Brinson L. Catherine , Chen Wei
Published: September 2018

Stochastic microstructure reconstruction has become an indispensable part of computational materials science, but ongoing developments are specific to particular material systems. In this paper, we address this generality problem by presenting a transfer learning-based approach for microstructure reconstruction and structure-property predictions that is applicable to a wide range of material systems. The proposed approach incorporates an encoder-decoder process and feature-matching optimization using a deep convolutional network. For microstructure reconstruction, model pruning is implemented in order to study the correlation between the microstructural features and hierarchical layers within the deep convolutional network. Knowledge obtained in model pruning is then leveraged in the development of a structure-property predictive model to determine the network architecture and initialization conditions. The generality of the approach is demonstrated numerically for a wide range of material microstructures with geometrical characteristics of varying complexity. Unlike previous approaches that only apply to specific material systems or require a significant amount of prior knowledge in model selection and hyper-parameter tuning, the present approach provides an off-the-shelf solution to handle complex microstructures, and has the potential of expediting the discovery of new materials.
MMP8 and MMP9 gene polymorphisms were associated with breast cancer risk in a Chinese Han population
Authors: Wang Kai , Zhou Yi , Li Gang , Wen Xinli , Kou Yuan , Yu Jiao , He Haifeng , Zhao Qian , Xue Feng , Wang Jin , Zhao Xinhan
Published: September 2018

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a group of zinc-dependent endopeptidases that can breakdown almost all extracellular matrix components. MMP8 and MMP9 have been shown to be associated with breast cancer (BC) risk in European and American populations. However, few studies have focused on the polymorphisms of MMP8 and MMP9 in Chinese Han BC patients. We investigated nine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 571 BC cases and 578 controls to evaluating their association with risk of BC. The frequency of the “A” allele of rs3787268 was significantly lower in BC cases than in controls (P = 0.025). In the genetic model analysis, the minor allele “T” of rs11225394 in MMP8 was associated with increased risk of BC under the recessive model (P = 0.019), and the minor allele “A” of rs3787268 was associated with decreased risk of BC under the dominant model (P = 0.014). Additionally, the haplotype “AGTCA” constructed by rs3740938, rs2012390, rs1940475, rs11225394, and rs11225395 and the haplotype “CCG” constructed by rs3918249, rs3918254 and rs3787268 were associated with increased risk of BC (P < 0.05). Our data showed that polymorphisms of MMP8 and MMP9 may be associated with BC risk in the Chinese Han population.
Potent PDZ-Domain PICK1 Inhibitors that Modulate Amyloid Beta-Mediated Synaptic Dysfunction
Authors: Lin Edward Y. S. , Silvian Laura F. , Marcotte Douglas J. , Banos Charles C. , Jow Flora , Chan Timothy R. , Arduini Robert M. , Qian Fang , Baker Darren P. , Bergeron Chris , Hession Catherine A. , Huganir Richard L. , Borenstein Cassandra F. , Enyedy Istvan , Zou Jinming , Rohde Ellen , Wittmann Marion , Kumaravel Gnanasambandam , Rhodes Kenneth J. , Scannevin Robert H. , Dunah Anthone W. , Guckian Kevin M.
Published: September 2018

Protein interacting with C kinase (PICK1) is a scaffolding protein that is present in dendritic spines and interacts with a wide array of proteins through its PDZ domain. The best understood function of PICK1 is regulation of trafficking of AMPA receptors at neuronal synapses via its specific interaction with the AMPA GluA2 subunit. Disrupting the PICK1-GluA2 interaction has been shown to alter synaptic plasticity, a molecular mechanism of learning and memory. Lack of potent, selective inhibitors of the PICK1 PDZ domain has hindered efforts at exploring the PICK1-GluA2 interaction as a therapeutic target for neurological diseases. Here, we report the discovery of PICK1 small molecule inhibitors using a structure-based drug design strategy. The inhibitors stabilized surface GluA2, reduced Aβ-induced rise in intracellular calcium concentrations in cultured neurons, and blocked long term depression in brain slices. These findings demonstrate that it is possible to identify potent, selective PICK1-GluA2 inhibitors which may prove useful for treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.
Single-shot memory-effect video
Authors: Li Xiaohan , Stevens Andrew , Greenberg Joel A. , Gehm Michael E.
Published: September 2018

Imaging through opaque scattering media is critically important in applications ranging from biological and astronomical imaging to metrology and security. While the random process of scattering in turbid media produces scattered light that appears uninformative to the human eye, a wealth of information is contained in the signal and can be recovered using computational post-processing techniques. Recent studies have shown that statistical correlations present in the scattered light, known as ‘memory effects’, allow for diffraction-limited imaging through opaque media without detailed knowledge of (or access to) the source or scatterer. However, previous methods require that the object and/or scatterer be static during the measurement. We overcome this limitation by combining traditional memory effect imaging with coded-aperture-based computational imaging techniques, which enables us to realize for the first time single-shot video of arbitrary dynamic scenes through dynamic, opaque media. This has important implications for a wide range of real-world imaging scenarios.
Degradation of tetrabromobisphenol A in a paddy soil during sequential anoxic-oxic incubation: Kinetics, metabolites, and potential pathways
Authors: Wei Gaoling , Zhao Haiqing , Huang Deyin , Hou Meifang
Published: September 2018

Due to the increasing pollution of tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) in paddy soils, it is of great importance to explore the degradation of TBBPA under repeated anoxic-oxic conditions. In the present study, the degradation of TBBPA (kinetics, metabolites and potential pathways) and the influence of low molecular weight organic acid i.e., lactic acid were investigated in a paddy soil during sequential anoxic-oxic incubations. Under the anoxic condition, TBBPA in the non-sterile soils was efficiently debrominated into three intermediates (including tri-BBPA, di-BBPA and mono-BBPA) and bisphenol A (BPA) with a rate constant (k) of 0.0371 d−1 and a half-life (t1/2) of 60.8 d. The debromination end product (BPA) steadily accumulated. Next, turning to the oxic conditions, the anaerobically accumulated BPA degraded rapidly, while the intermediates and TBBPA were desorbed from the bound residues and were persistent. The detection of tri-BBPA followed by di-BBPA and mono-BBPA thereafter indicated that the dehalogenation of TBBPA was likely a stepwise removal of bromine atoms. A pathway of TBBPA → tri-BBPA → di-BBPA → mono-BBPA → BPA was thus proposed for TBBPA degradation. The degradation of TBBPA and its metabolites was biologically mediated. Moreover, the biodegradation of TBBPA could be significantly accelerated by the addition of lactic acid as an exogenous carbon source and electron donor, with k being increased to 0.0766 d−1 and t1/2 being shortened to 31.9 d. The information will improve our understanding of biotic process associated with agronomic practices (such as applying organic fertilizers) contributing to TBBPA attenuation in the natural soil environment.
Accelerated phosphorus recovery from aqueous solution onto decorated sewage sludge carbon
Authors: Kong Lingjun , Hu Xingliang , Xie Ziying , Ren Xinyong , Long Jianyou , Su Minhua , Diao Zenghui , Chen Diyun , Shih Kaimin , Hou Li’an
Published: September 2018

In search of efficient phosphorus resource recovery and pollution remediation should be highly concerned due to the view of phosphorus nonrenewable and eutrophication. This work presented a new insight into conversion of sewage sludge into favorable carbonaceous adsorbent for accelerated removing and recovering phosphorus from aqueous solution, what addressed the issues of phosphorus recovery and pollution remediation as well as sludge disposal. Ca and water hyacinth were evolved to decorate sludge derived carbon. Effect of mass ratio of sludge, water hyacinth and calcium carbonate on the morphologies and adsorption kinetics was investigated. The adsorbents (SW-Ca-112) resulted from sludge in the presence of water hyacinth and CaCO3 in a mass ratio of 1:1:2 had the highest adsorption capacity of 49.50 mg/g P and adsorption rate. Decoration of Ca favored adsorption ability and the presence of water hyacinth accelerated the adsorption rate due to the enhanced porosity. Formation of acicular Ca5(PO4)3OH nanoparticles contributed to the favorable adsorption process. Thus, the contribution of decorated Ca and water hyacinth to the adsorption ability and rate to phosphorus was understand, providing important information on resource utilization of sewage sludge as efficient adsorbent for immobilizing phosphorus from aqueous solution.
Unilateral Exoskeleton Imposes Significantly Different Hemispherical Effect in Parietooccipital Region, but Not in Other Regions
Authors: Li Junhua , Thakor Nitish , Bezerianos Anastasios
Published: September 2018

In modern society, increasing people suffering from locomotor disabilities need an assistive exoskeleton to help them improve or restore ambulation. When walking is assisted by an exoskeleton, brain activities are altered as the closed-loop between brain and lower limbs is affected by the exoskeleton. Intuitively, a unilateral exoskeleton imposes differential effect on brain hemispheres (i.e., hemispherical effect) according to contralateral control mechanism. However, it is unclear whether hemispherical effect appears in whole hemisphere or particular region. To this end, we explored hemispherical effect on different brain regions using EEG data collected from 30 healthy participants during overground walking. The results showed that hemispherical effect was significantly different between regions when a unilateral exoskeleton was employed for walking assistance and no significance was observed for walking without the exoskeleton. Post-hoc t-test analysis revealed that hemispherical effect in the parietooccipital region significantly differed from other regions. In the parietooccipital region, a greater hemispherical effect was observed in beta band for exoskeleton-assisted walking compared to walking without exoskeleton, which was also found in the source analysis. These findings deepen the understanding of hemispherical effect of unilateral exoskeleton on brain and could aid the development of more efficient and suitable exoskeleton for walking assistance.
Establishment of keratinocyte cell lines from human hair follicles
Authors: Wagner Tanja , Gschwandtner Maria , Strajeriu Agata , Elbe-Bürger Adelheid , Grillari Johannes , Grillari-Voglauer Regina , Greiner Georg , Golabi Bahar , Tschachler Erwin , Mildner Michael
Published: September 2018

The advent of organotypic skin models advanced the understanding of complex mechanisms of keratinocyte differentiation. However, these models are limited by both availability of primary keratinocytes and donor variability. Keratinocytes derived from cultured hair follicles and interfollicular epidermis were immortalized by ectopic expression of SV40 and hTERT. The generated keratinocyte cell lines differentiated into stratified epidermis with well-defined stratum granulosum and stratum corneum in organotypic human skin models. They behaved comparable to primary keratinocytes regarding the expression of differentiation-associated proteins, cell junction components and proteins associated with cornification and formed a barrier against biotin diffusion. Mechanistically, we found that SV40 large T-antigen expression, accompanied by a strong p53 accumulation, was only detectable in the basal layer of the in vitro reconstructed epidermis. Inhibition of DNA-methylation resulted in expression of SV40 large T-antigen also in the suprabasal epidermal layers and led to incomplete differentiation of keratinocyte cell lines. Our study demonstrates the generation of keratinocyte cell lines which are able to fully differentiate in an organotypic skin model. Since hair follicles, as source for keratinocytes, can be obtained by minimally invasive procedures, our approach enables the generation of cell lines also from individuals not available for skin biopsies.
Multiridge Method for Studying Ground-Deformation Sources: Application to Volcanic Environments
Authors: Castaldo R. , Barone A. , Fedi M. , Tizzani P.
Published: September 2018

Volcanic phenomena are currently monitored by the detection of physical and chemical observations. Generally, the ground deformation field is the most relevant shallow expression of the geometric and physical parameters variations in the magmatic reservoir. In this study, we propose a novel method for the direct estimation of the geometric parameters of sources responsible for volcanic ground deformation detected via the DInSAR technique. Starting with the biharmonic properties of the deformation field, we define an approach based on the Multiridge and ScalFun methods to achieve relevant information about both the positions and shapes of active sources, such as the Mogi source. Our methodology is definitely different from the methods currently used for modeling ground-deformation sources, mainly based on forward or inverse techniques. In fact, (i) it does not require any assumptions about the source type, and (ii) it is not influenced by the distribution of medium elastic parameters or (iii) the presence of high-frequency noise in the dataset. For synthetic cases, we accurately estimate the depth to the source within a 3% error. Finally, we study the real case of the Okmok volcano ground-deformation field and achieve results compatible with those in previous works.
Estimating and correcting interference fringes in infrared spectra in infrared hyperspectral imaging
Authors: Azarfar Ghazal , Aboualizadeh Ebrahim , Walter Nicholas M. , Ratti Simona , Olivieri Camilla , Norici Alessandra , Nasse Michael , Kohler Achim , Giordano Mario , Hirschmugl Carol J.
Published: September 2018

An algorithm based on EMSC (Extended Multiplicative Signal Correction) method is presented for removing fringes from live cell IR chemical imaging data in aqueous environment.
Heterogeneous catalytic water oxidation controlled by coordination geometries of copper(ii) centers with thiolato donors
Authors: Kuwamura Naoto , Kurioka Yoshinari , Yoshinari Nobuto , Konno Takumi
Published: September 2018

Heterometallic coordination compounds containing a thiolato dicopper(ii) core increase heterogeneous electrocatalytic activities for water oxidation in proportion to the numbers of vacant dicopper(ii) coordination sites.
Chemical, structural and photovoltaic properties of graded CdSxSe1−x thin films grown by chemical bath deposition on GaAs(100)
Authors: Friedman Ofir , Moschovitz Omri , Golan Yuval
Published: September 2018

Chemically graded Cd(S,Se) thin film and photovoltaic cell illustration.
Stoichiometric network analysis of entropy production in chemical reactions
Authors: Hochberg David , Ribó Josep M.
Published: September 2018

SNA extreme currents allow for the evaluation and understanding of entropy production of NESS in open system reaction networks.
A family of mixed-lanthanide metal–organic framework thermometers in a wide temperature range
Authors: Yang Yang , Huang Haipeng , Wang Yingzhe , Qiu Fangzhou , Feng Yan , Song Xuerui , Tang Xiaoliang , Zhang Guolin , Liu Weisheng
Published: September 2018

By choosing 2-pyridin-4-yl-4,5-imidazoledicarboxylic acid (H3PIDC) as the first ligand and sodium oxalate (OX) as the ancillary ligand, a series of mixed-lanthanide metal–organic frameworks (M′LnMOFs) [Tb1−xEux(HPIDC)(ox)1/2H2O]·3H2O (x = 0 1, 0.01 2a, 0.03 2b, 0.05 2c, 0.08 2d, 0.1 2e, 0.3 2f, 0.5 2g, 1 3) have been successfully synthesized via hydrothermal reactions.
Effect of macromolecular crowding on the kinetics of glycolytic enzymes and the behaviour of glycolysis in yeast
Authors: Thoke Henrik S. , Bagatolli Luis A. , Olsen Lars F.
Published: September 2018

The kinetics of enzymes in crowded environments are described better by the Association Induction hypothesis compared to traditional steady-state kinetics.
Antimicrobial action of calprotectin that does not involve metal withholding
Authors: Besold Angelique N. , Culbertson Edward M. , Nam Lily , Hobbs Ryan P. , Boyko Alisa , Maxwell C. Noel , Chazin Walter J. , Marques Adriana R. , Culotta Valeria C.
Published: September 2018

The metal (red) bound form of calprotectin (green) bindsBorrelia burgdorferiand inhibits pathogen growth without metal withholding.
The type 4 metallothionein from Brassica napus seeds folds in a metal-dependent fashion and favours zinc over other metals
Authors: Mierek-Adamska Agnieszka , Dąbrowska Grażyna B , Blindauer Claudia A
Published: September 2018

The problem of handling zinc in the cell is of great importance because zinc is an indispensable micronutrient involved in most physiological processes in all living organisms. Moreover, our understanding of mechanisms governing the discrimination between micronutrients and toxic metals on the level of individual proteins to the whole-organism level is incomplete. Metallothioneins are able to bind heavy metal ions, and roles in zinc homeostasis have been proposed. Here, we have studied the in vitro and in vivo metal-binding abilities of Brassica napus type 4 metallothionein (BnMT4) and its expression in germinating seeds in response to metal treatment. Our studies on the regulation of MT4 expression by metals at early stages of ontogenic development have revealed for the first time that the mRNA levels of BnMT4 were elevated in response to cadmium and zinc. Given this unexpected metalloregulation, and the dramatic differences in protein folding as detected by 1H NMR spectroscopy, we suggest that the BnMT4 protein may not only have a role in zinc homeostasis in early ontogenesis, but also the potential to discriminate between zinc and cadmium, perhaps via differential recognition of Cd- and Zn-complexes by cellular components involved in protein turnover.
The inhibitory role of intracellular free zinc in the regulation of Arg-1 expression in interleukin-4-induced activation of M2 microglia
Authors: Aratake Takaaki , Higashi Youichirou , Ueba Yusuke , Hamada Tomoya , Shimizu Takahiro , Shimizu Shogo , Yawata Toshio , Ueba Tetsuya , Saito Motoaki
Published: September 2018

Microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system, can display a pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype or an anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype. Arginase (Arg)-1 expressed in interleukin-4 (IL-4)-induced M2 microglia reduces nitric oxide (NO) production by competing with inducible NO synthase for l-arginine, which contributes to the attenuation of brain inflammation. Although previous studies have indicated that brain zinc promotes M1 activation, the effect of zinc on M2 microglial activation remains to be determined. In the present study, murine primary microglia treated with 10 ng mL−1 IL-4 exhibited increased Arg-1 mRNA expression and levels of intracellular free zinc. Chelation of this increased intracellular free zinc by the cell permeable zinc chelator N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis-(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine (TPEN) aggravated the IL-4-induced mRNA expression and enzymatic activity of Arg-1. However, the cell impermeable zinc chelator CaEDTA had no effect on Arg-1 expression or cytosolic levels of free zinc in IL-4-induced M2-polarized microglia. Furthermore, treatment with IL-4 resulted in upregulation of phagocytic activity in microglia, while administration of TPEN abolished IL-4-induced phagocytic activity. Moreover, this effect was reversed vial-arginine supplementation. These findings suggest that IL-4 induces an increase in intracellular free zinc in microglia, which may act as a negative regulator of IL-4-induced Arg-1 expression, and that such negative regulation is essential for microglial phagocytic activity.
Enhancement of H2O2 production and AYR degradation using a synergetic effect of photo-electrocatalysis for carbon nanotube/g-C3N4 electrodes
Authors: Yu Fangke , Wang Yi , Ma Hongrui , Chen Yang
Published: September 2018

In this work, a new gas diffusion electrode (GDE) of carbon nanotube/graphitic carbon nitride (CNT/g-C3N4) was prepared, which enables the substantially improved production of H2O2 (up to 1083.54 mg L−1) compared to generation without g-C3N4 (400 mg L−1).
Modulating the magnetization dynamics of four phenoxo-O bridged Dy2 complexes based on a Schiff base derived from 8-hydroxyquinoline
Authors: Wu Dong-Fang , Shen Hai-Yun , Chu Xiao-Ya , Chang Wen-Ju , Zhao Li-Hua , Duan Yao-Yao , Chen Huan-Huan , Cui Jian-Zhong , Gao Hong-Ling
Published: September 2018

The quantum tunneling process in Dy-SMMs is suppressed by the application of a dc field.
Facile construction of leaf-like WO3 nanoflakes decorated on g-C3N4 towards efficient oxidation of alcohols under mild conditions
Authors: Xu Cai , Wang Xiaozhong , Xu Gang , Chen Yingqi , Dai Liyan
Published: September 2018

Selective oxidation of aryl and alkyl alcohols with H2O2 in aqueous media catalyzed by a well-defined WO3/g-C3N4 composite.
Design and synthesis of novel oleanolic acid based chromenes as anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory agents
Authors: Raghuvanshi Dushyant Singh , Verma Narsingh , Singh Shilpi , Luqman Suaib , Chand Gupta Amit , Bawankule Dnyaneshwar U. , Tandon Sudeep , Nagar Abhishek , Kumar Yogesh , Khan Feroz
Published: September 2018

A novel approach has been developed for the synthesis of oleanolic acid based anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory chromenes.
Rh(iii)-Catalyzed regioselective C–H [4 + 2] C-annulation of vinyl enaminones with alkynes to form polysubstituted salicylaldehydes
Authors: Zhao Yinsong , Zheng Qinze , Yu Chuangui , Liu Zheng , Wang Deping , You Jingsong , Gao Ge
Published: September 2018

Sterically congested polysubstituted salicylaldehydes are accessed through a Rh(iii)-catalyzed regioselective vinylic C–H [4 + 2] C-annulation reaction of vinyl enaminones with alkynes.
New 3D graphical representation for RNA structure analysis and its application in the pre-miRNA identification of plants
Authors: Fu Xiangzheng , Liao Bo , Zhu Wen , Cai Lijun
Published: September 2018

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a family of short non-coding RNAs that play significant roles as post-transcriptional regulators.
Biosorption and bioaccumulation characteristics of cadmium by plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria
Authors: Li Xingjie , Li Dongbo , Yan Zhenning , Ao Yansong
Published: September 2018

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) not only promote growth and heavy metal uptake by plants but are promising biosorbents for heavy metals remediation.
Effect of interfilament hydrodynamic interaction on swimming performance of two-filament microswimmers
Authors: Singh T. Sonamani , Singh Priyanka , Yadava R. D. S.
Published: September 2018

The motion of two-filament artificial swimmers is modeled by assuming interfilament coupling via hydrodynamic viscous drag.
Morphology modulation in evaporative drying mediated crystallization of sodium chloride solution droplet with surfactant
Authors: Basu Nandita , Mukherjee Rabibrata
Published: September 2018

We report the evaporative drying of aqueous droplet containing dilute NaCl solution on a hydrophobic substrate made of cross-linked poly-dimethyl siloxane (PDMS). We demonstrate that the deposition morphology drastically alters when an anionic surfactant, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), is added into the salt-solutions.
Computational screening of hydrophobic metal–organic frameworks for the separation of H2S and CO2 from natural gas
Authors: Qiao Zhiwei , Xu Qisong , Jiang Jianwen
Published: September 2018

A computational study is reported to screen metal–organic frameworks for H2S and CO2 separation from natural gas under humid conditions.
Nanocatalysts for hydrogen production from borohydride hydrolysis: graphene-derived thin films with Ag- and Ni-based nanoparticles
Authors: Hostert Leandro , Neiva Eduardo G. C. , Zarbin Aldo J. G. , Orth Elisa S.
Published: September 2018

High values of maximum rates of hydrogen production are obtained using four thin film nanocomposites that showed recycling features.
A 3D conductive scaffold with lithiophilic modification for stable lithium metal batteries
Authors: Song Rensheng , Wang Bo , Xie Ying , Ruan Tingting , Wang Fei , Yuan Ye , Wang Dianlong , Dou Shixue
Published: September 2018

A 3D lithiophilic N-doped graphene/nickel foam (NGNF) scaffold to host Li has been successfully prepared by a simple hydrothermal method. This scaffold can improve the poor lithiophilicity of nickel foam (NF) due to the presence of N-doped graphene (NG) with lithiophilic functional groups while maintaining its 3D porous electrode structure, leading to uniform Li plating/stripping.
In situ formation of NaTi2(PO4)3 cubes on Ti3C2 MXene for dual-mode sodium storage
Authors: Yang Qi , Jiao Tianpeng , Li Mian , Li Youbing , Ma Longtao , Mo Funian , Liang Guojin , Wang Donghong , Wang Zifeng , Ruan Zhaoheng , Zhang Wenjun , Huang Qing , Zhi Chunyi
Published: September 2018

Due to the promising application of sodium ion batteries (SIBs) in stationary energy storage, great effort has been devoted to the development of anode materials, such as capacitance-type MXenes, battery-type metal sulfides/selenides and red phosphorus.
A facile, one-step electroless deposition of NiFeOOH nanosheets onto photoanodes for highly durable and efficient solar water oxidation
Authors: Suryawanshi Mahesh P. , Shin Seung Wook , Ghorpade Uma V. , Kim Jihun , Jeong Hye Won , Kang Soon Hyung , Kim Jin Hyeok
Published: September 2018

A TiO2/NiFeOOH core/shell nanostructured photoanode is fabricated using a facile, one-step electroless deposition method for efficient and durable solar water oxidation.
Ghrelin, a gastrointestinal hormone, regulates energy balance and lipid metabolism
Authors: Lv You , Liang Tingting , Wang Guixia , Li Zhuo
Published: September 2018

Ghrelin, an acylated peptide hormone of 28 amino acids, is an endogenous ligand of the released growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR). Ghrelin has been isolated from human and rat stomach and is also detected in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus. Ghrelin receptor is primarily located in the neuropeptide Y and agouti-related protein neurons. Many previous studies have shown that ghrelin and GHSR are involved in the regulation of energy homeostasis, and its administration can increase food intake and body weight gain. AMP-activated protein kinase is activated by ghrelin in the hypothalamus, which contributes to lower intracellular long-chain fatty acid level. Ghrelin appears to modulate the response to food cues via a neural network involved in the regulation of feeding and in the appetitive response to food cues. It also increases the response of brain areas involved in visual processing, attention, and memory to food pictures. Ghrelin is also an important factor linking the central nervous system with peripheral tissues that regulate lipid metabolism. It promotes adiposity by the activation of hypothalamic orexigenic neurons and stimulates the expression of fat storage-related proteins in adipocytes. Meanwhile, ghrelin exerts direct peripheral effects on lipid metabolism, including increase in white adipose tissue mass, stimulation of lipogenesis in the liver, and taste sensitivity modulation.
How Do Age and Hearing Loss Impact Spectral Envelope Perception?
Authors: Ozmeral Erol J. , Eddins Ann C. , Eddins David A.
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The goal was to evaluate the potential effects of increasing hearing loss and advancing age on spectral envelope perception.

Method

Spectral modulation detection was measured as a function of spectral modulation frequency from 0.5 to 8.0 cycles/octave. The spectral modulation task involved discrimination of a noise carrier (3 octaves wide from 400 to 3200 Hz) with a flat spectral envelope from a noise having a sinusoidal spectral envelope across a logarithmic audio frequency scale. Spectral modulation transfer functions (SMTFs; modulation threshold vs. modulation frequency) were computed and compared 4 listener groups: young normal hearing, older normal hearing, older with mild hearing loss, and older with moderate hearing loss. Estimates of the internal spectral contrast were obtained by computing excitation patterns.

Results

SMTFs for young listeners with normal hearing were bandpass with a minimum modulation detection threshold at 2 cycles/octave, and older listeners with normal hearing were remarkably similar to those of the young listeners. SMTFs for older listeners with mild and moderate hearing loss had a low-pass rather than a bandpass shape. Excitation patterns revealed that limited spectral resolution dictated modulation detection thresholds at high but not low spectral modulation frequencies. Even when factoring out (presumed) differences in frequency resolution among groups, the spectral envelope perception was worse for the group with moderate hearing loss than the other 3 groups.

Conclusions

The spectral envelope perception as measured by spectral modulation detection thresholds is compromised by hearing loss at higher spectral modulation frequencies, consistent with predictions of reduced spectral resolution known to accompany sensorineural hearing loss. Spectral envelope perception is not negatively impacted by advancing age at any spectral modulation frequency between 0.5 and 8.0 cycles/octave.
Synthetic direct demodulation method and its applications in Insight-HXMT data analysis
Authors: Huo Zhuoxi , Zhang Yang
Published: September 2018

Aims. A modulation equation relates the observed data to the object where the observation is approximated by a linear system. Reconstructing the object from the observed data is therefore equivalent to solving the modulation equation. In this work we present the synthetic direct demodulation (synDD) method to reduce the dimensionality of a general modulation equation and solve the equation in its sparse representation.

Methods. A principal component analysis is used to reduce the dimensionality of the kernel matrix and k-means clustering is applied to its sparse representation in order to decompose the kernel matrix into a weighted sum of a series of circulant matrices. The matrix-vector and matrix-matrix multiplication complexities are therefore reduced from polynomial time to linear-logarithmic time. A general statistical solution of the modulation equation in sparse representation is derived. Several data-analysis pipelines are designed for the Hard X-ray modulation Telescope (Insight-HXMT) based on the synDD method.

Results. In this approach, a large set of data originating from the same object but sampled irregularly and/or observed with different instruments in multiple epochs can be reduced simultaneously in a synthetic observation model. We suggest using the proposed synDD method in Insight-HXMT data analysis especially for the detection of X-ray transients and monitoring time-varying objects with scanning observations.
Influence of Inhomogeneity of the Foundation on the Stress-strain State of the Design Located on it
Authors: Leontyev Andrey , Balandina Ksenia
Published: September 2018

The problem of the stress-strain state of the beam located on an inhomogeneous Winkler foundation is considered. It is accepted that the value of the coefficient of elasticity of the foundation has a symmetrical character relative to the middle of the beam and within the beam is represented by a quadratic law. The single-span beams with hinged supports along the edges are considered. For the calculation of beams on various types of symmetrically applied loads was used the program complex "Lira" and also Ritz-Timoshenko variational method. In the second case, the calculation was performed in Excel. Examples of calculation of short and long beams are considered. The effect of the degree of heterogeneity of the base on the deflections and bending moments of the beam under the action of concentrated and distributed loads is shown.
Method for finding majorant function estimates required to determine Picard’s successive approximations convergence domain
Authors: Petelina Vera
Published: September 2018

This paper deals with convergence of Picard’s successive approximations, which give a solution for perturbed body motion differential equations system through constructing a majorizing linear differential equation. The task is to determine the domain of used variables where these successive approximations converge and to estimate how large the error will be if we take a finite number of approximations. A method for finding majorant function estimates required to determine Picard’s successive approximations convergence domain is constructed.
Sudden change of constraints in selected suspended structures
Authors: Szcześniak Wacław , Ataman Magdalena
Published: September 2018

In the paper the problem of analytic mechanics, concerning sudden change of constrains is analysed. Four rigid bodies suspended by two oblique ropes in the gravitational field are considered: the beam, the rectangular shield, the triangular shield and the circular shield. At a certain instant one rope is cut. Property of an instantaneous centre of acceleration is used to solve the problem.