bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Affluence boosted intelligence? How the interaction between cognition and environment may have produced an eighteenth-century Flynn effect during the Industrial Revolution
Authors: van der Linden Max , Borsboom Denny
Published: November 2019

Cognition played a pivotal role in the acceleration of technological innovation during the Industrial Revolution. Growing affluence may have provided favourable environmental conditions for a boost in cognition, enabling individuals to tackle more complex (industrial) problems. Dynamical systems thinking may provide useful tools to describe sudden transitions like the Industrial Revolution, by modelling the recursive feedback between psychology and environment.
Timing is everything: Evaluating behavioural causal theories of Britain's industrialisation
Authors: Stephenson Judy Z.
Published: November 2019

Baumard's thesis that the English Industrial Revolution can be explained by Life History Theory's predictions for psychological development is a progression of much literature in economic and social history. However, the theory suffers from its reliance on increasingly fragile data indicators for “wealth” and its focus on “innovation” as new research begins to explore sectoral dynamics in long run growth.
Psychological origins of the Industrial Revolution: More work is needed!
Authors: Baumard Nicolas
Published: November 2019

I am grateful to have received so many stimulating commentaries from interested colleagues regarding the psychological origins of the Industrial Revolution and the role of evolutionary theory in understanding historical phenomena. Commentators criticized, extended, and explored the implications of the perspective I presented, and I wholeheartedly agree with many commentaries that more work is needed. In this response, I thus focus on what is needed to further test the psychological origins of the Industrial Revolution. Specifically, I argue, in agreement with many commentators, that we need: (1) better data about standards of living, psychological preferences, and innovation rates (sect. R1); (2) better models to understand the role of resources (and not just mortality) in driving cultural evolution and the multiple aspects of the behavioral constellation of affluence (sect. R2); and (3) better predictions and better statistical instruments to disentangle the possible mechanisms behind the rise of innovativeness (genetic selection, rational choice, and phenotypic plasticity) (sect. R3).
NUMERACY OF RELIGIOUS MINORITIES IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL DURING THE INQUISITION ERA
Authors: Juif Dácil , Baten Joerg , Pérez-Artés Mari Carmen
Published: November 2019

We assess the numeracy (age heaping) of religious minorities, particularly Jews, and other defendants of the Spanish and Portuguese Inquisitions, and compare it with the general Iberian population. Our database includes 13,000 individuals who took part in Inquisition trials, and 17,000 individuals recorded in censuses and parish registers who serve as a control group. We thoroughly discuss the representativeness of our samples for the populations we aim to capture. Our results point at a substantial numeracy advantage of the Judaism-accused over the Catholic majority. Furthermore, Catholic priests and other groups of the religious elite who were occasional targets of the Inquisition had a similarly high level of numeracy.
Outcome of congenital tracheal stenosis in children over two decades in a national cardiothoracic surgical unit
Authors: McMahon Colin J. , Ayoubi Karim , Mehanna Rania , Phelan Eithne , O’Cearbhaill Eoin , Russell John , Nölke Lars
Published: November 2019

Objective:

To assess the outcomes of congenital tracheal stenosis among children.

Materials and methods:

A retrospective review of all children who underwent surgical repair of congenital tracheal stenosis reviewing charts, operative notes, echocardiograms, CT and MRI data from January 2002 to February 2019.

Results:

Twenty-six children underwent surgical treatment for tracheal stenosis. The median age was 3 months (range 0.3–35 months) and the median weight was 4.7 kg (range 2.5–13 kg) at the time of surgical intervention. Stridor was the most common presenting symptom in 17 patients (65% of patients). Twenty-one patients (81%) had concurrent cardiac anomalies, with pulmonary arterial sling being the most common, present in nine patients (34%). Extracorporeal life support was utilised in seven patients (27%) pre-operatively. Laryngeal release was required in 16 patients. In 7 patients an end-to-end anastomosis was performed, in 18 patients slide tracheoplasty, and 1 patient had a double slide tracheoplasty. The median cardiopulmonary bypass time was 106 minutes (range 25–255 minutes). The median cross-clamp time was 30 minutes (range 5–67 minutes). The median post-operative duration of ventilation was 5 days (range 0.5–16 days). The median ICU length of stay was 12.5 days (range 2–60 days). There were three hospital mortalities with 88% survival. One patient only required reintervention with balloon dilation. Twenty-two patients (85%) remained symptom-free on median follow-up at 7.6 years (range 0.2–17 years). Two patients since 2017 had 3D printed tracheas produced from CT imaging to assist surgical planning.

Conclusion:

Congenital tracheal stenosis can be managed effectively with excellent outcomes and 3D printed models assist in planning the optimal surgical intervention.
Three-year trends in dietary behaviours among mothers, teenagers and children from SNAP-Ed (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program–Education) eligible households across California
Authors: Molitor Fred , Doerr Celeste , Pugliese John , Whetstone Lauren
Published: November 2019

Objective:

To examine trends from 2015 to 2017 in dietary behaviours and diet quality among low-income mothers, teenagers and children.

Design:

Cross-sectional telephone surveys using a validated 24 h dietary assessment.

Setting:

Randomly sampled households with incomes ≤185 % of the US federal poverty level across California.

Participants:

Survey participants were 13 247 mothers (≥18 years), 3293 teenagers (12–17 years) and 6043 children (5–11 years). Respondents were mostly Latino.

Results:

Over the 3-year study period, consumption of fruits and vegetables with and without 100 % fruit juice increased (P ≤ 0·05) by at least 0·3 cups/d for mothers, teenagers and children. Intake of water also increased (P ≤ 0·001) by more than 1 cup/d for mothers and children and 2 cups/d for teenagers. Sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption was unchanged over the 3 years. Overall diet quality, as assessed by the Healthy Eating Index-2015, improved (P ≤ 0·01) for mothers, teenagers and children. Covariates for the fifteen regression models (three age groups by five outcome variables) included race/ethnicity, age, education for mothers, and gender for teenagers and children.

Conclusions:

The observed increases in fruit and vegetable intake and improvements in overall diet quality during the 3-year period suggest that low-income Californians may have lowered their risk of preventable diseases. However, more intense or strategic SSB-reduction interventions are required. Regional- or state-level, population-based surveillance of dietary behaviours is useful for public health nutrition policy and programme decision making, and can be used to assess potential trends in future negative health outcomes and related costs associated with poor dietary behaviours within at-risk populations.
Factors influencing non-adherence to radiotherapy: a retrospective audit of 1,548 patients from a tertiary cancer centre
Authors: Palwe Vijay , Patil Roshankumar , Pandit Prakash , Nagarkar Rajnish
Published: November 2019

Purpose:

To determine the frequency, factors and reasons of patient non-adherence to radiotherapy (RT) in a tertiary cancer centre.

Background:

Inadvertent treatment interruptions often lead to prolongation of planned treatment time. In the case of RT with a curative intent, prolongation of planned treatment has been associated with inferior clinical outcomes. Delay or prolongation of treatment is associated with a relative risk of local recurrence by up to 2% per day for specific malignancies. Thus, it is critical to understand key factors that influence non-adherence to RT.

Methods and Materials:

A retrospective observation audit was conducted comprising patients treated with radical, adjuvant or palliative RT at our centre from January 2018 to December 2018. Non-adherence was defined as premature permanent termination of planned treatment by the patient without recommendation or consultation from the treating clinician. All data were collected and analysed (retrospectively) with the help of Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.

Results:

A total of 1,548 patients were included in the study of which 105 (6·7%) were non-adherent to planned RT. Of the total 105 patients, 44 (42%) were elderly (60 years and above). Treatment non-adherence was predominant in males (male:female = 1·85:1). More than 90% of non-adherent patients had stage III and IV cancer. A total of 77 patients (74%) out of 105 were more than 50 km away from our centre. A total of 66 (63%) out of 105 patients had completed more than 2 weeks of radiation (40% of planned RT) and then defaulted for radiation due to acute toxicities.

Conclusion:

Treatment adherence is a major factor in determining successful outcomes among cancer patients treated with RT. This study reveals several factors that contribute to non-adherence to treatment.
Paraquat: toxicology and impacts of its ban on human health and agriculture
Authors: Kim Jin-Won , Kim Do-Soon
Published: November 2019

Paraquat was the most successful nonselective herbicide in Korea due to its rapid herbicidal activity. However, its high mammalian toxicity, frequent self-poisoning incidents, and a lack of effective antidotes led to a paraquat ban in Korea in 2012. Therefore, this review was conducted to revisit the toxicological profile of paraquat and to investigate the impacts of the paraquat ban on human health and agriculture in Korea. A review of toxicological information reconfirmed that paraquat is highly acutely toxic to humans, and ingestion, inhalation, or dermal administration of the herbicide can cause severe clinical signs and inevitably lead to death by respiratory failure. In Korea, the paraquat ban immediately decreased the suicide rate due to pesticides (mainly paraquat) by 46.1%, resulting in a 10% decrease of the total suicide rate. However, this also led to an increase in suicide attempts with other poisons such as carbon monoxide, suggesting that suicide attempts and rates of suicide by poisoning depend on not only the toxicity of the poison but also the accessibility of the poisoning agents. In agriculture, paraquat was quickly replaced by other nonselective herbicides such as glufosinate and glyphosate. Thus, the paraquat ban did not have a significant impact on agricultural practices but influenced the nonselective herbicide market; the use of glufosinate was higher than use of glyphosate due to glufosinate’s rapid herbicidal activity, which is similar to that of paraquat. Though the paraquat ban can be considered as a national strategy to lower suicide rates, the increase in suicide attempts with other poisons suggests that multilateral efforts are required for not only keeping suicidal agents away from people but also minimizing motives for suicide.
Transitionen
Authors: Wingenfeld Klaus
Published: November 2019

Zusammenfassung. Übergangsphasen, in denen für die Bewältigung gesundheitlicher Probleme und ihrer Folgen neue Herausforderungen entstehen, sind besonders kritische Episoden im Krankheitsverlauf. Das Verständnis solcher Übergänge sowie der Probleme und Bewältigungsstrategien, die mit ihnen einhergehen, können eine wichtige Grundlage professioneller Pflege sein. Transitionskonzepte bieten einen Zugang zu diesem Verständnis.
Impact Melt Facies in the Moon's Crisium Basin: Identifying, Characterizing, and Future Radiogenic Dating
Authors: Runyon K. D. , Moriarty D. P. , Denevi B. W. , Greenhagen B. T. , Morgan G. , Young K. E. , Cohen B. A. , van der Bogert C. H. , Hiesinger H. , Jozwiak L. M.
Published: November 2019

Both Earth and the Moon share a common history regarding the epoch of large basin formation, though only the lunar geologic record preserves any appreciable record of this Late Heavy Bombardment. The emergence of Earth's first life is approximately contemporaneous with the Late Heavy Bombardment; understanding the latter informs the environmental conditions of the former, which are likely necessary to constrain the mechanisms of abiogenesis. While the relative formation time of most of the Moon's large basins is known, the absolute timing is not. The timing of Crisium Basin's formation is one of many important events that must be constrained and would require identifying and dating impact melt formed in the Crisium event. To inform a future lunar sample dating mission, we thus characterized possible outcrops of impact melt. We determined that several mare lava‐embayed kipukas could contain impact melt, though the rim and central peaks of the partially lava‐flooded Yerkes Crater likely contain the most pure and intact Crisium impact melt. It is here where future robotic and/or human missions could confidently add a key missing piece to the puzzle of the combined issues of early Earth‐Moon bombardment and the emergence of life.
Deep spectral learning for label-free optical imaging oximetry with uncertainty quantification
Authors: Liu Rongrong , Cheng Shiyi , Tian Lei , Yi Ji
Published: November 2019

Measurement of blood oxygen saturation (sO2) by optical imaging oximetry provides invaluable insight into local tissue functions and metabolism. Despite different embodiments and modalities, all label-free optical-imaging oximetry techniques utilize the same principle of sO2-dependent spectral contrast from haemoglobin. Traditional approaches for quantifying sO2 often rely on analytical models that are fitted by the spectral measurements. These approaches in practice suffer from uncertainties due to biological variability, tissue geometry, light scattering, systemic spectral bias, and variations in the experimental conditions. Here, we propose a new data-driven approach, termed deep spectral learning (DSL), to achieve oximetry that is highly robust to experimental variations and, more importantly, able to provide uncertainty quantification for each sO2 prediction. To demonstrate the robustness and generalizability of DSL, we analyse data from two visible light optical coherence tomography (vis-OCT) setups across two separate in vivo experiments on rat retinas. Predictions made by DSL are highly adaptive to experimental variabilities as well as the depth-dependent backscattering spectra. Two neural-network-based models are tested and compared with the traditional least-squares fitting (LSF) method. The DSL-predicted sO2 shows significantly lower mean-square errors than those of the LSF. For the first time, we have demonstrated en face maps of retinal oximetry along with a pixel-wise confidence assessment. Our DSL overcomes several limitations of traditional approaches and provides a more flexible, robust, and reliable deep learning approach for in vivo non-invasive label-free optical oximetry.
Correction: Defining the microbial transcriptional response to colitis through integrated host and microbiome profiling
Authors: Ilott Nicholas Edward , Bollrath Julia , Danne Camille , Schiering Chris , Shale Matthew , Adelmann Krista , Krausgruber Thomas , Heger Andreas , Sims David , Powrie Fiona
Published: November 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Mapping optogenetically-driven single-vessel fMRI with concurrent neuronal calcium recordings in the rat hippocampus
Authors: Chen Xuming , Sobczak Filip , Chen Yi , Jiang Yuanyuan , Qian Chunqi , Lu Zuneng , Ayata Cenk , Logothetis Nikos K. , Yu Xin
Published: November 2019

Extensive in vivo imaging studies investigate the hippocampal neural network function, mainly focusing on the dorsal CA1 region given its optical accessibility. Multi-modality fMRI with simultaneous hippocampal electrophysiological recording reveal broad cortical correlation patterns, but the detailed spatial hippocampal functional map remains lacking given the limited fMRI resolution. In particular, hemodynamic responses linked to specific neural activity are unclear at the single-vessel level across hippocampal vasculature, which hinders the deciphering of the hippocampal malfunction in animal models and the translation to critical neurovascular coupling (NVC) patterns for human fMRI. We simultaneously acquired optogenetically-driven neuronal Ca2+ signals with single-vessel blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) and cerebral-blood-volume (CBV)-fMRI from individual venules and arterioles. Distinct spatiotemporal patterns of hippocampal hemodynamic responses were correlated to optogenetically evoked and spreading depression-like calcium events. The calcium event-related single-vessel hemodynamic modeling revealed significantly reduced NVC efficiency upon spreading depression-like (SDL) events, providing a direct measure of the NVC function at various hippocampal states.
Fast coalescence of metallic glass nanoparticles
Authors: Tian Yuan , Jiao Wei , Liu Pan , Song Shuangxi , Lu Zhen , Hirata Akihiko , Chen Mingwei
Published: November 2019

The coarsening of crystalline nanoparticles, driven by reduction of surface energy, is the main factor behind the degeneration of their physical and chemical properties. The kinetic phenomenon has been well described by various models, such as Ostwald ripening and coalescence. However, the coarsening mechanisms of metallic glass nanoparticles (MGNs) remains largely unknown. Here we report atomic-scale observations on the coarsening kinetics of MGNs at high temperatures by in situ heating high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The coarsening of the amorphous nanoparticles takes place by fast coalescence which is dominated by facet-free surface diffusion at a lower onset temperature. Atomic-scale observations and kinetic Monte Carlo simulations suggest that the high surface mobility and the structural isotropy of MGNs, originating from the disordered structure and unique supercooled liquid state, promote the fast coalescence of the amorphous nanoparticles at relatively lower temperatures.
Unsupervised discovery of solid-state lithium ion conductors
Authors: Zhang Ying , He Xingfeng , Chen Zhiqian , Bai Qiang , Nolan Adelaide M. , Roberts Charles A. , Banerjee Debasish , Matsunaga Tomoya , Mo Yifei , Ling Chen
Published: November 2019

Although machine learning has gained great interest in the discovery of functional materials, the advancement of reliable models is impeded by the scarcity of available materials property data. Here we propose and demonstrate a distinctive approach for materials discovery using unsupervised learning, which does not require labeled data and thus alleviates the data scarcity challenge. Using solid-state Li-ion conductors as a model problem, unsupervised materials discovery utilizes a limited quantity of conductivity data to prioritize a candidate list from a wide range of Li-containing materials for further accurate screening. Our unsupervised learning scheme discovers 16 new fast Li-conductors with conductivities of 10−4–10−1 S cm−1 predicted in ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. These compounds have structures and chemistries distinct to known systems, demonstrating the capability of unsupervised learning for discovering materials over a wide materials space with limited property data.
Zwitterionically modified alginates mitigate cellular overgrowth for cell encapsulation
Authors: Liu Qingsheng , Chiu Alan , Wang Long-Hai , An Duo , Zhong Monica , Smink Alexandra M. , de Haan Bart J. , de Vos Paul , Keane Kevin , Vegge Andreas , Chen Esther Y. , Song Wei , Liu Wendy F. , Flanders James , Rescan Claude , Grunnet Lars Groth , Wang Xi , Ma Minglin
Published: November 2019

Foreign body reaction (FBR) to implanted biomaterials and medical devices is common and can compromise the function of implants or cause complications. For example, in cell encapsulation, cellular overgrowth (CO) and fibrosis around the cellular constructs can reduce the mass transfer of oxygen, nutrients and metabolic wastes, undermining cell function and leading to transplant failure. Therefore, materials that mitigate FBR or CO will have broad applications in biomedicine. Here we report a group of zwitterionic, sulfobetaine (SB) and carboxybetaine (CB) modifications of alginates that reproducibly mitigate the CO of implanted alginate microcapsules in mice, dogs and pigs. Using the modified alginates (SB-alginates), we also demonstrate improved outcome of islet encapsulation in a chemically-induced diabetic mouse model. These zwitterion-modified alginates may contribute to the development of cell encapsulation therapies for type 1 diabetes and other hormone-deficient diseases.
Divalent europium-doped near-infrared-emitting phosphor for light-emitting diodes
Authors: Qiao Jianwei , Zhou Guojun , Zhou Yayun , Zhang Qinyuan , Xia Zhiguo
Published: November 2019

Near-infrared luminescent materials exhibit unique photophysical properties that make them crucial components in photonic, optoelectronic and biological applications. As broadband near infrared phosphors activated by transition metal elements are already widely reported, there is a challenge for next-generation materials discovery by introducing rare earth activators with 4f-5d transition. Here, we report an unprecedented phosphor K3LuSi2O7:Eu2+ that gives an emission band centered at 740 nm with a full-width at half maximum of 160 nm upon 460 nm blue light excitation. Combined structural and spectral characterizations reveal a selective site occupation of divalent europium in LuO6 and K2O6 polyhedrons with small coordination numbers, leading to the unexpected near infrared emission. The fabricated phosphor-converted light-emitting diodes have great potential as a non-visible light source. Our work provides the design principle of near infrared emission in divalent europium-doped inorganic solid-state materials and could inspire future studies to further explore near-infrared light-emitting diodes.
Compressive Remodeling Alters Fluid Transport Properties of Collagen Networks – Implications for Tumor Growth
Authors: Ferruzzi J. , Sun M. , Gkousioudi A. , Pilvar A. , Roblyer D. , Zhang Y. , Zaman M. H.
Published: November 2019

Biomechanical alterations to the tumor microenvironment include accumulation of solid stresses, extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffening and increased fluid pressure in both interstitial and peri-tumoral spaces. The relationship between interstitial fluid pressurization and ECM remodeling in vascularized tumors is well characterized, while earlier biomechanical changes occurring during avascular tumor growth within the peri-tumoral ECM remain poorly understood. Type I collagen, the primary fibrous ECM constituent, bears load in tension while it buckles under compression. We hypothesized that tumor-generated compressive forces cause collagen remodeling via densification which in turn creates a barrier to convective fluid transport and may play a role in tumor progression and malignancy. To better understand this process, we characterized the structure-function relationship of collagen networks under compression both experimentally and computationally. Here we show that growth of epithelial cancers induces compressive remodeling of the ECM, documented in the literature as a TACS-2 phenotype, which represents a localized densification and tangential alignment of peri-tumoral collagen. Such compressive remodeling is caused by the unique features of collagen network mechanics, such as fiber buckling and cross-link rupture, and reduces the overall hydraulic permeability of the matrix.
A Smartphone-based Diffusometric Immunoassay for Detecting C-Reactive Protein
Authors: Chuang Chih-Shen , Deng Chih-Zong , Fang Yi-Fan , Jiang Hong-Ren , Tseng Pao-Wei , Sheen Horn-Jiunn , Fan Yu-Jui
Published: November 2019

In this study, we developed a portable smartphone-based diffusometry for analyzing the C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration. An optimized fluorescence microscopic add-on system for a smartphone was used to image the 300 nm fluorescent beads. Sequential nanobead images were recorded for a period and the image data were used for fluorescence correlation spectrometric (FCS) analysis. Through the analysis, the nanobeads’ diffusion coefficient was obtained. Further, the diffusion coefficients of the anti-CRP-coated nanobeads, which were suspended in the samples with various CRP concentrations, were estimated using smartphone-based diffusometry. After 10 min of reaction, the anti-CRP-coated nanobeads in a higher CRP concentration solution led to a lower diffusion coefficient. Based on the experiments, a linear sensing range of 1~8 µg/mL was found.
Direct Simulation Monte Carlo investigation of fluid characteristics and gas transport in porous microchannels
Authors: Shariati Vahid , Ahmadian Mohammad Hassan , Roohi Ehsan
Published: November 2019

The impetus of the current research is to use the direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) algorithm to investigate fluid behaviour and gas transport in porous microchannels. Here, we demonstrate DSMC’s capability to simulate porous media up to 40% porosity. In this study, the porous geometry is generated by a random distribution of circular obstacles through the microchannel with no interpenetration between the obstacles. The influence of the morphology along with rarefaction and gas type on the apparent permeability is investigated. Moreover, the effects of porosity, solid particle’s diameter and specific surface area are considered. Our results demonstrate that although decreasing porosity intensifies tortuosity in the flow field, the tortuosity reduces at higher Knudsen numbers due to slip flow at solid boundaries. In addition, our study on two different gas species showed that the gas type affects slippage and apparent gas permeability. Finally, comparing different apparent permeability models showed that Beskok and Karniadakis model is valid only up to the early transition regime and at higher Knudsen numbers, the current data matches those models that take Knudsen diffusion into account as well.
A Miocene impact ejecta layer in the pelagic Pacific Ocean
Authors: Nozaki Tatsuo , Ohta Junichiro , Noguchi Takaaki , Sato Honami , Ishikawa Akira , Takaya Yutaro , Kimura Jun-Ichi , Chang Qing , Shimada Kazuhiko , Ishibashi Jun-ichiro , Yasukawa Kazutaka , Kimoto Katsunori , Iijima Koichi , Kato Yasuhiro
Published: November 2019

Meteorite impacts have caused catastrophic perturbations to the global environment and mass extinctions throughout the Earth’s history. Here, we present petrographic and geochemical evidence of a possible impact ejecta layer, dating from about 11 Ma, in deep-sea clayey sediment in the Northwest Pacific. This clay layer has high platinum group element (PGE) concentrations and features a conspicuous negative Os isotope anomaly (187Os/188Os as low as ~0.2), indicating an influx of extraterrestrial material. It also contains abundant spherules that include pseudomorphs suggestive of porphyritic olivine as well as spinel grains with euhedral, dendritic and spherical forms and NiO contents as great as 23.3 wt%, consistent with impact ejecta. Osmium isotope stratigraphy suggests a most plausible depositional age of ~11 Ma (Miocene) for this layer, as determined by fitting with the seawater evolution curve. No large impact crater of this age is known on land, even within the relatively large uncertainty range of the relative Os age. Thus, we suggest that an unrecognised impact event in the middle or late Miocene produced the impact ejecta layer of the Northwest Pacific.
Prospective validation in epithelial tumors of a gene expression predictor of liver metastasis derived from uveal melanoma
Authors: Tsantoulis Petros , Delorenzi Mauro , Bièche Ivan , Vacher Sophie , Mariani Pascale , Cassoux Nathalie , Houy Alexandre , Stern Marc-Henri , Roman-Roman Sergio , Dietrich Pierre-Yves , Roth Arnaud , Cacheux Wulfran
Published: November 2019

Predicting the risk of liver metastasis can have important prognostic and therapeutic implications, given the availability of liver-directed therapy. Uveal melanoma has a striking predisposition for liver metastasis despite the absence of anatomical proximity. Understanding its biology may uncover factors promoting liver metastasis in other malignancies. We quantified gene expression by RNAseq in 76 uveal melanomas and combined with public data in a meta-analysis of 196 patients. The meta-analysis of uveal melanoma gene expression identified 63 genes which remained prognostic after adjustment for chromosome 3 status. Two genes, PTP4A3 and JPH1, were selected by L1-penalized regression and combined in a prognostic score. The score predicted liver-specific relapse in a public pan-cancer dataset and in two public colorectal cancer datasets. The score varied between colorectal consensus molecular subtypes (CMS), as did the risk of liver relapse, which was lowest in CMS1. Additional prospective validation was done by real-time PCR in 463 breast cancer patients. The score was significantly correlated with liver relapse in hormone receptor positive tumors. In conclusion, the expression of PTP4A3 and JPH1 correlates with risk of liver metastasis in colorectal cancer and breast cancer. The underlying biological mechanism is an interesting area for further research.
Influence of Land Cover and Soil Moisture based Brown Ocean Effect on an Extreme Rainfall Event from a Louisiana Gulf Coast Tropical System
Authors: Nair Udaysankar S. , Rappin Eric , Foshee Emily , Smith Warren , Pielke Roger A. , Mahmood Rezaul , Case Jonathan L. , Blankenship Clay B. , Shepherd Marshall , Santanello Joseph A. , Niyogi Dev
Published: November 2019

Extreme flooding over southern Louisiana in mid-August of 2016 resulted from an unusual tropical low that formed and intensified over land. We used numerical experiments to highlight the role of the ‘Brown Ocean’ effect (where saturated soils function similar to a warm ocean surface) on intensification and it’s modulation by land cover change. A numerical modeling experiment that successfully captured the flood event (control) was modified to alter moisture availability by converting wetlands to open water, wet croplands, and dry croplands. Storm evolution in the control experiment with wet antecedent soils most resembles tropical lows that form and intensify over oceans. Irrespective of soil moisture conditions, conversion of wetlands to croplands reduced storm intensity, and also, non-saturated soils reduced rain by 20% and caused shorter durations of high intensity wind conditions. Developing agricultural croplands and more so restoring wetlands and not converting them into open water can impede intensification of tropical systems that affect the area.
Predicting sedimentary bedrock subsurface weathering fronts and weathering rates
Authors: Wan Jiamin , Tokunaga Tetsu K. , Williams Kenneth H. , Dong Wenming , Brown Wendy , Henderson Amanda N. , Newman Alexander W. , Hubbard Susan S.
Published: November 2019

Although bedrock weathering strongly influences water quality and global carbon and nitrogen budgets, the weathering depths and rates within subsurface are not well understood nor predictable. Determination of both porewater chemistry and subsurface water flow are needed in order to develop more complete understanding and obtain weathering rates. In a long-term field study, we applied a multiphase approach along a mountainous watershed hillslope transect underlain by marine shale. Here we report three findings. First, the deepest extent of the water table determines the weathering front, and the range of annually water table oscillations determines the thickness of the weathering zone. Below the lowest water table, permanently water-saturated bedrock remains reducing, preventing deeper pyrite oxidation. Secondly, carbonate minerals and potentially rock organic matter share the same weathering front depth with pyrite, contrary to models where weathering fronts are stratified. Thirdly, the measurements-based weathering rates from subsurface shale are high, amounting to base cation exports of about 70 kmolcha−1y−1, yet consistent with weathering of marine shale. Finally, by integrating geochemical and hydrological data we present a new conceptual model that can be applied in other settings to predict weathering and water quality responses to climate change.
Pharmacokinetics of Exenatide in nonhuman primates following its administration in the form of sustained-release PT320 and Bydureon
Authors: Li Yazhou , Vaughan Kelli L. , Tweedie David , Jung Jin , Kim Hee Kyung , Choi Ho-Il , Kim Dong Seok , Mattison Julie A. , Greig Nigel H.
Published: November 2019

The time-dependent (30 min - day 84) plasma profile of PT320, a sustained-release (SR)-Exenatide formulation under clinical development for treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, was evaluated in nonhuman primates after a single subcutaneous dose and was compared to Bydureon. Exenatide release from PT320 exhibited a triphasic pharmacokinetic profile. An initial peak occurred at 3 hr post-administration, a secondary peak at 5 days, and achievement of Exenatide steady-state plasma levels from day 10–28. Systemic exposure increased across PT320 doses, and Exenatide levels were maintained above the therapeutic threshold prior to achieving a steady-state. In contrast, Exenatide release from Bydureon exhibited a biphasic profile, with an initial plasma peak at 3 hr, followed by a rapid decline to a sub-therapeutic concentration, and a gradual elevation to provide a steady-state from day 35–49. Exenatide total exposure, evaluated from the area under the time-dependent Exenatide concentration curve, was similar for equivalent doses of PT320 and Bydureon. The former, however, reached and maintained steady-state plasma Exenatide levels more rapidly, without dipping to a sub-therapeutic concentration. Both SR-Exenatide formulations proved well-tolerated and, following a well-regulated initial release burst, generated steady-state plasma levels of Exenatide, but with PT320 producing continuous therapeutic Exenatide levels and more rapidly reaching a steady-state.
Magnetic nanoantioxidants with improved radical-trapping stoichiometry as stabilizers for inhibition of peroxide formation in ethereal solvents
Authors: Viglianisi Caterina , Scarlini Alessia , Tofani Lorenzo , Menichetti Stefano , Baschieri Andrea , Amorati Riccardo
Published: November 2019

Graphite-coated magnetic cobalt nanoparticles (CoNPs) decorated with hindered phenolic antioxidant analogues of 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol (BHT, E321) provided easily removable nanoantioxidants capable of preventing the autoxidation of organic solvents as tetrahydrofuran (THF).
Self-replenishment cycles generate a threshold response
Authors: Kurata Hiroyuki
Published: November 2019

Many metabolic cycles, including the tricarboxylic acid cycle, glyoxylate cycle, Calvin cycle, urea cycle, coenzyme recycling, and substrate cycles, are well known to catabolize and anabolize different metabolites for efficient energy and mass conversion. In terms of stoichiometric structure, this study explicitly identifies two types of metabolic cycles. One is the well-known, elementary cycle that converts multiple substrates into different products and recycles one of the products as a substrate, where the recycled substrate is supplied from the outside to run the cycle. The other is the self-replenishment cycle that merges multiple substrates into two or multiple identical products and reuses one of the products as a substrate. The substrates are autonomously supplied within the cycle. This study first defines the self-replenishment cycles that many scientists have overlooked despite its functional importance. Theoretical analysis has revealed the design principle of the self-replenishment cycle that presents a threshold response without any bistability nor cooperativity. To verify the principle, three detailed kinetic models of self-replenishment cycles embedded in anE. colimetabolic system were simulated. They presented the threshold response or digital switch-like function that steeply shift metabolic status.
Synthesis of a bulk nanostructured metastable Al alloy with extreme supersaturation of Mg
Authors: Han Jae-Kyung , Liss Klaus-Dieter , Langdon Terence G. , Kawasaki Megumi
Published: November 2019

Nanostructuring of bulk metals is now well documented with the development of severe plastic deformation (SPD) for improving the physical and mechanical properties of engineering materials. Processing by high-pressure torsion (HPT), which was developed initially as a grain refinement technique, was extended recently to the mechanical bonding of dissimilar metals during nanostrcturing which generally involves significant microstructural heterogeneity. Here we introduce, for the first time, a bulk metastable Al-Mg supersaturated solid solution by the diffusion bonding of separate Al and Mg metal solids at room temperature using HPT. Exceptional hardness was achieved homogeneously throughout the metastable alloy with a record maximum supersaturated Mg content of ~38.5 at.% in the Al matrix having a grain size of ~35–40 nm. Our results demonstrate the synthesis of a bulk nanocrystalline metastable alloy with good microstructural stability at room temperature where such bulk solids are not yet reported for mechanical alloying by powder metallurgy.
Intravitreal injection of adenosine A2A receptor antagonist reduces neuroinflammation, vascular leakage and cell death in the retina of diabetic mice
Authors: Aires Inês Dinis , Madeira Maria Helena , Boia Raquel , Rodrigues-Neves Ana Catarina , Martins Joana Margarida , Ambrósio António Francisco , Santiago Ana Raquel
Published: November 2019

Diabetic retinopathy is a major complication of diabetes mellitus and a leading cause of blindness. The pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy is accompanied by chronic low-grade inflammation. Evidence shows that the blockade of adenosine A2A receptors (A2AR) affords protection to the retina through the control of microglia-mediated neuroinflammation. Herein, we investigated the therapeutic potential of an antagonist of A2AR in a model of diabetic retinopathy. Type 1 diabetes was induced in 4–5 months old C57BL/6 J mice with a single intraperitoneal injection streptozotocin. Animals were treated one month after the onset of diabetes. The A2AR antagonist was delivered by intravitreal injection once a week for 4 weeks. Microglia reactivity and inflammatory mediators were increased in the retinas of diabetic animals. The treatment with the A2AR antagonist was able to control microglial reactivity and halt neuroinflammation. Furthermore, the A2AR antagonist rescued retinal vascular leakage, attenuated alterations in retinal thickness, decreased retinal cell death and the loss of retinal ganglion cells induced by diabetes. These results demonstrate that intravitreal injection of the A2AR antagonist controls inflammation, affords protection against cell loss and reduces vascular leakage associated with diabetes, which could be envisaged as a therapeutic approach for the early complications of diabetes in the retina.
Differential Pattern of Soluble Immune Markers in Asymptomatic Dengue, West Nile and Zika Virus Infections
Authors: Fares-Gusmao Rafaelle , Rocha Bruno Coelho , Sippert Emilia , Lanteri Marion C. , Áñez Germán , Rios Maria
Published: November 2019

Infections with dengue virus (DENV), West Nile virus (WNV) and Zika virus (ZIKV) usually present similar mild symptoms at early stages, and most infections (~80%) are asymptomatic. However, these infections may progress to severe disease with different clinical manifestations. In this study we attempted to identify unique characteristics for each infection at the presymptomatic/asymptomatic stage of infection and compared levels of soluble immune markers that have been shown to be altered during clinical course of these viral infections. Levels of soluble markers were determined by Luminex-based assays or by ELISA in plasma samples from asymptomatic blood donors who were reactive for RNA from DENV (n = 71), WNV (n = 52) or ZIKV (n = 44), and a control or non-infected (NI) group (n = 22). Results showed that even in the absence of symptoms, increased interleukin (IL) levels of IL-12, IL-17, IL-10, IL-5, CXCL9, E-Selectin and ST2/IL-1R4; and decreased levels of IL-13 and CD40 were found in all flavivirus group samples, compared to those from NI donors. DENV-infected donors demonstrated variation in expression of IL-1ra and IL-2; WNV-infected donors demonstrated variation in expression of IL-1ra, P-Selectin, IL-4 and IL-5; ZIKV-infected donors demonstrated variation in expression of IL-1ra, P-Selectin, IL-4, RANK-L, CD40L and C3a. The findings suggest that, even in the presymptomatic/asymptomatic phase of the infection, different immunomodulation profiles were associated with DENV, WNV and ZIKV infections.
Author Correction: Mating of escaped domestic pigs with wild boar and possibility of their offspring migration after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident
Authors: Anderson Donovan , Toma Rio , Negishi Yuki , Okuda Kei , Ishiniwa Hiroko , Hinton Thomas G. , Nanba Kenji , Tamate Hidetoshi B. , Kaneko Shingo
Published: November 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: TRAF3 regulates the oncogenic proteins Pim2 and c-Myc to restrain survival in normal and malignant B cells
Authors: Whillock Amy L. , Mambetsariev Nurbek , Lin Wai W. , Stunz Laura L. , Bishop Gail A.
Published: November 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: Vector compositions change across forested to deforested ecotones in emerging areas of zoonotic malaria transmission in Malaysia
Authors: Hawkes Frances M. , Manin Benny O. , Cooper Amanda , Daim Sylvia , R. Homathevi , Jelip Jenarun , Husin Tanrang , Chua Tock H.
Published: November 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Effects of urbanization on productivity of terrestrial ecological systems based on linear fitting: a case study in Jiangsu, eastern China
Authors: Li Jianguo , Zou Chenxin , Li Qiang , Xu Xinyue , Zhao Yanqing , Yang Wenhui , Zhang Zhongqi , Liu Lili
Published: November 2019

The terrestrial ecosystem productivity and foundation of regional ecosystem services have been significantly influenced by recent urbanization processes. This study assesses the changes in terrestrial ecosystem productivity in Jiangsu from the years of 2000 to 2015 in response to the urbanization. A linear model that incorporates the traditional equalization method is proposed to improve the estimation accuracy of net primary productivity (NPP) loss. Results revealed that the land area of urban construction expanded rapidly during the research period to encompass an area of 8672.8 km2. The rate of expansion was highest during 2005–2010. Additionally, the expansion rate of urban construction land was considerably higher in southern Jiangsu compared to the northern areas. The NPP exhibited a rising tendency from the year of 2000 to 2015, and varied from 33.30 to 40.23 Tg C/y. It was higher in the central parts, which include the cities of Yancheng and Nantong. The increase in urban construction land has resulted in a significant reduction in the terrestrial ecosystem productivity, i.e. a cumulative NPP loss of 2.55–2.88 Tg C during the research period. The NPP losses due to the conversion from cropland to constrction land were the highest, followed by the wetland. The work in this paper indicates that the rate of future productivity losses in terrestrial ecosystem in northern Jiangsu would be faster than the southern areas.
Author Correction: ZFP36L1 and ZFP36L2 inhibit cell proliferation in a cyclin D-dependent and p53-independent manner
Authors: Suk Fat-Moon , Chang Chi-Ching , Lin Ren-Jye , Lin Shyr-Yi , Liu Shih-Chen , Jau Chia-Feng , Liang Yu-Chih
Published: November 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: Bidirectional regulatory potentials of short-chain fatty acids and their G-protein-coupled receptors in autoimmune neuroinflammation
Authors: Park Jeongho , Wang Qin , Wu Qi , Mao-Draayer Yang , Kim Chang H.
Published: November 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
High Temperature Co-electrolysis – A Route to Syngas
Authors: Laguna-Bercero Miguel A. , Orera Alodia
Published: November 2019

CO2 utilisation as a feedstock is presented as an encouraging pathway to mitigate atmospheric pollution. This chapter summarises recent advances in a novel approach for the production of valuable products, such as synthetic fuel, by co-electrolysis of steam and CO2 using the existing technology of solid oxide cells. In this regard, this chapter covers the general aspects of the co-electrolysis process, its history and the industrial state-of-the-art technology. It also gathers some recent studies and developments covering various aspects with special focus regarding current and novel materials and configurations, operational parameters, durability tests and degradation issues, including economic considerations and scalability studies. It is concluded that CO2-recycled hydrocarbon fuels could replace the actual fuels for transportation or industrial use, with feasible technology development and mass production of the different components. The sustainability of the former could provide a key issue for their introduction into the market.
FSI-inspired solvent and “full fluorosulfonyl” electrolyte for 4 V class lithium-metal batteries
Authors: Xue Weijiang , Shi Zhe , Huang Mingjun , Feng Shuting , Wang Chao , Wang Fei , Lopez Jeffrey , Qiao Bo , Xu Guiyin , Zhang Wenxu , Dong Yanhao , Gao Rui , Shao-Horn Yang , Johnson Jeremiah A. , Li Ju
Published: November 2019

A new “full fluorosulfonyl” (FFS) electrolyte is developed for highly reversible 4 V class lithium-metal batteries (LMBs).
Assessment of Cu and CuO nanoparticle ecological responses using laboratory small-scale microcosms
Authors: Wu Fan , Harper Bryan J. , Crandon Lauren E. , Harper Stacey L.
Published: November 2019

An efficient and rapid testing paradigm to evaluate the biological uptake, distribution, and ecological risks of Cu based NPs.
Synthesis of conjugated polymers using aryl-bromides via Cu-catalyzed direct arylation polymerization (Cu-DArP)
Authors: Ye Liwei , Pankow Robert M. , Schmitt Alexander , Thompson Barry C.
Published: November 2019

The first report on direct arylation polymerization with copper catalysts and aryl-bromide monomers expands the sustainability and practicality of DArP.
Tailor-made chalcogen-rich polycarbonates: experimental and computational insights into chalcogen group-dependent ring opening polymerization
Authors: Wei Chao , Lian Cheng , Yan Bingkun , Xiao Yan , Lang Meidong , Liu Honglai
Published: November 2019

A versatile strategy to poly(chalcogen-carbonate) library is presented by organic base catalytic macrocarbonate polymerization. Polymerization depends sensitively on chalcogen groups.
Improved pseudocapacitive charge storage in highly ordered mesoporous TiO2/carbon nanocomposites as high-performance Li-ion hybrid supercapacitor anodes
Authors: Lee Yujin , Kim Seoa , Lee Jeong Han , Roh Kwang Chul , Lim Eunho , Lee Jinwoo
Published: November 2019

A mesoporous TiO2/carbon nanocomposite prepared by block copolymer self-assembly improves pseudocapacitive behavior and achieves high energy/power density Li-ion hybrid supercapacitors.