bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of coiled tubing nozzle for sand removal from wellbore
Authors: Khan Javed Akbar , Irawan Sonny , Padmanabhan Eswaran , Al-Kayiem Hussain H. , Rai Sahil
Published: June 2019

Production is hampered by sand and scale that impede flow and require intervention. Although coiled tubing jetting tools have been very successful in wellbore cleaning operations, the coiled tubing unit has certain limitations and constraints. The fluid pumping pressures of fluids at the wellhead are limited to the normal pressure of pump, whereas some sand types and scales require a very high shear force to break and disintegrate. The dimensions of the coiled tubing unit nozzle size are directly related to the diameter of the production tubing. The present work consists in designing the nozzle of coiled tubing jetting tool with different dimensional parameters and analysing the design of the nozzle for required high outlet pressure, flow rate and velocity at various inlet pressures. Numerical technique was used to analyse the flow of fluid through the nozzle. The different port diameters and cone angles between 0.09 and 0.125 inch and 15° and 45°, respectively, were simulated. The effects of these parameters on the outlet pressure, the mass flow at the outlet and the outlet velocities were predicted and analysed. Inner nozzle diameters smaller than 0.75 inch gave good results, and the 1 inch inner diameter gave lower performance. Therefore, the lower diameter nozzle provides better performance. Decreasing the number of ports from seven to five did not create a big difference in nozzle performance, as the seven ported nozzles provide slightly better performance.
Visualizing the History and Perspectives of Disaster Medicine: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Hao Xinxin , Liu Yunling , Li Xiaoxue , Zheng Jingchen
Published: June 2019

Objective:

To analyze the development of disaster medicine and to identify the main obstacles to improving disaster medicine research and application.

Methods:

A topic search strategy was used to search the Web of Science Core Collection database. The 100 articles with the highest local citation scores were selected for bibliometric analysis; summarizing informetric indicators; and preparing a historiography, themes network, and key word co-occurrence map.

Results:

The 100 articles with the highest local citation scores were published from 1983 to 2013 in 9 countries, mainly in the United States. The most productive authors were Koenig and Rubinson. The lead research institution was Columbia University. The most commonly cited journal was the Annals of Emergency Medicine. The development of disaster medicine could be separated into 3 consecutive periods. All results indicate that the development of disaster medicine faces some obstacles that need to be addressed.

Conclusions:

Research works have provided a solid foundation for disaster medicine, but its development has been in a slow growth period for a long time. Obstacles to the development of disaster medicine include the lack of scientist communities, transdisciplinary research, innovative research perspectives, and continuous research. Future research should overcome these obstacles so as to make further advances in this field.
Introduction
Authors: Finnane Mark
Published: June 2019

In this section of Queensland Review, we present a selection of articles from new research dealing with the conditions of life in early colonial Queensland. The articles have been collated as an initiative of the Harry Gentle Resource Centre (HGRC), based at Griffith University. In this brief introduction, we outline the aims of this Centre, signal some of its future directions and introduce the selected articles.
Crown Lands Commissioners – Moreton Bay and Darling Downs, 1842–56
Authors: Shield Margaret
Published: June 2019

Commissioners of Crown Lands were the first government officials appointed to the newly declared pastoral districts surrounding Moreton Bay after it was opened to free settlement in 1842. These officers had a significant impact on the formation of regional communities, the administration of justice and the treatment of the Indigenous people but their primary responsibility was the implementation and enforcement of government policies relating to Crown Lands. Commissioners were required to oversee pastoral leases, ensure payment of fees for pastoral and other licences and undertake expeditions to provide the New South Wales government with information regarding the nature of the land and its resources. Extracts from the original correspondence between the Commissioners and the Colonial Secretary indicate that, despite enormous challenges, early Crown Lands Commissioners were largely successful in ensuring the orderly settlement of pastoral districts. Their success however, came at the expense of the Indigenous people, who were systematically driven from their lands without compensation and with scant consideration for their welfare.
Debating the Faith in Early Islamic Egypt
Authors: BOOTH PHIL
Published: June 2019

This article explores a series of doctrinal disputations held in early Islamic Egypt, and known through theHodegosof Anastasius of Sinai (fl. c. 670–c. 700). Using the text's prosopographical and contextual cues, it argues that these disputations occurred in the 680s, in the aftermath of Constantinople's Sixth Ecumenical Council (680/1), the decisions of which had thrown the Chalcedonian Christians of the caliphate into conflict and schism. In 686, it is argued, Anastasius had confronted the famed Edessene and Severan Athanasius bar Gūmōyē before the Marwānid prince ‘Abd al-'Azīz at Fusṭāṭ, and there been defeated. That defeat is indicative of the new-found position of the Egyptian Severan Church, which now flourished under Marwānid patronage.
William of Tyre, Femininity, and the Problem of the Antiochene Princesses
Authors: BUCK ANDREW D.
Published: June 2019

This article examines the representation of women and femininity in Archbishop William of Tyre'sChronicon. It considers how his text was shaped by contemporary Western ideas of gender, and how this impacted upon his presentation of women, especially Queen Melisende of Jerusalem and three Antiochene princesses, Alice, Constance and Sybil. It argues that, in doing so, we can raise important questions regarding his use for empirical reconstruction by revealing the nuanced ways in which, in pursuit of broader narrative goals, he utilised gender as a tool to both praise and discredit.
Double Beltrami states and loss of equilibrium in electron, positron and ion plasmas
Authors: Gondal S. M. , Iqbal M. , Ullah Shafa , Asghar M. , Khosa Ashfaq H.
Published: June 2019

It is shown that an electron, positron and ion plasma can be self-organized to a double Beltrami state – the superposition of two force-free states. The scale parameters which determine the nature of the self-organized structures are found to depend on the number densities of the plasma species. The loss of equilibrium in slowly evolving double Beltrmi states is investigated. The effects of density ratios, helicities, positron flows and energy on equilibrium are investigated. It is found that the double Beltrami state transforms to a single Beltrami state at the termination of equilibrium. It is also shown that much of the magnetic energy converts to the flow kinetic energy through catastrophic transformation.
A decadal study of biometric and imposex indices in two gastropods
Authors: Ruiz J. M. , Carro B. , Albaina N. , Couceiro L. , Quintela M. , Barreiro R.
Published: June 2019

We have monitored tributyltin (TBT) pollution in Galicia (NW Spain) for more than a decade by means of assessing gastropod imposex in populations of Nucella lapillus (N ≥ 34) and Tritia reticulata (N ≥ 18) at regular intervals. Several thousand specimens were processed to obtain their shell height (SH), penis length (PL) and vas deferens sequence (VDS); imposex indices (including the VDS index, VDSI) were subsequently calculated. The regional mean SH of both females and males has not changed significantly in either species throughout the study. This also applies to the mean male PL in N. lapillus, but male T. reticulata penises surprisingly enlarged. On the contrary, the regional mean female PL (MFPL) and all imposex indices significantly decreased in both snails. Results confirm previous conclusions based on the chemical analyses of tissues and partial imposex observations. In addition, the close correlations between MFPL and VDSI show some potential applications to TBT biomonitoring.
Not by Data Alone: The Promises and Pitfalls of Data Analysis in Understanding Consciousness
Authors: Droege Paula
Published: June 2019

Since the introduction of new technologies, the deluge of neuroscientific data has been overwhelming. On one hand this new information has produced remarkable breakthroughs in our understanding of brain function and development as well as lifesaving treatments for trauma and disease. On the other hand, the lure and reward for explanations of mental phenomena in terms of simple, manipulable brain processes has led to questionable research methodologies and unsubstantiated claims. A more fundamental issue is raised by the attempt to explain consciousness by means of information, as proposed by the Information Integration Theory (IIT). While the models produced by this massive computation of data will no doubt improve our understanding of brain function and capacity, a strict information processing approach cannot address the problem of meaning. A solution to this problem demands an evolutionary, developmental, and dynamic account of an organism in its environment. Data analysis will play a role in this inclusive explanatory program, but explanation is insufficient by data alone.
Tracing Jewish Music beyond the Synagogue: Charles Garland Verrinder's Hear my cry O God
Authors: Padley Danielle
Published: June 2019

On 1 September 1887, the Musical Times printed a list of pieces published during the previous month by Novello, Ewer and Co. As Novello's house journal, with a wide circulation across Britain, the Musical Times regularly listed new publications in the knowledge that such advertisements would reach a large and enthusiastic readership. In this particular issue, one of the pieces advertised was an anthem titled Hear my cry O God, composed by Dr C.G. Verrinder (see Fig. 1, highlighted). To anyone unfamiliar with Verrinder, his name blends in with the other composers on the list – one of the now largely forgotten majority of Victorian composers trying to make a living through writing sacred works or parlour music. The most renowned figure here is probably Ignaz Moscheles (listed here as ‘J. Moscheles’), whose work Domestic Life featured posthumously in one of Novello's collections of piano pieces; another name of note is that of Rosalind F. Ellicott, one of the era's more prominent female composers and particularly striking here among so many men.
Ressourcen beim Fernsehkonsum: Effekte elterlicher Aufsicht
Authors: Ronniger Pola , Melzer Jessica , Petermann Franz , Rennecke Lisa
Published: June 2019

Zusammenfassung. Ein hoher Fernsehkonsum wird mit geringerer Sprachleistungen bei Kindern assoziiert. Nutzen Kinder den Fernseher alleine, mindert dies einen Diskurs sowie zeitliche und inhaltliche Kontrolle. Es werden die Einflussfaktoren auf die Grammatikleistung bei beaufsichtigtem gegenüber unbeaufsichtigtem Konsum untersucht. An der Studie nahmen 176 Kinder im Alter von fünf bis acht Jahren teil. Die beiden Gruppen (TV unter Aufsicht vs. keine Aufsicht) waren im Hinblick auf verschiedene soziodemografische Merkmale vergleichbar. Es wurde jeweils eine schrittweise Regression berechnet. Beide Modelle zur Vorhersage der Grammatikleistung weisen auf die Bedeutsamkeit des aktiven Wortschatzes hin. In der Gruppe ohne elterliche Aufsicht tragen neben dem aktiven Wortschatz die Intelligenz sowie die Dauer des Fernsehkonsums zur Varianzaufklärung bei. Insbesondere bei einer unbeaufsichtigten Nutzung sollte die Dauer des Fernsehkonsums daher begrenzt werden. Bei beaufsichtigtem Konsum ist hingegen die Dauer der Nutzung weniger relevant. Eine Beaufsichtigung der Kinder im Rahmen des Fernsehkonsums durch die Eltern ist daher zu empfehlen.
A Morphodynamic Modeling Study on the Formation of the Large‐Scale Radial Sand Ridges in the Southern Yellow Sea
Authors: Tao Jianfeng , Wang Zheng Bing , Zhou Zeng , Xu Fan , Zhang Changkuan , Stive Marcel J.F.
Published: June 2019

The radial sand ridges (denoted as “RSRs” hereafter) in the Southern Yellow Sea, China, are morphologically striking because of the remarkable size and radial planar orientation, standing out as a unique coastal geomorphology among the worldwide sand ridge systems. The formation of this giant fan‐shaped geomorphic feature requires delicate conditions and awaits in‐depth investigation. Using an idealized morphodynamic model, this study unravels the governing factors for the formation of the unique large‐scale RSRs, in comparison with other types of sand ridge systems over the world. The effects of the M2 tidal constituent, the Coriolis forcing, the bed resistance, and the initial water depths on the morphodynamic behavior of the RSRs are explored. Numerical results indicate that the tidal regime, characterized by rotational and progressive current action associated with the tidal bulge, is dependent on the eastern coastline of China as well as latitudinal effects. Through the comparison between the simulated and the measured morphology, this tidal regime is demonstrated to be the key driver in forming and maintaining the present‐day RSRs. The runs with different parameters further suggest that the asymmetric pattern of the RSRs, which shows larger northern sand ridges than the southern ones, results from both the asymmetric distribution of current activity caused by the tidal bulge and unequal sediment supply. Overall, this study highlights the delicate condition, predominantly represented by the particular currents set up by the tidal wave system and the sediment supply, required to shape the striking large‐scale RSRs in the Southern Yellow Sea.
Spy Satellite Reveals Accelerated Pace of Himalayan Glacier Melt
Authors: Duncombe Jenessa
Published: June 2019

Images taken covertly in the 1970s have taken on a new purpose in a recent glaciology study.
The Kinetics of N2 Triplet Electronic States in the Upper and Middle Atmosphere During Relativistic Electron Precipitation
Authors: Kirillov A. S. , Belakhovsky V. B.
Published: June 2019

The electronic kinetics of N2 triplet states A3Σu+, B3Πg, W3Δu, B'3Σu−, and C3Πu in the upper and middle atmosphere of the Earth during relativistic electron precipitation is considered. Intramolecular and intermolecular electron energy transfers in inelastic collisions of electronically excited molecular nitrogen with N2 and O2 molecules are taken into account in the calculations. The calculations indicate an influence of atmospheric density increase on the calculated vibrational populations of the B3Πg state. For the first time it is shown that there is a dependence of the calculated column intensity ratios of first and second positive bands on the energy of relativistic electrons. The calculated column intensity ratios I(749 nm)/I(337 nm) and I(669 nm)/I(337 nm) decrease with increasing relativistic electron energy.
Ocean Barrier Layers in the Energy Exascale Earth System Model
Authors: Reeves Eyre J. E. Jack , Van Roekel Luke , Zeng Xubin , Brunke Michael A. , Golaz Jean‐Christophe
Published: June 2019

Ocean barrier layers (BLs) separate the mixed layer from the top of the thermocline and are able to insulate the mixed layer from entrainment of cold thermocline water. Here, we provide the first global BL assessment in E3SMv1 and two other Earth system models. Compared to observations, models reproduce the global distributions as semipermanent features in some tropical regions and seasonal features elsewhere. However, model BLs are generally too thin in tropical regions and too thick in higher latitudes. BLs' ability to insulate the ocean surface from entrainment of cold thermocline water is most apparent in the tropics. Thus, E3SMv1s BL thickness biases most affect entrainment here. Tropical BLT biases appear driven by atmosphere biases, mainly through the effect of precipitation minus evaporation on mixed layer depth. At higher latitudes BL thickness biases are dominated by thermocline depth errors related to ocean circulation and vertical mixing.
Simultaneous Abiotic Production of Greenhouse Gases (CO2, CH4, and N2O) in Subtropical Soils
Authors: Liu Jiangong , Hartmann Simon Christoph , Keppler Frank , Lai Derrick Y.F.
Published: June 2019

Soils exert considerable influence on the global biogeochemical cycles, but their role in the abiotic production of volatile compounds remains poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrated evidence for the abiotic production of three major greenhouse gases (GHGs), namely carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), simultaneously in six different subtropical surface soils under thermal treatment at 30 to 90 °C, wetting, and the addition of hydrogen peroxide. This study identified soils as a novel source of N2O through abiotic processes such as thermal treatment and the oxidation of reactive oxygen species. Our results showed that the abiotic production rate of all three GHGs increased exponentially with temperature, while that of CO2 and CH4 increased linearly with hydrogen peroxide concentrations. Wetting of soil samples could further enhance the rate of abiotic CO2 and N2O production in soils. These findings highlight the potential contribution of abiotic processes in the production of GHGs in subtropical soils and help constrain the uncertainties of the global GHG budgets.
Assimilation of Multiple Data Types to a Regional Ionosphere Model With a 3D‐Var Algorithm (IDA4D)
Authors: Mengist Chalachew Kindie , Ssessanga Nicholas , Jeong Se‐Heon , Kim Jeong‐Heon , Kim Yong Ha , Kwak Young‐Sil
Published: June 2019

For the purpose of building a regional (bound 20–60°N in latitude and 110–160°E in longitude) ionospheric nowcast model, we investigated the performance of IDA4D (Ionospheric Data Assimilation Four‐Dimension) technique considering International Reference Ionosphere model as the background. The data utilized in assimilation were slant total electron content (STEC) from 27 ground GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver stations and NmF2 (ionospheric F2 peak density) from five ionosondes and COSMIC (Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate) Data Analysis Archive Center. The period analyzed covered both geomagnetic quiet and disturbed days (15–18 March 2015). Assimilations were run under the following data combinations (cases): (1) GPS‐STEC's only; (2) GPS‐STEC's and NmF2's from five ionosondes; (3) only NmF2's from five ionosondes; and (4) GPS‐STEC's and NmF2's from both five ionosondes and COSMIC. Results showed that under case 1 the root‐mean‐square error (RMSE) in STEC reduced by 44% over the background International Reference Ionosphere values and on averaged over all ionosonde stations in the analysis RMSE values of foF2 (F2layer critical frequency) reduced by 21%. Furthermore, foF2 RMSE values under Case 2 were 36% smaller than those under Case 1. Under Case 4, IDA4D performance improved even further in areas not covered by GPS and ionosonde measurements. Therefore, IDA4D is a potential candidate for regional ionosphere modeling that exhibits improved performance with assimilation of different data types.
Correction: The Relative Contribution of Metabolic and Structural Abnormalities to Diastolic Dysfunction in Obesity
Authors: Rayner J. J. , Banerjee R. , Holloway C. J. , Lewis A. J. M. , Peterzan M. A. , Francis J. M. , Neubauer S. , Rider O. J.
Published: June 2019

This Article was originally published under a CC BY NC-ND 4.0 license, but has now been made available under a CC BY 4.0 license.
Do ADHD-impulsivity and BMI have shared polygenic and neural correlates?
Authors:   IMAGEN Consortium, Barker Edward D , Ing Alex , Biondo Francesca , Jia Tianye , Pingault Jean-Baptiste , Du Rietz Ebba , Zhang Yuning , Ruggeri Barbara , Banaschewski Tobias , Hohmann Sarah , Bokde Arun L. W , Bromberg Uli , Büchel Christian , Quinlan Erin Burke , Sounga-Barke Edmund , Bowling April B. , Desrivières Sylvane , Flor Herta , Frouin Vincent , Garavan Hugh , Asherson Philip , Gowland Penny , Heinz Andreas , Ittermann Bernd , Martinot Jean-Luc , Martinot Marie-Laure Paillère , Nees Frauke , Papadopoulos-Orfanos Dimitri , Poustka Luise , Smolka Michael N , Vetter Nora C. , Walter Henrik , Whelan Robert , Schumann Gunter
Published: June 2019

There is an extensive body of literature linking ADHD to overweight and obesity. Research indicates that impulsivity features of ADHD account for a degree of this overlap. The neural and polygenic correlates of this association have not been thoroughly examined. In participants of the IMAGEN study, we found that impulsivity symptoms and body mass index (BMI) were associated (r = 0.10, n = 874, p = 0.014 FWE corrected), as were their respective polygenic risk scores (PRS) (r = 0.17, n = 874, p = 6.5 × 10−6 FWE corrected). We then examined whether the phenotypes of impulsivity and BMI, and the PRS scores of ADHD and BMI, shared common associations with whole-brain grey matter and the Monetary Incentive Delay fMRI task, which associates with reward-related impulsivity. A sparse partial least squared analysis (sPLS) revealed a shared neural substrate that associated with both the phenotypes and PRS scores. In a last step, we conducted a bias corrected bootstrapped mediation analysis with the neural substrate score from the sPLS as the mediator. The ADHD PRS associated with impulsivity symptoms (b = 0.006, 90% CIs = 0.001, 0.019) and BMI (b = 0.009, 90% CIs = 0.001, 0.025) via the neuroimaging substrate. The BMI PRS associated with BMI (b = 0.014, 95% CIs = 0.003, 0.033) and impulsivity symptoms (b = 0.009, 90% CIs = 0.001, 0.025) via the neuroimaging substrate. A common neural substrate may (in part) underpin shared genetic liability for ADHD and BMI and the manifestation of their (observable) phenotypic association.
Molecular markers relevant to myocardial injury following dental extraction in patients with and without coronary artery disease
Authors: Habbab K. M. , D’Aiuto F. , Habbab M. A. , Porter S. R.
Published: June 2019

Objectives

The aim of this study was to characterize biological changes following dental extractions in patients with and without coronary artery disease (CAD).

Materials and methods

Forty-five patients (36 males and 9 females) referred for dental extraction underwent treatment and provided blood samples before, immediately after, and 24 h after the procedure. A broad array of biomarkers was employed to assess myocardial injury (highly sensitive troponin T, hs-TnT), bacterial burden (LPS endotoxin activity), and systemic inflammation (CRP, fibrinogen, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, and TNF-α).

Results

Dental extraction in patients with and without CAD was associated with rises in hs-TnT (p = 0.013), hs-CRP (p < 0.001), fibrinogen (p = 0.005), endotoxin activity (p < 0.001), IFN-γ (p < 0.001), IL-6 (p < 0.001), IL-8 (p = 0.011), and IL-12 (p < 0.001) at 24 h compared with immediately post procedure. Changes in systemic inflammation and endotoxin activity were more evident in those with hs-TnT rise.

Conclusions

Simple dental extractions may cause mild increase in hs-TnT, indicating minor myocardial injury in both patients with and without CAD. Acute systemic inflammation and endotoxemia could represent a possible link between invasive dental treatment and increased risk of acute cardiovascular events. These findings indicate that invasive dental treatment (as simple as a single dental extraction) may impact negatively on clinical outcomes in dental patients, especially those with CAD.
Signatures of Mottness and Hundness in archetypal correlated metals
Authors: Deng Xiaoyu , Stadler Katharina M. , Haule Kristjan , Weichselbaum Andreas , von Delft Jan , Kotliar Gabriel
Published: June 2019

Physical properties of multi-orbital materials depend not only on the strength of the effective interactions among the valence electrons but also on their type. Strong correlations are caused by either Mott physics that captures the Coulomb repulsion among charges, or Hund physics that aligns the spins in different orbitals. We identify four energy scales marking the onset and the completion of screening in orbital and spin channels. The differences in these scales, which are manifest in the temperature dependence of the local spectrum and of the charge, spin and orbital susceptibilities, provide clear signatures distinguishing Mott and Hund physics. We illustrate these concepts with realistic studies of two archetypal strongly correlated materials, and corroborate the generality of our conclusions with a model Hamiltonian study.
Probabilistic controllability approach to metabolic fluxes in normal and cancer tissues
Authors: Schwartz Jean-Marc , Otokuni Hiroaki , Akutsu Tatsuya , Nacher Jose C.
Published: June 2019

Recent research has shown that many types of cancers take control of specific metabolic processes. We compiled metabolic networks corresponding to four healthy and cancer tissues, and analysed the healthy–cancer transition from the metabolic flux change perspective. We used a Probabilistic Minimum Dominating Set (PMDS) model, which identifies a minimum set of nodes that act as driver nodes and control the entire network. The combination of control theory with flux correlation analysis shows that flux correlations substantially increase in cancer states of breast, kidney and urothelial tissues, but not in lung. No change in the network topology between healthy and cancer networks was observed, but PMDS analysis shows that cancer states require fewer controllers than their corresponding healthy states. These results indicate that cancer metabolism is characterised by more streamlined flux distributions, which may be focused towards a reduced set of objectives and controlled by fewer regulatory elements.
P2X7 receptor induces mitochondrial failure in monocytes and compromises NLRP3 inflammasome activation during sepsis
Authors: Martínez-García Juan José , Martínez-Banaclocha Helios , Angosto-Bazarra Diego , de Torre-Minguela Carlos , Baroja-Mazo Alberto , Alarcón-Vila Cristina , Martínez-Alarcón Laura , Amores-Iniesta Joaquín , Martín-Sánchez Fátima , Ercole Giovanni A. , Martínez Carlos M. , González-Lisorge Ada , Fernández-Pacheco José , Martínez-Gil Piedad , Adriouch Sahil , Koch-Nolte Friedrich , Luján Juan , Acosta-Villegas Francisco , Parrilla Pascual , García-Palenciano Carlos , Pelegrin Pablo
Published: June 2019

Sepsis is characterized by a systemic inflammatory response followed by immunosuppression of the host. Metabolic defects and mitochondrial failure are common in immunocompromised patients with sepsis. The NLRP3 inflammasome is important for establishing an inflammatory response after activation by the purinergic P2X7 receptor. Here, we study a cohort of individuals with intra-abdominal origin sepsis and show that patient monocytes have impaired NLRP3 activation by the P2X7 receptor. Furthermore, most sepsis-related deaths are among patients whose NLRP3 activation is profoundly altered. In monocytes from sepsis patients, the P2X7 receptor is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Furthermore, activation of the P2X7 receptor results in mitochondrial damage, which in turn inhibits NLRP3 activation by HIF-1α. We show that mortality increases in a mouse model of sepsis when the P2X7 receptor is activated in vivo. These data reveal a molecular mechanism initiated by the P2X7 receptor that contributes to NLRP3 impairment during infection.
The role of PS 18:0/18:1 in membrane function
Authors: Skotland Tore , Sandvig Kirsten
Published: June 2019

Various studies have demonstrated that the two leaflets of cellular membranes interact, potentially through so-called interdigitation between the fatty acyl groups. While the molecular mechanism underlying interleaflet coupling remains to be fully understood, recent results suggest interactions between the very-long-chain sphingolipids in the outer leaflet, and phosphatidylserine PS18:0/18:1 in the inner leaflet, and an important role for cholesterol for these interactions. Here we review the evidence that cross-linking of sphingolipids may result in clustering of phosphatidylserine and transfer of signals to the cytosol. Although much remains to be uncovered, the molecular properties and abundance of PS 18:0/18:1 suggest a unique role for this lipid.
Lessons from the reestablishment of Public Health Laboratory activities in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria
Authors: Hardy Margaret C. , Stinnett Rita C. , Kines Kristine J. , Rivera-Nazario Danisha M. , Lowe David E. , Mercante Alexandra M. , Gonzalez Jimenez Nathalie , Cuevas Ruiz Rosa I. , Rivera Arbolay Héctor I. , Gonzalez Peña Rafael L. , Toro Mayra , Trujillo Alma A. , Pappas Claudia L. , Llewellyn Anna C. , Candal Francisco , Burgos Garay María , Gomez Gerardo A. , Concepcion Acevedo Jeniffer , Ansbro Marisela , Moura Hercules , Shaw Michael W. , Muehlenbachs Atis , Romanoff Lovisa C. , Sunshine Brittany J. , Rose Dale A. , Patel Anita , Shapiro Craig N. , Luna-Pinto S. Carolina , Pillai Satish K. , O’Neill Eduardo
Published: June 2019

Public Health Laboratories (PHLs) in Puerto Rico did not escape the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria. We implemented a quality management system (QMS) approach to systematically reestablish laboratory testing, after evaluating structural and functional damage. PHLs were inoperable immediately after the storm. Our QMS-based approach began in October 2017, ended in May 2018, and resulted in the reestablishment of 92% of baseline laboratory testing capacity. Here, we share lessons learned from the historic recovery of the largest United States’ jurisdiction to lose its PHL capacity, and provide broadly applicable tools for other jurisdictions to enhance preparedness for public health emergencies.
Macromolecular Characterization of Swordfish Oocytes by FTIR Imaging Spectroscopy
Authors: Carnevali Oliana , Candelma Michela , Sagrati Andrea , Pignalosa Paolo , Giorgini Elisabetta , Gioacchini Giorgia
Published: June 2019

During folliculogenesis, primary oocytes of teleosts grow by several orders of magnitude by-self synthesizing proteins and mRNA, or sequestering from blood specific macromolecular components, such as fatty acids and vitellogenin. All these materials are stored into cortical alveoli, yolk globules or oil droplets during oocyte development. The proper synthesis, storage and displacement of these macromolecular components inside the oocyte play a key role for a successful fertilization process and for the subsequently correct embryo development. In this study, for the first time, the FTIR Imaging (FTIRI) spectroscopy has been applied to characterize the chemical building blocks of several cellular components of swordfish oocytes at different developmental stages. In particular, the spectral features of previtellogenic (PV), vitellogenic (VTG), mature (M) and atretic (A) follicles as well as and of cortical alveoli (CA), yolk vesicles (YV), oil droplets (OD) and Zona Radiata (ZR) have been outlined, providing new insights in terms of composition and topographical distribution of macromolecules of biological interest such as lipids, proteins, carbohydrates and phosphates. The macromolecular characterization of swordfish oocytes at different developmental stages represents a starting point and a useful tool for the assessment of swordfish egg quality caught in different conditions, such as periods of the year or different fishing area.
Control over the transverse structure and long-distance fiber propagation of light at the single-photon level
Authors: Cruz-Delgado D. , Alvarado-Zacarias J. C. , Cruz-Ramirez H. , Antonio-Lopez J. E. , Leon-Saval S. G. , Amezcua-Correa R. , U’Ren A. B.
Published: June 2019

Quantum entanglement is arguably the cornerstone which differentiates the quantum realm from its classical counterpart. While entanglement can reside in any photonic degree of freedom, polarization permits perhaps the most straightforward manipulation due to the widespread availability of standard optical elements such as waveplates and polarizers. As a step towards a fuller exploitation of entanglement in other degrees of freedom, in this work we demonstrate control over the transverse spatial structure of light at the single-photon level. In particular we integrate in our setup all the technologies required for: (i) fibre-based photon pair generation, (ii) deterministic and broadband single-photon spatial conversion relying on a passive optical device, and (iii) single-photon transmission, while retaining transverse structure, over 400 m of few-mode fibre. In our experiment, we employ a mode selective photonic lantern multiplexer with the help of which we can convert the transverse profile of a single photon from the fundamental mode into any of the supported higher-order modes. We also achieve conversion to an incoherent or coherent addition of two user-selected higher order modes by addressing different combinations of inputs in the photonic lantern multiplexer. The coherent nature of the addition, and extraction of usable orbital angular momentum at the single-photon level, is further demonstrated by far-field diffraction through a triangular aperture. Our work could enable studies of photonic entanglement in the transverse modes of a fibre and could constitute a key resource quantum for key distribution with an alphabet of scalable dimension.
Phosphate Recovery from Swine Wastewater by a Struvite Precipitation Electrolyzer
Authors: Wang Fang , Fu Rao , Lv Hang , Zhu Guoliang , Lu Binwei , Zhou Zheng , Wu Xu , Chen Huanchun
Published: June 2019

Struvite precipitation electrolyzers are interesting environmental electrochemical reactors with potential applications for efficient phosphate recovery from wastewater, such as swine wastewater. In this paper, effects of phosphate concentration and pH on the struvite precipitation reaction rate were investigated. When phosphate concentration decreased from 100 to 20 mg/L, the precipitation reaction rate decreased from 396.65 mg/L·h to 70.46 mg/L·h, indicating that the reaction rate of struvite crystallization can be controlled by adjusting pH according to the change of phosphate concentration. Numerical simulation of different currents and flow rates on pH in the electrolyzer was developed and validated, and pH in the electrolyzer was dynamically measured along the distribution point of the flow field. We aimed to test the treatment effect of the electrolyzer on actual swine wastewater. When the flow rate was 20 L/h and constant voltage was 4 V, the electrolyzer was run continuously for 5 hours with the volume of 50 L. The phosphate recovery efficiency reached 99.51%, and the time-space yield of the struvite precipitation electrolyzer was 0.0219 kg/m2·h. The harvested struvite particles were identified by XRD and SEM-EDS, which presented orthorhombic structure and high purity. Economic analysis demonstrated that the proposed electrolyzer was cost-effective and technologically convenient.
Effects of Ca2+ and fulvic acids on atrazine degradation by nano-TiO2: Performances and mechanisms
Authors: Sun Saiwu , He Huijun , Yang Chunping , Cheng Yan , Liu Yongpan
Published: June 2019

In this study, the adsorption and UV photocatalytic degradation of atrazine using nano-TiO2 particles were studied systematically, and the colloidal stability of nano-TiO2 particles in solution was also investigated to reveal the removal mechanism. Experiments which contained the first 6.0 hours darkness and 4.0 hours UV illumination later were conducted at different concentrations of Ca2+ and/or fulvic acids (FA) at pH = 7.0. Results showed that the adsorption rate of atrazine onto nano-TiO2 particles decreased with the increase of Ca2+ and/or FA concentrations, which could be explained well by the colloidal stability of nanoparticles. When the solution contained Ca2+ or Ca2+-FA, the nanoparticles were aggregated together leading to the decrease of the contact surface area. Besides, there existed competitive adsorption between FA and atrazine on the particle surface. During photocatalytic degradation, the increase of Ca2+ and/or FA concentration accelerated the aggregation of nano-TiO2 particles and that reduced the degradation efficiency of atrazine. The particle sizes by SEM were in accordance with the aggregation degree of nanoparticles in the solutions. Sedimentation experiments of nano-TiO2 particles displayed that the fastest sedimentation was happened in the CaCl2 and FA coexistent system and followed by CaCl2 alone, and the results well demonstrated the photodegradation efficiency trends of atrazine by nano-TiO2 particles under the different sedimentation conditions.
Enhancing silicide formation in Ni/Si(111) by Ag-Si particles at the interface
Authors: Chang Cheng-Hsun-Tony , Jiang Pei-Cheng , Chow Yu-Ting , Hsiao Hsi-Lien , Su Wei-Bin , Tsay Jyh-Shen
Published: June 2019

Compound formation at a metal/semiconductor interface plays crucial roles in the properties of many material systems. Applications of Ni silicides span numerous areas and have the potential to be used as new functionalities. However, the magnetic properties of ultrathin Ni layers on silicon surfaces and related chemical compositions at the interface are not fully understood and the influence of Ag additives on the reactivity of Ni/Si(111) remain unclear. We report herein on the fact that the dominant species produced at the interface is NiSi, which is produced by the spontaneous formation of strong bonds between Ni and Si atoms. Assuming that a Ni layer is formed over a NiSi layer with the total coverage as a constraint, we established a chemical shift-related concentration model that, in effect, represents a practical method for determining the amount of ultrathin Ni silicides that are produced at the buried interface. The formation of Ag-Si particles provide a viable strategy for enhancing silicide formation via a specific interaction transfer mechanism, even at room temperature. The mechanism is related to differences in the enthalpies of formation ΔHAg-Si, ΔHNi-Ag, and ΔHNi-Si, for these phases and provides insights into strategies for producing ultrathin silicides at a buried interface.
Assessment on interactive prospectives of nanoplastics with plasma proteins and the toxicological impacts of virgin, coronated and environmentally released-nanoplastics
Authors: Gopinath Ponnusamy Manogaran , Saranya Vinayagam , Vijayakumar Shanmugam , Mythili Meera Mohan , Ruprekha Sharma , Kunal Reshamwala , Pranay Agarwal , Thomas John , Mukherjee Amitava , Chandrasekaran Natarajan
Published: June 2019

Recently, the concerns about micro- and nano-plastics (NPs) toxicity have been increasing constantly, however the investigations are quiet meager. The present study provides evidences on the toxicological prospectives of virgin-, coronated- and isolated-NPs on human blood cells and Allium cepa root tip, respectively. Several plasma proteins displayed strong affinity towards NPs and produced multi-layered corona of 13 nm to 600 nm size. The coronated-NPs often attracted each other via non-specific protein-protein attraction which subsequently induced protein-induced coalescence in NPs. In the protein point of view, the interaction caused conformational changes and denaturation of protein thereby turned it as bio-incompatible. The coronated-NPs with increased protein confirmation changes caused higher genotoxic and cytotoxic effect in human blood cells than the virgin-NPs. On the other hand, virgin-NPs and the NPs isolated from facial scrubs hindered the root growth and caused chromosome aberration (ring formation, C-mitotic and chromosomal breaks, etc.) in root of Allium cepa. At the outset, the present study highlights the urgent need of scrutinization and regulation of NPs use in medical applications and pre-requisition of additional studies for assessing the bio-accumulation and bio-magnification of NPs.
Ultrasonographic and elastographic biometry in adult major salivary glands: a preliminary case-control report
Authors: Fang Kai-Min , Wen Ming-Hsun , Hsu Wan-Lun , Chang Chih-Ming , Hou Pei-Yu , Liao Li-Jen
Published: June 2019

Specifications about the size and stiffness of healthy salivary glands with ultrasound (US) are not available for Asian people. Using a Toshiba Apolio 500 US platform, we determined the size (including anterior-posterior median length, median paramandibular depth dimension, and cranio-caudal height) and hardness of 100 healthy submandibular and parotid glands in volunteers without a history of disease affecting the salivary glands or post-radiation, and compared the dimensions to those of 36 parotid glands and 37 submandibular glands in post-irradiated patients. The dimensions of the parotid and submandibular glands were significantly correlated with body weight. However, the dimension of the parotid glands was not significantly correlated with that of patients with prior radiation; the shear wave velocity (SWV) significantly increased (1.99 m/s versus 2.43 m/s, p-value < 0.01). The dimension of the submandibular glands was significantly correlated with prior radiation, where the SWV also significantly increased (2.32 m/s versus 2.50 m/s, p-values < 0.01). We find that US is a useful tool for assessment of the reference dimensions and hardness of major salivary glands that may be altered by irradiation.
The relationship between insecticide resistance, mosquito age and malaria prevalence in Anopheles gambiae s.l. from Guinea
Authors: Collins Emma , Vaselli Natasha M. , Sylla Moussa , Beavogui Abdoul H. , Orsborne James , Lawrence Gena , Wiegand Ryan E. , Irish Seth R. , Walker Thomas , Messenger Louisa A.
Published: June 2019

Insecticide resistance across sub-Saharan Africa may impact the continued effectiveness of malaria vector control. We investigated the association between carbamate and pyrethroid resistance with Anopheles gambiae s.l. parity, Plasmodium falciparum infection, and molecular insecticide resistance mechanisms in Guinea. Pyrethroid resistance was intense, with field populations surviving ten times the insecticidal concentration required to kill susceptible individuals. The L1014F kdr-N1575Y haplotype and I1527T mutation were significantly associated with mosquito survival following permethrin exposure (Prevalence Ratio; PR = 1.92, CI = 1.09–3.37 and PR = 2.80, CI = 1.03–7.64, respectively). Partial restoration of pyrethroid susceptibility following synergist pre-exposure suggests a role for mixed-function oxidases. Carbamate resistance was lower and significantly associated with the G119S Ace-1 mutation. Oocyst rates were 6.8% and 4.2% among resistant and susceptible mosquitoes, respectively; survivors of bendiocarb exposure were significantly more likely to be infected. Pyrethroid resistant mosquitoes had significantly lower parity rates than their susceptible counterparts (PR = 1.15, CI = 1.10–1.21). Our findings emphasize the need for additional studies directly assessing the influence of insecticide resistance on mosquito fitness.
The chromatin remodeler Chd1 regulates cohesin in budding yeast and humans
Authors: Boginya Alexandra , Detroja Rajesh , Matityahu Avi , Frenkel-Morgenstern Milana , Onn Itay
Published: June 2019

Chd1 is a chromatin remodeler that is involved in nucleosome positioning and transcription. Deletion of CHD1 is a frequent event in prostate cancer. The Structural Maintenance of Chromosome (SMC) complex cohesin mediates long-range chromatin interactions and is involved in maintaining genome stability. We provide new evidence that Chd1 is a regulator of cohesin. In the yeast S. cerevisiae, Chd1 is not essential for viability. We show that deletion of the gene leads to a defect in sister chromatid cohesion and in chromosome morphology. Chl1 is a non-essential DNA helicase that has been shown to regulate cohesin loading. Surprisingly, co-deletion of CHD1 and CHL1 results in an additive cohesion defect but partial suppression of the chromosome structure phenotype. We found that the cohesin regulator Pds5 is overexpressed when Chd1 and Chl1 are deleted. However, Pds5 expression is reduced to wild type levels when both genes are deleted. Finally, we show a correlation in the expression of CHD1 and cohesin genes in prostate cancer patients. Furthermore, we show that overexpression of cohesin subunits is correlated with the aggressiveness of the tumor. The biological roles of the interplay between Chd1, Chl1 and SMCs are discussed.
Magneto-Optical Trap Field Characterization with the Directional Hanle Effect
Authors: Jackson Jarom S. , Durfee Dallin S.
Published: June 2019

We demonstrate the use of spatial emission patterns to measure magnetic fields. The directional aspect of the Hanle effect gives a direct, visual presentation of the magnetic fields, in which brighter fluorescence indicates larger fields. It can be used to determine the direction as well as the magnitude of the field. It is particularly well suited for characterizing and aligning magneto-optical traps, requiring little or no additional equipment or setup beyond what is ordinarily used in a magneto-optical trap, and being most sensitive to fields of the size typically present in a magneto-optical trap.
Randomised clinical trial of ferric citrate hydrate on anaemia management in haemodialysis patients with hyperphosphataemia: ASTRIO study
Authors: Yokoyama Keitaro , Fukagawa Masafumi , Akiba Takashi , Nakayama Masaaki , Ito Kyoko , Hanaki Koji , Wolf Myles , Hirakata Hideki
Published: June 2019

Ferric citrate hydrate (FC) is an iron-based phosphate binder approved for hyperphosphataemia in patients with chronic kidney disease. We conducted a randomised controlled trial to evaluate the effects of FC on anaemia management in haemodialysis patients with hyperphosphataemia. We 1:1 randomised 93 patients who were undergoing haemodialysis and being treated with non-iron-based phosphate binders and erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA) to receive 24 weeks of FC or to continue their non-iron-based phosphate binders (control) in a multicentre, open-label, parallel-design. Phosphate level was controlled within target range (3.5–6.0 mg/dL). The primary endpoint was change in ESA dose from baseline to end of treatment. Secondary endpoints were changes in red blood cell, iron and mineral, and bone-related parameters. Compared with control, FC reduced ESA dose [mean change (SD), −1211.8 (3609.5) versus +1195 (6662.8) IU/week; P = 0.03] without significant differences in haemoglobin. FC decreased red blood cell distribution width (RDW) compared with control. While there were no changes in serum phosphate, FC reduced C-terminal fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 23 compared with control. The incidence of adverse events did not differ significantly between groups. Despite unchanged phosphate and haemoglobin levels, FC reduced ESA dose, RDW, and C-terminal FGF23 compared with control.