bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Solar Thermal Storage Enhanced by Hyperbranched Structures
Authors: Xu Xingtang , Wu Bo , Zhang Peng , Yu Haifeng , Wang Guojie
Published: October 2019

Molecular solar thermal fuels have received more and more attention recently to meet the ever‐increasing global energy demands. However, molecular solar fuels are still impeded by low storage energy and short half‐life. Herein, novel molecular solar fuels are prepared from azobenzenes grafted on graphene with layer‐by‐layer dendritic hyperbranched structures. The storage performances of photoactive molecular fuels can be increased significantly via layer‐by‐layer dendritic amplification. The energy density of three‐layer hyperbranched fuels can reach up to 104 W h kg−1 (374 J g−1), which is more than three times that of pristine azobenzenes (32 W h kg−1 or 115 J g−1). Moreover, the storage half life of three‐layer hyperbranched fuels can reach 80 h, which is much longer than that of pristine azobenzenes (2.5 h). This strategy of fabricating the azobenzene–graphene hybrids with hyperbranched structures paves a new way for the development of high‐performance molecular solar thermal fuels.
An enigmatic new ungulate‐like mammal from the early Eocene of India
Authors: Zack Shawn P. , Rose Kenneth D. , Holbrook Luke T. , Kumar Kishor , Rana Rajendra S. , Smith Thierry
Published: October 2019

We report a new genus and species of herbivorous mammal, Pahelia mysteriosa, from the early Eocene Cambay Shale Formation, Tadkeshwar Lignite Mine, Gujarat, India. The new taxon, approximately the size of a small phenacodontid (e.g. Ectocion parvus), is represented by three mandibular fragments, the most complete of which documents nearly the entire symphysis and mandibular body plus P3–M3. Pahelia has incipiently selenolophodont molars with strong exodaenodonty, absent paraconids, weak but distinct entolophids, and prominent ectostylids. Molar size increases distally, but M3 does not develop a prominent third lobe. Premolars are simple, with prominent protoconids and short talonids but little development of other trigonid cusps. The mandibular symphysis is strongly fused, and there is an enlarged alveolus for an anterior tooth. The combination of features present in the new taxon does not closely match that of any known mammal, but there are some similarities to a diversity of ungulates from Africa, Asia, Europe and North America. Preserved morphology is insufficient to assess the affinities of the new taxon with confidence, but a link to Quettacyonidae, also endemic to the Indian subcontinent, is morphologically and biogeographically plausible. If this scenario is correct, it suggests that P. mysteriosa could be a part of the endemic mammalian fauna of India prior to its initial faunal contact with Asia.
Effect of Manufacturing Parameters on the Mechanical and Corrosion Behavior of Selective Laser‐Melted 15‐5PH Stainless Steel
Authors: Wang Li , Dong Chaofang , Kong Decheng , Man Cheng , Liang Jianxiong , Wang Changjun , Xiao Kui , Li Xiaogang
Published: October 2019

The effect of manufacturing parameters on mechanical and corrosion resistance is investigated using tensile tests and electrochemical experiments for selective laser‐melted 15‐5PH stainless steel. The results demonstrate that when laser power is decreased to 150 W and scanning speed increased to 1400 mm s−1, manufacturing defects increase. Plasticity and corrosion resistance reduce significantly. Cracks mainly originate from manufacturing defects and extend along the interface between molten pools. Corrosion occurs near manufacturing defects. Finally, the most suitable laser energy density is 130 J mm−3 for 15‐5PH stainless steel.
Epidermal growth factor receptor-extracellular-regulated kinase blockade upregulates TRIM32 signaling cascade and promotes neurogenesis after spinal cord injury
Authors: Xue Weiwei , Zhao Yannan , Xiao Zhifeng , Wu Xianming , Ma Dezun , Han Jin , Li Xing , Xue Xiaoyu , Yang Ying , Fang Yongxiang , Fan Caixia , Liu Sumei , Xu Bai , Han Sufang , Chen Bing , Zhang Haipeng , Fan Yongheng , Liu Weiyuan , Dong Qun , Dai Jianwu
Published: October 2019

Nerve regeneration is blocked after spinal cord injury (SCI) by a complex myelin-associated inhibitory (MAI) microenvironment in the lesion site; however, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. During the process of neural stem cell (NSC) differentiation, pathway inhibitors were added to quantitatively assess the effects on neuronal differentiation. Immunoprecipitation and lentivirus-induced overexpression were used to examine effects in vitro. In vivo, animal experiments and lineage tracing methods were used to identify nascent neurogenesis after SCI. In vitro results indicated that myelin inhibited neuronal differentiation by activating the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling cascade. Subsequently, we found that tripartite motif (TRIM) 32, a neuronal fate-determining factor, was inhibited. Moreover, inhibition of EGFR-ERK promoted TRIM32 expression and enhanced neuronal differentiation in the presence of myelin. We further demonstrated that ERK interacts with TRIM32 to regulate neuronal differentiation. In vivo results indicated that EGFR-ERK blockade increased TRIM32 expression and promoted neurogenesis in the injured area, thus enhancing functional recovery after SCI. Our results showed that EGFR-ERK blockade antagonized MAI of neuronal differentiation of NSCs through regulation of TRIM32 by ERK. Collectively, these findings may provide potential new targets for SCI repair.
Core‐Shell Type Semiconducting Heterostructures for Visible Light Photocatalysis
Authors: Ganguli Ashok Kumar , Das Anirban , Natarajan Kalithasan
Published: October 2019

This personal account highlights a part of the work done over the years in our group towards directed synthesis of morphologically controlled nanostructures. We begin with our efforts on the synthesis of families of nanostructured metal oxides and metal oxalates of well‐defined morphology using low temperature microemulsion and hydrothermal techniques. The parameters that govern the morphology in these syntheses e. g. choice of solvent and temperature are described. We then discuss nanostructures with core‐shell architecture and specifically their utilization to harvest visible light for photocatalysis and photoelectrochemical applications. The techniques described to utilize visible light include sensitizing wide bandgap semiconductors using 1) appropriate narrow bandgap materials and 2) metals that have surface plasmon resonance active bands. The reports are classified according to morphology with spherical, cubes and rods discussed in separate sections. A discussion of recent reports by other groups on core‐shell structures of similar composition as well as future directions and perspectives are presented at the end.
Excitations of the Myers-Perry black holes
Authors: Lunin Oleg
Published: October 2019

Abstract

We demonstrate separability of the dynamical equations for all p-form fluxes in the Myers-Perry-(A)dS geometry, extending the earlier results for electromagnetic field. In the physically important cases of p = (1–4), we explicitly write the ODEs governing the dynamics of separable solutions.
Two-parameter integrable deformations of the AdS3× S3× T4 superstring
Authors: Seibold Fiona K.
Published: October 2019

Abstract

For supercosets with isometry group of the form

$$ \hat{\mathrm{G}} $$

G
̂

×

$$ \hat{\mathrm{G}} $$

G
̂

, the η-deformation can be generalised to a two-parameter integrable deformation with independent q-deformations of the two copies. We study its kappa-symmetry and write down a formula for the Ramond- Ramond fluxes. We then focus on

$$ \hat{\mathrm{G}} $$

G
̂

= PSU(1, 1|2) and construct two supergravity back- grounds for the two-parameter integrable deformation of the AdS3
× S3
× T4 superstring, as well as explore their limits. We also construct backgrounds that are solutions of the weaker generalised supergravity equations of motion and compare them to the literature.
Towards the underlying gauge theory of the pure spinor superstring
Authors: Jusinskas Renann Lipinski
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Previous attempts to determine the worldsheet origin of the pure spinor for­malism were not completely successful, but introduced important concepts that seem to be connected to its fundamental structure, e.g., emergent supersymmetry and the role of reparametrization symmetry. In this work, a new proposal towards the underlying gauge theory of the pure spinor superstring is presented, based on an extension of Berkovits’ twistor-like constraint. The gauge algebra is analyzed in detail and worldsheet reparametrization is shown to be a redundant symmetry. The master action is built with a careful account of the intrinsic gauge symmetries associated with the pure spinor constraint and a consistent gauge fixing is performed. After a field redefinition, spacetime supersymmetry emerges and the resulting action describes the pure spinor superstring.
Chaos bound in Bershadsky-Polyakov theory
Authors: David Justin R. , Hollowood Timothy J. , Khetrapal Surbhi , Kumar S. Prem
Published: October 2019

Abstract

We consider two dimensional conformal field theory (CFT) with large central charge c in an excited state obtained by the insertion of an operator Φ with large dimension ΔΦ ∼ O(c) at spatial infinities in the thermal state. We argue that correlation functions of light operators in such a state can be viewed as thermal correlators with a rescaled effective temperature. The effective temperature controls the growth of out-of-time order (OTO) correlators and results in a violation of the universal upper bound on the associated Lyapunov exponent when ΔΦ < 0 and the CFT is nonunitary. We present a specific realization of this situation in the holographic Chern-Simons formulation of a CFT with

$$ {\mathrm{W}}_3^{(2)} $$

W
3

2

symmetry also known as the Bershadsky-Polyakov algebra. We examine the precise correspondence between the semiclassical (large-c) representations of this algebra and the Chern-Simons formulation, and infer that the holographic CFT possesses a discretuum of degenerate ground states with negative conformal dimension

$$ {\Delta}_{\Phi}=-\frac{c}{8} $$

Δ
Φ

=
−

c
8

. Using the Wilson line prescription to compute entanglement entropy and OTO correlators in the holographic CFT undergoing a local quench, we find the Lyapunov exponent

$$ {\uplambda}_L=\frac{4\pi }{\beta } $$

λ
L

=

4
π

β

, violating the universal chaos bound.
Einstein-Maxwell-scalar black holes: classes of solutions, dyons and extremality
Authors: Astefanesei D. , Herdeiro C. , Pombo A. , Radu E.
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Spherical black hole (BH) solutions in Einstein-Maxwell-scalar (EMS) models wherein the scalar field is non-minimally coupled to the Maxwell invariant by some coupling function are discussed. We suggest a classification for these models into two classes, based on the properties of the coupling function, which, in particular, allow, or not, the Reissner- Nordström (RN) BH solution of electrovacuum to solve a given model. Then, a comparative analysis of two illustrative families of solutions, one belonging to each class is performed: dilatonic versus scalarised BHs. By including magnetic charge, that is considering dyons, we show that scalarised BHs can have a smooth extremal limit, unlike purely electric or magnetic solutions. In particular, we study this extremal limit using the entropy function formalism, which provides insight on why both charges are necessary for extremal solutions to exist.
On pulsating strings in Schrodinger backgrounds
Authors: Dimov H. , Radomirov M. , Rashkov R.C. , Vetsov T.
Published: October 2019

Abstract

According to AdS/CFT duality semi-classical strings in the Schrodinger space­ time is conjectured to be a holographic dual to dipole CFT. In this paper we consider pulsating strings in five-dimensional Schrodinger space times five-sphere. We have found classical string solutions pulsating entirely in the Schrodinger part of the background. We quantize the theory semi-classically and obtain the wave function of the problem. We have found the corrections to the energy, which by duality are supposed to give anomalous dimensions of certain operators in the dipole CFT.
Cluster integrable systems and spin chains
Authors: Marshakov A. , Semenyakin M.
Published: October 2019

Abstract

We discuss relation between the cluster integrable systems and spin chains in the context of their correspondence with 5d supersymmetric gauge theories. It is shown that

$$ {\mathfrak{gl}}_N $$

gl
N

XXZ-type spin chain on M sites is isomorphic to a cluster integrable system with N × M rectangular Newton polygon and N × M fundamental domain of a ‘fence net’ bipartite graph. The Casimir functions of the Poisson bracket, labeled by the zig-zag paths on the graph, correspond to the inhomogeneities, on-site Casimirs and twists of the chain, supplemented by total spin. The symmetricity of cluster formulation implies natural spectral duality, relating

$$ {\mathfrak{gl}}_N $$

gl
N

-chain on M sites with the

$$ {\mathfrak{gl}}_M $$

gl
M

-chain on N sites. For these systems we construct explicitly a subgroup of the cluster mapping class group

$$ {\mathcal{G}}_{\mathcal{Q}} $$

G
Q

and show that it acts by permutations of zig-zags and, as a consequence, by permutations of twists and inhomogeneities. Finally, we derive Hirota bilinear equations, describing dynamics of the tau-functions or A-cluster variables under the action of some generators of

$$ {\mathcal{G}}_{\mathcal{Q}} $$

G
Q

.
Carnivore Management Zones and their Impact on Sheep Farming in Norway
Authors: Strand Geir-Harald , Hansen Inger , de Boon Auvikki , Sandström Camilla
Published: October 2019

We investigated the impact of Norway’s current zonal carnivore management system for four large carnivore species on sheep farming. Sheep losses increased when the large carnivores were reintroduced, but has declined again after the introduction of the zoning management system. The total number of sheep increased outside, but declined slightly inside the management zones. The total sheep production increased, but sheep farming was still lost as a source of income for many farmers. The use of the grazing resources became more extensive. Losses decreased because sheep were removed from the open outfield pastures and many farmers gave up sheep farming. While wolves expel sheep farming from the outfield grazing areas, small herds can still be kept in fenced enclosures. Bears are in every respect incompatible with sheep farming. Farmers adjust to the seasonal and more predictable behavior of lynx and wolverine, although these species also may cause serious losses when present. The mitigating efforts are costly and lead to reduced animal welfare and lower income for the farmers, although farmers in peri-urban areas increasingly are keeping sheep as an avocation. There is a spillover effect of the zoning strategy in the sense that there is substantial loss of livestock to carnivores outside, but geographically near the management zones. The carnivore management policy used in Norway is a reasonably successful management strategy when the goal is to separate livestock from carnivores and decrease the losses, but the burdens are unequally distributed and farmers inside the management zones are at an economic disadvantage.
Prognostic Impact of Osteopenia in Patients Who Underwent Living Donor Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Toshima Takeo , Yoshizumi Tomoharu , Kosai‐Fujimoto Yukiko , Inokuchi Shoichi , Yoshiya Shohei , Takeishi Kazuki , Itoh Shinji , Harada Noboru , Ikegami Toru , Soejima Yuji , Mori Masaki
Published: October 2019

Background

Osteopenia, loss of bone mineral density (BMD), was recently identified to be independently associated with early marker of deconditioning that precedes sarcopenia in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this study was to clarify the impact of osteopenia as the risk factor for mortality after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) compared with already‐reported biological markers.

Methods

Data were collected retrospectively for all consecutive patients who underwent LDLT for HCC at our institution between January 1998 and December 2015. BMD was evaluated with computed tomographic measurement of pixel density in the midvertebral core of the 11th thoracic vertebra. Data related to clinicopathological parameters and prognosis were analyzed.

Results

The median value of BMD was 163.6 Hounsfield units and osteopenia was identified in 103 (53.4%) of the 193 recipients, according to the age‐specific formula. In addition to the other tumor burdens, such as tumor numbers ≥5 (HR 2.521, P = 0.027), DCP levels >200 mAU/mL (HR 2.678, P = 0.006), and neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio ≥3.01 (HR 2.068, P = 0.025), osteopenia (HR 2.106, P = 0.024) was independent risk factor for mortality by multivariate analysis. Overall survival of the patients who met the two risk factors and more was significantly lower than the others (HR 5.382, P < 0.001). Besides, the calibration plot for the 5‐year overall survival using nomogram was predicted very well (C‐index 0.746).

Conclusions

Preoperative osteopenia was independently associated with post‐LDLT mortality among patients with HCC. Moreover, risk score and nomogram with calibration curve were developed to confirm the clinical usefulness of osteopenia for post‐LDLT patients.
The cytokine alterations/abnormalities and oxidative damage in the pancreas during hypertension development
Authors: Kozłowska Anna , Wojtacha Paweł , Majewski Michał , Równiak Maciej
Published: October 2019

The aim of the present study was to compare the content of cytokines, chemokines, and oxidative stress markers in the pancreas of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and Wistar Kyoto Rats (WKYs) serving as controls. Enzyme-like immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and biochemical methods were used to measure pancreatic levels of interleukin-1ß, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor α, transforming growth factor β, RANES, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, interferon gamma-induced protein 10, malondialdehyde, and sulfhydryl groups. The results showed that the pancreatic concentrations of all studied cytokines and chemokines did not differ between 5-week-old SHRs and WKYs, except RANTES which was significantly reduced in juvenile SHRs. In 10-week-old animals, except interleukin-1ß, the levels of all these proteins were significantly reduced in SHRs. The pancreatic levels of malondialdehyde were significantly reduced in 5-week-old SHRs and significantly elevated in 10-week-old SHRs while the contents of sulfhydryl groups were similar in both rat strains at any age studied. In conclusion, these data provide evidence that in maturating SHRs, the pancreatic levels of cytokines and chemokines are significantly reduced, while malondialdehyde significantly elevated. This suggests that in the pancreas of mature SHRs, the inflammation process is suppressed but there is ongoing oxidative damage.
Climate warming may affect the optimal timing of reproduction for migratory geese differently in the low and high Arctic
Authors: Lameris Thomas K. , de Jong Margje E. , Boom Michiel P. , van der Jeugd Henk P. , Litvin Konstantin E. , Loonen Maarten J. J. E. , Nolet Bart A. , Prop Jouke
Published: October 2019

Rapid climate warming is driving organisms to advance timing of reproduction with earlier springs, but the rate of advancement shows large variation, even among populations of the same species. In this study, we investigated how the rate of advancement in timing of reproduction with a warming climate varies for barnacle goose (Branta leucopsis) populations breeding at different latitudes in the Arctic. We hypothesized that populations breeding further North are generally more time constrained and, therefore, produce clutches earlier relative to the onset of spring than southern populations. Therefore, with increasing temperatures and a progressive relief of time constraint, we expected latitudinal differences to decrease. For the years 2000–2016, we determined the onset of spring from snow cover data derived from satellite images, and compiled data on egg laying date and reproductive performance in one low-Arctic and two high-Arctic sites. As expected, high-Arctic geese laid their eggs earlier relative to snowmelt than low-Arctic geese. Contrary to expectations, advancement in laying dates was similar in high- and low-Arctic colonies, at a rate of 27% of the advance in date of snowmelt. Although advancement of egg laying did not fully compensate for the advancement of snowmelt, geese laying eggs at intermediate dates in the low Arctic were the most successful breeders. In the high Arctic, however, early nesting geese were the most successful breeders, suggesting that high-Arctic geese have not advanced their laying dates sufficiently to earlier springs. This indicates that high-Arctic geese especially are vulnerable to negative effects of climate warming.
Clinical feasibility and safety of third space robotic and endoscopic cooperative surgery for gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors dissection
Authors: Shi Feiyu , Li Yingchao , Pan Yanglin , Sun Qi , Wang Guanghui , Yu Tianyu , Shi Chengxin , Li Yaguang , Xia Hongping , She Junjun
Published: October 2019

Background

Surgical management of gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) has evolved towards minimal invasiveness. Laparoscopic wedge resection and laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery had been considered as standard surgical treatments for gastric GISTs > 2 cm. However, stomach deformation and the full-thickness gastric defect caused by these procedures may increase the risk of morbidity. To address these problems, we developed a novel technique, third space robotic and endoscopic cooperative surgery (TS-RECS), which could dissect the tumor entirely while preserving the intact mucosal layer. Here we performed a prospective evaluation of the feasibility and safety of TS-RECS.

Methods

Patients with gastric GISTs were recruited between April 2018 and April 2019. During the operation, the gastric GIST was located by endoscopic view firstly and the submucosal injection was performed. The tumor was then dissected through robotic surgery. Clinicopathological characteristics, operative data, adverse events, and follow-ups were prospectively collected and analyzed.

Results

A total of 20 patients with gastric GISTs received TS-RECS. The mean tumor size was 33.0 ± 7.3 mm. R0 resection was achieved in all patients with a median operation time of 115 min and a median blood loss of 20 ml. The integrity of mucosal layer was maintained in 95% (19/20) of the patients. All patients started oral diet on postoperative day 1 or 2, staying in the hospital for a median of 6 days after surgery. There were no major adverse events. Local or distant recurrences were not observed during a median follow-up period of 10 months.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that TS-RECS appears to be a feasible and safe technique which could be an alternative method for resecting gastric GISTs > 2 cm.

Clinical Trials

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03804762.
Finite point sets in recognizing location and orientation of machine parts of complex shapes
Authors: Stryczek Roman
Published: October 2019

In the article, a method of recognizing the position, location and orientation of irregular machine parts with a complex outline of the external contour is suggested. Recognition is performed on the basis of a raster image that has undergone preliminary processing in a vision system. The developed method is based on matching the finite set of points retrieved from the external contour of the classified object. The originality of the approach consists of the form of the object pattern taken into account in determining the degree of similarity to reference objects. The similarity index was defined in the category of fuzzy sets. A cellular automaton has been proposed to generate the outline of the perimeter quickly while simultaneously smoothing it out. The process chain necessary for the recognition function to be implemented has been presented. The developed method has been illustrated with an example related to recognizing the position, location and orientation of a rear wheel pin. The results were compared to the classic Blair-Bliss, Danielsson and Haralick shape coefficients. The sensitivity of the developed method to a change in the scale and rotating the object as well as errors in outlining its edge has been tested. The obtained results confirmed the advantageous features of the developed method, both in the aspect of the recognition quality and the practically viable time of waiting for the results of processing.
Flow with nanoparticle clustering controlled by optical forces in quartz glass nanoslits
Authors: Tsuji Tetsuro , Matsumoto Yuki , Kawano Satoyuki
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we demonstrate nanoparticle flow control using an optical force in a confined nanospace. Using nanofabrication technologies, all-quartz-glass nanoslit channels with a sudden contraction are developed. Because the nanoslit height is comparable to the nanoparticle diameter, the motion of particles is restricted in the channel height direction, resulting in almost two-dimensional particle motion. The laser irradiates at the entrance of the sudden contraction channel, leading the trapped nanoparticles to form a cluster. As a result, the translocation of nanoparticles into the contraction channel is suppressed. Because the particle translocation restarts when the laser irradiation is stopped, we can control the nanoparticle flow into the contraction channel by switching the trapping and release of particles, realizing an intermittent flow of nanoparticles. Such a particle flow control technique in a confined nanospace is expected to improve the functions of nanofluidic devices by transporting a target material selectively to a desired location in the device.
Detection of background thermal neutrons in a modified low-background germanium gamma-ray spectrometer
Authors: Mietelski Jerzy W.
Published: October 2019

The paper presents the detection of background neutrons using the 558.4 keV gamma line emitted from excited 114Cd nuclei after neutron induced processes. Stable cadmium and 60 L water moderator were placed inside low background shield of high purity germanium (HPGe) based spectrometer. The method was applied to study diurnal mean variation of background neutron flux. For this purpose 1 h gamma background spectra of modified HPGe spectrometer were collected subsequently for 50.5 days and then summed in 24-h-cycle. Results for the 558.4 keV line are presented along with those of main background lines. The total gamma-ray spectrum was also analysed and results are presented and discussed. No cyclic structure was noticed for all examited lines but 2223 keV, for which some day-night effect is suggested to exist. Test of another moderator made of 108 kg of graphite was done, but the results obtained with water are more promising.
Long noncoding RNA CASC2c inhibited cell proliferation in hepatocellular carcinoma by inactivated ERK1/2 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway
Authors: Li Q. Y. , Yang K. , Liu F. G. , Sun X. G. , Chen L. , Xiu H. , Liu X. S.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been shown to play important roles in tumorigenesis, but their biological functions and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Alternative splicing of five exons results in three transcript variants of cancer susceptibility 2 (CASC2): the lncRNAs CASC2a, CASC2b, and CASC2c. CASC2a/b have been found to have crucial regulatory functions in a number of malignancies, but few studies have examined the effects of CASC2c in cancers. The objective of the study was to investigate the role of CASC2c in the proliferation and apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells.

Methods

This study first investigated the expression levels of CASC2c in tumor tissues, corresponding non-tumor tissues and cells using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The function and underlying molecular mechanism of CASC2c in human HCC were investigated in QGY-7703 cell line, as well as in gastric cancer (GC) cell and colorectal cancer (CRC) cell.

Results

In the present work, we observed that CASC2c was significantly down-regulated in HCC tissues and cells. Moreover, its overexpression remarkably inhibited the growth, migration, and invasion of HCC cells in vitro and promoted their apoptosis. Furthermore, we demonstrated that CASC2c overexpression decreased p-ERK1/2 levels in HCC, GC, and CRC cells. Interestingly, while overexpression of CASC2c decreased β-catenin expression in HCC and GC cells, it increased that in CRC cells.

Conclusion

The lncRNA–CASC2c has a vital role in tumorigenesis and cancer progression, and may serve as a biomarker or therapeutic target in cancer treatment via down-regulation of the ERK1/2 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways.
Error analysis of adsorption isotherm models for penicillin G onto magnesium oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Rahdar Somayeh , Rahdar Abbas , Khodadadi Mina , Ahmadi Shahin
Published: October 2019

The adsorption of penicillin G (PC-G) from aqueous solution by magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles has been investigated. This experimental study was conducted in a laboratory scale. The effects of various operating parameters such as pH (3–11), the dosage of MgO nanoparticles (0.3–1.5 g/L), contact time (20–150 min), and concentration of PC-G (50–200 mg/L) were studied. The results showed that under optimal conditions of concentration of 50 mg/L, pH 3, MgO nanoparticles dosage of 1.5 g/L and contact time of 60 min, the maximum adsorption capacity (qm) of PC-G adsorption on MgO nanoparticles obtained was 25.66 mg/g. The process of penicillin G adsorption on MgO nanoparticles was found to depend on Langmuir (II) and Langmuir (III) adsorption isotherm models. It could be concluded that the MgO nanoparticles can be used for PC-G removal from its aqueous solution.
Toward Flexible and Wearable Embroidered Supercapacitors from Cobalt Phosphides-Decorated Conductive Fibers
Authors: Wen Jianfeng , Xu Bingang , Zhou Jinyun
Published: October 2019

Wearable supercapacitors (SCs) are gaining prominence as portable energy storage devices. To develop high-performance wearable SCs, the significant relationship among material, structure, and performance inspired us with a delicate design of the highly wearable embroidered supercapacitors made from the conductive fibers composited. By rendering the conductive interdigitally patterned embroidery as both the current collector and skeleton for the SCs, the novel pseudocapacitive material cobalt phosphides were then successfully electrodeposited, forming the first flexible and wearable in-plane embroidery SCs. The electrochemical measurements manifested that the highest specific capacitance was nearly 156.6 mF cm−2 (65.72 F g−1) at the current density of 0.6 mA cm−2 (0.25 A g−1), with a high energy density of 0.013 mWh cm−2 (5.55 Wh kg−1) at a power density of 0.24 mW cm−2 (100 W kg−1). As a demonstration, a monogrammed pattern was ingeniously designed and embroidered on the laboratory gown as the wearable in-plane SCs, which showed both decent electrochemical performance and excellent flexibility.
Unsupervised network embeddings with node identity awareness
Authors: Gutiérrez-Gómez Leonardo , Delvenne Jean-Charles
Published: October 2019

A main challenge in mining network-based data is finding effective ways to represent or encode graph structures so that it can be efficiently exploited by machine learning algorithms. Several methods have focused in network representation at node/edge or substructure level. However, many real life challenges related with time-varying, multilayer, chemical compounds and brain networks involve analysis of a family of graphs instead of single one opening additional challenges in graph comparison and representation. Traditional approaches for learning representations relies on hand-crafted specialized features to extract meaningful information about the graphs, e.g. statistical properties, structural motifs, etc. as well as popular graph distances to quantify dissimilarity between networks. In this work we provide an unsupervised approach to learn graph embeddings for a collection of graphs defined on the same set of nodes so that it can be used in numerous graph mining tasks. By using an unsupervised neural network approach on input graphs, we aim to capture the underlying distribution of the data in order to discriminate between different class of networks. Our method is assessed empirically on synthetic and real life datasets and evaluated in three different tasks: graph clustering, visualization and classification. Results reveal that our method outperforms well known graph distances and graph-kernels in clustering and classification tasks, being highly efficient in runtime.
Endemic North American Plants as Potentially Suitable Agents for Wound Cleaning Under Resource Scarce Conditions
Authors: Whitehead Aldon J. , Nelson Nathan W. , Brame Lacy S. , Champlin Franklin R.
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Skin and subcutaneous infections are dangerous sequelae of soft tissue injuries, especially in austere situations where medical technology is not available. Numerous plant species endemic to North America have been described as having antibacterial properties. Of these, St. John’s wort ( Hypericum perforatum), chamomile ( Matricaria chamomilla), and white oak ( Quercus alba) were selected for testing against Staphylococcus aureus. Our objective was to assess the suitability of all 3 plants as potential antiseptic agents using methods easily replicated in a resource-scarce environment.

Methods

Water-soluble natural products were extracted from different concentrations of each plant part using either mechanical agitation at ambient temperature or boiling in unsterilized tap water. Antibacterial activity of each extract against S aureus was assessed using a conventional agar well diffusion bioassay. Zones of inhibition were measured using electronic calipers and were compared to tap water as the negative control.

Results

Aqueous extracts of St. John’s wort and white oak bark displayed antibacterial effects against S aureus, with St. John’s wort being more potent. Chamomile displayed no inhibitory properties at the concentrations examined.

Conclusions

These data suggest that both St. John’s wort and white oak are potential candidates for infection prophylaxis and therapy in austere wilderness scenarios, with St. John’s wort being the more potent agent. White oak may be more logistically feasible because the larger surface area of a white oak tree allows for harvesting a larger quantity of bark compared to the smaller surface area of the St. John’s wort plant.
Case–Control Study of Endovascular Thrombectomy in a Canadian Stroke Center
Authors: Hu Sherry X. , Virani Karim , Shankar Jai J. S. , Christian Christine A. , Matheson Kara J. , Cao Huiling , Simpkin Wendy L. , Phillips Stephen J.
Published: October 2019

Background:

Although the efficacy of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke caused by intracranial anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (LVO) is proven, demonstration of local effectiveness is critical for health system planning and resource allocation because of the complexity and cost of this treatment.

Methods:

Using our prospective registry, we identified all patients who underwent EVT for out-of-hospital LVO stroke from February 1, 2013 through January 31, 2017 (n= 44), and matched them 1:1 in a hierarchical fashion with control patients not treated with EVT based on age (±5 years), prehospital functional status, stroke syndrome, severity, and thrombolysis administration. Demographics, in-hospital mortality, discharge disposition from acute care, length of hospitalization, and functional status at discharge from acute care and at follow-up were compared between cases and controls.

Results:

For EVT-treated patients (median age 66, 50% women), the median onset-to-recanalization interval was 247 min, and successful recanalization was achieved in 30/44 (91%). Alteplase was administered in 75% of cases and 57% of controls (p= 0.07). In-hospital mortality was 11% among the cases and 36% in the control group (p= 0.006); this survival benefit persisted during follow-up (p= 0.014). More EVT patients were discharged home from acute care (50% vs. 18%,p= 0.002). Among survivors, there were nonsignificant trends in favor of EVT for median length of hospitalization (14 vs. 41 days,p= 0.11) and functional independence at follow-up (51% vs. 32%,p= 0.079).

Conclusion:

EVT improved survival and decreased disability. This demonstration of single-center effectiveness may help facilitate expansion of EVT services in similar health-care jurisdictions.
Polar Science with Global Impact?
Authors: Carlson David
Published: October 2019

No one, not even those of us who sat at the center, can or will know the full outreach impact of IPY. If one remembers and trusts public reaction one can deduce that, for a short moment, IPY research and outreach worked together to put a good face on science.
Body mass index and peripheral arterial disease, a “U-shaped” relationship in elderly African population – the EPIDEMCA study
Authors: Desormais Ileana , Aboyans Victor , Guerchet Maëlenn , Ndamba-Bandzouzi Bébène , Mbelesso Pascal , Magne Julien , Jesus Pierre , Marin Benoît , Lacroix Philippe , Preux Pierre Marie ,   EPIDEMCA investigators
Published: October 2019

Summary: Background: There is no study available concerning specifically the role of underweight in PAD prevalence. Patients and methods: Individuals ≥ 65 years living in urban and rural areas of two countries in Central Africa (Central African Republic and the Republic of Congo) were invited. Demographic, clinical and biological data were collected, and ankle-brachial index measured. BMI was calculated as weight/height2and participants were categorized according to the World Health Organization as with underweight (< 18.5 kg/m2), normal weight (18.5–24.9 kg/m2), overweight (25–29.9 kg/m2), and obese (≥ 30 kg/m2). Results: Among the 1815 participants (age 73.0 years, 61.8 % females), the prevalence of underweight was 34.1 %, higher in subjects with PAD than in PAD free subjects (37.1 % vs. 33.5 %, p = 0.0333). The overall prevalence of PAD was 14.3 %. Underweight and obesity were still significantly associated with PAD after adjustment to all potential confounding factors (OR: 2.09, p = 0.0009 respectively OR: 1.90, p = 0.0336) while overweight was no more significantly associated with PAD after multivariate analysis. Conclusions: While obesity is a well-known PAD associated marker, low BMI provides novel independent and incremental information on African subject’s susceptibility to present PAD, suggesting a “U-shaped” relationship between BMI and PAD in this population.
Retrieving Surface Snowfall With the GPM Microwave Imager: A New Module for the SLALOM Algorithm
Authors: Rysman Jean‐François , Panegrossi Giulia , Sanò Paolo , Marra Anna Cinzia , Dietrich Stefano , Milani Lisa , Kulie Mark S. , Casella Daniele , Camplani Andrea , Claud Chantal , Edel Léo
Published: October 2019

In this study, we present a new module for the Snow retrievaL ALgorithm fOr gMi (SLALOM) that retrieves surface snowfall rate using Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Microwave Imager measurements together with humidity and temperature vertical profiles. This module, named Surface Snowfall Rate Module, is tuned using colocated surface snowfall observations of the Cloud Profiling Radar onboard CloudSat. Using this new module, the SLALOM algorithm is able to predict surface snowfall rate with a relative bias of −13%, a root‐mean‐square error of 0.08 mm/hr, and a correlation coefficient of 0.7. Surface Snowfall Rate Module is then used to retrieve snowfall rate for three case studies and to provide a unique, 70°S to 70°N high‐resolution distribution of average surface snowfall rate from 2014 to 2017. This new product will be useful for surface precipitation analyses, global water budget estimation, and climatological analyses.
Jovian Auroral Radio Sources Detected In Situ by Juno/Waves: Comparisons With Model Auroral Ovals and Simultaneous HST FUV Images
Authors: Louis C. K. , Prangé R. , Lamy L. , Zarka P. , Imai M. , Kurth W. S. , Connerney J. E. P.
Published: October 2019

Since the discovery of Jovian auroral radio emissions, the question arises of the source positions of the different components (broadband kilometric, hectometric, and decametric) and their association with far ultraviolet (FUV) auroral emissions. We surveyed Juno's first 15 perijoves to track local radio sources from in situ Juno/Waves measurements (50 Hz to 40 MHz). This allowed us to study the 3‐D spatial distribution of the broadband kilometric, hectometric, and decametric radio sources. These sources are carried by the same magnetic field lines, with the bulk of them at apex M ranging from 15 to 60 (distance measured in RJ at the magnetic equator). Finally, comparisons with images of the Jovian FUV aurorae simultaneously acquired by the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) reveal a partial spatial colocation of the FUV main oval emission with the identified local radio sources.
Particle‐in‐cell Experiments Examine Electron Diffusion by Whistler‐mode Waves: 1. Benchmarking With a Cold Plasma
Authors: Allanson O. , Watt C. E. J. , Ratcliffe H. , Meredith N. P. , Allison H. J. , Bentley S. N. , Bloch T. , Glauert S. A.
Published: October 2019

Using a particle‐in‐cell code, we study the diffusive response of electrons due to wave‐particle interactions with whistler‐mode waves. The relatively simple configuration of field‐aligned waves in a cold plasma is used in order to benchmark our novel method, and to compare with previous works that used a different modelling technique. In this boundary‐value problem, incoherent whistler‐mode waves are excited at the domain boundary, and then propagate through the ambient plasma. Electron diffusion characteristics are directly extracted from particle data across all available energy and pitch‐angle space. The ‘nature’ of the diffusive response is itself a function of energy and pitch‐angle, such that the rate of diffusion is not always constant in time. However, after an initial transient phase, the rate of diffusion tends to a constant, in a manner that is consistent with the assumptions of quasilinear diffusion theory. This work establishes a framework for future investigations on the nature of diffusion due to whistler‐mode wave‐particle interactions, using particle‐in‐cell numerical codes with driven waves as boundary value problems.
Stable aerobic and anaerobic coexistence in anoxic marine zones
Authors: Zakem Emily J , Mahadevan Amala , Lauderdale Jonathan M , Follows Michael J
Published: October 2019

Mechanistic description of the transition from aerobic to anaerobic metabolism is necessary for diagnostic and predictive modeling of fixed nitrogen loss in anoxic marine zones (AMZs). In a metabolic model where diverse oxygen- and nitrogen-cycling microbial metabolisms are described by underlying redox chemical reactions, we predict a transition from strictly aerobic to predominantly anaerobic regimes as the outcome of ecological interactions along an oxygen gradient, obviating the need for prescribed critical oxygen concentrations. Competing aerobic and anaerobic metabolisms can coexist in anoxic conditions whether these metabolisms represent obligate or facultative populations. In the coexistence regime, relative rates of aerobic and anaerobic activity are determined by the ratio of oxygen to electron donor supply. The model simulates key characteristics of AMZs, such as the accumulation of nitrite and the sustainability of anammox at higher oxygen concentrations than denitrification, and articulates how microbial biomass concentrations relate to associated water column transformation rates as a function of redox stoichiometry and energetics. Incorporating the metabolic model into an idealized two-dimensional ocean circulation results in a simulated AMZ, in which a secondary chlorophyll maximum emerges from oxygen-limited grazing, and where vertical mixing and dispersal in the oxycline also contribute to metabolic co-occurrence. The modeling approach is mechanistic yet computationally economical and suitable for global change applications.
A genomics approach reveals the global genetic polymorphism, structure, and functional diversity of ten accessions of the marine model diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum
Authors: Rastogi Achal , Vieira Fabio Rocha Jimenez , Deton-Cabanillas Anne-Flore , Veluchamy Alaguraj , Cantrel Catherine , Wang Gaohong , Vanormelingen Pieter , Bowler Chris , Piganeau Gwenael , Hu Hanhua , Tirichine Leila
Published: October 2019

Diatoms emerged in the Mesozoic period and presently constitute one of the main primary producers in the world’s ocean and are of a major economic importance. In the current study, using whole genome sequencing of ten accessions of the model diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum, sampled at broad geospatial and temporal scales, we draw a comprehensive landscape of the genomic diversity within the species. We describe strong genetic subdivisions of the accessions into four genetic clades (A–D) with constituent populations of each clade possessing a conserved genetic and functional makeup, likely a consequence of the limited dispersal of P. tricornutum in the open ocean. We further suggest dominance of asexual reproduction across all the populations, as implied by high linkage disequilibrium. Finally, we show limited yet compelling signatures of genetic and functional convergence inducing changes in the selection pressure on many genes and metabolic pathways. We propose these findings to have significant implications for understanding the genetic structure of diatom populations in nature and provide a framework to assess the genomic underpinnings of their ecological success and impact on aquatic ecosystems where they play a major role. Our work provides valuable resources for functional genomics and for exploiting the biotechnological potential of this model diatom species.