bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Paleomagnetic Results From Middle Jurassic Limestones of the Qiangtang Terrane, Tibet: Constraints on the Evolution of the Bangong‐Nujiang Ocean
Authors: Cao Yong , Sun Zhiming , Li Haibing , Pei Junling , Liu Dongliang , Zhang Lei , Ye Xiaozhou , Zheng Yong , He Xiangli , Ge Chenglong , Jiang Wan
Published: January 2019

To constrain the relationship between the Qiangtang and Lhasa terranes and the evolution of the Bangong‐Nujiang Ocean (BNO), we carried out a paleomagnetic investigation of the Middle Jurassic limestone from the Shuanghu region in the southern Qiangtang terrane. Stepwise thermal demagnetization succeeded in isolating high‐temperature characteristic directions by either principal component or great circle fitting analyses. The site‐mean direction of the 13 sampling sites was Dg = 334.7°, Ig = 51.2°, kg = 27.9, α95 = 8.0° (in geographic coordinates) and Ds = 245.2°, Is = 54.1°, ks = 113.9, α95 = 3.9° (in stratigraphic coordinates). The paleomagnetic data passed both fold and reversal tests. Both rock magnetic and petrographic investigations suggest a primary magnetization. The paleomagnetic results imply that the paleolatitude of the Qiangtang terrane was 34.6 ± 4.6°N (reference site: 32.7°N, 89.4°E) in the Middle Jurassic. Combined with previous reliable paleomagnetic results, it is suggested that the Qiangtang terrane was situated at a stable paleolatitudinal position and did not undergo obvious N‐S displacement between the Late Triassic and the Middle Jurassic. Comparison with the paleomagnetic results available for the Lhasa terrane implies that the width of the BNO was 2,600 ± 710 km (23.4° ± 6.4°) during the Middle Jurassic. The BNO expanded from the Early to Middle Triassic, reached its maximum width in the Late Triassic, and then shrank until it closed by the Cretaceous.
Heat and Mass Transport in a Vapor‐Dominated Hydrothermal Area in Yellowstone National Park, USA: Inferences From Magnetic, Electrical, Electromagnetic, Subsurface Temperature, and Diffuse CO2 Flux Measurements
Authors: Bouligand Claire , Hurwitz Shaul , Vandemeulebrouck Jean , Byrdina Svetlana , Kass Mason Andrew , Lewicki Jennifer Lynn
Published: January 2019

Vapor‐dominated hydrothermal systems are characterized by localized and elevated heat and gas flux. In these systems, steam and gas ascend from a boiling water reservoir, steam condenses beneath a low‐permeability cap layer, and liquid water descends, driven by gravity (“heat pipe” model). We combine magnetic, electromagnetic, and geoelectrical methods and CO2 flux and subsurface temperature measurements in the Solfatara Plateau Thermal Area in the Yellowstone Caldera to address several fundamental questions: (1) What are the structural and/or lithological controls on heat and mass transport in vapor‐dominated areas? (2) What is the geometry and size of convecting multiphase thermal plumes? (3) Are thermal plumes associated with subsurface rock alteration and demagnetization? Magnetic and electromagnetic data inversions suggest an asymmetric 50‐ to 100‐m thick basin of glacial deposits with the thickest part adjacent to the margin of a rhyolite flow. The 3‐D electrical conductivity model in the glacial basin reveals a narrow vertical conductor interpreted as a focused multiphase plume, which coincides at the ground surface with the heat and CO2 flux maxima. The magnetic data suggest that destruction of magnetic minerals due to rock alteration associated with the hydrothermal plume occurs mainly near the ground surface. We propose a model where the buoyant multiphase plume forms in response to decompression, boiling, and phase separation of pressurized thermal groundwater that discharges from the brecciated base of a rhyolite flow into the basin of glacial deposits. Results from multiphase groundwater flow and heat transport numerical simulations corroborate the first‐order characteristics of this model.
Crustal Shear Wave Velocity Structure of Central Idaho and Eastern Oregon From Ambient Seismic Noise: Results From the IDOR Project
Authors: Bremner Paul M. , Panning Mark P. , Russo R. M. , Mocanu Victor , Stanciu A. Christian , Torpey Megan , Hongsresawat Sutatcha , VanDecar John C. , LaMaskin Todd A. , Foster D. A.
Published: January 2019

We developed 3‐D isotropic crustal seismic velocity models of central Idaho and eastern Oregon from the IDOR (western IDaho and eastern ORegon) Passive seismic data. Ambient noise tomography yielded crustal velocity structure from vertical component Rayleigh wave group and phase velocity measurements. Results include a strong shear wave velocity contrast—faster in accreted Blue Mountains terranes west of the western Idaho shear zone (WISZ), slower in the Idaho batholith, emplaced within the Archean Grouse Creek block east of the WISZ—restricted to the upper‐to‐middle crust. In deeper crust not affected by mafic underplating during Columbia River Flood Basalt magmatism, the shear wave velocity of the Mesozoic Olds Ferry continental arc terrane is indistinguishable from that of the Archean Grouse Creek block basement. Crustal columns of the Olds Ferry terrane and the Permian‐Jurassic Wallowa intraoceanic arc terrane are characterized by low seismic velocities, consistent with felsic lithologies down to ∼20 km. West of the WISZ, the Bourne and Greenhorn subterranes of the Baker terrane, an accretionary complex between the arc terranes, have distinct shallow crustal seismic velocities. The Greenhorn subterrane to midcrustal depths is in an overthrust geometry relative to the Bourne subterrane. Lack of mafic lower crust in our results of the Wallowa or Olds Ferry arcs may be due to imbrication of upper crustal felsic plutonic complexes of these arcs. Shortening and thickening of the Blue Mountains arc terranes crust to >30 km, and subduction or delamination of their mafic lower crustal sections is a viable mechanism for growth of a felsic continental crust.
Organic Particles Affect Carbon Cycling in Boreal Waters
Authors: Sidder Aaron
Published: January 2019

Dissolved organic carbon receives much of the focus in aquatic research, but a new study suggests that bulkier particulate matter may play a significant role in regulating carbon dioxide emissions.
Automated, high-throughput measurement of size and growth curves of small organisms in well plates
Authors: Duckworth James , Jager Tjalling , Ashauer Roman
Published: January 2019

Organism size and growth curves are important biological characteristics. Current methods to measure organism size, and in particular growth curves, are often resource intensive because they involve many manual steps. Here we demonstrate a method for automated, high-throughput measurements of size and growth in individual aquatic invertebrates kept in microtiter well-plates. We use a spheroid counter (Cell3iMager, cc-5000) to automatically measure size of seven different freshwater invertebrate species. Further, we generated calibration curves (linear regressions, all p < 0.0001, r2 >=0.9 for Ceriodaphnoa dubia, Asellus aquaticus, Daphnia magna, Daphnia pulex; r2 >=0.8 for Hyalella azteca, Chironomus spec. larvae and Culex spec. larvae) to convert size measured on the spheroid counter to traditional, microscope based, length measurements, which follow the longest orientation of the body. Finally, we demonstrate semi-automated measurement of growth curves of individual daphnids (C. dubia and D. magna) over time and find that the quality of individual growth curves varies, partly due to methodological reasons. Nevertheless, this novel method could be adopted to other species and represents a step change in experimental throughput for measuring organisms’ shape, size and growth curves. It is also a significant qualitative improvement by enabling high-throughput assessment of inter-individual variation of growth.
Increased throughput and ultra-high mass resolution in DESI FT-ICR MS imaging through new-generation external data acquisition system and advanced data processing approaches
Authors: Kooijman Pieter C. , Nagornov Konstantin O. , Kozhinov Anton N. , Kilgour David P. A. , Tsybin Yury O. , Heeren Ron M. A. , Ellis Shane R.
Published: January 2019

Desorption electrospray ionisation-mass spectrometry imaging (DESI-MSI) is a powerful imaging technique for the analysis of complex surfaces. However, the often highly complex nature of biological samples is particularly challenging for MSI approaches, as options to appropriately address molecular complexity are limited. Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS) offers superior mass accuracy and mass resolving power, but its moderate throughput inhibits broader application. Here we demonstrate the dramatic gains in mass resolution and/or throughput of DESI-MSI on an FT-ICR MS by developing and implementing a sophisticated data acquisition and data processing pipeline. The presented pipeline integrates, for the first time, parallel ion accumulation and detection, post-processing absorption mode Fourier transform and pixel-by-pixel internal re-calibration. To achieve that, first, we developed and coupled an external high-performance data acquisition system to an FT-ICR MS instrument to record the time-domain signals (transients) in parallel with the instrument’s built-in electronics. The recorded transients were then processed by the in-house developed computationally-efficient data processing and data analysis software. Importantly, the described pipeline is shown to be applicable even to extremely large, up to 1 TB, imaging datasets. Overall, this approach provides improved analytical figures of merits such as: (i) enhanced mass resolution at no cost in experimental time; and (ii) up to 4-fold higher throughput while maintaining a constant mass resolution. Using this approach, we not only demonstrate the record 1 million mass resolution for lipid imaging from brain tissue, but explicitly show such mass resolution is required to resolve the complexity of the lipidome.
Printed nanofilms mechanically conforming to living bodies
Authors: Yamagishi Kento , Takeoka Shinji , Fujie Toshinori
Published: January 2019

Printed nanofilms consisting of ultra-flexible polymer nanosheets and various inks mechanically conform to the living body and provide a range of biomedical applications.
A ratiometric fluorescent probe of methionine sulfoxide reductase with an improved response rate and emission wavelength
Authors: Zhang Liangwei , Peng Shoujiao , Sun Jinyu , Liu Ruijuan , Liu Shudi , Fang Jianguo
Published: January 2019

A ratiometric fluorescent probe of methionine sulfoxide reductase, Msr-Ratio, showed nearly 400-fold fluorescence change (I550/I430) with an improved response rate and optical characteristics.
Highly ambient-stable few-layer black phosphorene by pulsed laser exfoliation and HEMM
Authors: Zhang Jianyu , Shin Hosop , Lu Wei
Published: January 2019

Pulsed laser exfoliation was successfully applied to fabricate few-layer phosphorene from high energy mechanical milling (HEMM) synthesized black phosphorus (BP) powders and crystals.
The crucial role of clay binders in the performance of ZSM-5 based materials for biomass catalytic pyrolysis
Authors: Hernando Héctor , Ochoa-Hernández Cristina , Shamzhy Mariya , Moreno Inés , Fermoso Javier , Pizarro Patricia , Coronado Juan M. , Čejka Jiří , Serrano David P.
Published: January 2019

The effect of agglomerating ZrO2/n-ZSM-5 catalyst with different clays on biomass catalytic pyrolysis is evaluated.
Influence of carbon doping concentration on photoelectrochemical activity of TiO2nanotube arrays under water oxidation
Authors: Gwag Eun Heui , Moon Song Yi , Mondal Indranil , Park Jeong Young
Published: January 2019

The effect of doping concentrations of TiO2nanotube on photocatalytic activity was investigated because of its potential for the smart design of more energy- and cost-efficient catalytic materials.
Borylated perylenediimide: self-assembly, photophysics and sensing application
Authors: Sudhakar Pagidi , Neena Kalluvettukuzhy K. , Thilagar Pakkirisamy
Published: January 2019

A red emissive perylenediimide-triarylboron conjugate (PDI-TAB) with interesting 1D self-assembled nanowires, concentration dependent emission colors and potential fluoride ion sensing is reported.
Enhanced CO2 capture by reducing cation–anion interactions in hydroxyl-pyridine anion-based ionic liquids
Authors: Luo Xiao-Yan , Chen Xiao-Yan , Qiu Rong-Xing , Pei Bao-You , Wei Yi , Hu Min , Lin Jin-Qing , Zhang Jing-Yang , Luo Geng-Geng
Published: January 2019

An efficient strategy for enhancing CO2 capture performance based on 2-hydroxyl pyridium anion-functionalized ILs was reported via the reduction of cation–anion interactions in ILs.
POCN Ni(ii) pincer complexes: synthesis, characterization and evaluation of catalytic hydrosilylation and hydroboration activities
Authors: Gudun Kristina A. , Segizbayev Medet , Adamov Assyl , Plessow Philipp N. , Lyssenko Konstantin A. , Balanay Mannix P. , Khalimon Andrey Y.
Published: January 2019

(POCN)Ni(ii) complexes were found to mediate a variety of carbonyl hydroboration reactions, including chemoselective hydroboration of benzaldehyde and hydroborative reduction of amides.
Accurate and precise microscale measurements of boron isotope ratios in calcium carbonates using laser ablation multicollector-ICPMS
Authors: Sadekov Aleksey , Lloyd Nicholas S. , Misra Sambuddha , Trotter Julie , D'Olivo Juan , McCulloch Malcolm
Published: January 2019

The boron isotope compositions (δ11B) of biogenic carbonates have proven to be an invaluable tool for investigating changes in ocean carbonate chemistry, especially the impacts of declining seawater pH due to rising levels of atmospheric CO2.
Correction: Direct Z scheme-fashioned photoanode systems consisting of Fe2O3 nanorod arrays and underlying thin Sb2Se3 layers toward enhanced photoelectrochemical water splitting performance
Authors: Liao Aizhen , Zhou Yong , Xiao Leixin , Zhang Chunfeng , Wu Congping , Asiri Adullah M. , Xiao Min , Zou Zhigang
Published: January 2019

Correction for ‘Direct Z scheme-fashioned photoanode systems consisting of Fe2O3 nanorod arrays and underlying thin Sb2Se3 layers toward enhanced photoelectrochemical water splitting performance’ by Yong Zhou et al., Nanoscale, 2019, DOI: 10.1039/c8nr08292h.
Mechanistic study of the solvent-controlled Pd(ii)-catalyzed chemoselective intermolecular 1,2-aminooxygenation and 1,2-oxyamination of conjugated dienes
Authors: Li Yunyi , Wu Zhengxing , Ling Zheng , Chen Hongjin , Zhang Wanbin
Published: January 2019

The different coordination modes in MeCN and DMSO solvents could clarify the origin of chemoselectivity.
Label-free quantitative proteomics to investigate the response of strawberry fruit after controlled ozone treatment
Authors: Chen Cunkun , Zhang Xiaojun , Zhang Huijie , Ban Zhaojun , Li Li , Dong Chenghu , Ji Haipeng , Xue Wentong
Published: January 2019

To elucidate the postharvest senescence of strawberry fruit in response to ozone treatment at different concentrations, a label-free quantitative proteomic approach was performed.
Kinetic and experimental study on the reaction of 3,7-dinitro-1,3,5,7-tetraazabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane in nitric acid
Authors: Zhang Yu , Xu Zishuai , Zhang Luyao , He Ying , Luo Jun
Published: January 2019

A comprehensive experimental and kinetic study on the reaction of DPT in nitric acid has been performed. The overall yield of the stepwise method for preparing HMX was up to 82.7%, which is a landmark breakthrough for the preparation of HMX from DPT.
How does graphene enhance the photoelectric conversion efficiency of dye sensitized solar cells? An insight from a theoretical perspective
Authors: Xi Jian-Ying , Jia Ran , Li Wei , Wang Jian , Bai Fu-Quan , Eglitis Roberts I. , Zhang Hong-Xing
Published: January 2019

Theoretical investigation reveals how graphene enhances the photoelectric conversion efficiency of a DSSC.
An ultra-high endurance and high-performance quasi-solid-state fiber-shaped Zn–Ag2O battery to harvest wind energy
Authors: Li Chaowei , Zhang Qichong , E Songfeng , Li Taotao , Zhu Zezhou , He Bing , Zhou Zhenyu , Man Ping , Li Qiulong , Yao Yagang
Published: January 2019

The synergistic effect of a 3D conductive skeleton and protective layer endows an admirable electrochemical durability to fiber-shaped quasi-solid-state Zn–Ag2O batteries.
Enhanced synergistic catalysis by a novel triple-phase interface design of NiO/Ru@Ni for the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Zhong Chenglin , Zhou Qingwen , Li Shengwen , Cao Lin , Li Jiachen , Shen Zihan , Ma Haixia , Liu Jianguo , Lu Minghui , Zhang Huigang
Published: January 2019

High-efficiency synergistic catalysis was realized by a novel triple-phase interface design of the bifunctional catalysts of NiO and Ru nanoparticles, leading to simultaneous enhancement of all elementary steps.
Predicting performance limits of methane gas storage in zeolites with an artificial neural network
Authors: Lee Sangwon , Kim Baekjun , Kim Jihan
Published: January 2019

Crystalline nanoporous materials (i.e. shapes) were generated in the energy space using an artificial neural network.
Facile in situ synthesis of zeolite-encapsulating Cs2SiF6:Mn4+ for application in WLEDs
Authors: Meng Suqian , Zhou Yayun , Wan Wei , Ye Shi , Zhang Qinyuan
Published: January 2019

Stability test shows that the luminous efficiency of WLED with CSFM-Y reduces only 4% after duration of 120 h in the testing condition of high humidity (85%) and high temperature (85 °C), while the one with pure CSFM declines 28%.
Highly luminescent CsPbBr3 nanorods synthesized by a ligand-regulated reaction at the water–oil interface
Authors: Jing Qiang , Su Yucong , Xing Xing , Lu Zhenda
Published: January 2019

We have synthesized highly luminescent CsPbBr3 nanorods through an oriented-attachment mechanism assisted by the ligand-regulation at the water–oil interface.
Dc‐link current computational methods for three‐phase inverter with low‐order harmonic output current
Authors: Wang Tao , Lu Shuai
Published: January 2019

Both the spectral analysis and the closed‐form root‐mean‐square (RMS) equations are widely used to determine the three‐phase inverter dc‐link current for capacitor rating proposed. However, the analytical models of the dc‐link currents have rarely been reported for applications like the active power filter, where ac currents are mostly low‐order harmonics (LOHs). This paper first derived expressions for each dc‐link LOH current, in order to compute the capacitor losses for each LOH frequencies. Then, it is shown that the derivation of the dc‐link switching harmonic current (SHC) RMS equation is very much complicated when LOHs are present in the ac currents. Hence, new set of generalised RMS equations were successfully derived and simplified into one equation to facilitate the worst case design. The design case of the dc‐link current is demonstrated with the proposed equations. A flexible grid‐tied inverter lab prototype is developed to inject arbitrary combinations of LOH currents of different orders, sequences, amplitudes and angles into the grid. Good match between the computational and experimental results validates the proposed methods.
Minimising peak current in boundary conduction mode for the four‐switch buck–boost DC/DC converter with soft switching
Authors: Xia Kun , Li Zheng , Qin Yujian , Yuan Yin , Yuan Qingqing
Published: January 2019

The DC/DC converter needs the inductor to get the desirable increased voltage, which means it is impossible to avoid the power loss. Thus, minimising the inductor current may be a way to suppress the loss. In this study, to achieve higher efficiency of DC/DC converters, the control method to minimise peak current in boundary conduction mode (BCM) of the DC/DC converter is proposed when implementing soft switching of the converter switches. The comprehensive principle to minimise peak current in BCM is studied and the precise conduction time and conduction sequence of four switches of the buck–boost circuit are deduced. On comparing with the bipolar BCM and unipolar BCM, the proposed BCM could effectively reduce the inductor current in the DC/DC converter. Furthermore, low‐voltage and high‐voltage DC experiments were independently designed to verify the proposed control. The experimental results from a prototype of 1 kW DC/DC converter proved that this novel control method could realise the soft switching with the minimising peak current of the buck–boost converter switches and reduce the loss of the whole DC/DC converter.
Observation of collisionless-to-collisional transition in colliding plasma jets with optical Thomson scattering
Authors: Young R. P. , Kuranz C. C. , Froula D. , Ross J. S. , Klein S.
Published: January 2019

This paper reports the results of an optical (526.5 nm) Thomson scattering investigation of low-Z (C5H8O2) plasma jets created on the OMEGA laser. We were able to measure the plasma parameters of individual jets and investigate the nature of the interaction when two jets were collided head-on. We found that the mass density of an individual jet increased from 10−7 to 10−4 g cm−3, while the velocity fell from 300 to 100 km s over the probed time period (12–18 ns). When two jets were collided, we were able to capture the transition from collisionless interaction (interpenetration) to collisional interaction (stagnation and shock formation). The timing of the collisionless-to-collisional transition was investigated with visible light self-emission images of the experiments, with streaked Thomson scattering of the interaction region, and by calculating the ion penetration depth based on the measured density and velocity of the jets. All three approaches broadly agree: the colliding jets transitioned from collisionless to collisional behavior around 16 ns after drive laser beams were fired.
Physical picture of collisionless neoclassical polarization current
Authors: Qu Hongpeng , Wang Feng , Peng Xiaodong , Li Jiquan , Wang Aike
Published: January 2019

Past work has introduced that the neoclassical polarization drift of the passing ion is in the same direction as that of the trapped ion. Here, based on the model of single particle motion, our analytical results indicate that the neoclassical polarization drifts of the trapped and passing ions are in the opposite directions without collision considered. This work is helpful to easily understand the previous expression of the collisionless neoclassical polarization current based on the kinetic theories, which is only a small quantity of order O(ε3/2) compared to that in the banana collision regime.
Surface tractions on an ellipsoid in Stokes flow: Quadratic ambient fields
Authors: Martin Curtis P. , Wang Shiyan , Kim Sangtae
Published: January 2019

The surface tractions on an ellipsoid undergoing rigid body motion in an ambient Stokes flow field are known to be surprisingly simple—essentially of the same form as the boundary condition for the disturbance velocity multiplied by the dot product of the position vector at the ellipsoid surface and the outward surface normal at that point. The direct derivation of these remarkable classical results via the Newtonian constitutive equation is straightforward but requires many pages of algebra. More recently, a more satisfying explanation of this result was derived by proving that the Stokes flow double layer operator acting on the surface of an ellipsoid is self-adjoint for a particular weighted metric space (discussed in this work). In the present paper, this result, which the authors call the weighted ellipsoidal metric space theorem, is exploited to derive simple forms for the surface tractions on a force-free ellipsoid in a quadratic ambient field. After even more pages of algebra than encountered for the classical flows, the tractions reduce to a simple form: the weighting function times a quadratic in the position vector (without the guidance of the general theory, the initial expressions for the traction would have taken several columns or pages of this journal). The nature of the derivation along with the corresponding analysis of the eigensystem of the double layer operator suggests that for the general polynomial ambient field, the surface traction is a polynomial in the position vector of the same degree, multiplied by the weighting function.
Design optimization through thermomechanical finite-element analysis of a hybrid piston-clamped anvil cell for nuclear magnetic resonance experiments
Authors: Barbero N. , Abbiati G. , Enrico E. , Amato G. , Vittone E. , Ott H.-R. , Mesot J. , Shiroka T.
Published: January 2019

The investigation of materials under extreme pressure conditions requires high-performance cells whose design invariably involves trade-offs between the maximum achievable pressure, the allowed sample volume, and the possibility of real-time pressure monitoring. With a newly conceived hybrid piston-clamped anvil cell, we offer a relatively simple and versatile system, suitable for nuclear magnetic resonance experiments up to 4.4 GPa. Finite-element models, taking into account mechanical and thermal conditions, were used to optimize and validate the design prior to the realization of the device. Cell body and gaskets were made of beryllium-copper alloy and the pistons and pusher were made of tungsten carbide, while the anvils consist of zirconium dioxide. The low-temperature pressure cell performance was tested by monitoring in situ the pressure-dependent 63Cu nuclear-quadrupole-resonance signal of Cu2O.
Phonon properties and thermal conductivity from first principles, lattice dynamics, and the Boltzmann transport equation
Authors: McGaughey Alan J. H. , Jain Ankit , Kim Hyun-Young , Fu Bo
Published: January 2019

A computational framework for predicting phonon frequencies, group velocities, scattering rates, and the resulting lattice thermal conductivity is described. The underlying theory and implementation suggestions are also provided. By using input from first principles calculations and taking advantage of advances in computational power, this framework has enabled thermal conductivity predictions that agree with experimental measurements for diverse crystalline materials over a wide range of temperatures. Density functional theory and density functional perturbation theory calculations are first used to obtain the harmonic and cubic force constants. The harmonic force constants are the input to harmonic lattice dynamics calculations, which provide the phonon frequencies and eigenvectors. The harmonic properties and the cubic force constants are then used with perturbation theory and/or phenomenological models to determine intrinsic and extrinsic scattering rates. The full set of phonon properties is then used to solve the Boltzmann transport equation for the mode populations and thermal conductivity. The extension of the framework to include higher-order processes, capture finite temperature effects, and model alloys is described. A case study on silicon is presented that provides benchmarking and convergence data. Available packages that implement the framework are compared.
Effect of repeated immersions and contamination on plastron stability in superhydrophobic surfaces
Authors: Vüllers Felix , Peppou-Chapman Sam , Kavalenka Maryna N. , Hölscher Hendrik , Neto Chiara
Published: January 2019

Development of superhydrophobic surfaces is of great interest for drag-reducing applications as air layers retained underwater greatly reduce fluidic drag. However, liquid flow over these surfaces can result in the collapse of the lubricating air layer. Here, we investigate the dynamic stability of retained air layers on three different superhydrophobic surfaces against repeated immersion and motion through various viscous liquids. The three surfaces investigated are a highly ordered polytetrafluoroethylene micropillar array, a two-level hierarchical random polycarbonate nanofur, and a double-scale hierarchical Teflon AF wrinkled surface. Both repeated immersions and contamination by viscous liquids accelerated the rate of plastron decay on the pillar array and the nanofur, while the Teflon wrinkles remained dry. Five topographical features were identified as correlated to a dynamically stable retained air layer, and a relation between these stability-enhancing parameters and the drag-reducing capabilities is found. Furthermore, resistance of superhydrophobic surfaces against contamination is studied and the directionality of the Cassie-to-Wenzel wetting transition on air-retaining surfaces is demonstrated. Together, an understanding of these properties allows for the rational design of new superhydrophobic surfaces fit for application.
Sub-Doppler electronic spectrum of the benzene–D2 complex
Authors: Hayashi Masato , Ohshima Yasuhiro
Published: January 2019

Excitation spectrum of the benzene–D2 van der Waals complex in the vicinity of the S1 ← S0 601 vibronic transition of the monomer was recorded with sub-Doppler resolution by utilizing mass-selective two-color resonance-enhanced two-photon ionization. Contrary to the previous report on the benzene–H2 complex [M. Hayashi and Y. Ohshima, J. Phys. Chem. A 117, 9819 (2013)], both spin isomers correlating to para and ortho D2 (with rotational angular momentum j = 1 and 0, respectively) are identified by using a gas sample of normal D2. Three and two vibronic bands involving vdW-mode excitation were observed for the para and ortho species, respectively, in addition to their origin bands. Comparison of the results for the two spin isomers has allowed us to make unambiguous band assignments, and vibrational frequencies of all the three vdW modes have been determined for benzene–H2 and –D2. Among the three modes, the two-dimensional vdW twist is correlated to the hindered internal rotation of H2/D2 and the barrier for the internal rotation has been evaluated: 72 and 66 cm−1 for benzene–H2 and –D2, respectively. Vibronic-state dependence of the intermolecular distance between benzene and H2/D2 is discussed on the basis of precisely determined rotational constants. Homogenous line broadening has been identified for all the observed vibronic bands, and the corresponding upper-state lifetimes are determined to be in the range of 0.3–0.7 ns.
Prediction of the livestock carrying capacity using neural network in the meadow steppe
Authors: Wu T. S. , Fu H. P. , Jin G. , Wu H. F. , Bai H. M.
Published: January 2019

In order to predict the livestock carrying capacity in meadow steppe, a method using back propagation neural network is proposed based on the meteorological data and the remote-sensing data of Normalised Difference Vegetation Index. In the proposed method, back propagation neural network was first utilised to build a behavioural model to forecast precipitation during the grass-growing season (June–July–August) from 1961 to 2015. Second, the relationship between precipitation and Normalised Difference Vegetation Index during the grass-growing season from 2000 to 2015 was modelled with the help of back propagation neural network. The prediction results demonstrate that the proposed back propagation neural network-based model is effective in the forecast of precipitation and Normalised Difference Vegetation Index. Thus, an accurate prediction of livestock carrying capacity is achieved based on the proposed back propagation neural network-based model. In short, this work can be used to improve the utilisation of grassland and prevent the occurrence of vegetation degradation by overgrazing in drought years for arid and semiarid grasslands.
First-in-human, Randomized, Double-blind Clinical Trial of Differentially Adjuvanted PAMVAC, A Vaccine Candidate to Prevent Pregnancy-associated Malaria
Authors: Mordmüller Benjamin , Sulyok Mihály , Egger-Adam Diane , Resende Mafalda , de Jongh Willem A , Jensen Mette H , Smedegaard Helle Holm , Ditlev Sisse B , Soegaard Max , Poulsen Lars , Dyring Charlotte , Calle Carlos Lamsfus , Knoblich Annette , Ibáñez Javier , Esen Meral , Deloron Philippe , Ndam Nicaise , Issifou Saadou , Houard Sophie , Howard Randall F , Reed Steven G , Leroy Odile , Luty Adrian J F , Theander Thor G , Kremsner Peter G , Salanti Ali , Nielsen Morten A
Published: January 2019

Background

Malaria in pregnancy has major impacts on mother and child health. To complement existing interventions, such as intermittent preventive treatment and use of impregnated bed nets, we developed a malaria vaccine candidate with the aim of reducing sequestration of asexual “blood-stage” parasites in the placenta, the major virulence mechanism.

Methods

The vaccine candidate PAMVAC is based on a recombinant fragment of VAR2CSA, the Plasmodium falciparum protein responsible for binding to the placenta via chondroitin sulfate A (CSA). Healthy, adult malaria-naive volunteers were immunized with 3 intramuscular injections of 20 μg (n = 9) or 50 μg (n = 27) PAMVAC, adjuvanted with Alhydrogel or glucopyranosyl lipid adjuvant in stable emulsion (GLA-SE) or in a liposomal formulation with QS21 (GLA-LSQ). Allocation was random and double blind. The vaccine was given every 4 weeks. Volunteers were observed for 6 months following last immunization.

Results

All PAMVAC formulations were safe and well tolerated. A total of 262 adverse events (AEs) occurred, 94 (10 grade 2 and 2 grade 3) at least possibly related to the vaccine. No serious AEs occurred. Distribution and severity of AEs were similar in all arms. PAMVAC was immunogenic in all participants. PAMVAC-specific antibody levels were highest with PAMVAC-GLA-SE. The antibodies inhibited binding of VAR2CSA expressing P. falciparum-infected erythrocytes to CSA in a standardized functional assay.

Conclusions

PAMVAC formulated with Alhydrogel or GLA-based adjuvants was safe, well tolerated, and induced functionally active antibodies. Next, PAMVAC will be assessed in women before first pregnancies in an endemic area.

Clinical Trials Registration

EudraCT 2015-001827-21; ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02647489.
A mixed DG method and an HDG method for incompressible magnetohydrodynamics
Authors: Qiu Weifeng , Shi Ke
Published: January 2019

In this paper we propose and analyze a mixed discontinuous Galerkin (DG) method and an hybridizable DG (HDG) method for the stationary magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) equations with two types of boundary (or constraint) conditions. The mixed DG method is based on a recent work proposed by Houston et al. (2009, A mixed DG method for linearized incompressible magnetohydrodynamics. J. Sci. Comput., 40, 281–314) for the linearized MHD. With two novel discrete Sobolev embedding type estimates for the discontinuous polynomials, we provide a priori error estimates for the method on the nonlinear MHD equations. In the smooth case we have optimal convergence rate for the velocity, magnetic field and pressure in the energy norm; the Lagrange multiplier only has suboptimal convergence order. With the minimal regularity assumption on the exact solution, the approximation is optimal for all unknowns. To the best of our knowledge, these are the first a priori error estimates for DG methods for the nonlinear MHD equations. In addition, we also propose and analyze the first divergence-free HDG method for the problem with several unique features comparing with the mixed DG method.
Evaluating the effect of data standardization and validation on patient matching accuracy
Authors: Grannis Shaun J , Xu Huiping , Vest Joshua R , Kasthurirathne Suranga , Bo Na , Moscovitch Ben , Torkzadeh Rita , Rising Josh
Published: January 2019

Objective

This study evaluated the degree to which recommendations for demographic data standardization improve patient matching accuracy using real-world datasets.

Materials and Methods

We used 4 manually reviewed datasets, containing a random selection of matches and nonmatches. Matching datasets included health information exchange (HIE) records, public health registry records, Social Security Death Master File records, and newborn screening records. Standardized fields including last name, telephone number, social security number, date of birth, and address. Matching performance was evaluated using 4 metrics: sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and accuracy.

Results

Standardizing address was independently associated with improved matching sensitivities for both the public health and HIE datasets of approximately 0.6% and 4.5%. Overall accuracy was unchanged for both datasets due to reduced match specificity. We observed no similar impact for address standardization in the death master file dataset. Standardizing last name yielded improved matching sensitivity of 0.6% for the HIE dataset, while overall accuracy remained the same due to a decrease in match specificity. We noted no similar impact for other datasets. Standardizing other individual fields (telephone, date of birth, or social security number) showed no matching improvements. As standardizing address and last name improved matching sensitivity, we examined the combined effect of address and last name standardization, which showed that standardization improved sensitivity from 81.3% to 91.6% for the HIE dataset.

Conclusions

Data standardization can improve match rates, thus ensuring that patients and clinicians have better data on which to make decisions to enhance care quality and safety.
Risk Factors for Community-Acquired Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase–Producing Enterobacteriaceae Infections—A Retrospective Study of Symptomatic Urinary Tract Infections
Authors: Goyal Dheeraj , Dean Nathan , Neill Sarah , Jones Peter , Dascomb Kristin
Published: January 2019

Background

Community-acquired extended-spectrum beta-lactamase–producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL) infections are an evolving public health problem. Identifying predictive risk factors may improve patient management.

Methods

We identified 251 adult inpatients admitted to a 22-hospital system with an ESBL urinary tract infection (UTI) between 2001 and 2016. Cases were matched 1:1 with controls who had a UTI at admission with non-ESBL Enterobacteriaceae. Cases with a history of ESBL infections or hospitalization within 3 months of index admission were excluded. Univariate and multiple logistic regression were used to identify risk factors associated with ESBL UTIs.

Results

In univariate analysis, history of repeated UTIs, neurogenic bladder, urinary catheter presence at admission, and exposure to outpatient third-generation cephalosporins or fluoroquinolones within 3 months were associated with higher risk of ESBL UTIs. When controlling for severity of illness and comorbid conditions, history of repeated UTIs (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 6.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.42–12.66; P < .001), presence of urinary catheter at admission (aOR, 2.36; 95% CI, 1.15–4.98; P < .05), and prior antibiotic exposure (aOR, 7.98; 95% CI, 2.92–28.19; P < .001) remained associated with risk of ESBL infection.

Conclusions

Patients in the community with indwelling urinary catheters, history of recurrent UTIs, or recent antimicrobial use are at higher risk for de novo ESBL Enterobacteriaceae UTIs.
The Mind in the Old English Prose Psalms
Authors: Faulkner Amy
Published: January 2019

The Prose Psalms, an Old English translation of the first 50 psalms into prose, have often been overshadowed by the other translations attributed to Alfred the Great: the Old English Pastoral Care, with its famous preface, and the intellectually daring Old English translations of Boethius’s Consolation of Philosophy and Augustine’s Soliloquies. However, this article proposes that, regardless of who wrote them, the Prose Psalms should be read alongside the Old English Consolation and the Soliloquies: like the two more well-studied translations, the Prose Psalms are concerned with the mind and its search for true understanding. This psychological interest is indicated by the prevalence of the word mod (‘mind’) in the Old English text, which far exceeds references to the faculty of the intellect in the Romanum source. Through comparison with the Consolation and the Soliloquies, this article demonstrates that all three texts participate in a shared tradition of psychological imagery. The three translations may well, therefore, be the result of a single scholarly environment, perhaps enduring for several decades, in which multiple scholars read the same Latin, patristic writings on psychology, discussed these ideas among themselves, and thereby developed the vernacular discourse observable in these three translations. Whether this environment was identical with the scholarly circle which Alfred gathered at the West Saxon court remains a matter for debate.
Behavioural Characterizations of Naivete for Time-Inconsistent Preferences
Authors: Ahn David S , Iijima Ryota , Le Yaouanq Yves , Sarver Todd
Published: January 2019

We propose non-parametric definitions of absolute and comparative naivete. These definitions leverage ex ante choice of menu to identify predictions of future behaviour and ex post (random) choices from menus to identify actual behaviour. The main advantage of our definitions is their independence from any assumed functional form for the utility function representing behaviour. An individual is sophisticated if she is indifferent ex ante between retaining the option to choose from a menu ex post or committing to her actual distribution of choices from that menu. She is naive if she prefers the flexibility in the menu, reflecting a mistaken belief that she will act more virtuously than she actually will. We propose two definitions of comparative naivete and explore the restrictions implied by our definitions for several prominent models of time inconsistency.
Studying the dawn of de novo gene emergence in mice reveals fast integration of new genes into functional networks
Authors: Xie Chen , Bekpen Cemalettin , Künzel Sven , Keshavarz Maryam , Krebs-Wheaton Rebecca , Skrabar Neva , Ullrich Kristian , Tautz Diethard
Published: January 2019

The de novo emergence of new transcripts has been well documented through genomic analyses. However, a functional analysis, especially of very young protein-coding genes, is still largely lacking. Here we focus on three loci that have evolved from previously intergenic sequences in the house mouse (Mus musculus) and are not present in its closest relatives. We have obtained knockouts and analyzed their phenotypes, including a deep transcriptomic analysis, based on a dedicated power analysis. We show that the transcriptional networks are significantly disturbed in the knockouts and that all three genes have effects on phenotypes that are related to their expression patterns. This includes behavioral effects, skeletal differences and the regulation of the reproduction cycle in females. Substitution analysis suggests that all three genes have directly obtained an activity, without new adaptive substitutions. Our findings support the hypothesis that de novo genes can quickly adopt functions without extensive adaptation.

Impact statement

New protein-coding genes emerging out of non-coding sequences can become directly functional without signatures of adaptive protein changes
A novel small molecule screening platform for disrupting toxic tau oligomers in cells
Authors: Lo Chih Hung , Lim Colin Kin-Wye , Ding Zhipeng , Wickramasinghe Sanjula , Braun Anthony R. , Rhoades Elizabeth , Thomas David D. , Sachs Jonathan N.
Published: January 2019

Tauopathies, including Alzheimer’s disease, are a group of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by pathological aggregation of the microtubule binding protein tau. Recent studies suggest that toxic tau oligomers, which are soluble and distinct from insoluble beta-sheet fibrils, are central players in neuronal cell death. To exploit this new therapeutic window, we engineered two first-in-class FRET based biosensors that monitor tau conformations in cells. Because this new technology platform operates in cells, it enables high-throughput screening of small molecules that target tau oligomers while avoiding the uncertainties of idiosyncraticin vitropreparations of tau assemblies from purified protein. We found a small molecule, MK-886, that disrupts tau oligomers and reduces tau-induced cell cytotoxicity with nanomolar potency. Using SPR and an advanced single-molecule FRET technique, we show that MK-886 directly binds to tau and specifically perturbs the folding of tau monomer in the proline-rich and microtubule-binding regions. Furthermore, we show that MK-886 accelerates the tau aggregation lag phase using a thioflavin-T assay, implying that the compound stabilizes a non-toxic, on-pathway oligomer. The technology described here should generalize to the study and targeting of conformational ensembles within the aggregation pathways of most intrinsically disordered proteins.
The UTX Tumor Suppressor Directly Senses Oxygen to Control Chromatin and Cell Fate
Authors: Chakraborty Abhishek A. , Laukka Tuomas , Myllykoski Matti , Ringel Alison E. , Booker Matthew A. , Tolstorukov Michael Y. , Meng Yuzhong Jeff , Meier Sam , Jennings Rebecca B. , Creech Amanda L. , Herbert Zachary T. , Spinelli Jessica , McBrayer Samuel K. , Olenchock Benjamin A. , Jaffe Jacob D. , Haigis Marcia C. , Beroukhim Rameen , Signoretti Sabina , Koivunen Peppi , Kaelin William G.
Published: January 2019

Mammalian cells express multiple 2-oxoglutarate (OG)-dependent dioxygenases, including many chromatin regulators. The oxygen affinities, and hence oxygen sensing capabilities, of the 2-oxoglutarate (OG)-dependent dioxygenases reported to date vary widely. Hypoxia can affect chromatin, but whether this reflects a direct effect on chromatin-modifying dioxygenases, or indirect effects caused by the hypoxic-induction of the HIF transcription factor or the endogenous 2-OG competitor 2-hydroxyglutarate (2-HG), is unclear. Here we report that hypoxia induces a HIF- and 2-HG-independent histone modification signature consistent with KDM inactivation. We also show that the H3K27 histone demethylase KDM6A (also called UTX), but not its paralog KDM6B, is oxygen-sensitive. KDM6A loss, like hypoxia, prevented H3K27me3 erasure and blocked differentiation. Conversely, restoring H3K27me3 homeostasis in hypoxic cells reversed these effects. Therefore, oxygen directly affects chromatin regulators to control cell fate.

One Sentence Summary

KDM6A demethylase activity is diminished under hypoxic conditions and causes changes in gene expression programs that govern cell fate.