bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A dragon eating its own tail: public control of air pollution information in China
Authors: Ravetti Chiara , Swanson Tim , Jin Yana , Mu Quan , Zhang Shiqiu
Published: November 2018

This paper analyses the implications of government control over public information about air pollution. First, we model the incentives for a local government with control over the media to affect popular perception concerning pollution. We argue that biased announcements can influence the inflows of labour force in a municipality beyond economic factors. Then, we examine some evidence on information misreporting in the context of Beijing, China. We show that official air pollution announcements diverge systematically from an alternative source of information, provided by the US Embassy. The results point at a manipulation of popular perception consistent with the motives indicated in our model. Furthermore, using an original household survey, we examine whether the distorted public signal affects agents' behaviour. We find that households that depend upon government-controlled media are significantly less responsive to pollution peaks.
Weed Control and Selectivity of Pethoxamid Alone and in Mixture as a Delayed Preemergence Application to Rice
Authors: Godwin John , Norsworthy Jason K. , Scott Robert C.
Published: November 2018

The evolution of herbicide resistance is making it extremely difficult for US rice producers to use chemical control on weed species such as barnyardgrass and red rice. To combat herbicide resistance, it is imperative that alternative herbicide sites of action (SOAs) be incorporated into rice whenever possible. There are currently no very-long-chain fatty acid–inhibiting herbicides (WSSA Group 15) labeled for use in US rice; however, pethoxamid is one such herbicide currently under development. If appropriate rice tolerance and weed control can be established, pethoxamid would represent a unique herbicide SOA for use in US rice. We conducted field trials near Stuttgart, AR, in 2015 and near Colt and Lonoke, AR, in 2016 to assess selectivity of pethoxamid and weed control alone and in combination with other herbicides as a delayed preemergence (DPRE) application in drill-seeded rice. Pethoxamid was applied at 0, 420, or 560 g ai ha–1 alone and in combination with clomazone, imazethapyr, pendimethalin, and quinclorac. Minimal rice injury occurred with any treatment assessed. A reduction in rice shoot density and plant height compared to the nontreated control followed the use of pethoxamid; however, no decrease in yield resulted. The highest levels of barnyardgrass control followed the use of imazethapyr at 91% and quinclorac at 89% regardless of the presence of pethoxamid near Lonoke; however, pethoxamid applied at both rates in combination with clomazone and quinclorac increased barnyardgrass control compared to clomazone and quinclorac applied alone. Near Colt, barnyardgrass control of 92% and 96% resulted from pethoxamid alone, averaged over the high and low rates. Based on these data, rice can tolerate pethoxamid when applied DPRE, and adequate levels of barnyardgrass control can be achieved at the rates evaluated within a program; hence, pethoxamid appears to be a viable option for use in rice to allow for increased rotation of herbicide SOAs to combat herbicide-resistant and difficult-to-control weeds.
Could Life Be Floating in Venus’s Clouds?
Authors: Cartier Kimberly
Published: November 2018

If present, microbes could explain evolving patterns in the planet’s atmosphere when observed in ultraviolet light.
A Hierarchical Statistical Framework for Emergent Constraints: Application to Snow‐Albedo Feedback
Authors: Bowman Kevin W. , Cressie Noel , Qu Xin , Hall Alex
Published: November 2018

Emergent constraints use relationships between future and current climate states to constrain projections of climate response. Here we introduce a statistical, hierarchical emergent constraint (HEC) framework in order to link future and current climates with observations. Under Gaussian assumptions, the mean and variance of the future state are shown analytically to be a function of the signal‐to‐noise ratio between current climate uncertainty and observation error and the correlation between future and current climate states. We apply the HEC to the climate change, snow‐albedo feedback, which is related to the seasonal cycle in the Northern Hemisphere. We obtain a snow‐albedo feedback prediction interval of (−1.25,−0.58)%/K. The critical dependence on signal‐to‐noise ratio and correlation shows that neglecting these terms can lead to bias and underestimated uncertainty in constrained projections. The flexibility of using HEC under general assumptions throughout the Earth system is discussed.
How Do Tropical, Northern Hemispheric, and Southern Hemispheric Volcanic Eruptions Affect ENSO Under Different Initial Ocean Conditions?
Authors: Liu Fei , Xing Chen , Sun Liying , Wang Bin , Chen Deliang , Liu Jian
Published: November 2018

Current understanding of volcanic effects on El Niño–Southern Oscillation in terms of eruption type and initial ocean condition (IOC) remains elusive. We use last‐millennium proxy reconstructions to show how volcanic impacts depend on eruption type and IOC. When the IOC is not a strong El Niño, it is likely that an El Niño will mature in the second winter following 79% (p < 0.01) of Northern Hemispheric eruptions and in the first winter following 81% (p < 0.01) of tropical and 69% of Southern Hemispheric eruptions. For a strong El Niño‐IOC, no significant El Niño will occur in the first winter after any type of eruption. The eruptions need to be large enough to cause these diverse effects. Our last‐millennium simulation confirms the IOC effect, except that a La Niña occurs in the first winter following most tropical eruptions due to overestimated volcanic cooling in the model.
Increasing Atlantic Ocean Heat Transport in the Latest Generation Coupled Ocean‐Atmosphere Models: The Role of Air‐Sea Interaction
Authors: Grist Jeremy P. , Josey Simon A. , New Adrian L. , Roberts Malcolm , Koenigk Torben , Iovino Doroteaciro
Published: November 2018

Recent increases in resolution of coupled ocean‐atmosphere models have the potential to improve the representation of poleward heat transport within the climate system. Here we examine the interplay between model resolution‐dependent changes in Atlantic Ocean heat transport (AOHT) and surface heat fluxes. The different roles of changes in atmospheric and ocean resolution are isolated using three different climate models (The Centro Euro‐Mediterraneo sui Cambiamenti Climatici Climate Model 2, Hadley Centre Global Environmental Model 3 – Global Coupled configuration 2, and European Community Earth‐System Model 3.1) and comparing runs in which (a) only the ocean resolution changes, (b) only the atmosphere resolution changes, and (c) both change. Enhancing ocean resolution from eddy parameterized to eddy permitting increases the AOHT throughout the basin, values changing from 1.0 to 1.2 PW at 26°N, bringing the AOHT into the range of estimates from the RAPID observing array. This increase in AOHT is associated with higher North Atlantic sea surface temperatures and increased ocean heat loss to the atmosphere. Increasing the atmospheric resolution alone has little impact on the AOHT due to regionally compensating changes in the components of the net heat flux. Finally, in a fourth experiment the impact of resolution changes in both components and the transition to an eddy‐resolving ocean is assessed. This additional resolution increase is accompanied by a further change in the AOHT and improves agreement with observations in the tropics but not the subpolar regions. However, unlike with the increase to the eddy‐permitting ocean, when the greatest AOHT change occurs in the subtropics and subpolar region, the most significant increase now occurs in the tropics.
Intracontinental Orogeny Enhanced by Far‐Field Extension and Local Weak Crust
Authors: Silva David , Piazolo Sandra , Daczko Nathan R. , Houseman Gregory , Raimondo Tom , Evans Lynn
Published: November 2018

The accommodation of intraplate stresses in preexisting weak regions of plate interiors is here investigated using thin viscous sheet numerical models. The intraplate stresses are governed by multicomponent and multidirectional stresses originating at plate boundaries. The modeled scenarios mimic plate boundary conditions during the intraplate Alice Springs Orogeny (ASO), central Australia, and include (1) a northwest‐southeast zone of weak lithosphere within strong continental blocks to the north and southand (2) a principal south directed stress condition at the northern boundary that causes minor clockwise rotation of the northern block. Alternative tectonic environments are investigated in additional models that include (1) secondary compressional or extensional stresses acting at the eastern boundary, representing the temporally variable stress conditions during the Tasmanides Orogeny, and (2) an eastern wedge‐shaped zone of rheologically weak lithosphere, mirroring rift fill of the Irindina subbasin. Our results highlight that a low angle between major crustal features (e.g., orogenic elongation and preexisting regional structures) and the principal transmitted stresses is highly relevant in the concentration of elevated levels of differential stress and subsequent localization of deformation in plate interiors. Secondary stresses orthogonal to the principal acting stresses may introduce effects that explain the episodic orogenic activity in the case of the ASO. The combination of secondary extensional stresses at the eastern boundary of Australia and weak lithosphere of the preexisting Irindina subbasin strongly influences the observed spatial strain intensity, localization, and kinematics of deformation during the ASO.
Towards a Fuller Assessment of Gastric Motility in Patients With Upper GI Dyspepsia: Time to Accommodate!
Authors: Maurer Alan H. , Parkman Henry P.
Published: November 2018

There is increasing recognition of the importance of assessing patients with unexplained upper gastrointestinal symptoms for impaired gastric accommodation. New therapeutic approaches to treat impaired accommodation are being developed. This increasing interest in diagnosing and treating impaired gastric accommodation emphasizes the need to have a clinically available method to measure the gastric accommodation response. In this editorial, gastric accommodation is discussed along with the currently available methods for its assessment. We summarize our thoughts on what are the next steps needed to make a readily accessible method for assessing gastric accommodation more widely available.
Influence of mouth breathing on outcome of scaling and root planing in chronic periodontitis
Authors: Kaur Manpreet , Sharma Rajinder Kumar , Tewari Shikha , Narula Satish Chander
Published: November 2018

Introduction

Dryness is known to be associated with inflammatory diseases such as dry eye disease and atopic dermatitis. There is significant water loss from the oral cavity during mouth breathing. This study is conducted to estimate the influence of mouth breathing on the outcome of scaling and root planing (SRP) in chronic periodontitis (CP).

Materials and methods

CP patients comprising of 33 mouth breathers (MBs) and 33 nose breathers (NBs) were recruited. Thirty patients in each group completed the study. At baseline, plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) were measured. SRP was done in both groups. At the 4th, 8th, and 12th week, PI, GI, and BOP were recorded. PD and CAL were also assessed at the 12th week.

Results

At the 12th week, there was significantly less improvement in GI at palatal sites of maxillary anterior and maxillary posterior teeth in MB group. Sixty-nine percent of BOP positive sites with PD >4 mm were converted into BOP negative sites with PD ≤4 mm in maxillary posterior palatal sites in NB. This success was 38% in MB.

Conclusion

Control of periodontal inflammation by SRP in CP patients is affected at palatal sites of mouth breathers.
Interpreting clinical trial data in multiple myeloma: translating findings to the real-world setting
Authors: Richardson Paul G. , San Miguel Jesus F. , Moreau Philippe , Hajek Roman , Dimopoulos Meletios A. , Laubach Jacob P. , Palumbo Antonio , Luptakova Katarina , Romanus Dorothy , Skacel Tomas , Kumar Shaji K. , Anderson Kenneth C.
Published: November 2018

Substantial improvements in survival have been seen in multiple myeloma (MM) over recent years, associated with the introduction and widespread use of multiple novel agents and regimens, as well as the emerging treatment paradigm of continuous or long-term therapy. However, these therapies and approaches may have limitations in the community setting, associated with toxicity burden, patient burden, and other factors including cost. Consequently, despite improvements in efficacy in the rigorously controlled clinical trials setting, the same results are not always achieved in real-world practice. Furthermore, the large number of different treatment options and regimens under investigation in various MM settings precludes the feasibility of obtaining head-to-head clinical trial data, and there is a temptation to use cross-trial comparisons to evaluate data across regimens. However, multiple aspects, including patient-related, disease-related, and treatment-related factors, can influence clinical trial outcomes and lead to differences between studies that may confound direct comparisons between data. In this review, we explore the various factors requiring attention when evaluating clinical trial data across available agents/regimens, as well as other considerations that may impact the translation of these findings into everyday MM management. We also investigate discrepancies between clinical trial efficacy and real-world effectiveness through a literature review of non-clinical trial data in relapsed/refractory MM on novel agent−based regimens and evaluate these data in the context of phase 3 trial results for recently approved and commonly used regimens. We thereby demonstrate the complexity of interpreting data across clinical studies in MM, as well as between clinical studies and routine-care analyses, with the aim to help clinicians consider all the necessary issues when tailoring individual patients’ treatment approaches.
NUMB maintains bone mass by promoting degradation of PTEN and GLI1 via ubiquitination in osteoblasts
Authors: Ye Ling , Lou Feng , Yu Fanyuan , Zhang Demao , Wang Chenglin , Wu Fanzi , Li Xin , Ping Yilin , Yang Xiao , Yang Jing , Chen Dian , Gao Bo , Huang Dingming , Liu Peng
Published: November 2018

The adaptor protein NUMB is involved in asymmetric division and cell fate determination and recognized as an antagonist of Notch. Previous studies have proved that Notch activation in osteoblasts contributes to a high bone mass. In this study,  however, an osteopenic phenotype was found in 9-week-old mice using osteoblastic specific Col1a1–2.3-Cre to ablate both Numb and its homologue Numbl . The trabecular bone mass decreased dramatically while the cortical bone mass was unaffected. Here, the Notch signal was not activated, while the tensin homologue deleted on human chromosome 10 (PTEN), which dephosphorylates phosphatidylinositide 3-kinases, was elevated, attenuating protein kinase B (Akt). The ubiquitination assay revealed that NUMB may physiologically promote PTEN ubiquitination in the presence of neural precursor cell-expressed developmentally downregulated protein 4–1. In addition, the deficiency of Numb/Numbl also activated the Hedgehog pathway through GLI1. This process was found to improve the ratio of the receptor activator of nuclear factor-kB ligand to osteoprotegerin, which enhanced the differentiation of osteoclasts and bone resorption . In conclusion, this study provides an insight into  new functons of   NUMB and NUMBL on bone homeostasis.
Organic field-effect optical waveguides
Authors: Zhao Guangyao , Dong Huanli , Liao Qing , Jiang Jun , Luo Yi , Fu Hongbing , Hu Wenping
Published: November 2018

Integrating electronics and photonics is critically important for the realization of high-density and high-speed optoelectronic circuits. However, it remains challenging to achieve this target due to the difficulty of merging many different areas of science and technology. Here, we show an organic integrated optoelectronic device, namely, organic field-effect optical waveguide, integrating field-effect transistor and optical waveguide together. In such device, the propagation of optical waveguide in the active organic semiconductor can be tuned by the third terminal—the gate electrode of transistor, giving a controllable modulation depth as high as 70% and 50% in parallel and perpendicular directions of charge transport versus optical waveguide, respectively. Also, the optical waveguide with different directions can turn the field-effect of the device with the photodependence ratio up to 14800. The successful integration of active field-effect transistor with semiconductor waveguide modulator expands opportunities for creating scalable integration of electronics and photonics in a chip.
Clinical relevance of screening checklists for detecting cancer predisposition syndromes in Asian childhood tumours
Authors: Chan Sock Hoai , Chew Winston , Ishak Nur Diana Binte , Lim Weng Khong , Li Shao-Tzu , Tan Sheng Hui , Teo Jing Xian , Shaw Tarryn , Chang Kenneth , Chen Yong , Iyer Prasad , Tan Enrica Ee Kar , Seng Michaela Su-Fern , Chan Mei Yoke , Tan Ah Moy , Low Sharon Yin Yee , Soh Shui Yen , Loh Amos Hong Pheng , Ngeow Joanne
Published: November 2018

Assessment of cancer predisposition syndromes (CPS) in childhood tumours is challenging to paediatric oncologists due to inconsistent recognizable clinical phenotypes and family histories, especially in cohorts with unknown prevalence of germline mutations. Screening checklists were developed to facilitate CPS detection in paediatric patients; however, their clinical value have yet been validated. Our study aims to assess the utility of clinical screening checklists validated by genetic sequencing in an Asian cohort of childhood tumours. We evaluated 102 patients under age 18 years recruited over a period of 31 months. Patient records were reviewed against two published checklists and germline mutations in 100 cancer-associated genes were profiled through a combination of whole-exome sequencing and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification on blood-derived genomic DNA. Pathogenic germline mutations were identified in ten (10%) patients across six known cancer predisposition genes: TP53, DICER1, NF1, FH, SDHD and VHL. Fifty-four (53%) patients screened positive on both checklists, including all ten pathogenic germline carriers. TP53 was most frequently mutated, affecting five children with adrenocortical carcinoma, sarcomas and diffuse astrocytoma. Disparity in prevalence of germline mutations across tumour types suggested variable genetic susceptibility and implied potential contribution of novel susceptibility genes. Only five (50%) children with pathogenic germline mutations had a family history of cancer. We conclude that CPS screening checklists are adequately sensitive to detect at-risk children and are relevant for clinical application. In addition, our study showed that 10% of Asian paediatric solid tumours have a heritable component, consistent with other populations.
Fast response paper based visual color change gas sensor for efficient ammonia detection at room temperature
Authors: Maity Avisek , Ghosh Barnali
Published: November 2018

We show that a cheap, disposable type rapid paper sensor (working at room temperature) can be made using perovskite halide CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPI) to detect presence of the toxic ammonia gas (NH3)by just color change, where the black colored MAPI film (on the paper) changes to yellow color in presence of a very low concentration of NH3 gas. The sensor can detect presence of NH3 gas in open or closed atmosphere down to around 10 ppm with a response time of nearly 10 sec which decreases to few seconds when the concentration exceeds 20 ppm. The easy to fabricate sensor paper being a visual sensor does not need any other extra equipment for its operation. The sensor is not sensitive to moisture with RH upto 90% and does not also respond to gases like Methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide (N2O), Carbon dioxide (CO2) etc in the test chamber each up to a concentration of 500 ppm. Conversion/decomposition of MAPI to PbI2 on exposure to NH3 has been proposed as the mechanism of color change and the mechanism has been established using a collection of techniques like XRD, EDX, UV-Visible absorption and Photo Luminescence.
Ultrafast air bonding between SiC ceramic and SnAgTi alloy under the action of ultrasounds
Authors: Wu Bingzhi , Leng Xuesong , Xiu Ziyang , Yan Jiuchun
Published: November 2018

With the aim of overcoming the limitations of traditional soldering ceramic methods for power device packaging, a simple but ultrafast bonding technology is reported. The effect and mechanism of ultrasonic action on the interfacial bonding and microstructure is investigated and thoroughly discussed. An ultrafast interfacial bond between SiC ceramics and SnAgTi active solder has been successfully achieved through a reaction at the interface at a low temperature of 250 °C in the extremely short time. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) revealed that a silica layer on the surface of SiC reacted with Ti from the SnAgTi active solder to form a nanometer-thickness amorphous titania layer at the interface under the ultrasonic action, which creates an exceptional interfacial structure and facilitates bonding between the two dissimilar crystals. A discontinuous titania layer at the interface was identified within 0.1 s. With further increasing ultrasonic action time to 1 s, a continuous titania layer with a thickness of 7.6 ± 0.5 nm formed at the interface. A new interfacial reaction mechanism was revealed and it was found that ultrasound accelerated the reaction of liquid active solder/ceramic. Our finding demonstrated that ultrasound could be an effective approach for joining ceramics which is difficult to wet by a liquid metal at low temperature. The combined impact of ultrasonic cavitation and streaming dominated the mechanism and kinetics of the rapid interfacial reaction.
Multigenerational impacts of bile exposure are mediated by TGR5 signaling pathways
Authors: Baptissart Marine , Sèdes Lauriane , Holota Hélène , Thirouard Laura , Martinot Emmanuelle , de Haze Angélique , Rouaisnel Betty , Caira Françoise , Beaudoin Claude , Volle David H.
Published: November 2018

Besides their well-known roles in digestion and fat solubilization, bile acids (BAs) have been described as signaling molecules activating the nuclear receptor Farnesoid-X-receptor (FXRα) or the G-protein-coupled bile acid receptor-1 (GPBAR-1 or TGR5). In previous reports, we showed that BAs decrease male fertility due to abnormalities of the germ cell lineage dependent on Tgr5 signaling pathways. In the presentstudy, we tested whether BA exposure could impact germ cell DNA integrity leading to potential implications for progeny. For that purpose, adult F0 male mice were fed a diet supplemented with cholic acid (CA) or the corresponding control diet during 3.5 months prior mating. F1 progeny from CA exposed founders showed higher perinatal lethality, impaired BA homeostasis and reduced postnatal growth, as well as altered glucose metabolism in later life. The majority of these phenotypic traits were maintained up to the F2 generation. In F0 sperm cells, differential DNA methylation associated with CA exposure may contribute to the initial programming of developmental and metabolic defects observed in F1 and F2 offspring. Tgr5 knock-out mice combined with in vitro strategies defined the critical role of paternal Tgr5 dependent pathways in the multigenerational impacts of ancestral CA exposure.
Changes in bursal B cells in chicken during embryonic development and early life after hatching
Authors: Ko Kwang Hyun , Lee In Kyu , Kim Girak , Gu Min Jeong , Kim Hyun Young , Park Byung-Chul , Park Tae Sub , Han Seung Hyun , Yun Cheol-Heui
Published: November 2018

The bursa of Fabricius, the primary lymphoid organ for B cell development found only in birds, offers novel approaches to study B cell differentiation at various developmental stages. Here, we explored the changes and mechanism involved in the developmental stages of bursal B cells. The bursal B cells rapidly increased in the late embryonic stage and around hatching, which coincided with changes in specific cell surface markers. Moreover, the cells in the bursa were divided by size into small (low forward- and side-scatter) or large (high forward- and side-scatter) via flow cytometry. It is intriguing that the proportion of small and large B cells was reversed during this period. Because little is known about this phenomenon, we hypothesized that size-based B cell population could be used as an indicator to distinguish their status and stage during B cell development in chicken. The results demonstrated that large B cells are actively proliferating cells than small B cells. Additionally, large B cells showed higher mRNA expression of both proliferation- and differentiation-associated genes compared to small B cells. Taken together, these data show that large bursal B cells are the main source of proliferation and differentiation during B cell development in chickens.
Cytoplasmic Pin1 expression is increased in human cutaneous melanoma and predicts poor prognosis
Authors: Chen Xin , Liu Xiaosong , Deng Bin , Martinka Magdalena , Zhou Youwen , Lan Xiaopeng , Cheng Yabin
Published: November 2018

The prolyl isomerase Pin1 is widely over-expressed or over-activated in cancers and promotes tumorigenesis. The authors investigated the expression level of Pin1 and analyzed the prognostic value of Pin1 expression using a large-scale melanoma tissue microarray study. Two independent sets of tissue microarrays were employed, including 114 melanoma cases in the discovery set and 424 in the validation set (538 cases in total), 32 normal nevi and 86 dysplastic nevi 118 cases of nevi. The subcellular Pin1 expression in different stages of melanocytic lesions and its prognostic significance were studied. High expression (IRS 0–8) of cytoplasmic Pin1 was observed in 3.13%, 8.33%, 16.49% and 22.76% of the biopsies in normal nevi, dysplastic nevi, primary melanoma and metastatic melanoma, respectively. Significant differences for cytoplasmic Pin1 staining were observed between normal nevi and metastatic melanoma (P = 0.011, χ2 test), between dysplastic nevi and primary melanoma (P = 0.046, χ2 test) and between dysplastic nevi and metastatic melanoma (P = 0.016, χ2 test). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that increased cytoplasmic Pin1 expression was associated with a worse 5-year melanoma-specific survival of melanoma (P < 0.001) and metastatic melanoma patients (P = 0.004). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that cytoplasmic Pin1 expression is an independent prognostic factor in melanoma. Our data indicate that cytoplasmic Pin1 plays an important role in melanoma pathogenesis and progression, and serve as a potential prognostic marker for melanoma.
Adipose-derived stem cells alleviate liver apoptosis induced by ischemia-reperfusion and laparoscopic hepatectomy in swine
Authors: Ge Yansong , Zhang Qianzhen , Li Hui , Bai Ge , Jiao Zhihui , Wang Hongbin
Published: November 2018

Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is inevitable during hepatectomy and may cause both postoperative morbidity and mortality. Regenerative medicine suggested adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) as an attractive tool for the treatment of liver diseases. In this study, we investigated the effect of ADSCs in an I/R model combined with laparoscopic hepatectomy in swine. Eighteen Bama miniature pigs were randomly divided into Sham, IRI, and ADSCs groups. ADSCs (1 × 106/kg) were injected through liver parenchyma immediately after hemihepatectomy. The apoptosis-related role of ADSCs was studied. The results showed that ADSCs transplantation reduced both pathological and ultrastructural changes and decreased the number of apoptotic-positive cells. In the ADSCs group, Fas, Fas ligand (FasL) protein, and mRNA were downregulated and the enzyme activities of Caspase3, Caspase8, and Caspase9 were significantly decreased. In addition, ADSC therapy significantly increased the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax protein and mRNA compared to the IRI group. In conclusion, ADSCs attenuated both I/R and hepatectomy-induced liver apoptosis in a porcine model, and offers a potential therapeutic option for hepatic I/R and hepatectomy.
A biomimicry design for nanoscale radiative cooling applications inspired by Morpho didius butterfly
Authors: Didari Azadeh , Mengüç M. Pinar
Published: November 2018

In nature, novel colors and patterns have evolved in various species for survival, recognizability or mating purposes. Investigations of the morphology of various butterfly wings have shown that in addition to the pigmentation, micro and nanostructures within the wings have also allowed better communication systems and the pheromone-producing organs which are the main regulators of the temperature within butterfly wings. Within the blue spectrum (450–495 nm), Morpho didius butterfly exhibit iridescence in their structure-based wings’ color. Inspired by the rich physics behind this concept, we present a designer metamaterial system that has the potential to be used for near-field radiative cooling applications. This biomimicry design involves SiC palm tree-like structures placed in close proximity of a thin film in a vacuum environment separated by nanoscale gaps. The near-field energy exchange is enhanced significantly by decreasing the dimensions of the tree and rotating the free-standing structure by 90 degrees clockwise and bringing it to the close proximity of a second thin film. This exchange is calculated by using newly developed near-field radiative transfer finite difference time domain (NF-RT-FDTD) algorithm. Several orders of enhancement of near-field heat flux within the infrared atmospheric window (8–13 μm bandwidth) are achieved. This spectrally selective enhancement is associated with the geometric variations, the spatial location of the source of excitation and the material characteristics, and can be tuned to tailor strong radiative cooling mechanisms.
Molecular modelling of mitofusin 2 for a prediction for Charcot-Marie-Tooth 2A clinical severity
Authors: Beręsewicz Małgorzata , Charzewski Łukasz , Krzyśko Krystiana A. , Kochański Andrzej , Zabłocka Barbara
Published: November 2018

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2A (CMT2A) is an autosomal dominant neuropathy caused by mutations in the mitofusin 2 gene (MFN2). More than 100MFN2gene mutations have been reported so far, with majority located within the GTPase domain encoding region. These domain-specific mutations present wide range of symptoms with differences associated with distinct amino acid substitutions in the same position. Due to the lack of conclusive phenotype-genotype correlation the predictive value of genetic results remains still limited. We have explored whether changes in the protein structure caused byMFN2mutations can help to explain diseases phenotypes. Using a stable protein model, we evaluated the effect of 26 substitutions on the MFN2 structure and predicted the molecular consequences of such alterations. The observed changes were correlated with clinical features associated with a given mutation. Of all tested mutations positive correlation of molecular modelling with the clinical features reached 73%. Our analysis revealed that molecular modelling of mitofusin 2 mutations is a powerful tool, which predicts associated pathogenic impacts and that these correlate with clinical outcomes. This approach may aid an early diagnosis and prediction of symptoms severity in CMT2A patients.
Estimation of the ion-trap assisted electrical loads and resulting BBR shift
Authors: Sharma Lakhi , Roy A. , Panja S. , Ojha V. N. , De S.
Published: November 2018

Capacitive, inductive and resistive loads of an ion-trap system, which can be modelled as LCR circuits, are important to know for building a high accuracy experiment. Accurate estimation of these loads is necessary for delivering the desired radio frequency (RF) signal to an ion trap via an RF resonator. Of particular relevance to the trapped ion optical atomic clock, determination of these loads lead to accurate evaluation of the Black-Body Radiation (BBR) shift resulting from the inaccurate machining of the ion-trap itself. We have identified different sources of these loads and estimated their values using analytical and finite element analysis methods, which are found to be well in agreement with the experimentally measured values. For our trap geometry, we obtained values of the effective inductive, capacitive and resistive loads as: 3.1 μH, 3.71 (1) μH, 3.68 (6) μH; 50.4 pF, 51.4 (7) pF, 40.7 (2) pF; and 1.373 Ω, 1.273 (3) Ω, 1.183 (9) Ω by using analytical, numerical and experimental methods, respectively. The BBR shift induced by the excess capacitive load arising due to machining inaccuracy in the RF carrying parts has been accurately estimated, which results to a fractional frequency shift of 6.6 × 10−17 for an RF of 1 kV at 2π × 15 MHz and with ±10 μm machining inaccuracy. This needs to be incorporated into the total systematic uncertainty budget of a frequency standard as it is about one order of magnitude higher than the present precision of the trapped ion optical clocks.
Dog characteristics and future risk of asthma in children growing up with dogs
Authors: Fall Tove , Ekberg Sara , Lundholm Cecilia , Fang Fang , Almqvist Catarina
Published: November 2018

There is observational evidence that children exposed to dogs in early life are at lower risk of asthma. It is unknown whether this association is modified by dog characteristics such as sex, breed, number of dogs, and dog size. The aim of this study was to determine whether different dog characteristics modify the risk of asthma among children exposed to dogs during their first year of life. In the main analysis, we used national register data for all children born in Sweden from Jan 1st 2001 to Dec 31st 2004 with a registered dog in the household during their first year of life (n = 23,585). We used logistic regression models to study the association between dog characteristics and the risk of asthma or allergy diagnosis and medication at age six. The prevalence of asthma at age six was 5.4%. Children exposed to female dogs had lower risk of asthma compared to those exposed to male dogs, odds ratio, OR = 0.84 (95% confidence interval, CI 0.74 to 0.95). Children with two dogs or more had lower risk of asthma than those with one dog only, OR = 0.79 (95% CI 0.65 to 0.95). Children whose parents had asthma and allergy had a higher frequency of exposure to dog breeds anecdotally described as “hypoallergenic” compared to those parents without asthma or allergy (11.7% vs 7.6%, p < 0.001). Exposure to these breeds were associated with higher risk of allergy OR = 1.27 (95% CI 1.02 to 1.59) but not asthma. In conclusion, we found evidence of an association between the sex of dog and the number of dogs with a lower risk of childhood asthma in dog-exposed children.
Yield trends, variability and stagnation analysis of major crops in France over more than a century
Authors: Schauberger Bernhard , Ben-Ari Tamara , Makowski David , Kato Tomomichi , Kato Hiromi , Ciais Philippe
Published: November 2018

France is a major crop producer, with a production share of approx. 20% within the European Union. Yet, a discussion has recently started whether French yields are stagnating. While for wheat previous results are unanimously pointing to recent stagnation, there is contradictory evidence for maize and few to no results for other crops. Here we analyse a data set with more than 120,000 yield observations from 1900 to 2016 for ten crops (barley, durum and soft wheat, maize, oats, potatoes, rapeseed, sugar beet, sunflower and wine) in the 96 mainland French départements (NUTS3 administrative division). We dissect the evolution of yield trends over time and space, analyse yield variation and evaluate whether growth of yields has stalled in recent years. Yields have, on average across crops, multiplied four-fold over the course of the 20th century. While absolute yield variability has increased, the variation relative to the mean has halved – mean yields have increased faster than their variability. But growth of yields has stagnated since the 1990’s for winter wheat, barley, oats, durum wheat, sunflower and wine on at least 25% of their areas. Reaching yield potentials is unlikely as a cause for stagnation. Maize, in contrast, shows no evidence for stagnation.
Sigma-2 Receptor/TMEM97 and PGRMC-1 Increase the Rate of Internalization of LDL by LDL Receptor through the Formation of a Ternary Complex
Authors: Riad Aladdin , Zeng Chenbo , Weng Chi-Chang , Winters Harrison , Xu Kuiying , Makvandi Mehran , Metz Tyler , Carlin Sean , Mach Robert H.
Published: November 2018

CRISPR/Cas gene studies were conducted in HeLa cells where either PGRMC1, TMEM97 or both proteins were removed via gene editing. A series of radioligand binding studies, confocal microscopy studies, and internalization of radiolabeled or fluorescently tagged LDL particles were then conducted in these cells. The results indicate that PGRMC1 knockout (KO) did not reduce the density of binding sites for the sigma-2 receptor (σ2R) radioligands, [125I]RHM-4 or [3H]DTG, but a reduction in the receptor affinity of both radioligands was observed. TMEM97 KO resulted in a complete loss of binding of [125I]RHM-4 and a significant reduction in binding of [3H]DTG. TMEM97 KO and PGRMC1 KO resulted in an equal reduction in the rate of uptake of fluorescently-tagged or 3H-labeled LDL, and knocking out both proteins did not result in a further rate of reduction of LDL uptake. Confocal microscopy and Proximity Ligation Assay studies indicated a clear co-localization of LDLR, PGRMC1 and TMEM97. These data indicate that the formation of a ternary complex of LDLR-PGRMC1-TMEM97 is necessary for the rapid internalization of LDL by LDLR.
Biocatalytic methylation and demethylation via a shuttle catalysis concept involving corrinoid proteins
Authors: Farnberger Judith E. , Richter Nina , Hiebler Katharina , Bierbaumer Sarah , Pickl Mathias , Skibar Wolfgang , Zepeck Ferdinand , Kroutil Wolfgang
Published: November 2018

Synthetically established methods for methylation of phenols and demethylation of methyl phenyl ethers rely in general on hazardous reagents or/and harsh reaction conditions and are irreversible. Consequently, alternative regioselective methods for the reversible formation and breakage of C-O-ether bonds to be performed under mild and sustainable conditions are highly desired. Here we present a biocatalytic shuttle concept making use of corrinoid-dependent methyl transferases from anaerobic bacteria. The two-component enzymatic system consists of a corrinoid protein carrying the cofactor and acting as methyl group shuttle, and a methyltransferase catalyzing both methylation and demethylation in a reversible fashion. Various phenyl methyl ethers are successfully demethylated and serve in addition as sustainable methylating agents for the functionalization of various substituted catechols. Therefore, this methyl transfer approach represents a promising alternative to common chemical protocols and a valuable add-on for the toolbox of available biocatalysts.
A molecular dynamics model for glycosylphosphatidyl-inositol anchors: “flop down” or “lollipop”?
Authors: Banerjee Pallavi , Wehle Marko , Lipowsky Reinhard , Santer Mark
Published: November 2018

Computational model for GPI anchors tested in DMPC and POPC bilayers. The free anchor rarely occurs as an erected “lollipop-like” conformation, it rather “flops down” onto the bilayer surface. Yet an attached protein (here green fluorescent protein) exhibits extensive orientational flexibility due to the phospho-ethanolamine linker.
Non-parabolic potential dependence of optical second harmonic generation from the Si(111) electrode/electrolyte interface
Authors: Bian Hong-tao , Guo Yuan , Wang Hong-fei
Published: November 2018

We performed potential dependent second harmonic generation (SHG) measurements on the Si(111) electrolyte interface at different azimuthal angles and for different polarization combinations.
Synthesis, characterization and mass-spectrometric analysis of [LSn(IV)F4−x]x+ salts [L = tris ((1-ethyl-benzoimidazol-2-yl)methyl)amine, x = 1–4]
Authors: Suter Riccardo , Swidan Ala'aeddeen , Zijlstra Harmen S. , Macdonald Charles L. B. , McIndoe J. Scott , Burford Neil
Published: November 2018

A series of cationic tin fluoride complexes has been synthesized by successive fluoride abstraction from SnF4 with TMSOTf in the presence of the tetradentate nitrogen donor BIMEt3.
Analysis of bacteria stress responses to contaminants derived from shale energy extraction
Authors: Santos Inês C. , Chaumette Alex , Smuts Jonathan , Hildenbrand Zacariah L. , Schug Kevin A.
Published: November 2018

In order to survive environmental changes, bacteria have stress responses, which protect them from adverse and variable conditions.
Characterization and biological removal of organic compounds from hydraulic fracturing produced water
Authors: Akyon Benay , McLaughlin Molly , Hernández Felipe , Blotevogel Jens , Bibby Kyle
Published: November 2018

Hydraulic fracturing generates large volumes of produced water, and treatment of produced water may be necessary for disposal or reuse.
Bismuth titanate modified and immobilized TiO2 photocatalysts for water purification: broad pollutant scope, ease of re-use and mechanistic studies
Authors: Odling Gylen , Pong Zhi Yi , Gilfillan Gavin , Pulham Colin R. , Robertson Neil
Published: November 2018

Bi4Ti3O12–TiO2 on glass beads photodegrades pollutants including consumer-product precursors, pesticides, drugs and explosives.
Superaerophilic copper nanowires for efficient and switchable CO2 electroreduction
Authors: Zhang Yusheng , Cai Zhao , Zhao Yuxin , Wen Xuemei , Xu Wenwen , Zhong Yang , Bai Lu , Liu Wen , Zhang Ying , Zhang Ying , Kuang Yun , Sun Xiaoming
Published: November 2018

A facile polytetrafluoroethylene treated strategy is used to modify Cu nanowire electrocatalyst to achieve high CO2 reduction selectivity and suppress H2 evolution simultaneously.
Double-shelled CeO2@C hollow nanospheres as enhanced anode materials for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Gong Qinghua , Gao Tingting , Huang Hui , Wang Rongxue , Cao Pei , Zhou Guowei
Published: November 2018

Double-shelled CeO2@C hollow nanospheres exhibit high reversible capability, a stable cycling life, and good rate capacity as anodes for lithium-ion batteries.
Stereoselective synthesis of a 9-O-sulfo Neu5Gc-capped O-linked oligosaccharide found on the sea urchin egg receptor
Authors: Das Anindya , Li Pei-Jhen , Adak Avijit K. , Wu Hsin-Ru , Anwar Mohammad Tarique , Chiang Pei-Yun , Sun Chung-Ming , Hwu Jih-Ru , Lin Chun-Cheng
Published: November 2018

The first total synthesis of a serine bearing α2→5-Oglycolyl-linked oligoNeu5Gc found on sea urchin egg cell surfaces has been accomplished.
Fabrication of eco-friendly nanofibrous membranes functionalized with carboxymethyl-β-cyclodextrin for efficient removal of methylene blue with good recyclability
Authors: Liu Yinli , Wu Dequn , Wang Xueli , Yu Jianyong , Li Faxue
Published: November 2018

Carboxymethyl-β-cyclodextrin-included eco-friendly nanofibrous membranes were fabricated for the first time for rapid capture and release of methylene blue.
Facile preparation of degradable multi-arm-star-branched waterborne polyurethane with bio-based tannic acid
Authors: Luo Shun , Yang Kai , Zhong Zhen , Wu Xiaojian , Ren Tianbin
Published: November 2018

A facile method was developed for preparation of degradable multi-arm-star-branched waterborne polyurethanes (MWPUs) by incorporation of bio-based material (tannic acid, TA) in the structure of waterborne polyurethanes.
A green sorbent for CO2 capture: α-cyclodextrin-based carbonate in DMSO solution
Authors: Eftaiha Ala'a F. , Qaroush Abdussalam K. , Alsoubani Fatima , Pehl Thomas M. , Troll Carsten , Rieger Bernhard , Al-Maythalony Bassem A. , Assaf Khaleel I.
Published: November 2018

α-Cyclodextrin dissolved in DMSO is a potential sorbent for CO2 capture through the exclusive formation of ionic organic carbonate.
Correction: Palladium-scavenging self-assembled hybrid hydrogels – reusable highly-active green catalysts for Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reactions
Authors: Slavík Petr , Kurka Dustin W. , Smith David K.
Published: November 2018

Correction for ‘Palladium-scavenging self-assembled hybrid hydrogels – reusable highly-active green catalysts for Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reactions’ by Petr Slavík et al., Chem. Sci., 2019, DOI: 10.1039/c8sc04561e.
Beyond band bending in the WO3/BiVO4heterojunction: insight from DFT and experiment
Authors: Ràfols i Bellés Carles , Selim Shababa , Harrison Nicholas M. , Ahmad Ehsan A. , Kafizas Andreas
Published: November 2018

A new approach for the study of photocatalytic heterojunctions based on a layer-by-layer PDOS has been developed. Our combination of experimental and theoretical calculations reveals the importance of interfacial effects when a heterojunction is formed that can dictate the performance of a heterojunction.
Interweaving metal–organic framework-templated Co–Ni layered double hydroxide nanocages with nanocellulose and carbon nanotubes to make flexible and foldable electrodes for energy storage devices
Authors: Xu Chao , Kong Xueying , Zhou Shengyang , Zheng Bing , Huo Fengwei , Strømme Maria
Published: November 2018

Novel nanosheets prepared by interweaving ZIF-67-templated LDH nanocrystals with nanocellulose and CNTs are applied in flexible and foldable energy storage devices.
Dual-readout aptasensing of antibiotic residues based on gold nanocluster-functionalized MnO2 nanosheets with target-induced etching reaction
Authors: Zeng Ruijin , Tang Yun , Zhang Lijia , Luo Zhongbin , Tang Dianping
Published: November 2018

In this study, we designed a novel dual-readout biosensing protocol for quantitative or qualitative screening of antibiotic residues (Kanamycin; Kana used in this case) using a spectrofluorometer and via naked-eye detection.
Functional annotation of extensively and divergently expressed miRNAs in suprachiasmatic nucleus of ClockΔ19 mutant mice
Authors: Wang Yanli , Lv Ke , Chen Hailong , Zhao Mei , Ji Guohua , Zhang Yongliang , Cao Hongqing , Kan Guanghan , Li Yinghui , Qu Lina
Published: November 2018

Circadian locomotor output cycles kaput protein (CLOCK) is a core transcription factor of complex integrated feedback loops in mammalian circadian clock. More genes have been reported to be regulated by CLOCK, however little is known about the role of CLOCK-mediated miRNAs. To dissect this, we used microarray analysis to measure miRNAs expression in suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of wild-type (WT) and ClockΔ19 mutant mice at two different time points. We found that miRNAs regulation in two time points was extensive (nearly 75% of the miRNAs expressed at each time point), and very little overlap, with only six miRNAs in common. Besides this, the predicted CLOCK regulated miRNAs at two time points participated in extremely diverse pathways. We validated nine miRNAs (miR-125a-3p, miR-144, miR-199a-5p, miR-199b*, miR-200a, miR-200b, miR-203, miR-449a, and miR-96), which were involved in the same signaling pathway-hippo signaling pathway. The rhythms of these miRNAs showed a broad distribution of phase, amplitude, and waveform in Clock mutation. And further analysis indicated that there may be three models of miRNA-mediated circadian rhythms and hippo signaling pathway. MiRNA, the small player, may play a hub role in connecting circadian rhythms and other pathways via its multiple target genes networks.