bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TGMin: An efficient global minimum searching program for free and surface‐supported clusters
Authors: Chen Xin , Zhao Ya‐Fan , Zhang Yang‐Yang , Li Jun
Published: December 2018

In this article, we introduce an efficient global‐minimum structural search program named Tsinghua Global Minimum 2 (TGMin‐2), which is the successor of the original TGMin algorithm that was developed in our group in 2011. We have introduced a number of new features and improvements into TGMin‐2, including a symmetric structure generation algorithm that can produce good initial seeds for small‐ and medium‐size clusters, the duplicated structure identification algorithm, and the improved structure adaption algorithm that was implemented in the original TGMin code. To predict the simulated photoelectron spectrum (PE spectrum) automatically, we also implemented a standalone program named AutoPES (Auto Photoelectron Spectroscopy), which can be used to simulate PE spectra and compare them with experimental results automatically. We have demonstrated that TGMin‐2 and AutoPES are powerful tools for studying free and surface‐supported molecules, clusters, and nanoclusters. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hydrogenation of 3d‐metal oxide clusters: Effects on the structure and magnetic properties
Authors: Gutsev G. L. , Bozhenko K. V. , Gutsev L. G. , Utenyshev A. N. , Aldoshin S. M.
Published: December 2018

The geometrical structures and properties of the M8O12, M8O12H8, and M8O12H12 clusters are explored using density functional theory with the generalized gradient approximation for all 3d‐metals M from Sc to Zn. It is found that the geometries and total spin magnetic moments of the clusters depended strongly on the 3d‐atom type and the hydrogenation extent. More than the half of all of the 30 clusters had singlet lowest total energy states, which could be described as either nonmagnetic or antiferromagnetic. Hydrogenation increases the total spin magnetic moments of the M8O12H12 clusters when MMnNi, which become larger by four Bohr magneton than those of the corresponding unary clusters M8. Hydrogenation substantially affects such properties as polarizability, forbidden band gaps, and dipole moments. Collective superexchange where the local total spin magnetic moments of two atom squads are coupled antiparallel was observed in antiferromagnetic singlet states of Fe8O12H8 and Co8O12H8, whereas the lowest total energy states of their neighbors Mn8O12H8 and Ni8O12H8 are ferrimagnetic and ferromagnetic, respectively. Hydrogenation leads to a decrease in the average binding energy per atom when moving across the 3d‐metal atom series. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The genomic alterations of lung adenocarcinoma and lung squamous cell carcinoma can explain the differences of their overall survival rates
Authors: Meng Fanlu , Zhang Linlin , Ren Yaoyao , Ma Qing
Published: December 2018

In the US, lung carcinoma accounted for over 150,000 deaths in 2018 and the advances in increasing survival rates are still limited. In this study, we investigated the cohorts with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) or lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) from The Cancer Genome Atlas to figure out the risk factors and genomic alterations that affected their prognosis. The histoclinical factors that differed between LUAD and LUSC were identified and the risk factors affecting the overall survival were figured out for both LUAD and LUSC. Next, the patterns of nucleotides substitutions and the mutational signatures were extracted to illustrate whether different mutational processes performed for them. Finally, the genes that had different frequencies of mutation were identified. LUAD and LUSC presented differences in histoclinical factors including age at the time of diagnosis, sex, smoking history, pathological T classification, and overall survival. This was caused by the distinct genomic alterations including the transition‐to‐transversion ratios, mutational signatures, and the frequently mutated genes. We proposed that the mutational signature associated with aging could be used to predict the prognosis of patients with LUAD. On the other hand, the AID/APOBEC family was associated with the prognosis of LUSC. Finally, SNTG1 and LRRK2 might be important in LUAD and LUSC, respectively.
Artocarpin induces cell apoptosis in human osteosarcoma cells through endoplasmic reticulum stress and reactive oxygen species
Authors: Lee Chiang‐Wen , Chi Miao‐Ching , Chang Tsung‐Ming , Liu Ju‐Fang
Published: December 2018

Osteosarcoma is a malignant primary bone tumor that responds poorly to both chemotherapy and radiation therapy. However, because of side effects and drug resistance in chemotherapy and the insufficiency of an effective adjuvant therapy for osteosarcoma, it is necessary to research novel treatments. This study was the first to investigate the anticancer effects of the flavonoid derivative artocarpin in osteosarcoma. Artocarpin induced cell apoptosis in three human osteosarcoma cell lines—U2OS, MG63, and HOS. Artocarpin was also associated with increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Mitochondrial dysfunction was followed by the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria and accompanied by decreased antiapoptotic Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐xL and increased proapoptotic protein Bak and Bax. Artocarpin triggered endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, as indicated by changes in cytosol calcium levels and increased glucose‐regulated protein 78 and 94 expressions, and also increased calpains expression and activity. Animal studies revealed a dramatic 40% reduction in tumor volume after 18 days of treatment. This study demonstrated a novel anticancer activity of artocarpin against human osteosarcoma cells and in murine tumor models. In summary, artocarpin significantly induced cell apoptosis through ROS, ER stress, mitochondria, and the caspase pathway, and may thus be a novel anticancer treatment for osteosarcoma.
Sonographic diagnosis of an ileal adenomyoma in a neonate
Authors: Yan Yuxi , Liu Qinghua , Liu Xiaofang , Zhang Xincun , Miao Lili , Pang Huanping , Zhang Aiying
Published: December 2018

An ileal adenomyoma leading to intussusception is very rare. We describe the case of a 4‐month‐old boy who presented with hematochezia. He was diagnosed with ileal adenomyoma by sonography, which was confirmed by histopathology. This case confirms that sonography is the preferred modality to diagnose an ileal adenomyoma.
Reductive performance of ZVI/Cu polyscale particle to decolorize reactive black 5
Authors: Deng Hui , Zhang Congcong , Jiang Yang , Ma Zengqiang , Mao Zhiping
Published: December 2018

Based on direct reducing of copper ions by commercially available zero valent iron (ZVI), ZVI/Cu polyscale particles with high activation are synthesized and exhibit significant removal efficiency for reactive black (RB) dye. The ZVI/Cu polyscale particles could maintain a good performance for RB removal at a wide pH range of 3.0–9.0. Different from the mineralization process of other organic pollutants in ZVI/Cu system, the degradation kinetics of RB could be described well by novel pseudo‐second kinetic models. Results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray fluorescence elemental analysis (EDX), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) show the planting Cu has deposited on the surface of Fe0. The characterization of ZVI/Cu particles and RB solution before and after degradation reveals that decolorization of RB is not only resulted from the reduction process including direct reduction by accepting electrons from Fe0 oxidation and indirect reduction by atomic hydrogen generated on the ZVI/Cu surface, but also the oxidation of hydroxyl radicals in the mineralization procedure of RB dye.
Cloning of carrier cells infected with oncolytic adenovirus driven by midkine promoter and biosafety studies
Authors: Hamada Katsuyuki , Takagi Soichi , Kuboshima Hajime , Shimada Hideaki , Takagi Kazuko , Yasuoka Toshiaki , Matsubara Keiichi , Sassa Yukiko , Furuya Tetsuya , Suzuki Kazuhiko , Uchide Tsuyoshi , Mizutani Tetsuya , Tani Kenzaburo , Itoh Hiroshi , Sugiyama Takashi
Published: December 2018

Background

A549 carrier cells infected with oncolytic adenovirus can induce complete tumor reduction of subcutaneous ovarian tumors but not intraperitoneal disseminated ovarian tumors. This appears to be a result of the insufficient antitumor effect of A549 carrier cells. Therefore, in the present study, we cloned a novel carrier cell with the aim of improving the antitumor effects.

Methods

Carrier cells infected with oncolytic adenovirus AdE3‐midkine with a midkine promoter were cloned by limiting dilution. We examined the antitumor effects of these cells on subcutaneous and intraperitoneal OVHM ovarian tumors in a syngeneic mouse model. Biosafety tests were conducted in beagle dogs and rabbits.

Results

We cloned EHMK‐51‐35 carrier cells with 10‐fold higher antitumor effects compared to A549 carrier cells in vitro. EHMK‐51‐35 carrier cells co‐infected with AdE3‐midkine and Ad‐mGM‐CSF induced a 100% complete tumor reduction in subcutaneous tumors and a 60% reduction of intraperitoneal disseminated tumors. Single‐dose acute toxicity test on beagle dogs with EHMK‐51‐35 carrier cells co‐infected with AdE3‐midkine and Ad‐cGM‐CSF showed no serious side effects. Biologically active adenoviruses were not detected in the blood, saliva, feces, urine or whole organs. In a chronic toxicity test, VX2 tumors in rabbits were injected five times with EHMK‐51‐35 carrier cells infected with AdE3‐midkine and these rabbits showed no serious side effects.

Conclusions

Significant antitumor effects and safety of cloned EHMK‐51‐35 carrier cells were confirmed in intraperitoneal ovarian tumors and toxicity tests, respectively. These findings will be extended to preclinical efficacy studies using dogs and cats, with the aim of conducting human clinical trials on refractory solid tumors.
Assessing the adoption of lopinavir/ritonavir oral pellets for HIV‐positive children in Zimbabwe
Authors: Pasipanodya Briony , Kuwengwa Rudo , Prust Margaret L , Stewart Bethany , Chakanyuka Christine , Murimwa Tonderayi , Brophy Jason , Salami Olawale , Mushavi Angela , Apollo Tsitsi
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Heat‐stable lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r) oral pellets were developed to overcome challenges with administration and storage experienced with previously available tablet and syrup forms of LPV/r prescribed to paediatric HIV patients. We report on the adoption of LPV/r pellets for infants living with HIV in the public sector antiretroviral therapy (ART) programme in Zimbabwe.

Methods

Infants aged three months to three years who had been prescribed a LPV/r‐based regimen (including ART‐naïve patients) in fourteen facilities across the country were eligible to receive the pellets. Caregivers were counselled on the new formulation and provided with administration guides. A caregiver questionnaire was administered three to four months after the child initiated on pellets. Data were also extracted from patient ART records.

Results and discussion

One hundred and fifty‐seven children were enrolled (median age: 21 months; interquartile range 11.8 to 29.4). Survey data from 74 caregivers were included for analysis. Eighty‐one per cent of the caregivers preferred pellets while 19% preferred the syrup formulation. Eighty‐nine per cent assessed their child's response to taking the pellets as good or very good. Overall, 46% did not report any challenges while 54% reported one or more challenges with using the pellets. Difficulties with administration included: poor taste (36%; 26 participants); swallowing pellets (16%; 12 participants); finishing the dose (14%; 10 participants); and opening the capsule (10%; seven participants). Caregivers who were not confident to instruct others on pellet administration were 5.64 (95% confidence interval 1.45 to 21.95, p = 0.013) times as likely to experience a challenge.

Conclusions

A large proportion of caregivers preferred pellets to other formulations of LPV/r and reported a good response to pellets; however, they also reported challenges with administration. Counselling should focus on ensuring that caregivers can confidently administer pellets and are able to instruct others, to ensure high uptake and good adherence to treatment. LPV/r pellets may be an acceptable substitute for other available forms of LPV/r for eligible children under three years if they are currently on or in need of LPV/r‐containing regimens; however, challenges with administration still highlight the need for improved drug formulations for paediatric ART patients.
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
Authors: You Peng , Instrum Ryan , Parnes Lorne
Published: December 2018

Objectives

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common peripheral vestibular end‐organ disease. This article aims to summarize research findings and key discoveries of BPPV. The pathophysiology, diagnosis, nonsurgical, and surgical management are discussed.

Methods

A comprehensive review of the literature regarding BPPV up through June 2018 was performed.

Results

BPPV is typified by sudden, brief episodes of vertigo precipitated by specific head movements. While often self‐limited, BPPV can have a considerable impact on quality of life. The diagnosis can be established with a Dix‐Hallpike maneuver for the posterior and anterior canals, or supine roll test for the horizontal canal, and typically does not require additional ancillary testing. Understanding the pathophysiology of both canalithiasis and cupulolithiasis has allowed for the development of various repositioning techniques. Of these, the particle repositioning maneuver is an effective way to treat posterior canal BPPV, the most common variant. Options for operative intervention are available for intractable cases or patients with severe and frequent recurrences.

Conclusions

A diagnosis of BPPV can be made through clinical history along with diagnostic maneuvers. BPPV is generally amenable to in‐office repositioning techniques. For a small subset of patients with intractable BPPV, canal occlusion can be considered.

Level of Evidence

N/A
Neuronal cell adhesion molecule regulating neural systems underlying addiction
Authors: Ishiguro Hiroki , Miyake Kunio , Tabata Koichi , Mochizuki Chiaki , Sakurai Takeshi , Onaivi Emmanuel S.
Published: December 2018

Aims

The human NRCAM gene is associated with polysubstance use. Nrcam knockout mice do not acquire a preference for addictive substances. We aimed to elucidate the role of Nrcam in specific neural circuits underlying congenital preference for substances and the acquisition of addiction.

Methods

We analyzed gene expression patterns of neural molecules to find a common addiction pathway dependent on Nrcam function. We examined monoaminergic, glutamatergic, and GABAergic systems in the brains of Nrcam knockout mice following treatment with methamphetamine (METH) or saline (SAL) using micro‐array gene expression analysis, which was replicated using TaqMan gene expression analysis. To find a common addiction pathway, we examined similarities and differences between the expression patterns of molecules in METH‐treated mice and in Nrcam knockout mice treated with cocaine (COC).

Results

Glutaminase expression in brain was reduced in Nrcam heterozygous mice after METH and COC treatment, consistent with our previous study. Metabotropic glutamate receptor 2 expression was reduced in Nrcam heterozygous mice that received either METH or COC treatment. Several other molecules could act in independent addiction pathways involving METH or COC. We also found that GABA receptor subunit g2 expression was reduced in Nrcam heterozygous mice that underwent SAL treatment, and that METH treatment attenuated this reduction.

Conclusion

Nrcam differentially regulates glutamatergic and GABAergic molecules in naive brains and in brains of animals with acquired addiction. Elucidating the complex neural mechanisms underlying polysubstance use will uncover biological features of addiction and may contribute to the development of effective pharmaceutical treatments.
Activating mutations in the MAP‐kinase pathway define non‐ossifying fibroma of bone
Authors: Baumhoer Daniel , Kovac Michal , Sperveslage Jan , Ameline Baptiste , Strobl Anna‐Christina , Krause Arthur , Trautmann Marcel , Wardelmann Eva , Nathrath Michaela , Höller Sylvia , Hardes Jendrik , Gosheger Georg , Krieg Andreas H , Vieth Volker , Tirabosco Roberto , Amary Fernanda , Flanagan Adrienne M , Hartmann Wolfgang
Published: December 2018

Non‐ossifying fibroma (NOF), which occasionally results in pathologic fracture, is considered the most common benign and self‐limiting lesion of the growing skeleton. By DNA sequencing we have identified hotspot KRAS, FGFR1 and NF1 mutations in 48 of 59 patients (81.4%) with NOF, at allele frequencies ranging from 0.04 to 0.61. Our findings define NOF as a genetically driven neoplasm caused in most cases by activated MAP‐kinase signalling. Interestingly, this driving force either diminishes over time or at least is not sufficient to prevent autonomous regression and resolution. Beyond its contribution to a better understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of NOF, this study adds another benign lesion to the spectrum of KRAS‐ and MAP‐kinase signalling‐driven tumours. Copyright © 2018 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of the Metal Phenylphosphonates on the Nonisothermal Crystallization and Performance of Isotactic Polypropylene
Authors: Jiang Xiaofeng , Zhao Shicheng , Meng Xin , Xin Zhong
Published: December 2018

The use of metal phenylphosphonates as efficient nucleating agents (NAs) for isotactic polypropylene (iPP) is reported and a possible structural correlation to the nucleation efficiency is studied. First, three kinds of metal phenylphosphonates are synthesized via reflux method: Ca(C6H5PO3)•2H2O (CaPPA), Ca(C6H5PO3H)2 (CaPPA2), and Al(HO3PC6H5)(O3PC6H5)•H2O (AlPPA2). Then, the nonisothermal crystallization behaviors, mechanical, and optical properties of iPP composites are investigated. Compared to CaPPA2 and AlPPA2, CaPPA exhibits more effective heterogeneous nucleation effect during iPP crystallization. Furthermore, the nucleation efficiency of CaPPA is similar to industrial standard NAs NA‐21 and NA‐11. With the addition of 0.1 wt % CaPPA, the crystallization temperature is enhanced and the parameter F(T) of Mo method is decreased appreciably. Moreover, the flexural modulus, impact strength, and haze values of iPP composites are improved remarkably by introducing CaPPA. The CH/π interaction between polymer and aromatic cleft of CaPPA is considered to facilitate the attachment of iPP chains and subsequent nucleation and crystallization, which is verified by the viscoelastic properties of pure iPP and composites. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 161–173
Stochastically perturbed bred vectors in multi‐scale systems
Authors: Giggins Brent , Gottwald Georg A.
Published: December 2018

The breeding method is a computationally cheap way to generate flow‐adapted ensembles to be used in probabilistic forecasts. Its main disadvantage is that the ensemble may lack diversity and collapse to a low‐dimensional subspace. To still benefit from the breeding method's simplicity and its low computational cost, approaches are needed to increase the diversity of these bred vector (BV) ensembles. We present here such a method tailored for multi‐scale systems. We describe how to judiciously introduce stochastic perturbations to the standard BVs leading to stochastically perturbed BVs. The increased diversity leads to a better forecast skill as measured by the RMS error, as well as to more reliable ensembles quantified by the error–spread relationship, the continuous ranked probability score and reliability diagrams. Stochastically perturbed bred vectors are dynamically consistent in terms of temporal and spatial error growth and project onto covariant Lyapunov vectors. In effect, our approach generates random draws from the fast equilibrium measure conditioned on the slow variables. We illustrate the advantage of stochastically perturbed BVs over standard BVs in numerical simulations of a multi‐scale Lorenz 96 model.
Design, Synthesis and Biological Screening of Novel 1,3,4‐Oxadiazoles as Antitubercular Agents
Authors: Tambe Macchindra S. , Choudhari Amit , Sarkar Dhiman , Sangshetti Jaiprakash , Patil Rajesh , Gholap Somnath S.
Published: December 2018

A series of novel 2,5‐disubstitued 1,3,4‐oxadiazole derivatives bearing 2,2‐dimethyl‐2,3‐dihydrobenzofuran scaffold has been synthesized and screened for antitubercular activity. All the synthesized compounds were characterized by IR, 1H NMR, 13C‐NMR and Mass spectral study. The in vitro antitubercular activity of the synthesized compounds was evaluated against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra(ATCC 25177) strain. Among the synthesized compounds, four compound displayed good antitubercular activity IC50 values in low micro‐gram range (<10 μg/mL). The antitubercular data suggested that growth inhibition MTB can be imparted by the introduction of a 4‐ trifluoromethyl phenyl acetylene substituent. Specificity of these compounds was checked by screening them for their anti‐bacterial activity against four bacterial strains (Gram‐negative strains: E. coli, S. aureus; Gram‐positive strains: P. aeruginosa and B. subtilis). None of the compound displayed antibacterial activity against any of the seleted strain. Molecular docking studies were carried out on InhA (FabI/ENR) which shows that the synthesized compounds bind at the catalytic site in a most favourable manner suggesting their potential as anti‐mycobacterial agents. The research presented here was found to be adventitious for the development of new therapeutic agents against Mycobacterium infection.
Dopamine‐Capped Silver Nanoparticles as a Colorimetric Probe for On‐Site Detection of Cyclosporine
Authors: Jahed Fatemeh Soghra , Hamidi Samin , Nemati Mahboob
Published: December 2018

Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressant drug used in organ transplants or for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. It has a narrow therapeutic index indicating that there is not a large difference between the therapeutic and amounts associated with adverse effects; so, dosage individualization by measuring the cyclosporine is necessary for desirable clinical outcomes. We implemented and validated a simple, sensitive, and selective method using spectrophotometry to determine cyclosporine levels in human plasma as well as in drug formulation. Cyclosporine was determined with minimal pretreatment from biological complex samples. This method was validated in terms of linearity, selectivity, accuracy, precision, and recovery. The method is linear in the range of 0.17‐0.85 μM with correlation coefficient values of 0.99 for plasma samples. The precision and the accuracy values were lower than 15% according to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guideline. This method was successfully applied to find out cyclosporine concentration in two patients following oral administration as well as in drug formulation for quality control aims.
Enhanced Performance of Methyl Ester to Renewable Aromatics via Thermocatalytic Conversion over Metal‐Modified HZSM‐5 Zeolites: An Experimental Study
Authors: Bayat Ahmad
Published: December 2018

The aim of this research was to study the effect of metal species on the conversion of canola oil methyl esters to renewable aromatics over HZSM‐5 zeolite. The Mo modified HZSM‐5 catalysts were prepared by incipient wetness impregnation method and their application in the conversion of methyl esters to aromatics was investigated. Various techniques were employed to characterize the catalysts comprising X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), N2 adsorption‐desorption and ammonia temperature‐programmed desorption (NH3‐TPD). The aromatization reaction was conducted under atmospheric pressure. The influence of operating temperature and Weight Hourly Space Velocity (WHSV) on the aromatics yields were studied. The reactor temperature and space velocity were adjusted at 400/450 °C and 2/4 hr−1, respectively. The major constituents of the product were organic liquid product (OLP), gases and water. The aromatic content of the OLP was determined by Gas Chromatography (GC) analysis. The major aromatic compound was toluene followed by para‐meta xylenes. An increase in aromatic yield was observed with the addition of Mo species into HZSM‐5 catalyst at lower space velocities. The maximum aromatic yield of 38.9% was obtained over MZ2 catalyst at lower space velocity and higher temperature. The parent and Mo modified HZSM‐5 catalysts retained the catalytic activity for up to 6 reaction‐regeneration cycles which encourages their potential for industrial applications.
Palladium‐Catalyzed C2‐Selective Alkynylation of Indoles with Bromoalkynes
Authors: Zhao Shufang , Ma Wenchao , Yasir Mumtaz , Zhou Xinli , Cheng Jintang , Jiang Chao
Published: December 2018

The Pd(II) catalyzed direct C2 alkynylation of indoles bearing N‐2‐pyrimidyl or N‐2‐pyridinyl moiety as a site‐specific directing group was developed with alkynyl halide. A highly regioselective manner can be achieved on a range of indole substrates with excellent functional group tolerance.
Bio‐Inspired Plasmonic Photocatalysts
Authors: Liu Zhihua , Leow Wan Ru , Chen Xiaodong
Published: December 2018

The conversion of solar energy to sustainable energy sources is a significant field of study for the relief of the world's energy problems, and among the various strategies developed, semiconductor photocatalysts have received significant attention as a promising candidate due to their attractive efficiency, mild reaction conditions, and low cost. The enhancement of such photocatalysts with plasmonic materials, by virtue of the Schottky junction and localized surface plasma resonance phenomenon, could facilitate the rapid progress in enhancement of photocatalytic efficiency under visible light irradiation. To further improve photocatalytic efficiency, scientists look to nature for inspiration, culminating in the evolution of complex hierarchical structures in order to fully utilize the potential of solar energy. In the past decade, there has been significant progress in the development of bio‐inspired plasmonic photocatalysts, such as antireflective surfaces, 3D photonic structures, and branched structures. This review describes the state‐of‐the‐art bio‐inspired light manipulation approaches, as well as future challenges in solar energy harvesting by plasmonic photocatalysts.
Suspended particulate matter and its management system surrounding opencast coal mines
Authors: Yadav Akhilesh Kumar , Jamal Aarif
Published: December 2018

The development of effective strategies for the management and control of air pollution is a key environmental challenge that society faces today. The most visible impact of mining on the environment is on air quality. Mining activities continuously degrade the quality of air by contributing suspended particulate matter (SPM). The impact of mining on the environment and on the quality of air, in particular, influences not only the health of mining professionals, but the health of nearby populations. Furthermore, suspended solids in the form of particulate matter affect mining production and the condition of the mining machinery. SPM management in surface or opencast mines is an issue that must be monitored and controlled at every mine. The present study examines SPM pollution in mines and in areas surrounding various mining operations. It also discusses the management of particulate matter.
MulTed: a multilingual aligned and tagged parallel corpus
Authors: Zeroual Imad , Lakhouaja Abdelhak
Published: December 2018

Recently, more data-driven approaches are demanding multilingual parallel resources primarily in the cross-language studies. To meet these demands, building multilingual parallel corpora are becoming the focus of many Natural Language Processing (NLP) scientific groups. Unlike monolingual corpora, the number of available multilingual parallel corpora is limited. In this paper, the MulTed, a corpus of subtitles extracted from TEDx talks is introduced. It is multilingual, Part of Speech (PoS) tagged, and bilingually sentence-aligned with English as a pivot language. This corpus is designed for many NLP applications, where the sentence-alignment, the PoS tagging, and the size of corpora are influential such as statistical machine translation, language recognition, and bilingual dictionary generation. Currently, the corpus has subtitles that cover 1100 talks available in over 100 languages. The subtitles are classified based on a variety of topics such as Business, Education, and Sport. Regarding the PoS tagging, the Treetagger, a language-independent PoS tagger, is used; then, to make the PoS tagging maximally useful, a mapping process to a universal common tagset is performed. Finally, we believe that making the MulTed corpus available for a public use can be a significant contribution to the literature of NLP and corpus linguistics, especially for under-resourced languages.
Author Correction: Tree rings reveal globally coherent signature of cosmogenic radiocarbon events in 774 and 993 CE
Authors: Büntgen Ulf , Wacker Lukas , Galván J. Diego , Arnold Stephanie , Arseneault Dominique , Baillie Michael , Beer Jürg , Bernabei Mauro , Bleicher Niels , Boswijk Gretel , Bräuning Achim , Carrer Marco , Ljungqvist Fredrik Charpentier , Cherubini Paolo , Christl Marcus , Christie Duncan A. , Clark Peter W. , Cook Edward R. , D’Arrigo Rosanne , Davi Nicole , Eggertsson Ólafur , Esper Jan , Fowler Anthony M. , Gedalof Ze’ev , Gennaretti Fabio , Grießinger Jussi , Grissino-Mayer Henri , Grudd Håkan , Gunnarson Björn E. , Hantemirov Rashit , Herzig Franz , Hessl Amy , Heussner Karl-Uwe , Jull A. J. Timothy , Kukarskih Vladimir , Kirdyanov Alexander , Kolář Tomáš , Krusic Paul J. , Kyncl Tomáš , Lara Antonio , LeQuesne Carlos , Linderholm Hans W. , Loader Neil J. , Luckman Brian , Miyake Fusa , Myglan Vladimir S. , Nicolussi Kurt , Oppenheimer Clive , Palmer Jonathan , Panyushkina Irina , Pederson Neil , Rybníček Michal , Schweingruber Fritz H. , Seim Andrea , Sigl Michael , Churakova Olga , Speer James H. , Synal Hans-Arno , Tegel Willy , Treydte Kerstin , Villalba Ricardo , Wiles Greg , Wilson Rob , Winship Lawrence J. , Wunder Jan , Yang Bao , Young Giles H. F.
Published: December 2018

The original version of this Article contained an error in the Data Availability section, which incorrectly read ‘All data will be freely available via https://www.ams.ethz.ch/research.html.’ The correct version states ‘http://www.ams.ethz.ch/research/published-data.html’ in place of ‘https://www.ams.ethz.ch/research.html’. This has been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.
Genome re-sequencing reveals the evolutionary history of peach fruit edibility
Authors: Yu Yang , Fu Jun , Xu Yaoguang , Zhang Jiewei , Ren Fei , Zhao Hongwei , Tian Shilin , Guo Wei , Tu Xiaolong , Zhao Jing , Jiang Dawei , Zhao Jianbo , Wu Weiying , Wang Gaochao , Ma Rongcai , Jiang Quan , Wei Jianhua , Xie Hua
Published: December 2018

Peach (Prunus persica) is an economically important fruit crop and a well-characterized model for studying Prunus species. Here we explore the evolutionary history of peach using a large-scale SNP data set generated from 58 high-coverage genomes of cultivated peach and closely related relatives, including 44 newly re-sequenced accessions and 14 accessions from a previous study. Our analyses suggest that peach originated about 2.47 Mya in southwest China in glacial refugia generated by the uplift of the Tibetan plateau. Our exploration of genomic selection signatures and demographic history supports the hypothesis that frugivore-mediated selection occurred several million years before the eventual human-mediated domestication of peach. We also identify a large set of SNPs and/or CNVs, and candidate genes associated with fruit texture, taste, size, and skin color, with implications for genomic-selection breeding in peach. Collectively, this study provides valuable information for understanding the evolution and domestication of perennial fruit tree crops.
Dissection of genetic variation and evidence for pleiotropy in male pattern baldness
Authors: Yap Chloe X. , Sidorenko Julia , Wu Yang , Kemper Kathryn E. , Yang Jian , Wray Naomi R. , Robinson Matthew R. , Visscher Peter M.
Published: December 2018

Male pattern baldness (MPB) is a sex-limited, age-related, complex trait. We study MPB genetics in 205,327 European males from the UK Biobank. Here we show that MPB is strongly heritable and polygenic, with pedigree-heritability of 0.62 (SE = 0.03) estimated from close relatives, and SNP-heritability of 0.39 (SE = 0.01) from conventionally-unrelated males. We detect 624 near-independent genome-wide loci, contributing SNP-heritability of 0.25 (SE = 0.01), of which 26 X-chromosome loci explain 11.6%. Autosomal genetic variance is enriched for common variants and regions of lower linkage disequilibrium. We identify plausible genetic correlations between MPB and multiple sex-limited markers of earlier puberty, increased bone mineral density (rg = 0.15) and pancreatic β-cell function (rg = 0.12). Correlations with reproductive traits imply an effect on fitness, consistent with an estimated linear selection gradient of -0.018 per MPB standard deviation. Overall, we provide genetic insights into MPB: a phenotype of interest in its own right, with value as a model sex-limited, complex trait.
Efficacy of a T Cell-Biased Adenovirus Vector as a Zika Virus Vaccine
Authors: Bullard Brianna L. , Corder Brigette N. , Gorman Matthew J. , Diamond Michael S. , Weaver Eric A.
Published: December 2018

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a major public health concern due to the risk of congenital Zika syndrome in developing fetuses and Guillain-Barre syndrome in adults. Currently, there are no approved vaccines available to protect against infection. Adenoviruses are safe and highly immunogenic vaccine vectors capable of inducing lasting humoral and cellular immune responses. Here, we developed two Adenovirus (Ad) vectored Zika virus vaccines by inserting a ZIKV prM-E gene expression cassette into human Ad types 4 (Ad4-prM-E) and 5 (Ad5-prM-E). Immune correlates indicate that Ad5-prM-E vaccination induces both an anti-ZIKV antibody and T-cell responses whereas Ad4-prM-E vaccination only induces a T-cell response. In a highly lethal challenge in an interferon α/β receptor knockout mice, 80% of Ad5 vaccinated animals and 33% of Ad4 vaccinated animals survived a lethal ZIKV challenge, whereas no animals in the sham vaccinated group survived. In an infection model utilizing immunocompetent C57BL/6 mice that were immunized and then treated with a blocking anti-IFNAR-1 antibody immediately before ZIKV challenge, 100% of Ad4-prM-E and Ad5-prM-E vaccinated mice survived. This indicates that Ad4-prM-E vaccination is protective without the development of detectable anti-ZIKV antibodies. The protection seen in these highly lethal mouse models demonstrate the efficacy of Ad vectored vaccines for use against ZIKV.
Hollow-core fibres for temperature-insensitive fibre optics and its demonstration in an Optoelectronic oscillator
Authors: Mutugala U. S. , Numkam Fokoua E. R. , Chen Y. , Bradley T. , Sandoghchi S. R. , Jasion G. T. , Curtis R. , Petrovich M. N. , Poletti F. , Richardson D. J. , Slavík R.
Published: December 2018

Many scientific and practical applications require the propagation time through cables to be well defined and known, e.g., an error in the evaluation of signal propagation time in the OPERA experiment in 2011 initially erroneously concluded that Neutrinos are faster than light. In fact, there are many other physical infrastructures such as synchrotrons, particle accelerators, telescope arrays and phase arrayed antennae that also rely on precise time synchronization. Time synchronization is also of importance in new practical applications like autonomous manufacturing (e.g., synchronization of assembly line robots) and upcoming 5G networks. Even when the propagation time through a coaxial cable or optical fibre is carefully calibrated, it is affected by changes in the ambient temperature, posing a serious technological challenge. We show how hollow-core optical fibres can address this issue.
Enhanced growth and cardenolides production in Digitalis purpurea under the influence of different LED exposures in the plant factory
Authors: Verma Sandeep Kumar , Gantait Saikat , Jeong Byoung Ryong , Hwang Seung Jae
Published: December 2018

In this report, we have investigated the influence of different light qualities on Digitalis purpurea under a controlled environment. For this purpose, red (R), blue (B), fluorescent lamp (FL, control), along with combined red and blue (R:B) LEDs were used. Interestingly, the plant growth parameters such as number of leaf, longest root, width of leaf, width of stomata, width of trichome, leaf area, leaf or root fresh weight (FW), weight (DW) as well as length of trichome were maximum under R:B (8:2), and significantly larger than control plants. The stomatal conductance or anthocyanin was maximum under B LED than those under FL, however the photosynthesis rate was greater under FL. RuBisCO activity was maximum under R:B (1:1) LEDs while the quantity of the UV absorbing substances was highest under R LED than under FL. The maximum amount of cardenolides were obtained from leaf tissue under R:B (2:8) LED than those under FL. The R:B LEDs light was suitable for Digitalis plant growth, development, micro- and macro-elements, as well as cardenolides accumulation in the plant factory system. The adaptation of the growth strategy developed in this study would be useful for the production of optimized secondary metabolites in Digitalis spp.
Interactions of Functionalized Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotubes with Giant Phospholipid Vesicles as Model Cellular Membrane System
Authors: Pérez-Luna Verónica , Moreno-Aguilar Carlos , Arauz-Lara José Luis , Aranda-Espinoza Said , Quintana Mildred
Published: December 2018

Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) are considered alternative materials for the design of advanced drug and gene delivery vectors. However, the mechanism responsible for the cellular membrane intake of CNTs is not well understood. In the present study, we show how multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) owning different surface properties, interact with giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs), a simple model system for cellular membranes. In particular, we want to address the hydrophilic/hydrophobic interactions between MWCNTs and lipid membranes and the subsequent mechanical properties changes of the systems. In order to elucidate this interaction, we made the following chemical modifications on MWCNTs: oxidized MWCNTs (ox-MWCNTs) displaying reduced hydrophobic surface character, pristine MWCNTs (p-MWCNTs), and alkyl functionalized MWCNTs (alk-MWCNTs) exhibiting enhanced hydrophobic surface properties, were put in contact with GUVs and observed by confocal microscopy. Our observations revealed that the interaction between the CNTs and GUVs depends on the type of chemical functionalization: ox-MWCNTs remain at the membrane interacting with the polar head of the phospholipids, p-MWCNTs internalize GUVs spontaneously, and alk-MWCNTs persist inside the membrane. The mechanical properties of MWCNTs@GUVs systems were measured using the electrodeformation method, which shows an increased bending stiffness (κ) of the GUVs as MWCNTs concentration increases. High concentrations of p-MWCNTs and alk-MWCNTs induced vesicle adhesion; p-MWCNTs produced a considerable reduction in the average size of the GUVs, while alk-MWCNTs form complex stable structures inside the membrane. The statistical analyses of the experimental results are compared with available computer simulations. The picture emerging from our results is that the interaction between GUVs and MWCNTs is due mainly to hydrophobicity.
Probing enantioselectivity in rhodium-catalyzed Si–C bond cleavage to construct silicon-stereocenters: a theoretical study
Authors: Yu Zhaoyuan , Zhang Tao , Bai Ruopeng , Lan Yu
Published: December 2018

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicate that favorable oxidative addition/reductive elimination process from arylrhodium complex determines the enantioselectivity.
Elucidating the long-range charge carrier mobility in metal halide perovskite thin films
Authors: Lim Jongchul , Hörantner Maximilian T. , Sakai Nobuya , Ball James M. , Mahesh Suhas , Noel Nakita K. , Lin Yen-Hung , Patel Jay B. , McMeekin David P. , Johnston Michael B. , Wenger Bernard , Snaith Henry J.
Published: December 2018

A new optoelectronic technique which enables the accurate determination of the long-range lateral charge carrier mobility of metal halide perovskite films.
Engineering artificial thermal mountains for large-scale water management and carbon drawdown
Authors: Knox G. W. , McInnes C. R. , Younger P. L. , Sloan W. T.
Published: December 2018

This paper investigates the potential for artificial low-albedo surfaces to induce precipitation, and subsequently, capture carbon.
Stable luminous nanocomposites of CsPbX3 perovskite nanocrystals anchored on silica for multicolor anti-counterfeit ink and white-LEDs
Authors: Pan Aizhao , Li Yanan , Wu Youshen , Yan Ke , Jurow Matthew J. , Liu Yi , He Ling
Published: December 2018

A facile and effective templated synthetic strategy to prepare extremely stable CsPbX3 nanocomposites by anchoring CsPbX3 NCs onto silica particles.
Molecular design and synthesis of new dithiocarbazate complexes; crystal structure, bioactivities and nano studies
Authors: Yekke-ghasemi Zahra , Takjoo Reza , Ramezani Mohammad , Mague Joel T.
Published: December 2018

New metal complexes are synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, spectroscopic, TGA and X-ray techniques. The compounds were evaluated in anin vitrocytotoxicity. Interaction of the samples with HSA was investigated.
Hydrogen peroxide as a hydride donor and reductant under biologically relevant conditions
Authors: Htet Yamin , Lu Zhuomin , Trauger Sunia A. , Tennyson Andrew G.
Published: December 2018

Hydrogen peroxide functioned as a hydride donor and terminal reductant for the ruthenium-catalyzed reduction of radicals under biologically-relevant conditions.
Physicochemical properties of silicate-calcium micro-filler obtained by thermolysis of calcium hydrosilicates stabilized with sucrose
Authors: Shoshin Evgeny , Ivashchenko Yuri
Published: December 2018

Calcium hydrosilicates obtained by grinding a mixture of natural pozzolana (flask), CaO and a sucrose solution are characterized by the ability to self-disperse during heat treatment to form a highly dispersed silicate-calcium dispersion (SCD). The dependence of some physicochemical properties of the SCD (granulometric composition, occlusive capacity for sucrose) on the amount of sucrose used in the grinding of the mineral mixture is considered in the article. It was found that with an increase in the amount of sucrose used, the proportion of particles of submicron (0.1-1 mkm) size range and the content of the residual free sucrose in the composition of the SCD increased. By varying the amount of sucrose used in the grinding of the mineral mixture, it is possible to obtain silicate-calcium mineral additives, the introduction of which into the cement paste is accompanied by the effects of accelerating or retarding the setting of the cement binder.
Design of Nanomodified Intumescent Polymer Matrix Coatings: Theory, Modeling, Experiments
Authors: Evstigneev Alexandr , Smirnov Vladimir , Korolev Evgenij
Published: December 2018

Thermoset-based polymer matrix composites are widely used for production of intumescent fire protective coatings; many operational properties of such coatings can be further enhanced by means of nanoscale layers between matrix and disperse phases. The dependence between temperature of processing and temperature of glass transition of thermosetting matrix allows to produce gradient of glass transition temperature along the depth of the coating and lower exfoilation of char residue from steel substrate. In the present article we have offered the novel design scheme for such coating. Several results of laboratory and numerical experiments that are within the framework of the offered scheme are also presented. Application of the offered scheme allows to develop efficient fire protective coatings in purposely and precisely controlled manner.
Use of waste in production of thermal insulating slabs
Authors: Morozov Ilya , Loktionova Anna , Galtseva Nadezhda , Korovyakov Vasily
Published: December 2018

The purpose of the article is to find the rational use of waste formed in the course of production of heat-insulating plates on the basis of foamed polyisocyanurate, together with gypsum binder. Some tests were carried out to determine the thermal conductivity and strength of the obtained material, the estimation of their characteristics, the analysis of efficiency and needs of the final product in the market of building materials is given. It was established that when gypsum binder and additives are used together the result is a material with the best initial indicators of heat insulation and strength. The results of research showed that at the optimum composition of the gypsum and additives the material is not inferior to the individual indicators of drywall and gypsum. Board which proves both its efficiency and its need for construction.
Research of hydration heat of Portland cement used in bridge construction of Kerch Strait
Authors: Pulyaev Sergey , Pulyaev Ivan , Korovyakov Vasily , Sitkin Anatoliy
Published: December 2018

The article discusses issues related to the study of heat generation of cements used in the construction of a bridge across the Kerch Strait. This problem seems to be important because of the construction of the mentioned object in conditions of a dry hot climate. The study was conducted with the use of modern information and analytical systems in real time, allowing obtaining results close to real conditions. On the basis of comparative analysis of the calculation and practical measurement of heat the main conclusions of the work were done, recommendations on the use of cements of various types in the construction of the bridge Kerch and other similar extra-curricular facilities that are included in the basis of the developed technological regulations for the production of preparatory, reinforcement, formwork and concrete works in circumstance of year-round construction.
The influence of depth of tensile concrete deterioration on the load bearing strength and deflections of corrosion-damaged floor slabs
Authors: Tamrazyan Ashot , Minasyan Arman
Published: December 2018

The paper considers the change of load-bearing strength and deflections of corrosion-damaged precast reinforced concrete floor slabs in the conditions of cyclic freezing-thawing in full-scale climatic conditions. The aim of the study is to determine the influence of the depth of tensile concrete deterioration on the change in load-bearing strength and deflections. Corrosion-damaged precast reinforced concrete floor slabs were selected and experimental investigation was performed. Based on the results of the study, the influence of the depth of deterioration of tensile zone of concrete on the load-bearing strength and deflections of structures was determined. At the same time, as the loads increase, deflections increase and the height of the compressive zone decreases. In the experimental investigation, changes of the load-bearing strength and deflections of precast reinforced concrete slabs were determined, depending on the depth of tensile concrete deterioration. The performed studies allow us to estimate the load-bearing strength and deflection values of corrosion-damaged reinforced concrete slabs depending on the relative value of the concrete deterioration in the tensile zone without performing additional experiments and calculations.