bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diffuse Auroral Electron and Ion Precipitation Effects on RCM‐E Comparisons With Satellite Data During the 17 March 2013 Storm
Authors: Chen Margaret W. , Lemon Colby L. , Hecht James , Sazykin Stanislav , Wolf Richard A. , Boyd Alexander , Valek Philip
Published: May 2019

Effects of scattering of electrons from whistler chorus waves and of ions due to field line curvature on diffuse precipitating particle fluxes and ionospheric conductance during the large 17 March 2013 storm are examined using the self‐consistent Rice Convection Model Equilibrium (RCM‐E) model. Electrons are found to dominate the diffuse precipitating particle integrated energy flux, with large fluxes from ~21:00 magnetic local time (MLT) eastward to ~11:00 MLT during the storm main phase. Simulated proton and oxygen ion precipitation due to field line curvature scattering is sporadic and localized, occurring where model magnetic field lines are significantly stretched on the night side at equatorial geocentric radial distances r0 ≳8 RE and/or at r0 ~5.5 to 6.5 RE from dusk to midnight where the partial ring current field has perturbed the magnetic field. The precipitating protons likewise contribute sporadically to the storm time Hall and Pedersen conductance in localized regions whereas the precipitating electrons are the dominate storm time contributor to enhanced Hall and Pedersen conductance at auroral magnetic latitudes on the night and morning side. The RCM‐E model can reproduce general features of the Van Allen Probe/MagEIS observed trapped electron differential flux spectrograms over energies of ~37 to 150 keV. The simulations with a parameterized electron loss model also reproduce reasonably well the storm time Defense Meteorological Satellite Program integrated electron energy flux at 850 km at satellite crossings from predawn to midmorning. However, model‐data agreement is not as good from dusk to premidnight where there are large uncertainties in the electron loss model.
Influence of Synoptic Pattern and Low‐Level Wind Speed on Intensity and Diurnal Variations of Orographic Convection in Summer Over Pearl River Delta, South China
Authors: Rao Xiaona , Zhao Kun , Chen Xingchao , Huang Anning , Xue Ming , Zhang Qinghong , Wang Mingjun
Published: May 2019

Based on 5 years of operational Doppler radar data, the influences of atmospheric synoptic patterns and low‐level prevailing wind speed on the intensity and diurnal variations of summer orographic convection occurrence frequencies over Pearl River Delta, South China, have been investigated. Results show that the inland orographic convection and rainfall generally occurs under synoptic pattern characterized with the prevailing southwesterly wind within the lower troposphere. The summer orographic convection over the mountains in northeastern Pearl River Delta is not only controlled by the orographic thermal conditions but also the dynamic forcing with the increase of wind speed. Owing to the strong windward mechanical lifting and moisture transport associated with the strong ambient onshore winds, the number of convection occurrences characterized by a dominant diurnal afternoon peak occurs much more frequently in the high‐wind speed days. While due to the weak orographic mechanical lifting and moisture supply in the low‐wind speed days, the number of convection occurrences in the afternoon decreases considerably and two comparable peaks occur in the afternoon and early morning. The nighttime peak in the low‐wind speed days is mainly attributed to the nocturnal acceleration of the low‐level southwesterly wind associated with the inertial oscillation and the corresponded enhanced windward lifting effects.
New Constraints on Early Mars Weathering Conditions From an Experimental Approach on Crust Simulants
Authors: Baron F. , Gaudin A. , Lorand J.‐P. , Mangold N.
Published: May 2019

A denser CO2 atmosphere and higher temperatures than present‐day conditions are frequently invoked as prevailing conditions for the formation of some ancient hydrous mineralogical associations present at the surface of Mars. The environmental conditions are of particular interest to better understand and constrain the weathering processes of the early Martian crust. For this purpose, 6‐month‐long batch weathering experiments on Martian crust simulants and individual Martian mineral analogs were performed at low temperature (45 °C) under a dense CO2 atmosphere (1 atm). Constraints on the weathering conditions are deduced from the solution properties and thermodynamic calculations, as well as mass balance calculations. Experimental solutions vary from mildly acidic to near neutral (4.75–6.48 pH). The Eh‐pH conditions (Eh from 0.189–0.416 V/standard hydrogen electrode) suggest favorable conditions for the formation of ferric minerals despite an anoxic CO2 atmosphere. The chemical weathering appears to be 4 times more intense for Martian simulants under a CO2 atmosphere than under Earth ambient air. The weathering trend under a CO2 atmosphere involves leaching of alkali and alkaline earth elements (Mg, Ca, Na, and K) and Si and enrichments of the solid phases in Al, Fe, and to a lesser extent Si compared to the initial chemical composition of the starting minerals. This geochemical partitioning between solution and solids resembles those deduced from weathering profiles on Earth. Our results strongly support the idea that carbonates could not have extensively formed at the surface of early Mars despite a dense CO2 atmosphere.
A tessellation-based colocalization analysis approach for single-molecule localization microscopy
Authors: Levet Florian , Julien Guillaume , Galland Rémi , Butler Corey , Beghin Anne , Chazeau Anaël , Hoess Philipp , Ries Jonas , Giannone Grégory , Sibarita Jean-Baptiste
Published: May 2019

Multicolor single-molecule localization microscopy (λSMLM) is a powerful technique to reveal the relative nanoscale organization and potential colocalization between different molecular species. While several standard analysis methods exist for pixel-based images, λSMLM still lacks such a standard. Moreover, existing methods only work on 2D data and are usually sensitive to the relative molecular organization, a very important parameter to consider in quantitative SMLM. Here, we present an efficient, parameter-free colocalization analysis method for 2D and 3D λSMLM using tessellation analysis. We demonstrate that our method allows for the efficient computation of several popular colocalization estimators directly from molecular coordinates and illustrate its capability to analyze multicolor SMLM data in a robust and efficient manner.
Measurements of the size and correlations between ions using an electrolytic point contact
Authors: Rigo Eveline , Dong Zhuxin , Park Jae Hyun , Kennedy Eamonn , Hokmabadi Mohammad , Almonte-Garcia Lisa , Ding Li , Aluru Narayana , Timp Gregory
Published: May 2019

The size of an ion affects everything from the structure of water to life itself. In this report, to gauge their size, ions dissolved in water are forced electrically through a sub-nanometer-diameter pore spanning a thin membrane and the current is measured. The measurements reveal an ion-selective conductance that vanishes in pores <0.24 nm in diameter—the size of a water molecule—indicating that permeating ions have a grossly distorted hydration shell. Analysis of the current noise power spectral density exposes a threshold, below which the noise is independent of current, and beyond which it increases quadratically. This dependence proves that the spectral density, which is uncorrelated below threshold, becomes correlated above it. The onset of correlations for Li+, Mg2+, Na+ and K+-ions extrapolates to pore diameters of 0.13 ± 0.11 nm, 0.16 ± 0.11 nm, 0.22 ± 0.11 nm and 0.25 ± 0.11 nm, respectively—consonant with diameters at which the conductance vanishes and consistent with ions moving through the sub-nanopore with distorted hydration shells in a correlated way.
SETER/PR: a robust 18-gene predictor for sensitivity to endocrine therapy for metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Sinn Bruno V. , Fu Chunxiao , Lau Rosanna , Litton Jennifer , Tsai Tsung-Heng , Murthy Rashmi , Tam Alda , Andreopoulou Eleni , Gong Yun , Murthy Ravi , Gould Rebekah , Zhang Ya , King Tari A. , Viale Agnes , Andrade Victor , Giri Dilip , Salgado Roberto , Laios Ioanna , Sotiriou Christos , Marginean Esmeralda C. , Kwiatkowski Danielle N. , Layman Rachel M. , Booser Daniel , Hatzis Christos , Vicente Valero V. , Fraser Symmans W.
Published: May 2019

There is a clinical need to predict sensitivity of metastatic hormone receptor-positive and HER2-negative (HR+/HER2−) breast cancer to endocrine therapy, and targeted RNA sequencing (RNAseq) offers diagnostic potential to measure both transcriptional activity and functional mutation. We developed the SETER/PR index to measure gene expression microarray probe sets that were correlated with hormone receptors (ESR1 and PGR) and robust to preanalytical and analytical influences. We tested SETER/PR index in biopsies of metastastic HR+/HER2− breast cancer against the treatment outcomes in 140 patients. Then we customized the SETER/PR assay to measure 18 informative, 10 reference transcripts, and sequence the ligand-binding domain (LBD) of ESR1 using droplet-based targeted RNAseq, and tested that in residual RNA from 53 patients. Higher SETER/PR index in metastatic samples predicted longer PFS and OS when patients received endocrine therapy as next treatment, even after adjustment for clinical-pathologic risk factors (PFS: HR 0.534, 95% CI 0.299 to 0.955, p = 0.035; OS: HR 0.315, 95% CI 0.157 to 0.631, p = 0.001). Mutated ESR1 LBD was detected in 8/53 (15%) of metastases, involving 1−98% of ESR1 transcripts (all had high SETER/PR index). A signature based on probe sets with good preanalytical and analytical performance facilitated our customization of an accurate targeted RNAseq assay to measure both phenotype and genotype of ER-related transcription. Elevated SETER/PR was associated with prolonged sensitivity to endocrine therapy in patients with metastatic HR+/HER2− breast cancer, especially in the absence of mutated ESR1 transcript.
In-situ detection based on the biofilm hydrophilicity for environmental biofilm formation
Authors: Tanaka Nobuyuki , Kogo Takeshi , Hirai Nobumitsu , Ogawa Akiko , Kanematsu Hideyuki , Takahara Junko , Awazu Akane , Fujita Nobuko , Haruzono Yoshihide , Ichida Shunji , Tanaka Yo
Published: May 2019

A biofilm has a unique structure composed of microorganisms, extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs), etc., and it is layered on a substrate in water. In material science, it is important to detect the biofilm formed on a surface to prevent biofouling. EPSs, the major component of the biofilm, mainly consist of polysaccharides, proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids. Because these biomolecules have a variety of hydrophilicities or hydrophobicities, the substrate covered with the biofilm shows different wettability from the initial state. To detect the biofilm formation, this study employed a liquid-squeezing-based wettability assessment method with a simple wettability index: the liquid-squeezed diameter of a smaller value indicates higher wettability. The method is based on the liquid-squeezing behaviour of a liquid that covers sample surfaces when an air-jet is applied. To form the biofilm, polystyrene surfaces were immersed and incubated in a water-circulated bioreactor that had collected microorganisms in ambient air. After the 14-d incubation, good formation of the biofilm on the surfaces was confirmed by staining with crystal violet. Although the contact angles of captive bubbles on the surfaces with the biofilm were unmeasurable, the liquid-squeezing method could distinguish between hydrophilic and hydrophobic initial surfaces with and without biofilm formation using the diameter of the liquid-squeezed area. The surface wettability is expected to be a promising property for in-situ detection of biofilm formation on a macroscopic scale.
Quantifying ultrasonic mouse vocalizations using acoustic analysis in a supervised statistical machine learning framework
Authors: Vogel Adam P. , Tsanas Athanasios , Scattoni Maria Luisa
Published: May 2019

Examination of rodent vocalizations in experimental conditions can yield valuable insights into how disease manifests and progresses over time. It can also be used as an index of social interest, motivation, emotional development or motor function depending on the animal model under investigation. Most mouse communication is produced in ultrasonic frequencies beyond human hearing. These ultrasonic vocalizations (USV) are typically described and evaluated using expert defined classification of the spectrographic appearance or simplistic acoustic metrics resulting in nine call types. In this study, we aimed to replicate the standard expert-defined call types of communicative vocal behavior in mice by using acoustic analysis to characterize USVs and a principled supervised learning setup. We used four feature selection algorithms to select parsimonious subsets with maximum predictive accuracy, which are then presented into support vector machines (SVM) and random forests (RF). We assessed the resulting models using 10-fold cross-validation with 100 repetitions for statistical confidence and found that a parsimonious subset of 8 acoustic measures presented to RF led to 85% correct out-of-sample classification, replicating the experts’ labels. Acoustic measures can be used by labs to describe USVs and compare data between groups, and provide insight into vocal-behavioral patterns of mice by automating the process on matching the experts’ call types.
Red muscle activity in bluegill sunfish Lepomis macrochirus during forward accelerations
Authors: Schwalbe Margot A. B. , Boden Alexandra L. , Wise Tyler N. , Tytell Eric D.
Published: May 2019

Fishes generate force to swim by activating muscles on either side of their flexible bodies. To accelerate, they must produce higher muscle forces, which leads to higher reaction forces back on their bodies from the environment. If their bodies are too flexible, the forces during acceleration could not be transmitted effectively to the environment, but fish can potentially use their muscles to increase the effective stiffness of their body. Here, we quantified red muscle activity during acceleration and steady swimming, looking for patterns that would be consistent with the hypothesis of body stiffening. We used high-speed video, electromyographic recordings, and a new digital inertial measurement unit to quantify body kinematics, red muscle activity, and 3D orientation and centre of mass acceleration during forward accelerations and steady swimming over several speeds. During acceleration, fish co-activated anterior muscle on the left and right side, and activated all muscle sooner and kept it active for a larger fraction of the tail beat cycle. These activity patterns are both known to increase effective stiffness for muscle tissue in vitro, which is consistent with our hypothesis that fish use their red muscle to stiffen their bodies during acceleration. We suggest that during impulsive movements, flexible organisms like fishes can use their muscles not only to generate propulsive power but to tune the effective mechanical properties of their bodies, increasing performance during rapid movements and maintaining flexibility for slow, steady movements.
Postmortem plasma pentraxin 3 is a useful marker of fatal acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Tojo Misa , Shintani-Ishida Kaori , Tsuboi Hajime , Nakamura Mami , Idota Nozomi , Ikegaya Hiroshi
Published: May 2019

Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is an acute-phase protein that belongs to the pentraxin superfamily. Recently, many clinical studies have demonstrated that plasma PTX3 concentrations rapidly increase in patients with the acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the forensic utility of postmortem plasma PTX3 as a marker of fatal ACS. We compared the plasma PTX3 concentration in cadavers with suspected fatal ACS to that exhibited in control cases (e.g., asphyxia and immediate death due to a fatal injury). The ACS groups included a coronary stenosis group, which exhibited apparent coronary stenosis, but an absence of coronary thrombi, a coronary thrombi group with thrombi found in the coronary artery, and a group of myocardial rupture following an acute myocardial infarction. The plasma PTX3 concentration was significantly higher in the coronary thrombi group than the control group and other ACS groups. The postmortem plasma PTX3 concentration was higher than the clinical reference values, which appeared to be caused by a postmortem release from circulating neutrophils. In conclusion, although the clinical reference value cannot be applied to postmortem samples, the postmortem plasma PTX3 concentration may be a useful marker of death occurring immediately after the onset of fatal ACS.
Doxycycline inhibits electric field-induced migration of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells
Authors: Chang Hui-Fang , Cheng Hung-Tien , Chen Huai-Yi , Yeung Wing Kiu , Cheng Ji-Yen
Published: May 2019

Adenocarcinoma, large cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the most commonly diagnosed subtypes of non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC). Numerous lung cancer cell types have exhibited electrotaxis under direct current electric fields (dcEF). Physiological electric fields (EF) play key roles in cancer cell migration. In this study, we investigated electrotaxis of NSCLC cells, including human large cell lung carcinoma NCI-H460 and human lung squamous cell carcinoma NCI-H520 cells. Non-cancerous MRC-5 lung fibroblasts were included as a control. After dcEF stimulation, NCI-H460 and NCI-H520 cells, which both exhibit epithelial-like morphology, migrated towards the cathode, while MRC-5 cells, which have fibroblast-like morphology, migrated towards the anode. The effect of doxycycline, a common antibiotic, on electrotaxis of MRC-5, NCI-H460 and NCI-H520 cells was examined. Doxycycline enhanced the tested cells’ motility but inhibited electrotaxis in the NSCLC cells without inhibiting non-cancerous MRC-5 cells. Based on our finding, further in-vivo studies could be devised to investigate the metastasis inhibition effect of doxycycline in an organism level.
Network pharmacology-based identifcation of potential targets of the flower of Trollius chinensis Bunge acting on anti-inflammatory effectss
Authors: Liang Jing-wei , Wang Ming-yang , Olounfeh Kamara Mohamed , Zhao Nan , Wang Shan , Meng Fan-hao
Published: May 2019

The flower of Trollius chinensis Bunge was widely used for the treatment of inflammation-related diseases in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In order to clarify the anti-inflammatory mechanism of this Chinese herbs, a comprehensive network pharmacology strategy that consists of three sequential modules (pharmacophore matching, enrichment analysis and molecular docking.) was carried out. As a result, Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1), Janus kinase 1 (JAK1), c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs), transforming protein p21 (HRas) and mitogen-activated protein kinase 14 (p38α) that related to the anti-inflammatory effect were filtered out. In further molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, the conformation of CID21578038 and CID20055288 were found stable in the protein ASK1 and JNKs respectively. The current investigation revealed that two effective compounds in the flower of Trollius chinensis Bunge played a crucial role in the process of inflammation by targeting ASK1 and JNKs, the comprehensive strategy can serve as a universal method to guide in illuminating the mechanism of the prescription of traditional Chinese medicine by identifying the pathways or targets.
Surface deep profile synchrotron studies of mechanically modified top-down silicon nanowires array using ultrasoft X-ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy
Authors: Turishchev S. Yu. , Parinova E. V. , Pisliaruk A. K. , Koyuda D. A. , Yermukhamed D. , Ming T. , Ovsyannikov R. , Smirnov D. , Makarova A. , Sivakov V.
Published: May 2019

Atomic, electronic structure and composition of top-down metal-assisted wet-chemically etched silicon nanowires were studied by synchrotron radiation based X-ray absorption near edge structure technique. Local surrounding of the silicon and oxygen atoms in silicon nanowires array was studied on as-prepared nanostructured surfaces (atop part of nanowires) and their bulk part after, first time applied, in-situ mechanical removal atop part of the formed silicon nanowires. Silicon suboxides together with disturbed silicon dioxide were found in the composition of the formed arrays that affects the electronic structure of silicon nanowires. The results obtained by us convincingly testify to the homogeneity of the phase composition of the side walls of silicon nanowires and the electronic structure in the entire length of the nanowire. The controlled formation of the silicon nanowires array may lead to smart engineering of its atomic and electronic structure that influences the exploiting strategy of metal-assisted wet-chemically etched silicon nanowires as universal matrices for different applications.
Purified human anti-Tn and anti-T antibodies specifically recognize carcinoma tissues
Authors: Zlocowski Natacha , Grupe Veronica , Garay Yohana C. , Nores Gustavo A. , Lardone Ricardo D. , Irazoqui Fernando J.
Published: May 2019

Described in several epithelial cancer cells, Tn- (GalNAcα1-O-Ser/Thr) and T- (Galβ3GalNAcα1-O-Ser/Thr) antigens are examples of tumor-associated antigens. Increased expression of Tn- and T-antigens is associated with tumor invasion and metastasis, and patients with high concentration of anti-Tn and anti-T antibodies have a more benign evolution of pathology. Asialofetuin (ASF) and ovine submaxillary mucin (OSM) are two glycoproteins that expose T- and Tn-antigen, respectively. In this work, using ASF or OSM we affinity-purified anti-T and anti-Tn antibodies from normal human plasma and tested their ability to specifically recognize tumor human tissues. Whereas purified anti-T antibodies (purity degree increase of 127-fold, and 22% recovery) were mainly IgG, for purified anti-Tn antibodies (purity degree enhancement of 125-fold, and 26% yield) the IgM fraction was predominant over the IgG one. IgG2 subclass was significantly enriched in both purified antibody samples. Purified antibodies did not bind normal human tissue (0/42), although recognized malignant tissues from different origin such as colon carcinoma (11/77 by anti-Tn; 7/79 by anti-T), breast carcinoma (10/23 by anti-Tn; 7/23 by anti-T), and kidney carcinoma (45/51 by anti-Tn; 42/51 by anti-T). Our results suggest that purified human anti-Tn and anti-T antibodies have a potential as anti-tumor therapeutic agents; restoring their levels in human sera could positively affect the evolution of patients with epithelial tumor pathologies.
Increased sea ice cover alters food web structure in East Antarctica
Authors: Michel Loïc N. , Danis Bruno , Dubois Philippe , Eleaume Marc , Fournier Jérôme , Gallut Cyril , Jane Philip , Lepoint Gilles
Published: May 2019

In recent years, sea ice cover along coasts of East Antarctica has tended to increase. To understand ecological implications of these environmental changes, we studied benthic food web structure on the coasts of Adélie Land during an event of unusually high sea ice cover (i.e. two successive austral summers without seasonal breakup). We used integrative trophic markers (stable isotope ratios of carbon, nitrogen and sulfur) to build ecological models and explored feeding habits of macroinvertebrates. In total, 28 taxa spanning most present animal groups and functional guilds were investigated. Our results indicate that the absence of seasonal sea ice breakup deeply influenced benthic food webs. Sympagic algae dominated the diet of many key consumers, and the trophic levels of invertebrates were low, suggesting omnivore consumers did not rely much on predation and/or scavenging. Our results provide insights about how Antarctic benthic consumers, which typically live in an extremely stable environment, might adapt their feeding habits in response to sudden changes in environmental conditions and trophic resource availability. They also show that local and/or global trends of sea ice increase in Antarctica have the potential to cause drastic changes in food web structure, and therefore to impact benthic communities.
Global geographic patterns of heterospecific pollen receipt help uncover potential ecological and evolutionary impacts across plant communities worldwide
Authors: Arceo-Gómez Gerardo , Schroeder Amelia , Albor Cristopher , Ashman Tia-Lynn , Knight Tiffany M. , Bennett Joanne M. , Suarez Brian , Parra-Tabla Victor
Published: May 2019

Species interactions are known to be key in driving patterns of biodiversity across the globe. Plant-plant interactions through heterospecific pollen (HP) transfer by their shared pollinators is common and has consequences for plant reproductive success and floral evolution, and thus has the potential to influence global patterns of biodiversity and plant community assembly. The literature on HP transfer is growing and it is therefore timely to review patterns and causes of among-species variation in HP receipt at a global scale, thus uncovering its potential contribution to global patterns of biodiversity. Here we analyzed published data on 245 species distributed across five continents to evaluate latitudinal and altitudinal patterns of HP receipt. We further analyzed the role of floral symmetry and evolutionary history in mediating patterns of HP receipt. Latitude and elevation affected the likelihood and intensity of HP receipt indicating that HP transfer increases in species-rich communities and in areas with high abundance of vertebrate pollinators. Floral symmetry and evolutionary history determined HP load size across plant communities worldwide. Overall, our results suggest that HP receipt may have the potential to contribute to global geographic patterns of plant diversity by imposing strong selective pressures in species-rich areas across the globe.
Deep learning and alternative learning strategies for retrospective real-world clinical data
Authors: Chen David , Liu Sijia , Kingsbury Paul , Sohn Sunghwan , Storlie Curtis B. , Habermann Elizabeth B. , Naessens James M. , Larson David W. , Liu Hongfang
Published: May 2019

In recent years, there is increasing enthusiasm in the healthcare research community for artificial intelligence to provide big data analytics and augment decision making. One of the prime reasons for this is the enormous impact of deep learning for utilization of complex healthcare big data. Although deep learning is a powerful analytic tool for the complex data contained in electronic health records (EHRs), there are also limitations which can make the choice of deep learning inferior in some healthcare applications. In this paper, we give a brief overview of the limitations of deep learning illustrated through case studies done over the years aiming to promote the consideration of alternative analytic strategies for healthcare.
Size and shape dependences of the adsorption kinetics of malachite green on nano-MgO: a theoretical and experimental study
Authors: Cui Zixiang , Liu Jiayi , Gao Huifang , Xue Yongqiang , Hao Jie , Zhang Rong , Ji Boteng , Chen Jiaojiao
Published: May 2019

Compared with bulk materials, there is a considerable difference in the adsorption kinetics of nanoparticles, which mainly depend on particle size and shape.
Room temperature quantum coherence vs. electron transfer in a rhodanine derivative chromophore
Authors: Madrid-Úsuga Duvalier , Susa Cristian E. , Reina John H.
Published: May 2019

Quantum coherence and their interplay with electronic transfer (ET) in organic-based materials for light harvesting rely on the solvent properties and temperature effects, as shown in the figure for the D2F complex (D–A push–pull chromophore) population inversion (left), and ET rates (right) for methanol in the strong coupling regime. ET rates are enhanced, at room temperature, by two orders of magnitude if compared to results obtained for toluene.
Tailoring frequency-insensitive large field-induced strain and energy storage properties in (Ba0.85Ca0.15)(Zr0.1Ti0.9)O3-modified (Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3 lead-free ceramics
Authors: Bai Wangfeng , Wang Leijie , Zhao Xinyu , Zheng Peng , Wen Fei , Li Lili , Zhai Jiwei , Ji Zhenguo
Published: May 2019

(Ba0.85Ca0.15)(Zr0.1Ti0.9)O3-modified (Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3 lead-free ceramics exhibited both frequency-insensitive large strain and enhanced energy storage properties.
Detailed-balance analysis of Yb3+:CsPb(Cl1−xBrx)3 quantum-cutting layers for high-efficiency photovoltaics under real-world conditions
Authors: Crane Matthew J. , Kroupa Daniel M. , Gamelin Daniel R.
Published: May 2019

Detailed-balance calculations based on experimental data show that quantum-cutting Yb3+:CsPb(Cl1-xBrx)3 can boost annual power generation from photovoltaic devices by over 20% in real-world conditions, rivaling perovskite-on-silicon tandem photovoltaics.
Enhanced photocatalysis and bacterial inhibition in Nb2O5via versatile doping with metals (Sr, Y, Zr, and Ag): a critical assessment
Authors: Boruah Bhanupriya , Gupta Rimzhim , Modak Jayant M. , Madras Giridhar
Published: May 2019

Enhanced photoactivity in Nb2O5 on incorporation of metal dopants towards degradation of water pollutants.
A fresh look at the structural diversity of dibenzoylmethanide complexes of lanthanides
Authors: Sukhikh Taisiya S. , Kolybalov Dmitry S. , Pylova Ekaterina K. , Bashirov Denis A. , Komarov Vladislav Y. , Kuratieva Natalia V. , Smolentsev Anton I. , Fitch Andrew N. , Konchenko Sergey N.
Published: May 2019

Synthetic methods for dibenzoylmethanide lanthanide complexes as well as heterolanthanide ones were systematized revealing several species.
Symmetrically backfolded molecules emulating the self-similar features of a Sierpinski triangle
Authors: Hu Jie-Ying , Sun Yan-Qiong , Xiao Ran , Cheng Shengxian , He Jun , Zeller Matthias , Wong Wai-Yeung , Xu Zhengtao
Published: May 2019

A Sierpinski molecule with symmetrically backfolded branches has been synthesized to present a complex, self-similar system of conjugated aromatic backbones featuring three distinct levels on the structural hierarchy.
4-Aminoindoles as 1,4-bisnucleophiles for diversity-oriented synthesis of tricyclic indoles bearing 3,4-fused seven-membered rings
Authors: Chen Shaomin , Ravichandiran Palanisamy , El-Harairy Ahmed , Queneau Yves , Li Minghao , Gu Yanlong
Published: May 2019

A straightforward access to tricyclic indoles bearing 3,4-fused seven-membered rings was established by using 4-aminoindoles as 1,4-bisnucleophiles in three-component reactions.
Continuous microfluidic fabrication of polypyrrole nanoparticles
Authors: Effati Elham , Pourabbas Behzad , Zakerhamidi Mohammad Sadegh
Published: May 2019

Polypyrrole nanoparticles were synthesized for the first time in a microchannel reactor showing conductivity and electroactivity with electrical capacitance.
An efficient TeO2/Ag transparent top electrode for 20%-efficiency bifacial perovskite solar cells with a bifaciality factor exceeding 80%
Authors: Chen Dazheng , Pang Shangzheng , Zhou Long , Li Xueyi , Su Aixue , Zhu Weidong , Chang Jingjing , Zhang Jincheng , Zhang Chunfu , Hao Yue
Published: May 2019

An efficient TeO2/Ag transparent top electrode for bifacial perovskite solar cells with 20% efficiency was developed.
AIPE-active platinum(ii) complexes with tunable photophysical properties and their application in constructing thermosensitive probes used for intracellular temperature imaging
Authors: Lin Shengheng , Pan Honghao , Li Lin , Liao Rui , Yu Shengzhen , Zhao Qiang , Sun Huibin , Huang Wei
Published: May 2019

Two series of AIPE-active platinum(ii) complexes with tunable photophysical properties were synthesized and their application in constructing thermosensitive probes was demonstrated.
A new strategy to realize high comprehensive energy storage properties in lead-free bulk ceramics
Authors: Qu Ning , Du Hongliang , Hao Xihong
Published: May 2019

A new strategy (coexistence of nanodomains and PNRs via composition optimization) was proposed to achieve high comprehensive energy storage properties in lead-free bulk ceramics.
Highly efficient thermally activated delayed fluorescence yellow organic light-emitting diodes with a low efficiency roll-off
Authors: Li Xiang-Long , Cai Xinyi , Ali Muhammad Umair , Su Shi-Jian , Meng Hong
Published: May 2019

Highly efficient TADF yellow OLEDs with an extremely low efficiency roll-off have been obtained herein via rational device engineering.
Star-planet tidal interaction and the limits of gyrochronology
Authors: Gallet F. , Delorme P.
Published: May 2019

Context. Age estimation techniques such as gyrochronology and magnetochronology cannot be applied to stars that have exchanged angular momentum with their close environments. This is especially true for a massive close-in planetary companion (with a period of a few days or less) that could have been strongly impacted by the rotational evolution of the host star, throughout the stellar evolution, through the star-planet tidal interaction.

Aims. In this article, we provide the community with a reliable region in which empirical techniques such as gyrochronology can be used with confidence.

Methods. We combined a stellar angular momentum evolution code with a planetary orbital evolution code to study in detail the impact of star-planet tidal interaction on the evolution of the surface rotation rate of the star.

Results. We show that the interaction of a close-in massive planet with its host star can strongly modify the surface rotation rate of this latter, in most of the cases associated with a planetary engulfment. A modification of the surface rotation period of more than 90% can survive a few hundred Myr after the event and a modification of 10% can last for a few Gyr. In such cases, a gyrochronology analysis of the star would incorrectly make it appear as rejuvenated, thus preventing us from using this method with confidence. To try overcome this issue, we proposed the proof of concept of a new age determination technique that we call the tidal-chronology method, which is based on the observed pair Prot, ⋆–Porb of a given star-planet system, where Prot, ⋆ is the stellar surface rotational period and Porb the planetary orbital period.

Conclusions. The gyrochronology technique can only be applied to isolated stars or star-planet systems outside a specific range of Prot, ⋆–Porb. This region tends to expand for increasing stellar and planetary mass. In that forbidden region, or if any planetary engulfment is suspected, gyrochronology should be used with extreme caution, while tidal-chronology could be considered. This technique does not provide a precise age for the system yet; however, it is already an extension of gyrochronology and could be helpful to determine a more precise range of possible ages for planetary systems composed of a star between 0.3 and 1.2 M⊙ and a planet more massive than 1 Mjup initially located at a few hundredths of au from the host star.
Formation of amines: hydrogenation of nitrile and isonitrile as selective routes in the interstellar medium
Authors: Nguyen T. , Fourré I. , Favre C. , Barois C. , Congiu E. , Baouche S. , Guillemin J.-C. , Ellinger Y. , Dulieu F.
Published: May 2019

Context. Beyond NH3, only one primary alkylamine, CH3NH2, has been identified in the interstellar medium and the reason why is still not understood: its formation could occur in the gas phase or in icy environments.

Aims. To consider any possible difference between the formation of primary and secondary amines, we studied the hydrogenation processes of CH3CN and CH3NC, which would lead to the simple primary CH3CH2NH2 and secondary CH3NHCH3 amines, respectively.

Methods. Experimentally, the hydrogenation of CH3CN and CH3NC was carried out under ultra-high vacuum, using two beamlines to inject the nitrile/isonitrile and H onto substrate surfaces of gold or water ice. The reactions were monitored using infrared spectroscopy and the products were followed by mass spectrometry. Theoretically, the energetics of the hydrogenation paths were determined using the M06-2X functional after benchmarking against post Hartree–Fock procedures. Meanwhile, a survey of the high-mass star forming region W51/e2 has been performed.

Results. Following co-deposition of CH3CN and H, we show that these species do not react together between 10 and 60 K. For CH3NC we found that the hydrogenation process works all the way through the CH3NHCH3 end product; we also identified the CH3NCH2 intermediate together with side products, CH4 and HCN, showing that the isonitrile backbone is breaking. These results are consistent with the calculations of a high barrier on the first hydrogenation step for CH3CN and a lower barrier for CH3NC.

Conclusions. The formation of CH3CH2NH2 by hydrogenation of CH3CN appears rather unlikely in both the gas phase and ice environment whereas that of CH3NHCH3 is a clear possibility. The limiting factor appears to be the efficiency of the tunneling effect through the first activation barrier on the reaction paths. More surveys are required for further insight into the search for amines.
Seroprevalence and risk factors forNeospora caninuminfection in dogs in rural northeastern mainland China
Authors: Gao Xiang , Wang Hongbin
Published: May 2019

AlthoughNeospora caninumis an important veterinary pathogen, veterinarians in various areas including in Mainland China lack a full understanding of neosporosis distribution in dog populations. This study aims to determine the emergence of anti-N. caninumantibodies in canine populations classified based on breeders, herdsmen, and huntsmen in northeast mainland China. In addition, the risk factors associated with seropositivity were explored. An indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT) was performed on canine serum to determine seroprevalence. Logistic regression models were used to collect and analyze individual and management data, in order to determine high-reliability predictors of seroprevalence as well as the level of anti-N. caninumantibodies. Among the 476 dogs tested, 95 (20%) were seropositive. Mixed breed (OR 1.53), former strays (OR 1.38), dogs living on cattle farms (OR 2.30), hunting dogs (OR 1.22) as well as raw meat feeding (OR 1.66) were correlated (p < 0.05) withN. caninuminfection. Interestingly, the seropositivity of dogs on cattle farms was higher (28%) than that of those (24.8%) living in breeding facilities (p < 0.05). A large number of seropositive dogs were found on cattle farms in the study region, suggesting horizontal transmission between dogs and cattle. Therefore, this source of infection should be studied further, and should be a strong consideration in differential diagnoses of dogs raised on cattle farms.
Emergency Repair of an Isolated Traumatic Avulsion of the Right Main Stem Bronchus in a 7-Year-Old Girl
Authors: König Tatjana Tamara , Wittenmeier Eva , Muensterer Oliver J.
Published: May 2019

Introduction Isolated tracheobronchial injury after blunt trauma of the chest is rare. Because of the high elasticity of the chest in children, they occur mainly in the pediatric population.

Case Report We report a case of a 7-year-old girl who experienced complete avulsion of the right main bronchus at the level of the carina after a horse-riding accident. The patient presented with extensive emphysema of the upper chest, neck, and face and severe respiratory distress. Endotracheal intubation led to tension pneumothorax. After insertion of two 17-mm thoracostomy tubes, pneumothorax and a massive air leak persisted. Isolated central bronchial injury was confirmed by computed tomography of the chest. Bronchoscopically guided selective intubation of the left main stem bronchus failed and the patient desaturated, requiring immediate salvage right posterolateral thoracotomy. Simultaneous occlusion of the defect, stabilization, and subsequent selective left lung intubation was possible only after placing a suture at the tracheal rim of the defect for retraction allowing compression of the defect and keeping the lumen open at the same time.

Conclusion A cluster of clinical signs with subcutaneous emphysema and refractory pneumothorax with air leak of the thoracotomy tube is indicative of bronchial injury. Endotracheal intubation should be postponed in these cases until after thoracostomy tube placement, if possible. Placing a retraction suture during repair is a maneuver that helps to occlude the defect and keep the remaining tracheobronchial lumen open at the same time to establish crucial ventilation of the contralateral lung.
Case Series of Dengue Treated with Homoeopathic Intervention
Authors: Rath Padmalaya , Arya Bhopal Singh , Vichitra Anil Kumar , Singh Udaiveer
Published: May 2019

Background Dengue is an infectious mosquito-borne disease in India and is caused by a virus named as dengue virus. It is also known as break bone fever, is a painful and sometimes fatal viral disease characterized by headache, skin rash and debilitating muscle and joint pains. In India, dengue is becoming a public health problem. The predominant dengue virus serotypes during the last few years have been DENV-2 and DENV-3. There is no specific antiviral treatment currently available for dengue fever. Time to time many dengue cases treated with homoeopathic medicine successfully have been reported.

Methodology Demographic data, symptoms and laboratory findings were collected from patients with confirmed dengue infections treated from outpatient department and inpatient department of Dr. D. P. R. Central Research Institute for Homoeopathy, Noida, from September 2015 to October 2015.

Results Four dengue infected patients were treated successfully by homoeopathic medicine Eupatorium perfoliatum without any complication.

Conclusion Dengue requires early diagnosis and treatment. Dengue can be managed with homoeopathy. Further studies are mandatory as evidence-based data in the management of dengue are sparse.
Mitral Valve Surgery in a Patient 50 Years after a Pneumonectomy
Authors: von Oehsen Hartwig H. C. , Högerle Benjamin A. , Giebels Christian , Schäfers Hans-Joachim
Published: May 2019

Background Patients who survive long after pneumonectomy may develop heart valve disease. The consecutive operations can be complex because of the challenging anatomical conditions and the limited physiologic reserves of the patient.

Case Presentation The subject is a 78-year-old patient who underwent a left-sided pneumonectomy for a metastasized testicular tumor 50 years ago. At 32 and 37 years postpneumonectomy, mitral regurgitation was manifested, and valve repair was performed. Bioprosthetic mitral valve replacement and tricuspid valve reconstruction became necessary 44 years postpneumonectomy. The patient was fully recovered.

Conclusion In case of relevant heart valve disease after pneumonectomies, heart valve surgeries are feasible.
Prostaglandin F2α Facilitates Platelet Activation by Acting on Prostaglandin E2 Receptor Subtype EP3 and Thromboxane A2 Receptor TP in Mice
Authors: Kashiwagi Hitoshi , Yuhki Koh-ichi , Imamichi Yoshitaka , Kojima Fumiaki , Kumei Shima , Tasaki Yoshikazu , Narumiya Shuh , Ushikubi Fumitaka
Published: May 2019

Platelets play an important role in both physiological hemostasis and pathological thrombosis. Thromboxane (TX) A2 and prostaglandin (PG) I2 are well known as a potent stimulator and an inhibitor of platelet function, respectively. Recently, PGE2 has also been reported to regulate platelet function via PGE2 receptor subtypes. However, the effect of PGF2α on platelet function remains to be determined. The aim of the present study was to clarify the effect of PGF2α on murine platelet function both in vitro and in vivo. Platelets prepared from wild-type mice (WT platelets) expressed several types of prostanoid receptors, including the PGE2 receptor subtype EP3 and the TXA2 receptor TP, while expression of the PGF2α receptor FP was not detected. In WT platelets, PGF2α potentiated adenosine diphosphate-induced aggregation in a concentration-dependent manner, while PGF2α alone did not induce aggregation. In platelets prepared from mice lacking FP, however, PGF2α-induced potentiation was not significantly different from that in WT platelets. Interestingly, the potentiation was significantly blunted in platelets lacking EP3 or TP and disappeared completely in platelets lacking both EP3 and TP. Accordingly, PGF2α decreased the cyclic adenosine monophosphate level via EP3 and increased the inositol triphosphate level via TP in WT platelets. Intravenously administered PGF2α significantly shortened the bleeding time and aggravated arachidonic acid-induced acute thromboembolism in WT mice, suggesting that PGF2α works as a platelet stimulator also in vivo. In conclusion, PGF2α potentiates platelet aggregation in vitro via EP3 and TP but not FP. Accordingly, PGF2α facilitates hemostasis and thromboembolism in vivo.
Platelet Activation Is Limited during Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation in Patients on Aspirin Monotherapy and without per Procedural Clinical Complications
Authors: Dumonteil Nicolas , Levade Marie , Garcia Cédric , Lhermusier Thibault , Series Jennifer , Le Faouder Pauline , Marcheix Bertrand , Payrastre Bernard , Carrié Didier , Sié Pierre
Published: May 2019

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is an established treatment option for symptomatic patients with severe aortic valve stenosis (AS). During and early after the procedure, both ischemic events (predominantly stroke) and bleedings remain prevalent. The optimal antithrombotic regimen is still debated. Single- versus dual-antiplatelet therapy is associated with a lower rate of severe bleeding, without difference in thrombotic complications. Although platelets have been empirically targeted, little is known on their contribution to these events primarily related to embolization of thrombotic material and tissue-derived debris from the wounded aortic valve and large vessels. The objective of this study was to assess local platelet activation in blood sampled in the ascending aorta immediately before and within minutes postimplantation. A series of 18 patients with AS on monotherapy with aspirin successfully underwent TAVI with the self-expandable Medtronic CoreValve by transfemoral route. No clinical thrombotic complication occurred at 30-day follow-up. Compared with patients with stable coronary artery disease unscathed of AS and similarly treated by low-dose aspirin, AS patients displayed a chronic state of platelet activation before TAVI, assessed in venous blood using various biomarkers. However, per procedure, in aortic blood, no change occurred between the two time points in the plasma levels of serotonin or 12-lipoxgenase products, or membrane exposure of granule markers CD62-P and CD63. Our results suggest that local acute platelet activation is limited during TAVI on monotherapy with aspirin.