bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stereoselective synthesis of sugar-fused (or 1,2-annulated) isochromans and isochromanones by using oxa-Pictet–Spengler reaction
Authors: Verma Ashish Kumar , Chennaiah Ande , Dubbu Sateesh , Vankar Yashwant D.
Published: September 2018

We report the utility of the oxa-Pictet–Spengler reaction in carbohydrates for stereoselective synthesis of sugar fused 1,2-annulated isochromans in good to excellent yields.
Cobalt-catalyzed cyclization of benzamides with alkynes: a facile route to isoquinolones with hydrogen evolution
Authors: Manoharan Ramasamy , Jeganmohan Masilamani
Published: September 2018

A cobalt-catalyzed 8-aminoquinoline-directed oxidative cyclization of benzamides with alkynes giving substituted isoquinolones with the liberation of hydrogen in good to excellent yields is presented. The present cyclization reaction was compatible with terminal alkynes and 1,3-diynes.
Caged siRNAs with single folic acid modification of antisense RNA for photomodulation of exogenous and endogenous gene expression in cells
Authors: Yu Lijia , Jing Nannan , Yang Zhenjun , Zhang Lihe , Tang Xinjing
Published: September 2018

Photoregulating gene expression using folic acid modified caged siRNA through complex formation of folic acid/folate receptor.
Near-infrared light-responsive, diselenide containing core-cross-linked micelles prepared by the Diels–Alder click reaction for photocontrollable drug release application
Authors: Salma Sabrina Aufar , Patil Maheshkumar Prakash , Kim Dong Woo , Le Cuong Minh Quoc , Ahn Byung-Hyun , Kim Gun-Do , Lim Kwon Taek
Published: September 2018

We report a facile and efficient preparation of a NIR-triggered micelle system for a drug vehicle.
Triisopropylsilylethynyl-substituted indenofluorenes: carbonyl versus dicyanovinylene functionalization in one-dimensional molecular crystals and solution-processed n-channel OFETs
Authors: Ozdemir Resul , Park Sangyun , Deneme İbrahim , Park Yonghan , Zorlu Yunus , Alidagi Husniye Ardic , Harmandar Kevser , Kim Choongik , Usta Hakan
Published: September 2018

Carbonyl vs. dicyanovinylene functionalization in indenofluorenes leads to substantial differences in solid-state packings and results in significant variations (×1000) in electron mobilities.
Dependence of hysteresis on the perovskite film thickness: inverse behavior between TiO2 and PCBM in a normal planar structure
Authors: Cho An-Na , Jang In-Hyuk , Seo Ja-Young , Park Nam-Gyu
Published: September 2018

The effect of perovskite film thickness on the current density (J)–voltage (V) hysteresis is investigated with a normal planar perovskite solar cell (PSC) having the FTO/ETL/MAPbI3/spiro-MeOTAD/Au structure (ETL = electron transporting layer, MA = methylammonium, and spiro-MeOTAD = 2,2′,7,7′-tetrakis-(N,N-di-4-methoxyphenylamino)-9,9′-spirobifluorene).
High performance duckweed-derived carbon support to anchor NiFe electrocatalysts for efficient solar energy driven water splitting
Authors: Kumar Ashwani , Chaudhary Dhirendra K. , Parvin Sahanaz , Bhattacharyya Sayan
Published: September 2018

NiFe nanoparticle electrocatalysts, supported on duckweed-derived carbon, splits water at 1.61 V and provides a 9.7% solar-to-hydrogen efficiency when connected to solar cells.
Targeting amino acids metabolic profile to identify novel metabolic characteristics in atrial fibrillation
Authors: She Jianqing , Guo Manyun , Li Hongbing , Liu Junhui , Liang Xiao , Liu Peining , Zhou Bo , Liu Simin , Deng Yangyang , Lou Bowen , Sun Chaofeng , Yuan Zuyi , Wu Yue
Published: September 2018

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia whose incidence is on the rise globally. However, the pathophysiologic mechanism of AF remains poorly understood and there has been a lack of circulatory markers to diagnose and predict prognosis of AF. In the present study, by measuring metabolic profile and analyzing plasma amino acid levels in AF patients, we sought to determine whether amino acid metabolism was correlated to the occurrence of AF. Methods: Consecutive patients admitted to hospital for AF were enrolled. Plasma samples were obtained after overnight fast and a profile of 61 amino acids was then measured using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Results: Twenty-three AF and thirty-seven control patients were enrolled in the study. A number of plasma amino acids were altered in AF, which showed significant prediction value for AF. Intriguingly, circulating 4-hydroxypyrrolidine-2-carboxylic was gradually lowered with the persistence of AF. Plasma amino acid levels were more strongly correlated with each other in AF as compared with control. Conclusion: By utilizing non-target metabolic profile surveys, we have found a number of altered amino acids, which exhibit diagnostic value for AF. Enhanced amino acids correlation network further identified AF as a metabolism disorder.
Comprehensive comparison between APOGEE and LAMOST
Authors: Anguiano B. , Majewski S. R. , Allende-Prieto C. , Meszaros S. , Jönsson H. , García-Hernández D. A. , Beaton R. L. , Stringfellow G. S. , Cunha K. , Smith V. V.
Published: September 2018

Context. In the era of massive spectroscopy surveys, automated stellar parameter pipelines and their validation are extremely important for an efficient scientific exploitation of the spectra.

Aims. We undertake a critical and comprehensive comparison of the radial velocities and the main stellar atmosphere parameters for stars in common between the latest data releases from the Apache Point Observatory Galaxy Evolution Experiment (APOGEE) and the Large sky Area Multi-Object Spectroscopic Telescope (LAMOST) surveys.

Methods. APOGEE is a high-resolution (R = 22 500) spectroscopic survey with high signal-to-noise ratio that is part of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). The latest data release, SDSS DR14, comprises APOGEE spectra for 263 444 stars, together with main stellar parameters and individual abundances for up to 20 chemical species. LAMOST is a low-resolution (R = 1800) optical spectroscopic survey also in the Northern Hemisphere, where 4000 fibers can be allocated simultaneously. LAMOST DR3 contains 3 177 995 stars.

Results. A total of 42 420 dwarfs and giants stars are in common between the APOGEE DR14 – LAMOST DR3 stellar catalogs. A comparison between APOGEE and LAMOST RVs shows a clear offset of 4.54 ± 0.03 km s−1, with a dispersion of 5.8 km s−1, in the sense that APOGEE radial velocities are higher. We observe a small offset in the effective temperatures of about 13 K, with a scatter of 155 K. A small offset in [Fe/H] of about 0.06 dex together with a scatter of 0.13 dex is also observed. We note that the largest offset between the surveys occurs in the surface gravities. Using only surface gravities in calibrated red giants from APOGEE DR14, with which there are 24 074 stars in common, a deviation of 0.14 dex is found with substantial scatter (0.25 dex). There are 17 482 red giant stars in common between APOGEE DR14 and those in LAMOST tied to APOGEE DR12 via the code called the Cannon. There is generally good agreement between the two data-sets. However, we find that the differences in the stellar parameters depend on effective temperature. For metal-rich stars, a different trend for the [Fe/H] discrepancies is found. Surprisingly, we see no correlation between the internal APOGEE DR14 – DR12 differences in Teff and those in DR14 – LAMOST tied to DR12, where a correlation should be expected since LAMOST has been calibrated to APOGEE DR12. We find no correlation either between the [Fe/H] discrepancies, suggesting that LAMOST/Cannon is not well coupled to the APOGEE DR12 stellar parameter scale. An [Fe/H] dependence between the stellar parameters in APOGEE DR12 and those in DR14 is reported. We find a weak correlation in the differences between APOGEE DR14 – DR12 and LAMOST on DR12 surface gravity for stars hotter than 4800 K and in the log g range between 2.0 and 2.8 dex. We do not observe an [Fe/H] dependency in the gravity discrepancies.
Shadows and asymmetries in the T Tauri disk HD 143006: evidence for a misaligned inner disk
Authors: Benisty M. , Juhász A. , Facchini S. , Pinilla P. , de Boer J. , Pérez L. M. , Keppler M. , Muro-Arena G. , Villenave M. , Andrews S. , Dominik C. , Dullemond C. P. , Gallenne A. , Garufi A. , Ginski C. , Isella A.
Published: September 2018

Context. While planet formation is thought to occur early in the history of a protoplanetary disk, the presence of planets embedded in disks, or of other processes driving disk evolution, might be traced from their imprints on the disk structure.

Aims. We study the morphology of the disk around the T Tauri star HD 143006, located in the ~5–11 Myr-old Upper Sco region, and we look for signatures of the mechanisms driving its evolution.

Methods. We observed HD 143006 in polarized scattered light with VLT/SPHERE at near-infrared (J-band, 1.2 μm) wavelengths, reaching an angular resolution of ~0.037′′ (~6 au). We obtained two datasets, one with a 145 mas diameter coronagraph, and the other without, enabling us to probe the disk structure down to an angular separation of ~0.06′′ (~10 au).

Results. In our observations, the disk of HD 143006 is clearly resolved up to ~0.5′′ and shows a clear large-scale asymmetry with the eastern side brighter than the western side. We detect a number of additional features, including two gaps and a ring. The ring shows an overbrightness at a position angle (PA) of ~140°, extending over a range in position angle of ~60°, and two narrow dark regions. The two narrow dark lanes and the overall large-scale asymmetry are indicative of shadowing effects, likely due to a misaligned inner disk. We demonstrate the remarkable resemblance between the scattered light image of HD 143006 and a model prediction of a warped disk due to an inclined binary companion. The warped disk model, based on the hydrodynamic simulations combined with three-dimensional radiative transfer calculations, reproduces all major morphological features. However, it does not account for the observed overbrightness at PA ~ 140°.

Conclusions. Shadows have been detected in several protoplanetary disks, suggesting that misalignment in disks is not uncommon. However, the origin of the misalignment is not clear. As-yet-undetected stellar or massive planetary companions could be responsible for them, and naturally account for the presence of depleted inner cavities.
A three-echelon supply chain model with price and two-level quality dependent demand
Authors: Roy Balaji , Giri Bibhas Chandra
Published: September 2018

This paper considers a three-echelon supply chain model with one supplier, one manufacturer and one retailer for trading a single product. We assume that the market demand at the retailer’s end is stochastic, but dependent on price and quality of the product. The final product’s quality depends on the manufacturing process and the raw material’s quality. We first develop models for centralized and decentralized scenarios. Then we try to coordinate the decentralized system with some contract mechanism. We show that revenue sharing contract is not able to coordinate the system, but a composite contract comprised of sales rebate and penalty (SRP) with return is able to coordinate the system. Finally, we illustrate the developed model with a numerical example and show the efficiency of SRP with return policy. We graphically show the effects of various model-parameters on the optimal decisions. Most of the existing literature’s focus on the quality of the finished product, but in this model we incorporate the quality of the raw material as a decision variable along with the finished product quality. We also able to coordinate the three echelon model with a composite contract which is seldom addressed in the existing literatures.
On the problem of minimizing the cost with optical devices in Wavelength Division Multiplexing optical networks: complexity analysis, mathematical formulation and improved heuristics
Authors: Morais dos Reis Daniel , Goulart Natã , Noronha Thiago F. , de Souza Sérgio Ricardo
Published: September 2018

The Fiber Installation Problem (FIP) in Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) optical networks consists in routing a set of lightpaths (all-optical connections) such that the cost of the optical devices necessary to operate the network is minimized. Each of these devices is worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. In consequence, any improvement in the lightpath routing may save millions of dollars for the network operator. All the works in the literature for solving this problem are based on greedy heuristics and genetic algorithms. No information is known on how good are the solutions provided by these heuristics compared to the optimal solution. Besides, no proof that the problem is NP-Hard can be found. In this paper, we prove that FIP is NP-Hard and also present an Integer Linear Programming (ILP) formulation for the problem. In addition, we propose an implementation of the Iterated Local Search (ILS) metaheuristic to solve large instances of the problem. Computational experiments carried out on 21 realistic instances showed that the CPLEX solver running with our ILP formulation was able to solve 11 out of the 21 instances to optimality in less than two minutes. These results also showed that the ILS heuristic has an average optimality gap of 1% on the instances for which the optimal solution is known. For the other instances, the results showed that the proposed heuristic outperforms the best heuristic in the literature by 7%.
Fuzzy stochastic Data Envelopment Analysis with application to NATO enlargement problem
Authors: Ebrahimnejad Ali , Nasseri Seyed Hadi , Gholami Omid
Published: September 2018

Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) is a widely used technique for measuring the relative efficiencies of Decision Making Units (DMUs) with multiple deterministic inputs and multiple outputs. However, in real-world problems, the observed values of the input and output data are often vague or random. Indeed, Decision Makers (DMs) may encounter a hybrid uncertain environment where fuzziness and randomness coexist in a problem. Hence, we formulate a new DEA model to deal with fuzzy stochastic DEA models. The contributions of the present study are fivefold: (1) We formulate a deterministic linear model according to the probability–possibility approach for solving input-oriented fuzzy stochastic DEA model, (2) In contrast to the existing approach, which is infeasible for some threshold values; the proposed approach is feasible for all threshold values, (3) We apply the cross-efficiency technique to increase the discrimination power of the proposed fuzzy stochastic DEA model and to rank the efficient DMUs, (4) We solve two numerical examples to illustrate the proposed approach and to describe the effects of threshold values on the efficiency results, and (5) We present a pilot study for the NATO enlargement problem to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed model.
The Influence of Oxygen Saturation on the Relationship Between Hemoglobin Mass and VO2max
Authors: Goodrich Jesse , Ryan Benjamin , Byrnes William
Published: September 2018

Hemoglobin mass (tHb) is a key determinant of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). We examined whether oxyhemoglobin desaturation (ΔSaO2) at VO2max modifies the relationship between tHb and VO2max at moderate altitude (1,625 m). Seventeen female and 16 male competitive, endurance-trained moderate-altitude residents performed two tHb assessments and two graded exercise tests on a cycle ergometer to determine VO2max and ΔSaO2. In males and females respectively, VO2max (ml·kg−1·min−1) ranged from 62.5–83.0 and 44.5–67.3; tHb (g·kg−1) ranged from 12.1–17.5 and 9.1–13.0; and SaO2 at VO2max (%) ranged from 81.7–94.0 and 85.7–95.0. tHb was related to VO2max when expressed in absolute terms and after correcting for body mass (r=0.94 and 0.86, respectively); correcting by ΔSaO2 did not improve these relationships (r=0.93 and 0.83). Additionally, there was a negative relationship between tHb and SaO2 at VO2max (r=–0.57). In conclusion, across a range of endurance athletes at moderate altitude, the relationship between tHb and VO2max was found to be similar to that observed at sea level. However, correcting tHb by ΔSaO2 did not explain additional variability in VO2max despite significant variability in ΔSaO2; this raises the possibility that tHb and exercise-induced ΔSaO2 are not independent in endurance athletes.
Evaluation of a Center of Research Excellence in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome as a Large-Scale Collaborative Research Translation Initiative, Including Evaluating Translation of Guideline Impact
Authors: Kozica-Olenski Samantha , Teede Helena , Garad Rhonda
Published: September 2018

Research translation and evaluation are often underconsidered in research design and implementation thus limiting research benefit to the end user. In this article, we first describe a best practice approach to evaluation, for a center of research excellence in polycystic ovary syndrome. Within this, we outline a comprehensive research translation program with inbuilt evaluation of the first International Evidence-based Guideline for the Assessment and Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (2018). We seek to provide a real-world example of comprehensive approaches to evaluation and research translation.
Validation of the Predictive Model of the European Society of Cardiology for Early Mortality in Acute Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Cugno Massimo , Depetri Federica , Gnocchi Laura , Porro Fernando , Bucciarelli Paolo
Published: September 2018

Background Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is burdened by high mortality, especially within 30 days from the diagnosis. The development and the validation of predictive models for the risk of early mortality allow to differentiate patients who can undergo home treatment from those who need admission into intensive care units.

Methods To validate the prognostic model for early mortality after PE diagnosis proposed by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) in 2014, we analyzed data of a cohort of 272 consecutive patients with acute PE, observed in our hospital during a 10-year period. Moreover, we evaluated the additional contribution of D-dimer, measured at PE diagnosis, in improving the prognostic ability of the model. All cases of PE were objectively diagnosed by angiography chest CT scan or perfusion lung scan.

Results The overall mortality rate within 30 days from PE diagnosis was 10% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.4–13.5%). According to the ESC prognostic model, the risk of death increased 3.23 times in the intermediate-low-risk category, 5.55 times in the intermediate-high-risk category, and 23.78 times in the high-risk category, as compared with the low-risk category. The receiver operating characteristic analysis showed a good discriminatory power of the model (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.77 [95% CI: 0.67–0.87]), which further increased when D-dimer was added (AUC = 0.85 [95% CI: 0.73–0.96]).

Conclusion This study represents a good validation of the ESC predictive model whose performance can be further improved by adding D-dimer plasma levels measured at PE diagnosis.
Comparing Cementing Techniques in Total Knee Arthroplasty: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Wetzels Thomas , van Erp Joost , Brouwer Reinoud W. , Bulstra Sjoerd K. , van Raay Jos J. A. M.
Published: September 2018

Aseptic loosening remains to be a major reason for revision in total knee arthroplasty. Cement penetration of 2 to 5 mm increases the interface strength and consequently decreases the likelihood of loosening. But despite this overall accepted optimal cement penetration, there is still a wide variety of cementing techniques used in total knee arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to evaluate two cementing techniques on the tibial and femoral sides, with regard to cement penetration. Five paired cadaveric knees were used. A total knee arthroplasty was placed according to standard practice, with a setup that mimics the clinical practice. On the tibial side, we compared the application of cement to the bone surface alone, to the application of cement to both the bone surface and the component. On the femoral side, we compared the application of cement to the posterior condyles of the component and to the anterior and distal parts of the bone surface, to the application of cement to the component alone. After the cement had cured, the arthroplasty was removed and the bone was examined to determine the cement penetration using digital software. When applying cement to both the tibial bone surface and the tibial component, the cement penetration increased compared with applying cement to the tibial bone surface alone (3.46 vs. 2.66 mm, p = 0.007). With regard to the distal femoral cuts, the cement penetration did not vary when applied to either the bone or the component (2.81 vs. 2.91 mm). But applying it to the anterior bone surface did seem preferable, when compared with only applying it to the component. The average cement penetration did not differ, but applying the cement to the bone did enlarge the total length of the cement distribution (2.48 vs. 0.96 mm, p = 0.011). Almost no cement was detected on the posterior surface of the femoral cut. We concluded that applying cement to both the tibial bone surface and the component improves cement penetration.
Theoretical description of collective atomic motion in liquid metals describes coupling modes
Authors: DeJarnette Drew
Published: September 2018

A theoretical framework explains the existence of an observed mode between the longitudinal and transverse collective wave dynamics as an indirect coupling mechanism.
Success criteria not met, but valuable information gained: monitoring a reintroduction of the tammar wallaby
Authors: Watkins G. E. , Willers N. , Raudino H. , Kinloch J. , van Dongen R.
Published: September 2018

Context Fauna translocations are a tool for improving the conservation status of threatened species. Reviews of translocations undertaken in Australia and globally have reported that many fail because of predation by exotic predators. The outcome of ~40% of translocations was unknown, often owing to inadequate post-release monitoring. Monitoring methods such as global positioning system data-loggers can provide valuable information on survival, habitat use and sociality, and can be particularly useful for cryptic species. Aims The present study used global positioning system (GPS) data-loggers and VHF radio-transmitters to evaluate the success of a reintroduction of the tammar wallaby and measured survival, short-term home-range, habitat use and proximity between reintroduced individuals (as a proxy for association). Methods Sixty-nine tammar wallabies of captive and wild stock were reintroduced to Kalbarri National Park (KNP) following long-term and broad-scale fox control, with nine receiving GPS data-loggers, and 16 receiving VHF radio-transmitters. Wallabies were intensively monitored for up to 11 months post-release. Mortalities were investigated using DNA identification and field necropsies. Key results In total, 16 of the 25 collared wallabies died within 11–319 days of release. Ten of the sixteen deaths were from predation. Home-range areas were larger than those reported elsewhere. Wallabies utilised long-undisturbed vegetation with a dense canopy cover during crepuscular periods. These areas were likely sought as refuge from predation and thermal extremes. During the main feeding period, a mosaic of recently burnt (i.e. ~1 year) and >10 years since last disturbance was important. Conclusions The reintroduction was not considered successful because two-thirds of the collared wallabies died within 1 year of release and, therefore, the success criteria were not met. Implications Despite long-term fox control in KNP, the majority of collared wallaby deaths were a result of fox predation. This highlights the inherent difficulty of establishing populations of some species in the presence of introduced predators. Additional research could assist in determining appropriate control levels for introduced predators, to help ensure the success of future translocations of this species. Consideration should be given to the prey naivety of source animals, prey-switching by introduced predators, and short-term supplementary feeding to assist population establishment.
Cytotoxicity analysis of staphylococcal bi-component β-pore forming toxins using the CHO cells expressing human lymphocyte receptor CCR5
Authors: Peng Zhao , Shibata Nao , Tada Hideaki , Kaneko Jun
Published: September 2018

CCR5-mediated cytotoxicity of staphylococcal bi-component toxins was investigated using human CCR5-expressing CHO cells. Cytotoxicity of rim domain loop-exchange mutants between LukE and Hlg2 indicated that loop-4 of LukE is essential for cytotoxicity in combination with LukD. Interestingly, Hlg2 showed LukF-dependent CCR5-mediated cytotoxicity, suggesting that the F-components of toxins also play a role in the cell-specific cytotoxicity.
Cytomatrix proteins CAST and ELKS regulate retinal photoreceptor development and maintenance
Authors: Hagiwara Akari , Kitahara Yosuke , Grabner Chad Paul , Vogl Christian , Abe Manabu , Kitta Ryo , Ohta Keisuke , Nakamura Keiichiro , Sakimura Kenji , Moser Tobias , Nishi Akinori , Ohtsuka Toshihisa
Published: September 2018

At the presynaptic active zone (AZ), the related cytomatrix proteins CAST and ELKS organize the presynaptic release machinery. While CAST is known to regulate AZ size and neurotransmitter release, the role of ELKS and the integral system of CAST/ELKS together is poorly understood. Here, we show that CAST and ELKS have both redundant and unique roles in coordinating synaptic development, function, and maintenance of retinal photoreceptor ribbon synapses. A CAST/ELKS double knockout (dKO) mouse showed high levels of ectopic synapses and reduced responses to visual stimulation. Ectopic formation was not observed in ELKS conditional KO but progressively increased with age in CAST KO mice with higher rates in the dKO. Presynaptic calcium influx was strongly reduced in rod photoreceptors of CAST KO and dKO mice. Three-dimensional scanning EM reconstructions showed structural abnormalities in rod triads of CAST KO and dKO. Remarkably, AAV-mediated acute ELKS deletion after synapse maturation induced neurodegeneration and loss of ribbon synapses. These results suggest that CAST and ELKS work in concert to promote retinal synapse formation, transmission, and maintenance.
EURAMET supplementary comparison of ambient dose equivalent H*(10) in 137Cs and ISO Narrow Beam Series N-60 x-ray beams at low dose rates
Authors: Hupe Oliver , Díaz stor Armando Cornejo
Published: September 2018

Comparison measurements among national standards laboratories are required to demonstrate their equivalence in the realization and transfer of the quantity ambient dose equivalent, H*(10), for photon radiation by these laboratories.

The first comparison of the radiation protection quantity H*(10) with focus on the special needs for calibration of area dosemeters, low dose rates and large fields, started in January 2013 and was completed in December 2014. The comparison was piloted by the PTB as EURAMET project No. 1132 known also as EURAMET.RI(I)-S11.

The operation and results of the comparison are reported here. The transfer instrument was a secondary standard ionization chamber for H*(10) with a volume of 10000 cm3. The response of this transfer instrument in various photon reference fields (N-60 and 1 mSv/h, S-Cs and 10 μSv/h, S-Cs and 1 mSv/h, radiation quality according to ISO 4037-1:1996 [1]) was compared.

Measurements were made by the fourteen participants from the following countries: Germany, Austria, Greece, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Portugal, Spain, Czech Republic, Romania, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Italy and by one international organization. The results obtained by almost all of the participants are consistent with the stated uncertainties.

KEY WORDS FOR SEARCH

Dosimetry, comparison, ambient dose equivalent, ISO narrow beam, EURAMET, CIPM MRA, BIPM KCDB

Main text

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCRI, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Dysfunctional peroxisomes compromise gut structure and host defense by increased cell death and Tor-dependent autophagy
Authors: Di Cara Francesca , Bülow Margret H. , Simmonds Andrew J. , Rachubinski Richard A.
Published: September 2018

The gut has a central role in digestion and nutrient absorption, but it also serves in defending against pathogens, engages in mutually beneficial interactions with commensals, and is a major source of endocrine signals. Gut homeostasis is necessary for organismal health and changes to the gut are associated with conditions like obesity and diabetes and inflammatory illnesses like Crohn’s disease. We report that peroxisomes, organelles involved in lipid metabolism and redox balance, are required to maintain gut epithelium homeostasis and renewal in Drosophila and for survival and development of the organism. Dysfunctional peroxisomes in gut epithelial cells activate Tor kinase-dependent autophagy that increases cell death and epithelial instability, which ultimately alter the composition of the intestinal microbiota, compromise immune pathways in the gut in response to infection, and affect organismal survival. Peroxisomes in the gut effectively function as hubs that coordinate responses from stress, metabolic, and immune signaling pathways to maintain enteric health and the functionality of the gut–microbe interface.
A cost-effective technique for generating preservable biomass smoke extract and measuring its effect on cell receptor expression in human bronchial epithelial cells
Authors: Rajendra K C , Zosky Graeme R , Shukla Shakti D , O’Toole Ronan F
Published: September 2018

Nearly half of the world’s population uses biomass fuel for the purposes of cooking and heating. Smoke derived from biomass increases the risk of the development of lung diseases, including pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, airway tract infections, and lung cancer. Despite the evidence linking biomass smoke exposure to pulmonary disease, only a small number of experimental studies have been conducted on the impact of biomass smoke on airway epithelial cells. This is in part due to the lack of a standard and easily accessible procedure for the preparation of biomass smoke. Here, we describe a cost-effective and reproducible method for the generation of different smoke extracts, in particular, cow dung smoke extract (CDSE) and wood smoke extract (WSE) for use in a range of biological applications. We examined the effect of the biomass smoke extracts on human bronchial epithelial cell expression of a known responder to cigarette smoke exposure (CSE), the platelet-activating factor receptor (PAFR). Similar to the treatment with CSE, we observed a dose-dependent increase in PAFR expression on human airway epithelial cells that were exposed to CDSE and WSE. This method provides biomass smoke in a re-usable form for cell and molecular bioscience studies on the pathogenesis of chronic lung disease.
Ximmer: a system for improving accuracy and consistency of CNV calling from exome data
Authors: Sadedin Simon P , Ellis Justine A , Masters Seth L , Oshlack Alicia
Published: September 2018

Background

While exome and targeted next-generation DNA sequencing are primarily used for detecting single nucleotide changes and small indels, detection of copy number variants (CNVs) can provide highly valuable additional information from the data. Although there are dozens of exome CNV detection methods available, these are often difficult to use, and accuracy varies unpredictably between and within datasets.

Findings

We present Ximmer, a tool that supports an end-to-end process for evaluating, tuning, and running analysis methods for detection of CNVs in germline samples. Ximmer includes a simulation framework, implementations of several commonly used CNV detection methods, and a visualization and curation tool that together enable interactive exploration and quality control of CNV results. Using Ximmer, we comprehensively evaluate CNV detection on four datasets using five different detection methods. We show that application of Ximmer can improve accuracy and aid in quality control of CNV detection results. In addition, Ximmer can be used to run analyses and explore CNV results in exome data.

Conclusions

Ximmer offers a comprehensive tool and method for applying and improving accuracy of CNV detection methods for exome data.
Comparative genomics and transcriptomics of Chrysolophus provide insights into the evolution of complex plumage coloration
Authors: Gao Guangqi , Xu Meng , Bai Chunling , Yang Yulan , Li Guangpeng , Xu Junyang , Wei Zhuying , Min Jiumeng , Su Guanghua , Zhou Xianqiang , Guo Jun , Hao Yu , Zhang Guiping , Yang Xukui , Xu Xiaomin , Widelitz Randall B , Chuong Cheng-Ming , Zhang Chi , Yin Jun , Zuo Yongchun
Published: September 2018

Background

As one of the most recognizable characteristics in birds, plumage color has a high impact on understanding the evolution and mechanisms of coloration. Feather and skin are ideal tissues to explore the genomics and complexity of color patterns in vertebrates. Two species of the genus Chrysolophus, golden pheasant (Chrysolophus pictus) and Lady Amherst's pheasant (Chrysolophus amherstiae), exhibit brilliant colors in their plumage, but with extreme phenotypic differences, making these two species great models to investigate plumage coloration mechanisms in birds.

Results

We sequenced and assembled a genome of golden pheasant with high coverage and annotated 15,552 protein-coding genes. The genome of Lady Amherst's pheasant is sequenced with low coverage. Based on the feather pigment identification, a series of genomic and transcriptomic comparisons were conducted to investigate the complex features of plumage coloration. By identifying the lineage-specific sequence variations in Chrysolophus and golden pheasant against different backgrounds, we found that four melanogenesis biosynthesis genes and some lipid-related genes might be candidate genomic factors for the evolution of melanin and carotenoid pigmentation, respectively. In addition, a study among 47 birds showed some candidate genes related to carotenoid coloration in a broad range of birds. The transcriptome data further reveal important regulators of the two colorations, particularly one splicing transcript of the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor gene for pheomelanin synthesis.

Conclusions

Analysis of the golden pheasant and its sister pheasant genomes, as well as comparison with other avian genomes, are helpful to reveal the underlying regulation of their plumage coloration. The present study provides important genomic information and insights for further studies of avian plumage evolution and diversity.
Project Tycho 2.0: a repository to improve the integration and reuse of data for global population health
Authors: van Panhuis Willem G , Cross Anne , Burke Donald S
Published: September 2018

Objective

In 2013, we released Project Tycho, an open-access database comprising 3.6 million counts of infectious disease cases and deaths reported for over a century by public health surveillance in the United States. Our objective is to describe how Project Tycho version 1 (v1) data has been used to create new knowledge and technology and to present improvements made in the newly released version 2.0 (v2).

Materials and Methods

We analyzed our user database and conducted online searches to analyze the use of Project Tycho v1 data. For v2, we added new US data and dengue data for other countries, and grouped data into 360 datasets, each with a digital object identifier and rich metadata. In addition, we used standard vocabularies to encode data where possible, improving compliance with FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable, reusable) guiding principles for data management.

Results

Since release, 3174 people have registered to use Project Tycho data, leading to 18 new peer-reviewed papers and 27 other creative works, such as conference papers, student theses, and software applications. Project Tycho v2 comprises 5.7 million counts of infectious diseases in the United States and of dengue-related conditions in 98 additional countries.

Discussion

Project Tycho v2 contributes to improving FAIR compliance of global health data, but more work is needed to develop community-accepted standard representations for global health data.

Conclusion

FAIR principles are a valuable guide for improving the integration and reuse of data in global health to improve disease control and save lives.
High skilled migration through the lens of policy
Authors: Parsons Christopher R , Rojon Sebastien , Rose Lena , Samanani Farhan
Published: September 2018

High skilled migrants and the policies designed to attract and select such individuals are widely championed. In formulating and evaluating such policies, however, policy makers and academics alike face significant challenges, since, from the perspective of policy, what it means to be high skilled remains a fluid concept. The resulting ambiguity stymies meaningful international comparisons of the mobility of skills, undermines the design and evaluation of immigration policies and hinders the measurement of human capital. In this paper, we adopt an inductive approach to examine how high skilled migrants are classified based upon states’ unilateral immigration policies, thereby highlighting the difficulties of comparing high skilled policies across countries. We further elucidate the challenges in measuring the outcomes of high skilled migration policies that arise due to differing national priorities in recording high skilled migrants. We conclude by making a number of policy recommendations, which if enacted, would bring clarity to scholars and policy makers alike in terms of being able to meaningfully compare the composition, and assess the efficacy of, high skilled migration policies across countries. In doing so we introduce three datasets comprising: harmonised high skill migration flow data, skilled occupational concordances and high skilled unilateral and bilateral migration policy data, which undergird our analysis and that can be built upon in years to come.
Mapping intrinsic electromechanical responses at the nanoscale via sequential excitation scanning probe microscopy empowered by deep data
Authors: Huang Boyuan , Esfahani Ehsan Nasr , Li Jiangyu
Published: September 2018

Ever-increasing hardware capabilities and computation powers have enabled acquisition and analysis of big scientific data at the nanoscale routine, though much of the data acquired often turn out to be redundant, noisy and/or irrelevant to the problems of interest, and it remains nontrivial to draw clear mechanistic insights from pure data analytics. In this work, we use scanning probe microscopy (SPM) as an example to demonstrate deep data methodology for nanosciences, transitioning from brute-force analytics such as data mining, correlation analysis and unsupervised classification to informed and/or targeted causative data analytics built on sound physical understanding. Three key ingredients of such deep data analytics are presented. A sequential excitation scanning probe microscopy (SE-SPM) technique is first developed to acquire high-quality, efficient and physically relevant data, which can be easily implemented on any standard atomic force microscope (AFM). Brute-force physical analysis is then carried out using a simple harmonic oscillator (SHO) model, enabling us to derive intrinsic electromechanical coupling of interest. Finally, principal component analysis (PCA) is carried out, which not only speeds up the analysis by four orders of magnitude, but also allows a clear physical interpretation of its modes in combination with SHO analysis. A rough piezoelectric material has been probed using such a strategy, enabling us to map its intrinsic electromechanical properties at the nanoscale with high fidelity, where conventional methods fail. The SE in combination with deep data methodology can be easily adapted for other SPM techniques to probe a wide range of functional phenomena at the nanoscale.
Repulsion of fallback matter due to central energy source in supernova
Authors: Shigeyama Toshikazu , Kashiyama Kazumi
Published: September 2018

The flow of fallback matter being shocked and repelled back by an energy deposition from a central object is discussed using newly found self-similar solutions. We show that there exists a maximum mass-accretion rate if the adiabatic index of the flow is less than or equal to 4/3. Otherwise, we can find a solution with an arbitrarily large accretion rate by appropriately shrinking the energy deposition region. Applying the self-similar solution to supernova fallback, we discuss how the fate of newborn pulsars or magnetars depends on the fallback accretion and their spin-down power. Combining the maximum accretion rate with the condition for the fallback accretion to bury the surface magnetic field into the crust, we argue that supernova fallback with a rate of $\dot{M}_{\rm fb} \sim 10^{-(4\mbox{-}6)}\, M_{\odot }\:$s−1 could be the main origin of the diversity of Galactic young neutron stars, i.e., rotation-powered pulsars, magnetars, and central compact objects.
Recent updates on cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Liu Ming , Guo Fukun
Published: September 2018

Traditional cancer therapies include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, all of which are typically non-specific approaches. Cancer immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that helps the immune system fight cancer. Cancer immunotherapy represents a standing example of precision medicine: immune checkpoint inhibitors precisely target the checkpoints; tumor infiltrating lymphocytes, TCR T cells, and CAR T cells precisely kill cancer cells through tumor antigen recognition; and cancer vaccines are made from patient-derived dendritic cells, tumor cell DNA, or RNA, or oncolytic viruses, thus offering a type of personalized medicine. This review will highlight up-to-date advancement in most, if not all, of the immunotherapy strategies.
Intraperitoneal Local Anesthetic Instillation and Postoperative Infusion Improves Functional Recovery Following Colectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Duffield Jaime A. , Thomas Michelle L. , Moore James W. , Hunter R. Andrew , Wood Carolyn , Gentili Sheridan , Lewis Mark
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUND:

Intraperitoneal local anesthetic is an analgesic technique for inclusion in the polypharmacy approach to postoperative pain management in enhanced recovery after surgery programs. Previously, augmentation of epidural analgesia with intraperitoneal local anesthetic was shown to improve functional postoperative recovery following colectomy.

OBJECTIVE:

This study determines whether intraperitoneal local anesthetic improves postoperative recovery in patients undergoing colectomy, in the absence of epidural analgesia, with standardized enhanced recovery after surgery perioperative care.

DESIGN:

This is a multisite, double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT02449720).

SETTINGS:

This study was conducted at 3 hospital sites in South Australia.

PATIENTS:

Eighty-six adults undergoing colectomy were stratified by approach (35 open; 51 laparoscopic), then randomly assigned to intraperitoneal local anesthetic (n = 44) and control (n = 42) groups.

INTERVENTIONS:

Patients in the intraperitoneal local anesthetic group received an intraoperative intraperitoneal ropivacaine 100-mg bolus both pre- and postdissection and 20 mg/h continuous postoperative infusion for 48 hours. Patients in the control group received a normal saline equivalent.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Functional postoperative recovery was assessed by using the surgical recovery scale for 45 days; postoperative pain was assessed by using a visual analog scale; and opioid consumption, use of rescue ketamine, recovery of bowel function, time to readiness for discharge, and perioperative complications were recorded.

RESULTS:

The intraperitoneal local anesthetic group reported improved surgical recovery scale scores at day 1 and 7, lower pain scores, required less rescue ketamine, and passed flatus earlier than the control group (p < 0.05). The improvement in surgical recovery scale at day 7 and pain scores remained when laparoscopic colectomy was considered separately. Opioid consumption and time to readiness for discharge were equivalent.

LIMITATIONS:

This study was powered to detect a difference in surgical recovery scale, but not the other domains of recovery, when the intraperitoneal local anesthetic group was compared with control.

CONCLUSIONS:

We conclude that instillation and infusion of intraperitoneal ropivacaine for patients undergoing colectomy, including by the laparoscopic approach, decreases postoperative pain and improves functional postoperative recovery. We recommend routine inclusion of intraperitoneal local anesthetic into the multimodal analgesia component of enhanced recovery after surgery programs for laparoscopic colectomy. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A698.
Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma in Warthin Tumor of the Parotis in Childhood: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Citak Elvan Caglar , Yilmaz Eda Bengi , Sagcan Fatih , Bozkurt Funda , Arpaci Rabia Bozdogan , Vayisoglu Yusuf
Published: September 2018

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma arising in Warthin tumor of the parotid gland is an extremely rare entity. This is so far described only in the adult age group, and only one patient has been reported in the pediatric age group until today. Herein, we describe our patient and review the literature. This was a case of a 9-year-old girl admitted with a painless swelling in the left side of her face for at least 2 weeks. Histopathologic examination of total parotidectomy specimens revealed mucoepidermoid carcinoma arising in the Warthin tumor. This case is the youngest patient reported to date.
Older Adults With Unintended Weight Loss
Authors: Levitt Avi , O'Neil Jean
Published: September 2018

The increasing older adult population guarantees that healthcare providers are more likely to encounter patients requiring treatment for unintended weight loss. Due to physiologic changes that occur in the older adult, it is important to know how to assess for, and diagnose unintended weight loss, as well as understand the treatment options. In addition to the use of enteral and parenteral nutrition, appetite stimulants have been used in older adults. Understanding the dosage, side effects, and proper usage of appetite stimulants, such megestrol acetate, mirtazapine, and dronabinol, is crucial in order to provide safe and effective patient care.