bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NMR shim coil design utilising a rapid spherical harmonic calculation method
Authors: Snape-Jenkinson C. J. , Crozier S. , Forbes L. K.
Published: May 2019

A rapid spherical harmonic calculation method is used for the design of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance shim coils. The aim is to design each shim such that it generates a field described purely by a single spherical harmonic. By applying simulated annealing techniques, coil arrangements are produced through the optimal positioning of current-carrying circular arc conductors of rectangular cross-section. This involves minimizing the undesirable harmonics in relation to a target harmonic. The design method is flexible enough to be applied for the production of coil arrangements that generate fields consisting significantly of either zonal or tesseral harmonics. Results are presented for several coil designs which generate tesseral harmonics of degree one.
An Automatic Detection Algorithm Applied to Fast Magnetosonic Waves With Observations of the Van Allen Probes
Authors: Yuan Zhigang , Yao Fei , Yu Xiongdong , Huang Shiyong , Ouyang Zhihai
Published: May 2019

Fast magnetosonic (MS) waves can play an important role in the evolution of the inner magnetosphere. However, there is still not an effective method to quantitatively identify such waves for observations of the Van Allen Probes reasonably. In this paper, we used Van Allen Probes data from 18 September 2012 to 30 September 2014 to find a more comprehensive automatic detection algorithm for fast MS waves through statistical analysis of the major properties, including the planarity, ellipticity, and wave normal angle of whole fluctuations using the singular value decomposition method. According to a control variate method, we find an obvious difference between fast MS waves and other waves in the statistical distribution of their major properties. After eliminating the influence of background noises, by excluding fluctuations at L < 1.8, we set up an automatic detection algorithm applied to fast MS waves, that is, smaller than 0.2 for the absolute value of wave ellipticity, larger than 70° for the wave normal angle, with frequency range of 2 Hz to 1.5 fLHR (fLHR is the local lower hybrid resonance frequency). Finally, we have checked the planarity to verify availability of this method and tested this completely automatic method on the Van Allen Probes data and found some results consistent with previous studies. Inside the plasmapause, we found that there is a more obviously favorable occurrence of MS waves at dusk sector with increasing magnetic latitudes.
Temporal and Vertical Variations of Particulate and Dissolved Optical Properties in the South China Sea
Authors: Xing Xiaogang , Qiu Guoqiang , Boss Emmanuel , Wang Haili
Published: May 2019

Two Bio‐Argo floats measured the concentration of chlorophyll‐a, the backscattering coefficient, the fluorescence of humic‐like dissolved organic matter, dissolved oxygen, and temperature and salinity in the northern and central basins of the South China Sea for over 2 years. Temporal evolutions of bio‐optical properties were analyzed at surface, subsurface, and in the whole water column, respectively. It was found that (1) The seasonal variability of the surface chlorophyll‐a was highly controlled by photoacclimation, especially in the central basin; (2) backscattering in the upper 150 m was nearly constant, exhibiting no distinct seasonality; (3) with vertical mixing, particles from the deep chlorophyll maxima were entrained into the mixed layer resulting in enhanced surface chlorophyll during the early winter. This phenomenon may mislead a study based on satellite data which is likely to interpret it as blooming rather than a redistribution of phytoplankton within the water column; (4) analysis of a winter bloom and an anticyclonic eddy reveal that physical entrainment and biological photoacclimation modulated the vertical distributions of chlorophyll‐a and particles and potentially also changes of phytoplankton community composition; and (5) fluorescent dissolved organic matter was found to be highly coupled to phytoplankton dynamics in both basins, with a maximum (after removing the contribution of physical convective mixing) located at the depth of chlorophyll‐a subsurface maximum.
Basal Stress Equations for Granular Debris Masses on Smooth or Discretized Slopes
Authors: Iverson Richard M. , George David L.
Published: May 2019

Knowledge of basal stresses is essential for analyzing slope stability and modeling the dynamics and erosive potential of debris flows and avalanches. Here we derive and test new algebraic formulas for calculating the shear stress τ and normal stress σ at the base of variable‐thickness granular debris masses in states of static or dynamic equilibrium on slopes. The formulas include a lateral pressure coefficient κ, but use of a fixed value κ = 0.7 yields predictions of σ that on average err by less than 3% and of τ that on average err by less than 13% in matching basal stresses measured in six large‐scale experiments involving wet debris masses with varying geometries and compositions. Much larger prediction errors result from use of infinite‐slope or shallow‐debris approximations. Specialized versions of the new formulas apply if basal topography is discretized and represented by a “staircase” function in a digital elevation model. Use of these formulas to assess static limiting equilibrium conditions shows that the apparent basal Coulomb friction angle ϕtread of debris that engages friction acting on the horizontal surfaces (or “treads”) of a staircase sloping at an angle θ is generally described by tanϕtread =  tan (ϕ − θ)+κ tan θ, where ϕ is the true basal friction angle of the same debris in contact with a uniformly sloping bed. Differences between the values of ϕ and ϕtread can greatly influence the results of numerical simulations that use unsmoothed digital elevation model topography to calculate the stability or dynamics of debris masses on slopes.
Earthquake‐Induced Chains of Geologic Hazards: Patterns, Mechanisms, and Impacts
Authors: Fan Xuanmei , Scaringi Gianvito , Korup Oliver , West A. Joshua , van Westen Cees J. , Tanyas Hakan , Hovius Niels , Hales Tristram C. , Jibson Randall W. , Allstadt Kate E. , Zhang Limin , Evans Stephen G. , Xu Chong , Li Gen , Pei Xiangjun , Xu Qiang , Huang Runqiu
Published: May 2019

Large earthquakes initiate chains of surface processes that last much longer than the brief moments of strong shaking. Most moderate‐ and large‐magnitude earthquakes trigger landslides, ranging from small failures in the soil cover to massive, devastating rock avalanches. Some landslides dam rivers and impound lakes, which can collapse days to centuries later, and flood mountain valleys for hundreds of kilometers downstream. Landslide deposits on slopes can remobilize during heavy rainfall and evolve into debris flows. Cracks and fractures can form and widen on mountain crests and flanks, promoting increased frequency of landslides that lasts for decades. More gradual impacts involve the flushing of excess debris downstream by rivers, which can generate bank erosion and floodplain accretion as well as channel avulsions that affect flooding frequency, settlements, ecosystems, and infrastructure. Ultimately, earthquake sequences and their geomorphic consequences alter mountain landscapes over both human and geologic time scales. Two recent events have attracted intense research into earthquake‐induced landslides and their consequences: the magnitude M 7.6 Chi‐Chi, Taiwan earthquake of 1999, and the M 7.9 Wenchuan, China earthquake of 2008. Using data and insights from these and several other earthquakes, we analyze how such events initiate processes that change mountain landscapes, highlight research gaps, and suggest pathways toward a more complete understanding of the seismic effects on the Earth's surface.
Slippage boosted spectral cleaning in a seeded free-electron laser
Authors: Feng Chao , Wang Xingtao , Lan Taihe , Zhang Meng , Li Xuan , Zhang Junqiang , Zhang Wenyan , Feng Lie , Liu Xiaoqing , Deng Haixiao , Liu Bo , Wang Dong , Zhao Zhentang
Published: May 2019

The realization of fully coherent light sources at extreme ultraviolet to x-ray region has been a long-standing challenge for laser technologies. While modern single pass free-electron lasers (FELs) hold the ability to produce very intense x-ray radiation on few-femtosecond timescale, the output radiation pulses usually have noisy spectra and limited temporal coherence since the amplification starts from electron noise. A promising way for producing stable transform-limited pulses is based on the harmonic up-conversion techniques with a conventional laser as the seed. However, it is found that the insignificant phase error in the seed laser may be eventually multiplied by the harmonic number, leading to a degradation of the output temporal coherence at x-ray wavelength. Here, we report for the first time on the demonstration of a slippage boosted spectral cleaning technique to mitigate the impact of seed laser induced phase errors and to significantly improve the temporal coherence of a seeded FEL with large phase errors in the seed laser. Experimental results indicate the possibility of generating fully coherent x-ray radiation pulses with this technique.
RGMB enhances the suppressive activity of the monomeric secreted form of CTLA-4
Authors: Sekiya Takashi , Takaki Satoshi
Published: May 2019

The immunoregulatory molecule CTLA-4 plays a crucial role in the maintenance of immune homeostasis. CTLA-4-neutralizing antibodies are now approved for the treatment of advanced melanoma, and are in development for treating other cancers as well. However, a thorough understanding of CTLA-4 function at the molecular level is necessary in order to develop strategies to prevent the unintended autoimmunity that is frequently associated with systemic blockade of CTLA-4 activity. Here, we describe an extracellular molecule, repulsive guidance molecule B (RGMB) as a novel binding partner of CTLA-4. RGMB expression was detected at high levels in dendritic cell subsets that have been suggested to have tolerogenic capabilities. RGMB binds an extracellular domain of CTLA-4, and specifically strengthens the binding of the monomeric, soluble form of CTLA-4 (sCTLA-4) to CD80, enhancing CTLA-4’s suppressive effect on co-stimulation. Examination of expression data from tumor tissues revealed a negative correlation between RGMB expression and immune activation status in the majority of non-hematologic tumor tissues. These findings advance our understanding of CTLA-4 activity, as well as identify the RGMB/CTLA-4 binding interface as a potential target for the development of novel immune checkpoint blockade therapies.
The effect of underwater sounds on shark behaviour
Authors: Chapuis Lucille , Collin Shaun P. , Yopak Kara E. , McCauley Robert D. , Kempster Ryan M. , Ryan Laura A. , Schmidt Carl , Kerr Caroline C. , Gennari Enrico , Egeberg Channing A. , Hart Nathan S.
Published: May 2019

The effect of sound on the behaviour of sharks has not been investigated since the 1970s. Sound is, however, an important sensory stimulus underwater, as it can spread in all directions quickly and propagate further than any other sensory cue. We used a baited underwater camera rig to record the behavioural responses of eight species of sharks (seven reef and coastal shark species and the white shark, Carcharodon carcharias) to the playback of two distinct sound stimuli in the wild: an orca call sequence and an artificially generated sound. When sounds were playing, reef and coastal sharks were less numerous in the area, were responsible for fewer interactions with the baited test rigs, and displayed less ‘inquisitive’ behaviour, compared to during silent control trials. White sharks spent less time around the baited camera rig when the artificial sound was presented, but showed no significant difference in behaviour in response to orca calls. The use of the presented acoustic stimuli alone is not an effective deterrent for C. carcharias. The behavioural response of reef sharks to sound raises concern about the effects of anthropogenic noise on these taxa.
Formation and development of the male copulatory organ in the spider Parasteatoda tepidariorum involves a metamorphosis-like process
Authors: Quade Felix Simon Christian , Holtzheimer Jana , Frohn Jasper , Töpperwien Mareike , Salditt Tim , Prpic Nikola-Michael
Published: May 2019

Spiders have evolved a unique male copulatory organ, the pedipalp bulb. The morphology of the bulb is species specific and plays an important role in species recognition and prezygotic reproductive isolation. Despite its importance for spider biodiversity, the mechanisms that control bulb development are virtually unknown. We have used confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and diffusible iodine-based contrast-enhanced micro computed tomography (dice-µCT) to study bulb development in the spider Parasteatoda tepidariorum. These imaging technologies enabled us to study bulb development in situ, without the use of destructive procedures for the first time. We show here that the inflated pedipalp tip in the subadult stage is filled with haemolymph that rapidly coagulates. Coagulation indicates histolytic processes that disintegrate tibia and tarsus, similar to histolytic processes during metamorphosis in holometabolous insects. The coagulated material contains cell inclusions that likely represent the cell source for the re-establishment of tarsus and tibia after histolysis, comparable to the histoblasts in insect metamorphosis. The shape of the coagulated mass prefigures the shape of the adult tarsus (cymbium) like a blueprint for the histoblasts. This suggests a unique role for controlled coagulation after histolysis in the metamorphosis-like morphogenesis of the male pedipalp.
Inferring the direction of rhythmic neural transmission via inter-regional phase-amplitude coupling (ir-PAC)
Authors: Nandi Bijurika , Swiatek Peter , Kocsis Bernat , Ding Mingzhou
Published: May 2019

Phase-amplitude coupling (PAC) estimates the statistical dependence between the phase of a low-frequency component and the amplitude of a high-frequency component of local field potentials (LFP). To date PAC has been mainly applied to one signal. In this work, we introduce a new application of PAC to two LFPs and suggest that it can be used to infer the direction and strength of rhythmic neural transmission between distinct brain networks. This hypothesis is based on the accumulating evidence that transmembrane currents related to action potentials contribute a broad-band component to LFP in the high-gamma band, and PAC calculated between the amplitude of high-gamma (>60 Hz) in one LFP and the phase of a low-frequency oscillation (e.g., theta) in another would therefore relate the output (spiking) of one area to the input (somatic/dendritic postsynaptic potentials) of the other. We tested the hypothesis on theta-band long range communications between hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC) and theta-band short range communications between dentate gyrus (DG) and the Ammon’s horn (CA1) within the hippocampus. The ground truth was provided by the known anatomical connections predicting hippocampus → PFC and DG → CA1, i.e., theta transmission is unidirectional in both cases: from hippocampus to PFC and from DG to CA1 along the tri-synaptic pathway within hippocampus. We found that (1) hippocampal high-gamma amplitude was significantly coupled to PFC theta phase, but not vice versa; (2) similarly, DG high-gamma amplitude was significantly coupled to CA1 theta phase, but not vice versa, and (3) the DG high-gamma-CA1 theta PAC was significantly correlated with DG → CA1 Granger causality, a well-established analytical measure of directional neural transmission. These results support the hypothesis that inter-regional PAC (ir-PAC) can be used to relate the output of a rhythmic “driver” network (i.e., high gamma) to the input of a rhythmic “receiver” network (i.e., theta) and thereby establish the direction and strength of rhythmic neural transmission.
Deleterious effects of formalin-fixation and delays to fixation on RNA and miRNA-Seq profiles
Authors: Jones Wendell , Greytak Sarah , Odeh Hana , Guan Ping , Powers Jason , Bavarva Jasmin , Moore Helen M.
Published: May 2019

The National Cancer Institute conducted the Biospecimen Pre-analytical Variables (BPV) study to determine the effects of formalin fixation and delay to fixation (DTF) on the analysis of nucleic acids. By performing whole transcriptome sequencing and small RNA profiling on matched snap-frozen and FFPE specimens exposed to different delays to fixation, this study aimed to determine acceptable delays to fixation and proper workflow for accurate and reliable Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) analysis of FFPE specimens. In comparison to snap-freezing, formalin fixation changed the relative proportions of intronic/exonic/untranslated RNA captured by RNA-seq for most genes. The effects of DTF on NGS analysis were negligible. In 80% of specimens, a subset of RNAs was found to differ between snap-frozen and FFPE specimens in a consistent manner across tissue groups; this subset was unaffected in the remaining 20% of specimens. In contrast, miRNA expression was generally stable across various formalin fixation protocols, but displayed increased variability following a 12 h delay to fixation.
Tobacco-Related Alterations in Airway Gene Expression are Rapidly Reversed Within Weeks Following Smoking-Cessation
Authors: Hijazi Kahkeshan , Malyszko Bozena , Steiling Katrina , Xiao Xiaohui , Liu Gang , Alekseyev Yuriy O. , Dumas Yves-Martine , Hertsgaard Louise , Jensen Joni , Hatsukami Dorothy , Brooks Daniel R. , O’Connor George , Beane Jennifer , Lenburg Marc E. , Spira Avrum
Published: May 2019

The physiologic response to tobacco smoke can be measured by gene-expression profiling of the airway epithelium. Temporal resolution of kinetics of gene-expression alterations upon smoking-cessation might delineate distinct biological processes that are activated during recovery from tobacco smoke exposure. Using whole genome gene-expression profiling of individuals initiating a smoking-cessation attempt, we sought to characterize the kinetics of gene-expression alterations in response to short-term smoking-cessation in the nasal epithelium. RNA was extracted from the nasal epithelial of active smokers at baseline and at 4, 8, 16, and 24-weeks after smoking-cessation and put onto Gene ST arrays. Gene-expression levels of 119 genes were associated with smoking-cessation (FDR < 0.05, FC ≥1.7) with a majority of the changes occurring by 8-weeks and a subset changing by 4-weeks. Genes down-regulated by 4- and 8-weeks post-smoking-cessation were involved in xenobiotic metabolism and anti-apoptotic functions respectively. These genes were enriched among genes previously found to be induced in smokers and following short-term in vitro exposure of airway epithelial cells to cigarette smoke (FDR < 0.05). Our findings suggest that the nasal epithelium can serve as a minimally-invasive tool to measure the reversible impact of smoking and broadly, may serve to assess the physiological impact of changes in smoking behavior.
The peopling of Lakshadweep Archipelago
Authors: Mustak Mohammed S. , Rai Niraj , Naveen Mohan Rao , Prakash Satya , Carlus S. Justin , Pasupuleti Nagarjuna , Srivastava Anshika , Singh Prajjval Pratap , Babu Idrees , Dubey Pavan Kumar , Chaubey Gyaneshwer , Thangaraj Kumarasamy
Published: May 2019

The archipelago of Lakshadweep is considered as a stopover to the maritime route since ancient time. It is not very clear when the human first occupied these islands, however in the long history of the islands, the local legends suggest that Lakshadweep has been ruled by different kingdoms. To have a better understanding of peopling of Lakshadweep, we have analysed 557 individuals from eight major islands for mitochondrial DNA and 166 individuals for Y chromosome markers. We found a strong founder effect for both paternal and maternal lineages. Moreover, we report a close genetic link of Lakshadweep islanders with the Maldives, Sri Lanka and India. Most of the Lakshadweep islands share the haplogroups specific to South Asia and West Eurasia, except Minicoy Island that also shares haplogroups of East Eurasia. The paternal and maternal ancestries of the majority of island populations suggest their arrival from distinct sources. We found that the maternal ancestry was closer to South Indian populations, whereas the paternal ancestry was overwhelmed with the haplogroups, more common in the Maldives and North of India. In conclusion, our first genetic data suggest that the majority of human ancestry in Lakshadweep is largely derived from South Asia with minor influences from East and West Eurasia.
Multi-segment rupture of the 2016 Amatrice-Visso-Norcia seismic sequence (central Italy) constrained by the first high-quality catalog of Early Aftershocks
Authors: Improta Luigi , Latorre Diana , Margheriti Lucia , Nardi Anna , Marchetti Alessandro , Lombardi Anna Maria , Castello Barbara , Villani Fabio , Ciaccio Maria Grazia , Mele Francesco Mariano , Moretti Milena ,   The Bollettino Sismico Italiano Working Group, Battelli P. , Berardi M. , Castellano C. , Melorio C. , Modica G. , Pirro M. , Rossi A. , Thermes C. , Pagliuca N. , Spadoni S. , Arcoraci L. , Battelli A. , Lisi A. , Pizzino L. , Baccheschi P. , Cantucci B. , Sciarra A. , Bono A. , Marcocci C. , Lauciani V. , Mandiello A. , Pintore S. , Quintiliani M. , Frepoli A. , Colini L. , Pinzi S. , Scognamiglio L. , Basili A. , D’Addezio G. , Sgroi T. , Smedile A. , Montuori C. , Tardini R. , Tozzi R. , Monna S. , Miconi L. , Mariucci M. T. , Di Maro R.
Published: May 2019

We present the first high-quality catalog of early aftershocks of the three mainshocks of the 2016 central Italy Amatrice-Visso-Norcia normal faulting sequence. We located 10,574 manually picked aftershocks with a robust probabilistic, non-linear method achieving a significant improvement in the solution accuracy and magnitude completeness with respect to previous studies. Aftershock distribution and relocated mainshocks give insight into the complex architecture of major causative and subsidiary faults, thus providing crucial constraints on multi-segment rupture models. We document reactivation and kinematic inversion of a WNW-dipping listric structure, referable to the inherited Mts Sibillini Thrust (MST) that controlled segmentation of the causative normal faults. Spatial partitioning of aftershocks evidences that the MST lateral ramp had a dual control on rupture propagation, behaving as a barrier for the Amatrice and Visso mainshocks, and later as an asperity for the Norcia mainshock. We hypothesize that the Visso mainshock re-activated also the deep part of an optimally oriented preexisting thrust. Aftershock patterns reveal that the Amatrice Mw5.4 aftershock and the Norcia mainshock ruptured two distinct antithetic faults 3–4 km apart. Therefore, our results suggest to consider both the MST cross structure and the subsidiary antithetic fault in the finite-fault source modelling of the Norcia earthquake.
Atypical body movements during night in young children with autism spectrum disorder: a pilot study
Authors: Naito Nobushige , Kikuchi Mitsuru , Yoshimura Yuko , Kumazaki Hirokazu , Kitagawa Sachiko , Ikeda Takashi , Hasegawa Chiaki , Saito Daisuke N. , Tomiyama Sarah , Minabe Yoshio
Published: May 2019

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) reportedly suffer from sleep problems at a higher rate than typically developing (TD) children. Several previous studies have reported differences in sleep indices (e.g., sleep latency) in children with ASD. However, no previous studies have focused specifically on the time course of body movements. In the present study, we investigated the time course of body movements in young TD children and young children with ASD as well as the relationship between body movements during night and social ability. Seventeen TD children and 17 children with ASD participated in this study (5 to 8 years old). We used an accelerometer attached to the waist to record movements during night and measured the average time course of body movements for 3 nights. Our results demonstrated that the rate of body movement 2 to 3 hours after the onset of body stillness was higher in children with ASD than in TD children. In addition, the higher rate of body movement at 0.5 to 1 hour after the onset of body stillness was associated with a lower social ability in the children with ASD. Our results suggested that the time course of body movements is an objective behavioural index for young children with ASD.
A cross-talk between blood-cell neuroplasticity-related genes and environmental enrichment in working dogs
Authors: Guelfi G. , Casano A. B. , Menchetti L. , Bellicci M. , Suvieri C. , Moscati L. , Carotenuto P. , Santoro M. M. , Diverio S.
Published: May 2019

This study aims to identify a panel of blood-cell neuroplasticity-related genes expressed following environmental enrichment stimulation (EE). The Drug detection (DD) training course was an excellent model for the study of EE in the working dog. This research is divided into two experimental trials. In the First Trial, we identified a panel of blood-cell neuroplasticity related-genes associated with DD ability acquired during the training course. In the Second Trial, we assessed the EE additional factor complementary feeding effect on blood-cell neuroplasticity gene expressions. In the First and Second Trials, at different time points of the DD test, blood samples were collected, and NGF, BDNF, VEGFA, IGF1, EGR1, NGFR, and ICE2 blood-cell neuroplasticity related-genes were analyzed. As noted in the First Trial, the DD test in working dogs induced the transient up-regulation of VEGFA, NGF, NGFR, BDNF, and IGF, immediately after the DD test, suggesting the existence of gene regulations. On the contrary, the Second Trial, with feeding implementation, showed an absence of mRNA up-regulation after the DD test. We suppose that complementary feeding alters the systemic metabolism, which, in turn, changes neuroplasticity-related gene blood-cell mRNA. These findings suggested that, in working dogs, there is a cross-talk between blood-cell neuroplasticity-related genes and environmental enrichment. These outcomes could be used to improve future treatments in sensory implementation.
Magnetic resonance neurography appearance and diagnostic evaluation of peripheral nerve sheath tumors
Authors: Zhai Heng , Lv Yinzhang , Kong Xiangquan , Liu Xi , Liu Dingxi
Published: May 2019

Imaging appearances of peripheral nerve sheath tumors by MRI are difficult distinguish from soft-tissue tumors. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and imaging appearance of high-resolution 3-T magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) of the diagnosis of peripheral nerve sheath tumors (PNSTs) using sampling perfection with application-optimized contrasts using different flip angle evolution (SPACE) sequences. We retrospectively evaluated the MRI and 3D Short tau inversion recovery sampling perfection with application-optimized contrasts using varying flip-angle evolutions (3D-STIR SPACE) sequences of 30 patients with PNSTs diagnosed by surgery and pathology. The contrast-enhanced 3D-STIR SPACE images were retrospectively analyzed and evaluated for the visualization of PNSTs. The tumors were evaluated by their number, location, morphology, size, signal intensity and enhancement characteristics. The imaging findings and characteristic signs of conventional MRI scanning and contrast-enhanced 3D-STIR SPACE sequences were compared. In these cases, conventional MRI images display the location, number, shape, size and signal characteristics of the lesions. These tumors were mostly solitary and had a well-defined boundary. Compared to conventional MRI images, imaging appearances including neurogenic origin, length of the peripheral nerves and relation to the nerve of PNSTs on 3D-STIR SPACE images were more accuracy (P < 0.05). Compared to 3D-STIR SPACE images, contrast-enhanced images can more clearly display background suppression of the peripheral nerves. The “split fat” sign and “target” sign were seen in some patients. 3D STIR SPACE sequences demonstrate its significant capacity to diagnostic evaluate and location of PNSTs. This article comprehensively reviews radiologic findings and illustrates the MRN features of PNSTs. 3D-STIR SPACE sequences be used for preoperative evaluation of PNSTs.
Lithospheric delamination and upwelling asthenosphere in the Longmenshan area: insight from teleseismic P-wave tomography
Authors: He Chuansong , Dong Shuwen , Wang Yanghua
Published: May 2019

We apply teleseismic P-wave tomography to reconstruct the velocity structure of the Longmenshan area. Our results show possible large-scale delamination beneath the Songpan-Ganzi and Qiangtang terranes, which induced upwelling asthenosphere. Upwelling asthenosphere might have led to lower crust heating, facilitating eastward extrusion of the Songpan Ganzi terrane resulting in localized deformation and uplift along the Longmenshan orogenic belt. We suggest that the eastward extrusion of the Songpan-Ganzi terrane against the rigid lithospheric root of the Sichuan Basin results in stress accumulation and release, leading to large earthquakes in the Longmenshan area.
In vivo regeneration of interspecies chimeric kidneys using a nephron progenitor cell replacement system
Authors: Fujimoto Toshinari , Yamanaka Shuichiro , Tajiri Susumu , Takamura Tsuyoshi , Saito Yatsumu , Matsumoto Kei , Takase Kentaro , Fukunaga Shohei , Okano Hirotaka James , Yokoo Takashi
Published: May 2019

Kidney regeneration is expected to be a new alternative treatment to the currently limited treatments for chronic kidney disease. By transplanting exogeneous nephron progenitor cells (NPCs) into the metanephric mesenchyme of a xenogeneic foetus, we aimed to regenerate neo-kidneys that originate from transplanted NPCs. Previously, we generated a transgenic mouse model enabling drug-induced ablation of NPCs (the Six2-iDTR mouse). We demonstrated that eliminating existing native host NPCs allowed their 100% replacement with donor mouse or rat NPCs, which could generate neo-nephrons on a culture dish. To apply this method to humans in the future, we examined the possibility of the in vivo regeneration of nephrons between different species via NPC replacement. We injected NPCs-containing rat renal progenitor cells and diphtheria toxin below the renal capsule of E13.5 metanephroi (MNs) of Six2-iDTR mice; the injected MNs were then transplanted into recipient rats treated with immunosuppressants. Consequently, we successfully regenerated rat/mouse chimeric kidneys in recipient rats receiving the optimal immunosuppressive therapy. We revealed a functional connection between the neo-glomeruli and host vessels and proper neo-glomeruli filtration. In conclusion, we successfully regenerated interspecies kidneys in vivo that acquired a vascular system. This novel strategy may represent an effective method for human kidney regeneration.
Nylon mesh-based sample holder for fixed-target serial femtosecond crystallography
Authors: Lee Donghyeon , Baek Sangwon , Park Jaehyun , Lee Keondo , Kim Jangwoo , Lee Sang Jae , Chung Wan Kyun , Lee Jong-Lam , Cho Yunje , Nam Ki Hyun
Published: May 2019

Fixed-target serial femtosecond crystallography (FT-SFX) was an important advance in crystallography by dramatically reducing sample consumption, while maintaining the benefits of SFX for obtaining crystal structures at room temperature without radiation damage. Despite a number of advantages, preparation of a sample holder for the sample delivery in FT-SFX with the use of many crystals in a single mount at ambient temperature is challenging as it can be complicated and costly, and thus, development of an efficient sample holder is essential. In this study, we introduced a nylon mesh-based sample holder enclosed by a polyimide film. This sample holder can be rapidly manufactured using a commercially available nylon mesh with pores of a desired size at a low cost without challenging technology. Furthermore, this simple device is highly efficient in data acquisition. We performed FT-SFX using a nylon mesh-based sample holder and collected over 130,000 images on a single sample holder using a 30 Hz X-ray pulse for 1.2 h. We determined the crystal structures of lysozyme and glucose isomerase using the nylon mesh at 1.65 and 1.75 Å, respectively. The nylon mesh exposed to X-rays produced very low levels of background scattering at 3.75 and 4.30 Å, which are negligible for data analysis. Our method provides a simple and rapid but highly efficient way to deliver samples for FT-SFX.
Structural basis of substrate recognition by a novel thermostable (S)-enantioselective ω-transaminase from Thermomicrobium roseum
Authors: Kwon Sunghark , Lee Jun Hyuck , Kim Chang Min , Jang Hyunseok , Yun Hyungdon , Jeon Ju-Hong , So Insuk , Park Hyun Ho
Published: May 2019

Transaminases catalyze the reversible transfer reaction of an amino group between a primary amine and an α-keto acid, utilizing pyridoxal 5′-phosphate as a cofactor. ω-transaminases (ωTAs) recognize an amino group linked to a non-α carbon of amine substrates. Recently, a novel (S)-enantioselective ωTA fromThermomicrobium roseum(Tr-ωTA) was identified and its enzymatic activity reported. However, the detailed mechanism of (S)-enantioselective substrate recognition remained unclear. In this study, we determined the crystal structure of Tr-ωTA at 1.8 Å resolution to elucidate the mechanism underlying Tr-ωTA substrate (S)-enantioselectivity. A structural analysis of Tr-ωTA along with molecular docking simulations revealed that two pockets at the active site tightly restrict the size and orientation of functional groups of substrate candidates. Based on the structural information and docking simulation results, we propose a comprehensive catalytic mechanism of Tr-ωTA. The present study thus provides structural and functional insights into the (S)-enantioselectivity of Tr-ωTA.
Bedrock sculpting under an active alpine glacier revealed from cosmic-ray muon radiography
Authors: Nishiyama R. , Ariga A. , Ariga T. , Lechmann A. , Mair D. , Pistillo C. , Scampoli P. , Valla P. G. , Vladymyrov M. , Ereditato A. , Schlunegger F.
Published: May 2019

Mountain glaciers form landscapes with U-shaped valleys, roche moutonées and overdeepenings through bedrock erosion. However, little evidence for active glacial carving has been provided particularly for areas above the Equilibrium Line Altitude (ELA) where glaciers originate. This is mainly due to our lack of information about the shape of the bedrock underneath active glaciers in highly elevated areas. In the past years, the bedrock morphology underneath active glaciers has been studied by geophysical methods in order to infer the subglacial mechanisms of bedrock erosion. However, these comprise surveys on the glaciers’ surface, from where it has been difficult to investigate the lateral boundary between the ice and the bedrock with sufficient resolution. Here we perform a muon-radiographic inspection of the Eiger glacier (Switzerland, European Alps) with the aid of cosmic-ray muon attenuation. We find a reach (600 × 300 m) within the accumulation area where strong lateral glacial erosion has cut nearly vertically into the underlying bedrock. This suggests that the Eiger glacier has profoundly sculpted its bedrock in its accumulation area. This also reveals that the cosmic-ray muon radiography is an ideal technology to reconstruct the shape of the bedrock underneath an active glacier.
Synergistically optimizing interdependent thermoelectric parameters of n-type PbSe through alloying CdSe
Authors: Qian Xin , Wu Haijun , Wang Dongyang , Zhang Yang , Wang Jinfeng , Wang Guangtao , Zheng Lei , Pennycook Stephen J. , Zhao Li-Dong
Published: May 2019

CdSe alloying can flatten the conduction band, enlarge the band gap, and suppress the bipolar thermal conductivity of PbSe.
An aliphatic hexene-covalent triazine framework for selective acetylene/methane and ethylene/methane separation
Authors: Krishnaraj Chidharth , Jena Himanshu Sekhar , Leus Karen , Freeman Helen M. , Benning Liane G. , Van Der Voort Pascal
Published: May 2019

Aliphatic hexene-covalent triazine framework for C2/C1 hydrocarbon separation – dependence on morphology.
Direct-writing of vanadium dioxide/polydimethylsiloxane three-dimensional photonic crystals with thermally tunable terahertz properties
Authors: Wang Rong , Yang Weiyi , Gao Shuang , Ju Xiaojing , Zhu Pengfei , Li Bo , Li Qi
Published: May 2019

3D THz photonic crystals with tunable THz properties responsive to external thermal stimulus were created by direct-writing technology.
Standardization of PGC-LC-MS-based glycomics for sample specific glycotyping
Authors: Ashwood Christopher , Pratt Brian , MacLean Brendan X. , Gundry Rebekah L. , Packer Nicolle H.
Published: May 2019

Porous graphitized carbon (PGC) based chromatography achieves high-resolution separation of glycan structures released from glycoproteins.
An eximious and affordable GSH stimulus-responsive poly(α-lipoic acid) nanocarrier bonding combretastatin A4 for tumor therapy
Authors: Liu Zhilin , Shen Na , Tang Zhaohui , Zhang Dawei , Ma Lili , Yang Chenguang , Chen Xuesi
Published: May 2019

A new GSH responsive nano-carrier was developed in a simple way, bonding vascular disrupting agents (VDAs) to achieved long-range treatment of tumors.
Bismuth oxychloride nanoflake assemblies as a new anode for potassium ion batteries
Authors: Li Wei , Xu Yang , Dong Yulian , Wu Yuhan , Zhang Chenglin , Zhou Min , Fu Qun , Wu Minghong , Lei Yong
Published: May 2019

BiOCl is demonstrated as the first bismuth oxyhalide compound serving as a new anode material for potassium ion batteries.
An exceptionally stable core–shell MOF/COF bifunctional catalyst for a highly efficient cascade deacetalization–Knoevenagel condensation reaction
Authors: Gao Ming-Liang , Qi Mei-Hong , Liu Lin , Han Zheng-Bo
Published: May 2019

A novel strategy has been developed to construct a highly stable core–shell MOF@COF bifunctional catalyst through strong π–π stacking interaction.
A NIR-triggered gatekeeper of supramolecular conjugated unimicelles with two-photon absorption for controlled drug release
Authors: Huang Yu , Shen Lingyue , Guo Dongbo , Yasen Wumaier , Wu Yan , Su Yue , Chen Dong , Qiu Feng , Yan Deyue , Zhu Xinyuan
Published: May 2019

Near-infrared-sensitive supramolecular hyperbranched conjugated unimicelles were constructed for controlled drug release via two-photon excited fluorescence resonance energy transfer.
Excited-state dynamics of heteroleptic copper(i) photosensitizers and their electrochemically reduced forms containing a dipyridophenazine moiety – a spectroelectrochemical transient absorption study
Authors: Zhang Ying , Zedler Linda , Karnahl Michael , Dietzek Benjamin
Published: May 2019

Heteroleptic copper(i) dipyridophenazine complexes were investigated by transient absorption spectroelectrochemistry to examine their multi-electron photoaccumulation properties.
Varying oxygen coverage on Cu55 and its effect on CO oxidation
Authors: Ma Li , Akola Jaakko
Published: May 2019

The Cu55 surface oxidizes readily but the cluster retains its catalytic activity towards CO up to a high oxygen concentration.
Molecular dynamics simulations reveal the mechanism of graphene oxide nanosheet inhibition of Aβ1–42 peptide aggregation
Authors: Jin Yibo , Sun Yunxiang , Chen Yujie , Lei Jiangtao , Wei Guanghong
Published: May 2019

Graphene oxide nanosheets inhibit Aβ1–42 aggregation by weakening inter-peptide interactions and reducing β-sheet contents mostly via salt bridge, hydrogen bonding and cation–π interactions with charged residues.
Inelastic scattering dynamics of ortho and para hydronium ions, o-H3O+ and p-H3O+, with He at low temperature
Authors: El Hanini Houda , Najar Faouzi , Naouai Manel , Jaidane Nejm-Eddine
Published: May 2019

In this work, we investigated rotationally inelastic scattering of both hydronium ion forms, p-H3O+ and o-H3O+, colliding with a helium atom.
Adsorption site, orientation and alignment of NO adsorbed on Au(100) using 3D-velocity map imaging, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and density functional theory
Authors: Abujarada Saada , Walton Alex S. , Thomas Andrew G. , Chohan Urslaan K. , Koehler Sven P. K.
Published: May 2019

Molecular surface geometry of adsorbents by triangulation using 3D-velocity map imaging.
Reactions of organoboron compounds enabled by catalyst-promoted metalate shifts
Authors: Namirembe Sheila , Morken James P.
Published: May 2019

This tutorial review describes recent developments in catalytic reaction design that involve catalyst-promoted 1,2-metalate shifts as a critical part of the reaction mechanism.
Regression analysis of properties of [Au(IPr)(CHR2)] complexes
Authors: Veenboer Richard M. P. , Azofra Luis Miguel , Gasperini Danila , Collado Alba , Cordes David B. , Slawin Alexandra M. Z. , Cavallo Luigi , Nolan Steven P.
Published: May 2019

New [Au(IPr)(CHR2)] complexes have been synthesised through protonolysis reactions of [Au(IPr)(OH)] with moderately acidic substrates, CH2R2.
“Switching on” iron in clay minerals
Authors: Ilgen A. G. , Kukkadapu R. K. , Leung K. , Washington R. E.
Published: May 2019

We discovered a new mechanism explaining why iron in its oxidized form Fe(iii) in clay minerals is reactive only in the presence of trace amounts of its reduced form—Fe(ii).
Intermittent operation of UASB reactors treating wastewater polluted with organic solvents: process performance and microbial community evaluation
Authors: Torres K. , Álvarez-Hornos F. J. , Ferrero P. , Gabaldón C. , Marzal P.
Published: May 2019

UASB showed robustness to treat oxygenated organic solvents under an intermittent feeding pattern with dominance of hydrogenotrophic methanogens.
Facile preparation of loess-coated membranes for multifunctional surfactant-stabilized oil-in-water emulsion separation
Authors: Wang Xiaoyang , Li Mouji , Shen Yongqian , Yang Yaoxia , Feng Hua , Li Jian
Published: May 2019

Underwater superoleophobic loess-coated PVDF membranes were used for efficient oil-in-water emulsion separation as well as multifunctional water remediation.
Taro leaf-inspired and superwettable nanonet-covered nanofibrous membranes for high-efficiency oil purification
Authors: Zhang Jichao , Ge Jianlong , Si Yang , Zhang Feng , Yu Jianyong , Liu Lifang , Ding Bin
Published: May 2019

A thin and taro leaf-like nanonet-covered nanofibrous membrane could effectively separate a water-in-oil emulsion.
Lowering the detection limit towards nanomolar mercury ion detection via surface modification of N-doped carbon quantum dots
Authors: Hama Aziz Kosar Hikmat , Omer Khalid M. , Hamarawf Rebaz Fayaq
Published: May 2019

Surface modification of carbon dots can lower the detection limit of trace analysis which is challenging in analytical chemistry and environmental analysis.
A magnetic nanofiber-based zwitterionic hydrophilic material for the selective capture and identification of glycopeptides
Authors: Huan Weiwei , Zhang Jingshu , Qin Heng , Huan Fei , Wang Buchuan , Wu Minjie , Li Jie
Published: May 2019

A magnetic nanofiber-based zwitterionic hydrophilic material with excellent performance and practical potential for capturing and identifying glycopeptides has been developed.
Colloidal quasi-one-dimensional dual semiconductor core/shell nanorod couple heterostructures with blue fluorescence
Authors: Chen Dechao , Wang Aixiang , Li Hongbo , Abad Galán Laura , Su Cong , Yin Zongyou , Massi Massimiliano , Suvorova Alexandra , Saunders Martin , Li Ju , Sitt Amit , Jia Guohua
Published: May 2019

ZnS (short arms)–ZnSe (long arms)/ZnS shell nanorod couple heterostructures was prepared and over-coated by a CdS layer to generate blue emission.
Correction: Trehalose-cored amphiphiles for membrane protein stabilization: importance of the detergent micelle size in GPCR stability
Authors: Das Manabendra , Du Yang , Mortensen Jonas S. , Ramos Manuel , Ghani Lubna , Lee Ho Jin , Bae Hyoung Eun , Byrne Bernadette , Guan Lan , Loland Claus J. , Kobilka Brian K. , Seok Chae Pil
Published: May 2019

Correction for ‘Trehalose-cored amphiphiles for membrane protein stabilization: importance of the detergent micelle size in GPCR stability’ by Manabendra Das et al., Org. Biomol. Chem., 2019, 17, 3249–3257.
Design of three-dimensional hierarchical TiO2/SrTiO3 heterostructures towards selective CO2 photoreduction
Authors: Jiang Shuaiyu , Zhao Kun , Al-Mamun Mohammad , Zhong Yu Lin , Liu Porun , Yin Huajie , Jiang Lixue , Lowe Sean , Qi Jian , Yu Ranbo , Wang Dan , Zhao Huijun
Published: May 2019

3D hierarchical TiO2/SrTiO3 spheres have been constructed by sequential templating approach and exhibit superb photocatalytic activity and remarkable selectivity.
Facile silicone oil-coated hydrophobic surface for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy of antibiotics
Authors: Usman Muhammad , Guo Xin , Wu Qiusheng , Barman Jitesh , Su Shaoqiang , Huang Bingru , Biao Tang , Zhang Zhang , Zhan Qiuqiang
Published: May 2019

The proposed facile, cost-effective slippery surface and gold nanorods based combinational approach for the SERS detection technique is a powerful strategy for the trace detection of the aqueous pollutant analytes even at very low concentrations.
Pulsed direct current field-induced thermal stability and phase transformation of nanodiamonds to carbon onions
Authors: Zhang Faming , Fan Kuowei , Yu Jin , Saba Farhad , Sun Jing
Published: May 2019

The pulsed DC field-induced thermal stability of nanodiamonds (NDs) and their transformation to carbon onions lack detailed understanding.
Synergistic inhibition effect on the self-acceleration characteristics in the initial stage of methane/air explosion by CO2 and ultrafine water mist
Authors: Pei Bei , Wei Shuangming , Chen Liwei , Pan Rongkun , Yu Minggao , Jing Guoxun
Published: May 2019

The synergistic effect of CO2 and ultra-fine water mist can greatly reduce the self-acceleration of the spherical flame in the initial stage of gas explosion.
A nanoporous gold-based electrochemical aptasensor for sensitive detection of cocaine
Authors: Tavakkoli Nahid , Soltani Nasrin , Mohammadi Fatemeh
Published: May 2019

The increasing application of aptamers in bioassays has triggered a lot of research interest for development of highly sensitive and selective sensing platforms.
One-pot route to graft long-chain polymer onto silica nanoparticles and its application for high-performance poly(l-lactide) nanocomposites
Authors: Wen Xin
Published: May 2019

A facile “one-pot” synthetic route is used to modify SiO2 nanoparticles with a long-chain polymer, and to prepare high-performance poly(l-lactide) nanocomposites.
Significance of triple torsional correlations in proteins
Authors: Long Shiyang , Wang Jianwei , Tian Pu
Published: May 2019

Torsional mutual information for 10 typical residue pairs calculated with full joint distributions (MI), second order expansion (MI2), third order expansions (MI3), and their linear recombinations (MILR).
Microbial single-cell growth response at defined carbon limiting conditions
Authors: Lindemann Dorina , Westerwalbesloh Christoph , Kohlheyer Dietrich , Grünberger Alexander , von Lieres Eric
Published: May 2019

Using microfluidic single-cell cultivation technologies and modelling we examined how single-cell growth at defined carbon conditions, ranging from strongly limiting conditions to a carbon surplus, influenced cell-to-cell variability.
Modulation of charged a1/a2 domains and piezoresponses of tensile strained PbTiO3 films by the cooling rate
Authors: Ma Jinyuan , Zhu Yinlian , Tang Yunlong , Han Mengjiao , Wang Yujia , Zhang Ningbin , Zou Minjie , Feng Yanpeng , Geng Wanrong , Ma Xiuliang
Published: May 2019

The cooling rates can induce domain configurations to change, thus realizing the evolution of the domains of the PTO films.
Synthesis of novel natural product-like diaryl acetylenes as hypoxia inducible factor-1 inhibitors and antiproliferative agents
Authors: Wang Shisheng , Liu Liqiang , Guo Xiuhan , Li Guangzhe , Wang Xu , Dong Huijuan , Li Yueqing , Zhao Weijie
Published: May 2019

A series of selaginellin analogues, biphenyl-containing diaryl acetylenes, were synthesized and evaluated for their cytotoxic and HIF-1 inhibitory activities.