bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Convective Influence on the Humidity and Clouds in the Tropical Tropopause Layer During Boreal Summer
Authors: Ueyama Rei , Jensen Eric J. , Pfister Leonhard
Published: July 2018

The impact of convection on the humidity and clouds in the tropical tropopause layer (TTL) during boreal summer 2007 is investigated in simulations of detailed cloud microphysical processes and their effects on the water vapor (H2O) profile along backward trajectories from the 379 K potential temperature (100‐hPa pressure) surface. Convective influence is determined by tracing the trajectories through time‐dependent fields of satellite‐based convective cloud top height. The simulated H2O mixing ratios at the 100‐hPa level and cloud occurrence fractions in the middle to upper (16–18 km) TTL exhibit a pronounced maximum over the Asian monsoon region as in observations; these local enhancements are virtually absent in the simulation without convection, indicating that convection is the dominant driver of the localized H2O and cloud maxima in the Asian summer monsoon region. Convection moistens the 100‐hPa level by 0.6 ppmv (~15%) averaged over the 10°S–50°N domain and increases tropical (10°S–30°N) mean cloud occurrence in the middle to upper TTL by ~170%. Nearly all of the convective enhancements in H2O and clouds are due to the effect of convective saturation; convectively detrained ice crystals have negligible impact. Parcels are most frequently hydrated by deep convection in the southern sector of the Asian monsoon anticyclone and subsequently dehydrated downstream of convection to the west, shifting the locations of final dehydration northwest of the cold temperature region in the northern Tropics. Infrequent, extreme deep convective systems (cloud tops exceeding 380 K) have a disproportionately large effect on TTL humidity and clouds.
Evaluation of Radiation and Clouds From Five Reanalysis Products in the Northeast Pacific Ocean
Authors: Schmeisser Lauren , Hinkelman Laura M. , Ackerman Thomas P.
Published: July 2018

Atmospheric reanalyses are valuable tools for studying the atmosphere, as they provide temporally and spatially complete coverage of atmospheric variables. However, some regions are susceptible to large biases in reanalysis products due to the scarce data available to assimilate into the reanalyses. Consequently, evaluation of reanalyses using available measurements is essential for quantifying regional errors. Here we use NASA's CERES satellite estimates to evaluate surface radiative fluxes and total cloud fraction in the Northeast Pacific from five reanalysis products—ERA‐Interim, MERRA2, JRA‐55, NCEP2, and CFSR—from years 2001 to 2015. Results show that biases of surface incident shortwave radiative flux in reanalyses compared to satellite estimates range from 3.8 (CFSR) to 21.2 Wm‐2 (NCEP2), with significant biases in JRA‐55 and NCEP2. Mean surface downward longwave radiative flux in the reanalysis products is biased by −8.9 (MERRA2) to 3.9 Wm−2 (JRA‐55), with significant biases in MERRA2 and NCEP2. Errors in the surface radiative fluxes are partially linked to differences in total cloud fraction in the satellite estimates and reanalyses, which show significant negative biases ranging from −8% (CFSR) to −21.7% (NCEP2). There is not one reanalysis that outperforms the rest in the NE Pacific. The most appropriate data set depends on the variables of interest, subregion of the NE Pacific being studied, time period of interest, and whether the reanalysis data will be used to study long‐term or short‐term climate processes. Using the errors presented for each reanalysis data set can help guide appropriate use and bound uncertainty for the five reanalysis products analyzed.
Modeling High‐Resolution Pressure‐Temperature Paths Across the Himalayan Main Central Thrust (Central Nepal): Implications for the Dynamics of Collision
Authors: Catlos E. J. , Lovera O. M. , Kelly E. D. , Ashley K. T. , Harrison T. M. , Etzel T.
Published: July 2018

High‐resolution, garnet‐based pressure‐temperature (P‐T) paths were obtained for nine rocks across the Himalayan Main Central Thrust (MCT) (Marsyangdi River transect, central Nepal). Paths were created using garnet and whole rock compositions as input parameters into a semiautomated Gibbs free‐energy‐minimization technique. The conditions recorded by the paths, in general, yield similar T but lower P compared to estimates from mineral equilibria and quartz‐in‐garnet Raman barometry. The paths are used to modify a model based on a two‐dimensional finite difference solution to the diffusion‐advection equation. In this model, P‐T paths recorded by the footwall garnets result from fault motion at specified times, thermal advection, and alteration of topography. The best fit between the high‐resolution P‐T paths and model predictions is that from 25 to 18 Ma, samples within the MCT footwall moved at 5 km/Ma, while those in the hanging wall moved at 10 km/Ma. Under these conditions, topography grew to 3.5 km. A pause in activity along the MCT between 18 and 15 Ma allows heat to advect and may be due to a transfer of tectonic activity to the structures closer to the Indian subcontinent. During this time, the topography erodes at a rate of 1.5 km/Ma. Thrusting within the MCT footwall reactivates between 8 and 2 Ma with exhumation rates up to 12 mm/yr since the Pliocene. The results suggest the potential for the highest‐resolution garnet‐based P‐T paths to record both the thermobarometric consequences of fault motion and large‐scale erosion.
Prenatal immune activation alters the adult neural epigenome but can be partly stabilised by a n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid diet
Authors: Basil Paul , Li Qi , Gui Hongsheng , Hui Tomy C. K. , Ling Vicki H. M. , Wong Chloe C. Y. , Mill Jonathan , McAlonan Grainne M. , Sham Pak-Chung
Published: July 2018

An unstable epigenome is implicated in the pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental disorders such as schizophrenia and autism. This is important because the epigenome is potentially modifiable. We have previously reported that adult offspring exposed to maternal immune activation (MIA) prenatally have significant global DNA hypomethylation in the hypothalamus. However, what genes had altered methylation state, their functional effects on gene expression and whether these changes can be moderated, have not been addressed. In this study, we used next-generation sequencing (NGS) for methylome profiling in a MIA rodent model of neurodevelopmental disorders. We assessed whether differentially methylated regions (DMRs) affected the chromatin state by mapping known DNase I hypersensitivity sites (DHSs), and selected overlapping genes to confirm a functional effect of MIA on gene expression using qPCR. Finally, we tested whether methylation differences elicited by MIA could be limited by post-natal dietary (omega) n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation. These experiments were conducted using hypothalamic brain tissue from 12-week-old offspring of mice injected with viral analogue PolyI:C on gestation day 9 of pregnancy or saline on gestation day 9. Half of the animals from each group were fed a diet enriched with n-3 PUFA from weaning (MIA group, n = 12 units, n = 39 mice; Control group, n = 12 units, n = 38 mice). The results confirmed our previous finding that adult offspring exposed to MIA prenatally had significant global DNA hypomethylation. Furthermore, genes linked to synaptic plasticity were over-represented among differentially methylated genes following MIA. More than 80% of MIA-induced hypomethylated sites, including those affecting chromatin state and MECP2 binding, were stabilised by the n-3 PUFA intervention. MIA resulted in increased expression of two of the ‘top five’ genes identified from an integrated analysis of DMRs, DHSs and MECP2 binding sites, namely Abat (t = 2.46, p < 0.02) and Gnas9 (t = 2.96, p < 0.01), although these changes were not stabilised by dietary intervention. Thus, prenatal MIA exposure impacts upon the epigenomic regulation of gene pathways linked to neurodevelopmental conditions; and many of the changes can be attenuated by a low-cost dietary intervention.
Evolutionary trade-offs associated with loss of PmrB function in host-adapted Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Bricio-Moreno Laura , Sheridan Victoria H. , Goodhead Ian , Armstrong Stuart , Wong Janet K.L. , Waters Elaine M. , Sarsby Joscelyn , Panagiotou Stavros , Dunn James , Chakraborty Adrita , Fang Yongliang , Griswold Karl E. , Winstanley Craig , Fothergill Joanne L. , Kadioglu Aras , Neill Daniel R.
Published: July 2018

Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonises the upper airway of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, providing a reservoir of host-adapted genotypes that subsequently establish chronic lung infection. We previously experimentally-evolved P. aeruginosa in a murine model of respiratory tract infection and observed early-acquired mutations in pmrB, encoding the sensor kinase of a two-component system that promoted establishment and persistence of infection. Here, using proteomics, we show downregulation of proteins involved in LPS biosynthesis, antimicrobial resistance and phenazine production in pmrB mutants, and upregulation of proteins involved in adherence, lysozyme resistance and inhibition of the chloride ion channel CFTR, relative to wild-type strain LESB65. Accordingly, pmrB mutants are susceptible to antibiotic treatment but show enhanced adherence to airway epithelial cells, resistance to lysozyme treatment, and downregulate host CFTR expression. We propose that P. aeruginosa pmrB mutations in CF patients are subject to an evolutionary trade-off, leading to enhanced colonisation potential, CFTR inhibition, and resistance to host defences, but also to increased susceptibility to antibiotics.
Self-assembly of multi-stranded perylene dye J-aggregates in columnar liquid-crystalline phases
Authors: Herbst Stefanie , Soberats Bartolome , Leowanawat Pawaret , Stolte Matthias , Lehmann Matthias , Würthner Frank
Published: July 2018

Many discoid dyes self-assemble into columnar liquid-crystalline (LC) phases with packing arrangements that are undesired for photonic applications due to H-type exciton coupling. Here, we report a series of crystalline and LC perylene bisimides (PBIs) self-assembling into single or multi-stranded (two, three, and four strands) aggregates with predominant J-type exciton coupling. These differences in the supramolecular packing and optical properties are achieved by molecular design variations of tetra-bay phenoxy-dendronized PBIs with two N–H groups at the imide positions. The self-assembly is driven by hydrogen bonding, slipped π–π stacking, nanosegregation, and steric requirements of the peripheral building blocks. We could determine the impact of the packing motifs on the spectroscopic properties and demonstrate different J- and H-type coupling contributions between the chromophores. Our findings on structure–property relationships and strong J-couplings in bulk LC materials open a new avenue in the molecular engineering of PBI J-aggregates with prospective applications in photonics.
Structures of DNA-bound human ligase IV catalytic core reveal insights into substrate binding and catalysis
Authors: Kaminski Andrea M. , Tumbale Percy P. , Schellenberg Matthew J. , Williams R. Scott , Williams Jason G. , Kunkel Thomas A. , Pedersen Lars C. , Bebenek Katarzyna
Published: July 2018

DNA ligase IV (LigIV) performs the final DNA nick-sealing step of classical nonhomologous end-joining, which is critical for immunoglobulin gene maturation and efficient repair of genotoxic DNA double-strand breaks. Hypomorphic LigIV mutations cause extreme radiation sensitivity and immunodeficiency in humans. To better understand the unique features of LigIV function, here we report the crystal structure of the catalytic core of human LigIV in complex with a nicked nucleic acid substrate in two distinct states—an open lysyl-AMP intermediate, and a closed DNA–adenylate form. Results from structural and mutagenesis experiments unveil a dynamic LigIV DNA encirclement mechanism characterized by extensive interdomain interactions and active site phosphoanhydride coordination, all of which are required for efficient DNA nick sealing. These studies provide a scaffold for defining impacts of LigIV catalytic core mutations and deficiencies in human LIG4 syndrome.
Deficiency in class III PI3-kinase confers postnatal lethality with IBD-like features in zebrafish
Authors: Zhao Shaoyang , Xia Jianhong , Wu Xiuhua , Zhang Leilei , Wang Pengtao , Wang Haiyun , Li Heying , Wang Xiaoshan , Chen Yan , Agnetti Jean , Li Yinxiong , Pei Duanqing , Shu Xiaodong
Published: July 2018

The class III PI3-kinase (PIK3C3) is an enzyme responsible for the generation of phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PI3P), a critical component of vesicular membrane. Here, we report that PIK3C3 deficiency in zebrafish results in intestinal injury and inflammation. In pik3c3 mutants, gut tube forms but fails to be maintained. Gene expression analysis reveals that barrier-function-related inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) susceptibility genes (e-cadherin, hnf4a, ttc7a) are suppressed, while inflammatory response genes are stimulated in the mutants. Histological analysis shows neutrophil infiltration into mutant intestinal epithelium and the clearance of gut microbiota. Yet, gut microorganisms appear dispensable as mutants cultured under germ-free condition have similar intestinal defects. Mechanistically, we show that PIK3C3 deficiency suppresses the formation of PI3P and disrupts the polarized distribution of cell-junction proteins in intestinal epithelial cells. These results not only reveal a role of PIK3C3 in gut homeostasis, but also provide a zebrafish IBD model.
Computational design of bimetallic core-shell nanoparticles for hot-carrier photocatalysis
Authors: Ranno Luigi , Forno Stefano Dal , Lischner Johannes
Published: July 2018

Computational design can accelerate the discovery of new materials with tailored properties, but applying this approach to plasmonic nanoparticles with diameters larger than a few nanometers is challenging as atomistic first-principles calculations are not feasible for such systems. In this paper, we employ a recently developed material-specific approach that combines effective mass theory for electrons with a quasistatic description of the localized surface plasmon to identify promising bimetallic core-shell nanoparticles for hot-electron photocatalysis. Specifically, we calculate hot-carrier generation rates of 100 different core-shell nanoparticles and find that systems with an alkali-metal core and a transition-metal shell exhibit high figures of merit for water splitting and are stable in aqueous environments. Our analysis reveals that the high efficiency of these systems is related to their electronic structure, which features a two-dimensional electron gas in the shell. Our calculations further demonstrate that hot-carrier properties are highly tunable and depend sensitively on core and shell sizes. The design rules resulting from our work can guide experimental progress towards improved solar energy conversion devices.
Author Correction: Causal Pathways from Blood Pressure to Larger QRS Amplitudes: a Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Van Der Ende M. Yldau , Hendriks Tom , Van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , Snieder Harold , Verweij Niek , Van Der Harst Pim
Published: July 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) personality, subjective well-being, hair cortisol level and AVPR1a, OPRM1, and DAT genotypes
Authors: Inoue-Murayama Miho , Yokoyama Chihiro , Yamanashi Yumi , Weiss Alexander
Published: July 2018

We studied personality, subjective well-being, and hair cortisol level, in common marmosets Callithrix jacchus, a small, cooperatively breeding New World monkey, by examining their associations with one another and genotypes. Subjects were 68 males and 9 females that lived in the RIKEN Center for Life Science Technologies. Personality and subjective well-being were assessed by keeper ratings on two questionnaires, hair samples were obtained to assay cortisol level and buccal swabs were used to assess AVPR1a, OPRM1 and DAT genotypes. Three personality domains—Dominance, Sociability, and Neuroticism—were identified. Consistent with findings in other species, Sociability and Neuroticism were related to higher and lower subjective well-being, respectively. Sociability was also associated with higher hair cortisol levels. The personality domains and hair cortisol levels were heritable and associated with genotypes: the short form of AVPR1a was associated with lower Neuroticism and the AA genotype of the A111T SNP of OPRM1 was related to lower Dominance, lower Neuroticism, and higher hair cortisol level. Some genetic associations were not in directions that one would expect given findings in other species. These findings provide insights into the proximate and ultimate bases of personality in common marmosets, other primates and humans.
Author Correction: Free mate choice does not influence reproductive success in humans
Authors: Sorokowski Piotr , Groyecka Agata , Karwowski Maciej , Manral Upma , Kumar Amit , Niemczyk Agnieszka , Marczak Michalina , Misiak Micha , Sorokowska Agnieszka , Huanca Thomas , Conde Esther , Wojciszke Bogdan , Pawłowski Bogusław
Published: July 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
Author Correction: Space-Wave Routing via Surface Waves Using a Metasurface System
Authors: Achouri Karim , Caloz Christophe
Published: July 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
Quantitative characterization of high temperature oxidation using electron tomography and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy
Authors: Zhou Jihan , Taylor Matthew , Melinte Georgian A. , Shahani Ashwin J. , Dharmawardhana Chamila C. , Heinz Hendrik , Voorhees Peter W. , Perepezko John H. , Bustillo Karen , Ercius Peter , Miao Jianwei
Published: July 2018

We report quantitative characterization of the high temperature oxidation process by using electron tomography and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. As a proof of principle, we performed 3D imaging of the oxidation layer of a model system (Mo3Si) at nanoscale resolution with elemental specificity and probed the oxidation kinetics as a function of the oxidation time and the elevated temperature. Our tomographic reconstructions provide detailed 3D structural information of the surface oxidation layer of the Mo3Si system, revealing the evolution of oxidation behavior of Mo3Si from early stage to mature stage. Based on the relative rate of oxidation of Mo3Si, the volatilization rate of MoO3 and reactive molecular dynamics simulations, we propose a model to explain the mechanism of the formation of the porous silica structure during the oxidation process of Mo3Si. We expect that this 3D quantitative characterization method can be applied to other material systems to probe their structure-property relationships in different environments.
Factors in glucocorticoid regimens associated with treatment response and relapses of IgG4-related disease: a multicentre study
Authors: Shirakashi Mirei , Yoshifuji Hajime , Kodama Yuzo , Chiba Tsutomu , Yamamoto Motohisa , Takahashi Hiroki , Uchida Kazushige , Okazaki Kazuichi , Ito Tetsuya , Kawa Shigeyuki , Yamada Kazunori , Kawano Mitsuhiro , Hirata Shintaro , Tanaka Yoshiya , Moriyama Masafumi , Nakamura Seiji , Kamisawa Terumi , Matsui Shoko , Tsuboi Hiroto , Sumida Takayuki , Shibata Motoko , Goto Hiroshi , Sato Yasuharu , Yoshino Tadashi , Mimori Tsuneyo
Published: July 2018

Glucocorticoids (GC) are effective for treating IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD); however, relapse is often observed. We conducted a retrospective multicentre study to investigate risk factors in GC regimens associated with relapses of IgG4-RD. Data on 166 patients with definitive IgG4-RD diagnosis were collected from 12 institutions. Comprehensive surveillance of clinical backgrounds and GC regimens as well as multivariate analysis of factors associated with treatment responses and relapses was performed. To determine the initial maximal GC dose, the patients were stratified into three groups depending on the initial prednisolone (PSL) dosage: <0.39, 0.4–0.69 and >0.7 mg/kg/day. The multivariate analysis extracted the disease duration and reduction speed of initial GC dose. Patients treated with initial GC <0.39 or >0.7 mg/kg/day of PSL showed higher relapse rates than those treated with 0.4–0.69 mg/kg/day. The relapse rates were significantly higher in patients with fast reduction of the initial dose (>0.4 mg/day) than in patients with slow reduction (<0.4 mg/day). To avoid relapse, 0.4–0.69 mg/kg/day of initial PSL with slow reduction speed (<0.4 mg/day) is needed in the early treatment of IgG4-RD.
Automaticity of social cues: The influence of limiting cognitive resources on head orientation cueing
Authors: Visser Troy A. W. , Roberts Ashton
Published: July 2018

Our ability to communicate effectively often relies on being able to shift our focus of attention to align with that of another person. This so-called “social attention” reflects the use of cues such as gaze, pointing and head orientation to infer the attentional focus of others. An important, but unresolved, question is whether these socially relevant cues automatically direct attention in observers, or whether cognitive resources shape this process. An additional issue is that existing work has almost exclusively examined eye gaze cues, thus potentially limiting the generalizability of this work across types of social cues. To examine these issues, the present research investigates the influence of limiting resource availability (using a concurrent memory load) on the ability of an oriented head cue to direct attention. The results indicate that reducing resource availability increases the impact of the head cue on attentional orienting – the opposite pattern to that obtained with gaze cues. This outcome suggests that resource availability does not affect all social cues the same, and that caution is warranted in drawing broad conclusions about mechanisms underlying social cueing of attention without appropriate comparisons across multiple types of social cues.
The phase-separation mechanism of a binary mixture in a ring trimer
Authors: Penna Vittorio , Richaud Andrea
Published: July 2018

We show that, depending on the ratio between the inter- and the intra-species interactions, a binary mixture trapped in a three-well potential with periodic boundary conditions exhibits three macroscopic ground-state configurations which differ in the degree of mixing. Accordingly, the corresponding quantum states feature either delocalization or a Schrödinger cat-like structure. The two-step phase separation occurring in the system, which is smoothed by the activation of tunnelling processes, is confirmed by the analysis of the energy spectrum that collapses and rearranges at the two critical points. In such points, we show that also Entanglement Entropy, a quantity borrowed from quantum-information theory, features singularities, thus demonstrating its ability to witness the double mixining-demixing phase transition. The developed analysis, which is of interest to both the experimental and theoretical communities, opens the door to the study of the demixing mechanism in complex lattice geometries.
Improving catalytic activity of the Baeyer–Villiger monooxygenase-based Escherichia coli biocatalysts for the overproduction of (Z)-11-(heptanoyloxy)undec-9-enoic acid from ricinoleic acid
Authors: Woo Ji-Min , Jeon Eun-Yeong , Seo Eun-Ji , Seo Joo-Hyun , Lee Dong-Yup , Yeon Young Joo , Park Jin-Byung
Published: July 2018

Baeyer–Villiger monooxygenases (BVMOs) can be used for the biosynthesis of lactones and esters from ketones. However, the BVMO-based biocatalysts are not so stable under process conditions. Thereby, this study focused on enhancing stability of the BVMO-based biocatalysts. The biotransformation of ricinoleic acid into (Z)-11-(heptanoyloxy)undec-9-enoic acid by the recombinant Escherichia coli expressing the BVMO from Pseudomonas putida and an alcohol dehydrogenase from Micrococcus luteus was used as a model system. After thorough investigation of the key factors to influence stability of the BVMO, Cys302 was identified as an engineering target. The substitution of Cys302 to Leu enabled the engineered enzyme (i.e., E6BVMOC302L) to become more stable toward oxidative and thermal stresses. The catalytic activity of E6BVMOC302L-based E. coli biocatalysts was also greater than the E6BVMO-based biocatalysts. Another factor to influence biocatalytic performance of the BVMO-based whole-cell biocatalysts was availability of carbon and energy source during biotransformations. Glucose feeding into the reaction medium led to a marked increase of final product concentrations. Overall, the bioprocess engineering to improve metabolic stability of host cells in addition to the BVMO engineering allowed us to produce (Z)-11-(heptanoyloxy)undec-9-enoic acid to a concentration of 132 mM (41 g/L) from 150 mM ricinoleic acid within 8 h.
Undilated versus dilated monoscopic smartphone-based fundus photography for optic nerve head evaluation
Authors: Wintergerst Maximilian W. M. , Brinkmann Christian K. , Holz Frank G. , Finger Robert P.
Published: July 2018

Smartphone-based fundus photography (SBFP) allows for a cheap and mobile fundus examination with the potential to revolutionize eye care especially in low income settings. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of pupil dilation on image quality in optic nerve head (ONH) imaging and vertical cup-to-disc ratio (vCDR) evaluation with SBFP. Eyes with glaucoma or suspected to have glaucoma were imaged with conventional digital fundus photography (CFP) and SBFP undilated and following dilation, all monoscopically. SBFP was possible in 74% of eyes without dilation and in 98% following dilation. Better image quality on SBFP was achieved with dilation and complete visualization of the optic disc rim was possible in 46% of images without dilation and on 94% of images with dilation. VCDR measurements on images obtained following dilation highly correlated with measurements on CFP (coefficient of correlation r = 0.91, p < 0.001), whereas vCDR on images obtained without dilation correlated less well with CFP (r = 0.70, p < 0.001). SBFP for ONH evaluation is promising, however dilation appears mandatory to achieve results comparable to optic disc evaluation on CFP. ONH imaging with smartphones without dilation might bear the risk of underestimating the CDR and hence overlooking patients at risk for glaucoma.
Lupus nephritis pathology prediction with clinical indices
Authors: Tang Youzhou , Zhang Weiru , Zhu Minfeng , Zheng Li , Xie Lingli , Yao Zhijiang , Zhang Hao , Cao Dongsheng , Lu Ben
Published: July 2018

Effective treatment of lupus nephritis and assessment of patient prognosis depend on accurate pathological classification and careful use of acute and chronic pathological indices. Renal biopsy can provide most reliable predicting power. However, clinicians still need auxiliary tools under certain circumstances. Comprehensive statistical analysis of clinical indices may be an effective support and supplementation for biopsy. In this study, 173 patients with lupus nephritis were classified based on histology and scored on acute and chronic indices. These results were compared against machine learning predictions involving multilinear regression and random forest analysis. For three class random forest analysis, total classification accuracy was 51.3% (class II 53.7%, class III&IV 56.2%, class V 40.1%). For two class random forest analysis, class II accuracy reached 56.2%; class III&IV 63.7%; class V 61%. Additionally, machine learning selected out corresponding important variables for each class prediction. Multiple linear regression predicted the index of chronic pathology (CI) (Q2 = 0.746, R2 = 0.771) and the acute index (AI) (Q2 = 0.516, R2 = 0.576), and each variable’s importance was calculated in AI and CI models. Evaluation of lupus nephritis by machine learning showed potential for assessment of lupus nephritis.
Author Correction: Rainfall seasonality on the Indian subcontinent during the Cretaceous greenhouse
Authors: Ghosh Prosenjit , Prasanna K. , Banerjee Yogaraj , Williams Ian S. , Gagan Michael K. , Chaudhuri Atanu , Suwas Satyam
Published: July 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
Development of immunomagnetic droplet-based digital immuno-PCR for the quantification of prostate specific antigen
Authors: Zhou Wenhan
Published: July 2018

Immuno-PCR (IPCR) is an immunoassay that employs DNA as the signal generator and utilizes both the versatility of antigen–antibody interactions and the exponential amplification power of PCR.
Enhanced plasmon-driven photoelectrocatalytic methanol oxidation on Au decorated α-Fe2O3 nanotube arrays
Authors: Zheng Bang-Feng , Ouyang Ting , Wang Zhu , Long Jianyou , Chen Yibo , Liu Zhao-Qing
Published: July 2018

Highly ordered, porous α-Fe2O3/Au nanotube arrays (NTAs) were successfully synthesized through a facile approach.
Chiral Cu(ii), Co(ii) and Ni(ii) complexes based on 2,2′-bipyridine modified peptoids
Authors: Baskin Maria , Maayan Galia
Published: July 2018

Helical peptoids bearing 2,2′-bipyridine, varied in their chiral bulky side chains and their N-terminus form chiral complexes with Cu(ii), Co(ii) and Ni(ii) via intramolecular binding.
A new stable luminescent Cd(ii) metal–organic framework with fluorescent sensing and selective dye adsorption properties
Authors: Tong Wen-Quan , Liu Wei-Ni , Cheng Jian-Guo , Zhang Peng-Feng , Li Gao-peng , Hou Lei , Wang Yao-Yu
Published: July 2018

A stable Cd-MOF with free carboxyl groups in the channels has been synthesized, showing luminescent sensitivity for Fe3+, CrO42− and Cr2O72− ions in aqueous solution, and selective adsorption of Congo red dye.
Coordination-induced reversible electrical conductivity variation in the MOF-74 analogue Fe2(DSBDC)
Authors: Sun Lei , Hendon Christopher H. , Dincă Mircea
Published: July 2018

DMF coordination to Fe centers induces partial electron transfer and improves electrical conductivity in Fe2(DSBDC) by three orders of magnitude.
3D molecular network and magnetic ordering, formed by multi-dentate magnetic couplers, bis(benzene)chromium(i) and [1,2,5]thiadiazolo[3,4-c][1,2,5]thiadiazolidyl
Authors: Shuku Yoshiaki , Hirai Yuta , Semenov Nikolay A. , Kadilenko Evgeny , Gritsan Nina P. , Zibarev Andrey V. , Rakitin Oleg A. , Awaga Kunio
Published: July 2018

The bis(benzene)chromium(i) salt of [1,2,5]thiadiazolo[3,4-c][1,2,5]thiadiazolyl radical-anion formed a 3D network structure and realized a magnetically ordered state below 8 K.
Safe and high-rate supercapacitors based on an “acetonitrile/water in salt” hybrid electrolyte
Authors: Dou Qingyun , Lei Shulai , Wang Da-Wei , Zhang Qingnuan , Xiao Dewei , Guo Hongwei , Wang Aiping , Yang Hui , Li Yongle , Shi Siqi , Yan Xingbin
Published: July 2018

An “acetonitrile/water in salt” electrolyte with non-flammability, high conductivity, a high stability window and a wide applicable temperature range enables high-performance supercapacitors.
Boosting water oxidation on metal-free carbon nanotubes via directional interfacial charge-transfer induced by an adsorbed polyelectrolyte
Authors: Mo Chunshao , Jian Junhua , Li Jing , Fang Zhengsong , Zhao Zhe , Yuan Zhongke , Yang Meijia , Zhang You , Dai Liming , Yu Dingshan
Published: July 2018

Directional interfacial charge transfer doping was used to significantly boost the water oxidation performance of pure carbon nanotubes.
Controllable exfoliation of natural silk fibers into nanofibrils by protein denaturant deep eutectic solvent: nanofibrous strategy for multifunctional membranes
Authors: Tan Xingxing , Zhao Wancheng , Mu Tiancheng
Published: July 2018

A protein denaturant deep eutectic solvent to exfoliate natural silk fibers into nanofibrils for multifunctional membranes with enhanced properties.
A systematic look at the carbon monosulfide molecule and chemical modifiers for the determination of sulfur by HR-CS GF MAS
Authors: Pereira Éderson Rodrigues , Welz Bernhard , Vieira Augusto Alves
Published: July 2018

This work describes an adequate method for the stabilization of three forms of sulfur (ionic, saturated, and unsaturated), with different chemical modifiers (Zr, Pd and Ca) during sulfur measurement as carbon monosulfide (CS) by high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace molecular absorption spectrometry.
Microfluidics within a well: an injection-molded plastic array 3D culture platform
Authors: Lee Younggyun , Choi Jin Woo , Yu James , Park Dohyun , Ha Jungmin , Son Kyungmin , Lee Somin , Chung Minhwan , Kim Ho-Young , Jeon Noo Li
Published: July 2018

A versatile injection-molded platform with fast, robust, and simple liquid patterning capable of 3D co-culture experiments.
Microfabricated devices for oral drug delivery
Authors: Nielsen Line Hagner , Keller Stephan Sylvest , Boisen Anja
Published: July 2018

Oral administration of drugs is most convenient for patients and therefore the ultimate goal when developing new medication.
Correction: Triple detection modes for Hg2+ sensing based on a NBD-fluorescent and colorimetric sensor and its potential in cell imaging
Authors: Kraithong Sasiwimon , Sangsuwan Rapeepat , Worawannotai Nattawan , Sirirak Jitnapa , Charoenpanich Adisri , Thamyongkit Patchanita , Wanichacheva Nantanit
Published: July 2018

Correction for ‘Triple detection modes for Hg2+ sensing based on a NBD-fluorescent and colorimetric sensor and its potential in cell imaging’ by Sasiwimon Kraithong et al., New J. Chem., 2018, DOI: 10.1039/c8nj01915k.
Floatable superhydrophobic Ag2O photocatalyst without a modifier and its controllable wettability by particle size adjustment
Authors: Jiang Wei , Fu Hongyan , Zhu Yingming , Yue Hairong , Yuan Shaojun , Liang Bin
Published: July 2018

A floatable super-wetting Ag2O photocatalyst was obtained only by particle size regulation and used for the degradation of floating oils.
Tunable black phosphorus heterojunction transistors for multifunctional optoelectronics
Authors: Wang Lin , Huang Li , Tan Wee Chong , Feng Xuewei , Chen Li , Ang Kah-Wee
Published: July 2018

Here, we explore the potential of naturally formed black phosphorus heterojunction for optoelectronic application. As a result, BP heterojunction transistor not only enables gate-tunable photodetection with decent performance, but also has potential for infrared photovoltaics.
A new route to substituted furocoumarins via copper-catalyzed cyclization between 4-hydroxycoumarins and ketoximes
Authors: To Tuong A. , Vo Yen H. , Nguyen Anh T. , Phan Anh N. Q. , Truong Thanh , Phan Nam T. S.
Published: July 2018

A new route to substituted furocoumarins via copper-catalyzed cyclization between 4-hydroxycoumarins and ketoximes was developed.
TEMPO promoted direct multi-functionalization of terminal alkynes with 2-oxindoles/benzofuran-2(3H)-one
Authors: Liu Qi , Liu Jie-Jie , Cheng Liang , Wang Dong , Liu Li
Published: July 2018

Highly selective and catalyst-free tandem multi-functionalization of terminal alkynes was developed with 2-oxindoles and benzo-furan-2(3H)-one using TEMPO both as a radical promoter and a trapping reagent.
Are organic templates responsible for the optical and magnetic response of MgO nanoparticles?
Authors: Singh Jitendra Pal , Kim So Hee , Kang Hee Kyoung , Won Sung Ok , Lee Ik-Jae , Chae Keun Hwa
Published: July 2018

Modified optical and magnetic responses of MgO nanoparticles are observed when organic templates (gray circles) exist in excess.
Novel blended catalysts consisting of a TiO2 photocatalyst and an Al2O3 supported Pd–Au bimetallic catalyst for direct dehydrogenative cross-coupling between arenes and tetrahydrofuran
Authors: Tyagi Akanksha , Yamamoto Akira , Yoshida Hisao
Published: July 2018

A TiO2 photocatalyst physically mixed with a supported Pd–Au bimetallic catalyst is more efficient than Pd loaded TiO2 sample for the photocatalytic DCC between arene and THF.
The anticancer efficacy of paclitaxel liposomes modified with low-toxicity hydrophobic cell-penetrating peptides in breast cancer: an in vitro and in vivo evaluation
Authors: Zhang Qi , Wang Jing , Zhang Hao , Liu Dan , Ming Linlin , Liu Lei , Dong Yan , Jian Baiyu , Cai Defu
Published: July 2018

Hydrophobic cell penetrating peptide PFVYLI-modified liposomes have been developed for the targeted delivery of PTX into tumors.
Albatredines A and B, a pair of epimers with unusual natural heterocyclic skeletons from edible mushroom Albatrellus confluens
Authors: Zhang Shuaibing , Huang Ying , He Shijun , Chen Heping , Li Zhenghui , Wu Bin , Zuo Jianping , Feng Tao , Liu Jikai
Published: July 2018

A chemical study of the common species Albatrellus confluens present in Yunnan province, southwest China led to the identification of a pair of epimers named albatredines A (1) and B (2).
Reversible ON–OFF switching of single-molecule-magnetism associated with single-crystal-to-single-crystal structural transformation of a decanuclear dysprosium phosphonate
Authors: Tian Haiquan , Su Jing-Bu , Bao Song-Song , Kurmoo Mohamedally , Huang Xin-Da , Zhang Yi-Quan , Zheng Li-Min
Published: July 2018

A decanuclear dysprosium phosphonate (I) undergoes two consecutive SC–SC transformations, associated with OFF–ON–OFF switching of its single-molecule-magnetism.
Synthesis and structural characterization of inverse-coordination clusters from a two-electron superatomic copper nanocluster
Authors: Chakrahari Kiran Kumarvarma , Silalahi Rhone P. Brocha , Liao Jian-Hong , Kahlal Samia , Liu Yu-Chiao , Lee Jyh-Fu , Chiang Ming-Hsi , Saillard Jean-Yves , Liu C. W.
Published: July 2018

Cuboctahedral copper clusters containing a twelve-coordinated main group element (Cl, Br, S) at the center have been synthesized and characterized.
Tunable stiffness of graphene oxide/polyacrylamide composite scaffolds regulates cytoskeleton assembly
Authors: Sun Yupeng , Zhang Kaixiang , Deng Ruijie , Ren Xiaojun , Wu Can , Li Jinghong
Published: July 2018

Graphene oxide/polyacrylamide composite scaffolds with tunable stiffness are designed and fabricated to investigate the effect of extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness on cytoskeleton assembly and specific gene expression during cell growth.
Influence of the surface limiting elasticity modulus on the impact behavior of droplets of difenoconazole-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles with associated SDS
Authors: Cao Chong , Zhou Zhao-Lu , Cao Li-Dong , Zheng Li , Xu Jun , Li Feng-Min , Huang Qi-Liang
Published: July 2018

As the limiting elasticity modulus increases, the first returning height of the bouncing drop increases.
2D holey cobalt sulfide nanosheets derived from metal–organic frameworks for high-rate sodium ion batteries with superior cyclability
Authors: Dong Yanfeng , Shi Wen , Lu Pengfei , Qin Jieqiong , Zheng Shuanghao , Zhang Bingsen , Bao Xinhe , Wu Zhong-Shuai
Published: July 2018

2D holey Co4S3 nanosheets with enhanced ion diffusion and structural integrity are synthesized for high-rate and long-life sodium ion batteries.
Conversion of constant-wave near-infrared laser to continuum white light by Yb-doped oxides
Authors: Wu Jianhong , Xu Cheng , Qiu Jianrong , Liu Xiaofeng
Published: July 2018

The conversion of constant-wave near infrared laser to continuum white light emission by Yb-doped oxides using nonlinear optical processes.
Umbelliferone alleviates hepatic injury in diabetic db/db mice via inhibiting inflammatory response and activating Nrf2-mediated antioxidant
Authors: Yin Jiangning , Wang Hanqing , Lu Guoyuan
Published: July 2018

The current study was designed to investigate the protective effect and possible mechanisms of umbelliferone (Umb) on liver injury in diabetic C57BL/KsJ-db/db (dbdb) mice. Mice were divided into five groups: wild-type mice group (WY), dbdb mice group, dbdb mice + Metformin (100 mg/kg) group, dbdb mice + Umb (20, 40 mg/kg) group. Blood glucose regulation was assessed by an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). At 28 days after drug administration, blood samples were obtained for the analysis of lipids and enzymes related to hepatic function, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransaminase (AST) and total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG). Expression levels of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) and oxidative stress indicators (SOD and MDA) were measured with ELISA kit. The expressions of high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 (TLR4), Myd88, NF-κB, IκB, Nrf2, and HO-1 proteins were also evaluated by Western blotting analysis. The results showed that Umb significantly restored the blood glucose in OGTT, and inhibited the levels of insulin, TG, TC, as well as activities of ALT and AST. Moreover, Umb inhibited diabetic inflammation through down-regulating the expression of HMGB1, TLR4, NF-κB, and IκB. In addition, Umb alleviated oxidative damage in the liver by activating Nrf2-mediated signal pathway. These findings demonstrated that Umb exhibited protective effect against diabetic live injury, which may be through inhibiting HMGB1-induced inflammatory response and activating Nrf2-mediated antioxidant.
A Resource Scheduling Strategy for WSN with Communication Constrained
Authors: Li Kuan , Xu Xiaoquan
Published: July 2018

Due to the loss of wireless communication link, the remote estimator in the wireless sensor network can only receive part of the observation information or can not be completely received, which reduces the accuracy of the state estimation. Focusing on the above problems, a strategy based on network resource scheduling is proposed to improve the impact of link loss on state estimation. The strategy considers the quantization process of sensor observations and the limited transmission bandwidth. The objective of optimization is to minimize the estimated error covariance and the expected energy consumption of the data packet. The data rate and the time slot are allocated to each communication link. The simulation results show that the optimal state estimation of the physical process can be obtained under a small transmission bandwidth and simple BPSK modulation, and the energy consumption of the transmitted data packet can be effectively reduced.
Preparation and properties of magnesite aggregate radiation - proof concrete
Authors: Sun Bingquan , Sun Jiajia
Published: July 2018

This paper, from the point of view of improving compactness of density and crystal water content of radiation-proof concrete, using magnesite with high crystal water content as aggregate and alkaline potential water as mixing water, prepared ordinary density radiation-proof concrete and studied its mechanical properties, resistivity and pore structure. The results show that, compared to base ordinary concrete, the prepared concrete has better 28d compressive strength and resistivity, overall porosity decreases by 17%, and pore gradation at all ages improves significantly. It is indicated that the prepared magnesite aggregate radiation concrete has good density and durability, improves concrete radiation protection performance.
A preparation method for the treatment of Cr(VI) composite adsorbent Ca-AC
Authors: Qin Minjie , He Zhaoju , Liu Shen , Zhu Li , Lu Yanqin
Published: July 2018

The effects of weight ratio of Eucalyptus and CaCl2, carbonization temperature and carbonization time on the composite adsorbent (Ca-AC) were studied. The best conditions for composite adsorbent (Ca-AC) were obtained: the weight ratio of CaCl2 to the eucalyptus sawdust was 2:1; the carbonization temperature was 650 °C; the carbonization time was 80 min. The Ca-AC yield reached 28.88%; the Cr(VI) adsorption value was 131.03 mg±g-1. The morphology and structure of the adsorbents were characterized. The results showed that the specific surface area of Ca-AC can reach 713 m2±g-1. The carboxyl, hydroxyl, lactones groups and amino could be determined on the activated carbon surface.
Effect of waste ceramic adsorbent on wastewater treatment
Authors: Zheng Yao , Yuan Qun , Yan ZiYing , Liu Jiacheng , Liang Jingying , He Linjiang , He Jianjun , Yan Min , He L
Published: July 2018

The preparation of porous ceramic with waste porcelain powder as aggregate research. The influence of the amount of Sesbania powder and the calcination temperature on the adsorption performance of porous ceramics was investigated. The effect of the amount of porous ceramic and the adsorption time on the removal rate of Cu in wastewater containing Cu was investigated.The results showed that the adsorption properties of porous ceramics were related to the calcination temperature and the amount of Sesbania powder. The suitable calcination temperature and the amount of Sesbania powder were 600 °Cand 4 wt%, respectively.The removal rate of Cu in water samples increases with the increase of the amount of porous ceramics and the increase of adsorption time. The suitable amount of porous ceramics is 10 g/L and the adsorption time is 35 min. XRD characterization showed that the crystal particles were grown by calcination, and the properties of porous ceramics were stable before and after adsorption.
Research of ultra-fine bainite X80 pipeline plate for gas compressor station
Authors: Li Shaopo , Ding Wenhua , Zhang Hai
Published: July 2018

This paper reports on the research of low temperature (-51°C) X80 pipeline plate used for gas compressor station. In order to satisfy the performance requirements of low temperature X80 pipeline plate, an optimized rolling and cooling process was developed to achieve ultra-fine bainite microstructure and stable mechanical properties. The results showed that by improving the final roughing pass reduction prior to the intermediate holding and the per pass reductions during finish rolling, up to 20% and 10% respectively, the austenite grain can be refined and uniformed completely. The optimized cooling process application after finish rolling guarantees the steady control of the final ultra-fine bainite microstructure with optimum M/A phase for X80 plates. The 10000 metric tons plates produced by this process achieved good flatness and excellent low temperature toughness.
Structural design of concrete to EC2 and GB50010-2010: a comparison
Authors: Guo Yida , Gong Guobin , Chin Chee , Zhang Cheng
Published: July 2018

We mainly compares the differences and similarities in the design using the Chinese code GB50010-2010 (modified in 2015) and Eurocode 2. The paper focuses on the comparison of the two design codes in relation to the ultimate limit state (ULS) and serviceability limit state (SLS) as well as durability requirements. Also, the material specifications using both codes are discussed in relation to stress-strain curves, strength grades etc.
The design and analysis of flip structure of the automatically flip packing container for spacecraft
Authors: Ya-hong ZHU , Chun-sheng YANG , Shao-hua MENG
Published: July 2018

The automatically flip container is specially designed in order to solve the problem t of limited lifting height.Theflip container cover is realized by using the electric push rod mechanism. Compared with the traditional packing container, this container can be opened without lifting the container cover. Due to the automatically flip structure, it is easy to open the container under the condition of limited fixed facilities.