bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Polypyridyl‐Based Layered Complex as Dual‐Functional Co‐catalyst for Photo‐Driven Organic Dyes Degradation and Water Splitting
Authors: Li Lei , Huang Lu , Liu Zheng‐Yu , Zhao Xiao‐Jun , Yang En‐Cui
Published: March 2019

With the ever‐increasing concerns on environmental pollution and energy crisis, it is of great urgency to develop high‐performance photocatalyst to eliminate organic pollutants from wastewater and produce hydrogen via water splitting. Herein, a polypyridyl‐based mixed covalent CuI/II complex with triangular {Cu3} and rhombic {Cu2Cl4} subunits alternately extended by mixed SCN– and Cl– heterobridges [Cu4(DNP)(SCN)Cl4]n (1) [DNP = 2,6‐bis(1,8‐naphthyridine‐2‐yl)pyridine] was solvothermally synthesized and employed as a dual‐functional co‐photocatalyst. Resulting from a narrowed band‐gap of 1.07 eV with suitable redox potential and unsaturated CuI/II sites, the complex together with H2O2 can effectively degrade Rhodamine B and methyl orange up to 87.4 and 88.2 %, respectively. Meanwhile, the complex mixed with H2PtCl6 can also accelerate the photocatalytic water splitting in the absence of a photosensitizer with the hydrogen production rate of 27.5 μmol·g–1·h–1. These interesting findings may provide informative hints for the design of the multiple responsive photocatalysts.
ASc[SeO3]2 (A = Na – Cs): Pure Alkali‐Metal Scandium Oxoselenates(IV) and Their Representatives With Mixed Alkali‐Metal Occupation
Authors: Greiner Stefan , Schleid Thomas
Published: March 2019

Alkali‐metal scandium oxoselenates(IV) ASc[SeO3]2 (A = Na – Cs) are known since a few years and a hydrothermal synthesis was used to obtain them. In our new studies we applied a flux‐supported solid‐state reaction and produced colorless single crystals as well. All representatives ASc[SeO3]2 with A = Na – Cs crystallize in the orthorhombic space group Pnma, in contrast to earlier reports for hexagonal RbSc[SeO3]2. Furthermore we have extended this field with some crystals showing a mixed occupation on the alkali‐metal site, namely (K,Na)Sc[SeO3]2, (Rb,K)Sc[SeO3]2, and (Cs,Rb)Sc[SeO3]2. Since all of them contain [ScO6]9– octahedra and [SeO3]2– ψ1‐tetrahedra the diverse connectivity of the distinct alkali‐metal centered oxygen polyhedra differentiates the compounds with the smaller alkali metals (A′ = Na and K) from those with the bigger ones (A′′ = Rb and Cs). For the mixed crystals the amount of smaller or bigger alkali metal is responsible, which design is chosen by the system. This forces the mixed crystal (Rb,K)Sc[SeO3]2 with a higher amount of potassium instead of rubidium to crystallize isotypically with KSc[SeO3]2 and NaSc[SeO3]2, whereas the pure rubidium compound RbSc[SeO3]2 adopts the CsSc[SeO3]2‐type structure. These findings are supported by single‐crystal Raman spectroscopy.
Dense Point Sets with Many Halving Lines
Authors: Kovács István , Tóth Géza
Published: March 2019

A planar point set of n points is called $$\gamma $$
γ
-dense if the ratio of the largest and smallest distances among the points is at most $$\gamma \sqrt{n}$$

γ

n

. We construct a dense set of n points in the plane with $$ne^{\Omega ({\sqrt{\log n}})}$$

n

e

Ω
(

log
n

)

halving lines. This improves the bound $$\Omega (n\log n)$$

Ω
(
n
log
n
)

of Edelsbrunner et al. (Discrete Comput Geom 17(3):243–255, 1997). Our construction can be generalized to higher dimensions, for any d we construct a dense point set of n points in $$\mathbb {R}^d$$

R

d

with $$n^{d-1}e^{\Omega ({\sqrt{\log n}})}$$

n

d
-
1

e

Ω
(

log
n

)

halving hyperplanes. Our lower bounds are asymptotically the same as the best known lower bounds for general point sets.
Cost analysis in a randomized trial of early closure of a temporary ileostomy after rectal resection for cancer (EASY trial)
Authors: Park Jennifer , Angenete Eva , Bock David , Correa-Marinez Adiela , Danielsen Anne K. , Gehrman Jacob , Haglind Eva , Jansen Jens E. , Skullman Stefan , Wedin Anette , Rosenberg Jacob
Published: March 2019

Background

Hospital costs associated with the treatment of rectal cancer are considerable and the formation of a temporary stoma accounts for additional costs. Results from the EASY trial showed that early closure of a temporary ileostomy was associated with significantly fewer postoperative complications but no difference in health-related quality of life up to 12 months after rectal resection. The aim of the present study was to perform a cost analysis within the framework of the EASY trial.

Methods

Early closure (8–13 days) of a temporary stoma was compared to late closure (> 12 weeks) in the randomized controlled trial EASY (NCT01287637). The study period and follow-up was 12 months after rectal resection. Inclusion of participants was made after index surgery. Exclusion criteria were diabetes mellitus, steroid treatment, signs of postoperative complications or anastomotic leakage. Clinical effectiveness and resource use were derived from the trial and unit costs from Swedish sources. Costs were calculated for the year 2016 and analysed from the perspective of the healthcare sector.

Results

Fifty-five patients underwent early closure, and 57 late closure in eight Swedish and Danish hospitals between 2011 and 2014. The difference in mean cost per patient was 4060 US dollar (95% confidence interval 1121; 6999, p value < 0.01) in favour of early closure. A sensitivity analysis, taking protocol-driven examinations into account, resulted in an overall difference in mean cost per patient of $3608, in favour of early closure (95% confidence interval 668; 6549, p value 0.02). The predominant cost factors were reoperations, readmissions and endoscopic examinations.

Conclusions

The significant cost reduction in this study, together with results of safety and efficacy from the randomized controlled trial, supports the routine use of early closure of a temporary ileostomy after rectal resection for cancer in selected patients without signs of anastomotic leakage.

Clinical trial

Registered at clinicaltrials.gov, clinical trials identifier NCT01287637.
Photostable and Biocompatible Fluorescent Silicon Nanoparticles for Imaging-Guided Co-Delivery of siRNA and Doxorubicin to Drug-Resistant Cancer Cells
Authors: Guo Daoxia , Ji Xiaoyuan , Peng Fei , Zhong Yiling , Chu Binbin , Su Yuanyuan , He Yao
Published: March 2019

The development of effective and safe vehicles to deliver small interfering RNA (siRNA) and chemotherapeutics remains a major challenge in RNA interference-based combination therapy with chemotherapeutics, which has emerged as a powerful platform to treat drug-resistant cancer cells. Herein, we describe the development of novel all-in-one fluorescent silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs)-based nanomedicine platform for imaging-guided co-delivery of siRNA and doxorubicin (DOX). This approach enhanced therapeutic efficacy in multidrug-resistant breast cancer cells (i.e., MCF-7/ADR cells). Typically, the SiNP-based nanocarriers enhanced the stability of siRNA in a biological environment (i.e., medium or RNase A) and imparted the responsive release behavior of siRNA, resulting in approximately 80% down-regulation of P-glycoprotein expression. Co-delivery of P-glycoprotein siRNA and DOX led to > 35-fold decrease in the half maximal inhibitory concentration of DOX in comparison with free DOX, indicating the pronounced therapeutic efficiency of the resultant nanocomposites for drug-resistant breast cancer cells. The intracellular time-dependent release behaviors of siRNA and DOX were revealed through tracking the strong and stable fluorescence of SiNPs. These data provide valuable information for designing effective RNA interference-based co-delivery carriers.
Duty and the Beast
Authors: Lamey Andy
Published: March 2019

The moral status of animals is a subject of controversy both within and beyond academic philosophy, especially regarding the question of whether and when it is ethical to eat meat. A commitment to animal rights and related notions of animal protection is often thought to entail a plant-based diet, but recent philosophical work challenges this view by arguing that, even if animals warrant a high degree of moral standing, we are permitted - or even obliged - to eat meat. Andy Lamey provides critical analysis of past and present dialogues surrounding animal rights, discussing topics including plant agriculture, animal cognition, and in vitro meat. He documents the trend toward a new kind of omnivorism that justifies meat-eating within a framework of animal protection, and evaluates for the first time which forms of this new omnivorism can be ethically justified, providing crucial guidance for philosophers as well as researchers in culture and agriculture.
On the time scales and structure of Lagrangian intermittency in homogeneous isotropic turbulence
Authors: Watteaux R. , Sardina G. , Brandt L. , Iudicone D.
Published: March 2019

We present a study of Lagrangian intermittency and its characteristic time scales. Using the concepts of flying and diving residence times above and below a given threshold in the magnitude of turbulence quantities, we infer the time spectra of the Lagrangian temporal fluctuations of dissipation, acceleration and enstrophy by means of a direct numerical simulation in homogeneous and isotropic turbulence. We then relate these time scales, first, to the presence of extreme events in turbulence and, second, to the local flow characteristics. Analyses confirm the existence in turbulent quantities of holes mirroring bursts, both of which are at the core of what constitutes Lagrangian intermittency. It is shown that holes are associated with quiescent laminar regions of the flow. Moreover, Lagrangian holes occur over few Kolmogorov time scales while Lagrangian bursts happen over longer periods scaling with the global decorrelation time scale, hence showing that loss of the history of the turbulence quantities along particle trajectories in turbulence is not continuous. Such a characteristic partially explains why current Lagrangian stochastic models fail at reproducing our results. More generally, the Lagrangian dataset of residence times shown here represents another manner for qualifying the accuracy of models. We also deliver a theoretical approximation of mean residence times, which highlights the importance of the correlation between turbulence quantities and their time derivatives in setting temporal statistics. Finally, whether in a hole or a burst, the straining structure along particle trajectories always evolves self-similarly (in a statistical sense) from shearless two-dimensional to shear bi-axial configurations. We speculate that this latter configuration represents the optimum manner to dissipate locally the available energy.
Capillary waves control the ejection of bubble bursting jets
Authors: Gordillo J. M. , Rodríguez-Rodríguez J.
Published: March 2019

Here we provide a theoretical framework describing the generation of the fast jet ejected vertically out of a liquid when a bubble, resting on a liquid–gas interface, bursts. The self-consistent physical mechanism presented here explains the emergence of the liquid jet as a consequence of the collapse of the gas cavity driven by the low capillary pressures that appear suddenly around its base when the cap, the thin film separating the bubble from the ambient gas, pinches. The resulting pressure gradient deforms the bubble which, at the moment of jet ejection, adopts the shape of a truncated cone. The dynamics near the lower base of the cone, and thus the jet ejection process, is determined by the wavelength $\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}^{\ast }$ of the smallest capillary wave created during the coalescence of the bubble with the atmosphere which is not attenuated by viscosity. The minimum radius at the lower base of the cone decreases, and hence the capillary suction and the associated radial velocities increase, with the wavelength $\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}^{\ast }$. We show that $\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}^{\ast }$ increases with viscosity as $\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}^{\ast }\propto Oh^{1/2}$ for $Oh\lesssim O(0.01)$, with $Oh=\unicode[STIX]{x1D707}/\sqrt{\unicode[STIX]{x1D70C}R\unicode[STIX]{x1D70E}}$ the Ohnesorge number, $R$ the bubble radius and $\unicode[STIX]{x1D70C}$, $\unicode[STIX]{x1D707}$ and $\unicode[STIX]{x1D70E}$ indicating respectively the liquid density, viscosity and interfacial tension coefficient. The velocity of the extremely fast and thin jet can be calculated as the flow generated by a continuous line of sinks extending along the axis of symmetry a distance proportional to $\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}^{\ast }$. We find that the jet velocity increases with the Ohnesorge number and reaches a maximum for $Oh=Oh_{c}$, the value for which the crest of the capillary wave reaches the vertex of the cone, and which depends on the Bond number $Bo=\unicode[STIX]{x1D70C}gR^{2}/\unicode[STIX]{x1D70E}$. For $Oh>Oh_{c}$, the jet is ejected after a bubble is pinched off; in this regime, viscosity delays the formation of the jet, which is thereafter emitted at a velocity which is inversely proportional to the liquid viscosity.
Value of faith: Religious entrepreneurs and corporate longevity
Authors: Du Xingqiang , Zeng Quan , Chang Yingying , Du Yingjie
Published: March 2019

Using the data on the religious belief of entrepreneurs in Chinese family firms, this study shows that religious entrepreneurs significantly positively affect corporate longevity, echoing the view that religious entrepreneurs can obtain managerial skills and share managerial knowledge about corporate operation through the conduit of religious attendance, and thus firms with religious entrepreneurs are more long-lived. Moreover, the development of factor markets across different provinces in China reinforces this positive relation between religious entrepreneurs and corporate longevity. Furthermore, qualitatively similar results can be found from various robustness tests, and our conclusions still stand after controlling for the potential selection bias in the research sample. Lastly, after differentiating different religious beliefs, the positive relation between religious entrepreneurs and corporate longevity is only valid for Western religious beliefs (but not for Eastern religious beliefs), and the reinforced role of the development of factor markets only stands for Eastern religious beliefs.
The anatomy of controversy, from Charlottesville to Rome
Authors: Arthurs Joshua
Published: March 2019

This article compares two recent memory controversies in the United States and Italy – the removal of the Robert E. Lee statue in Charlottesville, Virginia and the Legge Fiano, the abortive ban on Fascist propaganda proposed by Emanuele Fiano and the Partito Democratico – in order to identify a common set of challenges now confronting liberal democracies on both sides of the Atlantic. While acknowledging the longue durée of memory politics surrounding the Confederacy and Fascism respectively, the article argues that disputes over their monuments and symbols must also be situated in terms of contemporary debates over national identity, race, populism, citizenship and speech.
Muckenhoupt Class Weight Decomposition and BMO Distance to Bounded Functions
Authors: Nielsen Morten , Šikić Hrvoje
Published: March 2019

We study the connection between the MuckenhouptApweights and bounded mean oscillation (BMO) for general bases for ℝd. New classes of bases are introduced that allow for several deep results on the Muckenhoupt weights–BMO connection to hold in a very general form. The John–Nirenberg type inequality and its consequences are valid for the new class of Calderón–Zygmund bases which includes cubes in ℝd, but also the basis of rectangles in ℝd. Of particular interest to us is the Garnett–Jones theorem on the BMO distance, which is valid for cubes. We prove that the theorem is equivalent to the newly introducedA2-decomposition property of bases. Several sufficient conditions for the theorem to hold are analysed as well. However, the question whether the theorem fully holds for rectangles remains open.
n-T-COTORSION-FREE MODULES
Authors: LIU DAJUN , WEI JIAQUN
Published: March 2019

In order to better unify the tilting theory and the Auslander–Reiten theory, Xi introduced a general transpose called the relative transpose. Originating from this, we introduce and study the cotranspose of modules with respect to a left A-module T called n-T-cotorsion-free modules. Also, we give many properties and characteristics of n-T-cotorsion-free modules under the help of semi-Wakamatsu-tilting modules AT.
Generation of second harmonics of intense Hermite–Gaussian laser beam in relativistic plasma
Authors: Wadhwa Jyoti , Singh Arvinder
Published: March 2019

In this paper, the scheme of generation of second harmonics of incident electromagnetic wave having a Hermite–Gaussian intensity profile in an under dense relativistic plasma has been presented. The relativistic mass variation of electrons by the intense electric field of incident beam generates the density gradients in background plasma which further excites the electron plasma wave (EPW) at resonant frequency and coupling of the EPW with the incident beam results in the generation of second harmonics of incident beam. Propagation dynamics of the Hermite–Gaussian laser beam in plasma has been studied by the formulation of differential equation for the spot size of the laser beam with the help of method of moments. Numerical simulations have been carried out to solve the differential equation for the dimensionless beam width parameters. Solution of the nonlinear wave equation for the electric field vector of second harmonics of incident beam gives the expression for second-harmonic yield. It has been observed that second-harmonic yield is affected by the different modes of Hermite–Gaussian laser beam in relativistic plasma.
Gender-related differences in patients with bipolar disorder: a nationwide study
Authors: Buoli Massimiliano , Cesana Bruno Mario , Dell’Osso Bernardo , Fagiolini Andrea , de Bartolomeis Andrea , Bondi Emi , Maina Giuseppe , Bellomo Antonello , Altamura A. Carlo
Published: March 2019

Objective

The possible presence of gender-related differences in patients with bipolar disorder (BD) may have diagnostic and therapeutic implications. This multicenter study aimed to investigate gender differences in BD in the largest Italian database collected to date, on behalf of the Italian Chapter of the International Society of Bipolar Disorders.

Methods

A total of 1674 patients (males: n = 714; females: n = 960) from different psychiatric departments were compared according to gender on demographic/clinical variables. Owing to the large number of variables statistically related to the dependent variable (gender) at the univariate analyses, preliminary multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. A final multivariable logistic regression was then performed, considering gender as the dependent variable and statistically significant demographic/clinical characteristics as independent variables.

Results

The results of the final multivariable logistic regression analysis with previous statistically significant demographic and clinical variables were the following: female gender was less frequently associated with employment (odds ratio [OR] = 0.7,P< 0.01), lifetime single marital status (OR = 0.45,P< 0.01), and substance abuse in the last year (OR = 0.35,P< 0.01), whereas it was more frequently associated with a major number of lifetime major depressive episodes (OR = 1.78,P< 0.01) and psychiatric visits in the last year (OR = 1.38,P= 0.01).

Conclusion

Few significant differences were found between genders in BD, particularly for those clinical features that are associated with poor prognosis (substance abuse for males and number of depressive episodes for females). Transcultural studies are needed to identify cultural versus illness-related variables possibly explaining the different clinical presentation of BD in relation to gender.
Reactively-loaded non-periodic slow-wave artificial transmission lines for stop band bandwidth enhancement: application to power splitters
Authors: Coromina Jan , Vélez Paris , Bonache Jordi , Aznar-Ballesta Francisco , Fernández-Prieto Armando , Martín Ferran
Published: March 2019

This paper presents slow-wave transmission lines based on non-periodic reactive loading. Specifically, the loading elements are stepped impedance shunt stubs (SISS). By sacrificing periodicity using SISS tuned to different frequencies, multiple transmission zeros above the pass band arise, and the rejection level and bandwidth of the stop band is improved as compared with those of periodic structures. Through a proper design, it is possible to achieve compact lines, simultaneously providing the required electrical length and characteristic impedance at the design frequency (dictated by specifications), and efficiently filtering the response at higher frequencies. These lines are applied to the design of a compact power splitter with filtering capability in this work. The length of the splitter, based on a 35.35 Ω impedance inverter, is reduced by a factor of roughly two. Moreover, harmonic suppression better than 20 dB up to the fourth harmonic is achieved.
Does the Use of Gender-Fair Language Influence the Comprehensibility of Texts?
Authors: Friedrich Marcus C. G. , Heise Elke
Published: March 2019

Abstract. In many languages masculine nouns and pronouns can be interpreted to refer to both male and female referents. However, even when the authors expressly point out that masculine forms are being used to refer to both women and men, readers and listeners predominantly form mental images of men. A gender-fair language that uses either masculine and feminine forms or gender-neutral forms to refer to women and men more equally elicits mental images of women and men. Critics often argue, however, that gender-fair language makes texts less comprehensible (readable). The present study tests this assumption for the German language: 355 students read a randomly assigned text that either used masculine-only forms or consistently used both masculine and feminine forms. After that, they answered the comprehensibility questionnaire by Friedrich (2017) . Participants who had read a text in gender-fair language did not give statistically significant lower ratings of comprehensibility than participants who had read a text that used masculine-only forms (partial η2 < .01; p > .05). The results indicate that the use of gender-fair language does not impair the comprehensibility of texts.
Dark Triad Traits Within the Framework of the Circumplex of Personality Metatraits Model
Authors: Rogoza Radosław , Kowalski Christopher Marcin , Schermer Julie Aitken
Published: March 2019

Abstract. The present study attempts to locate the Dark Triad traits within the space of the Circumplex of Personality Metatraits Model. The study was conducted on a sample of 339 adolescents (48.2% females) in Poland, which were administered the Circumplex of Personality Metatraits Questionnaire and two measures of the Dark Triad traits, the Short Dark Triad (SD3; Jones & Paulhus, 2014 ), and the Narcissistic Admiration and Rivalry Questionnaire (NARQ; Back et al., 2013 ). We hypothesized that psychopathy and Machiavellianism will be located near Alpha-Minus (Disinhibition), while narcissism will be located near Delta-Minus (Sensation Seeking). Moreover, we expected that the two narcissistic strategies of narcissistic admiration and rivalry will be located near Beta-Plus (Plasticity) and Alpha-Minus, respectively. The hypotheses were tested using the Structural Summary Method, of which the results mostly corroborated our expectations. The overlap of Machiavellianism and psychopathy, as well as narcissism’s place in the Dark Triad, is discussed.
Characterization of Regional‐Scale CO2 Transport Uncertainties in an Ensemble with Flow‐Dependent Transport Errors
Authors: Chen Hans W. , Zhang Fuqing , Lauvaux Thomas , Davis Kenneth J. , Feng Sha , Butler Martha P. , Alley Richard B.
Published: March 2019

Inference of CO2 surface fluxes using atmospheric CO2 observations in atmospheric inversions depends critically on accurate representation of atmospheric transport. Here we characterize regional‐scale CO2 transport uncertainties due to uncertainties in meteorological fields using a mesoscale atmospheric model and an ensemble of simulations with flow‐dependent transport errors. During a 1‐month summer period over North America, transport uncertainties yield an ensemble spread in instantaneous CO2 at 100 m above ground level comparable to the CO2 uncertainties resulting from 48% relative uncertainty in 3‐hourly natural CO2 fluxes. Temporal averaging reduces transport uncertainties but increases the influence of CO2 uncertainties from the lateral boundaries. The influence of CO2 background uncertainties is especially large for column‐averaged CO2. These results suggest that transport errors and CO2 background errors limit regional atmospheric inversions at two distinct timescales and that the error characteristics of transport and background errors should guide the design of regional inversion systems.
Reduced Sea Ice Production Due to Upwelled Oceanic Heat Flux in Prydz Bay, East Antarctica
Authors: Guo Guijun , Shi Jiuxin , Gao Libao , Tamura Takeshi , Williams Guy D.
Published: March 2019

The coastal shelf region of East Antarctica is hypothesized to be shielded from the offshore heat of Circumpolar Deep Water (CDW) due to the dynamic barrier of the Antarctic Slope Front. Yet modified CDW (mCDW) intrudes into the coastal environment in key locations, with impacts on dense shelf water formation and ocean/ice shelf interaction that remain largely unquantified. Using moored measurements and conductivity‐temperature‐depth‐instrumented seal hydrographic data collected in Prydz Bay, East Antarctica, we find buoyancy‐driven upwelling of mCDW into the subsurface (~50 m) layer of the southeastern embayment. Wintertime convection extends as deep as 300 m, entraining heat of the upwelled mCDW to the surface. Accumulated sensible heat supply to the surface through deep convection during June–July reduces the potential sea ice production by 45% in the Davis Polynya, demonstrating that stronger/warmer mCDW intrusions onto the shelf will likely reduce the shelf water density and threaten Antarctic Bottom Water formation.
Tsunamigenic Splay Faults Imply a Long‐Term Asperity in Southern Prince William Sound, Alaska
Authors: Liberty L. M. , Brothers D. S. , Haeussler P. J.
Published: March 2019

Coseismic slip partitioning and uplift over multiple earthquake cycles is critical to understanding upper‐plate fault development. Bathymetric and seismic reflection data from the 1964 Mw9.2 Great Alaska earthquake rupture area reveal sea floor scarps along the tsunamigenic Patton Bay/Cape Cleare/Middleton Island fault system. The faults splay from a megathrust where duplexing and underplating produced rapid exhumation. Trenchward of the duplex region, the faults produce a complex deformation pattern from oblique, south‐directed shortening at the Yakutat‐Pacific plate boundary. Spatial and temporal fault patterns suggest that Holocene megathrust earthquakes had similar relative motions and thus similar tsunami sources as in 1964. Tsunamis during future earthquakes will likely produce similar run‐up patterns and travel times. Splay fault surface expressions thus relate to plate boundary conditions, indicating millennial‐scale persistence of this asperity. We suggest structure of the subducted slab directly influences splay fault and tsunami generation landward of the frontal subduction zone prism.
Formation of a New Great Dark Spot on Neptune in 2018
Authors: Simon A. A. , Wong M. H. , Hsu A. I.
Published: March 2019

For the first time, Hubble Space Telescope visible‐wavelength imaging shows the formation history of a dark vortex on Neptune. A new northern Great Dark Spot (NDS‐2018) was discovered in September and November 2018 images, spanning roughly 12° of latitude and 27° in longitude (11,000 × 5,000 km) at 23°N planetographic latitude. NDS‐2018 is similar in size, shape, and longitudinal drift rate as the Voyager 2 Great Dark Spot near 22°S. NDS‐2018 was prominent in blue‐wavelength November 2018 images and drifted at 2.46°/hr westward. Yearly global maps demonstrate possibly related cloud activity in prior years. The drift rate and formation history of the dark vortex indicates a deep origin. We estimate that the north‐south gradient in zonal wind speed is almost 4 times larger at the depth of the dark vortex, compared with cloud‐tracked zonal winds.
CADM1 is a TWIST1-regulated suppressor of invasion and survival
Authors: Hartsough Edward J. , Weiss Michele B. , Heilman Shea A. , Purwin Timothy J. , Kugel Curtis H. , Rosenbaum Sheera R. , Erkes Dan A. , Tiago Manoela , HooKim Kim , Chervoneva Inna , Aplin Andrew E.
Published: March 2019

Metastatic cancer remains a clinical challenge; however, patients diagnosed prior to metastatic dissemination have a good prognosis. The transcription factor, TWIST1 has been implicated in enhancing the migration and invasion steps within the metastatic cascade, but the range of TWIST1-regulated targets is poorly described. In this study, we performed expression profiling to identify the TWIST1-regulated transcriptome of melanoma cells. Gene ontology pathway analysis revealed that TWIST1 and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) were inversely correlated with levels of cell adhesion molecule 1 (CADM1). Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) studies and promoter assays demonstrated that TWIST1 physically interacts with the CADM1 promoter, suggesting TWIST1 directly represses CADM1 levels. Increased expression of CADM1 resulted in significant inhibition of motility and invasiveness of melanoma cells. In addition, elevated CADM1 elicited caspase-independent cell death in non-adherent conditions. Expression array analysis suggests that CADM1 directed non-adherent cell death is associated with loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and subsequent failure of oxidative phosphorylation pathways. Importantly, tissue microarray analysis and clinical data from TCGA indicate that CADM1 expression is inversely associated with melanoma progression and positively correlated with better overall survival in patients. Together, these data suggest that CADM1 exerts tumor suppressive functions in melanoma by reducing invasive potential and may be considered a biomarker for favorable prognosis.
MicroRNA-129 modulates neuronal migration by targeting Fmr1 in the developing mouse cortex
Authors: Wu Chao , Zhang Xiaoling , Chen Pan , Ruan Xiangbin , Liu Wei , Li Yanchao , Sun Changjie , Hou Lin , Yin Bin , Qiang Boqin , Shu Pengcheng , Peng Xiaozhong
Published: March 2019

During cortical development, neuronal migration is one of the most important steps for normal cortical formation and function, and defects in this process cause many brain diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this process remain largely unknown. In this study, we found that miR-129-5p and miR-129-3p were expressed in both neural progenitor cells and cortical neurons in the developing murine cortex. Moreover, abnormal miR-129 expression could block radial migration of both the deeper layer and upper layer neurons, and impair the multipolar to bipolar transition. However, antagomir-mediated inhibition resulted in overmigration of neurons. In addition, we showed that Fragile X Mental Retardation gene 1 (Fmr1), which is mutated in the autism spectrum disorder fragile X syndrome, is an important regulatory target for miR-129-5p. Furthermore, Fmr1 loss-of-function and gain-of-function experiments showed opposite effects on miR-129 regulation of neuronal migration, and restoring Fmr1 expression could counteract the deleterious effect of miR-129 on neuronal migration. Taken together, our results suggest that miR-129-5p could modulate the expression of fragile X mental retardation 1 protein (FMRP) to ensure normal neuron positioning in the developing cerebral cortex.
Inhibition of DYRK1A-EGFR axis by p53-MDM2 cascade mediates the induction of cellular senescence
Authors: Xu Xiuhua , Liu Qiao , Zhang Chen , Ren Shuai , Xu Limei , Zhao Zixiao , Dou Hao , Li Peishan , Zhang Xiyu , Gong Yaoqin , Shao Changshun
Published: March 2019

Activation of p53 may induce apoptosis or cellular senescence in stressed cells. We here report that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is downregulated by p53 activation in a subset of cancer cell lines, and this EGFR downregulation mediates cellular senescence caused by p53 activation. EGFR confers resistance to senescence by sustaining the ERK signaling. DYRK1A (dual-specificity tyrosine-phosphorylated and tyrosine-regulated kinase 1A), an EGFR-stabilizing kinase, is downregulated by p53 and, when ectopically expressed, can attenuate p53 activation-induced EGFR reduction and cellular senescence. We further showed that the increased degradation of DYRK1A caused by p53 activation was mediated by MDM2. MDM2 was found to physically interact with and ubiquitinate DYRK1A, ultimately leading to its proteosomal degradation. Importantly, administration of Nutlin-3a, which disrupts the binding of MDM2 to p53, but not that of MDM2 to DYRK1A, reduced the levels of DYRK1A and EGFR, induced senescence, and inhibited growth of tumor xenografts formed by U87 glioblastoma cells. Ectopic expression of EGFR in tumor xenografts attenuated senescence and tumor reduction caused by Nultin-3a. Our findings thus established a novel link between p53 and EGFR and may have implications in p53 activation-based therapies.
A novel splicing mutation in SLC9A6 in a boy with Christianson syndrome
Authors: Ieda Daisuke , Hori Ikumi , Nakamura Yuji , Ohashi Kei , Negishi Yutaka , Hattori Ayako , Arisaka Atsuko , Hasegawa Setsuko , Saitoh Shinji
Published: March 2019

A loss of function mutation in SLC9A6 (Xq26.3) is responsible for Christianson syndrome in males. We identified a novel splicing mutation (NM_006359.2:c.1141-8C>A) of SLC9A6 in a seven-year-old boy with microcephaly, severe developmental delay, and intractable epilepsy. Functional analysis found multiple aberrant transcripts, none of which maintained the canonical open reading frame. Computer prediction tools, however, failed to detect all of the aberrant transcripts.
ZEB1 protects skeletal muscle from damage and is required for its regeneration
Authors: Siles Laura , Ninfali Chiara , Cortés Marlies , Darling Douglas S. , Postigo Antonio
Published: March 2019

The mechanisms linking muscle injury and regeneration are not fully understood. Here we report an unexpected role for ZEB1 regulating inflammatory and repair responses in dystrophic and acutely injured muscles. ZEB1 is upregulated in the undamaged and regenerating myofibers of injured muscles. Compared to wild-type counterparts, Zeb1-deficient injured muscles exhibit enhanced damage that corresponds with a retarded p38-MAPK-dependent transition of their macrophages towards an anti-inflammatory phenotype. Zeb1-deficient injured muscles also display a delayed and poorer regeneration that is accounted by the retarded anti-inflammatory macrophage transition and their intrinsically deficient muscle satellite cells (MuSCs). Macrophages in Zeb1-deficient injured muscles show lower phosphorylation of p38 and its forced activation reverts the enhanced muscle damage and poorer regeneration. MuSCs require ZEB1 to maintain their quiescence, prevent their premature activation following injury, and drive efficient regeneration in dystrophic muscles. These data indicate that ZEB1 protects muscle from damage and is required for its regeneration.
Two-dimensional molecular brush-functionalized porous bilayer composite separators toward ultrastable high-current density lithium metal anodes
Authors: Li Chuanfa , Liu Shaohong , Shi Chenguang , Liang Ganghao , Lu Zhitao , Fu Ruowen , Wu Dingcai
Published: March 2019

Lithium metal batteries have been considerably limited by the problems of uncontrolled dendritic lithium formation and the highly reactive nature of lithium with electrolytes. Herein, we have developed functional porous bilayer composite separators by simply blade-coating polyacrylamide-grafted graphene oxide molecular brushes onto commercial polypropylene separators. Our functional porous bilayer composite separators integrate the lithiophilic feature of hairy polyacrylamide chains and fast electrolyte diffusion pathways with the excellent mechanical strength of graphene oxide nanosheets and thus enable molecular-level homogeneous and fast lithium ionic flux on the surfaces of electrodes. As a result, dendrite-free uniform lithium deposition with a high Coulombic efficiency (98%) and ultralong-term reversible lithium plating/stripping (over 2600 h) at a high current density (2 mA cm−2) are achieved for lithium metal anodes. Remarkably, lithium metal anodes with an unprecedented stability of more than 1900 h cycling at an ultrahigh current density of 20 mA cm−2 are demonstrated.
The measurement postulates of quantum mechanics are operationally redundant
Authors: Masanes Lluís , Galley Thomas D. , Müller Markus P.
Published: March 2019

Understanding the core content of quantum mechanics requires us to disentangle the hidden logical relationships between the postulates of this theory. Here we show that the mathematical structure of quantum measurements, the formula for assigning outcome probabilities (Born’s rule) and the post-measurement state-update rule, can be deduced from the other quantum postulates, often referred to as “unitary quantum mechanics”, and the assumption that ensembles on finite-dimensional Hilbert spaces are characterized by finitely many parameters. This is achieved by taking an operational approach to physical theories, and using the fact that the manner in which a physical system is partitioned into subsystems is a subjective choice of the observer, and hence should not affect the predictions of the theory. In contrast to other approaches, our result does not assume that measurements are related to operators or bases, it does not rely on the universality of quantum mechanics, and it is independent of the interpretation of probability.
Improving the Assessment of Breath-Holding Induced Cerebral Vascular Reactivity Using a Multiband Multi-echo ASL/BOLD Sequence
Authors: Cohen Alexander D. , Wang Yang
Published: March 2019

Breath holding (BH) is a viable vasodilatory stimulus for calculating functional MRI-derived cerebral vascular reactivity (CVR). The BH technique suffers from reduced repeatability compared with gas inhalation techniques; however, extra equipment is needed to perform gas inhalation techniques, and this equipment is not available at all institutions. This study aimed to determine the sensitivity and repeatability of BH activation and CVR using a multiband multi-echo simultaneous arterial spin labelling/blood oxygenation level dependent (ASL/BOLD) sequence. Whole-brain images were acquired in 14 volunteers. Ten subjects returned for repeat imaging. Each subject performed four cycles of 16 s BH on expiration interleaved with paced breathing. Following standard preprocessing, the echoes were combined using a T2*-weighted approach. BOLD and ASL BH activation was computed, and CVR was then determined as the percent signal change related to the activation. The “M” parameter from the Davis Model was also computed by incorporating the ASL signal. Our results showed higher BH activation strength, volume, and repeatability for the combined multi-echo (MEC) data compared with the single-echo data. MEC CVR also had higher repeatability, sensitivity, specificity, and reliability compared with the single-echo BOLD data. These data support the usefulness of an MBME ASL/BOLD acquisition for BH CVR and M measurements.
Effects of endophytic fungi diversity in different coniferous species on the colonization of Sirex noctilio (Hymenoptera: Siricidae)
Authors: Wang Lixiang , Ren Lili , Li Chunchun , Gao Chenglong , Liu Xiaobo , Wang Ming , Luo Youqing
Published: March 2019

Diversity of endophyte communities of the host tree affects the oviposition behavior of Sirex noctilio and the growth of its symbiotic fungus Amylostereum areolatum. In this study, we evaluated the structure and distribution of endophyte communities in the host tree (Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica) of S. noctilio and eight potential host tree species in China. Overall, 1626 fungal strains were identified by using internal transcribed spacer sequencing and morphological features. Each tree species harbored a fungal endophyte community with a unique structure, with the genus Trichoderma common to different communities. The isolation and colonization rate of endophytes from Pinus tabulaeformis, followed by P. sylvestris var. mongolica, were lower than those of other species. The proportion of endophytic fungi that strongly inhibited S. noctilio and symbiotic fungus growth was significantly lower in P. tabulaeformis, P. sylvestris var. mongolica and P. yunnanensis. Further, the diversity of the endophyte communities appeared to be predominantly influenced by tree species and the region, and, to a lesser extent, by the trunk height. Collectively, the data indicated that P. tabulaeformis might be at a higher risk of invasion and colonization by S. noctilio than other trees.
Dyslexia and age related effects in the neurometabolites concentration in the visual and temporo-parietal cortex
Authors: Kossowski Bartosz , Chyl Katarzyna , Kacprzak Agnieszka , Bogorodzki Piotr , Jednoróg Katarzyna
Published: March 2019

Several etiological theories, in particular neuronal noise and impaired auditory sampling, predicted neurotransmission deficits in dyslexia. Neurometabolites also affect white matter microstructure, where abnormalities were previously reported in dyslexia. However findings from only few magnetic resonance spectroscopy studies using diverse age groups, different brain regions, data processing and reference scaling are inconsistent. We used MEGA-PRESS single-voxel spectroscopy in two ROIs: left temporo-parietal and occipital cortex in 36 adults and 52 children, where half in each group had dyslexia. Dyslexics, on average, had significantly lower total N-acetylaspartate (tNAA) than controls in the occipital cortex. Adults compared to children were characterized by higher choline and creatine in both areas, higher tNAA in left temporo-parietal and lower glutamate in the visual cortex, reflecting maturational changes in cortical microstructure and metabolism. Although the current findings do not support the proposed etiological theories of dyslexia, they show, for the first time, that tNAA, considered to be a neurochemical correlate of white matter integrity, is deficient in the visual cortex in both children and adults with dyslexia. They also point that several neurotransmitters, including ones previously used as reference, change with age.
Homoclinic and Heteroclinic Orbits in Climbing Cucumber Tendrils
Authors: Feng Jingjing , Zhang Wei , Liu Cheng , Guo Ming , Zhang Chunqiu
Published: March 2019

Many biomaterials utilize chiral growth to imitate biological functions. A prominent example can be found in growing cucumbers, which use tendrils as winding support for both fixation and climbing. A number of tendril-mimicking materials and artificial plant-like mechanical machines have been developed to imitate tendril deformation. However, tendrils tend to not only show spiral or parallel shapes, but also a combination of both configurations. It remains unclear whether these morphologies are regular and how they form mechanically. Here, the morphology of climbing tendrils as a complex nonlinear phenomenon is investigated via experimental and theoretical approaches. The results of the experiments clarify the relationship between tendril morphologies and actual tendril growth as well as relevant stress characteristics during the climbing of a support by the tendril, and their mechanical properties. On this basis, the three-dimensional configuration problem of a cylinder-constrained rod has been utilized to describe the phenomenon of a tendril climbing support. The phenomena of spiral and parallel configuration combinations in tendrils could be effectively explained by studying similar homoclinic and heteroclinic orbits. Applying these results accurately guides the development of mimicking material.
Carfilzomib enhances cisplatin-induced apoptosis in SK-N-BE(2)-M17 human neuroblastoma cells
Authors: Lee Song-I , Jeong Yeon Ju , Yu Ah-Ran , Kwak Hyeok Jin , Cha Ji-Young , Kang Insug , Yeo Eui-Ju
Published: March 2019

Neuroblastoma is a solid malignant tumor of the sympathetic nervous system, which accounts for 8–10% of childhood cancers. Considering the overall high risk and poor prognosis associated with neuroblastoma, effective therapeutics should be developed to improve patient survival and quality of life. A recent study showed that a proteasome inhibitor, carfilzomib (CFZ), reduced cell viability of SK-N-BE(2)-M17 neuroblastoma cells. Therefore, we investigated the molecular mechanisms by which CFZ lower the cell viability of neuroblastoma cells. CFZ reduced cell viability via cell cycle arrest at G2/M and apoptosis, which involved caspase activation (caspases-8, 9, 4, and 3), endoplasmic reticulum stress, reactive oxygen species production, mitochondrial membrane potential loss, and autophagy in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The effect of CFZ was additive to that of cisplatin (Cis), a well-known chemotherapeutic drug, in terms of cell viability reduction, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis. Importantly, the additive effect of CFZ was maintained in Cis-resistant neuroblastoma cells. These results suggest that CFZ can be used in combination therapy for patients with neuroblastoma to overcome the resistance and adverse side effects of Cis.
The ventromedial prefrontal cortex is particularly responsive to social evaluations requiring the use of person-knowledge
Authors: Dang Tzipporah P. , Mattan Bradley D. , Kubota Jennifer T. , Cloutier Jasmin
Published: March 2019

Humans can rely on diverse sources of information to evaluate others, including knowledge (e.g., occupation, likes and dislikes, education, etc.) and perceptual cues (e.g., attractiveness, race, etc.). Previous research has identified brain regions supporting person evaluations, but are evaluations based on perceptual cues versus person-knowledge processed differently? Moreover, are neural responses consistent when person-knowledge is available but unnecessary for the evaluation? This fMRI study examined how the use and availability of person-knowledge shapes the neural underpinnings of social evaluations. Participants evaluated well-known actors based on attractiveness or body of work (i.e., person-knowledge) and unknown models based on attractiveness only. Analyses focused on the VMPFC, following research implicating this region in positive evaluations based on person-knowledge. The VMPFC was sensitive to the (1) availability of person-knowledge, showing greater responses as ratings became more positive for actors (but not models) regardless of rating dimension and (2) use of available person-knowledge, showing greater activity as ratings for likability based on body of work became more positive for actors versus models rated on attractiveness. These findings indicate that although brain regions supporting person evaluation are sensitive to the availability to person-knowledge, they are even more responsive when judgments require the use of available person-knowledge.