bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emulsion Copolymerization of Styrene With n‐Butyl Acrylate and Methacrylic Acid: Effect of Kraft Lignin Concentration and Peroxide Treatment on the Colloidal Properties
Authors: Messmer Nigel Roderick , Nahra Lara Robert , Oliveira Maurício Pinheiro
Published: February 2019

The focus of this work is to understand the effect of Kraft lignin (KL) treatment with tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) and sodium formaldehyde sulfoxylate (SFS) on the properties of the latexes produced by emulsion copolymerization of styrene (Sty) with n‐butyl acrylate (BuA) and methacrylic acid (MAA), with initiator introduced in a shot process. The study intends to understand the effect of KL concentration after peroxide treatment on the properties not only of the latexes, but also on the copolymers themselves. Latexes were characterized in relation to global conversion, average particle size, zeta potential, coagulum concentration, surface tension and latex stability. The polymers were evaluated through molar mass and molar mass distributions, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. The solubility of the KL in water and water/glycol were presented as a function of pH and KL concentration. Stable latexes were produced via emulsion copolymerization with different amounts of KL. The redox initiator system employed in the KL treatment was not efficient to obtain higher conversions. The increase of the KL concentration caused reduction of overall conversion, particle diameter, stability, molar mass and zeta potential. Among the concentrations tested, the greatest concentration of KL, 6.8 wt% relative to the mass of monomer, exhibited the greatest effect on the properties of the latexes and polymers.
Study of Ashes from Pachystroma longifolium Leaf as Stabilizer For PVC Exposed to γ‐Irradiation
Authors: de Carvalho Fernando H. A. , Barbosa de Souza Paulo Fernandes , da Silva Lindomar A. , de França Elvis J. , Araújo Elmo S. , da Silva Santos Renata Francisca , da Silva Aquino Kátia Aparecida
Published: February 2019

We describe the use of Pachystroma longifolium (Nees) I. M. Johnst, commonly called canxim, as a radiolytic stabilizer of PVC exposed to γ‐irradiation. Results obtained by viscosity analysis shows that ashes from canxim leaves at the concentration of 0.7 wt% provided macromolecular radioprotective action of 88.2% to the PVC. FT‐IR spectra analysis reveals the existence of specific intermolecular interactions between PVC and canxim ashes. Furthermore, thermogravimetric analysis shows that canxim can also be a potential thermal stabilizer for PVC matrix. Hence, we suggest that canxim have interesting applications in radiolytic and thermal stabilization of PVC.
Improving Thermosolar Energy Storage with Biodegradable Polyester Nanocomposite Phase Change Materials
Authors: Silva Valdilene O. , Lima Thaíses B.S. , Aquino Katia A.S. , da Silveira Filho Elmo D. , Araujo Elmo S. , Araujo Patricia L. B.
Published: February 2019

Form‐stable solid‐liquid phase change materials (FSSL‐PCM) are capable of latent heat storage by absorbing thermal energy at constant temperature while undergoing solid‐liquid state transitions. We suggest new nanocomposites based on biodegradable polyesters Poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) (PCL), Poly(3‐hidroxybutyrate) (P‐3‐HB) or their blends with Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) embedded in the nanopores of thermally expanded natural graphite (EG) as FSSL‐PCM. These nanocomposites are submitted heating‐cooling cycles, in the fusion‐crystallization temperature range, without appreciable changes in thermal stability or latent heat storage capabilities, as assessed by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy Analysis, Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). Such materials are suitable as PCMs used as storage media in solar energy‐based low‐medium temperature latent storage systems, for example, water‐heating systems, air‐heating units, solar greenhouses, among others.
Influence of heat treatment and aging on microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg‐1.8Zn‐0.7Si‐0.4Ca alloy
Authors: Shaeri M. , Taheri K.K. , Taheri A.K. , Shaeri M.H.
Published: February 2019

In order to optimize the aging treatment of Mg‐1.8Zn‐0.7Si‐0.4Ca alloy, different times and temperatures of solid solution and age hardening were applied to the alloy specimens. Microstructures and mechanical properties of the specimens were investigated using the optical microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy equipped with an energy dispersive x‐ray spectrometer, x‐ray diffraction, hardness, and shear punch tests. The lowest hardness and strength were achieved by solution treating of the alloy at 500 °C for 8 h, presenting the optimal condition for solution treatment of the alloy. The microstructural examinations revealed three different precipitates consisting of CaMgSi, Ca2Mg6Zn3, and Mg2Si in the solid solution specimens. It was found that the highest peak hardness and strength are obtained by aging the alloy at 150 °C for 16 h. This condition was confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) tests performed on the solid solution and aged specimens.
Localized deform behavior of AZ31B magnesium alloy by numerical simulation
Authors: Zhang F. , Liu Z. , Mao P. , Wang F. , Liu Y.
Published: February 2019

The dynamic compression behavior of AZ31B magnesium alloy with hat shaped specimen was investigated at high strain rate in this paper. Based on the Johnson‐cook constitutive model and fracture model, the interaction of temperature, stress and strain fields of AZ31B magnesium alloy with hat shaped specimen were numerically simulated by using ANSYS/LS‐DYNA software under different strain rates, which was validated by experiment. It is found that the plastic strain is highly concentrated on the corner of the hat shaped specimen, which leads to large localized deformation. The voids are nucleated and extended by compression stress. Work harden effect is caused by remained plastic strain, which is located around adiabatic shear band. The stress collapse is discovered in gauge section, which is also discovered in experiment. Thermal soften effect is suppressed with the strain rate increased.
Hierarchical p‐version C1 finite elements on quadrilateral and triangular domains with curved boundaries and their applications to Kirchhoff plates
Authors: Wu Yang , Xing Yufeng , Liu Bo
Published: February 2019

This work focuses on the construction of p‐version finite elements that have curve boundaries for C1 problems. Both triangular and quadrilateral elements are constructed based on the C1‐version blending function interpolation methods that are developed in this work and in the literature. Orthogonal hierarchical bases are constructed and subsequently transformed into interpolative nodal bases to facilitate the imposition of boundary conditions and the implementation of C1 conformity on curvilinear domains. Nodal collocation strategies are also studied for improving the numerical performance, and novel nonuniformly distributed nodes, namely, Gauss‐Jacobi (GJ) points, are proposed. For parallelograms and straight‐sided triangular elements, C1 continuity is exactly satisfied between neighboring elements. The difficulty of C1 conformity for elements that have curved boundaries is circumvented by interpolating the normal derivatives at Gauss‐Lobatto nodes. Moreover, with the help of the blending function interpolation method, the bases on edges and the internal modes can differ in terms of approximation order. Therefore, local p‐refinements can be easily performed by these elements. Numerical results demonstrated that these elements are computationally inexpensive and converge fast for problems with regular and irregular domains.
Social defeat stress induces phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase in the leptomeninges in mice
Authors: Okamura Satoshi , Nagai Hirotaka , Numa Chisato , Nagai Midori , Shinohara Ryota , Furuyashiki Tomoyuki
Published: February 2019

Aims

Animal studies using various stress models have shown that excessive environmental stress induces depression? and anxiety?like behaviors through inflammatory responses in the brain and periphery. Although the leptomeningeal cells have multiple functions related to inflammatory responses in the brain, whether environmental stress influences the leptomeninges remains unknown. In this study, we aimed to examine phosphorylation of the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) in the leptomeninges.

Methods

We subjected C57BL/6 male mice to a single episode of social defeat stress and analyzed the expression of phosphorylated ERK in the leptomeninges by immunohistochemistry.

Results

Social defeat stress in mice induced phosphorylation of ERK in the leptomeninges, adjacent to vascular endothelial cells and the glia limitans. This ERK phosphorylation was maintained for at least one hour after the stress.

Conclusions

This study shows the effect of environmental stress on the leptomeninges for the first time and paves the way for elucidating its functional role in stress‐induced changes in neural functions.
Quantifying and modeling the impact of interconnection failures on the electrical performance of crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules
Authors: Annigoni Eleonora , Virtuani Alessandro , Levrat Jacques , Faes Antonin , Sculati‐Meillaud Fanny , Despeisse Matthieu , Ballif Christophe
Published: February 2019

Failures in the metallic interconnections are among the main degradation modes for photovoltaic modules. Fatigue accumulation due to thermomechanical stresses can result in deterioration of the solder joints or in broken ribbons. In this paper, we first quantify experimentally how the module performance is affected when one or more cell interconnect ribbons are cut or disconnected. For this purpose, we manufactured a set of minimodules, composed by six monocrystalline silicon cells with three bus bars connected in series. Cells were encapsulated in a glass/backsheet construction, employing a polymeric (ETFE) backsheet that can be easily opened. We then sequentially cut one or more ribbons. We observe that the power loss strongly depends on the ribbon's position with respect to the cell (external or central ribbon). In a second step, we implemented an electrical model in LT‐SPICE where the solar cell is composed by three subcells (as the number of cell bus bars) and show that this model is able to reproduce the experimental results with a good accuracy. We then use the model to demonstrate that these results are directly transferable to the case of large‐area modules composed of 60 or 72 cells. Finally, we analyze the case when the disconnections are randomly distributed in the module. As a first approximation, a module with 10% of disconnections has a Pmax variation between −1.34% and −2.75% in average, while 20% of disconnections lead to a Pmax variation in the range of −2.83% and −5.64%.
N‐(3‐methoxybenzyl)‐(9Z,12Z,15Z)‐octadecatrienamide promotes bone formation via the canonical Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Ting , Sun Chun‐han , Zhong Hao‐bo , Gong Yan , Cui Zhong‐Kai , Xie Jing , Wang Yan‐peng , Liang Chuang , Cao He‐he , Chen Xiao‐rui , Zou Zhi‐peng , Li Sheng‐fa , Bai Xiao‐chun
Published: February 2019

Osteoporosis is characterized by low bone mineral density and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue. N‐(3‐methoxybenzyl)‐(9Z,12Z,15Z)‐octadecatrienamide (MBOC) is one of the macamides isolated from Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.), a cruciferous plant from the Andes of Peru. In this study, C3H/10T1/2 mesenchymal stem cells were treated with MBOC in osteogenic induction medium. An ovariectomized (OVX) mouse model was used to investigate the effect of 1‐month MBOC treatment on the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Remarkably, trabecular thickness, trabecular number, and bone volume/tissue volume of the distal femoral metaphysis were significantly increased in OVX + MBOC mice compared with OVX mice, as revealed by microcomputed tomography analysis. Trabecular separation was decreased in OVX + MBOC mice compared with OVX mice. Consistently, MBOC increased the levels of osteocalcin and runt‐related transcription factor 2 in OVX mice, as well as the expression of runt‐related transcription factor 2, osterix, and alkaline phosphatase in C3H/10T1/2 cells. Mechanistically, MBOC activates the canonical Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway via inhibiting phosphorylation of GSK‐3β at Tyr216 and maintaining β‐catenin expression. Collectively, the current study demonstrates the robustness of MBOC in the induction of mesenchymal stem cells osteogenic differentiation and consequent bone formation, suggesting that MBOC may be a potentially effective drug to treat postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Consistent truncation with dilatino condensation on nearly Kähler and Calabi-Yau manifolds
Authors: Terrisse Robin , Tsimpis Dimitrios
Published: February 2019

Abstract

We construct a consistent four-scalar truncation of ten-dimensional IIA supergravity on nearly Kähler spaces in the presence of dilatino condensates. The truncation is universal, i.e. it does not depend on any detailed features of the compactification manifold other than its nearly Kähler property, and admits a smooth limit to a universal four-scalar consistent truncation on Calabi-Yau spaces. The theory admits formal solutions with nonvanishing condensates, of the form S
1,3 × M
6, where M
6 is a six-dimensional nearly Kähler or Calabi-Yau manifold, and S
1,3 can be de Sitter, Minkowski or anti-de Sitter four-dimensional space.
Correlation functions on the Half-BPS Wilson loop: perturbation and hexagonalization
Authors: Kiryu Naoki , Komatsu Shota
Published: February 2019

Abstract

We compute correlation functions of protected primaries on the 1/2-BPS Wilson loop in

$$ \mathcal{N}=4 $$

N
=
4

super Yang-Mills theory at weak coupling. We first perform direct perturbative computation at one loop in the planar limit and present explicit formulae for general two-, three- and four-point functions. The results for two- and three-point functions as well as four-point functions in special kinematics are in perfect agreement with the localization computation performed in arXiv:1802.05201. We then analyze the results in view of the integrability-based approach called “hexagonalization”, which was introduced previously to study the correlation functions in the absence of the Wilson loop. In this approach, one decomposes the correlator into fundamental building blocks called “hexagons”, and glues them back together by summing over the intermediate states. Through the comparison, we conjecture that the correlation functions on the Wilson loop can be computed by contracting hexagons with boundary states, where each boundary state represents a segment of the Wilson loop. As a byproduct, we make predictions for the large-charge asymptotics of the structure constants on the Wilson loop. Along the way, we refine the conjecture for the integrability-based approach to the general non-BPS structure constants on the Wilson loop, proposed originally in arXiv:1706.02989.
The Geometry of the SU(2) × G2-model
Authors: Esole Mboyo , Kang Monica Jinwoo
Published: February 2019

Abstract

We study elliptic fibrations that geometrically engineer an SU(2) ×G2 gauge theory realized by a Weierstrass model for the collision III + I
0
* ns
. We find all the distinct crepant resolutions of such a model and the flops connecting them. We compute the generating function for the Euler characteristic of the SU(2) ×G2-model. In the case of a Calabi-Yau threefold, we consider the compactification of M-theory and F-theory on an SU(2) × G2-model to a five and six-dimensional supergravity theory with eight super-charges. By matching each crepant resolution with each Coulomb chamber of the five-dimensional theory, we determine the number of multiplets and compute the prepotential in each Coulomb chamber. In particular, we discuss the counting numbers of hypermultiplets in the presence of singularities. We discuss in detail the cancellation of anomalies of the six-dimensional theory.
Long strings and chiral primaries in the hybrid formalism
Authors: Eberhardt Lorenz , Ferreira Kevin
Published: February 2019

Abstract

We revisit two related phenomena in AdS3 string theory backgrounds. At pure NS-NS flux, the spectrum contains a continuum of long strings which can escape to the boundary of AdS3 at a finite cost of energy. Related to this are certain gaps in the BPS spectrum one computes from the RNS worldsheet description. One expects that both these effects disappear when perturbing slightly away from the pure NS-NS flux background. We employ the hybrid formalism for mixed flux backgrounds to demonstrate directly from the worldsheet that this is indeed the case.
Dispersal of gram-negative bacilli from contaminated sink drains to cover gowns and hands during hand washing
Authors: Hajar Zeina , Mana Thriveen Sankar Chittoor , Cadnum Jennifer L. , Donskey Curtis J.
Published: February 2019

We demonstrated that hand washing resulted in frequent dispersal of gram-negative bacilli from colonized sink drains in hospitals to cover gowns and hands. A plastic drain cover reduced but did not eliminate the risk for contamination. This mechanism of dispersal could result in contamination of healthcare personnel and patients.
Associations of dietary intake with cardiometabolic risk in a multi-ethnic cohort: a longitudinal analysis of the Determinants of Adolescence, now young Adults, Social well-being and Health (DASH) study
Authors: Goff Louise M. , Huang Peiyuan , Silva Maria J. , Bordoli Claire , Enayat Elli Z. , Molaodi Oarabile R. , Cassidy Aidan , Maynard Maria , Harding Seeromanie
Published: February 2019

Unfavourable dietary habits, such as skipping breakfast, are common among ethnic minority children and may contribute to inequalities in cardiometabolic disease. We conducted a longitudinal follow-up of a subsample of the UK multi-ethnic Determinants of Adolescent Social well-being and Health cohort, which represents the main UK ethnic groups and is now aged 21–23 years. We aimed to describe longitudinal patterns of dietary intake and investigate their impact on cardiometabolic risk in young adulthood. Participants completed a dietary behaviour questionnaire and a 24 h dietary intake recall; anthropometry, blood pressure, total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol and HbA1c were measured. The cohort consisted of 107 White British, 102 Black Caribbean, 132 Black African, 98 Indian, 111 Bangladeshi/Pakistani and 115 other/mixed ethnicity. Unhealthful dietary behaviours such as skipping breakfast and low intake of fruits and vegetables were common (56, 57 and 63 %, respectively). Rates of skipping breakfast and low fruit and vegetable consumption were highest among Black African and Black Caribbean participants. BMI and cholesterol levels at 21–23 years were higher among those who regularly skipped breakfast at 11–13 years (BMI 1·41 (95 % CI 0·57, 2·26), P=0·001; cholesterol 0·15 (95 % CI –0·01, 0·31), P=0·063) and at 21–23 years (BMI 1·05 (95 % CI 0·22, 1·89), P=0·014; cholesterol 0·22 (95 % CI 0·06, 0·37), P=0·007). Childhood breakfast skipping is more common in certain ethnic groups and is associated with cardiometabolic risk factors in young adulthood. Our findings highlight the importance of targeting interventions to improve dietary behaviours such as breakfast consumption at specific population groups.
Pawangs on the Frontier: Miracles, prophets, and divinities in the ricefields of modern Malaya
Authors: SEVEA TEREN
Published: February 2019

This article unearths two Jawi manuscripts pertaining to Muslim miracle-workers, orpawangs, who were key intermediaries of agrarian change in the interior of modern Malaya. These compendia of frontier patois are analysed to recount a history of rice worlds and environments wherein forest clearing and rice cultivation were directly associated with the Islamic esoteric science (ilmu) ofpawangs. As professional miracle-workers,pawangswere employed to spearhead a broad range of socio-economic activities in western Malaya. As pivots of cults joined by Malay peasants,pawangswere venerated as heirs of agrarian prophets and saints from earlier Islamic periods, and esteemed for their fertility rituals and miracles in contemporary forests and ricefields. This article analyses the elaborate Islamic genealogies ofpawangsand popular historical traditions that were recorded in these texts, and investigates how these documents were informative about the religio-economic sensibilities of cultivators. This article also pays particular attention to howpawangsnegotiated with a variety of Islamic and African spirits in Malayan forests, to lead forest clearing and rice production and to mobilize labourers. It further presents explorations into the social and spiritual cosmopolitanism ofpawangsand peasants upon the modern Malay frontier, whose labour and connected histories are yet to be written.
Unified Kinematics of Prismatically Actuated Parallel Delta Robots
Authors: Baran Eray A. , Ozen Ozhan , Bilgili Dogacan , Sabanovic Asif
Published: February 2019

This paper presents a unified formulation for the kinematics, singularity and workspace analyses of parallel delta robots with prismatic actuation. Unlike the existing studies, the derivations presented in this paper are made by assuming variable angles and variable link lengths. Thus, the presented scheme can be used for all of the possible linear delta robot configurations including the ones with asymmetric kinematic chains. Referring to a geometry-based derivation, the paper first formulates the position and the velocity kinematics of linear delta robots with non-iterative exact solutions. Then, all of the singular configurations are identified assuming a parametric content for the Jacobian matrix derived in the velocity kinematics section. Furthermore, a benchmark study is carried out to determine the linear delta robot configuration with the maximum cubic workspace among symmetric and semi-symmetric kinematic chains. In order to show the validity of the proposed approach, two sets of experiments are made, respectively, on the horizontal and the Keops type of linear delta robots. The experiment results for the confirmation of the presented kinematic analysis and the simulation results for the determination of the maximum cubic workspace illustrate the efficacy and the flexible applicability of the proposed framework.
The role of tumour volume as a prognostic factor in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with definitive radiotherapy
Authors: Joyce R. , O’Boyle G. , McDermott R. L. , Small C.
Published: February 2019

Background

It has been shown that patients with a greater tumour volume have poorer outcomes following definitive radiotherapy but its exact role remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of tumour volume as a prognostic indicator in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with definitive radiotherapy in a single institution over 10 years.

Methods

In total, 167 patients with NSCLC treated by definitive (chemo)radiotherapy were retrospectively reviewed between 2006 and 2015. Patient demographics, disease characteristics and tumour volume parameters were collected. Univariate analyses were carried out using Kaplan–Meier survival curves to assess the association of potential prognostic factors with the primary endpoints of overall survival (OS) rates and locoregional recurrence rates. Multivariate analyses were carried out using a Cox regression method.

Results

The median total tumour volume (TTV), defined as the gross tumour volume plus the volume of involved nodes, was 103 cm3. Patients were divided into small and large tumour groups based on this median. OS rates at 1, 3 and 5 years for smaller volumes were 69%, 24% and 13% and for larger volumes 48%, 14% and 8%, respectively. On univariate survival analyses larger TTV was significantly associated with poorer OS (p= 0·019). The concurrent use of chemotherapy significantly improved survival (p= 0·026). Nodal involvement (p= 0·03) and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (p< 0·001) were also significant independent prognostic factors of OS. On multivariate analysis TTV was strongly predictive of survival (p= 0·03; hazard ratio 1·702, 95% confidence interval 1·198–2·415). There was no association between nodal volume, tumour stages, overall stage, age, histology and radiation dose with any of the primary endpoints.

Conclusion

TTV is a significant prognostic factor in patients with advanced NSCLC treated by radical radiotherapy. In this cohort of patients TTV is more reliable at predicting survival than T stage and overall stage.
General Features of Radar‐Observed Boundary Layer Convergence Lines and Their Associated Convection Over a Sharp Vegetation‐Contrast Area
Authors: Huang Yipeng , Meng Zhiyong , Li Wanbiao , Bai Lanqiang , Meng Xuefeng
Published: February 2019

Boundary layer convergence lines (boundaries), an important trigger of convective storms, can be produced by land surface contrasts. This study explored a five‐year summertime radar climatology of boundaries and their associated convection in response to vegetation contrast around the bend of the Yellow River in North China. A total of 323 boundaries were identified with 44% being convection‐associated. The boundaries especially the convective boundaries were more frequent over the arid area than those over the vegetated area and tended to have an orientation parallel to the vegetation contrast line. The boundary activities collocated well with the diurnal variation in surface temperature difference across the vegetation contrast. Compared with the nonconvective boundaries, the convective boundaries formed earlier and moved faster into the inner arid area, obtained maximum length around midday, and then initiated convection. Vegetation contrast might also affect the high‐frequency location and magnitude of boundary‐associated convective precipitation.
Understanding the Behaviors of Thermospheric Nitric Oxide Cooling During the 15 May 2005 Geomagnetic Storm
Authors: Li Zheng , Knipp Delores , Wang Wenbin
Published: February 2019

The behaviors of thermospheric nitric oxide (NO) cooling during the 15 May 2005 intense geomagnetic storm are studied using measurements by the Sounding of the Atmosphere using Broadband Emission Radiometry instrument on board the Thermosphere‐Ionosphere‐Mesosphere Energetics and Dynamics satellite and simulations by the Thermosphere‐Ionosphere‐Electrodynamics General Circulation Model. The geomagnetic storm was the most intense (Dst = −247 nT) of 2005 with a short and rapid main phase and long‐lasting recovery (more than 3 days). NO cooling responded globally to the geomagnetic storm within 2 hr after the onset of storm main phase. The most significant NO cooling increases occurred at middle and low latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere and at middle latitudes in the Southern Hemisphere. The model outputs agree with observations in general but overestimate the NO cooling at high latitudes and underestimate the NO cooling elsewhere. Furthermore, observations show a significant upward shifting of the NO cooling peak altitude in the storm main phase and a significant downward shifting of the NO cooling peak altitude during the storm recovery phase at low latitudes. An unusual double‐peak structure in the NO cooling rate appeared during storm main phase and recovery phase. By investigating the NO cooling vertical profiles, we suggest that the horizontal equatorward transport plays an important role in inducing these significant variations of the NO cooling peak altitude.
Estimating the Likelihood of Future Temperature Extremes
Authors: Cook Terri
Published: February 2019

A prototype model allows scientists to investigate how wind eddies and other atmospheric phenomena may affect the prevalence of heat waves and cold snaps in the Southern Hemisphere.
Heart-Shaped Valentines, from Nature to You
Authors: Cartier Kimberly
Published: February 2019

Mars is red. The ocean is blue. Auroras glow bright, and Pluto loves you, too.
Brain region-specific alterations of RNA editing in PDE8A mRNA in suicide decedents
Authors: Chimienti Fabrice , Cavarec Laurent , Vincent Laurent , Salvetat Nicolas , Arango Victoria , Underwood Mark D. , Mann J. John , Pujol Jean-François , Weissmann Dinah
Published: February 2019

Phosphodiesterases (PDE) are key modulators of signal transduction and are involved in inflammatory cell activation, memory and cognition. There is a two-fold decrease in the expression of phosphodiesterase 8A (PDE8A) in the temporal cortex of major depressive disorder (MDD) patients. Here, we studied PDE8A mRNA-editing profile in two architectonically distinct neocortical regions in a clinically well-characterized cohort of age- and sex-matched non-psychiatric drug-free controls and depressed suicide decedents. By using capillary electrophoresis single-stranded conformational polymorphism (CE-SSCP), a previously validated technique to identify A-to-I RNA modifications, we report the full editing profile of PDE8A in the brain, including identification of two novel editing sites. Editing of PDE8A mRNA displayed clear regional difference when comparing dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (BA9) and anterior cingulate cortex (BA24). Furthermore, we report significant intra-regional differences between non-psychiatric control individuals and depressed suicide decedents, which could discriminate the two populations. Taken together, our results (i) highlight the importance of immune/inflammatory markers in major depressive disorder and suicide and (ii) establish a direct relationship between A-to-I RNA modifications of peripheral markers and A-to-I RNA editing-related modifications in brain. This work provides the first immune response-related brain marker for suicide and could pave the way for the identification of a blood-based biomarker that predicts suicidal behavior.
Tryptophan-kynurenine pathway attenuates β-catenin-dependent pro-parasitic role of STING-TICAM2-IRF3-IDO1 signalosome in Toxoplasma gondii infection
Authors: Majumdar Tanmay , Sharma Shagun , Kumar Manmohan , Hussain Md. Arafat , Chauhan Namita , Kalia Inderjeet , Sahu Amit Kumar , Rana Vipin Singh , Bharti Ruchi , Haldar Arun Kumar , Singh Agam P. , Mazumder Shibnath
Published: February 2019

Recent studies have documented the diverse role of host immunity in infection by the protozoan parasite,Toxoplasma gondii. However, the contribution of the β-catenin pathway in this process has not been explored. Here, we show that AKT-mediated phosphorylated β-catenin supportsT. gondiimultiplication which is arrested in the deficiency of its phosphorylation domain at S552 position. The β-catenin-TCF4 protein complex binds to the promoter region of IRF3 gene and initiates its transcription, which was also abrogated in β-catenin knockout cells. TBK-independent phosphorylation of STING(S366) and its adaptor molecule TICAM2 by phospho-AKT(T308S473) augmented downstream IRF3-dependent IDO1 transcription, which was also dependent on β-catenin. But, proteasomal degradation of IDO1 by its tyrosine phosphorylation (at Y115 and Y253) favoured parasite replication. In absence of IDO1, tryptophan was catabolized into melatonin, which supressed cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and boosted parasite growth. Conversely, when tyrosine phosphorylation was abolished by phosphosite mutations, IDO1 escaped its ubiquitin-mediated proteasomal degradation system (UPS) and the stable IDO1 prevented parasite replication by kynurenine synthesis. We propose thatT. gondiiselectively utilizes tryptophan to produce the antioxidant, melatonin, thus prolonging the survival of infected cells through functional AKT and β-catenin activity for better parasite replication. Stable IDO1 in the presence of IFN-γ catabolized tryptophan into kynurenine, promoting cell death by suppressing phospho-AKT and phospho-β-catenin levels, and circumvented parasite replication. Treatment of infected cells with kynurenine or its analogue, teriflunomide suppressed kinase activity of AKT, and phosphorylation of β-catenin triggering caspase-3 dependent apoptosis of infected cells to inhibit parasite growth. Our results demonstrate that β-catenin regulate phosphorylated STING-TICAM2-IRF3-IDO1 signalosome for a cell-intrinsic pro-parasitic role. We propose that the downstream IRF3-IDO1-reliant tryptophan catabolites and their analogues can act as effective immunotherapeutic molecules to controlT. gondiireplication by impairing the AKT and β-catenin axis.
A copper-mediated on–off–on gold nanocluster for endogenous GSH sensing to drive cancer cell recognition
Authors: Zhao Hemiao , Wen Xiangping , Li Wenyan , Li Yingqi , Yin Caixia
Published: February 2019

The AuNCs@Tf-Cu2+system for the sensitive and selective detection of endogenous glutathione (GSH) can illuminate tumor cells rather than normal cells, which implied its great potential application in cancer diagnosis.
A protective roasting strategy for preparation of stable mesoporous hollow CeO2 microspheres with enhanced catalytic activity for one-pot synthesis of imines from benzyl alcohols and anilines
Authors: Long Yu , Zhang Hongbo , Gao Zekun , Qin Jiaheng , Pan Yiting , Zhao Jinping , Luo Yutong , Ma Zhiping , Xiong Yucong , Ma Jiantai
Published: February 2019

A protective roasting strategy can be applied to prepare stable mh-CeO2 microspheres with enhanced catalytic activity and reusability for one-pot synthesis of imines.
Aerobic conversion of benzylic sp3 C–H in diphenylmethanes and benzyl ethers to CO bonds under catalyst-, additive- and light-free conditions
Authors: Tian Xinzhe , Cheng Xinqiang , Yang Xinzheng , Ren Yun-Lai , Yao Kaisheng , Wang Huiyong , Wang Jianji
Published: February 2019

Catalyst-, additive- and light-free aerobic conversion of benzylic C–H to CO bonds is, for the first time, reported.
A self-recovering robust electrode for highly efficient CO2 electrolysis in symmetrical solid oxide electrolysis cells
Authors: Tian Yunfeng , Zhang Lingling , Liu Yun , Jia Lichao , Yang Jun , Chi Bo , Pu Jian , Li Jian
Published: February 2019

A self-recovering robust electrode for highly efficient CO2 electrolysis in symmetrical solid oxide electrolysis cells.
Solar-energy-facilitated CdSxSe1−x quantum dot bio-assembly in Escherichia coli and Tetrahymena pyriformis
Authors: Cui Yin-Hua , Tian Li-Jiao , Li Wen-Wei , Wang Wei-Kang , Wei Wei , Lam Paul K. S. , Zhang Long-Hua , Zhou Peng , Yu Han-Qing
Published: February 2019

Solar-energy-facilitated CdSxSe1−x quantum dots with an elongated fluorescence lifetime and fast synthesis rate.
Research of protection for AC transmission lines based on characteristic of grid‐side inverter
Authors: Huang Ning , Fan Chunju , Jiang Shan
Published: February 2019

With the advantage of saving resources and high utilisation, DC transmission becomes the vital part of the sustainable development. However, due to the control strategies of grid‐side inverter, the fault characteristics of the grid will change dramatically, which influences the reliability of grid protection. By establishing the model in PSCAD, the fault characteristics of the inverter was obtained and the effects on current protection was analysed here. The results reveal that the magnitude of fault current was directly influenced because of being connected with the inverter. The grid inverter can make a difference in selectivity and reliability of current protection. In order to solve this problem, the paper constructs the equivalent model of the inverter and attains the unique feature that the fault component impedance measured in the location of protection decreases with the increasing distance of fault location. According to the characteristics, a targeted fault component impedance protection is designed. The feasibility and effectiveness of this protection is verified by simulation in PSCAD model.
First detection of frequency-dependent, time-variable dispersion measures
Authors: Donner J. Y. , Verbiest J. P. W. , Tiburzi C. , Osłowski S. , Michilli D. , Serylak M. , Anderson J. M. , Horneffer A. , Kramer M. , Grießmeier J.-M. , Künsemöller J. , Hessels J. W. T. , Hoeft M. , Miskolczi A.
Published: February 2019

Context. High-precision pulsar-timing experiments are affected by temporal variations of the dispersion measure (DM), which are related to spatial variations in the interstellar electron content and the varying line of sight to the source. Correcting for DM variations relies on the cold-plasma dispersion law which states that the dispersive delay varies with the squared inverse of the observing frequency. This may, however, give incorrect measurements if the probed electron content (and therefore the DM) varies with observing frequency, as is predicted theoretically due to the different refraction angles at different frequencies.

Aims. We study small-scale density variations in the ionised interstellar medium. These structures may lead to frequency-dependent DMs in pulsar signals. Such an effect could inhibit the use of lower-frequency pulsar observations as tools to correct time-variable interstellar dispersion in higher-frequency pulsar-timing data.

Methods. We used high-cadence, low-frequency observations with three stations from the German LOng-Wavelength (GLOW) consortium, which are part of the LOw-Frequency ARray (LOFAR). Specifically, 3.5 yr of weekly observations of PSR J2219+4754 are presented.

Results. We present the first detection of frequency-dependent DMs towards any interstellar object and a precise multi-year time-series of the time- and frequency-dependence of the measured DMs. The observed DM variability is significant and may be caused by extreme scattering events. Potential causes for frequency-dependent DMs are quantified and evaluated.

Conclusions. We conclude that frequency dependence of DMs has been reliably detected and is indeed caused by small-scale (up to tens of AUs) but steep density variations in the interstellar electron content. We find that long-term trends in DM variability equally affect DMs measured at both ends of our frequency band and hence the negative impact on long-term high-precision timing projects is expected to be limited.
Corn silage rumen undegradable protein content and response of growing calves to rumen undegradable protein supplement1
Authors: Oney Colton R , Gramkow Jana K , Hilscher F Henry , Erickson Galen E , MacDonald Jim C , Klopfenstein Terry J , Watson Andrea K
Published: February 2019

The amount of rumen undegradable protein (RUP) in corn silage and the extent to which it is digested in the small intestine are uncertain. Three studies were conducted to determine RUP content of corn silage, and the effects of supplementing increasing concentrations of RUP on the growing performance of calves fed a corn silage diet. Experiments 1 and 2 used in situ methods to evaluate the RUP content of corn silage. In experiment 1, corn silages harvested at 37% or 42% dry matter (DM) were compared. In experiment 2, dry-rolled corn (89.4% DM) was reconstituted to 75%, 70%, 65%, and 50% DM and ensiled in mini-silos (2,265 cm3) for 30, 90, 180, or 270 d to simulate the corn grain within corn silage, dry-rolled corn is more mature than corn grain harvested in corn silage. Experiment 3 used 60 steers (275 kg initial body weight, SD = 18) in an 83-d growing study to evaluate the effects of supplementing 0.4%, 1.7%, 3.0%, 4.2%, or 5.5% RUP (% of diet DM) on performance. In experiment 1, RUP as a % of DM was not different between the two corn silages (P ≥ 0.12), averaging 0.59% for samples refluxed in a neutral detergent solution (NDS) and 1.8% for samples not refluxed in NDS. Dry matter digestibility (DMD) also did not differ (P ≥ 0.19), averaging 67.4%. In experiment 2, as moisture content of the corn grain increased, DMD increased linearly (P < 0.01) and RUP content decreased linearly (P < 0.01). The DMD increased quadratically (P = 0.02), whereas RUP content decreased linearly (P < 0.01) as days of ensiling increased. In experiment 3, there were no differences in DM intake (DMI; P ≥ 0.33) among treatments for period 1 (d 1 to 37). However, average daily gain (ADG) and gain-to-feed ratio (G:F) both linearly increased (P < 0.01) as RUP supplement inclusion increased. There were no differences in DMI (P ≥ 0.16), ADG (P ≥ 0.11), or G:F (P ≥ 0.64) in period 2 (d 38 to 83). For the overall growing period (d 1 to 83), a linear increase was observed for ending body weight (P = 0.01), ADG (P < 0.01), and G:F (P < 0.01) as RUP supplement inclusion increased from 0.4% to 5.5% of diet DM. The RUP content of corn silage is lower than previously reported. Data collected suggest the crude protein within corn silage is 13% RUP, and approximately 1/2 is digestible. The moisture content of corn silage at the time of harvest and the amount of time corn silage is stored continually impact protein availability. Supplementing growing calves fed corn silage with RUP will improve performance.
Effect of Epidural Infusion Bolus Delivery Rate on the Duration of Labor Analgesia: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Lange E.M.S. , Wong C.A. , Fitzgerald P.C. , Davila W.F. , Rao S. , McCarthy R.J. , Toledo P.
Published: February 2019

(Anesthesiology. 2018;128:745–753)

Neuraxial labor analgesia is usually administered by a combination of continuous infusion, clinician-administered boluses, and patient-administered boluses via patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA). While the ideal labor analgesia regimen has yet to be determined, studies suggest programmed intermittent epidural boluses (PIEB) may be a superior option. PIEB has been shown to require less local anesthetic, reduce need for clinician intervention, and results in less motor block compared with a continuous infusion. High-rate delivery of epidural boluses may improve drug distribution when compared with low-rate administration as it increases delivery pressure at the catheter tip. The authors hypothesized that compared with women maintained using a low-rate PIEB and PCEA regimen, a high rate PIEB and PCEA regimen would result in less breakthrough pain, reduced PCEA request-to-delivery ratios, decreased bupivacaine consumption, and fewer provider-administered supplemental boluses.
Predictors of Sleep-disordered Breathing in Pregnancy
Authors: Louis J.M. , Koch M.A. , Reddy U.M. , Silver R.M. , Parker C.B. , Facco F.L. , Redline S. , Nhan-Chang C.L. , Chung J.H. , Pien G.W. , Basner R.C. , Grobman W.A. , Wing D.A. , Simhan H.N. , Haas D.M. , Mercer B.M. , Parry S. , Mobley D. , Carper B. , Saade G.R. , Schubert F.P. , Zee P.C.
Published: February 2019

(Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2018;218:521.e1–e12)

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of complications and adverse outcomes, including preeclampsia, venous thromboembolism, severe maternal morbidity, preterm delivery, and maternal death. Identifying women with SDB is difficult, however, as SDB symptoms are not very specific. The best method for diagnosis of SDB is overnight polysomnography, which is expensive and inconvenient. This study used a large cohort of pregnant women to establish clinically feasible prediction models for SDB.
Clinical Assessment and Brain Findings in a Cohort of Mothers, Fetuses, and Infants Infected With ZIKA Virus
Authors: Sanz Cortes M. , Rivera A.M. , Yepez M. , Guimaraes C.V. , Diaz Yunes I. , Zarutskie A. , Davila I. , Shetty A. , Mahadev A. , Serrano S.M. , Castillo N. , Lee W. , Valentine G. , Belfort M. , Parra G. , Mohila C. , Aagaard K. , Parra Saavedra M.
Published: February 2019

(Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2018;218:440.e1–e36)

Perinatal infection of women with Zika virus (ZIKV) results in congenital ZIKV syndrome (CZS) in 10% of cases. CZS results in brain and ocular malformations, microcephaly, congenital deafness, limb contractures, and arthrogryposis. However, there is lack of consensus regarding the diagnosis and prognosis of CZS, and screening recommendations for the detection of fetuses affected by CZS range from screening for microcephaly alone to a full neuroanatomic evaluation. The objectives of the current study were (1) to assess the prevalence of microcephaly and other brain findings in infected and affected fetuses and infants, (2) to compare these findings with other congenital ZIKV series reported to date, and (3) to provide quantitative measures of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of fetal and infant brain imaging.
Interfascial Plane Blocks: Back to Basics
Authors: Elsharkawy H. , Pawa A. , Mariano E.R.
Published: February 2019

(Reg Anesth Pain Med. 2018;43:341–346)

Interfascial plane blocks have been a rapidly growing set of regional anesthesia techniques since the introduction of ultrasound use. The first interfascial plane block was the transversus abdominus plane block and the number of blocks has increased with varied locations. There are uncertainties around newer interfascial plane blocks, including the exact targets of the blocks and their role in safe opioid-free pain management. This article aimed to clarify the function and anatomy of the fascia, explain the uses and limitations of the interfascial plane blocks and clarify their role in a contemporary clinical context.
Tracking Indigenous Applicants Through the Admissions Process of a Socially Accountable Medical School
Authors: Mian Oxana , Hogenbirk John C. , Marsh David C. , Prowse Owen , Cain Miriam , Warry Wayne
Published: February 2019

Purpose

To describe the admissions process and outcomes for Indigenous applicants to the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM), a Canadian medical school with the mandate to recruit students whose demographics reflect the service region’s population.

Method

The authors examined 10-year trends (2006–2015) for self-identified Indigenous applicants through major admission stages. Demographics (age, sex, northern and rural backgrounds) and admission scores (grade point average [GPA], preinterview, multiple mini-interview [MMI], final), along with score-based ranks, of Indigenous and non-Indigenous applicants were compared using Pearson chi-square and Mann–Whitney tests. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between Indigenous status and likelihood of admission outcomes (interviewed, received offer, admitted).

Results

Indigenous qualified applicants (338/17,060; 2.0%) were more likely to be female, mature (25 or older), or of northern or rural background than non-Indigenous applicants. They had lower GPA-based ranks than non-Indigenous applicants (P < .001) but had comparable preinterview-, MMI-, and final-score-based ranks across all admission stages. Indigenous applicants were 2.4 times more likely to be interviewed and 2.5 times more likely to receive an admission offer, but 3 times less likely to accept an offer than non-Indigenous applicants. Overall, 41/338 (12.1%) Indigenous qualified applicants were admitted compared with 569/16,722 (3.4%) non-Indigenous qualified applicants.

Conclusions

Increased representation of Indigenous peoples among applicants admitted to medical school can be achieved through the use of socially accountable admissions. Further tracking of Indigenous students through medical education and practice may help assess the effectiveness of NOSM’s social accountability admissions process.