bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating the Rate of Cessation of Magnetospheric Activity in AMPERE Field‐Aligned Currents
Authors: Moretto T. , Hesse M. , Vennerstrøm S. , Tenfjord P.
Published: November 2018

The decay of magnetospheric activity when driving is turned off (to a minimum) was measured in total field‐aligned current estimates from the Active Magnetosphere and Planetary Electrodynamics Response Experiment (AMPERE) project. Events of distinct northward turnings of the interplanetary magnetic field were identified, with prolonged periods of stable southward driving conditions followed by northward interplanetary magnetic field conditions. All but 4 of 43 identified events exhibit a well‐defined exponential decay in the total hemispheric field‐aligned current following the northward turning. A superposed epoch analysis yields a generic decay constant of 0.9, corresponding to an e‐folding time of 1.1 hr. A statistical analysis of the ensemble of events also reveals a seasonal variation in the decay parameter with faster decay observed in the winter than in the summer hemisphere. This result can be understood in terms of stronger/weaker line tying of the ionospheric foot points of magnetospheric field lines for higher/lower conductivity.
The Role of Shear Stress in Fault Healing and Frictional Aging
Authors: Ryan Kerry L. , Rivière Jacques , Marone Chris
Published: November 2018

The seismic cycle involves repeated failure and strength recovery of tectonic faults, known as fault healing. In Earth's crust, where fault strength is dominated by friction, frictional healing is the primary agent of fault healing. Laboratory studies document the role of contact aging and cementation as key mechanisms of frictional healing; however, the role of shear stress is not well understood. We describe a laboratory study of frictional healing as a function of shear stress for bare granite surfaces and simulated fault gouge composed of Westerly granite and quartz. Faults are sheared at normal stresses of 5–25 MPa, 100% relative humidity and room temperature. We quantify frictional healing in slide‐hold‐slide tests for shear stresses from 0 to the sliding friction value and monitor the amplitude of elastic waves propagating across the fault zone. Healing of gouge shows a strong negative dependence on shear stress, whereas healing of bare surfaces does not vary systematically with shear stress. In gouge, frictional healing involves shear stress‐dependent compaction and particle rearrangement, while for bare surfaces frictional strength is derived primarily from contact area evolution. The magnitude of compaction in gouge varies with shear stress, which explains the dependence of healing on shear stress. Elastic wave amplitude increases with hold time and varies inversely with shear stress, consistent with fault zone compaction, shear dilatancy, and their impact on strength evolution and healing. Fault zone compaction during shear unloading and reloading operates with contact aging to dictate frictional healing and fault restrengthening following shear failure.
Prognostic Power of Extreme Rainfall Scaling Formulas Across Space and Time Scales
Authors: Fildier B. , Parishani H. , Collins W. D.
Published: November 2018

Some studies documenting changes in extreme precipitation use scaling formulas to approximate the large percentiles of the rainfall distribution from average dynamical and thermodynamical variables, called predictors. Here we instead assess the performance of these formulas as approximations to the rain rates in individual events. We evaluate the accuracies of the scaling relationships as functions of spatial and temporal scales by analyzing tropical rainfall in a superparameterized model. Relationships using full vertical profiles of the predictors are more accurate than those using their values at specific vertical levels because they better characterize the specific dynamics of each event. Both types of scaling relationships perform well over a range of length scales from 200 to 2,000 km and time scales from an hour to a week, and their precision is higher in the case of simulations with superparameterization than with parameterized convection. Uncertainties emerging from the local use of the scaling relationships suggest that they may only characterize the intensification of individual extremes for a warming of 4–5 K or larger. Finally, we argue that these formulas can be used to reconstruct the tail of the rainfall distribution directly from its predictors without prior information on P. While scalings have been used as diagnostic equations conditioned on the occurrence of extreme rainfall, they are actually able to mimic the prognostic behavior of climate model parameterizations on a variety of scales when estimating the intensity, frequency, and spatial patterns of extremes.
Spatiotemporal Characteristics of HF‐Induced Ionospheric Turbulence Revealed by Diagnostic Stimulated Electromagnetic Emission and Test Radio Waves at HAARP
Authors: Sergeev E. N. , Grach S. M. , Shindin A. V. , Mishin E. V. , Bernhardt P. A. , Briczinski S. J. , McCarrick M.
Published: November 2018

This paper describes the dynamic characteristics of ionospheric plasma turbulences excited by high‐power high‐frequency radio waves during ionospheric modification experiments at the High‐frequency Active Auroral Research Program heating facility, Gakona, Alaska. The data come from measurements of high‐frequency‐induced stimulated electromagnetic emission (SEE) and anomalous absorption of test radiowaves. In addition to quasi‐continuous pump (QCP) waves that excite the “standard” SEE, short pulses of diagnostic waves at frequencies shifted from the QCP frequency have been injected to generate diagnostic SEE. This experimental setup allowed us to study the spectra and damping rates of the plasma waves related to both diagnostic and QCP waves, as well as the QCP‐related small‐scale magnetic field‐aligned irregularities at different altitudes, ±25 km around the center of the heated volume. The results of numerical simulations of the upper hybrid‐related SEE and diagnostic SEE under a “double‐transformation” scheme with the use of an empirical model of the irregularities' spatial spectrum and its dynamics are in good agreement with the observations.
3D organoid-derived human glomeruli for personalised podocyte disease modelling and drug screening
Authors: Hale Lorna J. , Howden Sara E. , Phipson Belinda , Lonsdale Andrew , Er Pei X. , Ghobrial Irene , Hosawi Salman , Wilson Sean , Lawlor Kynan T. , Khan Shahnaz , Oshlack Alicia , Quinlan Catherine , Lennon Rachel , Little Melissa H.
Published: November 2018

The podocytes within the glomeruli of the kidney maintain the filtration barrier by forming interdigitating foot processes with intervening slit diaphragms, disruption in which results in proteinuria. Studies into human podocytopathies to date have employed primary or immortalised podocyte cell lines cultured in 2D. Here we compare 3D human glomeruli sieved from induced pluripotent stem cell-derived kidney organoids with conditionally immortalised human podocyte cell lines, revealing improved podocyte-specific gene expression, maintenance in vitro of polarised protein localisation and an improved glomerular basement membrane matrisome compared to 2D cultures. Organoid-derived glomeruli retain marker expression in culture for 96 h, proving amenable to toxicity screening. In addition, 3D organoid glomeruli from a congenital nephrotic syndrome patient with compound heterozygous NPHS1 mutations reveal reduced protein levels of both NEPHRIN and PODOCIN. Hence, human iPSC-derived organoid glomeruli represent an accessible approach to the in vitro modelling of human podocytopathies and screening for podocyte toxicity.
Screw dislocation structure and mobility in body centered cubic Fe predicted by a Gaussian Approximation Potential
Authors: Maresca Francesco , Dragoni Daniele , Csányi Gábor , Marzari Nicola , Curtin William A.
Published: November 2018

The plastic flow behavior of bcc transition metals up to moderate temperatures is dominated by the thermally activated glide of screw dislocations, which in turn is determined by the atomic-scale screw dislocation core structure and the associated kink-pair nucleation mechanism for glide. Modeling complex plasticity phenomena requires the simulation of many atoms and interacting dislocations and defects. These sizes are beyond the scope of first-principles methods and thus require empirical interatomic potentials. Especially for the technological important case of bcc Fe, existing empirical interatomic potentials yield spurious behavior. Here, the structure and motion of the screw dislocations in Fe are studied using a new Gaussian Approximation Potential (GAP) for bcc Fe, which has been shown to reproduce the potential energy surface predicted by density-functional theory (DFT) and many associated properties. The Fe GAP predicts a compact, non-degenerate core structure, a single-hump Peierls potential, and glide on {110}, consistent with DFT results. The thermally activated motion at finite temperatures occurs by the expected kink-pair nucleation and propagation mechanism. The stress-dependent enthalpy barrier for screw motion, computed using the nudged-elastic-band method, follows closely a form predicted by standard theories with a zero-stress barrier of ~1 eV, close to the experimental value of 0.84 eV, and a Peierls stress of ~2 GPa consistent with DFT predictions of the Peierls potential.
FoodOn: a harmonized food ontology to increase global food traceability, quality control and data integration
Authors: Dooley Damion M. , Griffiths Emma J. , Gosal Gurinder S. , Buttigieg Pier L. , Hoehndorf Robert , Lange Matthew C. , Schriml Lynn M. , Brinkman Fiona S. L. , Hsiao William W. L.
Published: November 2018

The construction of high capacity data sharing networks to support increasing government and commercial data exchange has highlighted a key roadblock: the content of existing Internet-connected information remains siloed due to a multiplicity of local languages and data dictionaries. This lack of a digital lingua franca is obvious in the domain of human food as materials travel from their wild or farm origin, through processing and distribution chains, to consumers. Well defined, hierarchical vocabulary, connected with logical relationships—in other words, an ontology—is urgently needed to help tackle data harmonization problems that span the domains of food security, safety, quality, production, distribution, and consumer health and convenience. FoodOn (http://foodon.org) is a consortium-driven project to build a comprehensive and easily accessible global farm-to-fork ontology about food, that accurately and consistently describes foods commonly known in cultures from around the world. FoodOn addresses food product terminology gaps and supports food traceability. Focusing on human and domesticated animal food description, FoodOn contains animal and plant food sources, food categories and products, and other facets like preservation processes, contact surfaces, and packaging. Much of FoodOn’s vocabulary comes from transforming LanguaL, a mature and popular food indexing thesaurus, into a World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) OWL Web Ontology Language-formatted vocabulary that provides system interoperability, quality control, and software-driven intelligence. FoodOn compliments other technologies facilitating food traceability, which is becoming critical in this age of increasing globalization of food networks.
Nanoscale Lithium Quantification in LiXNiyCowMnZO2 as Cathode for Rechargeable Batteries
Authors: Bessette Stéphanie , Paolella Andrea , Kim Chisu , Zhu Wen , Hovington Pierre , Gauvin Raynald , Zaghib Karim
Published: November 2018

Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) using a focused ion-beam scanning electron microscope (FIB-SEM) is a promising and economical technique for lithium detection and quantification in battery materials because it overcomes the limitations with detecting low Li content by energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). In this work, an experimental calibration curve was produced, which to our best knowledge allowed for the first time, the quantification of lithium in standard nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC-532) cathodes using 20 nm resolution. The technique overcomes matrix effects and edges effects that makes quantification complex. This work shows the high potential of TOF-SIMS tool for analytical characterization of battery materials, and demonstrates its tremendous capabilities towards identification of various chemical or electrochemical phenomena in the cathodes via high-resolution ion distributions. Various phenomena in the ion distributions are also assessed, such as edge effects or measurement artifacts from real signal variations.
Abiotic and biotic factors influence diapause induction in sexual and asexual strains of Trichogramma brassicae (Hym: Trichogrammatidae)
Authors: Rahimi-Kaldeh Somayeh , Ashouri Ahmad , Bandani Alireza , Ris Nicolas
Published: November 2018

The effects of some abiotic (maternal photoperiod and offspring developmental temperature) and biotic (host quality during both maternal and offspring generations) factors on diapause induction were investigated for two sympatric strains of Trichogramma brassicae Bezdenko (Hym: Trichogrammatidae) differing by infection status with regard to Wolbachia. The mode of reproduction, developmental temperature, maternal photoperiod and the quality of the host significantly affected diapause induction. The highest percentage of diapausing individuals were observed with the sexual strain reared at 14 °C using a “high quality” host and after a long photophase during the maternal generation. Environment-by-Environment, as well as Genotype-by-Environment interactions, was observed. All these patterns were discussed with the goal of providing relevant protocols for the commercial mass-rearing of such biocontrol agents. A successful diapause in beneficial insects could affect the efficiency of mass rearing by increasing the duration of storage conditions based on a high percent emergence and providing a large number of individuals at the appropriate time in the field season.
The effect of pH on the acute toxicity of phenanthrene in a marine microalgae Chlorella salina
Authors: Chen Haigang , Zhang Zhe , Tian Fei , Zhang Linbao , Li Yitong , Cai Wengui , Jia Xiaoping
Published: November 2018

Phenanthrene is one of the most abundant polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) found in continental shelf environment of China and is on the EPA’s Priority Pollutant list. In this study, the effects of phenanthrene on marine algal growth rate were determined after 96-h exposure at pH 6.0, 7.0, 8.0, 9.0, and 10.0 in seawater of salinity 35. Two measuring techniques to assess growth inhibition were also compared using prompt fluorescence and microscopic cell count. The results showed that the toxicity of phenanthrene increased significantly (p < 0.05) with decreasing pH, with the nominal concentration required to inhibit growth rate by 50%, EC50, decreasing from 1.893 to 0.237 mg L−1 as pH decreased from 9.0 to 6.0, with a decrease higher than 55% from 10.0 to 9.0. In addition, the nominal EC50 values calculated in this study were at the same range of some environmental concentrations of phenanthrene close to areas of crude oil exploration. Based on the two measuring techniques, the results showed that cell count and fluorescence measurement were significantly different (p < 0.05), and the nominal EC50 values calculated with cell count measurement were significantly higher than fluorescence measurement at pH 8.0, 9.0 and 10.0. In conclusion, the present studies confirmed that acidification of seawater could affect the toxicity of phenanthrene to this species of microalgae, and which encouraged further studies involving responses of marine organisms to ocean acidification.
Dual Energy Spectral CT Imaging in the assessment of Gastric Cancer and cell proliferation: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Cheng Sai-Ming , Ling Wei , Zhu Jiong , Xu Jian-Rong , Wu Lian-Ming , Gong Hong-Xia
Published: November 2018

Gastric cancer is one of the main diseases leading to cancer-related death. The recently introduced dual-energy spectral CT (DEsCT), allows to obtain many quantitative measurements from iodine-based material decomposition (MD) images, which contribute to improve the accuracy of staging of GC comparing to multidetector spiral CT. And Ki-67 is a well-recognized nuclear antigen-specific biomarker reflecting cellular proliferation for estimating growth fractions of various tumor types. In the present study we analyzed the features of quantitative measurements (the curve slope (λHU), IC, normalized iodine concentrations (NIC)) obtained from DEsCT and levels of Ki-67 protein expression. We demonstrated that the values between advanced gastric cancer (AGC) and early gastric cancer (EGC) were significantly different both in venous phase (VP) and delayed phase (DP). The values of different level of Ki-67 expression grade were significantly different both in VP and DP. The rank correlation analysis between Ki-67 grade and IC, NIC and λHU values showed significantly positive correlation in VP and DP. These results suggested that quantitative parameters (IC, NIC and λHU) in dual-energy CT imaging can be used to differentiate EGC from AGC, and have significantly positive correlation with Ki-67 antigen expression levels in gastric cancer for indicating tumor cellular proliferation.
Evidence for divergent patterns of local selection driving venom variation in Mojave Rattlesnakes (Crotalus scutulatus)
Authors: Strickland Jason L. , Smith Cara F. , Mason Andrew J. , Schield Drew R. , Borja Miguel , Castañeda-Gaytán Gamaliel , Spencer Carol L. , Smith Lydia L. , Trápaga Ann , Bouzid Nassima M. , Campillo-García Gustavo , Flores-Villela Oscar A. , Antonio-Rangel Daniel , Mackessy Stephen P. , Castoe Todd A. , Rokyta Darin R. , Parkinson Christopher L.
Published: November 2018

Snake venoms represent an enriched system for investigating the evolutionary processes that lead to complex and dynamic trophic adaptations. It has long been hypothesized that natural selection may drive geographic variation in venom composition, yet previous studies have lacked the population genetic context to examine these patterns. We leverage range-wide sampling of Mojave Rattlesnakes (Crotalus scutulatus) and use a combination of venom, morphological, phylogenetic, population genetic, and environmental data to characterize the striking dichotomy of neurotoxic (Type A) and hemorrhagic (Type B) venoms throughout the range of this species. We find that three of the four previously identified major lineages withinC.scutulatuspossess a combination of Type A, Type B, and a ‘mixed’ Type A + B venom phenotypes, and that fixation of the two main venom phenotypes occurs on a more fine geographic scale than previously appreciated. We also find that Type A + B individuals occur in regions of inferred introgression, and that this mixed phenotype is comparatively rare. Our results support strong directional local selection leading to fixation of alternative venom phenotypes on a fine geographic scale, and are inconsistent with balancing selection to maintain both phenotypes within a single population. Our comparisons to biotic and abiotic factors further indicate that venom phenotype correlates with fang morphology and climatic variables. We hypothesize that links to fang morphology may be indicative of co-evolution of venom and other trophic adaptations, and that climatic variables may be linked to prey distributions and/or physiology, which in turn impose selection pressures on snake venoms.
The LPG1x family from Leishmania major is constituted of rare eukaryotic galactofuranosyltransferases with unprecedented catalytic properties
Authors: Ati Jihen , Colas Cyril , Lafite Pierre , Sweeney Ryan P. , Zheng Ruixiang Blake , Lowary Todd L. , Daniellou Richard
Published: November 2018

Galactofuranosyltransferases are poorly described enzymes despite their crucial role in the virulence and the pathogenicity of numerous microorganisms. These enzymes are considered as potential targets for therapeutic action. In addition to the only well-characterised prokaryotic GlfT2 from Mycobacterium tuberculosis, four putative genes in Leishmania major were previously described as potential galactofuranosyltransferases. In this study, we have cloned, over-expressed, purified and fully determined the kinetic parameters of these four eukaryotic enzymes, thus demonstrating their unique potency in catalysing the transfer of the galactofuranosyl moiety into acceptors. Their individual promiscuity revealed to be different, as some of them could efficiently use NDP-pyranoses as donor substrates in addition to the natural UDP-galactofuranose. Such results pave the way for the development of chemoenzymatic synthesis of furanosyl-containing glycoconjugates as well as the design of improved drugs against leishmaniasis.
Membrane reorganization after photochemical internalization to release transferrin-biofunctionalized polystyrene microparticles
Authors: Mora-Espí Inmaculada , Barrios Lleonard , Ibáñez Elena , Soriano Jorge , Nogués Carme
Published: November 2018

Therapeutic drug carriers can drive their cargo to their target cells. However, an obstacle is usually the entrapment of the drug inside the endolysosomal compartment, which physically impedes its actuation by the impossibility of reaching its molecular site of action. To overcome this hurdle, photochemical internalization (PCI) has been proposed, but the extent of PCI-induced membrane disruption and its capability to allow the release of microparticles is unknown. The aim of the present study was to determine if PCI allows the release of microparticles from the endolysosomal compartment to the cytosol and to analyze at the ultrastructural level the effect of PCI on the membrane surrounding the particles. Confocal microscope allowed us to detect that endolysosomal membranes suffered some disruption after PCI, evidenced by the diffusion of soluble transferrin from the endolysosomes to the cytosol and by a decrease of LAMP1-microparticles co-localization. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed a decrease in the number of well-defined membranes around microparticles after PCI, and scanning TEM combined with energy dispersive x-ray revealed an increase in the width of endolysosomal membranes after treatment. These results suggest that endolysosomal membranes suffered an ultrastructure alteration after PCI, enough to liberate soluble transferrin but not the entire microparticles.
ElemNet: Deep Learning the Chemistry of Materials From Only Elemental Composition
Authors: Jha Dipendra , Ward Logan , Paul Arindam , Liao Wei-keng , Choudhary Alok , Wolverton Chris , Agrawal Ankit
Published: November 2018

Conventional machine learning approaches for predicting material properties from elemental compositions have emphasized the importance of leveraging domain knowledge when designing model inputs. Here, we demonstrate that by using a deep learning approach, we can bypass such manual feature engineering requiring domain knowledge and achieve much better results, even with only a few thousand training samples. We present the design and implementation of a deep neural network model referred to as ElemNet; it automatically captures the physical and chemical interactions and similarities between different elements using artificial intelligence which allows it to predict the materials properties with better accuracy and speed. The speed and best-in-class accuracy of ElemNet enable us to perform a fast and robust screening for new material candidates in a huge combinatorial space; where we predict hundreds of thousands of chemical systems that could contain yet-undiscovered compounds.
Author Correction: Signatures of Plexcitonic States in Molecular Electroluminescence
Authors: Bergfield Justin P. , Hendrickson Joshua R.
Published: November 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Publisher Correction: GLS-409, an Antagonist of Both P2Y1 and P2Y12, Potently Inhibits Canine Coronary Artery Thrombosis and Reversibly Inhibits Human Platelet Activation
Authors: Smolensky Koganov Elena , Michelson Alan D. , Yanachkov Ivan B. , Yanachkova Milka I. , Wright George E. , Przyklenk Karin , Frelinger Andrew L.
Published: November 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Propionate Affects Insulin Signaling and Progesterone Profiles in Dairy Heifers
Authors: Bedford A. , Beckett L. , Hardin K. , Dias N. W. , Davis T. , Mercadante V. R. G. , Ealy A. D. , White R. R.
Published: November 2018

Emerging data highlighting gut microbiome influences on health support evaluation of how microbial fermentation end-products influence postabsorptive systems. This study aimed to investigate the effect of increased propionate status on progesterone profiles and insulin sensitivity in dairy heifers. Eleven Holstein heifers, synchronized in estrus, were assigned to one of two continuous, 5-day IV treatments: sodium propionate (PRO; n = 5) or saline (CON; n = 6). These infusions culminated in a hyperglycemic clamp with daily blood samples for an additional 7 days. Plasma propionate concentrations increased over the first 9 h in PRO heifers, then decreased until day 3 when they matched CON heifers. Maximum plasma progesterone concentrations tended to be greater in PRO heifers than CON heifers (4.19 vs 3.73 ng/mL; P = 0.087). Plateau insulin concentrations in CON animals were significantly greater than those in PRO animals (249.4 ± 25.1 vs 123.9 ± 35.8; P = 0.008) with a trend for an increased insulin sensitivity index in PRO heifers compared to CON heifers (P = 0.06). These changes in plasma propionate clearance leading to increased progesterone response and changes in insulin sensitivity suggest a role for SCFA metabolism in reproductive hormone regulation.
Dynamic prognostic model for kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) patients by combining clinical and genetic information
Authors: Zhao Huiling , Cao Yuting , Wang Yue , Zhang Liya , Chen Chen , Wang Yaoyan , Lu Xiaofan , Liu Shengjie , Yan Fangrong
Published: November 2018

We aim to construct more accurate prognostic model for KIRC patients by combining the clinical and genetic information and monitor the disease progression in dynamically updated manner. By obtaining cross-validated prognostic indices from clinical and genetic model, we combine the two sources information into the Super learner model, and then introduce the time-varying effect into the combined model using the landmark method for real-time dynamic prediction. The Super learner model has better prognostic performance since it can not only employ the preferable clinical prognostic model constructed by oneself or reported in the current literature, but also incorporate genome level information to strengthen effectiveness. Apart from this, four representative patients’ mortality curves are drawn in the dynamically updated manner based on the Super learner model. It is found that effectively reducing the two prognostic indices value through suitable treatments might achieve the purpose of controlling the mortality of patients. Combining clinical and genetic information in the Super learner model would enhance the prognostic performance and yield more accurate results for dynamic predictions. Doctors could give patients more personalized treatment with dynamically updated monitoring of disease status, as well as some candidate prognostic factors for future research.
Association Between ABO Blood Groups and Helicobacter pylori Infection: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chakrani Zakaria , Robinson Karen , Taye Bineyam
Published: November 2018

There is no consensus among the existing literature on the relationship between ABO blood groups and risk of Helicobacter pylori infection. However, histo-blood group carbohydrates are proposed to influence the risk of acquiring this pathogen via effects on adhesion to the gastric mucosa. The objective of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the association between ABO blood groups and H. pylori infection. All relevant epidemiological studies published in English (up to October 2017) was retrieved through an extensive systematic literature search of MEDLINE/PubMed databases. Pooled estimates of effects were obtained through the use of fixed and random effects meta-analyses. Individuals with O blood group were more likely to be infected with H. pylori (pooled odds ratio (OR) 1.163; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.074–1.259; P < 0.001). While individuals with B and AB blood group were less likely to be infected with H. pylori (OR 0.831; 95% CI 0.738–0.935; P = 0.002 and OR 0.709; 95% CI 0.605–0.832; P < 0.001, respectively). The results from this meta-analysis of observational studies suggest an estimated 16.3% increased odds of H. pylori infection amongst individuals with the O blood group. If this observed association is causal, a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms could provide indications to potential prevention strategies for H. pylori infection.
Confirmation of ovulation from urinary progesterone analysis: assessment of two automated assay platforms
Authors: Gifford Robert M. , Howie Forbes , Wilson Kirsten , Johnston Neil , Todisco Tommaso , Crane Mike , Greeves Julie P. , Skorupskaite Karolina , Woods David R. , Reynolds Rebecca M. , Anderson Richard A.
Published: November 2018

Urinary concentrations of the major progesterone (P4) metabolite pregnanediol-3-glucuronide (PDG) are used to confirm ovulation. We aimed to determine whether automated immunoassay of urinary P4 was as efficacious as PDG to confirm ovulation. Daily urine samples from 20 cycles in 14 healthy women in whom ovulation was dated by ultrasound, and serial weekly samples from 21 women in whom ovulation was unknown were analysed. Daily samples were assayed by two automated P4 immunoassays (Roche Cobas and Abbott Architect) and PDG ELISA. Serial samples were assayed for P4 by Architect and PDG by ELISA. In women with detailed monitoring of ovulation, median (95% CI) luteal phase increase was greatest for PDG, 427% (261–661), 278% (187–354) for P4 Architect and least for P4 Cobas, 146% (130–191), p < 0.0001. Cobas P4 also showed marked inaccuracy in serial dilution. Similar ROC AUCs were observed for individual threshold values and two-sample percent rise analyses for P4 Architect and PDG (both >0.92). In serial samples classified as (an)ovulatory by PDG, P4 Architect gave ROC AUC 0.95 (95% CI 0.89 to 1.01), with sensitivity and specificity for confirmation of ovulation of 0.90 and 0.91 at a cutoff of 1.67 μmol/mol. Automated P4 may potentially be as efficacious as PDG ELISA but research from a range of clinical settings is required.
Publisher Correction: Flexible Learning-Free Segmentation and Reconstruction of Neural Volumes
Authors: Shahbazi Ali , Kinnison Jeffery , Vescovi Rafael , Du Ming , Hill Robert , Joesch Maximilian , Takeno Marc , Zeng Hongkui , da Costa Nuno Maçarico , Grutzendler Jaime , Kasthuri Narayanan , Scheirer Walter J.
Published: November 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Author Correction: Fc-apelin fusion protein attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced liver injury in mice
Authors: Zhou Huifen , Yang Rongze , Wang Weimin , Xu Feng , Xi Yue , Brown Robert A. , Zhang Hong , Shi Lin , Zhu Dalong , Gong Da-Wei
Published: November 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
Author Correction: Differential expression pattern of co-inhibitory molecules on CD4+ T cells in uncomplicated versus complicated malaria
Authors: Abel Annemieke , Steeg Christiane , Aminkiah Francis , Addai-Mensah Otchere , Addo Marylyn , Gagliani Nicola , Casar Christian , Yar Denis Dekugmen , Owusu-Dabo Ellis , Jacobs Thomas , Mackroth Maria Sophia
Published: November 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
A two-photon fluorescent probe for basal formaldehyde imaging in zebrafish and visualization of mitochondrial damage induced by FA stress
Authors: Xin Fangyun , Tian Yong , Gao Congcong , Guo Bingpeng , Wu Yulong , Zhao Junfang , Jing Jing , Zhang Xiaoling
Published: November 2018

A two-photon fluorescence probe Mito-FA-FP can monitor mitochondrial morphology change and image endogenous FA in vivo.
Remarkable photoluminescence of europium(ii)-doped phosphate cyan@red-emitting phosphors with highly dispersed luminescence centers
Authors: Hu Zeqing , Liang Wenlu , Dong Peipei , Dong Chao , Zhang Yanjie , Zhang Jinghui , Yu Jingjie
Published: November 2018

Remarkable photoluminescence of europium(ii)-doped phosphate cyan@red-emitting phosphors with highly dispersed luminescence centers is shown.
Selective hydrogenation of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds on silica-supported copper nanoparticles
Authors: Mendes-Burak Jorge , Ghaffari Behnaz , Copéret Christophe
Published: November 2018

Silica-supported copper nanoparticles prepared via surface organometallic chemistry are highly efficient for the selective hydrogenation of various α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds yielding the corresponding saturated esters, ketones, and aldehydes in the absence of additives.
Mesoscopic simulation study on the structural transition of comb-shaped block copolymer lamellae on chemically patterned substrates: from vertical to lateral
Authors: Xiang Wenjun , Zhu Zhaoju , Wang Kun , Zhou Lvshan
Published: November 2018

Directed self-assembly of polymers on chemically homogeneous and heterogeneous patterns is of considerable interest for nanolithography and nanofluidic devices.
A revolution of photovoltaics: persistent electricity generation beyond solar irradiation
Authors: Duan Jialong , Tang Qunwei
Published: November 2018

The integration utilization of solar energy and waste energies by photovoltaics is regarded as a promising solution to resolve energy crisis and environmental pollution problems.
Magnetic, thermal, and neutron diffraction studies of a coordination polymer: bis(glycolato)cobalt(ii)
Authors: Nakane Tomohiro , Yoneyama Shota , Kodama Takeshi , Kikuchi Koichi , Nakao Akiko , Ohhara Takashi , Higashinaka Ryuji , Matsuda Tatsuma D. , Aoki Yuji , Fujita Wataru
Published: November 2018

The two-dimensional quadratic lattice magnet, bis(glycolato)cobalt(ii) ([Co(HOCH2CO2)2]), showed antiferromagnetic ordering at 15.2 K and an abrupt increase in magnetisation atH= 22 600 Oe and 2 K, thereby acting as a metamagnet.
Correction: High pH promoting the synthesis of V-Silicalite-1 with high vanadium content in the framework and its catalytic performance in selective oxidation of styrene
Authors: Zhao Jing , Zhang Yifu , Tian Fuping , Zuo Yi , Mu Yang , Meng Changgong
Published: November 2018

Correction for ‘High pH promoting the synthesis of V-Silicalite-1 with high vanadium content in the framework and its catalytic performance in selective oxidation of styrene’ by Jing Zhao et al., Dalton Trans., 2018, 47, 11375–11385.
Automated high-content phenotyping from the first larval stage till the onset of adulthood of the nematodeCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Atakan Huseyin Baris , Cornaglia Matteo , Mouchiroud Laurent , Auwerx Johan , Gijs Martin A. M.
Published: November 2018

We performed automated high-content phenotyping ofCaenorhabditis elegansand demonstrated that dietary restriction slows down Huntington's disease development.
Nitric oxide (NO) photo-release in a series of ruthenium–nitrosyl complexes: new experimental insights in the search for a comprehensive mechanism
Authors: Roose Max , Tassé Marine , Lacroix Pascal G. , Malfant Isabelle
Published: November 2018

The mechanism of nitric oxide release is investigated along a series of 1–3 “push–pull” ruthenium nitrosyl complexes.
Life sensors: current advances in oxygen sensing by lanthanide complexes
Authors: Iman Khushboo , Shahid M.
Published: November 2018

Oxygen is essential for life. Inspired by the importance of oxygen, we present this critical and current review on lanthanide-based oxygen sensors.
Dihydroxo-bridged diuranyl(vi) complexes with 2-((2-(6-chloropyridazin-3-yl)hydrazono)methyl)-4-R-phenols: structural insights and visible light driven photocatalytic activities
Authors: Ghosh Sabari , Srivastava Ankit Kumar , Pal Samudranil
Published: November 2018

Complexes of the {(UO2)2(μ-OH)2}2+ core with N,N,O-donor 2-((2-(6-chloropyridazin-3-yl)hydrazono)methyl)-4-R-phenolates and their visible light-induced photocatalytic organic dye degradation abilities are reported.
A designed protein binding-pocket to control excited-state intramolecular proton transfer fluorescence
Authors: Lampkin Bryan J. , Monteiro Cecilia , Powers Evan T. , Bouc Paige M. , Kelly Jeffery W. , VanVeller Brett
Published: November 2018

Specific interactions between a protein and fluorophore are essential to realize strong ratiometric differences in emission wavelength at protein–protein interfaces.
StnK2 catalysing a Pictet–Spengler reaction involved in the biosynthesis of the antitumor reagent streptonigrin
Authors: Wang Xiaozheng , Kong Dekun , Huang Tingting , Deng Zixin , Lin Shuangjun
Published: November 2018

StnK2 is a new Pictet–Spenglerase specifically catalyzing a (1R,3S,4S)-tetrahydro-β-carboline scaffold as the biosynthetic intermediate of the antitumor reagent streptonigrin.
Improved synthesis of 2,4,6-trialkylpyridines from 1,5-diketoalkanes: the total synthesis of Anibamine
Authors: Miyakoshi Takeru , Konno Hiroyuki
Published: November 2018

Many pyridine syntheses have been developed to date. In this study, we focused on pyridine synthesis with 1,5-diketone derivatives and hydroxylamine.
Domino reaction of a gold catalyzed 5-endo-dig cyclization and a [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement towards polysubstituted pyrazoles
Authors: Verlee Arno , Heugebaert Thomas , van der Meer Tom , Kerchev Pavel , Van Breusegem Frank , Stevens Christian V.
Published: November 2018

A new procedure toward tri- or tetrasubstituted pyrazoles has been developed, via a one-pot gold catalyzed synthesis from hydrazines with alkynyl aldehydes or ketones.
Selective anionic dye adsorption, topology and luminescence study of structurally diverse cadmium(ii) coordination polymers
Authors: Gaur Ruchi
Published: November 2018

Out of four, three coordination polymers have been successfully explored as topology, luminescence and highly selective anionic dyes (methyl orange and congo red) adsorption aspects.
Non-halogenated diphenyl-chalcogenide solvent processing additives for high-performance polymer bulk-heterojunction solar cells
Authors: Park Song Yi , Song Seyeong , Yoon Yung Jin , Lee Tack Ho , An Na Gyeong , Walker Bright , Kim Jin Young
Published: November 2018

This work provides a detailed, structure–function analysis of the topology of diphenyl-chalcogenides to photovoltaic device performances and polymer bulk-heterojunction films.
Diffusiophoresis in ionic surfactants: effect of micelle formation
Authors: Warren Patrick B. , Shin Sangwoo , Stone Howard A.
Published: November 2018

We explore the consequences of micelle formation for diffusiophoresis of charged colloidal particles in ionic surfactant concentration gradients, using a quasi-chemical association model for surfactant self assembly.
Hierarchical modelling of polystyrene melts: from soft blobs to atomistic resolution
Authors: Zhang Guojie , Chazirakis Anthony , Harmandaris Vagelis A. , Stuehn Torsten , Daoulas Kostas Ch. , Kremer Kurt
Published: November 2018

A hierarchical backmapping simulation method, involving models with three different resolutions, is developed to equilibrate large atomistically-resolved samples of long polystyrene melts.
Construction and efficient dye adsorption of supramolecular hydrogels by cyclodextrin pseudorotaxane and clay
Authors: Zhang Yi , Liang Lu , Chen Yong , Chen Xu-Man , Liu Yu
Published: November 2018

Supramolecular hydrogels constructed by pseudorotaxane and clay have interesting mechanical properties and decent adsorption properties for cationic dyes.
Highly efficient adsorptive removal of uranyl ions by a novel graphene oxide reduced by adenosine 5′-monophosphate (RGO-AMP)
Authors: Dutta Raj Kumar , Shaida Md. Azfar , Singla Kirti , Das Dipika
Published: November 2018

Development of RGO-AMP for fast, selective and unprecedented adsorption of uranium species with qmax = 3024 mg g−1.
Hydrophobized SN38 to redox-hypersensitive nanorods for cancer therapy
Authors: Zheng Yaxin , Yan Xueling , Wang Yalun , Duan Xing , Wang Xinming , Chen Chaorong , Tian Dongmei , Luo Zhihong , Zhang Zhonglin , Zeng Yingchun
Published: November 2018

Redox-hypersensitive hydrophobized SN38 self-assembled into rod-shaped nanoaggregates with uncompromised in vitro cytotoxicity and potent in vivo antitumor effects.
Prognostic values of inhibitory κB kinases mRNA expression in human gastric cancer
Authors: Gayed David Timothy , Wodeyar Jayant , Wang Zi-Xiang , Wei Xiang , Yao Yi-Yi , Chen Xiao-Xi , Du Zhou , Chen Ji-Cai
Published: November 2018

Background: Inhibitory κB kinases (IKKs) play a key role in modulating proinflammatory and growth stimulating signals through their regulation of the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) cascade. Therefore, the level of expression of IKKs represents a viable prognostic predictor with regard to various pathological processes. The prognostic value of IKKs expression in gastric cancer remains unclear. Methods: We used the ‘Kaplan–Meier plotter’ (KM plotter) online database, to explore the predictive prognostic value of individual IKKs members’ mRNA expression to overall survival (OS) in different clinical data including pathological staging, histology, and therapies employed. Results: Our results revealed that a higher mRNA expression of inhibitor of NF-κB kinase subunit α (IKKα) was correlated to better OS, whereas higher mRNA expression of IKKβ, inhibitor of NF-κB kinase subunit γ (IKKγ), inhibitor of NF-κB kinase subunit ε (IKKε), and suppressor of IKKε (SIKE) were generally correlated to unfavorable OS in gastric cancer. Increased mRNA expression of IKKε also showed better outcomes in stage IV gastric cancer. Further a correlation between elevated levels of mRNA expression of both IKKε and SIKE was found to have favorable OS in diffuse type gastric cancer. It was also revealed that high expression of SIKE had favorable OS when treated with other adjuvant therapies, while worse OS when treated only with 5FU therapy. Conclusion: Our results suggest that mRNA expression of individual IKKs and SIKE are associated with unique prognostic significance and may act as valuable prognostic biomarkers and potential targets for future therapeutic interventions in gastric cancer.
Technical and non‐technical losses calculation in distribution grids using a defined equivalent operational impedance
Authors: Manito Allan R.A. , Bezerra Ubiratan H. , Soares Thiago M. , Vieira João P.A. , Nunes Marcus V.A. , Tostes Maria E.L. , de Oliveira Rafael C.
Published: November 2018

This study presents an approach to calculate average technical losses (TLoss) and non‐technical losses (NTLoss) in distribution grids using an equivalent operational impedance (EOI) calculated from a load flow solution for the transformers’ average loads, obtained from customers’ electric bills. If transformers are supervised, i.e. have available active and reactive power injections measurements or estimates from a state estimator program, the transformers’ average technical and non‐technical losses can be calculated by running a load flow for the grid supplied by the transformer and using the definition of EOI presented in this study. For unsupervised transformers, i.e. no measurements or estimates are available, pseudo measurements of average active and reactive power injections can be obtained by a procedure that uses active and reactive power measurements at the feeder substation. The use of this methodology by electric utilities allows the calculation of technical and non‐technical losses more accurately, as well as the inclusion of non‐technical losses in the distribution networks operation planning. Results using the IEEE 13‐bus test system and an urban real distribution grid are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology.
On collision course: The nature of the binary star cluster NGC2006/SL 538
Authors: Mora Marcelo D. , Puzia Thomas H. , Chanamé Julio
Published: November 2018

Context. The Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) is known to be the host of a rich variety of star clusters of all ages. A large number of them is seen in close projected proximity. Ages have been derived for few of them showing differences up to few million years, hinting at being binary star clusters. However, final confirmation through spectroscopy measurements and dynamical analysis is needed.

Aims. In the present work we focus on one of these LMC cluster pairs (NGC 2006–SL 538) and aim to determine whether the star cluster pair is a bound entity and, therefore, a binary star cluster or a chance alignment.

Methods. We used the Magellan Inamori Kyocera Echelle (MIKE) high-resolution spectrograph on the 6.5 m Magellan-II Clay telescope at Las Campanas Observatory to acquire integrated-light spectra of the two clusters, measuring their radial velocities with individual absorption features and cross-correlation of each spectrum with a stellar spectral library.

Results. We measured radial velocities by two methods: first by direct line-profile measurement yields νr = 300.3 ± 5 ± 6 km s−1 for NGC 2006 and νr = 310.2 ± 4 ± 6 km s−1 for SL 538. The second one is derived by comparing observed spectra with synthetic bootstrapped spectra yielding νr = 311.0 ± 0.6 km s−1 for NGC 2006 and νr = 309.4 ± 0.5 km s−1 for SL 538. Finally when spectra are directly compared, we find a Δν = 1.08 ± 0.47 km s−1. Full-spectrum spectral energy distribution fits reveal that the stellar population ages of both clusters lie in the range 13–21 Myr with a metallicity of Z = 0.008. We find indications for differences in the chemical abundance patterns as revealed by the helium absorption lines between the two clusters. The dynamical analysis of the system shows that the two clusters are likely to merge within the next ∼150 Myr to form a star cluster with a stellar mass of ∼104 M⊙.

Conclusions. The NGC 2006–SL 538 cluster pair shows radial velocities, stellar population and dynamical parameters consistent with a gravitational bound entity and, considering that the velocity dispersion of the stars in LMC is ≲20 km s−1, we reject them as a chance alignment. We conclude that this is a genuine binary cluster pair, and we propose that their differences in ages and stellar population chemistry is most likely due to variances in their chemical enrichment history within their environment. We suggest that they may have formed in a loosely bound star-formation complex which saw initial fragmentation but then had its clusters become a gravitationally bound pair by tidal capture.
Analysis of factors affecting the performance of BIPV panels
Authors: Launay Julien , Lee Eric W.M. , Bennacer Rachid , Yuen Richard K.K.
Published: November 2018

We explore different methods of analyzing large and complex datasets related to building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). We use the data of the European RESSOURCES project obtained from ETNA, an experimental setup consisting of two full-scale replicas of residential homes featuring a double-skin facade. We show that classic data mining methods such as mutual information can be used to gain a better understanding of the physics behind BIPV systems and to highlight discrepancies between different experimental setups. We then use artificial neural networks to model the airflow inside a double-skin facade and quantify its contribution to the cooling and heating of buildings.