bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of a new reduced‐complexity assessment tool to estimate CO2 and brine leakage from reservoir and above‐zone monitoring interval (AZMI) through an abandoned well under geologic carbon storage conditions
Authors: Zhang Liwei , Dilmore Robert , Huerta Nicolas , Soong Yee , Vasylkivska Veronika , Namhata Argha , Wang Yan , Li Xiaochun
Published: September 2018

This study employs a combination of detailed simulations and reduced‐complexity models in the Well Leakage Analysis Tool (WLAT), developed by the National Risk Assessment Partnership (NRAP), US Department of Energy, to investigate how the rates of CO2 and brine leakage through an abandoned well under geologic CO2 storage conditions are affected by various factors. The factors considered in this study include depth of well penetration into the storage system, location relative to the point of injection, and effective permeability of the abandoned well. Location is the primary factor used to identify high‐ and low‐risk abandoned wells. For the typical CO2 injection scenario considered in this study, the potential impact of CO2 and brine leakage through an abandoned well is very low if the abandoned well is 6.2 km or further away from the CO2 injector. Due to the buoyancy of CO2 relative to formation brine, wells intersecting (i.e., accepting flow from) the top of the above‐zone monitoring interval (AZMI), which is the interval immediately above the seal, have a higher chance to become a pathway for CO2 than wells intersecting the bottom of the AZMI. If the permeability of an abandoned well is 10−14 m2 or less, the risk of CO2 and brine leakage through the well becomes very low. Due to the combined effect of pressure increase and buoyancy, the CO2 leakage rate is higher than brine leakage rate within the CO2 plume extent. Specific values reported in this study are site‐specific results and cannot be regarded as general findings. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Activation of brainstem and midbrain nuclei during cognitive control in medicated patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Köhler Stefanie , Wagner Gerd , Bär Karl‐Jürgen
Published: September 2018

Evidence suggests that cognitive control functions as well as the underlying brain network, anchored by the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC), are dysfunctional in schizophrenia. Catecholamine producing midbrain and brainstem nuclei are densely connected with the PFC and dACC and exert profound contributions to cognitive control processes. Dysfunctions within the underlying neurotransmitter systems are considered to play a central role in the occurrence of various symptoms of schizophrenia. We sought to investigate the putatively abnormal activation pattern of the dopaminergic midbrain nuclei, that is, ventral tegmental area (VTA) and substantia nigra as well as that of the noradrenergic locus coeruleus (LC) in patients with schizophrenia during cognitive control. A total of 28 medicated patients and 27 healthy controls were investigated with the manual version of the Stroop task using event‐related fMRI. The main finding was a reduced BOLD activation in the VTA during both Stroop task conditions in patients in comparison to controls, which correlated significantly with the degree of negative symptoms. We further detected a comparable LC activation in in patients and healthy controls. However, in controls LC activation was significantly correlated with the Stroop interference time, which was not observed in patients. The finding of reduced VTA activation in schizophrenia patients lends further support to the assumed dysfunction of the DA system in schizophrenia. In addition, despite comparable LC activation, the nonsignificant correlation with the Stroop interference time might indicate altered LC functioning in schizophrenia and, thus, needs further investigations.
Genome‐wide DNA methylation profiling of primary colorectal laterally spreading tumors identifies disease‐specific epimutations on common pathways
Authors: Zhu Liangliang , Yan Feihu , Wang Zhen , Dong Haiyan , Bian Chengling , Wang Ting , Yu Enda , Li Jing
Published: September 2018

Colorectal laterally spreading tumors (LSTs) grow to extremely large size while rarely invade deeply. Also, there is a low tendency to become cancerous. We used the Illumina Human Methylation 450K array to query the main epigenetic difference of LSTs. We built a discovery cohort with 10 matched cases, and a validation cohort with 9 additional matched cases. Our results suggest that LST displays significant decrease in DNA methylation, highlighted by the discovery of 1,018 hypomethylated intergenic regions (IGRs). Comparing to classic differentially methylated probes and regions that overlap transcription starting site and CpG island, IGR‐regions were associated more closely with genes involved in functional biological processes and correlated with specific histone modifications. Hypomethylated IGR regions were often annotated as tissue‐specific regulatory elements for noncolon tissues and were typically epigenetically silenced in normal colon mucosa. By integration of public data, we defined the commonality and specific epigenetic signatures for adenomas, LSTs and colon adenocarcinomas. Only 435 hypermethylated differentially methylated probes (DMPs) and differentially methylated regions (DMRs) and 517 hypomethylated DMPs and DMRs were shared by the three diseases. However, our pathway‐level analysis discovered that genes in four pathways were common target of epimutations in LSTs, adenomas and CRCs. More interestingly, different diseases seem to employ distinct epigenetic insult to disturb specific pathways. Between LST and adenoma, we found eight pathways including Ras signaling and Rap1 signaling pathway were commonly targeted but the epimutation patterns were opposite. Comparison between precancerous conditions and invasive states revealed the key pathways governing the progression to malignancy, including PI3K‐Akt pathways.
Molecular and health effects in the upper respiratory tract associated with tobacco smoking other than cigarettes
Authors: Szyfter Krzysztof , Napierala Marta , Florek Ewa , Braakhuis Boudewijn J. M. , Takes Robert P. , Rodrigo Juan P. , Rinaldo Alessandra , Silver Carl E. , Ferlito Alfio
Published: September 2018

The objective of the review was to compare molecular and health effects of tobacco smoking using cigars, cigarillos, pipe and water pipe in relation to the effects of cigarette smoking. In this review we will focus on the upper respiratory tract. Mechanisms of interaction of tobacco smoke constituents after products other than cigarettes are similar to these associated with cigarette smoking. Carcinogenic activity was demonstrated for any type of tobacco smoking, although the risk of developing head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains lower in users of cigars, traditional pipe and water pipe as compared to cigarette smoking. Nevertheless, there is no way of safe tobacco smoking.
Functional Characterization of a GGPPS Variant Identified in Atypical Femoral Fracture Patients and Delineation of the Role of GGPPS in Bone-Relevant Cell Types
Authors: Roca-Ayats Neus , Ng Pei Ying , Garcia-Giralt Natàlia , Falcó-Mascaró Maite , Cozar Mónica , Abril Josep Francesc , Quesada Gómez José Manuel , Prieto-Alhambra Daniel , Nogués Xavier , Dunford James E , Russell R Graham , Baron Roland , Grinberg Daniel , Balcells Susana , Díez-Pérez Adolfo
Published: September 2018

Atypical femoral fractures (AFFs) are a rare but potentially devastating event, often but not always linked to bisphosphonate (BP) therapy. The pathogenic mechanisms underlying AFFs remain obscure, and there are no tests available that might assist in identifying those at high risk of AFF. We previously used exome sequencing to explore the genetic background of three sisters with AFFs and three additional unrelated AFF cases, all previously treated with BPs. We detected 37 rare mutations (in 34 genes) shared by the three sisters. Notably, we found a p.Asp188Tyr mutation in the enzyme geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthase, a component of the mevalonate pathway, which is critical to osteoclast function and is inhibited by N-BPs. In addition, the CYP1A1 gene, responsible for the hydroxylation of 17β-estradiol, estrone, and vitamin D, was also mutated in all three sisters and one unrelated patient. Here we present a detailed list of the variants found and report functional analyses of the GGPS1 p.Asp188Tyr mutation, which showed a severe reduction in enzyme activity together with oligomerization defects. Unlike BP treatment, this genetic mutation will affect all cells in the carriers. RNAi knockdown of GGPS1 in osteoblasts produced a strong mineralization reduction and a reduced expression of osteocalcin, osterix, and RANKL, whereas in osteoclasts, it led to a lower resorption activity. Taken together, the impact of the mutated GGPPS and the relevance of the downstream effects in bone cells make it a strong candidate for AFF susceptibility. We speculate that other genes such as CYP1A1 might be involved in AFF pathogenesis, which remains to be functionally proved. The identification of the genetic background for AFFs provides new insights for future development of novel risk assessment tools. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Rare earth‐doped calcium‐based magnetic catalysts for transesterification of glycerol to glycerol carbonate
Authors: Zhang Pingbo , Zhu Mengnan , Fan Mingming , Jiang Pingping , Dong Yuming
Published: September 2018

Several rare earth‐doped, calcium‐based magnetic catalysts were prepared for the synthesis of glycerol carbonate. The basicity and basic strength analysis of the catalysts showed that the doping of rare earth improved the basicity of the catalysts, and the doping of lanthanum maximized it. In addition, with the doping of lanthanum, the particle size of the catalyst became smaller to promote the organic reactants near the active sites of catalysts, thereby effectively improving the performance. NiFe2O4@[CaO‐La2O3] shows better catalytic performance with 99.0% yield of glycerol carbonate compared to the other catalysts. The NiFe2O4@(CaO‐La2O3) could be reused in six cycles without significant loss in activity.
Ionization methods for the mass spectrometry of organometallic compounds
Authors: Vikse Krista L. , Scott McIndoe J.
Published: September 2018

The rapid development of new ionization methods has greatly expanded the ability of mass spectrometry to target diverse areas of chemistry. Synthetic organometallic and inorganic chemists often find themselves with interesting characterization problems that mass spectrometry could potentially find the answer for, but without a guide for choosing the appropriate method of analysis. This tutorial review seeks to provide that guidance via a simple flow chart followed by a brief description of how each common ionization method works. It covers all of the commonly used ionization techniques as well as promising variants and aims to be a resource of first resort for organometallic chemists and analysts tackling a new problem.
Alternating voltage induced oscillation on electrochemical behavior and pitting corrosion in duplex stainless steel 2205
Authors: Dai Nianwei , Wu Jun , Zhang Lai‐Chang , Sun Yangting , Liu Yuanyuan , Yang Yuanyuan , Jiang Yiming , Li Jin
Published: September 2018

Potentiodynamic polarization and potentiostatic passive measurements were performed to study the effects of alternating voltage (AV) interference on duplex stainless steel (DSS) 2205 corrosion. The results reveal that AV signals cause positive shift in open circuit potential (OCP) and strong oscillations on polarization curves of DSS 2205. For potentiostatic passive condition, the passive current increases with increasing the amplitude of AV signals with a frequency of 50 Hz. The vibrations on polarization and passivation are weakened after increase in frequency (>50 Hz). AV signals with frequency smaller than 50 Hz also induce evident oscillation on OCP, polarization, and passivation on samples. The high‐amplitude AV interferences with 50 and 100 Hz induce big pits on DSS 2205 samples, the pitting corrosion however is inhibited with further increasing the frequency.
EGCG inhibits CSC‐like properties through targeting miR‐485/CD44 axis in A549‐cisplatin resistant cells
Authors: Jiang Pan , Xu Chuyue , Chen Lijun , Chen Aochang , Wu Xiaoyue , Zhou Ming , Haq Ijaz ul , Mariyam Zahula , Feng Qing
Published: September 2018

Non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains one of the most aggressive tumors with low life expectancy worldwide. The existence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) contributes to the failure of cancer treatment resulted from drug resistance. Altered microRNA expression has been observed in human tumors due to its role in tumor growth, progression, and metastasis. Hence, the aim of our present study was to investigate the effects of miR‐485 on the CSC‐like traits in NSCLC A549‐cisplatin resistant cells and concentrate on the underlying molecular mechanism. It was found that CSC‐like phenotypes were much more enriched in A549/cisplatin (A549/CDDP) cells compared to A549‐parental cells. In addition, we observed that miR‐485 was greatly decreased in A549/CDDP cells and miR‐485 overexpression was able to decrease the stemness of A549/DDP cells. Meanwhile, epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG), a green tea polyphenol which has been identified as an effective anticancer compound was able to increase miR‐485 expression dose‐dependently in A549/CDDP cells. Inhibitors of miR‐485 remarkably increased CSC‐like phenotypes, which could be reversed by indicated doses of EGCG. Moreover, CD44 was predicted as downstream target of miR‐485 and the correlation between them was validated by performing dual‐luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. Subsequently, in vivo experiments were employed to confirm that EGCG restrained CSC‐like characteristics by increasing miR‐485 and decreasing CD44 expression. Taken together, it was implied that stemness features and CSC population were suppressed by EGCG‐modulated miR‐485/CD44 axis in A549/CDDP cells.
On approximating the finite Hilbert transform and applications in numerical integration
Authors: Usta Fuat
Published: September 2018

In this study, approximating the finite Hilbert transform are given for absolutely continuous mappings. Then, some numerical experiments for the obtained approximation are also presented.
Hydroxyproline Attenuates Dextran Sulfate Sodium‐Induced Colitis in Mice: Involvment of the NF‐κB Signaling and Oxidative Stress
Authors: Ji Yun , Dai Zhaolai , Sun Shiqiang , Ma Xiaoshi , Yang Ying , Tso Patrick , Wu Guoyao , Wu Zhenlong
Published: September 2018

Scope

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic disease of gastrointestinal tract in which oxidative stress and overactivation of inflammatory response are implicated. The aim of the present study is to test the hypothesis that hydroxyproline (Hyp), an amino acid with an antioxidative property, attenuates dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)‐induced colitis in mice.

Methods and results

Male C57BL/6 mice supplemented with or without 1% Hyp are subjected to 2.5% DSS in drinking water to induce colitis. Hyp attenuates the severity of colitis as evidenced by reduced disease activity index scores, decreased myeloperoxidase activity, histological damage, and apoptosis. Furthermore, DSS‐induced increases in reactive oxygen species accumulation, TNF‐α and IL−6 secretion, and malonyldialdehyde activity and a decrease in reduced glutathione in the colon are ameliorated by Hyp. The enhanced phosphorylation of STAT3 and NF−κB following DSS administration is mitigated by Hyp, which is also observed in LPS−treated RAW264.7 macrophages. Moreover, the inhibitory effect of Hyp on IL−6 expression is mainly mediated by the NF−κB signaling, because the induction of STAT3 and IL−6 by LPS is markedly reversed by Bay11‐7085, a specific inhibitor NF−κB.

Conclusion

In summary, Hyp is a critical nutrient with an ability to attenuate DSS‐induced colonic damage in mice. This beneficial effect of Hyp is partially mediated by inhibiting the NF−κB/IL−6 signaling and the restoration of redox homeostasis.
User perception of a new hydrophilic‐coated male urinary catheter for intermittent use
Authors: Koeter Ingrid , Stensröd Gro , Hunsbedt Nilsen Aud , Lund Rigmor , Haslam Colette , De Sèze Marianne , Sriram Rajagopalan , Heesakkers John ,   the LoFric Origo study group
Published: September 2018

Aims

This study investigated user perception and adherence related to a hydrophilic‐coated urinary catheter (LoFric® Origo™), available for male patients who practice intermittent catheterization.

Design

The study had a prospective observational design, including patients from 19 European hospitals.

Methods

A total of 416 patients were eligible for the study; 179 experienced catheter users and 237 de novo. Two questionnaires were filled out, one describing background data and a second, 8 weeks later, evaluating catheter features.

Results

The response rate for the second questionnaire was 88% (365 patients). Patients evaluating the new catheter showed a general satisfaction rate of 81% and 72% kept using it. The hygienic grip of the catheter was appreciated by 85% and the foldable feature by 67%. The results show that convenience, ease of use, and hygienic factors are patient‐preferred features for a urinary catheter. These factors were confirmed for the evaluated hydrophilic‐coated catheter.
Molecular and structural bases of interaction between extracellular domains of nectin‐2 and N‐cadherin
Authors: Duraivelan Kheerthana , Basak Aditya J. , Ghosh Amit , Samanta Dibyendu
Published: September 2018

Cell adhesion molecules such as nectins and cadherins play important role in the formation of adherens junction. While nectins interact through their extracellular domains in both homophilic and heterophilic manner among themselves, extracellular domains of cadherins participate only in homophilic fashion to mediate cell‐cell adhesion. It is well established that nectins recruit cadherins in the adhesion sites through an interplay of adaptor molecules in the cytoplasmic side thereby increasing the effective concentration of both the adhesion molecules on the cell surface. This study provides molecular and structural bases of the novel interaction between extracellular domains of nectin‐2 and N‐cadherin, by which nectins can also recruit cadherins at the site of adherens junction through an adaptor‐independent mechanism. Surface plasmon resonance study demonstrates that nectin‐2 can directly recognize N‐cadherin with a KD of 3.5 ± 0.6 μM which is physiologically relevant considering the affinities between other cell adhesion molecules including cadherin dimerization. Furthermore, structural analysis of currently available homodimeric structures of both nectin‐2 and N‐cadherin followed by molecular docking as well as complementary mutagenesis studies revealed the binding interface of this novel interaction.
A Brief History of Ellipsometry
Authors: Rossow Uwe
Published: September 2018

In this paper the history of ellipsometry is described with emphasis on the 19th century. The understanding of polarized light and its interaction with matter is tightly connected to the development of the electromagnetic theory and thus optics. While some effects of polarized light were already known to the Vikings, a reasonable starting is the work of É. Malus, who first defined light polarization. First instruments were likely built in the first half of the 19th century. However, ellipsometry became an optical characterization technique only after the optical response was formulated within the Maxwell equations at the beginning of the 20th century.
Characterization on Three‐Dimensional Trajectory of Disk‐Like Gold‐Nickel‐Platinum Nanomotor Using Digital Holographic Imaging
Authors: Hu Liangxing , Rehman Shakil , Tao Kai , Miao Jianmin
Published: September 2018

Self‐propelling disk‐like nanomotor consisting of three metallic segments: a non‐catalytic gold (Au), central magnetic nickel (Ni), and a catalytic platinum (Pt), is designed and fabricated with a high‐efficiency layer‐by‐layer (LbL) deposition method based on the nano‐electro‐mechanical systems (NMES) technology. A bubble propulsion mechanism, resulting from bubble growth and collapse, is proposed to explain the locomotion of the nanomotor suspended in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) solution. The autonomous propulsion of Au‐Ni‐Pt nanomotor is characterized by digital holographic imaging and analyzed using Matlab, revealing that oxygen (O2) bubbles are generated and detached from the surface of Pt. In addition, the holographic images are for the first time used to reconstruct the instantaneously three‐dimensional (3D) location and trajectory of the nanomotor.
Stretching for sonographers
Authors: Allwood Richard , Basham Graeme , Gregory Peter
Published: September 2018

For more than 30 years, surveys of sonographers, including cardiac, vascular and general sonographers, have consistently reported a high prevalence of work‐related discomfort and injury. In this study, we developed a task‐specific stretching protocol that can be easily understood and performed in the working environment. A variety of studies were reviewed, as well as visual ergonomic analysis by a physiotherapist to identify areas of the body that were at the greatest risk of injury. A specific stretching programme was developed focusing on these areas. Studies have indicated that 80–95% of sonographers experience work‐related pain during their professional careers. Sonographers reported moderate to severe pain and discomfort mostly from the hip to neck region. Stretching protocols have been suggested to be a useful tool at reducing risk of musculoskeletal injury, pain and repetitive strain injury. Education to prevent work‐related injuries or pain in sonographers needs to improve. Promoting awareness of correct stretching techniques and sitting positions can have immediate effects on the well‐being of individual sonographers. To help reduce the risk of injury and promote awareness, we have developed a task‐specific, regular static stretching protocol to be followed on a daily basis.
The use of contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography for the characterisation of focal liver lesions
Authors: Bagley Jennifer E. , Paul Dennis E. , Halferty Sutton , DiGiacinto Dora
Published: September 2018

Focal liver lesions often occur with or without an underlying liver disease. Contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography can aid in characterising liver lesions, potentially avoiding biopsy and computed tomography procedures. Contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography has a high sensitivity and specificity for differentiating characteristics of liver lesions compared with noncontrast sonography. The different contrast characteristics aid in differentiating benign and malignant lesions. Malignant lesions tend to have washout of contrast in the venous phases, whereas benign lesions have hyperenhancement during the venous phases. Therefore, contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography should be considered an essential component of the diagnostic process for diagnosing and following focal liver lesions.
Effect of Single Power Two Circuits Electroslag Remelting Process on the Ingot Solidification Quality
Authors: Cao Haibo , Jiang Zhouhua , Dong Yanwu , Liu Fubin , Cao Yulong , Hou Zhiwen , Yao Kean , Xu Mingxiang
Published: September 2018

The laboratory experiments have been carried out to investigate the effects of different power supply circuits on the solidification quality of GCr15 manufactured by the single‐power, two‐circuit electroslag remelting process. According to the previous research, the different power supply circuits are named as conventional electroslag remelting withdrawal process (ESRW), single power two circuits electroslag remelting process (ESR‐STCCM) with up power process (ESR‐STCCM‐U) and down power process (ESR‐STCCM‐D), respectively. The profile and depth of the molten pool, macroscopic and microscopic solidification structure, macrosegregation and microsegregation (macro‐/microsegregation) are analyzed. Compared with the ESRW process, ESR‐STCCM process can obtain a flatter and shallower molten pool. Besides, experimental and numerical results adequately prove ESR‐STCCM process can reduce the width of the mushy zone and the local solidification time (LST), therefore, the macro‐/microsegregation of segregation elements for ESR‐STCCM process are dramatically improved compared with ESRW process, especially for ESR‐STCCM‐D process.
Tolerance requirements for flange connections in wind turbine support structures
Authors: Seidel Marc
Published: September 2018

Herstellungstoleranzen von Flanschverbindungen für Tragstrukturen von Windenergieanlagen. Ebenheitstoleranzen geschraubter Ringflanschverbindungen sind oftmals Gegenstand technischer Diskussionen. Die derzeit verwendeten Grenzwerte wurden vor etwa 10–15 Jahren festgelegt und die Anwendung derselben Werte für deutlich größere Abmessungen aktueller Flanschverbindungen wird häufig in Frage gestellt. In diesem Beitrag werden die aktuellen Werte vor ihrem historischen Hintergrund dargestellt und eine Methode zur Anpassung der Werte basierend auf den die Klaffung schließenden Spannungen wird vorgeschlagen.
EAP Students Co‐constructing Alternative Narratives: Classroom Discursive Representations of Islam and Democracy
Authors: Chun Christian W.
Published: September 2018

Little research has been done exploring how Islam has been mediated by English language teachers and learners in the classroom through the prism of dominant discourses in social circulation. Drawing on an ethnographic English for academic purposes (EAP) classroom case study, this article explores how particular meanings of Islam were framed and challenged in this classroom context by examining how an instructor and her two Muslim students engaged with these discourses featured in a panel discussion video. Employing a mediated discourse analysis approach (Scollon & Scollon,; Wortham & Reyes,), two interrelated aspects are examined: In what ways did the participants engage with the video's discursive framings of Islam to open up critical and dialogic spaces to contest particular pernicious discourses about Islam? And what emerges from the instructor's ensuing reflections on her classroom approaches in addressing the controversial topic of religion with her students that can help further critical theories and practices in English language teaching (ELT) classrooms? The article argues that the dialogic spaces the instructor co‐constructed with her students allowed both the development of the students’ literacy skills and important mutual learning moments in which dominant discourses were questioned and challenged. The article concludes with these implications forEAPpedagogy.
Implications of nonplanar dual conformal symmetry
Authors: Chicherin D. , Henn J. M. , Sokatchev E.
Published: September 2018

Abstract

Recently, Bern et al. observed that a certain class of next-to-planar Feynman integrals possess a bonus symmetry that is closely related to dual conformal symmetry. It corresponds to a projection of the latter along a certain lightlike direction. Previous studies were performed at the level of the loop integrand, and a Ward identity for the integral was formulated. We investigate the implications of the symmetry at the level of the integrated quantities. In particular, we focus on the phenomenologically important case of five-particle scattering. The symmetry simplifies the four-variable problem to a three-variable one. In the context of the recently proposed space of pentagon functions, the symmetry is much stronger. We find that it drastically reduces the allowed function space, leading to a well-known space of three-variable functions. Furthermore, we show how to use the symmetry in the presence of infrared divergences, where one obtains an anomalous Ward identity. We verify that the Ward identity is satisfied by the leading and subleading poles of several nontrivial five-particle integrals. Finally, we present examples of integrals that possess both ordinary and dual conformal symmetry.
Development of mazF-based markerless genome editing system and metabolic pathway engineering in Candida tropicalis for producing long-chain dicarboxylic acids
Authors: Wang Junqing , Peng Jian , Fan Han , Xiu Xiang , Xue Le , Wang Lei , Su Jing , Yang Xiaohui , Wang Ruiming
Published: September 2018

Candida tropicalis can grow with alkanes or plant oils as the sole carbon source, and its industrial application thus has great potential. However, the choice of a suitable genetic operating system can effectively increase the speed of metabolic engineering. MazF functions as an mRNA interferase that preferentially cleaves single-stranded mRNAs at ACA sequences to inhibit protein synthesis, leading to cell growth arrest. Here, we constructed a suicide plasmid named pPICPJ-mazF that uses the mazF gene of Escherichia coli as a counterselectable marker for the markerless editing of C. tropicalis genes to increase the rate of conversion of oils into long-chain dicarboxylic acids. To reduce the β-oxidation of fatty acids, the carnitine acetyltransferase gene (CART) was deleted using the gene editing system, and the yield of long-chain acids from the strain was increased to 8.27 g/L. By two homologous single exchanges, the promoters of both the cytochrome P450 gene and the NADPH–cytochrome P450 reductase gene were subsequently replaced by the constitutively expressed promoter pGAP, and the production of long-chain dicarboxylic acids by the generated strain (C. tropicalis PJPP1702) reached 11.39 g/L. The results of fed-batch fermentation showed that the yield of long-chain acids from the strain was further increased to 32.84 g/L, which was 11.4 times higher than that from the original strain. The results also showed that the pPICPJ-mazF-based markerless editing system may be more suited for completing the genetic editing of C. tropicalis.
Dynamic Non-parametric Monitoring of Air-Pollution
Authors: Bersimis Sotiris , Triantafyllopoulos Kostas
Published: September 2018

Air pollution poses a major problem in modern cities, as it has a significant effect in poor quality of life of the general population. Many recent studies link excess levels of major air pollutants with health-related incidents, in particular respiratory-related diseases. This introduces the need for city pollution on-line monitoring to enable quick identification of deviations from “normal” pollution levels, and providing useful information to public authorities for public protection. This article considers dynamic monitoring of pollution data (output of multivariate processes) using Kalman filters and multivariate statistical process control techniques. A state space model is used to define the in-control process dynamics, involving trend and seasonality. Distribution-free monitoring of the residuals of that model is proposed, based on binomial-type and generalised binomial-type statistics as well as on rank statistics. We discuss the general problem of detecting a change in pollutant levels that affects either the entire city (globally) or specific sub-areas (locally). The proposed methodology is illustrated using data, consisting of ozone, nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide collected over the air-quality monitoring network of Athens.
Refractive Index Sensor Based on Fano Resonances in Plasmonic Waveguide With Dual Side-Coupled Ring Resonators
Authors: Zhang Xuewei , Qi Yunping , Zhou Peiyang , Gong Hanhan , Hu Bingbing , Yan Chunman
Published: September 2018

A refractive index sensor based on Fano resonances in metal-insulator-metal (MIM) waveguides coupled with rectangular and dual side rings resonators is proposed. The sensing properties are numerically simulated by the finite element method (FEM). For the interaction of the narrow-band spectral response and the broadband spectral response caused by the side-coupled resonators and the rectangular resonator, respectively, the transmission spectra exhibit a sharp and asymmetric profile. Results are analyzed using the coupled-mode theory based on the transmission line theory. The coupled mode theory is employed to explain the Fano resonance effect. The results show that with an increase in the refractive index of the fill dielectric material in the slot of the system, the Fano resonance peak exhibits a remarkable red shift. Through the optimization of structural parameters, we achieve a theoretical value of the refractive index sensitivity (S) as high as 1160 nm/RIU, and the corresponding sensing resolution is 8.62 × 10–5 RIU. In addition, the coupled MIM waveguide structure can be easily extended to other similar compact structures to realize the sensing task and integrated with other photonic devices at the chip scale. This work paves the way toward the sensitive nanometer scale refractive index sensor for design and application.
Challenges for conducting and teaching handovers as collaborative conversations: an interview study at teaching ICUs
Authors: Leenstra Nico F. , Johnson Addie , Jung Oliver C. , Holman Nicole D. , Hofstra Lieuwe S. , Tulleken Jaap E.
Published: September 2018

Introduction Whereas medical shift handovers are increasingly recognized to fulfil important functions beyond information transfer, studies suggest that shift handovers continue to be variably used for reflection, learning or discussion. Little is known of the dynamics of incorporating such functions into ICU shift handovers, resulting in a challenge for the design of educational programs whose underlying philosophies align with the specific requirements of the ICU.

Methods Intensivists, residents and fellows (n = 21) from three ICUs were interviewed to determine perceptions of handover functionality and the boundaries to what must or can be achieved in handover conversations. Interviews were analyzed to isolate training requirements and factors that challenge interactions.

Results The analysis revealed that ICU physicians value three functions for shift handovers: information transfer, enhancing shared understanding and decision-making, and learning. The functions towards which physicians are oriented were found to be affected by situational characteristics of cases, individuals, teams, and the unit workflow. Whereas some factors are helpful cues for determining communication needs, others raise dilemmas and misaligned expectations with regards to what can be achieved in the handover.

Discussion Our findings add to the growing case for the education of handovers in complex settings to involve more than information transfers. As residents gain experience, training should be gradually shifted towards more fluid and adaptable approaches to the handover and residents’ ability to engage in joint reflections and discussions.
Transnational Labour Governance: A Critical Review of Proposals for Linkage through the Lens of the Rana Plaza Collapse in Bangladesh
Authors: Khan Zobaida
Published: September 2018

Exploitative working conditions in the factories of developing countries like Bangladesh have fueled scholarly arguments for linking labour governance through trade/economic cooperation agreements/arrangements. This article argues that despite rich theoretical analyses of the structural form of these trade/economic-labour linkage mechanisms, less attention has been paid to the conceptualizations of “the social,” which tend to be narrow. These conceptualizations yield a restrictive approach to labour governance, maintaining a sharp difference between fundamental and redistributive approaches to transnational labour law. This approach may focus only on workers engaged in exporting sectors; defend individualized, civil, and political rights; weaken the participation of non-state actors in factory monitoring; and accentuate voluntary forms of corporate responsibility. Referring to some of the challenges in the transnational governance mechanisms launched after the collapse of Rana Plaza, this article argues that it is necessary to consider the aggregate effects of labour deregulation and the distributional problems of labour.
Toddlers map the word ‘good’ to helping agents, but not to fair distributors
Authors: FRANCHIN Laura , SAVAZZI Federica , NEIRA-GUTIERREZ Isabel Cristina , SURIAN Luca
Published: September 2018

Infants begin to understand some of the meanings of the adjective good at around thirteen months, but it is not clear when they start to map it to concepts in the moral domain. We investigated infants’ and toddlers’ knowledge of good in the domains of help and fairness. Participants at 20 and 30 months were shown computer animations involving helpful and hindering agents, or agents who performed fair or unfair distributions, and were asked to “pick the good one”. Toddlers at 30 months took good as referring to helping, but not to the fair agents. However, when asked “to pick one”, they choose the fair distributor. These findings suggest that by 30 months toddlers have started to map good to some socio-moral features, such as a helping disposition, but not to fairness in distributive actions.
Interior of sums of planar sets and curves
Authors: SIMON KÁROLY , TAYLOR KRYSTAL
Published: September 2018

Recently, considerable attention has been given to the study of the arithmetic sum of two planar sets. We focus on understanding the interior (A + Γ)°, when Γ is a piecewise ${\mathcal C}^2$ curve and A ⊂ ℝ2. To begin, we give an example of a very large (full-measure, dense, Gδ) set A such that (A + S1)° = ∅, where S1 denotes the unit circle. This suggests that merely the size of A does not guarantee that (A + S1)° ≠ ∅. If, however, we assume that A is a kind of generalised product of two reasonably large sets, then (A + Γ)° ≠ ∅ whenever Γ has non-vanishing curvature. As a byproduct of our method, we prove that the pinned distance set of C := Cγ × Cγ, γ ⩾ 1/3, pinned at any point of C has non-empty interior, where Cγ (see (1.1)) is the middle 1 − 2γ Cantor set (including the usual middle-third Cantor set, C1/3). Our proof for the middle-third Cantor set requires a separate method. We also prove that C + S1 has non-empty interior.
On orbifold constructions associated with the Leech lattice vertex operator algebra
Authors: LAM CHING HUNG , SHIMAKURA HIROKI
Published: September 2018

In this paper, we study orbifold constructions associated with the Leech lattice vertex operator algebra. As an application, we prove that the structure of a strongly regular holomorphic vertex operator algebra of central charge 24 is uniquely determined by its weight one Lie algebra if the Lie algebra has the type A3,43A1,2, A4,52, D4,12A2,6, A6,7, A7,4A1,13, D5,8A1,2 or D6,5A1,12 by using the reverse orbifold construction. Our result also provides alternative constructions of these vertex operator algebras (except for the case A6,7) from the Leech lattice vertex operator algebra.
Patient-specific quality control for intensity-modulated radiation therapy and volumetric-modulated arc therapy using electronic portal imaging device and two-dimensional ion chamber array
Authors: Kausar Abu , Mani Karthick R. , Azhari Hasin A. , Zakaria Golam A.
Published: September 2018

Aim

The purpose of this study was to develop the patient-specific quality control (QC) process by most commonly used dosimeters in Bangladesh and recommend a suitable passing rate for QC, irrespective of the dosimetric tools used.

Materials and methods

Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans of five head-and-neck (HN) and five prostate patients were selected for the patient-specific QC. These plans were generated using the Eclipse TPS v11·0 (Varian Medical Systems, Inc., Palo Alto, CA, USA) 6 MV X-ray from a Varian TrueBeam linear accelerator (Varian Medical Systems, Inc.) for each case. Each IMRT and VMAT plans were measured by two-dimensional (2D) ion chamber arrays (I’matriXX) and electronic portal imaging devices (EPID), respectively. The passing rates of the dosimetric tools were calculated using criteria of 3%/3 mm.

Results

The average passing rates (±SD) of I’matriXX for prostate and HN were 97·9±0·76 and 98·88±0·24, respectively. For VMAT verification, the average passing rates of EPID for prostate for arc1 and arc2 were 96·15±0·49 and 97·8±0·70, respectively; similarly, for HN the rates were 97·85±0·63 and 97·2±0·56, respectively.

Conclusion

The results showed that both the dosimeters can be used in patient-specific QC, although the EPID-based IMRT and VMAT QC is more advantageous in terms of time-saving and ease of use. Hence, for patient-specific QC, one can use the ion chamber arrays (I’matriXX) or EPID in hospital, but the systems need to be cross-checked.
Oblique Ion‐Scale Magnetotail Flux Ropes Generated by Secondary Tearing Modes
Authors: Teh Wai‐Leong , Nakamura Takuma , Nakamura Rumi , Umeda Takayuki
Published: September 2018

We examine Magnetospheric Multiscale observations of three ion‐scale magnetic flux ropes (diameter ~6–9 ion inertial lengths) in the Earth's magnetotail reconnection diffusion region with a small guide field. During the event, the electron reconnection exhaust reversed direction together with the reversal of normal magnetic field component. After that, the three ion‐scale flux ropes were observed near the ion diffusion region, in which flat‐top distributions were found at the field‐aligned electrons (<2 keV). The axis orientation and motion velocity of the flux ropes are determined by minimum variance analysis of the electric field component along the flux rope axis, using single‐spacecraft measurements. Results show that the three flux rope axes form 13°, 55°, and 55° to the guide field direction and are mostly tilted toward the direction of the reconnecting field. These results are also validated by multiple‐spacecraft analysis methods. It is found that the tilted angles agree reasonably well with the predicted angles for secondary tearing modes, suggesting that these ion‐scale flux ropes are likely generated by secondary tearing instabilities as those recently found in the three‐dimensional kinetic simulations of turbulent magnetic reconnection.
Error Budget of the MEthane Remote LIdar missioN and Its Impact on the Uncertainties of the Global Methane Budget
Authors: Bousquet Philippe , Pierangelo Clémence , Bacour Cédric , Marshall Julia , Peylin Philippe , Ayar Pradeebane Vaittinada , Ehret Gerhard , Bréon François‐Marie , Chevallier Frédéric , Crevoisier Cyril , Gibert Fabien , Rairoux Patrick , Kiemle Christoph , Armante Raymond , Bès Caroline , Cassé Vincent , Chinaud Jordi , Chomette Olivier , Delahaye Thibault , Edouart Dimitri , Estève Frédéric , Fix Andreas , Friker Achim , Klonecki Andrzej , Wirth Martin , Alpers Mathias , Millet Bruno
Published: September 2018

MEthane Remote LIdar missioN (MERLIN) is a German‐French space mission, scheduled for launch in 2024 and built around an innovative light detecting and ranging instrument that will retrieve methane atmospheric weighted columns. MERLIN products will be assimilated into chemistry transport models to infer methane emissions and sinks. Here the expected performance of MERLIN to reduce uncertainties on methane emissions is estimated. A first complete error budget of the mission is proposed based on an analysis of the plausible causes of random and systematic errors. Systematic errors are spatially and temporally distributed on geophysical variables and then aggregated into an ensemble of 32 scenarios. Observing System Simulation Experiments are conducted, originally carrying both random and systematic errors. Although relatively small (±2.9 ppb), systematic errors are found to have a larger influence on MERLIN performances than random errors. The expected global mean uncertainty reduction on methane emissions compared to the prior knowledge is found to be 32%, limited by the impact of systematic errors. The uncertainty reduction over land reaches 60% when the largest desert regions are removed. At the latitudinal scale, the largest uncertainty reductions are achieved for temperate regions (84%) and then tropics (56%) and high latitudes (53%). Similar Observing System Simulation Experiments based on error scenarios for Greenhouse Gases Observing SATellite reveal that MERLIN should perform better than Greenhouse Gases Observing SATellite for most continental regions. The integration of error scenarios for MERLIN in another inversion system suggests similar results, albeit more optimistic in terms of uncertainty reduction.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Downregulation of the long noncoding RNA MBNL1-AS1 protects sevoflurane-pretreated mice against ischemia-reperfusion injury by targeting KCNMA1
Authors: Li Xue-Feng , Wang Zong-Qiang , Li Long-Yun , Zhao Guo-Qing , Yu Shao-Nan
Published: September 2018

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is the most common and cost-effective treatment for older adults with long-standing osteoarthritis. During TKA, muscle cells suffer from prolonged oxygen deficiency, which leads to altered cell metabolism that reduces the energy demand and maintains cell homeostasis before blood flow is restored. This study focused on the role of the lncRNA muscleblind-like 1 antisense RNA 1 (MBNL1-AS1) in protecting sevoflurane-pretreated mice against ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury after TKA, as well as the elucidation of the potential associated mechanism. Identification of differentially expressed lncRNAs was performed using the microarray dataset GSE21164, which was extracted from the GEO database. Target genes of the lncRNA were determined using Multi-Experiment Matrix (MEM), a dual-luciferase reporter gene assay, and KEGG enrichment analyses. The results showed that MBNL1-AS1 was overexpressed in skeletal muscle cells in mice, while KCNMA1, which was enriched in the cGMP-PKG signaling pathway, was negatively regulated by MBNL1-AS1. Furthermore, I/R mice displayed serious inflammatory reactions. Down-regulation of MBNL1-AS1 increased the expression of KCNMA1, PKGII, VASP, VEGF, Bcl-2, Cyclin D1, Cyclin D3, and Cdc 42 but decreased the expression of Bax, cleaved caspase-3, and cleaved PARP. Furthermore, upon MBNL1-AS1 upregulation, the rate of cell apoptosis increased while the rate of cell proliferation decreased. Our data suggested that down-regulated lncRNA MBNL1-AS1 might promote the proliferation and inhibit the apoptosis of skeletal muscle cells by upregulating KCNMA1 expression via activation of the cGMP-PKG signaling pathway, thus protecting sevoflurane-pretreated mice against I/R injury after TKA.