bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Upper Mantle Melt Distribution From Petrologically Constrained Magnetotellurics
Authors: Selway K. , O'Donnell J. P. , Özaydin Sinan
Published: June 2019

Three parameters: temperature, hydrogen content, and the presence of partial melt, are the dominant controls on the rheology of the convecting upper mantle. As such, they determine the dynamics that control plate tectonics and continental evolution. Since hydrogen depresses the peridotite solidus temperature, these parameters are strongly linked petrologically. We have developed a genetic algorithm code to statistically assess the likelihood that a section of upper mantle contains partial melt. This code uses magnetotelluric observations and petrological constraints on composition and solidus temperatures and allows for uncertainties in the geotherm and the electrical conductivity structure. We have applied this code to the convecting upper mantle beneath (1) a stable continent (the Superior Craton); (2) a hot spot (Tristan da Cunha); (3) stable, old oceanic lithosphere (the northwest Pacific Ocean); and (4) young oceanic lithosphere (adjacent to the East Pacific Rise). Results show that the volume of melt in the convecting upper mantle is heterogeneous. The highest melt proportions are beneath the hot spot while little to no melt is required in the other regions. All regions show low water contents (generally <50 wt ppm in olivine) in the shallow convecting upper mantle, making it unlikely that water causes a large or sharp viscosity contrast between the lithosphere and the convecting mantle. Results differ significantly for different experimental olivine hydrogen conductivity models, highlighting the importance of reconciling these experimental constraints.
Offshore Submarine Groundwater Discharge at a Coral Reef Front Controlled by Faults
Authors: Cantarero Danica Linda M. , Blanco Ariel , Cardenas M. Bayani , Nadaoka Kazuo , Siringan Fernando P.
Published: June 2019

Submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) in reefs can be controlled regionally by geologic structures. Since such structures are poorly characterized, their general importance to SGD is likely underappreciated. This study helps fill this gap by analyzing the effects and implications of faults and associated fractures on offshore hydrogeologic processes in coral reefs. The study area in Bolinao, northwestern Philippines, is an extensive reef flat complex fringing a small, limestone island. The highly linear morphology of the island's western reef front is thought to indicate a fault which may serve as a pathway for SGD. Focusing on its northwestern (NW) side, we integrated measurements of seawater 222Rn activity, salinity, and subsurface electrical resistivity (ER) to assess the nature and magnitude of offshore fault‐controlled regional SGD. In situ 222Rn activities comparable to previously reported reef flat values with corresponding bottom water freshening were observed at several NW reef front sites. ER features consistent with freshwater‐saturated sediments were also detected underlying these sites. These “fresh” subsurface ER features occur continuously along the NW reef front and discretely in the northern reef front, coinciding with the orientation of suspected faults in each of these reef areas. The multifaceted observations support the claim that faults across the area provide long and connected pathways for SGD in the reef front, which is in contrast with the typically lower SGD influence in offshore marine environments. The regional fault‐controlled SGD analyzed here is likely to be important for other similar coastal areas.
Isotopic Compositions of Sulfides in Exhumed High‐Pressure Terranes: Implications for Sulfur Cycling in Subduction Zones
Authors: Walters Jesse B. , Cruz‐Uribe Alicia M. , Marschall Horst R.
Published: June 2019

Subduction is a key component of Earth's long‐term sulfur cycle; however, the mechanisms that drive sulfur from subducting slabs remain elusive. Isotopes are a sensitive indicator of the speciation of sulfur in fluids, sulfide dissolution‐precipitation reactions, and inferring fluid sources. To investigate these processes, we report δ34S values determined by secondary ion mass spectroscopy in sulfides from a global suite of exhumed high‐pressure rocks. Sulfides are classified into two petrogenetic groups: (1) metamorphic, which represent closed‐system (re)crystallization from protolith‐inherited sulfur, and (2) metasomatic, which formed during open system processes, such as an influx of oxidized sulfur. The δ34S values for metamorphic sulfides tend to reflect their precursor compositions: −4.3 ‰ to +13.5 ‰ for metabasic rocks, and −32.4 ‰ to −11.0 ‰ for metasediments. Metasomatic sulfides exhibit a range of δ34S from −21.7 ‰ to +13.9 ‰. We suggest that sluggish sulfur self‐diffusion prevents isotopic fractionation during sulfide breakdown and that slab fluids inherit the isotopic composition of their source. We estimate a composition of −11 ‰ to +8 ‰ for slab fluids, a significantly smaller range than observed for metasomatic sulfides. Large fractionations during metasomatic sulfide precipitation from sulfate‐bearing fluids, and an evolving fluid composition during reactive transport may account for the entire ~36 ‰ range of metasomatic sulfide compositions. Thus, we suggest that sulfates are likely the dominant sulfur species in slab‐derived fluids.
Effect of the 2018 Martian Global Dust Storm on the CO2 Density in the Lower Nightside Thermosphere Observed From MAVEN/IUVS Lyman‐Alpha Absorption
Authors: Chaufray J.‐Y. , Chaffin M. , Deighan J. , Jain S. , Schneider N. , Mayyasi M. , Jakosky B.
Published: June 2019

The MAVEN/Imaging Ultraviolet Spectrograph (IUVS) instrument measures Lyman‐α emissions from interplanetary and Martian hydrogen at the limb and through the extended corona of Mars. In June 2018, a global dust storm (GDS) surrounded Mars for a few months, heating the lower atmosphere and leading to an expansion of the Martian atmosphere. Nightside IUVS observations before and throughout this GDS showed the altitude of CO2 absorption of Lyman‐α photons in the thermosphere to increase by 4.5±1.0 km on 8 June 2018. This shift is attributed to an increase of the CO2 density by a factor 1.9±0.2 at 110 km due to the heating of the lower atmosphere. These nightside observations, not previously used to study dust storms, in an altitude range not sampled by other instruments, are consistent with dayside MAVEN observations and allow for more comprehensive determination of the global changes produced by the GDS on the Martian thermosphere.
The Aleutian Low‐Beaufort Sea Anticyclone: A Climate Index Correlated With the Timing of Springtime Melt in the Pacific Arctic Cryosphere
Authors: Cox C. J. , Stone R. S. , Douglas D. C. , Stanitski D. M. , Gallagher M. R.
Published: June 2019

Early and late extremes in the timing of snowmelt have recently been observed in the Pacific Arctic. Subseasonal‐to‐seasonal forecasts of this timing are important for industry, environmental management, and Arctic communities. In northern Alaska, the timing is influenced by the advection of marine air from the north Pacific by the Aleutian Low, modulated by high pressure centered in the Beaufort Sea. A new climate index that integrates their interaction could advance melt predictions. We define this index based on 850‐hPa geopotential height at four fixed locations and refer to it as the Aleutian Low‐Beaufort Sea Anticyclone (ALBSA). During positive ALBSA in May, advection of +0.5‐1.5 K/day is observed through the Bering Strait. ALBSA is correlated with both snowmelt in northern Alaska and the onset of sea ice melt over the adjacent seas. ALBSA therefore may be suitable for monitoring the relevant circulation patterns and for developing predictive tools.
The ENSO and QBO Impact on Ozone Variability and Stratosphere‐Troposphere Exchange Relative to the Subtropical Jets
Authors: Olsen Mark A. , Manney Gloria L. , Liu Junhua
Published: June 2019

The El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Quasi‐Biennial Oscillation (QBO) are natural sources of ozone variability in the tropical and midlatitude upper troposphere and lower stratosphere. Regional tropospheric ozone variations have previously been attributed to ENSO‐ and QBO‐induced changes in stratosphere‐troposphere exchange around the subtropical jets (STJs). We use Goddard Earth Observing System Data Assimilation System analyses of Ozone Monitoring Instrument and Microwave Limb Sounder ozone data mapped to a STJ coordinate to examine the influence of ENSO and QBO on global and regional variability of upper troposphere and lower stratosphere ozone, and tropopause folding stratosphere‐troposphere exchange. These coordinates eliminate the apparent variability due to the changing location of the STJ, which is itself influenced by ENSO. The ENSO influence on ozone variability near the STJ and in tropopause folds is much greater than the QBO influence, although both are small in a hemispheric mean. On regional scales, the ozone sensitivity to ENSO associated with tropopause folding is strongly positive in some regions and strongly negative in others, which largely cancel in the hemispheric mean. Poleward of the STJs, the sensitivities of stratospheric ozone to ENSO and QBO are large and similar in magnitude but are opposite in phase. Thus, the ozone responses to ENSO and QBO can largely cancel or reinforce, depending on their relative phases. These results can be used to evaluate and compare modeled QBO and ENSO influences on ozone variability that removes the first‐order impact of differences in the location of the STJs.
Electrosynthesis of high-entropy metallic glass nanoparticles for designer, multi-functional electrocatalysis
Authors: Glasscott Matthew W. , Pendergast Andrew D. , Goines Sondrica , Bishop Anthony R. , Hoang Andy T. , Renault Christophe , Dick Jeffrey E.
Published: June 2019

Creative approaches to the design of catalytic nanomaterials are necessary in achieving environmentally sustainable energy sources. Integrating dissimilar metals into a single nanoparticle (NP) offers a unique avenue for customizing catalytic activity and maximizing surface area. Alloys containing five or more equimolar components with a disordered, amorphous microstructure, referred to as High-Entropy Metallic Glasses (HEMGs), provide tunable catalytic performance based on the individual properties of incorporated metals. Here, we present a generalized strategy to electrosynthesize HEMG-NPs with up to eight equimolar components by confining multiple metal salt precursors to water nanodroplets emulsified in dichloroethane. Upon collision with an electrode, alloy NPs are electrodeposited into a disordered microstructure, where dissimilar metal atoms are proximally arranged. We also demonstrate precise control over metal stoichiometry by tuning the concentration of metal salt dissolved in the nanodroplet. The application of HEMG-NPs to energy conversion is highlighted with electrocatalytic water splitting on CoFeLaNiPt HEMG-NPs.
Superconductivity from the condensation of topological defects in a quantum spin-Hall insulator
Authors: Liu Yuhai , Wang Zhenjiu , Sato Toshihiro , Hohenadler Martin , Wang Chong , Guo Wenan , Assaad Fakher F.
Published: June 2019

The discovery of quantum spin-Hall (QSH) insulators has brought topology to the forefront of condensed matter physics. While a QSH state from spin-orbit coupling can be fully understood in terms of band theory, fascinating many-body effects are expected if it instead results from spontaneous symmetry breaking. Here, we introduce a model of interacting Dirac fermions where a QSH state is dynamically generated. Our tuning parameter further allows us to destabilize the QSH state in favour of a superconducting state through proliferation of charge-2e topological defects. This route to superconductivity put forward by Grover and Senthil is an instance of a deconfined quantum critical point (DQCP). Our model offers the possibility to study DQCPs without a second length scale associated with the reduced symmetry between field theory and lattice realization and, by construction, is amenable to large-scale fermion quantum Monte Carlo simulations.
Non-proteolytic ubiquitination of Hexokinase 2 by HectH9 controls tumor metabolism and cancer stem cell expansion
Authors: Lee Hong-Jen , Li Chien-Feng , Ruan Diane , He Jiabei , Montal Emily D. , Lorenz Sonja , Girnun Geoffrey D. , Chan Chia-Hsin
Published: June 2019

Enormous efforts have been made to target metabolic dependencies of cancer cells for developing new therapies. However, the therapeutic efficacy of glycolysis inhibitors is limited due to their inability to elicit cell death. Hexokinase 2 (HK2), via its mitochondrial localization, functions as a central nexus integrating glycolysis activation and apoptosis resilience. Here we identify that K63-linked ubiquitination by HectH9 regulates the mitochondrial localization and function of HK2. Through stable isotope tracer approach and functional metabolic analyses, we show that HectH9 deficiency impedes tumor glucose metabolism and growth by HK2 inhibition. The HectH9/HK2 pathway regulates cancer stem cell (CSC) expansion and CSC-associated chemoresistance. Histological analyses show that HectH9 expression is upregulated and correlated with disease progression in prostate cancer. This work uncovers that HectH9 is a novel regulator of HK2 and cancer metabolism. Targeting HectH9 represents an effective strategy to achieve long-term tumor remission by concomitantly disrupting glycolysis and inducing apoptosis.
Tracing and constraining anthropogenic aerosol iron fluxes to the North Atlantic Ocean using iron isotopes
Authors: Conway Tim M. , Hamilton Douglas S. , Shelley Rachel U. , Aguilar-Islas Ana M. , Landing William M. , Mahowald Natalie M. , John Seth G.
Published: June 2019

Atmospheric dust is an important source of the micronutrient Fe to the oceans. Although relatively insoluble mineral Fe is assumed to be the most important component of dust, a relatively small yet highly soluble anthropogenic component may also be significant. However, quantifying the importance of anthropogenic Fe to the global oceans requires a tracer which can be used to identify and constrain anthropogenic aerosols in situ. Here, we present Fe isotope (δ56Fe) data from North Atlantic aerosol samples from the GEOTRACES GA03 section. While soluble aerosol samples collected near the Sahara have near-crustal δ56Fe, soluble aerosols from near North America and Europe instead have remarkably fractionated δ56Fe values (as light as −1.6‰). Here, we use these observations to fingerprint anthropogenic combustion sources, and to refine aerosol deposition modeling. We show that soluble anthropogenic aerosol Fe flux to the global surface oceans is highly likely to be underestimated, even in the dusty North Atlantic.
Structural balance emerges and explains performance in risky decision-making
Authors: Askarisichani Omid , Lane Jacqueline Ng , Bullo Francesco , Friedkin Noah E. , Singh Ambuj K. , Uzzi Brian
Published: June 2019

Polarization affects many forms of social organization. A key issue focuses on which affective relationships are prone to change and how their change relates to performance. In this study, we analyze a financial institutional over a two-year period that employed 66 day traders, focusing on links between changes in affective relations and trading performance. Traders’ affective relations were inferred from their IMs (>2 million messages) and trading performance was measured from profit and loss statements (>1 million trades). Here, we find that triads of relationships, the building blocks of larger social structures, have a propensity towards affective balance, but one unbalanced configuration resists change. Further, balance is positively related to performance. Traders with balanced networks have the “hot hand”, showing streaks of high performance. Research implications focus on how changes in polarization relate to performance and polarized states can depolarize.
Long-range interactions between proximal and distal regulatory regions in maize
Authors: Li En , Liu Han , Huang Liangliang , Zhang Xiangbo , Dong Xiaomei , Song Weibin , Zhao Haiming , Lai Jinsheng
Published: June 2019

Long-range chromatin interactions are important for transcriptional regulation of genes, many of which are related to complex agronomics traits. However, the pattern of three-dimensional chromatin interactions remains unclear in plants. Here we report the generation of chromatin interaction analysis by paired-end tag sequencing (ChIA-PET) data and the construction of extensive H3K4me3- and H3K27ac-centered chromatin interaction maps in maize. Results show that the interacting patterns between proximal and distal regulatory regions of genes are highly complex and dynamic. Genes with chromatin interactions have higher expression levels than those without interactions. Genes with proximal-proximal interactions prefer to be transcriptionally coordinated. Tissue-specific proximal–distal interactions are associated with tissue-specific expression of genes. Interactions between proximal and distal regulatory regions further interweave into organized network communities that are enriched in specific biological functions. The high-resolution chromatin interaction maps will help to understand the transcription regulation of genes associated with complex agronomic traits of maize.
Direct band-gap crossover in epitaxial monolayer boron nitride
Authors: Elias C. , Valvin P. , Pelini T. , Summerfield A. , Mellor C. J. , Cheng T. S. , Eaves L. , Foxon C. T. , Beton P. H. , Novikov S. V. , Gil B. , Cassabois G.
Published: June 2019

Hexagonal boron nitride is a large band-gap insulating material which complements the electronic and optical properties of graphene and the transition metal dichalcogenides. However, the intrinsic optical properties of monolayer boron nitride remain largely unexplored. In particular, the theoretically expected crossover to a direct-gap in the limit of the single monolayer is presently not confirmed experimentally. Here, in contrast to the technique of exfoliating few-layer 2D hexagonal boron nitride, we exploit the scalable approach of high-temperature molecular beam epitaxy to grow high-quality monolayer boron nitride on graphite substrates. We combine deep-ultraviolet photoluminescence and reflectance spectroscopy with atomic force microscopy to reveal the presence of a direct gap of energy 6.1 eV in the single atomic layers, thus confirming a crossover to direct gap in the monolayer limit.
Coherent X-ray measurement of step-flow propagation during growth on polycrystalline thin film surfaces
Authors: Headrick Randall L. , Ulbrandt Jeffrey G. , Myint Peco , Wan Jing , Li Yang , Fluerasu Andrei , Zhang Yugang , Wiegart Lutz , Ludwig Karl F.
Published: June 2019

The properties of artificially grown thin films are strongly affected by surface processes during growth. Coherent X-rays provide an approach to better understand such processes and fluctuations far from equilibrium. Here we report results for vacuum deposition of C60 on a graphene-coated surface investigated with X-ray Photon Correlation Spectroscopy in surface-sensitive conditions. Step-flow is observed through measurement of the step-edge velocity in the late stages of growth after crystalline mounds have formed. We show that the step-edge velocity is coupled to the terrace length, and that there is a variation in the velocity from larger step spacing at the center of crystalline mounds to closely-spaced, more slowly propagating steps at their edges. The results extend theories of surface growth, since the behavior is consistent with surface evolution driven by processes that include surface diffusion, the motion of step-edges, and attachment at step edges with significant step-edge barriers.
Altered NMDAR signaling underlies autistic-like features in mouse models of CDKL5 deficiency disorder
Authors: Tang Sheng , Terzic Barbara , Wang I-Ting Judy , Sarmiento Nicolas , Sizov Katherine , Cui Yue , Takano Hajime , Marsh Eric D. , Zhou Zhaolan , Coulter Douglas A.
Published: June 2019

CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD) is characterized by epilepsy, intellectual disability, and autistic features, and CDKL5-deficient mice exhibit a constellation of behavioral phenotypes reminiscent of the human disorder. We previously found that CDKL5 dysfunction in forebrain glutamatergic neurons results in deficits in learning and memory. However, the pathogenic origin of the autistic features of CDD remains unknown. Here, we find that selective loss of CDKL5 in GABAergic neurons leads to autistic-like phenotypes in mice accompanied by excessive glutamatergic transmission, hyperexcitability, and increased levels of postsynaptic NMDA receptors. Acute, low-dose inhibition of NMDAR signaling ameliorates autistic-like behaviors in GABAergic knockout mice, as well as a novel mouse model bearing a CDD-associated nonsense mutation, CDKL5 R59X, implicating the translational potential of this mechanism. Together, our findings suggest that enhanced NMDAR signaling and circuit hyperexcitability underlie autistic-like features in mouse models of CDD and provide a new therapeutic avenue to treat CDD-related symptoms.
Regulation of forward and backward locomotion through intersegmental feedback circuits in Drosophila larvae
Authors: Kohsaka Hiroshi , Zwart Maarten F. , Fushiki Akira , Fetter Richard D. , Truman James W. , Cardona Albert , Nose Akinao
Published: June 2019

Animal locomotion requires spatiotemporally coordinated contraction of muscles throughout the body. Here, we investigate how contractions of antagonistic groups of muscles are intersegmentally coordinated during bidirectional crawling of Drosophila larvae. We identify two pairs of higher-order premotor excitatory interneurons present in each abdominal neuromere that intersegmentally provide feedback to the adjacent neuromere during motor propagation. The two feedback neuron pairs are differentially active during either forward or backward locomotion but commonly target a group of premotor interneurons that together provide excitatory inputs to transverse muscles and inhibitory inputs to the antagonistic longitudinal muscles. Inhibition of either feedback neuron pair compromises contraction of transverse muscles in a direction-specific manner. Our results suggest that the intersegmental feedback neurons coordinate contraction of synergistic muscles by acting as delay circuits representing the phase lag between segments. The identified circuit architecture also shows how bidirectional motor networks could be economically embedded in the nervous system.
Using macro and micro electrochemical methods to understand the corrosion behavior of stainless steel thermal spray coatings
Authors: Gateman Samantha Michelle , Halimi Ilias , Costa Nascimento Alexandre Romão , Lacasse Robert , Schulz Robert , Moreau Christian , Chromik Richard , Mauzeroll Janine
Published: June 2019

High-velocity oxygen fuel thermal spray stainless steel coatings are desirable for their excellent erosion resistance. However, the fabrication process can lead to a decrease in corrosion resistance in comparison to the original bulk material. Here we produced stainless steel coatings on stainless steel substrates using varying deposition parameters to investigate the corrosion properties of the resulting composite steels and elucidate the corrosion behavior both on the macro and micro scale. Macro potentiodynamic polarization measurements carried out in corroding environments demonstrated the rate of degradation of the Fe-Cr alloy coating. After short immersion periods, the coatings showed iron-like active corroding behavior and no passivation regions on the anodic branch. Over time, the coating’s corrosion behavior began to change to signify similar results to that of pure chromium. Ex-situ electron microscopy and elemental composition revealed a Cr oxide rich layer left on the coating’s surface. Micro electrochemical techniques including scanning electrochemical microscopy and scanning micropipette contact method were employed over the coatings and powdered material, respectively, to show that the lack of protective passivity the thermal spray coatings possess is mostly inherited from the atomized powdered stainless steel material.
K+ and Cl− channels/transporters independently fine-tune photosynthesis in plants
Authors: Dukic Emilija , Herdean Andrei , Cheregi Otilia , Sharma Anurag , Nziengui Hugues , Dmitruk Dominika , Solymosi Katalin , Pribil Mathias , Spetea Cornelia
Published: June 2019

In variable light environments, plants adjust light use in photosynthetic electron transport and photoprotective dissipation in the thylakoid membrane. In this respect, roles of the K+/H+ antiporter KEA3, the Cl− channel/transporter CLCe and the voltage-dependent Cl− channel VCCN1 have been unraveled in Arabidopsis thaliana. Here we report that they independently adjust photosynthesis on the basis of analyses using single and higher order loss-of-function mutants. In short experiments of photosynthetic response on transition from dark to low light, we reveal a sequential functioning of VCCN1 and CLCe in the activation of photoprotection and of KEA3 in its downregulation to a low steady state while adjusting the electron transport. On transition from low to high light, VCCN1 accelerates the activation of photoprotection, whereas KEA3 slows it down on transition from high to low light. Based on parallel electrochromic band shift measurements, the mechanism behind is that VCCN1 builds up a pH gradient across the thylakoid membrane, whereas KEA3 dissipates this gradient, which affects photoprotection. CLCe regulates photosynthesis by a pH-independent mechanism likely involving Cl− homeostasis. Nevertheless, all genotypes grow well in alternating high and low light. Taken together, the three studied ion channels/transporters function independently in adjusting photosynthesis to the light environment.
Low connectivity compromises the conservation of reef fishes by marine protected areas in the tropical South Atlantic
Authors: Endo Clarissa Akemi Kajiya , Gherardi Douglas Francisco Marcolino , Pezzi Luciano Ponzi , Lima Leonardo Nascimento
Published: June 2019

The total spatial coverage of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) within the Brazilian Economic Exclusive Zone (EEZ) has recently achieved the quantitative requirement of the Aichii Biodiversity Target 11. However, the distribution of MPAs in the Brazilian EEZ is still unbalanced regarding the proportion of protected ecosystems, protection goals and management types. Moreover, the demographic connectivity between these MPAs and their effectiveness regarding the maintenance of biodiversity are still not comprehensively understood. An individual-based modeling scheme coupled with a regional hydrodynamic model of the ocean is used to determine the demographic connectivity of reef fishes based on the widespread genusSparisomafound in the oceanic islands and on the Brazilian continental shelf between 10° N and 23° S. Model results indicate that MPAs are highly isolated due to extremely low demographic connectivity. Consequently, low connectivity and the long distances separating MPAs contribute to their isolation. Therefore, the current MPA design falls short of its goal of maintaining the demographic connectivity ofSparisomapopulations living within these areas. In an extreme scenario in which the MPAs rely solely on protected populations for recruits, it is unlikely that they will be able to effectively contribute to the resilience of these populations or other reef fish species sharing the same dispersal abilities. Results also show that recruitment occurs elsewhere along the continental shelf indicating that the protection of areas larger than the current MPAs would enhance the network, maintain connectivity and contribute to the conservation of reef fishes.
Altered conformational structures of nervous necrosis virus surface protrusions and free coat proteins after incubation at moderate-low temperatures
Authors: Gye Hyun Jung , Nishizawa Toyohiko
Published: June 2019

Nervous necrosis virus (NNV) is a pathogenic fish virus belonging to family Nodaviridae. The objective of this study was to analyze stabilities of NNV surface protrusion and free coat protein (CP) conformational structures by analyzing changes of NNV infectivity and antigenicity after incubation at moderate-low temperatures. When cultured NNV suspension was incubated at 45 °C, its infectivity declined gradually but its antigenicity maintained. In contrast, both infectivity and antigenicity of purified NNV declined after incubation at 45 °C. After heat-treatment, surface protrusions of NNV particles disappeared completely, although viral particle structures maintained. Therefore, the reduction in NNV infectivity appeared to specifically occur as a result of heat-denaturation of virus surface protrusions. The loss of NNV infectivity in the presence of fetal bovine serum (FBS) was delayed compared to virus heated in the absence of FBS, demonstrating that FBS could function as a stabilizer for conformational structures of NNV surface protrusions. Moreover, the stabilizing function of FBS changed depending on salt concentration. Continued maintenance of antigenicity for heated cultured NNV suspension containing free-CPs may suggest that conformational structures corresponding to protrusion-domain of free-CP are more heat-stable than those of surface protrusions on NNV particles.
Traumatic Brain Injury-related voiding dysfunction in mice is caused by damage to rostral pathways, altering inputs to the reflex pathways
Authors: Albayram Onder , MacIver Bryce , Mathai John , Verstegen Anne , Baxley Sean , Qiu Chenxi , Bell Carter , Caldarone Barbara J. , Zhou Xiao Zhen , Lu Kun Ping , Zeidel Mark
Published: June 2019

Brain degeneration, including that caused by traumatic brain injury (TBI) often leads to severe bladder dysfunction, including incontinence and lower urinary tract symptoms; with the causes remaining unknown. Male C57BL/6J mice underwent repetitive moderate brain injury (rmdTBI) or sham injury, then mice received either cis P-tau monoclonal antibody (cis mAb), which prevents brain degeneration in TBI mice, or control (IgG). Void spot assays revealed age-dependent incontinence in IgG controls 8 months after injury, while cis mAb treated or sham mice showed no dysfunction. No obvious bladder pathology occurred in any group. Urodynamic cystometry in conscious mice revealed overactive bladder, reduced maximal voiding pressures and incontinence in IgG control, but not sham or cis mAb treated mice. Hyperphosphorylated tau deposition and neural tangle-like pathology occurred in cortical and hippocampal regions only of IgG control mice accompanied with post-traumatic neuroinflammation and was not seen in midbrain and hindbrain regions associated with bladder filling and voiding reflex arcs. In this model of brain degeneration bladder dysfunction results from rostral, and not hindbrain damage, indicating that rostral brain inputs are required for normal bladder functioning. Detailed analysis of the functioning of neural circuits controlling bladder function in TBI should lead to insights into how brain degeneration leads to bladder dysfunction, as well as novel strategies to treat these disorders.
High-throughput sequencing of IgG B-cell receptors reveals frequent usage of the rearranged IGHV4–28/IGHJ4 gene in primary immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Hirokawa Makoto , Fujishima Naohito , Togashi Masaru , Saga Akiko , Omokawa Ayumi , Saga Tomoo , Moritoki Yuki , Ueki Shigeharu , Takahashi Naoto , Kitaura Kazutaka , Suzuki Ryuji
Published: June 2019

Primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an acquired form of thrombocytopenia caused by IgG anti-platelet autoantibodies and represents an organ-specific autoimmune disorder. Although the glycoprotein (GP)IIb/IIIa and GPIb/IX have been shown to be targets for autoantibodies, the antigen specificity of autoantibodies is not fully elucidated. To identify the characteristics of IgG B-cell receptor (BCR) repertoires in ITP, we took advantage of adaptor-ligation PCR and high-throughput DNA sequencing methods for analyzing the clone-based repertoires of IgG-expressing peripheral blood B cells. A total of 2,009,943 in-frame and 315,469 unique reads for IGH (immunoglobulin heavy) were obtained from twenty blood samples. Comparison of the IGHV repertoires between patients and controls revealed an increased usage of IGHV4–28 in ITP patients. One hundred eighty-six distinct IGHV4–28-carrying sequences were identified in ITP patients and the majority of these clones used an IGHJ4 segment. The IGHV4–28/IGHJ4-carrying B-cell clones were found in all ITP patients. Oligoclonal expansions of IGHV4–28/IGHJ4-carrying B cells were accompanied by multiple related clones with single amino substitution in the CDR3 region suggesting somatic hypermutation. Taken together, the expansion of IGHV4–28/IGHJ4-carrying IgG-expressing B cells in ITP may be the result of certain antigenic pressure and may provide a clue for the immune pathophysiology of ITP.
Stochastic changes in gene expression promote chaotic dysregulation of homeostasis in clonal breast tumors
Authors: Felts Sara J. , Tang Xiaojia , Willett Benjamin , Van Keulen Virginia P. , Hansen Michael J. , Kalari Krishna R. , Pease Larry R.
Published: June 2019

Cells within tumors vary in phenotype as a result of changes in gene expression caused by a variety of mechanisms, permitting cancers to evolve under selective pressures from immune and other homeostatic processes. Earlier, we traced apparent losses in heterozygosity (LOH) of spontaneous breast tumors from first generation (F1) intercrossed mice to atypical epigenetic modifications in the structure of DNA across the tumor genomes. Here, we describe a parallel pattern of LOH in gene expression, revealed through quantitation of parental alleles across a population of clonal tumors. We found variegated patterns of LOH, based on allelic ratio outliers in hundreds of genes, enriched in regulatory pathways typically co-opted by tumors. The frequency of outliers was correlated with transcriptional repression of a large set of homozygous genes. These findings suggest stochastic losses in gene expression across the genome of tumors generate phenotypic variation among cells, allowing clonal selection during tumor development.
A self-powered electrolytic process for glucose to hydrogen conversion
Authors: Li Yongfeng , Liu Wei , Zhang Zhe , Du Xu , Yu Lin , Deng Yulin
Published: June 2019

Glucose is a promising feedstock for hydrogen production but the existing microbial electrolysis process suffers from low efficiency. Here we show a process for hydrogen production using an integrated device consisting of a liquid-catalyst fuel cell (LCFC) stack and a polymer exchange membrane electrolytic cell (PEMEC). Glucose that cannot be directly used in traditional fuel cell was used as both the fuel to power the LCFC and the hydrogen sources. Different from simple combination of two independent units, the LCFC and PEMEC in our device are dependant one on another by using a SHAREDCELL, and all electrolytes in both fuel cell and electrolyzer are self-regenerated without using external electricity. As a result, feed stock of glucose was converted to pure hydrogen in cathode, and carbon dioxide in anode. The net reaction of the process is that glucose decomposes to hydrogen and carbon dioxide under thermal heating at ~85 oC.
Sodium tanshinone IIA silate increases melanin synthesis by activating the MAPK and PKA pathways and protects melanocytes from H2O2-induced oxidative stress
Authors: Zhong Hui , An Xiaohong , Li Yu , Cai Minxuan , Ahmad Owais , Shang Jing , Zhou Jia
Published: June 2019

Vitiligo is an intriguing depigmentation disorder that affects about 0.5–2% of the world population.
Foam drainage placed on a thin porous layer
Authors: Koursari Nektaria , Arjmandi-Tash Omid , Johnson Phillip , Trybala Anna , Starov Victor M.
Published: June 2019

A theory of foam drainage placed on thin porous layer is developed. The rate of foam drainage and imbibition inside the porous layer and the possibility of a build-up of a free liquid layer on the foam/porous layer interface are investigated.
Targeting of an antecedent proteinase by an activatable probe with deep tissue penetration facilitates early visualization and dynamic malignancy evaluation of orthotopic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC)
Authors: Xu Tingting , Chang Di , Cai Yu , Min Shudan , Ma Yuanyuan , Mao Hui , Ju Shenghong
Published: June 2019

Visualization and dynamic malignancy evaluation of orthotopic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma by an activatable MMPs probe, I780BP-PEG12.
Modular triazine-based carborane-containing carboxylic acids – synthesis and characterisation of potential boron neutron capture therapy agents made of readily accessible building blocks
Authors: Kellert Martin , Worm Dennis J. , Hoppenz Paul , Sárosi Menyhárt B. , Lönnecke Peter , Riedl Bernd , Koebberling Johannes , Beck-Sickinger Annette G. , Hey-Hawkins Evamarie
Published: June 2019

Boron-rich carboxylic acid derivatives were synthesised as coupling partners for tumour-selective biomolecules with applications as selective BNCT agents.
A “turn-on” Michler's ketone–benzimidazole fluorescent probe for selective detection of serum albumins
Authors: Jana Palash , Patel Nishaben , Mukherjee Tarushyam , Soppina Virupakshi , Kanvah Sriram
Published: June 2019

Enhanced emission and selective binding with albumins.
A simple strategy based on a highly fluorinated polymer blended with a fluorinated polymer containing phosphonic acid to improve the properties of PEMFCs
Authors: Labalme Etienne , David Ghislain , Buvat Pierrick , Bigarre Janick
Published: June 2019

Phosphonic acid containing fluorinated blend membranes led to new PEMFCs with a proton conductivity of 40 mS cm−1 at 80 °C.
High performance tin diselenide photodetectors dependent on thickness: a vertical graphene sandwiched device and interfacial mechanism
Authors: Gao Wei , Zheng Zhaoqiang , Li Yongtao , Zhao Yu , Xu Liang , Deng Huixiong , Li Jingbo
Published: June 2019

In recent years, with the rapid development of transfer technologies related to graphene and other two-dimensional layered materials (2DLMs), graphene sandwiched 2DLMs have been confirmed to be outstanding tunneling and optoelectronic devices.
Photonic crystallization of two-dimensional MoS2 for stretchable photodetectors
Authors: Kim Richard Hahnkee , Leem Juyoung , Muratore Christopher , Nam SungWoo , Rao Rahul , Jawaid Ali , Durstock Michael , McConney Michael , Drummy Lawrence , Rai Rachel , Voevodin Andrey , Glavin Nicholas
Published: June 2019

Photonic crystallization of 2D molybdenum disulfide on PDMS is demonstrated as an effective direct fabrication tool to enable stretchable photodetectors that allow for up to 5.7% strain and over 1000 stretching cycles.
Structural flexibilityversusrigidity of the aromatic unit of DNA ligands: binding of aza- and azoniastilbene derivatives to duplex and quadruplex DNA
Authors: Ihmels H. , Karbasiyoun M. , Löhl K. , Stremmel C.
Published: June 2019

The increased flexibility of a quadruplex-DNA ligand does not necessarily lead to stronger interactions with the quadruplex DNA as compared with rigid ligands that have essentially the same size and extent of π system.
Catalytic direct amidations in tert-butyl acetate using B(OCH2CF3)3
Authors: Coomber Charlotte E. , Laserna Victor , Martin Liam T. , Smith Peter D. , Hailes Helen C. , Porter Michael J. , Sheppard Tom D.
Published: June 2019

B(OCH2CF3)3-catalysed direct amidations of challenging substrates (polar heteroycles, poorly nucleophilic anilines) work well in tBuOAc under Dean–Stark conditions.
Synergistic palladium/enamine catalysis for asymmetric hydrocarbon functionalization of unactivated alkenes with ketones
Authors: Wei Chiyu , Ye Xiaohan , Xing Qingyu , Hu Yong , Xie Yan , Shi Xiaodong
Published: June 2019

Synergistic palladium and enamine catalysis was explored to promote ketone addition to unactivated olefins.
Copper-catalysed borylation of aryl chlorides
Authors: Kuehn Laura , Huang Mingming , Radius Udo , Marder Todd B.
Published: June 2019

The first example of a Cu-catalysed borylation of a wide range of aryl chlorides with different electronic and steric properties is mediated by a readily prepared NHC-stabilised Cu catalyst and KOtBu. The aryl chlorides are converted into their corresponding arylboronic esters using B2pin2or B2neop2as the boron reagent.
Chemoselective metal-free indole arylation with cyclohexanones
Authors: Lu Chaogang , Huang Huawen , Tuo Xiaolong , Jiang Pingyu , Zhang Feng , Deng Guo-Jun
Published: June 2019

Elemental sulfur- and iodine reagent-mediated indole C3 arylations have been developed with cyclohexanones as the arylating reagent.
Proteomic analysis reveals the potential neuroprotective effects of tetramethylpyrazine dimer in neuro2a/APPswe cells
Authors: Lin Xiaoyi , Xu Benhong , Zhang Zaijun , Yang Ying , Liu Gongping , Zhu Feiqi , Ren Xiaohu , Liu Jianjun , Li Shupeng , Huang Xianfeng , Yang Xifei
Published: June 2019

We synthesized tetramethylpyrazine dimer (DTMP) and evaluated the potential mechanisms underlying its potential neuroprotective effects using murine neuron-like cells (N2a) transfected with the human ”Swedish” mutant amyloid precursor protein (N2aAPP).
Green-synthesized copper nanoparticles as a potential antifungal against plant pathogens
Authors: Pariona Nicolaza , Mtz-Enriquez Arturo I. , Sánchez-Rangel D. , Carrión Gloria , Paraguay-Delgado F. , Rosas-Saito Greta
Published: June 2019

The fabrication of fungicides in cost-effective and eco-friendly ways is particularly important for agriculture.
Quantitative study of the pyrolysis of levoglucosan to generate small molecular gases
Authors: Guo Shuai , Liang Honglin , Che Deyong , Liu Hongpeng , Sun Baizhong
Published: June 2019

In this paper, we studied 23 possible reaction paths for levoglucosan pyrolysis to generate small molecular gases and 51 compounds (including reactants, intermediates, and products), and quantified the 47 transition states involved in the pathway.
Disinfection of lettuce using organic acids: an ecological analysis using 16S rRNA sequencing
Authors: Wang Jiayi , Tao Dongbing , Wang Shan , Li Chen , Li Yanru , Zheng Fenge , Wu Zhaoxia
Published: June 2019

Comparing disinfection efficacies of same type sanitizer using a combined microbial reduction/16S rRNA analysis strategy.
Low-temperature studies of propene oligomerization in ZSM-5 by inelastic neutron scattering spectroscopy
Authors: Hawkins Alexander P. , Zachariou Andrea , Collier Paul , Ewings Russell A. , Howe Russell F. , Parker Stewart F. , Lennon David
Published: June 2019

The interaction between ZSM-5 and propene over the temperature range 140–373 K is investigated by application of inelastic neutron scattering spectroscopy.
Illumination-induced motion of a Janus nanoparticle in binary solvents
Authors: Araki Takeaki , Maciołek Anna
Published: June 2019

Self-propelled motion of a Janus particle suspended in a binary mixture with the lower critical solution temperature under local heating around a capped hemisphere.
Elastic fingering in three dimensions
Authors: Brandão Rodolfo , Dias Eduardo O. , Miranda José A.
Published: June 2019

The three-dimensional (3D) radial fingering problem in a uniform porous medium is studied, considering that the interface separating the fluids is an elastic membrane. In this setting, the development of 3D side-branching patterns is identified.
NIR-excited superoxide radical procreators to eradicate tumors by targeting the lyso-membrane
Authors: Gurram Bhaskar , Li Miao , Li Mingle , Gebremedhin Kalayou H. , Sun Wen , Fan Jiangli , Wang Jingyun , Peng Xiaojun
Published: June 2019

NIR alkylated cationic photosensitizers targeting at lyso-membrane for eradicating tumor cells through prominent superoxide radical generation (type-I PDT) via lysosome disruption pathway.
Distributed adaptive consensus tracking control for uncertain non‐linear multi‐agent systems with input saturation
Authors: Shahriari‐kahkeshi Maryam , Taj Maedeh
Published: June 2019

This study proposes a novel distributed adaptive consensus control scheme for a class of uncertain non‐linear multi‐agent systems with unknown control gains and input saturation. The radial basis function‐neural networks are used to approximate the uncertain dynamics of the follower agents, as well as the effect of the neighbour agents of each agent. The dead‐zone operator‐based model is proposed to provide a smooth model of the saturation non‐linearity. Then, the consensus strategy is proposed based on the minimal learning parameter algorithm and the dynamic surface control method. The stability analysis shows that all the signals of the closed‐loop system are semi‐globally uniformly ultimately bounded and the consensus tracking error converges to a small vicinity of the origin. The proposed scheme solves the ‘singularity’ problem without using the projection operator. Furthermore, it avoids the ‘explosion of complexity’ and ‘explosion of learning parameters’ problems, simultaneously, and reduces the computational burden. Simulation results performed on a set of single‐link robots composed of four followers and one leader verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Distributed output‐feedback cooperative tracking control of non‐linear multi‐agent systems with unknown actuator failures
Authors: Xu Lin‐Xing , Ma Hong‐Jun
Published: June 2019

The distributed fault‐tolerant control (FTC) problem for a class of non‐linear multi‐agent systems, in the presence of uncertain disturbances and actuator failures is studied. The considered actuator failure model includes bias fault and loss of effectiveness fault, and the total number of failures is allowed to be infinite. By combining a kind of high‐gain K‐filters and backstepping technique, the effect of uncertain disturbances and actuator failures can be effectively compensated by an output‐feedback FTC strategy. In addition, for each subsystem, an extra estimator is introduced to deal with the parametric uncertainties caused by its neighbours. Based on this, some additional uncertain information transmission among connected subsystems can be avoided. It is shown that all the signals of the closed‐loop system are globally bounded and the subsystem output tracking error can converge to an arbitrarily small residual by adjusting the high gain parameters. Simulation results are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed techniques.
Two‐stage market clearing approach to mitigate generator collusion in Eastern China electricity market via system dynamics method
Authors: Huang Chenyang , Yan Zheng , Chen Sijie , Yang Libing , Li Xiaogang
Published: June 2019

With the recent China electricity market reformation, an increasing portion of electricity is traded in wholesale electricity markets. However, collusion among generation companies reduces competition and raises market clearing prices. Based on the newly released electricity policies in China, a two‐stage market clearing method is employed to mitigate collusion. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of this method, the system dynamics method is adopted. With consideration of the two aspects of collusion, i.e. capacity withholding and bidding at a high price, the causal feedback and quantitative relationship between the generator bidding process and the market clearing process are established. The sensitivities of the market parameters are analysed in a case study with real data collected from the Eastern China electricity market. The results can be used as a reference for policy makers.