bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Twinning Rates in Uruguay Between 1999 and 2015: Association with Socioeconomic and Demographic Factors
Authors: Gómez Noelia , Sosa Andrés , Corte Sylvia , Otta Emma 
Published: January 2019

AbstractTwinning is rare among humans, but there is much variability among populations. Several studies show that certain demographic and socioeconomic factors, such as maternal age, mother’s educational level and income, influence twinning rate. There is no background of analytical studies of twins in Uruguay. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that has focused on describing and analyzing Uruguayan twinning rates over a period of 17 years (1999–2015). The birth data were collected from the website of Uruguay’s Ministry of Public Health. Economic data were obtained from Uruguay’s Instituto Nacional de Estadísti’s website for the period 2001–2013, since these variables are defined specifically for that period of time. The statistical software R (The R Project for Statistical Computing) was used. The twinning rate varied from 8.51 to 13 in the studied period. Montevideo has the highest median and the smallest variability in comparison with the other departments. In Uruguay (1999–2015), the highest twinning rate (28.94%) was observed in women aged 45 and older. The analysis also showed a relationship between twin birth rates and the mother’s educational level. In three regions of the country (West, Center and East), twin births show a random pattern but in the other two (North and Metropolitan), there is an increasing trend in the number of twins over time. In conclusion, this study recognizes social, economic and demographic factors that influence in the rate of twin births in Uruguay.
Saturn's Deep Atmospheric Flows Revealed by the Cassini Grand Finale Gravity Measurements
Authors: Galanti E. , Kaspi Y. , Miguel Y. , Guillot T. , Durante D. , Racioppa P. , Iess L. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractHow deep do Saturn's zonal winds penetrate below the cloud level has been a decades‐long question, with important implications not only for the atmospheric dynamics but also for the interior density structure, composition, magnetic field, and core mass. The Cassini Grand Finale gravity experiment enables answering this question for the first time, with the premise that the planet's gravity harmonics are affected not only by the rigid body density structure but also by its flow field. Using a wide range of rigid body interior models and an adjoint based optimization for the flow field using thermal wind balance, we calculate the flow structure below the cloud level and its depth. We find that with a wind profile, largely consistent with the observed winds, when extended to a depth of around 8,800 km, all the gravity harmonics measured by Cassini are explained. This solution is in agreement with considerations of angular momentum conservation and is consistent with magnetohydrodynamics constraints.
Mechanisms and Impacts of a Partial AMOC Recovery Under Enhanced Freshwater Forcing
Authors: Thomas M. D. , Fedorov A. V. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is expected to weaken in the 21st century due to increased surface buoyancy. Such AMOC changes in ocean models are often accompanied by a subsurface reduction in density. Here we perform freshwater perturbation experiments with both a 1° coupled model and an idealized zonally averaged ocean‐only model to demonstrate that slow subsurface property changes (1) introduce a negative feedback that erodes the stratification and partially reinvigorates convection and the AMOC and (2) ensure the meridional heat transport weakens less than the AMOC. In the coupled model with a 0.1‐Sv net freshwater flux introduced around Greenland, an initial 22% AMOC reduction over 40 years is followed by a recovery of almost half the lost strength after 400 years. The final heat transport, however, is weakened by only 7%. Similar responses in the idealized model demonstrate that 2‐D ocean‐only dynamics control the changes.
Electron Distribution Functions Around a Reconnection X‐Line Resolved by the FOTE Method
Authors: Wang Z. , Fu H. S. , Liu C. M. , Liu Y. Y. , Cozzani G. , Giles B. L. , Hwang K.‐J. , Burch J. L. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractUsing data from the MMS mission and the First‐Order Taylor Expansion (FOTE) method, here we reveal electron distribution functions around a reconnection X‐line at the Earth's magnetopause. We find cigar distribution of electrons in both the magnetosphere‐side and magnetosheath‐side inflow regions, isotropic distribution of electrons at the separatrix, and loss of high‐energy electrons in the antiparallel direction in the magnetosheath‐side inflow region. We interpret the formation of cigar distribution in the inflow regions using the Fermi mechanism—as suggested in previous simulations, the loss of high‐energy electrons in the magnetosheath side using the parallel electric fields—which evacuate electrons to escape the diffusion region along the antiparallel direction, and the isotropic distribution at the separatrix using the pitch angle scattering by whistler waves—which exist frequently at the separatrix. We also find that the electron distribution functions can change rapidly (within 60 ms) from isotropic to cigar as the spacecraft moves slightly away from the separatrix.
Observations of Magnetic Reconnection in the Transition Region of Quasi‐Parallel Shocks
Authors: Gingell I. , Schwartz S. J. , Eastwood J. P. , Burch J. L , Ergun R. E. , Fuselier S. , Gershman D. J. , Giles B. L. , Khotyaintsev Y. V. , Lavraud B. , Lindqvist P.‐A. , Paterson W. R. , Phan T. D. , Russell C. T. , Stawarz J. E. , Strangeway R. J. , Torbert R. B. , Wilder F. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractUsing observations of Earth's bow shock by the Magnetospheric Multiscale mission, we show for the first time that active magnetic reconnection is occurring at current sheets embedded within the quasi‐parallel shock's transition layer. We observe an electron jet and heating but no ion response, suggesting we have observed an electron‐only mode. The lack of ion response is consistent with simulations showing reconnection onset on sub‐ion time scales. We also discuss the impact of electron heating in shocks via reconnection.
Temporal and Spatial Variations of Cross‐Shelf Nutrient Exchange in the East China Sea, as Estimated by Satellite Altimetry and In Situ Measurements
Authors: Ding Ruibin , Huang Daji , Xuan Jiliang , Zhou Feng , Pohlmann Thomas 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBased on velocity and nutrient data from satellite and in situ measurements, we studied the temporal and spatial variations for 22‐year (1993–2014) cross‐shelf nutrient exchange at the 200‐m isobath section in the East China Sea. Since nitrate and phosphate concentrations were highly correlated (correlation coefficient of 0.95), only nitrate transport was investigated in detail. The cross‐shelf nutrient exchange is explored from whole to detail. The results show that the 22‐year averaged section‐integrated nitrate transport (FQ) is 22.0 ± 12.4 kmol/s (+ in the on‐shelf direction). Its interannual variation is larger than its seasonal variation, but no persistent interannual signal exists. The on‐ and off‐shelf components of FQ are about twice as large as FQ itself, and the temporal variation of FQ is mainly determined by its on‐shelf component. The depth‐integrated nitrate transport (Fq) along the 200‐m isobath shows that the largest on‐ and off‐shelf nitrate transports occur northeast of Taiwan, whereas the on‐shelf nitrate transport at the middle East China Sea is also important. Moreover, the on‐shelf component of Fq northeast of Taiwan mainly determines the temporal variation in FQ. The mean and standard deviation of the sectional nitrate flux (F) suggest that the largest variation in F occurs northeast of Taiwan, 150 m below the surface. Combining results from empirical orthogonal function analysis, the horizontal and vertical structures of F are determined by velocity and nitrate concentration, respectively, whereas the temporal variation of F is mainly determined by velocity and the geostrophic component.
Efficient manipulations of circularly polarized terahertz waves with transmissive metasurfaces
Authors: Jia Min , Wang Zhuo , Li Heting , Wang Xinke , Luo Weijie , Sun Shulin , Zhang Yan , He Qiong , Zhou Lei 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe unrestricted control of circularly polarized (CP) terahertz (THz) waves is important in science and applications, but conventional THz devices suffer from issues of bulky size and low efficiency. Although Pancharatnam–Berry (PB) metasurfaces have shown strong capabilities to control CP waves, transmission-mode PB devices realized in the THz regime are less efficient, limiting their applications in practice. Here, based on Jones matrix analysis, we design a tri-layer structure (thickness of ~λ/5) and experimentally demonstrate that the structure can serve as a highly efficient transmissive meta-atom (relative efficiency of ~90%) to build PB metadevices for manipulating CP THz waves. Two ultrathin THz metadevices are fabricated and experimentally characterized with a z-scan THz imaging system. The first device can realize a photonic spin Hall effect with an experimentally demonstrated relative efficiency of ~90%, whereas the second device can generate a high-quality background-free CP Bessel beam with measured longitudinal and transverse field patterns that exhibit the nondiffracting characteristics of a Bessel beam. All the experimental results are in excellent agreement with full-wave simulations. Our results pave the way to freely manipulate CP THz beams, laying a solid basis for future applications such as biomolecular control and THz signal transportation.
Gigantic electric-field-induced second harmonic generation from an organic conjugated polymer enhanced by a band-edge effect
Authors: Chen Shumei , Li King Fai , Li Guixin , Cheah Kok Wai , Zhang Shuang 
Published: January 2019

AbstractElectric-field-induced second harmonic generation (EFISH), a third-order nonlinear process, arises from the interaction between the electric field of an external bias and that of two incident photons. EFISH can be used to dynamically control the nonlinear optical response of materials and is therefore promising for active nonlinear devices. However, it has been challenging to achieve a strong modulation with EFISH in conventional nonlinear materials. Here, we report a large tunability of an EFISH signal from a subwavelength-thick polymer film sandwiched between a transparent electrode and a metallic mirror. By exploiting the band-edge-enhanced third-order nonlinear susceptibility of the organic conjugated polymer, we successfully demonstrate a gigantic EFISH effect with a modulation ratio up to 422% V−1 at a pumping wavelength of 840 nm. The band-edge-enhanced EFISH opens new avenues for modulating the intensity of SHG signals and for controlling nonlinear electro-optic interactions in nanophotonic devices.
Neurodevelopmental milestones and associated behaviours are similar among healthy children across diverse geographical locations
Authors: Villar José , Fernandes Michelle , Purwar Manorama , Staines-Urias Eleonora , Di Nicola Paola , Cheikh Ismail Leila , Ochieng Roseline , Barros Fernando , Albernaz Elaine , Victora Cesar , Kunnawar Naina , Temple Sophie , Giuliani Francesca , Sandells Tamsin , Carvalho Maria , Ohuma Eric , Jaffer Yasmin , Noble Alison , Gravett Michael , Pang Ruyan , Lambert Ann , Bertino Enrico , Papageorghiou Aris , Garza Cutberto , Stein Alan , Bhutta Zulfiqar , Kennedy Stephen 
Published: January 2019

AbstractIt is unclear whether early child development is, like skeletal growth, similar across diverse regions with adequate health and nutrition. We prospectively assessed 1307 healthy, well-nourished 2-year-old children of educated mothers, enrolled in early pregnancy from urban areas without major socioeconomic or environmental constraints, in Brazil, India, Italy, Kenya and UK. We used a specially developed psychometric tool, WHO motor milestones and visual tests. Similarities across sites were measured using variance components analysis and standardised site differences (SSD). In 14 of the 16 domains, the percentage of total variance explained by between-site differences ranged from 1.3% (cognitive score) to 9.2% (behaviour score). Of the 80 SSD comparisons, only six were >±0.50 units of the pooled SD for the corresponding item. The sequence and timing of attainment of neurodevelopmental milestones and associated behaviours in early childhood are, therefore, likely innate and universal, as long as nutritional and health needs are met.
The path of pre-ribosomes through the nuclear pore complex revealed by electron tomography
Authors: Delavoie Franck , Soldan Vanessa , Rinaldi Dana , Dauxois Jean-Yves , Gleizes Pierre-Emmanuel 
Published: January 2019

AbstractDetermining the path of single ribonucleoprotein (RNP) particles through the 100 nm-wide nuclear pore complex (NPC) by fluorescence microscopy remains challenging due to resolution limitation and RNP labeling constraints. By using high-pressure freezing and electron tomography, here we captured snapshots of the translocation of native RNP particles through NPCs in yeast and analyzed their trajectory at nanometer-scale resolution. Morphological and functional analyses indicate that these particles mostly correspond to pre-ribosomes. They are detected in 5–6% of the NPCs, with no apparent bias for NPCs adjacent to the nucleolus. Their path closely follows the central axis of the NPC through the nuclear and inner rings, but diverges at the cytoplasmic ring, suggesting interactions with the cytoplasmic nucleoporins. By applying a probabilistic queueing model to our data, we estimated that the dwell time of pre-ribosomes in the yeast NPC is ~90 ms. These data reveal distinct steps of pre-ribosome translocation through the NPC.
Template-directed RNA polymerization and enhanced ribozyme catalysis inside membraneless compartments formed by coacervates
Authors: Poudyal Raghav R. , Guth-Metzler Rebecca M. , Veenis Andrew J. , Frankel Erica A. , Keating Christine D. , Bevilacqua Philip C. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractMembraneless compartments, such as complex coacervates, have been hypothesized as plausible prebiotic micro-compartments due to their ability to sequester RNA; however, their compatibility with essential RNA World chemistries is unclear. We show that such compartments can enhance key prebiotically-relevant RNA chemistries. We demonstrate that template-directed RNA polymerization is sensitive to polycation identity, with polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride (PDAC) outperforming poly(allylamine), poly(lysine), and poly(arginine) in polycation/RNA coacervates. Differences in RNA diffusion rates between PDAC/RNA and oligoarginine/RNA coacervates imply distinct biophysical environments. Template-directed RNA polymerization is relatively insensitive to Mg2+ concentration when performed in PDAC/RNA coacervates as compared to buffer, even enabling partial rescue of the reaction in the absence of magnesium. Finally, we show enhanced activities of multiple nucleic acid enzymes including two ribozymes and a deoxyribozyme, underscoring the generality of this approach, in which functional nucleic acids like aptamers and ribozymes, and in some cases key cosolutes localize within the coacervate microenvironments.
Influence of Conductive additives on the stability of red phosphorus-carbon anodes for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Wang Rui , Mo Hanxiao , Li Shuai , Gong Yansheng , He Beibei , Wang Huanwen 
Published: January 2019

AbstractIn this paper, the influences of conductive carbons on the red phosphorus (P) composites in sodium-ion batteries are studied. Electrochemical testing results show that Ketjen Black makes the P composites present much better cycling performances. Electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS) results indicate that when Ketjen Black is used, the total resistance of the electrode can be decreased. Since Ketjen Black is a low-cost and commercially available material, our results suggest that Ketjen Black might be a promising conductor for the alloying anodes such as P in sodium-ion batteries.
Integrative omics analysis in Pandanus odorifer (Forssk.) Kuntze reveals the role of Asparagine synthetase in salinity tolerance
Authors: Rashmi Deo , Barvkar Vitthal T. , Nadaf Altafhusain , Mundhe Swapnil , Kadoo Narendra Y. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractPandanus odorifer (Forssk) Kuntze grows naturally along the coastal regions and withstands salt-sprays as well as strong winds. A combination of omics approaches and enzyme activity studies was employed to comprehend the mechanistic basis of high salinity tolerance in P. odorifer. The young seedlings of P. odorifer were exposed to 1 M salt stress for up to three weeks and analyzed using RNAsequencing (RNAseq) and LC-MS. Integrative omics analysis revealed high expression of the Asparagine synthetase (AS) (EC 6.3.5.4) (8.95 fold) and remarkable levels of Asparagine (Asn) (28.5 fold). This indicated that salt stress promoted Asn accumulation in P. odorifer. To understand this further, the Asn biosynthesis pathway was traced out in P. odorifer. It was noticed that seven genes involved in Asn bisynthetic pathway namely glutamine synthetase (GS) (EC 6.3.1.2) glutamate synthase (GOGAT) (EC 1.4.1.14), aspartate kinase (EC 2.7.2.4), pyruvate kinase (EC 2.7.1.40), aspartate aminotransferase (AspAT) (EC 2.6.1.1), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) (EC 4.1.1.31) and AS were up-regulated under salt stress. AS transcripts were most abundant thereby showed its highest activity and thus were generating maximal Asn under salt stress. Also, an up-regulated Na+/H+ antiporter (NHX1) facilitated compartmentalization of Na+ into vacuoles, suggesting P. odorifer as salt accumulator species.
Treatment effects of the differential first-line antiretroviral regimens among HIV/HBV coinfected patients in southwest China: an observational study
Authors: Zhu Jinhui , Yang Wenmin , Feng Yuan , Lo Cody , Chen Huanhuan , Zhu Qiuying , Shen Zhiyong , Lan Guanghua , Chen Yi , Tang Zhenzhu , Xing Hui , Shao Yiming , Ruan Yuhua , Li Liming 
Published: January 2019

AbstractHIV with HBV co-infection can result in greater HIV-related immunosuppression, morbidity and mortality. Currently, there are few studies to evaluate direct treatment effects on mortality and attrition rates between first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) based-on tenofovir (TDF) and/or lamivudine (3TC) in a real-world setting. We used Cox proportional hazard models to evaluate direct treatment effects of the first-line ART containing stavudine (d4T), azidothymidine (AZT) and TDF on death and attrition among HIV patients with HBV coinfection. A total of 3912 patients met study eligibility criteria. The overall mortality rate and attrition rate was 2.85 (95% CI: 2.55–3.16) and 8.87 (95% CI: 8.32–9.41) per 100 person-years, respectively. The ART containing TDF had a significantly lower risk of death [adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.44–0.77] when compared to the ART containing d4T, but the risk of death was not significantly different when compared to the ART containing AZT (AHR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.69–1.20). Patients with HIV/HBV coinfection receiving the ART containing TDF had significantly lower risk rates of attrition compared to those receiving the ART containing d4T (AHR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.60–0.86) or AZT (AHR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.58–0.77). Compared with the ART containing d4T, the ART containing AZT was significant and not significant associated with a lower risk of death and attrition, respectively. The ART containing TDF had significant effects on both of death and attrition among HIV patients with HBV coinfection.
Human skeletal muscle macrophages increase following cycle training and are associated with adaptations that may facilitate growth
Authors: Walton R. Grace , Kosmac Kate , Mula Jyothi , Fry Christopher S. , Peck Bailey D. , Groshong Jason S. , Finlin Brian S. , Zhu Beibei , Kern Philip A. , Peterson Charlotte A. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractSkeletal muscle macrophages participate in repair and regeneration following injury. However, their role in physiological adaptations to exercise is unexplored. We determined whether endurance exercise training (EET) alters macrophage content and characteristics in response to resistance exercise (RE), and whether macrophages are associated with other exercise adaptations. Subjects provided vastus lateralis biopsies before and after one bout of RE, after 12 weeks of EET (cycling), and after a final bout of RE. M2 macrophages (CD11b+/CD206+) did not increase with RE, but increased in response to EET (P < 0.01). Increases in M2 macrophages were positively correlated with fiber hypertrophy (r = 0.49) and satellite cells (r = 0.47). M2c macrophages (CD206+/CD163+) also increased following EET (P < 0.001), and were associated with fiber hypertrophy (r = 0.64). Gene expression was quantified using NanoString. Following EET, the change in M2 macrophages was positively associated with changes in HGF, IGF1, and extracellular matrix genes. EET decreased expression of IL6 (P < 0.05), C/EBPβ (P < 0.01), and MuRF (P < 0.05), and increased expression of IL-4 (P < 0.01), TNFα (P < 0.01) and the TWEAK receptor FN14 (P < 0.05). The change in FN14 gene expression was inversely associated with changes in C/EBPβ (r = −0.58) and MuRF (r = −0.46) following EET. In cultured human myotubes, siRNA inhibition of FN14 increased expression of C/EBPβ (P < 0.05) and MuRF (P < 0.05). Our data suggest that macrophages contribute to the muscle response to EET, potentially including modulation of TWEAK-FN14 signaling.
A Rational Approach for Creating Peptides Mimicking Antibody Binding
Authors: Sachdeva Sameer , Joo Hyun , Tsai Jerry , Jasti Bhaskara , Li Xiaoling 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThis study reports a novel method to design peptides that mimic antibody binding. Using the Knob-Socket model for protein-protein interaction, the interaction surface between Cetuximab and EGFR was mapped. EGFR binding peptides were designed based on geometry and the probability of the mapped knob-sockets pairs. Designed peptides were synthesized and then characterized for binding specificity, affinity, cytotoxicity of drug-peptide conjugate and inhibition of phosphorylation. In cell culture studies, designed peptides specifically bind and internalize to EGFR overexpressing cells with three to four-fold higher uptake compared to control cells that do not overexpress EGFR. The designed peptide, Pep11, bound to EGFR with KD of 252 nM. Cytotoxicity of Monomethyl Auristatin E (MMAE)-EGFR-Pep11 peptide-drug conjugate was more than 2,000 fold higher against EGFR overexpressing cell lines A431, MDA MB 468 than control HEK 293 cells which lack EGFR overexpression. MMAE-EGFR-Pep11 conjugate also showed more than 90-fold lower cytotoxicity towards non-EGFR overexpressing HEK 293 cells when compared with cytotoxicity of MMAE itself. In conclusion, a method that can rationally design peptides using knob-socket model is presented. This method was successfully applied to create peptides based on the antigen-antibody interaction to mimic the specificity, affinity and functionality of antibody.