bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modulation effects of the East Asian winter monsoon on El Niño-related rainfall anomalies in southeastern China
Authors: Ma Tianjiao , Chen Wen , Feng Juan , Wu Renguang 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe present study investigates the modulation of the East Asian winter monsoon (EAWM) in the impacts of El Niño on the wintertime rainfall anomalies in southeastern China. Here, the variability of the EAWM that is independent of ENSO is considered, which is referred to as EAWMres with a strong EAWMres denoting anomalous northerly winds. Results demonstrate that strong (weak) EAWMres weakens (enhances) the positive rainfall anomalies in southeastern China induced by El Niño, because anomalous downward motion over the western North Pacific (WNP) associated with El Niño is weakened (strengthened) by strong (weak) EAWMres. The modulated convective activity over the WNP, on the one hand, changes the anomalous local Hadley circulation associated with El Niño. When El Niño is combined with strong (weak) EAWMres, anomalous local Hadley circulation is weak (strong) and the resultant anomalous upward motion is weak (strong) over southeastern China, leading to small (larger) positive rainfall anomalies there. On the other hand, the modulated WNP convective activity induces different low-level atmospheric responses to El Niño. During an El Niño winter with strong (weak) EAWMres, the weak (strong) anomalous suppressed convection produces a weak (strong) and insignificant (significant) anomalous low-level WNP anticyclone, resulting in correspondingly insignificant (significant) rainfall anomalies in southeastern China. Results from a linear baroclinic model further suggest that the different low-level atmospheric responses over WNP are mainly induced by different diabatic heating associated with El Niño under different EAWMres conditions.
The synergic effects of frailty on disability associated with urbanization, multimorbidity, and mental health: implications for public health and medical care
Authors: Lee Wei-Ju , Peng Li-Ning , Lin Chi-Hung , Lin Hui-Ping , Loh Ching-Hui , Chen Liang-Kung 
Published: September 2018

AbstractFrailty is garnering increasing interest as a potential target in disability prevention. Since it is uncertain how frailty interacts with multimorbidity, urbanization, and mental health to affect disability, we investigated the epidemiology of frailty and its synergies with these factors. The study enrolled 20,898 participants aged 65 and older living in New Taipei city. All participants received face to face interview to assess frailty, multimorbidity, urban or rural residence, and mental health. Individual versus combined effects of risk factors were evaluated using the Rothman synergy index. Prevalence of frailty was 5.2% overall, 7.2% in multimorbid participants, 9.6% in rural residents, and 20.8% in those with mental disorders. Logistic regression, adjusted for age and sex, showed significant associations between disability and frailty (OR 8.5, 95% CI 6.4–11.2), multimorbidity (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.0–1.6), urbanization (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.0–1.7), and mental disorders (OR 7.3, 95% CI 5.6–9.5); these factors had a significant synergic effect on disability. Frailty is common in older adults and associated with disability, and was synergetic with multimorbidity, mental disorders, and residing rurally. Targeting frailty prevention and intervention needs a special attention on those vulnerable groups.
Optogenetic control of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in cancer cells
Authors: Zhou Xiaoxu , Wang Jian , Chen Junye , Qi Yuankai , Di Nan  , Jin Luhong , Qian Xiaohan , Wang Xinyi , Chen Qingyong , Liu Xu , Xu Yingke 
Published: September 2018

AbstractEpithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is one of the most important mechanisms in the initiation and promotion of cancer cell metastasis. The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway has been demonstrated to be involved in TGF-β induced EMT, but the complicated TGF-β signaling network makes it challenging to dissect the important role of PI3K on regulation of EMT process. Here, we applied optogenetic controlled PI3K module (named ‘Opto-PI3K’), which based on CRY2 and the N-terminal of CIB1 (CIBN), to rapidly and reversibly control the endogenous PI3K activity in cancer cells with light. By precisely modulating the kinetics of PI3K activation, we found that E-cadherin is an important downstream target of PI3K signaling. Compared with TGF-β treatment, Opto-PI3K had more potent effect in down-regulation of E-cadherin expression, which was demonstrated to be regulated in a light dose-dependent manner. Surprisingly, sustained PI3K activation induced partial EMT state in A549 cells that is highly reversible. Furthermore, we demonstrated that Opto-PI3K only partially mimicked TGF-β effects on promotion of cell migration in vitro. These results reveal the importance of PI3K signaling in TGF-β induced EMT, suggesting other TGF-β regulated signaling pathways are necessary for the full and irreversible promotion of EMT in cancer cells. In addition, our study implicates the great promise of optogenetics in cancer research for mapping input-output relationships in oncogenic pathways.
The Value of Decreased Thyroid Hormone for Predicting Mortality in Adult Septic Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kim Jae Guk , Shin Hyungoo , Kim Wonhee , Lim Tae Ho , Jang Bohyoung , Cho Youngsuk , Choi Kyu-Sun , Ahn Chiwon , Lee Juncheol , Na Min Kyun 
Published: September 2018

AbstractDecreased thyroid hormone (TH) has been considered as one of the potential predictors of mortality in sepsis. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic impact of decreased TH on mortality in septic patients during intensive care unit (ICU) admission. We included studies that assessed thyroid function by measuring the serum thyroid hormone level and in-hospital mortality in adult septic patients. Reviews, case reports, editorials, letters, commentaries, animal studies, duplicate studies, and studies with irrelevant populations and inappropriate controls were excluded. A total of 1,578 patients from eight studies were included. Triiodothyronine levels in non-survivors were relatively lower than that of survivors (6 studies; standardized mean difference [SMD] 2.31; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.52–4.10; I2 = 97%; P = 0.01). Thyroxine levels in non-survivors were also lower than that of survivors (5 studies; SMD 2.40; 95% CI, 0.91–3.89). There were no statistically significant differences in thyroid-stimulating hormone levels between non-survivors and survivors. The present meta-analysis suggested that the decreased TH during ICU admission might be associated with the increase in mortality in adult septic patients. Hence, the measurement of TH could provide prognostic information on mortality in adult septic patients.
High-entropy alloy strengthened by in situ formation of entropy-stabilized nano-dispersoids
Authors: Gwalani Bharat , Pohan Rizaldy M. , Lee Junho , Lee Bin , Banerjee Rajarshi , Ryu Ho Jin , Hong Soon Hyung 
Published: September 2018

AbstractA significant increase in compressive yield strength of the Al0.3CoCrFeMnNi high-entropy alloy (HEA) from 979 MPa to 1759 MPa was observed upon the introduction of 3 vol.% Y2O3. The HEAs were processed using spark plasma sintering of mechanically alloyed powders. Transmission electron microscopy and atom probe tomography confirmed the presence of compositionally complex nano-dispersoids in the Y2O3-added HEA. The significant increase in strength can be attributed to the nano-dispersoid strengthening coupled with grain refinement. Therefore, the in-situ formation of the compositionally complex nanoscale dispersoids during the alloy processing could be a novel approach to create entropy-stabilized oxide particles in strengthening of HEAs.
Multi-color lasing in chemically open droplet cavities
Authors: Zheng Lu , Zhi Min , Chan Yinthai , Khan Saif A. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractIn this paper, we demonstrate FRET-based multicolor lasing within chemically open droplet cavities that allow online modulation of the gain medium composition. To do this, we generated monodisperse microfluidic droplets loaded with coumarin 102 (donor), where the spherical droplets acted as whispering gallery mode (WGM) optical cavities in which coumarin 102 lasing (~ 470 nm) was observed. The lasing color was switched from blue to orange by the introduction of a second dye (acceptor, rhodamine 6 G) into the flowing droplet cavities; subsequent lasing from rhodamine 6 G (~ 590 nm) was observed together with the complete absence of coumarin 102 emission. The ability to control color switching online within the same droplet cavity enables sequential detection of multiple target molecules within or around the cavity. As a demonstration of this concept, we show how the presence of FITC-Dextran and methylene blue (MB) in the medium surrounding the lasing droplets can be sequentially detected by the blue and orange laser respectively. The method is simple and can be extended to a range of water-soluble dyes, thus enabling a wide spectral range for the lasing with the use of a single pump laser source.
Impact of Porphyromonas gingivalis Peptidylarginine Deiminase on Bacterial Biofilm Formation, Epithelial Cell Invasion, and Epithelial Cell Transcriptional Landscape
Authors: Aliko Ardita , Kamińska Marta , Bergum Brith , Gawron Katarzyna , Benedyk Małgorzata , Lamont Richard J. , Malicki Stanisław , Delaleu Nicolas , Potempa Jan , Mydel Piotr 
Published: September 2018

AbstractPeptidylarginine deiminase (PPAD) is a virulence factor unique to pathogenic Porphyromonas species, especially P. gingivalis. Mechanistically, PPAD activity, in conjunction with Arg-specific gingipains, generates protein fragments with citrullinated C-termini. Such polypeptides are potential de novo epitopes that are key drivers of rheumatoid arthritis. This process could underlie the observed clinical association between rheumatoid arthritis and periodontitis. However, the role of PPAD in host colonization by P. gingivalis and, subsequently, in triggering periodontitis is not known. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to delineate the role of PPAD in bacterial biofilm formation, and to define whether adherence to, invasion of, and host responses to bacteria of gingival keratinocytes depend on PPAD activity. We studied these aspects using PPAD-competent and PPAD-incompetent strains of P. gingivalis, and demonstrated that neither biofilm formation nor its composition was affected by PPAD activity. Similarly, flow cytometry revealed that PPAD did not impact the ability of P. gingivalis to adhere to and, subsequently, invade keratinocytes. Network analyses of gene expression patterns, however, revealed a group of host genes that were sensitive to PPAD activity (CXCL8, IL36G, CCL20, and IL1B). These genes can be categorized as potent immune modulators belonging to the interleukin 1 system, or chemoattractants of lymphocytes and neutrophils. Thus, we conclude that PPAD, although it is a potent modulator of the immune response, does not affect bacterial biofilm formation or the ability of P. gingivalis to adhere to and invade gingival epithelial cells.
Nanoscale spin-wave circuits based on engineered reconfigurable spin-textures
Authors: Albisetti Edoardo , Petti Daniela , Sala Giacomo , Silvani Raffaele , Tacchi Silvia , Finizio Simone , Wintz Sebastian , Calò Annalisa , Zheng Xiaorui , Raabe Jörg , Riedo Elisa , Bertacco Riccardo 
Published: September 2018

AbstractMagnonics is gaining momentum as an emerging technology for information processing. The wave character and Joule heating-free propagation of spin-waves hold promises for highly efficient computing platforms, based on integrated magnonic circuits. The realization of such nanoscale circuitry is crucial, although extremely challenging due to the difficulty of tailoring the nanoscopic magnetic properties with conventional approaches. Here we experimentally realize a nanoscale reconfigurable spin-wave circuitry by using patterned spin-textures. By space and time-resolved scanning transmission X-ray microscopy imaging, we directly visualize the channeling and steering of propagating spin-waves in arbitrarily shaped nanomagnonic waveguides, with no need for external magnetic fields or currents. Furthermore, we demonstrate a prototypic circuit based on two converging nanowaveguides, allowing for the tunable spatial superposition and interference of confined spin-waves modes. This work paves the way to the use of engineered spin-textures as building blocks of spin-wave based computing devices.
A broadband DLCZ quantum memory in room-temperature atoms
Authors: Dou Jian-Peng , Yang Ai-Lin , Du Mu-Yan , Lao Di , Gao Jun , Qiao Lu-Feng , Li Hang , Pang Xiao-Ling , Feng Zhen , Tang Hao , Jin Xian-Min 
Published: September 2018

AbstractQuantum memory capable of stopping flying photons and storing their quantum coherence is essential for scalable quantum technologies. A room-temperature broadband quantum memory will enable the implementation of large-scale quantum systems for real-life applications. Due to either intrinsic high noises or short lifetime, it is still challenging to find a room-temperature broadband quantum memory beyond conceptual demonstration. Here, we present a far off-resonance Duan–Lukin–Cirac–Zoller (FORD) protocol and demonstrate the broadband quantum memory in room-temperature atoms. We observe a low unconditional noise level of 10−4 and a cross-correlation up to 28. A strong violation of Cauchy–Schwarz inequality indicates high-fidelity generation and preservation of non-classical correlation. Furthermore, the achieved cross-correlation in room-temperature atoms exceeds the key boundary of 6, above which quantum correlation is able to violate Bell’s inequality. Our results open up the door to an entirely new realm of memory-enabled quantum applications at ambient conditions.
Support Vector Machines for Improving Vehicle Localization in Urban Canyons
Authors: Bassma Guermah , Hassan El Ghazi , Tayeb Sadiki 
Published: September 2018

Since the middle ages, the need to identify the vehicles position in their local environment has always been a necessity and a challenge. Today, GNSS-based positioning systems have penetrated several field, such as land transport, emergency systems and civil aviation requiring high positioning accuracy. However, the performances of GNSS-based systems can be degraded in harsh environment due to non-line-of-sight (NLOS), Multipath and masking effects. In this paper, for improving vehicle localization in urban canyons, we address a very challenging problem related to GNSS signal reception state detection (LOS, NLOS or Multipath). A SVMbased system for GNSS Multipath detection using the fusion of information provided by two GNSS antennas is proposed. In this work, we aim to explore the potential of machine learning, and more precisely, Support Vector Machines (SVM) to identify GNSS signals reception state. The SVM-based system developed in this work has used the C/N0 of signals provided by RHCP and LHCP antennas, and satellite elevation as classification criteria. The training data set is constructed by several experimental studies done in real environments, Calais, France . Furthermore, four SVM kernel functions are tested, namely, Linear, Gaussian, Cubic and Quadratic.
A GNSS signal reception state detection by applying the proposed SVM-based classifier is demonstrated on real GPS signals, and the efficiency of the system is shown. We obtain empirically an accuracy of signal detection about 93%.
Contributions of the glycocalyx, endothelium, and extravascular compartment to the blood–brain barrier
Authors: Kutuzov Nikolay , Flyvbjerg Henrik , Lauritzen Martin 
Published: September 2018

Significance
The vascular endothelium constitutes the main barrier that restricts the transport of molecules from blood to brain. However, the barrier properties of structures adjacent to the vascular endothelium are understudied. Based on two-photon microscopy imaging of single cortical capillaries, we found that the blood–brain barrier (BBB) consisted of at least three elements: the endothelial glycocalyx, which forms a barrier on the blood side to large but not small molecules; the endothelium; and the basement membrane and astrocyte endfeet—the final line of defense on the brain side. All three elements restricted permeation of large molecules and should be taken into account when studying drug delivery and disease states.
Relation between single-molecule properties and phase behavior of intrinsically disordered proteins
Authors: Dignon Gregory L. , Zheng Wenwei , Best Robert B. , Kim Young C. , Mittal Jeetain 
Published: September 2018

Significance
Some proteins can undergo phase separation in vivo to form membraneless organelles with distinct physiological functions. In many cases, the driving force is believed to be the intrinsically disordered domains that lack regular structural features and can phase separate in vitro. Relating protein sequences to phase-separation propensity is the goal of this work. Toward this goal, we highlight the connection between the temperature where a single chain collapses, the temperature where interactions within a dilute solution favor self-association, and the critical temperature of phase separation. Our results show that these characteristic temperatures are highly correlated, suggesting that experiments performed in dilute conditions may be used to predict phase separation.
Seed preparation.
Authors: Kelanaputra E. S. , Nelson S. P. C. , Setiawati U. , Sitepu B. , Nur F. , Forster B. P. , Purba A. R. 
Published: September 2018

Abstract

In order to collect fresh seeds from harvested bunches, the fresh bunch is chopped using an axe (a trained worker must be assigned to this job) to separate the spikelets from the stalk. Fruits attached to spikelets are fermented for 3-4 days in an area separate from the detached fruits. Detached fruits are peeled by hand by a skilled person using a sharp knife. Detached fruits are placed in a de-pulping machine to remove the mesocarp from the seed (nut). Seeds that still have fibre are cleaned by scraping with a sharp knife; this reduces fungal contamination. The clean fresh seeds are then treated with a disinfectant and fungicide solution for about 3 min and placed into perforated trays to dry in the open air under a fan for about 24 h. The dried seeds are sorted to remove off-types (white, small and broken) and transferred to slow drying conditions at 19-23°C for about 24 h.
Seed viability testing.
Authors: Kelanaputra E. S. , Nelson S. P. C. , Setiawati U. , Sitepu B. , Nur F. , Forster B. P. , Purba A. R. 
Published: September 2018

Abstract

Seed viability testing in seed processing is carried out to forecast germination levels. The test is destructive and involves removing the embryo from the kernel for visual inspection.
Seed moisture testing.
Authors: Kelanaputra E. S. , Nelson S. P. C. , Setiawati U. , Sitepu B. , Nur F. , Forster B. P. , Purba A. R. 
Published: September 2018

Abstract

Seed moisture content is critically important for efficient seed processing. In order to achieve the highest seed germination, the moisture must be controlled: if it is too low, the seed will die; and if too high, it will stimulate fungal growth and result in seed loss during processing.
Seed production for breeding.
Authors: Kelanaputra E. S. , Nelson S. P. C. , Setiawati U. , Sitepu B. , Nur F. , Forster B. P. , Purba A. R. 
Published: September 2018

Abstract

Seed production processes for breeding follow the same basic processes as described for (Dura) commercial seed. Breeding seed may be either Dura (thick shelled) or Tenera (thin shelled). As in commercial production, oil palm breeding seeds require heat treatment before germination will start. Seed processing procedures described in Chapters 6-9 of this manual should be implemented, but the target is dependent on the numbers of germinated seeds required for breeding purposes, e.g. trialling. Also, Tenera seeds, which are thin shelled, are treated slightly differently to thick-shelled Dura seeds during the heating step to break dormancy. Normally, Tenera seeds have a lower germination rate compared to Duras, due to them being more susceptible to fungal attack.
Health and safety considerations.
Authors: Setiawati U. , Sitepu B. , Nur F. , Forster B. P. , Dery S. 
Published: September 2018

Abstract

All field and laboratory operations should have standard health and safety protocols. These may vary according to local requirements and standards. Some equipment will also come with instructions on proper use, which may involve training, including health and safety issues. Failure to abide by these can result in accidents and personal injury (serious and minor); neglect of health and safety issues may incur penalties such as fines or cessation in field and laboratory activities. Guidelines in health and safety issues relating to crossing in oil palm are given below.
Pollen viability testing.
Authors: Setiawati U. , Sitepu B. , Nur F. , Forster B. P. , Dery S. 
Published: September 2018

Abstract

Pollen viability is essential for success in pollination. Fresh pollen shed from flowering male inflorescences has the highest viability, and it is this which is harvested and stored (Ekaratne and Senathirajah, 1983). Viability tests are carried out prior to processing pollen to ensure the harvested pollen has high viability, and again after storage to monitor viability decline with time in storage. Viability testing provides information on pollen quality and when resampling is required. It also determines the ratio of pollen:talc to be used to maximize pollination success with minimal impact on pollen stores. There are many methods that test pollen viability; the standard one described here is based on pollen germination, it is simple and inexpensive. Pollen with high viability is vital in promoting high seed set and acceptable seed numbers for oil palm breeding and commercial seed production, and various techniques have been developed to test for pollen viability (Nasution et al., 2009). Here, we provide a simple method using pollen culture and a light microscope.
Isolation of the female inflorescence.
Authors: Setiawati U. , Sitepu B. , Nur F. , Forster B. P. , Dery S. 
Published: September 2018

Abstract

Care is required in isolating female bunches to prevent damage. The developing inflorescence should be treated with fungicides and insecticides to prevent disease that may result in reduced viability or abortion of the inflorescence. Specialized isolation bags are equipped with a window to inspect and monitor development and through which subsequent operations (spraying and pollination) are performed. The isolation process involves insect proofing, as insects, particularly weevils, carry unwanted pollen and ruin controlled crossing. Instructions are given on the procedures used in isolating the female inflorescence that maximize success in artificial crossing. The procedures involve the use of hazardous chemicals (insecticides and fungicides) and may involve climbing tall palm trees. Guidance on health and safety procedures is given in Chapter 2 of this manual.
Introduction.
Authors: Nur F. , Forster B. P. , Osei S. A. , Amiteye S. , Ciomas J. , Hoeman S. , Jankuloski L. 
Published: September 2018

Abstract

A brief and general description of mutation breeding is provided. Mutation has been a successful strategy in producing over 3000 mutant cultivars in over 200 crop species worldwide. Oil palm is one of the few major crop species, and the only oil crop not to have been improved by mutation breeding. However, pioneering work in mutation breeding in oil palm did take place in Ghana in the 1970s. This produced the first M1 population in oil palm and has only recently been progressed by developing M2 populations and in discovering mutants for crop improvement.