bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional variant of MTOR rs2536 and survival of Chinese gastric cancer patients
Authors: Cheng Lei , Qiu Lixin , Zhang Ruoxin , Qian Danwen , Wang Mengyun , Sun Menghong , Zhu Xiaodong , Wang Yanong , Guo Weijian , Wei Qingyi
Published: July 2018

We previously reported that some single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of candidate genes involved in the MTOR complex1 (MTORC1) were associated with risk of gastric cancer (GCa). In the present study, we further evaluated associations of eight potentially functional SNPs of MTOR, MLST8 and RPTOR with survival of 1002 GCa patients and also investigated molecular mechanisms underlying such associations. Specifically, we found that the MTOR rs2536 C allele at the microRNA binding site was independently associated with a 26% reduction of death risk (HR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.57–0.96, p = 0.022). The results remained noteworthy with a prior false positive probability of 0.1. Genotype–phenotype correlation analysis in 144 patients’ adjacent normal gastric tissue samples revealed that the MTOR expression levels were lower in rs2536 TC/CC carriers than that in wild‐type TT carriers (p = 0.043). Dual luciferase assays revealed that the rs2536 C allele had a higher binding affinity to microRNA‐150, leading to a decreased transcriptional activity of MTOR, compared to the rs2536 T allele. Further functional analysis revealed that MTOR knockdown by small interference RNA impaired proliferation, migration, and invasion ability in GCa cell lines. In conclusion, The MTOR rs2536 T > C change may be a biomarker for survival of Chinese GCa patients, likely by modulating microRNA‐induced gene expression silencing. Additional studies are needed to validate our findings.
Mechanism of cytokinesis failure in ovarian cystadenomas with defective BRCA1 and P53 pathways
Authors: Austria Theresa , Marion Christine , Yu Vanessa , Widschwendter Martin , Hinton David R. , Dubeau Louis
Published: July 2018

We previously described an in vitro model in which serous ovarian cystadenomas were transfected with SV40 large T antigen, resulting in loss of RB and P53 functions and thus mimicking genetic defects present in early high‐grade serous extra‐uterine Müllerian (traditionally called high‐grade serous ovarian) carcinomas including those associated with the BRCA1 mutation carrier state. We showed that replicative aging in this cell culture model leads to a mitotic arrest at the spindle assembly checkpoint. Here we show that this arrest is due to a reduction in microtubule anchoring that coincides with decreased expression of the BUB1 kinase and of the phosphorylated form of its substrate, BUB3. The ensuing prolonged mitotic arrest leads to cohesion fatigue resulting in cell death or, in cells that recover from this arrest, in cytokinesis failure and polyploidy. Down‐regulation of BRCA1 to levels similar to those present in BRCA1 mutation carriers leads to increased and uncontrolled microtubule anchoring to the kinetochore resulting in overcoming the spindle assembly checkpoint. Progression to anaphase under those conditions is associated with formation of chromatin bridges between chromosomal plates due to abnormal attachments to the kinetochore, significantly increasing the risk of cytokinesis failure. The dependence of this scenario on accelerated replicative aging can, at least in part, account for the site specificity of the cancers associated with the BRCA1 mutation carrier state, as epithelia of the mammary gland and of the reproductive tract are targets of cell‐nonautonomous consequences of this carrier state on cellular proliferation associated with menstrual cycle progressions.
Global cancer incidence in older adults, 2012 and 2035: A population‐based study
Authors: Pilleron Sophie , Sarfati Diana , Janssen‐Heijnen Maryska , Vignat Jérôme , Ferlay Jacques , Bray Freddie , Soerjomataram Isabelle
Published: July 2018

Population ageing has substantially contributed to the rising number of new cancer cases worldwide. We document cancer incidence patterns in 2012 among older adults globally, and examine the changing magnitude of cancer in this age group over the next decades. Using GLOBOCAN 2012 data, we presented the number and proportion of new cancer cases, and the truncated age‐standardised incidence rates among adults aged 65 years and older for all cancer sites combined and for the five most common cancer sites by world region. We calculated the incidence in 2035 by applying population projections, assuming no changes in rates. In 2012, 6.7 million new cancer cases (47.5% of all cancers) were diagnosed among older adults worldwide, with marked regional disparities. Nearly 48% of these cases occurred in less developed regions. Lung, colorectal, prostate, stomach and breast cancers represented 55% of the global incidence, yet distinct regional patterns were observed. We predict 14 million new cancer cases by 2035, representing almost 60% of the global cancer incidence. The largest relative increase in incidence is predicted in the Middle East and Northern Africa (+157%), and in China (+155%). Less developed regions will see an increase of new cases by 144%, compared to 54% in more developed regions. The expected increase in cancer incidence at older ages will have substantial economic and social impacts globally, posing considerable and unique challenge to healthcare systems in every world region, especially in those with limited resources and weaker health systems.
Role of differentially expressed genes and long non‐coding RNAs in papillary thyroid carcinoma diagnosis, progression, and prognosis
Authors: Cai Wei‐Yang , Chen Xiong , Chen Li‐Ping , Li Qian , Du Xiao‐Jing , Zhou Yang‐Yang
Published: July 2018

Currently, the combination of ultrasonography and fine‐needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) can not discriminate between benign and malignant tumor of thyroid in some cases. The main issue in assessing the patients with thyroid nodules is to distinguish thyroid cancer from benign nodules, and reduce diagnostic surgery. To identify potential molecular biomarkers for patients with indeterminate FNAB, we explored the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially expressed long non‐coding RNAs (DElncRNAs) in TCGA database between 318 papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) tissues and 35 normal thyroid gland tissues by DESeq R. Furthermore, DEGs were verified by gene expression profile GSE33630. Ten top DEGs and DElncRNAs were identified as candidate biomarkers for diagnosis and Lasso (Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator) logistic regression analysis were performed to improve the diagnostic accuracy of them. Besides, partial molecular biomarkers of top DEGs and DElncRNAs were closely related to the tumor stage (T), lymph node metastasis (N), metastasis (M) and pathological stage of PTC, which could reflect behavior of tumor progression. According to multivariate Cox analysis, the combination of two DEGs (METTL7B and KCTD16) and two DElncRNAs (LINC02454 and LINC02471) could predict the outcome in a more exact way. In conclusion, top DEGs and DElncRNAs could raise diagnosis of PTC in indeterminate FNAB specimens, and some could function as molecule biomarkers for tumor progression and prognosis.
Effects of lentiviral transfection containing bFGF gene on the biological characteristics of rabbit BMSCs
Authors: Peng Wuxun , Zhang Jian , Zhang Huai , Liu Gang , Dong Wentao , Zhang Fei
Published: July 2018

To investigate the effect of lentiviral transfection containing bFGF gene on the biological characteristics of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). BMSCs were obtained by density gradient centrifugation and adherence screening. The bFGF gene was transfected into BMSCs by lentiviral vector and divided into bFGF transfection group, empty virus group, and untransfected group according to the transfection conditions. After transfection, the morphology, expression of bFGF mRNA and protein, cell proliferation, cell cycle, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity were observed in three groups of cells. High density BMSCs were successfully obtained by density gradient centrifugation and adherence screening. After transfection of BMSCs with bFGF gene, the cell morphology did not change significantly, while the expression of bFGF mRNA and protein were significantly increased, the cell proliferation curve shifted upward, the proportion of proliferating cells increased, and the activity of ALP was significantly enhanced. Compared with empty virus group and untransfected group, there was significant difference (P < 0.05). The rabbit bFGF gene was successfully introduced into the BMSCs cultured in vitro by lentiviral vector, and the target gene was stably expressed. And the expression of bFGF can promote the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs.
Hydrogenation of methyl levulinate to γ‐valerolactone over Cu─Mg oxide using MeOH as in situ hydrogen source
Authors: Cao Xuejuan , Wei Junnan , Liu Huai , Lv Xinyue , Tang Xing , Zeng Xianhai , Sun Yong , Lei Tingzhou , Liu Shijie , Lin Lu
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

γ‐Valerolactone (GVL) is a versatile biomass‐derived platform molecule that could serve as a building block to produce chemicals, materials and fuels, but the production of GVL from biomass via a cost‐competitive method is challenging. In this contribution, a robust Cu─Mg oxide was prepared as an efficient bifunctional catalyst for both H2 production by MeOH reforming and hydrogenation of methyl levulinate (ML) to GVL in MeOH medium.

RESULTS

Cu0.87Mg0.13Ox prepared by a urea hydrolysis method offered a GVL yield up to 90.6% at 220°C in 4 h without external hydrogen. This catalyst could be reused for at least seven consecutive cycles without loss of its activity. Notably, Cu0.87Mg0.13Ox also provided nearly 70% GVL yield in methanolysis products of cellulose in the presence of humins. Characterization of the catalyst indicates that the incorporation of MgO greatly facilitates the stabilization of Cu+ species that possess a better catalytic performance in ML hydrogenation compared with metallic Cu.

CONCLUSION

This robust Cu0.87Mg0.13Ox could greatly contribute to develop a highly facile and desirable two‐step strategy for GVL production from cellulose, through the integration of ML production by methanolysis of cellulose, H2 formation by MeOH reforming and ML hydrogenation in MeOH medium. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Identification of ligand binding activity and DNA recognition by RhlR protein from opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa—a molecular dynamic simulation approach
Authors: Chowdhury Nilkanta , Bagchi Angshuman
Published: July 2018

RhlR protein from opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa is involved in the transcription of virulence genes of the organism. The RhlR protein functions as a dimer and binds to the cognate promoter DNA with the help of an autoinducer ligand BHL to initiate the transcription of the virulence genes. Till date, there are no reports that detail the mechanism of virulence gene expression by RhlR protein in P. aeruginosa. In this work, we tried to analyse the molecular aspects of the various binding interactions of the RhlR protein while formimg the dimmer as well as with the promoter DNA. We analysed the mode of dimerisation of the RhlR protein and its binding interactions with the autoinducer BHL ligand. From our analyses, we could identify the potential amino acid residues which are involved in the binding interactions. We also predicted how the autoinducer BHL would help in making contacts with the DNA as well as with itself. Thus, the autoinducer BHL would serve as an important mediator of molecular interactions involved in binding the RhlR protein to itself as well as with the promoter DNA. Therefore, any other molecule which would be able to compete with the autoinducer ligand BHL to bind to RhlR protein but would not let the RhlR protein bind the promoter DNA would be an ideal drug candidate to prevent the transcription process of the virulence genes in P. aeruginosa. Our future aim is to predict suitable ligands which would compete with BHL to thwart the transcription process.
Imaging biomarkers in oncology: Basics and application to MRI
Authors: Dregely Isabel , Prezzi Davide , Kelly‐Morland Christian , Roccia Elisa , Neji Radhouene , Goh Vicky
Published: July 2018

Cancer remains a global killer alongside cardiovascular disease. A better understanding of cancer biology has transformed its management with an increasing emphasis on a personalized approach, so‐called “precision cancer medicine.” Imaging has a key role to play in the management of cancer patients. Imaging biomarkers that objectively inform on tumor biology, the tumor environment, and tumor changes in response to an intervention complement genomic and molecular diagnostics. In this review we describe the key principles for imaging biomarker development and discuss the current status with respect to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Level of Evidence

5

Technical Efficacy

Stage 5 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;48:13–26.
Development of multiplex real‐time reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assay for simultaneous detection of Zika, dengue, yellow fever, and chikungunya viruses in a single tube
Authors: Wu Wenhui , Wang Jin , Yu Nan , Yan Juying , Zhuo Zhihao , Chen Mengyuan , Su Xiaosong , Fang Mujin , He Shuizhen , Zhang Shiyin , Zhang Yanjun , Ge Shengxiang , Xia Ningshao
Published: July 2018

Zika virus (ZIKV), dengue virus (DENV), chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and yellow fever virus (YFV) share the same mosquito vectors and have similar clinical manifestations early stage of infection. Therefore, simultaneously differentiating these viruses from each other is necessary. We developed a multiplex real‐time reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) assay for the differentiation of these four viruses in a single tube. The linear range was established by regression analysis, and the R2 value for each virus was ≥0.98, and the 95% lower limit of detection for each virus was as follows (copies/reaction): ZIKV‐Asian, 9; ZIKV‐Africa, 15; CHIKV, 11; DENV‐1, 19; DENV‐2, 13; DENV‐3, 24; DENV‐4, 36; and YFV, 17. Meanwhile, our multiplex real‐time RT‐PCR has a good consistency with the commercial singleplex assay. In summary, the developed assay can be effectively used for the diagnosis of ZIKV, DENV, CHIKV, and YFV infections.
Impact of Cationic Charge Density and PEGylated Poly(Amino Acid) Tercopolymer Architecture on Their Use as Gene Delivery Vehicles. Part 2: DNA Protection, Stability, Cytotoxicity, and Transfection Efficiency
Authors: Ulkoski David , Scholz Carmen
Published: July 2018

The impact of the molecular architecture on the transfection efficiency of PEGylated poly(amino acid) block copolymers was investigated for PEG‐b‐p(l‐Lys)x‐b‐p(l‐Leu)y, PEG‐b‐p(l‐Leu)x‐b‐p(l‐Lys)y, and PEG‐b‐p((l‐Leu)x‐co‐(l‐Lys)y). The block lengths of p(l‐Lys) and p(l‐Leu) were varied between 10, 20, and 40; and 10 and 20, respectively, to study the influence of the ionic/hydrophobic balance. The results show that ABC triblock copolymers form smaller and more stable polyplexes with plasmid DNA than AB diblock copolymers—as verified by long‐term aggregation and ethidium bromide exclusion studies—protect the DNA more effectively against nucleases, and provide better transfection efficiencies, as indicated by total protein as well as luciferase expression. More detailed studies revealed that triblock copolymers with p(l‐Leu) forming the C‐block were most efficient in DNA complexation with a 2.3 times higher transfection rate. Furthermore, increasing the cationic character by increasing the p(l‐Lys) chain length led to up to 25% higher transfection but at the same time induced some cytotoxicity. Diblock copolymers, where the amino acid–building blocks exist as a random copolymer, bind more loosely with DNA leading to less compact and less stable aggregates with lower transfection efficiencies.
Evaluation of the Synthesis of Soluble Aromatic Cellulose Carbonates of Low Degree of Substitution
Authors: Ganske Kristin , Heinze Thomas
Published: July 2018

The synthesis of soluble cellulose phenyl carbonates of low degree of substitution (DS, as low as 0.3) can be realized by using phenyl chloroformates with reactivity‐controlling moieties in the aromatic ring or by conversion of 6‐O‐triphenylmethyl cellulose. It is assumed that the primary hydroxyl group may yield to cross‐linking during the introduction of the phenyl carbonate moieties. Thus, for the first time soluble cellulose phenyl carbonates of low DS are accessible that are useful for the preparation of novel cellulose derivatives by reaction with nucleophilic reagents in particular amines.
Noncoding RNAs: Potential players in the self‐renewal of mammalian spermatogonial stem cells
Authors: Bie Beibei , Wang Ya , Li Liang , Fang Huanle , Liu Libing , Sun Jin
Published: July 2018

Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), a unique population of male germ cells with self‐renewal ability, are the foundation for maintenance of spermatogenesis throughout the life of the male. Although many regulatory molecules essential for SSC self‐renewal have been identified, the fundamental mechanism underlying how SSCs acquire and maintain their self‐renewal activity remains largely to be elucidated. In recent years, many types of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been suggested to regulate the SSC self‐renewal through multiple ways, indicating ncRNAs play crucial roles in SSC self‐renewal. In this paper, we mainly focus on four types of ncRNAs including microRNA, long ncRNA, piwi‐interacting RNA, as well as circular RNAs, and reviewed their potential roles in SSC self‐renewal that discovered recently to help us gain a better understanding of molecular mechanisms by which ncRNAs perform their function in regulating SSC self‐renewal.
Potentially toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids in Eupatorium perfoliatum and three related species. Implications for herbal use as boneset
Authors: Colegate Steven M. , Upton Roy , Gardner Dale R. , Panter Kip E. , Betz Joseph M.
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Pro‐toxic dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloids are associated with liver disease in humans. The potential for long‐term, low‐level or intermittent exposures to cause or contribute to chronically‐developing diseases is of international concern. Eupatorium perfoliatum is a medicinal herb referred to as boneset. While the presence of dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloids in some Eupatorium species is well‐established, reports on Eupatorium perfoliatum are scant and contradictory.

Objective

To investigate the presence of dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloids in a survey of boneset samples and related alcoholic tinctures, and hot water infusions and decoctions.

Methods

Methanol, hot water or aqueous ethanol extracts of Eupatorium perfoliatum and three closely‐related species were subjected to HPLC‐ESI(+)MS and MS/MS analysis using three complementary column methods. Dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloids were identified from their MS data and comparison with standards.

Results

Forty‐nine samples of Eupatorium perfoliatum were shown to contain dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloids (0.0002–0.07% w/w), the majority dominated by lycopsamine and intermedine, their N‐oxides and acetylated derivatives. Alcoholic tinctures and hot water infusions and decoctions had high concentrations of the alkaloids. Different chemotypes, hybridisation or contamination of some Eupatorium perfoliatum samples with related species were suggested by the co‐presence of retronecine‐ and heliotridine‐based alkaloids.

Conclusions

Sampling issues, low and high alkaloid chemotypes of Eupatorium perfoliatum or interspecies hybridization could cause the wide variation in dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloid concentrations or the different profiles observed. Concerns associated with dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloids provide a compelling reason for preclusive caution until further research can better define the toxicity and carcinogenicity of the dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloid content of Eupatorium perfoliatum. [Correction added on 12 July 2018, after first online publication: The ‘Conclusions’ section in the abstract has been added.]
Fractional‐order–dependent global stability analysis and observer‐based synthesis for a class of nonlinear fractional‐order systems
Authors: Tavazoei Mohammad , Asemani Mohammad Hassan
Published: July 2018

This paper focuses on proposing novel conditions for stability analysis and stabilization of the class of nonlinear fractional‐order systems. First, by considering the class of nonlinear fractional‐order systems as a feedback interconnection system and applying small‐gain theorem, a condition is proposed for L2‐norm boundedness of the solutions of these systems. Then, by using the Mittag‐Leffler function properties, we show that satisfaction of the proposed condition proves the global asymptotic stability of the class of nonlinear fractional‐order systems with fractional order lying in (0.5, 1) or (1.5, 2). Unlike the Lyapunov‐based methods for stability analysis of fractional‐order systems, the new condition depends on the fractional order of the system. Moreover, it is related to the H∞‐norm of the linear part of the system and it can be transformed to linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) using fractional‐order bounded‐real lemma. Furthermore, the proposed stability analysis method is extended to the state‐feedback and observer‐based controller design for the class of nonlinear fractional‐order systems based on solving some LMIs. In the observer‐based stabilization problem, we prove that the separation principle holds using our method and one can find the observer gain and pseudostate‐feedback gain in two separate steps. Finally, three numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the advantage of the novel proposed conditions with the previous results.
Learning benefits of secondary school students' inquiry‐related curiosity: A cross‐grade comparison of the relationships among learning experiences, curiosity, engagement, and inquiry abilities
Authors: Wu Pai‐Hsing , Kuo Che‐Yu , Wu Hsin‐Kai , Jen Tsung‐Hau , Hsu Ying‐Shao
Published: July 2018

This study addresses the issue of curiosity‐driven inquiry learning by examining the interplay among students’ inquiry‐related curiosity, laboratory engagement, and inquiry abilities and investigates how their learning experiences would associate with such interplay. We employed structural equation modeling to analyze data collected from 920 eighth graders and 1,090 eleventh graders, including their performances on a multimedia‐based assessment of scientific inquiry abilities and their responses to items in an online questionnaire. The results revealed that, for students from both grades, inquiry‐related curiosity was associated with their inquiry abilities, and that the association was mediated by their inquiry‐related laboratory engagement. Furthermore, the analyses showed that both formal and informal experiences were associated with the laboratory engagement of students from both grades through curiosity. Yet, the results indicated that, although the roles of the two types of experiences varied in the associations, formal science experience had stronger associations with students' inquiry abilities than informal science experience for both graders. Taken together, this study supports the importance of having curiosity‐driven engagement and suggests that the science education community should collaboratively offer secondary school students such learning opportunities in formal and informal science learning settings.
Hydrosilylation of Azide‐Containing Olefins as a Convenient Access to Azidoorganotrialkoxysilanes for Self‐Assembled Monolayer Elaboration onto Silica by Spin Coating
Authors: Mousli Yannick , Rouvière Lisa , Traboulsi Iman , Hunel Julien , Buffeteau Thierry , Heuzé Karine , Vellutini Luc , Genin Emilie
Published: July 2018

We have developed a convenient and versatile synthetic methodology to prepare various azidoorganotrialkoxysilanes using the platinum‐catalyzed hydrosilylation of stable olefinic precursors with an azide function as the last step. Hydrosilylation of alkene‐functionalized aliphatic and aromatic azides featuring alkyl, urea, carbamate and pegylated moieties has been successfully achieved while preserving the integrity of the azide function. The spin coating technique has been used successfully to prepare one azide‐terminated monolayer in ambient atmosphere onto an oxide surface. This process has the advantages of being fast, simple, easy to handle and needs less solvent. The ability of the azide‐terminated surface to immobilize molecules via the copper‐catalyzed alkyne‐azide cycloaddition reaction has been demonstrated by Modulation Infrared Reflection‐Adsorption Spectroscopy using a probe molecule bearing a NO2group.
Amino‐terminated Poly(ethylene glycol) (AT‐PEG) Polymer Hydrogels as Efficient Anionic Dye Adsorbents
Authors: Liu Yang , Song Dandan , Song Shasha , Zhao Zengdian
Published: July 2018

Polymer hydrogels were obtained by mixing the derivative of terpyridine, 4′‐para‐phenylcarboxyl‐2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpyridine (PPCT), and amino‐terminated poly(ethylene glycol) (AT‐PEG) in water. The gelation behaviors, microstructures, rheological properties and application of AT‐PEG/PPCT hydrogels were studied systematically. Microstructures determined by SEM observations demonstrated that the polymer hydrogels were formed by intertwined fibrils. The formation of fibrils was considered to be mainly driven by the electrostatic interaction with the assistance of a delicate balance of various noncovalent interactions, including hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interaction, van der Waals forces, and etc. The rheological measurements show a strong mechanical strength with an elastic modulus exceeding 5000 Pa and a yield stress exceeding 100 Pa, and which can be regulated by changing the proportion of the gelators. The xerogels exhibited high adsorption efficiency and adsorption capability for the anionic dyes, promised to act as toxic substance adsorbents.
Molecular Conformation‐ and Packing‐Controlled Excited State Intramolecular Proton Transfer Induced Solid‐State Fluorescence and Reversible Mechanofluorochromism
Authors: Kundu Anu , Karthikeyan Subramanian , Moon Dohyun , Anthony Savarimuthu Philip
Published: July 2018

Excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) materials are highly desirable because of their unique solid state fluorescence. Schiff base molecules with appropriate hydrogen donor functional group forms intramolecular H‐bonding, a basis for ESIPT, however, only few molecules show solid state fluorescence. Herein, carbazole based Schiff base molecules 1 (2‐((E)‐(4‐(9H‐carbazol‐9‐yl)phenyl‐mino)methyl)phenol), 2 (2‐((E)‐(4‐(9H‐carbazol‐9‐yl)phenylimino) methyl)‐5‐methoxyphenol), 3 (2‐((E)‐(4‐(9H‐carbazol‐9‐yl)phenyl‐imino)methyl)‐5‐(diethylamino)phenol) and 4 (1‐((E)‐(4‐(9H‐carbazol‐9‐yl)phenylimino)methyl)naphthalen‐2‐ol)) were synthesized and ESIPT induced solid state fluorescence were correlated with solid state structural conformation and molecular packing. 2 and 4 exhibited solid state fluorescence whereas 1 and 3 did not show any fluorescence even though both 1 and 3 showed strong intramolecular H‐bonding. Further structural comparison revealed that not only the intramolecular H‐bonding facilitated ESIPT, the molecular conformation and resulting molecular packing also plays important role on the solid state fluorescence. Computational studies have also been performed to get the insight on the role of molecular conformation and organization. The non‐planar twisted molecular conformation of 2 and 4 showed reversible mechanofluorochromism (MFC). Powder X‐ray diffraction indicates that hard crushing converted crystalline to amorphous/partial amorphous phase whereas heating converts amorphous to crystalline. Thus the present study provides a structural insight for developing ESIPT based new Schiff base materials.
Scattering of conformal higher spin fields
Authors: Adamo Tim , Nakach Simon , Tseytlin Arkady A.
Published: July 2018

Abstract

We develop a formalism for describing the most general notion of tree-level scattering amplitudes in 4d conformal higher spin theory. As conformal higher spin fields obey higher-derivative equations of motion, there are many distinct on-shell external states which may contribute to their scattering, some of which grow polynomially with time, leading to ill-defined amplitudes. We characterize the set of admissible scattering states which produce finite tree amplitudes, noting that there are more such states than just standard massless higher spins obeying two-derivative equations of motion. We use conformal gravity as a prime example, where the set of scattering states includes the usual Einstein graviton and a ‘ghost’ massless spin 1 particle. An extension of the usual spinor helicity formalism allows us to encode these scattering states efficiently in terms of ‘twistor-spinors’. This leads to compact momentum space expressions for all finite tree-level 3-point amplitudes of conformal higher spin theory. While some of these 3-point amplitudes vanish (including all those with only standard two-derivative higher spin external states), there are many others which are non-vanishing. We also comment on the generalization to scattering of conformal higher spins in AdS4.
Renormalization of gauge theories in the background-field approach
Authors: Barvinsky Andrei O. , Blas Diego , Herrero-Valea Mario , Sibiryakov Sergey M. , Steinwachs Christian F.
Published: July 2018

Abstract

Using the background-field method we demonstrate the Becchi-Rouet-Stora-Tyutin (BRST) structure of counterterms in a broad class of gauge theories. Put simply, we show that gauge invariance is preserved by renormalization in local gauge field theories whenever they admit a sensible background-field formulation and anomaly-free path integral measure. This class encompasses Yang-Mills theories (with possibly Abelian subgroups) and relativistic gravity, including both renormalizable and non-renormalizable (effective) theories. Our results also hold for non-relativistic models such as Yang-Mills theories with anisotropic scaling or Hořava gravity. They strengthen and generalize the existing results in the literature concerning the renormalization of gauge systems. Locality of the BRST construction is emphasized throughout the derivation. We illustrate our general approach with several explicit examples.
De and re-levering betas with risky debt
Authors: Krause Marko Volker
Published: July 2018

De- and re-levering betas is important to obtain discount rates for assets that are not publicly traded. A de- and re-levering procedure is around for the case of risk-free debt. The procedure for risky debt is much less clear even under very simplifying assumptions. In this paper, I concretize and extend the procedure for de- and re-levering of betas for companies with risky debt. I derive procedures for different assumptions on the taxation of a cancellation of debt (COD) and for different assumptions regarding the distribution of losses on interest and principal payments. With a tax on the COD I obtain known results. However, without taxes on a COD, the distribution of losses on interest and principal payments matters and equations differ markedly for different assumptions on the assignment of losses to interest and principal payments. Furthermore, using a procedure that does not fit the COD treatment is likely to lead to substantial deviations for de- and re-levered betas from their correct values.
Impact of survey length and compensation on validity, reliability, and sample characteristics for Ultrashort-, Short-, and Long-Research Participant Perception Surveys
Authors: Kost Rhonda G. , Correa da Rosa Joel
Published: July 2018

Introduction

The validated long Research Participant Perception Survey (RPPS-Long) elicits valuable data at modest response rates.

Methods

To address this limitation, we developed shorter RPPS-Ultrashort and RPPS-Short versions, fielded them with the RPPS-Long to a random sample of a national research volunteer registry, and assessed response and completion rates, test/retest reliability, and demographics.

Results

In total, 2228 eligible registry members received survey links. Response rates were 64% (RPPS-Ultrashort), 63% (RPPS-Short), and 51% (RPPS-Long), respectively (p<0.001). Completion rates were 63%, 54%, and 37%, respectively (p<0.001). All surveys were reliable with Cronbach α=0.81, 0.84, and 0.87, respectively. Retest reliability was highest for RPPS-short (κ=0.85). Provision of compensation increased RPPS-short completion rate from 54% to 71% (p<0.001). Compensated respondents were younger (p<0.001), with greater minority representation (p=0.03).

Conclusions

Shorter surveys were reliable and produced higher response and completion rates then long surveys. Compensation further increased completion rates and shifted sample age and race profiles.
Topography of the lubrication film under a pancake droplet travelling in a Hele-Shaw cell
Authors: Reichert Benjamin , Huerre Axel , Theodoly Olivier , Valignat Marie-Pierre , Cantat Isabelle , Jullien Marie-Caroline
Published: July 2018

Understanding the dynamics of a droplet pushed by an external fluid in a confined geometry calls for the identification of all the dissipation mechanisms at play in the lubrication film between droplet and cell wall. Experimentally, reflection interference contrast microscopy has proven an efficient tool to measure the thickness of such lubrication films for microfluidic droplets, with a precision of a few nanometres (Huerre et al., Lab on a Chip, vol. 16 (5), 2016, pp. 911–916). The present work takes advantage of the high accuracy of this technique to chart quantitatively the lubrication film between oil droplets and the glass wall of a microfluidic chamber. We find that the lubrication films exhibit a complex three-dimensional shape, which we are able to rationalize using a hydrodynamical model in the lubrication approximation. We show that the complete topography cannot be recovered using a single model boundary condition along the whole interface. Rather, surface tension gradients are negligible at the front of the droplet, whereas they significantly modify the film profile at the rear, where surfactant accumulation induces local thickening of the lubrication film. The presence of ravines on the sides of the droplet is due to three-dimensional effects which can be qualitatively reproduced numerically. To our knowledge, this is the first experimental investigation of such local effects on travelling droplets.
Outbreak ofEscherichia coliO157 Phage Type 32 linked to the consumption of venison products
Authors: Smith-Palmer A. , Hawkins G. , Browning L. , Allison L. , Hanson M. , Bruce R. , McElhiney J. , Horne J.
Published: July 2018

In September 2015, an outbreak ofEscherichia coliPhage Type 32 with an indistinguishable multi locus variable number tandem repeat analysis profile was identified in Scotland. Twelve cases were identified; nine primary cases, two secondary and one asymptomatic case. Extensive food history investigations identified venison products containing wild venison produced by a single food business operator as the most likely source of the outbreak. Of the nine primary cases, eight had consumed venison products, and one case had not eaten venison themselves but had handled and cooked raw venison in the household. This was the first reported outbreak of Shiga toxin-producingEscherichia coli(STEC) linked to venison products in the UK, and was also notable due to the implicated products being commercially produced and widely distributed. In contrast, previous venison outbreaks reported from other countries have tended to be smaller and related to individually prepared carcases. The outbreak has highlighted some important knowledge gaps in relation to STEC in venison that are currently been investigated via a number of research studies.
Preface – Special Issue on Logical Frameworks and Meta-Languages 2015
Authors: CERVESATO ILIANO , CHAUDHURI KAUSTUV
Published: July 2018

Logical frameworks and meta-languages form a common substrate for representing, implementing and reasoning about a wide variety of deductive systems of interest in logic and computer science. Their design and implementation and their use in reasoning tasks ranging from the correctness of software to the properties of formal computational systems have been the focus of considerable research over the last two decades.
The Basis of Necessity and Possibility
Authors: Hale Bob
Published: July 2018

The article argues that modal concepts should be explained in terms of the essences or nature of things: necessarilypif, and because, there is something the nature of which ensures thatp; possiblypif, and because, there is nothing whose nature rules out its being true thatp. The theory is defended against various objections and difficulties, including ones arising from attributing essences to contingent individuals.
Multilink: a computational model for bilingual word recognition and word translation
Authors: DIJKSTRA TON , WAHL ALEXANDER , BUYTENHUIJS FRANKA , VAN HALEM NINO , AL-JIBOURI ZINA , DE KORTE MARCEL , REKKÉ STEVEN
Published: July 2018

The computational BIA+ model (Dijkstra & Van Heuven, 2002) has provided a useful account for bilingual word recognition, while the verbal (pre-quantitative) RHM (Kroll & Stewart, 1994) has often served as a reference framework for bilingual word production and translation. According to Brysbaert and Duyck (2010), a strong need is felt for a unified implemented account of bilingual word comprehension, lexical-semantic processing, and word production. With this goal in mind, we built a localist-connectionist model, called Multilink, which integrates basic assumptions of both BIA+ and RHM. It simulates the recognition and production of cognates (form-similar translation equivalents) and non-cognates of different lengths and frequencies in tasks like monolingual and bilingual lexical decision, word naming, and word translation production. It also considers effects of lexical similarity, cognate status, relative L2-proficiency, and translation direction. Model-to-model comparisons show that Multilink provides higher correlations with empirical data than both IA and BIA+ models.
A Four-Nation Comparison of Kinship Care in the UK: The Relationship between Formal Kinship Care and Deprivation
Authors: McCartan Claire , Bunting Lisa , Bywaters Paul , Davidson Gavin , Elliott Martin , Hooper Jade
Published: July 2018

The practice of extended family and friends helping to care for children when their parents are unable to is an enduring tradition in many cultures. Kinship care provides the largest proportion of out of home care in Western society but many of these carers experience poverty and deprivation, and do not receive comparable levels of support, financial or professional, to other placement types. This study provides UK evidence for the relationship between kinship care and deprivation and examines how the welfare state frames kinship care in policy and practice.
A New Ionogram Automatic Scaling Method
Authors: Chen Ziwei , Gong Zhaoqian , Zhang Feng , Fang Guangyou
Published: July 2018

Ionograms generated by ionosondes contain significant information on the ionosphere. The scaling and inversion of the ionograms are important first steps for understanding the ionograms and monitoring the real‐time ionosphere. In this paper, a new algorithm is proposed to automatically scale the ionograms with separated O and X waves based on the Chinese Academy of Sciences Digital Ionosonde. The new autoscaling method is achieved mainly by the image recognition technique, mathematical morphology, and graph theory, and critical parameters are identified based on the ionospheric characteristics. To illustrate the efficiency of this algorithm, 10,560 ionograms from the Chinese Academy of Sciences Digital Ionosonde installed in Huailai (40.40°N, 115.52°E), Ganzi (31.64°N, 99.96°E), Wuhan (30.52°N, 114.31°E), Nanning (22.84°N, 108.33°E), and Xiamen (24.26°N, 118.04°E), in north, south, and central China, are used to test the new algorithm. A good performance in automatic scaling was achieved where the values of foF1 and foF2 both agree with the values of hand‐scaled for 91.4% ionograms. The remaining ionograms are almost unscalable manually due to the trace complicity that requires extensive training experience.
Appreciation for Water Resources Research Reviewers
Authors: Clark Martyn P. , Bahr Jean , Bierkens Marc F. P. , Cai Ximing , Hall Jim , Hogue Terri S. , Luce Charles H. , Lundquist Jessica D. , Mackay D. Scott , van Meerveld Ilja H. J. , Rajaram Harihar , Sanchez‐Vila Xavier , Troch Peter A.
Published: July 2018

The editors of Water Resources Research express their appreciation to the reviewers of articles submitted to the journal in 2017.
An InP-based vortex beam emitter with monolithically integrated laser
Authors: Zhang Juan , Sun Changzheng , Xiong Bing , Wang Jian , Hao Zhibiao , Wang Lai , Han Yanjun , Li Hongtao , Luo Yi , Xiao Yi , Yu Chuanqing , Tanemura Takuo , Nakano Yoshiaki , Li Shimao , Cai Xinlun , Yu Siyuan
Published: July 2018

Semiconductor devices capable of generating a vortex beam with a specific orbital angular momentum (OAM) order are highly attractive for applications ranging from nanoparticle manipulation, imaging and microscopy to fiber and quantum communications. In this work, an electrically pumped integrated OAM emitter operating at telecom wavelengths is fabricated by monolithically integrating an optical vortex emitter with a distributed feedback laser on the same InGaAsP/InP epitaxial wafer. A single-step dry-etching process is adopted to complete the OAM emitter, equipped with specially designed top gratings. The vortex beam emitted by the integrated device is captured and its OAM mode purity characterized. The integrated OAM emitter eliminates the external laser required by silicon- or silicon-on-insulator-based OAM emitters, thus demonstrating great potential for applications in communication systems and the quantum domain.
Antitumor and immunomodulatory activities of total flavonoids extract from persimmon leaves in H22 liver tumor-bearing mice
Authors: Chen Li , Wei Yundong , Zhao Shimei , Zhang Mengliang , Yan Xiaoting , Gao Xiangyun , Li Jinxia , Gao Yutong , Zhang Anwen , Gao Ying
Published: July 2018

Persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.) leaves are commonly used in Asia as tea infusion and as an agent in traditional medicine. The present study aims to explore the antitumor and immunomodulatory effects of total flavonoids extract from persimmon leaves (PLF) in H22 liver tumor-bearing mice. We found that the PLF showed significant inhibition on the liver tumor growth in mice with a tumor inhibition rate of up to 49.35%. In contrast to the severe side effects of cyclophosphamide (CTX), the PLF exhibited anti-cachexia effect and showed no alternation in the body weight and food intake in mice. Moreover, compared with the vehicle control and CTX group, the PLF significantly enhanced the thymus and spleen indices, level of serum interleukin-18 (IL-18), monocyte/macrophage phagocytosis, level of serum hemolysin, and activity of natural killer (NK) cells. This study demonstrated that the PLF could effectively inhibit liver tumor growth in vivo via enhancement of the immune function in mice, and it displayed the potential to be a safe and effective anticancer agent or functional immune-enhancing agent.
Imaging through scattering medium by adaptive non-linear digital processing
Authors: Mukherjee Saswata , Rosen Joseph
Published: July 2018

Scattering media have always posed obstacles for imaging through them. In this study, we propose a single exposure, spatially incoherent and interferenceless method capable of imaging multi-plane objects through scattering media using only a single lens and a digital camera. A point object and a resolution chart are precisely placed at the same axial location, and light scattered from them is focused onto an image sensor using a spherical lens. For both cases, intensity patterns are recorded under identical conditions using only a single camera shot. The final image is obtained by an adaptive non-linear cross-correlation between the response functions of the point object and of the resolution chart. The clear and sharp reconstructed image demonstrates the validity of the method.
Memory Beliefs Drive the Memory Bias on Value-based Decisions
Authors: Mechera-Ostrovsky Tehilla , Gluth Sebastian
Published: July 2018

For many value-based decisions, people need to retrieve relevant information from their memory. In our previous work, we have shown that memory biases decisions in the sense that better-memorized choice options are preferred, even if these options are comparatively unattractive. However, the cognitive mechanisms that drive this memory bias remain unclear. In the current pre-registered study, we tested the hypothesis that the memory bias arises because people believe they remember better options more often than worse options. Specifically, we predicted a positive correlation between the memory bias on value-based decisions and the belief in value-dependent memory performance. This prediction was confirmed. Additional exploratory analyses revealed that memory performance was indeed higher for more attractive options, indicating that letting decisions be influenced by memory can be an adaptive strategy. However, the memory bias persisted after correcting for this effect, suggesting that it is not simply an artifact of unequal memory performance. Our results highlight a critical influence of beliefs on behavior and add to an emerging understanding of the role of memory in shaping value-based decisions.
Intergenerational Sex-Specific Transmission of Maternal Social Experience
Authors: Faraji Jamshid , Karimi Mitra , Soltanpour Nabiollah , Rouhzadeh Zahra , Roudaki Shabnam , Hosseini S. Abedin , Jafari S. Yaghoob , Abdollahi Ali-Akbar , Soltanpour Nasrin , Moeeini Reza , Metz Gerlinde A. S.
Published: July 2018

The social environment is a major determinant of individual stress response and lifetime health. The present study shows that (1) social enrichment has a significant impact on neuroplasticity and behaviour particularly in females; and (2) social enrichment in females can be transmitted to their unexposed female descendants. Two generations (F0 and F1) of male and female rats raised in standard and social housing conditions were examined for neurohormonal and molecular alterations along with changes in four behavioural modalities. In addition to higher cortical neuronal density and cortical thickness, social experience in mothers reduced hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity in F0 rats and their F1 non-social housing offspring. Only F0 social mothers and their F1 non-social daughters displayed improved novelty-seeking exploratory behaviour and reduced anxiety-related behaviour whereas their motor and cognitive performance remained unchanged. Also, cortical and mRNA measurements in the F1 generation were affected by social experience intergenerationally via the female lineage (mother-to-daughter). These findings indicate that social experience promotes cortical neuroplasticity, neurohormonal and behavioural outcomes, and these changes can be transmitted to the F1 non-social offspring in a sexually dimorphic manner. Thus, a socially stimulating environment may form new biobehavioural phenotypes not only in exposed individuals, but also in their intergenerationally programmed descendants.
Elucidating transfer hydrogenation mechanisms in non-catalytic lignin depolymerization
Authors: Bouxin Florent P. , Strub Henri , Dutta Tanmoy , Aguilhon Julie , Morgan Trevor J. , Mingardon Florence , Konda Murthy , Singh Seema , Simmons Blake , George Anthe
Published: July 2018

A good understanding of the mechanisms for non-catalytic depolymerization of lignin via transfer hydrogenation is essential in order to achieve process optimization.
A fluorescent aptasensor based on single oligonucleotide-mediated isothermal quadratic amplification and graphene oxide fluorescence quenching for ultrasensitive protein detection
Authors: Xu Jiayao , Shi Ming , Huang Huakui , Hu Kun , Chen Wenting , Huang Yong , Zhao Shulin
Published: July 2018

We have developed a novel aptasensor based on single oligonucleotide-mediated isothermal quadratic amplification and graphene oxide-mediated fluorescence quenching for protein detection.