bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SCPP Genes and Their Relatives in Gar: Rapid Expansion of Mineralization Genes in Osteichthyans
Authors: Kawasaki Kazuhiko , Mikami Masato , Nakatomi Mitsushiro , Braasch Ingo , Batzel Peter , H. Postlethwait John , Sato Akie , Sasagawa Ichiro , Ishiyama Mikio
Published: June 2017

Gar is an actinopterygian that has bone, dentin, enameloid, and ganoin (enamel) in teeth and/or scales. Mineralization of these tissues involves genes encoding various secretory calcium‐binding phosphoproteins (SCPPs) in osteichthyans, but no SCPP genes have been identified in chondrichthyans to date. In the gar genome, we identified 38 SCPP genes, seven of which encode “acidic‐residue‐rich” proteins and 31 encode “Pro/Gln (P/Q) rich” proteins. These gar SCPP genes constitute the largest known repertoire, including many newly identified P/Q‐rich genes expressed in teeth and/or scales. Among gar SCPP genes, six acidic and three P/Q‐rich genes were identified as orthologs of sarcopterygian genes. The sarcopterygian orthologs of most of these acidic genes are involved in bone and/or dentin formation, and sarcopterygian orthologs of all three P/Q‐rich genes participate in enamel formation. The finding of these genes in gar suggests that an elaborate SCPP gene‐based genetic system for tissue mineralization was already present in stem osteichthyans. While SCPP genes have been thought to originate from ancient SPARCL1, SPARCL1L1 appears to be more closely related to these genes, because it established a structure similar to acidic SCPP genes probably in stem gnathostomes, perhaps at about the same time with the origin of tissue mineralization. Assuming enamel evolved in stem osteichthyans, all P/Q‐rich SCPP genes likely arose within the osteichthyan lineage. Furthermore, the absence of acidic SCPP genes in chondrichthyans might be explained by the secondary loss of earliest acidic genes. It appears that many SCPP genes expanded rapidly in stem osteichthyans and in basal actinopterygians.
ATRA Signaling Regulates the Expression of COL9A1 through BMP2‐WNT4‐RUNX1 Pathway in Antler Chondrocytes
Authors: Zhang Hong‐Liang , Guo Bin , Yang Zhan‐Qing , Duan Cui‐Cui , Geng Shuang , Wang Kai , Yu Hai‐Fan , Yue Zhan‐Peng
Published: June 2017

Although all‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA) is involved in the regulation of cartilage growth and development, its regulatory mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we showed that ATRA could induce the expression of COL9A1 in antler chondrocytes. Silencing of cellular retinoic acid binding protein 2 (CRABP2) could impede the ATRA‐induced upregulation of COL9A1, whereas overexpression of CRABP2 presented the opposite effect. RARα agonist Am80 induced the expression of COL9A1, whereas treatment with RARα antagonist Ro 41‐5253 or RXRα small‐interfering RNA (siRNA) caused an obvious blockage of ATRA on COL9A1. In antler chondrocytes, CYP26A1 and CYP26B1 weakened the sensitivity of ATRA to COL9A1. Simultaneously, Bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) and WNT4 mediated the regulation of ATRA on COL9A1 expression. Knockdown of WNT4 could abrogate the inhibitory effect of BMP2 overexpression on COL9A1. Conversely, constitutive expression of WNT4 reversed the upregulation of COL9A1 elicited by BMP2 siRNA. Together these data indicated that WNT4 might act downstream of BMP2 to mediate the effect of ATRA on COL9A1 expression. Further analysis evidenced that attenuation of runt‐related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1) could prevent the stimulation of ATRA on COL9A1 expression, while exogenous rRUNX1 further enhanced this effectiveness. Moreover, RUNX1 might serve as an intermediate to mediate the regulation of BMP2 and WNT4 on COL9A1 expression. Collectively, ATRA signaling might regulate the expression of COL9A1 through BMP2‐WNT4‐RUNX1 pathway.
Cerebellar projections to the ventral lateral geniculate nucleus and the thalamic reticular nucleus in the cat
Authors: Nakamura Hiroyuki
Published: June 2017

The ventral lateral geniculate nucleus (LGNv) is a retinorecipient part of the ventral thalamus and in cats, it consists of medial (M), medial intermediate (IM), lateral intermediate (IL), lateral (L), and dorsal (D) subdivisions. These subdivisions can be differentiated not only by their cytoarchitecture, but also by their connectivity and putative functions. The LGNv may play a role in visuomotor gating, in that there is evidence of cerebellar afferent projections to the intermediate subdivisions. The cerebellar posterior interpositus (IP) and lateral (LC) nuclei are known to project to IM and IL, but the specifics of these projections are unclear. We hypothesized that the IP and LC project differentially to IM and IL. To evaluate LGNv innervation by the deep cerebellar nuclei, we injected the tract‐tracer wheat germ agglutinin‐horseradish peroxidase (WGA‐HRP) into several different regions of the LGNv and cerebellar nuclei of adult cats in either sex. Small injections into the middle and posterior LGNv retrogradely labeled cells in the ventral part of the IP. However, injections in the anterior regions of the LGNv, with or without diffusion into the thalamic reticular nucleus (Re), retrogradely labeled cells in the ventral part of both the IP and the LC. Confirmatory injections into the IP and LC produced terminal‐like labeling distributed in IM, IL, and Re; injections mostly localized to the LC resulted in labeling mainly in IM and Re. We concluded that the IP projects to IL whereas the LC projects to IM and Re.
Changing patterns of daily precipitation totals at the Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory, North Carolina, USA
Authors: Burt T. P. , Ford Miniat C. , Laseter S. H. , Swank W. T.
Published: June 2017

A pattern of increasing frequency and intensity of heavy rainfall over land has been documented for several temperate regions and is associated with climate change. This study examines the changing patterns of daily precipitation at the Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory, North Carolina, USA, since 1937 for four rain gauges across a range of elevations. We analyse seasonal total rainfall, number of rain days and the frequency of heavy rainfall. We compare these with several teleconnections, including the Bermuda High Index (BHI), the West BHI, the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation. Our data show a tendency for increased variability, including major periods of drought, with fewer rain days recently, especially in summer. Only autumn tended to have increases in rainfall frequency and magnitude; this is the season when orographic enhancement is at its strongest. The major driver of precipitation at Coweeta is the strength of the Bermuda High. The strength of the NAO is important in summer. The results are relevant to the southeast United States in general, given that the region comes under the influence of similar air masses during the year. The findings are applicable to the wider Appalachian Mountains and to other mountainous regions where there is significant orographic enhancement.
Primary secondary amine as a sorbent material in dispersive solid‐phase extraction clean‐up for the determination of indicator polychlorinated biphenyls in environmental water samples by gas chromatography with electron capture detection
Authors: Guo Yuanming , Hu Hongmei , Li Tiejun , Xue Lijian , Zhang Xiaoning , Zhong Zhi , Zhang Yurong , Jin Yanjian
Published: June 2017

A simple, rapid, and novel method has been developed and validated for determination of seven indicator polychlorinated biphenyls in water samples by gas chromatography with electron capture detection. 1 L of water samples containing 30 g of anhydrous sodium sulfate was first liquid–liquid extracted with an automated Jipad‐6XB vertical oscillator using n‐hexane/dichloromethane (1:1, v/v). The concentrated extract was cleaned up by dispersive solid‐phase extraction with 100 mg of primary secondary amine as sorbent material. The linearity of this method ranged from 1.25 to 100 μg/L, with regression coefficients ranging between 0.9994 and 0.9999. The limits of detection were in the ng/L level, ranging between 0.2 and 0.3 ng/L. The recoveries of seven spiked polychlorinated biphenyls with external calibration method at different concentration levels in tap water, lake water, and sea water were in the ranges of 85–112, 76–116, and 72–108%, respectively, and with relative standard deviations of 3.3–4.5, 3.4–5.6, and 3.1–4.8% (n = 5), respectively. The performance of the proposed method was compared with traditional liquid–liquid extraction and solid‐phase extraction clean‐up methods, and comparable efficiencies were obtained. It is concluded that this method can be successfully applied for the determination of polychlorinated biphenyls in different water samples.
Magnetic graphene oxide modified by imidazole‐based ionic liquids for the magnetic‐based solid‐phase extraction of polysaccharides from brown alga
Authors: Wang Xiaoqin , Li Guizhen , Row Kyung Ho
Published: June 2017

Magnetic graphene oxide was modified by four imidazole‐based ionic liquids to synthesize materials for the extraction of polysaccharides by magnetic solid‐phase extraction. Fucoidan and laminarin were chosen as the representative polysaccharides owing to their excellent pharmaceutical value and availability. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis were applied to characterize the synthesized materials. Single‐factor experiments showed that the extraction efficiency of polysaccharides was affected by the amount of ionic liquids for modification, solid–liquid ratio of brown alga and ethanol, the stirring time of brown alga and ionic liquid‐modified magnetic graphene oxide materials, and amount of 1‐(3‐aminopropyl)imidazole chloride modified magnetic graphene oxide materials added to the brown alga sample solution. The results indicated that 1‐(3‐aminopropyl)imidazole chloride modified magnetic graphene oxide possessed better extraction ability than graphene oxide, magnetic graphene oxide, and other three ionic‐liquid‐modified magnetic graphene oxide materials. The highest extraction recoveries of fucoidan and laminarin extracted by 1‐(3‐aminopropyl)imidazole chloride modified magnetic graphene oxide were 93.3 and 87.2%, respectively. In addition, solid materials could be separated and reused easily owing to their magnetic properties.
Psychosocial, Demographic, and Illness‐Related Factors Associated With Acute Traumatic Stress Responses in Parents of Children With a Serious Illness or Injury
Authors: Muscara Frank , McCarthy Maria C. , Thompson Emma J. , Heaney Claire‐Marie , Hearps Stephen J. C. , Rayner Meredith , Burke Kylie , Nicholson Jan M. , Anderson Vicki A.
Published: June 2017

This study investigated factors associated with acute stress symptoms in parents of seriously ill children across a range of illnesses and treatment settings within a pediatric hospital setting. It was hypothesized that psychosocial variables would be more strongly associated with acute stress responses than demographic and child illness variables. Participants were 115 mothers and 56 fathers of children treated within the oncology, cardiology, and intensive care departments of a pediatric hospital. Acute stress, psychosocial, demographic, and medical data were collected within the first 4 weeks of the child's hospital admission. A robust hierarchical regression model revealed that psychosocial factors significantly explained 36.8% of the variance in parent acute stress responses (p < .001); demographic variables significantly added a further 4.5% (p = .022), but illness‐related factors did not contribute to the model. Findings support the implementation of a general psychosocial screening approach for parents across the wider hospital system, and that psychosocial risk factors may be targeted in interventions across different illnesses and treatment settings to improve parent outcomes.
Quantifying Soil Erosion from Hiking Trail in a Protected Natural Area in the Spanish Pyrenees
Authors: Bodoque José María , Ballesteros‐Cánovas Juan Antonio , Rubiales Juan Manuel , Perucha María Ángeles , Nadal‐Romero Estela , Stoffel Markus
Published: June 2017

Recreational activities may impose adverse impacts on the environment of natural landscapes and protected areas owing to persistent tourist influx. Here, we use a dendrogeomorphic approach to estimate soil erosion induced by hikers at trails in the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park (north‐eastern Spain). For the first time, exposed roots of Pinus uncinata Ramond ex DC and Fagus sylvatica L. were used on the Iberian Peninsula to reconstruct the timing and amount of soil erosion induced by hikers based on dendrogeomorphology. In addition, we propose a new characterization of ground microtopography using a microtopographic profile gauge and validate results of this approach with 3D point clouds derived from terrestrial laser scanning. Determination of the first year of root exposure was based on the analysis of changes in roots, at both the macroscopic and tissue levels. Analysis shows that a distinctive footprint is observable at macroscopic and microscopic scales following initial exposure and thus confirms results of previous work realized with roots of other tree species (e.g. Pinus sylvestris L.). Our results also indicate that a characterization of erosion based on microtopographic profiles can replace terrestrial laser scanning measurements, which are often difficult to obtain in remote areas. Estimates of soil erosion ranged between 3·1 ± 1·5 and 8·9 ± 4·3 mm y−1 (or 52·7 ± 25·5 to 151·3 ± 73·1 t ha−1 y−1). The approach deployed here could help improve management of and access to natural protected areas and thus reduce the potentially negative impacts of recreational activities on these sensitive environments. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modulator‐Free Coherent‐One‐Way Quantum Key Distribution
Authors: Roberts G. L. , Lucamarini M. , Dynes J. F. , Savory S. J. , Yuan Z. L. , Shields A. J.
Published: June 2017

Time‐bin encoding is an attractive method for transmitting photonic qubits over long distances with minimal decoherence. It allows a simple receiver for quantum key distribution (QKD) that extracts a key by measuring time of arrival of photons and detects eavesdropping by measuring interference of pulses in different time bins. In the past, coherent pulses have been generated using a CW laser and an intensity modulator. A greatly simplified transmitter is proposed and demonstrated here that works by directly modulating the laser diode. Coherence between pulses is maintained by a weak seed laser. The modulator‐free source creates time‐bin encoded pulses with a high extinction ratio (29.4 dB) and an interference visibility above 97 %. The resulting QKD transmitter gives estimated secure key rates up to 4.57 Mbit/s, the highest yet reported for coherent‐one‐way QKD, and can be programmed for all protocols using weak coherent pulses.
Characterization of PP/TPV/MMT Ternary Nanocomposites Produced by Injection Molding
Authors: Costantino Maria A. , Rueda Frederico , Pettarin Valeria , Frontini Patricia M. , Pontes Antonio J. , Viana Julio C.
Published: June 2017

One of the most valued and required features of new polymers are a high level of stiffness combined with good toughness. In this way, it seems useful to combine nanoclay reinforcement with rubber toughening to balance end use performance. In this work, the feasibility of producing this kind of nanocomposites by direct injection molding is evaluated. The performance of actual injected pieces of polypropylene (PP) compounded with thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) and organoclay (MMT) is analyzed and compared. Ternary composite presents low warpage and so better final quality. Morphology developed in actual pieces is influenced both by processing and by MMT presence, this morphology giving place to alternative deformation mechanisms and crack arrest. Also, a good impact resistance compared with neat PP is observed. Weld lines are diluted and they do not act as stress concentrators, this being of mechanical and aesthetical interest. The use of PP/TPV/MMT seems to be promising for injected moldings.
Effects of sodium chloride on heat resistance, oxidative susceptibility, motility, biofilm and plaque formation of Burkholderia pseudomallei
Authors: Pumirat Pornpan , Vanaporn Muthita , Boonyuen Usa , Indrawattana Nitaya , Rungruengkitkun Amporn , Chantratita Narisara
Published: June 2017

Burkholderia pseudomallei is an environmental saprophyte and the causative agent of melioidosis, a severe infectious disease prevalent in tropical areas, including southeast Asia and northern Australia. In Thailand, the highest incidence of melioidosis is in the northeast region, where saline soil and water are abundant. We hypothesized that B. pseudomallei develops an ability to thrive in saline conditions and gains a selective ecological advantage over other soil‐dwelling microorganisms. However, little is known about how an elevated NaCl concentration affects survival and adaptive changes in this pathogen. In this study, we examined the adaptive changes in six isolates of B. pseudomallei after growth in Luria‐Bertani medium containing different concentrations of NaCl at 37°C for 6 hr. The bacteria were then investigated for resistance to heat at 50°C and killing by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). In addition, flagellar production, biofilm formation, and the plaque formation efficiency of B. pseudomallei after culture in saline conditions were observed. In response to exposure to 150 and 300 mmol L−1 NaCl, all B. pseudomallei isolates showed significantly increased thermal tolerance, oxidative resistance, and plaque‐forming efficiency. However, NaCl exposure notably decreased the number of B. pseudomallei flagella. Taken together, these results provide insight into the adaptations of B. pseudomallei that might be crucial for survival and persistence in the host and/or endemic environments with high salinity.
Brachiaria Grasses (Brachiaria spp.) harbor a diverse bacterial community with multiple attributes beneficial to plant growth and development
Authors: Mutai Collins , Njuguna Joyce , Ghimire Sita
Published: June 2017

Endophytic and plant‐associated bacteria were isolated from plants and rhizoplane soil of naturally grown Brachiaria grasses at International Livestock Research Institute in Nairobi, Kenya. Eighty‐four bacterial strains were isolated from leaf tissues, root tissues, and rhizoplane soil on nutrient agar and 869 media. All bacterial strains were identified to the lowest possible taxonomic unit using 16S rDNA primers and were characterized for the production of Indole‐3‐acetic acid, hydrogen cyanide, and ACC deaminase; phosphate solubilization; siderophore production; antifungal properties; and plant biomass production. The 16S rDNA‐based identification grouped these 84 bacterial strains into 3 phyla, 5 classes, 8 orders, 12 families, 16 genera, and 50 unique taxa. The four most frequently isolated genera were Pseudomonas (23), Pantoea (17), Acinetobacter (9), and Enterobacter (8). The functional characterization of these strains revealed that 41 of 84 strains had a minimum of three plant beneficial properties. Inoculation of maize seedlings with Acinetobacter spp., Microbacterium spp., Pectobacterium spp., Pseudomonas spp., and Enterobacter spp. showed positive effects on seedling biomass production. The ability of Brachiaria grasses to host genetically diverse bacteria, many of them with multiple plant growth‐promoting attributes, might have contributed to high biomass production and adaptation of Brachiaria grasses to drought and low fertility soils.
Artemisinin as an anticancer drug: Recent advances in target profiling and mechanisms of action
Authors: Wong Yin Kwan , Xu Chengchao , Kalesh Karunakaran A. , He Yingke , Lin Qingsong , Wong W. S. Fred , Shen Han‐Ming , Wang Jigang
Published: June 2017

Artemisinin and its derivatives (collectively termed as artemisinins) are among the most important and effective antimalarial drugs, with proven safety and efficacy in clinical use. Beyond their antimalarial effects, artemisinins have also been shown to possess selective anticancer properties, demonstrating cytotoxic effects against a wide range of cancer types both in vitro and in vivo. These effects appear to be mediated by artemisinin‐induced changes in multiple signaling pathways, interfering simultaneously with multiple hallmarks of cancer. Great strides have been taken to characterize these pathways and to reveal their anticancer mechanisms of action of artemisinin. Moreover, encouraging data have also been obtained from a limited number of clinical trials to support their anticancer property. However, there are several key gaps in knowledge that continue to serve as significant barriers to the repurposing of artemisinins as effective anticancer agents. This review focuses on important and emerging aspects of this field, highlighting breakthroughs in unresolved questions as well as novel techniques and approaches that have been taken in recent studies. We discuss the mechanism of artemisinin activation in cancer, novel and significant findings with regards to artemisinin target proteins and pathways, new understandings in artemisinin‐induced cell death mechanisms, as well as the practical issues of repurposing artemisinin. We believe these will be important topics in realizing the potential of artemisinin and its derivatives as safe and potent anticancer agents.
Tumor angiogenesis revisited: Regulators and clinical implications
Authors: Ronca Roberto , Benkheil Mohammed , Mitola Stefania , Struyf Sofie , Liekens Sandra
Published: June 2017

Since Judah Folkman hypothesized in 1971 that angiogenesis is required for solid tumor growth, numerous studies have been conducted to unravel the angiogenesis process, analyze its role in primary tumor growth, metastasis and angiogenic diseases, and to develop inhibitors of proangiogenic factors. These studies have led in 2004 to the approval of the first antiangiogenic agent (bevacizumab, a humanized antibody targeting vascular endothelial growth factor) for the treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. This approval launched great expectations for the use of antiangiogenic therapy for malignant diseases. However, these expectations have not been met and, as knowledge of blood vessel formation accumulates, many of the original paradigms no longer hold. Therefore, the regulators and clinical implications of angiogenesis need to be revisited. In this review, we discuss recently identified angiogenesis mediators and pathways, new concepts that have emerged over the past 10 years, tumor resistance and toxicity associated with the use of currently available antiangiogenic treatment and potentially new targets and/or approaches for malignant and nonmalignant neovascular diseases.
Randomized feasibility trial to improve hydroxyurea adherence in youth ages 10–18 years through community health workers: The HABIT study
Authors: Green Nancy S. , Manwani Deepa , Matos Sergio , Hicks April , Soto Luisa , Castillo Yina , Ireland Karen , Stennett Yvonne , Findley Sally , Jia Haomiao , Smaldone Arlene
Published: June 2017

Introduction

The main therapeutic intervention for sickle cell disease (SCD) is hydroxyurea (HU). The effect of HU is largely through dose‐dependent induction of fetal hemoglobin (HbF). Poor HU adherence is common among adolescents.

Methods

Our 6‐month, two‐site pilot intervention trial, “HABIT,” was led by culturally aligned community health workers (CHWs). CHWs performed support primarily through home visits, augmented by tailored text message reminders. Dyads of youth with SCD ages 10–18 years and a parent were enrolled. A customized HbF biomarker, the percentage decrease from each patients’ highest historical HU‐induced HbF, “Personal best,” was used to qualify for enrollment and assess HU adherence. Two primary outcomes were as follows: (1) intervention feasibility and acceptability and (2) HU adherence measured in three ways: monthly percentage improvement toward HbF Personal best, proportion of days covered (PDC) by HU, and self‐report.

Results

Twenty‐eight dyads were enrolled, of which 89% were retained. Feasibility and acceptability were excellent. Controlling for group assignment and month of intervention, the intervention group improved percentage decrease from Personal best by 2.3% per month during months 0–4 (P = 0.30), with similar improvement in adherence demonstrated using pharmacy records. Self‐reported adherence did not correlate. Dyads viewed CHWs as supportive for learning about SCD and HU, living with SCD and making progress in coordinated self‐management responsibility to support a daily HU habit. Most parents and youth appreciated text message HU reminders.

Conclusions

The HABIT pilot intervention demonstrated feasibility and acceptability with promising effect toward improved medication adherence. Testing in a larger multisite intervention trial is warranted.
Single walled carbon nano tube ‐Polyaniline core‐shell/polyurethane polymer composite for electromagnetic interference shielding
Authors: Avadhanam Vanaja , Thanasamy David , Kiran Mathad Jyotsna , Tumuki Padmavathi
Published: June 2017

Single Walled Carbon Nanotube‐Polyaniline core‐shell/polyurethane polymer composites (SWCNT‐PANI/PU) were prepared by a two‐step process. Initially, SWCNT‐PANI core‐shell was synthesized by in‐situ chemical oxidation. Later, polyurethane polymer composites were prepared by dispersing varying percentages of SWCNT‐PANI core‐shell as a filler into polyurethane. These composites exhibited a percolation threshold at 0.1 wt% filler loading. Percolation theory was applied to estimate the exact percolation threshold of composites. Maximum electrical conductivity 6.28 × 10−4 S cm−1 was realized at 3 wt% of filler loading. The enhancement of electrical conductivity was substantiated by FTIR, FESEM, XRD, and TGA. These results confirmed the interaction between SWCNT‐PANI core‐shell and polyurethane that was responsible for the enhanced electrical conductivity. Further, these polymer composites, as coatings were applied on to the GFRP substrates for evaluating the EMI shielding effectiveness. The coating properties viz. adhesion, scratch resistance and hardness were evaluated according to ASTM procedures and the EMI shielding effectiveness (EMISE) of the polymer composite in X‐band (8–12 GHz) and W‐band (75–110 GHz) frequencies was assessed by dielectric probe and free space methods respectively. Maximum EMISE of 11 dB in X‐band and 10 dB in W‐band was realized for 3 wt% SWCNT‐PANI core‐shell loaded PU polymer composite coating. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:4104–4114, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
The natural history of fetal diagnosed isolated ventricular septal defect
Authors: Cho Young‐Sun , Park So Eun , Hong Soo‐Kyung , Jeong Na‐Yeong , Choi Eun‐Young
Published: June 2017

Objective

This study was undertaken to clarify the natural course of ventricular septal defect, and to find an index that would help in prenatal counseling.

Methods

Between January 2010 and December 2014, 18 188 fetuses underwent echocardiographic examinations. Of these, 228 isolated ventricular septal defect cases were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

In this retrospective study, the incidence of isolated ventricular septal defect was 1.25% (228/18 188). There were 146 patients who underwent echocardiography after delivery in order to confirm the natural course of patients with isolated ventricular septal defect. Of the 146 cases, 64 cases (43.84%) had the ventricular septal defect naturally closed in the fetal period. Of the 82 patients with ventricular septal defect at birth, 25 patients showed natural closure during follow‐up. However, four patients (2.74%) required surgical treatment for ventricular septal defect. In case of perimembranous defects, natural closure is more frequent in the fetal period than in the postnatal period.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that 60.96% (89/146) of isolated ventricular septal defects diagnosed during the fetal life are closed naturally. Perimembranous type defect, small defect (<2 mm) and maternal age less than 35 years are the good prognostic factors for the natural closure during fetal life. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Solar cell efficiency tables (version 50)
Authors: Green Martin A. , Hishikawa Yoshihiro , Warta Wilhelm , Dunlop Ewan D. , Levi Dean H. , Hohl‐Ebinger Jochen , Ho‐Baillie Anita W.H.
Published: June 2017

Consolidated tables showing an extensive listing of the highest independently confirmed efficiencies for solar cells and modules are presented. Guidelines for inclusion of results into these tables are outlined, and new entries since January 2017 are reviewed.
Can the propensity of protein crystallization be increased by using systematic screening with metals?
Authors: Hegde Raghurama P. , Pavithra Gowribidanur C. , Dey Debayan , Almo Steven C. , Ramakumar S. , Ramagopal Udupi A.
Published: June 2017

Protein crystallization is one of the major bottlenecks in protein structure elucidation with new strategies being constantly developed to improve the chances of crystallization. Generally, well‐ordered epitopes possessing complementary surface and capable of producing stable inter‐protein interactions generate a regular three‐dimensional arrangement of protein molecules which eventually results in a crystal lattice. Metals, when used for crystallization, with their various coordination numbers and geometries, can generate such epitopes mediating protein oligomerization and/or establish crystal contacts. Some examples of metal‐mediated oligomerization and crystallization together with our experience on metal‐mediated crystallization of a putative rRNA methyltransferase from Sinorhizobium meliloti are presented. Analysis of crystal structures from protein data bank (PDB) using a non‐redundant data set with a 90% identity cutoff, reveals that around 67% of proteins contain at least one metal ion, with ∼14% containing combination of metal ions. Interestingly, metal containing conditions in most commercially available and popular crystallization kits generally contain only a single metal ion, with combinations of metals only in a very few conditions. Based on the results presented in this review, it appears that the crystallization screens need expansion with systematic screening of metal ions that could be crucial for stabilizing the protein structure or for establishing crystal contact and thereby aiding protein crystallization.
A QM/MM study of the catalytic mechanism of SAM methyltransferase RlmN from Escherichia coli
Authors: Zhao Chenxiao , Dong Lihua , Liu Yongjun
Published: June 2017

RlmN is a radical S‐adenosylmethionine (SAM) enzyme that catalyzes the C2 methylation of adenosine 2503 (A2503) in 23S rRNA and adenosine 37 (A37) in several Escherichia coli transfer RNAs (tRNA). The catalytic reaction of RlmN is distinctly different from that of typical SAM‐dependent methyltransferases that employs an SN2 mechanism, but follows a ping‐pong mechanism which involves the intermediate methylation of a conserved cysteine residue. Recently, the x‐ray structure of a key intermediate in the RlmN reaction has been reported, allowing us to perform combined quantum mechanics and molecular mechanics (QM/MM) calculations to delineate the reaction details of RlmN at atomic level. Starting from the Cross‐Linked RlmN C118A−tRNA complex, the possible mechanisms for both the formation and the resolution of the cross‐linked species (IM2) have been illuminated. On the basis of our calculations, IM2 is formed by the attack of the C355‐based methylene radical on the sp2‐hybridized C2 of the adenosine ring, corresponding to energy barrier of 14.4 kcal/mol, and the resolution of IM2 is confirmed to follow a radical fragmentation mechanism. The cleavage of C′–S′ bond of mC355‐A37 cross‐link is in concert with the deprotonation of C2 by C118 residue, which is the rate‐limiting step with an energy barrier of 17.4 kcal/mol. Moreover, the cleavage of C′–S′ bond of IM2 can occur independently, that is, it does not require the loss of an electron of IM2 and the formation of disulfide bond between C355 and C118 as precondition. These findings would deepen the understanding of the catalysis of RlmN.
One‐pot Synthesis of Novel Composite@Composite‐Typed Core@Shell Nanostructures and the Adsorption Property for Dye Wastewater
Authors: Yang Liming , Teng Yiran , Teng Fei
Published: June 2017

In this work, the novel composite@composite‐type core@shell nanostructures, i.e. Na0.5Ce0.5MoO4‐MoS2@Na0.5Ce0.5MoO4‐MoS2, have been synthesized via one‐pot hydrothermal method. The core and shell are both composed of Na0.5Ce0.5MoO4‐MoS2 but with different mass ratios of Na0.5Ce0.5MoO4 to MoS2, which are obviously different from the commonly reported core@shell nanostructures with the single‐component core and the single‐component shell. Besides, it is found that for single dye solution, 20 wt% core@shell sample has an significantly improved adsorption capability for rhodamine B (RhB), but a poor adsorption capability for methyl orange (MO) dye. In RhB‐MO mixture solution, the adsorption of RhB has been greatly promoted by MO. In addition, Cr(VI) ion has significantly decreased the adsorption capacity of RhB; meanwhile, K(I) ion can slightly promote MO adsorption. This work provides a simple preparation approach to the new composite‐type core@shell nanostructures, and can help us to understand the adsorption processes for practical wastewaters.
Antiproliferative Effects against A549, Hep3B and FL Cell Lines of Cyclotriphosphazene‐Based Novel Protic Molten Salts: Spectroscopic, Crystallographic and Thermal Results.
Authors: Okumuş Aytuğ , Akbaş Hüseyin , Karadağ Ahmet , Aydın Ali , Kılıç Zeynel , Hökelek Tuncer
Published: June 2017

The protic molten salts (PMOS) of (1 a‐ 6 b) have been prepared from the reactions of tetrapyrrolidino (1‐3) and tetrapiperidino (4‐6) fully substituted phosphazenes with the gentisic and γ‐resorcylic acids. The structures of PMOS (1 a‐6 b) were characterized by elemental analyses, FTIR and 1H, 13C{1H}, 31P{1H} NMR techniques. The crystal structures of 1 b and 2 b were established by X‐ray diffraction method. The thermal properties of PMOS were verified using thermogravimetric instruments. In addition, this study also focused on the pharmacological abilities of the PMOS to affect the cell growth and cell cytotoxicity on A549, Hep3B and normal human amnion (FL) cell lines and to interact with calf thymus DNA (CT‐DNA). Studies on the cells displayed that these PMOS demonstrated significant antiproliferative effect in conjunction with caused apoptotic‐like changes in morphology. The PMOS are able to strongly bind to CT‐DNA through minor groove binding modes with hyperchromic effect. The IC50 and binding constant ranges of the PMOS were found to be as 25–160 μM and 0.5 x 103 −12.0 x 103 M−1, respectively. These findings indicate that the PMOS 1 b‐6 b are more antiproliferative than those of the PMOS 1 a‐6 a. Moreover, it is observed that the CT‐DNA most significantly bound the PMOS 1 b‐6 b. Consequently, a good correlation between the antiproliferative effects and their binding activities of these PMOS was observed.
Relationships between social support and student burnout: A meta‐analytic approach
Authors: Kim Boram , Jee Sooin , Lee Joungwha , An Sunghee , Lee Sang Min
Published: June 2017

This study is a meta‐analysis of 19 relevant studies, with 95,434 participants, investigating the relationships between various types of social support and 3 dimensions of student burnout. The overall results indicate that social support is negatively correlated with student burnout. Specifically, school or teacher supports have the strongest negative relationship to student burnout. Social supports from parents and from peers also have a significant negative relationship with student burnout. Among the 3 dimensions of student burnout, inefficacy was more strongly related to social support than emotional exhaustion or cynicism. The results of a moderation analysis suggest that the type of schools (secondary school and postsecondary school) affected the relationships between the overall social support and student burnout. We discuss the implications to ameliorate student burnout.
Top‐Down Integration of Molybdenum Disulfide Transistors with Wafer‐Scale Uniformity and Layer Controllability
Authors: Shi Mao‐Lin , Chen Lin , Zhang Tian‐Bao , Xu Jing , Zhu Hao , Sun Qing‐Qing , Zhang David Wei
Published: June 2017

The lack of stable and efficient techniques to synthesize high‐quality large‐area thin films is one of the major bottlenecks for the real‐world application of the 2D transition metal dichalcogenides. In this work, the growth of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) on sapphire substrates by sulfurizing the MoO3 film deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD) is reported. The advantages of the ALD method can be well inherited, and the synthesized MoS2 films exhibit excellent layer controllability, wafer‐scale uniformity, and homogeneity. MoS2 films with desired thickness can be obtained by varying MoO3 ALD cycles. The atomic force microscope and Raman measurements demonstrate that the ALD‐based MoS2 has good uniformity. Clear Raman shift as a function of the film thickness is observed. Field‐effect transistor devices are fabricated through a transfer‐free and top‐down process. High On/Off current ratio (≈104) and medium‐level electron mobilities (≈0.76 cm2 V−1 s−1 for monolayer, and 5.9 cm2 V−1 s−1 for four‐layer) are obtained. The work opens up an attractive approach to realize the application of wafer‐scale 2D materials in integrated circuits and systems.
An Addressable 2D Heterogeneous Nanoreactor to Study the Enzyme‐Catalyzed Reaction at the Interface
Authors: Wang Dianming , Zhang Guoliang , Zhang Yiyang , Xin Ling , Dong Yuanchen , Liu Yang , Liu Dongsheng
Published: June 2017

Membrane plays significant role in cellular enzymatic reactions. To better understand its function on membrane integral or bound enzymes, DNA origami and frame‐guided assembly strategy are combined to construct a given‐size, addressable enzyme‐containing nanomembrane as a heterogeneous reactor to explore the enzymatic catalyst reaction on the membrane. The enzymes in the membrane are located precisely. This new kind of membrane can enrich hydrophobic substrate molecules in aqueous solution to the embedded enzymes. Otherwise, this nanomembrane shows the capability of substrate selectivity, which plays important role in the highly efficient and specific properties of enzymes in vivo.
Water flow, ecological dynamics, and management in the lower Limpopo Valley: a long‐term view
Authors: Ekblom A. , Gillson L. , Notelid M.
Published: June 2017

In this contribution, we review long‐term (millennial–decadal scale) river‐flow changes, climate interactions, and interlinkage with vegetation dynamics, as well as society and policy, focusing on the lower Limpopo Valley (from the South African border through Mozambique). Drawing on paleoecological data, we address the valley's potential for defining critical ecological thresholds and managing an adaptive ecological landscape, by focusing on the dynamic relationship between different drivers (fire, hydrology, and grass/tree relationships). We briefly review the long‐term interactions between water flow, climate variability, and society using archeological records and written sources. Lastly, we analyze the social and political context of water management, focusing on the last 100 years and transboundary water management. We also discuss planning and mitigation in relation to climate change and rainfall extremes that are projected to increase. It is stressed that forward‐thinking policies must heed long‐term climate variability, hydrology and biological and social impact and to plan and mitigate for environmental events. The discussion also brings to the fore the importance of an adaptable and equitable strategy in cross‐border water sharing. WIREs Water 2017, 4:e1228. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1228

This article is categorized under:

Engineering Water > Planning Water

Water and Life > Stresses and Pressures on Ecosystems

Science of Water > Water and Environmental Change
On the compressible bidirectional vortex in a cyclonically driven Trkalian flow field
Authors: Maicke Brian A. , Cecil Orie M. , Majdalani Joseph
Published: June 2017

In this study, the Bragg–Hawthorne equation (BHE) is extended in the context of a steady, inviscid and compressible fluid, thus leading to an assortment of partial differential equations that must be solved simultaneously. A solution is pursued by implementing a Rayleigh–Janzen expansion in the square of the reference Mach number. The corresponding formulation is subsequently used to derive a compressible approximation for the Trkalian model of the bidirectional vortex. The approximate solution is compared to a representative computational fluid dynamics simulation in order to validate the modelling assumptions under realistic conditions. The latter is found to exhibit an appreciable steepening of the axial velocity profile, which is accompanied by an axial dependence in the mantle location that is somewhat reminiscent of the radial shifting of mantles reported in some experimental trials and simulations. In this context, flows with a strong swirl intensity do not seem to be significantly affected by the introduction of compressibility. Rather, as the swirl intensity is reduced the effects of compressibility become more noticeable, especially in the axial and radial velocity components. It may also be realized that imparting a progressively larger swirl component stands to promote the axisymmetric distribution of flow field properties, and these include an implicit resistance to dilatational effects in the tangential direction. From a broader perspective, this study provides a viable approximation to the Trkalian motion associated with cyclonic flows, while serving as a limited proof of concept for the compressible Bragg–Hawthorne procedure applied to a steady, axisymmetric and inviscid fluid.
Stable–streamlined and helical cavities following the impact of Leidenfrost spheres
Authors: Mansoor M. M. , Vakarelski I. U. , Marston J. O. , Truscott T. T. , Thoroddsen S. T.
Published: June 2017

We report results from an experimental study on the formation of stable–streamlined and helical cavity wakes following the free-surface impact of Leidenfrost spheres. Similar to the observations of Mansoor et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 743, 2014, pp. 295–326), we show that acoustic ripples form along the interface of elongated cavities entrained in the presence of wall effects as soon as the primary cavity pinch-off takes place. The crests of these ripples can act as favourable points for closure, producing multiple acoustic pinch-offs, which are found to occur in an acoustic pinch-off cascade. We show that these ripples pacify with time in the absence of physical contact between the sphere and the liquid, leading to extremely smooth cavity wake profiles. More importantly, the downward-facing jet at the apex of the cavity is continually suppressed due to a skin-friction drag effect at the colliding cavity-wall junction, which ultimately produces a stable–streamlined cavity wake. This streamlined configuration is found to experience drag coefficients an order of a magnitude lower than those acting on room-temperature spheres. A striking observation is the formation of helical cavities which occur for impact Reynolds numbers $Re_{0}\gtrsim 1.4\times 10^{5}$ and are characterized by multiple interfacial ridges, stemming from and rotating synchronously about an evident contact line around the sphere equator. The contact line is shown to result from the degeneration of Kelvin–Helmholtz billows into turbulence which are observed forming along the liquid–vapour interface around the bottom hemisphere of the sphere. Using sphere trajectory measurements, we show that this helical cavity wake configuration has 40 %–55 % smaller force coefficients than those obtained in the formation of stable cavity wakes.
An active particle in a complex fluid
Authors: Datt Charu , Natale Giovanniantonio , Hatzikiriakos Savvas G. , Elfring Gwynn J.
Published: June 2017

In this work, we study active particles with prescribed surface velocities in non-Newtonian fluids. We employ the reciprocal theorem to obtain the velocity of an active spherical particle with an arbitrary axisymmetric slip velocity in an otherwise quiescent second-order fluid. We then determine how the motion of a diffusiophoretic Janus particle is affected by complex fluid rheology, namely viscoelasticity and shear-thinning viscosity, compared to a Newtonian fluid, assuming a fixed slip velocity. We find that a Janus particle may go faster or slower in a viscoelastic fluid, but is always slower in a shear-thinning fluid as compared to a Newtonian fluid.
Constitutional War Initiation and the Obama Presidency
Authors: Ramsey Michael D.
Published: June 2017

In 2007, presidential candidate Barack Obama argued that the U.S. president did not have independent constitutional authority to use military force except in response to an actual or imminent attack on the United States. Since 2008, President Obama has directed the use of U.S. military force in at least seven countries (Iraq, Syria, Libya, Yemen, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Somalia). Critics find inconsistency in these positions, contending that the Obama presidency will be remembered for expansion of the presidency's war powers. But when the administration's record is closely examined, these claims seem overstated. At least with regard to war initiation, the Obama presidency need not be regarded as materially enhancing the president's constitutional powers.

This assessment begins by establishing two baselines. First, most war powers scholars agree that under the Constitution's original meaning, Congress’ power to “declare War” required the president to seek congressional approval prior to initiating war. This constitutional command had substantial grey areas, including responses to threats and attacks, relations with non-state actors, and low-level hostilities. Nonetheless, the basic proposition stated by candidate Obama appears well founded both in the Constitution's text itself and in early postratification practice. Second, in the modern (post-Vietnam War) era, most scholars agree that the practice has changed somewhat, with presidents asserting an expanded independent authority over uses of military force. This essay agrees with that description, although it contends that the change in actual practice is less dramatic than commentary sometimes claims.