bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Turbulence of capillary waves forced by steep gravity waves
Authors: Berhanu M. , Falcon E. , Deike L.
Published: July 2018

We study experimentally the dynamics and statistics of capillary waves forced by random steep gravity waves mechanically generated in the laboratory. Capillary waves are produced here by gravity waves from nonlinear wave interactions. Using a spatio-temporal measurement of the free surface, we characterize statistically the random regimes of capillary waves in the spatial and temporal Fourier spaces. For a significant wave steepness (0.2–0.3), power-law spectra are observed both in space and time, defining a turbulent regime of capillary waves transferring energy from the large scale to the small scale. Analysis of temporal fluctuations of the spatial spectrum demonstrates that the capillary power-law spectra result from the temporal averaging over intermittent and strong nonlinear events transferring energy to the small scale in a fast time scale, when capillary wave trains are generated in a way similar to the parasitic capillary wave generation mechanism. The frequency and wavenumber power-law exponents of the wave spectra are found to be in agreement with those of the weakly nonlinear wave turbulence theory. However, the energy flux is not constant through the scales and the wave spectrum scaling with this flux is not in good agreement with wave turbulence theory. These results suggest that theoretical developments beyond the classic wave turbulence theory are necessary to describe the dynamics and statistics of capillary waves in a natural environment. In particular, in the presence of broad-scale viscous dissipation and strong nonlinearity, the role of non-local and non-resonant interactions should be reconsidered.
Molecular evidence linking the larval and adult stages of Mexiconema cichlasomae (Dracunculoidea: Daniconematidae) from Mexico, with notes on its phylogenetic position among Dracunculoidea
Authors: May-Tec A.L. , Martínez-Aquino A. , Aguirre-Macedo M.L. , Vidal-Martínez V.M.
Published: July 2018

We describe the larval developmental stages and life cycle of the dracunculid nematodeMexiconema cichlasomaein both the intermediate,Argulus yucatanus(Crustacea: Branchiura), and definitive hosts,Cichlasoma urophthalmus(Perciformes: Cichlidae), from the Celestun tropical coastal lagoon, Yucatan, Mexico. The morphological analyses showed significant differences between the total length of L1 found inM. cichlasomaegravid female and L2–L3 inA. yucatanus.This result indicates that theM. cichlasomaelarval development occurs in the intermediate host. We obtained sequences from the small subunit (SSU) ribosomal marker from larval stages ofM. cichlasomaeinA. yucatanusand adult nematodes inC. urophthalmus. Our morphological and molecular results support conspecificity betweenM. cichlasomaelarvae inA. yucatanusand the adult stages inC. urophthalmus. We briefly discuss the phylogenetic position ofM. cichlasomaeamong the Daniconematidae, and provide evidence of the monophyly of the daniconematids associated with branchiurid intermediate hosts. Based on the phylogenetic results, we support the transfer of theMexiconemagenus to the family Skrjabillanidae and do not support the lowering of family Daniconematidae to subfamily.
Aquinas on divine impeccability, omnipotence, and free will
Authors: ECHAVARRÍA AGUSTÍN
Published: July 2018

This article analyses Aquinas's conception of divine impeccability, and replies to some contemporary objections to this view. The first three sections show that for Aquinas the proposition that expresses God's impeccability is necessaryde re, since God's moral goodness is grounded in His ontological goodness. The fourth section presents the connection between God's will and God's power and explains the sense of Aquinas's claim that God cannot sin because He cannot will to sin. The last three sections address the objections based on the apparent incompatibility between omnipotence and impeccability, and between impeccability, free will, and praiseworthiness.
CHALLENGES AND METHODOLOGIES IN USING PROGRESSION FREE SURVIVAL AS A SURROGATE FOR OVERALL SURVIVAL IN ONCOLOGY
Authors: Hernandez-Villafuerte Karla , Fischer Alastair , Latimer Nicholas
Published: July 2018

Objectives:

A primary outcome in oncology trials is overall survival (OS). However, to estimate OS accurately requires a sufficient number of patients to have died, which may take a long time. If an alternative end point is sufficiently highly correlated with OS, it can be used as a surrogate. Progression-free survival (PFS) is the surrogate most often used in oncology, but does not always satisfy the correlation conditions for surrogacy. We analyze the methodologies used when extrapolating from PFS to OS.

Methods:

Davis et al. previously reviewed the use of surrogate end points in oncology, using papers published between 2001 and 2011. We extend this, reviewing papers published between 2012 and 2016. We also examine the reporting of statistical methods to assess the strength of surrogacy.

Results:

The findings from 2012 to 2016 do not differ substantially from those of 2001 to 2011: the same factors are shown to affect the relationship between PFS and OS. The proportion of papers reporting individual patient data (IPD), strongly recommended for full assessment of surrogacy, remains low: 33 percent. A wide range of methods has been used to determine the appropriateness of surrogates. While usually adhering to reporting standards, the standard of scholarship appears sometimes to be questionable and the reporting of results often haphazard.

Conclusions:

Standards of analysis and reporting PFS to OS surrogate studies should be improved by increasing the rigor of statistical reporting and by agreeing to a minimum set of reporting guidelines. Moreover, the use of IPD to assess surrogacy should increase.
Pertussis surveillance by small serosurveys of blood donors
Authors: Kennerknecht N. , Riffelmann M. , Voelker U. , Wirsing von König C. H.
Published: July 2018

Serosurveys have established data about the distribution of immunoglobulin G (IgG)-antibodies to pertussis toxin (PT) in various populations. We tried to detect whether small serosurveys in blood donors could serve as a simple and inexpensive means to collect information about the circulation ofBordetella pertussis. We screened every donation in 307 adult blood donors aged 19–69 years for IgG-anti-PT by standardised enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), and the donors were followed between 2014 and 2016 for a total of 426 person-years. When we used a vertical survey with cut-offs of 100, 62.5 and 40 IU/ml, respectively, as an indicator for recent contacts withB. pertussis, nine (2.9%), 22 (7.2%) and 54 (17.6%) of donors had IgG-anti-PT titres above the respective levels. During the horizontal observation period of 426 person years, six significant increases and two conversions were found, which lead to an estimate of 1878 contacts/100.000 person-years (1.9% per year). Median and mean IgG-anti-PT concentrations remained relatively stable from year to year during the observation period. Our findings show that small serosurveys of blood donors offer a simple and cheap method for the surveillance ofB. pertussis.
Das Deutschlandbild: National Image, Reputation and Interests in Post-War Germany
Authors: WOOD STEVE
Published: July 2018

This article examines post-war (West) Germany's attempt to address national stigma and gain international acceptance. It surveys three domains: public relations, Foreign Cultural Policy (Auswärtige Kultur Politik) and bilateral relations with France and the United States. By the 1970s, although some images of ‘Germany’ were still negative, on a global scale its underlying reputation was remarkably positive. The complex of political actions involved was a pioneering example of ‘nation branding’.
Patients with Acute Stroke Presenting Like Conversion Disorder
Authors: Serinken Mustafa , Karcioglu Ozgur
Published: July 2018

Conversion disorder is a form of somatoform disorders which has a high prevalence among women, individuals with lower socioeconomic status, under-educated populations, and in developing countries. However, up to one-half of patients who had been initially diagnosed with conversion disorder were eventually shown to have an underlying organic pathology–mostly neurological or non-psychiatric conditions. In this article, two patients are presented who accessed the emergency department (ED) with an initial diagnosis of conversion disorder in the ambulance that turned out to be stroke.

Serinken M, Karcioglu O. Patients with acute stroke presenting like conversion disorder. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2018;33(4):451–453
Multi-shot ASP solving with clingo
Authors: GEBSER MARTIN , KAMINSKI ROLAND , KAUFMANN BENJAMIN , SCHAUB TORSTEN
Published: July 2018

We introduce a new flexible paradigm of grounding and solving in Answer Set Programming (ASP), which we refer to as multi-shot ASP solving, and present its implementation in the ASP systemclingo. Multi-shot ASP solving features grounding and solving processes that deal with continuously changing logic programs. In doing so, they remain operative and accommodate changes in a seamless way. For instance, such processes allow for advanced forms of search, as in optimization or theory solving, or interaction with an environment, as in robotics or query answering. Common to them is that the problem specification evolves during the reasoning process, either because data or constraints are added, deleted, or replaced. This evolutionary aspect adds another dimension to ASP since it brings about state changing operations. We address this issue by providing an operational semantics that characterizes grounding and solving processes in multi-shot ASP solving. This characterization provides a semantic account of grounder and solver states along with the operations manipulating them. The operative nature of multi-shot solving avoids redundancies in relaunching grounder and solver programs and benefits from the solver's learning capacities.clingoaccomplishes this by complementing ASP's declarative input language with control capacities. On the declarative side, a new directive allows for structuring logic programs into named and parameterizable subprograms. The grounding and integration of these subprograms into the solving process is completely modular and fully controllable from the procedural side. To this end,clingooffers a new application programming interface that is conveniently accessible via scripting languages. By strictly separating logic and control,clingoalso abolishes the need for dedicated systems for incremental and reactive reasoning, likeiclingoandoclingo, respectively, and its flexibility goes well beyond the advanced yet still rigid solving processes of the latter.
Educators in Search of an Anthem: Standardizing “The Star-Spangled Banner” During the First World War
Authors: WARFIELD PATRICK
Published: July 2018

In the spring of 1917 several of the most prominent musicians in the United States, including the bandleader John Philip Sousa, the orchestral conductor Walter Damrosch, and the scholar Oscar Sonneck, joined together in a fruitless effort to establish a standardized version of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Most histories of the song note this effort but fail to recognize that the impetus for it came from the music division of the National Education Association and reflected a Progressive Era faith in the efficiencies of business, which could be manifest through the mass singing of schoolchildren. This paper examines the standardization of “The Star-Spangled Banner” in light of first world war political concerns, as well as broader cultural trends. It also explains the reasons for the effort's failure and shows how the period around the first world war set up many of the struggles that inform the national anthem even today.
The Herbal of theFlorentine Codex:Description and Contextualization of Paragraph V in Book XI
Authors: Castaño Victoria Ríos
Published: July 2018

In contemporary studies, three texts dating from the second half of the sixteenth century continue to be treated as essential primary literature concerning pre-Hispanic and early colonial medicine. These are the herbalLibellus de medicinalibus indorum herbis(1552), composed by the Nahuas Martín de la Cruz and Juan Badiano in the Imperial College of Santa Cruz of Tlatelolco; theHistoria natural de Nueva España, written by Philip II'sprotomédico(royal physician) Francisco Hernández, a “scientific envoy” in New Spain in the 1570s; and theFlorentine Codex, the only extant manuscript of the 12-book encyclopedia on the world of the Nahuas,Historia universal de las cosas de Nueva España(ca. 1577), which was directed by Fray Bernardino de Sahagún.
Simulations of Vertical Water Vapor Transport for TC Ingrid (2013)
Authors: Allison Thomas , Fuelberg Henry , Heath Nicholas
Published: July 2018

Vertical water vapor transport is examined for tropical cyclone (TC) Ingrid (2013), a Category 1 storm in the Gulf of Mexico that contained deep convection, including numerous overshooting tops. The study employs high‐resolution numerical simulations using the Weather Research and Forecasting model with a smallest grid spacing of 1.33 km and a model top of 10 hPa (~31 km) that extends into the lower stratosphere. Area‐averaged values of vertical motion, water vapor content, its temporal change, and vertical water vapor transport are presented for Ingrid as a whole and for individual regions of the storm. Results show that area‐averaged hydration in the layer ~1–14.5 km between the start and end of the simulation (4.75 days) is due to upward convective transport. Observed overshooting convection is simulated, revealing intense vertical motions that transport large quantities of vapor and ice to the lower stratosphere. Greatest dehydration occurs in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere between 14.5 and 17.5 km. This layer is found to be supersaturated with respect to ice. This apparently caused water vapor to deposit on the convectively lofted ice, allowing it to then grow and sediment out of the layer, thus producing dehydration. Conversely, hydration occurred between 17.5 and 21 km due in part to that layer being subsaturated with respect to ice. Overall, the study highlights the important role TCs and their embedded overshooting convection play in transporting water vapor to the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere.
Convergent evolution of unusual complex I homologs with increased proton pumping capacity: energetic and ecological implications
Authors: Chadwick Grayson L , Hemp James , Fischer Woodward W , Orphan Victoria J
Published: July 2018

Respiratory complex I is part of a large family of homologous enzymes that carry out the transfer of electrons between soluble cytoplasmic electron carriers and membrane-bound electron carriers. These complexes are vital bioenergetic enzymes that serve as the entry points into electron transport chains for a wide variety of microbial metabolisms, and electron transfer is coupled to proton translocation. The core complex of this enzyme is made up of 11 protein subunits, with three major proton pumping subunits. Here, we document a large number of modified complex I gene cassettes found in genome sequences from diverse cultured bacteria, shotgun metagenomics, and environmentally derived archaeal fosmids all of which encode a fourth proton pumping subunit. The incorporation of this extra subunit into a functional protein complex is supported by large amino acid insertions in the amphipathic helix that runs the length of the protein complex. Phylogenetic analyses reveal that these modified complexes appear to have arisen independently multiple times in a remarkable case of convergent molecular evolution. From an energetic perspective, we hypothesize that this modification on the canonical complex I architecture allows for the translocation of a fifth proton per reaction cycle—the physiological utility of this modified complex is discussed.
Diagnosis of major depressive disorder based on changes in multiple plasma neurotransmitters: a targeted metabolomics study
Authors: Pan Jun-Xi , Xia Jin-Jun , Deng Feng-Li , Liang Wei-Wei , Wu Jing , Yin Bang-Min , Dong Mei-Xue , Chen Jian-Jun , Ye Fei , Wang Hai-Yang , Zheng Peng , Xie Peng
Published: July 2018

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a debilitating psychiatric illness. However, there is currently no objective laboratory-based diagnostic tests for this disorder. Although, perturbations in multiple neurotransmitter systems have been implicated in MDD, the biochemical changes underlying the disorder remain unclear, and a comprehensive global evaluation of neurotransmitters in MDD has not yet been performed. Here, using a GC-MS coupled with LC-MS/MS-based targeted metabolomics approach, we simultaneously quantified the levels of 19 plasma metabolites involved in GABAergic, catecholaminergic, and serotonergic neurotransmitter systems in 50 first-episode, antidepressant drug-naïve MDD subjects and 50 healthy controls to identify potential metabolite biomarkers for MDD (training set). Moreover, an independent sample cohort comprising 49 MDD patients, 30 bipolar disorder (BD) patients and 40 healthy controls (testing set) was further used to validate diagnostic generalizability and specificity of these candidate biomarkers. Among the 19 plasma neurotransmitter metabolites examined, nine were significantly changed in MDD subjects. These metabolites were mainly involved in GABAergic, catecholaminergic and serotonergic systems. The GABAergic and catecholaminergic had better diagnostic value than serotonergic pathway. A panel of four candidate plasma metabolite biomarkers (GABA, dopamine, tyramine, kynurenine) could distinguish MDD subjects from health controls with an AUC of 0.968 and 0.953 in the training and testing set, respectively. Furthermore, this panel distinguished MDD subjects from BD subjects with high accuracy. This study is the first to globally evaluate multiple neurotransmitters in MDD plasma. The altered plasma neurotransmitter metabolite profile has potential differential diagnostic value for MDD.
The anti-asthmatic drug, montelukast, modifies the neurogenic potential in the young healthy and irradiated brain
Authors: Eriksson Yohanna , Boström Martina , Sandelius Åsa , Blennow Kaj , Zetterberg Henrik , Kuhn Georg , Kalm Marie
Published: July 2018

Brain tumors are the most common form of solid tumors in children. Due to the increasing number of survivors, it is of importance to prevent long-term treatment-induced side effects. Montelukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist, may have the desired neuroprotective properties. The aim of the study was to determine whether montelukast could reduce adverse effects of cranial irradiation (CIR) to the young brain. Daily injections of montelukast or vehicle was given to young mice for 4 or 14 days in combination with CIR or under normal conditions. Montelukast treatment for 4 days protected against cell death with 90% more cell death in the vehicle group compared to the montelukast group 24 h after CIR. It also resulted in less microglia activation 6 h after CIR, where montelukast lowered the levels of CD68 compared to the vehicle groups. Interestingly, the animals that received montelukast for 14 days had 50% less proliferating cells in the hippocampus irrespective of receiving CIR or not. Further, the total number of neurons in the granule cell layer was altered during the sub-acute phase. The number of neurons was decreased by montelukast treatment in control animals (15%), but the opposite was seen after CIR, where montelukast treatment increased the number of neurons (15%). The results show beneficial effects by montelukast treatment after CIR in some investigated parameters during both the acute phase and with longer drug treatment. However, it also resulted in lower proliferation in the hippocampus under normal conditions, indicating that the effects of montelukast can be either beneficial or unfavorable, depending on the circumstances.
Oncogenic addiction to high 26S proteasome level
Authors: Tsvetkov Peter , Adler Julia , Myers Nadav , Biran Assaf , Reuven Nina , Shaul Yosef
Published: July 2018

Proteasomes are large intracellular complexes responsible for the degradation of cellular proteins. The altered protein homeostasis of cancer cells results in increased dependency on proteasome function. The cellular proteasome composition comprises the 20S catalytic complex that is frequently capped with the 19S regulatory particle in forming the 26S proteasome. Proteasome inhibitors target the catalytic barrel (20S) and thus this inhibition does not allow the deconvolution of the distinct roles of 20S versus 26S proteasomes in cancer progression. We examined the degree of dependency of cancer cells specifically to the level of the 26S proteasome complex. Oncogenic transformation of human and mouse immortalized cells with mutant Ras induced a strong posttranscriptional increase of the 26S proteasome subunits, giving rise to high 26S complex levels. Depletion of a single subunit of the 19S RP was sufficient to reduce the 26S proteasome level and lower the cellular 26S/20S ratio. Under this condition the viability of the Ras-transformed MCF10A cells was severely compromised. This observation led us to hypothesize that cancer cell survival is dependent on maximal utilization of its 26S proteasomes. We validated this possibility in a large number of cancer cell lines and found that partial reduction of the 26S proteasome level impairs viability in all cancer cells examined and was not correlated with cell doubling time or reduction efficiency. Interstingly, normal human fibroblasts are refractory to the same type of 26S proteasome reduction. The suppression of 26S proteasomes in cancer cells activated the UPR and caspase-3 and cells stained positive with Annexin V. In addition, suppression of the 26S proteasome resulted in cellular proteasome redistribution, cytoplasm shrinkage, and nuclear deformation, the hallmarks of apoptosis. The observed tumor cell-specific addiction to the 26S proteasome levels sets the stage for future strategies in exploiting this dependency in cancer therapy.
Author Correction: Cryo-EM reveals the structural basis of microtubule depolymerization by kinesin-13s
Authors: Benoit Matthieu P. M. H. , Asenjo Ana B. , Sosa Hernando
Published: July 2018

The previously published version of this Article contained an error in Fig. 5. In panels f and g, the α and β symbols were swapped. The error has been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.
TMEM106B drives lung cancer metastasis by inducing TFEB-dependent lysosome synthesis and secretion of cathepsins
Authors: Kundu Samrat T. , Grzeskowiak Caitlin L. , Fradette Jared J. , Gibson Laura A. , Rodriguez Leticia B. , Creighton Chad J. , Scott Kenneth L. , Gibbons Don L.
Published: July 2018

Metastatic lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-associated mortality worldwide, therefore necessitating novel approaches to identify specific genetic drivers for lung cancer progression and metastasis. We recently performed an in vivo gain-of-function genetic screen to identify driver genes of lung cancer metastasis. In the study reported here, we identify TMEM106B as a primary robust driver of lung cancer metastasis. Ectopic expression of TMEM106B could significantly promote the synthesis of enlarged vesicular lysosomes that are laden with elevated levels of active cathepsins. In a TFEB-dependent manner, TMEM106B could modulate the expression of lysosomal genes of the coordinated lysosomal expression and regulation (CLEAR) pathway in lung cancer cells and patient samples. We also demonstrate that TMEM106B-induced lysosomes undergo calcium-dependent exocytosis, thereby releasing active lysosomal cathepsins necessary for TMEM106B-mediated cancer cell invasion and metastasis in vivo, which could be therapeutically prevented by pharmacological inhibition of cathepsins. Further, in TCGA LUAD data sets, 19% of patients show elevated expression of TMEM106B, which predicts for poor disease-free and overall-survival.
Microscale ecology regulates particulate organic matter turnover in model marine microbial communities
Authors: Enke Tim N. , Leventhal Gabriel E. , Metzger Matthew , Saavedra José T. , Cordero Otto X.
Published: July 2018

The degradation of particulate organic matter in the ocean is a central process in the global carbon cycle, the mode and tempo of which is determined by the bacterial communities that assemble on particle surfaces. Here, we find that the capacity of communities to degrade particles is highly dependent on community composition using a collection of marine bacteria cultured from different stages of succession on chitin microparticles. Different particle degrading taxa display characteristic particle half-lives that differ by ~170 h, comparable to the residence time of particles in the ocean’s mixed layer. Particle half-lives are in general longer in multispecies communities, where the growth of obligate cross-feeders hinders the ability of degraders to colonize and consume particles in a dose dependent manner. Our results suggest that the microscale community ecology of bacteria on particle surfaces can impact the rates of carbon turnover in the ocean.
Differential cell-intrinsic regulations of germinal center B and T cells by miR-146a and miR-146b
Authors: Cho Sunglim , Lee Hyang-Mi , Yu I-Shing , Choi Youn Soo , Huang Hsi-Yuan , Hashemifar Somaye Sadat , Lin Ling-Li , Chen Mei-Chi , Afanasiev Nikita D. , Khan Aly Azeem , Lin Shu-Wha , Rudensky Alexander Y. , Crotty Shane , Lu Li-Fan
Published: July 2018

Reciprocal interactions between B and follicular T helper (Tfh) cells orchestrate the germinal center (GC) reaction, a hallmark of humoral immunity. Abnormal GC responses could lead to the production of pathogenic autoantibodies and the development of autoimmunity. Here we show that miR-146a controls GC responses by targeting multiple CD40 signaling pathway components in B cells; by contrast, loss of miR-146a in T cells does not alter humoral responses. However, specific deletion of both miR-146a and its paralog, miR-146b, in T cells increases Tfh cell numbers and enhanced GC reactions. Thus, our data reveal differential cell-intrinsic regulations of GC B and Tfh cells by miR-146a and miR-146b. Together, members of the miR-146 family serve as crucial molecular brakes to coordinately control GC reactions to generate protective humoral responses without eliciting unwanted autoimmunity.
Author Correction: Three-dimensional quantitative fracture analysis of tight gas sandstones using industrial computed tomography
Authors: Lai Jin , Wang Guiwen , Fan Zhuoying , Chen Jing , Qin Ziqiang , Xiao Chengwen , Wang Shuchen , Fan Xuqiang
Published: July 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Unique subgingival microbiota associated with periodontitis in cirrhosis patients
Authors: Jensen Anders , Ladegaard Grønkjær Lea , Holmstrup Palle , Vilstrup Hendrik , Kilian Mogens
Published: July 2018

Liver cirrhosis is a severe disease with major impact on the overall health of the patient including poor oral health. Lately, there has been increasing focus on oral diseases as cirrhosis-related complications due to the potential impact on systemic health and ultimately mortality. Periodontitis is one of the most common oral diseases in cirrhosis patients. However, no studies have investigated the composition of the subgingival microbiome in patients suffering from periodontitis and liver cirrhosis. We analysed the subgingival microbiome in 21 patients with periodontitis and cirrhosis using long-reads Illumina sequencing. The subgingival microbiota was dominated by bacteria belonging to the Firmicutes phylum and to a lesser extend the Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes phyla. Bacteria usually considered periodontal pathogens, like Porhyromonas ginigivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola, generally showed low abundancy. Comparing the microbiota in our patients with that of periodontitis patients and healthy controls of three other studies revealed that the periodontitis-associated subgingival microbiota in cirrhosis patients is composed of a unique microbiota of bacteria not normally associated with periodontitis. We hypothesise that periodontitis in cirrhosis patients is a consequence of dysbiosis due to a compromised immune system that renders commensal bacteria pathogenic.
Identification and expression characterization of the Phloem Protein 2 (PP2) genes in ramie (Boehmeria nivea L. Gaudich)
Authors: Guo Pingan , Zheng Yancheng , Peng Dingxiang , Liu Lijun , Dai Lunjin , Chen Cong , Wang Bo
Published: July 2018

Phloem protein 2 (PP2) is one of the most abundant and enigmatic proteins in sieve elements and companion cells, which play important roles in the maintenance of morphology, photoassimilate transportation and wound protection in higher plants, but to date, no PP2 (BnPP2) genes had been identified in ramie. Here, a total of 15 full-length BnPP2 genes were identified. These BnPP2 genes exhibited different responses to abiotic stresses. Interestingly, the BnPP2 genes are more sensitive to insect pests than to other stresses. A study of the BnPP2-15 promoter revealed that pBnPP2-15 could drive specific GUS expression in the petiole, root and stamen and could also be induced by mechanical wounding and aphid infection in transgenic Arabidopsis lines. The subcellular localization of six BnPP2 proteins showed that GFP-BnPP2-1, GFP-BnPP2-6, GFP-BnPP2-7, GFP-BnPP2-9, GFP-BnPP2-11 and GFP-BnPP2-12 were predominantly located in the cytoplasm. These results provide useful information elucidating the functions of BnPP2 genes in ramie.
Author Correction: Exploring the Relationship between Blood Flux Signals and HRV following Different Thermal Stimulations using Complexity Analysis
Authors: Wang Guangjun , Jia Shuyong , Li Hongyan , Wang Ze , Zhang Weibo
Published: July 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Low total and free triiodothyronine levels are associated with insulin resistance in non-diabetic individuals
Authors: Wang Chih-Yuan , Yu Tse-Ya , Shih Shyang-Rong , Huang Kuo-Chin , Chang Tien-Chun
Published: July 2018

This study examined associations of thyroid hormone levels and insulin resistance (IR) in non-diabetic individuals. Using a cross-sectional design, 2007–2008 data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were analyzed. NHANES participants ≥20 years of age with complete data of interest were included. The homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) was used to quantify IR, and treated as a continuous variable. Self-reported diabetes or a fasting glucose ≥7 mmol/L were used as criteria to exclude diabetic subjects. Race, liver function, obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, physical activity, vigorous recreational activity, 2-hour glucose, hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C), high-density lipoprotein, triglyceride, vitamin D and C-reactive protein were covariates significantly associated with HOMA-IR. A total of 1,560 non-diabetic subjects were included in the analysis. When adjusted for all factors significant in the univariate analysis (race, liver function, obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, physical activity, vigorous recreational activity, 2-hour glucose, HbA1C, high-density lipoprotein, triglyceride, vitamin D, and CRP) low total triiodothyronine (TT3) and low free T3 (FT3) were significantly associated with decreased HOMA-IR (adjusted coefficient = −0.486, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.936, −0.036; adjusted coefficient = −1.151, 95% CI: −1.952, −0.350, respectively). Insulin resistance is associated with low thyroid hormone levels in non-diabetic individuals.
Predicting El Niño in 2014 and 2015
Authors: Ineson Sarah , Balmaseda Magdalena A. , Davey Michael K. , Decremer Damien , Dunstone Nick J. , Gordon Margaret , Ren Hong-Li , Scaife Adam A. , Weisheimer Antje
Published: July 2018

Early in 2014 several forecast systems were suggesting a strong 1997/98-like El Niño event for the following northern hemisphere winter 2014/15. However the eventual outcome was a modest warming. In contrast, winter 2015/16 saw one of the strongest El Niño events on record. Here we assess the ability of two operational seasonal prediction systems to forecast these events, using the forecast ensembles to try to understand the reasons underlying the very different development and outcomes for these two years. We test three hypotheses. First we find that the continuation of neutral ENSO conditions in 2014 is associated with the maintenance of the observed cold southeast Pacific sea surface temperature anomaly; secondly that, in our forecasts at least, warm west equatorial Pacific sea surface temperature anomalies do not appear to hinder El Niño development; and finally that stronger westerly wind burst activity in 2015 compared to 2014 is a key difference between the two years. Interestingly, in these years at least, this interannual variability in wind burst activity is predictable. ECMWF System 4 tends to produce more westerly wind bursts than Met Office GloSea5 and this likely contributes to the larger SST anomalies predicted in this model in both years.
The Chemical and Products Database, a resource for exposure-relevant data on chemicals in consumer products
Authors: Dionisio Kathie L. , Phillips Katherine , Price Paul S. , Grulke Christopher M. , Williams Antony , Biryol Derya , Hong Tao , Isaacs Kristin K.
Published: July 2018

Quantitative data on product chemical composition is a necessary parameter for characterizing near-field exposure. This data set comprises reported and predicted information on more than 75,000 chemicals and more than 15,000 consumer products. The data’s primary intended use is for exposure, risk, and safety assessments. The data set includes specific products with quantitative or qualitative ingredient information, which has been publicly disclosed through material safety data sheets (MSDS) and ingredient lists. A single product category from a refined and harmonized set of categories has been assigned to each product. The data set also contains information on the functional role of chemicals in products, which can inform predictions of the concentrations in which they occur. These data will be useful to exposure and risk assessors evaluating chemical and product safety.
A cluster of Zika virus infection in a Chinese tour group returning from Fiji and Samoa
Authors: Sun Jimin , Fu Tao , Mao Haiyan , Wang Zhen , Pan Junhang , Rutherford Shannon , Ren Jiangping , Dong Xuanjun , Chen Yin , Zhu Zhihong , Qi Xiaohua , Gong Zhenyu , Liu Qiyong , Yu Hongjie , Zhu Liebo , Chen Wenxian , Chen Zhiping , Zhang Yanjun , Chen Enfu
Published: July 2018

Zika virus is currently causing extensive outbreaks in a number of countries in South and Central America and the Caribbean and has been associated with foetal abnormalities. We report an outbreak of Zika virus infection in a Chinese tour-group returning from a nine day holiday in Fiji and Samoa. The index case was a 38-year old male who developed symptoms while travelling back from Fiji to Hong Kong on the 14th February, 2016. A field investigation was initiated to define the epidemiological, clinical and virological characteristics of Zika virus infection in this tour group and revealed two further symptomatic infections and one asymptomatic infection among the 33 travellers; an overall infection attack rate of 12% in these travellers. Active surveillance led to detection of Zika virus RNA in the serum of one case four days prior to onset of symptoms and detection of Zika virus in saliva from one asymptomatic infection.
Pollen-like ZIF-8 colloidosomesviaemulsion templating and etching
Authors: Lupica-Spagnolo Lucia , Ward Daniel J. , Marie John-Joseph , Lymperopoulou Smaragda , Bradshaw Darren
Published: July 2018

We report a one-pot emulsion-templating and post-synthetic etching strategy for the preparation of hierarchically structured ZIF-8 microcapsules.
Schiff-base coordination complexes with plutonium(iv) and cerium(iv)
Authors: Klamm Bonnie E. , Windorff Cory J. , Marsh Matthew L. , Meeker David S. , Albrecht-Schmitt Thomas E.
Published: July 2018

The synthesis and characterization of a Pu(iv) salen complex reveals the stabilization of the +4 oxidation state with respect to that observed with Ce(iv).
Exquisite sensitivity of the ligand field to solvation and donor polarisability in coordinatively saturated lanthanide complexes
Authors: Mason Kevin , Harnden Alice C. , Patrick Connor W. , Poh Adeline W. J. , Batsanov Andrei S. , Suturina Elizaveta A. , Vonci Michele , McInnes Eric J. L. , Chilton Nicholas F. , Parker David
Published: July 2018

The second coordination sphere determines ligand field in lanthanide coordination complexes.
Understanding the function of water during the gelation of globular proteins by temperature-dependent near infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Ma Li , Cui Xiaoyu , Cai Wensheng , Shao Xueguang
Published: July 2018

Water with two hydrogen bonds plays an important role in the gelation of globular proteins.
Entropic effects make a more tightly folded conformer of a β-amino acid less stable: UV-UV hole burning and IR dip spectroscopy ofl-β3-homotryptophan using a laser desorption supersonic jet technique
Authors: Sohn Woon Yong , Kim Jeong Jin , Jeon Myeongwon , Aoki Takuma , Ishiuchi Shun-ichi , Fujii Masaaki , Kang Hyuk
Published: July 2018

Gas-phase spectroscopy of homotryptophan was done to understand conformations of β-peptides.
Imaging pair-correlated reaction cross sections in F + CH3D(νb = 0, 1) → CH2D(ν4 = 1) + HF(ν)
Authors: Yang Chung-Hsin , Hu Li-Li , Liu Kopin
Published: July 2018

Product pair-correlated distributions in the title reactions are revealed by imaging the state-tagged CH2D(ν4 = 1) products.
Ionic columnar clustomesogens: associations between anionic hexanuclear rhenium clusters and liquid crystalline triphenylene tethered imidazoliums
Authors: Camerel F. , Kinloch F. , Jeannin O. , Robin M. , Nayak S. K. , Jacques E. , Brylev K. A. , Naumov N. G. , Molard Y.
Published: July 2018

[Re6Se8(CN)6]4−clusters combined with imidazolium-anchored triphenylene generate phosphorescent columnar mesophases with good film-forming properties.
Extending the capabilities of field flow fractionation online with ICP-MS for the determination of particulate carbon in latex and charcoal
Authors: Nischwitz Volker , Gottselig Nina , Missong Anna , Klumpp Erwin , Braun Melanie
Published: July 2018

Redefinition of ICP-MS as inorganic/metal, carbon and phosphorus detector online with field-flow-fractionation with focus on particulate carbon in this study.
Spatial and temporal distribution of metal atoms and their diatomic oxide molecules in femtosecond laser-induced plasmas
Authors: Lee Yonghoon , Mao Xianglei , Chan George C.-Y. , Gonzalez Jhanis , Russo Richard E. , Zorba Vassilia
Published: July 2018

Distribution of atoms and diatomic metal oxide molecules in femtosecond laser-induced plasmas generated at and after the laser beam focal plane, where nonlinear phenomena give rise to the formation of weakly ionized air plasma channels.
Preparation and energy storage application of a long-life and high rate performance pseudocapacitive COF material linked with –NH– bonds
Authors: Xue Rui , Guo Hao , Yue Liguo , Wang Ting , Wang Mingyue , Li Qi , Liu Hui , Yang Wu
Published: July 2018

A long-life and high rate performance pseudocapacitive COF material linked with –NH– bonds was prepared.
A protein-based mixed selector chiral monolithic stationary phase in capillary electrochromatography
Authors: Xu Shujuan , Wang Yuying , Tang Yixia , Ji Yibing
Published: July 2018

A mixed selector CSP combines the enantioselectivities of both individual proteins, thus expanding their application range practically.
Versatile cyclodextrin nanotube synthesis with functional anchors for efficient ion channel formation: design, characterization and ion conductance
Authors: Mamad-Hemouch Hajar , Bacri Laurent , Huin Cécile , Przybylski Cédric , Thiébot Bénédicte , Patriarche Gilles , Jarroux Nathalie , Pelta Juan
Published: July 2018

Biomimetic ion channels with different materials have been extensively designed to study the dynamics in a confined medium.
Highly efficient synthesis of benzodioxins with a 2-site quaternary carbon structure by secondary amine-catalyzed dual Michael cascade reactions
Authors: He Xuefeng , Li Yongsu , Wang Meng , Chen Hui-Xuan , Chen Bin , Liang Hao , Zhang Yaqi , Pang Jiyan , Qiu Liqin
Published: July 2018

Employing salicylic acids and substituted 3-butyn-2-ones as the substrates, a morpholine catalyzed tandem dual Michael addition afforded a benzodioxin skeleton.
Correction: A crown-ether-based moldable supramolecular gel with unusual mechanical properties and controllable electrical conductivity prepared by cation-mediated cross-linking
Authors: Park Jaehyeon , Kim Ka Young , Kim Chaelin , Lee Ji Ha , Kim Ju Hyun , Lee Shim Sung , Choi Yeonweon , Jung Jong Hwa
Published: July 2018

Correction for ‘A crown-ether-based moldable supramolecular gel with unusual mechanical properties and controllable electrical conductivity prepared by cation-mediated cross-linking’ by Jaehyeon Park et al., Polym. Chem., 2018, DOI: 10.1039/c8py00644j.
Insights into the mechanism and aging of a noble-metal free H2-evolving dye-sensitized photocathode
Authors: Kaeffer Nicolas , Windle Christopher D. , Brisse Romain , Gablin Corinne , Leonard Didier , Jousselme Bruno , Chavarot-Kerlidou Murielle , Artero Vincent
Published: July 2018

Co-grafting of a cobalt diimine–dioxime catalyst and push–pull organic dye on NiO yields a photocathode evolving hydrogen from aqueous solution under sunlight, with equivalent performances compared to a dyad-based architecture using similar components.
Disarming the virulence arsenal of Pseudomonas aeruginosa by blocking two-component system signaling
Authors: Goswami Manibarsha , Espinasse Adeline , Carlson Erin E.
Published: July 2018

Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections have reached a “critical” threat status making novel therapeutic approaches required.
Single lithium-ion polymer electrolytes based on poly(ionic liquid)s for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Yu Yang , Lu Fei , Sun Na , Wu Aoli , Pan Wei , Zheng Liqiang
Published: July 2018

A novel single Li-ion conductor based on poly(ionic liquid)s provides Li+-rich transport channels for lithium batteries.
Ligand-regulated oligomerisation of allosterically interacting proteins
Authors: Schaefer Charley , de Bruijn René A. J. , McLeish Tom C. B.
Published: July 2018

A statistical physics model that addresses the ligand-induced self-assembly of allosterically interacting proteins.
New challenges of electrokinetic studies in investigating the reaction mechanism of electrochemical CO2 reduction
Authors: Lee Chan Woo , Cho Nam Heon , Im Sang Won , Jee Michael Shincheon , Hwang Yun Jeong , Min Byoung Koun , Nam Ki Tae
Published: July 2018

New challenges for electrokinetic studies of CO2 reduction are addressed with the suggested reaction mechanisms of CO and HCOO− production.
Gene selection via BPSO and Backward generation for cancer classification
Authors: Bir-Jmel Ahmed , Mohamed Douiri Sidi , Elbernoussi Souad
Published: July 2018

Gene expression data (DNA microarray) enable researchers to simultaneously measure the levels of expression of several thousand genes. These levels of expression are very important in the classification of different types of tumors. In this work, we are interested in gene selection, which is an essential step in the data pre-processing for cancer classification. This selection makes it possible to represent a small subset of genes from a large set, and to eliminate the redundant, irrelevant or noisy genes. The combinatorial nature of the selection problem requires the development of specific techniques such as filters and Wrappers, or hybrids combining several optimization processes. In this context, we propose two hybrid approaches (RBPSO-1NN and FBPSO-SVM) for the gene selection problem, based on the combination of the filter methods (the Fisher criterion and the ReliefF algorithm), the BPSO metaheuristic algorithms and the Backward algorithm using the classifiers (SVM and 1NN) for the evaluation of the relevance of the candidate subsets. In order to verify the performance of our methods, we have tested them on eight well-known microarray datasets of high dimensions varying from 2308 to 11225 genes. The experiments carried out on the different datasets show that our methods prove to be very competitive with the existing works.
Could Lipid Profile be Used as a Marker of Autonomous Cortisol Secretion in Patients with Adrenal Incidentalomas?
Authors: Mintziori Gesthimani , Georgiou Thomas , Anagnostis Panagiotis , Adamidou Fotini , Efstathiadou Zoe , Panagiotou Athanasios , Kita Marina
Published: July 2018

Adrenal incidentalomas (AIs) have been associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome and dyslipidemia, though evidence regarding the latter is limited. Lipid abnormalities in patients with AIs have been associated with subclinical hypercortisolism. The current study aims to test whether lipid profile in patients with AIs predicts “autonomous cortisol secretion” (ACS). Patients with AIs found on either computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), were included in a prospective cohort study. All patients were followed up for at least three years. Alterations in their hormonal and lipid profiles were recorded. Ninety-four patients (69 women) harboring 111 AIs were included. There were no differences between patients with ACS and those without, with respect to their baseline lipid profile [total cholesterol, low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and non-HDL-C] and blood pressure (systolic and diastolic). Non-HDL-C concentrations decreased over time (Repeated Measures ANOVA, p=0.013), despite patients’ body mass index (BMI) remaining unchanged. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the only predictor of ACS was the size of AIs, as calculated by CT or MRI. The current study demonstrated that lipid profile at baseline or during follow-up cannot predict ACS in patients with AIs. However, larger AIs may have a greater probability of ACS.
Durch die kontinuierliche Blutdruckmessung lässt sich ein transienter orthostatischer Blutdruckabfall bei idiopathischer REM-Schlaf-Verhaltensstörung nachweisen
Authors: Schiefer J. , Reetz K. , Haubrich C. , Maier A. , Dogan I. , Heller J. , Reh K. , Mannartz V. , Fandyeyeva V. , Koch J. , Schulz J.
Published: July 2018

Ziel der Studie Es gibt wenige Daten zum orthostatischen Blutdruck (BD) Verhalten und Veränderungen der Herzratenvariabilität (HRV) bei idiopathischer REM-Schlaf-Verhaltensstörung (iRBD). Unsere Hypothese war, dass orthostatische BD Veränderungen vorübergehend sind.

Methodik Wir untersuchten 16 männliche iRBD Patienten und 15 altersgematchte männliche Kontrollprobanden (HC) im Hinblick auf eine Dysautonomie, HRV und kontinuierliche BD Messung während der Kipptischuntersuchung.

Ergebnisse Die BD Abfälle in den ersten 5 Minuten Stehzeit waren bei iRBD Patienten signifikant größer. IRBD Patienten hatten häufiger eine reduzierte respiratorische Sinusarrhythmie (RSA).

Schlussfolgerungen Mittels kontinuierlicher BD Messung ließen sich transiente orthostatische BD Abfälle bei iRBD detektieren. Longitudinale Daten werden zeigen, ob diese Änderungen Hinweise für eine periphere sympathoneurale Dysfunktion darstellen und frühe Marker einer späteren orthostatischen Hypotonie sein können.